4th Of July

 July 4th : A historic & important day with multiple significances.

• The day for the greatest spiritual leader and modern visionary Swami Vivekananda's Mahasamadhi (4-July-1902)

• Establishment day for my Alma Mater & pride of Nation Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira , Belur Math, Howrah (4-July-1941)

• Birthday of the pioneer of heavy industrial engineering in India, a Danish engineer, who devoted his life for the engineering revolution in India, Mr. Henning Holck-Larsen (4-July-1907). He is one of the founder of our Engineering powerhouse L&T, and was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2002 as well.

• And of course the American Independence day (4-July-1776) celebrated as Fourth of July in USA.

#4thJuly..

Here goes my humble attempt to write a small blog on these events, sources are public resources available on Internet, respective websites & Facebook pages and Wikipedia articles.

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA (12th January 1863 - 4th July 1902)

The patriot saint and great prophet of modern India, who preached the ideal of a strength-giving and man-making religion. Service to humankind as the visible manifestation of the Godhead was the special form of worship he advocated. Swami Vivekananda is the man with a great spiritual presence and tremendous intellect; one of the greatest teachers, as well as a writer, poet, educationalist, advocate of women development & empowerment, the youth icon and a tremendous social reformer.

He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893 with the words "Sisters and brothers of America ...," and thereby went on becoming the first cultural ambassador of India to the West, and the builder of the spiritual bridge connecting the two hemispheres.

Here are some links as taken from Ramakarishna Math & Mission websites:

Swami Vivekananda - Belur Math - Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

Swami Vivekananda Biography / Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York

Swami Vivekananda has been accepted as one of the key influencers and impactful leaders to have shaped America’s progressiveness with universal compassion. Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi (leaving the moral body) coincides with the US Independence Day. He was an ardent admirer of the spirit of America. He firmly believed that America is a beacon of light for innovation, science and technology.

Swami Saradananda on July 24 sent a message to Dr. Logan, the President of the San Francisco Vedanta Society, it reads:

“. . . We sent a cable to the New York Vedanta Society with directions to communicate to you and to all friends in the United States, about the Nirvana of our beloved Swami Vivekananda. He entered into the Life Eternal on July 4, Friday evening at ten minutes past nine. It came upon us so suddenly that even the Swamis in the rooms next to his in the Math had not the slightest intimation of it. The Swami was meditating in his own room at 7 p.m., leaving word that none was to come to him until called for. An hour after, he called one of us and requested him to fan his head. He lay down on his bed quietly, and the one tending him thought he was cither sleeping or meditating. An hour after, his hands trembled a little, and be breathed once very deeply. Then all was quiet for a minute or two. Again he breathed in the same manner, his eyes becoming fixed in the centre of his eyebrows and his face assuming a divine expression, and all was over.

“All through the day be felt as free and easy as possible, nay, freer than what he had felt for the last six months. He meditated in the morning for three hours at a stretch, took his meals with a perfect appetite, gave talks on Sanskrit grammar, philosophy and on the Vedas to the Swamis at the Math for more than two hours and discoursed on the Yoga philosophy. He walked in the afternoon for about two miles, and on returning enquired after every one very tenderly. While resting he conversed on the rise and fall of nations with his companions, and then went into his own room to meditate—you know’ the rest.”

Ref : MAHASAMADHI - Swami Vivekananda

   

4-July : Independence Day of United States of American 

Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July)  is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. 

The tradition of celebrating 4 July as Independence Day goes back to the 18th century. It was on 4 July, 1776 that the second Continental Congress in the US adopted the Declaration of Independence. Americans celebrate the '4th July' or Independence Day by organising parades and barbeques.

Establishment Day : Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira 

"ATMANO MOKSHARTAM JAGADDHITAYA CHA - For one's own salvation, and for the welfare of the world."

"Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man." -Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda wanted to rehabilitate the past glories of our motherland through an education which would not merely combine in it the best elements of Eastern and Western culture but would at the same time hold aloft the Indian ideals of devotion, wisdom and morality so that it might meet the national temperament at every point. Real education, he said, was that which enabled a person to stand on his own legs and helped him to manifest the perfection already in him by a harmonious development of his head, hand and heart. In his opinion, a balanced combination of the secular and the spiritual training constituted the true dimension of education.

With a view to giving shape to Swamiji's comprehensive scheme of education, the authorities of the Ramakrishna Mission started the Vidyamandira as an Intermediate Arts College in 1941 under the auspices of Saradapitha, a branch of the Ramakrishna Mission. Though originally it was an Intermediate Arts College, it received in 1945 affiliation in some commerce subjects and in 1946 in some science subjects. The college was upgraded to a three-year degree college with effect from July 1960.In this college the students come into close contact with their teachers and attempt is made to impart an all-round training in an atmosphere of serenity, discipline and moral purity which help them to develop into worthy citizens of the country with a sense of genuine pride in their hoary cultural traditions.

RKM Vidyamandira is one of the best colleges in India for last decades as per the NIRF rankings (was 7th ranked across India in 2020)

St. Xavier’s, RK Mission among top 10 Indian colleges in NIRF rankings - ABPEducation

Official Website of our Vidyamandira : Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira

and Facebook Page : Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math | Facebook

Also, sharing one very inspiring lecture of Swami Vedatinanda, presently serving as Correspondent, Ramakrishna Mission Shilpamandira, Belur Math, on this day in 2019 - some portion of the speech is in Bengali language.

Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira - Foundation Day Lecture by Swami Vedatitananda - YouTube

Birthday of Mr. Henning Holck-Larsen (4-July-1907):

I LIKE INDIA.

Three words that sum up the mindset of Mr. Henning Holck-Larsen, a pioneer of heavy industrial engineering in India. Arriving in British India as a young Danish engineer, he is known for his stellar contribution to technological modernisation, and for complementing industrialisation with a human face.

Much awarded and felicitated in his lifetime, he co-founded Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T) in Mumbai in 1938, with a friend and former classmate, Søren Kristian Toubro. Today, L&T is the 8th largest public limited company in India and one of the top 30 engineering company in the World.

Salute to Mr. Larsen of Larsen & Toubro who dedicated his life to the engineering revolution in India.

During my L&T Infotech days, I had the honor to visit the prestigious L&T house in Chennai having a tour to the wonderful museum made by L&T group, a few photos from there.

Biography of Mr. Larsen from Wikipedia : Henning Holck-Larsen - Wikipedia

L&T Corporate Website: L&T India | Larsen & Toubro (larsentoubro.com)

 3-January : The Day to Remember & Be Inspired.

Heartiest congratulations to our dear Paltu and wish you all the best as we complete Sixth Anniversary of your Donor Heart. Our sincere gratitude to Late Balaji’s family and remembering Him through our Poltu’s life everyday.

 “Poltu” – the name itself is a motivation & inspiration to all of us and many others who have been associated with his Heart Transplantation Journey. After going through lot of worried moments, critical treatment and painful wait, on this day six years back, 3-Jan-2015, Poltu was gifted his second life through this complex & critical transplantation process. Since that day, we have experienced many more challenges, worrying moments, but Poltu has shown tremendous courage and strength to overcome all those and has been leading a spirited life.

 

Basanti (Bulti), his wife has been a super strong pillar for Poltu & family. She is a determined, powerful but soft & sober lady raising two daughters in Bangalore while taking care of Poltu, we can only salute her from bottom of our heart. Their elder daughter, Tania, is studying in a good school here in Bangalore and topper in her class (2nd grade, will be going to 3^rd). They are also blessed with second daughter, Tannisha, 3 years back after Poltu coming back to normal life with donor heart. We are so fortunate to observe how they have brought such a huge transformation in their lives, in all aspects be it physical, psychological, social, financial and spiritual.

 

 

The chain of events and all the engaged activities during 2014-15, were a lifetime experience  for many of us, inspiring us to do more and eventually establishing our own Sevabrata Foundation (https://sevabrata.org/  FB Page https://www.facebook.com/SevabrataFoundation) with the mission to contribute more to our society. We are deeply thankful to so many well-wishers, volunteers, doctors, nurses & hospital staffs, contributors, supporters, motivators and many more who made it happen. The tribute goes to numerous people & organizations, but special thanks to Dr. Anand and team, BGS Global hospital, the family of the donor heart, great support from Reena Raju and her Light a life Foundation, Bengaluru Traffic Police, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama and of course so many well-wishers & supporters across India and different countries across the world.

 

May Thakur Maa Swamiji bless Poltu and his family for a happy prolonged healthy life..

Happy New Year to all, wish 2021 brings all the peace, joy, health, wealth, prosperity & happiness to everyone. Stay blessed, please continue blessing Poltu & his family and supporting us through all upcoming initiatives.

 

Few photos and moments from the past to remember.

 

Personal Blog : One Year Anniversary of Poltu’s Heart Transplantation

http://sandip-nanda.blogspot.com/2016/01/an-amazing-year-with-poltu-inspiration.html

It was only Yesterday but 25 years ago

19-June-2020

Nostalgic, Oh Yes ... 25 years, that's quite a milestone achieved. I still recall that first day of my professional journey on 19th June 1995, fresh from the academic institution to the corporate world, full of anxiety & fear for something unknown and at the same time being so happy to finally start working in corporate, that too it was one of those highly ranked placements from campus. All these seem to be the memories of yesterday, but 25 years have gone by so quickly. Along with my college-mate Avijit Das from Bengal Engineering College (BE College, Shibpur which became BESU and now the first IIEST of India), joined the prestigious Tata Group, the then Tata Unisys Limited (renamed as Tata Infotech Limited and later merged with TCS). So many memories, wish we can return to those days all over again.

All these years were indeed a memorable journey, lived only in few places : Kolkata - Jamshedpur - Detroit - Chicago - Austin - Bangalore; Travelled many more places in India, so many cities in North America (covering 40+ states) and a few places in Asia & Europe; Worked with so many talented & wonderful people, represented big employers like Tata Group, EMC, Dell, L&T Infotech and now Mamsys.

Also, just realized that I had witnessed some major organizational changes/mergers apart from the huge technological & industrial transformation.

• During my college days, Bengal Engineering College (popularly known as BE College) became a deemed university with the name BESU (Bengal Engineering & Science University), which later became IIEST.
• During my first job, Tata Unisys Limited became Tata Infotech Limited when Tata Sons took over Unisys share in 1996. After 10 years Tata infotech merged with TCS in 2006.
• EMC days, went through the historic experience of the biggest ever tech merger with Dell, becoming Dell Technologies (our group became Dell EMC).
• LTI days - although my journey with LTI was much shorter compared to 11+ years with Tata group and 12+ years with Dell EMC, but during this time LTI took over Mindtree though it was not a merger and no change in our life.

We all have witnessed many more mergers or acquisitions in the industry in these years, few major ones which might have been related to my journey (directly related professionally or personally) are Compaq & Digital, HP & Compaq, Oracle & SUN, EMC & Legato, EMC & Data Domain, Chase & Bank One, Brocade & McData, Symantec & Veritas, Capgemini & AXA etc.

The transformation in our professional & personal life is also phenomenal, it's not only technology but also how evolving technology has changed our day to day life, the common activities & feelings... can't imagine doing something today that we did 25 years back & vice versa.... a classic example being one large bank was running it's entire teller operations for their city main branch on a 20 MB Hard drive when I was supporting them in my initial days, now we have 32GB/64GB in our phone so easily. The Digitization has changed our entire lifestyle, that might have been started with Internet, followed by Telecom revolution, going through Digital revolution and now heading towards AI/ML, AR/VR/MR and IoT. One thing that we have all understood is that "Change is the only Constant" aspect in our life.

Anyway, coming back to my journey, I am grateful to countless number of great personalities, colleagues, customers, mentors and friends who helped me in this journey both in India and in United States, making it so enjoyable & memorable. If I even try to name a few, this page will overflow, so please allow me to convey my sincere "THANKS" to all who made this journey possible; who helped, supported, trained, mentored, guided and worked along with me & in my team all these years. Special thanks to my dear friends & family members who tolerated me and sacrificed so much on the way, and of course the biggest support from my Mom and Dad, my parents-in-law, my elder sister, and my life partner Nabanita & my twin-powerhouses Raima and Rounak.

Now I am at a point in life where at times, I think about how many more years I need to continue this, it may be at least another 8-10 years, seeking all your blessings and wishes to carry on for those many years, which is seriously quite a tough journey ahead. Hopefully will reach there someday & cherish the journey looking back. The motto must be; always look forward with a positive mindset taking the experience & memories from the Past, but don't forget to live & enjoy the Present :).

Thanks everyone, Take care and stay blessed...

An amazing Year with "Poltu" - an Inspiration to many

"Poltu” – the name itself has been an inspiration for many by now including all of us who were engaged in different capacity in this journey for about last 18 to 20 months.

Poltu & Basanti : 3-Jan-2016

It was exactly a year back, on 3^rd January 2015 morning, when we all were anxiously waiting for the completion of a very critical, complex and major operation conducted by a group of expert doctors of BGS Global Hospital, Led by Dr. Anand Subramanyan. The successful HEART Transplantation was a life changing event for not only Poltu & his family, but also all of us who took this challenge inspired by the ideology and spirit of Thakur Sri Ramakrishna, Maa Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda led by my friend Partha Adhikari. Ref: Facebook Page for Poltu

Poltu - June 2014

November 2014

November 2014

December 2014

Today we have come across an eventful year, with challenging & critical moments as well as very inspiring, motivating, happy and pleasant occasions reaching & overcoming one after another milestone. Poltu is a completely transformed personality now who ably supported by his wife Basanti is leading & motivating us every day leading from the front. Basanti has been a powerful support in every occasion with her determination, care, calmness and extremely strong mental framework. She has been at the receiving end for more than 5 years when Poltu was suffering from Heart disease and shown a never-give up willingness even when it was told that only option to save Poltu’s life is to have Heart Transplantation.

It was a long struggle to get Poltu undergo the medical treatment and be prepared for such a critical operation of heart transplantation from June to November 2014. Then it was a period of waiting & praying for a donor heart, which by God’s grace was not a long wait. 1st January of each year is celebrated as Kalpataru Day with great joy by devotees of Sri Ramakrishna all over the world because it was on 1.1.1886 that the Great Master made public his divinity and blessed all assembled at Cossipore Garden ground, declaring "Tomaader Chaitanya hok" "may you be spiritually illimined". That day he revealed himself as the Kalpataru, the divine wish-fulfilling tree that grants boons to all without any distinction. And on 1st January 2015, we got the best news from the doctors about the potential match of a donor heart. Poltu was hospitalized on 2nd January and was being prepared for the transplantation. Our sincere thanks to the Family of the Noble Donor, who amidst the toughest & sad situation of losing a young life, decided to dedicate his organs for supporting other life.

3-Jan-2015: Media waiting outside Hospital before Heart Arrival

We spent entire night preparing and counting down the time. Finally on 3rd January early morning the Donor Heart reached to BGS Hospital among very high media & TV coverage. Thanks to Bangalore Traffic Police for making it a smooth journey providing signal free green corridor in the road. The operation started at around 10 AM on 3rd January and lasted for almost 4 hours. It was a moment of joy for everyone including the medical staff, doctors and all who contributed to this cause when Poltu was gifted with the Donor Heart successfully under the supervision of team of expert doctors at BGS Global Hospital. This event was highly broadcasted as a successful Organ Donation and Live Transportation of Heart under the guidance of Bangalore traffic police through Green corridor. A series of media coverage since 4th January (links below) reveal that the story of getting second life to Poltu Bera and associated campaign touched people’s heart. However, every moment post operation was life threatening and Poltu sailed through all obstacles. There were some major crisis within 2 days, but effort from all concerned proved too strong for any casualty..

Press Conference at Taj Vivanta by BGS Global Hospital

21-Jan-2015 : Coming out of Hospital

Partha and Sandip with Dr. Anand (Center)

After going through series of treatment, medication and examinations finally Poltu was released from Hospital on 21st January. 

21-Jan-2015: Just out from Hospital

 He attended a press conference at Taj Vivanta, Bangalore organized by BGS Global Hospital on 20th January. Since then it started another tough challenge for all of us to sustain the expenses & tough challenge Post Heart Transplantation. We kept them in a nearby rented place close enough to the hospital for reasons. We are so proud for Poltu who has shown tremendous courage & character to go through this tough process. 

Many thanks to Reena Raju and her Foundation “Light a Life” (ReenaRajuFoundation), who not only supported with financial help, arranging medicines at a lower cost but also preparing Poltu & his wife physically & mentally to go through this tough journey throughout their life.

With Reena Raju

We are so fortunate to have Dr. Anand who has been the strongest pillar of support, guidance, treatment and in fact everything for Poltu. We also sincerely convey our thanks & gratitude to not only Dr. Anand, but the entire team of Expert doctors, nurses, medical & non-medical staff members of BGS Global hospital.

Last but not the least, our heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to all well wishers who directly & indirectly participated, contributed and supported this noble cause pre & post transplantation. We are so grateful to them all over the world whose financial support & contribution made it possible.

Poltu was made ready to resume light work by July 2015. The volunteer team led by Partha started the job hunt for both Poltu & Basanti. It was not easy considering Poltu can’t take up physically and mentally challenging work, he should not get exposed to any harmful chemical substances, our society treats that Poltu is a patient although he is fit enough, both of them have to work in close vicinity. Going back to village is ruled out as they were needed to be in Bangalore for continued treatment and earning in his village will not be of any sustainable amount.

Finally, it was divine bliss that he got a job of security guard in Vivekananda Ashrama (RKM), Ulsoor from mid of July 2015. We shifted them close to the workplace. Today Poltu  is spending more than 12 hours on his duty – which reflects that he become a normal man with physical and mental strength. Basanti also started working and earning for their own as a cook. Now they are planning to bring their daughter back from Village who is with her grandparents there. Although Poltu is still financially supported & guided, but we are confident that Poltu & his family will be victorious throughout their life.

September 2015 - Poltu at work

3-Jan-2016

It’s only the start of the long journey for Poltu, Basanti & their family and for all of us. We pray for their wellness, prosperity & happiness in their life and of course the support from each one of you will make this happen.

Wish you and your family a Happy, Prosperous, Peaceful & Joyful New Year. May 2016 fulfill all the dreams and wishes.

Jai Thakur-Maa-Swamiji.

Media Articles: 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Crowd-funding-pumps-in-money-for-heart-transplant-in-Bengaluru/articleshow/45959041.cms

http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolkata/FB-group-gifts-heart-patient-a-new-life/articleshow/46015293.cms

http://epaper.deccanchronicle.com/articledetailpage.aspx?id=1930677

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Bengaluru-stops-as-live-heart-races-across/articleshow/45746892.cms

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Bengaluru-stops-as-live-heart-races-across/articleshow/45746892.cms

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/crime/Youth-dies-on-New-Years-Eve-gives-life-to-6-others/articleshow/45745328.cms

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150104/nation-current-affairs/article/another-heart-makes-journey-now-bengaluru

IMPORTANCE OF 11TH SEPTEMBER

Today is the day : 11th September. In recent years this day is remembered by many for other reason which has left a negative impression and impact on the human civilization. But this day needs to be remembered with due importance and with a high positive spirit; for this motivating and encouraging fact, on this day of 1893, Swami Vivekananda, the great Soul of Modern Humanity/World, delivered his historic, immortal and world-famous speech at The World’s  Parliament of Religions in Chicago starting with "Sisters and Brothers of America ...."  My absolute pleasure to share the text of this everlasting speech.

Hope this enlightens and motivates all of us and make us a better human being with happiness, love, peace, prosperity and unity.

11th September, 1893

"Sisters and Brothers of America,

 (followed by huge applaud from the audience of approximately 7000 people, which lasted for 2 minutes)

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. l thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: 

 As the different streams having there sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to thee.

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Geeta:

Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me. 

Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal."

 

27th September, 1893

(Addressing at the Final Session, Swamiji provided the great Solution to the unity of world human civilization, the end portion of the speech goes as follows)

If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written, in spite of resistance: ‘Help and not Fight’, ‘Assimilation and not Destruction’, ‘Harmony and Peace and not Dissension’.

To explore more - please visit:

- COMPLETE WORKS of SWAMI VIVEKANANDA: Complete Works - Index - Volumes

- Ramakrishna Math & Mission:  http://www.belurmath.org/swamivivekananda.htm

 @Sandip Nanda's Blog