Uppapan tomb in Maryland US ..

How can senior industry professionals be of use tothe younger generation ?

My classmates are senior professionals in the industry holding high office.  Senior managers, CEOs, and owners of global companies hold a wealth of experience and influence that can significantly shape the younger generation. Here are some key contributions they can make:

1. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing

• Career Guidance: Share insights on navigating complex business environments and making strategic decisions.
• Skill Development: Provide mentorship programs to nurture leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Storytelling: Share real-life experiences—successes and failures—to help the next generation learn practical lessons.

2. Opportunities and Access

• Internships & Fellowships: Offer hands-on learning experiences through structured internships and apprenticeships.
• Global Exposure: Facilitate opportunities to work across cultures and markets for a broader worldview.
• Networking: Introduce younger professionals to valuable networks that can foster career growth.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurial Support

• Incubation Programs: Support young innovators through funding, resources, and infrastructure.
• Risk-Taking Culture: Encourage creative thinking and allow room for experimentation and calculated risks.
• Sustainability Focus: Champion business models that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

4. Values and Ethical Leadership

• Integrity & Responsibility: Instill ethical decision-making and a long-term focus on societal impact.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Promote equitable opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Inspire younger generations to align their work with personal and societal values.

5. Personal Development

• Resilience & Adaptability: Teach the importance of flexibility in the face of uncertainty and rapid change.
• Lifelong Learning: Encourage a mindset of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Work-Life Balance: Model and promote healthy work-life integration to foster well-being.

6. Legacy and Long-Term Vision

• Sustainable Leadership: Prepare future leaders who prioritize sustainable growth over short-term gains.
• Philanthropy & Social Impact: Invest in causes that support education, health, and community welfare.
• Intergenerational Collaboration: Foster environments where wisdom meets innovation across generations.

Impact of Frequent Blood donation on longevity of life ..

As I completed my 57th voluntary blood donation at St. Johns Bangalore on 8 March 2025, I feel great, bubbling with good health, enthu and a positive feeling. It was a 2 hour Platelet Apheresis procedure, seventh apheresis procedure so far.

Dalai Lama once said, 'it is not enough to be compassionate, you must act'.

As I am also reading the book on Why we die, by the Nobel Prize winner from Cambridge, Venki Ramakrishnan, it makes more sense .. 

Here is what I got from the Internet, the long term benefits of blood donation on longevity of life.. It is true in my life ..

Potential Benefits of Blood Donation for Longevity:

1. Reduces Iron Levels:

   • Excess iron in the body can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various diseases like heart disease and cancer. Blood donation helps maintain optimal iron levels.

2. Improves Heart Health:

   • Studies suggest that regular blood donation may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood viscosity (thickness), improving circulation, and reducing the risk of clot formation.

3. Enhances Antioxidant Defense:

   • Lowering iron levels through blood donation can reduce oxidative damage to cells, potentially slowing aging-related diseases.

4. Boosts Immune System & Detoxification:

   • The body replenishes new blood cells, which may stimulate immune function and promote detoxification.

5. May Reduce Cancer Risk:

   • Some research suggests that lower iron levels may decrease the risk of certain cancers, particularly in individuals prone to iron overload.

6. Psychological & Social Benefits:

   • Acts of altruism and community service, such as blood donation, have been linked to reduced stress and improved mental well-being, factors that contribute to a longer life.

   Catch you all soon. 
   

How to not be anxious of the future

At age 60, managing anxiety about the future involves a combination of mindset shifts, practical planning, and self-care. Here are some steps to help:

1. Focus on the Present

Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.

Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Break larger goals into manageable steps.

Focus on things within your control rather than external uncertainties.

3. Plan for Financial Security

Ensure your savings, investments, and insurance are in order.

Consult a financial advisor if needed for long-term stability.

4. Maintain a Support System

Stay connected with family, friends, and community.

Share concerns with trusted individuals to lighten the mental load.

5. Take Care of Your Health

Prioritize physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular health check-ups.

Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

6. Adopt a Positive Outlook

Reflect on achievements and experiences that have brought you this far.

Cultivate gratitude by focusing on the good in your life.

7. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Explore new interests or skills that inspire curiosity and keep you mentally active.

Engage in volunteering or mentoring to find purpose.

8. Limit Exposure to Negativity

Reduce time spent consuming alarming news or social media.

Surround yourself with positive influences and uplifting content.

9. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Speak to a therapist or counselor to address underlying fears or anxieties.

By shifting focus from uncertainties to purposeful action, you can find more peace and confidence in your future journey.

The covenant of Holy Marriage ..

Marriage in the Holy Bible and Christianity

Marriage, as described in the Holy Bible, is a sacred covenant instituted by God and holds profound spiritual and moral significance in Christianity. It is viewed as a union not only between two individuals but also as a partnership under God's guidance and blessing, reflecting His divine plan for human relationships.

The Biblical Foundation of Marriage

1. Creation and Divine Design

The concept of marriage originates in the book of Genesis, where God creates man and woman to complement and support each other:

“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” (Genesis 2:18)

Marriage is described as a union where two individuals become one flesh:

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

2. Marriage as a Covenant

Marriage is not merely a contract but a sacred covenant, akin to the relationship between God and His people. The prophet Malachi emphasizes this:

“The LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. She is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” (Malachi 2:14)

3. Christ’s Teachings on Marriage

Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage in the New Testament. In Matthew 19:6, He states:

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This emphasizes the permanence of marriage and discourages divorce except in extreme circumstances (Matthew 19:9).

The Role of Love and Commitment

1. Selfless Love

The Bible calls for love that mirrors Christ’s love for the Church. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are instructed:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Similarly, wives are encouraged to respect and support their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24).

2. Mutual Respect and Submission

Christian marriage emphasizes mutual submission out of reverence for Christ:

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

This mutual submission fosters a relationship built on respect, understanding, and humility.

Maintaining the Sanctity of Marriage

1. Faithfulness

Faithfulness is central to maintaining the sanctity of marriage. Adultery and infidelity are explicitly condemned:

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)

2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Marriages may face challenges, but the Bible encourages forgiveness as a cornerstone of enduring relationships:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

3. Prayer and Spiritual Unity

Couples are urged to nurture their spiritual bond by praying together and seeking God’s guidance:

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Including God as the third strand strengthens the marital bond.

4. Servanthood and Sacrifice

The model of Christ’s sacrificial love is the ideal for spouses. Serving one another in humility sustains harmony and sanctity in marriage:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Challenges and Divine Guidance

While marriage is a divine institution, it requires effort, patience, and grace. Conflicts and trials are inevitable but can be overcome through:

1. Effective Communication: The Bible advises speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

2. Patience and Endurance: Love is patient and kind, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

3. Guidance from Scripture: Regular study of the Bible provides wisdom and direction for marital growth.

Conclusion

In Christianity, marriage is more than a social or legal agreement; it is a sacred bond reflecting God’s love and faithfulness. By adhering to biblical principles such as selfless love, mutual respect, faithfulness, and spiritual unity, couples can preserve the sanctity of their union. Marriage is both a gift and a responsibility, calling believers to honor God through their commitment to their spouse.

By living according to these teachings, Christian couples can build marriages that not only endure the test of time but also glorify God.

Marriage quotes from the Bible

Bible verses that beautifully reflect the love, commitment, and faithfulness essential in marriage:

1. Genesis 2:24

"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

2. 1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

3. Ephesians 4:2-3

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

4. Proverbs 18:22

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."

5. Mark 10:9

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

6. Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

7. Hebrews 13:4

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

8. 1 John 4:12

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

9. Proverbs 3:3-4

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

10. Song of Solomon 3:4

"I have found the one whom my soul loves.

11. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

12. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

13. Ephesians 5:25

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

14. Song of Solomon 8:6-7

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.

15. Colossians 3:14

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

These verses highlight the beauty and strength of love, the importance of unity, and the selfless commitment that forms the foundation of a blessed marriage.

These verses offer timeless wisdom on love, devotion, and the blessings of unity, capturing the spirit of a godly marriage.

Remembering Parumala Tirumeni ..

Venerated brethren in the exalted fellowship of Christ,

As the beatific solemnity of Parumala Tirumenis Perunnal approaches its resplendent dawn on the hallowed day of November 2, we gather with hearts saturated in profound veneration and expectant reverie at this consecrated locus, Parumala. With fervid supplication, let us lift our voices in gratitude, paying homage to the transcendent life of St. Gregorios of Parumala—a paradigm of sanctitude whose enduring legacy from Mulanthuruthy to Parumala continues to cast an ineffable luminescence upon our spiritual pilgrimage.

In this celestial moment of divine communion, let us entreat the Almighty for an opulent and boundless effusion of His sanctifying grace upon our assembled souls. May we be imbued with the noble virtues of humility, compassion, and immovable faith, endeavoring ardently to emulate the exalted path inscribed by our venerable saint. As we partake in these venerable rites and rituals, let our spirits be elevated to celestial heights, our intellects illumined with divine wisdom, and our souls invigorated by the ineffable truths embodied within his holy teachings.

Let us with earnest zeal implore for the unwavering fortitude to navigate the ephemeral vicissitudes of this mortal existence with resolute steadfastness, and for the sagacious discernment to extend our hands in magnanimous service to those burdened by need, thus mirroring the ineffable love and boundless charity that characterized the life of St. Gregorios.

As we convene within this consecrated edifice, let the benedictions of Parumala Tirumenis cascade upon us, guiding our spirits toward transcendent enlightenment and harmonious unity. May this venerable festival serve as a profound crucible of inner transformation, fostering within us an even deeper fidelity to our faith and an abiding commitment to one another, as a sacred and indivisible communion of believers.

In this sanctified congregation, let us exalt and give abundant thanks for the multitudinous blessings conferred upon us, casting our gaze toward the horizon of hope and enduring devotion. Amen.