AWAKENINGS

Manipur was originally called as Kangleipak from 33 – 154 BC.    During the reign of Emperor Pamheiba Garib Niwaz (1709–1748), the name of the kingdom was changed from "Kangleipak" into "Manipur".   Manipur is called a Jewel of India because it is surrounded by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley at the center – resembling a jewel. Manipur is one of the 8 North-Eastern States. Its neighboring country is Myanmar.   Manipur Centre Region is the Imphal valley consisting of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur – these regions being densely populated and dominated by the Meitei people, whereas the outer districts are primarily hilly, sparsely populated and dominated by non-Meitei people – especially Kukis and Nagas.  The people in the valley are predominantly Hindus and those in the Hills are primarily Christians. Orange Portion of the map of Manipur above – the dense urban valley region - is inhabited by Meitei Hindus and that of Green Portion

Awareness campaign against drugs   To save the youth of Jammu and Kashmir from drugs, many innovative efforts have been visible. Programs like Musical Night, Bike Rallies are happening there.   To spread this message in Chandigarh, Local Clubs have been linked with it. They call these VADA clubs. VADA means Victory Against Drug Abuse. Many sports groups have also been formed in Punjab, which are running awareness campaigns to focus on fitness and get rid of drug addiction.   The increasing participation of youth in the campaign against drug abuse is very encouraging. These efforts lend a lot of strength to the campaign against drugs in India. If we want to save the future generations of the country, we have to keep them away from drugs. With this thought, 'NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan' was launched on the 15 August 2020. More than 11 crore people have been connected with this campaign.   Two weeks ago, India has taken a huge action against drugs. After seizing about

Nag Panchami 21 st  August 2023 Shukla Paksha Panchami during Sawan month is observed as Nag Panchami. Nag Panchami is a traditional worship of serpent Godsobserved by Hindus throughout India.   Currently Nag Panchami falls in month of July and August in English calendar.   Women worship Nag Devta and offer milk to snakes on this day.   Women also pray for the wellness of their brothers and family. Varalakshmi Vratam - 25 th  August 2023 – Friday Varalakshmi, who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, is one of the forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Varalakshmi was incarnated from the milky ocean, popularly known as Kshir Sagar. She is described as having the complexion of milky ocean and adorns similar color clothes.   Varalakshmi Puja day is one of the significant days to worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of the goddess bestows boons and fulfills all desires of her devotees. Hence this form of the goddess is known as Vara + Lakshmi i.e. Godde

Our First PM Nehru's US visit during Kennedy's Presidency. Compare this with the present MODI'S US state visit.   Quote:   As Galbraith wrote in his diary, “Nehru simply did not respond. Question after question he answered with monosyllables or a sentence or two…The president found it very discouraging. …"   After Kennedy told Galbraith “it was the worst state visit” of his presidency and also felt that Nehru seemed more interested in talking with Jackie than with him…” It was equally distressing to know what Jacqueline Kennedy said about Nehru about Nehru’s behaviours during his state visit.   Jackie:   “If Nehru is not the Prime Minister of India, I would have slapped him on his cheeks for his misbehaviors !”   This was Nehru who introduced India to US as Snake Charmers only leaving many cultural feats of India.  

From June 21 to June 24 – US State Visit – First at UN Headquarters at New York to lead 9th Annual International Day of Yoga and then  to White House Washington DC.   From June 24 to June 25 – Modi’s Egypt Visit was on the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Modi’s Egypt visit is his first official visit as PM and the last visit by the Indian PM earlier was in 1997 – After a gap of 26 years, Modi’s visit happened.   When a leader undertakes a state visit, the head of state of the destination country acts as the former's official host throughout the duration of the trip. Such a visit always includes a state reception by the host for the guest. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had honoured PM Modi   with a state dinner.   A state visit is usually reserved only for ‘closest friends and allies.’ It, therefore, signifies the highest expression of friendly bilateral ties between two sovereign nations.  How is a state visit different from an official visit? The O

PM Modi's Yoga event at the UN has created a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people from diverse nationalities/ ethnicity participating in Yoga together ON THE 21ST JUNE 2023 IN THE LAWNS OF UN.   Fact is India s soft power is capturing minds in world now.   Michael Empric, Guinness World Records official adjudicator, presented the certificate to Ruchira Kamboj, India's permanent representative to the United Nations.    "Today there was a Guinness World Records title attempt for most nationalities in a Yoga lesson. The mark to be was 140 nationalities. Today in New York, at the UN, they have 135. It is a new Guinness world records title," Michael Empric said.  

  Andal / Bhudevi Jayanthi – July 22, 2023.   Andal Jayanti, is the celebration of Bhudevi’s birthday and is dedicated to Andal or Bhudevi   who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known as Aadi Pooram.   Aadi Pooram is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor during the Tamil month of ‘Aadi’. It is believed that the Andal comes to the Earth on this auspicious day, to bless the devotees.   She is one of the twelve Alwars elevated as a Goddess after uniting with Lord Vishnu.   She is renowned for her steadfast devotion for Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu).   Thiruppavai and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi are two of Her literary compositions praising Lord Vishnu.   LET US ALL BE BLESSED BY ANDAL ON HER AUSPICIOUS BIRTHDAY.