Life: A divine work in progress

We as humans are just a tiny part of this lovely creation all around us of atoms, molecules, organisms, ecosystems, planets and of course the whole universe. Our own life is just a microscopic part of this divine creation where everything is happening all the time. In order to survive, where change is constant, our life must keep evolving to stay ahead and in tune.

Life is a divine and continuous living process, 24/7 in action throwing challenges at us all the time, what we make out of them, how we take them on, it is always our call to make or mar the most of it. This phenomenon is happening all the time thus it is vital that we accept the same as it is, understand the working and enjoy the twists & turns of the whole process.

The process happens within our body, mind, spirit and the soul and we can choose to ignore and fail to understand thus end up living like a creature and become a victim or a beneficiary of instincts or choose to just be a party to it, live aimlessly and become yet another one in the world, in the bargain may even harm its longevity.

Gainfully, we can choose to be a witness and a facilitator for its smooth functioning and lead a balanced life. A step further, with due awareness of the process, proper understanding of its use and benefits, we can explore the immense potential of these four faculties and use the process properly to lead a meaningful and enjoyable life.

 

To put it simply, we all as human beings get life as a divine gift, which is basically a golden goose that can lay golden eggs. By choice, we may remain ignorant of its capabilities thus lose any benefit, with carelessness lose its capacity to be productive, with lust we may go for the overkill and ruin the capabilities or with greed we may even kill the goose itself. All Lose-Lose propositions.

A grateful person shall respectfully understand the importance and value of the goose, its capacity to produce golden eggs and the eggs. He shall focus on proper nourishment so that the goose lives long and nurture the egg producing capacity to maximum, to ensure that the golden eggs are laid regularly and over a long period.

Thus, if we want our living mechanism (body, mind, spirit & soul) to produce golden eggs and improve its productivity we need to focus and work on following aspects-:

Body: Give proper food, rest, regular exercise and meditate for its growth and vitality.

Mind: Feed information, convert it into knowledge, constantly upgrade and keep balance.

Spirit: Cultivate mental awareness, consciousness and reasoning for actions.

Soul: Seek to know the truth, enjoy the life and share love with all.

Once you are on this path of Life-management, it is an upward spiral growth which leads to a meaningful and enjoyable life. In this process name, fame, shame, recognition, wealth, success and or failure are all by-products so do not get carried away or fall to their lure, very often most of us end up pursuing by-products as life and get disillusioned, we must let them come and go in our lives and continue to focus on the main product i.e. the process.

Life is always a divine work in progress, thus you must enjoy the work, so that the progress is a happening thing, for you as well as for people around you, too.

Satish Shitut                                                                   

Jai Bharat

Frame your own “Constitution”

Frame your own “Constitution”

Since late 2019 we all hear about our constitution in danger, right from an ignorant child to an old uneducated lady to a so called activist are misled and willing to give their lives to save the same, at the behest of few pseudo intellectuals, liberal columnists and dubious political leaders. To uphold the values of our constitution there is no need to fight for the right instead frame your own “constitution of my life” and enrich yours as well as others lives as follows-:

Preamble

I, the responsible owner of my personal life, wilfully and solemnly resolve to do justice to my body, mind, spirit and the soul towards the harmonious growth of all towards achieving a purposeful balanced lifestyle and humane social behaviour.

Fundamental rights

I must protect the fundamental rights as below of the four integrated constituents of my life.

Body: The right to be given proper food, rest and regular exercise for its growth and vitality.

Mind: The right to get information and be used to convert it into knowledge & proper usage.

Spirit: The right to cultivate mental awareness, consciousness and reasoning for actions.

Soul: The right to know the truth, enjoy the life and seek liberation.

These fundamental rights shall be duly exercised and protected by me confirming to the model directive principles for a balanced growth with due discharge of my duties as follows-:

Physical growth: Develop and ensure proper maintenance of a fit & healthy physical body.

Mental growth:  Learn, develop & nurture the brain to convert information into knowledge.

Financial growth: Apply the knowledge & skills acquired to seek financial stability & growth.

Spiritual growth:  Live life moment by moment to attain a peaceful, happy & soulful attitude.

Both these rights and duties shall be implemented, executed and maintained with the enforcement of natural laws of life to promote a harmonious & balanced growth of my life-:

Directive (Governing) principles of Life.

Respect myself, family, others, nation, environment and practise it in my social behaviour.

Understand the importance of a conscious approach towards the need of a balanced growth.

Love is the most essential part of life to be nurtured and demonstrated in all my actions.

Act upon above principles as a habit to keep evolving into a responsible human being.

As I am the executive as well as judiciary, due diligence and introspection of above aspects is required regularly to make amendments as and when deemed fit for an equitable growth. Once the life is in balance, it is easier to deal with emotions, stress, upheavals, ups and downs positively and strengthen the spirit towards a harmonious and peaceful state of living.

The current situation all over the world with protests, violence, state atrocities, racial abuses, rich poor divide, corruption and religious hatred is a mix of lost values, materialism, selfish and misplaced priorities. What goes around comes back thus if everyone follows “my own constitution” and shares with others, we shall not only save constitution but whole humanity.

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat

Keep the child in you kicking and alive “New normal”

An act of love between a romancing couple, seeking to give and get pleasure from each other, sows the seed of love as fetus in the womb of a woman, the would be mother then carries the baby in the womb for almost nine months. She joyously goes through the aches, agony and finally the intense labor pains to give birth to a child of love and hold in her arms.

This bundle of joy, a naughty and adorable source thus enters the lives of many and unknowingly all those who are close to the child start laughing, singing, dancing and enjoy those moments of unconditional love. The child throws tantrums, cries and puts innocent demands from them and they willingly try and go all out to please the child for that one smile and have fun.

As the child starts with a clean slate in the mind, of course except the transmissions given through the mother in womb, ignorance is bliss which makes the child curious about everything around and the search for knowledge starts by trusting people around. The fearless Child is playful and imaginative enough to enjoy the process of explore, innovate and learn. A genius by nature.

The quality of accepting things as they are and forgiveness helps a child make more friends and they often play with each other even to lose for fun. With enough time on hand, no responsibilities and or worries for money, a child makes the most while sun shines and enjoys the life to its fullest.

Sadly, during this growth, We initially start telling the child to behave, later behave like a grown up child, in the teens is told to behave like an adult, in the adulthood cannot be childish, childlike behavior is taboo in middle age and the worst is in old age when it is termed as infantile behavior.

This parenting, schooling, social norms and office or business environment compels us to start thinking and behaving in a certain fashion as per our age and stature in the society, which in turn restricts our behavior within those accepted norms and we start thinking only inside that box. In the process we lose the maverick child in us who can think outside the box, to be a problem solver.

Over a period, the matured adult replaces the pure and curious child and we forget the art of having fun in life. The materialistic and competitive world with added responsibilities too starts weighing in our search for a big ticket to success, to the extent that we forget to find joy in small measures and moments. Sadly, the right way to live a childly life then become just fond memories of childhood.

All play and no work during the Lockdown, the child in me came alive and now I am relearning the best way to live which I had forgotten. This child has not only helped me overcome the fear but also helped me to forget all the material losses, too. I am laughing again and become playful, now I live in every moment and am curious enough to explore the inner potential in me to bring that smile back on my face and around.

 I am now born again, more aware of the child in me who appreciates little things in life, makes friends easily, neither bothered about what world says about me nor worried about the worldly things. I now laugh when my child tells my so-called matured adult to behave, asks him to keep the greed, rudeness, obsession and I know all attitude aside and enjoy each moment of life, as it comes.

I am living and loving life again, thanks to the long-lost child found again. That is my “New Normal”.

What is your “New Normal”

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat

Self-Righteousness versus Self- respect

Self-Righteousness versus Self- respect

Whether Parbramha or Lord or Allah, God is one and Righteousness is a word attributed mainly to him and his chosen ones. His incarnation Ram was called Maryada Purushottam an embodiment of all good virtues, Son of God Jesus the righteous servant of god and Mohammed the messenger of Allah. Righteousness is doing what is right in sight of god and the qualities of being morally right and correct. The demands for a moral and ethical conduct are so great that no man can ever achieve in this world.

Righteousness

In religion right and wrong  has moral overtones, in Societies and cultures it is defined by the practices followed, theologists consider it as a quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable, spiritualist say that god is everywhere thus all are righteous so they search within, The literal meaning is to be right in a moral way. These different perspectives, views and beliefs create confusion in our minds and instead of following a path of virtues we get into the business of right or wrong. Mr. Righteous in a way ends up Mr. Confucius.

Self-Righteousness

In trying to be righteous, this confusion more than often leads us to behave morally superior to others and develop holier than thou attitude. It does also lead to a thinking that my belief and conduct is more virtuous than others. A belief that I know all and I am always right is dangerous for your relationships, inhibits your communication skills, team spirit and is a socially disapproved behavior. Best example is the character of Ravana in the epic Ramayana who had all the virtues but had to pay the price for his self-righteous ego.

Sadly, in modern world too, this attitude of I know all and I am right has bred many corporate honchos, religious bigots, political anarchists and social activists who perpetuated downfall of those corporates, religious wars, vote banks, stalled developments and chaos in the society. Similarly, the racist supremacy of these self-righteous characters had resulted in caste wars in India and now the current arson and looting across United states of America.

Self-Respect

Basically, right and wrong as well good and bad is all in our mind, both God and Devil also reside within each of us. To put in scientific terms both positive and negative energies exist in all of us. Thus, it is better to focus on immense good potential within us and consciously try to become a selfless and self-respecting person, the virtues then are a byproduct of your goodness and this continuous process helps you to evolve as a good human being.

A self-respecting person will always respect others views and their lives, empathic awareness in him seeks to understand than be understood. Developing a selfless approach from within helps him to reach out to all irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion and overcome the rich poor divide. This compassionate and tolerant attitude helps in sharing ideas with others either for cooperation or for mutual agreements and or agree to disagree.

In this materialistic world, where morals and ethics have gone for a toss, it is a big challenge to guard against self-righteousness as it breeds arrogance, ego, sins and falsehood which is very dangerous to the society. Thus, educating more individuals to become respectful, caring and understanding citizens of the country may not stem the rot but at least minimize the damage and succeed eventually for a better world to live in harmony with nature.

Most of us have forgotten that Love is the essence of life, it is all pervasive and helps us to win many and loose none. Cultivate it so that the Peace be upon all of us.

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat

The Indian family support system (Decoding Modi Mantra)

In today’s selfish world, it is worth relooking at our traditional family value system to see if the same can be adopted while maintaining the status quo of nuclear families. This system and its values have passed through generations, time tested and still is the longest surviving institution in India. Simply put, encourage individuality with sense of pride and collectivism.

Independent individual

We all are born dependants and the first two decades are spent to become independent, during this period we are helped by our parents, siblings, neighbours, friends and teachers, but for their contributions and of course our own efforts we could still end up a dependant.

The values of Love, loyalty, integrity, support and sharing are inculcated during this period and this should lead you to be self-respecting person and bond strongly with them for ever.

Intradependent family

The individual who has now become independent assumes responsibilities and charts the growth plan of his own, pursues his passion, starts working or does business thus develops his own circle of influence and gets busy in achieving his own goals but will always find time, respect and care for all those who helped him become independent, what goes around does come back. All within each circle standby each other in both highs and lows. Bond grows.

Interdependent society

This individual and the rest of his now increased circle of influence do not live isolated lives in a cocoon but have around them relatives, communities and associations, living in various neighbourhoods, which is a part of a city, a state and a nation. Now each of these groups are a part of a whole and not a whole in themselves as their own growth is dependent on the growth of the other group too, for an inclusive growth to reap economic, social and secured dividends. Each part must play its role to ensure the support within and outside as well.

Synergy then becomes the engine of world growth

Everyone thus considers himself a contributor as well as a beneficiary part of his family. The families, the neighbourhoods, the states and the nations then look at the world similarly for a sustainable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world is the “funda”. The world leaders as heads of their nation also take a similar top down approach till last nation in line is also a beneficiary is the theory “world is one family” known as,” vasudhaiva kutumbakam” in Hindi.

All different individuals can then lead their lives as per their choice, as long they respect and have consideration for others with a common approach to build a support system within each family and cooperate similarly with other families for a collective wisdom. The nations in turn also work on the principle of compassion, equity & cooperation for an inclusive growth.

Atmanirbhar, antyodaya and vasudhaiv kutumbakam means become self-reliant to achieve growth for all unto the last man in line, act local think global approach to make “world is one family” a reality. Is this possible without initiating the following changes is a candid question?

ü  Communicating these utopian ideals to all and get them on one platform.

ü  Changes in education system with community and national service.

ü  Population control measure, demographic balance and uniform civil code.

ü  Reservation for low-income groups and women only.

ü  National health, security and education benefits for all.

ü  Political, judicial, economic and social reforms to minimise corruption.

With hostile neighbours, enemies within, religious divide, regional aspirants, corrupt politicians, selfish Janata, poverty and resource crunch, is it possible to get legislative approvals? Thus the shared values as above may not get consensus of all but any understanding of these values at the least can develop more self-esteemed individuals who are consciously aware of their responsibilities, respect each other’s ways of lives, understand the need of mutual cooperation for their own benefit and the collective growth.

More value based self-respecting individuals is the need of the hour for a change in mindset.

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat

My take on (D)evolution of media in India

Till 60’s we had only print and radio, as a child I recall, those days whole family used to gather and listen to it at specific times for event commentaries, speeches, havamahal and binaca geetmala etc. 70”s saw the advent of Television and now even neighbors would join at specific times to watch chayageet, antakshari, movies and sports as TV sets were far and few between. Newspapers had content and news.

80’s saw the introduction of video and spread of color TV in each household thus again it was back to family viewing ritual. Throughout 80’s it was only one channel but gave great serials like hum log, chitrahar, Buniyaad, Ramayana & Mahabharata for families to watch together, being govt controlled both TV and print had lot of social messaging and to some extent a mouthpiece of the governments.

 90s saw the advent of private channels thus giving us a choice of sitcoms and never-ending serials, 2000 saw DTH opening the flood gates for 24/7 news channels and slowly the of erosion of values started. An acquaintance of mine then had started a T.V. channel and his answer on viability was simple, set up a small studio, buy content, do stings to blackmail and make money. Crass commercialization had begun.

Around that time a friend of same acquaintance who used to live in Dubai started a political party in an Indian state, again a candid question and answer was again simple, use that channel for propaganda of dummy candidates and withdraw them for a price, make sting on others, buy stories, blackmail  and do hawala transactions. Politicians entered in media to make money, play games and exploit gullible Janata.

The advent of social media since 2010 has thrown many avenues to gain & share knowledge, express freely and increase our circle of influence but sadly the same is abused with fake news, paid & planted news, paid write-ups & researches, rigged opinion polls & surveys. Now the twitter handlers & rumor mongers, influencers & cyber bullies, phony anchors & panelists, twisted analytics & hate spreaders control the viewers mindset. We are now sitting ducks and easy prey for narratives & misinformation.

Now advertorials far outweigh the editorials in print, When I google I get ogled, My Facebook becomes my history book, Instagram gives me mental harm, Pinterest kills my creative interest, twitter has more twits than tweets, third grade youtubers are hate spreaders, lousy podcasters are doubt casters, Tik Toker’s are time wasters. WhatsApp university throws mindless forwards and self-made experts.

I am now either a right-winger or a liberal, andhbhakt or separatist, secular or communal, national or antinational, Hindu or a Muslim as the media is either godi media or Lutyens media. On social media, I am now reduced to be a liker, a follower, a subscriber, a viewer and or a handler, while the liked and followed ones become influencers and make money. Please like me, follow me, view me, subscribe me and get influenced by me otherwise you are not a friend. I am in money making business at your cost.

Do you want to get manipulated, mishandled and misguided by the media handlers or you want to use your intellect, understand the games being played and make the right choice? Do not get influenced, use them rather than get used. Be informed and not misinformed, please choose love and not hate. Use your remote handle in hand, ignore button on laptops, switch off/on button in mind and enjoy life.

I may be a technologically challenged person but still I have made my choice, you too, choose or lose.

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat

Migrants crisis: mostly a product of their mindset and mobocracy

Sadly, the effects of the lockdown and stalled economy has resulted in the plight of the migrants to choose between a devil and deep blue sea. It is a humongous humanitarian crisis, exodus is just a beginning, the after effects of the same are more harrowing as this mass exodus may lead to the  spread of the virus in hinterland too, which so far was immune and as the health system there is inadequate it may result in more deaths, unemployment, misery, unrest, chaos and lawlessness.

The very fact that there was no death due to hunger since lockdown started, does establish that no one went hungry, full credit to the volunteers, philanthropists, various social organizations, political outfits and of course to the Govt, that the huge issue of shelter and food for so many was taken care of, though in terms of adequacy may have fallen short. We all contributed and should be proud of it.

The bleak outlook of gaining back the source of livelihood, landlords seeking rent or throwing them out, employers not paying their salaries and or subsistence allowances at least, long period of uncertainty and fear of death due to coronavirus must have contributed to this despair which is also understandable and could have been avoided or reduced. Kudos to those migrants who are staying back to fight another day and those who did dare to travel on their own without creating chaos.

The hesitancy of the state governments along with central govt to comprehend this issue during the lockdown and prepare a joint unemployed migrant management plan with all stakeholders has also led to this crisis. Even if they had one it was not communicated effectively, it may not have stopped the exodus but surely minimized the tragedy. Apart from above there are two major contributors to the current crisis and they are the mindset of migrants and the prevailing mobocracy in our country.

Migrant mindset

 In general, the migrants are risktakers, they even abandon their homes for a better life, their approach is purely materialistic and short term, they overlook hygiene, safety and cleanliness. They lack in ownership of responsibilities, opportunism is their trademark thus the disloyalty, they not only shift loyalty with owners but even places to serve their self-interest. Lack of consideration for others is their hall mark and many instances in the past around the world are testament to that.

Mobocracy

Various politicians their parties, many social activists, religious outfits, Reservationists, labor leaders, regional aspirants, linguist protagonists’ communal outfits, separatists, Naxals and others over years have used mobocracy as means to achieve their ends. They exploit the poor, illiterate, unemployed masses, use them as captive tool, mobilize them to create anarchy, terror, violence and force to achieve their selfish interest and then leave them. The migrants become a handy tool for them.

The current migrant crisis is largely a result of political parties and their vote bank groups using their quandary to spread rumors, create chaos, fuel the pandemonium and then play the blame game, perpetrate hate and settle scores. For us it is a matter of shame and catastrophe as their lives are at stake and further spread of virus will defeat the sacrifices made by all of us. We are hostages in this.

We chose democracy because it values human dignity, respects aspirations of the citizens, reduces economic inequality, brings law and social order in effect through various policies and programs for an ideal and equitable development of the society. Instead, these selfish shortsighted and corrupt elements created these vote banks to seek power, in turn we got a harmful and violent mobocracy.

Respect our aspirations, understand the values of democracy, care for all and serve humanity. The Mobocracy will not only kill democracy but politicians, too. Wake up call for “Mera Bharat Mahan”

Satish Shitut

Jai Bharat