In search of a Greener Tomorrow

India men and women won Kabaddi 2011

2011-11-23T16:31:00.007+05:30

Host India won the men's and women's World Cup Kabaddi tournament 2011.
India won the first world cup, last year as well.

To know more about the game Kabaddi Click here
Congratulations! to both Men and Women who made it.

Sports Authorities and Corporates watch out!

Note: There are rumors spreading in many social network sites, that the team members where ill-treated and were waiting for Auto-rickshaws, with the world cup, on the pavement to reach back home. If this news is to be believed, it is the worst thing happened from the sports authorities. Its high time, we need to promote indigenous games like Kabaddi, Archery and the likes. On top of this, none of the top Indian media (stupid sponsored agents) captured this news piece in prime time.

Dr.K.J.Yesudas

2011-11-14T15:29:00.009+05:30

Dr.K.J.Yesudas

Matchless golden voice - Dr.K.J.Yesudas!

K.J.Yesudas or Dasettan started his career as a playback singer this very same day 50 Years ago!!

He started his career by reciting the sloka of Sri Narayana Guru..

"Jati bhedam mata dwesham
Etum illaathe sarvarum
Sodaratwena vazhunna
Matrka sthanam aanithu"

Which means

Free of the prejudice of caste
And religion, everyone here
Lives like brothers
In this exemplary abode.

Wishing him all the very best and more in the years to come!!

To know more about him you can click here

Anant Pai

2011-09-17T12:19:00.002+05:30

Today is Anant Pai’s 82nd Birthday…

Anant Pai was the pioneer of Amar Chitra Katha series. A great educationalist and creator of various Indian comics. Amar Chitra Katha series are stories from Indian folk tales, biographies of historical characters and mythological stories. Indian kids for generations grown up listening to grandma stories till the inception of Amar Chitra Katha stories in the late 1960’s.

You will be in the hearts of Indians forever Sir as the contributions you made to us is Priceless and Eternal!

Beach Installation Sculpture

2011-06-25T16:20:00.022+05:30

Let me introduce Sculptor A.Guruprasad and his unique Installation Sculpture at kollam beach (Kerala) to convey a green message and awareness on global drinking water problem.

A.Guruprasad who is a recipient of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy award in 2005 and a honorable mention in 2008 is the first to introduce this art form (Beach Installation Sculpture)in Kollam. A policeman (a job that never suits him) by profession, Guruprasad is a Graduate from Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram.

The sculpture is titled "Two-two four Save Water Save Life".

The 224 plastic pot filled with sea water represents the number of countries.

The water which is unfit for drinking in the plastic pots reminds us of the plastic waste which is the biggest threat for water resources.

And a human form sitting in meditating posture near a tap competing with a crow (which represents other living beings) for a drop of drinking water is a warning statement to remind us on pure water conservation.

He says he selected a public place instead of an art gallery to make the message reach more people!!

Wonderful Job Guruji!!! And the world outside is waiting for more from you...Great Going and all the very best for all your future Endeavour!

Sculptor A.Guruprasad

ashtamudilake.com

mobile: +91-9446558665

email: guruprasad3451@gmail.com

A few more from A.Guruprasad.

The Guard_Medium_JackFruitTree

Women real and imagination

Under Lock and Key

The Youth

The Judge and Judgement

The Great Smoker

Anyone can Imagine their own face_(Commercial)

Earth Day 2011

2011-04-22T14:46:00.002+05:30

April 22nd: Earth day

The date has not been randomly chosen: every April 22nd, it is the International Earth day.

Invented by the American Senator Gaylord Nelson and originally intended to mobilize people on environmental actions, this event occurred for the first time on April 22nd, 1970. Primarily, students mobilized local communities on environmental projects.

Today, the Earth day is the most popular and biggest amongst other similar events in the world. It is celebrated in 184 participating countries by more than 500 million people.

Charles Spencer Chaplin

2011-04-15T15:33:00.009+05:30

Charlie Chaplin with M.K.Gandhi

Tomorrow is Charles Spencer Chaplin's 122nd Birthday.

Needless to explain, he is well-known for his silent movies in the first half of 1900's. His satire, mime and slapstick comedies has inspired, provoked and triggered many generations and still continues to do so.

A great artist of all time!!!

To know more about Charles Chaplin Click here

(pic and info taken from net)*

Anna Hazare and India's second war of Independence

2011-04-07T10:23:00.007+05:30

Looks like the veteran freedom fighter Anna (Anna Hazare) has kick started the ‘second war of independence’ at the right time. Let’s join hands for a good cause to build a better, corrupt-free India.

Jan Lokpal Bill is a draft anti-corruption bill which seeks Jan Lokpal an dependent body to investigate corruption cases in India.

This bill is drafted by Santosh Hegde (Lokayukta of Karnataka), Arvind Kejriwal (social activist) and Prashant Bhushan (Supreme Court Advocate).

This bill, if put to practice, ensures that any corrupt politician/bearcat will be prosecuted directly by the Lokpal even without Government intervention. The culprits will be sentenced within a year and makes sure the disproportionate evil wealth one accumulated will be confiscated.

The best part here is the Lokpal head is chosen by Judges and representatives of civil society and hence a corrupt officer heading this body is ruled out.

Anna needs support from like minded youth of this nation. Anna is already getting enough attention and support from the likes of retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi, Swami Agnivesh, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mallika Sarabhai, Amir Khan and counting.......What are you doing????

Jai Hind!

(pic and info taken from net)*

World Cup Cricket 2011

2011-04-07T09:51:00.004+05:30

Congrats India for bringing back home the world cup after 28 years!!!

(pic taken from net)*

Bhagat Singh

2011-03-23T16:33:00.003+05:30

This very day in 1931, Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his companions Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the then British Administrators. Bhagat Singh was an inspiration for a generation and was considered to be the first and formost of revolutionaries who propogated socialism and communism in India. The nation Salutes you for your selfless life and sacrifice!!!

10 interesting and unknown facts about Bhagat Singh:-

1. Singh was a great actor in college and took part in several plays. His acting in 'Rana Pratap', 'Samrat Chandra...gupta' and 'Bharata-durdasha' earned him praise from his teachers and classmates.

2. The day after the Jalianwala Bagh incident, Singh slipped away from school, went straight to the place of the tragedy and collected a bottle of mud wet with blood of Indians. He was 12 at the time. He used to worship the bottle every day.

3. As a child, Singh often spoke of “growing guns in the fields” so that he could fight the British.

4. He ran away from home to escape an early marriage. Even at the age of eight he told his classmates "is marriage a big achievement? Anybody can marry. But I will drive the British out of India."

5. The October revolution led by Lenin attracted Bhagat Singh and he started to read literature about socialism and socialist revolution at an early age.

6. Singh said: “They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.” This was to be quoted many times over by revolutionaries after Singh’s death.

7. The bombs Bhagat Singh and his associates threw in the Central Assembly in Delhi were made from low grade explosives. They were lobbed away from people in the corridors of the building and were meant only to startle and not harm. The British investigation into the incident and forensics report also confirmed this.

8. During his stay in prison in 1930, Bhagat Singh coined the word “political prisoner” and demanded he and his comrades be given basic amenities that even British looters and goons in the jail were entitled to.

9. He coined the phrase 'Inquilab Zindabad' that became the slogan of the India’s armed freedom struggle.

10. Singh was hanged an hour ahead of the official time when the death sentence was to be commuted and was secretly cremated on the banks of the river Sutlej by jail authorities. However, thousands of people on hearing the news gathered at the spot and took out a procession with his ashes.

To know more about Bhagat Singh...Click here..

(pic and info taken from net)*

Vithiri resort

2011-03-10T15:31:00.003+05:30

Vithiri resort is one of the most exquisite Eco-friendly resorts in India. Draped in the lush green tropical rainforest of Wayanad, north-western Kerala, Vithiri is a butterfly placed on the palm of nature. Have a look @ this beautiful VDO shot by Tito Sunny and team.

Household work and servants

2011-01-12T11:55:00.016+05:30

I personally do not encourage having servants for household works.

This is one thing which we Indians can lookup the western world (except UK) and imitate. Irrespective of the financial status, they all do their own jobs. These are few practices which we can admire and learn from the western world.

Here the unsupportive role of men in underprivileged families is one cause for these women engage and end up in these unproductive and menial works for a living. It is sad but true. It would be better to teach a poor woman how to sew rather than asking her to clean the house. This helps her become a skilled personal in a profession and enables her to stand on her own legs. This in turn helps her kids to become an automobile mechanic instead of a glorified male/female cleaner.

This system creped into Indian society during the British Raj and is a leftover of the colonial rule which continues till today. Earlier it was the British who ruled the underclass and later the lazy Indian Landlords took over and now anyone who can afford a servant. Unfortunately the status of this class remained unchanged for centuries.

The condition of these women will continue unless they are saved from this filthy pit of 'menial jobs'. The only way out is, not to show mercy for those poor women out there but to train them hard in various other professions and that’s the only way to eradicate this underprivileged class.

Let’s believe in teaching a man/woman how to fish instead of giving a fish... :)

Peaceful 2011

2010-12-31T19:21:00.001+05:30

Wishing you all a Peaceful and Prosperous 2011

Bishnois and their love for nature!

2010-11-12T11:50:00.005+05:30

A Bishnoi lady feeding her kids!
Bishnois, a tribal sub-sect of Hinduism are mostly seen in the northern Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The religions guru of this sect, Guru Jambheshwar made it religiously compulsory to “Not cut green trees” and “To be compassionate to all living beings”. Bishnois follow these nature friendly rules despite their hardships in these villages.

Bishnois are great lover of animals and are very particular about protecting the wild life resources. In spite of the shortage of water one can see lots of antelope such as blue bulls, black bucks and chinkaras fearlessly graze around these villages.

Unlike other Hindu communities, Bishnois bury their dead instead of cremating. This again is to avoid cutting of trees for cremation.

Now let me introduce a relatively unknown person, yet a very true environmentalist and locally celebrated Amrita Devi.

In 1730 A.D. a Bishnoi woman by name Amrita Devi lived with her three daughters in a village called Kejarli. Kejarli is the name of a tree and it was abandant in this place and thus the village got its name. Once Amrita Devi learned that a lot of people from the nearby places gathered to this otherwise sleepy town. Later she came to know it was the party of men sent by the King to fell trees for using in the construction of his new palace.

Amrita Devi protested against the Kings men. Kings men were no way ready to give up and are all set to obey the Kings order. Amrita Devi sticked to her conviction and protested even stronger and said “I would rather give my life to save the green trees”. “If a tree is saved even at the cost of one's head, it's worth it”

Having said these she offered her head. The axes severed her Head instead of trees. Her three young daughters dint think twice and offered their heads too to save the Trees.

The news spread like wildfire. The Bishnois of Khejarli united and informed their people in 83 Bishnoi villages in the surrounding to come join hands to take a serious decision. In spite of Amrita Devi and her daughters sacrifice the kings party continued felling down the trees. The community decided to go stronger and pronounced that, for every single green tree cut, one life will be sacrificed until the felling is stopped.

The old people first came forward and hugged trees and in no time the trees as well as the heads rolled. Despite these courageous old persons sacrificing themselves, the Kings party leader ridiculed the Bishnois saying they were offering unwanted old persons. Immediately the young bunch, the recently married and even children started sacrificing their lives in similar fashion and totally 363 Bishnois were martyred.

The situation has become worse and the kings men were badly shaken. They left the place in a hurry without completing their mission to report the incident to the King.

Honouring the courage of the Bishnoi community, The King apologized for the mistake committed by his officials and issued a royal decree, engraved on a copper plate ordering the following:

All cutting of green trees and hunting of animals within the revenue boundaries of Bishnoi villages was strictly prohibited.
It was also ordered that if by mistake any individual violated this order, he would be prosecuted by the state and a severe penalty imposed.
Even members of the ruling family would not shoot animals in or near Bishnoi villages.

A typical Bishnoi village

(pic and info taken from net)*

Happy Diwali

2010-11-04T17:26:00.002+05:30

Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Diwali :-)

pic taken from net*

Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010

2010-10-05T16:41:00.003+05:30

Welcome to the Common Wealth Games Delhi, India
India warmly welcomes you to the 19th Common Wealth Games 2010

India back to limelight after the successful and staggering inauguration of the 19th Commonwealth Games which kick started on 3rd of October 2010. Followed by the spectacular ceremony, Indian athletes are already in a high on the third day today, listed second to Australia in the Medals Tally. Hope the coming days will see more cheer to Indian athletes and nation as well.

(pic from net)*

Gandhi Jayanthi (International Day of Non-Violence)

2010-10-02T10:05:00.016+05:30

Today as you all know is the 141st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the ‘Father of the Nation”. Mahatma Gandhi was a peace loving soul and his successful non-violent agitation against the British in the first half of 1900’s is testimony to his courage and conviction. The nation Salutes and remember you today and forever for your selfless service to this nation.

Jai Hind

Note: The UN already observes every 2nd Oct as International Day of Non-Violence
Wanna know more about the Mahatma?? click here

(pic taken from net)*

Ayodhya

2010-10-01T09:38:00.007+05:30

WE are not complete without U and I. A very creative poster.
The verdict from Allahabad court was timely, apt yet diplomatic.

Coming straight to the point, Ram resides in the hearts of the people and not in Ayodhya. A temple in that very same place is not necessary as we worship him for centuries not because he is born in Ayodhya, but for his virtues and practices. Moreover it’s quite obvious; we don’t have any solid proof, to say that he is born in this particular 2X2 space. So no point in fighting each other and after all Muslim brethren here in India is again our own race and blood. Moreover the almost all ancestors of present day Muslims of India were Hindus and hence they are again our brothers and sisters in one way or other.

On the other hand our Indian Muslim brethren, can extend their support and do a bit for a peaceful co-existence. Unlike any other places, Ayodhya being sentimentally attached to Hindus for centuries, and the present mosque like structure was constructed on the remains of an old temple; a new temple for Ram coming up in place of this present structure is nothing wrong. The support from Muslim brethren would strengthen the bond and relationship of each other for centuries to come.

My Verdict

Demolish the temple and mosque to ground level. Let the Government of India take over the land. A huge public park with lots of trees is the best thing to do. Perhaps a public Hospital or a public Library is also a good idea. Even the above said leads one to God. Here in this country we have enough Temples, Mosques and Churches. We have a lot more to do to set straight the basic amenities of many under privileged millions in this country and yes of course God exist among them. It’s high time we need to work even harder for the progress of this nation and not just religion alone. Here we have to learn a lesson or two from China.

Jai Hind!

(pic taken from net)*

World Photography Day

2010-08-19T09:52:00.004+05:30

Today is World Photography Day and I was just thinking of which snap should i upload in this post.
Then I decided this is the perfect Photograph (She is the one I am going to marry next month ;))

Epic - The New Browser from India

2010-07-21T17:44:00.027+05:30

We all know Microsoft - Internet Explorer
Mozilla - Firefox
Google - Chrome
and
Apple - Safari.

Now here comes one tiny tot who is going to compete big time with all these giants. Watch out for Epic - The first Indian Browser, based on Mozilla, launched last week (15th July 2010).

A variety of features like Inbuilt Antivirus (the only browser in the world with this feature) , social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, a transliterator, full featured text editor, games, Google maps, email apps several other web applications and what not.

Launched by a bunch of enthusiastic young software developers from Bangalore, The Epic is developed by this Bangalore based software company called Hidden Reflex (Founded by Alok Bharadwaj in 2008).

The Epic has right away started making waves in all forms of media in just a week after the ‘epic’ launch. And one notable factor is the fantastic logo, which has the national bird peacock in it and the logo is wrapped in with the tri-color of Indian national Flag.

You can simply download the Epic from Here and experience the features of your ‘New best friend’

The behind-the-screen young talents of 'Epic'

The Bahai faith

2010-07-16T10:57:00.017+05:30

Bahaism the newest of all religious faiths, is a break away cult from the Islamic Shia sect.
A very interesting religion which insists on peace and harmony!

Bahaism was founded by Mirza Hussian Ali Nuri in the later part of 1800’s in Iran. Presently with 5 million followers across the globe, Bahaism is a faith which also combines the good practices and thoughts of all religions.

As per the volunteers, the faith suggests a peaceful co-existence and insists it is the only way out for a secured and fruitful future.

The Lotus Temple in India is a structure with a difference in terms of its architecture and design as you can see here in these snaps.

This is one of the most attractive Bahai worship centers of the world though the most prominent ones are situated in Israel.

The Lotus temple has a lovely interior design with amazing ventilation and natural light falling in from all sides. Pin drop silence is the hallmark even when 100s flock inside the hall for meditation and prayer.

(plz click on the images to have a closer look and read)

For more interesting reading about the faith, you can visit bahaullah.com and
bahai.org

Rupee

2010-07-16T10:31:00.013+05:30

A lovely blend of ancient Devanagiri script and the modern Roman letter, India got its own symbol for its currency - Rupee.

The Devanagiri ‘Ra’ and the Roman ‘R’ is chosen to represent the word Rupiya or Rupee and the two parallel lines simply mean ‘equal to’ sign.

This means, RUPEE joined the elite club of currencies like US DOLLAR, EURO, POUND and YEN which have a separate identity for their currencies

The new sign is conceptualized by D Udaya Kumar, a post graduate from the prestigious and world-renowned institute - Indian Institute of Technology or simply called IIT's

Let's congratulate Udaya Kumar for presenting the Nation, a lovely and meaningful design.

Top software and hardware companies have already geared up to incorporate the symbol into their new peripherals as the union cabinet as already approved the new symbol

(pic taken from net)*

Qutab Minar

2010-07-15T16:28:00.009+05:30

Hi everybody...Hope you all had a wonderful time enjoying the matches last month and even I was right here cherishing every moment and cheering up for 'my team' ;-) (Always my team is the winning team ;-)...though Argentina and Messi is my favorite team and player)

However, now i am back with some interesting History stuff for you all. Last week I was in Delhi and luckily visited an amazing 800 year old structure - The Qutab Minar.

Delhi the capital city of the world's largest Democracy, has some of the most interesting and monumental museums and age old structure of India.

Qutab Minar is the world’s tallest brick minaret which stands tall above 70 meters in height and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Verses from Quran are cleanly carved on the exteriors of this structure.

The construction started in 1193 by Qutabuddin Aibak the first Muslim ruler of India. Some historians believe that this is constructed to signify the victory over the then existing Hindu rulers and the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

There are many other structures including a mosque (the first one in India) in this vast complex. Qutab Minar, mosque and various other structures constructed in this complex have some other stories to tell as well. Some Inscriptions here, still states that the whole complex was constructed after demolishing one of the oldest Hindu temples and the materials used for the construction of this mosque and associated structures came from 27 other demolished temples.

Yet this is one of the finest and oldest existing examples of Islamic architecture in India

(Click on the image to get a closer look and read facts and figures)

;-)

India and Football

2010-06-22T09:53:00.025+05:30

When will India reach the FIFA world cup finals???

An often repeated question in most of the Indian minds for a few decades now. Once in four years, we Indians invariably end up supporting Brazil, though there are a lot of fan following here in India for nations like Argentina, Germany, England, Netherlands, Portugal, France, Italy, Spain etc...

Anyway one Indian team is actively participating in the FIFA 2010 world cup in South Africa !!! Any guess???

Indian Software Giant Mahindra Satyam is the Official IT Services Provider for FIFA 2010 world cup.

And there was a time when bare footed Indian football team ruled the Asian sub-continent and reached the semi-final in 1956 Melbourne Olympics; the first nation from Asia to reach semis in Olympics .......to read more interesting facts you can click here
....a very informative and lovely article by NOVY KAPADIA in Tehelka

(pic taken from net)*

Why Forests were Worshipped

2010-06-18T10:59:00.008+05:30

An amazing and informative piece of write-up by Khurshed Batliwala, founder-director,The World Alliance for Youth Empowerment featured yesterday in the TOI editorial. I thought we all should read this piece of article and hence sharing the link. Kudos to TOI as usual for coming up with such exceptional stuff. I should not paste it over here as it is a copyrighted stuff....please visit TOI original page......right here for the article. You can see the article at the bottom of this page. The text magnifies and will appear on the right side when you Click on the article.

Also you can visit The World Alliance for Youth Empowerment to know more about them.....

Recycled jersey by NIKE

2010-06-11T10:36:00.004+05:30

Kudos Nike!

Nike has come up with a novel idea of making jersey from recycled plastic bottle and close to ten Nike sponsored teams i.e. Australia, New Zealand, Serbia Netherlands, Portugal, United States, South Korea and Slovenia, will don this jersey for the world cup matches starting tonight. This is a timely and clever move by Nike, to make world cup a platform to display their environmental and social obligations.

Anyway! Information from net says that, this move by Nike will help stopping 250000 kgs of polyster waste being dumped on land.

Once again Great Job Nike for adopting Go Green policies!

(pic and info from net)*

A peacful road by the jungle

2010-06-10T12:12:00.004+05:30

A lovely and peaceful road ahead! right ??? :)

World Environment Day

2010-06-07T10:43:00.005+05:30

(Please click on the image to read)

More info on World Environment Day

Wayanad_4

2010-06-01T13:37:00.003+05:30

May the clear blue sky up above and the bright sun bring prosperity and health to you all in the coming days....

A peaceful stream ‘falling-down’. But let’s assure they never ‘downfall’

Contrary to the belief, that Jackfruit was a Portuguese import 500 years back, to Indian sub-continent and south Asia, Archaeological findings states this fruit is been cultivated in many parts of Indian sub-continent as early as 3000 - 1000 BC.

The Inter-Woven

Wayanad_3

2010-05-24T08:29:00.003+05:30

A pleasant misty morning near the paddy fields in Wayanad. we even saw a few adorable birds which are not seen these days in cities.

You can see far there, tourists enjoy boating in a serene lake (of course safety jackets are provided. The Kerala state tourism department is in charge).

Lovely never-ending roads with tea estates on both sides in and around Wayanad

A beautiful place with full of grass and trees around; we rested a while here on the way......

Big brother Bamboosss!

Mother and kid of the month

2010-05-12T12:00:00.007+05:30

Wayanad_2

2010-05-12T11:50:00.012+05:30

A drive through the jungle road

2010-05-12T10:29:00.018+05:30

During the last week-end trip to Wayanad we had a lovely drive in this neat road which cut across the Tholpetty forest (wayanad district, Kerala). The forest stretches for about 20-25 km (altogether). If fortunate enough, one can see animals like elephant, deer, fox, wild boar, wild buffalo and various other birds and small animals preying and grazing on the road side. Tigers also do wander in deep interiors of this forest, though they are a very rare sight on roadside.
(please click on the pics to have a closer look)

'Yerumadam' or tree house on the way...Tribes, forest department authorities and environmentalists, and many research students use to stay here to get a better view of the forest and even to study animals and their behavior

A wild elephant protecting its kid from the photographer :).
In fact, one should not stop the vehicle on this stretch, should not horn or disturb animals or birds on this road. And at times, pointless photographers do all fundas to get a closer pic ;) which obviously irritates the animal. This at times makes scenes like elephant attacking a lensman.
None of the animals in this forest attack anyone unless they are disturbed in one way or other

A flock of deer enjoying the delicious toxin free food and fresh air!!!
In few other places like muthanga the roads which runs through the forest are blocked and no vehicles are allowed to ply during night, just to make sure animals inside the forest are not disturbed during night.

A wild boar got some stuff!
These are not seen often and mostly come in groups. Fortunately I got one here :)

Standing Tall Always!

Edakkal Caves (Neolithic Age)

2010-05-11T09:52:00.024+05:30

Last weekend we had been to a lovely place called Wayanad, 4000 feet above sea level, in the state of Kerala, which has traces and testimonies of tribes who lived in caves.

During the British rule, Fred Fawcett a senior police officer and a pre-history enthusiast happened to see a Neolithic stone axe from a nearby coffee estate. Being an enthusiast and nature lover he started exploring the nearby forest and with the help of local tribes, discovered this cave in 1890.

With like minded scholar friends, he found out these are pre-historic carvings by Neolithic people carved with Neolithic Celts. This was a monumental discovery as these are the first samples of drawings on rock with rock tools, founded in India

The caves have at least three different types of petroglyphs, which means the cave carvings are of different periods and the oldest are said to be 8000 years old! The carvings consists of human figures, animals, circle shaped wheel like structures and various other complex drawings.

This is the boulder which makes the roof..
This is not a cave as such, but a naturally formed break up between two rocks 96ft long and 22 ft wide and a very big rock has fallen and jammed between the walls on top to make a natural formation like a roof. As per the geologists and archeologists, this happened due to natural forces like earthquake or landslip about 30,000 years ago.

The figure of a male with arms and head gear

These carvings are so rare and founded only in a very few places in India and Edakkal drawings are thus important not just because of its quality but also for its complex depiction of carvings.

A wheel is seen right there on top and a few other complex diagrams

These are Tamil Brahmi script on the wall

These carving with stone tools are said to be cavemen's way of communication or expressions of their Vision and Dreams in the absence of languages

As per scientists and archeologists, these Stone Age carvings and pictorial writings clearly state the presence of a pre-historic culture in this part of the world.

And yes..never ever miss this cave if you visit Kerala.. ;-)

Note: In spite of being in Global heritage list and hence getting enough funds to preserve, the local authorities are slightly slack in maintaining the premises. Though plastic is banned, one can see all these wastes in many places. At the same time, there is no point in blaming the authorities when senseless travelers (mostly local travelers) extensively carry and use plastic and carelessly dump the waste all around. Implementing a stringent law and a complete ban of plastic and food is the only option to safeguard the sacred cave and its premise.

Photos_05072010

2010-05-07T15:23:00.008+05:30

(can click on the pics to have a closer look)

These are few snaps of places which i have already shared with you all yet taken slightly from a different angel......ooops i mean angle..... :) (Madikeri)

Most probably will visit 'a place' this weekend.......will update and upload the photos once I am back.......till then.... ;-)

Abdul Kareem’s Forest

2010-04-29T12:55:00.013+05:30

Let me introduce Abdul Kareem, who hails from a small sleepy town called Kasargod, Kerala. He is a distinguished nature lover and a small time travel agent in the early 1970's. Right from his childhood he was passionate about KAAVU or SACRED GROOVES that every small village had one in those days.

In the early 70’s he often visit and spend weekends, in a nearby village where he walked around with his girl (later became his wife). And thus he noticed this barren land in this village. The barren hill sides was a painful site for Kareem, a nature lover and the passion for the sacred groove grew even bigger at this pathetic sight.

He had a plan. He bought some barren land. He planted mature saplings of wild trees in spaces between laterite rocks and initially ferried water from about a kilometer from the nearby village in a bicycle. He continued this for many summers. People around him started laughing at him for this crazy act and excessive spending of time and money on a piece of barren land back then in mid 1970’s.

"In the third year, when my plantation was but of young adult trees, the water level in the well rose!' he says.”That itself seemed an end for me and I began to plant the whole extent in frenzy." He bought more land and spend money on amenities.

He planted a range of wild trees and let nature took over and the rest is history. Birds started making nests, lot of reptiles and small creatures grew up happily. Even wild squirrels, rabbits, howls, mongoose and wild hens had colonized here. He also planning to bring in deer. Weeds grew with rare herbs and medicinal plants. He let the jungle grow naturally and never used insecticides or fertilizers. He trusted in the nature’s capability to grow without human intervention. He kept on adding land and planted more trees and the area is grown to a lush forest spread in more than 5 acres.

These varieties are not planted consciously by Kareem, but Nature did the magic through birds. But yes, Kareem had just kick started and Nature took over. Water levels in the nearby areas and villages within a 10km radius went up unbelievably high.

After 30 years now, today Kareem’s forest is a haven of nature-lovers, botany students, researchers and environmentalists, is also home to 1500 medicinal plants, 2000 varieties of trees, rare migrating birds, small animals and insects. He is been honored by various organizations and NGO’s including United Nations for his priceless and selfless act.

Agricultural scientist, MS Swaminathan, has called the forest a "wonderful example of the power harmony with nature."

In an interview he said "I wanted to spread the message that if trees, animals and birds survive, only then human beings have a future,"

The people who laughed at him 30 years back, now consider Kareem a blessing not just for the village village but a role model for the entire nation.

All we need is just a thought for a clean and green future and a mind to kick-start; then things will fall in line.

Great Job mister Kareem and more Kareems are need of the hour to ensure a Greener Tomorrow!

An Environment friendly Castle

2010-04-27T19:40:00.004+05:30

The proud owner of this castle, Jyotin Gandhi an entrepreneur who is into mining and exports is from the Gandhi Family of Hubli, Karnataka (around 400 km from Bangalore).

A businessman and a nature lover! That’s one deadly combination and a rare breed to find, built his mansion on a total area of 90,000 sqft or two acres, with built-up area just about 10% of the total land.

90% area is flooded with lush green trees and lovely plants, two ponds with lotus flowers, ducks, frogs, birds and a lot of other pets around makes this place almost a dense jungle.

Jyotin Gandhi in his 1937-model Morris Minor

Jyotin Gandhi says he loved the woods and hence chooses this place near the woods. The architecture is so finely looked into and the abundance of light and air is utilized to its max, in such a way that usage of fans and lights are minimal during day time.

A few specialties like Howdah converted into a tea table; a Terracotta door from Rajasthan, a century-old horse cart that has a built-in jewel box, shows his interest for antiques. A world traveler he has a large collection of various artifacts from across the globe which includes a wall-mounted coffee grinder from Brazil.

His grand-kids enjoy a ride on the toy train that has a live steam engine running on coal though the engine takes an hour to fire. To add-up there are two circular tracks, a miniature railway station and two railway over bridges

“The houses look like stone castles. They are structures of stone, wood and burnt mud tiles, surrounded by gardens. The all weather mansions have long wind tunnels and towers to flush in cool, fresh air. The houses have wood flooring and roofing. The houses are built on a small piece of a huge site. The rest of the site is a large, natural garden. Apart from handpicked species of plants, the garden has ducks and pigeons that move around the fountains and ponds” - TOI

As usual TOI has come up with this lovely piece of article which I thought will share with you all. A neat and creative write-up by Rishikesh Bahadur Desai from Times News Network

(info and pic from TOI)*

Accor Services and Earth Guest Day

2010-04-22T12:07:00.010+05:30

Accor Services is back again with Earth Guest Day Celebrations/Pledge/Campaign and other awareness programs. As an active participant every year, responsible and committed corporate, our organization has shared a few valuable information, with our employees through our internal system. Since its generic I would like to share with you all.

My post on Earth Guest Day last year here

You can also participate here

Every April 22nd, Accor employees' mobilization day for sustainable development

The principle: organize collective actions around the eight priorities of the Earth Guest program.

The point is to organize actions that can have a long-term impact, and not only a one-day action: that's what sustainable development is all about!

April 22nd: Earth day

The date has not been randomly chosen: every April 22nd, it is the International Earth day.

Invented by the American Senator Gaylord Nelson and originally intended to mobilize people on environmental actions, this event occurred for the first time on April 22nd, 1970. Primarily, students mobilized local communities on environmental projects.

Today, the Earth day is the most popular and biggest amongst other similar events in the world. It is celebrated in 184 participating countries by more than 500 million people.

A great success since 2007 !

Launched in 2007, Earth Guest day's third edition took place on April 22nd, 2009.

These three editions have demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment of employees for sustainable development.

In 2007, employees of 69 countries all over the world had taken part.
In 2008 and 2009, employees of 77 countries took steps for a more beautiful planet!

Only one planet

The number of human beings on Earth continues to grow. In fact, compared to 40 years ago:
- there are twice as many people on the planet,
- humanity is three times richer. This wealth is very unevenly distributed, but the richest populations consume more resources than the others.

But the planet is not expandable, its resources are limited. And this increasingly large population needs to consume increasingly large amounts to sustain itself! To the point where the resources can barely renew themselves. The land is growing poorer and becoming infertile, oceans are being emptied of some species of fish, forested areas across the world are diminishing, water tables and freshwater reservoirs are drying out... More sustainable forms of management must therefore be found and implemented, whether in agriculture, fishing or forestry.

One of the most important consumptions, which continues to rise without faltering, is energy. But 80% of this energy is obtained from natural reserves of oil, coal and gas. These reserves are not renewable (because it took millions of years to create them).
It is therefore necessary to use these resources less, by changing our habits, using more energy-efficient equipment, and developing sources of renewable energy.

In addition, product consumption entails a booming rise in the quantity of waste produced: this quantity rose by 50% in 20 years, and only 10% of the waste is recycled. Consequences? Waste is decomposing in nature, polluting the land and water tables.

So shall we start....................................................................... ???

Shashi Tharoor in TED talks

2010-04-21T19:29:00.002+05:30

Shashi Tharoor a creative author, journalist, columnist and human rights advocate, shot to fame recently for all the wrong reasons connected with IPL the Indian version of English Premier League. And he quit his position of Minister of State for External Affairs last week. Former United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information, he was also a strong contender in the Election for Secretary-General of the United Nations with Ban Ki-moon. Have a look at his chat on the TED Talks

Vintage Car rally in Bangalore

2010-04-20T09:58:00.007+05:30

Bangalore being a former cantonment during the British rule has many things in store. Many age old bungalows, historical monuments, palaces of Tippu Sultan and so on.

Like every year, last week a Vintage car rally was organized by Value Designbuild (VDB) to raise Funds for Whitefield Club, a recreation club built in 1895 in a plot donated by Greenham to make residents get together, engage in cultural, literary and social activities.

Jaguars, Daimlers, MG’s, Mercedes, Austins, Rovers, Wolseley, Plymouth, Ford, Morris, Citroen, Chevy, Volkswagen, Beetles, Jeeps - these ‘ageless stunners’ is a treat to watch every year.

(pics taken from net)*

Happy Vishu!

2010-04-15T09:57:00.003+05:30

Wishing you all a HAPPY VISHU

Christian the Lion

2010-04-10T08:01:00.008+05:30

Just cant stop sharing this with you all!!! Have a look at this amazing Lion!

VDO shared by one of my blogger friend Sandy who also has a lovely health blog
Sandys Blog

(VDO from net)*

Toys from Nature!!

2010-03-31T11:28:00.036+05:30

All toys here are made out of coconut palm leaves and various other parts of coconut tree. As they say: Toys makes kids Think! And yes these were toys which instigated the creative imagination of many Indian kids in the past and even continues to fascinate them in some far off villages.

Specs ('Olakkannadi' in local lanugage)

In those good old days, we use to make these toys ourselves...a 'knowledge' that is transferred from generation to generation.

Fan (Kattadi)

The faster you run with this fan.....the faster the fan rotates......an act which fills our heart and one can see the immense satisfaction and glee in our faces......

Snake (Olappambu)

This was mostly used on the first of April and even to scare kids......some kids would cry heart out seeing this.......you seldom find such innocent kids today... :)

Watch (Olakkhadikaram)

A watch of your own! You are on top of the world when you wear this watch. Even a few thousand dollar Rolex watch today cannot give you the same level of gratification what you had back then.....

Spoon (Plavilakkumbile)

This is not just a toy.....its is used at homes as a spoon to drink/eat rice soup.....in olden days its used every day......an older version of 'use and throw' stuff ;-).....This is made by folding Jackfruit leaves and a small pointed piece of thin stick (this wooden piece is again from coconut leaves)

Whistle (Peepee)

While blowing from the thinner edge...this 'instrument' makes a lovely musical sound.....

Baby rattle (Kilukku or Kunukku)

This toy sometimes comes with one or two more sticks pricked here and there.....this toy when rotates will make some funny noise when those tiny sticks rub each other...........is mainly used when kids cry for no reason;)......and also used by elders while playing cards....(the looser wear this on their ears)

(all pics from net)*

Earth Hour 2010, Bangalore

2010-03-30T18:33:00.003+05:30

A few snaps from Bangalore where many business establishments, corporate offices and households did their bit........

An Eco bike from Flexitron

The power generated here to light those bulbs is by pedaling that bike....

Save Tigers!!! Save Tigers!!! But Why?

2010-03-26T09:15:00.009+05:30

For the last few years, a lot of campaigns and promotions are carried out in India on the need to save and preserve Tigers.

But why all this hue and cry?

What is the real need to save a tiger?
What if a few tigers get killed in the forest?
Are they doing anything useful in the forest except eating and roaming around?
Why we are so concerned for an animal which is doing nothing productive?
When many people starve here and when farmers suicide, why the need to take so much care to protect one animal?

These are very simple questions which anyone can ask. I am neither a preserver nor an environmentalist. But let me try to explain here very shortly what happens if Tigers are no more.

Each and every creation or living being in this planet earth has its role to play in the Eco-system. A drastic change in the proportion of population of these living beings will create chaos ‘tomorrow’, if not ‘today’ for sure. Being a part of this system, and being the so called ‘Thinking’ being, we have to play a crucial role and take initiate in maintaining the balance of our eco system for a better ‘tomorrow’. If this initiative is not taken today, the days and years to come will witness various natural disasters and disorders which mankind cannot handle.

Tigers are signs of a healthy forest. They need lots of land area (forest) to roam around and live. Now here, when Tiger being on top of the list is reduced or if no more, it affects the food chain from top to bottom and thereby affecting the nature. This is too slow a process for us to realize now and it will be too late to act if we don’t initiate ‘now’. A simple food chain example will make the picture even clearer.

(you can click on the image to look closer)
The above picture shows clearly the inter-dependency in an eco-system.

Here the Tiger prey on various animals like deer, boar, bull, yak, monkey and other carnivorous animals. To make sure tigers live in a healthy environment, there should be enough food and water for them; i.e. those above said animals should live and then these second string herbivorous /carnivorous animals to live, they need their prey, plants and trees as well. In short, from tigers to the minutest of insects from huge trees to small herbs, all are directly or indirectly related in the eco-system in the form of food chain. A change in the proportion of population of these will shake the whole system. Ultimately, less forests simply means no ground water perseverance during rain, more floods, soil erosion, no agriculture and thereby more trouble to mankind.

This clearly shows the whole system is inter-reliant. Hence, a decrease in Tiger population in the forest will trigger a chain reaction that ends up inviting problems to mankind. As it is on top of the food chain, Tiger rightly is the mark of shield for all other species including human beings.

There is a natural order in this eco-system where one animal or plant is prey to another with Tiger on top of this food chain. This natural order goes on. This natural flow should not ideally change. And a change in this will invite untold ‘Changes’ not just for mankind but for all living beings.

Now the answer for all those questions above is simple.

We should save Tigers to save ourselves and save the one and only Planet Earth
(pics taken from net)*

Tom and Jerry turns 70

2010-03-19T18:51:00.010+05:30

Can anyone honestly tell that you ever got bored while watching these cute little fellows?
Can anyone of you argue it is a kids-only show?
Does anyone of you ever dared to switch off the television while your kids or your aged parents watching the show?

I am pretty sure none of you can answer YES to the above questions:-)

What an amazing creation. Let’s Thank William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for making millions of people laugh and thereby live happily and peacefully. And their creation continue to entertain and educate us in different forms for the last 70 years to this very day. This laugh riot, for sure will continue forever for the simple reason; they are raw and core extracts of life.

The house cat Tom and the all-mischievous Jerry is always pleasure watching.

The best part is they stay the same and never get old. This maybe because they do laugh and make others laugh all these days. They live in a world without humans and therefore even violence turns out to be fun, they become friends at times, join hands to fight a common enemy and they never hurt each other with the intention to kill.

After all these years, apart from laughing, why we failed to learn a lesson or two from these violent, ever-fighting yet peace-loving ‘friends’?

(pic taken from net)*

Scorching summer and thirsty Birds

2010-03-10T12:50:00.007+05:30

Summer is back in most parts of India and is too hot in few places that people cannot even stand or take a walk in daytime. Anyway we have our own alternatives to stay away from the scorching heat. Goggles, air coolers, buttermilk, cold drinks, beer and what not!

And this summer, Indian 'Birds' found new ‘shades’ in the form of Women Reservation Bill. The major chunk of the population of India stood up and spoke for women empowerment and vouched 33% seat reservation in Parliament. Well! Let’s wait and see if this would make a difference in the political scene as women are said to be better administrators and relatively unbiased. At least more peaceful non-violent parliament hearings in the coming days are here for sure if the bill is approved unanimously.

My point here is we have an organization or society to speak for any particular religion, gender or class.

Let’s try doing in our own humble manner, a small favor for the ‘Flying class’; the Birds.

It would be wonderful if we can place a vessel/pot/pan full of water in the balcony for birds to quench thirst in this hot season as they can't speak their troubles nor they can protest with banners to re-gain their fundamental right to live in this planet!!!
(pic taken from net)*

Sachin the Great

2010-02-24T18:08:00.003+05:30

Congrats Sachin!!!

(He is the first player in the world to score a double hundred in ODI)

A few more Shots

2010-02-24T17:41:00.003+05:30

Guess whose resume is this?

2010-02-24T11:01:00.003+05:30

EDUCATION /Qualification:
1950: Stood first in BA (Hons), Economics, Punjab University, Chandigarh ,
1952; Stood first in MA (Economics), Punjab University , Chandigarh ,
1954; Wright's Prize for distinguished performance at St John's College, Cambridge,
1955 and 1957; Wrenbury scholar, University of Cambridge ,
1957; DPhil ( Oxford ), DLitt (Honoris Causa); PhD thesis on India 's export competitiveness

OCCUPATION /Teaching Experience :
Professor (Senior lecturer, Economics, 1957-59;
Reader, Economics, 1959-63;
Professor, Economics, Punjab University , Chandigarh , 1963-65;
Professor,International Trade, Delhi School of Economics,University of Delhi,1969-71 ;
Honorary professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University ,New Delhi,1976 and Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi ,1996 and Civil Servant

Working Experience/ POSITIONS :
1971-72: Economic advisor, ministry of foreign trade
1972-76: Chief economic advisor, ministry of finance
1976-80: Director, Reserve Bank of India ;
Director, Industrial Development Bank of India;
Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, Asian Development Bank;
Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, IBRD
November 1976 - April 1980: Secretary, ministry of finance (Department of economic affairs);
Member, finance, Atomic Energy Commission; Member,finance, Space Commission
April 1980 - September 15, 1982 : Member-secretary, Planning Commission
1980-83: Chairman , India Committee of the Indo-Japan joint study committee
September 16, 1982 - January 14, 1985 : Governor, Reserve Bank of India .
1982-85: Alternate Governor for India , Board of governors, International Monetary Fund
1983-84: Member, economic advisory council to the Prime Minister
1985: President, Indian Economic Association
January 15, 1985 - July 31, 1987 : Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission
August 1, 1987 - November 10, 19! 90: Secretary-general and commissioner,
south commission, Geneva
December 10, 1990 - March 14, 1991 : Advisor to the Prime Minister on economic affairs
March 15, 1991 - June 20, 1991 : Chairman, UGC
June 21, 1991 - May 15, 1996 : Union finance minister
October 1991: Elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam on Congress ticket
June 1995: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha
1996 onwards: Member, Consultative Committee for the ministry of finance
August 1, 1996 - December 4, 1997: Chairman, Parliamentary standing committee on commerce
March 21, 1998 onwards: Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha
June 5, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on finance
August 13, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on rules
Aug 1998-2001: Member, committee of privileges 2000 onwards: Member, executive committee, Indian parliamentary group
June 2001: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha
Aug 2001 onwards: Member, general purposes committee

BOOKS:
India 's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth -
Clarendon Press, Oxford University , 1964; also published a large number of articles in various economic journals.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Adam Smith Prize, University of Cambridge , 1956
Padma Vibhushan, 1987
Euro money Award, Finance Minister of the Year, 1993;
Asia money Award, Finance Minister of the Year for Asia, 1993 and 1994

INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS:
1966: Economic Affairs Officer
1966-69: Chief, financing for trade section, UNCTAD
1972-74: Deputy for India in IMF Committee of Twenty on
International Monetary Reform
1977-79: Indian delegation to Aid-India Consortium Meetings
1980-82: Indo-Soviet joint planning group meeting
1982: Indo-Soviet monitoring group meeting
1993: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Cyprus 1993: Human Rights World Conference, Vienna

RECREATION :
Gymkhana Club, New Delhi; Life Member, India International Centre,
New Delhi

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Dr. Manmohan Singh.....
(Prime Minister of India)

Green IT revolution by Wipro

2010-01-29T08:45:00.004+05:30

Indian IT major Wipro Infotech, a part of the US$5 billion Wipro Limited has introduced a revolutionary desktop pc.

A 100% recyclable toxin free Greenware PC; the first of its kind.

A great way to move ahead and hats off to Wipro and its TEAM for this wonderful initiative in the right direction

For more information on this…Please visit..

www.wipro.com

(pic and info taken from net)*

Madhur Temple

2009-12-21T18:35:00.009+05:30

Madhur Temple on the banks of serene Madhuvahini river is situated in Kasargod district of Kerala with Lord Shiva as its chief deity. This is yet another splendid temple complex. The chief deity is believed to be founded by a Harijan woman. Lord Ganesha (Elephant God) structure of this temple is very popular all over south India.
(you can click on all the pictures to have a closer look)

This beautiful temple stands tall in the middle of lush green paddy fields all around. In front of this flows the unhurried river peacefully bussing the bushes and plants on the banks.

The Muslim ruler Tippu Sultan of Mysore once reached this temple during the first half of 1700’s

There is a mark on one of the structures of this temple which is said to be from the sword of Tippu

It is said that he reached the temple with the intention of attacking. But he felt thirsty when he reached and had water from the temple well and left without making any untoward attempts against the temple

Another interesting fact; a pious and upfront ruler, he was a Hanuman (Monkey God) devotee and installs a Hanuman deity wherever he builds a fort.

This 300+year old structure is again a splendid testimony to temple architecture of the bygone era.

The peaceful Madhuvahini river~~~~~~~~

Random shots

2009-12-21T17:15:00.008+05:30

A few shots on the way towards Kerala...

Belur

2009-12-21T15:05:00.024+05:30

The Chennakesava Temple in Belur (Hassan district in Karnataka)was built on the banks of the Yagachi River. Belur is 222 km from Bangalore

Chennakesava simply means "handsome kesava" which mentions the Hindu God Lord Vishnu

Belur and Halebidu are two prime centers of Hoysala Empire.

Hoysala Empire was a powerful kingdom which ruled most of the present day states of Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh between 10th and 14th century AD. Belur was the capital initially and later shifted to Halebidu.

The Chennakesava temple complex situated here in Belur is an architectural marvel and a classic display of Hoysala architecture.; dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a ‘must see’ place whenever one travels towards the southern part of India.

Feminine prettiness, grace and physique is very well handled by the artists under the Hoysala architecture

The south Indian temple architecture involves skilled craftsmanship and this is at its best when comes to Hoysala architecture which gives more importance to carvings in detail rather than height or size.

The Hoysala artists used Soapstone (Chloritic schist), a soft stone as basic building and sculptural material.

Unlike other kingdoms, here the artists were treated with great respect and the names and whereabouts of them were also scripted on the walls. Though one has to take help from the local guides and have to observe closely

The temples of Belur and Halebidu are a proposed UNESCO world heritage sites

This temple was built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE in remembrance of his victory over Cholas at Talakkad.

I had already posted a few months back about Talakkad and the temples which were covered under sand dune for centuries, and later unearthed a few decades back.

The outer walls of these temples depict the Hindu epics in a very systematic manner.

The temple of Halebidu has been described as an outstanding example of Hindu architecture and an important milestone in Indian architecture.

In fact Halebidu which is just 16 km from here(Belur), is even amazing in terms of its external workmanship. We were unable to make it, as we had a few many things lined up and was in a hurry as we were heading for a friend's marriage.

Hope you liked this amazing temple complex and its details. Tomorrow will upload a few more other pictures. Till then.......take care.... :)

An Extra-ordinary Indian

2009-12-17T18:11:00.009+05:30

This is not just a forwarded mail. The moment I saw this article I thought I should share this with you all. Because this throws light to a very Extra Ordinary Man - Mr.N.Krishnan

The article goes like this.......

"I don't feed beggars. They can look after themselves. The mentally ill won't ask anyone for food or money," They don't move around much too. I find them in the same place every day"

says N Krishnan who has been feeding the mentally ill on the streets of Madurai thrice a day for the past seven years after leaving his chef job in a 5-star hotel in Bangalore

He says "I change the menu for different days of the week.. They will get bored if I serve the same food every day,"

Krishnan cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner with the help of two cooks. He takes it himself to his wards on the street each day.

"That morning he put the food in a large vessel, the pickle in a smaller one and loaded it into a Maruti van donated by a Madurai philanthropist.

Ten minutes later we stopped near a man lying on the ground by a high wall. Krishnan placed the food next to him. The man refused to even look at it, but grabbed the water bottle and drank eagerly. "He will eat the food later, looks like he was very thirsty," said Krishnan.

At the next stop, he laid the dry leaf-plate and served the food. He then scooped some food and started feeding the mentally ill man himself. After two morsels, the man started eating on his own."

We then crossed a crowded traffic signal and stopped the vehicle. On seeing Krishnan, four individuals moved slowly towards the Maruti van.. They stood out in the crowd with their dirty, tattered clothes and unshaven beards.

They knew this Maruti van meant food. But they did not hurry, knowing that Krishnan would wait for them.
Krishnan served them under a tree and carried water for them. "They are not aware enough to get their own water," he explained."

And thus we went around the city till the 'Akshaya patra' was empty. Of course, it would be full again for dinner later in the day."

As we returned, a startling fact hit me. Not a single mentally challenged person had thanked Krishnan. They did not even smile or acknowledge him. Still Krishnan carried on in a world where most of us get offended if someone doesn't say thank you, sometimes even for doing our jobs.

The food costs Rs 8,000 a day, but that doesn't worry him. "I have donors for 22 days. The remaining days, I manage myself. I am sure I will get donors for that too, people who can afford it are generally generous, particularly when they know that their hard earned money is actually going to the poor. That is why I maintain my accounts correctly and scrupulously."

He then pulled out a bill from the cabinet and showed it to me. It was a bill for groceries he had bought seven years ago. "This bill has sentimental value. It is the first one after I started Akshaya."

The economic slowdown has resulted in a drop in the number of donors. Earlier, they sustained meals for 25 days.

Software giants Infosys and TCS were so impressed with his work that they donated three acres of land to him in Madurai . Krishnan hopes to build a home for his wards there. He has built the basement for a woman's block which will house 80 inmates, but work has currently halted due to a lack of funds.

This, however, is not the sum of his good deeds. Krishnan also performs the funerals of unclaimed bodies in Madurai . He collects the body, bathes it and gives it a decent burial or cremation as the need may be.

He gets calls, both from the municipal corporation and general hospital for the funerals

He recalls with a little prompting how one day he saw a mentally ill man eating his excreta. He rushed to the nearest restaurant and bought the man five idlis. The man ate voraciously, and then smiled at him. The smile made Krishnan want to do it again and again.

Krishnan has not married and wonders if anyone would want to marry a man who spends his days cooking food for others. He is firm that his life partner has to agree to this kind of life.

His parents were initially shocked, but are now very supportive of their son. They advise him about the cuisine and also about how he can streamline the process.
One wonders why he left his job in a five star hotel to bury the dead and feed the mentally ill. To this he just smiles and says, "I like doing it."

Mr. Krishnan is doing this -

** not for political motive, because they can't vote

** not for any relegious conversion, because they don't know what they are

** not with any expectation to get something in future, because they wouldn't remember him even if they become normal

He is doing this great work without having any expectation. This is true nishkaama karmayoga (selfless service).

We are proud of you Mr. Krishnan and feel still there are great human hearts around us!

God Bless You!!

For more information on N Krishnan's trust, log on to: www.akshayatrust.org

2009-12-17T09:27:00.003+05:30

Hi All,

Hopefully will come up with a new post next week. I will be visiting a very interesting place this weekend. A place that has many century old stories to tell us. Till then.........you take care and relax..... :)

regards,
Nara

The Sparrow

2009-12-07T11:23:00.006+05:30

Once upon a time there was a species called sparrow among birds……..This would possibly the starting line of a story we share with our kids or grandkids in future.

The house sparrows, spotted doves, bulbuls, bats and kites are in the verge of extinction and may disappear in a few years from now. In fact these birds are rarely or no more seen in many cities.

The reason??? We use cell phones!!!

"Birds are known to be sensitive to magnetic radiation. Microwaves can interfere with their sensors and misguide them while navigating and preying,” says zoologist Mr Ranjit Daniels.

The new generation kids are not aware of many bird species. The days are gone when sparrows, pigeons and many other birds visit homes to feed on food grains and built nest in our courtyard, roof top and tree tops. We now have ‘secured’ and ‘neat’ apartments and ‘homes’.

From time immemorial we learned a lot and still continue to do so from the animal kingdom. Right from making the lunar space shuttle which is designed in the shape of a spider for more security and stability in the alien land; Adopting the behavior of ants to solve the Traveling salesman’s problem (To find the shortest route to visit each location and returning to starting point) which helps to do business in a cost effective manner.

Researches states that one among the ants is deployed to search food for a group. This spy ant goes around in different directions in search of food and once finding the food, it returns in the shortest route possible to lead the group back to the place it found the food. What a strategy and a sense of selflessness!!!

Are we moving ahead in the right direction and our advancement in technology leading us to a safer and greener tomorrow?

(pic taken from net)*

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T10:25:00.006+05:30

On World AIDS Day,Vote to give our children the freedom of Knowledge.

The Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in collaboration with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the Government of India in 2005. The aim of AEP is to provide scientific knowledge, inculcate positive attitudes and impart life skills to adolescents to help them cope with the challenges of growing up.

Over 35% of all reported AIDS cases in India occur among young people in the age group of 15-24 years and more than 50% of new HIV infections are taking place among them. (NACO, 2005). In the light of this, it is unimaginable that our government would oppose the need for sex education and HIV and AIDS awareness among our children. However, 8 Indian states are opposing the AEP on the grounds that it is counter to Indian culture.

Would you not agree that early education and knowledge among our youth is far more important than cultural embarrassment ?

planindia.org

This is an Accor Services initiative and you can cast your vote by visiting the above link.

Forbes' list of world's most powerful

2009-11-13T09:16:00.008+05:30

Forbes, the American magazine popular for its ‘Lists’ was always interesting and read with respect. The research methodologies followed by Forbes to prepare these Lists is undoubtedly the best. The Magazine is considered to be a dependable Index for Entrepreneur’s all over the world and equally an inspiration for the new comers.

But unfortunately the recently published ‘Most Powerful’ persons list is disturbing and equally illogical.

On Top of the list are the world’s best 'Arms Leaders(dealers)' and mafia dons. It is no secret that many mighty groups from Western and European nations are having direct or indirect involvement in the Arms deal in most of the war-torn African countries. These Africans have food or not; but for sure they will have a state of the art Russian made Kalashnikov or a Chinese or European made weapon and ammunition even when they sleep. Remember! The miseries in Rwandas’, Congos’ and Darfur’s are not God’s creation………………

On what parameter is this ‘World’s Most Powerful’ list made?

And how come Osama is ranked 37 and The Dalai Lama 39 and Dawood is ranked at 50 while Queen Elizabeth is not in the list at all. And host Oprah Winfrey at 45 though she deserves to be on top 20.

There are many great souls who silently makes a difference in others lives and thought processes. These are the real 'Powerful' and the ones who should be present in this list.

In spite of its popularity and credibility why Forbes act like that ‘Attention seeking’ kid....

(pic taken from net)*

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple - Stunning Virtual Tour‏

2009-11-06T18:47:00.009+05:30

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

(Please click the above link)

This is a Fantastic work from 'view360' team. A 360 degree vision of one of the most famous temples in India.

You can click on the mentioned link to have a virtual tour. It takes a while depending on system. There is a layout on top left corner with pointers. You can click on any of that pointer to visit that particular part of the temple. Once the page appears, just click and drag up, down, right, left wherever. Don't miss the roof where you can see century old amazing wall paintings, the sculptures on the pillars and 1000 pillar hall.

The date of original diety is still unknown and the temple is mentioned in many Tamil literary works as early as 7th century A.D. This temple is believed to be ransacked by Muslim Invaders in early 1300's and almost destroyed. The structure was re-built and got the present form after many Hindu Kings, Patrons and Rulers took initiative in the 1500's and thereafter....

A brilliant testimony of ancient architecture!!

Thanks to Mr.Partha Partha's Blog, a blogger friend who has shared this info.

The designers View360

Our Own Culture..

2009-11-05T19:47:00.004+05:30

This was posted on 2nd of Feb in my old blog when 'a few Indian women were attacked in Mangalore, Karnataka just because they entered a pub' (which the attackers claim is 'against Indian culture).

India always showed an openness to embrace and extract the good from anything and everything. How can we recognize an act, which is against 'Our' culture? And how we define 'Our' culture, which is a culmination of many, put together. We have a track record of combining civilizations, voluntarily or forcibly, right from the days of Aryan invasion, centuries ago. Then we came across various unfamiliar kingdoms, both good and evil, which attacked and ruled us for centuries. A ‘Holy Fusion’ of various thoughts and practices altogether. This doesn't mean it is the weakness of India as a nation, but it is the broadness and our nature of warmness to our 'Uninvited Guests' which ultimately ended up in this present unique form.

A nation, where Mahatma Gandhi lived and showed the world the importance of high thinking and simple living ; a nation that gave birth to Swami Vivekananda, who with his adept oration and discourses, changed the way the world look at Indian Monks ; a nation with thousands of other leads like Subash Chandra Bose, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, B.R. Ambedkar, C.V Raman, Mother Teresa, Amartya Sen, E.M.S Namboodiripad, K Kamaraj, Baba Amte, Homi Bhabha and A.P.J Abdul Kalam to name a very few from the never ending list.

How can we forget the epitome of righteousness, Sri Adi Shankara, who truly was a ‘Revolutionary’ in terms of his vision on caste and creed? The one who revived and purified Hinduism with his philosophies and condemned the wrong practices existed in those days (Though there are still many, who fail to understand him and stick to 'Unnecessary Practices’).

The Essence and Strength of our nation or cultural heritage is our Vibrant and Receptive nature and let’s be proud of that. No nation has a culture/history/tradition as Unique or Diversified as ours. Jai Hind!!!

Note: The world has seen last year an ‘Indian’ woman Space Walk. Sad that a few of us bother when women Pub Walk...

(pic taken from net)*

David Shepherd ‘ran out’ of Time

2009-10-30T08:51:00.003+05:30

David Shepherd was undoubtedly the most appreciated and sincere umpires in the game of cricket till date. He shot to fame in the early 80’s with his elegance and accuracy on and off the field. He stood in 92 Tests, 172 ODIs, between 1983-2005, including three World Cup finals.

He has made umpiring an art with his style and smile. In schooldays while preparing to watch a cricket match, kids never bother about an umpire. But after noticing this great man it has become a habit to enquire about umpires before the start of each match.

Indian masses always wished to see Shepherd whenever there is a crucial match with Australia or particularly with Pakistan the arch rival. Indian fans always believe Shepherd can be a better judge than any Indian Umpire in curial matches. This is because the track record is that Indian Umpires rules decisions always against India and god knows for what reason.

As the saying goes; Even a Sage cannot be completely impartial; knowing the hunger of a hunter the sage still stands by the bird.

But any cricket lover can blindly say David Shepherd was always an Impartial Sage on the field

May your soul RIP Mr. David Shepherd

(image taken from net)*

Cauvery fishing camp and river rafting

2009-10-26T08:58:00.009+05:30

A couple of weeks back, I posted about a place called Sangam and Mekedatu. Very close to this place (around 10-15 miles) is another less populated, thick jungle and a very neat and serene place called Cauvery fishing camp. You can take part in various other activities here, apart from fishing. You can enjoy river rafting, trekking, canoeing, boat-rides and even bird watching....

Last week, with cousins and friends we had a one day trip to this Cauvery fishing camp.

This river bank jungle lodge is a pretty nice place for kids as well....

Kids are also allowed to raft...and every raft will have one guide....

We heard fishing is the preferred outdoor activity of many and this place is home to Mahseer fish, which is the finest game fish anywhere in the world and this freshwater fish is considered to be the toughest fighting species of fish. And Crocs are also seen here.

And all these make Cauvery fishing camp a popular spot not only for the locals but also for people from different countries, who visit every year.

There are cottages available on this river bank resort where people can stay and chill out a couple of days if interested.

After reaching this resort, we were taken to the starting point (for Rafting) in an open jeep....
Trekking is one activity people prefer while taking a break from fishing. Trek to Basavanna betta; which is 4000 feet is one option. There are various routes through which we can reach the top.

All set for rafting.....
Of course we need to follow and obey the Guides in these areas; be it River rafting, Trekking and Fishing. As people who have trekked before know, there are chances we may loose our way and as it’s very much away from our normal life and adventurous too...
As we dint have a plan and reached a bit late, we were able to do only River Rafting….

rafting would be around 45 minutes including swimming for about 10-15minutes on the way......
Though the under current is so powerful here rafting is comparatively peaceful and hence elders, women and kids can take part and enjoy.

At one point(where we did swimming) the guide requested me not to take camera, since it is risky. So I could not take a few interesting and nice pics.....Water splashing all over us at one particular area where the waves were slightly dangerous......

cousin prefered canoyeing which is a bit riskier than raft

reaching safe home..

Beautiful dusk! Just before leaving the place......

Happy Deepavali

2009-10-16T09:25:00.005+05:30

Wishing you all a very Prosperous, Colorful and Safe Deepavali

Mostly Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, Deepavali is the festival of lights, Victory of righteousness over the evil and also the time which brings in prosperity and peace. On Deepavali morning, as kids, we use to wake up early in the morning in our ancestral home were we all gather during festive occasions (as early as 3.00 am) take oil bath, wear new clothes, and burst crackers till sunrise. Celebrated with pomp and splendor Deepavali has been always a fun time; sweets, new clothes, family gathering, bursting of crackers and so on..............

Note: Unfortunately the wastes of busted crackers always makes the streets and public places a mess. Wish it would be great if each one of us clean and clear the mess which we create and keep the premises clean again after Deepavali.

(pic taken from net)*

Ninne Kanaan (A beautiful malayalam folk song)

2009-10-12T09:07:00.005+05:30

A beautiful Malayalam folk song. Though this VDO is shot like an Album, it mostly affirms in line with the lyrics.

(vdo taken from net)*

Sangam and Mekedatu Trip

2009-10-06T09:38:00.026+05:30

Sangam simply means ‘UNION’. Here it’s the union of river Cauvery, Arkavathi and an other imaginary river which is invisible. A beautiful, serene river basin to unwind in weekends, Sangam is just around 85 km from Bangalore. Green all around and blue up above!!!

The Team

The Rider

The beautiful roadside on the way to sangam

Two bikes and one car - 7 of us

Reached Sangam and have to take that circular boat to reach the other bank

The authorities say - Beware of Crocs! though we dint even see a 'Crow'

From this bank a bus takes us to Makedatu which is around 4 km

A few choose to walk in the jungle expecting to see some wild animals (unfortunately or fortunately we dint see any).

Reached Makedatu

Trust me this is truly adventurous!
while posing so adventurously, I never knew that this shallow looking river has swirls here and there and very powerful undercurrents. I heard from the locals, that many do these kinda stuff, but never RETURNS.
You ask me to do this again??? I will never...Phew!!!

A refreshing and elaborate bath while coming back (in sangam)

The Dusk - Just before leaving Sangam

The local fresh fish right from the river...

The team after reaching Bangalore.

The village mode of transportation

An old house in a village

A farmer using the traditional plough

The bee and the flower again :)

A traditional way of making Silk. Seen in front of a village house

The happy village kid

Another happy village kid again

Shot taken while sitting behind the bike

Wish you all a Happy Dasara

2009-09-25T20:54:00.008+05:30

Dasara is celebrated in India and many other countries with great pomp and splendor.
Dasara concludes with Navarathri, the holy day when the good wins over evil.
Dasara in sanskrit means the "remover of bad fate".
There are different forms of celebration depending on the place and golu or the doll festival is very popular in southern part of India.
The vastness and number of dolls displayed depends on the size of ones wallet;-)

Wish you all a Happy Dasara! :)

(pic taken from net)*

Nareepol Tree ( Woman Tree )

2009-09-22T17:34:00.004+05:30

There is a amazing tree in Thailand named Nareepol.
Naree in local Thai language means woman and pol meaning tree i.e Woman Tree.
On first sight it totally looks shocking and amazing! Have a look

This a fruit in human shape. Unbelievable just have a closer look

The real tree can be seen at a place called Petchaboon about 500 km away
from Bangkok

(info and pic taken from net)*

Maybe an hoax. God knows!!!

Express Yourself!!!

2009-09-22T08:32:00.009+05:30

A beautiful Airtel ad that speaks lot with few words.

Very short yet powerful and creative ad with an awesome concept.

A quite sensible ad after a long time that shows social obligation is also a vital factor in product promotions.

Music created by none other than the Oscar winning music wizard A.R.Rahman.

Have a look at this amazing ad.....

The Dalai Lama

2009-09-16T13:03:00.008+05:30

Why is the big hue and cry in China when Dalai Lama enters Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh is and always an integral part of India and Dharamsala in Himachal will continue to be a Buddhist center.

Dalai Lama being such a great Messenger Of Peace is always welcome to Arunachal.

If the chinese premiers are allowed and invited over the years to visit India why not a Spiritual Guru to his ‘own place'?

A Guru who preaches World Peace and moreover who live and consider India his home for the last few decades after his exile in 1959 by the chinese from Tibet should never be restricted anywhere irrespective of nations.

It is not china but India will decide who all are allowed to enter this nation. Deployment of Military by china across the Sino-Indian border area reflects the arrogance and attitude the autocratic rulers of china posses.

It would be better if china remembers that muscle flexing is not the order of the day and neither India the same as it was in 1962…................

India being a democratic, socialist, secular sovereign nation, the people of India is free to follow any religion and practice per their wish and will. And hence being free thinkers, India may invite Monks, Priests, Mullahs and Pastors from all over the world to Indian soil and no nation, however influential or arrogant, has the right to question the secularist framework of this country.

Jai Hind!

Dr. Norman Borlaug

2009-09-15T10:53:00.003+05:30

The demise of this great American Agronomist, humanitarian and Father of Green Revolution Dr. Norman Borlaug is loss not just for the Agricultural fraternity but for the entire humanity.

A legend who helped billions from starvation in the mid 20th century has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 in line with helping to boost food supply world over and thereby restoring peace in many volatile states

Many countries adopted his technique; the high-yielding varieties to overcome the food scarcity world over.

India particularly, with more million mouths to feed, had no second thoughts while adopting his system that saved many from starving in those days.

India conferred him with the second highest civilian honor the Padma Vibhushan in 2006

Borlaug's discoveries have been estimated to have saved over 245 million lives worldwide.

May your soul rest in peace Sir

(pic taken from net)*

A humble Apology from a poor chap :-)

2009-09-14T09:03:00.004+05:30

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Happy Onam :)

2009-08-31T11:10:00.006+05:30

Onam is one of the most popular festivals of India, celebrated by the people of Kerala the southern most state in India. The lovely mythology associated with Onam goes like this:

Mahabali the King of Demons was an unbiased and popular king who was ruling the southern region. He was respected by his subjects and was considered to be very intelligent, well judged and extremely charitable minded and his term is said to be the Golden Era. Everyone is happy in his kingdom. There was no discrimination, no crime, no poverty and the rich and poor are treated equally and lived happily.

This Demon king’s popularity among other worlds spread and with the fame of King Mahabali soaring high, Gods became extremely concerned and jealous and became more conscious and started worrying of getting dethroned.

The Gods chalked out a plan to hold back the emerging Mahabali. Aditi, the mother of Gods became worried for her sons and seeked help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.

As broadminded and charitable, Mahabali always grants anything and everything whenever someone approaches him for help. Knowing this Lord Vishu, disguised himself as a dwarf poor Brahmin reached the kingdom, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

Lord Vishnu pleaded; he is a poor Brahmin and likes to get a piece of land from the King and the king replied he can have as much as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed.

Mahabali’s shrewd advisor Shukracharaya sensed that the Brahmin is not an ordinary man and warned the king not to promise any land. The King being truthful and generous said it would be a sin for a king to back on his words and assured the Brahmin the land he requested.

As king granted, the Brahmin began to expand and grow to the size of cosmic proportions.

With his first step he covered the whole of earth
With the other step he covered the whole of skies
And asked the king where the space for him to keep his third foot

The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin

Mahabali with folded hands bowed before the Lord and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world.

There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King.

The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.

And thus the beloved King Mahabali's visit to see his people every year on this particular day is celebrated as Onam

Wishing you all a wonderful and grand Onam this year :)

A 'Pookkalam' (designing and decorating with flowers) in front of Vadakkunnathan Temple in kerala. It is reported that 500 Kg flowers were used to decorate this.

One of the oldest Shiva temples of south India, Vadakkunnathan Temple stands tall in the back drop with its brilliant architecture and loftiness

(the second image taken from net)*

Happy Independence Day to you all

2009-08-14T11:13:00.008+05:30

A beautiful and inspiring VDO

Written by Gulzar Saab
Music - Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Singer - Shankar Mahadevan.

The theme is - "Have a pride in your existence and your actions. Nothing is "big" enough for you."
This was an initiative by TIMES OF INDIA

Translation:

"Hold the sky to stand, and walk with the wind in your hands, Be the front-runner;because when you walk, Hindustan (India) walks with you.Lend your hand to pull out the Sun in the morning, Fill your hands with sunlight, and throw it around, Keep you legs on the horizon, and walk with pride, Hold the sky to stand, and walk with the wind in your hands, Be the front-runner; because when you walk, Hindustan (India) walks with you."

(please note this translation is from net and as you all know, when something is translated from the original, it may not bring or reflect the same feel or essence)

Wishing you all again a Happy Independence Day
Jai Hind!

(vdo and info from net)*

Indian natural herb Tulsi (basil leaves) to fight back swine flu

2009-08-13T19:57:00.002+05:30

Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when swine flu is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulsi.

Tulsi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.
"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.
Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.
As its name suggests, Tulsi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of swine flu.

The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms. Doctors have strictly advised against self medication

(Input and Pic from net)*

Outstanding cricketing wonder Krishna Narayan

2009-08-11T09:01:00.006+05:30

Have a look at this 4 year old wonder kid, Krishna Narayan playing awesome shots just like a trained cricketer. He plays each and every shot with great style and elagance. And yes; too perfect for his age. The senior Indian cricket team can watch this VDO before taking their opponents.

Hope he will be representing the nation the earliest

God Bless!

Street Cricket

2009-08-03T08:36:00.012+05:30

Weekend street cricket with cousins

The sport reached the masses only a couple of decades back. Prior to that, Cricket was a game of the Royals.

Cricket is not just a sport in India, but a religion! And yes, like Marx said, it obviously opiates the masses here in India (In terms of cricket and its craziness ;-))

Many cricketing stars of today started and honed their skills through street cricket in their initial stages

In 2001 Lagaan was released. A movie based on a real story set in the second half of 1800’s under the Victorian British Empire in India. The Peasants were heavily taxed by the British. The Farmers attempted to convince the difficulties in paying heavy taxes. A senior officer came up with an idea; a cricket match between the British and the Peasants. If farmers can win, they will get evaded from taxes for three years.

The best part of movie is the arduous task of learning the game and the captain of the team motivating his players, taking tips from other local sports and so on. The Farmers start learning, practicing and playing for a result that will change their village's destiny. The British Captain's sister helps the farmers secretly and teaches them the basics of the game.

Lagaan received critical acclaim and numerous awards at various international film festivals, as well as many Indian film awards. It also became the third Hindi-language film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film after Mother India and Salaam Bombay

Have a Break ;-)

World’s youngest web designer and ceo

2009-07-31T09:43:00.009+05:30

Meet The Youngest Girl Web Designer and Youngest CEO in the World Sreelakshmi Suresh aged 11 made headlines by creating a website for her school three years back at the tender age of 8. www.presentationhss.com Sreelakshmi Suresh, from Kozhikode, Kerala (India) is the daughter of Adv. Suresh Menon and Mrs. Viju Suresh. She has won several National and International Awards for her excellence in web designing

Moreover, she is CEO, of her own company eDesign Technologies www.edesign.co.in. Almost a brand of herself in webworld, Sreelakshmi is ambassador of an IT company and is on the director board and partner too.

The Association of American Webmasters, who has made her a member of the society, testifies that she is their youngest and the only member under-18- years-of-age.

More details here… www.sreekutty.com

Her recent site….www.stateofkerala.in

Hope this gal would do wonders in the coming years.
God Bless!

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Wax Museum (Kaneri Math)

2009-07-29T09:58:00.012+05:30

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Wax Museum ('Grama Jivan' simply means Village Life)
Kaneri near Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

This wax museum is one of its kind in India. The museum is called ‘Siddhagiri Gramjivan' Museum

This project is in 'Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math'.

This 'Math' is well known for its 500 year old Shiva Temple which has a 42 feet huge Shiva idol, yet many people are unaware of this museum

This initiative was dream project of Mahatma Gandhi, visually and symbolically created through the vision and efforts of Siddheshwar Trust

The history of self-sufficient village life before invasion of Mughals in Maharshtra is depicted here in the form of wax sculptures.

Each sculpture is life-like and has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme

There were 12 ALUTEDARS (12 main profession-based castes i.e. Professions performed from generation to generations by families) and 18 BALUTEDARS, who provided equipments to all villagers to fulfill their day-to-day necessities (domestic as well as professional)

The museum is spread over 7 acres area and has almost 80 scenes which showcase more than 300 statues.

The simple yet joyful family life

Every aspect of village life has been depicted in this museum.

It is a perfect blend of fact, powerful imagination and enormous hard work in getting the life-like expressions of the whole village

The surrounding countryside is beautiful and is surrounded with lush greenery.

All Welcome to this wonderful Village

(all pics and info from net)*

Prime time soaps

2009-07-28T08:52:00.005+05:30

There are many ‘wonderful’ personalities like this, who are hooked up watching prime time soaps no matter what happens. Just wondering how these kids, the pillars of tomorrow are going to shape up after watching all these idiotic soaps.

(picture taken from a 'funny pictures' site)*

Aaryabhatta

2009-07-24T14:53:00.002+05:30

Aaryabhatta (AD 476 – 550) is the first in the line of great mathematician-astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. Aryabhata is the father of the Decimal number system which has become universal today. His most famous works are the Aryabhatiya (AD 499 at age of 23 years) and Arya-Siddhanta.

Though Aryabhata's year of birth is clearly mentioned in Aryabhatiya, exact location of his place of birth remains a matter of contention amongst the scholars. Some believe he was born in the region lying between Narmada and Godavari, which was known as Ashmaka and they identify Ashmaka with central India; while other texts describe the Ashmakas as having fought Alexander, which would put them further north.

Aryabhata is the author of several treatises on mathematics and astronomy, some of which are lost. His major work, Aryabhatiya, a compendium of mathematics and astronomy, was extensively referred to in the Indian mathematical literature, and has survived to modern times. The mathematical part of the Aryabhatiya covers arithmetic, algebra, plane trigonometry and spherical trigonometry.

It also contains continued fractions, quadratic equations, sums of power series and a table of sines. The Arya-siddhanta, a lost work on astronomical computations, is known through the writings of Aryabhata's contemporary Varahamihira, as well as through later mathematicians and commentators including Brahmagupta and Bhaskara.

This work appears to be based on the older Surya Siddhanta, and uses the midnight-day-reckoning, as opposed to sunrise in Aryabhatiya. This also contained a description of several astronomical instruments, the gnomon (shanku-yantra), a shadow instrument (chhaya-yantra), possibly angle-measuring devices, semi-circle and circle shaped (dhanur-yantra / chakra-yantra), a cylindrical stick yasti-yantra, an umbrella-shaped device called chhatra-yantra, and water clocks of at least two types, bow-shaped and cylindrical.

A third text that may have survived in Arabic translation is the Al ntf or Al-nanf, which claims to be a translation of Aryabhata, but the Sanskrit name of this work is not known. Probably dating from the ninth b.c., it is mentioned by the Persian scholar and chronicler of India, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni.

Aryabhata's work was of great influence in the Indian astronomical tradition, and influenced several neighbouring cultures through translations. Aryabhata's astronomical calculation methods were also very influential.

(All info and picture taken from net)*

Relationship Between Employer & Employee

2009-07-23T08:37:00.003+05:30

*pics from net

Aircel Innovation

2009-07-21T09:18:00.002+05:30

Aircel Mumbai has come up with a lovely 'Ad' this rainy season. The sign board up there, says: "In Case of Emergency! Cut Rope" and it started raining like mad in mumbai as usual.

The Aircel team was in full swing, helping the commuters and it was published with photographs by all the leading news papers in Mumbai.
Good Job Aircel! (And of course clever thinking too, at times of crisis ;-))

God likes the winner, yet loves the loser!

2009-07-20T08:39:00.008+05:30

This is a case of photographer photographs photographer. The following photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The descriptions are his own. The identity of the photographer IN the photos is unknown.

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock in the Grand Canyon.
The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.

Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod I asked myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not taking that sunset picture on that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?

This is the point of no return

After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available)
and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes. At that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals...The canyon's depth is 900 meters here..

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep
and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.

We've come to the end of this little story. Look carefully at the photographer..
He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand.
Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.

He lands low on this flip flops both his right hand and right foot slips away...
At that moment I take this shot.

He pushes his body against the rock.
He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

"Impossible is Nothing"
Life is a game. God likes the winner, loves the loser but, hates the viewer. So, be the player.

Note: There are many stories circulating in the net, that there is a shelf in between the two rocks, maybe around 20-25 feet down, which is not visible in these shots (though de Vorst came to know about the shelf later). But even then, a slip from the sledge would cost him his life for sure.

"Not My Job" :)

2009-07-15T19:48:00.003+05:30

The best "Not My Job" award this year goes to that picture!!! lol

Not sure who clicked this. Got it through a forwarded mail. But it is a very funny yet serious snap that throws light to the attitude of a few who never go beyond their 'limits'. ;-)

Goa trip

2009-07-07T14:08:00.034+05:30

Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area, located on the west coast of India with the Arabian Sea as its western coast. Panaji or Panjim is the state capital and Konkani the official language, though English is widely used here, than any other state in India.

Goa is very rich in bio-diversity, lovely beeches and a multi-cultural society which is totally different from any other state.

This is our team and we had this tour last year. Fl: Justin, Jana, Pat, Naga and Julian
Note: Whenever you come across a good picture here, don't think twice. Of course! it is taken by our awesome lens man and South Korean Manager, Justin :)

Beach side hotel - Miramar Residency Hotel where we stayed

At Miramar Residency Hotel restaurant at the end of the day!

A lovely scenery on the way......

The Portuguese under Vasco Da Gama first landed in Calicut (KERALA) in 1498, and had their major presence in trade in the initial stages, and slowly started influencing in the administrative level in many regions of Kerala and it continued for about 160 years. This had in fact, changed the cultural, socio-economic face of Kerala and they had extended their presence in many parts of India and finally made Goa their Head Quarters

These wonderful Portuguese style Villas are seen all the way on both sides of the road
(And this pic is not taken by any of us)

Many historic places around Goa, like the city of Margao still exhibit the influence of Portuguese culture. The Portuguese first landed in Goa with the intention of Trade, in the early 16th century, and later conquered it.

Fontainhas is a protected area in Panjim for its old architecture. People living in the houses can only renovate the insides - the outside look has to be left as it is.

Roman Catholicism reached Goa during the period of European colonization, and with the establishment of Goa Inquisition in 1560, by the Portuguese, a major portion of the Goan population 'became'(can also read 'converted') Roman Catholic and they are the majority in Goan population.

The Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the then ruling king of Goa, in 1510, with the help of a local ally, which led to the permanent settlement in Goa. The Portuguese ruled Goa for about 450 years, until it was took over by India in the year 1961.
In between the Portuguese had fight with the British in 1800’s for possession of territory and power as well.

The splendid Holy Spirit Church in Goa

Goa is very famous for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage structures and architecture all around Goa
A few centuries old festival, the Goan Carnival, is a must see and the largest tourist attraction. And the New Year’s celebration in Goa is the best in the country.
Old Goa is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its magnificent buildings and churches

The magnificent Se Cathedral Constructed in 1562 and art gallery

The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a local ruler, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Constructed in 1562, it originally had two towers, and one caved in 1776 and was never recreated.Many churches were constructed on the sites where century old temples existed!

The well-crafted and amazing interiors of the church

Basilica of Bom Jesus - This marvelous World Heritage Monument was constructed in 1594

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Old Goa, holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
It is said that the body of Francis Xavier was as clean and fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint still draw a huge number of devotees, both Christian and non-Christian alike, from across the world.

The body of St Francis Xavier died on 3rd December 1552; kept inside the Church

His body is kept for public viewing every 10 years; the last being held in 2004. Though it is kept in a well decorated coffer, it is open to the public everyday. The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country and abroad as well.

Murals of Goa - Art work inside Basilica of Bom Jesus

The interiors

Shri Mangueshi Temple, Goa built in 1543

Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva is a 400-year-old structure which stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant architecture. This temple actually had its origins in another village which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543 and was not in this form. The Hindus felt insecured and shifted it to the present location at Mangeshim. But then, by 1764 the Portuguese captured this present location as well, though by now, the initial religious zeal was not there and it remained untouched as the Portuguese had refined and become more 'tolerant'

Shantadurga temple built in 1728

Like Shri Mangesh temple, the original site of Sri Shantadurga temple is also not the present location. To avoid the increasing Portuguese missionary activities in Goa, the Hindus were afraid for the safety of the temples and idols. Hence, on a moonless night, leaving their homes and hearths crossed over the Zuari River to a safer region..

Our team in front of The Sahakari Spice Farm Fl; Pat, Naresh, Naga, Julian, me and Jana

A place for relaxation under the dense forest cover, an aroma of a variety of genuine spices coming from the trees grown around the farm, lots of knowledge, guidance on the tupe of species and treatment for various diseases, sumtuous lunch in traditional Goan style, and other modes of entertainment, all this and more to add to a cherishable day at Sahakari Spice Farm.

A small wooden bridge inside the farm

Pouring Medicine water on Justin's back

Naresh, Me, Julian and Naga

Back Home :)

Jog Falls

2009-07-02T09:24:00.016+05:30

Jog Falls flowing with all its proud

The pride of Karnataka, Jog falls(829ft) is in Shimoga district (around 380km from Bangalore) is the highest plunge waterfall in India. It is a great tourist attraction and a must see place. Never miss this majestic falls whenever in Bangalore (Karnataka).

(This awesome snap is taken by our South Korean Manager Mr Justin who was here last year. All of us were in deep sleep, about 5 o'clock early in the morning, after a great booze the night before. As planned earlier(though i forgot), suddenly Justin wake me up to get ready for the photo shoot-out. He is an awesome lens man with a great sense of angle. we both went to this place and he shot this wonderful early morning snap. )

A 360 degree shot taken by Justin

On the way to Jog falls
(I have already mentioned about this falls in an earlier post)

A beautiful forest route and shops like these are seen once in a while to quench our thirst!

Team: Our CTO Mr Naresh, my colleague Naga and our Korean managers Justin and Julian
(We had this trip last year from office)

Dats me having a nice 'shower' ;-)

This was a bit scary stuff. But then, the boatman convinced that the boat is strong enough for 5 people and we rowed for about 30 minutes
Naresh, Dhananjay, Naga, Boatman, Julian and me

Julian meditating :)

A break in the middle

Naresh and Dananjay on a crazy act! (seriously that was crazy)

Resting!

Another view

In Search of Fragrance

2009-06-25T19:19:00.008+05:30

They are born and there starts their search for the fragrance
They search for this fragrance every day.
They don’t know where it comes from but the scent is so irresistibly pleasant that they continue to seek the source all day.
Sadly they all do this, throughout their life and till that day they say bye
They all depart this world, without knowing the cause and root where this fragrance originates from.

They are called Musk Deer or otherwise called Kasturi Mrug found in the Himalayas. The pleasant fragrance is nothing but a god-gifted scent called Kasturi that emanates from its own belly, which they do not know their entire life. Oh God! What a sad state!

Searching something outside when it is there within……
(And yes, they are mentioned in many literary classics with a philosophical tinge about mankind in search of god)

Now a few facts and figures

Geographically, it formerly existed throughout the entire Himalayan upper forest region, and was found in the scrub level between 2,200m and 4,300m

Sadly the Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) is fast vanishing from the Himalayas.

About 4,000 adult male deer are killed annually, due to their high demand in the international market

The musk is used for medicine purposes

Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine rate musk as a stimulant and sedative

Traditionally the musk is used for medicine purposes, though a very little musk is used for the same in the global era. It has been estimated that more than 80 artificial musks figure in the global market.

The Himalayan musk deer is likely to disappear forever, because the demand for musk deer is high in the international market, particularly in Japan and the price of a musk is US dollar 5,000 per kilo

Trade-wise, Japan, more than any other nation, has the dubious distinction of accelerating the likely extinction of the Himalayan musk deer.

Regret that poaching and smuggling of musk are unchecked and uncontrolled in this region!

A Better Tomorrow

2009-06-22T12:32:00.003+05:30

A wonderful video sent to me by a friend. By thinking positive, our entire life can make a difference in the right direction and in everything we say and do.....Positive thoughts make positive changes in one and thereby see a positive change in the world; and to make the world a better place. And this VDO shows the sensible face of Will which many of us are not aware of.

How to make Puttu (Steamed Rice Flour Cake) ?

2009-06-19T08:16:00.007+05:30

Puttu is a very tasty and tummy filling breakfast from Kerala. Made out of rice flour, it is cooked with the help of a Puttu maker. Puttu maker is a steamer which is cylindrical in shape. Instant puttu mix is also available these days. The more the coconut is used the more tastier. Puttu goes well with kadala curry as its side dish.

Raw Rice : 2 cups
Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup
Elachi powder/ cardamom powder : 1 tsp
sugar : 1/4 cup ( according to your sweet level)
salt : 2 tsp
water : To sprinkle

1.Soak the rice for three hours.
And leave it in a strainer and let it drain or if u have a thin cloth spread the rice in it or spread it in a plate.
3.When it’s dry grind them in a mixer to get fine flour.
4.Heat the powder in a pan for 5 minutes and keep stirring it while it’s heating.
5.Cool the fried powder.
6.Now add salt in some boiled water.
7.Sprinkle this water into the rice powder and gently fold the rice (don’t add lots of water).
8.Make sure the rice is in powder form and not in dough .
9.Now steam the rice flour in idli cooker ( put a thin muslin cloth in the idli cooker plate and put the rice flour in it).or you can use puttumaker instead of idli plates.
10.After that its done remove from heat and transfer it to a bowl.
11.Add sugar, shredded coconut and elachi/cardamom powder and mix it well.
12.Now!!! Get ready to gulp;)…….Serve it hot……

Serve with Kadala curry, Pappad, Cooked green gram, Banana and Sugar (and in the above picture, it is payaru curry and not kadala curry)
Enjoy ;-)

This is for lunch ;-)

The Veins

2009-06-11T18:50:00.011+05:30

They are not just the 'veins' of papaya leafs, but of mother earth too. And hence, the clean sky high above and pure air all around...

The smiling rose

'Bug'ing a jackfruit

Wells were 'signs of wellness' a few years back(and fortunately even today in many places) and new kids in the block see a well only when they open their text book to read 'Jack and Jill' rhyme

My old cycle in the backyard still standing tall ;-)

Can u see a lamp somewhere there ??

Under the shade of.....

This is called Elephant lamp; made out of bronze, a pretty old 'treasure' which Ma preserves :)

Vedic Perspective On The Environment - by K.N.Sharma

2009-06-09T09:52:00.005+05:30

The World Environment Day theme this year exhorts people to help combat climate change for our collective survival. It is interesting to know that the ancient Vedas have several references in them on environmental protection, ecological balance, weather cycles, rainfall phenomena, hydrologic cycle, and related subjects that directly indicate the high level of awareness of the seers and people of that time.

Ancient treasures of vast knowledge reveal a full cognizance of the undesirable effects of environmental degradation, whether caused by natural factors or human activities. The protection of the environment was understood to be closely related to the protection of the dyaus or heavens and prithvi or earth. Between these two lies the atmosphere and the environment that we refer to as the paryavaran. Many of the Rig Vedic hymns therefore vividly describe the Dyava Prithvi – that is, they describe Heaven and Earth together.

The Rig Veda venerates deities like Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Maruts and Aditya, that are responsible for maintaining the requisite balance in the functioning of all entities of Nature whether the mountains, lakes, heaven and earth, the forests or the waters. Seers recognised that changes caused due to indiscreet human activities could result in imbalances in seasons, rainfall patterns, crops and atmosphere and degrade the quality of water, air, and earth resources.

There are many hymns seeking the blessings of the five basic gross elements or the pancha mahabhoota of Nature: akashor firmament, vayu or air, agni, tejas or fire, apah or water, and prithvi or earth. People were careful to refrain from activities that could cause harm to Nature’s bounties. It was understood that the wellbeing of Mother Earth depended on the preservation and sustenance of the environment. For any inadvertent action leading to earth’s excessive exploitation the seers prayed for forgiveness – “Whatever I dig from thee, O Earth, may that have quick recovery again. O purifier, may we not injure thy vitals or thy heart”. The seers of Rig Veda speak on behalf of earth for its principle of replenishment – “You give me and I give you”.

The Rig Veda makes a clear reference to the presence of a protective layer – which we know now to be the ozone layer – that filters the harmful rays of the sun and protects the earth and praises the radiation that enters the atmosphere that is responsible for the health of the environment. In a hymn of the Rig Veda the seer prays to the Ashvins for their indulgence for protection against any excessive solar flares that also affect earth’s temperature.

All four major Vedas – the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva Vedas – recognise the importance of maintenance of the seasons’ cycles that are likely to get altered due to the climate change owing to inappropriate human actions. It is remarkable that the people in Vedic times regarded Nature and the environment in a holistic manner and revered each of its constituents and entities by carefully preserving them. “Do not harm the environment; do not harm the water and the flora; earth is my mother, I am her son; may the waters remain fresh, do not harm the waters… Tranquillity be to the atmosphere, to the earth, to the waters, to the crops and vegetation.” This Vedic prayer invokes divine intervention to bless and protect the environment.

By K N Sharma

A beautiful article by K.N.Sharma which is published by TOI.

As usual, TOI continues their success story in finding out the gems for their Editorial contents. Kudos to both TOI and K.N.Sharma

The Path

2009-06-03T09:25:00.002+05:30

The Trinity of Carnatic Music

2009-05-25T17:28:00.008+05:30

The Trinity of Carnatic Music

Muthuswami Dikshitar
Thyagaraja Swamikal
Syama Sastry

Great contemporary musicians born in 1700's and great composers of huge volumes of devotional compositions in Carnatic Music, the classical south Indian music.

The Majestic

They say: Two Parallel lines do not intersect

The Waiting boats on the river bank

The tied wings of Symbol of Peace!

Sketches by Ma - Part II

2009-05-22T09:29:00.007+05:30

The_Morning_Fortune

The_Dancing_Flowers

Four_Lamps_Protecting_The_Core_
from_Surrounded_Outlanders

Four_Lotus_And_Stem

Thank You
Nara
Bangalorea2z

Sketches by Ma

2009-05-19T08:29:00.011+05:30

These are sketches done by my mother in white paper.
I took photographs of these sketches, uploaded and added some color and effects to it :-)
(Obviously I did the easiest part ;-) )

Four_Lamps_And_Filled_Pots

Basically this form of art is to decorate courtyards and prayer halls mostly done by women and girls.

Eight_Lamps and_the_Lotus

Rice flour is the only ingredient used in those days and it is religiously followed by Hindus in most parts of India (in northern part of India they call it ‘Rangoli’ and in south ‘Kolam’).

The_InterWoven

Every early morning, after shower, women clear the courtyard with clean water; and do this art work with rice flour.

A_Million_Borders

This has another interesting angle. This rice flour is nothing but, daily food for the insects, bugs and birds which gets attracted by rice flour. The next morning women clear the remains of yesterdays’ and clean as usual.

The_Four_Towers_Surrounded_By_Bugs_And_Lamps

But nowadays, sandstone or limestone powder is used (which in fact don't serve the purpose) instead of rice flour, considering the fact that we have more mouths to feed than in the past ;)