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.

The Quizzociates, Trichy - 25th Year celebration

Coming soon

Unique ID for Indian Citizen - Another number game

Coming soon !

Encounter with Traffic Policemen

Have to write my "encounter" with 3 traffic policeman who were trying to do moral policing on my driving and the words they ended with because I argued and cursed them !

PS1 coach in Pallavan - A journey to remember!

PS1 - Canteen + Passengers coach

When you book tickets in Pallavan Express, specifically tell them not to book in PS1 coach unless you are desperate to travel. I know this is not possible online; but even if it is about losing reservation charges, try to re-book and get a different coach.

Last weekend, I happened to travel in this coach. One half of the coach is pantry and rest is for passengers (60 numbers). Slowly, we were able to constantly feel the oily smell and kind of mild heat. In-spite of the keeping the windows open, the smell or heat continued to be there. After crossing half-way distance, one of my co-passenger asked the railway staff to keep the main doors of the coach open for which they objected saying that someone might trip and fall if kept open. But without keeping the door open, we were not going to get relief and so after lot of argument, shouting and fighting with the pantry staff and TTE, the door was kept open and one staff stood to alert people to take care of the open door when they pass through. Once the door was kept open, it made huge difference.

The bloody TTE says we have to write a complaint about this coach to the authorities. But isn't this a common sense? Why someone would wait for a complaint to take action? Which idiot railway authority approved this kind of having pantry and passengers in the same coach? If some fire accident happen in the pantry, it will put the entire life of the passengers in that coach at risk.

Assuming Rs. 100 per ticket, railways gets Rs. 6000 for the 60 seats in that coach. Why railways have to stoop to beggars - pushing every nook & corner to be converted to seats and make money? The staff who came and argued, but then gave in to our argument said that this is how the system is, since 1983 ! Only when railway authorities travel, they would know the real problem. But then, they have every thing free and so why would they chose a second class; they will comfortably travel in Ac coach. The common man seem to be the idiot.

மேல் அதிகாரிகளுக்கு complaint எழுத சொல்றாங்க - I doubt whether it is a human or a கழுதை or பண்ணி or சொறி நாய் sitting as authority, unmindful of the ill-effect of this.

Switching from Suburban trains to MRTS

For almost two years, I was comfortably taking the Suburban Train First Class for my (earlier) office iSOFT, located near Palmgrove hotel. But shifting to new office in LB Road, Adyar posed only one problem - commuting. I just couldn't bring myself to think about driving by bike all the way. I hate to use my car for 2 reasons - it is criminal to use it for single man purpose and if there is a public transport facility, that should be availed. Of course, I don't include crowded buses as mode of public transport - they are just not ideal to travel with laptop and backpacks that too in peak hours.

I went by bike the first day. Instead of taking the known devil of Guindy route from Nanganallur, I tried to act smart by taking the Velachery route. I mentally prepared not to get agitated all the way and sure, there were lot of triggering points. The 5 minute wait at SRP Tools junction and 10 minute wait to take right towards Tiruvanmiyur from Tidel side almost got me. While coming back, I decided to take Guindy route, but got stuck near Raj Bhavan for 5-10 minutes. I decided it is not going to work and so took the MRTS option the next day.

From my place, it is just a 4 Km neat straight road to Velachery station. The new road would connect with the Mount station and then to GST as per the plan in few years time. It is quite a free road (at least now). I took the train and got down at Kasturba Nagar station (12 minutes journey) and from there, it was 10 minute walk to the office. I came back the same way and didn't feel any strain or stress. I took a season ticket - quarterly pass up to Beach. So excluding my bike ride up to the station, parking and reaching the platform, it is only 30 minutes to reach office from the time I board the train.

One biggest advantage is that MRTS are neither crowded nor permit foot-board traveling unlike suburban trains. The little drawback is the frequency in the non-peak hours; have to track the latest timing and reach the station. Otherwise, spend up wasting 20 or 30 minutes in those big stations.