Omshanti. Accept godly greetings of this festive season.

We are very pleased to inform you that a group of 45 BK brothers and sisters from Vile Parle-Mumbai participated in the ‘Dream Run’ event of Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2012 on 15th January 2012. BK Ansula ben was the co-ordinator of the group.

As we are celebrating this year as ‘Platinum Jubilee’ of Brahma Kumaris organisation (1936-2011) all our programs are being organized under the umbrella theme – “One God, One World, One Family’.

In this Mumbai Marathon event also our group participated with the same aim to give the message of “One God, One World, One Family’. All beings (souls) from different religions are children of one Supreme Father.

In our group brothers played the role of religious representatives like Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi and one sister as Bharat Mata and another as B K Sister. It was a great attraction to all viewers and the co-participants that Brahma Kumaris are giving the message of Peace, Love, Unity, Brotherhood, etc.

We distributed around 2000 blessing cards to the participants and viewers during this event.

We are attaching the photographs of this event. It was a great service.

Thanks to Dearest Bapdada and all instrument souls.

In Baba’s yaad
BK Sunilbhai

10 things to know about Anna Hazare and Jan Lok Pal Bill

1. Who is Anna Hazare?
An ex-Army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War.

2. What’s so special about him?
He built a village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra.

3. So what?
This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, bio-fuel and wind mills.

In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, Eco-friendly & harmonic village.

4. Ok,…?
This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

5. Really, what is he fighting for?
He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

6. How that can be possible?
He is advocating for a Bill, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

7. It’s an entirely new thing right..?
In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit their theft (corruption).

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?
The first thing he is asking for is – the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.

Next, they make a joint committee to Draft the Jan Lokpal Bill. 50% government participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

9. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?
A LokPal will be appointed at the center. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

10. Is he alone? Who else is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?
Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.

Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

10. Ok, got it. What can I do?
At least we can spread the message. How?
Make everyone aware of this issue by putting status messages, links, videos, changing profile pics.

Forward this to save ourselves

Anna Hazare says bring back the Black Money.

Do u know what will happen if 1,456 Lac Crores comes back?

1. India Financially No.1

2. Each district will get 60000 crores & each village will get 100 Crores

3. No need to pay taxes for next 20 yrs.

4. Petrol 25 Rs, Diesel 15 Rs, Milk 8 Rs.

5. No need to pay electricity bill.

6. Indian borders will become more stronger than the China Wall.

7. 1500 Oxford like Universities can be opened.

8. 28,000 kms Rubber road (like in Paris) can be made.

9. 2,000 hospitals (with all facilities) all medicine Free.

10. 95 crore people will have their own house.

It is a national festival that is celebrated all over India, mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. Various colourful Ganesh idols in different sizes and poses are made of clay and plaster of Paris by a specially skilled artisans three months prior to the festival. The decorated Ganeshas are later brought to the specially designed temporary mandapas by the people of respective locality and place the idols in mandapas.

The streets are decorated with colourful lights and Ganesha is worshipped for 10 days by offering garlands, flowers, kumkum, coconut, modakas, etc., along with chanting mantras by the priest. Various competitions and cultural activities also take place in many localities for these 10 days. On the 11th day, the statues are taken through the streets in a procession where people sing and dance. They immerse the statues in the nearby lakes or river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees. This ritual is called as Ganesh Visarjan.

This engineering marvel, first of its kind in India on sea took 10 years for completion (started in 2000 and completed in 2009) and estimation of Rs 1600 crores ($ 400 million approximately). It’s a pleasant experience to drive between Bandra and Worli in just 7 minutes which otherwise takes more than an hour if taken a normal route. There is a view point on top of pylon (pillar) that gives the panoramic view of the city which is famous for the sky line in south Mumbai. This 8 lane concrete bridge linking Bandra and Worli across the Mahim Bay held in position by steel cables will become a permanent symbol for Mumbai beating the Gateway of India.

Image Source: Samaw

Image Source: Makli

God was not kind enough to let her live beyond the age of 87 when she passed away on September 5th, 1997. Today, August 26th, 2010, is her birthday centenary and we wish her soul to rest in peace and salute the others who carry on the left out job with the same commitment and dedication.

Image Source: Los Angeles Public Library

Though India had united to defeat the Britains, there was still a rising concern among the leaders with the formation of Pakistan and Bangladesh. India is a country that boasts of a diverse culture. And this diversity had to be controlled…or else, what will result is the formation of a number of small countries from the once massive sub-continent. To avoid just this, our leaders decided to form linguistic states which have proved to be very successful over the years. But it is flawed by the way the people are fighting for separate states. Today everyone fights for states, tomorrow if one’s mind goes towards some more autonomy will he look for separate country.

When we fought against the British, no one saw whether the person standing next to him was a Hindu, a Muslim, a rich landlord or a poor peasant. Then why must such differences is looked at now? Our country has so many cultures, so many languages and instead of cherishing or celebrating this assortment, people are using this as an excuse for different states. Sure if the states were smaller like the USA, there could be a better management of resources. But why are we comparing a developed country like the US to a developing nation of 1 billion? We must first think of vital things like education for all, reducing the infant mortality rate, stop female foeticide, etc. It must always be a balanced act. Now itself the centre has enough loads concentrating on the number of chief ministers in all these states.

Talking about Telangana, they fight for a separate state because they fell deprived of the resources and opportunities in their own state. If these people were more educated then no one can deprive them of any resources or opportunities as they come under the category of skilled population.

Also, within a certain linguistic group, there are still people from many religions. Thus there is a huge problem of minority and it is always the minority that feels left out. What people don’t understand is that this vast country of diversed nature has a majority in its minorities, I hope you all understand what I mean. And if the central government concedes to the demands of all these groups by giving them separate states, then I must say that we were more united when the British were ruling us.

There is a solution for every problem and that solution cannot be brought through violence but by using your minds to think. If we have been able to live as a nation for so long, it is because of the adaptability and the accepting nature of the Indian. Instead of a separate state we should rather decentralize the power to the grass root (district/panchayat) level so that everything can be managed with more ease. This is possible only by selfless people who do not have dire desire to break their own mother state into pieces and wyes for the converted Chief Minister’s chair.

Also Published at: Ragalahari

Here are some pictures of Salwar Kameez, Patiala, Churidar and Anarkali patterns that reflect the beauty of women in the most graceful and ideal manner.

Son of late Sri YS Raja Reddy, a dynamic leader in his heyday, Rajasekhara Reddy evinced interest in politics right from his student days. While studying in M R Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, he served as President of the Students union. He was elected leader of the House Surgeon’s Association in S V Medical College, Tirupati.

After completing MBBS, he served as Medical Officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital for a brief period. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital, named after his father late YS Raja Reddy at Pulivendula. His family established one polytechnic and one degree college in Pulivendula, which were later handed over to the well-known Loyola group of institutions.

Rajasekhara Reddy’s sound business acumen, entrepreneurial skills, and, above all, his transparency brought him laurels in the business arena. On the flip side, his success also brought him many adversaries, political and otherwise, who were desperately looking for a shred of evidence to prove umpteen charges against him. In the end, their mud-slinging did not yield a single point that could paint the mass leader in bad light. In fact, his detractors became red-faced, as they had to swallow their words.

Groomed by a family deeply involved in public service, YSR entered active politics in 1978 and contested elections, four times to enter the State Legislative Assembly and an equal number of times to enter the Lower House of Parliament. A winner in all that he does, YSR won all the elections he contested. Even today his admirers exclaim: “He (YSR) defeats defeat.”

During his 25-year-long political career, YSR has served the people in multiple capacities, both in Government as well as in Party. He was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice – 1983-1985 and 1998-2000. During 1980-1983, he was a minister holding important portfolios related to Rural Development, Medical & Health and Education etc. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh state assembly.

As a champion of the masses, his stentorian voice in the assembly, raised particularly during debates that sought to lend voice to the voiceless millions, forced the Government to retrace several anti-people steps it contemplated. YSR has been instrumental in orchestrating several mass struggles, while highlighting issues facing peasants, weavers, Dalits, youth and women. His relentless fight for clearance of pending irrigation projects, particularly in the backward Rayalaseema region, has earned for him a special place in the hearts of millions of farmers. His unremitting struggle against certain anti-people economic measures that were sought to be introduced in the name of “reforms”, including the frequent increases in power tariff and indiscriminate privatization of public sector units, exalted him far above the street smart politicians.

Even as a novice in the legislature, YSR rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinite hunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. He also led a Paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district. The 14-day hunger strike of legislators under his leadership in August 2000 to register protest against the hike in power charges is still fresh in the memory of people. By systematically exposing the misdeeds of the then Government, both inside and outside the Assembly, YSR was playing his political role to the hilt.

During mid-summer in 2003, he led an unprecedented 1400 Km long Paadayaatra covering all backward areas in the state to understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there.

Now, as Chief Minister, the crowning glory of this studded political career, he can proudly claim to be the quintessence of a politician who, with vision focused on the coming generations as well, has earned the title of a statesman. Amidst a bewildering number of turncoats among politicians, who thrive in “shifting loyalties”, YSR stands out as a sterling example of the old guard in pristine Indian politics.

This explains why he has never turned his back on the Congress party, which nurtured his political moorings. The lure of power and pelf could not divert him, when the party was briefly out of power, from his mission to hold the reins of power as a trusted lieutenant of the Congress and, more importantly, as a darling of the masses. Sworn in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 14.05.2004.

YSR’s Personality

A modest Personality:

Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy’s person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy.

As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts stated in a simple language that is intelligible even to the unlettered, because taking administration to the people is an article of faith for him.

His Philosophy of Life:

Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one’s blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings.

“Don’t count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you”, is Dr. Reddy’s word of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means.

It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month.

His stature:

Though measuring 5’7″, Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider.

When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.

His Mission:

As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes.

Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agriculture and irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As a proactive Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26 major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.

His Motto:

Dr. Reddy’s motto is that the ultimate objective of any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt and dependable delivery of sevices to the common man.

With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levels to help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levels without habitually looking for autocratic ‘diktats’. ‘Decentralization of administrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by the government reflects the true spirit of democratic governance”, Dr. Reddy argues.

His strength:

Dr Reddy’s strength lies in his stature as a mass leader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has always championed the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segments of the Congress party as well.

Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a point to address all the problems that are brought before him directly by people, cutting through bureaucratic hurdles, every day.

If any scheme or programme under formulation is placed before him for approval, its outcome is a foregone conclusion that is dependent on Dr. Reddy’s invariable query: “How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?”

His ‘pastime’:

A curious ‘pastime’ of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse of people in rural areas on Sundays through the Rajiv Palle Batta.

The Rajiv Palle Baata is a novel mass contact programme under which the Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people’s own words.

In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.

His Approach:

The Chief Minister’s emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies.

Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people’s trust that is invaluable.

It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often “gets lost” in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order.

Profile Credits Andhra Pradesh Government Website

September 2 2009: Now he is no more and we at DC Tributes to The Dynamic Leader Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy

Photo Gallery:

YSR as a College Student in Bellary

YSR with his Spouse Vijaya Lakshmi

On his day of Marriage, with spouse Vijaya Lakshmi

YSR with YS Jagan (in his childhood)

YSR at the Birthday Celebrations of his son YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

YSR with his spouse Vijaya Lakshmi and daughter Sharmila

YSR with his spouse Vijaya Lakshmi and daughter Sharmila

YSR with his Family

YSR with his Parents & Family

YSR with Ravi Shankar (Art of Living)

YSR with Church Father

YSR with Rahul Gandhi

YSR signing on the File of ‘Free Electricity to the Farmers of Andhra Pradesh”

YSR with Swami Agnivesh

YSR with YS Jagan Mohan Family and Grandchildren

YSR with Indira Gandhi

YSR with Rajiv Gandhi

YSR with Sonia Gandhi

YSR with his Best Friend KVP Rama Chandra Rao

YSR with Sabitha Indra Reddy

YSR with his ‘Shadow’ (Loyal Personal Assistant) Sureedu aka Surya Narayana Reddy

YSR with his Better Half Vijaya Lakshmi

YSR with his Family and Grandchildren

‘Happy Days’ with his Spouse Vijaya Lakshmi

YSR Signature

Image Source: Scanned from Sakshi Daily News Paper

Audio:

Preview/Listen:

YSR Tribute Audio in Mp3 Format [Download]
Audio Credits: Written by Sira Sri – Composed by Flute Nagaraj – Sung by Mani Nagaraj

Preview/Listen:

YSR’s Voice at the swearing-in ceremony as a Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in Mp3 Format [Download]

Videos:

Akkineni Nagarjuna, Ghattamaneni Krishna and Vijaya Nirmala about YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s Greatness

YSR remembers his College Days

Super Star Krishna and Vijaya Nirmal about YSR’s Rajiv Arogya Sri Scheme

Nagarjuna and Vijaya Nirmala’s Condolences to YSR with Broken Heart

YSR’s Last Appearance to Media before Helicopter Crash on September 2 2009

Politics has been in his blood right from his younger days and he was a minister at a very tender age of 31 and from there it was point of no return. Four times for Lok Sabha and six times for State Assembly are the figures which can speak of the immense popularity of this educated politician. Pulivendula has been his favourite constituency which has been very loyal to him for his deeds, one of them being Pulivendula Branch Canal project.

During 1983-85 and 1998-2000 he was the President of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee. During the fag end of his second tenure as President of APCC, precisely from 1999, he served as opposition party leader which he carried on till 2004. His infamous paadayatra of 1400 kms to familiarize with the people’s problems as well as hunger strike for water solutions and his undisputed command over the Congress legislatures fetched him the success in May 2004 elections. In his 1st stint as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-2009, a few notable people oriented programmes like – free power supply for farmers, supply of rice to the poor at Rs 2 per kg, Arogya Shree – a rural free health care scheme, pavala vaddi – a loan scheme for rural woman, Indiramma illu – a housing scheme for poor, Jalayagnam – irrigation facilities to farmers, farmers loan waiver programme, free college education for backward class people, etc., fetched the desired popularity resulting in his thumbing victory returning him to office as Chief Minister in April 2009.

This charismatic leader wanted to make a surprise visit for Racchabanda programme in Chittoor district on 2nd September, 2009, but unfortunately the helicopter he was traveling did not reach its destination as it met with an accident at Nallamala forest between Atmakuru and Rudrakota villages near Kurnool district. There was a search for more than 24 hrs giving a hope to all his admirers and his family members of his safe return, but the news came otherwise. The bodies of all five people in the helicopter were charred to death beyond recognition. The remains of YSR will be kept for public view on September 4th from 9 AM – 1 PM at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad and later taken to his native place Pulivendula for the cremation.

YSR is blessed with a son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (politician) and a daughter Sharmila. Desicolours prays for his soul to rest in peace and conveys its heartfelt condolences to YSR’s wife Mrs Vijaya Lakshmi and his bereaved family.