Some things will be very small in our life but will leave a lasting impression and keep coming in front of our eyes as memories. It can be anything, a place, a moment with friends, a person, an encounter with a known or unknown person, an embarrassing situation, an accidental event. As I said earlier it can be anything. Some faces will keep coming in front of your eyes when u think of a situation, some words ring a bell in your ears when you think of a conversation. This will happen for years. I don’t know what we call these phenomena. I would like to register some of my own experiences.
Ajji Angadi : Believe me, this shop didn’t have any board and was of a very small size. May be 5X10 feet in size which was partitioned into 2 compartments. Front end was the shop and the back portion is where the granny used to live. I am not sure how old that granny was but from my UKG / 1st standard up till my college days, she used to look the same as if she had stopped growing. The shop was at a mere 100 yards away from my school and was buzzing during breaks with pupils. She used to sell limited items may be because of the budget constraints or size of the shop. Our favorites were lemon peppermint (in Kannda, nimbe huli), ginger mint( Shunti peppermint) and small biscuits. Peppermint will cost you 5 paise each and 5 biscuits for 10 paise. I am talking about 1983 / 84. What more can you ask for. Perfectly suites our bill. Carry 25 paise and fill your pocket. Granny was a totally unfriendly business woman. Always had paan in her mouth, no smile and don’t care attitude. I heard that she passed away, recently. I have not seen her at least for a decade now but I keep remembering my visit to this shop. The irony is, may be throughout my life I would have at max done 250 Rs of business with her. I really appreciate her for leading such an independent and simple life.
My primary school : To be called as Sri Vani Vidya Mandira, situated very much in a lower middle class and middle class area in Mysore. Govt aided, only Kannada medium and was only till 7th std. It was running in 3 different locations in which 2 were in rented premises. As I know, my parents selected this school only on one merit, that It was hardly 500 yards from our house. In fact, my two sisters and a brother also studied in the same school. Each standard had two sections, A and B with a max strength of 30 pupils in each section. Most of the students used to be from the same locality, all of them would get to school on foot, accompanied by his / her brother / sister who also used to study in the same school. No autos, no jatakas. Only two or three students used to come by bicycle. Except one or two, even the teachers used to come by walk. It was so local. I still remember paying 6 Rs fees / month of my 7th Standard. Used to have one Physical Training ( PT) session for a week and eagerly wait for it. Monday to Friday we would sing one prayer and on Saturday a different one. White shirt and blue ‘nikkar’ was the outfit and whites on the Saturday. There was and is a shop called “ Jain Appealrs” who sell only uniforms which is the place where we used to buy from. I bet pupils from Vidyaranyapuram and Chamundi Puram used to buy only from this shop. As far as I know, during my 7th standard my tie would cost 5 Rs and 3 rs for the badge. I always hated to go to school and my uncle Mr Govinda Rao used to drop me every day. The only reason I agreed to go with him was ‘cause he used to get me cream biscuit on the way from a cycle shop. Till today I don’t know why that cycle shop guy used to sell Cream biscuits !!!
Take Away : Small is not really small !!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Why am I so much impressed with Mr S. L Bhyrappa?
It’s the Sunday, 24th the May, a very pleasant weather all the way through the day. I got busy without any specific reason. Went out, hunting for a site/ flat, which I am doing from a long time, with no success. But not to lose hope.
I am myself unable to understand and answer the above question. Even though I knew about SLB, it was my sister, who very recently introduced me to his books. I took the book from her, but kept it for more than a month, without turning a single page. One fine day I just started reading it, called “ Anavarana” and you don’t believe, I finished that in no time and am now reading the second one, his biography “Bitthi “.
It’s like, love at first sight. Without my knowledge, I have developed huge respect for him and for sure will read all his writings down the line. May be it’s the simplicity, facts, experience, in depth knowledge of the subject, straight forwardness, strong hold of the language, unbelievable memory – giving dates, names and figures are some of the things which makes him stand apart from the peer writers.
As I remember, “Anavarana” had at least 30 – 40 book references mentioned in its last page. Am sure he would have read and visited much more books and places to carve such a beauty. I also heard that , there was a lot of controversy when this book was released, but for sure the facts given by SLB outstood and put a full stop to all the false cry. Razia’s character, stands for a long time in the reader’s memory.
“Bitti”, his autobiography is a mind blowing piece of work. A mirror to struggling and the hard path which he has taken. Very few people can be so honest while penning down their journey. The book opens a new world for you. Gives a clear picture of the life during 1940’s and so on. Talks about the socio-economic situations, deadly diseases, transport, education system, student life, food, value for the money, people, castism, beauty of Mysore, and many more things. How can one write so openly about his cruel father ? I am not getting any writers name here. Its very easy today for us to sit on a sofa and read what he has gone through, but only the person who goes through it knows the pain. I salute him. The way he has written about the pain and the loneliness in the days after his mother passed away, makes you think, how cruel was the life, towards him. Can’t even imagine.
It’s so strange that, during 2002/03, SLB’s son Mr. Ravishankar, came down to my house in Middleborough, UK. That time, even though I knew SLB was a big time Kannada writer, I had never read any of his writings. For sure I will put 100% effort to meet SLB in Mysore, some day. Only one common factor between me and SLB is, both are Mysoreans !!!
Take away : I will try to be as simple as possible in my life. When a legend like SLB can be so simple, why can’t I ?
About SLB : ( Source : http://www.wikipedia.com/)
Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa (born July 26, 1934), is a Kannada novelist, whose works are immensely popular both within India and abroad. Bhyrappa is widely regarded as one of India's foremost modern-day writers.His novels are unique in terms of theme, structure, and characterization.He has been among the top selling authors of Kannada, Hindi and Marathi for the past several years.Most of his works reveal the theme of Advaita vedanta and search of truth. Although S. L. Bhyrappa participated in the freedom struggle of Indian Independence at an early age, he believes that Indian Independence was just a political freedom from British rule, and the real Independence is the intellectual freedom which is nurtured by the strong foundations laid in the teachings of rich Indian culture and values.
Written Gems :
Novels
Dharmashree (1961)
Doora saridaru (1962)
Matadaana (1965)
Vamshavraksha (1965)
Jalapaata (1967)
Naayi Neralu (1968) -
Tabbaliyu neenaade magane (1968)
Gruhabhanga (1970)
Nirakarana (1971)
Grahana (1972)
Dhaatu (1973)
Anweshane (1976)
Parva(1979)
Nele (1983)
Saakshi (1986)
Anchu (1990)
Tantu (1993)
Saartha (1998)
Mandra (2001)
Bheemakaaya (2004/2005)
Aavarana (2007)
Autobiography
Bhitti
Philosophy
Satya mattu Soundarya (1966) (Doctoral thesis)
Saahitya mattu Prateeka (1967)
Kathe mattu Kathavastu (1969)
Naaneke Bareyuttene? (1980)
I am myself unable to understand and answer the above question. Even though I knew about SLB, it was my sister, who very recently introduced me to his books. I took the book from her, but kept it for more than a month, without turning a single page. One fine day I just started reading it, called “ Anavarana” and you don’t believe, I finished that in no time and am now reading the second one, his biography “Bitthi “.
It’s like, love at first sight. Without my knowledge, I have developed huge respect for him and for sure will read all his writings down the line. May be it’s the simplicity, facts, experience, in depth knowledge of the subject, straight forwardness, strong hold of the language, unbelievable memory – giving dates, names and figures are some of the things which makes him stand apart from the peer writers.
As I remember, “Anavarana” had at least 30 – 40 book references mentioned in its last page. Am sure he would have read and visited much more books and places to carve such a beauty. I also heard that , there was a lot of controversy when this book was released, but for sure the facts given by SLB outstood and put a full stop to all the false cry. Razia’s character, stands for a long time in the reader’s memory.
“Bitti”, his autobiography is a mind blowing piece of work. A mirror to struggling and the hard path which he has taken. Very few people can be so honest while penning down their journey. The book opens a new world for you. Gives a clear picture of the life during 1940’s and so on. Talks about the socio-economic situations, deadly diseases, transport, education system, student life, food, value for the money, people, castism, beauty of Mysore, and many more things. How can one write so openly about his cruel father ? I am not getting any writers name here. Its very easy today for us to sit on a sofa and read what he has gone through, but only the person who goes through it knows the pain. I salute him. The way he has written about the pain and the loneliness in the days after his mother passed away, makes you think, how cruel was the life, towards him. Can’t even imagine.
It’s so strange that, during 2002/03, SLB’s son Mr. Ravishankar, came down to my house in Middleborough, UK. That time, even though I knew SLB was a big time Kannada writer, I had never read any of his writings. For sure I will put 100% effort to meet SLB in Mysore, some day. Only one common factor between me and SLB is, both are Mysoreans !!!
Take away : I will try to be as simple as possible in my life. When a legend like SLB can be so simple, why can’t I ?
About SLB : ( Source : http://www.wikipedia.com/)
Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa (born July 26, 1934), is a Kannada novelist, whose works are immensely popular both within India and abroad. Bhyrappa is widely regarded as one of India's foremost modern-day writers.His novels are unique in terms of theme, structure, and characterization.He has been among the top selling authors of Kannada, Hindi and Marathi for the past several years.Most of his works reveal the theme of Advaita vedanta and search of truth. Although S. L. Bhyrappa participated in the freedom struggle of Indian Independence at an early age, he believes that Indian Independence was just a political freedom from British rule, and the real Independence is the intellectual freedom which is nurtured by the strong foundations laid in the teachings of rich Indian culture and values.
Written Gems :
Novels
Dharmashree (1961)
Doora saridaru (1962)
Matadaana (1965)
Vamshavraksha (1965)
Jalapaata (1967)
Naayi Neralu (1968) -
Tabbaliyu neenaade magane (1968)
Gruhabhanga (1970)
Nirakarana (1971)
Grahana (1972)
Dhaatu (1973)
Anweshane (1976)
Parva(1979)
Nele (1983)
Saakshi (1986)
Anchu (1990)
Tantu (1993)
Saartha (1998)
Mandra (2001)
Bheemakaaya (2004/2005)
Aavarana (2007)
Autobiography
Bhitti
Philosophy
Satya mattu Soundarya (1966) (Doctoral thesis)
Saahitya mattu Prateeka (1967)
Kathe mattu Kathavastu (1969)
Naaneke Bareyuttene? (1980)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Kannada in Karnataka
I am very proud to say am a Kannadiga and equivalently proud to say am an Indian and a human being. Kannada being my mother tongue ( Father tongue also !!! that's a PJ) I can fluently speak , write and understand Kannada. As am staying in Bangalore, a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant mix of people from different regions, color and caste, it makes me really proud to say we are so open, co operative and respect other cultures and languages. Otherwise Bangalore would not have been a 'Second Home' to many. (many have forgotten their first home and are enjoying this stay. Most welcome to do so.)
Quite often, i hear things from people like " Why should I learn kannada ? Why don't you speak English or Hindi " Also some of the claims that roads are bad, auto is expensive. I have some of the answers for that and thought I should speak out my mind on that.
1. First of all, if you learn Kannada ( or any local language of the place where you are staying), you will be the one who will be benefited as you can easily communicate in Govt offices, local markets, make local friends, understand the local history, enjoy local festivals.
2. It will be very easy to communicate and get the work done by your maid, driver or gardener. I think its so stupid to expect them to talk Hindi or English as most of them will be school drop outs or illiterates. When you can't learn a language why should they learn ? Do you think they are more capable than you with respect to learning a new language ? A bit of common sense.
3. You will be able to ask for directions or help when needed.
4. it will be easy to help your kid with his/her home work.
5.You can bargain big time. if you don't know the language then it will be hard to convince the other party.
6. If you speak to the auto or taxi guy in local language, you will have less chance of getting cheated by paying extra.
7. If you make friends with your neighbors and local people, you will always feel the presence of a local support system Who knows one day you might need help or you can help someone.
8. By speaking the language of the space, you will be paying respect to the place which is giving you food, water & shelter.
In spite of all these, if you still don't want to learn, communicate and respect the local language it's your ignorance and you end up being the loser. We don't have a Goonda raj here, which forces you to do things. And please mind that no one is stopping you to go back to your native and live, enjoy and have a nice life. it's always better than staying here, enjoying the benefits and keep cribbing. My message is crisp and clear, when you are here , have a good time, mingle with locals, build relationship, make friends. End of the day, we are all Indians, and we all have equal rights to live anywhere we want. But the question is about - Living Right.
Some of the Facts of this land.
(Source : http://www.kannadaaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9024)
Kannada is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas, number roughly 35 million, making it the 27th most spoken language in the world. It is one of the official languages of India and the official and administrative language of the state of Karnataka.
1] Kannada is the third oldest language of India.(After ... Sanskrit & Tamil)
2] kannada is as old as 2000 years.
3] Kannada is 99.99% perfect - logically and scientifically.
4] We got 7 Gnana peetha awards. Look at other languages ... Hindi - 6, Telugu - 2, Malayalam - 3, Tamil - 2 (Second one during 2005)
5]Shri VINOBA BHAVE has called kannada script as QUEEN OF WORLD SCRIPTS - "Vishwa lipigaLa RaaNi - kannada"
6] So called international language - English does not have its own Script. English is written in "ROMAN"
7] So called national Language - hindi does not have its own script. Hindi is written in "Devanagari"
8] Though Tamil has a script, logically it is imperfect - as common letters are used for many pronunciations.
9] Government of India officially recognized Kannada as a classical language.
Jai Karnataka....
Quite often, i hear things from people like " Why should I learn kannada ? Why don't you speak English or Hindi " Also some of the claims that roads are bad, auto is expensive. I have some of the answers for that and thought I should speak out my mind on that.
1. First of all, if you learn Kannada ( or any local language of the place where you are staying), you will be the one who will be benefited as you can easily communicate in Govt offices, local markets, make local friends, understand the local history, enjoy local festivals.
2. It will be very easy to communicate and get the work done by your maid, driver or gardener. I think its so stupid to expect them to talk Hindi or English as most of them will be school drop outs or illiterates. When you can't learn a language why should they learn ? Do you think they are more capable than you with respect to learning a new language ? A bit of common sense.
3. You will be able to ask for directions or help when needed.
4. it will be easy to help your kid with his/her home work.
5.You can bargain big time. if you don't know the language then it will be hard to convince the other party.
6. If you speak to the auto or taxi guy in local language, you will have less chance of getting cheated by paying extra.
7. If you make friends with your neighbors and local people, you will always feel the presence of a local support system Who knows one day you might need help or you can help someone.
8. By speaking the language of the space, you will be paying respect to the place which is giving you food, water & shelter.
In spite of all these, if you still don't want to learn, communicate and respect the local language it's your ignorance and you end up being the loser. We don't have a Goonda raj here, which forces you to do things. And please mind that no one is stopping you to go back to your native and live, enjoy and have a nice life. it's always better than staying here, enjoying the benefits and keep cribbing. My message is crisp and clear, when you are here , have a good time, mingle with locals, build relationship, make friends. End of the day, we are all Indians, and we all have equal rights to live anywhere we want. But the question is about - Living Right.
Some of the Facts of this land.
(Source : http://www.kannadaaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9024)
Kannada is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas, number roughly 35 million, making it the 27th most spoken language in the world. It is one of the official languages of India and the official and administrative language of the state of Karnataka.
1] Kannada is the third oldest language of India.(After ... Sanskrit & Tamil)
2] kannada is as old as 2000 years.
3] Kannada is 99.99% perfect - logically and scientifically.
4] We got 7 Gnana peetha awards. Look at other languages ... Hindi - 6, Telugu - 2, Malayalam - 3, Tamil - 2 (Second one during 2005)
5]Shri VINOBA BHAVE has called kannada script as QUEEN OF WORLD SCRIPTS - "Vishwa lipigaLa RaaNi - kannada"
6] So called international language - English does not have its own Script. English is written in "ROMAN"
7] So called national Language - hindi does not have its own script. Hindi is written in "Devanagari"
8] Though Tamil has a script, logically it is imperfect - as common letters are used for many pronunciations.
9] Government of India officially recognized Kannada as a classical language.
Jai Karnataka....
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Coincident or Signaling?
Some things happen to you us all of a sudden. That might sound like an accident for a moment. But when you sit back and give a thought, literally you can link it to some of things, leaving a question in your mind, is it true? Does this incident telling me something? Or a mere coincident? I am sure most of us would have gone through the same and left alone with questions.
I would like to give you example of some incidents, and live it to your expectation to decide.
Background: We (means me, my wife and 6 of my very close friends) recently met with an accident and we lost our brilliant friend. (I don’t want to quote his name so will be mentioning about him as Mr. A) All of us still think that he is around us, and these incidents somehow relates to that.
Incident 1:
One of the evenings, me and my friends went to the place where Mr A is rest in peace in his coconut farm, to say hi to him. Just to tell you, Mr A was very much found of Nenapirali( means Remember ) movie tracks and had a CD always kept in his bed side when he was alive). So we spent around 20 –30 minutes with him and started coming back. As we approached the main highway, an auto rickshaw passed in front of us having a slogan written at its back “Nenapirali “. We were all amazed and totally went blank. Is Mr A telling us not to Forget him? Where is the question of forgetting, we all talk about him during our each and every meet and all believe he is there with us.
Incident 2:
Me and my friend were passing through the same place where Mr A is rest in peace and thought we give a quick visit. As the Farm gates were closed, we stood near the gate and peeping in. All of a sudden, two Coconut leaves fall one after the other. Is Mr A making us feel his presence? I don’t know. Again, me and my friend carried a million questions and came back.
Incident 3:
Very recently (that’s yesterday, 2nd May), I was returning back from my trip by a normal KSRTC bus. As the bus was nearing Mr A’s place (his house) , all of a sudden, brake failed completely and the driver struggled but managed to park the bus. The bus was parked much closed to Mr A’s house. I got down as all other passenger did and called up my friend to tell him what happened. I turned back and had a chock of my breath for a minute coz there was a banner put right in front of me (where Mr A was smiling big time, the same smile when he used to play prank with us) about opening of a Library in my friend’ remembrance.
It was already 6 PM and somebody said there is a train from that place to Bangalore at 6. The train station is around 400 yards and started running. I had all chances of missing the train as it was already 6 PM and I have to take tickets also and train stops there for only 2 -3 minutes. For a surprise, the train was delayed by good 20 minutes that day and I was able to take a breath and board comfortably.
Is it that Mr A wanted to see me? is it that he was challenging me that , how can I go without stopping for him ? Was that smile on the banner, telling me “How was that?”. I don’t know. I am thrilled. I want to meet him.
Take Away : Hoping to see him very soon.
I would like to give you example of some incidents, and live it to your expectation to decide.
Background: We (means me, my wife and 6 of my very close friends) recently met with an accident and we lost our brilliant friend. (I don’t want to quote his name so will be mentioning about him as Mr. A) All of us still think that he is around us, and these incidents somehow relates to that.
Incident 1:
One of the evenings, me and my friends went to the place where Mr A is rest in peace in his coconut farm, to say hi to him. Just to tell you, Mr A was very much found of Nenapirali( means Remember ) movie tracks and had a CD always kept in his bed side when he was alive). So we spent around 20 –30 minutes with him and started coming back. As we approached the main highway, an auto rickshaw passed in front of us having a slogan written at its back “Nenapirali “. We were all amazed and totally went blank. Is Mr A telling us not to Forget him? Where is the question of forgetting, we all talk about him during our each and every meet and all believe he is there with us.
Incident 2:
Me and my friend were passing through the same place where Mr A is rest in peace and thought we give a quick visit. As the Farm gates were closed, we stood near the gate and peeping in. All of a sudden, two Coconut leaves fall one after the other. Is Mr A making us feel his presence? I don’t know. Again, me and my friend carried a million questions and came back.
Incident 3:
Very recently (that’s yesterday, 2nd May), I was returning back from my trip by a normal KSRTC bus. As the bus was nearing Mr A’s place (his house) , all of a sudden, brake failed completely and the driver struggled but managed to park the bus. The bus was parked much closed to Mr A’s house. I got down as all other passenger did and called up my friend to tell him what happened. I turned back and had a chock of my breath for a minute coz there was a banner put right in front of me (where Mr A was smiling big time, the same smile when he used to play prank with us) about opening of a Library in my friend’ remembrance.
It was already 6 PM and somebody said there is a train from that place to Bangalore at 6. The train station is around 400 yards and started running. I had all chances of missing the train as it was already 6 PM and I have to take tickets also and train stops there for only 2 -3 minutes. For a surprise, the train was delayed by good 20 minutes that day and I was able to take a breath and board comfortably.
Is it that Mr A wanted to see me? is it that he was challenging me that , how can I go without stopping for him ? Was that smile on the banner, telling me “How was that?”. I don’t know. I am thrilled. I want to meet him.
Take Away : Hoping to see him very soon.
My Visit to Ramachandra Pura Mata
It was a visit which I was planning from many days and somehow was getting postponed. At last this May 1st 2009, long weekend helped me to fulfill my wish. More than the time factor it was the laziness which was holding on it.
It’s roughly around 250+ Km from Bangalore and will take good 8 hrs of your time to reach the final destination. From Shivmoga it’s around one & a half hour drive towards a place called Hosanagar. From Hosanagar it’s around 7 Kms to Karana Giri and from there the Mata is just 1.6 Kms away. Once you reach Shivmoga, you will get private buses to Karana Giri via Hosanagar which will cost you 45 bugs. From Karana Giri you can either walk or go you can get an auto.
Directions :
Bangalore – Shivmoga (6 hrs) Shivmoga – Karana Giri( Via Hosanagar, roughly 1.5 to 2 Hours)– Karana Giri – Mata ( 5 Mins)
Cost : Bangalore – Shivmoga ( Volvo ) – 327.00
Shivmoga – Karana Giri ( Local Private Bus) – 45.00
Karana Giri – Mata – Around 20.00 (I got drop by a bike fellow)
Accommodation:
Free if you stay in the common hall
200 Rs if you want a cottage (Easily accommodates 6-8 People, bingo, it’s with AC)
Food : Simple and very tasty food – Free. Not to miss Kashaya.
I also believe there is a direct bus from Bangalore to Mata and vice versa. It leaves at 8 30 PM from mata to Bangalore and don’t know the timings from Bangalore
So as soon as you reach the place, you will get a very warm welcome from the staff, enquiring of your whereabouts and the journey. Then you will be explained about the place and the programs. They also have a small counter which has many medicinal products made out of Cow’s output. (From Milk to Urine)
Why is this place so special?
(All I am writing is what I heard during my visit.)
India had around 80 different varitey of Cows and due to negligence and so many other factors now it has come down to 33. Out of which this place has a collection of 30 breeds. And they are in putting all effort to get the other 3 as well. Million thanks go to the brilliant effort of Swamiji. It was a mind blowing experience to go through the cow shed. Some of the cows exactly match as painted in the olden time god pictures.
The breeds are from all over India, majorly from Karnataka, Gujarat & Maharashtra. Some of the Bulls are really gigantic and ferocious. It’s definitely a treat to watch them. Out of thirty, two really caught my attention. One was a gigantic bull which is literally of roof top height when it stands and the other who looks like a Chinese monk. There are around 800 + cows in the ashram and maintance is a huge task. We just go there, have a ball of time, but god knows how they are maintaining all these.
Another good thing about this place is, they also conduct awareness programs on medicinal usages of cow’s products & bio agriculture.
Its very easy to go and get a packet of milk from milk diary but only when you visit such places, one can appreciate the value of a cow, the difficulties of a farmer, what is that we are loosing due to globalization and becoming western. I don’t know. I think this is too much for my age.
Take Away : Not to waste milk. Never Ever.
It’s roughly around 250+ Km from Bangalore and will take good 8 hrs of your time to reach the final destination. From Shivmoga it’s around one & a half hour drive towards a place called Hosanagar. From Hosanagar it’s around 7 Kms to Karana Giri and from there the Mata is just 1.6 Kms away. Once you reach Shivmoga, you will get private buses to Karana Giri via Hosanagar which will cost you 45 bugs. From Karana Giri you can either walk or go you can get an auto.
Directions :
Bangalore – Shivmoga (6 hrs) Shivmoga – Karana Giri( Via Hosanagar, roughly 1.5 to 2 Hours)– Karana Giri – Mata ( 5 Mins)
Cost : Bangalore – Shivmoga ( Volvo ) – 327.00
Shivmoga – Karana Giri ( Local Private Bus) – 45.00
Karana Giri – Mata – Around 20.00 (I got drop by a bike fellow)
Accommodation:
Free if you stay in the common hall
200 Rs if you want a cottage (Easily accommodates 6-8 People, bingo, it’s with AC)
Food : Simple and very tasty food – Free. Not to miss Kashaya.
I also believe there is a direct bus from Bangalore to Mata and vice versa. It leaves at 8 30 PM from mata to Bangalore and don’t know the timings from Bangalore
So as soon as you reach the place, you will get a very warm welcome from the staff, enquiring of your whereabouts and the journey. Then you will be explained about the place and the programs. They also have a small counter which has many medicinal products made out of Cow’s output. (From Milk to Urine)
Why is this place so special?
(All I am writing is what I heard during my visit.)
India had around 80 different varitey of Cows and due to negligence and so many other factors now it has come down to 33. Out of which this place has a collection of 30 breeds. And they are in putting all effort to get the other 3 as well. Million thanks go to the brilliant effort of Swamiji. It was a mind blowing experience to go through the cow shed. Some of the cows exactly match as painted in the olden time god pictures.
The breeds are from all over India, majorly from Karnataka, Gujarat & Maharashtra. Some of the Bulls are really gigantic and ferocious. It’s definitely a treat to watch them. Out of thirty, two really caught my attention. One was a gigantic bull which is literally of roof top height when it stands and the other who looks like a Chinese monk. There are around 800 + cows in the ashram and maintance is a huge task. We just go there, have a ball of time, but god knows how they are maintaining all these.
Another good thing about this place is, they also conduct awareness programs on medicinal usages of cow’s products & bio agriculture.
Its very easy to go and get a packet of milk from milk diary but only when you visit such places, one can appreciate the value of a cow, the difficulties of a farmer, what is that we are loosing due to globalization and becoming western. I don’t know. I think this is too much for my age.
Take Away : Not to waste milk. Never Ever.
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