நா தேடும் உணவுகள் இவை. . .

தலை வாழை இலையில்

மெது வடை
மசால் வடை
வாழைப்பூ மசால் வடை
ஜெவ்வரிசி மசால் வடை
பச்சிரி கேரட் - வெள்ளேரிக்காய் பச்சிரி
வட இந்திய பூந்தி ரைந்தா (சாட் மசாலா தூவி)
வெண்டக்காய் தயிர் பச்சிரி  (ரய்தா) 
உளுந்து போண்டா (அ) மைசூர் போண்டா
மெது வடை
சாம்பார் வடை
தயிர் வடை
ரச வடை
ஆஞ்சநேயர் கோயில் மிளகு வடை
மள்ளாட்டை சாட் (Peanut Chaat / Masala Groundnuts Salad)

சேமியா பாயசம்
அரச்சு விட்ட தேங்காய் பாயசம்
பருப்பு பாய்சம்
ஜெவ்வரிசி பாய்சம்
சக்கரை பொங்கல்
பால் பூரி

அவள் பாயசம் (chef dheena)

பாதாம் கட்லி (Badam Katli) (Take Sundaresan Mom recipe)
பாதாம் முந்திரி கேரட் பாயசம் (Badam Cashew Carrot Kheer/ Payasam) (Take Pattu recipe)
தேங்காய் பாதாம் லட்டு (Coconut Badam Ladoo)

பீன்ஸ்/கொத்தவரங்கா/வாழைப்பூ பருப்பு உசுளி
தேங்காய் தூவி வெண்டக்காய் பொறியல்
கத்திரிக்கா கச கசா கரி
கத்திரிக்கா போடி கரி
பொடலங்காய் கரி
வெள்ளை வெளேர் என (பச்சை மிள்காய் போட்டு. காய்ந்த மிளகாய் அரவே கூடாது) கோஸ் கரி
சேனைக்கிழங்கு / கருணைக்கிழங்கு வருவல்
கருணைக்கிழங்கு மசியல்
கருணைக்கிழங்கு சிப்ஸ் / Chips

கருணைக்கிழங்கு குச்சி சிப்ஸ் / chips

சேப்பங்கிழங்கு வருவல்

வாழைக்காய் சிப்ஸ் - மிளகாய் பொடி அல்லது மிளகு பொடி
வாழைக்காய் பொடிமாஸ் (கையில் மசித்து அல்லது துருவி)
உருளைக்கிழங்கு பொடிமாஸ்
வாழைத்தண்டு - பாசிப்பருப்பு பொறியல்
நன்கு வருத்த உருளைக்கிழங்கு வருவல்
அவியல் (அடை-க்கும்)
பீட் ரூட் கரி (Beetroot Carrot Curry - Stir Fry)
சௌ சௌ கரி (Chow Chow Curry)
பீன்ஸ் எள்ளு கரி (Beans Sesame Curry)
வெண்டக்காய் பொடி கரி (Vendakkai Podi Curry)
செட்டினாடு உருளை வருவல் Chettinad Potato Fry
கோவக்காய் பொரியல் (தொண்டெக்காய் பொரியல்) - Karnataka Style

டால் தொயி (Dal Toye / Dali Toye - Konkani style Dal)
ஒடியா (ஒடிஷா) டால்மா (Odiya / Orissa / Odisha Dalma) - Recipe 1, Recipe 2
பீட் ரூட் குருமா (Beetroot Kuruma)
அம்ரிஸ்ட்ரி கோபி மட்டர் மசாலா (Amristari Gobi Matar Masalak) (Added Bay Leaves, Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cardmamom, Cloves)
சோலே / சன்னா மசாலா (Chole Masala - Checkout Venkatesh Bhatt's recipe)

சன்னா மசலா (பட்டு style / south india style)

பூடி கிழங்கு (south india style)
கஷ்மீரி தம் ஆலூ (Kashmiri Dum Aloo in Punjabi Dhabha Style) (almost 2 hours)
குடை மிளகாய் மசாலா Capscicum Masala Gravy
வெண்டக்காய் பிண்டி பாதாம் மசாலா Bhindi Badam Masala Gravy
பன்னீர் பட்டர் மசாலா (Paneer Butter Masala) (fry the panner with chilli and spices)
பன்னீர் புர்ஜீ (Dry Panner Bhurji)
நூல்கோல் குருமா (Knol Khol / Turnip Kuruma)
சோயா மசாலா (Soya Chunks Masala Gravy)
கொள்ளு டால் (Kulith / Horsegram / Kollu Dal)

பருப்பு (சாதரனம் / கடுகு-பச்சை-மிளகாய் தாளித்து)

மனத்தக்காளிக் கீரை
அரை கீரை
சிறு கீரை
முருங்கை கீரை
வல்லார கீரை
முடக்கத்தான் கீரை (தோசை)
அகத்திகீரை (அவுத்துகீரை) சாறு
கீரை மசியல்
கீரை மொலகூட்டல்
கீரை தண்டு மோர்க்கூட்டு

ஆந்திரா கீரை பருப்பு (Andhra Style Palakura Pappu)

சாம்பார்
சின்ன வெங்காயம் அரைத்து (அரச்சு) விட்டு  சாம்பார்
தேங்காய் அரைத்து விட்ட சாம்பார்

செட்டிநாடு மிளகு சாம்பார் (கத்திரிக்காய், சேப்பங்கிழங்கு)
மோர் குழம்பு (வெண்டக்காய், சேப்பங்கிழங்கு, சௌ சௌ, பக்கோடா)

மெங்களூரு வெள்ளேரிக்காய் விதை தம்ப்ளி (மோர் குழும்பு)

பருப்பு உருண்டை குழும்பு

முருங்ககாய் பொரிச்ச குழம்பு (பீன்ஸ், பொடலங்காய்)

சுண்டைக்காய் வத்தல் குழும்பு சுட்ட அப்பளத்துடன்
சுண்டக்காய் அல்லது மனத்தக்காளி வத்தல் குழும்பு
காராமணி வத்தல் போட்டு வத்தல் குழம்பு
கருவேப்பிலை குழம்பு
மிளகு குழம்பு
அரைத்து (அரச்சு) விட்டு  கார குழம்பு
தேங்காய் அரைத்து (அரச்சு)விட்டு குழம்பு
எண்ணை கத்திரிக்காய் குழும்பு (Ask Pattu for recipe)

காரக் குழம்பு
மொச்சை-சேனை காரக் குழம்பு

பரங்கிகாய் குழம்பு

மருந்து குழம்பு

பூண்டு குழம்பு

புளிக் குழம்பு

கருர் எள்ளு குழும்பு (one of the best. aromatic, flavorful)



பாவக்காய் பிட்லை

பிசிபேலா பாத்

புலவ்
சட்டினி புலவ் (One Pot Chutney Pulav)
Bhurji pulav / bhurji biriyani (வெங்கடேஷ் பட்)

Brinji saadham

தக்காளி சாதம்

தக்காளி சாதம் - புலவ் type

தக்காளி பாத் - வெங்கடேஷ் பட்
எலுமிச்சை சாதம்
புளி காய்ச்சல் (Try Pattu receipe)

புளி சாதம் - Mandya Melkote - Iyengar recipie - Subbana Mess
தேங்காய் சாதம்
கொத்தமல்லி சாதம்
பொறிச்ச குழம்பு பீன்ஸ் கேரட்அவரைக்காய்
ஊறுகாய் சாதம்
மள்ளாட்டை சாதம்
மாங்காய் சாதம்
புதினா சாதம் (வெங்காயம் பூண்டு இல்லாமல்)
மிளகு சாதம்
நெய் சாதம்
வேப்பம் பூ சாதம்
வாங்கி பாத் / vaangi bhat
பாப்பட் மாத் (Pappad Bath)
பகலா பாத் (Bagala Bath) /தயிர் சாதம்(Curd Rice)
பூண்டு சாதம்
பூண்டு சாதம் (Karnataka)
மள்ளாட்டை சாதம் (Groundnut / Peanut Rice)
மொச்சை பருப்பு சாதம் - வெங்கடேஷ் பட்

துவையல் / துகையல் (done)
துவரம் பருப்பு / பருப்பு துகையல் [வத்தல் குழும்புவுக்கு]

தேங்காய் துகையல்
வெங்காய துகையல்
பீர்க்கங்காய் / சொவ் சொவ் / பொடலங்காய் / புடலங்காய் / குடைமிளகாய் / கோஸ் துகையல்
பச்சை கருவேப்பிலை-பூண்டு-துகையல்

இஞ்சி துவையல்

கருவேப்பிலை துவையல்

பூண்டு துவையல்

கொத்தமல்லி துகையல்

புதினா துகையல் / பொதினா துகையல்

மனத்தக்காளி கீரை இலை துகையல்

பிரண்டை துகையல்
தூதுவளை துகையல்

வடகம் துகையல் / குழம்பு தாளிப்பு வாகம் துகையல்

வேப்பம் பூ துகையல் 

(done)
பருப்பு ரசம்
பைனாப்பிள் ரசம் / அண்ணாச்சிப் பழ ரசம்

ஜீரா ரசம்
வேப்பம் பூ ரசம்
கருவேப்பிலை ரசம்
மிளகு ரசம் (வறுத்து)

மிளகு ரசம் (வறுக்காமல்)
தக்காளி ரசம்

கொட் ரசம் (அவசர ரசம்)
அரைத்து (அரச்சு) விட்டு ரசம்
கண்டத் திப்லி ரசம்
எலுமிச்சை ரசம்
பூண்டுப் ரசம் (பூண்டுப் பல் ரசம்)
மைசூர் ரசம் அரிசி அப்பளம் அல்லது உருளைகிழங்கு பொறியல்
கத்திரிக்காய் ரசவங்கி
உடுப்பி / மெங்களூரு ரசம்
இளநீர் ரசம்

இஞ்சி ரசம்

கொள்ளு ரசம்

ரோஸ் இதழ் ரசம்
வெண்பொங்கல் (பச்சை அரிசி, வரகு, சாமை அரிசிகளில்)
ரவா பொங்கல்
இட்லி
பொடி இட்லி
ரவா தோசை - வதக்கிய வெங்காய சட்டினி

Bombay Chutney (besan sambar) - Venkatesh Bhat

திருநெல்வேலி சோதி
வாங்கார தோசை (ஆழ்வார் திருநகரி கோயில் பிரசாதம்)
வாழைத்தண்டு தோசை
முடக்கத்தான் கீரை தோசை
கேழ்வரகு தோசை
கோதுமை தோசை (வெங்காய சட்டினி)
ஊத்தப்பம் (வெங்காயம்)
பிடி கொழுக்கட்டை
அரிசி உப்புமா
அடை அவியல்
மிளகு அடை
பனியாரம்
சேவை வகைகள் - எள்ளு, பருப்பு. தேங்காய்,  புளி, எலுமிச்சை, மாங்காய், புதினா, ஜீரகம்/மிளகு, இனிப்பு (தேங்காய், சர்க்கரை, நெய்), தயிர், உளுந்து
பரோட்டா
ஜவ்வரிசி ரொட்டி (Sabudana Thalipeeth)
ஜவ்வரிசி கிச்சடி (Sabudana Kichdi)



தேங்காய் சட்டினி (பொட்டுக்கடலை போடாமல், அதிக உளுத்தம் பருப்பு)
வதக்கிய வெங்காய சட்டினி
லஷன் சட்னி (மிளகாய் பூண்டு சட்னி)
எள்ளு சட்னி (தயிருடன்) (வெங்கட்டேஷ் பட்)
எள்ளு சட்னி (தயிர் இல்லாமல்) 
எள்ளு சட்னி (கூர்க்)
மாங்காய் சட்னி  (வெங்கட்டேஷ் பட்)
கொள்ளு சட்னி
வதக்கிய தக்காளி வெங்காய சட்டினி
அரைத்து வதக்கிய வெங்காய சட்டினி
கொத்தமல்லி சட்டினி
புதினா சட்டினி
கத்திரிக்கா கொத்ஸு
புதினா கொத்தமல்லி (வெங்காயம் பூண்டு தேங்காய்) சட்டினி (Mint Pudina Coriander Onion Garlic Coconut Chutney)
புதினா கொத்தமல்லி சட்னி
வாழைப்பூ சட்னி
உளுந்து சட்னி
கருவேப்பிலை சட்னி
நூல்கோல் சட்னி (Turnip Chutney)
தயிர் - கொத்தமல்லி சட்னி (Curd Coriander Chutney - 1) 
தயிர் - கொத்தமல்லி சட்னி (Curd Coriander Chutney - 2) 
தயிர் - கொத்தமல்லி சட்னி (Curd Coriander Chutney - 3) 
தயிர் - துவரம் பருப்பு சட்னி (Curd Tur Dal Chutney)
தயிர் - வெங்காயம் சட்னி (Curd Onion Chutney)
கொள்ளு சட்னி (Kollu Chutney)


பால் கொழுக்கட்டை
அப்பம்
அவல் கேசரி
அதிரசம்
பொரி உருண்டை

மோதகம் (பூரணம் கொழுக்கட்டை)
கொழுக்கட்டை (உப்பு - உளுந்து)
கொழுக்கட்டை (எள்ளு)
தேங்காய் போலி
பருப்பு போலி

குணுக்கு
உப்பு சீடை
கை முறுக்கு  (கையால் சுற்றியது)
தட்டை
தேங்குழல்
ரவா லட்டு
மனோகரம்

மசாலா மல்லாட்டை / வேர்கடலை சாட் (Masala Peanut Groundnut Chaat)

எள்ளூ பொடி
பருப்பு பொடி
தேங்காய் பொடி
கொள்ளு பொடி
கருவேப்பிலை பொடி
வாழைக்காய் பொடி
தோசை மிளகாய் பொடி
தோசை தேங்காய் பொடி
அஜீரண பொடி

மிளகு ஜீரா பொடி

தோசை மிளகாய் பொடி

கச கசா பொடி

புதினா பொடி

பிரண்டை பொடி

வேப்பம் பூ பொடி

மள்ளாட்டை பொடி / வேர்கடலை பொடி

வரகு அரிசி
குதிரை  வாலி
சாமை

சுட்ட அப்பளம்
அரிசி அப்பளம்
வெங்காய கருடான்
அரிசி அப்பளம்.
தளீர் அப்பளம் / கருடான்
ஜெவ்வரிசி கருடாண், வில்வ கருடான், கட்டை கருடான், தென்னம் பூ கருடான், வெங்காய கருடான்
கொத்தவரங்காய் வத்தல்

ஊறுகாய் - ஆவாக்காய், மாவடு, மாங்காய் தொக்கு, மாகாளி, இளம் மாங்காய் சிறிய துண்டாய் வெட்டிப்போட்டு தாலித்து
மோர் மிளகாய் (நீளம்)

கருவேப்பிலை, எலுமிச்சை / நார்த்தங்காய் இலை போட்ட மோர்
பெகலா பாத் (மாங்காய், மாதுளம், திராட்சை, வெங்காயம், கடுகு-தாளித்து)

நெல்லை பழரசம் 
மளாய் குல்ஃபி (chef Dheena)
Aam Shrikhand/ Aamras recipe 

Kashmir Rice kheer - chef venkatesh bhat

North Indian

Aloo Bhuna Dhabba Style - Yours food lab

Veg Bhuna Handi - Yours food lab

ISKCON Kichdi

Paneer Bhurji Recipe 
Kadai sabzi

Kadai Paneer - Yours food lab

Street Foods

Chilli Parotta - Home Cooking Show

Continental

White sauce Pasta

Mexican
Guacamole - Tortilla Chips
Salsa - 1 (Tomato, Green Tomato, Pineapple, Mango, Spicy) - Tortilla Chips
Salsa - 2 (Tomato, Green Tomato, Pineapple, Mango, Spicy) - Tortilla Chips
Burrito Bowl

Grilled Vegetables in Indian Style

வாழையில் உணவு உண்பதைப் பற்றி

(Video updated on 26 July 2015)

மற்றவை

http://palakkadcooking.blogspot.com/p/traditional-palakkad-recipes.html

http://www.jeyashriskitchen.com/2013/06/tamil-brahmin-recipes-authentic-brahmin-recipes.html

http://www.iyerscorner.com/

Encourage me, and I will not forget you !

Flatter me, and I may not believe you,
Criticize me, and I may not like you,
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.

Encourage me and I will not forget you.
- William Arthur Ward

This week, I came across the above highlighted a line in Samsung's corporate web portal. The first person who I immediately thought was Dr.Seetharaman. He was my Chemistry Professor in my coaching classes for 10th Matric, 11th Standard and 12th standard. I was not a near dear student to him during my 10th standard. But during 11 standard, I sat in the first benches. That means I can't avoid doing home works. Though initially I used to take the 'help' of friends, after couple of exercises, I started doing myself. He used to get the notebook from me or adjacent students and read out to the solution. Now, when I look back, I realize that he has encouraged everyone who has shown the zest.

One day, he made me feel very special. In January 2000, one evening in the class, he called my name "Rajesh". The moment he called my name I was totally surprised and I was not in the earth. I was jubilant. I can sense that my fellow students were equally surprised. Until then, I never knew that he knew my name. The moment he left the classroom, everybody were telling me that you are his favorite student. I don't know what to say. I just said, he might knew my name because he also takes special class in my school.

That day, that moment, that word, that encouragement infused in me lots of self-confidence.

A week later, while I was retuning from school to home, he saw me on the road and said me that "Come and join in the class that I take at home. And you don't need to pay fees". I couldn't believe it. Because studying in his home (without asking him or without any recommendation or without any acquaintances with him) means something really very special. I felt like I was in safe hands and didn't worry too much. He said me  not to pay fees. And he had observed us in roads (when my Mom takes us three of us in a bi-cycle) since my childhood even before I joined his classes.

My classes started and in the first monthly test I was ranked number 3 in the classes. But, in subsequent weekly tests, my ranks went down to 6 and 9. In third test itself, he sarcastically, in fact seriously, warned me that you are not utilizing the opportunity that I gave you. I felt very intimidated and his words literally burnt me. I couldn't sleep properly for next one week till the next test came. I completely dedicated myself to Chemistry. I worked hard to be among top 1 or 2. For me 1 or 2 in the class meant not a rank but a indicator that I am doing full justice to the golden opportunity that he gave me.

I was going for other subjects in another tuition center and (didn't) prepared for Brilliant Tutorial's IIT. My Mom reported this to Sir. He asked, where he studies now ?. My Mom had said Vetri Coaching Centre. He replied that's not the right place to study. He said he will talk to Maruthi and join me there. He personally recommended me to Maruthi. Next day itself he asked me to meet Mr.Ramadoss Sir in Maruthi. I still remember, it was early summer, amidst hanging ripe jack fruits, in the ground floor of Maruthi, under the mundane 60W bulb, I was waiting to see if I would be accepted by Mr.Ramadoss. He accepted me only for Seetharaman sir. That day I joined Maruthi. That was second defining moment in my life. Mr.Ramadoss created such an environment in Maruthi that I have to think twice before talking to even the next guy itself (read as boy then think would I have even rotated my head to the left). Had it not been Maruthi, I would have more or less got diverted during my 12th standard because as Gabriel Garcia Marquez says  "Men are quite stupids when it comes to female matters" (in story The Incredible an Sad Tale of Innocent Erendira and Her Heartless Grandmother).

In 2006, I was suffering from some stomach illness. But I took it complicated. I was depressed very much. On a market street, my Mom had come across him and when Sir quipped about me, my Mom said he is not feeling well because of stomach illness and is in home for last one week. He asked my Mom to send me to him. He said, why you are worrying so much for a stomach illness. Just have lots of Pomogrante juice. It  basically contains Phenolic compounds and it will do all good to your stomach (another person that time also said me this when I went to my friend's sister family function. I was looking very depressed. That time aunty said, nothing to worry  Rajesh. It is only a stomach ache. Your face doesn't look good like this. "Enna vayasu aachu unakku. Vayathu vali thaan. Naalu naala seriya poidum. Un mugatha paakave nalla illa". It was Padma's mother. Those words really mean a lot to me). All those words gave me a lot of motivation to come out from the worry. Almost in a weeks time, I was back to normal. From then on, I stopped worrying for small illnesses.

I make it a point that I meet him at least once in a year. He is encouraging even now and guides me whenever I need him. Those encouragements really made a big difference in my life. But, today, for quite some time in recent months, I feel, I haven't really did complete justice to the platform he (and others in my life) had created and given me. I have many things to do. It will look very contrived if I say Thanks to him. And he will smile at me ((I predict) he would say "Nee poga vendiya dhooram neraya irukku i.e work hard). Hence I may not say him directly. But I have to do for others what he had done for me. I will!

சையெனத் திரியேல்.

Meaning: Never be disliked by wise person because of uselessness.

Gandhi - The Story of My Experiments with Truth

Generally, when I read books, I don't read with much expectations or excitement. I read them just for reading. But, I am starting with a book now with lots of excitement. I am not a judge, but I have divergent views on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and his leadership. But, in recent times, by hearing and reading articles, I have started seeing more positives in Gandhi and his way of life. My Chemistry professor, Dr Seetharaman who I know for last 15 years and, for me, he is my God Father, many times said me I follow Gandhi principles (eating Parle-G biscuits, Groundnut-jaggery cakes/chikki) I didn't take them seriously. Even though he earned well, yet, I have found his house to be following a very very a minimalistic style. But those days I didn't realise. Only in recent times, when I was thinking, I did realize it was Gandhian way of living. So these observations gave me more drive to read his autobiography. It is "Gandhi - The Story of My Experiments with Truth". This book (translated from Gujarathi) is an autobiography by Mahathma Gandhi. I am not reading this book to become a Mahatma but to digest the message. And, I hope, I get much needed insights, essence for me and my self.

My reading so far; how it started; who made it?

I am not an avid reader. I didn't had any reading habit when I passed my college in 2005.  I was more afraid of the jargons and vocabularies used. But my friend Lourdu Xavier who showed me a way that I should "travel" and enjoy. I started with an epic novel Ponniyin Selvan in Tamil. What more best novel can I ask to start with. I had only competed first part by end of 2005. After which I travel across places which gave me junk reasons to procrastinate. But some of wonderful friends, namely Balasubramani Arunachalam, MPC, Rajesh Sundarraj, Shankar S, Sundaresan KM, RT, Nagamani Raajan, AM and of course Lourdu Xavier, -colleagues inspired me with their wonderful language and maturity. And I could sense well that they are very good readers.  And, in July 2008, I moved to New Delhi. It gave me wonderful time to read books. I started cultivating the habit slowly. But I was irregular. As a fan of carnatic music, it happened for me follow Mr Sanjay Subramanyham's website. There, the best thing that happened for me was the Book Read Challenge he had posted from GoodrReads.com. I too registered my self with 10 book that year (though it is low, but I felt it is good a number to start with). And today, I have read around 40 books. I don't take pride in those numbers. But I realized I do can read novels, auto-biographies, short stories, spiritual books and most importantly they help me realize my self. Though I was initially tempted, but one thing I have so far avoided was self-help/management books - again inspired from a note (with wisdom) on a casual chat with a friend Muthu Kumaran. Now, in Korea, in April 2013 I have good time. To a certain extent I am have made good use of my time in reading books. Going forward I long to read more books on various topics. And, one person who constantly encouraged me was my beloved grand mother Srimathi Saraswathi Subramanian. Till her teenage she was a very good reader. But post marriage, her reading got limited to magazines. I am glad I rekindled her interest in books and reopened her windows and give her good number of Tamil books.

Things in my Shelf are : Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Thuppariyum Sambu, The Idiot, Paths of Glory, etc

Wishing that my self grows as I grow.

துன்பத்திற்கு இடம் கொடேல்.

Meaning: Don't allow sadness to occupy you

Places I would like to visit in India

List of places I like to visit in India

1) Himalayas - Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Rotang Pass (Revisit)
2) Himalayas - Leh and Ladakh (via Manali) (in Motorcycle)
3) Himalayas - Dalhouise
4) Himalayas - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
5) Himalayas - Auli (Revisit)
6) Himalayas - Valley of Flowers
7) Himalayas - Manasarovar

1) Kashmir Valley - Vaishno Devi Temple
2) Kashmir Valley - Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar
3) Kashmir Valley - Srinagar to Ladakh (in Motorcycle)
4) Kashmir Valley - Amarnath

1) North East - Arunachal Pradesh
2) North East - Sikkim
3) North East - Meghalaya
4) North East - Darjeeling

1) North - Kasi / Varnasi / Banaras [Done July 2018]
2) North - Corbett National Park
3) North - Agra - Taj Mahal (on exact Full Moon Night, backside of Taj Mahal) - Revisit
4) North - Agra - Fathepur
4) North - Agra - Sikri

1) Rajastnan - Jai Salmer
2) Rajasthan - Udaipur
3) Rajasthan - Jodhpur
4) Rajasthan - Ranthambore National Park and Bird Sanctuary
5) Rajasthan - Pushkar Camel Festival
6) Rajasthan - Thar Desert

1) Maharashtra - Ajantha & Ellora Caves

1) Punjab - Amristar
2) Punjab - Ludhiana

1) Central India - Khajuraho

1) Kerala - Alappuzha (Revisit)
2) Kerala - Munnar (Revisit specifically during Kurinji Season)
3) Kerala - Varkala Beach
4) Kerala - Ponmudi
5) Kerala - Theyam

1) Goa

1) Karnataka - Mullaiyangiri Peak
2) Karnataka - Kudremukh and Kali River
3) Karnataka - Vijayanagar Empire Temples
4) Karnataka - Coorg
5) Karnataka - Madikeri, Talacauvery
6) Karantaka - Hampi, Shravanabelagola

1) Tamil Nadu - Ooty
2) Tamil Nadu - Kodaikanal
3) Tamil Nadu - Kutralam, Papanasam
4) Tamil Nadu - Pulicat Lake (border of AP)
5) Tamil Nadu - Kanchipuram [Done July 2018]

1) Andaman & Nicobar Islands

1) Orissa - Puri [Done July 2018]
2) Orissa - Konark [Done July 2018]
3) Orissa - Bhubaneshwar [Done July 2018]

1) Bihar - Bodhgaya [Done July 2018]
2) Bihar - Vishnupath [Done July 2018]
3) Bihar - Barabar Cages [Done July 2018]

1) Madhyapradesh - Sevagram [Done July 2018]

நீதானே என் பொன்வசந்தம்

[You Are My Golden Spring]

நீதானே என் பொன்வசந்தம் ..
நீ இருக்கையில் எனக்கு
வேர் ஏது சொந்தம் ...
மனதின் உள்ளே  சத்தம்
வெளியே நிசப்தம்
கேட்பது உன் சங்கீதம்
கேட்காமல் இருக்கிறேன்
உன் சத்தம்
பேசாமல் இருக்கிறேன்
எனக்கு ஏன் இந்த சித்தம்
பெண்ணே நித்தம்
உன் சித்தம்
பேச எனக்கு
ஏன் தயக்கம் ?

Sometimes a second chance is the best gift you can give to yourself!!

2:25 a.m. 15-Dec-2012

நேர்பட ஒழுகு.

Meaning: Be honest

Pandit Ravi Shankar - R.I.P

Today 12-12-12, I woke up to read that Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away. As an icon for Indian Classical Music he took both Indian music and sitar across the globe. Many of his albums, to name a few - West Meets East in collaboration with Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Sounds of Sitar, Full Circle: Carnegie Hall are legendary. He was a simple human but his depth of understanding was great which was reflected in all his music.  His Swara Kakali with Menuhin will always ring in my ears. I feel it as a blessing to have breathed the same air he breathed and attended at least his last concert in India - Farewell to Bangalore in last February 2012. 

Pandit Ravi Shankar - Rest in peace.

Life is short but Love is big

I felt to write a small blog about one of my favorite poems from Kurunthokai - a compilation of poems from Tamil Sangam Literature. 

குறுந்தொகை
18. குறிஞ்சி - தோழி கூற்று 
வேரல் வேலி வேர்க்கோட் பலவின் 
சாரல் நாட செவ்வியை ஆகுமதி 
யாரஃ தறிந்திசி னோரே சாரல் 
சிறுகோட்டுப் பெரும்பழந் தூங்கி யாங்கிவள் 
உயிர்தவச் சிறிது காமமோ பெரிதே. 
                    -கபிலர்.

Literature: Kurunthokai
Song#: 18
Region: Mountain Slopes
Said by: A girl
Author: Kapilar

O man of the mountain slopes
where the jack fruit tree has fruit almost on its roots
with the small live bamboo for its fences,
be of good thoughts and think of marriage.
No one knows of her state.
She’s like those other trees on the slopes,
their giant jacks hanging
from slender boughs;
her breath is short,
and her love great beyond bearing.
Translated by A.K.Ramanujan

Meaning: (A girl says to her friend)

Girl says that her lover is from the region of mountain slopes where jackfruit trees that bear fruits near roots are fenced using bamboos. She beautifully gives a brilliant imagery here. Much like a huge fruit on a slender tree, my life is insignificant, my love is immeasurable. Her love is increasing and she should be married at right time else she would die. "Does her lover understands this ?" , she questions her friend. This poem stands out for the phrase "சிறுகோட்டுப் பெரும்பழந்" (Much like a huge fruit on a slender tree).

Hope you enjoyed this poem.

Celebrate Love!
 

அனந்தல் ஆடேல்.

Meaning: Dont sleep for long duration

Romancing

I am romancing with this beautiful yellow Lily flower in my room on a wonderful Sunday evening. Its's fragrance is  pleasant and soothing :-)

மலரே அவள் சுவாசம் உன் வாசமோ

என்னை மயக்குகிறது

மயங்குகிறேன்   

எங்கு இருக்கிறாள் அவள் 
============================
உனக்காக நான் வாங்கிய பூக்கள்

என்னுடன் வாடுகின்றன

பூக்களை வாடவிடாதெ 

மேன்மக்கள் சொல் கேள்.

Meaning: Follow the words of scholars.

A Separation

For the first time in my 6 years of blogging, I am blogging about a movie I watched. Last night, I watched an Iranian film 'A Separation'. I refrain from reviewing the movie. It is best in its own rights. It is an intricate, complex, intimate and non-simplified/simplistic film. One thing (IMO) that stands out in the movie is the poignant Termeh (played by Sarina Farhadi), a 11-year old daughter of the lead characters of the film.  Termeh excellently displayed the mental trauma, grave pain when her parents separate. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially, to the people who are filing divorce.  

--
ஔவியம் பேசேல்.
Meaning - Never speak with jealousy and envy

Nelliyampathy (நெல்லியம்பதி)

In continuation with my previous blog I continue here - it was my plan to visit Nelliyampathy, a hill settlement - 75km south of Palakkad, after the marriage. I boarded into a hourly bus to Nelliyampathy from the KSRTC bus stand, Palakkad. First 50 kms till Nemara is surrounded by calm paddy fields. Cloudy day it was and refreshing to enjoy the freshness and aroma of the paddy fields. After reaching Nemara, the mountain roads started. Green dense teak forests were welcoming with flowery bushes, scented seasonal blossoms of the trees, tea and cardamom plantations. Sitting near the window of the bus, catching  the sight of numerous waterfalls by the sides of road and listening its crumbing sounds is different from the bus trips  to my office (bus trips to and from C2B Janakpuri is of course unparalleled for me :-)). It was getting colder. That said, Nelliyampathy, spread over undulating terrain at an attitude of a little above 1500m, is set amid some magnificent scenery, and the journey to get there, winding up a succession of spurs above the Pothundi Dam and reservoir, ranks among the most spectacular in the state. It was approximately a 3 hour bus journey when I reached Nelliyampathy.

I and Mr Manu, driver of the jeep ferry, reached the view point. Listening to the perky sounds of Myna, we walked half a kilometer. It was THE view! I can say. The magnificent panoramic view of mosaics of paddy fields in the Palakkad and other towns was breathtaking. (Most views that I have seen from mountains such as Palani, Ajmer Fort, Thirupathi, Mysore were dominated by the buildings, thanks to urbanization).

Just a word of caution: We were just a few foot away from the unmarked exposed ridges encircling the plateau may be lethal in poor visibility. Thought Nelliyampathy is a popular escape yet the forest is neat. Hope it is not exploited in future. 

Manu and I continued to walk towards the Pothundi mountain. God!! it is a beautiful view of the waterfalls amid dense forests (which you will find in the below photograph). It is an excellent place to listen and rejoice with the music of the water fall (while I write this the "Songs of the River" (Album: Music of Rivers) by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia comes to my mind). In front of the waterfalls I could spend 20 minutes because I had to catch the last return bus of the day. As we returned to the ferry it was drizzling - a romantic end to this trip (wish she was with me). Various grey and black shades of mountains and Pothundi Dam made a resplendent foreground to silvery sunset. That was another beautiful Kerala Trip.

Note: I hardly had 2 hours to spend there. But if we reach Nelliyampathy by 8am it is a wonderful place to spend entire day and it has lots of others places around to visit for a complete day. But it lacks decent accommodations.

P.S: First time I missed my lover (obsessive when I am with her), my camera Canon S5 IS. I got to repair her soon.

Nelliyampathy - Recommended.

Few photos here, thanks to my mobile phone.

Waterfalls

On a walk to catch the glimpse of the waterfalls

Bird's eye view of the Palakkad town

One more snap of the Bird's eye view of the Palakkad Town

Rajesh Mottai :-)

On way to Nelliyampathy from Palakkad

--

தூக்கி வினை செய்.

Meaning - Analysis, research and then act

Indian Wedding

Yesterday I went to Palakkad to attend a marriage of my good friend (who was my Violin classmate in Delhi under our Guruji Sri Durga Prasad). Palakkad can be said as a gateway to the western ghats from Tamil Nadu. This was the first time I attended a Keralian wedding. It was a pleasant gloomy day with cool breeze. I straightaway went to the marriage hall and fresh'd up. The Muhurtham was between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. By the time I got ready it was 9 a.m. I was thinking how to pass the time till Muhurtham because I went alone and didn't know anyone there. To not to look as an odd person in the hall I chose not to put my headsets but observe. Thanks to Arun, who was from Cochin, who kept me engaged for a while with him.

In few words I will say that this marriage was well organised. The stage was well-decorated and set for the nuptials. Lots of people - Oldies; chit-chats, nalam-visaaripps; recently wedded people introducing their wife's to their relatives (on the day of marriage thousands turn up hence the married people do not remember all the relatives/friends who come for the marriage); few couples carry their just born's to their relatives for their blessings- people cheer up the groovy yawn of the just born and do a drishiti; kids playing and roaming around with their cousins, some of them are new friends; [in my opinion] the hot property of this marriage was the bride's brother - he was, in a typical fashion, clean shaven in glittering long red silk kurtha and Mundu dhoti running on his toes, looking after everyone and coordinating the events and the people; parents with lots of smiles for their ward's marriage and a great sense of satisfaction in their eyes that their ward is gonna be in safe hands and warm family - a sign of successful positive upbringing; relatives flaunting their silk sarees and accessories (artwork blouses, necklaces, pendants, bangles) bought with great care; obviously girls and boys; inevitable gossips; some oral marriage suggestions (there is a saying many marriage engagements happen in marriages); some grannies carried their sleeping grand children in their shoulders; and with a background music of mangala Naadhaswaram-Thavil-Jalra (one purpose of this music is to cut down the evil things especially gossips and rumors). 

Now it was 10:30 a.m, the groom arrived and was staged. Around 10:45 a.m the bride arrived. Both of them, carrying million hopes dreams (wish each comes true) in their heart and best dressed, exchanged  garlands and the marriage happened with the blessings of parents, elders, relatives and friends. Parents and relatives congratulate each other. Now its time to receive blessings from the elders individually. People throng the stage to bless the just weds', to gift and to pose in group with entire family for photographs. The group photo of the immediate families of the nuptials will be framed and finally decorate the walls. And another important aspect of the weddings is the grand lunch. One side of the leaf had 15 side dishes which include two paayasams, porriyals, paruppu, two pickles - sweet and spicy, chips, applams, kootu etc. Other side of the leaf had rice, sambar, rasam and pappad. At the end they provided a delicious paaysam Adapradhaman.

I can safely say, one place where most people keep smiling would be marriages. It is really nice to be part of such well "organised" marriages. I am glad to have been part of this marriage. Aparna Anupkumar (formerly Aparna Menon): you thanked me for coming for the marriage but the pleasure was mine. Hence I thank you and your family for inviting me to witness the occasion. 

P.S: It is not that I attended a marriage after a long time or for the first time that led to write a post about it. This time, I was almost lonely and had a good amount of time to observe and cherish, but not the first time. It would go on to be one of the memorable weddings, perhaps due to the timing of it. Few dreams does not come true but it is great to be part of similar such dreams of others. :-)

P.S: Recently I read that "We marry not the individual but the families too" - Courtesy Chinmayee

P.S: Next post would be on Nelliyampathy (coming soon)

Glossary
Muhurtham - auspicious time for marriage
kurtha - shirt like
nalam-visaaripps - abouts and whereabouts
drishiti - safeguarding and throwing away all the jealous of the people that are surrounding the kid
Mundu dhoti - White Dhoti with Jariga/silk-thread borders
mangala - auspicious
paaysam - a dessert 
Adapradhaman -  ada and jaggery in highly condensed milk

--

கிழமைப்பட வாழ்.

Meaning - Helps others and live

My Egyptian Lotus

உன்னோடு நான் கண்ட பந்தம்

மண்ணோடு மழை கொண்ட சொந்தம்

காய்ந்தாலும் அதில் ஈரம் எஞ்சும்

- வைரமுத்து

Happy Tanabata Day 2010

July 7 2010 - still fresh in me. In Gurgaon, it was in me. It was raining heavily. The roads were jammed at Plot 314. Amidst flooded roads, I went down to search for biscuits . But I could not get it. Came back. A brilliant idea flashed. Maggi!!! Then we went down, had a walk - ecstasy. From Route 4 bus near the Tea shop to Plot-314, for me, it looked like a runway in heaven. The moment I said Maggi, that bright face fresh from wet rain, sparkling eyes, the black hair giving a clean look + the child like enthusiasm for Maggi - it was serene. Went in search for Maggi @ Plot-314 cafeteria. There was a huge demand. Came back. Ten minutes later, approached once again. Got it. Maggi!! I was just telling myself - Unlike at college canteens, have it slowly. Yummy Maggi it was. Both of us enjoyed it. Yummiest Maggi I have had in my life! Wanted to tell what I had for the last two days in me.  But to live the present, I deliberately procrastinated it and didn't tell it. And went back to the bus and waited for another 2 hours for the roads to clear. And we chatted a lot that day. Best day in my life!

நினைவென்னடி பெண்ணே நீ இல்லாமல் 

நிலைகுளைந்துள்ளேன் நீ இல்லாமல்

நீர்வீழ்ச்சியாய் என்மேல் பாய்வாய்

நில்லாமல் என்னுடன் பேசுவாய் 

நித்திரை தனை தருவாய் 

நின்கதியாய் நான் உள்ளேன் மறவாதே 

Happy Tanabata Day. My wish for this Tanabata day is next Tanabata should be like 2010.

Again at Athirappilly Falls on my birthday

I celebrated my 28th birthday (on 9th June), rather in an unusual way, as a nomad travelling around Kerala. First I went to Guruvayoor to seek the blessings of Lord Guruvaayoorappan (Krishna) and Mammiyoor's Lord Mahadevan (Siva) and Thriprayaar's Lord Ramanamaswamy. Then I went to Athirappilly falls. 

Athirappilly falls is one of my favorite destinations. This visit, my third, to Athirappilly falls was simply rejuvenating. This time, the timing was perfect, monsoon has just started and the water in the falls was adequate. My previous visits to Athirappilly happened in peak monsoon, hence I could not view the falls from the bottom. But this time I could view the falls from the bottom. And luckily the clouds were gracing the spot beautifully. The view was spectacular. The rocky landscape mountain plus the river were simply majestic. Whatever may be the lack of words, Athirappilly falls is truly spectacular.  A must visit kind. 

I would recommend everyone to visit Athirappilly in the first week of June (onset of Monsoon). If it is on a weekend you might feel bit crowded. If you are going with your fiance/spouse alone you will "feel" a lot more than me :-) 

In short, my 29th year started beautifully. 

Farväl

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Version 0.1_Draft

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My Dear All,

3.75 years in Aricent has gone by very quickly. It was pleasure working with you all!!

May the almighty give you the best to reach great heights in life filled with peace, happiness, love, joy, etc.

Thanks.

Warm Regards,

RBA aka Rajesh

P.S:

My Email:           rajeshbalaa@gmail.com

My Blog:            http://rajeshbalasubramanian.blogspot.com/

My LinkedIn        http://in.linkedin.com/in/rajeshbalaa

Current Location: Pondicherry

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Version 0.1 (review comments from sub-conscious mind incorporated)

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M E M O R A N D U M
From	RBA
Sent	Friday, March 30, 2012 06:00 PM
To	Ahava bolingo cinta
	My Fantastic Friends
	My Majestic Mentors
	My Priceless Partners
	My Colourful Colleagues
Subject	ferˈwel

Table: Contents

1. Experience

Figure: Last day speech in letter

3.75 years in Aricent has gone by very quickly. Quicker than I expected. Time flies. I just enjoyed it. In between coding and designing, I surfed the internet a lot, wrote poems, dreamed(will do that everywhere) and will not forget my time here. And at times I didn't enjoy it. It is a circle. When I boarded into my flight from Chennai to Delhi on 01-July-2008, it didn't even flash a second in my mind that I would be at Aricent for more than 2 years. There is something sspecial. And you have been great and instrumental to have made my stay at Aricent longer.  It was pleasure working with you and knowing you (all)!! Will miss all of you I have come to know.

2. Reason

Figure: Reason for leaving

As all of you know, I planning into the next episode of my career.

3. Time machine

Figure: Nomad Birds

When I came as a nomad bird, people warmly admitted to share space on their branches of the tree, gave me shade, gave me warmth and shared the fruits. It's quite a long time and great time. The next second (should I put (LTE sub-frame) symbol??) is hidden with many surprises. The bird is not supposed to be always on the branches. It has to dream. It is dreaming. It has to fly. In the time machine we shall meet once again in the same tree or on different branches or different trees.

4. Wishes

May the almighty give you the best to reach great heights in life filled with peace, happiness, love, joy, etc.

Shabba Kher! Godspeed!

Thanking you.

Thanks.

Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely/ Best

Warm Regards

Love and Smiles

RBA Code Machine

RBA aka Rajesh   

5. Contact Details

P.S:

My Email	rajeshbalaa@gmail.com
My Blog	http://rajeshbalasubramanian.blogspot.com/
My LinkedIn	http://in.linkedin.com/in/rajeshbalaa
Current Location	Pondicherry

.

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Version 3.0 (after discussions)

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From: RBA

Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 06:00 PM
To: Dear All
Subject: Departure

Well well well,

     Just wanted to say thanks for the last 3.75 years. You have been great.

       After many a summer it's time to move on.   It was fun while it lasted.

                               Love and kisses and all that jazz.

                                               Cheers
                                                RBA

P.S. Starting  now I can be reached at:

                        rajeshbalaa@gmail.com
                        http://in.linkedin.com/in/rajeshbalaa 
                        Pondicherry

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Version 7.0

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                                                 12-3-30

Dear All

Thanks for 8-7-3 to 12-3-30 @ Aricent

Cheers

rajeshbalaa@gmail.com

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