Quote of the day

I like this one! A swamini said it.

The temple is for beginners.

Sport Trends

We may try to be more American, and may even succeed as the 51st State. But following American sports may just never enter mainstream culture. Just as the American's can never (acutally never say never) bowl.

Its funny though the kids at the school, for the past week have been obsessed with baseball. And its Summer, peak cricket season. For a minute I suspected the trend was changing. But fear not. The bases were converted into runs, there was a wicket keeper, the pitch often was a bowl, and with a lack of baseball hero names, I heard constant mentions of Gilchrist, Lee and the rest.
Maybe in another 50years, will we see baseball infiltrate our culture. Not any time soon.

Thavani Kanavukal

Printed Thavanis are something special! Amma said this used to exist in her days. Ha, Fashion really does repeat itself.

Saree Documentry

Check out this Video. (havn't yet figured how to put a youtub video on my blog)

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=lpYzv2sKB2s

I found one particular question hilarious.

Why are men selling women's dresses instead of women? I cracked up. Check out the man's answer. Full of sexism, yet I found it hilarious.

Kirukal

My recently discovered love in life is to speak in Tamil. For many years I was brought up in a foreign nation learning Tamil. I loved it, but not in the same way I do now. It was predominantly an academic pursuit in those years of struggle as I fought my way through my ‘thithikum’ thamil.
I was one of the few who did Tamil in VCE. The number hasn’t increased since, it’s still quite small. But there’s a change, at least for me. A change I would attribute to my final years of Tamil. But more so to the opportunity to teach Tamil that came knocking at my door. It really changed the perspective of Tamil for me. It gave me something outside the walls of our home to expose Tamil. I felt I had the responsibility to set to these kids. It wasn’t like in the Tamil classes, where the minute I walked out, I spoke in English even to my Tamil friends. Why on earth did that happen? It beats me, why beyond the constant murmuring and reminders of parents to speak in Tamil that we didn’t. Confidence, or lack of it. OR more likely the fact that we wouldn’t look cool or respected amongst our peers. One could only guess, even though I lived through those days. There just didn’t seem to be a reason. One of the reason less things we did in our childhood days.
My first light was Hindi class, where everyone enjoyed speaking in Hindi. The VCE bunch I caught the bus with loved talking it. My inability to understand and talk back, motivated me to continuously attend. I admired the colloquialism and masti they had with their mother tongue. It was a spark to focus on my Tamil as well, my mother tongue, to be confident as them.
Even after teaching, it was still academic pursuits that my Tamil focussed on. Without fun, who was it going to motivate. The major problem is, I had no peers my age, who I could just have a laugh with in Tamil. More accurately, I had peers, even Tamil, but no one I was comfortable in speaking Tamil to. I hadn’t discovered the slang or the kindal that was unique to Tamil. Only at uni, on discovering and meeting all the amazing Tamil people, do I truly wish I was so much better at Tamil. I count my lucky stars at least I know this much to have decent convo. But whatever I do, I will pursue my dreams, a further study in Tamil awaits me. But before that, embracing language, for the fun it brings has livened my days.
I know I hurt many in the process by excluding them. But I can’t stop my love, can I? I shall make the effort. Because I know I feel the same way when people speak a foreign lang around me. But with no pain there is no happiness. I think to preserve such a classical language a little pain is justified.
Anyhoos, what needs to be done, is to really get the next and following generation s to love tamil like me. Not search in the dark alley for many years as I suffered learning Tamil. Something needs to be done.

BYM Experience

BYM 1st Day
Having never been to Sydney in the past 10years, I make my way to Maquarie Uni with ample time just in case I get lost. 6:30am on a Sunday morning. Toongabbie station is empty. I pass the overbridge and enter platform 3 &4. I was relatively cool, with the entire journey as I had it planned out for me via an website (equivalent of viclink). However being the sole person on the station did shake me a little as I purchased my travel pass from the machine.
Throughout the week I constantly compared NSW transport to Victoria. If there was one thing I’d criticise about NSW, it’s these bulky ticket machines. No wonder they were advertising and promoting everyone to buy 14day travel passes and what not, as the ques for just using these machines were humungous. It was an absolute frustration to be expected to enter both the destination and the departure place and then realise that you took too long. I would imagine it to be a nightmare for tourists. It would have been such a friendly gesture to see human assistance. But I later reasoned this was not practical Sunday morning at 6:30am. And as I later encountered, NSW have much more staffed stations and trains in contrast to Melbourne. Especially, the guards on NSW trains, make even after hour journeys absolutely safe.
Without any further ado, I successfully changed lines at Strathfield and made it to Epping. It was a pleasure to meet other fellow BYM delegates at the bus stop. We identified each other with the reasoning that no one else would be up so early on a weekend.
Without no major hiccups in finding the place, I was one of the first 3 who had arrived. The volunteers first words were, ‘ We didn’t expect you to arrive so early’. It must have been only a few us who took the 8am start so literally.
We huddled in groups shivering in the large greyness of an indoor courtyard where we were to spend the next five days. Small chatter was exchanged, and it was pretty obvious all of us had no clue what to expect. What were we actually doing here? Someone even suspected it to be an elaborate scam.
The 99 other faces daunted me. I wasn’t sure if I really fitted in as one of the 100 brightest minds in Australia. Josh the executive of the BYM explained in his opening speech explained that they had carefully scrutinised each person, and that we all belonged here. Yet the reality was that he was speaking to some of the brightest minds, and we were all a bit reluctant to buy his words.
We then entered a small squashed lecture theatre which was unusually warm in contrast to the freezing courtyard. There, we were introduced to our facilitator, Hue Ivans. Just an introduction about this amazing person had us gripping the edges of our seats. He was truly one incredible person. Young Australian of the year, and the recipient to many prestigious awards, and having recently chaired the 2020 youth summit, we were incredibly privileged to have him facilitate the BYM. One thing I especially regret is a missed opportunity to talk to him. He seemed one of us, young and crazy and at the same time he was so high profile. He and I share one thing in common. We both are studying/studied Science/Law.

We then dispersed out the lecture theatre back into the courtyard for morning tea and gossip. Over the next few days the food only got better and better. A brilliant job done by the caterers.
Global cafe was our next activity. It involved sitting in groups of three and discussing some magnificent open ended questions. By the end of the rotations and discussions, we had met about 20 different people, became a aware of a dozen ethnicities, and unravelled a large thread of issues. A number of people addressed the group at large, I didn’t. I’m not one to fear public speaking, but being in a group of 100 people, where I wasn’t sure if I really fitted was very nerve racking. So I chose to observe and learn. The talent and brains some of these people had was simply awesome. The energy was even more inspiring. Everyone was raving to get started. It quickly became obvious to me that I lacked the experience and knowledge that most of these people had. This could be justified as I was the second youngest delegate. Nevertheless, this motivated me to learn and read more. Ignorance is a curse. My world was so small before I went to the BYM. It’s opened so many folds now.
Somewhere during the day we had a speaker from Oaktree. Her name was Rachael. A brilliant speaker. She made us understand that vision needs to demand action. Other really good points mades in her speech included the importance of decentralising power, and ensuring there is collaboration and support. Her striking quote was ‘Obama means no drama’.
Out of the 100 delegates, all were special, but some especially stood out. Karan Singh, an Indian Australian astounded me. He possessed more knowledge then I’d probably know in 10years . And the way he expressed himself was sensational. Risal was another interesting character. The sole reason he pondered me was because he was an affluent and rich child brought up in Bangladesh.(well he seemed to be so..Apologies for any misrepresentations) Yet he was very socially responsible. It surprised me that against the generalisations we have of rich people in 3rd world countries, there are those who can be so aware and proactive in their own needy communities. Sara was a classic character. Her passion for feminist issues blew me away. Tiara had the personality to attract. Sarah Emery had the energy of a 100. Kalpana moved me immensely by just a few words. Dan was a bag of mixed goodies. Rosie was a person of warmth. Michelle was the figure of serenity. There were so many other people I’ve failed to mention that caught my attention, that made me admire them, laugh, smile and cherish the moments I had with them. On the educational side, I became more socially aware and responsible by meeting such a diverse group of individuals.
I loved to observed Hue Ivans subtle reactions throughout the BYM. It was amazing how he had slight nuances, which made me ponder and make assumptions of his character. He was a born leader, no doubt about that. But I also noted he was had a certain ability to attract power and attention. He has very profound views backed by clearly thought out ideas. There is potential and energy within him to create a new earth. And fuelled with his passion I suspect we’ll be seeing him in politics very soon.
With lunch completed, the day’s activities took a new dimension. It was time to sell our ideas. Ideas included everything from languages to bicycles to child soldiers. The world is commercialised, even our great ideas had to be sold to the other 100 delegates. Some interesting, on the spot campaigns arose, while some others were more content to let their ideas speak for them. The big board quickly filled and 60 ideas were tempting us. 6 ideas in an open space session, the decision would be ours to attend one of those six. 10 such open space sessions of discussion were to follow in the next 2 days.
The day ended with spirit. We had a barbeque dinner and gossip prevailed. The crowds slowly dispersed as we made our ways to different corners of Sydney to rest after the first eventful day.
Second Day
Having thought the first day was hassle free, the second day was in stark contrast. I managed to catch an express train that failed to stop at Strathfield and ended up in the city. Stuck in peak hour traffic without a clue how to get to the bus stop, I was very lost. Eventually I boarded a bus and arrived 2hours late, missing Hue Ivans speech and part of the first open space session.
I marvel at Sydney transport. They have double decker trains, a guard on all trains, a thousand different lines going of on tangents and yet still they don’t have enough space for the people. It amazes me how they can still run on a loss.
The first open space session involved us picking an issue out of the numerous ideas stuck up in that time slot. One hour was given for discussion and explanation of the concepts. The whole day involved a number of these sessions. It was very full on and absolutely essential. The issues I picked involved a cosmopolitan media project, languages and encouraging bilingualism, a network to connect entrepreneurs with charity organisations, ways to eradicate poverty, and affordable housing.
At the end of the day we concluded with a speech from the windchime group. After a big day, most of it was incredibly hard to digest. But I do recall the speakers stating that any model should not be linear, rather be extremely dynamic to cater for unexpected incidents.
From there we left as a group to Lend lease, a fully sustainable building with 5star rating. It was very nicely built with a limestone wall on one entire side.
I’d never been in such a networking atmosphere before and tended to hang around the same group. Only later did I realise that in such networking opportunities you should never stay with one person more than half an hour. Somehow talking to Dan, an amazing personality, allowed us to interact with a representative from lend lease, who took take us on a tour of the building. Something that I found unique was the open offices which also included the CEO. It might get quite loud, but I suppose it’s less intimidating.
Again the transport impressed me as I left at 10 and still managed to have a train within 5minutes.
3rd Day
The day kicked of with a couple more open space sessions in the morning. Then it was time to vote down the best eight. We had one minute to present our idea to the group. Anything more was drowned out by the music that Hue happened to choose. A few last minute ideas such as Vegetarianism were also presented. I helped Esther with her project. Wanted to go first and we just happened to be picked last. Some presentations were spectacular and really got us wanting to join their group. Mostly though we were really confused and the three stars(number of votes for each person) were insufficient. Prior to the voting we had a speaker from Maquarie uni. She is professor and advocate for climate change action. Her speech was very motivational. ‘We are committed to a trajectory of climate change’ was her core message.Too bad her speech wasn’t earlier. We may have ended up with more climate change issues in the top 8. There was no group that really focussed on that issue. What was the reason? Maybe because the timing of the speaker was not earlier, or we felt the issue is already being handled. Not sure.
The day concluded with some hacky sack games, music, and party food. Good fun. Took the bus and train with Lauren, and came home to more talk.
4th Day.
Absolute action packed day. We had a speaker in the morning. They were from an initiative called the Street University. It was amazing listening to their story of how they overcame their hurdles to set up the street uni in Liverpool. Matt, the speaker told us some classic lines such as ‘I’m good by default.’ His positive attitude about today’s generation was very welcoming. ‘We’re more capable than our parents...our generation cannot focus on a single discipline’ Other awesome quotes were ‘do not waste your time with simple questions’, ‘denial ain’t no river in Egypt’. ‘Harness your own inner capacity...If you’ve built castles in the sky, don’t worry, just build the foundation beneath it.’
The rest of the day was to develop the 8 ideas. So much happened in this day that I could write a thesis on it. So in short;

Initially I thought ‘Wow a whole day, that’s an immense amount of time’. But once we got cracking, it was starkingly clear that the there was so much to be done in such a short space of time. Within our group, we all had the goal of empowering and integrating refugees within community. However we had to agree on common pathway to achieve this, and hence triggering the discussions of what our vision statements and missions were. Getting this done involved overcoming difference of opinions and at times was quite effortful. However with the aid of our ever faithful facilitator Sara, and Sarah Emery with her drama inspirations, our hurdles were overcome with minor difficulties. WE smiled in the praises of Josh who informed us we were very organised. The day finished at 1-2am for many. The pizza’s were comforting. But even better was the hospitality offered by Ali, to the lucky few us, who escaped the stress, to be welcomed by the ever loving Afghan family. The spinach curry I had is one of the best that I’ve ever had.
Somewhere during the 4days we also had David Peso talk to us. He was Australian of the year. Something unique about him was that he was very proud about being an orphan. Another interesting fact is that at 18 he changed his name and became a whole new person. His speech was mainly about micro –incentives in the 3rd world. He claimed that ‘people who create jobs are entrepreneurs, not governments’. Aspects I didn’t understand too well in his speech were why microcredit was different to micro enterprise. I liked his ideas of ‘no donations but empowerment.’ This was backed up by his reasoning that cheaper finance will drive further debts and create a debt culture. He finished by saying ‘never look back’. I don’t think he has ever.
Hue also gave a number of motivational informative speeches over the five few days. ‘Power, sex and money sell.’ ‘Greater your impact, greater the challenge’. `Concentrate on personality based leadership, focussing on form over substance. Some distracters in achieving your mission include being too controlling, lack of commitment, lack of attention to detail’. Another thing was also very interesting; He told us that if you want a good executive team, do not determine it by voting. He left us with the following words ‘Better we be criticised than have no impact, if you cannot lead yourself, you cannot lead others’.
I’ve forgotten about another speaker as well. She’s a colour analyst I think. A very controversial speech was presented by her. While in context ‘ if you’re a women, you got to put a man at ease’ made sense, I found it very hard to digest. Seeing her talk, made me detest the corporate world. But she was a very good speaker, and very engaging. Stripping down to make her point more vivd took me by surprise. It takes 52 seconds to make your first impression. And 27 other meetings are required to remove the effect of one bad impression. Iyooda....Im doomed i suppose. There was a lot of substance in her speech. I may write a whole separate blog on just what I thought of her speech.

5th Day
Arise and shine for the fifth and final day of BYM. It was to my pleasure that we had a late start. Gave me some time to catch up with the people I stayed with. It was also a relief, well I thought it was anyway, till I saw the crowded state of the trains, that I wouldn’t need to change lines. I’m used to single decker trains getting crowded in Melbourne, but when it was a double decker train getting so packed you had no space to breathe, it was extra uncomfortable.
But getting of at Circular Quay was indeed a welcome surprise. It completely took me by surprise that as I go of the train, I was facing the harbour. The majestic opera house and Sydney harbour bridge were in magnificent view. This wasn’t the only view I had of the harbour. The entire morning on the 35thlevel of McKenzies floor enthralled us with this view.
The morning was a live feedback session. After the numerous times I’ve completed a feedback form, for the very first time, I encountered a session where as with the ideas, feedback bounced and reflected others comments, and was very effective. Incredible comments were made. What Kalpana said about making sure we love our family and never forget their love in the midst of our own pursuits was deeply moving. As was the other beautiful, constructive, critical comments posed by the other delegates. I was glad I finally took the opportunity to express half my entire thoughts about the opportunity.
We had a speaker from last year’s BYM talk to us about where we go from now and another speaker who was on the selection panel for the 100 BYM delegates. I was wondering what he thought of my pathetic interview. Somehow I was better than the other 100 who did not make it past the interview.
Then it was time for us to work finetune our presentations and di nay last minute corrections. The eight ideas were going to be presented to Corporates at the Westpac that evening. It was important to make a good impression to them, as they were inevitably going to sponsor our causes. We were reminded numerous times to arrive on time. In our group, we still had to do the power points and put everything together. At 5:30 we were still putting the power points together. But we weren’t stressed as we were a group, and together we could achieve anything. Camera’s were happily clicking and we were in festive mood.
The welcome at Westpac was very formal and official, but nothing unexpected. The big long stairs, the fast lifts, large ceilings and winding corridors really set the scene for a corporate environment. A number of special guests applauded us, as our 8 issues were presented. I couldn’t believe how much all the 8 ideas had evolved over the course of one day. The last time I heard about each issue in the one minute presentation, they were barely sprouting. On the other hand, the ideas presented at the evening, were fledging plants, that couldn’t wait to be transformed into trees. It was my deep regret that I left before it was announced which group received the 3000dollars grant. At least I was fortunate to see all 8 presentations.
The following day.
My flight was the following morning at 8:30. Walking around the airport, a sense of sadness kicked in. But I was excited nevertheless. Over the period of 5 intense days, I had been exposed to so many different people. I’d learnt so many things that over a year’s period I would not have been experienced in my day to day life. It was truly once in a life time opportunity. It taught me that my dreams were not only dreams but could become a reality. It gave me platform to launch my ideas, motives and many more subtle things. To simply observe the more affluent and incredible people was an opportunity in itself. I know that I’ll miss the intense atmosphere of the BYM, the five days of passionate energy, but our combined spirits will not die down.
It is now 3weeks post BYM, so much is happening, that it is nearly as overwhelming as the BYM itself. Keep up the great work BYM team. We hundred delegates of ’08 will not only be the future prime-ministers actors, leaders, professionals, but today’s revolutionists, creators, activists and most importantly youth! My heart extends to the BYM executive team for a tremendous job well done.

Dasavatharam

Its been over 2 weeks since the movie came out, and over 2months since I last blogged.
But all credit to this movie, I'm back at blogging.

You would already heard raving reviews about Kamal Hassan's acting, and it is a universal truth (unfortunately to all Rajini and Vijay fans) that Kamal Hassan is an awesome actor.

However, as a short and sweet blog, apart from the acting, and the amazing editing which puts us at the end of the seat, I more ever thoroughly enjoyed the more sinister comedy and messages that were offerred in the screenplay.

Bush calling the Indian primeminister 'Man' Mohan Singh had me and my brother cracking. Unfortunately my parents didn't see the comedy. All I can say is pavam Bush, sariyaana adi avanukku. I hoep he doesnt sue anyone for this film.

Then there was the very last conversation by Asin and Kamal. IT was sensational. Asin says 'Kadavul illai enru sollatheenga' and he goes ' illai enru sollavillai, iruntha nallairunthirukum'. Sensational! Hat's off to Kamal who wrote the script.

Another brilliatn dialogue was in the climax fight between Japan Kamal and Fletcher Kamal. And by the way brilliant camera work (3 Kamals on screen at same time). Fletcher says ' REmember Hiroshima', and Japan goes ' remember Pearl Harbour'. That was awesome.

Out of the 10 avathaars, amma's favourit was krishanveni paati. And I must say brilliantly done. But I loved Chris Fletcher the most. As the foreign villain, his actions were very aptly and naturally conveyed. This is not to say none of the other 10 avathars very in any way inferior. They were flawless. However sometimes, especially with the tall muslim Kamal, the makeup was very obviously white. But that was about the only minus, I'm still awing at the tallness of the Muslim Kamal. The telugu Kamal was hilarious, especially his dialogue about Telugu being the second most spoken language in India.

Asin's theyveeka bakthi was brilliantly portrayed too. A bubbly appearance indeed. And after havign a dose of Kuruvi, where Trisha is nothing but the glamour girl in the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed Asin's character which was equally important to the overall story line.

Its neat how all the 10 caracters tied in. But on hind sight, a lot of the character were just for the sake of being there. YEt still as I said earlier, nothing is boring and your on the end of your seats till the end. And for taking Tamil cinema to a new level, Commendable job indeed!! Moving away from the same old gaana paatu, sandai, and love, this was unique!!!

Whilst initally I thought the climax tsunami was just for pramandam, it acutally fits into the movie. Amazing!

For full enjoyment all dialogues must be comprehended, but even without full comprehension the movie is a step up in the tamil film industry.

In memory of Raghuvaran

One of the best, supporting actors of all time, Raghuvaran will always be remembered as we watch the many hundreds of movies he has acted in. He will always trgger an emotion within us, through his brilliant acting. Be it as a villain or a father, regardless of other aspects, the movie will come alive through Raghuvaran.

Among my favourites, Raghuvaran has always stood highly ranked beside the likes of Prakash Raj. Both by not being the hero, but dazzling supporting actors, have brought life to even the wonkiest of movies.

I saw Yaaradi Nee Mohini, and I was close to tears. There was a something about Raghuvaran no one else had. Be it the height, and the gambheeram, he was brilliant. I think back and remember his most famous roles which include Batsha, Mudhalvan, Amarkalam, Run, Roja pookal, Thotachidungi. These are just the few I remember, there are many hundreds of movies creditable. I still remember the classic dialogue in Mudhalvan, 'that was a good interview'. Raguvaran made a great politician. But the specialty was he also made a great villain. It was brilliant in Amarkalam, where the supporting actor says to Raghuvaran ' நீ ஹீரோ இல்லை, வில்லன்' . My personal, ultimate best has to be Run. Every scence was classic, but special affection extends to the scene when Raghuvaran finds out about Madhavan's girlfriend, and they come home to face Anu.

Rahaguvaran has been part of the southern film industry for many years. Coming from the state of Kerala, he made his debut in Tamil movies and rose to fame for his natural acting. But his rise, has not been smooth, he too has suffered many hardships. Raguvaran has been known for his controversial drug addiction which may have led to his divorce. But the important things are far from this. Raguvaran will always be in our hearts as a good actor, who will inspire many youngsters today, that a supporting role is as heroic as the hero itself!

Raghuvaran quietly passed away on March 19 2008, at the majestic age of 49.

Ten Reasons to celebrate Tamil New Year

1. வந்தால் கூடி வரும். இந்த தமிழ் சித்திரை புத்தாண்டு, தமிழர்களுக்கு மட்டும் கொண்டாட்டம் இல்லை. சின்ஹலா, கேரலா மக்கள் கூட இன்று அவர்களின் புத்தாண்டை கொண்டாடுகிறார்கள். While conflicts grow in India and SriLanka, todays day can also show significance of peace and harmony. Beyond the differences of language, at heart we are all one. This tamil new year is a remainder, but not only that, but an example, of how tamils and sinhal can live in peace in Srilanka, as can Tamils can live in peace with neighbouring states in India.

2. Today is சித்திரை 1. Its always special to be ranked 1, or be number one in a race. Thus the number 1 is a very special digit. But it also serves to show that competition must be friendly, and by working together and achieving the number one position as a group, as a city, as a nation, as a world is much more important that being sole 1 person. This new year we must set ourselves goals, goalls as a world, to care and protect our mother nature. Do not ask, what can one person do. If jsut each tamil person thought this new year, that in itself can chagne the world. 0IF we fight over boundaries in our state, its going to lead to boundary issues on the national agenda, which just serves to be futile. We need to work as one! It is also believed by many hindus, that the universe was created by Brahma on this day.

3.. தமிழை செம்மொழியாக சில வருடங்களுக்கு முன்பு அறிவித்தார்கள். இதில் பெரிதும் பெருமை எடுத்துக்கொண்டாலும், ஆபத்தும் இருக்கு. அறிஞர்கள், சில நூற்றாண்டுக்குள் தமிழ் அழிந்துவிடும் என்று எச்சரித்திருக்கிறார்கள். அன்று பாரதியார் கூறினார் ' யாமரிந்த மொழிகளில் தமிழ் மொழி போல் இனிதாவது எங்கும் கானோம்' . இத்தகைய தொண்மை வாயந்த அழகிய தமிழில் இப்புத்தாண்டை, பேசி மகிழ்வதில் மட்டுமில்லாமல், நமது தமிழ் மொழியை வளர்ப்பத்ற்கும் முயற்சி எடுங்கள். தமிழன் என்று சொல்லி, தலை நிமிர்ந்து நடங்கள்.

4. Tamil new year is always auspicious, especially for the good food. வடை, பாயாசத்துடன் உணவு தமிழர் பண்பாடு அல்லவா? ஆஹா நாக்கு ஊருது. If in melbourne, do enjoy the special prasadam at all temples on this day.

5. விஷேசம் என்றாலே தமிழர்களுக்கு பக்தி பரவசம். புத்தாண்டுக்கு சொல்லவா வேண்டும்? சிறப்பு பூஜைகளை தவறாமல் தரிசித்து வாருங்கள்.

6. நல்ல நாள் அன்று புத்தாடை உடுத்துவது சிறப்பு. But do keep in mind all those, who cannot even afford there next meal, and limit your extravagant purchasing to a minumum, and donate the rest to the more needy.

7. Movie releases. Personally looking forward to the telugu remake of Bomarillu- Santoosh Subramanium. No awards for guessing who the actor is. ;) This day also marks one year since sivaji was released. So all you Rajni fanatics, get set, the next Rajini movie is only a year away. Sivaji will also soon be screened on TV, so watch out for it. Dasavatharam is also not too far way. Although, I think it might take till next tamil new year, what with all the postponing.

8. Good programs on Tv. போட்டிக்கு போட்டிக்கு ஒவ்வொருவரும் channel தொடங்கியாச்சு. அப்ப, நல்ல நிகழ்ச்சிகளுக்கு அதுவும் விசேஷ நாள் அன்று என்ன பஞ்சம்?

9. உங்கள் அனைவருக்கும் என் தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துக்கள். இதுவும் கொண்டாடுவதற்கு ஒரு காரனமே. மற்றவர்களுக்கு வாழ்த்து கூறுவதே ஒரு மகிழ்ச்சி.

10. Last but not least. ITs a holiday. Not just in Tamil Nadu. But throughout the world. For all those tamils dispersed in the corners of this earth, good news reaches you, தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு falls on a Sunday!

சாதுமிரண்டா திரைவிமர்சனம்

சாதுமிரண்டா பொழுதுப்போக்கு

எதிர்பாராத திருப்பங்கள், மிகழ வைக்கும் நகைச்சுவை, மற்றும் பொதுவாக வர தமிழ் படங்களை விட சுமாரான நடிப்பு.

ஒரே ஒரு வங்கியில் நட்ந்த கொள்ளையை வைத்து முழுப்படமும் மறுமமாக நகர்கிறது. யார் இதற்கு பொருப்பு என்பதை கூற இயக்குனர் மூன்று மணி நேரம் எடுத்திருக்கிறார்.

பிரசண்ணாவுடைய, அழகிய தீயே, கண்ட நாள் முதல், என்ற படங்களை நினைவில் கொண்டு, இப்படத்திலும் அவர் இயல்பான நடிப்பை வெளிப்படுத்தியிருப்பார் என்று எண்ணி ஏமாந்துவிட்டேன். முதல் பாதியில் சாதுவாக ஓர் அளவுக்கு நகைச்சுவையை உண்டாக்கினாலும், இரண்டாம் பாதியில் எரிச்சலை மற்றும் தான் கிழப்புகிறார். அது என்ன தாடி? குரங்கிற்கு ஒப்பிடலாம். அது மட்டுமில்லை, முதலாம் பாதியில், சாது வேடத்திற்கு, கஜனி 'சஞ்ஜை ராம்சாமி' யை மிக குரைவான ரூபாய்க்கு கடன் வாங்கியது போல் தோன்றுகிறது.

கதாநாயகி துனிச்சலான, புதுமைப்பெனாக கானப்பட்டதும் ஒரு வேஷம் தான். என்னடா, வழக்கத்துக்கு மாறாக, நமது தமிழ் சினிமாவில், ஒரு பெண்ணுக்கு இத்தனை துனிச்ச்லான், அறிவுள்ள கதாப்பாத்திரம் கொடுத்திருக்காங்க என்று நாம் எமாந்துப்போவதற்கு முன்பே, இயக்குனர், இது சராசரி கதாநாயகி என்று சொல்லாமல் சொல்கிறார். முதலில் எதையும் கேள்விக் கேட்கும் பிரியா, இறுதியில் யார் எதை சொன்னால் நம்பும், கோழைப் பெண்ணாகவே வணக்கம் கூறி விடைப்பெருகிறாள்.

ஆமா, இந்த படத்திற்கு ஒப்பனையாளர் யார்? அவர் மட்டும் என் கையில் கிடைத்தால்.....பிரிசன்னாவை தாடி வளர்க்க வைத்து கிழவனாகினீர்கள், ஏன் கதாநாயகி மேல் கூட கவனம் செலுத்தவில்லையா? ஒரே ஒரு காட்சி தவிர, அதுவும் பாட்டில், முழுப்படத்துக்கு ஏதோ shampoo add பார்கிறோமோ என்ற குழப்பத்தை ஏற்படவிடலாமா? ஒப்புக்கொள்கிறேன், கதாநாயகிக்கு அடர்த்தியான அழகான முடி. ஆனால் அதற்காக, மூன்று மனி நேரத்திற்கும், அதே hairstyleஐ காட்டி எங்களை போர் அடிப்பது நியாயமா?

கதைக்கு plus நகைச்சுவை. அதை கதை ஊடகமாகவே கொண்டுவர முயற்சிசெய்த்தது பாராட்டக்கூடியது. முக்கியமாக கருநாஸ் கழக்கியிருக்கிறார்.

பாடல்களில் ஒரு பாட்டு சுமார்.

மீதிமிச்ச்ம...... வில்லன் கதாபாத்திரத்தில் ஆபாஸ் வந்தது ஆச்சிரியம். ஆனால் இயக்குனர் இன்னும் கொஞ்க கவனம் செலுத்தியிருந்தால், இது இறுதி வரை, முழு ரகசியமாக இருந்திருக்கும். ஆனால், படத்தை பாருங்கள். இன்னொரு திருப்பம் உன்மையில் எதிர்பார்க்காதவை. அதுமட்டுமின்றி, பிரசன்னாவுக்கும் கதைக்கும் என்ன சமந்தம் என்பதையும் அறிய நீங்கள் கிட்ட தட்ட 3 மினி நேரம் பார்க்கவேனும். பார்த்துவிட்டு, இதிலும் அதே மசாலாவான sentinimentஆ என்று என்னை திட்டக்கூடாது.

படத்தை நகைச்சுவைக்கு மட்டுமே பார்க்கவேண்டும். பிரிச்ன்னா, கதை, என்ரெல்லாம் பெரிய கனவுகள் கானாதீர்கள்.

அச்சோ மறந்துட்டேனே! படத்திற்கு யாரோ contact lense company sponser பன்ணியிருக்க வேணும். நாயகன் நாயகியிலிருந்து, வில்லன், குனசித்திர் நடிகர்கள் வரை எல்லோரும், ஒவ்வொரு வடிவத்தில் விவ்வேறு நிரங்களில் இந்த லென்சை அனிந்திருக்கிறார்கள். சிறிது சுகமில்லை. அதுவும் அதை பல மடங்கு அதிகரிக்கும் மாதிரி அத்தனை closeups

Tangents of inspiration.

Our eyes interlocked,
And our souls opened.
But in case ur wondering,
It wasn't the monster.
It was friendship.
The moments we spent
just passing away moments,
were incredible.
But then surfaced the monster
It tried to get to me
I ran. I avoided.
It was after me.
Everyone was feeding the monster
Worse, they did it behind my back.
At times, the monster would lurch.
Try and abduct me,
away from friendship.
It would try to break the bond.
The bond of friendship
But the bond was just too strong.
At times though,
the monster bit into the link
and I felt friendship sink.
I was scared.
I ran once more.
But the monster chased me.
What was initially subtle
Became obvious.
Everyone but me,
liked the monster.
Everyone had their own monster, too
But I didn't want one.
I didn't feel left out
I just wanted me.
The special me.
Not the monster.
I wanted friendship.
without the tags.
I wanted freedom.
without limits.
I wanted to be me.
Just me.
So i kept running.
AT times the monster got close.
It invaded my dreams.
But it would never get to me.
I could resist.
Monsters are powerless
because I am me!
with the power of friendship.

அழகு

அழகு கோலம் அவள் முகம்.
நெற்றியில் சுட்டி,
அதை தொடர்ந்து
ஜொலிக்கும் கற்கள்
நிறைந்த ராக்கொடி.
மனக்கும் வாசனை,
ஜாதி மல்லி
கொத்துக் கொத்தாக
நீண்ட கறுமுடியின் மீது
ஊஞ்சல் ஆடியது.
பின்னலிட்ட முடிக்கு
மேலும் அழகு,
முற்றுப்புள்ளி வைத்த
மூன்று குண்டுகள்
கொண்ட குஞ்சம்.
அசைந்தாடும் ஜடைக்கு
தாலம் தட்டும்,
கலக்கலவென சிரிக்கும்,
வெலள்ளிக் கொலுசு.
ஆர் அடி காஞ்சிப்பட்டு
மெல்லிய இடையை சுற்றியது.
அடக்கமான தங்க ஒட்டியானம்
நச்சுன்னு இடுப்பில் நிற்க,
கையில் அழகிய
வண்ணங்களில் காப்புகள்
குலுங்கி, இங்கும் அங்கும் துள்ள,
கழுத்து நிறைந்த மாலைகள்
நெற்றி நிறைந்த குங்குமம்.
ஆனால் இத்தனை அழகை விட,
உதட்டில் புண்ணகையும்
கண்களில் பிரகாசமும்
கைகள் இனைந்து கூறிய வணக்கம்
அழகில் அழகு.

MARCH 6th 2008

Today is International Women's Day which just happens to fall on Maha Shiva Rathri (Night). International Women's Day, as far as I know, isn't as significant as days such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or even Father's Day. Maybe, because this day isn't really about love. Or more realistically, the real reason, is probably because nothing much can be commercialised on this day as opposed to those wondrous days I have listed above. And you always have those who believe, a day is never enough to celebrate anything. But hey we all celebrate our birthdays on one particular day. Its because its only once in 365 days that makes it special . A day reminds us of the miracles that are often overlooked or taken for granted. International Women's Day is one of those. Women achieved something on this day and in commemoration of that event we celebrate, today, as International Women's Day.

What is it to be a Women in today's society? Have we truly achieved what our elders protested ?Have our dreams come true? Or has feminism just become a over used word, with so many connotations and definitions that we are stalling rather than progressing? As society evolves, our expectations, desires and wishes change from day to day itself, how will feminism have any standard form?

But the truth remains, that as long as we are proud of who we are, and never give up the fight for who we are, we will shine! 'We can con the sexism that evidently prevails in some parts of the world, and uncover new underlying sexism in the western society as well. But on saying this, I'm surprised because this day is sexist in itself. If we were truly advanced, we needn't a day for women, all we need is a day for the over dominated people, which could be either sex.

Furthermore, English is a sexist language. Take Tamil, there's the non gender form of 'avar' (அவர்), which refers to either sex. Same exists in Hindi. Whatever happened to English, god only knows.

With global warming etc. we need to act together to make this world a place as sweet as today or even sweeter for our future generation. To make such changes, we need to leave 'I', it is only a mechanism through which our soul operates. Leaving the 'I' means also forgetting our gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity and acting together in the time of need, acting as one voice! Differences should not get in our way.

That's my spiel on International Women's Day, totally off the plot. But hey Maha Shiva Rathri ties in with this special day, too. Shivan was once known to take the avatharam (Avatar) of Arthanatheeswari, half woman, half man. This occasioned as result of a devotee who refused to bow to Parvathi, who is Shivan's wife. My next statement will be highly controversial to some, but religion is a manifestation of civilisation and man. Our elders created such gods to teach us a lesson behind each story. Maybe, some of these gods may have lived. But they were ordinary men of the likes of Nelson Mandella and Mother Teresa, just doing incredible things for human kind. Such stories have evolved over time, and Arthanatheeshwarar's story is one classic example of a story standing as a strong message to us all. Be it female or male. Neither is superior or inferior!

Leap, Leap Away on Leap Day

Today is Feb 29th. A very special day for the 2 people, I know, who celebrate their birthday only once every four years.



By 18years of existence on this planet, I've come across a few many leap years, to be precise 5. But I only remember 4. And the way I remember it, is simply with the Olympics. I remember being a tiny little girl watching the Atlanta opening ceremony. Then 2000, and the big hallebellu about Y2K and what not, and not to forget the Sydney opening ceremony close to home. Olympics was next seen in its birthplace of Greek. I remember vividly, when a Greek friend was telling me ' The Olympics shouldn't move, it should just stay in Greece'. But I'd forget the leap years! Then well, this year, we are yet to see the magnificence of the Beijing Olympics.



This year is not only special for Beijing and China, who are preparing to show cast their potential the world, but it is also special, because leap day lands on a Friday. There are a number of reasons for this to be special. Firstly, as my mum claims, the 'English calender', or as it is properly known as the Gregorian Calender, only repeats itself once every four hundred years. That is, the same days will fall on the same dates only four hundred years later. For the stingy, this means, this year's calender can only be re-used in 2408. That means this year is once in a life time opportunity! More ever, if you note, this month began with a Friday. Leap day has also fallen on a Friday. Snazzy, huh? According to maths and statistics, leap day and the first day of Feb are only the same day once every 28years, which isn't that bad if you think of it as only 7leap years ago. But the last time this happened was in 1980. Now it seems like yonks ago and it will only happen again in 2036, by which time Abdul Kalam's India 2020, and Kevin Rudd's 2020 year, would have passed. Now that makes it seem even longer. And even in 2036, it will be a Thursday. Not as special as a Friday. And in 2052, its a Thursday again.

There are immense folklore associated with Friday and leap day being the same. But the more fascinating myths that have existed are those outright associated with all leap days and leap years. Since Leap day, when first introduced, was seen as a very anti-traditional thing to do, fixing and meddling with some inadequacies of the calender, some very anti-traditional beliefs have also evolved on that day. Leap day, also known as Bachelor's day in some parts of the world, was historically reputed for the day when women could propose. Having gotten tired of waiting for coy men to propose, this was the day women could do it, just as the earth had gotten tired of the calender being constantly behind its cycle.

Some Greek myths also exist, and I suspect Indian tradition would heed to this as well. Leap day marriages are considered unlucky in the ancient country. To this day, 1 in 5 Greek couples try and avoid a leap year marriage. And the world probably follows in step in regard to leap day marriage, for the sole practical reason that you can only celebrate your marriage anniversary once in 4 years.

Being a budding lawyer, I can't forget to mention the all important law. If you were born on a leap day, most countries recognise your age as the number of common years that have passed. Among the famous, and for your trivia, these people were born on this day ; Rukmini Devi Arundale, Indian dancer and founder of Kalakshetra , Dee Brown, American writer , Dave Williams, American singer. Want more names, head to wikipedia. By skimming the list, it seems, with my own little predictions, that if you were born on this day, you are very outgoing, spoken and charismatic person. You have immense capability to become famous, born with the leadership skills to get you there. HEHE. I'll quit the rubbish.

I've always wondered why it had to be Feb 29th, already the smallest month. Well, the truth is not very exciting. February used to be the last month of the king's calender, so he added the day there. No other special reason. How boring?

Even with this leap day, our calender isn't perfect. My mum reckons the Tamil calender is the best. But in reality, nothing is perfect, but we can always try our best!

கல்லூரி திரைவிமர்சனம்

கல்லூரி வாழ்க்கையை மையமாக வைத்து எத்தனையோ படங்கள் வருகின்றனர். அவ்வழியில் இதுவும் ஒரு முயற்சி.
அழகான, ஆழமான, புதுமையான கதைக்கும், இயல்பான நடிகர்களுக்கும் ஒரு சதம்.
சொதப்பலான முடிவுக்கு மைனஸ் மார்க்ஸ்.

காதலுக்கும் நட்புக்கும் இடையில் உள்ள போறாட்டங்களை மையமாக கொண்டு எடுக்கப்பட்ட படத்தில், மாணவர்களின் வேருபபட்ட சூழலிலும், படிப்புக்கு முக்கியதுவம் கொடுக்கும் போறாட்டங்களும் ரசிக்கும் வகையில் இயக்குனர் அமைத்துள்ளார். குறிப்பாக, கதாநாயகி, ஷோபனா, தன்னுடைய சூழலையும், கதாநாயகன், முத்துவின் வாழ்க்கையை வேருப்படித்து, கவனத்தை சிதற விடாமல், வெற்றி பெற ஊக்க்கிவிக்கும் காட்சி அருமை.

அத்தனை நடிகர்களும் புது முகங்கள். ஆனால், இது குறை அல்ல. பிரமாண்டம் இல்லாமல், இயல்பான, உண்மையான் சம்பவங்களை பார்க்கும் உனர்வு ஏற்பட்டது. அதுவும், நடிகர்களின் அருமையான நடிப்பு இதற்கு இன்னொரு காரனம். குறிப்பாக, கயல்விழியுடைய கதாபாத்திரம் மனதைக்கொள்ளைக்கொண்டது.

ஆன் பெண் விதயாசம் இல்லாமல் பழகும் நண்பர்களை பார்த்து நமக்கு புறாமையாய் இருக்கும். அந்த நட்பிற்குள் வரும் சின்னஞ்சிறு பிறச்சனைகள், சுகங்கள், துக்கங்கள் மனதை நெகிழ வைத்துள்ளனர். படத்தின் மூலம், காதலும், ஒரு விதத்தில், பசுமையான நட்பிர்க்கு தடை என்றும் சொல்லாமல் சொல்லியிருக்கிறார் இயக்குனர். பல காட்சிகளில், இந்த பசுமையான நட்புக்கு வள்ர்ச்சி, பெற்றோரின் ஆதர்வும் தான், என்று அறிய முடிகிறது. கயல்விழி ஷொபனாவை எச்சரிக்கும் பொழுது, மனது உறுத்துகிறது. ' மற்றவர்கள் தப்பா நினைக்கின்ற மாதிரி, நாம் ஏன் நடந்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும்?' என்றாள். நல்ல நட்புக்கு எத்தனை தடைகள். கடந்த தலைமுறையின் குறுகிய பார்வைகள், எந்தளவுக்கு இளய தலைமுறையை பாதிக்கின்றது என்று இது மூலம் தெரிகிறது.

படத்துக்கு பாடல்கள் பக்க பலம்! குறிப்பாக ஜூன் ஜூலை மாதம், பூக்கம் பூ... என்று பாட்டு பார்ப்பதற்கும், கேட்பதற்கும் இனிமை!

நகைச்சுவையும் களக்கல். 'நீ சொல்றா' என்று மாற்றி மாற்றி இரு நடிகர்களும் சொல்வது அறுக்காம்ல், கதைக்கு ஏற்ற பானியில் அமைந்திருந்தது.

படத்தின் முடிவு புரியாத ஒரு புதிர். பொதுவாக எனக்கு சோகமான முடிவுகள் பிடிக்காது. ஆனால், அதையும் தான்டி இந்த முடிவு எனக்கு கோழத்தனமாக தோன்றியது. எவ்வளவு ஆழமான கதைக்கு விடை தறாமல், பார்வையாலர்களை குழப்பத்தில் ஆழ்த்தியது நியாயமா? எரிச்சல் என்னவென்றால், முடிவு கதைக்கு கொஞ்சம் கூட சம்மந்தமில்லை. ஒரு வேலை இயக்குனர், மாயமாக, மாணவர்கள் எவ்வளவு பொருப்பாக இருந்தாலும், சமூதாயம் அவர்களை தண்டித்து விடும் என்று சொல்லவருகிறாரா? ஒன்னும் புரியவில்லை.

இன்னொரு சிறு உறுத்தல். மாணவி உயர்ந்த கல்லூரியில் படிக்க வாய்ப்பு கிடைத்தும், நட்புக்கு முதல் இடம் கொடுக்கிறால், தனது எதிர்காலத்தை மறந்து. இது சரியா தவறா என்று விவாதிக்கனும். ஆனால் இதை இன்னொருக் கோனத்தில் எடுத்துக்கொள்ளலாம். இன்றைய தலைமுறை, மதிப்பு கெளரவம் என்றெல்லாம் மறந்து, இன்றைய நாளிற்காக் வாழ்கின்றனர் என்ற மாதிரி எடுத்துக்கலாம்.

கல்லூரி, பெயருக்கு ஏற்ப அருமையான் கல்லூரி கதை. 'கல்லூரி' நட்பா, காதலா என்று முடிவு செய்வது உங்கள் கைகளில்!

Cricketers and Hotness

Various people over various stages hae commented on the hotness of cricketers. I never understood it and dismissed it as childish. Cricketers are watched for their cricket not their hotness. However sometimes you just can't help catching the hotness of some of these quite wealthy cricketers ;). hehe

A lot of people reckon Dhoni is hot. While I reckon, he sure looks better with short hair, he is not hot. His overgrown short hair made him look like a scruffy little dog. This was not helped by my cousin growing his hair, and getting the same style. Moreover seeing Simbhu withthe same look totally ruined everything. Dhoni's just a class captain with a crazy country worshipping him.

I always loved Dravid. Like Sachin fans, I always believed that Dravid would come back and play some massive shots once more. His sixes in the mumbai stadium have been rumoured to pass the roof tops. Yet I only saw his ability to remain on the ground doing nothing, in the recent test matches against Australia. But he will always be Mr. Charming. He is hot stuff, even if he can't play anymore. I suppose its his tall thin figure that roks. The same goes for Anil Kumble, who can look rocking, in some of the post match interview sessions. Sachin is just too short for hotness, and anyway, his record stands for us to worship him, regardless.

More than batsmen, I've always been a fan of good bowlers. Brett Lee for starters just buzzes the hotness scale. His smile is a killer. And his super fast bowls just make him look ever the better.

When I was young, India had someone called srinath, or somefin similar to that on their team. I loved to see him bowling, even though I had no idea of much else going on in the game.

Now with some briliant young bowlers, India is no more the batting side, but an allrounder. This change is well applauded by many, although some are critical of the youngsters. I believe otherwise. Youngsters rock the game and bring it spirit. When I first saw Sreeshant bowling in the 20.20 worldcup, I was beside myself. He was so full of spirit, call it attitude if you want, but he really tries. Although often he tried to much, and got a wide, and gave a four, the next bowl would be wicket. IT was brilliant. He's learnt to control himself better now, but I want his earlier unpredictability to return, because although ishanth sharma is tall, and an awesome bowler, taking yonks of wickets, he isn't really much eye candy.

Ok, maybe I'm weird, thinking Sreeshanth is eyecandy, but he is! He does an awesome run up before bowling, and remains loyal to his bling. Ok! ok! he doesn;t exactly look great when his face is splattered with sunscreen. But man he has attitude! Attitude with effort! Effort with faith! What more do you need in a bowler? O and he wears glasses, a rocking aspect to any cricketer! Ganguly used to wear glasses, and it made him look really smart, even though he really wasn't.

Yesterday, at the SCG, when Sreesanth came to bat with Ishanth, he was hot. Glasses, and bat and ball are really his scene. But im surprised why do batsmen choose to where glasses when they'd easily have enough money for contacts. MAybe contacts aren't that great for seeing the wicket or the bowl. Ah wait, hang on, he doesn't wear glasses to bowl, only to bat or when he's sitting idly in the changing rooms. Maybe he's short sighted.

I'm really obsessed, and I'm more surprised. Curly hair guys were never my thing. Mayb sreesanth would look even hoter with straight hair. Someone tell him to straighten his hair, just once. I saw a recent add on some Indian channel for something or other. ahh wait, yes it was for Gilette I think. I had to look twice to realise that it was Sreeshanth with Laxman. Man. Sreeshanth looks brilliant in a suit.

Proud of moi BOYS!

It was an incredible match, more incredible than the incredible match I was at. It would have been even more incredible if India had won at the Sydney Cricket Ground, yet the match was nothing short of a non stop entertainment package. For the first time in the commonwealth series, I was truly watching the game I loved.

Compared to the meagre total of 160 at the MCG, where like most of the other games in this tri series, was either dominated by good bowling, or rain, this match was truly a showcase of great one day cricket. In fact, I was seeing one day cricket in its highest class for the first time in the series. The outstanding toal of 318 set the scene and pressure for the Indians, who will always be destined to chase, with Dhoni never winning the tosses. But I'm happy because there's more thrill, finger biting, edge of the seat action.

The match had its brilliant mix of upsets and highlights for both teams. Gilly's and Sachin's quick wickets were dissappointing. Sehwag's and Yuvraj's lack of form was contrasted by Ponting and Symonds immense return with some big runs. While the Australian's hit some hefty sixers, India's efforts were never given up. Dhoni's superb catch to send Gilly of to the change roooms marked the start. Whilst some quick catches near the end, brought some light relief. What was expected to be a total of 350+ was quickly contained by the Indian Demi God to a more achievable 318.

The Indian innings started quite depressingly, with Sachin's quick wicket, which was followed by the collapse of the top order. Only Ghambir could find his bat against the ball and stood out to bat the Aussie bowlers. At 3/51 India was in trouble, but Dhoni, the lifesaver, created a steady partnership with Ghambir to turn the game around. Followed by Pathan and Ghambhir's partnership, India was not only showing hope, but a huge chance of winning. The crowd was ecstatic, as Ghambhir hit the triple figures. Only to be dismissed by some swift action from the amazing wicket keeper, Gilly. More than angry, I was only sad to see Ghambir walk off. By being just centremetres from the crease, Gambir's spell had been broken by Gilly. For him, I am sad, because if India had won, Ghambhir would have been the backbone of the victory. Yet Ghabhir's wicket brought about the interesting partnership of Uthappu and Pathan. The hopes rose again, as they stedily ploughed their way through. Even as Harbhajan entered, hopes were renewed with his belting of fours. But the ball count was ever decreasing and pressure saw the fall of india. The final balls were in the hands of two magnificent young bowlers. It was an amusing sight as Ishanth Sharma and Sreesanth batted the second last over.

The entertainment was not just in the batting by both teams, which included a flurry of fours and sixers. But it was in the non stop energy and spirit generated by both teams. India never gave up and up till 8th wicket it had a solid batting side, as well as some class bowlers. It was impressive to see the Indian side in such good condition. With a massive total, their play not only made it such a thriller, but it was the best entertainment provided of all games in the series played so far. If this is what magic teams can produce, I can't wait to see India and Australia battle it out in the finals! (If 299 is a score India can achieve without its top order, what doubt is there, that it can't beat Sri Lanka)

I can't finish without the comedy. Gilly's slide too early, to prevent a four was hilarious, as was Harbhajan's 2 run out wickets on the 2 last balls of the 2nd innings. Harbhajan's swallowing of dirt as he slided into the crease was just as hysterical.

I'd love to see more of such good cricket, as the runs and bowls start ticking. Just don't let the pressure get to you moi boys!

Buzz

My first trip to the stadium to watch India and Australia battle each other out, while not historical, was indeed memorable.
Being the typical Indian (the one I hate other people calling me) I walked into the crowded stadium, after the debut wicket had been taken by India. So much, for wanting to see the coin toss. The crowd, the atmosphere, the brightness, the proximity of the cricketers all took a while getting used to. I was quite intimidated, unsure, and nervous to begin with. I'd done my fair share of homework, and prepared a poster, so iconical of me. Yet, was so scared to actualy hold it up. Even concentrating on the game, took all my strength. I couldn't tell where the ball was, what the score was or nothing. I stood up as everyone stood up around me for another wicket. But I didn't see the catch, and I wasn't sure what was happening.

Just wait though, by the third wicket, I was pumped. A few rounds of mexican waves, and some getting used to the surroundings, made the atmosphere infectitious, and excitement ran through me! I was ecstatic at fourth wicket, having figured out that everyone was as lost as me, in knowing when a wicket was lost. I was waving my poster incredibly, except upside down. But i was laughing, as the man in front of me let me know. It didn't matter, I was part of a crazy crowd, and wouldn't budge for another 5mins, even if the bowler had already bowled to the new batsmen, and peeps behind me were getting dodged.

It really wasn't the cricket that got me hooked, it was nearly secondary to the entire scene. We had a running commentry form a 9yr old behind me, entertainment all around, why did we ever need to look at the game? We had beach balls floating, camera men to attract, posters to wave, and cricketers to point at. Who cared about the game?

But by the time it was second innings, I learnt there was a scoreboard. The one cricketers kept looking at, and we thought it was us. The other big screen was useless, because I was actually at the match, and not watching it on T.V. If i missed it with my eyes, there would be no second look. Because the crowds crazy enough, you get carried with it.

I most enjoyed calling out to Sreeshant, and holding a poster in the middle of an over, with 2 wickets to go. I doubt no one heard me beyond a few seats across, but it was fun, especially when he got a wicket the next ball. I loved my 'incredible india poster!' and was even more thrilled when it scored its place on TV. My other LED lights poster wasn't a great success, considering the stadium outwon me with its tons of flood lights. And too bad 'Yuvraj our Raja' didn't become a hit, as Yuvraj went out for a 3. Ill jsut hold the belief that it was cos of my poster that Yuvraj played well in the next 2 matches. And I'll also equally believe that it was my incredible precense that made India win! not jsut that match, but also against Sri Lanka. They lost to Australia the second time, unfortunately, because I wasn't there.

A friend quoted, 'First match, India wins, and You get on TV!' I guess, I'm just incredible, aint I? ;)

மஞ்சல் நீராட்டு விழா

I went to a மஞ்சல் நீராட்டு விழா yesterday. If you don't know what it is, I'm not going to be bothered to explain it to you, because unlike a lot of other things, I ain't proud of this specific cultural practice. It probably isn't so bad if you think back to it, but on the day, when your centre of attention it’s dodgy as!

The entire function involves many rituals, of few I know of. I tried thinking back, to the few such functions I've been to. Unfortunately, my memory betrayed me. I suspect it begins with elders or மாமி (uncle's wife) pouring மஞ்சல் (turmeric) water over the VIP. Then begins the அழங்காரம் (decoration) process. This was the part I hated most. You feel such a doll, where they decorate you, so others can see your beauty. I suppose maybe this is my, narrow, pessimistic view because I'm such an anti-makeup person. I prefer my natural colours to be seen. And at that age it was all the worse. I would have so much preferred to go out and play a game of soccer. But, no they made me sit.

But yesterday, amid my negative views for this function, I was surprised, there were smiles everywhere. What were they happy about, I don't know. I would have given anything to have my childhood back. But moreover, the more surprising aspect was the other little girls. Who seemed to enjoy it all. They loved the glamour, gloss and attention the VIP got. But I bet, that girl in particular, wasn't as excited. She was smiling, and to the outsider, it was coy, but hiding behind the smile was fear. She indeed looked stunning in the blue sari, although there are many years, yet to come, before she will wear that sari again. Her movements were unsure, and the maturity suited for the saree had not come yet. It is a சுமை at this age, but one day she'll look elegant in that saree, because the colour really suited her.

Anyway, what followed was everyone giving the VIP gifts, and blessing her with the usual குங்குமம், சந்தனம், பண்ணீர், etc. Was she to sit, or stand, I sensed her uneasiness. They asked me to do the blessing. I was stiff scared. It’s always been like this with formalities. Having not grown up in India, all though I have a grasp on the things from the outside, specific practices I had no idea of. I felt ashamed of my ignorance, because everyone else seemed to know. But it was alright, because they accepted my ignorance, and told me it’s the blessing that's important. So I quickly, went and put குங்குமம் on her already red forehead and came.

Having concluded the formalities, the remaining was alright. The VIP changed to a தாவனி, which must’ve been more comfort than a saree, nevertheless, still as uncomfortable, because this, as like the saree, was the first time, she had worn it. She was yet to find out about the pulling and adjusting of the thavani, to ensure, it doesn’t look dodgy.

The only thing remaining was food. No Indian function goes by without food. We sat and ate the chocolates, sweets and anything else we could find until the food was ready. This was the best time, in my opinion. The boys, as usual, boys, kept coming up with challenges and ways of annoying girls. At least I was able to get the girls, to sit down and keep the VIP company, who obviously must have been forbidden to run around. I got them to play Chinese whispers, charades and memory games. And then we got hooked on to lollies, and I taught them how to make cups, dresses, and bouquets out of the wrappers, until, the boys found out, and started stealing the wrappers.

It was a fun day, overall. But poor VIP or maybe she did enjoy it. But still, I can't agree with the function. You don't have to notify everyone of the day that you can wear a sari. It doesn't need to be marked as a milestone, clearly there is time yet, for the VIP to grow and mature. It is never a distinct turning point, and the original reason this function was held in those days doesn't even apply today, as girls marry yonks later, and furthermore, there are other ways to look for a suitable suitor nowadays, anyway.

Curry time

Curry - Is it offensive?

Amma said it was.
Me and my bro reckon not.
And now after Amma has
got ahang of the word,
she says its alright.
But my friend jumps suddenly.
She says the word is offensive.

What to do?
mayb it is, and we've just got used to it.
I remember when a dodgy bully said
to me at school
hey do u make curry at home
i thought he was mocking me
i told him curry isnt the only thing we make
but im nt to o sure
is referring to us as curries
merely just becos we cook curry
as fob would be merely refered to peeps
who got of the boat...
no i dont think so
both cases have a more deeper
steriotypical image attached
eg. i wouldnt sy every person
who got of a boat as a fob,
its only the peeps with annoying qualiities.
hmm but curry is jsut like asians
it just refers to a group o people
o another big doubt
how come indians and srilinakans and the bangladeshies
and the rest
never get called asians
we are asian 2 u knoe
As far as i know wiki
only recognises curry as in the spicy dishes
that outsiders have to much troubel distinguishing
there just not too smart enough
to tell the difference
between the
jeera and corriander and the lot
actualli i cant either
but that's why we use labels
whichever smart less boy discovered the curry term
its stuck and struck
and im pretty sure it was boy
its just the intiution
some boys just have too little sense

Annoyed

In two days, three times, people reminded me that I was in Australia, not in India. Its so irritatingly annoying. It was their lucky time, or my bad luck, I could not come up with a nice enough comeback.

Why is it, that no-one is patient these days. Just because Indian's have developed a very interesting reputation for punctuality, doesnt mean you have to remind me that I'm in australia. Australia probably has its fair share of tardy people as well. Why cant you go tell them, that "hey your in Australia!"

Their entire comment sounds stupid and more ever arrogant. Because the same people, who said these pathetic comments, were ultra sweet, about how well the job was done, and how quickly and efficiently it was completed. But no, they wont care to mention the pluses of being Indian, i.e the hard work we do. It was because of that very hard work, we were delayed at arriving at your residence on time. But that's too much of an expectation. People, will think of themselves and only themselves. There time is precious, but no-one else is of importance.

My bro tried to see sense with me. He said, come on, we were an hour late, we were at fault too. But I told him, how many times have we arrived early? or for that matter on time? People never see the positives, its always the negatives.

And I think beneath all this, it wasn't because they said we were late that annoyed me, it was more the fact the way said it. Just because we are in Australia, doesn't mean we aren't Indian anymore. You don't have to make your self superior, by claiming, we should have got australians to do the job instead. If the Australian government had thought that, you, yourself wouldn't have been here in the first place.

Teachers

Teachers need to be valued! The amount that teacher's get paid is nonsence.

Like every other student, I went through primary school, secondary, and am still studying at uni. There were the teachers you hated, and teachers you loved, and those in between. But even the very worst, thatknew not even the a-b-c-d of teaching still made that change within you. They were there, in times when u needed a guidance, a support, a method to follow.

I passed through the compulsory education, with soo many whinges and not too many tributes. I understood teachers as companions in the post compulsory stage. But I never really appreciated them more until I became a teacher myself. I once heard a proverb, you never fully understand the value of your parents until you become one. It echos in the teaching profession as well.

I teach tamil to a small class of 5-6 grade two students, just 2hours a week. Its nothing incredible. But the effort you must put in is 100% wihtout which you don't get the 100% satisfaction. Teaching is one of the most giving profession, you get as much as u give. But, its amazing, the way I felt when a student learnt. I was nervous, when they were on stage performing. Proud, at the job well done. As a teacehr you begin to learn it once more with them. but it wasn't all recieving. I made my blunders, I planned too much, I though they'd understand it all. I dictated, I scolded, and I had my headaches. I spent hours planning, and making the lesson, only to find the students didn't engage in it. But at the end of the day, I knew i'd done something noble. For better or worse, I was making a change.

It made me think back to my school days. How easy it was for us to criticise. Failing to understand the effort, and not allowing the time for teacher's to improve, not giveing them a chance, and failing to even forget that afterall they are human too.

Teacher's may work fewer hours, get 3months holidays to jealousy of other professionals, but nothing can compare to the impact they create on students. We need smarter, braver, younger teachers to learn fromt the older, experienced, knowledgeable teachers. For this, the teaching proffession needs to be hyped up. It shoud not only be worthwile but should look worthwhile to the outsider. And how is that possible? Higher wages! Come on, Mr Brumby, its a generation at stake.

India has won, but lessons to learn

India has won! Finally quenched the thirst of millions of supporters!

It has indeed been an ironical win. India achieves vistory after the whims and dims of the sydney test. Yet to those who believe in cycles, this has indeed been a very big cycle. History has repeated itself to break, once more, the 17consequtive test wins of Australia. It was India in Adelaide, in 2003, achieving the incredible, and they've done it again.

Yet India has lessons to learn. The underlying message in Pontings after match comments say it all. Australia won't be a sore loser, they'll take it as a lesson. But did India do that after Sydney?

Moreover, India needs to learn the confidence of the australian players. Even the lower order batters play with confidence. At 9 wickets, India would be a sorry sight. But the Australian played with smiles. They had fun, masti, enjoying the game. This is what cricket is about! Even after the final wicket was taken, the Australian batter had the courage to stick around in the euphoria and make sure he displayed his sportsmanship.

Another lesson, is the amount of skill the Indian team lacks. A lower order player such as RP Singh should have had the training to back and bat enough to keep his wicket. Come on, he plays for a national team.
Comparing Australia's 8th order to India's, there's so much difference. India is hopeless at 8th wicket. Australia is buzzing at 8th.

Moreover we need to embrace our younger players. Without Harbhajan on the seen, look at the miracles that the young bowlers bring about. The same can be done with batters. Give the chance to those who have the potential. After yonks of critcism of including Sehwag, look at the miracles he produces. Not to mention man of the match, Pathan.

When India moves away from the politics, and plays for enjoyment, for the love of the game, appreciates those who have skill and places emphasis for all players to learn all aspects of the game; Australia won't only lose once in 17matches, and India won't only win a test once in a leap year.

Let us await the play in Adelaide with eagerness. Times awaits to see whether it will be a growth or deterioation of Test cricket.

பொங்கள் தின நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்

உங்கள் இல்லத்தில் பொங்க பொங்க ஆணந்தம் பொங்கட்டும்!

pongal. Memories travel back to Vellore, India. It's festive season. The new clothes, bonuses for workers, kolam in mill, புது நெல், new movies, anbu. மொத்ததில் கல் கெட்டிடும். So for the festive spirit, and its significant meaning for celebration, let this pongal be a good one for all! Keep it smilng!

Cricket in Kaos

Back and forth the accusations travel. But it does no more that justify that as much as India is a sore loser, Australia is a gallant less winner. What has become of the epic game that ruled our hearts? Is it merely just another political stunt? Obviously, the sport is missing now. But will it return or does this mark the extinction of the acclaimed game?

India explodes that Harbhajan has been called a racist without proper evidence. There national identity has been lost, it seems. I thought cricket was a sport. From where does national honour come into play? You play for a nation. But that doesn't mean the sport is the nation. Imagine if the puny little Bangladesh team who loses every other cricket match, made such a fuss. Would there anger be valued so much to place the news on the front page of our newspaper? Its all about politics, money and business. India has the notes, earning 70% of the revenue for cricket, and it can twiddle the right buttons and put pressure. It's disgusting to those who just want to watch a match!

The worst thing is two highly different issues are becoming one. Would this have been the same dilemma if India had won the match? Harbhajan's ban may be based on unsubstantial evidence, and hence appeal by all means. But stop making a big deal about it, as if the world has come to an end. Cooping up cricketers in a bus for 2 hours, burning effigies of Ponting, it all has to be stopped.

The second accusation, ignited by the Indian captain's comment, that only one team was playing in the spirit of the game, was even more eruptive. If you were to ask me no one was playing in the spirit of the team. You watch a match for thrilling sensation of not knowing who will win. And the action it brings. That was the success of the 20twenty finals. Up until the last minute, you could never tell. Let's see if that day ever dawns in test cricket.

We've all played our share of low-profile games, to know there are the good and the bad umpiring decisions. But whatever it is, his decision is final. Just because its escalated at an international level doesn't change a thing. And if the players can't even follow this basic rule, well they've definitely lost the plot and the sport.

At the end of the day, the victim is no one but the sport itself. The politic influence, the predictability of the winner, and the whinging have all endangered its applaudable aspects. It no longer seems to be a team game, rather it is either a game played for individual achievement or a game played as a nation against nation, creating the atmosphere of two nations at war. None of this is good sports. Everyone take a chill pill and play for the sport atleast some time soon.

Cries

Tiny boy cries. Big boy asks are you a girl?

What is it with the general assumption that men do not cry? This is the kind of third class, pathetic sexism that is still rooted to not any culture, but to the entire human kind. Crying is a way to express extremity of emotions, be it joy or sorrow. Why have we all been blessed with the gift, if only the feminine gender were meant to use it? We need to move away from such rubbish, and more importantly stop feeding it to our younger generation.

Crying is a way of releasing the bottled up emotions. I could point you a ton of research that has showed that crying is productive and character building. It is the moderator of the human body. But then some people are just too ignorant, adamant, or too rooted in the bias!

Are girls weaker by crying? What poison! Guys are the weak ones, not being brave enough to let the tear escape, cleaning you of your grief or immense joy. If one cannot even use the given bodily functions properly, what right does that person have to other worldly pleasures?


If this is one viewpoint. The other extreme should be that no one should cry. Crying is a sign of not being able to control one's weaknesses. If that were the case, there are still many women who are able to control their emotions, and not cry. The fact that girl's only cry, is a weak genrealisation, that has taken root over many centuries of male dominaiton.

Either way, what is wrong is the narrow belief of some, that crying is solely gender specific.