'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।