This has been a hectic 3 months ... and I have travelled all across the Far East - China, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia & Indonesia.

Strangely, in none of these countries, do the people feel "threatened" by Western influence! They have managed to hold their own when it comes to religion, culture and heritage - and have adopted the best parts of the western world...

I wonder, then, why do we here in India feel threatened about western influence - when all we really need to do is understand that our values are our values - and the "so-called" western influence(s) are nothing but external circumstances with which we need to deal with. We don't have to start taking out our swords at every instance of adoption of new technologies or new ideas!!

Why are we so insecure ?? It reminds me of when Osho Rajneesh was en route to India and had a 2-hour stop over in London. He was denied giving an "audience" to his "followers" .. the reason being - "he would 'corrupt' their minds and that he was a negative influence on their religion"..

Rajneesh's classic reply was (something like) "If my 2 hours of meeting is going to shake the foundation of your 200 year-old religion .. well, it mustn't be that strong in the first place !"

Think about it ...

Here's wishing you and your loved ones, a very Safe & Peaceful Diwali .. and a Productive and Successful New Samvat Year.

Do visit the bijlee page at http://bijleepower.blogspot.com for the happenings on the bijlee (electricity) issue...