Bhyrappa's Parva turns 40!

Yes, Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa's 'Parva' was launched 40 years ago as a Kannada novel. Since then it has kindled the imagination of connoisseurs of literature all over the world.  It is now translated and published in 10 languages including English and Sanskrit.  Its Kannada version has found 21 reprints and its Marathi version has found 15 reprints! 

Parva is Vyasa's Mahabharath rewritten.  But Dr. Bhyrappa has viewed Mahabharath not as mythology, but as a live event of our history.  Obviously he has demystified all characters and events of the great epic. Although Krishna (the God!) is a major character in this novel too, he is depicted as a human character susceptible to follies of life! Dr. Bhyrappa's demystification of the entire epic brings the story and its characters closer to our lives.

'Akshaya vastra pradhan' is probably the most touching event in Mahabharath.  Disrobing and rape of women is happening in the present day world too, where Krishna/s never come to the rescue!
But in Vysa's Mahabharath, Krishna, the God sends an unending chain of sarees from his place to protect Draupadi's honour.  Demystifying this event, Dr. Bhyrappa has given a different twist.  With husbands and elders not ready to come to the rescue, helpless Draupadi shouts at Duryodhan saying that 'Krishna is still by her side and she will take revenge with his help'!  When reminded of Krishna and his clout, Duryodhan orders his brother to stop the act of disrobing.  Thereby Bhyrappaji demystifies the event and makes it look convincing, but still effective!

Guru Drona's act of robbing Ekalavya's archery skills by demanding the 'most infamous Gurudakshina' is a black mark on the community of teachers.  Bhyrappaji, himself being a teacher has given a new twist to the entire saga to deflect the black mark away from 'Guru Drona'.  I am presenting Bhyrappaji's version in the form of my self-composed-poetry.  Please read on.

GURU DRONA

(A Soliloquy)

'Acharya Devo Bhava' says Upanishad
Yes, I am a revered Guru, yet
I am remembered as a Cheat!

I was born poor
martial arts was never my forte
Yet, I mastered all that
thanks to my Guru’s touch!
I was determined to teach
caste, creed and religion were no hitch, yet
I am remembered as a Cheat!

When my life was under threat
I had to seek retreat under
Bhishma, the uncrowned King of Hastinapur
Yes, I became a royal Guru, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!

No doubt, Arjun was  bright

but when I saw Ekalavya, the forest kid

I couldn't resist

I was thrilled by his skills!

And I dared to teach him along with Kuru Princes!

I adored Ekalavya and Arjun more than my own son, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!

I forgot I was a royal stooge

my Gurukul was under siege

Raged Bhishma thundered

poor Ekalavya had to be barred

And my heart became heavy and eyes wet, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!

Teacher in my heart continued to beat 

and I kept secretly boating to Ekalavya's forest

Taught him all secrets of skillful combat 

and made him world's great, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!

Talent can never be hidden for long

And one day when Ekalavya came to light

arrogant Bhishma could not tolerate!

I was pulled and ordered to eliminate 

my most talented pet!

And I was made a hapless ploy for 

fulfilling the royal might, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!

My heart sunk into my boot

when I demanded 'Gurudakshina' 

of my beloved’s thumb, so deft at right

and how shameful I felt?

I did balm that injured fist

I even taught him the four-fingered archery art

but nothing could wipe my guilt, yet

I am remembered as a Cheat!!!

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Yesterday I had the honour of attending a national seminar at Bengaluru  on the occasion of 40 years of Parva.  The program had the privilege of presence of Dr. S.L.Bhyrappa (4th from left) himself.  The seminar was inaugurated by Jnanapeeta awardee Mr. Chandrashekara Kambara (5th from left), who is also the President of Central Sahitya Academy.  He announced that the Academy is taking measures to get the great novel 'Parva', translated to all major languages of the world!  Literary greats from outside and inside the State participated in the seminar. 

I appeal to all our friends to read this great novel 'Parva' to experience the fallibility of human characters to the temptations of life.  Those who have already read may please share their views through the medium of this blog.  Comments from all our honourable readers are most welcome.

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Nirbala Economy?

Nirbala Economy?  This is the question being asked not by Modi-baiters, but by Modi-Bhakts!

I remember a story of a King who had four princes.  Ambitious King had put them under martial training under a worthy Guru. 

After sometime, the King asked his minister to take a test of the progress of his children.  All the four princes failed in almost all the tests.  Angry King sacked the Guru and appointed another renowned Guru after careful considerations. After some more time when the minister took the tests again, all the four princes scored lesser than earlier tests!  What's happening?  The King was dismayed! The anxieties in the minds of sensible observers of our economy are not very different.

More than five years ago, Modiji was voted to power with great hopes.  Early this year, he was given a second mandate too with hopes of 8% GDP growth rate.  But the growth rate has now nosedived to 4.5% after continuous falls since last 4 quarters!

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has contracted for third month in a row, witnessed first time since 2012. Less said the better about our Agriculture.  Late and erratic monsoon rains this year have brought our farmers down to their knees!  Floods have washed away most crops in many states.  The recent shoot in prices for onion is grim reminder of the state of our agriculture and economy.

Fiscal deficit till October (excess of expenditure over revenue) has exceeded the budget proposals for 2019-20!  Inflation is ruling high

 and vegetable prices have shot up by 36% compared to last year. Exports have registered a small improvement, but they are doing badly when compared to early 2010s.

Government is left in the lurch on GST collections owing to tumbling demand.  Most states are crying for GST dues from Centre.

As per one report unemployment has hit the rock bottom to 45 years low! It may not be an exaggeration.  It is estimated that a drop in GDP growth rate by 1% will take away about 1 crore jobs. Remember our GDP growth rate has fallen by at least 2.5% since 2016! Manufacturing industries only can create jobs in huge numbers.  Indian manufacturing industries employ just 14 millions compared to more than 100 millions in China!

All our public sector banks (if IDBI included too) put together have registered net loss for Sep 2019.  They are reeling under pressure of 10 lakh crore rupees of NPAs. No wonder if more NPAs too are in the pipe-line.  Even private sector banks have registered a decline in profitability by about 10%.

New nightmares are emerging in the form of NBFC fiascos! Burgeoning dues piled up by IL & FS, DHFL and Co are really disturbing. It's in fact an extension of the real estate mess!

Vows of our telecom operators are headed by BSNL with about a lakh crore rupees of accumulated losses.  Tumbling under the pressure of huge losses, private sector telecoms have increased their tariff by 50% since Dec 1st. Since demo 2016, real estate sector has never raised its head! 

Moody's have recently degraded India's ratings to negative from stable!  However the silver-lining is provided by our consistent stock market with a sensex level of 40000.  This is said to be due to consistent inflows from FIIs bringing cheap money from foreign sources.  Also is it an indicator of inherent strength of economy?

What are the causes?
India's economic vows are said to be cyclical in nature.  After having consistently hit the peaks of about 7% GDP growth for long since 2009, this down-turn looks logical. Moreover the world economy itself is witnessing a slow-down at 3% growth.

Trade war between two giants America and China is certainly not helping the Indian cause. Although the present Government has initiated many reforms, still many obstacles are persisting. Indian interest rates and tax rates are considered high when compared to world standards.

Also in 2000s, our Country could produce giants in fields of IT, Pharma and Auto sectors. But no such sectors have secured firm holds during 2010s.  Government has not done much in pushing emerging sectors like education, health and tourism which could be our next set of world-beaters!

Does all these mean that our Government has not done anything in last 5 years? Certainly not!  Our GST initiative which almost looks set is a major step. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) introduced for solving huge NPAs of banks is another major reform. Extending IBC cover to NBFCs is a welcome move.  Recent reduction in corporate taxes to 22% (15% for startups) has brought India at par with the best in the world! GDP has grown from 2 to 2.9 trillion dollars during 2014-19. As a result our country has reached the rank of 63 in 'world bank rank of ease of doing business', a jump from 140 during 2014! 

Huge infra by way of highways, railways, airports, seaports created during last 5 years is note-worthy.  Merger of public sector banks is one more initiative which may help in improvement.

What can be done further?

Stable Governments at the center and most states is a positive factor.  It's time we go for more reforms, especially in the areas of land acquisition and labour.  Presently there about 44 labour laws and there is a scope for reducing them to 4.  Industries with more than 100 laborers have to comply with most of these 44 laws!  The recent initiative of 'disinvestment' of PSUs like BPCL is a welcome initiative.  Also the plan to invest 100 lakh crores of rupees in improving our buildings and infra also may help the cause.

Before it becomes late, we have to take all steps to attract multi-nationals who want to move away from China, in view of the ongoing trade war!  Any delay will make us to lose the opportunity which may be taken away by competitors like Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Also it may be right time to launch the major initiative of inter-linking of our rivers which is bound to boost job creation.  Finding funds may not be a big problem as huge funds are available at very low cost in the world market.

Economic cycle is bound to turn favouring our economic development. Our Government and entrepreneurs have to make right decisions at right time.  Let's hope that India reaches its target of becoming a 5 trillion economy by 2024!

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Kannada Medium

1st November is the day of Kannada Rajyotsava and today (30th Nov) happens to be the last day of the Kannada month.  This blog of mine on this occasion is deliberately written in English.  There is need to spread the fragrance of Kannada and its culture to the millions of non-kannadigas who are living inside and outside Karnataka.

Quotation in Kannada in the above pic claims that Kannadigas, even without formal education are capable of writing epics!  The quotation is an extract from the first ever known book in Kannada, 'Kavirajamarga'  written by the Rashtrakuta King Amoghavarsha around 850 C.E. A number of live examples of great personalities around proves that there is no exaggeration in the statement. 

Dada Palke award winner, Padmabhushana Dr. Rajkumar (left in Pic) is a veteran Kannada film actor.  Each of his 200 films is no less than an epic.  He studied up to only 3rd standard in formal schools.

Padmasri winner Salumarada Thimmakka (middle in the pic) never went to Schools. She never had children.  But single handedly she has brought up 384 trees, along 4-kms stretch of a state highway! Probably her effort is the greatest message for preserving environment.

Padmasri winner Sulagitti Narasamma (right in the pic) too was from humble backgrounds.  She was a self-appointed midwife who has successfully performed over 15000 child deliveries in rural areas without charging any fees.  She had the expertise in identifying proper location of head and limbs of the child inside the woomb!

Karnataka is the home of 4 Bharat Ratnas.  C.V.Raman (extreme right), the Physicist was also a Nobel award winner.  Sir M.Visvesvaraiah (second from right) was a great Engineer.  Pandith Bhimsen Joshi (extreme left) is the uncrowned King of Hindustani vocal music.  Many are surprised that our great scientist C.N.R.Rao is not yet awarded a Nobel.

Karnataka undoubtedly, is the most musical state in India.  It is the only state where both the systems of Indian classical music, Hindustani and Carnatic are alive and thriving. 

Moreover Sugama Sangeeta, the system of composing and singing poems written by great poets has the deepest roots in Karnataka.  Sugama sangeeta singers like C.Aswath (right in pic above) are household names in Karnataka, although they are not film singers! Not many Indian States have such distinction.

Karnataka is also known for its rich literature.  Leaving Hindi, Kannada is the language which has produced highest number of Gnanapeeta award winners (see Pic above).

Karnataka is one of the great tourist destinations in India. Aihole temple in Bagalkot district (top row, extreme right) built around 500 C.E. is probably one of the earliest stone arts for the whole of India! 

Rev. Kittel (top left) was a German priest.  He was the first person to write a Kannada-English dictionary during 1894. Another German,  Krumbigal (inset right) was the Botanist who developed our Lalbagh under Mysuru Kings. Services of Dr. MccGann in interiors of Shivamogga District is honoured by naming the District Hospital after him.

Karnataka's contribution to the world of sports is also immense.  Karnataka cricketers are well known.  Prakash Padukone (right below) was the first Indian to win All England Open Badminton and was also rated world No. 1 during 1980. Pankaj Advani (top left) is 23 times Billiords world champion! 

Karnataka is the motherland of IT and BT giants. Bengaluru is now the home for millions of IT-BT professionals from all over the country!

While Karnataka is thriving, Kannada is languishing behind. Kannada has almost vanished from its capital, Bengaluru.  While outsiders are not interested in learning or speaking Kannada, natives too are equally disinterested.  For senior natives like me it is disgusting to see young children speaking, playing and even quarreling in English! It seems that after another 2-3 decades, Kannada is bound to become extinct in Karnataka.  This is also the sad story of all other regional languages of India.  But who is caring?

Parents can't be blamed for putting their children into English medium schools.  Their main concern is to make their children employable! Till last year in almost all rural Government Kannada Schools, students strength was poor and were facing closure.  This year Karnataka Government has introduced English Medium from 1st standard in about 1000 Government schools, at the rate of 1 school each in a hobli (sub-taluka)! This has proved a magical step.  There is huge rush for admissions in such Goverment Schools.  Parents are even taking away their children from Private English schools. 

Then how Kannada should thrive?  Fighting for Kannada medium in all Schools and Colleges is bound to be resisted by parents and administrators.  Courts too are inclined to reject such petitions. The best way is to make Kannada a compulsory subject in all classes till Graduation.  Parents and students are unlikely to oppose such a proposal.  Central Government can take initiative to implement such bold measure in all States, so that the cause of all regional languages gains strength. Of course, this is my view.  I welcome alternative views from my friends.

Before concluding I would like to place before you one question.  WHO IS THE SHRESHTA (greatest) KANNADIGA OF ALL TIMES? I am sure you people will flood me with right answers!

Long live Kannada!

Long Live All Indian Languages!!

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ಕಲಿ ಮಗಳೆ ನೀನು

ಕಲಿ ಮಗಳೆ ನೀನು 

ಕಲಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲ ನಾನು, ಕಲಿ ಮಗಳೆ ನೀನು 

ಶೋಷಿತಳು ನಾನು, ಸುಶಿಕ್ಷತಳಾಗು ನೀನು 

ನಿರಾಶ್ರಿತಳು ನಾನು, ನನ್ನಾಶಾಕಿರಣ ನೀನು 

ಬೀದಿ ಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು, ಬಾನೆತ್ತರಕೇರು ನೀನು 

ಕೈಗೂಡಲಿ ತಾಯ ಹರಕೆ, ಈಡೇರಲಿ ನಿನ್ನ ಬಯಕೆ 

Travel lessons from US

America, the land of opportunities holds an unique attraction for people all over the world.  The dream of every travel loving person is to visit US, at least once. In this context, I take the pleasure of sharing with you a few lessons I learnt from our recent tour of US.

How to plan a cheaper tour?
The most preferred option for seniors for a comfortable tour is to choose one of the well known Indian tourist operators.  We travelled with one such operator, who provided us a total solution and our experience was good.  But the cost involved was quite high. The cost was about USD 600 per day (Rs.42,000) for 2 persons.  This was excluding onward and return journey fares, as we travelled on our own ahead of the tour party.

Moreover tourist operators are likely to postpone booked tours for want of enough number of bookings and this causes great inconvenience to working/business professionals.  This also may result in escalated cost.

There are a few well known local tourist operators in US who offer short and long trips covering entire US.  They will pick you only from local centers in US. We travelled with one such operator called 'TakeTours.com' on a 2-day trip to Boston. Know more by visiting their site. Also the cost quoted in their site is only the basic cost and other charges are collected separately while travelling. The experience was equally good, excepting that we had to do some compromise on food. The cost involved was about  USD 400 per day (Rs.28,000) for 2 persons. This option is very good for those who go and stay with their friends/relatives/children. Choosing this option is bound to please hosts by providing them the much needed relief! And your coverage of tour will become more detailed and comfortable.

One can also explore cheaper stays at US,  through a well known operator called 'airbnb.com'.

Obtaining US-Visa:
One can apply online on their own or apply through the chosen tourist operator/Visa-agent. Ensure that visa application is filled only as per facts and keep ready all supporting documents.  Confidently face the visa-interview and answers should be based only on facts and nothing else.  In all probability visa will be granted.

It is better to obtain US-visa at least 3 months ahead of your tour.  This will help exploring cheaper air-fare during travel.  Booking air-tickets with a few days left for travel will prove very very costly! Even tourist operators cleverly de-link themselves from such late booking costs.

Those who are likely to visit Niagara falls, should also obtain 

Canada-visa before leaving India.  Niagara visit is incomplete without viewing from Canada-side. Canada-side is only a few Kms away from US-side of Niagara.

Which period to chose?
May to September period is considered good for US-travel.  One should also try to avoid local school/college holiday period, to avoid rush at tourist locations. It is always better to check from US-friends.

How much money to take?

If you are travelling with a tourist-operator, about USD 50 per day for 2 persons is more than enough. If you are travelling on your own, you may have to carry about USD 500 per one travelling day for 2 persons. In both the cases it is assumed that you are clever enough not to make any costly purchases. Whatever money you may carry, take it in the form of multi-currency-travel-cards and cash in the ratio of 3:1. Card alone may not work always.

Ensure that you obtain adequate Travel Insurance before leaving India.  God forbid, if something happens, medical treatment is bound to cost heavily for tourists.  Fortunately cost of travel of insurance is not more than a few thousands.  Moreover if you are going through a tourist operator, ensure that they have covered your travel insurance.

If you are travelling on your own, taxi travel becomes inevitable.  Ensure that you have downloaded Uber app and the same is linked to one of your debit/credit cards. Many of the Uber-taxi operators in US will not accept cash! 

Every tourist, young or old must always carry with him/her enough cash, a live-mobile and a copy of his passport-visa.  Moreover it is very important to hand-hold elders and children! 

How much luggage?
Carry luggage within permitted limits of air travel (generally 23 kgs check-in and 7 kgs of cabin baggage per person).  Also check whether you are physically strong enough to carry your luggage because in US, coolies are not available.  Moreover in US-airports luggage-trolleys are not freely available!

Essentials like your daily tablets should be carried in two different packets stored in two different suit-cases. Better to carry  spare spectacles too. Fix a 'place for each item and keep every item in its place', in order to avoid irritation and anxiety while searching.

While all sharp items like scissors and razors should be kept in check-in luggage, power-bank must be carried in cabin-baggage only.

Is America different from India?
America is 3-times bigger than India by land.  But its population is just 32 crores when compared to India's 130 crores! Moreover it is a rich country with GDP, 6-times greater than India's. 

Most of the residential colonies are away from the cities.  Such colonies are the ideal locations of tranquility.  Roads are broad, long and well laid with green trees on either sides. An average plot with a single house measures about 1-2 acres.  

Americans concern for preserving nature too is exemplary.  We
visited one such location called 'Dukes Park' in New Jersey.  It's

a 3000-acre park developed and maintained by a philanthropist by name J.B.Duke.  It's a peaceful homeland for thousands of species of flora and fauna. Entry for visitors is free.

New York, America's biggest city with a composite-population of about 2 crores is a packed city almost like our Mumbai. Traffic-jams are as bad as any other Indian city here.  Moreover 

New York too is facing uphill task of managing its huge pile of garbage! 

Roads linking various cities of US are not great.  They too are 

congested with dense traffic.  Pot-holes and road-patches are not uncommon here. A passenger bus in US can cover about 70-80 Kms per hour.  We can proudly say that our Indian 6-lane highways are equally good, if not better than America's!

Dollar Vs Rupee!
No doubt, USD is much stronger than Indian Rupee!  The average per-capital income of an average American is about USD 60,000 and he spends about a third of his income on housing.

Compare this to an average Indian, whose per-capita income is about USD 2000.  But he spends only about a tenth of his income on housing.  May be the quality of housing may not be comparable.  But it proves a point that Indian Rupee is much stronger when measured in terms of Purchase-Power-Parity (PPP). A cup of coffee costs about USD 5 in US, whereas even for Rs.10 one can get a good cup of coffee in India!

Last but not the least America is a multi-ethnic and multi-racial country.  Over centuries it has gracefully accommodated

people migrating from all parts of the world including India.  It's a perfect example of people living in harmony.  Any tourist visiting US, while walking on a road,  is bound to be pleasantly surprised by the warmth of a 'nice hello' from a stranger-American! They are friendly and helpful people too. Moreover what makes USA great is its sense of discipline, law and order compliance among its people.

Long live America

Long live India

Long live Indo-American friendship!

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ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ- ಏಕತೆ - ಸಂವಾದ

ಅಮೇರಿಕದ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆಯ ದೇವಿ

ಭಾರತದ ಯುನಿಟಿ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆಯ ಪಟೇಲರನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾದಾಗ ಏನು ಹೇಳಿದಳು.............?

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದೇವಿಯು ನಾನು

ಏಕತೆಯ ಪ್ರತೀಕ ನೀನು

ಹಡ್ಸನ್ ನದಿಯ ವಿಹಾರಿ ನಾನು

ನರ್ಮದೆಯಲಿ ಮಿಂದೆದ್ದ ಧೀರ ನೀನು

ಮಿತ್ರರ ಬಳುವಳಿ ನಾನು

ಬೆವರ ಗಳಿಕೆಯು ನೀನು

ಮನುಕುಲ ಕಾಣದ ದೇವತೆ ನಾನು

ಮನುಕುಲ ಕಂಡ ಅಪ್ರತಿಮ ವೀರನು ನೀನು

ಗಳಿಸಿರುವೆ ನಾನೀಗ ಭಾರಿ ಹಣಬಲ

ತಿಳಿಸಿರುವೆ ನೀನೀಗ ಜನಬಲದ ಹಂಬಲ

ಎಲ್ಲ ಬಯಪ  ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ನಾನು

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಕಾವ ಏಕತೆಯು ನೀನು

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯಕೆ ಸಾಕಂತೆ ಒಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಸಮರ 

ಏಕತೆಗೆ ಬೇಕಂತೆ ದುಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಎತ್ತರ

ದೊರಯಲಿ ಮನುಕುಲಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿಯು ಸರಸರ

(ರಚನೆ : ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ ಕೆ. )

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                                                                                                                                                    ( ಪು. ತಿ .ನೋ.) 

ಗಮನಿಸಿ :

ಕಳೆದ ತಿಂಗಳು ನಾನು 'ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಅಫ್ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ'ಯನ್ನು ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿದಾಗ, ಮೇಲಿನ ಕವಿತೆಯನ್ನು ರಚಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. 

೧.  'ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಅಫ್ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ' ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯದ ಪ್ರತೀಕ .  ಅದು ಅಮೆರಿಕಾದ ನ್ಯೂಯೋರ್ಕ್ ಸಮೀಪದ ಹಡ್ಸನ್ ನದಿಯ ದ್ವೀಪದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.   ಆ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ ರೋಮನ್ ದೇವತೆಯೊಬ್ಬಳದು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಲಾಗಿದೆ. 

೨. ಪಟೇಲರ  'ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಆಫ್ ಯುನಿಟಿ' ಏಕತೆಯ ಪ್ರತೀಕ.  ಅದು ಗುಜರಾತನ ನರ್ಮದಾ ನದಿಯ ಮೇಲಿದೆ. 

೩. ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಅಫ್ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ ಫ್ರಾನ್ಸನ ಜನರು ಅಮೆರಿಕಾಗೆ ನೀಡಿದ ಬಳುವಳಿ. 

೪. ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಆಫ್ ಯುನಿಟಿ (೧೮೨ ಮೀ.),  ಸ್ಟಾಟ್ಯೂ ಅಫ್ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ ( ೯೩ ಮೀ.)ಗಿಂತ ಎರಡು ಪಟ್ಟು ಎತ್ತರವಿದೆ. 

೫. 'ಒಂದು + ಪಟ್ಟು = ಒಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು' ಎಂದು ಬಳಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. 

೬. ಬರುವ ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ ೩೧ರಂದು ಪಟೇಲರ ಜನುಮ ದಿನ.  ಪಟೇಲರ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆಗೊಂಡ ಮೊದಲ ವಾರ್ಷಿಕೋತ್ಸವವು ಅಂದೇ. ನನ್ನ  ಕವಿತೆಯನ್ನು ಆ ದಿನ ಪ್ರಕಟಿಸಿ ಎಂದು ಈ ಮೂಲಕ ಕೋರುತ್ತೇನೆ.  

From:
Lakshminarayana K
104, 2nd Main
Shreyas Colony
J.P. Nagar 7th Phase
Bengaluru - 560 078

Mobile & Whatsapp: 98455 62603
e mail: klakshminarayana1956@rediffmail.com

Blog Link: https://blogbuster-lakshminarayana-k.blogspot.com/2019/10/blog-post_28.html

जब आज़ादी मिले एकता से। .......

मैं आज़ादी की देवी,

तुम एकता के वीर |

मैं हडसन नदी की विहारी,

तुम नर्मदा से उभरे धीर |

मैं बानी मित्रों के तोहफ़े से 

तुम खून-पसीने का फल |

अब मैं पायी हूँ अपार धन-बल,

तुझमे है भरपूर जन-बल |

मैं हूँ देवी अगोचर,

तुम हो सच्चे वीर |

संधर्ष से मिले आज़ादी,

एकता से मजबूती |

हाथ उठा के छुई मैंने आज़ादी,

खड़े-खड़े तुझमे जमी एकता |

तेरी एकता से मिले मेरी आज़ादी,

लाये विश्व में अमन-शांति |

(कवी - लक्ष्मीनारायणा के.)

                                                                                            (PTO)




Notes:

1. I wrote this poem originally in Kannada (my mother tongue), 
    when I visited Statue of Liberty at USA during  last month.  
   Now I have translated the poem into Hindi.

   The poem is written as what the Goddess of Statue of Liberty
    said to Sardar Patelji of Statue of Unity, when the two met.

2.Statue of Liberty symbolizes 'liberty'. It is said to be statue of  

    a Roman Goddess. It is on Hudson river of New York, USA.

3. Statue of Unity symbolizes 'unity'.  It is the statue of Sardar 

    Patelji.  It is on Narmada river at Gujarat, India.

4. Statue of Unity (182 m) is two times taller than Statue of Liberty      (93 m).

5. Statue of Liberty was gifted by French people to USA.

6. America symbolized by Statue of Liberty, is now a rich 
    nation.  India's strength lies in its people.

7. I appeal to all concerned to give this poem a wide  
    publicity during 31st Oct 2019, which is the birth-
   anniversary of Sardar Patelji.  It's also the first 
   anniversary day of dedication of the statue to the 
   nation.

From:
Lakshminarayana K
104, 2nd Main
Shreyas Colony
J.P. Nagar 7th Phase
Bengaluru - 560 078

Mobile & Whatsapp: 98455 62603
e mail: klakshminarayana1956@rediffmail.com
Blog Link: https://blogbuster-lakshminarayana-k.blogspot.com/2019/10/blog-post.html

Our America Tour - Part II

From Washington D.C., we traveled by bus for about five hours to reach New York.

New York, better known as the 'city of skyscrapers', is the largest city in US, with a population of more than 8 million. This city is said to be the financial, cultural and media capital of the world.

Statue of Liberty which symbolizes the spirit of liberty of America is the greatest icon of New York.  The 302 feet statue made of copper and bronze was presented by the people of France to America during 1883. Our Patel's statue of unity on Narmada river stands 582 feet and is about two times taller, probably highlighting that it needs greater effort to attain 'unity' when compared to 'liberty'!

One World Trade Center (Pic above), another icon of New York was constructed as a substitute for twin towers of World Trade Center destroyed by the deadly terror attack of  9/11, 2001.  At the bottom of this 104-floor tower is the site of fallen twin towers, now left vacant as twin memorial for the 9/11 victims, designed in the form of special fountains (see pic below).

We were taken in special lifts of 'One World Trade Center' to the 102nd floor in just 50 seconds, from where we could enjoy the panoramic view of the New York City. Adjacent to the memorial is the 9/11 museum which displays objects, pictures and videos connected with the tragedy.

We also went round New York witnessing great land mark buildings like UNO-Head Quarters, Rockfeller Center and Times Square (Pic above) which is an important commercial intersection. 

All our tour-mates were now eagerly looking forward to witness the most famous water-falls of the world, the Niagara.

What makes Niagara unique is its huge volume of falling water which is perennial throughout the year.  Niagara is a group of three water falls which marks the boundary between USA and Canada. Moreover the length of all the three falls of Niagara which exceeds 1.2 kms, adds to its beauty. Surprisingly the source of water for Niagara falls is a huge lake called 'Erie'!  Americans are experts in branding their icons.  Multi-colored illumination (see left pic above) and exciting fire-works during nights are great tourist attractions.  Cruise ride took us closer to the water-falls which was a thrilling experience.

Our own Jog falls of Karnataka (middle pic above) is second to none in its glory, especially during its peak season (Aug-Sep). Niagara does not have the glory of 'flora and fauna' like our Jog falls. It has a great height of 830 feet (Niagara height is only 165 feet), but its length is less when compared to Niagara.  It may not be difficult to make this water-falls a perennial one by recycling water.  Further branding efforts like illumination, fire-works, water sports and cruise ride can certainly lift its glory.  It is an ideal location for arranging for 'sky-walk' by installing a glass-bridge across. But will our leaders bother to do all these?

Touring Washington, New York and Niagara ended our east-coast tour of US.  Now it was time to reach the west-coast.  From Buffalo-Niagara we had to travel 6-hours by flight to reach San Franscisco!

San Francisco is the highest rated American city on 'world liveability rankings'! Golden Gate Bridge across the Pacific ocean (1st pic to left above) is a great tourist attraction.

Why is Las Vegas called the Sin City?  This city is the center for numerous forms of adult entertainment! Las Vegas is famous for its luxurious casino-hotels.  Las Vegas by night attains its full bloom and we had the opportunity to witness it by walk, bus-travel and a helicopter-ride. This city which never sleeps is ideal for revelers and gamblers.

Grand Canyon (Pic above), one of the seven wonders of the natural world,  is about 3 hours bus-drive from Las Vegas.  Grand Canyon is a steep valley carved by Colorado river. Grand Canyon is 446 kms long, 29 kms wide and about 2 kms in depth! The highlight of our visit was the 'sky-walk' on a cantilever glass-bridge erected above a valley of about 5000 feet depth!

The last leg of our US tour was the city of Los Angeles. The home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is also known as the 'movie-capital of the world'. We visited the Hollywood Boulevard which hosts the Oscar presentation ceremony every year.  This iconic  

building also displays celebrities signature, hand and foot-prints (see pic above showing Marilyn Monroe's). 

A visit to Universal studios was the highlight of our Los Angeles tour.  A simulated show of our interaction with Harry Potter story events was a terrifying experience. 

Last but not the least (see pic above), we are thankful to our tour guides and captains (that is how bus-drivers are respected in US) who provided us an excellent support by coordinating the various events and requirements.

Thanks for reading both parts of 'Our Ameria Tour' blog.  Please send your comments and observations by uploading below or by sending whatsapp/e-mail messages.  (e-mail id: klakshminarayana1956@rediffmail.com
Whats App No. 98455 62603)

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My poem written on the occasion of my visit to STATUE OF LIBERTY on 14th Sep 2019.

ಅಮೇರಿಕದ ಲಿಬರ್ಟಿ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆಯ ದೇವಿ

ಭಾರತದ ಯುನಿಟಿ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆಯ ಪಟೇಲರನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾದಾಗ ಏನು ಹೇಳಿದಳು.............?

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ದೇವಿಯು ನಾನು

ಏಕತೆಯ ಪ್ರತೀಕ ನೀನು

ಹಡ್ಸನ್ ನದಿಯ ವಿಹಾರಿ ನಾನು

ನರ್ಮದೆಯಲಿ ಮಿಂದೆದ್ದ ಧೀರ ನೀನು

ಮಿತ್ರರ ಬಳುವಳಿ ನಾನು

ಬೆವರ ಗಳಿಕೆಯು ನೀನು

ಮನುಕುಲ ಕಾಣದ ದೇವತೆ ನಾನು

ಮನುಕುಲ ಕಂಡ ಅಪ್ರತಿಮ ವೀರನು ನೀನು

ಗಳಿಸಿರುವೆ ನಾನೀಗ ಭಾರಿ ಹಣಬಲ

ತಿಳಿಸಿರುವೆ ನೀನೀಗ ಜನಬಲದ ಹಂಬಲ

ಎಲ್ಲರು ಬಯಸುವ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ನಾನು

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಕಾವ ಏಕತೆಯು ನೀನು

ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯಕೆ ಸಾಕಂತೆ ಒಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಸಮರ 

ಏಕತೆಗೆ ಬೇಕಂತೆ ದುಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು ಎತ್ತರ

ದೊರಯಲಿ ಮನುಕುಲಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿಯು ಸರಸರ

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NOTES:
1.Liberty Statue of America is the symbol of liberty.
Patel's statue is the symbol of unity.

2.Liberty statue is in an island of Hudson river in New York.
Statue of unity is erected on Narmada river of Gujarat.

3.Liberty statue was gifted by French people to US.
Liberty of unity was built by people of India.

4.Liberty statue is a Goddess of Rome.
Sardar Patel is a real human.

5.America symbolized by statue of liberty is now a very rich country.
India's strength lies in its people.

6.A single effort (ಒಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು = ಒಂದು ಪಟ್ಟು) of struggle may get a country freedom. But it needs twice ( ದುಪ್ಪಟ್ಟು) that effort to attain unity and unity alone can safeguard freedom.
Symbolically height of unity statue (182 mts) is twice that of liberty statue (93 mts).

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Poem written by me on the occasion of my recent visit to Niagara on 15th Sep 2019

ನಯಾಗರೆ

ಅಮೆರಿಕ ನಿನ್ನ ತವರೆ

ಕೆನಡದಿ ನಿನ್ನ ಧಾರೆ

ನಡುವೆ ನಿನ್ಕಾಣ ಬಂದಿರುವೆ

ಬಾರೆ, ಬಾರೆ

ಸುಂದರ ತರುಣಿಯ ಚಹರೆ

ವಯ್ಯಾರಿ ನೀನು ಉಟ್ಟು ಬಿಳಿ ಸೀರೆ

ನಯವಾಗಿ ದುಮುಕುವೆಯಲ್ಲೆ

ಚಿಮ್ಮತ ನೀರ ತುಂತುರೆ

ಕೈ ಬೀಸಿ ಕರೆಯುವೆಯಲ್ಲೆ

ಜೋಡಿ ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳ

ಚಿಮ್ಮಿಸುವೆಯಲ್ಲೆ ಥರ ಥರದ ಭಾವಗಳ

ತಡೆಯಲಾದೀತೆ ಬಿಸಿ ನೆತ್ತರ ತುಂಟಾಟಗಳ?

ಸಾಹಸಿಗರ ಛಲ

ಸಿನಿಮಿಗರ ಸಿಂಗಾರ

ಕಲಾಕುಂಚಿಗರ ಚಿತ್ತಾರ

ಪ್ರೇಮಿಗಳ ಶೃಂಗಾರ, ವಿರಹಿಗಳ ಉದ್ಗಾರ

ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗು ನೀನೊಂದು ಆಗರ

ಚಿರಕಾಲ ಹರಿಯುತ್ತ ಹರೆಸು

ನಿನ್ನರಸಿ ಬರುವ ಚರಾಚರ

Notes:
1. ಸುಂದರ ತರುಣಿಯ ಚಹರೆ = 'Bride's veil' which is the name of one of the three falls of Niagara

2.ನೀರ ತುಂತುರೆ = 'Maid of the mist', which visitors experience during cruise travel to Niagara.