TM Krishna, Magsaysay Award and so-called "Inclusiveness".

Wanted to pick up something which has ruffled feathers in the recent past.

http://www.thehindu.com/…/use-of-differe…/article9013504.ece

(a) Harikatha exponents who conveyed story with music thus flourishing both story-telling and music art forms
(b) legends like KV Mahadevan, MSV, Ilayaraaja belting out hits after hits based on Carnatic Raagams
(c) Artist like Pushpavanam Kuppusamy, Villupaattu Arumugam who are keeping the folk-based art form alive
(d) Popular music groups like Shakthi who organize event year (there is a John McLaughlin in that)
(e) the rarest of rare instruments used in Temples which are predominantly not performed by brahmins
(f) What about Sheikh Chinna Moulana and his family dedicated to keeping alive the Nadhaswaram
(g) the numerous non-Hindu artists in North India (like Zakir Hussain, Amjad Ali Khan)

Artists from various communities, regions, religion, caste & creed have been part of classical music and it shall continue.

Have to see what Mr. TMK is so desperate to bring an inclusiveness and reform. May be a Nobel Peace Prize in sight !

Wearable gadgets - Are we heading towards a gadget driven environment?

I happened to see a BBC link, that shows the potential of an upcoming wearable gadget, that can detect possibly Cancer and heart-attack detector. By this, we have advanced one step close to being a slave to machines.

Google is developing cancer and heart attack detector

Gone are the days, when medical practitioners hold the pulse for a minute or two, do the most possible closest diagnosis, provide a simple herbal based medicine and charge a nominal amount. Life with simple health issues like common cold and fever were never given respect and we were told not to glorify simple diseases.

Now, with these kind of gadgets, we are heading towards a World where even common cold and fever would be detected by a wearable gadget. And there can be a situation where a gadget can alert you on an upcoming sneeze, so that you can say 'Excuse me' even before you sneeze.

In the days to come, the human body may be fitted with all types of Gadgets and who knows, we may even be asked to touch a "live" electric wire to charge the gadgets via our body. That will be awesome.

I can only be at awe on Sujatha Rangarajan ability to foresee this kind of things in his "Jeeno" and "Meendum Jeeno" novels.

The King delivers Judgement based on circumstantial evidence; its the God who punishes in Reality

There is a famous saying in Thamizh - "அரசன் அன்று கொல்வான், தெய்வம் நின்று கொல்லும்". Looking at some of the judgement, when the accused has publicly, visibly done so much of scandals and wrong doings but still being acquitted or getting let-off with mild sentence, it is only clear that the Punishment via Judicial system in India has still not achieved credibility. The two best, recent ones are Salman Khan and Jayalalitha. A case dragging for 18 years, and finally we get to see the Current / Ex CM of Tamilnadu is being acquitted from all charges in the DA case. If JJ had not amassed wealth, who might have got interest to even charge her and the case getting dragged for 1.5 Mahamagam? But the people know how the amassed wealth was flaunted and how the CM behaved with Sasikala at that time. Rajinikanth had to fly in from US to tell people to vote her out. Time flies, makes people forget and forgive and again repent. Poor rural people. They are paid a pittance to come out with vociferous support spending sleepless night at JJ's residence at Poes Garden. Some are asked to perform tougher task which the normal human body cannot endure. Others do like below. Tamilnadu is already nearing Kerala for the highest income grosser via TASMAC. See the pictures below - The scenario of people thronging seeking divine intervention and doing pooja after the news of she getting acquitted.

Tamilnadu politics is caught between the Devil and Deep Blue Sea. With the end of Kamaraj, Tamilnadu and its people are toyed like a puppet with the strings held by either ADMK or the DMK.

Windows 7 in தமிழ்

I tried switching my Windows 7 OS to display the content in Thamizh. As part of it, I need to download and install the Language Pack for Thamizh. I managed to download and install and it all worked with the 90% of the menu and Window contents started showing in Thamizh equivalent. I was intrigued by the left out translation part in the Download page. I don't know if it is a bug or left intentionally to help a non-thamizh reader on what is going on

Footbridge at Pazhavanthaangal (Nanganallur Suburban Station) inaugurated in an auspicious manner

The above 3 pictures shows the new foot-bridge constructed after almost one year. The workers were painting away with a metallic paint and it all looked nice and new and a happy feel to see the foot-bridge getting operational.

Just then, I noticed that the foot-bridge has already been inaugurated in a low-profile, high-impact manner. Someone has the incorrigible mindset to even spit when the finishing touches are going on and the painting itself has not dried fully.

Mangalyaan - India's Mission Mars

We can pat ourselves for proving and achieving our technical ability by sending rocket to moon (the actual rocket science), but I really don't know if that's going to solve any of the common day to day problems that are plaguing our country. This is like developing a product (especially apt in software / IT industry), without knowing who the end-users are and whether the end-users actually exist. Our ancestors must have done a decent, accurate study about Mars capturing (documenting) through ancient scripts and it is enough we understand them instead of actually trying to debug. I am not trying to say (like may other views) that the money could have been used for some other purpose. I also didn't mean that we should do this after solving the existing problem which can never happen. I am pondering on why we are not thinking how our ancestors were able to predict without telescope and advanced technology like launching rockets? How they were able to design the panjangam by being on Earth? Will a rocket launch to Mars put an end to all scientific quest? It will not stop here and so we will become more dependent on advanced technology to predict movement of even the Sun & Moon. We have already proved our ability by launching Chandrayan. In the world of technology, there is no limit for advancement. It doesn't stop at any stage; that's the problem. Take example of TV and Mobile. We were all contend with CRT based TV watching Chitrahaar, Buniyaad, Malgudi Days; now we have HD 3-D finger touch technology. Its okay to have new technology to some extent. Now Mobiles drive our life; we are lost if we misplace our mobile. How the tribal groups in the Andaman were able to escape the Tsunami whereas we didn't know till the tsunami hit us. The tribal group did not have any advanced machine; they simply used the knowledge, vibrations and calculations to know. Okay, let me put it this way. ISRO is a Govt organization; the Govt can decide to do anything on the operations based on a consensus. If the Govt can allocate money for Chandrayan or Mars Mission and the money is not disturbed and misused, why can't that discipline be brought in other sector? Assume that there will be bribes, commissions for projects in the other sectors, but at least the end-users can be made happy by doing a small bit of work. If the Govt can do NREGA and claim it to be a success, why can't other sectors follow? There are still places without electricity connection, water connection and we are slowly killing our erstwhile backbone of agriculture, but we have to laud ourselves for this technical achievement. What a முரண்பாடு

Pharmacy & Cigarette

Only in countries like Indonesia, this kind of rare combination can be seen. This was taken in a super-market named 'Dewata' in Bali I was reminded of the dialogue from 'Thiruvilaiyaadal' (சேர்ந்தும் சேராமல் இருப்பது ?)

Pudumai Pithan (புதுமை பித்தன்), Pulamai Pithan (புலமை பித்தன் )

The former is a writer, critic of needless social rituals, outspoken and known for his short stories, translated works of famous foreign authors. The latter is a movie song lyricist, worked with MSV & Ilayaraja and gave us some of the memorable songs in Thamizh movies. Both are two different personalities and lived during different periods. Wiki mixed up these two especially in the page about Pulamai Pithan (mentioned him as Puthumai Pithan). Thank God, they didn't do this in the page for the other. After reading, for a brief period of time, I was a Pithan (பித்தன்) myself and then realized the typo.

Indian (Suburb) roads and spirituality connection

One aspect that is strikingly evident is the strong connection between the messages conveyed in various spiritual discourses and roads in the suburbs. All religion conveys the message that life is hardships that needs to be experienced and learned; hardships are part & parcel of the package and so one should neither brood over too much nor be over enthusiastic in positive results.

Keeping aside our highways which are mostly laid by private companies, look at the inner city roads laid by the respective corporations - always with pot-holes and thus providing ups & downs. The beautifully laid inner roads will be good for few days or months, but then one can see it turning into bad road in a few months. This also has contribution from other third party sources such as TNEB, BSNL, metro water and so on. I need not explain how bad roads become during rainy days So, if one learns resilience and understands that Indian (inner) roads just help one to discover the link to practical meaning of life, we have mentally prepared ourselves for worst scenario and can never feel frustrated. Only if we get used to positive optimism, we are bound to get dejected.

Amma Mineral Water

Its a known fact that Mineral water bottles contain no mineral. Its like Complan & many other beverage's claim (23 ஊட்ட சத்துக்கள் as one example). The tap water which many of us grown up drinking during schooling & college days (even though they didn't seem hygienic) still didn't cause any great epidemic (or disease or fever for that matter) and we were all hale & healthy and getting immunity built. Then city life changed the style of living and to help water companies grow, govt. started encouraging because no business can run without paying bribe / commission or "அன்பளிப்பு". Rather, If the govt. can provide clean drinking water in corporation kuzhaais (taps) and general water tanks, it would do a whole good thing for the state and the people. By doing this, they are invariably causing plastic waste to be created instead of avoiding plastics. We don't know the materials that go into the making of these plastics as they will be mostly cheap tenders and you-know-who to get the tender.

Karunanidhi on improving Coimbatore (from my Facebook)

Kalignar, during inauguration of "Meridien hotel" at CBE has said "Govt is committed to development of Coimbatore"! Does he mean CBE is under-developed? It has public infrastructure, industries, educational institutions, known as 'Manchester of the East', and lastly, it has also seen உலக செம்மொழி மாநாடு.
What is Karunanidhi going to develop newly? As long as they don't screw up CBE like Madras, it would be good

Vimala Ramanajothi: likes this

Saravanan Subburayal: According to politicians, Under developed means still there are lot of scope for digging(Surandal in tamil)...

Karunanidhi's sudden twist with Aye Raja

Karunanidhi has now started to slightly sidestep and utter his comments about Raja's scam. Previously, he used to start with periyar Kolgai and Dalit card to play down Raja's scam (paavam . enna irunthalum Raja is kind of his family member). Now, knowing that investigation is in full swing, he has to play in a safe manner so that he doesn't lose Congress or Votes

Vijayaraghavan Krishnan: ‎"Raja is kind of his family member".... no he is only a "சட்டாம்பிள்ளை .." a person in a house who will do all sorts of odd jobs in a house

Mahesh Sampath: Dai enda ean. tamilarakkukaga vaalra ore thalaivar avar thaan...athayum avare solli irukkar..

Vijayaraghavan Krishnan: karuna said in an interview yesterday...

கேள்வி:- சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றத்தில் ஒரு நீதிபதியுடன் ராசா பேச முனைந்ததாக ஒரு வழக்கிலே கூறப்பட்டதைப்பற்றி?

பதில்:- அவர் மீதான அந்த குற்றச்சாட்டை, ராசாவே மறுத்திருக்கிறார்; அவ்வளவுதான் எனக்கு தெரியும்.

so raja is ultimate authority and what he said is correct according to karunanithi...

IT companies in Chennai necessarily have to bring 'Work from home' option

Every day, as I travel from Velachery to Indira Nagar in MRTS, when the train whiz past the Taramani - SRP Tools - Thiruvanmiyur stretch in the MRTS, I see uncountable vehicles piled up on either side waiting to reach their respective destination. In rainy days, the piling is more and in the absence of traffic signals, the chaos is more.

Useless ministers garlanding some statue in Marina / Teynampet, makes thousands get stuck in hot sun or pouring rain. If Dr.Kalaignar has to go to newly opened Anna Library, then traffic is snarled around 5 Km stretch in every direction. In JJ's regime, this was no different. If parties talk about bringing Kamaraj rule, let them follow this first.

With so much advancement in IT where PC cost and broadband cost have shrunk, why our bloody IT companies are still expecting employees to be physically available in the office between 9 & 6? Some companies even work for 8 hours and 30 minutes and claim that they are ensuring to meet clients' requirements. Buffalo-shit: this is just to bill more and get more revenue. The managers and employee will work the same way.

If an employee effectively works for 5-6 hours a day, it is enough. It is the responsibility of the corporates to discipline the employees instead of extending working hours. Some 'military' style IT companies still insist on strict rules such as salary cut if an employee walks in half an hour late (just on single day) refusing to consider the traffic on that day or city's infrastructure. They never bother to check what time one leaves the office.

I wonder why many IT companies (especially those located in OMR stretch) not offering work from home as an option. Let them define new rules and track and penalize employee accordingly. Let the employee be asked to physically be available in office for some important meeting or calls on certain days of a week. By this way, they directly contribute to the environment and improve health of the employee as well.

Obama - Please visit every Indian city

Indian seem to improve or showcase only when foreign delegates come for a visit. When the president of USA visits, we need not ask for more.

-> A platter named after him
-> Our MPs displayed their best behaviour in the parliament. i.e. they were not allowed to talk or raise objection. Silence is the golden behavior and that is the only way
-> Unprecedented security
-> Under-previleged children spending time with the couple
-> Clean roads that showcases how India has improved

I have only one request to Mr.Obama - Please visit nook and corner of every Indian city. At least, we will get better roads, better lighting, well-behaved politicians in your name.

VVS Laxman & Tendulkar do it again

In the on-going first test match between India and NZ at Ahmedabad, Tendulkar has once again come up with a brilliant performance - i.e. not raising hopes of Indian fans for a rare match winning second innings. His cover drive was lauded by Gavaskar & co in the commentary box that it is the best one can see in the world. He then got out trying to do the same - this time it was the most gaping gap between bat and pad; he got out cheaply yet again for just 12 runs.

Tendulkar plays only for record particularly in test matches. He never brings himself to rescue when the team needs. His post match talk like 'it was a team effort, VVS is something special, kudos to the tail-enders" are just BULLSHIT.

Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan have done at least one match winning fourth innings knock. Why can't this bloody reputed fellow do at least once?

While I write this blog, VVS and Harbhajan are doing a resurrection and possibly on the way to post a challenging total for NZ to chase in the final day.

"Ban on plastics" - can never be implemented

Every time I hear or read that a particular city or state is planning to ban use of plastic bags, it only sounds more of a fashion statement than a reality, because plastics have become an integral part of life. Banning carry bags while shopping is just a part of the problem solution, but not THE solution.

"Alandur Municipality" is supposed to have issued a directive to all shops not to provide carry bags and we can see the notice stuck at the shops. But still, all shops give away when customers ask for it - people are also idiots; why can't they just bring along a bag and try to reuse?

Every item in super market shelves comes in a sealed plastic container e.g. kitchen groceries, milk packets, oil packets, baby diapers to name a few. Is there any other form in which this can be made available? Every cracker sold for Deepavali comes in a plastic wrapper.

Even if we start re-using carry bags for shopping, how about these bags? These are countless in number if we take the number of shops that sells these items. I am not sure about hard items such as bucket, mug and other household items made from plastic. If they are reused in some form, it is okay at least.

Until we find a solution for stopping the use of plastics in all the forms, "Banning Plastic" can only be on paper. It should rather titled "Reduce plastic usage".

Thathuvam on "Change"

I got a SMS from my friend with the quote - "Change will not come to you; only you have to bring the change"

On scrolling down, I couldn't stop laughing as it read - Said by a Chennai MTC conductor on tendering exact change while buying ticket.

This is good innovation and mockery on traditional quotes given by popular personalities on TV, when asked to comment on present global situation.

'The Last Lecture' and Leaving iSOFT after almost 9 years

I wanted to write this piece a month back about quitting iSoft (located at Chennai) after spending close to 9 years. It was good to hear pleasing comments on my last days from many of the innumerable colleagues and friends who I had acquired there. On a lighter note, they might have felt happy that I am finally calling it quits :-) But yes, I wanted to be very clear that, when I decide to quit, I shall never think about reconsidering the decision.

One of the best parting gift (I would cherish this ever) was given by my colleague named Chandrasekar R. He presented me the book 'The Last Lecture' and I just finished reading it. I am not going to talk about Randy Pausch as the whole world knows about his last lecture delivered at Carnegie Mellon. Each chapter was a nail on the head - the ones that made me very emotional talked about family, social & ethical values, parenting and being responsible. I wish I could follow few of them and make life better for me and others.

This is a must read book.

Temple Elephant - an attraction forever

Recently, I had been to my native town Srirangam for one day and had a worship at the temple.

The temple elephant Andal was busy blessing people and providing an indirect entertainment to children. I got my 2 year old daughter who was looking at its sheer size without blinking her eye to do the customary offering of money and get the trunk to pat her head. For adults like me, an elephant still makes me take some moments off and enjoy God's creation.

As usual, I skipped the main sannidhi of Lord Ranganatha for two reasons - I didn't want to stand in he long queue (its not that I will not stand in the queue, but I was not quite prepared on that day to spend the entire time in queue) and second reason is that I don't want to pay THIS temple an amount of Rs. 250 for getting the quickest darshan. I would rather pay temples which are less cash rich than Srirangam to get the darshan as I have a strong feeling that THIS temple is not justifying the amount it collects to make many process simpler for common man to worship. One can see the management people standing and literally pressing us to donate in the main sanctum.

Tendulkar stands between Aussies & Victory

Oh No - I don't want to keep my hopes on Tendulkar. Poor fellow - The nation has been pinning hopes on him every time (in crunch situations) and he has always obliged by getting out soon and back to dressing room (and thereby reducing tension for the people who watch).

The last such innings I could recollect was his 136 against Pak at Chepauk. Before or after that, I haven't seen one match winning fourth innings knock by the "Maestro". Gavaskar better stop describing his cover drive in an exaggerated manner - if one is playing cricket for 20 years, cover drive should be that way.

Coming back to the topic - Actually, Dravid & VVS Lakshman have done it on innumerable occasions for India - they have rescued the team from disaster to strong position.

Still, the world believes Sachin can do. That is the problem with cricket obsessed people & media. Why can't they write - "Sachin, Dhoni & VVS stand between Aussies & Victory"?

Let us pray that Sachin doesn't build hopes again and falter mid-way. We would rather take the defeat and proceed to next match.