Gaja and the cottage at Kodiyakarai

The cyclone Gaja has smashed the coastal districts up to 6, and took very unusual routes into the land without losing its strength has stroke couple of mountainous districts causing heavy downpour and windstorms resulting in number of tree fall and landslides. Kodaikanal – my most visited place for vacation, where my uncle owns wood houses and cottage – being the core part of the cyclone, before it enters the Kerala state and Arabian Sea shook the mountains to unlink most of the roads and many remote villages are inaccessible still and out of electric. Even at the vicinity of my uncle’s woodhouse and plantation, many banana trees had fell and there’s no water or electric.

At the other hand I was wonder what could happened to the beautiful cottage we stayed in Kodiyakarai (PointCalimere) during our visit to the wildlife and bird sanctuary there, which was the eye of cyclone Gaja! It’s nearly a century old tiled roof cottage; adjoin the sanctuary and coastal line, built by Thambusamy Pillai, a sea merchant. There’s two suites named as Pelican and Flamingo, which is popular migratory birds of the sanctuary. I really loved this place, despite the frequent power cuts and mosquito bites; I could see deer and peacocks turn pleasant the moments anytime by their presence. Kodiyakarai and Vedaranyam in Nagai district is worst affected and almost cut off from the rest of the places, as it located on the eastern edge of the state.

The places that are affected by Gaja continues to fight against the debris the cyclone left back, after pulled down many houses and destruction of livelihoods. And to make situation worse, these places continue to receive heavy rains due to another depression at the sea and a warning of 300 mm of rain still. However it was raining from the morning here, more rains is expected in coming days. Hope it rains well, never a kind of flooding, to uplift the ground water and filling of lakes to support our city’s water scarcity. The pictures here are on the cottage we stayed at Kodiyakarai.

8 Lane Expressways! Environment Destruction

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has taken oath in assembly to lay green road to Salem from Chennai, an 8 lane expressway through Tiruvannamalai-Harur. I really think is there a real need to execute this 8 lane project on the already 2 lane state highway? Anyone who has travelled this road would know how beautiful and scenic the entire stretch was with farmlands, reserve forests and mountainous landscape with number of trees lining up the road makes it a pleasant driving. I have travelled on this road to (to and fro) Yercaud and I enjoyed it both the ways to become my favourite. I really disturbed hearing this project and thought its quite waste of money and destruction of nature and environment… there’s already couple of national highway connecting Salem with Chennai and they were also 4 lane but this 8 lane roadway is unnecessary and that too the selection of this route is wrong. There aren’t many significant industries on this section and the need for transportation is also less and most part of this stretch is dedicated to farming and has certain amount of Eastern Ghats and five reserve forests on its way which is in need of production.

The pictures posted here were shot during my travel on the beautiful  state highway , what the government decided to make 8 lane expressway by chop off the trees and farmlands

The prime road to Salem from Chennai through Kallakurichi isn’t much busy and only 40% of vehicles use this road and that road too needs improvement as it wasn’t good in shape and smooth at some places and turns from 4 to 2 lanes at the bypasses. To make people irritate there are toll gates for even short distances. First these things have to rectify before they go creating a new section of road where there isn’t need for such fast pace 8 lane expressways. Even though they make it with a long time vision, at what cost matters lot? Destroying the environment and nature, forest and farming which upholds our life and make certain we live. What kind of development are we taking ahead or presenting to our future generation is to inhale dust and smoke. Forests and trees are our air purifies and if we lose these filters how could we breathe healthy?   Any development that destroys nature and environment should be prevented as much possible.

A  part of ghats section and reserve forest the govt. want to destruct. 

The other important roads like Tindivanam to Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram to Thanjavur were still partially done.  For every New Moon lakhs of devotees visit Tiruvannamalaai for Kirivalam (Circumambulation of the mountain) which means thousands of vehicles and buses take the Tindivanam road which is in bad state because of abandoned road work for many years. I wonder why the CM is serious about this project when a lot of problems, which need immediate actions, are pending on… 8 lanes for this stretch of road only gives doubts. Not more than a decade back highways has lot of trees along the roadside but they were all cut down for the widening 4 lane roads and no trees were re-planted as promised by authorities and our highways on all side are bare enough now. Stopping the car even for an emergency on the roadside is difficult these days without a tree for shadow. Though Salem was his region doesn’t mean he has to execute this project that only destroys farm and forest landscape. We are in need of more green space and forestry to preserve our rain sources as we are   inadequate of water, bringing the Cauvery should be our prior and preserving the environment is much.

The already enriched green road and what better the government could do on it?

Hideaway

An awesome woodhouse hides amid woods, near Kodaikanal

Sorrow fills the heart
yet nothing had lost
emotions gush to freeze
at the brim to overflow.

In the flow of river
obstacles are normal
but life isn’t silky pebbles
to wash off easily ashore.

Rowing is pleasure
only if the water is calm
in the rough sea waves
each day is a challenge.

Day and night exchange
giving chance each other
to hide the emotions in dark
and smile while sunshine.

Another level of challenge… waits ahead

A very difficult phase is waiting for us ahead. Before I say why, I need to tell my life isn’t myself but made of two more lives and do you want me to say what the other two was? Of course, who could be other than my mom and dad? We three were a ring of cycle and any damage or cause happens at any part of the circle will affect the rotate of the cycle. From the beginning, they were the two pillars supporting my entire life, though every parent support their children but the things carried out to be haven’t been same and my life is totally depend on them although they gave me complete freedom of thought and decision making of my own which has never been apart them. There have been many occasions where one has to take care of me in absence of another and they have managed it well all these years despite the difficulties but the upcoming days can’t be same as mom is waiting for a surgery tomorrow.

She has been suffering from prolapsed uterus for last few years and doctor has suggested her to go for operation to remove the uterus before it become complicate but she continued to postpone all these days only because of me – thinking who could lift me or help dad if she got operation. Because she was advised not (at all) to lift anything heavy post operation and complete rest for 45 days. Though the 45 days rest couldn’t be that matter since dad could manage (taking care of me) with the help of my brother and uncle, and the aunt and grandma could help making dishes. But quite no to lifting (for mom) will sure make a broken hand for dad and we can’t expect others to be there all the time and dad too has works to do and leaving alone mom could be very difficult. Though she could help me all other ways rather than lifting, will add load on dad and there will be the need of Hoist lot.

Lately she was feeling very difficult and pain in abdomen and it forced her to look out for a relief and remedy where there is the only option, an operation to acquire relief. She had never undergone a surgery in her life and being the first one, anxiety is not an easy thing to come out though she looks stronger and confidence and wanting for a relief is what I could see in her. She will be admitted to the hospital in evening for further check-ups before going into the operation tomorrow. Initially we prefer for a laparoscopic surgery but due to prolapse doctor decided to go for the surgical operation and she would be in hospital for next 3 days. I wish she got the best treatment and nothing goes out of planning (because we lost our great grandma a decade back due to a surgical mistake for the same cause) and this should be the first and last operation in her life. I have seen her suffering all these days and when she lifts me she would feel pain at abdomen later but despite these she continued to support me and I wish, and hope you too wish her the best, great sigh of relief.

Master Health Check-up

I underwent a master health check-up and back x-ray as I was going through some symptoms and posture imbalance more lately. Though I already have scoliosis and lordosis which is a commonest cause in muscular dystrophy and due to long seated in wheelchair, the x-ray doesn’t make a significant impact but still some different impressions have found which our doctor will reveal when we check tonight. The diagnosis with complete blood and urine profile doesn’t show great differences except few crossing its border which I am sure isn’t a matter to bring control, but the ultrasound scan thrown away the stones. Actually they mentioned it as cysts in kidney and not stones. I come to know that cysts are fluid pouches form in kidney, but I don’t want to go deep on it leaving doctor to reveal himself. Lately I find particles in urine, though it haven’t blocking its way but making feel so, so I took the chance to examine which comes as part of master health check-up.

The blood and urine for the diagnosis was collected from home by the lab person in morning (like usual) and I check the lab for X-ray, ECG and ultrasound scan in evening. As I have took ultrasound already I known drinking plenty of water is must while examine, but last time I didn’t find difficult as it was only the scan this time along with X-ray, ECG I struggled with bladder, though I have drink only enough water, the a/c rooms trigged the bladder  and made feel  anxious and painful. Glad I took my urine bottle along so I was able to pass on immediately after the scanning. My mind was thinking anything at that moment, and this is my second time experiencing the same as 2013 when I first time took the ultrasound. I felt a great sign of relief after passing this exam and I know it’s my fault to drink water at home rather after going to the lab. Perhaps this could be the reason to show high heart beat rate at ECG and I really hope it’s because of the tense moment with bladder. Now looking forward to hear from the doctor…  

NEET Dispute

Suicide is undoubtedly unacceptable whatever reason has been told behind one. Anitha’s suicide due to unable to attain medical course because of less marks in NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test, for Indian students who wish to join medical course) has gripped the entire state of Tamil Nadu. She didn’t give up just by that but has fought against the NEET, arguing in the Supreme Court, impleading herself as a respondent demanding an exception to NEET for Tamil  Nadu  when the state govt. let down the state board students without aid them in anyways.

The 17-year-old Anitha from Ariyalur, the most backward district of Tamil Nadu has scored 1176 marks out of 1200 in her 12^th board exams and was determined to be a doctor with cut off mark of 196.75 out of 200. But her NEET scores couldn’t make the cut as she scored only 86 out of 700 in the newly introduced entrance exam. It’s obvious that it wasn’t her fault in anyways and for the girl who scored top in board exams, NEET couldn’t be a trouble if she instructed properly.  Not only she, all students went to write the exams with a confused state whether the central govt. will waive or not for Neet in Tamil Nadu.

It’s completely failure of the deal between the state and central govt. and the education system with different syllabus for each state, how could they go for a common entrance exam when there’s lot of differences between the CBSE (central board of secondary education) and state boards.  Neet could be a better option only in the future when there’s a common education system and syllabus cross the country.   I think Neet isn’t’ included as a subject in schools and one has to take special coaching classes to train themselves to write the exam.

One of my nephews wrote Neet and they paid about 25000 for just a month course of Neet. Because of difficulty and to score high he shifted to state board after studying up to 10^th in CBSE to join medical course and in belief Neet will be waived off Tamil Nadu. Though he scored high marks in 12^th and less in Neet unable him to attend the council but without delay he joined engineering. Anitha seems to be intense about joining medical course despite the fact that she had an Aeronautical Engineering seat at the prestigious Madras Institute of Technology.

For the middle and above classes, taking the special coaching for Neet couldn’t be much difficult¸ but for a daughter or son of labour (alike Anitha) or farmer isn’t same. This isn’t the state of only Tamil Nadu, but all states face the difficult when the coaching for Neet doesn’t come free. A competition could be fair only if both sides are strong enough and CBSE consist of high standard compare to state and matric syllabus how could NEET be justified and be common to all. India is a diverse country and each state has a different language and syllabus to read and when things was like this the state wide entrance exam could be the right unless a common syllabus spread across India. 

Frustrated

The wind
is too cold or hot
keep lasting
despite my ability to fight
I try to breath ease
in the war field.
The war does
seem not to end
I try, try and try
despite my ability to cry
I try to control my breath
to breathe ease
but things continue
to battle me down.

Shy Moon (and The final shot with camera)

வெட்கத்தில் நிலா!

நீல திரை பின்னால்

மறைக்கிறாள் தன் முழு அழகை

Moon in shy!

behind the blue screen

hides her full charm

P.s. The moon was captured during my visit to nilgiris (ooty) on the third day of my travel and this was the last picture I shot with my digital camera (P&S) before it slip down and lens hit the floor. Actually it was my dad who dropped the camera accidentally when tried to capture the sky on my insistence. He was standing on the balcony of our room and focusing on the sky when the camera slipped off, but glad he didn’t put hands outside the baloney  nor the camera could have smashed falling off from 25-30 feet height. Only the next day I have planned to visit a place I wanted to do for some long time and I was quite upset because of that, but I was also worried my camera and I was in doubt could I get back the camera with its original setting.

I have lost my early camera with the same problem, but it wasn’t because of fallen down alike but my uncle’s kid pressed the lens when it popped out. I didn’t lose my photos as it was safe in memory card and the camera opens to say only “lens error, reset the camera”. I didn’t want to give up so just tried with the in charge of the homestay and they called someone and he said to come next morning and repair the camera. But he didn’t turn up until 10.am and when enquire he told that he don’t know to fix Canon cameras and as a last chance I decided to look for a camera service in Ooty. We searched for an hour and dad climbed two shops and one was Sony, but they aren’t read to open a Canon camera. I don’t want to waste time and went ahead taking photos with mobile the remaining days. Glad my brother came up with his 13mp Xiaomi mobile and other than attending calls, it was in my hand most of the time.

The good news was the camera is back with me in its original settings. Back home I gave the camera at the Canon service centre and I was holding it back in less than two days’ time and they charged minimum (INR. 550) only. I was really tensed what the result going to be but they only put a smile. 

Looking for shadow

Normally the national highways don’t have much shadow but the road from Ullundurpet to Salem is worst among them, and we fed up looking for a shadow to take a coffee break while going to Nilgiris last month. The entire stretch look deserted and being an extremely hot day we were almost baked! lol

Though after a while on road, we found a small temple adjoining a banyan tree provided some shadow off the road. Like a thirsty throat got some water, the shadow showed us some relief as we took a turn toward the same. The scene was really giving me a nostalgic feel with cows and bull tied around the tree, the munching of grasses and the smell of cow dung brought back to childhood days. The smell of cows munching grasses could be perceived amazingly through my conscious, as I have been through this lot in my growing day by visiting grandparent’s house with a cowshed beside.

Like human, the cattle’s too in need of shadow and the two oxen tied to the banyan tree doesn’t turned until we moved out of the place. So was they busy munching grasses except the one (check last  pic) giving me a side and rear view. lol

The temple seems to be under construct, has a little lily pond adjacent to the temple (with lily buds sticking out of water) and the cows were taken there to drink water. There was a farmer driving the cows around the temple and perhaps it was his land behind the temple and the bulls were belonged to him.  After 15-20 minutes we hit the road again before halt for lunch, again looking for a shadow. 

Oxen beauty 

Linking this post with SATURDAY CRITTERS

Youth revolution turned people for Jallikattu

Before I go into the historical revolution and ever seen frame of protest by our youth of Tamil Nadu against the ban on our traditional sport Jallikattu, I want to condemn the police for executing batons on the youth gathered on the Marina beach, where the main protest was going through (peacefully) for 6 days (from Jan 17-22). The protest first began at Alanganallur, the town famous for the valiant sport, has inspired the youth of Tamil Nadu to form a protest arbitrarily to save the Jallikattu which directly supports the native breed bulls. The protest began with hundreds of people crossed millions at the end of the day, across the state. At Marina beach (the 2nd longest beach in world) alone more than 1.5 million had gathered for the protest, which had no head to lead but the small small groups gathered at the beach were all connected through social media.

The most amazing and ever seen about the protest was it was conducted in a very stocky and self-disciplined state, where no one affected in anyways… although there was some, which were adjust by the public because of the intention of the protest. Individuals perhaps have different opinions on conduction the sport, but the overall spirit of Tamil people was supposed to support the Jallikattu as it was a cultural identity of Tamils and when the youth of Tamil Nadu come to the street to protest there was none left to prevent but rather came forward (as families) to support the cause. Even though I haven’t participated in the protest physically, my mind was quite around and I intensely supported the revolution and kept sharing things related to protest and expressing my thoughts via Facebook while  continue watching the news channels for update.

The protest conducted on the footstep of Gandhi (Non-violence) went such peaceful with dignity, trust and courage.  And also his dream and belief of independence had come true though the protest where women and young girls staying overnight without any hesitation or fear about the opposite gender who protected them like their own sisters. It is one of the greatest strength of the protest where the world looks after with awe. The protest has projected the determination of Tamil people and will power of youth and moreover the exhibition of lifestyle and the behaviour pattern of the youth and the culture of Tamils make feel pride. It seems there isn’t a youth revolution happened like this in post-independence India (perhaps with Hindi protest), where an entire state comes together to standstill to protect their cultural identity and interest.

The protest for jallikattu had touched beyond the core cause of conducting the sport! The unison inspired by the protest has set hope that we have the will to face anything that’s against the people. It couldn’t be enough how many times we put salute to the youth who achieved what they want (by non-violence) putting pressure on the state government to take immediate steps, and thus CM met PM and an emergency law is implemented to conduct the sport against the ban of Supreme court and there’s a hope the law will make the sport constant. Though the sport is already regulated by the Supreme Court in year 2007, which brought down anything displeasure related with the sport, the newly implemented law is expect to add sternness. Until the Monday evening, when the former chief justice reveals the real facts about the law, there’s an uncertain condition prevailed everywhere whether to let down or not the protest.

It’s obvious that only strong and active bulls can breed native cows which means of healthiness or restoring health in many ways.  We do hope the protest emphasis the vital of bulls and make aware the importance of preserving them among the public. Did we saved the Jallikattu or not, we disclosed a behaviour that’s impossible to bring out unless it was inbuilt through the rich culture alike Tamil. Though we united as India, any part of the country hasn’t seen such a confrontation and comfort facing the supreme power and creating a protective environment for the women in protest. No one from the political or film industry is allowed into the protest; rather those come alone on their own interest, is indeed setback to those who believed that only they could manage certain things, people taught them that it is we they are depend.

I am certain the history will never forget this occasion, though the protest has been a grand victory and was supposed to end peacefully was disturbed by the wrong attitude of the police. I don’t want go deep into the issue that made me feel bad and sad. But what happened could never bring down what was created by the youth. I think I don’t need to say more but the video below will show you the real starts… the mobile torch protest by youth during the dusk makes feel heaven on earth, where the technology and traditional inherent overshined! Hats off! 

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 

An unforgettable, environmental havoc - Cyclone Vardha

Cyclone Vardha stroke Chennai on Monday created an environmental havoc, bringing down thousands of trees across the city (which is estimated to go beyond 10,000) turning into a forest environ and ruin. It’s really hard to describe the state, although there isn’t much loss of lives, the trees aren’t less than anymore and what we have lost is impossible to replace immediately. Most of the trees are at least more than 10 to 50 years old. The city recorded high wind velocity of its history, lasting up to 140km speed smashed almost everything it could, from trees to sheet roofs, hoardings to electric poles and transformers, flipped cars and bus… its unimagined before that we face a great damage to our breathing source - trees. Almost streets in our city faced a tree fall! I ever heard or seen a situation alike and even on our street there’s half a dozen tree fall.

(The tree fall in front of our house)

The Vardha cyclone had been pretty fast and doesn’t left with enough time to prepare well, but we still managed good at least preserving the lives. We well aware there won’t be power on the day of landfall and following days, so we filled our overhead tanks and charged all the battery operated in advance, perhaps the last year’s devastating flood taught us to be precaution than before. As expected the power goes off as soon wind started to blow with heavy rain and the DTH went out of signal, from which we were learning about the progress of the cyclone and the mobiles also lost network in next few hours. It was a storm, a howling we ever heard before. The tense was at high while the rainwater continues to rise around the home and the terrific wind creating a feel of unsafe to find out.  We did none until the cyclone took a brake by 2.pm.

Glad the mobile network lasted sometime and if not we would have thought the cyclone landfall quite. I know it was a very severe storm but never to be very extreme and long-lasting. It took more than 7 hours for the cyclone to completely landfall with an eye (centre part of cyclone) of 100km, which passed in quietness for about 2 hours, before resurface into another extreme twist and turns. The road was blocked on both the sides of the house, because of the tree fall; we had no option just to move to the upper portion of this house which was rented but unoccupied. As we’re uncertain about the rainfall, due to storm, we moved to upstairs after getting permission from the “down-to-earth” household. But there wasn’t much rain after the first stroke and the rainwater also restraint entering the house but the streets turned messy due of fallen leaves and stalks.

There was no power for quite 2 days/night, but had enough power in the inverter for a day which we used for charging mobiles (for the torch), battery light, mosquito bat to spent our evening and night with less trouble. The next day power was restored at our uncle’s house (in the next street) and we brought the inverter there and got charged for another night. It was our neighbours, whose protest and road blocking brought back the power immediately, if not it would have taken a day or two.  Glad we moved our car to another location… the wind was very extreme and there was a loud bang outside. Yes, a 30 feet tall cotton tree fell completely and slightly across the road. And if the wind was blown from the east it would have blocked our way and crashed the car. I really need to say I miss this tree, because it was a cotton tree and if the pods broke away the cotton would float in the air and many green parakeets visit this tree to feed on the cotton pods seeds.

It’s really sad to think how many birds missed their favourite trees in the cyclone Vardha, a word our Chennaities will not forget for long. When the centre part or eye of the cyclone landfall suddenly number of birds appears from somewhere, started to circle the sky near a skyscraper in neighbourhood, perhaps looking for some hideout to protect them from the storm. I learned from the metro plus, many birds from the deep sea have been pulled into the city by the cyclone and the water birds were landed on the marshlands of Pallikaranai and Thuraipakkam. I really wonder how birds manage such strong winds and nesting of birds… but I am happy to see crows, parakeets and babblers back in the neighbourhood. The sudden rushes of birds on the day were looked similar as sparrows and were flying so terrified and bewilder to head where. Hope there’s a sense of peace in their environment despite great loss of trees – arresting. 

Up and down of denominations

Unexpected happens everywhere and if it was the result of president election in USA, India loses the value of high priced currencies (500 and 1000 rupee notes) all of sudden from the midnight of November 8^th. Though it is indeed a bold step by the government of India and an essential one to knock down the black money and illegal notes circulation, the release of 2000 notes make sense it could worsen the situation in future with chances of double the hoarding. In the age of online transaction and swiping technology we don’t need high denomination and most of them were used mostly by upper class and I also think it could increase the spending habit indirectly as wander for change is not easy.

We all know it’s a temporary state of trouble (shops refusing to get value lost denominations and people rushing to banks and ATMs to exchange or deposit their hold) and this change could be nothing in few weeks when more new 500 and 2000 notes becomes stably available. I think it’s the media created perplex, because the way they conveyed the message comes shocking and it was unbelievable too first. Though we appreciate the crucial and bold decision taken by the govt. of India, the difficulties could not hide away esp. those who get wage and small scale investors hit by this move greatly. Govt. announced certain areas (like milk parlour, petrol and railway stations) where the old denomination can be exchanged by purchasing, but people had no option when they refused to accept to only postpone or go pillar to pillar in search of change.

The new ₹ 2000 note really left me amaze by the number of detail it hold within to keep away fake printing. My dad bought a 2000 note yesterday after depositing an amount in bank and I was curious checking its features and I really liked the Braille work to assist visually impaired. It has intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar emblem, seven angular bleed lines (on left and right side of the magenta coloured note, size in 66x166 mm) and identity mark.  Apart see-through numeral 2000, micro letters (RBI and 2000) on the left side of the banknote, it has windowed security thread with color shifts, where the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted.  

We have more than a month to deposit or exchange our old currencies (and even beyond that with RBI), but people seem impatient in changing the notes as if today is the last date.  I don’t believe this (giving re-life to denominations in new form and price higher than before) will turn everything, but I do hope alike it helps, improves and betterment the society and banking system. Hard-earned should never go wasted.

Preventive Action

The rains are on the way to Chennai with monsoon supposed to pick up in few days; the work on prevention of rainwater to flood has been going on for last two days at our house. Glad the owners of our row houses decided, at last, to take preventing measures to keep away the rainwater entering the houses has made us all breathe easy and also drops our  plan of shifting house. We have informed our landlord that we’re shifting house this month end and were also almost confirmed a house in the same street, but for some unknown reason  they denied renting their home and we were looking some other ones. At the same time the tenant of the other house in the row urged their house owner (who connected with other two) to make certain the rainwater doesn’t flood the homes and work started within a week of discussion made hold our plan.

People know that last year’s monsoon turned out to be a disaster and we were not ready to take risk by believing it won’t rain that much… although it isn’t certain of any kind, precaution has been the only way. We were disappointed with the landlord of ours when they haven’t take a step in preventing the food even after the torrential rains stopped and moreover haven’t take a look into the home to examine the damages. So we had no hope on them making arrangement for preventing water, but thanks to our next-door tenant and because of his pressure they come together for a solution. And as an initial step they are building a ramp in front of the house to block road water entering the premises and reconstructed a wall that was damaged. The drainage system is also supposed to rise and talk with corporation people has been put forward. 

It seems like I could not come out of the house for next few days until the work completes. Just a  day left for Deepavali, the festival of lights, it looks like the celebration is restrain within our premises and I think I’m going to miss going out in nights during the Diwali to watch fireworks ignited in the neighborhood. Though it gives me slight disappointment, I understand the importance of the preventive action which is indeed significant than any other. I really couldn’t believe things happening on our favor, because the landlord side wasn’t bit hopeful towards us to continue our stay at this house that’s comfort at many ways. The flood water (during rainy season) has been the only trouble for us at this house, and if it was solved there isn’t a problem to sustain though there are some which is adjustable. 

My festival greetings to all those celebrate Deepavali. 

Grandfather passed away…

The year had end for us with greater destruction and sorrow sent down to heart. Missing someone who’s dear, when we’re looking forward with hope and improvement in health is something painful to bear.  Although my grandfather wasn’t well for last few months, he continue to show hope through his little gestures and when the force inside him decides to stop, no one could do anything and at least he exhale at peace (just like his desire to go home) is consoling. As you all know my grandfather has been with us until three months back, though it was for a short term, the time spent with him and grandmother was precious and never going to replace anything. He’s someone great at expressing through his eyes and I always see a yearning in his eyes for me. His affection and care is something very special for me and is always evident through his eyes. Though he couldn’t’ speak more and make gestures easily, I understand him quite well (I guess) but I can’t explain how much I loved him and mean to me. He’s been our great well-wisher and what and where we are today is only because of his chief intention and selfless being provided us so many advantages in life.

With my grandparents, during one of our traveling to Valparai

He had been a hard worker and active being until he decides to retire from his dairy business. But what brought him more down was the demise of my uncle in 2001 and just being idle draws greater setback at his health and a cardiac arrest in later years and expose to Parkinson’s put him out of action. We never expected him to become so infirmity as early as 70s (though he died at the age of about 77), while many older than him were progressing well. I’m one of his concerns to feel regret and many a time he had felt sorrow for my state of unable. Though the memories of him are immense and certain things are impossible to forget, and during the days of school, he used to pick me in his bicycle if I received none. Putting the bags on the handlebar, he used to pedal me to home taking on pillion since my latter school was nearby his house. In later days he used to drive me daily to a clinic in T. Nagar here, where I took Ayurveda treatment for some time. Driving through the heavy morning traffic is a true venture in his way of driving, and he managed it only because of the eagerness to see me as a normal being.

He had scolded me and also embraced at same, as he always had a special attention towards me. Until 2012 he had been traveled with me for many places, as I love doing so, he and granny had been great companions for us and moreover I enjoyed taking them along and I also thought they deserve going out, as they spent most of their lifetime for others comfort and prevented to be outside. Though his bad health condition is the cause for his loss of life, he has been emotionally disturbed by others or changes in their attitudes, forgetting whatever he had done and just for the brief of ego and updating their fake statues, made him feel anguished. If there’s something to exhibit purity, I think grandparents love and affection has a large space to accommodate. What the old age people anticipate from their children, as well as the grand ones was to make feel comfort, which I think, exists only by reflecting what we receive from them and that happens through sharing. Though my grandpa’s demise left a deep sadness and hollow in our lives, the consoling thing was that we had been around him and also got to spent time back at home (when he was staying with us) before the unexpected blow.

I know he lived a content life and his death was also peaceful and concluded without pain. But grandma’s state really makes us all worry. She has broken down quite when let know grandfather is no more and also become fragile weeping all the time from the moment doctor declared his death. Grandfather got a severe heart attack on 30^th night and become unconscious when transferring to hospital where they told he has died on the way or at home. After years I visited my grandparent’s house to pay my respect for the grandfather, who was kept at his newly built home, which was constructed mainly for his comfort of living and grandparent’s moved to this house only 3 months back. Grandma couldn’t console the loss and the struggles she took to make certain he’s well and his needs are addressed to become nothing now make her feel lost. I don’t know how to console her and seeing me she burst into emotions as she knew how much I love him and they petted me. Wondering what would have been filled in his mind during the last moment of breath, which I believe, perhaps, how granny going to accept his destiny? I know it’s impossible to anticipate feeling better soon from granny, but I do hope she come up from his loss and lead her remaining life at peace in the embrace of his dear ones like us. 

Lost a dear one

We missed one of our dearest neighbour come aunts last week. Though being a neighbour our relationships with her has been kith and kin from a very long time or to say last from our grandmother’s time period. We moved out of our native area (Adyar) about 10 years back and being here, now, our relationships haven’t been any different but were a kind of reconnection (with old neighbours) and looking back into memories. Though our families know each other well, this particular aunt (whom we called from childhood as aththai – a Tamil word which refers to sister of father) has been so affectionate and holds great concern towards our family. Almost our close relatives know her well and she never failed to enquire me the times I come across her, and I always see happiness in her face every time she faces me (since we moved out of the area) but later become very unhappy and she couldn’t hide her dismay as she was seeing me from the birth – who has been very active quite, my inability to move around bothered her much.

Their house was in the backstreet of ours and during the childhood days it was our playground and most of the evening we are seen roaming around with couple of our best friends, whose house was also on the same street. Moreover, most of them on the street know us and our family being a long time resident along with many others, our parent allow us to play there in belief that we stay safe because of the affinity we got with coupe of families and the family of this aunt was more attachable.  My mom and great grandmother used to exchange words frequently with her, either she visiting their or they. She’s a hard working woman and had done milk business and reared cows.  Her husband is a car mechanic and owned a garage, but being addict to alcohol it was she who take care of everything, along bringing up her 4 children.  There was a great similarity between us (maternal side) who was also involved in milk business and reared cows, apart running a Tea Shop, my maternal uncle is also a car mechanic and had a garage adjacent to our home. 

Until about 15 years back or her children settled she continued to be a hard working woman and used to drive cows for grazing from vegetable shops to open grounds or wherever there is pasture. Most of their life was spent in thatched roof and her husband and my father were all grown together in their past and only in latter half (or after 2000) they transferred to concrete house.  It was happy for us to see them coming up in life and to a stable place and looking forward to the comfort, but the sad part was they couldn’t lead forward happily. The rapidly increasing cause among the Indian – Diabetic – struck both their lives and her husband due to increase consumption of alcohol exposed to kidney failure and has been living still through dialysis and this too because of her care taken and restrictions. This hasn’t end there, but herself experience problem with her body with diabetics being the main culprit and she also lost her toe in an advanced stage of sugar. And going through number of treatments and surgery brings drawback in their lives. Even though money becomes a matter not, she couldn’t live happily. Like they say health is wealth, and however they become weather with a bad health nothing seems to be cheerful.

The day wake up for us in the sound of drums and I was sure it was the sound of death but wasn’t anticipated to be her. Though she was not well enough and was admitted in the ICU at the same time and hospital where my grandpa was admitted for chest pain and whiz and she was going through the same problem and was discharged a day ahead to my grandpa. And she was breathing through the oxygen mask at the home as well and was suffering so much that she couldn’t explain what. Though she was admitted to hospital once again for a week before her demise, as her condition becomes unstable, the doctors couldn’t indentify exactly from what she suffers from and the diagnosis also fails to understand what make her feel agony. At the mid-night of Friday she breathed last in the hospital. But the breakaway news – drum beat – reached us only in the morning and silence is what remains inside. 

Grandpa back to home, with a tendency for his house

My grandpa had discharged from the hospital and was brought back to our home against his wish to go to his home. He’s doing much better now and breathes easily. He had been admitted to hospital with complaint of chest pain and whizzing on Sunday night (13 Sep) and was kept in ICU for 4 days and transferred to ward when his condition becomes stable. He had been on oxygen mask almost his stay and until his breathing becomes normal. His diet had been completely depended of liquid food and he was fed through tube and only a day before his discharge he was on normal feeding through mouth. So he looks frail to even sit on his own balance and his back was exposed to sore due to confined to bed all these days in hospital. This has been a great setback in his journey after his post hospitalization (3 months back) and he showed great improvement in his health and activity after doing physiotherapy. But now it seems everything has to be started from the much earlier stage and would be very difficult to achieve what he had gained these days. Doctors have said his heart is very weak and he could not be active like before and also anticipating him to do much is not possible.

He’s very intense to go to his home and only because of his pressure we moved him out of the hospital, but more than moving out of hospital he’s eager to go to his home rather coming to ours. He was in anticipation to go to his home with 3 days ahead before he was shifted to hospital with chest pain make him feel disappointed. Once moved out of ICU, but being there no one was allowed to interact with him and being on oxygen mask, he couldn’t talk as his whiz when try to speak, he openly and indirectly conveyed his wishes to go to his new house and his attitude also conveys the same. I heard, he seemed vigorous when said go to his home and at same time when doctors extend his stay at hospital the expressions become anger and he showed less response to others. He arrived at home in ambulance, as he was unable to stand, and thinking that he had come to his home he was seen happier and seeing me he enthused as if I was visiting him at his home. We understand his desire to go to his home, but practically it seems very difficult with grandma handling him alone. Though there was his son and in-law, but being there always for them is no possible as they have their own family and work to look after, we decided to hold them sometime until grandpa put pace on him. But I am not sure they stay that long and to make him feel not frustrate, he will be transfer to his home in a day or two to decided to return back or stay over there. 

Grandpa at hospital and desire to go home

Just 3 days ahead for my grandparent’s to return to their home, as per their plan to shift to their newly built home after staying more than 3 month with us following grandpa’s hospitalization and ill being, he was once again at hospital from last night. Mygrandfather experienced chest pain late at night Sunday and continue to whiz and find difficult to breath forced us to admit him in hospital without delay. It was post 11 pm and we are yet to sleep after watching my favorite talk show (Neeya Naana) in TV, grandpa waked up granny complaining chest pain and we gave him Gelusil, thinking it may be heartburn. But he continues to sweat and whiz, so we thought it could be perhaps cardiac arrest and doesn’t want to risk waiting and watching. Glad he was able to stand and walk, so instead calling ambulance we took him in the car to the hospital, suggested by the doctor on the call, and he was admitted to ICU. His condition seems to get little worse on admission and was put on oxygen mask to breathe ease. Doctors said there’s ‘fluid in the lungs’ and that’s why he had trouble breathing and whizzing heavily.

First they said he had no cardiac arrest or any trace like that in the ECG, but later in morning confess he had a mild attack following an echo-cardiogram test. For the last 24 hours he has been in ICU and doctors had decided to keep him there for two more days to monitor his condition and he still breathes on oxygen mask as his breathing ability continue to be inadequate, he’s also on medicine to remove fluid in the lungs. Only if his lungs become empty, it is believe he could breathe normal and during this time his heartbeat also touched the lowest which makes us all worry. He has been feeling chest pain more than a week, but he hadn’t told anyone of us and we also haven’t noticed any symptoms about us as he continues to act normal until hitting the bed that night. Being a Parkinson’s patient he could not talk much and also experience unsteady mindset sometime to forgetfulness. He seemed cheerful for the last two days as they anticipated going back to their home and he even conveyed his adieu very early to me thinking of going home. Hope he gets well soon and go back to his desirable home – the comfort zone and familiar in environment, perhaps! 

Prohibition of liquor is possible, quite?

A plea for prohibition of liquor in our State (Tamil Nadu) has been there for long and one of the leading political parties has prohibition as their main policy and demanding for it quite long time. But in last few years other political parties too took flag against the sales of liquor, which was done through Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) – a company owned by state government.

Very lately the main opposition party (former) leader promised to bring prohibition in the state if they are back in power, perhaps if they win the 2016 assembly election. But it was like a manifesto that supposed to release with the intention of election, the issue become too serious with the demise of Gandhian Sasi Perumal, during his protest to shut a TASMAC shop. He has been protesting in favor of prohibition for long period on the principles of Gandhi – particularly on the idea of nonviolent resistance.

Now almost political parties and various institutions in Tamil Nadu has leap into the issue and urges the state government to implement the prohibition immediately. Some going to the extreme took the issue in their hands to break through and putting fire to the TASMAC shops in the suburbs. Its obvious liquor/alcohol is ill to health and many families suffers because of the head of the family becomes a drunkard and destroy all the economy and hope, his family got on him towards their future.

No doubt, prohibition is must! But implementing immediately is quite impossible I think. I also wonder how people, even with great wisdom believe that closing the liquor shops will stop people from drinking. I know if there’s availability people used to it constantly but what if a road blocked? Isn’t there any other route to reach the destination and in this case to get the feel of intoxicated? People don’t think from the mind of drunkards or those addicted to alcohol. It’s not easy for them to stop consuming alcohol suddenly which is somehow possible only in the case of occasional/social drinkers.

I know people who live on the purpose of only drinking and seem to be intoxicated always. Even a day or two without drinking put them into troublesome and feel anguish and perhaps there are chances of attempting suicide if they are quite out of control. But it does not mean that we have to let them drink forever (and die soon), but it’s a social responsibility to bring them out of the habit and as a initial step in reducing the number of consumption of liquor, the government and social organisations should encourage those who want to come out of addiction and give treatment through rehabilitation centers for free of cost.

On other hand the government should also take step in reducing the sale of liquor rather targeting how to increase the marketing. There has been constant growth (of about 20 percent) at the sales of liquor, from the financial year 2002-03, which proves that those consume liquor has been increased, even though the price could have rose apparently we could not deny the fact and crowd we see in front of the liquor stores. The govt. should come up with creative ideas how to prevent people going blindfold behind liquor bars and also develop an alternate source (parallel) to balance their fiscal lose if they implement prohibition, in a slow and steady progress.

Although it’s good to see people (esp. students) come together with great force and protest against the liquor sale and urging the government to shutdown the shops. Instead shouting and taking violence in hand people should think in silence and try to understand where the problem lies and what the ways to prevent drunkard from drinking. I personally feel the film industries and films especially are encouraging indirectly the drinking habit through the scenes of drinking. I find almost films made in recent years have a scene or two that remind liquor even those who want to give up.

There’s a singer come lyricist called gana Bala, who write songs that praise liquor and habit of drinking. Wish he stops writing such songs that encourage alcoholics and inspire non-drinkers to the habit. Let whoever comes to the power, promise whatever they want to but make certain the prohibition has been implemented at right method and manner that does not let in illegal booze and other drug items that affect the lives of drinkers to worse. 

Grandpa at Home

After 10 days of hospitalized mygrandpa (maternal) returned to our home rather going to his. He was going through age related problems and also a patient of Parkinson found very difficult in walking and standing lately and with sore knee and foot on day other he was forced to move to the hospital when his condition becomes worse. He was staying (along with grandma and uncle’s family) in the 1^st floor of their home and shifting to the hospital was very difficult and only with the help of ambulance we were able to do the transfer when he refused to stand.

Grandma and grandpa going through newspapers during a vacation in Valparai

He had a higher blood sugar (levelled nearly 450) when tested at the hospital which seems to be the main cause of unhealed wound and increased knee pain that put him immobile. Once at hospital with medication and a small surgery on the sore heel makes his condition much better and he also shows good improvement on his mobility by doing physiotherapy. Although he regains certain actions and good at pace, he couldn’t obtain the ability to climb steps which prevented him from going back to his home in 1^st floor.

It’s been a long time dream for me staying with my grandparents; we are so glad about their move since we are staying at a ground floor house, accommodating my grandfather is quite easy. But the only thing that bothers us was his health condition; although we feel happy for sharing/staying with them I wished he was good enough to celebrate the moments we were longing for. My grandparents usually refuse to stay with us – perhaps because not to give we trouble anyways – except the moment while travelling or going on vacations.

Our grandparents have done a lot for us and for the comfort of living their sacrifices were immense. I think it’s our right/duty to take care of them when they can’t do things on their own. I know it is a temporary stay for them until their new home (which is under construction right now next to their current house) in ground floor is ready in 2-3 months. But I cherish the moment being with them and sharing things together. After we lost our great grandmother (paternal) 7 years back, they are the only elderly people in our family (who love us unconditionally) whom we really need to protect.