T10

Tian shi 10

By Monkey king

Monkey king was walking in the deserted roads of countryside. He is not afraid of night or darkness, but of course night walking has its own pros and cons. You don't have a scorching sun to drain your energy out in the night.

A walk after sunset could be pleasant under the moon and the stars. Every night is different with moon waxing and waning into different sizes and shapes. The new moon day, its totally absent and often dreaded by human beings. The full moon day is on the contrary the bliss of a month.

Both in full moon days and new moon days, the seas are supposed to be violent, they raise their wave hands in vain either to embrace the full moon or to search the new moon in darkness. The moon is the candle of night, that sets the mood of the men and women resting after a day of hardest toil and labour.

Monkey king finds his night walk not peaceful at all thanks to some stray dogs in the street. His daily walk is across the riverside, there is every dog that has demarcated its territory as few miles. 

When Monkey king enters a dog's zone, it starts barking at him comes so close as if its going to bite away a chunk of muscle from his thighs. He walks faster, the dog chases faster. He runs and the dog runs behind him too. When he stops suddenly and stare back at the dog in his eyes, the dog gets defensive and stands at his arms length and continues barking.

Monkey king kneels down to pick a stone and when he has a big stone in his hand, the dog is no longer in the scene. Life has many night walks for monkey king, the darkness these days is not the presence or absence of moon, its his blind game with money.

At times he feels very rich with money deposited in his bank account, as his monthly salary. The very next day, he finds many many dogs waiting to eat his harvest. He needs to pay for the car loan, housing loan, personal loan and family living expenses. The money in his hand is like a bunch of stones, which he keeps on throwing at all the barking dogs during his long night walk.

When he arrives at home, his shoulders ache with never ending stone throwing and he sleeps tired to wakeup another day, working hard searching treasure and gem stones. The stones collected in the day will be depleted throwing at the dogs in the night.

The funny part in this story is, when Monkey king sleeps with a tired body and more tired mind, he gets the dreams. Tian shi comes in the dream, dressed like a bride with her beautiful smile, lots of love and affection oozing through her enchanting eyes. She asks him gently, 'Honey give me a dollar now, I can double it for you in a jiffy'

Monkey king frantically puts his hands to search for a magical penny that he can share with Tianshi for her golden touch. By the time its another day, he wakes up from his dream to run for his daily bread. But he is ever hopeful and optimistic to strike a jackpot to celebrate and drink with Tianshi on her birthday soon.

T9

Tian shi 9

Monkey King

Monkey king is feeling much better now. He replaced his heavy metal stick with a lighter one to relieve his hand pain. He understood that life style changes are necessary when some red light signals flash in the health pathway.

He quit from almost majority of his monkey WhatsApp groups. It all started from his school group. One of his childhood buddy tried to truncate Monkey King's verbose in the group. Already a single man suffering a lot in the foreign country, Monkey king lost his cool, which is a very rare happening. He quit his school group in a jiffy, to be requested by his buddy to rejoin. Monkey king was yet to cool down, he said no.

The very next day he was contacted by some of his school buddies, who advised him to rejoin the group. One went ahead and added Monkey King back in the group. This infuriated the first friend, who thought he was not respected anymore. He threatened Monkey king to exit the group, or else face forceful eviction. The same happened and Monkey king was thrown out of the group this time.

After a couple of weeks, everyone discovered that at this age, petty fights are no more warranted. Friends greeted each others, they joined back the group and happily lived after.

Monkey king realized one thing from Indian puranas. There used to live Demons called Asuras, who were physically strong and invincible. Often the secret of their virtual immortality was the fact their life or the soul was not stored in their respective bodies. It was stored elsewhere safely in a parrot or owl which lived safely in a tree hole much far away.

The same logic is applicable to Monkey King these days, though he has a loving wife and children who ensure him security always, his heart and soul these days stay happily with his Tian Shi, with whom he shares a unique and special relationship in spite of seas separating them. Is it friendship or love, better leave it undefined. Let us eat drink sleep and have fun, live in the current moment. Cheers

T8

Tian shi 8

By Monkey king

Monkey king was  biting his teeth with anger the other day. He had a flu and felt very weak to walk. His hands were so tired, he had no energy left to lift his metallic pole, his golden weapon.

All he did was to drink the ice cold water in the forest. He had parents to whom he never listened on safety in food and day to day life. After all he came from a Stone, means no original parents in such case. His Guru had warned him against eating or drinking cold. "Heat is life, cold is death" was his Guru's advice precisely.

For a second, Monkey king thought if he contracted Monkeys pox. Someone told him it affects only human beings and monkeys are immune to it. He did covid rapid test for the nth time to find the result negative. He had already three vaccines, two from China and one from America.

He was sitting and sleeping in the office. His colleagues took pity on him and sent him home. The next day, he didn't eat a thing, just slept like crazy. In his sleep he had pain all over his body. His left hand got frozen, he couldn't raise it above shoulder level. All because of excessive use of very heavy and wrongly designed premium Samsung note 10 plus.

If he was in America, he could have put a case on Samsung and won his life time jackpot. In Vietnam who cares him, tell me? Monkey king never rested since he was 21, last 36 years he runs crazy meeting his family's needs, greeds, wants, wishes and extravaganza.

Earlier it was his wife who sat comfortably and made him run around mad for income to match her highest standard of living. Now kids do the same. No one cares if he lives or dies. They want to crush him, milk him, juice him and drink his blood like mosquitoes and leeches.

May be he committed some serious crime in his previous life, he paid back last 56 years. Buddha waited patiently for many years for Monkey king to act like a man. It never happened. He fought many battles for his family. When he had fever, he realized he is not God, only God's servant.

Buddha sent Tian Shi to him, to make him realize. Tian shi came as a little girl, she giggled at him "Uncle aren't you a oldman, what did you save in your life? All your property on your wife's name you Foolish Uncle! "

Monkey king realized one thing, he should control his family, not his family control him. The next time his family ask for flight ticket, he would let them know the truth that his salary is delayed, his company suffering. Enough of bearing the cross, he is no Jesus. Amen

T7

Tian Shi 7

Monkey king

Tian shi and monkey king live in different worlds; totally in different parts of the world so to say. But they live together virtually sharing their breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences.

The other day, she taught him how to make cucumber sugar dessert and it came out delicious against all the odds including his old and half broken refrigerator. 

Monkey king improvised it further with his basic instincts as a monkey, replacing cucumbers by ripened banana fruit and milk, resulting in a mouth watering banana ice cream.

Tian shi extended her mercy to teach him how to make porridge. He mixed some carrots, beans, rice and readymade vegetarian porridge mix to get a less liquid type of a full bowl of thick porridge or kanji, more like a paste.

When she told him a porridge soup with thin pork ribs and radish would be of ultimate taste, Monkey king lost his balance totally. The idea of eating something never ever tasted, was a mind blowing experience to him. 

He didn't sleep that night, he stayed awake through the mid night, counting the stars in the sky and waiting for the wonderful dawn of sunshine in his life.

T6

Tian shi 6

Monkey King

What is your opinion about marriage? Tian shi asked Monkey king. He was pleasantly surprised to here this question from her. Knowing her well, for her working and thinking like a man, controlling many men and women in her team with her knowledge and sharp acumen Tian shi was to be classified into a modern day feminist.

She talked tough outside, was always on guard physically and mentally. Yet a soft romantic and sensuous girl inside she was, as well as a mother longing for a chubby child was sleeping inside her like a secret fire inside wet coal.

"Marriage is Maya. Its a dense forest with enchanting pools, trees with fruits and flowers. There are no clear roads inside, often people lost their directions inside the jungle of joy. Those who were outside it, longed to get inside and experience the nature's wonders. Those who entered it have at times lost their directions and wandered deep inside, often fell prey to the wild animals like tigers and lions, which are nothing but the emotions of life partners.

Union between an unknown man and woman is the best thing to happen in life. Parents come with us until school gate, brothers and sisters too come up to some distance. Until twenties, we are genderless and fearless. After twenties, every individual is an adult. An adult is separate from parents and siblings now. 

He or she are equipped to create a new world of their own now. Getting a partner who is loving, caring and pampering is the essense of marriage. Every lady is a queen in her husband's mind irrespective of how big or small his kingdom is.

He has to treat his queen like an angel. He needs to compliment her, appreciate her for her looks, talks, smiles, manners and even for the way she walks, runs and turns her head in style. She is the one who will wait for the evenings to spend time with her love. She will share the stories of the day in night, will share the water, food, sweat, bed and blood with him as if they are going to live for ever and ever. 

She will share his burdens, his stress, his social success and failures. She will carry his sons and daughters in her womb and create their offsprings to outlive them. She will remain silent when he is angry, the same way when she is feeling low, he should kiss her, cajole her, rub her feet and gently massage her neck and shoulders and make her relax.

She will teach him how to cook, how to clean the home and how to live like a hero. He will listen to her, verbal, nonverbal and facial gestures. Looking eye to eye, he should know what she feels is pain or pleasure. If its the pain he should be the soothing breeze and refreshing rains. If it is the pleasure, he should be the fuel to fire it full and quench her thirst of mind, body and soul.

At their best moments, they will be twinned together like loving snakes, happily eating each other. Yet they provide the required space and freedom to keep their individuality, self respect and identity. Marriage is simply complex, its not a destination its a journey. Its neither  heavenly nor hell all the time, its great happy lucky go mixed experience of spontaneous happenings. Its like sitting in a dining table, with blindfolded eyes. What is kept on your tongue is it green or meat, sweet or spicy you will never know. One of the partners may have tasted cucumbers with black pepper, salt and yogurt. Other might think cucumbers taste great with sugar and frozen for few hours. The exchange of ideas, hugs, kisses and cuisine make marriage a place of friendship, courtship and worship. Address each other with respect and love before you undress to make love is the unsaid rule of marriage.

T5

Tian Shi 5 - The Aunt

Monkey King 

Tian shi has a soft cute and feminine body build. But if bullied, she can bounce back, pounce on us and break our bones. Her smile is a beautiful curve, but beware when she is angry her smile could shine like morning sun.

Today my Tian shi is sad. She is very quiety mourning and mentally shattered to see her aunt is no more. Recently her aunt fell sick all of a sudden, became seriously ill and died. No one expected her aunt to vanish from this world in a jiffy. 

Tian shi has the home, cars and cash that is more than enough to feed hundred people and save at least ten people from severe health issues. But her money couldn't hold her aunt from leaving earth and reaching jade emperor's feet in heaven.

Tian shi spent a week of sleepless nights to care her aunt for a possible revival. But this time, it wasn't there in the destiny anymore. She feels like crying, but couldn't make it full. She feels very tired, hopeless and helpless too.

Monkey king is watching Tian shi from a far away place. He wants to go and hug her, console her. But he couldn't do it at this moment. Buddha has not yet given him the clearance to travel and meet Tian shi.

So monkey king, talked to the wind. He spoke a few words that could fly and reach his love. I overheard a bit if it, and put it in words for you.

Buddha's Story:

Once a mother lost her young and cute son, due to some tragic accident. Someone told her, meet Buddha he could get back your son's life. She did meet Buddha, prayed him and asked "Oh my Lord, you are the sage and saint. If you wish and pray, my son will wakeup from his death sleep and walk and play again". 

Buddha looked at her with all the love, compassion and sympathy in the world. He told, " Oh dear mother, it is just a simple task. Take this empty bowl, walk into this town and collect few glasses of water from those houses in which no one has ever died"

The mother felt very optimistic, that her son will be back. She knocked every door in the town asked for a glass of water with the precondition imposed by Buddha.

End of the day, the mother returned to Buddha with empty bowl, now that she realized and got enlightenment. Every house has seen death and she prostrated at Buddha's lotus feet and became his disciple at once.

Airing this story to Tian Shi, monkey king added few more lines to it. Your aunt has passed away, you are witnessed it with weeping eyes. When your aunt was young like you, her aunt passed away too, which your aunt witnessed helplessly, wept for a week or month or an year and then she continued to live her life, carrying the great memories of the ones who passed away.

Remember, people not only physically lived in this world for few decades, they also live in our minds for ever, until we die. Cry it out your heart on your aunt, don't hold it anymore. Go in full swing and finish it out until the last drop of tears in your eyes. After that, your mind will be clear like a crystal. Wear your sports shoes and run a few miles in the country side, or go back to your gym and work it out. Get tired physically and sleep like a child to meet your aunt in your dreams and share a few moon cakes and stinky tofu.

Tian shi reads this, and says Monkey king, thank you and enough is enough. I love my aunt and I have become my own aunt now, in mind body and soul. Peace!

T4

Tian Shi 4

By Monkey King

I met those two girls in the party. They were around 25 years old. They both had something in common, they just now broke up from thier relationship.

One girl told that it was her man who broke the relationship. I told her, no worries dear if one man walked out of your life, there will be hundred men waiting in the queue. Her face brightened in a moment.

The other girl looked like a fresh lotus flower plucked from the pond few minutes ago. Her name was fragrance. She broke up from her man; reason, the boys these days are greedy. Not satisfied with a single toy, always looking for more on the road. I told her, we men are like that what to do? While we give you 90%, allow us to give 10% to other women, they are cute too. She told me, I need that 10% too. 99.9% he should be mine, otherwise out the door is wide open!

There I had another story about a man. He handsome, smiling laughing flirting with every girl in the office, restaurants and anywhere. Getting close to him, found he is divorced. He is a father of a seven year old boy, whom he hadn't met last three years. He got married at 21, to a filthy rich girl who was way above his status. 

The girl had no work to do while his middle class mother did all the cooking cleaning at home. The only work she had was to spy her husband and smell him for beer and bar girls at the door step every evening. She used her new born child to blackmail him and it was her routine to fight with him and go back to her parents house with her baby. He need to visit her, beg and plead her to come back home until next round of fighting.

One day, she was gone for good divorcing him, while keeping the son in her custody. Law favours women, basically and more so it tilts towards the one who has more time and money to play the relationship breaking up games!

This poor fellow who has his son in his dreams only, keeps saving money for the son's education in future. I told him, no need buddy! Your wife is rich enough to educate her son in the Oxford university.

Looking at all these stories, my Tian shi is rather confused and defensive. For her even to pose in a white wedding gown as a model, needs a deep contemplation and careful consideration. She is right by the way, always she knows what is life.

T3

Tianshi 3

By Monkey King

Tianshi is the modern day reincarnation of Kuan Yin with one thousand arms. Her outfit is very much western whereas her mindset is eternely eastern. Her motherly compassion, empathy and love for fellow human beings radiates from her lotus eyes.

Her thousand arms are ever in action, an arm paints beautiful pictures of the world, another plays a set of drums for orchestra, her hands and legs move gracefully while dancing like a pro, she drives racing cars just for fun, when she waves her hand like a symphony conductor, her ships start sailing across the silk routes of China.

She embraces her man with her one thousand hands like a tender climber grape vine and offers her mind body soul and showers her abundant love and affection on him. Her sharp eyes seldom fails to note his slightest inclination to another woman beyond her devotion to him. Watch out guys, Tianshi is good at Taekwondo too!

She has developed strong muscles by constant workouts in gym, just it needs a pair of red gloves in her hands to knock him down for his misbehavior, but she won't rush to do it because she is a good woman, a forgiving forgetting fairy.

Let us see some general information here. Like the ying yang, day and night, male female attraction is the vital force behind procreation not only in human beings, but also in birds and animals.

Except humans, in all other spices the male has mane or any other beautification to attract and court his female partner. Also their union is seasonal and feasible for a specific period. In humans, its the reverse and its the female that stands distinctly beautiful and attractive. Their union is possible in all seasons and for all reasons sexual physical mental intellectual to platonic levels.

She had 3 million eggs as a fetus, reducing to 1 million at the time of her birth. The eggs are in hibernation until her puberty at ten. She still has 300,000 eggs in tact now and sheds an egg a month periodically, waiting to be fertilized for beautiful babies to come out. She is like a golden egg to break from inside for good. This egg can never be broken from outside, it hurts so much beware!

He is a child until 15 attaining his puberty in style. After that every day is his periods capable of releasing a whooping 500 million sperms in a single union. Looking at another girl is his birth defect, the life of a man was short in the past in jungles and wars, he needs to seed before he is gone for good. At the same time, it is no justification for him to cheat on his angel anytime.

Men women their relationship both sexual asexual has been a subject for legends and puranas across the religions and races. There was a Rama who was the faithful husband to single wife sita, took her to forest, lost her to Ravana, rescued her to put her chastity under test by asking her to walk through fire.

There was a Krishna who mesmerized girls with his loving looks and playing the musical flute, living with eachone of them simultaneously to keep his every girl in a blissful paradise.

Now coming to Tianshi's doubt, if it is possible a man who is not her biological father to be her father in faith and action? The answer is, yes it is possible after his male menopause. Until then, let him be your friend, your companion for exchanging love, unconditional and unassuming and expecting nothing in return.

T2

Tianshi 2

By Monkey King

Chinese in Malaysia are 24% of the total population and second largest ethnic group. They are active in business and trading. They don't proclaim or differentiate themselves when asked about their nationality, they would say 'Yeah. I'm a malaysian' 

When you ask them, 'Then why do you look different?' then they would talk about their ethnic origin which is main land China and great grandparents migration many generations before.

A Chinese Malaysian or Malaysian Chinese girl whatever you call, she grows in diversified cosmopolitan society in Malaysia. She has friends and neighbors who are local Malay Muslims, Chinese Buddhists like her and Indian Hindus. 

She speaks mandarin at home and Malaysian bahasa outside. Her English levels are way above her counterparts in main land China.

She is highly confused and at cross roads when it comes to her marriage. Whenever life gives you many choices, like ice cream coffee and hot chocolate, you find it difficult to choose one.

She can marry a Malay boy. He is honest, sun tanned romantic young man. He can love you and share a great relationship with you. Then what is the issue? Go ahead and enjoy, right?

Wait. There is a catch. He is a Muslim, so you need to convert to Islam and marry him. After that, forget your casual beers to chill out in hot tropical weather of Malaysia!

While Chinese girl Malay boy marriage could be a successful combination, she has to bear the cultural and religious differences with her husband's parents and other in-laws family. There have been many divorces reported on a later stage, by this time you have kids born and need to take care and you can't convert back from Islam.

What if she marries a fellow Chinese guy like her? Well the same religion, culture tradition all the same, but yet there are certain things to think before. He could belong to a traditional Chinese family, which is proud in celebrating their male power. 

"He is the eldest son in our family and leader of all". We wish to bring a kuan yin for our family. Is she willing to loose her identity and become Mrs So and so, to be a ever grinning trophy wife, a faceless identity-less creature, bearing his children, raising them and follow raising her grand children and die one day nameless and clueless?

Can she marry an Indian guy? Not a bad idea either. No issues regarding religion, need no conversion what so ever. But there could be some issues related to food. 

He could be a vegetarian, a spicy food eater and may pose problems this way. Also the Indian boys are known to be soft fickle minded, mama's boy. By the time he transfers his loyalty to you in full, you will be a mother of a handsome grown up young man.

Tianshi is Malaysian, She is Chinese too. She is also smart. Thats why she is a career woman. She works drives earns like a man and hardly she needs him for her economic survival.

But she would marry one day, to spend her evening sitting next to her husband and open her heart and talk a lot. They would look into each others eyes and discuss anything and everything under the sun. 

Their topic of discussion is not of any importance, it is their togetherness which is. By that time they would have a son and daughter, smiling, playing and running around the home, as proof of their loving relationship.

T1

Tianshi 1

By Monkey King

She was trembling with fear. Her tender rosy skin had become pale now. Neither a tall person nor heavy built she was. A petite cute girl in her early thirties. But no one can guess her age more than twenty two, given that smiling child like face she had.

Sharp eyes, sharp nose, sharp chin everything in her was sharp. A cute dimple in her cheek shined like a little diamond when she smiled and giggled. Her skin tone was the treasure her parents carried with them, when they moved from China to Malaysia for ever in 1930s.

Oh My God! She was looking cute when her eyes opened wide with her exclamation. Honey, I wish to share with you what happened yesterday night? I was bitten by a Snake!

Really? Then how come you are chatting with me now? Did you take any antidote? I was asking her in a bit confused voice. It wasn't real honey, it was a nightmare, haha.

Tianshi had every right to have a nightmare. Her past had many many stories in it. Today she works for the Shipping Industry as a Senior Manager, controlling two hundred staff and plenty of ships sailing from China to every country in the world wait for hand gesture.

But many a snakes have bitten her on her way to climb the corporate ladder. She has made sure every such snake has been decimated and neutralized completely.

Tianshi and me we shared many things in common. I belong to a tribe, which moved from Europe to India, to start speaking a Dravidian language. Then our ancestors moved five hundred years ago to another province, where we had to speak a language altogether different.

Whether its India or Malaysia, you need to be trilingual. Speak one at home, read write and speak another outside and be fluent in English for business at national and international level.

Tianshi- to be continued.

Applied Tamil Mandram

Welcome to the Applied Tamil Team

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Work From Home 2020

Ten years ago, I have landed into this land of dragons. I wasn't aware the year is of great significance to two countries thousands of kilometers apart. Yes Thang lang, called as Ha Noi these days celebrated 1000 years simultaneously with Than Gia Vu in An do.

An do is Indian in Vietnamese. Than Gia Vu is Thanjavur! That day I had been to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to take part in the celebrations, lots of floral decorations, serial lights, bikes everywhere many a families, men carrying their kids on their shoulders and beautiful butterfly like girls fluttering in all directions, but be careful and watchful guys! Otherwise you may get gently pushed down into the crowd that like it happened to my friend Abishek Misra and his Samsung Note was barted away for a cup of ice cream!!

The country loves to eat and drink outside every day. Freely flowing green tea during day time and burgundy golden beers after the sunset. Zamil my saudi company has factories in north and south Vietnam. Hanoi in north and Saigon in south. 

After reunification of Vietnams, Saigon became HCMC- Ho Chi Minh City. I went there first time in 2011, looking for a Hindu temple to pray when Aakash joined medical school in Bharatpur Nepal. I was curious to know if Sai baba was in anyway connected to Saigon; was pleasantly surprised to see him in Dandayuthapani temple in HCM. Crazy me landing into right destinations by my not so right and baseless google searches.

During years 2011 to 2014 almost every alternate month I was flying from Ha Noi to HCMC until I got transferred to our Dong Nai factory, 50km away from HCMC. In the middle of year 2015, Radhika and me had to say good bye to Zamil and return back to India. After that I almost forgot Vietnam meandering back in Saudi for three more years and the last two years in India.

Back in Oct 2019, I got an opportunity to join another steel company in HCMC. The day I joined, I regained the Vietnamese hospitality, the beer culture while my colleagues enjoyed the sea food and meat, I'm happy with my tofu, boiled spinach and garlic rice.

Year 2020 arrived with a surprise to Vietnamese, they could no longer drink and drive anymore. First time in the history, bikers need to be sober when they reach homes in the evening. The business activities slow down every January looking with TET the Vietnamese lunar new year around the corner to arrive by the month end. Its nothing but the other name of Chinese new year! 

But the word China is dreaded and forbidden in Vietnam, similar to Pakistan in India. During the TET holidays we drank a lot, back to back sessions. Our friend from China had arrived in Wuhan by this time. We were joking at each other "you are the virus" while considering corona as just an internal affair of China. I had a short trip to Africa by January end, Radhika and Ashika arrived in HCMC by February 1st week nobody bother to check us during our flights. 

With my wife and daughter, I was roaming around freely in HCM while Ashika was enjoying her Cafe Sua Da while Radhika got engaged with her newly discovered You Tuber passions. I asked Ashika if she could extend her stay with us until March, but she stuck to her original plan to return to Melbourne by 25th Feb, which I think now was a right decision.

By March 2020, Corona has become a global nuisance. Europe has started melting under the covid's heat. We stared hearing about covid cases in Hongkong, Singapore, Bangkok and Philippines. The other Sunday evening, my assistant Phuc a Vietnamese Catholic called me in Zalo with the breaking news! Corona has arrived Vietnam shores, his friend's sister was in the same flight with the air hostess tested positive upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat Int'l airport HCMC. Air hostess became F0, Phuc's friend's sister F1 along with 250 passengers. Phuc's friend the F2 met Phuc in Church for evening chorus making Phuc F3 with no symptoms or infections what so ever. We asked Phuc to self quarantine to be in the safe side for two weeks time and he started working from home until end of March. Later the F1 girl was found negative for covid test which otherwise would have upgraded to F0 status. 

Infections found left and right in Hanoi, Danang and HCMC. Ten thousand people quarantined in north Vietnam. Some foreigners, pilots landed HCMC infecting some in Buddha bar, Indian restaurant with areas near airport and district one becoming hotspots. Too many public announcements in my apartment, security checking temperature, offering sanitizer at the main gate. There was even an emergency assembly announcement one day morning 5 am that made us running down from 7th floor. 

From 1st of April, we declared lockdown for office started work from home extended twice until month end now. Tri ky the busiest local restaurant opposite to my balcony is silent since ages after one of its waitress was found positive on 16th March. Radhika and myself come out of our apartment once in two three days to buy groceries and milk from Vinmart down stairs. 

Couple of days ago, we had a long walk to the co-op mart supermarket crossing the deserted Gia Dinh park which otherwise stays packed with evening walkers and joggers. Business appears almost normal in HCM with a steel building getting erected near our place, banks shops open and bikes still on the road. All restaurants, bars, pubs and massage centers are closed until further notice. Govt has registered 268 positive cases until now with a majority declared cured. 

There is a talk to relax the lockdown with social distancing, mask and sanitizer to continue, to resume local buses, trains and flights by early May downgrading the covid status. All said and done, life in Vietnam will not be the same anymore in same lines with bitter and sad pessimistic mindset sowed by the virus in two hundred plus countries across the world.

Kannum Kannum KoLLai Aditthaal

Kannum Kannum KoLLai Aditthaal

By Venkat Raghavan

(Again) With no expectations I went to see this movie.  The title was catchy.  It seemed to say something beyond the romanticism of the phrase.  Posters alluring.

There was one more reason.  Dulqar Salman.

The director was unknown (maiden venture) but Dulqar Salman as an actor wouldn’t feature in a trash was my thought.  

No, this is *NOT a game changing* movie like a _Vikram Veda, Super Deluxe_ or totally experimental like my previous review _Othaseruppu_ either.  

But it is a thoroughly entertaining new age movie that is reflective of talent and outlook of the current crop of young movie makers and their *bold departures* from norms.  

Siddharth (Dulqar) sees Meera (Rita Varma -oh she acts well) and there is instant spark.  He follows her everywhere.  And on a fine day tells her that he is totally in.  She is taken aback but is persuaded to think over and she leaves irksome.  On the appointed day, Siddharth and buddy Kallis (Kaleeswaran) expectantly wait for her at a park and she turns up ridden by someone in a Royal Enfield bike.  After moments of anxiety, they see the rider is also a female.  And after further tense moments she agrees to court him.  

Siddhu is a freelance app developer. Kallis a freelance graphic designer.  Meera is a beautician who renders services at clients’ home.  She is meticulous, values every penny. (teaches shop keeper a valuable lesson when instead of small change he offers toffee).  She grew up in an orphanage and obviously is charitable towards needy.  As Siddhu tries to keep Meera amused Kallis tries to woo Shreya the bike riding companion of Meera.  She is an independent small time caterer. 

Siddhu and Kallis in their romantic spree, find themselves completely emptied of their pockets as they were busy gallivanting with girls for a month without bothering to work.  Time to get back to work so coffers can be replenished.  Now we get a real peek in to their ”actual” work!!   It is not app developing or graphic designing.  It is *online shopping fraud*.  

_Modus Operandi:_ they shop online for expensive high spec laptops.  They do it under bogus names, addresses and payment methods.  When the goods arrive they collect in the vicinity of address (and not at the exact address) making it appear as though accidentally they had stepped out or some such.  They skillfully replace the original expensive parts inside with cheap alternatives and then return the merchandise on some excuse under the policy of goods return within a few days.  These expensive parts they sell and make money.  

They don’t do the same thing too long.  So they switch to robbing things left inside luxury cars by copying the radio signals of the remote unlock.  

The scene then shifts to a tough Asst Police Commisoner’s (Gautham Menon) house where his daughter who is playing on her new laptop providentially escapes as the laptop blows up.  ACP after going through gadget experts, doesn’t take long to smell the mode of crime, gets police cyber cell follow the online goods return trail and is waiting for the next such return to happen.   But it is not happening. (the boys are now on cars remember?) 

But Siddhu and Kallis are done with.  They are done with their con life.  They have now made 40 Lakhs of rupees and propose to Meera and Shreya they start a new career setting up a Saloon (for Meera) and a restaurant (for Shreya) in Goa with 40 lakhs as investment from their life long savings.  They also plan to get married first.  They drive down to Goa in Siddhu’s car.  They are put up in a nice hotel.  The night falls, as the boys come back separately from the bar back to their rooms, they see ACP at the hotel reception making enquiries.  Even as they head to their rooms, they find the ACP already there with a few cops.  The totally flustered guys in complete pale open the rooms and the *girls aren’t there!!*

Now this is HALF-TIME guys.  If you think I have given away anything, there are more twists and turns in the second half.  The narrative and scenes are built around cyber crime.  

_Now what did I most like about the movie?_

It is a movie with no judgment on morality. No justification for character’s choices or actions. No intimate duets or female exposure.  No pretense whatsoever.  The only niggling thing is the apparent ease with which they break technology. (some logical liberties)

It is two happy go lucky couple who are extremely clever.  The movie is light, romantic, suspenseful yet humorous.  

Ultimately there is no compulsion for justice or karma.  

_That is Tamil mainstream movie making at its new age best._

Beer is a beer - by Venkat Raghavan

*What can beat a good beer drinking experience?*

The answer is best Beer drinking experience preceded by a brewery tour education.  

If anyone ever thought “a beer is a beer is a beer, so what dear?” a trip to Geist factory is all you need… to be clear! 

It happened almost unplanned.  Ashok had asked for a smaller lunch meeting (four of us) before the evening gala he hosted.  I wasn’t sure if we needed it.  We spoke and then Ashok called back to say we are going with Mohan for a brewery tour.  Exactly what I wanted!  Mohan had deferred his joining a weekend getaway with friends to accommodate the brewery tour.   

I am a beer drinker.  I know what goes in a beer.  That is what I thought.  But as Mohan took us through the various stages of beer making, my elementary education precipitated like the unwanted residue after the beer brew is ready, and my knowledge was aglow like the golden liquid of Geist beer.   Sparkling too!   

In short, this is what happens in the brewing process.  Malt is the basic ingredient of a beer.  Malt is nothing but a grain (barley, wheat for instance) that has been allowed to germinate, but stopped prior to full sprouting.  This -stopping of continued germination- is done typically by roasting the grain.  Malting allows the releasing of grain’s sugars easier.   The next is the process of mashing when the malt is mixed with water and is heated and churned.  The resulting sweet liquid obtained is called wort (a new term I learnt yesterday).  Then the wort is moved to another large vessel where it is mixed with Hops.  (Hops is a herb, a plant that is a cousin of marijuana).  It is heated and treated.  Then removed to a final container where the yeast is added.   Before it moves to this final container is a heat exchanger where the liquid is cooled down rapidly to the desired temperature.  It is in this final container where the yeast acts on the sugars in the liquid to release alcohol and carbon dioxide.   And then it is bottled and moved to cold storage.    

If you ever read a laddu recipe and thought you could make great laddus first time or everyone following the recipe would end up making similar laddus, we know we would be far from right, right?  It is much more intricate.  It depends on the quality of the ingredients, the consistency of the batter mixture, the frying time, temperature, the sugar syrup’s consistency, and the right flavoring.

Then… getting it right is one thing, and making it special is another!  How do Mohan and his partner Narayan (_what a delight it was meeting Narayan_!) make Geist special?

All of the malt is imported from Bavaria, Germany.   Bavaria is the citadel of beers as we know.  They add absolutely nothing else to the wort.  In most commercial beers, if you have noticed the labels, you will find mention of sugar and other ingredients like corn syrup.  The water is sourced from the same compound.  It is RO’ed and then minerals added.  The hops are the other special ingredients imported.  It is the hops that lend the distinct flavor.  One of the varieties that lends a citrus flavor was so delightful as Mohan let me take a sniff inside the walk-in cold storage where it is kept at 5 degree centigrade. 

Geist beer, depending on its variety takes anything between 11 days to 22 days from the water and malt mixed stage to the bottle.  In regular commercial beers it could be 5 days!   Good art takes time.  Best dal (yes, the innocuous dal) is the one that simmers overnight!  

The carbonation in entirely natural!  They don’t infuse the fizz!

Above all, they make their own yeast!  A laboratory in house for this purpose.  Mohan says “*Yeast is everything is a beer*!”.   No using of commercial yeast!   

Geist is Vegetarian!  In order to hasten precipitation, breweries typically use some compounds, a main ingredient of which is obtained from fish.  Geist doesn’t use this.   My vegetarian conscience, that too on a Saturday, was gratified. 

Geist beer once cased, is stored at a temperature of 5 degrees and transported to the outlets in refrigerated vehicles.   

Apart from making the beer great, what else Geist does?

The “spent grain” - the residue from the beer making is supplied to cattle farmers.  This proteinaceous feed evidently improves milk yield by 20% and above.   They also dispense with the other residues that go as manure. 

Finally down to the real: that is, drinking beer!    

I had a taste of five varieties of beers, under the perfect setting of a big banyan tree and a Pipal tree.  On a sunny afternoon a perfect quencher to start with.   The beers endear you and the names too!  Weiss Guy for instance.  If Kamacitra is intriguing (the citrus flavored one) JamesBlonde is gripping!  I am not giving any more on this subject, experience it yourself!  You may realise those trees are Bodhi, like I did!!   

Last but not the least! 

Come April, there will be a restaurant!  In the same compound adjoining the Bodhi trees.  *I am going!!*

Susee speaks : on Carnatic music mutations

Friends- I want to summarize my thoughts upon watching this video. For those who are familiar with him, TM Krishna gained notoriety with his self-professed theories on equality in music amongst various controversies.

I want to address his takes on music by way of two aspects:

1.  Religion

First of all, in my opinion, any music created in the name of God is sacrosanct and must be preserved in its original form. There have been musical prodigies in both the East and the West, who have made this world a better place by enriching our lives with their amazing creations. Let me put it this way. I would definitely want the ancient Gregorian chants, the Mass and Requiems to be referencing only Jesus and not Muruga or Hanuman. As much as I want the ancient Tyagaraja compositions to retain only Rama and Annamacharya kirtans, Krishna. This has nothing to do with equality of religions. Rather it is about preserving the sanctity of every religion and giving everyone of them the due respect. 

2.  Genre

It doesn’t require a genius to figure out that all kind of music are man made creations using his/her own expressive abilities during the observation of any act or form - be it nature, deity, or anything that appeals to our senses.

In that respect, there are so many genre - Classical, Jazz, New Age, Hiphop, R&B, Soul Music, Rock, POP, Rap, Gana, the list goes on. I agree that one should not be considered superior to another. People are drawn to one or more kinds depending upon their own preferences. However, certain cherished traditions are better off, being adhered to. While it is a noble thought to have Carnatic music reach the slums, and I welcome that, not every kind of music fits all kinds of ambience. For instance, a song laced with profanity has no place in a temple or church. I would be inclined to listen to Carnatic/Classical/Jazz music when I go to Music Academy in Mylapore, or Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center in New York. I would prefer a less formal atmosphere to listen to other kinds of music. This doesn’t mean that I consider one better than the other. Atmosphere, my friend!

When one person deliberately tries to mix up genre and deities to make it as a homologous melting pot, it is wise to examine his intent - whether it is towards genuinely contributing to progress or fomenting trouble just to gain publicity.

When I think of TM Krishna, I could immediately think only of Ravana in a mild form - more so, as he brought out his birth background. The latter, born a Brahmin, learnt all scriptures, performed intense penance and even got boon from Shiva, but lost everything due to his pride, arrogance and Adharmic actions. I leave it for you to come to your own conclusions.

Ottha Seruppu Tamil movie review

*ottha seruppu*

————————

By Venkat Raghavan

I saw this movie over the weekend.  At my friend’s place.  His son recommended we watch it, and when he put this on screen I had no clue what to expect.  The official title is *ottha seruppu size 7.*

The movie is produced, written and directed by Parthiban.  And acted. 

Wait.  That is what he does usually.  Isn’t it? 

*There is no other actor.* 

In the visuals.  Only Parthiban.  In the *entire movie the only human you see* is Parthiban.  There are a few other characters, but they are not shown, you only hear their voices.   The setting for the entire movie is one room in a police station.  A table, a chair (which the character barely occupies) a mobile phone, a walkie talkie radio of police, a camera recording the interrogation, a file, a few papers, a wash basin and a paper kite are the only props.   There is a window which the actor walks to occasionally as he demonstrates more histrionics.

Giving away no spoilers, the 105 minute movie is about interrogation of the murder suspect Parthiban.  He is a poor security guard in an elite city club arrested for murder.  Due to the high profile of victim, Deputy Commissioner and Asst Commissioner are involved in the interrogation in addition to the Inspector.   The scenario; the police want the suspect to detail the murder act and also establish the motive. 

Seeing just one actor on screen could be tedious.  That too a middle aged scruffy looking Parthiban may not be one’s idea of immensely watchable.  Parthiban’s biggest victory here is he sustains your interest throughout, a win for him as a writer, director and actor.    The movie doesn’t lose the grip at any time; the frame at no point moves out of this room, even as the suspect narrates the scene there is no flashback visual, it is _all described verbally_ maintaining the tempo. 

The suspect at the beginning seemingly is pleading innocence, but that is a deception and soon it is clear that he is actually confessing to the murder detailing the modus operandi.  When the police seem satisfied with what they heard, there is a twist which the suspect introduces and the interrogation prolongs.  When that part is done, there is another turn.  To the total annoyance and utter frustration of interrogating officers.  The poor simpleton suspect is not after all stupid.   In one of the earlier scenes, when a cop asks why a gullible guy like him should get involved in a murder crime and get trapped like this, Parthiban asks naively if it is not the cops who are trapped?  When the miffed cop asks him to explain, Parthiban says he feels bad for the cops who are staying overnight interrogating him leaving their families trapped in their jobs.   But we come to realise later what he actually meant. 

It is almost a flawless movie, though the ending may be debatable.   In Tamil we have a few experimental movies being made nowadays, but in the degree of experimentation it would be hard to beat this.   A single sandal (without its pair), utterly insignificant and most dispensable.  One doesn’t give a second look.  But Ottha Seruppu is not.  Give it a watch.

Super Delux movie review

*SUPER DELUXE* 

By Venkat Raghavan

Tamil Movie I saw last night)

*A game changer is several respects.*

-A movie with three subplots.  Three stories that run concurrently seemingly unconnected which for their conclusion and the characters’s redemption *cross each other’s path* 

- The movie which is overtly sexual, where motives, actions and behaviors are lecherous; where dialogues are bold and explicit YET surprisingly has no, absolutely NO woman sexual exposure.  (For a movie that would get anyway a big A certificate, the director uses no glamour!)  

- A movie which is co-written by three great “parallel” filmmakers/directors of our times Mysskin, Nalan Kumarasamy and this movie’s Director Kumararaja! 

- A movie that uses yester years POP for the thematic and background songs.  Disco Dancer, Macarena and many Tamil movie ones.  Of our times. 80s!!!

-A movie that has a “paint” effect to its cinematography.  Most of the movie has low lighting.  The colors accentuate the setting.  For instance, an accidental diviner from Tsunami whose dwelling is blue, the female protagonist whose house is deep yellow and reddish hues etc.  Many shots recede to a narrow angle as we get to see the proceedings from a narrow alley or a corner. A metaphor for metaphysical relationship we have with the world -in that limited, where our perception and actuality vie with each other.  

A movie with no songs or fight scenes but a run time of nearly THREE hours!!   Even otherwise a slow movie, but contrastingly happening on every frame.  

The genre of the movie is hard to say.  There is crime, an understated humor that props from the absurdity of situation, emotions of people that arise from jolting events!   Is it a crime, humor or drama.  Just let us say a dark movie.  

A movie with an incredible casting.  *Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha, Fahad Fazil, Ramya Krishnan,* even if they are not superstars, artists who command huge fee and a standing in the industry.  All of them portraying characters that are negative, dark and vulnerable. 

Imagine Samantha, (the leading heroine in Tamil and Telugu until her marriage recently) playing a promiscuous woman who has an encounter when husband is away! 

I am not giving anymore on the movie as it would take away the surprise elements that are strewn throughout the movie, despite its slowness.   At the end, it is a movie that goes beyond its scope of cinema and tells us to view the whole life differently.  A bit of edification.  

I am sure many of us may not be comfortable in our seats while watching this movie.  It is a “in your face” movie.  

*But this is a milestone movie in Tamil.* I would be surprised if it doesn’t walk away with top honours at the national level.

Temple Talk

Temple Talk
(Dammam Bala)

An hour before Sun rise on January 15th, a few years ago I was travelling in a bike pulled cart. Radhika was by myside. In those early hours, we were passing through village side of Siem Reip. Trees all around, scattered wooden houses here and there.

We were nearing a water body. The vehicle stopped near by. Close to the looks for man made channel we used to call as *agazhi* around Tanjore Big temple, there appeared a passage rather a bridge with stone pavements. Two small statues by the side, like a Snake or Naagar.

All of a sudden, we could spot white skinned men and women around the place as if they were waiting for a procession or some kind of meeting. We too stepped into the passage, went inside the historic shrine of Angkorwat.

As the Sun was about to rise, we walked into a large open space. Suddenly we found a big crowd there, a pond was seen towards the left. The eastern skies started lighting up..there seen the Angkor towers like petals of lotus in silhouette effect, a memorizing moment in deed!

Now that the morning sun has come to full glow, the looks of the place and people getting normalized. As we entered the temple, it appeared huge no doubt; but it had a faded look. The edges not any more perfect, the sculptures no way matching the beauty of the likes of Tanjore.

Westerns flocking Angkor altogether appeared as more an exaggeration and could be the way in which the Cambodian Cultural reminiscences are marketed.

Recently we had a discussion in our college group on Ramanujar the vishnavite saint of 12th century AD and his three different statues in India. Incidentally I was travelling to Trichy on official trip while reading the postings on Ramanujar. It made me all the more curious to meet Ramanujar at Sri rangam.

It was not the first time for me at Sri rangam temple. But every time I revisit such places, I feel and have a different kind of experience may be due to my changed outlooks. I entered through the gopuram that lead to a beach like sandy open space, with a four pillar supported elevated stone mandanpam. Shesha rayar mandapam was seen in the left, Aayirangaal mandapam (1000 pillars supported) in the left.

Afraid of time constraints to count 1000 pillars, I chose to enter the Shesha rayar mandapam. Every pillar nicely carved with horses with raised front legs, reigned promptly by warrior men, the sides were intricately carved with several details top to bottom. Hanuman sitting on a coiled tail mounted chair was worth mentioning. The left side of the stone building corridor ended in Kothanda ramar sannathi. The archakar promptly did the Pooja and threw some light on the statues and started reintroducing Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya to me.

"Swami, how many years old is this temple?" The question spilled out of my mouth. " Its here since Ramayana period; from the time Vibeeshna met Rama, few lakh years". The confidence in the reply killed my (con)science. I thanked him and moved forward. Time to explore the vast premises of Srirangam, spread around 156 acres.

Towards the right extreme of Shesharayar mandapam, I could see the sign board in English and tamil reading "Ramanujar Sannathi". The passage was oddly covered by modern fibre reinforced panel roof with steel supports totally mismatching with the antique looks of the temple though.

Udayavar was the name displayed in Ramanujar Sannathi. I walked into the darker alleys of the garba graha, with panchaloha statue in the front and large size stone statue of Ramanujar in the background. Deepa aradana by archak briefly illuminated the man, the saint who has literally ruled the place, governed it like any school or institution of modern times. For a second a thought on Karuvoorar sannathi of Tanjore big temple flashed in my mind. Every temple needs a custodian, care taker and a clergyman to sustain and spread the belief, Sri rangam is no different in this.

Visiting the chief deity " Ranga in reclined position", I was prompted to gaze in toe to head fashion, to have proper blessings. A battery car took us around the long winding praharas of the temple to have darshan of Danvantri, Thayar, chakarathazvar, vasantha mandapam, flower gardens ultimately to return to Shesha rayar mandapam were I started the Sri rangam maze.

I forgot to mention the massive garuda standing 25 feet tall, clad by eight snakes if my hearing and retention is in order. Slight pain sank into my knees while the magnificence of Sri rangam temple complex was slowly but steadily manifesting in my mind; salute those nameless souls for leaving behind such a monument to outlive them.

First time

Dammam  bala

Hi Aakash and Ashika how are you guys doing? In life there is always first time in life for every thing. This is first time I am writing a letter to you both.

Remember the days since 1997? The first time you guys came to dammam with Radhika. Since then until early 2010 we lived in one house as one family!

Again this is the first time we are away from each other continuously for more than three years. Also the first time me and Aku didn't meet each other for more than an year.
Even though we had been close to each other in the past, I had to be busy in office as well as you both were not old enough for open and meaningful discussions.

Now for the first time I feel the necessity for opening my heart with you. Just to share with you a my few first time moments with you in a chronological sequence.

It will give you some idea from where to where I have travelled these 47 fruitful tough years.

From 1965 to 1970 I have only sketchy memories. Let me count  and capture those after this period.

1970- First time I joined school that too directly in 1st standard. It was a small town school, my dad has been busy with office I guess. An old uncle who was a retired bus conductor put me in the school. Date of birth was adjusted, to match academic month from Nov to June. Lost 6 months of service this way. Never mind, joined school an year ahead and gained any way!

1975- I completed primary schooling in Konganeswara and joined Kalyana sundaram (KHSS) in 6th standard, jump from Tamil medium to English medium. The year ended shattering our family for ever; accidental death of my only brother Radha krishnan by drowning in the near by lake :-((

1976- First time I visited Chennai in my life. Technically speaking 1965 & 1967 I had transited Chennai on my trip to Bhopal, but never have gone out of the railway station. Just imagine I am 11 years old to visit my state capital. Visited Mr Kalyanam & Siva families in triplicane. Had my first darshan of a black and white TV. Watched tamil song sequence, that comes once a week. Still remember few songs like Vaan Nila nila alla & naan oru muttalunga. I forgot those Friday song sequence name.. Radhika help me on the name please!

1977- First time stayed for months away from parents for more than months. Joined school in Aduthurai a village near kumbakonam at periyamma’s place. It was a decision taken due to my not doing well in the school. (1970-75 I studied in a tamil medium temple school. 1976 I joined English medium, could not cope up. Also family underwent hard times due to my brother’s tragic loss.)

1978- I returned tanjore, joined the same KHSS school  in 9th but this time in Tamil medium. Started tasting success first time in records, with merit card in English as school first.

1979- the first ceiling fan arrives our family brand name khaitan. The other gadget we ever had was a transistor radio.

1979-82, the firsts started continuing with 10th first time with 400+  and plus 2 with 1000+ in our family. First time to join professional course and stay away from family for 7 years!

1985- First time my parents move to a house with separate bed room and attached modern toilet.

1986- My first job in my life. After finishing BE in 1986 April, after six months waiting, I joined as lecturer in Angalamman Eng college trichi for a monthly salary of Rs 900/-

1987- First in our family circle to work in IIT Madras in projects, salary went upto 3700/- then took up ME in PSG Coimbatore again with my direct juniors.

1988,89- First tape recorder bought in Chennai. First television I bought was these years too. It was 14” black and white weston. Then we got a 20” colour TV but no remote.

1990- First time I went to Bangalore and took up job in STUP consultants. Stayed there with mom there up to 1992.

1991- I bought my first automobile in my life. A TVS-50 my first petrol vehicle.

1992- First time to settle in Chennai with mom joining ECC- L&T and was in porur and then Adambakkam. The same year went to see a girl to marry for first time. Any guesses, yes Radhika my first girl friend as well as first official love :-)

1993- First time to got married in life. I remember our rented house in Nanganallur. My first fridge came. But no air conditioner at home at the time. I also remember my first flight to Bombay and Ratnagiri on official visit. First time riding powerful M80 –courtesy Radhika darling.

1994- First kid, rather first son in life. Aku you came in my life. Believe me you were 2 weeks baby when I got my first overseas chance to Nepal(!) to Kathmandu and Trishuli Devighat. Celebrated first wedding anniversary away from Radhika. This year August, thanks to motivation from Radhika and Subu thatha, bought my first home in Nanganallur.

1995- First birthday of Aku celebrated; first time my photo comes in Hindu paper as advt for our builder as a customer. First international job and first time to Saudi Arabia. Radhika six months pregnant with Ashika. My first girl baby comes out in Jun after my leaving India in April.

1996- My first vacation back to India. First time meeting my children after one full year. While Aku recognized me, for Varu I was a stranger by all means.

1997- First among my colleagues to bring family to Saudi. Had no money for that, had to take a 5000 riyal chit at 3800 riyal. A clear 1200 riyal cut. Was the first to get family status by the end of the year. First time failed in life this year in driving test. Took an year to redo the test and qualify.

1998- First car in life, Cressida 82 model arrives. First computer for home (not a lap-top).

2002- First home with land purchased. Radhika joins victory school and then IISD.

After this period, whatever happened, I am sure you guys were old enough to notice and remember.

You may be wondering why to re-cap things at this moment; for the first time in my life, I am thinking that I will be turning 50 in a couple of years in 2015. I have spoken, written and shared my experiences with many, but did I do the same with my kids? I am not sure!

God has been kind enough to me to provide success in anything I aimed at or aspired so far. Why not with my kids, to try the same trick? Guys, have you ever thought what we will do or where we will be, 5 years down the line from now?

Like we travel in a bus or train or air-craft, life is a journey with time as our vehicle. We need to plan it, choose the direction/destination/vehicle and buy the ticket today. What we do today decides tomorrow, the week, month and year to follow. When I took my studies, career and job whatever it is, there was no one to guide with prior experience.

Now it is time for the firsts for Aku and Varu. Your college life shall see the firsts in ranks, scores and knowledge. Your masters degrees in your chosen profession should by your passing through competitive exams, if you wish to get educated abroad, you need to find out what and where it is.

Start to plan/prepare and pass it when the time comes.
In short, please spend a few moments during every week end to write to me, the happenings over the week; your experience, your studies and your progress.

 Aku why don’t you share your subject list for last two years and available grades to follow by Ash for the same?

Let us see who is first to respond to this. Remember Varu’s second telling prior to Aku’s first telling?! Radhika be our moderator and pitch in to add value to this discussion.. 

After all we are a part of an educated family dears!!

Cheers

Dad

12th Aug 2013

Accidental Toastmaster

“Bala, what if you visit any country in the world map and at the airport, there are twenty friends of you, waiting to receive you?” was the question posted by Sanjay to me.

"Listen and silent are made of same set of alphabets but slightly rearranged to convey different meanings". Most of us are under the impression that verbal communication means just talking. On the contrary, communication is seldom one way; it is a two way track with a continuous flow of words, expressions and minute gestures which often go unnoticed in an unsuccessful communication.

We have trained ourselves for a long and extended period of 12-15 years in schools, colleges and universities to handle written communications. Questions are put in front of us on hypothetical situations and answers drawn from us either in a descriptive manner or objective type as held as the basis of our knowledge, talents and capabilities what-so-ever.

Having crossed the rings of fire also called as tests and examinations, the ultimate challenge of real life is encountered. It is nothing but "Public Speaking". Written communication is like our comfortable movement on the land or earth, such a solid ground wherein we can walk, run, stand, sit, rest and sleep anytime without any difficulty. But speaking or verbal communication is an entirely different ball game.

Speaking to a group of small group of people in a company meeting or a large social gathering of people or even a simple one to one communication every day is similar to swimming in deep waters. There is a continuous flow of words, pauses, variety of pitch and tone, naturally and at times intentionally varied by the speaker, conveying a spectrum of emotions across the mouth to the ears.

Again, a piece of write-up would mean precisely what it was meant for. But the speech is delivered by the speaker with certain motives, not necessarily be the same way to appeal to the listener. The challenge in front of the leaders of today is to convey the message to his audience in such a way it is construed and understood by them, exactly the way the speaker intended to do so.

Passion for speaking and singing had been a hidden agenda for me since birth. But neither of them could receive a training or mathematical approach to convert into a finished product from the crude raw material. After many years of rudimentary and stereotypic work style, I could sense a bit of stagnancy in my thirties.

Staying with same set of individuals at office for 12+ hours every day, discussing the same subject of evading salary increments, promotions and the dream of a non-existing job satisfaction could be a energy drainer and ultimate soul killer. It was the same moment; I realized the lack of any hobby or pastime to replenish the cluttered and confused mindset arising out of mechanical and repetitive jobs, more or less matching with Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times”

Language has its roots in cleansing the mind and encouraging fresh and fruitful thoughts. Tamil has ever remained as my language of thinking, talking and assimilating the ideas since birth, whereas English has taken the place of business related communications.

Dammam Tamil Group gave me ample chances to revisit my Tamil speaking and singing skills with nostalgic memories of the past, peaceful glorious days in Thanjavur, my home town. This transformation then lead to regaining the energy levels, with the offshoot of fresh branches, leaves and flowers of thought process, like a green twig emanating out of a dead log of timber.

The real twist in this tale was Toastmasters. What is the meaning of toastmasters? If you are interested to know, please do visit www.toastmasters.org but wait; not now. After you complete reading this piece of writing, you may proceed to visit this website if at all you need.

“Bala, what if you visit any country in the world map and at the airport, there are twenty friends of you, waiting to receive you?” was the question posted by Sanjay to me.

This happened at a family gathering consisting of we parents, whose children happen to be classmates and buddies in the Dammam Indian School; not to mention the mothers were teachers/ colleagues too. We fathers had no other option than to join the majority.

Sanjay, Pooja/Poojit’s dad was introduced by our common friends Raji & Govindarajan couple. In the group of we so called camels, Sanjay stood apart with his glowing eyes, bright and compassionate smiles and his outstanding energy levels and brimming positivity implied a lot about the person and there should be some secret behind this man, I thought at that very moment.

Yes, Sanjay was an accomplished toastmaster by that time. He drew me like a magnet in year 2005 into the Toastmasters fraternity.  Leaders, managers, engineers, doctors and workers; every type of profession is equal inside the toastmasters meeting room. The club of twenty odd members runs an imaginary office, parliament, speech-craft training all in one place. 

In Toastmasters, everyone gets a chance to stand on the stage and express his ideas in a pleasant way, with plenty of facial expressions, body language. To entertain and enterprise the audience and get encouraged in the process by their applauses unlimited is Toastmaters.

More and more I will write about Toastmaster in this series, in due course of time.

Until then have a great time at work and home my dear friends!

Cheers

Dammam Bala