Indian Football team arrives in Dubai for training

Indian Football team arrives in Dubai for training

 03 November 2010 (report in Mathrubhumi)

As part of their preparation programme, the Indian Football team arrived in Dubai. They will be playing 3 international friendly matches. On 11th they will play Asian Champions Iraq. On 14th they will play Kuwait and on 18th they will play UAE. The matches of 14th and 18th will be held in Abu Dhabi. In addition there will be practise matches with UAE local clubs on 24th, 27, 29.

The visit is part of an intensive training programme under the leadership of coach Bob Houghton. In January 2011 the Indian national footbal team will participate in the championship to be held in Doha, Qatar. A similar training tour was successfully conducted to Portugal recently in which the team played 5 friendly matches with leading teams.

To read this news in Malayalam, please visit Mathrubhumi online.

To know more about th Indian Football team, please visit the official site of AIFF.http://www.the-aiff.com/

To know more about the players, please click here.

You may support this campaign by joining i'ts Fan page on Campain PASS on Face Book.

Credit chaos - My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 03.11.2010

My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 03.11.2010 - Credit chaos

Credit chaos
3 November 2010

A friend who lost his job recently sought my help with regard to his credit card. He was holding a credit card with a local bank, which had a limit of Dh 2500. Upon receiving his termination letter, he informed the bank about it and he was told to clear all his outstanding before his departure.

He duly paid an outstanding of Dh 1300 on it before he left the country. All the information was appropriately conveyed to the bank through its telephone banking system. There was no payment outstanding and he had not used his card during his notice period of one month. Now, after two months, he is getting calls for an outstanding amount of Dh 250. Before leaving the country he spoke with the bank whether he could avail an exemption using the insurance policy on the card considering the job retrenchment scenario. But, unfortunately, that facility was not approved stating that he had delayed his monthly payment one or two times. He is still fighting for clearing his name.

It is, therefore, important for all to take care of the payment dates and if payments are delayed, make sure your insurance coverage is still valid with your bank. If they do not, it is better to cancel the coverage, as it is no longer of any use. It is always important to get an all clearance letter from the bank before leaving the country.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

How to Get Blood in an Emergency (for those in India)

Now it has become easier to get the blood we need.  (For those in India) Just type "BLOOD and send SMS to "96000 97000" ( India )  Ex : "BLOOD B+"  A BLOOD DONOR WILL CALL YOU within minutes ...  Please pass this message to all. It certainly would save many lives.  It's a Must to Know and Share. Please do it now ...   Forward this to all your friends whom you care ... as the minute you spare to share this information can save somebody's life with a rare Blood Group ...

As received from a reliable source

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Abu Dhabi Corniche

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi corniche - extremely beautiful, lots of facilities for sport and relaxation.

Popular place during evening and week-ends.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
02.11.2010

Painting Competition on Children's Day - November 14, 2010 - organised by Indian Embassy

Painting Competition on Children's Day - November 14, 2010 - organised by Indian Embassy

Dear all,

Please find below a call for participation in a Painting Competition held by Cultural Wing of Indian Embassy in connection with Children’s Day.  The competition is held on Sunday, 14^th November 2010.

• Students have to approach their respective school management, who in turn have to submit a consolidated list for participation to the Indian Embassy before 8^th November.
• There is no limit on the number of participants from each school.

It is an excellent opportunity and do participate and have a great time of creativity.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

From: cul <cul@indembassyuae.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Subject: Painting Competition on Children's Day - November 14, 2010
To: team1dubai@gmail.com

 

Dear Mr. Ramesh Menon,

 

The Cultural Wing of Indian Embassy in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Indian School is organizing a painting competition on the occasion of Children’s Day on 14th November 2010.

The competition will be open to four groups: Classes 1 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 – 10 and classes 11 & 12.

The venue of the competition is Abu Dhabi Indian School and the competition will start from 10.00 a.m. for 2 hours on Sunday, 14^th November 2010

You are requested to kindly circulate this information amongst your members and ask their children to approach the head mistress or principals of their respective schools and participate in this competition.

The participating children need to bring the painting material.

The acceptable painting materials would be water colour/poster colour/acrylic colour, felt tip pens, sketch pens and crayons/colour pencils.

The last date of receiving names from the schools is 12.00 noon on 8th November, 2010.

The results of the competition will be conveyed to the principals of the respective schools.

With Warm Regards       

(Anuja Chakravarty)

Second Secretary (Cul)

November 2, 2010

6th International Emirates Photography Competition 2011 - Blak & White through creative eyes

6th International Emirates Photography Competition 2011 - Blak & White through creative eyes

Visit http://www.ephotoc.net/ for details.

Participate with interest.



School buses are cheaper, not safer - My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 02.11.2010

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 02.11.2010 - School buses are cheaper, not safer

School buses are cheaper, not safer

Looking at the number of private 15- and 30-seater mini buses operating within the city during the day, I am alarmed that so few of them conform to any safety regulations. A closer look shows children sitting in the front and playing un-strapped, drivers speeding through the small by-lanes without any caution and often whiletalking on the phone. Parents, and authorities, should call for strict measures.

Although the school authorities have no control in their operations, they should issue circulars to parents highlighting the danger of using such transport options. Appropriate labelling should be enforced on these vehicles with signage stating "Private - Student Transport vehicle" with the mobile telephone number (in big letters) of the contact person responsible and available to report any dangerous driving situations.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Yas Marina and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Yas Marina and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The focus now change to Yas Marina circuit and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2010.

The photos are from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2009.

Yas Marina Circuit is owned by the Executive Affairs Authority of the government of Abu Dhabi and operated by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. It employs about 180 full-time staff, supported by up to 200 part-time workers and volunteers at peak times.

Right next door is the iconic Yas Hotel, a luxury marina, yacht club, six other hotels, the Yas Island golf links and the Ferrari World indoor theme park, set to open in late 2010. The international airport is close by and only 25 minutes away is the thriving city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, largest of the seven Emirates and one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world.

 How to Get There

Yas Marina Circuit is easily accessible by road or air from the UAE and internationally. Situated on a natural island, visitors traveling by road from Abu Dhabi city can reach Yas Marina Circuit in around half an hour, while Dubai is just over an hour away. Access to the circuit is via a 12-lane highway which can be accessed from the Sheikh Maktoum (E10) highway from Abu Dhabi, or the Sheikh Zayed (E11) highway from Dubai. For overseas visitors, Abu Dhabi International Airport is just 15 minutes away by road.

 Key facts and figures

The Formula 1™ track is 5.55 km long and can be split into two smaller tracks of 3.1 km and 2.4 km, which can operate simultaneously where desired.

Approximately 50,000 spectators can view the action on the circuit from the comfort of permanent, covered grandstands and air-conditioned VIP facilities. Yas Marina Circuit is the only motorsports venue in the world where all the grandstands are covered.

 To know more about it, please visit Yas Marina circuit. online.

Team1 Daily LAWS - Air India cancel more GULF flights

Team1 Daily LAWS - Air India cancel more GULF flights

My Letters - Khaleej Times - dT. 01.11.2010 - Pakistan SA Cricket

My Letters - Khaleej Times - dT. 01.11.2010 - Pakistan SA Cricket

Pakistan, SA cricket

1 November 2010

The T-20 series between Pakistan and South Africa finished with South African winning on a 2-0 margin. The series moved on to one-day matches and as cricket lovers we all expected a come back attitude from Pakistan. It looks like the Pakistan team has taken this South African team and its members very lightly.

The Pakistan cricket team with its fondness, familiarity for the UAE grounds and local support were expected to give a tough fight. However, against all expectations, and with some unimaginative batting and bowling display, they proved otherwise.

The Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful green grounds currently available for international matches. Although the grass is thick, the outfield is short and fast. During this time of the year, there is a certain element of humidity making batting second difficult. There is also a fair amount of air movement making accurate bowling and hitting highly difficult. It is here that the batsman and bowlers have to show patience and skill.

With the 1st one-day match also going against them, cricket lovers hope the Pakistan team learn fast from the mistakes.

-Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

 

To read this in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Al Wathba Camel Race Track

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Al Wathba Camel Race Track

Al Wathba is one of the most prominent racetracks in UAE  and hosts a camel festival along with camel racing.  

Camel Racing is an integral part of Sports in UAE and it also reflects the unique culture of it’s citizen.

The sport attracts everyone from members of the royal family to local and foreign visitors.

Prominent races are held during the winter season on Thursdays and Friday mornings, at specially designed racetracks. The winner of the race is given huge amount of money therefore camel racing in Abu Dhabi is incredibly competitive and exciting.

Al Wathba is one of the most prominent racetracks in UAE  and hosts a camel festival along with camel racing.  

It is situated on the Abu Dhabi Al-Ain highway.

Location : Al Wathba Camel Racetrack - 24.237020N , 54.653290E

Thikkarthika Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple - 21st November 2010

Thikkarthika Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple - 21st November 2010

To know more about the temple, please visit Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

My letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 26.10.2010 - Give them attention

My letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 26.10.2010 - Give them attention

Give them attention

I refer to the news of Indian football team’s visit to train in Dubai (“India team to train in Dubai for a month”, Gulf News, October 20). It is an opportunity to promote the game by regional associations and interested corporate bodies, who could think outside cricket as the only commercially viable marketing option. This visit should therefore be utilised to give necessary support and encouragement to the Indian football team during the time they are in the UAE. This will be inspiring for them, for the game and for all non-cricket playing athletes. Let us hope that it will gain bigger momentum in India and benefit all track and field sports personnel who deserve more attention and pampering.

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 30.10.2010 - At the hospital

At the hospital

As a regular visitor to the Oncology Department at a prominent hospital, I get to see several patients and interact with them. Some of them old, but they are striving their best to hold on to the pain and agony of this dreadful disease.

While waiting for my turn today, there was an old man, unlike others, and he was curious to see me fiddling with my phone and answering messages promptly as they come in without disturbing the others.

After some time, we sat close to each other, and I started casually conversing with him. He was a retired agricultural engineer from Iraq and now living with his son who is employed here.

Talking to me about his disease, he said it is nothing compared to the days he had seen and lived during the last couple of years. I, too, had memories of the country passed on to me by a friend who was working there in the 80s. He rekindled it with the fertile soil and the life around before it all turned bloody and continued thereafter. Even after several years and several hands at the regime, the lost glory has not been restored yet, nor is there any sign of serious effort towards it in sight.

While talking, we found an infant on his father’s lap, crying continuously. Hardly more than 2 or 3 months old, he was also there for treatment. Looking at the eyes of his father, we knew the state of affairs, and we all looked at each other in silence and our conversation discontinued as the baby’s cry overtook our emotional quest to share personal experiences.

Driving down, I was stuck on the road - again another accident - a death, due to the crazy driving of a driver. His car also was in a wreck and was struggling to come out of it in pain and blood while the other vehicle was a total loss.

As we drove ahead, I was thinking of the guy who caused the accident and his life ahead and comparing with those at the oncology ward. It is a difficult world especially when we create our own cancerous environment due to arrogance and attitude.

Ramesh Menon

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Pedestrian Overbridges

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Pedestrian Overbridges

Abu Dhabi has now several pedestrian bridges, make life easier for road users to cross across the busy streets. Wish more people use them and make the road safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Post 8 29.10.2010

Mind Speaks - South Africa sweep Pakistan 2-0 in the Cool-Cool T20 series at Abu Dhabi

Mind Speaks - South Africa sweep Pakistan 2-0 in the Cool-Cool T20 series

The two match Cool-Cool T-20 series between Pakistan and South Africa finished yesterday with South African side winning on a 2-0 margin.

Before the match, cricket lovers from all over had the expectation that Pakistan, with it’s fondness for the UAE grounds will give a tough fight. However, against all expectations, and with some un-imaginative batting and bowling display they proved otherwise. In the first match it was the captain Shahid Afridi with the bat whereas in the second it was Misbah-ul-Haq. Both the batsman, played shots which should be termed as turning point towards defeats. The remaining batsman in the team did not raise their individual game to the expectation. South African’s on the other hand displayed a disciplined effort with bat and ball. J Theron, R Theron and LL Tsotsobe  were excellent with their bowling and JP Duminy and CA Ingram played well on both the occasions. Bosman was not upto the mark but overall the team fielding was excellent that at times it was like Pakistan was playing against 18 players on field.

Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful green ground currently available for international matches. Although the grass is thick, the outfield is short and fast. During this time of the year, there is a certain element of humidity and due factor making batting second difficult with the extra excellent lightings. There is also fair amount of air movement making accurate bowling and hitting high difficult. It is here that the batsman and bowlers have to show patience and skill and on both occasion South African players showed there superiority in adjusting better than the Pakistan team players who are more used to this condition than any others.

We hope they learn fast from the mistakes and adapt fast in the long version starting tomorrow or otherwise, the series will be of no interest by the time it moves to Dubai for the remaining matches. It looks like Afridi and company have to really aim for the stars to stay alive in the series in UAE.

Ramesh Menon

28.10.2010



photo courtesy: www.cricinfo.com

Campaign - "Madinati" - matters to me

Campaign - "Madinati" - matters to me

Participate with interest. Please call 800 90 90 if you find any anomalies. Or log on to http://www.rta.ae/ . You may write to them ask@rta.ae .
Please circulate amongst your friends and contacts

Campaign - Our City, Our Responsibility

Participate with interest. Please call 800 22220 if you find any anomalies. Or log on to http://www.adm.gov.ae/ and report them.

Please circulate amongst your friends and contacts.

Photo and Mind Speaks - Divine colors

Photo and Mind Speaks - Divine colors

A simple but beautiful kalam (or religious platform) prepared using rice powder, turmeric, kumkum, and powdered leaves. This is normally done before keralites hindu priests when they do pooja at home, where idols are not used. They prepare this platform and do sankalpam (meditate upon) the god or godess and perform the pooja.

What is amazing is the efficiency with which the priest(s) draw these? It leads us immediately to the simple management principles of concentration, focus and goal.

In one way or other, we do pray and conduct all these rituals for achieving one or all of the above.

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi built at a cost $22 million is one of the world's finest cricket grounds. Opened in May 2004 and staged its first first-class match when Scotland played Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup during November 2004.

The ground is dominated by two large stands at either end, with the areas square of the wicket offering large grass banking for spectators to sit, although during the daylight hours that might be less than appealing as there is no shade. There is no pavilion as such, with the large changing rooms under one of the stands, and teams watch from inside air-conditioned glass rooms.

Regular club and international matches are played here.

Ramesh Menon

Post 7  Dt.  27.10.2010

UAE Today - 27 October 2010

UAE Today - 27 October 2010

Saud is Ras Al Khaimah ruler as UAE mourns Shaikh Saqr

Ras Al Khaimah: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent his condolences after Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the late ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, died at dawn on Wednesday in Ras Al Khaimah.

The official mourning has been declared with effect from Wednesday for a week through which the flags will be flown at half mast.

For more information, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Adnatco takes delivery of first of 15 new vessels in South Korea

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi National Tanker Company (Adnatco) said Tuesday it had taken delivery of the newly built M.V. Shah, a 37,000 metric tonne deadweight handy size bulk carrier, in South Korea.

This is the first of 15 new vessels to be delivered over the next 11 months.

For more information, please visit GULF NEWS online

Mohammed sets up Noor Dubai Foundation

(Wam) 27 October 2010

 

DUBAI — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued a law setting up the Noor Dubai Foundation, a non governmental, non-profit corporate body.

It will enjoy legal personality and independent legal capacity to pursue all its actions and achieve all its purposes and objectives in fighting against eye diseases and blindness within the emirate of Dubai and beyond.

The Foundation which will be headquartered in Dubai, with branches opening inside and outside the emirate, aims at combating eye diseases and blindness in Dubai and beyond, said Article 7 of the law.

Other objectives of the foundation include contribution to finance and support of the projects on combating the ailments, provide medical and therapeutic assistance to patients who suffer eye diseases and blindness.

 

For more information, please visit Khaleej Times online.

UAE Today - 26 October 2010

UAE establishes National Authority for Qualifications

National Authority for Qualifications will be affiliated to the Cabinet, have independent legal status and full legal capacity to act.

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a federal decree to establish a National Authority for Qualifications.

According to the Federal Decree No. 1 for the year 2010, the authority will be affiliated to the Cabinet, have independent legal status and full legal capacity to act.

Under this system, the authority will grant equivalent certificates and qualifications of higher, general, technical education and vocational training.

More info at GULF NEWS Online


Sports - Cricket - Pakistan vs South Africa - 1st T20 match in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Pakistan seek to regroup after their recent troubles to take on a strong and in-form South Africa in the first of their T20 internationals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium Tuesday night.

More info at GULF NEWS Online.

South Africa draw first blood
27 October 2010,

It was tipped to be a perfect batting strip but it was the bowlers who stole the show as South Africa won the first Twenty20 International of the Cool & Cool Cup at the Shaikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium.

For more information, visit Khaleej Times online.

Dubai Mining firm strikes gold
Yemen is expected to announce a major gold discovery on a concession held by Thani Dubai Mining.

The company, a unit of the Dubai family-owned Thani group, is understood to be awaiting government clearance to announce proved reserves of about 2.2 million ounces of gold on its concession near the coastal town of Al Mukallah, southeast of Yemen's famed Hadramaut region.

More info at THE NATIONAL Online.

UAE signs IRENA HQ agreement (Wam)

26 October 2010, ABU DHABI - The UAE on Monday (25 October 2010) signed the agreement for interim headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on the second day of the fourth session of the agency’s Preparatory Commission.

More information at Khaleej Times Online

Sharjah International Book Fair begins today (Wam)

SHARJAH - His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will open the 29th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair today.

The event is being organised by the Department of Culture and Information at Expo Sharjah.

This year’s event will feature over 200,000 titles from 53 countries.

For more information, visit Khaleej Times online

Clicks and Writes - now listed as Featured United Arab Emirates Blog on GO! Overseas

Clicks and Writes - now listed as Featured United Arab Emirates Blog on GO! Overseas

I am delighted to inform you that all Clicks and Writes has been included in the list of top blogs in the UAE. I hope you will enjoy reading the content as much as I enjoy posting them each day and learn a little more about life in the UAE each time you visit!.

You’re my view the listing at:

http://www.gooverseas.com/united-arab-emirates-blogs

Just for a change - Colors of Passion

Just for a change - Colors of Passion

Just for fun - an art presentation. I name it "Colors of Passion" - Life  - full of opportunities.....

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Umm Al Nar bridge and evening sky

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - Umm Al Nar bridge and evening sky

Evening sky here is not colorful like many other places. It is rare to get natural and beautiful evening sky. If it happens at one of the most beautiful location, then it is a extra speical. This is one such photo, Umm Al Nar bridge and a beautiful evening sky.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Post 6. 25.10.2010

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - UAE National Day lighting

Exploring Abu Dhabi - through Clicks and Writes - UAE National Day lighting

UAE National Day falls on 2nd and 3rd of December every year. All the major streets and buildings will be decorated with lightings. There will be also a parade of beautifully decorated cards through Abu Dhabi Corniche. Fireworks and other celebrations are also held.

Ramesh Menon
Post 5. 24.10.2010

Poly Varghese - An innate artistic brilliance decant through strings of Mohana Veena

Poly Varghese - An innate artistic brilliance decant through strings of Mohana Veena





On a recent personal visit to UAE, Poly Varghese, one of the four exponents of Mohana Veena performed at different venues in UAE.

Although, I could not watch live any of them, I could hear the vibrations through audience comments and news reports.

With interest in music and the instrument, I went ahead and searched for his journey thus far. It was indeed a fruitful journey, to know the musician and the innate talent he has for his musical and artistic brilliance.

Poly Varghese had his initial training in music and other art forms from, the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned centre for art and music, an institute which Poly entered as a teenager and later emerged from as a leading Mridangam player . Thereafter, he pursued his quest for music at the Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan. Here, he had the unique opportunity and access to learn various instruments both percussion and stringed out of which he specialised in playing Hindustani music on the Electric guitar.

A chance meeting with Pandit Viswa Mohan Bhatt gave him an opportunity for intimate access to the Mohan Veena which incidentally happened to be an instrument designed and developed by Pandit viswa Mohan Bhatt himself , who is India’ s first Grammy award winner and also the recipient of the Padma Bhushan.

Poly Varghese has played for the programme "sugamana ragangal" that was telecast on the Chennai Doordarshan channel.

Today, Poly Varghese under the guidance and tutelage of Pandit Bhatt has emerged as a noted Mohan Veena player and has a number of concerts to his credit both in India and now, in the Middle East.

His notable performances in UAE include the one at the Arab cultural centre Sharjah which is part of Arab India Cultural Exchange organized by the Government of Sharjah and at the Adishakthi Ashram (headed by Veenapani Chawla a renowned theatre exponent), in Pondicherry and also at the Centre for Experiencing Socio-Cultural Interaction at Madurai.

After this historic performance, which was held on 16th October, 2010, Dr Omar Abdul Aziz (Head of SharjaH Arab Cultural Center Dept. of Culture and Information U A E ) presented him with a certificate of appreciation from the Department.

His concerts in Dubai was appreciated by HE Sanjay Verma, Consular General of Indian Embassy in Dubai.

During his visit, he had two memorable performances at Indian Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi.

and one at Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi.

It may not be out of place to mention that he is at ease while playing not only the Mohan Veena but also the electric Guitar.

Poly has also been creative enough to develop the 40 stringed three-neck guitar which he has named as the "Poly String Guitar" (bahu thantri veena).

This guitar is designed as a three neck guitar and it is unique because all the tones of indian classical music can be expressed at the same time in this instrument. morevover there has not been any indian string instrument having 12 octaves..these 12 octaves demonstrate the 3 characters of indian classical music. The three necks (finger board) are the bass neck, lead neck and the high neck.

Poly Strings Guitar can be called as the conglomeration of 4 musical instruments namely the tarab and the three finger boards. this guitar is equipped with four electric pick ups which are unique and distinct in its own way. the pick up used for the bass neck is designed to give an acoustic feel the tarab pick up is entirely different to the three pick ups because tarab expresses the natural tone of all acoustic instruments and for this purpose alone was the pick up created . when listening to the tones of the tarab one can listen to the tones of the sitar and the Mohana Veena. The connection of these four pick ups are embedded in an electronic mixer which is part of the guitar and this mixer helps in complementing and enhancing the tones.

It may be noted that guitars available in the market are mono guitars meaning it doesn’t have a stereo unlike the Poly Strings Guitar which uses the technology of an audio surround system and has a 4.1 surround.

As a continuous learner, he is always in the process of perfecting and pursuing deeper the nuances Mohana Veena. In this pursuit, he has developed his own inimitable style of playing and many times improvises and plays his own compositions too. He puts in about more than 10 hours to practise his music every day, which is a point to note for the new generation of musicians.

The musical background and base he has travelled thus far may also explains for his excellence. He has studied Mridangam for several years under eminent vidwans including late Korambu Subramanyam Nampoothiri. In addition, he was also a student of Kathakali under Kalamandalam Gopi and leading Kathakali artists. He is also an excellent Tabala player. Well versed in South, North and Eastern style and ragas of Indian music, he automatically enter himself into any musical stage with his awareness, creativity and on stage improvisation. The knowledge of accompanying instruments add extra dimension to his performance. This make him blend more with his accompanying artists and also take them at their own skill level as he transcend himself into a musical journey on stage.

Having travelled with the Baul singers of West Bengal, he is familiar with their music and can render high-pitched Baul songs with ease. He is also trained in Rabindra Sangeet.

To add more dimensions to his creativity, Poly Varghese, has proved his talent in acting and has been in experimental theatre for several years. He has worked with great theater personalities in India like Krishnammoorthy, Badal Sircar, Nasser etc and has acted in plays of different languages. He has also appeared on the silver screen as well.

Poly is also a music composer and has composed music for films and theatre. In 2005 he won the Jeevan Atlas Award for the Best Music Director of the year for the Malayalam film "Kootilekku". He had the privilege of having closely worked with the famous music director the late Devarajan master.

He conveys his emotions through his music. This is well explained when one gets to listen to him. It also may explain the reason why many conventional musicians do not really understand his brilliance. Like a bird flying through the sky, or like a river silently flowing with it’s designated course, or the same river, flooded and violently flowing through wherever it is taken during the momentary current, his music has no boundaries. No rules and regulations. No wonder, he is being recognized by more and more senior musicians within India and abroad.

Born in Kerala, Poly Varghese has sufficiently good working knowledge of 9 languages including English, Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and Oriya.

Poly Varghese and his wife Sabeena Varghese (a lecturer in Library Science at Union Christian College, Madras) and their infant daughter Mithra Poly Varghese live at Madras.

He can be contacted on:

E-mail: polyvarghese@gmail.com

Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1283735713

Phone: 00 91 99 40 27 39 31

This interview was done through interactions with him during his visit and knowledge shared by him through email exchanges
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
24.10.2010