An Auction - that carries a million emotions! ....Vandeemaataram!

I sit here checking my emails and updates.....and there's something that attracts my attention an Auction!!

The word brings out all kinds of emotions. We wonder what is being auctioned and why.... secondly, we also know that for being auctioned the possession has to be worthy of being auctioned, I would say something that's been priceless for someone. That priceless thing at the moment is heart breaking!

It is this feeling that makes me write this post.

My grand mother used to tell us stories, stories of kings and queens. She would say that the  kings had huge empires and the wealth of the state. I used to ask her how did they manage to do that and she would say by asking every household in the kingdom to contribute. That's how a part of the produce from every farmer would go to the kingdom. Similarly a part of every trader's goods would go to the king. The king in return would protect all the people and help the kingdom flourish. Simple story and simple logic.

Why do I think of this story and my late grandma today?

Vande maataram takes me to these thoughts. For whose who haven't heard of it yet...

Vande Maataram

It was the largest movement that united all the people of India before Independence. And it is now going to unite all the youth of the nation to come forward and vote. 

The bikers of the country are uniting to undertake the largest ever biker movement to help build a bright future of this great nation. The movement is spearheaded by Bharadwaj Dayala, the first Indian to go around the world on his motorcycle.

The ride

The ride started from Mumbai on 15th March 2014, the core team of riders ride to each and every state capital, meeting and energizing the youth all along the way. They are not supported by anyone but the people of this country. No politics, no parties, no persons. It’s just the Call of duty! with the largest number of bikers coming to support the core team. The rally ends at New Delhi with the largest ever gathering of bikers in the world (the event will feature in the Guinness book of World Records).

The team is in Kolkata at the moment, the riders are on their own. 

Message from Bharadwaj Dayala

"Good morning buddies. You know that Vande Maataram movement is not supported by any sponsors. All the riders are doing it at their own expense and for the cause of better India. Hence I have decided to auction my WORLD TOUR bike and support the Vande Maataram movement. All the riders will be fully funded from the proceeds of this bike sale. 

I know everyone will be angry with me. But support me to support this cause.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT AWARE: THIS IS THE FIRST INDIAN BIKE THAT TRAVELLED AROUND THE WORLD, ACROSS 5 CONTINENTS AD 16 COUNTRIES, 47,000 KMS. BUT STILL DOING GREAT 

( more details will follow soon)"

A noble idea for sure but for raising funds for the ride you can't be doing this. The planning of Vande Maataram was just a couple of days...  Bharadwaj Dayala felt before his DreamLive project where he goes around the world on his motorcycle, he had to do something for his country- urge youngsters to vote. The event is going on as planned and beautifully. Vandemaataram has more than 15000 people who support the cause. The support and interest generated in less than a month, I see it as a huge achievement and in the right direction.

This time of the year companies take a bit of their time to allocate funds from the new budget for their organisations, so sponsorship is discussed and debated. I know the sponsorship will come eventually but the need is now. Probably that prompted Dayala to auction his pride possession. That clearly shows the passion that the man has and how he wants his bit to be done for the country.

I strongly feel that the people who support Vandemaataram must give a solution and a way out. Bikers ride from their heart and for their passion, must certainly show that heart and passion now. How, what and when... I don't know but the ride must be supported and believe me when it is accomplished, the satisfaction can be unimaginable. Truly rewarding and enriching yourself!

Give your thoughts on this would love to hear from you all.

Where there's a will there's always a way! .... that's the way forward..... believe in it today and forever!

PS: the team is in Assam now.

Details of the mission Vandemaataram: http://laxmitodiwan.blogspot.in/2014/03/a-revolution-called-vandemaataram.html

Check: https://www.facebook.com/Vandemaataram2014

A revolution called Vandemaataram - Bikers Ahoy!!

The riders start the rally from Mumbai 15th March 2014- Bharadwaj Dayala, Christopher Nadar, Bullet Navin and Raman.

Almost a week has gone by and so much is happening on the Vandemaatram front. I have been like the watchdog for the event. Keeping my eyes on information coming from all quarters, the phone and all the social media. This morning was a pleasant surprise when I receive the pictures on my Whatsapp and also a heart warming, cheerful note from the man of the moment Bharadwaj Dayala. 

The message - Loud and clear!

As we all know that the country warms up to the Lok Sabha elections next month. India being the largest democracy in the world, the citizens have the key to electing a great government. In fact the citizens can play 'Genie' for themselves and the fellow Indians. But in reality the voting percentage is really low, a lot of the people, the eligible votes don't really care exercising their rights. But we all need to remember that every vote counts, its the drops that collect to finally turn into the sea and then the mighty ocean. As citizens we need to do a bit of the homework ourselves and bring the right people to run our country. Its important to learn about the candidates as well as the party ideology and their election agenda.

With students in Goa

With the idea of getting the people to vote especially the youngsters a group of bikers lead by Bharadwaj Dayala, the first and the only Indian to go around the world on a motorcycle, have taken it upon themselves to spread the idea and get the youngsters to vote. They started their 15000 km ride across India, on 15th March from Mumbai and have already covered 4 states, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Union Territory of Pondicherry and reaching Chennai today. 

The group is getting amazing reception from the local bikers and the people at large. The rally turns into a grand procession as they head towards the state capital. That really motivates the bikers, as they are on their own without any sponsorship. They are riding purely for the great cause- Vandemaataram!

Team Versiviouz in Trivandrum, Kerala

Its nice to see the local riders joining them in their home states and riding one lap of the rally. Some riders from across the country are getting in touch to plan their own participation in the rally. The riders are visiting the state capitals only as its not possible to cover all the cities. Hence the riders from the different cities within the state need a better planning and coordination to ensure that they are there on the due course of time at the appointed place. Local biker groups are in touch facilitating the same. Its going to be a unique event, one for the purpose that it serves- creating awareness and asking voters to vote and two, it'll be biggest biker event in the country. 

I guess every passionate biker and ever responsible citizen would want to be a part of this event, isn't it?

Vandemaataram is 10000 support strong on their facebook page.

Bharadwaj Dayala says, " We the bikers will stand for good causes apart from riding. We will be proud to bring that little change".

We all can support the group in whatever capacity  we can.... be a part of it and simply love the journey!

An enthusiastic rider waiting to receive the team and ride a lap of the journey with them.

Like Vandemaataram on facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Vandemaataram2014

Money can't buy happiness but it can facilitate so!

After many discussions with local clubs and riders about the possibilities and road conditions,  the final route map for Vande Maataram Ride has been finalised and shared with all. Now coming up is the execution part, Money can't buy happiness they say but happiness of this magnitude sure needs the basic funds, talks are on to mobilise that. But has been on a short notice, as the plan itself is not more than a month old. But it was so captivating and powerful that everything is falling in place and the Ride is all set to kick start. Everyone connected is emotionally attached with the purpose of this ride. I am quite hopeful sponsors may join hands along the way. Event cannot delay as its a long commitment from the riders and the need is imperative. 

Team Vandemaataram is trying to arrange sponsorship for the ride. Talks are on with a lot of big players and they are awaiting  response from them. Things look positive, however, the project cannot be delayed. the applicants are informed  that if needed, they'd be required to self sponsor. The approximate budget per person would be as follows. 
For the 40 days of ride: (Approximate in INR)
Fuel: 35,000/- to 40,000/-
Accommodation: 20,000/- to 25,000/-
Food:  25,000/-
Miscellaneous: 10,000/-
Merchandise: 1,000/-

The total amount required per person is a little over one lakh INR. 
It certainly would be a delight if people the business owners themselves support the cause. Every city the petrol pump owners, accommodation providers and hotel and restaurant owners come forward and play the vital role. This came as a thought in my mind and I am just voicing it....its just a wish. 

Check our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Vandemaataram2014
For the minute planning details: http://vandemaataram-getspotted.blogspot.in/
Join there and support the cause! You'll love the journey and will be proud of your role.

Pic courtesy: Vandemaataram

Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram!

Hi! I haven't written anything in the past week, it has really been very hectic, now that's certainly not an excuse. Have been conducting full day training sessions, and ofcourse women's day celebration. I don't really believe in any women's day or men's day for that matter. It's all about the freedom of expression and being the person that one chooses to be. I am what I am because of the man in my life, he respects me and my choices and I do the same.

What makes me chant Vande Mataram today?

Bharajwaj Dayala the first Indian to go around the world on a motorcycle and who is attempting to do that again soon. I was writing about his project Dream Live, that'll use the social media and connect with people involving them as he embarks on his second world tour. Dream Live has shifted slightly to accommodate Vande Maataram, I shall write about it as we go along. Vande Mataram took me back to my own school days where we sang the national song as many times as the national anthem "Jana Gana". Beautiful memories of growing up years indeed.

A bit about our national song:

Vande Mataram, means   "I bow to thee, Mother" ,It is a hymn to the Mother Land taken from a poem by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1882 novel Anandamath. Written in both Bengali and Sanskrit. 

It played a vital role in the Indian independence movement, first sung in a political context by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. In 1950, post independence, when India became a republic, Only the first two verses (stanzas) were taken as  the national song. 

Vande Maataram..

Vande Maataram..
Sujalaam Sufalaam Malayaj SheetalaamSasyashyaamalaam MaataramVande Maataram.

Shubhrajyotsna Pulakit YaaminiimPhulla Kusumita Drumadal ShobhiniimSuhaasinim Sumadhura BhaashhinimSukhadaam VaradaamMaataram.. Vande Maataram

Meaning

Mother, I salute thee!
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
bright with orchard gleams,
Cool with thy winds of delight,
Dark fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.

Glory of moonlight dreams,

Over thy branches and lordly streams,

Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I salute.

Up next: Vande Maatram, the bikers unite and ride across the country motivating everyone to vote!