Wish You all a Happy Onam

Gold Price Falls Into 'Death Cross' Signaling It Has Further To Fall

Gold is about to lose even more value than it’s lost in the last four months. At least that’s the strong indication from how its price, in New York trading, is moving right now. As of Wednesday the 20th February, the metal's 50-day moving average has fallen below its 200-day moving average. Technical analysts call that a “death cross” because historically it signals an acceleration of price declines. Further, a death cross marks a new technical ceiling that the price of gold will bump into, so to speak, once it finally reverses direction and starts to rise. On Oct. 5 bullion closed at $1,800.60 per troy ounce; on Friday it closed at $1,609.50, a low not seen since mid-August. On Tuesday the price closed at $1,604.20. On Wednesday it had fallen to $1,592.10. In other words, the price of gold has lost more than 11 percent in the last four months. Analysts point to the Federal Reserve as part of the reason for gold’s death cross. “Bullion may face further pressure should the Fed reinforce their earlier statement towards quantitative easing, in our view,” James Steel of HSBC said late Tuesday. “We see gold as likely to face further near-term pressure until physical bullion buying from Asia improves."

Happy Onam to Malayalees around the World

Tanker explosion: death toll rises to 6

Kannur: With Ramlath and Geetha succumbing to injuries following the explosion of LPG tanker at Chala in Kannur, the death toll in the mishap has risen to six. Five out of the six deceased victims are women. Rama and Nirmala, died here Wednesday morning. They were under Abdul Aziz (55), a Chala resident and a woman who was identified as Sreelatha (47) are others who have been killed in the explosion. The condition of the injured are said to be highly critical. The tanker lorry was on its way to Kannur from Kozhikode when the incident occurred. Casualties could have been averted had the driver and cleaner of the vehicle informed the authorities on time and alerted the locals about the accident which happened at around 11 pm. The tanker overturned after hitting a divider near the Chala bypass junction in the Kuthuparamba-Kannur Road. The vehicle started emitting thick white smoke soon and exploded within 15 minutes. Around 20 houses and 10 shops nearby were gutted. Most of the injured were living in the houses nearby. The driver cabin of the ill-fated tanker was blown away and fell 30 metres away in front of a shop. Thirteen injured persons have been admitted to Pariyaram Medical College hospital. Twelve others have been admitted to Kannur AKG Hospital.

Shiv Sankar Menon is India's new National Security Advisor

New Delhi: Former Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon has been appointed as India's next NationalSecurity Advisor (NSA). Menon succeeds M K Narayanan who was appointed the Governor of West Bengal.

The post of NSA will be of the rank equivalent to a Minister of State.

Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran was also in the race.

'No fixed term for CPM state secretary'

Monday,30 November 2009
Thiruvananthapuram: A senior leader of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) Sunday said the party's 'rectification document' prepared to reverse its electoral slides and strengthen cadre base does not limit the state units chief's term to three years.

T.Sivadasa Menon, a veteran CPM leader and party secretariat member, said no such decision has been taken.

"There is not a mention of such a thing in the document because such a decision just cannot be taken by the central committee of the party. It can be done only through an amendment at the party congress," said Menon at a meeting organised by the party mouthpiece Deshabhimani.

Reports of this surfaced soon after the party top brass met in Delhi in October and gave the nod for initiating a "rectification campaign" to overcome shortcomings within its ranks.

Speculations soon began that a cap on number of terms for state party secretary was put to take out Pinarayi Vijayan, who has been the CPM Kerala secretary since 1998.

Antony arrives in Russia; cementing defence ties on agenda

Moscow: Defence Minister A K Antony arrived here today for a crucial meeting of a key joint defence commission as the two countries are poised to finalise new co-ventures in strategic weapons, including investment and technical parameters of 5th generation fighters.

During the three-day visit, Antony would hold one-to-one meetings with his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov and take part in talks at the Indo-Russian Inter-governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), the apex body for co-ordination of ongoing defence projects.

The visit comes as several key Indo-Russia defence projects including the delivery of aircraft carrier Gorshkov
and nuclear Akula-II class submarine are delayed.

The Russians are playing down the delays and hiccups, saying that the situation has drastically changed over last
two years and the projects have been put on fast track.

However, no new defence agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, except the classified protocol of the 9th session. But the two sides are expected to explore possibilities of new joint ventures in advances weapon
systems.

Defence sources said that despite India's drive for diversification of military acquisitions, Russia has remained
the source of its most sensitive defence technologies. The recent launching of indigenous
nuclear submarine INS Arihant under one of India's most secretive Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, lease of Akula-II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine, BrahMos cruise missile technology and joint development of fifth generation fighter aircraft are examples handed out by Russians as the most lucrative projects.

'Unlike in the case of other partners, Russia has not denied India any technology it wanted,' defence sources here
say.

Antony, who under the austerity drive of the government arrived on a regular flight, is to co-chair the ninth annual session of the IRIGC-MTC.

After laying wreaths at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier under the Kremlin wall tomorrow, Antony will begin the
official part of his visit, followed by a one to one meeting with Serdyukov, with whom he would co-chair the IRIGC.

According to Ruslan Pukhov and Konstantin Makiyenko of the independent think-tank CAST, unlike in case of serially
produced arms sale to other countries, Russia develops tailor-made weapons platforms for the Indian armed forces to
meet their stringent requirements.

'This gives a fillip for the innovative development of Russian defence industry, it is a win-win situation for both
the countries,' Makiyenko said citing the example of Su-30MKI multirole fighter developed for and with the IAF, which has become Russia's hottest export item. PTI

187 marriages in a day at Guruvayoor temple

Sunday,6 September 2009

Guruvayoor, Sep 6: As many as 187 marriages were solemnised at Kerala's famed Sree Krishna Temple here from 5 a.m. till about noon Sunday, setting a record of sorts.

One of the main reasons for the large number of couples tying the knot is that the day is considered auspicious for conducting ceremonies, said Vijayan Nambiar, a senior temple official.

"All those interested in their marriage being conducted in the temple had to get their names registered the previous day or at least by 4 a.m. Sunday when the temple office opens. A fee of Rs.200 is charged and the approximate time of the marriage is given to them," Nambiar told IANS.

"At the appointed time, the marriage party is called and a maximum of five people apart from the bride and groom are allowed to go to the 'mandapam' where the marriage rites are conducted. The entire marriage ceremony gets over in about five minutes and soon the next couple is called out," Nambiar explained.

Last Sunday also saw a huge rush with 134 couples getting married. Sunday's figures beat the record set three years back when when 157 marriages were solemnised.

Onam Music Concert by K.S.Chitra at Prasanthi Nilayam

K.S.Chitra, popularly known as the “Nightingale of South India” who lends her voice in the South Indian Film Industry, whose foray into the field of playback singing earned her a distinct name in the Indian Music Industry; The stage was the seat of the Lord in physical, the dais in Prasanthi Nilayam; The occasion was Uthradam, the day preceding to Thiruvonam, Kerala’s most important festivity.

…And the popular playback singer would never forget the day when she was abundantly blessed by Bhagawan. On the beautiful evening that preceded the auspicious Thiruvonam, K.S.Chitra was fortunate to share the stage with her Mighty Lord, who was onstage enjoying the programme, to sing a collection of selected devotionals.
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Starting off with Ganesha Vandana she had a string of ten songs that included one bhajan, a fruitful mix of variety songs including carnatic pieces that exhibited her rare talent of weaving vocal magic.

The songs included, Madhura Mukhada Sai Natha…, Bhaavayami Gopala Baalam….. Jai Jai Jai Jai Sai Janani…, Aalarey Giridhara Gopal…, Pashupathi Thanaya Vighna Vinashaka…, Krishna Nee Begane Baaro, Koi Kahiyo Re Prabhu Awan Ki etc… followed by the popular Prasanthi Bhajan “…Chittha Chora Yasoda Ke Bal, Navaneeta Chora Gopal”…


During one of her earlier visits to Prasanthi Nilayam, in the mid nineties, she had an opportunity to sing in His Divine Presence, in an unscheduled programme held in the Poornachandra Auditorium. And along with many other popular devotionals she had sung the same bhajan, “Chittha Chora Yasoda Ke Bal…”
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Hers was melody that sounded soothing, often touching lower tones, suddenly pitching up to ecstatic heights, a sign of devotional ecstasy, bringing the audience spellbound with what one could call the ‘Nightingale Special’ for The Lord. The packed audience gave the singer rounds of applause when, one after one, she came out with a variety mix sung with elan.

After the programme Bhagawan spent quite some time with the singer talking and blessing her. Her seven year old child, Nandana, was specially called on stage at the instance of Bhagawan. Bhagawan materialized a gold chain for the little one and presented sari to the singer and safari pieces to the accompanying artistes. Bhagawan most lovingly posed for photo session making the day a most memorable one in her life.

Watch Exclusive Slide show down this page

Onam Divine Discourse by / Sri Satya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi

2nd Sept 2009

Dear devotees of Kerala!
Emperor Bali used to rule the state of Kerala in ancient times. He used to treat his subjects as his own family members and provide several conveniences for their happy and comfortable living. He used to develop sacred feelings among the people and create a proper environment to foster them.

In order that the people tread the right path and to set an example to them, he once started a yajna (ritual, sacrifice) by name ‘Viswajit’. Several people gathered to witness that event. Emperor Bali performed the yajna on a grand scale by donating land and money to several people and gave away gifts to a number of people on the occasion. During the Yajna, his family members were also seated on the Yajna Vedika along with him.

While everyone was watching the grand spectacle, a handsome boy entered the sacrificial hall holding a small umbrella made of palmirah leaves. As He was approaching the altar, Emperor Bali’s daughter Ratnamala saw Him. She was captivated by the beauty and effulgence of that charming young boy. Immediately, she was lost in deep contemplation, thinking, “How fortunate it would be if I had a child like Him!” The boy went straight to the altar. While everyone present in the sacrificial hall was watching happily, Emperor Bali welcomed Him, washed His feet reverentially, offered a garland, and asked Him to sit on an ornate chair. He then asked the young boy, “Who are You? Where did You come from and why?”

The young boy replied, “I have heard that Emperor Bali is doing several acts of charity. I too have a desire to be fulfilled.”The Emperor then asked, “What is it?” The boy replied, “I don’t need much. I will be happy if small piece of land measuring three feet is given to Me in charity.”

Emperor Bali wondered, “What! Such a small request! I thought You would ask for some big things. I am surprised at your small request. Is that enough? You may ask for something more.”

The young boy replied that it would be enough if His request is fulfilled. He covered the entire earth with one step and the sky with the second and was waiting to take the third step. But there was no space left for the third step.

Emperor Bali then told the boy, “Dear one! You covered the entire Earth with one step and the sky with the second. Now there is no space to set the third step. Hence, put Your foot on my head, if You wish.” So saying, he bent his head before the boy, who was none other than Lord Vishnu come in the form of Vamana Avatar. The moment Lord Vamana set His foot on the head of Emperor Bali, Bali was pushed down under its weight to the nether world! That was how Lord Vishnu liberated Bali.

The people of Emperor Bali’s Kingdom were very sad at the developments. They expressed their feelings of forlornness thus: “Oh God! Our Emperor is no more with us. He used to rear us like his own children. He is our protector. How can you live without him?” Their helplessness and agony over the separation from their beloved King were very painful. The happy event of Yajna being celebrated on a grand scale came to an abrupt end. This is an example of the saying, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains.”

As the people were thus grieving, Emperor Bali declared from the nether world, “Oh my dear children! You are all very dear to me. I will always look after your welfare, wherever I am. I will see that you do not undergo any trouble. I will protect you. You need not feel that I am away from you in a different world. Every year on this day, I shall come and see you. Commemorate this day of my coming as a festival. Take a head bath, wear new clothes, and enjoy a feast with a variety of dishes on this day.”

Since then, the people of Kerala celebrate that day as ‘Onam festival’ in remembrance of their most beloved King and protector Bali.

Emperor Bali used to do a lot of good work for the benefit of people and make them happy. This is why the people could not bear separation from their beloved King. Even today, Kerala remains a land of plenty and prosperity. Nature showers its bounty on the people of Kerala. In fact, the rains start in Kerala and then spread to the entire country. There is no dearth of food grains and drinking water in Kerala, which is nature’s gift to the people of Kerala. It is customary to see people in other states worrying about the arrival of the monsoon saying, “Oh! The rains have not yet started in Kerala.” It is a land where the omnipresent God incarnated as Lord Vamana. He may incarnate in one place but is present everywhere.

God is omnipresent, though at times He incarnates in one form at one place. God is only one, not two, though people refer to Him by different names and forms. Ekam sath viprah bahudha vadanti (truth is one, but the wise refer to it by various names). It is only our illusion to ascribe different names to God like Rama, Krishna, Govinda, Allah, Jesus, etc. The sun is only one, and it appears in different parts of the world at different times. It is now 9.00 a.m.; but it is night in the U.S.A. Similarly, the one God dwells in different people in different forms.

Do not be under the impression that God has different forms. He is beyond names and forms. Ekoham bahusyam (God is one but manifests as several beings). Divinity is present everywhere and in every country and in every individual. It is omnipresent. Since your perceptions are different, you ascribe different names and forms to the one God.

The land of Kerala is the gift of God. The people of Kerala follow the commands of the noble Emperor Bali even today. That is why the state has developed in several ways. There is no dearth of food and amenities for a happy living in Kerala. Emperor Bali provided all comforts to the people before he left for his abode. It is a small state, and densely populated. Whatever may be the size of population, people enjoy a lot of comforts, peace, and happiness in Kerala.

Of course, changes in people’s aspirations and lifestyle are taking place in recent times due to the impact of Kali Yuga, but the core of their hearts and feelings remains the same. They still follow the Vedic injunctions Sathyam vada, dharmam chara (speak truth and follow righteousness). They respect the elders and serve them with love and affection.

What could be the reason for this? Love for God. It is a land where love for God exists even today. They have fear of sin. Those who have love for God naturally develop fear of sin. Consequently, such people will have a high degree of morality in society, which is very important for its orderly functioning. Thus, the people of Kerala scrupulously observe the three principles of Daiva preethi; papa bheethi, and sangha neethi (love for God, fear of sin, and morality in society). They respect elders and give due recognition to them.

One should have morality and integrity. The same principles have been enshrined in the Vedic injunction, Sathyam vada, dharmam chara (speak truth and follow righteousness). The people of Kerala follow these two principles scrupulously in their daily lives.

It is not enough to celebrate the Onam festival with a lot of religious fervour and devotion. You have to live up to the expectations of the noble emperor Bali. It is said Matru devo bhava, pitru devo bhava, acharya devo bhava, atithi devo bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor, and guest as God). (Mother is God, father is God, teacher is God, and guest is God). First comes the mother in that order. She gives birth to you, brings you up, and teaches you good things in your formative years. Then begins the role of father. He is your second guru. Then the teacher (guru) teaches you education to enable you to make a living in the world. And finally God takes command. Thus, your life in this physical world begins with your mother and culminates in God.

Hence, do not under any circumstances forget your mother. Love your mother more than anyone else and show her due respect. You will find that the people of Kerala respect the elders very much, particularly their mothers. They lend a helping hand and take good care of them. They keep them happy always. How fortunate are the people of Kerala to have an Emperor like Bali, whom God Himself accompanied to Vaikuntha (heaven)!

What is Onam? It is a day in which people take a good bath, wear new clothes, and pray to God with a pure heart. The people of Kerala prepare a variety of tasty dishes, particularly with banana. In fact, they prepare twelve varieties of dishes with the banana fruit. It is a unique celebration. They prepare these dishes with a pure and loving heart. Hence, they will be very tasty.

They offer these preparations first to God wholeheartedly and with a lot of devotion and then partake of it along with their family members and relations. They serve these dishes one after the other. Both the cooking and serving of the dishes is done with a pure and loving heart in the true spirit of Onam celebrations. They keep their houses clean and maintain a sacred atmosphere for God to manifest. They consider them not merely as houses, but temples of God. It is only in Kerala that such a sacred atmosphere prevails.

Even if some people have some misgivings about the festival of Onam, they get them cleared and celebrate the festival in its true spirit as a day on which Emperor Bali conferred blessings on his people from Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu), which he ultimately reached.

It is a tapas (penance) for the people of Kerala to remember the words of Emperor Bali on this day and lead their lives accordingly in a spirit of love and service. “Love all and serve all”! There can be no greater penance for anyone.

Whomsoever you come across, offer your salutations. Even if you encounter your enemy, offer your salutations to him first. Surely, he will reciprocate your noble gesture. Thus, people have to conduct themselves with mutual love and unity. It is only such people that deserve to be called human beings. They are, in fact, the people with morality.

You have to develop such morality today. Love for God enjoins one to develop morality in society. Hence, you have to develop Daiva preethi, papa bheethi, and sangha neethi (love for God, fear of sin, and morality in society). Do not ever forget these three principles.

Those who have no morality are not human beings at all! Can a nation or race exist without morality? No! You have also to develop the qualities of humility and obedience, besides morality. This was, in fact, the message of emperor Bali to his people. If you can cultivate and develop these qualities, your life will be sanctified. - Source- sssbpt.org