'ஒன்றே' என்னின், ஒன்றே ஆம்

 கம்பன் வார்த்தை விளையாட்டு!! கம்பனுக்கு ஈடு கம்பனே!!!

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'ஒன்றே' என்னின், ஒன்றே ஆம்;

'பல' என்று உரைக்கின், பலவே ஆம்;

'அன்றே' என்னின், அன்றே ஆம்;

'ஆமே' என்னின், ஆமே ஆம்;

'இன்றே' என்னின், இன்றே ஆம்;

'உளது' என்று உரைக்கின், உளதே ஆம்;

நன்றே, நம்பி குடி வாழ்க்கை!

நமக்கு இங்கு என்னோ பிழைப்பு? அம்மா!

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இந்தச் செய்யுள் கடவுள் வாழ்த்து. 

'ஒன்றே' என்னின், ஒன்றே ஆம்;

'பல' என்று உரைக்கின், பலவே ஆம்;

நைனா, நீ அது ஒண்ணுதான்ன்னு நென்ச்சா

மெய்யாலுமே ஒண்ணுதான். 

நெறியான்னு நெனக்கறியா..  

அப்போ நெறியாதான்...

'அன்றே' என்னின், அன்றே ஆம்;

'ஆமே' என்னின், ஆமே ஆம்;

நிர்குணப் பிரமன் என்று நினைக்கிறாயா?

அவ்வாறே!

"இல்லை, சகுணம்" என எண்ணூகிறாயா?

அவ்வாறே!

'அன்றே' என்னின், அன்றே ஆம்;

'ஆமே' என்னின், ஆமே ஆம்;

கண்ணதாசன் கம்பன் கிட்ட களவாடின இடம்! 

"உண்டென்றால் அது உண்டு.

இல்லையெறால் அது இல்லை".

நன்றே, நம்பி குடி வாழ்க்கை!

நமக்கு இங்கு என்னோ பிழைப்பு? அம்மா!

நைனா, உனுகு எது கரீட்னு தோணுதோ,

அத்த புட்சுக்கோ!

ஆனா பாரு, என் கிட்ட ராங் காட்டாத, இனா?

என் வயி ...  தனி வயி, வாத்யாரே!!

Afghanistan’s Historic Victory: More Than Just a Game of Cricket

 The unexpected triumph of Afghanistan over Australia in the latest cricket match is a landmark event that could signify much more than just a win on the field.

When the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan a few years ago, there was widespread apprehension about the future of sports, arts, and cultural activities under their regime. Fears of religious intolerance leading to a blanket ban on such pursuits loomed large. Fortunately, to date, these fears have not materialized. The nation is likely to be reveling in today’s victory, a momentous occasion that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

History has shown that societal development is often propelled by a strong sense of purpose. Nations that fail to identify and align themselves with a collective goal frequently struggle to progress. China stands as a notable example of a country that has successfully redirected its national focus towards sustainable development. Part of this transformation has involved the extensive promotion of sports, with comprehensive infrastructure established from remote villages to major cities. This commitment has led to the nurturing of talents that excel in various sports, helping China achieve a dominant position in global athletics and bolster its status as an emerging superpower.

India presents a contrasting scenario. The 1983 Cricket World Cup victory came at a time when the country was in need of a unifying force to ignite national pride and ambition. This victory, alongside the rapid spread of television, catalyzed a nationwide surge of interest in cricket. Today, cricket remains one of the rare occasions when India comes together as one, fostering a sense of unity and patriotism akin to that experienced during times of war.

The critical question now is whether Afghanistan can leverage this significant win against Australia to inspire its youth, particularly those in the rural and often harsh landscapes of the country. Will this victory spark a wave of aspiration, ambition, and a renewed sense of purpose among Afghanistan’s jobless and disillusioned youth? Only time will reveal the long-term impact of this historic win.

आँगन में बैठा

आँगन में  बैठा, यादों में मैं खो जाता,

बचपन की तस्वीरें, फिर से जी उठती हैं ताजा।

फूलों की महक, तितलियों का उड़ान,

गर्मियों की रौनकें, दिल में बसी मुस्कान।

पतझड़ की पत्तियाँ, कोहरे की वह छाया,

चाँदी जैसा सूरज, सर्दियों का वह माया।

सोचता हूँ सर्दी, बिना वसंत का दिन,

कितनी बातें छूटीं, न देख पाया वो किन।

आँगन में  बैठा, मैं बीते कल को गिनता,

दरवाजे पर कदमों की, आहटें सुनता जाता।

என்னையே நான்

 என் நேரம் வந்தது; மகிழ்ச்சியுடன்

என்னையே  நான் வரவேற்றேன்.

 

என் இல்லத்தின் கதவினும், 

என் கண்ணாடியிலும்,

ஒன்று மற்றொன்றை 

வரவேற்கும் பாவனையுடன்.

மறந்திருந்தேன் என்னையே 

மற்றவருக்காக.

மறைத்திருந்தேன், 

மனக் கிளர்ச்சிகளை .

என் இதயத்தை திருப்பி கொடுத்தேன் 

அதன் சொந்தமானவனுக்கு.

என்னை எப்போதும் நேசித்து -பின் 

எங்கோ, எப்போதோ தொலைத்தவனுக்கு.

புத்தக அலமாரியிலிருந்து எடுத்துவைத்தேன்,

புகைப்படங்கள், துடிக்கின்ற நினைவுகள்- என் 

உருவத்தை கண்ணாடியில் இருந்து. 

உரித்தெடுத்து உட்கார்ந்தேன். 

வாஞ்சையுடன் சோறூட்டி 

வரவேற்றேன்  என்னையே நான். 

மீண்டும் நேசித்தேன் , 

என்னுள் புதிதாக வந்த 

என்னையே .

என் நேரம் வந்தது; மகிழ்ச்சியுடன்

என்னையே  நான் வரவேற்றேன்.

Bangalore’s Subway Debate: A Call for Comprehensive Infrastructure Solutions

I read with great concern the recent news regarding the opposition to the proposed subway in Bangalore. This project, which aims to alleviate the city's notorious traffic congestion, has faced a barrage of criticism. Detractors cite a recent "study" from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) claiming that a subway would be detrimental to Bangalore's future. 

But let's take a moment to reflect: in which major city around the world has a subway traversing the central business district ever proven harmful?

Critics also argue that the city's water basin will suffer if a subway is built, disrupting the flow of subterranean water. Another faction insists that constructing a metro over the same sector, at a similar cost, would improve traffic by up to 40 times. Furthermore, a chorus of voices, suddenly attuned to geological considerations, asserts that building a road could destabilize buildings, while a metro would not. This outcry seems to overlook the fact that cities globally have faced and overcome similar challenges. 

For long, we Indians have behaved like a basket of crabs that has no lid. Alas, that continues.

Let’s Consider the Facts:

1. Not the First, Nor the Last: Bangalore is not the first city in the world to consider a subway cutting through its core. Cities like New York, London, Singapore and Tokyo have built extensive subways under bustling business districts without catastrophic consequences. Even Mumbai has successfully implemented infrastructure through complex geological terrains, including underwater tunnels and even Earthquake-prone zones. 

2. Examples of Dual Infrastructure Success: Numerous world cities have built both subways and metro systems to alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban mobility. 

o New York City, USA: New York boasts an extensive underground metro system and also has several vehicular tunnels like the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels. These infrastructures coexist, effectively managing the city's dense traffic and facilitating smoother commutes.

o London, UK: London has an iconic underground metro, the "Tube," and also features road tunnels like the Blackwall Tunnel and the Limehouse Link. These combined infrastructures help to ease traffic congestion and provide multiple transit options for commuters.

o Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo’s extensive metro system, including the Toei and Tokyo Metro lines, is complemented by road tunnels such as the Yamate Tunnel. This combination helps to manage the city’s traffic efficiently, offering both road and rail solutions for the bustling metropolis.

o Paris, France: Paris features a well-developed metro network and several road tunnels, including the Tunnel de l'Échangeur de Bagnolet. This dual infrastructure supports the city’s heavy traffic flow, offering comprehensive transportation options for residents and visitors.

3. Premature Conclusions: The opposition is based on an idea, not on a completed feasibility study. It is premature to declare the subway harmful without thorough investigation and planning. Judgments should be reserved until concrete evidence is available.

4. Practical Realities: Even if we opt for a metro over a subway, it’s unrealistic to expect that commuters will abandon their cars and two-wheelers in favor of public transit overnight. Without a comprehensive strategy, including significant road improvements, traffic congestion will persist.

5. Think Big, Think Bold: The most pressing question remains: why is there a debate about choosing between a subway and a metro? Why not build both? A modern city with a population of over 10 million should not have to choose. We need robust infrastructure that includes both extensive metro networks and multi-lane subways.

A Broader Perspective on Development:

For far too long, we Indians have been trapped in a counterproductive rhetoric that pits one development need against another. This mindset reflects a deeply ingrained, and quite frankly, an outdated socialist perspective that hampers progress. In a country not known for its optimal use of resources, it’s disheartening to see such debates overshadowing comprehensive growth.

When India successfully launches a satellite, critics lament that the funds could have been used to build hundreds of schools in rural areas. Similarly, when India introduces the Vande Bharat trains, which symbolize a leap forward in intercity transportation, detractors grumble about unresolved issues like inadequate toilets and safety on existing trains. Such criticism reflects a peculiar self-defeating attitude that focuses on faults rather than celebrating advancements. This kind of thinking is not only perverse but also detrimental to national progress.

Bangalore’s infrastructure development has lagged behind for decades. It is crucial that the government undertakes a feasibility study to explore the construction of a comprehensive system that includes a ten-lane subway and a parallel metro line. In today's era, financing such projects is feasible. The real obstacle seems to be a lack of ambition and foresight.

It’s time for Bangalore to catch up with other progressive cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where bold infrastructure projects are already transforming urban landscapes. Our city deserves a modern, efficient, and comprehensive transportation network.

Let’s not settle for one or the other. Bangalore needs both a subway and a metro to truly address its traffic woes and to prepare for future growth.

Sole-Searching

In the bustling streets of India, where the aroma of street food mingles with the cacophony of life, a silent hero lies underfoot, doing its job with unassuming efficiency – the Tyre Chappal. These humble slip-ons, crafted from repurposed vehicle tyres and coarse leather, may not grace fashion runways, but they walk the rugged roads of India with a durability that is nothing short of legendary.

Imagine this: a pair of chappals, their tops once the hide of cattle, now transformed into a tough, weather-resistant shield for your feet. The soles? Well, they’ve seen better days on the highways, but now they’re ready for a second life, cushioning your steps as you navigate through dusty lanes and bustling markets. It's as if the MRF tyre slogan, "The tyres we race are the tyres you drive," has been charmingly reinterpreted into "The tyres you drive are the tyres you trudge along in." 

I still remember the day I slipped into my first pair of Tyre Chappals as a kid in the mud streets of Madurai. It was love at first step. The way they conformed to my feet, the rugged resilience they exuded – it was like finding a soulmate in footwear. Even today, they remain the most comfortable pair I've ever owned, and not just because they fit like a glove. They embody the spirit of resourcefulness and a certain tradition, making each step a nod to the ingenuity of Indian jugaad.

Enter Crocs: The Antithesis of Tyre Chappals

Today, I encountered an advertisement for Crocs sandals and clogs. In my Indian context, "sandal" brings to mind the sandalwood tree, a prized resource often linked with South India’s notorious forest brigand and with funeral pyres, not to mention its current role in expensive incense. But Crocs? They prefer to keep it simple – on your feet, that is.

Crocs’ tagline, "Come as you are," seemed like a rip-off from "Just do it," of you-know-who. Yet, the real kicker came when I saw the price tag. At six to eight times the cost of my beloved Tyre Chappals, Crocs claimed to offer “different styles, colors, and designs” that promised comfort. Really?

To me, Crocs are the antithesis of my Tyre Chappals. Picture this: my chappals are open and breathable, ideal for the tropics, with only the occasional leather strap to remind you that yes, you are indeed wearing something. In contrast, Crocs look like they were designed for a nuclear reactor, with perforations that resemble prison bars, locking my feet in a colorful jail cell. They might be perfect for drier, colder climates, but why would I want to encase my feet in plastic for a hefty price when my trusty Tyre Chappals offer superior ventilation, in the sweaty and swletering tropics where I have spent my entire life?

The journey of Tyre Chappals is as fascinating as it is unassuming. In many Indian villages, worn-out tyres find a second life as the resilient soles of these chappals. It’s a practice rooted in necessity and sustainability, turning what would be waste into something indispensable. It's not just footwear; it's a testament to Indian ingenuity and the timeless tradition of making do with what you have.

On the flip (flop) side, Crocs, with their quirky colors and clunky designs, have become a global phenomenon. Initially designed as boating shoes, their appeal quickly spread, turning them into a staple of casual wear. Their foam resin material offers lightweight comfort, and those infamous holes – well, they’re for ventilation and water drainage, perfect for a day at the beach or a stroll in the park. They surely have caught the fancy of the millenials.

In the grand scheme of things, choosing between Tyre Chappals and Crocs might seem trivial. Yet, it reflects a deeper connection to our roots and the places we tread. For me, the choice is clear. My heart (and my feet) belong to the rugged reliability of Tyre Chappals. They may not win any fashion awards, but they carry the essence of India with every step, and that, my friends, is a journey worth taking.

So, next time you’re on a dusty road in India or contemplating a colorful pair of Crocs, take a moment to appreciate the story beneath your feet. Whether it’s the humble Tyre Chappal or the bold Croc, each tells a tale of where we’ve been and where we’re going. And sometimes, that’s all the sole-searching you need.

 

तुमसे मिलन लाज़मी है

 मोहब्बत की दीदार किए हैं ढेर सारे फकीरें।

तुमसे मिलन लाज़मी है , यह बता रहे लकीरेँ ।

तुम पास हो, यह कहते हैं , सरसराती लहरें,

सुनाते तन्हाई की शहनाई, दिल की धड़कनें।

फिर भी खामोशियां चीखती हैं, बेमोल सी जुदाई,

किसे सुनाएं हम अपनी उदासी की चाहतें ।

चाँदनी रातें भी अब अश्कों में बह जाती हैं, सनम 

न जाने क्यूँ  दिल की राहों पर मिलते हैं सिर्फ कांटे।

तेरी यादों में खोकर ही हमने सुकून पाया है,

तुम्हारी तस्वीर में हम अक्सर देखते हैं  जन्नतें।

Gratitude

Some of us are fortunate with money, some with a great family and a set of friends who stand by, and many others who receive help and support from unexpected quarters.

Following my article, I was touched by the responses I received—calls and messages expressing concern and empathy. To all those who reached out, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I use the term "empathy" rather than "sympathy" because many of you have faced similar challenges and understand the depth of what I’m experiencing.

The icing on the cake was when I woke to a warm Sunday morning here, in sultry Singapore. Immediately, my thoughts were preoccupied on what needs to be done at the hospital today, even I succumbed to my vice and habitually looked up my mobile phone for any missed calls and message.

One of them was from our CEG89 family. He had left a message to connect when OK. I did not know if he had anything specific in mind. We connected. He was effusive in praising the openness of my writing. When someone talks from the bottom of his heart, you would always feel that. I felt that, right at that very moment. His gesture, devoid of any need for recognition, reflected his true character and the values he upholds. It reminded me of the importance of appreciating the goodness in people and valuing their sincere efforts. His thoughtful words, amidst his own busy schedule, left a profound impact on me.

This experience taught me a vital lesson about the value of human connection and the strength it can provide in times of need, in this era of social media, where personal touch is receding faster than the ice sheets of the Arctic pole. It reaffirmed my commitment to reach out and offer a moment of happiness to others, no matter how fleeting. Today, I resolve to continue this practice, recognizing the immense fortune of being surrounded by kind and compassionate individuals.

In our shared journey, let us all remember to acknowledge the goodness in others and to extend our support whenever we can. Life, despite its challenges, is enriched by the connections we foster and the kindness we show.

The old article:
The Quiet Resilience The sultry air of Singapore clung to my skin like a persistent embrace, an unwelcome reminder of my perpetual discomfort. A half a century behind my bald head, life had wrung me out, leaving me a hollow shell, teetering on the edge of despair. The past few years had been a relentless barrage of calamities: a near-fatal illness that had drained both my body and other issues related to work and on the personal front, and the ever-looming burden of an aging mother who relied on me for her every need. My mother, once the vibrant pillar of our family, now lay confined to her bed, blind and paralyzed for over the past eight years. The weight of her care pressed heavily upon my shoulders, both emotionally and financially. Our apartment felt suffocating, every corner echoing with the reminders of my dreams I had long forsaken. Today, the crescendo of my burdens came to a head. I was forced to admit my mother to the hospital again, her fragile health deteriorating faster than I could manage. The hospital was a labyrinth of sterile hallways and beeping machines, a world away from the bustling streets of our neighborhood. As I navigated this cold maze, I felt a familiar knot tighten in my stomach—the anxiety of seeing her through this, for the umpteenth time and facing yet another medical bill. In the midst of this quagmire, a figure caught my eye. An elderly staff, perhaps pushing close to his 70s, was pushing my mother's wheelchair with a gentle determination. He appeared like a full-time employee on contract. His face was lined with the marks of time, yet his eyes held a serene kindness. He maneuvered my mother with a care that spoke of years of experience, treating her not as a burden but as a cherished individual. "Thank you," I mumbled, my voice barely rising above a whisper. I fumbled in my wallet and pressed a few crisp bills into the man's hand, ignoring his "it's OK lah!" mild protests, a pitiful offering for his unwavering compassion, or so I felt. He accepted it with a gracious nod eventually, his weathered hands closing around the money with a quiet dignity. As I watched him disappear down the corridor, a strange emotion welled up within me. Here was a man, aged and weary, yet giving of himself without complaint or expectation of reward. His selflessness was a stark reminder of the strength that lay within the human spirit. It had turned out to be a long day at the Rx. I had to ignore the begging eyes of my mother not to leave her. I had gathered myself at last, thoroughly drained out – physically and emotionally. Back in the stifling confines of my apartment, I found myself lost in thought, as the aircon was quietly humming away, to give some external cool. The television droned on, its flickering images failing to capture my attention. Early dinner saw the avaricious me hogging like I had just returned from Somalia. My eyes wandered over the TV, whose volume I had muted. My jaws were attacking the carbohydrates on offer. The coziness of the sofa gave me a strange feeling of comfort and luxury, almost making me forget the eventful day. But two contrasting images kept flashing within, even as the mastication continued. One – me, sitting on a couch in aircon, eating my meal (and hopefully digesting it too), and taking all of these “luxuries” as given. And yet complaing about all that is seemingly bad in life. The other- the elderly helper at the hospital, his quiet resilience a beacon in my darkened world. At near 70 he still had to eke out a living, by working at a hospital. The rapidly alternating flashes had resulted, soon enough, in one man’s problem pale, in comparison with the other’s. A million sperms swim towards the egg. Only one wins. I decided here and now – whether I win the egg or not, I am born a spearm and so, shall continue to swim.

पैसों से मतलब है

मक्खियों की कमी नहीं, जहाँ नाम-ओ-शोहरत है।

ग़ुरूर भी तलवे चाटेगी, जिसके पास दौलत है।

हालत पे और खुद पे ज़रूरर हस पड़ोगे, दिलीप, 

आईने में बोलके देख, "मेरे पास सिर्फ़ मोहब्बत है"।

ख़्वाबों का सुकून तो अब बाजारों में बिकता है,

हर किसी के चेहरे पे यहाँ, नकाब-ए-हसरत है।

उधारी की रोटियाँ खाकर करते, दोस्ती की बातें,

वो लोग क्या जानें, इज्जत भी एक कीमत है।

सच बोलने का हुनर यहाँ कौन सिखाएगा,

झूठों की बस्ती में सच्चाई भी खामोश इबादत है।

अफ़सोस है, आज तुम्हारी बेबसी को हटा नहीं पाऊँगा,

कल फिर आओ, आज तिजोरी की इबादत है।

शक्ल देख कर यहाँ, रिश्ते खरीदे जाते हैं,

दिल की बात कौन सुनें, जब दरवाज़ों पे हिफाज़त है।

हाँ , दिल-ओ-जान देनेवाले शख़्स बहुत हैं यहाँ ,

दिलों की कमी नहीं, पर यहाँ कागज़ की जरूरत है।

tera teeyaga rada

This is a masterpiece by Thyagaraja Swamy, in the Ragam Goulipanthu . The beauty of the Krithi lies in the various metaphors used, to illustrate the removal of jealousy and the challenges of maintaining spiritual focus, ultimately seeking the grace of Lord Venkataramana.

Thyagaraja pleads to remove the screen of envy inside one, which feels like

• fish biting the bait to death , ie, preventing one from seeing the Truth
• a screen hindering clear, lighted sannidhi of the Lord by obstructing it;
• disturbances in one's mind like fly circling the food while eating
• while meditating on Lord hari, mind wandering to the locality of low people;
• herds of animals coming and falling into snare without knowing it to be so.

Enjoy the word-by-word meaning and the full meaning of the song, below.

Pallavi

tera tIyaga rAdA lOni tirupati venkaTaramaNa matsaramunu

tera: curtain; tIyaga: remove; rAdA: won't you; lOni: in the; tirupati: Tirupati (a town in Andhra Pradesh, India, known for its Venkateswara temple); venkaTaramaNa: another name for Lord Venkateswara; matsaramunu: jealousy

Won't you remove the curtain of jealousy, O Venkataramana of Tirupati?

Anupallavi

parama: supreme; puruSa: being; dharmAdi: virtues like Dharma; mOkSamula: salvation; pAra: beyond; dOlu cunnadi: exists; nAlOni: in me

parama puruSa dharmAdi mOkSamula pAra dOlu cunnadi nAlOni

The supreme being's virtues like Dharma and salvation exist beyond me.

caraNam 1

matsyamu Akali goni gAlamucE magnamaina rIti nunnadi

accamaina dIpa sannidhi marugaDDabaDi ceraci naTTunnadi

matsyamu: fish; Akali: hunger; goni: longing; gAlamucE: catches the bait; magnamaina: immersed; rIti: way; nunnadi: is; accamaina: clear; dIpa: lamp; sannidhi: presence; marugaDDabaDi: smothered; ceraci: approaching; naTTunnadi: feels like

Like a fish caught in bait due to hunger and longing, in the same way, the clear presence of the lamp is smothered as it approaches.

caraNam 2

iravondaga bhujiyuncu samayamuna Iga dagulu rIti nunnadi

hari dhyAnamu sEyuvELa cittamu antyaju vADaku bOyi naTTunnadi

iravondaga: midnight; bhujiyuncu: eating; samayamuna: time; Iga: housefly; dagulu: touch; rIti: way; nunnadi: is; hari: Lord Vishnu; dhyAnamu: meditation; sEyuvELa: when doing; cittamu: mind; antyaju: ordinary person; vADaku: to him; bOyi: goes; naTTunnadi: feels like

Like the way a housefly touches the food at midnight, similarly, when meditating on Lord Vishnu, the mind goes to an ordinary person.

caraNam 3

vAguramani teliyaka mrga gaNamulu vacci tagulu rIti nunnadi

vEgamE nI matamu anusarincina tyAgarAjanuta mada matsaramanu

vAguramani: trap; teliyaka: without knowing; mrga: animal; gaNamulu: groups; vacci: coming; tagulu: gets caught; rIti: way; nunnadi: is; vEgamE: quickly; nI: your; matamu: path; anusarincina: following; tyAgarAjanuta: praised by Tyagaraja (a famous composer); mada: arrogance; matsaramanu: jealousy

Like groups of animals getting caught in a trap without knowing, quickly following your path, Tyagaraja praises the removal of arrogance and jealousy.