tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74632848350123781012024-03-13T17:31:21.305-07:00Earthly MusingsIn Search of Creativityjai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-73143616114774999632024-03-11T02:49:00.000-07:002024-03-11T02:49:25.830-07:00Festival of letters<p> #sahityaakademi</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtW7mwd5cNlArDdkmSw38T1cJPlrCbeZdgwVnBDWZoBQUJFGSUbFzQiVyMw-MvfcODbxvCJMRF8FELq_baPlG73let4YdtIdaO-6-2preHrSAyJx8qiMbsUvfWF-Xrcbe-Kk3s4p1FAJKA0BwfXViv-fLtb9KcxZmAlo6dhI8EVPXSX9ZGO_G2_KgQxz0/s259/festival%20of%20letters%20image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtW7mwd5cNlArDdkmSw38T1cJPlrCbeZdgwVnBDWZoBQUJFGSUbFzQiVyMw-MvfcODbxvCJMRF8FELq_baPlG73let4YdtIdaO-6-2preHrSAyJx8qiMbsUvfWF-Xrcbe-Kk3s4p1FAJKA0BwfXViv-fLtb9KcxZmAlo6dhI8EVPXSX9ZGO_G2_KgQxz0/s1600/festival%20of%20letters%20image.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Festival of Letters</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Festival is a celebration that is
inclusive and brings about a sense of joy in participation, sharing and dwelling
among a large confluence of like-minded individuals in a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Festival of letters focuses on literature and
significantly brings together a large gathering of celebrated writers, poets
and experts excelling in the world of literature..</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sahitya Akademi once again hosts
Festival of letters at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi between 11<sup>th</sup> and
16<sup>th</sup> March, 2024.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expected to
be largest literature festival in the world, featuring more than 1100 writers
representing more than 175 languages, this year the festival is envisaged to
have more than 190 sessions where discussions, deliberations will be initiated
encompassing a wide gamut of themes and activities revolving around the world
of writing and literature.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Some of the themes slated for the
first day of the festival include Yuva Sahiti – Short story readings, Poetry,
The Mirror of Soul, Why Do I Write?, Multilingual poetry reading etc. The
second day of the festival dwells on themes such as What Literature Means to
Me?, The Idea of India, Translation in a Multilingual, Multi cultural Society
(this session is chaired by Alok Bhalla and has eminent writer, poet, translator
Ms.Bina Biswas).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other themes are The
Future of Poetry, Importance of Mother tongues, Tribal Poets’ Meet etc. Day 03
of the festival i.e.13<sup>th</sup> March, 2024 has LGBTQ Poets’ Meet, 21<sup>st</sup>
Century Indian Writing in English, Novels of Future, Authors, Publishers and
Copyright issues, What Freedom means to Me?, Literature and Social Movements
etc. Day 04 dwells on topics such as Books to Reels & Reels to Book:
Interplay of Cinema & Literature, Writing: Passion or Profession?,
Playwriting in India, Creativity boosting Education, Folk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tales of India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, rest of the days too have a large
number of immersive topics that would be brain stormed and discussed amongst
the Masters, teachers, students and public interested in Literature.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The festival arena set up in
Rabindra Bhawan has stalls displaying books from Sahitya Akademi which are for
sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The venue also has number of
enclosures named Valmiki Sabhagar, Ved Vyasa Sabhagar, Mirabai Sabhagar, Kabir
Sabhagar,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tulsidas Sabhagar, La led Sabhagar,
Sankaradeva Sabhagar, Narsi Mehta Sabhagar etc<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>where panel discussions, poetry/story reading sessions etc. will be conducted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Programmes are also listed in Meghdoot open
air theatre and Kamani Auditorium, where Sahitya Akademi 2023 Award winners
will be felicitated.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This year apart from writers from
other languages, E. V. Ramakrishnan, an eminent writer, critic and translator
in Malayalam/English born in 1949, hailing from Kannur, Kerala is being awarded
for Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
work of exceptional literary criticism in Malalayam which traces the evolution
of Malayalam novel from its origin in the late 19<sup>th</sup> Century to the
early 21<sup>st</sup> century through the Nationalist, Progressive and Post
Modernist phases of evolution in time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Jpkallikkal/2024/New Delhi</p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-23356603593400861742023-08-04T02:19:00.005-07:002023-08-04T02:19:37.445-07:00<p> <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b> REUNION</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo_GbuCPLBFC0bw2FX9nf4Z5z9tK6jY9CHueFrqzrMs1aqF-hh4OZWkibm2wUsjNEEPhpJAq87ir20TH7E_0LYWsKEuqSsC8a63MWyVZ6MEtonRpOUQCPS6xIQnw2Lcgxr6QvTqfwF5hBGG_Zm_3D8Dlggn7mwupAIKKdy-XvNgsx_d1cOweLa_xjKB4F/s375/reunion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="375" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo_GbuCPLBFC0bw2FX9nf4Z5z9tK6jY9CHueFrqzrMs1aqF-hh4OZWkibm2wUsjNEEPhpJAq87ir20TH7E_0LYWsKEuqSsC8a63MWyVZ6MEtonRpOUQCPS6xIQnw2Lcgxr6QvTqfwF5hBGG_Zm_3D8Dlggn7mwupAIKKdy-XvNgsx_d1cOweLa_xjKB4F/s320/reunion1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The other
day my wife broached upon the subject of school re-unions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, hers is likely to happen on the New
Year eve 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">‘Great Idea’!,
I said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">‘But this
time it is going to be with spouse, I mean you have to join me’, she retorted<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">‘With Me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naa... I am not interested to meet your
classmates!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither would they be’, I
muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">‘No, no,
you should attend this one, my friends would be happy to meet you’, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Let me think it over’, I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Social media, especially watsapp, facebook,
Instagram have added a new dimension to human connections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A decade ago few schools and colleges had
alumini meets but rarely did entire bunch of classmates or batchmates decided
to meet up to relive old times through re-unions so frequently as now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While human brains seek reassurance and
bonding in social terms, studies indicate that social connections and support
forms a critical space for physical and emotional well being of human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such responses are often triggered by neurotransmitters
present in the human body in form of hormones. Re-unions are occasions when
nostalgia is evoked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Past experiences
and present circumstances conjoin to bring out new set of emotions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are triggered on meeting long lost
friends and mates with whom a significant phase of adolescence is spent during
school or college times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nostalgia often
plays an important aspect on people seeking to meet over re-unions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a study published in Journal of Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience,
such re-unions trigger important neurotransmitters such and dopamine and
Oxytocin during social bonding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oxytocin
which is also called the ‘love hormone’ perhaps justifies the urge of human
minds to repeatedly seek opportunities to kindle past memories that are joy
through such get together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
not necessary that each person enjoys the same set of emotions during
re-unions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be many who may not
enjoy reunions and may feel anxious during such occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be due to trauma or pain
experienced with individuals or occasions in the past that they fear may get
re-kindled during such occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
such occasions people who struggle with social anxiety may in fact end up
triggering their stress hormones such as Cortisol which may make them more
stressful and uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Present is as much an excitement as the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I find that each phase of life takes
mood and temperament of a person to different directions during different
points in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mood of an individual
may vary depending upon his personal well being and social status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone who has not performed well
professionally or financially in his life may not be keen to meet up his/her
old mates fearing adverse reaction from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the contrary a highly successful person may be more than happy to
share his success story with his long lost friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">I on my part have been part of numerous reunions
and gettogethers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My observation as to
the mode, venue, time, season and size of the gathering has impelled me to
write this piece. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have discovered that
joy of meeting long lost friends is indeed a joy filled experience however if
the reunion is organised over dinner or lunch <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>most attendees end up being one to one with
select few friends and over a period of a hour or two and the entire group gets
scattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Primary focus invariably gets
into food and drinks than any worthwhile discussion or deliberation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Common interests do not persist and few from
the group try to snatch away the discussion towards their own comfort and direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those specializing in sales and marketing over
do it to such an extent that many feel that their voices are stymied or muffled
and they suffer in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">In the Indian context, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have observed that persons who volunteer and
perform any acts are treated as a character from the Hindi Movie from ‘Bheja
Fry’! I am reminded of an experience during a get-together, when the host/compare
went on stage to announce, “While some of our dear friends will entertain us
with their songs and music, let us (meaning the rest) head towards the dinner
table to splurge on some delicious dishes that have specially been ordered for
the occasion’. I to may dismay found the entire bunch of around 100 persons lunged
towards the dinner area deserting the poor performers on stage and their voices
deluged under sounds of clanking crockery, laughs and loud harangues!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Food is another issue during such get-togethers
in the Indian context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there is
never a final agreement on choice of dishes, Vegan over Non Veg., Chinese over
continental, North over South etc. spats continue much after the meetups
without compromise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the get-together
are laced with drinks then the situation often witnesses dramatic turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The social drinkers get on a high and past friendships
are rekindled in unknown ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the occasion when names of old flames catch flight and mingle with the fragrance
in the air, secret stories from the past are laid bare making many faces change
hues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a sober leader from the
crowd to rise up on such occasions to calm nerves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">At this juncture, I am reminded of another story,
when spouse of a class mate (a celebrity settled abroad) decided to throw a
surprise party to all the batch mates on the occasion of birthday of her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all the batch mates knew each other,
none ever had met this lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The invitation
was extended to entire families and a large group of friends including their
spouses and children landed up at the designated restaurant on the designated
day at around 7pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reunion of
sorts, as it was two decades after passing out from school that the batch mates
were meeting up! Birthday boy (meaning our friend) had not arrived but his wife
was all dressed up for the occasion waiting at the foyer with her set of
relatives beckoning all the invitees to join them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She announced that the bar was open and the
group may kick off the evening with Cocktails and snacks, while her husband was
enroute. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our friend finally arrived
at 9pm, I noticed the colour on his face change on witnessing a large group of known
faces (his school mates) revving up the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The party had kicked off around 7.30 pm and all went on fine till
11pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it was time when the
resto manager was pleading with guests to start off dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the cake was cut, the boisterous male
members who were already high would not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>keep their glasses away and kept on requesting for repeats. It was 12 at
night when some female members got tizzy and the party mood changed colours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few kids were already asleep having guzzled
up soft drinks and juices. Food was yet to be served!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The resort was to close at 1am and like fait
accompli at the insistence of Resto Manger few brave spouses announced dinner open.
However it was a shock to see few male members threatening the hotel management
to keep the Bar open till dawn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Alas! There never was news of any other party
or reunion thrown in by this lady thereafter! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">So much about reunions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to attend one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you game for it? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">I am certainly planning to join my wife on her
next school reunion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> **************</span></span></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-39418204804283631722022-09-17T07:25:00.005-07:002022-09-17T07:45:54.598-07:00Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar: Transcending boundaries of time<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Transcending boundaries of time</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUlWE1m4U0rB-KznFDqTwyNd8bZUWmS1FTHdCGwWbMK306SOCB28dJRIAGnimZ_BVFn4kcfACCfAligBGK3kkjVb01YyhM_WlodGt5zACRJDGuYuonoi-bIz0xAGzWjH-qTo6YS5huFZF8OcITEeGR8QCy3N9qQ_11ZH1oJQkwUKN8D-qjOnmjAvUww/s6000/IMG_4283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUlWE1m4U0rB-KznFDqTwyNd8bZUWmS1FTHdCGwWbMK306SOCB28dJRIAGnimZ_BVFn4kcfACCfAligBGK3kkjVb01YyhM_WlodGt5zACRJDGuYuonoi-bIz0xAGzWjH-qTo6YS5huFZF8OcITEeGR8QCy3N9qQ_11ZH1oJQkwUKN8D-qjOnmjAvUww/s320/IMG_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Chembai Memorial at Kottayi, Palakkad</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Palakkad is a rare gem in the cultural milieu of fascinating
geographical diversity that God’s Own Country presents to the world. The district has to its name innumerable
personalities who have excelled and have been recognised for their
contributions to the world and humanity through their talent, hard work and
dedication. One such towering
personality is doyen of Carnartic Music, Chembai Vaidyantha Bhagwathar For a
lover of Carnatic Music, a visit to Kerala will be incomplete without a visit
to Chembai Gramam, home of the legendary Carnatic Vocalist who has taken this
musical form to great heights.</span></i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Music connects real with the
transcended. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In it, we get healed, with it we conquer
time… <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hidden amidst green paddy fields
and a serene country side is a sleepy village of Kottayi which has taken
Carnatic Music to great heights. A visit
to this village is akin to visit to a temple
of music that awakens the light of knowledge and melody of life in one’s heart.
Home and abode of doyen of Carnatic Music, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Karuna Cheivan Endu Thamasam
Krishna<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> (Why is there so much delay in conferring your
mercy, Krishna?}, was the last Kriti sung by Vaidyanathan Bhagavathar, as he breathed
his last on 16<sup>th</sup> October, 1974 at an age of 78 during a <a name="_Hlk113347119">concert at Poozhikunnu Sreekrishna Temple</a>, the same
venue where he performed for the first time.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1c9_Yg59BGuKTaqvQla4DQAultK8lkckPtGaD_lRJKJcQ1R-mX7xLiJZBL8EGJsoUXe_RI1v-lzRmJfqorcgAGljSZNv3Gh6pLTxi7gKgJg0_b1BpBmzI7koSbOPK_65qTCtKpXUXJnCmytSUYnmuXA8Hm89lDqt9O2uqUvWotqYOuG-ZVaIwgVsQA/s6000/IMG_4278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1c9_Yg59BGuKTaqvQla4DQAultK8lkckPtGaD_lRJKJcQ1R-mX7xLiJZBL8EGJsoUXe_RI1v-lzRmJfqorcgAGljSZNv3Gh6pLTxi7gKgJg0_b1BpBmzI7koSbOPK_65qTCtKpXUXJnCmytSUYnmuXA8Hm89lDqt9O2uqUvWotqYOuG-ZVaIwgVsQA/s320/IMG_4278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Ancestral House of Chembai at Kottayi</i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Born on 1<sup>st</sup> September,
1896 at Chembai Village to Parvati Ammal and Anantha Bhagavatar, Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavatar belonged to a Tamil Brahmin family of Perakkool Madaom which is
located adjacent to Lokanarkavu near Vadakara.
The family thereafter relocated to Kottayi village in the district of
Palakkad. Bhagavatar’s family connection to classical music spans across five
centuries. His father Anantha Bhagavatar was a violinist and singer to whom
Maharaja had awarded the title of ‘Gana Chakraratnam’ for his speciality of
musical rendition through a special closed mouth style of signing called
tanam. Anathan’s son Vaidyanathan
started his early lessons in Carnatic music at a tender age of 3 under the
tutelage of his father in the traditional guru-shishya Parampara. He also took
lessons in violin and flute till 1912.</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As years passed by Vaidyanathan’s
voice grew more powerful and majestic. Some
of his awe-inspiring performances in his early years gave shape to his career
that started with his arangetram at Ottapalam in 1904 at an age of 09.. His
voice timber was noted for its unique depth and vibrance. He gave innumerable performances between 1907
and 1927 most notably ones at Vaikom and
Guruvayoor in 1907 and thereafter at different music sabhas and festivals which
included ones at Madras Music Academy and Jagannatha Bhakta Sabha.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Powerful singing style of Chembai
caught public attention and his fame spread far and wide. Music critic S. V. Seshari@Aeolus described
him as, ‘the musician who has meant the most to Carnatic Music in the first
fifty years of 20<sup>th</sup> Century’.
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagawatar was a recipient of several titles and
honours including the Madras Music Academy’s Sanageetha Kalanidhi in 1951 and Government
of India’s Padma Shree in the year</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One major incident in the year
1952 changed the course of Bhagwatar’s life.
One morning Chembai discovered that he had lost his voice and could not
sing or chant his favourite diety Guruvayoorappan’s name. His prayers seemed to have been answered by a
stranger who appeared before him and provided treatment over a period of 18
days at the residence of Nilakantan Namboodiri in Poomallianmana. Chembai
recovered his voice and returned to sing with renewed vigour and devotion for
Lord Guruvayoorappan and also donated significant proportion of his earning for
Guruvayoor temple.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Resonance and depth in Chembai’s
voice was the hallmark of a great Carnatic vocalist who was unquestioned king during
his times. His vigorous, strong, vibrant
and ringing voice was clear, open-throated which required high
levels of physical and mental endurance.
Bhagwathar with his sheer practice and dedication sang in a seemingly
effortless manner. He also had a unique
sense of kala pramana (time measure) while singing. He could do niraval and swaraprastara from
any given point which aptly displayed
his mental alertness during a concert. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMnPmDpzCvNr3yzt4WqxX3KmAvE7E65J5ayr7OGscWJ2FS_w7F3zqbJdQwwWp7XyW6RjiluqwQLs6LgFvpopUdjbz7GoLAusRPdDBGTDWDtITmk4XLmNZQFFayhpVQOkl70N3uenxXX4nVjD2oGom8utd8YP9SCGopMLOF1jrWM0l4OGUiIjEAiX96A/s6000/IMG_4253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMnPmDpzCvNr3yzt4WqxX3KmAvE7E65J5ayr7OGscWJ2FS_w7F3zqbJdQwwWp7XyW6RjiluqwQLs6LgFvpopUdjbz7GoLAusRPdDBGTDWDtITmk4XLmNZQFFayhpVQOkl70N3uenxXX4nVjD2oGom8utd8YP9SCGopMLOF1jrWM0l4OGUiIjEAiX96A/s320/IMG_4253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Chembai Home</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chemabi whole heartedly gave
encouragement to upcoming musicians. He
popularised several Carnatic compositions including Pavana Guru and Rakshamam
Saranagatam. His prominent disciples
included stalwarts like K. J. Yesudas, P. Leela, K. G. Vijayan, V. V.
Subramanyan, T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Guruvayoor Ponnammal, Mangu Thampuran and
Chembai Narayana Bhagvatar. He also mentored many aspiring accompanists who
included Palakkad Mani Iyer, Lalgudi Jayaraman,M. S. Gopalakrishnan, T. N.
Krishnan and L. Subramaniam.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceGNHJhgoA1RMTSqIY2LGzqJWADcFuzMAHUC9bp_V8yiz2Cm46vGaCmH-ZLLDP1ZPUlmvPbB5AvjAkZjLWYhf0KW4KZ-z7QWUXHzfzgcHH9UKQISut6iRWvSel98M7404PIKcwhSB45XOmuDIFpoy9R-k3rSuO-jtOM16G959aSkop2PtFsnJKu0Opw/s6000/IMG_4244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceGNHJhgoA1RMTSqIY2LGzqJWADcFuzMAHUC9bp_V8yiz2Cm46vGaCmH-ZLLDP1ZPUlmvPbB5AvjAkZjLWYhf0KW4KZ-z7QWUXHzfzgcHH9UKQISut6iRWvSel98M7404PIKcwhSB45XOmuDIFpoy9R-k3rSuO-jtOM16G959aSkop2PtFsnJKu0Opw/s320/IMG_4244.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Padma Bhushan</i></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chembai’s music career spanned
several decades. Glory of his singing finds testimony is the statements of stalwarts
of music who showered him with praises for his strengths and his unique
rendition techniques. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sangeetha Kalanidhi G. N.
Balasubramaniam is said to have remarked "These are not ordinary men.
These are the Asuras of the music field. If I sing one concert, I need to rest
the whole of next day". <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Legendary percussionist
Pudukkottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai would call him "Laya Brahma" for
his impeccable grasp of tala and laya.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sangeetha Kalanidhi K. V.
Narayanaswamy has also remarked on Chembai's ability to hold notes aligned
perfectly to sruti for extended intervals of time.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">During his career, Chembai also
helped popularize songs written by his friend T. G. Krishna Iyer of
Thripunithara. Krishna Iyer had composed
as many as 155 kritis in various languages including Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil
anld Sanskrit and sought help of Chembai to popularise these songs set to
Classical Carnatic style and published as Lalita Dasar Keetanangal. Chembai rendered
these kritis which were later released as records. Some the gems include kritis
like Evariki Telusunamma (Dhanyasi), Ennil Kaninda (Shankarabharanam), Pavana
Guru (Hamsanandi), Varijadala Lochani (Arabhi) among others. As a token of love for Chembai, T. G. Krishna
Iyer offered his house in Chennai at Santhome on Palace Road, Chennai forms
part of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagwatar’s heritage today.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMjRVrq_wDwNGwoFdQtGQ9l7FCvAfUYb91tplJ5w-_igpVBG325yfFyeHUKuXm69eQ83ykgXFgaKiBfsn2lJxGdmHX1LJX7iM3dpArvNWCZRfzmQMo1ugxZ-rGo32NUdNFjIJZEOPxKTMRV8zRtFY7O54SWsNQAlVory3k0-t4o5_rAvVrFFAxA9qag/s6000/IMG_4250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMjRVrq_wDwNGwoFdQtGQ9l7FCvAfUYb91tplJ5w-_igpVBG325yfFyeHUKuXm69eQ83ykgXFgaKiBfsn2lJxGdmHX1LJX7iM3dpArvNWCZRfzmQMo1ugxZ-rGo32NUdNFjIJZEOPxKTMRV8zRtFY7O54SWsNQAlVory3k0-t4o5_rAvVrFFAxA9qag/s320/IMG_4250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Awards</i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">During a performance at concert at Poozhikunnu Sreekrishna Temple
where he gave his debut performance, Chembai breathed his last on 16<sup>th</sup>
October, 1974. He was talking to his
disciple Olappamanna Vasudevan Namboothiripad when Chembai collapsed and left
for heavenly abode. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Legacy of Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagwatar remains alive in the village of Chembai known as Chembai gramam which
today is a heritage village. Situated with the geographical limits of Kottayi in
the district of Palakkad. The place
hosts the annual Chembai Parthasarathy Ekadasi Music festival in memory of the
great singer in February/March. Renowned singers perform music concerts during
the festival. Year long events and
programmes for promoting Classical Carnatic Music are held in this village.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRn_2N6JFykGPzlWdSUWvW4O-Qw90SSKI3yfwMujsIt5YgR5A-ShLpn4GVVkZdthCtco2ye9MUfH5ekgBsO0wt84qBesf1KTk_OwkOSzQMnuu-1XFHXkotHtYbcm6lq0CbHiCm_D7un2-iumvQXc1tjPlXLL5h31dNf1kG_ptkUKkeW_J1qRcgLDUtA/s6000/IMG_4271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRn_2N6JFykGPzlWdSUWvW4O-Qw90SSKI3yfwMujsIt5YgR5A-ShLpn4GVVkZdthCtco2ye9MUfH5ekgBsO0wt84qBesf1KTk_OwkOSzQMnuu-1XFHXkotHtYbcm6lq0CbHiCm_D7un2-iumvQXc1tjPlXLL5h31dNf1kG_ptkUKkeW_J1qRcgLDUtA/s320/IMG_4271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Chembai Music Academy at Kottayi</i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagawathar, Government Musical College in Palakkad has been renamed as
'Chembai Memorial Govt' Musical College’.
Initiatives of well wishers, family members and followers of Chembai, the
village of Chembai is set to become a heritage memorial village of South India
that would attract connoisseurs of arts and music. A cultural complex that can host bigger music
festivals is being initiated with the support of the state government. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aRGQNNfk48kVrmvfB-elJ4KEeYAGsPxy6Pc__VJJtP447MM5qKBh-gPQwHPucLDp49hnrDRibQxskiYK4au4zwpj1qT2jbm3Qf1w820FVtl881AdkWQ9_Gaw5Y-QgvjoSt3bQAiOSPo64igI26r1WYHnptrGopvZexjJT1sc07r0kcZGL19x6SBLfw/s6000/IMG_4268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aRGQNNfk48kVrmvfB-elJ4KEeYAGsPxy6Pc__VJJtP447MM5qKBh-gPQwHPucLDp49hnrDRibQxskiYK4au4zwpj1qT2jbm3Qf1w820FVtl881AdkWQ9_Gaw5Y-QgvjoSt3bQAiOSPo64igI26r1WYHnptrGopvZexjJT1sc07r0kcZGL19x6SBLfw/s320/IMG_4268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Easy chair of Chembai placed in front of his home</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a delightful experience to have visited Chembai Village located at Kottayi on Legendary Musician's Birthday. His family members accorded warm welcome and opened up the door of their home for me to walk around and breathe in the soul of music revaberating through the walls, doors and windows of Chembai's home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpTyMtp-9wqHvdVDJPZ2dMKTUxsXRIOLC4U7OllGIwSG767gA_HS0PawYAb383GtP0fIsRmEu6eStf0tEYVX3Mk8MVEn2Sw5Ha4kJHnINDcUegwLU5oupKHzR55qNN-S78WNQs7XwLtfw5yM508YDxtO347l2O4rOug2ZwX9tsYG3L8z0Ej-H58AsQQ/s6000/IMG_4259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpTyMtp-9wqHvdVDJPZ2dMKTUxsXRIOLC4U7OllGIwSG767gA_HS0PawYAb383GtP0fIsRmEu6eStf0tEYVX3Mk8MVEn2Sw5Ha4kJHnINDcUegwLU5oupKHzR55qNN-S78WNQs7XwLtfw5yM508YDxtO347l2O4rOug2ZwX9tsYG3L8z0Ej-H58AsQQ/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">©</span>jpkallikkal 2022</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-23902229311831887712022-06-29T05:11:00.001-07:002022-06-29T05:11:14.245-07:00In Trance: Chottanikkara Bhagawathy temple <p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hinduism offers answers to innumerable cryptic puzzles
of life that are very simple to observe but too complex to gauge through available
information in the current scientific system of understanding and research. 1500
year old Chottanikkara Bhagawathy temple situated in the suburbs of Ernakulam
in the state of Kerala carries forward the ancient system of ritual worship centred
around Goddess Bhadrakali that untangles the web of paranormal and supernatural
through mantric practices. Precincts of
this majestic temple exudes a distinct aura and energy field that follows a
devotee in and around the temple.</span></i></b></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzz8cki9pZMzzig4pNJrwvMYyGhFfq9v08wjPc2xNXo2g7vl82r45xrXPzrRNwmrSQYotc9KkwPgvDxIgfijvKujV_rUnfd4yNJwkaAbY65ZFTJqbPfkMOkLNNLDukSvgD_mzK2ziX8v5h2y5rInUV1FwbOYWP58bHEeETlvjweJpwMTzQW43l3JGVQ/s244/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2001-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="244" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzz8cki9pZMzzig4pNJrwvMYyGhFfq9v08wjPc2xNXo2g7vl82r45xrXPzrRNwmrSQYotc9KkwPgvDxIgfijvKujV_rUnfd4yNJwkaAbY65ZFTJqbPfkMOkLNNLDukSvgD_mzK2ziX8v5h2y5rInUV1FwbOYWP58bHEeETlvjweJpwMTzQW43l3JGVQ/w359-h184/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2001-temple.jpg" width="359" /></a></div></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">G</span></b>od’s own country, Kerala can also be called a
land of festivals, temples and rituals. During a recent visit to Kochi, I was
impelled to visit <i>Chottanikkara Bhagawati Kshetram, a powerful devi temple </i>located
at 9.9331° N, 76.3911° E, in the suburbs of Ernakulam. Believed to be more than
1500 year old, the temple carries a mystical force around its precincts that dwells
around a devotee visiting the temple.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">According to legend a forest dweller
named Kannappan who practiced animal sacrifice lived in deep jungles where
Chottanikkara temple exists today . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
please his ista devata (Bhadrakali or Durga) he used to sacrifice one beast each
day. Eventually a day came when he had no animals left for sacrifice except his
daughter’s pet calf but his daughter preferred to sacrifice her own life than
her pet calf’s. It is then when Kannappan had a revelation and heard his ista
devata’s voice which turned out to be the calf he was going to sacrifice. That
day Kannappan realized the ultimate truth of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place where Kannappan sacrificed animals
to please Bhadrakali eventually became the guruthi kalalm of keezkavu at
Chottanikkara temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place is
believed to hold immense healing powers that can alleviate people haunted by
supernatural spirits or those who are mentally deranged for whom modern
medicine offers no answers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chottanikkara (Jyotikara)
literally translates into ‘One who enlightens. Possessing unlimited powers
through manifestation of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, the temple is
consecrated as a deity with multifarious manifestations of energy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship of the deities in this temple is
believed to cure even life-threatening diseases. The temple housed in a massive
compound placed at two levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
higher level comprises of the primary sanctum sanctorum of Bhagavathy and Lord
Vishnu besides other deities including Dharma Sastha, Siva, Brahma, Ganesha,
Karikeya, Hanuman Swamy and the serpent gods (Nagas). The lower level houses
the Keezhu Kavu where another temple of Bhadrakali exists beside a pond
(mentioned earlier) where special Guruthi Poojas are conducted to cast away
evil spirits out of people or from those who are believed to be possessed by
supernatural forces often referred to by the medical fraternity as extreme
cases of Schizophrenia or people with mental maladies to whom modern medicine
does not offer any relief.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Original Idol of Devi in the main
temple is consecrated in irregular shaped red laterite stone that is believed
to be ‘svayambhu’ or self-revealed. However, temple priests decorate the idol
in elaborate jewels or Gold Kavacha for general darshan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in the mornings, the idol is draped
in white saree representing Saraswati, a bright red saree at noon representing
Mahalakshmi and in a blue saree in the evening to represent Mahakali or Durga.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin36ONuaJgk3SXJjptEn23_d8tSY2LX6785kdmb8w5oNoBD5lJsVUVHuTTmb6wcnLOEuvGyK4BcZTPhu6g2v7pt1mNpN-LSBjB45khM1NJirT0nWK0oHoJA2gC8QOWwUs19Cy9B_hijcoieygD57qk7I5EpfDunjiMTgCO0CcYyetA71sC5xMjcfkFDQ/s250/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2003-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="250" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin36ONuaJgk3SXJjptEn23_d8tSY2LX6785kdmb8w5oNoBD5lJsVUVHuTTmb6wcnLOEuvGyK4BcZTPhu6g2v7pt1mNpN-LSBjB45khM1NJirT0nWK0oHoJA2gC8QOWwUs19Cy9B_hijcoieygD57qk7I5EpfDunjiMTgCO0CcYyetA71sC5xMjcfkFDQ/s1600/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2003-temple.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy amman (goddess) and the
Keezhu Kaavu Bhadrakali amman are worshipped as the healing goddesses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly, in Hindu faith, Bhadakali is
believed to be the patron goddess of exorcism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus, this temple is a unique blend in shakti worship, which gives a visitor
a glimpse of the paranormal activities manifesting in the region through some
of the devotees. The temple also has an ancient ‘Pala’ tree (Alstonia
scholaris) which has hundreds of iron nails implanted by devotees using their
foreheads, who have been cured of possession by malevolent spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tree is a testimony to the miraculous
healing through pooja and darshan at this temple, a fact that can be verified
through the rising number of devotees to this temple with passage of time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJcGU140m2QQ6AWNmv6qwxLfm9SMJz7gWM6a2sP0Vneld8XD-4_jJFKCPq6AROWasN3PS9Ce8eCwYnZYt4ik20QE1m2viVpSqYImvEt6dEPe_LT6nsWorDqkLLV1PMEY75Liq4MRmauGVNcMGh-hpwNicBxgYOGZ2z136ssPTYmBWrWYYD91EkfU9yA/s259/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2002-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJcGU140m2QQ6AWNmv6qwxLfm9SMJz7gWM6a2sP0Vneld8XD-4_jJFKCPq6AROWasN3PS9Ce8eCwYnZYt4ik20QE1m2viVpSqYImvEt6dEPe_LT6nsWorDqkLLV1PMEY75Liq4MRmauGVNcMGh-hpwNicBxgYOGZ2z136ssPTYmBWrWYYD91EkfU9yA/s1600/chottanikkara-bhagavathy%2002-temple.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Considering the large number of
devotees who bring in their relatives suffering from psychosomatic conditions or
Schizophrenia at this temple, makes me believe that this temple is indeed a
space that exhibits a higher level of energy that makes exorcism, a science
that needs more research and understanding. The above stated medical condition
is managed through a ritual called <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guruthi
Pooja at Keezh Kaavu pond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arena
transforms into a supernatural location each evening, where a ritual Guruthi
(ritualistic sacrifice) involving chanting of divine verses and offerings in
the form of pots (12 in number) is performed using a mixture of turmeric and
lime that transforms into a blood red liquid representing sacrificial blood to
the Devi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sight is certainly not for
the faint hearted and can be quite disturbing too, as innumerable devotees
suffering from mental issues can be seen turning hysterical during Guruthi
pooja oblivious to the presence of other devotees.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Amidst the screaming, wailing and
laugher it is a stark silence that makes the entire event leave an indelible
mark in the mind of a visitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was alarmed
to see a 20 year old looking girl turn hysterical in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pretty girl of about 5’2 in height, a body
and attire that reflected affluence but a mind that had lost sense of the
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had abruptly starting shaking
her hands fiercely and an eerie laugher emanated from her lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to take my eyes away but my head kept
moving to witness her condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
laughing and crying at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her relatives (perhaps her father) tried to hold her to prevent any
injury but suddenly adjacent to her, another woman started shaking her body
violently, as if a chain of hysterical confusion had been set to motion in the
arena. The entire place seemed to be in possession of some super natural spirit!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I find myself to be a
believer who tends to tread the path of rationality and scientific temper. A
visit to the temple was an eye opener to the fact that supernatural energy and
vibrations do affect our physical and mental faculties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scientists offer many theories to such
occurrences. In Florence, Italy, there have been instances in the early 19th
Century when people have been found to faint while taking in Florentine art. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was later named as ‘Florence Syndrome’ in
1979 by Italian psychiatrist Graziella Magherini who observed over a hundred
similar cases among tourists. Similar is the experience of several visitors to
the city of Jerusalem who are said to get afflicted by a syndrome which was
regarded as a form of hysteria referred to as "fièvre
Jérusalemienne".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I would not call this a ‘Chottanikkara
syndrome’, as we Indians have our own treatise on spiritualism, occult sciences
and temple rituals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Vedas have deep
discourses on aspects that cannot even be in the line of vision of modern
sciences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems as if the Vedas begin
from where scientific research ends its dissertation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modern medical sciences offer tangible
solutions and remedies to innumerable physical and mental diseases but there
are a million other ailments that do not have any scientific answers.
Spirituality and temple darshans are perhaps the only succour left in
situations where medical fraternity asks humans to have faith in God!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chottanikkara Bhagawati temple is
indeed a temple to be in, if you wish to get into a state of trance and charge
your metaphysical energies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Irrespective
of your scientific understanding, do attend the Guruthy ritual that will make
you realize that life is truly precious. I believe, Hinduism offers answers to innumerable
cryptic puzzles of life, in forms and representations that are very simple to
observe but too complex to gauge through knowledge <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>available in the current scientific systems of
understanding and research.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Date of Visit: 28 June, 2022</p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-17182270989021481492021-02-11T22:48:00.004-08:002022-06-29T05:16:19.593-07:00About my father Shri Mannil Krishnan by Mannil Vikraman<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv4QLFGb1uSWUXsLKBSVC6360u0T9_O6Jz94VSbJqg1DZqFvGY1TUbg0GWKZfvCieic64FkO4KcTPI_dWBlPtFenJKxhedyM-rEMEtXIB9xKGGAPqwzJQ65HxHBGMGF9XT9UbOFwnStRY/s2048/IMG_1514+%25281%2529.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv4QLFGb1uSWUXsLKBSVC6360u0T9_O6Jz94VSbJqg1DZqFvGY1TUbg0GWKZfvCieic64FkO4KcTPI_dWBlPtFenJKxhedyM-rEMEtXIB9xKGGAPqwzJQ65HxHBGMGF9XT9UbOFwnStRY/s320/IMG_1514+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണനെ അറിയുന്ന ഞാൻ <div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">എന്റെ ബാല്യകാല സ്മരണകളിൽ അവധിക്കെത്തുന്ന കൃഷ്ണേട്ടയാണ് ഇന്നും. പ്രൗഢഗംഭീരമായ നടത്തവും
കൃശഗാത്രനാണെങ്കിലും തലയെടുപ്പോടെയുള് കുശലാന്വേഷണങ്ങളും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ
മാറ്റുകൂട്ടിയിരുന്നു. ഭാരത തലസ്ഥാനത്ത് ഭരണയന്ത്രം നിലകൊള്ളുന്ന
സെക്രട്ടറിയേറ്റിൽ ഗതാഗത മന്ത്രാലയത്തിലായിരുന്നു ഉദ്യോഗം. അവധിക്കു
നാട്ടിലെത്തുന്ന എല്ലാ വർഷവും പുതുമയേറിയ പല ഉപകരണങ്ങളും കൊണ്ടുവന്നു തറവാട്ടിൽ
പ്രദർശിപ്പിക്കാറുണ്ട്. തറവാട്ടിലെ മറ്റംഗങ്ങളെ അവരുടെ വീടുകൾ സന്ദർശിച്ച്
വിശേഷങ്ങൾ അന്വേഷിക്കാറു പതിവാണ്. ഉദ്യോഗത്തിനായി നാടുവിട്ടശേഷം അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ഞാൻ
കാണുന്നത് ന്യൂഡൽഹിയിൽ വെച്ചായിരുന്നു. അവിടെ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അനൗദ്യോഗിക കർമമണ്ഡലം
എന്നെ വിസ്മ യിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ ഡൽഹി ആർ.കെ.പുരത്തെ അയ്യപ്പ
ക്ഷേത്രത്തിന്റെ മൂലസ്ഥാനമായ മുനീർക്കയിൽ അയ്യപ്പ വിഗ്രഹം പ്രതിഷ്ഠ നടന്നത് മുതൽ
ഇന്ന് കാണുന്ന ക്ഷേത്രത്തിന്റെ വളർച്ചക്ക് കാരണഭൂതരായവരിൽ മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണന്റെ പങ്കു
വളരെ വലുതാണ്.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">മുനീർക്കയിൽ നിന്ന് ആർ.കെ.പുരം സെക്ടർ II ലേക്ക് അയ്യപ്പ ക്ഷേത്രം
മാറ്റാനുള്ള പ്രത്യേക കാരണം ഇന്ദിര ഗാന്ധി പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച എമെർജൻസിയും തുടർന്ന്
സഞ്ജയ് ഗാന്ധിയുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ നടന്ന പുറമ്പോക്ക് സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുക്കലും ആയിരുന്നു.
അന്ന് ശ്രീകോവിൽ മാത്രം നിലനിർത്തി ക്ഷേത്ര മതിൽക്കെട്ടുകൾ തകർത്തിരുന്നത് ഞാൻ
കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഈ ഘട്ടത്തിൽ മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണൻ കൂടി അടങ്ങുന്ന സംഘം മന്ത്രിയെ
സന്ദർശിച്ചു ഇന്ന് ക്ഷേത്രം നിലനിൽക്കുന്ന സ്ഥലം അനുവദിച്ചു മേടിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു.
യേശുദാസിന്റെ ഗാനമേളകൾ നടത്തിയും സമൂഹത്തിലെ ഉന്നതരായ വ്യക്തികളുടെ സഹായ സഹകരണങ്ങൾ
കൊണ്ടുമാണ് ഇന്ന് കാണുന്ന അയ്യപ്പ ക്ഷേത്രം സാക്ഷാത്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടതു. മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണൻ
എന്ന വ്യക്തിയുടെ ത്യാഗത്തിന്റെ ഒരു ചെറിയ ഉദാഹരണം ഇവിടെ കുറിക്കട്ടെ. യേശുദാസിന്റെ
ഗാനമേളക്കായി തയ്യാറാക്കിയ നോട്ടീസ് INA market ലെ printing pressil
നിന്ന്തലച്ചുമടായി കിദ്വായ് നഗറിലുള്ള അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് എത്തിച്ചത്
ഞാനും അദ്ദേഹവും ചേർന്നാണ്. നോട്ടീസ് വിതരണവും മഹാരാഷ്ട്ര രംഗായൻ എന്ന ഗാനമേള
ഹാളിന്റെ വാതിൽക്കൽ ടിക്കറ്റ് കീറാനും ഞങ്ങൾ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. അയ്യപ്പൻ പാട്ടിനുള്ള
ഉടുക്കും കണ്യാർകളിക്കുള്ള ഡ്രസ്സ്, ഇലത്താളം എന്നിവ നാട്ടിൽ വന്നു വാങ്ങിച്ചു
ഡൽഹിയിലേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുപോകുന്നത് ഞാൻ കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">ഡൽഹിയിലെ തെരുവീഥിയിലൂടെ ആനകളെ
എഴുന്നള്ളിച്ചു പഞ്ചവാദ്യസമേതം ഉത്സവംനടത്തിയത് മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണന്റെയും കൂടി
പരിശ്രമഫലമായാണ്. അയ്യപ്പൻ പാട്ടു പാടുന്നതിൽ ഇന്നും ഈ എൺപതു കഴിഞ്ഞ വ്യക്തി
വിട്ടുവീഴ്ച കാണിക്കാറില്ല.അയ്യപ് ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ വൈസ് പ്രസിഡണ്ടായും
,സെക്രട്ടറിയായും പ്രവർത്തിച്ച മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണൻ കണ്ണ്യാർ കളിയിലും തന്റെ മികവ്
തെളിയിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ദൂരദർശനിൽ കണ്ണ്യാർ കളി അവതരിപ്പിക്കാൻ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ശ്രമവും
നേതൃത്വവും ഞാൻ അടക്കമുള്ളവർക്കും ആ കലക്കും ഒരു പ്രോത്സാഹനമായിരുന്നു. സ്വന്തം
ജന്മ നാടിനെയും അദ്ദേഹം സ്നേഹിച്ചിരുന്നു. പലരെയും നാട്ടിൽ നിന്ന് ഡൽഹിയിൽ
എത്തിച്ചു വരുമാന മാർഗ്ഗം തേടി കൊടുത്തിട്ടുണ്ട്. അതിനുള്ള ഒരു ഉത്തമ ഉദാഹരണമാണ്
ഡൽഹി അയ്യപ്പക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ ഗുരുസ്വാമിയായിരുന്ന അന്തരിച്ച ആന്തൂരെ വീട്ടിൽ
രാജഗോപാലൻ എന്ന ഗോപാലേട്ട.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> നാട്ടിലെ കണ്യാർ കളിക്കുള്ള ഉടയാടകൾക്കു വേണ്ടി ഡൽഹിയിലെ
സുഹൃത്തുക്കളിൽനിന്നു ഫണ്ട് ശേഖരിച്ചു നൽകാറുണ്ട്. ഡൽഹി അയ്യപ്പ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിന്റെ
സ്ഥാപക നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ജീവിച്ചിരിക്കുന്ന തല മുതിർന്ന വ്യക്തിയാണ് മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണൻ.
ആരവങ്ങളില്ലാതെ നിശ്ശബ്ദനായി സ്വന്തം ആരോഗ്യപ്രശ്നങ്ങളെപ്പോലും അവഗണിച്ചുകൊണ്ട്
ഇന്നും പ്രവർത്തിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്ന ഈ അയ്യപ്പ ഭക്തന് ഡൽഹിയിലെ മലയാളി പൗരാവലിയുടെ
അർഹമായ അംഗീകാരം ലഭിച്ചുവോ എന്ന് ഞാൻ സംശയിക്കുന്നതിനോടൊപ്പം ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ ക്ഷേത്ര
ഭാരവാഹികളെ ഓർമ്മപെടുത്താനും ഞാൻ ഈ സന്ദർഭം പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു. പാലക്കാട്
നെന്മാറക്കടുത്തുള്ള തിരുവഴിയാട് എന്ന കൊച്ചു ഗ്രാമത്തിൽ മണ്ണിൽ തറവാട്ടിലാണ് ജനനം.
സുന്ദരി എന്ന് വിളിപ്പേരുള്ള അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഭാര്യ വടക്കഞ്ചേരി കള്ളിക്കൽ
തറവാട്ടിലേതാണ്. യാദൃശ്ചികമായി എന്റെ അച്ഛന്റെ തറവാടും അതുതന്നെ. രണ്ടു മക്കൾ
ജയപ്രകാശ് കള്ളിക്കൽ , ജയശ്രീ. മകളായ ജയശ്രീയും കൊച്ചുമകളുമൊന്നിച്ചു ഗുഡ്ഗാവിൽ
ഭാര്യാസമേതം വിശ്രമജീവിതം നയിക്കുന്നു. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">മണ്ണിൽ കൃഷ്ണൻ എന്ന ഞങ്ങളുടെ
കൃഷ്ണേട്ടക്കും, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ സഞ്ചാരപഥങ്ങളിൽ എന്നും തുണയായി നിൽക്കുന്ന ധർമ്മ
പത്നിക്കും ആയുരാരോഗ്യങ്ങൾ നൽകി അയ്യപ്പ സ്വാമി അനുഗ്രഹിക്കാൻ പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചുകൊണ്ട്,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> മണ്ണിൽ വിക്രമൻ
</div>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-76393639384734231772021-01-14T00:04:00.003-08:002021-01-14T00:04:31.143-08:00ADIOS – AN UNSUNG SONG<p> </p><h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.jpkallikkal.com/adios-an-unsung-song/"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 25.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-transform: uppercase;">ADIOS – AN UNSUNG SONG</span></a><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 25.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #767676; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Life
is cryptic. Each circumstance threads out into multiple situations. Some sense
it as opportunities for self-benefit for others it ends up in inaction. Human
relationships can be complex layers of emotions bundled into behavioral
patterns reflected from time to time. Moods, responses and reactions are prone
to changes, degrees of which differ from person to person. On one end of the spectrum
is hyper sensitivity and on the other end of it cold, frozen inertia.<br />
God destines us to come in contact with souls who through their fortitude
endure our actions that could be little known to us. It implies that people
without their conscious knowledge can be a cause of hurt or harm to others or
they can be an everlasting source of wisdom and happiness too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
Sentiments, ego and reactions interweave our thoughts, gestures and attitude.
However the faith reposed on us by another person is required to take on the
test of time and situations before being cut bare open to introspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each soul is a fresh whiff of breeze. There
is always a greeting and welcome on their arrival or a sting of sadness in
their goodbyes. Some leave our garden scented with their cheer yet some others
leave a trail of agony and sorrow for us to endure.<br />
Each slap of wind is a memory; each gap of silence is a cry, each moment of
knowing a longing and in each moment of good bye you belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would turn a stranger today. While the
gush of winds blow in more rains with ferocity. Somewhere distant, I hear a
silent sob. I wonder if it is your silence that seethes in pain or my thoughts
that reverberates it back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
Of course, I do care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the wind
can never be unknown to me or the rain drops. Neither the Earth, that breaks
away from under my feet today that would erase your memories.<br />
It would only be the adios which shall remain an unsung song.<o:p></o:p></span></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-47640363128197466152021-01-14T00:02:00.003-08:002021-01-14T00:02:42.185-08:00MEMORIES WITHOUT SCHOOLS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.jpkallikkal.com/memories-without-schools/"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 25.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase; text-underline: none;">MEMORIES WITHOUT SCHOOLS</span></a><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 25.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is not just the
imposing red brick building but the sheer steel and unseen human soul hidden in
the insides of this reverent temple of learning that beckons me once again
towards it where I spent twelve precious years of questioning, introspection
and education.<br />
Nearly three decades have passed since I used to sit perched on one of these
benches trying to unravel a future for myself figuring out the intricacy of
platonic integrations, geometric progressions of spiraling days, dissecting
anatomies of life and mimicking the pure delight of angelic poems that were
rendered with such urgency that I could never imagine in my wildest dreams that
I would be scribbling some by myself one day!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Massive sprawl of
green foliage hiding rows of non-descript yellow single storied structures with
arched front in the Canning Lane of LB (Lutyens Bunglow) Zone were our primary
class rooms. I would hear gallops of the marching regiment, a cavalry that was
perhaps kept safely leashed in some the stables many years ago by the British.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Tiny little brown desks and benches; Damp moist odor of wood and a fresh smell
of Earth. Exotic green nuts oozing milky syrup that would be crushed with
stones its tender insides that tasted like almonds to be eaten bare. The
swarming flocks of Eagles and vultures that would swoop down on our lunch boxes
during noon. Melodious notes from the air filled bags of Scottish pipers that I
later found were the armed bands practicing their regimental numbers are little
specks of memories from the period that I still carry in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
With passing time the old structures started crumbling and we braved the rains,
heat and the fury of winter in the make shift tents where we grew up learning
logic of sane learning, joyous sharing and a sweet fanciful adolescent years of
secondary school time.<br />
Beads of sweat, austere leanings and sincere toils saw us shift into gleaming
new class rooms. Islands of earthly natured pupils in silence had with time
transformed into cities of fortified passions. Some harangued and debated most
complex aspects of social and political anarchy prevalent in other parts of the
globe while some others had astoundingly sharp scientific temper that would put
seasoned scientists to test. There were yet others during our senior secondary
school years who would take up challenges of an alien civil crowd on board
Delhi Transport Corporation buses fiercely fighting for the safety of their
school mates outside school hours. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet and tangy taste
of our brush with destiny of a warm school time start and ends at its gates
that was what we thought when the farewell happened.<br />
Today, I find the list of distinguished people who have passed out from the
school is endless. After decades of separation, sincere warmth and a unique
camaraderie still binds all of us. But for the memories, our school days are
like shadows that grow longer with each passing day. Memories are all about
that, aren’t they? And What are memories without schools?<br />
http://www.jpkallikkal.com (Class of 84)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-91137892643957997842021-01-13T23:58:00.004-08:002021-01-13T23:58:34.893-08:00Stranger in the mirror<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I wonder if you ever imagined sharing stories
with strangers of destiny!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">
<span style="background: white;">No? On ,A train Journey? It would have been an
incredible stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No. Not a train
Journey. I was talking of a Life Journey. A journey, when each individual, who
matters to you, wishes to open up a path before you. A path you think never
exists!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A train journey is a moment; A
life journey into eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">An eternity to dream your fantasies, feel your
heart beats and breathe life. You may be living in a finite world yet your
thoughts take you through a virtual journey. The words that the stranger
whispers, just wafts over and takes flight. They sometimes crawl, sometimes
run, sometimes stop but they do sail long distances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">You know what? I always wished, I could share
stories with unknown people. How naïve I was. I thought no one would understand
my story. So, I started listening to their stories. I heard them for years and
found their stories were same as my story but the plot was different every
time. So was theme, the actors, the settings but each stranger had a story to
tell. Story of their journeys</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">What is life? An incredible mix of surreal
happenings interspersed with the karma of the present and bhagya or destiny
that your future holds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would rather
say life is like meeting that stranger on a highway, depends whether you give
him a lift or just speed away your way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Each moment can be turned into a profound
experience or they can be suppressed to happen the way they are happening. Let
them keep happening but you need to steer them to a certain extent onto a
chosen direction. Each day can be a story of your struggle, achievement or
failure but giving a personal fillip to your actions can make your story
slightly different from what you perceive and realize.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">What the stranger whispers could be what your
heart echoes too!</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">But you need to travel. The incredibility of the
stranger would dawn upon you once your heart gets the answers. Answers to the
riddle called life. So let a new Journey begin. You will soon realize the
stranger of destiny is your reflection in the mirror that knows your heart
better than what your face sees on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Today, I looked up myself in the mirror but was
surprised to see a stranger smiling at me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-32264880114637682082020-12-11T23:37:00.004-08:002020-12-12T02:06:59.510-08:00Lost in Capital<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFnBWNrE_jMjRhWUvSo5akBNn8lBhh5YVTCJPCrFQ84C-3C0lMk6W2UZ8h7fGvrt4zhPpwox4xh9gQPOWPboEM5k44SM9Wlrn2SlVnXS8dEVeg56ifR9R9pXgOUtL8emJKYb5ORVjU3EQ/s275/image+rock+band.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFnBWNrE_jMjRhWUvSo5akBNn8lBhh5YVTCJPCrFQ84C-3C0lMk6W2UZ8h7fGvrt4zhPpwox4xh9gQPOWPboEM5k44SM9Wlrn2SlVnXS8dEVeg56ifR9R9pXgOUtL8emJKYb5ORVjU3EQ/s0/image+rock+band.jpeg" /></a></i></div><i><br />Delhi used to be a shining hub of Music, Culture and Art
Festivals till a few decades ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Un-regulated
growth, pollution and negativity is today gnawing up the very roots. Owing to altered
security scenario and priorities, Delhi has transformed from being a cultural
paradise in the past to a painful reminder of what decay would mean to a
creative mind.<o:p></o:p></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The name Delhi evokes different
responses in the minds of people from all over the globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some it is today one of the most populous
and polluted capitals in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet,
Delhi used to be a clean and green city that was the hub of music, culture and art
celebrations till a few decades ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its
carefully manicured heart, sprawled with green vistas and fruit bearing trees,
found mention amongst the best cities in the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hailing from an agrarian backdrop
in Palakkad, Kerala, destiny brought me to Delhi in my early years. Transgressing
the borders of time and stuck deep in a quagmire of professional compulsions, I
am today fondly reminded of a time when they city was relaxed, event filled and
harmonious in existence. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Deep Purple, Sting, Bruce
Spingsteen, Bryan Adams, Peter Gaberiel, Tracy Chapman, Boney M, Bangles could be
sounding as some big and respected names in Rock music but all of them have
performed in Delhi and I have been able to attend the concerts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Beatles and Abba were taking the world
by storm, Delhi silently decked up after ASIAD of 1982 to host some of the most
memorable Rock Concerts which were mostly held in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium that
could hold capacity crowds (75000), Talkatora Stadium or Indraprastha Indoor
Stadium in Delhi. Delhi used to have its own editions of Rock Festivals, Jazz events
and Pop performances spread over several days.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Africa Live</b> was one such
concert that I vividly remember attending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The program started at about 5 in the evening and went on live for
more than 12 hours showcasing some of the best in International Music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Siri Fort Auditorium at Khel Gaon
Marg has been another venue that hosted memorable events. Few of live events I
could witness at this venue are: Bolshoi Ballet from Russia, French opera
Carmen, Jagjit Singh Live and several other Ghazal, Thumri and sufi music performances.
Siri Fort used to be a regular venue that hosted the International Film
Festival of India (IFFI) with film shows spread across various film halls in Delhi.
I invariably made it a point to attend these festivals year after year, till it
IFFI was moved out to Goa.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Spirit of India concerts enabled
me to witness and follow the most of the Indian Classical Masters Live in Delhi
through 1980s. Memorable performances included ones from Pt. Jasraj (Vocal-
Hindustani), Ustad Bismilla Khan (Shehnai), Pt. Bhimsen Joshi (Flute), Ustad Amjad
Ali Khan (Sarod), Zakir Hussain (Tabla), Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma (Santoor),
BalaMurali Krishna (Classical Carnatic) and several other stalwarts of those
times.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dance scene in Delhi was no
different. Performances of dance maestros dotted the cultural calendar of the
capital through the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bharatanatyam,
Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali and most regional dance forms from across India
found their footprints in the Capital. Yamini Krishnamurty, Uma Sharma and
several other distinguished dancers performed in Delhi. Folk, rural and ethnic
dance forms too visited the capital to showcase their performances before the
crowds. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">International Dance troupes too
made their presence felt in Delhi through programs arranged by ICCR (Indian
Council for Cultural Relations).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Russia,
France, Germany, Japan and host of other nations showcased their arts and
culture in the Capital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
invariably keep my diary filled by keeping track of the events and ensuring attendance.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">New Delhi also had a rich cultural
milieu. Year long celebrations of Art, Theatre, Films and Folk arts were primary
to its vibrant existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year the
cultural calendar of Delhi was marked with numeral national and international
events. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">National and International Book
fairs, Handicraft Fairs, Dance Festivals, painting exhibitions, Food, and a
string of national and international events kept date with Delhi. Yearly
International Trade Fairs at sprawling Trade Fair grounds, Food and craft fairs
at Dilli Haat, Spiritual, Devotional and Sports events that included Marathons,
International Sporting events like (Asiad, Commonwealth Games) kept Delhi a hot
place to be living and enjoying one’s life.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However, changing security
scenario and VIP culture has dampened cultural scene of Delhi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy handed interference of civil and police
administration into arrangement and conduct of such events made organizers wary
of choosing Delhi a venue for big events. Many International Rock groups have
moved away from Delhi to Bengaluru and Mumbai owing to negative crowd response
and organizing woes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To top it, I notice
that the general population of Delhi has tilted away from the dynamics of understanding
the minute aspects of other cultures. They are either indifferent to the performances
or fail to catch the true essence of such events.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today crowds of Delhi have become
too noisy and ill behaved, compared to earlier years and other venues. From
being known as the Cultural Capital of India, Delhi is today having a dubious distinction
of being called the Crime Capital of India. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forts, Mausoleums and Minarets stand mute to
the change that has taken place here. Wide tree sprawled roads are today constricted
with traffic. Air quality remains extremely poor throughout the year and seasons
are playing truant making it difficult to organize or attend such events.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A tourist’s paradise and a
shining example of being the National Capital, Delhi is today greying inside out.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rapid expansion of roads and buildings, Mindless
growth of population, vehicular traffic has transformed this city into a big maze
of confusion devoid of aesthetics and harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To add to its woes Covid 19 has battered the city like never
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder, if we could ever have
the days that have passed us by in the capital city of India. Delhi would be dug
up even further through its heart with Central Vista being re-designed and constructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is perhaps too late for Delhi to return
and reignite the spark of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>History may be made and recast but as a sensitive admirer of culture,
traditions and arts, my angst at witnessing a Delhi losing its soul is a
painful experience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I had wanted to stay on in Delhi
forever to savor its multi-cultural diversity and ethos but greed, one one-upmanship and material compulsions has torn open the divide among its citizens.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Un-regulated growth, pollution, politics
and negativity is today gnawing up the very roots of this once proud city.
Beyond being a power broker’s den, Delhi may never regain its cultural sanity
or clean air. If Delhi is to be saved, it is time that the capital is shifted out from here, along with bag and baggage of those citizens, who continue
to live and die here each day without feeling any remorse to the slow and painful death this city is going through each day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I feel lost in the Capital today,
do you, too?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">jpkallikkal/2020<o:p></o:p></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-42255849605155714612020-11-18T22:30:00.000-08:002020-11-18T22:30:11.439-08:00What awaits us in 2021?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KNyvmCGMn2V7S09_yMuPSyao2mCRCFGG8X5dGHYmzgAQJZfb_qAR7q60VzEivGDgyhN1txA8QO11s3k0R19vcJzNHHjuhFm_iurlPtsj45fVLt1iajqw6xRPAf3VtmvZjduc1dSMUI17/s300/c19+vaccine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KNyvmCGMn2V7S09_yMuPSyao2mCRCFGG8X5dGHYmzgAQJZfb_qAR7q60VzEivGDgyhN1txA8QO11s3k0R19vcJzNHHjuhFm_iurlPtsj45fVLt1iajqw6xRPAf3VtmvZjduc1dSMUI17/s0/c19+vaccine.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Covid 19 has shattered our
beliefs and altered the way we view our life. WHO Director General Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, ‘A vaccine on its own will not end the pandemic, it
will compliment the other tools we have, not replace them’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which means in the near future we are back to
a state of uncertainty, in terms of complete immunity from the virus.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The year 2020 has already spelled
doom to many individuals, businesses and economies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a year of depression for stock
market and people who reposed their faith in science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never in the history of human evolution did
such confusion arise out a strain of virus potent enough to spread so quickly
and kill at will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Medical fraternity has
been on its edge trying to cope with the pandemic that has spread all over
globe at such a quick pace. While front line health workers have been stretched
beyond limits, hospitals have certainly been overwhelmed with cases that have
spilled out beyond earmarked capacities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Covid-19 as a pandemic has been a bane and boon for those in the medical
field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While on one hand Medical
fraternity has been pressed to the edge trying to cope up with pressure on
systems and people for spreading out treatment and resolution, on the other a
hope hinged on developing an effective vaccine is already underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact a strategic approach for production
and distributing the vaccine has already begun. While other business sectors
have faced the brunt of lost businesses, medicine as business has already
flourished due to the pandemic which can be termed as a boon.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We have already seen that
different countries have coped up with the pandemic in its unique ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While countries such as United States and
Spain that bore the initial brunt of the pandemic saw huge number of deaths in
the first wave, Asian, African and many other countries have handled the
pandemic in their own unique ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
the primary strategy has been to find, isolate and rehabilitate, more populous
countries have found this route tedious, time consuming and resource
exhausting. It is generally seen that majority of those infected have been able
to come out of the infection without major complications with medications in
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact traditional and local
medicines have been able to help the patients overcome the initial discomfort
and illness associated with the disease, however efficacy of the vaccine being
developed in different countries would be marker to the future of this
pandemic.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There are those who believe this
pandemic is man-made, there are others who link it to greed of human
civilization and the curse of nature on its exploitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still there are others who believe that this
pandemic has been a ploy by certain powers to re-mark territories and to
strategize global economic hotlines of future. On a closer introspection we can
see that the pandemic has opened up a pandora’s box of questions for the future
of each individual, nation and Earth as a sustainable eco system for survival
of humans.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We also see that different
countries have employed different standards of safety and strategies to deal
with the pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While many such
methods touch upon policing, public health safety, resource mobilization and
spread, impetus has been to keep the wheels of economies moving despite red
flags on the health front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a broad
spectrum it is seen that while in many countries where parameters of health
were of extremely high standards, pandemic overwhelmed their systems and they
saw large number of deaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poorer
countries with less well developed health systems and larger populations saw
huge infections but lesser number of fatalities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be because the virus overwhelmed
people who had high life standards but a lower immunity levels compared to
individuals who were exposed to wider array of infections. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
the scare owing to the pandemic is yet to see its true peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While for richer nations, it has been
diversion of resources and greater allocations to health sector to deal with
the pandemic, for poorer nations it is doing their best by prioritizing budgets
for allocations for providing food and medical support to the affected sections
of population.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While researches are on to come
out with an effective vaccine against this virus, studies are on to understand
long term effects of the virus on human bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Science which had developed so much over the years and had become
invincible is today faced with the dilemma of having to face the threat caused
by a set of invisible viruses that are playing up on human bodies as a disease
and on human minds as a grim reminder of us being mortal humans!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps it is the first time in
human history when places of worship were closed down, people were prohibited
from meeting their own and dead bodies cremated without the loved ones
attending the services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death literally
came cheap and hospital treatment has eroded the finances of millions and a
question mark has risen over future of human civilization in the in event of
more such viruses surfacing in the air. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This Pandemic is proving that
human beings have not forgotten to smile despite threat of death hovering over
its heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The will of human minds to
overcome adversities and join hands to forge alliances is visible yet at the
same time divisions ingrained in political and geographic boundaries have more
than once exposed the chinks that can derail the progress on humankind as a
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Covid 19 may be in the air for
a long time and take us along into 2021 but not before it alters psyches of
individuals and societies towards each other, health and finances.</p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-23788294110564572042020-08-18T03:12:00.005-07:002020-08-18T03:12:59.403-07:00Hybrid Film Festival<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf260JtSS34pzqmkqsVKhYq16-E_B63uosdLRixRrLhyphenhyphenTCESCJSEttX6uZMN9uMJVsxkRC8SUPQag5qIZ_P3C5t265F93-oEKF3TG9orTP3GDo-ODvZtiv8yzwsbnXFCYUaZCpYKmOCBs4/s299/film+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf260JtSS34pzqmkqsVKhYq16-E_B63uosdLRixRrLhyphenhyphenTCESCJSEttX6uZMN9uMJVsxkRC8SUPQag5qIZ_P3C5t265F93-oEKF3TG9orTP3GDo-ODvZtiv8yzwsbnXFCYUaZCpYKmOCBs4/s0/film+festival.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Hybrid Film Festivals</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">#IFFI2020</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Films convey stories from most
diverse geographical regions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
become a fine tool that tide over geographical and language boundaries to
portray events and voice out significant aspects of human endeavor and culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Film Festivals thus turn into a vital link
that bridges distances and touch core aspects of human mind processes and
emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year a number of film festivals are held
across the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However this year, Covid
19 pandemic has drastically altered the way Film screenings and festivals are
going to be conducted around the world this year and years to come till fears
arising out of spread of novel covid 19 and other mutant viruses are put to
rest.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hybrid literally means a mix and
in terms of Film Festival being termed Hybrid, it would in reality mean a mix of
real theatre screening with an admixture of digital virtual screenings of
movies and discussions thereof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today technology
has empowered us to virtually cross over physical boundaries and be connected
to each other through digital platforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Film Festivals are no exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those finding favor with digital platforms would root for seamlessly
crossing over to digital formats even for organizing Film festivals that could bring
in a larger audience and become more inclusive event than conventional
festivals.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps the earliest festival to
try out the Hybrid form was the Locarno Festival in Switzerland which adopted a
semi-virtual format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Held in the town on
the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Italian speaking region of Southern
Switzerland the 73<sup>rd</sup> Festival held between 5<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>August 2020 was switched to a hybrid
format with films and filmic content made available online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is estimated that about 5950 people saw
films in Locarno Indoor cinemas and about 320000 visits were made on festivals
digital platform where full length films, short films, panel discussions and
talks were made available online.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">45<sup>th</sup> Edition of the
Toronto Film Festival is implementing a hybrid film festival in the month of
September, 2020. The edition will combine physical and online screenings with
upto 50 features and five short programmes. Digital screenings, interactive
talks and Q&A sessions have been planned besides<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a drive in format ensuring physical distancing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Cinefest Sudbury in Ontario,
Canada too is expected to be a Hybrid festival scheduled between 19<sup>th</sup>
and 27<sup>th</sup> September, 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ontario movie theaters are allowing 50 people per screening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The organizers are hoping that local film
makers and producers would be appearing in person and the industry could take
part in the event online.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">64<sup>th</sup> Edition of BFI
London scheduled through October 7<sup>th</sup> 18<sup>th</sup>, 2020 too has
pivoted towards a Hybrid version with introduction of Audience Choice Awards
this year owing to Covid 19. The festival is planning a 50 virtual festival
premiers with upto 12 previews of upcoming films that will be screened across
the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a marked change from earlier
versions, audiences are expected to replace the festival’s official jury and
will vote on audience awards in four categories that will include fiction
feature, documentary featue, short film and XR (extended reality).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awards will be announced in a live virtual
ceremony on the final weekend of the festival .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The full programme of the festival will be launched on 8<sup>th</sup>
September, 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sundance Film Festival,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raindance Festival and a number of other
Festivals are expected to be on the Hybrid mode this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In view of Covid 19 pandemic, </span>India too is expected to host a 'Hybrid' International Film Festival in the month of November this year.</p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-85933574300469967862020-08-07T03:25:00.001-07:002020-08-07T03:29:31.482-07:00Story of our Loom<p> </p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Today is National Handloom Da</span><span style="text-align: justify;">y. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Swadeshi </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Movement was launched on this very day i.e. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">7</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th </sup><span style="text-align: justify;">August, 1905</span><span style="text-align: justify;">. Handloom reflects
the glorious traditions of Indian Textile Industry and an era of self reliance
in the area of garment production and fashion.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">History is replete with instances of Indian textiles occupying high
demand within Indian borders and far across the oceans. Handloom is also a
significant source of livelihood which holds capacity to empower artisans
associated with the profession.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It is
estimated that 70% of all handloom weavers and allied workers in India are
women.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">However, being a household
activity and entrenched in rural backgrounds, imperfect and often cheap
imitations through power looms and illegal inroads through mills have brought this
sector into a state of slow decay and death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I belong to Kerala and hail from
the district of Palakkad. For several centuries handloom weaves from the Villages
of Kollengode, Chittoor, Devangapuram, Kallanchira, Neelikkad and Karimpuza in
this district have been great demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the pre-Independent India dress material including sarees, dhoties, towels and
cloth lengths were weaved and marketed to rest of Kerala and other princely
states from this district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, post
independent India saw weavers joining hands and pooling resources into
cooperatives to run these handloom centers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, piling up losses and lack of income
in the profession led youth from these villages to move away from this profession
and its slow death.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today we see that polyester, artificial
yarn and multitude of textile materials have emerged across the world as viable
medium of fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However the ‘comfort
and breathe’ factor of handloom can never be equated with any alternate textile
material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use of hand looms in weaving
spectacular patterns not just enable large sections of labour to be gainfully
employed in this profession but also props up local creative talents in design setting,
pattern development and manual colour coding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Use of local motifs, shades and designs sublimely carry the flavor of
its local community into the hearts of textile users.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">India sits on a treasure trove of
indigenous cultural richness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each state
in this country has its unique tradition and contribution in handloom
weaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ikat from Odhisha, Bandhani
(tie and dye), Patan Patola from Gujarat, Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, Brocades
of Uttar Pradesh, Zari works from Madhya Pradesh, Kancheevaram from Tamil Nadu,
Kantha stitches from West Bengal, Kosa from Chattisgarh, Kunbi from Goa, Lepcha
from Sikkim, Pachaculi from Uttarakhnd, Pachra from Tripura, North East Weaves prominent
from Mizoram, Nagaland apart from multitudes of patterns, styles and textures
like sambhalpuri, Muga, Maheshwari, chanderi and Khadi makes India a well
defined centre from Handlooms.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Yet the real story of handlooms
can be seen from the dwindling number of families engaged in this
profession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surveys show that while 124
lakh weaver families were engaged in this profession in 1970s their numbers
reduced to 64 lakhs in 1995 and it dwindled further down to 44 lakhs in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The narrative of Policy vs production techniques
have seriously impacted handlooms in our country. While introduction of
standard yarn into our country in the 1840s changed the course of handlooms,
replacement of natural yarn with synthetic ones for use by power looms further
played havoc with this segment. Global players and technology has further
robbed local identities. Today artificial dyes coupled with computer controlled
looms, churning out global designs and textures in a copy paste environment,
has brought the entire economics of handlooms into a grinding halt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No amount of protection or unique
identification is able to save the handlooms from extermination from one roof
global operators.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Need of the hour is identity
ability to distinguish ‘real from an imitation’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The responsibility of a buyer increases with
the awareness of purchase of a real product not a cheap copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Price alone should not be a consideration for
purchase but a larger emotional attachment with the product being bought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buying a Handloom product should be more
than a symbolic gesture of helping a needy weaver but it should be a nationalist
move to revive our rich culture and traditions of our nation by empowering our
local talent and rural weavers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Story of our Loom would be incomplete without
a simple picture of Charkha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time has
come when we join hands to help the spirit of enterprise spread amongst the
rural weaver folk and support weavers and handloom by buying truly hand woven
fabrics made in our country.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs2VhlYBvMRgpDa33YFMp8epxtqIqxvYAByTFfT1InMsAaxDBeXfb8814acEKqlPazBcFygM272_XIHeWbMKCsorzCH_j7OMSHrbjovUXe7772GQlrTG4v71jwLc5HFdi78RWl15vhsLT/s205/handloom+weaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs2VhlYBvMRgpDa33YFMp8epxtqIqxvYAByTFfT1InMsAaxDBeXfb8814acEKqlPazBcFygM272_XIHeWbMKCsorzCH_j7OMSHrbjovUXe7772GQlrTG4v71jwLc5HFdi78RWl15vhsLT/s0/handloom+weaver.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p>jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-37956878296945187462020-06-19T03:52:00.002-07:002020-06-19T03:54:43.644-07:00Covid 19 - Boycott of Chinese Products<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Covid 19 Saga – III<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Boycott of Chinese Products<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITrBBpCtQQtQuYZFCKDhc_jne8P4eDxr3lwrj8yhUrhO_qUSIyRs1jUgrkywIMCg3sHLibc3ZiADhThMoKhgxI7aIabuFYmKWXGNZa6wvpfFkZ6VsrzAEJW-7saGVcK-J95ZBVG79VKxw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITrBBpCtQQtQuYZFCKDhc_jne8P4eDxr3lwrj8yhUrhO_qUSIyRs1jUgrkywIMCg3sHLibc3ZiADhThMoKhgxI7aIabuFYmKWXGNZa6wvpfFkZ6VsrzAEJW-7saGVcK-J95ZBVG79VKxw/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The stand off between India and
China has now brought us face to face with a reality of India having to take a
hard stance on the rhetoric of ‘Boycott Chinese products’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While an analysis of on the ground reaction
and related economic fallout is a complex theme in itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A primary look into the investment pattern of
China in India through its own companies or Indian subsidiaries throws up
important statistics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
While it goes without saying the
China has been slowly and steadily increasing investments all around the world,
In India it has stealthily forged strategic alliances to make a build up
despite tight monitoring and control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we go by figures quoted by prominent institutions in respect of Chinese investments
in India Sectors it could be see the following:</div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sector<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">% of
Investment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
1</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Automobile Industry</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
40%</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Metallurgical Industry</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
17/%</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Power</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
07%</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Construction</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
05%</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 33.75pt;" valign="top" width="45"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 155.95pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
Services</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
04%</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A list of Chinese Companies in
India is given below:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mobile Companies in India include
Xiaomi (MI), Oppo, Vivo, One Plus, Huawei, Coolpad, Motorola, LeEco, Lenovo,
Meizu, Tecno, , Honor, Gionee, Gfive, Hair, TCL etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of Chinese software companies have
also made inroads into India these include Alibaba Group with UC Browser,
Bytedance with applications like Tik Tok, Vigo Video, News Republic, Tencent
holding with popular games like Pubg ad WeChat, Cheetah mobile with apps like
Whatscall, Cheetah keyboard, CM Browser, Tap Tap Dash, Huwei and ZTE.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Other Chinese majors in India
includes, Haier, Volvo (owned by Geely), MG (owned by SAIC Motors), Nippon
Paint (India) Pvt. Ltd, Shanghai Electric India Pvt. Ltd., Beijing Automotive,
WISCO (I) Pvt. Ltd., ZTE Kangun Telecom company (I) Pvt. Ltd, China Dongfang
International, Baoshan Iron and Steel Ltd., Dongfang Electric, Sany Heavy
Industry Ltd, Cheetah Multitrade P. Ltd., YAPP India Automotive Systems Pvt.
Ltd. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It has been reported that Investments of China
in Technology for Indian Startups exceed $ 4 billion!. India’s top 30 companies
which are each worth over $ 1 bn (Unicorns)m 18 are funded and technology
driven by the Chinese. Paytm, Hike Messenger, Ola, Bigbasket, Byjus, Dream 11, IBIBO,
Make my Trip, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Mydermacy etc are other majors operating
doing well in India.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Chinese investments in India
stood at $.6 billion in 2014 which have now risen to $ 8 billion in last few
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact 4 out of 5 top mobile Chinese
brands have heavy presence in India these include Xiomi with 7 factories in
India besides several others who have planned to invest more than $500 million
in this country. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Considering the fact that, any
fresh investment would require Indian government’s approval, the move could in
reality lengthen the transaction time which is most likely to impact fresh
investments in Indian companies by Chinese investors, translating to the fact
that many Indian startups in India and others looking out for investments could
be staring into the blank for an undefined time into the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From a consumer’s point of view
the options of products and price tags on individual products could see an
upsurge. With tightening up of imports from China and non viable options from
other markets local vendors could be in a spot unless they tie up with bigger
vendors like Amazon who deal in global sourcing of products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would anyway be detrimental to the
Indian dream of seeking self reliance in production of such items as challenges
of quality, price and international competition would hamper quick growth without
proper R&D.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the short term several small
items may go out of market on persistent demand and others may see a rising
price graph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hay days of Indian
consumers may be vanish and India would be a humble buyer’s destination in the
absence of robust and consistent growth of its employment and economy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagining a quick
boycott of Chinese products could be easy but to strictly implement a policy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in this direction could be bitter pill for
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While on one hand government may
seek to snap ties with Chinese contractors, legal parameters will allow the
companies having exposure to Chinese investments to downplay the boycott and
continue with their operations if no legal strictures are issued against them
in this regard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As regards boycott by
citizens of India, in the absence of a clear understanding of which companies
are peddling which Chinese products, it would be difficult to screen and personalize
buying or usage preferences by them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
While it would be premature to comment on how an average
Indian on the street would feel the pinch on account of such a boycott but the
complete story would certainly need an elaborate mechanism right from the policy
level to the implantation stage for a smooth transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However in the wake of Covid 19 pandemic and
constraints on account of a global shrinkage in investments and supply, a stage
has come for the Indian markets to revert back to times of rationing, shortages
and maintaining essential supply chain processes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-55035208711073601272020-05-12T04:13:00.003-07:002020-05-12T04:14:29.413-07:00A tipsy tale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlcS_BbJgYoQscR9EIQEvceLKwsvQ1WWhoXGBmVBlqtaGbbLEuJapKLiuxwLTT5TSMj-v2ljiae898TPFYT6iaYU4IsFhUdSZml5q-tYBrk9nq2yXB4GUzIxE0O3MW554kYmePFiCZ9LL/s1600/drunk-person-1466511-1242290.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="64" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlcS_BbJgYoQscR9EIQEvceLKwsvQ1WWhoXGBmVBlqtaGbbLEuJapKLiuxwLTT5TSMj-v2ljiae898TPFYT6iaYU4IsFhUdSZml5q-tYBrk9nq2yXB4GUzIxE0O3MW554kYmePFiCZ9LL/s200/drunk-person-1466511-1242290.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Why are you
drinking? Asked society</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
So that I
may forget, replied the tippler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Forget what?
Inquired the society</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Forget that
I am ashamed, confessed the tippler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Ashamed of
what? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Ashamed of
failing to fetch an e-token!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Corona
besides casting its web on business and industry has also de-railed the
survival plans of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The section
that is now a harassed lot is the drinking community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each state in India is locked down and the
systematic closure of shops and establishments has also resulted in closure of
liquor vends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is beer, wine
or IMFL, entire chain of stores have been closed down for over a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No reasons have been assigned for such a
closure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
State Governments
that are already pushed to the edge, making arrangements for C19 evacuation and
rescue plans for its citizens are finding themselves further starved of revenue
accruing out of sale of liquor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>States
such as Kerala that heavily rely on the liquor earnings to fund their budget
are stretched beyond limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been
making fervent efforts to find a way out of this deadlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However elected rule makers have their way
when it comes to playing with sentiments of their drink loving public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep them dry till blood flow out instead of
tears, drinking or otherwise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Tipplers
have been made butt of the joke in several societies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While teetotalers enjoy every bit of struggle
faced by the drinking fraternity, the joy mostly seems sadistic to a tippler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinking gentlemen or ladies would never
understand why a teetotaler draws such pleasure out of the thirst for a drink
of a tippler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is perhaps to do with
the ills alcohol brings with it, so say the naysayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
However one
fails to understand the link between Covid Virus and alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While repeatedly alcohol has been stressed as
an agent to be used to ward away the virus at least through liberal use of hand
sanitizers, for a tippler nothing seems better than few gulps of alcohol to
make up his day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Liquor is a
great liberator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also is perhaps that
only true friend for a drinker in times of sorrow and depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can there be more depressing a time than
Covid times?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here administrators
have flashed their pens to slash away any hopes a tippler could have had to
beat these hard times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask a tippler who
is a fool, he would reply, teetotaler; ask a teetotaler who is a fool? He would
reply, a tippler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, a tippler has
surely been made a big fool in Covid times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
One may ask
who contributes more to economy during times of crisis, a teetotaler tax paying
citizen may say, Me! I contribute to the nation by paying taxes and also to
relief funds, a tippler? A tax paying tippler?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, at least a tippler from New Delhi would say, me. One gave out such
an analogy recently:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
A teetotaler
donated RS.500 to relief fund and a drinker bought alcohol worth Rs.500. Who
contributes more to the nation?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
On alcohol,
total taxes (excise and GST) adds about 72% of the MRP. So when a drinker pays
Rs.500, Rs.360 goes to the state exchequer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the other hand if a teetotaler makes a donation, he excpects a 30%
rebate and lands up earning back Rs.150, in effect making a contribution of
only Rs.350. Now after imposition of a 70% additional Corona tax in a state
like Delhi, imagine the big contribution a tippler makes to the nation!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
An angered
activist tippler recently urged upon entire nation to give up alcohol so that
governments learn a lesson from its efforts to chain down tipplers to their
homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was later learnt that he was
checking out videos on you tube in how make heady brew at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone discovered cartons of decaying fruits
behind his house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some place people
were found sipping hand sanitizers! Even teetotalers in some nations were
sipping industrial alcohol, not to get heady but they believed alcohol kills
Covid 19!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Coming back
to tipsy days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich or poor, educated or
illiterate, it is a pity the elected governments reign down and kick at the
softest soft of a hapless tippler, especially in times of crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times when lovers are forbidden from showing
their in physical terms, alcohol was perhaps the only leveler that could have
saved them from drowning in a sea of sorrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Perhaps
happy days will be here again, tipsy need not turn gypsy, searching for that
elusive peg of high spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is a
nation without spirited citizens?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Russia,
ask the most evolved and developed nations, they would never restrict sale of
liquor to the masses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Democracy is
surely for those who believe in getting their due share without endlessly
tapping on their mobile handsets to get an online liquor token or standing in huge
queues made out of artificially inflating the length to show tipplers are
losers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
It never is
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinking and drinking responsibility
should be the preserve of the evolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether it is water or liquor, value of every drop should be cherished
with freedom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-23228601561553832382020-04-30T03:01:00.001-07:002020-04-30T03:11:25.292-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Obituary </b></u><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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"There was a misconception that the film (Bobby) was
made to launch me as an actor. The film was actually made to pay the debts of
Mera Naam Joker. Dad wanted to make a teenage love story and he did not have
money to cast Rajesh Khanna in the film” – Rishi Kapoor<o:p></o:p></div>
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The above statement speaks volumes about this great actor
and an icon who won hearts through his handsome looks and charming smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby for me was a film that initiated me
into Hindi Films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on to follow
Rishi Kapoor through his films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
his contemporaries like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bacchan, Vinod Kumar were making
it big in Hindi Film Industry, Rishi Kapoor silently spread his love across
masses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I followed this great star through his films Rafoo Chakkar,
Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel mein and Hum Kisi se kam naheen, Kabhi Kabhi,
Doosra Aadmi, Karz and many other movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His presence in screen was magnetic and so was his way of dressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so inspired by his style and demeanour
that many of his movies remain etched as tender memories in my mind. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Beyond the year 2000 Rishi Kapoor acted in many films that
included Yeh Hei Jalwa, Hum Tum, Fanaa, Namastey London, Love Aaj Kal, Patiala
House etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also acted in British
Films such as Don’t stop dreaming, Sambar Salsa etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2010 he was onscreen with his wife Neetu
Singh in the Film Do Dooni Char. He also acted in Chintuji, Agneepath, Jab Tak
hei jaan etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mystery thriller written
and directed by Jeethu Joseph, The Body released in December, 2019 was the last
film of this Iconic actor.<o:p></o:p><br />
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As reported in some section of social media, Rishi Kapoor was perhaps the only celebrity from Indian Film
Industry to call out for opening of Liquor vends during the lockdown in support
of tipplers who faced psychological problems and withdrawal symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reflects his thought process during his
last days on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having empathy for
others and a soft corner for masses and his fans would be reminders of this
great personality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May his noble soul rest in peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Awards*<o:p></o:p></div>
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1970 –
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards: Special Award, and National Film
Award for Mera Naam Joker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1974 –
Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Bobby<o:p></o:p></div>
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2008 –
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award<o:p></o:p></div>
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2009 –
Honoured by Russian Government for contribution to cinema.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 –
Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting
Role for Love Aaj Kal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2011 – Zee
Cine Awards: Best Lifetime Jodi along with Neetu Singh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2011 –
Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Do Dooni Chaar<o:p></o:p></div>
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2013 – The
Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), Best Actor in a Negative Role for
Agneepath.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2016 –
Screen Lifetime Achievement Award<o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 –
Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons<o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 –
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kapoor & Sons<o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 – Zee
Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Male for Kapoor & Sons<o:p></o:p></div>
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2017 – Zee
Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Kapoor & Sons<o:p></o:p></div>
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*Source:
Wiki<o:p></o:p></div>
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*A message from Rishi Kapoor’s family*</div>
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Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last. </div>
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He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him. </div>
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He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears. </div>
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In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force. </div>
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He would not have it any other way.</div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-86772751998172257192020-03-13T01:16:00.001-07:002020-03-13T01:24:02.900-07:00COVID-2019: Part II Youth as Health Volunteers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgexoHWBEK4jw11aZFSRf_taeXyaE19XN_JrEWFeGfRxHMpzH9KhCOayZf0EHH5LjSR4UKetpzbStCg6THsKwWXYXciNOx7efx4VkLIikQ_Z9qqQMs8ZNBS1bwM10lSjDEv2ok3XY6Isn/s1600/Covid+virus+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgexoHWBEK4jw11aZFSRf_taeXyaE19XN_JrEWFeGfRxHMpzH9KhCOayZf0EHH5LjSR4UKetpzbStCg6THsKwWXYXciNOx7efx4VkLIikQ_Z9qqQMs8ZNBS1bwM10lSjDEv2ok3XY6Isn/s1600/Covid+virus+image.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"> ©</span><span lang="EN-IN">Jaya Prakash Kallikkal 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">A fear seems to
spreading all around in the wake of massive spread of Novel Corona Virus 19. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a while ago, I received a message on my
mobile phone stating that classes in colleges in Delhi have been suspended till
further orders in view of the CORONA Virus scare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This alert not just confused me but also
brought out an immediate question in my mind as to whether we are adequately prepared
in terms of pandemic mitigation and relief if the virus wrecks havoc in the
city in the coming days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">India has not
been able to insulate itself from the spread of the virus which originated in
Wuhan, China and the virus has now spread to multitudes of cities in this
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite strict measures in
terms of screening of airlines passengers arriving from Virus infected countries,
N-Corona virus has seeped into life of Indians and poses a huge threat to the
Indian Health system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Pressure on
health sector especially PHCs, Local hospitals apart from large speciality hospitals
shall be immense. Facing the challenge of shortage of medical facilities including
medicines and accessories in the event of a spiralling spread of the virus
shall necessitate advance planning on war footing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHO has already declared N-Corona as a global
Pandemic, if such a situation persists in India then we need to tackle the
problem through intervention of National Disaster Management Agency. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who
would be the volunteers if an action plan is rolled out?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZxwYM4AdMTB7MdtQYEbeyOfFuFjy3Co4JOhK88PJ6FhrSwqmQY5ly0BELVR6MV3eMczBaqKjUJ9R1VgDiwoKJQn7n5MXYBqEj2-wEpcSbvUQg79Do4_cVmbhAvAMExE7joO9eQ4EZ_E4/s1600/Covid+Youth+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZxwYM4AdMTB7MdtQYEbeyOfFuFjy3Co4JOhK88PJ6FhrSwqmQY5ly0BELVR6MV3eMczBaqKjUJ9R1VgDiwoKJQn7n5MXYBqEj2-wEpcSbvUQg79Do4_cVmbhAvAMExE7joO9eQ4EZ_E4/s1600/Covid+Youth+image.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">It also surprised
me to come across a news item that stated that a number of schools and colleges
have been closed down across the country in a bid to contain spread of the
virus among children and youth in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The issue is significant from the point of view of facing the scourge in
the wake of a large impact predicted across the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While on one side financial markets are
bearing the brunt with tanking stocks and disruption in production lines, on
the other the health sector is facing a challenge of having to come out of this
scare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Today India has
the largest share of Youth force in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Youth Policy which was launched
in the year 2014 has proposed a holistic vision for youth in India i.e. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>“To empower youth of the country to
achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its
rightful place in the community of nations”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">As per NYP any person
aged between 15 and 29 can be termed as Youth and as per current statistics
27.5% of India’s population falls in this category.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">There has
been a talk about imparting compulsory military training to youth in our
country on the same lines as some other countries of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been stressed to make youth of this
nation face the real issues and also to imbibe in them a sense of National
pride, discipline and harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While a
section of youth today is busy in studies or handling home and professional responsibilities
with sincerity and girth, there is another section that is absorbed in mobile phones
or wasting away youth under the influence of alcohol and drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While global recession has brought about a serious
challenge of unemployment, India had always been deprived of gainful employment
on account of large population and lack of focussed opportunities for youth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Perhaps in
the wake of the global pandemic, it is time we wake up to a new reality and
open up window of opportunities and challenge seeking attention of youth in our
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of giving holidays for
schools/colleges, we should roll out a precise programme to educate and train
youth in Disaster Management and risk mitigation in schools and colleges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All educational institutions who have
enrolment of students in the age group of 18-23 should compulsorily have teams
from NDMA to train them for a fortnight on n-Corona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trained youth should be able to form
groups and further train or assist professional health teams in the event of
need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best students could be further
volunteered into joining specialized programmes in future and should also be
provided points to enable them to add up grades in next level defence entrance exams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">It is time
India wakes up to new threats and challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Youth force of our nation surely needs direction and guidance in
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Declaring holidays in the wake of
emergencies or hiding our heads under sands in the wake of internal or external
emergencies would not help up alleviate problems at micro or macro level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time our energies are synchronized to
enable us to be brought to a position where we use our manpower especially our
Youth power justifiably and to the best global standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would not be out of place to mention that
Youth of this nation need to be imparted soft skills in multiple streams and given
the handle (of not just social media platforms) but real departments and
machinery for fully gearing up for challenges of future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 48px;"> Images courtesy: Internet</span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-43990598594217058822020-03-11T05:50:00.001-07:002020-03-13T01:09:59.405-07:00COVID-2019 Part I - Indian Consumer and markets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KQGZbIIy_kPX45zRmJCIqTXRIUJVLKVJWSNTnvlE1nT9PrE_wp2OmYoxV8mX3_1hCGA8dDD67T_oPCgf9KD-NbSpXjZPu-9eXQw19ImlwjZjOYTObKLs6uMwmk68UzwrcMaJ5_b4N7Sc/s1600/corona-china-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KQGZbIIy_kPX45zRmJCIqTXRIUJVLKVJWSNTnvlE1nT9PrE_wp2OmYoxV8mX3_1hCGA8dDD67T_oPCgf9KD-NbSpXjZPu-9eXQw19ImlwjZjOYTObKLs6uMwmk68UzwrcMaJ5_b4N7Sc/s320/corona-china-scaled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While India grapples with
ways and plans to contain spread of novel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>corona nvirus that is spreading as wildfire across the globe, immediate
casualty besides human health seems to be business and commerce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While airports across important business hubs
witness lesser footfalls, many have closed down due to fears of a wider spread.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strains of the virus were first
detected in Wuhan, China towards New Year Eve, 2019 has in three months has
spread to more than 70 countries across the globe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Figures of
casualties and attempts are containing further spread is being tried out by
governments with a slew of measures involving health care, diplomatic
interventions and information campaigns, we can take<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bit of relief from the fact that deaths are being
reported in 3% cases and rest 97% are reportedly recovering with
quarantine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though no immediate relief
in the form of vaccine is expected, human populations need to rest their hopes
on personal immunity and nature based interventions that needs to limit the
casuality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>China
accounts for about 16% of global exports and has a trade surplus of $301 bn,
while India has robust trade relations with China, the impact of n-CoV is a
cause of concern for us, especially Indian imports could witness supply
disruptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While important segments of
trade and business that shall witness virus impact could be Electronics
especially mobile handsets, Textile, Steel, Plastics, Leather, Aluminium,
Ceramics, Gems and Jewellery, paper and Consumer durable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>India
with a $56 bn imports from China witnessed a trade deficit of about $159 bn in
2019, which translates into a fact that in case of serious supply disruptions
in China owing to n-CoV, we may face the imminent prospect of having to import
such goods from other countries which shall further put our import budget bill
under stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been recently
witnessed that sluggish demand and a show down in OPEC and Russia easing crude
prices have brought about a slash in oil prices, however the impact is unlikely
to ease the market in India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
real impact of n-CoV is projected, in case of worst case scenario, cause of
worry could be for the Consumer durables which has high import dependency from
China as India imports about 45% of completely built consumer durable units
from China apart from components servicing such durable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Option for importers would be alternative
brands or equivalent components from other countries that could further up the
import bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a consumer point of
view such durable are going to get expensive or unavailable in next 3 to six
months and cost escalation could be felt from April, 2020 onward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Auto
components and spares of which 18% directly comes from China is going to be a
sector of concern for automobile sector that is already under tremendous stress
owing to global recessionary trends over the past several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is estimated that India has stocks to
cover up short term needs of auto components however in case China sees a
prolonged virus threat and closure of its manufacturing hubs, India may not be
prepared to calibrate or pep up domestic supplies through local manufacturing as
it is not fully geared owing to easy option of imports that has been relied
upon in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While individual
customers may see spurt in prices of components including tyres, industry as a
whole should see it as an opportune time to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
sector of concern would be Electronic items especially mobile hand sets and
other electronic components which account for nearly 67% of imports from China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serious disruptions could felt due to this in
India. Consumers may be compelled to postpone for forego purchases due to short
budget or unavailability till the threat of virus tapers down in China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is hope of revival of Indian industries,
if it is estimated as an opportunity by entrepreneurs but of late India has
turned into a middle man’s hub and businessmen are happy importing containers
than setting up factories and braving the manufacturing challenges leading our country
into a consumerist nation dependent on large imports of items that should essentially
have been manufactured in India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
high impact area is Pharma raw materials as India has high dependency on
imports from China in respect of Pharma bulk drugs. Though stocks are estimated
to be available for next couple of months, pharma industry could face the heat
of short supplies and high prices in case threat of virus does not lessen in
next two months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is critical that
health care industry starts off a serious plan through a macro plan of pharma
industry to short list items that would essentially be needed by vast majority
of people in India through strong and strict governmental interventions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Energy
security is crucial for any nation, India has been slowly building up base for
clean energy through harnessing of solar energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However the flip side is that our country
heavily relies on Chinese supplies for solar panels and related
accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>China controls the world
market with 80% export market in this field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Supply disruptions due to virus could not only escalate costs but also
make various projects non-viable due to project completion delays and overshot
deadlines leading to legal disputes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>India
exports about 27% of total cotton yarn to China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even temporary closure or delay in exports is
bound to put textile cotton yarn industry in turmoil owing to lower margins and
slackening of domestic prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
if Indian market readies itself as a sourcing hub of apparel, this could be
used as an opportunity to boost up domestic production of Ready made Garment
industry and offset the losses owing to global recession. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, domestic industry is surely going to
face the challenge of rising prices of chemicals, machines etc that would
nullify the gains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consumer is surely
going to see a sudden spurt in prices of RMG, textiles etc and could be forced
to go in for more expensive options that could be inflationary in nature. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
a nutshell, fall out of n-CoV especially in case of a prolonged scourge could
prove disastrous for Indian Industry especially in the wake of tight credit
lines and global recessionary trends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While consumers are going to face challenges arising out of shortages
and cost escalations, it is time Indian Industry rises up and proves its entrepreneurial
skills to keep the damages limited through dynamic management decisions and
timely governmental interventions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-67678914210089370652020-01-03T06:06:00.005-08:002020-01-03T06:06:55.672-08:00Do you Pine for...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 25.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.jpkallikkal.com/do-you-pine-for/">DO YOU PINE FOR….</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 12pt;">Do you pine for
…..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">
A place, a person, a moment<br /><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A tangible object, an intangible feeling!<br /><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A long walk could be as exhilarating and liberating as a session of serene
serenade on the beach of the sea or a session of yoga on a mat. No I am not
going to talk of exercise or a work out. I write this after my toe stepped on
an innocuous looking object while on a morning walk yesterday.<br />
New Delhi is chilly and hazy in winters and seeps into a tormenting pattern of
summers soon afterwards. However a few weeks of bliss engulfs the city spliced
between these two extremes, the Spring!<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Long walk across expansive grass turf is bliss in such a season. If the
esplanade is dotted with pine trees still better. Shade giving and aromatic,
these trees with their distinct foliage provides the much needed succor to a
mentally depressed city dweller during times of stress.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br />
Belonging to genus Pinus, Pines are conifer trees that has more than 126
species found across the globe. In temperate regions, deserts, nearly every
place except the tropics. I tread on this subject because a tree such as a Pine
can evoke a diverse thought process if we tread deeper. There are actually
three parts of a pine tree that are edible! The seeds or the pine nuts can be
used in cooking especially in salads. If you wander into a forest and get lost
perhaps you can considering using the inner bark of a pine tree which is edible
and can be sliced and fried to be eaten in emergencies. The young make cones
can actually be boiled to be eaten. Some needles are used to prepare tea. Even
the twigs are supposed to be edible! It is understood that the pollen from pine
cones (pollen is produced by only male cones) can be used as a substitute for
flour or corn starch. Pines are actually very useful trees and they encapsulate
many stories.</span></div>
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The Coulter Pine cone is perhaps the heaviest among cones of pine trees that
can Weigh upto 10 pounds. The Sugar Pine cone is perhaps the longest of the
cones that can grow upto 24”, it has a sweet sap which can be chewed like a
gum, its nuts are edible too. This tree grows tall and can go upto 280 feet in
height. The Knob cone pine is supposed to be the hardest pine with a closed
cone. It relies on heat from wildfires to open up the cones. The Pinyon pine
cone has large edible brown nuts and are also used for medicinal purposes. The Logepole
pine is a small cone around 2 inches long. It is basically used for
decorations. The Jeffrey Pine is another variety that has prickles on the end
of its scales which bend inwards and can be handled safely.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br />
As food, medicine, decorative items, basketry these aesthetically appealing
trees have many unique features hidden behind their bark and branches. This
tree is considered as ‘Great Pine of Peace’. However the health benefits of
Pine trees are immense. The bark peels of the trees can be dried up and
consumed. It can be brewed up as tea with the help of pine needles. These have
high amounts of vitamin C and are extremely helpful as boosters of immune
system. They also help improve vision and eye health. The edible parts of the
pine are capable of eliminating pathogens from body and help lifting up skin
health besides preventing hair loss. Respiratory ailments too can be cured with
the help of pine cones.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br />
A well known method of preparing and preserving a home remedy goes like this.
Fresh pine needles can be soaked in apple cider vinegar for six weeks. A wide
mouthed vessel can be used up for this purpose. The pine needles just need to
be completely submerged in the vinegar and after six weeks an edible and
medicinal potion is ready for consumption.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Though pine cone saps leave stains on clothes, they are preserved to prepare
tincture and honey and are proven to have medicinal qualities. Pine resins form
a component of propolis and bark of pine saplings are used to place cast for </span></span><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: inherit, serif;">stabilising</span><span style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> broken bones.</span></span></div>
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If walking in a park laden with pine trees makes you heady, there is a little
known reason behind this. Besides the aromatic fragrance that is brought in by
the breeze hitting the Pine trees, pine pollen has very high levels of
testosterone. Ingestion of the pollen or tincture of the pollen is proven to
increase libido.</span></div>
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No wonder the innocuous looking object that came in contact with me while on a
morning walk yesterday was a Pine cone that led my heart to feel high and my
spirit to be invigorated. A peep into the reason for my exhilaration brought to
light little known facts about pine trees and their qualities. There could be
thousand reasons for us to set off for picnics or morning walks but we are
blessed by unseen factors such as the flowers, rivers, breeze besides the pine
trees and their cones that lend magic to our existence and outings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-28160045292520202682019-11-26T01:09:00.002-08:002019-11-26T01:09:37.130-08:00Nonostante la nebbia (Despite the Fog Opening Film at IFFI 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: #FBFBFB; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OPENING FILM AT IFFI
2019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-tYyT_-a_7lJtkryzgLHocyoYVIBAWJZr3XWDR0GHDz2_61ZEudXGZwLZz9UkZKk0l7ZKKYoJTayrwRE4kRoNFvzLg8Zt1E7V66JosAaewSwh0PUtF3ahmwzAwLNc-Ad36uxEr9pgrC/s1600/despite+the+fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-tYyT_-a_7lJtkryzgLHocyoYVIBAWJZr3XWDR0GHDz2_61ZEudXGZwLZz9UkZKk0l7ZKKYoJTayrwRE4kRoNFvzLg8Zt1E7V66JosAaewSwh0PUtF3ahmwzAwLNc-Ad36uxEr9pgrC/s1600/despite+the+fog.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: #FBFBFB; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Nonostante la nebbia
(Despite the Fog)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FBFBFB; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Golden Jubilee version
of IFFI 2019 kicks off in Goa with the Italian Film Nonostante la nebbia
(Despite the Fog), a film by Goran Paskalejevic that veers around the life of a
refugee, Ali Musa Sarhan who loses his parents when their boat capsizes near
the Italian Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ali is accepted by a
couple who has lost their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
psychological travails and the solace in accommodating the arab in place of
their son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Donatella Finokjaro (Valeria)
and Giorgio Tirabasi (Paolo) face the challenges and confrontations within and
outside their family in such an acceptance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FBFBFB; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a real world when
hundreds of refugees scourge the streets in hope of a better life in other and
seemingly better parts of the world, children and often minors are left
destitute waiting to be accepted or left to decay without parental care on the
streets which accentuates the issue of refugees especially minors and depicts
the xenophobic fog the world is sinking into with passage of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FBFBFB; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[Born in Belgrade, Goran </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Paskaljević is a Film director, screen writer
and producer who belongs to a group of Yugoslav filmmakers who studied abroad
and graduated from the Film and Television Academy of Performing Arts in
Prague. He has made about 30 documentaries and 16 feature films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His film Powder Keg has won the FIPRESCI
prize at the Venice Film Festival and was also highly acclaimed at European
Film Awards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goran Paskaljevic shares
his time between Belgrade and Paris and holds Serbian and French Citizenship].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The film is good at story telling, however some eminent Indian film makers say that the film falls short at many places and could have touched higher levels in respect of cinematography and techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Awards and recognition:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_International_Film_Festival"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Berlin Golden Bear for Best Film</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">Nominated 1978 <i>The Dog Who Loved
Trains</i></span><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palme_d%27Or" title="Palme d'Or"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cannes Palme d'Or</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">Nominated 1985 <i>Special Treatment</i></span><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Lion" title="Golden Lion"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Venice Golden Lion for Best Film</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">Nominated 2001 <i>How Harry Became a
Tree</i></span><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festr%C3%B3ia_-_Tr%C3%B3ia_International_Film_Festival" title="Festróia - Tróia International Film Festival"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Festróia Golden Dolphin for Best Film</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">Nominated 2002 <i>How Harry Became a
Tree</i></span><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Shell" title="Golden Shell"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">San Sebastián Golden Shell for Best Film</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">Nominated 2004 </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwinter_Night%27s_Dream" title="Midwinter Night's Dream"><i><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Midwinter
Night's Dream</span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminci" title="Seminci"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Valladolid Golden Spike for Best Film</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">1995 <i>Someone Else's America</i></span><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">2006 <i>The Optimists</i></span><br />
</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Arena_for_Best_Director" title="Golden Arena for Best Director"><span style="background: #F8F9FA; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pula
Golden Arena for Best Director</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">1976 <i>Beach Guard in Winter</i></span><br />
<span style="background: #F8F9FA;">1980 <i>Special Treatment</i></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-81909552577493373092019-10-29T00:23:00.002-07:002019-10-29T00:27:24.045-07:00Free Rides in Delhi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Free rides <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">in Delhi</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes3R5-btgz8sy6WlFLdDdMnvzxvD-_aiTeGxjkqONsADy15Wq3R41FrYjoD_7b4IkC2-sN7xd8ix9XxGBiv5k3xGpaCIqXwu4gcR_zTRD8Ix7tPCcCCG6fQ_i6rcfgLu_edAQwAC-I3pq/s1600/330px-DTC_Normal_Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="330" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes3R5-btgz8sy6WlFLdDdMnvzxvD-_aiTeGxjkqONsADy15Wq3R41FrYjoD_7b4IkC2-sN7xd8ix9XxGBiv5k3xGpaCIqXwu4gcR_zTRD8Ix7tPCcCCG6fQ_i6rcfgLu_edAQwAC-I3pq/s320/330px-DTC_Normal_Bus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">[Pink
slips handed out to employees during recession or hard times has often been
abhorred by employees workers unions but from 29<sup>th</sup> of October, 2019,
women in Delhi would be handed out pink slips in city transport buses to avail
a free bus travel in the city of New Delhi.This novel project embarked upon by
the Delhi Government has an added buffer. 13000 marshals are being deployed
across the city to oversee that the plan goes without hitch. Marshals will not
only hand over the pink slips to lady passengers they would also ensure their
safety during the journey.] <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Delhi
has been growing over the years but it has not been able to absorb the huge
rise in passenger traffic owing to multifarious reasons. While first two
decades of post independence era brought about white collared workers into the
government sector into the capital post seventies threw open infrastructural
sectors, small scale industries and tertiary operations drawing millions into
the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While structured construction
was limited to government buildings, Corporations, Banking and Corporate
enterprises a large segment of population spread like wild shrubs into shanties
and JJ (Juggi Jhopri) clusters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Delhi
Transport Corporation that came into existence in 1948 later came under
operated under Municipal Corporation of Delhi till 1971 and later transferred
and put under the administrative control of government of NCT of Delhi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a current fleet of 3900 buses apart
from a fleet of 1634 DIMTS buses which takes the total fleet to 5578 buses
which include AC, Non-AC and cluster bus fleet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Over the years with rising population pressure travel in DTC
buses has been a nightmare. With Choc-a-block traffic outside, scenario inside
buses turned inhuman too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People needed
to pack themselves like sardines in sweaty summer heat inside transport buses
and the uncouth behaviour of conductors besides reckless driving made travel in
Delhi city buses a nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City buses
during 80s and 90s faced immense pressure and to make matters worse cartels
operated infamous Blue line buses which accounted for large number of traffic
accidents in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rising number of
eve teasing and sexual perversion cases inside transport buses besides erratic
bus services led many middle class women to a switch over to their own private
cars during the 90s and thereafter which can be attributed as the primary
reason for spurt in city traffic over the years.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Hallmark of a developed city is its extensive use of public
transportation which went missing in Delhi. While Delhi Metro Rail Services
began its services in 2002, in the absence of last mile connectivity, many
traditional commuters in city buses switched over to their own private vehicles
including two wheelers and currently more than a crore of vehicles ply on Delhi
roads despite a criss-cross of metro and public transport service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today Delhi witness a bumper-to-bumper on
most days of the year with frequent traffic snarls leading to loss of precious
time as well as fuel owing to such hold-ups.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Would a change happen? I believe unless majority of a city
population switches over the public transport situation on ground would not
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps an important step in
this direction has been made. Today marks a deviation in the course of Delhi
Transport. Perhaps it is a red letter day for Delhi as travel of women in Delhi
city buses has been made free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5558
buses operating in Delhi in which nearly 12 lakh passengers travel would
witness free <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ride for women. With an added
fleet strength of 1000 CNG and 300 electric buses, the overall fleet strength of
DTC is expected to touch 7000. Perhaps this could prove to be the game changer
for improving the fleet utilization and weaning away people from taking their
private vehicles on road and switching back to Delhi transport buses for
travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe if Government of Delhi
embarks on the plan to provide free city ride not just to women but to anyone
switching back to buses a big leap will be made in managing traffic, pollution
and congestion in Delhi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a plan
to provide free and unrestricted space to Delhi Transport buses on Delhi roads (as
done during Commonwealth games) would be a big thrust in promoting city buses
which could see bang on timings and larger use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-HfLDiK98AbnpYd75EKiOU7dLRTelM7k12ts2gsQuoToB95deist71FpJmjGfs0McP5NGMtFrTWcbhUcYlcLEKzffr3JH_DKebK9Jw2HKHFD9b_b2V1MU0miZuaZO90GPIST__DqDfhf/s1600/330px-DTC_AC_Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 21.3333px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="330" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-HfLDiK98AbnpYd75EKiOU7dLRTelM7k12ts2gsQuoToB95deist71FpJmjGfs0McP5NGMtFrTWcbhUcYlcLEKzffr3JH_DKebK9Jw2HKHFD9b_b2V1MU0miZuaZO90GPIST__DqDfhf/s320/330px-DTC_AC_Bus.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> [DTC Air conditioned Bus]</span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-33873653570517509092019-08-15T23:25:00.003-07:002019-08-16T00:02:36.261-07:00Kerala Floods: Whose land is it anyway?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b> God’s own country, in deluge</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ7Rb0H2nJql3ijw2ra2c05phNiz9BWT84j4wIAfqAjq5Dsp_lBdDyK-xvU53qL5CMfJTaJL4jb7qm3QadNNDr23U3L-GL1xiQALZlmrnYz3v7kJPXWBlGD9EK_fbPcyc3jXdlBJ3IvRw/s1600/Kerala+flood+2019+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ7Rb0H2nJql3ijw2ra2c05phNiz9BWT84j4wIAfqAjq5Dsp_lBdDyK-xvU53qL5CMfJTaJL4jb7qm3QadNNDr23U3L-GL1xiQALZlmrnYz3v7kJPXWBlGD9EK_fbPcyc3jXdlBJ3IvRw/s1600/Kerala+flood+2019+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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While the month of August 2018 brought out images of
flooding caused by opening up of dams due to heavy rains in Kerala, while preparing to mark the first anniversary of floods this year, <i>God's own country</i> is yet again, deluged in rains that is far exceeding<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the normal patterns of rainfall in the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, however, it is unprecedented
landslides in hilly regions and washing away of huge tracks of soil that is taking its toll on people of this beautiful state in South India.</div>
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I translate and reproduce here, a portion of a write up, I came across in <i>Vadakancherry online</i>, which reflects the reality on ground zero and exemplifies public reaction to natural calamities in the state reinforcing my faith in this land and its people.</div>
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<i>“Henceforth no one should call it
God’s own country!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What kind of land is this?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>What kind of people live in this
land?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Shopkeepers up the shutters of
their shops and pack away entire goods for it to be distributed among the flood affected people of this land.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>An infant who has lost his mother
in floods is being breastfed by many mothers in the relief camp.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>A mother, having lost all her belongings, cries
inconsolably as she fears that her daughter’s wedding may get cancelled is
promised 80 grams of gold by Feroz Kunnumbparabil and before Feroze could
reach the camp, one Shan hands over required Gold to the hapless mother. A
person named Bava Hameed sponsors the entire wedding expenses, Franko
Sabaestian undertakes to cover wedding photography, some others help out in
hosting wedding!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Mayor Bro connects North and
South with his 50 loads of relief material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trucks carrying relief material are stopped on waysides and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>drivers given tea and snacks by village folk.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Collector and district
administration find it hard to contain the sea of youth volunteering to clean
houses and provide human support to flood affected people.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What kind of land is this?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Do not call it God’s own country</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>This is land of Gods”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have been following the pattern
of rainfall and changes in geo spaces in Kerala for the past more than 3
decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While unnatural weather changes
are being felt for the past one decade, it is since 2018 that Kerala is facing
the brunt of natural calamities which it was fairly saved from for past several
decades.</div>
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What is the reason for such an
alarming situation?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel, five factors have broadly
impacted Kerala, which now faces an imminent task of moving forward on the face
of adverse human and natural intervention to its environment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Effects of global warming, al-nino factors
leading to change in climatic and rainfall patterns</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Massive stone quarrying, tree cutting and sand
mining leading to change in terrain patterns.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mammoth construction activities for commercial
and residential use.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reduction of forest cover or covert activities
like cash crop plantations, massive tree cutting in forest regions for
commercial gains.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Non implantation of recommendations of
committees like the Gadgil report.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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While
Governments can help assuage sufferings of masses by official intervention and
providing relief to those affected by natural calamities, it is the people, who
bring about a difference to the way the calamities determine the course of
public reactions to short term and long term measures in handling such contingencies.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Whose land is it anyway? </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="text-align: left;">If we believe, it is ours, time has come for us to</span></span> rise above narrow political and commercial interests to see to it that challenges arising
out of natural calamities occurring out of man-made and
natural factors are seriously assessed and measures taken to plug disasters or
reduce the sufferings caused by such occurre<span style="text-align: left;">nces.</span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-42871676013975977492019-05-23T23:42:00.001-07:002019-05-23T23:52:01.438-07:00Dark Chocolate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/jaya-prakash-kallikkal/dark-chocolate/171773546199096"><b><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dark
Chocolate</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">When you are restless, distraught or depressed don't go in for
that piece of dark chocolate….read this:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">We are shaped and fashioned by what we love:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">
The first look, the first touch of something created by nature is enough to
shape our present and our future. It has been scientifically proven that
a new born baby has the capacity to differentiate between individuals. As
we grow up our needs and desires centre around things that we love: materially
or emotionally tangible or intangible. We work towards reaching our goals
no matter how trivial they seem to be but we generally end up doing what we
love to remain happy lest we struggle with our frustrations and miseries and
attribute them to our misfortune and fate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Target setting and your life notes</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">To be happy in life, to reach our targets we need to set out
with objectives that should reflect positively in Life notes (A folder containing
your personal targets). To be happy and to be able to touch the rainbow
of life that one aspires for, one should keep in mind the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">1. Have a clear
vision of your efforts and results expected<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">2. Creatively
energizing and inspirational targets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">3. Self limiting
and time controlled parameters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">4. Self
synchronizing and time barred limits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Sections of your life notes should clearly demarcate your needs
in relation to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">1. Private and
personal enhancement goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">2. Economically
and financially viable goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">3. Psychological
and bodily empowering goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">4. Interpersonal
and socially enriching goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">5. Godly and
spiritually uplifting goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Eleven steps to rejuvenating Life</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">can be practiced to reach your goals in a smooth and satisfying
manner:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">1. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">J</span></strong>ustified
Silence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">2. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">P</span></strong>hysical
calm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">3. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">K</span></strong>nowledge
integration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">4. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">A</span></strong>bundant
freedom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">5. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">L</span></strong>atent
personal reflection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">6. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">L</span></strong>enitive
morning awakening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">7 <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">I</span></strong>nfinite
Musical experience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">8. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">K</span></strong>indling
the Spoken word<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">9. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">K</span></strong>eeping
a congruent character<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">10. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">A</span></strong>mple
Simplicity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">11. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">L</span></strong>earning
the art of self-empowerment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">It's always fun to be in school, where the essence of life is
innocence. Whether as a teacher or a student…. Remember the time
you left school and were in college, perhaps you wished, '<em><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif";">You could be in school again</span></em>'….Amen….so
you are back to school !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">But when you left College did you miss it?.... We miss what
slips out of our hands, like time….we fail to be happy with what we have in our
hands…..like Life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Love Life while Living it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-81531565260484443222019-01-17T23:50:00.000-08:002019-01-21T00:00:17.958-08:0070th Republic Day Celebrations 2019 at Rajpath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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India celebrates its 70<sup>th</sup>
Republic Day on 26<sup>th</sup> January, 2019. The year commemorates the 150<sup>th</sup>
birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi which shall be set going with
a tribute on this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H.E. Matemela
Cyril Ramaphosa, the fifth and current President of South Africa is expected to
be Chief Guest at the Celebrations this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The delegates for the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas which shall be held in
Varanasi between 21<sup>st</sup> and 23<sup>rd</sup> January, 2019 shall also
witness the grand parade at Rajpath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
per tradition Prime Minister shall pay tribute to honour the soldiers who
sacrificed their lives for the country since independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>National War Memorial near India Gate shall
also be inaugurated by the PM.<br />
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Contingents of the Indian Armed
Forces including the para-military forces, Delhi Police and Service bands shall
form the backdrop for a marvellous show of military strength as part of the
parade. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An all women contingent from the
Assam Rifles, which is one of the oldest paramilitary forces of India is
expected to add sparkle to the parade this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year shall see inclusion of self
propelled gun, K9 Vajra and M777 Howietzer during the parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The IAF marching contingent shall be let by
Flt Lt Srikant Sharma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Children from various schools
numbering around 600 are expected to show case the talents of Indian youth in
front of the distinguished audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
high point of this year is roll out of tableaux from 17 states/union
territories which shall depict achievements and cultural diversity through live
models and performances atop the moving tableaux with the theme ‘Gandhi’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tableaux shall also include ones from
IAF which shall showcase scaled down version of Light combat Aircraft, Sukho-30
and low level light weight Radar which have been indigenously designed and
manufactured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be the first time
when a woman officer would be leading the Army Services Corps during the
Parade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scintillating performance of
the daredevils Motorcycle team, performance of which is eagerly awaited each
year, shall also include woman officer in the team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As in the past, the fly past by
Indian Air-force shall be a reason for rejoicing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A high point this year is the inclusion of ‘vic’
formation of AN-32 aircrafts which will be lead by an aircraft fuelled using a
mix of traditional and bio fuel (10%) extracted from Jatropha plant seeds developed
by CSIR and Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vic formation is expected to be lead by
Sqn Ldr. Gautam Bajaj and Wg. Cdr. Arun Chandan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flypast which shall be in two phases shall
see 18 fighters, eight transport aircraft and 11 helicopters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 144 strong Indian Air Force contingent with
IAF band shall also form part of the celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main flypast shall comprise of 33
aircrafts from IAF and 4 helicopters from the Army’s aviation arm.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-54313253009604501622019-01-07T00:23:00.005-08:002019-01-07T00:26:14.457-08:00Olu (She) - Malayalam Movie - Shaji N Karun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Olu (She) by Shaji N Karun<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxeJdQ7DyBj0lwK1dRUZkRy6uJCweEzVD12wFHaiVM-t06jE8eOPgYo2LYlUp1sRsy_CKIqDI_SmmedlFIDcei1wSyNHnLbg7YLNN4TYSVy7dU_ke2-xIDnxuMIVCNr112auxmerD3PZF/s1600/olu+download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxeJdQ7DyBj0lwK1dRUZkRy6uJCweEzVD12wFHaiVM-t06jE8eOPgYo2LYlUp1sRsy_CKIqDI_SmmedlFIDcei1wSyNHnLbg7YLNN4TYSVy7dU_ke2-xIDnxuMIVCNr112auxmerD3PZF/s320/olu+download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A review by Jaya Prakash Kallikkal<o:p></o:p></div>
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Olu (She) is a film that veers
between fantasy and reality. Brilliant Cinematography stringing together varied
shades of love, layered at different levels of human mind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>creatively translated into a visual treat is
the hallmark of this beautiful film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>109mts of pure fantasy unfolds through an intriguing story telling style
splashing out onto the screen under the masterly directorial venture of
acclaimed Malayalam Film Director Shaji N. Karun .<o:p></o:p></div>
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Titled ‘Olu’, a local slang for
She/her, used in northern parts of Kerala is a fantasy drama that rivets around
the central theme of love as seen from a male and female perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shot mostly in the backdrop of turquoise blue
backwaters, the story is set in a mystery island in the Arabian sea where a nun
turned bodhisattva is believed to have set foot and disappeared under
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ester Anil plays the role of Olu
(she), a local girl who is raped and immersed under water near the mysterious hanuman
island which is believed to be infested with spirits and lost souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The protagonist and central character of the
film Vasu played by Shane Nigam is a local artist belonging to the island who
seems to be a witness to the entire sequence of events that changes his notion
and understanding of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Belonging to
a Panikkar family that owns some of the oldest surviving structures in the
island, Vasu struggles to make a living out of painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His paintings are often cheap copies that do
not earn him much money or respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
however finds his life transformed in one of the full moon nights when he
ventures alone in his boat near one of the eerie spots in the backwaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hears a melodious voice of a girl who
beckons him awakening love in his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vasu visualizes the girl to be beautiful however his efforts at catching
a glimpse of the girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While his family
consisting of his grand mother, who is a witch craft practitioner herself warns
him against his advances professing dire consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enthralled Vasu despite warning visits the
spot on full moon nights and is mesmerized in love and thereafter seeks
redemption in his paintings that stand transformed into pieces of art that is
widely acclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Vasu is invited to Mumbai where
he is sucked up into the vortex of art world and he falls for his PR agent and
secretary and gets physically engaged to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is unable to concentrate in his new paintings as the voice from the
backwaters cling to him and beckons him to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vasu visits his hometown to be at the spot on
full moon night to communicate with his platonic love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However he finds that Olu (she) is disturbed
and in know of his love and intimacy to another woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changing hues and shades of shimmering backwaters turn
gray and Vasu turns into a mental wreck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Through Olu Shaji tries makes
real the essence of love in varying dimensions of human mind platonic,
Physical, Real, Esoteric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Juxtaposition
of visual effects in a melange of shades of sea, sky and nature, wizardry of
Shaji is immensely felt in the translations he provides through non -verbal
means in the film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extremely complex
psychic situations are anchored in the para-normal shots whereas simple human
responses are reflected in characters like Vasu and people surrounding him in
real life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An interesting tryst of Vasu with
a group of Buddhist historians who visit the monkey island and their request to
him to paint a masterpiece for their monastery is an event that tries to dig a
leaf out of the past history of the place and connecting some missing links
from the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though some visuals especially
fleeting view of blue waters reminds one of Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, Olu is a
visual treat as well a movie that sets a mind thinking as to the true essence
and meaning of Love. Distinct handling of human psyche and translation of the
theme of Love in its vivid proportions through individual and a macro level
representation makes Olu a visual treat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Shaji N Karun is a Malayalam
Director of international repute. He is an a<span style="text-align: left;">lumini of FTII (1971) and many of
his films including Piravi, Vanaprastham and Kutty Srank have been critically
acclaimed.</span></div>
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463284835012378101.post-9911495621465298332019-01-02T21:36:00.002-08:002019-01-02T21:36:58.876-08:00Indian Panorama Film Festival 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Indian Panorama Film Festival 2019</b></div>
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<b>(Indian Panorama Section Films of 2018)</b></div>
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Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, Government of India is holding public screenings of Indian
Panorama section of 2018 films at Siri Fort Auditorium between 4<sup>th</sup>
and 13<sup>th</sup> January, 2019 at Siri Fort Auditorum, New Delhi.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inaugural ceremony shall be held on Friday 4<sup>th</sup>
January, 2019 at 5.30 pm at Siri Fort Auditorium which shall have screening of Aditya
Suhas Jambhale directed Non-feature film Kharvasi (Marathi 38 mts.) and Shaji N
Karun directed Feature Film Olu (Malayalam 109 mts.).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Tentative Schedule</u></b></div>
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<b><u>4 January, 2019 (Friday): Day: 01</u></b></div>
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Opening Film at Indian Panorama: Shaji N Karun's Olu (ഓള് )</div>
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<b><u>5 January 2019 (Saturday): Day 02</u></b><br />
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11:00 am Padmaavat (Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Hindi: Duration:165 mts.),<br />
2.30 pm: Pamphlet/<b>Poomaram (Abid Shine)(Malayalam: 106 mts.) , </b><br />
5.30 pm:Aai Shappath/Walking with the wind<br />
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<b><u>6 January 2019 (Saturday): Day 03</u></b><br />
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11:00 am : Monitor/Raazi (Meghna Gulzar: 140 mts.),<br />
2.30 pm: Burning/<b>Makkana (Raheem Khader)(Malayalam), </b><br />
<b>5.30 pm: </b>Na Bole Woh Haram/To Let (Tamil):99 mts.<br />
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<b><u>7 January, 2019: Day 04</u></b><br />
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111:00 am:: Nani Teri Morni/October (S. Sarkar) (Hindi),<br />
2.30 pm::, Pariyerum Perumal BA, BL (Mari Selvaraj)(Tamil), <br />
5.30 pm:: Malai/<b>Bhayanakam (Jairaj)</b> (<b>Malayalam): 123 mts.</b><br />
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<b><u>8 January, 2019 (Day 05)</u></b><br />
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11.00am: Bhar Dupari/Aamhi Doghi (Pratima Joshi/Marathi),<br />
2.30pm (Silent Scream/<b>Sinjar (Pampilly/Jasari: 11 mts.)</b>,<br />
5.30 (Gyamo Queen of the Mountains/Baaram (K. Priya/Tamil)<br />
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<b><u>9 January, 2019 (Day 06)</u></b><br />
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11:00 am: Sword of Liberty/Bunkar the last of varanasi weavers,<br />
2.30 pm (Decoding Shankar/Paddayi)<br />
5.30 pm: The world's most famous Tiger/Uronchondi<br />
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<b><u>10 January, 2019 (Day 07)</u></b><br />
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11:00 am: Naach Bhikari Naach/Bhor,<br />
2.30 pm: <b>Sudani From Nigeria (Malayalam)</b><br />
5.30 pm: Yes I am Mauli /Nagarkirtan<br />
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<b><u>11 January, 2019 (Day 08)</u></b><br />
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11:00am: Midnight Run/Perambu (Tamil: 148 mts.)<br />
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2.30 pm: Sampurak/SA<br />
5.30 pm: Laasyam/Dhappa<br />
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<b><u>12 January, 2019 (Day 09)</u></b><br />
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11:00 am: Happy Birthday/<b>Ee Maa Yove (Malayalam: 120 mts.)</b><br />
2.30pm: Abyakto ((Bengali: 86 mts.)<br />
5.30 pm: Mahanati (Telugu: 176 mts.)<br />
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<b><u>13 January, 2019 (Day 10)</u></b><br />
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11:00 am: Uma (Bengali: 148 mts.)<br />
2.30 pm: Tiger Zinda Hei ((Hindi: 161 mts.)<br />
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jai kallikkalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573313331119542048noreply@blogger.com0