CASK 
The President Speaks
What The Mind Does Not Know The Eyes Don’t See
June had many days dedicated for causes. While we had Fathers Day, a day for the disabled, world environment day, etc, two days of the month were special to me – World Yoga Day on 21stJune and International Day for the Seafarer on 25thJune.
I have been practising yoga since 1981, and would like to share my views on a personal note. When we think of yoga, most of us picturize it as a set of physical exercises, a fitness protocol, philosophy, austerity, etc. In reality yoga has a holistic approach to human being’s overall development. Maharshi Patanjali, who compiled this cream of knowledge 3000 years ago, wrote 196 aphorisms which includes the ultimate spiritual goal (Samadhi Pada and Kaivalya Pada), methods to attain (Sadhana Pada) and also indications to confirm that we are on the right path (Vibuthi Pada).
Astanga Yoga, as proposed by Patanjali has eight limbs or branches which include moral and character building (Yama, Niyama), physical development (Asana), energetic progress (Pranayama), control of senses (Pratyahara) and mastery over mind (Dharma, Dhyana and Samadhi). This kind of a total approach is meant for people of all ages, gender, irrespective of religion followed. It is a way of life to seek progress and success, both in our worldly and spiritual life.
One of the best things in life I learnt through SuskmaVyayama is how to pray. The posture, the procedure and benefits this exercise generates by its effect on the Manovaha Nerve helps one to sublimate the sexual instinct and to increase the powers of concentration. Hence with all the publicity given last month on yoga, my recommendation to you is never torture your body but make a gradual progress. Time to open our minds for the eyes to see.
On the 25th of June, I addressed the Company of Master Mariners of India, Mangalore Chapter and the local Institute of Marine Engineers on the topic, ‘Issues and Concerns of Modern Seafaring’. It is said that if we do not have the shipping industry, half the world population would starve to death while the other half would be frozen to death. This is the truth. Ships move because of seafarers. There are a lot of challenges the seafarers are encountering-unemployment, exploitation, loneliness, criminalization and above all a gradual alienation from society. So the next time you switch on your electric heater, remember the coal to generate electric power has moved many tonne-miles with the silent services of the seafarer. Your cooking gas, petrol for the vehicle, name it, most of the cargoes are moved by ships. Three cheers for the seafarers who keep international trade moving. Now that the mind knows the contribution of the seafarer, perhaps the eyes will see the commodities moved in our everyday life.
On the national front, in the month of June we had Lalitgate scandal, Fake Educational Qualifications episodes and the Vyapam Death Scam. Our concern ought to be on the Home Ministry’s move to ask journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau to get yearly police verification, the reason being, security of confidential information. The Vyapam Scam would not have surfaced but for the whistleblowing by some journalists and activists. A democratic state should not curb ‘Freedom of Expression’.
On 15th June 2015, our CASK Office welcomed the honorary services of Joan Lobo – our Governing Council Member. Mid May 2015, our Treasurer, Walter D’Sa took ill while on holiday in Dubai and now making steady progress in Mangalore. To fill up the void, Joan’s gesture to give her time thrice a week in the morning has been a merciful blessing for CASK. Joan brings with her professional expertise from the hospitality and retail management disciplines which will help CASK. Thank you Joan and Uncle Walter.
Under CASK ‘Safe Drinking Water Facility’ for Schools we have installed drinking water facility in 3 schools – Badiyar, Gardady and Kinnigoli – catering to over 650 children. We will cover 2 more schools to benefit a total of 1000 children.
Instead of ‘Clean India Campaign’ let us also advocate ‘Stop Dirtying our Country’, as prevention is better than cure. The will and the power is in our hands. Together we can make a difference!
JAI HIND
Capt. John Prasad MenezeS
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