earlydays

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:11:00 +0000

We always have wardens for the welfare of students, prisoners etc. but not certainly a warden for Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, because He takes care of us.

There is a flower garden in Srirangam Ranganatha temple called "Madurakavi Garden" aka "Madurakavi Nandavanam", from where flowers are picked up for the use of the Lord. This 'Nandavanam' has been owned and donated by one Madurakavi Swamy in 1840 for the specific purpose of "Malar Kainkaryam' for the Lord, and it is being done by'ekangis' (celibate bachelors) who have sacrificed a lot in doing this 'kainkaryam' (service).

Now it is in danger. The Tamilnadu Govt. proposes to take over this garden under the pretext of a lack of proper will by the 'Swamy', who owned it and bequeathed it. An effort has been made by a few now to stop this under the banner 'Save Madurakavi Nandavanam' and as a first step an online appeal has been made with a request to record their concern by registration. I appeal to all to join hands in this effort and prevent the catastrophie by registering your petition online. I have done it too.

1) Click here for the petition link or directly paste this URL into your browser address bar - http://www.petitiononline.com/SSMN
2) The gentleman who has been publishing a number of books - a scholar is supporting this venture. His ID is admin@srivaishnavasri.com

equakity and quality

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Dear Friends;
"Even before the ink is dry" is a commonly adopted idiom and it has become true in this case. 'The Hindu', a national print medium has started publishing photos and news about the other victims who crashed along with Sri RajasekaraReaddy in the copter crash.It gives satisfaction that the print media is trying to maintain its equanimity inspite of pressures and severe competition.
May their lot grow and flourish;
Parthakrish.

Quality and Equality

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:29:00 +0000

dear friends;-
Whither equality?A cursary viewing of various electronic media,yesterday and today
poses the million dollar question.Even if a Chief minister dies in harness,even if he happens to be popular,this is no way to treat the other 4 victims.There was not a single frame showing their bodies being loaded,grieving friends,relatives and coworkers,their background and not even a trbute to their sense of duty by any politician.
The answer lies in 'Quality'.The quality of public life has become a farce and hypocracy rules the roost, in our country, well known for human values over thousands of years.
Let us hope for wisdom to set in.
All the best
parthakrish

Madras and Chennai-A numerological coincidence

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Dear Friends:-
When I wrote in my blog as Madras and Chennai i failed to see the Numerological significence in both the names till 'Pistha' commented about ot.Thanks' Pistha'.
It is likr this 'Madras' has 6 letters which vibrates with( 15) the nnumber you derive both under Chaldean system and Pythagorean Pyramid system. The starting letter 'm'has 4 as its number in both the systems.
Now 'Chennai' has 7 letters andgets a 25(2+5=7) as its number under both systems wjile the letter'C' isassigned no 3 in both systems as the starting letter.

What does it all mean?A prosperous and art loving Madras( no:6 Venus) and a
loosing Chennai,No:7 ruled by neptune.The only saving grace is the No 3 which stands for Jupiter who gives strong leadership, in political,religious and soccial domains.
Best wishes
Partha krish

Greening chennai

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:50:00 +0000

The chlorophyll in the plants have taken the center stage at Madras (Chennai). Never before have people awakened to the fact that Chennai is fast becoming a concrete jungle as it is now. The absence of greenery as seen in aerial photos reveal a barren Chennai, though here and there there are a few patches of green primarily consisting of shrubs, crotons, small flower plants and Cactii. No serious effort to grow for publicity and public consumption.

The main culprits are:
1) Real Estate Developers - they cause the maximum catastrophe while shedding a few crocodile tears in terms of their "magnanimity" to plant a few ornamental plants (like the one in our apartment community)
2) Road-laying organisations - they are merciless in felling even young trees, planted only a few years ago if it interferes with their plans
3) Schools, colleges, universities and other educational organisations
4) Sports bodies who would prefer the whole city to be filled by playgrounds encouraged by a few advocates who want Indians to bag the maximum gold medals in the Olympics
5) Lastly, of course vandals

Amidst this chaotic scenario, good news has come out in the form of an NGO called CSS (Chennai Social Service), who volunteer to home deliver a sapling free of cost if a person sends them an SMS <GREEN> to 9894062532. I received an email about this service and it contains a dozen names of saplings of trees suitable to be grown in gardens, vacant spaces in flats, children's play areas etc. Seizing this opportunity, I immediately informed the Secretary of our Home Owners Association for further action. What a laudable effort!

With best wishes,
Partha Krish

Law - Funny and Slow

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Dear Friends:

I received a thunderbolt today. After 25 years of waiting and losing all hopes, the law has taken its own time to inform me to lodge a complaint against an erstwhile corporate body which collected funds from investors for teak plantations.

In the early eighties, the growing of teak plantations was popular. They promised a higher share from the 13th year when the trees matured. Of course it was all scientific with site inspections, saplings, operations etc. but due to mismanagement everything disappeared into thin air. All of our efforts to get the money back failed.

Now after more than 25 years the Economic Offenses wing of the city police has asked for written complaints with original documents to be filed in 2 weeks. I am still wondering about the slow but sure reach of the long arm of the law. Anyway I am glad many seniors would welcome this, but the only snag is that most of us invested in our children's name and many of them are abroad. It requires a lot of paperwork like Power of Attorney, authorisation, receipts etc. Anyway our thanks are due to the Economic Offenses wing of the city police.

With best wishes,
Partha Krish

Temples and Thefts

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:05:00 +0000

Dear Friends:

While writing about Chennai, I had mentioned about the greed of people in going in for shortcut methods to make money.

One such interesting, yet novel method of removing the top bronze caps ('Kalasams') of temple 'Gopurams' and 'Vimanams' had come to the notice of the public, through a reality show of a TV channel and has now been confirmed by the Deputy Supt. of Police, Kanchipuram, who has nabbed one set of thugs and is investigating further.

The modus operandi seems to be that, a set of people join together, conspire and approach those who want to make a fast buck and put a proposal that they remove these bronze caps ('Kalasams') from temples as they contain 'Iridium' which is very costly in the foreign market, fetching even a crore of rupees for 3 points and several lakhs for 1 to 2 points (a reference to the presence of Iridium).

At first, they show that these 'Kalasams' (stolen) have a lot of magnetic power and to prove it, they drop the 'Kalasams' in a box containing some magnets and a concealed battery wherein when the 2 ends of the 'Kalasams' touch the terminals of battery, they glow. Then they are taken out and raw rice is placed near the 'Kalasams'. These are already sprinkled with iron dust and hence are immediately drawn towards the Kalasam.

Then a proposal is made that an expert team will arrive from Mumbai to assess the potentiality and radioactivity of the Iridium and then they will pay an advance and balance after floating in the foreign market. Meanwhile the victims will be asked to pay a few lakhs for the 'Scientists' to come from Bombay or Nasik, consultation fees to them, commission for those contacting the beneficiaries etc.

The whole thing is done in a strictly confidential manner as the sponsors point out to the illegality of this transaction. Everything is done only through mobile phones and spam emails. It all looks and sounds like a detective-thriller type cinema, but it is happening not only in Tamilnadu but in Kerala too. There is a big network of fraud, deceit and illegality. Yet many people have fallen into the trap. Already valuable ornaments, gold plates, wooden carvings and idols of antique nature are being stolen everyday and in some cases also ending in the murder of watchmen.

All these again clearly show that:
1) People are losing their moral values, and
2) There should be more strict enforcement of Law and Order

With best wishes,
Partha krish

Madras and Chennai

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:56:00 +0000

Dear Friends:

What is the difference between Madras and Chennai?

It seems to be so simple to answer, but an indepth analysis would show there has been so much of transformation in character and content that today's Chennai (short for ChennaPatnam) looks vastly different.

I am not discussing the appearance, buildings, roads, monuments, nomenclatures etc. but the existence of an alarmingly increased negativism in people, crimes and shortcut methods to prosperity. Yesterday when I was enthusiastically describing the avenues of talent search amongst the young, in a corner of my mind a thought was disturbing that there is a darker side too.

I just happened to read this bit in a newspaper - "I have travelled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such is the wealth I have seen in this country." This was the impression of Lord Macaulay expressed in British Parliament where he proposed to change the entire educational system in India to make it subservient to 'English' and British. I am spell bound at his remarks and happier to think we were so good, prosperous, knowledgeable and virtually had no crime.

But how is it today? Not a day passes off without a mention in the media about dacoity, chain snatching and murder for gain. The info in media is only 1/30th of the petitions and complaints received in the Police Commissioner's offices, police stations etc. Some attribute all these to rapid urbanisation. Many sleepy villages that were calm and serene and never had a crime record, have suddenly bloomed into satellite towns thanks to the real estate boom, with a lot of higher middle class people preferring such peripheral towns for their spacious bungalows, instead of flats in the city. An argument can be made the since infrastructural facilities have not kept pace with these towns which are far away from the city's gaze, there is poor enforcement of law and order and thus the crime gangs find them a profitable haven. Whatever be the reason, there is no denying the fact that each day the crime rate is increasing in and around Chennai and it all boils down to two things:
1) There is inadequate enforcement of law and order due to various reasons
2) The attitude of the people at large who refuse to see realities but behave selfishly is on the rise.

All the best,
Partha Krish

Centuries Four and Chennai Young

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Dear Friends:

It is all happening in Chennai which has successfully completed 370 years on August 22nd. In its new avatar, it has seen several changes and upheavals, but yet has maintained its cosmopolitan character, preserving the age old culture and tradition and adopting new scientific and technological blitz, yet with a quiet and serene society that has fine tastes in the fine arts. The city has been celebrating it in several ways for a fortnight and there is no dearth of interesting programmes, celebrations, parties etc. but what is amazing is the way the younger generation has taken to it. Already, starting with music programmes on Sunday at Nageswara Rao park, to keen competition in quiz programmes, games, athletics etc., the young have been exhibiting their talents in various ways.

Now the completion of 370 years has given a fillip to many of them who all took to it as a fish takes to water. What an ocean of talents, scientific fervour, technological leanings! I am so happy that the future custodians of power and administration and who hold the future of this country in their hands, promise a great deal to us, with bubbling enthusiasm and desire.

Let us thank all those parents, grand parents, teachers, tutors, trainers, motivators, sponsors and others for channelising the energies of youngsters in a positive way.

With best wishes,
Partha Krish

Freedom at Midnight and Freedom Fighters - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Well-wishers, greetings to all of you. Venkat has commented that while the erstwhile freedom fighters shed their blood, many enjoy the fruits today and that they must remember them. The catch is in the last part of the sentence. It does not serve them right to remember, since it will not help them to perpetuate either the family or the caste to seize power.

Now coming back to our hero Sri A. Rangaswami Iyengar, Kasthuri Ranga Iyengar, the proprietor of 'The Hindu', had no prior knowledge of journalism as he was an advocate (he was the father of K. Gopalan and K. Srinivasan printer-publisher and editor respectively) and so he sought his nephew's assistance. Our hero equally unaware of journalistic nuances, gave up his practice, took the job seriously, improved its financial health and made the paper popular by stating facts and confirmed news only, besides doing a masterly analysis of political and economic issues.

At this time, G. Subramaniya Iyer, who was the owner of the Tamil daily 'Swadesa Mithran', wanted to sell the paper as he was old and weak. Though a vernacular paper it had a nationalistic outlook and a patriotic fervour. Iyengar took over in Aug. 1915 and became its editor for several years. He published several books on state economics, politics, good governance etc.

His journalistic pursuits took him to national levels by attending meetings on 'Montague-Chelmsford Reforms', Rowlatt Act, non-cooperation campaign etc. A large-hearted man, his home which was a home for many freedom stalwarts, was always buzzling with activity. His munificence was already well known, but Subramanya Bharathi (fondly known as 'Bharatiyar'), a proud patriot, who would never extend his arms for charity, frequented Iyengar's house in Mowbray's Road (now T.T.K. Road), Alwarpet, Chennai and was very much fond of Iyengar and his views. Iyengar helped him join the editorial board of 'SwadesaMithran' and when Bharatiyar had to live in Pondicherry (a French settlement) to avoid arrest by the British, Iyengar sent him monthly Rs. 100/-, a princely sum in those days.

The loss of his elder son Srninivasan, frequent travels, mind-boggling editorials and social commitments all added to his ill-health and he breathed his last in Feb. 1934. He was also a great connoisseur of Carnatic music and the then Music Academy, which was a fledgling, due to lack of patronage, was revived by him and greatly contributed to the annual 'Sadas' - an event which is popular even today.

Coming back to our first paragraph, every society, nation or individual considers 'Gratitude' as a virtue. Thiruvalluvar, the great Tamil poet, says there is no salvation to anybody who is not grateful to those who do good to them. If that is so, what about our own nation which boasts of a long and hoary tradition and culture? The powers that be, the society or organisations need not necessarily assist their family with doles, but should they not be honoured? Should not invitations sent to them for National and Independence day functions?

We are awarding 'Padma Vibushan', 'Padma Bhushan' and 'Padma Sri' to actors, playback singers, sportsmen, politicians etc. who are all professionals who practised their profession only to earn for themselves and their kith and kin. I am sorry to say this but my voice tells me an ungrateful nation will perish more quickly due to its ingratitude than from a deluge that may take centuries to come.

With best wishes,
Partha Krish

Freedom at Midnight and Freedom Fighters - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Well-wishers,

In my previous blog I had promised to write about one of the unsung and unwept freedom fighters - Late Sri A. Rangaswami Iyengar. A cursory look at his biography by Mr. Parthasarathi, formerly of Hindu, makes it look like the modern Forbes list of famous men and women. His achievements are astounding. Let me be brief.

Sri Rangaswami Iyengar was born in a village in Thanjavur Dist. in a middle class agricultural family. In July 1877, he got his F.A. from Coimbatore College and later obtained his degree from Presidency College, Madras. Due to family circumstances, he worked as a clerk in the revenue dept., but his spirit rebelled. He resigned his job and with the help of his maternal uncle and others, joined the Law College, Madras and came out with flying colours. Later he became famous in a case at Tanjore and had a lucrative practice, though he was requested to come to Madras, to assist his maternal uncle Sri Kasturi Ranga Iyengar, an advocate who later purchased the newspaper 'The Hindu'.

Meanwhile he got elected to the 'Central Assembly' from Tanjore Dist., a forerunner to our present parliament and an honour so rare during the Brititish rule. He was scholarly, analytical and was a good writer. He took over the reigns of 'The Hindu' and wrote several masterpiece articles on Economics and Politics.

He was the first South Indian who opposed the building of 'Kannambadi Dam' in Mysore (also Visweswarayya dam known as 'KrishnaRajaSagar Dam'). Due to his masterly analysis in 'The Hindu', the Madras Govt. who initially gave permission to build, later referred it to an adjudicator and again to the Secretary of State, wherein unfortunately the case of Madras was lost and even today it has been responsible for not only the woes and ills of Thanjavur Dt., but also generated animosity and rancour among the people of Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

(To be continued)
All the best to all of you,
Partha Krish.

Freedom at Night and Freedom Fighters - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:16:00 +0000

It is now an established fact that in the course of over 50 years we have forgotten the many heroes of the 'Freedom Fight'. Not only that, we have also denied them and their kin the due recognition and the financial assistance to which they are entitled. Recently the High Court took to task a District Collector for denying the 'Freedom Fighters Pension' to an octogenarian for several years on some minor technical details related to his date of birth. He had been knocking at the doors of the administration, politicians and NGOs but to no avail.

This is not the first or just one of a few cases that have come up. Scores of even nonagenarians are yet to get their meagre pension. The ills and woes of their kith and kin [survivors] are much worse. They are still making journeys to the offices concerned.

While it is so with lesser mortals, those who held positions in party and in government and who had contributed their might by family sacrifices, debates, appearing in courts for those charged with sedition, running newspapers for Indian National Congress, arranging meetings of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi etc. have been totally forgotten and even their names obliterated from records, celebrations and memoirs.

One such fact has come to my notice, almost surprisingly. During our sojourn in the US, we had met a scholarly octogenarian couple - Narasimhan and RangaMani, who reside in Bethesda, Maryland and who regularly conduct a 'Study Club' called 'Montgomery Study Circle' in Potomac, Maryland. Last week he sent me a book published by 'Bhavan's Publications' - Mumbai, titled 'A. Rangaswamy Iyengar - Forgotten Freedom Fighter remembered'. The author is M.S. Parthasarathy, a journalist. I was clean bowled by the achievements and sacrifices of Sri Rangaswami Iyengar. What a great man!

I shall detail his magnificence, munificence, legal acumen, scholarly analysis of Economics, journalistic pursuit as a owner and Editor of 'Swadesha Mitran' (a Tamil daily then) in my next blog.

All the best to all of you,
Partha Krish.

The Journey Back to Srirangam

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Friends, I have been taken for an easy ride on April 1 on a number of occasions from my early days. But my computer 'Blue Light' did the trick on March 31 itself, when after blogging and while previewing the whole thing, it went off as it happened twice before. My friend tells me that the person (technician), who first loaded the Windows 98 version and then the XP version over that, had used an unauthorised and corrupt disc and consequently all the botherations. He suggested that I get a licensed version and use it. That is where the matter stands now.

When I blogged about early days of the great writer and engineer late Sri Sujatha, one blogger 'Pistha' mentioned that I should write more on Srirangam and my early days.This has triggered my desire to again share with all of you, my experiences, in this nostalgic journey. Earlier I carefully avoided writing about myself ,and mentioned only my association with people and places which I mentioned. Now I wish to elaborate a bit which might include my own part in this dramatic part of my early life.

It was the year 1948 and I was in the senior intermediate of National College, Trichy. We were a big group which included a few seniors doing their I. B. Maths and IV.B. economics and our Cricket Association called 'Kamala Nehru Union', included a few from St. Joseph's also. It was at this time that we came to know Sri Jawahar Lal Nehru, our first PM, was to visit Karaikkudi to attend the marriage of Smt. Umayal, D/O Dr.R.M. Alagappa Chettiar at Kottaiyur nearby and then lay the foundation stone of CECRI. Dr. Alagappa Chettiar had made elaborate arrangements to receive him by creating an air-field at Kottaiyur, a huge pandal at Karaikkudi, drinking water and buttermilk supplied free to all visitors etc. and we were very excited and decided to go in a group of 10 people. It was not so easy a decision as we thought, since we required permission from our parents/guardians, funds to go and also some wire-pulling to be as near as possible to the rostrum. Some of us managed upto 4 Rs. and some 2 to 3 Rs.

We approached our physics lecturer Sri Vedantha Desikan, whom all of us fondly called SV and Sri Srinivasa Raghavan, our maths lecturer, known in short as SSR (who became a principal later), who advised us to meet one Srinivasa Iyengar, a DTS of S.I.Ry. (South Indian Railway). Fortunately for us, since my father was in a senior position in the signal and telecommunication dept. in the Railways, it was arranged. He patiently heard us and said that we could first go to Kottaiyur by previous night's train, walk to and wait near the new air field, see Mr. Nehru and other dignitaries and immediately proceed to Karaikkudi by the special train that was to come from Trichy, carrying the retinue of officials from Delhi, Madras and Trichy, with 2 saloons attached to the train. He insisted that we do get tickets and travel. He instructed a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) to accompany us and help.

We almost choked, holding our breath when we saw a beautiful and youngish looking PM with his characteristic 'Sherwani' and 'Achkan' alighting from the steps. There was a huge chorus of 'Bhaarat Maata Ki Jai' and 'Nehru Zindabad' which was people who had come from far shouting with joy, though only a small gathering of officials and people from Kottaiyur, Chettinad and Karaikkudi were present. Since Sri Nehru was to arrive later at Karaikkudi after attending the marriage, we left by the special train to Karaikkudi and waited under the hot sun eagerly.

He did arrive along with Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar, Secretary of Science and Technology, who in his inaugural speech said, 'truely Dr. Alagappa Chettiar is a modern 'Bageeratha' in bringing water to Karaikkudi which is dry and water starved'. He went on to describe how they were all pessimistic and even frowned when proposals came from Dr. Chettiar as the Chemical Research Institute needed enormous quantities of water. He said, brushing aside the objections of scientists and officials, Dr. Chettiar imported German rigs, shuttled between Delhi and Karaikkudi and finally at great depths tapped sweet potable water and brought them out with 2 'Artesian' wells.

The whole gathering rose as one man to say 'Alagappa Chettiar Vaazhga' and 'Karaikkudiyin Dhaagam Theertha Karnan Vaazhga'. Controlling his emotions, Dr. Chettiar outlined his plans to make Karaikkudi a 'learning city' with colleges and schools and also improve the civic conditions of the city. Sri Nehru, who was garlanded with a huge rose garland, put the garland on Dr. Chettiar's shoulders and hugged him. He lavishly praised Dr. Chettiar for his interest in education and munificence. We were able to quench our thirsty throats, but nothing was available to eat. Two small hotels in the town near 'Kallukatti Theppam' had already exhausted their stock. The small IRR stall in the station also was closed.

We returned late evening to Trichy Junction and there a 'surprise' was waiting for us. One of our friends, Sri P. Ranganathan, whom we all called fondly as 'Baabuli' and who was also the captain of our cricket team had earlier, before we began our trip, informed his father, who was the manager of the IRR at Trichy Junction about our probable return time by train and he was waiting with hot meals for all the 10 of us. Starving from 6 am to7 pm with only a few cucumbers to eat, it was a feast for us and when asked about the charges, my friend's father Sri Parthasarathy Iyengar replied that he has already debited it to his pay account.What great men are these!

(More to come)

P.S. We learnt later that Sri Nehru had instructed his officials not to keep Dr. Chettiar waiting for long and to inform him immediately whenever Chettiar arrived to see him. Besides when once, Dr. Chettiar hurriedly tried to wear his hand gloves, when Sri Nehru suddenly came out of his room, Nehru stopped him, shook hands with his bare hands, hugged him and took him to the guest house. Even today when I think of the bonhomie amongst our friends and the munificence and greatness of the people I saw, met and talked to, I feel very sad to think where had they all gone today? What had happened to us? Are we so materialistic? Even admitting that it is a fast world of competition and fight for survival, have we forgotten the humaneness inherent in our blood?

The Last Journey of Sri Sujatha aka Rangarajan

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Friends, after visiting Chakra Sampath's blog, I sent an email to Sri Desikan (a Bangalore-based software professional, writer and Tamizh blogger) who had known our dear writer, author, engineer and a multifaceted personality, the late Sri Sujatha, for about 15 years. Of course I had known the brothers from childhood, while studying at Srirangam and since I was associated with Vaali aka Rangarajan in theatre, I had come to know Sri Sujatha as a writer in 'Sivaji', a local paper which introduced people like A.S.Raghavan, Akilan etc.

After 1959, I lost track of his writings since I was not in the habit of reading 'Kumudam'. But when he wrote in 'Ananda Vikatan', I avidly used to read his stories. What bowled me completely was that with the help of Rajagopalan, his younger brother, who is a retd. Chairman of MTNL, he wrote on 'Brahma Sutra'
by Veda Vyasa with such clarity and simplicity that I have to quote the adage 'Where eagles don't dare, he dared.'

Very movingly, Sri desikan was reciting the last but one of Andal's 'Thiruppavai', which the Srivaishnavites chant daily during worship of the Lord in their 'Saatru Murai' (Methodology of Rendition) starting as 'Chitranj siru kaale vandunnai sevithu', while the great soul was departing to the abode of Lord Narayana.

Let us all pray for his soul, since he has now become one with the Lord.
Partha Krish

என் முதல் தமிழ் போஸ்ட்

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:56:00 +0000

நண்பர்களே: வெகுகாலமாய் என் உயிரினும் இனிய தமிழ் மொழியில் உங்களுடன் உரையாட ஆசை இன்று தான் நிறைவேறியது.

ஒரு அரசுசாரா நிறுவனம், முதியோர்களுக்கு கம்ப்யூட்டர் கல்வி கற்று தருவதாக அறிவித்திருந்தது. அதை நம்பி நானும் தொலைபேசியில் தொட்ர்பு கொன்டென் ஆனால் அது முதியொரெல்லாருக்கும் அல்ல என்றும் அங்கத்தினருக்கு மட்டும் என்றும பின்னால் தெரியவவந்தது

Sorry, let me continue in English as it is time-consuming. They put an ad in the press, saying that all elders (Seniors) will be taught computer usages and applications to make them computer savvy. I tried several times to contact them over phone but there was no response. Then I sent an email. Again no response. Finally I sent a pungent mail and after 12 days got a mail that initially it is meant for members of that org. and classes have already started.

Adding insult to injury, they said they would consider me next time they start (without even mentioning about my request for application details, including fee or other biodata about me).

The sole idea was to learn more about the theory aspects of the computer, since my knowledge is limited to my experience only.

I cursed my ill luck and got reconciled. What else can I do?

Partha Krish

sad end of a journey and arrogance of a club

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Dear Fiends; Sorry for the delay.Two things put me off completely though normally I am a composed person.1) the young man, Subramanyam, died of renal failure, inspite of best efforts of th doctors and my wife as well as the prayers of all kind souls.

2)While we were busy atending on him we were invited for a party to celebrate the 80th birthday of my mother-in-law's sister, at a club in MtRoad and happily we accepted.

My wife's cousin phoned up to say since the club adopts strict dress code, we should cooperate.When I asked him to elaborate, he said,'jubbas'(round necked or shortcollared), dhoties whether north Indian or south Indian style of wearing,sandals(especially hawaiyans)T.Shirts,Pyjamas are all prohibited.This included even long coats with short collars.I was shocked.

More than that,I felt an indignation.It brought memories of the struggle Mahatma Gandhi had in South Africa against racialism and aristrocracy and segregation.I wondered in what age are we in India, which boasts of having ended colonialism with the racial segregations put an end to.The elite clubs have slowly been vanishing and yet it has reared its head again.

I decided firmly that I am not attending the function though this decision brought me into clash.

I wanted to share my feelings with fellow bloggers but some how it has been so disturbing my mind, I did not even go near the computer.

Since happy tidings erase stains of sadness, so is the case now with a happy news that tomorrow(23rd march)my sister-in-law, Mrs SarojaParasaran,w/o Sri K.Parasaran,former Attorney General of India,is to be felilcitated in a public function,at Narada gana sabha hall,as outstanding example of an ideal mother, along wih 10 others, as a tribute to mothers and salute them.

I have known my sister-in-law from 1950. A very noble lady who, inspite of several odds,brought up her 5 children and they are all well settled,some of whom became famous for their achivement in their respective fields.Of all her exemplary qualities,she is very well known as 'Anna Lakshmi' for having fed many a stomach without even batting an eye lid,without any discrimination.May the generes of such mothers increase, so as to make the future of this country bright.

With best wishes

Parthakrish

a different journey

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Friends:I am a firm believer of God.I have already indicated in my blogs about the divine interference in men and matters.Now a different kind of journey has been ordained by Him, not for me but for my wife who makes the journey to the general hospital, to try and save the life of an youngman aged 32,married,and with a girl child.
Some of you, who had followed my 2005 blogs, may know that my wife aged 72,has to her credit 3 professional lives like the proverbial cat,at first a lecturer,then an announcer and news reader in All India radio, and now an alternate systems doctor with 17 systems to her credit, some of which she did at U.S,when she was 63.She was also the dean of an institute founded by me for Yoga and naturopathy in Chennai which is a regd body.She is a very good teacher and practitioner of 'Reiki' having been tutored by the Grand master William Rand at Detroit who is an authority in the lineage of 'Usui' Reiki Foundation.Now she also excells in 'Sujok' acupressure
in the hands.
Coming to the reason for her journey,on saurday night the brotherin-law of our family friend who is in the coast guard service,on transfer to Vizag,met with an accident in his two wheeler while coming home, due to a trench on the road, where there was no light also.Some good samaritans arranged to take him to the G.H and phoned his sister in the early hours.His condition was very bad with a bad injury in the 'medula oblongata' since he did not wear helmet.
Within an hour of admission, the neurologists performed a surgery to remove a clot.But his breathing became very difficult as the command nerves have been damaged and he is on ventilator.By sunday evening my friend's wife phoned up to my wife and requesed her to come immediately and do something.With, prayers in mind,and energy equipment in hand she went to the G.H with her son 'Thennavan'.According to her though his condition was very critical,yet,she could sense that his 'Praana' has not waned.Ofcourse he was unconscious and the docs felt he may slip in to coma.She did 'Reiki' intensively,and did 'Sujok'acupressure on his fingers and palm with the permission of the docs and came back ,night with a worried face.She was requested tocome again on Monday and she did th same.There was some perceptible improvement in that there were certain reflexes in his hand and legs.
Today ,they came and took her to G.H and she gauged his energy level,did her best, prayed to God and came back.Just now, an hour back, his wife phoned to say he is breathing well without much difficulty(confirmed by docs) and that they are with renewed hopes.
This jouney of hers for 3 days were very useful,purposeful and also merciful due to the greatness of Him.We hope and pray he gets up and becomes normal.
I have a fervant request to make to my fellow bloggers:Pl pray for him,his name is
Sri Subramanyam.Pl pray very sincerely since prayers made without selfish interests are always heard and remedy coming to him from Him.
Thank you
Best wishes
Parthakrish

cricket-the present and he future

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:14:00 +0000

Friends: A tumultous welcome was given for our cricket heroes in Feroz shah Kotla grounds.An estimated 75000 people assembled to greet the tired but victorius team.Each of the player got 58 lakhs Rs and the supporting staff Rs 10 lakhs each,deservingly so.After all, as Ashok mankad had said they have bearded the 'lion' in its own den. This is no mean achievement and the credit goes to the Team work and the grit displayed by our players even amidst controversies.
Now after all the din and noise subside,it is time for the beaurocratic BCCI, to take stock of all its past policies,present outlook and future plans.
It is a well known fact that the BCCI has no long term plans or policies to promote talents at an early age in schools, colleges,clubs but takes notice when the State Associations pick up a guy from a college match or local tournaments mostly supported by Corporates.This will not pay dividends.let us look at another set of heroes who did us proud in the under19 Trophies.Here again naturally talented boys had to wind their way up on their own.
The cash rich BCCI, can do ever so many things to improve the pitches,give grants to local recognised clubs,encourage good coaches with attractive offers,equip the teams with various accesories,organise monthly,quarterly and annual competitions etc. This would go a long way to not only improve the game, encourage the players and ultimately bring laurels to the country.
Let us hope that better sense would prevail with the apex organisation and its coteries
Parthakrish

disturbing trends

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Friends:The news papers and Televisions in the south, for the past few days,were screaming with a development in Chidambaram,a holy place, with an icon of Lord Nataraja, which is world famous.A number of books,pamphlets,choreographies of dancers etc have come out about the dance 'Aananda Thandavam".The unwanted and unwarranted developments have put the real issues behind.Every temple in India especially those in the south, right fom its construction to daily rituals are guided by a set of rules called 'Agamas' whther they are saivite or vaishnavite temples.These have bee followed diligently for ages.
While nobody questions or doubts the supremecy or eminence of Tamizh,as well as the hymns of 'Nayanmars' and 'Azhwars', yet to break into the temple,insist on disrupting the proceedings to recite some tamizh hymns,thereby disturbing the peace ,tranquility and serenity of the temple, is toomuch to bear.
It is not that the protaganists did it out of their love of Tamizh (sice it is a religious and Hindu philosophical hymns which are not liked by the rationalists, but a sectarian and jaundiced outlook at the Dikshitars of the Temple.
It is sad, the Govt functioning under the constitution of India as a secular state, should interfere on behalf of the agitators ,only issuing orders again and again, in support of them, deputing a herd of police,arresting them and later releasing them thus making the whole episode a mockery of sanity
We hope better sense would prevail on all hose concerned.
Partha krish

memorable journey continued

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:02:00 +0000

friends:I am almost coming to the end of this particular journey,memorable in more ways than one.The parting on the night of22-2-08 was emotional and tearful too.All those who served the Lord were paid to their satisfaction and others fed the whole day.
My land tenants came to see us off.My agent asked them about the arrears of rent for several yeas due to us.They as usual replied that this year was bad due to unprecedented rains and hence their default.My agent again pointed out that they did not pay even when there was a good crop of paddy and 'Nendram'.It is at this juncture I politely pointed out to them that our commitments to the society,especially in the village largely depends on their co-operation.I detailed the expenditure involved,the need to rebuild the house portions fallen to accomodate
devotees comig to the village festivals,our commitment to donate to the middle school where I started my 'aana' and 'aavanna' to upgrade into a highschol'They saw reason, became emotional and agreed to hand over the rentals to my agent in a day or two.One of them paid a part of that day's expenses immediately. My eyes were welling with tears, that innocnt but needy villagers are still the prototype of their elders and willing to participate.I instructed the agent to collect the rentals and give it to the head master who was also present.So Long.
Partha Krish

memorable journey

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:04:00 +0000

Friends:Before I proceed further on my memorable journey I wish to state here, 2 things, relevent to my earlier blogs.
1)In 2005 when I was blogging while in U.S, a blogger friend who wished to be incognito, visited my blog and commented.Then I lost track of him and I myself, due to circumstances,explained already,discontinued.When I started again in 2008,this gentleman,an octogenarian,visited and commented,to my pleasant surprise.This time he gave his name as Sethuraman,who had an illustrious career in Japan Air Lines and subsequenly went on his own, on travel business.What was surprising was a mere mention of the domestic name of my Kodiyalam friend ,K.V.R.This is not known to many.It egged me on further, to contact him by Email and now as he rightly put it 'it is a small world'.He hails from "Thiruchendurai' about 11/2 miles east of Kodiyalam and lived in Srirangam.He knows all those who are my friends too,though all of them are in their winter of life.
2I had written about the kiddies who are also goodies in my previous blog and also incidentally mentioned about the education of boys and girls of Indian origin at U.S,how they aquit themselves well,as well as the encouragement given by their parents and schools. A good example is that of my grandson who was selected from a state level merit competition for inducting bright students into a program that would fast-track them in their studies and it is gratifying to know that he passed this exam with flying colours.

As I said earlier,if proper encouragemnt and guidance are given by parents and teachers our children are second to none in the world . It is also relevent to mention Chakrasampath who said he was very much impressed with the atmosphere,friendliness and infrastructure of the school in England when he went to admit his child for the first time.

O.K. Let me continue my journey.(to be continued}
Parthakrish

journey continues

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:12:00 +0000

We had good darshan at Gunaseelam and a vendor offered tender cocoanuts and our guests were eager to order for them.Our agent intervened and said he would arrange for them as soon as we returned to Kodiyalam.True to his word in a matter of 1/2 hour he procured free from our own estate('Thoppu') about 20 of the tender cocoanuts, but since it was time for Lunch, we hastened to suresh's house to finish our lunch.After sometime, the guests ,started consuming 2 and even 3 sweet cocoanuts and felt satisfied.But the hospitality and custom of the village did not allow them to relax.We were called in at the temple and again after the usual honours,they served rice pongal,chenna dhal 'sundal', and 'dhadiannam'(curd rice).By this time our guests felt they could not take any more as their stomache was full, but they were not to be spared.The vehicle 'Garuda' was taken out, poojas performed and Vadai known as 'Vaghana Vadai' which was offered to Him, was served to all of us with steaming south Indian coffee.

One of the guests remarked, that if he stays for the entire festival period he would put on a few Kgs wt more, while the other said if this is to be the case over the year round, he would shift here with his baggages.

Late evening, the Lord GopalaKrishna started from His abode,sitting magnificently on His vehicle Garuda and came around the 2 streets adjoining the temple with 3 'Naadaswara'vidwans and 4 'Thavils'(percussion instrument) playing devotional ,chaste,carnatic music and the crowning jewel piece was 'Entharo Mahanubhavulu', saint Thiagaraja's masterpiece out of five rubies('pancha ratna').At the end of this, the temple staff, who carried the Lord on their shoulders displayed a majestic walk known in vaishnavite parlance as 'Oyyara Nadai'.

The guests,the local population,the temple staff,the visitors from nearby villages especially a lot of them from Srirangam were all treated to a sumptuous dinner and we all returned to Srirangam by 11p.m(to continue)

Partha krish

,

journey continues

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Dear friends:Before I continue my journey i intend to share with you, about today's development.'The Hindu' today(29-2-08) has changed the format again:. there is no front page news.Instead the 1st and 2nd pages carry an Ad of some Co and the 3rd page starts with news.I wish to draw your kind attention to my blog of 21-1-08 wherein I have mentioned about the displeasure shown by the reader's Ed and the Ed-in-chief's stand that it is only a one time affair.Now they are at it again.My stand stands vindicated. Now for the journey.
The elders who accompanied us were in for more surprises.Our agent greeted all of us with a plate full of betel leaves,arecaunut,plantain fruits and flowers.The tenant was ready with filter coffee.Immediately after this we went to temple to receive the honours due,which was also extended to our guests.Then came the'Prasad' of Lord,'Puliodarai'(Tamarind rice) with sumptuous quantity.Then we left for another holy place on the norhtern bank of Cauvery called 'Gunaseelam'.The journey itself was memorable.The vehicle slowly made its way thro' the dam across 'Cauvery' called the Upper anicut.The place is known vernacularly'MUKKOMBU'
meaning three horns since the river cauvery is in its undivided form,and 2 divided forms 'Cauvery' and 'kollidam'(coleroon) with stone dams built by Chola kings.I have already mentioned in my 2005 blog about this and the other 2 dams 'Grand Anicut' (with a photo) and lower Anicut near chidambaram.What a panoramic view was it on that day! the lush green fields, the dense trees,Water(though not much thanks to Karnataka)oozing thro',the garden and benches and the rest house inside the islet which is maintained as a picnic spot by the P.W.D.
Our guests had to hold their breadth on seeing all this and again they were in for more surprises
(to be continued)
Partha krish

Home coming for Partha Krish-Again the journey

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:34:00 +0000

DEar friends:Sorry for the delay.It is all fortuitious.'Strange are the ways of God' sombody had said.How true! nearly 10 days back, my desk top became dead. 'Thennavan' was busy with his Lap-top and I tried a few Technicians with no positive result.Mean while I recd an intimation from my friend Sri K.V.Rangaswamy,presently president Larsen&Toubro,about whom I have already blogged in my recollections of earlydays,reminding me of the 12 day festival at Kodiyalam,near Jeeyapuram and Thirapparaithurai about 15 km from Tiruchy and my own tradional part to participate on the 4 th day celebration, with the Lord on 'Garuda Vaahana'(Eagle Vehicle).It was all divine intervention.I phoned to my brother-in-law in Bombay
and asked him to come and participate.He is 75 and had not seen this picturesque village so far.
My younger brother invited two senior relatives of his son and we all staryed to arrive at Sirangam the holiest town of the south,which served as the starting point of my journey in my blog.Truely it was' home coming' for me.
And what a journey it was to the village from Srirangam.Practically no permanent buildings let alone concrete jungles.River cauvery(though there was very little water] on one side and lush green fields on the other.Paddy, Plantain especially the banana(Nendram)and sugarcane welcoming us all the way.One thing was very saddening.There was a huge illegal sand mining going on in the riverbed and I was told by an advocate who fights social injustice and an environmentalist,that this goes on day in and day out, throughout,thr rivercourse upto Karur.
We were welcomed by urchins and small, school going kids,and what a sea change in them! well dressed.well mannered,pleasant in greeting,ever ready to oblige.Yes.education has changed the face of the village.[will be continued]
Partha krish

rail and Road-a wail for the public

noreply@blogger.com (kichami) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:44:00 +0000

Friends:- It was amusing and even shocking to see a news item, that the M.D of M.M.T.C said that it is not their responsibility to provide link transport by road to Rail Stations even in a city like Chennai.It is astounding that the M.D had forgotten the discussions he and other State officers had with thi Minister for Railways Sri Velu and other officers of Southern Railway and agreed to extend the city bus services upto the Rail stations and the Corporation of Chennai agreeing to make the small strips of link roads usable'
It all emanates out of the political and administrative systems.While there is a seperate ministry of Railways under the Central Govt with Roads coming under a different ministry, at the state level, there is no minister to coordinate with central ministries except occasionally some minister is deputed for discussions or some official represents road, rail,amenities,public safety etc in one go, during the visits of central ministers ,unless the minister from centre is of the same ruling party of the state or a very influential central minister who can pull wires.
It all boils down to money.
Result.Rail or Road it is the wail of the people prevail.
All the best
parthakrish