Paarengum Paarthaalum.....

Music is always considered a form to calm down your mind. Some derive happiness when they listen to their favorite raaga, favorite composer so on. Recently, I listened to a song sung by Shri. Maharajapuram Srinivasan aptly accompanied by Shri. Nagai Muralidharan on the Violin. The song is 'Paarengum Paarthaalum' somehow attracted me more (don't know why) and immediately my eyes glued to TV and my mind trying to capture the beauty of the lyrics and set in the raga Kalyani - adding beauty to the song. The song is composed by Shri. Ghanam Krishna Ayyar who composed with the signature (mudra) - Muthukumara and Velar. He is known for composition of Padhams. The song goes like this ...

Pallavi

Paarengum Paarthaalum Umai pol

parimalamulla paramapurushan kidaikkumo

Anupallavi

Neerangum naanangum irundhaalum enadhu manadhu thiruvadiyil thirukkudanthaiyil

vaazhum Saarangapani kachi Kalyana ranganai sowkhyamaaga kaarthalum (paarengum)

There are 3 charanams..Please visit - http://www.karnatik.com/c1204.shtml

The song is sung in the praise of Lord Sarangapani temple in Kumbakonam who is the presiding deity. The temple by itself is very beautiful and one of the 108 divine shrines. Also, it is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams (5 temples of Ranga). Many aazhwars have sung in praise of this deity. The most famous one being Thirumazhisai Aazhwar requesting Lord Sarangapani to get up from the sleeping posture. Lord raised his posture to greet the Aazhwar. Noticing that the Lord is very tired, he requests the Lord not to get up and Lord listens to him. Till date he is in slightly raised reclined posture. The paasuram is "Nadantha Kaalgal Nondhavo" (I think I have mentioned this earlier).

The eleven-storey has an architectural beauty and stands 44 meters tall. The Gopuram never ceases to amaze me every time... Also, I have heard it has the dancing poses of Lord Shiva (a real unusual feature seen in a Vaishnavite shrine). One interesting point about this temple is, it has two entrances (Utharaayana and Dakshinaayana vaasal) which are opened according to the time period - when the Sun reaches the tropic of Capricorn in the North and once when the Sun reaches the tropic of Cancer in the South. One must definitely visit the temple to see the beauty and get Lord's blessings.

Drawing Conclusions

Many a times in our life, we draw conclusions prematurely or may be based after one incident. But, are we right in our conclusions? In the process, we may miss many essential information that would have otherwise helped us in our judgments. Are our judgments un-biased?

The same holds good when we get bogged by a defeat. We seldom stand un-biased as our emotions overrule our thoughts. None of us are exception to it. One small defeat is enough for us to go down!. A serious question for which, am sure many of us would like to get an answer.

Few days back, I came across an interesting story that aptly matched this. This is the story of a poor Chinese farmer who had no asset except his beautiful lovely white horse and a good for nothing son. All the villagers envied his priceless possession - the horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. Everyone went up to him and said " You are lucky, you have a beautiful horse". The people asked him if he would sell the horse to them and were ready to pay a high price. The farmer smilingly refused to sell. The poor farmer a composed man did not show any reaction and said, " It is neither good nor bad".

One morning, the horse was found missing in the stable. The villagers saw the horse missing and said, " you are a fool. Someone might have robbed the horse. We warned you! See, you missed a great opportunity to make money!; See, now you have a misfortune!". The old man said, " Don't respond quickly. It is not in the stable. That is all we know. The rest of the statements are judgments".

Not admitting, the villagers said that he has been cursed. The old man said, "whether it is a curse or a blessing, we do not know. So, let us not comment." After a few days, the horse returned back to the stable - not alone but with a dozen of horses. Now the villagers said, " Oh, wow!, You certainly are blessed!.. See, now you have lots of horses!. Lucky guy you are! We are sorry, we said it was a curse; now it is a blessing!". The woodcutter farmer said,"No one knows whether it is a curse or a blessing!. I am content with what I know."

One day, his son wanted to tame the horse. He climbed on it and fell down from the horse and broke his leg. This time, the farmers called the poor man, a misfortune. Now there is no one to help you. Composed farmer said the same thing. They all thought he was senile.
Soon the king announced the country is engaging in a war against its neighboring nation and that all the young men in the village were required to join the army!. A war in which they lost and all young men died. The moaning villagers came this time again to say, "You are lucky at least your son is alive". The farmer a little annoyed said, " Again, do not say this. Say that their sons had to go to war and that this farmer's son did not. Only God knows whether it is a blessing or a curse".

How true it is!. It is a great inspiring story for all of us across ages as we are victims of judging people easily and incidents easily... A mind refreshing story indeed...

Signing off
Hema

Ignorance is Bliss - How true it is!

This is in continuation to my earlier note on Tamil's state... I was until today, wondering it was normal for people to forget something that they have learnt called as 'fundamentals'. Oh yes! We do not give even an iota of importance to language as compared to learning universal language.

Now, on to why I feel 'Ignorance is Bliss' is such a true adage. Thanks to a regional channel program that has evinced interest in me watching. As usual, I switched on my TV to watch this KAKS program in the same regional channel. Today's questions were:

1. What is India's National Tree? (translated - Indiavin desiya maram edhu?)

2. Who is the current President of India?

Let me write about the answers for the second question first. I am quite convinced that The President is a famous personality or should be a famous personality!

If Barack Obama visited India and Indonesia, at least for the days he visited the Asian countries, every citizen from 5 to 80 would have remembered the PRESIDENT of US is BARACK OBAMA. That was the charisma, personality or - whatever you may call, he has!. He is a great orator, a charming guy...so on...

Whilst the President of US has a great respect, our Indian President is not known at all in our own soil.Very few people even knew it is a Woman who is the President and that Smt. Prathiba Patil is the current P of I. I seriously feel sorry for people's ignorance about our country!

Is it because, the President is not as famous as the Prime Minister?

Is it because, the President is not from South India?

Or is it because, the President does not make many visits to states within India? - I do not know why!

Now on to the vote:

Some people said it is Shri APJ Abdul Kalam still continuing (Wishful Thinking!!!!). In spite of the compere asking the CURRENT and not EX.

But, the long back governor of Tamilnadu has got a strong remembrancerememberance in the minds of people. She was refered to as the current PRESIDENT of India. What a pity!.Who do we blame? Many said it is FATHIMA BEEVI (pls remember her tenure was between 1997 to 2001) . Very few strongly said it is SMT. PRATHIBA PATEL. Phew!

I have always felt, PERSONALITY matters a lot when you represent a nation!. The nation has produced lot of charismatic leaders in the past and now.(E.g. Arun Jaitley, Jairam Ramesh, Kapil Sibal, Prakash Karat)

I will leave it to the readers to decide where we stand!.

By the way, have you guys guessed which is the National Tree? The answers from public ranged from Teak tree to Neem tree to Peepal tree.. Shhhhh. I am not going to answer.I am sure, you guys would have guessed the right one!!!

(My two cents worth)

Signing off

Hema

The state of Tamizh - தமிழின் நிலைமை!.அந்தோ பரிதாபம்!!

C: Aayudha (ஆயுத) ezhuthu evvalov?
P: 2
C: Uyir-mei ezhuthu evvalov anne? (உயிர்-மெய் எழுத்துக்கள் எவ்வளவு அண்ணே?) (How many letters in compound form ? - i.e. Vowels + consonants?)
P: 42
C: Tamizh thaai vaazhthu paaduvom la, theriyuma?adhai yaaru iyatrinaangannu theriyuma?
P: Tagore!
Surprised with the answers? Yes. For a minute, I was also a victim of this surprise!Yesterday, I watched a program called Konjam Arattai, Konjam settai in a regional channel.The program was totally in Tamizh and no English words are being used.A real good program to watch. It went on such that the comperer interviews few people and asks very very basic questions related to Tamizh. But what was so hilarious about the program was that the answers that came attached with the confidence level!!.. I had to roll on the floor laughing at the same time felt very very sad for Tamizh's present state!.The questions and answers go like this!! (People of age group 15 to 50, all tamizh speaking people)
C(omperer): Anne, tamizh la uyir ezhuthu evvalov theriyuma?
(English translated: Brother, do you know how many vowels are there in Tamizh?)
P: Yes.. 26 without any second thought
C: kandippa (Sure?)
P: Sorry, it is not 26, 20
C: Appo, mei ezhuthu evvalov? (அப்போ மெய் எழுத்து எவ்வளவு தெரியுமா?) (How many consonants?)
P: 36
C: Uyir-mei ezhuthu evvalov anne? (உயிர்-மெய் எழுத்துக்கள் எவ்வளவு அண்ணே?) (How many letters in compound form ? - i.e. Vowels + consonants?)
P: 42
C:??$^$%^
Likewise, he asks several people.. Guess, he might have asked around a dozen. Believe me, every one had the answers ranging from 12 to 200!The most hilarious answer for the last question was

P: ha ha...400 sorry 401 (Is this any 401k plan????) and he claims he is very very confident on the answer!!
(Other answers were hovering around 250 and some around 50, 60.. Pot luck kind a answers)

The toppest question is
C: Aayudha (ஆயுத) ezhuthu evvalov?
P: 2 (Around 3 people said two and 2 of them said they did not know! One person went up to explain 2 letters - one is akk (அக்), and another one is uk (உக்))
It is a real sad state that in spite of people learning the mother tongue, it has not been learnt properly(many of us are in this state!)! When you can remember consonants are 21 and 5 vowels in English, why can't you remember the count in Tamizh even if you can not remember all of them!Further more, the next question was

C: Tamizh thaai vaazhthu paaduvom la, theriyuma?adhai yaaru iyatrinaangannu theriyuma?
P: Tamizh thaai vaazhthu? adhu, vandhu thaayumaanavar!
C: Nalladhu.

Like wise, he asks the same question to many people. (Around 13 of them to what I could count of). The toppers (votes) for this answer are:
Thaayumaanavar - 1
Thiru.vi.ka - 1
Rabindranath Tagore - 8 (!!!!!!!!!!!)
Thiruvalluvar - 3

Some were asked to sing 2 lines from song... Guess what? They sang in their sweetest voice - Jana gana mana (ஜன கன மன)! But, interestingly many sang the 90 percent of first line correctly.

“இனி தமிழ் மெல்ல சாகும்” (Tamizh will die slowly) - Bhaarathi was a soothsayer!

Having said about Tamizh, I guess it is the same state whether you learn Sanskrit, Telugu or any other language per se as long as one studies language just as a subject out of compulsion and not out of love.

PS: The people interviewed were the ones who had studied Tamizh as a subject in their K12. The sad state DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WHO DID NOT HAVE TAMIZH AS A SUBJECT OR HAVE NOT READ TAMIZH IN THEIR SCHOOL EDUCATION!!!.

Packing - A new experience!!!

When Navarathri got over, I visited couple of places in and around T Nagar and Mylapore to check out if some clay doll sets (aka clay figurines) can be bought at a cheaper price (I have told this earlier). This time, I bought beautiful sets - around 10 of them for home and for relatives. Even though I bought them in a gush, somehow the speed cooled down because I need to think of it only when needed..

But then, my sister wanted to take the dolls bought for her to her house so that they can pack it and keep it in yadhasthanam :). I did not give any work to my brain for packing as she stays close by. All I did was I put some straw in a big jute bag, placed dolls in between and they reached home safely. What is the big deal? See, it just within 1 kilometer.

A relative of mine, suddenly told that he is visiting my relative in the US (for whom I had bought some sets). Oops!!! I had to start thinking which means there is work to my brain in terms of how to pack safely. I started breaking my head as I only had 2 objectives in my mind - They should not throw this and it should reach safely!. One might wonder, what is the big stuff in packing to US? - Trust me, packing is a challenge (should I say big Crucible?) even if you want to carry it 1 mile or 10000 miles far.

After exploring the Internet, asking few people who have already traveled, I began my work. As I kept packing, my heart and my mind were saying only one thing - "Please dolls, you reach home safely.. Don't play and break yourselves or hurt yourselves during travel. Be good!" This may look childish. But I had to think like this only as only I knew the efforts that went in right from buying to packing. Till now, no problem. So my prayers went on till they reached the destination safe. Once I heard from my relative that they were in tact and reached them safely without any wreckage, I breathed in a big sigh of relief.

Packing is an art - certainly. But once you get it right, it is a child play from the next time. Anyone can become an expert at it actually. All you need is Bubble wrap sheets and few styrofoam (thermacole) sheets. This is one stop solution for all your packing needs with respect to dolls.

In case you need a detailed procedure of explanation, let me know!. I shall be glad to help what I have done!..At a nominal fee... Kidding!!!

Signing off

Hema

Navarthri 2010

"Sivanukku Oru raathiri, Ambaalukku Onbadhu raathiri' is a general saying (For Lord Shiva you celebrate Maha Sivarathri, for Goddess we celebrate 9 nights - 3 days each for Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi who depict Strength, Prosperity, Knowledge/Wisdom respectively). Every year celebrating this 9 day festival is something special and people across all ages eagerly look forward to this.

I have heard that the arrangement of dolls and clay figurines in 3,5,7,9 steps is said to symbolize the evolution of life from being gods to humans.

Generally the order with which they arrange the dolls would be that the creators are arranged in the top steps / tiers followed by Rishis, Saadhus and the last step(s) would typically consist depicting the social life behavior ( Chettiyaars, Army man, Wedding, cricket etc). While there are many reasons stated for the significance of golu, I have a feeling it is also a thank-giving way for the potterers.

Generally visitors come to every house in the evenings and adore the arrangements, discuss many things. It is also a way to mingle with other members in the host family. Spicy lentils is offered as prasadam and distributed to the visitors.
When I say mingling with members - a most wanted thing in the apartment these days as we do not know who is our neighbor. This gives a way to shed differences and socialize well.

Many festivals have taken a convenience. Some celebrate it for 9 days while some keep for 3 days. It is also considered to be good if you give vethelai paakku ( betel leaves nuts) to people who visit home... A reminiscenting memory when I used to be child and sing songs to get sundal(only if you sing, you get mind you). I vividly remember all my inviting occasions where I went to houses and invited them.

The next day / within 2 days based on convenience, everyone visited our house to see the dolls and sang songs. Only of late, the reciprocation of visiting homes (also heard the same from another friend) has come down as priorities differ for individuals. During one of my visits to houses, I heard from an elder person that during this time, it is supposed to be punniyam / sacred when you GIVE vethalai paakku and RECEIVE vethalai paakku...

I had a great time this year. I personally visited many houses and invited people and they came to our house. We truly enjoyed their visits. Hoping it continues the next year. Adding star to this was the Discount purchase of dolls where we got it almost for half a price(May not be the best deal.. Who cares.. As long as you bargain, you always win right!!!).

Signing off
Hema

HOPE has Answers!

Having shared my views about Navarathri, this year it was very special to me. The reason being a thought that came true. I was wanting to buy Trinity and keep it in the golu. When I did initial shopping, I spotted it in a shop but somehow could not buy. But the thought was lingering in my mind and I was sharing it with amma. At the same time, I had a hope and told that the trinity will come home in some form or the other. During 5th or 6th day, I visited the same shop to check out if it is available. Should I say bad time? - The shop where I spotted it was not there. The shop was temporarily evacuated. It was a big big disappointment for me but the hope kept answering me 'Don't worry, you will get it".

On a Vijayadasami day, apparently my star birthday too as always, my sister, amma and I went to do discount sale shopping for next year for my sister. As we were buying for my sister, my amma spotted the trinity and took money from me and bought it. All I did was checking the piece. It was a big surprise!!. My HOPE came true. It did come a little late but exactly the way I wanted it to be!!

That was a big moment for me. For a minute, I turned in to a 3 year old child fantasied by the toy and rejoiced with the possession.

I now hope they shower their blessings on me also in Classical Music. I am a beginner in music with very little or no prior knowledge (should I say .00000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 percent).

Signing off

Hema

Azhwars - an Intro's intro

Sometime back during a casual conversation that came up on 12 Azhwars, my friend raised several questions viz - 1. the roots of Azhwars 2. what they tried to communicate 3. Why are we following traditions et al. Those questions may sound hard to even digest but that gave me a thought of just trying to understand what the science is all about!
Thus began my search. Though I have not gathered much inputs on understanding the topic, I would also request readers to stop by and contribute to knowing Azhwars as to understanding what they intended to communicate!

This should not definitely raise theist / atheist thoughts but just a mere understanding to praise them better and understand the language and know Divya Prabandhams in a proper way. I shall start it soon!..Contributions most welcome...

(Hope no one should brand me fanatic :-) )

Growing Plants at home

We talk about Vegetarianism, deforestation, going green etc... Unfortunately, not all people living in Apartments have the luxury and space to grow plants. One such unlucky lot is my apartment. We have very limited space (balcony) that has about 30 - 40 sft.

My father is a blessed person on this earth must say. Whatever plant seeds he sows, they grow and yield at least one flower / vegetable before they die. This is mainly because lack of proper sunlight and constrained creeper.

I must say one incident that happened recently..There was a plant growing in a pot. We tried our guesses on what it could be but in vain! The reason being the creeper kind of varieties like White Pumpkin, Water melon, Musk melon etc belong to the same family and you can not identify them separately by looking at their leaves. Hoping that we could see a glimpse of the flower (thinking we could identify!. What a botanical mind!!). One fine evening, we were amazed to see four flowers (in different size). But by then the leaves started to decay...So, they were falling down and it was having its own natural end... since it grows on a pot and there is no space for the roots to penetrate in the soil to grow. It is still a surprise as we do not know what plant it is!. Whatever my father sows, they grow at least to one extent and yield their maximum. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY DO THEIR DUTY TO THE FULLEST.

He has transfered the interest in to all of us I must say. If not for the space limitation, we would have had all (possible) plants grown at home.

I strongly believe every parent must teach their kids on the importance of growing plants at home. From our house Gen 3 is ready for the same. Hope it is with every person's house who reads this blog...

Some more - my family had the blessing to taste Vendaya Keerai at home and hopefully to have some lab lab (Avaraikkai).

The best plant that can grow easily with proper compost such as vermi compost, and such ones. Hoping and keeping fingers crossed for Bitter Gourd and Avaraikkai to grow more !!! :-)

Will share some photos soon...

Some special words in Iyengarism

Few days back, when I happened to talk to one of my friend's mother (very orthodox), she was talking to me with some new words which I never heard of. I was for a minute amazed and surprised if words like that exist. (I am not even able to recall..). I checked with my mother and came to know that they talk in olden days ( a special chapa - muthirai of an Iyengar). Sometimes, if I listen to the paribashais, I laugh but at the same time respect the language 100 percent.

Just to ensure I dont forget them, I am writing some words that I know in this blog post. People who read this may be aware of many many more words.. Contributions welcome... :-)

Saadhikkaradhu - to serve in food - parimaarardhu
Saathamudhu - Rasam - Saatrin amudhu (amudhu - juice)
Thaligai - Cooking - Samayal
Thirukkanamudhu - Payasam
Akkaravadisal - Sakkarai Pongal
Karamudhu - Vegetable - Curry
Thaligai amsichacha - offering food to god
Dadhyodannam - Curd rice - thayir sadham
Sevithal - Prostrate ( Falling on one's feet) - Namaskaram
Thirumanjanam - Abhishekam
Thiruthuzhai - Tulasi
puzhakkadai - backyard - kollaipuram

ksheeraannam - Kalkandu paayasam

Apart from these, there might have been words but I have not heard that much.. Even I guess if these words are used in daily usage!

(May be in my next post, I shall post some more)
Hema

Thanks from the heart

Today is August 01st. People all over the world celebrate today for 2 reasons - One being a Sunday and the second one being the world celebrating FRIENDSHIP DAY..

Personally, I dont really believe in all these "Days"- Sister day, Father's day, Mother's day et al. But from another stand point, I see this as a very big marketing opportunities for bigs such as Archies, Hallmark etc. Because presence of a friend is for life and you dont need to thank them on one single day...

I understand from some sites that this concept began in the US in 1935. Nevertheless, it has been commercialized so well that the bigs have made whole lot of money. When I say I dont buy in to this concept, I do not mean that I dont have friends.

I have whole loads of friends right from my friends in KG to 12th, to MBA, to work spot, violin etc. Many are friends for life.

Taking this as the right occasion, I wish to thank each and everyone who have made a big impact in my life by your acquaintance turning out to be friendship.

Like there is a saying "The smallest moments shared with friends bring us the brightest joys".

I wish each and everyone a very happy friendship day!!!!
Special thanks (12th friends) to

GS - mom of 2, an amazing singer with her mellifluous voice and a great friend,

VSB - a mom of 2 and an inspiration for me for her balancing household chores and office and making delicious recipes,

PS - soft spoken, caring.
Rad, Shree - you mean a whole lot for me... You know and in addition - (we wish each other during Sep end when our birthdays fall)
My friends in MBA - LV, SP, RR aka WD, SM - you guys have made me feel very very young at heart.
My violin friends - RS, BS, DS, AS,RVR - You have created a perfect symphony ;-) to our friendship.
All my other friends, I thank you all for being there in my life

Football fever that lasted for about 30 days

South Africa, a nation known for many good things just added one more to its cap by successfully hosting this year's world cup. A game that glued millions to their seat and stay awake to watch their favorite players. The game started with 32 teams on June 11th and ended with 2 teams on July 11th with SPAIN clinching the title.

I was thinking how I got attracted to this game. The answer came to me as 'my parents'. Thanks to my parents particularly my father (who has been a footballer himself & played in College matches in 50s). He keeps telling the fellow viewers watching TV on the fouls/ missed chances/ corners that a Forward/Defense/Midfielder does. Wait.. Did I tell all the positions? yes. Taking words from him and getting inspired I started following this sport. I stop by here (on me watching) just by making a comment - Every parent should motivate their ward (boy or girl) to get associated with some sports other than cricket. Say Basket ball or Football or Tennis. India can produce lots of Jordans, Villas and Nadels.

I still wonder why due attention and motivation is not given to this wonderful game. Today if at all, football is known in India, its primarily due to the playing states - Kerala, WB and Goa out of 27 states in India. Thats about 10 percent. All the other states love and watch football. Thanks to Mohun Began and East Bengal teams and Santosh trophy - still football is alive. It is a known fact that the past history of Indian football was not all that gloomy and bright. There are lots of FB associations in India with the same (torch) bearers in the post doing nothing.

Adding to it, is the dirty politics that exists in every sports. The government can step in to promote this game by providing extrinsic motivation, proper infrastructure, have excellent coaches like Dunga? Whynot? When cricket can have a foreign player as their manager, why not Football? Afterall, its money and passion. The quality of the game should come a long way.

Professionally managed associations (no Government interference) to oversee the selection of players, giving them intense training etc. The task is challenging by a doable one. We can definitely make the 2 time Asia cup winner to play in WC.

Government, are you listening? All it takes is to allocate 10 percent of the money you spend towards promoting CRICKET to FOOTBALL. India will SHINE!

Technology and Mind

Technology makes people lazy? - True / False..

Leaving to individual's opinion. I feel it kind a makes people lazy and dependent on it.

Until seven years back, I had never heard of cell phones or possessed one. If anyone conveys their contact number to me, it was a customary practice for me to either register it in my mind (Had a little memory power that time ;) .. or pen down in a paper and immediately transfer it to a diary. Interestingly, many people nowadays look at their cell phones for their own number of their residence number. It makes me wonder with surprise as to how people could not register in their mind a small 8 digit number. What if you do not have cell phone with you in case of emergency or that you want to call home? I see a higher dependency factor here. I feel people should learn to live without gadgets or live with fundamental non-electronic, non-electrical gadget called paper and pen. What was thought to be an emergency item or an essential item is now a luxury item. Where will this type of technology lead people to? Will it make people lazy?

Having said this, the addiction towards social networking sites is also to be considered. I begin to feel that people (any age as long as you are a user of that SN site) do not know the real meaning and purpose of social networking sites. What are they meant for? What do people get to see? What is the privacy level? What are the related hazards to it? etc. Having asked so many questions, I myself being an active member of couple of SN sites except that I have clear limits in disclosing any information.

This began to rule my mind and a spark came that what if I live without it for sometime? Will I lose anything? Well the answer was a search for controling my mind. Thus began my MCE - Mind Control Exercises. To begin with, I decided to stay away from electronic gadgets for 24 hours christened as E-GAP - Electronic- Gadgets Abstinence Program. Thanks to my friend who coined this term for me. Initially tough for an hour or so. I slowly diverted my mind. At the end of 24 hours, my crazy or affection or dependency - whatever you call it faded away in toto. Even after 24 hours I was not inclined to watch TV - where favorite teams were playing. I guess its all in the mind.

The second program was away from Facebook or similar networking sites. This time around I decided I will go on for 48 hours. As of now, going on well :).

If someone asks me what would be your happiest / peaceful day in your life - my answer certainly would be

A day - A peaceful, serene environment with birds chirping, greeneries, and with a beautiful set of books - be it sci-fi - Matthew Reilley or Michael Crichton or authors like David Baldacci or Jeffrey Archer or our own beautiful writer Sujatha Rangarajan's books. Added to it would be a minimal food to feed my tummy and bottles of plain drinking water to quench my thirst. You live that life for 12 hours. I bet that day would be the HAPPIEST DAY IN LIFE.

Any views, please comment. Thanks!!

Kutty kutty thoughts on instructions

Here are some situations which really kinda made me wonder! Thanks to technology too.

Generally I see people tending for instructions when it comes to directions or dining at restaurants etc. There are very few who make genuine effort to figure out. Suppose we decide to meet up and say lets meet at ABC and it is located on Road and landmark A. This landmark is very very prominent in the city. Now isnt it easier to reach the place..

The questions related to this typically are!

1. Is it on the LHS or RHS? (No equations here)

2. What would be the color of the board? will it be visible or not?

3. How far should I go from that landmark to reach that place?

4. Will it come as soon as I cross the signal or should I take any U turns there? so on and so forth.

These generation people are so pampered and protected and that they are given directions so clearly with all the aforesaid questions answered in the directions to reach the place. Many dont take that small extra bend in life in figuring out or asking people / shops in the nearby location and get there.

This really annoyed me and I was reminded of one incident - (Not comparing here). When I was searching for job in mid 90s, I hardly knew the city of Chennai (then Madras) and I was new to Chennai. Haven't even had the luxury of stopping by or taking shelter in 3 /5 star restaurants due to rains. I was given one address called Poes Garden (dont remember the door number) for a job requirement. I figured out the way to get to Poes garden from West Mambalam and enquired some 7 - 8 people to get to that location(We never had the luxury of Google Maps). I am really wondering why people these days dont take small efforts to just ask people for directions. Female readers dont mistake me. I have observed this more in women than men. I genuinely would like to understand the possible reasons. Again I am not accusing one gender alone. This case is there in both men and women except that the ratio is different.

Also, everything is set for them.. Is it a good thing for this generation?? Should parents allow girls to learn by observing or teach them? Seriously I do not know. All I could say is No doubt the present generations (Generations X or Y or whatever) are street smart and are very clear in knowing what they want. Its great to have that clarity at very young age. Certainly it helps!!!. At the same time, I feel everything is provided to them. They do not learn to search for it. Having said that, should we blame the parents, society, technology?

Readers, please share your views, comments / opinions.. This is not to hurt anyone.. Just my views.

AJSS for a grand finale

Again my feelings on AJSS.

It has been about 11 to 12 months of continuous singing for the kids. Day and Night rehearsals, takes.. Cherishing moments, surprising prizes, disappointments, dramatic exits so on and so forth...

Now AJSS has reached a final stage where 4(now it has become 5) strong contestants are pitted against each other to find the "chella kural"... I guess Chitra and Mano would have had 2- 3 full weeks of rest before they appear before the audience on Jun 17th..

Srikanth - a whizkid/prodigy definitely. He has innate potential to grasp each and every lines / sangathis of any song and above all singing without fear at that age is not an easy task.

Coming to the new rule of bringing in the 5th contestant when there was no need at all... This is the point of difference for me and am not able to accept this being called as 'unbiased' approach. Ever since AJSS reached a mid - stage, somehow I have been having a feeling of showing biased approach(which I shared earlier).

This is my view point...

I am beginning to feel if this is to appease judges, and the sponsorors. Personally, I do not buy in to the concept of voting which definitely is not a transparent medium of selecting. This is just a small math - Assuming I have a continuous Internet connectivity and I log to the mentioned site and keep clicking on a favourite person a full day, it would result in generating at least 10000 votes. If I do it for 2 - 3 days, it goes to 30k votes. The real way of judging the kids talent vanish at this point. I strongly feel that there should be a transparent way of selecting the xth contestant in a highly TRP ranked and highly popular reality show like AJSS. I feel in the wild card round, Srinisha and Priyanka sang really well than Nityashri.

Seeing all this, I would really not be surprised if the promoters and the sponsorors have already decided the winner and the finals is conducted more as a formality show!!. Lets see if the finals throws surprises in selecting new finalists Nityasri or Srikanth or the already in the finals - Roshan, Alka or Shravan.. But may the real talent steal the show. Got to wait till the 17th..

A wonderful darshan

Recently I visited the holy shrine of Lord Balaji at Tirumala. I was so stunned and was extremely apprehensive in climbing 16 kilometers and around 4500 steps. I saw so many hundreds of visitors climbing steps (Guess they might have been used to).. Although I was doubtful if I could climb steps because of my health, I still decided to make an attempt. This was the first time. The climate was too good (in the early morning).. So many shops and resting places on the way. The TTD has constructed so many resting spots for the benefit of people who climb seven hills - Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri,Anjanadri, Vrushabadri,Narayanadri, Venkatadri.

It took little less than 4 hours and about half of total steps were steep. But what was surprising is that I never felt the tiredness, nor experienced any pain in my leg post darshan. There are many petty shops where they sell Soda, Lemonade, Tetrapacks, Aerated drinks and drinking water in addition to peanuts, etc... Salute to the TTD administration for making this easy experience. More than that I had the wondeful darshan of lord balaji. What is also interesting is that beyond a certain point, you can see Vishnu Sahasranamam engraved that helps the visitors recite and climb.

One must (at least once) climb the sacred hills to enjoy the darshan and get the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Aazhwar Paasurams

On a fine Sunday morning, there was a request from my mother to play some songs she wanted to listen to and as usual my question back to her was 'What song do you want me to play?'. Her natural choice of musicians are real stalwarts (jambhavaans). Even before she could answer the stupid(!) question, I played in Windows Media Player.. Along with my amma, I listened to MS singing in a Ramanavami festival in AIR (guess it was in 1971). I was deeply attracted to 2 songs she sang - Periazhwar Paasuram and Bhavayami Raghuramam (both Raagamaligai).

All Paasurams are amazing to listen to. This paasuram she sang was from Nineth Thirumozhi. This thirumozhi (of 10 hymns) narrates the greatness of Rama and Krishna in the form of 2 thozhi(girls) conversation. I am sure it would take janmas to understand the beauty of the hymns...

My rumblings on Airtel Jr Super Singer 2

Recently I ve picked this habit of watching Airtel SS aired on vijay tv. The kids singing is just amazing.. (might use this word often). As weeks progress by, the competition is getting tougher and tougher. The 3 (star) judges are just doing their job very effectively and are pointing out the mistakes. The mistakes - yes some in an unbiased way some not.

I am sure the kids who are singing are not that matured enough to understand deeply the meaning of "throw", "output", "husky" so on and so forth.As a break from regular competition, they conduct some small 1 lakh rupees, and event specials. They are just wonderful to watch.. Alls fine till now.

However, sometime back episodes where Suchitra and Naresh Iyer were the judges... No -ve feelings about the judges..

They are just amazing singers. But they could have been a little professional. I felt Suchitra lacked that in toto. The dressing should have been formal. C'mon.. you are judging kids but in a reality show. Please do not forget that.

The Airtel stage has seen great judges. They can bring variation in the way they sing. They can change the Thalam or ask them to sing based on what appears in the screen, remember the lyrics etc. these are some ways the kids can be judged so that they get an overall perspective of the playback singing..Many newer ways of making the kids sing.

Coming to the lyrics - Roshan has been often under the scanner of not getting the lyrics properly. The point the honorable judges also need to understand is that he is a 12 year old kid and will get the lyrics properly in due course of time. Even Divya ( the anchor) has pronunciation problems. Mam, you also need to pronounce the words properly..... Please do not have a Mallu tinge in your Tamizh. Eg. Randu (irandu)...

The end of the day... Sorry end of the episode - someone is going to go away with Rs 25 L worth Villa... May the real best singer win.

What do we call this - An inspiring story

I stumbled upon this story and recently I heard this story in a chief guest address by Dr. Sabapathi Mohan, MS University.

An elderly water bearer had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

CARVA - A Learning Experience

(Excerpt from my another blog) written on Aug 22, 2008

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere." – Chinese Proverb

Learning at CARVA is fun. CARVA school stands for the quintessential Carnatic music instrument called violin. The founder of this school, our guru, Shri. CA Rajasekar is one of the greatest violinist and a wonderful guru. Started in 2000, CARVA has been successful in teaching violin among all age groups with simple and easy bowing techniques.

What is special about this school? – the school is unique by itself. CARVA gives a lot of exposure to all the students by organizing performances. The students get a good amount of confidence while playing in front of huge audiences.

Shri. CA Rajasekar’s teaching is par beyond excellence. He ensures that every student gets his / her fundamentals correct while learning violin even if it means spending more number of classes. In order to play violin, bowing technique, finger placement are two important things that one needs to get it correct before learning different swaras.
The initial classes at CARVA concentrate more on holding violin and bow in the right position. Once a student gets his / her basics right he /she starts loving to enjoy and learn more and more from him. Only here, you could find people of all age groups learn under the tutelage of him. What makes our guru stand apart from all others is that his ability to bring out the best in every student whom he has trained and nurtured in music right from the first class (open string Sa)

He demonstrates high amount of patience and perseverance to ensure that every student comes out the best. Learning at CARVA is an experience. Every class is filled with a right mixture of training, fun, creativity, theory of music. Every class at CARVA is vibrant, positive and kindles the fire in the students to learn more and more from him.

For people like us, who have taken learning violin as a break from our mundane work, every class is still more an alluring learning experience every class.

I am sure this is the only school that provides plethora of learning / playing experience throughout the year right from playing at the Samadhi of Saint Thyagaraja to the annual CARVA festival. The school not only concentrates on the finer aspects of playing violin but also imparts musical theory which is a fundamental knowledge one should possess while learning music in any form. He derives utmost pleasure when he sees the entire batch playing violin in unison without any mistakes.

What is Attitude?

(Excerpts from my another blog....) written on Jul 17, 2008

(a maiden attempt to write a 1 pager on a topic :-))
What is Attitude?
Attitude is everything. Our life cycles around this word called attitude. Attitude means the positive or negative way of an "attitude object": i.e., a person, behavior, or event.
Attitude exists in all walks of our life. – Be it food habits, good thoughts, approach to people, success in business, in the playground, with the family.
People have free choice of doing things as they please. But what is more important is, how is their approach, attitude towards things?
We are filled with emotions and attitudes that we inherit/ acquire from family/ friends. The way of differentiating good attitude (way of thinking) and bad attitude determines our success rate to a greater extent.
We have different attitude about self, towards other things / people and attitude on life. Attitude on self can be self-esteem, pride, self confidence. Attitude on others can be the way of looking at people / object – good feeling about the others, indifference towards others. Attitude towards life – a challenging question!. How do I view it? It is a feeling of thinking good things / happenings would always come our way because we are doomed to difficulties in life.
A Positive attitude can overcome a negative situation. It generates positive thoughts that emerge circumstantially. – A Paradigm Shift. When you shift your attitude towards positive way, you feel that life suddenly responds in kind.
A Positive attitude attracts positive things and positive thoughts in life. A Negative Attitude act the reverse. For example, if you speak negative about another person or a situation it suddenly attracts negative thoughts and circumstances in life.
Let me give an example:
We go to a shop and buy things. We are happy looking at different things. We get whatever we want in the shop. All is fine. When we go to the Cash counter and pay cash, we notice that one of the currencies that we intend to pay is torn but fixed with a transparent adhesive tape. Do we take it back and give a good currency to the cashier?. No, most of the times we do not. Here our negative attitude is reflected. On the other side, he accepts your torn currency. It shows his positive attitude.
“ Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us” - John N. Mitchell