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Dear Readers / Friends, http://DailyProjectThirukkural.blogspot.com/    By interpreting various meanings for every word in a Thirukkur...

March 24, 2013

Gandhi - The Story of My Experiments with Truth


Generally, when I read books, I don't read with much expectations or excitement. I read them just for reading. But, I am starting with a book now with lots of excitement. I am not a judge, but I have divergent views on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and his leadership. But, in recent times, by hearing and reading articles, I have started seeing more positives in Gandhi and his way of life. My Chemistry professor, Dr Seetharaman who I know for last 15 years and, for me, he is my God Father, many times said me I follow Gandhi principles (eating Parle-G biscuits, Groundnut-jaggery cakes/chikki) I didn't take them seriously. Even though he earned well, yet, I have found his house to be following a very very a minimalistic style. But those days I didn't realise. Only in recent times, when I was thinking, I did realize it was Gandhian way of living. So these observations gave me more drive to read his autobiography. It is "Gandhi - The Story of My Experiments with Truth". This book (translated from Gujarathi) is an autobiography by Mahathma Gandhi. I am not reading this book to become a Mahatma but to digest the message. And, I hope, I get much needed insights, essence for me and my self.




My reading so far; how it started; who made it?

I am not an avid reader. I didn't had any reading habit when I passed my college in 2005.  I was more afraid of the jargons and vocabularies used. But my friend Lourdu Xavier who showed me a way that I should "travel" and enjoy. I started with an epic novel Ponniyin Selvan in Tamil. What more best novel can I ask to start with. I had only competed first part by end of 2005. After which I travel across places which gave me junk reasons to procrastinate. But some of wonderful friends, namely Balasubramani Arunachalam, MPC, Rajesh Sundarraj, Shankar S, Sundaresan KM, RT, Nagamani Raajan, AM and of course Lourdu Xavier, -colleagues inspired me with their wonderful language and maturity. And I could sense well that they are very good readers.  And, in July 2008, I moved to New Delhi. It gave me wonderful time to read books. I started cultivating the habit slowly. But I was irregular. As a fan of carnatic music, it happened for me follow Mr Sanjay Subramanyham's website. There, the best thing that happened for me was the Book Read Challenge he had posted from GoodrReads.com. I too registered my self with 10 book that year (though it is low, but I felt it is good a number to start with). And today, I have read around 40 books. I don't take pride in those numbers. But I realized I do can read novels, auto-biographies, short stories, spiritual books and most importantly they help me realize my self. Though I was initially tempted, but one thing I have so far avoided was self-help/management books - again inspired from a note (with wisdom) on a casual chat with a friend Muthu Kumaran. Now, in Korea, in April 2013 I have good time. To a certain extent I am have made good use of my time in reading books. Going forward I long to read more books on various topics. And, one person who constantly encouraged me was my beloved grand mother Srimathi Saraswathi Subramanian. Till her teenage she was a very good reader. But post marriage, her reading got limited to magazines. I am glad I rekindled her interest in books and reopened her windows and give her good number of Tamil books.

Things in my Shelf are : Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Thuppariyum Sambu, The Idiot, Paths of Glory, etc

Wishing that my self grows as I grow.

துன்பத்திற்கு இடம் கொடேல்.
Meaning: Don't allow sadness to occupy you

January 15, 2013

Places I would like to visit in India

List of places I like to visit in India

1) Himalayas - Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Rotang Pass (Revisit)
2) Himalayas - Leh and Ladakh (via Manali) (in Motorcycle)
3) Himalayas - Dalhouise
4) Himalayas - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
5) Himalayas - Auli (Revisit)
6) Himalayas - Valley of Flowers
7) Himalayas - Manasarovar

1) Kashmir Valley - Vaishno Devi Temple
2) Kashmir Valley - Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar
3) Kashmir Valley - Srinagar to Ladakh (in Motorcycle)
4) Kashmir Valley - Amarnath

1) North East - Arunachal Pradesh
2) North East - Sikkim
3) North East - Meghalaya
4) North East - Darjeeling

1) North - Kasi / Varnasi / Banaras [Done July 2018]
2) North - Corbett National Park
3) North - Agra - Taj Mahal (on exact Full Moon Night, backside of Taj Mahal) - Revisit
4) North - Agra - Fathepur
4) North - Agra - Sikri

1) Rajastnan - Jai Salmer
2) Rajasthan - Udaipur
3) Rajasthan - Jodhpur
4) Rajasthan - Ranthambore National Park and Bird Sanctuary
5) Rajasthan - Pushkar Camel Festival
6) Rajasthan - Thar Desert

1) Maharashtra - Ajantha & Ellora Caves

1) Punjab - Amristar
2) Punjab - Ludhiana

1) Central India - Khajuraho

1) Kerala - Alappuzha (Revisit)
2) Kerala - Munnar (Revisit specifically during Kurinji Season)
3) Kerala - Varkala Beach
4) Kerala - Ponmudi
5) Kerala - Theyam

1) Goa

1) Karnataka - Mullaiyangiri Peak
2) Karnataka - Kudremukh and Kali River
3) Karnataka - Vijayanagar Empire Temples
4) Karnataka - Coorg
5) Karnataka - Madikeri, Talacauvery
6) Karantaka - Hampi, Shravanabelagola

1) Tamil Nadu - Ooty
2) Tamil Nadu - Kodaikanal
3) Tamil Nadu - Kutralam, Papanasam
4) Tamil Nadu - Pulicat Lake (border of AP)
5) Tamil Nadu - Kanchipuram [Done July 2018]

1) Andaman & Nicobar Islands

1) Orissa - Puri [Done July 2018]
2) Orissa - Konark [Done July 2018]
3) Orissa - Bhubaneshwar [Done July 2018]

1) Bihar - Bodhgaya [Done July 2018]
2) Bihar - Vishnupath [Done July 2018]
3) Bihar - Barabar Cages [Done July 2018]

1) Madhyapradesh - Sevagram [Done July 2018]

December 15, 2012

நீதானே என் பொன்வசந்தம்

[You Are My Golden Spring]

நீதானே என் பொன்வசந்தம் ..
நீ இருக்கையில் எனக்கு
வேர் ஏது சொந்தம் ...
மனதின் உள்ளே  சத்தம்
வெளியே நிசப்தம்
கேட்பது உன் சங்கீதம்
கேட்காமல் இருக்கிறேன்
உன் சத்தம்
பேசாமல் இருக்கிறேன்
எனக்கு ஏன் இந்த சித்தம்
பெண்ணே நித்தம்
உன் சித்தம்
பேச எனக்கு
ஏன் தயக்கம் ?

Sometimes a second chance is the best gift you can give to yourself!!

2:25 a.m. 15-Dec-2012



Meaning: Be honest

December 12, 2012

Pandit Ravi Shankar - R.I.P

Today 12-12-12, I woke up to read that Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away. As an icon for Indian Classical Music he took both Indian music and sitar across the globe. Many of his albums, to name a few - West Meets East in collaboration with Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Sounds of Sitar, Full Circle: Carnegie Hall are legendary. He was a simple human but his depth of understanding was great which was reflected in all his music.  His Swara Kakali with Menuhin will always ring in my ears. I feel it as a blessing to have breathed the same air he breathed and attended at least his last concert in India - Farewell to Bangalore in last February 2012. 

Pandit Ravi Shankar - Rest in peace.


October 28, 2012

Life is short but Love is big

I felt to write a small blog about one of my favorite poems from Kurunthokai - a compilation of poems from Tamil Sangam Literature. 

குறுந்தொகை
18. குறிஞ்சி - தோழி கூற்று 
வேரல் வேலி வேர்க்கோட் பலவின் 
சாரல் நாட செவ்வியை ஆகுமதி 
யாரஃ தறிந்திசி னோரே சாரல் 
சிறுகோட்டுப் பெரும்பழந் தூங்கி யாங்கிவள் 
உயிர்தவச் சிறிது காமமோ பெரிதே. 
                    -கபிலர்.

Literature: Kurunthokai
Song#: 18
Region: Mountain Slopes
Said by: A girl
Author: Kapilar

O man of the mountain slopes
where the jack fruit tree has fruit almost on its roots
with the small live bamboo for its fences,
be of good thoughts and think of marriage.
No one knows of her state.
She’s like those other trees on the slopes,
their giant jacks hanging
from slender boughs;
her breath is short,
and her love great beyond bearing.
Translated by A.K.Ramanujan


Meaning: (A girl says to her friend)
Girl says that her lover is from the region of mountain slopes where jackfruit trees that bear fruits near roots are fenced using bamboos. She beautifully gives a brilliant imagery here. Much like a huge fruit on a slender tree, my life is insignificant, my love is immeasurable. Her love is increasing and she should be married at right time else she would die. "Does her lover understands this ?" , she questions her friend. This poem stands out for the phrase "சிறுகோட்டுப் பெரும்பழந்" (Much like a huge fruit on a slender tree).

Hope you enjoyed this poem.

Celebrate Love!
 

னந்தல் ஆடேல்.
Meaning: Dont sleep for long duration

October 07, 2012

Romancing

I am romancing with this beautiful yellow Lily flower in my room on a wonderful Sunday evening. Its's fragrance is  pleasant and soothing :-)


என்னை மயக்குகிறது
மயங்குகிறேன்   
எங்கு இருக்கிறாள் அவள் 
============================
உனக்காக நான் வாங்கிய பூக்கள்
என்னுடன் வாடுகின்றன
பூக்களை வாடவிடாதெ 






Meaning: Follow the words of scholars.

September 17, 2012

A Separation

For the first time in my 6 years of blogging, I am blogging about a movie I watched. Last night, I watched an Iranian film 'A Separation'. I refrain from reviewing the movie. It is best in its own rights. It is an intricate, complex, intimate and non-simplified/simplistic film. One thing (IMO) that stands out in the movie is the poignant Termeh (played by Sarina Farhadi), a 11-year old daughter of the lead characters of the film.  Termeh excellently displayed the mental trauma, grave pain when her parents separate. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially, to the people who are filing divorce.  


--
வியம் பேசேல்.
Meaning - Never speak with jealousy and envy

September 13, 2012

Nelliyampathy (நெல்லியம்பதி)

In continuation with my previous blog I continue here - it was my plan to visit Nelliyampathy, a hill settlement - 75km south of Palakkad, after the marriage. I boarded into a hourly bus to Nelliyampathy from the KSRTC bus stand, Palakkad. First 50 kms till Nemara is surrounded by calm paddy fields. Cloudy day it was and refreshing to enjoy the freshness and aroma of the paddy fields. After reaching Nemara, the mountain roads started. Green dense teak forests were welcoming with flowery bushes, scented seasonal blossoms of the trees, tea and cardamom plantations. Sitting near the window of the bus, catching  the sight of numerous waterfalls by the sides of road and listening its crumbing sounds is different from the bus trips  to my office (bus trips to and from C2B Janakpuri is of course unparalleled for me :-)). It was getting colder. That said, Nelliyampathy, spread over undulating terrain at an attitude of a little above 1500m, is set amid some magnificent scenery, and the journey to get there, winding up a succession of spurs above the Pothundi Dam and reservoir, ranks among the most spectacular in the state. It was approximately a 3 hour bus journey when I reached Nelliyampathy.

I and Mr Manu, driver of the jeep ferry, reached the view point. Listening to the perky sounds of Myna, we walked half a kilometer. It was THE view! I can say. The magnificent panoramic view of mosaics of paddy fields in the Palakkad and other towns was breathtaking. (Most views that I have seen from mountains such as Palani, Ajmer Fort, Thirupathi, Mysore were dominated by the buildings, thanks to urbanization).

Just a word of caution: We were just a few foot away from the unmarked exposed ridges encircling the plateau may be lethal in poor visibility. Thought Nelliyampathy is a popular escape yet the forest is neat. Hope it is not exploited in future. 

Manu and I continued to walk towards the Pothundi mountain. God!! it is a beautiful view of the waterfalls amid dense forests (which you will find in the below photograph). It is an excellent place to listen and rejoice with the music of the water fall (while I write this the "Songs of the River" (Album: Music of Rivers) by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia comes to my mind). In front of the waterfalls I could spend 20 minutes because I had to catch the last return bus of the day. As we returned to the ferry it was drizzling - a romantic end to this trip (wish she was with me). Various grey and black shades of mountains and Pothundi Dam made a resplendent foreground to silvery sunset. That was another beautiful Kerala Trip.

Note: I hardly had 2 hours to spend there. But if we reach Nelliyampathy by 8am it is a wonderful place to spend entire day and it has lots of others places around to visit for a complete day. But it lacks decent accommodations.

P.S: First time I missed my lover (obsessive when I am with her), my camera Canon S5 IS. I got to repair her soon.

Nelliyampathy - Recommended.

Few photos here, thanks to my mobile phone.


Waterfalls




On a walk to catch the glimpse of the waterfalls
Bird's eye view of the Palakkad town


One more snap of the Bird's eye view of the Palakkad Town
Rajesh Mottai :-)

On way to Nelliyampathy from Palakkad

--

Meaning - Analysis, research and then act

September 08, 2012

Indian Wedding

Yesterday I went to Palakkad to attend a marriage of my good friend (who was my Violin classmate in Delhi under our Guruji Sri Durga Prasad). Palakkad can be said as a gateway to the western ghats from Tamil Nadu. This was the first time I attended a Keralian wedding. It was a pleasant gloomy day with cool breeze. I straightaway went to the marriage hall and fresh'd up. The Muhurtham was between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. By the time I got ready it was 9 a.m. I was thinking how to pass the time till Muhurtham because I went alone and didn't know anyone there. To not to look as an odd person in the hall I chose not to put my headsets but observe. Thanks to Arun, who was from Cochin, who kept me engaged for a while with him.

In few words I will say that this marriage was well organised. The stage was well-decorated and set for the nuptials. Lots of people - Oldies; chit-chats, nalam-visaaripps; recently wedded people introducing their wife's to their relatives (on the day of marriage thousands turn up hence the married people do not remember all the relatives/friends who come for the marriage); few couples carry their just born's to their relatives for their blessings- people cheer up the groovy yawn of the just born and do a drishiti; kids playing and roaming around with their cousins, some of them are new friends; [in my opinion] the hot property of this marriage was the bride's brother - he was, in a typical fashion, clean shaven in glittering long red silk kurtha and Mundu dhoti running on his toes, looking after everyone and coordinating the events and the people; parents with lots of smiles for their ward's marriage and a great sense of satisfaction in their eyes that their ward is gonna be in safe hands and warm family - a sign of successful positive upbringing; relatives flaunting their silk sarees and accessories (artwork blouses, necklaces, pendants, bangles) bought with great care; obviously girls and boys; inevitable gossips; some oral marriage suggestions (there is a saying many marriage engagements happen in marriages); some grannies carried their sleeping grand children in their shoulders; and with a background music of mangala Naadhaswaram-Thavil-Jalra (one purpose of this music is to cut down the evil things especially gossips and rumors). 

Now it was 10:30 a.m, the groom arrived and was staged. Around 10:45 a.m the bride arrived. Both of them, carrying million hopes dreams (wish each comes true) in their heart and best dressed, exchanged  garlands and the marriage happened with the blessings of parents, elders, relatives and friends. Parents and relatives congratulate each other. Now its time to receive blessings from the elders individually. People throng the stage to bless the just weds', to gift and to pose in group with entire family for photographs. The group photo of the immediate families of the nuptials will be framed and finally decorate the walls. And another important aspect of the weddings is the grand lunch. One side of the leaf had 15 side dishes which include two paayasams, porriyals, paruppu, two pickles - sweet and spicy, chips, applams, kootu etc. Other side of the leaf had rice, sambar, rasam and pappad. At the end they provided a delicious paaysam Adapradhaman.

I can safely say, one place where most people keep smiling would be marriages. It is really nice to be part of such well "organised" marriages. I am glad to have been part of this marriage. Aparna Anupkumar (formerly Aparna Menon): you thanked me for coming for the marriage but the pleasure was mine. Hence I thank you and your family for inviting me to witness the occasion. 

P.S: It is not that I attended a marriage after a long time or for the first time that led to write a post about it. This time, I was almost lonely and had a good amount of time to observe and cherish, but not the first time. It would go on to be one of the memorable weddings, perhaps due to the timing of it. Few dreams does not come true but it is great to be part of similar such dreams of others. :-)

P.S: Recently I read that "We marry not the individual but the families too" - Courtesy Chinmayee

P.S: Next post would be on Nelliyampathy (coming soon)

Glossary
Muhurtham - auspicious time for marriage
kurtha - shirt like
nalam-visaaripps - abouts and whereabouts
drishiti - safeguarding and throwing away all the jealous of the people that are surrounding the kid
Mundu dhoti - White Dhoti with Jariga/silk-thread borders
mangala - auspicious
paaysam - a dessert 
Adapradhaman -  ada and jaggery in highly condensed milk

--

Meaning - Helps others and live

September 07, 2012

My Egyptian Lotus


மண்ணோடு மழை கொண்ட சொந்தம்
காய்ந்தாலும் அதில் ஈரம் எஞ்சும்
- வைரமுத்து

July 07, 2012

Happy Tanabata Day 2010


July 7 2010 - still fresh in me. In Gurgaon, it was in me. It was raining heavily. The roads were jammed at Plot 314. Amidst flooded roads, I went down to search for biscuits . But I could not get it. Came back. A brilliant idea flashed. Maggi!!! Then we went down, had a walk - ecstasy. From Route 4 bus near the Tea shop to Plot-314, for me, it looked like a runway in heaven. The moment I said Maggi, that bright face fresh from wet rain, sparkling eyes, the black hair giving a clean look + the child like enthusiasm for Maggi - it was serene. Went in search for Maggi @ Plot-314 cafeteria. There was a huge demand. Came back. Ten minutes later, approached once again. Got it. Maggi!! I was just telling myself - Unlike at college canteens, have it slowly. Yummy Maggi it was. Both of us enjoyed it. Yummiest Maggi I have had in my life! Wanted to tell what I had for the last two days in me.  But to live the present, I deliberately procrastinated it and didn't tell it. And went back to the bus and waited for another 2 hours for the roads to clear. And we chatted a lot that day. Best day in my life!

நினைவென்னடி பெண்ணே நீ இல்லாமல் 
நிலைகுளைந்துள்ளேன் நீ இல்லாமல்
நீர்வீழ்ச்சியாய் என்மேல் பாய்வாய்
நில்லாமல் என்னுடன் பேசுவாய் 
நித்திரை தனை தருவாய் 
நின்கதியாய் நான் உள்ளேன் மறவாதே 

Happy Tanabata Day. My wish for this Tanabata day is next Tanabata should be like 2010.

June 11, 2012

Again at Athirappilly Falls on my birthday

I celebrated my 28th birthday (on 9th June), rather in an unusual way, as a nomad travelling around Kerala. First I went to Guruvayoor to seek the blessings of Lord Guruvaayoorappan (Krishna) and Mammiyoor's Lord Mahadevan (Siva) and Thriprayaar's Lord Ramanamaswamy. Then I went to Athirappilly falls. 

Athirappilly falls is one of my favorite destinations. This visit, my third, to Athirappilly falls was simply rejuvenating. This time, the timing was perfect, monsoon has just started and the water in the falls was adequate. My previous visits to Athirappilly happened in peak monsoon, hence I could not view the falls from the bottom. But this time I could view the falls from the bottom. And luckily the clouds were gracing the spot beautifully. The view was spectacular. The rocky landscape mountain plus the river were simply majestic. Whatever may be the lack of words, Athirappilly falls is truly spectacular.  A must visit kind. 

I would recommend everyone to visit Athirappilly in the first week of June (onset of Monsoon). If it is on a weekend you might feel bit crowded. If you are going with your fiance/spouse alone you will "feel" a lot more than me :-) 

In short, my 29th year started beautifully. 

March 30, 2012

Farväl



Version 0.1_Draft


My Dear All,

3.75 years in Aricent has gone by very quickly. It was pleasure working with you all!!

May the almighty give you the best to reach great heights in life filled with peace, happiness, love, joy, etc.

Thanks.

Warm Regards,
RBA aka Rajesh

P.S:
My Email:           rajeshbalaa@gmail.com
My Blog:            http://rajeshbalasubramanian.blogspot.com/
My LinkedIn        http://in.linkedin.com/in/rajeshbalaa
Current Location: Pondicherry



Version 0.1 (review comments from sub-conscious mind incorporated)



M E M O R A N D U M
From
RBA
Sent
Friday, March 30, 2012 06:00 PM
To
Ahava bolingo cinta
My Fantastic Friends
My Majestic Mentors
My Priceless Partners
My Colourful Colleagues
Subject
ferˈwel
Table: Contents

1. Experience

Figure: Last day speech in letter

3.75 years in Aricent has gone by very quickly. Quicker than I expected. Time flies. I just enjoyed it. In between coding and designing, I surfed the internet a lot, wrote poems, dreamed(will do that everywhere) and will not forget my time here. And at times I didn't enjoy it. It is a circle. When I boarded into my flight from Chennai to Delhi on 01-July-2008, it didn't even flash a second in my mind that I would be at Aricent for more than 2 years. There is something sspecial. And you have been great and instrumental to have made my stay at Aricent longer.  It was pleasure working with you and knowing you (all)!! Will miss all of you I have come to know.

2. Reason


Figure: Reason for leaving
As all of you know, I planning into the next episode of my career.

3. Time machine

Figure: Nomad Birds

When I came as a nomad bird, people warmly admitted to share space on their branches of the tree, gave me shade, gave me warmth and shared the fruits. It's quite a long time and great time. The next second (should I put (LTE sub-frame) symbol??) is hidden with many surprises. The bird is not supposed to be always on the branches. It has to dream. It is dreaming. It has to fly. In the time machine we shall meet once again in the same tree or on different branches or different trees.

4. Wishes

May the almighty give you the best to reach great heights in life filled with peace, happiness, love, joy, etc.

Shabba Kher! Godspeed!

Thanking you.
Thanks.

Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely/ Best

Warm Regards
Love and Smiles
RBA Code Machine
RBA aka Rajesh   

5. Contact Details

P.S:
Current Location
Pondicherry

.


Version 3.0 (after discussions)


From: RBA
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 06:00 PM
To: Dear All
Subject: Departure
Well well well,

     Just wanted to say thanks for the last 3.75 years. You have been great.

       After many a summer it's time to move on.   It was fun while it lasted.

                               Love and kisses and all that jazz.


                                               Cheers
                                                RBA

P.S. Starting  now I can be reached at:

                       
rajeshbalaa@gmail.com
                        http://in.linkedin.com/in/rajeshbalaa 
                        Pondicherry


Version 7.0




                                                 12-3-30
Dear All

Thanks for 8-7-3 to 12-3-30 @ Aricent

Cheers




===============================================================================
Please refer to http://www.aricent.com/legal/email_disclaimer.html
for important disclosures regarding this electronic communication.
===============================================================================

December 10, 2011

Kerala Trip - Day5 [Munnar - Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam]

We spent Day5 at Munnar. We covered the Mattupetty Dam, few view spots, and the Eravikulam National Park. The best things about Munnar are majestic view points, landscapes, tea gardens. No words to describe. Do go there and realize it.

Eravikulam National Park
This park is special for two things first Nilgiri Thar and second Neelakurinji flowers.

Nilgiri Thar are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. It is mostly found at Eravikulam National Park and at Annamalai. 

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) (Tamil: நீலக்குறிஞ்சி),  is a shrub that used to grow abundantly in the shola grasslands of the Western Ghats in South India above 1800 metres. The Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously only once in 12 years. Next Neelakurinji's blossoming season is at Sep-Nov 2018. I have already marked it in my google calender :-p