My Musings

Royapuram or Tambaram ?

2012-01-20T11:00:00.002+05:30

ROYAPURAM or TAMBARAM?

Madras, that is Chennai, has two Railway terminals - Central and Egmore. As the city has grown and expanded now, a need is felt for a third terminal to be built. Should it be Royapuram in the north Madras or Tambaram in the south Madras? Today (20 Jan 2012) a team is visiting Royapuram to have a proper personal perspective.

Now, to history:

Madras was founded over 370 years ago by Francis Day (and Andrew Cogan) in 1639 when he purchased 3 sq miles of land north of San Thome. Madras started growing, mostly around the Fort. George Town [Black Town] for formed for the settlement of Indians working for the British. Business houses were developed near and around Town. A road was built in 1814 to reach these main business houses.

First Line Beach, it was then called, later changed to North Beach Road, and now renamed as Rajaji Salai. Parallel to this road was built Second Line Beach. On these two roads British constructed great merchant houses and banking institutions. Virtually just from these two roads, the British "ruled" financially the Madras City ! Those days, the First Line Beach was indeed THE beach - with Marina being reserved for the Blacks [local Madras people]

In 1845 a plan to build a Harbour was mooted, plan approved in 1857, work commenced in 1859 and a mole was opened in 1861. By 1881 the work was more or less completed and Madras had a harbour finally in 1881. Madras Harbour Board [1886] became Madras Port Trust in 1905 - fortunately, this name still exists even today. Sir Francis Spring [1905 - 1919 ] who was the chairman is considered the Father of today's Madras Port. Business on the Harbour started growing by leaps and bounds.

Side by side of this growth of the harbour, North Beach Road also grew [some of the finest buildings of Madras are in this road]. Need for a Railways was felt and the FIRST RAILWAY STATION of the Madras Province was built at the end of this North Beach Road at ROYAPURAM and inaugurated in 1856. it had been the Main Terminus and Hqrs of Madras Railways since then.

Onto Railways:

The first rail track (steam locomation) was laid in 1853 linking ARCOT (now called Wallajahpet in the Bangalore line) to the west with ROYAPURAM in the north Madras. this line was later extended and steam locomation traffic opened on July 1, 1856 [three years after VT - Thane opened].

Royapuram was the premier station till 1907 when Madras Central station took over this honour. In 1873 Central was a small station. After Central became the premier station, ROYAPURAM started losing its importance and traffic.

Neglected Royapuram Station

Today, this station lies totally neglected and forlorn. However in recent years with the MRTS coming up, local trains to Ambattur, Avadi and beyond, run via this station. Seven long-distance trains to Hyderabad, Kolkatta, and the North speed past this old station. There is a vast open land (about 76 acres) here, so the pro-Royapuram activists say the proposed Terminus can easily be built here. More than enough land-space is available for parking, they say.

Royapuram Station after re-modelling in 2007

I too vote for Royapuram, since it would greatly improve the North Chennai which is totally neglected by successive Govts.

*** Most of the material taken from MADRAS REDISCOVERED by S Muthiah. My sincere thanks to Mr Muthiah, my favourite writer.

rajappa
11:00 AM
20 Jan 2012.

Divine Abodes of Tamilnadu

2012-01-19T11:34:00.002+05:30

KOILS in Tamilnadu

Thousands of temples, small and large, abound in Tamilnadu. Times of India has highlighted some of these in today's (19 Jan 2012) issue.

We will start with the 1000-year old temple of Thanjavur (Periya Koil).

The Chola king Raja Raja Cholan built this Brihadeeswara temple in 1010. It is big in all respects - a gigantic stone Shiva lingam fills the Garbha Gruham, its tower (vimanam) is 216 feet tall.The temple's magnificence coupled with engineering marvel takes your breath. The structure has been built without using mortar.The Gopuram is unparalled for its geometric perfection, and masterly craftsmanship. The monolithic Nandi, the gigantic Dwarapalakas take your breath away. The inscriptions and the sculpture speak about the various karanams of Natya Shastra.

You can read more about this temple, Raja Raja Cholan (Arul Mozhi Varman), his queen Lokamahadevi, and his sister Kundavai in Kalki's novels.

Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of Bharat, others being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Avantika (Ujjain), and Dwaraka. Kanchipuram was essentially ruled by Pallava kings though Cholas, Pandiyas ruled it later.

Kailasanathar Koil, of 8th Century built by Narasimha Varma Pallavan, is made of only sandstone. Its walls have exquisite sculptures (சிற்ப வேலைப்பாடுகள்) The temple is a veritable treasure house for sculptures.

Vaikuntha Perumal Koil is dedicated to Vishnu, another 8th Century Pallava koil by Nandivarman; it is also known as Parameshwara Vinnagaram.

Kamakshi Amman Koil, Varadaraja Perumal Koil, Ekambareswarar Koil are the major Koils in Kanchipuram.

Chidambaram has Sri Nataraja temple and Srirangam has Sri Ranganatha Perumal Koil.

Vaitheeswaran Koil near Chidambaram is endowed with healing (medicinal) powers. Like Varadaraja Perumal Koil in Kanchipuram.

Oppiliyappan Koil, near Kumbakonam is famous for its saltless neivedyam to the God. When Vishnu asked Markandeya for his daughter's hand in marriage, Markandeya is said to have replied, "Marriage? My daughter is so young, she does not know how to cook with salt !" The Lord replied that he would henceforth eat food without salt. So even today the neivedyam in this temple is prepared without salt and offered to the Lord.

Sarangapani Koil in Kumbakonam is also famous for its sculpture.

Meenakshi Amman Koil is a Pandiyan koil in Madurai. Very famous for the Thirukkalyanam. Sundareswarar is the Shiva here.

Srivilliputhur has a large temple for Andal. The temple's gopuram is used as the emblem of TN govt.

*** adapted from Times of India, 19th Jan 2012

As said before, there are thousands of temples in Tamilnadu. This is only a brief sample.

This morning in his Bhagavatam Upanyasam Velukkudi Sri Krishnan explained that "knowing about, reading about, and actually visiting" the abodes [Koils] of Bhagavan is one way of Bhakti. Within minutes of listening to him, TOI gave me and Vijaya the opportunity to read about many Koils ...

rajappa
11:30 AM
19-01-2012

MRTS Chennai

2012-01-13T11:43:00.000+05:30

I had not travelled travelled by Chennai MRTS so far. Whenever I see the train speeding over the elevated tracks, I used to have a desire to travel by this service. The opportunity came at last yesterday (12-01-2012) when I had to go to Ambattur and Avadi.

We reached Thiruvanmiyur station at 0700 and the train zoomed into the platform at 7-10. It was very sparsely occupied. Chennai from the top_view is good looking. No garbages, no stink ! For a brief distance near Thiruvallikkeni station, one can see the lovely Matina beach.

Getting down at Beach station, we boarded the train to Ambattur. Takes about 40-42 minutes to reach Ambattur. On the return path, we took the MRTS at Avadi at 5-30PM and changed trains at Beach. MRTS is comfortable but should improve further.

The return fare from Thiruvanmiyur to Ambattur is just 18-00. The bus fare is Rs 25 one way !!

Rajappa
11:40 AM
13-Jan-2012

New Year - 2012

2012-01-03T10:04:00.003+05:30

New Year 2012 dawned on a bright note for us. This is the FIRST "new-year" for us at our own house Kalakshetra Avenue.

Last night, Arvind, Krithika, Aditi, Janani, Ram, Pradyun, Ranjani, Praveen, Sahasra went to Azzuri Bay, a restaurent in Adyar (Gandhinagar). Vijaya and I ate in the house and slept.

We had lunch (on 1st Jan) at TSG's house (2nd floor). Vijaya prepared Senaikkizhangu varuval and we shared.

Thus, our new year 2012 went off.

rajappa
1 Jan 2012

Paa - Revisited.

2011-12-11T18:30:00.000+05:30

PAA - the film starring Amitabh, Vidya Balan, Abhishek, and Arundhati Naag - is a superlative film. Released in Dec 2009, it was a stupendous success film because of the greatest-ever acting by Amitabh, very ably supported by Vidya, Abhishek, and Arundhati.

I had written a blog on this film earlier. This (11 Dec 2011) evening we watched this memorable movie on a HD channel. What a film, what an acting by Amitabh. Words fail me to describe this movie and Amitabh's acting.

Last time when we watched this an year and nine months ago, Aditi was still younger - she didn't know many nuances then; now she has grown up (!) a lot, she enjoyed the acting of AB, her favourite actor. Questioned me non-stop on the dialogues, but she was immersed in the movie.

A great and memorable film. Have you watched it?

Rajappa
6:30PM
11-12-11

Tidbits :: The film garnered almost all the Best Acting Awards that year - for AB, Vidya Balan, Abhishek, and Arundhati Naag. Including the National Award, and the Filmfare Award.
Music is by Ilayaraja.

The Hindu : Life & Style / Metroplus : Back to school

2011-12-02T08:23:00.000+05:30

The Hindu : Life & Style / Metroplus : Back to school

Vaithisvaran Koil - 27 Oct 2011

2011-11-11T20:04:00.001+05:30

We went to Vaithisvaran Koil on 27th Oct 2011. This is our FIFTH visit since 2007.

I, Vijaya, Arun, Ashok, Neeraja, Arvind, Sowmya, Aditi, and Sriram left house at 7 AM in a call taxi for Egmore. Gayathri and Krithika couldn't come.The train (Cholan Express) left at 0820 AM. Ashok had booked our tickets in 3 AC both ways and the travel was a pleasure.

Earlier, Vijaya, Krithika, Neeraja had prepared Idli, Lemon rice, and Thayir Saatham for our trip. We ate these on the way, and reached V-Koil by 2 PM. I had booked three rooms at Balambikai Lodge (500.00 per.)

After refreshing ourselves, we went to the temple and performed archanai to all the five Deities - Vinayakar, Swami, Ambal, Muthukumara swami, Angarakan. Returning to the lodge, we slept after a nice dinner.

Next morning, on 28th, after bath etc, we again went to the Koil and worshipped Lord Vaithyanatha Swami. Lunch at 1000, and then we left for station. The train arrived by 11-30 AM and we reached Egmore by 6 PM. Arun, Ashok, Neeraja, Sowmya, Sriram got down at Tambaram itself and proceeded to Padur by bus.

Krithika came to Egmore in car and we reached home by 7 PM. The trip was quite enjoyable. Sowmya and Aditi in particular enjoyed very well.

Next day (29th Oct) Ashok-Neeraja returned at 7-15 AM from Padur and we two and they started for Bangalore in their car at 11-40 AM.

rajappa
8 PM
11-11-11

Our earlier visits to Vaithisvaran Koil are :

i) On 22 Feb 2007 for Mudi irakkuthal of Sowmya and Aditi, in a van. [Details]
ii) On 17 Mar 2007 with Ashok Neeraja from Kumbakonam. [Details]
iii) On 01 Feb 2009 for Mudi irakkuthal of Sriram, in Arun's car. [Details]
iv) On 25 Dec 2010, all of us, in two cars. [Details]

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS at Vaithisvaran Koil
DURAI GURUKKAL : 04364 - 279220, 94435 64347, 94435 26860
BALAMBIKAI LODGE: 94435 64604 (Mr RAMESH) 04364 - 279050
THAILA LODGE : 99448 86682 (Mr ANAND)

Cholan Exp dep Egmore : 0820 arr VK : 1320
Return dep VK : 1120 arr Egmore 1745

Our Bangalore Visit - November 2011

2011-11-11T17:30:00.002+05:30

We two left Chennai on Saturday, 29 Oct 2011, 1140 AM, for Bangalore. With Ashok, and Neeraja in their Ford Figo car. It was our first travel to Bangalore in car.

It was a bit sunny and bright till we reached Kanchipuram junction (1-30PM); however, once we travelled 1 km ahead, it started pouring - very heavy rain, torrential. Rains continued, no abatement, till we reached Krishnagiri. We reached house at Bangalore by 7 PM. Car travel was most enjoyable.

30 Oct 2011 - Sunday
We went to Meenakshi Mall, one km away from Ashok's house. A huge mall on 4 floors. Ashok purchased lots of things.

01 Nov 2011 - Tuesday.
At 9 AM we left for City station from where we boarded the Shatabdi Express at 1100 for Mysore. Ramani also came with us. Read about our Mysore trip in detail in a seperate post. A marriage function was there in Mysore.

On our way to Mysore in Shatabdi Express

02 Nov 2011 - Wednesday

Attended the marriage at Mysore. Back in Bangalore by Mayiladuthurai Express 6-45 PM.

03 Nov 2011 - Thursday

Evening we went to Reliance Mart. Ashok purchased a lot for his China trip' I purchased a few thimgs for Aditi / Sowmya.

04 Nov 2011 - Friday

Went to Balasubramanian's house (Gayathri's parents) at Tilak Nagar. Lunch there. On our way back, went to Staples and purchased a lot of stationery items for Aditi.

Ashok left at 1030PM for airport and thereon to China via Hongkong.

05 Nov 2011 - Saturday

Ashok reached Shangai in China.

We went to Ulsoor / Indiranagar to Anand's house by G4 bus and auto. Lunch. Evening, went on a joyride by the new METRO rail. Pleasant and nice. Dinner at Anand's house.

Joyride in Bangalore Metro

Anand - Aishwarya are blessed with a girl child on 14 Oct. We went to see this infant. She is pretty and named AKSHARA.

06 Nov 2011 - Sunday
Went to Ramasubramaniam's house for lunch.

08 Nov 2011 - Tuesday.

We left house at 1230 noon after lunch. Neeraja dropped us at the busstop in her car. We took a Volvo AC bus (40.00 per) to Majestic and walked to the City station. Brindavan express left at 2-30PM and we reached Chennai by 8-45PM. Took a AC bus to Thiruvanmiyur where Arvind met us and took us home.

Aditi was so excited to see us and the "gifts" we had bought for her.

rajappa
5-30 PM
11-11-2011

Marriage at Mysore - 2 Nov 2011

2011-11-11T17:00:00.000+05:30

Mr Gokulan of Mysore is a distant cousin of Vijaya and he and his wife Jayanti Gokulan invited us for the marriage of his son Barath Narayanan with Saumya d/o (late) Suryakumar of Pune. The marriage was at Mysore on 2 Nov 2011. Both he and the bride's side are related to Vijaya, so we decided to attend the marriage, though we haven't met Gokul at all.

We went to Bangalore on 29th Oct with Ashok and from there we proceeded to Mysore on 1st Nov by Shatabdi express. Ramani also came with us. We reached the Kalyana mandapam by 1-30 in the afternoon after two hours travel. Indira and Lalitha had already reached from Chennai in the morning.

A large number of relatives were present. Many of them we meet after a decade or two; some of them we met for the first time. The relation of Vijaya with these persons is :::

Vijaya's mother is ANNAPOORANI ==> Annapoorani's father is CHELLAPPA (grandfather of Vijaya).

Chellappa's younger brother was NARAYANA IYER ==> Narayana Iyer had 6 children KUPPAMMA, SUBBARAMA ANNA, SUBRAMANIAM, RAJAMMA, NAGAMMA, SARADA, and PADMANABHAN. Each of them had many children of their own and many of these children married their cousins ! Relationship thus gets more complex because of these marriages.

Gokulan is the son of SUBBARAMA ANNA who had 10 children in all. Gokulan's son Barath Narayanan is the bridegroom.

SuryaKumar is the 7th son of RAJAMMA (sister of Subbarama anna) and the bride Saumya is the daughter of Suryakumar. Confusing?

At Mysore, we met each one of these complex and complicated relations, nearly 120. After dinner in the night, we went to Vichchu Anna's house and slept there. This Vichchu Anna (Viswanathan) is the son of Vijaya's own mama (brother of vijaya's mother).

With Vichu Anna (in white veshti) and his family. On his right is his wife Lakshmi Manni.

With Vichu Anna, Dinamani (yellow T-shirt) and other relatives.

The couple - SAUMYA and BARATH NARAYANAN.

With Mullick cousin of Vijaya. At the back is Krishnan another cousin of Vijaya and his wife.

On 2nd Nov, the marriage went off in a grand manner and after meals we left Mysore by 3-45PM train and returned to Bangalore.

rajappa
5 PM
11-11-11

Raja Annamalaipuram Post Office

2011-10-12T12:48:00.000+05:30

When we shifted to Karpagam Avenue six years ago in August 2005, i opened/transferred a PO account to Raja Annamalaipuram. From then on, for the past six years, myself and Vijaya used to visit this Post Office every month without fail. The post office was very near to our house,just 10-12 minutes walk.

Even when we shifted to Besantnagar and then to Kalakshetra Avenue, we continued visiting the PO every month. I paid my telephone bills every month at this PO.

Though the PO was a not a modern structure, its staff were efficient ( i have written a couple of blog-posts on this) and i got my jobs done very quickly.

Yesterday i pre-closed the account (their interest rate is too low) and today i collected the cheque. Our association with Raja Annamalaipuram PO has thus come to an end after 6 years.We came out of the PO today with a heavy heart. Thank you all the staff at the PO.

rajappa
12:50 noon
12-10-2011

KOLU - 2011

2011-10-07T10:30:00.000+05:30

We celebrate Kolu every year and this year(2011) was no exception. We started the preparations on 28th Sep when the slotted-angles and sheets were taken down from the attic and steps (படி) were erected. The dolls were also taken from the attic, dusted, and generally cleaned. This is the first KOLU in our new, own house at Kalakshetra Avenue.
With this step over, Krithika decorated the place and arranged the dolls. Arvind took care of serial lights. Thus the Kolu started this year. Guests started coming from the next day. Aditi was ecstatic and excited.

3 Oct 2011
Today we hired a driver and we two, Krithika, Aditi went to Ambattur first. We took the Chennai bypass road to reach their house. Then to Lalita-Kumar's house at Avadi. Lunch there. Then to Vadapalani (Jayaraman-Kalyani). On our way back, we went to Mrs Saveetha's house at Adyar. She is a close friend of Krithika. Back home after 8 hours' travel.

5 Oct 2011.
Today is Saraswathi Poojai. We perfrormed it nicely and then we two went to Arun's place at Padur. It took just 35 minutes to reach Padur ! Lunch there. Later, Arvind, Krithika, Aditi, K's amma came there and all of us returned together.

6 Oct 2011 was Vijaya dasami Day. The day auspicious for commencing education / music etc. Last day of this year's kolu. Today also many guests came.

Thus ended this year's Navarathri Kolu in a grand manner. This year we had many guests visiting our house for the Kolu. Saroja-Athimber, Jayaraman, Kalyani, Poornima, Indira, Lakshmi, Lalita, Kumar, Sudha, Chandar's mother, TSG and mami, our neighbours across the door and across the street, Janani and her in-laws Mr and Mrs Prabhakar, Priya, Rajesh were our relatives who came, apart from Gayathri, Sowmya, Sriram.

Rajappa
1030 AM
7-10-2011

Appa's Sraththam - 2011

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

Appa's Sraththam - 2011

Appa's Thithi is Aavani, Sukla, Dwadasi. This year (2011) appa's thithi came on Thursday. 08 September.

This is the second sraththam we perform at Kalakshetra avenue. Vijaya and I purchased all the items like grocery, vegetables, fruits, Vetrilai, pushpam, Vennai, and particularly Vazhai Ilai from around Thiruvanmiyur. This time too got the long variety of pudalangkaai. I purchased Vazhai Ilai from the road-side kadai near Reliance Fresh on 8th morning. Ilais were very expensive this time.

Savithri came from Hosur on the previous evening and she, I and Vijaya cut all the vegetables. On 8th, all the three of us got up by 5-30 in the morning and Vijaya and Savithri started work. Jayaraman, Kalyani, Purnima came by 7-15. Then Saroja, and later Sugavanam.

Padma, Prakash, Rajeswari arrived by 10-30. Our regular sastrigal mama had told he wont be coming for the sraththam, so he deputed another sastrigal, Ramani by name from Mylapore. He came by 10-40 and started the rituals at 11-15. I performed the Sraththam. After 2 hours, the Brahmanals had their lunch by 1-15 and the rituals got over by 1-45. Savithri, Saroja, Kalyani, and ofcourse Vijaya were extremely busy in cooking and allied jobs. All of us ate by 2-45 PM. Rajeswari, Sudha were very helpful in serving and then cleaning work.

Then everyone left by 4 PM. Savithri went with Prakash to Ramesh's house; she will be in Chennai for another 12-15 days.

Thus the Sraththam of Appa went off well. Expenses are rising every time; this time it was Rs. 2381.00. Today, there were 12 adults besides 2 Brahmanals for the meals.

We two, Savithri, Padma, Prakash, Rajeswari, Saroja, Athimber, Sugavanam, Jayaraman, Kalyani, Poornima, Sudha participated.

Arun and family had gone to Madurai for a marriage, Arvind to Bangalore, Krithika could not attend, Aditi to school. Mangalam, as usual, didn't come.

rajappa
09 Sept 2011, 11-30 AM

Incidentally, this is the 25th sraththam of Appa. Appa passed away on 15 Sep 1986.

Sri Vinayakar Chaturthi

2011-09-01T23:00:00.000+05:30

This year's Vinayakar Chathurthi was on 01 September, Thursday. We celebrated the festival at our own house, 3 Kalakshetra Avenue.

On the previous evening, Arvind and Krithika purchased the Poojai items including Pillaiyar idol. On 01st, we started decorating the poojai room. The idol was also decorated and kept ready for the poojai. Arvind and Krithika did all this, while Vijaya took care of Neivethyams and the meals. She prepared two types of Kozhukkattai (Thengai and Ellu), methu vadai, payasam.

I started the poojai at 11-30. Arvind and aditi performed. It was over by 1PM. We had lunch, phoned many relatives re poojai.

Sruti had come the previous evening and left after poojai.

rajappa
11:40AM
02 Sept 2011

TRVG's daughter's Marriage

2011-07-11T09:30:00.001+05:30

TR Venugopal is known to us since 1971 from our Poona days. He is now Senior Accounts officer at DMRL, Hyderabad. He performed the marriage of his daughter JANANI with Natarajan at Nanganallur Chennai on Sunday, 10th July 2011. Vijaya and I attended it.

Venugopal on the right, his wife Saraswathi on the left

We left house at 6-10 AM in Wagon-R and reached the Rama Mandiram Kalyana Mandapam at Nanganallur by 6-50. The Mandapam is just next to the Anjaneyar Koil. There we met my former colleagues at ERDL Cell, DRDL Hyd. Ganesan, Nair, Jagadeesan, Saibaba, Subba Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy, S Venugopala Murthy, Venkataramaiah, Ramakrishnaiah, Kaleeswaran, Mohan Rao, Rangarajan etc; they had come with their wives.

Ganesan and his wife Gomathi with us

NAIR (behind Vijaya) his daughter PREETHI (next to Vijaya)

Preethi's husband (Airforce, Agra) is also seen.

Venkataramaiah, Srinivas Reddy, Ramakrishnaiah, ME, SVG Murthy, his wife

Vijaya, Saibaba's wife, Saibaba

Ramalakshmi, now an Accts officer at DRDL came with her husband and son. I am meeting these people after 10-12 years and they were very happy to see us. Their daughters were former students of Vijaya (eg Preethi d/o Nair and Sabitha d/o Saibaba). We became nostalgic.

Ramalakshmi and her husband with us

The marriage was grandly celebrated (in Telungu style). We two went to the famous Anjaneyar temple and worshipped Lord Anjaneya. After lunch we left by 11 AM and were back home by 11-45.

It was a great day to spend with old friends and colleagues. Photos are uploaded in Picasa web Albums.

rajappa
9:30 AM
11-07-2011

Thiruvanmiyur

2011-07-06T20:00:00.003+05:30

We shifted to Thiruvanmiyur on 29th May 2011. Since then Vijaya and i are "exploring" the area. First, we went to Sri Marundeeswarar Koil which is about 10 minutes walk from our house. Then, i went to the local vegetable market. Nowadays i go to this market every other day morning to purchase vegetables and fruits. This market experience is totally different from what we had at Kilpauk, Raja Annamalaipuram, or Besantnagar. I won't call Thiruvanmiyur experience is the best but it is not bad either.

On 19th June, we walked to see the Pambhan Kumaraguru Swamigal Koil, nearby. Then, yesterday, 5th July, we left house by 4-45PM and walked to Thiruvalluvar Nagar beach (Thiruvanmiyur beach.) It is 50 minutes walk, a long distance even for us ! The beach is quite nice; i had visited it four years ago and now it is totally revamped and good. We walked back to house. Earlier, on 1st July we went to Marina beach. What a difference between the two beaches!

Today we went to Marundeeswarar koil. This deity is also called Vanmeekar, Amirtheswarar, Vedapureeswarar, Paalvannanathar. Sri Thiripura Sundari is the Amman here. Vanmiki (Valmiki) rishi came and prayed here, so this place is named after him. The Tamil poet and saint Agasthiyar also worshipped here.

More explorations to follow.

rajappa
8PM
6 July 2011

We went to Madurai

2011-07-01T10:30:00.028+05:30

MOHAN, cousin of Vijaya, fixed the marriage of his son VINODH with ANUSHA at Madurai; he and his family came to our house to invite us. Earlier he had informed about the event and asked me to book tickets for GNY family. Accordingly, I booked nine tickets by Pandiyan Express of 27th June and return tickets by Pandiyan of 29th.

Mohan - Thilaka

We two left Chennai on 27th night for the marriage. Indira, Lalita-Kumar, Mohan, Akila-Raja-Jyotsna travelled with us. Ramani and Padma manni joined us at Madurai Jn on 28th morning. Janani came on 29th morning.

The Group

[Janani missing]

At Madurai the marriage was at Brahmana Kalyana Mahal, SS Colony; we were put up in Hotel Aarathy, near Koodal Azhagar koil. It was about 5 km away but bride's father provided with a van. Mohan's brothers and sisters attended the function. The marriage was celebrated in a nice manner. Vinodh and Anusha became husband and wife.

Vratham

Jaana Vaasam

Oonjal

ANUSHA - VINODH

We went to Koodal Azhagar koil on 28th and Meenakshi Amman koil on 29th. We had a satisfying dharshan of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar from closeby.

We had a hurried dinner on 29th night and took the Pandiyan (8-45PM) back to Chennai. Ramani and manni left by 11PM train.

We had a nice and enjoyable get-together at Madurai, though the hotel was an irritant.

rajappa
10:30 AM
1-7-2011

Amma's Sraththam - 2011

2011-06-24T11:20:00.005+05:30

Amma's Sraththam - 2011

We three brothers (Sugavanam, Jayaraman, and self) perform the sraththams of our parents every year at Chennai; our elder brother Sundaresan performs at Dapodi, Pune.

Amma's Thithi is Aani, Krishna Paksham, Ashtami.

This year (2011) amma's thithi came on Thursday, 23rd June. This is the first ever sraththam that we are performing at our OWN house (Flat F2, No 3, Kalakshetra Avenue, 2nd Street, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 41). All these years we were doing it in rented houses.

Vijaya and I purchased the grocery items and Vaathiyar saamangal from Marthandam Stores, Lakshmipuram, Thiruvanmiyur. Varatti from a kadai near Marundeeswarar koil. A day before the thithi, we purchased all the vegetables, fruits incl vaazhaipazham from Thiruvanmiyur market. On 23rd morning I purchased Vaazhai Ilai and Pushpam from North Mada Street Thiruvanmiyur. This year too I missed the Mylapore ambience. Except for blouse bits from Amudam Stores, we didn't do any other purchase from South Mada steet, Mylapore.

On 22nd evening, Vijaya and I cut vegetables. and made all prelim works.

On 23rd, the day of Sraththam, we two got up by 4-15 AM and started the work. Jayaraman, Kalyani, Poornima were the first to arrive by 6-45. They were followed by other relatives.

Everyone - Vijaya, Saroja, Kalyani, Rajeswari were extremely busy in cooking and allied jobs.

Sastrigal came by 10-00 and started the rites at 10-20. I performed the Sraththam with participation from Sugavanam and Jayaraman. After 2 hours, the Brahmanals had their lunch by 12-15 noon and the rituals got over by 1PM. Vathiyar dakshinai was 250+250+400 this year, increased from last year's dakshinai.

At 1-15 or so we ate. We two, Aditi, Padma, Prakash, Rajeswari, Saroja, Athimber, Sugavanam, Sudha, Darshini, Jayaraman, Kalyani, Vijay, Poornima ate. Rajeswari helped Vijaya, Kalyani in serving. There were two batches for eating.

We did the sraththam in the Hall and the new house has a large space since dining area is separated from the hall.

After resting for 2 hours, everyone started leaving by 3-30.

Thus the Sraththam of Amma went off well. Expenses 2712.00 We brothers gave blouse bits to our four sisters, Rajeswari, and Sudha.

rajappa
24th June 2011
11:20 AM
This is the 12th sraththam that Vijaya and I are performing in our house(s) in Chennai - we did 9 in Karpagam avenue,3rd street, two in 22nd Cross street at Besantnagar, this one at our own house at Kalakshetra avenue.

Shifting to Own House - Arun

2011-06-10T11:00:00.001+05:30

Arun - Gayathri booked their flat with XA realtors nearly 18 months ago, in late 2009. The plot is at Padur village, in Old Mamallapuram Road (OMR, now Rajiv Gandhi Salai) 22 kms away from Thiruvanmiyur. The registration papers were signed by Arun at Tirupporur on 19 Nov 2009 (read here).

The flat was ready and the Key was handed over to A-G on 5th April 2011. Even though A-G wished to have the Gruha pravesam in Feb/March itself, the builder wasn't ready; finally the GP at the new house was performed on 17 April 2011 (details here).

Once GP was performed A-G started with the woodwork (modular kitchen etc). New electrical fittings like split AC, fans, lamps were bought and fixed in the new house. Date for shifting was fixed as 4th June. As we two had shifted to Thiruvanmiyur a week earlier, we went to A-G's house (10 minutes by walk) by 10AM with lunch. We were ready but the packer didn't turn up. He promised he would come the next morning at 6 itself!

Next morning (that is, Sunday, 5th June) we reached Arun's place by 6-15 AM but the packer turned up by 12.00 noon only. They loaded the cartons etc by 1PM but we had to wait yet again for another hour or more ! Finally, the truck moved out at 2-15PM and A-G bade goodbye to Thiruvanmiyur. They had lived in this house for nearly 5 years. Moved here in April 2006, just before Sowmya was born on 17 May 2006.

We two, A-G went in Arun's car to Padur. Reached the new house by 3-15PM. The packers unloaded by 4-30 and left. Arun, Gayathri, and Vijaya started arranging / organising things. Arvind and Aditi came there by 7PM and we left with them by 8-30PM.

Sowmya and Sriram had gone to Bangalore and so they have not come to the new own house after shifting. Arun's house looks beautiful after the new woodwork and electrical fixtures are in place. Two BHK with two bathrooms, the house looks compact and would be sufficient for A-G-S-S, I guess.

For the next 7 days, Arun-Gayathri were busy in arranging. We haven't gone there since 5th June.

Thus, all my three sons have their own houses by God's grace. God bless them all.

rajappa
11:00 AM
10-6-2011

Shifting to Own House - Arvind

2011-06-09T11:00:00.018+05:30

We shifted from A1/14/1, "SAIRAM", 22nd Cross Street, Besantnagar, Chennai 600090 on the evening of Sunday, 29 May 2011 to our own house at Kalakshetra Avenue, Thiruvanmiyur.

This is the fifth house we have lived in Chennai since our coming to Chennai in Dec 2001. First was the Mandapam road house in New Avadi road (Dec,Jan), Kilpauk, then was the Aspiran Garden house (Feb 2002 to 30 Aug 2005) at Kilpauk, third was the Karpagam Avenue house (30-August-2005 to 28 Nov 2009), the 4th was the Besantnagar house (28-Nov-2009 to 29 May 2011)

This is a newly constructed house owned by Krithika and Arvind. The structure that was there earlier was brought down and this construction started. The bhoomi-poojai was performed on 21 Jan 2010. The ground level will be the parking place and above this will be 2 floors; the southern side will be for the erstwhile owner of the site; on the northern side, Arvind will have the 1st floor and Mr. Ganapathysubramanian (Krithika's father) will have the 2nd.

The construction was a bit slow and the building was handed over only by March 2011. Arvind Krithika performed the Gruha pravesam on 6 March 2011 with further woodwork etc resuming after the GP. Finally we shifted on 29 May 2011 !

Arvind-Krithika's new house looks beautiful and grand after the woodwork has been completed and the electrical fixtures fitted. On the 1st floor, there is the kitchen plus dining area, a servicing place, a poojai room, a hall with a balcony, two rooms with baths attached. A staircase in the hall leads to another room in the 2nd floor - this is the "music-cum-office" room for Krithika and Arvind. Arvind has purchased and fitted split ACs in all the three rooms. Lot of thought has gone behind the design and plan of the wood-work etc and Krithika and Arvind should be praised for their hard work these 10 months.

We disposed off many old furniture, vessels, and other items at Besantnagar itself. The window AC was purchased by Saroja and the split AC was fitted in the new house. The old washing machine, gas stove, pedestal fan, the small steel cupboard, the wooden box (that stood with us for over 25 years), the computer table were all disposed off. We carried our steel cupboard, and Krithika's cupboard was taken by her mother.

The packers came at 6-30 AM on 29th May and the first load was transported by 7-30 AM. Took four trips to transport everything. In between, we had lunch (ordered from a caterer, Sarada mami) at TSG's house. We two entered our new, own house at 5 PM.

Settling in the new house took more than a week since minor wood-work and painting touch-up tasks were going on after 29 May. We had breakfast, lunch, dinner ordered from the caterer for the first 3 days. Krithika started cooking from Wednesday 1st June.

We got the new milk card transferred from Adyar zone to Palavakkam zone on 7 June; our new milk booth at Thiruvanmiyur will be 120. Near sudha's house.

God is great and He has blessed us all with the new house. We pray to Him for the blessings.

rajappa
11:00 AM
9 June 2011

500 Posts

2011-05-08T10:00:00.007+05:30

I started writing blog-posts on 14th July 2004. I have four blogs now - My Musings, En Ennangal (Tamil), My Grand-daughters, Sampoornam Vilas (recipes and cookery).

Yesterday - 07 May 2011 - i wrote and posted my 500th post !

Year-wise, in 2004 i wrote 14 posts.2005= 7 posts
2006= 27
2007= 71
2008= 86
2009= 129
2010= 124
2011 (07 May) = 18

I wrote the maximum about
Mylapore in 25 posts
Vishakha Hari in 24 posts
Velukkudi Krishnan in 22 posts.
rajappa
08 May 2011
1000 AM

Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram

2011-05-03T11:15:00.051+05:30

ANNA CENTENARY LIBARARY (அண்ணா நூற்றாண்டு நூலகம்) is a newly established State Library of Tamilnadu. It was declared open on 15th Sept 2010. Located in Kotturpuram, Chennai.

This last Sunday, 1st May 2011, we hit upon the idea - we will go and see this library. No serious reason, but a sudden whiff of fancy. Vijaya, her old classmate and friend Mrs Prema, and I left house at 3-30PM. A bus upto Madhya Kailash, and an auto thereon, left us at the gates of this huge, beautiful building at 4 PM.

From the outside, it was immensely impressive and imposing - maybe of 9 or 10 floors, exquisitely constructed. As we walked the lawns to reach the Main Entrance, the interest in us was bubbling. (Caution: Handbags, Cameras are strictly prohibited. Even waterbottles are not allowed inside the halls.) There is a 5-feet bronze statue of Mr CN Annadurai, in whose name and honour this library is built.

This is the Tamilnadu Chief minister Mr M Karunanidhi's pet project and he, as usual, has overseen to the minutest detail of the construction. I salute Mr Karunanidhi for such an excellent library in Chennai. It was built at a cost of INR 1720 millions (172 crores), each paisa worth spent. This is the largest library in the whole of South Asia.

There are 9 floors in all. Fully airconditioned. Each floor has two wings, both wings storing books. The ground floor has the Braille Section with over 25000 titles and talking books section. And a VVIP conference Hall. There is a section here called "Own Use" where you can take your own books, textbooks, novels, reading materials, Laptop etc and, in the cool, silent environment, carry on your work !

Take your own reading material and work here ...

There are four large lifts to travel up and down. Each floor has two spacious Rest Rooms, ஒப்பனை in Tamil (toilets).We took the lift and reached the first floor - it has magazines, newspapers etc. Beautiful and sparkling tiles imported from the US all over the 3.75 lakhs of sq feet area! We browsed through the magazines - i read the latest Scientific American and also Thuglak. There are any number of soft cushioned leather sofas to sit and read with ample lighting.

Yes, the sofas, the brilliant light-design, the soft carpets, the cool atmosphere - the ambience is excellent for a reader.

In the other wing of I floor, a dedicated "Kids' Section" is located. More than 15000 titles of children books are there - with small-size chairs and sofas for the children to sit and read. Computer games, audio-video CDs are also there for the children to play and enjoy. Even the Rest Room here is designed for kids. Adults are not generally allowed inside this section except for one parent.

A program for and by children

An artificial Tree under which the children can sit and read

Second floor has Tamil books, both Sangam literature and Sujatha - Kalki novels, in two wings. There are more than 1,00,000 books here. All three of us picked up a short story சிறுகதை each - i took Sujatha's Apsara - and read it completely. It is a heavenly bliss if you are a book-lover. There is a state-of-the-art Seminar Hall in II floor.

Third floor has English books in two wings. Mostly non-fiction, all subjects particularly Economics, Political, Law, Education, Current Affairs. In the other wing, it is all about Computer books.

Fourth floor has subject books, in English. Now being organised. Not completed.

Fifth floor has books of Medicine, Mathematics, Life sciences etc. Being organised, not completed.

Sixth floor has books under various subjects. Not completed.

There is a huge, state-of-the-art auditorium, an amphitheatre, conference hall in this Library. A food-court and a coffee lounge are coming up.

It was a most pleasant and hugely satisfying experience for all of us that day. If you are in Chennai or if you visit Chennai, do make a visit to this fabulous நூலகம்

Aditi joined us in the library later. We left at 7-15 PM.

A great library with the most modern facilities - wow, were we in Chennai?

rajappa

11:15AM

Tues, 03-05-2011

Info:

# Library open from 0900 AM to 8 PM all the seven days.

# Library phone number 044 - 6551 5031

PS Higher Secondary School, Mylapore

2011-04-12T11:10:00.002+05:30

Subramania Iyer was born in Pennathur, Chitoor in 1860. His father P Veeraghava Iyer was the Dy Collector in Tirunelveli when he suddenly passed away. Unable to continue his B.A studies, Subramania Iyer joined Govt service to look after the family. But he met another Subramanya Iyer who was a legal luminary those days in Mylapore. This lawyer took care of the young Subramaniam and asked him to study law.

He became a Solicitor and in due course of time became very rich. He owned a palatial bungalow in Eldams Road which was occupied by Sir Norton, Saheb Usman, Sir CP Ramaswami Iyer among others. He owned some landed properties also.

On his death, he bequeathed his entire properties to found PS Charities, Mylapore. PS Higher Secondary School was also founded at RK Math road, Mylapore, just opposite Ramakrishna Math. PS Charities has four other schools also in Mylapore.

rajappa
11:10 AM
12-04-2011

Grand old lady of Mylapore

2011-04-12T10:00:00.005+05:30

Last time I wrote about Sister Subbalakshmi Ammal and her great achievements in girls' education. Today i will write about another noble soul who contributed a lot to girls' education.

There was an elementary school for girls in a rented building in Mylapore, Chennai, started in 1869. Called Vizianagaram Maharaja Hindu Girls School. Later it was taken over by a committee in 1904, moved to a new premises in 1910, and still later taken over by Annie Besant in 1918. Annie Besant re-named the school as National Girls School. In 1924 it became a high school.

After Besant left the school, it started decaying. That time there lived one Mr PS Sivasami Iyer - Pazhamaneri Sundaram Sivasami Iyer (07 Feb 1864 - 05 Nov 1946). Born in 1864 to Mr Sundaram Iyer in the village Pazhamaneri, Sri Sivasami Iyer had education in Presidency College and then Law College, Chennai. Later he became the Advocate General of Madras Presidency. He was also the vice-chancellor of Madras Univ (1916-18) and Benares Hindu Univ (1918-1920).

He was a keen educator and he took over a boys' school at Tirukkattupalli village near Pazhamaneri, and named it as Sivasami High School in 1910s. With liberal donations from him, the school grew from a lower school to High School.

Sir Sivasami Iyer took over the National Girls High School in 1930. To fund the school, he sold off his palatial bungalow in Edward Elliots Road, now Radhakrishnan Salai, in Mylapore, to Anantharama Krishnan of Amalgamations Group and donated the entire amount to the School ! He lived in a small rented house thereafter till his end ! (What a noble soul !!). The school grew and was re-named PS Sivasami Iyer Girls High School first and then to the present name "Lady Sivasami Iyer Girls High School." He passed away in 1946.

This historic school completed 142 years yesterday (Monday,10 April 2011).

Another noble son of Mylapore, another great school of Mylapore.

Rajappa
10:00 AM
12-04-2011

Note #1 The school is located in East Mada Street, near Chitrakulam.
Note #2 Sudha and Subha had their education in this school, Mylapore

Subbalakshmi Ammal

2011-04-11T20:30:00.002+05:30

Remembering the first Hindu woman, a widow, who 100 years ago this year received the BA degree at the Univ of Madras.

A long blog for sure but worth the time - Read on patiently.

In order to appreciate the extraordinary achievements of this extraordinary woman, first you have to visualise the background of conservative and orthodox customs of the Brahmins in Madras in those days. Widows, often child-widows, led the most pitiable lives in houses where they were treated as unpaid servants and outcasts. Their heads were shorn of hair and they wore always the white saris (9 yards)even though they were children. Forbidden to attend all festivals and forced to subsist on one plain meal a day.

It was in this milieu that a girl was born in 1886 to RV Subramania Iyer, a professor in Teachers' College, Saidapettai, Chennai. The girl's mother, Visalakshi and her child-widowed Chiiti were learned and instilled in the child all that was the best in Indian culture.

The child named Subbalakshmi was married when she was just nine. And widowed within 2 years, when she was 11 !! Her parents and chitti hid their own grief and protected the child. They decided to educate her first at the home and later in school. They didn't care or bother about the cruel opposition of relatives.

For the child's sake they moved to a house opposite the only girls' school in Madras those days. It was in Egmore. Father had to travel to Saidapet and it was immensely difficult - those days. He was prepared to all sacrifices for his childsake.

Soon Subbalakshmi passed Matric with honours in every subject. then she joined Presentation Convent in Black Town (now George Town) to pass her F.A. (called later as Intermediate). She won two gold medals. Next she joined Presidency College (on the Marina) for higher studies. Here she had to bear the teasing and tormenting male students.

She passed B.A. in 1911 with First Class, outshining all the male students. She had made history as her name appeared in all newspapers as the first Hindu woman, and a widow at that, to pass the B.A. exam. Imagine, not in 2011 but a hundred years ago, in 1911 !!

The remarkable saga of Subbalakshmi continued - though many states offered her high salaries, she was determined to teach in her old school at Egmore. By now, she was affectionately called by her students and all as SISTER. She studied for and passed the L.T. exam also.

From her days in the Presentation Convent, Sister's ambition had been to save other child-widows from cruel fate. Even before she qualified, she took a child-widow into her household and started teaching her. Soon three more child-widows were persuaded by her parents to join their household. At that time there was a new British Inspectress of Girls' Schools, Miss Lynch. She happened to meet Sister and her parents. Miss Lynch was so kind and helpful. With her help Sister was able to open a Widows' Home in Egmore with six child-widows under Sister's care.

Her Chitty who cooked and cared for them was to be a tower of strength to Sister during her next 20 years of selfless sacrifice. What a noble woman, that Chiity was! Extremely remarkable.

Miss Lynch then coaxed the Madras Govt to take over the Widows' Home and to open a new School for Girls at Triplicane. Sister was made the Headmistress of the training section. Where to house the widows? As luck would have it, the Ice House was offered for sale and Miss Lynch got the Govt's sanction to purchase this. Sister, Chitty and thirty widows settled there. The girls were true students of Sister.

Soon the strength grew to more than 100 widows. Most of them passed their SSLC and trained as teachers and nurses. Many passed higher education and became lectureres, headmistresses and inspectresses of Schools. A few became doctors and auditors.

In every corner of South India you could meet Sister's old students, in turn, spreading her gospel and helping their unfortunate sisters to become educated and self-supporting.

Madras Presidency gave Sister the highest award of kaiser-i-Hind gold Medal in 1921. After the World War I, the Govt restricted the number of widows joining the Ice House. But more and more were waiting. So, Sister started the Sarada Home and Sarada Vidyalaya in 1912. This Home grew too big for the Ladies' Union to manage.

Sister approached Ramakrishna Mission, Mylapore who gladly agreed to her suggestion, on the understanding that she would continue to supervise as Secretary for the rest of her life. Sister started Sarada Ladies Club and Reading Room in Mylapore and Kala Nilayam for older girls and married women to study for SSLC privately. She also opened schools for fisherfolk in Madras and Cuddalore !!

She took a leading part in the activities of Annie Besant and Mrs Cousins. She became a MLC in Rajaji's time. She was awarded Padma Shri.

But, people felt Sister deserved greater recognition. Regardless of awards and recognitions, Sister continued her service to the poor and helpless women to the day of her death on December 20, 1969.

*** adapted from an article in Madras Musings dated Apr 1-15, 2011. When I read this, tears welled in my eyes and were rolling down. What a selfless, noble human being ! Sister, her parents, and her Chitty are all indeed divine. Please spare a thought for such noble souls.

Rajappa
8:30 PM
11-04-2011

Egmore Railway Station

2011-04-11T18:55:00.001+05:30

எழும்பூர்
(adapted from an article in today's Deccan Chronicle)

Egmore Station came into being in 1908 as just an unimportant, wayside station. The station subsequently witnessed addition of more services. Southern Railways was formed in 1951 and then on the station grew in importance.

During late fifties and through the 60s, one could witness cars and taxis going on to the platforms of Egmore Station, stop 3 or 4 feet away from the compartment - for the passengers to get into or alight from the train and get into the car !!

Major renovation works were done in 1930s and then 1980s. First electrified line was in 1931. It was upto Tambaram only but later extended to Villupuram.

One important train from Egmore was the Boat Mail to Dhanushkodi. The service was a link from Madras to Colombo those days. Passengers alighted at Dhanushkodi, took a ferry service to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. This popular train was discontinued when Dhanushkodi was destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.

The gauge conversion from Villupuram to Tiruchi via the Main line was completed in stages. Now trains regularly run in the converted track via Cuddalore, Chidambaram ...

I and three others hope to travel this gauge-converted route shortly - more on this later.

Rajappa
6:55 PM
11-04-2011

Veda Patashala at Tiruppapuliyur

2011-03-13T10:10:00.003+05:30

It was on 16th Feb 2011 that I received a mail from Vasu, in response to mine the previous day - re a retired teacher contributing all her retirement funds and her house for bringing up a VEDA PATASHALA at her place.

Mrs SARASWATHY AMMAL, the teacher, donated her house with its surrounding land for this noble endeavour. She was the head-mistress at Tirupappuliyur (Cuddalore) school, living in 13 / 6, Babu Rao Street in which street our appa-amma and us lived for nearly 40 years. This was a wonderful news and i wrote back the same evening, "why dont we contribute for this cause?"

Accepting my proposal, many members sent in their contributions, and we collected Rs. 7501.00 in all. On 09 March 2011, i sent this cheque to Sri SWAMINATHAR CHARITABLE TRUST, 13/6 Babu Rao Street, Tirupappuliyur, Cuddalore - 607002. Tel No 04142 - 223 0662.

It was the most satisfying moment of our lives.

rajappa
13 March 2011

Note : You may send in your contribution to the above address, favouring your cheque to "Sri Swaminathar Charitable Trust".

for more info on this Veda Patashala :: http://swaminthar.org

Should the wedding guest list be pruned?

2011-02-26T11:23:00.004+05:30

This post is prompted by a recent news that Indian Govt in considering limiting wedding guest list - to save food.

My memories flew back to 1960s when the then PM (Morarji Desai ?) brought a Govt order called Guest Control Act to limit the number of guests to a marriage. Admiitedly those days were "famine-like" and we had to save food in whichever way we could think of. In fact, during 1965-70 the entire nation lived on PORT-to-MOUTH existence - when our total requirement of wheat was shipped from USA under PL480.

Those were the days when all the eateries, big and small, used to close down their shutters from 2 PM on Mondays to next morning, under GOI's orders. No food will be available after 2. And, on Wednesdays, no rice will be served for the day - just wheat.

2011 is not 1960, we have come a long way. Food is not scarce but then over 100 million Indians go to sleep everyday hungry and malnourishment is rife. Cutting back on profligate banquets would save the nation 15% of its total foodgrains and vegetables. This waste is intolerable. All of us are guilty.

Even for a small function we prepare a score of items or more. From payasam, thayir pachchadi, sweet pachchadi, to two curries, one koottu, one aviyal, Puliyodharai, appalam, vadai, chips, to Paruppu, Sambar, morekuzhambu, rasam, thayir, moremilakai, urugai. If the occasion is a wedding, the menu would be still enhanced with chaats, soups, salads, pooris, rotis, subzis, pulaos, raithas,ice creams, fruit salads ... the list goes on.

I feel it is a colossal waste of our food. The leftovers are not even given to poor people or animals like in the past - these are just thrown away along with the paper-rolls !

I further feel that the time has come to enact a law or Order to limit not just the number of Guests, but the number of items served as well. One-dish feast shall be made mandatory in all the functions.

rajappa
11:25 AM
26 Feb 2011

Our Bangalore Visit - February 2011

2011-02-23T18:45:00.009+05:30

Our previous visit to Bangalore was during mid-Dec 2010. Now, Neeraja - Ashok decided to perform Satyanarayana poojai on 18 Feb 2011; they requested our presence. So we came to Bangalore on 17 Feb 2011, by Brindavan Express. In the morning at 0530 AM at Chennai, Arvind dropped us at Adyar depot where we boarded A1 bus to Central Station.

Originally our tickets were wait-listed but "confirmed" later. Unfortunately, our seats were in different coaches - mine was in C2 whereas Vijaya's was in C3. However, we could get the seats exchanged with another, and Vijaya came to C2 coach.

On reaching SBC, we decided to take a bus from Kempegowda Bus Station (KBS), previously known as Majestic. We walked the short distance and boarded a Vajra AC bus (route 365) for Meenakshi koil. Fare = Rs 35 per.

Kempegowda Bus Station, Bangalore

This is the first time we are going to KBS and travelling by a bus. KBS is a huge bus-station but decently organised.

Next day, (18th Feb) was the Satyanarayana poojai. Read here for detailed description. The poojai started by 5-45 PM was over by 8-30 PM.

We didn't go out anywhere on 19th, were reading books. On 20th (Sunday) we went to Innovation Gopalan Mall, opp Shoppers' Stop, Bannerghatta Road. It is a new mall, opened recently; many shops are to open still. A huge mall. By the way, another mall, Meenakshi mall, is fast coming up opp Meenakshi koil.

Innovation Gopalan Mall, Bannerghatta Road

We left house at 0630 AM on Tuesday, 22nd Feb, for City railway station. This time too we took a bus from Meenakshi temple to KBS. Walked to the station, boarded the train. Our tickets, wait-listed earlier, had been confirmed and we were allotted seats in C2 (CC) coach. Neeraja had prepared, and packed puliyodharai for our lunch.

Reached Perambur by 2-35PM, got down there, took a bus 29C to our house. Thus we travelled just by bus everywhere during this trip ..

rajappa
6:45 PM
23 Feb 2011

Healthy Diet

2011-01-25T17:40:00.012+05:30

Beat diseases with a better diet.
(adapted from today's - 25th Jan 2011 - TOI newspaper)

Diet to keep cardiac diseases at bay ::
A diet low in fatty and sugary foods and rich in vegetables and fruits which are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and disease-fighting antioxidants.
Unsaturated OILS help maintain blood cholestrol if consumed in recommended quantities.
Eat 4 or 5 teaspoonful of COOKING OILS per day, that too a variety of refined oils.
Use groundnut or Til or sunflower oil. Alternate these oils daily.
Eat Poondu and vengayam.

Fibre-Rich foods ::
Eat whole cereals - like whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, wheat bran, ragi, rajmah, etc
Eat leafy vegetables like keerai, cabbage.
Eat whole fruits.

Good quality Proteins ::
Egg
Dairy Protein like skimmed milk and milk products like curds and paneer.
Eat nuts like almonds (badam) and walnut which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Very beneficial to the heart. Limit to recommended quantities.
AVOID aerated drinks, squashes, fruit juices, canned, tinned, processed and preserved foods like sauces, tinned fruits, processed cheese.

Diet to Get rid of Hypertension
Eat more Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C, Fibre, complex carbohydrates.

CALCIUM:
Consume skimmed (toned) milk and milk products. Very rich in Calcium and Vitamin D
Eat nuts, and green leafy vegetables (keerai and cabbage)
Whole cereals like rajmah, koththu kadalai are also rich in calcium.
Spices like perungaayam, omam, khas khas, milagu, koththamalli vithai (seeds), jeerakam, girambu, kadugu are rich in calcium.

MAGNESIUM-RICH foods
Pulses (paruppukal), legumes (beans, avarai, mochchai, koththavarangai etc), and dark green leafy vegetables (mulai keerai etc) are excellent.
Badam, walnuts, kothamalli seeds (Dhania whole), inji, manjal podi, jeerakam, Plums, Mango fruit, figs.
Whole grains.

POTASSIUM-RICH ::
If you are restricting Sodium (Uppu) intake, then that has to be compensated with more of Potassium.
Pulses, Legumes (beans, avarai etc), cereals like Ragi, bajra;
Whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread.
Spices like kothamalli seeds, jeerakam, and venthayam are excellent Potassium sources.
Urulai kizhangu, Sakkarai valli kizhangu, Senai kizhangu, thakkali, paagarkai, kaththarikai, murungaikkai, keerai vagaikal like mulai keerai, paalak, fresh koththamalli are very rich in potassium.
Fruits like water lime, apricots, Nellikkai (amla), Lemon, Mango, Musk Melon (mulam pazham), Peaches, Plums.
Coconut water and all vegetable soups.

VITAMIN - C
It helps in expand blood vessels and constricted arteries, thus lowering blood pressure.
Fruits like strawberries, Lemon, Orange, Koyya pazham, nellikkai.
Keerai like Mullangi keerai, Venthaya Keerai, kothamalli.
Vegetables like Cabbage, Capsicum, Pacchai Milakai (mirchi), Cauliflower, Paagarkai.

FIBRE-RICH
Wheat bran, fruits, all vegetables, Vazhai Thandu.
Poondu is rich in Omega-3 and lowers BP.

AVOID List ::
Avoid foods like - Pickles, Salted Chutneys, biscuits, all sauces including Soy sauce, cheese, salted butter, margarine, baking powder, bicarb of soda, ajinomoto, breads (except whole wheat flour or whole wheat or wheat bran or broken wheat), cakes, pastries, Corn flakes, Salted Chips, popcorn, preserved and/or processed food, beverages like Coca Cola, Pepsi.

rajappa
5-40PM
25 Jan 2011

Chennai Sangamam - 2011

2011-01-13T22:20:00.002+05:30

Chennai Sangamam, dubbed as the greatest "open-air" cultural festival in India (திருவிழா, நம்ம தெருவிழா) started yesterday with the usual fanfare. The actual cultural programs started this (13th) evening, at eleven places around Chennai. Besantnagar beach is one of them, and we went there by 6-15PM to watch.

The usual karagaattam, Kaavadi, folk dances, etc Gramiya kalai nigazchikal were there. The troupes and performers were brought from distant Nagerkoil, Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Dindukkal, Pattukkottai ... For the adyar/besantnagar/thiruvanmiyur kids who have not stepped out of the City, this would have come as a "thriller." Yes, there was a decent crowd.

However, it turned slowly into the regular rut of "cinema paattu". Also by this time (8PM) the food stalls were ready with their aromatic food, and the crowd moved towards them. We left by 8-30PM. The organisers are to be applauded and their efforts appreciated. A good timepass for 2 hours, if you like your Tamil. I would say, "Well done, Kanimozhi !"

Anyway, I have my own thoughts -- is the Sangamam (now in its fifth year) already losing the flavour of Tamil Gramiya Culture? No takers for pure TGC ? For, a simple glance at the Program sheet tells me that, at all the 11 centres, the prime time (6.30 to 8PM) programs are by Carnatic music singers like Nithyasree Mahadevan, TM Krishna, Santhana gopalan etc. Whatever happened to MK's vow that only Gramiya Kalaigal will be encouraged in these Sangamams ?

Whatever that be, I like the Sangamam because it encourages little known village artistes of the Tamil folklore - Kaavadi, Karagaattam, Mayil vesham, Puli vesham, Therukkooththu etc. I understand that 8000 of these artistes are being paid Rs 1000/- per month by Tamilnadu Govt, a laudable thing.

The closing ceremony is on 17th at Besantnagar beach.

Well done Kanimozhi ..

rajappa
10:20PM
13 Jan 2011

New Year 2011

2011-01-02T09:57:00.001+05:30

New Year 2011 dawned on a bright note for us. This is the second "new-year-celeb" for us at Besantnagar.

Savithri was with us on Dec 31st. There was a two-hour kutchery by Krithika at Swami's hall, RK Mutt Road, on 31st. All of us (Savithri) attended it. Ramamurthy athimber also came for the concert.

Later in the night, we (except Savithri) went for a dinner outside. Eden was crowded, so we chose Ming's Masala, a Chinese restaurent. This is also nearby our house. We had Naan, stuffed kulcha, Aloo dum.

We didn't go to the beach, like we did last year. We slept off at 11 PM.

On 1st morning, we two and Savithri went to Varasiddhi Vallabh Vinayakar koil and worshipped the God. Then Savithri boarded 29C for Annanagar. Janani, Pradyun, Ram came to our house in the afternoon. We ordered food from Eden and Arvind and Ram brought the food here - all of us ate by 9 PM.

Arvind, Krithika, Aditi, Janani & family left for airport to see Ranjani and co who are on their way from CBE to USA.

I made a number of calls to Hyderabad/Chennai and wished my former colleagues. Strangely, no one from GRS family called us to wish happy new year !! A pity.

Thus, our new year 2011 went off.

rajappa
2 Jan 2010
10:00 AM

Our Bangalore visit - Nov 2010

2010-12-15T12:30:00.043+05:30

Earlier this year, we went to bangalore during 25 March -31 March 2010, for the Satyanarayana Poojai that Ashok-Neeraja performed on 29th March.

Now, we left Chennai on 19 Nov by the 1-35PM train for Bangalore. Ashok received us at Cantonment station at 8 PM. Karthikai Deepam was celebrated on 21 Nov, with appam, and two different Poris.

HOSUR :: On 23rd (Tue) morning at 7-30 AM we went to Hosur to attend the Poojai performed by Savithri ( full details here). We were in Hosur for 2 days and returned to Bangalore on 25th by 1130 AM.

GET-TOGETHER :: There was a get-together on Saturday the 27th at Ashok's house. Lalita, Kumar, Janani, Pradyun, Ranjani, her child Sahasra, Anand, Aishwarya, child Aditya came. Ashok brought Bise bele bath, Vangi bath, Carrot halwa, beans curry from Namma Ura and Neeraja prepared white rice, Rasam, aloo curry. It was a great occasion.

SRIVIDYA'S HOUSE :: KVS athimber's sraththa thithi was on 28th Nov (Sun) and we two went by bus to Srividya's house. Padma akka was there. Srividya prepared a grand (விருந்து) feast for us - with payasam, vadai, appalam, morekkuzhambu, two curries etc etc. Thean they offered us வேஷ்டி, ஷர்ட், புடைவை. We returned to ashok's house by 6 PM. First time we ventured out alone, in bus, in Bangalore. Fare from Silk board to Srividya's house ( the bus stop is at least 1.5 km from her house) was Rs.45/- per, by Volvo AC bus.

MALLS :: Bangalore is very famous for its malls and hypermarkets - we went to Reliance Mart at Bannerghatta road (1 Dec) and purchased a few items for Sowmya-aditi there. Then we went to Bangalore Central (3 Dec), a huge mall at Jayanagar 9th block, and just browsed through - no purchases. The same day we went to Big Bazaar, just across the road to Bangalore Central, and here we purchased jeans for Sriram and an iron. Staples is another huge hypermarket on the Bannerghatta road near Jayadeva flyover and we went there on 4th Dec. Purchased the new-year 2011 diary for me. From Staples to Croma shop on Jayanagar 9th block - it is a large store for electronic items. We couldn't get there what we wanted. Later we went to Spar (10 Dec), another huge mall loaded with food items from all over the world. (read my earlier blog here). Purchased lots of dresses for Sow-aditi-sriram. You must visit Spar, to behold the wonder.

Nichchaya thaartham :: The நிச்சயதார்த்தம் of Prasanna (Neeraja's brother) was held on Sunday, 12 Dec. A grand function with over 110 persons attending it.

Temples :: We went to Sri Anjaneya swami temple at Ragi gudda (30 Nov) - a wonderful koil one must visit (my blog here). On 8th Dec, we went to Sri Meenakshi amman koil.

Eats :: Bangalore is also famous for is eateries, small and big. Already i have told about the get-together on 27th Nov, food for which was brought from Namma Ura. Earlier, we went to the bajji shop at Jayanagar 9th block (20 Nov) and had piping hot mirchi bajjis, capsicum bajjis etc.Then we went to SLV (30 Nov) a small eatery at JP Nagar and had bondas and vadais. We two went to Rajvardhan (3 Dec), the authentic Maharashtrian eatery on Jayanagar 9th block and had batata vada and sabudana vada. The same night we four had our dinner at Maakhan Bhog, the North Indian restaurent - we had pastas, pulaos, fried rice, etc. Next day on 4th we went again to Rajvardhan and had batata vada etc. When we went to Spar Mall (10 Dec), we had cutlets there. Apart from these, we had Schezwan lunch on 5th Dec at Ashok's place. What a variety !!

We returned to Chennai by 9-30 PM on 14th Dec. A very nice visit.

rajappa
15 Dec 2010
12:30 noon

Our Visit to Hosur (Nov 2010)

2010-11-25T13:30:00.021+05:30

Last time we went to Hosur was on 14 Feb 2010 (read here), that was the occasion of Naarayaniiyam.

Now we went there on Tuesday, 23 Nov 2010. We left Ashok's house at Bangalore by 07-30 and reached Savithri's house by 08-40.

Savithri was performing a poojai in general. Added to it, that day (23 Nov) was the birthday of Puttabarthi Sri SaiBaba. She had made an elaborate arrangement with floral decoration etc. She had purchased a large quantity of fresh flowers and lots of Thulasi(for Rs 850 and above).

About 30-35 persons were expected and Savithri had prepared 108 milagu vadais (anjaneyar vadais) and 93 laddus two days before. Today she got up early and prepared Sakkarai Pongal and Sundal for the devotees.

Poojai started by 10-15 and ended at 12-45. Vishnu sahasranamam paaraayanam, Gita 12th chapter, Hanuman Chalisa, Sri Rama bhajan, Baba bhajan, Govindan Bhajani were all chanted. It was great.

The devotees, about 35, were given milk, and the Prasadams. Also veththalai pakku, pazham, coconut. After they left, we ate lunch at 2 PM. There were 7 including us for the lunch. Some more guests came in the evening.

It was a memorable occasion.

rajappa
1-30PM
25 Nov 2010

We Went to Tiruchy

2010-11-14T12:05:00.003+05:30

We two went to Tiruchy on 10th November 2010. Vijaya's chiththappa's grandson DEEPAK (s/o GV Kumar) got married to Aarthee there.We took Pallavan Exp on 10th afternoon to go to Tiruchy where we stayed at a hotel nearby Railway station.

Next morning (11th Nov), we went to Srirangam koil by 7-30AM. Srirangam koil is a very large koil with many Sannadhis. We worshipped at all sannadhies incl Thaayaar Sannadhi. At Srirangam, we went to Gayathri's mama's (Sundaresan) house also.

From there we went to Thiruvanaikoil and worshipped Sri Jambukeshwarar - Akhilandeswari Amman. One of the Panchabootha Stalams, this also is a very large and ancient koil. It represents water (Neer) and even today, water oozes out near the Lingam.Then back to hotel.

Akilandeswari Amman

Thiruvanaikoil

Meanwhile, the bridegroom's party had arrived in the marriage hall and we went there. Vratham, lunch, evening Nichchayathaartham.

Next day (12th Nov, Friday) was the muhurtham. Deepak got married to Aarthee at 0755 AM. Then, at 0915, we two, Indira and Akila went to Thanjavur (55 km from Tiruchy) to see the BIG temple that has completed 1000 glorious years. The koil is extremely large, with a huge lingam (Shri Brahadeeswarar) and a huge Nandi. A grand and amazing koil to watch.

Next day (13th Nov) we left Tiruchy by 6-30 AM train. Ganesan and Subhadra Manni also travelled with us. We reached Egmore by 12 noon and thus ended our enjoyable trip to Tiruchy.

We two, Indira, Akila, Ganesan, Manni, Lalitha, Kumar represented GNY family. There were many relatives from Vijaya's father-side.

rajappa

14-11-2010

11:45 AM

Later additions : On 14th Nov we attended the Reception at Mylapore, Chennai. Arun-Sriram and Arvind-Aditi also came.

Addition # 2: On 12th Nov when we were proceeding to Thanjavur, we were informed that Aarthee's (the bride) Mami, Usha, is the daughter of Lalitha who is Seenu Anna's daughter. In other words, Usha is the Peththi of Seenu Anna ! We met her and had a lively discussion. Nice to have such "unforeseen" relations.

Abu Ben Adam

2010-11-04T10:30:00.006+05:30

ABOU ben ADAM

Abou ben Adam (may his tribe increase!)
awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

an angel, writing in a book of of gold.
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adam bold,
And to the Prescence in the room he said:
"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head,
And, with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?"said Abou, "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still, and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again, with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben adam's name led all the rest.

-- Written by the 19th century poet LEIGH HUNT.

This immortal poem suddenly popped out in my mind last night (3rd Nov) when i was telling stories to my granddaughter Aditi (4 years). I must have read it during my 7th or 8th class (1952-54) 58 years ago ! It has been etched in my mind, of course. But to suddenly remember after 58 years, i was very pleased. Aditi enjoyed the story.

rajappa
10:30 AM
4 Nov 2010

POMIS

2010-11-04T10:15:00.004+05:30

Six years ago this day, I opened a Monthly Interest Scheme account at Kilpauk Post office. Since that day in Nov 2004, Vijaya and I used to visit the PO in the first week of every month religiously and fill, sign, and submit the necessary form and collect the monthly interest in cash.

Later when I shifted to Raja Annamalaipuram, we got the account transferred to the local PO. This office was quite nearby, unlike Kilpauk. However, we didn't transfer it to Besantnagar when we shifted here. We used to go Mandaveli by bus to do this monthly chore for the past one year.

Yesterday (03rd) i closed the account (matured after 6 years) but we plan to open a fresh a/c at the same RA Puram office. Did you know that one can now deposit 4.5 lakhs in this a/c (9 lakhs for a joint account)?

Rajappa
10:15 AM
4 Nov 2010

A more Dangerous Strain of Corruption.

2010-10-31T11:00:00.024+05:30

From VIR SANGHVI's article in today's (Sunday, 31 Oct 2010) Indian Express:

In the old days, corruption scandals would follow a familiar pattern - a minister taking a bribe from a businessman for some favour.

But now a new pattern of corruption is emerging. The CWG Loot and Adarsh Building Society scam. Distinctive features of the new scams and corruption are :

# Nothing is sacred any longer. People will make money out of anything with a complete absence of shame.

Nothing is sacred, not the CWG and India's prestige, not the sacrifices of our martyrs.

# The hallmark of the new corruption is that people will defile anything in their greed for big bucks.

# Once upon a time it was the politicians who had a monopoly on corruption. Now people from all fields - sports administrators, local Govt officials, bureaucrats in case of CWG, and Generals, and Admirals in case of ABS. Gs and As felt no shame in misusing the names of Kargil martyrs to get flats worth crores allotted to them.

# In case of the CWG, there were no good guys who did their best to stop the crooks. No whistle-blowers. The looting went on merrily. The most shocking thing about ABS was that everyone from Regional commanders, defence chiefs, local collectors, revenue ministers, govt officials, etc - everyone got something out of the scam.

# In the old days, it was the business men who had the money to buy up politicians and manipulate the system. But now, the CWG loot and ABS scam shows businessman hardly entering them.

In CWG loot, the officials decided that they could rip off the Indian State and steal money from the Indian Govt. Because India's prestige was at stake, the Govt went on providing more and more money.

In the case of ABS, the defence officers tricked the Govt into parting with the precious Real Estate at a prime locality.

# When the businessmen were the villains, there were at least some limited checks. But when corruption is an internal affair in which soldiers, bureaucrats, and sports officials steal from taxpayer there are few checks - Everyone gains from the rape of the system, they all keep their mouth shut.

# It is the sort of corruption that marks the complete collapse of a nation's character when everybody at all levels decides that morality is a waste of time and so it is best to get rich quickly.

# All societies have bad apples. But how can one be hopeful about a society where all the those we put our faith in, from sports officials to chiefs of defence staff, have no hesitation in stealing from us? As far as they are concerned, the state exchequer is their personal piggy bank.

And you and I, the taxpayers of India, are the ultimate victims.

Thanks to Indian Express, 31 October 2010.

Rajappa
31-10-2010
11:00 AM

In the background, one may think also about the 2G Spectrum corruption, IPL frauds, and other corruptions.

Story Telling

2010-10-27T11:45:00.015+05:30

Now, here's a good story to tell .. Story telling has been in vogue from time long ago. Particularly in our country. Our paatis, thathas, ammas, appas used to tell stories, especially from our puranas and ithihasas to us when we were small kids.

This is the way we learnt about Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Shiva and many other Gods and their deeds. Prahlad, Dhruv, Hanuman, Bheem, Arjun became our close friends. We disliked Raavan, Kamsan, Hiranyakasibu, and other bad characters. We remember these stories even today because we listened to these in our very young days, with intent, interest, and dedication. Bhakti was always embedded in such narrations.

In our childhood there was no Amar Chitra Katha books, or TV channels, or VCDs/DVDs to learn the Mythology. It was only our Paatties and ammas who inculcated the habit of listening to stories. These women were gems in story-telling.

With a paththiram full of paruppu Satham or Thayir Satham and surrounded by a few grandchildren, these women would simultaneously feed both their hungry stomach and hungry ears ! That was the way the Puranas and Ithihasas were enshrined in us. (However, I don't remember when and from whom I learnt these kathaikal - not definitely from my Paatties)

Slowly, this habit of story-telling waned off, with arrival of Amar Chitra Kathas, and other books, VCDs/DVDs. And the present generation paaties, and ammas have become "English oriented and modern" so that they deem it below their English-dignity to talk about Sri Rama or Krishna. Or, there won't be paaties at all in the nuclear, hum dono - hamara ek, present day families.

Lately it is being emphasised that, "there is a need for storytelling today as it is a way of compensating for the loss of extended family." More parents, appas included, have indeed started telling their small children stories whenever they find time. If they cannot find time and inclination, then they dump the room with storybooks and DVDs ... !

In US and some other foreign countries, there are open storytelling sessions at parks and public libraries, where a large crowd of old and young alike assemble and listen. This culture is slowly taking roots in India too.

Those olden days there used to be Katha Kalakshepams where persons well-versed in puranas as well as music, would tell stories thru the medium of paattu and kathai. Sengalipuram Anantharama Dikshitar, Sri Embar Vijayaraghavachariyar, TS Balakrishna Sastrigal, Thiru Muruga Kirupanantha Variyar are some prominent names that come to my mind. It was said that people used to come from far away to listen to Sengalipuram.

There were Theru-k-kooththus, Villu Paattus, street-corner dramas and plays through which storytelling was being promoted. Crores of simple folks learnt their Ramayana and Maha Bharata thru these mediums.

Though these ancient forms of storytelling are vanishing atleast from our large towns and cities, there is a ray of hope of their revival emerging of late. Smt Vishakha Hari is a wellknown Katha Kalakshepam personality today, who has single-handedly revived this form. Her programs draw very huge audiences wherever held, like Sengalipuram's.

The art of storytelling has to be revived. I for my part tell stories to my grandchildren Aditi, Sowmya, and Sriram. And these children are very keen to listen, believe me.

Let the Storytelling Begin in Every Home ... ... !

Rajappa
11:45 AM
27 Oct 2010

KOLU - 2010

2010-10-09T09:00:00.009+05:30

I had written my first and only blog on KOLU in 2004 - read here.

From then on we used to celebrate Kolu every year except for 2008 when Girija had passed away. This year, 2010, we started the preparations on 7th Oct when the slotted-angles and sheets were taken down from the attic and steps (படி) were erected. The dolls were also taken from the attic, dusted, and generally cleaned.

With this step over, Krithika decorated the place and arranged the dolls. Arvind took care of serial lights. Thus the Kolu started this year. Guests started coming from the next day, that is 8th Oct. Aditi was ecstatic and excited.

UPDATE on 17 Oct 2010.

Today (17 Oct) is Vijaya Dasami Day. The day auspicious for commencing education / music etc. Chi Sriram, (2 1/2 years young), s/o Arun is going to school from today.

Yesterday, Saturday the 16th, was Sri Saraswati Poojai. We performed it from 10-45 to 11-40 AM. Aditi's books were kept predominantly.

Thus ended this year's Navarathri Kolu in a grand manner. This year we had many guests visiting our house for the Kolu. Most of these guests were friends and colleagues of Krithika and Arvind. Our SAIRAM apartment-people also came. Saroja-Athimber, Indira, Lakshmi, Lalita-Kumar, Sudha, Chandar, Chandar's mother, TSG and mami, Revathi, Babu-his wife (from Bangalore), Mohan (from Pune), Janani and her in-laws Mr and Mrs Prabhakar, GV Kumar-Shyamala, Sruti were our relatives who came, apart from Gayathri, Sowmya. The notable absentees were Jayaraman-Kalyani, and Mangalam.

Rajappa
0900 AM
9th Oct 2010 / 17 Oct 2010

Thanjavur Big Temple - 1000 years

2010-09-27T11:00:00.011+05:30

The Brihadiswarar Temple at Thanjavur (The Big Temple) was built by the Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chozhan, in the year 1010. It has been built entirely on granite and statues sculpted. It is a marvel of art and is extremely fascinating to behold. You know all the facts.

The temple reflecting Tamil culture, ethos, and Tamil way of life has completed One Thousand years this month and Mu Ka and the Tamilnadu Govt decided to have a grand celebration of the event - a 1000 years of Raja Rajeswaram. Celebrations commenced on 22nd Sep, the Thanjavur town and the Temple wore a festive look. Many literary sessions and orations later, there was a grand sight on 25th evening - there was a Dance program in which 1000 dancers took part!

The legendary Padma Subramaniam led these 1000 artistes and arranged, managed the spectacular show. The dancers were from all parts of Tamilnadu and other Indian states, and many had come from foreign countries also ! Everyone of them came to Thanjavur on their own expense (they spent for their lodging and boarding also ...) out of sheer dedication, love, and Bhakti "to perform in front of the God Brahadiswarar and Ambal Brahannayaki."

Chief Minister Mu Ka presided over this great spectacle (Visualise 1000 artistes in dance dress on a single stage -Medai-). They danced in unison for three songs, starting with ‘Ganapathy Kauthuvam,' followed it up with ‘Thirvisaipa songs of Karuvur Devar' and concluded with ‘Sivapanchaksharam, stotras of Adi Sankara.' It was a rare sight to see the hundreds of artists dancing around the Nandhi Mandapam with the 216-ft-tall Vimana of the Big Temple in the backdrop. Excellant, in one word.

On 26th Sep (yesterday) the celebrations came to a finale with unending speeches from hundred ministers of State and Central Govts. A postal stamp and a 5-rupee coin both depicting the magnificent edifice were released by Mu Ka. He also gave 1000 of these 5-re coins to the dancers. The coins were in a golden-bag (Porkizhi, in Tamil) and Padma Subramaniam couldn't lift the bag !! If a single coin would weigh 9 grams, then the Porkizhi would have weighed 9 kg!

Want to conduct any big-scale function or event ? Dikshits, Kalmadis of this world should learn how to, from our own CM Mu Ka. At his age, he personally supervises every single detail minutely, however small or trivial they may be. One may call him anything, but there is none to beat Mu Ka in organising mega events.

I have been to this temple only once, 20-25 years ago, that time its surroundings and Prakaarams were shabby and dirty. I hope to go to the temple in November this year - and I am sure the conditions have improved vastly.

When did you go there last?

Rajappa
11:00 AM
27 Sep 2010

Un-Planned Chain of Actions

2010-09-23T10:40:00.003+05:30

Five years ago, i opened a SCSS (Sr Citzn Savgs Scheme) account at a local PO. They pay the interest every 3 months. I draw this intr thru cheque and deposit in another bank. This went on for years. My next chq is due on 4th Oct.

Yesterday (22nd Sep) Vijaya and I went to that HPO to update the passbooks. The decision to go was intuitive and not pre-planned. The special counter (for updation) at the PO was facing some problem; so i decided to go to the Cash counter and draw some cash, so that the clerk has to update !! This decision was another un-planned move.

The clerk duly updated the book and told there was a decent balance in the a/c. i was surprised and drew that amount also, leaving just the minm balance. My curiosity was aroused - how come this much of balance could be in my a/c ? not possible - i was perplexed. So i took the third un-planned decision of going to the SCSS counter to get the book updated there.

The lady there made a cursory look at the book, asked me "do you want to renew it or CLOSE it?" I was shocked. She explained, "Sir, the a/c has matured 16 days ago." How is it possible? Is the scheme not for 6 years?? The lady was very courteous and told, "It is for 5 years only Sir, and not 6 years !!" i was speechless with amazement. How did i miss it?

Had i not gone to the PO yesterday / had i not gone to the Cash Counter / had i not gone to the SCSS counter, all three actions entirely un-planned, i would have issued a chq on 4th Oct as usual; and that chq would have BOUNCED putting me in a bit of problem.

i am still wondering who or what prompted me to visit the PO yesterday (i haven't gone there for the past 18 or 20 months) ?

The story has a very happy ending - there are many agents, many of them women, hanging out in the corridors of the PO to help you in these things. One such lady just appeared next to me, offered to help. That was 1-15PM in the afternoon. By closing this a/c and starting a fresh one, she gets Rs 7500, would you believe. She passes on 50% of this incentive to me ..!

i accepted her offer; she visited our home by 4 PM with the cheque for the entire amount. What a prompt action by the much-maligned PO ! She collected my chq for the fresh a/c; handed me the 50% incentive and left. Unexpected bonanza, bonus. Both for me and that lady !

The next day (that is, TODAY, 23rd Sep) being the birthday of Vijaya, we went promptly to RmKV in the evening to buy saris for her.

A chain of totally un-planned happenings led to such a happy and pleasant ending.

rajappa
10:40 AM
23-09-2010

MS Subbulakshmi amma

2010-09-16T19:00:00.024+05:30

மதுரை சண்முகவடிவு சுப்புலக்ஷ்மி (அம்மா), "MS" in short, needs no introduction. She was born on Sept 16,1916 (D: 11-12-2004), today is amma's 94th birth anniversary.

On the eve of the great musician's birth anniversary, The HINDU joined with SaReGaMa and RmKv to institute a Music award in Amma's name, "The Hindu-Saregama MS Subbulakshmi Award" to be given to the Best Young Carnatic Vocalist from this year 2010-11 particularly the Marghazi Isai Vizha (December kutcheries) annually. The initiative is very laudable. During the launch of this Award yesterday at Chennai, Saregama brought out "MS Subbulakshmi songs on Tirupati Lord Balaji", a seven-pack music album.

Speaking at this function, Shri KS Raghunathan, recording engineer for MS's albums for over 20 years recalled many interesting things about MS amma and re-lived Amma's Shraddha and Sadhana.

The little girl in pavadai chattai, oiled curls pressed into a tight braid, was too timid for noisy games with other children. But she devised a secret game for herself. Rolling waste paper into a cone, she sang into it for hours – pretending to record a ‘plate' for ‘His Master's Voice', HMV, then the biggest gramophone company in India.

Little did the child know that one day she would render the company's bestseller in ‘Venkatesa Suprabhatam,' still enjoying the longest shelf life among Indian audio recording. (HMV is now re-named as SaReGaMa).

The monumental "Vishnu Sahasranamam" is another crown of Amma. When it was recorded and was ready for bulk production, the scholar Agnihotram Thathachariar discovered a single mispronunciation. (‘Preetyarthe' had become ‘prirthyarthe'). In those days any mistake meant re-recording the whole. Raghu recalls Amma was ready to do it again, but luckily, some crafty editing did the trick.

Shri Sankaranarayanan, another HMV veteran to work with MS amma, recalled how at their first meeting (1973), MS “served dosai and coffee herself, and happily chatted about her early association with my native village Sundarapandiyapuram, where she had sung even at nalangu functions.”

Once Sadasivam's urgent demand for some LPs to gift Australian visitors on a Sunday had Sankaranarayanan knocking at AVM Meiyappa Chettiar's door and demanding the key to his Saraswati Store. Chettiar, himself a legend, got into the car, came to open the stockroom, and located the LPs.

**** My thanks to The HINDU for the above quotes.

rajappa
7-00 PM
16 Sept 2010

Dr Guruvayoor Appan, MD

2010-09-07T10:59:00.007+05:30

கடவுள் அன்றாடம் பல அற்புதங்களை நிகழ்த்திக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார். அன்றாடம் நடந்து கொண்டிருப்பதால் நாம் அவைகளுக்கு அதிக மதிப்பு தருவதில்லை. கடவுள் தன் பணியை தொடர்ந்து செய்து கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறார்.. எனக்கு மிகவும் வேண்டிய பெண்மணியின் வாழ்க்கையில் நடந்த, ஆனால் எளிதில் நம்ப முடியாத அற்புதத்தைப் பற்றி எழுதப் போகிறேன். இது நான் நேரிலேயே பார்த்தது என்று முதலிலேயே கூறி விடுகிறேன்.

சில வருஷங்களுக்கு முன்பு - 1995ல்- நாங்கள் எட்டு பேர் குருவாயூர் போகக் கிளம்பினோம். அது வரை நான் குருவாயூர் போனதில்லை. எங்களுடன் ஒரு பெண்மணியும் வந்திருந்தார். ரயில் ஏறியதும் அவர் ”அம்மாடி.. என்னாலே அதிக நேரம் நிற்கவோ உட்காரவோ முடியாது. நான் படுத்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.” என்று சொல்லியபடியே, தன் இடுப்பிலிருந்து ஒரு பட்டையான பெல்ட்டைக் கழட்டினார்.

“ என்ன மாமி..இது? இத்தனை பட்டையாக இருக்கிறது இந்த பெல்ட்?” எங்களில் ஒருத்தர் கேட்டார். ”அதுவா .... இந்த பெல்ட் இல்லாவிட்டால் என்னால் ஒரு நிமிஷம் கூட நிற்கமுடியாது. என் முதுகு எலும்பில் இரண்டு இணைப்புகள் சரியாக இல்லை. L- 4, மற்றும் L - 5 இல் தேய்மானம் ஆகிவிட்டதால், அந்த இடத்தில் உடல் கனத்தின் பாதிப்பு ஏற்படுகிறது. பதினைந்து வருஷமாக என்னோடு ஒட்டு உறவாடிக்கொண்டிருக்கும் பெல்ட் இது.”

”எப்பவுமா பெல்ட்?...”

”ஆமாம் அம்மா .... இதுக்குமுன்னே ஒரு இரும்பு பட்டையை பெல்ட் போல் செய்து கொடுத்தார்கள். அதன் கனம் ஒரு கிலோவுக்கு மேல் இருக்கும்.”.

”நீங்கள் டில்லியில் இருந்தீர்களே .. அங்கே பெரிய ஹாஸ்பிடலில் காண்பித்தீர்களா?. அங்கேயும் 'எய்ம்ஸ்’ ஆஸ்பத்திரியில்காண்பித்தேன்.’ இது பிறவியிலேயே ஏற்பட்டப் பிரச்சனை .. வயதாகிவிட்டதால் இப்போது அது தலையைத் தூக்கித் தொந்திரவு தருகிறது. ஆபரேஷன் எதுவும் செய்ய முடியாது. 24 மணிநேரமும் பெல்ட் போட்டுக் கொண்டுதான் இருக்கவேண்டும் இல்லாவிட்டால் படுத்திருக்க வேண்டியதுதான்”, என்று சொல்லிவிட்டார்கள்.

”அடப்பாவமே......”

” பாவம் பண்ணவே தான் இப்படி அவதிப்பட்டுண்டு இருக்கேன். .அந்த இரும்புப்பட்டை உராய்ந்து உராய்ந்து கிழித்த புடவைக்குக் கணக்கே இல்லை. பாண்டிச்சேரி ஜிப்மர் ஆஸ்பத்திரியில் எங்களுக்கு வேண்டிய ஆர்த்தோ டாக்டர்கள் இருக்கிறார்கள். கணவன், மனைவி இரண்டுபேருமே ஆர்த்தோ டாக்டர்கள். அவர்களிடம் காட்டினோம். அவர்கள் 4, 5 மணிநேரம் ஏதேதோ டெஸ்ட் செய்துவிட்டு ... பெல்ட் தான் ஒரே மருந்து” என்று சொல்லி அக்ரலிக் ஷீட்டை சூடாக்கி, சுடச் சுட என் முதுகுத் தண்டின் மேல் வைத்து அதே ஷேப்பில் வளைத்து, அதை ஒரு உறையில் போட்டு, இடுப்புப் பட்டை பெல்ட் மாதிரி தைத்துக் கொடுத்தார்கள். இப்பொழுது புடவை பாழாகாமல் இருக்கிறது. மற்றபடி பெல்ட் இல்லாமல் இருக்கவே முடியாது” என்றார்.

”பாவம் மாமி....”

* * * * * *
பொழுது விடியவில்லை.

விடிகாலை. திருச்சூர் போய்ச் சேர்ந்தோம்.

அங்கு டெலிஃபோன் டிபார்ட்மென்ட் விருந்தினர் விடுதிக்குப் போக மூன்று ஆட்டோ ரிக்‌ஷாக்களை ஸ்டேஷனில் அமர்த்திக் கொண்டோம். மாமியும் மற்றும் இருவர் ஒரு ஆட்டோவில் ஏறிக் கொண்டனர். மற்றவர்கள் இரண்டு ஆட்டோவில் ஏறிக்கொண்டோம். எங்கள் இரண்டு ஆட்டோவும் விருந்தினர் விடுதியை அடைந்து பத்து, பதினைந்து நிமிடங்கள் ஆகியும் மாமியின் ஆட்டோ வரவில்லை.

உள்ளூர் நண்பர் தன் மோட்டார் சைக்கிளில் போய்ப் பார்த்துவரச் சென்றார். நானும் உறவினரும் மற்றொரு ஆட்டோவில் பின் தொடர்ந்தோம், ஸ்டேஷனுக்குப் போகும் பாதி வழியில் நடு ரோடில் ஒரு சிலர் கூட்டமாக நின்று் கொண்டிருந்தார்கள். சுற்றிலும் நிறைய ஆட்டோக்கள். ஒரு டெம்போவும் நின்று கொண்டிருந்தது. என்ன என்று நின்று பார்த்தோம். நடு ரோடில் அந்த மாமியும் உடன் வந்த இரண்டு பேரும் உட்கார்ந்திருந்தார்கள். . ஆட்டோவும் டெம்போவும் மோதிக்கொண்டதாகச் சொன்னார்கள்.மாமிக்கு ஷாக் .. மற்றவர்கள் அவரை ஆசுவாசப்படுத்திக் கொண்டிருந்தார்கள்

மாமி வந்த ஆட்டோ டிரைவர் வண்டியை அங்கேயே விட்டுவிட்டு தன் முதலாளியிடம் தகவலைச் சொல்ல ஓடிவிட்டார் என்றும் டெம்போவில் வந்தவருக்கு கால் முறிந்து விட்டது என்றும் சொன்னார்கள்.

”அப்படியே என்னை யாரோ அழுத்துவது போல் இருக்கிறதே,, என்னால் முடியவில்லையே” என்று மாமி சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருந்தாள்.

எங்கு போகவேண்டும் என்று ஆட்டோ டிரைவரிடம்தான் உள்ளூர் நண்பர் சொல்லியிருந்ததால், மாமிக்கும் மற்றவர்களுக்கும் எங்கு போக வேண்டுமென்றும் தெரியவில்லை. எங்களைப் பார்த்ததும்தான் அவர்களுக்குச் சற்று தெம்பு ஏற்பட்டது. மாமிக்கு காயம் எதுவும் இல்லை.

ஒரு மாதிரியாக எல்லோரும் விருந்தினர் விடுதிக்குச் சென்றோம். மாமி மூச்சுவிடுவதற்கு மிகவும் சிரமப்பட்டார்.

விடுதிக்குச் சென்றதும் அவரை படுக்கச் சொன்னோம். படுத்த அடுத்த வினாடியே ”என்னை உட்கார வையுங்கள்... மூச்சே விட முடியவில்லை” என்று துடிதுடித்துக் கொண்டே சொன்னார். எழுப்பி உட்காரவைத்து ஆசுவாசப்படுத்தினோம்.

சிறிது நேரம் கழித்து மாமிக்குச் சற்று தெம்பு வந்தது. குளித்துவிட்டு வந்தார். “எனக்கு எல்லாம், சரியாகிவிட்டது.. .குருவாயூருக்குப் போகலாம்” என்றார்.

பஸ்ஸைப் பிடித்து குருவாயூர் போய், நாலு மணி நேரம் கியூவில் நின்று சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்து விட்டு, அன்று மாலை கோவை வந்தோம். அதுவரை மாமி ஒரு நிமிடம் கூட ஓய்வே எடுக்கவில்லை.

மறுநாள் சென்னை வந்தடைந்தோம். மாமி டாக்டரிடம் போனார். விலா எலும்பில் லேசான வலி இருந்ததால் எக்ஸ்ரே எடுத்துப் பார்த்ததில் மயிரிழை அளவு எலும்பு முறிவு இருந்தது தெரிந்த்து. ஒரு மாதம் ஓய்வாக இருக்கச் சொன்னார் டாக்டர். மாமியும் அப்படியே இருந்தார். விலா எலும்பு வலி போய்விட்டது. கூடவே இடுப்பு வலியும் போய்விட்டது என்று மாமி உணர்ந்தார், பெல்ட் இல்லாதபோதும் இடுப்பில் வலியே இல்லை. இது என்ன மாயம்? வாழ்க்கை முழுதும் பெல்ட்டோடு இருக்கவேண்டும் என்று டாக்டர்கள் சொன்னார்களே!

பெல்ட் போடாமல் மாமி மாடி ஏறி இறங்கினார். உஹூம்.. வலியே இல்லை. வாக்கிங் போனார். துளிக்கூட கஷ்டமாக இல்லை.

அந்த கணமே “பெல்ட்டே போய் வா” என்று அதற்கு விடை கொடுத்து விட்டார்.

“ இல்லை, அம்மா. 15 வருஷமாகப் போட்டுக் கொண்டு இருக்கிறீர்கள்.. உங்கள் எல்-4, எல்-5 பிர்சனை தீரவே தீராது. மறுபடியும் சில நாட்களில் தலை தூக்கும்” என்றார் டாக்டர் .

” இல்லை டாக்டர் .. அந்தப் பிரச்சனை ‘டாட்டா’ காட்டிவிட்டுப் போய்விட்டது” என்றார் மாமி உறுதியாக.

அதற்குப் பின் இன்றுவரை - கடந்த 15 வருஷமாக - தலையே காட்டவில்லை! இந்த சம்பவத்தை மாமி யாரிடம் சொன்னாலும், “என்ன மாமி, நம்பவே முடியலையே. அதிசயமாக இருக்கிறதே!” என்பார்கள். புது டில்லி அகில இந்திய மருத்துவமனை டாக்டர்கள் கூட மாமியிடம் வியப்பு தெரிவித்திருக்கிறார்கள்.

எல்லாரிடமும் மாமி “அதிசயமா?.. ’டிவைன் டாக்டர்’ குருவாயூரப்பன் செய்ததை அதிசயம் என்று சொல்லாதீங்கோ. அருள் என்று சொல்லுங்கோ” என்பாள்.

* * * * * *
மேலே விவரித்த சம்பவத்தை நம்பாதவர்களுக்கு ஒரு சின்னத் தகவல்: அந்த மாமி என் மனைவியார்தான்!

Taken with thanks from Kadugu-Thaalippu http://kadugu-agasthian.blogspot.com/

rajappa
11:00 AM
7 Sep 2010

Marriage in the family

2010-09-04T09:00:00.007+05:30

Vijaya's elder sister Indira's grand-daughter APARNA got married on 3rd Sept at Chennai. We reached the Kalyana Mandapam at 6-30AM on 2nd for the Vratham etc. After Vratham and breakfast, there was simply nothing to do. Just idling.

Nichchaya thaartham was at 4PM and reception at 7PM. As I have written in my earlier posts the habit of having "Reception" a day before the actual marriage is becoming a fashion these days. Utterly non-sensical, in my view. The usual Reception Menu for dinner. Tamilians are fast turning into North Indians in culture !!

Next day, the marriage function started by 7 and was over by 9 AM. What to do then? Idling ! Waste of time and waste of money for everyone. We returned home by 8PM that night.

Slowly but surely the Brahmin marriages are becoming a bore. Extra lavish expenses, intrusive and all-pervasive north indian culture (Mehendi function etc),அளவுக்கு மீறிய தாம் தூம் டாம்பீகம் (there were over 50 varieties of supari in North Indian style), all these have killed the traditional Tamil marriages. A pity.

rajappa
9 AM
4 Sep 2010

Gokulashtami

2010-09-02T09:00:00.002+05:30

This year (2010) Gokulashtami or Janmashtami was celebrated on 1 Sep. Iyers celebrate this festival on Ashtami thithi whereas Iyengars celebrate on Rohini star.

The preparations start the previous day; if not, at least on the morning of the festival day. As the evening approaches, the small footprints of Sri Krishna (as a child) are "drawn" from the doorstep to the place of poojai - we are "receiving" the child Krishna.

Seedai (both salty and sweet), murukku, Aval and many other things are prepared for Neivethyam. "Uppu Seedai uruttuthal" is itself an interesting task. Aditi was so enthusiastic this year and she participated eagerly in all "activities" along with her Paatti. ”பாட்டி, நான் மாவு பிசையறேன் பாட்டி, சீடை உருட்டறேன் பாட்டி” என எல்லாவற்றிலும் அதிதி சுறுசுறுவென பங்கேற்றாள்.

சீடை முதல் “ஈடு” பண்ணியதும், அதிதி ஒரு சீடையை எடுத்து சாப்பிட்டாள். ”உம்மாச்சிக்கு நைவேத்யம் பண்ணிட்டுத்தான் சாப்பிடணும்னு” பாட்டி சொன்னதற்கு, “பாட்டி, கிருஷ்ணர் உம்மாச்சி எனக்கு ரொம்ப பிடிச்ச உம்மாச்சிதானே, அதுவும் நான் குழந்தைதானே, உம்மாச்சி என்னை ஒண்ணும் சொல்லாது” என்ற பதில் வேறு! உடனேயே 2வது,3வது சீடையும் காலி.

Thus this year's Janmashtami was celebrated nicely.

rajappa
9-00 AM
2 Sep 2010

Appa's Sraththam - 2010

2010-08-22T18:30:00.006+05:30

Appa's Sraththam - 2010

Appa's Thithi is Aavani, Sukla, Dwadasi. This year (2010) appa's thithi came on Saturday, 21 August.

This is the second sraththam we performed at Besantnagar house. Sraththam followed Varalakshmi Poojai, on the very next day. Hectic work, naturally. Vijaya and I purchased all the items like grocery, vegetables, fruits, Vetrilai, pushpam, Vennai, and particularly Vazhai Ilai from around Besantnagar. This time we could get the long variety of pudalangkaai from KPN. For Amma's sraththam, we couldn't get. I had ordered Vazhai Ilai from the beach-front cartwala who promptly delivered on the morning of sraththam. The Ilais were large sized and cheap.

I and Vijaya cut all the vegetables by 8PM the previous day. We were all set.

On 21st, we got up by 4-45 in the morning and Vijaya started work. Jayaraman, Kalyani, Purnima came by 6-30. Then Gayathri and later Sugavanam. Sruti was already in the house.

This sraththam was "notable" because none of our sisters could attend it. Padma was not well, Saroja has gone to UK, Savithri in Hosur, and Mangalam went to another function. We three brothers were only present.

Sastrigal came by 10 and started the rites at 10-30. I performed the Sraththam. After 2 hours, the Brahmanals had their lunch by 12-15 and the rituals got over by 12-45. Kalyani, Gayathri, and ofcourse Vijaya were extremely busy in cooking and allied jobs. All of us ate by 1-30 PM.

Then Jayaraman left by 4, Sugavanam by 7, Satish at 8-20. Arun and family left after dinner.

Thus the Sraththam of Appa went off well. Expenses are rising every time; today it was Rs. 1720.00. Today, there were 12 adults + 3 children besides 2 Brahmanals for the meals.
We two, arun,g,s,s,arv,k,ad,sat,sru,sug,jay 3

rajappa
22 Aug 2010, 6-30PM

Manni - A Remembrance

2010-08-02T11:00:00.001+05:30

July 31st was the Varalakshmi Vratham and we celebrated it grandly. So did our other family members at their houses. At Delhi, Vasu and others celebrated it at Srikanth's place. Manni had been earlier admitted to hospital on 21 July, but she was improving and was, in fact, brought to the recovery room on Aug 1. On July 31, we didn't know what was to happen the next day.

At 8-15PM on 1 Aug we got the first news that Manni was again taken to ICU because she developed some complications. Everyone rushed to the hospital to be near Manni. However, her multiple organs started collapsing, her end was near. I was in continuous telephone contact with the grief-stricken family.

At 12-10 midnight, Srikanth phoned us the shocking news that Manni has passed away. He and others were inconsolable. They had lost their mother, their guide, beacon of their lives. We at Karpagam Avenue didn't sleep that night, Arvind-Krithika were very busy in booking our flight tickets and Vijaya, I, and Sugavanam left by 7-40AM flight (2 Aug) for Delhi - that is a different story.

Exactly an year has gone by, and last night (12-10 midnight on 1 Aug 2010) I couldn't sleep. Vijaya and I were reminiscing and recollecting our memories of Manni. She came into our family in 1956 and as I have already written in various posts, she was the guiding star for Vijaya in many respects. As we were talking, we were stuck up with grief.

One year might have passed, but Manni lives in our hearts for ever and her memories and kindness will be ever-green. Our namaskarams to Manni once again.

PS: Vijaya, I, and Sugavanam went to Delhi for the Varusha Aaptikam of Manni on 22 July 2010.

rajappa
11-00 AM
2 Aug 2010

Rajdhani Express

2010-07-26T12:20:00.004+05:30

Introduced in 1993, the Rajdhani Express from Chennai to Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin) run on two days a week, on Fridays and Sundays. Starts at 0610 from Chennai and after stopping at six or seven stations, like Vijayawada, Warangal, Nagpur, Jhansi, Bhopal, Agra it reaches HZM next day at 1020.

Vijaya and I have travelled by the Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Hyderabad earlier in the 1990s. From Chennai too we have travelled once to Delhi. Recently on July 16, 2010 we travelled yet again, returning on 23 July 2010 from Delhi. Fully airconditioned, the train has I AC, 2 AC, and 3 AC coaches. Complimentary meals are provided. With concessions for both of us, the fare is around 2500.00 for we two.

Though it is supposed to be a "prestigious" train, the facilities are not upto the mark. Stinking, waterless toilets, dirty liveries are the order of the day. Food is so-so. Why can't they provide South Indian food like Sambhar Saadam, Thayir Saadam in this train starting from Chennai? Even coffee is not provided ... !

Anyway, try this train once. Later, you may try the new avatar - the "Duronto" nonstop express train !!

rajappa
26 July 2010
12:20 noon

Varusha Aaptikam - Manni

2010-07-26T11:15:00.029+05:30

மன்னியின் ஆப்தீக ஸ்ராத்தம்.

பெரிய மன்னி (மைதிலி) சென்ற ஆண்டு 2009 ஆகஸ்ட் மாஸம் 1-2 ஆம் தேதி நடு இரவில் காலமானார். அவரது ஆப்தீக ஸ்ராத்தம் இந்த வருஷம் 2010 ஜூலை 22-ஆம் தேதி தில்லியில் நடந்தது. அதற்கு விஜயாவும் நானும் ஜூலை 16 காலை ராஜதானி எக்ஸ்பிரஸில் சென்னையிலிருந்து கிளம்பினோம். அர்விந்த் காரில் சென்ட்ரல் ஸ்டேஷன் வந்தோம்.

தில்லியில் வாசுவும், அபிலாஷும் வந்து எங்களைக் கூட்டிச் சென்றனர்; ஸ்ரீகாந்த் வீட்டில் காரியங்கள் நடந்தன. நாங்கள் அங்குதான் இருந்தோம்.

ஞாயிறு, ஜூலை 18 ஊன மாஸிகம் நடைபெற்றது.இதுதான் 4வதும் இந்த வருஷத்தில் செய்யப்படும் கடைசியுமான மாஸிகம். வாசு, ஸ்ரீதர், ஸ்ரீகாந்த், ரவி நால்வரும் கலந்து கொண்டனர். சாஸ்திரிகள் 11-30 மணிக்கு வந்து, காரியத்தை ஆரம்பித்தார். மதியம் 1-30க்கு முடிந்தது. 2-45 க்கு சாப்பாடு முடிந்தது. தயிர் பச்சடி, பழப் பச்சடி, வாழைக்காய், சேப்பங்கிழங்கு, பாகற்காய் என 3 கறிகள், (எல்லா கறிகளிலும் நிறைய தேங்காய்), கொத்தவரங்காய் கூட்டு, வாழைத்தண்டு மோர்க்குழம்பு, ரசம், தயிர், எள் உருண்டை, பயத்தம் உருண்டை, அதிரஸம், வடை, பயத்தம் பருப்பு பாயஸம் என திவஸ சமையல்தான்.

புதன், ஜூலை 21 ஆப்தீக ஸோதகும்பம். ஒரே ஒரு வாத்தியார் மட்டும் 10 மணிக்கு வந்தார். 11-30 க்கு முடிந்தது. இன்று “ஸமாராதனை” சாப்பாடு. வாழைக்காய், பீன்ஸ் கறி, பரங்கிக் காய் கூட்டு, பாகற்காய் பிட்ளை, தயிர் பச்சடி, பழப் பச்சடி, மைசூர் ரசம், தயிர், எலுமிச்சம்பழ சாதம், எள் உருண்டை, பயத்தம் உருண்டை, மைசூர் பாகு, ஆம வடை, பால் பாயஸம், மாங்காய் ஊறுகாய்.

வியாழன், ஜூலை 22: ஆப்தீக ஸ்ராத்தம். 3 சாஸ்திரிகள் 10 மணிக்கு வந்தனர். சொம்பு, மணி, விளக்கு, பாத்திரங்கள், தங்க ம்ற்றும் வெள்ளி காசுகள், குடை, தடி, பாய், செருப்பு, போன்ற நிறைய தானங்கள் பிராமணர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்டன. பகல் 12-30க்கு முடிந்தது.

வழக்கமான ஸ்ராத்த சமையல்தான்.தயிர் பச்சடி, பழப் பச்சடி வாழைக்காய், பாகற்காய், கொத்தவரங்காய் என 3 கறிகள், புடலங்காய் கூட்டு, வாழைத்தண்டு மோர்க்குழம்பு, ரசம், தயிர், எள் உருண்டை, பயத்தம் உருண்டை, அதிரஸம், வடை, பயத்தம் பருப்பு பாயஸம். மூன்று நாட்களுமே ராஜி, சித்ரா, ஜெயஸ்ரீ, ராதா நால்வருமே சமையல் பண்ணினார்கள்.

ஆப்தீக ஸ்ராத்தத்திற்கு விஷ்ணு இலை கிடையாது; தர்ப்பணமும் கிடையாது.

வெள்ளி, ஜூலை 23: கிரேக்கியம் எனப்படும் சுபஸ்யம். காலை 8-30க்கு ஆரம்பித்து, 11-15க்கு முடிவு பெற்றது. ”நவ கிரஹ யக்யம்” என்பது “கிரஹ யக்யமாக” மருவி, இப்போது “கிரேக்கியமாக” மாறியுள்ளது. ஹோமமும், நவக் கிரஹ பூஜையும் நடந்தன. இன்றும் பல தானங்கள் அளிக்கப் பட்டன. எல்லாரும் புது ஆடைகள் உடுத்திக் கொண்டார்கள். 1-15க்கு சாப்பாடு முடிந்தது. இன்றைய சாப்பாடு CATERERS மூலம் வந்தது. தயிர் பச்சடி, பழப் பச்சடி,கோசுமல்லி, தேங்காய் போட்ட காபேஜ்,, உருளைக்கிழங்கு கறி, அவியல், கத்தரிக்காய் சாம்பார், ரசம், ஆம வடை, அப்பளம், புளியோதரை, சர்க்கரைப் பொங்கல். சுமார் 40 பேர் சாப்பிட்டோம்.

பகல் 1-45க்கு கிளம்பி நாங்கள் 3 மணிக்கு ஸ்டேஷன் வந்தோம். ராகவன் காரில் கொண்டு வந்து விட்டான். ராஜதானி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் 4 மணிக்குக் கிளம்பியது. மறுநாள், சனிக்கிழமை ஜூலை 24ஆம் தேதி இரவு 9-20 க்கு சென்னை வந்தோம். அர்விந்த, அதிதி வந்து கூட்டிச் சென்றனர்.

இவ்வாறாக, மன்னியின் ஆப்தீகக் காரியங்கள் நல்ல முறையில் நடந்தேறின. எங்களைத் தவிர, சுகவனமும் வந்திருந்தான். செகந்திராபாத்திலிருந்து ரமா வந்தாள்.

rajappa
26 July 2010
11:15 AM

Our Residences at Chennai

2010-07-15T09:45:00.017+05:30

Vijaya and I shifted to Chennai from Hyderabad in December 2001. I had retired on 31 August 2001 from Defence Research.

# 1 Mandapam Road, Kilpauk - Dec 2001 to Feb 2002.

Arun- Gayathri and Arvind were living at Mandapam Road, Kilpauk near the waterworks and we moved in with them. From day 1, we were on the lookout for a new, more spacious house. We (Arun) saw a hand-written ad in a supermarket that a house is vacant.

# 2 Aspiran Gardens, Kilpauk - Feb 2002 to 30 August 2005

We were satisfied with this house (3 BHK) and we shifted there - 77/85 Aspiran Gardens, 2nd Street, Kilpauk, Chennai 600010 in Feb 2002. Tel number 2644 4995. House owner Mr Ratnakar Shenoy lived on the GF and we in the I floor. The house was very convenient in all respects.

Before Arvind got married in June 2004, ARUN-GAYATHRI shifted to another house nearby. That was in May 2004. Within months, Krithika Arvind found it "difficult" to commute to Thiruvanmiyur to her music classes etc. So we shifted to Karpagam Avenue.

# 3 Karpagam Avenue, Raja Annamalaipuram 31 August 2005 to 28 November 2009.

We shifted to 24/89, 3rd Street, Karpagam avenue, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai - 600028 on 31 August 2005. Tel number - 2461 2845. Owner Mr Ravikumar lived on the First Floor and we on the GF.

3 BHK house, it was the most convenient house. Read here. Our grand daughter SOWMYA was born to Arun-Gayathri in May 2006 and ADITI was born to Arvind-Krithika a month later in June 2006. We were very happy living here. However, the owner suddenly asked us to vacate since he needed the house for his office space. So, we shifted to another rented house at Besantnagar in Nov 2009.

Earlier in November 2005 (?), Arun-Gayathri shifted to 1st Cross street, Radhakrishnan nagar main road, Thiruvanmiyur (Sudha's house on 1 floor). Our grandson SRIRAM was born here on April 2008.

# 4. Besantnagar, Chennai 600090 :: 28 November 2009 to ??

We shifted to A1/14-1, SAIRAM, 22nd Cross Street, Besantnagar, Chennai 600090 on 28 November 2009. Ground floor. Tel number 2446 5465. Larger than Karpagam avenue house, it is very near to Elliots Beach. Owner Alladi Prabhakar, lives in Hyderabad. Read here for more details.

Krithika's father sold his Ashoknagar house and is constructing a house at Thiruvanmiyur. The Bhoomi Poojai was performed on 21 January 2010. Two flats, one for him, and another for Krithika-Arvind. Once the construction is completed, we will shift there - to "OWN HOUSE".

rajappa
15 July 2010
09:45 AM

Football World Cup - 2010

2010-07-12T09:30:00.021+05:30

The football (soccer) world cup 2010 started on 11 June 2010 at Johannesburg, South Africa.

There were 32 teams in all, divided into 8 groups. Brazil, Spain, Argentina, England were the favourites at the start.

Group A: Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa, France
Group B: Argentina, Korea Republic, Greece, Nigeria
Group C: USA, England, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Germany, Ghana, Australia, Serbia
Group E: Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Cameroon
Group F: Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand, Italy
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, Korea DPR
Group H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras

Last edition's (2006) champions (Italy) and runners-up (France) were among those teams that were eliminated in the Group stages.

Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, USA, England, Germany, Ghana, Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Chile progressed to the Round of 16. At this stage, Argentina, Brazil were the favourites.

Round of 16 started on 26 June and ended on 29 June with two matches per day, at 7-30PM and 12 midnight IST. Uruguay, Ghana, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain,Paraguay were the eight teams that progressed to QuarterFinals. Now, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany were the favourites.

Quarter Finals were played on 02 July and 03 July. In the first match at 7-30PM on 2-7-2010, Holland surprised Brazil, the overwhelming favourite. Brazil started with a goal from Robinho and led 1-0 at half-time. However, in the 2nd half Holland played strongly, its equaliser coming from a Brazil defender. Then Holland scored its second goal, thru. It was a shock defeat for Brazil

In the other match at 12 midnight (IST) Uruguay beat Ghana in the penalty shootout. They were 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes. Ghana missed a golden opprtunity when in the 120th minute they missed scoring from 2 meters; then their star player Gyan missed a Penalty in the 120th minute. Now Uruguay will meet Holland in the 1st SF on 6-7-2010.

On 3-7-2010, Germany thrashed Argentina 4-0. Germans were fast, attacking and played a wonderful game. Klose scored 2 goals. In the 4th QF match, Spain faced Paraguay. Paraguay with its closed and tight defence could keep the attacking Spain for a long time. Paraguay missed a penalty (Spain goalkeeper saved it) and in the next minute, it was the turn of Spain's Xabi Alonso to miss the Penalty. However, the inimitable David Villa and Iniesta combined to put Spain in the lead. Spain will meet Germany in the 2nd SF on 7th July.

SEMI-FINALS
On 2nd July, 12 midnight(IST), Holland met Uruguay in the 1st SF.They easily beat Uruguay 3-2, though the scoreline may tell a different story. Holland was in command.

On 3rd July, SPAIN comfortably beat Germany 1-0 from a goal by Puyol (74th minute). Spain's game was so beautiful that even the opposition coach appreciated it. Spain's "possession-football" and one-touch, short-passing speak of the high skill of the Spain players (Xavi, Iniesta).

INIESTA

Xavi

The finals on 11th July will be between Spain and Holland. I pray for Spain's win.

THIRD-PLACE

On 10th, the match for the third place was played between Germany and Uruguay. My bet was on Germany. And, so it was. Germany beat Uruguay 3 - 2. Both the teams played entertaining attacking game. Germany fielded almost its second string - its stars like Klose, Podolski, Lahm, its goalkeeper were all rested. Uruguay and its star player Forlan were a bit unlucky that Forlan's freekick at 90+2 minutes hit the crossbar. Had it been a success ....! But Germany played a better game altogether and deserved the win.

FINALS

Finals between Spain and Holland on 11th July was the most "foul-ish". Holland played like thugs initially. In all, they collected 7 yellow cards and one RED card; Spain too lost its cool somewhat, retorted back with 5 fouls. A few chances were missed by both the teams but it was Spain who were looking the likely winners as the match progressed.

Nil - Nil score at regular time, the match went on to Extra time; extra time also was barren even though Spain missed a lot of chances. Finally, with just 4 minutes to go (116 minutes) Iniesta collected a pass from Fabregas and thumped the only goal - the winning goal. Well done Spain and Robert INIESTA deserved the goal.

I used to like Holland in all the previous WCs but today they played like thugs. At least initially. Well deserved win for the "best team in the world" Spain.

The World cup - 2010 in South Africa has thus ended after 31 days and 64 matches.

rajappa
09:30 AM
12 July 2010

Filing of Incometax Returns

2010-07-09T12:05:00.008+05:30

This morning, Friday the 9th July 2010, I went to Aayakar Bhavan at Nungambakkam, Chennai and filed personally the Returns for the AY 2010-11. New SARAL - II form.

The section is in the New Block, 4th floor, Room No 423 (for Govt Pensioners). We had to locate it with a bit difficulty. Vijaya came with me to the Aayakar Bhavan.

Rajappa
09 July 2010
12:05 noon

Amma's Sraththam - 2010

2010-07-05T11:20:00.007+05:30

Amma's Sraththam - 2010

We three brothers (Sugavanam, Jayaraman, and self) perform the sraththams of our parents every year at Chennai; our elder brother Sundaresan performs at Dapodi, Pune.

Amma's Thithi is Aani, Krishna Paksham, Ashtami.

This year (2010) amma's thithi came on Sunday, 4th July. This is the first sraththam that we are performing at our Besantnagar house (22nd Cross street)

Vijaya and I purchased the grocery items, Vaathiyar Saamaankal like Varatti four days before, from Ambika Appalam Depot Mylapore. Some grocery items especially the paruppukal we purchased from Kamadenu, Besantnagar. A day before the thithi, we purchased all the vegetables, fruits incl vaazhaipazham from nearby Besantnagar Veg shop. On 4th morning Sugavanam purchased Vaazhai Ilai and Pushpam from Thiruvanmiyur. This year i missed the South Mada street ambience.

Preparations started on 2nd itself; on 3rd July evening Vijaya and I cut vegetables.

On 4th, the day of Sraththam, we two got up by 4-20 AM and started the work. Jayaraman, Kalyani, Poornima were the first to arrive by 6-45. They were followed by other relatives. Vasu and Sruti were the outstation guests from New Delhi. They arrived by 7-30AM. (Sruti's 2nd year admission at SRM)

Everyone - Vijaya, Krithika, Saroja, Kalyani, Mangalam were extremely busy in cooking and allied jobs. Krithika, in 9-yard sari, helped a lot.

Sastrigal came by 10-00 and started the rites at 10-30. I performed the Sraththam with participation from Sugavanam and Jayaraman. After 2 hours, the Brahmanals had their lunch by 12-15 noon and the rituals got over by 12-45. Vathiyar dakshinai was 200+200+350 this year.

At 1-15 or so we ate. We two, Arun, Gayathri, Sowmya, Sriram, Arvind, Krithika, Aditi, Padma, Prakash, Rajeswari, Saroja, Athimber, Mangalam, Sugavanam, Sudha, Dhanush, (Darshini), Jayaraman, Kalyani, Poornima, Vasu, Sruti, Satish ate. Krithika, Gayathri, Rajeswari, Sudha, Sruti served.

Then everyone started leaving.

Thus the Sraththam of Amma went off well. Expenses 2646.00 We brothers gave blouse bits to our sisters and Sudha, rajeswari.

rajappa
5 July 2010
11:20 AM

Two functions on the Same Day - Part 2

2010-06-22T11:59:00.010+05:30

Recently I wrote about two functions on the same day (Read here). That was on 02 June.

This happened again on 17th and 21 June. 17th (Thursday) was the 4th birthday of Aditi which we celebrated in the evening (Read). In the morning, there was the marriage of the daughter of Mr TS Jayaraman, my former colleague at DRDL Hyderabad. I know TSJ since 1969 from my Poona days. The marriage was at Hotel Swagath, Royapettah High Road. At the venue, I met a few of my old, almost-forgotten colleagues of 1960s to 2001. It was a pleasure to see them again after 40 or 10 years!

I had worked "under" Mr Prabhakar from 1963 to 1974 in Poona. We two went to Yugoslavia in Sept - Oct 1969 for 35 days and stayed together in Hotel Slav, Beograd (Belgrade). Those and other memories rushed when I saw him. Today he is in his late 70s and a frail man. Lives alone in Tiruvallikkeni.

On 21 June (Monday), it was a Upanayanam in the early hours (6-7.30AM). Neeraja's cousin (he is in US). Neeraja and Ashok had come from Bangalore to attend this. After the Brahmopadesam and a heavy breakfast (why do they serve ice-cold idlies always?) we returned home.

Evening it was the Nicchaya thaartham of Deepak - son of Kumar who is the cousin of Vijaya. Vijaya and I went to attend it. It was at Valasarawakkam and our ride in bus 5E could be a topic for a future post! The function was over by 6-30PM and after a really heavy dinner, we were back in 5E.

Our social "calendar" is getting choked since we left Hyderabad in Dec 2001 and settled in Madras.

Rajappa
12.00 noon
22 June 2010

Railway Reservation

2010-05-14T20:45:00.002+05:30

Since the day IRCTC started its website (their latest being the more-friendly BETA version), I had stopped going to any Railway Reservation Complex for reserving my train tickets. Two years (or is it three years?) back I went to Mylapore RRC to book tickets. That was the last time i guess.

This (14 May 2010) morning, I took a fancy to go to the Rajaji Bhavan RRC to book. There was a long Q at 8-00 Am and I joined it. As the queue started inching inside the complex, I too tailed it; not aware that Senior Citizens need not stand in this Q ! After a tortuos standing for over 30 minutes, someone told me, "why are you standing in the Q, sir? Enter the complex, as you are a sr. citz."

I entered and there was a seperate counter for sr citzs where there were three more elders. My turn came within 10 minutes and i came out by 8-45 Am after a successful mission.

Thank you Railways.

Rajappa
8-45 PM
14 May 2010

Two functions on the same day

2010-05-03T09:15:00.004+05:30

Sunday, May 02nd, 2010 happened to be a "special" day in my life. There were two functions on this day; but the significant part is that all ELEVEN of us - Vijaya and I, Arun-Gayathri, Ashok-Neeraja, Arvind-Krithika and the three children Sowmya, Aditi, and Sriram attended both the functions together!

This is very unique and rare because clubbing all eleven is a difficult proposition - work pressure, holiday/leave problems and similar other reasons precludes such a gathering. But today it happened.

First function was in the morning at Valasarawkkam, near Akila's house - the marriage of Bharathy d/o Lakshmi - Janakiraman. Lakshmi is the cousin of Vijaya (her chiththappa's daughter). We went there in Arvind's and Arun's car.

Later, in the evening it was the Nichchaya thaartham function of Aparna d/o Akila-Raja. Akila is the d/o Indira, eldest sister of Vijaya. It was at Nungambakkam. Vasanth is the name of the "boy" and the marriage is proposed on 03 Sept 2010.

With Punyaha vachanam of Sudha's child on 30th April, we had to "suffer" the repeat menu in all the three functions !!

Rajappa
09:15 AM
3 May 2010

Our Bangalore Visit - March 2010

2010-04-01T10:15:00.002+05:30

Last time we visited Bangalore during Feb 2010 and we returned to Chennai on 6 March. We came again to Bangalore yesterday (25 March) night by Bangalore Express (dep 13:30 hrs). Arun dropped us at the station in his Santro. We could see the new complex of TN Assembly-Secretariat.

When I browsed the position online, there were 4 seats. I booked. When we saw the chart in the train, Vijaya's name was not to be found ! Took out the ticket - oh God, her seat was in a different coach! How did I miss this? She sat in C1 and I in C2. After the ticket Examiner checked all the passengers, there was quite a shuffle among passengers. It seemed 50% of the passengers were exchanging seats ! Vijaya too "exchanged" and she came to C2. It was an experience ..

We carried sugarless coffee in the recently-purchased flask, and thayir saadam in two packs. First time we are doing this. The train reached Bangalore by 8-25PM, we took a pre-paid auto to Meenakshi temple where Neeraja and Ashok were waiting in their Alto. We were home by 9-30PM.

On Saturday (27 March) all of us drove to Jayanagar 4th block and purchased the Poojai_items. Jayanagar 4th Block is a very lively place. There is a bajji shop which sells குடைமிளகாய் பஜ்ஜி, வாழைக்காய் பஜ்ஜி, மெதுவடை etc. Capsicum bajji is their specialty, i understand. What a crowd. We had to wait for over 5 mins to get those steaming hot and tasty bajjis.

29 March Monday was the Sri Satyanarayana Poojai day. Neeraja and Ashok returned from office early. Neeraja started preparations for the Poojai. Neeraja, Ashok and I took bath at 4-30PM. Sasatrgal came at 5PM and started the proceedings. Ashok performed the Poojai. Neeraja's appa-amma and thatha also attended. Sastrigal did an elaborate poojai, it was so nice and satisfying. Mami brought Rava Kesari for Neivedyam. Poojai was over at 8-15PM and we all had Puliyodharai and Thayir Saadam for dinner.

After a day's rest, we left Bangalore on 31 March by Lal Bagh Express (0630 AM). Ashok dropped us at the station. Janani also came by the same train. Her seat was in C1 and ours in C2. As usual, we got it exchanged and Janani sat next to us. The child PRADYUN was engaging us with his mazhalai and pranks. We reached Chennai by 1215 and Mr Prabhakar (f/o Ramsundar) had come to receive the child. We drove in his car and were home by 1PM.

A nice trip.

rajappa
10:15 AM
1 April 2010

Our Bangalore Visit - Feb 2010

2010-03-07T10:30:00.002+05:30

The last time we visited Bangalore was in Feb-March 2009. After that, we couldn't come to Bangalore for different reasons. This year, Vijaya and I started for Bangalore on 30 Jan 2010, alongwith Ashok - Neeraja. We travelled by Lal Bagh Express (3-35PM) and reached Ashok's home by 1030PM.

We had brought Puliyodhrai and Thayir saadam for dinner and we ate in the train at 8-30PM. Bangalore was chill and cold and I had to use woolen kambili while sleeping.

4th February is the marriage day of Ashok- Neeraja and they took us to a newly opened restaurent - MAAKHAN BHOG - on the Bannerghatta Road for dinner. We had soup, Babycorn roast, Pasta preparations (two varieties, I can't pronounce the italian names), Tandoori Roti, Baingan Burtha, and Dhal Tadkewali. And soft drinks. Very tasty enjoyable.

During our stay at Bangalore, we went to Anand's house at Halasuru (Ulsoor), Savithri's house at Hosur, and Janani's house at Whitefield. We also visited SPAR, Big Bazaar malls and purchased dresses for the children. We went to Maharashtrian eatery at Jayananagar, Annapoorani at Ulsoor, Maiya's at Jayanagat besides the above mentioned Maakhan Bhog. You can read various posts written by me on these.

After staying with Ashok-Neeraja for over 35 days, we left Bangalore on Saturday 6th March 2010 by Shatabdi Express (4-30PM). This is the first time we travel by Shatabdi. Very comfortable. Ashok-Neeraja came to Bangalore City Jn to drop us. At Chennai where we reached by 9-30PM, Arvind came in his new Fiat LINEA car to receive us.

Rajappa
7-3-2010
1030AM

Paa

2010-03-04T17:15:00.003+05:30

Paa - a film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Abhishek Bachchan, is about a child/kid who is affected by a rarest-of-rare disease called PROGERIA.

Progeria is a very uncommon disorder occuring one in eight million live-births in the world. Progeros is a greek word meaning "ageing prematurely", and the children afflicted by this genic disorder age quite faster, at 6 to 7 times the normal. Though their real age maybe 8 or 10, their looks, organs and other physical conditions are similar to 60 ot 80 years' old persons. Normally they dont live beyond 13 years, thanks be to God, and they die mostly because of stroke. No cure has been found till date.

One such child is born to Vidya whose politically-ambitious lover abandons her once he knows that she has conceived. With immense and excellent support from her widowed mother, Vidya delivers the baby and is shocked to know that the child is progeric. But she and her mother are determined to nurture the baby and take care of him against all odds.

Amitabh is the child and Vidya Balan is the mother. A 6'2" tall, 67 years of age AMITABH has shrunk to a 13 year progeric kid -- oh, what a stupendous, fantastic, moving performance by this greatest actor-ever! Vidya Balan as the unwed mother has matched AB in performance. (Incidentally, both Amitabh and Vidya Balan have won the Filmfare awards as Best Actor and Actress; and also Screen Awards for best actor and actress.)

A must-to-be-seen film if only for these two. See at the earliest..

Rajappa
5-15PM
4 March 2010

Batata Vada, Sabudana Vada

2010-03-01T11:40:00.024+05:30

I wrote on 29 Aug 2008 (read here) about a Maharashtrian-run eatery in Jayanagar 9th Block, Bangalore, Rajvardhan Foods, where one gets to eat authentic piping hot and tasty Maharashtrian dishes like Batata Vada, Sabudana Vada, Vada Paav etc.

This time also Ashok, Vijaya, and I went there on 27 Feb 2010 and had these tasty dishes. I am a huge fan of Batata and Sabudana Vadas. Cost-wise it maybe a bit expensive (22.00 for two batata Vadas) but the taste is good.

Rajappa
1 March 2010
11:40 AM

The Great Exchange Offer ...

2010-03-01T11:30:00.001+05:30

The Big Bazaar stores all over India announced a great exchange offer for one month starting 20 Feb 2010. Exchange old for new, they said.

Old newspapers were taken at 25.00 a kg, clothes at 200.00 a kg, vessels at 75/kg, footwear at 75.00/kg and tyres at 50.00 a piece. Ashok, Vijaya, and I took lots of clothes and footwear on Saturday, 27th Feb to Big bazaar, Jayanagar 9th block. After weighing these, we were given value coupons for over Rs. 3200.00.

This amount is to be exchanged for new purchases. Not one to one exchange; on purchase of food items it is 1 to 8 and in case of clothes it is 1 to 4. That is, if you purchase 100.00 worth of clothes/dresses, you have to give 400.00 worth of value coupons. For every 100.00 purchase of fooditems, we have to surrender 800.00 worth of coupons.

Though definitely not a very attractive offer, this helped us in disposing off a lot of unwanted old junks, getting by the way 25 % discount on dresses and 12.29% discount on fooditems. Important thing is the house is now rid of old clothes/footwears.

Rajappa
11:30 AM
1 March 2010

We went to Halasuru, Bangalore

2010-02-22T10:40:00.001+05:30

HALASURU, is the new name for Ulsoor in Bangalore. We went there on Friday, the Feb 19th, 2010. Vijaya's anna's son lives there.

This is the first time we stepped out of the house on the streets of Ulsoor. First, we went to Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple, nearby. On Saturday, we went to Sri SOMESHWARA TEMPLE. The ancient temple, Someshwara Temple is a magnificent temple of the Chola period. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Other deities are Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeswara, Nanjundeswara and Panchalingeswara. The architectural marvel of the Cholas is evident from the shimmering rajagopuram (tower), dhwajastambha (massive pillar), multiple pillars and scriptures inscribed on the walls of the temple.

That night, we had dinner at Annapoorna Restaurent, nearby. This eatery is famous for Kannada special dishes. I had Bisi bele bath and, "more kali". Yes, more kali !! Others had different dosais. A bit expensive. 38.00 for moar kali ?

Rajappa
22-2-2010

Our Visit to Hosur (2010)

2010-02-18T10:15:00.006+05:30

Vijaya and I went to HOSUR on Sunday, 14th Feb 2010. Our earlier visit was in August 2008.

Ashok and Neeraja and we two left Bangalore in Ashok's car by 4PM and we travelled via Kammanahalli Road and then the new highway. The roads are very wide and smooth. We reached Savithri's house by 4-50 itself. She gave us tasty Uppu Appams to eat. After an hour A - N left.

Savithri had recently been to Guruvayur for the Naaraayaniyam Poojai. She and two of her friend-mamis left Hosur by the Inter-City Express on 10th Feb 2010 morning, reaching Guruvayur by 7PM. Next day was the Poojai. Savithri has hand-written the entire Naaraayaniyam (in Tamil) and the meaning of each sloka in Tamil. The notebook, A4 size, runs to 400 pages. Very determined and dedicated work by Savithri.They returned to Hosur on 12th. She showed me the notebook and I was awestruck by the pains and effort taken by Savithri. Remarkable.

Monday, the 15th, Vijaya and Savithri planned for Vadam pizithal (VP in short) for next day. Evening we shopped around for this VP job - purchasing plastic sheets, javvarisi etc. They became two young girls again in their enthusiasm for Vadam ! On both 16th (Tues) and 17th (Wednesday), they got up early and prepared the arisi (one-rupee ration arisi) maavu and went to the terrace for VP. Full of enthusiasm. The Vadam came out crisp, nice and very tasty. I ate the raw vadam maavu, after many decades ! For these three days, I cut vegetables for curry, Sambhar, salad etc. Also I wrote down a few recipes dictated by Savithri and Vijaya.

Savithri must easily be the most frequent traveller to koils in our family over the years. She would have visited scores of koils. Her experiences should be very informative and interesting. Everyone of us would be vastly benefitted by reading that account. I have told Savithri to start writing. Lets wait and see.

We left on the evening of Wednesday the 17th Feb back to Bangalore. Our stay with Savithri was quite enjoyable.

Rajappa
18 Feb 2010
10:15 AM

நாராயணீயம் குறித்து ஒரு சின்ன அறிமுகம்

இந்திய பாரம்பரியத்தில் ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவத புராணம் ஒரு முக்கிய அங்கம் வகிக்கிறது. பாகவத புராணத்தில் சுமார் 18,000 ஸ்லோகங்கள் உள்ளன.

பாகவத புராணத்தின் சாராம்சத்தை சுருக்கி 1034 ஸ்லோகங்களில் நாராயணீயம் எழுதப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதை 16-ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் கேரளாவில் வாழ்ந்த மேல்பத்தூர் நாராயண பட்டாத்ரி என்பவர் தன்னுடைய 27வது வயதில் எழுதினார்.

நாராயணீயம் 1034 ஸ்லோகங்களும் 10 தஸாகங்களில் அடங்கியள்ளன. ஒவ்வொரு தஸாகத்திலும் 100 ஸ்லோகங்கள் உள்ளன. இதன் பொருட்செறிவும் சமஸ்கிருதத்தின் புலமையும் இதை கேரளாவின் மிக முக்கியமான பக்தி நூலாக கொண்டாடுகிறார்கள்.

ஸ்ரீகிருஷ்ணனின் கோயிலான குருவாயூரில் இதை விசேஷமாக பாடுகிறார்கள். கடைசி தஸாகத்தில் ஸ்ரீவிஷ்ணுவின் விஸ்வரூப தரிஸனத்தை பட்டாத்ரி விவரிப்பது பக்தி பரவசமூட்டும்.

பொங்கல் பணம்

2010-01-06T10:00:00.005+05:30

Every year I give my sisters பொங்கல் பணம் during first week of January. I send the amount by Money Order to those who live out-of-town.

Filling up the MO form is a task; a bit confusing and a bit cumbersome. One has to fill the addresses at more than one place in the form. Time consuming process. As this was the only option available those days for sending money to out-of-town persons, one had to bear this. Anyway I resort to MO only once in a year, if at all. So I bear it with a grin.
This Jan (2010) when I asked for the blank MO form at Mandaveli Post office, I was pleasantly surprised to look at the offered form – it was simple and elegant looking, neat printing and all. On the left side, you fill your details (address, email ID etc) – and on the right side you fill details of the other person receiving the money. His/her postal PINCODE is a must. The English used is simple. You sign and submit it. An electronic (digital) ack receipt is given to you. The total process takes less than five minutes, thats all.

The details are transmitted digitally to the other office via postal networking and the postman there goes to the house and gives the amount. In about 24 hours. Fast and efficient. Remember those years when it used to take a week or more for the person to receive the money!
The fee charged is 5.00 for every Rs 100.00.

rajappa
06 Jan 2010
1000 AM
*** After about 10 days of actual receipt by Savithri and Mangalam, I received the signed receipt by post !!

First 30 days at Besantnagar

2010-01-02T11:15:00.004+05:30

On 28th Dec 2009, we completed one month at our new house at Besant Nagar. In these 30 days, every one of us had lots of work to do.

COOKING GAS: Getting the Gas connection posed a problem as “address proof” was needed.First they refused to accept the Rent Agreement copy as proof, but later as Mrs Thilakam Mohan phoned them, it was accepted on 8 Dec! The refill was delivered the next day. But, we found a spelling mistake in my name. Instead of SA Narayanan, they had typed as S Narayanan. When pointed out on 22 Dec, they said it would not be “possible” to correct the mistake at present. We were stuck! I said, “why not go to IOCL and discuss with the Customer Care?”

Vijaya and I went to Indian Oil Corp Teynampet on 24 Dec, met the Area Manager who gave written instructions to the Gas Agency to correct the name. Back to the Gas Agency on 29th, the Gas Transfer Subscription Voucher was corrected and given to us; now we have a new Consumer number.

MILK CARD: Address proof was needed for this also. We took the Rent Agreement on 11th Dec as the proof and they accepted it. We paid Rs 1104 for 2 litres milk (Blue, 3% fat) for 31 days. The home delivery done by our servant maid herself started from 16th Dec. Earlier, I used to go to the Aavin booth daily in the morning, pay cash, and get the milk.

TELEPHONE/BROADBAND: No problem in this; only, we had to take my Modem to BSNL Adyar for configuration.Telephone was activated (2446 xxxx) on 2 Dec and broadband on 5th.
GEYSERS: Arvind purchased two new Geysers (Racold, 15 litres) and these were fixed on 12th and 18th Dec. Earlier we used immersion heater for hot water, but now we get it from the geyser.

SERVANT MAID / NEWSPAPER: No problem at all; except that I had subscribed for Times of India for one year (till Apr 2010) and they were not successful in delivering the newspaper at the new address; initially I purchased the TOI daily, paying cash, and from 19th our vendor started home delivery.

Marghazhi month started on 16 Dec and I am going to Sri Ratnagiriswarar Koil and Sri Varasiddhi Vinayakar Koil daily morning. Collect steaming hot வெண் பொங்கல் and return home. Vijaya also started coming from 29 Dec, getting up at 5-30 and taking bath. We meet Saroja at the Koildaily. On 1 Jan (திருவாதிரை பண்டிகை) we got களி as prasadam.

Now at the end of one month we are “almost settled”

Rajappa
2-1-2010
11:15 AM

New Year 2010

2010-01-02T10:00:00.007+05:30

This year’s (2010) New Year dawned for us at Besant Nagar.

Early morning at 6-45 we two went to the temples as usual and got களி as prasadam, today being Thiruvathirai festival. Met Saroja in the temple, as usual.

I cut vegetables for the கூட்டு for more than an hour – வாழைக்காய், நாட்டு அவரைக் காய், பட்டை அவரைக்காய், கத்தரிக்காய், பீன்ஸ், பட்டாணி, உருளைக்கிழங்கு, சர்க்கரை வள்ளிக்கிழங்கு,ப்பங்கிழங்கு,சேனைக்கிழங்கு, காரட், மொச்சை, பூசணிக்காய், பரங்கிக்காய், ஊறவைத்த வேர்க்கடலை, கொத்துக்கடலை ஆகியவை போட்டு கூட்டு செய்தோம்.

Vijaya prepared களி மற்றும் கூட்டு. Lalitha and Kumar came from Avadi, for lunch; they brought Kali and Koottu. After lunch they went to Indira’s house; Vijaya also went.

Evening, Ramesh and his family came, unannounced. They spent 4 hours here and had dinner with us and then left by 9 PM. We gave a Tamil book to Lalitha and Ramesh as NY gift.

Thus, this year’s New Year went off in a nice manner.

Rajappa
2-1-2010
1000 AM

New Year (2010) Eve

2009-12-31T23:00:00.002+05:30

NEW YEAR EVE.

On the New Year eve (31 Dec 2009), Vijaya and I went to Mylapore. Collected a NY calendar from Lakshmi Vilas Bank. To Giri traders, and there purchased a lot of books. At the Music Section we saw heaps of the latest DVD of Smt Vishakha Hari – Sri ANDAL THIRUKKALYANAM; we promptly purchased one.

Then to Sri Kapaleeswarar Koil, my most favourite koil. Onto South Mada Street, we purchased vegetables for tomorrow’s Thiruvathirai Pandigai. No place like South Mada Veedhi for vegetables – this is my firm view.

To Ramakrishna Math Bookshop and purchased two copies of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. One of these is for Padma akka, to whom I am giving as a New Year/Pongal Gift.

Back home, Arvind told we are going for dinner to EDEN restaurent. This restaurent is just 4 minutes’ walk from our house!I ate Roti with Dal Tadka; Vijaya had Rumali Roti with Aloo Gobi.

As we neared our home, Vijaya and I decided to go to the beach to see the Sea water in the Paurnami moonlight. It was a good outing today.

Rajappa
31-12-2009
1100 PM

The new residence at Besant nagar

2009-12-11T14:00:00.007+05:30

Our life at Besantnagar started on 28 Nov 2009 (Saturday)

On the morning of 29th Nov, I explored the areas in the locality – the Elliots beach is about 7 mins walk, Sri Vallabha Vinayakar koil 10 minutes, bus terminus 9 minutes, Sri Ratnagiriswarar koil 7 minutes, Saroja’s house 15 minutes, vegetable shops 6 minutes walk. All very nearby and convenient.

The house has three bedrooms. A large garden on the three sides of the house. Three balconies of which two open to the garden. The third one is a closed one. Very airy and brightly sunlit. No need for either fans or tubelights. Incidentally, Aditi likes the garden very much.

After some difficulty (“address proof” needed) we got the Gas connection on 8th Dec, thanks to Mrs Tilakam Mohan who helped us. The first refill on 9th. We got the Aavin Milk card on 11th (“address proof”).

My BSNL telephone was connected on 1st Dec and activated on 2nd. Broaddband configured on 5th. ACs were fixed by 2nd. Arvind’s BSNL phone activated on 9th.

Thus our life at the new house has been settled by 11th Dec, except for delivery of TOI.

rajappa
11-12-2009
2PM

KVS Athimber Varusha Aaptikam

2009-12-10T20:20:00.005+05:30

One year has gone by since KVS athimber left us last year on 25 Nov 2008. Yesterday (Wednesday, 9 Dec 2009) was the Varusha aptika Sraththam.

We two left our house by 07-15 (arvind dropped us at the bus stand) and we went by 47A and 71E (from Taylors Road); reached Ambattur by 9 AM. Sastrigals started the rituals by 1045 and it was over by 1245. 2 brahmanals ate. Then we had meals. Apart from Padma akka, Prakash, Rajeswari, Srividya, we were the only two extra. Srividya’s husband and daughters didn’t come because of exams.

Rajeswari and Srividya prepared the entire sraththam meals. Saroja and athimber came there by 6PM. After night meals, all of us slept there.

Thursday, 10 Dec 2009: Today is the subhasyam (grekkiam). Jayaraman, Kalyani, Purnima, Rajeswari’s parents, KVS’s nephew Ramakrishnan and his wife (total 11 + 4) were the additions today.

The rituals started at 0945 and ended at 1145; we fifteen ate by 12 noon. Rajeswari and Srividya prepared the meals. We took rest till 3PM and then left back via local train – A1 AC bus – 21D bus. Saroja – Athimber also came with us. We were back home by 540.

Thus the first sraththam of KVS athimber was over – I ate from the Vishnu Ilai, this was a FIRST for me !

rajappa
10-12-2009
8-20PM

Shifting Residence

2009-11-29T10:00:00.010+05:30

We came to Karpagam Avenue, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai 600028, on 31 August 2005.

We were asked to “vacate” the house as the owner needed it for his office.

We arranged for a packers and movers (Rs 3500/-) and shifted residence on Saturday, 28 November 2009. The packer came at 1030 and packed things and made the first trip at 1310. Earlier Vijaya and Krithika had packed our clothes, books, and other small things in 15 cartons and kept these ready for loading. Arvind and Krithika went in the first trip, and returned by 2-45.

Arun took leave to help us; he brought lunch – சாம்பார் சாதம், தயிர் சாதம் - and we ate our final meals at Karpagam avenue at 1-30. The rest of the things were loaded and the 2nd and final trip was made at 5-15PM. I came with Arun in his car, Vijaya came with Arvind-Krithika-Aditi.

Final bye-bye to Karpagam avenue !
We reached the new house at Cross Street, Besantnagar, Chennai 600090. Unloading and arranging things. We had our meals at Arun’s house.

Our life at Besantnagar thus started on 28 November 2009.

rajappa
29 Nov 2009 – 1000 AM

பால் காய்ச்சிக் குடித்தோம்

2009-11-22T19:00:00.005+05:30

We had a very happy and peaceful life at Karpagam Avenue 3rd Street, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai 28 since 31 August 2005. All good things come an end — in the first week of Oct 2009 the house-owner (Mr Ravikumar) wanted us to vacate the house as he needed it for his use. That was a stunning blow to all of us, more so because Arvind had enrolled the child ADITI in Harishri Vidyalayam only recently after paying a hefty amount. The school is nearby to Karpagam Avenue.

Arvind and Krithika started looking for another rented house and got one at Cross Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. Another 3 BHK house, but a little older. A large garden surrounds the house. Rs 20,000 rent per month. The house seems to be good, and the location is convenient.

On the morning of Friday the 20th November 2009 we went to the house and performed the பால் காய்ச்சிக் குடித்தல் ceremony. Arun, Gayathri visited for a brief while.

We plan to shift on Saturday, 28 November 2009.

Rajappa
22-11-2009
19.00 PM

Padur, Tirupporur,Mamallapuram

2009-11-21T18:45:00.003+05:30

Our eldest son ARUN has planned to purchase a flat at Padur, about 25 km from Adyar. He took home loan from SBI. The registration was on Thursday the 19th November 2009 at the Sub-Registrar office at Tirupporur, another 10 km away.

Arun, Gayathri, Sowmya, Sriram, Vijaya, I, and Mr Balasubramanian (Gayathri’s father) started at 10-50AM on 19-11-2009. Earlier we reached his house at 0800 AM, had lunch there.

After travelling for 45 minutes on Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), we stopped at Padur and saw the site where the building will come up. Now it is barren. From there, we went to Tirupporur. The Sub-Registrar office is located near the Murugan Koil tank. We reached there by 12 noon.

The signing of the official papers by Arun was completed by 2-15 PM. So now Arun-Gayathri are officially owners of the house. While waiting, we took idli there on the steps of the koil kulam. Sriram and Sowmya enjoyed the kulam water.

Once the main job was over, we decided to relax and proceed to Mamallapuram (aka Mahabalipuram) 15 km away from Tirupporur. This is the first-ever visit for me.

At Mamallapuram, we saw the Pancha Rathams, Arjun Tapas, the Shore Temple, the butter stone etc. The children enjoyed the outing. We left there by 5-30PM and after a cup of coffee at GBS house Adyar, we two returned to Karpagam Avenue by 7-45 PM

A nice and fruitful trip.

On Saturday, the 21st November 2009, at 5 PM we went to Padur again with Ashok- Neeraja and Gayathri – Sowm – Sriram. On our way back, we took the children to Besantnagar beach.

Rajappa
21-11-2009
6-45 PM

Karpagam Avenue

2009-11-20T10:00:00.009+05:30

We came to Karpagam Avenue, 3rd Street, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai 600028 on 31 August 2005 from 77/85, Aspiran Gardens, 2nd Street, Kilpauk, Chennai – 10 where we lived for 3 1/2 years from Feb 2002.

The house owner at Aspiran gardens was Mr Ratnakar Shenoy and at Karpagam Avenue Mr Ravikumar. The landline at Aspiran garden was 2644 4995 and at KA 2461 6845.

This house at KA is a 3-BHK and very convenient. Being near to Mylapore, Mandaveli, MRC Nagar, RA Puram was a boon to us. Particularly Mylapore, which is just 25 minutes’ walk from KA. Vijaya and I used to frequent the South Mada Veedhi and Giri Traders almost daily.

We visited many temples in Mylapore, RA Puram like Sri Kapaliswarar, Sri Velliswarar, Adi Kesava Perumal, Madhava Perumal, Veera Anjaneyar, Vinayakar, Iyappa, Saibaba koils. We used to visit many Sabhas, like Chettinad, PS High School, Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Asthika Samajam, Sri Parthasarathy Sabha (Bheema Sena Garden) etc etc. There is no place in Chennai like Mylapore, I can safely say.

While we were in Karpagam Avenue, Gayathri’s Seemantham, Krithika’s Seemantham, birth of our first grand-daughter Sowmya (17 May 2006), second grand-daughter Aditi (17 June 2006) and first grandson Sriram (7 April 2008) happened. Ashok-Neeraja built their new flat at Bannarghatta, Bangalore on 31 August 2007 and performed the Gruha Pravesam.

Ashok purchased his first car (Maruti Alto, pre-owned) in Nov 2007 and Arun a new Hyundai Santro car on 15 Nov 2007.

We disposed off our house at Kovaipudur on 20 October 2008 and our entire family including Sowmya, Aditi, Sriram had an enjoyable time at a gettogether at Ooty.

We celebrated Vijaya’s 60th birthday at this house on 21 Sep 2009 and she got her first pension amount on 31 Oct 2009 when we were here. I performed the annual sraththams of our amma-appa here since 2006.

On the GRS and GNY family side — Sudhan got married on 13 Nov 2006, and Ranjani on 11 April 2008; Srinath, Sughosh, Saadvi, Anirudh, Vengadakrishnan and Mahathi, Saikrishna, Sahasra were born during this period. Sridhar (indira) passed away on 21 June 2007, Girija on 25 Nov 2007, KVS athimber on 20 Nov 2008, Periya Manni (delhi) on 1 August 2009. The child Vandana (Sudhakar) passed away on 25 Apr 2006.

We were leading a very happy, peaceful life here when we were suddenly jolted by the house owner in Oct 09 to vacate the house. We were stunned. Arvind and Krithika searched for and located a 3-BHK house at --- Cross Street, Besantnagar and we shifted to this house on 28 Nov 2009 with a very heavy heart and a sad feeling.

rajappa
20-11-2009
1000 AM

Vijaya's Pension

2009-11-06T12:15:00.001+05:30

VIJAYA's PENSION

Vjaya was working as a PGT teacher in Defence Laboratories School, RCI, Hyderabad for nearly 13 years. After my retirement in August 2001, she too resigned her job, though reluctantly, on 25 June 2002. She was 52 then. We came to Chennai and settled here.

As per the EPF proviso, Vijaya was to get Pension, but only after she attains the age of 58. So, she had to wait till September 2007. She had been given a "Scheme Certificate" that was to be produced at the pension office on her attaining 58 years of age. AP/ 18059 / 85.

18-03-2008 We went to Hyderabad
However we could not submit the requisition in 2007. We went to Hyderabad on 18 March 2008 and there started our ordeal with the Office of Regional Commissioner of Pension at Barkatpura, Hyderabad. At this office we were footballed around from one floor to the other, to various Sections / clerks. We were told first to fill Form 10-C (part withdrawal) but later it was changed to Form 10-D (for Pension). We were in this office for 3 hours and then returned. We filled the 10-D in duplicate at Rama's place. Some columns are to be filled by the Principal DLS.

19 March 2008.
We went to DLS, Kanchanbagh and submitted the Forms to the Principal who checked it up and advised further action - three copies of joint photo of we two, a photocopy of her Relieving Order (2002), a photocopy of the bank passbook, were a must . Since the bank pass book was at Chennai, we phoned Arvind to send us the photocopy. He sent it promptly. We had ourselves photographed at RC Puram and obtained copies.

20 March 2008.
Went to DLS with all the requirements and submitted to the principal, Mr. ES NAIDU. He said that he would submit the form with all enclosures, after filling in the wage details, at the PF office. Thanking him profusely, we returned to Rama's place. We came back to Chennai on 25 March 2008.

16-04-2008 - SUBMISSION OF FORM

Principal, DLS, submitted the form with all the needed enclosures to the PF office, Barkatpura on 16 April 2008 and obtained an acknowledgement (28800704). PF office advised us to contact them after 45 days for progress. Everyone "assured" us that the pension would be settled in 45 days !!

28 MAY 2008

Rama and Satyamurthy came to our house at Chennai and we handed over a photocopy of the application form to him for followup. Nothing has been heard from PF office even after 42 days.

31 DEC 2008

Nearly 8 1/2 months have gone by; still there is no news from PF office.

31 JAN 2009

No news yet. Satyamurthy went to PF office to checkup - they told him that the entire form with its enclosures have been LOST. Most shocking. How could an office "lose" documents ? We spoke to the principal, DLS, who sent his rep for checking; he also told us the same. He wanted us to re-send some of the enclosures (particularly 6 photos) to him for re-submission. We sent these on 11 Feb 2009 (now 9 1/2 months). Received by principal on 17 Feb 2009. But he has not submitted it at the PF office till 26 Feb 2009.

23 MARCH 2009 :: Principal told us that the PF office needs us to send an affidavitt (from a Notary). Now it is over 11 months.

11-04-2009

PF office Hyderabad sent us the Form 10-D with all its enclosures, asked us to obtain the affidavitt in a Rs 10.00 Stamp Paper. We went to Saidapet Court on 13-04-2009 in the morning and obtained the affidavitt by late evening (Rs 400.00).

15-04-2009

We sent the application form etc by Speed Post to Rama today. (Nearly ONE YEAR now). Rama received it on 17-04-2009

20-04-2009

Satyamurthy went to the PF office and submitted the bunch. ONE YEAR COMPLETED.

15-06-2009 :: Talked to Satyamurthy for followup.

03-07-2009 Satyamurthy went to the PF office; they said work is is progress. Now 1 year 3 months.

21-08-2009

Satyamurthy went to PF office for follow up; they have told him that papers have been finalised, these would be sent to Chennai Office at Royapettah in a week's time. From now on it is "Over to Chennai" Maybe another 2 months?? Now it is 1 year 4 months.

05-09-2009 Friday Papers sent to Chennai office

Received a letter from PF office Hyderabad that the papers, verified and approved, have been sent to PF office, Royapettah, for further action. The original, dated 26th August 2009, has been sent to Chennai office. Bye bye Hyderabad office ? 1 year 4 months 15 days.

11-09-2009 Friday. To Chennai Office and signed a Declaration.

Earlier on 06-09-2009 GBS contacted Mrs Dhanalakshmi, relative of GBS / Gayathri and told her re application form. She responded on 10-09-2009 and asked us to come to the office tomorrow for signing a declaration. So self and Vijaya went to the PF office, Chennai on 11-09-2009. Vijaya signed the declaration (not re-employed certificate). Mrs Lakshmi says that by Sep-end we would see the Pension amount credited directly into Vijaya's SBI Mandaveli account.

12-10-2009 Monday. Another Enquiry with Chennai Office.
Returning from Delhi, we enquired Mrs Lakshmi re the latest. She said the pension has been sanctioned and we should get this credited in SBI a/c by 1st week of November. Let us wait and see. 1 year 6 months now.

02-11-2009 Monday ... At Last, Finally it came ...
Today we casually checked with SBI Mandaveli. Aha, Vijaya's first Pension amount has been credited on 31 Oct 2009 (for the month of October). We both were so happy to see the entry in her passbook. After a prolonged procedural delays and wait for 1 year, 7 months, 12 days, Vijaya today got her pension.

The amount **Rs 800.00** is ofcourse small, but then pension is pension. And, Vijaya would be receiving this amount every month for her lifetime - thats something !

06-11-2009 Friday --- Pension Payment Order, arrears received
Yesterday 5-11-2009 we received a letter from Regional Provident Fund officem Royapettah that they have sent the PPO to the bank and we can collect from them.

Accordingly, we went to SBI Mandaveli this morning and collected our copy of PPO (PPO number: TN/MAS/520864) and arrears amount of Rs 19413.00. I was surprised to know that I am eligible for widower pension of Rs 450/- in case, God forbid, of the passing away of the member. This was a news to us.

Satisfactory END of a long effort ...

Rajappa
12:15 noon
06-11-2009

Nadamaadum Vegetable supermarket.

2009-11-03T05:00:00.002+05:30

Salaiyar Street is a small lane near our house at Karpagam Avenue, connecting RK Mutt Road. There are about 200 families, all lower-middle and lower class people living here.

Every morning by 1015 AM, a push-cart vegetable seller would enter this street from RK Mutt road side. Push-cart brimming with vegetables. Suddenly the families would appear and throng around his cart to buy vegetables. All his vegetables will be fresh, green,தளதளவென்று பச்சைப்பசேல் என்று இருக்கும். You will be tempted to buy a kg of Avarai, or 1/2 kg of kaththarikkai, or tomato maybe? So fresh, so tempting.

By the time he reaches the other end of this street, his cart would be 90% empty, vegetables sold off. This happens every single morning.

Politicians cry that the entry of big companies like Reliance or KPN would "kill" the small sellers. They should be brought here and shown the reality.

rajappa
12:45 noon
02-11-2009

Do we need horoscopes?

2009-10-27T20:10:00.003+05:30

IS HOROSCOPE A MUST FOR A PERSON? This question taunted me a couple of days ago, and I started thinking: As soon as a child is born (or at least within a year or so) its horoscope is computed. Its Janma Rasi, Star, Lagnam, Dasa are calculated among other things.

For what use, may I ask? Star and the placement of the Grahas are only once needed when the child grows to the marriageable age and her/his parents look for a matching "Varan." Once the marriage is completed, do we use horoscope at all? In a majority of cases, the plain answer would be a NO. I have not even seen my horoscope once during the last 68 years! The same is the case with all my sons, daughters-in- law, and Vijaya's.

Some people may use it for predicting their current / future fortunes or otherwise, but they are in a low minority. Rasi Palan and Sani/Guru/Rahu/ Ketu Peyarchi Palan -- we know what they are, don't we?

So my question is :: IS HOROSCOPE A MUST FOR A PERSON? What is your thinking?

Rajappa
8:10PM 27 Oct

Magnificent Marina

2009-10-20T07:00:00.002+05:30

The Marina beach in Chennai extends from Fort St George in the north to Light House in the south, about 4 kms long. Called South Beach Road, now Kamarajar Salai, the road was constructed in 1846. As my house is located in the south, my walk along the beach road actually starts from Light House to northwards. So walk along with me from south to north on the South Beach road, with the Bay of Bengal to your right.

என்ன, நடக்க ஆரம்பிக்கலாமா?

We commence our walk with the imposing building of All India Radio on the left. This is the first major building after Santhome Basilica down south. The AIR moved here in 1954 and to the more handsome building in the front in 1963. Just two years after BBC started in UK, AIR Madras commenced its broadcast in 1924 in Egmore. Then it moved to Rippon buildings in Poonamalee High road for 9 years. Later AIR reopened in 1938 in Marshalls Road, Egmore and finally to Marina.

On the opposite side (sea side) is the light house. Madras' first lighthouse was built in 1796 on the roof of what is now known as Fort Museum. Later, in 1841 the lighthouse was shifted to High Court complex. In 1894 the third lighthouse was established on top of High Court building, 175 feet high from sealevel. This functioned till 1970 when it was shifted to Marina opposite AIR.

Next to AIR stands the Forensic Science Department and the magnificent offices of Police HQ. This piece of ornament in white was constructed in 1839. The Madras Police was formalised in 1858 and its HQ moved here in 1863. This elegant structure was to be demolished in 1993 and a 10-storey highrise built in its place. Heritage lovers and conservationists fought in the court and the edifice survived. The building was renovated in 1998 at a cost of 1.5 crore. One must see it in the night, with all its lights on - a cynosure of all eyes. A grand spectacle.

Next comes the Edward Elliots road junction (now, Dr Radhakrishnan salai). A grand statue of Gandhiji - in march to Dandi style - adorns the other side (beach side). This marvelous piece of artwork was sculpted by Roy Choudhury. He was the first Indian Principal of the Madras School of Arts and Crafts. Next to the Edward Elliots Road junction is the Queen Mary's College (for women); it opened in July 1914. A statue of Queen Mary is still prominently displayed inside. Its founder was a Miss de la Hey whose mission was in the emancipation of women in South India. The college still follows this. It opened with just 37 students in Capper House of the complex. This Capper house was demolished in 2002-03, by you know who, but a strong sit-in protest by the Chennai college girls saved the other buildings. A new Govt Secretariat building was planned here but public protests (do you remember these?) saved the heritge site.

Then comes the Ice house, now known as Swami Vivekananda Illam. Blocks of ice were shipped from Boston USA for local consumption in Madras and this Ice house was constructed in 1840 to store the blocks of ice. Ice was sold in Madras for 8 annas (50 paise) a kg!

But, by 1874 the ice business started failing, and the building was purchased by one Bilagari Iyengar as his residence. Swami Vivekananda, on his return from USA in 1897, stayed here for 9 days. Ramakrishna movement in South India started from this place. After Bilagiri Iyengar's death in 1902, the building was auctioned and passed many hands; in 1930 it was acquired by Govt. Lady Willington Teachers Training College was founded in 1922 and the ice-house became its hostel from 1930. Now this college is renamed as Lady Willington Institute of Advanced Study in Education and is located next to Vivekananda Illam on the south.When the Vivekananda Centenary was celebrated in 1963, the ice-house was re-named as Vivekananda Illam and in 1997 the Govt gifted the building to Ramakrishna Mission.

Adjoining the Vivekananda Illam is the Annie Besant Road, previously called Peters Road. A statue of Annie Besant adorns the other side of this junction. After Besant road junction comes the Slum Clearance Board office and Thanthai Periyar Maaligai.

Next is the Examination Hall (1930 vintage) of the Madras University. Now the examination hall is named as The Oriental Research Institute for the classical languages. It was built in 1930. Just before the examination hall is the Eastern Gate (தோரண வாசல்) of Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Koil. You can walk to the famous temple through this Thorana Vaasal (1 km).

Crossing the examination Hall, we find the MRTS railway station of Tiruvallikkeni and next is the local headquarters of the Bharat Scout and Guides. This is inside a tree-shaded Lady Wenlock Park. Governor Wenlock developed the Scout movement in 1890s. It was Annie Besant once again who played a significant part in getting Indian scouting underway.

North side of Scouts HQ lies the Pycrofts Road (now Bharathi Salai), the gateway toTiruvallikkeni. At the junction of Pycrofts road and beach road, the statue of Kannagi adorns. This statue was 'removed' one night, shifted to the museum by AIADMK Govt, but when DMK govt regained power, reinstalled the தமிழர் பண்பாட்டு சின்னம் with much fanfare. Pycrofts road is a veritable treasure trove, a true khazana for second-hand book lovers. Visit the road after 3 PM and you can see mountains of books in all subjects and topics.

The famous Ghosha Hospital (now Kasturba Gandhi Hospital) is on the Pycrofts Road. More on this hospital later.

Cross the Pycroft road junction, you will see the grand edifice of Presidency College. First started as a preparatory school in Egmore in 1840, and then a High school, it became a college in 1853. The college moved to Marina in 1870. Became a co-ed college in 1889. Rajaji, Sir CV Raman, Dr Chandrasekar are some of its distinguished alumni. It is a sprawling complex.

Next to it is PWD building (Water Resources Organisation) and then comes தமிழ்நாடு குடிநீர் வாரியம். Then it is எழிலகம் (State Govt offices).

Adjoining Ezhilagam is the Walaja Road. The famous statue of Triumph of Labour (உழைப்பாளர் சிலை) is across this junction. To the south of Walaja road is the Chepauk Palace, the Chepauk Cricket stadium (MA Chidambaram Stadium), and the Chepauk railway station. (you can not see these from the beach road).Next to the Labour statue are the memorials (சமாதிகள்) of MG Ramachandran, and Annadurai.

On the north side of Walaja road are the galaxy of Madras University buildings. A statue of Queen Victoria still adorns this vast complex. The university buildings were constructed on one half of the Chepauk palace on the north of Walajah road. The University was incorporated in 1857. The university moved into Senate House, in 1879. Senate House is a work of a sheer genius, with four halls inside. It was renovated in 2007. It is undoubtedly one of the most striking buildings of Madras. Between the Senate House and the Library, there came the Centenary Building (1961) where the VC has his offices.

The last building is the University Library (1936). At the end of this building is Swami Sivananda Salai, where the offices of VSNL and Doordarshan are located.

Continuing on the Beach road, now we cross the dirty, stagnant, foul-smelling Cooum river, over the Napier Bridge (originally constructed in 1943, now renovated in Feb 2000). Between the beach road on the east, Sivananda Salai on the south, Mount road on the west, and Flag Staff road on the north, is the Island Grounds. Madras Port offices are on the sea side here.

Next is the Flag staff road and at this junction, there is the Victory War Memorial (WW I), and a statue of King George V. Kamarajar Salai ceases at this point and Rajaji Salai takes over from here.

Fort St George is on the left. The Secretariat and Madras Legislative Assembly (தமிழக அரசு தலைமையகம்) are inside the Fort (நாமக்கல் கவிஞர் மாளிகை) A little away from this Fort complex, to the north, is Reserve Bank of India.

Rajaji Salai continues further, but we will stop here.

rajappa
0700AM on 20 Oct 2009
** Most of the material taken from MADRAS REDISCOVERED by S. Muthaiah. My grateful thanks to him.

Satish

2009-10-15T09:30:00.001+05:30

Satish got an offer of employment from AIRTEL and he came to Chennai on 22 Feb 2009 and joined the company at TNagar the next day. We asked him to stay with us. He was with us for about 8 months, but he expressed a desire to "live alone to get experience." He found a shared accomodation at KK Nagar and left our house on the evening of Tuesday, 13th October 2009, with his bag and baggage.

He gave us good company to all of us while staying here for the past 8 months. Aditi in particular adored him and was always with him playing and talking, calling him அண்ணா, அண்ணா (மூச்சுக்கு மூணு தடவை). The child will miss him; and I guess he too will miss Aditi.

rajappa
09:30 AM on 15 Oct 2009

My impressions of Delhi

2009-10-15T07:00:00.002+05:30

Recently, during Sep 26 and Oct 10, 2009, Vijaya and I (and Ashok-Neeraja) had gone to New Delhi and stayed with Vasu and Srikanth.

The first impression I got was that the city is very large; truly it has been claimed "a city of distances". People here do not mind travelling over 35 km to their office, in heavy traffic! I was told our Ravi once used to travel 40 km to his office, that too on a scooter! In Delhi a car is a must, I feel. Vasu and others eat breakfast while travelling, I am told.

Secondly, the METRO is all-pervasive in the city. Already there are 3 lines functioning; and before the Commonwealth Games start in 2010, this will be extended manyfold. Construction work goes on in a breakneck speed to beat the deadline. Result? Diversion, Excavation, pollution etc. The Metro is quite cool (AC), clean, efficient, and hi-tec.

Roads and flyovers are wide, unlike in Chennai. Even these are highly choked with traffic! A recent study says that, on an average, a car user wastes 1.6 litres of fuel daily because of jams amounting to a staggering 500 crores of rupees per year ! The buses are filthy and in a dilapidated condition, compare this with sparkling new buses of Chennai. However Delhi buses are likely to improve in months to come, thanks to the Commonwealth Games.

rajappa
0700 AM on 15 Oct 2009

Our Delhi Trip - Part 4

2009-10-14T20:00:00.065+05:30

DAY 11: Monday, 05 Oct 2009 - DELHI Paalika Bazaar

After lunch at Srikanth's place, V-A-N and Jayashri and children left at 2-30PM for shopping at Paalika bazaar; they were joined by Vibha on the way. I stayed alone in the house, sleeping. They were back by 7-45PM, with a couple of handbags / travel bags.

Dinner at Ravi's place; Bama and Raghavan picked us up in their Alto car and A-N followed in cycle rickshaw. Steaming hot Paratha and Baingan burtha by Radha. Incidentally, Jayashri had also prepared baingan burtha for lunch! The big brinjal is plentily available in Delhi and they call our கொத்ஸூ as burtha !! Srikanth came at 10PM to pick us up.

DAY 12: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009 - DELHI Sight Seeing

After breakfast at Srikanth's place we left house at 9 AM. We hired a car on 8 hr-80 km basis. First stop was Qutb Minar. An imposing structure. Neatly maintained.

Qutb Minar

Next we went to the Lotus Temple and sat for 15 minutes in dhyanam.

Lotus Temple, New Delhi

From there to Dolls' Museum on Bahadur Sha Zafar Marg. An interesting collection of dolls from all over the world and all. Then we proceeded to India Gate. We saw Red fort, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan etc from the car itself. We returned home by 6PM. With this we have completed most of our planned visits. Just the trip to Sri Vaishno Devi temple is pending.

India Gate

DAY 13: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009 - DELHI

Packing done; Ashok not well; severe cold and feverish. We left Srikanth's place at 6-15 in the evening in a call taxi for New Delhi railway station. Our train, Rajdhani Express left at 8-45PM from PF 16. 3 AC coach. Ashok and Neeraja ate Idli brought from house; we two had irctc dinner with soup and icecream. Slept by 10PM

DAY 14: Thursday, 08 Oct 2009 - SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI Mandir.
The train reached Jammu by 6 AM. IRCTC rep met us and took us in a van to a place called KATRA, 35 km away. They had booked our rooms in a star hotel, Country Inn and Suites.

Country Inns & Suites, Katra

We took rest for a while and hot bath and breakfast later, we were taken in the van to BANGANGA from where the climbing starts. IRCTC had arranged for an escort for us to the Mandir and back.

Mythology: The revelation of the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top. These three heads in a natural rock form are known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess. The main Darshans remain to be of the three heads called the Holy Pindies. The uniqueness of the Holy Pindies is that although they emanate from one single rock form, each one is distinctly different from the other two in colour and texture. Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are the three Holy Pindies.

Bhawan : The Holy Bhawan houses the Sanctum Sanctorum – the Holy cave which is the ultimate destination of the yatries. Inside the Holy Cave the Goddess has revealed herself in the form of Holy Pindies manifesting Mata in her three forms Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Mata Saraswati

The Trikuta mountain range rises to 6200 feet (from MSL); SanjiChhat is located here. Then it dips to 5200 feet where the Bhawan is located. The road is paved, well-lit, and has numerous resting places, toilets, eateries etc. We started our climb at 1030 AM. The mountain road winds for 13 km, and is tortuous; uphill climbing is arduous particularly for elders. This I found out within a km of climbing! I decided to ride a horse for the remaining steep climb. A place called Adhkuwari is at a height of 4800 feet and 6 km from Katra.

Vijaya and I sat on two horses and there started a more-arduous, more-torturesome trip. As inexperienced horse-riders, we had a real tough time. At place, we thought we would fall off the pony ! Every bone of us was rattling, every joint aching. Somehow, we rode for over 4 hours and reached the termination at 3 PM.

Ashok-Neeraja walked all the way and joined us by 5 PM. Then all four us walked the final 1 to 1.5 km and reached the abode of Sri Mata. Six, seven years earlier one had to crawl through a small cave to reach the Mandir, but now, one can just walk into it. Well-lit, modern marble floored passage takes us to the Goddess.

Bhawan

Holy Pindies

There was not much crowd, so we had a long, satisfied darshan of Mataji. It was wonderful and all our pains, aches vanished in the divine presence. Then our down trip started. Neeraja - Ashok went to another temple nearby (1.5 km climb) but we started our down trip at 6 PM. Climbing down is as arduous as climbing up, if not more! We walked for over 4 1/2 hours to reach the ground level. The final two kms were the most difficult and I had to sit/rest frequently. Vijaya was a little better.

The car was waiting for us and we reached the hotel by 11-15 PM and hit the bed straightaway. And slept instantaneously !! Ashok and Neeraja arrived by 2 AM only.

DAY 15: Friday, 9 Oct 2009 - Katra, Jammu
We got up by 8 AM at the Country Inn and Suites, Katra. Had a pain-relieving hot shower, and then breakfast. Took rest, slept for 2 hours in the hotel, and then lunch at 2 PM. Vacated the room by 3-30 and drove in a car to Jammu, 35 km away. IRCTC had arranged for another escort for us. On the way to railway station, we stopped at two small temples and had darshan of Goddesses. Finally at JAMMU station at 6-45 PM. The Rajdhani express started at 7-45 PM for New Delhi. 3 AC coach. After the customary soup - dinner of pulka roti, Paneer subzi, dhal, rice - icecream we slept off. Ashok is unwell again !

DAY 16: Saturday, 10 Oct 2009 - Delhi, flight back.
Reached New Delhi by 4-30AM and took a call taxi - we were indeed lucky to get one at that hour - and were home (Srikanth) by 5-15. Took rest.

Bama, Raghavan, Sridhar came in the morning to see us. Later by 12 noon, Ravi, Radha, Ranjani, Chitra, Abhilash, Sandhya, Vasu, Raji, Sujani, Usha, Gopal, Vibha, Veena arrived in batches to see and bid farewell to us. God bless them all.

We left Srikanth's house by 3 PM in Srikanth's car for the airport. Our flight to Chennai - Jet Airways - left on the dot at 4-55 and reached Chennai by 7-40. Arvind and Aditi had come to receive us. Aditi was very happy to see us after 16 days; so were we. The Bangalore flight was delayed for over 2 hours and Neeraja and Ashok reached house by 11-30 only!

Thus, our trip to Delhi was completed without any problems or hiccups. Everything went smoothly as per Ashok-Neeraja's meticulous plans. We thank the Almighty / Sri Mata for all this.

rajappa
14 Oct 2009
20:00