Traffic Snarls

We all know that population explosion compromises our life in many ways.  Now any planning for infrastructure or basic amenities is done should be done keeping in view of future increase of population.  The old facilities that are available should be used precariously and new ones to be developed keeping the population growth in another 50 years.   I could understand this when I visited Madina – Pathargatti shopping areas in the old city of Hyderabad.  Here there are multifloored buildings each floor having many shops and even the tiny space 3x5 feet along side the stair case accommodates a shop. In these shops crores of business takes place everyday and thousands of people will be moving in the narrow lanes of 5-10 feet. Some even bring personal vehicles - two-wheelers, and the transport vehicles like rickshaws, autos, tempos and mini lorries also try to squeeze through these roads.  If one wants to learn how to move on a vehicle or walk through narrow lanes without getting hurt should visit Madina, Pathargatti and Begum Bazaar in Hyderabad.  Here are few photos I have taken sitting as pillion rider on the scooter. Initially I was afraid that we may not be able to move out of traffic web and will be stranded for an hour.  There is not even place to get down and walk forward or backward.  Fortunately everything cleared in 15 minutes and we were out.  Again behind us there is another traffic jam.  People here know the knack to negotiate and move out forward with a smile. That is India. 

Success in Life

A good book is a good friend. I even read that there is nothing like a good book or bad book. Every book will have something to teach us. My favorite pastime is reading books. Books are my best companions. When ever I am troubled I take refuge in reading. They always provide consolation and a way out of troubled waters.
Life is like a river. It flows till it enters the sea. On the way to sea it carries things added to it for sometime. Some things may move along with it until it reaches the sea. On its course it may often face obstacles like huge rocks. Then the waters may get turbulent and in no time the waters divert their way and go on their long journey to reach the destination. In our life we have aim to achieve things. In achieving it often we have to face obstacles. Some incidents in the family or around us may make us distressed and pessimistic for a while. But, if will is strong we can get over it and work towards the goal.
I believe, I believe, in Almighty the Universally pervading ‘Cosmic’ energy. Every thought of ours will be reflected here in the Universe and every prayer will be answered. Only requirement is we should have faith, 100% faith in that Cosmic Energy. Every religion says and believes that when sincerely prayed, they are always answered.
I was reading a book by Swami Ranganadanand. He is a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. It is a book on Upanishads. In that in explaining the interest of Nachiketa to gain knowledge about life and death from God Yama (God of Death), he writes about ‘priyam’ (allurement) and ‘shreyam’ (benefit). These are talked in the context of spiritual knowledge, but can be applied to our daily life.
“‘Priyam’ will give immediate pleasure and benefit. It is highly tempting and provides instant happiness. But the pleasure and benefit is only short lived. If we want ‘shreyam’ initially there will be problems. But the benefit is forever. Outwardly it may not be obvious, it will be concealed, like shells can float on the surface of the sea but pearls are hidden deep in the sea.” - Sri Ramakrishna.
To lose is to gain. ‘kuch pane ke liye kuch kona hai’. Every philosophy says there is no short cut to achievement. To put in efforts is must. When the sea was churned (Hindu Mythology - Samudra mathanam) the first thing that was obtained was ‘garalamu’ poison. After wards one after other riches were gained. ‘Amrutum’ nectar was the last thing to acquire. So to achieve a goal continuous efforts are essential. Initially problems may arise and dishearten. But where there is a will there is a way. Planned perseverance is the secret of success.
Our wishes are always granted. Only thing is we do not realize that we ourselves have asked sometime within our limited knowledge under the influence of allurement. Jesus Christ has said “You ask it will be given. Search, you will find it. Knock, the door it will be opened. Every one who asks will be given; whoever searches will find it. For everybody who knocks the (door) it will be opened.
“yathbhadram thannasuva” (grant us that which is good for us)