The curious case of a crop

We cultivate  seeds called dreams. strange thing is harvest is always a suspense thriller. But the fertilizers and pesticides remain the same. The inputs, machine and out put too remain the same. As long as the farmer sees the seed grow through his eyes and control he remains content. But Once a weed like me tries to interrupt in terms of productivity creativity and theories like " let the seeds flourish with vital inputs " then the farmer gets disturbed. Some one is trying to disturb the rich harvest he planned for. Some one is polluting the crop. so he builds fences and uses all he can to cut the "weed". Once harvested and ready for threshing He finds out that his crop is not what he dreamt. Finally the crop settles for a average price. 

This i saw for years.with tears.  

 sometimes helplessness grips you like a polar cold wave where you can do nothing but bear the pain.

Its umpteen number of times- throughout my teaching career - i have seen students falling out with their parents.

Its really complicated to understand "Indian parenting"

cautious ambitious loving soothing crying admiring abusing condemning running ----I don't have more words.

Just now a parent asked me: how many teachers visit her class? whats my girls time table? Is  tuition necessary? ......................... take it. the kid is in Nursery. 

Ashram--Myth or Exaggeration or simply an effort

2011

Ashram asked some of its parents to take of their kids and admit somewhere. And when some demanded free transport the answer is same again.

This decision of mine turned out to be a  severe punch. A sudden drop out in numbers ( already low)  was attributed to my foolishness. My  wife is shocked to see the happenings. My mother is very silent. My dearest called me paranoid and unstable.

I started to rethink. Suggestions after suggestions followed. They ranged from selling to closing down to...I spoke to all my well wishers.People identified me as a crybaby. Slowly i found out a new enemy in me. A new identity which is crushing my genuine will power and courage. 

At this point i thought a lot. Where i began and where i am going to end? Is this the price we are paying for treading the path alone? Am i misfit in this educational set up?

   

 1996

four of my students Sekhar, Pathak, Krishna and Venkatraju along with my brother jagan were working relentlessly to dismantle a thatched erection established to run a school. It was curtains down for ignorance, innocence, foolishness and honesty called "ARUNASHRAM". It was curtains down for aspirations, hope and faith. It was the end of a mans dream who is thousands of miles away from the place. My brother and my students swallowed the bitter pill and continued with life. I too flowed with the different streams of life.

This first attempt to set up a  ideal system of education  collapsed in a grandeur.My brother tried a great deal to infuse life but i am never able to breathe fire in it. The final shadows slowly started to disappear as life demanded different versions to survive. It remained a myth forever. It carried a spirit.....spirit of never ending energy levels of jagan .......spirit of dedication and loyalty of four young lads........spirit of faith of one friend on another.........spirit of hope that lies with a myth that one day it will rise... to conquer.

2004.

Ashram  established.

I still remember me dining at apparao garus house for days and how they treated me. I feel the confidence of  Rama Rao garu even today . I still remember the energy of satyanarayana garu. I remember how prasad garu and kumara swamy garu sacrificed their time for a cause called Ashram. It was that time when pramods mother was severe on any one who spoke against school. Manohar garu s house became a office plank for planning. The confidence shown by chandrasekhar garu is still roaming in ashram.How can i forget satyaprasad garu?  How can i forget jagan whose very presence stirred momentum. How can i forget shanta srinivasu garu for his support. And how can i forget babu ratan and neelakantam who stood rock solid for me. And how can i forget my students who made my day that day.

yes. It was happening that day. The phoenix rose from ashes with an energy that was without parallel.  With faith as a foundation block and love as pillars Ashram began its tryst with destiny.

Yes. The personality of Rama krishna was sky rocketed. Expectations flew like magic brooms.The kids who were inspired by their teachers words made him a magician. People around him expected him to turn tables and build castles. New friends with hopes and lure for easy money, new acquaintances and life is energetic. 

Alas! No one ever understood that the school and its mentor are not fit into the regular commercial set up. Rama Krishna is  quite ordinary and his vision for education  is different from what others aspire. And the aspirations of people made rama krishna run a different course. The conflict with in and the shy nature to accept started  making a different persona.

And in a short time aspirations began to fall with not more than 60 being admitted into school. The school never understood the exact course it should tread. The fees structure never suited the economics of school. Its always the ideal Vs need of the day. For ideal Rama krishna the question paper and answer sheet  should bring out the best in the student where as the need of the day is what ever the student should pass. This put the school in grave economic crisis.To tide over loans are taken , more and more went in. But the confusion made everything gloomy.  Years rolled by. No improvement in numbers made hardcore supporters also shook their heads in disbelief.

The idea of Rama Krishna making Ashram into some corporate stuff ended in a exaggeration. The exaggeration ended a dedicated teachers magical way of teaching. The exaggeration transformed Rama krishna into a joker of sorts. The exaggeration made people make fun of Ashram. And  Ashram started to slip into heavy debts with less numbers. And this very exaggeration ended me in pursuing against my own self.

Almost years later this exaggeration of a simple teacher who made students work miracles out of their own led to the destruction of teaching skills.

So where we stand? Is nothing there to be proud of?

Under this exaggeration emerged set of students who always carried the flag high.The always stood by the ideal Ashram craved for. Ashram fought battles against parents who never understood children and earned more wrath from public.To support and satisfy the exaggeration mob the school went through hell. Those who understood are of two kinds: One with less financial status  and others out of their own will.

2011: present

What is Ashram? A Myth or An Exaggeration

With criticism every where, evaporated dreams  and mounting debts shall we call the end of the show?

My Answer is a plain "NO"

Its never yes because majority say so. Its never down because one can scale anytime. Its never "never".

Cutting across their limitations certain parents stood by me. supported me with all they have. How can i forget  sacrifices made by them? How can i forget when ever my brother visited he ran up to school just to savour the academic flavour. My student Sekhar fought for Ashram like hell. My student swamy made it a mission. My student somasekhar ran everywhere to see that Ashram stands. Vikranth never said a no to school.I still feel tears of santosh palisetti. I still remember sivashankar running back from cinema in middle just to see everything is safe at school. I still remember sreenivas praveen putting himself against everybody for the school. My friends Rajagopal hardly slept when we went through a deep crisis and made its day at every needy hour. My friend Ramesh made Ashram his own family and always pushed his cause behind schools cause. My aunt from vizianagaram always stood for cause. ASHRAM CONTINUES FOR THESE ASPIRATIONS ARE FROM THE PEOPLE FOR A CAUSE FOR NOT ONE MANS EMPOWERMENT. ASHRAM TAKES PRIDE IN THIS THAT IT HAS SUCH STUDENT COMMUNITY.

  

Cutting across every short hurdle there are lots who willingly supported the cause and waited for a approval. 

Even last month putting their time across my friends Ramesh kamesh, mohan, my aunt , sekhar, somasekhar  swamy vikranth and a lot perspired along with  me to save the school from a mess of financial disturbances.

For Ashram education is not business. Its preparing a child for what he is destined. Its teaching citizenship.Its making realize the value of life and its givers( parents) . Its serving and enhancing economy intellect valour and pride of  Nation in what ever way they can. Its MAKING CHILD A COMPLETE CITIZEN.

Braving injuries 

Battling dipping finances 

Combating greedy society   

maintaining clean humour and dignity ............................... we are not enjoying. we are leading or evolving a struggle for value based education.We are fighting for the rights of countless millions of children who are victims of whims and fancies of modern day society.

Yes its a myth still unlocked. Once unlocked the treasures are countless

Yes its an exaggeration for it does not not fit today system.

Ashram  will reinvent itself this year. Like a phoenix it has in it the power of regaining energy. Till then let the myths and exaggerations stay.                              

ASHRAM--- NEW LOOK ---NEW APPROACH

FRIENDS
I am very much averse to advt of schools. A school has to shine in the glory- performance -ability of the student. Such students bring reputation and more students. But days changed. Even honesty should be advertised or else..................................................... keeping in the changes ashram tried to put its perspective on public front. below are a few

hope you like them

We with you in your tough times

                                                            

"What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." -Bukhari

 

“A concern, support and prayer  is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return”--Bhagvadgita

 

One of my students asked me whats so specific about this particular expression when millions around the world are doing the same.

I replied " I don't know about those millions. But I know millions of millions including me spent a feeling of sorrow for unknown families collapsing there." Every one wanted to express their support. And a medium is required."

 For those these kids unknowingly provided a platform to express. I observed a serenity in the expression. Many have burnt a candle for a press publicity. But here we have two who have done this with limited resources and providing a way for many kids to express there. I found it as a vent for deep feelings in. I found it as a learning for kids there. I found it as a brave act because not many in us come in open to express good even. So all who read this light a candle or offer prayers in church or mosque or temple or your own mind for a while, place a rose or do the thing your heart tells to do for the people in pain. Don't ever say "what is this going to do " Do it. Feel for your self. 

This act of lighting candles by Manikanta and  Shah is their way. Some including me joined them. No words.  No fanfare. No press. No ...  you can guess. Only silence. Its silence that speaks. Its silence that carries our emotions more strongly than words. Its silence that soothes. Its silence that heals. 

Abounds of silence prevails after a great tragedy. share it like manikanta and shah of Andhra University 

a BiG yEs

YES
Ashram decides to open its agenda.
An agenda which it continued for seven years in shades and shadows.
Ashram is an integral part of the summer camp RAYS launched by forum for better education..
From april 28th to may 28th vizag will be introduced to an agenda which lays a solid foundation for the future citizens to prepare themselves to discover the hidden genius in them.
COME. ENJOY THE RIDE   

RAYS

words of wisdom

The state we call realization is simply being oneself, not knowing anything or becoming anything. If one has realized, he is that which alone is, and which alone has always been. He cannot describe that state. He can only be That. Of course, we loosely talk of Self-realization for want of a better term.

That which is, is peace. All that we need do is to keep quiet. Peace is our real nature. We spoil it. What is required is that we cease to spoil it.


All beings desire happiness always, happiness without a tinge of sorrow. At the same time everybody loves himself best. The cause for this love is only happiness. So, that happiness must lie in one self. Further, that happiness is daily experienced by everyone in sleep, when there is no mind. To attain that natural happiness one must know oneself. For that, Self-Enquiry 'Who am I?' is the chief means.


Mind is a wonderful force inherent in the Self. That which arises in this body as 'I' is the mind. When the subtle mind emerges through the brain and the senses, the gross names and forms are cognized. When it remains in the Heart, names and forms disappear. If the mind remains in the Heart, the 'I' or the ego which is the source of all thoughts will go, and the Self, the Real, Eternal 'I' alone will shine. Where there is not the slightest trace of the ego, there is the Self.


                                                                                    SRI RAMANA MAHARISHI

THE MAKING OFASHRAM: TOWN HALL AND ASHRAM--MAKING OF RAMA KRISHNA

Most of the people often see Ramakrishna and Ashram in one view. I always maintained whatever I am today I am because of Ashram.But People often, I saw drawing parallels between me and Ashram. I feel its time to introduce this I to those who are new to the Blog and Ashram.

Myself Rama Krishna. I teach Social at Ashram. I with the help of few people established Ashram in the year 2004. Ashram was and is a dream of so many people connected with me. We together carried this dream from imagination to reality through rough roads.  A shape is slowly evolving for Ashram and in a few days you will see Ashram unveiling its future agenda.Its time to see the way Ashram shaped its way till now. Its time to remember people who made this dream a reality.  The following is the first in the series.

So its now time to see how Rama Krishna got his things right. What ever I am today its because of my parents, my teacher Joseph Varghese and few friends. But what ever Iam with in me today its because of some memorable days at  the  The Town Hall -Visakhapatnam.Every evening at Town hall was a Awakening. Awakening from a deep slumber. Awakening from ignorance. Awakening from mistaken Intelligence. Its a tight walk into Realism. The following paragraphs may inspire or may not inspire. They may appear making simple things too much. But complex things always appear trivial and simple

My friend at ICWAI Kamesh was the gateway to this enlightenement. I was introduced to many of his friends during  the tea time at  Town Hall.  Rambabu, Mohan, Subodh, David were regulars. I even had a good time with Murali, Kamesh's brother. When all of these friends used to discuss, fight, sing, play __I was a mere spectator.

Every time I saw them, i felt iam missing something. I searched for that missing. Later in many of my classes, I taught ---- " the most important quality that is required to achieve the ultimate is FIRE, fire in thoughts and action.All these friends have one quality in common-Fire to do things. I missed that fire in me. Today Many of my associates in the school circuit say  Ashram has the fire to walk the road least taken. Through years I saw the fire in me making me do things which many considered impossible or difficult. Today ASHRAMITES carry that fire. Look at their zeal and energy. This quality of FIRE WAS A LEGACY OF TOWN HALL.

Whenever Subodh entered with his Scooter or used to stand talking to his friends-- it was dignity in motion. His way of talking, expressing used to be very long lasting. I don't know why but the grace in my teaching certainly had that impact. The last time I saw him was at a theatre-- even at that time i was admiring him of his grace. Mostly I made it a point to my students " even anger should be graceful". Ashram has its own dignity that stood by her even in tough times.

Mohan was the charmer. I remember him making things easy when every thing was hot. He made people comfortable. Of all the people there its mohan who made me very comfortable. An affectionate hello and a lively smile were his trade marks. I always made my class comfortable. I saw to that every one is at ease with me. I  made that affectionate hello and lively smile my weapons  in later years. Even day before i saw the same charming mohan. Ashram made this quality grow in all its students.

David was the crusader. He never looked back once the decision was made. I learnt this one and once i took a decision i never looked back. In my days of struggle this quality made me very special among my students.Today Ashram is  Ashram because it never looked back.

Murali used be very much down to earth. It was and is a quality that makes you. Its only then you will get into people. If you are not down to earth you are never going to reach the heights you look up to.

Rambabu- For me he is reality personified. His view of the world is the best analysis  i ever had. I used to look at him in awe when he spoke at the town hall evenings. His observations -accurate. I was very much influenced by him. My vision of democratic India was shaped by his thoughts. Most of my economics classes were influential and every time i used to be very frank in my classes while teaching. My words were  stern when ever i explained a real life situation  to my students. I cite a conversation between me and and my student Mohan in the Indian economy class:

Mohan: sir, the few of the worlds richest live in India.Isnt it great?

Me: ya, but many of the world's poorest live here.Isnt that great? ( this sharp answers i learnt from rambabu)

Rambabu is a magician. In few days of our relation i saw me emerging out of cocoon of  imagination to Thorny realities.Today Ashram stands on realistic platform. Just now i told my tenth students," work hard its in your hands. perform, its in your hands. Imagine even its in your mind. Dont expect, Its not in our hands." This we learnt from Rambabu. See the following conversation between me and him years back, you will feel the genius:

Me: డబ్బు  మనదైతే నవ్విస్తుంది. పక్కవాడిదైతే ఏడిపిస్తుంది

Ramababu:  డబ్బు ఎవరిదైన కొంతవరకే నవ్విస్తుంది, ఏడిపిస్తుంది---తరువాత ఆడిస్తుంది. ఈ మూడు స్ధాయిలు దాటిన తరువాత నువ్వా లేదా డబ్బా తేలిపొతుంది

And finally i saw whats missing in me. I missed the most essential thing in me. I missed me in me. I searched for me. I found my self with a mirror called kamesh. When ever i was with him i felt a new person in me. Years later i realised its actually the real me. Every moment is precious because iam seeing myself. Every second is valuable because its me seeing me. I felt very uneasy to tell him any false thing. What is Kamesh? For me he is a human being trying to reason out what we are here for.For me he is he beginning of the quest and the end of the quest. With him I formed this dream of Ashram. Ashram was a product of his thoughts. And me a simple guardian of a thought process. So if any one asks me what is between you and kamesh my answer is --to know yourself be with me. And in my later years i provided every student a platform to know himself. Yes, Ashram provides a vital platform for every student to understand himself so that he selects his priorities in a refined manner.

So that's it.

Identity,Dignity, Grace, Rational Thinking, Down to Earth attitude, Humour  and courage - I learnt it from Kamesh, Rambabu, Subodh, David, Mohan and Murali.

       

These thoughts are always reflected in Ashram and its products..

Thank you all for providing such a platform for a novice like me.

ASHRAM stands on a strong footing of Ideals and Thoughts. And the qualities i mentioned above are its Armour. 

26 JAN-REPUBLIC DAY

                                                               

              

Republic : A republic is a state under a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, retain supreme control over the government.

The term is generally also understood to describe a state where most decisions are made with reference to established laws, rather than the discretion of a head of state, and therefore monarchy is today generally considered to be incompatible with being a republic

The word "republic" is derived from the Latin phrase res publica, which can be translated as "a publicaffair".      --"wikipedia"                                       

                                                                             

Independence is a REQUISITE for being Republic.Independence or freedoms value will be enhanced by the way we made our republic.Republic reminds us the responsibilities being Indian. We being a part of this great country made independence and republic simply terms and one day celebrations. Many people celebrate these days without understanding the real purpose and meaning of these days.

The following is a discussion between a patriotic me and a pessimist me. A small attempt to bring out what we are today after 60 years of being republic.Understand  and derive your own meaning at our convenience. 

A)

Patriotic me:

Today India is regarded as emerging superpower. We are having a voice now. We are being heard. The new generation is energetic, dynamic and impulsive. Cities are never sleeping.India is now a destination for worlds leading brands.Dreams on a run. New vistas opening up for India in every field. More number of universities, colleges in every profession opening up enhancing supply of skilled professionals. Entrepreneurs on a rise and seen in Forbes every year. Great to have worlds richest men in India.

Pessimist me:

(Yes,We are an emerging super power from 1947. Yes we have a voice a feeble and muffling one. Yes we are being heard.not more than that. Yes the new  generations energetic dynamic and impulsive at disco and  party's. Yes cities are not sleeping with restlessness, frustration, and fear. Yes India is a destination for worlds leading brand of terrorists. Yes dreams on a run being unfulfilled. Yes quantity (of education ) on a rise not quality. Yes sons of old business houses(entrepreneur's) on a rise.Of course The worlds poorest man exists here)       

B)

Patriotic me:

New jobs on a rise.Salaries on a rise.People are becoming more conscious than ever. Women are becoming more independent. Caste and religion no more make a serious division in the new look society. We are more aware of our rights now.Every one is contributing to the cause of a better society.

Pessimist Me

( Yes Number of people wanting jobs on a exponential rise.Yes, Loans on a rise eating salaries raised. Yes people are more conscious in their drawing rooms before TV's or reading newspapers.Yes Caste and religion no more make a serious division as the new society is well made with all divisions in a more concrete way. Yes we are aware of our rights so we shun them. Yes every one is contributing to "HIS" cause in a better society) 

C)

Patriotic Me

Shopping malls, Multiplex's, Gadgets etc., mark the changing trends in young India.A vibrant young India is emerging.Apart from engineering and medicine we see lot of younger people being employed at different jobs in different platforms. Cinema and Television is blooming with youth ful freshness. Yes Young India on a rise. Education, Sports,Research, Politics,Entertainment etc., now in the safe hands of young vibrant India.

Pessimist Me

(Yes A drowsy and a party frenzy young India is the changing trend. Yes really a shaking India is emerging. Yes selling mugs, recovery batches, dance baby dance, challenge shows, following emerging political leaders, etc., being the new platforms. Yes Cinema blooming with yester year stars sons and daughters and TV with yester year stars. Yes Young India on a rise in boycotting classes exams and even life for trivial reasons. Yeah everything that is unsafe now  is in  safe  hands of young vibrant India)

D)

Patriotic me:

Temples visited by more and more number of people indicating people's commitment towards religion and tradition. Festivals being celebrated with zeal and energy. Technology being pumped into every religious activity. Lot of TV channels now contributing in their own way. 

Pessimist Me:

( Yes now temple is a best tourist destination. Yes festivals being celebrated  with more zeal and energy and less devotion. Yes Tickets  for tirumal special sevas booked till 2045. thank you technology. Yes lot of TV channels now sell god for profit).

E)

Patriotic me:

We have seen comforts turn into necessities and luxuries into comforts. Mobile replaced land line. Mobile in every hand irrespective of caste, creed, status, urban-rural divide and gender.Scooter became a museum piece. Bikes on rise. Cars on a rise. Air travel on a rise.Everything on a rise........

Pessimist me

 ( Yes we have also seen necessities turn into dreams and impossibilities. Yes Mobile also replaced affectionate hello with a convenient hello. yes Bullock cart is still a symbol of rural India, museums have to wait.  Yes everything on a rise even prices of vegetables)

 F)

Patriotic Me

 A serious attempt to alleviate poverty is now a prime priority. Arogya sri, JGSY, Houses for poor, pensions, scholarships reservations, rice for Rs 2/- , bicycles for poor, TVs for poor, gas for poor, are now seriously implemented. Government, NGO's and a lot of good people are spreading their arms to help the poor.  

Pessimist Me:

( Yes, but please define poor. In this great country it is very easy for rich to prove that they are poor. But it is very difficult for poor to prove that they are poor. So its obvious where these programmes are headed.) 

G) 

Patriotic Me:   

DEMOCRACY IS DEEP ROOTED IN OUR GREAT NATION. ELECTIONS ARE PERIODICALLY HELD. POWER CHANGE IS SMOOTH. FREEDOM OF PRESS IS  PROTECTED. PRESS ARE FREE TO CRITICIZE THE GOVT WITHOUT FEAR.  SERIOUS CORRUPTION SCANDALS ARE BROUGHT INTO LIGHT BY THE PRESS.  THE COURTS PROTECT OUR RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTION.NEW LEADERS ARE EMERGING. PEOPLE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM. OF ALL THE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD INDIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHERE DIFFERENT PARTIES ARE RULING AND OPPOSITION TO ONE ANOTHER THANKS TO OUR FEDERAL SYSTEM.WE ARE TODAY THE LARGEST DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.--------------- PEOPLES VOICE INDIA'S VOICE

Pessimist Me:

 ( yes democracy is deep rooted with weak branches.yes election is a festival and vocation and entertainment and what not, therefore who will avoid such magnum opus now offered every three or four months in one or another part of the country. yes power change is smooth for it is only working principle, with changed equation you can be in power any time, power options open every second.Yes freedom of press is protected,  govt protects its support channel with power and opposition its channels through law. Yes we  can criticize wtihout fear but no one is listening. yes serious corruption scandals are brought into light, but don't forget it is only a ray of light at the end of a very long dark tunnel. Yes the courts are protecting  rights of likes of jessica lal and co. Yes People are unconscious of working of political system. Yes its a safe federal  option so that parties can eat national wealth accordingly. yes with 120 crore people and nearly 60% of them having votes we are the largest democratic country in the world, the right to vote made us democratic. yes people's voice - India's voice.............where is it...at cricket grounds, cinema halls, railway stations, bus stand, corridors, .........loud but never united---) 

ASHRAM:

No country is perfect. It took three hundred years for America to get to what it is today. All nations go through difficult phases. It takes courage and patience together to stand against tough times. Agreed certain of our sections of people are acting against the country's Interests. But there are a lot more than that limited who are striving for the cause of a great nation.Its time to block those who work against the interests of the country. As our student sreenivas praveen karanam said "lot was and is already said, lets start doing." As our well wisher Musafir said lets start cleansing ourselves first. Let us be perfect to demand a perfect nation. In the course and working towards perfection either imperfections slowly fizzle out or we shun them. Ashram on this republic day asks it students in and around to groom a new generation for a prosperous India.We are a country in transition. All these problems are a part of this transformation. Criticism every one can do. what is required is construction. We accept our parents, friends and even ourselves with all their defects and see to that our life is free from such defects. Do the same with your country. Accept it with the defects and try to reduce some and hand it over to next gen and ask them to do same. One day India becomes perfect.

                                                              HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY

  

vivekananda and you

Today is Swami Vivekananda jayanthi. National youth day. Ashram celebrates the spirit of youth and wants to share some view points of Swami Vivekananda with you.hope the following which swmaiji said will guide you throughout your life.

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is the way great spiritual giants are produced." 

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.

 In a day when you don't come across any problems --you can be sure you are travelling in a wrong path

“Face the brutes.” That is a lesson for all life—face the terrible, face it boldly. Like the monkeys, the hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee before them.

Beware of compromises. Hold on to your own principles in weal or woe and never adjust them to others’ “fads” through the greed of getting supporters. Your Atman is the support of the universe—whose support do you stand in need of?

After every happiness comes misery; they may be far apart or near. The more advanced the soul, the more quickly does one follow the other. What we want is neither happiness nor misery. Both make us forget our true nature; both are chains--one iron, one gold; behind both is the Atman, who knows neither happiness nor misery. These are states, and states must ever change; but the nature of the Atman is bliss, peace, unchanging. We have not to get it, we have it; only wash away the dross and see it.

Are great things ever done smoothly? Time, patience, and indomitable will must show.

Astrology and all these mystical things are generally signs of a weak mind; therefore as soon as they are becoming prominent in our minds, we should see a physician, take good food, and rest.

Be not afraid, for all great power throughout the history of humanity has been with the people. From out of their ranks have come all the greatest geniuses of the world, and history can only repeat itself. Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvelous work.

Be strong! Don’t talk of ghosts and devils. We are the living devils. The sign of life is strength and growth. The sign of death is weakness. Whatever is weak, avoid! It is death. If it is strength, go down into hell and get hold of it! There is salvation only for the brave.

Experience is the only teacher we have. We may talk and reason all our lives, but we shall not understand a word of truth until we experience it ourselves

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and everything else shall be added unto you.” This is the one great duty, this is renunciation. Live for an ideal, and leave no place in the mind for anything else

Go ahead India is awaiting you

here is a master piece. the 1893 speech of Swamiji

http://www.babynamesindia.com/mrmom/2007/06/18/swami-vivekanandas-speech-amazing-audio-from-1893/

joy grief and inspirations and ------------its january 2011

Yes Ashramites around and across.
The last few months presented all facets of human life. Being a part of different emotions is a teachers life.I have been in all kinds of emotions since August 2010.
What gives you joy. Joy when you see your trained kids at work and play
Images of Ashram in Aug 2010:

CAN YOU BE EVER AS JOYFUL AS ME

ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY..ARE WE?

SOME ONE IS ODDLY DRESSED...ITS HIS BIRTHDAY YAAR

CAN YOU EXPLAIN ME WHATS THIS INDEPENDENCE?

PERFECTION TO THE CORE --THE CHARACTER OF ASHRAM

STRAIGHT LINES

JOY & PRIDE BEING AN INDIAN

ASHRAMS TENTH STUDENTS

ASHRAMITES

MIXED BAG OF FEELINGS

JAGAN RISES



JAGAN AND ASHRAM ARE INSEPRABLE FOR THE VERY LIFE HAS COME FROM HIM. HE IS PROMOTED AND REACHING HIGH PIOINTS IN CAREER


SEKHAR FLIES TO US

FOR ME IF THERE IS SOME ONE WHO IS  COMPLETE MAN ITS SEKHAR.MEET HIM ONCE YOU WILL KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING. I  AM PROUD AND FORTUNATE - HE IS MY STUDENT

.

SWAMY

 Swamy my student proving tough. ALL the way in Delhi prpearing for a career turning exam-- details iam not disclosing. But his spirit is inspiring. Alone and serious about the aim. He knows the rule of the game_concentrate.He travelled throught the ayodhya crisis land on the verdict day despite being asked to postpone journey. Great Going

ITS A JOY TO WATCH YOUR STUDENT WITH THIS MOTTO

"TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST TOUGH PEOPLE DO"

SOMU COMPLETES PART A OF AMIE

SAD IAM NOT HAVING A PHOTO OF HIM BUT LEARN TO FIGHT AND SUCCEED FROM HIM. ITS A JOY TO WATCH HIM SCALE NEW HEIGHTS EVERY YEAR. FOR ME HE IS SUCCESS DEFINED

VIKRANTH BUYS A CAR AND HE IS STILL 24

VIKRANTH ITS A PURE JOY WHEN SOME ONE IS LIVING A COMPLETE LIFE

BTECH AT BITS PILANI

EMPLOYED AT ORACLE

AND

A PROUD SON

ALL SMILES AND WHY NOT HIS FATHER NO MORE NEEDS TO DRIVE .

HE EVEN APPOINTED A DRIVER

THE CHAIRPERSONS  SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY

TEARS..THEY TELL A LIFE STORY

FAMILY IN JOY

Ramesh Completes MCA

its his dream and he worked all the way for this. a gem of a person.this man is to be followed in many a life activities. ashram salutes the spirit of this man.

M SRINIVAS COMPLETES HIS COURSE AT UK AND ALL SET TO HOME

MY BONDING WITH HIM IS VERY SPECIAL AND ITS ONLY BETWEEN US

ASHRAM MEETS ITS MENTOR

ASHRAM WAS HIS BRAIN CHILD. TIME CIRCUMSTANCES WHATEVER DISTANCED HIM FOR A WHILE. ITS JOY UNLIMITED WATCHING HIM TAKE A STROLL IN THE SCHOOL

SATYASREE JOINS AU FOR BTECH COMP

ASHRAM SAW WITH GREAT JOY WHEN HER FINEST STUDENTS MADE IT TO AU. YOU CAN WATCH HER NAME IN VII STUDENTS LIST THE SECOND VIDEO IN THE MILESTONES POST.

ECOWASH

Joy of seeing your student emerging from Safety Zone to face a new world and doing things his own way is immeasurable.Santosh did it for me.Ecowash was laucnced by a 22 year old engineering graduate against all the odds. The following are the images of a rise:

This is Santosh Kumar Palisetti.

CEO

ECOWASH

THE FIRST CAR ---SIVA IN PIC

SWAROOP AND PRAVEEN AT THE CAR WASH

THE FIRST ORDER COMPLETE

It was a pure joy to watch them

AND MANY MORE. JOY WAS UNLIMTED WHEN THE NATURE SILED IN FORM OF BREEZE, RAIN AND SHINE. JOY FLOWED ON OCCASIONS WHENEVER THERE WAS FALL. MANY MORE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MY STUDENTS WHICH I HAVE NOT LISTED OWING TO MY HANDS PAIN WERE NO LESS

                                                                        INSPIRATION

MY FRIEND AND A GREAT WELL WISHER OF ASHRAM  RAJA GOPAL IS OPENING NEW AVENUES AND REWRITING CORPORATE STRATEGIES. CALMLY HE IS MAKING HIS FOOT PRINTS INTO THE CORPORATE SOILS OF INDIA. HIS EFFORTS AND DEDICATION WILL SERVE AS A INSPIRATION MORALE AND BREATHER FOR WHO TRY. ANY ONE WHO HAS COME CLOSE TO HOWARD ROARK ITS HIM.

THE FEW LINES ABOUT HIM AS I KNOW HIM:

"In the year 1995 a young man with broad vision and determination to mark his name in the field of Indian logistics scenario started his journey with only one vehicle towards greater avenues. He went on serving his clients in best of the way

From humble beginnings with only one truck and a hand full of staff members Aryan made a tryst with destiny then itself. By 1999 he Established Aryan Cargo Carriers, a proprietary concern. It progressed from being one man, one truck one office to a Private limited Company in 2009 .

TODAY HE OPENS UP ANOTHER BRANCH AT MUMBAI.
 Today Aryan Terrestrial Logistics Pvt Ltd stands proudly with the solid foundation laid by P.Raj Gopal Mitra Sri. Today as far as extensive infrastructure, strong foundation and skilled manpower are considered THEY have no parallel in Nagpur.

                                                                          GRIEF

grief followed in shadows and surrounded whenever it wanted

parents questioned the very platforms of ashram. they wanted it to be like other schools.

sekhars father met with serious health problems and finally passed away

rajgopal faced his bunch of tensions like hell

ramesh met with accident

anniversary cancelled owing to different reasons

even in sad times theres enough support from one to another

despite his accident and immobility ramesh went all the way with me to receive sekhar at airport. and across the globe umpteen number felt the anguish and shared their grief with sekhar.Ashram should have felt contented with its scores of arms reaching out to console a bereaved family

at the same time how can i forget its alone me and ramesh at hospital when ramesh met with accident, yet with a power we shared during our adverse times we remained calm and passed through. the lesson was tough

and life continues

Sri M.A.Naidu--A parent's profile

As entire country sleeps my student sekhar boards the flight from US to India to console his mother, sister and himself. Yesterday his father Sri M.A.Naidu passed away. As he travels back to meet his family my thought line travels back to 1994-95 when I first met his father.

Iam 21 at that stage. Young, Directionless and very emotional. And it was my first job at BVK sriharipuram.. And Sekhar was studying 9th class. Sri Naidu used to come on a cycle to drop his son to school or to enquire about his studies or to pay fees. Although many schools were available at that stage he chose BVK perhaps because the values it was famous for. I used to teach mathematics to the classes

The principal always feared sri Naidu and used to be very respectful to him of all the parents. I got the reason soon. He used to be very serious about lapses in education. And his questions on his sons performance very sharp.

Today Sekhar is a way ahead of all his friends at sriharipuram. His world at Hyderabad and US is completely different from the one at Sriharipuram.Whatever Sekhar achieved my brother attributes to his father.On all the important turning points Sekhars father took correct decisions and never made sekhars life confusing at any stage. Independence was very much given to sekhar in greater levels and of course in a defined way. Every parent should learn that art especially. Let it be10th or intermediate or engineering

naidu garu made the choice  look as it was sekhars but the wise part is he defined limitations.

At an age of 14 in 10th standard when sekhar wanted a long leave from school and make a study at my house 35 kilometres away from his Naidu garu went to the school and made it for his son. Today No parent I bet can take such a decision but he did.And that too with a positive hope that I will play a very important role in his sons life.Every moment in those days was a worthy memoir. IT WAS A LESSON FOR ME. I ALWAYS FELT THE HOPE OF NAIDU GARU FOLLOWING ME. HE FOR ME SHOWED WHAT PARENTS ASPIRATIONS ARE MADE OFF.AND IN ONE WAY HE MADE ME RESPONSIBLE.

During Intermediate he went with the wishes of sekhar but made sure that the college was good.He and my brother decided Santha junior college with Sekhars involvement.Today i often see parents behaving like  cranks when coming to make their kids ready for intermediate. Sri Naidu garu is no scholar but he was when parenting was concerned. He made it very much sure to his son that he was destined for greater heights.Sekhar for whatever he is today its because of the platform his father laid for him........

When Sekhar failed to get good rank iun his first attempt at EAMCET he was sad. I still remember  he came to my brother. they had a thorough discussion.Sekhar was involved. Finally it was decided to give EAMCET a second attempt while joining in BSc at Krishna college. Sekhar got what he wanted. he worked hard. got a good rank. Joined in Mechanical at gitam.

For all of you it may appear simple. For me it is a father's desire to see his son develop and a sons ambition never crushed under silly pranks. A  combination of support and aim, encouragement and performance, drive and accomplishment was seen in that father son duo defined. And great thing is  they never showed this in a great way.Dear parents all over, learn this.This is an art implemented by a man long ago.Ambition of a son

and a father's input to achieve it.

I missed Naidu garu later. 

But Sekhar grew before my eyes.

Values he never missed /friends he always supported / job he gave his 100%/ money he managed in a great way /peace he made it a companion even during crisis/ ,................................and in the process travelled to japan and now in US. I always argued its his success -----------my brother countered no its his father's.

Last September Sri Naidu garu fell sick. Health slipped slowly and he finally succumbed yesterday. I was with him through all this. I saw a powerful man finally bowing before god. Leaving his son in severe pain he left

For me he is a parent whose choice is clear----empowerment and enlightenment of his kid. Today's parents have multiple choices and their choice--realisation of their dreams through the kid.Sri M.A.Naidu is a way ahead of this generation

Death tore us apart Sir. But I miss you and sure my brother misses you. You remind us our father.

Sekhar will miss his father for ever 

Me and my brother a caring parent for ever.

And for me sri M.AppalaNaidu is not a name. Its a feeling of parenting and today i feel its a tool for my success  as a teacher.                       

 Thank you sir.

let your soul rest in peace and your family under your blessings prosper well