When flood comes,
the fish eat ants.
But when water dries,
the ants eat fish.
– Theory of Life, Virus will be defeated !
Humans started moving away from the natural ways when we began to wear clothes, started eating for pleasure and embraced temporarily practised norms over instinctive urges. And over the years this is what blind development has done.
Among the “civilised”, right and wrong is determined by cultural conventions and rules, he continued, “There were times when polygamy was considered a solution when there was a shortage of men due to war”, instead it continued for centuries ever after. I was remembering my Guru Maharaj ji, who two years ago had initiated me towards divine love. For last few days as i was going through my diaries of the times when we both had found time to speak at length about life and laws, and how can discipline determine the direction and intensity of one’s journey. I found something that he had given me, a potion that i found useful in these times of isolation as if he knew, as if he was preparing me for something already; for if there will be health, he said, and so says Joanna- you can keep carrying the torch, that light which the world needs.
I will share some knowledge of what Guru Keshava taught me then, and some in these years of exploring life, while practising and experiencing some of what found me.
India is fighting back on a war footing today. She is going through a time whose consequences nobody had foreseen. The pandemic is becoming an epidemic. It is unimaginable to think that had India not produced and made her own vaccine, manufactured that of others, it would have been impossible to even hope for human civilisation to survive this. As the virus pierces the rural peace, the social order, I believe only vaccines of any country are hardly an answer. It might buy necessary time to fight the virus psychologically but It is no magic wand for a way out of this situation. Very Conscious and responsible steps are needed at individual level.
Travellers, Merchants, traders didn’t come to India only for her beauty or spending time at some beach looking at sunsets; some were after wealth, and some after spices that were known to have magical capabilities, some were unheard of, never tasted, and some were known to cure ailments of the body, jadibutis and above all they made the food delicious. This news went around the world like fire in those times and ships after ships were sent out by the rich merchants of Europe to find a land called India.
In Gurukul system of Education, Indian Kitchen used to be known as Aushdyalaya, a place to keep medicines, a pharmacy. Today when this Virus is said to be mutating, like raktbeej– a demon becoming a stronger variant of the other- any vaccine taken is not going to be fool proof. And thus when answers are limited, there is only one way any person can safeguard oneself, by boosting his/her immunity. And one that most likely is available in most Indian Kitchens.
For last many days, as I carefully walked the streets of Delhi, not daily but for reporting; writing and photographing this havoc, as it is nothing less than nightmare. Even though my work was merely to report but my heart, wishes, prayers went out to each soul i saw, met and spoke with in these times who in some way or the other are fighting the fight of their lives. I also made sure to speak to certain section of people who have been studying, learning and are active participants in understanding Ayurveda. I spoke to many a people at length about how can one boost their immunity to get ready for this long fight as it seems there is going to be no respite from this hell in near future.
This essay is a shout out to each one of you who in last one year became my family. All who in these times contacted me, asked me for my health and well being, i thank you. I owe you, your families prayers and care. I wish to tell everyone to stay strong, we need each other. Because as i see it, it is nature that is fighting back for her survival. We know what humankind has cruelly done for centuries now, she needs time.
But also as a word of caution, i want to share this thought with my ‘Road to Nara’ family, that History will repeat itself, there are signs. And this time it is not going to be over soon. World Wars happened a decade after recession previously, and this time Wars might not even take that long. Astrologically, as few friends and Guruji have communicated, later years of this decade are going to be one of the worst periods for humanity, for our planet, this union is showing a dark phase that comes once in a millennia, I cannot and must not predict how bad it looks but the only way for us and the coming generation, for children is to build their inner will and strength and immunity. This is the only way. Please do not take this lightly.
I am going to share 9 very important Yogic practices to boost one’s immunity. In these times of isolation If any reader of “Road to Nara”, is living outside India, and relates to these measures, has any questions, or is not able to find these Ayurvedic medicines in their country, please let me know and i will see how they can reach you, because now is most important time to rebuild one’s kitchen to the ancient times, for most authentic ways of cooking, all for a better health, and less diseased world. As lockdowns are not forever. For when we have to step out, real challenge, real test will begin. This, when how responsible, how sensible we are will matter, after the lockdown is over and the economic process begins, the only way to be outside and working without worrying will only matter how much our immune system has enhanced.
One thing is strict maintenance of social distancing, and this must become our religion, that is if you are religious. I am just saying otherwise, being with yourself, mask always up also that distance must become our meditation to start with, as for meditators it is nothing less than a boon.
1. Turmeric and Neem Leaves(Azadirachta indica)
For over one year now as I start my daily routine, I take half a spoon of turmeric with lukewarm water, and then before going outside for a walk i take 6-9 neem leaves, that i pick from a nearby neem tree previous day, after washing, i put them in my mouth, and i let them be there for half an hour-forty five minutes may be longer, as long as i walk and gulp everything down with water later. Of course it is bitter but this bitter after few days feels like i have not lived my life fully today.
If you are starting it now, it will at least take 4-8 weeks before showing any considerable changes in your immune system, more clearly on your skin, cleaning your colon and enhancing your energy. It is simply put Indra’s Vajra for inner cleaning and immunity.
Trust me, if you believe in some magic, this is it!
2. Have Tulsi(Holy Basil) Rasa and drink it with lukewarm water.
There are some Tulsi Rasa that I have used from certain brands but because stores, shops are not opening or because demand is too high one might not find it easily. Better is to have a Tulsi plant at your home. You can pick 10 tulsi leaves, and most Indian homes will have this plant, put them in water and boil it until its volume boils down to a cup. Filter it and drink it sip by sip. Its pretty tasty too and even children will like it, as the vaccines for children will be available half a year later from now, tulsi in the system will again work as magic, or even outside it, at home it is one of those plants that purifies air, gives oxygen some purity. Our ancients knew it thousands of years ago. And it is not that it must be taken because of the virus, my mother and I am certain many mother’s across Indian subcontinent have been putting Tulsi leaves daily in their morning teas barring Sunday.
Also read: 5 Ancient Secrets of Yogic Wellness-III
3. Amla/Indian Gooseberry
Another thing is Indian gooseberry or amla, small in size. You just have to smash it, put some salt over it, chew it, and keep it in the mouth for as long 30 minutes to an hour, as its most effective there, like that. This simple thing will greatly enhance your immune system. Amla has many other qualities and is also the only citric fruit that can even be taken with milk.
4. Hot drinks/Kashayam/Green Teas
There are many traditional things that we can do to boost our immunity. Hot drinks, milk tea with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves was already highly popular even before this virus arrived and more so these days it has been advised to have them thrice or more times a day.
Cinnamon here, many of us might not know was the primary jadi buti, medicinal spice that was highly sought after by all the European merchants/traders as it was known even then to give immense strength, especially for men if they were struggling with sexual problems or with respiratory diseases. Only found in India and Sri lanka, Cinnamon if using in a powder form must not be taken more than a pinch a day.
5. Using Giloy/Dry gourd/Camphor/lemon on daily basis
Giloye in ancient India was kept at the same pedestal as Tulsi or neem. It is such a plant that will remove fever and such ailments from its root while stabilizing body temperature, cleaning the blood and enhancing immune system for long. One can even think of keeping Giloy plant at home, its leaves and even branches are of utmost use. We can boil its leaves with water till it becomes a half a cup and sipping it down slowly will do wonders on daily basis.
It reminds me of requesting anyone who is still reading to please not drink and let any one drink cold refrigerated water in these times. We can keep water in earthen pots and have it at the room temperature, else it is most advisable to boil your water and keep sipping some every hour.
Finding original Camphor is not easy, but if one has access to good Camphor tablets, it would advisable to keep them in your masks. It will greatly enhance your ability to deep breathe and allow your neuro-system to calm down even in the most stressed out times.
To tell you, these are all my maternal grandmother stuff, not totally mine, I might have only added meagerly to it, but it greatly helped her all her life. It helped my mother and it is helping me.
Also Read : Food and the World on a new Yogi’s mind
6. Yogic Practice
The only way now is to behave socially in a responsible manner, and yogic way is the way forward. This is a new world, for at least next one to two years, And it will be a different world than what we were used to live in.
Once you get deeper in Yoga, there are immense possibilities and many things can be done, but I would only like to share somethings that my people here and their families and children can practice.
It must be known that Yoga doesn’t come through blood, you got to do it. Its probably the only problem with the damn thing! It works miraculously but one has to do it.
This most important mantra, and you must first understand that what we call as a mantra is a certain geometry of sound. If properly, and most importantly, collectively uttered this mantra will generate what we call in samskrut as samhit prana.
Gayatri Mantra: the mantra of light is the most popular, ancient beyond our knowledge of time, is the most effective sound for human mind. It generates heat as we call Sun, surya to bless us with the knowledge of light. In these times this mantra is a nectar for humankind and i would suggest anyone living in any part of the world to please take out 20 minutes for themselves, better with family and quietly recite gayatri for between 8 to 24 times.
“गायत्री मंत्र:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ।
Om Bhur Bhuwah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat॥
General meaning: We meditate on that most adored Supreme Lord, the creator, whose effulgence (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illumine our intellect.
Word meaning: Om: The primeval sound; Bhur: the physical body/physical realm; Bhuvah: the life force/the mental realm Suvah: the soul/spiritual realm; Tat: That (God); Savitur: the Sun, Creator (source of all life); Vareñyam: adore; Bhargo: effulgence (divine light); Devasya: supreme Lord; Dhīmahi: meditate; Dhiyo: the intellect; Yo: May this light; Nah: our; Prachodayāt: illumine/inspire.
There are 5 dimensions of prana vavyu in our system, samit prana, greatly enhanced by Gayatri is one that is the incharge of the respiratory process and thought process and it helps in generating heat/उष्ण in the body through tapa, the most important component, a foundation on which Yogis develop their inner light before finding themselves reaching to higher dimensions. And for Gayatri, i speak from my personal experience from years of practice, not just theory.
If anyone is interested in learning the history, the story of the origin of Gayatri mantra, please hear brilliant Murli here
7. Simhasana/Simha Kriya
In the Yogic sciences, there are various ways to enhance immune system, in terms of practices, a very simple but powerful Yogic Kriya is Simhasana/सिंहासन or the Lion Pose, that I had even taught to my parents long ago, and used to make children do this first thing at school, it was fun and children loved it. This is a kind of process that even before it helps boosting the immune system- it starts making one feel strong and confident. Another thing is that it deepens your breath in a certain way, that suppose if you start doing it from today and in a week’s time you find some difficulty in continuing it, in pushing your self through it, you will clearly know that you will have some respiration related stuff going on a lot before any symptoms show up medically.
And this virus being a respiratory related thing it will be very useful if you can do Simhasna twice a day. For children, it will also be a fun exercise. It will boost the immune system like volume on woofers, and at the same time its like a gage that suppose you can’t do it one day like other days, it will tell you to be alert even before any medical, technical machine will find out.
8. Prithvi Prema Kriya/Working with the Soil
Most people develop the relationship with the soil only once they die. But its very important to develop a relationship with all the elements especially with the soil while you are alive. I would say especially now when the virus is around, believe me those of you who are in some way have contact with the soil in a very loving manner; well your ability to live and to resist these kind of invasions in your life will be greatly, greatly enhanced.
Its not just enough if you live, its important that you live strong. Living strong does not mean growing big muscles and dominating others, living strong means life grows with a possibility of arriving big, within, deep inside those valves, your cells. And for this you need a body which treats the entire planet as its extension, which it is. So its very important to have your hands and feet find earth, soil, tending to a garden like dearest Joanna here, who if not writing and inspiring people from the world over, can always be found spending all her remaining time in her beautiful garden. You can read and rever for her selfless work, for each week she with military precision, comes to motivate us here, with her brilliant writing skills. We can see her hands in the photograph above holding mother nature.
9. Hug Trees
According to ancient Yogic texts every zodiac sign is assigned with a tree, it also goes by the nakshatras. Like the tree according to texts that is assigned to my nature is the king tree Peepal. I pray to it, i speak with it. But it happened well before i even knew about it. The point is let the tree find you because that is important for your life, for each life on earth as they are our truest, closest relatives. You will believe me when i will say they will provide you everything like elders do to their children. Hug trees, speak with them they are family.
Thanks for reading.
: ँ :
Please write if in case anyone would like to know more about anything, or would like to have above mentioned medicinal plant seeds, herbs to be delivered to their place.
If you like to share your views on the story or feel like saying a hello, please do and write to me at narayankaudinya@gmail.com
: ँ :
To follow other ethnographical and short stories from rural India, find me at
narxtara and Road to Nara
ROAD TO NARA 
Reblogged this on Love and Love Alone.
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Hi, thank you for the reblog.
Nara x
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Also there is nothing more truer fact than love and love alone. Thanks again.
Nara x
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Thank you Nara. This is very useful
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Thank you Ananda. Very kind of you.
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Your words further assure the authenticity of their use in everyday life.
Thank you again.
Nara x
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After reading this essay which was published today, and obviously for the benefit of those living in India, but also including wise advice for the rest of the readers, I was first astonished by the fierce, evangelical, prophetic passion with which the author infuses his words when he writes.
His determination to save his people, and all of us from the horror of the pandemic (the word means – global) is deeply moving. He does not leave any possibly beneficial detail out,
be it a drink made of special leaves, spices, or even what the temperature of the water
should be. Then there is the history of civilisation and how humans brought the disaster upon themselves. The author’s prophetic predictions for the next decade are greatly interesting because there are much similar to the views of the great visionary writer, The Nobel Prize winner whose predictions I am writing about in my Saturday essay. Today’s writer, Narayan, is naturally talented in his work, but it is his commitment to alleviating social injustice and his quest to help the needy that stands out and impress the reader. His power of persuasion is second to none – we feel encouraged to follow his example, and chew the leaves, boil the water and hug the trees, and talk to them, just as Prince Charles is doing, and so am I.
My only advice to readers and to myself is to read this essay several times to absorb it all and to use the valuable information that we won’t find anywhere else. My only regret is that we don’t have as yet, a book of his stories that would be a delight to read and to review.
Joanna
predictions of writers he didn’t
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My dearest Joanna,
You are valuable beyond mere words that i will not even attempt to express. Please Write soon.
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Miigwetch (Ojibwe “thank you”) for sharing your wisdom in these dark and troubling times, Narayan. Sending my best wishes to you and the people of India. 💜
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Carol, thank you for ‘Ojibwe’, for sharing your words, for coming. Probably it is only wisdom and second to discipline which may help anyone in the darkest of times. Thank you.
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and thank you for your wishes for me, for the country. This has been humongous but as i feel it is nature which is fighting back Carol. Accept my wishes too and for family.
Nara x
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Thank you. I will return to drinking my turmeric and lemon warm water first thing in the morning. I usually stop this when my weather gets warm. I will add the Gayatri Mantra tomorrow to my meditation practice.
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Thank you so much for writing Sarah, and i appreciate it as i know you were already taking turmeric in the morning. And my heartiest wishes for you who can include Gayatri in everyday life. It will nothing less than a blessing, a shield to say the least. Thank you.
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Thank you so much for writing Sarah, and i appreciate it as i know you were already taking turmeric in the morning. And my heartiest wishes for you who can include Gayatri in everyday life. It will nothing less than a blessing, a shield to say the least. Thank you.
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And thank you again for coming over and for your words dear Sarah.
Nara x
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Nara, thanks for sharing the very important Yogic practices to boost one’s immunity. I will work on expanding my daily practices. I also believe that “nature…is fighting back for her survival.” We humans have become the greatest threat to the survival of our planet’s natural web of life. My best wishes are with you and the people of India during these dark days ❤
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Thank you dear Rosa, absolutely there is no doubt that it is only nature which is fighting back, not humans against Corona. Now when it has come it will leave too.
Thanks for your wishes. Yes, its been pretty hard for the country last one month or so.
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Also i hope you have expanded rather included some of these practises. If not please do as they are not just for Corona time but for the vitality, enhancing immunity and energy of our bodies.
Thanks you again dear Rosa for writing
Nara x
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Very useful facts! Thanks for sharing
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Thanks Jyothi, hope you are using some for yourself in everyday life.
My wishes
Nara x
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Yoga is good for fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you 😊
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Thanks Asitha. Yoga is the knowledge of living a profound life. Corona or no Corona Yoga develops of abilities in a way that it fights with anything unnatural, even habits 🙂
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You are welcome, Narayan.
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Thanks for coming over dear Asitha, and for your words.
Nara x
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👍
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Very good article. Though I lack the knowledge and experience in this area, but I strongly believe that building our system robust through Yoga, meditation and right diet at country and world level, is the only way to counter the future challenges that we may have to face.
Regards and Namaskaram.
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Delighted to have you. You are right and to an extent this should have been done or must have continued for centuries unopposed. We and ours, humanity in all would have gained and not just that we could have been a united lot. But yes, there is a lot to do. Many Nadrus are needed 🙂
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Thank you again. Namaskaram
Nara x
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So I’ve embarked on several of your immunity suggestions with good success- turmeric and yoga make a great combination. Maybe the fact I’ve seen India twice has made a difference as well.
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Dearest James, your words fill me with joy. Of course spending time here in India must have made you more aware of yourself and circumstances that this part of the world brings about.
Thank you very much
Nara x
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Also if there is anything that you might need, or are seeking- it will be great to even converse on mail. Please feel free to do so whenever you feel.
Regards
Nara x
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Narayan🙏🙏 many many thanks for this post. How much have these two months suddenly shook up so many around us, revealing different faces and phases of humanity. Every line jotted, every steps mentioned above are really calming especially during these anxious times. So happy to see dearest Joanna also here🙂.
With a hope to see kids playing together soon🙏..thank you again.
Richa
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So long my dear Richa, i hope you are well. And family is safe and even acquiring all the immunity needed because of you- the sweet Jaw 🙂
So much, you know right- anyone who called or spoke had some news or other of death, disease and sadness. Not that it is over or will be over soon, no. It is to stay and it is now upon us to become our better healthy versions.
Yes, this was a small ode to Joanna as she is always inspiring people through her writing and i got to see her garden. It must be home to so many birds, richa. I thought to share it with the post.
Yes, for many days almost month there is no sound of children playing, running, nothing at all. Where have we come? To an extent shops closing at 1130 am has even started feeling normal !!
My wishes and Regards dear Richa
Nara x
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Well said. I applaud this👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Thank you dear Visitor.
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Welcome 😃
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Those are some great tips indeed. I will try to include at least a few of these practices in my daily routine. Thanks a lot for this post.
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Good morning.
Thank you Shweta for coming over and letting me know here. Well yes, some reminders from the ancient world. I would suggest with all my experience to include Turmeric first thing with warm water. Else anything that you like 🙂
Regards
Nara x
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I drink ginger tea with turmeric and honey the first thing in the morning. I’m so glad I found your post. 😊
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Its your kindness, and my pleasure Shweta.
Its a beautiful world of findings this blog world. Amazing and fortunately a little warm then any other.
My wishes
Nara x
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I’m most interesting in keeping my immune system strong while reducing belly fat. Any India ideas?
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haha. Good morning dear usfman. Yes, a long walk to India with a mix dose of paschimottanasana and bhujangasana in between 🙂
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Prayers for your country going through such a hard time with this virus!
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Thank you dear Maxine. Thankfully the bitter, and hard phase is behind us. Now rebuilding again. Slowly on the way to recovery. Thanks for writing.
Nara x
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Thank you too! Blessings!!
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Pleasure is mine. Thanks again very much.
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Wonderful blessings and insights always Narayan💖
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Cindy Morning from here. Thank you. Hope you are getting to travel somewhere around now !
Thank you again
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Hi Narayan….
and good evening from you. you’re so welcome…. funny you should say…. Fri-Yay Funday is tomorrow so tune in❣️🤗🌷🥰
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Beautiful Narayan
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Thank you
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This is really interesting and useful. Thank a lot for sharing.
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Trishikh, thank you friend. Been sometime. I had wandered through your stories again recently, hope you are well. Was thinking you were quiet for time.
Always a pleasure, thanks
Nara x
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Yes Narayan, the last and this month have been very hectic on the job front. Could not manage time to write my stories. However, I am back on track, hopefully will release my next story this weekend.
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You are very deep and detailed in your writing. Very nice.
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Very humble of you. Very Kind. Thank you
Nara x
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Useful information. I didn’t know much about giloy. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful herb.
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Giloy is an amrut plant, can revitalize whole immune system like a Yogi. Thank you for taking out time Veena.
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My pleasure
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Much appreciated. Thank you again.
Narayan x
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Excellent post!
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Dawn thank you for your precious, kind words.
Narayan x
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