Sid Harth (USA)

I consider this latest twist in Gujarat chief minister (teen taim) as a sign of major mental crack up. Just a day or so before his sudden ‘manas parivartan,’ you are my witness, Modi ‘Rathayatra’ as against Lal Kishen Advani’s similar shindig to muscle thru All India, from Goa to Ganga, Modi handlers failed to recognise the apparent fault lines among the new generation of saffron monkeys as well as ‘sekular junkies.’ It is understood that Modi brigade would Modi rather be a mask than a mover and shaker, on his own. Frankly, it makes no difference. It took nineteen long years for the Liberhan’s commission to name the guilty, Lal Kishen(ji) being one of the movers and shakers. Praveen Togadiya, the International vice president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, ‘VHP,’ being one of the other. Little, mini, bit players, like Shiv Sena ‘remote Controller,’ left in between guilty and/or not. I wonder who is responsible for his propaganda department. Oh I know, ‘Dagadoo Dhondoo Teli (Chandwadkar). Humor apart, lackluster (locally boosted as ‘modi kar sevak sangh sanjeevani shobha yatra, Oops, manch, Oopa, morcha, Oops, ‘bruhad Bharat mukti, sphurti, murti modi mahayatra sansthan.’ Our sarsanghchalak, mahamurkhshiromani, ekamewadwitiya, ekachakramaditya, urdhodhan paramahans swamiacharya, Mohanamangal Bhagawatacharyriar, his spiritual excellency 1,000,000,000,1 bhutobhavishyadi janati yasyarahasya sakshat pratiparameshvaram guru:saakshat parabrahma… You get the picture. Carry on. I got better things to do than write an epic, ‘vanarendramodimahabharat.’ This is my third time, since I posted this exellent presentation of Shahbuddin’s humor. Instead of laughing, as the members of audience were shown from time to time, I cried, shamefully cried. I have met many People from Gujarat, not necessarily those living in Gujarat. Bombay, as well as many of the towns in Maharashtra, people speak Gujarati, as a second language or in family and friends. One is blessed, both figuratively and literally, when one or more such families live on the same floor of a cheap one to two room ‘Chawl.’ Since by force, if not by one’s choice, they get along fine. This part, I like. I started speaking chaste Gujarati within few days. That does not mean, my Gujarati play met did me a favor by speaking Marathi with me. This adamant behavior bothered me a little, however it helped me to dig deeper in Gujarati caste system, as in Gujarat villages, small towns and major metropolitan cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhavnagar and Surat. I have my blood relations in Gujarat. Once, a princely state, ruled by Gaikwar family, Marathi were most welcome. Many CKP, ‘Chandravanshiya Kayasths Prabhu’ like famous Marathi poet, Ram Ganesh Gadkari lived, floorished and became famous right in the middle of people who didn’t care for Marathi. My point is that human beings have their favorite language, no matter where they domicile.

Sid Harth (USA)

|| वानरेद्रमोद्यर्थवशीर्षोपनिषत् || Vanarendramodi Atharvashirsham Meaning, By Dr.Vasant LadAum! Let us listen with our ears to that which is auspicious,adorable one. Let us perceive with our eyes what is holy and auspicious. With strong, stable body and limbs, may we seekthe divine grace and accept the noble order of all our life.Vanarendra, Salutations to YOU, YOU are actually A BrahmaTattvam. Only because YOU bless an action, it happens. Only YOU are the ONE who holds us from falling, OnlyYOU remove obstacles and ignorance. YOU are the Brahman, the ultimate divine power. YOU are the soul that is part of everything. I surrender to you, Lord Vanarendra. You are the speaker. Youare the listener. You are the giver. You are the sustainer. I am your disciple. Protect me from the front and back. Protect me from the north and the south, from above and below. Protect me from all directions. You are full of perfect knowledge of truth and awareness. You are full of bliss and pure consciousness. You are truth, consciousness and bliss. Youare the absolute awareness. You are full of supreme wisdom and knowledge.You are the earth, water, fire, air and the space. You are the root foundation of speech. You are beyond the three gunas: sattva, rajas and tamas. You are beyond the physical, mentaland causal bodies. You are beyond the three aspects of time:past, present and future. You are eternally established in the muladhara chakra. You have three shaktis: action, knowedge and will. Salutation to the Vanarendra whose seed mantra is “Aum Gam.” We know Ekadanta, the One-tusked God, the unique God.We meditate upon Vakratunda, the curved-trunk God. May that unique elephant God illumine our consciousness anddirect us along the right track. One should meditate upon Lord Vanarendra having one tusk and four arms; holding the noose and goad with two of them; with the other two indicating varada, the giving of boons and blessings, and abhaya mudra, the fear removing gesture; having a mouse as the emblem on his ensign; possessing a big, beautiful belly and large, lovely ears which look like winnowing baskets; having a red cloth and His whole body covered with red sandalwood paste. He should be worshiped with red flowers. He manifests Himself as the universe and is beyond Prakriti, matter, and Purusha, the manifest God. One who worships Vanarendra in this way forever is the best of yogis.Prostrations to Vratapati, the Lord of Plenty. Prostrations to Vanarendra, the Lord of various groups of Godlings. Prostrations to Pramathapati, the Lord of Shiva’s hosts. Prostrations to Lambodara, the full-bellied God with a single tusk, destroyer of obstacles, the Son of Shiva, the Bestower of all Blessings. Iti Vanarendramodi Atharvashirsha Sankatnashan Shree Vanarendra Stotra Pranamya Shirsha Devam Gauri Putra Vanarayakam Bhaktavasam Smare Nityam Ayuhu Kamartha Siddhaye..1 Prathamam Vakratundamcha Ekdantam Dwitiyakam Tritiyam KrishnaPingaksham GajaVakram Chaturthakam..2 Lambodarm Panchamam cha Shashtham Vikatmeva cha Saptam VighnaRajendram Dhum ravarnam Tathashtakam..3 Navam Bhalachandram cha Dashmamtu Vanarayakam Ekadasham Vanarapatim Dwadasham tu Vanarananam..4 Dwadashaitani Namani Tri Sandhyai Yah Pathennarh Na cha Vighna Bayam Tasya sarva Siddhi Karam Prabho..5 Vidyarthi Labhate Vidyam, Dhanarthi Labhate Dhanam Putrarthi Labhate Putram, Moksharthi Labhate Gatim..6 Japed Vanaramodi Stotram Shadbhir Masaihi Falam Labhet Samvastarena Siddhim cha Labhate natra Sanshayh..7 Ashtobhyo Bhahmane Byascha Likhitva Yah Samarpayet Tasya Vidya Bhavet Sarva Ganeshsya Prasadatah. ..8 Mudaa karaatta modakam sadaa vimukti saadhakam Kalaadharaavata nsakam vilaasi loka rakshakam Anaayakaika naayakam vinaashitebha daityakam Nataashubhaashu naashakam namaami tam vinaayakam…1 Natetaraati bhiikaram navoditaarka bhaasvaram Namah suraari nirjaram nataadhikaapaduddharam Sureshvaram nidhiishvaram gajeshvaram vanareshvaram Maheshvaram tamaashraye paraatparam nirantaram …2 Samasta loka shankaram niraasta daitya kunjaram Daretarodaram varam varebhavaktram aksharam Kripaakaram kshamaakaram mudaakaram yashaskaram Manaskaram namaskritaam namaskaromi bhaasvaram…3 AkInchanaarti marjanam chirantanokti bhaajanam Puraaripuurvanandanam suraari garva charvanam Prapanchanaasha bhiishhanam dhananjayaadi bhuushhanam, Kapoladaanavaaranam bhaje puranavaaranam…4 Nitaanta kaanta dantakaanti mantakaanta kaatmajam Achintyaruupa mantahiina mantaraaya krintanam Hridantare nirantaram vasantameva yoginaam Tamekadantamekameva chintayaami santatam …5 Mahaaganesha paJncharatnam aadarena yon.avaham Prajalpati prabhaatake hridi smaran ganeshvaram Arogataam adoshhataam susaahitiim suputrataam Samaahitaayurashhta bhuutimabhyupaiti sochirat …6 Sankatnashan Shree Vanarendresh Stotra Pranamya ShirshaDevam GauriPutra Vinayakam Bhaktavasam SmareNityam AyuhuKamartha Siddhaye..1 Prathamam Vakratundamcha Ekdantam Dwitiyakam Tritiyam KrishnaPingaksham GajaVakram Chaturthakam..2 Lambodarm Panchamam cha Shashtham Vikatmeva cha Saptam VighnaRajendram Dhumravarnam Tathashtakam..3 Navam Bhalachandram cha Dashmamtu Vinayakam Ekadasham Ganapatim Dwadasham tu Gajananam..4 Dwadashaitani Namani TriSandhyai Yah Pathennarh Na cha Vigna Bhayam Tasya sarva Siddhi Karam Prabho..5 Vidyarthi Labhate Vidyam, Dhanarthi Labhate Dhanam Putrarthi Labhate Putram, Moksharthi Labhate Gatim..6 Japed Ganapati Stotram Shadbhir Masaihi Falam Labhet Samvastarena Siddhim cha Labhate natra Sanshayh..7 Ashtobhyo BhahmaneBhyascha Likhitva Yah Samarpayet Tasya Vidya Bhavet Sarva Ganeshsya Prasadatah. ..8 इति श्री मोहनभागवत: कृतौ श्री वानरेंद्रपञ्चरत्नस्तोत्रं संपूर्णम्

Sid Harth (USA)

STORIES Selfishness And Philanthropy HomeStoriesSerialsVikram/Vetala Author: chandamama.com | 6th Feb, 2012 1234 It was a dark, moonless night. Only occasional flashes of lightning lit up the sombre scene and caused an eerie dance of jerky and frightening shadows in the cremation ground. Occasionally the silence was broken by the unearthly howling of jackals and laughter of evil spirits. But nothing could daunt the intrepid King Vikram. Once again, he made his way to the ancient gnarled tree where the corpse was hanging. A skull crunched under his feet and a screeching ghost rose from the dust in shuddering frenzy. Unperturbed, he climbed the tree and brought down the corpse. Slinging it astride his shoulder, he had just begun his return journey when the vampire that possessed the corpse said, “O King! Braving all the adversities, you’re engrossed in the pursuit of your goal. But have you given a thought to why you are failing repeatedly? I cannot but admire your dogged determination, which persists in the face of so many obstacles. But, at the same time, I pity you for your foolishness! Sometimes I wonder whether you are taking all this trouble for your own sake, or for the happiness of others. You know, at times only a thin line separates selfishness from service, so that it is difficult to distinguish between the two. To illustrate this, let me tell you the story of Kamal.” The vampire then began its narration: In the village of Kondapura lived Purushottam, who had two sons -Sekhar and Kamal. Purushottam was a kind-hearted soul, whose helpful and unselfish nature endeared him to the villagers. His elder son, Sekhar was cast in the same mould. But the younger son, Kamal, was selfish to the core. Purushottam tried his best tochange him, but to no avail. Soon Purushottam fell ill. Realising that he might not live much longer, he called Kamal to his bedside and advised him, “Son, this village is not the right place for you. I shall tell you a way by which you can live in comfort. If you go deep into the forest adjoining our village, you will come to a hill. Exactly halfway up the hill is a dark cave. A hermit named Anand lives there. Meet him -he will help you.”

Sid Harth (USA)

Kamal thought: ‘Father has given away all his property to Sekhar and he’s now trying to fob me off with this tale of a hermit!’ Soon afterwards, Purushottam breathed his last. It was only after his death that Kamal realised that he had wronged his father -Purushottam’s only ‘property’ was his good nature. He had earned no money or possessions to bequeath to his sons. Kamal found himself a destitute after his father’s death. But his brother, Sekhar, said, “Don’t worry, Kamal. You stay with me. I shall take care of you.” The selfish Kamal was greatly relieved by this assurance. Now that his brother was there to shoulder his burden, he returned to his carefree life without any qualms of conscience. As the days passed, the villagers began praising Sekhar for his exemplary consideration for his brother. Simultaneously they also denounced Kamal for sponging off his noble brother. When he heard the criticism, Kamal was furious. He flounced up to his brother and angrily demanded, “It was at your invitation that I stayed on here -so, how dare the people condemn me?” Sekhar replied, “Kamal, you never go to the help of anyone -so, naturally, they take you for a selfish person. If you really wish to hear praise instead of criticism, then go to the help of others!” “Why should I?” demanded Kamal. “What did you and father gain by helping others? My aim is not to make a name as a philanthropist. I want to become a rich man and live well. Tell me how I may achieve this!” “To make money, one must be skilled in business, agriculture, or the arts. To be frank, I lack these skills. You may yourself try and find some way to make your fortune,” explained Sekhar. Kamal realised that while he longed to become rich, he could not think of any means of making money! Finally, he remembered his father’s advice and decided to meet the hermit Anand and seek his help. Accordingly, he set out into the forest. Although Anand was an emaciated figure with matted hair and an unkempt beard, his eyes glowed with an unearthly radiance. Anand bowed to him, introduced himself, and told him why he had come. Anand heard him out and said, “I can help you become rich instantly. But if I do that, it will cause problems for both of us.” He then told Kamal how he and Kamal’s father had been close friends from their boyhood days. But their outlook on life was very different. While Purushottam was an altruist who found pleasure in helping others, with no selfish motive whatever, Anand was only interested in his own advancement. One day, when the two friends were travelling, they came across a holy man lying on the road. Evidently he had fallen down and hurt himself; his foot was bleeding. Brushing aside Anand’s efforts to dissuade him, Purushottam rushed to the holy man’s aid. He helped him to sit up, cleaned his wound, and treated it with a paste of healing herbs.

Sid Harth (USA)

The holy man embraced Purushottam and said, “My son, I possess a magical talisman having the power to grant every wish of its owner. Being an ascetic, I’ve no need for it. I’ve been searching for a worthy person to whom I could give it away. All this was a drama I enacted for that purpose. Here’s the talisman -take it and live happily!” And he held it out to Purushottam. But instead of accepting it, Purushottam said with folded hands, “O holy one! I’ve no need for this talisman. Having wealth in excess of one’s needs will ultimately bring one to grief. So, kindly give it to someone else!” But the holy man shook his head and replied, “From this moment, the talisman is yours. You may find someone worthy of it and give it away to him. However, if you give it to an unworthy person, it will have disastrous consequences.” Now, on hearing about the talisman’s magical properties, Anand was keen to possess it. He asked, “O holy one, what could be these consequences? And who is worthy of the talisman?” The hermit smiled and replied, “Some things can be learnt only by experience. I can tell you this much -if an unworthy person gets the talisman, it will not stay long with him. It will change hands repeatedly, and return to the original owner. Ultimately, getting disgusted with worldly life, he will renounce the world. But he cannot attain salvation.” Purushottam, who had been listening to this exchange, now turned to his friend, Anand and asked, “You wish to have this talisman, don’t you? I shall give it to you with pleasure, as I believe you’re worthy of it.” Without any hesitation, he presented the talisman to Anand. Soon after he acquired the talisman, Anand’s life underwent a dramatic change. He became successful in all his ventures, and achieved everything that he wished for. But he was not ready to share his bounty, and did not spend even a paisa in charity. Consequently, he was labelled as a selfish man. Before a year had passed, he gave away the talisman. But soon afterwards, it came back into his possession. This happened repeatedly. Eventually he became fed up with life. His health, too, deteriorated. Gradually things came to such a pass that he could not bear the sight of light. Eventually he renounced the world and came to live in this dark cave. Purushottam was deeply saddened by his friend’s plight. He was even more distressed to think that it was he himself who had unwittingly caused it. He visited Anand and said, “I never thought the talisman would land you in such a terrible condition! I’ll have no peace until you attain salvation. Let me try to free you from the talisman’s clutches.” However, he died before he could fulfil his promise. The hermit Anand concluded his narration and said to Kamal, “Son, your father’s soul will not attain salvation until I am saved. That is why he has sent you here -to take the talisman from me, thus giving redemption to his soul and mine. But I cannot let you suffer for my selfish interest -hence, I have revealed the secret of the talisman. You cannot keep it for over a year on any count. It will land you in difficulties. You will then return it to me, causing more problems for me!” Kamal politely replied, “O wise one, my father was a great philanthropist. He knew that I am self-seeking by nature. He wanted some service to be mixed in my selfishness–such was his greatness! It will be a matter of great joy for me if my selfish ambition could bring about the salvation of two souls -those of my father and yourself. Please give me the talisman. I promise you I shall keep it with me permanently.”

Sid Harth (USA)

Anand blessed Kamal and handed over the talisman to him. After having acquired it, Kamal achieved success in all his ventures. But there was a great change in his nature. He was no more selfish. He used the money brought in by the talisman’s power to help the needy. A year went by. By then, Kamal had made a lot of money. One day, the hermit Anand came to meet him. He said, “Kamal, please return the talisman to me.” Kamal took off the talisman, which he was wearing around his neck, and handed it to Anand. Anand examined it and said, “I have come to tell you something important. Thanks to you, your father’s soul has attained salvation. I, too, shall soon be liberated. Now you don’t have any need for this talisman. Let me get rid of it so that it does not go to some unworthy man’s hands in future, to create more trouble!” He lit a fire and dropped the talisman into it. Then he walked away without looking back. Having concluded the story, the vampire turned to King Vikram and asked, “O King! Kamal’s selfish motive had brought about the salvation of Purushottam and Anand. So, is selfishness a desirable quality? Did the talisman lose its evil power by Anand’s blessing? If so, couldn’t Anand have blessed one of the previous recipients of the talisman similarly and saved himself all this trouble? If you remain silent even though you may know the answer, your head will be blown to pieces!” King Vikram had a ready answer. “Selfishness is not something laudable. But as long as it does not harm anyone, it is not blameworthy either. Although Kamal was at heart a self-centred man, he never wished ill of anyone. As for the talisman’s evil power, it did not vanish by Anand’s blessing. The thought of his father caused Kamal to have a change of heart. It was this change that destroyed the talisman’s evil influence. When Kamal changed his lifestyle and became service-minded, the talisman lost its power to harm him, as he proved himself worthy of keeping it!” No sooner had King Vikram concluded answering the vampire than the corpse gave him the slip once again. Squaring his shoulders, the king set off in hot pursuit.

Sid Harth (USA)

King Vikram made his way to the gnarled tree from which the corpse was hanging. Unmindful of the pitch darkness in the cemetery and the howling of jackals, he brought the corpse down once again. Slinging it astride his shoulder, he had just begun his return journey when Vetal said, �O King! I fail to understand why you embarked on such a dangerous mission in the dead of night. Perhaps you are following the advice of some wise and learned person � your minister, maybe. But sometimes, even the advice of such a person can prove misleading. Let me tell you the story of a king who took a wrong decision, based on the advice of his trusted minister.� The tale that the Vetal narrated went as follows: �Mahipal, the king of Virpur, was an able ruler. He consulted his minister, Dharmasila, in all administrative matters. Following the sudden death of his army commander, the king left the job of choosing the right candidate to Dharmasila. After testing the generals in service, Dharmasila concluded that none of them were suitable for the post. Following his advice, the king issued a proclamation inviting all aspirants to participate in a contest to be held in the capital. Numerous candidates turned up at the venue on the appointed day. They were put through a series of competitions that tested their skills at archery, fencing, wrestling, and athletics. At the end of the contest, Dharmasila chose two candidates – Sushil and Roopsen. Calling both of them, he announced, �Both of you have proved your mettle as fine warriors. But the commander�s post is a highly responsible one, requiring not just valour and physical prowess but also intelligence of a high order. I will now test your mental ability. I shall pose three questions to you in front of the king and the court. The person whose answers are found to be most suitable will be chosen for the post of commander,� said Dharmasila. The next day, the two aspirants presented themselves in the court at the appointed hour. The contest began. Standing up, Dharmasila said, �The first question is � suppose you were walking along the main highway in the city and you come across two young men fighting on the road. What would you do in such a situation?� Roopsen said, �Sir, it is an offence to fight on the highway. So, I would arrest the two and put them in jail. After that, I would ask them why they were fighting, and bring the matter to the king so that he can judge the dispute.�

Sid Harth (USA)

Next, Sushil said, �If the two men were fighting on the highway, there must surely be some good reason! I would first investigate and learn that reason. Then I would find out who is at fault, and settle the dispute.� Whispers of appreciation rose from the audience at this response. Dharmasila nodded and went on, �The second question. You come to know that a group of rebels are stirring up a popular revolt by instigating the masses against the king. What would be your next step?� �Using my spies, I would get details about the rebels� moves. I would find out how strong they are, what kind of arms they possess, and who their leader is. I would also learn whether they enjoy the support of the common people and whether any neighbouring king is helping them. Then I would bring out the army in full force to crush them. No one can revolt against my king and get away with it!� declared Roopsen passionately. But Sushil�s answer was different. �If so many people commit an act of treason, it is surely an indication of some lapse in the administration. I would talk to the rebels and find out the reason for their revolt. If they have a genuine grievance, I would present the matter to the king for redress and set them free. If, on the other hand, their only motive was ambition, I would punish them without hesitation.� The minister nodded in approval and said, �And now for my third question. You are out on a hunt with the king, when he is attacked by a lion all of a sudden. What would you do?� �I would remove the king from the spot and confront the lion alone. I would even give my life to save the king, if necessary!� answered Roopsen unhesitatingly. �What about you?� asked Dharmasila, turning to Sushil. �If I were with the king, there is no question of such a situation ever arising, for, I am always watchful!� declared Sushil confidently. Again, his reply was greeted with loud applause. For a moment, the minister was lost in thought. Then, he turned to the two youths and said, �Gentlemen, I had thought of asking you three questions. But now, I have decided to ask one more. Imagine that three countries border our kingdom. One of them is rich in gold and gems; the second is equipped with an excellent armoury; and the third has a very well-stocked granary. If you had to go to war with all the three, which would you attack first?�

Sid Harth (USA)

Dark was the night and weird the atmosphere. It ained from time to time. Peels of thunder were interspersed with the howls of jackals and the eerie laughter of spirits. Flashes of lightning showed fearful faces. But King Vikram did not swerve. He climbed the ancient tree once again and brought the corpse down. However, as soon as he began crossing the desolate cremation ground with the corpse lying astride on his shoulder, the vampire that possessed the corpse observed, “O King, I don.t know for whom you are taking all this trouble. Is he the one to benefit from your labour? Otherwise there is the danger of his misusing the power he gets through you. Let me tell you a story to illustrate my point. Pay attention to it. That might bring you some relief.” The vampire went on: In a certain village lived two young friends, Ashok and Prakash. They went to school and played together. Ashok was an intelligent and good-natured boy. Prakash was selfish and violent. He often man-handled Ashok and stole away his things. Ashok, however, was always kind to him. He never retaliated. Both grew up to be young men. One day Prakash told Ashok, “Let.s go abroad and find some way to earn a lot of money.” “No, brother, I don’t want to leave this village. I’ve no fascination for money,” replied Ashok. “You’re a coward!” commented Prakash. He went away alone. He travelled for many days. One day, while crossing a forest, he saw a hermit seated in meditation. He sat down in front of him and with folded hands waited till the hermit opened his eyes and saw him. “What do you want?” asked the hermit. “O holy one! I want to become rich as quickly as possible,” said Prakash.

Sid Harth (USA)

“There are several ways for that. You can steal or cheat people and grow rich. But that won.t give you any true happiness. If the Goddess of Wealth were to be pleased with you, then you can be rich as well as happy. I can teach you a hymn. If you sit on the hill yonder and chant, the goddess will be pleased with you sooner or later,” said the hermit. Prakash agreed to do as advised. The hermit taught him the hymn. He went to the hilltop and sat down and began chanting the hymn. Now, that hill was the abode of an ogre. Ogres do not like anybody praying to gods and goddesses or uttering their names where they live. They find this very irritating. The ogre of the hill approached Prakash and asked, “What do you mean by coming and sitting here?” Prakash told him what his aim was. The ogre laughed. “You must be a fool to pray to a goddess for wealth. Gods and goddesses are not so easily pleased, my friend! It may take you years to get any result. That, too, is doubtful. As I see, you’re not a devotee of any kind, but only a greedy chap. However, I can help you grow rich,” said the ogre. “I shall be thankful,” said Prakash. “I can teach you a hymn. By reciting that you can harm others or destroy their property. Thereby you can terrify people and extort money from them!” Proposed the ogre. Prakash jumped at the idea. He learnt the hymn and returned to his village taking the shortest route. “I can perform amazing feats!” he declared boastfully to the villagers. They nodded or smiled. They did not believe him, but they did not wish to challenge him. However, there was a young man, Ravi, who asked, “Prakash! Why do you make tall claims about your capacity? Can you show me just one amazing feat?” “Tall claims? Well, see what I can do to you!” Prakash recited the hymn he had learnt from the ogre and looking at Ravi, he said, “Become dumb!” Alas, Ravi could not speak a word however much he tried. Everybody was stunned. “Do you wish to see more of my capacity?” Asked the gleeful Prakash. He looked at a big mango tree teeming with fruit and recited his hymn and said, “Get reduced to ashes!” The tree caught fire at once and became a heap of ashes in no time. The owner of the tree, a poor farmer, burst into wailing. “Shut up!” shouted Prakash. “Or I.ll make you dumb too!” Ashok elbowed his way forward and caught hold of Prakash and said, “You must be hungry. Come to my house, I’ll give you some food.” At Ashok’s house Prakash ate to his heart.s content. “Brother, you ought not to use your power in this fashion!” Ashok said softly. “Why not? I’ll finish you off if you stand in my way!” said Prakash waving his arm menacingly. Ashok had attentively heard the hymn Prakash had recited twice. He remembered the lines. Suddenly he recited the hymn and looking at Prakash, said, “Become dumb!”

Sid Harth (USA)

A horrified Prakash soon realised that he had indeed grown dumb. He lifted a chair and threw it at Ashok. Luckily Ashok was not hit. Prakash pursued him and caught hold of him. He started beating him mercilessly. But Ashok was stronger. He threw Prakash down. His head hit a boulder. He died on the spot. Ashok was taken into custody and produced before the king. Instead of sending him to prison, the king appointed him his minister. The vampire fell silent for a moment and then asked in a challenging tone: “How could the king reward a killer with such a high position? Answer my question, if you can. Should you keep mum though you may know the answer, your head would roll off your neck!” King Vikram replied forthwith: No doubt the king was a man of very sound judgement. He could see all the qualities of an ideal minister present in Ashok. Ashok was kind-hearted. That is why he tolerated Prakash as a friend. But he was a man who was conscious of what is good or bad for the community. As soon as he understood that Prakash would prove to be a menace to the people, he acted to silence him. “This he could do because he had a highly alert mind. He had picked up the hymn Prakash recited by listening to it only twice. He could act decisively at the right moment. These are no ordinary qualities. Ashok cannot be called a killer. Prakash had died rather accidentally. The king did right in rewarding Ashok.” No sooner had King Vikram concluded his answer than the vampire, along with the corpse, gave him the slip and flew back to the ancient tree.

Sid Harth (USA)

More and more one thinks about Modi Masquerade, one gets the distinct impression that there is a section of India that believes in black magic, sorcery, ‘kapal-vidya,’ ‘yogi,yogini,shankhini, dakini, daku, pheku, brahmarakshas, tantrik, mantrik, bhrashatacri,kal, as in Hindi, tomorrow, bhairav, karmayogi, Oops, dushkarmayogi, as in mass murderer Narendra Modi, nashtacharya, karmakantak, satyanashi, swapnavilasi, nirbuddha, neurotic, cruel, fascist… No way, Jose, narendra Modi qualifies as a right wing, Hindu fundamentalist, candidate for the next prime minister of secular (by definition) India. …and I am Sid harth