Vaaname Ellai

Tryst with Computer - Part 2

2011-10-12T14:16:00.000+05:30

The journey of next 10 years continue...

In2001, when I came to Chandigarh, I had a different set of experience. FlashyPen drives of 512 MB / 1 GB (considered to be highest those days), whichreplaced the floppies. Windows 98 and Windows 2000 were extensively used.Windows 98 even now considered being most rugged operating system much like ourBajaj Chetak Scooters. It never crashed when other operating systems crumbledlike humble pie. 20 / 40 GB hard discs from the usual single digit hard discswere popular. Fox pro replaced Dbase. Multimedia key boards, desk jet printerswere replacing conventional key boards and dot matrix printers respectively.Projectors, scanners came in existence. The evolutions were thrilling.

Though,I have seen all of these, Internet was an unknown terrain for me. Lot ofhesitations surfaced again. Who to approach? But my savior came in the form ofmy wife’s cousin. She was a young kid and we brought her during May 2001, toChandigarh during her final year college vacations. When we were talkingsomething, this internet thing popped out and I said I do not know how to createan ID and to use it further. To my surprise, she told that she will help me.The same day evening we went and she created an ID for me.

I have been seeingand replying mails from that day onwards in cybercafé. After sometime, an IDwas created for my wifei as well. When I was in Bagdogra, we used to “chat” onalternate days for 2 hours. This we did for almost 3 months… The instantmessages, mails, sending photos as attachments were amazing me.

On 1May 2003, I bought my PC (which is working fine even now) at 40 GB and 128 MBRAM. My learning continued even in home from that point onwards. However, wedid not take an internet connection at that point of time. Wife joined adiploma course in computer applications and we thought it would be useful if wehave our own computer for practice. The same computer has been upgraded to 100GB hard disc and 2 GB RAM as of now. Beyond this the old system cannot take itanymore. No slots, no old parts available for the same..

Aftercoming to Mumbai in 2007, the pinnacle was having a laptop with internetprovided by office. The journey to cybercafés came to an end. Things became aseasy as I am connected anywhere and everywhere. Getting an internet connectionin 2010 for home PC was another feather in the cap.

Today Mailing, blogging,chatting, posting status in facebook, twitter has become a normal thing. Addingto that, every transaction has become online. Be it telephone, electricity,internet BB, credit card payments, transfer of funds from one bank to anotherbank or to different people in the same bank or different bank, booking a movie,train, air or a match ticket, watching a movie online, all are done through computers.

Features likehaving own web album, own blog have become an integral part. When I look backthese 20 years, it gives me immense satisfaction as how my life is transformedand I am witness to all of it. It also tells me that if one is willing enoughto put in some efforts, dividends are there to reap.

Thusthe romance with computers still continue.. The only irony is that I do not know anyprogramming languages. May be I will pick up one later from my son as he has tostudy C++ (part of school curriculum). I see an opportunity striking my door… While, I feel that I am confident in something, a different thing pops out, as a new thing and thus the learning continues....

Tryst with Computer - Part 1

2011-10-12T14:07:00.001+05:30

WhenI was writing about blog on communication, some more thoughts poured in. Memoryflashed back 20 years… A novice who does not know anything about computers, neverundergone any formal courses or possess a degree like BCA or MCA till date, cameto my mind. Needless to say that novice is me…

Allthose events, associated terminologies, struggle, excitement, pain, joy and transformationsflashed across my mind. As I was munching those wonderful moments, thought of puttingthose on record. Every individual must have faced more orless of these things in one’s life too. In this part, the first 10 years experience is shared....

Itwas in 1991 at Kanpur I had my first exposure to computers. Though excitementwas there to see the machine spill and spew calculations, records and printouts, hesitation was also at peak as lack of knowledge played a dominant role.It was Bala and Gopu who allayed my fears and thus started my journey. Theyremain my first Gurus. 132 column, 80 column papers, EPSON dot-matrix printers,Single digit memory (in GB) hard disc computer, 64 MB RAM were a huge thingthose days. 512MB floppy discs (5^1/4 in size) were a surprise forme. Putting ON and OFF and subsequentlogging in was a big task to learn. Loading paper in printer and taking aprintout made me very happy as if I have achieved a very big thing, that tooafter wasting lot of papers for one print out!!!. How to load paper in fan foldmode, which I learnt later, is a different story.

Operatingsystem like DOS (equal to present day windows 7 or linux), software like Wordstar (MS Word now), LOTUS 1-2-3 (Excel now), Dbase (equal to MS Access) were invogue. The height of my knowledge was that I did not know the differencebetween an operating system and application software at that point of time.Though I worked in all these software, of course under constant guidance,someone had to help me always for one or other thing. Entering that computerroom was a nightmarish experience. Working in Word star release7 (latestversion in 92 – 93) was talk of the town. Word wrap feature (equal to “justify”now) was a beautiful thing I remember at that time. This learning opportunitywas restricted to first 4 years as I have been shifted to a new function. Thoughhad direct access, I could not spend much time in learning process…

In1997, when I went to Guwahati, it was a mandatory thing to complete a 15 daycrash course as part of computer literacy (though not a formal course andcannot be treated at par with courses offered by Institutions) for every newly transferredindividual. But the irony of this course is that they were teaching still DOS,LOTUS, WORD STAR and DBASE, whereas Windows 95NT, Windows 97 were used in offices!!!

Aresponsibility was thrust on me to work in computer again after a brief break. ShouldI call this destiny or something? For the first time I had no support to helpor teach me. I did not know how to work in Windows 95 environment, though itwas menu supported user friendly environment. On the top of it, I was asked tomake a presentation comprising almost 80 slides with transitions, animations tobe completed within 4 days. Presentations those days used to be intransparencies till that point of time. Copying onto higher memory 1.44 MB butsmall size floppy diskettes was another problem. I was struggling for copying afile in “Save as” / “Rename” option. Hesitation of Dragging a file or folderinto another file / folder was evident. Handling mouse was not in my control!!!Lot of complexities.. It was a hell of an experience.

It was at this point I wentto the boss and told him all my difficulties and that I cannot handle all ofthis. I did not know from where the gutsand gumption came from, to tell him. Probably the gravity of the situationforced me. To my surprise, he was smiling and appreciated me for my frankness.To add to the surprise, he personally came and sat with me to teach me for nonstop4 hours about MS WORD, Excel, Power point and Access. I owe and remain indebtedforever to JK Singh for whatever I did accomplish later.

To be continued....

Communication - Electronic Media

2011-10-12T12:00:00.000+05:30

Wehave seen the utility and usage of telephones / mobiles, their advancement overall these years in the previous issue…. Now finally electronic media as aconcluding part..

Thelatest medium of communication is being done through e mails, micro blogging(Face book, Twitter, Orkut etc.,) and chatting

Iwas introduced to emails in 2001. Ten years has passed since then. Similarly, Itook up blogging in 2008, Geni in 2008, Facebook in 2009, Twitter in 2010,SKYPE Chat in 2011, though I took up Yahoo chat during 2004 itself..

Eventhough I started sending mails since 2001, it was mostly from cyber cafes till2007. One had to face a lot of troubles in seeing the mails in one hour of timeand that too not regularly. The surfing charges in those days used to be Rs 30to 40 per hour. Even the cyber cafes used to say what type of lines they usefor internet connectivity. There used to be a monthly, quarterly, half yearlypackage. I used to take either a quarterly or half yearly package as they usedto be cheaper than the hourly rates. It was always tough to keep abreast withthe mails, as every day there used be a chunk of mails and would not be in aposition to reply all of them.

In2007, when I joined private sector, email access have become much simpler. Ihad connectivity for at least 10 hours every day. Thereafter, Internetconnectivity had been obtained at home in 2010 thus 24X7 connectivity had beenestablished. All these years the progress has been gradual and steady.

Forexample Twitter or Face book where one can post their status, attach theiralbums, and share their thoughts in a smaller way. These days, they are also donethrough mobiles as well, as appropriate apps (applications) are pre-installedin smart phones. Blogs are the medium, where one puts in their thoughts,experiences, useful inputs, memoirs, travelogue in a bigger way. These can beretained as a History for an individual. Web albums are extensively used thesedays to store personal albums.

Lookat the evolution of technology from letters to Phone to electronic medium inour day to day life. We had been witness to all advancements. The advantages ofsharing information across emails are instant and easy though we are separatedby miles be it within the country or abroad. But I must admit here that thepersonal touch in emails is missing. The handwritten letters conveyed so much. Handwritingfor example, meant much to us and we immediately connect ourselves emotionallyto the person. One can argue that a similar personal touch can be brought inemails as well. However, as one always say, I agree that OLD is GOLD. While Isay this, I am not opposed to Technology and its uses / advantages.

Weall have come a long way having witnessed everything. Having a Tablet or ipadin the future is not far away. PCs are already being replaced by laptops. Nowmobiles and tablets are already on their way to replace laptops also. We are infor much more…. So guys get ready for yet another take off for a smooth landingonce more…

Communication - Telephone

2011-10-11T20:22:00.000+05:30

Hopethe previous issue must have rekindled your own associated memories of yourlife....

Wehave also come across Telephones, starting with trunk call booking. In thisprocess, we used to book a call with post office by giving the city and thenumber to be connected. Getting connected to this trunk call was a huge processwith lot of waiting time. One would never move away from Telephone, for thesimple reason, that you my get connected any time. There was no definitewaiting time. Slowly, that was replaced by STD, which was amazing thing again.All you had to do was to dial the number prefixed by appropriate STD code andyou get connected.

DuringSTD days, when telephone was not there in home, serving at different stations,one had to wait in queue for long, to get our turn to contact their near anddear. There were full rate, half rate and one fourth rate prevailing till 2001,I think. So the maximum crowd who wanted to communicate will invariably comeafter 9 PM to avail the one fourth rates. Those days the charges wereastronomically high at Rs 30 per minute…

Itwas even more difficult, when we have served in remote places. There would beonly one STD booth in a radius of 3 Km. If you got connected in the firstinstance, after waiting for long, you were as lucky as winner of a lottery. Youwere allowed to make three attempts and if you could not get connected, youwould have come back at the rear of the line to give others, their chance.

Iremember, having my first mobile in Aug 2004 (recently replaced with a touchphone) and this was a great bonanza. Talking to near and dear was a cakewalk.Gone are those days where we would have waited for hours in queue to speak.Even we were able to text messages, as call charges were around Rs 5 perminute. Though, the charges have greatly come down from Rs 30 to Rs 5, we werevery conservative in using mobile phones. Questions like “Do you have apre-paid or post paid connection?”, “Who is your service provider?”, “What arethe tariff charges?”, were very common. In Sep 2005, I bought my second mobile(lost it in Oct 2009) with a different connection.

By2007, the tariff has drastically come down to almost Rs 1.50. Having individualmobiles, has become a necessity at that point of time. Earlier, when we weresending our family alone from a remote station to hometown, you could get aconfirmation of reaching safely, was only after two/three days ofjourney…. Now what happens, even theindividual would have not crossed 100 metres from home. There will be a callinforming that you have forgotten something. Take the case of travel fromMumbai to Pune, a distance of 192 Km which takes about 210 minutes. There wouldbe at least 6 - 10 calls / SMS made during this travel. “have taken the auto/local train”, “have reached the station”. “boarded the Express Train and satcomfortably”, “have reached Karjat”, “crossed Lonavla”, “reached Khadki and gotdown from the train”, “taken auto to home”, “Reached home”. Communication isbeing used left, right and centre.

Withthe call charges costing us 1 paisa per second these days, this is inevitable.The technology has advanced; tariff has come down, with STD becomingindifferent and at par with local calls….

Shallwe see Emails, voice and video chat, Macro and micro blogging in the next issue……

Tobe continued….

Communication - Letters

2011-10-11T14:47:00.000+05:30

11Oct 2011, TOI headlines ….. “Roaming charges to be abolished. Government plans nationwidenumber portability”.

Thisnews triggered a plethora of thoughts about communication. We all have readthat in ancient days that pigeons used to carry messages or use of anambassador to convey messages between Kings. Later, we also have heard and usedTelephone, Telegram, letters, mails, mobiles in our lives to communicate amongus. What surprises me is the advancement of technology over these years ofwritten and oral communication.

Asimple postcard, greeting Card, inland letter or an envelope posted in a postoffice going to other part of state / country was amazing me in those days. Ifmy memory serves it right, a post card costed 15 paise, presently 50 paise, aninland letter costed us 25 paise, presently Rs 2.50 and an envelope 75 paise,presently Rs 5. Letter writing habit was deeply rooted in every family inearlier days.

Thishabit was inculcated in me by my father. He used to allow me to write at least a fewlines in all the letters which he wrote to all relatives. Thus I was motivatedto share my thoughts as a kid with my elders and my father never used to amendanything of my portion.

Ican still visualize the writings of my grandfather and grandmother. We stillhave some of those letters, with my father as a prized possession. I rememberone particular letter, in which my grandmother had listed things, requiredafter “Delivery” to my Aunt!! Microsoft must have learnt the “monotype corsiva”font from my Grandfather!!. His running handwriting with those beautifulstrokes spoke volumes of emotions. His hand writing still remains aninspiration for me.

Myfather used to maintain a folder for letters every year. I used to read all lettersof my relatives, whenever I went on leave. Though I came to know the thingsearlier, through parent’s letters, reading those relative’s letters later,during my annual vacation, gave a lot of pleasure and the feeling that you werethere with everybody at the same time. I silently admired all those letters.

Goingback to formative years with defence services had given me a similar kind ofemotion. During lunch time, almost everybody will be rushing to mess to have aquick grab. However, all had one daily activity in common. All would go to theirrooms to find one letter in their bed, which would be opened in a flash andrush to mess to go through that letter as many as possible times before youland up in front of the counter where food is served!!. There were also dayswhen you did not receive letters, but the routine never changed, as we used toread the ‘old’ letters all over again. There used to be some ‘drydays’ as well, indicating no letters. Those are sad days. Letter writing was ahobby, passion and getting replies for the same, one got unbridled happiness.

Weall have heard this song “Sandese Aathe hain” from the famous movie Border.This song even today, evokes the same emotions and brings the essence ofcommunication as part of our life. Communication provides meaning, substanceand adds lot of sweet memories to the beautiful life.

Shallwe see something about Tele / electronic communication….. Yes of course littlelater…..

Tobe continued……

Memory Down the lane..24 & counting.. Conclusion

2011-09-26T15:10:00.000+05:30

One would never to want to end such sweetmemories.. But things have come to an end so that we can sit back and relax andrefresh our glorious past. Sometimes we need to come to present as well. Livingin present and maximize the enjoyment and pleasure in present is also equally important.Past memories drive and encourage us to live in the present.

It gives me an immense satisfaction, when Ilook back those wonderful moments and equally happy to have placed it on record.One may wonder why this all of a sudden… generally it happens in a Silverjubilee or Golden jubilee year.

Though, I thought of all these aspects but Ifollowed it strictly as per Kabir Das’ famous couplet, which goes to say

“KaalKare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ab

Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub”

Whichcan be translated as follows

[Tomorrow's work do today, today's work now

if the moment is lost, the work be done how]

WhenI was portraying each individual, I was living with them literally, delving onthose beautiful past. It was an experience in itself and cannot be described inwords. It was a journey, a penance….

Though,I have written about only 15 stars, there are many unsung heroes who haveassociated with me in all these 24 years. “Chubby” Deepak who taught how tospeak Hindi (though I know to read and write), “Charming” Shailender, my stiffcompetitor ( I enjoyed the challenge, though I lost it), “Big eyed” Ram BahadurTiwari, “Pleasant” Joymalya Sengupta, “Racer” Jose Noel, “Blue blood” Giridhar,“Smart” Banerjee, The only “Singh is King” Ballu alias Balwinder Singh Saini, “Gentlemanturned Officer” Vinod Nair are still refreshingly associated in memories. I dedicate to all stars, including whose names have not come in this series

Onthis day, 24 years before, we started our first training session at 3 AM…..

Meetyou guys after some time, on a different note, but at the same place…. Till thenkeep “jogging” your memories. I end my series on this note and with even agreater resolution that we keep our flag flying high…

The End

Memory down the lane...24 & counting...Star 15

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000+05:30

Seshadri V

He is a very sincere, honest, upright,principled, logical, thoughtful, caring and charming personality. We becamefriends to each other in no time. Only in magnetism the rule of like polesrepel and unlike poles attract would apply. In our case, it is like “Like polesattract”. So much so that he entrusted me with handling his expenses from thefirst month along with B Kannan. He was one the “three musketeers” as we wereknown then among our circle. Why he or Kannan trusted me at that point of timeis what I am wondering even now, when I look back those days.

Those days were beautiful days, where heused to take care of us by going and fetching things for eating whatever may bethe crowd.. When we all did the (in)famous crawling on a Sunday for no fault ofours, and shed our muddy banians drenched with sweat on the way like Salmandoes these days, here was a guy who stood up and asked bravely about hisfault.. He was my partner in those days for maintaining the entertainment room.There was no time for people to spend in the indoors, yet we both had awonderful time.

Though he was posted in Tezpur when I was inGuwahati, I had two wonderful opportunities to visit him. All I have to do isto inform that I am coming. My (his) bed will be ready with all the facilitieson offer. He would go and sleep wherever he found one. He has also come toGuwahati once. I must mention his keen interest in Photography. This Iunderstand he has picked it up when he was in Kanpur with One Mr. Anbarasan.Though his stay at Kanpur was a short lived one before conversion, his interesthas pushed him to learn the tricks of the trade faster. As the days progressedphotography as his hobby also grew with him.

When he came to Guwahati, we took him toBalaji Temple. He took a snap of us, framed it in a bigger size and later sentit as a gift to us. Even today, it is there in our drawing room reminding usthe greener pastures. Sesha also came to Mohali with Mala to spend a day ontheir return from Himachal after attending a marriage. This was a Tamil NewYear day. We spent real quality time with them showing Rock Garden, Rose gardenand Sukhna lake.

The family acquaintances with his mother,brother were also nice. Incidentally his brother Krishnan is a product of PSGTech and was doing his BE when I was doing my Diploma. I met him again on 14Jun 2009 and 22 May 2010 and revived those memories to a larger extent.

To be CONCLUDED IN NEXT....

Memory down the lane...24 & counting...Star 14

2011-09-26T14:20:00.001+05:30

Gururajan

What can you say about this person? He is astand - up comedian affectionately known as “Kaal Paatu” and “Ganmani” (for thefamous song of “oorai therijukitten ulagam purinjukitten Kanmani”) and thissobriquet he earned on Day one. Can you imagine a person who becomes famousamong 500 on day one? He is one such person.

Though after initial days he wasin a different branch, we never felt that we missed him. He used to come allthe way from Shastri lines just to be with us from evening till night. Thisagain was not for a day or two and spanned across entire training period. Suchis the affinity that he has displayed towards his friends.

My memory goes back to Shillong, where I hadan opportunity to stay with him for 4 days. I have gone specifically on leaveto be with him and he showed me the paradise. A very jovial guy and you willnever feel one moment boring when he is around..

A computer whiz kid these days, which manyof us may not be aware and came to know of this talent, when we visitedPathankot on a holiday with family from Chandigarh. He is a father of twolovely and adorable daughters also visited us in Chandigarh on holidays withhis family and as you can presume that we had a gala time. Vishnu became veryclose to Guru just to learn the computer games and some related programs. Seehis address goes like this Karunkaradu roadu, Vaaikal medu, Erodu… Nice,rhyming and unforgettable one…..

To be continued....

Memory down the lane...24 & counting...Star 13

2011-09-26T14:05:00.000+05:30

Thirumalai Selvam

He is a very studious, smart, bright chap.He was also the first one to finish his AMIE in our group, second being KannanB and finally yours truly. His grasp forthe subject was amazing right from Jesudas (he was our tutor for AMIE duringconversion) days. It was no surprise that when he came to conversion he hascompleted his Sec A.

Even in Service he was no less, earninghimself a direct LAC. He is a true all rounder to the core. Though he was putup in Ashoka he participated in all the fanfare with us. His dimples are veryfamous, even today… I have been lucky to have him with me at Kanpur postconversion. More luckily we were in the same project at work as well. Rightfrom going to section for work or to mess for lunch or dinner or out to LalBungalow or watching a movie or match it was always together with him and BKannan.

Many of us do not know that he is fan ofNadhiya and Vijaykant!!! We (B Kannan & me) used to tease him whenever wehappened to watch a Nadhiya movie. When I get an opportunity to watch any Nadhiyamovie Selvam comes to my mind first. Heis an artist as well who did some beautiful sketches. When he was in Kanpur, hewas God father to many of his billet mates.

I cannot forget to appreciate his beautifulhandwriting with stylish strokes. He was so talented and since he finshed hisAMIE faster than anyone else, he came out of service exactly after 8 years inSep 1995. He earned two opportunities one in SAIL and other in DRDO at the sametime and decided to go in SAIL. He is also one person who got married afterleaving the service, which itself is a unique feature in his life. Though, Iwas very happy for him, but was also sad at the thought of losing his company.

We have been in touch through emails allthose days whenever it was possible. After all these years, having him againamidst us on 14 Jun 2009 was fructifying. The icing on the cake happened on 22May 2011 when he attended with his family. Last but not the least, we (Kumar& me) received an email from Mrs Selvam very recently in his absence and onhis behalf. That showed the affection on all of us and I feel Selvam is thechief contributor who must have told all those beautiful memories to her, whichwould have prompted her to reply….

To be continued....

Memory down the lane...24 & counting...Star 12

2011-09-26T13:51:00.002+05:30

Sriram

He is affectionately “Lambu” or “Perisu” toall of us. He is very meticulous, perfect, dignified personality. He isvoluntary participant in all the activities that we all undertook. A very goodleg spin bowler in our days. He is a very learned person during our days and hewas one of the few graduates to have entered in service. Being from Coimbatore,we have always travelled together the way I have explained in Kannan’sportrait. His way of smashing the volleyball is one scene that I would goanywhere to watch him. Be it cricket or volleyball he did his best and hasentertained all of us.

I remember that famous bunk out with himalong with Kannan, Nithya, Anbu and Kumar (?) to have jumped the fence and wentto Tirupati. Though we knew it was wrong in principle, yet we managed to stagethat episode successfully. Walking all the way from Lower Tirupati by steps tohave early morning darshan.. It seems it has happened today only.

He was only one guy from our group to havebenefitted by the new promotion scheme and reaped its benefits. I was happythat we could see one among us go one step higher in service. Anotherinteresting thing about Sriram is his dress sense. He would always go outimmaculately dressed and for his tall built it suited him like a glove in hand.

To be Continued...

Memory down the lane.... 24 & counting...Star 11

2011-09-26T13:24:00.001+05:30

Seshadri YK

He is “Kamal Hasan” of our group. One mustwatch him when we call him like that. His big eyes will gleam and a smart smileon his lips. He is a style icon in a way. Whatever he did was style. Beinganother local hero of our days, having him in our midst was always difficult,obviously because of local commitments.

Being in “Flight1” he had this privilege ofrunning (should I say dashed down) to mess first and grab his grub quickly andgo for rest before others could even attempt having food!!! Unfortunately,since he was not even located in our premises, we could not have much of him.We could imagine only his past things.

Then there was a rare occasion when he cameto Chandigarh on official duty. I was supposed to go on leave but had beenforced to cancel the leave on national emergency. Sesha(YK) came and met“magudi” Thomas on the way. When they talked for few minutes, Thomas hadinformed him that I am there. Immediately Sesha requested him to take him to myhouse at Mohali. I also reached home only then for lunch and I was not evenaware of this. While I was having lunch (all alone as Vaishali and Vishnu wentto Chennai), he turned up at my entrance. I was surprised and happy to see him.He had lunch with me, specifically the curd rice he liked it and commented“Dhadhiyonnam besha irukku”. Really he was hungry and I offered him to take himout for lunch, which he refused and said that whatever is available in home issufficient. Such simplicity and openness was amazing to me…

To be Continued...

Memory down the lane.....24 & counting....Star 10

2011-09-26T12:59:00.001+05:30

Nithyanandam

He is the fastest man on earth.. (Can I saythis??). Whatever, he does he would do it quickly, be it taking a bath or eatinga meal or finishing some work, ahead of all of us always. I would say when weget up for getting ready for training session; he would be already ready afterhis breakfast. A man of words and perfection personified. He is almost aggressive, but for a good causealways. When he gives commitment, he will not listen to himself later (AmI sounding like Salman Khan or Vijay??). He was our real hero much before allthese filmy guys.

Though he was not there with me for a majorportion of life, but God has given me the opportunity to spend some 2, 3 yearsof life together with him and in that more than a year in the same house withhim. He was everything for me. I need to highlight here and show my gratitudeto him. There is no other way, I will be able to do justice for what he haddone to me.

My stay in own quarters has come to an endand I have already stayed in 2 houses for brief periods. Nithya was not willingto take over a quarter considering the last 18 months of service and his familyhas been positioned at Chennai, though he has registered for. When I was facingthe difficulties of frequent shifting, I approached him once and asked himknowing fully that he was not willing. But what a surprise, he just taken overthe quarter for me to stay and in that sense, he offered me a shelter. I wasnot allowed to enter the house to share the initial works and he flatly refusedthat I should not step in the house citing that my health would deteriorate ifI am present during white washing of house. He did it everything on his own,including the additional wiring that the house required and asked us to move inalmost after a week. It was like a furnished house made ready exclusively forus. Such was the care and attention that he took in doing everything.

Nithya’s wife with Avinash came from Chennaiduring vacation and she has fed us with so many delicacies. What a nice andtasty way she prepares food. During final days, when we finished allformalities like visiting Delhi for final clearance and job fair etc, time hascome for packing things. I am a novice in doing such things and in everyposting one or other had helped me in doing such things.

This time it is quite different. Nithya wasscheduling my packing as to how to pack, when to pack etc. He did packingsingle handedly for me with very minimal support from me. One should have seenthe packing to see how he has taken maximum care to ensure things go in propercondition. The things have been dispatched to Pune to my parents and since Iwas searching for the job, we decided not to open the packing.

Finally the packing was opened at Mumbaiafter almost 4 months from the date of packing and I was surprised to see thateverything was intact. The truck people who came at Chandigarh for taking theconsignment and the people at Pune who delivered it and again the TCI packers& movers who came to reload it at Pune and deliver it to Mumbai have beensurprised at the professional packing!!. They could not believe it…. The timesthat we spent with him at Chandigarh will remain evergreen. The associationwith him at the very beginning and at the end of career was a sheercoincidence….

To be continued....

Memory down the lane....24 & counting....Star 9

2011-09-26T12:43:00.000+05:30

Manikandan

He was an original local hero of our groupin training days. Apart from the very initial period, he used to go and minglewith local friends in every available opportunity. He was one guy alongwith others like Anbu, Kumar who arranged money to go on our first posting forall the East gang. He is famous for his local chennai language and when hespoke that kind of language, I was amused to listen to him.

Because of his local commitments he was nottaking interest in exams. But what I heard of him later in other units that withouthis technical advice, a servicing would not progress a inch further. Such washis domination, knowledge and technical expertise. Even before he could reachChandigarh on his posting, his fame reached before..

There was lot of demandand pressure for him to secure in their respective areas. He came to Chandigarhat the twilight of our career and he had a plan for extension. Most of the dayshe was very busy in his works and very rarely we met. However, I could meethim on 14 Jun 2009. Thereafter, meeting him remained elusive.

To be continued...

Memory down the lane.... 24 & counting.... Star 8

2011-09-26T12:28:00.001+05:30

Kannan S

He is another person who earned a sobriquetin few days of training. He was nick named as “Discharge” Kannan to avoidconfusion among four Kannans. He was very soft initially, and always talkedabout how to go out of service during those training days. Though we were alllike that, did not like the atmosphere, the food and the treatment meted out tous, he was relatively the much affected person.

Once the six months period was over, onecould see the slow transformation in him. He joined Guru and both used to comeand join us for play, party or for going out together. The moment he was postedto Dinjan (Even today, I do not know if this exists in map), he was againfrustrated to find that no one was accompanying him. The east bound guysstarting from NJP and Bongaigaon, started alighting from the train.

At Guwahati the remaining entire gangalighted from Train. Guru left for Shillong, Mani to Guwahati (local), Kumar toKumbhigram. Anbu, me and S Kannan were for waiting for our trains. It was histrain first. When me and Anbu went along with him to bid him farewell, he wasemotional on two counts that he is leaving us behind and the other that he isgoing to a strange place. See how the time flies.

Exactly after one and half year when we metagain in Jun 1990, I could not believe my eyes. What a phenomenaltransformation. On Sep 23, 1990, we had a party and this guy danced likeMichael Jackson and showed the world that he is not the same person.. hedanced, swayed and sung all the way and obviously he was the master of ourceremony that day. I was very happy for him. He is another supreme athlete ofour group, who excelled in every event along with Johny and Sreeprasad.

He alsovisited us in Kanpur for three days. Even today, he is transforming himself asIndia trotter if not globe trotter and a very good organiser. He is the sameperson for you, 24 years back who felt bad about going to Dinjan and today heis scaling the country across its length and breadth….

To be continued....

Memory down the lane.... 24 & counting... Star 7

2011-09-26T12:09:00.001+05:30

Johnson

He is another great sportsman of our batchwho was unique who played hockey with certain deftness. He is a supreme athleteas well, who ran so many races to glory and jumped high tasting so manysuccesses. I had a privilege of watchinghim ‘live’ at Kanpur and I can say that it was a treat to watch him alongsideRobert Selvaraj…

“Johny” is a jolly guy who never bothersabout future and lives in the present and it is rare feature. He has visited usat Kanpur in Bengali Colony along with S Kannan and Sreeprasad. Being asportsperson he was always competitive and had true sportsman spirit. He has abig heart too, to take up the failures in his strides.

He has practically solutions for everyproblems. A quick impulsive thinker and come up with some bright ideas. It wasJohny who arranged a Tata Safari to go to Delhi for final clearance, when wewere thinking and standing on the road at Tribune Chowk. His bargaining skillsand amenable way of talking to anyone is so convincing.

He used to say this many times that lifeshould be lived to the brim and never worry for anything. How true it is…Whenhe is around, there is no dearth of fun. The enthusiasm associated with him is infectious. He too like Inbajoined me at Chandigarh. We used tocatch up in our work spots and did lot of things together. When I was with himthe training days were back again. He was one person who had car at hisdisposal even during service..

To be continued...

Memory down the lane....24 & counting....Star 6

2011-09-26T11:58:00.000+05:30

Jayakumar

He is another most respected person byeveryone and only myself call him always in singular like “Vaa” or “Po”. He wasthere with me always throughout training. He was in my same flight, and theonly tamil friend. Personally speaking, we had that unspoken bond which cannotpossibly be described. He was there always for me and so do I.

We have spent every exam, every class andtraining together, even shared sleeping in class together!!!! (When he sleeps Iwill not and vice versa). The days spent with him at Gandhi and Shivaji – 6 aremore memorable. A highly intellectual by nature and this aspect can only comeif one moves with him very closely (because he is an introvert) and hasdefinite opinions in every issue. We can always discuss with him on any topicand he used to respond in a logical way. He is a suave, soft spoken person anda no-nonsense guy who reads a lot of things.

My association with him was short lived tothe extent of Training centre till Jun 1991 and we never met each other afterthat till 2009. Almost after 18 years, when we met again at Chennai, we didn’thave words to share. How can you share all those 18 years in 8 hours?? However,we were very happy to be in each other’s company on that momentous day – 14 Jun2009….. and thereafter the next year on 22 May 2010. Unfortunately, I could notmeet him on 22 May 2011… Men proposed,God Disposed….

To be Continued....

Memory down the lane....24 & counting.... Star 5

2011-09-26T11:37:00.001+05:30

Arumugaswamy

A smallest person, who hails from my grandfather’splace, has earned the highest stature and respect from one and all. He is softspoken with a great knowledge on plethora of things. He was never posted withme anywhere and whatever interaction that I had, was restricted to initialtraining days. He has been with us during studies of AMIE Sec A and had graspof subject. But for his health during those days, he could have come out withflying colors.

We have discussed many things duringtraining days and he has this uncanny sense of humour which always goesunnoticed. “Samy” as he is affectionately known has helped us immensely in thefinal days when he was posted in Delhi. We all had an opportunity to bewith his family as well and had a great time. In fact this particular eventeveryone would have experienced, I believe, except for Thirumalai Selvam, BKannan and V seshadri.

He is a banker by profession, who has helpedme in getting my arrears by promptly providing the inputs, which in my opinionis a great help personally and cannot be explained in words. That was the timewhen my arrears were getting delayed though all got it much before and I was torepay some loans which I took it for upfront payment of my home.

To be continued....

Memory Down the lane....24 & counting... Star 4

2011-09-26T11:23:00.001+05:30

Kumar

He is an ebullient, energetic, enthusiasticand an emotional person. He is unique in a way to our group that he wasrecruited from Delhi. I was under the impression for a few days that other thanTambaram batch, there will be no Tamilians in any batch.

When I met for the first time, he gave meMysore pak, a favourite sweet of mine. When he came to know this, every day hecalled me to his room to have one at night. Though it used to be a prohibitedhour of visit and supposedly a strict study hour (most people will be halfasleep inside mosquito net before night roll call), out of extreme desire, I go tohis room for having one, considering the risk is worth enough. His share ofsweets was also given to me and he took pleasure in sharing those wonderfulsweets with me.

Even this year in May 2011 when we visitedhis home he greeted me with Mysore pak thus completing a full circle. He is avery good writer, writes poems and stories at his will in a very short span oftime. The creativity which lies beneath him is unparallel. Give him any topic,pat comes the poem or story. Really God send gift for him. He also used towrite letters often in those days and make me feel that he is around mesomewhere.

He was never posted with me anywhere and itwas unfortunate in many ways, where I could not even meet him in the entirespan of career. Only when I went to Delhi during final clearance, met him verybriefly for about 10 minutes… That too he was busy leaving and was supposed tocatch the train in a few hours and I enter the premises. Even then those 10minutes was like heaven and we could share so much of news that was possibleand promised to be in touch.

During Training days, he used to be captainof Volleyball team of our group for one side and opposite would be Anbu. Thestiff competition that we all enjoyed every day and a talk about the match howit went lasted for the remaining portion of the day. Every exam used to be afun time. He used to sleep and say everybody that he will get up later to studyand ask one of us to wake him up during conversion. That “later” would not comeat all. Yet he used to do well in exams. He is a very good organizer and a veryresponsible person in our group and works out the details to the minute.

Our hand written magazine “Hello” was editedby him along with Anbu and Sesha V. He is a fan of Pattukottai Prabhakar andSujatha, and would finish their novels ahead of anything. He is affectionatelycalled as “Thambhi” who is always meticulous in his approach.

To be continued....

Memory down the lane....24 & counting....Star 3

2011-09-26T10:59:00.000+05:30

Anbuselvan

He is a simple and yet a powerfulpersonality. His sense of humour isunparallel laced with jokes. A teacher by heart and wants to change the world,spiced with anecdotes. He is a great teacher of Mathematics and had theprivilege of being a student to him. He had burnt midnight oil for the sake ofme and ensured that I cleared my Mathematics paper (AMIE). It was neither a oneday affair nor a one off occasion, but a day in day out, of disciplinedteaching for more than 3 months. I am indebted and will not be able to re-payit forever.

A Man never shows his sorrow and has anamazing ability to cope with issues and pose a smiling face. His presence willbe readily felt once he enters the scene. An absolute team man, who led histeam along with him always and showed glimpses of his leadership. I was givenan opportunity to assist as what you may call as a cashier or an accountant andI did this to the best of my ability and thoroughly enjoyed this stint. Ofcourse this stint with him certainly had its own favours and fringebenefits!!!. For example, I can be with him always and go to any room during“study hours” and meet my friends. I was also given a portfolio of not soimportant entertainment in-charge of library and indoor games along with VSesha and did not attend PT!!

He is affectionately known as “Silvan” or“Ambu” to many north Indian guys and we also called him like that. His skill ininter-personal relationship is another amazing thing and he always ensures thathe is in touch with all. His letters were always an experience. In fact on oneoccasion he spoke and said that it would be nice to meet at Delhi in thepretext of job fair, which was a nice idea. Though we were not seriouslylooking up for job, we made it worthwhile to visit Delhi and met. When we wereabout to separate that evening, words were not spoken. Only eyes spoke andthere were lot of questions…. Will we be ever to meet again? Will we be in touchagain??. Though we both had no answers, we bade an emotional send off to eachother. But rest is history that we met again that too every year. He is amaster in the art of story narration and one can go miles to hear those wittystories. (Though of late, he is yet to keep abreast with technology..).

Akeen learner, who was a novice in cricket once upon a time, started doingscoring the games for all of us and thus started learning the game. Today theinterest and knowledge he possesses is phenomenal. Living in a town famous forits falls, though he has invited us to come, the time and opportunity has notcome yet.

To be continued.....

Memory down the lane... 24 & counting... Star 2

2011-09-22T17:03:00.000+05:30

Inbavanan

A great personality and cool like cucumber,hails from cool place. He is an affable person by nature. He is a jolly go guy,who takes everything in positive spirits and surges ahead. He is a good competitor and unique sportsmanin our group in the sense that he played basketball and was very good at it. He represented highest form of the game rightfrom initial training days, which was unheard of.

“Inba” as he is affectionately called by ushad been allocated a different branch and he was in a different training mode.He happened to be posted to Chandigarh, where I had a very good opportunity tospend about 4, 5 years. I vividly remember, when I was at Mohali, he came forthe first time with his family to our home informing that he is posted to Chandigarh…We have spent many family get together one on one every Sunday in the sensethat we reciprocate our visits on alternate weeks. Later we had quarters just astone’ throwaway. Thangavel used to be Vishnu’s playmate and on many occasionsI bowled to them.

We have gone to many places together in andaround Chandigarh and even many purchases have been together!!!. Not only athome, but in offices also we used to visit each other every day as my favoritecanteen was at his place. His wife had fed me on many occasions and had neverallowed me to cook when Vaishali was on vacation.

Above all, since we were in same place andeventually last posting before discharge all our final disposition ofactivities including pre-release course also took place together and thispre-release course period was the most enjoyable moment.

Another event, I would like to remember hereis that we travelled together to Delhi for final clearance in a Tata Safariwhole night and rested at his friend’s place. For all his talents, he gotselected in a campus interview in a different trip to Delhi, (Probably thefirst to get selected!!!), where I accompanied him primarily to meet ourfriends.

To be continued.....

Memory down the lane...24 & counting.... Star 1

2011-09-22T16:18:00.000+05:30

Kannan B

He is a smart, good looking, ever smiling,soft guy. I became friend even before training. I remember on 20 Sep 1987, whenwe all assembled for filling in forms during a break we happened to chat and itturned out to be that he was from 1986 batch (me - 1985 batch) from the samePSG Tech. Forget about service andthese 24 years, we became very close the same day…. and it continues…

The training days, were very fond memories.We were not separated for a moment. We travelled together back to Coimbatoreafter 6 months of training, returned together for technical training and madeit sure that we returned together during conversion as well. In fact we (B Kannan,Sriram & me) were the last set of people to arrive by Kovai Express. Duringfirst posting though we were separated we did ensure that we completed Sec A(AMIE) during conversion.

Luckily, we were posted together postconversion… We were put up in same room and stayed together and it was he whoensured this. How many mornings and evenings we might have studied together.There was a healthy competition among us and definitely no jealous attitude.One was always supportive to the other. He attended my marriage as well.

One particular incident which I would liketo recall here is before Kannan’s marriage, which is etched permanently in mymemory. Though I might have narrated to a few people, I would like to put it onrecord now. This will be there as long as I live.. We (Vaishali, me &Kannan) were travelling together from Kanpur to Coimbatore by Cochin –Gorakhpur Express. I was not keeping well though I was prepared to travel. Iwas suffering from Asthmatic attack during travel. Though I had taken tabletstwice or thrice (I do not remember), the breathlessness associated with it didnot subside. Seeing my condition, Vaishali was perplexed and she lent all moralsupport that she could, as she was also new to me (Yes.. this incident waswithin 3, 4 months of marriage). My Friend, My real hero swung into action assoon as the train reached Vijayawada.. Though the train did have a stop of 10,15 minutes, he ran almost 10 platforms, went outside to a medical shop to fetchan inhaler. Imagine the rush during the time. (it was probably night and peakhour time).

The train was about to start and we wereobviously worried that he has not reached. More than my suffering, I startedworrying for him. The train was just chugging off slowly from the station andhe hops into the train and gave my SOS (Save our Soul). After having two puffsof medicine, I became totally normal. GOD, Kannan was my savior who saved meliterally from the crutches of pain and agony. He even did not think of theconsequence if he would have missed the train. He proved the idiom to its worththat “A Friend in need is Friend indeed”.

Even our marriages were not widelydispersed. He married within 6 months of my marriage in Jan 1995, which weattended. He has ensured a couple room in a hotel for us in Pollachi. Weinvited Kannan and Hema in a traditional way at Kanpur. I had my maximum dinneralmost every day at his place when Vaishali had gone to Kumbakonam fordelivery. Hema and Kannan was my moral support during this longest separation…How am I going to repay them??

Even today, when I write this, those sweetmemories are overwhelming. The moment he was posted out from Kanpur, I felt skyshattered on my head. I could not take this, though I know for sure that it wasunavoidable. The tracks of life have changed and it was something like aderailment. We were in touch, but it was few and far in the later stages,obviously due to the distance, time, commitments. But then, we rejoined throughtechnology post retirement and the bonding is up and running again all over…..

To be continued....

Memory Down the lane... 24 & counting....

2011-09-22T14:52:00.000+05:30

A Real friend is one who walks IN when the rest of the world walks OUT

Don't walk in front of me , I may not follow
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead
Walk beside me and be my friend

A hug is worth a thousand words. A friend is worth more

A thought flashed across mind..... This is an attempt undertaken to showcase andportrait all my friends individually as I perceived and written all those fondmemories associated with everyone as far as possible.

This attempt took a non-stop effort of 3hours each day for 2 days. What better moment can it be apt than to present itto all of you in September? This week 24 years before, we were all filling outforms and enrolled ourselves.

The words are straight from heart and Ithank Almighty for providing me such good friends in my life on behalf of HIMto represent.

The words may be less or more about anybody,but whatever it is, I value every one of you at par.

The beauty of this write up is that I didnot think much as to what to write about each individual. It came like a flow,without any interruption, implying that you all have made such indelible impacton me..

When I finished this one, felt emotionallyoverwhelmed and certain lines made me shed happy tears…

Let us be like this for ever....

A series of blogs to follow on every individual......

விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி

2010-09-15T11:20:00.020+05:30

”விநாயகனே வினை தீர்ப்பவனே, வேத முதல்வோனே, ஞான முதல்வனே
விநாயகனே வினை தீர்ப்பவனே
குணாநிதியே குருவே சரணம், குறைகள் தீர்க்க இதுவே தருணம்”

எங்களை பொறுத்தவரை, இந்த வருஷம், விநாயக சதுர்த்தியின் சிறப்பம்சம், நாங்கள் அனைவரும் ஒன்று சேர்ந்து கொண்டாடியது. பல வருஷங்களாக இது போன்ற சந்தர்ப்பம் அமையவில்லை. இன்னும் சொல்லப் போனால், வரலஷ்மி விரதம், கோகுலாஷ்டமி, விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி என எல்லா பண்டிகைகளையும் சேர்ந்தே கொண்டாடினோம். ஆவணி அவிட்டம் மட்டும் நானும் சுதாகரும் சேர்ந்து பூணல் போட்டுக் கொண்டோம்.

அப்பா, அம்மா எங்களுடன் சேர்ந்து கொண்டு, பண்டிகை கொண்டாடியதில் எங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் இரட்டிப்பு மகிழ்ச்சி.சுதாகர், ரேவதி நல்ல பெரிய பிள்ளையார் 10ம் தேதி வாங்கி வந்தனர். அதனுடன் பூஜைக்கு தேவையான பூ, பழம், என வாங்கி வந்தனர். அன்றே, அப்பா, அம்மா, விஷ்ணு, ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா, எங்கள் சொசைட்டியின் பெரிய தோட்டத்திலிருந்து பூக்களையும், இலைகளையும் பறித்து வந்தனர்.

அன்று இரவு அம்மா, இரண்டு வீட்டிலும் கோலம் போட்டார். வீடு களை கட்ட ஆரம்பித்து விட்டது. எனக்கு, ஆபீஸ் இருந்ததால் நான் ஒன்றும் செய்யவில்லை. அதனால் என் பங்குக்கு வீட்டிற்கு வந்ததும், மின்சார சர விளக்கு அலங்காரம் செய்தேன்.

மறுநாள், 11 ம் தேதி, 11 மணிக்கு பூஜை ஆரம்பம் ஆனது. அப்பா மந்திரம்

சொல்ல, விஷ்ணு, ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா பூஜை செய்தார்கள். இதுவும் ஒரு சிறப்பு. தாத்தா மந்திரம் சொல்ல இரண்டு பேரன்களும் பூஜை செய்வது இதுவே முதல் தடவை. சுமார்.12.45 மணிக்கு பூஜை நிறைவு பெற்றதுஎங்கள் வீட்டில் எல்லோருக்கும் சமையல் வைஷாலி செய்தாள். நெய்வேத்தியத்துக்கு வேண்டிய அனைத்தையும் அம்மா, ரேவதி கீழ் வீட்டில் செய்தார்கள்.

சொசைட்டியில் 5 நாள் பூஜை நடக்கிறது. தினமும் காலை, மாலை இரு வேளைகளிலும் ஆரத்தி நடக்கிறது. பல கலை நிகழ்ச்சிகளும் நடந்து வருகிறது. ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா 5 ஹிந்தி பாடல்கள் பாடினான். விஷ்ணுவுக்கு 13 ம் தேதியிலிருந்து முதல் செமஸ்டர்!! (Courtesy: CCE (Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation) of New Pattern CBSE) பரீட்சை ஆரம்பம் ஆனதால், அவன் கலந்து கொள்ளவில்லை. எங்களை பொறுத்தவரை இன்னும் பூஜை முடியவில்லை. சுதாகர் ஜாம்ஷெட்பூர் சென்றுள்ளதால், அவன் வந்த பிறகு விசர்ஜன் செய்ய எண்ணியுள்ளேன். .

ராஜா சித்தப்பா, வாசு, சுபா ஏற்கனவே அவரவர் வீட்டின் விநாயக சதுர்த்தியை அழகாக எழுதியிருந்தார்கள். நானும் இதை ஏற்கனவே எழுதி முடித்தாலும் இதை போஸ்ட் செய்வதில் தாமதம் ஏற்பட்டு விட்டது.

ஆக மொத்தம் நல்ல விதமாக சிறப்பாக பூஜை நடத்தப் பட்டது. என் பங்கு PRO வேலை மட்டும் தான்!!!! அப்பா, அம்மா 12ம் தேதி பூனா திரும்பினார்கள்.

பாலும் தெளி தேனும் பாகும் பருப்பும்
இவை நான்கும் கலந்துனக்கு நான் தருவேன்,
கோல துங்கக் கரிமுகத்து தூமணியே,
நீ எனக்கு சங்கத் தமிழ் மூன்றும் தா
”ஜெய தேவ ஜெய தேவ ஸ்ரீ மங்கள மூர்த்தி,
தர்ஷன் மார்தே மன காமனா பூர்த்தி
ஜெய தேவ ஜெய தேவ”

லவாசா

2010-09-10T16:18:00.029+05:30

புனே அருகில் உள்ள “லவாசா” இந்தியாவின் திட்டமிட்டு உருவாகிக் கொண்டிருக்கும் முதல் மலை நகரமாக பேசப்படுகிறது। இந்த நகரம் ஹிந்துஸ்தான் கன்ஸ்ட்ரக்‌ஷன் கம்பனியின் மூலம் உருவாகி வருகிறது. 2002 ம் ஆண்டு தொடங்கப்பெற்ற இந்த நகரம் 2021 ம் ஆண்டு முழுமை அடையும் என திட்டமிடப் பட்டுள்ளது.
ஏழு மலை தொடரில், 12 நகரங்கள், 100 சதுர கிமீ பரப்பளவில் (25,000 ஏக்கர்) அமைய இருக்கின்றன. நான்கு நிலைகளில் மேம்பாட்டு பணிகள் நடந்து வருகிறது.

முதல் நிலை (தாஸ்வே) 2010 டிசம்பருக்குள் முடிய இருக்கிறது. புனேயிலிருந்து 50 கிமீ, மற்றும் மும்பையிலிருந்து 180 கிமீ தொலைவில் அமைந்துள்ளது.

இந்த நகரங்களில் பல்வேறு அளவுகளில் வீடுகள் கட்டப்பட்டு வருகின்றன. நிரந்தரமாக தங்க விரும்புவர்கள், இயர்க்கையில் ஈடுபாடு உள்ளவர்கள், நகரங்களின் அன்றாட வேக வாழ்க்கையிலிருந்து விலக நினைப்பவர்கள், விடுமுறையில் இயற்கையுடன் பொழுது போக்க நினைப்பவர்கள் என பல்வேறு மக்களின் தேவைக்கேற்ப எல்லா வசதிகளுடன் வீடுகள் அமைக்கப் பட்டு வருகிறது.

மருத்துவமனை, வங்கிகள், பள்ளிகள், சுற்றுலா மையங்கள், பலதர ஹோட்டல்கள் (தங்கும் வசதியுடன்), உணவகங்கள், ஆராய்ச்சி மையங்கள் போன்ற விஷயங்களும் வந்து கொண்டிருக்கிறது. இந்த நகரங்கள் உருவாகி வருவதில் பல எதிர்ப்புகளும் உண்டு. சுற்றுப் புற சூழல் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறது என ஒரு கருத்து. புனேயின் 80% நீர் தேவை இங்கிருக்கும் வரஸ்காவ் ஏரியிலிருந்து செல்கிறது. இந்த நகரங்கள் உருவாகினால், புனேயில் தண்ணீர் தட்டுப்பாடு வரும் என அஞ்சப்படுகிறது.

இதையெல்லாம் ஏன் இப்போது எழுதுகிறேன்? நான் என் வேலை நிமித்தமாக தாஸ்வே (லவாசா) அடிக்கடி சென்று வருகிறேன். இந்த இடத்தின் இயற்கை அழகு பிரமிப்பூட்டும் வண்ணம் உள்ளதால் உங்களுடன் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ள எண்ணினேன். ஒரு முறை, 2 நாட்களுக்கு தங்கினேன். பெரும்பாலும், காலையில் (6 மணி) கிளம்பி இரவு (9 மணி) திரும்புகிறேன் . செயயும் பல வேலைகளில், இயற்க்கையை அனுபவிக்க சந்தர்ப்பம் அமையும்,

இந்த வேலை கூடுதல் சுவாரசியமாக உள்ளது.
நான் எடுத்த சில போட்டோக்களை நீங்கள் அனைவரும் பார்த்து அனுபவிக்க இணைத்துள்ளேன்.

மேலும் விவரங்கள் அறிய இங்கே சென்று படிக்கவும்.

நினைவஞ்சலி

2010-07-04T14:59:00.005+05:30

அழகான கவிதை

ஆழமான கருத்து

இனிய நடை

ஈர்த்தது மனதை

உள்ளம் குளிர்ந்தது

ஊரறிந்த உண்மை

எங்களருமை பாட்டியின் பெருமை

ஏற்றமடைகிறது தினமும்

ஐயமில்லாத திண்மை

ஒரு கவிதை சொன்னீர்கள்

ஓரமாக நின்று ரசித்தோம்

ஔவை பாட்டியின் (ஆத்திச்சூடி) வழி

அஃதே என் பாராட்டு மொழி

நாசிக் - 13 ஜூன் 2010 - பாகம் 2

2010-06-30T23:26:00.026+05:30

தபோவனதிலிருந்து கிளம்பி ”முக்தி தாம்” என்ற இடத்திற்கு அடுத்த படியாக வந்தோம்.

முக்தி தாம் (Mukthi Dhaam):

முக்தி தாம் என்ற இந்த கோவில் ’நாசிக் ரோடில்’ அமைந்துள்ளது. (நாசிக்கின் ரயில் நிலையம், நாசிக் ரோடில் தான் உள்ளது.). ராஜஸ்தானிலிருந்து வரவழைக்கப்பட்ட பளிங்கு கற்களால், ராஜஸ்தானிய சிற்பிகளால் கட்டப்பட்ட மிக அழகான கோயில். இந்த கோயில் 1988ம் ஆண்டு கட்டப்பட்டது. இந்தக் கோயிலின் சிறப்பம்சம், எல்லா சுவர்களிலும் பகவத் கீதையின் 18 அத்தியாயங்களும் எழுதப்பட்டுள்ளது. சிவன், ராமர், சீதை, லஷ்மணர், திருப்பதி வெங்கடேச பெருமாள், லஷ்மி, என பல திரு உருவங்களை வடித்திருக்கிறார்கள். மிக அற்புதமான வேலைப்பாடு. 12 ஜோதிர் லிங்கங்களையும் இங்கு காணலாம். வரைபடம் போல எல்லா லிங்கங்களையும் அந்தந்த இடத்திற்கு ஏற்ப அமைத்திருப்பது சிறப்பான விஷயம். சுமார் 45 நிமிடம் அந்த கோயிலில் இருந்தோம். மத்தியானம் 1 மணி ஆகி விட்ட்தால் எல்லோருக்கும் நல்ல பசி. நல்ல உணவகம் தேடி கிடைக்காததால் (தெரியாததால்) பாண்டவ் லேணி செல்லும் வழியில் பார்த்துக் கொள்ளலாம் என முடிவெடுத்து அங்கிருந்து கிளம்பினோம்.

செல்லும் வழியில் ஒரு நல்ல ஹோட்டல் தென்பட்டதால் அங்கு சாப்பிட இறங்கினோம். “நல்ல” தென்னிந்திய சாப்பாடு கிடைக்கும் என பரிமாறுபவன் சொல்ல நாங்களும் உற்சாகம் ஆனோம். சொன்ன மாதிரியே சாப்பாடு நன்றாகவே இருந்த்து. என்ன தென்னிந்திய சாப்பாடு என்ற பெயர் சூட்டி ‘மஹாராஷ்ட்ரா” தாலி (தட்டு) உபசரித்தான். பின்னர், பாண்டவ் லேணி சென்றோம்.

பாண்டவ் லேணி: மராத்தியில் ’லேணி’ என்றால் ’குகை’ என்று அர்த்தம். 2000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு ஜைன அரசர்களால் கட்டப்பட்டது. குகைகளில் உள்ளே எழுதப்பட்டிருக்கும் குறிப்புகள், 17ம் நூற்றாண்டில், பாண்டவர்களால் எழுதப்பட்டதாம். அதனால் பெயரும் பாண்டவ் லேணி என அமைந்த்து. கடல் மட்டத்திலிருந்து 3000 அடி உயரத்தில் இந்த குகைகள் உள்ளன. இந்த குகைகள், புத்தர் காலத்தை சேர்ந்த்து. மேலும், இது முந்தைய காலத்தில் தியானம் செய்வதற்கு புத்த மதத்தை சேர்ந்தவர்களால் உபயோகப் படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.

கீழே, ஒரு பெரிய புத்தர் கோயில் உள்ளது. 3, 4 ஆள் உயரம் கொண்ட ஒரு புத்தர் சிலை உள்ளது. அரை கோள வடிவத்தில் கோயில் உள்ளது. அமைதியாக கோயிலில் 10 நிமிடங்கள் இருந்தோம். பின்னர் 3000 அடி மேலே உள்ள குகைக்கு செல்ல நினைத்தபோது, அப்பா, தான் கீழேயே இருப்பதாக சொல்லிவிட்டார். நாங்கள் அனைவரும் மேலே செல்ல ஆரம்பித்த போது, முதல் 2 நிமிடங்களிலேயே, அம்மாவும் ஏற முடியவில்லை என திரும்பிவிட்டார். பின்னர், வைஷாலி, சுதாகர், ரேவதி என ஒவ்வொருவராக திரும்பி கீழே சென்று விட்டனர். உண்ட மயக்கம், கைகுழந்தை, மிகவும் செங்குத்தான பாதை, படிகள் என ஒவ்வொருவருக்கும் பல பிரச்சனைகள்.!!

விஷ்ணுவும், ஜெயகிருஷ்ணாவுக்கும் மேலே சென்று விட வேண்டும் என ஒரே வேட்கை. இருவரும் வேகமாக ஏறிக் கொண்டிருக்க நானும் கூடவே அவர்கள் உற்சாகத்தை குறைக்காத விதத்தில் அவர்களுக்கு ஈடுகொடுத்தேன். ஆனாலும் 90% ஏறிய பிறகு களைப்பாகத்தான் இருந்தது. இப்படி ஏற வேண்டும் என தெரிந்திருந்தால் சாப்பிடுவதற்கு முன்னாலேயே

வந்திருக்கலாம் என்ற எண்ணமும் எழுந்தது. இருவரும் கொடுத்த உற்சாகத்தில், மீதமும் ஏறி உச்சிக்கு சென்று விட்டோம்.

ஆஹா, என்ன அருமை!!! நாசிக் முழு நகரம் எங்கள் மூவரின் கண்களில் தென்பட்ட காட்சி வார்த்தைகளால் விவரிக்க இயலாது. கஷ்டப்பட்டு ஏறியதற்கு கை மேல் பலன்!!. காமெரா கண்களின் மூலம் விஷ்ணுவும், ஜெயகிருஷ்ணாவும் படம் பிடித்து தள்ளினார்கள். மேலே வந்ததும் எனக்கு மட்டும் தான் நுழைவு சீட்டு (5 ரூபாய்). 15 வயதுக்கு கீழே உள்ளவர்களுக்கு அனுமதி இலவசம்.

புத்தர், போதிசத்வர், ஜைன தீர்த்தங்கரர் போன்ற பல மகான்களின் சிலைகள் செதுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த குகைகள் அவர்களின் வாச ஸ்தலமாகவும், போதனை இடமாகவும் அமைந்திருந்தது. ஏறியதை விட இறங்கும் போது இன்னமும் ஜாக்கிரதையாக இருந்தோம். இருவருக்கும் மகா திருப்தி….. அங்கிருந்து புகழ் பெற்ற த்ரியம்பகேஷ்வருக்கு பயணமானோம். மாலை 4.30க்கு கோயில் போய் சேர்ந்தோம்.

த்ரியம்பகேஷ்வர்: இந்த கோயில் நாசிக்கிலிருந்து 30 கிமீ தொலைவில் அமைந்துள்ளது. இந்தியாவில் உள்ள பிரசித்தி பெற்ற 12 ஜோதிர் லிங்கங்களில் இதுவும் ஒன்று. பிரம்மகிரி மலை அடிவாரத்தில், மலையின் பின்னணியில் கோயில் அமைந்துள்ளது. பிரம்மகிரி மலையில் தான் கோதாவரியின் ஜன்ம ஸ்தானம். எப்படி கங்கைக்கு “பாகீரதி” என்று பெயர் உள்ளதோ, அதேபோல், கோதாவரிக்கும், ”கெளதமி கங்கா” என்று பெயர் உள்ளது.

கெளதம முனிவரின் வேண்டுகோளுக்கு இணங்கி, இங்கு சிவபெருமான் வந்ததால், இந்த கோயில் அமைந்தது என சிவபுராணம் கூறுகிறது. மேலும் கெளதம முனிவரின் ப்ரார்த்தனைக்கு இணங்கி, சிவபெருமான் தன் சிரசிலிருந்து கங்கையை அனுப்பி வைத்தாராம். அதனால் தான், கோதாவரிக்கு ”கெளதமி கங்கா” என்று பெயர் அமைந்தது.

பிரம்மா, விஷ்ணு, சிவன் என மூன்று தெய்வங்களும் மூன்று கண்களாக, மூன்று சிவ லிங்கங்களாக இருப்பதால், த்ரியம்பகேஷ்வர் என அழைக்கப்படுகிறார். எல்லா சிவ ஸ்தலங்களிலும் சிவ லிங்கம் வெளியில் கண்களுக்கு தெரியும். இங்கு மட்டும் பூமிக்கு அடியில் உள்ளது. மேலே வெள்ளி கவசம் அணிவித்து இருந்தார்கள். மூன்று சிவ லிங்கங்களில், (பிரம்மா, விஷ்ணு, மகேஷா) கோதாவரி மகேஷா சிவ லிங்கத்திற்கு மட்டும் பூமிக்கு அடியிலிருந்து நீருற்று பிரவாகம் எடுக்கிறது!! அதனால் இங்கு சிவ பெருமானுக்கு தண்ணீர் அபிஷேகம் கிடையாது!!

ஒன்றரை மணி நேரம் வரிசையில் காத்திருந்த பிறகு அருமையான தரிசனம் கிடைத்தது. இந்த கோயிலில் நுழைவதற்கு முன்னர், வாசலில் உள்ள காளை மற்றும் பசு மாட்டிற்கு எல்லோரும் புல் கொடுப்பது வழக்கம். நாங்களும் கொடுத்தோம். மாலை 6.45 மணிக்கு கிளம்பி இரவு 11 மணிக்கு தாணே வந்து சேர்ந்தோம்.

இப்படியாக, எங்களின் ஷிர்டி, நாசிக் பயணம் இனிதே நிறைவுற்றது. சாய் பாபா, ராமாயணம் மற்றும் மஹாபாரத இடங்கள், ஜோதிர் லிங்கம்,ஒரு நதியின் கதை, புத்த ஜைன இடங்கள் என பார்த்ததில் மன நிறைவு பெற்றோம்.

நாசிக்கிற்கு, 1997ல், விமான மராமத்து பயிற்சிக்காக சென்றிருந்தேன். ஆனால் அப்போது ஒன்றும் பார்க்க இயலாத சூழ்நிலை. இரண்டு வாரக் கடைசியில் பூனா வந்து விட்டேன். பிள்ளையார் சதுர்த்தி நேரம். மீதமிருந்த இரு வாரங்களில் பயிற்சி பணியிலேயே மூழ்கி விட்டேன் (ஞாயிறு கிழமைகளும் உள்பட). 13 வருட விட்ட குறை, தொட்ட குறை 2010 ஜூனில் தீர்ந்தது.

மேலும் பல இடங்கள் நாசிக்கில் உள்ளது. குறைந்த பட்சம் 3 நாட்கள் தேவை. நாணய பொருட்காட்சி சாலை குறிப்பிடதக்கது. நாங்கள் நேரப் பற்றாக்குறையால் பார்க்க இயலவில்லை.

பி.கு: ரூபாய் அச்சடிக்கும் இடம் இங்கு உள்ளது!!! ஆனால் என்ன, அப்பா சொன்ன மாதிரி, ”கட்டு கட்டாக” கொண்டு வர இயலவில்லை. போனால் போகிறது ரூபாய் கிடைக்காவிட்டால் என்ன, என 12 கிலோ பெரிய வெங்காயம் திரும்பி வரும் வழியில் ரூ. 40க்கு வாங்கினோம்.

நாசிக் - 13 ஜூன் 2010

2010-06-22T23:23:00.008+05:30

13 ஜூன் 2010 – நாசிக்

காலையில் எல்லோரும் எழுந்து குளித்து 0800 மணிக்கு தயாராகி விட்டோம். காலை சிற்றுண்டி, தங்கியிருந்த ஹோட்டலில் சாப்பிட்டு கிளம்ப தயாரானோம். முதலில் பஞ்சவடிக்கு போகலாம் என தீர்மானித்தோம். நாசிக் ஒரு விதத்தில் நம்ம கும்பகோணம் போல் தான். கோயில்கள் நிறைந்த, அழகான ஊர். பாதைகள் நல்ல அகலமாக உள்ளது. பஞ்சவடி நாங்கள் தங்கியிருந்த ஹோட்டலில் இருந்து சுமார் 2 கிமீ தூரம்.

பஞ்சவடி: ராமர், சீதா, ல‌ஷ்மணர் 14 ஆண்டுகள் வனவாசம் இருந்த போது இந்த கோதாவரி நதிக் கரையில் நீராடி உள்ளனர்.!! அவர்கள் பர்ணசாலையும் இங்கு இருந்துள்ளது. இங்கு, ராமர் குண்டம், லஷ்மணர் குண்டம், சீதா குண்டம் என தனித்தனியாக உள்ளது. 12 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு ஒரு முறை நடக்கும் கும்பமேளா இங்கு மிக பிரசித்தம். ராமாயணத்தோடு ஒன்றி விட்ட ஒரு உணர்வு. அங்கிருந்த அனைத்து கோயில் சன்னதிகளையும் பார்த்தோம். கங்கே ச, யமுனே சைவ கோதாவரி சரஸ்வதி, நர்மதே, சிந்து, காவேரி, ஜலேஸ்மிந் ஸந்நிதிம் குரு என ஜபித்து கொண்டு, ஜலத்தை ப்ரோஷணம் செய்து கொண்டோம். கோதாவரியில், புஷ்பம், நெய் விளக்கு, அடங்கிய தெப்பம் விட்டோம். பஞ்சவடியில் தங்க முலாம் பூசிய ராமர், சீதை, லஷ்மணர் பொறித்த சாவி கொத்து அப்பா எங்களுக்கு வாங்கி கொடுத்தார். அடுத்த படியாக காலா ராம் மந்திர் என்ற கோயிலுக்கு வந்தோம்.

காலா ராம் மந்திர்: 1790 ஆம் ஆண்டு, சர்தார் ஒதெகரால் கட்டப்பட்டது. கருங்கல் ராமர் இந்த கோயிலில் உள்ளதால், இந்த கோயிலின் பெயர் கருப்பு (காலா) ராமர் கோயில் என அழைக்கப் படுகிறது. நான்கு திசைகளிலும் பெரிய வாயில் உள்ளது. இந்த கோயிலின் கும்பம் 32 கிலோ தங்கத்தால் செய்யப்பட்டது. இந்த கோயிலின் கற்கள், ராம்ஷேஜ் என்னும் மலையிலிருந்து 23 லட்ச செலவில் 1930 ம் ஆண்டு வரவழைக்கப் பட்டதாம்..கோயில் சுமார் 70 அடி உயரம் கட்டப் பட்டுள்ளது. ப்ரஹாரம் விசாலமாக இருக்கிறது. இந்த கோயிலின் சிறப்பம்சம் என்னவென்றால், இது ராமர் வனவாசம் இருந்த போது குடியிருந்த இடம்!!

ஸ்ரீ ராமா என்றுரைத்தால் செல்வம் தழைத்தோங்கும்

ஸ்ரீ ராமா என்றுரைத்தால் சிறப்புண்டாகும்

ஸ்ரீ ராமா அன்பர்களை என்றும் ஆதரிப்பார், துன்பங்களை தீர்ப்பார்

அய்யனே எனையாளும் மெய்யனே ஸ்ரீமதே ராமானுஜாய நம:

என்ற வரிகள் மனதில் ஓடிக் கொண்டே இருந்தது. கோயிலின் வாசலில், தாமிரத்தில் செய்யப் பட்ட விளக்குகள் எல்லோருக்கும் வாங்கி கொடுத்தார். அங்கிருந்து அடுத்த படியாக தபோவனம் என்ற இடத்திற்கு வந்தோம்.

தபோவனம்: இதற்கு ’தண்டகாரண்ய’ ஷேத்திரம். தண்டகாரண்யம் ராமாயணம் படித்த, அறிந்த அனைவருக்கும் பரிச்சயம் உள்ள பிரசித்தி பெற்ற இடம். ராமர் மற்றும் லஷ்மணர் தியானம் செய்த இடம். சூர்ப்பனகையின் நாசியை சேதம் செய்த ’இடமும்’ இதுதான். அதனாலேயே, இந்த ஊரின் பெயரும் “நாசிக்” என அழைக்கப் படுகிறது. பஞ்சவடி, மற்றும் தபோவனதிற்கு இடையில் தான் மாரீசன் மானாக வந்தது, ராவணன் சீதையை அபகரித்துக் கொண்டு போனது என குறிப்பு சொல்கிறது. இங்கு கபில – கோதாவரி நதிகளின் சங்மத்தை காணலாம். இந்தியாவில் இங்கு மட்டும் தான் லஷ்மணருக்கு கோயில் உள்ளது. இந்திரஜித்தை வதம் செய்ய 12 ஆண்டுகள் தவம் இருந்த இடம் என மற்றொரு குறிப்பு தெரிவிக்கிறது.. மிக அழகான, அமைதியான இடம். மலை குன்றின் (சுமார் 200 அடி உயரம்) மேல், தகரத்தில், ராமர், சீதை, லஷ்மணரின் சன்னியாச கோலம் அமைக்கப் பட்டுள்ளது. விஷ்ணு, ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா மேலே சென்று தொட்டு வர ஆசைபட்டதால், நாங்கள் மூவர் மேலே ஏறி தொட்டு வந்தோம். இருவருக்கும் எதோ எவரெஸ்ட் ஏறியது போல ஒரே பெருமை.

நாசிக் இன்னும் வரும்……..

ஷிர்டி பயணம் - 12 ஜூன் 2010

2010-06-20T22:20:00.006+05:30

அக்டோபர் 2007 முதல், எல்லோரும் ஒன்று சேர்ந்து ஷிர்டி – நாசிக் செல்ல வேண்டும் என திட்டமிட்டு, 3 வருடங்களாக தள்ளிச் சென்று கொண்டே இருந்தது. இந்த முறை எப்படியாவது சென்று விட வேண்டும் என அப்பா, அம்மா சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருந்தனர். விஷ்ணு, ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா ஸ்கூல் திறப்பதற்கு முன்பே சென்றால் வசதியாக இருக்கும் எனவும், அதுவும் மழை காலத்திற்கு முன்பே இருந்தால் இன்னமும் நன்றாக இருக்கும் என கருத்து தெரிவித்தனர். 12 ஜுன் செல்லலாம் என முடிவெடுத்தோம். அதன்படி, அப்பா, அம்மா 10 ஜூன் தாணே வந்து சேர்ந்தனர்.

12 ஜூன் 2010 - ஷிர்டி

அப்பா, அம்மா, வைஷாலி, விஷ்ணு, சுதாகர், ரேவதி, ஜெயகிருஷ்ணா, வேங்கடகிருஷ்ணன் மற்றும் நான் என எல்லோரும் டவேரா வண்டியில் காலை 0800 மணிக்கு தாணேயிலிருந்து கிளம்பி சென்றோம். அன்று, அமாவாசையாதலால், அப்பா காலையில், தர்ப்பணம் செய்து விட்டு கிளம்பினார். வைஷாலி, ரேவதி காலை, டிபன், மற்றும் இரவு உணவு தயாரித்து வைத்திருந்தனர்.

நான் ஷிர்டி சென்று 10 வருடங்கள் ஆகிவிட்டது. கடைசியாக 2000 வருஷத்தில் சென்றது. முதன் முறையாக, ஜூலை 1997ல், அப்பாவின் 60வது பிறந்த நாளை ஷிர்டியில் கொண்டாடினோம். மீண்டும் அடுத்த வருடம் இரண்டாவது முறையாக சென்றோம். சரோஜா அத்தை, ராமமூர்த்தி அத்திம்பேருடன் 2000 வருஷம் மூன்றாம் முறை. ஆக இது நான்காம் முறையாக சாய்பாபாவை தரிசிக்க சந்தர்ப்பம் ஏற்பட்டது.

இதற்கு முன்பு வரை, ஷிர்டிக்கு, பூனாவிலிருந்து தான் சென்றிருக்கிறோம். முதல் முறையாக இந்த தடவை தாணேயிலிருந்து சென்றோம். நல்ல வழியாக இருந்த்து. கசாராவின் மலைப்பாதை வளைந்து நெளிந்து போகும் பாதை. இதமான, ஈரப்பதமான காற்று என காலை பொழுது ரம்மியமாக அமைந்தது. சின்னார் வந்ததும், ஷிர்டி போகும் பாதை பிடித்து 1330 மணிக்கு ஷிர்டி சென்றடைந்தோம். சுமார் 230 கிமீ பயணம் செய்தோம். ஆந்திரா பவனில் எங்கள் மதிய உணவு உட்கொண்டோம். அருமையான, சுவையான, அன்பான சாப்பாடு. ஆந்திரா காரம் அதிகமாகவே இருந்த்து. நன்றாக வரவேற்று உபசரித்தனர்.

1430 மணிக்கு வரிசையில் நின்றுகொண்டோம். வாரக்கடைசி என்பதாலோ என்னவோ கூட்டம் அலை மோதியது. 3 மணி நேரம் வரிசையில் நின்ற பிறகே தரிசனம் கிடைத்தது. இருப்பினும் நேரம் போனது தெரியவில்லை. ஓம் சாய் நமோ நம: , ஸ்ரீ சாய் நமோ நம:, ஜெய ஜெய சாய் நமோ நம: , சத்குரு சாய் நமோ நம: என எல்லொரும் விடாமல் பாடிக் கொண்டிருந்த படியால் மனது லயித்து விட்டது. இடையில், சத்குரு சாய் மஹாராஜுக்கு என யாரோ ஒருவர் குரல் கொடுக்க அனைவரும் ”ஜே” என கோஷம் போட்டுக் கொண்டே வந்தோம்.

இப்படியே சன்னதிக்கு வந்து சேர்ந்து விட்டோம். பாபாவைக் காண கண் கோடி வேண்டும். எத்தனை பேர் தினமும் வந்த வண்ணம் இருக்கின்றனர். வரிசையில் பல மணி நேரம் ஆனாலும், கடினமாக இருந்த போதிலும், பாபாவைக் கண்டவுடன், எல்லாம் பனி போல கரைந்து விடுகிறது, தரிசனம் செய்கிற அந்த கணங்கள் நம்மை நாமே மறந்து அவரிடம் சமர்ப்பிக்கும் போது கிடைக்கிற சுகமே தனி. தரிசனம் முடிந்து வெளியே வந்தவுடன் ஒரு ஆத்ம திருப்தி அடைந்தோம். தரிசனம் முடிந்து ஒரு மணி நேரம் கோயிலில் இருந்தோம். “உதி” எனப்படும் பாபாவின் விபூதியை எடுத்துக் கொண்டோம்.

10 வருடங்கள் கழித்து ஷிர்டி கோயில் வருவதால், இடம் அடையாளம் தெரியாத அளவுக்கு மாறியுள்ளது. ஷிர்டியிலேயே, மாலை 1830 ஆகிவிட்டதால், சனி சிங்கனாபூர் போக முடியாது என தோன்றியது. 85 கிமீ செல்ல வேண்டும். சனி அமாவாசை ஆதலால் அங்கும் கூட்டம் அலை மோதும் என விசாரித்த்தில் தெரிய வந்த்து. அதையும் மீறி சென்றாலும் அங்கு போய், நாசிக் சென்றடைய அதிகாலை 2 மணி ஆகும் என்று தோன்றியது. இந்த காரணங்களால், செல்ல வேண்டாம் என தீர்மானித்தோம். சனி சிங்கனாபூர் செல்ல வில்லையே என வருத்தம் இருந்த போதிலும், அது தான் சரியான முடிவாக பட்டது.

ஷிர்டியிலிருந்து மாலை 1915 மணிக்கு கிளம்பி நாசிக் வந்து சேர்ந்த போது மணி 2115. சுமார் 90 கிமீ பயணம். ஏற்கனவே ஹோட்டலில் அறைகள் முன் பதிவு செய்திருந்தோம். இரவு உணவு சாப்பிட்டு, கொஞ்ச நேரம் அரட்டை அடித்து விட்டு பாபாவை நினைத்துக் கொண்டு 2300 மணிக்கு அறைகளில் படுத்து தூங்கினோம்.

பி.கு: மொபைல் போன், காமெரா தற்போது ஷிர்டி கோயிலில் எடுத்து செல்ல அனுமதி இல்லை. இதை வைத்துக் கொள்ள தனி க்ளோக் ரூம் வசதி ஏற்பாடு உள்ளது. ஒரு பொருளுக்கு 2/= வாடகை.

நாசிக் பயணம் தொடரும்.....

மாதுங்காவில் ஒரு மாலை பொழுது

2009-03-17T15:20:00.004+05:30

நாங்கள் மும்பை வந்து ஒரு வருடத்திற்கும் மேலாகி விட்டது. மகாலக்ஷ்மி, சித்தி விநாயகர், மரின் டிரைவ், ஜுஹு பீச், கேட் வே ஆப் இந்தியா என முக்கிய இடங்களை ஏற்கனவே பார்த்திருக்கிறோம்.

மாதுங்கா பற்றி பல முறை கேள்வி பட்டதுண்டு. சின்ன வயதில் இந்த பெயரை கேள்வி பட்ட போது, "அம்மங்கா" , "அத்தங்கா" கேள்வி பட்டிருக்கிறோம், ஆனால், "அதென்ன மாதுங்கா?", என பல முறை யோசித்திருக்கிறேன்..

சுகவன சித்தப்பா மும்பை வந்த போது, ஒரு நாள் மாலை சந்தரின் மாமாவை மாதுங்காவில் சந்திக்க சென்றிருந்தார். அவரை அழைத்து வர வாஷியிலிருந்து முதல் முறையாக மாதுங்கா சென்றேன் (மும்பை வந்த பிறகு பல முறை கடந்து சென்றிருக்கிறேன் என்பது வேறு விஷயம்). அன்று மாலை, மாதுங்கா ஸ்டேஷன் வரை சந்தரின் மாமா எங்களை கொண்டு விட வந்தார். வரும் வழியில், மாதுங்கா பற்றி நிறைய சொல்லிக்கொண்டே வந்தார்.

மற்றொரு நாள் மத்தியானம், என் ஆபீஸ் மீட்டிங் முடித்து திரும்பி வருகிற போது கிங் சர்க்கிள் (மாதுங்கா) வழியாக வரும் வாய்ப்பு கிடைத்தது. என்னுடன், என் டைரக்டர்கள் ஹரிஹரன் மற்றும் வெங்கடேஷ் இருந்தனர். மாதுங்காவில் உள்ள ஆரிய பவனில் சாப்பிடலாம் என்று முடிவு எடுத்தார்கள். "அட, நம்ம சாப்பாடா" என ஆச்சர்யம் அடைந்தேன்.

இந்த அனுபவங்களை, வைஷாலி மற்றும் விஷ்ணுவிடம் சொன்ன போது அவர்கள் அடைந்த ஆச்சர்யத்துக்கு அளவே இல்லை. எப்போது போகலாம் என திட்டம் போட ஆரம்பித்து விட்டோம்.

ஒரு நாள் மாலை கிளம்பி மாதுங்காவுக்கு லோக்கலில் சென்றோம். காஞ்ஜுர்மார்க் (எங்கள் ஆரம்ப ஸ்டேஷன்). விக்ரோலி, வித்யாவிஹார், காட்கோபர், குர்லா, சையான் என்று 5 ஸ்டேஷன் கடந்த பின்னர் மாதுங்கா வரும். ஸ்டேஷன் விட்டு வெளியில் வந்து வலது பக்கம் திரும்பி மாதுங்கா ஜிம்கானா, வில்லின்கேர் காலேஜ், போட்டர் (Poddar) காலேஜ் மற்றும் ருயா காலேஜ் என பார்த்து கொண்டே மெயின் ரோடு பிடித்தோம். இன்னும் கொஞ்ச நடைக்கு பிறகு கிங் சர்க்கிள் வந்தடைந்தோம்.

கிங் சர்க்கிள் என்பது மிக பெரிய round about. அதற்கு உள்ளேயே மிக பெரிய பூங்கா அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. 30 நிமிடங்கள் பூங்காவில் பொழுதை போக்கி விட்டு பிறகு வெளியில் வந்தோம்.

கிங் சர்க்கிளில் கிட்டதட்ட 7, 8 பாதைகள் பிரிந்து செல்கிறது. எந்த பாதையில் செல்வது என குழப்பம்.... ஒரு வழியாக அதிக கூட்டம், கடைகள் உள்ள ரோட்டில் செல்லலாம் என முடிவேடுத்து நடந்து சென்றோம்.

அந்த வழியில், பல பூக்கடைகள் தென்பட்டன. இவ்வளவு பூக்கடைகளா என்று வாயை பிளந்து பார்த்து கொண்டிருந்த வேளையில்,அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீராமஸ்வாமி கோயில் பார்த்து ஆச்சர்யப்பட்டோம். உள்ளே சென்றால், மூல சன்னதி ராமர், சீதை. பிள்ளையார், விஷ்ணு, ஐயப்பன் மற்றும் நவக்கிரஹம் என பல சன்னதிகள்!!! முழுக்க முழுக்க தமிழ் கோயில்.... கோயில் விட்டு வெளியே வந்து 2 நிமிட நடையில் “கிரி ட்ரேடர்ஸ்” கடையைப் பார்த்தோம். அருகிலேயே கோ-ஆப்டெக்ஸ் கண்ணில் பட்டது. நாம் காண்பது கனவா, நனவா என்று உறுதிப்படித்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டிய நிலைக்கு தள்ளப் பட்டோம்.

கிட்டதட்ட 2 மணி நேரம் சுற்றிய பிறகு, ஆரியபவனில் சாப்பிடுவதற்கு சென்றோம். கீரை வடை, மைசூர் மசாலா தோசை, தயிர் வடை, சாதா ரோஸ்ட், தயிர் சாதம், என தென்னிந்திய வகைகளாகவே சாப்பிட்டோம். இந்த ஹோட்டலில், தயிர் சாதத்துக்கு தொட்டுக்க மோர் மிளகாய் கிடைக்கும்!!

ஹோட்டலை விட்டு வெளியே வந்து, அதே ரோட்டிலேயே நடந்து சென்றால், மீண்டும் மாதுங்கா ஸ்டேஷன் வந்தடைந்து விட்டோம்!! ஒரு பெரிய சுற்று (கிட்டதட்ட 3 கிமீ) வந்து விட்டோம் என்று புரிந்தது. அதே வழியில், ஒரு மினி ”கொத்தவால் சாவடி” பார்த்தோம். குறிப்பாக தமிழ் காய்கறிகளும் கிடைக்கிறது. இது ஸ்டேஷனுக்கு மிக அருகாமையில் உள்ளது.

”ஆலில்லா ஊருக்கு இலுப்பை பூ சர்க்கரை” என்ற பழமொழிக்கேற்ப மாதுங்கா எங்களுக்கு மைலாப்பூர்…. என்ன தெப்பகுளம் இல்லை என்ற ஒரு குறையை தவிர்த்து விட்டால் மாதுங்கா மைலாப்பூருக்கு சமமாகி விடும்.

இப்படியாக ஒரு மாலை பொழுது மிக இனிமையாக கழிந்தது.

Value additions on Kasi

2009-03-13T11:00:00.007+05:30

Though I have completed the blog on Kasi, I received a mail from Ramamurthy Athimber adding inputs on Kasi, which I found interesting. He has even suggested to incorporate the inputs to make the blog look more complete in all dimensions. I am reproducing his valued inputs below, with my comments in pink.

The Annapurani as depicted in the series (Kasi Yaathirai - 5) (photograph) can be seen only for three days during Deepavali period. The Golden Annapurani and the Silver Sivan are always kept under lock and key and would be available for Darshan for three days, starting from Dhan Thereas Day. During this time Laddu Ther (chariot) is arranged with lots of sweets, vegetables and fruits. All these would be distributed to the devotees on the last day. Some tourist operators organize a tour to Kasi, Gaya and Allahabad during this period.

There is a Nattukkottai Chettiyars' Choultry, in Kedar Ghat area. From this Choultry, three times a day (or may be more) a procession, with provisions, coconuts, fruits, sandal, honey etc., is taken with Nadaswaram and Melam to Vishwanth Temple. This procession is called "Sambho". Any one, who sees the procession, stops, remove his footwear and pray reverence to this procession.

Harischandra Ghat is one of the most important Ghats in Kasi. It is believed that Raja Harischandra was working as an assistant to the chief cremator of the burning/burial ground, nearer to this Ghat. The descendants of the chief are still living in Kasi in a lavish Bungalow. He is called Dom Maharaj (in Hindi, it means the cremator in burning Ghat). All the burning Ghats are under his control and daily he gets his share from all the Ghats.

There is an important Temple in Harischandra Ghat area, known as Sri Kamakoteeswarar temple. It was established by Kanchi Sankara Mutt. A Jeernoddharana Kumbhabishekam was consecrated recently. In the inner round, just behind the Sanctum Santorum there is a mural sculpture of Lord Shiva in a reclining pose similar to the one that is available at Suruttappalli near Andhra and Tami Nadu border.

In and around Kedar Ghat and Harischandra Ghat areas, many Tamilians, especially purohits are residing. There is a Sankara Mutt also here. Vaishali's Thatha and Patti (she is no more) reside at Hanuman Ghat. He was incharge of this Sankara Mutt for atleast 10 yrs. Now he is just attending only functions and has no responsibility because of his age (He is around 87 now!!). We have even attended an aradhanai (Samadhi Day) of His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal at Sankara mutt

One of the important rituals in Kala Bhairavar temple is to get a mild beating from the priest with his stick on our right shoulder. There is a saying in Hindi - Prayag Me Mundan (Tonsuring the head), Kasi Me Dhandam (Cane Beating) aur Gaya Me Pindam. Somehow this has slipped my mind, though I was told the significance.

If Kala Bhairavar is the Kothwal (Inspector of Police), Dandapani is known as Darogha (the Head Constable) appointed by the Lord for the Security of Kasi. Dandapani's temple is just behind the Kala Bhiravar temple and can be reached through the rear entrance of the temple. This I was not aware of and did not visit.

There is one more important temple in Kasi. It is non religious. It is the temple of Mother India, known as Bharath Mata Mandir. On the floor they made a raised Map of India depicting all the important places. I feel every Indian must visit this temple and pay our reverence to our Nation. I feel unfortunate to miss this one because of time.

Special Thanks to Athimber for his valued inputs and for putting lot of efforts.

Kasi Yaathirai - 11

2009-03-07T15:57:00.011+05:30

We had our lunch at a hotel opposite to Anandha Bhavan at 1 PM and entered this place at 1.30 PM. As you all are aware that this was the house of Shri Motilal Nehru / Jawahar Lal Nehru, where they lived for many years.

It is a sprawling house as they were the richest people of that time. We could see the study rooms, drawing rooms, bedrooms, dining room, Kitchen , Congress Conference hall (where important decisions of Congress committee taken during freedom struggle), the things used by Motilal, Jawaharlal, Indira.

We were privileged to see the letters (English & Hindi) of Nehru written in the year 1926 to “Indu” (Indira was 9 yrs old at that time). Some were showing affection, some were of highly informative. The reply letters of “Indu” (9 yr Indira) to her father are in English/Hindi/French.

Historic photographs from birth to death of Nehru, and childhood of Indira Gandhi are displayed in Anandha Bhavan. We could see the display of Will & Testament executed by Nehru and subsequent dedication of “Anandha Bhavan” to Government of India in 1971 by Indira Gandhi.

There is a permanent room earmarked for Mahatma Gandhi for his stay whenever he used to visit Allahabad and there is a balcony where Mahatma used to bask in Sun during winters.

We could the see the birth place of Indira Gandhi. It is in the adjoining building named “Swaraj”. In Swaraj building, in the form of a light and sound show, where Jawahar Lal Nehru’s youth, marriage with Kamla, his participation in freedom struggle, his decision to join Non cooperation movement were shown.

There is a memorial raised where Nehru was laid in rest for public / State mourning and his last remains were kept before it was immersed.

Some of the personal highlights of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru I reproduce for the sake of records.

Born on 14 Nov 1889, obtained his Graduation at the age of 21 years in 1910, got married in 1916 to Kamala at the age of 27. Indira Gandhi was born to them in Nov 1917. Kamala Nehru breathed her last in 1936 after 20 years of married life. Indira Gandhi was barely 19 years old at that time. Nehru departed heavenly abode on 27 May 1964 at the age of 75. On 25 May 1964, he was with Indira Gandhi at Dehradun and on 26 May, he spent his maximum time with lot of children.

Thus our sojourn with Nehru and Anandha Bhavan came at 5 PM. We felt as if we were living with Nehru, talked to him and were part of his family for those 3 ½ hrs. We returned to Varanasi at 7.30 PM and retired for the day after a much satisfied trip….

We returned to Chandigarh on 31 Dec in the evening by 3.30 PM after a memorable trip to Kasi. I must mention here that Vaishali’s cousin Sriram was there with us during our entire visit to all these places and fed me with details, which made me possible to write the blog on Kasi. I must also mention that by writing a series on Kasi, I have relived those wonderful moments…..

I end the series on Kasi. I hope you all have enjoyed it. I was getting positive vibes throughout in the form of encouraging comments, useful tips, uncovered information, which helped me to a great extent. I take happiness that I could make people who could refresh their memories and created desire in some of them (those who have not visited) to visit Kasi. Thank you all………………..

Kasi Yaathirai - 10

2009-03-06T16:54:00.003+05:30

A visit to Allahabad was an afterthought. We did not plan for this trip while making plans to visit Kasi. Frankly, I did not have an idea. But after going to Kasi, desire to visit Allahabad was growing for following reasons. Triveni Sangamam being one and Ananda Bhavan (Where Motilal & Jawahar Lal Nehru lived) being the other. Allahabad is also famous where Big B had born and family members like Ramamurthy Athimber, Saroja Athai, Uma & Bala lived... I am not too sure about Satya.

We had arranged a Maruti Omni Van and started for Allahabad at 0630 hrs. We had our breakfast on way and reached Triveni sangamam at 0945 hrs.

TRIVENI SANGAMAM: As you all know the rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet at this place. River Saraswati is considered as “Antar vahini” (coming from earth) also meet at this place.

There is also an interesting dhanam known as “Veni (பின்னல்) Dhanam” exists here. The Veni Dhanam is a donation of pinnal of about 2 inches by a married lady on the belief that the lady wants same husband for 7 janma and whatever good things she is doing that should be passed off to her off springs and generations. We took bath at 10 AM. As explained earlier in Kasi Yaathirai - 2, taking a first dip was difficult because of winter and heavy mist even though it was 10 AM. But this time we were better prepared mentally as we had already had a wonderful experience at Kedar Ghat (Kasi). We must have had bath for nearly 30 min. The differences between Kasi and Triveni Sangamam are that there are no proper Ghats at Sangam and the river at Sangam was flowing at faster pace. The area is also slushy. After having enjoyed the holy dip for the second time in a space of 3 days, we went to Sayana Anjaneyar Temple which is very near on the river bank.

SAYANA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE: This temple is located nearby triveni sangamam. This is the only temple where you will find Anjaneyar in resting/sleeping posture. It is believed that Hanuman while going to pick up Chanjeevani had rested here for a moment. We could see the face of Anjaneyar and Ram / Lakshman on either shoulder in that posture. The remaining portions were entirely covered with garlands and flowers. Since it is at the same level as that of the river, this temple will be submerged when the river is in spate. We were lucky to have darshan of Anjaneyar as we could see His face very clearly. Then we went to Vimana Mandapam..

VIMANA MANDAPAM: This is a temple having three tiers. Managed by Kanchi Mutt. In the First tier 108 Jyothir lingams, all the sakthi peedams and the roll of Kanchi Acharyas are displayed in praharams. Moola Sannadhi is of Kamakshi Amman. The First Shankaracharya was there from 509 BC to 477 BC. Paintings depicting the life of Adi Shankaracharya and portion of Ramayanam are decorating the walls of temple. In the second tier, Moola sannadhi is of Tirupati Balaji. In the third (Top) tier the sannadhi is a magnificent Yoga Sahasra Lingam. The speciality of this Lingam is that on the main Lingam there are 1008 small lingams are engraved. We were mesmerized and stood there for almost 5 minutes… What a beautiful Shivalingam!!!!

VENI MADHAVAR TEMPLE: We could not visit this temple as it was closed.

In the next blog I will take you through, the Famous Anandha Bhavan, an expansive area, where our illustrious first Prime Minister lived……..

Kasi Yaathirai - 9

2009-03-05T13:37:00.013+05:30

Saranath, a famous place associated with history of India, where the great emperor Ashoka after adopting to Buddhism had built Stupas between 3 B.C and 11 A.D during his pilgrimage.

Saranath is also a place where Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first discourse after his enlightening at Bodhgaya under the famous Bodhi tree. The renowned Mantra, 'Buddham Sharanam Gachhami', traces its origin to Sarnath. It is believed on the day before his death; Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be revered to his supporters. It makes Sarnath one of the most acclaimed Buddhist places.

Saranath is about 10 – 12 km from Kasi and almost in an opposite direction to Ramnagar palace and fort. It is a place one should not miss whether one is a history buff or not. Lots of Buddha Vihar (Temple), Stupas, monuments is there to see. There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Saranath. The archeological department is still excavating the whole place to unearth many historic things.

There is a museum in Saranath, which is the main attraction apart from Buddha Vihars. This Museum is a huge area landscaped with beautifully maintained grass carpets. The main attraction of the museum is at the entrance itself. One can see a gigantic Ashok Pillar with majestic four lions on top and Horse, bull, elephant and tiger along with Ashok Chakra on its base. This Ashoka Pillar at Saranath is our National emblem of our country. The archeologists available there say, as far as they know, that the polish done on the original emblem is of Zinc powder, molasses and limestone powder. The quality which has been achieved at that time on that stone carving, could not be achieved even with today’s high technology, is their version!!!

There are 5 galleries and 2 halls. Touch screen monitors are available everywhere to know the information pertaining to excavation and other historical facts. In all these halls and galleries display of huge & miniature idols of Buddha in various postures, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh is kept. The excavations range between 1 BC and 11 AD origin. We could also see huge stone inscriptions.

The Indian Buddhist society called Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the famous Buddha Vihar. Ashoka has brought a branch of original “Bodhi” tree from Budhgaya and planted it in Saranath and a huge Bodi tree is there now.

Inside this monastery, on the walls one can see impressive paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. In the ground, on one side of monastery one can see striking representation of Buddha preaching his “first Five Disciples”. Just beyond this spot a one can see a bell installed in the year 2004. The bell is wonderful and huge.

We spent around 4 hours and we could associate us with the traditions of History. It was a real treat to be in this part of the world where we could also associate with our National emblem.

Thus, we visited all these places in Kasi and in subsequent blogs; I will cover the trip to Allahabad which we undertook during this same period on a day in between…..

Kasi Yaathirai - 8

2009-03-03T11:47:00.010+05:30

A fort and a palace at Kasi......

The Ramnagar Fort lies about 12 – 13 km from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. History says that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.

Varanasi might be known for lot of Temples, but it had also been ruled by various kings, who left their impressions on the city. The Raja Ghat on the river, for example, was built by one of them. The royal family still resides in this palace and is treated well with some of the important portfolios in temple (Kasi Viswanathar) administration held by them. The present incumbent is Raja Narain Bahadur. The last Raja was Vibhuti Narain Singh (1909 – 2000). A Superfast train named “Vibhuti Express” runs in his name between Allahabad and Howrah via Varanasi.

The Palace has now been converted into a huge museum and one needs at least 2 – 3 hrs of time to visit this place. The Museum closes in the evening at about 5 PM.

The first section of the museum has various vintage cars (they were of Cadillac origin) belonging to the royal family. After this, we were
led to the impressive collection of palanquins made of Gold, Silver and ivory. Textiles (saree, overcoat & other dress materials) are embroidered in gold and silver zari. It is indeed wonderful to see such magnificence, and one wonders how these things would have been like when the kings were at the height of their glory. When I am writing this blog, I could relate it with Jodha Akbar directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar.

The next section comprises an Armoury which included wide range of metal armoured dress, spears, axes, swords, various types of guns
(single, double, four barrel) pistols, revolvers. Some of them are of Smith & Wesson make. Daggers are embedded with precious stones in handles…. One sword weighs 5 Kg….. I can understand that why kings were supposed to have strong shoulders. Really a fascinating experience and the way the things are preserved are amazing!!

When we move inside the palace, wide array of beautiful works of art, and gifts from kings of other states is displayed. One notable thing is a carving of a huge tree (ivory) with leaves and one can see small birds sitting on those leaves with a help of magnifying glass!!!

These were truly worth seeing, considering that with the great advances in science and technology, it is impossible to come across such wonderful handwork. The expansive Durbars depicted with portraits of various kings, with varieties of chandeliers is a delight to watch.

Another important aspect of this museum is an ancient clock which displays not only the year, month, week and day, but also astronomical facts
about the sun, moon and constellations of stars! The fact that this clock is working till date is amazing and highly appreciable and automatically qualifies to make a visit to the museum worthwhile……

A tunnel-like passage from the fort leads us under the fort to the river Ganga, flowing in full force and on the other side are the high walls of the palace. The view is breathtaking and I can assure you all that it will be a wonderful experience……

We had a worthwhile trip to this palace, the surroundings, its scenic beauty with river on one side and a fort stand tall amidst ruins is beautifully poised in our memories………..

Kasi Yaathirai - 7

2009-02-24T15:24:00.008+05:30

Sankat Mochan Anjaneyar Temple: This temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located near the Banaras Hindu University. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps in removing sufferings i. e. Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, thousands of devotees queue up in front of the Sankat Mochan temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman protects human beings from the anger of planet Saturn and those who have “Sani Dhosham” in their horoscope visit the Sankat Mochan temple to get remedy. People put "Sindoor" on the statue and offer "laddoos" to Lord Hanuman. The "Sindoor", from the statue of Lord Hanuman is put on the foreheads of devotees.

The one interesting thing that we could notice in this temple that there were lot of “Hanuman Sena” available than any other place!!

Kala Bhairavar Temple: This is a “must” visit temple. Kala Bhairavar is considered to be god of security of Varanasi. Though there are around 8 Bhairavar temples around Varanasi, Kala Bhairavar is considered to be “King of security”. It is believed that no one gets an access to entry and exit without visiting/seeking permission from him. That is one must go for His darshan before leaving Varanasi. This is the temple where Kasi thread (Black) is available. Kala (Black) Bhairavar (Form of Lord Shiva) is the significance of the name. The temple of Kala Bhairavar is present in the Kotwalpuri area of Kasi. How apt you see, that King of Security is stationed at Kotwalpuri (Police station)!!!

Varahi Temple: This temple has to be visited only in the morning, for the simple reason that Varahi does not give darshan after 0730 hrs. This temple is opened before sun rise at 0530 hrs and closed by 0730 hrs (Winter) for 2 hours. Probably this temple opens as early as 5 AM in summers and closed by 7 AM. The belief is that Varahi is a ferocious goddess and people cannot bear her darshan after sun rise. We cannot see this Goddess directly. The Goddess is in the underground. We can look down and see her head and feet through specially provided square openings at two different places from the elevated level. There is a proverb exist that “Varahi does not give darshan to those lazy people who cannot get up from their bed to see her in the early mornings.”

Only Pandit is permitted to go down for changing clothes, decorations and for bathing the idol.

These were the temples we visited in Kasi with the time available to us. In the next blog we will come across a beautiful fort & Palace at ……………

Kasi Yaathirai - 6

2009-02-23T16:36:00.011+05:30

We hired an auto to start the day’s proceedings to see some more temples. First on the agenda was to see the Sozhi Amman temple.

Sozhi Amman Temple: A visit to is Kasi is considered to be incomplete without paying visit to this temple. This temple is known by various names such as Cowrie (Sozhi) and Gowri Mata Temple. The Amman is considered to be the sister of Lord Shiva. According to history, She had Her temple within old Kasi Viswanathar Temple. She was jealous of Lord Shiva for the fact that thousands of people throng Lord Shiva to offer their prayers, and none turned up to Her. She wanted to stop this practice. Lord Shiva became angry and He offered His curse by banishing Her from His temple. When she realized Her mistake, She pleaded for mercy which Lord Shiva acceded. Though, He could not take curse back and He changed His curse, by saying that those who visit to Kasi, should visit Her too. The holy trip to Kasi, would be ineffective without visiting this temple.

Another interesting aspect about this temple is that we are to buy Sozhi outside the temple to offer the Goddess for seeking blessing. It is also believed that She keeps records of our visit by our Sozhi offering. One must remember to bring back some Sozhi as our Prasadam. (Our copy of document!!)

Vana Durga Temple: Next we visited was Vana Durga Temple, dedicated Goddess Durga. The temple is built in North Indian architecture and the Idol resembles Kolkata Kali. Non Hindus, Foreigners though allowed to visit this temple, are not allowed at inner sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that She protects the Holy city.

Tulsi Manas Mandir: Tulasi Manas Mandir is one of the famous temples of Varansai. This Temple is located near to Durga Temple. It is built in White marble in 1964. The temple has been surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Main Temple is dedicated Lord Shri Ram. Vishnu & Satnarayana can also be seen in this temple. This temple is believed to be constructed at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous epic “Ram Charitha Manas” (Hindi version of Ramayana). One can see the complete verses from this epic are engraved on the walls of this temple. Another interesting aspect of this temple that it houses (in the first floor) electrically operated idols of Ram, Shiva, Ganesh, scenes from Ramayana & Mahabharat, depiction of Dandia Celebrations. We have also seen a electrically operated puppet show.

New Viswanath Temple: This temple is situated in the campus of Banaras Hindu University. It is also known as Birla Mandir as it built by them. Temple is built in white marbles and was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya who is also the founder of BHU. A beautiful Shiva Lingam, bigger in size is there in this temple. One can see lot of Hindu scriptures is inscribed on the walls of this temple. This temple is open to all people irrespective of caste and religion. By paying a visit to this temple one can enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of sprawling campus of BHU. We could see lot of handmade greeting cards for New Year, made by students of BHU.

Banaras Hindu University: Since we were passing through this university, a mention about this University is inescapable. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement.

To be continued……

Kasi Yaathirai - 5

2009-02-21T09:37:00.003+05:30

I forgot to mention one important thing in my previous blog. Traditionally, the temple tour begins with a visit to the Dhundi Ganapathy temple. This temple is on way to the Viswanathar temple. Though it is a small temple on the road side, is actually an important one.

“Vakra Thunda Mahakaya, Surya Kodi Samaprabhaha
Avignam Gurume Devo Sarva Karyeshu Sarvathaha.”

We paid our respects to Lord Ganesha while standing in queue to enter Viswanathar temple. After our prayers to Lord Viswanathar for more than one hour, we went to Anna Poorani Temple.

Anna Poorani Temple: Food is one of the basic necessities of life and it is no wonder that we treat food as God. It is always mother, who provides food, right from birth and it is no surprise that Lord Parvati is being viewed as Anna Poorani who provides food as she is Jaganmata.

It is believed that Anna Poorani gave alms to Lord Shiva and she is depicted with a bowl in hand and ladle in the other, serving food to Lord Shiva. It is also firmly believed that Anna Poorani has stayed permanently in Kasi after she saw the drought in this place.

Anna Poorani is flanked on the left by Sridevi (Lakshmi) and on the right by Bhuma Devi (Goddess of earth). The specialty of this temple is the food which is prepared, is served first to devotees and then offered to Anna Poorani. The belief is that Amma always serves first the children (Devotees) and then only she takes it.

Visalakshi Temple: If you think about Kanchipuram, you will remember Kamakshi. Of course, Silk sarees can also cross one’s mind. But that is not what I am trying to drive upon. Similarly, when you remember Madurai, you think Meenakshi Amman. On the same lines, Visalakshi is to Kasi. Visalakshi temple is one of 51 Sakthi peedams. Though the temple is small, the idol is quite beautiful. Behind the main idol, there is one more idol which is believed to be prayed to in the ancient times.

As I had mentioned earlier, this temple was also in the receiving end during several invasions. Adi Shankaracharya, during his visit, performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the Godess. He had installed a Sri Yantram in this temple for which a daily Pooja is performed even now.

Kasi Viswanathar, Annapoorani and Visalakshi temples are very near to each other and are located in narrow lanes.

More temples to follow…….

Kasi Yaathirai - 4

2009-02-20T11:35:00.005+05:30

We have seen Ganga aarti in the previous blog. Now I take you all to the famous temples across Kasi one by one. As you all know Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu has a lot of temples. You see Kumbam (Kalasam / Gopuram / Tower) in every Konam (Angle) and that is why the name Kumbakonam. Similarly, Kasi houses many temples across the city and there is no dearth of it. You will find small, medium and big temples everywhere in the city and each one of them has its story & traditions.

The first we visited was Kasi Viswanathar. As you all might be aware of the fact that Shiva lingam in Kasi Viswanathar temple is one of the 12 Jyothir Lingams. There is an interesting story about Kasi Viswanathar Temple.

The initial location of the temple was in a nearby adjoining mosque, which was destroyed many times. This temple had always been on the receiving end of many invaders, be it Afghans or many Muslim dynasties (like Mughals, Slave) who ruled during that period. Except for Akbar, who donated land, which was over ruled by Aurangazeb later to build a mosque.

Finally, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore started the present temple in 1776, which stands now at Kasi. The interesting thing in this temple is that Nandi does not face Lord Shiva as it is used to be in every temple. Nandi faces the original temple (now Mosque) near a well (Known as Well of knowledge) and it is believed that Nandi was witness to destruction every time. Another interesting belief is that when Rani Ahilyabhai wanted to construct this temple, Lord Shiva came in her dream, to tell her that Shiva lingam is hidden in ‘Well (Kinaru) of knowledge’ . She told her people to carry out the instructions, she received from Almighty. On the contrary, people could not find it from that place. It is firmly believed that original Shiva lingam lies hidden in this ‘well of knowledge’.

Since this temple and Mosque co-exist (separated by high wired fencing) the security was very tight and one had to undergo proper security screening. People are advised, NOT to carry mobile phones inside the temple.

I must add here, the two most interesting things associated with this temple. One is Mangala aarti and the other one is Saptha Rishi Pooja. Though there are many other aartis & poojas taking place in this temple, these two things need special mention.

Mangala aarti: This aarti is performed at Viswanathar sannathi every day at 3 AM for about one hour. A baba who is very old, goes to Mani Karnika Ghat at 2 AM daily (one of the cremating ghats) to collect ashes from any “remains” out of so many cremations take place in a day and brings it to temple. The ashes could be of anybody who may be rich or poor. The same ash is applied to Viswanathar and if one gets an opportunity to attend this aarti, it is highly significant. It is the same case with the dying person that if the baba collects his / her ashes, it is believed that person reaches directly heaven abode. Though, we did not attend this, I thought I will share this with all, for, one may consider attending this aarti.

Saptha Rishi Pooja: This Pooja is performed at Viswanathar Sannathi at 7 PM daily. As the name suggests, it is performed by 7 Pundits. The chanting of mantra is in Sama Vedham. You may all be aware that discourse of Sama Vedham sounds like a song. People throng temple from every nook and corner at this time and we were no exception. There are 4 small entrances to the sannathi and we were to watch the entire proceedings by continuous pradakshanams as we were not to stop at a particular place or entrance. Pooja started with various Abhishekams such as by Honey, Vibhuti, Milk followed by decorations with flowers, Sandal powder. After the pooja, the maha aarti followed with giant bells ringing and resonating the entire temple complex. Sama Vedha Ghosham reached its crescendo with chants of "Har har Mahadev" & "Jai Bholenath" by devotees. The entire temple complex reverberated and the feeling in our hearts was something like that we have surrendered to GOD and forgot that we existed. We did not realize how many pradakshanams we must have made in that one hour grandeur. We were overwhelmed by the occasion and atmosphere……

Kasi Yaathirai - 3

2009-02-19T14:04:00.006+05:30

We have seen River Ganga yesterday. There is a famous event connected with this river. In a way, it is an event in which reverence, respect is displayed to the river. I have not come across such an event for a river on a daily basis in the evening just after sunset.

Can we draw a parallel between Colour (Flag) lowering ceremony by every Defence unit / Formation?

Can we connect the specific event which takes place at Wagah Border (Indo – Pak border), 22 km away from Amritsar?

Above events are one and the same with a minor difference being the flag in each case. In the former case, it would be the flag of the unit / formation and in the case of latter, it is Indian Tricolour. The similarity is in treatment of flag. With the tunes of last post in the background, the flag is lowered at a slow pace to match the composition of bugle music, then folded with great care and carried off with escorts in a most respectable way.

You will all agree to relate Ganga aarti to a Colour lowering ceremony after reading this blog.

“Ganga Aarti” started only in the mid 90s as a daily routine to pay respects to the river after sunset. People say Ganga Aarti is performed at Kasi & Haridwar daily in the evening after sun set.

Ganga aarti is performed at three ghats namely Dashaswamedha Ghat, Raja & Kedar. The number of pundits perform aarti in these ghats are 7, 3 & 3 respectively. Since the number of Pundits is more and the because of the bigger area of Dashaswamedha Ghat, huge crowd throng this particular ghat, though people gather in other two ghats as well. We watched this aarti from Dashaswamedha Ghat from a vantage point.

There are seven platforms erected, draped with Red Carpet for keeping all things related to Puja. All the pundits stand erect on the left side of Platform. There were some assistants positioned to help these pundits.

The aarti started with shank played by all 7 pundits facing the river, followed by Agarbathi, Sambirani, Adukku deepam, Karpooram and finally samaram. Entire sequence of activities were performed by all 7 pundits and the synchronization between these pundits was flawless, with a reverberating sound of udukkai, Jaalra, drum beats and chanting of mantras in the back ground. During entire sequence, the pundit turned at right angles to do aarti in all four directions (for each activity such as agarbathi, sambirani etc), and the timing of turn was impeccable. People also watched the aarti from river by positioning themselves in Boats. Everyone offered flowers, ghee with a wick, milk to river at the end of aarti, which were bought before the start of aarti from vendors. Whole atmosphere was charged up and reached its crescendo with the chants of Ganga Maiya ki Jai & Har Har Mahadev at the end.

The moment the aarti was over, the whole Ganga was lit up with floating deepams, and when we watched all deepams together, it was appearing like candle march. It was a magnificent sight to watch. The interesting thing was that we could see the Ganga aarti performed at two other Ghats. Another significant thing was that they ended at same time.....

The whole process of aarti lasted for one hour and we were left with a feeling of watching a ceremonial parade with precision, flawless timing, outstretched hands showing aarti. Ganga Aarti started at 6 PM and ended at 7 PM for about one hour

The grandeur, the tantalizing atmosphere, the breathtaking scenes, reverberations of this event made us to attend once more on next day evening…..

Kasi Yaathirai - 2

2009-02-18T12:18:00.012+05:30

I hope my first issue on Kasi yesterday must have rekindled the memories for those who have visited the place and for those who have not visited must have started planning......

Here we go.......

We reached Kasi late in the late evening on 25 Dec 2005 we rested for the day.

A river is an important thing for any country and we in India associate it traditionally with our culture. We have been taught to treat the river as Goddess and mother. We address all our rivers by female names barring Brahma Putra being an exception.

A perennial river with its tradition and history dates back to Mahabharata and its name associated with name of the film, film songs, film dialogues and in every other possible way. No other river has claimed such popularity I believe. Yes…..I am referring to Ganga… Though I had the privilege of seeing Ganga at Kanpur, Ganga at Kasi has its own specialty in many ways.

I must mention here that Kasi is not a modern city. It is an old city still retaining century old buildings in every angle and shape, very narrow alleys with width being approximately 4 feet. Human beings in two wheelers or by walk share & congest these narrow alleys with cattle is a common site. Yet Kasi is inundated with tourists.

It is also believed that lakhs and lakhs of Shivalingams got buried underneath the surface of Kasi. Probably, for this reason the old local people do not use footwear to walk on the roads. Kasi is also known as Punya Karma bhoomi where even deaths are taken casually as any normal event and they consider it a big thing to get cremated in designated Ghats.

We started at 8 in the morning (in heavy foggy conditions) to Kedar Ghat which is very nearby from Vaishali’s Grandparents. We were dumbstruck at the sight of magnificent Ganga with its huge water mass flowing serenely, doing its duty day in and day out without expecting any benefits. We were ecstatic and thrilled to watch Ganga.

Initially we were hesitating to venture in water fearing it would be too cold because of winter. By seeing the crowd who were taking dips very casually, we got some confidence. After shedding clothes we were chattering literally. But the moment we took our first holy dip, we felt no cold at all even with temperature around 9 deg C . At this point I reasoned out that why river is being treated as mother. Everybody would have experienced in the childhood by being in the hands and lap of mother with her warm hugs. I had a similar experience and cannot describe beyond this in words. One has to experience this feeling. Though we never wanted to come out of the river as we were having an enchanting experience, we were to visit many places which forced us to come out of the river….

Some of the facts associated with Kasi are:

There are 64 Ghats. Out of these 64 ghats, cremation takes place only at Hari Chandra & Mani Karnika Ghats (“Mani” refers to bell and “Karnika” refers to the neck of Lord Shiva)

The alias name for Kasi is Varanasi which is derived from two rivers namely Varuna and Asi

The names of some of the notable Ghats are Kedar, Hari Chandra, Mani Karnika, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Asi, Dashaswamedha, Prayag & Raja

The famous “Ganga Aarthi” takes place at three Ghats namely, Dashaswamedha, Raja & Kedar

I leave you all at this point to ponder with the thoughts of Ganga..….… Ganga Maiya (Amma) ki Jai

Kasi Yaathirai

2009-02-17T15:19:00.002+05:30

It was a long pending wish. It was less than 24 hrs journey. Many times we had been invited to visit, since 2001. Yet it took close to 5 full years for us to finally fulfil the wishes. This one is for real and not like every bridegroom set out on a short trip as in our marriages.

I am making an attempt to cover our trip to Kasi, which will be purely my perception as the way we have seen it. Many in our family / friends have visited earlier or later. By going through the narration, they can associate themselves and jog their lovely memories and experiences. If they can do so, I shall treat it as a small success. Similarly, for those who have not been to Kasi, if they can visualise, I may take small happiness that I created an urge in them to visit Kasi.

As far every Hindu, it is told that one has to visit Kasi and Rameswaram once in their life time. Thus, I have visited Kasi and yet to explore Rameswaram.I am covering the trip in parts so that one does not get bored and does not lose interest. I have read travelogues and more specifically by Mr. Bharanidharan. I think, he used to write in Ananda Vikatan. I have taken inspiration from him to make an attempt. So we move on......

On 24 Dec 2005, we set out on a journey to Kasi from "City Beautiful". Vaishali made arrangements for food and other things after coming from school at 1330 hrs. Idli, chutney, tamarind rice, curd rice, Fried rice, potato chips were ready and packed to last the entire journey.We had our reservations by Himalayan Queen Exp at 1735 hrs from Chandigarh to Ambala. We reached Ambala at 1825 hrs.

Our next train from Amabala to Varanasi was at 2300 hrs (Amritsar – Varanasi mail). So we had to wait for almost 5 ½ hrs in waiting hall. While I and Vishnu were walking length and breadth of the platform, watching trains come and go, Vaishali was relaxing in the waiting room. We had our dinner at 2030 hrs. The train was late by 30 min and it departed Ambala at 2330 hrs.

We reached Kasi at 1830 hrs, late by 2 hrs. Vaishali's Cousin and his friend came to railway station to receive us. We had our dinner and rested for the day after a tiring journey. The only surprising thing that the winter was very less compared to Chandigarh.............

To be continued.......

Tryst with Tech Fest

2009-02-10T16:50:00.007+05:30

I had the opportunity of visiting a Tech Fest after a long time. The last one dates back to 1985.. during my Diploma days. Tech Fest is held in IIT Bombay every January. This year it was held from 24 - 26 Jan 2009. Students from all over India, participated in this event.

IIT is very near to our house. But, I never had an opportunity to survey the entire campus, though I have been there for walking and restrict myself either to Guest House, which is bordering Powai Lake on one side or up to Kendriya Vidyalaya, where Vishnu & Jayakrishna go for playing cricket in their school ground.

On 24 Jan 2009, Vishnu was insisting me that we should come to IIT to see all the events on 25 Jan (Sunday). He took charge of the situation and told us that he knew the Campus very well and he would guide us to all those places and explain it to us!! Such was his enthusiasm that he wanted to show his parents everything that he enjoyed on the previous day (24 Jan 2009) after his last unit Test.

He managed to get a nice brochure on the previous day indicating the program, timing, venue with a three dimensional topography of IIT and decided the route so that we make a circle in clockwise direction. We must have walked atleast 4 km to cover all these areas.

We started with Exhibition displayed at his KV School Ground, where many engineering models were on display. On one corner of the ground, racing track was set up for the miniature car race. These cars were designed and developed by students. Everyone was carrying their car like they carry a skate board. It was of that size only, with all features present in a normal car. We saw the miniature racing. These cars were controlled by remote for their direction and speed.

Next on the main road adjoining KV school ground, was the display of DRDO!!. We saw the huge Arjun BLT (a combination of Battle tank with a folding overlap bridge on its head) which was so majestic and the persons from DRDO displayed it by extending the bridge. The bridge extends to about a length of 25 meters with width being 3 meters. I had a pride that we have our family member served this organisation for many years with distinction.

In the same area, models of missiles like Agni, Akash, Prithvi, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were also on display. For a change, Vishnu was explaining us the significance of those items, as the leading particulars were on display.

Next we went to see the stall “How Aero Plane works”. In this area, 8 lap tops were kept to see for ourselves about the topic we want to see. Mainly they have concentrated on Boeing 747 & 757. There was a small workshop for visitors to make Aero Planes out of paper and a Volunteer was there to explain all of us about the significance of Rudder, Flaps, Elevators and Ailerons, by making folds and cuts in paper itself. The principle was explained in such a simple manner, where a kid can even understand.

We then went to IIT Gymkhana ground, where students were making their aero models to fly which was a competition for them. Thereafter we came to auditorium to see robots fighting. These robots were controlled electronically by remote. I was amazed to see that, there were weight categories for this fight aptly termed as “Robot Boxing”.

By the side of the auditorium, there was a program called “Concreate”, in which students were given a photograph of a bridge resembling like new Howrah bridge. The students used huge amount of ice-cream sticks, Thread to construct these bridges. This was also a category of competition, wherein different entries existed for different load class.

After seeing all these with Vishnu we spent quality time, which gave him immense satisfaction and he proudly claimed that he has taken us through a festival of this magnitude. I was very happy for the fact that it took me back to 1982 - 85.

Taare Zamin Par

2008-12-15T10:42:00.002+05:30

Ram Shankar Nikumbh the Art Teacher and Ishaan Nand Kishore Awasti the student. The Movie “Taare Zamin Par”. Why am I talking about this Movie today when, this was released, seen by many and discussed already?

This movie was aired on TV (Zee TV) yesterday from 2000 hrs to 2345 hrs. We had finished all our works and that includes Vishnu’s study before 2000 hrs.

I am not going to delve into the story line as all are aware of it. But I have some perspectives to share with you all.

I had the privilege of watching this movie for the first time only yesterday. Somehow this one eluded me for long, though I heard, read and listened from Vishnu about this movie. Vishnu happened to see this movie when it was released (Is it Dec 2007??) through his school with his class mates.

The movie was so natural and I got involved in every bit of it. The song “Tujhe sab patha hai meri maa” was so moving and tears rolled down out of my eyes. This song, I have listened many times in CD & in FM.

The class room scene, When Aamir describes his class about a boy whom he know had Dyslexia, the reaction shown by Darsheel Safary is beyond his age. He showed the fear, embarrassment, inferiority, struggle all rolled into one and gave a masterpiece shot. But when Aamir later reveals the class that he was referring to Albert Einstein, the flash of relief across the face of Darsheel (Ishaan) was even better, which must have given all top actors a run for their money. In the same scene, when Darsheel was asked to switch on the light, and when Aamir follows up with a question as who invented the bulb, pat comes the reply from Darsheel as “Thomas Alva Edison” and the proud look that he gives after answering the question is worth watching 1000 times. The entire struggle he has coped up has been relieved by giving that one answer.

The imagination to bring what dyslexia is very innovative. When given the question paper of Maths (surprise test) and asked what is 3 X 9 = ?, the boy imagines it as third planet goes round the entire planet system and crashes onto the ninth planet and what remains is third planet. So he ends up in writing the answer as 3!!

I need not mention about Aamir. He plays the support role to his perfection and gave enough room for Darsheel to perform. After a long time I had the satisfaction of watching a fantastic movie.

We came to know that this movie is to be aired on Zee TV three days before. Sudhakar, Revathy & JK were travelling to Pune on that day (Friday 12 Dec) to Pune for the week end with parents. Vaishali asked me that if Sudhakar is aware of this? I told her to give him SMS informing this, as they are returning and should be reaching Mumbai at 1900 hrs on Sunday. While Sudhakar returned, he told parents twice to watch this movie. Yesterday evening on my regular call to parents I also emphasized the fact that language cannot be a bar for watching this movie.

I must mention here that I was in for a pleasant surprise. Appa gave me a call at 2345 hrs and said the movie was very good and we spoke about the movie for 10 min!!!. Generally parents do sleep by 2230 hrs and I was not expecting a call from him at late night. I was very happy that Appa / Amma didn’t miss this movie as they watched the entire movie. Sudhakar gave us a thanks SMS at 2350 hrs!!

PS: We were treated to a “Double” as Sony was telecasting “Lagaan”. Another very good movie of Aamir, where India beats England in a cricket match and gets a waiver of 3 times Tax. Today at this point of time India plays England at Chennai and India in their secnd essay are at 185 / 3 with 202 to get. Will India make it??!!

படித்ததில் பிடித்தது

2008-11-19T10:43:00.008+05:30

I have read a book named "The Creation of Wealth" by RM Lala. This book was first written in 1979. It is all about TATAS. Many of you are aware of what Tatas have done to this nation. Yet I thought I would share my views with you all about the aspects which interested me.

This book is so beautifully written bringing fore the Vision, Mission, Sacrifices, Dedication and Determination of TATAS. It is an account of how the foundation of India's Industrialisation was laid by Jamsetji and his heirs. This book evokes an era so different from today's business world. It is different in the sense that TATAS were adventurous with undaunted hearts who dared to accomplish things for the sake of the nation and not just the bottom line.

No single Industrial House around the world has ever contributed in such large scale to any nation. Be it hospitals, industries, hotels, research institutions, Electricity, Automobiles, Atomic Energy, they were pioneers.

In a reply to a question, JRD Tata once said: "What would have happened if our philosophy was like that of some other companies which do not stop at any means to attain ends.............. If we were like other groups we would be twice as big as they are today. What we have sacrificed is a 100 % growth, but we wouldn't want it any other way".

When Jamsetji Tata started a trading firm with an investment of Rs 20,000 few could have guessed that he was also opening an important chapter in the making of modern India. Throughout history there have been two categories of people - those who create wealth and those who consume it. The present century has added a third dimension in the form of controlling the wealth. To consume or control wealth need little qualification but to create it is a different proposition altogether.

As Jawaharlal Nehru said: "When you have to give the lead in action, in ideas - a lead which does not fit in with the very climate of opinion, that is true courage, physical or mental or spiritual, call it what you like, and it is this type of courage and vision that Jamsetji Tata showed."The Times of India in its tribute said: "He (Jamsetji Tata) was above all a patriot, who made no public speeches. To his mind wealth, and the industry which led to wealth, were not ends in themselves, but means to an end, the stimulation of the latent resources of the country and its elevation in the scale of nations".

This book accounts JN Tata's spirit towards nationalism that he contributed generously in 1885 when Indian National Congress was formed. It is rooted in his love for humanity, arising out of his passionate love for his own land. He surveyed the untilled industrial field of India and he perceived the benefits it could gain thorough Science & technology. He thought that Steel was mother of heavy industry. Hydro electric energy was his passion while technical education coupled with research was his vision.

Once Mahatma Gandhi told: "May God grant that in serving the Tatas you will also serve India and will always realise that you are here for a much higher mission than merely working for an industrial enterprise." This is a clear evidence of the patriotism displayed by TATAS which prompted MK Gandhi to say such words.

Tatas have shown and still showing the way to India. "It is not getting to the top of Everest that matters in life. It is how and why you get there." There lies a lesson for all. It is not the popularity one attains, but how that has been achieved and the way the objective has been reached.

When nationalisation proposals were aired by a couple of ministers of Janata Government in 1979, Workers were ahead of management in their protest against nationalisation. Every employee realised that he is not producing for a company but for a group that looks after his wife when she is in hospital, and looks out for his child at school. Even Jayaprakash Narayan failed to destabilise Tata Steel and his secretary wrote in a letter: "In Bihar, except the Tatas nobody has ever succeeded, not even the Gods". Such loyalty cannot be purchased at any price.

Tatas realised the important asset in the form of people. A Famous chinese proverb goes to say: "If you plan for a year, plant corn; if you want to plan for thirty years, plant a tree; but if you want to plan for hundred years, plant men". Tatas have patronised many small people and helped them in developing small scale industries.

TATAS have given everything to India from steel to automobiles/components, from engineering to communication, from Information systems to consumer products such as Tea, coffee, from Atomic Energy, electricity to chemicals, from financial services, insurance to consultancy and Chain of Hotels. Their Vision is undaunted amidst many obstacles right from pre-independence days to till date. It is their steel mind and never say die attitude make them special above the rest.

Their social responsibility is spectacular. They have created cities, towns wherever they have set up any industry. TATAS were the first in Industry to have conducted a social audit. They were very much ahead of Indian and International Labour laws in having a 8 hour working day, free medical aid, leave with pay, Provident fund, Profit sharing bonus etc., Of course some of these are adopted by Indian Government as Labour Laws much later. JN Tata claims that "health and wealth of employees, the sure foundation of nation's prosperity". TATAS believe strong human chain is critical to the nation's development.

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore is a testimony to TATAS in pioneering effort of education. JN Tata didn't want it in his name. Instead he said this is for the nation and it should bear a national name. What a man!!

In short, TATAS have built a nation in every possible way and still continue to do so.

This book was presented by Sudhakar in Dec 2007. Though I have already written this review in email dated 24 Dec 2007, I am reproducing it again. I was so happy that I could read this book and come to know the highest ethics and traditions set by TATAS.

பிள்ளையார் சுழி

2008-11-18T11:22:00.000+05:30

சின்ன சின்ன ஆசை
எழுத நிறைய ஆசை

பல வருடங்களின் கனவு
நவம்பர் 2008இல் ஆனது நனவு

எதில் தொடங்குவது என்பதில் குழப்பம்
எதையாவது எழுத வேண்டும் என்ற ஏக்கம்

எப்படி எழுதுவது என்ற தயக்கம்
எனக்கு என்ன தெரியும் என்ற மயக்கம்

மீண்டும் மீண்டும் கிடைத்தது ஊக்கம்
என் மனதில் தோன்றியது ஆக்கம்

யோசித்ததில் தோன்றியது வானமே எல்லை
பெயரை வைத்து விட்ட பிறகு கவலையே இல்லை

முதன் முதலாக எழுத நினைத்து, போட்டேன் பிள்ளையார் சுழி
ஆனால் நடந்தது என்னவோ ராஜேந்தர் வழி...............