Back to 70's

Thane cyclone not only caused extensive damages but it made us to travel three decades backwards. The power supply was disturbed in some parts of the city for more than 12 hours. The brunt of the power-cut was not felt in the daytime. However, night time was horrible. Because you ought to live with swarms of mosquitoes. Moreover, no tv, net.  Even cellphone battery got completely down as a result, you were simply cut off from  the outside world.

Good old trandistor came handy. To my knowledge,  I tuned in to all india radio FM frequencies after a gap of (almost )a decade.  Watching a news channel is different from listening to radio news is entirely different. Initially, I was restless (because life without gadgets was a deprivation) but I started enjoying life without gadgets.

Henceforth, I've decided to enjoy life without any gadgets once in a week.

It formed, It crossed and went off

Rain at this time of the year is unusal. Already tanks and lakes are filled to the brim thanks to copious rain from north east monsoon. The thane threatened the city ultimately it crossed between cuddalore and puducherry. ( thane vandhu thanekarai kadandhu thane senru vittadhu) meaning the cyclone formed by itself, it cross the shores by itself and it departed itself.

North tapers,south grows

This is not the slogan raised by any chauvinist programne. A visit to north chennai shows the development index. Traditionally, north chennai houses big industrial plants. Mainly, the plants represent old brick economy. The constant movement of heavy vehicles have made the roads not fit for any transportation.
Just wear a white shirt and visit the industrial belt. Definitely, your shirt will carry all dirt and grime.
The northern part of the city is desperately crying for improvement in infrastructure.
But, the inhabitants have learnt to live with the current situation. What else one can do?

On the contrary, south chennai is perched on a safe zone. The infrastructure is far superior. This part of the city houses all major software companies.

Desire, knowledge & action

To execute any project you need three things they are desire ( not just ordinary but, burning desire) just desire alone can't fulfil it.

After cultivating desire, one must strive hard to gain knowledge about the pursuing project.

Last part is getting into action. This is the execution part. This is how a new project is realised.

Now, coming to mythological part desire is called as itchchaa shakthi.

The knowledge part is described as gnana shakthi.

Action is otherwise known as kriya shakthi.

There are temples named after three shakthis. They are located on the northern and western corner of the chennai city. Namely,melur, thiruvotriyur and thirumulaivayal.

In melur, itchchaa shakthi ---presiding deities are thiruvudai amman and thirumangeeswarar.

In thiruvotriyur, gnana shakthi---- presiding deities are vadivudai amman and thyagaraja swamy.

In thirumullaivayal, kriya shakthi-------presiding deities are kodivudai amman and maasilamanieswarar.

A visit to these temples on a full moon day( that too, if that full moon day falls on a friday its a special one) brings a positive effects to one's life.

All these things are meant for the body of the religion. We have mind of the religion and the soul of the religion.. 

Kolam: A dying art.....

This marghazhi month is special for spiritual practices. When I say spiritual practices, concenration is the key factor. In some practices, they are explicit. 
Kolam(a sort of rangoli) is very special but our "bend it like aunties" cannot bend forward to draw big kolams because they have not seen their toes for years together.
Kolam drawing is a concenration technique. It takes hours together to complete a big kolam. It not only brings out the artistic qualities but also strengthen the mooladara (root centre) and swadhistana (gomad centre) of the human body. Particularly, kolam is drawn in the wee hours of the day.  It is otherwise known as " brahma muharatam".  This time of the day is an ideal period to start practising yogic activities. The presence of kolam enhances the ambience of the house.

To draw kolam rice powder is used because insects feed on them. ( Ecology part is taken careof) Nowadays, synthetic powder is widely used. After drawing the kolam, a pumpkin flower is placed in the middle of  kolam. Actually, cowdung is also placed in the middle of kolam it mainly acts as a "flower holder " to pumpkin flower.

The art of kolam drawing has diminished over the years thanks to the apartment -way- of-life. We've simply pasted kolam stickers in front of our house. All wheather stickers......

Lord Ganesha :Employment Provider

When the worldwide employersu are contemplating jobcuts. Our lord ganesha nicely perched on a pedestal giving employments to atleast 5 persons.

I am talking about roadside pillaiyar temples. These temples have become a hit among the masses. It is a normal practice to place a ganesha idol in front of your house,  if your house is located at the corner of the street.i.e. Your house is thoroughly visible the moment any road user enters the street. Different eyes have different powers. Some are malefic and some are benign in nature. So, in order to neutralise the bad effects ganesha idols at the entrance. Moreover, Lord ganesha is known for trouble shooting abilities.

Sensing this opportunities local "bigwigs" forayed into ganesha project. In many areas of the city lord ganesha is used as a camouflage. Many parts of the city are ilegally encroached by the city dwellers. In order to provide "cover" to their practice a small ganesha temple is erected to hush up the road encroachment.

The hundis of these ganesh temples are filled regularly. Lord ganesh does not see your background whether you are a student, mason, businessman, bootlegger or a lover. Yes!  he really promotes love marriages. (In mythology, lord ganesh helped his younger brother lord muruga's love marriage to valli. Though, he remained an eternal bachelor)

In every assignment lord ganesh is taken as an "indirect partner" that's why he takes his "cut" from the devotees.

Child-like mentality

Your age correlates with your  wisdom. But, not always that is the saddest reality.

On a recent visit to a shiva temple, I came across an elderly man (around 80 year old) with aavin milk sachet. He handed over the milk packet to the temple priest for abhisekham.

The purpose of performing abhisekham is to derive the medicinal properties associated with idols. In olden days, deity idols were consecrated with medicinal properties.In ayurveda and siddha system, milk is used as an anubhaanam. The moment when the milk comes into contact with those idols it brings out the curative powers. But, these days those principles are not followed. Moreover, fresh milk from  cow is usually preferred for abhisekham. Not the sachet milk. The sachet milk comes from "dilli erumai".(buffaloes).

Now coming back to that old man,  though his biological age suggests he is 80+. As far as spirituality is concerned he is still a "umaachi" worshipping toddler.
The religion has three parts namely body of the religion, mind of the religion and the soul of the religion.

As you start the life journey it is okay to associate with body of religion but once you stepped into the mddle age it will be prudent to follow the mind of the religion (cut short your external search for your eternal quest devote more time in "excavating" yourself). In other words, as you get older you should grow spiritually too. Even that has to be stopped after reaching a stage.i.e. One has to merge with the infinite. In that age
one should not obstinate to cling on to the practices associated with the body of the religion. Otherwise, it only reflects the childlike mentality. . . .

Kartheegai deepam

The early man was so afraid of darkness. Light became his first god. He had started worshipping the sun.  " we meditate on the efflugent glory of the divine light: may he inspire our understanding". This was the interpretation given by the former president and philospher S.Radhakrishnan on Gayatri Mantra. The true meaning of guru is " one who dispels the darkness(ignorance).
Don't confuse with present day school teachers and college lecturers.

Today is kartheegai deepam. Every household in this part of globe illuminate their houses with earthen lamps. Even spiralling inflation has affected the celebration mood. The families have cut down the number of lamps because of hike in sesame oil.

When you see the earthen lamps from a distance it resembles your ajna chakra ---located in the centre of your forehead just in the middle of your eyebrows.

The importance of this chakra is to ignite your intellect. It helps in maintaining your balance. Raising of kundalini shakthi to this chakra brings out a positive transformation in saadhak( one who practices yogic lifestyle) life.

In ordinary life people used to smear vermillion red or holy ash or sandal paste at ajna chakra point.

Bye Bye North East Monsoon

Chennai is saying bye-bye to the northeast monsoon. It has almost come to the fag-end of the monsoon period. Tamizh month of marghazhi is just a few days from now. There is already mist in the morning hours. As usual, " "dogs" in the city running after "bitches". Afterall, this is their mating season. The human beings have not demarcated any season as a mating season. For him, 24*7, 365days.

To enjoy the "coolness" one has to go out for a walk in the morning. Those things are meant for focussed minds and health conscious people. For an indulgent, its time to cover up from head to toe with air condition fully on..

Why " tyres" around the waistline

In the earlier period, the amount of work equalised with the food intake. What is more appalling is that even among the members of agrarian society the "rims" around the waist have broadened.

If you analyze the root cause of the problem. These families have either migrated to urban areas or left their farming. In some cases, they've give in to the " comforts" of the urban areas.

All for a "Fall"

Intoxication and mankind have a long story. The main purpose of getting intoxicated is to " experience" the different state of mind. It could be said that intoxication gives a reprieve from day to day problems.(Finally, it becomes THE PROBLEM).

Moreover, intoxication level reflects the financial status. A rich man goes to a pub ( it includes woman) to flaunt his wealth and to unwind the tensions. 
What about the middle class and low class they cannot be left behind. They go to nearby TASMAC shop. There are two places where one  could see true" socialism". 1.TASMAC Shop. 2. CREMATORIUM.  Here you won't see any inequality.

Intoxication have various levels. Its all depend upon your the size of your wallet. The intoxication goes both ascending and descending order. Can't understand @&%+-% i.e. The effect of intoxication. If a man is wealthy enough he could ( again I say,  the phenomenon is not just restricted to man) " uncork" a bottle of champegne. Ultimately, he would attain the stage of drinking local "stuff"(arrack). Intoxication gives you a roller coaster shades of human life.

When I say intoxication I am not  restricting to liquor consumption it goes beyond.  Like petrol snuffing, adhesive snuffing, snake sting( don't get frightened that the snake stings are not life threatening) LSDs. In chennai, particularly, in coastal areas there is a drink called " sunda congee or dabba conjee". ( rice beer).  For a guy who wishes to reach the " pinnacle" . He would start with any of these available stuffs.

Once you become a habitual drunkard. You simply attain " nirvana". The tipplers lying on the pavements remain  unconcious and unmindful of their  "exposure".This nirvana is different from buddha's nirvana. (After attaining the nirvana stage, a tippler is just one short of SAMADHI. No status, No self esteem, No Ego all these qualities are shunned to acquire a peg. The drunkard hang around the liquor shop doing some errands in order to have a "shared drink" or rumbling over the empty liquor bottles. These things are done to get the feeling " high".

Kanna! having a desire to eat laddu

Don't covet ------ it is easier said than done.
Have you ever praised your spouse for her/ "his"( in some cases ) cooking skills(gone are the days of cooking at home,  nowadays,  only takeaways).

How many times have you praised your spouse particularly,
after marriage( before marriage you would have praised out of"  impulsion" wisdom strikes you only after a bitter experience).

How many times you would have prayed to god for the dissolution of neighbhour's marriage? ( so that your chances get brighter)

How many times you've had "es(sex)capades" with your teen age housemaid when your spouse was cooling her heels at her parent's home?

Now, tell me " kanna! unnukkum laddu thinna aasaiya".

Departed from tradition

As the world "celebrated" world diabetes day yesterday. I spoke to a naturopath and yoga master. In his words " over the past two decades, our ( indian) style of eating has transformed.  With raising disposal income in our pockets, we've  started eating whatever comes in our platter. Eating ragi( millet) is seen as inferior grain. Raw rice has replaced boil rice. The only thing that can be found in raw rice is starch. Nothing else. At least, one could see cylists on the road a couple of decades back. Thanks to rise in economic status, pedaling cycle has become a thing of the past. The very fundamental thing that could prevent or delay the onset of diabetes is strictly following a diet regimen. Leafy vegetables and keerai (greens) are rarely taken or not at all taken altogether. Instead, we take more carbohydrates in the form of potato chips and colas.
Last but not least, our mind is so corrupt. Economic freedom has given us so much freedom yet we seem to yearn for " something- missing" phenomenon.  Whenever our anxiety levels goes up and down. The secretion of insulin gets disrupted. We ought to develop a contentment. Always show gratitude to the almighty or to the mother nature that you live with so much comforts at your disposal. To lead a peaceful life always compare your lifestyle with someone who is enjoying less comforts. That would give a sense of contentment".

Gana paatu

Originally, these songs are sung to release the mental agonies. The group, generally, comprised of menial labourers or pavement dwellers. By singing they get a mental relief( if you look at the origin of hip hop music, their stories  synchronise with this format of singing) . It is the one of the easiest ways to " unload" one's worries. The lyrics used in this songs often quote their tribulations they faced in their lives. In some songs, lyrics even carry the highest philosophical messages in a simple language. One could even say that the gana songs are nothing but a folklore of urban slums.

What is more contrasting is that the word " gana" means song in hindi. In tamil, " paatu" means song,  Isn't it ironical that this state of tamil nadu has adopted hindi words (knowingly or unknowingly) in the colloquial usage of tamil language? Probably, the labourers, constantly rub shoulders with emigrants from north india, as a result, they have incorporated hindi words into their daily usage.

The gana songs've struck a right cord with the kollywood films. The only different thing is the usage of language.

In 60' s and 70's films, the gana songs were used sparingly.  In those days,  film going was seen as a family outing. As a result, the gana songs had a few takers. The present day scenario has changed completely. The television and DVDs have weaned away the families from going to the theatres.  The presence of a gana song in a film will give a filip to the front benchers. The trend of using more gana songs started in the early 90's.

Even today,to experience the "live show" of gana songs,  just visit the bylanes of "parrys corner" after 10p.m. people sitting in a circle,  bonfire in the middle, sing their songs non chalantly.

Saidapettai vadakari.....

The origin of vada kari is still not clear. But, it has been around for more than 70 years. Initially,it was found in northern parts of tamil nadu. Some culinary experts says vellore district is the birthplace of vada kari.
Initially,this dish had gained the popularity with the lower income groups.

Actually,  vada kari is used as a side dish for idlis and dosas in addition to getti ( thick) chutney and sambhar( a varient of indian curry).

Generally, vada kari is made up of left overs mainly vadas( lentil sizzlers) and other items. Every roadside eateries provide this dish in their morning naashtha( breakfast) menu. God alone knows the hygenic factor.

However, one could prepare the very same vada curry with hygene kept in mind. While preparing at home one could prepare it with fresh vadas,  instead of left over food items. Nowadays, vada kari is quite universally accepted food item. Its appeal has expanded cutting across the society status.

The bovinae power

When someone disobeys the order or making an infringement of the stated pisition. The aggrieved person will be  shouting ----"erumai" -----literal meaning is "
buffalo" at the errant subbordinate. One has to learn the art of imperviousness from this animal. No matter, whether you are in chennai or higher reaches of himalayas,  the traits of all buffaloes remain the same. A herd of buffalo can bring an entire city to a standstill.

Even a fast moving train stops after hitting a buffalo. Because the horns of the buffalo is capable of derailing the train. ( such is the power of buffaloes, incidentally, this country has the largest population of buffaloes,  predominantly, "two-legged"). But sadly, these "two legged " buffaloes are causing problems to the " two legged" human beings not just humans suffer even typical buffaloes too suffer.

First day first show

"Deepavali releases " have always been an important milestone in cine circles. The fans of all mega stars geared up a week before the film release. The movie buffs in this part of the globe are not just ordinary fans. To them, their celluloid heroes are almost demi-gods.The tickets, a week after the release, will be blocked by the fan clubs.  This act of blocking is seen as an act of promoting the film of their beloved hero. Moreover, they make sure the film is a box-office hit.

Watching "first day first show" on the eve of diwali will be a " double feast". There is no way to measure the fan "devotion" (eccentricity) towards their hero. There will be tens or hundreds of "whistleblowers" inside the hall. These " whistleblowers don't unravel any mystery surrounding the film fraternities. They are "unpaid cheerleaders " in general. At times, their "whistles" become a nuisance for other film lovers.

Indigestion bye! bye!

After consuming high calorie food items during and after diwali, I was down with "hate food syndrome" because of various sweets and savories. Too much of oily items entered my body and  made me to feel uncomfortable.

Then came the panecea in the form of " deepavali marundhu". This is usually taken on the day of deepavali itself. Once upon a time, every household  prepared this " marundhu" along with other special preparations for the festival.
Times have changed. We live in a " very focussed" world. Hence, we buy it at shops. The some of the ingredients used in this marundhu is also used in preparing "pilla peththa legyium" a kind of sauce, given, after the delivery of child, to the mother.

Dull diwali

This year diwali ended on a sombre note. The reasons being 2 Cs. Cash and climate were the culprits. Just a day before diwali,  the RBI, central bank regulator, hiked the interest rate in order to " tame " the inflation rage.  The housing loan got dearer. All edible oil rates had already hit through  the rooftop. The "must have" crackers for diwali was simply too expensive. In addition, the climate played the spoilsport,  which put the "prospective" buyers in a fix ----to buy or not to buy.

On the whole, the overall mood was dampened by extraneous reasons.

Happiness @ this age

Two mom-in-laws of two different families of same age, visited a leading diagnostic centres for an annual master check up.
       

Mom in law 1:  Every medical report was normal.

Mom in law 2 :  The medical report showed everything was above normal parameters.

Characterstics : Mil 1 is from orthodox family, suave,  docile at the sametime, exercise aggression as an option.
     
Mil 2 is also from orthodox family,  home grown, docile to the core.

They both exchanged their treatments they both get from their DILs. (daughter in laws).

Initially, Mil1 restrained herself  from confronting her DIL. But, her DIL misunderstood her MIL restrain as her weakness. To assert her position,  MIL launched her counter offensive, taking the battle to DIL's workplace and other women's forum.
Throughout the period, the son remained non chalant and neutral. Generally, sons switch sides,  dumping parents and moving to wife's camp.

Luckily,  for MIL her son's stated position had come as a shot in the arm. Meanwhile, DIL lost her job because of the pressure from the local women' s groups. DIL pestered her husband to lend support to her battle with MIL. He remained as cool as a cucumber.

Devastated by the turn of events, her BP level had shot up. Now the DIL is convalescing in a nearby private hospital next to the diagnostic centre. The irony part of the story is now MIL is taking care of her "recalcitrant" DIL at the hospital. " There are times to fight, There are time to serve.  Now, the time has come to serve my DIL. I never carry grudge in my mind I just let it go that is the secret of my happiness" says MIL 1.

In the case MIL 2,  the case is totally different. As there is no support from any quarters MIL 2 simply put up with her DIL's tyranny. Over a period of time, her bottled up emotions has started appearing in the form of pschosomatic diseases.

"MORAL " of the story:  In acupuncture, you don't have to treat the malfunctioned organ directly. All you ought to do is needle should be pierced on the corresponding energy point. Then, the disease will get cured. In other words, cut off the life support lines( MIL 1 just did the same with her DIL) . Ultimately, you see your adversary is brought to your knees.

Where are they?

It was in the early 80s that this city witnessed the explosion of TV viewers----All for one, one for all-----yes that time the entire city was watching only Madras Doordarshan. Almost every household had a three element antenna turned towards tv center. In those days, antenna robbers were on the prowl because the presence of aluminium in the three element antenna that could fetch them a few bucks in the " kaylon shop" .
The presence of antenna atop the building, gave a special "status". In the middle 80s, the craze for " ceylon tv" whipped up the passion of  tv viewers. As a result, multi element antennas were erected focussing "ceylon". To increase the"quality" of the picture,  people started using " boosters". To be very frank, signals of " ceylon tv " never the reached the northern tamil nadu. 
In order to maintain "status" in the society some "benelovent" minded people just erected antenna in the terrace without buying the TV.
Before I sum up, here I should mention some of the popular TV brands of that era.  Dyanora,Solidaire, televijay, telerama, mustang, hotline, weston, crown, BPL, philips, videocon, & last but not the least Onida. Almost majority of "indian TV manufactures" had vanished from the market after 1990. Except videocon and onida survived the avalanche.
Now, go to bed, lie down,  try to recollect the name of the first black & white TV, you bought in that era. Take it as a memory recall.

Be a Brrrrrrooooaaad minded person

Try to undertstand the food we eat, the information we get, the environmental change, particularly, our mind is spinning constantly without any rest. As you enjoy everthing comes in your way. Hence, you should not place small things under a magnifying lens. Life sans restrictions.

Why encumbrance?

Before you buy a  " transferable moveable/immoveable properties" it is
mandatory on the part of the " intended" buyers to look out for the " true" owner of the property. Because the properties are transferable,  given the price rise scenario prevailing in the country. Never ever try to raise an enclosure over the unattended property because the current situation is not condusive.

First of all, one should reconcile one's mind that no property is ownerless. We call ownerless property as porumpoke (in tamil). It is always to "buy" property from the true owner. Outright purchase is preferable. Paying in instalments would give a room for the "seller" to scout for "rich buyers". Before acquiring the property, see how many owners had " enjoyed" the possession of the land.
If it is an agricultural land look out for &quo"ploughed marks"s" on the surface of the land. Don'fret that you are not the "first owner " of the land. There is nothing called "first ownership" .
Whatever is in your posession today, will be possessed by someone in future. When you had arrived, you came empty handed.When you depart this earth, you will leave empty handed. This is the crux of the bhagavad gita.

Election cacophony

"India is the largest democracy of the world is a cliche we heard it in the media. To strengthen the grassroots of the democracy, the panchayat raj was introduced.
Just like parliamentary and state assembly elections,  panchayat elections takes place once in every 5 years.
Elections in India have as always received a curiosity world over.
But, over the last two decades, the hoopla surrounding the elections have been subdued,  thanks to stringent regulations laid by the election commission of India.
But, there is an exception to the above rule. The panchayat elections are held under a "relaxed" atmosphere. Some regulations are not strictly followed.To participate in the election process, is not an easy task. You need the mass support.
Once upon a time, the supporters of the political parties used to work in election camoaigns without expecting a favour from the party's high command.
Gone are the days of ideologies. Nowadays, everybody is indifferent. To win an election, you'll need the support of BBC( I'm not referring to the news channel). Here the BBC means Biryani, Bottle(liquor) and Cash. It is upto you to interpret whether BBC to be seen as a mass mobilising factor or a motivation force.

Reprieve or hell?????. . ..

All dogs are carnivorus (including bitches) by nature. The human beings have domesticated them for their own purposes. In my street,  an anglo indian family left chennai for domestic reasons. They had a labrador dog,  which was about five year old. Unable to take the dog with them. They didn't want to leave it as a stray dog. They were planning to kill the dog by administering a lethal injection. This action had caused a heartburn to my neighbhour.  He pleaded with the family not to proceed with their intention. He promised them to keep the dog as his pet. The departing family relenpted and left the dog to my neighbhour's custody.

Remember, the dog was raised by the anglo indian family. Everyday, non vegetarian food was its staple diet. But, my neighbhour can't even stand the smell of egg. In other words, he is a "pure" vegetarian. As a result, newly arrived dog became "vegetarian" by force.
Even human find it difficult to change their food habits. The poor animal, would have preferred a lethal injection, struggled a lot by eating thaiyir saadham(curd rice) and milk. For this hapless creature,life has become a hell, with this new master.
The moment the dog is unleasheid it is rummaging through roadside dustbins. To be precise, it is feeding on faecal matter. ......
L

Jeevan ke saath aur jeevan ke baad

Taking insurance cover is one of the best ways of protecting the future. But, that alone would not give a foolproof protection.
Invariably, ad promotions of all insurance companies, show head of the family(almost in all cases a male member) as an insured person.  The beneficiary will be his widowed wife. Why this gender bias? These days the womenfolk also share their space in family maintenance. I would like to see a widower husband receiving the insurance amount after the death of his wife. Let women cultivate the habit of securing future.
Moreover, in my personal opinion, menfolk are shown as " money savers"which is totally inadmissible.

Laughter, crying and the silence

There are three things to do : Laughter, Crying(shedding tears), and very important thing is silence.
As far as laughter and crying, we suppress it because we've been inculcated by the society around us.
For example, When you laugh whole heartedly the people around you can't tolerate it.  Likewise, when you start crying the immediate response will be don't cry like a child.
Actually, both laughter and crying are seen as an outlets to jettison one's tensions. If a person is filled with tension forever he can' t live peacefully.

The third thing is being silent which is the most important thing. Hardly we follow it in our life because our mind is constantly bombarded with thousands of thoughts everyday. But, persistent practise of remaining silent could bring about a postive transformation in one's life. It is easier said than done. . .

Life is full of (colourful) tablets and capsules

Recently, I had been to Ooty. As a typical native of this land, no journey would be completed without befriending the co-passenger of the journey. Yes!  my co- passengers came from Mumbai. An elderly couple, both got retired from government services, earning handsome pensions.
Our bus stopped at a motel, enroute to Ooty for dinner. My co-passengers both husband and wife started taking out strip after strip of capsules and tablets. Wait a minute! This was just a pre- meal session. Both husband and wife ordered south indian meals since they came from western part of the country. They couldn't relish the food because they were wary of oil content in the food. They somehow finished the food. After finishing, they once again started taking colourful tablets and capsules.  The elderly lady was taking more tablets than her husband.
Now, it was time for some lamenting. The lady started the story of upbringing her children " when they were children we were engrossed in our work. Now, they are adults, we are old and free, they have no time to look after us".

Jealousy galore

Even to feel jealous one has to have competence. These days jealousy is a common syndrome. You never know from which quarters you'll encounter jealousy. There is a term called " peer jealousy" which emanates out of inabilities. By hook or crook one has to succeed, without honing one's skills,  unable to stomach fellow human being's rise. If you look at jealous people  they are always restless, indecisive and greedy. These people are susceptible to life style diseases everytime they emit jealous feelings their LDL.

Inadequate preparations

The word contentment is missing. AS a result, you see the restlessness in the society. Before aspiring,  one must introspect oneself to see whether one is competent or not. The aspirants always over estimate themselves thereby they fail to read the reality. The aspirants, often surrounded by the cronies, swayed by the encomiums. For any aspiration to be fulfilled one has to collect relevant informations, teaming up with the like-minded persons are the prerequisites. By doing so, one could easily overcome the problems or one could mitigate the negative factors coming their way.

Occup(ied)y Ranganathan Street

Just a couple of decades ago, this street was just having two or three textile shops, one or two "pure" vegetarian hotels, one or two vessels shops.
The buzz started in the 90s,  now, the street is tied with ever lasting or witnessing milling crowd.
This street has become a must visiting place for the tourists. Now, every nook and corner of the street is "occupied" by the hawkers.
Sensing the crowd problem, some well -known establishments, doing business, in the street have started their branches either in the outskirt or in the other parts of the city.

It's alright, we live on takeaway!

Surging inflation and skyrocketting essential commodities have left housewives with a fewer options. Even today, there is an "elitist" gang (housewives) out there which thrives on takeaway foods.
They are trendy in nature. To them, the art of cooking is a reminiscent of "woman slavery". Even to sweep the floor, they can't bend their backs. It is an insult to do household chores. But, at the same time,  they spend hours together at gym to " maintain" their " shape" (if anything called " shape" left in their body). No menfolk dares to take on their spouse. The womenfolk  harp on or raise the bogey of women's emancipation. Generally, they are focussed in life as they strive hard to get to the "top".
By the way, if you happen to check their handbags (I know it is a forbidden act to rummage through a lady's handbag) you stumble upon insulin vials. The vials are not meant for her alone, its for her kids too.
This only shows how health conscious they are.  No way they feel the "pinch" of LPG cylinder hike because in everyday's life they feel the" pinch"of insulin injection.
Long live their "takeaway" culture.

Oh! My sweet heart

Recently, I had attented a function on the occasion of world heart day. The speakers at the function said that indians are at the greater risk of heart disease.  Already india has earned the dubious distinction of " diabetes capital of the world".
A couple of decades ago,  indians were eating less thanks to the GDP growth, nowadays, urban indians are eating more than adequate.
The departure from traditional dieting practice, untimely eating habits had compounded the heart problems.
Any blockage, be it drainage or heart, is undesirable, as they both pose health problems.

When mosquitoes can..yes! We can

A lot of clamour going on over the presence of pesticide residue in our fruits and vegetables. Yet, we consume it because we have no other choice. By consuming we 've turned our body, flesh and mind into a poisonous state. Which means you are poisonous---"so am I".
Now, what about our "produces" i.e. Our children? They are more poisonous because they inherit poisonous genes from two sources.
When mosquitoes can develop resistance towards insecticide,  why not we develop such a resistance towards pesticide residues....

What is the real taste

Slow and steady approach can bring  about a desirable changes. Yes! People in this part of the world have really forgotten the "real" taste of tea.
It is alleged that the roadside teashops have been using adulterated teapowder to maximise their profits. Because of the constant exposure to the spurious stuff, a stage has arrived, even if the original tea is given to the people they will reject it.
Not just tea, be it anything, a sustainted and concerted effort could fructify the desired results. To bring about a change you need to play a mind game.u

No looking back

Once you are exposed to cosiness it will become difficult to live without it. Even if you've made up your mind  to relinquish those comforts your surroundings would not allow you to give it up. In fact, they push you harder to pursue what you've pursuing all these days. No matter what path you choose.  Life is incomplete without those comforts.

None can escape

She was successful in " balkanising" the joint family system in her house.( splitting the house  was the prime job of then bahus. To be precise, they were the pioneers )  This happened in the late 70's. Later, she somehow "tethered" her husband. Shce followed the policy of " taking the bull by its horns. By the time her child touched his teens, her husband had kicked the bucket. Now, her ambition was to raise her son. Even that too got fulfilled. Once grown up, her son migrated to a "greener"  pastures leaving her alone. The nemesis came in the form of her bahu. Her only bahu did what she did to her bahu in the late 70's. But, the intensity of the split was so high ( atleast, in the 70's,  the shockwave created by the family split was absorbed by the other family membes. But. Now she had to encounter the fury of the split all alone.

As a result, her health got worsensed. She underwent tests after tests at various hospitals.  Her son has no time to attend her. She was ambitious in her young age. Now her son is over ambitious propelled by his zealous wife. If her health condition worsened, further he has no option to come home but to try e- funeral................

Surviving tactics

"Survival of the fittest" is a cliche very often quoted. Many a creature appeared and disappeared because of the evolution. But, there is a one creature which has withstood the onslaughts that is cockroach. In indian  films, cockroach is seen as a detestable,  particularly,  our heriones are so scary ( they can withstand villan's "advancement" without much frightening) about cockroaches. Generally, what ensues the cockroach scene,  a close up scene that takes place between our hero and heriones. Which means cockroaches playing a "binding " agent. I think I am digressing. Never undermine the power of cockroaches.

There is yet another  creature which is giving the humans sleepless nights.The humans have conquered so many heights yet their fight against the mosquitoes is turning from bad to worse. Yes! the fight is tilting heavily in favour of mosquitoes.
The mosquitoes have developed resistance against insecticide available in the market.  As per recent report, there seems to be a drop in malaria cases in africa. At the same time, the scientists have warned that mosquitoes could make a comeback stronger and expect a virulent attack from them.
Even among humans we often encounter people with a die-hard attitude.  A sculptor rightly said " you get  a good statue only after you chisle out the unwanted portion of the rock".

Being a hedonist. .

;Enjoyment sans committment"--is the motto of hedonists. Come November-December, streets of chennai will be witnessing "bitches-dogs ka milan". Even cannine clan faces abysmal sex ratio. Thanks to castaration drive initiated by the authorities some parts of the city experiencing "scarcity of bitches" and other parts experience "scarcity of dogs".
In my area, there is a lonely bitch( I take the pride of exterminating the dogs population by informing the municipal authorities) as a result I've earned the wrath of that lonely "bitch". Everytime we meet on the street, "she"snarls at me and I take a stone as a precaurionary measure.
The dogs from the neighbhouring areas make a beeline to "befriend" her. In that procress, there will be a " dog fight". All these activities take place during night time. They simply disturb our sleep. Hence, I take up the role of a snipper. Using the cover of darkness, I pelt stone at the "visitors". Because the "visitors" motto is to fill it, shut it and forget it. All dogs are hedonist by nature. By the way, the " bitch" in our locale is spayed. Again, I take the credit of making her "barren". In that case, she is a hedonist too.

Everything is justified

Why you remain a unique personality? When everyone is following the same policy. There might be one or two stray incidents don't magnify it too much. When you've set the bar high you ought to withstand the pulls and pressures of that level.. Always set your eyes on the target. If you don' t do your assigned tasks. You will be relegated or pushed back by your competitor. There is no logic in analysing the sin factor. The sin factor should be kept out of the purview. By harping harping on the subject of  sin factor you are not only wasting your time but also other's. Be prepared to do anything.  In case, you can't reconcile your conscience gulp two pegs in tge night.

Needs or Wants: Revisited

Once you know the art of savings, your unwanted spending will come to a naught. Because when you are goimg through a gala period of your life you will not be bothered about the inflows. The moment, you witness a sudden slump in your cash flows then you realise the importance of money.
Distinguishing the wants and needs is the first step in taming the crisis. At any cost the needs has to be fulfilled. Whereas, wants (not all)  can be either wished away or procastinated forever. This cannot happen immediately but, a sustained effort could fetch a  desired result.

I wish I had him in my list

In havan ( sacred fire) we offer ghee as ahuthi( offerings)  the moment ahuthi is consigned to flame. The havan fire glows brightly. It is because of give-me- more attitude.
Likewise, the desire factor in women is unlimited. When draupadi came to know that the eldest of the pandavas is karan not yudhistra her expression was " I wish I had him in my list of husbands".

Namesake gatherings

These days even an ordinary interaction seems to have taken a beating.  you receive invitations from relatives, near and dears to attend their domestic functions. As a matter of courtesy, you attend the functions. The moment you enter the function hall you will be received by the "receptionist" (in most cases, 6-7 year olds girls with " paneer" sprinklers in their hands) at the most, one or two faces gives out a plastic smile. That's all. Then, you ought to take a position in front row (if you find one) or.wherever the seats are available. To be frank,  none of the visitors to the function,  are interested in watching the event for which they have come. Meanwhile, after occupying the chair, we pretend to relish the music to show off to others that we are connosieur in the music field. By this time, the pangs in.the stomach will be greater its time to "cool" it.  we take soft drinks.  After gulping two-three cups, again,  back to the music.world. Around this time, one should start loosening the calf muscle because the event for which we have come is nearing its end. No sooner,v it is over we should sprint to the dining all to experience the first-come-first - taste.
In the entire episode, neither the organiser nor the invitee is intersted in the event. The both parties want to flaunt their swagger. 

Is your face a right choice?

In the field of advertising, retention of product is the success of a good advertisement. whereas, in the field of cheating, your face should have a "less recognizible" feature. Otherwise, there is every chance of getting pilloried by the general public. Poor memory is the key to success. In order to make your face less recognizible learn the art of camouflaging. Because it will come handy in a crisis period.

New scent in old bottle

As a commerce graduate, my acquaintance with commercial law started with a doctrine called Doctrine of caveat emptor-----let the buyer beware. This was prevailing in the 19th century much before the consumer friendly enactments were being made.
In chennai, there is a place, where consumers are ready to be taken for a tide, called burma bazaar. In the 70's and 80's the craze for electronic goods like colour tvs and two-in-ones was immense. During that period,  we indians had limited exposure to consumerable goods because of license raj. Apart from electonic goods, chennaites (then madrasis) had a penchant for " scent"(perfumes) . Remember, chennai's climate is hot and humid. The moment you wear a " scent" (read perfume) it will last long and long really long as said in a car battery ad.
Sensing  this fad, shopkeepers, henceforth, called as manufacturers started producing IMFP (what confused gwith abbrevation?) Indian-Made-Foreign-perfume. In the back alleys of North chennai,ramshackled sheds were converted into  manufacturing units to produce IMFP's. Once produced, they were stuffed inside the empty bottles of the foreign perfrumes and sold it to  consumers as " foreign scent". In those days,the people were ready to buy these goods, as their " foreign exposure" was almost nill.
Oblivious, or rather pretending, the customers in chennai buy this scent and flaunt it before the near and dear ones as if it had been an imported one or the one which was presented by "foreign chithhappa". And there were a group ready to believe this kinds of stuff.

New scent in old bottle

As a commerce graduate, my acquaintance with commercial law started with a doctrine called Doctrine of caveat emptor-----let the buyer beware. This was prevailing in the 19th century much before the consumer friendly enactments were being made.
In chennai, there is a place, where consumers are ready to be taken for a tide, called burma bazaar. In the 70's and 80's the craze for electronic goods like colour tvs and two-in-ones was immense. That time we indians had limited exposure to consumerable goods because of license raj. Apart from electonic goods, chennaites (then madrasis) had a penchant for " scent"(perfumes) . Remember, chennai's climate is hot and humid. The moment you wear a " scent" (read perfume) it will last long and long really long as said in a car battery ad.
Sensing  this fad, shopkeepers, henceforth, called as manufacturers started producing IMFP (what confused gwith abbrevation?) Indian-Made-Foreign-perfume. In the back alleys of North chennai,ramshackled sheds were converted into  manufacturing units to produce IMFP's. Once produced, they were stuffed inside the empty bottles of the foreign perfrumes and sold it to  consumers as " foreign scent". In those days,the people were ready to buy these goods, as their " foreign exposure" was almost nill.
Oblivious, or rather pretending, the customers in chennai buy this scent and flaunt it before.the near and dear ones as if it had been an imported one or the one which was presented by "foreign chithhappa". And there is a group ready to believe this kinds of stuff.

Silence pervades everywhere

People have become very silent. The current social scenario is such that if you exhibit yourself too much you are inviting.trouble from unknown quarters. The moment you open your mouth your message will get distorted. And you will not get any support from the like-minded people. Because they don't want to distrub the tranquility in their life. All you can do at the moment is to remain silent observe the happenings minutely when the chance beckons at you grab it!

The power of zero. . .

When a zero stands alone it has no value. That very same zero stands beside any number ( on the left side of that number ) it adds value to that number.

How to strengthen it. . .

We all have friends. How do we strengthen our friendship? To my knowledge, TASMAC shops are the best place to rope in new friends. Because they remain "steady" be it adverse conditions or otherwise. Many shy away from visiting nearby shops. For all tipplers out there they consider it as a pilgrimage. Last but not the least, there are so many things "brewing"inside the TASMAC shops. Just visit and see it yourself please. .

Don't be a broad minded . . .

Jealousy is a common feature. No matter whether a person is relative or a friend feeling jealous is a normal action. By being magnamious, you are only aggravating the situation. Jealous person will always will celebrate your downfall. In fact, he will not show his glee explicitly. On the contrary, he will " express" solidarity in the need of the hour. To me, these creatures are parasites so, it is always keep them at a distance. Next way to tackle them ......hmmmm...wait a while I will get back to you.. I know you are restless.

Different routes, same destination

My recent visit to palani hills has thrown a new light on the path to enlightenment. People with rugged (l mean immense devotion) attitude used the stairs to reach the hill top. Some people with infirmities used the services of fellow human beings to climb up. Those with easy living mindset used rope car or cable train. Whatever be the mode of transport, everbody's ambition was to reach the summit. As I'd already stated,as many minds,as many ways. In this process, nobody has any loci standi to criticize other's way of approach. . . . .

Evolution of chennai lingo

For any language, it will be incomplete,if it doesn't have a " local lingo" . The working class plays a major role in promoting this dialect. North madras is the cradle of chennai lingo.  stanley hoslital, mint street attracted people from orher states. Chennai lingo found a special place in kollywood films. Whether you like it or not everybody likes it slyly. A porter in chennai central railway station can speak almost, all official languages of india. In the 60's this state antagonised hindi imposition. Ironically, many hindi and urdu have found its place in chennai lingo . Before I sign off. Let me do it in chennai style. Ennamma appo varattumma!

Park your thoughts

Chennai has more green cover with the civic administration has spruced up many parks around the city. Recent to join the park list are tholkappiar and semmozhi parks. Of the two, tholkappiar is a unique one because it is a refurbished portion of the adyar estuary. The government has restricted the entry to school students. I think it is the right step in restricting the visitors as we all have the habit of spoiling the public places.

Unhappy everywhere

When everything goes haywire you feel dejected . You come to a conclusion that the entire world has teamed up against you. Again, this is an illusion. First of all, remove all cobwebs from your mind then see things in their prespective . Then, where is the question of unhappy. In fact, the others will become unhappy by seeing your cheerful face. Don't expect the world to follow your emotions. ....

Kanakaambaram Revolution.

Enough is enough. No longer we can tolerate your iron fist rule. Yes! time has come to demonstrate our strength. We've galvanized members to bring the regime to its knees. And we've succeeded in our efforts.

At last, my mother has relented in power sharing i.e. henceforth, we will be having idli, vada & dosa as breakfast instead of rice items. You may wonder why I had named the revolution as Knakaambaram. Because it is the flower of Madras (sorry, chennai)

By the way, the botanical name of the flower is crossandra infundibuliformis.

Win-win situation

By remaining alone you are not going to enjoy this life. You just contemplate on the "dealing" which I've offered to you. Don't be stupid to reject the offer . Be practical. Understand the reality. Once again,I remind you the intricacies of the plan. First step, you better "mix" with us so that you can enjoy all materialistic pleasures otherwise, you won't even near the periphery of the "enjoyment zone" in your lifetime. Simultaneously, we can "upgrade" ourselves because of your " mix-up". In other words, your offer should be drafted in such a manner, it should have all the ingredients of an onerous gift /Hobson s choice. Chicken-hearted offeree will fall in your trap that's for sure.

This is how a tempting offer should be made by the offer-or. At no point of time, the offeree should be allowed be to think wisely during the course of the negotiation .Before sitting on the negotiating table it is always better to conduct a stealthy operation on the offeree's background. So that, the oferror can drive a hard bargain.

சகித்து கொள் ......

எப்படியாவது வெற்றி பெற வேண்டும் என்று குறிக்கோள் ஒன்று இருந்தால் எதையும் வளைந்து கொடுத்து தான் போக வேண்டும்.

தவறு செய்து விட்டு ஐயோ! இதே கைகளால் பாகவானக்கு மாலை சாற்றி விட்டு அதே கைகளால் இப்பொழுது மட்டனுக்கு மசாலா அரைகிறோமே என்று பொலம்ப கூடாது .

தர்மத்தை விட்டால் தரித்தரம் போகும் .......

இப்பொழுது எரிச்சல் இல்லை....

முன்பெல்லாம் யாராவது "வெற்றி பெற்றவர்களை " பார்க்கும் பொழுது எல்லோரையும் போல் எனக்கும் வயிற்றில் அமிலம் சரக்கும் . ஆனால், சமீபகாலமாக அந்த மாதிரி எந்த அனுபவம் ஏற்படவில்லை. காரணம் வெற்றிக்கு பின் எனென்ன "தியாகங்கள்" செய்தார்களோ யாருக்கு தெரியும்.
பம்மல்.கே. சம்பந்தம் திரைப்படத்தில் ஒரு டயலாக் வரும் " சும்மா வருவாளா சுகுமாரி " அதாவது ஒன்றை கொடுத்தால் ஒன்று கிடைக்கும் .

ஒன்றும் கொடுக்காமல் எதுவுமே கிடைக்கலை என்று அழுது கொண்டு இருந்தால் ஒன்றுமே கிடைக்காது.

அடேங்கப்பா!

இந்த வயசிலும் வாட்டும் சாட்டமா இருக்கானே இவன் மட்டம் நம்மலோட "கலந்தானா" இவன் எங்கையோ போய்விடுவான்.

ஆனா அவன் தலை விதி வேப்பும்பூ ரசமும் , சுண்டக்கா வேதத கொழும்பும் தான்.

இப்போ கூட ஒன்னும் கெட்டு போல ஒரு ஒ.கே. சொல்லட்டும் இவனை கூட்டி......

நமக்கு ஒரு அடிமை சிக்கிட்டான்

'ஆப்பிரிக்காவில் ஏதோ ஒரு மூலையில் தினமும் காலை நேரத்தில் சிங்கம் கடவுளை நினைத்து பிராத்தனை செய்யும் " இறைவா , எனக்கு இன்று நல்ல வேட்டையை கொடு" . அதை போல் அதே காட்டில் மானும் கடவுளை நினைத்து பிராத்தனை செய்யும் " இறைவா, என்னை சிங்கத்தின் வேட்டையிலிருந்து காப்பாற்று". இறைவன், சிங்கத்தையும் மானின் பிராத்தனையும் செவி சாய்பான் .

அதே போல் இன்று எனக்கு ஒரு இளிச்ச வாயனை அனுப்பி வை என்று பிராத்தித்தேன் . நான் அடிச்ச மணி ஆண்டவனுக்கு கேட்டுச்சி .

என் அடிமையின் முக லக்ஷணம் பார்த்தால் பளிச்சென்று இருப்பான் , சொல் பேச்சி கேட்பான், பார்பதற்கு பவ்வியமாக இருப்பான் ஆக மொத்தும் ரொம்போ நல்லவன் "

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