ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്റിവല്‍ - മൊബൈല്‍ ഫോണ്‍ ഫോട്ടോ മല്‍സരത്തില്‍ നിന്ന്

Satiyana Rangeela - a memorable performance by Mame Khan Manganiyar at KSC Abu Dhabi

A group of Rajasthani performers captivated the audience at the inaugural day of the 3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival held at Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi on 26th February 2009. The programme titled Satyana Rangeela was really marvellous.







The programme was presented by Sri Mame Khan Manganiyar and the style of music is called Manganiyar music.

Mame Khan Manganiyar has been born in a small village named Satto, situated close
to the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Since his early childhood his father Rana Khan,
who was a great singer and of the Manganiyar community, was his teacher and
source of inspiration. From him he learned a wide range of traditional folk songs
and Sufi music. These songs belong to the history of the Manganiyars since generations.

To enable him to develop his musical skills he got at the age of 12 a sponsorship
from the CCRT -Centre For Resources And Training, New Delhi-. A growing
number of concerts all over India is the result of years of rehearsal. He was invited
to play on many occasions for example in Mumbai, Delhi, Madras, Kerala, Bangalore,
Calcutta, Ahmadabad and many cities more.

Coming from a small village, it was a great step for his professional life to play in the USA first time in 1999. Since that time he is performing his music on the stages all over the world and fascinates the audience with his outstanding performance and unique voice. The numerous journeys to Europe, USA, Canada, Asia and
the Gulf Countries gave Mame Khan the opportunity to establish many

successful fusion projects in order to keep his old tradition alive in new ways.

Sri Mame Khan can be contacted on mamekhan@hotmail.com, mame_khan@yahoo.co.in
Their website is : www.mamekhan.npage.de
Mobile: 00 91 98 29 725 721

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival 26th February to 7th March 2009, Abu Dhabi

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival organized by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi started yesterday evening with a grand opening. The festival will be held from 26th February till 7th March 2009.

Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi








More videos and photo uploads follows:

Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech



Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers







Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi




Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech



Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function



Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival 26th February to 7th March 2009, Abu Dhabi

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival organized by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi started yesterday evening with a grand opening. The festival will be held from 26th February till 7th March 2009.

Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi








More videos and photo uploads follows:

Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech



Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers







Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi




Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech



Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function



Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function

ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്ടിവലിന് തുടക്കമായി

മൂന്നാമത് ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്ടിവലിന് ഇന്നലെ അബുദാബി കെ എസ് സി യില്‍ ഗംഭീര തുടക്കം. ആദ്യ ദിവസ്സത്തെ ഉത്ഘാടന പരിപാടികളില്‍ നിന്ന് ഏതാനും ചില അംശങ്ങള്‍








മൂന്നാമത് ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്ടിവലിന് ഇന്നലെ അബുദാബി കെ എസ് സി യില്‍ ഗംഭീര തുടക്കം. ആദ്യ ദിവസ്സത്തെ ഉത്ഘാടന പരിപാടികളില്‍ നിന്ന് ഏതാനും ചില അംശങ്ങള്‍

More videos and photo uploads follows:

Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech



Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers







Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi




Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech



Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function



Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function

ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്റ്റിവല്‍ അബുദാബിയില്‍

ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് കല്ച്ചരല്‍ ഫെസ്റ്റിവല്‍ അബുദാബിയില്‍

ഇന്‍ഡോ അറബ് മൊബൈല്‍ ഫോണ്‍ ഫോട്ടോഗ്രാഫി മത്സരം

Amrita TV Super Talent - Peter from Cochin on Mouth Organ

Amrita TV Super Talent - Peter from Cochin


Mr. Peter (Peter chettan as we can affectionately call him) was one of the contestants in the 2nd round of Amrita TVs Super Talent reality show. Opting to perform using a mouth organ, he did present an excellent effort considering his age, limited opportunities, and shows he has presented. At the end, he also proved that Talents could not be tied down, whatever be the circumstances, there will be an opportunity one fine day, somewhere destined for a talented artist who keeps on practising and nurturing his / her skills. I always call it "Playing in the mind" and this is one example of such a talent. Not worried about his exit, as he stated, and now that he has become one of the available SUPER TALENTS, may his creative skills improve with each opportunity he gets from now on. As one of the judge Sri Mukesh rightly said, this is also an opportunity for the instrument "Mouth Organ" to come into spot light once again and may this exhibition of talent and skill bring out many artists, irrespective of their age to learn, practise and promote this handy instrument.

Maha Shivarathri - the Universal Pati-Patni Day

Today is Maha Shivratri.

These days, we blindly follow several different types of days, for eg: Valentines day, mothers day, fathers day, friendship day, no-smoking day and the list goes on and on. When we look at it Shivarathri is the truly traditional family day or pati-patni day, as I term it. Because, from the ancient times, devoted wife's pray and observe fast on this day for the well being of their husband and children and vice-versa, husband's observe religious rituals and prayers like chanting Rudram and chamakam to give grace and prosperity to the well being of own family and the society.

There are many stories associated with Shivaratri and its origins.

One is about lord shiva drinking a poison and he held it in his throat by binding it with a snake. The throat became blue due to the poison (Thus Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha) and Shiva remained unharmed. In another story, it is said that the whole world was once facing destruction and the Goddess Parvati worshiped her husband Shiva to save it. Parvati named the night for the worship of Iswara by mortals Maha-Sivaratri, or the great night of Siva. After creation was complete, Parvati asked Shiva of which rituals pleased him the most. The Lord replied that the 14th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha, is my most favourite day. It is known as Shivaratri. Parvati repeated these words to her friends, from whom the word spread over all creation. Another story is about a hunter. Lubdhaka, a poor tribal man and a devotee of Shiva, once went into the deep forests to collect firewood. At nightfall, he became lost and could not find his way home. In the darkness, Lubdhaka climbed a bel tree, and sought safety and shelter in its branches until dawn. All night, he could hear the growls of tigers and wild animals, and was too frightened to leave the tree. In order to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf at a time from the tree and then dropped it, while chanting the name of Shiva. By sunrise, he had dropped thousands of leaves on to a Shiva lingam, which he had not seen in the darkness. Lubdhaka's all-night worship pleased Shiva. By the grace of Shiva the tigers and wild animals went away, and Lubdhaka not only survived but was rewarded with 'divine bliss'.

While most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivratri is celebrated during the night and day that come just before the new moon. Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but Mahashivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the 'Tandav', his cosmic dance. It also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati, the mother divine. Night represents evil, injustice, ignorance, sin, violence, and misfortune. Tradition says that Shiva, like his symbol the new moon, appeared in order to save the world from darkness and ignorance, before the world entered complete darkness. Those who observe the Mahashivratri fast only break their fast the next morning, and eat the prasad offered to Shiva. Young girls observe the fast and worship Shiva so that he may bless them with good husbands. They sing devotional songs in praise of the lord, and holy texts are chanted throughout the night. The pandits in the temples perform the puja according to the scriptures. This is done four times during the night.

Dedication:

On this auspicious day, I would like to dedicate to our global forum a painting named Shivasakthi. It is also a dedication to all the loving mother's, wife's and sisters and also to all our fellow brothers for keeping our tradition and values always high, wherever we are.

I would like to also add a few words about this painting. This is created purely using powerpoint tools and it was done as a result of a few minutes of quite time at a small temple near REC Chathamangalam, Calicut. On that particular monsoon evening (somewhere in 1995), it happened to be that there was no power in that area, and the darshan of the deity at the time during deeparadhana created an everlasting memory in my mind. The decoration of the Devi idol, simple and small, by the melshanti (priest) was simply superb. I added to it a similar devotion at another temple, which is Avittathur Mahadeva temple. And the result is this creation – Shivasakthi.
At both these places, the time available by the melshanthis to decorate the idols during the time the sanctum sanctorum closed for pooja, is barely 10 minutes or so. And imagine yourself the result when the doors are opened. It is the epitomisation of the ultimate sraddha, the dedication and devotion to provide us a blissful presence. Can you imagine them practising this art somewhere else? Or re-doing it, if a little more of water has been added to the chandan and kunkum or bhasmam they mix in order to create these decorations.!!

There are many unsung heroes and these are a few among them. And it is also my way of tribute to the many who remain within the four walls of our own religious boundaries, who do not get to watch or listen to any of the niceties which we are blessed with.

No one has the patience these days, and to add ease to it, we have a wonderful creation called remote control. It makes things easy for our wandering minds to switch from one programme to another and to refrain from keeping focussed on one. We undergo severe rituals and follow procedures for many days and ultimately visit our favourite temples and the moment we are in front of the deity, we close our eyes and fall into deep prayers. At this moment, we go back to the old thoughts, photos etc, forgetting about the opportunity to meet the real lord who is in front of us in full – paadadi kesham. And we are pushed away for someone else to do his minutes or seconds of closed eye prayers. The moment you close your eyes, you forget your objectives. So, open your eyes, look at the realities, and react to it. As the prayer song "Geet nahi, Sur nahi, phir bhi mem gavoom", in this spiritual sphere of mental peace and inner joy, the responsibility for success or failure is entirely one's own.

God bless and have a great time blogging.

Ramesh Menon
23022009

Maha Shivarathri - the Universal Pati-Patni Day

Today is Maha Shivratri.

These days, we blindly follow several different types of days, for eg: Valentines day, mothers day, fathers day, friendship day, no-smoking day and the list goes on and on. When we look at it Shivarathri is the truly traditional family day or pati-patni day, as I term it. Because, from the ancient times, devoted wife's pray and observe fast on this day for the well being of their husband and children and vice-versa, husband's observe religious rituals and prayers like chanting Rudram and chamakam to give grace and prosperity to the well being of own family and the society.

There are many stories associated with Shivaratri and its origins.

One is about lord shiva drinking a poison and he held it in his throat by binding it with a snake. The throat became blue due to the poison (Thus Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha) and Shiva remained unharmed. In another story, it is said that the whole world was once facing destruction and the Goddess Parvati worshiped her husband Shiva to save it. Parvati named the night for the worship of Iswara by mortals Maha-Sivaratri, or the great night of Siva. After creation was complete, Parvati asked Shiva of which rituals pleased him the most. The Lord replied that the 14th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha, is my most favourite day. It is known as Shivaratri. Parvati repeated these words to her friends, from whom the word spread over all creation. Another story is about a hunter. Lubdhaka, a poor tribal man and a devotee of Shiva, once went into the deep forests to collect firewood. At nightfall, he became lost and could not find his way home. In the darkness, Lubdhaka climbed a bel tree, and sought safety and shelter in its branches until dawn. All night, he could hear the growls of tigers and wild animals, and was too frightened to leave the tree. In order to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf at a time from the tree and then dropped it, while chanting the name of Shiva. By sunrise, he had dropped thousands of leaves on to a Shiva lingam, which he had not seen in the darkness. Lubdhaka's all-night worship pleased Shiva. By the grace of Shiva the tigers and wild animals went away, and Lubdhaka not only survived but was rewarded with 'divine bliss'.

While most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivratri is celebrated during the night and day that come just before the new moon. Each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, but Mahashivratri is especially important because it is the night when he danced the 'Tandav', his cosmic dance. It also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati, the mother divine. Night represents evil, injustice, ignorance, sin, violence, and misfortune. Tradition says that Shiva, like his symbol the new moon, appeared in order to save the world from darkness and ignorance, before the world entered complete darkness. Those who observe the Mahashivratri fast only break their fast the next morning, and eat the prasad offered to Shiva. Young girls observe the fast and worship Shiva so that he may bless them with good husbands. They sing devotional songs in praise of the lord, and holy texts are chanted throughout the night. The pandits in the temples perform the puja according to the scriptures. This is done four times during the night.

Dedication:

On this auspicious day, I would like to dedicate to our global forum a painting named Shivasakthi. It is also a dedication to all the loving mother's, wife's and sisters and also to all our fellow brothers for keeping our tradition and values always high, wherever we are.

I would like to also add a few words about this painting. This is created purely using powerpoint tools and it was done as a result of a few minutes of quite time at a small temple near REC Chathamangalam, Calicut. On that particular monsoon evening (somewhere in 1995), it happened to be that there was no power in that area, and the darshan of the deity at the time during deeparadhana created an everlasting memory in my mind. The decoration of the Devi idol, simple and small, by the melshanti (priest) was simply superb. I added to it a similar devotion at another temple, which is Avittathur Mahadeva temple. And the result is this creation – Shivasakthi.
At both these places, the time available by the melshanthis to decorate the idols during the time the sanctum sanctorum closed for pooja, is barely 10 minutes or so. And imagine yourself the result when the doors are opened. It is the epitomisation of the ultimate sraddha, the dedication and devotion to provide us a blissful presence. Can you imagine them practising this art somewhere else? Or re-doing it, if a little more of water has been added to the chandan and kunkum or bhasmam they mix in order to create these decorations.!!

There are many unsung heroes and these are a few among them. And it is also my way of tribute to the many who remain within the four walls of our own religious boundaries, who do not get to watch or listen to any of the niceties which we are blessed with.

No one has the patience these days, and to add ease to it, we have a wonderful creation called remote control. It makes things easy for our wandering minds to switch from one programme to another and to refrain from keeping focussed on one. We undergo severe rituals and follow procedures for many days and ultimately visit our favourite temples and the moment we are in front of the deity, we close our eyes and fall into deep prayers. At this moment, we go back to the old thoughts, photos etc, forgetting about the opportunity to meet the real lord who is in front of us in full – paadadi kesham. And we are pushed away for someone else to do his minutes or seconds of closed eye prayers. The moment you close your eyes, you forget your objectives. So, open your eyes, look at the realities, and react to it. As the prayer song "Geet nahi, Sur nahi, phir bhi mem gavoom", in this spiritual sphere of mental peace and inner joy, the responsibility for success or failure is entirely one's own.

God bless and have a great time blogging.

Ramesh Menon
23022009

Amrita TV Super Talent - Sreedev S - Mridangam

ഏഴ് സ്വരങ്ങള്‍

ഏഴ് സ്വരങ്ങള്‍
ഉടന്‍ ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു - ഒരു സമ്പൂര്‍ണ സിനിമ നോവല്‍ - ആദ്യമായി ബ്ലോഗിലൂടെ വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലേക്ക് ...... കാത്തിരിക്കൂ കൂടുതല്‍ വിശേഷങ്ങളുമായി ഉടന്‍ വരുന്നു

ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റ്‌ ന്യൂസ്‌ ഇംപാക്ട്‌- സംസ്‌കൃതത്തില്‍ തിളങ്ങിയ ആതിരക്ക്‌ അമേരിക്കയില്‍നിന്നും സ്‌നേഹോപഹാരം

ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റ്‌ ന്യൂസ്‌ ഇംപാക്ട്‌- സംസ്‌കൃതത്തില്‍ തിളങ്ങിയ ആതിരക്ക്‌ അമേരിക്കയില്‍നിന്നും സ്‌നേഹോപഹാരം
Author : - സ്വന്തം ലേഖകന്‍ www.irinjalakuda.com

സംസ്‌കൃതത്തെയും സംഗീതത്തെയും സ്‌നേഹിച്ച പ്രവാസിയുടെ സ്‌നേഹോപഹാരം സ്‌കൂളിലേക്കെത്തിയപ്പോള്‍ ആതിരക്കും അധ്യാപകര്‍ക്കും ആഹ്ലാദത്തിന്റെ അവിസ്‌മരണീയ ദിനമായി. സംസ്ഥാന സ്‌കൂള്‍ കലോത്സവത്തില്‍ സംസ്‌കൃതത്തില്‍ എ ഗ്രേഡോടെ ഒന്നാമതെത്തിയ അവിട്ടത്തൂര്‍ എല്‍.ബി.എസ്‌.എം. സ്‌കൂളിലെ വിദ്യാര്‍ത്ഥിനിയായ ആതിര എ.ആര്‍ നാണ്‌ അമേരിക്കയില്‍നിന്നും പാരിതോഷികവും കത്തും സ്‌കൂളിലെത്തിയത്‌. അമേരിക്കയില്‍ ജോലിചെയ്‌ത്‌ താമസിച്ചുവരുന്ന ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട സ്വദേശിയായ ജോര്‍ജ്ജ്‌ ഡേവീസാണ്‌ സംസ്‌കൃതത്തോടുളള ആതിരയുടെ ആവേശത്തെ അഭിനന്ദിച്ച്‌ പാരിതോഷികമയച്ചത്‌. ആതിരക്ക്‌ കലോത്സവങ്ങളില്‍ ലഭിച്ച വിജയങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ചുളള വാര്‍ത്തകള്‍ ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട ഡോട്ട്‌ കോമിലും അവിട്ടത്തൂര്‍ എല്‍.ബി.എസ്‌.എം. വെബ്‌സൈറ്റിലും ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയിരുന്നു. ചെറുപ്പകാലം മുതലെ സംസ്‌കൃതത്തിലും സംഗീതത്തിലും കമ്പമുണ്ടായിരുന്ന ജോര്‍ജ്ജിന്‌ ഈ വിദ്യാര്‍ത്ഥിനിയെ സംസ്‌കൃത സംഗീതത്തിലെ പ്രതിഭയായി ഉയര്‍ത്തണമെന്ന ആശയമാണ്‌ ഈ അവിസ്‌മരണീയ നിമിഷത്തിന്‌ വഴിയൊരുക്കിയത്‌. സംസ്‌കൃതത്തിലുളള തുടര്‍പഠനങ്ങള്‍ക്കായി ആതിരക്ക്‌ സഹായധനമായി 2000 രൂപയാണ്‌ സ്‌കൂള്‍ പി.ടി.എ.യുടെ വിലാസത്തില്‍ അയച്ചുകൊടുത്തിട്ടുളളത്‌. അവിട്ടത്തൂര്‍ വാരിയത്ത്‌ എ.രവീന്ദ്രന്റെയും ലതയുടെയും മകളാണ്‌ ആതിര.

Ways to relax

Cleaner environment

The other day, I was writing about the effort - continued effort by the Abu Dhabi Municipality service to keep the city surroundings neat and clean. This picture proves it all. Congratulations to all those un-sung heroes who work day and night to make this possible.

Lost Valentine

This was a scene I noticed while walking towards my office on 15th February morning. Surprised to see the gift item on top of the waste bin, I thought myself, either these celebrations have only life this much (one night stand - as they call it) or people here are yet safe from the economic recession happening around. Otherwise, at any normal cost, this prize item will value around AED 50 or above. Walking past, I consoled myself, no this is not a current one, this is an old one thrown, when someone got a new one on this Valentine's Day. For me, love is immortal.

It's OJRA re time at Abu Dhabi

From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it's OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.

It's OJRA re times at Abu Dhabi

From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it's OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.

ഭക്തിയുടെ ഭാവം

ഭക്തിയുടെ ഭാവം

അമ്മ മക്കളോട്‌

മക്കളെ,

അയല്‍വാസികളായി കഴിഞ്ഞ രണ്ടു കൂട്ടുകാരുടെ കഥ മക്കള്‍ അറിഞ്ഞിരിക്കേണ്ടതാണ്‌. രണ്ടുപേരുടെയും വിവാഹം കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ട്‌ എട്ടുപത്തുവര്‍ഷമായെങ്കിലും കുട്ടികള്‍ ഇല്ല. ആ ദുഃഖംമൂലം ആദ്യത്തെയാള്‍ ഈശ്വരനെ വിളിച്ചു പ്രാര്‍ഥിക്കാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി. ഒരു കുട്ടി ജനിക്കാന്‍ ദിവസവും ഈശ്വരനോട്‌ കരഞ്ഞു പ്രാര്‍ഥിക്കും. അങ്ങനെയിരിക്കെ സ്വപ്‌നത്തിലൊരു ദര്‍ശനമുണ്ടായി. ഭഗവാന്‍ സ്വപ്‌നത്തില്‍വന്നുചോദിച്ചു. ''കുട്ടികളുണ്ടായാല്‍ നിനക്ക്‌ തൃപ്‌തിയാവുമോ.'' അയാള്‍ പറഞ്ഞു: ''കുട്ടിയെ കിട്ടിയാല്‍ ഞാന്‍ തൃപ്‌തനാകും.'' ഭഗവാന്‍ അനുഗ്രഹിച്ചിട്ട്‌ മറഞ്ഞു. അധികം നാള്‍ കഴിയുന്നതിനുമുമ്പ്‌ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഭാര്യ ഗര്‍ഭിണിയായി. വലിയ സന്തോഷമായി. പക്ഷേ, പ്രസവിക്കുന്നതുവരെ പുതിയ ആധികളായി. കുട്ടിയ്‌ക്ക്‌ അവയവങ്ങള്‍ എല്ലാം കാണുമോ? ആണായിരിക്കുമോ? പെണ്ണായിരിക്കുമോ? കുട്ടിക്കുവേണ്ടി ഈശ്വരനെ വിളിച്ചു കരഞ്ഞിരുന്ന അയാളുടെ ചിന്തകളില്‍ പിറക്കാന്‍പോകുന്ന കുട്ടി മാത്രമായി, ഈശ്വരചിന്ത മറന്നു.

ഭാര്യ പ്രസവിച്ചു. നല്ല ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള ഒരാണ്‍കുട്ടി. വലിയ സന്തോഷമായി. കുട്ടിക്കുവേണ്ടി പണം സൂക്ഷിച്ചുവെക്കാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി. ജോലിചെയ്‌തും കൈക്കൂലി വാങ്ങിച്ചും കുട്ടിക്ക്‌ സമ്പാദിച്ചു. സ്‌കൂളില്‍ചേര്‍ന്ന്‌ കുട്ടി തിരിച്ചുവരുന്നതുവരെ ആധിയാണ്‌. കുട്ടി വലുതാകുന്തോറും അവന്റെ ദുശ്ശാഠ്യങ്ങളും ദുശ്ശീലങ്ങളും വര്‍ധിച്ചുവന്നു. മാതാപിതാക്കളെ അനുസരിക്കാതെയായി. പഠിത്തത്തില്‍ തീരെ ശ്രദ്ധയില്ലാത്ത അവനെക്കുറിച്ച്‌ ആധി വലുതായി. കോളേജിലെത്തിയതോടെ മദ്യപാനം തുടങ്ങിയ മകന്‍ മാതാപിതാക്കളെവരെ ഉപദ്രവിക്കാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി. മകനെപ്പേടിച്ച്‌ സ്വത്തുവരെ പണയപ്പെടുത്തിയും കടം വാങ്ങിയും അവന്‌ നല്‌കിയ ഈ മാതാപിതാക്കള്‍ മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ മുമ്പില്‍പ്പോലും പരിഹാസ്യരായി. കടംപോലും ആരും നല്‌കാതായി. പണം കിട്ടാതെയായപ്പോള്‍ മകന്‍ അവരെ ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചുപോയി. മകനുവേണ്ടിയാണ്‌ അവര്‍ ജീവിച്ചത്‌. ജീവിതത്തില്‍ ഭൗതികസുഖം മാത്രം ആഗ്രഹിച്ചവരായിരുന്നു ഇവര്‍. എന്നിട്ട്‌ ദുഃഖം മാത്രം ബാക്കിയായി.

ഇദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അയല്‍വാസിയും ഈശ്വരനെ വിളിച്ചു കരഞ്ഞിരുന്നു. പക്ഷേ, കുട്ടിക്കുവേണ്ടി ആയിരുന്നില്ല. ഈശ്വരനുവേണ്ടി ആയിരുന്നു. ''എനിക്ക്‌ കുട്ടികളില്ല. അതിനാല്‍ എല്ലാവരെയും ഈശ്വരന്റെ കുട്ടികളായി കാണാന്‍ എനിക്ക്‌ കഴിയണമേ''-എന്നാണ്‌ അയാള്‍ പ്രാര്‍ഥിച്ചിരുന്നത്‌.
ഈശ്വരന്റെ ഇച്ഛയുണ്ടെങ്കില്‍ കുട്ടി ജനിക്കും. പിന്നെ എന്തിന്‌ അതിനെക്കുറിച്ചോര്‍ത്ത്‌ ദുഃഖിക്കണം. ഈശ്വരനില്‍ ഭക്തിയുണ്ടാവാനാണ്‌ പ്രാര്‍ഥിക്കേണ്ടത്‌. ഇതായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഭാവം. യഥാര്‍ഥ തത്ത്വം മനസ്സിലാക്കിയ ആളായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹം. എന്താണ്‌ ശാശ്വതമായിട്ടുള്ളത്‌. എന്താണ്‌ ജീവിതം. ഇത്‌ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്‌ അറിയാമായിരുന്നു.

ഭഗവദ്‌കഥകള്‍ പറഞ്ഞും ഈശ്വരനാമം ഉരുവിട്ടും കഴിഞ്ഞ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനും ആനന്ദം ലഭിച്ചു. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അടുത്ത്‌ എത്തിയവര്‍ക്കും സന്തോഷമുണ്ടായി. തന്റെ വരുമാനത്തിന്റെ ഒരു ഭാഗം അദ്ദേഹം ധര്‍മപ്രവൃത്തികള്‍ക്ക്‌ ചെലവഴിച്ചു. സ്വന്തം ഭക്തിമൂലം അദ്ദേഹത്തിനും ഒരു കുട്ടിജനിച്ചു. കുട്ടി ജനിച്ചിട്ടും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഭക്തി നിലനിന്നു. കുട്ടി ജനിച്ചതില്‍ അമിതമായി ആനന്ദിച്ചില്ല. സദ്‌കഥകള്‍ കേട്ടും ഭഗവത്‌നാമങ്ങള്‍ ജപിച്ചും വളര്‍ന്ന ആ കുട്ടി സത്‌സ്വഭാവിയായി. എല്ലാവര്‍ക്കും പ്രിയങ്കരനായി. മാതാപിതാക്കള്‍ ആ കുട്ടിയില്‍ അമിതമായി മമത പുലര്‍ത്തിയില്ല. സ്വാര്‍ഥത ഒഴിഞ്ഞ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ വാര്‍ധക്യകാലത്തും ആനന്ദം ലഭിച്ചു. മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ ബഹുമാനവും കിട്ടി. കുട്ടി ജനിക്കുന്നതിനുമുമ്പും പിമ്പും അദ്ദേഹം ആനന്ദവാനായി ജീവിച്ചു.
രണ്ടുപേരും ഭക്തരായിരുന്നു. ഒരാളുടേത്‌ കാമ്യഭക്തിയായിരുന്നുവെങ്കില്‍ മറ്റേയാളുടേത്‌ ഭക്തിക്കുവേണ്ടിയുള്ള ഭക്തിയായിരുന്നു. അദ്ദേഹം നിഷ്‌കാമ ഭക്തനായിരുന്നു. അതുമൂലം ജീവിതം മുഴുവന്‍ ആനന്ദം അനുഭവിക്കാന്‍ കഴിഞ്ഞു. ''സര്‍വരെയും ഈശ്വരന്റെ കുട്ടികളായി കാണാനുള്ള ശക്തിതരൂ''-എന്ന ആ പ്രാര്‍ഥനയാണ്‌ മക്കള്‍ സ്വീകരിക്കേണ്ടത്‌. അപ്പോള്‍ ആനന്ദം മാത്രമല്ല, നമ്മെ സ്‌നേഹിക്കുവാനും ശുശ്രൂഷിക്കുവാനും ഒരു മകന്‍ മാത്രമല്ല, ലോകം മുഴുവന്‍ ഉണ്ടാവും.

അമ്മ


കടപ്പാട് അമ്മയോട്, മത്രുഭുമിയോടും

World Recession Day - 15 February

World Recession Day - 15 February

Why not? Just suddenly this thought came to me. Many are affected by recession and joining the un-employment group. Even then, crazy about these artificially created days, we tend to explore the width and breadth of our purse and credit/debit cards - just for the sake of it. An article written by Sri Joy Mathews of Amrita TV in his blog, prompted me to create this special day tomorrow. Enjoy and celebrate World Recession Day tomorrow.

Do we need these special occasions to remember our mother, father, children and loving wife? It is a daily affair and it should be the case.

So, wish your friend, relative, brother and sister a Happy World Recession Day tomorrow – 15 February. A warning of the realities of things happening around and a siren of the alarming economically tougher days ahead till the global situation is accustomed and worked over by all.

Towards and cleaner and healthier environment

Vow!! What a nice view. You must be thinking while looking at the picture immediately below. It was taken from the newly built pedestrian bridge on a Friday morning as soon as it was installed for the use of residents in Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi.

A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.

Garbage items thrown carelessly everywhere. How is it possible to create an un-healthy environment so soon. That was my question? A few days passed and I found the amount of garbage increasing. As always, reacting to such issues, I tried to contact the relevant authorities. It didn't turn out to be a waste of effort.


Report in Gulf News - Your Turn community report page.

In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.

Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.

It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.

Towards a cleaner and beautiful environment

Vow!! What a nice view. You must be thinking while looking at the picture immediately below. It was taken from the newly built pedestrian bridge on a Friday morning as soon as it was installed for the use of residents in Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi.

A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.

Garbage items thrown carelessly everywhere. How is it possible to create an un-healthy environment so soon. That was my question? A few days passed and I found the amount of garbage increasing. As always, reacting to such issues, I tried to contact the relevant authorities. It didn't turn out to be a waste of effort.


Report in Gulf News - Your Turn community report page.

In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.

Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.

It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.

Dual responsibility in road safety

Dual Responsibility in road safety

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

õ While driving under foggy weather, motorists should reduce the speed gradually and drive at a controlled speed that fits the circumstances.

õ Motorists should make sure that all the lights of the vehicle are in good working condition, the instructions read.

õ They should use low lights as the head lights reflect water drops in the fog, thus making visibility difficult.

õ Motorists are advised to switch on the fog lights if available in the car and be patient avoiding overtaking and changing lanes.

õ The motorists have been advised to follow the traffic signals on the road and drive at the right end of the road and not in the middle.

õ They have also been instructed to leave double space than usual between two vehicles and be vigilant and alert for any possible mishap.

õ While driving under foggy conditions, motorists should keep themselves away from any distractions like mobile phones etc.

õ Motorists should be careful in listening and pay attention to any warnings and the road.

õ While driving, make sure that the window panes and mirrors are clean and use vipers.

õ If the fog is thick, motorists should stop the vehicles away from the road and vehicular traffic and turn the hazard lights on.

õ Motorists are also advised not to stop the vehicle on the road or they could get involved in a mishap leading to a serious pile up.

õ Motorists are advised not to speed, even if the fog starts clearing as the fog can get thick again.

õ One should not try to speed by overtaking a slow moving car and keep an eye on the speed.

õ If a motorist realizes that he is speeding, one should reduce it immediately.

õ Motorists have been advised to use low beam lights in poor visibility conditions.

õ Before starting a journey, motorists are advised to listen to the weather forecast bulletin and the condition of traffic.

õ They are advised to cancel the journey until the situation improves, the instructions said.

courtesy: Khaleej Times

Pathan's attack on Sri Lanka

Pathan brothers created a historical win for India in todays T20 match against Sri Lanka. Or this historical moment was created long long ago when Yousuf Pathan (November 17, 1982) and Irfan Pathan (October 27, 1984) were born. Watching the match today, I strongly felt and as it proved or re-assured myself, while history is that item in our life which is written and meant to be read later on, destiny is what we create our self. The terrorist act of these two Pathans (this is what the Sri Lankans will have to say tonight) on the Sri Lankan pitch today was one thing that they carved out. Strong conviction to win the game and never budge attitude changed the course of action when things were looking extremely bad from Indian teams perspective this evening. Yousuf Pathan came out and played once again what Dhoni expected him to do and trusted him to do keeping his calm and cool self, and playing along with him, Irfan Pathan quickly improved himself to a greater height of perfection making us believe that hitting sixes are as simple as what he was doing tonight. Probably this moment of history was pre-written the moment they both were born to their proud parents. Let this momentum continue. Chak De India, objective of the Team and the country is more important than self.

Fittingly Dhoni concluded his post-match press statement by saying "It is not enough by having talent. It has to be tempered - International cricket is not just about talent. It's what you do with it." In a way, this statement is applicable in every field of life.

Book release - Cadeau - a guide to NRIs in UAE

പുസ്തക പ്രകാശനം

എയര്‍ഇന്ത്യ എക്‌സ്‌പ്രസ്സില്‍ സൗജന്യ ഭക്ഷണം

എയര്‍ഇന്ത്യ എക്‌സ്‌പ്രസ്സില്‍ സൗജന്യ ഭക്ഷണം

നെടുമ്പാശ്ശേരി: ചെലവുകുറഞ്ഞ വിമാനസര്‍വീസായ എയര്‍ ഇന്ത്യ എക്‌സ്‌പ്രസില്‍ യാത്രക്കാര്‍ക്ക്‌ സൗജന്യ ഭക്ഷണം വിളമ്പിത്തുടങ്ങി. പ്രഭാതഭക്ഷണവും ഉച്ചഭക്ഷണവും അത്താഴവും സൗജന്യമായി ലഭിക്കും. ഉപ്പുമാവ്‌, കടലക്കറി, ഇഡ്‌ഡലി, വട, ഊത്തപ്പം തുടങ്ങിയവയായിരിക്കും പ്രഭാതഭക്ഷണമായി നല്‍കുക. ഉച്ചഭക്ഷണവും അത്താഴവും വെജിറ്റബിള്‍ പുലാവ്‌, വെജിറ്റബിള്‍ ബിരിയാണി, ജീരപുലാവ്‌, വെജിറ്റബിള്‍ കുറുമ തുടങ്ങിയവയാകും വിളമ്പുക. കൂടാതെ ഫ്രൂട്ട്‌കേക്ക്‌, ഫ്രൂട്ടി, ചായ, കാപ്പി, മിനറല്‍ വാട്ടര്‍ എന്നിവയും ഉണ്ടാകും. ഇതുവരെ എയര്‍ ഇന്ത്യ എക്‌സ്‌പ്രസ്‌ വിമാനങ്ങളില്‍ ലഘുഭക്ഷണം ആണ്‌ നല്‍കിയിരുന്നത്‌. യാത്രക്കാരുടെ ഇടയില്‍ നടത്തിയ സര്‍വേയുടെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിലാണ്‌ ചൂടന്‍ഭക്ഷണം വിളമ്പാന്‍ തീരുമാനമെടുത്തത്‌. ഞായറാഴ്‌ച മുതല്‍ കൊച്ചിയില്‍ നിന്നുമുള്ള വാഹനങ്ങളില്‍ ഇത്‌ വിളമ്പി തുടങ്ങി. തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തു നിന്നുമുള്ള വിമാനങ്ങളില്‍ ജനവരി മുതല്‍ ഭക്ഷണം വിളമ്പി തുടങ്ങിയിരുന്നു. അടുത്തുതന്നെ കോഴിക്കോട്ടും ഇതു തുടങ്ങും. യാത്രക്കാര്‍ക്ക്‌ സൗജന്യ ഭക്ഷണം വിളമ്പുന്ന ആദ്യ ചെലവു കുറഞ്ഞ വിമാന സര്‍വീസാണ്‌ എയര്‍ ഇന്ത്യ എക്‌സ്‌പ്രസ്‌ എന്ന്‌ അധികൃതര്‍ അറിയിച്ചു.

ഓര്ക്കുക വല്ലപ്പോഴും - കേരള സ്റ്റേറ്റ് ഫിലിം ക്രിടിക്സ് അവാര്‍ഡ്

Kerala State Film Critics award for Sohanlal and Shilpa Bala for their movie Orkkuka Vallappozhum

Kerala State Film Critics Award declared.

Two prizes for Orkkuka Vallappozhum.
Best Debut Director : Sohanlal
Best Debut Talent: Shilpa Bala