Incredible Indian

Wonderful Quotes for a Greyish Day

2011-11-10T10:43:00.001+11:00

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Don't Ever Stop Dreaming Your Dreams

Don't ever be reluctant
to show your feelings when
you're happy, give in to it.
When you're not, live with it.

Don't ever be afraid to
try to make things better,
you might be surprised at the results.

Don't ever take the weight of the
world on your shoulders.
Don't ever feel threatened by the future,
take life one day at a time.

Don't ever feel guilty about the past,
what's done is done.
Learn from mistakes you might have made.

Don't ever feel that you are alone,
there is always somebody there
for you to reach out to.

Don't ever forget that you can achieve
so many of the things you can imagine ...
It's not as hard as it seems.

Don't ever stop loving,
don't ever stop believing,
don't ever stop dreaming your dreams

---------------------------------------------------

Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all costs of tedium and distaste. The gain in self confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor is immense."

-- Thomas A. Bennett

Ra-One Bad

2011-10-30T21:14:00.006+11:00

Firstly and foremost,

1. Tamilians are not idiotic and clumsy.

2. 'Konjam' is very different from 'Condom'

3. Even if we eat with our hands, we eat decently and do not put curd in our noodles.

4. 'Haiyoo' is not said after every single sentence.

5. Idly, dosai and sambar isn't the only identifiable south indian thing.

Ra one dminishes all hopes of even an average film. Untouching sentiments, sad humour by stereotyping tamils, and high expectations of action packed scenes ruined the experience. Even Chitti as Rajni on screen was not enough to connect songs and fights. The first 5minutes of the movie was probably enough to put you off the whole movie (What was the point of Prinyanka Chopra, and Sharuck motor biking, and etcetc...). If that wasn't enough, the train scene was an epic copy cat fail. Metaphorically, Ra-one, the movie, is as poweful as G-one trying to stop the train, and takes five minutes to do so, destroying the entire station.

In my opinion, the idea of a modern raavan, Ra-one and G - one (Jeevan) are the most historically dated characters that we have ever seen. A total miss.

ஜாதகமா ஜோக்கா

2011-10-26T17:31:00.002+11:00

ஓர் இடத்தில் ஜாதகம் பொருத்தம் பார்த்தா ஏழு பொருத்தம். குரு உச்சிலே இருக்காரு அமோகமான பொருத்தம் என்கிறார்.
இன்னொருவர், அம்மா தாயே வேணாம், நாக தோஷமாம், இனைந்தால் சண்டை மட்டும் தான், மூன்றே மாததில் பிறிந்திடுவார்கள் என்கிறார்.
எது உண்மை, எது பொய். நடந்த பின் கூறுவார்கள். அந்த ஜோசியகாரர் சொல்வதை கேட்டிருகளாம் என்று.
மிகவும் பிடித்த வரன், பொருத்தம் இல்லையென்றால் 'வேர் எங்கையாவது பார்க்கலாமா ' என்று கேட்க தோன்றும் மனம்.
எதுக்கு அப்போ இந்த வீன் வேலை. நமக்கே தெரியுது, ஆளுக்கு ஆள் ஜாதகம் பொருத்தம் மாறுபடுது. நம்பிக்கை கொடுக்கிற மாதிரி ஒன்றும் இல்லையே இதில். இப்படி surety இல்லாத ஒர் விடயத்தை எதற்கு மெலும் மெலும் வளர்கனும்.

Engayum Epothum - A Reflection

2011-10-08T23:33:00.003+11:00

Just saw engayum eppothum after multiple reccomendations.

Thus with expectations of a good movie, I watched and I should say it was worth the watch.

Some well crafted scenes. Two very different love stories, yet natural enough to believe. The scene of Anjali getting Jey to organi donate was classic.

But the best thing was the message at the end. It's good to see the quality of low budget movies improving drastically in recent times. From the fleets of 'kallori', 'thoonganakaram', 'angadi theru', 'myna', 'nadodikal', comes yet another impressive flick. Sufficient commercial aspects to sell the movie, yet interwoven with a message to the audience, to also fulfill the social responsibility of the movie maker.

What is lacking though is the strength of the message. The climax sends home the message that road accidents shouldn't happen as there are real people and families impacted by this. It attacks the problem at the point where its most likely to touch Indian people, i.e kinship and love. And I was touched. Tears.

But the fact that the director failed to mention causes or solutions to this problem is lacking. Fleetingly reasons such as high speed, negligent driving may have been indicated. But to drill home some reasons even more strongly would have been appreciated. Even a solution such as seatbelts would have been the icing on the cake.

But, as a start to the trend of mature movies, its amazing and much welcomed by me, 'an' audience who wants a message packed novel entertainer and whose sick and tired of the old masalas.

Uni Life - Not a reflection, but an analysis

2011-10-08T17:48:00.007+11:00

What's spurred this particular blog post, a particular comment I received recently from an Imperial College student.

'I never had time for anything. All I did was study'

It's not the first time I heard this comment. The same comment phrased slightly differently was said from a deligent student in a university in Thiruchengodu, Tamil Nadu, India.

I don't know if the situation is different in Australia. My particular case might not be the best representative of an Australian student life. But I know Australians, even if they don't study a lot, sure do work a lot. They work so much, they don't have time for anything else either.

Doing a number of things makes you smarter at the way you do a number of things. You learn to squeeze 10 pages of reading into 10 minutes and not 20 minutes. You optimise time.

But there is a saturation point. Just like 10 pages can't be squeezed into 2minutes, overloading us with information, isn't going to get us smarter. This is what I criticise about the education system in some universities. Teach us the techniques to be smart learners, but don't feed us with information to the extent of making us machines that just grind the material, but don't really think for ourselves. How many of us would have thought 'If only I had the time, I would have done that' or 'I'll do it after exams, I just don't have time now'. The number of missed opportunities to discover ourselves.

Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2010

2011-09-25T20:34:00.002+10:00

I think facilities at my university are just fine.
The government is just using another excuse to charge money from student's who already have a massive HECS debt hovering over their head.
Those who want sporting facilities etc should pay for it.
The opt in structure works just fine.
So many protests took away compulsory student unionism.
Let's not go back to it.

Why did I study LAW?

2011-09-24T12:04:00.001+10:00

I often ask myself this question. In the five years I've studied law, why did I actually study it?
And now its popping up on job applications, that I actually need a proper answer.

But that aside, (cos we all know noone says the entire truth in job apps), why did I really study law?

Even if it was part marks, and being able to do it, I couldn't have entirely chosen the course on a whim. But thinking back, I can't place a particular dying reason for chosing the course I did.
I was never the ones who had my entire 10years of life planned out in advance. Seriously, I don't even know what I'm going to do tomorrow, let alone the next 10years!

But the intersting thing in choosing my course ,was that, whilst I chose it overnight, my interest in law (even if misplaced) arose well before that. I think it was in year 10. I remember scoring 20/20 on some pointless assignment about ourselves, and I remember writing 'I want to be a lawyer, becuase there is no retirement; Retirement for a lawyer is becoming a judge'. Ha what a comedy. What I didn't know then was, judge's retire as well. (I can't believe my health teacher bought it first of all).

But secondly that, aside from retirement, the law profession is one of the most overworked professions (which is another reason you have to really love what you do) . By fourth year I discovered this, cos law students didn't sleep much either. But aside from my misconceptions about law, even in those early mature days, I had dreams of wearing the black coat and standing in front of a judge and speaking. (even before i knew the different between a barrister and a lawyer). So that's probably what found me in a law course.

Plus the fact that I like solving problems. As a kid, I'd borrow all the lateral thinking puzzles in the library. I just loved them. 10years back though. I don't have that sort of time to sit and stretch my brain these days. (see too much education is bad, it restricts your thinking)

But the problem is, some law problems don't actually have solutions and I didn't have time to find one. For my science brain, there would always be a solution, a fixed solution. Something as neat as the chemical periodic table. University thrashed these ideologies. No clear answer was found even after 300 pages of judgement in the Mabo case.

I guess, I just kind of lost it at uni, with my noble ideas of law. I enjoyed the challenge as I always do. But it killed my enthusiasm. I was merely struggling to keep up. I merely applied the law as it existed. Why bother looking into 10 other judgements, I'll just copy what's in the study guide said. It was very mechanical and taxing . It was just so far away from the profession. I missed the notions of actually helping people. The people notion disappeared at uni. It was all text and heavy books that you bought with your entire life savings. I was feeling like how the public would portray a lawyer 'money hungry,' by the end of it all.

But hey law is about the people (or the corporations). But university showed me facts and figures (i.e the law), not how it impacted on the people. I needed to wait and see the practical side of things. Which the Jessup moot did. It was like this amazing close to real life problem, and in the 3 months of doing it, I though it was sooooooo real.! Two real countries bashing each other's throats out at the International Court of Justice. Now that was exciting! Not 13 weeks of lectures (not meaning to) but force feeding us knowledge so we could pass this exam paper in 3hours. When in actual fact, that could have been an A class moot topic in front of a judge.

I'm in the final 3 weeks of my law degree. I've discovered what I love about law. Helping REAL people figure out the law. Advocating on their behalf. I've discovered what sux about a law degree tooo (which is another blog). But I can't wait to enter the profession! SOME ONE OUT THERE PLEASE JUST LET ME THROUGH THE DOOR, YOU WONT REGRET IT. PLEASE JUST GIVE ME THAT FIRST JOB.

Stigma and Universities

2011-08-23T21:46:00.002+10:00

It has to be more than a mere coincidence that every person I know who got a seasonal clerkship fails to get a priority placement in the law firm.

And I thought getting a seasonal was 80% guaranteeing you a graduate position.

I fail to understand why you won't be selected after, tireless efforts of working your arse of, chatting up staff, and even in some circumstances writing praise after praise of the firm in careers guides to help recruit to the firm even smarter people in future years.

I just fail to see the justice. Has it got anything to do with the name of uni? I wonder.

Logically it doesn't. Cos they did take us for seasonal clerkship position. But it still makes me ponder.

2011-07-01T04:49:00.000+10:00

I love Chennai.
And i'm not a Chennaite.
But I love it.
There's something special about that city.
It has a the right mix of modernity and tradition.
It's an Indian city like no other.
A south Indian delight - Chennai.
Even amongst it searing temperatures and conjested roads, I am loving Chennai for its unique Indian city life.

Pure Happiness

2011-06-08T19:03:00.006+10:00

You know that feeling when you get it.
"Or do you?"
The feeling of goodness. Altruistic?
"The stupid "goodness" Altruism, whateva."

The feeling you get when you happened to be the person who could offer the seat in the Tram.
"Stupid Old man, had to look at me, now I'll have to get up, and suffer this journey standing"
The type of contentedness you get as the random passer by who provided directions .
'll just tell him the way to look smart"
The sort of satisfaction you receive from cooking awesome food for friends and family.
"I have cooking skills, and I'm just paying you back for the $100 lunch at Grand Hyatt"
Holding the door open for the other guy in return for the thankyou.
"I'm patient enough to wait for you"
The sweetening emotions that overwhelm with the little heartwarming smiles.
"It would be rude otherwise, not to smile"
The ones that make life so worth living.
"Life's many painstaking formalities"
Natural things that help and make others happy.
"Make things so complicated"
They make you feel like a millionaire in a second.
"Make you feel jobless/stupid in less than a second"
Who said altruism existed? Its all a feedback system.
"I didn't, what's altruism"
Helping makes them happy, so I help to see them happy which of course by the turn of Karma makes me happy.
"Helping is only for my own gain. Hot guy/gal. Makes me look good. Otherwise not worth the effort"
If it didn't make them happy, or rather, didn't make me happy, why would I do it?
"I've not helping cos I feel good, okay, get it right?"

Women, whore, and polygamous marriages.

2011-06-05T20:04:00.004+10:00

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/lifestyle/others/malaysian-women-urge-wives-be-whores-bed-474
I've got mixed views.

I'm filled with distaste at polygamous marriages, especially when its only the man who can do it. (okay that came out the wrong way. I don't like polygamous marriages full stop. And its even worse that men only seem to get away with it. )
But to deal with such cases of polygamous marriage, and the urge to stray, the idea, as presented in the article, of women being a 'whore' in bed seems logical. Feed the hunger, and it stops.
Unfortunately, the hunger might not be satisfied fully, and hence if one has to stray, he does.
And as pointed out by the article, women already have so much responsibility - plus this? It may be unfair to place the burden of straying on women, when it's men committing the sin.
But, its still one strategy of many to try, to make the marriage work. After all, straying is going to ruin the marriage. So if the man can't be responsible, let the female take control, and entice him to stay in his own boundaries. I don't see that as women just being a sex toy.

Discrimination

2011-06-04T14:03:00.002+10:00

Just when I thought discrimination didn't exist.
The age old prejudices, and biases crop up.
Not obvious of course, hidden beneath the veil of lifestle blah blah blah.
How will it ever let you move forward?

Google's Ideas

2011-06-02T14:36:00.004+10:00

So Google thinks Facebook is competition?

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/former-chief-eric-schmidt-admits-google-didnt-take-facebook-seriously/story-e6frgakx-1226067954921?from=public_rss

Amongst the big 4 of the net (Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon) why would any one of the 4 ever feel competition?
Seriously each has its own market share for different things.
Amazon - the no1 retailer online.
Facebook - the no1 socialiser online
Apple - the no1 user friendly app.
Google - the no1 search engine.

Why invent competition when there is none. Sure, 300million people are honked on to Facebook, but they are not going to give up Google for searching. If any weird attempt of copying Facebook occurs on Google, I'm not really sure if that's going to help them.

For starters, its going to turn me against the search engine. What your doing is smart, i.e, google books, google scholar. It's unique. Remember, even the little attempt at Google buzz was such a failure, so why muddle with things that are to be left to others?

If adds, and income is being attracted by Facebook, it seriously isn't a reason to panic. You still have the market share of users in search engines, and a lot of advertising income will still be generated that way.

So chillax and retain your personality GOOGLE. A little advise from a little person.
If anything Facebook, is the one to fear with all the law suits and controversies.

Those Times..

2011-05-27T20:13:00.003+10:00

There are times when you have these massive butterflies somersaulting within you.
It is a sign....A sign you are sick with nervousness.
I'm treading every step slowly, anticipating something might be lurking in the corridor.
Should I be prepared to run?
Or make a dash for it anyway, that way I've got a head start...atleast.
The problem is, I don't know what I'm actually running from?
What if I ran for it, instead of away from it?
But I am sure it is there. The signs are all showing.
Hm, should I just confront it? Where are you, show yourself?
But, alas, I'm too of a coward for that. I'll wait for it to show itself, thinking and making myself falsely believe, that this is what true bravery is.
Oh, where is my Rajput sword? Phew, right beside me.
That's a comfort. If need be I can make a flee with it.
Haah, that would ensure I have the upper ground. Or would it really?
I guess I could never prove I had the sword, and the higher ground if I did run for it.
So running was never the solution.
I need to live through it, don't I? That's right!
I'm part of the making of history, not the missing pages.
My story is to be told in its entirety not stopped abruptly.
Hey, I'm better than you, cos I can endure this.
I don't need petrol to keep me running, I just need those butterflies to get lost.
In hindsight, its probably not gonna be so bad.

And, by the way, where did those butterflies go? Please don't come back again.
My thoughts lack the steadiness when your somersaulting.
So butterflies, listen, if Seethai can do it, I can do it.
What are little butterflies going to do to me?
That was not to be interpreted as a challenge, though.

When you don't mean to hurt people...

2011-05-23T15:26:00.003+10:00

I never meant to hurt anyone. I still don't.
I may seem adamant and stubborn.
But this will bring happiness to everyone.
This is not a little matter to me, to forget abt, like the chips packet that I asked for as a child.
It's more than that. Its my life.
I would tell you a 100 things to convince how talented and worth my choice is.
But your face stops me. Your abrupt conclusions stick my mouth together.
Whilst my heart is pounding away, ready to cry out in tears.
I can titfortat and excel your arguments for my heart is behind the cause.
How can I change that, my heart?
But I can't change. I just can't. I really don't mean to hurt you.
It's for the long term peace and happiness of everyone.
I'm so grateful for everything.
I was annoying at birth, and am still annoying.
But maybe this was destiny for me? Why not think it that why?
If only I could open my mouth and explain it all to you.

A Return to Blogging after a Pause

2011-05-22T13:19:00.002+10:00

I was, of recent, actually, rather than on a subconscious level, appreciating the level of technology surrounding us. This occurred especially in light of the recent FB group controversy and the confusion over our private lives intermingling with our public lives.

Whilst I was on Facebook, I would have never considered myself an addict, but I immensely enjoyed spending time on it to look at photos and what not updates of 'facebook friends'. Apart from my "real" friends(people I actually met on a regular basis in real life, and new of their lives), I found my self, unconsciously, making generalisations of people based on just what they potrayed facebook. At times, it was so bad, that I would consider someone else discriminatory, for making those comments. But how often do we reflect our true selves on Facebook. Even before this question is asked, what is the point of analysing these people so meticulousy on Facebook. Was I going to employ them, was I looking for a potential partner or friend(considering most of them were meant to be my 'friend' or atleast acquaintance')? No. It is the simple nosiness that is innate in us. I found myself doing the same thing, old 'paati's' do in India, and I get so cut at them for doing so. The paati's would munch their betel leaves, and having nothing else to do with their time, would go 'avanga veetla.......intha ponnu....etc'

It's funny how generation gaps aren't really generation gaps. Are we really more modern, and fair in our perspective? I think, on reflection, its more just the same old prejudice bundled up and expressed in a different way. Oh, the beauty of technology enabling us to do this even in our uber busy lives.

Ponderings

2011-01-10T21:15:00.002+11:00

It's been a long time since I wrote me last blog. And I've learnt a lot in the midst.

I've learnt that I am very ignorant of the world. I don't know many things. Experience working wiht a team in an intensive atmosphere has taught me so much about myself, and how inadequate I am in dealing with others, and that has nothing to do with who I am, and the fact I am different from others. I was always under the misconception that I was bright, but this was basked in the ignorance of interacting with selected people.

I also, for the first time in my life, submitted an assignment, and that, too, not any assignment, but something we, as a team have been working on all Summer. 3 months of work accumulated together still could not be finished by a deadline that we knew for 7months. The experience of submitting an assignment late is very new. But it taught me about the art of perfection, something that I'd lost along the way. I would always submit an essay earlier/on time, rather than face the tension of an approaching deadline, and not meeting it. What I felt today, was the height of adrenaline, as the clock ticked past and the deadline passed. But I saw and discovered a talent that I had lost. Something, I had as a child. The skill of perfection. I saw it in my teammates and I knew this was the lesson, this was why I was to endure the experience.

I also learnt in these last few days, about a recurring theme in my life. All my really close friends in my life have been close to their mothers. Surely, this is not an accident. Was this God's way of teaching me a lesson? And I just keep failing to learn it.

2010-12-23T23:22:00.000+11:00

For me, she is this magical goddess that I want to dislike for giving up, but I can't , because she is so perfect.

Love...

2010-12-05T10:26:00.002+11:00

She loved him so much, but left him.
Why did she leave him?
I think, I think and I will never understand.
The parents surely played a part.
But that is not the entirety.
She was such a strong brave person,
But felt the wrath of emotion.
I still can't accept that would let her
destroy the emotion she felt.
Why? Why did she leave?
No matter what anyone says,
Will I ever be able to understand this sacfrice?
She is god in my view, for this act.
Yet still, why? Why weren't you selfish?
You hurt another equally special person in the process?
Why did you leave?
Does that mean you love another person now?
Can you truly? ( I suppose I have an answer for this question, though)
That evil other person.
But why? Why did you do this to yourself?
You were crazy, your destiny
it was all changed by you leaving.
But why? FATE.
I don't believe in Fate
I know there is something.
But what?
You persisted so long.
What made you give up?
Is there any explanation.
I would give anythign even now
for you to meet your dreams
even at my cost.
Is that what sacrifice is?
But your love was always more dear.
And the special place you held in his heart
Is still there, no matter what
Just like the special place in your heart.
Why did that third person have to interfere.
Why was he not a gentleman and leave.
I hate him more, than I'm confused about
Why you left?
Why?

2010-10-02T09:27:00.002+10:00

I havn't blogged in ages, and today gave me a reason to blog, so here I am back.

I feel I've grown up in a black hole.

The way I deal with issues and problems was to block them, or to ignore them, or hide them, or throw them away in a diary. No one every told me this was wrong. I've always learnt to forget about how I felt yesterday.

Today, somehow I feel this is not the way to deal with issues in life. You don't need to simplify it, or make it disappear, you have to work with it and resolve it.

Thinking still.....

2010-07-31T12:01:00.001+10:00

Vendaamnu sonna athaan venum.
Why is our heart such a child?

Experiences

2010-07-29T06:52:00.002+10:00

The ultimate question, what is our purpose in life?

So many people come and go. Some people become close, other's leave. Time's change and so do Tides. And similarly so do people. And so do I.

Each experience in life teaches me something. When people get angry wtih me, I learn what is anger. When a long relationship falls a apart, I realise dedication and commitment. It strikes, even if late, eventually we all learn. But certain experiences, confuse me. I'm not worried, but I am muddled. Why did that occur? What was I to actually learn out of that?

Why did I feel bad with that sorry? And the other person was apologising to me. Why did I feel out of place, and as if a wall had arose between us, or that they were splashing me with sugar? ARe they trying to cheat me, or are they genuinely sorry? Why am I suspecting it? What is the point of this excercise? I shall soon find out.

Sometimes wouldn't life be so easy, when you can just forget about everyone else. Isolation. The thought of it, itself freaks me out. But then why are relationships wiht people so, so intricate? People are so different. I accept that difference, but can I live with it? I'm attempting to change a personality trait in another person. That is a sin! Because who says, I don't do that myself. Do I practice what I preach? Or preach the practice?

Wait....Yes Wait. The answer will be discovered soon. Your purpose in life, will be found. Till then, wait, and live life, cos the purpose of living is arriving soon, actually its arrived. The purpose of living is to live. To live and live and live. How many of us do that?

2010-07-13T20:40:00.002+10:00

Sometimes we scarifice and expect those near and dear us to bear the brunt and understand. But do we ever understand them? Why are we so selfish? Its those near and dear that have the highest priority not the least. Value them, listen to them, and treat them like god. They are the one's who matter at the end of the day. The voice of experience speaks, and I shall do it from today onwards.. My incredibles, I will hang onto most of your words:)

The faceless acussations of facebook

2010-06-10T08:19:00.005+10:00

Does a week go by without someone alleging something bad against Facebook? Is this media's way of grabbing our attention and making us read the news? Or is the jealousy rage rising, cos FAcebook is so successful?

The recent article on news.com.au, 'Facebook addicts can't relate', just blew the pipe for me. Clearly the person making these allegations has no clue or has never met a person with 900 friends on facebook.

"If you are not rehearsing looking someone in the eye in three dimensions, but instead you have 900 friends on Facebook ... one does question what kind of relationship they might be having,'' was the allegation put forward.

But this is crazy, I may have a fair while to go to reach 900 friends, but I know many other's well past this fanciful number. And I can assure you their social skills are great, and relationships are strong. You can't just randomly go an add 900 people, although you may add one or two, or a few more, and have a solely online relation that in their terms lacks 'empathy'. Its through meeting them in person that you get to add more people. So obviously some where along the line this person had met these 900 poeple.

the accusation of 'not rehearsing' is absolute attrocity. Shy people will actually feel like contributing online, and become more confident in meeting peole they've already met online, because the introduction is already done. And so what if we rehearse, doesnt that still help us in our interactions with others? Even before the net savvy days, people rehearsed to make face to face conversations, eg when they proposed, met an important person etc. So the fact people rehearse, if in fact they do this on FAcebook, can only be viewed as a positive.

We will all have the story, of meeting someone, forgetting, later finding them on FAcebook. See, fb actually encourages us to form a relationship and meet up with them later. Or how about the times, we've seen someone a 100 million times, but never had the opportunity to talk to them. Remember the times, you would have caught up with a friend, and started talking about what someone wrote on FAcebook. This just goes to suggest that fb even encourages conversations.

I'm an advocate for facebook, for the fact it connects people. There are disadvantages, no doubt, and it in no way replaces face to face conversation, but when this is not possible, Facebook is a great tool to facilitate face to face conversations.

Thus, 'YOUTHS hooked on social networking sites are struggling to relate' has no substance or merit. Facebook enhances relational skills, plus maybe a bit of stalking and bitching on the other side, but that's another blog.

The defence of Vinaithaandi Varuvaaya

2010-06-09T10:38:00.004+10:00

Okay this is probably like a really delayed review of this movie. So I shall call it my defence for the movie. There are many raving reviews for this movie on the net. However, I seem to have found so much more reviews dissing this movie. So this is my defence to those reviews, because this film absolutely touched me! Not to the extent Kanda Naal Muthal did, and and in no way will it make it to my top favourite movies, but it touched me because the movie was so realistic. Maybe, this is an additional reason people didn't like this movie, cos it was too real ,and they couldn't accept the reality.

Forgetting all shame, I have to say, I saw myself in Trisha's character. Yes she was crazy, and in my mum's words an absolute 'loosu'. But that's how some girls are. They feel incredibly loyal to their parents, and at teh same time have to deal with the pulls of an intensive guy like Simbu in the movie. Of course, girls think a lot, and will feel a 100 different emotions, and make a 100 different decisions depending on their compusure at that particular time. And that has been aptly covered by Gautham Menon.
This was the essence of the film, it was not that they were of different religion, that he loved a girl who was going to get married, he was younger etc. Of course these things have been showed in a 100 different other tamil movies. My justification for why the director chose to add these elements, was to show that even though these differences existed, they were not the cause of the problems, it was the uncertaity of the girl itself that was the prime cause.
Further, above all, I believe Vinaithaandi Varuvaaya was a movie meant to be critical of love, as well. Simbu falls in love with a girl, he has little idea about. Of course the love swept him of his senses. Havn't we all felt that at some point in our life? But the thing is, is this true love? He knew little about the girl. He just wanted to touch her, hug her, kiss her as he constantly says throughout the movie. It was about hormones, and the feelings we get in the spur of the moment. It's about attraction. And thus led to the amount of problems, because they weren't really in love with each other. Thus the question at the end by Jessie, 'Am I really such a good person?' was classic. Simbu's character had the view that Jessie was this perfect goddess throughout the movie, and thus her inconsistent actions with this perfect image, caused problems. Thus VTV to me, is also a warning that true love begins, once we get beyond this perfect image, and get to know the person, which neither Simbu nor TRisha did.
The only thing that was a bit cowardish of the director, was the dual meaning. I know Gautham wanted the ending where they seperate, why satisfy the rest of the audience with a movie ending, that removes the realism from the movie?
All in all, a movie to watch definetly once, for not entertainment, but lifes messages :)

Clash of Culture - Part 3

2010-06-09T10:36:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I feel that Indian's abroad hold more orthodox views than those back home. But then, this directly conflicts with movie makers perspective that people abroad are more welcome to more conservative themes, and we get movies like kabhi alvedana, aimed at a NRI audience.

Clash of Cultures- The yearning to pay!

2010-06-08T16:05:00.003+10:00

I go out with friends. Who pays? Why is it such an issue with some people?
I go out with a group of friends, split the bill, awesome. Works brilliant. Or we all buy something, and share. That works too.
Then there are the times you go with just antoher person, where its easier for just one person to pay. The complicated times. Maybe I should never go on such occassions, but then these are the best times you get to know another person. Anyways, it would make sense to take turns at such occassions to pay. If you pay once, the next time, they should let you pay. Why do some people always insist they pay? and then use useless excuses that I'm a girl, they feel insulted, etc. I mean, come on, what abt my feelings and my worries that they may insult girls for never taking out their wallet? Why don't people let me pay sometimes?
I ask this having full well witnessed some of the worst fights back in India, of who pays after a lunch or dinner, especialy when you take extended family out to a restaurant. I supppose its associated with being Indian. Cos it works really well when I go to lunch/dinner with Aussie friends. I mean, even at a Bday dinner, there is not concept of 'treat' and everyone pays for themself. At a wedding, people are expected to give gifts that match the costs of the wedding per person. Although, I could never understand these concepts, nor agree with it; what happened to the moderate middle ground, where when you go on a normal day out, that you can pay sometimes. Special days, the pay is yours, no worries:)!

2010-06-01T18:10:00.003+10:00

There are people in this world who live for themselves. And there are people who pretend to live for others. And then there are the extremely rare few, who don't fit into either of these categories.

I am likely to fall into both the first and second, as a Y generation 'KID' in the consumerist society of Australia, very likely! But as usual, I'm being selfish and sidetracked.

I'm just grateful that I have had the honour to meet many who belong to this third category, who without their own knowledge care deeply about those around them. My only pity is that they are the least likely, to make a change and do something with their incredible, compassionate ability they possess. Why? And why do people in the second category, so easily, make the greatest changes?

Surely the one perrson who made me blog about this topic, will achieve in life, because the sweetness of that person, defies boundaries. Even in a game of Tabletennis, to read my mind and think of other's was absurd to me. But perfectly ordinary to him. I feel sad, to see him lost in his own mind. But I know the best is set for him. It is that inside feeling telling me. He will achieve his dreams, if for nothing else, but his big heart.

To Achieve....

2010-05-25T20:31:00.003+10:00

I'm so proud of people around me, that I know, who achieve. But at the same time, I feel inproductive. It's funny how it is so easy to settle for the easiest and simple things in life. Its almost ridiculous to realise that 10% of the population do the work of the remaining 90%. Those of which who are more than happy to sit back, enjoy, complain, and consume. I want to be part of the 10%. I want to be the creator, the revolutionist.

But times often make me succumb. Why is it easier to sit back, and complain, rather than doing something positive and proactive avout it? Why is it easier to logon to Facebook, and be the consumer, when we could be doing something equally as revolutionary? Why am I being the puppet, guided by popularity, and expectations of those around me? What gives me personal satisfaction? Have I forgotton that?

Sister in Law

2010-05-19T10:28:00.002+10:00

I had my dance concert on Sunday. I was talking to a friend, who was also dancing. Mum walked past, and commented how good her makeup was. If you've ever been to a dance concert, you'll know how complicated make up is. My friend's mum answers that her sister in law did it for her.

My friend looks at me and goes, 'Wait till you get a sister in law.'

That statement struck me. Wait till I get a sister in law? I never even gave thought to a sister in law coming into my life. Not to be rude, I knew my brother would get married sometime. But I just never thought about the other little added advantages of having a sister in law in my life. But, then again, it kind of sucks. My friend's brother is like year's older than her. So she got a sister in law, whilst she was still single and with family. Somehow I have a feeling, that I am going to get kicked into marriage before my brother does. Thus, a sister in law, who comes into the family, and helps you out with this and that, aint in reality ever gonna happen to me. Coming to think of it, my friend didn't get it the ideal way too. Imagine having a sister in law, when your still a child. That would be nice. Like a second mum? And anways, why am I complaining, I do have a sister in law already, except just doesn't live with us. (Cousin's wife). However, things are awkward with her, cos we both keep our distance. Donno why, maybe time will heal that distance. Mathini just seems so mature though. So not a friend, nor a mum, but just a relation at the moment. But I see my cousin brother's younger bro, who is also my cousin. He is close wiht Mathini. And that is real sweet. They all live in one big joint family, so its great to see the closeness and everyone getting along. Isn't that what's important, not when I get a sister in law? But the thing is, in the orthodox old fashioned way, once the girl gets married, she doesn't really belong to that famliy, or in a modern way, doesn't spend that much time, so it sucks if I get married first, because I won't get to know my sister in law. Mayb against all odds, my brother will get married first. That would be kool!

Feelings

2010-05-14T18:16:00.000+10:00

He came into my life, like that. His smile intoxicated me. Set me on fire. Thirsty for more. One of those rare times, I just wanted to keep talking, but became strangled for words. I made it obvious, lost my respect, flirted even people would say. But, he also left my heart like that. No it wasn’t depressing. IT just made me put him higher up. That one word killed my heart but opened my eyes. I wasn’t talking to a flirt, or a wanna-be. I was talking to a real person, with the insecure core we all possess. I respected him, at last. It ended in trust, the one word I couldn’t place previously. I’ll let you guess what that one word was. :)

Mazhai Thuli

2010-05-04T19:19:00.004+10:00

I was walking home today

On top of the world

The freshest of air hitting me

as the rain dripped on

I was loving life

And reminded of

the simplest things

that make us so happy

2010-05-01T17:15:00.003+10:00

Sometimes external forces sway and mesmerise you. They lull you into this false sense of security to make you think you can do it. Thanks to great friends who stand apart from the crowd, and arn't scared to advice, knowing very well that its detested, you find your true place, the place you belong. The amazing place of comfort. Could you have left it so easily? Thanks for the great friends who remind you to be yourself, without which my life wouldn't be the same!

Ice-cream

2010-05-01T03:04:00.002+10:00

Ever had the feeling of being boring, because that's what everyone else does? You've got to stand out!... Be unique. Especially with ice-cream. Have it on a cold misty Melbourne morning. The best feeling..yet!

2010-04-30T20:09:00.002+10:00

When I guy askes you the following questions? Does it mean something more than he's letting on?

1. Do you have a boyfriend?

2. Do I look like I have a girlfriend?

3. See that girl, (which girl?) she keeps looking at me.

4. Find me a nice ______( a category for instance, Chinese, and you fall into tht category) girl.

5. I have a movie ticket. (and?)

And. .. I thought girls were the one's who spoke with a double meaning.

Vent

2010-04-29T20:46:00.004+10:00

There's so many things I want to blog about. And that's crazy given how tired I am, that I can't even be stuffed to move. I could blog about all 3 things...but that will just make them all lose their significance. So here is the most important.

I come from a cultured traditional family, which means, I get arranged married. I, till this date had certain expectations of that mysterious person that my parents will find me. Having, been the studious type, and having been brought up in a family of which I am the first generation to go to university, Studies are damn important.

Coming back to the point, I would've expected Mr. Suitor to be equally or higher educated than me. Expecially, with my generalisations that educated people have more practical and modern takes on things. But! I feel like I got a slap in the face today. Why? Because, there was a girl, all set to go for my cousin. Arranged. Everyone likes my cousin. BUT! The girl has studied MBA or something. A lot!...Noone has yet to pass the Bachelor's stage in my extended family. So I naturally was very excited. Did I see the other side to it?...No!...the girl didn't want to marry my cousin, cos he hadn't studied enough! Now that is dodgy, because I know my cousin. I know how great, and smart he is, he doesn't need studies, to make him more incredible. That girl was just stupid were the thoughts going in my head. And then yes, so were my stupid thoughts? Sometimes is it just worth it, to listen to the wise ones in your family, who actually have life experience, instead of forming your own stupid expectations. Go into a marriage with no expectations. The best marriage eva!

SPAM and my Ignorance

2010-04-27T15:05:00.001+10:00

There were two people today, and that's quite alot, in a day when I'm predominantly at work, who told me that I was being slack about spam. And I'm like spam? So, thus, started my 15minute mission to find out best ways to save the world by minimising spam. And here I share with you the tips,

Firstly definition of Spam for the lay person like me: one word Junk, stuff that your not meant to get, generally unsolicited.

So How do we keep the net a cleaner space, by preventing Spam:

1. Do you love sending forwards? Me too! Make sure you put email addy's in Bcc, that way, random's don't get your email or your friend's emails.
2. Do you use facebook>? Orkut? Any online networking sites? Don't display your email on these sites.
3. Do you need to provide your email for some membership or something or other on the net? Have a secondary email that getts forwarded to your main email. That way, if you get to much junk you can delete it.
4. Best tip ever, Don't think its just an email, value your email just like your phone. Only give it to those you really want to give it to.
5.Most Emails have a spam filter. Set it at high...Who care's about the friend's mails you miss? Lols' nah I'm being evil. Set the spam filter to high, but check your junk folder once in a while, you'll find stuff you want in there. Also, have a habit of replying to people's mails, stating you've recieved it. That way, people will know when you havn't got an email.
6. Apparently there's a 'catch all function'..where say for instance you email is buttermilk@ desire.com....buttermilk@, will still end up in your mail. Freaky? I reckon. So the tip is to disable the catch all function. Found in options of your email.
7. Don't open unknown attachments...we all know that one, don't we?

Prevention is better than cure! Don't be in the sad situation of having an email clogged with spam.

Amma: The world of me

2010-04-12T20:38:00.003+10:00

The world comes crashing down on you

The heart swells and becomes ugly

The lonliness torments you

The wind hits you hard and cold

There's something essential missing

There is nothing perfect about my world

Not without the gem of the my life

The one who would give the world to me

She, who devotes every ounce to me

Amma, my world is not the same without you

Smiling on me. I love you! :)

Thanks for getting over my stupidity.

2010-04-08T15:32:00.003+10:00

Life, Uni, Jobs, everything however better it is, only becomes incredible with friends :)

Some Dodgy Businessman

2010-03-31T13:30:00.001+11:00

Biggest joke of a businessman.
There is a sign at the postoffice - stating mail has been sorted.
Purpose of which is to tell people, mail has been sorted, once its actually done, usually around 8 or 9am in the morning.
Funnily enough, this sign is there 24/7. No surprises there!
But when Mr. Budding businessman was questioned on this queer work practice, he stated ' If I take it away, I'll forget it to put it back.'

First Day work experience

2010-03-30T17:00:00.003+11:00

My first day in a law firm....Is this my future career? My dream career?
I'll probably need some more time to decide those questions.
But I will have to say this quite small suburban law practice is great!
Awesome friendly environment.
I feel Like I'm actually wanted!!!
What I learnt that I would never learn in law school?
Always sign a will with the same pen...i.e Witnesses and testator..all same pen!
Never staple or paper clip a will, you'll need to do more paper work(i.e affidavits) explainign why it got there.
Use your diary and file notes to pass as a good lawyer
A lot of people see lawyers for wills, purchase or sale of a property, and guarantees at this firm.
Money is held on the trust account, if you havn't billed the client for it. So bill him quickly!
Cost of post is credited to the client's account.
O and If you want to stop talking to annoying, lonely clients, just say, O there's someone at the door, I''ll talk to you later. Its a nice way to hang up.
Firms get alot of spam calls, and we complain about spam mail!
And a few other things, I shall keep to myself ;)
Smiles
Signing off
Vimala

Taboo Weight

2009-05-21T20:28:00.001+10:00

Is speaking about weight a taboo subject? ஆமா.....காரட் என்ன இடை என்று கேட்டாலே கடை காரன் கோபிக்கிறான்! இடை என்ன சின்ன விஷையமா? But comeon...criously 21st century, newton discovered int eh 18th century that without gravity we weigh nuffin!...so blame it on gravitiy. We are weightless in space! இனிக்கு வரும் நாளைக்கு போகும். Every1’s so obese as well, if its a taboo subject anylonger, we can’t even say nuffin! Haha imagine the position of that poor sumo wrestler who needed two seats cos of his massiveness... But then again... i used to hate amma telling me i was fat....but then again i hated her telling me anything...but the worst compliment u cna get has to be....ur fat! Esp from ur bf. Now thts saying somefin. But who cares if ur bf thinks that, or ur friend’s superskinny. We are smart enuff that skin deep fat is nothing tht determines who we are...and if people discriminate on the basis of tht......வாரேன் ஒரு பெரிய world war 3 start பன்ன....but if someone affectionaatlye, or meanly or nicely says u need to lose a few kilos, or u weigh too much...comon on guys..not the end of the world!! We kneo who we r...we take it or not...we can’t be taking offence to somefin this small, its like someone saying i don’t like blue....and curiously i don’t liek black! Y do corporate peeps always have to wear black!!! Annoyingness...c looks deceive.....look beyond....taboo or not...i couldn’t care less....but don’t ask me if id ever say some1’s fat....chubby would be the perfect word..or simply...beside an elephant no one is! C all u need is these life saver chubby dialogues!
Tab

2009-05-20T19:57:00.000+10:00

“The courage to conquer” a speech well delivered by the international toastmasters president. Amazing! Just minus the promotional apect on Toastmasters international. But this one quote by Nelson Mandela, mentioned by her, must be noted; courage isn’t the absence of fear, but courage means to allow fear to inspire us.

Further, go to the edge, I’ll push you from there, to make you fly. But come to the edge. :)

Labour being annoying....

2009-05-19T22:02:00.000+10:00

Liberal government removes compulsory student unionism. We all hail “YAY”. Now, being labour, they introduce a bill for “services costs” going to sports and counselling services that wil increase the average student university fees by about $250.
Being a student on HECS this doesn’t really affect me, as its jsut an additional $250 going into the loan. The mere price of 2subject’s textbooks. There are way more bigger expenses than this for an average students. Books for starters, accommodation, phone bills, petrol, parking, public transport and the list goes on.
However, I do understand how strapped for cash some services are. Students don’t even get access to half the services, because of the huge ques, and lack of quality time. But is extra cash from students going to make all the difference? This will unduly affect those students who already are having a tough time trying to make ends meet, and what about international students? They already have massive costs just for being an international student. And now visa fees ahve increased too! Maybe if we made a compromise, and attained a $250 dollar book voucher, when we pay $300 for services, that would be good. Otherwise, governments you subsidise, we already pay way too much! The bill is voted out!

Ravings...

2009-05-18T20:44:00.000+10:00

The war, after raging on for 20years, comes to an end, or so they say. How can the prime minister of the country release a statement that we have defeated the Tamil Tigers. What nonsense. I have not seen any justice in either side fighting up until now. But now I respect the tigers, for whatever reason, for laying down their arms. The Lankan government may thinks this is because they were outnumbered and hence won ‘victory’ in this war. But whatever the reason, I don’t care, I’m just glad atleast one side has got the plot to stop fighting, cos clearly its getting nowhere. What initiated the war, and what’s continuing it now, are like north and south pole. If the primeminister of Lanka had any sense, he’d realise this too, and stop fighting. Stop trying to win pathetic votes. This is your country, you didn’t fight with aliens. A conflict is prevalent within your country, by “winning peace”, which I don’t understand how you can do, you arn’t going to solve anything! The crux is that the discrimination needs to stop. And as far as I can see all Lanka is doing is paving hte way for another civil war. Apologies. But if you do not see this, you really need some glasses.

There’s a point at which......

2009-05-13T06:15:00.000+10:00

You stop
Just Stop
And look
I want you to look
Even if i hide things
But just stop
I know the way from here
Or i think i do
Let me explore
Let me jump
Let me swim the river
Just look
I really really want to
I know you want to
But just let me this one time
You’ve done it all this time
Just look.
And throw me a floatie
If im stuck
But don’t be offended
If i don’t use it
It was my choice
Ill make it to the other end
Just Look
Or return back
But I can make it
Just look
You’ve done the hard yards
Just look
I can prove it
Otherwise I will never do it
I’ll always be the little baby
Just look
Don’t i need to grow up
Just look
I’m pretty tall
Not so smart
But pretty smart
I know mistakes happen
But arn’t they the best teachers
Isn’t that what you said.
Just look
I’m ready
I’ve outgrown the size 5’s
I need to catch up
Time’s running fast
Just stop
And let me run past
Its not that hard
Just stop
And let go
Just look
You’ve nearly done it
But I’m Waiting
For you to fully
Just stop And look

Life rules lies
Or lies rule life
One lie to another
And b4 u know it
A thousand lies floating arnd
A dollar a lie,
I’d be a millionaire
Only to be a Richie rich
With no trust to share it with
Life would be a lie
I’d have no life to live
Stars would be a lie
Only to have no sky to gaze at
The rain would be a lie
Only to have floods
Thesun would be a lie
Only to be scorched with cancer
I would be a lie
To not live
But to live i lie?
How’s that?

Quote of the day

2008-12-29T15:30:00.002+11:00

I like this one! A swamini said it.

The temple is for beginners.

Sport Trends

2008-12-12T07:35:00.005+11:00

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

2008-12-11T09:13:00.007+11:00

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

Saree Documentry

2008-12-11T09:06:00.005+11:00

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

2008-12-10T21:03:00.000+11:00

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

2008-08-01T16:09:00.000+10:00

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

2008-07-05T10:27:00.002+10:00

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

2008-04-12T09:45:00.002+10:00

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

2008-04-05T16:30:00.007+11:00

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

2008-03-29T10:45:00.004+11:00

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.

2008-03-18T21:35:00.003+11:00

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

2008-03-11T08:31:00.003+11:00

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

2008-03-06T19:55:00.003+11:00

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

2008-02-29T08:59:00.003+11:00

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

2008-02-26T09:09:00.004+11:00

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

2008-02-25T09:40:00.005+11:00

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!

2008-02-25T08:36:00.003+11:00

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

2008-02-21T19:28:00.004+11:00

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

2008-02-04T09:45:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-28T14:51:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-26T15:40:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-26T15:14:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-19T20:27:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-13T21:06:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-09T15:54:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-06T08:41:00.000+11:00

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.

New Year

2007-12-31T21:17:00.000+11:00

The new year should be started on a positive note. So I thought I'd blog about what makes me smile. The little things that bring the brightness to my face. But before, I'd like to bless everyone to enjoy every moment of this new year. Its the gift given to us. LEt us use it wisely! the 365days, 52 weeks, and my maths is getting a bit rusty, once gone will not come back. So let us smile at 2007 and welcome 2008. Mistakes are natural, to learn and smile is godlike. So may you reach the stars in this new wonderful year.

Two plus eight equals 10. I'm no numerologist. O, wait that should be a 1. Being first (Number 1)is very special! and thus this year is going to be extra special for all. I know, u'll be thinking what rubbish is this girl is coming up with? But hey its our thoughts that matter. And if I think this year is going to be awesome, IT will be!

2007- A year of achievements. India won the twenty20. and i finished the mahabharatham in Tamil. Now that is an achievement, consdering I'd been reading it for 2years. So many other things happened to me and globally, for better or worse, it was all for the best! May the year finish with the rapture and good will it started with, and let us think back for the good times, and memorable occassions we had!

Keep Smiling, as the new year dawns!

The US!

2007-12-31T12:16:00.000+11:00

Ahh was I naive to think the US had no responsibility? Amma was saying, following Bhutto's death, that America's next invasion will be Pakistan in the name of 'peace'. I laughed it of thinking America has too much on its plate already. But now I realise America not putting there nose into everything, is as impossible as it being 40degrees on top of Mt. Everest. Ahh...I shouldv'e guessed it was through them, that Bhutto returned to Pakistan, and met her fate within 10weeks of her return. Some may claim it far fetched to blame America. But I'm anti - American. And time and time again, they have proved themselves to be the busybodies causing havoc! Vietnam war, Iraq and now this. America must soon realise the world does not revolve around them! Things only work when they come from within. Your average school child could tell you that. You can give them all the resources, but its not going to work without the interest coming from within. I still havn't made up my mind about Democracy in the East. And that's a another whole raging debate. But I know one thing! America's influence is surely a bad omen to achieving anything successful anywhere.

Musharaf

2007-12-30T08:42:00.000+11:00

Being an Indian, the bias against Pakistan was innate. But recently I thought there may be hope for the lost country. And my bias was refocused on a sole person. Musharaff. Now there's more the reason to despise him. Musharaff gains my entire blame for the political assasisnation of Bhutto. He may not have executed the act through any means, but inaction itself is a cause. If Musharaf has even little brains, he wouldn't have done such foolish acts. Think back to 1984, Indra Ghandhi's assasination. The country was in kaos. Amoungst these violent acts, do you really believe, you'll be elected in a one man election. In you dreams! Look the world's attention is upon you. Maybe they might give up democracy in the east. After all east meets west is merely illusionary. Yet, things aint going to be too easy for you. Wait for it!

அஞ்சலி

2007-12-29T21:21:00.000+11:00

அரசியல் ஒரு சாக்கடை

But it brings out the best in people

Evidence Bhutto

It is not her death that has brought sorrow

But her death has been the last straw

Where thou art Pakistan?

You remind me of 1984

What striking parralels there remain btw you and her?

The countries may be rivals

But you are one

In your ambitions

Success

and Bravery

There are those who can criticise

After all it is the field of politics

But you both made it

and proved your point

I salute your power!

Taare Zameen Par

2007-12-29T13:29:00.000+11:00

Ek achie film !

Still in the learning stage of understanding Hindi, a hindi film without subtitles is hardwork. Yet Aamir Khan's 'Taare Zameen Par' was a brilliantly moving film! You've done it again Aamir Khan. I didn't even need the dialogues to tell me, that this is one superb film!

While watching the movie i was thoda upset, as Aamir Khan was not on the screen till the movie hit the half way mark. But his enthralling performance left no sorrows at the end of the film.

It wasn't just Aamir Khan but the entire crew that have done a brilliant job. The protagonist, so small, has the experience of the most experienced. He's a miracle maker.

Without giving too much away, the climax is one of the best I've seen in a while. As is the story, which is non-stop brilliance, from start to finish. The music does only justice to the movie.

I loved the fact that the movie was all about children. There was condemnation against child labour and recommendation for a more child orientated education system which are all, time old issues, we often forget to give thought to. We just accept the tea from the tea boy, or burst the fireworks made by children in Sivakasi. We forget children have thoughts too. We forget their childhood. WE compare, compete and sometimes ruin our own children's future.

This movie is bound to rake in awards. On the basis of themes, it is equivalent to that of 'Black'. Yet the difference is that this is not so heavy, and much more entertaining. Do watch it. It can not be missed! My only sadness is such a movie has not come in Tamil yet.

27th Holiday mood

2007-12-28T10:38:00.000+11:00

Amoung other things, I was sitting atop a brick fence yesterday. Time ticked by. Possibly an hour or more. But I have to say, I wasn't bored. Especially when people come up with random questions like what day is it? Its not a first that Iv'e heard that question, but usually it isphrased as a rhetoric, where people dont actually want an answer. They just ask, to jog their own memory. But yesterday, after they asked, they stood there waiting for a reply. Now that's a first! An unexpected question was met with an unexpected answer tumbling out of my mouth. 'possibly, Thursaday, I s'pose', I found myself saying. And I only worked that out by determing that if christmas was on Tuesday, then the second day of the test cricket would be thursday, considering the first day happens on Boxing Day. Trust holidays to make our timing sense all distorted. Days blur into weeks, as there's no more working days, and weekends. ITs all one big puddle. Even hours blur into blocks. During Uni, my day would work by the clock. horay holidays, and I htink time before breakfast, then time until lunch, and then lunch to dad coming home, to dinner. No wonder I found it so hard to answer such a simple question of what day it is?

2007-12-21T20:59:00.000+11:00

Parvana

2007-12-19T18:49:00.000+11:00

Parvana by Deborah Ellis

Wrote with passion and longing for a country left behind. For a country that once had beauty, freedom, and peace. Deborah Ellis writes with simplicity and takes us to a different world. A world torn by war. Taken through the view of innocent eyes, we entake on a journey that not even a man should go through.

The book is an award winning novel. But having already read the kite runner, Parvana, proves as a less intense, yet still as beautiful a novel, portraying a feminine view of a world so different from ours. Whilst the Kite runner was a novel of friendship, betrayal and caste, Parvana presents a different view. It shows the love for a country, a family. The pride a little girl has. The forgotton past. The hardships of day to day life. And the supressal of feminity, expression and freedom.

Whilst the story is elegantly intertwined within the words and feelings of a young girl. The simplicity and innocence of the girls narrative has an immense impact on the reader's view. We are the judge. We are left to take the side. Uncritically, Deborah has told her story.

The hopeful yet unspoken, unfinished ending leaves a hindering hope that as Parvana finds her family, maybe one day Afghanistan, too, will find its lost past free of external or for that matter internal regimes.

The patriotism for the country is incredible. Deborah speaks through Parvana to let us know, whoever invades Afghanistan, will inevitably face the same defeat. 'They will be kicked out'.

A child, Parvana, squabbles wiht her sister, and refuses to do chores as any ordinary girl. But she is no ordinary girl. She is the warrior. And this becomes starkly evident as the girls dig up bones in the graveyard. The lost childhood of the girl is highly disturbing.

The unspoken question of whether it is right to leave such a beloved country behind, in moments of crisis, is symbollically represented though the character of Parvana's friend.

Having loved THe kite Runner, this is an Australian equivalent from a different perspective. It equally paints a picture of Afghanistan that has been torn apart. A simple read, with a simple narrative, through a simple girl, depicting the extroadinary lives of extroadinay citizens in an extroadinary country.

Jerusalem Syndrome

2007-12-18T21:11:00.000+11:00

I was reading the newspaper, and amoungst other things, was feeling immensely proud of the state's top VCE achievers. Especially the blind girl who proved her point! And to all my buddies who've done incredibly well; CONGRATS!

But something else caught my eye too. Jerusalam Syndrome or psychosis. Its when you start seeing things such as the messiah pop out of a historic wall in Jerusalam, or you have a sudden urge to go to Jerusalam, something similar to a sudden urge to sneeze. I don't know if it was meant to be funny or not. It definetley wasn't hard news. I was cracking up. Is this another comedy of the west? Naming a religious state of mind as a medical condition?

Go to India, every thiruvizha, actually just every friday, the most bakthiful (religious) are in similar state of hyperactiveness. Except we call this 'saami vanthidichu'. Not label it as a medical condition.

No recollection, seeing things and sudden urges to go to a religious place shouldn't be a syndrome! Its called faith! The faith of believing, beyond the explainable. Geez, some people have lost the plot.

D-Day

2007-12-16T11:55:00.000+11:00

Its that time of the year again. Where my heartfelt wishes and good lucks go out to all those awaiting their enter tomorow.

I can remember so vividly as if it was yesterday. I was more than 100, 000kilometres away from Melbourne, travelling on the train from Virdhunagar to Vellore. The heartthrobs as the train rolls on. A sleepless night. 2am strikes on my watch. It seems like 10,000 bells are ringing even amidst the noise of the train on the tracks. My eyes flick open, even though I was never asleep. Results are out. And the train is somewhere in the midst of nowher. I calm myself down. The train, as typical of all trains in India, isnt going to get to its destination on time, and in fact, it arrived 3hours late. So I knew, by the time I get myself to a browsing centre, it would be late afternoon, Australia time:6pmish. Not expecting my results for another few hours, and being completely detached from my peers, I relax. I needn't have to answer or worry about anything for a little while more.

The sun rises above the horizon. Its 8am in some part of Tamil Nadu. Having eaten a dosa on the train, and spilling the very runny watery chutney everywhere, I sit waiting for the train to rattle on. It should have been at vellore bynow, cept it has only passed Vizhupuram. I sit dazing out. The mobile rings. Wow Airtel hascoverage. The signal is picking up. O, wait we are at a station. No wonder! I didn't pick it up, I couldnt add to my annoyance by telling my periyappa in Vellore that the train was three hours late. My bro gives the phone to me, apparently periya wants to speak to me. I'm like what! He tells me my marks. Amma had called periya, and periya had called me. Beyond knowing my mark, I was frustrated for that moment. This one emotion overtook any other feeling I would have had at knowing my mark. I was the one who'd gone through yr 12. A year of work. And I was to know my mark after 5other people! Alrgiht...they were my parents and relatives. Still!!1.....this was my mark. Something that took form after 14years of cultivation. I had a right to be the first critique. But then I thought, pfft, big deal, I would never have had the nerves to check the marks anyway. This was an unexpected, less built up way of knowing.

On arriving in Vellore, Periya got me to go give sweets to everybody. Clearly, he was overjoyed. I imagined my parents with the same ecstatic excitiment miles away in Melbourne. A moment of homesickness swept over me.

Yet later on, these moments of joy were dampened. Someone asked, do all people there do so well?...clearly that person had no understanding of the Victorian Enter system, and I was too annoyed to explain it to them, and that no, I aint as dumb as you think I am. Adding to this, the commentry from my mum of how so many people I knew, had done incredibly well. Peer pressure kicked in. I felt crap about my marks. To top it all of, only if I paid full fees, would I get into the uni of my choice.

That moment brought about a change in me. I hated the enter system, for its competitiveness. It was so competitive, that I was feelign the vibes 100,00km away. Man, am I glad I wasn't in Melbourne at that time. I wanted to keep my enter top secret. What right did people who dont even know me, dont even talk to me, suddenly call to ask my enter. U busy body people. The enter was all about uni. And the dodgy unis, seperate an enter for rich people, and normal people.

Come this year, when I walked the steps of Deakin, to start my degree, no one cared what enter you got. It was jsut a few numbers in the end. It meant very little. For such a little thing so much fuss? !

My fellow friends, awaiting your results, just keep smiling however brilliant or worse of you did! It never matters in the end. Its who you are, and what your capable of doing. The enter doesnt determine anything of that matter.

Gifts

2007-12-14T22:00:00.000+11:00

The festive season is here. Stars are hanging from signals. Lights shimmering in houses. To top it all off the sun is blazing.

Shopping centres are crowded, clattered with the usual assortment of useful and unnecessary gifts. This just makes things highly complicated when your looking for a gift for ten little, actually maybe not little, young children. There's so many choices. Should I buy them all the same? Are they actually young enough to play with toys, or are toys too good for them these days. I was shocked to see a barbie doll for $2, back in our days, man I'm pretty sure they were more expensive..It must have been or my parents would have bought it for me. hmm...These days kids, are either on the X-box or anything more latest. I feel so old to say I grew up with no nintendo, computer games, maybe just the rare video game and that was a treat! Whatever happened to the good old days. Hmm...Anyways back to my shopping expedition. After 3hours roaming shop after shop, (I'm girl and wouldn't say it wasnt fun) and spending on a whole lot of other things, I finally decided on cricket bats for the guys(not boys) and a 500peice puzzle for the girls(they don't mind being called girls). The price was great and I was feeling pretty proud of my useful presents amoung the unnecessary items that the shop sold.

But then thinking again, I just realised I was teaching these kids to be sexist, by myself setting an example of differentiating between guys and girls. Who was I to judge that girls don't play cricket, or boys don't do puzzles. I myself grew up playing cricket with my bro, although I don't ever remember him doing puzzles. Arghhh now I wont rest in peace until I see the happy faces of both the girls and guys. My worst nightmare would be to see the girls ask for cricket bats. Man presents are the funnest and hardest things ever.

2007-12-13T08:02:00.000+11:00

என் சந்தோஷமும் நீயே
என் துக்கமும் நீயே

The Smartness that Amazed me.

2007-12-09T19:19:00.000+11:00

A little boy asked me if I knew 'what the International Date Line is?' and then went on to talk about some molonium balls, that I had no idea about. I saw the dissappointment in his eyes, when I told him that I knew about the International Date line. But being the teacher, my pride did not give way to tell him, I only knew about it 6months ago, and that many adults, wouldnt have a clue what it is. I'm glad though, that afterwards, my honour gave way to my humility, as I told him I had no idea what a molonium ball was. He proceeding to explain to me in finite details what it was. I'm sure what he said would have been absolutely right.
But then the very same boy, gets told of by another teacher for not thinking, for not listening, for not doing the given maths. The tears that came to his eyes made me feel crap. By teaching, do we teach?

பூக்கலாம்

2007-12-07T13:49:00.000+11:00

வாசமிக்க மலர்கள்,

எங்கள் தோட்டத்தில் பூக்கும்

I dont know who to tag!

Wars

2007-12-07T08:19:00.002+11:00

Ive always been appalled at wars as a firm believer in Ahimsai, Gandhiji's policy. Regardless of whatever my cousins claim about Gandhiji not being as gr8 as he is proclaimed to be, the policy is fabulous. If only everyone where to follow it, wouldn't the world be a more peaceful place.

An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. Two wrongs do not make a right. And the list goes on. Violence never achieves anything.

But try telling that to a nation whose just had two of its trade centres collapse. A nation with the poorest of people. A society segregated by castes. A history of discrimination. A decade of territorial unrest. A lifetime of harassment. Then things are looking widely different.

But Gandhiji grew up in a period like this. He had firsthand experience. Yet he didn't feel the need to succumb to violence. Its all personal choice. Which mother or father wants their child to die at war. When has a farewell ever been anything happy, when your son or daughter is going to war. When has a politician been free of criticism, tension when his country is at war?

Recently i saw a Hindi movie. I have no idea what the name is, or for that matter who the actors are. All I know is that I found the mentality of the soldier in the movie highly disturbing. He was portrayed as a brave soldier who went to seek repentance at the foot of the family in whihc he killed a civilian by accident. The disturbing part was, he distinguished a soldier's death as distinct from a civilians death. A civilians life was held to have higher priority than a soldiers life. Have we forgotten that we all are human? Or does being a soldier strip that humanity from you? I don't understand. If soldiers cannot be human, why do we need soldiers?

Yet in the very same movie, another interesting thought occurred. The bride and groom challenge each other to a shoot out. And then the twist in the bollywood movie. And it happens to be a a computer game where you shoot each other. That sparked a thought in me. If we still need to fight wars, as some believe, why don't we do it through some high tech video game. Lives would not need to be lost, and we can still have 'wars'. Seems like an incredible idea to me!

Why orange?

2007-12-03T11:36:00.003+11:00

Having been to a few too many swamiji speeches..the bugging question still remains. Why orange? Of all colours why do they wear orange? It must be a very important reason, or else, why would they wear the very same colour day after day. I'd get bored just wearing the same thing two days in a row.

My first point of call was wikipedia. Wikipedia - the answers to all life's questions! What a dissappointment. Well that was a dead end. Not even a mention of orange in swami.

My next advent..was to venture down the treacherous path of asking Swamiji's themselves. Surely they wouldn't blindly be wearing orange without a reason. My first attempt was a couple of years ago. A hot summery afternoon, having sat through 2hours, with slight dozes, I was looking forward to the end. Unfortunately, as it concludes, I get dragged to receive the blessing of the Swamiji. Yes, here's my one time opportunity, I think to myself. And with shaking nervousness, i ask in my pretty crappy Tamil, of why Swamiji wears orange.

I must say, not in a negative way, or in a way of disrespect, but Swamijis are almost as tactical as politicians. They have a way of answering questions, that seem so perfect at the time, and my humbleness adds to this, and then when you think back, man they haven't answered my question. Swamiji said, 'why do doctors wear a white coat?' A question for a question. With all due respect, I smiled and looked dumb. He continued ' It is a matter of identity, in the same way orange is our identity'. Iyoo, was i so dumb? Doctors, being the rich people they are, and after so many years of studying and having no life, don't wear coats cos they want to identify themselves as a doctor. I mean with their 99.95 enter, and brains, and all, at the end of their course, they'd know they are a doctor. They don't need a white coat to tell them. The lab coat, is for safety. So what is the orange code for? Back to square one.

Plan B...forget about it and stop demanding answers. Actually this wasn't on the plan. I guess the question, just went into hibernation mode. It didn't disappear, and a few years later, which is about a coupla days ago, another opportunity arrived. Carpi Diem, yup I seized the day. It was a youth special interaction session by another Swamiji. Although I'd name the spiritual discussion, as other things, which inconveniently lead to a person asking 'Whether BJP would consider renaming the Hindu religion, because it actually means a rogue'. What did BJP have to do with a youth discussion of the religion in Melbourne. Beats me. Anyways, to avoid this inconvenient circumstance, the organiser tactfully and thankfully altered the topic to his attire. Woot! Why miss the chance. My hand goes up asks "Y is it orange?" took a while for him to understand, but Swamiji, explained it was a colour signifying spiritual attachment. Ok all fine. But why????? Why does orange signify spiritual attachment? was the burning question. Of course I didn't ask.

And here i am still bugged with the question. What is it with orange? how come I don't feel all spiritual when i wear orange? Is it me, or doesn't anyone else ask why?

And then...I had this Bright spark. I had this light bulb flicker. Why not search orange in wikipedia. Yes! I mean how dumb! Its going to say Orange is colour. But as believer of following ur heart, I did it anyway. Orange. Wow only wikipedia could up with so inside out info on a colour. Did you know orange is the national colour of Netherlands and its not even on their flag.? Credit to wikipedia. and guess wht...Yes! my hopes and aspirations of wikipedia is not lost.. Under the title of mysticism orange is used to symbolically represent the swadhisthana chakra. Finally Ive found the reason. I can rest at peace. But not yet. Now i have to find out why orange symbolically represents the second swadhisthana chakra. Do life's questions ever end?

I'm glad for my little spiritual upbringing. I know what a chakra is, sorry folks not enough to explain it to u. Just search wiki...tht'll help u ;). alright,,,swadhistana chakra is the one associated with breathing. Alright tht was totally totally of the bulls eye. Swadhistana chakra is the chakra associated with genitals. Now it makes sense. According to wikipedia many saints have had to face the temptations of this chakra. No wonder they wear the symbollic colour of the chakra, so it'll help them control their temptations and remain in sainthood. Now it all falls into place.

O But this just raises a thousand other questions about chakras. I suppose the thirst for knowledge is never ending. கற்றது கைமண் அளவு, கல்லாத்து உலகளவு. Till then forever pondering.

On a final note, something that i came across about the chakra, which I found interesting and pondering: on http://www.llewellynencyclopedia.com/article/253

'The main aspect of the second chakra, however, is sexuality. Sexuality is a life force. It is the water that softens the hard Earth and readies it for change. It is a force too often denied or perverted, and being robbed of our pleasure, we are robbed of our power. When we lose our desire, we lose our will. Power and will are attributes of the next chakra, and pleasure and desire are their seed. Sexuality is the flower of that seed. Power and will are its fruits. '

தாவனி வயது

2007-11-30T08:33:00.000+11:00

I don't know if its just me, but there seems to definitely be an increase in thavani's in Tamil movies. LOls, i know what an abstract topic to write about. But its amazing and moreover impressive. Finally the Tamil movie industry is doing something worthwhile by promoting this wonderful கலாச்சார உடை.

Ive always enjoyed wearing thavanis. Lols...clarification. ME ain't a pattikaadu, if that's what you were thinking.Wearing it, gives you a sense of youth. YEt at the same time a feeling of maturity. It makes anyone look good, no need to worry about those extra blabs of fat. And from the point of fashion, It definitely highlights the good bits of your body. If ur tall, It emphasises that fact. If you have excellent curves, the thavani will do justice to it.

More ever, there's so much choice to thavani. So much colours, so much materials. And so many things tht you can do to create ur style.

But the movie industry has a habit of always showing things that as a society we don't actually do. And reflecting on my cousins attitudes to the thavani in India, i suspect, my views are a bit out of trend. My cousins find the thavani annoying, restrictive and moreover out of date. But hey you cant deny that you'll only ever get a chance to wear the thavani once!

The thavani is a Tamil traditional costume. The chudithar u wear everyday isn't. Hello, hate to break it to you guys, but the chudithar is from the north. எதுக்கு பறக்கரதுக்கு ஆசை படவேண்டும், or else what's happening to our ancient medicines will also happen to this. Someone else will come and steal it, or we ourselves will forget it. and man has anyone else adopted our thavani, why did we adopt their chudither? Its not even give and take.

The more sadder aspect is that its not just our younger generation who've let the thavani go. I talk to my athai, and she goes why waste your money on a thavani when you can buy a chudithar. Ahhh...we've got our priorities highly mixed up. But then again, I get where my athai is coming from.If we are hardly ever going to wear it, why buy it?

My mum makes me wear the thavani when i go to the temple. But then I don't really have any other occasion to where this beautiful dress. Maybe that's why we've forgotten the thavani? Has occasions to wear the thavani disappeared of the face of earth?

புதுமையை கடைப்பிடிக்கும் பொழுது, பழமையும் அழகும் மிக்க இந்த தாவனி வயதை மறந்திடவேண்டாம். இந்த வயதை கடந்துவிட்டால் இனி ஏது தாவனி?

Bharathanatyam

2007-11-29T10:20:00.000+11:00

I went to my first class, with my mum dragging me along. I cried, shouted and finally succumbed, as my protests were nothin but futile. Today I turn back and hug my mum and thank her for the pressure she gave me to attend that very first class. I see so many people doing so many things, I'm glad at least I stuck to dancing. It's not like I'm brilliant at dancing. I had my second thoughts getting through the adavus. O they were horirble. But like all things, you only get the pazham after the kaay. Once we started Alarippu, I loved it. Its a mystical brilliant art form. So much can be expressed, and yet its so structured. Attending just one class makes you relax from head to toe. My worries seem to vanish. I feel so divine for just that moment. Everything is in beat. The nattuvangam, with the song, accompanied by the beat of the legs. It just makes perfect sense.