Petals!

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Madras Café, stars John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri in lead roles. The backdrop of this film catapults you straight into the centre of the civil war in Sri Lanka during the 1990s.  As a film viewer from   South India , I do not feel that the movie attempted to ridicule or insult Tamilians as is being suggested by many. The narrative is conducted as neutrally as possible and with tremendous sensitivity. You will be gripped by an overwhelming sense of anger, despair and pain as you are taken through some heart rending scenes of how the Tamils were persecuted in Sri Lanka .  Some of the most disturbing scenes in the movie present a very different view of India’s political  endeavors  to manipulate and take control of the ethnic conflicts between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamil population there.  It also shows how vested powers from across the globe strategically pushed forward their vested economic interests t...

We all dread waking up to Monday mornings. So, I thought to myself "I need an inspirational quote to get started today. For all you busy bees, too, that would be a ray of light to start your day." Here's one inspirational thought for the day along with a snap that I clicked from Haridwar:   "People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, “Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.” I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds." — Carl R. Rogers

Mahadmrityunjaya Mantra: Benefit of chanting this mantra There are very few mantras that are as powerful as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Do read my post: Does Mahamrityunajaya mantra really work?       Mahamrityunjaya mantra is believed to have the power to remove all sufferings, diseases and bestow the one who chants it with good health and long life.   It is also believed that constant contemplation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra can help spiritual aspirants to overcome the cycle of birth and death. What got me fascinated about this mantra is something personal.  I learned this mantra from my father but it is my maternal grandmother who chanted it all the time and repeatedly told me of its tremendous power to protect. However, I did not chant this mantra regularly.  At the age of two, my son was taught some mantras by my mother who explained what it means to him and he became very enthusiastic about chanting the mantras. Following this, my mothe...