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CO S M I C U P LI N K strong>Nostalgia with shades of schizophrenia Creativity from being oneself IN A song sung by Mohammed Rafi for the film Izzat, released in 1968 (Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi), the message of authenticity is brought out in the lines, Kya miliye aise logon se, jinki fithrath chupi rahe; nakli chehera samne aaye, asli surath chupi rahe (what can be obtained from such people whose nature lies hidden, where only the false face is in view and the real face stays hidden?). This song further expatiates powerfully on the ways of such pretentious persons in this world of make believe and sham. Many indeed are far removed from their normal selves, influenced as they are by feelings of insecurity and anxieties or in consequence of their greed for money, power and fame. While some openly and brazenly cast off all scruples and goodness in their feverish pursuits, some continue to talk of and preach honesty and integrity, though unable to bring themselves to lead a life of clarity and real substance. They thus display a dichotomy in character, which also finally manifests, to an intelligent observer, in their conflicting words and acts. While many are helpless tools of situations, some also can cause serious harm through their glib talk and convincing exterior. Such wolves in sheep’s clothing are verily walking examples of split personalities, whose cliché laden and sugarcoated words would extend to swearing and making promises, adroitly stage managed to bowl many over. In an incisive article, “The Awesome Power to be Ourselves”, (Reader’s Digest, July 1983) Ardis Whitman rightly terms the power to be oneself as the greatest power — the power which could touch the destiny and trends of situations and peoples. Citing specific examples of great personalities, who possessed this power of integrity and authenticity, Whitman also points out how, on the contrary, the “loss of power” on the part of the soul, could also result in unexplained fatigue and various psychosomatic diseases. While specific mental and spiritual exercises could help one to obtain authenticity and clarity within, being in solitude once in a while, reflecting on things within and without is also a powerful tool in this journey. This verily is the application of the exhortation, ‘Know Thyself’, the concept of Sage Patanjali (Yoga Sutra: 1,3) of being established in one’s true self (swarupa) and the injunctions in the Bhagawad Gita (2,45; 5,3 and 5,25) to become freed of conflicts and dualities within Take back title deed after loan repayment Leaving title deeds unclaimed create trouble during resale and property forfeiture, ASK a person who has taken a home loan about what it is to have monthly deductions made from his salary month after month? It is probably akin to putting restrictions to his financial freedom and overall lifestyle. So, it is obvious that the day this home loan gets over, they celebrate by popping a bottle of champagne or two. Some may throw a party. But others commit serious financial blunders. They leave the title deed of the property with the bank itself. Most property buyers pledge the original deed at the time of availing of a home loan. But only one in six people collect the same after closing the account. Terminating an existing can be quite a headache as it involves significant paperwork. For once, it is not you who has to submit the documents, but actually ensure that the bank or housing finance company (HFC) returns all your original documents. WHAT NEXT? The thumb rule is that you get back all the documents from the bank or HFC which you submit at the time of a loan application. These include loan papers, title insurance, statement, documents of owner’s coverage and other papers. Over and above that you have to get a no-due certificate or settlement statement. This is a written certificate from the lender, which states you do not have any outstanding dues on your loan. Now, this letter is important because of the recent formation of the credit bureau, say industry experts. Home loan expert and Apnaloan.com CEO Harsh Roongta explains: “More than often in such long tenure loans, which span over 120 to 180 months, a borrower often tends to overlook if any cheque has been delayed or bounced for some reason. Then a bank or HFC slaps some penalty, which costs the borrower a few thousands of rupees. Now, if the borrower does not make note of these additional charges and defaults on them, then the bank/HFC terms him/her as a defaulter. It doesn’t matter even if you have repaid the principal and the interest component of the loan regularly, you will still be defined as a defaulter.” Sometimes, a housing loan may mature now, which probably started 10-15 years ago. Since the registration of the property was not computerised then, the registrar may not send the required documents. Then a HFC or bank has to follow up with the registrar to get all the required documents for the termination of the loan, Roongta adds. Another important document you have to possess once you pay off your home loan is the title of deeds. This document traces the title of the property for a minimum period of 13 years. This document is essential if you want to sell your house or property. Typically, as the first step, any prospective buyer looks at title deeds to confirm if the land is in your name and if you have the full right to sell it. Explains an SBI official, all prospective buyers insist on seeing the original deed and not just the photocopies. HOME TRUTHS Most property buyers pledge the original deed at the time of availing of a home loan A borrower should collect the documents within 10 days from the date of the repayment of the loan They should check the annual statements regularly once the amortisation of the home loan starts