Vasudha Jhunjhunwala

Every Indian should watch this film to know the unparalleled might of a lost freedom fighter named “Vinayak Damodar Savarkar” .. who was so powerful that he could make an entire British empire tremble with sheer utterance of his name… so much so that the Britishers wrongly sentenced him for Kala Pani (double life imprisonment in Port Blair) for having him so far away from them that they never had to deal with him again.. but even the thick walls of prison could not stop this great freedom fighter..

Savarkar was a smart strategist. The Britishers ruled upon us very strategically, by breaking our beliefs in our rich cultural history and mocking upon everything that was so real to us, they made us emotionally weak. It was like cutting down the roots of a tall tree so that it falls down. And so we needed someone educated and intellectually capable to challenge this enemy, a strategist like Savarkar. He was both Intelligent & fearless, he chose London itself to headquarter his fight against the unjust rule of Brits. So that he could learn from the enemy himself how to exactly counter him. While in London he Studied British law to challenge them for their unjust actions using their own laws. He attacked the enemy from multiple sides .. from one side through his books he inspired many other freedom fighters..so that our broken belief in ourselves could be brought back. He used the power of his pen, and his books to inspire citizens. On the other side he also supported Indian freedom fighters militarily by sending them guns from England. And later a recipe for manufacturing bombs. Which enabled our freedom fighters to create fear in our enemies minds.

If it wasn’t for brave heart heroes like Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Subhash Chadra bose and many others like them who took the path of weapons, freedom of our country would not have been possible.. so to give the entire credit to one philosophy of Gandhi ji is a great exaggeration. But isn’t that the 90% we learned in our school books, that the Gandhian philosophy got us our freedom..

How come the Indian History text books conveniently omitted Veer Savarkar from the chapters which talked about the freedom struggle of India? Why did Veer Savarkar did not play a significant role in nation building in the independent India despite his invaluable contributions towards freedom movement ? Why was he put behind bars for hundred days in Independent India? Why was he wrongly framed for Gandhi Ji’s murder?? Many questions have arisen in my heart after watching this film .. how much we Indians have been numbed to our own past.. ? did our country really become free of the intellectual slavery in 1947 or some other rulers continued to rule upon us in garb of false morality & ethics to suit their own interests .. ??? Questions to ponder upon for all of us..

Grateful to Randeep Hooda the writer, director and producer of this film for bringing to life one of the bravest forgotten freedom fighter of India. We owe it to our present and future generation to know and get inspired by our real history. Whitewashing history for me is the greatest crime because Itihaas means – “narrated as it happened” and only then it can be referred to look and learn from.., isn’t it!

Every Indian citizen “Do watch this movie” , we owe it to Veer Savarkar.

Satyameva Jayate. (High time Indians live by this core value)

Yes! Peace is possible. Yes! Unity is possible. Yes! We can celebrate different cultures. Yes! We can coexist. Yes! Humaneness first. These are a few statements that form my experience of the World Culture festival 2023 that I attended recently at Washington DC. Which over a million people from 180 countries attended at the National Mall in Washington. A total of seventeen thousand Artists presented their diverse cultures through their music and dance forms. In a divided war torn world what an amazing solace this celebration was, like a breeze of cold air in a hot desert, or like a laser beam of light in the blinding darkness that illumines.. this festival was more than just any other event for me..

Because this event provoked some important questions – “what are we humans here on this planet for? Is it to fight over our differences, or are we here to fight for our survival, or to protect our individual faith? Are one of these the purpose of human life…. but these are extremely primitive beliefs, and we call ourselves modern, don’t we!

Of course we are different from one another – in gender, in colour, in faith, in thought, in belief, in culture but can we not live in harmony despite these differences .. Think about it- aren’t we within our small family all so unique and distinct from each other- in our likes, dislikes behaviour etc, but somehow that is acceptable to us. Than why can we not accept each others diverse nature in our bigger family ..

The ambassador of peace- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar ji made a statement at Capitol Hill by organising the World culture festival. That we are indeed a “One big human family”. Despite our differences we can live in harmony with each other.

This event created a loud and clear sound of peace, it was the voice of universal love. And that this voice of Unity is more powerful than the noise of any war got stated in it’s magnanimity. What a beautiful vision that Gurudev manifested. Magical it was, simply magical ..

More power to this voice of peace. And to him for he not only believes in goodness of people but also has the power to bring us together. Gurudev’s message on this occasion- “If the mind is serene and calm then there is peace. Let’s commit ourselves on this occassion to bring happiness in society and wipe tears, that is humanness. We belong to one family”

Meditation brings peace in the mind. Gurudev led a meditation for one million people together. And that sound of silence that got created was very very powerful . Peace radiated from all hearts. And collective prayers rose like a huge wave rises in the ocean.

And my prayer was- Let every culture prosper, let Human race really grow in oneness. Let the voice of peace roar on our planet. Let us respect life in all its expressions. As every expression adds to the beauty of our “Human family”.

How freeing was that, can’t express in words!

I am going back home with an expanded consciousness and with the belief that -Peace will prosper beyond all odds. We are indeed one in spirit. And that inner spirit which is universal which expresses in our hearts fully will also bring us together as human family in future through many such celebrations.

In hope & gratitude

Vasudha Jhunjhunwala

This project did not mean being in courage zone, it meant being in absolute faith, faith in the higher power which governs this creation. Because that which is beyond the capacity of a human is a miracle of God. Thank you God/Guru for the gift of faith, that you will never let me fall.

Average time for executing such a project is minimum 75 days. This project got executed within 30 days. Less than half the time. The stakes were very high and there were no scope of errors or of backing off. Whenever there was a great roadblock during the project, we chanted Guru Pooja, and somehow the obstacle got cleared. And we witnessed a miracle manifest at every step..

A miracle defies logic. And absolute faith manifests miracles.

Jai Shri Hanuman 🙏

We are happy to share with you the news of our recent supply to Rambagh Palace, Jaipur – recently ranked as World’s Best Hotel . Our previous rug supplied for the same location lived a record life of more than twenty years.

A sneak peak for you behind the scenes of what goes into making of a masterpiece like this. Showcasing our celebrations of success in achieving yet another milestone.

Regards – Vasudha Jhunjhunwala. (on behalf of team Varamlife home by the House of K.P )

I am grateful to Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai team for inviting me to their all India conference of house keepers, as a guest speaker, for giving a talk about Rug manufacturing & maintance. I never knew that something that was a child’s play, once for me, would one day become a driving passion and bring me to this day and place.

They say that our childhood years are also the most impressionable years of life, don’t they! That’s definitely true atleast for me.. A huge family house literally located in the middle of a rug Factory, that’s where we grew up. Every evening this factory in our backyard would turn into a huge playground for all of us, i mean for all the thirteen-fourteen children living in our huge joint family. And our unique toys were all the things stacked around in this factory godown. I remember clearly, we jumped over rugs, tripped over things, played hide and seek, dark room, threw wool pom-Pom’s at each other…. and during all of this divine chaos also made friends with weavers & workers … we enjoyed every bit of our unique play in the company of our weaver friends, who would be amused and sometimes even annoyed with our naughtiness …

In the midst of this childhood play I developed a passion, a passion just by chance…and the rug manufacturing industry has become one of the driving forces in my life. This industry is very very old. Generation after generation these humble artisans have carried the art of rug weaving to this day. Toiling day and night to weave happiness for us with their hard work. Being part of their journey and showcasing value of their hard work is a fulfilling experience. Having done my education In fine Arts I do appreciate the Art and skill involved in making every piece. There are many delicate processes involved at every stage. And so for me talking about rugs and rug making with anyone is delightful. Every project that we do brings new learning and brings new experiences and that’s surely an enriching experience too. Thanks to our parents who gifted us our unique playground and our skilled friends in childhood where learning happened effortlessly.

I look forward to being part of many such engaging conversations in future also. And contribute my little bit towards the growth of this amazing industry.

In-service

Atharva College of Engineering invited me to facilitate one of the sessions for Induction of first year Engineering Students. Because of Covid lockdown, it was only after two long years, that I got an opportunity to visit the college campus and interact with youth in person again. All college sessions in the last two years were online.

The overall feel of this college campus was very positive and calm as though bestowed by special blessings of Lord Ganesha, the name of the college has the secret may be.. After interacting with the college professors on various topics related to youth and the life of educators, I entered the auditorium bustling with heightened youthful energy and was welcomed by the chattering of aspiring students. I was visiting there along with fellow Art of Living Teachers and volunteers.

It’s a privilege to guide these students to get ready for one of the most important and exciting phases of their life – “College Life.” The years when the wings of freedom add new thrill in life. Along with newer responsibilities to shape a bright future. It’s like being on an eternal adventure to be a youth, almost like being on a roller coaster ride. Fun and thrill are accompanied by the dangers of distraction, this sometimes could be a lot of pressure for a naïve heart and young brain. The students shared the many challenges they face and how it only adds to more pressure. To which I shared with them my secret- Having a seat belt on can be the only saviour during such a roller coaster ride. And learning to Discipline the mind, emotions & time is that seat belt, that saviour which can make life a real joyride. Though discipline seems opposing freedom and fun, just like a seatbelt may feel uncomfortable to start with, but it is THE most important aspect of adulthood. The sure short recipe for success… those who really succeeded were those who followed certain discipline in life, isn’t it!

Three fifty students saw a glimpse of how the mind & emotions got disciplined within a few minutes of their first meditation experience. Stress got released as they gradually moved into complete silence. As mischievous & fun were the chatters as I had entered, equally endearing was the silence of these young minds, experiencing the connection with themselves. Post the meditation their eyes opened with big smiles.

Peaceful & disciplined individuals would ripple peace around them. We reflect who we are .. And so the session ended with the students voting to stand for peace and being part of the #Istandforpeace movement started by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar across India, the US, Europe and Africa. Sri Sri Ravishankar says that: “When 1% of the population meditates, it elevates the collective consciousness. Similarly, if enough people say “I stand up for peace” then we project that energy, that vision and it will happen.

As the seeds of peace have been sowed through this session, I am hopeful that the some of these young minds of our nation will carry with them together peace for a more peaceful planet as they fly high and happy in their own lives with their new wings of freedom.

Grateful to the Principal and Teachers of Atharva College of Engineering for this initiative where students’ 180-degreegrowth is considered important for living a holistic life. Being around youth is advantageous in a sense that it keeps you young at heart. As I refuse to grow old and so resolve to be around youth always 🙂

In-Service

It is a matter of great honor for us that our beloved customers trust us enough to stay with us for a double decade.

Any seasoned branding expert will tell you that the biggest flex for a brand is its customers sticking by it even in times of breakneck competition.

We have always tried to let our products do the talking and we feel so grateful that Mrs. Chandra Bagaria from New Jersey, USA chooses to keep her undying faith in our quality. The appreciation stays etched in our hearts. The Good Will our father has earned in his life’s journey is our true wealth and we cherish every bit of this legacy. Grateful to be part of a business tradition built on the foundation of trust and ethics.

On behalf of Team Varam
Vasudha Jhunjhunwala
( K.P & Company ) Manufacturers of Rugs over 50 years

Yesterday I heard of a suicide in a distant friend’s house. Was shaken to hear the news. Why would a young person from a well to do family take such a drastic step of taking her life? Lots of unanswered questions baffled my mind.. somehow that very moment I saw a whatapp msg on my phone … The whatapp msg said- “Plz watch Kajal’s video- https://youtu.be/SRGpUYafz3g “ . Let me share with you Kajal’s story of hope reading which no one should ever think of giving up..

Kajal Agarwal just 23 years in age, lives in Kolkatta with her grandmother. She came to attend our free online meditation session last year during COVID lock down. She was silent throughout the 5-6 days of the session and never spoke a word. We got to know the last day of the workshop that She was heart broken due loss of her parents during Covid. Devastated and helpless She could hardly even speak. Somehow she found little strength from the daily meditations. She was guided to take a Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) and Sahaj program by our team. We were constantly in touch with her to help her during this very difficult phase of her life. Motivating her and giving her love and care. After completing the SKY and Sahaj programs, Kajal felt like a completely new person, as if some miracle happened for her life. She could overcome her trauma and found new courage as she decided to give her CA final exams which were only three months away then. Before every exam she would call and share how she was feeling anxious. I told her Gurudev was with her and she continued her meditation practices through this time which gave her strength. And with God’s grace she could complete her CA final exams.

Kajal cleared these exams and became a CA. She is into a good Job now. Stable and happy and also in Service (see her video) helping others. Seeing her do well is an inspiration for me as a teacher, to continue spreading the spiritual light and helping reach solace and hope to people who may have given up or are on a verge of breakdown .

Just thought of sharing this beautiful life story of Kajal. Connecting with the spirit within us gives us strength to overcome every obstacle of life. Kajal’s life story is an example. So never give up, connect to the strength within. There is infinite power within us! Life is too precious and we cannot ever give up on it in any circumstances, no matter how bad things may appear to be. All is here to change, this will also change, let’s be reminded…. May there be peace in all hearts. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

In service
Vasudha Jhunjhunwala

The basic knowledge about Indian Governance that every citizen must have, has been put together in this very brief video. Let us invest time in viewing this, especially with children and explaining them how our country works. So that they can exercise their rights and duties and aim to become responsible citizens of our country.