"Teach yourselves, teach everyone his real nature, call upon the sleeping soul and see how it awakes. Power will come, glory will come, goodness will come, purity will come, and everything that is excellent will come when this sleeping soul is roused to self-conscious activity."

"They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive."

The above statements were made by one of the greatest souls whose words when digested strengthened the mind and body of innumerable human beings all over the world. The words poured out of his love for the human race. Swami Vivekananda. 

The month of September is a remarkable month in Indian calendar as it is this month where Swami Vivekananda started making mother India proud through his series of enlightening speeches. It was on 11th September 1893 through his beginning words (Sisters and Brothers) he made it clear that he comes from the very corner of our hearts - as if it is the language of the heart. And it took no time for ladies and gentlemen over the world to gather round him to listen to him.

In our gathering on 13th September, we tried to contribute our feelings, our salutations to this great soul of Mother India. We began with a devotional song written on Swami Vivekananda. 


Swami Vivekananda Vandana (meaning prayer) (Murta Maheshwara)  

                Link to the song:: Murta Maheshwara  

               The lyrics of the devotional song and an english translation of the song can be obtained here

Then we went through the opening address of Swami Vivekananda and two other speeches delivered on 17th (why we disagree; Link) and 23rd (concluding speech) of September. Two simple examples from the two speeches were enough to carry out the discussion for the remaining time of the day. 


But why Vivekananda? What do we get in recalling his words??  
          Had there been a youth icon that can represent India better? Any doubt can only be clarified by reading and following his words very closely. 

   

Sacrifice of mother

 Refugee Mothers: Stories of Sacrifice and Love                                                 

Mothers are known for doing anything for their children. Jamila Abdulle’s story is an example of how true that sentiment is amongst refugee mothers.

In 2009, Jamila had to walk 1,200 kilometers to another country, while carrying her sick child in her arms in hopes of seeking medical attention. She made the journey from Mogadishu, Somalia to Kampala, Uganda to save her then 5-year-old daughter, Sagal. Sagal was born with a hole in her heart and was in desperate need of medical attention which was nowhere to be found in the war-torn area the family called home.

So Jamila made the difficult decision to leave behind her husband and seven other children to seek help. She joined a traveling group of men, elderly women and children and physically carried Sagal the entire way to Kampala for 21 days. Jamila even helped a pregnant woman in the group deliver along the way, using the knowledge she received from a nursing training program she had gone through. Sadly, Sagal’s condition grew worse along the treacherous journey.

Fortunately Jamila met another Somali family in a refugee camp in Kampala who referred her to a hospital run by the United Nations. From there, arrangements were made to send Jamila and Sagal to Phoenix through the International Rescue Committee in September 2011. Upon arriving, Sagal received open-heart surgery and is much healthier now. Sagal can now run and play with the other children in her neighborhood.

Challenges still lie ahead for Jamila in her new home. She has gotten by so far on assistance from the IRC and lives in Chandler with two Somali friends she became friends with upon after her arrival. The IRC is providing Jamila with critical employment services including vocational training and job applications. Despite those obstacles, Jamila has much to be hopeful for in Phoenix. She is happy her daughter is healing and says her favorite part of being a mother is “the beauty of being with my kids.”

April Chiu and Rud Moe are two student volunteers with Community Outreach and Advocacy for Refugees (COAR) at Arizona State University who met Jamila in October 2011 and can attest to her determined and passionate spirit. The IRC partners with COAR to provide newly arrived refugees with mentors who help them learn English and become familiar with American culture.

April said Jamila has done an exceptional job in caring for not only herself, but her daughter as well. “Both Jamila and Sagal are extremely intelligent, independent, and positive individuals. They are very compassionate and are very hospitable whenever my partner and I visit them in their home,” she said. “They are also very eager to learn new things, especially the English language. I feel that despite the language barrier we've been able to connect with Jamila and Sagal and are very fond of them.”

“Even though learning another language from scratch is a daunting task, Jamila has kept with it consistently. She is very sharp and pragmatic about her situation as a new immigrant.” Rud said.

Jamila hopes the rest of her family will join her in Phoenix as soon as possible. With the help of the IRC Jamila wants to learn English, find employment and eventually buy her own home.  What ultimately gives her strength she said is her desire to complete her nursing training so she can have more opportunities. No matter what it takes, Jamila is willing to go above and beyond for her family and that’s what makes her a woman to celebrate.

Our happiness lies in the happiness of our parents..

[ Posted based on interactions on .............................. by ...............................]

It very often happens that we become a part of the busy and careless world and we observe and hear everything that is available in the outside world. But we forget listening to the heart. We forget that love and affection is the basic requirement with which you can conquer the world.. Parents do not take anything from that while they help us grow.. but do we do the same thing when they need us? Interacting with them with a smile on your face, caring for them, .....

Here is a small video which nicely reminds us or warns us of our responsibilities..   our happiness...

A MUST WATCH VIDEO FOR EVERY YOUTH (True love of Parents)

Or you can go to the link::  FATHER AND SON

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Came across another short poem surfed by one of the students (Karan) which is given below

But we never forget that we come from our mother's womb :)

SACRIFICE OF A MOTHER TO SAVE HER SON"JAPAN TRAGEDY"

This tragedy is created by Irene Torejas Sajulga.For this you can also visit to the link   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BxSkL9RZ9A

Mothers Sacrifice

(interactions on 17th May)

MOTHER'S SACRIFICE TO SAVE HER SON

'JAPAN TRAGEDY' By Irene

This post is a true story of a MOTHER's SACRIFICE during the Japan earthquake.

 When you will read this true story then you can understand the sacrifice, love of a mother.

 In reality mother is the world for her son.

Only she brings us in the world,she nurtures and wants to protect us in any DIFFICULTY.                            

To read this story please go to the link:

a mother sacrifice to save her son'japan tragedy'by' irene '

Take up one idea - Make that one idea your life

(interactions on 25th May, 2013)


"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. " - Swami Vivekananda

After watching the clips on inspiring words from Swami Vivekananda, (undoubtedly) India's national hero, and whose words, lectures, writings and teachings brought India to the forefront of international repute (as is being evident from the words of eminent personalities on Swami Vivekananda - Link), all present tried to take up the quote that appears at the beginning of the post. That is, try to take up only one idea, and make that one idea one's own life.

That way, the  present viz. Nishant (Singh), Mradul, Ujjwal, Ajit, Kamal, Lokesh, Amit Kumar, Varun, Subham, Rakesh, Prashant, Anmol, Nitish, Akshay and Subhendu tried to focus on one idea which will be the idea of life. Accordingly, the following ideas came up from individual's mind.

Ajit - to be free

Akshay - Keep everyone happy (maintaining a good relation with every one)

Amit - be a good person

Anmol - keep parents happy

Kamal - be happy

Lokesh - be happy and make others happy

Mradul - to be free

Nishant - be perfect

Nitish - to keep parents and other family members happy

Prashant - build up a Character

Rakesh - to keep parent happy

Subham - Dedicate everything to parents (Late Yogendra Prasad Bhagat and Manju Devi)

Subhendu - Live in the moment

Ujjwal - Keep parent happy

Varun - to clear IAS


   It is observed that all had in their minds highest regards for their parents, family and concern for the society too. Also each one wants to be happy. Somewhere the writer had noted a quote "It is simple to be happy but it is difficult to be simple". 

  Thus the greatest challenge has been posed by themselves who have been present and it is up to them who can live up to the idea .. :)

Hum Chale Nek Raste pe hamesha

(interactions on 10th May, 2013)

Every good work should start with a prayer. A prayer for our parents who gave  us everything...

 Prayer : Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Daata - Ankush

Itanii Shakti Hamen De Na Daataa
Mankaa Vishvaas Kamzor Ho Naa
Hum Chalen Nek Raaste Pe Hamse
Bhulkar Bhii Koi Bhuul Ho Naa

( Har Taraf Zulm Hai Bebasii Hai
Sahamaa-Sahamaa-Saa Har Aadamii Hai
Paap Kaa Bojh Badhataa Hii Jaaye
Jaane Kaise Ye Dharatii Thamii Hai
Bojh Mamataa Kaa Tu Ye Uthaa Le
Terii Rachanaa Ka Ye Ant Ho Naa
Ham Chale... )

Dur Agyaan Ke Ho Andhere
Tu Humen Gyaan Kii Raushanii De
Har Buraaii Se Bachte Rahen Ham
Jitni Bhii De, Bhalii Zindagii De
Bair Ho Naa Kisikaa Kisiise
Bhaavanaa Man Men Badle Kii Ho Naa
Hum Chale...

Hum Na Sochen Hamen Kyaa Milaa Hai
Ham Ye Sochen Kiyaa Kyaa Hai Arpan
Phuul Khushiyon Ke Baaten Sabhii Ko
Sabka Jiivan Hii Ban Jaaye Madhuban
Apanii Karunaa Ko Jab Tu Bahaa De
Karde Paavan Har Ik Man Kaa Konaa
Hum Chale...

 ( Hum Andhere Men Hain Raushanii De,
Kho Naa De Khud Ko Hii Dush{}Manii Se,
Ham Sazaa Paaye Apane Kiye Kii,
Maut Bhii Ho To Sah Le Khushii Se,
Kal Jo Guzaraa Hai Phirase Naa Guzare,
Aanevaalaa Vo Kal Aisaa Ho Naa
Ham Chale Nek Raaste Pe Hamase,
Bhulakar Bhii Koi Bhuul Ho Naa
Itanii Shakti Hamen De Naa Daataa,
Manakaa VishVaas Kamazor Ho Naa... )

DEFEAT IS NOT FAILURE :: NEVER GIVE UP your GOALS :: GO ! LIVE your LIFE WITHOUT FEAR !! :: Posted by ujwal kumar singh (CSE - 1st year)

based on the interactions on 26th April, 2013.. 
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Defeat is never a FAILURE, unless you allow it to be. Defeat is just a learning process, just a small detour on the journey of success. If you STOP, then failure is DEFEAT, if you PERSEVERE, then failure is merely a step forward on the path destined to SUCCESS !! .....

The below mentioned link shows a video about great human beings viz. Mr. Abraham Lincoln, Lucille Ball, Mr. Michael Jordan, Mr. Walt Disney, and others who triumphed even after facing many difficulties... :) :) ^_^

Link : Defeat is NEVER a Failure 

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When we are specific, we harness the power of our dreams and set forces into action that empower us to achieve our goals. We then know exactly what it is we are shooting for. I hope this short video encourage you to " Press On" and never ever give up on yourself and your goals..... :) :) ^_^

 For the video, go to the below mentioned link-

Link : NEVER GIVE UP your GOALS..

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Go live your life without fear, because fear is what holds us back from our dreams.....

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There  is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest, the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other..... :) :) ^_^

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11 RULES YOU WILL NEVER LEARN IN SCHOOL (Posted by - ujwal kumar singh (CSE - 1st year) )

(interactions on 26th April)

Mr. Bill Gates gave a speech at a High School in 2010, about 11 things we did not and will not learn in school. He talked about how to feel-good. Politically correct teachings have created a generation of kids with no concepts of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world..... :) :) ^_^

Link : Eleven Rules U'll Never Learn in School - Bill Gates

Rules are as follows:-

Rule 1 :-  Life is not fair - get used to it.....

Rule 2 :- The world doesn't  care about your self-esteem. The world
               will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you       
               feel good about yourself.....

Rule 3 :- You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high   
               school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone 
               until you earn both.....

Rule 4 :- If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a 
               boss.....

Rule 5 :- Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your    
               Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: 
               they called it opportunity.....

Rule 6 :- If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine 
               about your mistakes, learn from them.....

Rule 7 :- Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as  
               they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, 
               cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how 
               cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain 
               forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try
               delousing the closet in your own room.....

Rule 8 :- Your school may have done away with winners and losers, 
                but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished 
                failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as 
                you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the 
                slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.....

Rule 9 :- Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers 
               off and very few employers are interested in helping you 
               FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.....

Rule 10 :- Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually
                 have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.....

Rule 11 :- Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for 
                 one.....

A MOTHER'S LOVE (SONG) - BY JIM BRICKMAN (posted by- ujwal kumar singh (CSE - 1st year)

(interactions on 26th April, 2013.. )

I want to dedicate this post to my lovely MOM- RITA SINHA. She has made many sacrifices to make me happy, a well-educated, kind-hearted and successful person. She got three opportunity to become a teacher in my village school but she sacrificed those opportunities for my future, as she wanted to stay in the city with me, for my better education, and many more..... My love for her is un-measurable..... and I really really thank her, for all her love and sacrifices for me..... :) :) :* :* ^_^

According to me,
 A mother means the WORLD to a child, it is she who makes many SACRIFICES in life to give the BEST to her children. So, whenever we get chance, we should give our best to make her feel that how SPECIAL her LOVE for us is. We should always make different efforts to letting her know what she really means to us and how much we love her..... :) :) ^_^

[I would like to dedicate this song to my mother. For the song's video go to the below mentioned link]

Link : Mother's Love - Jim Brickman

LYRICS OF THE SONG -

Thank you for watching over me,
All of the sleepless nights you lay awake.
Thank you for knowing
when to hold me close
when to let me go.....

Thank you for every stepping stone
And for the path that always leads me home.
I thank you for the time you took
to see the heart inside of me.....

You gave me the roots to start this life
And then you gave me wings to fly
And I learned to dream
because you believed in me.....

There's no  power like it on this earth
No treasure equal to its worth
The GIFT of a mother's love..... :) :)

Thank you for every sunlit day
That filled the corners of my memory
Thank you for every selfless unsung deed
I know you did for me.....

Thank you for giving me the choice
To search my soul till I could find my voice
And I thank you for teaching me
To be strong enough to bend.....


You gave me the roots to start this life
And then you gave me wings to fly
And I learned to dream
because you believed in me.....

There's no  power like it on this earth
No treasure equal to its worth
The GIFT of a mother's love..... :) :)

I THANK GOD FOR A MOTHER'S LOVE..... :) :) ^_^

MEDITATION - Ujwal kumar singh (CSE - 1st year)

In Utsarg, we begin with a meditation.. we try to meditate for 5 mins before any interaction.. (26th April, 2013)

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Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the MIND or induces a mode of CONSCIOUSNESS either to realize some benefits or as an end in itself.

The term "Meditation" refers to a broad variety of practices ( much like the term sports) that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life forces and develops Compassion, Love, Patience, Generosity and Forgiveness..... :) :) ^_^

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Swami VIvekananda's Messages

(interactions on 10th May, 2013)

Do not worry about what others are doing .Think about your limitation. Whatever you are doing, may not be enough for others but for you that should be sufficient.  Don’t worry about your life. If your today is good your future will be better.  So Live in today and try to complete the work in time that can give you happiness…………………..

                                                                           

Messages given by Vivekananda with his own stories........

लक्ष्य पर ध्यान लगाओ

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.

In Hindi:  एक विचार लो  . उस  विचार  को  अपना जीवन  बना  लो - उसके  बारे  में  सोचो  उसके  सपने  देखो , उस  विचार  को  जियो  . अपने  मस्तिष्क , मांसपेशियों , नसों , शरीर  के  हर  हिस्से  को  उस विचार में  डूब  जाने  दो , और  बाकी  सभी विचार  को  किनारे  रख  दो . यही सफल  होने  का तरीका  है.

                                                                                                              Swami  Vivekananda

स्वामी विवेकानंद अमेरिका में भ्रमण कर रहे थे . एक जगह से गुजरते हुए उन्होंने पुल पर खड़े  कुछ लड़कों को नदी में तैर रहे अंडे के छिलकों पर बन्दूक से निशाना लगाते देखा . किसी भी लड़के का एक भी निशाना सही नहीं लग रहा था . तब उन्होंने ने एक लड़के से बन्दूक ली और खुद निशाना लगाने लगे . उन्होंने पहला निशाना लगाया और वो बिलकुल सही लगा ….. फिर एक के बाद एक उन्होंने कुल 12 निशाने लगाये और सभी बिलकुल सटीक लगे . ये देख लड़के दंग रह गए और उनसे पुछा , ” भला आप ये कैसे कर लेते हैं ?”

स्वामी जी बोले , “तुम जो भी कर रहे हो अपना पूरा दिमाग उसी एक काम में लगाओ. अगर तुम निशाना लगा रहे हो तो तम्हारा पूरा ध्यान सिर्फ अपने लक्ष्य पर होना चाहिए. तब तुम कभी चूकोगे नहीं . अगर तुम अपना पाठ पढ़ रहे हो तो सिर्फ पाठ के बारे में सोचो . मेरे देश में बच्चों को ये करना सिखाया जाता है.

  ———————————————–

डर का सामना 

Be not Afraid of anything. You will do Marvelous work. it is Fearlessness that brings Heaven even in a moment.

In Hindi: किसी  चीज  से  डरो मत . तुम  अद्भुत  काम  करोगे . यह  निर्भयता  ही  है  जो   क्षण  भर  में  परम  आनंद  लाती  है .

Swami Vivekananda

एक बार बनारस में स्वामी जी दुर्गा जी के मंदिर से निकल रहे थे की तभी वहां मौजूद  बहुत सारे बंदरों ने उन्हें घेर लिया. वे उनके नज़दीक आने लगे और डराने लगे . स्वामी जी भयभीत हो गए और खुद को बचाने के लिए दौड़ कर भागने लगे, पर बन्दर तो मानो पीछे ही पड़ गए, और वे उन्हें दौडाने लगे. पास खड़ा एक वृद्ध सन्यासी ये सब देख रहा था , उसने स्वामी जी को रोका और बोला , ” रुको ! उनका सामना करो !”

स्वामी जी तुरन्त पलटे  और बंदरों के तरफ बढ़ने लगे , ऐसा करते ही सभी बन्दर भाग गए . इस घटना से स्वामी जी को एक गंभीर सीख मिली और कई सालों बाद उन्होंने एक संबोधन में कहा भी – ” यदि तुम कभी किसी चीज से भयभीत हो तो उससे भागो मत , पलटो और सामना करो.”

   ———————————————–

सच बोलने की हिम्मत

Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

                                                                                                                            Swami Vivekananda

स्वामी विवेकानंदा प्रारंभ से ही एक मेधावी छात्र थे और सभी उनके व्यक्तित्व और वाणी से प्रभावित  रहते थे. जब वो साथी छात्रों से कुछ बताते तो सब मंत्रमुग्ध हो उन्हें सुनते. एक दिन इंटरवल के दौरान वो कक्षा में कुछ मित्रों को कहानी सुना रहे थे , सभी उनकी बातें सुनने में इतने मग्न थे की उन्हें पता ही नहीं चला की कब मास्टर जी कक्षा में आये औरs पढ़ाना शुरू कर दिया.

मास्टर जी ने अभी पढ़ना शुरू ही किया था कि उन्हें कुछ फुसफुसाहट सुनाई दी.

” कौन बात कर रहा है ?” उन्होंने तेज आवाज़ में पूछा . सभी ने स्वामी जी और उनके साथ बैठे छात्रों किई तरफ इशारा कर दिया.

मास्टर जी  तुरंत क्रोधित हो गए, उन्होंने तुरंत उन छात्रों को बुलाया और  पाठ से संबधित एक प्रश्न पूछने लगे. जब कोई भी उत्तर न दे सका ,तब अंत में मास्टर जी ने  स्वामी जी से भी वही प्रश्न किया . पर स्वामी जी तो मानो सब कुछ पहले से ही जानते हों , उन्होंने आसानी से उत्तर दे दिया.

यह देख उन्हें यकीन हो गया कि स्वामी जी पाठ पर ध्यान दे रहे थे और बाकी छात्र बात-चीत में लगे हुए थे. फिर क्या था उन्होंने स्वामी जी को छोड़ सभी को बेंच पर खड़े होने की सजा दे दी . सभी छात्र एक -एक कर बेच पर खड़े होने लगे, स्वामी जे ने भी यही किया.

तब मास्टर जी बोले, ” नरेन्द्र (स्वामी विवेकानंद )) तुम बैठ जाओ.”

” नहीं सर , मुझे भी खड़ा होना होगा क्योंकि वो मैं ही था जो इन छात्रों से बात कर रहा था.”,स्वामी जी ने आग्रह किया.

        

Posted by Kamal,   on behalf of Utsarg 

  17th may 2013