Independence - Have we used it well? Contest for August 2008!

My dear AC,:bowdown

Now you have got me tongue tied or rather 'keyboard tied' as I can't find words to thank you enough for all the compliments that you have showered upon me.
Really very happy to know how much you appreciated the write up as to warrant enough to suggest that it should get published.That was really the icing on the cake!Bow.Thanks a zillion once again and it means a heavenly lot to me to receive such accolades from a prolific and acclaimed writer like your dear self.:cheers

 

Aruna Habibi, Your Majesty,
Your loyal and devoted subject accepts all the compliments Your Royal Highness has bestowed with such generosity:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown

Thank you Aruna dearie for all your moral support and I can't tell you how touched I am that you think this piece should find its way into the newspaper ! Best wishes from dear friends who appreciate and share the joy is a valuable gift in itself and I'm so thrilled you think so highly about the article....".my cup brimmeth over " and I am content !

 

Dear Srini,

Thank you for the warm message of congrats.

Really happy that you read it through and liked it.

Yes, I think we should look forward to the future with optimism despite all the

unhappy events of late.In doing so we can ensure progress and instill the same

sense of hope for the younger generation.We have survived so far because of

this .....the legacy of those great souls who went before us.

 

Hi ! Saras,:hiya

The standing ovation is still ringing in my ears !:thankyou2::bowdown

So sweet of you to send me such a lovely message and indeed I'm thrilled to hear that you think so highly of it and have saved it to re-read.That is a beautiful compliment too!

About the history of the Amarnath caves and Bota Mallick....I came to read about it only a couple of weeks before I wrote the piece and it was a fitting subject to add here I thought as I was sure many of us would not know about it.
Similarly in the South , on the way to Sabarimala also there is the legend of a Muslim personality called Vaavar who became Lord Ayyappa's chief Lieutenant in the war against Udayanan.To this day , piligrims visit the Mosque of Vaavar and offer obeisance and make their offerings before proceeding to the main Dharma Saastha Temple .At the entrance a Muslim priest distributes Vibhuti to all .This is a unique feature and a model of religious amity particularly in the India of todays troubled times.There is also a Christian church known as Arthungal Church associated with the lore of Lord Ayyappa.
We have such a rich track record of religious peaceful co existence down the centuries and it is sad that certain forces are always at work to destroy this often .
That we survive always and emerge as a co-hesive whole is the miracle for which again we can take all the credit ! The 'Unity in Diversity ' factor has always been maintained though we face serious knocks and really lethal ones at times!

 

Dear Usha,

Thanks for the lovely FB after reading the article.

Glad to hear your comments of appreciation

 

Dear Brindha,

Thanks for your lovely , warm and colourful message of congrats.