Awesome India !!!

We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made - Albert Einstein

Namaste, (An Indian scholar defines - in literal terms Namaste refers to 'That which is of God in me bows to that which is of God in you') the moment you step into India, in all probability, the first word you will get to hear will be Namaste! The symbolism of the two palms touching each other is of great significance.

"Unity in Diversity" - India's languages, religions, customs, festivals, architecture, costumes, food, dance and music differ from place to place within the country form an inseparable part of its culture, but possess a commonality. India is the only country in the world to possess numerous religions and beliefs.

Several aspects of India's diversified culture — like Indian religions, yoga and Indian cuisine — have had a profound impact across the world. Indian cuisine is one amongst the most popular cuisines across the world, best known for its delicate use of herbs and spices and for its tandoori grilling techniques.

All members of the family sit and share their daily experiences during dinner time. Family plays an important role in the Indian culture.

The festivals of all religions are celebrated throughout the nation bringing everyone closer. Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan and Dussehra. Worn by Indian women on their forehead, the bindi is considered to be a highly auspicious mark in Hindu religion.

Indian dance too has diverse folk and classical forms. Among the famous folk dances are Bhangra of the Punjab, Ghoomar of Rajasthan, Dandiya and Garba of Gujarat and in Classical dance are Bharatanatyam, Kathakali etc.

Cave paintings from Ajanta and Ellora and temple paintings testify to a love of naturalism. A fresh colored flour design (Rangoli) is still a typical sight outside the doorstep of the many Indian homes.

“Respect One Another” is in the roots of Indian culture. Indian culture has been adopting elements of foreign cultures over the years. Many foodstuffs from overseas are now well ingrained into the Indian cuisine. It is not that the Indian culture and traditions are getting killed. Rather good things from various cultures are getting accepted and adapted, adding a new flavour, a new aspect to our way of life. The valuable ones will be taken and consolidated. This is a process of development. It will make the Awesome Indian experience unique and precious.

India is an emerging superpower. A Young, dynamic and optimistic India is all fueled to be a success story of our time. The country is on track to have the largest economy by 2050. India is a rising giant whose influence is being felt not only in the Indian Ocean, but in the Americas, in Africa, West Asia, and in Central Asia.

This optimism is likely dictated by knowledge of India’s great population and potential, and by the confident, even brash, views of a rising middle class, determinedly nationalistic ‘netizens’. More Important is the fact that this netizens of the country have not forgotten the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, democracy and the freedom movement, but have very modern notions of India that range from taking oath to fight against terrorism to support the likes of Anna Hazare.

Specially for Indian Women

Don’t worry, Be happy : Chetan Bhagat's Article in TOI

Alright, this is not cool at all. A recent survey by Nielsen has revealed that Indian women are the most stressed out in the world: 87% of our women feel stressed out most of the time. This statistic alone has caused me to stress out. Even in workaholic America, only 53% women feel stressed.

What are we doing to our women? I'm biased, but Indian women are the most beautiful in the world. As mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues, wives and girlfriends - we love them. Can you imagine life without the ladies?

It would be a universe full of messy, aggressive and egomaniacal males running the world, trying to outdo each other for no particular reason. There would be body odour, socks on the floor and nothing in the fridge to eat. The entertainment industry would die. Who wants to watch movies without actresses?

We look up to corrupt politicians, keep voting them back, and feel they have an entitlement to loot us silly, because they are in power. In fact, we love power so much that when power comes to a woman, we automatically begin to regard her well too. Goddesses, female politicians, senior mothers in a household with a firm grip on family power - they all get our respect. Anyone else doesn't.

For now, I want to give Indian women five suggestions to reduce their stress levels.

One, don't ever think you are without power. Give it back to that mother-in-law. Be who you are, not someone she wished you would be. She doesn't like you? That's her problem.

Two, if you are doing a good job at work and your boss doesn't value you - tell him that, or quit. Talented, hard-working people are much in demand.

Three, educate yourself, learn skills, network - figure out ways to be economically independent. So next time your husband tells you that you are not a good enough wife, mother or daughter-in-law, you can tell him to take a hike.

Four, do not ever feel stressed about having a dual responsibility of family and work. It is difficult, but not impossible. The trick is not to expect an A+ in every aspect of your life. You are not taking an exam, and you frankly can't score cent per cent (unless you are in SRCC, of course). It is okay if you don't make four dishes for lunch, one can fill their stomach with one. It is okay if you don't work until midnight and don't get a promotion. Nobody remembers their job designation on their dying day.

Five, most important, don't get competitive with other women. Someone will make a better scrapbook for her school project than you. Another will lose more weight with a better diet. Your neighbour may make a six-dabba tiffin for her husband, you don't - big deal. Do your best, but don't keep looking out for the report card, and definitely don't expect to top the class. There is no ideal woman in this world, and if you strive to become one, there will be only one thing you will achieve for certain – stress.

So breathe, chill, relax. Tell yourself you are beautiful, do your best and deserve a peaceful life. Anybody trying to take that away from you is making a mistake, not you. Your purpose of coming to this earth is not to please everyone. Your purpose is to offer what you have to the world, and have a good life in return. The next time this survey comes, i don't want to see Indian women on top of the list. I want them to be the happiest women in the world. Now smile, before your mother-in-law shouts at you for wasting your time reading the newspaper.

Cherish Womanhood.

A Chuckle A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

I’m a big believer in laughter, and I think it’s important to have somebody who can make you laugh, so I thought why not me for all my visitors over here. Laughter is actually an excellent remedy for stress.

I checked the site by Mark Anderson "Andertoons", it is great site with variety of cartoons for daily life. I am linking few of them here on my website which are updated daily. Thanks to him.

You can check them daily of the front page on the right side under "Daily Cartoons."

I’m glad and honored to have the opportunity to showcase Mark's work on my blog. I always appreciate other people’s talents and the hard work they’ve put into making their dreams and passions a reality.

It happens only in India

click on the photo to see more

This is a fun post featuring some hilarious photographs from India. India is a beautiful country. It has rich culture and great traditions. I will write about it in my next post 'Awesome India' soon.