AWAKENINGS

  Amidst the ongoing political controversy surrounding reforms in Lakshadweep, scion of the Nehru-Gandhi Parivar Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to lecture the Modi government regarding secularism and went on to refer to them as ‘bigots’ for initiating certain governance reforms in the Union Territory. In his tweet, Rahul Gandhi claimed that Lakshadweep is India’s jewel in the ocean, while the ignorant ‘bigots’ in power are destroying it. Rahul Gandhi said that he stood with the people of Lakshadweep, who are allegedly protesting against the reforms initiated by the Lakshadweep administration to bring in sweeping changes pertaining to the administration of the Union Territory. Rahul Gandhi had also written a letter to the Prime Minister saying, “The proposed changes to regulations like Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, the Lakshadweep Animals Preservation Regulation and lifting of restrictions on the sale of alcohol are a deliberate assault on the ‘cultural and religiou

What is a Toolkit? The toolkit is a document key to digital-era protests and is equivalent to pamphlets and fliers that are used by the protestors on the streets. In simple words, it is a document that educates and amplifies the cause of the protest. It also   provides a roadmap on how to take the protest forward,   underscoring   what needs to be done, when and how.    In short, It is a readymade tool that can be put to use to target and tarnish political parties, politicians – personally & politically with all sorts of lies, false statements, twisted data, engineered photos, supplying photos of explosive situations like riots, burning of corpses, lootings, photos of natural calamities to paint gloomy pictures about Central Government’s apathies to help etc. Ready to use narrations, catchy phrases, tragic photos with critical comments etc. will be made available in such toolkit. It is quite unethical for any political party to create such tools to target their rivals. But

The Week – Weekly Magazine published from Kerala – Editor: Philip Mathew – was famous for its hatred towards Hindu Ideologies and its Modi- phobiasm. The Week declares itself to follow ‘JOURLALISM WITH A  HUMAN TOUCH.’ But in reality, The Week for an article published in its magazine dated January 24, 2016 -  5 years back came forward to “regret and  apology” for having published the article and said: “We hold Veer Savarkar in high esteem”.  This was Week’s Most Inhuman Touch WEAK step, as it should have published its apology and regret by February 2016. O, THE WEEK !  DON’T  BE  WEAK  !     

While Poll analysis reflects facts and data, Political analysis suffers from party loyalties, personal affinities, professional pressures and  prejudices. Even in presenting poll data, many journalists see things through their jaundiced eyes thereby journalism loses its pristine glory. These were glaringly exposed, when we read the news items, reviews, articles analyzing the recently concluded five elections – in West Bengal, Assam, Tamilnadu, Kerala – all States  and Puducherry – Union Territory. In West Bengal, Didi won third time consecutively with improved majority thereby crushing to powder any anti-incumbency factor with her bandaged foot. This was greatly attributed to her charismatic leadership which was approved and appreciated by the voters of Bengal to a large extent – to be honest – with a rider – She was left to face Saffron Force in BJP which had improved its seats from a mere 3 to 77 – Great Victory – but, the press and media were not ready to accept this – stating t

  Sundarlal Bahuguna – Tree Hugger – Chipko (Meaning - Embrace) Movement Leader – aged 94 – died of Covid-19 on May 21, 2021. In the thick of his movement to protect the Himalayan forests and to protect Tehri Dam, His was the voice of nature. His following poem would speak volumes about his mission to love and to live with nature - a shift from ego-centric thinking and living to eco-centric thinking and living. Ego-centrism, as per his vision, leads to greed, consumerism and stealing from others - while Eco-centrism leads to caring, sharing and not stealing from others.  His poem: Politicians have loudspeakers. But who will speak for the tree that will be cut? Who will protect the mountains? It is now time to hear the voice of the tree being cut, The voice of the river, The scream of the mountain that is sliding. He was inspired by Vinoba Bhave and Gandhi’s disciples Mira Behn. Three “S” of Gandhian principles – Swaraj or Self rule or self-organisation, Swedeshi or self-reliance or rel

  Rajiv’s Entry into Politics was due to the sudden and untimely death of his brother Sanjay Gandhi in an aero plane crash on  23-06-1980. On 31 October 1984, the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi's mother, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, which led to violent riots against Sikhs. Rajiv Gandhi took his oath on 31 December 1984 after winning really unbelievable landslide victory – 411 seats out of total 542 seats  and at 40, he was the youngest Prime Minister of India.  Both his entry into politics and his becoming PM were tragic and alas ! after his completion of one term as PM, Rajiv was brutally assassinated by a lady LTTE sponsored and trained human bomb. It was another tragic note that though with much fanfare Rajiv started his political career as Mr.Clean but ended up as Mr. Corrupt that had triggered the downfall of Congress Rule under his wife Sonia’s collusion rule resulting in Congress Mukt Bharat due to Pappu – Rahul’s immature political moves. When Raji

  Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Gautama Buddha. This auspicious occasion falls on ‘Purnima’ or a full moon day. Buddha Purnima, also known as Vishak, is the most important festival for the followers of Buddhism across the world. This year it falls on May 26. On Buddha Purnima, the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar is beautified with colourful decorations, and special prayers are held under the Bodhi tree, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Many devotees visit Buddhist shrines and spend the day reciting hymns and sermons about the life of Lord Buddha, his teachings, and principles. Flowers and candles are offered to Lord Buddha’s idol. People dress up in white clothes and give kheer (a rice pudding), in keeping with a legend about a woman named Sujata who had once offered Gautama Buddha kheer on his birthday. It has become a tradition ever since. E-Touch offers flowers to the Lotus Feet of Lord Gautama Buddha and seeks HIS BLESSINGS TO BE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF AHIMSA, NON-VI

  Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswami –    (20-05-1894 – 08-01-1994 – 99 + years) Kanchi Maha Periyava,  Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji   was   the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi  Kamakoti   Peetham, His birth anniversary is annually observed on Jyeshta Purnima tithi – the corresponding date as per Tamil Calendar is the full moon day in Vaikasi month which falls on May 26 th 2021 this year. He was affectionately called ‘Mahaswamigal.’ He became the pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in 1907. He travelled across the country spreading Dharma and the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. His foremost concern was preservation of the  Vedas , tradition and  Dharma . He advocated simplicity, shunned pomp, ostentation and extravagance. His exposition of Vedanta, Sastras and the Dharmic duties attracted scholars and common man alike.   His teachings – in the form of books, audio, video, aphorisms etc. – are   inspirations for   millions of devotees   who wants to l

  Lord Muruga is the second son of Lord Shiva, born out of his third eye in the form of fierce fire sparkles. As the intensity of the fire was unbearable even for the Gods, the sparks of the fire were dunked into the river to cool down. That mighty river is called “Saravana Poigai”, which dispersed the spark into six different sparkles. Each spark then incarnated as a child, which was raised by the celestial maidens, known as “karthigai Pengal”. Goddess Parvati then unified all the children into one single male child, and thus Lord Muruga has twelve hands, six faces in him. Lord Muruga is defined as a very beautiful, charming and divine personality, with great knowledge and wisdom. “Skanda Purana” describes Lord Muruga as highly intellectual, and how he taught even Lord Shiva, the meaning of “Pranava Mantra”. He is full of valor and also heads the army of Devas. Overall, he is a manifestation of charm, grace, power, devotion, and benevolence. E-Touch prays to Lord Muruga to shower us w

  Narsimha Jayanti is an important festival among the Hindus and is celebrated on Vaisakh Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Shukla Paksh. Narsimha is the fourth incarnation of  Lord Vishnu where he appeared as a man-lion that is the face was like a lion and the trunk was like a man. He killed demon Hiranyakashipu on this day. All Lord Vishnu devotees also observe fast on this day. It is known that Narsimha appeared during the sunset on Chaturdashi and that is why the puja is performed during those hours. The purpose of Narasimha Jayanti is to remove adharm and to follow the path of dharma.  Dharma is to perform  deeds  of  compassions, charities and caring for all.  Let all be blessed by Lord Narasimha on his jayanthi .