OUR ELDER GRANDCHILD

Athreya a few months old is our younger grandchild..As grandparents during our two months stay at my son's place in Desmoines - Iowa  we had an abundance of indulgence ,wish we had the energy that of our 5 year old Grandchild  Keyaa as they have the knack to bring out the best in us.Grandparents need their children and more the grandchild as well.Grandchildren of this generation have an acute sense of creativity are gifted to understand and control remotely,intricate fun and playful gadgets that it is absolutely mystifying technology for people of our time that I received a first hand coaching probably the only of its kind in my life.

On this occasion unlike the previous one in 2010 Keyaa then barely 18 months old would gleefully be with me without any qualms as I would create her interest in colourful objects which she would keenly observe and also I will not miss drawing her attention to different sizes of vehicle passing down the street, that others in the house appreciated my tact more than probably intelligence ; I am rehearsing the same with Athreya my daughter's new born of 5 months. Keyaa now as I see possess an array of specialized tools such as Ipod / Tablet computer and she instantly at will brings out fairy figures of Cinderella, Snow-White,Dora or Bella and various dream princes exhibiting different costumes,cosmetics, nail polish,footwear,braids,necklaces, earrings which she swiftly matches and in no time a complete portrait of her liking emerges. I was her fan cum learner constantly engaged and entertained and my IQ was repeatedly  tested and instead of telling Grandpa stories I become her pupil taking periodic lessons on dress and jewelry selection , use of cosmetics and hair setting with a dryer- I suggested hair oil as routinely applied during our time she just stared, the solitary suggestion sternly rejected; lesson learnt not to interrupt without knowledge. A day prior to our return journey she came to my room looked up and directed me to take a practical test, topic perform a demo HAIR DO or STYLE on her with a mirror to reflect the proceedings- duration of  the exam just 10 minutes as she has to go for swimming classes. Result announced "PASSED". This incident can be adequately collaborated by my daughter in law she has captured the sequence in her smart phone device. Besides this she also advised me to be POSITIVE and stop being RIDICULOUS with irrelevant suggestions, all in presence of  my son anand. Where in this world will I hope to find so much of sincere  love, affection and genuine  play we are indeed blessed.

There exist a relevant grudge with my children that I could not narrate to them bedtime stories during their childhood the truth there were stalwart  stories tellers in our extended family that my presence was hardly noticed in midst of great grand mother, grand parents, brother and sister in laws and few permanent guests like uncle and aunt in our lively Mumbai tenement; I want to assure them that matters have not altered " LET THEM BE ASSURED THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL  EVEN NOW AS A GRANDPA STORY NARRATOR INSTEAD I HAVE SUCCUMB AND BECOME A PUPIL"  a rare privilege.

Grandparents world over are known to pass life lessons, family history and positive values I will certainly look forward to do this to my lovely affectionate adoring gifted grandchildren on the next visit. 

"THE INCREDIBLE PUMP"

We had to draw water to the surface from 600 ft depth and a electric Submersible Pump of 7.5 HP was installed at our company's land site in a remote bereft area just 60 Km from Mumbai.This magnificent pump efficiently discharged 2.5 inch density flow of water to irrigate the parched land having features of more water output with minimum power bill.The cooling of the pump was remarkable even after continuous operation for long duration;it also had a ideal weight of 132 lbs and was perfectly designed for a longer life.The signs of malfunctioning was first noticed during the 3rd year and gradually it became weak and finally collapsed on the 20th of June 2012.All efforts were futile to restore the incredible pump which became a precious source of living to the folks who tended the land and generating additional income.The causes diagnosed for its abrupt demise was basically :- a) Abrasives in water resulting in excessive wear. b)Intake screen on the pump got blocked by the mud.c) Fluctuation and Incorrect voltage supplies by the local power station.

The Greek physicians of Alexandria school first discovered that our heart functioned as a Natural Pump that blood entering the heart like a Submersible Pump thrust blood from the veins into the arteries. The heart is a living ENGINE of "HOPE ", it pumps about 32 lacs liter of blood a year,travelling about a foot a second and courses down the atrial tree losing its velocity as it goes; throught life from womb until death the final silence the THROB of heart is always there.Many character are drawn from PURE HEART,KIND HEART,HALE AND HEARTY or BLEEDING HEART and even BOTTOM OF THE HEART epitomizing sincerity.
The hardening of arteries and deposit of debris ( Atherosclerosis  Plaques ) eventually closes an artery.It has been an epidemic since early 1900 coronary heart disease claims million of life around the world each year, people are disabled,high economic cost involving medical expenses ,salaries and work day loss runs into billions.The heart of an inactive person has a poor pumping capacity limiting his ability to work or exercise for prolong periods,however, exercise improves the elasticity of arteries and also STIMULATE THE GROWTH OF ADDED BLOOD VESSEL TO THE HEART THESE COLLATERAL VESSELS PROVIDE ANOTHER ROUTE FOR BLOOD SHOULD THE CORONARY ARTERIES BECOME CLOGGED.Studies have revealed that even when some risk factors like gender,age,strong family history of heart disease can be altered and reduced by maintaining proper levels of cholesterol and other blood fats.
One should get into any form of exercise or play with great caution, the aim of any workout program is designed to improve the cardiovascular system is to attain 70 to 85 percent of maximum rate and sustain it for 15 to 25 minutes,the indicator is measured by doctors by Stress Test ,the optimum level a heart can beat and still supply adequate oxygen to working muscles.It may take weeks or months to work up to this level depending on one's physical condition, " NEVER BE COMPETITIVE OR OVER EXERCISE OR PLAY A RIGOROUS CHALLENGING GAME ALL OF A SUDDEN OR AFTER A LAY OFF". I could not tend the Submersible Pump but at least a Living Pump has the right to be looked after and kept away from being another" A BLEEDING HEART"

Cardio/Carbo

                                                     


June 1988 - A coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( CABG ) to correct arterial disorder was done to me at Bombay Hospital and before surgery I was told that a successful graft typically last 7 to 10 years, particularly   younger patients with no complicating diseases will do better compared to older patients. The CABG graft lasted perfectly 25 plus years and I am eager to briefly share the post Surgery life style corrections.

Throughout prehistoric time man's quest for fitness has been driven by a desire to survive by hunting and gathering thus demanding a high level of fitness.Confucius the Chinese philosopher encouraged physical activity as a result CONFU Gymnastic was developed to keep his subjects physique in good condition.In India individual pursuit of fitness was discouraged as religious belief of Buddhism and Hinduism emphasized spiritualism and tended to neglect development of body.The importance of fitness within society in general was relatively low;though Yoga existed for over 5000 years but more practiced by Hindu ascetics , saints and priests who lived frugal life style characterized by discipline and meditation ( Yoga is much more pronounced in the Western World and it is estimated in America alone there are over 12 Million people practice Yoga in some way ) . I want to emphasis in a very categorical terms to INVEST Liberally your time to HEALTHY LIVING .There are several physiological benefits of exercise first is improvement in muscular function ,strength and capacity in body's ability to take in and use Oxygen ( maximize Oxygen consumption for aerobic capacity ) as the ability to transport and use Oxygen improves regular daily activities can be performed with less fatigue.This is particularly important for patients with cardiovascular disease who's exercise capacity is typically lower than that of  a healthy individual.One should participate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most and preferably all days a week i.e walking briskly at about 3 miles per hour will equal to 1200 to 1400 calorie  of energy expended per week. I recommend walking to running / jogging for instance it takes longer to walk a mile than to run a mile and if you match both the energy expended are comparable,it would take twice as long about an hour for brisk walking instead of 35 minutes for running. It has been conclusively proved that brisk walking reduces the risk of heart disease more effectively than running by 9.3% while running 4.5%. It is a matter of  grave concern that developed nations along with fast developing nations like India are currently getting deprived of  their " HUMAN CAPITAL" resources in productive enterprises during 40's and 50's it is a social and national loss when experience and efficiency are at the optimum level getting diminished due to abysmal sedentary and dietary habits.

A complete U turn of living added another graceful 25 years of my existence. I was able to not only recuperate from the traumatic CABG surgery but fulfill my family and social responsibilities. It is not easy to make a judgement and select a a proper diet ,however, I shall briefly indicate few significant issues: Firstly the serving size should be limited to an extent that  you consume limited. Eating more of Low Calorie nutrient rich foods such as fruit and vegetables and less on high sodium and high calorie such as refined and processed or fast foods; there is plethora  of books and articles to guide you on healthy eating nevertheless a High Blood Cholesterol having low density lipoprotien type B ( I guess) can lead to Plaques .It is the SMALL DENSE LDL which is more toxic than LARGE LDL and some times person having elevated LDL perhaps is more safer than MODEST ELEVATION OF LDL. It is now believed HDL below 35 and Triglycerides above 250 there is 90% chance of SMALL DENSE LDL present.There is also a genetic predisposition to have a small dense LDL. The aim is to shift small dense LDL to Large buoyant LDL. Cardiovascular exercise and consumption of POLYUNSATURATED FATS less sugar and restricted salt or sodium and a goal to achieve healthy life style is key to enjoyable LONGEVITY.

Finally I consider myself to be the greatest beneficiary from corrections the package being:-
a)  CABG lasted 25 + years  instead of 7 or 10 years.
b) Could carry out family and social responsibilities.
c) At 66 age I am active and clocking 4.5 miles stretch with incline in 40 minutes straight also could easily complete 40 laps in swimming at NBSA pool in Navi Mumbai
d) I am fortunate of having learned the MANTRA of Healthy Living just following exercise and proper intake.

I want you to inculcate this simple MANTRA to your living.

                                       Ancient Understanding of " THEORY OF RELATIVITY "



The most original and influential thinker in the history of philosophy a scholar at KANISKA COURT was NAGARJUNA , after the historical Buddha he was the next recognized Buddhist philosopher, he was a Brahman and later on embraced Buddhism and explained the principles of Mahayanism ,along with the  concept of "Midway"( Madyamata ) based around the central notion of emptiness. He expounded his philosophical thoughts in a scientific teaching that a determination of a thing or object is only possible in relation to other thing or objects especially by way of contrast;just like "Theory of Relativity " that no object in the universe has its independence existence. For instance Goodness can only be possible when there is some Evil and similarly the existence of Light is possible when the Darkness exists. By the same explanation the future generation in a matter of 30 to 40 years from now can look forward to settle in ZERO GRAVITY  going by the theory of relativity even-though space environment is hostile presently spacecrafts are providing platforms for zero gravity exposure to space. A famous British writer Arthur Clarke once said that " There is no difference between magic and highest technology ", indeed what could have seemed to people of past must be a miracle happened due to advancement of science and research based on the concepts of Relativity. Our humanity can now surely aspire in near future to dwell in Space ,even Ancient MAYAN CIVILIZATION who were responsible for a number of remarkable scientific achievement in engineering and communication predicted that living in zero gravity space is not far away......ancient surely understood the THEORY OF RELATIVITY as well as any scientist of the present age.

                                 FOOTBALL " A  CULTURE "


The South American Nations like Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Uruguay the game football is a part of their culture.The two British visitors Oscar and Charles Miller introduced the game to Brazil in 1894 , the teams was made up  of members from Brazilian social elite and it was only after the waning of European influence in Brazil over a period of time led to more democratization of the game filtering down to lower classes  and football became the game of the people. The game gradually transformed from British's Defensive Posture and Tactical Movement of English Football much similar to the the Defensive Tactics introduced by the Origins of the game Cricket in England where the strategy of the game  was primarily to wear down the opponents that out of sheer fatigue a victory was planned.Imagine Indian Test Player of 1960's Bapu Nadkarni bowled against England in the Madras Test 21 consecutive maiden overs it is anyone guess who was the strategist bowler or the batsman. The South American  football playing nations have won Half of the World Cup Titles  and produced perhaps two of the most transcendent players of all time Pele and Maradona .It was about Speed, Power and Urgency. However in Columbia as a leading national player of the country said " Football in this country is a sordid business it reflects the culture completely  not only it is owned by cartels but run by cartels and now played by cartels ". It may be a coincidence that the greatest years in Columbian football coincided with the rising of money laundering and cocaine;somewhat identical to our BCCI controlled by the diverse political spectrum, business houses with bidders taking players on lease and creating several format of the game.Both Football and Cricket is played to raise the pitch of the public to the hilt  it is to entertain public at large the way " THE COLOSSEUM  " was introduced and staged during the reign of Roman Emperor Titus to keep his popularity and throne secured. Uruguay a small South American football nation  a very liberal to immigrants, after the slavery was abolished  its national team was taken over by the Italian immigrants this country has bagged two Word Cup Titles in Paris and Holland Olympics.

INDIA'S STORY : India qualified for 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil ( It was due to 4 or 5 withdrawal of qualifying teams from the competition ) but India refused to participate because FIFA DID NOT ALLOW PLAYERS TO PLAY BARE FOOTED. Our team has never since came closer to qualifying rounds for Word Cup. However we had our share of GOLDEN ERA for a decade 1952 to 1962 and eventually once became the best team in Asia.In 1962 India beat  South Korea in the final and won the Asian Cup; Chunni Goswami from Bengal possessed a dribbling skill of 360 degree turn sending shivers to opponents. The club matches in the State of Bengal ( breeding state of emerging footballers) East Bengal versus Mohan Bagan has been a life and death contest for the people of Bengal but instead of truly professionalizing  club football -Kolkata allowed it to lapse into cesspool of mediocrity very much like BENGAL  the game played on poor grounds with limited infrastructure and the football administrators have woken up too late for the rest of the world has left us far behind.We may never play in football world cup in near future but we can at least work to recapture at least some pride in the Asian context as we did in 1962, perhaps the Union Sports Minister should introduce an ordinance and induct few of Veteran BCCI members in Indian Football Federation they have the tested magic potion to receive the support of our SPORTING CULTURAL PUBLIC and quite likely we may get success just similar to SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LOVING PEOPLE.

                                          "THESPRINGS OF DOLAN"


There is just nothing more rewarding than getting returns realized more than expectations.This announcement from the Air-Conditioned Double Decker  motor coach while moving from Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon that the an extra schedule has been added to the original itinerary and now we will pass through Dolan Springs. The last occasion I visited Hot Springs was some three decades ago about 80 km from Mumbai a temple town of goddess Vajreshwari which then I suppose had at least 20 hot springs in a 5 Km radius and according to local tradition hot water is the blood of the demons slain by goddess Vajreshwari . The other most popular hot spring is Manikaran located in Kulu-Manali is connected with Lord Shiva it is here his consort lost her ear ring and several hot springs popped up at places where ever it was dug to find the lost ring. All these hot springs supposedly have wonderful therapeutic powers.The world famous is the Grand Prismatic Springs in Yellow Stone National Park. The additional location to our itinerary I perceived it to be a bonus. However the first glimpse of the Dolan Springs town as I saw was completely deserted-nothing was seen to be moving,no vehicle,human or animal- there was no park or shade of tree to sit under, most houses were ramshackle and unkempt, the only store I could see that was a Family Dollar Store, The place was very arid and dry surely due to acute water scarcity. I subsequently confirmed that Dolan Springs with a population of 250 people is in Arizona state which is a beneficiary of Colorado river basin to an extent of 2,80,00,000 Acre Ft and Dolan Springs has a water area of just .01 Sq mile repeat 0.1 Sq mile. I wondered how a place so close ( 40 Miles ) to Hoover Dam and Colorado river which raises from North Central of Colorado and covers 1500 Miles before reaching Gulf of California eludes a town just few miles away named from early times DOLANSPRINGS. At this juncture I remember our ancient SARASWATI RIVER  arising from Mount Kailas one of the Chief RigVedic river  just vanished and it is believed now to flow beneath theThar desert of Rajasthan and Hindus believe that Saraswati flows underground and meets Ganga and Yamuna at their confluence in Prayag ( Allahabad ). I anxiously wait for a clue to Dolan Spring reality.