Matthur

Every temple in India has a tale behind it. Mathur situated 10 kilometers on the left of the Thiruthani-Thirupathi road is no exception. When work was underway for laying the railway line, the diggers discovered a beautiful statue of Devi Mahishasuramardhini under the ground. The eight-foot high idol depicted the multi-armed manifestation of Durga on a lion piercing the asura with her three pointed spear. The Asura is ignorance; Devi is Light. They have built a nice little temple near the railway track. The place is a divine location with open fields, a small tank with water and in the distance the mountains running in a continuous range.

The Neem Tree (Azadirachta Indica) situated right in front of the sanctum sanctorum, which is intertwined with a Peepul Tree or Arasa Maram (Ficus Religiosa) is the Sthala Vrksham. The Neem tree is the symbol of Shakthi or Energy and the Peepul tree is the male. Thus when these two trees grow intertwined in a place they symbolize the natural meging of energy into matter to create life force. While Neem and Peepul trees are worshipped on teir own, the reverence shown to these twinned trees is even greater. Further, the local lore has it that the Devi out of her infinite compassion takes on herself all our sorrows and bitterness. Symbolizing this transference of bitterness, the leaves of the neem tree in front of the sanctum sanctorum at this temple are devoid of their usual sharp bitterness. The leaves of this tree are offered as prasadh to devotees at the temple.

A rare view of the Sholinghur Temple

25.12.2010

I made my annual pilgrimage to Sholinghur today. As we had spent the night in Sriperumbudur, we took the Kaveripakkam route. We took the right at Kaveripakkam on the Chennai-Bangalore highway after the Kancheepuram cutting. We passed through Banavaram which the railhead for Sholinghur and made our way to Sholinghur. On the way we could glimpse the holy hills on our left from quite far away. The Kaveripakkam road runs radially and meets the Arokonam connecting road very near shoilnghur. So we got a rare glimpse of both the hills in a line. So, here is a shot of Chinna Malai with the shrine of Yoga Anjaneyar on top and behind it at a dizzying height is the Yoga Narasimhar Temple atop the Periya Malai, where Lord Narasimha and Amirthavalli Thayar reside. You can see the Gold Leaf Plated Vimanam of the Lord shining brightly in the morning sun.

Karl Kubel Institute, Anaikatti, Coimbatore

21.12.2010

I am here with my good friend and trainer Roopkumar to conduct a two-day Outbound Training Programme for the senior executives of Texmo Industries.

I have heard a lot about Karl Kubel from Coimbatore Trainers and corporate executives. But I could never visit. Nestled at the foot of the Anaikatti range of hills, the Institute is picturesque with green lawns and spreading conifers. It is run by an NGO founded by Karl Kubel a German philanthrophist. It has locational advantages for conducting Outbound training. More than 100 people can be accommodated in the various training blocks scatteres over the sprawling grounds. Each block has its own rooms for lodging and Training halls. The Dining area is common and centrally located. The food was healthy and hot and had a Kerala flavor. In winter when the air is vchilly, it is almost like a hill resort.

Behind the Institute from south to north the western ghats rear up majestically. The road passing by the Institute goes further up to Anaikatti and thereafter to Mukkali, Mannarkad, and Silent Valley in Kerala.

There is absolutely no external disturbance due to the remote location. The fact that the cell phone connection is fragile means we don’t have to bother about participants going out for taking calls.

My ears, so used to the continuous buzz and background muzak of city life were pleasantly relieved by the total silence prevailing in the institute. This absolute “Nisabdha” or “absence of noise” served to accentuate sounds and make them louder than usual. The chirping of birds in the morning and the sound of a twig cracking as someone steps on it were clearly audible.

There is a very tenuous moble connection outside the main gate of the Institute. I went thither after the morning tea break to call up my office. I squatted on a conveniently placed concrete seat (possibly made for this purpose?) and spoke to Chennai. As I sat there after the call, I could see spread out before me the magnificent view of the range of mountains, shrouded in greenery with a bald peak here and there rearing up above the emerald slopes. In the near distance the yellow and white moths flew from flower to flower and fluttered through the low-hanging branches of the trees lining the opposite side of the curving ghat road. I simply sat there “enjoying-the-moment.” Even the regret that I did not have my camera handy was silenced in the realization that enjoying-the-moment now was more important than attempting to capture 2D images.

Shah Commision Report- Lost, and Regained

Whenever I speak about the Shah Commission report I am faced with a stone wall of apathy. Nobody is aware or interested. Whenever we speak of the emergency, people immediately say, ‘Ha..yes…It was Indra Gandhi wasn’t it?’ and then go on to state, if they are above fifty that all said and done trains were on time during emergency. How cheaply we are willing to sell our birthright.

Is it not better to be freeman in prison than a man without conviction or freedom to express it in a country where trains are on time but there is only one political opinion allowed.

Mr. Era Chezhian ex-MP has taken out and dusted his copy of the Shah Commission report and has published it. The report sets out in matter-of-fact terms the atrocities committed during the Emergency.

The book (a hard bound demi size tome released at a special discounted price of Rs. 700/-) was released by Shri L K Advani at Chennai on 19^th December. I had gone to the P S Senior Secondary School where this happened to attend the Tamilnadu Investor Association Meeting. Finding this event going on, I decided to enter and listen. I felt that a copy of the book would be a good addition to my library so I acquired it.

Thuravoor Narasimhaswamy Temple

09.12.2010

There are numerous temples for Krishna and Bhagavathy Matha in Kerala. Temples for Shiva or Mahadevan as he is known here also abound. But a temple for Narasimhamurthy (The man-lion deity)? My curiousity being aroused by Mr. Unnithan I decided to visit the Narasimhaswamy temple at Thuravoor on the way back from Kayamkulam to Kochi Airport.

The temple is quite visible from the main Highway. There is a huge temple tank and behind it the Temple in typical Kerala style. Adjacent to the main shrine there is anot

her for Sree Krishnan. This shrine is a cylindrical or rounded structure with a conical shikhara. There are a few interesting murals (wall paintings) of Narasimhavatar. One depicts the lion face with the body elided. The rakshasa king Hiranyakashibu is on the lap of the deity and

two of the eight hands of the Lord are tearing out his entrails. The lowest pair of arms hold the body firm. The third pair is depicted as taking the entrails to the gaping leonine maw with sharp pointed teeth. The upper most pair of arms is raised aloft holding the symbols of Vishnu, the Disc and the Conch. A truly gory depiction bringing out the Ughram or ferocity of this anthropomorphic incarnation. And below this bloody spectacle stands Baktha Prahalad hands clasped in devotion and eyes closed in the ecstasy of Love for the Lord.

Thuravoor is a main area of the Gowda Saraswath Brahmins. The temple was built by one Ravi Naik a devotee of Lord Narasimha who was told by the Lord himself to install an idol at the location of the present temple. The Lord also sent two divine sculptors to carve the idol. The sculptors worked in secrecy and instructed Ravi Naik not to peep. The overenthusiastic devotee hearing no noise from inside, could not resist himself and peeped in at the last moment. The sculptors were gone but the idol of Lord Narasimha was there almost complete and wondrously beautiful, except for the tip of the finger of one foot. The temple is now under the control of the Ko0chi Dewaswom Board. The original Narasimhar idol was moved for safety to the Anantha Narayanapuram Temple in Alapuzha.

Ochara Parabrahma Temple

The last time I was in Alapuzha was during my annual Sabharimala trip when we passed through the town to visit Ambalapuzha, Mannarshala and Haripad. Before that, quite a long time ago I had taken a pleasure trip on a Kettuvellom or house boat from Quilon to Alleppey. En route on the backwaters we visited Vallikaavu. We heard about the Parabrahma shethram in Ochara, but due to other preoccupations, couldn’t make it.

This time, I was able to do it. The temple has a gopuram with a Rishabam on it. The shrine is an open air shrine. The long walk from the main entrance leads to a huge spreading peepul tree that is the embodiment of the all-pervading single-self- which- is- in- all; the Parabrahma. Parabrahma is not to be confused with Brahmaji the creator who is but one manifested form of this total being. In Sanskrit Param means beyond or ultimate. The Parabrahma is the one-in-all-all-in-one essence of the manifested and unmanifested being which goes beyond shapes and forms. This is the Virinchi-Narayana-Sankaratman referred to in the vedic chant. As this concept can never be depicted in any form, the formless whole is worshipped without a temple or shrine. The tree symbolizes it with its spreading branches that seem to extend everywhere. Behind this shrine is another and a third dedicated to the naga deities. This place like Mannarshala is a surviving cult of pantheistic worship where nature is worshipped as the manifested form of the unmanifested un-knowable whole. In keeping with the holistic tradition, there are no Brahmin Pujaris. The acolytes are all non-brahmins who are traditionally responsible for the upkeep of the shrine.

The words of the song, “Yenna thavam saidhanaai, Thaye yashodha, yengum nirai Parabhrahmam unnai, “Amma”, endru azhaika, yenna thavam saidhanai?” (Oh Mother Yashodha, What penance did you that you had the privilege of being chosen by the all pervasive Lord to call, “Mother!.”) rang in my ears as I perambulated the trees and paid obeisance to the Lord of the World who is everywhere and Nowhere i.e. Now Here!

For a moment I glimpsed the totality of the whole and therein saw myself seeing the whole…! Like the Divine mother, and Arjun later in the Mahabharath war, I reeled and failed to grasp it!

Ochara temple is the only temple for Parabrahma in the country.

NTPC Kayamkulam- Workshop on Communication Skills

07.12.2010

I am now at NTPC Kayamkulam Project to conduct a workshop on “Communication Skills” for their Executives. The guest house is a massive building with green lawns and pleasant landscaping.

Kerala is in a different time zone. Time simply slows down here! Believe me. We can squeeze out every morsel of existential bliss in this indefatigable state where the people have merged their life with nature through wisdom and contentment.

The entire Kayamkulam Project is next to the backwaters. Because it is a Naptha plant with a Combined Gas cycle and Steam Cycle, it produces less heat emission. So the place doesn’t have the desolated look of the environs of a coal burning power project. But this is a small plant producing just 350 MW of power out of the total 30000 MW produced by NTPC in all. So, the natural ecosystems are not disturbed at all. The Kayamkulam Kayal or Lagoon is just adjacent to the plant with the Arabian Sea beyond in the West. The road to the plant winds by the side of the Lagoon. Every where we can see a variety of water fowl sitting on the green bushes and shrubs and the submerged trees. It’s a veritable Bird Sanctuary! There were Cormorants, storks, heron and other fish eaters. They circle the water and suddenly swoop down greacefully to catch their prey. The way they land on the ground with their wings spread out and forward to control their descent is ever interesting sight.

Autocratic Leaders?

I spoke on Inspirational Leadership at the General Management and Communicartion Skills Programme at thew SIRC of the ICAI. I gave the participants a case study to discuss and present. While presenting their views, they used the phrases Autocratic Leader and Participatory Leader.

Now, the word Autocratic Leader is essentially an Oxymoron combining as it were two essentially incompatible concepts. Leaders are people who inspire trust, affection, adoration and admiratrion. These emotions can never be kindled by an autocrat, who prefers to command rather than convince the team. Autocratic Management styles can be seen as acceptable only in the services where discipline is the difference between life and death. Some managers who rely on authority derived from designation and positional power use the autocratic style. They can never be called Leader and are invariably hated by their teams if not openly, at the very least behind their backs.

Another “autocratic” style is that of the dictator. This style may initially command a slavish following due to cultism or extreme and illogacal adherence by the group to a dogma. Such despots like Adolf Hitler and Idi Amin invariably end up in ignominy and public contempt. So mucgh for “Autocratic” Leaders!

The term participatory leader is a tautology or useless repetition. A leader is always participatory. Truly Inspirational Leaders are always democratic; every voice is heard and addressed; decisions are based on consensus and agreement rather than by enforcement of the will.

To insist that a Leader should be participatory is like stipulating that a fish should live in water! There is no other way! Inspirational Leaders use the Purpose Empowerment Praise Model and

a) Share the same Picture to ensure that every member of the team is crystal clear on what they are supposed to do;

b) Empower their teams through Meaningful Delegation of authority;

c) Go bryond monetary rewards by praising the team constantly and unstintingly.

Inspirational Leaders Inspire by Example. They command respect and adoration by playing their roles effectively rather than by throwing their designation at the other person.

Team Building Workshop-Premier Mills Group Coimbatore

I reached Coimbatore late in the evening. The next day, I conducted a workshop on Team Building for the employees of units belonging to Premier Mills Group in Coimbatore. Here is the feedback received from Mr. B Shanmugam Senior Manager – Personnel & Administration of the units:

Staff members from our 3 units have participated and the total strength was 30.Program started at 9.30 sharply and faculty Mr.Srikanth from Management Study Centre has conducted the program in a very lively manner.All members participated actively and the session was interesting and informative.Importance of team work was highlighted by using tools of team play, group discussion etc., Requirement of leadership quality at all levels, interpersonal relationship was also stressed.The participants were divided into groups and given exercise to complete the task as a team.Feedback received from all the participants is very good and all have come forward to apply the concept learnt in their day to day industrial life.The program gave overwhelming response from all the participants and we thank you very much for giving such a valuable training program to our staff members.

Sky and Water from speeding train

28.11.2010 5:45 PM

I am in the Ernakulam-Bangalore Superfast Expres travelling towards Coimbatore. It is always an enjoyable experience to sit at the window of a speeding train gazing out at the passing scenery and landscape. As the train hurtles past the huts and houses every scene is a brief vignette of a long story in someone’s life, here this moment gone the next, leaving us to wonder what happens after that.

After we streamed out of Ernakulam Town and headed north beyond Idapally, the scenic beauty of coastal Kerala could be viewed again. Backwaters and inlets; green fields; yellow flowers; and of course swaying coconut trees fringing the banks of the water ways.

As we crossed Aluva station and crossed the Periyar Bridge, I glimpsed the enchanting vision of a bend in the Periyar river. Twilight is a great time when nature uses the setting sun and the clouds to paint infinite colors and hues on the canvas of the sky. When we add the reflective capability of a large body of water such as the broad Periyar river as it flows past Aluva, we have a great montage of sky, water and not incongruously for Kerala the twinkling lights of a high rise buildings in the back ground.

Walk on Marine Drive--Ernakulam

It has always been my desire to take a long walk on Marine Drive in Ernakulam. My usual visits to this town are invariably pass throughs on the way to a training program or Sabhari Mala. This time, with a whole evening at my disposal, I decided to do it.

My walk on Marine Drive was indeed a pleasure. I went into the Subhash Bose Park and walked along the wall abutting the sea. In the distance, I could see the ferry boats carrying passengers to Bolgatti and Vypin Islands. In the dimming twilight of dusk, the scene presented a calming sight. I sat on the wall with huge expanse of the Arabian Sea behind me. I sat communing with my inner self with the dense vegetation of the park before me and beyond that the speeding traffic on Marine Drive.

The park is mostly in a state of extreme disrepair. Some of the art noveau sculptures lining the walkway are deformed or rusted. Those parts that are not in extreme disrepair are under repair! Pits have been dug up everywhere, tiles stacked on the lawns and pipes strewn all around. The park is divine and calm. It is worth better maintenance, upkeep and care.

I, then, moved on to the boat jetty. There, from a raised platform nearby, I got a magnificent view of the ships and the sea. I walked back to my Hotel with sense of fulfillment and felt at peace with myself.

Kochi--Nature and Pollution

27.11.2010

I am here at Kochi to attend the Southern India Regional Conference of the ICAI. I am staying at Bharat Hotel one of the most popular, if not the best, travel destination in Ernakulam. I asked for and got a sea facing room. The view, such as it is, is of a wide expanse of water with cranes and jetties visible. In the extreme horizon I could see a few ships.

Most towns in Kerala have a village look with moss covered tile-roofed buildings rubbing shoulders with ultra-modern high-rises. Ernakulam is no exception. Eventhough it is the commercial capital of the state, it used to maintain its sylvan atmosphere till very recently. Kochi is paying the price for progress. Many BPO and Tech Towers have come up. While the greenery is almost intact in the outskirts, the mid-city area especially near the railway track is congested and devoid of any green vegetation. The pollution and ambient temperature levels are quite high. But as we leave the snarl of the main city and its congested lanes and go into the outskirts, nature reclaims her right to God’s own country and the surroundings become again verdant and picturesque.

The weather at Kochi is balmy and cool. It looks like rain, but there were no major downpours. Much of Ernakulam town is tree-covered, esp., Marine Drive the long road on the sea shore near Bharat Hotel. Marine Drive is lined on either side by old trees with overhanging branches that form a veritable tunnel of green.

Six Steps to Success

I delivered a speeech on "The Six Steps to Success" at the Sindhi Chamber of Commerce on 24th November 2010. This is a gist of the speech.

These thoughts are based on more than a decade of practice of and contemplation on the Seven Habits of highly Effective people. As I started implementing the 7 Habits in my life, things fell in place. My definition of success underwent subtle yet vital changes. Further contemplation and discussions with other eminent trainers, thinkers and corporate leaders has led me to formulate this action plan. As you will agree there are lot of theories and “instructions” on how to succeed. Most of these “self-help” books are written by arm-chair consultants who have not tested strength of their own theories on the anvil of experience and practice. Moreover, exhortations to think positive are invariably useless because after building up the positive energy, the direction is not there and the energy simply disappears. So, these six steps are a “how-to-do-manual” rather than a “what-is-it?” theory.

Share the Same Picture

Most of the time employers and employees are not on the same page. They are referring to different paradigms or perceptions. It is therefore necessary to listen and understand and thereafter clearly state what we expect from the other person so that he or she is crystal clear on her task.

Choose the Right Response

There are many ways in which we react to a situation. But, there is only one Right Response. The Right Response is that which helps you and the other person to achieve your goals in a sustainable way. It is not necessarily the obvious response. It may not be the easy response. But it is that single response that will build long term relationships while at the same time achieving short term needs-based goals. To choose the Right Response, we should not allow our emotional brain to take over. We should rather be slow to react, think and then choose those words or actions that are the most meaningful and productive in the circumstances.

Have a Bias for Action

All said and done, more is said than done! This step is the ultimate clarion call to action. The very same thoyght is expressed in Bhagwan Sree Krishna’s words in the Baghavad Gita: “Tasmath Yudyasva Bharatha!” –“Therefore, fight O son of Bharat!”. We are so busy weighing the pros and cons of an opportunity or crisis. In the mean time the opportunity is lost or the crisis becomes uncontrollable. So doing something is far better than sitting idle! We can always learn from our mistakes and ensure that the next time we get it right.

Make Every Minute Count

God has given us a great gift: Time! Everything happens in time. Time is indestructible, unending and irretrievable if lost. Money lost can be earned again. Every possession is replaceable or will bew seen ultimately as worthless. But we are doing now this moment is priceless. It is our only tangible possession! Thus, if we concentrate on the minutes the hours will take care of themselves. Successful people constantly review time usage and waste. What we are doing at any given point in time should either benefit our individual growth and development; or it should benefit our family; or it should benefit our organization; or it should be beneficial to society at large. Otherwise, why are we doing it! This is the simple approach to time management that goes beyond diaries and planners!

Inspire by Example

I was conducting a Mentoring program at a large corporation recently. During the sessions one thing that emerged from both Mentors and Mentees was that the Mentees look upon the Mentors as Role Models. The Mentors too accept that their true influence was when they demonstrated ideal behaviour. Advice was a waste. Anyone can give advice. Only leaders have the guts to follow their own advice! This is summed up by Mahatma Gandhi in his words: “My Life is my Message.” What message will our life communicate?

Embrace Change

From the late eighties onwards one word that dominated industry and commerce was “quality”. But the next two decades of the new millennium will give more emphasize on the word “innovation”. This does not mean quality will take a back seat. No way! But, quality is a given. The constantly increasing rate of change would mean that corporations and individuklas would need to constantly keep redefining themselves to succeed in a changing world. Otherwise we may be left stranded in the side lines of progress. So the right response here is to “embrace change” willingly and voluntarily rather than resist it or follow suit when others change. Those people who are at the cutting edge of change would definitely reap the rewards.

In conclusion, we can say that these six steps are cyclical. After reaching a certain level of success, we should embrace change and create a new vision. This vision should be shared with our teams and again we will start the journey to the next height! Let me conclude with the immortal words of Rabindranath Tagore and pray that in our country, “tireless striving will stretch its arms towards perfection!’

Mentoring: The Art of Developing People

Mentoring: The Art of Developing People

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a process in which a more skilled or more experienced person, serving as a role model, teaches, sponsors, encourages, counsels and befriends a less skilled or less experienced person for the purpose of promoting the latter’s professional and / or personal development. Mentoring functions are carried out within the context of an ongoing, supportive relationship between the mentor and mentee.

Why should a person be a Mentor?

I am sure you will agree that giving is a great source of peace and inner happiness. This is recognized and accepted by persons from every walk of life and every kind of social environment.

Usually giving is associated with charity or giving away money. While this is laudable and praiseworthy, when we give money we give something that anyone can give. Thus giving money, after sometime, may become mechanical. Some people adopting the attitude of a Karma Yogi donate their valuable time and energy in physically serving the afflicted, especially during times of calamity and distress. This too is a great act of altruism. But it can provide only temporary relief to the affected person.

Great indeed are they who possess knowledge and experience in a field and who are willing and able to share this knowledge and wisdom with another to nurture and help that person to grow in that field. The sharing of their wisdom acts as a seed or acorn that grows into the mighty oak tree.

These are the people who act as beacon lights in a storm for the confused youngsters and novices by sharing their wisdom and experience. They are called Mentors and this process of nurturing is called Mentoring.

You have probably been mentored already!

Many people can remember being helped by someone who took an interest in their welfare, shared their experience and knowledge with them, and enabled them to develop.

Often they remember these relationships as playing a crucial part in their personal and professional development.

Pause for a moment to reflect.

Who was your role model? Who was your Mentor? What was his contribution to your growth? What feelings do you have about him? Would you like to play a similar role in the life of another person?

When this mentoring relationship comes to an end, you will want to move on. There will be other people who come along in your life who will become your mentees.

What are you waiting for? Start Mentoring!

Become a Mentor for a budding youngster and help him / her realize their fullest potential.

Cyclone Jal at Puducherry

I was in puducherry when the cyclone Jal hit TN. The wind speeds were quite high and the lake enroute to Pondy on the ECr was brimming with water. The wind whipped at us and swirled all around.

We stayed at the Mother Sea View Guest house just behind Ajanta Hotel on the Beach Road. So we got a magnificent view of the besch and the high rollers as they crashed down on trhe black rocks. We simply sat in the balcony watching the waves and enjoying a ring side view of the force of nature!

Investment Planning after 21.12.2012!

20.10.2010

I conducted a one hour session on Retirement planning for the retirees of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., (BPCL). After listening to my ideas on long term financial planning for security with growth, one of the participants asked this question;

'Sir, you are asking us to plan for the long term. But, they are saying the world will come to an end in 2012. So how to plan now?'

I looked incredulously at him honestly believing that he was joking. When assured by him that he was serious, I replied,' sir if the world ends on 21.12.2012, it's better to go short November 2012. If the world is destroyed, it doesn't matter anyway. But if due to the panic-mongering markets drop drastically, you stand to make a killing!'

The teacher enters the class room. The group is ready and willing to learn. The teacher looks around smiles at everyone and greets them.

Then he asks them, “Friends, who am I?’ He assures them that it is not a question born out of an existential identity crisis.

The group throws up numerous options;

Teacher, Guru, Lecturer, Trainer, Facilitator, Coach, Mentor….

He patiently allows them to exhaust the list while firmly refusing to accept any of these words as describing his role fully. Finally, they give up and ask him, “Go on…tell us…who are you?’

He smiles at them again and says, “I am your co-student!”

They are surprised. A Co-student? Then, who will teach them?

He walks around and asks another question. “Well then, who are you all?”

This time, they wait for an answer. For they sense that to describe themselves as students is somehow not apt.

He announces, “You are all co-faculty!” The group starts applauding. They’ve understood now what he is trying to tell them. He has broken the barrier. There is no teacher. No taught. They need to actively engage in the learning process. Participate through questions and sharing of opinions and thoughts.

Learning can happen at any time! Any casual comment can spark a connection for any one of them and help them to learn.

The constant churning of thoughts and opinions is the essence of the knowledge transfer and acquisition process. Anything else is mechanical.

Thoughts on Writing a play

Writing a play and having it enacted on stage is a complex form of communication. An author or a painter can get his message across through a comparatively direct or “easy” route. This is because an author or artist can relate directly to the reader or viewer. It is this directness that makes reading and viewing art an extremely personal exercise. The joy is in the slow realization of the message as the story unfolds or the intricate details of the picture become clearer.

A play is more complicated. The playwright needs a good director. A good director needs actors who understand the script and interpret it honestly and as the playwright intended. So, when a play is interesting and entertaining the credit goes to a whole team of people who made it happen for the audience.

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel

The story moves forward like a sluggish river. The author (Henry) shifts from Canada to a “big city”. The vagueness of the city’s actual identity is part of the surreal nature of this novel.

Henry is approached by a reader of his book, a Taxidermist, who consults Henry on how to write a play. The main characters are “Beatrice” a Donkey and “Virgil” a howler monkey. The play is encated on a shirt; a striped shirt. The play is simply a series of conversations between Beatrice and Virgil.

Henry journeys between the “real” world of his life with his wife and his work at the Chocolate Road, amateur theatricals and learning music and the unnatural setting of Okapi Taxidermy where he meets the Taxidermist. Everybody from Henry’s “real” world recognize the Taxidermist for what he is.. A creature devoid of emotion or comprehension of the sufferings of fellow creatures.

The novels takes an old theme of the Nazi atrocities against the Jews during the Holocaust and gives it a totally new and disturbing twist.

Beatrice and Virgil explores the attempts by Holocaust victims to articulate their experiences. Words are not enough. So they decide to use gestures, games, facial expressions etc., The entire list is called “A Horrors Sewing List.”

Reading Beatrice and Virgil is like taking a peaceful and drowsy boat-ride on a placid lake when all of a sudden everything becomes horrible and macabre; the boat capsizes. I am sucked into a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Finally as I read the “Games for Gustav” section, I am sobbing and weeping. In a way I have lived through the horrors. I was there. I am a witness too….

Lessons from a Tree

Yann Martel’s Beatrice and Virgil is a deceptive piece of creative writing. It begins with the rejection of an author’s new work on the holocaust by his publishers. He revels in his misery and becomes angry with the publishers for their inability to understand his work. He finally learns how to come to terms with his failure. The description that follows traces the mental journey he takes from desolation to anger and finally a draining out of all emotions. The last line is a great motivational thought.

The London park was not like that. It was an expanse of the loveliest grass, a symphony of green. There were some trees, buy they stood very tall with high branches, as if they were mindful of not getting in the way of the unbridled grass. A round pond gleamed in the centre of the park. The weather was warm and sunny and people were not in great numbers. As he wandered about the park, Henry awoke to what had just happened to him. Five years of work had been consigned to oblivion. His mind, stunned into silence, sputtered to life. I should have said this…. I should have said that …. Who the fuck was he …? How dare she …?-so the shouting match in his head went, a full-blown anger fantasy.

A moment came when the tense muscles twitching in Henry’s body and the emotions seething inside him came together and spoke in unison: with his fists clenched in the air, he lifted a foot and stamped the ground with all his from his throat. He hadn’t consciously decided to act out like this. It just happened, a snap expression of hurt, fury and frustration. He was near a tree, the soil-stamping was and bare, and the impact of his foot-stamping was thunderous. It was a giant tree, a galleon with its sails in full rig, an art museum with its entire collection on display, a mosque with a thousand worshippers praising God. He gazed at it for several minutes. A tree had never before been so soothing to him. As he admired it, he could feel the anger and distress draining from him.

After an hour or so, he made his way to the edge of the park. A sign informed him he was in Hyde Park. The irony struck him. He had entered the park like Mr.Hyde of Stevenson’s tale, deformed by anger, willfulness and resentment, but he was leaving it more like the good Dr.Jekyll.

A stroll in a London park and an encounter with a beautiful tree at least taught him that useful lesson: if you are pitched into misery, remember that your days on this earth are counted and you might as well make the best of those you have left.

As easy God to make...and break...

One of the features I liked in the De Vriksha play on Vikramadhtiya was the depiction of the God Ganesh. One of the screen-bearers was made to sit on a stool. His head was covered with a red towel placed vertically. The end of the towel was rolled up and held in the actors left hand like the trunk of the elephant-headed God. The towel was held in place by a head band. The right hand was raised in abhaya Mudra. All this happened right in front of the audience! Suddenly, the God was there!

This is the essence of rural art forms like koothu. No elaborate make up or costumes are needed. In a matter of minutes, a well known villager becomes a divine being Vinayaka!

As the Kattiyakkaran elaborates, Ganesha is such an easy God to make…and break! This scene also had a social comment about how the very same idols of the God Ganesh which are worshipped one day are rudely and irreverently broken and thrown in the sea the next. The symbolism of Avahan and yatasthan prathishtam are violated so crassly by our over-zealous brethren!

Vikramathithan Kathai by De Vriksha

On 10^th October I had the opportunity to witness a performance of “Vikramathitthan Kathai” by De Vriksha. Ms. G Sreedevi, a disciple of Na Muthuswami had directed it. The cast was a group of youngsters (all male) who were first-time on-stage actors with a passion for theatre.

The play was highly interactive with the Kattiyakkaran connecting the audience to the actors. This role was portrayed with élan and grace by the actor who played it. We could see the amount of practice which had gone into the miming, movements, acrobatics and gestures.

Koothu-P-Pattarai plays are very subtle and use different vehicles to get the message across to the audience. I could see very little of it here. For example, the Kattiyakkaran was dressed in jeans, T-shirt and hat. This could have been further explored. Why not Vikaramadhityan and Patti also be in modern dress. After all the characters were liberal in using twentieth century devices like cell phones.

The artist who played Vikram was stiff. The role could have been done with more friendliness and humor, especially when Vikram refuses to cut his own head as a sacrifice to Kali.

The play was entertaining and absorbing. The acting by and large was above average. But it lacked social comment which is a hall mark of Koothu-p-pattarai. But the goal was to show case talent. In this they had succeded!

I was asked to speak after the play. I praised the artists and also quoted a poem from Mahakavi Bharathiyar. This drew an instantaneous and spontaneous applause. Tamil audiences are dialogue-bound and respond well to the spoken word.

Rotary Pre-PETS at Vellore

10.10.10

A pleasant drive to Vellore and back in the morning. I am taking over as the President of the Rotary Club of Madras Southwest next July. Rotary requires Presidents-elect like me to attend a President Elects Training Seminar (PETS). This was a Pre-PETS or Arimugam for introducing the new Presidents-elects to each other.

I travelled with my Lodge brother Vinoth Kumar in his Ford Ikon. He is taking over as Presidehnt of the Rotary Club of Madras North East. The venue was a large air-conditioned hall called Kumaran Mahal in Sathuvachary, very much on the main highway. We could see, in the distance, the hills that surround Vellore.

On the whole an excellent Pre-PETS with great entertainment. Bro. Vinoth and I chatted a lot on the way. He shared a lot of information about his life and his brief sojourn in Australia.

The photograph shows us with the Dist. Governor-elect, his wife, our Asst. Governor REtn. Vaidy and the Presidents under him.

Sunflowers

A field of sunflowers on the route from Pandharipur to Pune on our return.

Gajanan Maharaj Ashram

The Gajanan Maharaj Ashram and Guest House. The Best Place to stay in Pandharipur. It is very near the Temple.

Vitobha Temple--Pandharipur

The rear entrance of the Vitoba Temple, Pandharipur. A rear view of the shikara.

Ganapathi Baba

Tonga

Motorised vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point on the way to the temple. So devotees prefer these tongas.

The Colors of India

The Colors of India

On the way to the Vittal Hari Temple, we can see many shops with colourful vermilion mounds like these.

Go Matha

Gow and calf. Outside the Krishna Temple in Pandharpur. This temple is located right in the middle of the way to the main temple. I found the finish, workmanship and detailing exquisite.

Donkey Love

If love can make Donkeys of men, what happens to a Donkey in love?

Rainbow--Photographed on the way to Pandharipur

Shivaji Maharaj

Every town and village in Maharshtra has a statue of Chatrapathi Shivaji in a centrally located market place or chowk. The great leader is invariably depicted mounted on a horse with drawn sword, as if in readiness for imminent battle. These photos were taken early in the morning at Pandharpur.

These statues are as ubiquitous in Maharashtra as our own Arignyar Anna in Tamilnadu. But I do wish we had chosen a more picturesque person of whom to make an icon.

A View of the Chandrabhaga River in Pandharpur

A Piece of the Moon

Pandharipur is situated on the banks of the Bhima river. The Bhima is also called the Bhivara. Nearing Pandharipur, the Bhima takes a crescent shaped turn. Hence this stretch of the river that washes the shores of Pandharipur is known as "Chandrabhaga" or "a Piece of the moon." Another story is that The Moon God (Chandra) bathed here to shake off a curse thus giving this piece of the river the name "Chandrabhaga." As in most of Hindu mythology and lore, there is no certainty in anything except in the belief that a bathe in the Chandrabhaga will wash away all one's sins.

The temple of the great devotee Pundalik stands in the midst of the Chandrabhaga River. Pundalik was the Emperor Muchkund in his earlier birth. By the blessings of Lord Sri Krishna, he was born again as the great devotee Pundalik. Lord Sree Krishna came to Pundalik's house near Pandharipur. Pundalik was serving his parents and therefore requested the Lord to wait! He placed a stone brick for Sree Krishna to stand on while waiting! And there the Lord stands to this day waiting for his devotees; to embrace them in his all-encompassing love; hands on hips and a mischeivous smile on his lips! You can see Pundalik's temple in the middle of the Chandrabhaga River in the photo.

Although we couldn't bathe in the Chandrabhaga (The river was in full flow and the current was dangerous), we sprinkled the water on our heads from the river in an act of symbolic purification.

Abhanga Amrut

Being a Jnanamargi, I have always been a bit sceptic about Bhajans and Kirthans. So I have neber truly understood the significance of the Vittal shrine in Pandharipur. All this changed as I entered the holy shrine of Panduranga Vitthala in Pandharipur on 28th September. After our Dharshan at Shirdi, we decided to visit Pandharipur. The journey takes nearly six to seven hours due south-east. We skirt Sholapur the railhead for Pandharipur. The best place to stay is at the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Dhrmashala. This well maintained and picturesque rest house is maintained by Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. A realized soul whose samadhi mandir is in Shegaon near Bhusawal in Maharashtra. I have been there with my Uncle when I spent the holidays with him at Akola.

The Gajanan Baba Rest House is pretty comfortable and they managed to find acomodation for all of us. After a quick bath to refresh ourselves, we made our way to the temple of Shri Vitthala. Fortunately there was absolutely no crowd. We simply walked straight to the sanctum sanctorum where We beheld the glorious form of the deity. Instead of attempting a description, I quote Dr. Gopal Benare's translation of Santh Tukaram's Abhang:

Beautiful is the image standing on a brick with his hands upon his hips.

On his neck is Tulsimala

On his loins a yellow silk garment

This image is my everlasting delight.

The Fish-shaped pendants sparkle in his ears

The jewel Kausthubh shines at his neck.

Tuka says:- Here is all my pleasure

I will contemplate his face with love.

I felt a similar tug in my breast as I kept gazing at the small idol of the Lordd Vitthal of Pandharipur. The image is not an intricate piece of art like the southern temple idols. Nor is it huge and impressive. Compared with many other images it looks round and primitive. But I felt that I could simply strand there immersed in this visuion of joy. I felt a lightening of my burdens; a sense of release; as if a bird had been let out of the cage.

Reluctantly, I dragged myself away from this tantalizing vision.

Investment through Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Here is a query from a Participant of my Finance for Non Finance Executives Program and my Response:

Dear Sir,

Greetings to you! Hope you are doing great.

Let me introduce myself first iam Sreenath, an employee of VA Tech Wabag Ltd. I've attended your training programme on 'Basics of Finance' hope you remember it.

This mail is just to get clarification from you regarding Mutual Fund, kindly spare few minutes of your busy schedule in this regard. I've started investing in Mutual Fund on your advice (bought Reliance Tax Saver Growth Fund with a lock in period of 3 years under SIP).

I came across the Mutual fund broker advising me to take SIP rather than in single time purchase of the units. Even you adviced us to go for SIP than the one time purchase of the units. Can you kindly explain how adopting SIP will be better than one time purchase of the units as the NAV value gets increased day by day (as i have a good amount of money as savings which i've planned to buy the MF but got struck with the advice to go with SIP). Also pl advice me the best peforming Mutual Funds as i've planned to buy immediately.

Your kind help in this regard will be highly appreciated.

--

With kind regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Sreenath T S

Engineer - Projects

VA TECH WABAG LIMITED,

Here is my Response:

From: Srikanth Msc [mailto:sreesri@mscindia.org]

Sent: 15 October 2010 13:14
To: 'Sreenath T S'
Subject: RE: Mutual Fund-Portfolio Advice

Dear Mr. Sreenath,

The strategy of investing through SIP is not a stand-alone strategy. It is (as the name implies) a systematic and disciplined approach to portfolio building. It has another advantage because you can average the cost of the units by buying more at lower prices for the same monthly commitment. Similarly a fixed amount SIP would automatically reduce the number of units you buy at high prices.

Remember SIP is beneficial only over longer periods like 3 to 5 years. In fact a SIP regularly maintained for five years is an unbeatable investment which will yield you high returns irrespective of market boom or depression.

Your investment in Tax Saver Units is good as a tax planning device. But it is not a great portfolio choice as Tax Saver funds generally give lesser returns than Non-tax saver diversified Equity Funds. But, Reliance Tax saver is a good choice.

In addition to SIP you can invest any lump sum surplus available in the following Mutual Funds:

Reliance Vision Fund-Retail Plan

Reliance Growth Fund-Retail Plan

HSBC Equity Fund

HDFC Equity Fund

Franklin India Blue Chip Fund

The list is my personal choice. Do go through the portfolio mix of these funds before investing. Always invest in growth option as this will build your portfolio.Further,, I suggest that you wait a little bit for the market to correct itself before investing. Sensex hovering above 20K is not a good time to commit your bulk funds. Hold on a little and invest when the market tumbles as it invariably will post Diwali.

Wish you all the best!

Do mail me for any other clarifications.

S. Srikanth

B.Com,MS (M.S.), F.C.A., F.C.S., C.I.S.A (USA)

Excellece Through Education

۞ Chief Enabling Officer ║ No.4, Balaji Avenue I Steet, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600 017 ║ Phone:4212 3501, 4212 3502; Fax:4212 3503 ║ Mobile:9840426166 ║ E-Mail: sreesri@mscindia.org ║website: www.mscindia.org ║ Blog: http://www.sreesri7h.blogspot.com ۞