I met her on the bus from Perambur to Besant Nagar. She was from Kobe, a mega Rajini fan and had come all the way to Chennai for Chandramukhi release. ( Phew and we thought these guys existed only in TN, did we ??? ). Her name was Lillian and she spoke in halting English. How she understood Tamil continues to be a mystery to me.
The ride was a 45 minute one, and needless to say all eyes on the bus were fixated on the maid from east. Our converstion sped along with 29C. She had seen every one of Rajini's movies . Her all time favourite was Muthu. She had met Rajini, and had the privelege of dining with him at his residence. But the most intriguing part of the trip was yet to come.
She wanted to know more about getting to "Marudai". I was surprised.
'Madurai ?? ' I intended to correct her ?
'No no , Ma- Ru- Dai.' she spelt it with perfection.
'I read somewhere that Vadivelu is from Marudai. I love his style of speaking Tamil and dialogue delivery. I wanted to visit the place where he belongs to. I also read that the dialect of the area is very interesting. In fact my friends and I have seen some of his movies.Trust me he and the other guy ,Sorry I dont re call his name ( I guess she was referring to Parthiban!!) make the perfect pair.'
'So I wanted to visit that part of TN also, to get a feel of the place and people to take back with me.'
The bus screeched to a grinding halt. It was Adayar.Lillian bade good bye , and I trudged along. I felt squeamish. I had never really enjoyed Vadivelu's acting, but after hearing Lillian go Ga Ga, I thought I must give him a second chance. I picked up a VCD on the way home. The shopkeeper recommended Vettri Kodi Kattu. I must say I was impressed.
As I walked on the sands of Elliots beach that evening , I couldnt help wondering at the paradox of human behavior. It has always taken an outsider to discover the true beauty of a country. Be it the Irish man gazing at the Statue of Liberty or the Indian watching the Sun rise by a lake.
When we travel abroad we maintain checklists of what to see, what to experience and dutifully tick them off . Rarely do we do the same at home. Homeland is always there to be seen, always there to be criticized. Why is an African tribal dance in VGP more interesting than the local Ra koothu ?
It took a Lillian to bring to my notice that there was beauty in the cacophoney of Marudai Tamizh. I am happy that I now have chosen to view it.
P.S. Lillian would have left for Marudai by now.
Mommy blogger
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Mud on my face...
I went through the questions once again
Feeling tired and worked out? YES
Are you stressed out? YES
Do you need rejuvenation? DESPERATELY !!!
Call us at ######## or drop in to @@@@@@ for a whole new experience. So I had done that , and here I was waiting in the waiting room of an ayurvedic body health clinic.
"Number 15 " , they called out to me .. "Please step in."
I walked into a sparsely furnished , dimmly lit room. There were 4 women dressed in white Kerela style saree, smiling and welcoming me. It was too late to turn back.
The taller one spake in Malayam laced English "We have analysed your body type and skin type. Based on which we have chosen on treatment that is best suited to your temperement. Please lie down on this bench."
So I meekly surrendered. The ladies whispered amongst themselves and I lay like a patient on an operating board waiting for Anaestasia. They blindfolded me with something which felt like 'Chappathi Mavu'(Dough) and loosened my short hair.
A warm liquid flowed on to my tresses from unknown heights. A pair of hands , gently massaged the liquid and I drifted into a dreamless slumber. Not for long though.
Whacck came the seasoned palm slicing repeatedly on the well oiled head. Gosh, this was not there on the advertisement and I am not paying to get beaten. I wanted to open my eyes and yell , when my thoughts were interrupted by a cool paste hitting my face.
ME: "What is that?? "
THEY : "Sshhhhh , don't speak. It is a mud pack , made from river bed sand of Tamaraparani( A river in Tamil Nadu) and exotic herbs."
I felt like giving a theatrical presentation of the dialogue "Mugam Mannukku, Uyir Tamizh kku", but my lips were sealed with another herbal gel.
After 2 hours :30 mins: 33 Secs, I was ready to see a new and improved me. It felt like Kamal in Singaravelan , when they brought me to face the mirror.
If I was expecting to see the princess of Russia staring back at me, I was disappointed.
But still it was not a bad job. The nose, eyes and mouth were where they were earlier. A little brighter though. ( hey, if you open your eyes after 150 mins don't you see a whole new bright world ???)
The ladies seemed to read my thoughts, and went in to collect the bill before I could ask questions. If my complexion went a tad brighter after that, they did not compliment.
I handed them my card , and walked out. A feeling of rejuvenation, charged up elements and a kind of lightness enveloped me.
Yes they had promised that feeling , not a new look and they had delivered bang on. Kudos to Dhanvantri, Ayurveda and Tamaraparani mannu.
Feeling tired and worked out? YES
Are you stressed out? YES
Do you need rejuvenation? DESPERATELY !!!
Call us at ######## or drop in to @@@@@@ for a whole new experience. So I had done that , and here I was waiting in the waiting room of an ayurvedic body health clinic.
"Number 15 " , they called out to me .. "Please step in."
I walked into a sparsely furnished , dimmly lit room. There were 4 women dressed in white Kerela style saree, smiling and welcoming me. It was too late to turn back.
The taller one spake in Malayam laced English "We have analysed your body type and skin type. Based on which we have chosen on treatment that is best suited to your temperement. Please lie down on this bench."
So I meekly surrendered. The ladies whispered amongst themselves and I lay like a patient on an operating board waiting for Anaestasia. They blindfolded me with something which felt like 'Chappathi Mavu'(Dough) and loosened my short hair.
A warm liquid flowed on to my tresses from unknown heights. A pair of hands , gently massaged the liquid and I drifted into a dreamless slumber. Not for long though.
Whacck came the seasoned palm slicing repeatedly on the well oiled head. Gosh, this was not there on the advertisement and I am not paying to get beaten. I wanted to open my eyes and yell , when my thoughts were interrupted by a cool paste hitting my face.
ME: "What is that?? "
THEY : "Sshhhhh , don't speak. It is a mud pack , made from river bed sand of Tamaraparani( A river in Tamil Nadu) and exotic herbs."
I felt like giving a theatrical presentation of the dialogue "Mugam Mannukku, Uyir Tamizh kku", but my lips were sealed with another herbal gel.
After 2 hours :30 mins: 33 Secs, I was ready to see a new and improved me. It felt like Kamal in Singaravelan , when they brought me to face the mirror.
If I was expecting to see the princess of Russia staring back at me, I was disappointed.
But still it was not a bad job. The nose, eyes and mouth were where they were earlier. A little brighter though. ( hey, if you open your eyes after 150 mins don't you see a whole new bright world ???)
The ladies seemed to read my thoughts, and went in to collect the bill before I could ask questions. If my complexion went a tad brighter after that, they did not compliment.
I handed them my card , and walked out. A feeling of rejuvenation, charged up elements and a kind of lightness enveloped me.
Yes they had promised that feeling , not a new look and they had delivered bang on. Kudos to Dhanvantri, Ayurveda and Tamaraparani mannu.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
An Half Yearly Review ...well almost
As I usher in the last month of Q1-2005-06 , I also can't help but notice that my blog is also almost 6 months old. And like all good ol bloggers, it s time for a recap.
It all started one evening , when my ma said "Whats in that comp, that makes you glued to it for one hour a day? Are you not satisfied with seeing it for 12 hrs at work? "
Yeah, so what was in blogging that I have managed to complete 6 months without a long break. Some say it is just a personal diary, and a few feel they have saved the eco system a few trees by blogging than writing. To me, this whole new world has meant more than just a diary.
During hay days of sales, afternoons were allocated for the cool confines of Sify. I took to blogging, because searching for a job on naukri.com can be strain on your eyes. I soon discovered that I invited more replies on my little known identity called Rajeshwari than by sending a resume of Anuradha.
I had a personal space, where I wrote what I felt and found people who took time of their busy schedule to voice what they felt on what I wrote . (Phew!)
I celeberated my first comment at Gangotri with a Bhel and a Vanilla Icecream and my first series in Murugan Idli Kadai.
There were days ,when there were more drafts to edit than posted entries. I searched for topics to write on , I started noticing a lot of things that were but a passing blur earlier. I visited more places when on tour, read more when not on tour , slept less in office- all for 25 entries on a little known space in the amazing world of the net.
New acquaintances , women friends ( I couldn't believe for nuts that I was actually exchanging mails with women ).
Reading comments around the world right from
Not good enuf, I enjoyed it, BORRRRRING !!!, Write some thing else , You are showing signs of improvement, Stop begging for comments...
All said and done its been a great 6 months of blogging , and before i forget.
I thank my parents, friends, my non existant pet, my country for encouraging me to see this day. I thank all of you and will work towards a better India and.... and... and ... WORLD PEACE.
( Yepp i saw that movie again last night .... )
It all started one evening , when my ma said "Whats in that comp, that makes you glued to it for one hour a day? Are you not satisfied with seeing it for 12 hrs at work? "
Yeah, so what was in blogging that I have managed to complete 6 months without a long break. Some say it is just a personal diary, and a few feel they have saved the eco system a few trees by blogging than writing. To me, this whole new world has meant more than just a diary.
During hay days of sales, afternoons were allocated for the cool confines of Sify. I took to blogging, because searching for a job on naukri.com can be strain on your eyes. I soon discovered that I invited more replies on my little known identity called Rajeshwari than by sending a resume of Anuradha.
I had a personal space, where I wrote what I felt and found people who took time of their busy schedule to voice what they felt on what I wrote . (Phew!)
I celeberated my first comment at Gangotri with a Bhel and a Vanilla Icecream and my first series in Murugan Idli Kadai.
There were days ,when there were more drafts to edit than posted entries. I searched for topics to write on , I started noticing a lot of things that were but a passing blur earlier. I visited more places when on tour, read more when not on tour , slept less in office- all for 25 entries on a little known space in the amazing world of the net.
New acquaintances , women friends ( I couldn't believe for nuts that I was actually exchanging mails with women ).
Reading comments around the world right from
Not good enuf, I enjoyed it, BORRRRRING !!!, Write some thing else , You are showing signs of improvement, Stop begging for comments...
All said and done its been a great 6 months of blogging , and before i forget.
I thank my parents, friends, my non existant pet, my country for encouraging me to see this day. I thank all of you and will work towards a better India and.... and... and ... WORLD PEACE.
( Yepp i saw that movie again last night .... )
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Gimme a hint ...
"Your password has expired please reenter your password"
I had not heeded to the warnings and here I was on a bright and sunny morning wondering what will the 6 letter word be?
Momma's name with birth date overUsed
Appa's name with marriage date Existing - Give a different name !!!
Anna Manni , The family was over.
Boyfriends in serial order ... mm tuf to keep track of the names and the nos.
My birthdate -> Too simple
Gosh gimme a hint , what should my password be ?????????????????
I had not heeded to the warnings and here I was on a bright and sunny morning wondering what will the 6 letter word be?
Momma's name with birth date overUsed
Appa's name with marriage date Existing - Give a different name !!!
Anna Manni , The family was over.
Boyfriends in serial order ... mm tuf to keep track of the names and the nos.
My birthdate -> Too simple
Gosh gimme a hint , what should my password be ?????????????????
Monday, May 23, 2005
Amma's Own country
Whats in ????
Whats out???
Suryan FM Susie Mami
Chithi !!!!!
Chithi !!!!!
Sevai on Elliots Beach
Kadalai on Marina
F1 Racing
Cricket in Chepauk
Theatre
Chandramukhi
Tai Chi
Laughter clubs
Heat wave
Tsunami Wave
Tsunami Wave
Sachin the movie
Sachin the player
Munnar
Kodai
Auto karan " Have a nice day "
Auto karan " Veetla ........ !!!"
Have a nice day folks !!
Sunday, May 08, 2005
A lil Sweet , a lil sour
Its customary in this part of the world to bring along a bag of fruits when you are visiting someone. The contents of the bag determine the relationship one shares with the household and also the months of the year.
'Rasthali' a banana variety is an all year around 'aabhatbhandhavan' (A Bay watch kind of life saver). Green seedless grapes and apples make a brief winter consultant like stop over. But the king of the fruits arrive during the 2 month period of May and June and boy do they arrive in style !!!
My nephew stood around the table eyeing the yellow Banganapalli's in delight. A gift from chitappa when he came down for his weekly visit. Amma removed them from the table.
" Still a little time before they ripen".And in they went to hibernate in the confines of the Rice drum.
Mangoes or Mangifera indica are classified into varieties based on their features , benefits and target segment catered to.
At the top of the pyramid rule the Alphonsoes from the konkan belt, then come the salem Malguavas, Banganapalli - catering to the great Indian Middle class, Kilimuku, Nilambari .. The list would warrant a Maeneka Gandhi writing on - 'A book of Mango names'.
Mango preparations range from juices and jams to spicy gravies and rasams. Every cook worth his salt will elucidate his prowess in dishing out Mango delicacies on Sunday channels and papers. But the true taste of a mango lies in its true form, with the skin.
It was a little before 2:00 pm in the afternoon , when after quality inspection the fruits were declared ripe enough to be savoured. Once cut into 3 portions , kids scrambled for the 'Kottai' or the portion with the seed. 'Kadhuppu' was left for the more civilised elders.
It was still early May, the variety was still a little sour , and a little sweet. My nephew ran around with the kottai dripping and an old tamil rhyme.
'Mambhayam ma Mabhayam, Sale(m) thu Mambhayam
Thitthikkum mambhayam.... '
'Rasthali' a banana variety is an all year around 'aabhatbhandhavan' (A Bay watch kind of life saver). Green seedless grapes and apples make a brief winter consultant like stop over. But the king of the fruits arrive during the 2 month period of May and June and boy do they arrive in style !!!
My nephew stood around the table eyeing the yellow Banganapalli's in delight. A gift from chitappa when he came down for his weekly visit. Amma removed them from the table.
" Still a little time before they ripen".And in they went to hibernate in the confines of the Rice drum.
Mangoes or Mangifera indica are classified into varieties based on their features , benefits and target segment catered to.
At the top of the pyramid rule the Alphonsoes from the konkan belt, then come the salem Malguavas, Banganapalli - catering to the great Indian Middle class, Kilimuku, Nilambari .. The list would warrant a Maeneka Gandhi writing on - 'A book of Mango names'.
Mango preparations range from juices and jams to spicy gravies and rasams. Every cook worth his salt will elucidate his prowess in dishing out Mango delicacies on Sunday channels and papers. But the true taste of a mango lies in its true form, with the skin.
It was a little before 2:00 pm in the afternoon , when after quality inspection the fruits were declared ripe enough to be savoured. Once cut into 3 portions , kids scrambled for the 'Kottai' or the portion with the seed. 'Kadhuppu' was left for the more civilised elders.
It was still early May, the variety was still a little sour , and a little sweet. My nephew ran around with the kottai dripping and an old tamil rhyme.
'Mambhayam ma Mabhayam, Sale(m) thu Mambhayam
Thitthikkum mambhayam.... '
Monday, May 02, 2005
Blog lifting ...
Hey came across this while blog hopping
She married one, loved another.
He became her husband, the other her password.
You wanna read more go to ...
http://jikku.blogspot.com/
She married one, loved another.
He became her husband, the other her password.
You wanna read more go to ...
http://jikku.blogspot.com/
Dear Mr. Patil,
Dear Mr. Patil,
I understand, that you took the extreme measure of banning Dance bars , because a father wrote to you about falling moral standards of his son. I write this letter in the sincere hope that writing has more effect than waiting in a queue to meet you.
You barred dance bars , but have you checked if the young and promising boy has started going to a harlem ? Can you stop the young boy from yearning for carnal pleasures?
What purpose do you think you solved by banning dance bars ? Have molestation cases decreased by 50% , have the child abuses cases been solved ?All you did was lead the young masked girls into hell.
Law and Order does not end with banning what one considers as a sin or a threat to culture. Law and Order is in seeing the culture of a generation change. Visiting dance bars , or watching a dance on TV are the same. Both exploit the flesh of a third person to generate economy spend. The govt does not stand to lose the 200 crores Bars generated, they would come from the millions of VCDs that would get circulated in the next 3 months.
The Rs.200 that Smitha took home every night would become more difficult to earn. Dances on VCDs are a whole lot difficult to market than a live show. If you think you have corrected the world by closing a few night haunts, I suggest you follow the young boy more closely. The solution to his life is in the steps he takes.
As for the father , all I can say is stop writing letters to Patil and think of what you were when you were as old as your son.
Regards and thanks,
Anuradha
I understand, that you took the extreme measure of banning Dance bars , because a father wrote to you about falling moral standards of his son. I write this letter in the sincere hope that writing has more effect than waiting in a queue to meet you.
You barred dance bars , but have you checked if the young and promising boy has started going to a harlem ? Can you stop the young boy from yearning for carnal pleasures?
What purpose do you think you solved by banning dance bars ? Have molestation cases decreased by 50% , have the child abuses cases been solved ?All you did was lead the young masked girls into hell.
Law and Order does not end with banning what one considers as a sin or a threat to culture. Law and Order is in seeing the culture of a generation change. Visiting dance bars , or watching a dance on TV are the same. Both exploit the flesh of a third person to generate economy spend. The govt does not stand to lose the 200 crores Bars generated, they would come from the millions of VCDs that would get circulated in the next 3 months.
The Rs.200 that Smitha took home every night would become more difficult to earn. Dances on VCDs are a whole lot difficult to market than a live show. If you think you have corrected the world by closing a few night haunts, I suggest you follow the young boy more closely. The solution to his life is in the steps he takes.
As for the father , all I can say is stop writing letters to Patil and think of what you were when you were as old as your son.
Regards and thanks,
Anuradha
Sunday, May 01, 2005
In and Around...
Avid tamil film watchers would recall this line from Kudumbam oru Kadambam -"Paithyakara hospital lla vaidhyam patkara doctor ru ke paithyam puditcha .... " . As an answer to Visu' s question stands the temple dedicated to Lord Dhanvantri in Walajapet , Tamil nadu.
Walajapet is a small industrial town , 100 kms off chennai on the Chennai -Bangalore route. Once famous (infamous) for its tanneries and export units, today it is on a path of correcting the wrongs done to the eco system.
15 minutes into Walajapet , there is a right turn with a board inviting you to meet Dr. Dhanvantri , Physician to Lord Venkatesa Perumal.
A small temple breaks the seemingly unbroken horizon . Logs of wood guide you around the compact structure in circles. The pathway is lined on either side with rows of butter cup flowers and bright marigolds. The smell of burnt ghee being poured into the fire welcomes you to the abode of Lord Dhanvantri.
Dhanvantri is the lord of medicine and authored Ayurveda. The temple on Walajapet is dedicated to him in an effort to bring solace and hope to millions around the world of any caste and creed. An imposing 6 1/2 feet idol stands smiling calmly at the hundereds who enter the sanctum everyday.
The head priest of the temple, Balaji explains about the history in a way that would see any marketing consultant back to school.
"Welcome to the home of Doctor of Doctors. If you have noticed,this temple is designed in a way , akin to a hospital. You have ramps to climb up to the sanctum, a waiting area before you meet the doctor. The waiting area ofcourse is lined with herbal plantations ,the scent of which starts the cure before you meet the doc.
He is Dhanvantri( pointing to the 6 footer). Look at his face- a pleasantly smiling one seemingly asking you - Hello , so how are you doing today? The main idol is placed on a lotus base (padma peetam) around which the mantra would be inscribed. On the one hand Dhanvantri will be holding the pot of nectar (amrita kalasam) and have a seendhal kodi (herb) hanging by his side.
The intriguing part is that a leech (atta poochi, in Tamil) is sculpted on his chest."
(leech therapy was part of the Indian medicine system and is now practiced in western countries.)
I could not help but notice , the silver stethoscope on the idol's right hand.
Balaji traced my gaze and responded in a typical Visu style "Doctors by profession also come here to research solutions of the unknown. This temple's base is filled by 50 crore mantras . So when you walk around the temple the vibrations emanate postive energies that fill your system."
I walked around the temple to feel the vibrations. You dont need to be a believer in the supernatural powers or cosmic energy to feel rejuvenated. The fresh air, uninterrupted gaze of the spherical earth, scent of herbs and flowers, fluttering of birds and butterflies, the temple seemed to rekindle a hope in those who visited.
The vision of Dhanvantri Swami Kovil was best articulated by Angelina , a volunteer at the temple.
-' No disease is curable in its entirety, There are no shortcuts to pain reduction, all one needs is a hope that life is worth living and that alone gives you the strength to move ahead. The temple stands testimony to generating that hope. Be it when you see others coping with suffering - you feel you are not all that alone, or when you see that nature has more to offer than what we think. I was an atheist till I came here. Now I am a believer , a believer in creating the urge to live. '
As the van wound itself way back on to the highway, the transformation in the small town was evident. Every house had a bit of the temple - A tulsi maadam and a neem tree. Walajapet was right on its way to being cured.
Walajapet is a small industrial town , 100 kms off chennai on the Chennai -Bangalore route. Once famous (infamous) for its tanneries and export units, today it is on a path of correcting the wrongs done to the eco system.
15 minutes into Walajapet , there is a right turn with a board inviting you to meet Dr. Dhanvantri , Physician to Lord Venkatesa Perumal.
A small temple breaks the seemingly unbroken horizon . Logs of wood guide you around the compact structure in circles. The pathway is lined on either side with rows of butter cup flowers and bright marigolds. The smell of burnt ghee being poured into the fire welcomes you to the abode of Lord Dhanvantri.
Dhanvantri is the lord of medicine and authored Ayurveda. The temple on Walajapet is dedicated to him in an effort to bring solace and hope to millions around the world of any caste and creed. An imposing 6 1/2 feet idol stands smiling calmly at the hundereds who enter the sanctum everyday.
The head priest of the temple, Balaji explains about the history in a way that would see any marketing consultant back to school.
"Welcome to the home of Doctor of Doctors. If you have noticed,this temple is designed in a way , akin to a hospital. You have ramps to climb up to the sanctum, a waiting area before you meet the doctor. The waiting area ofcourse is lined with herbal plantations ,the scent of which starts the cure before you meet the doc.
He is Dhanvantri( pointing to the 6 footer). Look at his face- a pleasantly smiling one seemingly asking you - Hello , so how are you doing today? The main idol is placed on a lotus base (padma peetam) around which the mantra would be inscribed. On the one hand Dhanvantri will be holding the pot of nectar (amrita kalasam) and have a seendhal kodi (herb) hanging by his side.
The intriguing part is that a leech (atta poochi, in Tamil) is sculpted on his chest."
(leech therapy was part of the Indian medicine system and is now practiced in western countries.)
I could not help but notice , the silver stethoscope on the idol's right hand.
Balaji traced my gaze and responded in a typical Visu style "Doctors by profession also come here to research solutions of the unknown. This temple's base is filled by 50 crore mantras . So when you walk around the temple the vibrations emanate postive energies that fill your system."
I walked around the temple to feel the vibrations. You dont need to be a believer in the supernatural powers or cosmic energy to feel rejuvenated. The fresh air, uninterrupted gaze of the spherical earth, scent of herbs and flowers, fluttering of birds and butterflies, the temple seemed to rekindle a hope in those who visited.
The vision of Dhanvantri Swami Kovil was best articulated by Angelina , a volunteer at the temple.
-' No disease is curable in its entirety, There are no shortcuts to pain reduction, all one needs is a hope that life is worth living and that alone gives you the strength to move ahead. The temple stands testimony to generating that hope. Be it when you see others coping with suffering - you feel you are not all that alone, or when you see that nature has more to offer than what we think. I was an atheist till I came here. Now I am a believer , a believer in creating the urge to live. '
As the van wound itself way back on to the highway, the transformation in the small town was evident. Every house had a bit of the temple - A tulsi maadam and a neem tree. Walajapet was right on its way to being cured.
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