Philosopher

Saint Kabir Das: “Searching For Crook i Met None…

July 25, 2024August 31, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Saint Kabir Das sayings — Saint Kabir Das

Saint Kabir Das, a mystical soul of the 15th century who had spent his early life in a Muslim family. His followers claimed that he was born in womb from a widow and his mother left Kabir alone in the universe (as to escape her from the bruising of people and society) thus, the Muslim family of Kabir was his second parents.

However, this is a real traditional story of his birth. Das was born in Varanasi, one of the holy lands on the earth and exact date of birth is under conflicts. His quoted lines and saying are popular. The saint Kabir was one of the famous saint like Guru Nanak.

Thus, his followers in India called Kabir Panthis, they are occupied northern and central part of India. Despite his mystical powers, he was a great poet and writer. His writing includes, Bijak Sakhi (Novel), Kabir Granthwali and Anurag Sagar.

However, his early life from Muslim community, his verses and writings mostly influenced Bhakti of Hindu and Sikh religions. His spiritual teacher, Ramananda (his poems and writings found in Guru Granth Sahib), he was very influential saint and his teachings were rapidly grown in the north India.

He was also caught in the lane of a bay of criticized people for being negative on part of women. According to Kabir, women is Black Cobra, The pit of hell and prevents spiritual growth of man.

His poetry shed lights especially on karma of human and its fruit.

Few learnings from verses of Kabir Das (his verses are in Hindi and this is meanings of what Kabira says)

Some try reading spiritual books, novel day and night to become a saint but did not turn up into a saint. We also have to adapt and change our inners that is called inner engineering. And those who turned into saint they talk few words in a lovely tone (here Kabir has given importance to love).
When you have a God and Teacher in front of you to whom you will choose? Kabir says, teacher you are great, you teach us reasons of how to find God.
God, I don't want much property money and fame. Give me only enough to feed my family and any guest visit us should not leave empty stomach.
Your love and wishes never dies nor your heart gets fulfilled. Only body dies but never hope and desire.
Everyone prayer God in bad times, later nobody bothers to take his even names in good times. Do prayers in good times and never let bad days knock the door again.

One of his poem हीरा सोई सराहिये (Sleeping Diamond Appreciates) by Saint Kabir Das

Kavita's Melodies-Singer · Heera Sohe Saraahe, "Highway" Kabir Ke Dohe

Only the diamond is praiseworthy
who shines after bearing the blows of the hammer.

The fraud and deceptive men especially the ones who try to behave smarter than others. They always found cruel when tested.
Few who pass testing conditions successfully are truly praiseworthy ones.

You should show your intelligence only to those people who can understand it. It is idiocy to show your intelligence to idiots.

While most of the people care about how to look, intelligence. Ones can recognize a real gem even when it doesn't look good. (e.g., when a diamond soiled and it only looks like a stone).

हीरा सोई सराहिये
सहे घनन की चोट
कपट को रंगे मानवा
परखत निकरा खोट

हीरा तहाँ ना खोलिये
जहाँ कुंजड़ों की हाट
सहजे गाँठि बाँधी के
लगिये अपनी बात
हीरा सोई सराहिये…

हीरा परा बाजार में
रहा छार लपटाय
केतिहे मूरख पची मुए
कोई पारखी लिया उठाय
हीरा सोई सराहिये…

Jyotiba Phule: “Lack of education leads to lag in everything”

August 4, 2024August 28, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Jyotiba Phule (b. 11 April 1827–28 Nov 1890) was a real Mahatma of India and his contribution was priceless. Not limited to Maharashtra, but also the entire nation and its education system of 18s. In India, the naming system was solely dependent on the nature of work and hence the last name of Jyotiba was Gorhe and married to Savitribai Phule. He was born in Mali caste and his family business was like growing flowering plants in his farm.

Family

The family earning was selling the flowers for social events like weddings, birthdays etc. And Jyotiba Govind Gorhe turned into Jyotiba Phule (Phul in India, called as flower).
Phule was a real seeker and supporter of truth and social justice. His Nobel thinking ability was never less than any philosopher and always inclined toward the betterment of social status of women. It mostly focused on formation and building a better country free from anti-caste system and equality to untouchables.

Lack of education lead to lack of wisdom,
Which leads to lack of morals,
Thus, it leads to lack of progress,
Then it leads to lack of money,
And again it leads to the oppression of the lower classes,
See what state of the society one lack of education can cause!
Jyotiba Phule

Social Reformer Jyotiba Phule

Jyotiba Phule's propelling idea behind his life were many, Jyotiba and his wife, Savitri Bai Phule. They brought many positive changes to the society and lower caste communities.
Before India could evolve great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, M K Gandhi was an emerging a student that time, or maybe he was amateur (Gandhi was a brilliant student, he finished his graduation in 1887) and B R Ambedkar was born after one year Jyotiba was died. The characteristics of Phule observed in the life of Ambedkar and his work in reformation of Dalit society.

Formation of Satyashodhak Samaj

In the year 1873, Jyotiba had formed Satyashodhak Samaj (society of seeker of truth) the motive toward finding the group was to eradicate untouchables and anti-caste system from the society.
Women in India of 18s were so weak in education (almost illiterate) or neither they could enrol themselves in any school or colleges (the key job of any woman was working in farm or housewife).

His wife, Savitri was the first woman in India who triggered the education system for women and became the first lady teacher of India.

There was only one lady from the Bombay Presidency (India). Anandi Bai Gopalrao Joshi who had graduated from the University of the United States, who got her degree in medical science.
Injustice to Jyotiba of the caste system sparked the fire. It rose to high in his heart due to insult in the wedding of one of his friends.

The Brahmin family friend and his parents considered Jyotiba from a lower-caste and category (one of the untouchables) and his parents abused him.
The incident changed the ambition and thinking in his life looking at poverty. Especially the ones who belong to lowered caste and untouchability.

His thoughts provoked him incredibly when he had read Rights of Man by Thomas Paine in 1848. The radical thoughts started awakening the real Phule, and thus he started speaking. And developing social justice awareness among the youth and society of the poor at the age of 22.
To start these, he had started teaching Savitri Phule. Jyotiba was aware about the facts. To start bringing the change in society, first educate women of India (all mothers).

Jyotiba Phule Established the First School for Girls

1848, After breaking the many barriers and hard work, the couple could finally establish their first school for girls in Pune, exactly 99 years ago of republic India. They had paid price for this (Phule and his wife was forced to leave the house of his parents).

In short, opponents had forcefully thrown out of the community, including his family members. Later, students from the Dalit caste also had started attending their school. Apart from these, he immensely supported widow marriage, built homes for lower-caste widows in 1854. Allowed his water-wells for usage to all his newly formed community.

His message to the people was simple,

Visiting temples, it means it is a way ruling of sickness of human mental. And going to school… It means a way of bringing brightness in life.
Mahatma Phule

The Name of many schools, colleges starts with the beginning of Phule or Savitri in India.

Raza: “inspiration in my life was the beauty of India.”

November 11, 2022August 25, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

S H Raza had travelled almost all the parts of India while being an artist, he was in love with the nature of India and its culture. The man who said, “Painting for me is like meditation.”

S H Raza who born in Babaria, (22 Feb 1922) central province of British India was one of the great artists from India. He had set foot in Mumbai in 1943, studied art at J. J. School of Art, but destiny failed but had soon joined Block Maker’s Studio for his daily earning. He never had wasted his spare time. In Mumbai, at a congested rented house, he could peep out through the window and see the crowded streets and draw something.

Whenever I used to see animals in my village, I could feel ease of happiness and always wanted to bring it on the page.
S H Raza

Sayed was fond of watching doings, nature and culture. Soon he approached Progressive Writer’s Group (members including F. N. Souza, K. H. Ara, H. A. Gade and S. K. Bakre) The specialities of the group of painters had mostly focused on Historic, Geographic (habitat), and human nature into their paintings. These paintings usually explained emerging Non-Euro American modernism.

When I look at canvas, I see beauty of nature, women, culture of my nation and the entire making of the world and thus I get ideas and inspirations.
S H Raza

This talented and uplifting group of artists from India had well coordination among themselves. Going out to one of the tea shops and discuss the future of their work, and questioning on how something different they could give to this world out of their talents.

When Raza was in Mumbai, the partition of India recently had finished and India had supreme power, a newly born republic country. Every individual of the group had spirit doing something good and unique work for the newly formed nation. Raza’s reason behind leaving the country was simpler.

He became of the those lucky who got a scholarship from the government of India. Sayed wanted to move in France, he studied in 1950–1953 studied in Paris on Gov. of France scholarship. After his education, he explored Europe and its parts.

However, he was a man who very mysterious and in love with his artistic skill, he painted till his last day except his hospitalization in Delhi. Yes, it is true that, Mr. Raza had returned to his homeland in 2011 and had settled in Delhi. Moreover, he stayed in Paris for almost 55 years. Sayed had become God to many Indian students of very young Indian painters who got good platform to showcase their talents. Their works were promoted through Raza Foundation.

Further, Raza took part in almost more than 70 exhibitions and those were around the world. India had always been top in art, total 225.7 crores estimate had offered for Morden and Contemporary art in March 2019.

Tapovan painting by S H Raza — *Tapovan*

The factor of inspiration in my life was the beauty of nature of India.
S H Raza

Saurashtra painting by S H Raza — *Saurashtra*

In one of the interviews, he narrated a childhood story when he used to go to school, and he was found him one of the dumb students. Once, when he returned home from his class, he straight went to his mother and said, “why do you send me to school?”

He himself said that how poor he was in his school studies. The artist had deep interest looking at flowers, mountains, animals, culture, women, and anything which had beauty.

Village Painting by S H Raza — *Village*

Anytime when a question hit him with, who was the most contributed in your success? And each time his answer was the same. He had been said without taking a pause, placed the first his supportive parents and then God gifted blessings of his teachers.

One of his teacher’s lines he said,

Art is a product of brilliant brain, but also if it comes straight from the heart it means you are giving your 100% and success would no longer be waiting for you.

हे मनुष्य राख पाग पंखज पर ध्यान. — O man! Meditate on the chosen field once you settled your feet on.
S H Raza

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: “I have never betrayed my nation.”

July 25, 2024August 17, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivering poem

Vajpayee is considered among one of the true patriots of India.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (b. 25 Dec 1924 - d. 6 Aug 2018) was a real statesman who had brought many changes including domestic and infrastructural reforms encouraged on research and development. Apart from his successful political career, he was a great poet and writer. His political party symbol was Lotus (Bhartiy Janata Party) one of the best bodies ever made in India. A great speaker whose words and speeches were wonderful all the times and could result into some miracles.

Atal served as a 10th prime minister of India (one of the most loved person of BJP). Vajpayee’s spoken words were always been motivational and behind his clear-cut conversation with his audience and were always perceived very well. He was a leader who had used his poetic power to convey the real message to the locals and triggers the interest. Atal had always been supportive of public side and its betterment. The passion for patriotism could be easily seen in his poems and were considered one of the best political leaders of 19s. The spark first triggered in his life in the year 1939 when he joined Rashtria Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) as a Swayamsewak from the inspiration of Babasaheb Apte.

He then quickly grabbed the attention of other politicians, ladder up and drifting toward the success inches by inches. In Loksabha (lower house), his oratorical skills impressed former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Concurrently, Nehru predicted that Vajpayee would take no longer to become prime minister of India. For his political career (he wanted to see his country at different level) he remained unmarried while serving the nation.

His poem, (हार नहीं मानूँगा, रार नहीं ठानूँगा, काल के कपाल पर लिखता मिटाता हूँ।
गीत नया गाता हूँ। ) is one of the best poems he ever written.

टूटे हुए तारों से फूटे बासंती स्वर ,
पत्थर की छाती में उग आया नव अंकुर,
झरे सब पीले पात,
कोयल की कूक रात,

प्राची में अरुणिमा की रेख देख पाता हूं।
गीत नया गाता हूँ।
टूटे हुए सपनों की सुने कौन सिसकी?
अंतर को चीर व्यथा पलकों पर ठिठकी।
हार नहीं मानूँगा,
रार नहीं ठानूँगा,
काल के कपाल पर लिखता मिटाता हूँ।
गीत नया गाता हूँ।

बेनकाब चेहरे हैं,
दाग बड़े गहरे है,
टूटता तिलस्म , आज सच से भय खाता हूँ।
गीत नहीं गाता हूँ।

लगी कुछ ऐसी नज़र,
बिखरा शीशे सा शहर,
अपनों के मेले में मीत नहीं पाता हूँ।
गीत नहीं गाता हूँ।

पीठ में छुरी सा चाँद,
राहु गया रेख फाँद,
मुक्ति के क्षणों में बार बार बंध जाता हूँ।
गीत नहीं गाता हूँ।

One of the conversations of Atal Vajpayee in the parliament house, brings down the real concern of the country to a common man of India.

“In 50 years we have made progress no one can deny. It is seeing a vote while criticizing governments policies is not tough ammunition. Everywhere I have said I am not one of those people who will not give credit to achievements of 50 years.”

Situation of India

“Doing this would be injustice to the farmer, labours, and even the common man will not find that as good behaviour. The question arises in my mind today. We are celebrating 50 years of independence but what is about the country today? Why did we lag in the race for development? Other countries who gained independence around our time have gone ahead of us.”

“Some countries born after us have also left us behind. We are considered among the world’s poorest countries. More than 20 percent of the people are below the poverty line. Most of the villages' president address does not have access to drinking water. We have not been able to make primary education mandatory.”

Who's Pockets getting Jam?

“Girls education is being neglected. Birth of a girl is a curse in this country. We have a place in our society where we can act, create awareness in the society and call up the public? We cannot change our country’s map.
There is no shortage of resources in the country… even if there is they can be utilized properly. We can outlay for resources.”

“The money being collected as tax from the public cannot deliver benefits to the public… does not reach to the common man. Where does it go? Whose pocket getting jam? Why are people still depositing money in foreign banks? What steps were taken to stop this nonsense? We are approaching for foreign investments.”

Rajeev Gandhi said, Rupee Rubs.

“If foreign capital comes for better technology, for infrastructure to increase import-export then there will be no objection.
I believe that our communist friends will not even object. But are we optimizing the use of resources in the country? Is it not true that corruption has become a nation decease? I remember late Rajeev Gandhi had said in a speech that I send one rupee from Delhi but only 19 pennies reaches.”

“The people I asked him how this miracle happens, so he laughed and stated saying that when the rupee runs, it rubs. And thus it gets smaller. It is difficult to identify a rupee. The government expenditure has increased we need unity to reduce it. All the parties must support as it is not a job of one person.”

[rb_related title="Also in This Issue" total="2"]

Shel Silverstein: “How much love inside a friend?”

July 25, 2024August 15, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Sheldon Alan Silverstein (b. 25 Sep 1930ㅡd. 10 May 1999) was not only a great cartoonist but also a gifted hub of heart touching poems. He wrote fantastic poetry for children besides adults also keep on reading. But main importantly, today’s generation are still in love for his writings and drawings.

Being an Artist, Poet and Chicagoan, he was not just confined to his neighbours, states and his country but also his work travelled miles and published in many languages (more than 30 languages are the witness as on today). His book, “Where The Side Walk Ends”, is one of the famous. Thus, it was an actual world had begun for Silverstein.

Those days Shel’s cartoons were on cloud nine that Pacific Stars and Strips approached him and started working together. Nobody could say that military a man possess the heart of stones (they also could produce fun-loving poems that won the hearts of millions of kids and students of 19’s). It proved that a cadet can be also melted on feelings.
In the year 1957, ex-military man had become one of the leading cartoonists in Playboy magazine. His one of the famous books in the 1950 “Now Here is My Plan” had become best knows cartoon collection of the year.

Shel’s below quote is truly inspiring one that makes mankind think positively. However, It ended in the moral of karma that reflects like a mirror result. The man is equally responsible in contribution of the result of his karma. He gets the same thing in return what he had given to the human, animals or to the universe.

“How many slams in an old screen door? It depends on how loud you shut it. How many slices in bread? It depends on how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? It depends on how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? It depends on how much you give 'em.”
Shel Silverstein

His one of the famous poem, If You were only one inches tall is the most recognizable and one of his popular works. The poem takes us to those memories when we had an under-developing brain. We just got then a thought to mimic or act like our friends and family members.
Heading to school need a ride and Shel’s advice and thoughts make us remembers especially this poem.

When a kind just finish learning walking, feel the urge for swimming and when a small stomach feels no weight of a big cake that sweet soul wants to eat without breaks. The artistic mind of Silverstein awesomely placed the verity of worlds sequentially that evoke the feelings in the natural way. It travels and explores the nook of every poetry lovers.

^{Image credit to Jessie Brugger from Instagram}

Poem: "If You Were One Inches Long" by Shel Silverstein

If you were only one inch tall, you'd ride a worm to school.
The teardrop of a crying ant would be your swimming pool.
A crumb of cake would be a feast
And last you seven days at least,
A flea would be a frightening beast
If you were one inch tall, If you were only one inch tall, you'd walk beneath the door,
And it would take about a month to get down to the store.
A bit of fluff would be your bed,
You'd swing upon a spider's thread,
And wear a thimble on your head
If you were one inch tall,
You'd surf across the kitchen sink upon a stick of gum.
You couldn't hug your mama, you'd just have to hug her thumb.
You'd run from people's feet in fright,
To move a pen would take all night,
(This poem took fourteen years to write--
'Cause I'm just one inch tall).

Also, Read Poem: “Bare Foot on Midsummer Eve” Sergei Yesenin

Ambedkar: Growth of community by degree of progress of women

January 16, 2024August 13, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Babasaheb Ambedkar (b. 14 April 1891 — d. 6 Dec 1959) was one of the great leaders of India, not only social reformers, advocate but also a man who brought literacy in Dalit community. He constituted India’s law of justice for lower-class communities. He called as chief architect of constitution of India. In his view, the respect for society comes next but before that admiration to women irrespective of the culture, caste and nation.

In his lifetime achievement, there are many things one couldn't even count. He was the only one who earned his matriculation from his lower-caste community, moreover, who first completed his degree in economics. Thus, he did many more educations and graduate programs. Ambedkar was not just a jurist, economist, social reformer, politician but also Independent first India’s Minister of Law and Justice.
Many schools, colleges and universities as well as small Dalit shops are named after his name. Dr Ambedkar brought justice to lower-caste and protected from the crisis of economic situation and help to abolish the caste system. He promised to get a good education, job and social status in India for lower treated groups. The man who born in Dalit Buddhist one could hardly get a good education, under the lanterns he finished his education in his early days of schooling. Ambedkar had deep and caring thoughts for his fellow communities.

“There should be a separate electoral system for untouchables and other marginalized communities.”
Ambedkar (in his opinion)

The Scholar statesman also had gone wrong in people’s opinions when he was strongly criticized for being personal on the caste system (especially on the side of his favourite, own caste system). That was put forward claiming that he was against secularism. A great combatant (for demolishing the caste system) finally proved Gandhi wrong in many aspects.

Listen to Ambedkar's Real Voice who proved Gandhi had been racist and never cared for Dalit and Lower-Caste communities.

Ambedkar on Gandhi

As per Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi had never been a social reformer neither he did anything for Dalit. Responding to the reaction of Ambedkar Gandhi wrote:

“I am not eager to die. I am eager to live and commit untouchability to the flames. And if I have to die to see that glorious hour, I am ready to die. The mantra of my life consists in making preparations of it. To live while untouchability lives is like a cup of a poison to me.”
In Gujarati Magazine/newspaper-Harijan Bandhu 1833

Gandhi’s ideologies and thinking made him Mahatma but Dr Ambedkar never liked any Mahatma, and he is sick of a question his mind was poking him every time that, “Is Gandhi really Mahatma?”
In one of the Ambedkar’s Marathi publications in the year 1938 from his writing and speeches (Vol 17, part-2), foundation of Ministry of Justice and Empowerment.

“Is Gandhi Mahatma? I am sick of this question. There are two reasons why this question annoying me. Firstly, I hate all Mahatmas and firmly believe that they should be done away with. I believe their existence is a curse to the nation in which they are born. The reason why I say so is that they try to perpetuate blind faith in the place of intelligence and reason.”
Ambedkar wrote

The position that one gets is purely based on his karma but sometimes one’s thoughts could be different. Thus, that person would criticize for that one day.
Ambedkar was born in Dalit family (commonly used to called untouchables) brought literacy and power to Buddhist. This community of India was recorded the biggest socio-economic discrimination. Read the following quote from Babasaheb Ambedkar

I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity
Dr. B R Ambedkar

They were always being ignored by other superior caste and their people.

The great politicians like Gandhi did not take a step ahead fight for poor caste system the way Dr Babasaheb did in his active years.
The students could not sit in the class and were hardly given attention by the teachers. The clear story of the Lower-Caste communities was that someone from higher status used to deal with Dalit from a distance. It was like pouring a glass of water in his cup from keeping some space.

[rb_related title="Also in This Issue" total="2"]

People from another community were not allowed to touch them, neither their glass nor the water from their pots.
Ambedkar was greatly influenced by John Dewey (John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer whose ideas have been influential in education and social reform.) especially on his recommendable work of democracy, and he was one of the great followers of his ideology and philosophy.

Vinoba Bhave: “Bhagavat Geeta is my life’s breath”

July 25, 2024August 8, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Vinoba Bhave (b. 11 Sep 1895 ― d. 15 Nov 1982) was an advocate of non-violence and human rights. Bhave was born in a Brahmin family at the village of Gogade, Kolaba (now Raigad), district of Maharashtra. He was raised in a typical Brahmin family named as Vinayak Rao Bhave, and took his last breath in Pavnar, Wardha, India.

The man who brought Bhagavat Geeta in Marathi (Geetai) to every Marathi lovers. He was the one who transformed himself completely from its teaching not only but perspective of life different way.
Indians considered him a national teacher of India, being a spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi, MK Gandhi himself accepted his estimate and assumption of being Vinoba’s father.

The man who always crave for good and good things around him, the source of positivity from every corner of his body and fragrance. Moreover, he used to stand for the truth and always stood against evil people and its karma.

Vinoba was an ocean of knowledge who could easily available to every ordinary people, indeed, he was a man of living his life for ordinary men.
Bhave was not only a brilliant student but also a great source of combination of learning, spirituality and compassion for plebeians.
This exceptional man took the biggest U turn in his life when he met Gandhi when he was searching for Kashi (now it is called Banaras) and Himalayas.

Their first meeting happened at Kochrab Ashram (the ashram was gifted to Gandhi by his friend Jivanlala Desai). The meeting was occurred after few exchanges of letters between Gandhi and Vinoba. At that time MK Gandhi was impressed by Mr. Bhave and his intuitive conversations.

The below letter was written at his Sabarmati Ashram, Feb 1918. After reading this small piece, one could feel how the friendship between them was on the verge of becoming stronger and deeper.
There was great expectation from Vinoba, Gandhi wanted Bhave should surpass him in all the aspects of his life as he was considered Vinoba as his son.

It is a curious phenomenon that God has made the hearts of the poor, rich and those of the rich, poor.

One of the letters of Gandhi to Vinoba Bhave is here

“I do not know in what terms to praise you. Your love and your character fascinate me and so also your self-examination. I am not fit to measure your worth. I accept your estimate and assume the position of a father to you. You seem almost to have met a long-felt wish of mine.

“In my view a father is, in fact, a father only when he has a son who surpasses him in virtue. A real son, likewise, is one who improves on what the father has done; if the father is truthful, firm of mind and compassionate, the son will be all this in a greater measure.”

“This is what you have made yourself. I don't see that you owe your achievement to any effort of mine. Hence, I accept the role you offer to me as a gift of love. I shall strive to be worthy of it; and, if ever I become another Hiranyakashipu, oppose me respectfully as Prahlad, who loved God, disobeyed him.
It is true as you say that, though outside the Ashram, you have scrupulously observed its rules.”

“I never doubted that you would return. Besides, I had, your written messages, read out by Mama. May God grant you long life, and use you for the uplift of India.
I don't see any need for changes in your diet just yet. Do not give up milk for the present. On the contrary, increase the quantity, if necessary.
About the railways, no Satyagraha is required.”

“What is wanted is intelligent workers to carry on propaganda. In the issue in Kheda District, Satyagraha may have to be offered. I am something of a tramp these days. In a day or two, I shall have to leave for Delhi.
More when you arrive. Everyone is looking forward to seeing you.”

Geetai Mandir in Wardha is a house where Vinoba Bhave’s photogenic exhibition displayed and his writings in Marathi (Geetai chapters) wrote on the special different types of granite collected from the different regions of India placed in the garden.

[rb_related title="Also in This Issue" total="2"]

Those sculptured stones in zigzag lines are nothing but the pages of eighteen chapters of Geetai (talks on Geeta is available on Amazon in English ― The Heartfulness Way Series) from the archives of Vinoba Bhave’s writing (translation of Bhagavat Geeta in Marathi).

Also Read: The soul scrubbing poem, Vrukshavalli Amha Soyari by Saint Tukaram

Sarojini Naidu: “To quench my longing I bent me low”.

July 25, 2024August 5, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

Sarojini Naidu (b. 13 Feb 1879 — d. 2 March 1949) was a not only Indian political leader, activist but also a great poet as well as a woman of India and celebrated nationally. She was one of the key figures of the Indian independence movement. Naidu aimed to help diminish the ruling of the British in India during the years of 1912 to 1947.
A prominent follower of Mahatma Gandhi and his cultural ideology not only like a true and obedient student. But also full supportive to Gandhi in all the aspects in decision-making to forming a better India.

*The brilliant student who used to keep many expectations from herself and Indian*

Education of Sarojini Naidu

Her education was not only limited to Indian territory but also crossed the boundary of the country at the age of 16. It was Nizam’s Charitable Trust (founder — Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan) who gave her a chance to complete her studies in England.

Sarojini was well worse with the culture of India and the condition of the nation at the beginning. A philosophic mind used to keep her eyes awake for the good reasons of the nation and its benefits. She had a successful inter-caste marriage which was happily approved by both the families.

Sarojini had a successive three years of travelling, while she visited different regions of India during 1915 and 1918. The motive of the travel was to give auspicious lectures on social welfare, the emancipation of women and bringing the clear awareness of the future of independence. And further evolution of nationalism in every person of India.

Her lectures were so demanding similarly inspiring ones that anyone could get motivated like she could yield a fruit of success from the brain of foolish and ignorance.
In short, her thought process was so simple and easily recognizable in one of her poems, In The Bazaars of Hyderabad.

“The Bazaars of Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu

What do you sell, oye Marchant?
Richly your wares are displayed.
Turbans of crimson and Silver
Mirrors with panels of amber,
Daggers with handles of jade
What do you weigh, oye Vendors
Saffron and lentil and rice
What do you grind oye maidens?
Sandalwood, henna, and spice.
What do you call oye Pedlars?
Chessmen and ivory dice.
What do you make oye Goldsmith?
Wristlet, anklet, and ring.
Bells for the feet of blue pigeons,
Frail as a Dragon’s-fly’s wing, girdles of gold for the dancers,
Scabbards of gold for the king [...]

The Bird of Time (available on Amazon): Songs of Life, Death, and the Spring are her fine collections of poems. This antiquarian volume contains a complete manual of the art of angling for roach, with comments on methodology, equipment, tactics, and other information useful.

Also, Read Poem: From “How To Live On The Planet Earth”

1 Truth | Annabhau Sathe: “Caste is something that exists in reality. Poverty is artificial.”

July 25, 2024August 1, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

poor hindu woman carrying bundle of grass on city street

Maharashtra’s legend is **Annabhau Sathe**.

Maharashtra’s legend Annabhau Sathe and his literature have always been recommendable. One of the top Dalit activists from the state after iconic figure Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule.

As well as, Sathe was one of the founding members of “Lal Bawta Kalapathak”. Tukaram Bhaurao Sathe (was his real full name) wrote almost 35 novels in Marathi, 14 short stories, and many to count his real meanings of life stated poems achieved many Maharashtra’s poem loving hearts.

Annabhau Sathe on Cast & Untouchability

A young brain had quickly understood the Untouchable Matang caste in the state and brought literacy love in Dalit Literature (buy his famous work in Marathi is available on Amazon here). His songs and poetry lightened up the poor Dalit Community and taught lessons to the oppressive gang and their community.

A Quote by Annabhau Sathe

Caste is something that exists in reality. Poverty is artificial, and it can be destroyed but destroying caste is everyone's work.
Annabhau Sathe

Dalit Shahirs of Maharashtra

Dalit shahirs of Maharashtra: Annabhau Sathe's powerful song, one of his favorite poems “माझी मैना गावावर राहिली !” (“My mynah bird stayed in the village!”)

Poem

“माझी मैना गावावर राहिली !”(“My mynah bird left in the village!”)

माझी मैना गावावर राहिली |
माझ्या जिवाची होतिया काहिली ||
ओतीव बांधा | रंग गव्हाला |
कोर चंद्राची | उदात्त गुणांची |
मोठ्या मनाची | सीता ती माझी रामाची |
हसून बोलायची | मंद चालायची |
सुगंध केतकी | सतेज कांती |
घडीव पुतली सोन्याची | नव्या नवतीची |
काडी दवन्याची |रेखीव भुवया |
कमान जणू इन्द्रधनुची | हिरकणी हिरयाची
काठी आंधल्याची | तशी ती माझी गरीबाची|
मैना रत्नाची खाण | माझा जिव की प्राण |[…]

shekharsmedia · Mazi Maina Gavakada Rahili - Ajay Atul

The story of his love mynah bird (Common hill myna. The common hill myna, sometimes spelled “mynah” and formerly simply known as the hill myna or myna bird, is the myna most commonly seen in aviculture), through this poem he brought up the issues of his common life, the status of treatment of others toward the Matang (Mang caste) Community of Maharashtra.

[rb_related title="Also in This Issue" total="2"]

Exposition of the poem

He thus expressed the reality of the rich and well-educated city, Mumbai. It was the same treatment he used to get in his village. Besides, this poem ends, leaving a spark in his life for forming a United Maharashtra (a mission of anti-oppression in Maharashtra). Therefore, he successfully carried out.

Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said,

A memorial of Marathi poet and writer Annabhau Sathe will soon be built-in Mumbai.

Marsha P Johnson: “Nobody promised you tomorrow” 1 poem “Soul” wins the hearts.

July 25, 2024July 19, 2020 by Lokesh Umak

The legend Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945–July 6, 1992) was a mid-century gay liberation activist who identified as a drag queen. America's LGBTQ advocate (LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). The real name of Mr. Johnson was Malcolm Michael Jr. Every human emerges as a leader as a result of their past experiences and learnings, and Marsha was no exception.

She was a victim of sex assault by a teenage boy, but despite being caught in her own shame, she stood up for her rights.
Her mother said that homosexuality is like living “lower than a dog."

Marsha P Johnson Quotes

I want my gay rights now.
Marsha P Johnson (on the Christopher Street)

“How many people have died for their two little statues to be put in the park to recognized gay people? How many years does it take for people to see that we are all brothers & sisters and human beings in the human race? I mean how many years does it take for people to see that we are all in this rat race together.”
ㅡMarsha P Johnson Stonewall

The Pioneer Drag Queen Marsha p Johnson

The legend was the first charming person, the one who couldn't be ignored once they saw her personality, met her, or listened to her speeches. The drag queen who always used to wear that beautiful crown of flowers A special appearance and loveable tone earned prominent happiness among the gay communities in America. She was then called the "Pioneer of Civil Rights." She was always ready to defend her fellow homosexuals, acting as a mother, daughter, and sister.

Central figure in LGBTQ is Marsha p Johnson

Johnson was one of the central figures in the LGBTQ movement for transgender rights. Her death was a sudden call of a surprise to many of her beloved ones and shook entire America on 6 Jul 1992 when the body of Marsha was found floating on the Hudson River having missed for the six days.
Marsha P Johnson, Joseph Ratanski and Sylvia Rivera in the 1973 NYC Gay Pride Parade by artist Gary LeGault
The influential speeches and street activism had inspired thousands of gay and had been successfully in acclaim.

Marsha p Johnson poem that explores the Karma

Stonewall veteran Marsha sang his poem, “Soul” which earned much applause. In this poem, she explored the meaning of Karma, its good and bad effects on humans. (The book, Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay ㅡ in 1969, a series of riots over police action against The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, changed the long-time landscape of the homosexual in society literally overnight. Since then, the event itself has become the stuff of legend). It really does not matter if you have not got a soul.

Poem: “Soul” Performed by Marsha P Johnson and Written By Jimmy Camicia

You can count your karma
if Nirvana is your goal
you can shake and you can rattle
you can rock and roll
you can be a Clark Kent
or a Lois
or an Alice down a hole,
you can be a vampire on a mountain
With a heart of stone black coal.
You can be a leather angel.
On a sleek black Harley bike.
Or a redhead screaming fggot or a dazzling dke
you can lock yourself in a closet
in a fine mink stole
but it really doesn’t matter.

ㅡ Jimmy Camicia

Marsha P Johnson: “Nobody promised you tomorrow”, his poem “Soul” wins the hearts.

If you ain’t got soul, In the year 1992 on Christopher Street (Christopher Street is a street in the West Village neighbourhood of the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is the continuation of the 9th Street west of Sixth Avenue. It is most notable for the Stonewall Inn, which was located on Christopher Street.) Mr Johnson said aloud,

Few learnings from verses of Kabir Das (his verses are in Hindi and this is meanings of what Kabira says)

One of his poem हीरा सोई सराहिये (Sleeping Diamond Appreciates) by Saint Kabir Das

MORE MUST-READ STORIES

Family

Social Reformer Jyotiba Phule

Formation of Satyashodhak Samaj

Jyotiba Phule Established the First School for Girls

His message to the people was simple,

Vajpayee is considered among one of the true patriots of India.

His poem, (हार नहीं मानूँगा, रार नहीं ठानूँगा, काल के कपाल पर लिखता मिटाता हूँ।गीत नया गाता हूँ। ) is one of the best poems he ever written.

One of the conversations of Atal Vajpayee in the parliament house, brings down the real concern of the country to a common man of India.

Situation of India

Who's Pockets getting Jam?

Rajeev Gandhi said, Rupee Rubs.

Poem: "If You Were One Inches Long" by Shel Silverstein

Listen to Ambedkar's Real Voice who proved Gandhi had been racist and never cared for Dalit and Lower-Caste communities.

Ambedkar on Gandhi

They were always being ignored by other superior caste and their people.

One of the letters of Gandhi to Vinoba Bhave is here

Education of Sarojini Naidu

“The Bazaars of Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu

Annabhau Sathe on Cast & Untouchability

A Quote by Annabhau Sathe

Dalit Shahirs of Maharashtra

Poem

“माझी मैना गावावर राहिली !”(“My mynah bird left in the village!”)

Exposition of the poem

Marsha P Johnson Quotes

I want my gay rights now.

The Pioneer Drag Queen Marsha p Johnson

Central figure in LGBTQ is Marsha p Johnson

Marsha p Johnson poem that explores the Karma

Poem: “Soul” Performed by Marsha P Johnson and Written By Jimmy Camicia

MORE MUST-READ STORIES

Subscribe to weekly

Latest posts

Contact

His poem, (हार नहीं मानूँगा, रार नहीं ठानूँगा, काल के कपाल पर लिखता मिटाता हूँ।
गीत नया गाता हूँ। ) is one of the best poems he ever written.