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“शरणागत दीनाततपररत्राण परायणे। सर्तस्याततहरे देतर् नारायण नमोसु्तते।। सर्तस्वरूपे सरे्शे सरे्शक्तिसमक्तिते । भयेभ्यस्त्रातह नो देतर् दुगे देतर् नमोऽसु्त ते ।। रोगनशेषानपहंतस तुष्टा। रुष्टा तु कामान् सकलानभीष्टान्।। त्वामातितानां न तर्पन्नराणां। त्वमातिता हृयियतां प्रयाक्ति।। सर्ातबाधा प्रशमनं तै्रलोक्यस्याक्तिलेश्वरर। एर्मेर् त्वया कायतमस्मदै्दररतर्नाशनम्।। सर्ातबाधा तर्तनतमुतिो धनधान्यसुताक्तित:। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भतर्ष्यतत न संशय:।।
जयिी मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपातलनी । दुगात तशर्ा क्षमा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽसु्त ते ।।
Meaning : ‘You who are perpetually endeavouring to protect the weak and the poor and remove their misery. Oh Narayani, I pray to you.
Oh Goddess Durga, please protect us from all kinds of fear. Oh omnipotent Durga, I pray to you.
Oh Goddess, when you are pleased, remove all ailments and when you are angry, destroy everything that a person desires for. However, those who come to you for sanctuary never have to confront any casastrophy. Instead, such people secure enough merit to provide shelter to others.
Whoever listens to the story of the Goddess during the great Puja that is organised in the winters succeeds in overcoming all obstacles and is blessed wealth and progeny.
Oh Goddess, bless me with good fortune, good health, good looks, success and fame. Oh Vaishnavi, you are the very basis for the world. You have mesmerized the World. When you are pleased with some one you ensure his salvation from the cycle of life and death.
Oh Goddess, you who are known by the names of Mangala, Kali, Bhadra Kali, Kapalinee, Durge, Kshama, Shivaa, Dhatri, Swahaa, Swadha, I pray to you.
MESSAGE FROM HCK MOUNT KENYA CHAIRMAN
First and foremost, please accept our Heartiest Greetings
and well wishes on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali.
May god grace you all with Health, Wealth & Happiness.
On behalf of the Hindu Council of Mt. Kenya region I congratulate The
Hindu Council of Kenya and the Hindu Deep editorial team for publish-
ing this newsletter. This news letter enables all of us to keep abreast of
all activities undertaken by various directorates as well as the national
body.
I am very honored to lead the directorate as chairman under the aegis
of Hindu Council of Kenya (National) body. The chairman, secretary and
the committee have worked tirelessly to organize Cultural, Social, Inter-
Religious, Sporting, Charity & Welfare events. The diversity of programs
truly unites us all and truly justifies Hinduism as a way of life not a
religion limited by beliefs.
Let us all devote our whole-hearted efforts in preserving our traditions
& values by organizing and participating in the rich heritage events and
thereby leading the younger generations of the community to the joy-
ous and the golden path of Hinduism as a way of life.
Jai Shri Ram
With best wishes,
A.M. Patel – Chairman HCK Mt.
Kenya Region
Chairman SHSD Mandir- Ruiru
Celebrate Pollution Free Deepavali,
Preserve the Environment & Spread
Joy in the Less Fortunate.
A NEWS LETTER FROM HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA November 2018 ISSUE
ARTICLES DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES
HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA
HINDU DEEP
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HCK NOVEMBER 2018
CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
ABOUT DIWALI CELEBRATION
HCK MEMBER INSTITUTION ACTIVITIES
HCK VARIOUS DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES
VISIT TO VARIOUS MEMBER INSTITUTION DURING NAVARATRI CELEBRATIONS
VISIT TO RUIRU TEMPLE
VISIT TO PATTNI BROTHER HOOD
VISIT TO LIMBACHIA GNYATI
VISIT TO SHREE GURJAR SUTHAR VISHWAKARMA MANDIR
VISIT TO LOHANA MAHAJAN SAMAJ
VISIT TO BENGALI ASSOCIATION DURGA POOJA
VIST TO RAJPUT DHOBI SAMAJ
FOLK DANCE COMPETITION
VIJAYA DASHAMI CELEBRATIONS BY HSS
VISIT TO NAVNAT BHAVAN
VISIT TO SSDS
VISIT TO SRI KALYANA VENKATESHWARA TEMPLE DURING BRAMHOTSAVAM
ABOUT BRAMHOTSAVAM CELEBRATIONS
AN ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHER
STORY FOR KIDS
EDITORS DESK
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
DIWALI GREETINGS
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
May this Diwali bring you the utmost in peace and prosperity. May lights triumph over darkness. May peace transcend the earth. May the spirit of light illuminate the world. May the light that we celebrate at Diwali show us the way and
lead us together on the path of peace and social harmony.
Wishing my brothers and sisters a very Happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year…
Kamal Gupta – National Chairman of Hindu Council of Kenya
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Diwali is also known as Deepavali, Dipavali,
Dewali, Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights. It
is celebrated in October or November each
year. Diwali celebrations can last for about
five days.
What Do People Do? Millions of Hindus around the world celebrate
Diwali with gift exchanges, fireworks and festive
meals. The Diwali celebration in India takes place
when the monsoon season ends and the weather
is mild and pleasant. People try to pay off their
old debts, make or buy new clothes and
thoroughly clean their houses as part of the
festival preparations. House exteriors are
whitewashed and sometimes decorated with
designs drawn in white rice flour and filled in with
color. Buildings are traditionally illuminated with
oil-burning bowls called dipa lights, or more
recently, with strings of artificial lights. People
spend time with their friends and family.
On the first day of the festival people pray, eat a
special breakfast consisting of different foods,
and the Hindu goddess Lakshmi’s statue is
carried throughout the streets in procession.
Children are sometimes given candy or toys from
booths set up for the occasion. In southern India
children wear flower wreaths on their heads or
anklets of bells. Boys in some areas construct
elaborate castles and forts of mud and display
them for visiting guests. After dark there are
fireworks and people who live near rivers float
lighted lamps on tiny rafts. To add to the festival
of Diwali, melas (fairs) are held throughout India.
These are found in many towns and villages.
Background Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is
celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh
avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is
believed that on this day Rama returned to his
people after 14 years of exile during which he
fought and won a battle against the demons and
the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses
to celebrate his victory over evil (light over
darkness). The goddess of happiness and good
fortune, Lakshmi, also figures into the
celebration. It is believed that she roams the
Earth on this day and enters the house that is
pure, clean, and bright.
The Diwali festival in southern India often
commemorates the conquering of the Asura
Naraka, a powerful king of Assam, who
imprisoned thousands of inhabitants. It was
Krishna, a deity worshipped in Hinduism, who
was finally able to subdue Naraka and free the
prisoners. Diwali celebrations may vary in
different communities but its significance and
spiritual meaning is generally “the awareness of
the inner light”. It is also the beginning of the new
financial year for the business community.
Symbols Lamps, fireworks and bonfires illuminate this
holiday, as the word “Deepawali” means “a row or
cluster of lights” or “rows of diyas (clay lamps)”.
The festival symbolizes the victory of
righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.
During Diwali, or Deepawali, the goddess
Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth, happiness and
prosperity, is also worshipped.
Note: It is not possible to mention every activity
that takes place on this occasion as celebrations
vary in different regions. However, this article
provides a general overview of the main
celebrations that usually occur during this event.
Moreover, the date in which Diwali is celebrated
may vary depending on locations and calendar
interpretations.
DIWALI
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DIWALI
One of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, Diwali, the festival of lights, sees millions attend firework displays, prayers and celebratory events across the world every autumn. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons, although the main theme which runs throughout is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. To celebrate, houses are decorated with
candles and colourful lights and huge
firework displays are held while families feast
and share gifts.
What is Diwali? Diwali is the five-day festival of lights,
celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and
Jains across the world. The festival, which
coincides with the Hindu New Year,
celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of
good over evil and light over darkness. The
actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated
on the festival's third day, The festival
usually falls between the middle of October
and the middle of November, although this is
decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar.
While each faith has its own reason to
celebrate the festival, one of the most popular
stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and
his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in
northern India from exile after defeating the
demon king Ravanna in the 15th century BC.
How is Diwali celebrated? The festival is marked by large firework
displays, to remember the celebrations which,
according to the legend, took place upon
Rama's return as locals set off their own
version of fireworks. Those celebrating the
festival also light traditional earthen diyas
(candles) and decorate their houses with
colourful rangoli artworks - patterns created
on the floor using coloured rice or powder.
During Diwali, families and friends share
sweets and gifts and there is also a strong
belief in giving food and goods to those in
need. It is also traditional for homes to be
cleaned and new clothes to be worn at the
time of the festival.
What is eaten during Diwali? The food most closely associated with the festival is Indian sweets, which come in a range of colours and flavours. The celebration however features various rich savoury and sweet dishes, and while eating out is popular, families will mostly prepare food at home for when guests arrive to exchange gifts and watch fireworks. Unlike the traditional roast turkey at Christmas, each family celebrating Diwali will more than likely have its own favourite meal for the festival, and the food will most often play a central theme to the celebrations.
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HCK MEMBER INSTITUTE ACTIVITES
HINDU RELIGIOUS SERVICE SCHOOL
FEEDING ,BOOKS & BOLLPEN DONETION
PROJECT
KYAAKA SCHOOL MACHAKOS COUNTY
HCK CHAIRMAN WITH DY COUNTY
COMMISSIONER WESTLANDS MR MAWIRA L
MUNGANIA
HCK CHAIRMAN AND NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY WITH IRCK MEMBERS
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HCK ACTIVITIES
HCK TEAM AT RUIRU TEMPLE
DURING NAVRATRI
CELEBRATIONS
HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN
AT LIMBACHIA GNYATI
DURING THE NAVARATRI
CELEBRATIONS
HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN
AT PATEL BROTHER HOOD
DURING THE NAVARATRI
CELEBRATIONS
.HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN AT
SHREE GURJAR SUTHAR
VISHWAKARMA MANDIR
DURING THE NAVARATRI
CELEBRATIONS
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HCK ACTIVITIES
HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN DURING AARTI AT RAJPUT DHOBI SAMAJ SOUTH C
HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN DURING AARTI AT PATTNI BROTHERHOOD
HCK TEAM WITH CHARIMAN DURING AARTI AT LOHANA MAHAJAN SAMAJ
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HCK ACTIVITIES
HCK TEAM AT LOHANA MAHAJAN SAMAJ
HCK TEAM WITH HCT MOUNT KENYA TEAM AT RUIRU TEMPLE DURING AARTI
HCK TEAM WITH CHAIRMAN DURING DURGA POOJA CELEBRATION BY BENGALI ASSOCIATION AT MAHRASTRA MANDAL
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HCK ACTIVITIES
AUDIENCE ENJOYING FOLK DANCE COMPETION
VIJAYA DASHAMI CELEBRATIONS BY HSS AND HCK TEAM
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HCK ACTIVITIES
SNVM SHARAD
PURNIMA GARBA WITH
HCK TEAM
HCK DIRECTOR CHETANA DESAI DURING CHARITY EVENT DURING HER EXCELLENCY Mrs SUCHITRA DURAI SEND OFF PARTY
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HCK ACTIVITIES
HCK TEAM AT SRI KALAYANA VENKATESHWARA TEMPLE DURING BRAMHOTSAVAM
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BRAMHOTSAVAM
BRAMHOTSAVAM TIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE
The term ‘Utsava’ means a festival that raises one
beyond the darkness of material life. Festivals
elevate us to spiritual consciousness by
connecting us with the deity through service. In
Sanskrit ‘ut’means, up, rising, excitement wisdom
etc. ‘sava’ means generating, producing etc.
The word signifies an event that generates
happiness, excitement, uplifting, and prosperity.
Yet another interpretation gives ‘ut’ means
obstacles, impediments and ‘sava’ is throwing out.
Thus ‘Utsava’ is an event to eliminate
impediments, enables us to cross over all sorrow.
Festivals can be conducted only after the daily and
customary rituals of worship (nityarchana) are
completed in the sanctum. The procedure of
worship within the sanctum remains altogether
unaltered despite the large number of festivals
that are conducted there. Not an extra flower is
offered, not a single fresh hymn is recited within
the sanctum. All the details of the festival are to
be found only outside the sanctum. That is why it
is common to find in the temples two varieties of
icons: the immoveable main image in the
sanctum, which gets daily worship and the
moveable icons to which are conducted rituals
connected with festivals and hence are called
Utsava murthi. The Brahmotsavam of Lord
Venkateswara is a melting point of cultures. An
annual festival that lasts for ten days, it attracts
millions of devotees from length and breadth of
the country and abroad. Legend has it that,
Brahmotsavam was first observed when the
creator, Lord Brahma had performed puja on Lord
Venkateshwara along with renowned Rishis and
countless devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. The
Brahmotsavam of today is the continuation of
that. Inscriptional evidence takes back this festival
to the period of Pallava, in whose time Samavai, A
princess of Pallava line of rulers
instituted the performance of Brahmotsavam in
996 AD
On the second day, the Lord is taken around the
streets of the temple in CHINNA SHESHA VAHANA in
the morning.
In the night, the deities are taken to the Uyala
Mantapam for the Unjal. They are taken around the
streets of Tirumala on the HAMSA VAHANA.
Hamsa or swan means “pure”. Hamsa is believed to
have a high intellectual capability, and can distinguish
the good from the bad. It is to remind the devotees of
the incarnation of the Lord assuming the form of the
swan, In that shape, he assumed the guise of an
acharya to Brahma and imparted instructions once
again in the Vedas and restored the entire Vedic
records to him when they were snatched away by
demon
(Vedas are believed to have emanated from the soul
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BRAMHOTSAVAM
On the morning of the third day, the deities are
carried on the SIMHA VAHANA. Simha (lion) is a
symbol of regality and power. According to Bhagavad
Gita, the Lord is the simha among the animals. It is
also believed that the Lord assumed the form of
Narasimha to kill the demon Hiranyakasipu.
In the night Unjal Seva is conducted. The deities then
ride in the MUTYALAPANDRI VAHANA, which is
decorated with a pearl canopy. Mutyam (pearl) is a
symbol of purity royalty and grace of His love towards
His devotees.
The deities are carried in a KALPAVRIKSHA VAHANA in
the morning. Kalpavriksham is a tree that is believed
to grant boons and fulfill devotee’s wishes. This
vahanam signifies the Lord Vishnu as the ultimate
donor or grant of the boons to the devotees and not
the Kalpaka tree. The Kalpaka tree imbibes the
capacity and power of conferring boons from Him
alone.
In the night, after the Unjal Seva, the deities are
carried in a SARVABHOOPALA VAHAN. Sarvaboopala
means “Lord of all the kings of
the mother earth”. According to the Hindu religion,
kings, like Lord Vishnu, should always protect their
people. To thank Lord Vishnu for his
ideas and pray him, the kings take the form of the
Sarvabhoopala Vahana.
On the fifth day, MOHINI AVATAROTHSAVAM is
celebrated to
commemorate the Lords incarnation as Mohini, in the
morning.
According to legend, the Devas and Danavas
performed
Kshreeresagaramadhanam (churning of the ocean)
that resulted in amrit and other sacred qualities. The
Devas and Demons fought for possession of the amrit.
Lord Vishnu then assumed the form of Mohini (a
beautiful woman) and produced the Amrit for the
Devas. The Lord is dressed like
Mohini, and He is taken in a procession in a pallaki
(palanquin). Lord Krishna is also taken in the same
procession. This is to celebrate theassistance
rendered by Lord Vishnu to the Devas during the
Kshreerasagaramadhanam.
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BRAMHOTSAVAM
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord and his
concerts are seated onGARUDA VAHANA. This is
prominent among other vahanams. Lord is decorated
with Mahakanti, Sahasranaramala and other precious
According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king
of birds, is a replica of the Vedas while Lord Vishnu is
the God of Vedas. Therefore the Lord sees himself in
Garuda. In the Vaishnava puranas, Garuda is also
called periyatiruvadi, meaning the first devotee. A
large number of pilgrims visit on this day
On the morning of the sixth day, the deities are
carried on a beautifully decorated HANUMAD
VAHANA. Hanuman was one of the greatest devotees
of Sri Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Hanuman
served the Lord so faithfully, that even the Lord could
not thank Hanuman enough. Devotees believe that
they are indeed blessed if they catch a glimpse of the
Lord on this day. Unjal Seva is not performed on sixth
day. Instead, Vasantotsavam (spring festival) is
celebrated.
In the night Lord is mounted on the GAJA VAHANA.
Gajam (elephant) is also called samajam (born from
Samaveda). It symbolises wealth. It also symbolises
the Airavatam- the vehicle of Devendra, the head of
the heavens in Hindu mythology. It also can be
attributed to the elephant in Gajendramoksham
(story from the Mahabharatam), which is saved from
a crocodile by Lord Vishnu.
O n t h e
morning of
the seventh day, the Lord rides on
SURYAPRABHA VAHANA (Sun chariot).
Processional deity is decorated with “Vajra
Kavacham” and stone studded “Makutam”.
Surya, the son of Aditi, is another form of Lord
Vishnu (Surya Narayana). Hindu mythology
supports the heliocentric theory, and believes
that Lord Vishnu is the centre of the Universe
To symbolise this, Lord uses the Suryaprabha
(light of the Sun) Vahana.
On the
morning of the sixth day, the deities are carried on a
beautifully decorated HANUMAD VAHANA. Hanuman
was one of the greatest devotees of Sri Rama, an
incarnation of Vishnu. Hanuman served the Lord so
faithfully, that even the Lord could not thank
Hanuman enough. Devotees believe that they are
indeed blessed if they catch a glimpse of the Lord on
this day. Unjal Seva is not performed on sixth day.
Instead, Vasantotsavam (spring festival) is celebrated.
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BRAMHOTSAVAM
After Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord is taken in the
CHANDRAPRABHA VAHANA (moon shaped vehicle).
Chandra means the Moon, which is considered cool
and pleasant. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra
is the commander of the mind He is also the king of
aushadha (medicine). The deity is decorated with
precious pearls. The pearls emanate pleasant
rays of reflection from the illumination in the
vahanam. The reflections soothe the minds of
pilgrims and seem to grant them a feeling of
composure.
On the penultimate day, RATHOTSAVAM is celebrated,
in which the Lord along with his two concerts is
seated in a ratham (chariot) and taken in a procession
in the morning. It is believed that those who witness
Rathotsavam will not be reborn. The idols of Dark (the
charioteer of Lord Krishna) and the four horses
(Saibyam, Sugreevam, Meghapushpam and
Valahakam) are placed before the decorated deities of
the Lord and his consorts. The chariot is pulled along
by devotees, chanting Govinda, Govinda. This is the
only opportunity that devotees get to be of service to
the Lord during Brahmotsavam.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the deities are taken
in the ASWA
(horse)
VAHANA.
Horses formed
one of the
four wings
(ratha, gaja,
turaga and
pada) of the
military forces in the ancient times. Aswam. A symbol
of energy means “one who runs fast
On the last day PALLAKI SEVA and CHAKRASNANA
MAHOTSAVAM in the morning and Dwajavarohanam
are performed in the evening. The Lord goes on a
procession to
the shrine of Sri Varahaswami on the banks of the
Swami Pushkarani. There the processional images are
anointed
with oil, turmeric powder and other auspicious
ingredients and Abhishekam is performed.
Sudarshana Chakram is given a bath in the Swami
Pushkarani. The Garuda flag is then lowered to mark
the conclusion of the Brahmotsavam.
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BRAMHOTSAVAM
In the night Malayyappa Swami is decorated as Sri
Rama. Rama along with Seeta and Bharata are taken
around depicting Pattabhishekam of Sri Rama. Rama
is a symbol of ideal perfection. In the life of Sri Rama
each facet of human personality is seen projected to
absolute perfection
Anyone who has had a darshan of the Lord of the
Seven Hills will no longer doubt whether God exists or
not. A darshan of Him is an experience in itself.
People who go to Him come away after meeting Him,
with their eyes full of tears, and their hearts melted
down by an unknown but agreeable emotion, not
knowing what has come over them.
The greatness of the Lord lies in the imperceptible
and almost unnoticed changes that he brings about in
the inner psyche and being, of anyone who turns to
Him, with sincerity and devotion. A living testimony to
a living God is Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala. All
that he requires is sincerity in approach. Those who
seek with their whole heart, and with a real
determination to find, will discover the secret of the
Ultimate from Him. It is a fact and verifiable fact that
the
Lord guides surely, but subtly and imperceptibly, all
who turn to Him with faith. When one surrenders to
Him, success is inevitable, and one has only to borne
on, to the Ultimate, secure and safe in His refuge. This
is not mere theory, but is a matter of personal
experience with the Lord.
Tava charanaravindayugalam sharanam prapadye
Tvameva matacha pitatvameva
Tvameva bhadhusakha tvameva
Tvameva vidyadravinamtvameva
Tvameva sarvam mamadevadeva
There is no savior other than venkatesha. I will always pray
to venkatesha.
O Janardhana!the Lord of Lords!other refuge have I none,
you, you are my sole refuge. So by your grace and mercy
save, save me oh Lord.
O Hari! The jewel-crest of sheshachala! Pardon me for all the
sins committed by me, an ignorant being.
I am not the doer, Shri Hari is the doer. All the actions that I
do are His worship.
I offer all that I do to: LORD NARAYANA
Whatever I do with my body,
Whatever I do with my mind,
Whatever I do with my brain,
Whatever I do with my soul, and
Whatever I do with natures help.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
An Aspiring Photographer
Meet Mr. Tilak Raj
An Aspiring Wildlife Professional Photographer, A Nature Enthusiast,
Management Consultant by profession & A habitual cricketer from
Nairobi, Kenya.
Photography started very early
in my life when my wife presented first ever DSLR to me few years back in
the year 2011, though I dint have much knowledge about camera It
wasn’t a serious thing until 2016. Things started to change when I started
my Wildlife photography during November 2016, I still remember that
evening when I met wildlife photographer Jayesh Bhai at an event. While
having a brief chat with him I saw some very impressive images of
elephants which he took at Amboseli national park which left me
mesmerizing.
On my request he took me to my first ever game drive at Nairobi national
park. With his guidance I started learning basics of photography in
wildlife. I never thought there would be so much to learn when it comes
to wildlife photography which is completely different from other
photography.
My love for nature and wildlife began while frequenting to game parks in
Kenya. I had to understand many things, firstly to know about the
equipment then about behavior of these untamed animals in their natural
habitats. Once you start getting those in place then you work on
compositions to make your images interesting.
Who can be a good wildlife Photographer?
Any person who wants to be a good wildlife photographer should have
natural flair for composition and a good command of the equipment
coupled with good knowledge of post processing in making those images
look beautiful to the viewers.
Any Tips for getting started in Nature & Wildlife Photography?
Depending on an individual’s interest and aspiration one may choose to
begin a wildlife photography career with formal photography training in
universities or seek an advice and learning lessons from professional
wildlife photographers. There are few good wildlife photographers in the
country who could guide you to start a career in wildlife photography.
Reasons to become Wildlife Photographer?
When talking about becoming wildlife photographer there are many
interesting thing one can experience.
Interesting Hobby for everyone: It can grow to be an interesting
hobby. For an individual who would like to learn photographing
many interesting thing in nature, this can be very rewarding
when you master it. This hobby can take you to different places.
Travelling becomes part of it.
Be Part of Nature: Most people admire nature and they want to be
part of it, you will have an opportunity to capture those beautiful
moments in nature and you can express them in your frame.
Ever –Changing: Since the time I have started my Nature & wildlife
photography, it has never bored me. Talking about different
aspects and different composition, whether you are
photographing mammals or birds or landscapes in different
conditions, be it at sunrise or sunset, cloudy or rainy weather. It
is always interesting.
Accessibility – Kenya is blessed with beautiful nature we can easily
access it almost everywhere. I’ve been able to find many
difference species of birds in Nairobi vicinity. We are surrounded
by green trees and plants around Nairobi city so that we don’t
have to work too hard to find a beautiful bird scene or have to
set up an expensive studio to capture those beautiful birds in
your frame. For your interest I have recorded some birds like:
Black & white Casqued Hornbills, African Harrier-Hawk, African
Goshawk, Yellow Weavers some Red billed Fire-finches, common
bulbul, Meyer’s parrots and other birds in my neighborhood.
Relaxing – Nature & Wildlife Photography can extremely ease you
from stressful time. You can always spend some time out with
your camera to capture those beautiful natural world. This can be
extremely therapeutic for someone who finds joy from it. I have
always been able to release those stressful time having camera in
my hand and shooting those beautiful fire-finch birds outside my
window in the evenings.
Rewarding – Nature & Wildlife Photography is rewarding when you
are able to capture beautiful images and by participating in some
highly rewarding competitions. This can bring you some great
credentials to your name and can reward you with some good
name and fame.
FOLLOW ME:
facebook: www.facebook.com/photography.trj
Instagram id: Raj_kenya
www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 21
PHOTOGRAPHY contd
An Aspiring Photographer
Please send us your feedback regarding wildlife photography interested people can register at HCK for upcoming interactive
session with the Photographer Mr Tilakraj
www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 22
HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING
HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING
Who will be the Emperor
An emperor in the Far East was growing old and
knew it was time to choose his successor.
Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his
children, he decided something different.
He called young people in the kingdom together
one day. He said, “It is time for me to step down
and choose the next emperor. I have decided to
choose one of you.”
The kids were shocked! But the emperor
continued. “I am going to give each one of you a
seed today. One very special seed. I want you to
plant the seed, water it and come back here after
one year from today with what you have grown
from this one seed. I will then judge the plants
that you bring, and the one I choose will be the
next emperor!”
One boy named Ling was there that day and he,
like the others, received a seed. He went home
and excitedly told his mother the story. She
helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he
planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every
day he would water it and watch to see if it had
grown. After about three weeks, some of the
other youths began to talk about their seeds and
the plants thatwere beginning to grow.
Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever
grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still
nothing. By now, others were talking about their
plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt
like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in
Ling’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he
had nothing. Ling didn’t say anything to his
friends, however. He just kept waiting for his
seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the youths of the
kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for
inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn’t
going to take an empty pot. But honest about
what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but
he knew his mother was right. He took his empty
pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was
amazed at the variety of plants grown by the
other youths.
They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Ling
put his empty pot on the floor and many of the
other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for
him and just said, “Hey nice try.”
When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room
and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to
hide in the back. “What great plants, trees and
flowers you have grown,” said the emperor.
“Today, one of you will be appointed the next
emperor!” All of a sudden, the emperor spotted
Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot.
He ordered his guards to bring him to the front.
Ling was terrified. “The emperor knows I’m a
failure! Maybe he will have me killed!”
www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 23
HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING
HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked
his name. “My name is Ling,” he replied. All
thekids were laughing and making fun of him.
The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He
looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd,
“Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!”
Ling couldn’t believe it. Ling couldn’t even grow
his seed. How could he be the new emperor?
Then the emperor said, “One year ago today, I
gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the
seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me
today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which
would not grow.
All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees
and plants and flowers. When you found that the
seed would not grow, you substituted another
seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one
with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot
with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who
will be the new emperor!”
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap
harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap
reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap
improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.
So be careful what you plant now, It will
determine what you will reap tomorrow, The
seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or
better, your life or the ones who will come after.
Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you
will pay for the choices you plant today.
www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 24
FROM THE EDITORS DESK
Dear Readers
The Hindu Council Chairman, Management committee and Trustees would like wish you
all a very Happy DIWALI and New Year.
Enjoy your Diwali celebrations with your relatives and friends also be careful while burst-
ing crackers or lighting fireworks.
In this edition we have tried to capture activities of various directorates. During October
Navratri celeberations all over kenya people celebrated with great devotion and HCK team
ensured they visited during Aarti at various locations.
Wishing you all Happy Diwali We also would like you to give us suggestions to improve
and also your contributions. If you wish to contribute any article please send it to
With Best Regards
Nagaraj Rao
Director and Editor for Hindudeep
Editorial team
Sujatha Kotamraju
Nagaraj Rao
Ravi Kaul
Yatin Joshi
Kalpana Kumar
Divya Haria
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT:
Hindu Council of Kenya, Kusi Lane, Off 3rd Parklands Avenue Nairobi
+254 733 809 214 | +254 722 793 920
[email protected] | www.hck.or.ke
FROM THE EDITORS DESK
The significance of Deepavali is the removal of
darkness and ignorance from the mind and
filing it with goodness.
— Sri Chandrasekhranda Saraswathi