My forthcoming e-book on Corona

A few highlights

1) Name of my forthcoming 'e-book on Corona'

     - Yet to be announced. (to be published on Amazon/or 
        Pusthaka.com

2) How Big? 

     - About 55,000 words, contained in about 250 pages spread over

       14 chapters.

3) Special feature

    - 15 illustrative cartoons by our  Country's well known    

       cartoonist Mr. Raghupathi Sringeri N.S. (Cartoon above is

       his piece of art).

4) When it will be released?

     - Next week!

I request you all to encourage me by reading my book.

An excerpt from my forthcoming book........

A day before the light event, to herald the launch of our Country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji quoted a poem of his mentor and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which highlighted the significance of lighting a lamp.  The poem read......

Hindi Version

Aao phir se diya jalayen

Bhari dupheri mein andhiyara

Suraj parchyi se hara

Antartam ka neh nichude

Bujhi hui baati sulgaye

Aao phir se diya jalayen

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Hum padaav ko samjhe manzil

Lakshay hua aanko se ojhal

Vartaman keh mohjaal me

Aane wala kal na bhulaye

Aao phir se diya jalaye

Aahuti baki yagna adhura

Apno ke Vighno ne ghera

Antim jaye ka wajra banane
Nav Dadheechi haddiyan galayen

Aao phir se diya jalayen 

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My English translation

At the time of this darkness during the afternoon

When sun is covered by shadows

Let us take out as oil, the darkness within our mind and body

To re-kindle the flame instead

Let's light the lamp together again

We mistook the milestone for the destination

Our goal has become out of sight

In the mundane trappings of the present

Let's not lose sight of the coming tomorrow

Let's light the lamp together again

The sacrifice is pending, the yajna* is incomplete

Engulfed by the obstacles born from our own men

To make the vajra for the final victory
Let our modern Dadheechis* donate their backbones

Let's light the lamp together again

(*Yajna is a Vedic ritual in Hindu tradition, which is done as sacrifice or offerings, composed of ingredients like ghee, to a sacred fire with the objective of invoking good for the society.  Fight against coronavirus is symbolized here as Yajna).

(*Vajra stands for Vajrayudh, a weapon which God Indra had used to kill a demon).

(*Dadheechi was a saint who donated his backbone to God Indra, to be made as  Vajrayudh).

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'I have not seen or heard Vajpayeeji.  Did he write this poem? when and                 why?’ was young Rohini's (Main lady character of my book.  She is a young lady with a rational mind) reaction.  Now it was time for father Raju (he is the father of Rohini.  He is like any one of us) to take full scope in explaining the relevance of Atalji and his poem to his daughter. 

 'Vajpayeeji was our Prime Minister.  More than a politician, he was a great orator and a poet.  Many during his lifetime, used to say that “Vajpayeeji going to politics, was a great loss to the world of literature.”  In spite of his very active political life, both as an opposition leader and the Prime Minister, he kept time for giving vent to his literary skills too.  The quoted poem was aimed at the youth of our country, symbolized by the afternoon sun, which is covered by the darkness of clouds.  But our young men are energetic and enthusiastic.  Their march on the track should not be disturbed by obstacles of the present day.  In view of a bright tomorrow, they should continue to fight together (Yajna) by lighting the lamp of hope. Our modern youth, like “saint Dadheechi,” should sacrifice their time, intellect, and energy to the ongoing fight for ensuring the welfare of mankind.  Full marks to Modiji, for a timely quotation of the poem and calling upon our people to light the 'lamp heralding our fight against the pandemic,' averred a beaming Raju.  Combative Rohini was now subdued and nodded in appreciation of the great spirit of the poem. 

 
It was 9 pm on Sunday, the 5th of April 2020.  Lights went off and people came out of their houses. Rohini too joined her father in lighting the lamps and candles responding to the call of the Prime Minister.  A few even blew the conch and fired crackers.  It was virtual 'Diwali, the Indian festival of lights' replayed.  Modiji himself was at the forefront of lighting the lamp, wearing a 'mundu' (a rectangular white cloth used to wrap around the waist, also called dhoti) and draped in an Assamese 'gamusa' (a rectangular white cloth with red borders draped around the neck).  The nation-wide lighting of the lamps symbolized the country's resolve in being together for the fight against Covid-19.

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Prayer Vs Pandemic!

Aditi Joglekar was a teen aged girl.  She was an ardent student of Hindustani classical music.  28th February, was the birthday of her first musical guru and her grandmother late Sulabha Joglekar. It was time for Aditi to recall the fond memories of her grandma.

Mercurial Sulabha Joglekar was passionate about many things.  Besides, classical music she was very much interested in handicrafts, painting and fashion designing too.  She was very much fond of black rabbits.  A few years before her death she had brought a black rabbit which was very cute.  She used to call it by the name 'Shalu.'  Towards the days of her waning health, 'Shalu' had become her only companion. There was a century old story behind 'Shalu,' the black cat remembered Aditi!  

Sulabha Joglekar, was born in the year 1909.  Her father Dinanath was working in a saree weaving factory, in a village near Bombay.  When she was seven years old, Sulabha's mother, had brought her a black rabbit.  Sulabha had named her 'Shalu.'  Sulabha grew happily with Shalu for two years.  But Sulabha's father Dinanath hated pets.  Just because of the love of his daughter, Dinanath was tolerating Shalu's disturbances.  Moreover Dinanath believed that black rabbits were ominous and they bring bad luck to the family. Therefore one day Dinanath took away Shalu, the black rabbit and left it in a nearby forest.  Sulabha was very much upset and was missing Shalu very much.

It was the month of August during 1918.  Now, Sulabha was nine years old.  One day, when Sulabha was coming back from the school along with her 3 elder sisters, there was heavy rain.  All the four sisters were soaked in rain.  Sulabha's mother had to wipe the heads of all his daughters with a thick cloth.  When the daughters woke up the next morning, all the three elder sisters of Sulabha were running fever.  Disturbed Dinanath checked up with the neighbouring panditiji (village doctor who practices with herbal medicine).  Panditiji gave some medicine, but warned Dinanath to be careful because there was a peculiar fever around, which was not subsiding easily.  There were rumours that a strange disease was spreading through soldiers, who were returning from              "world war I," through ships reaching Bombay. Therefore people had started calling it 'Bombay fever.' Government had warned people to be cautious about a disease called the 'Spanish Flu,' which was highly contagious and deadly.

Sulabha's sisters' fever never subsided.  Within two days, they all started bleeding in the nose.  They used to gasp for breath.  During the same week, Dinanath was also down with  the similar disease. Several cases of similar ailments were reported all across Dinanath's village. The village pandithji was going around giving medicines to all the sick people.  Pandithji was advising people to inhale steam every three hours during day time, take boiled milk with turmeric and drink plenty of hot water.  Those who could, were advised to  stand in sunlight everyday, for about 20 minutes. He had also warned people to maintain distance between individuals, as the chances of the spread of the unknown disease were very high.

Pandithiji advised people not to lose hope and keep praying God. He was of the opinion that faith and hope are two great immunizers and healers too! Pandithiji used to tell people that faith leads to prayer, prayer leads to confidence and confidence was the most essential factor, in ensuring early cure. All villagers had great faith in pandithji, and they were religiously sticking to his preachings.

But not much improvements were seen. Reports of large number of deaths were heard from the neighbouring villages. Sulabha's mother was caught up with the fear of losing her husband and daughters. Innocent Sulabha had said to her mother then, 'sending away Shalu, my rabbit has brought bad luck to our family.'  Sulabha's mother had no answer.  Mood of the entire village had become gloomy.

One day Sulabha and her mother had gone to the forest to bring some fire wood.  When Sulabha was looking around, she was thrilled to find Shalu, her black rabbit.  Shalu came running to Sulabha.  Sulabha was extremely happy to take Shalu back to her home.  The very next day Dinanath was relieved from fever.  Within a couple of days all the  three sisters of Sulabha too were relieved from illness.  Happy days were back for the family.  Sulabha said to her father that good luck has come to them with the return of Shalu, the black rabbit. Dinanath had to nod in approval.  

Barring three cases of death, 27 people had recovered in the village.  Pandithji of the village received a special award from the local King for saving lives. 

More than 100 years ago, when the world's worst pandemic 'Spanish Flu-1918 broke, India was also severely affected.  In an era, when modern treatments were unheard, a village pandithiji, could save people with his humble medicine.  Pandithiji boosted villagers confidence with the super medicine called the 'prayer!' In this modern era of negative news from all media sources 24x7, has this story a message for us? Can avoiding listening to depressing news and retaining our confidence, help us in boldly facing the present pandemic?  I appeal for reactions from my readers.

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(I have written this short story, to be included in my forthcoming book 'India fights Corona.')

ನಿಸಾರರಿಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಕವನ ನಮನ

Mahabharat in Corona Times!

War against Corona began with the lockdown imposed since 24th March.  Telecast of the epic-serial Mahabharat (and also Ramayan) too was started from 28th March as if to supplement the effort in enforcing the lockdown.  More than thirty years ago these two great serials virtually had the power to confine entire India to their homes. 

War in Mahabharat was towards the end, whereas the Corona story has begun with the war itself! Our doctors and other paramedical staff are our front line warriors against Corona.  They are virtually working 24x7 staying away from their families for weeks together.  The story of the Belagavi

nurse Smt. Sugandha Korikoppa who could only shed tears from a distance on seeing her 3-year old daughter has melted the hearts of every one of us.  Such are the compulsions of the medical profession. Such high ideals for the nursing profession were laid by

Florence Nightingale, whose bicentennial birthday falls on 12th May.  The day is also celebrated world-wide as the international day of nurses. Florence came to limelight when she was the nurse in charge of care of the wounded soldiers during the Crimean war 

between UK alliance and Russia.  Popularly called the 'lady with the lamp', Florence, the succour of hope for the wounded soldiers is regarded as the 'founder of modern nursing'.  As a mark of respect to her services, nurses all over the world take their professional oath in her name.

The stories of many of our warriors themselves succumbing to Covid-19 are really unfortunate.  These brave hearts have never relented from their duty, although they knew that they run high risk of contracting the deadly virus.  Perhaps they were guided by the greatest lines of

from Bhagavatgeetha, which exhorted them to do their duty, leaving the consequences to the God.

Dr.KM Ismail Hussain, the founder of KM Hospital in Kurnool, AP was popularly known as 2-Rupee doctor.  Throughout his life of 79 years he served the poor irrespective of caste or religion.  While being on duty in treating Covid patients, he contracted the virus and died on 14th April.  May his spirit keep guiding us.

I am sure that with the help of our brave Corona warriors, India and the world are bound to win the war against Corona.  We as common men will certainly take note to contribute in all possible forms.

Corona crisis is not without positives.  Lockdown has shown us the way to rejuvenate the environment.  The scenes of clear Ganga and 

Himalayas visible from more than 200 kms are all welcome lessons. Mahabharat too has a great lesson on environment.

When brave Arjun, Bheem, Nakul and Sahdev disregard the sanctity of the Yaksha's pond while drinking its water, they had to pay by laying their lives.  Are not ponds and other water bodies asking us questions today?  Do we pay heed to preserve them? 

If we ignore their silent sufferings, will it not lead us to death?  When Yaksha offered to bring back to life at least one brother, Yudhistir requested to save his step-brother Sahadev first.  Even now, during such challenges our Corona warriors have certainly shown the way by ignoring their families, while rushing to save patients.

Corona lockdown has kindled the creativity among people.  People are taking to reading, writing and even coaching children.  TV serial Mahabharat has provided all of us the food for thought.  

For seniors like me the feeling is nostalgic, as the serial is a rerun from the times of our youth.  They say history repeats!  How true it is?  Like in Mahabharat, the Indo-Pak story is the story of conflict 

between two brothers. There was partition even during Mahabharat.  During partition of India, mediation was done by the British, but there was no such mediator in Mahabharat. India had leaders like  Yudhistir (Dharmaraj), who were ready to concede almost all terms demanded by the other camp. Like in Mahabharat, partition could not ensure peace and the war/s followed. With the passing away of veterans, accepted norms were thrown to the wind then, and it is happening even now.  All stakeholders have to realize that there can be no winner in a war. We all have to learn to live together in peace.

Thanks for reading.  Your comments are most welcome.

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Can Ramayana Kill Corona?

The best step forward to contain Corona was the 21-day Lockdown imposed on the entire country from 25th March.  As if to supplement this great step, Doordarshan started re-telecasting its super epic-show Ramayan.  Within no time, Doordarshan has regained its top position as the most popular channel!  Has Ramayana killed Corona?

Outbreak of Covid-19 about two months ago has immersed the entire world into a gloomy mood.  The concern is more acute in our Country which has a huge population with minimal medical facilities.  People confined to their homes are fed 24X7 with scaring news about spread of the disease.  Some psychiatrists have advised people, especially seniors and children to stay away from viewing Corona news.   Ramayan has certainly provided the much needed diversion to people from the sense of gloom. Let us recall the noble thoughts enshrined in Ramayan whose appeal is universal and eternal.  

The initial hesitation and then the wise decision by King Dasharath to send Ram and Laxman along with Saint Vishwamitra holds a great lesson for modern parents and our youngsters.  There comes a time when youngsters have to be launched into the real world to fight for themselves.

Poor succession plans have killed business houses!  King Dasharath was no exception.  His timing was wrong when Bharath and Shatrughan were away.  Without informing all stakeholders, hurriedly he planned Ram's accession to power and had to pay the price. Clever Ram found opportunity in adversity.

After losing Seetha, Ram felt helpless and looked for strategic alliances.  He forged friendship with Sugriva whose wife too was taken away by Vaali.  Ram dreamt that Sugriva's army of 'vanaras' can be formidable.  Ram further chose Hanuman as his special assistant for all dire needs. 

In order to strengthen his relationship with Sugriva, Ram killed Vaali by deceit, which has remained as a controversial remark on Lord Ram even today.  As the rift between Vaali and Sugriva was only because of a misunderstanding, diplomatic Ram could have tried easier option of reconciliation first.  Sometimes in a war strategy,  means takes a back seat while achieving the end!

In his maiden interactions with Ram, Seetha and Ravan, Hanuman proves to be a master communicator.  He avoids suddenly appearing before Seetha.  Instead hiding Hanuman starts reciting Ramayan and at right time drops down Seetha's ring.  He cleverly reminds Seetha that she had given the same ring to Lord Ram to be given as a gift to the boatman.  He speaks positively to fill Seetha's mind with hopes of early relief.

As a clever emissary Hanuman creates opportunity to meet Ravan and test his strength.  When Ravan chooses to humiliate him by firing his tail,  Hanuman pays back by setting fire to entire Lanka.  

Ram builds the bridge across the sea by utilizing the minimum resources of material and manpower at his command. Wisely he assigns the task to Nal and Neel who were proven engineers at his command.  

Compared to Ram, Ravan had all sources at his command.  But he had chosen the wrong path and ignored all sane advice. He totally rejected Vibhishan's advice and humiliated him.  Losing Vibhishan to enemies camp was probably Ravan's biggest strategic mistake.

 Averting a war is better than even winning it.  Ram chooses to send Angad as his emissary for one last time.  Adamant Ravan never realizes!

Kind Ram rushes towards dying Ravan to bless him.  Ravan summarizes his tragedy by telling Ram, 'Oh, Ram you are nothing before me.  You won because your brother Laxman was with you, and I lost because my brother Vibhishan was not with me'.  

(Cartoon Courtesy: Mr.Raghupathi Sringeri)

Ramayan's relevance is universal and eternal.  Brazilian PM moved our PM Modiji by quoting Hanuman who brought 'sanjeevini' to save Laxman and he rightfully got his quota of the much needed 'malaria drug' from India.  

As revealed by media, Ramayan has once again gripped the entire nation with positive thoughts, among all sections including men, women, seniors, young and children.  It has provided the much needed diversion from negative thoughts of Corona, which in itself is a victory over the disease.

Jai Sri Ram

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Deadlier than Corona!

Invisible virus Corona has shaken the entire world!  Till yesterday, it has engulfed 154 countries, infected 2,86,932+ people and killed 11,906 persons.  Italy's figures of 793 deaths (on 21st March) is scary. World's most powerful country USA is virtually shut down with fears of fatal spread. With only 315 infections and 4 deaths, India's figures are only looking deceptive.  Experts have warned that coming days are very crucial!

Virus attacks on mankind is not new.  The worst of them is the 'Spanish flu 1918' which lasted for 2 years till end of 1920.  Its attack period virtually extended the disastrous effects of World War I (1914-18). Spanish flu's death estimate of about 50 millions to 100 millions (about 5% of then world's population) had virtually eclipsed the first World War's toll which killed 9 millions soldiers and 7 million civilians.  Even in India about 15 million people became victims due to Spanish flu. 

Spanish flu was first of the two pandemics caused by H1N1 influenza virus, second being the 'Swine flu' of 2009. Doctors unsuccessfully tried to cure it with 'aspirin'.  Ultimately the virus weathered down on its own.  Strangely Spanish flu killed more youth and the middle-aged than the old!

Virus attacks are natural and man can do little to avoid their occurrence.  Unfortunately man-made disasters are bigger killers than the virus attacks. 

Road accidents kill about 1.5 million people every year around the world and the figures are ever increasing.  90% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries and most killed are young people.  The reasons for road accidents include rash driving, bad roads, liquor consumption and over-crowded roads. 

Surprisingly the biggest killer of mankind is 'hunger'.  As per UNO estimation, about 800 million people, the world over suffer from hunger which is more than 10% of world population.  About 25,000 people die every day because of hunger, which adds up to about 10 million deaths every year.  

Both the vaccine and the medicine for combating hunger are known to all of us. That is providing them food!  But not many care for this easy solution as hunger kills only poor whereas virus kills even the rich!

Hunger is rampant in Asian and African countries.  Hunger in children causes stunted physical and mental growth affecting the entire generation to come.  Mothers who are malnourished invariably give birth to weak children.  An interesting observation is that the education level of the mothers greatly influences the level of nourishment provided to children.  As per one study India is faring worse than her smaller neighbours, Srilanka and Bangladesh in combating hunger, malnutrition and child mortality!  

As per another estimate every year, food worth 750 billion dollars are wasted all over the world, whereas food worth 30 billion dollars annually is enough to combat world hunger! Strange that the mother earth is providing food for all, whereas man does not know how to make it reachable to the needy.  

All these doesn't mean that we can downplay the threat of Corona.  Let us take a pledge today on the occasion of  'Janata Curfew' to resolve and restrict ourselves for combating the ugly virus.  

Let's clap, ring bells and blow conchs at 5 pm today from our roof-tops, for thanking all those who are working tirelessly for fighting Corona.

Short live Corona!

Long live mankind!!

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CORONOMICS CURE

Corona virus is a deadly killer.  But it is proving more deadly for the world economy.  Rapidly spreading Corona is engulfing the entire world, leading to shattering of stock markets, travel, tourism and trade.  Schools and colleges are being closed.  India's top brand IPL-2020 is postponed.  Even the Japan Olympics scheduled for July-Aug 2020 is under serious threat! Already limping world economy is heading towards deep recession.  Nobody knows how long it may stretch?

Crumbling crude oil price has brought more anxiety than cheers.  Gains of lower oil prices may be more than wiped out for India, by its poorly performing economy. US dollar has gone up to IRs.74.

Yes Bank crisis may not have anything to do with Corona. It's a case of reckless lending by a notorious management with vested interests.  Burden of bailing out always falls on the Government which has lost no time in choosing SBI for the rescue act.  Saner sense seems to be prevailing, as private bodies like HDFC, ICICI too are being roped in for bail-out process.  But the role played by the regulator RBI and bank auditors which could not prevent the decay also must come under scanner! It's time RBI comes out with a rating of safety of banks from depositors point of view.  Customers certainly have a right to know!

With the looming recession, more NPAs are bound to confront all banks.  Less said the better about NBFCs!  IL & FS and DHFL may only be a tip of the ice-berg.  Telcom giants like Airtel and Vodafone too are asking for their pound of flesh.  Will Government be able to pull out all these white elephants?  It may take longer time to contain the impact of Coronomics than Corona itself!

We the people are more concerned about safeguarding our investments.  Especially the senior citizens, most of whom depend on returns from investments are really worried.  They have already fulfilled all their family responsibilities.  Still they have to look after themselves.  Health care is always a matter of concern.  Even the monthly expenses are ever increasing.  Food expenses may be a small fraction, but the cost of services and repairs is asking for the bigger piece of the pie! Stock market uncertainty will certainly loom longer this time. They have to tread with caution although they need not exit from the market. Where do they go from here?

While the bank deposit rates have dropped down to below 6%, National Small Savings Schemes (administered through Post Offices and Banks) are still attractive.  The flag-ship scheme among them is the 'Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)' which carries 8.6% (Interest payable quarterly) with an investment cap of Rs.15 lakhs per head!  Other schemes too are quite attractive.  Post Office Fixed deposits of 1, 2, 3 and 5 years (Max 7.7%, no investment cap) carry much better rates when compared to banks.  

LIC's Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana is one more attractive 10 year scheme with an interest rate of 8% (payable montly, with return of corpus at the end).  Interest is payable on monthly basis.  But the investment cap per person is 15 lakhs.

LIC's Jeevan Shanthi which assures 5.6% (payable monthly, with return of corpus at the end) return till the end of lives of husband and wife was looked down so far as low yielding.  But with bank deposit rates dropping below 6%, suddenly Jeevan Shanthi has caught attention of even experts.  Moreover there is no cap on investments.  Ten years from now, who knows?  The bank deposit rates may fall much below 5.6%!

One has to hurry-up as these interest rates may revised downwards after 31st March 2020 or even earlier!

The old adage says 'don't keep all your eggs in a single basket'.  Also the master investment guideline says 'higher the age, lower the risk'.  'Not taking a risk is also a risk' is one more prescription and it may not be inapplicable for seniors too!  Therefore we, especially seniors, have to work out a balanced healthy portfolio out of our hard earned funds, so that risk and returns are optimized. We don't know how to conquer Corona, but certainly we can find a cure for the ills of Coronomics!

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P.S.: I had a family health cover of 10 lakhs till 31-12-2019 under the Group policy of my employer.  I had applied for availing continued health cover even after my relief from the job, but there was no response from the insurer.  A fortnight ago, I complained to IRDAI and because of their intervention, the Insurer has now come forward to give me the continued cover.  

Also seniors may forget renewing the health cover in time.  Losing health cover at advanced age is certainly dangerous.  Therefore I suggest that we all individually and collectively will have to appeal to IRDAI to come out with a single premium health policy which assures continuous health cover till death.