Sunday, December 31, 2006

Wish you a Happy New Year


Dear Children,
A new year is unfolding—
like a blossom with petals curled tightly
concealing the beauty within.

Let us make our resolutions for the year ahead,
let us go forward with great hope
that all things can be possible.

We wish you all, success in each facet of life.
And a path that leads to beautiful tomorrows.

With love,
Amma - Naana

"Our busy lives give us very few precious moments to reflect on the beauty around us.

The human heart becomes softened by hearing of instances of gentleness and consideration. Gentleness succeeds better than violence."



Sunday, December 24, 2006

Welcome to Edmonton


Welcome to our sweet home Edmonton, Canada dear Annu-Sreena for your holiday. We hope you people enjoy our land with silvery snow. We hope you people view all this with an artistic eye and heart we believe. We, here by awaiting for your gentle arrival.

With love, Amma - Naana

Saturday, December 23, 2006

December: The Brightest Month


There's something special
about the month of December.
The snow is crisp,
the air is cool
a new year fast approaching,
we are surrounded with festivities
and bright lights

Gentleness is strength under control

Dear Children,

The greatest of all happiness is to be at peace with one's immediate relations, those with whom one must live every day in the year. When people try to handle the extremely complicated machinery of human feelings without any training whatsoever, the consequent results are often disastrous. Very few persons realize that most of our happiness lies in the art of understanding the law of human behavior. That is why so many people are often "in hot water" with their friends, and, worse yet, at constant war with their own best beloved ones at home. There is no more liberating action than sincerely to give people kindness in return for unkindness.

One must never give up the hope of becoming better. It Takes Strength To Be Gentle. Gentleness is strength, but it’s strength under control. Gentleness succeeds better than violence.


With Love,
- Amma -Naana

Friday, December 22, 2006

The rise of this growing nation will change the balance of power in Asia—and potentially the world.

Dear Children,

With nearly 1.1 billion inhabitants, India is the second largest country on earth in population, and seventh largest in geographical area, over 1.1 million square miles. This is almost 1,000 people for every square mile of area nationwide—much denser than even China.

Please click on the link below to know more details:
http://www.realtruth.org/articles/434-iasitm.html?gclid=CKDp_r6MpYkCFSUmYAodnm6dMA

With Love,
Amma-Naana

Dear Children, Have a nice Day


Outside my window, a new day I see and only I can determine what kind of a day it will be.

Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you.

About Jesus


Jesus, also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. The name "Jesus" meaning is salvation. Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee, who was regarded as a healer, was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on orders of the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate under the accusation of sedition against the Roman Empire. According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea to Mary, a virgin, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit. Hindu beliefs in Jesus vary. Some believe that Jesus was a normal man. Many Hindus see Jesus as a wise guru or yogi who was not God. Swami Vivekananda has praised Jesus and cited him as a source of strength and the epitome of perfection. Mahatma Gandhi considered Jesus one of his main teachers and inspirations for Nonviolent Resistance.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Thought For The Day

Hope is not - closing of our eyes
To the Difficulty, the Risk, Or the Failure.

It is a trust that - If I fail now - I shall not fail forever;
And If I am hurt, I shall be healed.

It is a trust that Life is good, Love is powerful,
And the future is full of Premise.


Next Gates, not an American, but an Indian!

"The next Bill Gates is born and he could be an Indian. This million dollar question is ticking all minds with Indians emerging as strong contenders in the race among the Asians.

A report released by two Washington-based organisations -- Zogby International and 463 Communications showed that nearly half of all Americans (49%) believe that the next great technology leader will come from either China (26.7%) or Japan (22.4%).

Twenty-one per cent say that "next Bill Gates" will come from the United States while 13 per cent believe he or she will come from India. Russia (2.1%) and Brazil (0.4%) were cited as other possibilities.


The next Bill Gates has already been born, and time will tell what country is providing the environment of innovation, entrepreneurism and opportunity to enable him or her to flourish with the next great idea. "

Courtesy: rediff.com

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

A Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 2007

Dear Children,

Wish you in advance a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

The current Christmas tree is more a symbol of peace and happiness, appropriate to the way most people celebrate the winter holidays in the 21st century.

The whole range of celebration of the New Year's Day basically stems from the various ways ancient societies used to greet the new harvest seasons. It was first marked in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon and the first day of spring.

Symbolically, New Year signifies a renewal of life. The spirit of celebration is for regeneration, while discarding the old and worn out. It's the time to take new resolutions and look for new inspirations and motivations, to achieve what remained unachieved in the passed year. Achievement of step-by-step goals builds our confidence. We have to set our goals just out of reach, but not out of sight.

With Love, Amma-Naana

An Interesting Poem

Dear Children,

Here is an interesting poem for you.

With Love,
Amma-Naana




"It Was Spring
But It Was Summer I Wanted
The Warm Days
And The Great Outdoors

It Was Fall
But It Was Winter I Wanted
The Beautiful Snow
And The Joy Of The Holiday Season

It Was Winter
But It Was Spring I Wanted
The Warmth
And The Blossoming Of Nature

I Was A Child
But It Was Adulthood I Wanted
The Freedom
And The Respect

I Was 20
But It Was 30 I Wanted
To Be Mature
And Sophisticated

I Was Middle-Aged
But It Was 20 I Wanted
The Youth
And The Free Spirit

I Was Retired
But It Was Middle Age I Wanted
The Presence Of Mind
Without Limitations

My Life Was Over
But I Never Got What I Wanted"

"The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem. Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.”


Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Letters Of Joy : Lillian Dabney

Dear Lillian, Good Evening, How are You?

Thank you for your e-mails with Good words, that lift my spirits.

' Out of all our human features,
our humanity separates us,
from the other earthly creatures.'


With Love,
Somayya Kasani.






Lillian Dabney is a calligrapher and binder who creates one of a kind artist's books featuring exquisite hand lettering. Themes in her work range from the personal and contemplative to direct commentary on social justice. Her book "Bessie Coleman/Born to Dream", on display in the Guild of Bookworkers "In Flight" exhibit, celebrates the first African American to receive a pilot's license in 1921, in France, after refusal to US flight schools. Lillian will discuss this and other of her works.


Lillian has studied calligraphy and bookbinding since the early 1990s. She has pursued training through the Guild of Bookworkers, as well as private studies with individual craftspeople. She has taught bookmaking classes, and is active in professional groups including the Guild of Bookworkers, Society of Calligraphy and Handwriting, and the Book Arts Guild. Lillian has exhibited throughout the Northwest, as well as in national juried shows.

Lillian is the founder of the Belltown Book Artists which is a Book Arts Portfolio Group that meets monthly. In 2004, she founded SCBA in order to establish a facility dedicated to book arts in Seattle.

When Lillian is not making books, she is reading them and can be found most days at the downtown Seattle Public Library volunteering, attending library programs and working as assistant manager in the Friends Shop.


Monday, December 18, 2006

Thought For The Day - Gandhi


With Love,
Amma-Naana

A Quote Shared by Ramesh Chandra

"à°•ిà°°à°£ాà°¨ిà°•ి à°šీà°•à°Ÿి à°²ేà°¦ు. à°¸ిà°°ిà°®ుà°µ్వకి à°®ౌà°¨ం à°²ేà°¦ు. à°šిà°°ునవ్à°µుà°•ి మరణంà°²ేà°¦ు.మన à°¸్à°¨ేహనిà°•ి à°…ంà°¤ంà°²ేà°¦ు. మరిà°šే à°¸్à°¨ేà°¹ం à°šెà°¯్యకు. à°šేà°¸ే à°¸్à°¨ేà°¹ం మరవకు"

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Congratulations Dear Bhargavi Srinivas


A celebration of changes in time and life. The future becomes the present. And it is a future and a present to celebrate.

Dear Bhargavi and Srinivas,

With graduation comes thoughts of time gone past and time to come. We congratulate both of you on the occasion of Dear our Bhargavi's GRADUATION.

There is so much we can learn; There is so much we can share; We can all be an inspiration.

With Love,
Somayya Kasani & Vijaylakshmi Kasani.



Dear Uncle, how are you doing?

I hope everyone is doing well. Sorry, we couldn't reply to you earlier. I am not using this as my primary e-mail and rarely check this account. We have been using cherviralas@gmail.com as our primary e-mail.

Thanks a lot for such a nice greetings. We will call you some time soon!. Please convey our regards to all.

Best regards,
Bhargavi & Srinivas

Friday, December 15, 2006

How to keep plumbing from freezing

"As night time temperatures dip near freezing across much of Western Washington, utility officials are warning residents to take the following steps to guard against costly damage to their home's plumbing:

• When you are away — if you have power — make sure the heat is set no lower than 55 degrees.
• When the temperature dips below freezing, open indoor faucets and run a small trickle of water to help keep your water pipes from freezing. The cost of running extra water will be much less than the cost of repairing broken pipes.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks so warm air can circulate around the pipes during extremely cold weather.
• Open doors to cabinets located on exterior walls to expose water pipes to warmer room temperatures.
• If possible, shut off the water to outside faucets.
• Install insulated covers on all outside water faucets.
• Cover all exposed pipes with insulation material.
• Shut off water service to vacant homes if the heat can't be kept on. "

Keeping your family and home safe

"Your food
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut as much as possible, to keep the cold air inside. Refrigerated foods should be safe to eat as long as the power was out no more than a few hours and the doors have been kept closed, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County.

A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures for about two days and a half-full freezer for about a day.

If the power looks like it will be out for several days, try to find some ice to pack inside your fridge.

Your home
While the power is out, turn off all your appliances save for a single lamp to avoid a circuit overload when electricity is restored. Don't leave candles, oil lamps or other open flames unattended.

Do not operate gasoline-powered machinery such as generators indoors (including inside your garage) or improvise ways to cook inside your home. Under no circumstance should you bring a charcoal grill indoors to cook. That produces carbon monoxide.

"It can be fatal," said Timothy Church, spokesman for the state Department of Health. "About the only exception would be if you are using a gas appliance that is already installed in the home and has not been impacted by the outage."

If you use a generator, the Red Cross advises you to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Your property
If your home or property is damaged, contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim immediately. Take pictures and document the damage.

If safe to do so, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage from rain or wind and save all receipts for reimbursement. Use only licensed, reputable building contractors and make sure they get the proper permits.

Some tips from the NW Insurance Council:

• Don't pay a lot for temporary repairs unless authorized by your insurance adjuster. You could get stuck with the bill if the repairs are deemed excessive.

• If you decide to do repairs yourself, put on proper equipment for the job: sturdy boots to protect against sharp objects, eye protection to guard your eyes from flying debris and gloves to protect your hands.

Your pets
The Humane Society of the United States recommends having a pet carrier handy so you are able to transport your pet in a pinch, or at least provide them a safe haven. "

Emergency Gear

Assemble an emergency kit with the following items.
flashlights, batteries, matches, glow-in-the-dark sticks, a battery-powered radio or television, a battery-powered or windup alarm clock, an insulated cooler, blankets and a change of clothing.

Make sure to include a first-aid kit, plus items for infants, seniors or other family members with special needs. Keep a supply of bottled water, nonperishable food that doesn't need heating and a manual can opener.

Have at least one land-line phone (with a cord) available for use during emergencies, since cordless phones require electricity. If you use a cellphone, charge it up before the storm arrives and make sure you have an adapter to charge it in your car.

If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to use it.

Doing Great

Dear All,

We got food supplies, candles etc. Typing this from mobile phone. We read your e-mails. Phones and power still off likely resume tomorrow.

With Love
Ajay

Northwest's worst windstorm

"Wind gusted to 113 mph during the storm near Mount Rainier and to a record 69 mph at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

More than 1.5 million homes and businesses across the Northwest lost electricity at some point in the storm.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire declared a state of emergency."

Thursday, December 14, 2006

A Poem By Rabindranath Tagore

"Where the mind is without fear
and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been
broken up into fragments by
narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from
the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches
its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason
has not lost its way into the dreary
desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is lead forward by thee
into ever-widening thought and action-
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father,
let my country awake."

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Thoughts of Yunus, a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Dear Children, Good Evening!

Here is a summery of brief lecture of MUHAMMAD YUNUS, a winner of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.

With love, Naana

We get what we want, or what we don't refuse.

If we firmly believe that poverty is unacceptable to us, and that it should not belong to a civilized society, we would have built appropriate institutions and policies to create a poverty-free world.

World's income distribution gives a very telling story. 94 percent of the world income goes to 40 percent of the population while 60 percent of people live on only 6 per cent of world income. Half of the world population lives on two dollars a day. Over one billion people live on less than a dollar a day. This is no formula for peace. I believe terrorism can not be won over by military action. Poverty is Denial of All Human Rights. Poverty is the absence of all human rights. The frustrations, hostility and anger generated by poverty cannot sustain peace in any society.

Treasure Good Friends!

Dear Children,

Do treasure good friends.

With Love, Amma-Naana


"Treasure good friends,
For they are forever...

They're there for you
Through all kinds of weather.

They laugh, they listen, they cry with you
Their hearts are loyal, Steady and true.

Treasure good friends,
They're the gems of life;

They bring comfort and solace
During stress and strife.

Nurture them, love them
For all they are worth,

For there's little in life
That's better on earth...

Than to have a good friend
Who loves you for you,

Who makes your life full
As you learn to love, too.

True friendship is sharing
A "give" and a "take,"

With some sacrifice made
For each others' sake.

And as you look back
When you've grown old and gray,

Remember the times
Shared with friends, yesterday.

Let your soul be nourished
Like a flower in rain,

Making sure to cherish
Those friends who remain."

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Ramappa, a Historic Place, Near Our Home Town, Laxmidevipet

Akkayya's family visit to Our Home Town...

"We spoke with Akkaiah, Kamalesh Bava, Goverdhan Mamaiah, Bhanu, Vijaya Odina. We also spoke with Peddathamma, Mamaiah, Narender Bava and Shailaja akka. They had a very nice trip to Laxmidevipet, Warangal, Jangaon and reached Hyderabad.

Kamalesh bava said that he is touched by the hospitality of our people at Laxmidevipet and also liked the location very much. He even felt that it would be nice to settle there for retirement :-)

Earlier, they met Pushpamalakka Family, Kistaiah Mamaiah Family, Siva Reddy Uncle Family and Sheik Hussien Uncle family at Warangal. All are doing well and quite happy to meet them after long time.

At Laxmidevipet, they paid respects at the Memorial for Bapamma, Pedananalu and also visisted the fields. They had a very happy time with Peddamma Family, Somanarsamma athamma family, Susheela athamma family, Chinna Somaiah mamaiah family, Yellamma peddamma family, Jagannatha Reddy Uncle family and other friends and relatives there. Vikram & Vinod played with children and enjoyed the entire trip.

They met Aunty & Uncle for dinner at Uppal and might have reached back now."

~Loving Brother, Ajay.

" What we have once enjoyed we can never lose... all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."

"Life is short, but there is always time enough for family."

Ramappa Temple

Nandi at Ramappa Temple

Ramappa Lake

Palampet, near Warangal in Deccan is home to brilliant Kakatiya art as seen in the Ramappa temple that is near the ancient engineering marvel that is the 13th century Ramappa tank.

Palampet is located at a distance of 77 km from Warangal , the ancient capital of the Kakatiyas. The Ramappa temple stands on a 6 feet high platform on a cruciform plan. There are many sub shrines within the temple. The entire temple complex is enclosed in a compound wall.

At the entrance to the temple is a ruined Nandi mandapam, with an imposing 9 feet high Nandi still intact. The Shivalingam in the sanctum also rises to a height of 9 feet. The temple itself is a work of art.

At Ghanpur, further beyond Palampet, there is a temple resembling the Hanumakonda thousand pillared temple, surrounded by several shrines, all now in ruins.

Ramappa Lake is a magnificent example of irrigation work of Kakatiya Rulers constructed in 13- Century A.D. during Ganapathi Deva's time. The lake holds a great scenic beauty,with its serene surroundings, giving a mystical air to the Ramappa Temple. The Kakatiya rulers followed the tradition of construction a tank adjacent to a temple. In line with this tradition, the Ramappa Lake was also constructed adjoining the temple.

Welcome To Our Sweet Home, Laxmidevipet



Dear Our Chinnakonda, Good Morning.

Akkaiah Spoke with us, just now from our native home, Laxmidevipet. They are spending time happily in the company of our loving relatives, kith and kin there. Goverdhan mamaiah, Bhanu, Kamalesh bava, Akkaiah, Vikram and Vinod started early from Hyderabad. They went straight to Laxmidevipet. On the way they ate 'Gegulu (Tegalu)' also in the car. They made a trip to our Fields too, where our ancestors Samadhies are placed and they paid their tribute and also placed Flowers. They had their Lunch at Peddamma’s home and are invited for their dinner at Athamma's home. They will spend the night there and start to Warangal after their break-fast, in the morning.

" What we have once enjoyed we can never lose... all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."

With love, Amma - Naana

" hey, parugulu theeyali
urakalu veyali
hey, parugulu theeyali
urakalu veyali

hey,
bira bira chara chara
paruguna paruguna
ooru cherali
mana ooru cherali

vaagulu daati vankalu daati
ooru cherali
mana ooru cherali

pachani thotalu mechina poovulu
ooge gaalula tooge theegalu avigo
kommana nooge koyila jantalu
jummane ooge tummeda gumpulu
avigo avigo,
avigo avigo"


Good Morning, Here is a Poem for you on Leisure

Dear Children,

"It is in his pleasure that a man really lives; it is from his leisure that he constructs the true fabric of self. "~Agnes Repplier

With Love, Amma-Naana


Leisure

"What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars like skies at night.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."



Monday, December 11, 2006

Thought For The Day


"-The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.

-Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.

-For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?

-Become a Possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities—always see them, for they're always there."

Have a nice Monday,

Amma-Naana

Home is for Family Connections! Life Involves Growth!


Dear Children,

Home is for Family Connections! Life and families involve growth, not staying in one place !.

With Love, Amma-Naana


Home and family are so closely entwined that it is sometimes hard to separate the two. Even if you live alone in your home, your family is a part of your home. It may be through visits, memories, or even simply phone calls. Home is that connecting point for kinship. It is a place where we can come to terms with family difficulties and to develop healthy, caring relationships with those we love.

1- Our ancestors are a deep part of us. Not only those we know or remember, but those from far into our past. Their beliefs and ways are a greater part of ourselves than we realize. An item or two on a shelf or a picture hanging on a wall can remind us of our roots and will honor those who came before us. Perhaps you will decide to make a photo gallery in your hall showing your family over the years. As we show our children photo albums and tell them stories about our families we become a part of that legacy that flows from generation to generation.

2- We all need kinfolk, those people who touch our lives on a regular basis. We need to spend time with people of all ages. This is the natural order of things that has been lost in our culture.

Many of us live far from our families. The time we can be together with them is precious but often infrequent. We may want to develop friendships with people nearby as well, people who are young and old as well as close to our own age. If you already have all ages living in you home, how can you enhance your time together?

3- Families have traditions and they are usually a part of our home. Traditions are not just about the way we spend festivals or special events . Take a look at the traditions that you carry out in your home. Don't judge yet. Simply write down what you do for holidays, accomplishments, losses. Consider how many of those things are done a certain way because that is the way it has always been done in you or your spouse's family?

Look at the traditions you have created? Then sort through all this and decide which traditions are truly meaningful to you. Which do you want to keep? What would you like to change?

Life is ever changing. Children grow up, grandparents pass away. We change jobs perhaps out of our own choice, perhaps not. There is a difference between honoring our past and clinging to it.

People - By Mother Theresa

Dear Children, Here is poem for you, by Mother Theresa.
With love, Amma - Naana



"People are often unreasonable,
illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them, anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish,
ulterior motives;
Be kind, anyway.

If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed, anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank ,anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build, anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy, anyway.

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good, anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got, anyway."

Welcome to University of Hyderabad

Dear Peddakonda,

Please visit your University of Hyderabad friends if possible.

With Love, Amma-Naana





The University is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and International Council for Distance Education.

Our School of Chemistry currently has 21 faculty members, over a hundred Ph. D and sixty four M. Sc. students, with about twenty support staff members. Prof. M. Periasamy is the current Dean of the School. We invite you to browse through our site to learn more about our exciting research and teaching activities and the people involved in them.

Mother Teresa


Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje*, Macedonia, on August 26**, 1910. Her family was of Albanian descent. At the age of twelve, she felt strongly the call of God. She knew she had to be a missionary to spread the love of Christ. At the age of eighteen she left her parental home in Skopje and joined the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India. After a few months' training in Dublin she was sent to India, where on May 24, 1931, she took her initial vows as a nun. From 1931 to 1948 Mother Teresa taught at St. Mary's High School in Calcutta, but the suffering and poverty she glimpsed outside the convent walls made such a deep impression on her that in 1948 she received permission from her superiors to leave the convent school and devote herself to working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta. Although she had no funds, she depended on Divine Providence, and started an open-air school for slum children. Soon she was joined by voluntary helpers, and financial support was also forthcoming. This made it possible for her to extend the scope of her work.

On October 7, 1950, Mother Teresa received permission from the Holy See to start her own order, "The Missionaries of Charity", whose primary task was to love and care for those persons nobody was prepared to look after. In 1965 the Society became an International Religious Family by a decree of Pope Paul VI.

Today the order comprises Active and Contemplative branches of Sisters and Brothers in many countries. In 1963 both the Contemplative branch of the Sisters and the Active branch of the Brothers was founded. In 1979 the Contemplative branch of the Brothers was added, and in 1984 the Priest branch was established.

The Society of Missionaries has spread all over the world, including the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries. They provide effective help to the poorest of the poor in a number of countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and they undertake relief work in the wake of natural catastrophes such as floods, epidemics, and famine, and for refugees. The order also has houses in North America, Europe and Australia, where they take care of the shut-ins, alcoholics, homeless, and AIDS sufferers.

The Missionaries of Charity throughout the world are aided and assisted by Co-Workers who became an official International Association on March 29, 1969. By the 1990s there were over one million Co-Workers in more than 40 countries. Along with the Co-Workers, the lay Missionaries of Charity try to follow Mother Teresa's spirit and charism in their families.

Mother Teresa's work has been recognised and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions, including the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971) and the Nehru Prize for her promotion of international peace and understanding (1972). She also received the Balzan Prize (1979) and the Templeton and Magsaysay awards.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Good Morning


It is our imagination and our ability to act on our dreams that makes life dynamic and growing! Without creativity we feel stuck and powerless!

An email from a friend

Dear Somayya Kasani,

Your website is very excellent. You must spend a great deal of time perfecting it.

I read a wonderful memoir by a Canadian author by the name of Ryan Knighton. It is called COCKEYED and it is the story of a young man suffering from retinitus pigmentosa who is progressively going blind. A sad story but he tells it with humour and an incredible insight. You would enjoy it I think. What are your plans for the holiday?

Take good care,
Love, Lillian

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Peace - No War

"This world of arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, and the hopes of its children. Every gun that is made, every warship that is launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower


With Love, Amma-Naana

Friday, December 08, 2006

Thought For the Day

"--We can not change what happens to us but we do get to choose our response!

--In a free society, your entertainment is your responsibility. Being bored is the ultimate insult to self! "

With Love, Amma-Naana

Thursday, December 07, 2006

One Hundred Ways to Live One Hundred

Dear Children,

This is for you...

With Love, Amma-Naana

1. Enjoy yourself.
2. Stay young at heart.
3. Be honest and open.
4. Look for rainbows.
5. Walk to work.
6. Take the stairs.
7. Keep your curiosity.
8. Stop smoking.
9. Listen to your body.
10. Watch what you eat.
11. Watch what you say.
12. Make time for your children.
13. Don't rest on your laurels.
14. Drink lots of water.
15. Have faith in others.
16. Walk in the park.
17. Forgive.
18. Be an optimist.
19. Make love.
20. Cross-country ski.
21. Discover romance.
22. Exercise regularly.
23. Do Tai Chi.
24. Try Yoga.
25. Plant a garden.
26. Eat plenty of fruit.
27. Golf.
28. Adopt a pet.
29. Laugh often.
30. Be positive.
31. Give, don't take.
32. Marry your sweetheart.
33. Celebrate your marriage.
34. Enjoy being single.
35. Relax.
36. Eat your greens.
37. Take up lawn bowling.
38. Do nothing in excess.
39. Do everything in excess.
40. Serve chicken noodle soup.
41. Practice what you preach.
42. Look before you leap.
43. Make time for your friends.
44. Reduce your cholesterol.
45. Early to bed, early to rise.
46. Don't mope.
47. Try new things.
48. Skinny dip.
49. Write to a friend.
50. Play tennis.
51. Commune with nature.
52. Sing in the car.
53. Write a poem.
54. Whistle while you work.
55. Read a book.
56. Take your medicine as prescribed.
57. Challenge yourself.
58. Count your blessings.
59. Indulge yourself.
60. "Carpe diem" (Seize the day).
61. Take setbacks in stride.
62. If you want to stop taking a medication, ask your doctor.
63. Cuddle.
64. Use olive oil.
65. Eat your Brussel sprouts.
66. Lighten up.
67. Choose a career you love.
68. Be active in your community.
69. Read the paper every day.
70. Sit up straight.
71. Keep your mind active.
72. Travel.
73. Soak in the tub.
74. Don't be jealous.
75. Eat an apple a day.
76. Be generous with hugs.
77. Make time for your partner.
78. Keep in touch with family,
79. Bake a pie.
80. Eat plenty of fish.
81. Get plenty of fresh air.
82. Be yourself.
83. Swim.
84. Make time for your grandchildren.
85. Control your temper.
86. Share.
87. Take nothing for granted.
88. Ask questions when your doctor gives you new medications.
89. Power walk at the mall.
90. Don't procrastinate.
91. Accept those things which you cannot change.
92. Don't drink and drive.
93. Create solutions, not problems.
94. Be sociable.
95. Feed the birds.
96. Pamper yourself once a day.
97. Go fishing.
98. Smile.
99. Smell the flowers.
100. Listen to your doctor.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Welcome to Hyderabad


Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is the fifth largest cosmopolitan city in India.

The City thrives with a variety of cultures intermingled into an astounding culture that gives it a distinct identity of its own. This is where tradition fuses with modernity, and heritage structures vie with modern high-rise buildings to add to the beauty of the city. Located in the heart of the Deccan plateau, 1760 ft above the sea level, Hyderabad has an invigorating climate with awe inspiring prehistoric rocks and natural lakes, along with a variety of flora and flauna. Hyderabad offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging from Heritage monuments, Lakes and Parks, Gardens and Resorts, Museums to delectable cuisine and a delightful shopping experience.

The city of Hyderabad is a shopper's delight! From the world famous pearls to traditional arts & crafts, from textiles of all modern brand names to ethnic wear, the city offers an astounding variety of shopping.

It is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition and technology co-exist, a revolution that has already attracted Microsoft and other major MNC's to set their overseas base here.

The state is steering the nation to new dimensions in the fields of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Business Management, Construction, and more - to emerge as a land of immense business opportunities.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Ramoji Film City





Dear Peddakonda,

Plan to visit Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. Kids will enjoy the tour.

With Love,
Amma-Naana

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity" - Martin Luther King, Jr

Hyderabad Attractions

Monday, December 04, 2006

Laws of Life

Excerpt from an email message of Radhika

"The more generous we are, the more joyous we become
The more enthusiastic we are, the more valuable we become
The more interested we are, the more alive we become
The more caring we are, the more radiant we become
The more serving we are, the more prosperous we become
The more outgoing we are, the more helpful we become
The more persistent we are, the more successful we become
The more grateful we are, the more godly we become
The more forgiving we are, the more free we become
The more prayerful we are, the more blessed we become
The more curious we are, the more creative we become
The more trusting we are, the more wiser we become
The more patient we are, the more responsive we become
The more considerate we are, the more peaceful we become
The more cheerful we are, the more attractive we become"

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Hearty Congratulations!

Dear Madhavi and Anjaneyulu! Hearty Congratulations!

Nice to know that You are Planning to perform the engagement of our dear Vishal with Deepika Vishnu on the evening of 9th December.


Congratulations! Deepika Vishnu & Vishal Babu!

With Love,
Vijayalakshmi - Somayya Kasani

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Welcome To Edmonton

SkyLine Edmonton

Welcome to Edmonton, Our Dear Son, Ajay Naana!
Take care dear our Ranamma. Spend your time fruitfully. And drive carefully to our sweet home and your office.!

With Love, Amma-Naana


Monday, November 27, 2006

Morning Breeze - Abdul Kalaam

"I build no walls, to confirm to joy or sorrow;
To sacrifice or achieve, or to gain or lose,
I just grow flowers on all open spaces,
And float lilies on ponds and rivers.

I keep planting trees, for birds to have nests,
At the dawn of the sun, when morning breeze blow.
Sun light get filtered through shining tree leaves,
Birds' flight gives me sense of freedom and pleasure.

Scattered light of colour and treasure,
Fragrance of flowers gives me delight of creator.
Lilies floating over like nature's dance,
Why should I build walls to confine them all?

I have no house, only open spaces,
Filled with truth, kindness and dreams.
Desire to see my country developed and great,
Dreams to see everywhere happiness and peace. "


A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A Teacher & A Pupil's association - There are several happy moments during these six months

Respected sir,
I am fine here, hope the same with you. I am happy to see your mail. Today only I returned from Kerala. I will definitely meet Aparna and Kamlesh during their stay in Hyderabad.

There are several happy moments during these six months. One of it is my son got 16th Rank in EAMCET in his first attempt & joined in Osmania medical college.

In Mungalvedu village, Primary school is under construction in the center of the village. Mr.Paparao donated Rs.10,00,000 for it. We are also renovating the Temples in the village. Mr. paparao is staying in Hyderabad presently.

Convey my wishes to Ajay & Anupama. In your next mail kindly give E.Mail Id of Ajay and Anupama.

With regards,
K.Someshwer Rao & Radhika



Dear Someshwar Rao, Good Evening.

How are you? How is your work?

I am writing this e-mail from Edmonton , Canada . It is almost six months since we came here. I am spending my time mostly going to the library and associating with people in our neghibourhood.

Aparna and her husband Mr. Kamalesh and their sweet kids Vikram and Vinod are on India tour now. They spent a couple of days in Singapore and reached Chennai now. They will also go to Bangalore, Madurai and Kanyakumari.

They will come to Hyderabad on 8 th morning. And stay at Dilsukh Nagar, near AstaLaxmi Temple at her Pinni' s home. They spend visiting in and around Hyderabad from December 8 to December 15. They will also meet you at their convenience or they will call you from their home.

How is Madam Renuka and how is your loving son? How are your loving parents? How are Mr. Paparao and his beloved sibilings.

More in my next mail.

With love, Somayya Kasani

Note: You can click on
My Journal to know my activities here in North America .

"Expressing greetings for our good friends
Hellos and happy harmony
We learn so much among one another
This is how we care and share."

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Welcome to Kanyakumari / Cape Comorin


Kanyakumari is at the southernmost tip of India and its where three seas meet: the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian sea.

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, Kanyakumari'.

The District has a favourable agro-climatic condition, which is suitable for growing a number of crops.

The proximity of equator, its topography and other climate factors favour the growth of various crops.


Saturday, November 25, 2006

Have a Nice Trip to India

Dear Grand Children,

There is a festival everyday

There is fair everyday

No Land Celebrates Life Like India,

Come drench yourself in the days and moments that

glorify harvests, seasons, triumphs, joys, sorrows, battles, Gods, and kings.

This is the land with 365 days of sound and 360 degrees of colour.

Incredible India!.

With Love,
Ammamma-Tataiah

Friday, November 24, 2006

Happy Vacation - Chennai, Madurai, Kanyakumari


Dear Vikram Naana, Vinod Naana,

It all begins with a single step! Dare to dream & Dare to explore! You are the ones who will fashion visions for tomorrow!

Please enjoy your vacation in the loving company of your parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles!

With Love,
Ammamma - Tataiah




The beaches of Tamil Nadu, the southern most state of India have got a charm of their own. A must visit is the second longest beach in the world, Marina Beach. Do not miss the fantastic joyride along vast stretches of sand lashed by the Bay of Bengal. Once the place of relaxation and sun bathing, Elliot's Beach is now a favourite shooting location for Tamil movies in Chennai.

Your beach vacation is South India won't be complete without visiting the beaches of Tamil Nadu; India's last coastal destination for rides on motorized boat or wind surfing.

Marina Beach, Chennai - one of the longest beaches in Asia, a major crowd puller, golden sand, good surfing opportunities, shimmering clear blue seawater.

Mahabalipuram Beach - primitive times port city located south of Chennai, stone carvings, caves Rock cut temples attract tourist from all over the world.

Rameshwaram Beach - one of the most popular pilgrimage centres of South India, serene beach, shallow waters, ideal site for swimming and sunbathing.

Kanyakumari Beach - The India's Land end, a unique beach site, three seas Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea surround it, breathtaking view of the sunrise and the sunset.

Covelong Beach - salubrious beach, nice breathing space, numerous fishing activities
.