Racial attacks in Australia; Enough is enough.

The consistency with which attacks are happening in Australia against Indians and Indian symbols is very alarming. It started with a few racial attacks; a lot of noise being made in the media; things die down a bit; and in the last few days the attacks have resumed and with renewed vigor. More people attacked, and the list now includes religious places also. There was a gurudwara that was set on fire today.

Where is all this headed to? Will we continue to see S.M.Krishna condemning the attacks, Australian government saying there is no proof to indicate the attacks were racially motivated; while the attacks keep happening?

The BJP government is right in demanding PM’s personal intervention in this issue. We have given sufficient time for the Australian government to act and control these attacks. And Bal Thackeray’s statement that Indians should not play Australians in cricket seems right. How can we play with a country where our brothers are being attacked; our religious places targeted? We similarly need to step up the protests in various different ways.

Enough is enough. We need to make more noise and take concrete steps instead of just making diplomatic statements.

Grand celebration of Ramana Jayanti at Ramanasramam

Ramana Jayanti (birthday) was celebrated on the 1st of January this year (2010). Its a great treat for Ramana Devotees to be part of the celebrations. This time the crowd was even more because of the pournami (Full moon day) falling on the same day and there are thousands of devotees who do the girivalam (going round the Arunachala Hill) also visit Ramanasramam.

Its wonderful for a devotee to be present at Ramanasramam and enjoy the vibrations of the special day. There are several pujas, grand alankaram (decoration) of the shiva lingam, free meals served for whoever visits the Ashram and so on.

Shown below are some moments captured -

Program schedule for the occasion

Ramana Jayanti Program 2010

Grand Alankaaram of the Lingam

Ramana Jayanti Lingam Alankaaram