"Look Upon God, when Its Beyond You" . This is one of the first lessons I learnt in life from my father. As an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateshwara, to me devotion to the god is achieved by selfless service to mankind. It had been a pleasure to fall in love with the God who is known to bless his devotees in the right way.
2 pm - Second Saturday of the month, venue- TTD temple, Chennai, India. There is a wide gathering of nearly 200 people assembled in the kutheri (music) hall of the temple. The objective was one- service to people- either be it in the Tirumala, the abode of Lord Balaji in Tirupathi or the other centres of service in Chennai. The group at the stroke of 2 pm, got divided into 4 teams headed by the senior most seva (service) personnel who started taking the list of people who would board the bus to Tirumala on the coming wednesday. The charts started to get prepared in large number and duties started to get delegated, including counting of pilgrims, taking care of the long queue, providing food packets and water inside the cells having people waiting for darshans, laddu counters, flower arrangments, serving food at dharmastala, controlling crowds at all places, servicing in the hospitals and emergency teams and helping the local police to maintain calmness and security in the temple premises. The devotees who have agreed to be part of the seva will be in Tirumala for a week or fortnight based on their convenience, sleep in the dorms provided by the group leader, eat the food that is served free, and will come back to the rooms only to sleep. They do not enjoy any special benefits, except that they get one free darshan after the service is completed. This period is totally under service and dedication to the God, they believe in.
There is another group where its team leader, comes out with an activity list, that includes cleaning of local temples, collecting clothes and provisions for oldage home and orphanages, list out the people who would provide accounting and billing services in the Cancer Institute Adyar, Egmore General hospital, emergency wards that need real service and also providing communal kitchen for people suffering in nearest towns and villages due to floods etc. This is an extended arm and have in it professionals and students who are not able to take a week's off to be part of the core TTD Seva sang activity.
I joined this group of people almost 7 years back when the group was around 200 people and enjoyed my service in the local activities. One of the core members Mr. Panduranga Chinnikrishnan is my dad's cousin who is devoted with his wife for a complete stay in Tirumala under this seva service in his retired life which makes me proud of such selfless dedication from a elder couple in my family. Today the Seva Sang has got more than 4000 people joining this service organization. There is no joining fee, no stipulated regulations and absolutely no topic of giving or taking money in this service group. All it needed is clarity of thought, purity of actions, total devotion, and ardent dedication to serve the mankind. The belief is that blessings of the Lord is with us as we serve our fellow beings. Om Namo Narayanaya Namaha!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
A Fighter called Siddharth
Blessed I am for Siddhu is my ex-collegue and a great friend. Blessed I am for I have met him during my most challenging days in life. Blessed I am for he is the inspiration to look beyond adversities in life. Blessed I am for he is a friend not just to me, but to Dr Abdul Kalam. It would be unfair on me to write about Siddhu, Siddharth Jeyakumar after Dr. Kalam himself had described about this young man and his strengths that strike us with no words but an ardent dedication to him. Below given are the extracts from Dr Kalam's speech in Kerala in his own words:
""Quote""
Following is the text of President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s remarks while visiting Adarsh Charitable Trust in Kerala:
Brain to remove the pain
“I am delighted to visit ‘Adarsh Charitable Trust’ which is based on the intense need of the parents of the children with autism and cerebral palsy. A mother's love for such a child right from conception, pregnancy to birth and growth has transformed into a big mission of making the child to live a near-normal life... I would like to share my experience with a young boy suffering from Cerebral Palsy, whom I met in Chennai on December 2, 2005.
My experience with a special young man
I met Shri Siddharth Jayakumar at Chennai, who was born in Chikmagalur in Karnataka in the year 1980. He gave me a presentation using a laptop. His father’s name is Shri Jayakumar and his mother’s name is Komala. When he was born the doctors did not know what he was suffering from. Later on, they said he is mentally retarded. After detailed examination, it was found that he was suffering from Cerebral Palsy. As a result of this disease he has difficulty in co-ordination between his mind and body. He studied in Vidyasagar at Chennai. Though he studied very well, he has to dictate the answers to another student while writing the examination. In spite of this process in the 10th class examination he had scored 80%. He says he could not score more just because he was not allowed to do the practical and could not draw the diagrams. In the plus two examinations, he had secured an overall 90% and scored 100% in computer science. It is pertinent to note that he is the only boy to score 100% in this subject. Later he studied B.Com and scored 75%. He wanted to study Master in Social Work whereas he was given M.A. Economics in the Loyola College. He has scored 78% in his final examination. Shri Siddharth after completing his M.A., worked as a teacher in Vidyasagar itself. Later he attended Disability Job Fair organized by Ability Foundation, an NGO working for the welfare of the disabled. In the job fair he was selected by ABN AMRO looking at his academic track record. ABN AMRO has designated him as an Officer for verifying the export and import documents of the clients. To enable him to perform this job ABN AMRO has trained him to learn the banking and import and export procedures of countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. He is the first student to be employed with Cerebral Palsy outside Vidyasagar school. He loves Mathematics. He has a mission of carrying out social work particularly for uplifting the life of special people with multiple disabilities. What a beautiful thought. The experience of Shri Siddharth clearly brings out the special strengths available with certain people with some disabilities. The two important thoughts emanate from Siddarth’s life.
a. The will power of Siddarth that “I will win, I will win” can be propagated among all the children.
b. The initiative of ABN AMRO to take a special person like Siddarth for regular work in the bank shows how it values the inherent strength and knowledge of the person irrespective of the difficulties. This type of outgoing effort of an organization can be followed by many institutions.
In this connection, I appreciate the action taken by Sakthi Masala, Erode (Tamil Nadu), who are employing special persons for many of their production activities. Thirty-two per cent of its employees are special people including mentally challenged people. Our social system and the educational institutions must recognize the strengths of the individual and provide the opportunity for these flowers to blossom. I am sure the children trained in Adarsh Charitable Trust will also be able to take up independent job as has been demonstrated by Shri Siddharth Jayakumar.
Conclusion
Any disorder in human faculty reduces the self-esteem of the individual and increases the dependence on others. Our efforts must be to bring about a sense of equality amongst them through a conducive environment. Equality can be generated by training them to acquire certain skills and engage their minds in productive efforts to enable them to lead a normal life
May God bless you.”
""Unquote"""
To me, Siddharth had taught me the toughest lesson and gave me a realization to look beyond imperfections. Unknowingly he changed the way I was leading my life. Today I owe my acceptance of the facts in my life to this brave friend of mine who transformed my thinking to a greater extent. Thank you Siddhu... blessed I am to be your friend!
""Quote""
Following is the text of President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s remarks while visiting Adarsh Charitable Trust in Kerala:
Brain to remove the pain
“I am delighted to visit ‘Adarsh Charitable Trust’ which is based on the intense need of the parents of the children with autism and cerebral palsy. A mother's love for such a child right from conception, pregnancy to birth and growth has transformed into a big mission of making the child to live a near-normal life... I would like to share my experience with a young boy suffering from Cerebral Palsy, whom I met in Chennai on December 2, 2005.
My experience with a special young man
I met Shri Siddharth Jayakumar at Chennai, who was born in Chikmagalur in Karnataka in the year 1980. He gave me a presentation using a laptop. His father’s name is Shri Jayakumar and his mother’s name is Komala. When he was born the doctors did not know what he was suffering from. Later on, they said he is mentally retarded. After detailed examination, it was found that he was suffering from Cerebral Palsy. As a result of this disease he has difficulty in co-ordination between his mind and body. He studied in Vidyasagar at Chennai. Though he studied very well, he has to dictate the answers to another student while writing the examination. In spite of this process in the 10th class examination he had scored 80%. He says he could not score more just because he was not allowed to do the practical and could not draw the diagrams. In the plus two examinations, he had secured an overall 90% and scored 100% in computer science. It is pertinent to note that he is the only boy to score 100% in this subject. Later he studied B.Com and scored 75%. He wanted to study Master in Social Work whereas he was given M.A. Economics in the Loyola College. He has scored 78% in his final examination. Shri Siddharth after completing his M.A., worked as a teacher in Vidyasagar itself. Later he attended Disability Job Fair organized by Ability Foundation, an NGO working for the welfare of the disabled. In the job fair he was selected by ABN AMRO looking at his academic track record. ABN AMRO has designated him as an Officer for verifying the export and import documents of the clients. To enable him to perform this job ABN AMRO has trained him to learn the banking and import and export procedures of countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. He is the first student to be employed with Cerebral Palsy outside Vidyasagar school. He loves Mathematics. He has a mission of carrying out social work particularly for uplifting the life of special people with multiple disabilities. What a beautiful thought. The experience of Shri Siddharth clearly brings out the special strengths available with certain people with some disabilities. The two important thoughts emanate from Siddarth’s life.
a. The will power of Siddarth that “I will win, I will win” can be propagated among all the children.
b. The initiative of ABN AMRO to take a special person like Siddarth for regular work in the bank shows how it values the inherent strength and knowledge of the person irrespective of the difficulties. This type of outgoing effort of an organization can be followed by many institutions.
In this connection, I appreciate the action taken by Sakthi Masala, Erode (Tamil Nadu), who are employing special persons for many of their production activities. Thirty-two per cent of its employees are special people including mentally challenged people. Our social system and the educational institutions must recognize the strengths of the individual and provide the opportunity for these flowers to blossom. I am sure the children trained in Adarsh Charitable Trust will also be able to take up independent job as has been demonstrated by Shri Siddharth Jayakumar.
Conclusion
Any disorder in human faculty reduces the self-esteem of the individual and increases the dependence on others. Our efforts must be to bring about a sense of equality amongst them through a conducive environment. Equality can be generated by training them to acquire certain skills and engage their minds in productive efforts to enable them to lead a normal life
May God bless you.”
""Unquote"""
To me, Siddharth had taught me the toughest lesson and gave me a realization to look beyond imperfections. Unknowingly he changed the way I was leading my life. Today I owe my acceptance of the facts in my life to this brave friend of mine who transformed my thinking to a greater extent. Thank you Siddhu... blessed I am to be your friend!
Stones Sing songs under his magic spell- Dr K Subba Reddy - Pallava Granites
One person who made a success story which started from stones. Today he is the leading industrialist who accelerates the Indian economy with his share of contribution by making wonders with the stones he dwell with. Minerals make magic and stones sings success songs under his magic spell. I believe in late 1970's people used to make fun of this legend saying that he is a lunatic searching his life in stone. The very people now are spellbound with the success he is showing in his business across the globe.
Dr. K.Subba Reddy, popular called as KSR amidst his closest circle of business fraternity is a person who made wonders with his hard work, determination and relentless efforts to bring in a granite story to the world. Indian granite exports marked a all time high under his leadership and this ardent exporter is also a world class leader winning the Mine safety awards, CAPEXIL Merit awards, and best export house certificate from the Government of India.
None can even imagine that there is a biggest export market to cater to the emotional needs of the world around by providing granites to the tombstones across the globe. This market is highly captured and lot many such innovative export areas had been discovered and patented by this leader in the industry.
Dr. Reddy is a simple and straightforward personality who inspires young Indians and make a remarkable influence on the young minds who interact with him with his wit and humour and at the same time providing food for thought. His simple message is that we all should dream big, aspire and put in our hard work towards our goals. No achievement is impossible as long as we conceptualise and visualise what we aim in life and work towards it. Quality, Innovation and safety of the products are of prime importance in any business and this great stalwart leader proved that his business will hold its highest regard for these aspects that make them unique in the global markets.
To me, knowing him is a blessing and having had the opportunity to interact with him had given me enough inspiration to think big, dream big and aim big. Thank you Sir!. May god bless you with lot more success and good health to keep inspiring amateurs like me!! May your journey of success be an inspiration to the world around!
Dr. K.Subba Reddy, popular called as KSR amidst his closest circle of business fraternity is a person who made wonders with his hard work, determination and relentless efforts to bring in a granite story to the world. Indian granite exports marked a all time high under his leadership and this ardent exporter is also a world class leader winning the Mine safety awards, CAPEXIL Merit awards, and best export house certificate from the Government of India.
None can even imagine that there is a biggest export market to cater to the emotional needs of the world around by providing granites to the tombstones across the globe. This market is highly captured and lot many such innovative export areas had been discovered and patented by this leader in the industry.
Dr. Reddy is a simple and straightforward personality who inspires young Indians and make a remarkable influence on the young minds who interact with him with his wit and humour and at the same time providing food for thought. His simple message is that we all should dream big, aspire and put in our hard work towards our goals. No achievement is impossible as long as we conceptualise and visualise what we aim in life and work towards it. Quality, Innovation and safety of the products are of prime importance in any business and this great stalwart leader proved that his business will hold its highest regard for these aspects that make them unique in the global markets.
To me, knowing him is a blessing and having had the opportunity to interact with him had given me enough inspiration to think big, dream big and aim big. Thank you Sir!. May god bless you with lot more success and good health to keep inspiring amateurs like me!! May your journey of success be an inspiration to the world around!
We need Peace! STOP BLOOD SHED PLEASE!!!
Terror, Terror, Terror everywhere! God, city after city in my country is bleeding!. Cant imagine the pain and anxiety that is gripping the people who are effected directly and indirectly. It is causing a trauma that is beyond description. Children, women and men are all attacked. Do not know if my land is secure and safe to go around. Not sure if the next thrash bin near me do not have an explosive ready to take lives around. Not able to think that I am safe in my own country, amidst my own men and amidst broad day light. What is happening to my country that after years and years of fighting against the invaders of all kinds, was celebrating its freedom and democracy. The very fabric of my Nation is aimed for disturbance by cowardly act of few terror agencies. Why my Nation, why my people, why innocent civilians are targeted.
If the objective of such attacks are to create confusion in the minds of people, bring in a panic across the nation, prove that a certain faith is more appropriate than others, create a war against the democracy and harmony of the Nation, let me say it Loud with my fellow Indians, their objective can never be achieved. Temporary disturbance and panic may be created, but cannot create a mindset of insecurity in my mother land which has a strong history of tolerance, acceptance and harmony amongst the various languages, religions, castes, creeds, communities,and faiths that bind my country.
Proof of concept and achievement do not lie in the hands of dirty terrorism that get paid in huge amounts for creating a sense of insecurity in any Nation. How many people can the terrorism strike in this country? We have mothers who send valiant sons to the battlefield despite losing their husband and other children. India is a Nation that has a unexpressed love of its citizens and a dedication to the mother land by its people. When time comes, world will see a sea of humanity flowing in the battlefields to protect Mother India. But when the very battle begins within and amidst the society without any indication, it is a shame for the people who does that in the name of Brave fight having very narrow objectives. If the terrorists have real guts, come in front of us and fight with us a brave battle. I would be the first one to die for the Nation. Inspector Mohan chand proved that by laying his live for the security of our country. His death is only a beginning for lot many fellow Indians who are ready to fight terrorism in the toughest battle. We do not want any more blood shed. It is unfortunate to note that these so called terrorists are still moving around in the general public holding highest educational degrees and are also accomplished engineers. Why is the intellectual property of my country put into wrong use? Against our own people? What is causing this havoc when we see information that a 10 year old boy is involved in the bomb making....Are our mothers sleeping? Are our fathers not knowing whats happening in the upbringing of their children. A 16 year old boy was killed in the Delhi encounter this week! Mother India is bleeding and we need to stop this. Wake up India, to the reality around us. Find out the insecurity of these children who are turning as terrorists. Stop the propaganda in the name of faith. No religion or no religious scriptures preach and provoke terrorism. No Religion describes that faith can be accomplished by killing fellow citizens. No religious truth had ever been proved to gain faith and win over the hearts of millions by provoking terrorism, practising hatred and preaching killing of innocent lives. Every life is precious according to Bible, Quran or Bhagavat Gita. If you are a follower of any religion in the world, it only preaches you to maintain harmony, brotherhood and help your fellow beings from human sufferings. Anything else is a outcome of wicked minds and that need to be eradicated.
India is a land of peace, non-violence, tolerance and reckoned for its democratic, socialistic, secular fabrics that build this Nation. Let us proclaim to uproot the very threads of terrorism from our country and proclaim that it is the safest Nation to live in. Jai Hind!
If the objective of such attacks are to create confusion in the minds of people, bring in a panic across the nation, prove that a certain faith is more appropriate than others, create a war against the democracy and harmony of the Nation, let me say it Loud with my fellow Indians, their objective can never be achieved. Temporary disturbance and panic may be created, but cannot create a mindset of insecurity in my mother land which has a strong history of tolerance, acceptance and harmony amongst the various languages, religions, castes, creeds, communities,and faiths that bind my country.
Proof of concept and achievement do not lie in the hands of dirty terrorism that get paid in huge amounts for creating a sense of insecurity in any Nation. How many people can the terrorism strike in this country? We have mothers who send valiant sons to the battlefield despite losing their husband and other children. India is a Nation that has a unexpressed love of its citizens and a dedication to the mother land by its people. When time comes, world will see a sea of humanity flowing in the battlefields to protect Mother India. But when the very battle begins within and amidst the society without any indication, it is a shame for the people who does that in the name of Brave fight having very narrow objectives. If the terrorists have real guts, come in front of us and fight with us a brave battle. I would be the first one to die for the Nation. Inspector Mohan chand proved that by laying his live for the security of our country. His death is only a beginning for lot many fellow Indians who are ready to fight terrorism in the toughest battle. We do not want any more blood shed. It is unfortunate to note that these so called terrorists are still moving around in the general public holding highest educational degrees and are also accomplished engineers. Why is the intellectual property of my country put into wrong use? Against our own people? What is causing this havoc when we see information that a 10 year old boy is involved in the bomb making....Are our mothers sleeping? Are our fathers not knowing whats happening in the upbringing of their children. A 16 year old boy was killed in the Delhi encounter this week! Mother India is bleeding and we need to stop this. Wake up India, to the reality around us. Find out the insecurity of these children who are turning as terrorists. Stop the propaganda in the name of faith. No religion or no religious scriptures preach and provoke terrorism. No Religion describes that faith can be accomplished by killing fellow citizens. No religious truth had ever been proved to gain faith and win over the hearts of millions by provoking terrorism, practising hatred and preaching killing of innocent lives. Every life is precious according to Bible, Quran or Bhagavat Gita. If you are a follower of any religion in the world, it only preaches you to maintain harmony, brotherhood and help your fellow beings from human sufferings. Anything else is a outcome of wicked minds and that need to be eradicated.
India is a land of peace, non-violence, tolerance and reckoned for its democratic, socialistic, secular fabrics that build this Nation. Let us proclaim to uproot the very threads of terrorism from our country and proclaim that it is the safest Nation to live in. Jai Hind!
Tanjore Paintings- Sophisticated Art Form
Art depicts the way the man lived over civilizations. It represents the way the mankind focused on its thoughts, actions and activities in this earth. Ancient era denotes a widely appreciated stone art and sculptures that lured the walls of caves, temples, rock forts and the big mandaps (Halls) which the kings and queens of the olden days appreciated, encouraged and thrived to develop by all means. These art forms created history and gave us an biggest cult to understand our evolution over various time periods. One such great art form that had its own sophistication, richness and embodiment of its very existence is the Tanjore Paintings. The roots of the tanjore art goes to the historical relevance's of 18th century where India was noted across the world for this indigenous art form that flourished during Gupta and Chola empires.
Thanjavur paintings which emerged in the capital of Gupta empire Tanjore which is around 350 kms away from Chennai, India, showcased the cultural evolvement during those days. Tanjore paintings mainly depict the various forms of Hindu gods and goddesses, providing a significance to each of the incarnations that are believed by the Hindu followers. The paintings are a treat to eyes with an visual amalgamation of art and craft by using wooden boards, gold foils, silver linings, various beads and gem stones, to bring the richness of the Hindu incarnations into life. Glass, stones, cloth, limestone, precious and semi-precious stones, smooth stones, glue from neem trees, gold foils, and ornamental accessories are all used to embellishing the canvas and the pencil sketch over it to make a beginning to a marvellous art piece. The various gem stones used make the paintings shine with the three dimensional effects. These priceless treasures are saved for generations in the homes of Indian households. These pieces of art are given as a timeless property to our future generations. Today, lot of experimentation is being done in this art form bringing in various other pictorial representations of nature and times, that show a change in the way the art is explored. The paintings today decorate the affluent homes, corporate offices and also in many places of business. The art is no where confined to the rich people alone. It all takes a genuine interest, a quest to bring in something new and refreshing and explore the new possibilities to make this art survive and enrich over the period of times. The historical golden era still continues as far as Indian art is concerned and Tanjore Paintings perhaps holds the mantle of success to its creators.
To me, in particular, this art form will be cherished for ever. I would take this up as my retirement plan when I have time and resources to sit and put my imagination to action. Thanks to my friend Sudha who presented me my first ever owned Vinayakar Tanjore painting which made a beginning to my collection of these paintings. Wanna do few of my own and pass on to my future generations, the treasure of art that glorify the Indian imagination from the times immemorial. Keep imagining and keep the art alive!!
Thanjavur paintings which emerged in the capital of Gupta empire Tanjore which is around 350 kms away from Chennai, India, showcased the cultural evolvement during those days. Tanjore paintings mainly depict the various forms of Hindu gods and goddesses, providing a significance to each of the incarnations that are believed by the Hindu followers. The paintings are a treat to eyes with an visual amalgamation of art and craft by using wooden boards, gold foils, silver linings, various beads and gem stones, to bring the richness of the Hindu incarnations into life. Glass, stones, cloth, limestone, precious and semi-precious stones, smooth stones, glue from neem trees, gold foils, and ornamental accessories are all used to embellishing the canvas and the pencil sketch over it to make a beginning to a marvellous art piece. The various gem stones used make the paintings shine with the three dimensional effects. These priceless treasures are saved for generations in the homes of Indian households. These pieces of art are given as a timeless property to our future generations. Today, lot of experimentation is being done in this art form bringing in various other pictorial representations of nature and times, that show a change in the way the art is explored. The paintings today decorate the affluent homes, corporate offices and also in many places of business. The art is no where confined to the rich people alone. It all takes a genuine interest, a quest to bring in something new and refreshing and explore the new possibilities to make this art survive and enrich over the period of times. The historical golden era still continues as far as Indian art is concerned and Tanjore Paintings perhaps holds the mantle of success to its creators.
To me, in particular, this art form will be cherished for ever. I would take this up as my retirement plan when I have time and resources to sit and put my imagination to action. Thanks to my friend Sudha who presented me my first ever owned Vinayakar Tanjore painting which made a beginning to my collection of these paintings. Wanna do few of my own and pass on to my future generations, the treasure of art that glorify the Indian imagination from the times immemorial. Keep imagining and keep the art alive!!
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