'Rathyatra' day and its been a strong faith for many hindus as they joined the Rathyatra procession on 8th July. Several stories throw light on this Rathyatra day, however, here is the info that I am sure you will like to read. Rath in Hindu Scriptures is meaningful...Body Rath, Samsara Rath & Life Rath...The meaning is deep and one need not go deep into the teachings if you only wish to know how the Rathyatra procession is carried out. I have the earlier 2003 procession description and its every year, the Rathyatra celebrations take place with some difference. One thing is most impressive that during this procession, the Hindus and Muslims of Ahmedabad are seen 'United' and as someone told me that before two days, one lac people had free lunch at the Ahmedabad Jagannath temple and that too like you never had such delicious feast anywhere else. Even the poor people of all caste, more than we can count, sit in a line waiting for food and they are served in special new steel plates! Well, I guess this is the spiritual believe and the faith - almost found everywhere round the world. Check out for the Rathyatra pages on kidsfreesouls and info on Krishna.

-Blossomsmile ilaxi
Editor online, kidsfreesouls

Did you know 'A voice bring love back into your life and a voice can make your work loads lighter when you are on heights of your job and the work stress is higher.' 

Well, voice has a special depth of thoughts and can influence your whole life as well as others. When you say ‘Hello’ the sound is like tinkling bell when you say it with softness and deep feeling but if you are harsh with your words, this means you are not towards the right track to road ahead of success. Words spoken with intelligence, words spoken with soft feelings, words spoken with understanding has an impact on the other with the voice power. If you observe people talking, you can find the characteristics of the person which can master you with ‘mind reading’. As we talk to people in person and hear their voice or talk on phone, it's sometimes, the Power of Voice that leaves an impression and a deep influence that work wonders and life seem to be blooming around with happiness. Isn't this so true?

Read 'Power of Voice', an article I wrote years ago in Freesouls, Op-ed page in print media of Sambhaav.

-Blossomsmile ilaxi
Editor online, Kidsfreesouls.com

4th July marked the US Independence Day and all celebrate the Flag Day of US singing the US Anthem by Francis Scott Key, it reminds me of my country's National Anthem! But than, so close to heart are the childhood days when we also use to sing the School Song. Even today, when Mt.Carmel kids come to Swagat, we all sing Mt. Carmel Convent School song and Imagine, the kids get so surprised to see me singing their school song! Yeah, me too from Mt.Carmel! Here we sing:

"A happy band from far and near,
Mt.Carmel girls we gather here,
We love the school Mt. carmel hail,
Our love for you shall never fail

Chorus: For God is all our strength, In him we do and dare,
The right against the wrong, we cherish and revere.
Than proudly let us stand, United hand in hand,
we pray that god may bless and keep Mt. Carmel School.

We gather here,where all may sing,
Glad songs of praise of trust and love,
Our youthful hearts here find the way,
That leads to life and endless day.....

Songs often do inspire and encourage us to Keep the faith. I guess all the Swagat students must be humming the Swagat Song too and I remember all swagat kids had jolly fun to shout 'S W A G A T' at Christmas celebrations and events at the place. The song is still sung by present members of the Library class and it's a great feeling for me that a song is sung with so much joy! I'm sure all my ex students (now in 10th/12th or even those who finished college) of Swagat remember their Childhood days spent with me:-)

-ilaxi
Editor Online, Kidsfreesouls.com

It is said, one success outweighs all the failures that come before. Thomas Edison failed hundred times on his way to inventing the light bulb. So, I guess when its time for 'Back to school', all those children with the messy handwriting need to improve as "Bad Handwriting is the sign of incomplete Education" - Here are tips for better Handwriting, right away!

- Blossomsmile ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com

Back to School! Lot of fancy Books, Pencils, erasers and sharpeners! Not to forget the heavy loaded school bags with the Mickey mouse and Spiderman characters. Kids are demanding all sorts of goodies and as we debated the other day with kids in my library, Ashini says, 'Having such fancy things sure makes me feel impressive and show off other kids" whereas Ayushi has cool advice "All cannot afford to buy and so if I buy fancy stationery, my friends might feel bad that they can't buy". Shaimi who stays with a joint family beamed, "We all brothers and sisters get different design and branded stationery so as not to mix up and end fighting. Sometimes, we can't buy what we want coz my younger sister or cousin will demand for it".

Now, I feel, as parents,fulfilling wish out of love for children is a one time affair but if the demands keep coming when one cant cope up to make two ends meet, the real trouble shooting probs explode. If tackled right from the start, things really do make a difference to remain united in a cozy comfortable manner.  Children are acutely sensitive to the nuances of their parents' tension and well-being. Family silence around stress can cause children to shoulder unnecessary burdens of shame and guilt. Talking with them is an important first step toward helping them gain important coping skills.Reducing stress is an important step for parents & kids - that is Parental stress, Kids stress (http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/parents.htm)- Tips there, right away!

- Blossomsmile ilaxi
Editor, kidsfreesouls.com