Mail to SUDHA MURTY - INFOSYS FOUNDATION

24th Jan. 2007

To

Mrs. Sudha Murty, M. Tech.

Trustee - Infosys Foundation, Bangalore.

Dear Madam,

Sub : A Red Letter Day

Ref : Your book ‘WISE and OTHERWISE’

I am an Indian and am presently reading your above referred book. I must admit that I am really impressed by the anecdotes therein and the lessons one gets to learn from them. As I read the morals in chapter after chapter, I feel proud to be an Indian. With persons like you doing yeoman service to the nation and its people in several ways, I believe strongly that there is still hope left for our country.

You have asked for suggestions on your chapter 'A Red Letter Day '. At the outset, I wish you and all your staff at Infosys Foundation a Memorable Republic Day. I am of the opinion that every day should be looked upon as A Red Letter Day and efforts must be made to awaken the masses by simple but significant events at frequent periods of time and in as many areas as possible. I know that this is a tall order, but I am certain, that with the efforts of the Foundation, the quality of lives of millions will improve.

One of my first suggestions is that your organization [whose presence is already there in a big way in schools] should play patriotic songs in schools and colleges especially on occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, Bapu Jayanthi, Childrens' Day, Guru Poornima, and Teachers’ Day. There are a number of such beautiful and melodious songs in Hindi, a few of which I have mentioned hereunder [The meanings of the songs must also be explained to the children].

1] Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, Zara Aankh mein bhar lo Paani, Jo Shahid huey hain unki, Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani.

2] Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani, Naye Daur Mein Likhengey, Milkar Nayi Kahaani, Hum Hindustaani, Hum Hindustaani.

3] Hum Laayein Hain Toofaan Sey Kashti Nikaal ke, Is Desh Ko Rakhna Mere Bacchhon Sambhaall Ke; Tum Hi Bhavishya Ho Mere Bhaarat Vishal Ke, Is Desh Ko Rakhna Mere Bacchhon Sambhaal Ke.

4] Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugale, Ugale Heere Moti, Mere Desh Ki Dharti. 5] Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Noujawaan Shaheed Ho.

6] Mera Joota Hai Japaani, Patloon Englistaani, Sar pe Laal Topi Roosi, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustaani.

7] Jahaan Daal Daal Par Soney Ki Chidiya Karti Hai Basera, wo Bhaarat Desh Hai Mera, Jai Bhaarati, Jai Bhaarati; Jahaan Satya Ahimsa Aur Dharam Ka Pag Pag Lagta Dhera, Wo Bhaarat Desh Hai Mera.

There are several such songs which touch one's heart when heard and goose pimples arise on one's skin when one listens to them. I have a few audio cassettes which I hear from time to time and feel inner peace and belief in self and our countrymen.

Children’s minds, they say, are like wet cement -- you make an impression on them in their childhood and it remains permanently throughout their lives. One saying I have coined a few years ago, is

Mee Lahaan [' I am small ', in Marathi];

Mera Bhaarat Mahaan !!!

With warm regards and Jai Hind !!!

ANUP ATTAVAR