FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SPARKLES OUR WORLD

HANUKKAH & DIWALI

The festival of lights has different meanings, significance and interpretation around the world. The Jewish Festival of Lights is called Hanukkah and the Hindu Festival of Lights is known as Diwali. Diwali is a religious festival of lights associated with Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism in India. Both festivals involve prayers.A traditional puja is performed after sunset on Diwali.

Hanukkah is one of the most joyous times of the year in Jewish culture. Hanukkah begins with lighting a 'menorah' for 8 nights with olive oil or wax candles, one on the first night and one each succeeding night so that the last night has eight lights…

Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and is celebrated with ‘diyas’ (small earthen lamps in clay filled with oil) or candles and fire-crackers. 'Deepawali' in Sanskrit means “a row of lamps”…The Goddess of Wealth Lakshmi is worshipped. Traditional celebrations of Diwali are actually spread over five days. This festival is celebrated in different ways across India. It is one of my favourite festivals.  

On Diwali different kind of traditional sweets like laddoos, barfis, gulab jamuns etc. are prepared  and gifted while Hanukkah is celebrated with the customary fried jam-filled doughnuts , potato pancakes and cheese products. Both festivals also involve the custom of playing games …On Diwali people play with cards to invite prosperity and on Hanukkah it is customary in many homes to play the 'dreidel'  (four-sided spinning top) after lighting the Hanukkah menorah.

Wherever one might be in this world, the festival of lights truly lights the world and brings people so much closer. The festival brings with it the magic of removing darkness and sadness in an instant!

 

THE BUDDHIST TRAIL
Statue Of Buddha
(Shanti Stupa,Leh)



Buddha...Shanti Stupa,Leh 

TODAY'S LOVE

People access others who are far out of reach or not in their life any longer by intriguing them with false dramatic stories and fake love…as fake as imitations of famous brands and labels sold in some shops at Janpath Market of Delhi. Such a love is easy to own but not lasting... It loses it’s flavour and beauty in no time specially when the partner discovers the reality. Lasting love is hard to find but still worth waiting for... In love and for true love, one has to risk waiting forever. Make your choice ! :) - What is it going to be ? A relationship as fake as an imitation of a designer brand just to show off for a while that you too can own it or a relationship which is as valuable and for keeps like the original !   

  

CROSS-CULTURAL LOVE

LOVE THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURES

'Kites' as we all know is a story of love that goes beyond barriers, boundaries and cultures. This Hindi film defies every rule of a relationship…I particularly liked the movie whatever anyone might say. It represents and exhibits cross-cultural love where language is of no significance. What matters is the language of the hearts that binds two people in the strong bond of true eternal love…

Such a love does not see circumstances, cultures, languages, lifestyles and status…Such a love withstands the trials of life.There is truth in the vows they take…

For me this movie symbolizes the complete merging of souls in the darkness of different identities and circumstances. It is a movie meant for all those who believe and would attempt to believe in the depth of real love. According to me, this movie represents a love that truly transcends cultures…It revives faith in honesty of emotions and the beauty of feelings capable to surpass anything to gain expression…

Relationships of the Bold & Smart

Instant Coffee Generation / Clueless Generation

Cultures have evolved over centuries whereas generation of today want ‘Instant Coffee Solutions’ in everything from politics to social problems, economic problems and human relationships. Present generation’s next addiction is to instant coffee solutions.

At this pace, they’ll be destroyed from within as they’ve already lost the real foundation of love and goodness that holds a human being in the midst of life…For most of the relationships in this stressed environment, passion withers as time goes by instead of blossoming into something richer and meaningful.

I would like to feel that one always has choices or alternative options suitable to a situation instead of going in the wrong direction in relationships. Or at least it is important to give one’s last shot in dealing with a challenging relationship before giving it up completely or entirely. At least one will not have regrets later about not trying hard enough to save a relationship. But today’s generation wants “Instant Solutions” to fix relationships too and do not realize that changes come gradually and that one has to work at relationships.

Destiny does play a part in breaking relationships. Sometimes clash of personalities, conflicting personalities and cultural differences can make relationships all the more complicated and hard to bear. Sometimes life and circumstances leave no choice but to walk away from a bad relationship because of serious problems. Then one is forced to do so because of circumstances. In such cases,one may not have any choice. But for others there is no excuse for abandoning a relationship...   

Unfortunately, in these modern times relationships have no real and permanent places in peoples' lives as they want to while away time till they find somebody more beneficial to them or they just want to experiment different relationships simultaneously. No wonder they can so easily play with one another’s life and not even feel the slightest bit of remorse or guilt when they break all promises of love and loyalty.

For some, a relationship has become a source of power in the sense that he or she likes to see how far they can rule a person and get that person to do everything for them. Sometimes relationships are of this shade these days where the power of authority rests with one person alone and thus imbalances the relationship between two individuals. Instead of truly being life partners, one person only dictates that relationship and manipulates the spouse endlessly under the threat of separation. This can damage the other person and create a feeling of helplessness and sense of entrapment in the person putting up with it.

Relationships of the Bold and Smart believe in change which means constant change of partners over the time as they get easily bored with one person…Truth and honour have lost it’s meanings in relationships today and nobody seems to obey them anymore.

Today’s generation regards relationships as something that could be given up so easily and so quickly. They fall in love as quickly as they fall out of love. Infact they’re clueless about love…I feel that at times some of them are emotionally challenged…their attitudes cripple them to the extent that they do not want to either commit to anyone at all or they don’t want a long term commitment to start with. Even if they do happen to get involved with anyone, they want to walk out on it soon enough as they can’t face the thought of something so real, where reality expects them to deal with occurrences of challenges in a relationship.

Most of today’s generation can’t handle the truth of real relationships where everything is certainly not a bed of roses… The relationships of the Instant Coffee Generation do not actually honour the truth and vows exchanged between two people in love.

JODHPUR

At the entrance of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur...musicians greet us with traditional music. 

Just a Thought In my Language... 

"मुझे कुछ ऐसा महसूस होता है... 
एक ही इंसान कितने किरदार निभाता है इस छोटी सी ज़िन्दगी में, कभी दुनिया के लिए  कभी अपनों के लिए...
इस सिलसिले में कुछ ऐसा ही पहले भी लिखा है ...  

 बहुत कम इंसान ऐसे हैं जिनको यह जहां  उनके असली चेहरे के साथ कबूल कर ले...  
लोग आपमें वोह देखना चाहते हैं जो उन्हें पसंद है और ना  की वोह जो आप चाहते हैं...

 अक्सर लोग सच नहीं देखना चाहते हैं...
और हम दुनियादारी के लिए या उन्हें बहलाने के लिए , उन्हें वोही दिखलाते हैं जो वोह देखना पसंद करते हैं और यह हकीकत नहीं ...

वक़्त के साथ साथ हम वैसे दिखने लगते हैं जैसे हम है ही नहीं...  हम एक नकाब या मुकुट पहन  लेते हैं...
 ना चाहते हुए या  कभी बिना जाने , हर किसी के लिए शायद एक अलग सा चेहरा होता है ... "

"Mujhe kuch aisa mehsoos hota hai... 
Ek hi insaan kitne kirdaar nibhata hai is chhoti si zindagi me,
kabhi duniya ke liye to kabhi apnon ke liye...
Is silsile me kuch aisa hi pehle bhi likha hai ...

Bahut kam insaan aise hain jinko yeh jahaan unke asli chehre ke saath kabul kar le...
Log aapme woh dekhna chahte hain jo unhe pasand hai aur na ki  woh jo aap chahte hain...

Aksar log sach nahi dekhna chahte hain...
Aur hum duniyadari ke liye ya unhe behlane ke liye, unhe wohi dikhlate hain jo woh dekhna pasand karte hain aur yeh hakeekat nahin... 

Waqt ke saath saath hum waise dikhne lagte hain jaise hum hai hi nahin...
Hum ek nakaab ya mukuth pahan lete hain ...
Na chahte hue ya kabhi bina jaane , har kisi ke liye shayad ek alag sa chehra hota hai..."




(I feel something like this ...
One person plays so many characters in this short life, sometimes for the world and sometimes for his own people...
Have written regarding this earlier on too...


There are very few people whom this world accepts in their true form...
People want to see in you what they want to see or like and not what you like or want to reveal...


Most of the time, people do not want to see the truth...and in order to humour them we show them what they'd like to see in us instead of our true identity and this is not reality...


With time we start appearing and living what we are actually not in reality...
We wear a mask...
Unconsciously and contrary to our liking, we start presenting a different face or picture to everyone...)

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ARTS

                                                          MASK-'NOH'

‘Noh’ to put it simply is a kind of mask dance. Though the correct definition would be that Noh is a kind of music theatre in which the leading actor is adorned with costume of silk and a wooden mask.

Noh masks are lacquered wooden masks that depict characters like an old man, an old woman, a ghost or a divine figure. Noh masks as they’re known to the outside world are very expensive.Somebody gifted us one of these masks once in Tokyo and I was really attracted to the calm expression that mask depicted.

 Noh involves music (‘utai’) as well as musical accompaniment i.e. ‘hayashi’. But it is also accompanied by dances. Singing, dance and music unite with the dialogues in telling a story in Noh. Whenever I look at masks I am reminded of our lives.

Life is a stage… I feel all are wearing masks and pretend to be someone else. All wear different masks for different people. A person is forced to play different characters and has various masks-one for the work environment, one for personal life etc.

According to me, what's dangerous is when people get so absorbed in playing their parts or characters that they forget themselves and actually start believing in being what they are playing or pretending to be…They actually lose their true identity then. It is sad that their true self can never be revealed like this...As time goes by the mask becomes you. You also become a mirror then...as in you start reflecting others. You show people what they want to see in you...In a way you start entertaining them...This is when you have to stop...

There are some who have the courage to show their true self but are not accepted... The world does not have the courage to accept such people for their true self. The world always wants you to play a part or act…In the process, enacting a character leads you to actually become that character…

LADAKH
(The Buddhist Trail)
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa , Leh from a distance....Built by a Japanese Buddhist Organization to symbolize World Peace...It enshrines statues of Buddha...

Shanti Stupa, Leh... night view 

TEA CULTURE

Different Tea Cultures & Ceremonies

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY THROUGH TEA

Another way of interpreting culture is through tea ceremony and brewing of tea. There are different tea cultures and tea ceremonies in the world. In the village in Mie, I started the process of connecting with people through tea parties.

 In my first month, I realized that the only way to break the ice and bridge cultural differences would be by inviting people over for tea. My informal tea parties became quite famous and by the end of my tenure there, my team teachers also started preferring to discuss lesson plans over a piping hot cup of tea with some delicious chocolate cookies.

In Chicago as well, my mother and I encouraged cultural interaction between people and demonstrated fine traits of cultural diplomacy at it’s best over endless cups of tea. Tea parties are the best way to connect closely with people and understand them and their tea culture. The relaxed atmosphere combined with the rich aroma of hot tea somehow makes people feel at ease and erases the reservations one may have had with each other in terms of culture or related to work. Something as simple as tea brings people closer.

Whenever I’m travelling, I always carry tea bags, sugar and dairy whitener with me along with some mouth-watering goodies like chocolate brownies. I host small tea parties wherever I travel to. A conversation over a cup of tea makes the trip more interesting and enhances one’s knowledge about other cultures. This helps to weave a beautiful friendship with people I meet on my journey.  Sometimes I am offered tea at the shops I visit when I'm travelling. Tea really works wonders... 

From the JET Conferences in Tokyo to the visit to Ladakh and Rajasthan, tea has helped me to convert the initial formalities into long lasting friendships. A tea ceremony also provides a platter of knowledge regarding culture. It deepens cultural interpretation too. Such is the power of tea. Tea ceremony gives an insight in to the culture and the different tastes as well as methods of making tea and tea ceremony customs. Every week I’d readily accept invitation to a Japanese Tea Ceremony. It introduced me to various Japanese Tea Ceremony etiquettes. I learnt a lot about their culture through the formal tea ceremony where ladies dressed in kimonos would get together to perform the traditional elaborate ritual. In the beginning, I did feel a bit intimidated by the formality of the tea ceremony and was afraid that I may not remember the sequence in performing this ceremony….But gradually I started enjoying the quietness in which the Japanese Tea Ceremony was conducted and the various etiquettes it included. I actually started looking forward to the serenity of the atmosphere the Japanese tea ceremony offered in the form of the sound of boiling water or the quiet conversation and whispering that accompanied it while waiting for the tea to be brewed. Such occasions helped me bond with people and gave me an opportunity to inform them about my culture too.The tea ceremony proved to be the best way for effective cultural interaction.  

 I still fondly remember the time when the Principal of the School and I would have interesting long conversations on both cultures over green tea. That was the best way to promote cultural exchange. The other foreign teachers from nearby villages and I would also normally enjoy endless cultural talks over tea. In winter, we’d also add more charm to our small, intimate tea parties by sitting under the cosy blanket of a ‘kotatsu’ table ( a table with an electric heater attached underneath it and a quilt over it that surrounds all sides) while sipping Indian or Japanese tea with spicy hot French toasts.

TO TEACHERS WITH LOVE

                                          A TRIBUTE TO MY TEACHERS 

My school, Japan International School gave it's students the warmth and security of a good classroom environment. I paid it forward by providing the same to my students in the Japanese Schools. Personal attention was always given to each student which is very essential for students. I enjoyed the informal teaching environment in Japan International School where everyone was encouraged to express themselves easily and question freely. Learning was fun !


Every day at the school was valuable to me and I enjoyed attending school. I strongly feel that this is the kind of atmosphere we should have in schools where students look forward to learning. The Hindi movies "Three Idiots" or "Taare Zameen Par" also advocate that learning should be fun and talk about how a classroom environment should invite interest and thirst in learning so that the knowledge remains within you for the rest of your life. It also revealed how important it is to grasp knowledge in the real sense instead of mugging up subjects just to pass the exams.


Just like the teacher in " Taare Zameen Par" , the teachers of JIS were patient and understanding. The JIS teachers and staff encouraged as well as motivated participation in class and interaction with other students. They helped us with our problems and thus created a good school environment for the students. They were always sensitive to the needs and problems of each student. They realized the challenges of studying abroad and worked closely with our parents to help us adjust.


 As a teacher, I want to have a hand in producing responsible citizens and preparing the leaders of the next generation. It is important to produce civic conscious citizens imbued with a sense of caring and sharing. They should be taught to be sensitive to other cultures. Also, we must provide a sense of security and relief to the students from the stress and strain that abound both at home and in the social environment. JIS did that for the children. It was a home away from home. The philosophy of teaching is to set exemplary standards for the students, to be a role model and to inculcate in the students, pride in their school, parents, community, and their country. The teachers of JIS did that for us and I shall always remember them fondly for the love and support they provided my brother and I .   

ONE LIFE TO LIVE

                                                    Slice of Life
                                   One life to live...To be or not to be !
                                                    

Everyone has choices in life...either to give in or to try to resist life's challenges and obstacles. The path of your freedom to live life based on your choices may be tough. But one must remember that one has one life to live so why should it be weighed down by 'unreasonable' demands and expectations of society. Naturally, one must be sensitive to others but you are entitled to live your choices as long as you don't cause harm to others and don't disrespect them. One just has to be confident about one's choices and then only can you get them accepted by others in time with a little amount of patience, tact and courage .  
Sometimes I wonder why in certain cultures one does not have the right to live one's own life the way one desires...I feel that one should not be a slave to rigid thoughts.  My motto has been that as long  as you can look at yourself in the mirror and serve your conscience, you do not have to look towards others for validation. What actually matters is that you like yourself and are at peace with yourself.  And you will like yourself only if you are doing the right thing... 
Real peace comes with making honest choices instead of pretending to yourself that you are making the right choices for the sake of others. If you always please others and not yourself, then you take the first step on a never ending path of endless expectations from you , where nothing is ever enough. As a result you will never be truly happy too. If people really care  for each other...they will allow each other the freedom to live life to the fullest along with the choices that come with it.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY-INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS


International Schools pave the way for acquiring Cultural Sensitivity at an early age. According to me, International schools truly represent the ethos of United Nations in it's young form as children from various nations and cultures unite and interact with each other by crossing cultural barriers. At an early age , each student represents his or her country.The students there contribute in creating or forming mutual impressions regarding their respective countries.They master the art of diplomacy and cultural sensitivity quite early in this manner.

I had the honour of studying in an International School, Japan International School at a very early age. I am what I am today mainly because of my education in an International School and that too in a school like JIS. International schools completely equip students with cultural sensitivity and refine their bilingual skills.That's what my school did for me. Today, I feel that I have good communication and linguistic skills because of my education in JIS. JIS offered a very friendly and inviting atmosphere because it was an international school in the real sense beacause people from various cultures were easily accepted there.

What I liked was that we were also taught Japanese Language. I could later live ,work and adapt to the lifestyle easily in Japan again because of what JIS taught me. My early experience in an international school  taught me to respect, understand and appreciate other cultures. That's what makes it much easier for me to adjust in any country. Today I share my culture, other cultural experiences, ideas and knowledge with many people so easily as a result of my experiences in  an International School . It made me more sensitive to other cultures and way of thought. Thus,I`m able to communicate or relate well to people from any country, irrespective of their backgrounds.

SLICE OF LIFE

Enjoy your slice of life !!!

Life is not served on a silver platter yet all get a generous helping of their share...It's just left to us to recognize what we have instead of wanting a bite of someone's life...As I was telling a friend the other day...one has to relish one's own slice of life...In doing that one must also resist what I call "emotional vampires" who derive strength from depriving you of your positive energy and robbing you of your self-esteem. I always remind myself and explain to others that such characters always want a slice of your life as they are not contented and happy with their own lives...These emotional vampires are actually very weak. So they try to get a sense of strength through controlling others... 

People who are truly happy and independent live and let others live. Being free is a source of happiness. All have a right to be free in their thoughts and the choices they make. It's a human right...But there will be lots of people in your life who may not allow you to grow and may actually stunt your growth. Watch out for such people !!! 

WORDS & SOME OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN REVEALING  TASTE OF CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

I have enjoyed studying about other cultures and lifestyles since early years of my life. Today I am not only an Interpreter of foreign languages but also a Culture Specialist. I believe that a thorough study of countries should not only concentrate on the languages, history and culture, but it should also cover the etiquettes as well as the sensitive points of every culture.

In life, the usage of correct words, expressions, etiquettes and body language are important tools in reflecting cultural sensitivity. Words are the most important...Fair words cost nothing. Words alone can break or make a relationship….Wrong usage of words can reflect not only ignorance but lack of sensitivity and lack of respect for the other person or culture. It is often said that “loose lips sink ships”.

In the world of diplomacy and cultural connections, it is essential to master the correct usage of words, gestures and etiquettes to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and mutual respect as well as understanding. “Wealth of cultural etiquettes makes many friends”.

I feel that not knowing the norms of any culture and ignoring the importance of the correct usage of words can steal the essence from the ability to interpret that language. There is no use of studying the language or history of a country, if one cannot acquaint oneself with the cultural etiquettes as well…According to me, etiquettes are the accessories of any culture, in the absence of which knowledge of that culture appears absolutely unattractive and incomplete.

Manners and sensitivity help in creating mutual respect which ushers the arrival of mutual understanding between individuals and nations. I strongly feel that the lack of etiquettes and sensitivity makes any cultural interaction of any level very tasteless and unrefined. Our attitude and response to each other matter a lot in forming and forging relationships. It is important to keep in view another’s feelings and to make efforts to empathize.

Words for example if not appropriately used can mark the ending of any kind of relationship be it a personal or business relationship as well as result in creating conflict between nations. It is extremely important to convey the right meaning of your intentions through words. Careless usages of words destroy mutual impressions.

Sometimes very small points in one’s conversation or attitude may hurt and damage a relationship forever in life… Wrong words pierce a person and have a lasting effect. Lack of sensitivity in terms of words may scratch you painfully like sandpaper… Though at times, having been the recipient of wrong words one’s own sensitivity to another person deepens as a result of the pain one has experienced. Nevertheless it is so important to feel each word you speak and be aware of the impact of their meaning as words speak volumes.

Certain gestures too can be considered offensive in another culture. The definitions of body language in addition to the definitions of similar words differ in countries. Body language also plays a key role in expressing one’s respect for another culture. There are different forms of handshakes and greetings that are included in the study of body language which also help in creating a positive and lasting impression. In the classroom environment, I always enjoyed covering etiquettes of various countries in the section of “Cultural Talks” as I called it. These talks included even the simplest of things such as giving gifts or dining at a formal environment in a certain country. You’d be surprised to know that the tips given at a restaurant or the number of flowers considered acceptable when given as a gift also differ from country to country.

To add finishing touches to one’s knowledge of other cultures, it is necessary that one develops the art of cultural sensitivity. It is also essential to demonstrate your knowledge on this subject through one’s behaviour and actions. No knowledge is complete without actually applying it to real life.

I have experienced that country to country cultural exchange is a delicate bridge of friendship that has to be crossed not only intelligently but with patience and tact. An intelligent direction of thoughts in this respect can cement relationships between people. I always taught my students that a thorough study of each other’s cultures is required to make the interaction effective. For instance the knowledge of the significance of colours in each culture is essential. My mother has always stressed the importance of the above in my life since childhood as an important part of my grooming because as an individual and a responsible person in this cross-cultural environment, it is essential to acquire such qualities.

We must take strong measures against the wind of careless expression of words in modern times specially where stress and impatience are abundant…It is also required to know the correct pronunciation and intonation in the world of words. In the absence of clear pronunciation, the true meaning of words may be lost and that would also portray one’s lack of knowledge and interest in the subject. I am told that even in chanting or prayer of any sort, a lot depends on the right usage and pronunciation of words as that alone determines the power and result of that particular chant or ‘mantra’. As teachers of cultural exchange programme, our main task was to motivate students to have an in depth knowledge of other cultures as well as to stress on the right pronunciation of words.

Words can evoke a chain of thought process…Words alone can inspire and motivate people…Souls can be stirred through a collection of words called Poetry. Hence the role of words in our lives and in the world outside can never be ignored. Right words are one of the essential ingredients to whip up a delicious flavour in the cocktail of cultural sensitivity.

JAPANESE & INDIAN TRADITIONAL ARTS
KABUKI & KATHAKALI
Similar yet different...

In Japan and India, traditional performing arts continue to win peoples’ hearts till date. I particularly like ‘Kabuki’ and am very fascinated by 'Kathakali' as well. I find that both are quite similar in many ways despite their differences in expressions and languages.


‘Kabuki’ is a classic performing art with a rich history of 400 years and dates back to the 17th C. It is a form of classical theatre. 'Kathakali' is also one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.It originated over 500 years ago.


The attractive colourful costumes and flamboyant makeup in both Kabuki and Kathakali  are truly fascinating. Both dances are noted for the attractive makeup of the characters and elaborate costumes.  


But most of the Kabuki plays symbolize the medieval period i.e. the “Edo jidai”. While Kathakali dancers enact stories from Indian folk epics like "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata".


However in both dances, the elaborate makeup of the characters is very important.In the plays of Kabuki , the makeup alone reflects their personality and moods. The concentration is more on makeup and not so much on natural expressions.  In Kathakali , dancers elaborately paint their faces too. It is interesting to find out that the colours used in the makeup of Kathakali dancers are determined by the nature of the character. For instance, the makeups of the divine heroes are predominantly green while characters of nobility with evil streaks are similar but slashed with red marks on the cheek.I find it interesting that in both Kabuki and Kathakali , the makeup is so loud and colourful that it actually resembles a mask.


In Kabuki , a lot of stress is laid on how the characters deliver the lines as well. The lines that are delivered by the performers have a rhythm to it. I was told that all the actors in these plays are men. It’s interesting to know that both the male and female characters are played by male actors. Kabuki takes place on a rotating stage. On the other hand, in Kathakali actors enact their parts through 'mudras' (graceful hand movements). There are about 24 important mudras. They wear stylized costumes with tall head dresses. Kathakali displays detailed gestures and well-defined body movements.


But both Kabuki and Kathakali are an art that combines singing with dancing. They are a beautiful combination of drama,dance,music and ritual.Music provides a perfect background for the stories in both the dances...

Kathakali

Kabuki (Kagegami-Wallpaper)

                                                                       

 AYURVEDA

Ayurveda (Ancient Medical Science of India) plays an important part in connecting other countries to India. This spiritual knowledge was one of the most valuable treasures of ancient Indians and till today continues to show its miracles. Ayurvedic medicines have proved highly effective for more than 3000 years now and still do not cease to reveal its powers.


People from other cultures are deeply attracted to this oldest system of medicines that India holds, as it heals effectively without side effects.


Some who are still strangers to this most developed and ancient science of herbal medicines may find this method outdated and not applicable to today’s world. This may be because they still consider Ayurveda to be only a traditional approach but most countries have realized the necessity of adding this spiritual approach to therapy.


I feel that Ayurveda is needed more than ever now as today’s world is brimming with stress and self-destruction. Ayurveda is required to relieve the tensions and effects of today’s society on peoples’ daily lives. Ayurveda can be a powerful instrument in healing this world… There are two levels of healing in Ayurveda- the physical and the mental. The physical healing is through herbs and the mental and psychological level is through ‘mantras’ and meditation. Aroma therapy and herbal oils also branch out of Ayurveda and calm one’s mind. They are now commonly used in spas in other countries as well.


Meditation maintains the balance of peace in one’s life and attitudes towards things… The world outside India too is realizing that Ayurveda is definitely a necessity to cure emotional imbalances followed by or accompanying physical ailments. By adopting Ayurveda, other countries have started relating more to India and are now connecting more to each other too ,because of which a global culture is emerging. The world of ‘Yoga’ and ‘Ayurveda’ are uniting people of various cultures to form a unique culture of it own that transcends everything.


Ayurveda may have originated in India but in the contemporary world too, it has formed its place in everyone’s hearts irrespective of their differences in cultures. We must transcend cultures, and countries must share such divine healing knowledge. India has shown the power of sealing the cracks of cross-cultural differences around the globe by uniting people through its gifts of 'Yoga' and 'Ayurveda'. Such sharing of knowledge can only save humanity and remove barriers between countries and people.

Recent Travels In India

Shimla

A place with a beautiful view

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864,Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India...

     PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENT TRAVELS IN INDIA

RAJASTHAN...(Cultural Heritage Of Rajasthan)

                                   
                                                                                       

MEHRANGARH FORT-JODHPUR

 

                                                                                                                       

MANDORE GARDENS-JODHPUR

JAISALMER

                            

                                                                                                                            

                                                           

                                                                                                             

"In 2003 I'd presented a concept paper to H.E , the Ambassador of Embassy of Japan advocating "NICE". A lot has been done since then in the field of cultural exchange between the two countries but I feel that a lot more still has to be done...Cultural Interaction according to me is an ongoing process where nothing is ever enough...there is no ending as such. My work in this field has been appreciated and recognized by the Embassy & PM Abe's wife in 2007.I would like to share my thoughts..."NICE". My father inspired me in this direction and contributed mostly to the thought process in this paper.  What is mentioned in this paper can be applied to cultural relationships between any other countries as well."

                                                                                     -Simrit    

NICE 

NIPPON - INDIA CULTURAL

EXCHANGE

 

A Japanese Government Cultural Exchange Programme to Build Enlarged Cultural Links

With India

(CONCEPT PAPER)

General Background:

• In the last few years Japan and India have made considerable progress in building strong relationships in the political and economic fields. A lot can be done in the cultural field.

• Cultural exchanges and relations between Japan and India presently seem to rest only on academic exchanges and fine arts.

• As such they do not bridge the “psychological distance” that exists between the Japanese people and the Indian people in terms of a better knowledge about each other’s countries and thereby do not generate comprehensively the full potential of mutual goodwill.

• While Indians are largely aware of Japan’s strengths in every field, the Japanese people at large are not fully aware of India’s emerging potential. In the cultural field, many in Japan are not aware of the Indian ethos, India’s lifestyles and India’s rich cultural heritage.

• India may be blamed for not doing enough in promoting India’s cultural heritage in Japan.

• Japan as the richer nation (US $700 billion foreign exchange reserves as compared to India’s $109 billion) is better placed financially and administratively to take on the noble task of building strong cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• It is with this background that the proposal of “NICE” is advocated. “NICE” is the acronyms suggested for a new programme: “NIPPON-INDIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE”.

AIMS OF “NICE”

• Overall aim: “To Build Strong Cultural Bonds between Japan and India”.

• “NICE” would attempt to comprehensively enlarge cultural exchanges between Japan and India from the traditional diplomatic focus of Japan Foundation and Japan Cultural & Information Centre activities.

• “NICE” would focus on more “people to people” cultural exchange between Japan and India.

SPECIAL FOCUS OF “NICE”

• Promote and organize visits to India by “student groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools and vice-versa.

• Promote and organize visits of “teacher groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools to visit India and vice-versa.

• To organize “student summer camps” from Japanese educational institutions in India.

• Promote exchanges between IT professionals of younger generation of both countries.

• Organize “DISCOVER JAPAN” audio-visual programmes in Indian educational institutions. Could be enlarged to “DISCOVER INDIA” programmes in Japan under the auspices of “NICE”.

• Organize visits to India by groups from Japanese local government administrative offices as “Discovery of India” (To include Board of Education officials also)

• Organize seminars/workshops in India for research scholars and young professors from Japanese Universities with the main theme being “JAPAN INDIA CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CO-OPERATION” perspectives.

• Organize visits to India of “women groups” from Japanese Women Social Organizations.

• Selection, co-ordination and comprehensive briefing of JETs (Japan Exchange Teachers). JETs can be the best “cultural ambassadors” to forge cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• Organize “Cultural Workshops” on Japan –India cultural topics in various parts of India by participation of Japanese and Indian personalities.

• Organize “Japanese Food Festivals” in major Indian cities.

• Arrange Workshops of Japanese and Indian Scholars to discover convergences in Japanese and Indian culture.

• Bring our periodicals and literature on Japanese and Indian culture for distribution to educational institutions in Japan and India.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

• This short brief is only a “concept paper” outlining the concept in general.

• “NICE” is intended to be a supplement to promotion of Japan-India cultural relations’ activities undertaken by Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation.

• “NICE” would attempt its focus on the “younger generation” of Japan and India. They are the future of both countries and it is their understanding of each other that would forge and cement Japan-India friendship through the medium of cultural exchanges.

• Therefore educational institutions in Japan and India through exchange of visits by student groups and educational officials would be given special focus.

OVERALL DIRECTION AND CONTROL

• Patron HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

• Direction & Control: To be nominated by the Ambassador of Japan in India from within the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

• Financial resources to run NICE may be found from:

1. Japanese Government

2. Japanese Business Houses in India.

DIRECTOR “NICE”

• To be selected by the HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

Criteria for Selection:

1. Individual should be fluent in Japanese, English and Hindi.

2. Individual should have adequate exposure to Japanese culture and Indian culture.

3. Background of individual should incorporate personal exposure to Japanese way of life, working of Japanese educational institutions and would have stayed in Japan for appreciable length of time.

4. Individual should be genuinely fond of Japanese culture and its ethos.

5. Preferred age group: 30-40 years to ensure dynamism.

DIFFERENT STROKES -Cultural Identity

We need to get drenched in the waves of change that time has brought and refresh our thinking. On one hand it is important to respect our own community and culture while on the other hand it is equally necessary to be accepting and tolerant of cultures alien to us as well.


At some point it becomes absolutely essential to cross the threshold of our age old beliefs and customs to overcome our limitations in outlook…That’s when one embarks on a real journey to transcend cultures to make a big difference in the world and to bridge the gap between people alien to each other. Cross-cultural interaction is called for in this respect. The more people we meet the more our thinking, reaction and response to them undergo a metamorphosis. Then the dark night of intolerance gives way to a new dawn of acceptance and understanding.


Doubts about each other creep with lack of knowledge of each other which steals our reasoning and ability to think. That’s when we in feel over protective and defensive about our own community and without reason adopt hostile and rigid attitudes towards the opposite. Sooner or later false thinking brings wrong conduct. There is a strong need according to me to go beyond beliefs and norms of our cultures to cross over the barriers of rigidity. On this challenging path of transcending cultures and embracing each other, we have to meet at least half way if not entirely to be on the same wavelength. We must try to accept each other with our differences and different identities.


We in India are blessed with myriad of different rich cultures and over the centuries India has welcomed and assimilated different cultures and religions. Tolerance is therefore a rich historical legacy of the Indian people which enable them to transcend different cultures. In my own personal case, I’m the offspring of two different cultures with my parents being from different religions. Yet this difference in cultures never created doubts and conflicts in my upbringing or identity. With this as part of my upbringing , I found ready acceptance and being accepted during my exposures to Japanese, Spanish, Scottish, American, Afro American and many other cultures. According to me all should focus on strong bonding between various communities and not on the weaknesses and differences that may separate them at times. We all should be willing to learn to appreciate each other.


Therefore I would welcome the widest participation from people all over the world to share their experiences and views as to how cultures can be transcended harmoniously. One needs both the similarities and differences in cultures to retain the true flavour and original identity of each culture. Yet all can still flow with each other and confluence together…


Different strokes by different people from different cultures can help in creating a richer piece of art with richness of cultures from all over the world… One picture is more than a thousand words…We can weave a carpet of mutual understanding through acknowledging each other with our different cultural identities and cultural thoughts.

WRITING IS AN ART-INTRODUCTION

Writing is an Art in itself… Some may find depth of feelings and emotions in it while some may decide its abstract while others may not understand it at all…Every piece of art is viewed and interpreted by different people in different ways according to their perceptions. But a piece of art still remains art.

I have always been interested in writing. Writing completes me…In good times and bad I have always poured my emotions on paper. Writing my feelings on paper represented a source of solace and comfort to me. Situations and people inspired my thoughts. Sometimes I wanted to pen down things that I wondered about. I was taught that wonder is the beginning of wisdom… I would share some of my writings with my family as a child and my father always guided me and added finishing touches to them while my mother served more food to my thoughts over endless sessions of tea. Since childhood I had a vivid imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge and imagination itself led me to writing. Also the person with imagination is never alone.

I always tried capturing my thoughts on paper to reveal them in time. Heartfelt moments and delicious memories gain meaning and form when described through writing. My situations and experiences inspired poems and thoughts in me that were hidden until now. I would always absorb everything around me to release it on paper later. A lot can be revealed to the world by a writer.

I think that somewhere there’s a writer hidden in all of us. Search yourself and you’ll find an author residing in you. We all have a story to tell sometimes about others or sometimes about ourselves. Thinking inspires writing. Some of us think aloud and voice our thoughts to the world in terms of writing while others talk to themselves instead of sharing it on paper.

I have created my blog not only to converse with the world but also encourage interaction of thoughts and exchange of ideas and opinions. I invite you to share your valuable knowledge and expression with me as well.

My family always appreciated my writing and encouraged me to go in the direction of sharing it with the world. But I was hesitant for quite sometime as I did not feel that the world would comprehend what I’m trying to voice. But over the time I realized that since I view writing as an art I must share my art with all even if it is not interpreted and appreciated by some or goes unrecognized. I strongly felt that my art i.e. my writing should be given a chance, irrespective of the outcome that whether it is admired or critically appraised. As it is like faith needs no proof, an expression of a writer’s art does not need proof of recognition not if you’re an artist. Anything particularly art, knowledge, thoughts and writing are wasted if not shared. One should not express one’s thought in silence… Most of the times, we can lead people to believe through our writing. Thus I always considered writing to be very powerful.

Words have been buried deep in my heart for so long now. My friend Arun who is a Senior Manager / Marketing Head-Web Initiatives Mahindra Holidays encouraged me to reveal these words to you all. He gave me the canvas to paint my emotions. It seems he did not want my words to be left unsaid. Now my words and hidden thoughts will surface in the form of poems, stories, experiences…A journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step and my family as well as Arun encouraged me to take that first step in the journey of writing by believing in me.

Words that you may not be able to find in yourself and voice…I will narrate for you. In the journey of writing our thoughts can travel together…Life is void and meaningless when expressions are not shared. Writing is nothing but a guided dream. Hence lets live this dream or give a dream to each other through our exchange of writings…In between the lines we may find something to inspire, motivate and strengthen us. The heart of melody can never be put down on paper I hear but still I will attempt to give a true form to my expression. Nothing is open for discussion in life but in the world of writing everything invites discussion.