The Light of a Mother's Love: Illuminating the World on Mother's Day and Beyond

Mother's Day is an annual celebration that honors and appreciates mothers all around the world. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions that mothers make to our lives, society, and the world at large. While the date of Mother's Day may vary from country to country, the spirit behind the celebration remains the same - to show love and gratitude to the women who have given us life, and who have shaped us into the individuals we are today.

Photo by Creation Hill from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-lifting-her-baby-1261909/

Mothers are the backbone of families. They work tirelessly day and night, juggling multiple responsibilities, often sacrificing their own needs and desires for the sake of their children. From waking up early in the morning to prepare breakfast, to making sure everyone is fed, clothed, and ready for their day, mothers play a crucial role in shaping our lives and making us the best version of ourselves. They are the ones who wipe our tears when we cry, who offer a listening ear when we need to vent, and who cheer us on when we achieve our goals.

But motherhood is more than just a job - it is a calling. It is a selfless act of love that requires infinite patience, resilience, and devotion. Mothers are the ultimate multi-taskers, who manage to balance work, home, and family with grace and poise. They are the ones who teach us to be kind, empathetic, and compassionate, who instill in us the importance of honesty, hard work, and integrity. They are our first teachers, imparting us with the knowledge and skills we need to navigate through life. They are our confidants, our friends, and our biggest cheerleaders, always rooting for us, no matter what.

But being a mother is not always easy. There are days when they are exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, when they wonder whether they are doing a good job, or whether they are doing enough. Motherhood is a journey that comes with its share of challenges and sacrifices, but mothers face them all with courage and determination, driven by their love for their children.

Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude to our mothers for everything they do for us. Whether it's a simple "thank you" or a heartfelt message of love and appreciation, every gesture counts. Some people choose to celebrate by buying their mothers gifts, taking them out for dinner, or spending quality time with them. Others may opt to write a heartfelt letter, make a video, or organize a surprise party to show their appreciation.

But beyond the material gifts, the most precious gift we can give our mothers is our time and attention. In our busy lives, it's easy to take our mothers for granted, to assume that they will always be there for us, no matter what. But the truth is, time is the most valuable resource we have, and the time we spend with our mothers is priceless. So, on this Mother's Day, let us make an effort to spend quality time with our mothers, to listen to their stories, to share our dreams and aspirations with them, and to create new memories that we will cherish for years to come.

In a world where so much has changed, one thing remains constant - the love and devotion of mothers. Mother's Day is a reminder that amidst the chaos and turmoil of life, there is a beacon of light that shines bright, a love that knows no bounds, a bond that is unbreakable. It is a day to honor and appreciate the women who have shaped our lives, and to show them how much they mean to us.

But beyond the celebrations, Mother's Day is also a time to reflect on the challenges that mothers face, and the support that they need. Motherhood can be a lonely journey, filled with self-doubt, anxiety, and isolation.

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7 Lessons to learn from Budhha Purnima | Buddha Purnima: Significance, Practices, and Relevance of Buddha's Teachings |

Buddha Purnima is an auspicious festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakha, usually in April or May, it is celebrated by Buddhists and believers of Buddha all over the globe.

Here are seven points explaining the significance of Buddha Purnima:

 

 

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddha-statue-2873473/ by David Bartus

Photo by David Bartus from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddha-statue-2873473/Photo by David Bartus from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddha-statue-2873473/Photo by David Bartus from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddha-statue-2873473/Photo by David Bartus from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddha-statue-287347

1. Meaning of Buddha Purnima: Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak Day or Buddha Jayanti, is derived from the word 'Buddha', meaning 'enlightened one', and 'Purnima', meaning full moon day. The day holds great importance as it marks the life, teachings, and death of Gautama Buddha.

2. Life and teachings of Gautama Buddha: Gautama Buddha, born in Lumbini, Nepal, in 563 BCE, is considered a key figure in the history of Buddhism. After years of spiritual practice and meditation, he attained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. His teachings on compassion, wisdom, and non-violence have had a profound impact on millions of people worldwide.

3. Significance of Buddha Purnima: The celebration of Buddha Purnima is an opportunity for Buddhists to pay homage to the Buddha, reflect on his teachings, and renew their commitment to the path of enlightenment. It is a day to promote world peace, non-violence, and harmony among all beings.

4. Practices on Buddha Purnima: Two essential practices on Buddha Purnima are meditation and giving. Meditation helps cultivate inner peace, clarity, and insight, while giving, or dana, helps cultivate generosity and compassion. Buddhists often meditate on this day, and they may also make donations to charity or give food to the poor to honor the Buddha's teachings.

5. Reflection and self-improvement: Buddha Purnima is also a time for reflection and self-improvement. Buddhists may use this day to reflect on their own lives and take vows to follow the Eightfold Path, the path to enlightenment taught by the Buddha. The Eightfold Path consists of right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

6. Celebration and joy: Along with practices of meditation and giving, Buddha Purnima is also a time for celebration and joy. Buddhists celebrate this day with feasts, processions, prayers, and decorations in homes and temples. In countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia, Buddha Purnima is a national holiday.

7. Relevance of Buddha's teachings: The teachings of the Buddha continue to have a significant impact on millions of people across the world. His message of compassion, wisdom, and non-violence is more relevant today than ever before. On this auspicious day, Buddhists reflect on the Buddha's teachings and renew their commitment to the path of enlightenment and compassion.

In conclusion, Buddha Purnima is a day of great significance in the Buddhist calendar. It celebrates the life, teachings, and death of Gautama Buddha, and it is a time for Buddhists to reflect, meditate, and give to others. It is a day for celebration, joy, and renewal of the commitment to follow the path of enlightenment and compassion. The teachings of the Buddha have had a profound impact on millions of people worldwide, and they remain as relevant and influential today as they were centuries ago.

 

One of the best book I have read on the life of Budhdha is "Siddhartha" by Author Hermann Hesse.

Happy and blessed Buddha Purnima to you and all your family members! :)

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The Evolution and Significance of Padma Shree Award in Indian History

The Padma Shree is one of the highest civilian awards in India, bestowed by the Government of India to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, and public service. It is the fourth highest civilian award in the country, after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan.

 Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Padmashri.jpg

The Padma Shree award was instituted in 1954 by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad, and since then, it has been conferred annually on Republic Day, i.e., 26th January. The award consists of a medal, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Over the years, Padma Shree has been awarded to some of the most distinguished personalities in India, including scientists, artists, activists, politicians, and others who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Some of the notable Padma Shree awardees include Sachin Tendulkar, A.R. Rahman, Mary Kom, Ratan Tata, Lata Mangeshkar, Milkha Singh, Kiran Bedi, and many more.

To be eligible for the Padma Shree award, the nominee should be a citizen of India, or a person of Indian origin residing abroad. The award is given for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including services rendered by government employees. The award is also given for distinguished contribution in various fields, such as art, literature, science and engineering, medicine, sports, education, social work, public affairs, and others.

The selection process for the Padma Shree award is rigorous and transparent. The nominations are received from various sources, including the general public, state governments, and central ministries. The nominations are then evaluated by an expert committee comprising eminent personalities from various fields. The committee submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister, who then forwards the recommendations to the President for approval.

In conclusion, Padma Shree is a prestigious award that recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. The award serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for millions of people in India, and it highlights the achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals who have made a difference in society.

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Discover the Top 10 Contemporary Artists of India Redefining the Country's Art Scene

The contemporary art scene in India is dynamic and diverse, with numerous talented artists pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in various art forms. Here are ten of the most prominent contemporary artists in India today:

1. Atul Dodiya: One of India's most celebrated contemporary artists, Dodiya's works span across a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation. His works often explore themes such as memory, identity, and the intersections between Indian and Western cultures. 

    
   Image Credit: सुहास बहुळकर, दीपक घारे, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
   
   
   

   
   

2. Bharti Kher: Kher is a conceptual artist who works across a range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, and installation. Her works often explore themes such as gender, identity, and the body. Kher is also known for her use of bindis, which are traditionally worn by women in India, as a recurring motif in her work.

   Don't forget to check her Instagram page bharti_kher_studio
   

    

3. Jitish Kallat: Kallat is a multidisciplinary artist who works across a range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography. His works often explore themes such as urbanization, migration, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

   Check his website here jitishkallat

    
   

4. Shilpa Gupta: Gupta is a conceptual artist who works across a range of mediums such as installation, video, and performance art. Her works often explore themes such as nationalism, identity, and censorship. Gupta is also known for her use of interactive elements in her installations, which invite audience participation.

    

   

   
   
    Image credit: Kasa Fue, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

   
   

5. Rashid Rana: Rana is a contemporary artist who works primarily in the medium of digital photomontage. His works often explore themes such as identity, migration, and globalization. Rana is also known for his use of pixelation in his works, which creates a sense of fragmentation and disintegration. His amazing works link https://rashidrana.com/works/

    
   

6. Nalini Malani: Malani is a multidisciplinary artist who works across a range of mediums such as painting, installation, and video art. Her works often explore themes such as violence, memory, and trauma. Malani is also known for her use of shadow play and projections in her installations, which create a sense of theatricality and illusion.

   
   
    Image Credit: सुहास बहुळकर, दीपक घारे, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

   
   

7. Subodh Gupta: Gupta is a contemporary artist who works across a range of mediums such as sculpture, installation, and painting. His works often explore themes such as consumerism, globalization, and the intersections between traditional and modern Indian culture. Gupta is also known for his use of everyday objects such as stainless steel utensils in his sculptures, which explore the materiality and symbolism of these objects.

   
   
   Image credit: wikimedia

    
   

8. Anita Dube: Dube is a conceptual artist who works across a range of mediums such as installation, sculpture, and photography. Her works often explore themes such as gender, power, and the body. Dube is also known for her use of found objects in her installations, which create a sense of the uncanny and challenge traditional notions of art and beauty.

9. Sudarshan Shetty: Shetty is a contemporary artist who works primarily in the medium of sculpture. His works often explore themes such as memory, history, and the intersections between the urban and the rural. Shetty is also known for his use of materials such as wood, metal, and cloth in his sculptures, which create a sense of texture and tactility.

   
   
   Image credit: सुहास बहुळकर, दीपक घारे, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
   

10. Prajakta Potnis: Potnis is a multidisciplinary artist who works across a range of mediums such as painting, installation, and video art. Her works often explore themes such as urbanization, migration, and the body. Potnis is also known for her use of everyday materials such as paper and cardboard in her installations, which create a sense of fragility and impermanence.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajakta_Potnis 

     
    

In conclusion, the contemporary art scene in India is thriving, with numerous talented artists pushing their boundaries and exploring new frontiers in various art genre. Do let us know about who is favorite artist in the comment below.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Explore the World's Most Renowned Art Museum in New York City

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the world's most renowned and largest art museums. Located in New York City, the museum boasts a collection of over two million works of art spanning five thousand years of history.

 Image Credit: Hugo Schneider, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Established in 1870 by a group of American citizens who aimed to create a museum that could compete with the great European museums of the time, the Met has grown to become one of the most significant cultural institutions in the United States and the world. Its vast collection of art includes artifacts and art from a diverse range of cultures and time periods, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art.

The Met's collection is divided into 17 curatorial departments, each focusing on a specific culture, time period, or medium. Some of the most notable curatorial departments include Ancient Near Eastern Art, Medieval Art and The Cloisters, Egyptian Art, European Paintings, Modern and Contemporary Art, and American Decorative Arts.

The museum's Ancient Near Eastern Art department contains a collection of over 7,000 works of art and artifacts from Mesopotamia, Persia, and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. The collection includes a range of objects, such as cylinder seals, sculptures, and jewelry, and spans from the Neolithic period to the time of Alexander the Great.

The Medieval Art and The Cloisters department contains one of the largest collections of medieval art and architecture in the world. The department's main focus is on art from Western Europe between the 4th and 15th centuries, including illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, and sculpture. The Cloisters, which is a branch of the Met located in Upper Manhattan, is a museum and garden dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

The museum's Egyptian Art department contains a vast collection of art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, spanning from the Predynastic period to the Roman era. The collection includes sculpture, jewelry, and other objects, as well as several large-scale architectural elements such as the Temple of Dendur, which was moved from Egypt to the Met in the 1960s.

The European Paintings department contains one of the most comprehensive collections of European painting in the world, featuring works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The collection includes works by some of the most significant artists in history, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

The Modern and Contemporary Art department features a collection of art from the late 19th century to the present day, including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol.

The American Decorative Arts department contains a collection of furniture, ceramics, and other decorative objects made in the United States from the 17th century to the present day.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Met also hosts a range of special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring everything from classical art to contemporary photography. Recent exhibitions have included shows on the work of artists such as Michelangelo, David Hockney, and Huma Bhabha.

The Met also offers a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops. The museum's education programs are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the museum's collection and the art and artifacts on display.

The Met is housed in a complex of buildings on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, which includes the main museum building as well as several other buildings and gardens. The museum's iconic facade features a grand set of steps that lead up to the entrance, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City.

Visitors to the Met can easily spend an entire day exploring its vast collection of art and artifacts. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission is free for all visitors, although a suggested donation.

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Cradle to pyre | We all owe each other as much as we could

Another page of my life,

28 April 2023

Day before yesterday, I was at a function which was actually welcome celebration party of a newly born baby. As we entered that space, the parents insisted us for getting the photographs clicked which is obviously a kind gesture and for sure a life long memorable evening. The vibe of that place was just amazing, everyone welcoming the birth of the baby, wishing them good health and prosperity. After talking to them for a while, we were comfortably sitting and vibing to the bollywood songs. 

After few minutes, a gentleman served us some snacks. We were enjoying the food and after a while, I thought of checking my mobile phone. I opened my WhatsApp. One message popped up from crowdfunding app which was a heart wrenching news which read as- We have some sad news. It was a news about the sad demise of a friend's father. I didn't understand for a moment what to think, how to read the rest of the message. After taking some long breath, I prayed for the peace of the departed soul and thought of sitting there for a while in quiet although it was all loud around there.

One thing that hit me hard in that moment was the fact that how nicely we all are pretending to be happy or trying to escape from the truth, eventually the ultimate truth.

This journey of cradle to pyre might seem long to many, and a lot of them even almost forget that we are not here forever. They start thinking that they can behave the way they want, they can hurt someone by being mean, and this attitude of "my life, my choice" is the worst attitude that have been injected in the hearts of the youth. They have started believing in the fact that they don't owe anybody anything. 

It has made their minds more toxic than any drugs would ever do.

Living a life on earth can never be all about oneself. We all owe each other as much as we could. Be kind to each other. It won't cost you anything. If something is bothering you talk it out, discuss your pain, don't bottle up your emotions, resolve the things even if you have disagreement on something. And, moreover never listen to influencers, models or any gurus that you are good enough being alone and don't need people around you. All they can do is to fill your mind with poison and toxicity to live alone. It is not about being dependent on anyone but about being together in all ups and downs of people's lives especially your family members.

We are not aliens, we are humans, so better BE HUMAN TO EACH OTHER!

Until next time, be the change that you want to see around you without being rigid with all the bullshit ideas of identity that have been cooked in your mind .

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Complete list of Oscar winners 2023 | 95th Academy Awards 2023 | Academy Awards

The prestigious 95th Academy Awards was presented which was hearty and breathtaking moments for creative diaspora of movie makers, actors, actress, production houses and everyone involved in making amazing stories across the globe and none the less, we, the movie lovers.

BEST PICTURE winner: Everything everywhere all at once

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM winner: All quiet on the western front, Germany

DOCUMENTARY SHORT winner: The elephant whisperers

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE winner: Navalny

ORIGINAL SONG winner: Natu Natu from RRR movie

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY winner: Everything everywhere all at once

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY winner: Women Talking

BEST DIRECTOR winner: Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan for the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE winner: Michelle Yeoh, from the movie "Everything everywhere all at once"

ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE: Jamie Lee Curtis from the movie "Everything everywhere all at once"

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE winner: Brendan Fraser, Movie-The Whale 

ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE: Ke Huy Quan, from the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM winner: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

ANIMATED SHORT FILM winner: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

VISUAL EFFECTS winner: Avatar: The Way of Water

PRODUCTION DESIGN winner: All quiet on the western front

CINEMATOGRAPHY winner: All quiet on the western front

COSTUME DESIGN winner: Black panther: Wakanda forever 

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND winner: Top Gun, Maverick 

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM winner: An Irish Goodbye 

ORIGINAL SCORE winner: All quiet on the western front

FILM EDITING winner: Everything everywhere all at once 

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING winner: The Whale 

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Mother's Day Poetry

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

I have written one small hindi poem dedicated to my Mother on this year's mother's day. Hope you would like this.

मेरी इतनी बिसात कहां,

जो अपनी मां को महज़ कुछ शब्दों में समेट सकूं ,

आपकी जद्दोजहद चंद छवियां कैसे बयां कर सकेगी,

जो आप अडिग होकर बच्चों के लिए लड़ी न होती,

तो आज हम सब कुछ भी न होते,

कुछ भी नहीं..

आज एक दशक बाद आपके साथ होकर,

आपको गले लगा कर "हैप्पी मदर्स डे"

कहना किसी जन्नत से कम नहीं।

@बिरेन्द्र

©www.lifeisart.in

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Debt-free life

A page from my diary...

21-04-2022

Since mid-march this year, I have been living at my native village. It's been of course a healthy lifestyle here for me but then few things have really put me off lately because of such small mindless talks and gossips. There were instances where I have met and interacted with lots of people and relatives. Unknowingly, they have helped me to observe lot of things about human behavior which I used to consider as exceptional cases with few people/relatives during my childhood days. But, now when I see those same people, my idea about them is getting more and more concretized because of the way they never helped you, words they spoke back then, still continue to say so and the expectations they have from us now.

 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

I don't give a damn about how much any person earns, rather I find it more satisfying when I see people becoming more successful, self-dependent and achieving big self-goals in their lives. There were few incidences which changed my attitude towards money in my childhood itself. An instance that I remember vividly was one where my relatives were in a position to help us after seeing our terrible struggles that we were going through at that time while living in a small unfinished rented house in Jharkhand. I don't want to highlight about what happened exactly but to summarize in one line, they offered us some help initially but later they backed-off which somehow pushed our family into further more years of debts. That incidence shall never come out of my mind however hard I might try.

 

I learnt two big lessons that year. Firstly, never to promise or say anything, if you can't keep them or don't have the guts to stand by them, not even out of pity on someone's situation. And, the other one was that if you ever find yourself blessed enough to help someone in any possible ways, do it but without any fake promises.

 

Now, coming back to human nature where this write-up started with. Once you break the generational poverty after 3-4 decades of struggles, life full of debts, how easily those relatives come and say that they have so much of comforts, big homes, money flowing like anything and you hear them whispering that they don't do enough for us whenever you visit them on different occasions. How nicely they unseen all the pains, the struggles we have gone through for almost 4 decades, who never stood by us either emotionally or in any possible ways which they were capable of.

 

I want to keep it simple, I want myself neither running after money nor dying every single day because of less money, I just want to live a life debt-free and that is more than everything to me.

 

Never demean anyone. Everyone is going through their own struggles and also never forget about the past where you came from once you are successful!

Hope this shitty diary page will help you stay grounded! 😅

 

Until next time,

Take care everyone!

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