memories
PAYANANGAL MUDIVATHILAI-Journeys Never End.
EPISODE-2-Soodu aana Nei-biscuit rendu ruva-Hot clarified-butter biscuits for two rupees.
No train journey is complete without savouring the various eatables that are available on the local trains. This episode is dedicated to the Nei biscuit.
Made out of clarified butter, sugar and flour it is sometimes flavoured with pineapple essence and baked in a perfect round shape. It is something to be tasted and enjoyed. Some variants include the coconut and choco biscuit. Priced at Rs 2 and sold by placing it in an old newspaper bit, it is a slice of joy for the young as well as the old.
Friday, June 30, 2006
memories
PAYANANGAL MUDIVATHILAI-Journeys Never End.
Travelling in India's public transprt system, be it buses, trains or aeroplanes is the best way to study humanity. I live in a town called Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, which is about 45 kilometres from the state capital Chennai, the erstwhile Madras. Right from my college days to the present while coming to office I commute by the local train or EMU as it is called.
This is the beginning of a series in which I plan to chronicle the different people whom I meet on the train, their stories, the struggles of the hawkers and the persistence of the pestering beggars on the train.
EPISODE-1-They can't see but they struggle......
Hats off.... to this select group of about 50 people which includes both men and women, they are visually-challenged and spend almost 14 hours a day on the train selling various items that include-remote-covers, key-chains, toy mobile-phones for kids, batteries, ball-pens etc... .
I personally know a bunch of lazy people who have no physical handicap, but prefer to stay at home and survive on the earnings of their other family members. When I see them, I often wonder at the tragic-irony of life and wonder what great things these blind people would have achieved if they had normal eye-sight.
Life is a daily struggle for these hawkers. They make about 400 to 500 rupees a day. Of this about 300 rupees goes to the cost of buying the articles, 50 to 60 rupees goes as bribe-money to the R.P.F.(railway-police). At the end they make about 100 to 175 rupees a day.
There are a couple of blind couples too, the man hawks key-chains and batteries while the lady sells pop-corn packets. A struggle indeed. The next time you travel by train by something from these hawkers, it will bring a smile on their face and you will feel happy too.
PAYANANGAL MUDIVATHILAI-Journeys Never End.
Travelling in India's public transprt system, be it buses, trains or aeroplanes is the best way to study humanity. I live in a town called Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, which is about 45 kilometres from the state capital Chennai, the erstwhile Madras. Right from my college days to the present while coming to office I commute by the local train or EMU as it is called.
This is the beginning of a series in which I plan to chronicle the different people whom I meet on the train, their stories, the struggles of the hawkers and the persistence of the pestering beggars on the train.
EPISODE-1-They can't see but they struggle......
Hats off.... to this select group of about 50 people which includes both men and women, they are visually-challenged and spend almost 14 hours a day on the train selling various items that include-remote-covers, key-chains, toy mobile-phones for kids, batteries, ball-pens etc... .
I personally know a bunch of lazy people who have no physical handicap, but prefer to stay at home and survive on the earnings of their other family members. When I see them, I often wonder at the tragic-irony of life and wonder what great things these blind people would have achieved if they had normal eye-sight.
Life is a daily struggle for these hawkers. They make about 400 to 500 rupees a day. Of this about 300 rupees goes to the cost of buying the articles, 50 to 60 rupees goes as bribe-money to the R.P.F.(railway-police). At the end they make about 100 to 175 rupees a day.
There are a couple of blind couples too, the man hawks key-chains and batteries while the lady sells pop-corn packets. A struggle indeed. The next time you travel by train by something from these hawkers, it will bring a smile on their face and you will feel happy too.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
memories
A Twist in the Temple's Tale
The Sabarimala Temple authorities and the Travancore Devaswom Board members are in the eye of a storm, after the confession of Kannada actress Jayamala that she entered the sanctum-sanctorum and touched the feet of the deity.
Why the Fuss?
Lord Ayappa is a brahmachari. Women only above the age of 60 or girls who have not reached puberty are allowed to visit the temple. So this startling relevation means that "punyajanam" special purification ceremonies will have to be performed to restore the holiness and purity of the temple.
Prasnam-The namboodiri's prediction and discovery.
Unnikrishna Panicker, an astrologer announced that the sanctity of the inner sanctorum had been breached by a young woman.
This report was published in a newspaper, and Jayamala immediately confirmed the report by saying that she had visited the temple 20 years ago. She was pushed by the crowd and she unwittingly touched the feet of the deity.
What the officials say?
The officials refute the claim saying that it is impossible for a woman to enter the temple let alone the inner sanctum as the security is very strict.
What is going to happen?
A judicial probe is most likely to be ordered by the Kerala government and some people are going to be ashamed if the reports are confirmed and may have to do a lot of explaining to the administration and the devotees.
A Twist in the Temple's Tale
The Sabarimala Temple authorities and the Travancore Devaswom Board members are in the eye of a storm, after the confession of Kannada actress Jayamala that she entered the sanctum-sanctorum and touched the feet of the deity.
Why the Fuss?
Lord Ayappa is a brahmachari. Women only above the age of 60 or girls who have not reached puberty are allowed to visit the temple. So this startling relevation means that "punyajanam" special purification ceremonies will have to be performed to restore the holiness and purity of the temple.
Prasnam-The namboodiri's prediction and discovery.
Unnikrishna Panicker, an astrologer announced that the sanctity of the inner sanctorum had been breached by a young woman.
This report was published in a newspaper, and Jayamala immediately confirmed the report by saying that she had visited the temple 20 years ago. She was pushed by the crowd and she unwittingly touched the feet of the deity.
What the officials say?
The officials refute the claim saying that it is impossible for a woman to enter the temple let alone the inner sanctum as the security is very strict.
What is going to happen?
A judicial probe is most likely to be ordered by the Kerala government and some people are going to be ashamed if the reports are confirmed and may have to do a lot of explaining to the administration and the devotees.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
memories
INDIA'S CARIBBEAN CALYPSO
This seems to be a series loaded with controversies. The Lara-Dhoni episode shocked cricket lovers. The third test saw very poor umpiring and the Indians were denied many good appeals for lbw.
The test ended in a draw like the previous two tests.
Scores-West Indies-581 and 172/6 declared.
India-362 and 298/4.
Laxman got a century in the first innings and 63 in the second and Sehwag scored a quickfire 65 in the second innings.
Darren Ganga was declared the man-of-the-match for his batting performance.
INDIA'S CARIBBEAN CALYPSO
This seems to be a series loaded with controversies. The Lara-Dhoni episode shocked cricket lovers. The third test saw very poor umpiring and the Indians were denied many good appeals for lbw.
The test ended in a draw like the previous two tests.
Scores-West Indies-581 and 172/6 declared.
India-362 and 298/4.
Laxman got a century in the first innings and 63 in the second and Sehwag scored a quickfire 65 in the second innings.
Darren Ganga was declared the man-of-the-match for his batting performance.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
memories
ORU AAL MAATHRAM (ONE MAN ALONE)
Mammooty was bold enough to take Bollywood by it's throat at the IIFA Awards ceremony. He stood his ground and criticised the Bollywood film fraternity for not giving South-Indian films their due regard. He said that the IIFA Awards just represented and rewarded Hindi cinema and there was no logic in calling it the International Indian Film Awards.
Three cheers for Mammookka for his grit and courage to speak the truth. Hope the narrow minds of Bollywood open their minds to the gems of the South.
ORU AAL MAATHRAM (ONE MAN ALONE)
Mammooty was bold enough to take Bollywood by it's throat at the IIFA Awards ceremony. He stood his ground and criticised the Bollywood film fraternity for not giving South-Indian films their due regard. He said that the IIFA Awards just represented and rewarded Hindi cinema and there was no logic in calling it the International Indian Film Awards.
Three cheers for Mammookka for his grit and courage to speak the truth. Hope the narrow minds of Bollywood open their minds to the gems of the South.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
memories
CRICKET CONTROVERSIES
Cricket is called "a gentleman's game", but it has had its fair share of controversies-match-fixing, sledging, racial discrimination, misappropriation of funds etc... . In the recently concluded first test match between India and the West Indies at Antigua, something really ugly happened.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Dhoni was going all hammer and tongs at the West Indies bowlers and smashing the red-cherry to all corners of the park. He hit six sixes and four fours in his total of 69. He hit a ball of Dave Mohammed which was caught on the boundary by Darren Ganga. It appeared that the fielder had touched the boundary rope when taking the catch. The decision was referred to the third umpire who could not give a concrete answer. The decision was made in favour of the batsman and it appeared that Dhoni would continue his blitzkrieg. Lara suddenly grabbed the ball from umpire rauf's hand almost walked off the field. Then he spoke to Dhoni and assured that his fielder had taken a clean catch. Things were heating up, when Mr.Cool Dravid declared the Indian innings and the issue ended.
Now we hear that the match refree has fined Sehwag for excessive appealing. My query is if you fine a player for excessive appealing, what do you do to a captain who behaves rudely with the umpires and the opposite team's players. It seems that the Indian players are once again being unjustly punished by the I.C.C. officials. This is not in the true spirit of the game and will spoil the image of free and fair cricket.
CRICKET CONTROVERSIES
Cricket is called "a gentleman's game", but it has had its fair share of controversies-match-fixing, sledging, racial discrimination, misappropriation of funds etc... . In the recently concluded first test match between India and the West Indies at Antigua, something really ugly happened.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Dhoni was going all hammer and tongs at the West Indies bowlers and smashing the red-cherry to all corners of the park. He hit six sixes and four fours in his total of 69. He hit a ball of Dave Mohammed which was caught on the boundary by Darren Ganga. It appeared that the fielder had touched the boundary rope when taking the catch. The decision was referred to the third umpire who could not give a concrete answer. The decision was made in favour of the batsman and it appeared that Dhoni would continue his blitzkrieg. Lara suddenly grabbed the ball from umpire rauf's hand almost walked off the field. Then he spoke to Dhoni and assured that his fielder had taken a clean catch. Things were heating up, when Mr.Cool Dravid declared the Indian innings and the issue ended.
Now we hear that the match refree has fined Sehwag for excessive appealing. My query is if you fine a player for excessive appealing, what do you do to a captain who behaves rudely with the umpires and the opposite team's players. It seems that the Indian players are once again being unjustly punished by the I.C.C. officials. This is not in the true spirit of the game and will spoil the image of free and fair cricket.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
memories
LALETTAN STRIKES GOLD WITH VADAKKUMNATHAN
Mohanlal's long awaited movie Vadakkumnathan(The Lord of the North-Shiva) is turning out to be a superhit with the ladies and children loving his onscreen antics.
The movie is scripted by lyricist Girish Puthencherry and is evidently inspired by the Russell Crowe starrer "A Beautiful Mind."
Mohanlal plays the role of a brilliant Sanskrit professor-Bharath Pisharody. He runs away from his house on the eve of his wedding. No one understands the cause for this as he was to marry his childhood sweetheart Meera played by Padmapriya.
Years pass and he is presumed to be dead. His mother and brother visit Haridwar to perform his last rites. Lo and behold he is there and he is taken home. Why did he run? What happenned to him? Does he marry Meera?
Watch the movie to get the answers for these questions.
It is a hatrick for Lalettan with Thanmatra, Rasatanthram and Vadakkumnathan.
Hope his form continues and his Onam release Mahasamudhram and July bilingual release Aran/Keerthichakra are big hits.
LALETTAN STRIKES GOLD WITH VADAKKUMNATHAN
Mohanlal's long awaited movie Vadakkumnathan(The Lord of the North-Shiva) is turning out to be a superhit with the ladies and children loving his onscreen antics.
The movie is scripted by lyricist Girish Puthencherry and is evidently inspired by the Russell Crowe starrer "A Beautiful Mind."
Mohanlal plays the role of a brilliant Sanskrit professor-Bharath Pisharody. He runs away from his house on the eve of his wedding. No one understands the cause for this as he was to marry his childhood sweetheart Meera played by Padmapriya.
Years pass and he is presumed to be dead. His mother and brother visit Haridwar to perform his last rites. Lo and behold he is there and he is taken home. Why did he run? What happenned to him? Does he marry Meera?
Watch the movie to get the answers for these questions.
It is a hatrick for Lalettan with Thanmatra, Rasatanthram and Vadakkumnathan.
Hope his form continues and his Onam release Mahasamudhram and July bilingual release Aran/Keerthichakra are big hits.
memories
THE DA VINCI CODE AND PETTY POLITICS
The Tamil Nadu government dropped a bombshell on all movie-lovers early in the morning today. The 8 A.M. news on Sun T.V. proudly proclaimed the ban on the English and Tamil versions of The Da Vinci Code which was due for release on June 2.
It is really funny to note that primarily Catholic countries like Poland have raised no hue and cry over the release of this movie.
At a time when even mainstream cinema is full of sex, violence and dialogues with double entendres, it is a ridiculous on the part of the government to ban one of the most eagerly awaited movies of the year.
It is a bit funny when you notice that the government has taken no steps to ban movies of Shakeela and other porn queens, but it feels that Ron Howard's movie will corrupt the public especially the youth.
Mr. Karunanidhi is a shrewd politician and in an effort to save his Christian vote bank, he is playing to the galleries and has been instrumental in banning the movie.
Guys an afterthought-
DVDs of the movies are available for less than 100 bucks in various parts of the city. So watch the movie in your house.
Cheers.
THE DA VINCI CODE AND PETTY POLITICS
The Tamil Nadu government dropped a bombshell on all movie-lovers early in the morning today. The 8 A.M. news on Sun T.V. proudly proclaimed the ban on the English and Tamil versions of The Da Vinci Code which was due for release on June 2.
It is really funny to note that primarily Catholic countries like Poland have raised no hue and cry over the release of this movie.
At a time when even mainstream cinema is full of sex, violence and dialogues with double entendres, it is a ridiculous on the part of the government to ban one of the most eagerly awaited movies of the year.
It is a bit funny when you notice that the government has taken no steps to ban movies of Shakeela and other porn queens, but it feels that Ron Howard's movie will corrupt the public especially the youth.
Mr. Karunanidhi is a shrewd politician and in an effort to save his Christian vote bank, he is playing to the galleries and has been instrumental in banning the movie.
Guys an afterthought-
DVDs of the movies are available for less than 100 bucks in various parts of the city. So watch the movie in your house.
Cheers.
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