Who is the real Raavan?

The credit of having revolutionised the Tamil film industry or rather giving a new dimension to Indian cinema can be attributed to a minor group of film makers.Mani Rathnam is definitely one among the trailblazers.I have always been an ardent admirer of Mani Rathnam movies.Making a debut with an unconventional plot (Pallavi Anupallavi) ,he went on to make movies based on real-lives(Nayagan,Iruvar and Guru), terrorism (Roja,Bombay and Dil se) relationships(Agni Natchatiram, Thalapathi,Anjali) and ofcourse soft romantic movies(Mouna Ragam,Githanjali,Alaipayuthey).Yuva and Kannathil Muthamittal had a strong social message.And his yet-to-be-released film is said to be inspired by the Hindu epic,Ramayana..."Raavan".

Raavan....the primary antagonist of the epic,without whom there would have been no Ramayana.Though all of us are familiar with his negative traits,there are altering positive renditions to this mythological character.Raavan who is born to a Brahmin father,is a descendant of Brahmah.He is said to be a scholar who is well versed with the 4 vedas and 6 upanishads and hence the ten heads... depicting his vast knowledge. Ravana is considered a revered devotee of Lord Shiva.He is said to have authoured a book on astrology,Ravana Sanhita,which is said to be available in the museum of Nepal king.Though Lankapuri,(the architectural marvel of Vishwakarma)was usurped from Kubera,Ravana's half-brother,Ravana is said to have been excellent in his Administration and governance ....Lankapuri....today's Srilanka?

30 years of civil war...Illegal,inhuman treatment against the Sri Lankan Tamil civilians...brutal,barbaric acts ....the innocent have been subject to atrocities and war crimes inflicted by the Srilankan goverment.And in revolt,Velupillai Prabhakaran was born and so did the LTTE.Infact it makes us wonder weather a demonic regime is an inherent quality in Lanka!

When Tamils are continuing to suffer in Sri Lanka,we are hosting the 11th India International Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Srilanka?will we not be lending credibility to a regime which has destroyed human lives ruthlessly and committed horrendous human rights violations?As the saying goes,"A downtrodden class ... will never be able to make an effective protest until it achieves solidarity".

Kudos to the few,amongst whom Manirathnam tops the list by not attending the IIFA Awards ceremony and by further not premiering the film Raavan,the character's very own birthplace......I now have one more reason to admire the Ace Director!

Looking forward for the Magnum Opus!!

December 21st,2012.....End of World?...or just another Winter Solstice?

Time and time again,there have been various predictions of the "fateful" date as to when the world will come to an end.Though the majority of the world follows the Gregorian Calendar,of late, attention has suddenly shifted to the Mayan Calendar. With the Mayan calendar supposedly "running out" on Dec. 21, 2012,a lot of doomsday theories,prophecies,numerological and astronomical constructions are springing up.

Some Hindu astrologers are predicting that Kali Yuga's end coincides with the end of Mayan calendar(i.e Dec 21st 2012) and the world would suffer a fiery end where all evil will perish.And then the world will enter the Satya Yuga or Golden Age!

Planet X or Nibiru,is beleived to be heading towards our solar system which will co-incidently collide on the D-Day-21st December 2012.

A strong solar maximum due to distortment in the sun's magnetic field is expected to occur around 2012 and geomagnetic reversal could be triggered by a massive solar flare thus causing a physical pole shift and lead to subsequent displacement of the Earth's crust,thereby causing massive earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves and the melting of the polar ice caps

The galactic allignment in December 2012 is beleived to cause a supermassive Black Hole at the center of our galaxy,creating havoc on Earth.

Predictions have also been made based Nostradamus' prophecies.The third antichrist and occurence of Third World War being the prime focus!

How viable are these interpretations of mythology,amateur archaeoastronomy and alleged prophecies by a few eclectic authors?All this can be an elaborate hoax.Doomsday predictions are mere products of ego or ignorance.I am sure the Mayan-speaking communities in the drought-stricken Yucatan peninsula have bigger worries than 2012.

Tornados, tsunamis,earthquakes,hurricanes and floods probably existed even before the evolution of mankind. These natural disasters are a consequence of geographical changes in the Earth's crust and surrounding atmosphere."The Pacific Ring of Fire" area is home to 80-90% of world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occurring as a result of plate tectonics.It is indeed the most unfortunate region,with Philippines and Indonesia being affected the most.U.S is frequented by strong tornadoes and tropical cyclones but precautionary measures such as the construction of storm cellars,installation of sirens,evacuation plans and media weather coverage are high.Structural and Non-structural Mitigation are taken to limit the impact of disasters.Furthermore the response,recovery and reconstruction capacity exceeds the disaster

itself(read"only in First world countries")

Whereas these natural disasters becomes a national event and interacts with human activities in third world countries with its brimming population.Human vulnerability, caused by the lack of planning or lack of appropriate emergency management, leads to financial, structural, and colossal human losses:(

Global warming.The ever increasing population makes urbanization inevitable.At what cost?Deforestation,commercial and residential constructions,biggerpower plants,increased traffic..the list is endless but the carbon footprint we leave will no doubt increase the concentrations of greenhouse gases.Hence the climatic changes,melting of ice caps @poles and rise in sea levels.

New developments in the life sciences and nanotechnology could inflict irrevocable harm.Nuclear weapons will always pose a threat to humanity.Climate-changing technologies and similar technological innovations could pose a bigger threat to Global warming..Infact the disasters created by human influence might cause more planetary catastrophe in analogy to the predicted prophecies.And as if mankind didn't have enough ways to be eliminated,terrorism has invaded far and wide in the name of race and religion.Man in a way, is Mankind's biggest Enemy!

The fact is that there is ALWAYS a person,a book or documentaries claiming that the world is coming to an end.Infact even the upcoming movie"2012" concerns the world coming to an end due to pole shifting.Scientists say that, at best, the poles might change location by one degree over a million years, with no sign that it would start in 2012.Throughout history, every single person who bought into a prediction of the end of the world was made a total fool of.

Life is not about Contemplations and Predictions but living every moment.

Stop Regretting yesterday or Researching tommorrow,rather Relish today....

Waandugal or Wonders.......?

All parents want the very best future for their child.They want them to be more successful,more famous and most importantly, more Happy than they were in their lifetimes.But sadly,few parents realize how crucial it is to begin implementing child development strategies at an early stage.It is in most cases the sheer perseverance of parents that reveals the otherwise hidden talent of the child.

Gone are the days of growing up with siblings and cousins when there was always something to do.As children,we played hide and seek, running and catching.... until dark.Hopscotch,running races,jumping rope and playing dog&the bone were our favorites. We could play at the park a block away, or ride our bikes until dinner time,and we did. Watching the television was not our priority(may be due to the lack of channels available?)So by default,we had a lot of physical activity and since we played in big groups socializing became our second nature....our contribution to the maintenance of the household....Clearing up toys,tidying up our cupboards & bed and taking care of siblings, promoted our responsibility and independence.

The current generation children's life-style is however a different ball game.Times and Needs have changed.The common trend today is working parents with a single child.With no siblings or cousins(in worse cases no neighbours of same age-group) to play with,children are either glued to the television or play- station!The sad truth is that they are starved for options...Getting the child off the couch or the internet can many a time be a challenge and of grave concern to the parents.

Thanks to the talent hunt and Star Search programs that have mushroomed across local,regional,national and international channels over the past few years!Well,there have been and will be debates about children participating and being judged at a tender age.But I personally regard these reality talent shows as a boon for the current generation children!

By nature, humans are competitive.Starting in the womb,we compete all the way from securing a window seat in the school bus,winning that coveted honour for the school in an interschool competition,attaining subsequent promotions at our work place....the list goes on...don't we even compete everyday as we are driving home from work,trying to switch lanes competing with the drivers ahead and behind. So, why not allow children to learn how to express their competitiveness in a healthy environment such as a talent show?

Such shows have even encouraged parents to enroll their children in an arts class or sports training.They are a platform for children to either unveil their obscured potentials or fortify their innate abilities.Single children's lonliness is vanquished by comaraderie.The exposure children get at that age is amazing and in the long run prepares them to establish a career!Apart from being mentally and physically active children learn to socialise!So be it tapping a talent,making friends (some that last for a lifetime) or interacting with peers...talent shows can be given a thumbs up!

Young children may be disappointed if they lose a competition but  mere participation leaves them richer in experience and wiser by the day!Talent shows fosters a healthy competitive environment and teach them good sportsmanship.By allowing them handle impromptu situations and participation in extemporaneous talent shows not only strenghtens their self-confidence but also ensures that they are independent and responsible.

Two talent shows,viz, "Super Singer Junior"and "Thamizh Pechu Engal Muchu Chuttigal" are really worth mentioning.We(my husband and I)were bowled over by the performance of the children.We were taken aback by their spirit and attitude !.A few contesting children left us dumbfounded...I am at a loss for words for describing the budding talents.To quote William Wordsworth, "Child is father to man"(-People's personalities form when they are children; A person will have the same qualities as an adult that he or she had as a child!)

Chinmayi Sripada,Sunidhi Chauhan,Shreya Ghoshal,Usher Raymond,Christina Aguilera,Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are just a few examples of raw talent that was identified at talent shows for children!(PS-not all were winners!)

For those of us in the world who don't believe in competitiveness or think it's unhealthy,remember,our population is growing by the day....it is a world where the fittest survives.

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Singapore turns 44 today!

For the past 6 years Singapore has been my Home away from Home.Singapore with its alluring mix of culture,cuisine,art and architecture is no doubt a fusion of the East and the West!So no matter what ethnicity and race one is from,you blend in with the dynamic City.

Moving to a new country (or continent!)can be a daunting and emotional experience.The start of your journey is marked by the paper work processing!Singapore being consistently rated as the least corrupt country in Asia and among the world's ten
countries free from corruption,makes paper work or any related endeavours a breeze!

Singapore offers a wide variety of housing types to suit all budgets and preferences,whether you want to rent a place or buy your own property.The property agents are so very reliable and friendly,that starting from your house-hunting to your legal documents they can be well entrusted.

Education System in Singapore is world class.Starting from the nursery levels all the way up to research level,one will be spoilt for choices!The state school curriculam is designed in such a way that children from their nursery levels are encouraged to think out of the box!

Public Transport in Singapore is again an effort praiseworthy!The entire island is well connected and moving around the island can be done seamlessly.The people are encouraged to take public transport.The public buses have separate lanes,thus making your trip faster than in your own vehicle!So people save on time and money as well as make their contribution to a Green World.

Safety and Security plays a pivotal role in judging a country's legal System.Singapore's crime rate is one of the lowest in the World.The safe environment ensures a peaceful life for all.The credit no doubt goes to the legal system augmented by the Singapore Police Force.

How did I forget the Food?Singapore is definitely a Food paradise!A Mecca for Foodies!The multicultural environment contributes largely to the multicuisines available.
American, African, Australian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican...
you name it and you have it! There are over 7000 Eat-outs serving different Cuisines.Be it a high-end Restaurant or a neighbourhood Food Court..food is scrumptious.People of Singapore love food,so much that there are Food Festivals held every year,which time and time again is a big success!


The ambience throughout the cosmopolitan city exhibits rich contrast!There is the ethnic enclave of Little India,China Town or Arab Street as well as the upscale Shopping Malls.The lush rain forests as well as the sleek grey Skyscrapers. The serene gardens as well as state of art infrastructure.It is nothing less than a Visual Treat!

Though heterogenous,Tradition embraces Sophistication!There is Harmony amidst Diversity.One can find Gopurams of Hindu temples,spires of Cathedrals,minarets of Mosques and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples in the same neighbourhood.There is no prejudice or friction among people of different races,culture or religion.The City celebrates Chinese New year,Diwali,Hari raya or Christmas with same Fervour and Enthusiasm!

Contrary to its size,the Growth and Development of Singapore's Economy is tremendous.So what is the BIG secret?

Geographically favoured with deep,sheltered waters and being located at the crossroads of many shipping routes Singapore is the World's busiest port!Though formerly an entrepot,the Republic is one of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing.

Singapore Government has proved to be a very stable,efficient and successful Body.There has never been a sign of racial disharmony within the parliament.Something worth mentioning is that all the ministers are educated and well qualified.Infact the current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,who is now 58 is looking for his successor in his 30's for the elections coming up in 2012 ....intresting huh?I should mention here that there are posts such as Senior minister and Minister Mentor..to guide them and control the reins when necessary!

Singapore has a successful and transparent market economy.Singapore is one of the most important financial centres of Asia and has been rated as the most business-friendly economy in the world.Apart from being home to thousands of foreign expatriates working in multi-national corporations,the city-state also employs tens of thousands of foreign blue-collared workers from around the world.

Singapore's strategic location,excellent infrastructure,fascinating cultural contrasts and the political system paved its way to success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.How else can this microstate,with its humble beginning as a fishing village go all the way to be the fifth wealthiest nation in the world.

However,if there is one person to whom all the credit can be bestowed,it is the country's founding father Mr.Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern Singapore and political colossus.With three main concerns — national security, the economy, and social issues he led Singapore from a Third World Nation to a flourishing First World.

The country's total land area is just a little over 700 square kilometers... growing slightly every year due to Singapore's steady land reclamation efforts.Ofcourse there are those who think the size is the sole contributor to its success.But rethink...1965,August 9th...the island expeled from Malaysia is devoid of natural resources,water supply is controlled by Malaysia,there is high rate of unemployment,housing shortage,literally no industrialisation and poor security....and yet the pioneers of Singapore,never deferred and steered their way to success to make Singapore the First Asian Tiger!

So be it the night-life,shopping,retreat in the spas,indulgence of food,cultural festival@Esplanade or taking a stroll in my neighbourhood my experiences of Singapore are fascinating and that's the reason I've penned it down!

Thanks Singapore for making us feel at home.... Once again Happy Birthday Singapore...

What book are you reading?

It is a long established custom of mine to browse through the Best Sellers listing in the Weekend newspaper or any journal for that matter.Seldom do I find Indian books(or authors)in the list...which is rather sad!

Ofcourse I do agree to the fact that Indian English Literature has relatively recent history.It is just a little over two centuries old,the first ever Indian book in English being published in 1793 by Sake Dean Mahomet,titled 'Travels of Dean Mahomet'.

The Earliest Indian Literature was available only in Sanskrit and Tamil.Either due to the predominance of these languages or the pietistic movements which sought to reach the people in their spoken languages,the advent of English literature was rather late.

But Indians do have wonderful literature in English but have we given the due recognition?Do we identify the Gems among us?

Swami Vivekananda,Jawaharlal Nehru,Rabindranath Tagore,Mahatma Gandhi,Sarojini Naidu....remained as names in history...how many of us have read their works?Dhan Gopal Mukerji,Mulk Raj Anand,Nissim Ezekiel, A.K.Ramanujan,Kamala Das,Satyajit ray,R.Parthasarathy,R.K.Narayan....do we even recognise these names?


Most of us remember reading Fairy Tales..Snow white,Little Red Riding Hood,Sleeping Beauty,Cindrella,The ugly Duckling...the list goes on..do we stop here? NO.Our choice was Tintin over Tinkle,Archies over Amar Chitra Katha,Enid Blyton over Panchatantra....

When asked for a favorite author in English ...it is always, Sidney Sheldon or John Grisham or Stephen King or Nora Roberts or Danielle Steel( to name a few..)How many of us say Anita Desai or Salman Rushdie or Amitav Ghosh or Vikram Seth or Rohinton Mistry or Jhumpa Lahiri?(again to name a few...)It really makes me wonder or rather ponder as to why this state?

Furthermore the recent literature works in English are more from the people of Indian Diaspora(N.R.I)rather than people of the subcontinent.

Here, I think the situation is more like a vicious circle....since the majority of us fail to appreciate the available Indian English literature,the writers are not encouraged or there aren't many Indian English writers so we opt for Foreign English writers.....either way we are losing...I am NOT against reading Foreign literature but as Indians what do we have for our future generation that is exclusively from the current generation's English literary work?

As of now and near future,English is no doubt the most powerful medium of communication in the world.We have to break free from the thought that english emphasizes the legacy of British imperialism.Indian writers of the subcontinent should be willing to work in English(write or translate)which in turn will definitely make Indian literature more powerful than when being written only in vernacular languages.Not only is English more accessible to various other language people within India but it also establishes a relationship between East and West.One important dimension of literature is that it is a means of holding a conversation within the world.These writers will ensuring that India or rather,Indian voices will henceforth be indispensable participants in that literary conversation.

So,while we are Thinking of literary Global conversation,lets make Local contributions.....Appreciate the Good work of Local Authors.

Friendship Across Borders

The cold war between India and Pakistan,dates back to August-1947,the Partition of India.The POLITICAL conflict over Jammu and Kashmir was the origin of major wars and numerous armed skirmishes between the two countries.Indo-Pakistan relation is defined by numerous military conflicts and territorial disputes.

It is nothing but an Irony of Fate!We(India and Pakistan) struggled for our freedom together,our cultures are similar,our resemblances are striking, and we speak the same language. But somewhere... something went terribly wrong...and we went berserk!

Most Indians cannot conceal their hostility towards Pakistan.But this thought was revoked in my Life.

Working in an MNC,my husband needs to collaborate with a lot of other nationals across the Border.His relation with his counterpart from other countries start and end in the Office.Surprisingly,over the years,he shared a wonderful rapport with a colleague from Pakistan.This colleague who even after he quit his job, is my husband's friend ,confidant and guide@work.In any genuine relationship,nationality becomes void and so should it be.

The political mask of enemity should be discarded.Our spirit of Unity should be revived.The two countries should be seen openly joining hands for terminating terrorism. The more the two countries grow apart, the more viability they give to fundamentalists who have built a make-believe world of hatred and extremism.

Our war should not be Man Vs Man for territory,but THE WORLD Vs TERRORISM for Peace.

LET’S START BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION.....

Bad habits...Good too

Time after time,my husband has been a Eleventh hour person....and this established custom of my husband saved his Life today! Let me elaborate...my husband was on a Business trip to Jakarta,Indonesia.Being a Boutique hotel patriot,it was no surprise he stayed at J.W.Marriot which was struck by suicide bombers on July 17th,2009 @ 7:45 a.m.

On the D-Day and H-Hour,my husband was to be at the lobby at the exact location where the blast took place.Thanks to his tardiness,he narrowly missed being a victim of the Blast.It was his real brush with Death,I should say....gives me shivers to even think of it!Whether it was the work of the celestials or my husband's procrastination,I thank his(or my)lucky stars..he is here with me today...making my life complete!

"A delay is better than disaster"