290. Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.

- John Ruskin

289. Heart is not a dustbin to dump all the worries of your life. It is a golden pot for collection of sweet moments of your life.

- contributed by Dr. Amit Bhargava

288. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

- Tennyson

287. Self is the friend of man who is self conquered.

286. The burden of self is lightened when I laugh at myself.

- Rabindra Nath Tagore

285. The purpose is achieved if the approach is proper. Otherwise, the purpose is either defeated altogether or, at least, not fully achieved on one hand and, on the other, one ends up with a bad taste in the mouth, so to say! We tend to forget that others, too, have the right to feel, act, react and think in any way they wish. They have all the right to either agree or disagree. They can be a mirror reflection of our own selves and show the same emotions and attitudes or they can be the exact opposite or anywhere between the two. If we take enough care to respect the other’s individuality and thus uphold the other’s position, grace, dignity etc. and even try sincerely to improve the other’s stature, the results are bound to be amply rewarding.

- Sujit Mukerji

284. Our life is just a reflection of how we think or have thought or had thought. Perspectives also change with time and place. If we keep our heads cool, think with all clarity, will, effort, dedication, knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, nobility, generosity … then nothing can ever go wrong and there wouldn’t be any need to flee or feel bad.

- Sujit Mukerji

283. Dark clouds become Heaven’s flowers when kissed by light.

- Rabindra Nath Tagore

282. Give up jealousy and conceit. Learn to work together for others.

- Swami Vivekananda

281. Purity in thought, speech and act is absolutely necessary for any one to be religious.

- contributed by Dr. Ashok Tahiliani

280. Why do relationships break? Clash of interests. Selfishness. If everyone is justified, then why is the outcome so destructive? Each firmly believes the other to be wrong and the self to be right! An onlooker finds it amusing but when it comes to himself, he too does the same thing! Someone must be wrong or, maybe, each is wrong somewhere, somehow. The basic problem here is that we have a tendency to want things to happen as per our own convenience. What if we consider everybody’s welfare and peace etc. as our sincere wish? It is, therefore, a clash between the self and the others.

- Sujit Mukerji

279. All great things must necessarily be slow.

- Swami Vivekananda

278.  The hour of the greatest triumph is the hour of the greatest humility.

- Mahatma Gandhi

277. He who wants to please all will please none.

276. We may have arrived on different ships but we are all in the same boat now.

275. WAQT ka pata nahi chalta APNO k sath,

Par “APNO” ka pata chalta hai WAQT k sath;

WAQT nahi badalta APNO k sath,

Par “APNE” zarur badal jate hai WAQT k sath …

- Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tahiliani

274.  Sara jahan h uska jo Muskurana seekh le,

Roshni h uski jo Shama jalana seekh le,

Har gali me Mandir, har rah me Masjid h,

Par Ishwar h uska jo sir Jhukana seekh le …

- Contributed by Dr. Suneet Kumar

273. The weak minded becomes weaker on sensing a potential support system – it’s like becoming lame on seeing a horse!

- Sujit Mukerji

272. An experiment was carried out on two healthy guinea pigs. One of them was kept in a protected environment while the other was allowed to move around in the natural environment. After a few months, both of them were exposed to various infectious diseases. The one that was kept in a protected environment caught the infections immediately while the other remained as healthy as ever. Shouldn’t we learn from this?

- Sujit Mukerji

271. FAIL = First Attempt In Learning.

END = Effort Never Dies.

NO = New Opportunity.

270. Steps to Paradise –

Humility, Sincerity, Frankness, Pure Love, Courage, Generosity, Sagacity, Forgiveness, Balanced Mind, Mercy, Magnanimity, Contentment.

– The Twelve Virtues.

269. Across the gateway of my heart I wrote, “No thoroughfare!”

But Love came laughing by and cried, “I enter everywhere!”

268. If Fate hands you a lemon, try to make a lemonade.

267. If we wish to hurt any one, the first to feel the agony would be us.

- Sujit Mukerji

266. When we are good to others, we are best to ourselves.

265. Why can’t we aim at winning by love rather than by force? However, love does not mean spoiling. It does not mean gifts. It can not be bought. It also does not mean allowing so much as to let things take an undesirable turn. It is actually far more simple. All one has to do is to have patience, tolerance, conviction, a big heart, a certain firmness, a good intention, a sense of sacrifice for the betterment of the subject in question … Simply put, logic is the keyword. If a person is shown that he stands to gain, why would not he accept? And if the cause is noble, how can it backfire? Yes, if there is any negativity like, for instance, one’s self-interest is coming in the way, then, obviously, the progress will be difficult. So what? Fortune favours the brave, doesn’t it? Perseverance pays. There has to be a tenacity of purpose. Determination can surely subdue stubbornness. Love is a matter of the heart but for the good of the loved one, it becomes necessary to use the mind as well.

- Sujit Mukerji

264. The same objective can be achieved in a better way if we have a different approach.

- Sujit Mukerji

263. War does not determine who is right; only who is left.

Bertrand Russel

262. Truth has no special tine of its own, its hour is now, always and indeed then most truly when it seems most unsuitable to actual circumstances.

- Albert Schweitzer

261. A Bright New World For Us To Share …

- Sujit Mukerji

 Here’s some quote of the wise,

For us to ponder and rise;

Two men looked out of the window bars –

One saw mud, the other saw stars;

Clouds are never there to stay,

We’d have just deserts if they remained away;

Excess of anything is always bad,

So, bits of everything should make us glad;

Change is the law of Nature,

Sans which what’d be our stature?

If all plants were all green,

Would they have the sheen?

There are two sides to every coin,

Clouds also make the hearts join;

Nothing’s good, nothing’s bad,

I’ll say it’s all a fad!

We should question not but live and labour,

Till our goal be won;

Helping every feeble neighbour,

Seeking help from none;

Let’s be not like a stream that brawls,

Loud with shallow waterfalls;

But in quiet self control,

Linking together soul and soul;

Regrets for yesterday and fear of the morrow,

Relegates us deep into the bed of sorrow;

Failure means the road bends,

Not that the journey ends;

Of all the troubles great and small,

Greatest are those that never happen at all;

Yesterday is but a dream,

Tomorrow only a vision;

But today well lived makes,

Every yesterday a dream of happiness;

And every tomorrow a vision of hope …

Some day a bright new wave

Will break up on shore,

And there’ll be a bright new morning to adore;

A bright new morning over there,

There’ll be a bright new world for us to share …

260. Life Without Strife?

- Sujit Mukerji

 Why put our mind on strain;

Thinking only of agony and pain?

There is indeed so much to gain;

So, life’s not at all in vain …

There’s the side that’s bright,

That can give our heart the eternal light;

And, our life that fresh start!

Yes! We have got it right –

Beautiful hopes are standing near;

We needn’t go dull with fear …

Hope is life, my dear:

So, why should there be any tear?

No one gets everything;

Everyone gets something …

Life’s not for nothing;

It’s just a question of time …

We must take in our stride

That from which we can’t hide …

They must not so affect our hide;

What is life without any strife?

259. When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.

Helen Keller

258. Light is the shadow of God. Wherever there is light, there is shadow.

Mahatma Gandhi

257. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.

Will Rogers

256. The matter is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having a problem is a problem.

Theodore Rubin

255. There is always a way of doing things. And, of course, the timing is absolutely important. All that goes for our thinking as well. After all, our actions are governed by, if we remember, our instincts, then emotions and then reasoning. The final step is spiritualism, if any. So, in our day-to-day life the way we think is all that matters. The developments and the results show whether we are or were in the right tack.

- Sujit Mukerji

254. All around us we see people showing signs of some or the other kind of complex. Where does it begin? During childhood, of course. Every coin has two sides. Likewise, every person has two sides to his character – a positive and a negative side. Wouldn’t it be a balanced approach if the growing child is made aware of both the sides of its character? But we often notice a lopsided approach. Even various explanations are given in justification! Obviously, an imbalanced treatment can only result in the growth of an imbalanced personality. Hence the complexes. The kid falls prey to complexes which manifest themselves in various ways later and are always impediments to its healthy growth. Again, a child is asked to be positive but in a negative way. The thrust is more on the don’ts than the do’s.

- Sujit Mukerji

253. COMPULSION, SELF-CONTROL OR GENUINELY SO?

- daughter, Josheca Mukerji

We often hear that people change in others’ company. But, is it so? Is it really so easy to change a person against his/her will? Outwardly maybe, but inwardly? Will it be wrong to say that an average person exhibits the qualities that are within him/her as per the situation? We know that family is by chance and friends are by choice and we also know that a man is known by the company he keeps because he chooses such a company according to his own tastes. In other words, there are certain similarities, otherwise why would he choose the company at all? Of course, one can save oneself from going into unhealthy ways by avoiding such environments and/or exercising a strong will power.

252. Sports do not bind character. They reveal it.

Heywood Broun.

251. Pessimist: A person who says that ‘o’ is the last letter of ‘zero’ instead of the first letter of ‘opportunity’.

250. Problems arise when the mouth, hands and feet work before the mind does!

- Sujit Mukerji

249. One drop extra and the water overflows.

- Sujit Mukerji

248. PUNCTUALITY AND TIME MANAGEMENT

- daughter, Josheca Mukerji

Being punctual helps us to save time. For being punctual, we have to utilize our time very efficiently. We have to plan things in such ways that we save time, are able to be on time and have extra time. By doing so, we can use the extra time for our hobbies or anything of our interest or any other constructive thing. Being punctual needs the sacrifice of our laziness. Whenever we are being lazy, we must remember that we will be the last one to get any happiness or any good thing in our life as happiness will also be lazy and take time to come to us or, maybe, so lazy that it won’t come at all and we will be left mourning all our lives.

247.  SHOULDN’T RULES BE THE SAME FOR EVERYONE?

- Sujit Mukerji

Quite often, it is noticed that there is a different set of rules for the kids. Even among kids, there is discrimination between males and females. Why can’t the rules be the same for every member of the family? But, that needs a lot of sacrifice. However, that is increasingly becoming, shall we say, “Old fashioned”. The rules are different for the elders and the kids. But if elders can enjoy late night parties or even simple get-togethers, why can’t the kids be included? At least, at times? The broad framework of rules should be the same. Like, if it is “No tea” for the kids then why not so for the elders? If the elders want the kids “Never to tell lies”, why, then, do they ask the same kids to lie for them or, maybe, tell lies themselves? The kids do not take too long to see the double standards. Doesn’t this dichotomy contribute to conflicts which prove rather unhealthy in so many ways later?

“Obey the elders”, the young one is instructed. He is repeatedly reminded that it was expected of him to abide by the rules of the house. Respecting the elders is his foremost duty. However, at many times and places, he gets to see just the opposite. What he sees is completely different from what he hears. The child soon perceives that the elder is not practicing what he preaches. There is always a hierarchy in every system. If that is absent or ignored and disrespected, the system is bound to collapse. When the elder, on his or her part, is disregarding his or her seniors, then how can the same elder expect to be held in regard by his or her own junior? When a senior is giving more importance to his own interests and even goes to the extent of having his own ways by ignoring his superiors and directly or indirectly insulting the superior-most – even being judgemental about them – then how is the junior-most at fault when what he does is just what he sees getting done? So, he too grows up with the same traits.

Grudging and grumbling is another area where the contradictions are highly noticeable. Again, where is the child at fault? Shying away from taking responsibilities and indulging in blame games is still another glaring example. Examples are better than precepts. Why can’t we practice what we preach? Steadfastly? Even if it means giving the toughest of examinations. “Don’t discuss people behind their backs”, “Don’t talk into somebody’s ears”, “Don’t talk mysteriously to anyone when in a group”, “Don’t indulge in idle gossips”, “Do as you are told”, “Don’t talk back to elders”, “Don’t be so fashion conscious”, “Don’t waste money”, “Don’t seek support”, “Don’t be so dependent”, “Have patience”, “Be tolerant”, “Be truthful, honest, sincere”, “Don’t speak ill of anyone”, “Don’t think bad of others” , “Don’t drink”, “Don’t smoke”, “Don’t … Don’t … Don’t …” The list is endless. But the question is only one. Are the rules only for the juniors?

246. RETRIBUTION

- daughter, Josheca Mukerji

Retribution or retaliation as revenge can best be described as an action due to frustration. Should we spend our precious time thinking of ways to take revenge or should we try to improve ourselves? One can harm us only when we are weak. So, improving the self would be the best thing to do. No weakness – not harmed – no revenge. However, if we want to take revenge, we can because “forgiveness is the noblest revenge.” This way of taking revenge would not harm. Rather, help.

245. EXPRESSION

- daughter, Josheca Mukerji

To convey a feeling etc. by words or gestures – that’s how the dictionary defines the word ‘express’. Everyone has to express his or her feelings. Without expression none can understand each other and there will be chaos because of the communication gap. Needless to say, an expression should be proper, complete, well-timed and not undesirable. Expressing something with the help of words is an art. Most often, we know what’s going on in our mind but are unable to express it or we express our feeling but the person in front  is not able to understand us and so on … These problems can be easily dealt with the help of practice as ‘practice makes a man perfect’. Even if we don’t express by words, our feelings get expressed. By facial expressions, body language etc. one can understand each other, though not so easily. After all, we act and behave just the way we think …

Expression is a god-gifted thing. All we need to do is to polish that quality that’s latent in each of us.

244. Rebellions are not so much due to the want for something new as due to fear of losing something.

- David Thomson

243. NEVER SAY DIE …

- daughter, Josheca Mukerji

Recently I read the autobiography of Helen Keller, “The Story Of My Life”, and I was amazed by the achievements she could get. She was blind, deaf and nor could she speak. But her continuous struggle to overcome the problems made her so confident and famous. She completed her studies, learnt to speak and much more; thus proving to be a worthy example for all. This could be possible because she tried in spite of so many set-backs. This gave me another topic to think on, i.e. ‘Trying’.

Here I would like to refer to a poem composed by Dr. Harivansh Rai ‘Bachhan’ (1907 – 2003) titled “Koshish Karne Walo Ki”and I found it very motivational. The ideas that have so beautifully been described in the poem are –

By being afraid of the waves, we can not get our boat reach the shore. The people who keep trying can never fail.

When an ant carries its food and climbs the wall, it falls many times. But this does not deter it. It has full belief in itself which gives it the courage to keep going and so it tries again. Its continuous trying results in its succeeding ultimately. So, it finally gets what it tries for.

 Same is with a diver. He dives into the sea with the hope of getting precious pearls. But it is not easy to get the pearls in the deep sea. His failure inculcates in him more curiosity for knowing why he fails. So, he tries again. This time with more determination. Each time he fails, he gets more determined to succeed. And finally, he does succeed, he does find the pearls among all other things in the sea.

Our failures act as challenges. We should accept them. We should find out where we fall short and overcome the hurdles and improve our performance. Until and unless we succeed we must keep on trying, leaving all the comforts behind. We should not leave our struggle mid way. We can not get any praise without doing anything. The people who keep on trying can never fail.

By this, the poet tells us not to be upset by our failures. Rather, try again and again, struggle and then we are sure to succeed.

I remember some lines –

Believe in yourself,

No matter what you choose;

Keep working hard with lots of determination,

And you can never lose …

But the fact can not be ignored that there is always a scope for improvement. Even if we succeed, we must keep trying for the better.

242. Everybody needs space. Many of us don’t realize that individuality and privacy should be respected!

- Sujit Mukerji

241. Bonding is good but indulgence or interference? Isn’t that stretching things too far?

- Sujit Mukerji