MM CONNECT – FEBRUARY 2014

Dear Reader

Greetings at the end of the shortest month.

My offering this month will be very short but I am sure you will all agree two very significant

philosophies for all of us, one that guides my own aging and the other the legacy that I

would like to leave behind.

My best wishes and may the sun shine pleasantly on all of us.

Regards, Sathya

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: G N. Parthasarathy -D05 - gnpartha@yahoo.co.in By being frank in life, you may get lot of enemies but not, surely, fake friends.

SPECIAL DAYS OF FEBRUARY Having only 28 days in common years, it is the only month of the year that can pass without a single full moon. It is also the only month of the calendar that once every six years and twice every 11 years, will have only four full 7-day weeks.

FEBRUARY 1 - INDIAN COAST GUARD DAY

The Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 37th Anniversary on 01 Feb 2013. Since its inception, the service has grown into a multi-faceted and vibrant force, maintaining round the clock vigil in the Maritime Zones of India, by deploying its multi-role ships and aircraft. Its motto ‘VayamRakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’.

An average of 20 ships and 8-10 aircraft are tasked daily, to keep the coastline under constant surveillance. Regular community interaction

programmes are being conducted by Indian Coast Guard in the fishing villages all along the coast .

Maritime Search and Rescue in the Indian Search and Rescue Region is undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard round the clock. Untiring efforts under difficult conditions have resulted in saving of 204 lives in the last year. A total of 30 medical evacuations at sea were also undertaken by the ICG during this period.

FEBRUARY 4 - NATIONAL DAY OF SRI LANKA Lanka became an independent and sovereign nation on February 4, 1948.

FEBRUARY 11- MAKE A FRIEND DAY

We are busy leading such hectic lives. We barely have time for ourselves, much less maintaining old friendships. While the origins of this annual holiday are unknown, today serves as an important reminder on the value of friendships.

In honor of Make a Friend Day, today is the perfect opportunity to begin a new friendship and while you are at it, do something

nice for an old friend today as well.

“The friend is the man who knows all about you and still likes.!

FEBRUARY 14 – VALENTINE’S DAY

Saint Valentine's Day, also known as Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it remains a working day in most of them.

Around 1992, Valentine's Day celebrations started catching on in India. It has been attributed to the assignment of Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd being assigned in schools affiliated with the Central Board. The novel has an important episode involving Valentine's Day greeting card with special TV and radio programs, and even love letter competitions. Economic liberalization also helped the Valentine card industry. In modern times, Hindu and Islam traditionalists have considered the Valentine’s day to be cultural contamination from the West, a result of the globalization in India. Despite these obstacles, Valentine's Day is becoming increasingly popular in India. FEBRUARY 14 - READ TO TOUR CHILD DAY READ

Besides Valentine’s Day and, today is also Read to Your Child Day. Spending a few minutes a day reading to our children or grandchildren is one of the best things we can do for them. In fact, there are many benefits to reading to our kids.

A DEAD END IS A GOOD PLACE TO TURN AROUND: James David –D26- jamesdavid97@gmail.com

Life is often like our aimless drives in the country side — the roads we travel may take us to some unknown or unanticipated places, and we can find ourselves on a dead end road. At that point we have the same choice anyone has — we can either stay stuck where we are, or we can take it in good humour and turn around. Which direction to go is often our biggest

dilemma. The choices we make are often determined by what we think we can do or achieve, and what we will allow ourselves to have. This, in turn, is often determined by what we think of ourselves, much of which has been instilled in us and programmed by others.

We can either do what we have always done — keep making the same old mistakes, wallowing in self pity, hanging out with the complainers and lamenting our misfortunes in life, or we can start pulling ourselves up. How and where do we start? 1. Stop thinking of ourselves as victims and quit blaming others for our circumstances. Start taking responsibility for our own actions; acknowledge we have played a major role in getting where we are. It no longer matters what we did in the past — the only thing that matters now is what we are going to do about the future. 2. Who might be able to help us? Do we have a role model or someone we admire — at home, work in the community or neigbourhood who might be willing to lend a hand? Recognize when we need help and be willing to ask for it; it is a sign of strength, not weakness. 3. Stop making excuses and start making a plan. Even if we think we have no options, we need to change our mind about that too. It is easy to fall back on old excuses: It is the economy. It is my family. It is not possible. This is just how it is, etc. The real truth is, no matter what our circumstances are, we still have choices no matter how small they seem. In a single day, we make hundreds of choices about hundreds of things, even if they seem so insignificant they are unnoticeable. We can choose to stay in bed or ignore the alarm clock. We can wear this outfit or that one. We can clean the kitchen or watch TV. We can call a friend, or wallow in misery all by ourselves. And so it goes. Our job is to come up with a list of things we can do that will start turning us around and heading in a different direction. We may be surprised at how many there are.

DINING AT NOX [SINGAPORE] IN THE DARK: K Ramachandran–A02/04 - brillianz@gmail.com

I was invited to a Friday evening event by a MNC Vendor organization who had organized it to raise funds for a center for blind people. When I went there, there were approximately 40 people from various industries invited for that event. I found some Indians and naturally talked to them about how life is in Singapore etc. Initially we were shown a video about the center for the visually handicapped. What are their activities, how are they helping blind people in Singapore to lead a more fulfilling life, etc. It was a short 15 minute video and quite inspiring to know how people

from different walks of life spend time in helping these blind people without expecting anything in return.

They enjoyed the satisfaction and fulfillment they get in helping the blind. After the video, we were all gathered together in a hall and were briefed about next event. The theme of the next event was "Dining in the Dark". And this is the event which turned out to be inspiring. It is worth sharing. All of us invitees were going to have Dinner in a pitch Dark room !!!! The next 2 hours were completely planned, organized, directed and executed by 3 of them. We were Served full five course-dinner by this team of three blind people -- Welcome drinks, Appetizers, Starters, Main course and Desserts. The amazing thing was that the team of three blind people was serving exactly vegetarian dishes to vegetarian people who were sitting randomly in the room! While registering online we were asked question to choose from "Vegetarian" or "Non vegetarian". I obviously chose Vegetarian, being one. We were so nicely hosted that we did not have to wait for the serves. As we were ending finishing one dish, we were served with next without any delays. After approx 1½ hour of Dining in the dark, the leader asked whether everyone has finished eating. After confirmation she switched on the lights of the dining room. We left the Dining room with tears in our eyes. We realized how lucky we are and how we have been gifted with beautiful eyes to see the beautiful world. We realized how difficult the lives of blind people are [and other handicapped] without being able to see. We realized how uncomfortable we were for just two hours without being able to see anything and how they must be living their lives. We realized how unfortunate we are , that we do not value such simple things in life that we have and cry (sometime louder, sometime within ourselves) and run after what we don't have... for whole of our lives without having time to adore for the things we have. The blind opened our eyes!

LAKSHADEEPAM AT THIRUVANATHAPURAM – S. Sankaranaryanan – B36 - sankarsahana@gmail.com

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is very famous as the abode of Lord Padmanabha. This is an ancient temple and it has been mentioned chronicles, scriptures and puranas. Apart from the two 10-day festivals held every year, an important event that takes place there is ‘Murajapam’. This is conducted once every six years and lasts 56 days. During these days the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva – are chanted by more than hundred priests in a seven-day cycle, and the cycle is repeated eight times, i.e., in 56 days. The 56th day coincides with Makara Sankranti (13/14 January). On that daya ‘seeveli’ is held when the three principal deities are taken in decorated vahanas through the four corridors of the temple. The entire temple, including the corridors and the gopuram are illuminated with lakhs of lights. A note-worthy feature is that all the lights inside the big temple, several thousands, are lit by earthen-ware oil lamps. Electric lights are used only outside, including Gopuram, This is called ‘Laksha Deepam’. Thousands of people throng the temple to witness this spectacle. The recent Murajapam started on 20 November 2013 and concluded on 14 January 2014. Readers would be delighted to see the two visuals given here.

AT 77 YEARS, MY HEART STILL BEATS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY: LAKSHIMINARAYANAN-–B09

-srinivasalakshimi@rediffmail.com

From the first week of February; stores, hotels and other public entertainment joints will remind the public of the approaching Valentine’s Day. Discounts and attractive package deals will entice the gullible to loosen their purse strings. Today, the opposite sexes enjoy far more freedom to express themselves, a restricted proposition in the earlier days. Financial independence has given them the wherewithal to splurge

on expensive gifts to celebrate the day. Mere communication with eyes, a smile and a warm clasp of the hand to say the unspoken words are not enough anymore. I believe that this is the day on which the sanctity of intimacy and feelings for each other should be expressed in

a simple manner. After years of living together and taking each other for granted, Valentine’s Day can be tapped to remind us of what we have overlooked the rest of the year and to make amends.

The whole effort should be spontaneous and not under pressure. One young man caught with stolen goods confessed that he stole to buy an expensive cell phone for his girlfriend. There is lot of misinterpretation on Valentines as St. Valentine laid down his life to demonstrate his love for his friends. Therefore one can unhesitatingly express his affection for friends, parents and close relatives.

I remember that as a young man I visited Chennai with a group of colleagues to appear for an interview. There was a girl among us who after making a perfunctory Namaste to my mother spent most of the time with the boys. When queried I explained to my mother that she was a sociable girl. My mother with her rustic wit quipped “I have studied only up to fifth standard but my understanding of the word is that she can be sociable with women also.” I was effectively silenced and felt foolish. There is also a grouse that Valentine’s day celebration is a part of western culture which we are trying to ape while Rakhi or Raksha bandan is not celebrated in western countries,

People went to wars, sacrificed their lives and built magnificent edifices to proclaim their love. A girl asked her boyfriend whether he loved her and would die for her. The boy replied” No, my love is of the undying variety”.

Five years back when the Valentine fever was on, I uttered a few emotional endearments to Mythili, my wife. After hearing me patiently she asked me whether it was my Valentine’s Day speech. While I scurried for cover she said with a twinkle in her eye “I prefer cash”. I chose my wife as she did her wedding saree; not for the Kancheepuram weaving but such qualities as would wear well.

Today difficult demands are made on the woman to satisfy the romantic, the physical needs as well as running a home. The problem gets compounded in the case of a career woman. On the other hand the woman wants to be listened to, loved and attention not to speak of fidelity in both words and spirit. Otherwise the cynical view of George Bernard Shaw on love takes over; “When two people are under the influence of the most violent, utmost insane, most delusive and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal and exhausting condition continuously until death do them apart.”-

MEET MRS. SAROJA CHARI – SPECIAL GUEST OF FEBRUARY Saroja Chari is a ninety year old young lady, gracious and genial with a beaming smile and an alert mind. The story of her life is an inspiring tale of strength and love which has left an indelible mark on her big family and her many friends and relatives. Saroja Chari was married into an orthodox family. She fitted into its life style, yet retaining her own individuality and personality. Her husband was her pillar of strength with whom she shared her life to the fullest. In 1976 she lost her husband

after 36 years of married life. On her own she braved the world and took on the mantle of the head of the family in guiding her children to set high goals. As her son points out they had a humble beginning and it is her grit and hard work which inspired every child to excel in his/her chosen field. The focus of this tribute on her life does not in any way diminish the sterling role played by her husband but merely emphasizes the grit and single mindedness of this lady after her wings were clipped. Her life spans across three generations: eight children of her own, twenty grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren, a blessing any mortal would envy. Amongst these many are closely connected to Melur Meadows: Maj; and Mrs. Sathyanarayanan and Mrs. Gayathri srinath are her grand children. Her other son Mr. Krishnamachari (B41) is well known to us. Other sons, daughters, grandsons and grand nephews own cottages here. So she is in some way the grand matriarch of Melur meadows as she is of her family. The grand old lady’s‘ real pleasure is to meet her far-flung family strewn right around the globe - a U.N type of family spread from New Zealand to Houston, Texas. She relishes their visits and finds their presence rejuvenating making her younger. She has visited many countries since her family settled wherever lady luck took them. She has seen parts of America, New Zealand, Brunei, Qatar, Dubai, Botswana and the Mauritius. In India she has visited many temples, several times: each time has been a new experience for her. In her impeccable English she reminisced over her life. Her simplicity belies the great achievements in her life. On a personal level her formal schooling ended with eighth standard in a Tamil medium school. She mastered the English language through self tutoring – reading and practising. Her proficiency in the language extends to correcting her highly educated next generation. Her tryst with the English language began when her son brought home a non-Tamil speaking bride and she had to speak in English. Her resolve, persistence, and diligence have paid a rich dividend. Now she is sharing her life with her eldest son, Col. Chakravarthy and her caring daughter in law, Sonu, Mrs. Chari spends her time meditating, reading and watching her favourite,

sports channels and discussing sports news with her great grandsons. Her son says everyday there is a family tussle over grabbing the newspaper first. One can join with the author of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible in saying:

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed;”

GUESTS OF LYAA: A PERSONAL TESTIMONIAL

Lyaa Wellness Clinic runs Health care for any individual based on Naturopathy, a concept domestically practiced by ancestors without curative medicine. It sounds unbelievable that the system runs on the principles of body reinventing itself and left to its natural needs.

The clinic, run by by Dr. Satheesh and Dr. Aparna at Melur Meadows Alternative Life Style, is nestled in the foothills of Nilgiris. The clean air and a wonderful ambience is an exceptional combination for rest and rejuvenation. The sunrise and sunset is a treat to watch. The chirping of the birds, the neem trees and bushes of the flowering plants lend lot to sooth the disturbed mind.

The clinic has all in-house facilities to check your weight, BMI, Accupressure; it has also a SPA. The treatment is time bound yet flexible to suit the specific needs of the client. It is a smorgasbord of Dhara, Massage, Meditation and Yoga with stretching exercises. The early morning walk around the Murugan Temple, located on the hillock and just a kilometer away or the “Girivalam” puts one’s age behind and pumps up the energy level.

The dedication of the Lyaa staff and the doctors are second to none personal visits and counseling twice a day. The Mud Bath sessions and the Water Therapy not only an experience to enjoy, it also stimulates sleep.

One tends compare Lyaa with similar clinics elsewhere. It is very human to do so. However, the personal touch being offered by Dr. Satheesh and Dr. Aparna is indeed unique. The follow up after treatment, lost in most of clinics of this genre, is a distinctive feature of Lyaa.

The client is always picked and dropped at the point of arrival and departure in their private vehicle; the satvik food is prepared personally by them. The fruit juices, salads and the boiled vegetables are only one of their kinds.

Indeed we enjoyed our stay and treatment. Why not go for it before it is too late.

With the best wishes,

Sugandhi and Sethuraman

FROM THE ARCHIVES The first Indian Railway train was started on 16th April 1853 between Bombay and Thane, a distance of 21 miles, covered in 57 minutes, drawn by three engines - Sahib, Sindh and Sultan. The train lurched forward amid fanfare and celebration at 3.35pm on April 16, 1853. On 15th August, 1854, the 2nd train service commenced between Howrah and Hooghly and on the 1st July, 1856, the 3rd train service in India and first in South India commenced between Vyasarpadi and

Walajah Road. At the start of the railways only first class passengers travelled in fully enclosed coaches with oil lamps and padded seats. Second class passengers rode in open coaches with no roof.

FEED YOUR FUNNY BONES: The garbage men were just about to leave the street when a woman came running out of the house carrying some cardboard boxes. ‘’AM I late for the garbage” she called. “No lady” replied one of the men.. “Jump right in!” A man rushed into the doctor’s surgery, jumped on the doctor’s back, and started screaming “One, Tow, Three and Four” Yelled the doctor, struggling to free himself. “What do you think you are doing?” “Well Doctor,” said the eccentric man, “They did say I could count on you The airline had a policy that required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a - 'Thanks for flying XYZ airline'. An airline pilot on this particular flight hammered his plane into the runway really hard. In light of his bad landing, he had difficulty looking the passengers in the eye, all the time he thought that a passenger would have a smart comment. However, it seemed that all the passengers were too shell shocked to say anything. Finally, everyone had got off except for this little old lady walking with a cane. She said, 'Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?' Why no Ma'am,' said the pilot, 'What is it', the little old lady said, 'Did we land or were we shot down?'

Peter was in the hospital on his death bed. The family called the priest to be with him in his final moments. As the Priest stood by the bed, Peter’s condition seemed to deteriorate, and Peter motioned for someone to quickly pass him a pen and paper. The Priest quickly got a pen and paper and lovingly handed it to Peter. But before he had a chance to read the note, Peter died. The Priest feeling that now was not the right time to read it put the note in his pocket. It was at the funeral while speaking that the Priest suddenly remembered the note. Reaching deep into his pocket the he said “and you know what, I suddenly remembered that right before Peter died he handed me a note, and knowing Peter I’m sure it was something inspiring that we can all gain from. With that introduction the Priest ripped out the note and opened it. The note said “HEY, YOU ARE STANDING ON MY OXYGEN TUBE!”

PONGAL CELEBRATION:

The celebration this year was on a bigger scale in that the members of the local Rotary Club and friends of Melur meadows joined in. The usual games and bullock-cart drive were the main attractions -young or old, weak or strong, bold or shy – the participation was spontaneous as well contagious. In the evening here was a carnatic vocal concert rendered by Mr. Sampagodu S. Vignaraja and party.

He grasped the nuances of music from early childhood. Now, he is an accomplished singer earning applause from the masters of Carnatic music.

Vighnaraja also plays the flute. He learnt it himself. His two elder brothers and an elder sister, and his two cousins are also musicians. Asked how the family had such talent, he said his grandmother was a good singer, and perhaps, it was hereditary. His father, who is 60 years of age, practises music every day.

Mr. Srinath, is instrumental in getting him over here for the concert. Thank you Srinath for this musical feast.

REPUBLIC DAY

Prof. Ravindran welcomed the gathering and the flag hoisting ceremony was led by Col. Chakravarthy. In his short address to the residents he underscored the inimitable texture and touch of the community life in Melur Meadows and exhorts the audience to maintain and strengthen the good neigbournliness that transcend religious, regional or linguistic considerations. Patriotic song was sung by Rani Venkat, Vanaja Ravindran and Santa Nagarajan assisted by Mr. Chandrasekaran.

GAYATHRI YAGNAM:

There was a Gayathri Yagnam at MM on 09 Feb 2014 under the initiative of Mr. Jagadheesan (B35). From 6.00 am to 6.00 p.m, there was a continuous chanting of Gayathri Mantram, by the Purohits. All our residents actively participated in the Yagnam and the village was filled with devotion and positive vibration.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY:

Mahesh and Madhuri celebrated their third wedding anniversary on Valentine’s day. We wish these couple long long happy and joyous life. Dr. Aparna celebrated her birthday on 09 Feb, we wish Aparna – a very happy birthday.