Decisive Battles, Strategic Leaders ~ J.P. Alexander (120 of 2024)

 "Decisive Battles, Strategic Leaders" by J.P. Alexander delves into pivotal military engagements throughout history, analysing the strategic decisions of renowned commanders and their lasting impacts on nations and warfare. The author delves into the minds of these strategists to understand how their battlefield decisions influenced the outcomes of wars and the destinies of nations. The book presents fundamental principles of warfare and draws analogies between military strategies and business tactics, offering insights valuable to both military enthusiasts and practicing managers. Interesting point is that the author has visited each of these sites mentioned in the book, and was present there personally. 

Book begins with strategic leadership in 2014, and takes us back to ancient leaders and battles. 

The book examines campaigns from ancient to modern times, featuring leaders such as Pharaoh Thutmose III at the Battle of Megiddo (1479 BC), Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, General Sam Manekshaw during the Bangladesh War of 1971 and many more of them. 

It also explores the fall of significant cities like Constantinople, Delhi and Singapore  providing detailed accounts of these events. Divided into 24 chapters, the book covers many battles. 

Autor mentions and pays special tribute to Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam (19 January 1929 — 2 February 2011) was an Indian international strategic affairs analyst, journalist and former civil servant. Considered a proponent of Realpolitik, Subrahmanyam was an influential voice in Indian security affairs for a long time.

A commander must handle three basic element - men, material, and ground. Success comes to the general who is adept at the art of applying the first two elements to the last, in the most effective way. 

According to the author, there are three deadly bombs waiting to be exploded - nuclear, financial and climate. 

Prof. Arnold Toynbee (author of the classic 'Study of History) in his Azad Memorial Lecture (1960) in Delhi -"The new danger to which our race is now exposed - the danger of our being destroyed by our own hands - ought to inspire in us a new patriotism for Mankind as a whole, and this ought to take precedence in our hearts and minds over traditional attachments to this or that fraction of mankind."

Samurai Spirit, pervades all aspects of leadership style and strategy. In his 17th century "Book of the 5 rings" Samurai Miyamoto Musashi spells out the strategic principles. Five brief studies titled over 5 elements of nature - Chi/earth, Mizu/water, Hi/fire, Kaze/wind and Ku/emptiness. He covers many leadership lessons in it, like Balance, Intuition/sixth sense, Negotiation, Seeing the big picture etc. 

Studies reveal that Ambition (Caesar), Hatred of Rome (Hannibal), Pride (Frederick the Great), Professionalism (Yamashita, Gustavus, Adolphus), Avarice (Genghis Khan, Abdali), Patriotism (Harold, Joan of Arc) and Sense of Destiny (Napoleon, Alexander) were their  more obvious motivation factors - all located close to the summit of the hierarchical 'needs' pyramid. 

Are geniuses born or made? nature or Nurture? Superstars are product of history and community of opportunity and legacy. 

Major clash between the nomads and settled civilisation occurred in the 2nd millennium BC when the warlike Indo-European hordes poured out of the central Asian grasslands around the caspan and Aral Seas, in search of 'lebensraum'. (Territory needed for natural development) Astride sturdy horses and wielding spears and swords, they swept south-eastwards into India (as Aryans) and south westwards into Iran (as Medes and Persians)

The first major battle every recorded was fought at Megiddo (Armageddon), south east of Nazareth in Palestine on 14th April 1479 BC. 

Interestingly, the 6th Century BC, Provides a contemporaneous galaxy of ethical thinkers - Mahavira, Gautama Buddha, Zoroaster, Lao Tse, Confucius, Pythagoras of Samos and the Hebrew prophets of the Babylonian exile. Intrigued by this amazing coincidence, Jawaharlal Nehru devotes a full chapter to this spiritual phenomenon in his "Glimpses of world History', drawing parallels between these philosopher - prophet- teachers of different genres. He observes "There must have been a wave of thought going through the world, a wave of discontent with existing conditions and of hope and aspiration for something better."

Chinese mass lay far outside the fulcral area of the other major civilizations, under the Shang and Chou dynasties (till 771 BC) when they were unified by Chi'ins. Sun Tzu was a successful general of the  king of Wu and his  perceptive 'Art of war' was widely studied in China and Japan for his principles of "Creating confusion and friction."

Sermons of the Dead ~ Narendra Murthy (119 of 2024)

 

"Sermons of the Dead" by Narendra Murty is a book in three parts. Part one cover a brief sketch of six historical martyrs: Socrates, Jesus, Joan of Arc, Galileo, Gandhi, and Mansur al-Hallaj  and interviews with them. Was there anything drastically new you learn from this book? Nope if you have followed the lives of these six martyrs, believe in them and follow what the world is going through today. But the catch is there is lot to ponder and implement. 

What is commendable is the thought process, the way author has brought all the characters  to the present and tried to address most of the pressing problems faced by humanity and the need of the hour. Yes when asked there could be varying views on what the pressing problem are now, but most of them could be related or linked to one of the subject covered in the book. Values, Morals, Love, Peace, Hope, Freedom.

Am sure, the six historical martyrs need no introduction,  in the book they are are interviewed by Bertrand Russell a quintessential modern man born on 18th may 1872 in UK. His contributions to logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of mathematics established him as one of the foremost philosophers of the 20th century. To the general public, however, he was best known as a campaigner for peace and as a popular writer on social, political, and moral subjects.

Part 2 covers three eternal debate,  one on Mind Vs. Matter by Joan of Arc, Mansur and Russell; 2nd on Authoritarianism Vs. Democracy by Socrates, Gandhi and Russell and 3rd on Science Vs. Religion by Jesus, Galileo and Russell. These debates are age-old in which neither side has ever won a conclusive victory, may be so called the 'eternal debates'. 

Mind Vs. Matter: For the modern man what he can see and touch is real, but even matter is made up of minute particles that cannot be seen. Because matter is a form of energy, so is consciousness that give rise to mind. The objective world, a world 'out there' independent of the observer, simply does not exist when we delve into the atomic world. We can only perceive and cannot know what is out there. The same apply to all senses. What we perceive is our own invention. World out there is a work of art and not a scientific fact. We are creating this reality. We can know things only as they present themselves to us, and not 'as they are'. External world is Mind plus matter. Neither objective or pure matter or subjective or pure mind. So can we say 'Omnijective'? We see 'what we are' at different stages of life, and not 'what it is'. Mind evolves out of matter because it is already involved in matter. 

Matter = Expression of energy

Mind = Expression of Consciousness. 

Consciousness sleeps in the rock, awakens in the plant, moves and feels in the animal and thinks and imagines in the man. 

Matter is involved mind and mind is evolved matter. 

 Authoritarianism vs. Democracy

Democracy is not just the right to vote, citizens should be involved. The belief that human beings, societies and the environment should be ruled by the demands of the market place is diabolic and suicidal.  Only when poor are happy with neither ignorance or distress, there are no prisoners or beggars, taxes are not oppressive and aged are not in want only then we can say the democracy is successful. If we have to protect democracy, at some point we have to confront the violence of authoritarianism. 

Dysfunctional democracies with their bankrupt economic policies that exist only to serve the power elite, would respond with violence once the people rise in protest when it all becomes to unbearable. 

Democracy is controlled by the rich, which can lead to his failure. 

Science  Vs. Religion 

Our science is not an illusion, but it would be an illusion to suppose that what science cannot give us, we can get elsewhere. Science refuse to acknowledge God as God cannot be caught in laboratory experiment. God is a higher dimension and a state of being which simply cannot fit into a laboratory experiment. God is the whole, the totality of existence and science can never grasp God because its vision is fragmentary, because it deals with fragments. And even though science deals with the fragments when the fragments are integrated, we find that we are moving closer to a Unity, the Whole. Science has discovered that matter and energy are one. Time and space are one - time being the fourth dimension of space. 

Consciousness is an obvious, glaring fact of the universe and science is incapable of coming to terms with it. It happens to be the field of religion. Religion is all about illusion, revelation, inspiration, insight and vision. 

Science cannot run away from the sphere of Value judgement. There is science for knowledge and science for power. They are inextricably linked in the modern world. Power can never be free of value judgement. We are in the middle of a race between human skill as to means and human folly as to ends. The human race has survived hitherto owing to ignorance and incompetence; but given knowledge and competence combined with folly, there can be no certainty of survival. 

We are seeing the coexistence of the marvels of science on the physical plane but on the mental plane, we find an attempt to escape into irrationality and a regress into a Utopia where all our wishes come true if only we follow a prescribed formula.  We believe in Vastu, Feng Shui, and intense form of narcissism driven by the advertisement industry which place importance to physical body. 

Cults are mushrooming and they provide a refugee, by giving a sense of belonging and brotherhood. Religion has two aspects, the inner and the outer. Science see religion as a set of outdated morals. Nobody today is interested in salvation and heaven for virtuous behaviour. 

Science should not in arrogance provide blanket judgement, its best representatives - Einstein, John Wheeler - where all religious and mystics in the highest form.  The longing in man's soul can only be satisfied by a true and authentic religion. We need science to make the world a better place. 'For what would it profit a man if he gains the entire world but loses his soul?

and in Part 3 each of them give their final message, the need of the hour for humanity.

Socrates speaks on why do we live? Our souls long for things of a higher order: Love, truth, justice, peace and beauty though we are behind material things. Science lead to Truth, religion to goodness and art to beauty. Happiness would elude us in spite of possession of all the material luxuries if the higher motives or meta motives don't guide our lives. 

Joan of Arc ask us to strive for and work towards peace. 

Galileo to enhance our quest for knowledge, and not power and wealth. Though it is wisdom we should ultimately strive for. 

Gandhiji ask us to stop pretending that economics is a science. We have moved out of agricultural, industrial economics and have made finance a gamble, making money not out of goods or services but out of money. An unemployed man is a hungry man and a angry man. 

Mansur says that religious law/theocracy and freedom cannot coexist. The five pillars are enough for a good Moslem. Now we have 'clash of civilisation' because religion involves very strong emotions and it is coming out in the public space. Bertrand Russell had wisely remarked 'Religion is a department of Politics'. Beware, look where you are going. 

Jesus says, he had not asked for churches, blessed are the pure in the heart for they shall see God. Need of the hour is great LOVE. Love with tears of devotion can conquer the fear of death. 

Through these conversations, the book delves into enduring issues such as war, religious conflict, social inequality, and the essence of a virtuous life. This kind of writing do need a soaring, lofty flight of imagination that seeks to visit the realm of the departed to win the treasures of wisdom from the noble dead, making it difficult to categorise it under either non-fiction or fiction. 

 "Sermons of the Dead" is recommended for readers interested in philosophy, history, and the application of historical wisdom to modern societal challenges. Its imaginative premise and engaging prose offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the insights of some of history's most influential martyrs.

Malaysia Diaries

Malaysia is a vibrant, multicultural country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, modern cities, and beautiful natural landscapes. Gained independence from British rule on August 31, 1957, forming the Federation of Malaya, and later expanded to include Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore in 1963. Singapore left in 1965 to become an independent nation.

National Flag of Malayasia - was first raised on 31st August, 1957 at 12:01 AM

Malaysia's Capital: Kuala Lumpur, with the administrative capital in Putrajaya. Malaysia is slightly larger than Norway or New Mexico (USA).It ranks 66th in the world by land area.

Malaysia consists of two main regions:

Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia): Shares borders with Thailand in the north and is connected to Singapore via a causeway in the south. Includes 11 states and two federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya).Features a central mountain range known as the Titiwangsa Range, surrounded by coastal plains.

East Malaysia (Borneo): Shares borders with Indonesia and Brunei and is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea. Located on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Comprises the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the federal territory of Labuan. Characterized by dense rainforests, mountain ranges (including Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak at 4,095 meters), and a rugged coastline.

So we have 13 states and three federal territories.

Light n fountain show

Ancient trade routes brought Hindu and Buddhist influences from India and China.Islam was introduced in the 13th century, becoming the dominant religion.Colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, Malaysia became a key trading hub. Islam is the official religion, but Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs are also practiced.

The population is a mix of: Malays (the largest ethnic group), Chinese, Indians, Indigenous groups (e.g., Orang Asli, Iban, Kadazan)

Official language is  Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) English is widely spoken, along with Tamil, Mandarin, and other regional languages.

Main festivals  here are  Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid), Chinese New Year, Deepavali (Diwali), Gawai Festival (Sarawak), Kaamatan Festival (Sabah)

It's Infrastructure is a mix of traditional villages (kampongs) and ultramodern urban centers.

A view of The Petronas from 906ft @ KL Tower

Key Landmarks or tourist attractions here are: Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur): Iconic skyscrapers and a symbol of modern Malaysia; Malacca: UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich colonial history.

George Town (Penang): Known for its colonial architecture and street food; Mount Kinabalu (Sabah): Popular for trekking. Rainforests: Home to diverse wildlife like orangutans and tigers. Beaches: Langkawi, Tioman Island, and the Perhentian Islands. National Parks: Taman Negara, Gunung Mulu.

@ the base of KL Tower

The KL Tower

Life by the river.... painted on the building.... there are many more buildings painted along the riverside

Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque.... oldest mosque in KL @ the confluence of River Klang & River Gombak

Sùltan Abdul Samad Building.... British Govt. Office in its early years

World's tallest Flag Rising Pole 100m...@ Independence Square, KL, Malaysia

 

Miniatures of some important monuments of the world.... there were so many that all couldn't be captured...

Miniatures of some important monuments of the world.... there were so many that all couldn't be captured...

Smallest Quran with Magnifying Glass

Ivory carved Paduka

Mughal neck piece

Mughal neck piece

A beautiful art work on the ceiling

An ancient marble game - Mancala

Malay Jewelleries

Ancient Musical Instruments of Malaysia

Muzium Negara - The National Museum of Malayasia

Malaysian cuisine is a flavorful fusion influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cooking styles.

Popular dishes are Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice served with sambal, anchovies, and eggs.; Rendang: Spicy meat dish.; Laksa: Spicy noodle soup.; Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles.

Roti Canai: Indian-style flatbread.

Beverages:Teh Tarik: Sweet, frothy tea. White Coffee: Originating from Ipoh.

@ base of ''The Petronas''..... beauty indeed

@ base of ''The Petronas''..... beauty indeed

@ Museum Of Illusions, Bukit Bintang, KL

The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple within the city of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at Ayer Itam, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia

The Batu Caves, located in Gombak, Selangor, just north of Kuala Lumpur.

The statue of Lord Murugan is a towering 42.7 meters (140 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest statues of Lord Murugan in the world.

It is painted in vibrant gold and stands at the base of the Batu Caves, welcoming visitors.

The Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples, serving as a major Hindu pilgrimage site.

The caves are especially popular during the annual Thaipusam festival, which attracts devotees and tourists from around the world.

Malaysia has beautiful beaches too. One of the famous is Langkawi, including the Pretty Pregnant Maiden Island. There are many water sports activity like snorkelling and swimming. 

Government and Politics System is Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.King: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, elected from the nine Malay rulers on a rotational basis. Prime Minister: Head of government.

Malaysia is Celebrated for its coexistence of diverse ethnic groups.. Home to unique species like the Malayan tiger, orangutan, and Rafflesia (world’s largest flower).

Rafflesia, known locally as Bua Phut (wild lotus), is orange/red in appearance. It has no roots or leaves of its own; instead it lives parasitically inside the roots of the liana. It takes nine months to grow from the size of a small button to a giant football (some reach 80cm in diameter). The Rafflesia only blooms for a few days a year, usually during January and February.