An email from a Friend

Hanamkonda,
Date;31st.Jan.2007.

Dear esteemed sir, I went through your wonderful Journal and felt happy.

Hope this letter finds you in the best of your health and happiness and hope you have come out of the great grief caused due to the death of your beloved friend Late Mr.Shiva Reddy and leading your normal life meaningfully as usually.

In general, your normal life is as enthusiastic as any youngster as these days. In addition to that you are more courageous than many of your contemporaries. Am I wrong?

As we have informed each other,I went, along with Kistaiah sir to attend the occasion of obituary of Late ShivaReddy on 25th Jan. and there we met Shaikhussain sir and your niece, Sandhya Rani, S.A.,Hyderabad and other contemporaries of yours.

Now, let me speak something about your evergreen website. I went through your wonderful Journal and felt happy. I also learn so many things.
I Skipped Lillian's story in hurry. It appears worth reading. Some time I would read her story to know what is interesting in it. It is very nice of you, you are sharing and conveying all sorts of messages and information and especially every precious moments with your sweet three.

Certainly I would share my Father-in-law Mr.Yakub Ali about your successful leading of life these days which inspires others. Shall I bring to your notice that I wrote an article, as a review on the story written by Vaddeboina Srinivas has been published in Arunatara.

Please convey my regards to madam, Aparnaji, Ajay bhayya, Anupama bahan and your daughter-in-law.

Looking forward to see your next e-mail.

Yours lovingly,

Perspectives

Dear Mr.Somaiah,
Thank you for your response. Sorry for the delay. I do not access net everyday. I have a lot to talk on all the issues you have mentioned.

In today's world, most of the people seem to be not serious about life, its origin, its meaning and salvation. People are busy with non-essentials. Many may not have the big vision of life. Many spend mechanical life. The origin of today's problems start from our very thinking, faiths, beliefs, attitudes and behavior. Most people including top leaders of the world, ignore fundamentals. How do we expect a solution, without proper diagnosis.

Terrorism and extremism are born in thinking, the circumstances and worlds indifference to social problems, all castes, classes, religions included.

We ignore to give total education to children. We are often biased by our social circumstances. The core seem to be missing everywhere. This requires dispassionate relook at ourselves --subjective and objective on the one hand and material and spiritual (not necessarily religious) on the other hand.

This require true teachers who are total and committed to humanity and life in general.
regards
C.Venkataramanaiah

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On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 Somaiah Kasani wrote :
Dear Chekuru, Good Morning.

Thank You very much for your prompt reply to my Republic Day wishes. Thank You also for your wishes to be in touch with each other. But, sir you too have to bring some words to life, occasionally, either by commenting on mine or contributing from your side too....

The University of Alberta is organizing international Week, from January 29 – February 2, 2007. There are about 50 events in it. I am planning to attend a few.

Yours, Somayya Kasani.

A Family Is ...

Dear Children,

A Family is...
Where secrets are kept,
And dreams are slept,
And love is the rock to stand on;

Where kisses are doled,
And wishes are told,
And hugs are warm places to land on;

Where happiness rules,
And morals are schooled,
And fun is a priority;

Where “I’m sorry” is heard
And “I can’t” are just words,
And chores trade for sweet liberty;

Where fear is not frightful,
And monsters, delightful;
Where nothing’s lost – everything’s gained.

Where comfort means leaning,
And time has no meaning,
And peace and serenity reign.

With love, Amma - Naana

ABC's of a friend

(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you
(even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust "be" with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plain things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality

Thought For The Day - Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason

Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. It provides the basis for a fulfilling and ethical life without religion. It is a system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth.

With Love, Amma-Naana

International Week at the U of A

The University of Alberta's international week 2007 : January 29 - February 2

Dear Children,

I am planning to attend the below listed upcoming events at the University of Alberta.

The Traps of progress; Queering Human Rights; Satyagraha as an Antidote to Terror; Preventing Violence Against Women; Education for all; Trade and Human Security; Change your lens; Food for Thought; Who defines Democracy?

Please read the following key note address by Ronald Wright.

With Love, Amma-Naana

In A Short History of Progress, Ronald Wright argues that our modern predicament is as old as civilisation, a ten-thousand year experiment we have ridden but seldom controlled. Ronald Wright is an English-born Canadian historian and writer who was asked to give the Massey lecture on the 'original study on subjects of contemporary interest.“Where do we come from? Where are we? Where are we going?”

For Wright, it is the third question, which intrigues him. “Where are we going?” Wright believes that careful reflection on the first two questions can ultimately answer where our species is headed.

"If civilization is to survive, it must live on the interest, not the capital of Nature.Wright concludes that "now is our chance to get the future right" — the collapse of human civilization appears imminent if we do not act now to prevent it.

The twentieth century was a time of runaway growth in human population, consumption and technology, all of which placed tremendous demands on earth, air and water - the very elements of life. The urgent question of the twenty-first century is how, or whether, this can continue.

In conclusion, Wright urges all readers alike to take advantage of what we have, that is to use the knowledge we have of past mistakes and to use them to prevent a similar fate.

He argues that in our blind pursuit of material progress, are likely to self-destruct because we are likely to face the collapse of our social and environmental order. Terrorism, violence, war, poverty, malnutrition, natural disasters etc. are all evidences of such in today’s world.

Have a Good Time in Alberta

Dear Somayya, Have a good time in Alberta!

Thank you for this wonderful keynote address with Mr. Wright's accurate assessment of our current culture. "If civilization is to survive, it must live on the interest, not the capital of Nature. Wright concludes that "now is our chance to get the future right" — the collapse of human civilization appears imminent if we do not act now to prevent it. Why is this so difficult for people to understand?

Because of this; . . .our blind pursuit of material progress, One by one we can make a differece if we only try.

Enjoy the conference. Please be sure to tell me ALL about it.

With Love,
Lillian

Thought For the Day

Listening responsively is always worthwhile as a way of letting people know that you care about them. Listening to others helps others to listen.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Gandhi - Nehru

They were opposite in nature,

but they shared a passion for freedom and justice,
and together created a giant of democracy.

Have a Nice Day

* Life is a daily IQ test. Regarding liberty, it seems that most people are failing the test. It is up to those of us who can see what is right to make sure we do not give up the fight.

* Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it.

* We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe. Therefore, everything one does as an individual affects the whole. All thoughts, words, images, prayers, blessings, and deeds are listened to by all that is.

* Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

* The future doesn't belong to the faint-hearted. It belongs to the brave.

* The secret of happiness is freedom. And the secret of freedom is courage.

* One man with courage makes a majority.

* No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.

* Freedom is not for the timid.

*To work with Dedication and affection is a joyous activity.

*Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.

With Love, Naana.

India's Republic Day - January 26, 2007

Dear Children,

We wish you a Happy Republic Day!

With Love, Amma-Naana

January 26, 2007.
We have steered this ship during the terrible storms,
You, my children, keep this nation safe!

*India is the 6th largest country in the world. One of the most ancient and living civilizations.
* India invented the Number System. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta. India never invaded any country in her last 10000 years of history.
* The World’s first university was established in Takshila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects there. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
* Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago. Today Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place in our civilization.
* India was the richest country on earth until the British invaded in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India’s wealth.
* Bhaskaracharya calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. Time taken by earth to orbit the sun in the 5th century - 365.258756484 days.
* The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from Sanskrit ‘Nou’.
* The value of "pi" was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century long before the European mathematicians.
* According to the Gemological Institute of America, up until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world.
* Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10**53(10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 BCE during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera 10**12(10 to the power of 12).
* Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.
* The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra.
* Chess (Shataranja or AshtaPada) was invented in India.
* When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindh Valley, known as the Indus Valley Civilization.
* The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC.
* Spiritual science, Yoga and most of the religions were found in India and the teachings spread all over the world by Indian Mystics and the Saints.

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Jaana Gaana Maana
Jaana Gaana Maana Adhinayaka Jayehe
Bharata bhagya vidhata;
Punjaba Sindhu Gujarata Maratha,
Dravida Utkala Banga,
Vindhya, Himachala, Jamuna, Ganga,
Ucchhala Jaladhitaranga;
Taba Shubha Naame Jaage
Taba Shubha Ashish Maage
Gaye taba jaya gaatha.
Jaana Gaana Maana Adhinayaka Jayahe
Bharata bhagya vidhata;
Jaya he Jaye he
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya he.

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Hindustan Hamara
Saare jahaan se achha
Hindustan hamaara
Hum bulbule(n) hai(n) uski
Woh gulsitaan hamaara.

Parbat woh sabse uncha
Hamsaya a’smanka
Woh santari hamaara
Woh pasban hamaara.

Godime(n) khelti hai(n)
Jiski hazaaro(n) nadiya
Gulshan hai jinki damse
Raksh-I-jinan hamaara..

Mazhab nahin sikhaata
Aapas main bair rakhna
Hindi hain hum watan hai
Hindustan hamaara.

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मंजिल पे आया मुल्क हर बला को टाल के

सदियों के बाद फिर उड़े बादल गुलाल के

हम लाए हैं तूफ़ान से कश्ती निकाल के

इस देश को रखना मेरे बच्चों सम्भाल के

Quotations for you...

Dear Children,

Here is some notes from my reading.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Character & Personality
By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.
The superior man...does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.
There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth...lust. When he is strong...quarrelsomeness. When he is old...covetousness.
Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established.
When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

Success, Failure
Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.
When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand
The cautious seldom err.

Relationships
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
Respect yourself and others will respect you.
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.
It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.
In his errors a man is true to type. Observe the errors and you will know the man.
A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do you know that his future will not be equal to our present?
To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle.

Communication
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.
[The superior man] acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions.
With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow - I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness are to me as a floating cloud.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
To govern is to be correct. If you set an example by being correct, who would dare remain incorrect?

Achievement
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame.
To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.
The man of wisdom is never in two minds about right and wrong; the man of benevolence never worries about the future; the man of courage is never afraid.
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
The Three Armies can be deprived of their commanding officer, but even a common man cannot be deprived of his purpose.
The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.
The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.
There is one single thread binding my way together...the way of the Master consists in doing one’s best...that is all.

Thought For The Day - I've learned....

" I've learned....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation."

With Love, Amma-Naana

Once we embrace unpleasant news not as negative but as evidence of a need for change, we aren't defeated by it. We're learning from it.

Learn from everyday events, treat every situation as an opportunity to learn and to gain some new choices and flexibility.

Story of Ms.Lillian Dabney : She is really an amazing and inspirational person.

Dear Somayya,

I was the first person in my family to go to and complete college. I come from an 'extended' family of aunts uncles and cousins. I had alluded before that my family history is complicated from the generally perceived concept of a family in the US, but totally 'classic' in the African American culture.

I am the oldest of three daughters and none of us grew up together. My mother never married and indeed it is quite possible that all three of us have different fathers. When I was born I had a great aunt who knew my mother (who had schizophrenia) was not fit to raise me. I was taken away from my mother to be with my great aunt. She died when I was around 6 or 7 and another aunt took on the responsibility of raising me. She never married either. The only 'males' in my childhood were uncles who did
not live with us.

As I child I was obedient, a loner and a reader. I made friends easily, loved to laugh and was always interested in the 'different' in order to learn and grow. I preferred to be around the Caucasian people and listened to music from the UK (The Beatles etc). I stayed pretty much away from my own culture. It was somewhat of an extreme but I did things the best way I knew how. I did not have much 'guidance' and was left to figure things out on my own.

I cannot recall any one in my family who influenced me other than my cousin who was outgoing, had a lot of friends and seemed very happy. In time this same cousin suffered from depression, still suffers from depression and is now the total opposite of her own youth; she secludes herself at home (with the TV), has no friends, doesn't go exploring and doesn't read.

One of my skills is organizing groups. It is something I enjoy doing! I have started book groups, book making groups and have gathered people together for fundraisers, lectures, workshops etc. I love organizing activities where people can learn, grow and share.

Friendship to me is the most important relationship of them all. Far
more important than marriage, romantic encounters and perhaps even family. Because everything starts there. Friendship comes first. In my friend I would like someone with whom I can be totally at ease, someone I can say 'anything' to, someone who is a deep listener and seeks to understand before wanting to be understood. I love people with a sense of humor. It is also good to have a compliment as well as common
interests.

My friends are generally the opposite of me; I'm organized their home is in disorder, I am slow and quiet, they are high strung and talkative. Yet we have a lot of common interests as well. As with everything, a balance is important. Generally what I display most when people visit my home is music. It is the universal language and reaches everyone where speech may not. I always plan the music I intend to play when people visit and make sure my CD's are readily seen (as well as heard).

Please tell me what my grade is when next you write. :-)

With love,
Lillian

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Our Dear Nana,

I read Lillian's mail about her life, she is really amazing and inspirational person.Very impressive. Thanks for making her a friend of us.

Loving Son
Ajay

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Our Dear Amma and Nana: Good morning.

Nana, it is very touching to see Lillian's story. And happy to read Basith sir's e-mail. Nice to see Usha's email too.

We are happy that you are communicating with various people. Every person’s life and their experiences are worth of several books. Isn't it, Naana?.

My work is going well. This week we are having good weather.

Have a nice day. With love, yours Aparna

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* It's really amazing when two strangers become the best of friends.

Thank you and your beautiful children, Aparna and Ajay for all their kind words regarding my life.
With Love,
Lillian

I Love You - A Poem By Susan Polis Schutz

"I LOVE YOU
I cannot promise you that
I will not change

I cannot promise you that
I will not have many different moods

I cannot promise you that
I will not hurt your feelings sometimes

I cannot promise you that
I will not be erratic

I cannot promise you that
I will always be strong

I cannot promise you that
my faults will not show

But -
I do promise you that
I will always be supportive of you

I do promise you that
I will share all my thoughts
and feelings with you

I do promise you that
I will give you freedom to be yourself

I do promise you that
I will understand everything that you do

I do promise you that
I will be completely honest with you

I do promise you that
I will laugh and cry with you

I do promise you that
I will help you achieve all your goals

But -
most of all
I do promise you that I love you"

With Love, Amma-Naana

Notes from my Reading: Importance of Literature

Why is Literature Indispensable for Human Life?

Whether heaven or hell is there or not the world we know is surely there. Whether it is an illusion or idea in the larger sense the world is a reality as long as we are alive there. What is most valuable and important here is not merely knowledge and civilization but love and culture the sustaining force of life in the world. What is important here is surely not animalism nor even spiritualism but only humanism which is the mark of greatest value for human beings and is the message of literature for mankind.

Instinct and Intellect

It is a fact that though man lives by instinct he progresses only by intellect.
In animals instinct over shadows intellect. But in man intellect overshadows instinct.

Among animals, monkey is considered to be superior in faculties. Rat is one of the smallest animals. By instinct rat indulges in sexual activities, whereas monkey learns sexual act only by copying from other animals. This is a scientific observation which informs the power of instinct is higher in rat than in monkey.

Naturally the power of intellect is highest and the power of instinct is lowest in man. Therefore only by knowledge man comes across what sex is all about. When this is so with sex, what do we say about love, the highest form of human expression?

When we are reading the works of poets, philosophers, intellectuals, we can understand very well where their love lies. For example if we read the works of Keats, Wordsworth, Shelley, Shakespeare, Milton, Spinoza, Jesus and Machiavelli, we can understand what love of beauty, Nature, liberty, perfection, greatness, intellect, love and power is respectively.

From this we can say that love means devotion, desire, natural inclination and interest, which is the beginning for everything and without which nothing can be achieved in the world.

This kind of love is the best diversion from tension, anxiety, worries and fear for anyone towards attaining a sense of relief or freedom. Actually by this way only intellect of man might have improved and overcome all kinds of fear. In this respect knowledge of this nature independently or through education is needed for all for getting freedom in the real sense.

Human Culture, the Expression of Literature

Animals don’t lead a planned way of living. But the life of human being is entirely different. From experience man learns a lot, gains knowledge out of it and gets wisdom as time passes on. From the usual activities he forms a routine for himself. In the routine life he follows a system without affecting the privileges, rights and liberties of other people or society.

In the routine life he covers all aspects of human needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, work, entertainment, arts, music, books, Nature, etc. and tries to achieve harmonious human perfection in life and this sort of living only is usually expressed in literature as human culture. Culture differentiates and ennobles human being from others.

Synthesis of Love and Knowledge for Freedom, Joy, Peace and Satisfaction

Knowledge, wealth and power are needed for the world life. Anyone of the three alone cannot solve and fulfill problems and commitments of life.

But without knowledge other resources cannot be wisely utilized for the betterment of oneself or the world. With high knowledge, power may be gained but human perfection cannot be achieved.

Therefore by the synthesis of love and knowledge only perfection of individual soul can be achieved. Also, harmonious human perfection can be achieved only by culture, since culture is nothing but the “love for and the study of perfection” in thoughts, words and deeds.

It is a fact that human efforts in the field of science and technology, wonderful expressions in literature and religious services are various ways of doing works not for recognition but for spiritual satisfaction.

Further freedom got from the synthesis of love and knowledge leading towards perfection only helps man to enjoy life with joy, peace and satisfaction. In addition to that the main aspects of human nature such as the sense of goodness, beauty and truth are also fulfilled by way of culture and more than anything else the best thing to do in the world is to pass on such knowledge of culture to others generation after generation

Knowledge, Vision, Ambition and Achievement

In general getting knowledge through education, doing a suitable job to accrue wealth, enjoying the pleasures of life by indulging in entertainment after work and devoting retirement life in spiritual pursuits in order to satisfy spiritual needs are the usual or settled way of living for all the people.

But human nature is such that not satisfied with what man inherently has, tries for completion in life aspiring high due to his mind to break his limitations and achieves perfection in order to have a change in evolution. Just acquiring knowledge is not enough for one to become powerful to solve all problems of life and attain perfection and liberation.

Perfection, Permanence – Rare; Nature the only Compensation

By trial and error methods man learns and to satisfy his needs and curiosity he tries in all possible ways to explore mysteries of life to get experience and knowledge of truth which he shares with everyone.

To fulfill natural destiny, to achieve completion or perfection he seeks the hand of woman as his better half.

Though he gets home, wife and hundred relations the peace he longs for, the freedom he seeks and the immortality he dreams he hardly achieves. So, he tries his hand in arts such as music, paintings, sculpture, poetry, etc. to achieve perfection and permanence in the higher level.

Here also it is possible only by the gifted and the chosen few and for others the appreciation or criticism of the achievements of the gifted people only is possible. This is also not instantly possible without great efforts. So, only boredom remains finally. Therefore the physically and the visibly remaining thing left for men to explore is Nature only.

The beauty of nature absorbs one and all at anytime and gives the blessed mood which cannot be forgotten so easily.

Through the senses in nature it is possible to feel the presence of a living spirit in all fauna and flora including man. Indeed nature is the living scientific art that enlightens, elevates, energizes, inspires and gives ideas both creative and mystical. Hence there cannot be a better friend, philosopher and guide other than nature for man.

Utopian Dreams made Realities because of Literature

Yesterday’s dreams with the development of human knowledge in science and technology since 200 years have come true today and will come true tomorrow also.

A Few Words of Helen Keller

* Self-esteem is feeling worthy and able to meet life's challenges. It is as essential as the air we breathe.

* The meaning of life is different for each individual. Each person has own purpose and distinct path, unique from anyone else's.

* Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to understand.

*In the midst of our daily lives, we must find the juice to nourish our creative souls. Let us do it, and do it often, What brings us pleasure. For it will give lightness to our heart and do wonders for our soul.

With Love, Amma - Naana
Edmonton, Canada

How to Really Love the One You're With.

Dear Children,

The following is an article from my reading.

With Love,Amma-Naana

1] To be capable of real love means becoming mature, with realistic expectations of the other person. It means accepting responsibility for our own happiness or unhappiness, and neither expecting the other person to make us happy nor blaming that person for our bad moods and frustrations.

2] Mature lovers -- lovers who love unconditionally -- develop a knack for side- stepping resentment and focusing on the good they see in one another. They have evolved to a higher level of understanding, one that transcends taking notice of the imperfections of the other.

Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness, frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint or collapse. Mature love partners know they can't have everything their own way. They are able to defer to circumstances, to other people - and to time, when necessary.

Mature love partners permit each other the freedom to pursue their individual interests and friends without restriction. This is when trust presents itself. Mature love allows this level of separateness to bring lovers closer together. In this scenario separateness is perceived as a bond, not a wedge. It encourages love partners to celebrate their own uniqueness.

3] We can come to realize that mature love equals loving yourself for being what you are, and likewise loving another person for who they are. When we can feel such unconditional no-matter-how-you-act love, we have learned what I call mature love. Mature love allows you fully to be yourself with your loved one.

Maturity is the ability to live up to the responsibilities of a love relationship, and this means being dependable. It means keeping your word; it means living in your relationship like your word really means something. Dependability equates with personal integrity. This means no withholds. It means saying what needs to be said, with love. Do you mean what you say? Do you say what you mean?

The world is filled with people who can't be counted on, people who never seem to come through in the clutches, people who break promises and substitute alibis for performance. They make excuses. They show up late - or not at all. They are confused and disorganized. Their lives are a chaotic maze of unfinished business and uncommitted relationships. Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

4] Mature love offers us our most profound opportunity for regaining wholeness - not because our partners will fill all of our emptiness, but because we can use the embrace of a loving relationship to nurture ourselves toward greater maturation and ripening.

Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. Immature people spend their lives exploring endless possibilities and then do nothing. Action requires courage. There is no maturity without courage.

Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and your energies and to do more than is expected in your relationships. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. They would rather aim high and miss the mark than aim low and hit it.

Have a Cheer filled Day : Living With Laughter

Dear children,

Eat a natural whole foods diet

Get vigorous exercise daily

Get sufficient rest

Cultivate a heart filled with love & joy

Breathe clean, fresh air whenever possible

Drink fresh, clean water

Put sunlight in your day

With love, Amma-Naana

Thought For The Day

Dear Children,

In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die, and the choices that we make are ultimately our responsibility. The most important thing in life isnot to capitalize on our successes - any fool can do that. The really important thing is to profit from our mistakes. We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. We need new thinking We need to embrace a culture of trial and error, not a regime of risk avoidance.

People should try to overcome their individual problems. I think that's the first step. I think with-out resolving one's own conflicts, it's hard to be concerned and do effective work for others. We need to grow as individuals and as a society. We need to be as different as we can from each other while at the same time integrating our efforts. We know that people vary in how self-centered, self-seeking, and selfish they are, and how much they're willing to be concerned about others. At the level of the family, differentiation means that each person feels free to pursue their own individual goals and their own individual skills so that parents support the child's individuality, and that the children respect the parent's own individual values or interest. This kind of understanding and practice allows each person to be as different as they want or can be from each other. The other half is integration, which means families where each member is aware of the other person's goals--even if they are not the same, or even contrary--and helps that person to realize their goals.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Email from a Friend, Usha Hemraz, University of Alberta

Hello Uncle,

Thank you very much for your email. I did check your website after returning from the party. I would say it was pretty impressive and very well done. I just talked to my dad today and was telling him about our meeting.

Today we went to Hawrelak Park for my friend's birthday and I skated for the very first time in my life. May be now I should learn how to skate since I was really really bad at it.

I hope you had a good day too! Good Night!

Best regards,
Usha

Tribute to My Close Friend: Mr. Shiva Reddy

"A S Reddy was a friend forever to me. He was the most important person in my life. He was most dependable and most trust worthy person. His absence is a great loss to me. I miss him"

My class-mate and my colleague, my close friend, Mr. A S REDDY, passed away on January 18, 2007 at Hanamkonda. A S Reddy was a friend forever to me. He was the most important person in my life. He was dependable and most trust worthy person. I met Mr. Reddy in the year 1961, while he was joining in the Arts & Science College to pursue his Bachelor Degree in Arts. I associated with him in completing the formalities for his admission. I was a year senior to him into the college as I did my Pre-university Course also in the same college. And he did his Pre-university Course in a different local School.

After our college studies Mr.Shiva Reddy joined the service in the year 1964. He applied a job for me also without my notice, and got the letter of appointment for me as a School Assistant in the same School, where he was working and posted the joining letter to me to our native place along with a note to me to accept the job and requested me to join the duty soon. We worked together in the same School for seven years as teachers.

Later we got transferred to different schools and lived in different places. Even then we had constant good friendship all through our lives. His absence is a great loss to me ...

He has wife, three sons and a daughter. Two sons, Sudheer - Subhas are living and working USA and his daughter Surekha and other son Sugunaakar are living and working in Hyderabad. I spoke with near dear people of Mr. Reddy over phone on the day the funeral....

"A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget...
The moment may be temporary but the memory is forever...."

---

Dear Sudheer Reddy,

We are all very sorry to hear the news! Your beloved dad passed away leaving all of us in great sorrowfulness. Kistaiah sir, informed us the news on the day after. Viijaya athamma and I spoke with several of our near and dear people on the day of funeral. I could speak with several persons from Munigalveedu, who have attended the funeral procession. My sisters Susheela, Kausalya and our Brother in-laws Janardhan and Kistaiah have also attended the funeral. I also spooke with our friends Shaik Hussain and Laxminarsaiah. All of them are very very sorry and not able to digest his loss. I could share my sorrow with our friends with e-mails. I also put ' Tribute to My Close Friend: Mr. Shiva Reddy ' in blogspot, http://aanimutyaalu.blogspot.com/2007/01/tribute-to-my-close-friend-mr-shiva.html

to ease my pain.

Dear Sudheer being the eldest in the family, You must be bold enough to manage the situation and boost all the family members, specially, your dear mom.

Ever yours,
Your loving Aunty and Uncle & Family

---

Uncle, Aunty, Aparnakka, Ajay and Anupama,

We as Amireddy Siva Reddy family, are thankful to you for the support, belief and for all the good words about our father and our family. Nobody becomes good or recognised as good unless somebody tell to this 'physical' world that he is good. We as a family, appreciate your efforts towards this cause.

I could witness the crowd. As Many of the unfortunate moments in my own life, the most unfortunate moment was I could not attend my father's funeral. I am not worried, as he was never distant to me through my heart and he will not be through my entire life. Somaiah Kasani and Janardan Choula's are only two families that always took first priority in my father's life as far as we acknowledged. And for us, Amireddy Siva Reddy is not just a head of a family or a just a person but a 'Religion', we follow that religion and try to spread around.

Once again, as we are going through the most difficult part of lives, We appreciate your support and wishes. Those would definitely help to ease our pain.

Thanks,
Amireddy's Family

---

January 22:

My dear esteemed sir,

Namaskarams.

How sad to loss such a great friend! If I am not at all wrong, Is it Shiva Reddy sir ?. I will go with Kistaiah sir and visit his family members today itself and convey condolence on your behalf. Please be brave as usual. I would see to comfort them possibly. Convey my Namaskarams to Madam. Hopefully I Would mail you soon .

Yours lovigly,
M.A.Basith

---

January 23:
Dear esteemed sir, Namaskarams.

I am herewith sending the card which containing the details of obituary. I met Kistaiah sir immediately after receiving the mail. I could meet Mr.LingaReddy, brother-in-law of Late Mr. ShivaReddy and had a talk right from the beginning of your friendship and the early days of your profession. He also explained the particulars of the fateful day. He moved and burst out while talking. Any way we are going to attend the 11th day on your behalf. More details in my next mail.

Yours lovingly,
M.A.Basith.

---

January 23:

Dear Basith, Good Evening, How are you?

Received your e-mail and felt happy to know the contents there in. I forwarded the card containing the details of obituary of dear Shiva Reddy at Hanamkonda, to our sweet children Aparna, Ajay and Anupama.

Today the climate is pleasant. So I made a trip to the city. I met Rowshon A Begam, a research student in University of Alberta Library. She is from Bangladesh. She has two daughters named Labiba Raisa, Maliha Saraf. Her husband Akm Mazbah Uddin is an Engineer working in Edmonton. Her parents are teachers. She is an admirer of Thaslima Nasreen. She admired some of our Indian writres too. More in my next mail, please convey our best regards to all our near and dear people.

Yours lovingly, Somayya Kasani

Long Live Mr. Shiva Reddy :

A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget... The moment may be temporary but the memory is forever....

A Poem on Children by Khalil Gibran

Dear Children,

Here are thoughts of Khalil Gibran, a famous author and a poet thoughts on Children.

With Love, Amma-Naana

"Your children are not your children .
They are the son's and daughters
of life's longing for itself .
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you,
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love
but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life does not go backwards
nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are set forth.
The archer sees the mark upon
the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might that
His arrow may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archers
hands be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable."

Thoughts on Forgiveness - On International Forgiveness day

"Forgiveness as a Key to the Future. The practice of forgiveness has been shown to reduce anger, hurt, depression and stress and leads to greater feelings of hope, peace, compassion and self confidence. Practicing forgiveness leads to healthy relationships as well as physical health. It also influences our attitude which opens the heart to kindness, beauty, and love. The most complete and lasting revenge is forgiveness. Forgiveness is for you and not for anyone else. Forgiveness helps to heal those hurt feelings. Remind yourself that you can hope for health, love, peace and prosperity and work hard to get them. Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge. Amend your grievance story to remind you of the heroic choice to forgive. A life well lived is the best revenge.

That practicing forgiveness contributes to stronger, more lasting and more loving relationships, a more real and lasting sense of self worth and purpose, a more heightened feeling of freedom, joy and laughter on a daily basis "

Have a nice day!
Amma-Naana

Thought For The Day

" Social support should be facet of our everyday life. But the support must be reciprocal, give and take."

With Love, Amma-Naana

Internet Cruiser Poll : Do You Like Snow ? Yes is the Answer.

Dear Children,

Just sharing these poll results for fun.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired millions of people worldwide.

" If you can’t be a pine on the top of a hill
Be a scrub in the valley—but be the best little shrub on the side of the hill
Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.
If you can’t be a highway just be a trail
If you can’t be the sun be a star
It isn’t by size that you win or fail—
Be the best of whatever you are.
And when you do this, when you do this,
you’ve mastered the length of life. (Yes)"

"A Knock at Midnight:

I still have a dream this morning:
(Yes)
one day all of God’s black children
will be respected like his white children.

I still have a dream this morning
(Yes)
that one day the lion and the lamb will lie down together,
and every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree
and none shall be afraid.

I still have a dream this morning
that one day all men everywhere will recognize
that out of one blood God made all men
to dwell upon the face of the earth.

I still have a dream this morning
(Yes, sir)
that one day every valley shall be exalted,
and every mountain and hill will be made low;
the rough places will be made plain,
and the crooked places straight;
and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together.

I still have a dream this morning
(Amen)
that truth will reign supreme and all of God’s children
will respect the dignity and worth of human personality.

And when this day comes the morning
stars will sing together
(Yes)
and the sons of God will shout for joy.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident
that all men (All right) are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable Rights,
(Yes, sir)
that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

---

Dear Children,

I sent the above article to Lillian Dabney in honor of Martin Luther King, who is her favorite leader as well. Indeed he inspired millions of people. Mr. Martin Luther King Jr was also a winner of Nobel peace prize .

With Love, Amma-Naana

Where are you from?

Dear Children, Good Evening.

CNN anchor Monita Rajpal, received a bachelor of applied arts in radio and television arts from Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto. Here is a story of her life and experiences for you to read.

With Love,
Amma-Naana

One question I get asked a lot is, "Where are you from?". The short answer would be to say I'm Indian. The problem is, I have never lived in India and saying I'm from there makes it sound almost false. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of my heritage, of belonging to what my mother likes to term,"A proud Punjabi-Sikh family". But to say I'm from India implies that I have lived there and have absorbed all that being an Indian entails. I was born in Hong Kong and lived there till I was 14 then moved to Toronto, Canada. I lived in the U.S. for more than three, and I now live in London, England. So when I'm asked where I'm from, I think about all these places that have shaped who I am and how I think about things.


To make it even more complicated, my mother never lived in India.She was born and brought up in Shanghai, China, and no, she's not ethnically Chinese. My father, though, is the real thing:born and brought up in India and moved to Hong Kong only when he met and married my mother.

I'm not afraid to move to another country if it's what I want to do and where I want to be. In any culture there is that same history of movement.Our forefathers left the land of their birth becausemany felt they had to whether it was to avoid persecution or because there was a need to findbetter opportunities to provide for their family. I know that many of us who do that now certainly havea great appreciation for different cultures and countries. There is a sense of feeling comfortable anywhere we go.That said, we also add to the cultural landscape of our adopted homeland.

Who was important in the life of a Child?

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play

"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair

To tell him what he is to wear

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should"

"Whose child is this?" I asked again

As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while

To teach him how to be gentle and kind

To train and direct his dear little mind

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school"

"Whose child is this?" I asked once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together

Ours this blessed task forever."

---

Dear Children,

Have a Nice Day!

With Love, Amma-Naana

-While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

-There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.

-A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Welcome to North America, Dear Santosh Bandari

Welcome to North America, Dear Santosh & Shelly,

We wish you all a Happy Sankranthi!

With Love, Athamma & Somayya Mamayya

"The secret for success in the future lies in learning better how to think and how to use our power of thought so that we are not only a part of the future - we are designers of the future, creative thinkers who can imagine how things can be and show the way."

Emancipator of American Slaves & Emancipator of the Human Mind : Lincoln & Darwin

Dear Children, Good Evening.

Charles Darwin is a Symbol for the Celebration of Science and Humanity. Here is an interesting article for you to read.

With Love,
Amma-Naana

Darwin Statue at Shrewsbury City Library.

February 12th, 1809: On this date, two great men were born — Abraham Lincoln, Emancipator of American Slaves and Charles Darwin, Emancipator of the Human Mind.

Let's have some Lincoln-Darwin Celebrations. Charles Robert Darwin was born in the town of Shrewsbury, England on February 12th 1809. The family house still stands and is currently the offices for the District Valuers. His first school is next door on Claremont Hill and his next school, Shrewsbury School, is now the town's library where an imposing statue of the great man sits outside. Shrewsbury also boasts a lively cultural scene with art, music and even a cartoon festival. With all its attractions, it is perhaps the setting that is the most impressive.

Change for Good is Pongal

Sankranthi/Pongal promotes love among one's kith and kin and friends as all of them come together to celebrate this festival. The Sankranthi festival was thus designed to promote harmony and love in the family...

The day is considered auspicious for man to embark on his journey towards the goal of a purposeful, sacred and blissful life. The weather during the season is cool and pleasant.

Dear Children, Change for good is Sankranthi and We Wish you all a Happy Pongal/Sankranthi!

With Love, Amma-Naana

An interesting LIFE for you to read: The story Hypatia of Alexandria, Egypt.

Hypatia is credited with saying. "To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing."

Dear Children , Good Morning!

Hypatia was born in the year 370 AD.

The life of Hypatia was one enriched with a passion for knowledge. Hypatia was the daughter of Theon, who was considered one of the most educated men in Alexandria, Egypt. Theon raised Hypatia in a world of education. Most historians now recognize Hypatia not only as a mathematician and scientist, but also as a philosopher.

Throughout her childhood, Theon raised Hypatia in an environment of thought. Historians believe that Theon tried to raise her the perfect human. Theon himself was a well known scholar and a professor of mathematics at the University of Alexandria.

Theon and Hypatia formed a strong bond as he taught Hypatia his own knowledge and shared his passion in the search for answers to the unknown. As Hypatia grew older, she began to develop an enthusiasm for mathematics and the sciences. Most historians believe that Hypatia surpassed her father's knowledge at a young age.

In her education, Theon instructed Hypatia on the different religions of the world
and taught her how to influence people with the power of words. He taught her the fundamentals of teaching, so that Hypatia became a profound orator.

People from other cities came to study and learn from her. Hypatia's life ended tragically, however her life's work remained. Later, Descartes, Newton, and Leibniz expanded on her work. Hypatia made extraordinary accomplishments for a woman in her time. Philosophers considered her a woman of great knowledge and an excellent teacher.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best.

Thought For The Day

Dear all,

The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.

"A hundred years from now
it will not matter what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in,
or the kind of car I drove.

but the world may be different
because I was important in the life of a child.”

These words truly bring the meaning of “real success” into focus.

It’s better to present unified command with teachers for good things, while at the same time being tender.

To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.

With Love, Amma-Naana

Have a Nice Day

Mother is the most beautiful word in the dictionary

Dear Children, Good Morning!

The best gifts to give:

To your friend - loyalty
To your enemy - forgiveness
To a child - a good example
To your parents -gratitude and devotion
To your mate - love and faithfulness

With Love, Amma - Naana .

Good Morning

A single idea may be worth a million dollars. The goal to futuring is not to predict future but to improve it.

7.45 am, January 10, 2007

Dear Children, Good Morning!

How are you? We are fine here..
There is a little bit heavy snow-fall today. It seems it is going to be a normal day. People might be leaving for their work-places as usual. But visibility is less still, as there is still snow fall. There is power, there is telephone at work. Everything is normal.

With love, Amma-Naana

"Hard work is not just about work but it is about work done wisely, work which is planned and work which produces fruit."

Cardiac health risks and resources for South Asians

Excerpt from an email forwarded by Ajay naana.

Facts:
1.Regardless of gender, social class or location people from the Indian sub-continent have the world's highest rates of heart disease. This is true even when they have low traditional risk factors.

2.Even non-smoking vegetarians under 40 who exercise regularly are often at high risk.

3.Risk factors are more harmful to Indians than to others.

4.In heart disease terms: 1 cigarette smoked by an Indian is equivalent to 3 smoked by a non-Indian. 30-point rise in cholesterol is equivalent to 90-point rise in people of other ethnicities. 10 pound gained by an Indian equals 30 pounds gained by others.

Resources: Bay Area has a South Asian Heart Center located in El Camino Medical Hospital. You can sign up for screening with them. This is very important. Traditional cholesterol tests are inadequate for South Asians because they do not go beyond HDL/LDL breakup. The emerging risk factors are things like Homocysteine level, C-Reactive Protein, Lipoprotein(a) which are responsible for arterial damage.

Desirable results for South Asians:
-----------------------------------
Total Cholesterol Less Than 150
Good cholesterol Greater Than 40
Bad cholesterol Less Than 100
Triglycerides Less Than 150

Resources : Southasianheartcenter

Address: South Asian Heart Center, El Camino Hospital, Park Pavilion, Ground Floor,
2400 Grant Road Mountain View, CA 94040.
Phone: 650.940.SAHC (650.940.7242)
Fax: 650.966.9269
Email: Info@southasianheartcenter.org

There is an excellent book written on the subject – " How to beat the heart disease epidemic among South Asians: A prevention and management guide for Asian Indians and their doctors" – By Dr. Enas A. Enas with Dr. Sudesh Kannan

After reading chapter 1 (available as free download), I found that it completely lives up to its title.

http://www.cadiresearch.com/free_download.html

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a Global Epidemic among South Asians. CAD strikes South Asians at a four-fold rate compared to the general population. This holds true even for lifelong vegetarians who do not smoke and are not overweight.

10-12% of the South Asian population in urban areas globally and 4% in rural areas are afflicted with this disease.

By 2010, India will bear 60% of the worlds CAD burden. CAD strikes South Asians at a Younger Age, almost 33% earlier

South Asians in the United States and in urban India suffer heart attacks at an earlier age, often without prior symptoms or warning.

A study among Asian Indian men showed that half of all heart attacks in this population occur under the age of 50 years, and 25% under the age of 40.

CAD strikes South Asians Fatally. More than 30% of deaths from heart attacks in South Asians occur in those younger than 65 years of age, a rate double that of the U.S. national average.

British Heart Foundation statistics show that the death rate from coronary heart disease is 46% higher in South Asian men and 51% higher in South Asian women than the UK population as a whole. CAD is not Just a Disease for South Asian Men. South Asian women also have one of the highest mortality rates due to CAD. Recent findings from the 1990-2000 California Census data showed that all ethnic minority women were living longer except South Asian women. California Statistics: Asian Indians have the highest rates of hospitalization in California for CAD. At El Camino Hospital alone, over the past two years, a significant 5% of the patients that walked into the ER with a heart attack were South Asian, while the South Asian population of the area is just over 3%.

Message from Pritham

Visitor Name: Pritham

Dear Uncle,The web site is cool. Its so nice to look at all those family pictures and the messages. Updates about the family events is nice. Wish You A Very Happy New Year!

Thanks,
Pritham

Exchange from Lillian Dabney

Dear Somayya Kasani,

I so enjoyed knowing about your life and loves. Your elder brother was truly a wonderful human being to live his life as a freedom fighter. What a great inspiration and I can see that he truly has influence your own life. I believe that simplicity, truthfulness and straight forwardness enhance the value of human life. I believe in this as well. Our children learn from us but they teach us so much more. I too enjoy association with young people for their knowledge of the moment. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with me.

Love, Lillian

Greetings from Prakash garu

Dear Somaiah garu,
We are fine here. Wish the same for you all too.

Here's wishing you, Vijayalakshmi garu, Aparna & Kamlesh garu, Anupama & Sreenath garu, Ajay & Aparna garu and ofcourse Vikram & Vinod a "Very Happy & Prosperous New Year".
Due to some technical error, I was unable to access my mail. Pls do stay in touch.

warm regards,
-Varalakshmi & Prakash Rao

News & Views from Dear Basith

Dear esteemed sir ,

Hope this letter finds you in best of your healthand happiness. After a pretty long period I could sitin front of NET . In respect of present crisis [Can say it as crisis?]Tribunal and High court both have directed theDirector of school of Education to implement theirearlier orders . So in a near possible time, it isgoing to be settled.

I could find your JOURNAL and have felt so much of happy to know your credit worthy humanrelations for which you are fond of.It appears you are not only a good father and inspiring teacher but also a great human lover.

Woh I got your E-mail Thanx. Many Thanksto AJAY also. Looking forward to hear and read from you.

Yours lovingly,
M.A.BASITH

Varavara Rao

సముద్రం స్వేచ్ఛలో స్వేచ్ఛను వెతుక్కొంటున్న నీటిచుక్కను నేను...

Varavara Rao, popularly known as V.V was born on 3rd November 1940 in a small village (Chinna Pendyala) in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh, India. He started writing poetry and literary criticism from college days. He was a lecturer by profession.

Varavara Rao is a renowned poet, journalist, literary critic, public speaker and essentially the voice of millions of voiceless masses in struggle in Andhra Pradesh, India.

He is reputed as a great orator and had addressed hundreds of public gatherings. He founded Srjana (creation), a forum for modern literature in Telugu in 1966. He was associated with many a progressive and revolutionary journal in Telugu.

Varavara Rao has published nine poetry collections of his own besides editing a number of poetry anthologies. His poetry collections are: Chali Negallu (Camp Fires, 1968), Jeevanaadi (Pulse, 1970), Ooregimpu (Procession, 1973), Swechcha (Freedom, 1978), Samudram (Ocean, 1983), Bhavishyathu Chitrapatam (Portrait of the Future, 1986), Muktakantam (Free Throat, 1990), Aa Rojulu (Those Days, 1998), and Unnadedo Unnattu (As it is, 2000).

His poetry has been translated into almost all Indian languages. Besides a number of articles on particular occasions, his thesis on ‘Telangana Liberation Struggle and Telugu Novel – A Study into Interconnection between Society and Literature’ (1983) is considered to be landmark in Marxist literary criticism in Telugu. He also translated Ngugi wa Thiongo’s prison diary and novel Devil on the Cross into Telugu, besides writing his own diary Sahacharulu (1990).

These writings of Varavara Rao speak volumes of his strong bond with the people and his dedicated belief in people’s struggle for better life.

---

mithrulu somaiah gariki,

meeru saddam pai pampinchina basith poem chadivaanu..baagundhi...ivaala andhra jyothi lo chusaara? 13,14 jan na virasam sahitya paatashaala kurnool lo undhi..bahusha basith ni akkada kalusthaamu..ippadike ikkada telugu lo saddam pai oka pustakanni minchina kavithalu vacchai...nenu naalugu raasanu...

aparna,ajay,anupama baagunnara?
mee sahachari baagunnara?

prematho V V

---

Dear Sir, Good Morning.

I am following the News at our Home-land. I am in regular touch with a few teachers from Warangal, who are my friends. Mr. Basith is one among them. He writes good poems occasionally. He wrote one on 1st January on Saddam. I am forwarding it to you now.

With love, Somayya Kasani