Roots and Reflections - Exploring Ideas, Experiences and Wisdom

Replica of Ganesh Bal: Preserving the Soul of an Ancient Kashmiri Heritage Lord Maha Ganesh has got the privilege and distinction of being worshipped first of all from all gods and goddesses. Ganesh is the deity of wisdom, prosperity and is called Vighanharta that is the removers of obstacles. The Lord Ganesh temple constructed at Lower Muthi Jammu near and behind the Rama Krishna Ashram Udhywalla and adjected to Ram Krishna Vihar colony stands testament to the resilience ,faith, religiosity, spirituality and above all to the cultural heritage of the Displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and the Ganesh temple recollects and recalls the memories of the Ganesh Bal of Hanad Chawalgam Kulgam which is a natural and ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is a symbol of communal amity and diversity as it continues to be visited by both Hindus and Muslims of the village and surrounding villages. The Ganesh temple constructed some years back at Lower Muthi is in fact the replica of the origi...

Kashi: The Eternal Citadel of Spirituality, Civilisation and Self-Realisation Kashi, also known as Varanasi and Banaras, is one of the most spiritual cities of India. Spiritually, historically, and culturally, it is a significant city not only for India but for the entire world. It is an extremely ancient city. Kashi existed when Rome did not exist. Kashi was there when Egypt was nowhere, and it continued to exist even when Athens no longer remained in its glory. Kashi is a city that connects a person with the inner self and with Godhood. It is the abode of Lord Shiva. As per legend, Kashi is erected on the tip of Lord Shiva’s Trishul (trident). Kashi is a spiritual, religious, historical, and cultural city that has existed since ancient times. It is believed that the darshan of Lord Vishwanath grants Moksha, that is, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Kashi is thus regarded as the pilgrimage of liberation, Godhood, and self-realisation. Kashi is situated on the banks of the...

With digital revolution and internet age which has many advantages for the society but the digitalisation and cyber age is not without pitfalls. Cyber theft and online frauds have invaded society and these are deceiving people and we should be cautious and alert so that we are not deceived by cyber stealing and internet fraud .Our bank accounts are prone to cyber frauds and cyber theft as online banking is not without pitfalls .People’s money in ATM’s is susceptible to online and digital fraud and therefore bank customers should be alert and cautious  all the time so that they are not deceived by hackers and cyber fraudists. Cybercrime is a broad term and it includes cyber theft as well. Cybercrime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, network or networked device. While most cybercriminals use cybercrimes to generate profit, some cybercrimes are carried out against computers or devices to directly damage or disable them. Others use computers or networks to spread malwa...

                                                   Morality and ethics is the thing that differentiates the human beings from the animal kingdom although men and women have a superior thinking power which also differentiates people from animals. Morality or the moral values is the base of a civilised rather cultured society and without moral code we are as good as animals. People should stick to moral code of conduct and never deviate from the path of morality even if it means some economic loss. Despite the monetary loss we should not leave morality but conduct ourselves in such a manner as to strengthen morality and we should do nothing to weaken the moral fabric of the society. But unfortunately there is moral crisis in  society as we are far from moral values and principles with the result there remains no difference between humans and animals. There...

                (Image courtesy: Internet)  The journey of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at seventy is not merely the story of a spiritual master who gathered millions of followers across continents; it is the unfolding of a remarkable life devoted to peace, compassion, human values, and the healing of a fragmented world. In an age marked by conflict, anxiety, material excess, and emotional isolation, Gurudev, as he is affectionately known by millions, has emerged as a voice of calm wisdom whose message transcends religion, nationality, and ideology. His life stands as a testimony to the belief that spirituality is not an escape from society, but a force capable of transforming individuals and nations alike. Born on May 13, 1956, in Papanasam, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar displayed signs of unusual spiritual depth from an early age. It is often said that while other children were occupied with ordinary games, he would sit in meditation for long hours, radiati...

                                           It has been aptly said that’’ Books are great friends and companions of men.’’ Despite digital revolution and internet age, the scope and importance of books stands and people take interest in reading books, newspapers, journals ,magazines et al. World Book Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 23rd of April with great fanfare, enthusiasm and on this occasion, people resolve to make all aware about the need and value of reading books in the present age of technology and internet. Despite digital revolution, the scope of books does not decline but it becomes intense with each passing day and the book lovers take pleasure and pride in this reality. At the same time, it is all the more important to popularize books so that readers are benefited by studying books of varied substance. As outlined at the outset World Day/Book copyrig...

                                Kashmiri Hindus, widely known as Kashmiri Pandits, are the inheritors of an ancient, refined, and profoundly rich cultural legacy that stretches back thousands of years. Their civilization, rooted in wisdom, spirituality, and scholarship, has withstood the test of time despite immense historical upheavals. Even in the face of migration and forced displacement from their homeland of Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits have demonstrated remarkable resilience by preserving their customs, traditions, rituals, and festivals with unwavering devotion. Their ability to retain a distinct cultural identity while remaining an integral part of the broader and eternal Sanatan Dharma reflects both their strength and their deep spiritual anchoring. Among the many festivals celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits, Gan Choudha holds a special place. This sacred occasion, which corresponds to Ganesh Chaturdashi, ...

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti: A Sacred Celebration: Adi Shankaracharaya Jayanti in 2026 falls as per Gregorian calendar on 22th April Wednesday but as per Indian Calendar it falls on Panchmi tithi which coincides on 21st April and thus it will be celebrated on 21st April this year as  in Hindu calendar it falls on the Shisti Tithi in the Skulpaksh of Vaishak month which coincides with 21th April Tuesday as this year chutrithi titi and thrithi both fall on Thrithi tithi and in this way Shankaracharya Jayanti will be celebrated on Panchami thithi that is 21st April and his devotees in particular and the other people in general celebrate his Jayanti with gaiety. Adi Shankaracharya is also known by the name of Jagat Guru Shankaracharya.  The Immortal Contribution of Shankaracharya:  Om 21st April, 2026 his 1238 birth anniversary was celebrated in the country. Adi Shankaracharya’s contribution in the propagation of Hindu/Sanatan Dharma cannot be exaggerated. He has in fact revol...