Recently I read in newspapers 'Car rental launched at city Airport'. Now NRIs and people coming to Ahmedabad and landing up at The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Domestic and International Airport need not be happy about it. The car rental facility may boast that passengers don't need to dread the ride to your destination in a rickety autorickshaw or a run-down cab but what about the other facilities? Recently, in a fortnight, twice I happened to see off cousins to US and Gosh, I would rate Ahmedabad's International Airport as worst ever for passengers travelling in and out of town! The Airport authorities are not courteous and do not even care for the waiting passengers who stand in so hot weather in long queue alongwith their luggage, relatives and friends and this making a big commotion, before they are finally allowed to enter through a small door! Moreover, no proper seating facilities nor any proper place for refreshments till one waits for the passenger to arrive or leave. Moreover, people have to be patient to catch the plane as they're almost late and imagine, one of our friends who reached airport at 10.00 night was able to board the plane to US only in the morning at 5.30!!! The Ahmedabad International Airport totally lacks management and when people broke the queue and started shouting, I happened to talked to Mr. Anil Kumar, Airport Security and he said "People are to be blame for this" Is it? One wonders!!! Rathar 'Wanders' !

-ilaxi

It's the IIFA Awards and I just had a glimpse on Television. Here's my fav - Sharukh Khan, who won the best male actor in a leading role award, gives his acceptance speech at the 2005 International Indian Film Academy Awards in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Saturday, June 11, 2005.



pic courtesy

Veer Zara swept with six Awards! One award was for for Music Director Madan Mohan. I recall the songs of this movie and they are well great numbers by Madan Mohanji who left this world to leave memories of his music through Veer Zara. His son, Sanjeev Kohli who re-created Madan Mohan's tunes for the film, paid a sentimental tribute to his father, who in spite of being a powerhouse of talent, never won a popular award during his lifetime.

Many more awards and you can read them on main site but for now, I would say, hey I play keyboards but can never set the song 'Tere liye hum bhi jiye....' coz I think the song is so emotionally sung and the music score is fantastic that its so hard to concentrate on the keys! Well, well, here's a pic of Abhishek and he's grabbed the supporting role award for Yuva:



pic courtesy

Of coz, Abraham gets the best villain and many more stars outshine. Enjoy Bollywood masala on Metro News!
- ilaxi

Just day before, our CM Narendrabhai Modi celebrated Gujarat Government 'Achievement' at the well known Rajpath Club. The event was organised to felicitate Narendra Modi and his Cabinet by Rajpath & Karnavati Club managed by Mr.Girish Dani & N.G.Patel respectively.



Now, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, headed by Sonia Gandhi, has adjudged Narendra Modi’s Gujarat as the Number 1 state in economic freedom index.A study ‘Economic Freedom for States of India’ carried out by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies, the foundation’s think-tank, has come to this conclusion after analysing “economic freedom” in different states of India. The RGF report, released on May 21, describes Gujarat as a safe, peaceful state for business owing to low levels of economic offences and corruption, also praises the state’s decision-making. It puts Gujarat ahead of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Jharkhand in speedy police investigation.

At Rajpath lawns, hours after the Advani resignation, Narendrabhai maintained a studied silence on the Advani issue except that he was proud of Gujarat achievements and thanked his own team and people of gujarat who supported him. Spotted were the Industry big shots - Yeah, of coz me too;-)But well, two VHP Sadhus were spotted in front seats and I wonder what they were doing there! Now, known for a penchant for political mischief making, Narendra Modi who had earlier referred Sonia Gandhi as 'Italy ki Beti' thanked the Cong.President for bestowing laurels on his government for its good work and had fullsome praise. However,his speech had skipped unaware two sentences "Those people who criticize Modi Government had to give the credits and they realised this and gave the RGF Award" Well, well, I think Narendrabhai has a hard time all the time to show Gujarat Achievements and no wonder, Narendra Modi has proved excellence in governance. It's high time he makes less speech flaws inspite that he's great Orator, to brush off his bad image.

Now, I did hear somebody mention Narendrabhai as a unique combination of Loh Purush and Vikas Purush.One wonders, Can Modi inherit LKA's hardliner mantle? Advani has always brought good news for him, be it standing beside riots or recent rebel of visa issue. Let's wait and watch as I wish Narendrabhai Modi & his government 'All the Best'.

-ilaxi

June 5 and the Ministry of Environment & Forests (Govt.of India) announces the World Environment Day with Green Cities: Plan for the Planet! Gandhiji said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Hence, I guess with the poor air quality when approximately 2 million children under five, die each year from acute respiratory infections, calling for Green cities is a bright idea. Not only bright, a wise step! City folks are breathing in toxic air and as far as Ahmedabad is concerned, stop listening to the Meditation Gurus when they say "Take a Deep breadth-Inhale in, inhale out" - Just Don't coz its Pollution and more and more people are complaining of bronchials spasms, nasal blockages and eye burns and irritations! The population is on a rise and it is said nearly 60% of world's population will live in cities by 2030. More than one million people are moving to cities every week! At this point, Tulsi plants in my town are given free to mark the World Environment Day. Let's hope for green environment and join hands to make the world a better place to live by planting a tree and spreading the message to stop cutting trees.

-ilaxi

Recently in Hyderabad, at the National Round Table on “Lakshman Rekha for the News Media, Editor-in-chief of The Asian Age and Deccan Chronicle

Mr.MJ Akbar

revealed Seven Deadly Sins routinely committed by the Media:

Seven Sins:
* Media owners, journalists becoming players in game of business and politics
* Bias in various guises
* Pomposity of journalists
* Seriousness generating boredom in readers
* Triumph of trivia
* News on sale
* Ignorance

While television personality Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai mentioned that there is rampant insensitivity and trivialisation of issues which signalled the need for a Lakshman Rekha. He quipped that while editors are lobbying to get Rajya Sabha seats, marketing managers are making news decisions. The chairman of the Press Council of India, Justice J.N. Ray, said that the media had not only shied away from constituting a regulatory authority.

Now, what I feel is about 'Bias' - well,liberal Bias infuse bias reporting in network television and trigger hindrance to reporting facts. Issues ranging from homelessness to aids, reporters are going over the misinformation of pressure groups they favor, to the harm of honest reporting. Fairness, balanced and integrity disappeared with changing times in network television. There has been one-sided nature of reporting of the news coverage tilting to the left which is close minded and journalists honesty have become pawn to liberal opinion. Political correctness in network television creates a sensation ahead of the facts and enthusiasm of the reporters mis-fires the message, often misleading the viewers to create waves over the issue. An example is the Riots of Gujarat, the whole print and television media journalists focused on the one major issue and harp over the incidents to raise the heat of news reporting. Balance reporting fell out of gear and the news that shoot and create waves chart to the top and the biggest scoop story of the time would probably not be heard in the evening news. The bias really affect on how people view to see the world!

It's indeed true, as Mr. Akbar says that the seventh sin is ignorance which is strongly prevalent among the new generation of journalists! Awareness is Lacking most of the time!

- ilaxi

For the NRIs and Home loving Indians, a Petition is issued to Dr. Norlke,
Chairman - Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee,Stamp Development, U S Postal Service, Washington, DC by Indian American Citizen’s Council- Committee for Diwali Postage Stamp and written by Amitabh Sharma -"Issuance of US Postal Stamp on Diwali"

The Petition says: "Freedom of religion is a hallmark of United States of America." Commemorative stamps depicting festivals like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Eid are issued by the U.S. Postal Department.“Diwali” presents all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the many ways, the talent, the history and the traditions of the Indian people who have contributed to our national life and cultural heritage. President George W Bush, this year- even though he was traveling in Asia, made sure that “Diwali” was celebrated in The White House and he sent personal greetings and felicitations to the community on “Diwali”.

Now, here is a chance for all Indians to sign the Petition and feel honored if a Diwali stamp is issued.Diwali is an age-old culture of our country which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.



Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has truly said: The night is black Kindle the Lamp of LOVE with thy life and devotion.

- ilaxi

On a hot summer noon, tucked up on a sofa with the gaming devices, video games are a sure fire way to have 'Fun' Just the other day, Kajal told me that she will give me game cds to play on my computer and here, I find myself enjoying the car speed thrills n Doom - a long forgotten activity that again makes me jump up with joy n feel the car games thrill. And yeah, Doom has ever been my Fav! But than,let me say a secret, one got to know the

Cheat Codes

too!

Moms set for TV channel for the Cartoon Network or Pogo channel, but for those lucky to play games - be it a video game like 'Pepsi Man' on Playstation or a game of Doom, Quake, Omikron, Tomb Raider or Car games like Indy car racing, motocross madness or games like Carmaggedon with bad guys, violence & thrilling cars stomach churning - many many new everyday, Games are just Fun packed with Entertainment and Concentration.



Now this reminds me,

Maruti Suzuki Swift

, eye catching, compact car, catches its fair share of glances. The Swfit was born on the dusty combat grounds of the World Championship Rally that causes ripples as its soon-to-be-launched in town.



I guess the Black Beauty is gonna thrill the stylish guys but the Red Wine is a pick of the fair beauties! Well, here is a Hyundai Accent too if you like and my next car to drive if Bins buy it right away - the

Silver Streak

(click to see the colors roll)

Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Recently a Golden Gate University Law student and an attorney licenced in India was in the news limelight as he sued The Lost Coast Brewery in Humboldt for depicting Hindu Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, holding a beer in one of his four hands, and another in his trunk on its Indica India Pale Ale. He seeks at least $25,000 and his lawsuit mentions that $1 billion would be appropriate to compensate Hindus around the world." Dhir told the newspapers "It's a hate crime" as he's too emotionally hurt and offended for the brewery has defamed Hindus and caused emotional distress. The Lost Coast Brewery has removed the offending label from their Web site.Briar Busch, General Manager at Lost Coast, says the company "didn’t mean any degradation of the Hindu god". Finally, Lost Coast plans on producing a new label, primarily for reasons of aesthetic quality and performance.



Now such things do keep happenning around the world and as far as I remember, Ravi Adhikari a senior editor with Manhattan, New York City-based News India-Times (www.newsindia-times.com) reported in 28th July 2000 issue regarding the AHAD Press release protesting over sandels with Dieties. Hindus, who passed by the display window of a shoestore in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City saw footwear imprinted with the images of Shiva, Ganesha and Gayatri! My first web Homepage of Freesouls covered this info here then. AHAD, American Hindus against Defamation is coalition of major Hindu organizations in North America.

Gods depicted on shoes? This too is a great Insult to the Religion!



Even Jesus Christ is having trouble convincing US courts to let him keep his name! Surprized? Well this is not the messiah who is facing the problem but an American Business Owner in Washington,who adopted the name of the Christian God's son, some years ago. Jesus who wanted to express his love and respect for his religion is not willing to talk to the press this time! Don't believe it? Well, Sify news too says so!

- ilaxi

Mind is simply a complex machine, which moves from ‘fast forward’ to ‘slow motion’ and even popping into ‘pause’ mode at times. Igniting the creative spark is overflowing of potentialities within to enjoy work to achieve a fulfillment. Time flies and the creativity turns into work mode. If this work becomes slogging, there comes pause mode with a neutral gear. This is the still point when we find ourselves entering into a state of ‘Let go’ doing just nothing, no thoughts, no work or any creativity. It leads to experience existence, the nature and enjoying the state of paradise with awareness. The mind is rejuvenated and back again to explore work with creativity to ultimate flowering.

- ilaxi

Urban lifestyles is killing today's Younger Generation' - A lot of Stress and people hardly have time to breathe! Many a students seem to be facing net surfer stress syndrome as per the recent survey. It's during these times, the Essential Manager Series book 'Reduce Stress'By Tim Hindle becomes a Great Read!

Reduce Stress : Essential Managers
By Tim Hindle
Review by: ilaxi



How Stressed Are You? This is the first question arising in today's Tech times. World Health Organization has predicted that by 2020, depression will be the greatest burden of ill health in the developing world and will be the second largest cause of death and disability!!!! One wonders but sure this book has a great in-depth dose of Reducing Stress pills of info with analysis Quiz on Page 16 that actually lets one recognize existence of stress and later reducing it. In Analyzing the causes of Stress, society, the working world and daily life have changed almost beyond recognition in the past 50 years and these changes have contributed to a major increase in stress, says the author. Many factors add fuel to blown minds as we deal coping with daily life. The book has cool tips on Getting Organized in life itself, manage time, check the attitudinal traits, taking out time to relax, understanding personality types, building better relationships and check Health. Emotional despair is a major health disorder and so, before it's late, check those Stress flaws and learn to use mind power through Tim Hindle's book on 'Reducing Stress' - a Good Pick.

- ilaxi

Bins told me that I missed out updating on Mother's Day. Well, now I thought that it's like a herd mentality. When someone does something, the other adopts. Most of the kids site had Mother's Day feature but Kidsfreesouls - Nay, I did not miss coz the culture page already has the info on Mother's Day! I don't think that the kids need to be reminded every year to show love and care for moms. Today's generation is changing at a quick pace and they know much more than we use to know.A child is influenced with the supportive parent who can bring about the difference between the child’s success and failure. A parental encouragement is the greatest impact on the child. If you show love, you get love - If you care, You are cared for - All missing is little bit of Sacrifice, tolerance, somewhere, here and there!

Now, here are two great books to read and I am sure, you will at least gimme bouquets and no brickbats:-)Chicken Soup Soul series are all great inspirational gems.

Sometimes many parents become oversentimental about motherhood.Stories about maternal love, courage, devotion, and triumph can be immensely comforting and inspiring.You find all the heart warming stories of experiences - of moms who got their motherhood, who lost a child, seeing miracles happen, honoring grandmom wisdom and so on.All moms would love to be appreciated with a book like this one and gift other moms too!



From Chicken Soup for Woman's soul,there are so many Inspiring and touching tales that fills our hearts with emotion.



One wonders 'why' things happen as they shouldn't or 'How' do miracles change the course of our lives. There are moments in everybody's life where at a point you encounter obstacles, where your self esteem gets low, attitude differences opine or whatever be, awe-inspiring stories of this book glues you to stir your heart to be more wiser. It rekindles the spirits undoubtedly when we read the emotional narrations of others and wonder - We too come across lot of experiences in life. Should we not pen it down? Easy it may seem, needs inspirations like these stories to share alike tales. This book sure is a great 'light up spirits' book for woman, self inspirations you can say. Topics on Love, Attitude & self esteem, Special moments, Dreams, Truth & wisdom n more are widely covered which makes it a special read. I cherish this book and read n re-read at times.

- ilaxi

Spiderman and yeah, you think of Peter Parker. But hey, now you can quip the name 'Pavitr Prabhakar' - That's gonna be Indian Spiderman!



The Indian Spiderman will swing between three-wheeled motor rickshaws and scooters down crowded Indian streets in Mumbai to take on the evil Rakshasa, or demon.He's clad in a flowing dhoti,pointy shoes and a familiar red mask! He dreams of becoming a movie star. The source of his powers is a yogi, or an ascetic, not a radioactive spider, and his enemy is a business tycoon! This is thanks to Gotham Entertainment Group (GEG), based in Bangalore and New York, who has launched four issues of the comic in the United States and will introduce the first of the four-part series in India next month, in a deal with Marvel Enterprises Inc.

Now I remember the movie Spiderman 1 & 2. Peter Parker been a special choice and he's the one so thrilling to watch on a big screen. Here's a review if you missed the movie! Ya better watch it - its been one of my fav!



The return of Tobey Maguire with Spiderman 2 is thrill to watch on a big screen keeping high on adrenaline as well as emotions as the web slinger makes sure that justice must triump over vindictiveness. This reminds of many Comic characters and how they were created! Stan Lee created the cartoon character Spiderman 40 years ago over protests from his superiors at Marvel Comics. As far as I know, Now 79, Lee no longer works on the Spiderman comics. By inventing a nerdy Peter Parker and giving him a secret life as angst-ridden super hero, Lee brought new sophisticational and emotional depth to what had been considered a child's genre.This movie has a heart and technical artistry alongwith the subtle allusions to the 9/11 devastation, the imaginative set designs, the astounding computer generated stunts and crackerjack tempo that keeps one engrossed. The young new yorker Toby maguire may possess incredible powers but still can't declare his feelings to the love (kirsten Dunst) of his life. Although, she is engaged to be married to an astronaut, he's hopelessly tongue tied. And than a lunatic scientist (Alfred) equipped with lethal tentacles must be vanquished before it is too late. Save the city and somehow win the girl's heart form the double agenda of the always do-well Spiderman. A great movie to watch with the screen story co-written by the celebrated novelist Michael Chabon. A good entertainer 'Spiderman'

-ilaxi

Last post, I mentioned about Meditation. The urban lifestyle is heading for 'stressed generation' and this is a rising concern. I just heard a corporate meet lunch was turned from the spicy to the Salad platter. More people gearing for the Gym n Aerobics n above all, a rising trend for Meditation.This reminds of the Master - Osho Rajneeshji. I'd recommend a great Osho Meditation Read. Osho has ever been known as a Mystic, enlightened master who worldwide created a rebellion for the sake of man's freedom and meditation. Osho said "Meditation is not something new; you have come with it into the world. Mind is something new, meditation is your nature."



Meditation is an adventure itself. The book has notes to reader on how to use the book with a followed chapter on What is meditation. Osho has steps to powerful methods of awakening, Osho Meditative Therapies as:
1.Mystic Rose Meditation with his great logic and instructions for laughter and tears
2. The No mind Meditation with instructions to meditate, stages of gibberish or conscious craziness, witnessing and let go.
3. Guidelines for Born Again
4. Dancing as meditation
5. Laughing Meditation
6. Prayer Meditation
7. Dream mastery
Many more various meditative tips making one count the moments of awareness, making things simple as possible and witnessing - Meditation is your Master Card and Osho just instructs on the tricks of mind in this book. Watching with the Third Eye, Rising in Love, Laughter of Zen, Entering into death, Music as Meditation are some interesting reads in this Osho book leading to first and last freedom - Practical guide of Meditation.

-ilaxi

Four days off from the world wide web and its been a pleasant and wonderful experience for me to see the RKB (Rajiv K. Bajaj) Sahara show with the so serene and suave 'Shammi Kapoor'. I do have my own Inspirational Role model in Music and fond of Hindi & western movies. Therefore, slip off to be glued to my Television set and ban the net sometimes. Believe me, this is a great change for the net surfer stress syndrome!



Seeing an Interview was out of a different world coz Shammi Kapoor left an impression at the end of a show which really did leave a message for all of us to learn. He been cool and composed as he dig into the past memories of his life and as he spoke, he left the viewers to pass through all the moods - happy, thoughtful, dreamy, concerned, worried, sad, helpless, passionate, hopeful.....and so on....! RKB had the mixed bag of questions and I guess, this would be his memorable interview. Shammi Kapoor seemed an intelligent, well learned, practical and a god fearing person who passed through a lot of ups and downs, a person who experienced Life in every original form. His expressions left marks that any person would love to respect him and keep interacting for hours. And wasn't he the one who was used Mac and still does,who got a first car - a convertible Buick (second hand) and a person who sang romantic songs in movies - yet today, yeah, it's a dream for us too to see and believe that he is the same person! He talked of his guru whom he did not wish to meet yet circumstances made him see him and lo, he got clad in the saffron and rudraksh! I guess it's the Power of Meditation and we miss out these things with the urban lifestyles.




But then, I did hear someone mention that recently 'Urban lifestyles is killing today's Younger Generation' - A lot of Stress and people hardly have time to breathe! That's Life, maybe.

- ilaxi

Every day is an Earth Day! So why celebrate its 35th anniversary on 22nd April? Hundreds of thousands of nongovernmental organizations, governments, teachers, and faith-based groups, among others, are making plans to declare that they are part of something extraordinary: a worldwide movement to protect our planet, our children, and our future. This year, Earth Day Network’s theme is "Protect Our Children and Our Future."



I been running the Earth Talk Q & A of Doug Moss on kidsfreesouls.com since two years and its with pathetic say that the awareness lacks in India! I never recieved a single email from India raising an Environmental Question. And as one can foresee, the disaster management is a disaster when the train mishaps happen and the politicians harp their ways - Who has the time and thought over Environmental Issues! The Earth Talk column nor any other Environmental column has any space in media too. It's on 'Back seat' like 'Reading habits'. Mera Bharat, Mera Desh Mahaan!

-ilaxi

And I hear Ahmedabad is going to be 'Mega city'. Imagine .... with a Ban on:



No way!!! ....It's Gandhiji's Gujarat!!! Really?

-ilaxi

A red carpet welcome to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to India - Nay, not by many Indian Bloggers on the web who support 'Not Welcome Banner' by placing it on their websites. The detals can be found at

Blog

Well, well, now this does not mean that we do not welcome the President but on the contrary, Pervez Musharraf arrives in India for weekend of prayers, peace talks and cricket. As said on his

website

- 'The fortune always favors The Brave, it doesn't matter what he wears' - he sure is 'Brave'! He says "It's a very historic visit. I think it has more chances of optimism because the environment is different. It is friendly and congenial and there is a desire on both sides to make it a success." One can only await how the Indian born Pakistani Leader tackles issues with PM over kashmir issue and soften the ceasefire line splitting Kashmir, including joint security for the bus service.

Now, I heard the US - President Bush is excited with Indo-US ties.

Newsfeeds

The double standard Terrorism should end!

-ilaxi

The Invisible CEO By Krish



Last friday, I went for the Launch of the book 'The Invisible CEO' by A.G. Krishnamurthy at Crosswords, Ahmedabad. As many of you know, A G. Krishnamurthy has been the founder chairman and managing director of Mudra Communications and he began the agency with a start-up capital of Rs.35,000 and one client. In just nine years, Mudra became India’s third and largest Indian advertising agency. Krish won Mudra many Awards but uh oh, the management changed soon after Dhirubhai Ambani passed off. Krish soon became a Consultant for Reliance Infocomm at Bombay as far as I know and simultaneously, he started AGK Brand Consulting in Hyderabad. The Book turns out to be a deep reflection and thoughts of a person who led Mudra and whose his memories roll back to the past with his experiences of his entire career. Krish says, "Dream and You can Do it" & "No matter how different you are, or how much of an 'odd man out' you feel, if you believe strongly enough and long enough, it is possible to continue to be who you are and make a success out of doing what you love"

Read the Book, borrow or steal and you will find 'Leela', Krish's wife is the inspiration and no wonder, she is - because I've known her since years and she's one gem of a woman who is the power of his strength. Wondering how I can say this...well, Krish as we fondly called him, is my first Boss and its been my first interview for a job as 'Personal Steno-secretary' at Shilpi Advertising Ltd. Like Mr. Atul Tandan said at the Launch, Krish speaks so fast that we have to ask him to repeat to understand as when he speaks, his thoughts are ahead of his speech and sure, I agree as when he spoke, I could never understand and always made typing mistakes and got firing. But than, if he hadn't shouted, I wouldn't be what I am today!. Here's my Blog note on him which I wrote earlier.

- ilaxi

"advesta sarvabhutanam
maitra karuna eva cha
nirmano nirahamkarah
samadukhhasukhah ksami" (Gita-12:13)
"samtustah satatam yogi
yatatma drdhanniscayah
mayy arpitamanobhuddhir
yo madbhaktah sa me priyah"(Gita-12:14)

He who hates no one, is friendly and compassionate to all, free from
thoughts of 'I' and 'mine', equal alike in joy and sorrow, ever forgiving (Gita-12:13)
Ever content, self controlled, of firm resolve, such is he,
having surrendered his mind and heart to me, the devotee dear to me (Gita-12:14)

For three hundred years, religion has been losing its territory continuously. First, it attempted to destroy science. It possessed the domains of the world near and far. Like science proves and adds to the facts, religions try to prove they are right. Religion is defensive and in the name of God, faith exists but far too long, we have been hating and fighting. Its time to tackle real issues and build a temples to tolerance, understanding and love. War is violence. Violence rear violence to crush humanity. Humans have possessed a nature to destruction losing the control of the mind as egoism surfaces up. Common people crave for peace and have raised concerns to spread the message but it’s in the air deep rooted with differentiates with greed, corruption, beliefs and their protests go unheard by the so-called saviours of the nation.It is utter failure as who created the world doesn’t matter. All matters is who governs with a chaos leadership quality!

Isn't this so true - exactly when we talk of peace; when two buses on 7 April were flagged for journey by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf who created such a historical moment with the bus between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and the peace action begins. Now is the test trial of these very leaders to maintain peace. But,I hear President Musharraf and Dr. Wen Jao were signing a Defence Pact in Islamabad. Now, against whom is the Defence Pact visualized to be used? When the world has forgotten about SEATO and NATO, what was the need for a new Defence Pact in this part of Asia? Only the politicians know, anyways!

Farewell to the Holy Father 'Pope John Paul II'



A few minutes ago, I been watching the live funeral of the Holy father and emotions stir to see a great soul depart! Somehow why, but I do remember a hindu saint Shree Dongre maharaj who spoke Bhagwad when I was a kid. I guess Faith is in our hearts.

Well, thousands bid Farewell to Pope John Paul II as the funeral service held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. Royalty, political power brokers and multitudes of the faithful came to pay their last respects to the pontiff, at a funeral promising to be one of the largest Western religious gatherings of modern times. May the good Lord God Grant him Eternal Peace.

Watch the News and Live Slide show here

- ilaxi