A START-UP STORY

  

  A START-UP STORY

                 

"All happy families are alike, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." is a famous quote by Leo Tolstoy.

Our family belongs to the first category and we are a happy family. I am Rama, the wife of my husband Ravi, and we have an only son named Raghupati. Raghupati has always followed a unique path that very few people have taken, and we admire his wisdom. Despite having a Master's degree in Commerce, he chose to venture into a start-up unrelated to his studies. We are astonished to see the remarkable growth his start-up has achieved in no time.

His raw material is the secret of his client. Don’t you think everybody keeps their secrets and never discloses at any cost? Raghu has the Dealership in secrets and it is his business! His clients are from varied fields. In the beginning, it was parents who wished to know the details of their proposed alliance of their ward and he charged very nominal fees and sometimes no fees at all. In the beginning, it was parents who wished to get the details of their proposed alliance of their ward and he charged very nominal or no fees at all. Senior police officials are helpless to get no clue in much-publicized murder cases, media persons are in search of scoop on a juicy political issue, Film producers to get a theme competitive to show his enemy in the field, Known writers want to include certain murky secret to excel in his plot.  And not the least a Politician who needs to checkmate his rival of his own or opposition party member are Raghu’s favourites. He has become a dealer of secrets by buying at a cost and doubles the same as a seller.

"He has established an office on the outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and bustle. The office is well-maintained and equipped with all the latest technology, including uniformed security personnel and recording rooms equipped with hidden cameras. Additionally, there are two or three secure rooms dedicated to safeguarding confidential records with utmost security."

Raghu is known to be a go-to person for many clients, including celebrities, who wish to buy or sell secrets. According to him, in our society, nothing holds as much value as secrets. Recently, Zypher Systems paid one lakh rupees to acquire information about a candidate running for an election who had an affair with a person from a reputed family. The news was bought from reliable sources. After two days, it was sold for three lakhs to the opposition party candidate. His mother questioned him, "Aren't you ashamed of this deal, let alone morality or logic in this case?"

Raghu laughed at her and explained that he was merely a broker in the deal and had reservations about it. He felt that the parties involved should be ashamed of their actions and reactions. In business, sellers often have only one goal - to sell and make money quickly, while buyers have many options and consider several factors beyond just the price. Although buyers also need money, it is not their only priority."Some people strive to win, while others crave popularity. Then some seek revenge against their enemies or play it safe. Everyone here holds secrets. Consider this, where are the opportunities for secrecy limited? Is it in matters of birth, death, love, sex, or money?"

"My son exploits his clients' vulnerabilities to gain an advantage. While this may work in individual cases, it can have disastrous consequences if it becomes widespread in society. Rama suggested that her son close his shop as they had already made enough money. However, he countered by asking what would happen to those who relied on him."I am wondering if our donations to temples and orphanages are substantial enough to make a significant impact on people's lives. Although my spouse and I agree with our child's reasoning, we cannot help but feel that his gift of sin has resulted in immense wealth and success."

She couldn't control herself and couldn't understand why men kept so many secrets. Let everything come to light and let his nudity be displayed openly.

"When Ravi returned home from work today, he was wearing a peculiar smile on his face. He told me about a middle-aged woman who had visited him earlier that day and given him a package. The package belonged to her husband, who had passed away a few months ago due to cancer. The woman explained that she trusted Ravi more than anyone else to look after the package and ensure that its contents were safe. And that she might not live much longer. She did not need any money. Her daughter abroad suggested the idea of giving this package to him. The package consisted of a set of love letters that the man's mother had sent to the woman's husband before they got married. The husband had written down his responses to each letter but never sent them. The woman had decided not to read any of these letters, as she believed that it was not right to invade someone else's privacy. The couple were not only bound together as husband and wife but were also good friends who trusted each other till the end.

 Raghu offered a fake smile as he handed over a packet to Rama. "Zhypher Systems Start-up was opened just for you," he said. "Don't worry Mom, no one else has seen a single line in this world except for the two of you." Rama received the packet with folded hands and opened it to find a folded paper with his beautiful signature. She looked at the packet with tears in her eyes and thought it was a symbol of sadness that needed aromatic ointment applied to it.

"Hey Dealer, why didn't you sell these letters to your dad for a better price?" Rama playfully asked her son, knowing fully well that she had discussed these letters and their relationship, with Ravi much before they got married.

“With a smile, Raghu retorted, "Mom, Dad already paid me back. Didn't he give you the money and me !

 😏

 

Condolence

 

 

                               Condolence

It was a busy day. CEO is visiting the Regional office next week specially to review the new Project the company obtained against stiff competition.

Last week end too, could not go home due to pressure in the office, Radhika told to herself. Somehow want to complete the assignments given by Friday afternoon and catch the late night train to reach home early morning. Radhika could not take calls from Ramesh who is on an official tour to Mumbai and expected to join her by Friday evening. As usual, her husband was particular to receive the return call which she  got missed over the schedules at office desk. Mother in law’s call which is seldom and unusual too was also disconnected before answering. Anyhow her conversation is mainly thro’ his son only and was a bit worried for the urgency in calling to her office.

It was just when reached back from office to the Quarter’s and freshened up, remembered and read the message from Jt. Secreatary of RWA.  “ Dear members, our esteemed Resident at E 1010 and Plus Point owner Mr. Dhanapalan  passed away early hours at KMG Hospital. A condolence meeting will be held at the Club House as scheduled. May his soul rest in peace.!

 It was a stunning and shocking news. Is it that Mother in law too wanted to convey and Ramesh was calling me repeatedly. What about Dhanya and their Son. What will happen and who will take over their business. He appeared to be quite healthy and even attending the sports events briskly a month ago. Ramesh was his class mate and a thick friend and how will he be able to accept the sad news. Dhanya and Dhanapalan  is  known for their loving, helping nature in the society and takes part in all activities voluntarily.  They were more liked by Mother in law, because they always lovingly supplemented to her requests for provisions or essential items soon , as both of us are away from home at workplaces and available only on weekends and that too irregular off late.  Mind  was crowded with many issues at hand, but had to wait until Friday  to catch the train on time.

Though no plans made in advance worked to perfection, she wanted to meet Dhanya and if possible to spend some time to console and her son who is also faraway studying for his Masters. Luckily the train was on time, and when woke up after a disturbed sleep, only half an hour was left to alight. Not waiting much for, got into an Auto from the station and reached in no time to her Apartment. 

Mother in law opened the door, and without waiting for a breath, complained to tell that Ramesh’s flight was delayed and that he may not come this week. And that her consultation with Doctor is overdue and blood tests to be carried out today itself before meeting the Doctor. The maid Shanti is absent for the last three days without any notice. There was no mention of Dhanapalan’s demise or Dhanya.  Is it that she deliberately avoiding the news for not attending the call to office !

She knew that Ramesh will not come and the flight delay was only a cover to avoid the condolence meet. He is afraid of attending the funerals and rituals since long. After completing the morning chores, and cooked  for lunch, Radhika was ready stepping out to meet Dhanya at her home. Mother in law was at the door and made a comment; “ Don’t you know that it is Saturday and nobody goes on this day for condolence, specially when seniors are alive at his home”. Though lived for more than three decades with Ramesh’s father of  a different caste, she has no qualms to quote of  rituals or traditions.

It is better to keep peace at home than moving out to meet Dhanya, thought Radhika, already tired with no rest for the last so many days. It was when another calamity appeared with no notice in the form of Ramesh’s uncle and family of three.  Now, she had no choice than to curse the day and her fate. Sunday was a day of rest and of small mercies, and luckily the guests at home left   as they have come , without waiting for lunch.

Radhika with no hurry made up her mind to meet Dhanya at their Plus Point-mini super market, generally open on Sundays also. When reached there it was total disappointment to see the shop is closed and  she felt bad with different emotions. And when reached back home, with no remorse Ramesh and his mother was watching an old movie, happily to her surprise, 

Radhika’s next visit  to home was after three weeks, with an added holiday. It is more than a month after Dhanapalan passed away. Will it be proper  to meet Dhanya after such a delay. It will not be correct also if not met her atleast now. The RWA office boy whom she met last time told that they all left for their ancestral home immediately after the funeral rites and that is why Radhika could not meet them in the Shop , last time.

And today, Oh God, she reached in front of Plus Point and saw Dhanya talking to some customer and transacting at the cash counter. How easily she is transformed to the new situation, though looked lifeless and sad. Dhanya's eyes met her  surprised, and Radhika felt so bad , words not coming out and mumbled to say Sugar 2 kg and Lux Deluxe 5. Dhanya handed over the packs and extended her hand with the bill and balance amount looking askance at the blue sky far away ! 

An after thought prompted Radhika  to tell her to contact for any help, with words not coming out, but the reply from opposite side was a deep silence. Returning with the packets in hand Radhika felt unexplainable emotions on herself of sadness, anger or piety .    Who is the loser, Dhanya or herself ?

And the victor is again loneliness !

 😔

 

 

 

The Woods and a Song

 

 

 

                                       The Woods and a Song

 

                       The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

                        But I have promises to keep,

                        And miles to go before I sleep,

                        And miles to go before I sleep.

These are the famous four lines taken from Great Poet Robert Frost                   ( 1874-1963 )famous book  “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".

I have read years back, that Jawaharlal Nehru have kept on his bed side

this book of poetry , specially underlining the above four lines. And that the last two lines were marked boldly and kept in his Study.  Perhaps he must be remembering before he slept the dreams he had to complete and slept eternally,  remembering those last lines ! 

Robert Lee Frost was an American poet and a most revered literary figure. He was a Pulitzer Prize winner for his writings four times.

‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ is easy enough to summarise. Frost passes some woods one evening during winter, and tells us that he thinks a man who owns the woods lives in the village some distance away. So the owner will not notice Frost stopping by to observe the snow falling upon the trees.

Next, Frost tells us that his horse probably thinks it odd that its rider has chosen to stop here, with no farmhouse around. What, surely they can’t bed down for the night here? As if registering its disbelief, the horse shakes its harness-bell as if to prompt an explanation from Frost. Everything else is silent around them, apart from the soft wind and the slight sound of snowfall.

Frost concludes ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by telling us that, lovely, dark, and inviting as the woods are, he has prior commitments that he must honor, so he must leave this place of peace and  tranquility and continue on his journey before he can sleep for the night.

Frost died in 1963 at the age of 88, whereas Nehru left us in 1964 when he was 75 . The poem Frost wrote at a stretch in a night of1922 and was published an year later,  reminds us the reader,  the song has completed  one hundred years ! 

John F. Kennedy, the most famous late President of United States was an ardent admirer of Frost. Frost got an invitation from the President to recite this poem on his inaugural speech and ceremony . However, he could not as the hot rays of Sun that fell on the draft paper prevented him from reading the Poem. Instead he recited from memory another poem he wrote two decades back, ‘The Gift Outright’. It said, ” Before  we belong to this country, this country belonged to us”.

Kennedy was more impressed on this poem earlier too, true to his commitment and dedication to the Nation. And this event and the presence of a poet has become a practice thenceforth at the inaugural ceremonies of future Presidents of USA!

Two Giants of men, nay three; the world is poorer by their absence !

                   ===============================================

 

 

A Flight to Maharshi Valmiki…

A Flight to Maharshi Valmiki…

कूजन्तं राम रामेति मधुरं मधुराक्षरम्।
आरुह्य कविताशाखां वन्दे वाल्मिकि-कोकिलम्॥

Kujantam Rama Rameti Madhuram Madhurakshharam.
Aruhya kavitashakham vande Valmiki-kokilam ..

I bow and prostrate to the cuckoo-like Valmiki who was always cooing the sweet and sweet-lettered sounds ‘Rama, Rama’ and thus ascended the pinnacle of poetics.

More than 2700 years ago, Maharishi Valmiki has got this salutation or acclamation. For us he is Adikavi- the first poet. The great epic or Itihaasa, Ramayana has inspired and influenced generations together and continue to do so.
It was told that author of Ramayana, led the life of a robber before he became a sage. Scholars have different opinion regarding the early life of Sage Valmiki – a group suggests that he lead a pious life from the beginning but others stick to his early life as a robber. It is said that in his early life Valmiki was known as Ratnakara. It was a meeting with Sage Narada that changed his life. Let us leave the known story here.

Now, to the joy and pleasure of writers, poets and the common folk we have an Airport and the name of that happiness is   "Maharshi Valmiki International Airport", at  Ayodhya.

The airport has been designed to portray the local, as well as the state's culture and heritage, in order to make the visitors know about the spiritual, religious and historical influence the city of Ayodhya wields on the Indian society. The designs are etched as murals, artworks and engraved scriptures adorning in the Nagara style of temple architecture, depicting the symbolism of the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The architectural style has been adopted also to symbolise the Ram Mandir. The "bow and arrow" mural with portraits of Rama of near the terminal's entrance along with other artworks are one of the prime themes in the exterior. Built with red stone, the carved pillars from the entrance to the inside of the terminal provide an excellent mixture of the old temple architecture with modern infrastructure. The roof of the terminal, measuring 65,000 sq.ft., is supported by seven big columns, symbolising the seven kandas (books) of Ramayana. Like ancient temples, the terminal has a rectangular base with carved pillars and a shikhara on its top to symbolise a temple structure. The terminal uses clean energy to generate electricity and follows sustainable measures to dispose waste, conserve water, and hence, is an eco-friendly airport.* ( source : wikipedia )

Hope that once fully operational, Maharshi Valmiki Airport will
be one of the best on International standards.

Some other interesting facts:
We have world's first Airport in South Yorkshire in the name of
Robinhood , a fictional character, on the Nottingham-Yorkshire
border,  made to cater the Forces during the World War 1, in 2015.

The name of the Airport was changed to Doncaster Sheffield
Airport in 1916, but it did not survive long due to heavy losses
and closed; perhaps a curse said to be associated with Robinhood mania !

Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in and subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and a swordsman.  Traditionally depicted dressed in Lincoln Green, he is said to have stolen from the Rich to  serve the Poor.

We have a different near non-fictional character in James Bond, created by Ian Fleming, the famous British Author. Strangley enough we have an Airport in Jamaica in his name too, just because Fleming settled down there after purchasing a large property near the beach naming it as James Bond Beach next to the Airport.

There is another Airport in the name of Franz Kafka (1883-1924 )
 German speaking Jewish Novelist in Prague. Like in his writings the situation there is said to be piercing and delusionary and of chaos. Prague's Kafka International was named the Most Alienating Airport 
for customer relation and satisfaction rating.

Nikos Kazantzakis was a Greek writer, journalist, poet, philosopher   (1883-1957). Widely considered a giant of modern Greek literature he was nominated in nine different years for the Nobel Prize for Literature and remains so to the most translated Greek Author worldwide.
Heraklion Airport is Crete’s main gateway to the world. Officially known as the Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, it it is one of the largest airports in Greece.
It is also the second-busiest airport in the country, servicing millions of tourists to Crete, especially in the summer months.

😄

A Passage to India-- Centenary year of a Novel

 

A Passage to India- Centenary year of a Novel.

  As part of academic curriculum most of us would have read  the famous  novel  “ A Passage to India ‘’ by the English author E.M.Forster.  It is the Centenary Year of this Novel, published on 6 th of April 1924. Though nominated for the Nobel Prize  22 times each time, Forster was not lucky enough to get the award. However, ‘A Passage to India ‘ was selected  as one of the 100 great works of 20^th century English literature by the Modern Library and won many other Prizes for fiction. Time Magazine included this novel in its “ All Time 100 Novels” list.

The novel is set against the backdrop of the British Raj  and the Indian Independence  movement in the 1920s. It is based on author’s experiences in India, and derived the title from another famous writer viz.  poet Walt Whitman’s  poem of the same name –A passage to India.

Long before Forster first visited India, he had already gained a vivid picture of its people and places from a young Indian Muslim named Syed Ross Masood, whom Forster began tutoring in England starting in 1906. Forster and Masood became very close, and Masood introduced Forster to several of his Indian friends.  By the time Forster first visited India, in 1912, the Englishman was well prepared for his travels  throughout the country.

Forster began writing A Passage to India in 1913, just after his first visit to India. The novel was not revised and completed, however, until well after his second stay in India, in 1921, when he served as a private secretary to the Maharajah of Dewas State Senior. Finally published in 1924, A Passage to India examines the racial misunderstandings and cultural hypocrisies that characterized the complex interactions between Indians and the English toward the end of the British occupation of India.

The story revolves around four characters: Dr. Aziz, his British friend Mr. Cyril Fielding, Mrs. Moore, and Miss Adela Quested. 

The story in brief :

 *A Passage to India is set in the city of Chandrapore. The initial segment, titled Mosque, features a group of Muslim friends conversing about the challenges of forging friendships their British overlords. A surgeon named Dr. Aziz is among the group and later has a significant encounter with Mrs. Moore in a mosque. The mosque exchange strengthens their bond, and Mrs. Moore introduces Dr. Aziz to a younger friend, Miss Quested, who is planning to marry Mrs. Moore's son Ronny.

Numerous efforts are undertaken to foster understanding between the Indians and the British including a clumsy, hybrid "bridge-party" at the English Club; Aziz's short-lived camaraderie with a junior officer during a polo game; and a unique gathering featuring the Muslim Aziz, Hindu Professor Godbole, Mrs. Moore, and Mrs. Quested at a tea party hosted by Fielding. The tea party's relative success encourages Aziz to extend an invitation to everyone in attendance to join him on a forthcoming trip to the Marabar Caves.

Miss Quested initially chooses not to marry Ronny Heaslop, but later reconsiders and the two become engaged. Miss Quested and Ronny are involved in a car accident which ultimately strengthens their bond and leads them to share the news of their engagement with Mrs. Moore. Meanwhile, at an event attended by Aziz, Dr. Panna Lal, and others, underlying tensions between Muslims and Hindus surface, despite the appearance of courtesy and decorum being maintained.

In the second section, The Caves, Aziz's journey to the Marabar Caves begins. Fielding and Professor Godbole are delayed, leaving Aziz to accompany the two women alone. Mrs. Moore becomes disoriented in the caves and leaves, while Aziz and Miss Quested continue. However, after an irritating question from Miss Quested, Aziz goes into another cave. Upon leaving, he sees her far away and makes up a story when Fielding, who has just arrived, inquires about her. Back in Chandrapore, Aziz is arrested on Miss Quested's accusation of attempting to "insult" her in the caves, a term that implies a sexual advance or assault.

The British community is outraged and incensed and Aziz is denied bail. Fielding's efforts to converse with Adela Quested prove unsuccessful. Mrs. Moore chooses not to stay in India for the trial headed off to England on a ship. Miss Quested insists on Aziz's innocence to her fiancé, but Heaslop takes no action. When Miss Quested testifies at the trial, she admits that she was wrong about the alleged attack.

Following Aziz's release, Muslims hold a celebratory procession. Fielding comes to Miss Quested's aid by escorting her to his garden home. Here, they discover that Mrs. Moore passed away at sea before the trial. Ronny Heaslop calls off his engagement with Adela, who departs for England. Fielding resigns from the Club. Aziz starts to doubt Fielding, suspecting that he aims to prevent Miss Quested from providing compensation and even that he is secretly involved with her.

In the concluding section, titled The Temple, several years have passed, and both Professor Godbole and Aziz reside and work in the Native State of Mau, governed by an elderly Rajah. The segment begins with Professor Godbole, now Mau's minister of education, and transitions into the Gokul Ashtami festival, which commemorates Shri Krishna's birth. At the event, Professor Godbole performs a dance to honor the deity and fondly remembers Mrs. Moore.

Aziz, believing that Fielding married Miss Quested, declines to read his letters. When Fielding, as the education inspector, comes to visit, he tries to reconcile with Aziz, clarifying that his wife is actually Stella, Mrs. Moore's daughter. Stella and her brother, Ralph, have accompanied Fielding to India. Initially, Aziz behaves harshly towards Ralph, but his memories of Mrs. Moore make him change his attitude. Meanwhile, the Rajah has passed away, but the news is kept secret.

Aziz and Fielding go on a final ride together, rekindling much of their previous closeness. However, Aziz maintains that India must achieve independence from Britain, a sentiment Fielding disagrees with. Despite their desire to be friends, the historical context prevents a true friendship between them.

  It  took 11 years to complete the novel, considered to be  a semi-autobiography of the Author. ‘A Passage to India’ was dedicated to :  “Syed Rose Masood and  17 years of our friendship.’’

‘A Passage to India ‘ has survived 100 years and even now sought after by book lovers all over the world.!

One Story, Two Perspectives

 

One Story, Two Perspectives

(  Good to re-read this article even though you may have read it before)

A famous book writer sat in his study. He took out his pen and began to write:

“Last year, I had surgery to remove gallstones. I was bedridden for a long time.

In the same year, I turned 60 and was retired … quitting a company that I loved so much. I had to leave the job I've been doing for 35 years.

That same year I was abandoned by my beloved mother who passed away.

Then, still in the same year, my son failed his final medical exam because of a car accident. Repair costs from the car damage marked the peak of bad luck last year.”

At the end he wrote:

*“What, what a bad year!"*

The writer's wife entered the room and found her husband who was sad and pensive. From behind, the wife saw the husband's writing. Slowly she backed away and left the room.

15 minutes later she came back in and put down a piece of paper with the following words:

“Last year, my husband finally managed to get rid of his gallbladder which had been making his stomach hurt for years.

That same year, I am grateful that my husband was able to retire in a healthy and happy state of mind & body. I thank God he was given the opportunity to work and earn for 35 years to support our family.

Now, my husband can spend more of his time writing, which has always been his hobby.

In the same year, my 95 year old mother-in-law, without any pain, returned to God in peace.

And still in the same year, God protected our son from harm in a terrible car accident. Our car was seriously damaged by the accident, but my son survived without any serious injuries.”                               

In the last sentence his wife wrote:

*“Last year was a year full of extraordinary blessings from God, and we spent it full of wonder and gratitude.”*                                    

The writer smiled with emotion, and warm tears flowed down his cheeks. He was grateful for a different point of view for every event he had gone through the past year.

 *A different perspective of the same events now made him joyful.*

Friends, in this life we ​​must understand that it is not happiness or joy that makes us grateful.

 It is *gratitude that makes us happy/joyful*!

 Let’s practice seeing events from a positive point of view and keep envy away from our hearts.

*”We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”*

*Abraham Lincoln*

*( Courtsey  -Whatsapp  group)

Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya- a lessor known story .

         Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya- a lessor known story .


  We all know and most of us have read many times the epic, Ramayana. And more on Rama the central character and of Ravana’s abduction of Sita and eventual defeat and death at the hands of her husband Rama.

  However, little is known about King Dasharatha of Ayodhya– Lord Rama’s father.

  Manu, the famous King of the Suryavansh (descendants of Sun God) and his wife Shatrupa were deprived of a successor and hence undertook severe penance in the forest in order to be blessed with a son. Maha Vishnu, pleased by their ardant penance and devotion appeared before them and blessed with a boon by granting their wish to be born as their son.

  The Suryavansh or Ikshavaku dynasty was famous for their bravery, steadfast fulfillment of any vow or promise, adherence to truth and concern and above all well being of their subjects. Great Kings like Ikshavaku, Mandhata, Bhagiratha, and Raghu belonged to the Suryavansh dynasty. Their capital was by tradition in Ayodhya, situated between the present day Lucknow and Varanasi near Faizabad besides the river Sarayu.

  Dasharatha was born to King Aja of Kosala and Indumati of Vidharba of , Ikshvaku or Surya vansh dynasty. The real name of Dasharatha was Nemi. Once the mighty and invincible Asura Śaṃbara conquered the throne of Indra. At the request of Brahma and the gods, King Nemi reached heaven and destroyed the armies of the asuras very easily and recovered the throne back to Indra. Saṃbara got angry, assumed ten shapes and attacked the King from ten points at the same time. The king confronted the ten Saṃbaras at ten points, at the same time, and killed all of them at the same moment. Because he faced his chariot to ten points at the same time and fought with enemies on those ten points Brahma appreciated his valiant fighting and charioteeering and gave him the name 'Dasharatha' (one who is capable of driving the chariot to ten points at the same time). Thus his original name was forgotten and he came to be known only by the name Dasharatha.

  It was also told that as the King Dasharatha had great control over his ten senses, ( Jnanedriyas and Karmedriyas ) he is known as Dasharathi. He was equal to, and or even greater than Indra (Lord of the heavens or the Senses) in valor.

  Despite hailing from an illustrious lineage and ruling over a vast empire Dasharatha remained detached from materialistic possessions nor did he indulge in pleasures from such a state. He was focused on performing his duties, expanded his kingdom, reigned justly maintaining peace and harmony over his vast kingdom. When such a person is at the helm, prosperity follows forthwith.

  However, he was unhappy and sadly aware that he was now old and childless inspite of having devoted three wives - Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. On the advise of Vashishta and with the help of Sage Shringi from Angadesh the king organized the Putrakameshti Yagna (a fire sacrifice for obtaining a son). Agnidev (the god of fire) appeared himself through the flames of the Yagna and offered a bowl of Kheer (a milk pudding) to Dasharatha. This was distributed to the three queens, and as a result, in due course Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharatha and Sumitra to Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

   Dasharatha’s eldest son Rama was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This was how Lord Vishnu fulfilled the wish he had granted to Manu and Shatrupa by taking the incarnation of Rama who was His Poorna, complete Avatara.

  Years later, King Dasharatha decided to let his sons take over the reigns of Ayodhya, and wanted to crown Rama as his successor and next King.

  But then alas, fate ( or divine desire) played a part in the form of Queen Kaikeyi’s personal maid, Manthara who was a very sharp and wicked lady. She went to the queen and told her that this decision was unjust and Kaikeyi’s son Bharath was more deserving and should be crowned king instead. She poisoned her mind in reminding Kaikeyi of Dasharatha’s promises . Once during the war with Asura Shambara, the King fell to the ground unconscious and she drove the chariot and saved the King. The king was very much pleased, grateful and granted her two boons. This was the opportune time for her to reclaim those two wishes.

  Kaikeyi was influenced by Manthara’s devious plan and under her evil advice, Kaikeyi reminded Dasharatha, to crown Bharata as king and send Rama into exile for fourteen years to the forests.

  King Dasharatha, fell down and became unconscious when he heard Kaikeyi’s demands, and vaguely remembered of an incident from his own youth and knew that his life is to end soon.

  As a young prince, he was out for hunting one evening. Shravana Kumar, a young ascetic was collecting water in a pot for his parents who were both old and blind. When Dasharatha heard the sound of the pot being filled with water, he mistook it for the sound of an elephant drinking water at the river. Using just the sound cue, he aimed the Shabd Bhedi (based on sound) arrow in that direction, felling Shravana Kumar that killed him. The blind parents who heard this sad incident narrated by the king, and who were completely dependent on him, could not control their anger and cursed Dasharatha, thus: “We are giving up our lives forever to the loss of our dear and only son. You will also die of grief at being parted from your sons.”

  When Rama heard the promise made by his father to Kaikeyi, he readily agreed to leave for the forest. Lakshmana and Sita accompanied him. After they left, Dasharatha was so sad and grieved, that he soon breathed his last.

  In the forest Rama killed Khara, Dooshan, the demons. Lakshmana cut off Shoorpanakha’s nose, Ravana took Sita away. Rama, with the help of Sugreeva, Hanuman, Jambavan, and Angad, and Vibhishana built a bridge over the sea and killed Ravana in a fierce battle. And anointed Vibhishana, the King of Lanka. Rama along with Sita and his entourage of Vanaras and Vibhishana returned back to Ayodhya. The coronation of Rama as King of Ayodhya was conducted in splendour to the joy of whole of Ayodhya.

  The glorious deeds of his son Ram and his divine life have made Dasharatha immortal in history and lore.

  His rule over Ayodhya, a place of no conflict, symbolizes the peace one finds through self-control. Dasharatha's story encourages us to conquer our inner struggles to lead a harmonious and fulfilled life.

 Tailpiece:

The tomb of Dasharatha is in a village of Faizabad about 15 km away named Bilhar Ghat besides bank of river Saryu where he was cremated. This place is highly devotional for Hindus.