I BELIEVE IN EASTER
by
Melvyn Brown
I believe in Easter. Easter
is forever.
I believe in the Son of
God who died, was buried and rose from the dead.
I believe in the Message
of Easter, and in the person of Jesus.
I believe, like Him, we
too shall rise again.
I believe because I know
that Easter is the single and greatest story the
world has ever known.
I believe that Christ proved
to mankind once and for all that He was God.
I believe in Easter not
for the reasons people give, but for the knowledge I
share with millions of others before me, who knew the
Resurrection of the Son was and always will be the truth
of our faith.
I believe in the Spirit of
Easter, the Spirit of the Father, the Son and the
Holy Ghost.
I believe that Easter is the ultimate
festival in the Christian faith.
I believe in all the events which
led to the crucifixion and the eventual
return
of Jesus to the body and to His flock.
I believe that Easter proves God
loves us.
I believe that Easter is
the symbol of new life, a beginning, a profound
ecstasy to salvation. It is only because I believe that
God makes all things possible. Easter makes our
Christian lives have meaning. Easter means hope.
Easter means redemption. Easter is the final word of
God to all believers. Easter is the spring of eternal life
the gateway to heaven, the ladder to reach the holy
presence of Almighty God.
I believe in an Easter of forgiveness.
I believe in an Easter of peace.
I believe in Easter as the sanction,
which breaks all the hate and exudes
the promise of paradise. Easter signifies renewal.
Easter radiates the glory of things to come. Easter
is the power which makes our faith unique. Easter
is the bond we make at birth as the people of God.
I believe in Easter above all else.
Mental And Physical Spirituality
by Melvyn Brown
There is no spiritual vacuum. Faith transforms. It creates an
ascendancy of healthy moral and social values. Belief is a rich and marvelous experience open to all, and not only
to the mystic. Call it faith or belief, the spiritual dimension within exerts its potential to do good beyond our mundane
understanding.
Two forms of spirituality exists: Physical and mental.
Physical
spirituality is the advocacy of action in prayer and performance for the creator's attention. Prayer beads contribute
to most cultures a form of hysical activity - sometimes for concentration ; for rhythm to thought ; for the "power" attributed
to vibrations. In Hinduism , Buddhism, Islam and Taoism, prayer beads prove their potency.
The
triumph and fulfilment of prayer in physical spirituality comes on bended knees, raising the arms, using the voice in
psalms, chants and song; the sound of ringing bells in temples, churches and places of worship add to this form of holiness.
Burning of candles, incense and joss sticks no less.
Dance plays a significant role as well. The Hindu temple dancers. The fertility dances of Egypt, the rain dances of Africa
; dances to invoke the Gods for every temporal want, from an abundant harvest, to worship of the almighty. In China, since
its constitution was amended in 1982 to permit freedom of religion - the spiritual form of dance is being revived.
The
art of physical spirituality is to mobilise energy, prayer and piety into the
web of material creativeness : into paintings, sculpture, designs for houses of prayer ; wood carvings of statues from the
bulwark of the early years of
Christianity. Stone figures in Hindu temples are earlier than the millenniums even before Egypt built golden figures
of their Gods and pharaohs. Taoism and the chinese form of physical spirituality is preserved in images of semi-precious
stones : in jade, amber and crystal (the more commonly used stones) Chinese craftsmen were the early masters of the clay figurine.
They all practised physical spirituality.
Mental spirituality is non-rigorous, yet equally demanding. It debunks the feats of shamans - and in a less show of attention
performs an epiphany of sincere dialogue with the universal forces. There is a wave of theology to prove mental spirituality
or for that matter, the concept and existence of God. "Believe,"said the man Jesus, "and all things are possible." True.
Belief
in mental spirituality will attract the power of good always. Prayers are petitions. Practised by mystics,monks, priests and
maulanas across the earth.Religion is no longer the opiate of the masses. Religion in the form of mental spirituality
compounds a way to cleanse sin and evil without the harsh realities of physical transgression. There is no mind-bending struggle
with the power of mental spirituality. It is basically a simple act of putting manual effort to spirituality visions.
The
simple message in mental spirituality is to harness the floodgates of belief that there is a god who is responsible, loving
and ever prepared to forgive and assist us in our honest and sincere desires. Never think negatively. Let it be known
that spirituality in deed and thought never lost a soul.
MOTHER TERESA : WOMAN OF THE MILLENNIUM
By Melvyn Brown
Tell anyone who doesn't live inCalcutta that the country has a destitution syndrome and you're likely to be faced with shock,if
not smiles. Sickness,aging and dying in the population is dramatically misguided in policy decisions,considering the status
quo and the vast potential in mass advances in business,welfare,medicine,arms and industrial productivity. The performance
to help the rich grow richer is always efficiently maintained as a way of life and a standard of living.
In the midst of all these harsh realities Mother Teresa,founder of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide, became an icon of
peace,hope and love, the most unlikely refuge and shelter for the broken spirit of men, women and children across the globe.
She had no deadline to meet, only to care, comfort and rescue the poorest of the poor. Observers insist that her will and
stubborn determination to generate compassion from those "who have,for those who haven't" was the driving force,which brought
incredible relief from the most unexpected quarters.
With breathless excitement I once went with Mother Teresa's group of volunteer-workers, and the media to Raigarh. It was a
welcome experience to witness Mother in person, to receive her blessings, and to observe the love and hospitality she received
wherever she went. I was there as a freelance journalist ,reporting for the Herald.
At this point I knew that a scrupulously prepared,emotionally sincere writer has the fortunate blessings, as I had, of being
in the presence of a spiritual gem. Mother Teresa knew the stress of tireless self-awareness and by her gesture and
_expression could relay a volume of happiness and hope around her.
The scattered accolades of leading personalities who had known Mother Teresa turned out to be a scoopful to preserve as part
of the saint-to- be's history. I recall the words of Dominique Lapierre who said, ' I feel orphaned. We have lost our mother.
Mother Teresa's spirit has to be kept alive." Adams Hopkins, American journalist had written in the Telegraph, "Here was a
a woman who merits the grief of all of us for she took upon herself the sorrows of humanity.'
The famous Indian photographer, Raghu Rai, had this to say about Mother Teresa : "She lived truth 100 per cent of the time.
She would help everybody if she thought you needed it. But she could be tough, even with the poor if she thought that they
were playing a game with her..."
Khushwant
Singh, the columnist could not resist the urge to comment on Mother Teresa. "I found her a singularly unimpressive looking
woman with no charisma but nerves of steel and a heart of gold..."
The Missionaries of Charity had expanded into Europe and America, Africa and Australia. It was the misery of Calcutta
that built up and sustained her reputation; it induced the rich and the powerful to give her money and the benefits of
patronage.
Mother Teresa's relentless ascent to sainthood has proved the power of prayer and that the struggle to do good will always
be a beacon of hope and vision for this new millennium.
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OPUS DEI TEACHES CATHOLICS HOLINESS
By Melvyn
Brown
Roman Catholics around India don't get many chances to celebrate. So when someone decides to make a breakthrough with the
openness to talk about the Catholic conservative organisation ‘Opus Dei’ and their mission to teach holiness
to Catholics, they are jubilant.
The organisation was approved by the Pope in 1982 with a special
place in the Catholic church. The founder of ‘Opus Dei’, Jose Maria Escriva promoted the vision of an apostolate
to teach Catholics to work towards holiness. It was the yardstick which drew 87,000 members from across the world. In
2002 Escriva was made a saint.
Pope John Paul 11 admired ‘Opus De’i for their mission in prayer, silence and healing spiritual dilemmas. It was
John Allen, the author of a book on ‘Opus Dei’ who first publicly said the groups influence was not as strong
as people imagined.
Adding salt to the wound, along came Dan Brown's book The ‘Da Vinci Code’, and it portrayed an unfair image of
‘Opus Dei’. Brian Finnerty, spokes-person for Opus Dei said. "What we're trying to do is take advantage of the
interest to explain what the real ‘Opus Dei’ is all about."
‘Opus Dei’ is practical in its charitable works, and aids hospitals, social centres and schools in America
and Africa. In Manhattan they have a 17-storey building and people are asked to visit, or reach for colourful leaflets to
know more about plans and projects. There are offices, conference rooms and accommodations for their members. Finnerty said,
" Not at all like a monastery..."
The book "The Da Vinci Code" portrayed ‘Opus Dei’ as a cult, recruiting members and keeping them as strangers
to their families -This was wrong, and only helped to further unrest in the minds of Catholics. The novel has been "
condemned" by the Roman Catholic Church.
In May 2006 the movie of the book will be released. Opus Dei is deeply concerned and determined to overcome the "unblessed
image" painted by the author.
A CONCERTO TO CRIPPLE THE FAITH
by Melvyn Brown
We are witnesses today of all the telltale signs of a dark plot eerily reminiscent of another "Jesus bashing"
breakout ‘Jesus in Kashmir’, His miracles supposedly done with cannabis; did He exist or was it a myth; the Da
Vinci Code; the fading-away of religious instruction being taught in schools; the movement to remove the Cross ( a symbol
of Christianity) from the walls in Christian institutions.
Someone is trying to discredit our true faith, in a transparent concerto to devastate the temerity in our belief. They are
peddling doubts, ideas that can cripple the mind of young believers, downloading dissent which grows like a virus in the hearts
of followers. Who is this someone ? Are we putting our Christian values in danger? Is it time to retrace our steps - and overwhelm
the enemy, in a Christian and old-fashioned way; faith above all else. Prayers,processions and vigils to coordinate and destroy
this pariah of perdition.
Unfazed in knowing that no Christian reaction can be strong enough, the brain behind this concerted effort to use mercenaries
for its purposes is evidence of the pen being mightier.
An atheist in Italy puts a small-town priest on trial for asserting that the Son of God had existed 2000 years ago. The
Italian judge has since dismissed thecase. The atheist is being prosecuted for possible slander.
The recent bestseller on the so-called secret life of Jesus has since been torn-to-pieces, and declared as a work of
fiction. It purported at first to be based on facts in the media causing irreparable harm to innocent minds.
The media has the freedom to explore any topic if it will help to better circulation and readership. The media is used around
the world as a vehicle to inform, cultivate, care or cripple ideas. There is very little we can do to stop it - we could use
the media to promote what's right, just and correct. Discretion is always the better part of valour .
The concerto to cripple the faith must be met with the honesty of truth and trust.
- Melvyn Brown
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WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
By Melvyn Brown
What we need in society today, is change. Change for a world united in peace. Change in the script which calls for peace and
hesitates to implement it. We need peace on all fronts:political, religious, domestic, industrial, you name it, we need it.
The umbilical cord of deceit tied around the neck of greed and corruption should be wasted away.. Enough is enough.
The accumulation of wealth is an illusion of success. You may not believe this. How much money does an individual need? Enough
to live a peaceful, happy,well-invested life. Not to dream of excessive owning, having, wanting,more,more and more. Peace
is found, eventually on the pyre of disgust and illusion.
Have a good home by all means if it frames your attitude. Have the opportunity to help others. Good people are selfless and
shine in the face of adversity.You can be rich, not filthy rich, or you will have less regard for the fallen or the poor.
With the advent of men like the new Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, who wishes :"Israel must be wiped off the map". What would happen to all the good men, and especially all the men who desire to accumulate
wealth endlessly ? Because, a single nuclear explosion could also engulf more than Israel in its wake. A chain-reaction
will wipe out not only Zionism,but also Islam from the world.
Enough is enough.
Let people make their own choices based on their own practical decisions and beliefs.No more talk about, peace corp.,peace
prize, peace treaty -enough is enough.....
Melvyn Brown
**********************************************************************************
How Franciscans of Assisi Lost Their Autonomy
by Melvyn
Brown
Imagine a community of mendicant friars with a vision to make the shrine of St. Francis of Assisi the world -centre of inter-religious dialogue ,and pacifism. Now imagine them
dashing off to Rome to plead for autonomy. That was basically the reality.
The hype began when Pope Paul VI n 1969 granted autonomy to te friars. The Umbrian hills showcasing the shrine of the saint
became renowned overnight for peace marches, and for peace conferences (1986 and 2002) Pilgrims were welcomed in millions every
year at the burial place of St.Francis.
The Franciscans rapidly turned the shrine and their efforts into a bold an colourful institution in the Catholic Church. They
had built a bridge between the Church and society.
The first conference had the participation of native American and African animists, including Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist
leaders. With conservative Catholics this did not go off well.
Cardinal
Ratzinger at the time was Pope John Paul II's theological adviser, said, "this cannot be the model" for ecumenical
dialogue. Ratzinger could not forgive the excesses of the first day of prayer which brought together leaders with Pope
John Paul II.
The "mockery" had forced the Pope's hand and the friars had broken their agreement. It had gone too far when African
animists were allowed to slaughter chickens on the altar of the basilica of Santa Chiara, and American Indians danced in the
church.
Since
that inter-religious meeting in 1986 Cardial Ratzinger had a
bone to settle with the friars.
Vittorio Messori, a Catholic commentator said, " The Church as a long memory. Joseph Ratzinger has had an account to settle
with the friars of Assisi.....Ratzinger has not forgiven the Franciscan community for the
excesses of
the first day of prayer of religious leaders," which included Pope John Paul II.
When
Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI he took the decision to put Assisi
under the control of the local bisop, a cardinal, and Cardinal Ruini, a
strong conservative leader of the Italian Bishop's Conference.
Franciscans lost their autonomy and the " fort of dialogue has fallen," said Livia Turco, an ex-member of the opposition Democrats
of the Left.
No longer will the Franciscans be the bridge between the Catholic Church and society.
Melvyn
Brown
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THE WAY WE ARE
by Melvyn Brown
The more experienced in the ways of the world know what to expect and maybe what not to where people are concerned. If we
celebrate the way we are, the seriousness of human nature will be emboldened and become a testament to the vagaries of human
life.
Homo sapiens have alternating wavelengths which shortens in some and increases in others. Elementary psychology today determines
that a person performs on the patterned structure of his environment and influence. If this summation is heeded then people,
who refuse to change, are not intentionally guilty of their irrational actions.
Phil McFadden,chief scientist at Geoscience Australia once said,
"One of the problems is that if you tell untrained people,"Listen - there's a tsunami coming," half of them go down
to the beach to see what a tsunami looks like."
For
the past several decades human actions and their reactions have ruptured; based largely on the overflow of mistaken
ideologies that provoke hate, anger and death as redemption. Massive doses of violence around the world are recorded for research
in order to investigate their underlying motives. While this effort has its own scenario, the horror of recurring suicide-bombers
moving around like zombies is always a nightmare for a cultured and civilized society.
This
is not the way we are.
We are good people. We tolerate and endure. We do not believe in genocide. We cannot bear the barbaric act of executions.
We never insult our friends and neighbours. Terrorism is a cowards way to prove a point. Invasion is disgusting. The spirit
of man and his visions can never be blown-up, battered, threatened or massacred.
I am somewhat of a skeptic. But the teachings I grew up with taught me to trust people, to accept their misgivings, to overlook
their wayward behaviour and to pardon those who are sorry for their misdeeds. I was also taught to know when to draw the line
with die-hards. Yes, to turn the cheek once, twice but not
everytime. To be kind, to be polite, to be passionate, to bear only as much as a ravaged heart can take.
Life is a gift, believe it. Life is beautiful, accept it. Life contributes to a profound sense of love and peace.
No one has the right to destroy life. No one.
And that's the way we are.
- Melvyn Brown
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The Second Crucifixion
by Melvyn Brown
The new wisdom of opening up the life of Jesus to a transfusion of oddities and absurd misconceptions in the media
is becoming a major and festering issue with Christians worldwide.
The latest trauma is in an article by Chris Bennett in the drugs magazine,High Times, titled "Was Jesus a Stoner?" He
quotes scholars to back his claim that cannabis was used in Judaic religion.Used in anointing. In incense, and
what not.
Duncan Campbell, the reporter from Los Angeles,had his own misgivings when he wrote in The Guardian, "Bennett argues
that Jesus anointed his disciples with the oil and encouraged them to do the same with other followers..."
The unmistakable and mischievous fact about classical mythology in other beliefs could be accepted as harmless - not in Christian
theology. Christianity is highly motivated in history, thought and ancient truth, which is, perhaps, unfamiliar territory
to both Bennett and Campbell.
Suddenly, in this millennium Satan and his cohorts have grown a strategy of dark insurgency to demean Christ and the Catholic
establishment. From the books on "Jesus lived in Kashmir" to the present day "Da Vinci Code", these are not a good proxy
for the millions outside the faith who would be
stained by doubt and disbelief. Fanning of resentment in this clever campaign to discredit a faith known to be
unchanged, documented stubbornly by countless prophets down the history of the Old Testament, giving in a perfectly consistent
statement after statement the predictions for the coming of Jesus - and how He would be born, live,perform and die for the
salvation of mankind.
Today
the canvassers of hate, grumpiness and terrorism will never defeat the Christian faith, even with those who have made a "bad
xerox copy" of Christianity with attachment to their own cults cannot wipe away the tears from heaven.The second crucifixion
of Jesus in the media has made the Christian faith stronger in its momentum to sail through another millennium.
If the ingredient called "Kaneh-bosem" was used for miracles in healing - by all means go ahead and use the cannabis extract
and heal the blind, the lame, the changing of water-to-wine, the re-patching of a cut-off human ear, and of course, bring
back the dead to life. Try it.
- Melvyn Brown
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Reality Versus Compassion
Pope Benedict Calls for a New World Order
by Melvyn Brown
In his first Christmas address Pope Benedict called for a "new world order", to unite against terrorism. "A united humanity
will be able to confront the many troubling problems of the present time : from the menace of terrorism to the humiliating
poverty in which millions of human beings live...Do not fear; put your trust in Him...."
We know of them around the world as "midnight's children". We know that they spearhead attacks with the sole aim to destroy
and to become homicidal martyrs. We know that their women are viewed as mothers, sometimes as chattel and in an amusing way
as icons, prepared to end their lives in the name of 'honour' and 'faith'.
Now, that is reality. A word normally linked to brotherhood, violence, avant-garde. Their self-imposed pressures for spiritual
and physical cleansing has of late, become an increasing sign of frustration among their kind. Sacrifice is not the
path to success, some among them view it as counterproductive.
Reality has been focused on oppression. Reality is their norm to degrade society and to forbid postrevolutionary dreams. Reality
is when the streets are teaming with women police and lawyers in flowing gowns.There is no alternative paradise, or angels
for them in the afterlife. That there is only subservience forever is the raw reality gradually dawning on the tightly woven
brotherhood.
Some
answers may not be logical in the face of reality. To make an enduring peace one must disperse with the mistaken calling for
slaughter and battle - in the firestorm of reality.
We know them too well, in the circle of our friends, in the neighbourhood, in business and in social parlance.
Let us give them compassion. Let us show them compassion. For God's sake , we can break their backs with compassion.
Compassion is the answer for a new world order.
by Melvyn Brown
**************************************************
A Black Christmas Tree , God Forbid
by Melvyn Brown
Most disturbing news this week was a lead article in the Telegraph from London, no less, pushing the style-conscious to put
on a Black Christmas, party dress and black artificial trees.
In
the tradition of a "Christian Christmas" there is not an ounce of elegance or sophistication in a black Christmas.
Having a Black New Year would be the more appropriate, as the year past and present is labeled with death, destruction and
deceit - worldwide. Mourn for your loved ones, mourn for your children's future, mourn for your precious life in an uncertain
world.
Put up a black-bell to ring in another year of sorrow. Have black balloons to burst, and black party caps, not forgetting
black bugles to blow. Does that sound morbid ? Of course, it's disgusting.
The
ramifications to use the colour black as a style-in-fashion falls to a small coterie of blind design connoisseurs.
Since creation the good angels were always dressed in white and Satan and his hoards were depicted in black. White apsaras,
black demons. The white flag of truce and the black for violence. A white Christmas.....yes. White is clean. Black is
dirty.
Now, for a non-satiric take on the colour black. It all began with the stealth campaign of one terrorist to disorient
the world as enforcer of peace, justice and understanding which emerged much before 9/11. The slow and determined destruction
of a worldwide system propagating "love where there is hate" was orchestrated in reverse to a cerebral hemorrhage, where the
symphony lay bleeding in black with a new ideology in the slogan, "hate where there is love".
Black. The colour is pitted against everything good. Black is the reflection of Satan's intelligentsia. The world has always
found a fissure in the colour black, closely aligned with hate, sorrow, mourning, evil, sin, death, tragedy and as a portend
for corruption and infamy.
The
Black arm-band of grief, the black flag of protest, women under subjugation are dressed in black, the black border round the
orbituary, the black scarf and a dozen other black symbols in a litany of divisive disgust for this mundane life.
The stealth programme today has cunningly sniggered into the Christian faith. We are told in a report that the style-conscious
people in London are pushing for a black Christmas in the tree agenda. Not true. Artificial black trees may be the thrill
of a few mad men, but it will stick out like a sore thumb to the rest of the Christian world.
Before they experience the conquest of a black Rome _ we should make Rome and the senile world wake up to the call of the
present Iraqi tenet to not only wipe out Israel, but the entire global village including themselves. God forbid.
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Calcutta Corpus Christi Feast
Photo and Text by Melvyn Brown
Although the local press did not make much of the annual Corpus Christi (Feast of Christ the King) and procession - this year,
the Year of the Holy Eucharist, proved to be one of the finest in the history of the event here in the city.
The special concelebrated Mass out in the open field at St.Xavier's College brought together over seven thousand Ctholics
from all the parishesin the metropolis. It was a colourful event in the best possible tradition of a Roman Catholic offering.
A breathtaking sight beheld onlookers as they closelywatched the grand open-air altar enthroned with an enormous Italian
painting of Christ and his followers (see pic.).
The Archbishop of Calcutta, Lucas Sarcar, and the Vicar-General, Michael Bhaju concelebrated Holy Mass with half-a-dozen priests
at the altar. It was a glorious moment for the Church to witness so many Catholic communities worshipping under a united banner
with pastoral tenderness.
The
hymns, the prayers, the beautiful and inspiring homily was the ultimate arbiter of our Catholic faith.
The parish groups,youth,elders, priests and nuns from many congregations led the well-organised procession into the street,
and returned to the floodlit grounds of the college to conclude the momentos 2005 Corpus Christi gathering with the theme
: Stay With Us Lord.
-Melvyn Brown
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A Handful Of Angels
by
Melvyn Brown
In today's
world, peace isn't what it used to be. Riding out the storm in a bad situation is always enmeshed with a mindset of melodramatic
ideas which splurge on tolerance, patience and understanding.
The Human Rights
people, the Greenpeace advocates, Aid organisations and the
United Nations,no less, are a handful of angelsleft to assist a wounded, tortured and crippled world.
Earthquake refugees
in Islamabad are being surreptitiously observed by world leaders. How can help reach them before the cold winter takes more
lives. Food, tents, immediate evacuation is the need of the hour.
Paris in flames.
Angry young Arabs and blacks have pulled the ignition switch on their frustration and fears.The French have an overriding
duty to come forward and act with charity, fellowship and mercy towards their immigrants.
Jordan's suicide
bombings have broken the good reputation of the country's credibility. The Prince of Jordan takes charge to make tough decisions.
What can
a civilized world do when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian, wants an Islamic jehad extended to the Mediterranean. Will US
counterterrorism solve the problem? Quite likely. Will Zarqawi get his way ? No. Poison kills poison. The surge of violence
will destroy itself.
Violence
on the internet chatrooms and mobile phones need men and women to track down the perpetrators in an effort to do justice.
Saarc has a new report on anti-terror in its present agenda.
A handful of angels, essentially a small band of good people who fight the evil hoards in society.
A handful of angels profiled as leaders of democracy.
A handful of angels in your neighbourhood, in and among your friends, are all we need to bring about change. To bring about
peace in our beautiful world.
In
the grim chapters of modern terror are the al-Qaeda, their leader Osama bin laden; Abu Salem, the nearest thing to the gang
that blew up Mumbai. Salem is wanted for bombings, murders, matchfixing, extortion and what not. Dawood Ibrahim, the prime
accused of the Mumbai blasts, and an evil host of others.
A handful of angels can close this chapter. Believe it.
_ Melvyn Brown
*************************************************
Peter Sarstedt in Calcutta by Melvyn Brown
If you want to stir up silence at a get-together or better still a party -try talking about the Anglo-Indians. The issue
has always been at the corner of the center-table, or pushed to the edge of polite conversation.
The subject was put to the test, recently when Peter Sarstedt paid a brief visit to Calcutta.
Famous
on the global music scene,ever since his song "Where do you go to my lovely?", hit the number one in the UK in the 1960's.
The song won the Ivor Novello Award for 1969, along with David Bowie's "Space Oddity".
Peter
is an Anglo-Indian, and proud to be one -even when he travels abroad. His memories are a delightful collage of school days
in Sherwood College,Nainital, not forgetting Victoria College,Kurseong.
"The freedom of Calcutta always gladdens my heart ...",he adds with a broad smile, " home is where your loved ones are."
In 1973 Peter and both his brothers,Kane and Robin teamed up on a hit musical album, "Worlds apart together".
Throughout the 1970's Anglo-Indians moved out of India in a mass exodus . Everyone imagined the good old days were about to
end. It never did.
Anglo-Indians,
like Peter Sarstedt and his family are survivors. The community,especially in Calcutta and Bangalore are growing in numbers.
That matters,indeed.
by Melvyn Brown
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A Judicious Government Working for Peace
by
Melvyn Brown
In this new millennium the gloom hasn't yet filtered down to the roots of our heritage and culture. If it had, and that would
be a startling discovery for the common man who is mostly concerned that the situation in the country is "getting worse".
That is the ordinary and sanguine attitude of many Indian citizens. The economy is "getting worse". The impoverished and unemployed
situation is "getting worse". The threat of long-standing promises going sour is "gettingworse".Misconduct,crime,corruption,acts
of rape, demeaning the value concept of women, attempts to destabilize the nation,powerful individuals who undermine the law,folks
who strongly support the wrong visions of foolish leaders who use religion to uncharacteristically subvert the pillars of
wisdom to suit their cockeyed dreams of world domination, all this is "getting worse".
Our resolve should be to turn things around although the issues at stake are crucial to making things better.Strong reaction
to better legislation for truth, honesty and understanding could dramatically find innocent victims receiving the hard-end
of the cause.
The justice system and the government must agree to try desperately hard to weigh and measure the wrongs. They should both
learn to respect each other if peace must be programmed.
Despite being outspoken and honest the government should take advantage of a hardline implementation on approved issues
from the judiciary.
The concept of judicious administration should be implemented by government of India. This is a system by which the government
will tackle all social issues and concern working in close cooperation collaboration with the assistance of the judiciary.
A bridge of communication and interaction should be established between our justice system and the executive committee
of government.
In
this way the Constitution, the preamble and the fundamental rights will be respected,honoured and enjoyed by citizens
of free India in this new millennium.
By
Melvyn Brown.
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Melvyn Brown and Son Talk On All-India Radio
by a Correspondent
Despite the current gloominess in the world, the ultimate rewards for sincere hard work and dedication came when Melvyn Brown
received a contract from All-India Radio to talk on the Anglo-Indian history, heritage and culture. It happened on the
14th September at 9: 30 p.m.
And as fate would have it, the request to have an Anglo-Indian poet recite original and creative verses fell on the shoulders
of Mr.Brown's son, Warren Brown. Warren has been writing verse for over ten years and has a few of his poems published abroad.
Warren Brown read four of his latest poems with extraordinary passion and lilt. It was loved by every Anglo-Indian who sat
by their radio sets that evening.
Melvyn Brown, known as the chronicler of the tribe, put in a marvelous impact with his unveiling of facts that were little
known to youth of this generation. Mr.Melvyn Brown devised amusing ways of liberating the Anglo-Indian story with charm in
his choice of words and constraints in his fascinating tone of voice.
As a result many are wanting to hear what Melvyn has to say in
future broadcasts on the community he is so dedicated
to.
Melvyn Brown is the author of several books on the Anglo-Indian community. He is also the editor of Anglo-Indian
the newsletter, Calcutta.
(Published in The Herald: A Catholic Weekly,Calcutta. September 2005)
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Measuring Up in This Generation
by Melvyn Brown
By the tightly programmed standards of past generations, our first reaction
to sudden accountability for " openess"
comes off as a surprising provocation.
From music and dance,tapping toes in the forties,streamlining victories like that of the conquest of Everest incapsulated
in the fifties, the touchingly smooth run of decades began a downhill change with Woodstock and drug-abuse years across the
globe.
The affront to a scepticalsociety,all that it stood for,was now smacked across the face,ensuing with every type of independence
for youth which catapulted to the raw acceptance of "permissiveness".
Today,society in all parts of the world has reached a vociferous state of extremism. One creed alone has become a perversion
of its teachings. There is no final statement as leadership cannot agree to partisan terms.
Everywhere it is a battle ofgood against evil.
Who created this state of disfunction? Who brought about this edict of
confrontation ? Is there a force to declare in articulate
phrases that the urgent need for a future of peace is to preserve the total good of past generations as more profound than
visionary.
Let us learn to live. Let us do it today before we burn-up as history. Let us measure up in this generation.
To be refocused, we should know the three "F"'s that matter to bailout a package for a brighter tomorrow : Faith,Finance and
Family. Hereare a few hard straightliners to help you reach that reality.
Faith defines a place for us, to radiate the type of person we are through faith-formation. Faith helps us to be a representative
in our human endeavours. Faith alone can survive all odds. Faith is the only master guide to a universal blueprint for
peace. Factions in faith promote wrong paths - wrong missions - wrong interpretations. Divisions very often bring about
downfall.
Finance is not a marginal or mirthless issue. It is a serious,high-profile vehicle to take you to the shores of security and
peace. Finance reinforces the view that money is necessary in our mundane life and should never be forgotten. Finance
can bridge the human paranoia that makes people cultivate the fear of poverty. Finance should be taken seriously - and
often with proper guidance.
Family is a legitimate institution. It is the stubborn legacy of past generations to console, support and weld together its
members through all the hurricanes and storms life has a way with relationships. Family is basically the foundation for laying
the groundwork of performance. Family values can never be overshadowed by misguided propaganda or protests. The family spirit
will always engulf the shrinking horizons of "live-ins" "abortions", "gay rights","loneliness" and "old age".
Measuring up in this generation is not that tough.
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Our Magnificent Yesterdays by Melvyn Brown
We grew up in Calcutta when Anglo-Indians were basically happy, carefree and could appreciate the need for
simple contrition. The risks of shutting out dissent in family and among friends was always a policy to argue and adjust.
Life was truly an admirable issue among us.
Flurys, Magnolias, Blue Fox, Waldorf, Sky Room and the much talked about Trinca's brings tears when one thinks
about the music, the instinctual cabarets and the "grossly dynamic" addiction everyone had towards caring, sharing and enjoying
the silken freedom of walking home with friends after two in the morning.
Daybreak after a Saturday- night party was always fun and full of memories. One of the finest Anglo-Indian
bands played at Golden Slippers, a block away from Nizams scented tea and kati-rolls . The Grand Hotel was one of the most
popular places for dances and dinners. But, Anglo-Indians would splurge in the Rangers Club and The Grail.
Everything was dust cheap. From a loaf of bread to a basket of fruits. From movie hall tickets to wine, cigarettes
and newspapers. Anglo-Indians were aplenty down most of the street corners and on weekends you would hear music floating out
of open windows. The hay-days for tailors and their memsahibs were really unforgettable years, when skirts, blouses, dresses
with frills were the correct and proper-wear for Anglo-Indian ladies.
The New Market was not only a landmark but the heart of a vibrant city - the very nerve centre of the Anglo-Indian
people,and they visited the market in a dedicated ritual as you would going to church. Baldwin's the pork shop, Nahoums, D'Gama,
Wyse were the regular bread and cake shops. Unique and of a metaphorical kind were the little cubicles selling American ice-cream
and cold drinks ;everyones mama from Chinatown to Bow Barracks took their children and grand-children for dollups of ice-cream
and cold drinks : The establishments were still there in the 50"s and late 60's. The New Market rode on a youthful crest of
laughter and sunshine. We would be thoroughly rattled to race in and out of the "Cheap-Jack" shops lined up at the stern of
the butter-range.
Entally Market has for generations been known for its wonderful spiced sausages and 'red meat' pork. Every
Anglo-Indian family took pride in its special lunch and dinner on holidays with servings brought from the pork and fish range.
Rice women would come in from nearby villages with sacks of the finest quality rice. Corruption was an unknown word and you
would always get a fistful more after weighing the amount you needed. The network of shops catering to every need will always
be remembered.
Across the road was and still is there, the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Teresa of Avila. People from remote
corners of the city visit the church where at one time they were either married, baptised or had some relative's funeral service
held.They called it 'the church at Moulali'. The church where Louis Vivian Derozio was a parishioner. The church is still
there.
"Yesterday, all our troubles seemed so far away...." Lyrics of a song which haunts the soul of Anglo-Indians
in all corners of the world. Nostalgic. Indeed. In those days of 'wine and roses' our people were an altogether lovable race.Epicurean
no doubt,but loyal, trustworthy and dependable (that was before the discos, drugs and dirty businesses).
I remember the summers of hope and the winter holidays as they moved into a colourful tapestry of spring,
new life and new hopes for the thousands of Anglo-Indian families who decided to immigrate across the globe. The heart-strings
pulled no doubt. But,it had to be done. I remember the mass-exodus happening in a silent wave of sighs and tears. They moved
out for 'the better life' and they made it from what I know from most families, who always return to their Motherland for
brief spells of comfort and solace.
Calcutta was my base. My root. It still is. And I can only flashback to scenes of the past which have lightened
my burdens of today, sometimes.
From the roller-coaster years of Rock music, ballroom dancing to Rock Hudson, Doris Day and thebig cowboy
westerns. The yesteryears in Calcutta have been well documented and packaged for future generations of Anglo-Indians. You
only have to know where to find it .... in the twilight zone.
MELVYN BROWN
3 Elliot Road, Calcutta 700016, W. B. India
****************************************************
Peace Is A Human Right
by Melvyn Brown
PEACE. The quest goes on. Battles are fought, words are bantered, the self-respect of country’s lost, negotiations
fail, the rage and frustration of political rivals drain resources in the guise of peace efforts, innocent people die –
and all for peace. Peace is a human right.
The struggle for peace is initially an absolute iconic trait of humankind. The need for peace is basic for survival.
We feel insulted when there is so much going on in the name of peace. Insulted, for peace is our birthright. Freedom
follows. Freedom without peace is to fly without wings. Peace is a straightforward investment for the future. Governments
shuffle their rhetoric on the word peace. Religion exists because of its promise of peace. Books are a success when they butter
hope into a vision of peace. Enough.
Ask
any man of science what was out there in the universe before the “Big
Bang” theory. Just peace. The darkness and the void were incidental. Ask anyone with common-sense what follows after death. Peace. Heaven. Reward and the Almighty are package deals. Ask yourself
what would come about after a nuclear blast. Peace. Devastation and annihilation are mere after effects.
Peace as a human right has been and is still being battered by homo-sapiens. The world is a sanatorium today. There
is no peace anywhere. Monarchy is worried if one bright morning it is wiped out of English life by ignorant and stupid terrorists.
Presidents are disturbed of probes and sanctions. Prime Ministers think twice with concern over matters of personal, domestic
and national interests. Boards of Directors have sleepless nights wondering when the “take over” will arrive.
Wars are fought in a slaughterhouse labeled an “internal matter”
by the rest of society. The United Nations desire for peace ends in the loss of lives for their peacekeeping forces.
Do you honestly believe peace is possible in the next millennium ? I think it can come about.
First, there has to be a universal cry for peace. Then a World Congress on
Peace should lay down International laws to maintain peace. Associations, groups, clubs and the media should foster
the idea of peace in the world. Peace in the family. Peace among nations. Peace among friends. Peace in industry. Peace in
partnerships. Peace all around.
To have Graduates of peace, make law enforcers of peace. Professors of peace, should be Speakers and promoters of peace,
they should be awarded for dedication to the cause of peace. Peace resorts should provide Peace vacations.
Begin by “catching them young” as the saying goes. You can’t change the old who are set in their
ways. Teach the Golden word “Peace” to all children. Make peace a subject in schools worldwide.
Peace is a human right and no one could shout it louder than Lord Alfred Noble when he created the Noble Peace Prize.
Let there be Peace.
By Melvyn Brown.
Address:
Mr. Melvyn Brown
3 Elliott Road
Calcutta-700016
