Raj Dubay; Where Dreams Begin.

My Friend Rhea; A Tribute to Rhea Mungal

2012-01-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

A TRIBUTE TO RHEA MUNGAL

MY FRIEND RHEA

Charismatic,full of colour,beautiful and intelligent.
Always searching for a higher cause,for new challenges and a defender of the downtrodden.
This was Rhea Mungal,my friend Rhea.

For some,we only hear their music briefly, but oh! how sweet it was.

She became famous around the world as a champion of the environment and a voice for the poor and needy.

I first knew her as a child,where both of us went to the Mc Bean Hindu School.
Very long dark hair and always pleasant,she called me Rajen.

She then studied at Holy Faith Convent Couva and did university studies in Nova Scotia,Canada.

Often genius is misunderstood in this world,often you need to leave this world to go to a better place.
A place where you will be understood and appreciated,I believe Rhea is in such a place now.

The peace that she often couldn't find in this world,I believe she has found in another.

To my friend,Rhea Ranu Mungal,I say well done,I know you have reached home.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2012 - All rights reserved

Live Life One Day At A Time.

2011-08-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

In life, only death is certain. Should you worry about death, should you fear death? Do people think about death or dying?
Should you live each day as though it were your last? Are you prepared to die today? If you had one day to live, how would you spend that day?
I believe you should practice living each day as though it were your last.
When you wake in the morning, give thanks and be grateful for seeing another sunrise.
Guess what, thousands of people who were alive only last night, didn't see the sunrise this morning.
The gift of life is something very special, please use this gift wisely.
If you practice each day as though it were your last, when this last day comes, you will be prepared.
Make peace with your loved ones, settle debts wherever possible and write a will.
When you live each day as though it were your last, you learn to appreciate life's natural beauty. The sunrise, the sunset, rain drops falling gently on the window pane and the coolness of a night breeze. You learn to treasure a baby's smile, the hug of a parent and your dog wagging it's tail, whenever she sees you. Please don't take these moments for granted.
Please, spend time with the people who matter to most, spend quiet time with yourself and spend time in prayer, these will serve you well at the time of death.
Understand that we are here only for brief period, please make it count.
Practise humility, kindness and gentleness and know that you will have these in return.
Know too, when you leave this world, your children remain, your spouse remains, your friends remain, think carefully about the legacy you will be leaving for them.
I believe there is only one thing which transcends death; that is love. Show love to all when you are alive and even death's embrace will meet you with that same love.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

Good News!

2011-08-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this article to Aurora Sienna Parasram, born to Parents Heather and Amit Pararsram and Grandparents Sero and Jai Parasram on the 1st August, 2011

It's approximately 11:10pm on Wednesday 13th October, 2010. I tell you, it is one of the best days I have had in over 20 years, especially the evening part.
This is day that most of miners were rescued in Chile, a story that most of the world covered and watches with Joy, good news for a change.
When we promote the positive, we feel positive, we feel energised and feelings and memories of better times return.
This is how I felt today. It could also be because the Indian cricket team beat Australia again to strengthen their position as the world's #1 cricket team.
Tonight I felt as if I were a teenager again as I danced to music on the radio all night long.
This is the power of good new. Why don't we hear more good news promoted in the media. Maybe after Chile they will learn.
Maybe also people who are always negative will learn something from the Chile experience, the power of good news.
Good news is infectious, it energies, it motivates, it empowers, it brings new hope just like newborn baby esperanza (hope) born to one of the miners while they were underground.
I urge you, when you wake tomorrow, think positive, speak positive, act positive, pay someone a compliment. Help someone cross the street and tell someone dear to you how much you care for them. Good news is infectious, try it, you might just like it!

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

The Battle Of Life

2011-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dying is not the problem, for the coming of death is as sure as the rising of the sun, the real problem is living.
What we do with our lives is what really matters. How we choose to live, the decisions we make, the relationships that we create and the bonds that we form.
An eternal battle wages on, whether from within or from outside, it is constantly there. So whether we win this battle or not , is not so important as how we choose to fight this battle. Sometimes in life, it is only when we lose, that we understand what victory really is.
Because it is in losing that we are humbled, in losing we are brought down to our feet and in losing that we become human again. It has been said, "What if a man were to gain the world,but lose his immortal soul".
Everyday, thousands sacrifice their human nature for power, for lust, for position, for greed. They do this, thinking they have won, thinking that they have moved up in society and thinking that they have achieved. You know what, they have lost, lost miserably.
Anytime in the passage of life, when you lose your humanity, the very thing which makes you human, you have lost.
When you choose, choose wisely; am I doing something for the power and status I will get or am I doing something to help others. Am I getting into a relationship out of lust or is it because I truly care for that person. When you give, do you give unconditionally with no strings attached.
The battle continues, war wages on.
To win the war, you always need to put others first, always find ways to serve, to help, to find greater meaning and purpose in what you do and to dance to the beat of a higher calling.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

Believe in Your Dreams.

2011-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

AUDACITY PAYS

2011-02-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

Audacity can get you into trouble,but even more audacity will get you out of trouble.

Be bold,be courageous,dare to be different,care not about the status quo. Do things your way,with your style,with your unique personality stamped over it,for it is only then that it will be an original work.

The course of history has been changed by women and men who dared to be different,were not afraid of ridicule and were not afraid to oppose prevailing thought.

Followers maintain the status quo,they are important,but they do not change anything.True revolution can only emerge from a fearless heart,a courageous spirit and an attitude of never say die.

Change agents,also called leaders,are not afraid to make unpopular decisions,they are not afraid to stand up for the truth and they are not afraid to die.

How does one develop these qualities; 1) practice everyday to stand up for what you believe in and to speak out wherever you see injustice. Do this over a period of time, and eventually your private victories will be translated into public victories. 2) always believe in something bigger than yourself; a) a cause, b) a reason c) a certain truth that you sincerely believe in. 3) renew your spirit daily through prayer and meditation. 4)heal your spirit daily by spending a lot of time in nature and developing close relationships with the ones you love.5)pay attention to the little things you do, do them well and they will serve as stepping stones towards greater achievements.

Someone once said; a coward dies many times, the brave only die once.
Be brave,act courageously, victory will be yours.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU WIN.

2011-02-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

You failed an exam,didn't get your degree or lost your job. All seemingly negative events, but sometimes when you lose, you win.

Realise that there is a greater operating force in our lives, which always looks after our best interest. It is said that someone born blind, will never know darkness, since they have never seen light. Know too that when something happens in our lives, good or bad, there is usually a good reason, eventhough we may not see it right away.

If someone never failed, they would never know what it is to experience true success. Many times, when we brought down to our knees, it is because we needed to learn humility. There are many lessons to learn in life, but in my view, when you learn what it is to be humble, you have probably learned life's greatest lesson.

The teacher of this lesson is often misfortune or disaster. Once you have learned the lesson of humility, you will be well equipped to deal with any of life's challenges.

Humility teaches us equality, it teaches us simplicity, it teaches us kindness and gentleness, it teaches us the essence of who we really are.

So the next time you stumble or even fall, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and rise again. Rise again with humility as your guide and maybe you may never stumble again.

The path of humility will lead to your greatest discoveries, begin walking this path today.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

A tribute to my father, Pandit K.D. Dubay

2010-02-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

Pandit K.D Dubay, my father, has gone riding off into the sunset.

A voracious appetite for western novels and western movies, an appetite for all books prompting him to read sometimes 2 and 3 books in one night.

An avid cricket fan and supporter of West Indies cricket, especially Rohan Kanhai and Gary Sobers. He was also known to have placed a bet on a horse or two.

But most of all, a humble man, a simple man, a very down to earth man firmly embedded in the grassroots movement. Someone with a raucous laughter, a strong sense of humour and not afraid to say or stand up for what he believed in.

With Pandit K.D , what you saw is what you got. An ardent admirer of all things beautiful, a singer, a musician, a composer, a poet, a pandit, a father and a husband.

When life gives you limes, you make lime juice.

My father was also a very good cook and pepper sauce maker, with his own unique style of flavours and blending. A rider of trace mules when only 14.

My father, K.D Dubay was always very good company and always very entertaing with kind words to say.

In all the time I spent with him, I don't remember a single argument I could relate easily with him and had a natural bonding with him.

The kid is gone; long live the kid.

Goodbye dad, I love you very much.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2011 - All rights reserved

Read the Obit: Obit: Pandit Karamchandra Dinanath Dubay

Maybe you don't have a soul mate, but love can still bloom

2009-04-26T17:01:00.001-07:00

Is there such a thing as a perfect match? A soul mate, a match made in heaven? You tell me.

I guess some are more fortunate and do find someone with a lot in common, but a soul mate? It is really about learning to live with each other's faults. If we can do this, then possibly we have the grounds for a lasting relationship.

"Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone"! So goes an old song by John Cougar. We remain with bills to pay, a house to repair and children to send to university. How then do we maintain the spark in our relationship?

Appreciation is the one thing we all need more of and don't get enough of.

Preparing for work in the morning and coming home from work in the evening are especially challenging periods. Appreciation is needed during these times.

You may fight in the morning, but please make love in the night. You should never go to bed with ill feelings towards the one you love.

Communication is the key; understanding is what is needed.

Always remember when you relate to your partner, children are observing. What example are you setting for them?

When you care for each other, your children grow up caring for others; when you care for each other, your neighbours are happier and when you care for each other, you start a fountain of beauty that will melt even the coldest of hearts.

Allow that fountain to start flowing today.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

The values of experience

2009-04-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

Can you learn about something even though you haven't gone through it?

Someone could have told you about it, you could have read about it or might have seen a movie about it. Or is experience the greatest teacher?

When you experience victory in your life, you know what it is to win and you can get into the habit of wining. This is good; it reinforces many positives, but how much do you learn from winning?

Have you ever heard of a very special learning centre, a very special university called the university of "Hard Knocks"? I feel it is only when you pass through this institution that you really learn the lessons of life.

It is only when you "suffer", and feel an other's pain, that you can understand suffering. When you go through "suffering", you become more empathic and caring, because it makes you become better and not bitter.

It is only when you fall, you become aware of what it takes to rise again.

What does it take? Caring, consideration, helping others and beginning to live life one day at a time.

Sometimes we learn more in failure than success; we can learn more from pain than happiness. Suffering can be your greatest teacher, provided you are prepared to learn and to become better and not bitter.

For many people, it is easy to turn away from the world and to even curse it when they have experienced pain or failure. To do this would be to fail at life itself.

Please understand this: there is nothing wrong in failure, there is nothing wrong in having experienced pain and suffering and there is nothing wrong in having gone through disappointment.

These can be our greatest teachers provided we are willing to learn from them. This is the most important class we have to attend. When we graduate from this university we will never be the same again.

We would have become instruments of change and we would have developed the potential to become a positive force in the lives of those who need it the most.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

Please forgive!

2009-03-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been hurt?

We have all been hurt at sometime or another, but we have also hurt others. Should we forgive? Is it the right thing to do?

It is said that when we forgive, we are forgiven at the same time. Do you believe this?

Forgiving is important. With it comes an immediate release of energy and the ability to move on with our lives. We should also forgive wholeheartedly and unconditionally, since this is the only type of forgiveness there can really be.

When you forgive, you choose to become better instead of bitter.

When you forgive, you choose to move on instead of being held back.

When you forgive, you choose to heal instead of keeping on hurting.

Always remember that you are also seeking forgiveness for the wrongs that you have done. Maybe if we forgive, then others will find it easier to forgive us.

Life is too short, mistakes are endless and true friendship is too important, please forgive!

A child should forgive his or her parents because even they may have made mistakes, they would always have had the best of intentions.

Parents should forgive their children because they may have been misguided and hasty to come to conclusions.

Ultimately we all seek forgiveness from one source - GOD. In order for God to forgive us we need to begin forgiving others today. Please forgive!

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

I am a bird

2009-03-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

My days are long and tiring, but what an experience; when I wake on mornings, life is full of wonderful things.

Listening to the birds sing and make their way from branch to branch on trees that are lush and green. Hearing their sounds,you might just want to sit by the window a bit longer.

In all their colours they parade, the grass filled with overnight dew, it seems like looking at heaven. The wind is still and their is a feeling of peace and serenity.

Then the sun comes out in all it's glory, and suddenly you hear a woodpecker pecking on a tall,
green coconut tree. He is so high above and full of life, just enjoying being a bird, looking down on other birds.

Then there's a roadrunner all covered in grey that stops by a water hole to take a drink.

I am a bird with colours I can't describe. I am beautiful. I love to fly. I love being free. I sing to my heart's delight and it echoes through the woods. I can't find a better place than this wonderful world God has given to me.

Article written by Kamini Dubay | Preschool teacher.
Write to Kamini:
Pandit Parasram Drive, Mc Bean Village, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Or e-mail her at kaminidubay@hotmail.com. or call her at 1-868-707-3453.

Nothing is free

2009-03-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that you can get something for nothing? For everything that you do or don't do, there is a price.

Is the price of laziness poverty? Is the price of going the extra mile excellence? Is the price of crime prison? Is the price of honesty good character? What price are you paying today? What sacrifices are you making today?

If you decide not to go to work today, you will have to pay a price. If you arrive late for work today, you will pay the price. If you spend an extra 15 minutes on that report you are working on, you will pay the price. When you volunteer your time towards a charitable cause, you pay the price.

What price are you paying today?

You always have a choice; to indulge or to sacrifice, to yield or to resist, to settle for mediocrity or to strive for excellence.

I urge you today to make the right choice for yourself and those closest to you. Always remember, when you choose to do something, your choice affects others as well.

It is simplest to take the easy way out, harder to walk the path less travelled. When you have to choose, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have all the facts
Have I looked at all sides
How will my decision affect others immediately
What are the likely long term consequences of my choice
What example will I set for others

It is said that sleep comes easily to those with a clear conscience. Is your conscience clear today? Are you working towards a clear conscience?

Your actions leave examples for your children to follow. Their actions will leave examples for their children to follow.

Are you setting the right examples today?

Escape from the slums

2009-03-05T12:27:00.001-08:00

Do you always back the favourite, or do you sometimes place a bet on the underdog? In life, who are the underdogs, what do they represent?

Underdogs, some say slumdogs, can be found in the slums and ghettos of the world. They have nothing and seemingly nowhere to go. How then are they expected to reach the same level as anybody else?

Some turn to drugs, some prostitution and some resolve to come out of that situation no matter what. It takes deep faith and belief in something bigger than any of us to come out and rise from that situation. But once you hold a vision of hope and better days in your mind and revisit that vision everyday, you have a chance to come out.

Prayer is very important, developing a sense of community among all of us is very important and personally helping at least one other person to come of of the "hole" is very important.

If only those among us who are better off would "lend a hand"to make the ghettos of the world better, what a difference that would make! Instead most of us only complain and blame a people who in the first place had no chance at all.

When someone rises to success from the slums, this is very special; it is a tribute to the person's will and determination, possibly a mentor, and a "never say die" attitude.

Whenever this happens, the rest of world should take notice, because it is done against the odds and with no help from them.

All hail the underdog, she or he has risen!

Begin your journey to freedom

2009-03-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

What is freedom? What does it represent? Is it different things to different people? Is anyone ever really,truly free?

You may not be behind bars, but you still may not be free. You may be trapped by illness - ;physical or mental - or you may be trapped by financial limitations.

Your mind might be trapped in prejudice.

Some might say that our physical body carries with it certain limitations and true liberation is only obtained at death. You may have financial freedom, you may be free to practice the religion of your choice and you may be free to vote for the political party of your choice, but are you really, ever truly free.

True freedom can only exist when the mind is free, at peace and when we see all people and all things as equal. True freedom can only exist in the absence of prejudice.

A mind and a spirit that is truly free has loving thoughts for all and exists in harmony with its surroundings.

To work towards true freedom, practice these principles:

see all as equal
treat all the same
appreciate nature's natural beauty
live life one day at a time
be tolerant of the mistakes of others
spend quiet time each day with yourself

Does a bird try to fly? Does grass try to grow? Does the sun try to rise?

When you find the answers to these, you may have started your journey towards freedom.

Dare to be different!

2009-02-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

You should do as we say! This is tradition, this is the way we have always done things,you should conform.

Conform. What a word, conform! If everyone conformed to everything, what a boring place the world would be.

Throughout time,those who have questioned and asked why have changed the course of history and invariably have made the world a better, more progressive place.

At age 10 Albert Einstein dropped out of primary school, saying the teachers could no longer teach him anything new. He then started teaching himself.

There are only a few who dare to question; most of us are followers who never question anything.

I urge you today, stand up and start asking questions. Why,for what reason and why should I? Encourage your children to ask questions, to be curious and to find new meaning in old things.

Whenever you stand up for what you believe in, you are often alone; never mind, pursue and see where it leads.

Did you know that Bill Gates dropped out of university and later created Microsoft Corporation?

Now, I am not saying that you should drop out of school or university. I am simply saying that you should develop a questioning attitude. It is only when you question, you can learn new things and create new inventions.

Dare to be different. Never mind what's in style or what's the trend; follow your heart and let destiny be your guide.

On this wave of creativity,new ideas will germinate and the world will be changed forever.

Cherish the moment

2009-02-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the moment, practice present moment awareness. Once the moment is gone, it never returns.

What were your happiest times, what are your most cherished memories?

As life moves on, these memories become very precious to us,please hold on to them. Once you are over 40, your body can no longer do the things of an 18-year-old. But if you have the memories of being 18 and of the good times, you can replay these whenever you are down.

At 18, you were probably single, enjoying much freedom; hold on to these memories.

When you are 60, you can no longer do the things a 40-year-old would, but again, you have the cherished memories; hold on to them dearly.

Your family may have been young and your career was probably peaking.

When you are 80, if you live that long, you cannot do the things of a 60 year old, but once again you have the beautiful memories of probably being a young grandparent.

The thing is, as life passes by, you need to hold on to the good, the healthy, the happy times, and constantly revisit them whenever you are down.

As life draws near, all we ever really have are memories, make sure the ones you have, are worth having.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

Give children the love they deserve and you'll build a nation

2009-02-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Children are the most precious gifts any one can have.They bring love and trust that bind you to them easily.

I look into my children's eyes and I see the light of hope, their faces glowing and I trust that they will see a better tomorrow.

In life, we often bypass the little things;the smile of a newborn, a baby holding on to our finger with his or her little fingers. Please cherish these moments while you have them.

Remember there are many couples who have no children. There are also many children who have no parents with whom to share these moments.

In my profession I meet children who are physically or mentally challenged. These children are the least understood; they need the most love.

Children are innocent. Please do not deceive them and do not take their love for granted. Instead, return their love with love of your own and observe the difference it makes to them.

Care for each child as you would care for your own. When we look after a community, we can build a nation.

Also, always remember the child in you. When you do this, you may see the lighthearted side of life, and remember above all else, we are all God's children.

Guest article written by Kamini Dubay, Preschool teacher

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

You have the power to transform the world!

2009-02-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

You have often heard the statements: "Go with the flow"; "What is to be, will be" or simply "Que sera, sera".

Really, we spend too much time worrying about the things we cannot change,when we should be spending the most time on the one thing we can change - ourselves.

How others treat us or speak to us,is largely out of our control, but how we react to these situations,is in our control. When someone says something to you, especially if it is negative, take a few extra seconds before you respond. This short delay will give you time for the most appropriate response.

Also when you speak to others, always bear in mind their feelings and how our statements will affect them. If we all become more caring and considerate to each other, then we would live in a better world.

Look at your work situation. Many people leave jobs saying they were treated badly or their fellow workers were hostile to them or the environment was not suitable to them.

The reality is this: in every job, no matter where we go, there will be some who would like us, some who would not like us and others who simply couldn't care less. A person may not like you, but if you are good at your work, then she or he will learn to respect you. Begin earning this respect today in your professional life.

In our personal lives as well, there may be things that we cannot even change in our own homes. We should all realize what we can do and focus on the positive impact we can make with those closest to us.

When one man or one woman is transformed, that person's friends can be transformed; when these friends are transformed, a community can be transformed, and ultimately when a community is transformed, you can transform the world.

Please make sure, for all our sakes, this transformation is for the better.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

Be consistent!

2009-01-25T17:09:00.001-08:00

When someone puts you down, when someone tells you that you can't do something, how do you respond? Many people would "cave in" under a heavy shower of criticism.

Always remember, someone's opinion of you doesn't have to be you. The only thing that counts is your opinion of yourself.

The phrase "Rising to the occasion" comes to mind. "Performing in the face of adversity" also comes to mind. Human beings are very resourceful and can adjust and adapt to many situations. Why must we wait for crisis to bring the best out of us?

The difference between a winning team and a mediocre team is consistency. You should view each day as a challenge, a challenge to remain consistent. Consistent in your values, consistent in your work ethic and consistent in the way you relate to those around you.

In the end, it is consistency and consistency alone that separates the truly great from the rest. In order to remain consistent, you may want to implement the following:

set milestones along the way
short term, medium and long term, constantly evaluating your progress along the way.
Guard your fitness closely - physical, mental and spiritual
Be grateful each day for everything that you already have
See a challenge in everything that you do - the challenge to remain caring, the challenge to be positive and most of all the challenge to remain human.

Remember as Confucius has said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". Take that step today.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

Believe, live your dreams!

2009-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Are you any less of a person than a millionaire? Always know one thing; you are just as good as anybody. If someone can do something, then why can't you do it as well?

Tell me,what is stopping you from achieving your full potential?

To be the best, you must first believe that you can be the best. If you don't believe in yourself, then tell me, who else will, who else? Many people you come across, even those closest to you, will tell you many negative things; you can't do that, you shouldn't do that or why don't you do something else?

The truth is, you should follow your heart, pursue your dream, give it a good shot and see what happens. Even if you don't achieve your dreams, in pursuing them, you will find immense happiness and a feeling that you are giving it your all.

When you come to the end of life, life should have totally used you up, you should have given it your all.

To be the best, become the best.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

What is poverty?

2009-01-15T14:54:00.001-08:00

What is poverty? Have you ever asked?

Is it living in a wooden shack in the mud with nothing to eat or is it a state of mind? Is it ignorance? The darkness of the mind which has it's origins in selfishness, greed and a lust for power.

On old year's day, I visited one of the more needy areas of my country. There I saw children living in wooden, one bedroom shacks built in the mud. They had nothing to eat and barely anything to wear.

But in that same place, I also saw children smiling when I gave them toys. I saw children smiling when I gave them food and something to wear, and in their smiles I could also see hope, hope for them and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Their mother gave me a bag of hot peppers and for that I was grateful.

The smile of a child who has nothing material or physical is very special. This is the smile of a "Spirit" which is grounded in courage, honesty and hope for a better day. Many a great leader has lived through destitute conditions and triumphed to see a better day.

I believe these conditions prepare you to face any and all of life's challenges. It strengthens your resolve and allows you to be more empathic.

I believe true poverty lies in the mind. It's a type of poverty which grips many of us and we don't even know it.

When we practice prejudice, we are poor; when we hate, we are poor and when we live only for ourselves, we are very poor indeed!

You may not have much, but if you have each other, you are rich. If you pray and play together,you are rich and if you can appreciate the beauty which always surrounds you, you are very rich indeed.

I encourage you for this year 2009, give wherever and whenever you can. Give money, give food, give clothes. Give good wishes and your prayers for those less fortunate.

In 2009, if you give wholeheartedly, then all ofyour wishes and dreams will come through.

Happy new year to one and all. May god richly bless you!

The courage to lead

2009-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

As we move towards a new year, I would like to leave you with words of courage.

Be a leader. Go where there is no path and leave a trail. Be audacious,daring and adventurous. Be not afraid to make mistakes, for all leaders do. Most of all be not afraid of death. Lead by example and others will follow.

Never forget the ones who have made you the leader you are and most of all never forget who you are. Evil only prospers when good men do nothing.

Decide to do something today. One man, one woman can make a difference. Stand up for something or else you will fall for anything. Dare to be different.

Follow your heart and have God as your guide.

The courage of a brave person is infectious. It moves mountains, empires and topples the wickedest of regimes.

My friends step into the new year and do what has to be done.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2009 - All rights reserved

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T07:40:00.001-08:00

Click on greeting card to see larger image

Magic is in our hearts

2008-12-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in Santa? The Easter Bunny, Elves and Fairies?

Whenever you act unselfishly, whenever you do something positive for someone else, you are creating magic. When you practice doing the right thing in every situation over a long period, this magic grows stronger and stronger.

This is the magic of consideration, the magic of caring and of making the world a better place.

If each of us starts doing this today, eventually others will follow, creating a chain reaction of goodness, peace and love that will overwhelm even the "hardest" of hearts. The trick is, when will we start practising this magic of peace, love and goodness to all.

This certainly is the season for it; you might want to start now. You can start now, firstly with those closest to you and then gradually spreading outwards to others.

Please, if you have more than you need, then give generously to those less fortunate. There are millions of people today who will not have a single meal. Have no clothes to wear and no place to call their own.

As a human being, you need to reach out to these people, I encourage you to do so. Remember the time we all have is limited, please use this time wisely, since it will not come back. Particularly this Christmas. There are many people who have lost their jobs, their homes and their life savings.

Even if you cannot give tangibly, give by offering a silent prayer of goodness to those less fortunate. I encourage you to do this.

Always remember that true magic lies in our hearts. If we touch each other's hearts, we will ignite a very special magic that will have the power to transform the world into a place of beauty, togetherness and love.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Where is HEAVEN?

2008-11-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Wide open spaces, warm sunshine, an abundance of flowers of different colours. Animals playing, children singing, young couples in love. Is this Heaven? Could be. It could be my Heaven. What’s yours? Or do we experience heaven even in our time on earth?

Are you afraid of dying? I guess a lot of people are. But should they be? Is there a reason for their fear? A life lived properly, should also end properly, it is as simple as that. What are you doing today to ensure that you are living properly? When was the last time you gave a tip? How often do you tip and how much? Why a tip you might ask.

A tip represents a gesture of gratitude. Gratitude for being served-well. Develop gestures of gratitude in every aspect of your life. Gratitude for every day you rise in the morning. Gratitude for each meal you have. Gratitude for the family and friends you have and gratitude for being able to make a contribution.

As you do so, spare a thought and offer a silent prayer for those who are not as fortunate. These are some of the qualities that would guarantee your place in paradise.

Would you like to know some more?

Kindness. Kindness that comes from deep within. Gentleness to everyone you meet. A spirit which is grounded in humility but fearful of none. Knowledge of knowing when to act and when not to. Tolerance of others when things go wrong and a resolve towards making the world a better place.

Are you already practising these qualities? If not, please begin today and see the difference it makes. Simply put, treat others the way you would like to be treated and look after the well being of others the way you would like them to look after yours.

Realize that no one person is an island and know that we are all connected. So that everything that each one of us does, affects all of us. Living properly starts with thinking properly. Think good thoughts, speak good words and do good deeds. Practice this everyday and see the difference it makes. Key to the process is consistency and coherency.

Find time everyday to spend with yourself in quiet reflection and to chart the course ahead. Develop a support base of close relatives and friends and associate with those who can make you better.

As you build these pillars of goodness, you will be charting the course for a life that would be properly lived. As you grow and improve personally, always give something back. Back to those who are in greatest need and never, never forget where you came from.

Then, as your time draws nearer, you will rest well knowing that the legacy you have left is sound and also knowing that the goodness you sowed in the "here", will be reaped in the "hereafter".

© Rajendra Dubay, 2008 – All Rights Reserved

Keep HOPE alive

2008-11-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

When all seems lost, when there is darkness all around and when there seems to be no end to your problems, what do you do?

Hang tough, victory is near.

When things get harder and harder, the more you should be smiling. The more the obstacles, the greater the difficulty, the closer you are moving towards a victory. This is a natural law.

However, most people don’t see it this way. They only focus on the problems so that they don’t see the solutions.

When things are at their most difficult, you are very, very close to a victory. However, it is at this very point that most people give up, and guess what? They have to start all over again from the beginning.

Courage is that which perseveres in the face of difficulty, in spite of growing criticism and despite any other prevailing circumstances.

If you are sure of your cause, even though many may criticize, I urge you to persevere. Perseverance is one of the hallmarks of a truly strong character, a characteristic of someone who is not afraid to make unpopular decisions.

How do you become sure of a cause?

Maybe you never really are. However if you have carefully considered all the facts and examined all the choices available and looked at all those who will be affected by the choices you make, you are most likely on the right track. Still, I urge you to pray before you make your final decision.

With prayer as your guide, consideration as your vehicle and empathy as your driver, chances are you will make the right choice.

Many have triumphed in the face of great difficulty. Viktor Frankl, the famed Austrian psychiatrist, when a prisoner in the Holocaust war camps, has said that it was only the hope he could hold on to and only the vision of one day being free again that allowed him to survive.

So then, regardless of your external circumstances, keep hope alive, always hold on to a vision of a brighter tomorrow and though your body may be chained, your mind should always be free.

Freedom in your mind will give you the ability to dream any dream. And these very dreams are the ones that will propel you to your next victory.

Have courage; victory is near.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2008 – All rights reserved

What is love?

2008-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in love?Are you in love? Can you say what love is? When you wake in the morning and the sunshine feels warmer, your cup of tea tastes sweeter and the embrace of someone special never felt so good.Could this be love?

You could be infected, be careful.

Love inspires, love motivates, but love could also lead to desperation.

When you love someone and they in turn love you, this is special, this is beautiful. But if your love is not returned, if it is not shared, then this can lead to heartbreak. Many a heart is broken everyday.

What do you do when you love someone, but they don't feel the same way? Embrace the situation, accept it for what it is and if need be move on.

Please, whatever you do, don't become bitter. Instead I urge you to become better. For when one door closes, many others are opened at that very time. Most people only focus on the closed door, so that they don't see the open ones.

Always believe and have faith that there is that special person waiting for you when the time is right. Understand, that in a perfect universe, nothing happens before it's time.

Be patient your time will come.

Love is also shared between a father and son, mother and daughter, between good friends. You can also share love with a pet and have a deep appreciation for your surroundings.

When you sacrifice so that others may gain, this is love.

Many parents have done this and will continue to do this so that their children may prosper. Children I urge you, honour and cherish you parents.

A teacher's love for his/her students is very special. Teachers have strong influence over their students. Teachers, I urge you, use this influence wisely.

When you love, love unconditionally, expecting nothing in return. If something comes, then accept it graciously.

Love is that magic that many have tried to understand and failed. Many have tried to define and failed.

Do you know why?

Love is not necessarily found in palaces. It is not necessarily found in places of worship. Do you know where it can be found? Search your heart, you may find the answer.

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2008 – All rights reserved

Cherish love! It's worth it

2008-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Long walks on the beach hand in hand. Candle light dinner for two. Slow dancing with that someone special. Do these still exist, or has romance died? Does it still live on?

When I ask my young students, they say it has definitely died and has been replaced by what they call "Fast food romance","Instant romance", or to put it crudely;"Slam bam, thank you mam."

They tell me everything now is very fast paced and there simply isn't the time for lasting romance. Even slightly older students and newly married couples tell me the same thing - true romance has died.

What do you think?

You tell me. Has romance died? E-mail me, write to me or call me on the phone. I would really like to hear from you, especially on this topic.

I am a little older than most of my students, in my forties to be exact. I am a firm believer in romance. Are you my age, younger or older, you tell me what you think.

When I go to work, I always see the coconut palm swaying gently in the breeze. Look at the birds flying overhead and listen to nature's other beautiful sounds.

Are you like me? do you observe these everyday?

If you are, then your partner in romance is all of the world around you. You see romance in the trees, in the birds and in the sky above.

You see the eternal dance of romance in everyone you come into contact with and treat each one of them with the respect they deserve.

Coming back to the more intimate relationship between a man and a woman. Yes there will be difficult times, yes there will be arguments and yes there will be periods where you don't talk to each other.

However, it is only when you learn to live with a person's faults that you can plant the seeds of true and lasting romance. Relationships, like most other things, exist as a double edged sword; the very thing which makes you can at times hold you back.

Have patience. If you endure the hard times, the good times will seem even sweeter. Never , ever take your loved one for granted. She or he has stuck it out with you in the hard times, so it is she or he and no one else who deserves to reap the happy times.

Everyday when you see your loved one, please say, "I love you".

© Copyright Rajendra Dubay, 2008 – All rights reserved

The ways of prosperity

2008-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

Will a million dollars make you happy? Are you necessarily prosperous if you have a million dollars? Or is prosperity something else?

Is it a state of mind constantly connected to being joyful, to seeing the beauty in everything that surrounds you?

Is it the joy you experience when you hold a newborn in your arms?

Is it the happiness you feel towards a young couple in love walking down the street hand in hand?

Or is it that special experience you have when you doing that one activity that only you can do in your own special way?

So then, is prosperity the development of a state of mind which is constantly joyful, which is consistently upbeat regardless of one's circumstances?

Is prosperity seeing the glass always half full and not half empty?Is prosperity having a continuous experience of happiness and peace in spite of prevailing difficulties?

Can you learn to develop a prosperous attitude whether or not you have a million dollars

Learning initially to quiet the mind helps. Meditation and prayer are the keys. Also spending time in nature would help.

Spending quality one-on-one time with someone you love would help.

Finding meaning in the job that you do would help. Finding your place of beauty in our troubled world is the goal.

Ask yourself, as you embark on your personal journey of prosperity, "What is that one thing I can do better than anybody else?"

And when you have found it, start doing it immediately.

Secondly ask yourself this: "How can I use this one thing to serve others?"

When you know the answer, go out and help. You would be amazed at the joy you can derive from selfless service to others!

(© Rajendra Dubay | 2008. All rights reserved)

Live only once

2008-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Recently I was touched by the death of my aunt. Her name was Anjany Parasram. I would like to dedicate this column to her memory.

She was a very outspoken person and sometimes that got her into trouble. But then, remember this: audacity can get you into trouble, but even more audacity will get you out of trouble.

The point is this: when you live, live to the fullest, make no exceptions. Feel the "fire" burning in your chest chest.

Always appreciate the beauty that surrounds you: the rise of the sun, a bird's morning call, indeed a hearty and healthy breakfast, the cool breezes that gently sway the coconut palm and a night sky that is dotted with twinkling stars.

For in a very real sense and especially in this body and with this identity, we only pass this way once.

Make it count!

I urge you today, if there is anyone, especially a loved one, with whom you have had a disagreement, please make amends today. Tomorrow may be too late. Remember this: it is only someone who cares about you can be hurt by you.

As you go through each day, ask yourself, "What legacy am I leaving? How will I be remembered? When my grandchild walks down the street, will people say' take care of that child and treat her well,her grandmother was a very special person'?"

You are building that legacy today. The words you speak, the decisions you make, the things that you do and those that you choose not to do.

The kindness that you show, the advice you give, the generosity you show will last long after you are gone.

Speak from the heart, act fearlessly and hold strong to your beliefs. In the face of difficulty, persevere with the knowledge that "the night is the darkest just before down."

In so doing, meet life's challenges head on. Whenever you fall, rise again.

Copyright © Rajendra Dubay, 2008 - All rights reserved

You are what you think!

2008-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine it, feel it, experience it, believe it, live it and yes, you will have it. Whatever you constantly focus on and think about, will eventually come to pass in your daily life. Therefore, choose your thoughts carefully.

Focus on positive, you will attract positive into your life, focus on negative and yes you will attract negative into your life.

One of the keys, is to always have good wishes for everyone you come into contact with. Even those who you may not always get along with.

By having good wishes for others, good wishes will also come into your own life. This is a natural law, it is the way things operate. Always seek to bring out the goodness in those who you come across.

Be good, do good and goodness will follow you.

As Mother Theresa has said, “It is better to be FOR good than against evil”. Always be FOR a cause, never against.

We all have problems, and as long as we continue to live we will always be faced with problems.

How we choose to bear these problems, is what matters most. Do we bear them with a smile, or do we bare them by being in a state of constant frustration?

When last have you paid a compliment to someone, especially someone close to you who needs to hear it the most?

Do it today, pay this compliment today.

Please, do not take people for granted; cherish every moment you have with your loved ones.

Be grateful, give thanks everyday for what you have, even give thanks for what you don’t have, because there is a reason for it and also give thanks for what you might have in the future.

It is in giving thanks and showing gratitude that we are transformed everyday and through which we can focus on the positive and do everyday what matters to us most.

© Rajendra Dubay | 2008. All rights reserved

A most unlikely hero

2008-11-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Are you a hero or do you want to be a hero? Ask yourself this question: Is the corrupt politician a hero or is the caring mother a hero? A husband who sleeps with ten women. Is he a hero, or is the real hero a husband who is faithful to one woman, his wife?

Ask yourself this question.

When you do something, do it for a cause. The effects will follow naturally. You do not do something to become popular. You do something for a cause, a good cause.

If you become popular as a result of doing that thing, then this was meant to be. Our world is filled with many unsung heroes.

Persons who achieve miracles everyday that others are unaware of.

When you get up to go to work everyday and reach on time, this is a miracle. When you work everyday, day after day, this is a miracle.

Do you know why?

There are thousands of people, even millions who cannot do this or who are unable to do this. When you have breakfast in the morning, eat again at lunch and eat again at dinner, these are all miracles.

So then, the parent or parents who work everyday so that their children may have food, are these the real heroes? Ask yourself this. A faithful wife, a faithful husband, are they heroes?

People who, despite the temptations of everyday life, remain committed to their core values of goodness and decency. Are these heroes?

Don't look to a "rock star", look to your mother, look to your father. Look to your grandparents. They have brought you up and taken good care of you. Please don't take their acts of kindness for granted. These are true heroes.

I urge you to live for a cause, a good cause. Find something worth living for and then commit everyday to working towards it.

If you become well known for pursuing this cause and your popularity grows, then this was meant to be.

Don't put popularity first. It should be a natural effect of working towards a good cause. Find meaning and beauty in the things that you do everyday.

See the beauty in those who you love and who have sacrificed the most so that you may gain.

Yes, these should be your true heroes and please don't take them for granted. Cherish these heroes, show them your gratitude and take care of them in their " golden years", so that you can now become their hero.

(© Rajendra Dubay | 2008. All rights reserved)