Thursday, October 30, 2014
My Flickr Stats on 29 October 2014 is 200813
I thank all on the cyberspace that came and saw this small window to My India .. a window of street pain , a window of culture , a window for respect reverence for all religion faith the true tapestry of Tolerance ..which is True India.
An India that is for all Indians beyond color caste and creed .. an India that ushers words of Humanity for all who touch it Devo Atithi Bhava.. Guest is God ,, The Viewer the Reader s God too.
Once upon a time I should mention my photo stream used t get hordes of people touching it simply because they wanted to see the World of Hijras I shot , and my Hijra set was not for voyeurism titillation or sexual leering, I locked it up completely as a few Flickr members blatantly began posting my hijra pictures on their Flickr photostream, and Yahoo Copyright did not Help at all.. and the lousy spaceball tool even a child can hack into your pictures , watermark I will never put to deface the soul of my Photography..
So I disabled my Hijra pictures , my Gay Pride , my croosdresser sets , my redlight area sets , and the reason I shot documented all this was for posterity to know that we as Indians are still living out the fucked dream of the British Empire still holding on to anti human laws like Article 377 crimininalizing the right of man to live the life of a woman , or his sexual prefernce I also saw the conditions of our redlight areas from within and without , and I felt like many of you that Prostitution should be egalized and child prostitution banned , and remove and safe children from all this I am not a law person .. these were my sets and I felt sad when I locked them up forever ..
So today I stand vindicated without hijras , without having traveled to Africa to shoot Wilflife or without visiting exotic places I have shown we can have people seeing our stuff,,
If we post original content , which bloggers mostly never do stealing from cyberspace I could also be a photographer jusst shooting the streets on my mobilephone,
Hence what I learnt from my Gurus Maheshwariji , Mr Jatkar Me Malushte and all of you I taught my grandchildren too, I taught them never to be intimidated by the camera or even the greatest photographer on the face of the earth.. your vision is your own more powerful than his with all his high end cameras experience etc..
I taught them to respect humility respect humanity I taught them charity made them feel pain , made them endear to photographers today they dont and wont forget Dr GlennLosack, Kim Viola , Jean Paul Gargantiel, Marc De Clercq and those who visited my house I treated them as God nothing less .
What I am owe to all of you photographers I visit your stream you give me a reason to live.
The screen shot is only for thispurpose that I am not bullshitting..thank you Flickr for this platform and the reason for having a Pro Accunt for unlimited posting and sharing.
Thank you Mr Boaz too.
Thn you Mr Tender Alex fr not de contacting me if you do I wont hold it against you . I will still see your stuff and hear your unique voice , that God made us to imbibe and learn something.
Thank you Alex Wasserman Sarah Serene for commenting on my pictures and my other friiends to all dear to me and Jeff Lamb Fred Miller you are dead but still live on Flickr Happily ever after .
If i HURT ANYONE OF YOU INTENTIONALLY UNINTENTIONALLY PLEASE FORGIVE . ONE MORE TIME
Chhat Puja 2014 Juhu Beach
This evening I took my American friend Boaz to shoot the Chhat Puja at Juhu Beach , we set out from Lucky Hotel and before we reached the beach I spotted a devotee of the Sun God doing Jan Pranam from the road all the way to the sea so we left the rick and began shooting him..
This set has taken a lot of time to upload as there was some problem with my memory card and I took a nap as it was uploading.
I have been shooting the Chhat Puja for many years now and have tried not to miss it this is my humble tribute to the Bihari spirit of Mumbai, the migrants and the residents with their roots in Bihar ,
And today for some strange reason the views on my Flickr images is over 181000 ..Thanks to everyone who has touched my photostream to see my India which is truly India beyond color caste or creed ,, I have tried to touch all religion with respect reverence and in good faith..
Photography is about sharing and I was happy I could bring my American friend Boaz a more astute , more passionate photographer than me .
We along with aother French photographer both Flickr members will be shooting Moharam Ashura in India , Francois the Flickr Frenchh photographer is in Pushkar and will join us later ..
I leave for Hyderabad tomorrow.
About Chatt Puja for those who dont know about it ,, Wikipedia .
Chhath (Devanagari: छठ, छठी, छठ पर्व, छठ पुजा, डाला छठ, डाला पुजा, सुर्य षष्ठी) is an ancient Hindu festival and only Vedic Festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha).[5] The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.[6]
The Sun, considered as the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.
The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun.
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, It is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat,[7] Delhi,[8] Mumbai[9] Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica. [10]
Date of the festival[edit]
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in the Nepali calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar. The exact date of the festival is decided by Central division of Janakpurdham in Nepal which is applicable all over the world.
It is also celebrated in the summer (March–April), on Chaitra Shashthi, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath.[11] The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in Nepal and also in North India. Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the Indian winters but little harder in Nepalese Winter for Nepali Hindus due to cold climate in Terai of Nepal.
Etymology[edit]
The word chhath denotes the number six in Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Hindi and local dialects and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar calender. The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
History[edit]
It is believed that the ritual of Chhath puja may even predate the ancient Vedas texts, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun god and describes similar rituals. The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.
In the poem, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Indraprastha(modern Delhi), performed the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.
Its yogic/scientific history dates back to the Vedic times. The rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays. This was done through the Chhath method.[12]
Chhathi Maiya[edit]
The Goddess that is worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the consort of Surya, the sun god. Some scholars are of the view that she is only the beloved of Surya and some suggest that she is Surya’s wife.
Usha is the term used to refer to dawn – The first light of day. But in the Rig Veda she has more symbolic meaning. Symbolically Usha is the dawn of divine consciousness in the individual aspirant. It is said - Usha and Pratyusha, wives of Sun are the main source of Sun. Both Usha and Pratyusha are worshiped along with Sun in chhath parva. Usha (literally-the first morning sun-ray) is worshipped on the last day and Pratyusha(the last sun-ray of day) is worshipped in the evening by offering water or milk to the rising and setting sun respectively.
During the Chhath Puja, Chhathi Maiya is invoked to bless us with this divine consciousness which will help us to overcome all the troubles in the world – this bless will help us to Moksha or liberation.
Rituals and traditions[edit]
Chhath is a festival of bathing and worshipping,that follows a period of abstinence and segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days. During this period, the worshiper observes purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket.This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest).The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun, and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship.
Nahay khay[edit]
On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the river Kosi river, Karnali and Ganga and carry home the holy water of these historical rivers to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The ladies observing the Vrata called vratin allow themselves only one meal on this day.
Lohanda and Kharna[edit]
On the second day of Chhath Puja, the day before Chhath, the Vratins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of Sun and moon, the offerings of Kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. The Vratins go on a fast without water for 36 hours after 2nd day evening prashad (kheer).
Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings)[edit]
This day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings)at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the Vratins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the Vratins, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. The folk songs sung on the evening of Chhath.
Usha Arghya (morning offerings)[edit]
On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Arghya) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the Vratins. Friends, Relatives visit the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad.
The main worshipers, called Parvaitin (from Sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. However, a large number of men also observe this festival. The parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, and for the prosperity of their offsprings. Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year.
The prasad offerings include sweets, Kheer, Thekua and fruit offered in small bamboo soop winnows. The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.[13]
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Dera Sacha Sauda - Touching The Heights
Dera Sacha Sauda (colloquially DSS) is a non-profit Social Welfare and Spiritual Organization, established in 1948, by the ascetic Mastana Balochistani, as a centre for spiritual learning. Its main centre is situated in Sirsa, Haryana, in the northern region of India. Dera Sacha Sauda preaches humanitarianism by practicing selfless service to others. There are supposedly more than 50 million people around the world who are faithful followers of this organization. Dera’s devotees learn to meditate and follow the principles laid down by Dera. The organisation has set a benchmark with several Guinness World Records in humanitarian, environmental and various other non-profit initiatives.[1][2][3][4]
The name Sacha Sauda ("true deeds") refers to an incident in the life of Guru Nanak Dev. Some sources tell that when Nanak Dev was a young boy, his father gave him some money and instructed him to conduct a business operation in order to make a profit and learn business skills. Nanak dev used the money to buy food to feed the poor, and explained to his father that in doing so he had done "true business".[5] Thus the name came into being as not just an identity but, a philosophy of true deeds that serve humanity.
History[edit]
Founder: Mastana Balochistani
Successor: Shah Satnam Singh
Current leader: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Dera Sacha Sauda was established by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan, in 1948. He was popularly known among his devotees as His Holiness Beparawah Mastana Ji Maharaj. The organisation was laid just a year after the country saw Independence and there was a renewed sense of freedom, awakening and awareness among the people of India. Dera Sacha Sauda and its founder Shah Mastana's endeavour was to bring a spiritual awakening among the masses and to uplift humanity, in order to create a better world. Maharaj Ji hailed from Balochistan, part of present-day Pakistan. With devotion and hard work, Maharaj Ji transmuted the barren land of Sirsa into a spiritual garden and imparted the glorious method of meditation to his followers. The slogan “Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Asra,” which Dera’s devotees chant at the Ashram, elucidates the kindness of God Almighty as our saviour. Guruji preached about following the path of truth, humanity, and hard work. In 1960, the reins of Dera were handed over to his spiritual successor, Param Pita Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj. Mastana Ji Maharaj merged with the divine light on April 18, 1960.[6]
Param Pita Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj was the second spiritual guru of Dera Sacha Sauda, born on 25 January 1919. He took over the spiritual leadership position from Mastana Ji Maharaj at the age of 41 and served mankind for thirty years (1960-1990). He composed hymns and wrote several holy books. He passed away, or as the Dera says, proceeded back to Nij-Dham (eternal abode) on 13 December 1991.[7]
Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan became the third leader of DSS on 23 September 1990, at the young age of 23 years. He was born in the small town of Shri Gurusar Modia, Rajasthan and is the most famous and revered Guru of Dera. He has brought innovative and unique methods in his humanitarian endeavors within Dera Sacha Sauda.
Principles and Positions[edit]
The sect cites as its principles, laid down by Shah Mastana: secularism, equality, no acceptance of materialistic wealth, and truth and faith over everything else, meditation to the road of truth, quietism, trict individual discipline, strict social discipline, hard work, faith and meditation to escape from re-births (moksha). The organisation envisions an egalitarian, conflict free and peaceful world where the inner spiritual realization, self-confidence and attainment of God are foremost through the practice of true meditation. The world order will be free of social evils, exploitation and sinful conduct. Practically the women will find their right place in society. - as quoted in official statements.[7] Recently, volunteers of Dera Sacha Sauda took some vows to make their and other people's life better.[8]
Mission[edit]
Dera Sacha Sauda clearly defines its mission as below:[7]
To freely propagate true meditation throughout the world to attain inner self-confidence and see God.
To educate people that God can be found only by true meditation learnt from a selfless true master and not with money.
To see the world as one, and believe in the same ONE God.
To promote love and tolerance amongst people of all religions, castes, color and regions without any discrimination.
To promote adoption of drug and alcohol free, meat/egg/fish free diet and restore correct values and character.
To promote morality and convince people about the harms of immorality, promiscuity and high risk behavior.
Welfare activities[edit]
Single Motivator Driven Multispecialty Hospital and Eye Bank[edit]
Dera Sacha Sauda's ambitious 400-bed multi-specialty hospital was inaugurated by Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan in Sirsa in March 2014 and has been named Shah Satnam Ji Specialty Hospital. It has all modern facilities and state-of-the-art operation theatre for treating patients. The hospital aims to give "tertiary" healthcare to the rich, while also providing "free" healthcare to the poor.[9][10] Dera Sacha Sauda in its efforts to completely remove blindness from the face of the earth has encouraged and motivated about 117,813 individuals in donating their eyes. Poojaneeya Mata Kartar Kaur Ji International eye bank, a part of the Shah Satnam Ji Specialty Hospital ranks third in the country and is the largest in terms of a single motivator driven eye bank. Till date, 9421 pair of eyes have been donated here, of which nearly 3000 have been effectively transplanted.[11]
Green S Welfare Force[edit]
The entrance of Shah Satnam Ji Dham, Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa, Haryana
With the aim of dedicated selfless service to humanity in distress, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan formed a welfare and disaster relief organisation called "Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force", which now has more than 63,000 doctors, engineers, rescuers, paramedics, and tradesmen participating.[12] The organisation has rendered aid during many of India's natural disasters. A few major incidents like Kolkata fire [13] [14] and the factory collapse in Jalandhar [15] [16] showed the true heroism within the force. The Green S Welfare Force is spread all over the world wherever there are DSS devotees. In one incident, volunteers from Auckland travelled all the way to Palmerston North to plant 4000 trees in a tree planting campaign.[17]
Cleanliness Campaign[edit]
Dera Sacha Sauda supports and promotes cleanliness and hygiene in every possible way. It believes in cleaning civic areas and maintaining the cleanliness. And thus, this campaign encompasses villages, towns, cities and metros.[18] Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh started a Cleanliness Earth Campaign in India with a banner of ‘Cleanse the planet earth, to remove disease and curse’ (‘Ho prithvi saaf, mite rog abhishaap’) on 21 September 2011 with a two day campaign attended by two lakh followers in New Delhi.[19][20] This was followed by a series of campaigns in different cities.
detail of Cleanliness Earth Campaign
1. Delhi India on 21,22-9-2011[21]
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan on 1-9-2011 [22] [23]
3. Bikaner, Rajasthan on 23-11-2011[24]
4. Gurgaon, Haryana on 17-12-2011[25]
5. Sirsa, Haryana on 24-12-2011[26]
6. Jodhpur, Rajasthan on 7-2-2012[27] [28]
7. Kota, Rajasthan on 17-3-2012[29]
8. Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh on 31-3-2012[30]
9. Puri, Odisha on 5-5-2012[31]
10. Hissar, Haryana on 25-8-2012[32]
11,12. Rishikesh, Haridwar & holy Ganga, Uttrakhand on 1-11-2012[33]
13,14. Ajmer & Pushkar, Rajasthan on 8-12-2012[34]
15. Rohtak, Haryana on 13-2-2013[35]
16. Faridabad, Haryana on 2-3-2013[36]
17. Narela, Delhi on 15-3-2013 [37]
18. Karnal, Haryana on 24-3-2013[38]
19. Kaithal, Haryana on 26-3-2013[39]
20. Noida, Utter Pradesh on 13-4-2013[40]
21. New Delhi, India on 10,11-9-3013[41]
22. Sikar, Rajasthan on 7-10-2013[42]
23. Alwar, Rajasthan on 8-10-2013[43]
24. Dausa, Rajasthan on 9-10-2013[44]
25. Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan on 10-10-2013[45]
26. Sheopur, Rajasthan on 11-10-2013[46]
27. Tonk, Rajasthan on 13-10-2013 [47][48][49][50][51] [52] Puri[53] and Jaipur.[54] Similarly, Dera Sacha Sauda has again shown interest in cleaning the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers but with full support and cooperation of the government.[55]
Welfare in the flood Affected Areas of Uttarakhand[edit]
Medical Aid - After the 2013 flash floods in Uttarakhand, a team of strong-willed doctors trekked over 40 km to villages to provide medical care to people who were in desperate need of help. The team was led by Haryana-based Aditya Insan, a senior consultant ophthalmologist. The team consisted of specialists from AIMMS along with a state-of-the-art mobile hospital of the Dera and 15 vehicles to transport patients.[56]
Relief Work - A team of 200 volunteers including engineers, paramedical staff and divers were also organised to provide door-to-door relief with food packets and conduct rescue missions.[57]
Widow Remarriage - The area of Deoli-Brahmgram village was called a 'village of widows' as many men belonging to the area died in the floods. In an attempt to rehabilitate the women, Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh announced that 1,500 followers of the sect were willing to tie the knot with the Uttarakhand widows. Women who did not wish to remarry were also helped to rebuild their lives.[58]
During the Uttarakhand Floods, Dera Sacha Sauda had sent 7 trucks fully loaded with fodder for the welfare of the animals there.[59]
Welfare of Sex Workers[edit]
Anti-prostitution initiatives began in November 2009, when Guruji called on his followers to counter prostitution, and to help sex-workers escape a "life of perpetual slavery".[60] In December 2009, Dera and its volunteers took a step towards reducing sex trafficking in the country and also preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS virus, by giving a consent for marriage with adult sex workers and to "help them escape their dreary existence".[61] The former prostitutes are referred to as shubh devi ("holy angel"). In Januray 2010, a mass marriage ceremony for former sex workers took place in Sirsa. Also minor sex workers were brought in for adoption to give them the security and warmth of a family environment.[62][63][64][65][66]
Welfare of Transgenders[edit]
Dera Sacha Sauda had launched a social welfare campaign and had filed a petition in the Supreme Court to grant legal status to the transgenders. On 15th April, 2014 the Apex Court gave a judgement in favour of the Eunuchs and ordered that the eunuchs and transgenders will now be given the legal status of the third gender.[67] This will make them eligible for quota in various government jobs, education institutions and also ensure medical treatment. The Government will also devise social welfare schemes for third gender community and run a public awareness campaign to erase social stigma.[68][66] In support of the transgendered, Guru Ram Rahim Singh has also directed his followers to help the intersex children who join itinerant transgender communities. He plans to support their schooling in special institutions.[61]
Encouraging Organic Farming[edit]
On 26th September 2013, the third two day Kisan and Agriculture Technology Fair was inaugurated by Revered Guru Ji with 43 stalls exhibiting modern agriculture instruments as well as agriculture devices and techniques from old times. The Fair was held to make good agriculture practices and techniques reach more and more people.[69] On 8th July 2014, the organisation took another initiative to promote and propagate organic farming in the agricultural areas of India, and the 4th edition of the Kisan evam krishi nayi taqneek mela [70](i.e. Farmers' New Technology Fair) was held with about 78 stalls. Manufacturers of seeds, fertilisers, latest agricultural technology and other farming equipments from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and other regions came here to exhibit and promote their products.
Charitable programs[edit]
This article is in a list format that may be better presented using prose. You can help by converting this article to prose, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (July 2012)
To incorporate the philosophy of "Service to Mankind is Service to God" in real life Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji has undertaken about 102 Humanitarian Activities for the welfare of mankind which are being executed by the followers worldwide.[71]
An annual eye care camp between 13–15 December each year, staffed by eye surgeons.[72]
A campaign against female foeticide in India; the organisation has also built the Shahi Betiyan Basera for those young girls who were about to be killed by their parents. This place is called the Home for the Royal Daughters and provides amenities for destitute female children.[73][74][75]
On 15th August of every year, the members of Dera Sacha Sauda celebrate their Revered Guru's birthday as Tree Plantation Day and plant saplings throughout the globe. Dera again targeted to add up some more million trees on 15th August,2014 as part of the 'Nature Campaign' by celebrating the Guru Ji's birthday in Aasa Buttar village in Giddarbaha sub-division and planted about 30,00,000 saplings.[76][77][55] A mega tree planting drive was hosted on 15th August,2009 in an endeavour to plant 50,000 saplings in the region of Fazilka and nearby villages.[78] With 340,200 participants from Dera Sacha Sauda, India was also able to plant 1,945,535 seedlings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on 15th August,2011.[79] Recently, the five regional directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Mindanao are pooling their efforts to break this world record posted by India by conducting a nationwide massive tree planting activity from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. during the anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on 26th September,2014.[80] Recently, a plantation drive was held in Peenya, Bangalore on 27th April, 2014 by the Dera and planted about 101 saplings.[81]
Disaster relief during Gujarat Earthquake in 2001. Dera sent a convoy of nearly 50 trucks, each containing material worth Rs 1.3 lakhs along with volunteers.[82] Also, when a building collapsed in Delhi, Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Force were among the first to reach the spot and help in the rescue mission.[83]
A 1000 sq. metre plot has been allotted to Dera Sacha Sauda by HUDA to perform various social and religious activities for the welfare of the people.[84]
Sports became a focal point, when in 2004, Parampita Shah Satnam Ji Educational and Welfare Society (which is affiliated with Dera Sacha Sauda), built the Shah Satnam ji Cricket Stadium in Sirsa, Haryana. Using a workforce of 10,000, the stadium was said to have been built in 45 days with a capacity of 30,000.[85] It is spread over 100 acres, which made it the second largest in Asia.[86]
Organ and whole-body donation was encouraged by DSS as their followers willingly decided to donate their bodies to medical colleges.[87] It emerged as one of the leading whole body donor agencies as per newspaper reports.[88]
A massive Blood Donation Camp organised on 12 April 2014, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi,[89] followed by several other locations, gathering a record number of 75,771 units of blood.[90] Camps were organised in Haryana, 22 districts of Punjab, 13 districts of Rajasthan, five districts of Uttarakhand, 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh, four districts of Maharashtra, four districts of Madhya Pradesh, 12 places in Himachal Pradesh and two places in Jammu. Approximately two lakh donors had been registered for these camps [91][92] and around 3 lacs, 95 thousands and 398 blood units (Around 1 lac 77 thousands and 929 litres) have been donated so far. As repoerted, Dera Sacha Sauda is an organization where the donors reach to the place wherever blood is required and hence is generally referred to as the "True Blood Pump".[71] Recently, on 10th August, 2014 , members of Dera Sacha Sauda organised a blood donation camp in Australia.[93]
One of the 102 humanitarian activities carried out by Dera Sacha Sauda devotees is the 'Food Bank Programme'. It is an innovative measure wherein the Dera devotees in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal keep a fast for one day in the week to provide for the ration of those in need.[94]
World Records[edit]
The organization has acclaimed a list of 16 world "records" and excellence "awards" which has helped the society.[95]
Largest blood donation camp - A total of 15,432 people participated in a blood donation drive on September 7, 2003, at sachkhand hall,shah satnam Ji dham Sirsa (India).
Largest blood donation camp - A total of 17,921 people participated in a blood donation drive on October 10, at Sriganganagar (India).
Dera Sacha Sauda was held on 15th August 2009 and a total of 6,873,451 treeswas planted across the globe. Since then, 15th August is celebrated as Tree Plantation Day by the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda across the globe.
Largest blood donation camp - A total of 43,732 people participated in a blood donation drive on August 8, 2010, at SMG complex (India).[96][97][98][99]
Most trees planted simultaneously. (Record held till 2011).
Largest eye screening camp - A total of 4,603 people got their eyes screened at Dera Sacha Sauda, Haryana, India, on December 12, 2010.[100][101]
Most people signing up as voluntary eye donors - A total of 71,042 people signed up as voluntary eye donors ( after death) on September 23, 2011.
Most people signing up as blood donors - A total of 61,752 people signed up as voluntary blood donors on September 23, 2011.
Most people pledging as body and organ donors - A total of 55,392 people pledged to donate their organs and whole body (after death) on 23 September 2011.
Most people pledging against corruption - A total of 60,551 people pledged against corruption with their free consent on 23 September 2011, at SMG complex (India).
Most people tossing coins together (single venue) - A total of 12,013 people participated in tossing one rupee coins on August 15, 2011, at SMG complex (India).
Most people pledging against dowry - A total of 59,491 people pledged against dowry with their free consent on 23 September 2011.
The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat Upclose
There are rows of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. Called the world's largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat is a very popular attraction among foreign tourists.
The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present.
It is located next to Mahalaxmi railway station on the Western Railway's Saat Rasta roundabout. It can be easily seen from flyover bridge of Mahalaxmi station. [2]
A Bollywood movie of the same name, Dhobi Ghat, was released on 21 January, 2011 in India.[3]
In 2013, World Records India and World Amazing Records honoured World Record Certificate to Dhobi Kalyan & Audhyogik Vikas Co – op. Society Ltd[4]
wikipedia
dhobi ghat set flickr
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Mr Boaz Retter Arrives In Mumbai... To Shoot Ashura
In the morning really early we left to shoot the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghats and we shot the laundry down below the guy Maksood charged Rs 400 ,, to let us take images of the laundry and from here we left for Do Tanki I had to give my dagger for sharpening .
I left the dagger and told him I would pick it an hours time I took Boaz to Moghul Masjid Imamwada , Fotowat Imamiya Masjid and Amin all the Shis strongholds and than walked down Hazrat Imam Hussain Chowk , to the Dargah of Hazrat Abbas and to Kaisaer Bagh,
But prior to all this we had breakfast at the newly renovated Star of UP at Chor Bazar we walked the lanes of Chor Bazar .
From there we went and shot the other lanes and headed back to Lucky Hotel .. lunch was pulao at my house and my grand daughters took turns shooting Boaz..
And from Mumbai we will soon go to shoot Ashura in Hydrabad in a day or two.
dhobi ghat set flickr
On Her Blindness
the blind beggar
begs that she is a
muslim i need not
stress.near nawab
masjid pydhonie
her address her
husband is blind
too in all fairness
two children with
vision that god
blessed ..
what is their future
what is the future
of their children
lets not take a guess
her children will be
begging too they
need food and dress
their life threadbare
nothing do they possess
living on the roads their
domesticity and progress
i steal souls of beggars
palm them off as poems
i must in humility confess
i am photo blogger ,not related to
the press .. i shoot simple pictures
simple stories of people living
under duress ..that time cruel
fate has oppressed ..their
silent feelings through images
i express ,,
Sir I Love Her But Her Fathers Hates Her A Lot
he says she is a curse
he would love to throttle
her neck it could be worse
why could you not give me
a son his voice abusive terse
so we beg on the roads while
he drinks robs money from my
purse gambles our lives dispersed
my fate accursed ..if it could be
reversed ..a pain perverse ..for
poor people like us ..fallen angels
of the universe ..our dreams like
bubbles burst ,,,
Zindagi Tere Nam Pe Rona Aya
raste pe banke
khilona aya
na tan pe kapda
na bichona aya
majme main rehkar
apne ap ko akela paya
kabhi main kabhi
mera saya
jab jab khabon main
maine udna chahah
zamin par girke
phir na uth paya
Yes We Make In India
children
our labor force
in the construction
industry in workshops
dhabbas restaurants
in embroidery workshops
in carpet industries working
away their woes.. morning
night long hours on their toes
if they feel drowsy fall asleep
given hard blows ,a river of
remorse evil corruption its
source ,,for the child enslaved
bonded all doors closed ,,
dedicated to our erstwhile PM...
story of a trampled rose
The Humility of The Self Made Tailor of Bandra Bazar Road
Ever since I was a child the only profession that has been part of our lives has been tailoring ,,my fathers family were rich vinegar merchants but he opted for tailoring and master cutting.
He very much wanted me to get into this family trade but somehow my heart was not a bit into tailoring , I was a questioning child and my dad short tempered hated to give answers so the measuring curved scale was his reply .. I decided tailoring was not my cup of tea.. but somehow God pushes you towards what you hate and I opted for tailoring in the end , after a stint selling washing machines , air conditioners at Muttrah Muscat with Dr Hamed Al Riyamis Tecodev in the 80s did not get me anywhere .. I also tried to sell textiles at Ruwi with Al Anwar Stores at Ruwi Muscat but called it a day ,,
Came back to Mumbai and took up tailoring ,, and so this tailor down the road made me think of myself in his place ..but even that was not to be I became a high end Darzi,, I dont like to be called a stylist or a fashion designer ,, a trade that should be reserved for a few copy cats ,,
And whatever I am today is because of tailoring and luckily my kids wont have to be tailors ..in my family only my younger brother is in this tailoring cutting field ,, others all branched out to professions of their choice ,
But if my parents were well off and had I used my aptitude I could have become a journalist my Dad used to make clothes of Mr Rusi Karanjia and he took me to Mr Karanjias office ,, he looked at me and said Son you better take up your fathers trade there is a better future in it this was in the 60s ,,
And in the 80s I was making Mr Rusi Karanjias safaris and suits,, and suits of late Mr Leybourne Callaghan .
The only person whose clothes I will miss making is late Mr Rajesh Khanna he had great hopes for me and it was Mr Khanna who forced me to leave highly paid job I had ,, he said be self dependent and he promised he would see I was well settled these were his prayers wishes for me, perhaps in my entire life he was one of the most human loving actors and the next Mr Danny Denzongpa ,, who has contributed to my sartorial humility .. and Mr Shakti Kapoor and Mr KRK , the one and only Mr Kamal Khan.
Monday, October 27, 2014
The Naked Truth of Life
they call us beggars
we are the true
untouchables for
all to see we are
the last surviving
frontiers of humanity
we beg at traffic signals
running bravely behind
cars bikers autos and taxis
when the red light comes on
we demand a toll fee we plead
we cajole we cry we imitate
the mother of poverty ,,a few
coins our hope is set free
some old horny old farts
touch us inappropriately
we live we die not for shame
but for money money is our
god with which we pay the cops
the crooked system finally ,,
homeless in the rains under
bus shelters we live happily
Two Bare Backs
one beautiful
stylish on track
the other dark
brown minus
six packs ,,
hunger the
essence of
humanity
hijacked
the poor
searching
for leftovers
some hope
like a needle
in a haystack
life on the street of the doomed and their worldly setbacks,,
Once Upon A Time At The Turner Road Traffic Signal They Begged
The most iconic beggar and hijra signal was this signal and in between these two lot were the North Indian Bhaiyya fruit sellers .
This was a very important traffic signal because it connected Bandras two main shopping hubs Linking Road to Hill Road..
And because of dinning joints fastfood joints and the jewelry shops this was a signal the beggars and the hijras made good money ,,
It is almost deserted now the Hijras moved away the survivors of this beggar group now beg near the Pamposh Linking Road signal.
I shot this group extensively ,and even now after so many years they recognize as the only man who shot them , their smiles their laughter , their tears ,.
The stepfathers would burn them break their hands to get in more money and I gave them money tried to help them but they found safety in their own group, the cruel stepfather was better than the cops or being caught sent to the beggars home ,,
Life was tough and they had seen money so going back to their hometown was missing out on the big dream..
Happy New Year
street urchin
fatherless
motherless
what are his
dreams this
year begging
on the streets
is he a runaway
life tough austere
soon like the others
i shot he too will
disappear who really
cares about them
a thought unclear
two faced society
has no time for them
it shows insensitive
veneer is he dreaming
of a jesus who will
appear hold his hand
feed him touch him
heal him hear him
cheer him being
human is more
important than
simply being sincere
but sadly our child
is in the hands of
a racketeer an evil
devious puppeteer
a little life gone out of gear
My Flickr Stats On 26 October 89998 in Humility And Gratitude
We all want the world
in our pictures to be seen
though my backyard
sadly even with a BJP MP
MLA too is the filthiest
horrendously dirtiest unclean
potholed unhygienic through
my pictures you have seen
umpteen shot by my grand daughters
marziya and nerjis not yet in their teens
swach bandra bazar is impossible
unless of course if the PM comes
to clean a message to all
where you live the area you
should not demean ,,
keep it neat evergreen.
the next corporator from my area
will also be from BJP as the congress
took us for granted has finally lost
its sheen netas that only during
election time were seen my poem
my paean nobody ever had the guts
to ask them sir madam 15 long
years .. tell us where have you been
what have you done besides sending
out brochures that were read by
aging stars of the silver screen..
gosh what a change of scene ,,markets
without even a ladies latrine ,,for them
sadly everything was routine ,,we just
hope the new lot makes Bandra pristine
comfortable slum free serene ..those
that are living in the slums need hope
not just free talk free polio vaccine
not your mugs with superstars in every
filmy magazine ..long lines of muslim ladies
poor dalits waiting in the hot sun for kerosene
to those of my good friends in America happy Halloween
East Meets West
flatless phenomena
padded bras
stuffed smoothly on her chest
mini skirt uncovering her rest
while they in sarees
thoughts abreast
do protest
take this window mannequin
to test east meets west
toss a coin
to find out who is best
birds of a feather
flock together
lay eggs in someone else s nest
a metaphoric mindlessness on request
Did God Deliberately Makes Us Black And White
or was it his dark humor
or did he create humanity
partly in the day partly
in the night or was god
suffering from poor eyesight
or was he satirizing the flaws
that would enter the soul of man
making him a bigot dependent
on his color beginning of a fight
dividing humanity to an eternal
plight ..what is wrong what is
right as a beggar poet i shot
a moment elusively in flight
my camera vision holding
my sense of poetry despite
painted with spectral light
Sunday, October 26, 2014
The Muslim Man Waits For His Death
his grandchildren
they radicalized
instilled venomous
hate for others
they killed his
heritage of peace
brotherhood in
which he had
pride ..he left
his home became
a vagrant his hope
had died,, now he
awaits his own death
totally deprived ,,
he wonders whether
it is better to be dead
or better to be alive
only time will tell if he will survive
Making Irani Chai At Mogul Masjid Irani Mosque
the irani chai
adds to your spiritual zest
after the majlis this chai is
best no more stress
brewed for long hours
with majestic flavor be my
guest sip it you will be
highly impressed ..the
aroma the nostalgia of
lingering moments time
at rest .in memory of the
greatest martyr imam hussain
a heartbeat held within a
shias chest as he cries for
karbala the land of salvation
human awakening that god
has blessed indomitable spirit
that is hope for all oppressed
The Bull From Pandharpur
www.hindubooks.org/temples/maharastra/pandharpur/index.htm
The Blind Man Does Not Curse The Darkness
nor does he curse those
who created this mess
he has no political affiliation
with BJP or the sanctimoniously
secular Congress he is a blind
Muslim and Indian national
in traditional dress a tattered
kurta pajama a many holed vest
Muslim society hardly has time
a society that has regressed
building madrsas mosques
their only outward spiritual quest
changing poor peoples life or
rehabilitation does not serve
their collective interest always
claiming to be the underdogs
victimized a few live in their
own country as guests ..this
blind man stands on his two feet
begs for a living making use
of darkness to seek light within
his soul i guess self dependent
i must stress .. blind man god bless
to my friend devi
Moharam is a Protest Against The Killers of Imam Hussain
They call us Kafir
Rafidi they mock
they jeer ,,
Yes We Are Shias
Yes We Are Shias
Hussain is Humanity
A thought to us dear
1400 year old protest
against misplaced jehad
they did not hear ..through
our blood we made it clear
Ya Hussain Ya Hussain
A Chant That Brings
Karbala near ..we
are the blessings of
a Mothers Tears ..
Yes We Are Shias
Yes We Are Shias
The Muslim Woman Of India Lost In Transit
at the railway station
she sits waiting for
the train of hope
confused out of
her wits what is
her fate she
wonders
ponderously
about it
will her parents
push her into
marriage with
an old man
or some dimwit
will she be forced
to suffer or will it
be a triple talaq
a thought that hits
convulsive fits
she hides herself
fearing the worst
every bit uneducated
illiterate a burden
a liability to her
woman's fate
she will
unconditionally
submit
male dominated muslim society will never change for the better ..bullshit ..thanks to fatwas and the mullahs writ
The Surrogate Mother
a rented child on her waist
begging running behind cars
in oxymoron haste motherhood
misplaced beggar children bandra
based turner road traffic signal
children barefaced searching for
hope a peaceful place by gods
grace society two faced hates
photographers who shoot beggars
call it a disgrace giving a bad name
to the country truth does not pay
beggars that empower charity
beggars everywhere ,, here and there
caught in a vortex of pain beggars
inhumanly ensnared .. beggars are
commodity aftermath of your prayers
The Tree Of Life ..
Once many years back I had my workspace close to the Bandra Turner Road Traffic signal and as I walked to work I would shoot these kids who begged at this high end traffic signal , this signal was very strategic and important as it connects two shopping hubs of Bandra .. Linking road to Bandra Hill Road via Waterfield Road , and this signal was on a crossroad to connecting Turner Road.
I would pay money to these kids or buy them breakfast and because of my attire my look these kids would call me Shaktiman name of a character in a TV serial.. they were highly imaginative kids ,, they gave a tough competition too the Hijras that begged at this signal too..and they harassed the hijras clapping their hands ..gesturing at them abusively .
The parents of these kids would sit near the signal keeping an eye on them and gambling away whatever money the kids bought in .. most of the kids were made to beg in their birthday suits , and whatever clothes good people gave them were sold and the naked kids laughed running precariously behind the cars .
They also got to eat from the neighboring food joints the leftover foods that young couples gave them ..and I shot them including their pictures at my Turner Road Traffic Signal set at Flickr .
Sometimes the cops went after them and nabbed them the fine R 1200 or a beggars home and I think the beggar mafia took care of the fines .. there would be silence at the Signal for sometime and they would come back adding to the nuisance level and this affected the few premier jewelry shops near this traffic signal.
I was warned by the parents of these kids not to shoot them , and warning that was a threat to cause me bodily harm but I went on shooting them .. and money did change hands even the cops turned the other way ,, now the kids dont operate at this signal but you can find a newer lot near Pamposh Linking Road signal.
Some of the girls from this community began dressing and behaving like hijras as that bough in more instant money by shaking the bum and clapping their hands ,, the moment they saw as I know them they would curse and run away.
This community lived on a Mound near my house at Rang Sharda but they have moved away ,, they hardly marry , but the girls as young as 14 have children out of wedlock , impregnated by the father brother or close relative ,,
The child born is treated as a commodity , he is drugged and carried on the waist of another child ,, the child is given out on rent to other beggars .. and there is no humanity ..its just money and survival at all costs.
So these beggar children are real tough survivors ,,their fathers drunkards louts mothers lazy bitches who live off these kids ,,
During Diwali Dasshera they make marigold garlands that they sell on the roads ..
And on Independence and Republic day they sell flags ,,
During Mount Mary they beg on the steps each child making over 3000 bucks ,, I am told during the feast peak time.
And dont be surprised to see the older kids in glares tight fitted jeans and mobile phone to boot ,,
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Imposing Cat On A Burning Floor
"SIR: Poseyal : KNIGHT of the DESPOSYNI Pro User says:
cool
glad we are friends
so how much for you to print me a 11x14 of this and ship it o me with a poem?
he is
basking in the sun
out of door
he has finished
all
his domestic
chores
imposing cat
on a burning floor
dreaming of
his cousin
in new orleans
across the shore
on wings of fancy
he loves to soar
his poetic heart
on the soul
of friendship
he loves to pour
selling spaces
of the mind
without brochure
pain of living
to endure
prevention is better
when
there is no cure
anthony posey
good friend
brother poet
you cant ignore
marziya
shakir
taking him
on a mumbai
darshan
tour
30March 2010
I Sometimes Fail To Understand How God Could Create People in His Image
After I had shot him several years back at Mount Marys back steps I never saw him again .
And these are nameless beggars I shot impulsively , I shot them because their lives will never change , they will be begging from one day to the next ,, will there be a ministry of beggars homeless destitute ,, Never .
Beggars are part of our piety , we need beggars to blackmail God who created them , we give alms and hope to get an account of every coin we give ,,this is how I see it ,
I know of people rich who gave away everything and became beggars themselves .. living among beggars and watching the vagaries of the rich man from the poor mans end.
The largest number of beggars I saw at Ajmer Urus seeking alms in the name of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Garib Nawab , his very name suggest the The Holy Saint Of The Poor.
I have begged at the Kumbh with my Naga Sadhu Guru and it is a unique feeling devoid of that egoistic Self ,, eating leftovers as he took me from door to door to beg ,,that was my lessons in humility .
Than begging with the Sufi mendicants body piercing order of Rifais ..I had to become a part of the people I shot , and the money I got I gave to the Murshad ..
And I still have a beggar bowl given to me by a Sufi old monk , he gave it to me and said this bowl will be part of your spiritual destiny .. collect tears in it , as they fall from a Mothers eyes , the Mother of Hussain and the start of Moharam from today ,, brings tears to my eyes too..
And these are old archive images I am bringing out from a treasure chest of memories ..giving them a new lease as BW ..adding my restless angst.. I dont need a camera to shoot images I create imagery with a click of my mouse ,,and one working finger of a damaged hand.
I will be shooting Moharam in Hyderabad the city of love hope and Humility , the Hindus Of Hyderabad their love for Hussain , pulls me towards this city of Pearls ..I have never seen such austerity impassioned love for tears for Hussain.
And this time accompanying me are two world famous photojournalists who want to shoot the Shia ethos of Hussain .I dont know them , we met on Flickr and photographers are a Brotherhood beyond color caste or creed ..we create flowers of Peace from a digital seed ..
And on Day of Ashura
I shall Bleed .. cursing
with my Blood on the
Accursed Soul of Yazid
Appu My Best Friend
I am a storyteller and all my stories are pictures of people I shot as they touched me on my journey of Life that I call poetry of Life .
I met Appu this piece of human torso without hands or legs at Chor Bazar many years back . and we became friends I shot him on my trips every Friday at Chor Bazar and he was an iconic beggar a landmark so to speak,
Than in 2008 I took my American friend Dr Glenn Losack to Mahim and he was stupefied by Appu , Appu touched him perhaps like no beggar did and Appu does not plead and beg like other beggars he sits silently you offer him something he accepts humbly.
Than Appu met my granddaughter Marziya Shakir she was about 15 month old and Marziya till date has never forgotten him .. I have not seen Appu for two years now ..I searched for him at his old haunts but no luck.
Appu is from Assam he is a Muslim but I never asked him how he lost his hands or legs ,, I shoot pictures you fill in the blanks ,,Appu is a photo set at my Flickr photo stream, Appu in the rains at the Shia cemetery , Appu trying to fight a goat at Chor Bazar , Appu with Marziya , Appu with me , Appu with Glenn Losack ..and Appu taught me to walk, as my tribute to Appu I walked barefeet for many years despite my diabetic condition.. I still walk barefeet during religious feasts that I shoot in Mumbai or other parts of India .
Appu is a mans story his fight for survival and all those big fat rich Muslims who buy a dozen goats to appease God and his Holy Prophet wont buy him a prosthetic ,, this is misplaced Muslim charity in more ways than one ,,
I give Appu whatever I can I give him hope I give him respect . and he stands for resilience and resurgence of our indomitable Indian human spirit .
Lord Shiva At The Chor Bazar Flea Market
At Chor Bazar a lot of old religious photos , frames posters are available on sale sourced by the Gujrati Vagri community from old houses , old shops etc.. all this is than sold to Chor Bazar dealers who buy old stuff ,
This was a poster and I liked it immensely Lord Shivas youth , his posture and Goddess Parvati watching him coyly from a distance .,,
Once upon a time I bought a lot of old classics , rare books from Chor Bazar including old cameras I had 275 old camera and as I could not manage them and times were bad I sold it to a fried for peanuts.
I still have the old books , old negatives , slides and prints that wife wants me to dispose off but I am still holding on to them..
Chor Bazar was a Nasha , a high I visited every Friiday come what may and than one day I suddenly stropped its been over 8 to 9 years now ..
Along with Chor Bazar I visited the Kamatipura Friday flea market haven't been there since ages now ..
Every picture has a tale to tell
Barbers Are Holistic Healers Too..
I have been shooting street barbers , barbers on the move who cut your hair , and move on to the next client on the street ..they lead a tough life searching for clients among the poor and the working labor class .
This was shot at Kamatipura close to the redlight area ..the brothel lanes of Mumbai city .
He has has stall close to a tea shop , so he gets good work and takes part in the gossip of his clients and tea drinkers .
People hardly shoot these street barbers who do a great service to society and their contribution to the poor class is immense to say the least , most of these barbers also do circumcision and mundan or religious tonsure ,
Bathing On The Streets Is A Luxury When The Municipal Pipe Bursts
getting rid
of heat humidity
dust scorching
mumbai weather
bad to worse
street urchins
the poor in the
slums get to
quench their
thirst shot from
a cab in which
i traversed
at a traffic signal
my camera reached
there first,,
Who Will Save These Little Girls From Vultures of Society
These are scavenger girls , who used to pick up odds ends refuse at Chor Bazar the Market of Thieves .
Metal parts , other stuff that they sell and get money , I never saw these girls again but than I stopped going to Chor Bazar completely or every Friday I would go to Chor Bazar to pick up old cameras old books and antique jewelry and shoot the surroundings ,
Like these girls there are also little boys who work as scavengers but soon get into drugs and sniffing polish and its a sad fall..
And who really cares about these kids not society that will soon shun them and force them with this alienation to become anti social elements , most of these young boys are pulled into drug peddling , stealing , pick pocketing..
Most of these kids are pushed into begging for the beggar mafia ,,
This one image really pulled at my guts when I shot it many years back at Chor Bazar.
Girls are more vulnerable as the flesh market of Foras Road Peela House Kamatipura and Shuklaji Street is a walking distance from Chor Bazar.
When Will Poor Muslims See Good Times
broken dreams
broken rhyme
begging on the
streets in guttered
grime children
living on mounds
of fetid slime
counting on
hope in every
coin every dime
no education
no vocational
guidance kids
forced to commit
crimes waiting
eagerly for good
times while they
build new mosques
new madrsas bearded
men in noble robes
their thoughts sublime
shooting out fatwas
as pastime ..the poor
age fade away in their
prime a long upward
task a very steep climb
Wanted Alive
when will
good times arrive
the common man
confused with
words politically
contrived who
will clean india
get rid of corruption
scams crooked leaders
if mother india has to
survive ,,or will dreams
before they are fulfilled
nosedive . another mantra
to be archived ..economy
good living a dead body
needs to be revived ..
we need to strive ..
high five ..
Maria The Leper Lady And Her Grand Daughter
Maria and both Mary are coverts they became Christians . but has the conversion helped , I dont know they are both begging on the streets , perhaps the only saving grace is that Maria's grandchildren wont have to beg at all..
I have been documenting Marias life since many years , and ever since the monsoons set in Maria has left Mumbai , her sores her leprous condition gets worse her body parts start falling in the heavy rains .so Maria has given her place to her daughter Mary who begs outside a Sunni Mosque dressed as a Muslim , with a head scarf and I pass her on my way to work , always inquiring about Maria..I give her money too.. though she never asks me for a penny.
My grandchildren know Maria , both have shot Maria , and respect her a lot , teaching both my grandchildren to use the camera was to bring them closer to God through Humanity ,,
The colors of Religion certainly teach you God but nothing about this humanity of beggars lepers and the rest.
So Marziya now and Nerjis now 3 both Canon users shoot Maria like me .. Maria has empty sockets for eyes but the sound of my feet and she knows I am there we chat , Maria ties her beggars tin to the stump of her leg.. and within the tin is another smaller tine beneath the smaller tin she places the notes that she gets , this precaution is necessary as drug addicts pretend to give her coins and would steal the notes from the tin.
Its a very hard life , and drug addicts love Bandra as the Bandra cops let them live without ever nabbing them , they will be nabbed when a little child is raped by one of these drugaddicts .. we as a society wake up when our houses are burnt down.. we hardly know the meaning of prevention ,
Well back to Maria ,the leper lady of Boran Road ..I have shot over 250 images of Maria , my American friend Dr Glenn Losack too is very fond of Maria ..he has shot her too..
I hate conversions completely , but even this conversion from Hindu to Christianity has not really helped Maria or her daughter Mary..I think and I wont be surprised when some rich Wahabbi Muslim pays a hefty sum and gets Mary to accept Islam.. the seeds have already been sowed ,. Religion too is dictated by Money.. and the poor see God though their empty stomachs .
These are my Bandra Blogs , and there was another lady homeless destitute I called her the Umbrella lady of Bandra Reclamation she died recently unsung uncared both my granddaughter gave their pocket money to her .. and this is the power of the Camera , they shot her and learnt the true meaning of Charity .
The third person in my story of beggars is the limbless Appu my best friend he is a human torso and has met Marziya when she was young .. but Appu has disappeared too he is a Muslim migrant from Assam ..he begs at Mohomedali Road or near Mahim church these are the few people I documented to awaken the dead soul of those who get hurt when we shoot beggars , they find our photographing beggars gives India a bad name ,, and they actually forget those who really give India a bad name ,,
Shooting beggars to sell their pictures was the first unwarranted response , but than those who know me , also know that Photography is not my bread or my butter .. I shoot pictures like a painter loves to painter or like a carpenter loves to use the chisel. I use my camera to take you to the dark nether regions of the underbelly of my city Mumbai.
I have shot beggars at Red Light areas , these were once rich guys who spent everything on Mujra dancing girls now grovel the earth taking brown sugar or working out as pimps ,, yes I am a storyteller bad grammar , rusty lexicon but my camera makes up for all those shortcomings
And Hijra beggars in trains hijra beggars at traffic signals I shot them all ,, and this section I removed from public view because of picture stealers at Flickr.com
Friday, October 24, 2014
Our Schools Teach Us Everything But Humanity
it is typically human nature
not to bother about the world
outside we have been conditioned
desensitized if a man was dying on
the roads of mumbai ..nobody would
bother about him take it in his stride
its the system that has corrupted our
insides we have no feelings of brotherhood
no compassion we are dead as we slide
down into an abyss by the wayside
humanity the essence of humanity
no more on our side .. we failed
we tried .. seeking in the wilderness
for a holistic healer our soul our guide
The Bawa of Bhendi Bazar
mystics are born
not made mystics
come disappear
memories dont
fade the mystic
of bhendi bazar
touched people
his personality
multitude of
dark shades
some looked
at him with awe
others were afraid
respect they paid
buying him cold drinks
food with a hope that
their lives he would
upgrade who was
the bawa of bhendi
bazar a madman
or a mystic who
lived from hand
to mouth knew
no trade ..
Hope is Only A Coin Away
they put their hands
in their pockets but
wont pay,,,giving
money to beggars
is not on their agenda
come what may
for every coin you
give for your family's
welfare goodwill
the beggar prays
on the depths of
misery is where
they stay ..
deprived of
education
school or
play ..
children of
a lesser god
made of clay
in their mothers
womb they
were betrayed
childhood forgotten
childhood misplaced
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Shah-e-Mardan Sher-e-Yazdan Quwat-e-Parwardigar Lafata Ila Ali La Saif Ila Zulfiqar , originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1 ....
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Dargah of Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Datar Unava Gujrat , a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr. HAZRAT SYED ALI MIRA DATAR'S G...
