44th Chess Olympiad (Signs)

The 44th Chess Olympiad is taking place at Mamallapuram, near Chennai, on the ECR. The chess tournament will be officially inaugurated tomorrow (28 July) in the presence of Prime Minister Mr. Modi and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. MK Stalin in Chennai Nehru Stadium. The preparations for the tournament began weeks ago, and the Tamil Nadu government is doing everything possible to ensure the success of the Chess Olympiad. 

The event is actually taking place in a village called Poonjeri on the outskirts of Mamallapuram; the government has erected a large stadium/auditorium to host the event, and all the participants from 187 countries have been housed in several resorts in Mamallapuram. To put it simply, the stretch from Chennai to Mamallapuram has been in a celebratory mood, and it is expected that many people will visit during the chess tournament or at least to view the preparations for the event. 

I, too, would like to see the event advertisements and the Thambi, The Knight, the official mascot of the 44th Chess Olympiad, who is touring Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai. But, due to the unfinished rainwater storm project and health difficulties, I couldn't get out of the house. 

The Thambi, which meant "Little Brother," was designed to emphasize Tamil Nadu culture. The knight wears the traditional garb of dhoti and shirt, and perhaps the brown horse accentuates the South Indian tone (dusky or brown), and the mascot's general dressing style mimics the Chief Minister's, which may have derived from his appearance. 

The Napier Bridge, also known as the Iron Bridge, is another landmark in Chennai that has been completely painted as a chess board (to commemorate the 44th Chess Olympiad); it has also become a shooting spot, with people taking selfies and videos on the bridge.

I hope the event was a huge success and India won the battle so that history will remember it. Images courtesy Google.

Something to know about the Chess Olympiad: The first Olympiad was unofficial! An attempt was made to incorporate chess into the Olympic Games for the 1924 Games, yet, this failed due to difficulties distinguishing between amateur and professional players. The first unofficial Chess Olympiad took place in Paris at the same time as the 1924 Summer Olympics. 

Every two years, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) organizes the tournament and chooses the host nation. This time their choice was India!

We support Jallikattu

It’s a dream come true for me! Yes, it’s a dream come true to see our youngsters leading a grand protest against the ban on our traditional sport, Jallikattu, the bull catching  festival celebrated during the Pongal festival. People generally have a thought that youngsters are useless and careless about anything but the revolution broke today, supporting our traditional sport and rights transformed the perception, indeed. Nothing survives without struggle and here’s a voluntary movement, for not a political reason but to sustain our identity and strengthen the chord of Tamils that was tightening by the cord from the centre govt. and neighbourhood states. First time a protest (statewide Tamil Nadu) without the involvement of any political party or cine personalities! Hats off guys, I am quite with you all.

The Supreme Court has banned Jallikattu following the case filed by Peta, a foreign based animal rights organization, which reasons to ill-treating bulls. For every eye that watches the Jallikattu might think of it but the reality was the bulls are worshipped here and treated like their very own kid. Coming from a family that based on milk business and rearing cows, I know how they are treated and many a time my grandparents have skipped their meals but never cows hunger. And also haven’t attended many functions only because they have to take care of them. At villages things used to be more fine towards the wellness of cattle’s and bulls, and Jallikattu is a way of celebrating   bravery and exhibit of bovine strength. The trained bull catchers try to control them for less than a minute mostly and let free.

I don’t find any logic for the Peta to ask for a ban. They never know what’s happening behind the traditional form of Jallikattu and by banning the sports they are trying to destroy our country breeds rather protect them. No one is intend to harm animal’s esp. bulls here but one thing for certain was behind every existence there’s hard work and struggle to protect. Jallikattu is a cultural identity of Tamils and is in existence for more than 4000 years… how could we allow someone, who has any knowledge or sense about our history and tradition to seek  ban. Our bulls are one of the strongest breeds and the ban will support the destruction of our strength. Bulls are hardworking animals and if we haven’t let them play and treated in right manner, it will become weaker. Experts believe that a bull with full vigour breeds strong bovines and for that these animals must be active and endure. So protesting is the only way of protecting our rights, identity and manner of living...  

#WeSupporeJallikattu #wewantjallikattu 

Jallikattu, should be banned? I don’t think so…

Though Deepavali is my favourite festival, and I simply loved it for fireworks and sharing of sweets and snacks, Pongal is an occasion I quite admire for its significant phase on life. Pongal is a grand festival in Tamil Nadu that celebrates the thanksgiving of nature and harvesting season. On this time, farmers set to harvest their fully grown crops and make Pongal (a dish made by boiling of rice) out of it and dedicate it to the sun, which is the source of energy for all.  Pongal, which celebrated for four days (Jan 14-17), also worships the cattle – which supports human in cultivation for great productivity – and celebration of bulls, for their endurance and mighty on tillage. Though tractors and harvesting machines have replaced the man and animals lately, the small scale farmers are still depend on cattle and I could see bulls ploughing lands, even today at the outskirts of Chennai. This is the time people has to understand, however mechanism has developed to help humans and throw out cattle’s from field, they (bulls) still need to be involved in farming and cows for milking to sustain them from decline.

Pic courtesy: wiki

Just like bulls used for ploughing and bullock carts, Jallikattu is a traditional sports (conducted during the festival of Pongal) where bulls are let loose into an open space (one by one) and man has to control the bull or grasp it for some time. The sports has been banned by the Supreme Court for last couple of years, following the complaint filed by animal welfare activists that bulls are ill-treated during the training and the event. Even though few days back, the central government gave a green signal to conduct the sports played according to the regulations the Supreme Court has formed in its former reports. The Apex Court has once again ruled out the decision of the central govt. to conduct the event and the people who have been in great delight (followed by the union govt. consent) had been disappointed now. I know everyone has an opinion on the sports and reason to support and oppose and for me this is not just a sports, but a way to keep alive the bulls and sustain their relationship. Because I believe, only until the sport is here, the bulls (that are specifically breed for the event) will continue to exist.

The time I appreciate the animal welfare activists, for bringing out the cruelty behind this sport and ill-treats while taming the bulls, upon which the Supreme Court brought some restrictions in conduction the game in 2007 and until 2014 the event has went formal, taking a dramatic change in the pattern of its conduct. The event has been captured in videography thoroughly – to keep certain the rules are followed and bulls aren’t harmed, and the players, who are subjected to catch the bulls, have given uniform and are forced to take physical test before entering the ground. Unlike earlier, where the players and audience are blend with crowed and many who aren’t fit enough are injured through the cause, and  to prevent this the players and onlookers are separated by a strong fence now, and the age is also restricted to be between 20 and 40 for those who like to play. The game’s rules have also been simplified from being insane, where too many hold on a bull and pulling its tail… the players are allowed to grasp only the bulls hump and holding there for 30 seconds or run 30 feet from the entrance (called Vadi Vasal) where the bulls are let loosed.

When things being right and conductors and players are conscious about the rules, what makes the animal activists asking for a ban? I am not supporting animals being harmed in anyways, but I strongly believe without hard work and struggles nothing survives.  Bulls are hardworking animals and if we haven’t let them play and treated in right manner it will becomes weak. Experts believe that a bull with full vigour breeds strong bovines, and for that these animals has to be active and endure.  And only till their need is there, the people will keep support the bulls and for those bovines were the livelihoods keeping them alive and healthy is much needed. Beside these what bothers me more was the survival of bulls! A question rises in me, what is the state of bulls if the Jallikattu is prevented? Or any kinds of activity that involve bulls are restrained? Just being conscious that no animals (the domesticated) are harmed is enough to preserve them? The noted cattle species Kangeyam, an indigenous breed of India, is on the verge of life along with many other species. It’s easy for us to support animal’s welfare and look after our job, which does not involve cattle and it won’t going to bother us further. But for farmers, the animal’s welfare as well the survival of bulls is very important on the race.

The tradition and culture can be transformed according the comfort of life, unless it has nothing meaningful. I don’t see Jallikattu as just the traditional courageous sports, but ways to keep sustain the bulls and active their breed. According to Kala Karthi, Jallikatu is created not for the sports, but for training the users in controlling their bovines. Though I am not sure about the tradition behind it, the Jallikattu is perhaps created to showcase manpower and used as a platform to marry the virgin by taming the bull that reared by her family. Today it is played (maybe) to sustain the practice/tradition and existence of bulls! 

Sunday Photo: Austin Classic

Shot at a heritage rally on vintage cars, couple of years back held at the VGP Golden Beach parking lot on ECR.

Ethir Neechal - Family Entertainment

It seems humor has become favorite genre of filmmakers in Tamil these days releasing number of films based on humor and Ethir Neechal (swimming against the tide) is a decent flick comprising comedy and sports at equal base. Recapturing the caption of late super hit classic, stared by comedy king Nagesh, doesn't have any relation with this film having TV star Sivakarthikeyan in lead has run a marathon race successfully bearing humorous torch.

The film begins with the flashback of how Kunjithapatham allies Harish got the name and his past life that put him on trouble and embarrassment due to his name - which shortened version, makes him an object of ridicule among others. Kunijthapatham (a name of his family deity in the film) loses his father and lives under his mother’s shadow, go through number of embarrassing moments due to his name resisting him emerging atop. Even his first love brakes revealing his name, he decided to change his name on the advice of his friend and also met a beautiful girl Geetha and fall in love for her.

He also impressed her following  comedy series and once she reveals his real name,  she blame him for not being genuine unlike her and after a brief convince between them Geetha ask him to achieve something in life to stabilize his name.  So he decides to run in the annual Chennai Marathon bringing back his running abilities which he can’t establish then due to his name. The film shifts to a serious flat form of pursue athletes and dream of a father who wants her daughter to become a sports champion in running.

Attakathi heroine Nandita plays the young coach, whose desire to become a sport personality was splashed by false result in gender test... which reminds the Indian runner Shanti, from Tamil Nadu, whose medals were snatch as she lost to prove her gender. Sivakarthikeyan has once again proved his natural sense of humor and his innocent look, well fit to the character and Priya Anand as his companion acted beautiful as a school teacher. Manobala plays a numerologist makes laugh riot!

The film was directed by newcomer R.S.Durai Senthikumar, a former assistant of Vetrimaran and produced by actor Dhanush - who also danced for a song in the film. Kolaveri fame Anirudh composed the music and among the six songs, 'Boomi Enna Suthudhea' and 'Velicha Poove' are beautiful songs set happy and romantic mood. The theme song was energetic  The last few minutes on the marathon race make an apex seat watching and I really appreciate the way it was shot and confess the strain.

Ethir Neechal: A decent pace on entertainment pool and pursuit on sports! Assure for laughter and smile J

Gold from Bird’s Nest

Its Glories moment of morning for India to won its first ever individual gold medal at Olympics, by World Champion Abhinav Bindra winning at 10m air rifle shooting event. Now India shines with gold in the globe, creating history by its own country. It’s a very great horror as citizen of India to Congrats him and let it be a beginning for India to won more medals.

It’s the bird’s nest I have ever watched the entire opening ceremony of the Olympics. There is no less in the expectation the progress given by Chinese for us the excitement. As the count down beings with their traditional drum beats the whole attention went on how the sparkle going to spring for the eyes of world. The Chinese showcased their rich art and talent in there colorful programs that in amusing way. It’s their real show that could not imagine those are not graphic animations. Whatever the technology grows, something creative by mind and performed by people always remain special, I see this in that way. I was put in adore at each performance and wonder at the magic like on television, without magicians, mean more than their face, hides behind stand in unity for there pride to make perfect.

The dancer above the sheet carried by seemed like a pretty young chick inside the nest trying to swing it wings, and the light coated dancers and the moving animation like performed in figures was excellent. It was unexpected when our Indian team will enter nest, and it’s atypical to entire order from any other to arrangement of Chinese scripting. Winning or losing is not the matter, but being the second much populated country in world, it’s miserable to see only few Indian sports men/women partake in the event and parade, comparing to small countries with many sportsmen. We aren’t possess at any, the point is why can’t we pull more soldiers into this healthy war where world unites to show their physical talent and strength to capture medals and pride.

It was something surprise at ending of the opening ceremony is to praise the torch. The secret behind the highlight of the show, after the complete round eyes opened wide to spot of lighting torch. The ingenuity led by them raises here at top of the bird’s nest. Happy Olympics, let sent peace everywhere and positive spirit across.

Come on India!

That’s something distress always seeing it losing the success every time and seldom too wins, but it was the least of ever mattered now. You could find about what I am talking! It was never in the eight decades of history that our Indian Hockey team failed to qualify for Olympic. More than 25 years ago India reached to its heights to touch semi-finals at Olympics; and today simply it mourns the nation from a news reader to parliamentarian on March 10 when Indian lost to Great Britain at Santiago in qualification match. As soon the message spreads there were announcements comes from responsible persons submitting resignations and many put their papers including the Coach is something familiar happens every time in all sports as early they lose. I feel this lose nothing turns down for none, because most are not been interest at this game and the honor, where it loud less except from the Hockey authorities.

I am not to complain on a particular game, but its visible from back to now, hockey was not taken into mind as a national game. Just in name alone we can tell it, but all the courage and interests goes to cricket alone where the people are in exaggerated enthusiasm on it. Whatever hard work we do, but no recognition makes loosing hope. There we need the public interest to grow on Hockey and they should give more attention to the national game alike Cricket or any other sports. If their told, people and importantly youngster interested to take the hockey stick, there the government or the autonomous authorities hopefully will provide more necessary accessories. The team players are throughout disappointed where the sport itself seen as a useless one and stress makes them week. For them the strength could be the encouragement and support from both public and sports organizations. In creating a team and selecting players should be done with talent and interest of young people, than any recommendation or any interruption. It was doubtful that with a population of one billion, we can’t select talent few.

The most important thing is bearing the stick to people. Where in today’s world, with the media’s growth both visually and readable and internet traffic, it’s possible to make popular the game. And schools and collages should also make aware children about National Game. It was great to see a film on Hockey ‘Chak De India’ release sending some positive signals for a change from the usual thing we people see the Hockey sticks in most films used by gangs to beat others violently and to preparing fight. These day it was film world fails to reach hockey in good manner. I wish there comes the situation where the Hockey sticks rules equal to Cricket bats and in grounds children beating with bats may glance for sticks moving with balls. Chack De India (Come on India)!

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Tomorrow is said to be a festivals Friday, varies people across globe is to celebrate this day as Good Friday, Miladinabi and Holi; the Holi is celebrated as neither spring festival nor festival of colors in India. Check out Kalyan’s Colors of Joy, a wonderful presentation about the colorful Holi. Enjoy the happiness of festivals along with weekend and Easter Sunday, buddies :)

Don’t let down Sania

Although controversies, injuries and court cases couldn’t stop Sania Mirza becoming Asia’s No. 1 women tennis player. She bounced back to the 29th spot after her third-round appearance in the Australian Open, overtaking China’s Na Li and losing to Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.

But Sania’s decision to stay away from the coming WTA Bangalore Open and upcoming games worrying the future of Tennis in India. She may stop playing to avoid the controversy that follows her every match in India, but this decision by Sania to stop from playing in India could well spark with another debate or to link with the recently court order of a probe into the allegation that she showed disrespect to the national flag. To stop every rumor, its better she continue playing just leaving the controversies at side and aim on moving front. It was great time for tennis with her Asia’s No.1 position and it was the encouragement of us, that could make her do more. Well do great Sania!

Hot and sweet

Those are the same people who slap him(Dhoni) when India loss in the real World Cup, now the same people feeding laddu (sweet) to his poster for wining the 20/20 world cup. What a great culture we have developed, whatever shameful we can do, done and then how can u people celebrate this win won my players? Will the players accept the happiness fully; won’t your act come to there mind? There is nothing to get anger for team getting out from the game, because it’s a game no loss or gain for you or me when they win or loss. No top senior players like Sachin, Ganguly, dravid… it’s a assert win from younger team mates. Wish this energy continues in upcoming matches, try the best team India.

I don’t support those who looking forward for the India-Pakistan match in every series. Like how we see other countries, that’s how have to see the Pakistan too. The anger increases if India losses to Pak or Pak to India. I feel it’s wrong to bring the generation in a mood that Pakistan should be beaten always. We are looking when the two countries will move friendly and co-operate to peace in all critical areas. Then why the citizens create an enemy feel and frenzy on this partnership. The talented and energetic team will win, that’s not we are untalented, there will be rise and down in a game, so blaming others should be avoided.