Of Buddies , Books and Bachpan..

This Holi let us celebrate, the colours and fragrance of beautiful Malwa region of MP, through the powerful pen of Mandsaur (Manasa) born Rashtrakavi Balkavi Bairagiji who brought the freshness of Malwi to Hindi literature and who was not only a celebrated, much loved and prolific writer, but also a strong political figure who had represented his constituency at both state and national level as a...

Today, we present the conclusive part of this beautiful and thought provoking book 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' written by Shri Rangey Raghavji in superb Hindi. The questions raised by Yashodhara, her doubts, her grievances and her astute observations are quite relevant today. It has been a pleasure to be introduced to this strong and intelligent Yashodhara instead of the oft-depicted image of a beautif...

Yashodhara is tormented with intense emotions as she thinks about her life and her association with Gautam Buddha. She questions herself, the society in general and Siddharth. The author describes all this and Yashodhara's turmoil beautifully. Do listen to the next part of 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' presented in an inimitable style by Shri Rangey Raghavji, the 'Shakespeare of Hindi'.

Everyone in Kapilavastu is experiencing deep emotions - excitement, affection, pride, curiosity as they breathlessly await arrival.of their beloved Prince Siddhartha who is now a 'Shasta' , the Buddha. Everyone who meets him embraces his philosophy. The author describes all this and Yashodhara's turmoil when she learns about Buddha's homecoming in his own superb style. Do listen to the next part o...

Kapilavastu is full of excitement as Siddharth Gautam, their prince is nearby and he has gained the tall stature of ‘Shasta’- the biggest Guru of them all. Hordes after hordes of citizens- soldiers and ministers all together are embracing his philosophy. Witness the interesting and thought-provoking discussions between King Shuddhodhan, Princess Yashodhara, King Kotthit, Amrutodan and others, pres...

Today let us eavesdrop on conversations taking place in Kapilavastu after Siddharth's renunciation and upon learning about his attaining enlightenment and becoming the 'Buddha'. Emotions felt by Yaahodhara, Gautami, Shuddhodhan and others and their reactions have been described so beautifully the author. Do listen to the next part of 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' presented in an inimitable style by Shri...

We were taken aback with surprise as we began reading ‘Uttara’- the final section of ‘Yashodhara Jeet Gayi’ written by Shri Rangey Raghavji- on witnessing the revealing conversations between Yashodhara and little Rahul and Gautami, Yashodhara’s angst and dare we say, anger presented masterfully by the author- every word timelessly true and relevant. Yashodhara’s strong sentiments bringing out disp...

And today, six years since he left his palace in the middle of a night in quest of true happiness, on the banks of Niranjana River, sitting under the Ashwathh tree, Siddhart gautam attains enlightenment and becomes Buddha, the Enlightened One. We are also super excited to talk to Shri Rangey Raghavji's niece Ms Sudha Acharya about her childhood memories of Raghavji and also her thoughts on our hum...

Let us travel with Siddharth and experience the journey of six years embarked upon by Prince Siddharth Gautam after his renunciation of wordly life- a journey which brought enlightenment to the young prince and made him ‘The Buddha’, one of the greatest spiritual teachers, this world has ever seen. His struggles, his logical reasoning and the conclusions arrived at by him in his quest for liberati...

After witnessing the 'Four Sights', Siddharth is plunged into such a deep turmoil that even the birth of Rahul, his son fails to bring any joy to him. Shri Rangeya Raghavji paints a very powerful and thought provoking imagery of the night when Siddharth is affected deeply by the realities of life and is in a state of nervous introspection. Do listen to the next part of 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' prese...

Siddharth is immersed in deep thought as he withnesses and compares the disturbing reality of death and how very sorrowful the experience is for those left behind as compared to the serene countenance of a monk Siddharth comes across as the monk goes around begging for alms, visibly conquering his ego amd fears. Shri Rangeya Raghavji pens the turmoil felt by Siddharth in his typical simple, powerf...

In today’s episode we will learn about the upheaval caused in Siddharth's mind after he witnesses the second of the four life changing sights- illness. He plunges into deep thought with the realization that life is full of pain. He does not want to assign the pain to one's deeds and wants to delve deeper to find the real cause of pain and a way to eliminate. Shri Rangeya Raghavji also presents a v...

Siddharth witnesses the first of the four life changing sights. His initially agitated state of mind shocked with this new learning which gradually leads to new insights, the fascinating discussion between Mahaprajapati Gautami and Ganraja Shudhodhan and Yashodhara, Raghavji's thoughts about gender equality, about the hierarchical system prevalent during those times all presented in beautiful Hind...

Beautiful memories of Yashodhara, his soul mate haunt Siddharth- her luminous persona, her captivating beauty which virtually enslaved him and almost made him forget the seeds of enquiry finding fertile grounds in his mind. But not for long. His fate wil take him on a new journey...Do listen to the next part of 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' written in the most evocative style in beautiful Hindi by Shri R...

Lost deep in thought, near the Aswatth tree on the banks of Nilanjana, Siddharth dwells upon his earlier life as a prince spent in luxuries and pleasures. On one hand, a life free from encumbrances beckons him as he is about to sit under the Aswatth tree and on the other hand his memories of Kapilavastu and loved ones torment him. Do listen to the next part of 'Yashodhara Jeet Gayi' written master...

In today’s episode, let’s hear from the great author Shri Rangey Raghav himself about his thoughts on his poignant creation ‘Yashodhara Jeet Gayi’. An immensely prolific and multi-talented writer, Raghavji is known for his unique perspective and presentation of subjects centred on Indian culture, tradition and art. Today, we will also present a short reading- an appetiser(!) from the book to give...

Welcome to our exciting season 4. In the pilot episode we offer you a glimpse into our new season ! We hope to cover previously untouched authors and genres of Hindi literature. And as we celebrate foundation day of many states today, we present a short and humorous piece by Shri Sharad Joshi- 'Chachaji ka truck' trucks being a symbol that unite India in a very unique way. So, do tune in and liste...

Our Season 3 and our scientific exploration of cosmic rays, full of delightful discoveries, sprinkled liberally with philosophical meanderings of Agyeya's intriguing mind finally concludes today. Chaper 2 'Kiranon ki Khoj mein' from the must read travelog 'Arrey Yayavar Rahega Yaad' written by Shri Sachchidanand Hirananad Vatsyayan 'Agyeya' is a revelation of a different kind- humour, folk tales,...

In today’s episode, we will venture further high and deep into the mountains of Kashmir and reach our final destination, the breathtaking Kausar Nag lake located in majestic Pir Panjal ranges with Shri Sachidanand Hiranand Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’ as we read the chapter ‘Kiranon ki khoj mein’ from his book’ Arrey Yayavar Rahega Yaad’. The beautiful penmenship and sharp intellect come alive in this part...

Shubh Vijayadashmi dear listeners. In the second part of the exciting expedition we have embarked upon in the stunning vistas of Kashmir from the chapter Kiranon Ki Khoj Mein with Shri Sachchidanand Hirananad Vatsyayan 'Agyeya' from his beautiful travelog "Arrey Yayavar rahega yaad", we will see yet another facet of Sachidanand as a student, an adventurer, also someone very relatable as he reminis...

Let us venture into a new adventure with Shri Sachidanand Hiranand Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’ in the next part of his book’ Arrey Yayavar Rahega Yaad’ searching for cosmic rays in pristine waters of Kashmir of early 1930s as we start reading ‘Kiranon ki khoj mein’. As always, Agyeya will take us to a multi-dimensional exploration- of places, minds, thoughts, people as we embark on this expedition with him...

Today we conclude our long journey across the geography and history of India from Parshuram in Arunachal to Torkham and complete the first part of ‘Arrey Yayavar Rahega Yaad’ written by the genius writer Sachidanand Hiranand Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’. One cannot help but marvel at the timelessness and richness of ‘Bhartiya Sanskriti’ which has over ages, assimilated and enhanced cultures of all who came...

As we move closer and closer to Torkham , in today’s episode of ‘Arrey Yayawar Rahega Yaad’? penned by the celebrated writer, philosopher, rebel Shri Sachidanand Hiranand Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’, let us be amazed at the ruins of Takshshila and the heartrending story of prince Kunal, pay our respects in holy Panja Sahib, admire the statuesque Attock fort and the breathtaking views of Indus valley, Khybe...

In the third part of our exciting journey from Parshuram to Torkham with Shri Sachchidanand Hirananad Vatsyayan 'Agyeya' through his beautiful travelog "Arrey Yayavar rahega yaad", we traverse the Gangetic plains of Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to reach the then 'Paris of India' - Lahore as called by him. Enroute to Lahore, experience the hinterland of UP and places like Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan an...

In today’s episode of ‘Arrey Yayavar Rahega Yaad’ penned by the great polymath writer Sachinand Hiranand Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’, we travel in history and geography both as we move ahead from Sadia towards Punjab, discovering our heritage enroute- the Sutia kingdom, Ratnapur, the great Ahom empire, Coochbehar. Such a treasure trove of history peppered generously with Agyeyaji’s rich commentary about th...