शुभ जन्माष्टमी: भगवान कृष्ण और भगवद गीता

जन्माष्टमी भगवान कृष्ण के जन्मदिन के रुप में मनाई जाती है, जिन्हें न केवल ईश्वर का अवतार बल्कि 'जगद्गुरु' भी माना जाता है।

लाखों लोगों के लिए कृष्ण एक प्रिय आराध्य देवता हैं। 

कुरुक्षेत्र के युद्ध के मैदान में भगवान कृष्ण द्वारा भगवद गीता के रुप में दिया गया अर्जुन को उपदेश - पूरी दुनिया में एक अत्यंत प्रभावशाली आध्यात्मिक ग्रन्थ माना जाता  है। जिसने भारत के सभी धर्मों और पंथों - जिनमें बौद्ध धर्म, सिख धर्म और उनकी कई शाखाएं शामिल हैं - को प्रभावित किया और उन्हें आकार दिया। 

भगवद गीता केवल एक धार्मिक ग्रंथ नहीं है; यह धर्म, कर्म, ज्ञान, भक्ति, कर्तव्य, अनासक्ति और आत्मा के स्वरुप की गहरी खोज से सम्बन्धित दर्शन शास्त्र एवं महाग्रंथ है और जिस का संदेश आज के समय में भी बहुत प्रासंगिक है।

भगवद गीता सिखाती है कि हम हमेशा अपने जीवन की और आसपास की परिस्थितियों को नियंत्रित नहीं कर सकते, लेकिन हम उन पर अपनी प्रतिक्रिया को नियंत्रित कर सकते हैं। 

और हमें किसी विशेष परिणाम की इच्छा के गुलाम बने बिना अपनी जिम्मेदारियों को ईमानदारी से निभाना चाहिए। 

भगवद गीता सिखाती है कि हमें भय, अनुचित मोह, अहंकार और स्वार्थ से ऊपर उठ कर  अपने भीतर के गहरे सत्य की खोज करनी चाहिए।

दुनिया भर में करोड़ों लोग जन्माष्टमी के पर्व को अलग-अलग तरीकों से मनाते और सम्मानित करते हैं - प्रार्थनाओं, भक्ति गीतों, उपवास, उत्सवों और धार्मिक समारोहों के माध्यम से। लेकिन उनके जीवन चरित्र, बचपन के खेल, रिश्तों और उनके दिव्य रूपों की कथा कहानियों से परे है: उनकी गहन शिक्षाएं। 

भगवान कृष्ण को श्रद्धांजलि देने के लिए केवल उनके जन्म को याद करने से कहीं बढ़कर आवश्यक है उनकी शिक्षाओं को सीखना, समझना और उन्हें अपने जीवन में अपनाना।

गुरुओं, अवतारों एवं महान शिक्षकों की सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि केवल उनकी पूजा करना नहीं है, बल्कि उनके दिखाए रास्ते पर चलना है। 

                               " राजन सचदेव "

Remembering Abba... Ustad Vilyat Khan Sahib

A legend - Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib 

 My Guru, My Mentor, My Inspiration 

(August 28,1928 to March 13, 2004)

Learning from a good teacher can sometimes be more profound than education itself.

This is how I feel about Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, whom we (his students) called Abba out of respect and love.

Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to learn from him for long. 

However, whatever time I spent with him was very valuable... every moment spent with him is an unforgettable experience of my life. 

Teaching is one of the noblest professions. 

A good teacher not only helps students gain knowledge but also helps them recognize their strengths and weaknesses. 

Once, he told me that apart from practicing the lessons taught by the teacher, students should also improve their personal skills and caliber. They should enhance their 'Soach' - their thought process, which is essential in shaping an individual's personal life.

Another time, he told me that, as part of his family tradition, he was given two names at his birth. Vilayat Khan and  Kanha Singh. He was born on Janamashtami. 

He was one of the greatest musicians of all time. Recipient of the 'Bharat Sitar Samrat' by the Artists Association of India and 'Aftab-e-Sitar' (the bright Sun of the Sitar) by the President of India, Ustad Vilayat Khan looms so great over the Sitar world. He is a legend because he changed the way the Sitar was played. He invented a new style of Sitar playing called the Gayaki-Ang - the singing or vocal style. People often said that he sings with his fingers. Today, the wave of Gayaki-style instrumental music he set in motion has influenced the current Sitar music. 

                       

                                        Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib with Sitar in a Mehfil

                             Lata Mangeshkar ji and Madan Mohan ji sitting in the audience

His renderings of the folk songs of different parts of India were also unique. 

His renditions of Chaiti, Bhatiyali, and Durga Bhavaani-Dayaani brought out the same deep emotions in listeners' hearts. 

One day, he heard a beggar woman singing in the street. He invited her to sing for him, paid her generously, and rendered her song as a bandish (composition) at a concert the next evening. 

A musician's legacy consists of his style and his contributions to the world of music. 

Therefore, Ustad Vilayat Khan ranks among the greatest artists of the 20th century.

Though I did not have much time to learn from him and serve him, I feel fortunate to have received abundant love and blessings from him and Amma (his wife). 

His elder son Ustad Shujat Hussain Khan is also a legend in his own way and one of the greatest Sitar players of this time. I am ever so grateful to him and his younger brother Hidayat Khan for their continual love and friendship. 

                                         " Rajan Sachdeva"

                                                       Memories I will always cherish 

 He will always live in the hearts and minds of millions

Through his heavenly divine music for centuries to come 

Guru Poornima - Thanks and Gratitude to all my Gurus

On the Auspicious Occasion of Guru Purnima, I extend my heartfelt greetings and Best wishes to our respected Parents, all Teachers & Mentors.  

Guru Purnima is an Indian & Nepali spiritual tradition dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. Those who are evolved or enlightened humans - and ready to share their wisdom, with very little or no monetary expectation.

It is believed that a person is blind without a teacher to guide him. 

Mother and father are a child's first teachers. 

But after that, the Guru becomes his or her second mother or father.

The Shastras proclaim that a human being is born twice - known as Dvija. 

First, by the union of the father and mother - and second, when he is accepted by a bona fide Guru. 

The Guru acts as a father and delivers him the knowledge - with the help of mother Gayatri - a personified symbol of the holy scriptures (the personification of the knowledge & wisdom).
In other words, Guru is considered the father, and the Holy Scriptures and literature are considered the mother. 

Guru teaches with the help of, or according to, the Scriptures.

The festival of Guru Poornima is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashadh (July-August) in the Hindu calendar of India and Nepal.
The full moon symbolizes perfection.
Guru-Poornima is a symbolic reminder of the belief that Guru is Poorna - perfect.
We cannot learn much from someone if we have doubts about their knowledge in the subject we want to acquire.
In order to learn, we need to have faith in the Guru - the teacher.
Therefore, we always try to find a Guru who has perfect knowledge of the required subject. Once our curiosity about the Guru’s Gyan or knowledge is satisfied, we must have faith in his teachings.

One of the most popular beliefs about the meaning of Guru Poornima is - 

That Guru Poornima is not just a symbol of gratitude of the disciple towards the Guru - it is also a reaffirmation of the belief that the Guru is Poorna.

While contemplating this belief, a thought occurred to me.

A teacher asked his young student:
“Johnny. How old is your father”?
“Six years,” Johnny said.
“How is that possible?” the teacher asked.
“Duh..... Because he became a father when I was born.”

A person is not a father until he has a child.

He becomes a father only when his child is born.
Similarly, doesn’t a Guru become a perfect Guru when his disciples achieve perfection?

Therefore, the gratitude towards the Guru is not just singing the Guru’s praises and offering thanks and gifts.

The student or disciple must strive to understand the Guru's teachings and imbibe them.

Just as parents become happy and proud of their children’s achievements, the Gurus also feel happy and proud when they see their disciples achieving heights and perfection. 

Seeing the children prosper, parents feel a sense of achievement that their love and sacrifice have paid off ... that they have fulfilled their role as parents. 

Similarly, seeing the disciples become perfect and attain the same heights, the Guru may feel that he has fulfilled his role as Guru. 

Therefore, sincere and genuine gratitude towards the Guru would be when we start working seriously towards achieving perfection in ourselves to make the Guru feel happy, content, and fulfilled. 

May the Lord bless us all to achieve that Poornima.

To all my Gurus 

Who taught me to be what I am

'Rajan Sachdeva'

One day, we will too..... Ek din ham bhi ....

During the recent visit of Respected Raj Mami ji and Narinder Mama ji to Chicago, we almost continually talked about Bhapa Ram Chand ji Maharaj.

And in those heartfelt conversations, a thought kept echoing in my mind...

How rare and blessed are those souls who, even long after they have physically departed, continue to live vividly in the hearts and thoughts of those who knew them.

Bhapa Ram Chand ji was one such divine soul — a presence so pure, so deeply rooted in devotion and humility, that even time cannot fade his imprint.

His simplicity, his loving nature, his calm presence, and wisdom — they all left an unspoken mark on every life he touched. 

As we shared memories, stories, and small moments we had witnessed, it felt as if he was with us — smiling gently, listening quietly, and silently blessing. 

There was a certain energy and peace in remembering him. 

It reminded us that true saints don’t just live in time — they live beyond time.

Their lives are not just remembered — they become living guidance for generations to come.

And remembering them — talking about them — is our way of staying close to them.

Of keeping their light alive in our hearts. 

However, it also made me think - -

What about us? 

What about me?

            "Ek din ham bhi kahaani ban kay hee reh jayengay 

              Par Kahaani aesi ho - ki log dohraatay rahen 

              Chehray ka hai kya - Vo to maati me mil jaayega

              Baaten meri 'Rajan' - log suntay sunaatay rahen"

One day, we too will become just a story —

But let it be a story worth retelling, again and again.

What’s in a face? It will turn to dust one day. 

Let it be my words, Rajan, that people keep listening to... and passing on. 

                     " Rajan Sachdeva "

A Tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain

Ustad Zakir Hussain was undoubtedly one of the greatest artists of our era. 

However, what truly distinguished him - what set him apart and made him even more beloved was his humility. 

Zakir Bhai’s greatness wasn’t just in his music but also in his profound humanity. His friendly, warm and down-to-earth personality left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.

I feel deeply fortunate to have had numerous opportunities to witness his warmth and humility firsthand through many cherished moments.

The first time I met Zakir Bhai was in 1984, during a small house concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

After the concert, the host introduced me to him and asked me if I could take him to the Canadian embassy the following morning. 

I eagerly agreed, considering it an honor. 

The host said he would drop Zakir Bhai off at my apartment in the morning. I invited Zakir Ji to have breakfast with us and asked for his preferences. With a big smile on his face, he humorously said, “Punjabiyon kay ghar aakay Toast khayenge kya? Arre bhai, koi Aloo kay paranthay khilao, lassi pilao—itnay din baad to kisi Punjabi ka ghar mila!”

("Do you think I would come to a Punjabi's house and eat butter toast or something? Aray Bhai - make some Alu parathas - make some Lassi - after so many days I am coming to a Punjabi house")

His humor and approachability instantly made me feel at ease.

We spent the entire day together, quickly forming a bond that lasted for many years. During our conversations, I shared that I was a big fan of Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib but I was too intimidated to approach him. Zakir Bhai not only encouraged me but also helped me connect with Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, paving the way for a wonderful relationship with him as well.

Another incident stands out vividly in my memory, leaving an everlasting impression of his kind nature.

In 1991, I organized a three-day music festival in Detroit, Michigan, featuring several great artists from the Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) including Pt. V. G. Jog, Buddhadev Dasgupta, Shrimati Girija Devi, Ajay Chakravarty, Rashid Khan, Pandit Samar Saha, and few others along with Mr. Vijay Kichlu. They stayed at my house for 10 days. Zakir Bhai arrived two days early.

I was alone at the time, as my family was visiting India. Every morning, as I prepared tea for everyone, Zakir Bhai would join me in the kitchen, insisting on helping me. I felt humbled by his generosity, and even a bit embarrassed to have such a legendary artist assisting me in this way. But he always put me at ease, and his gestures of kindness were deeply moving. He even encouraged others to help - to get whatever they wanted by themselves - so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

During the Tabla workshop he was conducting at my house in Southfield Michigan, where he was addressing a gathering of about a hundred people - he invited another Tabla artist to present a few features of his Gharana. 

He was hesitant and said - Zakir Bhai, this is your workshop - your place not mine. But Zakir ji pulled him with his hand and asked him to join him on the stage.
Moments like these reflect the kind of person he was — someone who uplifted others with his warmth and generosity.

These moments are just a few of the countless memories that are imprinted deeply in my heart.
His greatness wasn’t limited to his artistry only — 

he was not just a legend in music, but a true gem of a human being as well.
I treasure every moment I spent with this incredible person. 

We will always miss you, Zakir Bhai—with love and immense respect.
                                            " Rajan Sachdeva "

       Ann Arbor Michigan 1984

 

      At my apartment in Ann Arbor 1986

                           Lunch with Zakir ji - 1991

                    At Pandit Shyam Kane's home 2008
 

       with my son Rishi - at our house 2010 0r 2011

      With his wife Tony At Zakir Bhai's place San Fransisco 

जम्मू-कश्मीर की धरती से -- 'निर्दोष' इक संघर्ष, ते किश यादां

जम्मू-कश्मीर की धरती से... 'निर्दोष' इक संघर्ष, ते किश यादां !'

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि - श्री रतन टाटा

                                भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि - श्री रतन टाटा 

                        जो सिर्फ नाम से ही नहीं - कर्म से भी रत्न थे 

                 एक अनुभवी उद्योगपति और जाने-माने परोपकारी व्यक्ति, 

                         जिनका कल 87 वर्ष की आयु में निधन हो गया।

                                         रतन टाटा के चंद शब्द

अगर आप तेज़ चलना चाहते हैं - तो अकेले चलें 

लेकिन अगर आप दूर तक जाना चाहते हैं - तो सबके साथ मिल के चलें।

कितनी अजीब है बात है कि हम उच्च और मशहूर ब्रांड के कपड़े पहनना चाहते हैं -

लेकिन हम पायजामे में सबसे अधिक सहज महसूस करते हैं।

हम ताज और मैरियट जैसे होटलों में अमीर और कुलीन लोगों के साथ बैठना चाहते हैं - 

लेकिन वास्तव में हमें दोस्तों के साथ सड़क के किनारे एक ढाबे पर चाय पीने में ज़्यादा आनंद मिलता है। 

हम बड़ी बड़ी कारों के मालिक बनना चाहते हैं और लंबी ड्राइव पर जाना चाहते हैं - 

लेकिन अपने दिल की बात हम केवल किसी प्रियजन के साथ एक गली में या सड़क पर चलते समय ही करते हैं।

                         इन  4 चीजों से कभी न शर्माएँ 

पुराने कपड़े - क्योंकि आपके कपड़े आपकी प्रतिभा को परिभाषित नहीं करते।

गरीब दोस्त - क्योंकि दोस्ती में कोई हैसियत और स्टैट्स नहीं देखी जाती।

वृद्ध माता-पिता - क्योंकि आज आप जो कुछ भी हैं, वह उनके कारण ही तो हैं।

सादा जीवन - क्योंकि सफलता का अंदाजा आपकी जीवनशैली से नहीं लगाया जा सकता।

                                   ~~~~~~~~~~

उन्होंने सिर्फ़ सादगी का उपदेश ही नहीं दिया -

उन्होंने खुद भी एक पवित्र और सादा जीवन जिया।

वे हर जगह अपनी सादी जीवनशैली के लिए जाने जाते थे।

वे सिर्फ़ नाम से ही नहीं बल्कि कर्म से भी रत्न थे - जो हमेशा अपने कौशल एवं विवेक तथा धन से देश और मानवता की सेवा करते रहे। 

Don't Be Shy at 4 Things -- "RATAN TATA

                    

            A heartfelt tribute to Sh. Ratan Tata -

A Veteran Industrialist and Well-known Philanthropist, who passed away yesterday, at the age of 87. 

                       Words of Ratan Tata

If you want to walk fast - walk alone, 

But if you wish to walk far - walk together.

How strange is it that we wish to wear high brands - 

but we feel most comfortable in pajamas. 

We wish to sit in the Taj and Marriott with elite people - 

but we enjoy roadside tea with friends.

We wish to own big cars and go on long drives - 

yet we talk our hearts out only while walking down a long road with a loved one.

              DON'T BE SHY AT 4 THINGS: 

Old Clothes - because your clothes do not define your talent. 

Poor friends - because there is no status in friendship. 

Old parents - because what you are today is because of them. 

Simple living - because success can't be judged by your lifestyle. 

                                 ~~~~~~~~~~

He did not just preach simplicity - 

He lived a pious and simple life himself as well.

He was known for his simple lifestyle.

He was a Ratan (Gem) not just by name but also by deeds - who served the nation, people, and humanity with his skills and wealth. 

May this Noble Soul rest in eternal peace.