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Celebrating International Day of Families!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Did you know that today is International Day of Families? Indeed it is!

It’s a day to celebrate not just today but everyday as with all other big occasions! Either way let’s do it now and let’s do it together! Ready, set go, let’s begin!

This is one song we can relate you I am sure you will agree! Have fun with it!

Today I celebrate my family! It is through family we learn so many  things and it’s also the people we spend most of our lives with. We are not all blessed with the same experiences but what would be interesting is the answer you might come up with to this question: What does family mean to you?

Allow me to answer it myself- it’s my immediate family, my extended family, my Coromandel Shiv Mandir family, my Dattatreya family, my COSTAATT family as well as those other special people in my life (my close friends). Family means these special people who I enjoy spending time with, who I laugh with, learn from and people who I value!   Family is laughter, support, being there for each other,  sharing moments, creating memories, encouraging each other. It is love and togetherness! It is knowing I am always there for you as best as I can be! It’s letting you know I’m looking out for you!

Truth be told I don’t think your answer would be one specific thing but I think one thing we can all agree on is that family is everything! We laugh, we cry, we talk, at times we disagree, but we love each other and a lot of times we learn from each other. Then there are times when we all realize how much we care about each other and how much every family member means to us!

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In honour of International Family Day remember that Family is Strength!

We would all have different stories to tell! This was something I really enjoyed and I am quite happy to share with you! Please have a look at this video which describes the importance of family in life :

It’s very important not to lose sight of the people in our lives that matter! Live without regrets! Time waits on no one!

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Embrace our opportunities and forever be thankful for our Blessings!

In closing remember this message: Other things may change but we start and end with the family!

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Celebrating Mother’s Day 2016!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

mothers day 2016Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over!

In commemoration of Mother’s Day 2016 this post is dedicated to our Mother (My Mom, Ria’s Mom and Ricky’s Mom)!

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Happy pic with my Mom, Mrs Doris Thomas!

She is patient, she is kind, she is loving and she is our Mom- Doris Thomas! More so, everyone who knows her will agree that she is devoted and committed not only to our family, but to everyone who has a place in her life! She always gives of her best and wears a beautiful smile! She listens and she is considerate of others!

As old as I am I call my Mom everyday (a couple times a day most times) and she never makes me think I am bothering her one bit, even though she might be busy! There are so many fond memories we have of Mom and as we look forward to the future, we look forward to more and more memories.

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Today did not turn out the way I was hoping as I have been fighting a crappy virus for 2 weeks and my crazy schedule with assignments and final papers have not helped one bit. I so wanted to be home and see Mom, Dad and my sister but it didn’t turn out as I expected!

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Honestly I can’t afford to let anybody else get it from me as it’s one of the worst experiences I have had for a while- coughing, sneezing, being confined to bed. I’m sorry I did not get to see Mom but I will see her and the rest of our family as soon as I get better!

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goodmorningquote.comI would always be grateful for every moment I have with my Mom! No amount of words can express my gratitude and my appreciation for everything my Mom has done but I always try to let Mom know I love her, I am thankful and appreciative.

Here are some things which can let us know about the Mom  we have been blessed with and I’m just using my experiences:

  • If I am not sure about something I can call and guides me or tells me what to do.
  • If she doesn’t hear from us (she knows when I call),  she would call to find out if we’re okay.
  • My degree will soon be over. I will be honest in saying some days have been easier than others. It’s been so crazy that sometimes it’s been difficult to say how far into the semester it’s been. Mom has been on a countdown with me throughout.
  • At one point I thought of taking a break as Mom said, “If you don’t start there will be no end, but if you do, you’ll see it.”
  • Like Dad, Mom has always given us her best! They have never shirked their responsibilities and have always urged us to be the best that we can be! They have been there for us!

I know that not all of us have the same experiences but all of our experiences teach us something, and essentially give us more to appreciate! In this video there must be something we can all identify with. Please have a look at it.

This next video tells a story of its own and it’s especially for this occasion. Indeed it encompasses different music genres but it reminds us and offers a lot we can relate to.

Hopefully there is a lot you can enjoy from this as it offers a lot! Have a look:

Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over! Enjoy your special day! We hope you have a great day!

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Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2016!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jai Veer Hanuman! Om  Namo Hanumate Namaha! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

Hanuman Jayanti is one occasion that I like many other devotees the world over look  forward to!

This was how the day began:

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Hanuman Jayanti Greetings from Appaji- His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda

This year I was able to be present at places I hold quite dearly and I was able to celebrate it with those who are extremely dear to me at firstly- the Coromandel Shiv Mandir in Coromandel Village Cedros, and later in the day at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre at Orangefield Road in Carapichaima!

I was able to spend time with my family-immediate family, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family and our Datta family- a true blessing you will surely agree!

It was not only a day of singing praises to Lord Hanuman but it was a day of Hanuman Chalisa Chanting! All in all it was a blissful day and a day filled with devotion!

The day was filled with being there while pujas were being conducted, bhajans were being sung and the highlight of the day was spending it with people who I value! During puja at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir there was rain at one point and it was welcomed in the midst of the dry spell and soaring temperatures we have been experiencing in Trinidad and Tobag0.

When we arrived at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre puja was in progress. Being at the feet of Lord Hanuman was a blessing and I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. The view of the moon was very inviting and capturing the pictures you see below together with the view of the stars were the final touches to an already perfect day!

Here are some pictures I took while I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir on Hanuman Jayanti:

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Puja to Lord Hanuman was in progress! My Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas) is the one in red kneeling at the Bedi!
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Offerings were being made to the Shiva Lingam
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The bedi-the flowers, sacred leaves, the tulsi tree, the fig tree, the kalsa, the lota-a beautiful sight!
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The murtis on the stage-Coromandel Shiv Mandir
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The singhasan -Coromandel Shiv Mandir
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Lord Ganesh, Hanuman Baba and Lord Shiva

I am grateful that both events did not occur at the same time as in the morning I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and in the evening I was at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre  to witness puja at the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti.

While those were the morning pictures these were the evening pictures:

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Puja was in progress and devotees were participating in Puja

 

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A View of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ji from where I was sitting!
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A beautiful sight- Guru Paduka Puja was performed as well as Puja to Lord Satyanarayana- the light, the flowers, the coconut, the decorations of the Padukas, Hanuman Ji, Lord Satyanarayana and Appaji-0ur beloved Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore India
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Such a beautiful sight- both Murtis of Lord Hanuman are beautifully decorated. Look at them adorned with flowers. Look also at the  Malas of paan leaves, the lights, the parrots, the vada! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman!
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This is another view of the beautifully decorated Lord Hanuman!  Jai Veer Hanuman!

 

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This was such a mystical sight! There was a full moon for Hanuman Jayanti 2016! I am happy I was able to get this picture!

 

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So beautiful! So mystical! Look at how brightly the moon was shining and I am pleased I was able to get this photo of Lord Hanuman and the Moon.

 

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The greatness of Hanuman Ji is evident! For those who do not know Hanuman Ji is the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!
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This picture like the others tells a thousand words!

In case you are still learning the Hanuman Chalisa please use this video to help you:

Please remember to save the dates: July 2nd- 9th 2016

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Celebrating Earth Day 2016!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

It’s Earth Day everyone- 22nd April 2016! Happy Earth Day everyone!!!

Let’s begin with some history. It is a short documentary. Have a look at it!

What did you do to celebrate Earth Day 2016? Though this is one day set aside to celebrate Earth Day we can celebrate it every day. If you didn’t do something today you do something tomorrow or the day after.

This video shows us how Earth Day is celebrated around the world:

I am pleased to share some tips with you but first let’s take a look at some of what we have. This is a beautiful indication of the beauty of the Earth which surrounds us!

Being surrounded by such inviting water, rich flora and fauna reminds us of how lucky were are! Earth is our home and it is our duty to protect it!

How then do we protect it?

  • Reuse, Reduce and Recycle
  • Conserve Water
  • Plant a tree
  • Volunteer for clean up activities
  • Shop wisely

The following promises to be an interesting read:

http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,226109.html

http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Caribbean-Endemic-Bird-Festival-highlights-laws-that-protect-birds-30126.html

 

 

 

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Celebrating Cedros Montessori School!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

They are all winners. This is how the Principal of the Cedros Montessori School, Monica Soorjan described her students.

The school’s  first Annual School Sports was followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade- this was the order of events for the pre-school students of the Cedros Montessori School in the past week.

On Thursday last- the day for the Annual Easter Bonnet Parade- they made the usual walk undertaken by the school to the Jetty (called the “Old Jetty” by residents) and back to their school.

These preschoolers were all well-dressed! The girls looked beautiful and the boys were dashing! The baskets, the flowers, the hats, the Easter eggs, the bunnies and the excitement they showed made the event truly memorable and it was evident that their parents invested a lot of time!

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Beautiful girls of the Cedros Montessori School!
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Handsome boys of the Cedros Montessori School!

They were accompanied by Soorjan who they all refer to as Miss Monica, their 3 teachers and some of the proud parents!

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Before the Parade!
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Some of the students!

Mere days earlier (on Sunday) they participated in the  first Annual Sports Day hosted by their Principal and their teachers.

All parents provided tremendous support and participation here as well to make the event a resounding success. In addition to this, other family members were on hand to urge them on and make their very first school sports a day they might always remember.

Seeing them ready for the march past and marching with smiles on their faces was wonderful. They marched and they marched well in spite of the sun. Then they took part in the events that followed. It really was a sight to behold and it was filled with lots of excitement.

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Team Sapphire, Team Aquamarine, Team Ruby (all teams)
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My reason for being at this Sports Day- my darling nephew Richie-Lee Thomas

Most certainly we can learn a lot from these preschoolers. Through their parents and the school as an institution (principal and teachers) it is evident that there is discipline, respect, team work, sportsmanship, friendship and that learning is also taking place.

Hats off to these darling angels and all those who are a part of their learning, together with those who are nurturing their growth and development! It is definitely a reason to celebrate!

The adults also had an opportunity to enjoy events of their own. They had Zumba and Tug-O-War. Those that participated in Zumba thoroughly enjoyed it! It was evident that it in tug-o-war they joined in, they stuck together and they also had fun!

It is a fervent reminder of Nappy Mayers, “Bring Back the Old Time Days”.

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Celebrating Existence: Remembering my grandfather- The late Mr. Ramlal Dookie

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Today makes it one year since my dear grandfather passed away.  We, his grandchildren, called him Baba!

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A token of our love from all family members of the late Ramlal Dookie

We miss him but we know his pain and suffering are over. Our love for him and the love he showed us is something we will never forget. He is gone but will never be forgotten.

Have a look at this video and listen to this bhajan by His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:

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So very true!

Here are two pictures I am happy to share:

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This is a picture taken a few months before Baba got more sick and ended up in the hospital. Nanny and Baba had puja and Nanny placed a mala around Baba’s neck and did Aarti for him- October 14, 2014
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My grandparents (Baba- The late Mr Ramlal Dookie and Nanny- Jassodra Celia Dookie) after Puja on 14 October 2014.

I have been thinking of all the things I wanted to share with Baba in this past year- my graduation, my internship, our fishes, our plants etc! He has given us so much memories and now his pain and suffering are no more. That is our comfort and the fact that we have each other!

I called him as often as I could and before marriage he would ask about everyone at home  and after marriage he would always ask, “How the boss?” referring to Shiva. I enjoyed those times when I was able to sing Happy Birthday to him and when I was able to talk to him and spend time with him.

I would always value the time I was able to spend with Baba in his last days at the hospital. Even then we were being taught valuable lessons-every single one of us who was there!

Knowing that when there is birth there is death is a reality we have always been taught but what matters is that we have made the most of the time we had Baba and all our other loved ones in our lives and we keep doing that for all those who are still with us.

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Guidance from the Holy Scriptures is our comfort!

We were fortunate to have Baba, our grandpa, around for the time he was here. He was able to see us all grow up- children and grandchildren. He  was also able to see some of his great grandchildren and each of us has similar memories but also different memories. Either way there are lots of memories for each of us to remember!

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Baba was always a great Devotee. He was always prayerful and continued chanting the name of God in his last moments!

This is a post I wrote  last year to celebrate Baba’s life:

https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/celebrating-the-life-of-mr-ramlal-dookie/

This one captures our gratitude to Level 16 Ward 12 Suite 5 of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital for the high level of care and attention they gave to him.

https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/04/12/celebrating-san-fernando-teaching-hospital-level-16-ward-12-suite-5-doctors-nurses-support-staff-on-duty-from-feb-23-2015-mar-19-2015/

Maybe you might also remember this next post!  It captures the relationship my grandparents shared. On the day Baba passed away I had a presentation to do for one of my courses, Critical Analysis of Media and TV Coverage with Mr Roddy Batchasingh at COSTAATT. Baba had passed away in the morning and I had class in the evening. My presentation was dedicated to the bond my grandparents shared and my song of choice was “Thinking out Loud” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQLqu-ThMOY  by Ed Sheeran.

Here is the link to that post:

https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/celebrating-my-grandparents-and-the-bond-they-share/

Gone but not forgotten: The late  Ramlal Dookie: November 14, 1933- March 19, 2015

Father of seven (7) children born to Jassodra Celia Dookie- 6 girls and 1 boy- Doris, Dora, Dolcie, Devi, Jaggs, Bena and Rajdaye, my grandma is the mother-in-law of and my grandpa was the father-in-law of Ranjit, Winston, Fyzal, Sharaz, Hosein, Rosemary and Rajesh.

He was the Brother-in-law of Mynee, Bissondaye (Betty), Bharose, Doodnath, Sita,Vinda and the late Sookraj Ramlakhan (my grandma’s siblings). Grandfather of 15 (Rishi, Savita, me, Adesh, Ria, Ricky, Sarah, Imran, Candice, Premnauth, Susan, Joseph, Josiah, Vincent and Leah), he was also a great grandfather of 5, uncle of Dilip among many others and he was a friend of many.

Apart from loving his family, anyone could associate him with riding his bicycle which he did for many years and with fishing with his seine which he enjoyed a lot.

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Celebrating being at the Datta Shiva Ram Temple!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

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We all know the saying that nothing happens before its time and it holds true for this experience. It wasn’t one of those things we spoke about days before but we  just decided to attend  puja mere hours before .

Truth be told I added the Datta Shiva Ram Temple (it is located in Hindustan, Princes Town, Trinidad) in 2012  on Facebook but I only got an opportunity to visit it for the first time on that Sunday (February 7th, 2016)!

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Finally I was able to be here! Jaya Guru Datta! It was a mixture of emotions- thankful, happy, relieved, excited!

 

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Such a beautiful sight! This and the serenity were the first things to greet me!
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What a beautiful sight! Divine, beautiful, a blessing!

It was not only a pleasure to be there but in every sense it was a blessing! Apart from being a serene ambience everything about it was inviting-the fresh air,  Swamiji’s smiling face and feeling His Divine presence all around.

Further to that during Homa there was a light rain- a sure sign of Blessings from up above!

I also enjoyed seeing lots of fresh flowers and fruits around!

What made it more enjoyable was witnessing everything we were able to. This together with Pundit Chitta Balroop’s important messages taught so much valuable lessons such as:

  • the importance of Puja to Lord Satnarayana
  • why we should partake of Prasadam
  • why we must keep our promises (a pertinent reminder that there are consequences to every action)
  • why we should not waste time (a fervent reminder that we must do what we can do today as tomorrow is promised to no one)
  • why we should not lose sight of what is important

 

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Another beautiful picture which  was taken at the entrance of the Mandir.
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The group was singing! Swamiji was looking on!

 

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A view of the Mandir at night!

This was another first for me! I consider it a blessed experience! Really, nothing happens before it’s time- it happens when the time is right! Hopefully this is something we can all remember- nothing happens before its time!

 

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Celebrating Hanuman Chalisa Chanting at Coromandel Shiv Mandir

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Sita Ram! Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!

Indeed January 31, 2016 was a blessed and blissful day! If you missed this opportunity to join with us we are happy to share some of it with you via this post and if you were with us, this is our way of letting you know how meaningful your presence was to us.

It was a day Coromandel Shiv Mandir hosted the Datta Kirtan Mandali members and it was a day that we together with many other devotees were looking forward to! For those who know Coromandel is where I grew up and an opportunity to be at the Mandir and in my family home is always something I look forward to thoroughly.

We had planned on leaving earlier than we actually did but we were happy that we got there on time. Interestingly enough we met our Datta family just before we reached Chatham and were able to witness the full Hanuman Chalisa Chanting event! When the function ended we were able to spend more time with everyone-our Coromandel Shiv Mandir family, our Datta family, my family, members of the Epic ChanTTing Team and other devotees who are equally dear to us!

Here is what the official invitation looked like and we were happy to share it with as many people as we could.

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This was created by my sister- Ria Thomas

The Mandir as always was beautifully decorated and at the entrance we were greeted by the beautiful Murti of Lord Ganapati! Ganapati Bapa Moriya! When we got there Pundit Naresh Maharaj was concluding puja and devotees were seated, awaiting the start of the chanting!

Many would agree that Hanuman Chalisa Chanting is so therapeutic, so meaningful, and it is always filled with so much love and energy. This event is indeed a memorable one and it is considered by us all as a great blessing. It was a collective effort as teamwork was present throughout. Moreover it was a blissful, a powerful and an awesome experience. No one word could fully describe it.

Here are some of the pictures I was able to get:

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Sri Gyan Ramlogan and Members of the Datta Kirtan Mandali as they get ready for chanting

 

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Prayer was being offered-Om Namo Hanumate Namaha

 

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Lord Shiva was adorned with a beautiful fresh flower Mala made by Auntie Asha Moonsammy

 

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Lord Hanuman was adorned with another beautiful fresh flower Mala made by Auntie Asha Moonsammy

 

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Hanuman Chalisa Chanting was in progress! Jai Veer Hanuman!

 

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Devotees were doing Aarti
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Standing by the Bedi was Pundit Naresh Maharaj who conducted Puja prior to the start of chanting.  

 

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Devotees stood with clasped hands and sang as the Aarti was being performed.

Every moment spent was one to cherish. We could tell that everyone enjoyed this experience because of the radiant smiles we saw, the way everyone participated in chanting and in the feedback we received following the function.

We had just over 125 devotees in our presence and chanted Hanuman Chalisa 14 times.

It was a joyous occasion too as it allowed Epic ChanTTing members to officially meet each other.

January 31, 2016 remains a memorable day for the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and its Members. From my Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas), my Dad (Mr Ranjit Thomas), and all other Members of the Coromandel Shiv Mandir to the Members of the Datta Kirtan Mandali and all Devotees, we thank you each of you wholeheartedly for chanting Hanuman Chalisa with us! May the continued Blessings of the Divine Master be with you now and always!

Jai Veer Hanuman! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha!

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Celebrating the spread of information via the Internet!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Can you imagine the world as it would be without the internet? I am not sure you can or you might be remotely interested in doing such!

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Image courtesy clipartpanda.com

Today I choose to focus on news! So much goes on around us and true enough sometimes we are oblivious, or unaware! Do you know how much has happened in the world that you may not have heard of yet? It’s a lot and I am using this opportunity to share some of it! Click on the links as you come upon them. Each link will lead you to something that has happened very recently in the world and interestingly enough all of these stories have taken place in the past 48 hours.

Take note of the photographs, the video footage and all the information that is shared. Here we go:

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Image from cliparts.co

The first story focuses on sad news. There was a lot of damage done! Thank God that you are safe, sound and alive! A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35511884

This is information regarding the same earthquake that was reported 11 hours earlier. http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-magnitude-64-earthquake-hits-taiwan-over-100-trapped-in-collapsed-building-2174506

The US, UK, Spies Agencies and Media Companies….what’s the connection? Check this out: http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/us-uk-eye-letting-spy-agencies-get-data/news-story/efb74747ec9d86e9d010bcd5b089da99

Do you know that a crane collapsed in lower Manhattan yesterday morning and it killed one person and injured two others? If you didn’t here is the link to an article that contains some footage an onlooker captured- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35511457

This is a little closer to home and it is about a crisis in Haiti which has turned deadly: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35508709

At this stage too news world be incomplete without mention of the Zika virus. This was released a mere 18 hours ago and it focuses on precautions that men should take regarding this virus-http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/05/health/zika-urine-saliva/

For those who might be considering travelling this bit of information might prove to be useful as it focuses on Puerto Rico’s governor declaring a health emergency as more Zika-related cases emerge: http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2016-02-05/the-latest-brazil-finds-active-zika-virus-in-urine-saliva

Here is information on a much lighter note. Star Wars continues to be a big hit as expected. Here is the proof: http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/star-wars-to-hit-us2b-in-global-sales/news-story/4d6a8116df2b733ce167edda4568bcbb-

This is one of the first things that grabbed my attention this morning http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-02-05/cyber-cops-now-hold-key-case.

We can all agree that locally there is a lot of disturbing news. This is something from our local news which you might want to read. It’s from the Trinidad Guardian and concerns information about the explosion at Kleen Rite Dry Cleaners earlier in the week: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-02-05/gas-delivery-driver-hailed-hero

Another trending topic in local new is the new VAT regime here in Trinidad and Tobago. There is a hotline number here and other useful information for readers: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-02-05/bir-penalise-vat-culprits

Water shuttle passengers will also be very pleased to find out about a new shuttle service from Marabella to the Water Taxi Terminal. You can read more about it here: http://www.looptt.com/content/new-shuttle-service-water-taxi-passengers

Hopefully some information within this post has been of help to you. Keep up with what’s going on around you please! Embrace every opportunity to learn more! Celebrate it!

Here is what you may want to find out more about:

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courtesy cw39.com
Aerial picture of a site where buildings collapsed after a powerful earthquake hit Tainan, southern Taiwan
A site where buildings collapsed is seen in this aerial picture taken after a powerful earthquake hit Tainan, southern Taiwan, February 6, 2016. Courtesy REUTERS/Xinhua

 

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courtesy Loop News

 

In closing it’s Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago! Whether or not you’re taking part in the festivities I wish you the very best! Have a safe and enjoyable weekend everyone!

 

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Celebrating Respect

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Let’s celebrate Respect!  What is it?

According to Dictionary.com respect is defined as:

  • to hold in esteem or honor
  • to show regard or consideration
  • to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with, as in privacy.

I believe  you know what respect is and I am happy you are reading it because I wanted you to read something you can share with others, be it at home or at school or via email or mail or any of the other available possibilities open to you.

Have a look at this:

Respect involves the acceptance of the views, beliefs and feelings of others. It comes from treating others as you would like to be treated  and it is something I firmly believe in whether it’s between strangers, between bosses and their employees, among colleagues, acquaintances, friendships, marriages, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, grandparent-grandchildren relationships or any of the other family relationships we know of.

In so many ways we are seeing how respect is being lost.  This video however reminds us “OLD SCHOOL” respect that we have heard about so many times. Respect is a universal topic. Listen to what is being said and see how applicable it is:

In addition to this respect is also needed for nature-plants and animals. Have a look at this:

Here are some things it does not hurt to be reminded of:

  1. Treat others in the same manner as you would want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
  2. Change only to become a better you.
  3. Never compromise your values!
  4. Try your best to live without regrets!
  5. Doing something wrong can never make it right!
  6. Value the relationships you build and the people in your lives.
  7. Be true to yourself!
  8. Respect is a 2 way street- it must be given before it is earned.
  9. In the same way that you must love yourself before you can love others, self-respect comes before respecting others.

Respect and trust are key elements in a friendship and we can all agree that when either is lost, it may be regained to some extent but, more often than not things will never be the same. Most relationships begin with friendship and whether it is any of the relationships described above it involves friendship.

Take note of how Bruno Mars describes friendship in this video:

Hopefully you were singing along with Bruno Mars and hopefully you enjoyed the other videos too. The video is based on friendship but the respect these kids have for each other is so evident!

I was thinking of something local and my dear friend Regina Cozier mentioned this. Thank you Regina! Have a look at this too as it reinforces everything said and brings it across musically. Like everything else there is a lesson in it especially as it can help with values that are being lost in society. Great job 3Canal!

Thank you for taking the time to read this everyone! Hasta la vista!