86- 0
Garba: Traditional Folk Dance of Gujarat - an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Art Form of Unesco
An article on Garba, the traditional folk dance of Gujarat and an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Art Form of Unesco, describing the meaning and essence of the Garba tradition as well as the different types of Garba songs and dance forms.
- 0
Stambheshwar Mahadev Mahateerth - an Ancient Hindu Seashore Pilgrim Place in Gujarat Described in the Skanda Puraan
Stambheshwar Mahadev Mahateerth is an ancient Shiva Temple located on the shore of the Arabian Sea, on western coastline of India, in Gujarat, where the shrine gets submerged in tidal water everyday. Ancient Hindu scripture Skanda Puraan describes the origin and wisdom associated with this shrine.
- 0
When a Trustee of an Educational Institution I Worked With Raged a Quarrel on Me - a View of Prevailing Conditions
Administration of education systems is a special responsibility. Fairness & clarity in dealings have to harmonize with purity of purpose to create an atmosphere that naturally nurtures future generations for a fulfilling life. Here is an article which shows grim realities and reflects on solutions.
- 0
How Did Squirrels Get Stripes On Their Back ?
Sincere efforts never go in vain. This is a poem which reaffirms this conviction, narrating a myth from the Raamaayana, in which the sincere, but trivial-looking efforts of a little squirrel are appreciated by Shree Raama during the construction of the bridge - Raama-Setu - to Lanka.
- 0
The Shadow - A Poem
Shadows are a part of our existence. They nurture us, teach us and stay with us till we last, like past ....
- 0
Tributes to Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar was personified sweetest version of the Sounds of Divinity, a voice that conveyed with a profoundness far beyond the scope of any words to describe. In response to an urge that has been lingering within for quite a long time now, I wrote this article about her presence in my life ...
- 0
Success - A Poem by Vanita Thakkar
We all aspire for success. Our understanding of success plays an important role in determining and maintaining our outlook towards life, which steers our actions and reactions. Here is a poem which contemplates on success ….
- 0
In The Library: A Poem
This poem narrates my fascination and awe when I found myself in the sea of books at the H M Library, M S University of Baroda during one of my initial visits to the library as a student of engineering.
- 0
Spiritual Intelligence - Poem - With Reflections on the Challenges and the Quest for Solutions on Spiritual Path
Minds driven by mundane, materialistic compulsions suffer from deviations that are most unfortunate and sad to encounter. Even those who have dedicated their lives to eternal quest can loose track of the very fundamentals ....
- 0
Visiting Sun Temple, Modhera: An Architectural Marvel and Historical Monument in North Gujarat
The Sun Temple in Modhera, North Gujarat, is an architectural masterpiece. Despite thousands of years of wear and severe damages from Muslim invasions, it stands in majestic grandeur.
- 0
A B C .... Upto Z .... About Me .... Know A Little More About Vanita
This is in response to the ABC Challenge on writing about one's own self starting from A to Z, initiated by Pamela Oglesby on HubPages .... It is fun, though pretty tricky .... I hope everyone enjoys getting to know a little pinch more about me.
- 0
Tippy-Tappy Rains!! - a Poem on the Joys as Well as Challenges Rains Bring
Rains enchant us, cool us, soothe us and elevate our spirits. But, rains are a survival challenge for the needy and homeless. Also, heavy rains and floods cause destruction, rendering hundreds of people homeless and starving …. Here are memories of rains that bring ecstasy as well as concerns ….
- 0
Freedom From Stress Through Music - Music For Healthy Life and Lifestyle ....
This article is the English Translation of a Gujarati article I wrote for the journal Shree Ramakrishna Jyot published by Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Memorial Rajkot. It explores and explains how music plays an important role in living a healthy life and in curing health problems.
- 0
Sukhadi (Gol Papadi): Easy and Delicious Gujarati Sweet
Sukhadi is a delicious Gujarati sweet that is quick and easy to make. The key ingredients are wheat flour, jaggery and ghee.
- 0
Quotes And Parables of Shree Ramakrishna Paramahansa
Thakur Shree Ramakrishna Paramahansa had a light, witty, subtle, catchy and convincing way of imparting knowledge. His Parables are a source of inspiration, insight, realization and knowledge to millions of devotees, aspirants and readers. Here are some sparkles of that profound knowledge ....
- 0
Vadodara, the Banyan City and the Cultural Capital of Gujarat (India) Is Also Shiva-Nagari - the City of Shiva Temples
A lesser known fact about Vadodara, the Banyan City & the Cultural Capital of Gujarat (India) is that it is the city of Shiva Temples, with about 1042 big & 560 small Shiva Temples scattered across the city. An article on the main nine temples surrounding the city, fondly known to be protecting it.
- 0
Learning To Prepare Rotis - A Memorable Incident
Making Roti is an art as well as science. Roti is a regular feature of Indian cuisine. Here are some interesting incidents and memories of how one of my friends Seema and I learnt making Rotis ....
- 0
My Well-Wisher : A Poem
Good wishes and well-wishers are as important and precious in everyone's life as they are rare and difficult to recognize. Difficulties / obstacles / adversities help us identify them. Here is a poem, some quotes and some reflections that speak about well-wishers and pseudo-well-wishers in life ...
- 0
Thoughts and Quotes on Love on Valentine's Day - Also Remembering Other Celebrations of Love Such As Vat-Savitri Pooja
Love is the most sweet-sounding word and the ever-sought, ever-longed emotion. Ironically, love is also most widely, most badly and most unfortunately misunderstood, misinterpreted and misused word / emotion. Here are some thoughts and quotes on Love, on Veletine's Day that celebrates Love ....
- 0
English Translation of Shree Maa Sharada Baavanee - A Gujarati Hymn on Shree Maa Sharada Devi and Her Divine Life
Shree Maa Sharada Devi was the wife and spiritual consort of Thakur Shree Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the great Swami Vivekananda’s Guru. Here is the English translation of a Gujarati Hymn, called that describes Shree Maa Sharada Devi’s life and works ….
- 0
Sayings At Work - Interesting Memories of Gender Sensitive - Work Related Matters in Male-Oriented Engineering Industry
Sayings characterize every language, every dialect prevailing on the Earth. They are subtle & expressive, catchy & captivating, at times pining, while at times liberating & healing. Here is an incident revolving around some sayings in the male-oriented Engineering Industry ….
- 0
The World Beyond - A Poem On The Journey Within ....
A Glimpse of the Inner World .... from Ocean of Tears and Storm of Sighs, Furnace of Fury and Active Volcano of Memories in Desert of Harsh Realities .... to My Land of Rainbows - Full of Love and Life ....
- 0
Rainbow Bridge - A Poem
Manas National Park is a wild life sanctuary in Assam, located at the Himalayan foothills. It is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a tiger and elephant reserve and is known for being the homeland of the one-horned Assam Rhinoceros. Here are some memories of visits to Manas ....
- 0
Befriend Truth - A Poem .... With Reflections on Why Truth Is Not Trusted ....
Truth is the Light, the Strength - the Absolute .... Still, the irony is, Truth is not trusted. Does this fact not pop up every now and then in our lives - in professional lives, relationships and day to day dealings with people ??!! Here are some reflections on this harsh fact ....
- 13
Picnic - A Poem - Revisiting and Reliving Joys and Memories of Picnic(s) ....
Picnics are fun times. Here are the memories of a little girl remembering the fun and joys of picnic ....
- 20
Ganeshotsava: Ten Days Festival Of Ganesha, The Lord Of Beginning, Purity, Wisdom and Collectivity; Remover of Obstacles
Ganeshotsava is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Bhadrapada, from the fourth day to the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha (the brighter fortnight, from full moon to new moon), during which Ganesha, the Lord of Beginning, Purity, Wisdom and Collectivity; the Remover of Obstacles is worshipped.
- 18
She - A Poem by Vanita Thakkar
What is it That you want of her ? What is it That you are looking for In her ? .... If only you could see that She is a human being ! Do you know What that means ? ....
- 20
Mr. And Mrs. Mouse - A Poem
Mr. Mouse married Miss Mouse. He brought her to his house; to lead a “happy” life, with his beautiful wife .... Read how their marriage progresses ...
- 13
My Ego - A Poem with Reflections on Understanding Ego and Self-respect; Ego and Social Labels; Ego, Trust and Love ….
How much have you suffered because of your notions of my ego ? .... You find all reasons to cause troubles .... Still, do I not owe Thanks to you for being better than worse ??!!
- 15
Gauri Vrat - Five Days Fasting Festival For Girls And Ladies In Gujarat In Memory of The Eternal Love of Shiva-Paarvati
Gauri Vrat is a Five Days Fasting Festivals for little girls and ladies in Gujarat, celebrated in the month of Aashaadhh (June-July) during rainy season, beginning on the Shukla Paksha Trayodashi, two days before the Guru Poornima (Full Moon Day), in memory of the Eternal Love of Shiva-Paarvati ....
- 19
Sadness - Poem
Sadness is natural and inevitable human state - a passing state - like the gloominess of night passing on to welcome dawn .... Live through it, Strengthen through it ....
- 22
Father - A Poem - A Tribute To All Wonderful Fathers on Father's Day
.... Father is the cool shelter for solace in life, Father is the sail to progress in life, Father is the unfailing anchor against storms in life, Father is the powerhouse of the family .... Happy Fahter's Day - today and everyday!!
- 23
Rain Again - A Poem About Rain and Rainy Memories ....
Rainy memories .... .... Monsoon is perhaps best spent sitting by the window, Watching rain come and go – Like the passing showers of Life.
- 8
Silent Diction - Poem .... A Call for Awakening to the Language of Silence ....
.... Seeing in, out and around, we discover, that in order to communicate, words, all can’t shower .... The best of joys and the worst of sorrows are often out of reach of words .... Life becomes more worthwhile if we learn the Language of Silence ....
- 28
F-Bond - a Poem on the Strongest Bond Ever Found Anywhere
As students of Science, we study Chemical Bonding. Here is a poem on the strongest bond to be found in nature ....
- 14
Holi - The Festival of Colours of Joy, Fun, Festivities, Hope, Love, Harmony ....
Holi is the Indian Spring Festival of Colours, full of Joy, Fun, Festivities, Devotion, Hope, Love, Harmony and Music celebrated by Indians and lovers of Indian culture all across the world .... A glimpse of the background, essence and ways of celebrating Holi ....
- 19
Hope - Leads to Success
Hope is the sweet child of Faith and Forgiveness that breathes Life into life .... Here is a poem on Hope ....
- 21
Two Poems on Tomorrow - Who Has Ever Seen Tomorrow .... ??!! And Tomorrow's Today
.... Tomorrow Will Be Today, Tomorrow, Who has ever seen Tomorrow .... ??!! .... .... Now, on hand, Ever slipping .... Make the most of it, To Make Tomorrow's Today Blest and Lit.
- 21
Majestic Nature - Poem
.... Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether, As Body, Emotions, Intelligence, Mind and Soul, Combine, Create, Nurture, Recreate …. The Myriad Forms of Majestic Nature, Vastest and Subtlest, Unfathomable and Infinite, Multitudinous and One, Majestic Nature, Mother Nature.
- 7
Madness - A Poem
Ponderings on the Immortal Insanity of Love and Truth .... The eternal madness of Love and Truth is better than the escapist madness of hypocrisy .... Commitment and Determination as Madness - Fairness of Purpose .... the Example of Great Martyrs of Indian Freedom Struggle ....
- 24
Remembering Oliver Twist - A Poem
Oliver Twist is a symbol of waning strength finding its way out to strive, to live on. Any attempt to emerge from such suppressions/compulsions reminds of his attempts to speak up, as one explores right words/expressions that would create humane, compassionate and joyful surroundings to be in ....
- 10
Camouflaged Trust - Poem
Trust overladen with hidden, blind expectations creates unwanted and undue stresses and strains. Such experiences expose parasitic tendencies in relationships, in which the contributor gets exposed to the risk of being consumed by the receiver and has to be careful. A poem on such challenges ....
- 7
Questions - Poem
Questions are purely human, as only humans are bestowed with the intelligence to question, analyze, understand and conclude. Questioning is an art that blossoms in the world of science. Our questions guide, regulate and steer our quest in Life. Here is a poem on Questions and some reflections on it.
- 20
Perfection - a Poem .... What Is It ? an Aspiration, a Quest, an Expectation … a Tool, a Weapon ... Let Us Explore ....
Perfection - an aspiration, a quest, an expectation .... a tool - to chip and chop, crave and carve .... a weapon - to shake and break - individualities and identities .... Perfection - unattainable: but, measurable?! By man – Whose perfection lies In being imperfect ?!
- 9
Misunderstandings - Poem
Understanding is the doorstep to healthy relationships. Here is a little poem on misunderstandings and some related thoughts and quotes ....
- 10
Flowers : A Poem .... With Quotes and Thoughts on the Blooming Expressions of Love, Grace and Benevolence of Nature
Flowers personify beauty and love and goodness - with their soothing and tender looks, cool fragrance and soft, gentle touch. Here is a poem on flowers and some beautiful quotes on flowers, with wishes that the new year 2021 brings good health, happiness, prosperity and peace.
- 19
Om Tat Sat Shree Narayan Tu .... - A Beautiful All-Faith Prayer Explained and Elaborated in English
Om Tat Sat Shree Narayan Tu ... is a beautiful All-Faith Prayer, which was a part of Mahatma Gandhi's prayer sessions. It is sung regularly in many schools/institutions all over India, spreading message and vibrations of harmony and peace. Here, the essence of its verses is elaborated in English.
- 10
Let Us Reach Out - Poem
If you look thro' my eyes, the world is really wonderful With EVERYTHING that it has .... Come, let's share and add to the marvels !!
- 9
Managers And Teachers - Poem
A Poem on the discrepancies in the field of Education. Teacher should be capable and compassionate enough and administration of Education Systems, as also other administrative systems, should be governed by focus on merits and principles. Dilution on merits and principles leads to widespread chaos.
- 6
My Life - Poem .... Love Life, Love Yourself ....
No one can live my life for me, nor can I live someone else's life !! Be happy being yourself !! No one can be you !! No one can be me !! Let us enjoy being our own selves !!
- 10
Expectations - Poem .... With Reflections on - Is It Possible to Be Devoid of Expectations ?! How to Balance Them ?!
.... Everything does not happen just as we expect .... Is it possible to be devoid of expectations ??!!
- 23
To My Friend(s) .... : A Poem on Thanksgiving, Dedicated to Brother Manatita ....
Gratitude is all that I have to offer, for, whether you give or take, you are the giver ....
- 12
Dusk - Poem
Dusk - the beautiful union of day and night inspires bliss and peace ...
- 4
Kindergarten Days: Poem
Memories of how I started my schooling .... and how it progressed .... a poem and some memories on "Remembering Childhood ...." inspired by Bill Holland ....
- 15
Control: A Poem
Man loves, enjoys and strives for control .... Often in this toil for control he forgets to ask himself - How much control do I have on myself ?
- 10
Anger: Poem
Understanding and managing anger is important in life .... Anger : .... When untamed, a wild weapon; when tamed, a friendly flame, that fuels the vision to fight for the right.
- 10
Condolence Message To Devil On Dussehra: A Poem
Dussehra is the Indian Festival that celebrates victory of Good over Evil. It is celebrated in memory of the victory of Lord Raama over the mighty demon king Raavana, to free his wife, Seetaa from Raavana's captivity.
- 5
Night - Poem .... The Songs of Life, Whispered Softly by the Passing Night to the Earthlings ....
The Gloomy Silence of Night Whispers Songs of Life .... Here Is What The Night Says ....
- 4
The Book of Nature : Poem .... a Call to Learn Reading the Works of the Greatest of Authors, Ever at Work - Nature
From the moment Time was born, and till it vanishes into the Unknown, the works of the greatest of Authors, have been and will go on and on .... Listen to what Nature says ....
- 6
Discretion : Poem
Differences worth knowing .... Discretion fine tunes perceptions - that affect life at all levels ....
- 23
Motherhood : Poem - The Greatest of Joys - Still, Where Does It Get Lost Or Trapped, On Its Way From Doll-House To Home?
.... I saw, birth-givers not becoming mothers and Motherhood craving in childless arms …. and I wonder, where did It get trapped? Where? ………..? Where is It struggling? On its way from doll-house to home? ....
- 24
Mother - A Poem on Mother .....
Embodied Beauty .... Embodies Life .... Empowered by Divine .... That's Mother !! It is difficult to describe mother and her role in our lives .... here are a few words that make some efforts, perhaps in vain, to describe mother ....
- 12
Inspiration : A Poem .... Inspiration Is A Blessing .... Keep It Glowing And Glowing ....
You are blessed if amidst the chaos around you, you feel inspired .... Keep the inspiration glowing and glowing ....
- 16
Transformation : Poem
The purity of Love and Truth prevails and flourishes, in spite of all provocations and perils ....
- 8
Love - The English Translation of my first Gujarati Poem "Prem" ....
.... Such unique, tender, strong, profound, deep, is the feeling of Love !! Experience it !! The tip of my pen Cannot mould it into words !!
- 10
Love : A Silvery Song ....
Love is the silvery song of silent longing, Love is the soothing symphony of Timeless belonging ....
- 12
Education : A Poem Based On An Old Inspiring Story
A Poem Narrating An Old Indian Story That Brings Forth The Importance Of Persistent Hard Work, Which Turns A Dumb Student Into An Intelligent Scholar ....
- 20
The Moon: Poem
Nature is called Mother Nature - we emerge, evolve, grow and merge into the Her nurturing, inspiring and loving embraces. Some cool and bright, shiny inspiration that the Moon spreads has found its way into this poem ....
- 4
The Award: A Short Story
Vipraa hears about a well-known veteran writer receiving a prestigious award and recalls some memories of a distant acquaintance with him ….
- 10
Oh Krishna !! Are You Still There Around ....??!! : Poem
A Real Incident That Took Place About Twenty Six Years Back - My Two-wheeler Suddenly Went Out Of Order On My Way Back Home From Work .... I Had To Pass Through Deserted And Sparely Populated Locality .... Fields And Wilderness .... A Little Boy Was Passing By .... He Walked With Me Till I Was Safe.
- 10
By The Train Window - Poem
Dissolving Into The Vastness Within And Around By The Train Window ....
- 2
Consolations - Poem
Plight Of Womanhood .... Continued Refusal To Learn From Past, To Change For Good ....How Long, How Far .... ??!!
- 10
The Waiting Princess : Poem - on being one’s own friend ....
Being One's Own Friend .... My Poem That I Feel Is Closest To My Heart ....
- 0
Grey and Brown : Poem
The Tale Of Clashing Ambitions And Shared Greeds Of Authorities ....
- 2
Pickle Management In Technical Education : Poem
About Discrepancies In Education / Administrative Systems ....
- 3
Poem - Forgive Me
.... Forgive me for not being able to heal by bandages on legs for injuries on hands ....
- 0
Housekeeping : A Poem Inspired by Nepal Earthquake - 25th April, 2015 ....
On Nepal Earthquake - 25th April, 2015 ....
- 0
Cricketosophy : Poem
A poem on memories of Austral-Asia Cup Final Match in April-1986 between India & Pakistan, when the last ball was hit for a Six, denying India a most certain Victory - Cricket is very popular in India. This poem describes how cricket taught some important lessons on Sportsman Spirit & Patriotism ...
- 1
THE QUEST : Some Thoughtlets, Thought Waves ....
Perceptions Steer Relationships - In Professional As Well As Personal Life .... Clarity; Focus On Merits, Principles And Objectives Of Common, Higher Interests Is Essential ....
- 22
The Mirror - A Parable On Human Ignorance ....
Life is a continuous process of regaining lost faith and maintaining it ....
- 2
Hammer Examiners - Poem
A Glimpse of the Sorry State of Affairs Prevailing in the Field of Research ....
- 2
Poem - Birth .... Ponderings On One Of The Most Contemplated Topics Ever ....
A New Beginning Or A Renewed Seeking Of Answers To Longing, Eternal Pining …. ?