My First and Last Telegram

Today, when I sit to look back if I have ever come across a telegram, I remember that a telegram carried a news about my great grand mother in 1994. After that neither I nor my family members received a telegram. Last couple of days, I have been reading in newspapers and in internet that today July 14th 2013 Sunday will be the last day telegram services would operate in India. An idea struck me and I was contemplating for a long time whether to send a telegram to my egyptian lotus. I felt, it would be really special to send and receive a telegram which can kept as souvenirs with us and show it to our next generations. My egyptian lotus was special to me and I wanted to send her one. Actually, I also wanted to send to Nambiar, Xavier, Vasanth, Gokul as well. But somehow I couldn't find a telegram office nearby in Bangalore and even if I find it would be really too far away. I was not sure if post office operates on Sundays. I vaguely remember that telegrams are sent from BSNL Telephone offices. I called up on Nambiar and requested him to send on behalf of me to my egyptian lotus from Pondicherry. However, initially, he didn't agree. But later, after few emotional statements, he agreed. I sent him the message to be sent to her in a SMS (You are special. Hope you are doing good. Best Wishes. God bless. Sincerely, with Warm Regards, Rajesh). To my surprise, he called me in the evening and asked her address. Oh my God, my joy knew no bound. I gave him her address as well as edited the SMS (as "Hope you are doing good. Best Wishes. God bless. Sincerely, with Warm Regards, Rajesh"). And he sent the telegram to her. I don't know how much thankful I can be to my Nambiar. I am indebted to him lifelong. I hope that my egyptian lotus feels special on receiving the telegram.

And I sincerely thank all the employees of Telegraph offices for the service they have provided us right from common man to high-profile government officers.

God Bless. 

நெற்பயிர் விளைவு செய்.
Meaning: Harvest paddy grain

You could have been for some more time with me. What is the urgency honey ?

During my childhood, shutter bug bit me. In May 1996, during our vacation at my Uncle’s home in Bombay, I shot couple of shots in an automatic camera. I remember, my neighbours, much elder to me, discussing about shots, depth, brightness etc. Learnt my first lesson in my family function in which I wasted almost a roll by taking 10-15 pictures which made no sense. And I started enjoyed taking photos and framing shots. I would hardly be there in couple of snaps in album. So I started making myself available in few more snaps in the album. Till second year in my college days, my family camera helped me. And later my friend Prasanna Devi graciously admitted me to use her digital camera. I am always thankful to her for that kind gesture.

In 2005, having landed up in a decent job, I looked to own a digital camera. However, a good digital camera with more megapixels and higher optical zoom was expensive. In July 2007, Prasanna travelled to USA for an onsite assignment. With a verve, I explored, specifically dpreview.com as suggested by my friend Balasubramani. Overwhelmed by brilliant visuals, I wanted to own a DSLR though I haven’t used it earlier. But, at that time, for me, it was expensive considering my salary was lesser than the camera itself. I negated that it is an one time investment and let it be a good one. I mailed Prasanna to buy me a DSLR camera. She was enthusiastic to buy me but found the price to be around USD 700 (approx INR 26000). She gauged that I have gone crazy and replied that she won’t buy me now a DSLR and suggested me to learn using point and shoot camera first and later own a DSLR once I gained more confidence. Finally, in October 2007, she happily got me a Canon Powershot S5 IS camera - my first possession. I felt proud to own it from my earnings and I would cherish it for my lifetime..

Camera was a staple in all my travel. Inspired by a colleague who writes short stories, I decided to have my own blog. In December 2007 (though I created this blog in April 2007 and scribbled something) I started posting. I was obsessed to post only photographs in this blog and let them talk. Only since July 2010, I started writing posts. After a long hunt for a right title, I titled my blog as FROZEN MOMENTS (after listening to a speech by veteran cinematographer Balu Mahendra). 

Canon S5 IS was more than a camera to me. It practised me to envision things differently, observe the shots in films more closely, look for details, and practise simplicity in shots. As I always believe, post-processing (photo-shopping) doesn’t help to bring the best out of a photographer, I say complete no to post-processing. And I hate pictures that were spoiled by layers of excessive post-processing. To me, raw photographs reflect the photographer’s credentials truly. Little bit of post-processing is okay. I was enthused in taking landscapes, architectural buildings, people and culture and started working on them. My Camera played a huge role during my maiden trip to New Delhi, Kullu & Manali, Taj Mahal in June 2008. Capturing those mighty Himalayas, architectural splendour of Taj Mahal, landscapes of Shimla in that trip wouldn’t have been possible without my Camera.

When I shifted to New Delhi in July 2008, I had more time to spend alone. And I had more time to experiment with my camera. My colleague Yusuf Rampurawala taught me to operate in manual mode. He taught me what is aperture, timing etc. From then on, I rarely used Auto Mode and started enjoying the challenge of shooting in manual mode to come up with some memorable photographs. I walked across Delhi to visit Humayun Tomb, Red Fort,  Raj Ghat, India Gate, Pragathi Maidan. I visited Mussoorie, Jaipur, Taj Mahal on a full moon night, Shimla and Fagu. There were many children in the PG colony (Possangipur, Janakpuri, New Delhi) where I stayed. Many kids earnestly popped up with smiling faces displaying half-tooth’s. In few instances, few men questioned me ‘who are you, why taking snaps ? any bomb ?’ (during the days after Mumbai Terror Attack in November 2008).

Holi festival is a perfect occasion to capture vivid colours, candid expressions and joy among people of all age groups. And I have a prized possession of a photograph that I took during Holi. I enjoyed capturing my travelogue in my blog and circulating the updates to my friends. Few of them persistently encouraged me. And Balasubramani perennially encouraged me and pushed me to improve my acumen and expand my horizon. Slowly, imbibing some wisdom that I gained my friends, I started enjoying myself in taking snaps.

Since I owned it, Canon S5 IS has been my great companion in many occasions such as Prasanna’s marriage, Prasanna’a in-law’s house, Madurai Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Suresh Raja's Marriage, Vivek's Marriage, get-togethers, New Delhi-Agra-Shimla-Kullu-Manali-Manikaran, Jaipur, Mussoorie, Delhi (My Egyptian Lotus, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun Tomb, Connaught Place, India Gate, Shani Bazzar, Dance & Music Concerts, Amaltos Flowers, Rainy season), Agra (Taj Mahal, Fort, Fathepur, Sikri) Auli, Haridwar-Rishikesh, Yelagiri, South Korea (Seoul, Suwon, Seoraksan National Park), Shimla, Holi Festivals,  Diwali, Train journeys, Gokul’s Reception/Marriage, Xavier’s Reception/ Marriage, Kerala (Munnar, Alapuzzha, Athirappilly Falls, Valparai) etc. Anybody who have read this unending list would imagine the amount of travel I would have done as well as the kind of different terrains and climates my camera would have been subjected to  (It weathered from minus -20o  C to 47 o C). 

Canon S5 IS is one of my possessions which I handled with utmost care. Nevertheless, unfortunately, like many good things, my camera faced an end. Service centre chaps found the problem to be with the optical sensor. I wanted to keep this camera alive at least for minimal operations. But repairing it is expensive (much higher than current generation cameras). This loss is definitely a very sad loss to me. Many times I found solace by taking it with me out. Twice, I have just went with my camera in my travel bag on a lonely two day trip to Athirappilly Falls. I feel emotionally handicapped. I can say that it was my happiness and my sorrow (என் இன்பம் நீ என் துன்பம் நீ).  I would always cherish the company I had with my camera, many tender moments that I had and some memorable satisfactory snaps that I took with it.

இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் நேரம் இருந்தாக்க என்ன ?

என்ன அவசரம் என்ன அவசரம் ஏ பொன்னே ?

(You could have been for some more time with me.

What is the urgency honey ?)

Canon Powershot S5 IS- October 2007 – June 2013.

P.S: I give myself some more time for other things in my life before owning up a DSLR.

நிலையில் பிரியேல்.
Meaning: Never compromise on your principles 

Reunion at Bangalore - Tata ELXSI (Chennai)

At last, I got the photos from our beloved Sai Prithvi, hence very late in posting this post.

After almost 2 months of conceiving and planning this get-together, we, Tata Elxsi-Chennai friends, decided to gather for a reunion with our families on 30-June-2013. We expected few more friends to join us, however, due their work locations and other unavoidable circumstances they could not join us this time. We had earlier met in 2010 for Gopi-Vrushali marriage and in 2011 for Manickam-Rekha marriage, but this was the first time for a get-together after we start disintegrating from TATA ELXSI from 2008. 

We met at Fantasy Golf Resorts, near the Bangalore Airport. I was first to reach the place in order to receive Abirami with her family who came all the way from Chennai for this. Later Manickam and family, Vasanth, Sai Prithvi joined us. Little later, Gopi joined us with his family. Sai Prithvi reached Bangalore from Chennai a day before itself. A night before, I, Vasanth and Sai Prithvi watched Raanjhanaa at Cine Max, Soul Space Arena opposite Samsung in Outer Ring Road.

We started with a breakfast and had chit chats. It was great to rewind the days we had together at Tata Elxsi, Chennai. After Tata Elxsi time had flied. We played cricket, table tennis, golf, badminton, carrom etc. It was fun playing with Abirami's second daughter Deekshika, Manickam's son Advaith and Gopi's son Amartya. All the three kids made our day very memorable. I, Manickam, Vasanth, Gopi, Sai Prithvi jumped into the swimming pool. Mine and Gopi's swimming shorts were bit funny. We were in swimming pool for 45 minutes and then it was time for lunch. 

We had a nice lunch and at around 2 p.m it was time for Abirami & Family to leave to Chennai via Vellore. Later, rest of us played carrom, badminton etc. We had a high tea and left the place with cherishable time. 

Even now, when I write this blog after so many months, I feel happy and cherish the time with Deekshikha, Advaith and Amartya. I wish to carry this forward as a legacy. I am sure we would meet again once in 2-3 years.

Here are few photos (Courtesy: Sai Prithvi)

 

 Left: Sai Prithvi Right: Rajesh with Advaith and Deekshika

 Vrushali, Abirami, Manickam, Rajesh

Deekshika and Advaith

Deekshika

 

 Left: Gopi and Amartya Right: Vasanth and Deekshika

Manickam and Advaith

 

Left:  Manickam and Family  Right: Vasanth

Vasanth, Gopi, Sai Prithvi

Rekha, Abirami & Family, Manickam

Wondering what Sai Prithvi was doing at that moment

With Advaith

Vasanth

Group Pic

Manickam and Sai Prithvi

Vasanth and I

ஆனந்த யாழை மீட்டுகிறாள் [She is playing the happy music]

At last, Nagamani, along with his family, visited our home at Pondicherry last weekend. And incidentally Sai Prithvi, as well, along with his family, made a quick visit to our home. Prithvi’s daughter Mrithika aka Meethu was a cute little kid just dancing on the road as any toddler does. She had fun in jumping over the small elevation of steps and getting down the steps at outer viewing point of Auroville. She was walking on the foot path easily but we have to go beyond her nevertheless I didn’t get tired by that. Those chirpy sounds that her shoes makes while she walks were more than music. She got easily attached to me and didn’t hesitate or cry much. When she smiles, those little tooth were pleasure to. And on Saturday evening, Nagamani finally arrived. His daughter Yaazhini (Yaalini) what an angel she is. She also easily got attached to me on the very first time I called her. Of course there were share of hesitation and cry but we could manage it. When we say her, pray God, she just looks up looking for the frames of God (as they used to be in their home). While her parents went inside the Aurobindo Ashram, she was sleeping me over my shoulders. Due to lack of such opportunities like that in my life so far, not sure when before a kid was sleeping like that on me. She sleeps, adjusts her head from left position to right position and over time slides down. That’s when I realized that, Oh! even for sleeping a kid we need to learn many techniques. But those 10-15 minutes was sheer joy for me. When in car, along with her mom, she would identify me, sitting in the back, and shake hands with me and when I decided to pull her back, she was willing to come but, at last moment, she changed her mind. Similarly, she was his father and I was going around near her. She quickly turned her head and changed her position. When enquired about it, I came to know that it is to safeguard that I don’t lift her from her father. What an intelligent girl. All these wonderful moments are really awesome and makes me envious of all fathers and mothers. Honestly, I was tempted to get married and quickly have a girl. But I said to myself - Tempting but not now. Last night, when I returned from Pondicherry to Bangalore, I listened to Anandha Yaazhai (from Thanga Meengal) at an altogether different level and it was awesome.

P. S: Both Sai Prithvi’s wife and Nagamani’s wife affirmed that their kids don’t go to a stranger immediately but they got attached to you so easily. I had to say “En kitta vara ellaa pon kozhandaigaloda petrorgal elaarume ippadi thaan solraanga” (All the parents of the kids tell me the same).

I must thank Sai Prithvi and Nagamani for having visited my home this weekend. It was great. 

Here below is the lyrics of the beautiful song Anandha Yaazhai (from Thanga Meengal)

ஆனந்த யாழை மீட்டுகிறாய்,

அடி நெஞ்சில் வண்ணம் தீட்டுகிறாய்.

அன்பெனும் குடையை நீட்டுகிறாய்,

அதில் ஆயிரம் மழைத்துளி கூட்டுகிறாய்.

இரு நெஞ்சம் இணைத்து பேசிட,

உலகில் பாஷைகள் எதுவும் தேவை இல்லை!

சிறு புல்லில் உறங்கும் பனியில் தெரியும்,

மலையின் அழகோ தாங்கவில்லை.

உந்தன் கைகள் பிடித்து போகும் வழி,

அது போதவில்லை இன்னும் வேண்டுமடி…

இந்த மண்ணில் இது போல் யாரும் இங்கே

என்றும் வாழவில்லை என்று தோன்றுதடி !

ஆனந்த யாழை மீட்டுகிறாய்,

அடி நெஞ்சில் வண்ணம் தீட்டுகிறாய்.

அன்பெனும் குடையை நீட்டுகிறாய்,

அதில் ஆயிரம் மழைத்துளி கூட்டுகிறாய்.

தூரத்து மரங்கள் பார்க்குதடி,

தேவதை இவளா கேக்குதடி,

தன்னிலை மறந்தே பூக்குதடி,

காற்றினில் வாசம் தூக்குதடி – அடி

கோவில் எதற்கு ? தெய்வங்கள் எதற்கு ?

உனது புன்னகை போதுமடி !

இந்த மண்ணில் இது போல் யாரு இங்கே,

என்றும் வாழவில்லை என்று தோன்றுதடி !

ஆனந்த யாழை மீட்டுகிறாய்,

அடி நெஞ்சில் வண்ணம் பூசுகிறாய் !

உன் முகம் பார்த்தால் தோணுதடி,

வானத்து நிலவு சின்னதடி,

மேகத்தில் வரைந்தே பார்குதடி,

உன்னிடம் வெளிச்சம் கேட்குதடி,

அதை கையில் பிடித்து ஆறுதல்

உரைத்து வீட்டுக்கு அனுப்பு நல்லப்படி !

இந்த மண்ணில் இது போல் யாரும்

இங்கே என்றும் வாழவில்லை என்று தோன்றுதடி

ஆனந்த யாழை மீட்டுகிறாய்

அடி நெஞ்சில் வண்ணம் தீட்டுகிறாய் !

                                                                              - நா.முத்துக்குமார்

கூடிப் பிரியேல்.

Meaning: Do not forsake good friends.

வேறு என்ன கேட்பேன் என் இனிய பிறந்தநாளில்

மனதில் உறுதி வேண்டும்
வாக்கினிலே இனிமை வேண்டும்
நினைவு நல்லது வேண்டும்
நெருங்கின பொருள் கை பட வேண்டும்

கனவு மெய் பட வேண்டும்
கை வசமாவது விரைவில் வேண்டும்
தனமும் இன்பமும் வேண்டும்
தரணியிலே பெருமை வேண்டும்

கண் திறந்திட வேண்டும்
காரியத்தில் உறுதி வேண்டும்
பெண் விடுதலை வேண்டும்
பெரிய கடவுள் காக்க வேண்டும்

மண் பயனுற வேண்டும்
வானகம் இங்கு தென்பட வேண்டும்
உண்மை நின்றிட வேண்டும்
ஓம் ஓம் ஓம்
                 - மஹாகவி பாரதியார்


மலர் போல மலர்கின்ற மனம் வேண்டும் தாயே
பலர் போற்றி பாராட்டும் குணம் வேண்டும் தாயே
மலர் போல மலர்கின்ற மனம் வேண்டும் தாயே
பலர் போற்றி பாராட்டும் குணம் வேண்டும் தாயே
வரம் தரும் அன்னை வணங்கினோம் உன்னையே
வரம் தரும் அன்னை வணங்கினோம் உன்னையே
மலர் போல மலர்கின்ற மனம் வேண்டும் தாயே
பலர் போற்றி பாராட்டும் குணம் வேண்டும் தாயே

ஒரு நோயும் தீண்டாமல் அணை போடு தாயே
நதி காய நேராமல் நீரூற்று தாயே
நன்னிலம் பார்த்து நீயே
எளியோரை மகிழ்வாக்க வழி காட்டு தாயே
வலியோர்கள் வாட்டாமல் வகை காட்டு தாயே
என் வளமான தாயே
பசி தாகம் காணாமல் வயிறாக்கு தாயே
ரசிப்போர்கள் செவி தேடி இசை மூட்டு தாயே
இசை பாட்டு என்றென்றும் இனிப்பாக்கு தாயே
        ( மலர் போல மலர்கின்ற .....)

புகழ் செல்வம் நலம் கல்வி குறைவின்றி வாழ
புவி மீது இறை ஞானம் எமை என்றும் ஆள
பொன் குறையாமல் வாழ
அருளோடு பொருள் பேத அறிவோடு ஞானம்
தெளிவோடு தினம் காணும் நிலை வேண்டும் வேண்டும்
அது திரளாக வேண்டும்
பல வீடு பல நாடு பல தேசம் என்று
உணராமல் வாழ்வோரை ஒன்றாக்கு தாயே
உறவோடு மகிழ்வோடு எமை மாற்று தாயே
        ( மலர் போல மலர்கின்ற .....)
                             - கங்கை அமரன்

எண் எழுத்து இகழேல்.
Meaning: Never despise learning on mathematical science and literature

Trip to Gnanananda Thapovanam

I remember, mom and granny used to take us to an Ashram roughly since 1993's. Not sure if I visited Thapovanam during my college days 2001-2005. But, I didn't visit it after my college days. Last couple of weeks, I had an inherent urge to travel to Thapovanam. Last weekend (25 May 2013), I, granny and mom started after lunch and reached Thapovanam around 4:30pm. We took accomadation at Thapovanam premises and registered for morning poojas. We attend the evening poojas. Next day morning, after the morning poojas, around 11:00am we started to Ulagalandha Perumal Temple at Tirukovilur. Subsequently we reached back to Pondicherry. Though it was hardly a 24 hour trip, it was such a memorable pleasant trip one can ask for which I asked for. 

About Gnananandha Thapovanam

Gnananandha Thapovanam can be tagged as an ashram, as a mutt, and as a veda padasalai (Veda School). This humble ashram is located on the banks of River Thenpennai. One would would find a peaceful temple with lots of open space. There are many trees within the premises giving a close to nature feeling. This Thapovanam was founded by Sri Gnananandha Giri Swamigal. Every morning, poojas are performed starting at 4:00 am - Purushasuktam, Suprabhatham, 5:00am - Ko Pooja, Deepa Jyoti, 6:00 am - Ganapathi Homam, 7:15 am - Paadha Pooja and 8:30 am - Adhistaanam. Everything would be over by 10:00am.  In the evening, poojas are performed at 5pm - Manimandapam (an Abisheka for Gnananandha Giri Swamigal & Sloka chanting), 6:15pm - Adhishtaanam, Nei Vilakku and Anjaneyar Vadamalaai. Everything would be over by 7:45pm. A simple delicious lunch (Sambar, Curry, Rasam, Mor) is served at 10:30am and 8:00pm. 

I have just said you the daily schedule. But, intrinsically, the rituals are much more than what we could read as texts. They are religiously performed in the most unhurried manner you could ever see. And the plainly dressed young children (who are mostly from the Thapovanam premises) flawlessly chant Slokas (including Vishnu Sahasranaamam) in unison which are so divine to listen on an early morning and in the evening. It is nowadays getting rare to see and be part of such non-profit oriented rituals. I am glad that Thapovanam is still the same as I first visited in mid 1990s. That is precisely a reason I would want to go regularly. There are no silence boards nor volunteers to protect the silence, but a gentle silence blankets the entire premises.

Within Thapovanam there are many portions where people stay. Many of them are purohits of the temple and other staff members viz cooks, watchmen etc. Opposite to the temple, there are accommodation facilities for visitors (for those who are performing poojas on next day morning). They do not ask any money for it. 

If one goes there to find bamboo cane based chairs, vanish painted teak pillars, tables, cupboards, group people humming chants and doing mediation or somebody having a kiosk for some rejuvenating camp or yoga-cum-meditation camp, or well maintained lawns - then one would be disappointed. They only serve pooja's to God. They only serve to God.

I would highly recommend this place to everyone. People who want rejoice or solace can definitely escape to Gnananandha Thapovanam. 

Gnanananda Thapovanam Website: http://www.gnanananda.org/

​கடிவது மற

Meaning: Never hurt somone with your words

Gandhi & His Experiments with Truth

I mentioned in my March 2013 post that I have started to read Gandhi  - The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Due to consistent travels I couldn't read it for a brief period. But, last two weeks, I made it a point to read it regularly. And now I have read it.

After reading, I confidently say that my mix conceptions about Gandhi have definitely shattered into pieces. I would say that the book was, in a sense, deeply spiritual. After reading the book, I (we) wouldn't find that Gandhi did extraordinary things to attain the stature that he enjoyed those days and his soul enjoys today. I honestly accept that I would miss many things that I liked about Gandhi. Nevertheless, let me list down what I liked about Gandhi and the story about his experiments with the truth.

1) True to the title of the book, the book had only Truth. Gandhi had written it with remarkable frankness as well as mentions his failures.

2) Explains why he staunchly followed Vegetarianism [though he once ate meat (misled by a friend in childhood]

3) His conviction and experiments on natural medicines. And he didn't depend on modern medicines. He believed that modern medicines might solve the problem but would also generate many side effects.

4) The social service he did in London and how he did social networking even in those days and the kind of respect he commanded from everyone in the Indian diaspora. 

5) Gandhi explains that role of a husband and how he had to teach his illiterate wife though he failed many  times because it took him a lot of time to overcome the lust.

6) Gandhi accounts every single anna and shillings every night and showed that this discipline helped him in maintaining large funds of public money.

7) Gandhi frankly says the relationship he had with a London girl and says how he felt when he felt/afraid that she might have some other feelings on him when he was already a father of a son. And the letter he had written with utmost maturity to that lady explaining the situation.

8) Gandhi explains how fearless he was when he demanded complete free hand to find out the Truth from the Government authorities, Judges, Court, whenever he took over a case. And he explains that he got more joy in reconciling the client and the opponents and considered that has a duty of a barrister. 

9) Gandhi explains the importance of Mother Tongue. I remember there are few lines which says, the one who don't teach and speak mother tongue to their children is betraying his/her children and the nation. They are keeping their children away from culture and spirituality offered by that nation.

10) Gandhi details the irony he had to came across, where he was the first person to speak in Hindi in a meeting which had mostly Indians and very few British bureaucrats 

11) Gandhi firmly believed that having milk, non-veg are deterrents to follow Brahmacharya and explains that fasting alone doesn't purify a person. Rather, stopping the thoughts alone would purify a person.

12) Gandhi cities that we should not kill the venomous snakes and reptiles in the agricultural farm lands. If we don't harm them, then it will not harm us as well. And he gives an example that in 20 years in a farm no death was due to an animal. And it is no fortuitous accident rather it is the grace of God.

13) Gandhi vowed not to take milk. But he and his wife, in different times, had to undergo  some operations. Doctors, saints, well wishers compelled them to have beef tea, milk etc. But he said a firm NO to those things even for his treatment and his wife. At one stage in his life, he was so weak and he was once again compelled to at least have Goat's milk. Though Gandhi vowed not to take Cow's milk and Buffalo's milk, yet he was deeply pained to take Goat's milk because he firmly believed though he vowed only Cow's and Buffalo's milk, yet he implicitly vowed not to take animal products. By having Goat's milk, he felt he has breached the Truth.

14) Gandhi explains the state of third class compartments in South Africa and it was no different when compared with that of first class compartments. But he found that third class compartments in India were very untidy. And he says that all businessmen, bureaucrats must travel in third class compartments and demand equal service.  (And sadly even in 2013, Indian Railways is not much different)

15) Gandhi explains the importance of keeping one's place clean and neat. 

16) Gandhi says everyone should have his thought, creed, and deed to be clean and pure all the time.

17) Gandhi doesn't believe in propaganda of the superiority of a religion over other religion. 

18) Gandhi firmly explains the importance of doing exercise in day to day life. And every person must at least spend thirty means to walk thereby creating an appetite. 

19) Gandhi explains how he cut down the food to only twice a day and how it helped him to bring the frequency of headache and later disappearing. And he also explains this stern belief on fruits, nuts as food as well having the dinner before it gets dark.

20) Gandhi doesn't believe much in literary education. But he says that if a parent teaches his children everyday at least one hour (or maximum 2 hours) then he can really bring a wonderful person. And he says that it is the duty of the parents to take care of the children's upbringing in the right way imparting them with moral values.

21) Gandhi explains how Bhagavath Gita helped him throughout his life and acknowledges that he found answers for every question he had in that.

22) His glimpses on religion

23) Gandhi was completely a spiritual man, but he didn't completely believe in the concepts of having bath in Kumbh Mela. Because he felt that self-purification must start from purifying the thoughts and automatically everything falls in place.

24) Gandhi shows how he trained the spirit which is very important. 

25) Gandhi persuaded his wife and children and returned all the gifts (and jewels) that he received when he was returning from South Africa to India. He firmly believed that, if he hadn't done those social service, no one would have gifted him anything. And he believed that he should not take anything in return of social service.

26) Gandhi mentions he drew inspiration from Tolstoy and others. From "Unto the Last", he mentions that it is worth living a life of an artist or any other profession.

27) His love for British and his regard for the British empire. He wanted Swaraj but he didn't hate British. He always felt that Swaraj should not be transfer powers from British to wrong hands in India. 

28) Gandhi was a many of limited words. He carefully chose is words and gave only the required information. His writings were to the point and were not out of scope.

29) His aversion to Medical Insurance. I really liked that very much.

30) And of course, how he conceived Satyagraha and put it in practise. 

I am sure I have missed many things (there are 125 chapters). Hence I HIGHLY RECOMMEND "Gandhi - The Story of My Experiments with Truth" to everyone. Especially to people in the age group 15 to 35 years. While we read, we would automatically feel that, for self-purification it only takes a human effort not a superhuman effort. 

P.S: There are many translations of this book originally written in Gujarati. I read the translation by Mahadev Desai (the original translator name is not said in public). I felt that the book was adequately translated and the spirit was captured rightly.

Soft copy of the book is available in this link (Click it).
You can purchase the book from Flipkart in this link (Click it).

And Einstein rightly said 

“Revolution without the use of violence was the method by which Gandhi brought about the liberation of India. It is my belief that the problem of bringing peace to the world on a supranational basis will be solved only by employing Gandhi’s method on a large scale…

…It should not be forgotten that Gandhi’s development resulted from extraordinary intellectual and moral forces in combination with political ingenuity and a unique situation. I think that Gandhi would have been Gandhi even without Thoreau and Tolstoy.

Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”

பையலோடு இணங்கேல்.

Meaning: Do not mingle with naiveté

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)

Podi chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/r28xyEA7LHE

Tomato kai khara chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/IoLxsxCqkZY

Green tomato chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ZlmQXr1NAXs

Ranjaka uttara kannada chutney

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ueCU-v4jzQo

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/mLQ4JYDgmOE

Uchellu spicy - niger seeds chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/aU5iPGmmQI8

Karnataka peanut chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/wY1UghYDBa0

North Karnataka chutney powder 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/K5d5ZqP9oRA

Methi leaves chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/uZbI_DGwmls

Green chilli chutney  north Karnataka 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/1dSc6Qflb08

Maharastra peanut chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/t9DbVAY9ie0

Kolar chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/twzWUaG5MME

Raw mango chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/5aNoUJY0xyE

North Karnataka - curry leaves chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/PMRsPDZy3kk

Saravana bhavan tomato chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ajahSkf3r2Q

Nellore kara chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/HJhCt8cmfKM

Murugan idli akdai chutney tomato 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/dovTqQEOUWY

Murugan idli kadai malli chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/6ZkN37Wqbbo

Murugan idli kadai kaara chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Fyxr2GeWQ&pp=ygUibXVydWdhbiBpZGxpIGthZGFpIGNodXRuZXkgcmVjaXBlcw%3D%3D

Vadumango chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Im8PHGbT4oc&pp=ygUaUmFrZXNoIHJhZ2h1bmF0aGFuIGNodXRuZXk%3D

Betagiri karanataka chutneys 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/DYCreGMNyTw

Murugan idli kadai mustard chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/AvLcWdwTl2g

Kahmir walnut chutney

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ck2zyhHQAXs

Maharastra khurasani chutney

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/IRQjOR8LBLA

Maruubadiyum chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/6L-2V31bBBk

Nellikai chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/NGNqNx8ltu0

Kollu chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/IO6jE8dApas

Kokani tilkut chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/Wt2D1kSYcbU

Sathak chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ZC7cZORJPGY

Jawas flax seed chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/y-P3qyHYnYA

Dry peanut garlic chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/X_CDCkOd6CA

Kadappa chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/lxpniVFcREo

Dry sesame chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/pClr1Jw9bfc

Manatakkali chutney

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/vGcFNGN-S9k

Malabari coconut chilli chutney

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IDuTXWtztnQ&pp=ygUOS2lubmFsIGNodXRuZXk%3D

Onion chutney 

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/-GYRyGAYxm4

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