Revolution.....Resolution.......Reinvention.....

The year 2011 is at the last lap waiting to touch the finish line.  Revolutions are the headline news. In Tunisia, Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen, Libya, Syria the people surged against the oppressive regimes. Media has described the revolutions in many names, "people's", "inciting", "parliamentary" to name a few.  Internet and technology played a major role in communication and organizing protests and marches. Violence and bloodshed has left an indelible mark. The resolution to have a democratic election and government was not achieved everywhere. The journey is long and the road need to be built not by the fundamentalist or radicals but by the people who are oriented towards democracy and peace.

When one part of the World is going thru the revolutionary process,  the other half of the World is rallying to reinvent itself by questioning the financial structure and market economy.  Media is calling these as social unrest and protest. In Russia it is "election unrest".  In the USA it is "occupying Wall Street". World leaders are meeting in summits, blaming each other and arguing why economic theories did not work.  European Union and the pan euro concept has increased the animosity between the core and the peripheral EU countries. In the USA, we are waking up to reality that in a global market structure, competition can lead to power shift if the own resources and internal issues are not taken care of.

Yet with all the unrest, protest, uncertainty, confusion, there is always hope.  A democratic election, a non-violent protest,  an entrepreneur creating jobs,  actions towards protecting the environment, a thought that comes even occasionally to leave a cleaner earth for the future generations, an action plan to uplift the oppressed from poverty, a statement showing solidarity to help the abused children, building a school in a remote village, a medical research that save lives -  if these small steps are extended exponentially will there be a need for painful revolutions.....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! PEACE ON EARTH!

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Newzealand....Nostalgia.....Kia Ora....

In 2004, I lived in Melbourne Australia for about a year. I enjoyed my time to explore the outback, neighboring countries, or islands whenever I could get some time off from work.  I could not resist the enticing tourism posters, to come and experience the “Middle Earth” the land of the hobbits! The movie the Lord of the Rings! was shot in a village about 50 miles away from Auckland.

On a beautiful sunny day, arrived in Auckland the city of the sails. I learnt my first Maori language lesson by saying “Kia Ora” which is “Hello. Enjoyed the scenic harbor and the waterfront. The Maori museum provides a wealth of information about the indigenous people Maoris’. Fortunately, unlike the ancient aborigines of Tasmania who were completely wiped out the Maoris’ retain their culture and language in Newzealand.

From Auckland we drove to Rotorua, a beautiful place with miles of geo thermal spas and geysers spewing hot water and sulphur fumes larger than the ones that we see in the Yellowstone National Park. The whole area is another master piece of nature. Fire and water inside the secret labyrinth under the earth comes out as magical geysers and fountains. After the nice spa experience, went to Ruapehu to see the volcanoes and the Crater Lake.

The next city on the itinerary was Wellington. Its Kapiti coast is famous for gourmet food. I got fabulous vegetarian food, with special local cheese and lovely macadamia tart for dessert. The pastry shops make you to stop and admire the countless varieties of artisan bread and rolls. Needless to say that it is food lover’s paradise!
At night the city sparkled with lights. Thought about the past when there was no electricity and the harbors shimmering with oil lamps. Human life has come very far in its journey. The Southern Cross that looked very bright in the country side seemed faded with the city lights. Yet it winked and reminded me to move from the middle earth further south towards Christchurch and Queenstown.

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Resurrect…..Revive……Remember……

On August 30, 2001 I returned from Athens after a memorable vacation in Greece. My plan was to work remotely the next 10 days and to enjoy the perfect weather in DC. On September 11, 2001, at 8:00am I started a conference call with my developers in Bangalore and Santa Clara. Around 9:15am my mobile was constantly buzzing with incoming calls.  I ignored them till 9:30am to finish the con call. Later I realized those calls were from our concerned friends.  Yet another incoming call. I noticed that it was from Hans our good family friend from San Antonio. When I answered he asked me, “Are you OK? Where are you? Hope no one is traveling”. I told him that we are fine and I am working from home. He asked me to turn on the TV and gave me the brief sad news of the WTC attacks.

One by one the towers were coming down. The attack on the Pentagon was being relayed. An act of insane cruelty.  Sun Microsystems immediately sent an advisory as not to travel and to extend our system support to New York offices. I contacted the local hospital whether they need blood or volunteers. So much pain and disbelief that it all happened right here and we are witnessing it. A great painful and yet another episode in human history when innocent people were killed by a group of terrorists. It was very sad to watch the TV about the families who lost their loved ones. At the same time despair was turning into hope when the valiant firefighters, courageous law enforcement personnel, and heroic volunteers who managed to resurrect the city within weeks.

After every incident when innocent people are killed or subjected to violence we think that may be this is the last one. Do we need more protection from these acts of terrorism or prevention? I think it will take the “whole village” to inculcate non-violence to be the future means for promoting peace.

Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary and a befitting memorial will be held for the people who lost their lives on that fateful day of September 11. It is not easy to console but life must move on. Let us pray and hope that hate and violence will be replaced by love for humanity and peace.

PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Alaska....Glaciers....Gorgeous....

When you think of Alaska - glaciers, polar bears, grizzly’s, moose and salmon dance in one’s mind - not in the same order for everyone!! Perhaps a fishing enthusiast may think about salmon! During the first day of our visit we went to the Portage glacier, Spencer Whistle top and the Grand view. After returning from Barrow, we took a cruise to the Prince William Sound to see the glaciers. We drove up to Whittier to catch the boat. The scenic Seward Highway has multiple view points to check the Belugas bobbing on the tides or the mountain goats on the towering Chugha ranges. We also managed to see few bald eagles on our way. The tunnel that leads from Portage to Whittier is 2.5 miles in length. This is used both by the train and the automotive. Hence the tunnel is opened only on a set time table to move the traffic from one side to the other.

The boat captain said that during winter most of the residents of Whittier move to Anchorage or other closer cities like Girdwood or Portage to avoid the winter blast coming thru the tunnel. The cruise began passing thru the mountains where glaciers are hanging like beautiful white and blue quartz. It is sad that with the global warming some of the glaciers are receding. We managed to spot a school of otters!! May be shoal! One of the otters was very bold to follow us for a while and then vanished into the deeper waters. A hump back whale appeared like a steam engine hissing out jets of water. Few seals also curiously looked at us. In the yonder mountain fortress we could spot some bald eagles nest. One huge bald eagle majestically circled around. Everything seemed to be magical!

The cruise slowly reached near the glacier and halted.
The glacier looked like multiple sculptures arranged like a fortress protecting the icy layer that is cascading from the mountain. Every now and then a rolling chunk of ice will fall into the ocean. First we were alerted by a rumbling noise. The ice cracked slowly and pushed a big ton of icy rock that descended into the ocean like a cascade of a waterfall. The cruise stood still. The glacier must have seen so many ships, people, birds and animals during its long journey from the ice age. The sea gulls that have nested on the rocky cliffs lulled at the boat as if asking “why are you here in my territory?’. The water stood still around the glacier due to its depth. No one talked. A silent communication was going on with the nature. The deep blue water, bright quartz glacier, green trees on the mountains, waterfalls, birds and the sun looking from the clouds conveyed that this is peace and this is bliss.

“Come inside for a nice chocolate mousse and coffee”, the captain announced!

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Alaska.....Arctic crcle.....Awesome

Imagine celebrating 4th of July on  "Top of the World" in Arctic circle!!.
The plan is very simple. Land in Anchorage, see the glaciers and take off to Barrow the last frontier city up on the North slope of the Arctic circle.  Once the travel plan was set all one has to do is to pack up some winter clothes and hop into a plane.  On our first day, we explored the city museum and the downtown Saturday open market highly recommended by Hilton staff.  The next day we went to the Portage glacier, Beluga point and the wildlife conserve to see musk ox to Kodiak bears! After acclimatized to the constant 18hrs daylight we packed only the heavy winter jackets and boots to visit the arctic circle.
On July 4th morning we took a flight to Barrow from Anchorage. The Barrow airport is very small and one of our fellow passengers,  a teacher who lives in Barrow said that everyone in Barrow knows each other.

After a warm welcome from the hotel staff we settled on "Top of the World"! yes this hotel is situated on the shores of Arctic ocean. The hotel staff recommended that we have dinner at the Pepe's restaurant. As soon as we entered, we were surprised by the beautiful 4th of July decor and there entered Ms. Fran Tate who owns this Mexican restaurant also works as a part time DJ on Saturdays in KBRW the only radio station in Barrow. She whimsically said that if we try the Polar bear plunge in the arctic she would give us all a certificate!

Without a sunset or darkness the time moved on to the 24/7 daylight schedule!!.  After a nice morning walk, we hopped into the tour bus with our guide Sam an Inupiat. We went on a long ride on the tundra stopping at the ancient burial mounds and whaling sites, villages where the seal meat was hanging in the backyard clothesline. Sam explained about the whale and seal hunting expeditions by the Inupiat. They hunt only the bow head and beluga whales and never the Orcas or any killer whales. Also, they keep a quota system that only a set amount of whales will be killed for food every year. The whole community participate in this project.  The Inupiats moved from subsistence economy to cash economy during the second World War when the US Navy established a base in Barrow and helped the villagers with housing and schools.

The Arctic ocean looked calm with floating icebergs. We managed to touch the ocean and climbed on the icebergs that floated closer to the shore. Our tour ended with a visit to the Inupiat cultural center and museum. The Inupiat children sang, danced and demoed the blanket toss and other games. The rhythm and the ancient music conveyed that after all we the humans have common needs for food, shelter, work, and entertainment.

About 8:45pm we boarded the flight back to Anchorage for the rest of the awaiting adventures. I looked out of the window and felt that the arctic sun was smiling brightly.

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Appa....Père...Padre....

June 19th is Father’s day... Sales and ads are enticing and inviting. When I grew up in India we know more about James Bond movies than about  “Father’s Day”. Now India has changed and is more global. My childhood memories of my Father were a combination of family, religion, and the culture of India. It was taken for granted that father is there to protect us and will get us what we want. All one has to do is to meet the expectations of being a good student and a good child by following the family rules. Also, we did not express our love and admiration openly by giving him a gift or card. .


As children we were brought up with so many “do’s and don’ts”. Both our parents somehow created a picture that discipline must not be compromised. We should be back in the house by 5:00pm to finish the home work and get ready for the evening prayers. My best memories are the after dinner walks he took us when we were children. My brother and I will hold each one of his hands and my father will carry my baby sister. We walk up to the huge mango tree at the turn of the street where he will stop and show us the stars in the sky. The Milky Way and the Great bear were explained with stories. If we continue on the left we will be going towards the YMCA Golf grounds and if we turn right we will end up for a small stopover at the Nayar’s tea stall. It is a small shack with candy jars and a hissing copper boiler which was used to make tea. My father used to buy some fruits as a treat for us even though I would have preferred the special candy made with grated coconut and Molasses which we call “Camarcut”. I am not sure why that candy was named like that. It sounded exotic and I liked the taste of it.

Another nostalgic memory of him was his love for books. His collections included novels, classics, philosophy, history, and poems. I remember seeing a very old edition of King’s English and a complete set of Bernard Shah’s novels published by Penguin. It started as a fun to browse his bookshelf and soon without my knowledge I started loving books and reading. He never attended our school day functions when we received prizes for our academic and extracurricular accomplishments. He was always busy with his work. It was my mother who took so much interest in our studies and reading books. His way of showing affection was a smile or an approving nod. Regardless, we knew that he loved us.
Over the years he mellowed down from a stern father into a loving person until he passed away in 1999. When he was in the US, I joked that I owed him so many Father’s day gifts and cards for all the missed years. Even now sometimes I wonder whether I told him enough of “how much I love him”. Unfortunately, we grow up or wake up only when people are gone. That is why I think those who celebrate Father’s Day every year are lucky. At least one gets a chance to express love and affection openly even if it is thru a card or word or a nod!.

Happy Father's Day!

Peace on Earth!

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Mayan.....Mother.....Yucatan.....

"Oh! how fascinating it was to read about Mayan civilization - their pyramids, calendar and the lost history!!" my Mother said with gleaming eyes after reading the book I got for her from Mexico City.  Well, then it is time to plan a trip to Chichen Itza in the Yucatan peninsula. In 2006, around July 4th we planned this vacation trip to Cancun.  The turquoise blue beaches, warm tropical weather and the hospitality of the resort staff made our trip memorable.

As always in vacations, I did feel strange for a while without my laptop and not having to think about work. My Mother wanted me to program myself to go back into the ages to be with the Mayans in the midst of the bustle of modern Cancun! Mayan history goes way back to the pre Colombian era. It is sad that the series of conquests including the Spanish wiped away most of their history and culture.
The Mayans built the pyramid with such precision that during the spring and autumn equinox the shadow that falls on the neatly cut steps will resemble like a serpent. It is called as "Kukulkan" in Mayan language. The famous ball court with a nice rectangular field where rituals were performed. There are many interpretations about the rituals being performed with human sacrifice. To me it is difficult to believe some interpretations without conclusive evidence!!. We also visited the Temple of the Warrior, Observatory and the Temple of the carved columns.  I remembered Erich von Daniken's "Chariots of the Gods" and the parallel architectural features in the ruins of Greece, Carthage, Egypt and some ancient temples in India.

On our way back my Mother said, "When I see the tourists in these ancient sites it gives me a positive feeling that human race is in the process of understanding the value of diverse cultures and the need to respect one another. When you care you want to nurture and preserve even if we know the impermanence of life itself." I will always remember this.

My heart goes out to all who have taken a moment of their time to nurture, to care, to love someone including our grandest Mother of all - our Planet Earth.

Happy Mother's Day

Peace on Earth 

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Damascus...Dare....Democracy....

The fertile crescent is witnessing its people who dared to dream for democracy and their cry for change. 

Syria, the cradle of civilization has been seeing  inventions and invasions as part of its history. The extensive irrigation system and the writing are their gift to humanity. Actually the Semitic languages Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic came from the language of the Akkadians. 

Its continuous history begins from 9000 BC. The Bronze age followed by invasions of the the Akkadians, Hittites, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, various Islamic caliphates, Mameluke's, Ottoman empire, British and French, and finally in 1918 the land was divided between France and British with the French Mandate.  Syria  gained independence from the French in 1945. During these periods, the original inhabitants fought, died, stayed, migrated, adopted different cultures and nationals, religion, above all survived. What a fascinating history!                                          
 The current unrest to overthrow the Baath party and President Assad proves that people will not accept totalitarian regime anymore. The land that taught the World to write with clay tablets is now using digital technology to send messages across the World about their love for their country and their cry for democracy.

The crisis, unrest, violence and the killing of civilians bring sadness and at the same time admiration for the people who are willing to sacrifice for a brighter tomorrow. I have not been to Syria yet and I am positive that one day we can walk on the cobbled stone streets of old Damascus city and sip mint tea in a democratic Syria.

Peace on Earth

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Exodus....Passover.....Peace....

This morning on my way to Houston, I was reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about the Passover and the elaborate preparation and cleansing the kitchen to remove any sign of leavened bread.  Yes, today the Jewish holiday begins with the first day of  the Passover celebrations.
The breaking of the unleavened bread is symbolic and the festival itself is to remember the sacrifice, continuation of that human thread centuries after centuries. Every tradition has a meaning and passes something from the past. This day, Jewish people will remember their ancestors and their sufferings, triumphs, tenacity and a will to live by lighting menorahs and offering prayers. Preparing the supper with kosher certified ingredients is very important.

 Way back in 2003 when I was touring in Eastern Europe, the Jewish Kosher restaurants saved me with vegetarian food. I cannot forget the most delicious vegetarian soups and salads I had in Budapest in the Jewish Quarters. Another poignant memory was my visit to the great Synagogue. In the courtyard, one must see the beautiful memorial for the holocaust victims. Each leaf in the metallic tree that bears the name of a victim.                                                
 Now back in the hotel, I am watching the moon rising in the horizon. It seems to reassure me that humanity will prevail despite the odds.


                            Peace on earth.


   

 All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Japan.....Disaster...Courage

It is immensely painful to watch or read the news about Japan.  A small group of islands tucked in the bosom of Pacific that rests on top of the major earthquake prone tectonic plates and the ocean that could turn anytime into wild tsunami's and typhoons and the people who remain calm and take everything stoically - Yes, not only my friends and colleagues in Japan but to all of you I admire your courage, empathize with you on your loss of loved ones.

After every disaster we analyze the cause to improve and to come up with lessons learned. In this case natural disaster due to Tsunami and earthquake cannot be controlled by any intervention except precautionary measures to minimize the loss.

Unfortunately, nuclear power reactors blow-up could have been avoided if it were not there to begin with. Every technology was used with good intention with a list of benefits. But time and again we learn that one cannot discount the environment and the impact on nature and nature's impact itself. History showed us through Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Alas! the lessons learned from there only helped in redesigning the structure to prevent leaks under normal circumstances but not counted the great variable the environment itself.

Whatever the analysis, results, debates, future design and precaution the human lives that are sacrificed and the plant and animal life that will be altered due to radioactive contamination cannot be recovered.

It is high time that we should think about any alternate to nuclear power including promoting solar energy.

My silent prayer to Japan and its people.  May it blossom again.

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Libya....Liberate.....Live.....

Libya - another beautiful nation in North Africa is on fire.  Genocide is the price that Libyans are paying for their cause. Their quest for freedom and democracy is just and genuine. It is time that Gaddafi must step back from rhetoric, anger, ego and selfish desire to cling to power and let Libya to liberate from the clutches of his autocrat regime.

It was quite moving to watch the speech of Libyan Ambassador to UN at the Security Council meeting in Geneva. Shaigham said,  "Please UN, save Libya. No to Bloodshed! No to killing the innocents. We want a decisive, rapid and a courageous resolution from you".

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/02/25/libya.amb.hugging.untv

Thanks to social media we are able to know what is exactly happening in countries that are standing up for freedom, liberty and peace.  Let us hope for the best and Libya liberates ending the brutalities and a civil war. Let this beautiful country on the Mediterranean coast regain normalcy and peace.

The Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Tripoli

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Gandhi....Civil disobedience...Non Violence....

Today, peace lovers remember and pay homage to Gandhi on his death anniversary. I first read Gandhi's autobiography when I was twelve years old. The book fascinated me mostly about his life in South Africa, London, India and the struggles. I could not understand very well about the self experiment he was doing in his journey towards truth. I was even upset that he did not take care of his children. As a kid at that time I thought that was unfair.
Later, I also read Thoreau's Essays on Civil Obedience and Tolstoy's War and Peace to understand or tried to know how these two great people have influenced Gandhi. Then, my journey with the books and World continued in many directions. Particularly Gandhi or his writings did not play any major role partly because I have not given attention to explore his writings or write-ups about him. However, I always adored his tenacity to stand by the truth.

In 2007 when I visited Johannesburg, I went to the Tolstoy farm where he began his early years of experimenting with natural remedies.  I bought some books. The more I studied about him even the controversial one where some one questioning his altruism or he acted to be leading a simple life I started seeing him as a soul who could reach out to millions of poor people in India with his non-violent teachings.

He promised nothing but difficult life and imprisonment. How did he get that charisma? It is not easy to lead a peaceful struggle in a nation of diversity. He did it with his utter belief in truth and love for the people.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing the wraths of violence in one form of other all over the world. May be an autocratic regime, ethnic cleansing, tribal and Eco exploitation, wars, terrorism against civilians, to name a few. When the World is becoming a global village, promoting peace and harmony through non violence is possible only in a collective way. All the countries must sign up for a non-violent movement. Ultimately only non-violent means will push the humanity towards peace and democracy. May be an Utopian dream! But, dreams are possible... Right!

 
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Regime...Resist...Revive...

Another disturbing news from Egypt. Another episode in human history that autocratic regimes will collapse by its own burden. Another drama unfolds in front of our eyes where people get killed yet valiantly stand up for freedom. Yes, Egypt the cradle of civilization is in the cross roads of history again.

When I visited Egypt in December 2009 it was relatively peaceful except for a bomb exploded in a church on Christmas day in Luxor.  One cannot miss Mubarak's house on the way from airport to the city with its numerous barricades and armed personnel around.  Egypt looked like a volcano ready to explode at any time.  The great gap between the affluent of Cairo and the people who live literally in the tombs for lack of residence,  a small percentage of middle class entangled in a weak economy cannot sustain for a long time. Autocratic regime cannot provide a solution to bring harmony and progress. Its means of force and corruption are like a molatov cocktail!.  My heart goes out for those people, be it the artisans in the small village of Sakkara, the camel men in Giza, the wonderful staff at the Hilton,  the patient guide from the Cairo Museum or the archaeologist who showed us the great treasures of Luxor.  I hope peace prevails soon.

The autocratic regime must be replaced by an elected democratic government. The resistance must use non violence methods. Sure there will be revival if there is a secular agenda with freedom of speech, worship, free press and a determination to move away from corruption. Can it all be done? Why not?

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Tunis....WSIS....Crisis....

This weekend there are news reports about the state of emergency in Tunisia. Watching the news,  I remembered the days I spent there in 2005 when I attended the WSIS conference as a panelist and also as a tourist. President Ben Ali (then!), hosted the UN sponsored WSIS summit with world class arrangements. I had the opportunity to discuss with professional Tunisian women on the constraints and opportunities they have in ICT. I was quite impressed by the freedom enjoyed by the women in this Islamic North African country compared to other Islamic countries. My impression was Tunisia could become a role model for other African countries especially for women educators, entrepreneurs and ICT professionals to deploy Information technology for economic growth and development. http://www.itrealms.com.ng/2005_08_01_archive.html

Now coming to the travels-  being a WSIS delegate I was given an ID and I had a reliable taxi arranged by the hotel. With all set for my adventure, I started off with the visit to Carthage. It is now a city with archaeological remains and one cannot wonder imagining the lost splendors of this great city. My driver cum guide pointed out an ancient form of Swastika symbol which was later copied by Hitler and became a symbol associated with his heinous crimes. Another important place to visit is the Murals Museum which has the largest collection of murals.

Tunis unfolds its history from the Phoenicians, to Romans, Greeks, and later Islamic caliphates. The Roman aqueducts, byzantine churches that are converted into museums, mosques, modern buildings and cobbled stone streets of the inner city (Medina) indeed are living pages of history. Some are tattered though!                                
The oldest mosque in North Africa is located in the Medina Area or the Islamic quarter of the old city. The bazaars spews out aroma of spices and vendors selling jewellery and crafts. I walked into the Mosque wearing the scarf but without knowing almost entered into the prayer hall! The kind guard graciously explained that women were not allowed inside and I can take pictures outside. He even offered to take a picture with the Imam!

A visit to Tunis is not complete without sipping a nice hot cup of Mint tea in the city cafe of this Mediterranean city and the beaches in Sidi Bou Said. This is now a UNESCO heritage site.
 The houses are painted with the beautiful turquoise blue and white reminding the Hellenistic roots. In the city center the palace was converted as a museum and one can marvel the beautiful tiles, murals and overall the architecture of the palace itself with its gorgeous hand crafted furniture and the decorated doors and windows.

After spending sometime in the beach and drank lots of mint tea and pastries made with almonds and dates I started my journey back to Tunis. My driver started telling me about the yonder desert and the Berber people, his village, oppression, poverty, life in Tunis and the unique culture. The beaches and the land played hide and seek. Mediterranean sea looked calm knowing all the secrets of rise and fall of the authority in all political and social forms and the tenacity of human beings to fight or fit and move on. Yes, this current crisis in Tunis will also pass!.

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.