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A Family-Magazine from Seva darshan Kuwait

Volume 4

5116 amP

Issue 9

December, 2014

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150

Sevadarshan@gmail.com
Sopanam - December, 2014

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

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Subashitam
Spiritualism
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Sopanam - December, 2014

Editorial
Seva Darshan volunteers is now having a very
busy month with Ayyappa Poojas being held in all
our units and other programs.
We wish to congratulate all Gokulolsavam
winners and winners of the rolling trophy for best
performances by respective units. Programs like
this competition help us build a sense of unity and
healthy competition teaching us the importance of
accepting winning and losing with grace.
The importance of Modijis cleanliness drive
was truly experienced when volunteers from Mata
Amritanandamayi Ashram cleaned the Pamba banks
and other areas in Sabarimala in preparation for the
Sabarimala season. It brings to light the failure of
successive governments in providing basic services
at one of the biggest pilgrim centres in Kerala. A

Editorial Board
Krishna Kumar Paliath
Vibheesh Tikkodi
Anandharaj Konni
Reshmy Krishna Kumar

Data Management
Ajaykumar Anjaneyam
Rajarajan Ganesan
Gopakumar. P
Vijayaraghavan P.V.
Adv.Vidhya Sumod
Divya Satheesh Kumarakam
Ragesh Regunath
Sheeja Anand
Jithin Krishna
Chandini Sajam
Sujithra Nijil

Creative & Design

Sreenivasan C.P.
Vinaya Babu. C.K.
Cover Design: Shammy John

more efficient action plan is required to convert this

to a National Pilgrimage Centre.
Our culture and heritage is embedded in our
ancient language of Sanskrit. It is a welcome
move by the government to revive the language by
introducing the same in our schools.
The government has once again proved that it can
get over the main stream medias biased reporting
by actually implementing its agendas for the benefit
of the public. It has effectively used social media
and other online facilities to get connected to the
public and hear their views.
While great focus being laid on reviving the
nation from its ten years slump, we must ensure that
the people of the nation are educated to the fact that
their requirements can be actually be met only with
long term planning and sacrificing the namesake
actions. Along with economic development it
becomes important to support new entrepreneurs
who contribute to the nation building and economic
prosperity.
Seva Darshan was formed with aim of supporting
the needy sections of our society and keeping our
commitment , our volunteers are approaching all
sections of the expatriate community to raise support
for our VOIT project.

Seva Hi Paramo Dharma

The central government must come together with
the local government and NGOs to make a master
plan that will ensure that the ecology and heritage of
Sabarimala is protected and at the same time proper
facilities are provided to the pilgrims.

For Comments, Submissions &

Subscriptions please write to

email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
Sopanam - December, 2014

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Sanskrit
Spiritualism

(akiirti) = infamy

(akRitaatmaanaH) = those
without self-realisation
(akRitena) = without discharge of
duty
(akRitvaa) = without doing (from
kRi)

(akiirtiM) = infamy
(akiirtiH) = ill fame
(akurvat.h) = did
(akurvata) = did they do

(akRitsnavidaaH) = persons
with a poor fund of knowledge
(akriyaaH) = without duty

(akRitabuddhitvaat.h) =
due to unintelligence

(akRitena) = without discharge of

duty

(akushalaM) = inauspicious

Sopanam - December, 2014

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Cultural
Spiritualism

The glitter of a legacy of

craft and skill

Sarath Sundar Rajive

Pazhaya Chala Street (Palayachala in old British

maps) has a story to tell; a shimmering tale of the Tamil
goldsmith community, who, with their unique customs
and traditions, have enriched the cultural landscape of
the city.
Ananthapuravarnanam,
a
thirteenth
century
composition, includes in its narrative, along with the
description of the old city and the several temples and
water bodies, a vivid portrayal of a market and the local
goldsmiths engaged in their trade.Today, old goldsmith
communities can be still seen scattered around the Fort
area. These traditional settlements, often termed as Uru
or Gramom, were concentrated around the temples of
their patron deity.
The Mayil Achari family in Pazhaya Chala is
one of the oldest and prominent families in the area.
The ancestors of the family were originally based at
Nalloor, near Suchindram temple. Later, they shifted
to Thiruvananthapuram during the mid-eighteenth
century. Nilaverum Perumal Achari, a member of the
Mayil Achari family, was a skilled goldsmith. Along
with his family members, Achari established Perumal&
Sons, Trivandrum, a workshop where gold and silver
ornaments were designed and made.
In 1923, they participated in the Surat Industrial
Exposition where their work was much admired. In
1931, Achari made the silver signature seal for the last
King of erstwhile Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Bala
Rama Varma. Perumal Acharis dexterity as a skilled
artisan was perhaps overshadowed by his greater role as a
leader of the traditional artisan community. R.S. Monian,
the grandson of Perumal Achari and president of the
Tamil Viswakarma Samuham says, Based on linguistic
differences, the Tamil goldsmith community claimed
themselves to be different from the local Malayalam
speaking artisans. Based on this argument, they strived for
separate representation in the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha.
According to the decision of the clan members, Perumal
Achari was asked to represent the community and to
present their demands in the Sabha. Perumal Achari was
specially nominated to the Praja Sabha to speak for his
people. He occupied the post for six months.
8

Not far from the Fort is Kaithamukku, another

abode of local goldsmiths. Among the many families in
Kaithamukku, Vairakettu Manickam Achari of the ancient
Vayalil family was an employee at the chellamvaka
(place where gold and silver ornaments for the temple
and the royal family were made and stored). Manickam,
the proprietor of M.M. Prince Jewellery, Fort, and the
grandson of Manickam Achari says, My grandfather
was the head jeweller to Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama
Varma (1885-1924), and his deftness in handling precious
stones was acknowledged with the title Vairakettu.
Achari served as appraiser to the Travancore
government and was often consulted by the royals before
they purchased precious stones.
Traditionally, the members of the goldsmith
community lived in closely-knit groups. However, in
modern times, the younger generation of the clan has
abandoned their traditional profession. This changing
way of life creates concern for the elders. In olden days,
the head of the Uru played a key role in settling domestic
issues arising in the families. Today, everything is slowly
changing. We are trying to hold on to old traditions and
customs, but it is doubtful for how long, says Monian.
The Tamil goldsmith community who made the city
their home contributed to its cultural fabric with their
craftsmanship and way of living. This write-up is based
on an interview with R.S. Monian and Manickam. The
author is a conservation architect and history buff
Courtesy: The Hindu, Nov.14th 2014

Sopanam - December, 2014

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Learn with Quiz Master

Reshmy Krishnakumar
1. Who wrote the book Runs and Ruins?
2. Which Indian-born Australian doctor and team performed worlds
first conscious brain surgery?
3. From which date onwards cigarette packets in India carry a sign of a
skull-and-crossed bones?
4. Instead of using GDP as a measure progress, Bhutan uses GNH.
What does GNH stand for?
5. Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of what?
6. What is a Perfect Hat-trick in Football?
7. How many legs the Hindu god Agni have?
8. What is project Backrub better known as now?
9. In 1941, Subhash Chandra Bose set up the Free India Centre(FIC) in Germany. Following its
formation, FIC adopted 4 key resolutions (1) Jai Hind would be the Official Salutation (2)
Jana Gana Mana would be National Anthem (3) Hindustani would be the National Language.
What was the 4th one?
10. When British wanted to purchase land for settling down in Kashmir, they were not allowed
to do so by the Maharaja of Kashmir, a tradition which continues till date as Kashmiris rarely
sell land to outsiders. What did British do when refused?
Answers page - 25

10

Sopanam - December, 2014

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Sopanam - December, 2014

hoWw
Views

Food for thought :

Choose Wisely
We are shadows; and we keep on chasing shadows
throughout our lives. And we are unhappy because we
have chosen to be unhappy. Though our real nature is
sat-chit-ananda (real blissful consciousness), many of
us lead unhappy life by behaving like Duryodhan who
had stated, Jaanaami dharmam na cha me pravrttih,
jaanaami adharmam na cha me nivrttih (I know what is
right but I do not practice it. I know what is wrong but I
do not forsake it). Literally meaning the Divine Song,
Bhagavad Gita is a perfect guide in our daily life. Gita
takes us from ordinariness to excellence, from despair
to bliss, from negativity to positivity, from emptiness to
fullness and from turmoil to tranquility.
Gita stipulates what can, and what cannot, bring peace
of mind. It charts the path leading to excellence, supreme
success, bliss, serenity and ever-lasting peace of mind. It
guides us to overcome all dualities like pain and pleasure,
victory and defeat, honour and dishonour, attachment and
aversion, success and failure, joy and sorrow, anxieties,
self-imposed limitations, bondages, ego, greed, anger,
fears and frustrations of life to lead happier, fuller,
contented and supremely successful and blissful life.
The revered book extols positive action and
fulfillment; not fatalism and passivity. It teaches that
being happy, successful, equanimous and tranquil is a
matter of choice and not a matter of destiny; and that
we can ensure that sweet symphony of bliss pervades
our life. It says- Equanimity brings bliss. An important
theme of Bhagvad Gita is equanimity as Shloka 2.48
also proclaims, Samatvam yoga uchyate (equanimity
is Yoga). Equanimity means facing any situation with
calmness and fortitude, and remaining unruffled in the
above-mentioned dualities. Equanimity also means
freedom from personal likes and dislikes. Though as
per Vedanta, equanimity is our true nature, we become
finite and limited, and get affected by dualities since we
identify ourselves with our body, mind and intellect.
It does not mean neutrality or negativity. It means
positivity, completeness, happiness and fullness. Only a
person who is complete and happy can be equanimous
and remain unaffected in all situations. As per Shloka
Sopanam - December, 2014

J G Arora

6.22, Yasmin sthito na dukhen gurunaapi Vichaalayate

(no situation, whatsoever, can disturb a person situated
in Yoga). Gita guides us to become Sthit Pragya
which literally means situated in wisdom but actually
denotes a person having equanimity. When vide Shloka
2.54 Arjun asks Bhagwan Krishna as to who is a Sthit
Pragya, vide Shlokas 2.55 onwards Bhagwan describes
various attributes of Sthit Pragya. As per Shloka 2.55
The person who gives up all desires, is contented and
is satisfied with himself, is said to be Sthit Pragya.
Shlokas 2.56 and 2.57 further elaborate that Sthit Pragya
is someone who remains unruffled in pain and pleasure;
who is free from attachment, fear and anger; and who
neither rejoices nor hates. Shlokas 2.62 and 2.63 caution
that thinking about sense-objects develops attachment;
attachment leads to desire; unfulfilled desire leads to
anger; anger leads to delusion; delusion leads to loss of
memory; loss of memory brings forth loss of intellect;
and loss of intellect is disastrous. To break this vicious
circle of attachment, desire and misery, one should
control the mind and become Sthit Pragya. Though the
mind is restless and adamant, it can be controlled by
practice and detachment. The reward of this practice
and detachment would be the lasting peace of mind.

Selfless actions
Engaging in selfless actions which help others is
real Karma Yoga (path of action) and brings bliss.
Performing our duty with equanimity and selflessness
is Karmayog. When there is selfish desire, the work
is only karma (activity) and not karmayog. Being
selfish and self-centered generates agitation and stress.
Our selfless actions aimed at helping others give us joy
and happiness. Besides, our selflessness makes us full,
complete and infinite.
Motives of our actions determine the merits of our
actions. Our selfish and negative actions are stressful and
upsetting whereas our selfless and benevolent actions
which serve others liberate us from our ego and lead
to bliss. Happiness is not something we receive from
others; but it is something we give to others. We also can
experience the infinite joy of selfless giving; and be the
13

hoWw
ArmnId

Views
Spiritualism
instruments for our blissful life. We hanker after power
and material things because of a sense of insecurity and
emptiness within. This insecurity and emptiness would
vanish if we do selfless actions to help others. Shloka
2.47 stipulates,Karmanyave adhikaaraste ma phleshu
kadaachan, ma karmphal heturbhurma te sango astav
akarmani (Your right is only to do your duty without
brooding over its outcome. Neither the result of your
action should be your motive; nor should you forsake
action). This glorifies action; and decries inaction and
fatalism. Detachment does not mean inaction. Rather,
detachment means focused action without brooding
over the result of action. By avoiding thoughts about
the outcome of action, we get liberated from anxieties,
frustrations and fears caused by desire-driven actions.
Shloka 2.50 elevates action to the status of Yoga since
Yoga means doing ones selfless duty with perfection.

Desires and contentment

For Chanakya, contentment is the divine orchard.
Gita stipulates that being unaffected by our desires,
and cultivating contentment brings peace of mind. As
per Shloka 2.70, Only the one who remains unruffled
by the incoming desires as the ocean is unruffled when
rivers enter into it can attain a peaceful state of mind.
Taking these sentiments further, Shloka 2.71 echoes,
Only the person who has given up all desires, and
who has no attachment and no vanity can attain peace
of mind. Servility to desires brings bondage, agitation
and distress. Liberation from desires establishes us in
contentment and bliss. Gita proclaims that sense objects
are the source of misery, and cannot give lasting peace

14

as Shloka 5.22 stipulates, Sensual pleasures are indeed

the source of misery. They have a beginning and an end,
and therefore, the wise do not indulge in them. Material
pleasures are bound to diminish or disappear because of
the impact of time and space. Seeking permanence in
temporary things is obviously illogical. Happiness gained
by acquisition of material things does not last long since
we feel the vacuum again and long for something else to
fill it.

From turmoil to tranquility

Gita describes three Gunas (qualities) viz. Sattva, Rajas
and Tamas which shape every persons life. Every person
has Sattva, Rajas and Tamas in varying proportions. Sattva
is purity, virtuousness, fullness, contentment, selflessness,
compassion, positivity, equanimity and serenity; Rajas is
selfishness, passion, agitation, stress, strain, arrogance,
vanity, restlessness and greed while Tamas is ignorance,
anger, complacency, passivity, pessimism, negativity,
laziness and lethargy.
Saatviks are contented persons who have control
over their desires, and perform their actions selflessly.
Raajsiks are motivated into action by their desires; and
are obsessed with the fruit of action. Taamsiks on the
otherhand have desires but they achieve nothing since
they do nothing to fructify their desires. Gita guides us to
travel from Tamas and Rajas to dwell in Sattva to lead a
successful, socially useful and blissful life. Besides, Gita
guides us to go even beyond these three Gunas to become
a Gunateet to attain self-realization.

Sopanam - December, 2014

hoWw
Views

Friendship within Parenting

Smt. SeemaLal
(Consultant Psychologist, Kochi)

Before I got married I had six theories about bringing

up children; now I have six children, and no theories. John Wilmot.
21st Century Parenting can probably be characterized
by two simple words confusion and convenience.
The most common phrase Ive heard in the context of
parenting is Im my childs best friend!
Really? So who is the parent, is what I have always
been tempted to ask? The graph below gives a quick
overview into what I believe friendship within parenting
should mean. There are no sure shot ways to raise a
healthy and happy child and thats probably the most
beautiful part of parenting - intriguing, ambiguous and
challenging to say the least.

Here are the Thoughts!!!

Say what you mean, mean what you say, but
dont say it mean. Stick to what you say, else dont say it
at all.
It is good to explain the reason behind laying
rules, because explaining to a child gives the parent
more clarity on what exactly the rule is!
Let children attempt to do things alone, let them
learn that it is OK to fail. It is okay to make mistakes.
But indulging and doing everything for them does not
prepare for a life independent of you.
If my mother can watch TV till 11 so can I Well my Dear Child - you do want to watch TV but
you need 10 hours of sleep. Lets fulfil the needs, the
wants can wait.
It is of course good to discuss with children the
issues that concern them but please leave the decision
making powers rest with you.
And the most difficult - Striking the balance.
All of us will fail at some or the other as parents
- It is okay! Seeking help is not a shame - it does not
make you failure.

Sopanam - December, 2014

15

IekmlnXrw
ArmnId

Art &
Spiritualism
Litrature

Sriharikota through
my Eyes

Dr. Divya G. Krishnan

Assistant Professor
KMCT Medical College, Calicut-Kerala

My memories of Sriharikota date back to the late 90s

when my parents got transferred to this small island off
the Bay of Bengal coast. Both my parents, employees
of MECON were part of the project for the construction
of the second launch pad at Sriharikota. As a rebellious
teenager, I hated the very idea of shifting to a new place
leaving all my friends, my school and my neighbours.
I hated the new place even before I saw it. As we got
down the train at Sullurpeta station, I looked back at the
train as if that was the last thing I could ever see of my
previous town. We got into the waiting taxi. Sriharikota
was about half an hour drive from the mainland. There
was a single road connecting the mainland to Sriharikota.
All I could see was water on both sides of the road, a
few migratory birds, salt heaps and an occasional person
fishing. Coming from a busy town, I could not enjoy
these scenarios. We finally reached the security check
we had to cross before we entered Sriharikota. After a
tall security personnel with the thickest moustache I ever
saw, checked our luggage and examined us with a metal
detector, our taxi was let in. I saw the first board quoting
the letters Welcome to Satish dhawan space centre.
However I was grumpy enough to think of that message
as an indication that I would be stranded in the island for
the rest of my life. Our taxi moved ahead. The place was
so silent I could hear the chirping of birds on the trees
planted on either side to make the town look green. This
was in utter contrast to the hustle and bustle of the town I
left. There were pictures of rockets on the sides of roads
along with instructions to drive slowly to avoid accidents.
Sure this was a disciplined town but I was in no mood to

16

be disciplined. Finally we reached the allotted residence.

I saw the buildings. They were constructed in a way that
the topmost storey which was never more than three was
the least spacious. The taxi driver enlightened us on the
fact that the construction was so engineered to stand the
constant cyclones the place encountered. He also told us
that there was a single school, a small shopping complex,
an open air theatre which screened movies once in a
month and a park. For any other entertainment we should
travel to Chennai, about 2 hours by train. I felt as if a
lightning just struck me. How could I survive without all
those burgers, card and gift shops, icecream parlours and
movie halls. I cursed my fate as we slowly settled down
in the new house.
The days that followed saw me joining my school
Space Central School. It was a single storeyed building
, constructed again in a style to stand the cyclones. The
school had its walls laden with pictures of rockets,
satellites and scientists. Now this was a bit different
from my previous school, but we did have rockets made
of paper there too! I was not supposed to pay any fees
because being a girl I had the privilege of free education
there. Finally something good was happening. I met my
classmates and teachers, a mixed crowd of Telugu, Tamil,
Konkani speaking people with an occasional Hindiwaala
and a Malyali. The crowd accepted me wholeheartedly
and within no time I was made the head girl in school.
I could not get a better medal of acceptance than this.
I also made some very good friends who still keep in
touch.
Sopanam - December, 2014

IekmlnXrw
Art &
Litrature

Soon the simple shopping complex which had

only grocery stores, stationery stores, and tailor shops
became my favorite hang out. In Sriharikota, I saw a
strange form of unity among people. The temple, the
church and the mosque all stood in the same compound
and yet functioned peacefully! I still remember how we
used to visit the temple, the church and the mosque in
one go.

Days in Sriharikota changed me as a person .It

taught me to live life in a simple way, yet to aim high.
It erased the religious and economical bias from my
mind. It taught me to respect nature and to feel happy
in serving fellow human beings. It inculcated a scientific
attitude in me. It taught me to work hard, to take failures
as guiding stones and to accept success with humbleness.
From a wild teenager who never saw the world beyond
style and class, it introduced me to the realities of life. In
a wider sense, it introduced me to the Universe. Today,
when I hear about the Mars orbiter mission, I feel proud
and nostalgic. I thank God for gifting me some wonderful
years on that island which is now even recognized by
MARS!!!!

The most exciting events which the whole space

community would gear upto was not a movie release or
the visit of a politician but the launch of a rocket. Yes,
there were experimental rocket launches during certain
months of the year. These rockets carried mostly weather
satellites. The rocket launch events would see all people
perched up on their terraces, tree tops or other higher up
locations. We would hear faint sound of the countdown
10,9..3, 2, 1 and off went the rocket. There would be
claps, howls, hoots and all other sounds of happiness.
Strangely, the Sriharikota population which is usually a
silent lot goes wild with excitement on such days. We
would stand there for a long time staring at the trail left
by the rocket. I started thinking differently now. Life
had given me a chance to witness the initial milestones
of history being made in the subsequent years with the
launch of PSLVs, GSLVs, Chandrayaan and MOM.
The other event which got similar attention was
natures fury in the form of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.
We would witness high speed winds blowing away
tree tops and small establishments. Our school would
then house the tribals living near the shore. The whole
community saw to the fact that the shelter seekers were
provided with basic amenities. Our only communication
with mainland, the single road,would be flooded which
meant we were all alone in the Bay of Bengal fighting
the cyclone. The thought now frightens me but then as a
school girl it was some kind of an adventure about which
I would be writing to my old friends. During the times
of cyclone, I witnessed the selfless attitude of people in
Sriharikota.
Sopanam - December, 2014

17

IekmlnXrw
ArmnId

Art &
Spiritualism
Litrature
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Sopanam - December, 2014

IekmlnXrw
Art &
Litrature

Muktha Radhakrishnan
The raindrops, dancing in a melody
Each droplet filling my heart with fragrance of love
Playing the untouched chords echoing
The longing of a lonely Koel
The silence of a pair of eyes
So full of imaginations the rain is falling into me
Drenching the fire in me, singing into my soul
The rhythm so soothing
Washing away impurity, cleansing each cell, genes
Flowing in my veins, nerves, into my tears
Making me part of it
I become rain, dancing on earth, river and valley
Making the paddy leaves sway
With an emerald touch of morning dew
The muddy path,which smells of first rain
So lovable like the first love
To be the true companion to a traveler who loves long drives
Into the magical blue mountains
Full of Neelakkurinji flowers
And, I rain and rain
On snow covered Himalayas, into the ManasaSarovar
Taking a holy dip, engulfing the rain of thoughts
Deep down dissolving into the eternal salvation
Invisible in the rain of Nirvaana!

Sopanam - December, 2014

19

IekmlnXrw
ArmnId

Art &
Spiritualism
Litrature

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Sopanam - December, 2014

IekmlnXrw
Art &
Litrature

Sopanam - December, 2014

21

hmI
ArmnId

News
Spiritualism
Seva Darshan Officials visit
Union Ministers

Seva Darshan officials Sri. Ajayakumar T.K. (President), Sri. Sanjuraj (General Secretary) and
Sri.Vibheesh Thikkodi (Secretary) visited Union Ministers Sri.Harshavardhan (Science and Technology), Sri. Sadananda Gowda (Law and Justice) and Sri. Pon Radhakrishnan (Shipping and Transport) at
Delhi.
Representing the Indian expatriate community of Kuwait, the Seva Darshan officials presented
various proposals relating to issues faced by the Indian community in Kuwait. The ministers agreed that
the issues will be considered with compassion.

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22

Sopanam - December, 2014

hmI
News
Samskrita Sambhashana Sibiram Inaugurated
SamskritaBharati in asssociation withthe Department of Sanskrit, BharatiyaVidyaBhavan Kuwait has
undertaken the noble venture of propagating Sanskrit among the expat community in Kuwait. The aim of
revival and implementation of Sanskrit as a spoken language in daily life is being achieved by conducting
SamskritaSambhashanaShibhiram(Workshops) at twoplaces in Kuwait, Salmiya and AbuHalifa for 10
days startingfrom 19thNovember 2014. SamskritaBharati is affiliated to Seva Darshan Kuwait which is a
voluntary non-profit organization.
The inaugural program was presided over by Mr.Ajaykuamar, President, SevaDarshan,Kuwait.The chief
guestof the function wasShri.KrishnaJagannathan, a renowned nationalist and social worker from Tamilnadu, who inaugurated the Shibiram by lighting the lamp. He very eloquently spoke about Samskritam
its importance, significance and relevance in todays context.Sanskrit is a unique language which was
cultured and perfected over the years by the ancient Rishis and seers and thus the root and source of nearly
all languages.The auspicious occasion was graced by Shri BalajiAnandaraj of BharathiyaVidyaBhavan
Sanskrit Vibhag, who is theSanskrith Bharathi Kuwait ShikshanPramukh. Shri.ChanduBijuraj, SB Kuwait
JointCordinatorwelcomed the audience.
The workshops are being conducted by Shri. Balasubramanian.About 60 participants who have registered for the course are accomplished people hailing from different parts of India as well as varied walks of
life. Their enthusiasm and whole hearted participation enlivened the Workshops.

Sopanam - December, 2014

23

hmI
ArmnId

News
Spiritualism

Science International Forum launched in Kuwait

International
ForumScience
launched
in Kuwait
Science International Forum (SIF), theScience
official representative
of National
Movement/
Vijnana
Bharathi, was launched in Kuwait at a grand function organized at Indian Embassy Hall on 4th NovemInternational Forum (SIF), the official representative of National
ber, 2014. Honourable Indian AmbassadorScience
to Kuwait,
H.E. Sunil Jain inaugurated the function by lighting
Science Movement/ Vijnana Bharathi, was launched in Kuwait at a grand function
traditional lamp and announced the SIF-Kuwait take-off officially. Sri.SubhashishGoldar, Deputy Chief of
organized at Indian Embassy Hall on 4th November, 2014. Honourable Indian
Mission, Indian Embassy Kuwait also adorned the function with his esteemed presence. Dr. Ali Al-Dousari,
Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Sunil Jain inaugurated the function by lighting traditional
Research Scientist, Crisis Decision Support Program, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research addressed the
lamp and announced the SIF-Kuwait take-off officially. Sri.SubhashishGoldar, Deputy
gathering as the chief guest of the evening. The event was studded with the eminences from all echelons
Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy Kuwait also adorned the function with his esteemed
of Kuwait, both nationals and Indian expatriate community alike. The presence of professionals from all
presence. Dr. Ali Al-Dousari, Research Scientist, Crisis Decision Support Program,
sectors including Research Scientists,
Indian School Principals, Faculties, and other prominent dignitaries
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research addressed the gathering as the chief guest of
added grace to the function.
the evening. The event was studded with the eminences from all echelons of Kuwait,
both nationals and Indian
expatriate
The presence
professionals
Sri.Premkumar, Principal, BharathiyaVidyaBhavan,
Kuwait
andcommunity
Advisoryalike.
Council
Memberofgave
the
from
all
sectors
including
Research
Scientists,
Indian
School
Principals,
Faculties,
educative presentation on SIF activities in Middle East. Summing up the proposed upcoming activities ofand
prominent
dignitaries added
grace
to the function.
SIF-Kuwait, he announced its first other
activity,
SastraPratibha
Contest
scheduled
to be held by 2nd week of
January, 2015. Students securing two top scores in Kuwait will be honored with the title SastraPratibha
Sri.Premkumar, Principal, BharathiyaVidyaBhavan, Kuwait and Advisory
and the top scoring school in Kuwait will be awarded the prestigious Acharya J.C.BoseSastraPuraskar.
Council Member gave the educative presentation on SIF activities in Middle East.

Sri.Vivek Nair, General Manager,

UAE Exchange
delivered
the felicitation
address. Sri.Prasanth
Summing
up the proposed
upcoming
activities of SIF-Kuwait,
he announcedNair
its first
(President, SIF-Kuwait) presided the
inaugural
function.Contest
Sri.Arun
KumartoNbe(General
Secretary,
SIF-Kuactivity,
SastraPratibha
scheduled
held by 2nd
week of January,
2015.
Students
securing two top scores
will be honored
with the
wait) welcomed the gathering and Smt.
ReshmyKrishnakumar
(Mediain&Kuwait
PR Coordinator,
SIF-Kuwait)
ex-title
and the by
topDr.Roopesh.R
scoring school in(SPC
KuwaitRegistration
will be awarded
the prestigious
tended the word of gratitude at the SastraPratibha
function coordinated
Coordinator,
Acharya J.C.BoseSastraPuraskar.
SIF-Kuwait).
SIF-Kuwait is a voluntary organizationSri.Vivek
formed Nair,
and supported
by professionals
in the
fields of
General Manager,
UAE Exchange
delivered
thescience
felicitation
& technology, education, UAE Exchange
(Corporate
Partner),
www.indiansinkuwait.com
(Media
Partner),
address. Sri.Prasanth Nair (President, SIF-Kuwait) presided the inaugural function.
philanthropists and other prominentSri.Arun
members
of the
Indian community
in Kuwaitwelcomed
with a vision
to introduce
Kumar
N (General
Secretary, SIF-Kuwait)
the gathering
and Smt.
Indias rich scientific heritage and motivate
the
youth
to
take
up
science
as
a
career.
ReshmyKrishnakumar (Media & PR Coordinator, SIF-Kuwait) extended the word of
Prasanth Nair

gratitude at the function coordinated by Dr.Roopesh.R (SPC Registration Coordinator,

SIF-Kuwait).

President, Science International Forum, Kuwait

Mob: 66763164

SIF-Kuwait is a voluntary organization formed and supported by professionals

in the fields of science & technology, education, UAE Exchange (Corporate Partner),
www.indiansinkuwait.com (Media Partner), philanthropists and other prominent
members of the Indian community in Kuwait with a vision to introduce Indias rich
scientific heritage and motivate the youth to take up science as a career.

Prasanth Nair
President, Science International Forum, Kuwait
Mob: 66763164

24

Sopanam - December, 2014

hmI
News

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President, Science International Forum,
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Mob: 66763164

Sri.Vivek Nair, General Manager, UAE Exchange delivered the felicitation

address. Sri.Prasanth Nair (President, SIF-Kuwait) presided the inaugural function.
Sri.Arun Kumar N (General Secretary, SIF-Kuwait) welcomed the gathering and Smt.
ReshmyKrishnakumar (Media & PR Coordinator, SIF-Kuwait) extended the word of
gratitude at the function coordinated by Dr.Roopesh.R (SPC Registration Coordinator,
SIF-Kuwait).

1. Sunil Gavaskar
2. Dr. Vini Khorana
3. February 01, 2007
4. Gross National Happiness
SIF-Kuwait is a voluntary organization formed and supported by professionals
5. Friday the 13th
in the fields of science & technology, education, UAE Exchange (Corporate Partner),
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www.indiansinkuwait.com
members
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7. Three
scientific heritage and motivate the youth to take up science as a career.
8. Google
9. Subhash Chandra Bose will be called Netaji
10. They started living in houseboats
Prasanth Nair

Quiz Answers

President, Science International Forum, Kuwait

Mob: 66763164

Sopanam - December, 2014

25

hmI
ArmnId

News
Spiritualism
Science International Forum (SIF) Kuwait announced the
First Sastra Prathibha Contest in Kuwait

Science International Forum (SIF) Kuwait announced the initiation of registration for the Sastra
Prathibha Contest in relation to the most prestigious Sastra Pratibha Awards, 2015 in Kuwait. Sastra
Pratibha Award, currently the biggest and the most prestigious science award for students in India, UAE,
Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, is the first of its kind in Kuwait. The Sastra Prathibha Contest is organized by
SIF- Kuwait joining hands with National Science Movement, India. Exams, Valuation and Awards are
handled by National Science Movement.
The contest organized in two categories, Junior (Class 6,7,8) and Senior (9,10,11) will be of one
hour duration comprising 100 objective type questions. 50 % of the questions will be from the syllabus
provided to the registered students, 40 % from the existing academic curriculum and the rest 10% from
general knowledge.
Students securing two top scores in each class will be awarded the title Sastra Pratibha. Those with
80% and above will be given the Distinction Certificate. School with maximum points on the basis
of Sastra Pratibha and Distinctions will be honored with the most esteemed Acharya J.C.Bose Sastra
Puraskar.
Registration for the contest which is scheduled to be held in January 2015 is now open strictly through
participating Indian Schools. The last date for receiving the filled in application is 5th December, 2014.
Students enrolled will get their life time opportunity to meet and interact with top scientists from India.
Those interested are requested to contact their school Principal or Science Department.
For further updates please follow www.facebook.com/sifkuwait, or email at sifkwt@gmail.com.
Prasanth Nair
President, Science International Forum, Kuwait
Mobile: 66763164

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President, Science International Forum, Kuwait
Mobile: 66763164
26

Sopanam - December, 2014

hmI
News

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Sopanam - December, 2014

27

ArmnId
_metemIw

Spiritualism
Bala
Lokam

The Sandy Road

This is a nice story from the collection of Jataka Tales.

Once upon a time, there lived a merchant in a small
village. The merchant dealt in different kinds of goods.
He wanted to sell his goods in the town, in order to gain
good sum of profits. One day, he decided to go to the
town to try his fortune. He arranged for some men who
could go along with him. During the journey, he had to
pass through a desert, so he also arranged for water, rice
and firewood.
According to the plan, he packed his goods in several
carts and set out for the journey along with his mates.
When they reached the desert, the sun was shining on the
fine sand, making it severely hot. In the day time, no one
could dare to walk on it. One could only think of travel
through the desert during the night time, when the moon
made the sands cool. So, the merchant and his people
waited for the night to start their further journey.

With the arrival of night, they started their journey.

One of them, had knowledge about the stars, so he was
guiding the way to other people by reading the position
of stars. They traveled for the whole night without taking
any break. At daybreak, they stopped and camped. They
released the oxen from the carts and fed them. They made
fire, cooked the rice and ate the food to their fill. They
spread a huge covering over all the carts and the oxen.
Subsequently, all the men laid down under it, to rest till
the sunset.
When the sun set in the early evening, they again
built fire and cooked rice. After the meal, they folded the
covering and tied the oxen to the carts. As soon as, the
sand became cool, they again started their journey across
the desert. Night after night, they traveled in such manner
and rested during the day time. On the last morning, the
one who was guiding the group said, In one more night,
we will cross the desert. Everyone was happy to hear
this, as all of them were tired.
After taking meal in the evening, the merchant said,
Now, you people can throw the water and the firewood
because tomorrow we will reach the town. Tie the oxen
and start. The Guide took his position at first in the line
of the carts, but instead of sitting and guiding the drivers,
he laid down in the cart on the cushions. Soon, he was in
a deep slumber because he had not slept for many nights
and in the daytime, the sun had been so strong that he had
not slept properly.
The oxen went on, for the whole night. Near daybreak,
the guide awoke and looked at the last stars fading in the
light. He said to the drivers, Stop! We are in the same
place where we were yesterday. The oxen must have
turned about while I slept. They released the oxen, but
there was no water for them to drink, as they had thrown
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away the water the previous night. They spread out the
covering over the carts and the oxen rested tired and
thirsty. The men lay down too, saying, Without wood
and water, we are lost.
Everyone was tired and sat down. The merchant
thought, This is no time for me to sleep. I have to
find water. The oxen cannot start unless they get water
to drink. The people need water otherwise they cannot
cook rice. If I give up, we will lose. There must be water
somewhere below. He walked down and down, keeping
a close watch of the ground. Finally, he saw some grass
and thought, There must be water somewhere below
otherwise that grass would not be there.
He ran back, shrieking to the people, Get the spade
and the hammer. All of them jumped up and ran with the
merchant to the spot where he saw the grass. They started
digging and after much toil, they struck a rock. After this,
they could dig no further. The merchant jumped down
into the hole they had dug and kept his ear to the rock. He
called to them, I can hear water running under this rock.
We must not give up. Then, the merchant came out of the
hole and said to the serving boy, My boy, if you give up,
we are lost. Please go down and try.
The boy stood up raising the hammer high above his
head and hit the rock with his full strength. He didnt give
up, thinking the words of the merchant. Every time the
hammer came down, he thought that everyone must be
saved. Ultimately, the rock broke, the boy hardly got any
time to come out of the hole and it was full of water. All
the men drank water, as if they could never get enough.
They watered the oxen and took bath.
After drinking and bathing, they split the extra wooden
yokes and axles from their carts. They made a fire out of
it and cooked their rice. They had their meal and rested
through the day. They also placed a flag on the well, so
that the passing travelers could see and have water. After
the sunset, they started their journey and reached the town
in the morning. They sold the goods making huge profits
and happily returned to their village.
Moral: Will and Determination can achieve
anything.
Jataka Tales: In 300 B.C, the Jataka Tales were written
for the mankind to gain knowledge and morality. Ever
since, Jataka tales have become story books that are both
enjoyable as well as knowledgeable. Originally written in
Pali language, Jataka Buddhist tales have been translated
in different languages around the world. The luminous
fables of Jataka are intended to impart values of selfsacrifice, morality, honesty and other informative values
to people.
Sopanam - December, 2014