A Rainy Night

3 Dec 2012-   A Rainy Night

Looking out of the window pane

I watch the stars disappearing in pain

As the clouds overshadow them in disdain

And my thoughts linger all along my brain

 

The clouds turn thicker and dark

And trees swing in the winds hitting the bark

The birds run behind the nests to hide

As the thunders start roaring loud and wide

 

The first showers that touch the earth

The smell of the mud that raises the dirt

The little insects that shiver in the rain drops

And the small animals run for shelter crops

 

Suddenly the evening turns into a rainy night

The beautiful sun disappears into the skilful might

The dark canopy of clouds attire the night sky

And I look into the darkness and wondering why

 

The shining thunder lights sending frighten sounds

Louder barking of the hovering distant hounds

Children wanting to play in the rainy mud ponds

Yet the elders warning them not getting wet in the grounds

 

The twilight of the night fall that comes to my mind

Of the boats we rushed in the waters from the rain

The childhood in me awakens and rejoices again

Making me smile, giggle, whisper within my kind

 

Feeling like cuddling to my favorite teddy bear

And hugging all over and going to sleep

Yet wanting to watch the night unfolding

In the raining weather that is beautiful to describing

 

As the stars start to reappear after the heavy rains

I rejoice counting them like a child playing in the rain

The sky is wishful after the rainy night

Just like the life that is calm after a stormy fight!

 

I happily Love every rainy night!

That lets me think and dance in my tunes!

The Tunes of my heart that cherishes its beat!

Every rain drop is an epitome to smell the earth’s retreat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A healthy body makes worthy thoughts....

It had been quite sometime, I even thought of writing in here.  With many changes happening since July in life., I could just not muster energy or thought to write down or in fact muse around the most interesting aspects of my life.  With a craving for change in career, I have put back a comfort zone of a corporate that gave me many things in life, financial freedom, liberty at work, travel across the globe, accolades beyond expectations, immense client value and above all a great professional satisfaction.  Despite all this, I wanted to move on.  The general human tendency wanting for a change.  I learnt very early in life that Change is the only constant thing in this world.   I moved on from HP to IBM, another corporate with the same kind of work, new people., new work time zones and something and everything that I wanted to transform ....yet, I very well knew that a IT career or the Corporate environment is just going to be the same, and it is in me that a change is very much needed.  The perspectives of my thinking that need to change with time and experiences, with people and values we make in life.   It was easy to be said than done.  As I was going through this introspection of one's life, a internal search for an integral eternity , suddenly things changed. 

 

A elderly person, father like Father in law, left us to heavenly abode like a flash.   Everything happened in within 3 days that it just didn't digest at all.  The man who was giggling at the family weddings over the weekends, fighting with us for the last scoop of ice creams like a wild little child,  the person who proudly announced to everyone on each of our achievements, the man who used to run to buy cakes for his grandchildren every week end suddenly disappeared.  The facts of the Vaishanvism in the family, the trust that once was managed by the ancestors, the tanjore paintings done by ancestral ladies of the family in the Perumal temple of Saidapet, everything flashed giving us a new recognistion. The stress was too much to handle both physically and mentally. 

 

The sickness of body overtook my strength of mind, and I got hospitalized,  As I was lying silently in the hospital bed and thinking again and again on what I want to make in life, I was lost.  There are hundreds of things that we want to do, we want to achieve, we want to bring in a change, a meaning to someone, a difference in some one's life.  Probably in our very own.   Yet, we get caught in the societal norms, social obligations, financial needs, and materialistic living.  The very goal of spiritual realization is pushed again to a back seat for a later day.   What is that we want to make in life?   A inner peace, a spiritual life, a materialistic wealth, a perfect health, a sound mind, a peaceful soul?   Is it not too much to ask for?  Does any one have everything that they need, or want or ask for?   Only when you know the meaning of self contentment that you would realize the meaning of everything that was defined by the mind in its sublime surrender to the body and soul.  The harmony between mind, body and soul is not difficult to attain.  It is difficult to maintain and consistently feel its uniformity.  However,  the bridge between life and death, the very essence of each one of us having to cross the bridge, finish the travel in our own ways, makes meaningful lives.   Each one of us are born with a purpose, a karma and a responsibility to finish that karma.  And in this journey, we play the various roles that we have to enact , and then exit the way we are destined to.  This is not an emotional out pour of a soul, that quite frequently searches for a real meaning of life.  These are the thoughts of the individual who is often misjudged, misunderstood and mistaken.   The very purpose of this self introspection is not for any one but for us to deal with our own actions and consequences.   Once we realize this, we will not do any harm to any one, think no evil, do no evil and live no evil.

 

Sarvey jana sukinobavanthu!

Sakuntala Poetry Contest 2012- Topic: This is close to my heart

In memory of a great woman in our lives, we have instituted a Poetry Contest in her name -  Sakuntala Poetry Contest 2012-   The topic for this year is 'This is close to my heart'.


The form of poetry can be anything.  The topic can be related to place, person, hobby, dream, work etc.  Surprise gifts await top 3 poems selected.  End date for submission 15 July 2012.   Winners will be informed on 18th July 2012.  


Mail your submissions to umasree_r@yahoo.com with the subject line -  Sakuntala Poetry Contest 2012.


The poems need to be around 200 words but there is no limit.    Rush your entries now!
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Winning Entries:


1. From Kanchana Srinivasan

CLOSE TO MY HEART(MY AMMA)

I saw you in the sunshine

I saw you in the love of God

The warmth you gladly share

That makes you want to care,b'cause
You're so close to my heart!!!

The beauty of your heart

With love that you impart

I saw you in your prettiness

I saw you in the sunshine,b'cause

you're so close to my heart!!!

You are beautiful... as you don't need a mirror to see

You are generous... as you can take as sweetly as you can give.

You are wise... as you know the limits of your wisdom.

Poetry from the Heart,b'cause

you're so close to my heart!!!

When we're so far apart

it takes a toll on my heart

I wish you'd visit me again
in my dreams like before,b'cause

you're so close to my heart!!!

You're always on my mind

You're so far from my reach

maybe soon in real life
that last thought I adore,b'cause

you're so close to my heart!!!

FROM,

KANCHANA SRINIVASAN

PRESIDENT IWC NANGANALLUR

Winning Entry 2: From Sharmila Ramesh

MY FAMILY

There are many parts to it

Yet it is always called a unit

Each part has different wants

Yet there is joy and not taunts

The size of the parts may vary

Yet they are not cautious or wary

Some very small and so young

Yet others big, round or long

When one decides to work at home

To create magic not unlike a gnome

The other may want to work outside

Not by choice, but to save their hide

The home is always the base

Well laid brick work for the race

It is the ground every part returns to

For the safety and warmth of the cocoon

Nothing gives me more happiness

There is no place for nonchalance

This is that which is close to my heart

No award could coerce me to part

With my children, husband and his family

Who are as much mine as mine is to me

We are the parts of that wonderful unit

Sharing love like a million lamps, lit.

Winning Entries- Special Categories:  Zepphora Lyngdoh

Nature:

UNIQUE BEAUTY
By Zepphora Lyngdoh

O MEGHALAYA- serene landmarks of beauty you hold
A cue to the various Mysteries that you unfold !
Enchanting Peace and Grace that Captivates,
Lost in your wonder,no one Deviates.


You embrace every Foreigner without distinction,
But never part with your strong Culture and Tradition.
The Rich advice and heritage of the old,
Unravels the truth behind the folklores Untold.


You merge the seven districts and mould them into One,
Like a Rainbow that shimmers,keeping everybody stunned.
Your value,your dearness cannot be compared
When the courage of our warriors who didn't falter are shared


"Tis my Lovely Land"-you have it all
Outstanding resources,the lakes,the gleaming waterfalls
Dressed in an amazing attire you are truly Unique,
Music lovers,Sports fans,Cool climate at their highest peak.


I am thankful to God,to be a part of you
You nurtured me all these years,like mother's do
May you be secure from every plight,
And may your name stand supreme far and wide;

"Meghalaya- may you prosper in Everything."!!

Winning Entry- Special Category:  Sushi Natraj

Nature:

 

A green world, where man lives in harmony with nature

A just world, where people can live free without fear

A happy world, where neighbours are loving and giving

A caring world, where children are cherished and don’t work for a living

A beautiful world, where we nurture our heritage and history

An ordered world, where the law is the same for you and for me

A prosperous world, where poverty and need exist no more

A peaceful world, where countries meet not to go to war

A harmonious world, where man and beast play their natural roles

An accepting world, where differences are not treated like opposite poles

A progressive world, which learns to change for the better

A reasonable world, that does not quote the law to the letter

A questioning world, where science and spirituality work side by side

A welcoming world, where everything is greeted with wonder and pride

A sharing world, where the gap is small between the haves and the have-nots

A thinking world, where actions are decided by what good can be wrought

All this is my dream, my passion - and I wish to play a part

To make all this come true –This really is close to my heart!

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Thanks to all participants and congratulations to the winning entries.    Look forward for more contests in this space

-  Uma
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Sahaya Illam- A Social Visit- Join hands to support

Situation

Every parent treats the child like a flower
Feeds them, prunes them and cares for them in galore
As they grow old, and children fly off the nests
Circumstances change and priorities rests
The very parents become a unwanted part in life
The very hands that cared are left alone to walk
The eyes that showered love are left back in tears
As old age and helplessness creeps, they are left in fears

RESULT

Helpless, downtrodden, destitute and lone parents
Left behind to the mercy of some helping souls alone
The society is still not a jungle where we prey on others suffering
Still, this world thankfully is a better place to live and care

Resolution

Few good and generous trusts come forward to support
Let them live their rest of lives in dignity and respect
Corporate Youngsters awake to a social cause
Let alone the partying or western influences or what not
They are blamed and thought to be irresponsible
These youngsters join hands to celebrate in giving back
To the society in their little ways possible
Tomorrow they make better children and good citizens
For they have seen the other side of the comfortable lives
What makes them do this, is not just a fun or time pass
But an inner awakening that is rejuvenated as a team
The little steps they take make a big difference
In bringing back the long lost smiles on the elderly faces
For one day, the faces shined leaving behind the fearful traces!

See it to believe it:

Social Visit of Chennai Trekking Club friends to Sahaya Illam, St. Patrick Church Trust, St.Thomas Mount, Chennai on 17 May 2012….an evening of a working dayJ  Celebrating birthdays of Malika and Mahendra Vaska….same time bringing in smiles of the aged!

Few glimpses

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3186411495427.2120386.1119974468&t

This is for my 'Amma'....From Aishu's desk!

It's all the words they say.

That can't be taken so easily. 

It's all the things they mean. 

That can hurt us unimaginably. 

Though I tell myself to control my rage. 

But the doubts on me is, is simply out of the range. 

I really wish I had someone by my side telling me 'it's gonna be alright' 

But who is that 'someone'?

Where is that 'someone'?

What is that 'someone' doing?

Ain't that 'someone' supposed to be by my side?

When am I gonna find that someone?

Its easy for a random person telling me 'its common, things happen'. 

But it's not easy to bear the pain of an intense wound, that can't be healed so easily...

Words can hurt...

They stay back reminding you all the time.

I really want that 'someone' who can guarantee me that,
'someone' is gonna be with me until the end;

give me a shoulder and does not pretend.

Who holds my hand until the last second.

I really wish I had that someone right hear,

Right now,

Right at this moment with me!

It's the words that accuse for the stupidest reasons!

It's the words that make me feel demotivated!

It's that words that tell me that I'm good for nothing!

It's all the things they mean that can't be let out for reasons...

It's not just words!?!

But these words can hurt!!!

Why does all the words have to exist?

I'm tired of these awful  words!!

It's easy to say 'why don't u follow your intuition?'

But following your intuition is really hard!

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When am I gonna be relied!?!

Relied on that 'SOMEONE'!!

But I'm sure that there is that someone waiting for me!

And I will wait for that someone!

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In my case that someone is my MOTHER!!

Happy mothers day Amma!!!

(Moved with this poem coming in from my child.....what else can I say?)

Internet is Fun- Its a way of Life!

Internet is Fun

As I keep on my Run!

Every day it’s a sin

Without Internet to win!

Crazy games that I play

Funny jokes that I share

News on the go!

I am ahead of the row!

Songs that keep me tuned!

RJs who dive me pruned

Facebook that is the only face

I see every day for every race

Tumbling upon the Oddee site

Googling everything this earth has

Cant imagine life without Internet

For we know life is intertwinednet

Illusions that get shared

Our breadths to take away

Videos that make you go gong!

Or just relax with your favorite song!

Where is life today without Internet?

I know there is no fun as I can bet!

There are flowers the bloom everyday

In the virtual world we are living today

Internet is not just another technology

But it is the way of life- a new mythology

Its more of connecting lives today

The way we interact and live every day

Fun, that is just a spring that sings

Internet is the hub of the blings

Passions, hobbies and friends

Social media that makes our lives no ends!

We wake up with a beep of the net

YouTube wishes with yoga videos abundant

Mom’s cooking live telecasted on skype

We eat and breath broadcasting across

Birthday parties and e- parties come alive

Across the oceans and vivid timezones

We share our thoughts and prayers

Live our lives connected through wires!

Gardens we grow and farms we share

Changes to peep in other worlds with glare

Join any housing, job or fun fares

With just the click on my mobile world

 I may die and perish

But my virtual world will live on

I may forget living,

But art on my walls will be built on!

To go beyond and bust the myth

That there is no change ever constant

The lives of the digital world

Will live just not long but wide to prolong!

So, Here I repeat!

Internet is Fun

As I keep on my Run!

Every day it’s a sin

Without Internet to win!

A Visit to Udavum Ullangal Illam- Adambakkam- A heart touching experience

60 lovely flowers in a garden called Udavum Ullangal Illam...Innocence in every face....relief from the distress of having been distressed in life for ever.....a home away from home...these children definitely did not look disoriented, depressed or dull even for a moment.   

There was a kind of empathy in the air...no requests for sympathy though..... happy to welcome love and care from the public....managed by a trust of retired elderly people who wanted to give back their bit to the society....this place just did not seem like a Orphanage...it more looked like any other home.   

The children were well disciplined, we were happy to hear that all children between 5-17 years are all schooled and medical needs taken care with the closest SP Hospital.   Children were with smiles, innocent looks and a kind of fire for life....and it was so refreshing to have celebrated my kid's birthday with them.   

The home keepers were all friendly, approachable, and passionate about the service they do.   Hopefully behind the scenes situation is also all the time the same..and I passionately wished, I could take home one child.  But I guess they don't do  adoptions.   They have another home for elderly and children in Maraimalarnagar.  Both the homes accept donations and any kind of support is highly appreciated.   

Only wish our country has a dawn where there is no need for such homes...at the same, thankful that these children have homes though they have been abused, betrayed, distressed by their own parents, circumstances and families.   

Thankfully, with the help of pure souls that serve in the smallest ways possible, these children are not shunned from the society and lead a decent life...aiming high and higher every day to become more responsible citizens...aiming high dreams..that should one day become realities

A Poetic Tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

What best we can do to pay our respects

Than scribble our thoughts in his memory

How can such a person be even a story of the past

For there cannot be another Tagore who can replace

Picture Courtesy-Totalbhakti.com

The wisdom of thoughts lie small under his feet

The words of his pen makes us think even this day

Making the life simple and straight

O Master Poet, I have sat down at Thy feet

(These are his words! Echoed back to him)

Dwindling whispers of the divine form

The human endevours could capture in calm

The air around us is filled with unheard music

The calmness of the nature on his thinking

From 'The Hindu' Archives-  Gurudev and Helen Keller

The thoughts of the great poet run behind

The raving and restless unusual mind

Forgive me , O , Lord, if I ever fail

In making the most of your memory trail

O Lord,  we abide by the thoughts of great human

Who lived 150 years ago during your glorious times

There can no parallel to his literature and wisdom

All we can do is pay our respects and prayers in his kingdom

Trekking at Nagalapuram Hills, Andhra Pradesh- A destination to fall in love with Nature…. A weekend getaway from Chennai.

If you are overwhelmed with the city life, buzzing traffic,  never ending pollution,  stressful work environments, routine family life….trust me, you have an option to escape for a day from every thing that makes your life bored, routine and never ending.   For those who seek peace and tranquility in the serenity of Mother Nature in its roughest, truest and modest form with no human intervention of manipulation, transforming for travel or recreation purpose,   here is one destination in its original form-  Nagalapuram Hills, close to Tirupathi/Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh.   2 hours drive from Chennai,  92 kms from the mid of the city and close to 8 hours package with Nature.  

The beauty of this place lies in the fact that it is natural.   Rough route, tough trek, original serenity of forests and rocky trails,   little touches  of zooming insects and possibly small snakes….the hills being Nagala’s original kingdom of peace!   As you drive close the destination, you don’t realize which of the mountains surrounded you are going to trek…. Few kilometers away from Ottukotai…you keep wishing the next road takes you to the trails beginning…. Be prepared for unexplored adventure in the forests, the rocky hills and steep climbs that is in store for you.   As you cross the Poondi Reservoir and couple of other smaller one’s you see a shady road with beautiful trees on either side…and then you enter a stretch of 3 kms which your cars will have a test drive!    The road is fit of cars and bikes…but bit rough roads so be prepared to manage this stretch.

For all the nature lovers,  remember this is the quickest, most wonderful destination from Chennai.   The visit to the forests, sloppy mountains, brooks and the narrow tunnels., the lively waterfalls and the pools that let you swim, dive, dance and fall in love all over again with life…..I would love to recommend this place for all that is closer to your heart.

Please remember this is a litter- free zone, and also to maintain the calmness and tranquility of the place, please do not pollute it by any means. 

Here is the agenda from our trip guide, a great friend and our biggest moral and physical support Vadivel. K, who is a senior trekker, part of the Chennai trekking club.  He would love to take more folks and friends to enjoy this trip that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Agenda:

Leave early around 5 am in Chennai, Trekking at Nagalapuram Hills, Andhra Pradesh-   A destination to fall in love with Nature…. A weekend getaway from Chennai. 

Have breakfast @Udhukottai

Purchase food items for lunch and proceed to Nagala western entry Via Pichatur Dam.

Park vehicles near Aree village

Climb over dam and proceed along stream.

Reach 1st pool and Proceed to 2^nd pool.

Have Lunch and pleasant time there.

Return back to parking area in same trail.

Must Carry Items:

Please travel as light as possible. The lighter you travel the easier your trek.

1. Good walking shoes or a pair of sandals which will sustain the trek and can be used for the whole of the trek;

2. 1 x 1 litre water bottle filled with drinkable water

3. Medium sized back-pack to carry luggage, food, water & miscellaneous items

4. LED torch(Optional)

5. One extra set of clothes for return

6. Car/Bike owners -Bring your original licence and vehicle documents.

7. Extra plastic covers to wrap things if it rains.

9. Swimming tube for non-swimmers.

Route:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?saddr=Guindy,+Chennai,+Tamil+Nadu&daddr=Porur,+Chennai,+Tamil+Nadu+to:Poonamalle,+Tamil+Nadu+to:Pichatur+Dam&hl=en&ll=13.146018,79.867516&spn=0.184213,0.338173&sll=13.150364,80.04776&sspn=0.368419,0.676346&geocode=FdWExgAdEO3HBCl9CqSacGdSOjFQJ1H8lYY0yg%3BFSIDxwAdVRnHBClRj0iQG2FSOjF0MDM7NaFllg%3BFb8XxwAd_XTGBCkH5kxKxGFSOjGw6iTg_SObdA%3BFVW2zAAd5avABCmxWmayHF5NOjHCND9h9V0EAw&mra=ls&z=12

Food Menu:  Breakfast(Idly/Pongal/Dosa) @Udhukottai  (It was our choice..:-)

2)      We can buy Bread and Jam, biscuits, fruits and snacks for lunch at Udhukottai

What to Wear:

1. Shorts / track pants and T Shirt.

2. Carry Swimming costume if you don't want to sleep in wet clothes.

What not to wear:

1. Do not wear Formal wear/casual wear - Jeans, Corduroy or any other

What not to do:

1. Smoking not allowed

2. No littering and waste dumping in the forest..