Chasing my dreams....

Top 20 Songs that i love

2012-02-09T00:06:00.001-08:00

Illayaraja
1. Panivizhum malarvanam – the Raaga “Jog” that captivates me.
2. Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum – Aw, I can hear it over and over again !
3. Thoongadha vizhigal Rendu – “Amrithavarshini !”
4. Isaiyil Thodangudhamma from “Hey Ram” - for Illayaraja’s music composition
5. Aagaya Vennilave from “Arangetravelai”
6. Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Nyanum Serindhirundhal Thiruvonam from “MMKR” – I just love it !
7. Kanne Kalaimaane from “moondrampirai”

Rahman:
1. “Oh Kadhale” from “Kadhal Virus”What I love is the inbetween transitions from one sad portion to the next
2. “Yakkai Thiri Kadhal Sudar” from “Ayudha Ezhuthu”Whattay tamil lyrics and my god what a composition by Rahman ? I love to dance whenever I hear this song!
3. “Azhagana Ratchasiye” from “Mudhalvan”Just for the love of Reethigowlai
4. “Vellai Pookal Olagam engum” from “Kannathil Muthamittal”This song is ‘magical’
5. “Tere Bina” from “Guru”I just fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. Wonderful lyrics and beautifully picturised as well. Hats off to Mani rathnam and Rahman.
6. “Kalvare Kalvare” from “Raavan”Lovable melody!
7. “Jana Gana Mana” from “Ayudha Ezhuthu”Just for the lyrics – I think this song is so powerful that it can change the world!
8. “Azhagae Sugama?” from “paarthale paravasam”wonderful composition brings me to tears when I hear this !
9. “Roobaro Roshini” from “rang de basanti”
10. Khwaja Mere Khwaja from “Jodha Akbar”

Misc
1. Paadhi Kadhal Paadhi muttham from Modhi Vilayadu – by G.V Prakash – refreshing song set to madhyamavathi raga – sung by Bombay Jayshree
2. Kaatrin Mozhi from “Mozhi” – music by Vidyasagar – brilliant rendition and wonderful composition!
3. Athisaya Raagam of album 'Apoorva Raagangal' – M.S Viswanathan

Bali was a wonderful way to end 2011!

2012-01-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Me and my family ended 2011 by travelling to Bali. What a wonderful way to end the year? It truly was an amazing trip , I would say the best holiday we have ever had. I chose to travel to Bali mainly because I love history and culture that the place had to offer. I am NOT a person who will enjoy surfing, snorkeling, trekking or paragliding. But I surely love nature, temples, music, dance and art. Hence Bali was loaded with things that I could explore in the 5 days I was there. Since we were there during Christmas, there were quiet a number of travelers from all around the world.

I. AYODHYA – the resort at Nusa Dua

What a place? I liked their hospitality, the way they dress, the ever-smiling attitude, the traditional Balinese music played at the entrance and during dinner/breakfast– all these depicted the Balinese tradition. What my dad loved the most – was the variety in breakfast menu – it wasn’t surprising because it was a 5 star resort. I liked the birds at the Waterfall restaurant that caught our attention during breakfast.

Interesting things about AYODHYA

1. They have a wonderful beach where u can watch the sunrise(for Sunset you can go to Uluwatu) and ayodhya has its own SPA and gym!

2. A lavishly decorated Lobby with Pool Table, Chess boards, Table Tennis and light music at night(the lady sang koyi mil gaya and kuch kuch hota hai! ,she was a true entertainer!)

3. The Bali Collection – the shopping mall walking distance from Nusa Dua (quiet an expensive place tho)

II. Dance - Barong and Kecak

Dancers here are beautiful, colourfully dressed and have unique body posture throughout.

Barong dance at Suwung Village

Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.

The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga's father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga's soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.

Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda's spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own keris.

The masks of Barong and Rangda are considered sacred items, and before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung, and offerrings must be presented.

Kecak Dance at Ulu Watu

Bali has 99% hindus and especially indian tourists who are very familiar with Ramayana and Mahabaratha can understand the dance effortlessly. I particularly loved the young Balinese girl who played the role of a deer (marisan). Her movements were as swift as a deer and she completely stole the show.

Kecak - also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by a circle of 150 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "cak" and throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana where the monkey-like Vanara helped Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana.I loved the way the sing " cak cak .. cak ..."

III. TEMPLES

Pura Tirta Empul

Considered one of the 6 most important temples in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD. The spring water is sacred and thought to have healing properties.

Ulun Danu floating temple on the lake Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is the second most important temple in Bali after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is found on the shores of Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul. The temple was built in 1926 and is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers.

Prayers and Offerings

The morning ritual begins with a Balinese woman who had got up before dawn to prepare ngejot. Eat before the ritual performed is considered very rude, so people will fast until the ritual is complete. The preparation starts from the moment breakfast was prepared, with boiling water and cook rice.

The Balinese believe that "ngejot" will maintain harmonious relations between the world of human remains and the world of the Gods, and you will see this ritual every morning at the home of the Balinese. "Ngejot" prepared in the kitchen, a holy place according to Balinese tradition, as well as various equipment used to prepare ritual offerings.

After the rice is cooked, it's time to process the "rice jotan" which will be used as prayer offerings. Using coconut and banana leaves are cut into small squares, rice is placed on traditional sacred bamboo trays called "kumarang". Additional decoration placed on the rice, as an offering to appease the gods.

A Balinese woman would prepare for herself for the ritual, she must wear a “tamben”, traditional Balinese sarongs, which are used by “santeng” and linked around the waist at the beginning of ceremony. Prayer offerings are placed at various places in the kitchen and locations around the house as an offering to God, a way to thank you already maintain a harmonious relationship.

A Balinese woman would prepare him for the ritual, he must wear a tank top, traditional Balinese sarongs, which are used by “santeng” and linked around the waist at the beginning of ceremony. Prayer offerings are placed at various places in the kitchen and locations around the house as an offering to God, a way to thank you already maintain a harmonious relationship.

The ceremony that gives us insight into the local culture of Bali, a place rich with religious mysticism and magic can happen. Balinese people believe that "ngejot" can make the kitchen into a shelter, and help to expel negative energy or attack from the world of evil spirits.

Although their rituals are mainly a form of Hindu, they see God in many forms - in the natural world around them, in their families and ancestors, in flowers, and incense. Anything to make the world more beautiful is an offering to their gods - it's been said that Bali is a place where every breath is a prayer. After the ceremony, you put rice grains on your forehead to signify that you have prayed.

IV Art in Bali

1. Paintings in UBUD

UBUD - Here's where you will see a lot of indians. Lots of paintings/painters all over the streets in UBUD. There is a monkey forest in Ubud - we didnt go there tho.
Ubud is a wonderful hangout place - just for the shopaholics~

2. Batik at Tohpati

3. Wood carving
Kemenuh Village : Wood carving village

4. Gold and Silver smith at Celuk Village - observe silversmith, making fine silver jewelry (in Balinese style)

V Nature in Bali

1. Waterfall
Tegenungan : Visiting Valley & waterfall Village

Tegenungan waterfall is located at Kemenuh village and its about 15 minutes drive from Sukawati or Celuk village, Gianyar regency. The place can be reached by walk down through the footstep path stairs from the parking area. It offers a beautiful view. The picture you see above (taken by me) is worth a million bucks! I will let you know why very soon...

Adventure : This is probably the only thing that we will never forget. The steps are pretty steep and slippery. Even after the cab driver warned us, we all wanted to show our bravery.
Hence the adventure began!To reach the waterfall we must follow so many steps. Half way through, there was a heavy rain. Myself and my dad managed to go and see the waterfalls after which we all went mad waiting for the rain to stop.

At the end of the trip we got totally drenched in the rain and looked like cooked noodles ! I almost thought i will spend the rest of day there waiting for the rain to stop. Well, it was an adventure which we never expected or experienced !

What was my takeaway or something that i loved - the place was so green and serene !

Funfacts - You will see lots of young couples who go down the steps like its no big task! , and the moment they see you with indian costume you can hear them humming "kuch kuch hota hai.."
I was surprised at how they identify indians - karan johar's movies!
I found a reason to go SPA in bali !
I told myself " if i managed to see THIS waterfall, then whats stopping me from participating in "Survivor south pacific"?!"

2. Volcanoes

Kintamani : Having Lunch while enjoying Beautiful view of Vulcanic mt. Batur and lake Batur

3. Rice fields & Terrace farming

Tegalalang : The Picturesque rice terrace

4. Coffee Plantations
Kayuamba Village : Traditional Bali "Luwak" Coffee Processing, tropical fruit and Spice Garden.

Luwak Coffee - Once we heard how this coffee is prepared , we were disgusted! lol. The most expensive coffee - Luwak!

Certain species of musang or luwak (Asian Palm Civet) consumed the coffee fruits, yet they left the coffee seeds undigested in their droppings. The natives of Bali collected these Luwak's dropping coffee seeds; cleaned, roasted and ground it to make their own coffee beverage. I heard they wash these animal dropping for 20 times ! no matter what ..... (let me stop here)

5. Cabbage+ Strawberry + durians + Bananas => plentiful in Bali !

My dad went "gaga" over fresh cabbage ! He so wanted to buy, but mum interrupted (partly because she hates them) as we may need to pay for it at the airport. Alas, we bought bananas.

VI Shopping in Bali

Beautiful, creative, and affordable! Collections of beads, shells, silver and semi precious stones in necklaces, earrings, bracelets.
Mum and I went mad - we bought necklaces in all colours and all possible colour combinations. Can you beat that?

Krishna Shopping Center

Shopping is expensive, we went to this place called krishna where everything was relatively cheap , there was no need to bargain!

Things i would like to do next time i go to BALI
1. Cycling

2. Shopping in Ubud

Deepavali

2011-10-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to a video on Diwali :)
Happy and safe Diwali everyone !!

Deepavali

Miles to go before i sleep..

2011-09-14T02:13:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine once said "Change is the most permanent thing in this world" isnt it true? We are constantly looking for a change, a change is just wonderful, motivating. It gives us hope for a brighter future!

When things are just about to change very soon.. i read this wonderful poem by Robert Frost...perfect!

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer 5
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake. 10
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep, 15
And miles to go before I sleep.

Summary (i read this summary somewhere... crisp!)

On the surface, this poem is simplicity itself. The speaker is stopping by some woods on a snowy evening. He or she takes in the lovely scene in near-silence, is tempted to stay longer, but acknowledges the pull of obligations and the considerable distance yet to be traveled before he or she can rest for the night.

Forgive and Forget

2011-03-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the best medicine for a broken heart is to forgive and forget.
Try to forgive the one who shattered you into pieces,you will suddenly feel your heart is becoming light, slowly as light as a ballon :)

P.S : You dont really have to forgive that person. But your heart needs to.

Sita's love for Rama..

2010-06-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have been hooked to Ramayan since i started listening to Visaka Hari.. And its wonderful , the more you read the more interpretations, lessons, greater becomes the depth and understanding. I just cant get enough of it..

I am very touched by Mani's movie "Raavan.." The movie makes you think in different angles, gives twist and insight about the 3 characters.. makes you think about whats good/bad, fair/unfair, right/wrong, etc.

But, I always admire Sita's love("Bhakthi") for Rama.

Pure,
Binded by trust ,
Level of Compromises that she can make ,
Patience,
Selfless unconditional love that she has,
Endurance,
Mental strength that she has,
The clear boundary that she can draw between herself and other men (with/without) bad intentions..
How her thoughts,actions, mind and heart are full of Rama , Rama and only Rama..

Divine!

Selfless

2009-11-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

People talk about love, say mother-daughter, father-son, or girl-guy. But be it any relationship, it is beautiful when it is selfless love. In fact most people say that they forget the world when they are in love with this one person, but is it unconditional/with zero expectations? I guess not. The harsh reality is that we are all selfish creatures, mostly blinded by relationships so much that we may even fail to see what is right and wrong. A friend of mine says; don’t give a name to any relationship! Cos that gives it a limitation (Interesting, isn’t it). May be its true.

Even though it sounds idealistic, unconditional love is something that I greatly respect. I am sick of seeing selfish souls and I need a break! Please stop glorifying romantic love unless you mean to say there are no expectations or mutual benefit that you are looking for. The “greatness” is achieved when you can find a good soul with whom you can share memories/thoughts/likes/dislikes and know that this person isn’t expecting anything in return or not even going to be judging you based on what your thoughts are. The person may not be related to you in any way, need not necessarily be a friend. They can be just ‘Angels in disguise’ or merely some stranger whom you met in a bus.

-Just food for thought :-)

The perfect someone

2009-10-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

Will I love you as much as I love behag?
Will I love you as much as I love the rhythm from mirdangam?
Will I love you as much as I love nature?
Will I love you as much as I love myself?
I doubt it.

Expecto Patronum

2009-03-30T02:54:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the most difficult thing in life would be to forget your bad memories. Infact I feel that such bad memories can be dangerous enough to make a person weak. But, if there is one good memory, which is stronger than all the bad ones that you have in your mind, then that’s the strength. So, I would just say if a person has experienced a series of bad things in life without sufficient good that should have happened, then it would nearly be impossible to have a strong mind. That’s the breaking point.

Being just positive and listening to motivational speeches doesn’t help. But we all should be able to sustain life provided we have enough good memories / good things that happen to us especially when we go through the so-called “shitty period”. To me in such times, a small appreciation can become a big motivating factor.

This has been beautifully portrayed in one of the scenes from “Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban”. In this particular scene, the numerous scary creatures belonging to the dark world called “Dementors” are attacking Harry. Dementors, wraith-like creatures who can suck the happiness and soul out of a person, make them feel like they will never be happy again, feed on peoples' happy emotions, and force them to recall the most horrible memories they have had in their lives.(Wikipedia)

Even though he had faced the worst things in his life till then, Harry loved his parents. And remembering his father’s face helped him to use the most powerful spell to drive away the Dementors.

If you are further interested in the name of the Spell:

Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

Pronunciation: ex-PEK-toh pa-TROH-nuhm

Description: Conjures an incarnation of the caster's innermost positive feelings, such as joy, hope, or the desire to survive, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector, and is a weapon rather than a predator of souls: Patronuses shield their conjurors from Dementors, and can even drive them away. A Patronus "cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so Dementors can't hurt it."[16] The conjured Patronus protects the witch or wizard that summoned it, obeys his or her commands, and fades away shortly after it is no longer required. When conjured, a Patronus appears silvery, ethereal, and semi-transparent. Improperly formed Patronuses range from momentary formless bursts of silvery mist, to poorly-defined forms which are easily defeated or quickly dissipate on their own. A full-fledged (or corporeal) Patronus takes on a fixed animal form that is often significant to the witch or wizard casting the charm. Patronuses summoned by a particular person have been known to change, such as Tonks' patronus. Rowling has said that Snape was the only Death Eater to be able to produce a Patronus. According to her this is 'because a Patronus is used against things that the Death Eaters generally generate, or fight alongside. They would not need Patronuses'.[17] According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Charm is also the only known defensive spell against Lethifolds.

Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban when a Dementor appears in the Hogwarts Express, and Hermione says that Remus Lupin repelled the Dementor by casting a silvery object from his wand. Harry's corporeal Patronus first appears in a Quidditch game, and it is used by other characters throughout the rest of the series.

Notes: Dumbledore has devised a method of using Patronuses to deliver messages putting it into the exclusive use of the Order of the Phoenix. Members of the Order are the only wizards who know how to use their spirit guardians to send messages to one another. According to Rowling, the Patronus is "an immensely efficient messenger" as it is not hindered by physical obstructions or dark matters. Each Patronus has a special quality and appearance that is different and easy to recognise, which makes it clear which Order member has sent the message. In addition, since no one can conjure another person's Patronus, this method of communication does not carry the risk of passing fake messages.[18] It is noteworthy that in Deathly Hallows, McGonagall creates three Patronuses simultaneously to call for Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Slughorn.
Suggested Etymology: Expecto Patronum is Latin for "I await a protector".[19] It is related to "pater" (father) and Harry's Patronus indeed takes the same form as that of his father's animagus form (a stag).

Freedom

2009-02-11T22:47:00.001-08:00

While listening to a song I like
I went to this mall, which I liked the most
I got a piece of chocolate waffle for myself
It was so breezy out there – and
I felt like dancing a little bit, but I did nod my head as I was humming my fav song
I had to run back to home before it started pouring outside
Made some tea, and I closed my eyes
Thought about the good things that happened to me in the last few years
I felt lucky
For once, I felt the freedom

Behag - my favorite raga :-)

2009-01-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

May be a million times/day i ask myself why do we all live in this world ? What do you have to offer to the mankind? why live ?

May be i found the reason why... its behag...

nirandharam evai endru theriyavillai - anal
nirandharamanadhu isai mattume

Looking forward to 2009 !

2009-01-05T01:54:00.000-08:00

Failures never stop me
I have learnt to accept them gracefully
The power of being unsatisfied (feeling of needing more)
Gives me all the push i need to reach my peak

Happy New Year Everyone !
Dreams are big, and lets make them happen !

Vaaranam Aayiram

2008-12-23T04:25:00.001-08:00

Tamil cinema mela vechurundha konja nanja nambikaiyum pochu. Movie title matum dhan sutha tamizh la irruku. Matha padi padam muzhuka nuni nakku English kalandha tamizh dhan. Seri adhu kooda parava illa. Indha padikadha muttal hero, but handsome guy, oru ponnu pinnadi lo lo nu alayara kadhai ellam nariya pathu dhan valandhom.Vera edhavadhu vithyasama sollunga pa. Afterall there are intelligent girls too (assumption being different).Chumma surprise panna therinja mattum do u think its easy to win a girl’s heart? Initially andha ponnu konjam sensible ah irundha nu nenachen, but no.

Six packs, Berkley , San Francisco, branded t shirt, guitar, idhellam might attract the youth. Atleast there has to be something in the movie that touches your heart. There are ppl who are looking for a more realistic movie.
One thing to mention : nenjukul peidhidum song was the only take away from the movie.

Tamizh pesugiradhu ...

2008-12-19T02:35:00.000-08:00

Sila Neram Pookalin Aruginil – Adhan
Narumanam Ennodu Kalandhuvida
Sila Neram Karkalin Naduvinil – Naan
Nasungamal Nazhuvi Sella
Sila Neram Mazhaiyin Virupapadi – Man
Vasanaiyai thooki Sella
Sila Samayam Kuppaiyin aruginil – Naan
Pulamabi Kondu irukka
Katraai parandhu sendren!

Oru Sindhanai
Ippayanathil Punidham Izhandhena ? Punidham Adaidhena?

Programming – An Art

2008-12-03T01:36:00.001-08:00

It is so logical and beautiful. Never thought I would love programming this much. Anyone can do programming as long as one has the interest and curiosity to learn and to do it. There was a phase of frustration that I had to overcome when I was in NUS, which is why I couldn’t appreciate it at that point of time as much as I do now.Although I am still learning, with my past experience in software development I can say for sure that even the small applications I create, give me the biggest satisfaction in life. Of course, the design, coding and debugging needs tremendous patience and knowledge.

Trust me, programming can help you do wonders if you strongly believe in it. For those juniors out there who are just starting your undergrad, never hate programming! It is way beyond Practical examinations and Labs. You never know, it can make a big difference in your life.

P.S if you guys have problems overcoming sleep like me: P, come up with a small algorithm to solve a problem & I am sure you wont sleep until you figure out how to do it!

G-R-E-Y A-R-E-A-S ?!

2008-11-16T23:48:00.000-08:00

I am not really convinced about the fact that there can be “in betweens” or the so-called “grey areas” which we need to understand and accept in life. But I fail to do so, most of the times. For clear understanding of what a grey area is, “A grey area is a term for a border in-between two or more things that is unclearly defined, a border that is hard to define or even impossible to define, or a definition where the distinction border tends to move”. (according to wikipedia)

I always try to think in terms of right or wrong, fair or unfair. Would you give a chance for someone who has done injustice to you ? Wouldn’t that be unfair ?

The grey areas are the ones that complicates life and is the root cause of all chaos and confusion in life. I wish the world was just black and white… makes life simple and easy…

Misconceptions about Feminists

2008-11-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

Quiet an interesting article not written by me though...

I am a feminist. Those values and behavior seem obvious and natural to me. And I thought, after all this time, most people understood feminism even if they didn't agree with everything a feminist stood for. However, based on some recent conversations with young people, especially people in their teens, I realize those values-- which for me are so important and hard won-- are NOT automatically understood by others. Based on intolerant remarks I've heard recently, it appears that some negative stereotypes have evolved around this important political movement. What I'm about to write will, I hope, help us to think and to talk more openly about what it means to be a woman, a feminist, an equal person.

As a feminist I believe in the following things:
-equal pay for equal work
-equal opportunity in any field of choice
-power to choose what happens to my own body
-equal protection under the law
-an attitude of respect for and celebration of the roles women have played in history

That list summarizes basic feminist beliefs— all beliefs about equality and respect. With those beliefs in mind, I'd like to discuss some of the stereotypes which I believe, through my recent conversations, may have become attached to feminism.

Stereotype one: During a lively conversation at a potluck a few weeks ago, a young woman confessed to me that she didn't want to be associated with feminism because "The boys think you're a Lesbian." I hope young men are more intelligent than to think like that; but here are the facts. Feminism is one of the most diverse political movements in history. It includes men as well as women, people of all races, creeds, nationalities, and yes, sexual preferences. Claiming that feminists are lesbians is a sweeping generalization based on fear. People who say that are using a specific fear, homophobia, as a way to intimidate and control the behavior of women. However, what's important is that because the basic values of feminism are equality and respect, the movement may include many kinds of people. I'm proud of that.

Stereotype two: "If you say you're a feminist, people say you're macho. I don't want to be a macho woman." Because I was so startled by this twist of language, I looked up the word. It comes from machismo and means "a strong or exaggerated sense of manliness." I assume the remark means that if a woman is too strong or assertive, she sacrifices her femininity. I ask, then why do I know many women who are strong and assertive, who promote values of equality and respect for women, who aren't in the least bit "macho?" I think of leaders in the women's movement. They include mothers, nurturers who have families, and women who promote a variety of women's roles. They all reveal femininity to various degrees natural to them. All of them believe strongly in equality and respect. So why is this term being applied to feminists in general? Probably because more women ARE assertive, a quality which is traditionally associated with the "man's role." That threatens some people in power. People who examine this claim will discover one more way fear of being different is used to keep women timid or confused.

Stereotype three: Another person told me, "Feminists are man-haters" My immediate reaction was a personal one. "I'm a feminist, but I don't hate men. I'm happily married to a man." I realized another generalization was being used to instill fear and resentment, this time in men. That statement invites this opposition from males: "Well, if they hate me, why can't I hate them back." It's intended to divide instead of unify men and women. It puts hatred before equality. The truth is, feminists have varied attitudes about men, and for that matter—about women. Some women who are feminists have had difficult encounters with some men, and as a result distrust men, or don't want to have strong associations with men. This is their right. But many women (myself included) see that men may be allies and colleagues in the work for tolerance and mutual respect.

Though there are other stereotypes, a particularly dangerous one goes like this: "We don't have to think about women's rights anymore. It's been done; lets move on." I'd love to believe that. I do believe important strides have been made. However, because women are still paid only 73% (national average) of what men are; because of the increased incidence of abuse, as well as sex and hate crimes against women; and because remarks like those cited above reveal sexual stereotyping and misunderstanding, I think we have work to do. I hope we remember that sexism, racism, and other cultural injustices recur only if we let them. Many of us may need to look closely at our behavior, language, and thinking. When we make derogatory remarks about women (or men) are we doing so out of fear of change? Are we compensating for feelings of insecurity or inferiority by criticizing someone else's beliefs or objectifying somone else’s body? Are we making unfair generalizations? I'm proud of being a woman who believes in feminism. I'm saying respect me, my rights, my body, and you will earn the same respect from me.

" The Real World "

2008-10-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Ordinaries - that causes depression
The Reality - that kills our imagination
The Truth untold – that challenges your conscience
The Failures - that lowers self-confidence
The Success - that makes us want more
The Emotions – that battles with our logic
The Fear of seeing people die – that shakes my belief in god

Often , I get lost in thinking about the ideal world, but the reality always wakes me up as if I was dreaming all the while.. If we dream to make it real , may be it will become REAL…

Little Things in Life that make you happy~

2008-10-03T03:08:00.001-07:00

Appreciation

A genuine Smile..
Filter Coffee n morning breeze..

The silly fights with my mom..

saturday afternoon nap.. (Bliss)

Rain and No School

my ipod

Seemiya payasam

watching a cute lil girl play

A nice conversation with my best friend

Nilaiyamai....

2008-09-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sila Vetrigal Nilaipadhillai
Sila Kaneerku arthamillai
Sila Kelvigaluku vidaillai
Sila Kovangal theeruvadhillai
Sila Kanvugal niraiveruvadhillai

Kelvigal Mattume !

2008-09-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tholvigal Kandu Anjuvadhillai
Thalai kunindhu nadaka thevayum illai
Thunai thevayo unnaku?

Theera Kodumaigal anaithum
Thanga Manadhil valimai undu - Aanal
Udalin valimai peridho ?

Anneedhi kandal porupadhillaiye - manam
Amaidhi kolla mudiyavillai
Adipanindhu vazhvadhedharku ?

Karvam Konda manidhargalai – Aval
Kovam konda kangal
Azhikamal pogumo ?

Arpa Asaigal konda manidhargalae
Aval Nizhalum Nerupai pondradhu
Theendi parka Thudipadhen ?

Indredutha thaiku eedu edhum undo ?
Unnai petradhal aval azhgizhandhal endru ninaithalo ?
Pengal vadivirku neengal tharuvadhu mathipengalo ?

Naanam undu , Kaneer illai !
Naanal Pol valaindhu povadhundu – Aanal
Nambikkai izhapadhillai !

Porumai Endra ayudham
Polladhavarkaluku Porundhadhu endral
Pongi ezhundhal Paavam illaiye ?

Saadhikka pirandhavale – Unn
Saadhanaigal porukamal Silar Alatchiyapaduthuvadho ?
Pengaluku matum yen piravi-muttal enna pattam ?

Sometimes, Silence is the loudest voice!

2008-07-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

Mouname unnidam andha mounam dhane azhagu
Parvaigal Podhume adhil varthai pesi pazhagu
- A bit song from this movie called “mozhi”

Wonderful lyrics. Beautiful rendition by Srinivas!
I couldn’t really image a life of a person who is deaf and dumb. I thought life will be incomplete if one cant appreciate music. But this movie totally changed my opinion about that. I wonder how it would be if everyone in this world was deaf and dumb & music was the only language that they understood. Isn’t that good enough? ;-)

God is just a Positive Feeling !

2008-07-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

There are lot of theories proposed by people to define/understand/interpret who is God, whether he is present or not. Whether it is god/dog, I fear both. I can explain my understanding about the existence of “god” using the concept of human emotions. Ok, here I assume all human beings are supposed to have emotions in addition to their rational/logical thinking. When we are forced to go to an extremely emotional state of mind, say fear, I am sure our brain automatically tries to generate some kind of a positive feeling that somehow we will be able to get rid of the problem. Some people pray to their God and some just try to be very positive and believe that their emotional state of mind will change soon. God is probably yet another creation of our human brain, which I think, is imaginary.

When we carefully listen to our thoughts, I am sure every one of us can get an answer to the question “Do you actually believe in God?” For various reasons, I don’t really want to contradict the fact that “there is someone called God, the perfectionist who is controlling the entire universe”. I am not an atheist, but I interpret god in a different way. My experience and knowledge makes me strongly feel that “positive feeling” is probably what we call as God. But I still can’t completely understand or believe in God’s existence
…may be that’s why they say

Puriyadhadhu dhan kadavul !

View from my room

2008-03-02T22:49:00.001-08:00

Oho megam vandhadhu .... tarara tararara

Thanimai Namakku Thevaiyillai

2008-02-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

Thanimai tharum vedhanai
Thanga mudiyamal pulambinal

Enna idhu kodumai
Edhuvume pidikavillai endral

Tharkaligamaga thanimaiyai pokka
Thozhiyin thunai nadinal

Vara maruthal thozhi
Virakthiyudan sindhikka thondanginal

Thannai patri yosithal
thannai patri mattume yosithal

Aadharavatru anadhayai pola
Avala nilyil irrukum manidargal-Palar

Pulamba vazhiyindri vazhgindranar-Idhai
Purindhu kondal pulambuvadhil payanillai

Nam suyanala vadhigala?
Nanbargalin aravanaipai theedi yengupavargala?

(Note: Here, i am not saying people dont need time for themselves. Infact , introverts need a lot of private time , thats how they gain energy. This poem explains about ppl who actually demand a lot of time from their friends and family, but are not willing to giv their own time to those who actually need it more than them. Irony!)

Divorce

2008-02-28T02:12:00.001-08:00

Kannadi Uravugal

Oru Sila uravugal
kannadiyai pola
Elidhil Udaindhu Povadhen?

Ondru mattum nichayam
adhu udaindhupona ondru-Aanal
adhai meendum thoda ninaipadhen?

Vittu sella manamillamal
otta vaika ninaikume nenjam
iyaladhu endrarindhe namai ematrikolvadhen?

Udaindha Anda kannadiyai - thottai
Un kaiyai Kizhithu vittadhu -adhupolave
Mudindhu ponadhu indha uravu

arindhukolada manida!

Iniya Ninaivugal

2008-02-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

Nee-yaro Nan-yaro endrirundha nam
sandarpangalal nanbargal endranom

Ennakum Unnakum pidithavai moondru
kovam sandai samarasam

Nee-Naan Karuppu-vellai Raja-Rani Vetri-Tholvi
Namakkul appadi oru muranpadu
Nam vilayadiya sadhurangam pola

Nee-Aan Nan-Pen endra karanathalo
iruvarume iruvarayum purindhukollavillai ?

Neeya Naana endru potti-pottukondu
Padiya padalgal pala

Enadhu Unadhu endra garvamdhano
Nee(Naan) Enn(Unn) kuralai rasika-maruthadhu ?

Naladaivil iruvarume iruvarayum purindhukondom
ippodhudhan- amaidhi samadhanam nimmadhi

Engalukul appadi oru otrumai
nangal rasikum padalgal analumseri

engalukul irrukum thazhvu manapanmai
engalukul irundha kovamkalandha veri

sadhikka vendum endra adangam- nangal
padum padalgal thandha amaidhi - adhil

pudhiya sangadhigal podum thimir
'ennaku nee nigara ?' endra aanavam

engalukul irundha kuzhandhai thanam
avaapodhu pesa virumbum vambugal
vazhvin meedhirundha vidaa nambikkai

Anbu snehidhan endru avanai-sollalam
azhagana thozhi endru nan-irundhen

Avan enn annanum alla - naan
avan thangaiyum alla

Namakkul ulla natpu eppadi theriyuma?
oru sollil sonnal - punidham

Ninaivugal Nirandharame Endrum Sugamtharume
indha natpum appadithan !

Isaiyum Nanum

2008-02-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

Everything needs a beginning , i wish to start my blog with a poem written by me recently.. i am not a professional writter or anything.. Just got inspired to write one ! :-)

Isai enn kadhal ,
Isaiyodu enn thirumanam,
Isaiyudan (isaindhu konde) ennadhu vazhkai,
Isaiku edhu mudivu ?

Hope i have the time to keep this blog active;)
people who know me , yeah u guys know what to expect.. and for those who dont, you will get to know in course of time ...
viraivil sandhipom ...