Untitled - Alumni Club of Anna University

MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE 2013-14
PRESIDENT
Prof. Dr. R. Chandra Sekaran
Mobile: 98407 54012
E-mail: [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Prof. Dr. D. Arivuoli
Mobile: 98412 96097
E-mail: [email protected]
SECRETARY
Er. E. Sivakumar
Mobile: 98840 51331
E-mail: [email protected]
TREASURER
Er. J. Sriram
Mobile: 93800 23696
E-mail: [email protected]
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
EDITORIAL
Dear Brethren
Dear Brethren
Wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year 2014. Hope you
would have enjoyed the New Year eve programs at our club. The New
Year always begins in the month of Margazhi, which is well known
for karnatic music concerts. So let us all face the heart warming
good music right through the year. In tamil, Margazhi madham is
mun pani kaalam and thai madham is pin pani kaalam and season’s
greetings thus matches very well with these two months. Similarly,
thai pirandhal vazhi pirakum and vazhi piranthal vaazhkai sirakum
and let it happen to every one of us. Thanks to the five children
who have registered their entries to the Book review contest. The
results of the contest will be announced shortly and prizes will be
given to the winning contestants on a suitable occasion.
Kanakaraj.R
Editor Bits & Bytes
ENTERTAINMENT
Prof. Dr. S. Selladurai
Mobile: 94441 40138
E-mail: [email protected]
CATERING
Er. M. A. Murugan
Mobile: 98400 56355
E-mail: [email protected]
SPORTS
Er. M. P. Premkumar
Mobile: 99401 24668
E-mail: [email protected]
NEWS AT A GLANCE
04-01-2014 – Tambola at lawn.
15-01-2014 - Technical Session on Foto Focus
Technical Presentation on PHOTOGRAPHY
by Mr.M.Swaminathan (M no. 037)
HOUSE KEEPING
Er. P. Sairam
Mobile: 98407 19713
e-mail: [email protected]
LIBRARY & NEWSLETTER
Er. R. Kanakaraj
Mobile: 94440 58463
e-mail: [email protected]
ANNA UNIVERSITY
NOMINEES
Prof. Dr. M. Sekar
Mobile: 97899 96247
e-mail: [email protected]
Prof. Dr. L. Karunamoorthy
Mobile: 94441 18628
e-mail: [email protected]
2 | JAN 2014
ALUMNI CLUB - ANNA UNIVERSITY
No.1 Boat Club Road, R.A.Puram,Chennai – 600 028
Phone No: 044-2432 2195, 044-2432 1233
Guest Room: 044-24351449
E-Mail: [email protected] | Website: www.alumniclubau.com
Good behaviour can cover the lack of beauty but beauty
never cover the lack of good behaviour.
ENTERTAINMENT
JANUARY 2014
03-01-2014 – English DVD movie “The Davinci Code’’
04-01-2014 – Tambola at lawn and
“A rewind of New year Program” at Disco Floor.
10-01-2014 – English DVD Movie “Under Seige 2’’
11-01-2014 - Tamil movie “Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham”
17-01-2014 – English DVD movie “Dante’s Peak’’
18-01-2014 - Tamil movie “Kalyana Samayal Sadham’’
24-01-2014 – English DVD movie “100 Rifles”
25-01-2014 - Tamil movie “Biriyani/Endrendrum Punnagai’’
Any change in programs will be notified by SMS and Email. Kindly update.
Avoid comparing yourself with anyone. Remember that it is who we
are, not what we do that is important
BOOK REVIEW
Self Deception - India’s China policies -arun shourie
This book exposes the real
Jawaharlal Nehru and the way
in which Chinese aggression
was handled by our Panditji.
his correspondence, including
letters to chief ministers and
his speeches in and out of
Parliament.
On what assumptions was Nehru
confident that China would not
invade India in 1962? Why and
on what basis did he scotch
all warnings in Tibet and our
entire border? What did he do
when those assumptions proved
wrong? What eventually led to
the debacle of 1962? Are the
same delusions and mistakes
not being repeated now? Why
will the consequences be any
different? This is a devastating
analysis and warning on
India’s policy and approach
regarding China, based on
Nehru’s notes to his officers,
Must read book for people
interested in Indian policy
towards China-How it is and
how should it be. The book
starts with brief overview of the
current UPA’s policy towards
China, then elaborates on
Nehru’s ill conceived China
strategy in the past, further
speaks on India vis-a-vis China
on many parameters and ends
with lessons, stratagems that
must be employed to counter
Chinese threat.
Kanakaraj R (1777)
(Editor, Bits & Bytes)
THANKS GIVING
Thank You…. Thank You… Thank You
- Ar. B. Rajappa, Chairman New Year Committee and Team.
No words can express the scintillate Feeling. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the entire
team, who made this year New Year Eve Celebrations a remarkable one, I thank you for your wonderful
supportive participation with Family and Friends. It is to be recorded that everyone was glued to their
seats and even at 11 pm many have not moved to the dining arena. We thank, especially the Managing
Committee for reposing confidence, the overwhelming support of Sponsors and more so “Can’t
Afford to Miss Any Bit” content provided by the events, display, choreography by Mr. Sailesh and M/S
Innovations Events & Entertainments Team. Many have voiced their appreciation on the Spread and
Taste of food and more so of the inclusiveness of the Dining Area providing full views of the program.
The Jugglers, Flash Mob, Laser Show, Pyro Technique etc., are total deviant from the usual and well
received by one and all. The DJ and Dancing Floor saw many dancing to tunes well past 1 O’ clock. Our
sincere thanks are due, to our Staff, who meticulously planned for weeks and arranged the different
style seating, provided courteous and smiley service etc. We also thank the Security Staff, Call Drivers,
Ambulance, Fire Service, Doctor and Police for providing excellent support.
We pray the ALMIGHTY to Shower ALL HIS BEST to ONE and ALL in this 2014.
4 | JAN 2014
By plucking her petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower. - Rabindranath Tagore.
HERITAGE
Tell Tale Marks of Theatres in Chennai
Kanakaraj.R(1777)
C
inema halls,you could say,were the first public space.People could meet there irrespective of
caste,race or religion, said Baskaran,author of a book on cinema,Eye of the Serpent.The main
reason for this was that the cinema halls were run by the British and they did not care about caste,they
just wanted money, he added.The first cinema shows took place on streetsides.They then moved into
tents,and then into existing buildings.It was only much later that separate buildings were created for
screening movies.
KAMADENU
In the late 1940s
Raja D. V. Appa Rao
decided to build a
cinema
house
in
the open space of
the bungalow but
residents of the area
objected to a cinema coming up and disturbing
their domestic peace and tranquillity! The
matter went to court and the noted lawyer, V.
C. Gopalratnam, appeared for the plaintiffsobjectors while Raja Appa Rao conducted his own
case without the help of a lawyer.A daring move
indeed for the zamindar, who was pitted against
one of the top lawyers of the city and a master
of court craft and legal strategy!However, he won
the case and went ahead to put up the cinema.
Hollywood movies was released here.
CASINO
One of the few
cinemas that screened
most of the Hollywood
movies in Madras in
70s and 80s. Sivaji
Ganesan and team
used to frequent this place for night shows to see
Hollywood movies. Many of the Carry on series
SAYANI
Located at Ayanawaram, the theatre was built in
1950, says Mr. Azizullah son of C.M. Nassurullah,
who was the manager of Sayani theatre those
days. The theatre was owned by Popat Jamal &
Sons family and was shut down for some reason.
This was a hot spot for Sivaji Fans, as all Sivaji
Ganesan’s films used to run here for 100 days”.
Movies were changed only thrice a year and all
LIBERTY
Located at Kodambakkam and the bus stand was
called Liberty bus stand.
If a man can control his mind he can find the way of Enlightenment, and all
wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. - Gautama Buddha
JAN 2014 | 5
were Sivaji’s films. Ootty Varai Uravu was the last
film showed here. His father had also ensured
that no ladies will return without tickets, Ladies
were given first preference. Sayani is a popular
and well known bus stop even today.
MEKALA
Located at Purasaiwakam and is one of the oldest
theatres of Madras.
MIDLAND
BHUVANESWARI
Mr. Arulanandam, partner of Bhuvaneswari
theatre, Purasaiwalkam shares that “It is
unfortunate that we had to close this theatre due
to partners’ dispute.
Moreover we were not making profits, as people
are glued to TV and DVDs. Mega hit pictures
like Thanga Pathakkam, Vietnam Veedu, theiva
magan, saraswathi sapatham etc., were screened
here”.
In 1933,Gandhiji was hosted by the students of
the University of Madras at Midland Talkies and as
was his custom,at the end of the session,Gandhiji
auctioned the welcome address.It was bought by
Lakshmi Swaminathan,a freedom fighter.
He recapped that Thiruvilaiyadal had run for 25
weeks and Shanthi, Crown, Bhuvaneswari were
like Triplets in those days. Bhuvaneswari theatre
was built in 1963 and was shut down in 1994.
That was one of the few occasions that Gandhi
was in a cinema hall.This later became Jayapradha
cine complex.
AGASTHIYA
Many of K.Balachander movies used to be
screened here.
NATRAJ
MGRs Ulagam Suttrum Valiban was released
here on 11-05-1973
6 | JAN 2014
The mind is like a white cloth. Dip it in red dye, it turns red dip it in green, it turns green. Put it
out in the sun for long, it loses its colour. The mind truly is the Self itself, with no colour.
in the 80s. Video games used to be another
attraction at this multiplex.
GEITY
Wellington Theatre
Located at Mount road.
Located Chinthadripet near Mount road and
adjacent to Casino.
CROWN
SHANTHI
One among the triplex theatres of Chennai where
35 movies if Sivaji Ganesan were released (Santhi,
Crown,Bhuvaneswari)
The most popular bus stop at Mount road even
today. First Airconditioned Theatre of Chennai,
was inaugurated on 12.01.1961 by Shri K.
Kamaraj, then Chief Minister of Madras State. A
movie on Lord Venkateswara was screened during
the inauguration.
SAFIRE COMPLEX
The first Tamil film released at the Shanthi was
Annapoorna Films Thooya Ullam, starring A.
Nageswara Rao and Saavithri. It was followed by
the popular film Kalpana in Hindi.
First cine multiplex in India with three screens
Safire, Emerald and Blue Diamond. Blue
Diamond used to sreen continuous shows of the
same movie from morning till evening. Safire was
known for English movies and Malayalam movies
The first film of Nadigar Thilagam (who later
on took possession of the Theatre), was Buddha
Pictures Paavamannippu, released on 16.03.1961.
A multi-star cast film which included Gemini
Ganesan, Devika, Saavithiri, T.S. Balaiah, S.V.
Subbiah, M.V. Rajamma and others. Music
byViswanathan-Ramamurthi, lyrics Kannadasan.
The film was based on religious harmony and was
an instant hit and became the first Tamil film to
be screened for 25 weeks at an A/C Theatre. 82
films of Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan were
screened at the Theatre, out of which many films
The jewels of the soul is priceless, and yet it is being squandered like
this , in exchange for a mere shell. - Sri Guru Granth Sahib
JAN 2014 | 7
celebrated Silver Jubilee.
WARWICK’S ELECTRIC THEATRE
more than 52,000 square feet and was built in
1952, is being converted into a block of flats by a
Chennai-based businessman. It was built by Pitchai
Muthu, considered a stalwart in the film industry
and guide to many theatre owners, according to
RMN Annamalai of the Cinema Theatre Owners’
Association. The cinema hall was inaugurated
even before completion and one of the first
movies screened was “Parasakthi,” debut film
of legendary Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan. Later
on “Pattikada Pattanama’’ made a record break
in this theatre. Many of MGRs movies were also
released here which ran to packed houses.
MINERVA/BASHA
Located inside General Post Office. Mount road. In
1911 the first film theater in Madras was probably
put up by Mrs. Klug, in Broadway. The Empire
was next and started in April 1913 at Misquith
and Company’s Lyric Theater on Mount Road.
This later became the Elphinstone, which shifted
across the road to become New Elphinstone. This
was followed by Gaiety in August 1914, Warwicks
Electric Theater (1913-1915), Globe (later called
Roxy), Crown, Minerva and Wellington. Of these
Gaiety alone stood till the 21st Century, to be a
victim of the multistory complex phenomenon.
Minerva, today called Batcha, after many a change
still continues to show films and is almost as old as
the Tamil film industry.
Minerva had an exclusive contract with Paramount
Pictures for several years running, making it the
number one destination in the city for those who
wanted to watch English feature films. Also it was
the first to run ‘Adults Only’ features, strictly
enforcing the age code. But its glorious reign
came to an end in the mid-1970s.
THANGAM THEATRE (MADURAI)
The cinema’s present proprietor S.M. Batcha
acquired the theatre less than a decade ago, and
is unaware of its heritage. He renamed the theatre
to bear his name, in order to avoid some legal
tangles and debt traps the previous proprietors of
Minerva left it with. And he plans to some day try
and restore the theatre to its glorious past. But
with tickets priced at Rs. 15 and Rs. 12, it seems to
be a near-impossible dream to fulfill. The kind of
dream that comes true only on celluloid.
Many of these structures are no more today but
the memories still linger in our hearts.
The curtains have come down on one of the most
popular landmarks of the city, Thangam theatre,
once considered Asia’s largest, after its new owner
started to demolish it recently. The cinema hall,
which could seat 2,563 persons and spread over
8 | JAN 2014
Good behaviour can cover the lack of beauty but beauty
never cover the lack of good behaviour.
CLUB NEWS CONTINUES ON PG NO 33
HISTORY
History of Pongal Festival
Kanakaraj.R(1777)
speaking. Women used to bath
early in the morning. They
worshiped the idol of Goddess
Katyayani, which would be
carved out of wet sand. They
ended their penance on the
first day of the month of Thai
(January-February).
This
penance was to bring abundant
rains to flourish the paddy.
These traditions and customs
of ancient times gave rise to
Pongal celebrations.
Andal’s
Tiruppavai
and
Manickavachakar’s
Tiruvembavai vividly describe
the festival of Thai Niradal
and the ritual of observing
Pavai
Nonbu.
According
to an inscription found in
the Veeraraghava temple at
Tiruvallur, the Chola King
Kiluttunga used to gift lands
to the temple specially for the
Pongal celebrations.
Pongal is an ancient festival
of people in South India
particularly
Tamils.
The
history of the festival can be
traced back to the Sangam
Age i.e. 200 B.C. To 300 A.D.
Although, Pongal originated
as a Dravidian Harvest festival
and has a mention in Sanskrit
Puranas, historians identify the
festival with the Thai Un and
Thai Niradal which are believed
to have been celebrated during
the Sangam Age.
Observance of Pongal During
the Sangam Era (Thai Niradal)
The celebrations of Sangam
Era led to today’s Pongal
celebrations. As part of the
festivities, maidens of the
Sangam era observed ‘Pavai
Nonbu’ at the time of Thai
Niradal which was a major
festival during the reign of the
Pallavas (4th to 8th Century
AD). It was observed during
the Tamil month of Margazhi
(December-January).
During
this festival young girls prayed
for rain and prosperity of
the country. Throughout the
month, they avoided milk and
milk products. They would not
oil their hair and refrained
from using harsh words while
Legends of Pongal
Some legendary stories are also
associated with Pongal festival
celebrations. The two most
popular legends of Pongal are
stories related to Lord Shiva and
Lord Indra.
According to a legend, once
Shiva asked his bull, Basava,
to go to the earth and ask the
mortals to have an oil massage
and bath every day and to eat
once a month. Inadvertently,
Basava
announced
that
everyone should eat daily and
have an oil bath once a month.
This mistake enraged Shiva who
then cursed Basava, banishing
him to live on the earth forever.
Avoid comparing yourself with anyone. Remember that it is who we
are, not what we do that is important
JAN 2014 | 33
He would have to plough the
fields and help people produce
more food. Thus the association
of this day with cattle.
Another legend of Lord Indra
and Lord Krishna also led to
Pongal celebrations. It is said
when Lord Krishna were in
his childhood, he decided to
teach a lesson to Lord Indra
who became arrogant after
becoming the king of all deities.
Lord Krishna asked all the
cowherds to stop worshiping
Lord Indra. This angered Lord
Indra and sent forth his clouds
for thunder-storms and 3 days
continuous rains. Lord Krishna
lifted Mount Govardhan to save
all the humans. Later, Lord
Indra realized his mistake and
divine power of Krishna.
Pongal Celebrations
According to Hindu mythology,
this is when the day of the gods
begins, after a six-month long
night. The festival is spread
over three days and is the most
important and most ferventlycelebrated harvest festival of
South India. A special puja is
performed on the first day of
Pongal before the cutting of
the paddy. Farmers worship the
sun and the earth by anointing
their ploughs and sickles with
sandal wood paste. It is with
these consecrated tools that the
newly-harvested rice is cut.
and painted in bright colors,
and garlands of flowers placed
around their necks. The Pongal
that has been offered to the
Gods is then given to cattle and
birds to eat.
Jallikattu
Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting
or
bull
cuddling/holding,
is a Tamil tradition called
eruthazhuvuthal,
popular
amongst warriors during the
Tamil classical era. According to
legend, in olden days the game
was used by women to choose
their husbands. Successful
“matadors” were chosen as
grooms.
The term jallikattu comes from
the term calli kacu (coins) and
kattu (meaning a package) tied
to the horns of the bulls as the
prize money. Later days during
the colonial period this evolved
to jallikattu which is the term
currently used. A seal from
the Indus Valley Civilisation
depicting the sport is preserved
in the National Museum.
“Jallikattu’’ - #y;ypfl;L is a
cattle/ bulltaming sport played
in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal
celebration. This is one of the
oldest living ancient sports seen
in the modern era. It is held in
the villages of Tamil Nadu as a
part of the village festival. The
festivals are held from January
to July, every year. The one held
in Alanganallur, near Madurai,
is one of the more popular
events. This sport is also known
as “Manju Virattu”, meaning
“chasing the bull”.
Jallikattu is based on the simple
concept of “flight or fight”.
Cattle being herd and prey
animals in general tend to run
away from unwanted situations.
But there are quite noteworthy
exceptions. Cape buffalos are
famous for standing up against
lions and killing them. The
Indian Gaur bull is known for
standing its ground against
predators and tigers think twice
about attacking a full grown
Gaur bull. Aurochs, the ancestor
of domestic cattle was known for
its pugnacious nature.
Jallikattu bulls belong to a few
specific breeds of cattle that
descended from the kangayam
breed of cattle and these cattle
are very pugnacious by nature.
These cattle are reared in huge
herds numbering in hundreds
Each of the three days are
marked by different festivities.
The first day, Bhogi Pongal, is a
day for the family. Surya Pongal,
the second day, is dedicated to
the worship of Surya, the Sun
God. Boiled milk and jaggery
is offered to the Sun God. The
third day of Pongal, Mattu
Pongal, is for worship of the
cattle known as Mattu. Cattle
are bathed, their horns polished
34 | JAN 2014
Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it,
but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back. - Harvey Mackay.
with a few cowherds tending
to them. These cattle are for
all practical comparisons, wild
and only the cowherds can
mingle with them without any
fear of being attacked. It is from
these herds that calves with
good characteristics and body
conformation are selected and
reared to become jallikattu bulls.
These bulls attack not because
they are irritated or agitated or
frightened, but because that is
their basic nature.
There are three versions of
jallikattu:
Vadi Manju Virattu - This version
takes place mostly in the districts
of madurai, pudukottai, theni,
tanjore and salem. This version
that has been popularised by
television and movies involves
the bull being released from
an enclosure with an opening.
As the bull comes out of the
enclosure, one person clings to
the hump of the bull. The bull
in its attempt to shake him off
will bolt (as in most cases), but
some will hook the guy with their
horns and throw him off. The
rules specify that the person has
to hold on to the running bull
for a predetermined distance
to win the prize. In this version,
only one person is supposed to
attempt catching the bull. But
this rule being strictly enforced
depends on the village where
the event is conducted and
more importantly, the bull
himself. Some bulls acquire a
reputation and that alone is
enough for them to be given a
unhindered passage out of the
enclosure and arena.
Vaeli Virattu
This version is more popular
in the districts of sivagangai,
manamadurai and madurai.
The bull is released in an
open ground without any
restrictions in any way (no rope
or determined path). The bulls
once released just run away
from the field in any direction
that they prefer. Most don’t
even come close to any human.
But there are a few bulls that
don’t run but stand their
ground and attack anyone who
tries to come near them. These
bulls will “play” for some time
(from a few minutes to a couple
of hours) providing a spectacle
for viewers, players and owners
alike. The magnificence of such
bulls cannot be described. They
must be seen firsthand to really
understand the basic psyche
behind the sport of jallikattu.
Vadam Manjuvirattu - “vadam”
means rope in tamil. The bull is
tied to a 50 ft long rope and is
free to move within this space.
A team of 7 or 9 members must
attempt to subdue the bull
within 30 minutes. This version
is very safe for spectators as
the bull is tied and great the
spectators are shielded by
barricades.
Training of jallikattu bulls
The calves that are chosen to
become jallikattu bulls are fed
a nutritious diet so that they
develop into strong, sturdy
beasts. The bulls are made to
swim for exercise. The calves,
once they reach adolescence
are taken to small jallikattu
events to familiarize them
One should be cautious not to speak anything that hurts others. Such
king of speech never helps but always brings destruction. - Rig Veda
JAN 2014 | 35
Kaikkiyur, situated about 40 km
from Kotagiri town, is the biggest
rock art site in south India. The
rock surface site, teeming with
more than 500 paintings, was
discovered in 2004.
with the atmosphere. Specific
training is given to vadam manju
virattu bulls to understand the
restraints of the rope. Apart
from this, no other training
is provided to jallikattu bulls.
Once the bulls are released,
then instinct takes over.
History
Jallikattu,
which
is
bullbaiting or bull fighting, is an
ancient Tamilian tradition,
popular
amongst
warriors
during the Tamil classical
period. According to legend,
in olden days the game was
used by women to choose
their husbands. Successful
“matadors” were chosen as
grooms.
The term Jallikattu comes
from the term “Salli” kassu
(coins) and “Kattu” (meaning
a package) tied to the horns of
the bulls as the prize money.
Later days during the colonial
period this term got changed
to Jallikattu which is the term
currently used. Usually the
majestic Kangeyam bull is
involved in this game, as they
are naturally more ferocious
36 | JAN 2014
and muscular than any other of
its species.
Famous Jallikattu locations
include:
o Alanganallur
o Avaniapuram
o Tiruvapur near Pudukottai
o Kondalaampatti,
Thammampatti in Salem,
Tamil Nadu
o Palemedu near Madurai
o Sravayal near Karaikudi
o Kanduppatti near Sivagangai
o Venthanpatti near
Ponnamaravathy,
Pudukottai (Dist)
o Pallavarayanpatty near
Cumbum
Unlike in bullfighting, the
matador does not kill the bull.
There are rarely any casualties
suffered by the bulls. Several
animal activists object to this
dangerous game every year,
but so far these objections have
been in vain.
There are several rock paintings,
more than 3,500 years old, at
remote Karikkiyur village in the
Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu
that show men chasing bulls.
Another
single
painting
discovered in a cave at Kalluthu
Mettupatti, about 35 km west
of Madurai, between Madurai
and Dindigul, shows a lone
man trying to control a bull.
Archaeologists estimated that
this painting, done in white
kaolin, is about 1,500 years old.
Pongal Kolam
The colorful Kolam tradition
dates back to the Indus Valley
Civilization (2500 B.C). In
the Mahabharata, the gopis
(milkmaids)
drew
kolams
to forget the pain that they
experienced when their beloved
Krishna is away. At a much later
date, Kolam-drawing is listed
as one of the 64 forms of art in
Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra.
Different Names
The art of Kolam is known
throughout India but by different
names - Sanjhi in Uttar Pradesh,
Alpana in Bengal, Mandana
in Rajasthan, Chaukpurna in
Madhya Pradesh, Rangoli in
Maharashtra and Karnataka,
Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh
and Puvidal in Kerala. Although
essentially a Hindu tradition,
kolam is also known to the
Jains, Buddhists and Parsis. It is
Happiness is like a butterfly, The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your
attention to other things, It comes and sits softly on your shoulder. - Henry David Thoreau.
1
said that Gautama Buddha was
himself an expert in this art.
Significance
The Kolam is much more
than just an aesthetic art. It
symbolizes
happiness
and
prosperity. Insects and birds
feed on the rice flour used for
drawing the traditional Kolam
at the entrance of houses. Thus,
the Kolam represents man’s
concern for all living creatures.
The Kolam and the bright red
border or kaavi enclosing it are
also believed to prevent evil
and undesirable elements from
entering the houses.
Drawing Pongal Kolam
On the day of Pongal, family
members jointly draw the kolam
with rice flour that can be plain
as well as colored. Parallel
straight lines can be drawn
using a cylindrical rod (Ulakai)
as a guide. A kolam can be a
plain one or can be artistically
drawn with symbols of cosmic
interest. The kolam defines the
sacred area where the Pongal is
prepared.
Within the perimeters of kolam,
typically, firewood is used to
cook the rice. The Pongal is set
up in the direct view of the Sun
(East). Traditionally, the kolam
is laid in the front or side of the
house, but in cold climes where
cooking indoors with firewood
is hazardous, the Pongal can
be prepared in kitchen and
brought to the location where
kolam is set up.
2
3
1 Pooja Kolam
2 Idduku Pulli Kolam
3 Ner Pulli Kolam
4 Thulasi Mada Kolam
5 Pongal Kolam
4
5
The appearance of things change according to the emotions and thus we see magic and
beauty in them, while the magic and beauty really are in ourselves. - Kahlil Gibran
JAN 2014 | 37
MEMBERS CONNECT
Murphy’s Law at Work
If anything can go wrong it will.
Things will get worse before it gets more worse.
So be it.
part II
Life:
• The length of a marriage will be inversely
proportional to the length of the courtship.
• A pretty young thing in a mini skirt will always
walk ahead of you when your wife walks with
you.
• Never worry about what people think of you –
they are worried what you think of them.
• Never sit in the front of a shared taxi you will
end by paying the full fare.
• You can fool some people all the time and all
the people some time but try fooling your wife.
proportional to the time taken to make it in the
first place.
• Hindsight is always 100% accurate.
Club Dining/.Bar:
• The number of waiters serving at your table at
the club will be inversely proportional to the
guests you are entertaining.
• The Chinese dish of ‘Sweet & Sour
Vegetable ‘will always be sweet,
sweeter and sweetest.
• The club serves food portions
which are large and can be shared
with your guests but the Menu
Card needs to be shared with
1000s of members.
Weather:
• Bring umbrellas and rain coats to watch the
club movies even at peak of summer.
• During heavy rains the club will provide Boats
from the Boat Club for travel to the Dining
facilities.
Architecture/Civil:
• If Builders build buildings the same way
programmers write programs the Building will
crash when least expected.
Mechanical:
• Suppliers claim on equipment performance
should be multiplied by 0.5.
Management/Corporation:
• Your Boss does not recognize
Murphy’s Law. He never
expects you to fail
• The one who does
the least work gets
the most credit.
• Deciding not
to Decide
is also a
Decision.
• The
time
taken to
rectify a
mistake
is
inversely
38 | JAN 2014
When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so long and so regretfully
upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.
EVENT - NEW YEAR EVE
If a man can control his mind he can find the way of Enlightenment, and all
wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. - Gautama Buddha
JAN 2014 | 39
40 | JAN 2014
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