eVOG July to September 2023

July-Sep 2023 Volume XVII, Issue 2 Price Rs. 3/-* V G90EdMuceadtiicoanlaAl iAdssistaVncoEenihcaencoinfgGCo.SmS.mBiu.nnictyeWell-being 89Senior Citizen Welfare Social Events 193E4std Years Sport Activities For e-VoG, scan QR code https://gsbsabhamumbai.org/vog/ *circulated free to patrons and life members of G.S.B. Sabha, Mumbai www.gsbsabhamumbai.org

CCoommmmuunniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinngg SSiinnccee 90EEddMMuucceeaaddttiiiiccooaannllaaAAll iiAAddssssiissttaannccEEeennhhaanncciinngg 89SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarree 119933EE44ssttdd YYeeaarrss 2 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

KASSAL VISHAY ABBA !!!.....................KHANCHE PANNA RI Amgello Sandeshu 03 Ammgele Khabar ga Mahila Shakha Programmes held in the recent past gnniieAmmgeli Vasari 04,05,06 eb-Dishes from Millets by Anuradha Prabhu b-lllleAnubhav ani Vichar 34 eWa. Madhav Kamath- My encounters by P M Kamath W yytib. The Abhijeet Kini Section 12,13 tinc. Lessons in Bhagavad Gita by Dr. Gayatri G Shenoy 19 nuud. Simple Living by Veena Shenoy mmme. Theravo – End of Life’s Journey by Amritha Girish Pai 22,23 mof. Is the GSB Population Dwindling by Ashok Prabhu 24 09 ecniS cnnaBhavishya Karyakrama Maahiti ahhna. 89th Foundation Day Celebrations 32,33 nEb. Mahila Shakha Future Programmes 40,41,42,43 oCC gArogyam Dhan Sampada eeccnnaattssiissssAA llaann15oo,1ii6ttaaccuuddEE ecniS gnniicComputer Eye Strain by Dr.Ankita Kulkarni EChitrakala Pradarshan ddiiAA llaa081cc,10ii9ddeeMM The Art Gallery eerraafflleeWW nnIeenszzidiiettBiiaCCckrrCoooviiennr eeSS ssttnneevvEE36,ll3aa7 iiccooSS Des-Pardes sseeiittiivviitt26cc1,32AA7 ttrrooppSS 9ssrraa8The Beautiful North East by Naina Prabhu eYKavi Sammelan eY dtsEVasanth’s Poetry Corner by Konchadi Vasanth Pai dtsE 1Mukhya Dinaank Yadi 43991Pusthak Samiksha 43Book Review : Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier, reviewed by Madhuri Pai 18,19 Pauranik Katha 28,29,30 Child Devotee : 3) Dhruva by Tanushree Rao Shenoy Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 1

KASSAL VISHAY ABBA !!!.....................KHANCHE PANNA RI Samaaja Khabar a. Ram Krishnaa Academy Scores Hundred Percent SSC Results for the Sixth Consecutive Year 38 44,45,46,47 gb. News from GSBS Medical Trust ingc. GSB V-Sisters Activities 48,49,50 ll-beeind. News from Scholarship League 51,52 ell-bSuchana Wea. Chaturmasa Vratha 03 ity Wb. Suta Punnav 03 unityc. Classifieds in Voice of GSB 43 nd. Renovated I.M.Pai Hall 02 mmmuShradhaanjali ComShri M V Kini nciinngg CoEEdduuYSowccgaaaasatttnhiidooyRannaMmaaaanllnatAAMraasshssariissshittbaay nnAjicctaeeKini Ennhhaanc SSiinnccee 90MMVOuieenraDddnotiiniccataaionllAAAppiieddal 14 20,21,22 E 8YYeeaa9rsSSoocciiaall EEvveenn!tt!ss!An Ideal Hall for Small Gatherings!!! 39 EThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text/articles published in this issue belong SSeennsVooiilieoocleyrrotofCCGthiiSettBiiazzuateenhdonnri,tsaWWnpdrinneetoelltrff,naapecurrebseelsisahrielryatnodtheadtitoofr.the G.S.B. Sabha, the editorial committee of 119933E44ssttdd rsSSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess The renovated air-conditioned I.M.Pai Hall of Sujir Gopal Nayak Memorial Kreeda Mandir, King’s Circle, Mumbai is an ideal hall for limited gatherings. Hall capacity 150 people. Attractive Discounts for GSB’s. For booking enquiries, please send an email to [email protected] 2 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

MESSAGE FROM TEAM VoG Dear Reader Your Sabha reaches a milestone in its journey on our upcoming Foundation Day on 26th August, 2023. Established in 1934, the Sabha will complete 89 years and enter into its 90th year. This is an occasion to respectfully remember our founders and all the people who supported us with their g“tana-mana-dhana” since our inception. Entering into our 90th year, we re-dedicate ourselves to our gnimission “Enhancing Community Well-being”. nieebOur community is blessed in abundance by Goddess Saraswati – the Goddess of Knowledge. b--llAt every Foundation Day, we felicitate the meritorious students of our Community. This year, llethe Foundation Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 20th August, 2023. Please find the details of the eWprogram, which also includes details of application for the awards, in this issue. W ytOur Mahila Shakha marched with the times and went paper-less for their 80th Parichay get-together ytiinof eligible boys and girls which was held at Sri Madhavendra Sabhagraha of Dahisar Sri Kashi Math nuon 18th June, 2023. In the forthcoming quarter, the Mahila Shakha presents Namami Purushottamam umin its Parampara Hastantaran Series. This chanting of Vishnu Sahastranaam under the Parampara mmHastantaran series is being presented in the auspicious Purushottama masa. We feel very proud to mooCnote that our Mahila Shakha is upholding the traditional heritage values and also using technology C geffectively in its activities. gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEThe G.S.B. Community lost a great philanthropist, visionary and supporter in the passing away ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEof Shri M V Kini-maam on 28th June, 2023. The Sabha was also a beneficiary of the largesse of 09 ecniS naKini-maam, who believed in the enriching impact of education in people’s lives. ahhn diA lacideMAs usual, we eagerly await your feedback to this issue which you can mail to us at our postal address nE diA lacideMor e-mail to us at [email protected] EThank you. Happy Reading erafleW nezitiC roineSTeam VoG. 9 erafleW nezitiC roineSCHATURMAS INFORMATION ssrraa8 stnevE laicoSH. H. Srimad Samyameendra Tirtha Swamiji, Mathadipati of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, will eY stnevE laicoSobserve Chaturmas at Bangalore Kashi Math from 7th July, 2023 to 29th September, 2023. eYH. H. Srimad Vidyadeesha Tirth Sripad Vader Swamiji, Mathadipati of Shree Samsthan Gokarn dtsEE seitivitcA tropSPartagali Math, will observe Chaturmas at Shantikunj Sevashram, Panvel from 9th July, 2023 to dts 1 seitivitcA tropS29th September, 2023. 391H. H. Srimad Shivanand Saraswati Swamiji, Mathadipati of Shree Kavale Math Samsthan, will 4 9observe Chaturmas at Shree Mahalaxmi Saunsthan Bandiwade, Ponda, Goa from 3rd July, 2023 to 4329th September, 2023. SUTA PUNNAV This year Suta Punnav falls on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023.New Jannuves, blessed by Pandurang Bhat-maam would be available at our Sabha office from 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Kindly avail yourselves of this sacred service. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 3

REPORTS ON PROGRAMMES HELD BY G.S.B. SABHA, MUMBAI’S MAHILA SHAKHA IN THE RECENT PAST 2nd April, 2023: 79th PARICHAY After her introductory remarks, Smt. Kini honoured the Co-Sponsor for the programme, Weellll--bbeeiinnggProspective Bride/Grooms with their parents and other members Smt. Vilas Narsingh Nayak from Thane. ity WMahila Shakha organised 79th PARICHAY, The Sponsor Shri. Nagnath Pai could not be unity“get-together of eligible boys and girls, on present due to unavoidable commitments. nSunday, 2nd April, 2023, at Shree Balaji Mandir, Smt. Kini also gave detailed information about muGSB Sabha (K.C.G), Kurla (W), Mumbai. the matrimonial services of GSB Sabha, a mmMore than 80 eligible aspirants and their parents non-profit charitable organization. She also Comattended. The response was found to be highly reiterated we should make our community proud g Coencouraging and the function was attended by by offering a good platform for the prospective brides and grooms from our community thereby EEddMMuucceeaaddttiiiiccooaannllaaAAll iiAAddssssiissttaannccEeenhhaanncciinng SSiinnccee 9people from Mumbai as well as from Outside.contributing towards a strong marriage system. The committee members present actively participated making 79th Parichay a success. Mahila Shakha expresses gratitude to the Managing Committee of Shree Balaji Mandir, GSB Sabha (K.C.G), Kurla, for providing us the hall and all other facility including sumptuous refreshments to the members present. n 016th April, 2023: NATURE NURTURE Senior Citizen WelfarEeMahila Shakha President Smt. Amita Kini felicitating Senior Citizen WelfareSmt. Vilas Narsingh Nayak, co-sponsor of 79th PARICHAY Smt. Amita Kini, President, Mahila Shakha, SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss E 8YYeeaa9welcomed the guests and briefly highlighted the rsimportance of the marriage system. SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 119 Essttd rsKids busy at gardening workshop 93 dMahila Shakha organised a summer camp 344 ‘NATURE NURTURE’, consisting of a session on Microgreens for adults and a gardening workshop for kids on 16th April 2023 at I.M. Pai Hall, Kreeda Mandir, King’s Circle. Mahila Shakha Team and Sabha Manager Shri Suresh Nayak An interesting workshop for kids between 5 at the registration counter and Help desk years to 15 years was held on gardening. The kids 4 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

got hands-on experience of preparing the soil Master. Dhruva Raguram, 11 years for seeds, planting the seeds and watering of I love plants and get seedlings, taking care of the plants as well. It was excited to water them a great learning & thoroughly enjoyable session every day. Some of for the kids.  my plants grow in ggn money plant directly mud pot and some like niie grow in water. When eb- my vacations started b-ll my mother took me lle to the Nature Nurture eW gardening workshop. W yyttiinSession on Micro greens There my gardening mentors gave me sand, cocopeat, jasmine plant, and a pot. They taught nuSimultaneously, a session on ‘Microgreens’ me how to mix sand and cocopeat in right umwas held for adults (open to all) where quantities and then placed jasmine plant gently. mmthe speaker Shri. Sachin Rane, Founder, I also watered them as per their instructions. moNaturalist Foundation, explained how to row oCC gthese nutrients-rich microgreens at home gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEeasily and use them in soup and salads. 09 ecniS nic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEHe also explained the process of storing the ecniS cnnamicrogreens which could be consumed later. ahHe said when stored in glass containers in hnnE diA lacideMfreezer it is safe to consume. The talk was E diA lacideMinteresting and participants appreciated the take-home message - nurture nature. erafleW nezitiC roineSThe programme ended with sumptuous 9sra8Feedback from participants: Back home, I practised these gardening lessons by planting green chillies in my grandma’s balcony. I remembered all the instructions I learnt at the workshop. Today, I am very proud to introduce my jasmine buds and small chilly plants. Thank you GSB Sabha Mumbai’s Mahila Shakha for organising this workshop and making us aware of our environment. erafleW nezitiC roineSrefreshments. Master. Bharath Vivek, 7 years stnevE laicoSI went to the gardening workshop expecting it eY stnevE laicoSto be some kind of workshop that would teach sraeY Eme what I already knew. But after the workshop, dtsE seitivitcA tropSI was surprised to realise that there was one dts 1 seitivitcA tropSaspect that was missing in my life - nature! Not 391knowing what sacrifice it took to make a chair 4 9or a dining table, for me to live comfortably in 43my house. What could we do in return for the sacrifices nature is making for us—the workshop set me thinking. One of the ways is home gardening which is truly a smart way to revive I liked the gardening workshop. We learnt to sow nature from human activities like deforestation, seeds and also plant a sapling. I enjoyed doing pollution, etc. these activities. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 5

Master. Ved Ramanathan, 7 years The session on microgreens was very informative. Mr. Rane gave us a detailed methodology to grow microgreens at home. Prospective Grooms and Parents ingHe also mentioned the ll-beingvarious benefits of adding parents on Sunday, 18th June 2023 at Vitthal emicrogreens to our daily Rakhumai Mandir, 317-B, Sudhindra Nagar, ell-bfood. Dahisar East. It was the first time Mahila Shakha WeSmt. Seetha Ramanathan went paperless for ‘PARICHAY’. There were ity WIt was a very informative and useful session. approximately 116 registrations and the details of unityA big thanks to GSB Sabha Mumbai’s Mahila the prospective boy/girl were projected on screen nShakha for organising the event and Mr. Rane along with their profile photo. Maximum number mufor explaining the whole process of growing of eligible aspirants and their parents attended mmmicrogreens in a very simple and lively manner. this interactive session. The response was highly CoomSmt. Vinita Shenoy encouraging and the programme was attended by Educational Assistance ing CI love nature but was always sceptical about people from Mumbai, Nashik and Pune. Educational Assistance ncinggrowing plants at home as I travel a lot. After The attendees of 80th PARICHAY a c Sincethe microgreens workshop, I was delighted to Mahila Shakha President Smt. Amita Kini, in her MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhan Since 90know that within a week’s time, we can havewelcome speech, addressed the problems faced by the parents of prospective brides and grooms homegrown produce on our platter! The thought and said we, as a community, should help each of microgreens never struck me. This workshop other and encourage youngsters in marrying within the community. Ewas truly enlightening and opened new ways of a healthy diet for me. SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarreeSmt. Sowmya Kamath SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss E 8YYeeaa9rs18th June, 2023: 80th PARICHAY Sport Activities Es rsThe eligibles, parents and members present Sport Activities 119 sttdactively participated, making 80th Parichay a dgrand success. 9334480th PARICHAY goes paperless Mahila Shakha expresses gratitude to the Managing Committee of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai Mahila Shakha organised its 80th PARICHAY, Mandir for providing the Hall and other facilities get-together of eligible boys and girls with including refreshments to the members present. 6 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROM : Mrs. Lalita Pundalik Pai g DELTEK EQUIPMENTSFounder: B. Pundalik U. Pai gni Manufacturers of : nieebPLATE BAKING OVENS & POLYCARBONATE FORMING b--ll DELTEK lleeBAKING OVENS Forming of all types of Polycarbonate WW yytiFOR OFFSET PLATES Profile Matching to all Prime Metal Profile tinnuum üLloyddeck 195 üIspat 87 107 mmmo 250 195 09 ecniS cnnaahhnnEüACProfile 65 130 oC üCentury Well ecniS C ggnniic eeccnnaattssiissssAA ll2aa10725nnooiittaaccuuddEE 75 üTata Bluescope 62 140 EFEATURES : 1050 * Plate types : For Positive & Negative Pre-Sensitised ddiiAA llaacciiddeeMM Plates, Wipe-On plates and Computer-to-Plate (CTP) 250 * Bakes Offset Printing Plates to increase plate lifeüüTMiegtearcSeeotrrleoaaerffl lleeWW nnee2zz55 iitt77iiCC rrooiinneeSS 9sra8* Memorised Heating Zone üCril-Hispon ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS üFinolex * Forced air circulation for uniform heating eY* Counter closure to avoid heat losses while opening lid * Possibility of cooling after usage sraeY E* Mounted on castor wheels for mobility dtsEWe can manufacture Horizontal and Vertical type dts 1Baking Ovens as per specifications üRajmohan sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSS üBhushan Steel 4433991Registered Office : Works : 1/209, Himai Niwas, C-1B/4406/1, Plastic Zone, R. A. Kidwai Road, G. I. D. C. Sarigam, Via : Bhilad, Wadala (West), MUMBAI 400 031 District : BULSAR- 396 155 Telephone : (022) 2414 7362 Telephone : (0260) 2780060 Fax : (022) 2413 4747 Fax : (0260) 2780160 E-mail ID : [email protected] VVooVicioceiecoeoffoGGf SGSBBS,B, JJ,auJnal-ynM-uSaaerryp2t-0e2Mm0a,brPecrahg22e00N2137o,,. P2 1age www.gwswbswa.bghsbasmabuhmambauim.obragi./ogrgsb/ vgosbgs@[email protected] Vol. XVVVIoIol,.l.IXsXIsI,uIIe,sIs2susuee44 7

GOWD SARASWAT BRAHMAN SABHA, MUMBAI g89th Foundation Day Celebrations ll-beiinngThe President and Members of the Managing Committee request the pleasure of your company, with efamily and friends, on the occasion of the 89th Foundation Day Celebrations of the Sabha. ell-bProgram details are as under : WeVenue Date and time : Sunday, 20th August, 2023 from 4 p.m. onwards uniittyy W : Third Floor of Dwarkanath Bhavan Hall of Gokarna Parthagali Jeevotam Math, munChief Guest Shree Ram Mandir, Wadala, Mumbai – 400 031. : Shri Devendra Pai, Founder - ASMI Career Connect, Chief mm Ennhhan Since 90 MMeeddiiccaa ll AAiidd ComThe program schedule is as under : 4p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Academic Officer at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini. ancciinngg Co SinceEEdd F uuorccmaaalttPiioorognn raaamll AA ssssiissttaannAab.. ncc eeiWLnfiegolhrcmtoinmagteiovbfeyLaSanamdbphinatPerreessitdinengttalk for the students c. Introduction of the Chief Guest d. Honouring Merit Students from Std X onwards. (Please see details below.) E 8YYeeaa9rs SSoocciiaall EE vveennttss E Silver medals are sponsored by Smt. Jayashree Ramesh SSee nniioorr CCii ttiizzeenn WWeellffaae.rr eetSFohelIeiXnci,otwayt.iitohntohfe meritorious Vidyanidhi beneficiaries, from Std I V.R.Shenoy Memorial Vidyanidhi Merit Award, sponsored by Shri B. T. Mallya. f. Felicitation of children, contributing drawings/articles/poems to Voice of GSB, with GSB Promising Talent Award, 119 Essttd rsSSpp oorrtt AAcctt iivviittiieess sponsored by Shri B. T. Mallya. g. Speech by the Chief Guest h. Vote of Thanks d 93‘Café Mysore’ 6.30 p.m. Light Refreshments Courtesy – Nagesh Rama Nayak’s 344Honouring of merit students Sabha presents educational merit awards to students of GSB community with the following criteria : 1. Student should be a resident of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane/Palghar or Raigad Districts, although the studies may be pursued out of Mumbai. 2. The student himself/herself or one of his/her parents should be a member of this or any other G.S.B. institution based in Mumbai and its suburbs. 8 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

3. Only Final Year/Semester exam performance for the Academic Year 2022-2023 will be considered. Also, students who could not apply for the previous Academic Year and whose final year/semester results were declared after 10th August, 2022, will be considered. 4. The following courses of studies are eligible : a. SSC, HSC, Graduate Courses, Medical, Engineering, Technology, C.A., I.C.W.A., C.S., Law, M.B.A. Any other post graduate/ professional examinations conducted on an g All India basis or completed abroad will also be considered. gni b. In case of SSC/HSC/Graduate students, there is a minimum percentage to qualify for nieapplying as under : SSC/ICSE/CBSE – 90 %, HSC Science – 85 %, HSC-Arts 80 %, eb-HSC – Commerce 75 %, Graduate Courses – 75 %. For post-graduate/ professional b-llcourses, a final year pass is needed llee5. Certificate of merit will be presented to all awardees. In addition, for students pursuing Wcourses in India, silver medals and felicitations, from the endowments set up for this purpose W ytand announced on the next page, will be awarded, based on criteria laid down. ytiinThe applicants should fill in online application form on the given link nuummmmooCC ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEhttps://bit.ly/MeritAwards2023. The link can also be accessed from G.S.B.Sabha, Mumbai’s 09 ecniS nicweb-site, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org. cn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEThe online application forms must be filled on or before Tuesday, 8th August, 2023. Applications ecniS nareceived late, if any, will be presented with Certificate of Merit and the presentation of silver medals/ ahhn diA lacideMfelicitations to late applicants will be at the discretion of the Committee. nE diA lacideMAll award winners will be informed by e-mail only. The list of award winners will be displayed on Eour web-site, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org, by Thursday, 10th August, 2023. Applicants may seek any clarifications in this regard by Sunday, 13th August, 2023. erafleW nezitiC roineSThe decision taken by the Managing Committee will be final and binding on the applicant. 98 erafleW nezitiC roineSPresentation of V R Shenoy Memorial Vidyanidhi Merit Awards The V.R.Shenoy Memorial Vidyanidhi Merit Awards are presented to the toppers from Class I stnevE laicoSto Class IX from the beneficiaries of the Sabha’s Vidyanidhi Fund. For this event, the awardees sraeY stnevE laicoSwill be selected from the Vidyanidhi beneficiaries of A Y 2023-2024, based on their final exam marks of A Y 2022-2023. Since their inception, these awards are sponsored by Sabha Trustee, sraeY EShri B T Mallya. dtsE seitivitcA tropSPresentation of GSB Promising Talent Award dts 91 seitivitcA tropSThe GSB Promising Talent Award will be presented to the children who contribute their drawings and 3 1articles to Voice of GSB, Sabha’s quarterly newsletter. Issues released from Oct to Dec 2022 to July 439to September 2023 will be considered for this event. Since their inception, these awards are also 4sponsored by Sabha Trustee, Shri B T Mallya. Mumbai Shri Laxmikant T. Prabhu Smt. Prathima P. Pai 98213 73000 23-06-2023 President Smt. Anuradha Shenoy 98926 72327 98203 16495 Shri S. D. Shenoy 98201 02774 Jt. Programme Convenors Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 9

EDUCATIONAL MERIT AWARDS TO BE AWARDED ON 2210stthAAuuggust,22002223 CCoommmmuunniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinngg SSiinnccee 90EEddMMuucceeaaddttiiiiccooaannllaaAAll iiAAddssssiissttaannccEEeennhhaanncciinngg 89SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarree 119933EE44ssttdd YYeeaarrss 10VoiceVoofiGceSBo,fJGulSy-BS,epJtuelmy-bSere2p0te2m2,bPearge20N2o3. ,8 62. SMT. SUNDARIBAI MANJUNATH KAMATH MEMORIAL AWARD Donated by her son, Prof. Padmanabh M. Kamath. wwwww.gws.bgssabbsahbahmamuummbbaaii..oorrgg //ggssbbvvogo@[email protected] VoVl.oXl. VXVIII,,IIssssuuee 22

G.S.B. SABHA, MUMBAI’S MAHILA SHAKHA Future Programmes Date Programme Time Venue Sunday Namami Purshottamam, Chanting of Vishnu 4PM Venue: 101, First floor, g30/07/2023 Sahastranaam under Parampara Hastantaran onwards Shree Nidhi, Sabha office, gni series for Children from age 4-15 years. Bhaudaji road, Matunga nieTo regiter: eb-Friday https://forms.gle/HG5VQrTG3dcAkTSa6 4PM Central Railway b-ll18/08/2023 onwards 3rd floor, Dwarkanath lleShraavan Haldi Kumkum eW* Sponsored by Smt. Sulakshana Pai Bhavan Hall, Shree Ram W yyti* An interactive session on Women’s Mandir, Katrak Road, tinmental and emotional health care - Need of Wadala West, Mumbai, nuthe hour by Smt. Lathha Shenoyy - Spiritual umWellness Life Coach Maharashtra 400031  mmmooCAll are invited for the programme. C ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudE100% NATURAL ORGANIC COMPOST - A GREEN INITIATIVE OF MAHILA SHAKHA 09 ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudE***Now available for nominal donation at Kreeda Mandir, Matunga*** ecniS naah*Made of dried leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetable waste *No chemicals *No pesticides, hn diA lacideM*Cruelty-free *Rich in nutrients *Aids plant growth nEE diA lacideMFor more info and queries, contact Kreeda Mandir Manager Shri. Srinivas 99676 54283 erafleW nezitiC roineSBhajan classes are held at the Sabha office. Please contact Sabha office for details 98 erafleW nezitiC roineSMatrimonial services at Sabha’s office on 4th SATURDAY of every month between 4 pm and 6 pm sraeY ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSSMahila Shakha gives marriage assistance to the needy. Please support us. sraeY ddttssEE 1Donations are gratefully accepted sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSS 391GSB community women belonging to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan can join 4 9‘Tejaswini GSB Mahila group’, 43an exclusive WhatsApp group, to stay updated about our Sabha and Mahila Shakha activi- ties. Open to women above 18 years Smt. Amita Kini Smt. Saiprabha Kamath Smt. Purnima Kini President Jt. Hon.Secretary Jt. Hon. Secretary Mobile: 9598.7S0M0T. S6A2R4A7SW6A TI AND SHRI HEJMMADoYbSUilReY:A9PP8A2R1A1NG2A7P4PA0S1H ENOY MEMORIALMobile: 93248 25393 AWARD Donated by their daughter, Smt .Shambhavi R. Shenai. Voice of GSB, July6-0S. eSpMtTe.mINbDeIrRA20(n2e3e,B HAGIwRAwTwHI.)gAsNbDsaSbHhRaImBuALmKbUaNiJ.oErKgE/[email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 11 AWARD Donated by their daughter-in-law, Smt. Shambhavi R. Shenai. 61. SMT. SUNITI G. BHAT MEMORIAL AWARD Donated by her sister-in-law, Smt. Shambhavi R. Shenai.

MADHAV KAMATH—MY ENCOUNTERS by P M Kamath When I was studying in National form. I sent the same letter to the Indian Express Kannada High School, initially as well; in its original form and they made it see near the King’s Circle station the sunlight without hardly changing a word! gand later at Wadala, I had one That created a sense of confidence in me that ingSuresh Kamath as my classmate. I can write. ll-beinSubsequently, I learnt that ell-beSuresh’s uncle was Madhav V. Kamath (MVK), Publishing of articles who was, at that time, Assistant Editor at the Often, I also contributed my articles in the Free Press Journal (FPJ). A senior retired editor of a WeTimes of India. popular newspaper had become editor of the FPJ ity WLetters to Editor: and he took a fancy for articles penned by me. unityI was very keen, once I joined South Indian I contributed an article on “Political Defections nEducation Society’s College of Arts and Science, in India” as during that time, the then Home muto write in English and see my work published. Minister, Y. B. Chavan had commissioned a ommOf course, many begin their ambitions with detailed study of various aspects of political Comwriting letters to newspapers, and remain letter defections and how it affected politics in India g Cwriters forever, not being able to move forward. historically. Then onward there was no looking Educational Assistance ingAt a function of the American Cultural Centre, back; my first article in the Indian Express appeared on “Teachers or Qualified Clerks?” and Educational Assistance anccin SinceI was introduced by my friend, Mr. Viswanathan,the first article in the Times of India appeared h n SinceProgramme Officer, to an invitee. When I told later. I continued to write prolifically. MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennha 90him I teach and asked him about his profession, I procured a copy of the above said report and used the information provided in it to write not he told me he is a businessman but also indulges only to various newspapers in India, but also to reputed magazines in the US. Asian Survey is one Ein freelance journalism! When I probed him such journal I readily thought of as during my further as to which newspaper carried his articles, Senior Citizen Welfarehe told me the Times of India! But it was only Senior Citizen Welfare 89limited to “Letters to the Editor.” I also began writing “Letters to the Editor”. visit to Los Angeles in California I had a chance meeting with its then editor. I was also invited by Social EventsMy letters were carried by various newspapers other colleges and Universities in India. Social Events Yearsnow and then. As a result, almost all of The M. V. Kamath Connection E Yearsnewspapers of Mumbai have carried my letters. Sport Activities EsLetter-writing has now become a vanishing One question often raised by my hosts then was: Sport Activities 119 sttdphenomenon. You may write but you needWhether I am related to M. V. Kamath! Not dsomeone to accept it and publish the same! only we hailed from Dakshina Kannada District 9334Then I decided to see MVK and entered the formerly known as South Kanara, but my middle 4Times of India office—today it will be impossible initial, ‘M’ was first initial in his name! to see any one by just walking in without an appointment! He saw my earnestness in After my initial encounter with MVK in Mumbai, publishing my letter. But when he did publish, he happened to move to Washington, DC., as the it was in very abbreviated, almost in a mutilated Times of India’s correspondent. I also was lucky 12 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

to be selected by the US Educational Foundation Because at that moment I could remember reading in India (USEFI) as Fulbright Student Fellow. writings by V. P. Dutta, an old ICS (Indian Civil I chose to seek affiliation with Johns Hopkins Service) present equivalent of IAS! School of International Studies in Washington My sense of bewilderment was revealed in DC. I left India in July 1976. my annoyance at being disturbed on a rare Since both of us were in Washington DC, holiday on account of new President, Jimmy ggnMadhav and myself continued to meet. Carter’s official inauguration at the Capitol Hill! niieWe often met in his apartment or at mine. After In irritation, I told the caller; I am going as I have eba few drinks we also dined together. Since got a pass from a senator! The caller probably b--llMadhav and myself lived in the same city, with developed a doubt whether she was speaking lleKamath surnames, I can recall a few anecdotes to the right ‘Kamath’ as she raised a question: eWon mistaken identity. “Are you Kamath from the Times of India?” W yytiOn the day of Jimmy Carter’s inaugural event I told her: I am from Bombay University! tinI had an early morning call on my land line. There Then to retrieve her wasted time she asked me: nuwas no nuisance of cell phone then, as the same “Can you give me the telephone number of the umhad not come into force. But this was a wonderful other Kamath?” mmexperience! A sweet melodious voice said: mooC“Mr. Kamath Mr. Dutta would like to speak I will always cherish and fondly remember my C gto you!” I wondered who this ‘Dutta’ was! interactions with Shri M. V. Kamath. 0 ecniS gnniic eeccnnaattssiissssAA llaannooiittaaccuuddEETheauthorisaformerProfessorofPolitics;hehastaughtAmericanPoliticsandgovernmentintheBombayUniversity 9 ecniS cnna(calledassuchthen)inthe1990s;wasawardedFulbrightfellowshiptwice,firsttoworkforhisPh.D.intheJohnsHopkins ahUniversity, School of International Studies in Washington DC; second time he worked in Georgetown University National hn diA lacideMSecurity Studies Program. Currently he is the chairman and Hon. Director of VPM’s Centre for International Affairs, nE diA lacideMaffiliated to Mumbai University erafleW nezitiC roineSDates 3st July 2023 9ssrraa8 stnevE laicoS6thJuly2023 eY stnevE laicoS18th July 2023 eY E4th August 2023 dtsE seitivitcA tropS15thAugust 2023 dts 91 seitivitcA tropS17thAugust 2023 439121st August 2023 4329th August 2023 eErafleW nezitiC roineSLIST OF IMPORTANT DATES IN THE QUARTER JULY-SEPTEMBER, 2023 Day Festival Dates Day Festival Monday Guru Purnima 7th September 2023 Thursday Gopal-Kaala - Dahi Handi Thursday Sankasth Chaturthi 18th September 2023 Monday Hartalika Trutiya (Vaiyna Puja) Tuesday Adhik Shravan Arambh Friday Sankasth Chaturthi 19th September 2023 Tuesday Ganesh Chaturthi Tuesday 76th Independence Day 20th September 2023 Wednesday Rishi Panchami Thursday Nija Shravan Arambh 28th September 2023 Thursday Anant Chaturdashi Monday Nag Panchami 29th September 2023 Friday Pitru Paksha Aarambh Tuesday Sutta Punav (Mhaalu) 30th August 2023 Wednesday Raksha Bandhan 2nd October 2023 Monday Sankastha Chaturthi 3rd September 2023 Sunday Sankasth Chaturthi 2nd October 2023 Monday Gandhi Jayanti 6th September 2023 Wednesday Sri Krishna Jayanti (Janmashthami) Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 13

Obituary nciinngg CCoommmmuunniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinnggEEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAssssiissttaannccee a c SinceShri M.V. Kini Ennhhan Since 90MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd (01-05-1942 to 28-06-2023) 8Yea9has handled more than 1,00,000 lawsuits/cases. To mention a few notable assignments handled Social Eventsby the firm, they advised the National Highways Authority of India on more than 17,500 km rsSocial Eventsof highway projects. They also advised Air India on its USD 6.5 billion purchase of Boeing ENoted advocate and magnanimous philanthropist, Shri Manipur Vasant Kini (M V Kini maam to all) attained Sadgati on 28th June, 2023, at the age of 81 years. SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarreeHis law firm, M V Kini & Co., established in 1978, is ranked as one of the world’s top 5 law firms. With an impressive strength of 150 + lawyers and offices all over India, the firm E Yearsaircraft. 1 EsstSport ActivitiesHe was a very generous philanthropist and several organizations, including G.S.B.Sabha, 19 tdSport ActivitiesMumbai, were the recipients of his benevolence. His message which will always stay with 93 dus was “God, you have been very kind to me and given me whatever I have asked for, in a 34plentiful and abundant manner. Henceforth, I will ask not for anything more for myself. 4We need to provide education to future generations to become good citizens with noble character. That is all I ask of you, dear God, nothing else.” Kini maam was forever smiling, quick witted, humorous, jovial and comforting. His memory will live on with us for time to come. 14 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

COMPUTER EYE STRAIN by Dr. Ankita Kulkarni. M.S. (Ophthalmology) Do you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or electronic screen? And do refractive error (needing glasses) are also getting commoner in these years of prolonged screen g you feel tired and have sore times. gni eyes in a few hours? You nie could be having computer Shouldn’t we be taking more care of our eyes and the precious gift of vision? Can we do anything eb-eye strain, a well-recognized to prevent computer eye strain? Yes, we can, and b-llmedical entity! Headache, we should! lleblurred vision, tiredness in or around the eWeyes, redness of eyes, itching and watering How? Pay attention to a proper setup of a W ytare some of the other common symptoms that computer workstation and an ideal contrast ytioccur in patients with computer eye strain. between the text and the background. innuIn today’s fast world, technology is advancing umrapidly & access to information has become 1) Adjust the screen to eye level in your regular mmmandatory and fortunately easy using electronic seating position. This avoids eye (and neck modevices – computers, laptops, tablets, cell-phones. and shoulder) strain. oCEverything has become “online”. Rapidly C ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEincreasing screen time for office goers or work2) Adjust the illumination of the device so that it is not too bright for the eyes. 09 ecniS nic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEfrom home takes its toll on our eyes. After The rest of the room should have soft lighting cnoffice hours, we still spend a lot of time looking at (not totally dark) and this should not reflect ecniS nadevices on social media. All this has put a strain off the screen. ahhn diA lacideMon human eyes. Even children have been forced nE diA lacideMto look at screens for long hours due to online 3) Wear anti-reflection glasses or install Eclasses starting from the COVID pandemic times. anti-reflection screens on devices that you are using to reduce the glare and harmful rays However, such modern technology also has from the screen. erafleW nezitiC roineSsome side effects on the human body especially 4) Perform the 20-20-20 exercise. What is this? erafleW nezitiC roineSthe eyes. Computer use strains eyes more than While watching a screen, every 20 mins, look at another object 20 feet away and blink 9reading print material because people tend to ssrraa8 stnevE laicoSblink less while using computers, and blinking eY stnevE laicoSkeeps the eyes moistened with tears. Also, digital screens are viewed at less-than-ideal eY Edistances or angles, they have glare or reflection. dtsE seitivitcA tropSIn some cases, an underlying eye problem, such dts 1 seitivitcA tropSas eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision, 391can cause or worsen computer vision syndrome. 4 9One more factor that can make the condition worse 43is poor posture. That is why sore neck, shoulders or back due to muscle tension are commonly seen in patients with eyestrain due to computer use. This can disturb your concentration with 20 times before resuming watching the deleterious effects on your work or education. screen. Besides symptoms of eye and muscle strain Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 15

5) Eat a diet enriched with Vit A containing you use computers often. This is an exercise foods like yellow - and orange - coloured to relieve stress on the eyes. Sit on a chair and vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots) close your eyes. Place both hands over your and fruits (papayas, mangoes) along with eyes. The palm of your hands should cover green leafy vegetables. the eyes, the fingers on the forehead and the 6) If your eyes feel dry, use lubricant eyedrops base of the palm resting on the cheekbone. Do not put too much pressure on the eyes, g(prescribed by the doctor) to keep your eyes ensure that your eyes can blink freely. Do this ingmoist and supple. exercise over a period of 2 minutes. ll-beeinHere are some other eye exercises that you can ell-bdo at home on a daily basis: 5. Zooming We1. Flexing is an exercise that stretches and Zooming is another eye exercise for focusing strengthens the muscles in the eye. and strengthening eye muscles. Sit in a comfortable position, stretch your arm uniittyy W Face forward and look straight ahead. Look whilst raising your thumb in the hitchhikers up without moving your head and then look position. Focus on the thumb and now draw mundown. Next look at the right without moving it in until the thumb is three inches away your head and then to the left again without from the face. Keep your focus on the thumb. ommmoving your head. Do both movements 10 Then slowly move the thumb and forearm Comtimes. back to the starting position. Do this exercise numerous times over a 2 minute duration. Educational Assistance ing C2. Blinking Educational Assistance ncing For avid computer users, blinking is a 6. Figure of Eight MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Enhhaanc SSiinnccee 90great form of exercise to reduce eye strain. This is a great exercise to ensure flexibility We tend to forget to blink when we are staring at of the eye muscles. It is simple to perform. computer screens. The benefits of blinking Staring at a blank wall, imagine a large figure Enare that it allows us to keep the eyes refreshed, 8 tilted on its side 10 feet away from you. lubricate the eyes with tears and maintain Now trace this path of the figure 8 with your eyes without moving your head. Do this one Senior Citizen Welfarefocus for longer. All you have to do is face way for a minute and then the reverse way for Senior Citizen Welfareforward, blink every 5 seconds for two 89minutes. Social Events3. Focusing Near and Far a minute. Social Events Years Focusing is another simple exercise for the When should you see a doctor? It is always E Yearseye muscles. Put your thumb in front of your recommended to visit an eye specialist when a person has eye strain because. more often Sport Activities Esface at about 10 inch distance and focus on it. than not, it is a simple cause like refractory Sport Activities 119 sttdNow focus on something else that is in your error and need of spectacles. If you need further assistance about caring for your eyes, dsurrounding 10 feet away. Alternate between please visit one of our four GSBS Medical 93near and far focusing repeatedly over a Centres in Mumbai where qualified 34period of 3 minutes. ophthalmologists will check you up and give 44. Palming Palming is a good yoga technique used to you sound advice. You owe it to yourself! soothe the eyes. This a good eye exercise if Dr. Ankita Kulkarni, M.S. (Ophthalmology) is an Ophthalmologist consulting at G.S.B.S. Medical Trust, Dadar & Mahim Centres. 16 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

ggnniieebb--lllleeWWeyycttiinnnuuimmSmmooCC ggnniicOphthalmology Services at GSBS MeeccednnicaaattlssCiiessnsstAAresllaannooiittaaccuuddEE 09 ecniS cnna-Eyecheck-up ahhn- Vision Check-up (Refraction) ddiiAA llaacciiddeeMM nE- Glaucoma Screening 9sra8eYGSBS MEDICAL TRUST CENTRES ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS E- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) - it is a non-invasive imaging for the retina eerraafflleeWW nneezziittiiCC rrooiinneeSS- Green Laser / Retinal Laser - For treatment of retinal diseases - Laser capsulotomy - post cataract capsulotomy sraeY dtsEEGSBS Medical Centre seitivitcA tropSDharavi Centre dts 1Ground Floor, Shilpa Apartment Dasturwadi, seitivitcA tropSSubhash Chandra Bose Co Op.Hsg.Soc., 391M.M.G.S. Marg, Kohinoor Road, Mukundnagar, Dharavi, 4 9Dadar( E), Mumbai – 400 014. Mumbai-400 017. 43Tel No: 24112322 / 24111749 Tel No : 2403 8439 Voice of GSB, October-December 2022, Page No. 1 www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVI, Issue 3 oice of GSB, October-December 2022, Page No. 1 www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVI, Issue 3 Health Rakshak GSBS Medical Trusts’ Mahim Centre 1st Floor, Rajgir Court, Association with J.N.Wadia Medical Dispensary, Dadar(E), Sitaladevi Temple Road, Mumbai – 400 014 Mahim West, Mumbai 400 016. ce of GSB, October-DTeecel mNboe:r224012024,1P4a9ge/ 2N4o1. 610478 www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected]. no.24446665 /V2o4l.4X66V6I6, 5Issue 3 17 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

BOOK REVIEW REBECCA, BY DAPHNE DU MAURIER by Madhuri Pai What is a classic? A book that stays captivating for ggenerations, doesn’t age and ingforever joins the legion of ll-bein“unforgettables”? By that ell-beyardstick, Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” is a true classic. WeIs Rebecca the heroine? Not quite. She is the dead ity Wfirst wife of the charming, utterly handsome and unityvery rich Maxim de Winter. Rebecca dies under ntragic circumstances that are taboo to discuss but muthat hang heavy on everyone. Her presence is in mmMaxim’s lost look, in the eyes of Mrs Danvers, Comher faithful maid, in the way her dog Jasper cocks g Cohis head expecting her at every noise. In every Educational Assistance ingnook and cranny of the marvellous family estate, Educational Assistance ncinManderley. hanc SSiinnccee“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again” MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennha 90is the famous opening line of the book, written in first person by the narrator, the second EMrs. de Winter. Her description of the dream is a vivid picturisation of an estate that is in ruins, Senior Citizen Welfarewith nature having taken over its grounds and Senior Citizen Welfarethe mansion. Desolate and deserted, it’s clear SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8that something terrible has happened and we just E YYeeaa9have to wait to find out what that is. rsThe book then goes into “flash back” mode and rswe hear the story of a very young woman, naïve Sport Activities Esand with poor self-worth, who falls hopelessly Sport Activities 119 sttdin love with the rich widower, Mr. de Winter. dHe happens to be staying at the same hotel in 9334Monte Carlo that our heroine and her employer 4are spending a few weeks at. In the most unlikely when he could pick almost any girl in the country to be his second wife, our heroine is too much in love to say anything but “yes”. After a low key marriage and a brief honeymoon, the couple comes to live at Manderley, a fabled English estate. The author’s descriptions of the flora and fauna, of the Cornish sea and the old fashioned English way of life are brilliant and sequence of events, Maxim de Winter proposes transport you straight to the scene of the action. marriage to her. They are strange life partners, Together with the narrator, you see the vastly different in every way that is possible rhododendrons and azaleas, you sit under the – age, social class, experience. While it is a chestnut tree and shake the bramble fr1om your mystery why he would marry her clothes, you smell the salty sea air, you taste the 18 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

angel cake and scones that get served at tea time she realises that it is easier to fight a living which is at precisely half past four. Everyday. person’s presence, but impossible to overcome Manderley is run like clockwork by the the all-pervasive, overpowering influence of indomitable Mrs. Danvers, who is still faithful someone that is frozen in time, that can’t be to Rebecca and resents the new mistress of the argued with or outshone. estate. She does everything she can to ensure But is it all as it seems? Who is Jack Favell and ggnthat Rebecca’s presence is a sinister shadow that why does he hide his visits to the Estate? Why niiedoesn’t let calm or happiness settle on the new does the Estate Manager look uncomfortable ebcouple. She keeps Rebecca’s rooms exactly as when talking about Rebecca while still saying she b--llthey were when she was alive. The night clothes was “the most beautiful creature he had ever set lleon the bed, the covers turned, the room dusted his eyes on”? What does the little cottage in the eWand kept ready for Rebecca should she return. cove have to do with what happened to Rebecca? W yytiOur heroine, whose first name we never tinfind out, feels out of place, miserable and like nua lowly imposter in a fairy tale in which she umshould be playing the part of princess. Instead, mmshe feels like the chambermaid. She senses that mooCeveryone looks down on her and compares her to C gbeautiful, talented, sophisticated Rebecca. Gone, 09 ecniS gnniic eeccnnaattssiissssAA llaannooiittaaccuuddEEbut not forgotten. Our heroine is frustrated when As Manderley throws up her secrets, the reader will feel deeply invested in what happens to the characters and will have experienced a story that will stay with them for a very long time. “I suppose sooner or later in the life of everyone comes a moment of trial. We all of us have our particular devil who rides us and torments us, and we must give battle in the end.” cnMadhuri Pai, a GSB based in London, is a prolific reader. She lives in London and is the co-founder of Turning ecniS naahPages, a social entrepreneurship that works on building strong reading habits in under privileged children. She is an hn diA lacideMIIM Bangalore alumnus and loves good Aamchi food and great books. 9ssrraa8eeYY ddttssEE3911 sssseettnniitteeiivvvviiEEttccllAAaaiittccrrooooSSppSSInstagram:@abhikiniand@kinistudiosneEErafleW dnieAziltaiCcidroeiMneSThe Abhijeet Kini 4439 Twitter: @abhikini erafleW nezitiC roineSSection Facebook: Abhijeet Kini Studios www.abhijeetkini.com www.kinistudios.com Abhijeet Kini, founder of Abhijeet Kini Studios, is a Mumbai based illustrator, animator and independent comics publisher, known for his comic series “Angry Maushi” and “Fanboys”. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 19

YOGA AND RĀMAṆA MAHARSHI by Ajita Kini When I see photos of Rāmaṇa Maharshi that show his full body, I am always struck by his gscrunched up, twisted way of ingsitting. So certainly, associating ll-beinhim with yoga, which is usually eunderstood as āsana or postures, ell-bwould seem paradoxical. Ramana Maharshi, who lived from 1879 till 1950, was a sage whose Weteaching revolved around discovering “Who Am ity WI”. Meaning, know who you are, who your true unityself is. Since this article is not about Ramana nMaharshi, I will refrain from elaborating any mufurther on the Maharshi and his teachings mmIn one of our āsana classes, the teacher was Comurging a student to move his body in a specific g Coway. The student put in the effort, and when Educational Assistance ingthe teacher pushed him further, finally stood up Educational Assistance ncinin frustration – Sir, I am trying, but the body is MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhaanc SSiinnccee 90not cooperating! We all had a hearty laugh over that one, and it became a catch phrase in our class – the body is not cooperating! EWhile we laughed, it was also interesting how that student had quite subconsciously, Senior Citizen Welfaredisassociated from the body. The phrase was “the Senior Citizen Welfarebody is not cooperating” and not “my body is not SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8Yea9cooperating”. We can listen to any number of sermons and adhyātma talks, telling us we are not the body. But this spontaneous expression, “the rsbody is not cooperating”, showed that he had E Yearsimbibed the sentiment, perhaps without even SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esstbeing aware of it. 19 tdWhen we stay in an āsana, we can feel ourselves 93 dstand apart and experience sensations in various 34parts of the body. It takes time to get to this stage, 4hence the emphasis on maintaining the āsana for From “seeing” or experiencing, it is only a short step towards adjusting …. And one realizes that hey, a tiny shift “here”, results in huge gains in multiple “theres”. As our teacher often says – yoga contradicts Newton’s 3rd Law – for every action, there is not one equal and opposite reaction, but many responses – the responses are more than the action. Then it becomes almost like a game – let me see what else I can adjust in various places and what results it has in other places. This is when my teacher typically interrupts me, saying “stop enjoying the āsana”. The reminder is required because it can be quite addictive, this experimentation to see the gradually increasing durations, until one reaches myriad effects of miniscule adjustments that are the stage where one goes beyond the bodily probably not discernible to an observer. And at discomforts, pulls, and stretches, and the the end of the day, this experimentation is not awareness moves to the internal realm to “see what yoga is about, although it is a necessary and what can be seen”. essential part of the journey towards true yoga 20 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

The teacher again makes an appearance to the demands of the āsana (which may be minutes, query, who is the ‘I’ that is observing the body, days, or years!), the breath returns to normalcy adjusting the body, experiencing the benefits and all physical manifestations of strain of the adjustments? And that is where disappear, as the strain itself disappears. This is Rāmaṇa Maharshi’s teachings blend into our when the mind also becomes free of constantly yoga experiences – we realise that truly, there monitoring the āsana and becomes free. At this stage, you realise that you can observe the mind. gis an “I” quite distinct from the body parts that What is the state of the mind on this specific day, gniare making and experiencing all the movements. at this specific instant - is it in an energized state, nieebSo, we reach the first stage of realizing that or a dull state, a sublime state, or a distracted b--ll“I am not the body” state? Then you realise, if I can observe and llePrashantji (Shri Prashant S Iyengar, S/o Guruji comment on the state of the mind, then hey, eWBKS Iyengar) advocates the use of vācika “who is the I who is making this observation and W ytkriya – silent articulation or commentating on all comment?” ytiinthat is being experienced in various parts of the nubody and mind – to expedite and intensify this So, then we move to the next level and decide, umrealisation. As one trains the mind to move into “ok, I am the intellect”. The intellect that mmobserver mode, to observe and articulate what is analyses, interprets, makes decisions and mooChappening (in the hamstring, in the quadriceps, judgements. Moving past this is not easy. C gin the lumbar / dorsal / sacro-ileac spine etc.) one Moving through each stage to the next is tough, gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEswiftly moves into the “I am not the body” mode and each subsequent move is increasingly difficult and comes only with extensive practice. 09 ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEAt this stage, it is a natural progression to moveAs Mahāmuni Patañjali puts it in Yoga Sūtra ecniS nato “I am the mind that is observing and making 1:14 – abhyāsa or practice that is dīrgha kāla, ahhn diA lacideMthese changes”. As the body gets toned and āsana nairantarya, satkāra, āsevitaḥ , dṛdha bhūmi nE diA lacideMcome more naturally and effortlessly, we notice (long duration – referring to lifetimes and Ethat the mind is quite uninvolved in the process not years; uninterrupted; dedicated; zealous; and often is an observer. How do we know this? well-rooted) erafleW nezitiC roineSWell, the first indicator is that the face remains 98 erafleW nezitiC roineSexpressionless, the eyeballs are fixed in the There may be rare occasions when one goes center of the eyes and the breath is unchanged stnevE laicoSfrom the start to the end of the āsana. sraeY stnevE laicoSYou may have noticed that when you get angry, sraeY Ethe breath comes fast and shallow, the eyes dtsE seitivitcA tropStend to bulge out, the forehead furrows, the jaw dts 1 seitivitcA tropStightens and the teeth clench. When there are a 391million thoughts running through the mind, the 439eyes flicker regardless of whether the eyelids are 4open or closed. In the initial days, when a new through a period (short or long) of being in an āsana or prāņāyāma practice or even a pre-meditative or meditative state of pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna or, if you should be so lucky, samādhi, when you suddenly “come to yourself” and realise you have no memory of what you had done, no idea of the passage of time, you had actually lost yourself in the practice. Then, when you emerge from the experience, you suddenly āsana is being attempted, again the breath tends come to the realization, that hey – I had no to be either fast and shallow, or laboured to the intellect also for the duration. Then who was the point of holding the breath. The jaw tightens and ‘I’ who went through this experience, witnessed the teeth clench. Gradually, as the body adapts to it, and recalls it now? And that is when you realise that “I am not the intellect either” Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 21

So then coming back to the Maharshi’s question yet to arrive at the answer. Which is why after – who am I? The search is on – I know through being a student of Iyengar Yoga for over 15 years, my own experience that I am not the body, mind, I know there is yet much to be discovered, much or intellect. But who the true “I” is, I am still to be learnt, much to be experienced …. And the seeking that answer. Intellectually, I know what journey continues. adhyātma teaches us, but experientially, I have ingAjita Kini has been a student of Iyengar Yoga since 2007. This is the 11th in a series of articles about yoga. gThanks to Padma for suggesting the theme of this article ellll--bbeeinLESSONS IN BHAGAVAD GITA by Dr. Gayatri G Shenoy ity WWeचातरु व् रण् ्यं मया सृष्टं गणु करम् विभागशः | unityतस्य कर्तारमपि मां विदध् य् कर्तारमवय् यम् ||४-१३|| according to their mental patterns, ncāturvarṇyaṃ mayā sṛṣṭaṃ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ giving rise to activities that mimick mutasya kartāram api māṃ viddhy akartāram avyayam 4.13 their mental nature. Thus humans ommcātuḥ = four; varṇyaṃ = classes; mayā = by Me; areclassifiedinto4classesor‘castes’ Comsṛṣṭaṃ = are created; guṇa = the constituents of depending on guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ g Cprakṛti signifying the acquired mental aptitudes; their mental developments and Educational Assistance ingkarma = physical activities corresponding to ; corresponding physical works. The Lord says cāturvarṇyaṃ mayā sṛṣṭaṃ guṇa- karma Educational Assistance anccin Sincevibhāgaśaḥ = according to the sections; tasya -vibhāgaśaḥ ‘the four classes are created by h n Since= of that; kartāram = creator; api = although; Me according to their mental aptitudes corresponding to the guṇa-s and their MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennha 90māṃ = Me; viddhy = know; akartāram = as the corresponding physical activities karma.’ However there is a huge misconception in non-doer; avyayam = immutable; 4.13 society even to this day, making people believe that the caste system is hereditary or by birth. EThe four classes are created by Me according This total misconception that a brāhmanā’s son will always be a brāhmanā is not always true, Senior Citizen Welfareto the sections of the constituents of material for mere birth is no guarantee that one will Senior Citizen Welfarenature and their corresponding occupations; acquire divine qualities of self-restraint, austerity, purity, etc which is the mark of a Although I am the creator of that , know Me brāhmanā. Therefore the Lord stresses on the word guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ which means SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8as the immutable non-doer. 4.13 divisions on the basis of mental tendencies E YYeeaa9cāturvarṇyaṃ the four classes, varṇa actually together with their corresponding physical actions, which form the basis of the 4 class rsmeans colour. The scriptures allocate 3 colors system. We shall see how the Lord elaborates on rswhite red and black to the three modes or SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esstconstituents of material nature, sāttvika guṇa, 19 tdrajoguṇa and tamoguṇa. sāttvika guṇa the mental 93 dquality of knowledge, purity and truth is assigned 34the color white, rajoguṇa the mental quality of 4passion is assigned the color red and tamoguṇa the mental quality of ignorance is assigned the karma duties (of these 4 classes) purely based the color black. These 3 predominant mental on their mental aptitudes, svabhavajam born of aptitudes acquired by humans either innately their nature, in the 18 th chapter(18-42,43,44). or as a consequence of practice, make them act tasya kartāram api Although I am the creator of 22 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

these 4 classes, māṃ viddhy know Me akartāram applications being ‘Control of the senses, and avyayam as the unchangeable non-doer. the mind etc’ are as declared in (18.42) The avyayam immutable cannot undergo (M-Bh 4.13) mutation or change, therefore does not take Śripad Śaṅkarāchārya goes further to say part in action. Yet He says He is the Creator catvāra ēva varṇāḥ cāturvarṇyaṃ mayā of these 4 classes, in the sense that they exist īśvarēṇa sṛṣṭam utpāditam, e.g the four classes gbecause of Him, He sustains them, just as no as created by Me The Lord, brāhmaṇō.sya gnigold ornament can exist without the presence of mukhamāsīt ityādiśrutēḥ. According to the niegold in it. In that sense gold may be said to be scriptures the brāhmaṇaḥ-s are his face ebb-lthe cause or creator of the ornaments without etc. guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ guṇavibhāgaśaḥ -llleactually undergoing the action of creating it, the karmavibhāgaśaśca. guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ means eWnon-doer. The ground, the earth may not be the as the divisions of qualities so are the divisions of W ycreator of multistoried towers, yet no tower can duties. guṇāḥ sattvarajastamāṃsi. guṇāḥ means ytiexist without sending its foundation deep into sattva, rajas, tamas. goodness, passion and tinnuthe ground. The tower is made up of earth too. ignorance. tatra sāttvikasya sattvapradhānasya uSo earth is the creator and yet not the maker of brāhmaṇasya śamō damastapaḥ ityādīni mmtowers. karmāṇi, Accordingly of the mode of goodness, mmoThe guṇa-s belong to prakṛti, but prakṛti has by which goodness is predominant as in the oCher basis in the Lord. So He is the cause brāhmaṇaḥ-s ‘control of the mind and C ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEkāraṇa behind everything. Yet he undergoes no the senses, austerity’ etc are the duties. sattvōpasarjanarajaḥpradhānasya kṣatriyasya 0 ecniS nic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEaction to be the creator kartāram, he is theśauryatējaḥprabhṛtīni karmāṇi, when passion 9 ecniS cnnanon-doer akartāram.As Śripad Rāmanujāchārya predominates over goodness as with the kṣatriya-s courage, valour manifest as the duties, ahsays sṛṣṭigrahaṇaṃ pradarśnarthaṃ ‘the tamaupasarjanarajaḥpradhānasya vaiśyasya hnnE diA lacideMword creation is as an illustration.’(R-Bh 4.13) kṛṣyādīni karmāṇi, when passion predominates E diA lacideMŚripad Madhvāchārya explains ahamēva hi over ignorance as with the mercantile class vaiśya-s their works manifests as agriculture kartētyāha -- cāturvarṇyamiti; caturvarṇasamudāyaḥ. etc. rajaupasarjanatamaḥpradhānasya śūdrasya śuśrūṣaiva karma ityēvaṃ when ignorance erafleW nezitiC roineSsāttvikō brāhmaṇaḥ, sāttvikarājasaḥ kṣatriyaḥ, predominates over passion as with the laborer erafleW nezitiC roineSrājasatāmasō vaiśyaḥ, tāmasaḥ śūdra iti class śūdra-s their works manifest as service. guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ cāturvarṇyaṃ mayā guṇavibhāgaḥ. karmavibhāgastuśamō damaḥ sṛṣṭam ityarthaḥ. The divisions of qualities and 18.42 ityādinā vakṣyatē. (M-Bh 4.13) indeed duties the four classes being created by Me, this being the meaning. tacca idaṃ cāturvarṇyaṃ na 9ssrraa8 stnevE laicoSI have created, its said; ‘the 4 classes anyēṣu lōkēṣu, ataḥ mānuṣē lōkē iti viśēṣaṇam. So these four classes are not found in other eY stnevE laicoScollectively’. In the mode of goodness the eY Eintellectual class brāhmaṇaḥ, of goodness and dtsE seitivitcA tropSpassion the warrior class kṣatriyaḥ, of passion dts 1 seitivitcA tropSand ignorance the mercantile class vaiśyaḥ, of 391ignorance the laborer class śūdra, these being 439the divisions according to the mental qualities. 4On the other hand the divisions due the corresponding duties or their physical worlds, thereby being typical of the human world. Extract from ‘Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā -Encyclopedia of the Lord’s Teachings to Humanity.’ Translation and Notes - Dr Gayatri G Shenoy ([email protected]) She is retired Anesthetist with a deep interest in Vedanta, and has given several lectures on Bhagavad Gita in the past. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 23

SIMPLE LIVING by Veena Shenoy It is generally said that simple living leads to peasants and farmers dress up happiness and most of the problems related to our simply. From then onwards life can be solved by simple living. Simple living Gandhiji wore a simple dhoti to gdoes not mean that we should give away worldly cover his body. In modern times ingnecessities and lead ascetic life but curtail our wearing simple cotton clothes ll-beinunnecessary wants and lead a simple life within is good for our skin and body. eour means. ell-bMost of the problems arise when people try Weto live beyond their means. For eg, someone ity Wtrying to imitate his or her relatives or friends’ unityhigh standard of living and thus taking loans Although I do not mean that we should not wear fashionable fancy clothes, simple and clean clothing is also one of the reasons for not only good health but will also not have many burden on our pockets. nwhich are beyond their means and thus falling loved ones, watching a child play and enjoying a or using credit cards for the purchase of things Being happy in a simple family get-together with muinto a debt trap. Some  People also spend child’s happiness at small accomplishments, and mmlavishly and beyond their means during wedding feeling happy in the achievements of our friends MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhaanc SSiinnccee 90functions a low affair and spend only the amount two-year-old son. He was busy playing with his Comceremonies and other functions just to please and relatives are also ways and means of being orelatives and friends and also to maintain status simple and happy. I would like to elaborate on Educational Assistance ing Cin society. They will not mind borrowing from this with a narrative. Sometime back my niece Educational Assistance ncingothers to spend lavishly. Simple people keep their visited our house for a family function with her which they can afford. cars and toys. Suddenly he saw straws kept on Another way of simple living is eating simple the table and asked for them. His joy knew no and healthy food. Fruits, fresh green vegetables, bounds when I gave him two straws. He was extremely happy playing with two simple straws Esalads, and sprouted pulses are not only cheaper which he saw for the first time. Why cannot we also be simple and enjoy the simple and small but also good for health. It is always better to happenings in our life just like a small child enjoys even a small accomplishment? Senior Citizen Welfareeat healthy homemade food than food available Senior Citizen Welfarein big and lavish hotels which are not only expensive but also not good for our health. SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss E 8YYeeaa9Many people consider it a status symbol to dine Most of our worries or problems can be solved rsa fortune on hotel bills. in big and lavish hotels and do not mind spending by simple living and high thinking. I always Sport Activities Es rsLet us not forget that Great people like Mahatma Sport Activities 119 sttdGandhi, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam became great dand popular because of their simple living and 93high thinking. The British were surprised and 34astonished at Mahatma Gandhi’s simple attire. believed we should be content with the bless- ings God has bestowed on us and try to help the underprivileged all of whom are not that lucky to have all the facilities in life. Simple living not only keeps our mind engaged in good thinking but will also make a person humble and honest. 4Winston Churchill called him the half-naked An upright simple and honest person does not fakir. Mahatma Gandhiji changed his decision indulge in unholy activities to earn a livelihood to wear  simple attire after watching poor because his or her needs are simple. Smt. Veena Shenoy regularly writes for newspapers. Till date, 600 of her articles and letters have been printed in the newspapers 24 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

09 eeccnniiSSggnniieebb--lllleeWW yyttiinnuummmmooCC ggnniiccnnaahhnneeEEccnnaattssiissssddAAiiAAllaallnnaaoocciiiiddttaaeeccMMuuddEE 9ssrraa8eY ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS Drawing by : Padma Shenvi Drawing by : Kanak Kamath Age : 10 years Drawing by : Anagha Nayak rrooiinneeSS Age : 9 years eerraafflleeWW nneezziittiiCCAge : 13 years eY ddttss44EE339911 sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSS Voice DorfaGwiSngBb,AyJgu:elSy:o-1nS8aelyipeSatuerrsmesbheNr a2y0a2k3, www.DgrsabwsinaAgbghbeay:m:2K0uiymrtehabiraKsia.omragth/ [email protected] : S96aryVveooatlrh.saXmVBIhIa,tIssue 2 25 :

VASANTH’S POETRY CORNER by Konchadi Vasanth Pai uniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinnggThe Fury of Mares munThe Women’s Reservation Bill did incite mmHorses in the NEIGHbouring stud farm last night ComTheir grouse- why the heck do humans bedeck Ennhhan Since 90“Gender equality for equines”  roared the studs Medical Aid “Do humans think we are mere duds EMedical Aid Meant to haul carts, run races and fall with a thud nciinngg CoEEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAwssitsshiibssriittndaaesgennrqouccoimneeesdafsitnreidrye only mares and not studs amid the cacophony of the a c SinceBaraatis  dancing hand in hand band 89SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn When cavalrymen riding us bite the mud” WelfareThey held their parliament at stroke of midnight WelfareAmid thunderous applause, to their delight A resolution was passed and a bill tabled Social Events Parity of studs with mares it enabled YearsSocial EventsThey pleaded with country’s most eligible bachelor and heir 119 EEssttd YearsSSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieessThat when he goes in a baraat to garland his lady fair He shouldn’t use the services of a mare. 93 dOutraged by this assault their anger was profuse. All hell broke out when the mares heard this news 344They decided that the only way to restore their pride to stop the studs in their track and stem the tide was to resort to male infanticide .I can only pray to God to save horses from extinction They have served mankind with such distinction. 26 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

Tony’s Journey Tony Blair lays everything bare When he writes with flair, his memoir. He writes about a wasp g (now please do not gasp) gni getting into his underwear nieeb and stinging him you know where. b-l He let out a cry “Goddam -llle This must be a WMD from Saddam” eW Enough provocation enough justification W y Rings up his buddy George yttiinnuum“On Iraq let us charge” mmTony loved the comfort of his loo moLoved his gin and tonic too 09 ecniS cnnaIn the annals of PMs his name stands firm oCAffairs with ladies he had quite a few llaannooiittaaccuuddEE C ggni ecnatsissASays he was an animal in the bedroom ecniS nic ecnatsissACherie must have chastised him with a broom ahBeing first to have fathered a child during his term hnnE diA lacideMBending & distorting truth was admittedly his game E diA lacideMIraq stands as testimony to his eternal shame 9sra8Queen’s stony silence made him sad He prodded Charles to make her speak eYAnd she opened her mouth eGad If Bush was Tweedledum, Blair was Tweedledee nneezziittiiCC rrooiinneeSS erafleWHe confesses a secret admiration for Princess Di erafleWOn her death he wrote his famous speech As “Peoples’ Princess” she will find her niche ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS sraeY EOn reading about this in his memoir she is mad. dtsE seitivitcA tropSThe Order of the Thistle will no longer be his dts 1 seitivitcA tropSTill he mends his fences with angry Liz 391All in all, his book will be a hit 4 9He will earn for himself quite a pile - to wit 43(Disclaimer : This does not purport to be a critical review of “A JOURNEY” by Tony Blair, published by Hutchinson, pages 714, price 22.50 pounds sterling. ) Konchadi Vasanth Pai (91), has spent over 60 years in the pharmaceutical industry in Govt. and non-Govt. sectors and as consultant after retirement. He has also worked in NGOs such as Sanjivani in Delhi and Childline in Pune. He presently lives with his son in Bengaluru. He is passionate about blogging and social networking. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 27

THE PAURANIK SERIES CHILD DEVOTEE: 3) DHRUVA (SOURCE- SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM) by Tanushree Rao Shenoy BACKGROUND: focused completely on what was told to him. Yet, there was inggKing Uttanapada was the son of Manu. one problem, the five-year- ll-beinHe had two wives, Suniti and Suruchi, with old child did not know how eSuruchi being his favorite Queen. This favoritism to do penance. Sage Narada ell-bfound its way to the next generation too. Suniti’s saw all this through his yo- gic powers and approached son was Dhruva; whereas Suruchi’s son Uttama the child. He tried to dissuade the boy “child you are mere- Wewas the King’s favored child. Once, the King was ly five years old and this is no age to under- ity Wplaying with Uttama in the palace garden and take hard penance which is necessary to please unityUttama was sitting on the King’s lap. Seeing and achieve Bhagwan Narayana’s grace. I request you to go back to your mother. this, Dhruva, Suniti’s son, approached the King Why don’t you take this path once you grow older?” he suggested. He described the munto demand the same, i.e., to play sitting on his hardships Dhruva will face once he undertakes mmfather’s lap. He was rudely taken aside by penance and highlighted the difficulties with the oSuruchi and was chastised “You may be the intention of discouraging the child; but Dhruva ComKing’s son but this privilege of sitting on your was adamant.His kshatriya blood would not allow g Cfather’s lap is not yours. It is reserved for the him to be deterred by the hardships. He replied to Educational Assistance ingchildren born from my womb only. Unfortunately, Narada “I am pleased to meet you. I am fortunate that you came to me as I was contemplating on Educational Assistance anccin Sinceyou were born to another woman and not me, undertaking penance but did not know how to go about it. Although I am a child and the penance MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Enhhan Since 90hence stay away. If you still desire this then is full of hardships, my Kshatriya lineage does not allow me to back out due to fear.I humbly undertake hard penance and pray to Bhagwan request you to teach me and guide me.” Narada Narayana to make me your mother in your next was pleased on seeing this child’s steadfastness and resolve and he agreed to guide Dhruva. Enbirth.” Although he was a five-year-old boy, her “Go to the banks of river Yamuna and the holy spot of Madhuvana. Bathe in the river thrice a words hurt Dhruva immensely causing deep day and doing Pranayama and keeping the form anguish. He was pained that his father, the King of Narayana in your mind focus on his form while you continuously chant ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Senior Citizen Welfaresat there helplessly listening to this not protesting Vasudevaya’. May you achieve the goal through Senior Citizen Welfareagainst it as he should have. He ran to his mother the path of Bhakti Yoga-the easiest of Yogas to please and reach Bhagwan Narayana.” SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8who too although pained, expressed her E YYeeaa9helplessness “I have been informed of the rshappenings in the palace garden. I know you rsare sad and hurt. The fact remains that as I am not the favored wife of the King, you being my SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esstson had to bear the brunt of it. Although she said 19 tdit our of pride and anger, do what she has told 93 dyou to – Pray to Bhagwan Narayana earnestly. 34If the Lord is by your side, no unhappiness 4or hurtful words will ever touch you. Pray to Him, seek solace in Him. Seek his refuge.” THE GUIDE: THE TERRIBLE TAPAS: Deeply hurt by what transpired during the day, Dhurv reached the spot in Madhuvana as directed Dhruva left his mother’s chambers and his city, by Sage Narada and commence his penance 28 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

(tapas), as taught by Narada. For the first month blessed with your grace always and drenched he lived on fruits found in the forest, second in your love always. May I forever remain your month on eating grass and dried leaves, third bhakta with your name forever on my lips.” month only on water and in the fourth month Narayana was pleased “Although you have now he denied himself even water, sustaining his refused to ask for anything, I know the reason body only on air. The Devas found his tapas too for which a young child of five undertook such severe penance. I wish to grant you that and gintense and tried to break his resolve and his much more. I bestow upon you a place next to gniconcentration by trying to frighten him with wild the sun and the moon with the seven rishis and nieanimals, poisonous serpents and dangerous evil the stars circumambulating you. Your place will ebb-lspirits. Dhruva was so involved in his penance; he be eternal. You will be anointed King after your -lllewas not even aware of their presence. The plan of father renounce his throne. You shall rule eWDevas failed. Devas went to Bhagwan Narayana well and justly. Yet you will not be lost in the W yand informed the Lord about the intensity of the materialistic world, instead you will forever be ytitapas which was causing the world to tremble. devoted to me and will perform many yagnas. tinnuBhagwan Narayana assured the Devas “That You will reach me ultimately.” As soon as the uwonderful child has undertaken such tough tapas vision of Bhagwan Narayana vanished, Dhru- mmfor far too long. It has been five months. I think it vaa realized what a fool he had been “Oh I wish mmois time to bless my bhakta” I had asked for Moksha. I have been such a fool! oCTHE DIVINE VISION: Maybe its my age, Sage Narada was right I am C ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEDhruva who had been intensely praying on the too young for this. Had I been older and wiser I would have surely asked for Moksha rather 09 ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEvisionofBhagwanNarayanainhismind,suddenlythan these earthly desires.” He wept. With ecniS nafound himself bereft of the vision. He opened his nowhere to go he decided to return to his father’s ahhn diA lacideMeyes and Lo Behold! His vision had transformed kingdom as asked by Narayana. nE diA lacideMinto the Lord himself. He was staring at Bhagwan ENarayana. Seeing his God, he teared up and he A FATHER REPENTS: extended his arms to embrace his Narayana. erafleW nezitiC roineSHe could not speak. Narayana understood, Ever since he allowed his little boy to go into erafleW nezitiC roineSalthough the child wanted to praise the Lord, the forest for penance, King Uttanapada was in 9his tongue was not supportive. Narayana gently a miserable state. Guilt-ridden; he did not know ssrraa8 stnevE laicoStouched Dhruva’s cheek with his conch and he what to do. Sage Narada decided to counsel the eY stnevE laicoSfound his voice again. Dhruva said “Oh Lord King and went to meet him straight after meeting eYthank you for entering into me and becoming Dhruvaa. Narada said “Oh King why are you in Emy voice. Even though I have regained my voice such a despondent state?” The king answered ddttssE seitivitcA tropSI am at loss of words. How to describe the power “I have committed a crime. I let my son bear the 91 seitivitcA tropSbehind each and everything! How to describe brunt of those harsh words and I was so helpless 4391the designer and creator of everything! How to I did not even protest nor did I stop my son from 3worship the owner of everything! I undertook leaving. What must my son be doing in a forest? 4this penance with a specific purpose but in these He is only five and the forest is such an unsafe five month I have experienced and gained much place.” Narada assured the King that his son is more by merely repeating your name. Now, the destined for gret things and he is very much safe. reason for which I undertook the penance seems After five months when the King was informed so shallow. I desire nothing more than to be Dhruvaa was arriving at the city gate, the King Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 29

correcting anovulation, restoring fertility and PCOS can be controlled. Good medical care can whArWcdeoiiessdaonnbumttDtwrecaethitoencnorseguq.pvwuwitaniTeevahserleuoecntlaoosipt.mnuwmiSclerliehu)senehrsDutdwischtittwhralohluinievtcteihobarenoeasftchueowohoermieadtrm,mseerSlsfoeaeuugnypllrfuelrutselohcaaghfelrno(irlaonpeibnkngemltesreioewsotrcstdsiaheotesndhef.. siNtbtwnhateaaciettrrkthhsaelpeyrePaaaaCatavnninpOeedadpnn)Setr.,'seastAeovrhvaepianepgrassnclhtseaieueecmrrrneaeicsnotthwedshhitaehsaoanewncfrwhdteoahiomneeecuvyvoaplebnd-erooonmopdbcfetyloihearrtmacehhetueeislsmorsauahenlsantohsm,oi(oisedembcxr.iuvoaclBlietoeaferupnetydet,t, hsoimm.etimes be given medications to help them himimp.orAtanptltaoceacwhihevereethailsl. other stars and planets will alter their course but Dhruvaa would remain DovHuRlaUteVaAndAcoTnAcReiAve:. the only constant – known as DhruvaaTara gPDosr.tNUehtataDniagphaedBah,iseDishCruovnasaultawnatsEnadnoocrinintoeldogKistiantgGSB(PSoMleedSictaarl)T.rHusat,pMpuilmy,baDihruvaa placed his foot on Weellll--bbeeiinngstoayGohnfeSeadmhBdrhsieSes.AhdMiHrsisuNtoeaelbnetdetoNdihUdceswayOtonl.tilaTseTrmUerehulonayasNnottaauadnNnCnnaddcnayeErowwdauayeMBenrtalrnhclniteYevafEseot.koodriNGHnntwBegheTSmadhiridoetmoByrnmOripkeStaaahiCFtnsogiAhMeuofrnCNsalatdavmCEneoAtondEarDRNCbpIdInCooeCrftisweteiEitAcercietdviiRnsoeLhmclneyeCaDT:odarmERotohfpTuUdfreotEfaSarutcLhCTlhaiawdeTnivoedersIdeaOnsbtmoecNvraaeenrdvtChbetehleAoeaugccsMhehaoanrfPinr4oee0tsl..uizletsd. cThhairsioptroagprparmoaicshsepdonhsimorewdibthy NthaeraFyaamnialysemrveamnbtse.rs oIrfreLsapteecDtirv.Ve .Ro.fPrwabhhaut, tohuerfoaugned, eritTrisustoenelyof tthhee ity WTGhSeByShMadedcicoaml Terutost toakceomhmimemtoorhaties hnisewBiprtlhacceentsetnraernygytheaorf. TohuirsbChaamktpi wthialtl bmeahteteldrso. n Monday, the muunnity1fr9otbTmhaynoi8unfs.te3hJrru0eelseayt.Rm2Sah0oteo2Si1h4se.aon3tfo0ifyitrpsimsmHabn.eePaElilreqtifuhoitrthRyarRatekegosusieshrataarrckanhctCiiAoeennnnat listysrtsoeatr,bimReysapuarjsngotdfie.rstOeCsxionotsnluyaarrnt2e,d4atahblneaoadgvvaieietdesFwrweeaadyidletelorrbasoleonBlruHeatgiinonikndssu,teDftoerexratddaslaaalrnsodSuthprtahipstiriloooissbnolaepRmthioysmade coninsulifme.ing examination. CommmTFohrismsotroerdyewtaailsstchoentlaacsttoinnt‘eCl.h7i7l1d5D02ev6o13te4e,’0t2r2il-o2g4y1.0 4149 / 2416 0478 EESSSSddeeppMMSSuunnoooocciirreeooccaattddiirrttaaAAiiiiCCccoollccaaiiEEnnttttiillvviiaavvzzAAeelliieettnniiAAnniiddeettssssWWssssiisseettllaaffaannrrccEEeeeenn11hh99aa33EEnn44ccssiittnnddgg Co8SSYYiieennaa9cceerrss 90AbovenewsitemhasbeensenttousbySmt.GitaR.Pai,Trustee,Secretary,GSBSMedicalTrust Y/3, Dadar Sai Kirti CHS. Ltd., Anant Patil Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 028. Voice of GSB, July-Sep. 2021, Page No. 18 www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Volume XV, Issue 2 30 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

ggnniieebb--lllleeWW yyttiinnuummmmooCC ggnniiccnnaahhnneeEEccnnaattssiissssddAAiiAAllaallnnaaoocciiiiddttaaeeccMMuuddEE 09 eeccnniiSS 98 eerraafflleeWW nneezziittiiCC rrooiinneeSS ssrraaeeYY ddttss44EE339911 ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSS Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 31

THERAVO - END OF LIFE’S JOURNEY by Amritha Girish Pai Birth and Death are two sides of a coin. Nobody As per the rites, she was bathed can predict a birth (I mean Natural birth and and covered in a new silk saree not Caesarean). Similarly, nobody can predict a and adorned with our traditional “Pirduke mala” and Haldi - gdeath. Kumkum on her forehead. ll-beiinngBirth brings in Happiness and joy. Death brings The last respects and obeisance ein sadness and misery. When a person is born, he were offered by the family, ell-bor she lives in this world with his/her near and relatives and friends who had gathered there. The lady members applied dear ones whereas when a person dies, he or she Haldi-kumkum and offered Narlu with blouse piece as a token of respect to the deceased Wegets confined inside a photo or memories. Such is Sumangali. ity Wthe memory I have about my in laws. unityIn spite of having an age difference of 10 years Here I would like to tell you all that in the South, munthey had “mog” (love) for each other till they the Narlu with blouse piece is not offered to mmparted into the divine world of Lord Vishnu! the deceased Sumangali. Instead of Haldi, ComThey used to address each other as “MOGA” “Gaandha with kumkum” only will be applied o(short version of Mogacho and Mogachi). and obeisance offered. This is one difference Educational Assistance ing CIn today’s world when marriages are becoming I observed. Educational Assistance ncinga “mock” with instant divorces for petty issues, It is believed that the soul of the deceased will be MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhaanc SSiinnccee 90youngsters need to learn a lesson from thesepresent in his/ her home for thirteen days before attaining full mukti. The soul is said to be set free “mogache” relations! on the twelfth day and “Shudheekaran” is done in the home of the deceased. On the thirteenth day Now you will think whether I am deviating from a feast is arranged for all. Therefore, as a matter of respect and providing food and water to the Ethe topic.  No dear readers, I am talking about soul, a “ sooth “ (cotton string) is strung over with its two ends getting dipped in two glasses the differences in the “Theravo” held for these kept, each filled with water and milk. Also, a “deevo” (lamp) will be kept lighted in front of Senior Citizen Welfaremogache Maam and Mai. them throughout these thirteen days.  We were Senior Citizen WelfareWhen a marriage takes place it is a secret desire not to light our Deva deevo in our koodi(Pooja room). The remaining related rituals were to start of every woman that she should leave this world from the 10th day onwards. SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss E 8YYeeaa9as a “Sumangali”. But as I pointed out earlier, no- My father-in-law expired after a brief illness rsbody can predict this! rsMy Mai won the toss and after a brief illness SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esst(ovarian cancer) left for the divine Vishnuloka 19 tdon an auspicious day. Auspicious because it was 93 da Friday- day of Devi and on the top of it, was 34Narasimha Jayanti! Moreso, she took her last 4breath on her own bed at home, listening to the chanting of my father in law during his morning in the Hospital. He complained of giddiness Pooja. Since she attained Sadgati at Vashi, Navi and vomiting one early morning and was Mumbai, her last rites as well as Theravo was immediately taken to the Hospital. He got held at Vashi only. admitted in the ICU and was improving in his 32 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

health. He was brought back to the general ward The fifth difference is in Mumbai all the thirteen and was to be discharged soon. He had to his bhats are made to sit in a line and the eldest son heart’s content his favourite dishes - Patthravodi, offer a variety of things like chembu, naarlu, Volvol etc. during these days. But as fate would fruits, seating cover etc etc as “Daan” to each of have it, the day before he was to be discharged, them in an orderly manner, ie one at a time and he contracted bacterial infection and was shifted take their Aashirvaad. gback to ICU. Thence he never came back! May- gnibe he had a vision of Vishnuloka in the initial In Kochi the thirteen bhats are individually called niedays and had his favourite dishes! He too passed and seated before the eldest son in a peetha. ebb-laway on an auspicious day. It again was a Friday Each of the offering is given to the individual -llleand was Vaikuntha Ekadashi. My father-in-law bhat seated on the peetha as Daan. Apart from eWhad always been a personality of individuality. the thirteen bhats one offering is specially made W yHe was born in Kochi. Being a Central to the “ Nathu” - son of daughter in his presence ytiGovernment Employee, he had been outside or absence. The reason cited is that amongst the tinnuKerala State all along his career and had a grandchildren, the daughter’s son is the favourite uretired life in Mumbai till “Moga” left him. for the Aabu.  If absent, his parents receive the mmAfter 30 years of retirement, he landed back in Daan on his behalf. This ritual was not there in mmoKochi from where he took off for Vaikuntha! Mumbai. oCA person who leaves the world on Vaikuntha C gEkadashi does not have rebirth.  Even when he Whether Mumbai or Kochi, the Theravo is a must. It is the day when the soul is said ecniS gnniic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEset foot for Vaikunttam he ensured this!to be completely set free and happy after “Shudheekaran” on the twelvth day done in 09 ecniS cnna ecnatsissA lanoitacudEThe second difference I observed was thatthe home of the deceased. It is the day when ahafter the last rites were performed, the sooth and the grieving close relations are set free from the hnnE diA lacideMdeevo ritual for thirteen days was not there. “Suthkal” observed by them for the past thirteen E diA lacideMAs done earlier, we were not to light our Deva days. It is one occasion (other than marriage) deevo in our koodi. The remaining related rituals wherein all the relatives and family friends erafleW nezitiC roineSwere to start from the 10th day onwards. come again together (after last rites) to 98 erafleW nezitiC roineSThe third difference is you are not to send re-ensure the emotional support to the grieving family. It is also a situation of both happiness and grief. Happy that the departed soul has reached the Heaven. Grief that the physical presence of the person close to your heart is no more. But that is Life my dear readers for mortals like us.... Here again you will agree with me that the Happiness and grief are the two sides of a coin. invitation for Theravo to your near and dear stnevE laicoSones till the 10th day in Kochi. Whereas in sraeY stnevE laicoSMumbai we had started sending the invitations sraeY(via WhatsApp) soon after the fourth day. dtsEE seitivitcA tropSThe fourth difference is that while inviting either dts 1 seitivitcA tropSin person or via WhatsApp, in Kochi the word 391“padhye “ is in specific used especially for the 4 9priests and the thirteen bhats. The word Theravo 43should not be used. Amritha Girish Pai is an M.Tech in Town & Country Planning, and has been a Senior Town Planner at CIDCO Ltd., Govt. Of Maharashtra. She has been involved in designing the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), NAINA, and Navi Mumbai during her three decades of service.  She’s an avid reader with a passion for singing, and writing. She has been actively associated with various activities for GSB Sabha Navi Mumbai, and GSS Samaj Mumbai. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 33

Dishes from Millets  by Anuradha Prabhu Recipes [email protected] ll-beiinnggIngredients:- e1 cup nanchane(ragi) flour ell-b1/4 cup moong dal 1/4 cup tuvar dal We1/4 cup raw rice ity W2-3 green chillies unity1inch piece ginger nA few curry leaves muA pinch of asafoetida  mmSalt to taste CoomOil as required  NANCHANE (RAGI) ANI DALI POLLO Method:- 1) Soak moong dal, tuvar dal and raw rice for 2-3 hours.  2) Drain the water and grind the dals alongwith green chillies, ginger and curry leaves to a paste. 3) Remove the paste and keep aside for 3-4 hours or overnight. 4) Add the ragi flour, asafoetida, salt and water as required to the dal paste. 5) Mix well to get a semi thick consistency. 6) Heat a tava, apply oil, pour a ladleful of batter and spread a thick dosa. Cover and cook for few minutes on a low flame. 7) Flip the dosa and let it cook on the other side also. 8) Once done remove and serve hot with your choice of chutney. EEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAssssiissttaannccee hanncciinngg C SSiinncceeIngredients:- MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennha 901/2 cup udad dal 1 and 1/4 cup varia (little millet) SSeeSSnnooiioocciirraaCCll iiEEttvviizzeeeennnnttssWWeellffaarrEee E 8YYeeaa9Salt to taste  VARAI (LITTLE MILLET) IDLI Method:- 1) Soak the udad dal for 3-4 hours. Drain the water and grind with a little water till its fluffy.  2) Clean and rinse the varai and soak in water for 30-45 minutes. 3) Drain the water from the varai and grind it separately. 4) Mix the ground varai and udad batter well and keep aside to ferment over- night. 5) Add salt to the fermented batter and mix well. Grease the idli moulds, pour the batter and steam for 12-15 minutes.  6) Serve the idlies with your choice of chutney and sambar. SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esst rrssIngredients:- 19 td1/2 cup ragi powder 93 d1 cup milk 341/2 cup water 41/2 cup sugar NANCHANE(RAGI) DUDALLI Method:- 1) In a thick bottomed karahi mix together ragi powder, milk and water. 2) Cook the ragi mixture on a slow flame stirring continuously. 3) As the mixture thickens add the sugar, charoli/cashew bits and cardamom powder. 1 tbsp charoli/cashew bits 4) Keep on stirring till the mixture has thickened and 1 tsp cardamom powder  forms into a ball. 1 tbsp ghee 5) Spread the mixture evenly on a greased thali. 6) Once cool cut into desired shapes and serve. 34 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

ggnniieebb--lllleeWW yyttiinnuummmmooCC ggnniiccnnaahhnneeEEccnnaattssiissssddAAiiAAllaallnnaaoocciiiiddttaaeeccMMuuddEE 09 eeccnniiSS 98 eerraafflleeWW nneezziittiiCC rrooiinneeSS ssrraaeeYY ddttss44EE339911 ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSS sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSS Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 35

In January this year, I had a wonderful trip with my cousins to Assam and Meghalaya. With clean lakes, caves and waterfalls, the la�er is also known as ‘The Abode of the Clouds’. THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH EASTWe took a flight from Mumbai to Guwaha�; and then drove through long winding roads to Shillong, which incidentally is called ‘Scotland of the east’! The roads are clean and the scenery is awesome. by Naina PrabhuWe took a boat ride in the “Umiam Lake”. Beside the serene waters, picturesque skies and beau�ful surroundings, we no�ced local families picnicking around. Truly noteworthy was the fact that they In January this year, I had a cleaned the spot extremely well a�er their picnic. structures have meticulously grown over aNext, we visited the “Arwah” caves. These caves are known for their natural forma�ons of limestone wonderful trip with my cousins period of time and are among the biggestridge structures – stalagmites (arising from the ground) and stalac�tes (arising from the roof). There is a con�nuous flow of underground water streams in these caves. Trekking into these caves, we had aamtatgrniaficcenttivioewnosf theisnurroMundineggvahlleyaalnad ayfeaw.waTterfhalles. y are around 300 “yMaewasmrasi” is old,another setmadeof caves that wbe vyisitedi. nThteyearretawlsoilinmeisntonge struacteurresilaayelredrwoithots gleaming calcite crystals. Unlike “Arwah”, these caves were slightly difficult to access as, we had to ofcrouch theand crawlrthurobugbh nearrrow tparsesees andalorwoceuilinngsd, whicah wabs aen utnefolrge�tarblee eexpertiernucenk, sturdy enough toalso giving us a physical fitness test! carry the weight of more than 50 people! The trek to this place was a 10-minuteWe also visited the “Living Root Bridge- Jingmahem”. This is an architectural masterpiece epitomizing the unique collabora�on between humans and nature! These ever-evolving structures walk through uneven rough path but the end ofhave me�culously grown over a period of �me and are among the biggest a�rac�ons in Meghalaya. They are around 300 years old, made by intertwining aerial roots of the rubber tree around a betel which was just enthralling.tree trunk, sturdy enough to carry the weight of more than 50 people! The trek to this place was a 10-minute walk through uneven rough path but the end of which was just enthralling. to Assam and Meghalaya. gWith clean lakes, caves and ingwaterfalls, the latter is also ll-beinknown as ‘The Abode of the ell-beClouds’. We took a flight from Mumbai to Guwahati; Weand then drove through long winding roads to ity WShillong, which incidentally is called ‘Scotland unityof the east’! The roads are clean and the scenery nis awesome. muWe took a boat ride in the “Umiam Lake”. ommBeside the serene waters, picturesque skies and g Cpicnicking around. Truly noteworthy was the fact Educational Assistance ingthat they cleaned the spot extremely well after Educational Assistance anccin Sincetheir picnic. MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhan Since 90Next, we visited the “Arwah” caves. These caves are known for their natural formations of limestone ridge structures – stalagmites (arising Combeautiful surroundings, we noticed local families On the Indo-Bangladesh border runs theOn the Indo-Bangladesh border runs the beau�ful “Umngot” river. The river water is clear and we cboueldaseue tthieffisuhels “Umngot”swimming close to the rrivievrbeed.rT.hiTs whasea surrrievaleexrperwiencaetfoer arll oifsusc. lear and we could see the fishes swimming close to the riverbed. This was a surreal experience for all of us. SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8Yea9surrounding valley and a few waterfalls. Efrom the ground) and stalactites (arising from the Senior Citizen Welfareroof). There is a continuous flow of underground Senior Citizen Welfarewater streams in these caves. Trekking into these caves, we had a magnificent view of the “Mawsmai” is another set of caves that we rsvisited. They are also limestone structures E Yearslayered with gleaming calcite crystals. Unlike SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esst“Arwah”, these caves were slightly difficult to 19 tdaccess as, we had to crouch and crawl through 93 dnarrow passes and low ceilings, which was an 34unforgetable experience also giving us a physical 4fitness test! A small remote village “Mawlynnong” is famousA small remote village “Mawlynnong” is famous as the cleanest village in Asia. Yes, imagine an Indian village being the cleanest as compared to Japan; and this is since 2003. Seven other villages in the as the cleanest village in Asia. Yes, imagine anvicinity are compe�ng to be the cleanest. All over Meghalaya, there are bamboo baskets placed in every nook and corner. The culture of cleanliness (remember the picknickers) is well imbued within tIhins sdociieaty.n village being the cleanest as compared MtoeghalJayaa pis aalsno h;omeatno mdanytghorgiesousiasnd gisgainn�ccweaterf2all0s –0th3e D.hanStaeliavn feallns, theoEltehpheanrt villages in the vicinity are competing to be thefalls, the Seven Sisters and the Nohkalikai falls. But, the best �me to view these falls is during the monsoon when the falls are at their majes�c best. Icn wlientaer,nMeegshatl.ayaAgeltsldaorkvbye4:r30 MPM inetghehevaenlinagy. Soa, w, etshtareterd eouradaryseverby eaarmly tobo.oo baskets placed in every nook and corner.Milk and curd were missing but the vegetables are fresh and delicious. Tea without milk is definitely available in plenty. We also visited the “Living Root Bridge- FTromhMeeghalcayua, wlteuprroceeededotofAssamc. leanliness (remember the Jingmahem”. This is an architectural masterpiece Apssiamc’ks cnharimciks ineitrssdi)verisisty owf cueltlurlesi, vmibrabntuaneddcolowrfuliftehs�vianls, wtihldilifse, lsusoh tceaigeartdyen.s, natural beauty, holy shrines and turbulent rivers. epitomizing the unique collaboration between humans and nature! These ever-evolving WMe viesitgedhthae “lNaaymeari” nias�onaallpsarok lochatoedmat thee to manyfoot hills of eastern Hgimoalraygase. Tohisuisshomaentod agroiugnda37n0 stpieccies wof bairdtse. Wrefaalsolldsid –river ra�tihngein thDe “Jhai Bahnorotlai”lriivearnand tfreakkleldsth,routghhe the forest accompanied by our forest guide and a guard who explained and helped us sight many birds. Tiring but enjoyable! 36 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhaWmeuvimsitebd athie.“oKrazgira/ngga”sNbav�oongal@Parkg. Tmhisaisila.UcNoEmSCO herit age siteVanodls.hoXulVd bIeIin, tIhsesbuuceket2 list of every traveler who wants to explore the dense jungles. It is the largest habitat of the one horned rhino, �gers, wild buffalos, gaurs, o�ers and many other rep�les and birds. We did both the jeep safari and elephant safari. I preferred the elephant safari as we could spot many animals in the

Elephant falls, the Seven Sisters and the Nohka- Assam’s culture- dance, music, musical likai falls. But, the best time to view these falls instruments, food, vessels, clothes, etc. is during the monsoon when the falls are at their The “Maa Kamakhiya” temple situated inThe Kaziranga orchid and bio diversity park is situated just at a mile away from the central range of majestic best. the na�onal park. We were awestruck to see such a huge and colorful collec�on of orchids in India. the Nilanchal hills is the most revered shaktiThis place gave us a sneak peek into Assam’s culture- dance, music, musical instruments, food, vessels, clothes, etc. In winter, Meghalaya gets dark by 4:30 PM in the Tphee“MeatahKaamsakhiinya”Itenmpdleisaituadteed idn tihce Nailtaencdhal tohills Deviis the most rKevearemd shaakk� pheeityhasainan evening. So, we started our days very early too. incarnation of Devi Sati. This is also an importantIndia dedicated to Devi Kamakhiya an incarna�on of Devi Sa�. This is also an important pilgrimage ggnMilk and curd were missing but the vegetables center for the tantric sect of Hinduism. The famous “Ambubachi” Mela is one of the major fes�vals niieare fresh and delicious. Tea without milk is defi- ebnitely available in plenty. pilgrimage center for the tantric sect of Hinduism.of the temple held in mid-June a�racts a lot of devotees. The shrine worshipped here is in the shape b--lllFrom Meghalaya, we proceeded to Assam. leeWAssam’s charm is in its diversity of cultures, vi- of yoni, the birth giving power of a woman. W ybrant and colorful festivals, wild life, lush tea ytigardens, natural beauty, holy shrines and turbu- The famous “Ambubachi” Mela is one of theWe also visited the Maha Mrityunjay temple, the Umananda Temple, the Sukeshwar Temple, and the tinnulent rivers. major festivals of the temple held in mid-June andBhimeshwar dham temple. All of them are dedicated to lord Shiva. Do note that most temples are a li�le below the ground level with water flowing inside the sanctum. Aa1t7tthrceanctutrysBria�shlbountgaolowfhads ebevenocotneveertesd.inTto ha heeritsaghe creinnteredepwic�ongrlisfehaloinpgpsidee d here is in the shape of yoni, the birth givingthe mighty Brahmaputra. It has on display an amphitheater, viewing decks, musical instruments, ethnic mo�fs rela�ng to the history of Guwaha�. power of a woman. umWe visited the “Nameri” national park located at mmthe foot hills of eastern Himalayas. This is home moto around 370 species of birds. We also did riv- oCC ger rafting in the “Jai Bhoroli” river and trekked gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEthrough the forest accompanied by our forest 09 ecniS nic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEguide and a guard who explained and helped us ecniS cnnaahhnnEE ddiiAA llaacciiddeeMMsight many birds. Tiring but enjoyable! We also visited the Maha Mrityunjay temple,As a finale, we did the “Golden Sunset Cruise”, a boat cruise down the vast “Brahmaputra” also called the Umananda Temple,the “Sorrow of Assam”! Watching the sunset on thetbhaneks Sukeshwarof the river was another suTrreealmple, aexpnerdiencteh. e Bhimeshwar dham temple. All of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Do note that most temples are a little below the ground level with water flowing inside the sanctum. A 17th century British bungalow has been erafleW nezitiC roineSconverted in to a heritage center depicting life erafleW nezitiC roineSalong side the mighty Brahmaputra. It has on 9sra8TWhe eKazivrainsgaitoerchdid atnhdebio“dKiverasitzyipraarknisgsitaua”tedNjusattaitoa mnialelawPayafrrokm.theTcehnitrsal range of the na�onal park. We were awestruck to see such a huge and colorful collec�on of orchids in India. stnevE laicoSis a UNESCO heritage site and should be in theThis place gave us a sneak peek into Assam’s culture- dance, music, musical instruments, food, eY stnevE laicoSvbesuseclsk, celotthelsi,settc.of every traveler who wants to explore The “Maa Kamakhiya” temple situated in the Nilanchal hills is the most revered shak� peethas in sraeYthe dense jungles. It is the largest habitat of theIndia dedicated to Devi Kamakhiya an incarna�on of Devi Sa�. This is also an important pilgrimage dtsEcoennteer fohr othrentaentdric srehctionf Hoin,dutiisgm.eTrhse,fawmoiulsd“Ambbuubfafcahil”oMsel,a igs oanue orfsth,eomta-jor fes�vals E seitivitcA tropSof the temple held in mid-June a�racts a lot of devotees. The shrine worshipped here is in the shape dtsters and many other reptiles and birds. We didof yoni, the birth giving power of a woman. 91 seitivitcA tropSWbeoatlsho vistihtedethejeMeahpa Msriatyfuanjaryiteampnled, theeUlmeapnhanadanTtemsplae,fthaerSiu.kesIhwparrTeem-ple, and the 3 1Bhimeshwar dham temple. All of them are dedicated to lord Shiva. Do note that most temples are a 4 9ferred the elephant safari as we could spot manyli�le below the ground level with water flowing inside the sanctum. 43animals in the wild.A 17th century Bri�sh bungalow has been converted in to a heritage center depic�ng life along side the mighty Brahmaputra. It has on display an amphitheater, viewing decks, musical instruments, eTthhnicemoK�fsarzelai�rnagntogthae hoistrocryhofiGduwaahna�d. bio diversity park is situated just at a mile away from the central range of the national park. We were awestruck to see such a huge and colorful collection of orchids in India. This place gave us a sneak peek into Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 37 Our nine-day journey came to an end. Our limbs were �red but our spirits were refreshed. We sincerely salute the beauty and diversity of our great country!

experience. As a finale, we did the “Golden Sunset Cruise”, a boat cruise down the vast “Brahmaputra” also called the “Sorrow of Assam”! Watching the sunset on the banks of the river was another surreal experience. gdisplay an amphitheater, viewing decks, musical inginstruments, ethnic motifs relating to the history ll-beeinof Guwahati. Our nine-day journey came to an end. Our limbs were tired but our spirits were refreshed. We sincerely salute the beauty and diversity of our great country! ell-bNaina Prabhu, a homemaker is settled in Bengaluru. She is an avid traveller and excels in culinary arts. WeRAM KRISHNAA ACADEMY SCORES HUNDRED PER CENT uniittyy WSSC RESULT FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR EEddMMuucceeaaddttiiiiccooaannllaaAAll iiAAddssssiissttaannccEeennhhaanncciinngg CCoommSSmmiiunnnccee 90Ournine-dayjourneycametoanend.Ourlimbswere�redbutourspiritswererefreshed.We sincerely salute the beauty and diversity of our great country! ESixth consecutive hundred per cent SSC result Patil while Sarthak Sampat Khanvilkar was fifth. Thirty two children passed in the first division Rama Krishnaa Academy of Vidhyadhiraj while the rest passed with a high second class. Senior Citizen WelfareCharitable Trust at Harigram, Panvel obtained a The toppers were felicitated by Chief Guest Senior Citizen Welfarecent percent result in the SSC Board exam for the Smt Amritha Pai, former executive of CIDCO, in the presence of Shri Rajan Bhat, Chairman VCT, sixth consecutive year. The students come from Headmistress Smt Harshalata Chimankar, new Headmaster Shri Tawde, V S Bhat, M S Adige, SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss E 8YYeeaa9seven villages around and is the only EnglishLakshmi Nayak, tenth standard teacher Ujwala, and other teachers. The other tenth and ninth rsmedium school in the area. standard students were also present on the rsAryan Avinash Patil stood first while Pooja occasion. Sport Activities EsDilip Patil and Bhumika Ganesh Disale stood Sport Activities 119 sttdsecond and third. The fourth position was shared 93344 dby Ashvika Santosh Ravrang and Nidhi Hemant WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR NAME IN VOICE OF GSB Voice of GSB, the quarterly newsletter of G.S.B. Sabha, Mumbai, is your newsletter. It is a platform for you to share your thoughts, experiences and creativity. We welcome your articles/ essays and drawings, age no bar. Printing will be subject to discretion of the editorial team. 38 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

Join Us In Strengthening Our Community By Donating To Our Funds Every Little Bit Helps ggni1. Senior Citizen Ad- Financial assistance for day-to-day expenses for Financial Year 2019-2020 S.No Fund Objective Amount Number of nieebhaar Fund Disbursed People Assisted b-l To facilitate the stay in old age homes for those 3.45,000 33 those who need it and have completed age 60 -llle who need it and can’t afford it 36,000 1 eW2. GSB Senior Citizen Cover domiciliary medical expenses of 4,38,607 27 W yytithe community with daily medical expenses tinNot covered by any other health scheme Medical Welfare economically weaker section of senior citizens of nu3. Medical Aid um4. Medical Aid (Criti- One-time assistance towards medical emergen- One-time assistance for hospitalization expenses 1,64,500 10 2,08,556 8 mmcal Illness) 09 ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEStd I to X, under-graduate and graduate college5,44,50017 mobattling 23 critical illness as defined 6,94,000 206 cies, hospitalization or surgery expenses to those oC5. GSB Higher Educa- Provide assistance to needy and meritorious stu- C gtion Fund gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudE6. Vidyanidhi dents for pursuing higher education Educational assistance to school students from ecniS nastudents and students pursuing post graduate / ahprofessional courses hnnE diA lacideM7. MS Marriage Assis- Assistance to the bride’s family for conducting 9a. Savings Bank Account with Bank of Baroda, Bhau Daji Road Branch ssrraa8 stnevE laicoSb. Account Holder Name: Gowd Saraswat Brahman Sabha, Mumbai E diA lacideMtance the marriage ceremony Donations : erafleW nezitiC roineS1. Online : http://donate.gsbsabhamumbai.org erafleW nezitiC roineS2. NEFT / IMPS : eY stnevE laicoSc. Account Number: 05800100014288 eYd. IFSC Code: BARB0BHAUDA (Kindly note: The 5th character is a zero and not the letter ‘O’) dtsEe. Email: [email protected] dtsE 1 sseeiittiivviittccAA ttrrooppSSf. Please mention your name and contact number in the Narration 93. Cheque or DD can be addressed in the name of GSB Sabha, Mumbai payable at Mumbai and delivered 4391to The Treasurer, GSB Sabha Mumbai, 101, Shreenidhi, Opp. Bank of Baroda, 76 Bhau Daji Road, 43Matunga (C.Rly), Mumbai – 400019. a. On the back of the cheque / DD, kindly mention the fund to which you are donating along with details of in whose name you wish to make the donation 4. International Donations (for international currencies) : The Sabha has FCRA registration and a separate bank account for accepting donations in foreign currencies. For wire transfers, please send us an email at [email protected] so that we can coordinate with our bank and provide you the necessary details Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 39

IS THE GSB POPULATION DWINDLING? by Ashok Prabhu This article is an attempt to impact on the population of GSBs making it highlight challenges faced by smaller relative to overall population in India. the GSB community at this Population and influence of GSBs have decreased gtime and the need to address the significantly in many towns along the west coast ll-beiinngissues related to the dwindling of India. epopulation of this community ell-bin India. Such a discussion GSB boys and girls marrying outside the community: Educating children is an important becomes especially important given the pace of quality of GSBs. When it comes to encouraging children to get adequate education and obtain Wechanges that are happening now, and how these relevant skills, this has been a tradition ity Wchanges are impacting community members to cultivated by GSBs for a long time. In the past unityadapt to the changing environment. Suggestions few decades, the community has also been nare made for keeping the thousands of years old very aggressive in terms of providing equal mucommunity thriving. educational opportunities to both boys and girls. mmRelative population of GSBs continues to Both boys and girls are performing equally Comdecrease well in different stages of education. They are g CoDecreasing birth rate in the GSB Community: taking advantage of these opportunities and EEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAssssiissttaannccee cingPopulation of the GSB community is becomingseeking higher education in different fields including physical sciences, computer science, ancin Sincerelatively smaller compared to the overall mathematics, engineering, finance, medicine, h n Sincepopulation of India every year. Total number of law, business administration, media and entertainment. GSB philanthropic organizations MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennha 90GSBs in India may be between 5 and 10 lakhs. are assisting rural GSB children to obtain higher education especially in the fields of This would mean that the GSB population in computer science, engineering, technology and medicine. EIndia is less than 0.1% of overall population on Motivation for teaching, learning and practicing India or less than 1 in 1000. family traditions and religious activities is decreasing in the GSB community. Given the SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarreeDuring the early part of 20th century, the emphasis on modern education, there is very population of GSBs grew quite a bit in line with little time dedicated to such activities for children SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8Yea9overall population growth in India. However, on a regular basis. Being busy with numerous the number of children decreased significantly social activities, professional careers and rsfor the subsequent generations and the trend educational activities of the children, E Yearscontinues. For example, my maternal community activities are not necessarily on SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 Esstgrandmother was from a family of twelve 19 tdbrothers and sisters. Then my grandmother had 93 dseven children. My mother had five children who 34in turn had only one or two children. 4Marrying late, having not more than one or two children is becoming the norm in the progressive top of the list for the younger members. GSB community. This combined with GSB boys As the community becomes scattered in different and girls marrying outside the community and cities, logistics for conducting community also migrating to other countries is having an affairs locally become difficult. Youngsters tend 40 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

to lack the community spirit once held by their region. After Portuguese rule, large numbers ancestors. With every passing generation, the of GSBs fled Goa and survived in coastal interest level is likely to go down. Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. During all Boys and girls are mostly working away from these migrations, GSBs went in groups and stayed home towns, in cities in India and abroad. together in groups, and flourished. This helped to This creates opportunities for marriage alliances maintain their identity as GSB community. ggnoutside the community. Given the highly Educated Indians and their children assimilate niieprogressive nature of the GSB community and comfortably in the customs and culture of the ebhigh levels of education among both boys and countries they migrate to, especially Western b--llgirls, numbers of out of community marriages countries. GSBs in general tend to be quite lleare quite significant and are increasing at a rapid progressive in this regard. Examples of GSB eWpace. Our progressive community is becoming children born in these countries marrying W ytwell-adjusted to such a trend. It is unlikely other GSBs are quite rare. In spite of the efforts ytiinthat the subsequent generations resulting from by community leaders in these countries, nuoutside the community marriages will continue it appears unlikely that their subsequent umto have allegiance to the GSB community.  generations will remain as GSBs. mmGSBs migrating to other countries: Significant mooCnumbers of GSBs are going abroad to many Various social and religious gatherings provide C gdifferent countries. Number of Indian an opportunity for the elderly GSB attendees to gni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEimmigrants to USA remains high. During 2020 talk about their children who are either working or studying in different countries outside India. 0 ecniS niccn ecnatsissA lanoitacudEand 2021, majority of the H1B Visas issuedNaturally it is a matter of joy and pride for parents 9 ecniS naby USA were to Indians. Spouses of H1B Visa to talk about the achievements of their children. Social media groups of a majority of GSB ahhn diA lacideMholders who have H4 Visas can also work in families have members scattered all over the nE diA lacideMthe USA. Majority of these H1B and H4 Visa world. Many families living in cities may be Eholders apply for permanent residency and then traveling more often to foreign countries compared to their native villages or towns in citizenship of USA. Countries like Canada, India. Such happenings indicate the extent of migrations of GSBs. erafleW nezitiC roineSAustralia, New Zealand, Singapore and some erafleW nezitiC roineSEuropean countries are encouraging Indian The current migrations of GSBs to foreign countries are not forced. They are happening educated people to migrate there. For example, in with one’s own initiative. It is a result of family responsibilities, educational and career 9ssrraa8 stnevE laicoS2022, greater than 25% of immigrants to Canada aspirations, better prospects for professional careers, and for finding suitable spouses. eY stnevE laicoSwere from India. Universities in many countries Encouragement of children by parents and eYare also making special efforts to attract Indian other family members to go outside the Estudents. Majority of students attending foreign ddttssE seitivitcA tropSuniversities find employment in these countries 91 seitivitcA tropSand permanently migrate to such countries. Thus, 4391one can expect an increasing number of GSB 3youngsters to migrate to other countries. 4Many of the earlier migrations of GSBs were forced. GSBs migrated and survived after country for higher education and jobs will Saraswati River dried. After Buddhism came to continue, and children will get appropriate Kashmir, GSBs left and moved southwards in early training to achieve these goals. As a result large numbers and settled in Goa and Konkan of the current global economic opportunities and Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 41

the inherent interest of GSBs to pursue higher some of the issues and then set up the process for education and then professional careers, such a executing the plan. dispersion of youngsters will likely continue to The committee needs to acquire latest increase. population data on the different segments of the Given the above discussion, is it safe to assume GSB community, birth rates, rates of migrations that as the saying goes, the train has left the ingstation, and is impacting the GSB population in ll-beingIndia? Can the train be slowed down? If so, how? eDoes this issue need attention? It appears that ell-bunless this issue is addressed head on by religious and community leaders, and the community Wein general, it is likely that by the end of the ity Wcentury, the GSB community may become unityextremely small relative to the overall Indian npopulation. abroad, rates of out of community marriage rates, trend in such migrations and marriages, and also population of all types of Saraswats* staying in different parts of India, and create a data base. Comparison between annual births among GSB families versus a combination of deaths, migrations to foreign countries and out of community marriages will give an idea regarding the trend in overall growth or shrinkage of the population of the GSBs. muWhat can be done to address the issues related mmto dwindling of the population of the GSB Comcommunity? g CoSetting up a Governing and Oversight committee EEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAssssiissttaannccee nciinngto study the problem and formulate a plan to a c Sinceaddress the challenge: It is important for MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Enhhan Since 90the community to analyze the impact of the changing environment on the community and ncome with solutions to overcome the challenges. EGSBs need to investigate new and innovative ways to overcome the impact of the current Senior Citizen Welfareenvironment. Community needs to expend Senior Citizen Welfare 89sufficient levels of thinking, energy and The committee needs to organize gatherings focused primarily on the challenges facing the GSB community. Such a gathering will provide an opportunity to address the issues facing the community and suggestions for resolving the issues. Getting community and religious leaders, other intellectuals and representatives from younger GSBs to address the challenges will be of great help in appreciating various issues impacting the community. Based upon the information collected by the Governing and Oversight committee and other resources to address the challenges faced by the available information, the committee can then make a quantitative assessment of the gravity Social Eventscommunity. This will be a combined effort of challenges facing the GSB community, and develop a plan for overcoming the challenges. Social Events Yearsof the entire GSB community. Various GSB The committee may consider formulating and E Yearsorganizations in cities and towns and religious adopting  standardized processes, templates, Sport Activities Esorganizations can help by encouraging the guidelines for activities across cities, towns Sport Activities 119 sttdmembers on the importance of preserving theand villages  of local leaders, office bearers and dcommunity. volunteers; encouraging frequent get togethers 9334A committee of GSBs that includes community of GSB chapters across cities, towns, and 4and religious leaders, other intellectuals and villages; tracking and governing these meetings and activities; connecting and engaging younger GSBs from different regions need to community population through social media be organized to address the problem, make a tools; maintaining matrimonial databases in determination if the situation needs attention, formulate a plan for the community to overcome 42 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

every city and town; and increasing the civilization, Vedic scriptures, temples and GSB community volunteers participating in the religious practices, agriculture and trade, social work related to the community.  establishment of tradition of Kuladevatas and Depending upon the seriousness of the situation, Swamijis and Maths and in the recent years in the committee recommendations may range from the fields of science and technology, education, certain changes in the mindset and behavior of banking, music and entertainment, art and literature, community and government affairs, ggnthe GSB community to unifying all branches medicine, business and industry. Such niieand parts of the Saraswat community scattered contributions will continue for some time given eb-all over India and thinking about one Unified the importance of education of both boys and b-llSaraswat community. The community and girls in the community. However, once the llereligious leaders and the community at large will population becomes really small compared to the eWneed to take appropriate steps to implement the overall population, such contributions may not W ytplan put forward by the committee. remain significant. ytiinObviously, these suggestions are very limited, nuand general in nature. Intense efforts are required Once the community decides that we need to umto address the challenges being faced by the GSB address this problem, the community that mmmocommunity. has survived major catastrophes throughout oCSummary its history can successfully address this. It is C ggni ecnatsissA lanoitacudEThe GSB population appears to be shrinking. hoped that the community leaders, religious organizations, intellectuals and members will ecniS nic ecnatsissA lanoitacudEBy the end of the century, it may be insignificantcontinue their efforts in keeping the thousands of years old and distinguished GSB community 09 ecniS cnnacompared to the overall population of India. thriving and shining! ahDuring the past several thousand years, this hnnE ddiiAA llaacciiddeeMMdistinguished community has made significant *In this paper, the word Saraswat includes Econtributions to the development of Vedic all branches of Saraswat brahmins scattered throughout India and abroad 9sra8eY ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSSGSB CLASSIFIEDS: LET US BE A PART OF YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS sraeY dtsEE seitivitcA tropS‘Voice of GSB’ Magazine is introducing ‘GSB Classifieds’ for our Samaj Bandhavas. dts 1 seitivitcA tropSCurrently Voice of GSB reaches 2200 homes directly through our physical copy and 391reaches many more inboxes and phones/whatsapp chats through our e-Voice of GSB 4439(our digital magazine). erafleW nezitiC roineSAshok Prabhu has a B.Tech degree from IIT Bombay and a Ph.D. from Purdue University, USA. Since retiring from his erafleW nezitiC roineSprofessional career in the electronics industry, he has been studying Vedic history and scriptures, synergies between Vedic thought and recent scientific discoveries, and the history and accomplishments of the Saraswat community. We wish to be your voice and assist you in reaching out to our community across regions - be it announcement of engagement/marriage, anniversary, milestones, achievements, services etc. For more information on Classifieds, kindly contact us on [email protected] Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 43

NEWS FROM SISTER ORGANIZATIONS NEWS FROM GSBS MEDICAL TRUST ORGAN DONATION (ROTTO SOTTO) PROGRAM ON 19th JUNE, 2023 Coommmmuunniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinnggRotto Sotto - Organ Donation Programme nciinngg CEEdduuccaattiioonnaall AAssssiissttaanncceeGSBS Medical Trust’s Healthrakshak Centre is, Is that only the brain dead person’s organ are a c Sinceorganized a program on Regional Cum State used? and many more questions. Some of them Ennhhan Since 90Organ and Tissue Transplant. In brief this is filled up the form and gave their consent to Medical Aidpopularly known as ROTTO SOTTO. donate. Medical AidThe coordinator of the program Mr. Kalpesh Though this a sensitive issue, Ms. Ashtekar 8was Ms. Jaya Sakat. E YYeeaa9Social EventsThe speech was a superlative one. As the rsSocial Eventsaudience was totally unaware of this concept, EMhatre was very efficient in communication. handled all topics with equal efficiency, She said Senior Citizen WelfareSo, we could organize within 10 days of time. in this act. There is no male and female, no caste, Senior Citizen WelfareThe speaker on the occasion was Ms. Sujata community, religion. Since human body is not Ashtekar, IEC consultant, and the coordinator a commodity, it cannot be bought or sold. it is purely an altruistic act. Dr. Sandhya Kamath Trustee of the Centre was also present. rsMs. Ashtekar explained what is organ donation, EsSport Activitieswhat is Tissue donation, How does the transplant Smt.Gita R.Pai, profusely thanks ROTTO 119 sttdSport Activitiestakes place, How does the transportation of the SOTTO organization, Mr. Kalpesh Mhatre and dorgan happens, How efficient the entire network all the audience for their interest in the program 93344To encourage our young minds to take up writing and unleashing the creativity in them, VOG has started series on articles written by school going children. If your child is a writer, kindly send us his/her article on our email address [email protected] and we shall be proud to print it in our publication. Sabha’s decision to print will be final. 44 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

MEN’S CANCER DETECTION CAMP HELD ON THE 11TH OF APRIL,2023 GSBS Medical Trust under the sponsorship of Both the above surgeons did the consultation NKGSB Bank held a camp at the Medical Trust’s with all patients Healthrakshak Centre. This 4-stage program per The line of 20 patient’s checkup was a smooth patient went off very smoothly. one. g1st stage is Blood test for PSA, gnniie2nd Stage is for Ent doctors’ consultation. Those patients and their accompanying persons eb-Dr. Dilesh Mogra ENT were taken a tour around Medical Trust. As more b-lllle3. Surgeon doctor consultation Dr. Jitendra advanced and newer equipment are added at the eWW ySakhrani, Urosurgeon centre, the Trustees take pride in taking around the patients. On the whole this was a highly successful camp yttiinCANCER DETECTION CAMP FOR MEN nuum This camp was held on Saturday mm the 10th of June. Men had to 09 ecniS oCC ggnniiccn eeccnntBoaahflettoCofsshidreiiscsstcksossutlapAAlgefecotaillronaacndannntfhcoooeernriidPtttheSaateAeCcccthwiuuoeanssddt. EE mo undergo the Four different stages ecniS na XRay was done. Then comes ahhn the caEseNToddf iiddAAoocutblloaatr,sccthiiecddheeedcokMMcutopr. nE In 98 eerraaicmffnlellevaeeeertsssWWtigthaaetilnnolSnuee.rdFgzzoeinuiioabttnlt.iilsyCC.TthherreItooppaaiittwiinneeanneestt SS E sends the patient for further continuous interaction between the doctor and patients. This camp had 23 registrations Smt.Gita R Pai, welcomed the patients and thanked Surgeon, Dr.Jitendra Sakhrani Dr, Snehal Shah, ENT Oncologist, Dr.Ritesh Dalvi for analyzing the X Ray report. Special thanks were given to Mr.Gopalkrishna Iyer for sponsoring the camp. His repeat support was much appreciated Men Cancer Detection Camp - 10.06.2023 sraeY ssttnneevvEE llaaiiccooSSTrustees of the GSBS Medical Trust were very much enthused to conduct this activity of Cancer sraeY Edetection Though men were equally enthusiastic dtsE seitivitcA tropSto participate, the timings were inconvenient for dts 91 seitivitcA tropSthem. So this month’s Cancer detection Camp 4391was held on Second Saturday of the month and 43that did the magic. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 45

20th CANCER DETECTION CAMP FOR WOMEN ABOVE THE AGE OF 40 Coommmmuunniittyy WWeellll--bbeeiinnggCancer Detection Camp - May 2023 ingg CEducational AssistanceGSBS Medical Trust held this 20th Breast Cancer The Dentists who did the checking were, anccin SinceEducational Assistancedetection camp on Monday the 8th of May at Dr. Vikas Gupta, Dr.Swati Satpure and Dr. Pratik h n Sinceits Health Rakshak Centre. As in the past only Ennha 90Medical Aid24 patients were registered to facilitate the Medical Aidpatients. For special convenience, only 2 or 3 Epatients were called to the Centre every hour, so that the last patient could complete the check up SSeenniioorr CCiittiizzeenn WWeellffaarreeby 5 in the evening. Satpure. The guests who came for the visit were Mrs. Kasturi and Mr. Dinish Kini. President of the GSBS Medical Trust, Dr. Suhas Prabhu accompanied the guests around the Centre and explained facilities available at the Health 89Their feedback papers tell that the whole Rakhak Unit. Trustee, Dr. Sandhya Kamath session was very well organised and the Social Eventsstaff were polite and helpful. The four stages Social Events Yearsthey had to pass for completing the test was very E Yearscomfortable. SSppoorrtt AAccttiivviittiieess 1 EsstThanks to the attending doctors. The 19 tdgynaecologists who attended were, Dr. Deepali 93 dPrabhat, Dr. Shonir Pai, and Dr. Mira Naik. was also present. Smt. Gita R.Pai thanked all the guests, patients and the doctors. Special mention was made to the contribution of sponsoring program by Dr. Niranjani Nayak a Mr. Vishwanath Acharya, in the memory of their parents, Late Mrs. Kamakshi & Janardhan Acharya 344UPDATION OF MEMBERSHIP RECORDS We would like to be in touch with our members. Please e-mail us your mobile number and email id to [email protected]. While sending the details, please include your membership number or your complete address so that we can locate you correctly in our membership records. 46 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2

BLOOD DONORS DAY PROGRAM 09ggnniieebb--lllleeWWeyycttiinnnuuimmSmmooCC ggnniic eeccnnaattssiissssAA llaannooiittaaccuuddEE ecniS cnnaahhn diA lacideM14th June is World Blood Donors Day. Those who require blood, there is no substitute nE diA lacideMGSBS Medical Trust takes pride in recognizing for human blood. There is always shortage was organized by a Pathologist to give a talk erafleW nezitiC roineSon Blood Donation. erafleW nezitiC roineSDr.Prashant Amonkar, MD, Pathology gave a 9sra8very lucid talk on this subject. It was interesting stnevE laicoSto get so much of education for a donor. eY stnevE laicoSDr.Amonkar explained, who are the universal sraeY Edonors, and in emergency what are the steps dtsE seitivitcA tropStaken by the recipients. While RBC and dts 1 seitivitcA tropSPlatelets can be preserved for 2 months, EMedical related occasions. Hence a lecture of blood in the blood banks unless donors come forward to donate. No doubt, other donations are well appreciated, but BLOOD DONATION is like giving life to a person. It is a myth that one feels week after blood donation. It is established truth that for a healthy person there are no side effects and the donor can go back to his normal activities soon after donation. Audience had many questions to ask and Dr. Amonkar very patiently answered all of them. 391Plasma can be preserved only for 48 hours. 4439One unit of blood can support 3 patients.Smt.Gita R. Pai profusely thanked Dr. Amonkar and the staff for all coordination work. Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2 47

GSB VSISTERS GUDI PADVA PROCESSION, MOTHERS’ DAY AND VAISHAKH UTSAV by Dr Veena Adige Gudi Padva Procession addressed the GSB Vsisters gVaishaka Utsav on Wednesday during their program on ingMay 3,2023. ‘We should ll-beineat water rich fruits like ell-bewatermelon, muskmelon and Wein our bodies should not go others. The water content ity Wdown in summer. Seasonal fruits, sprouts, less unitysugar, having smaller, frequent meals, and other munstomach problems, UTI, headaches, and other things will reduce the risk of dehydration, mmOn Gudi Padva day, Vsisters were part of a summer related illnesses.’ Comgrand procession taken out in Vashi with prayers, She touched on various topics relating to MMeeddiiccaall AAiidd Ennhhan Since 90long procession started from sector 9 and went food like nachni are solutions to many g Comusic, drums, lezim, horse riding, women in summer, saying that most women tend to Educational Assistance ingnine yard sarees. All Vsisters were dressed in neglect themselves, consume less water and Educational Assistance ncinbeautiful silk sarees with jewellery and flowers fall a prey to illnesses. Seasonal fruits and a c Sincewhile some wore nine yard saris. The four hour vegetables, less of dry fruits, more of cooling SSoocciiaall EEvveennttss 8Yea9meal are ideal, she continued. to Shivaji chowk where processions from other sicknesses brought on by the hot summer Eparts of Navi Mumbai joined them. temperatures. Fried food, heavy ones like Senior Citizen WelfareVaishakh Utsav chole and rajma are not suitable, in Bihar, sattu ka pani is popular, soaking mangoes in Senior Citizen Welfare water before consuming, having supper by sun down and going to bed after two hours of the last rs‘There is a scientific reason for everything E Yearswe have been told by our grandmothers. Eating Sport Activities Es jackfruit on empty stomach, having mangoes Sport Activities 119 sttdafter a couple of hours after a meal, traditional dfood, dahi bhaath and others are all suited for this 93 season. It is summer now, but we can prepare for 344 the next season by preserving food, which our elders used to do,’ said Akshata. In a scintillating, interesting and interactive talk The program began with bhajan by Poornima on Fighting Summer Problems through right Shenoy, Anjani Pai, Vidya Bhat and Jayalaskhmi food’, Akshata Mallya Shenoy, dietician with a Shenoy. The chief guest Akshata Shenoy was passion for nutrition, calories and proper food, welcomed in a traditional manner by Sudha 48 Voice of GSB, July-September 2023, www.gsbsabhamumbai.org / [email protected] Vol. XVII, Issue 2