Peregrination

 

Peregrination

 

 In these Modern times There are two.thoughts  that frequently prey on our mind :

·         What is the purpose of our Existence ?

·         Where is "Ulundu” Appalam Stored in a Super bazaar?

It is common Knowledge that great thinkers, intellectuals, spiritual gurus and at  times even politicians have expressed opinions  on the first Question   in the past and will most certainly do so  in the future too . so this post will attempt to address the second issue

No one, not even the sales persons on duty at the Super Bazaar or  shoppers milling around  can give an accurate reply. Neither can you find that packet of Ulundu Appalam by reading  a Blog Post or by  reading  every available post ,booklet, instruction manual  Article on the subject till your patience crumbles like the Ulundu Appalam  .

 

Patience is the mantra. To lay your hands on a packet of Ulundu Appalam you need a stout resolve, determination and……luck.

So I  urge you, the connoisseurs  ; switch off your hand sets ,get off the Arm Chair, Jump on your Bikes or into your Cars   and head for  the nearest superstore . Because that is the most promising zone  where the  chances of  attaining  enlightenment on  the meaning of worldly Existence and may be about tracking down the elusive Ulundu Appalam  Is bright  

And while you are on this epic expedition of Discovery you will realize that Life unfolds  when you are searching for a pack of Ulundu Appalam .Incidentally,  the cursed Potato wafer Chips  is the instigator of this merry  chase..

 Honestly, it is this realization that helped me find the Answer   to the conundrum - where do they store  Ulundu Appalam   in the super Bazaar .  Those  who possess a  spiritually awakened mind   will realize that life actually blossoms  when you are searching specifically for your favourite snack. By the same logic, the packet of Appalam could  land  on your palms  when you are actually searching for ..... eeks!.. Asofoetida.                                                                                                         

But where to spot  A.. S.. A.. F.. O.. E.. T.. I.. D.. A    in the SuperStore ?

Even as I am Scratching my head I .I hear voices  at the Door  . Surely, Family is back .. While they love   shopping in the super Bazaar   I prefer to seek answers to profound Questions like how to discover Ulundu Appalam’s  Hideout from the comfort of my arm Chair 

As the shopping bags are being emptied & Grocery  sorted out  my eyes try to seek out the humble savoury. Instead,I find two large,Bloated packets of Wafer Chips being pulled out of the bag. Yes the same ones that foment the  torment

Signing off wishing prospective explorers a very enriching, successful “Safari” experience at the Super Bazaar.Never Blink (it), if you love adventure

 

 

 

On "Top".........of lasting memories

 

On “Top”

      ………….of Lasting memories

 

    In a world engulfed in  touchscreens and digital gadgets of all kinds , the simple joy provided by  a traditional wooden spinning top from the  bygone era.might seem silly Yet, for those of us like me  who grew up in the mid-20th century, the “BUGURI” was a mandatory toy  of our childhood playgrounds. Sixty  years later, the thrill of getting that accurate  spin remains as strong  as ever, a testament to the timeless appeal of the simple, hand-crafted toy.

 

My encounter with this memory from the past happened quite unexpectedly a couple of days back at  the Barachukki falls in shivasamudram. I stumbled upon a few wooden tops in a small, plastic sheet covered toy shack selling cheap toys. Impulsively I picked one.

   The moment I held it in my hand a flood of memories returned: the dusty school grounds  where we'd compete, the rough texture of the cotton string, calloused hand trying to master the art of winding the string .  The real skill, however, lay in winding the string tightly around the body of the top , securing the knotted end between wrapped little finger & palm , and  the final, flicked  release—it required a specific kind of  coordination that the modern world would rarely notice.

 

    The spinning top was more than just a toy; In those days  it was a lesson in patience, and a source of intense  competition. We would gather with friends, each armed with a  different type of ,top. The aim  was ,to spin the top for the longest time or, sometimes engage in "battles" where the objective was to knock over.the  opponent's top .

 

   Picking up the  top , I found my fingers,now sixty  years older and stiffer, still remembered the basic movements. I wound the string, a little awkwardly at first, and aimed at   a clear spot on the tarred road . All set to throw, I felt myself trembling in excitement. Will The Top Spin? Or will it slide away on its side towards the valley and into the waterfalls? All the same I threw it with a nervous but  firm flourish,. The top hit the ground, wobbled for a split second, and then found its bearing, spinning with a, satisfying whir . Yes! I succeeded. A rush of pleasant satisfaction swept over me.

 

   In the present  age of instant gratification, a wooden top reminds us of the value of focused play and the simple pleasures of natural physical activity..

 

  Rediscovering the spinning top was more than just a passing distraction. It was a reminder that some thrills never age, and that often, the simplest toys provide most fascinating experiences. My new  wooden top now sits in  my cupboard  a small, yet tactile object  of nostalgia, waiting for  the next perfect throw down .

 ______________________________________________________________________

Personal Note:  I was  so engrossed  with the toy that I didn’t notice what was going on around  till I stopped Top Spinning. Three of my Co- Passengers were already waiting in the car .I noticed  one in  the back seat banging the palm of the hand against the forehead, while the other sported a sarcastic smirk on the lips and yet another gave a royal Ignore.The silence in the car lasted till we stopped over at a café.Over refreshments I was advised that this whimsical Ecstasy could become my new blog.entry……  Blogaaa?  So here it is! The Bloguu

 

Roots & Storms

 

Roots & Storms

 

Historically caste rivalries in deep south Tamizh  Naadu are characterized by  relationship & conflicts  between groups which are usually referred to as “Koottam”  by each other,   rooted in  shifting socio-economic dynamics and fierce competition for natural resources .The rivalry often  results in  cycles of violence and conflict. These manifestations have inspired generations of film makers who have  dished out scores of movies with their own interepretations over decades

 

At least two movie releases for Deepavali  are based on this  subject.

 

Listening to the songs of Dhanush’s Idli Kadai & Maari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalai Maadaan  one can easily   perceive the extent to which the makers have been attracted to these emotionally volatile themes ( incidents).  .

 

I  liked  the earthy directness of the  Lyrics used , instead of the usual  poetic verses in both these films.

 

The Songs  “ Enjaami thanndaane”, “Entthnai Saami” , “Yen Paattan Saami Varum” from  Idli Kadai  and

 

“Theekkoluthi” , “Cheenikkallu” ,”Thennaadu” &  the peppy “Rekke Rekke”  from Bison Kaalaimaadan

 

have Captured  raw emotions and pining , with the vocal rendering   working exquisitely with the lyrics.

 

If the respective movies have succeed in  projecting   even 10% of the power of the lyrics visually they would be super hits.

 

After Karnan, Asuran  and now Idli Kadai,   will Dhanush manage to writhe out of the  “Rural” straitjacket that he is entangled in ? He is now on a one way street which will propel him towards  either iconic excellence or Oblivion.The way he has mastered cinema, be it  Acting, Direction , production  and now Lyric writing & singing and the art of Stage speaking , he could well be on the way to becoming Kollywood’s emerging “Thalaivar”.  

 

The soulful  melancholic rendering of Maari Sevaraj’s Song lyrics “Thennaadu”  for Bison Kaalai Maadan are mesmerizing

 

The above mentioned songs are worth hearing. I am finding it difficult to restrain myself from  listening to these songs particularly Thennaadu & Etthana Saami on the loop , Do listen on you tube for added visual effect . Sure you will like it

 

Side light : According to trade sources The Originally Proposed Title “KaalaiMaadaan” was changed To Bison Kalaimaadan  at the instance of OTT syndicate who felt that the original title was too unvarnished & would not catch the attention of Urban/ city  Viewers. Who expect a more relatable title

 

GRAY PRIDE

 

Gray Pride

       ………..A  captivating  Story that’ll  freak you out

This happened   decades ago when I was   a college student, and  with friends led a carefree life. We believed that all good things were free  Once   a few of us  decided to embark on some adventure & made grand plans. Though I don’t recall the details clearly,  I know we travelled to  a  very beautiful  nature hotspot which was popular for some  reason which I don’t remember now..

Many years have elapsed  and I cannot recall that  place. But I still remember the famous shrine we visited en route.  Though I don’t remember the name of the shrine , its splendor is firmly etched in my mind. So I have tried to sketch the same for you to enjoy its beauty. .

At the shrine , we met   a very famous person . We had a very interesting conversation with him. I can’t even remember  his face nor recollect his name now.  We became enamored with his knowledge. As we were about to leave something horrible happened. . Even today  I shudder thinking about it. But, I really can’t recollect  details of the dreadful occurrence.

We travelled further.I faintly remember that it was either a river or a lake and we crossed it in what looked like an enormous squeezed out half of a lemon

As we were having some snacks, strange black birds surrounded us . Then dozens of furry black faced creatures with long tails descended from trees and tried to steal our food. All of us were mighty scared. This was one of the most pleasurable  trips we made.  The wonderful memories are firmly etched in my mind.

                                                    The Shrine

. I have lost touch with the friends who were with me on the trip.One  among them  was my closest collage mate.  His name started with the letter R (or was it M) ? . Any way, I hope and pray that one of them locates me on FB or recognizes himself in the sketch above and connects with me.That will greatly help me  put pieces together in this story .

                                   Me                     Friend                    Friend                 Friend

 My description of  the adventure became so popular that I have 

narrated this at several gatherings.

Recently I was invited to  some place which I cannot recollect now to address  young trainees . To give them  motivation to do better I recounted the  story of our adventure. The kids  listened with  rapt attention.As I concluded they were so thrilled that they tried to throw some greenish sticky balls  at me, the ones we find slapped on to outer walls of homes in villages.. But, other older boys prevented them . It was an emotional moment. I was not able to enjoy the adulation of the audience. I left with my colleague who later informed that he even detected a teardrop (of pride)  in the corner of my left eye. 

All of a sudden memory came to my aid. Yes the discs on the wall ,the name of which I am not able to recollect  now  is used for some  purpose  in rural homes. But why were they throwing  those gooey balls in my direction with so much passion ?  I’m confident that The madasambrani in me will find out shortly. And that will be another inspiring story. 

      

Paradox, Contradiction, Ambiguity … a measure of enlightenment

 

Paradox, Contradiction,  Ambiguity …

             a measure of enlightenment

 

Over the last few weeks I have been meeting old classmates and a few close Associates. Predictably discussions covered many areas , importantly one’s health and well-being.

      I have now understood that it is very difficult to get anyone  listen to your source of happiness . Even the closest of   friends turns to other topics tactfully. God seems to be the only one  willing to listen & savour  your happiness.

On the other hand   everyone listens attentively, with full eagerness to hear what is being said ,even if  you are sharing your sorrow in hushed tones with the person  sitting next to you.. And before you can say Huh! the group  transforms itself into a committee of good Samaritans & engages  in profound debate on steps that could be taken to.address the cause of your distress

Therefore, is it not logical  to believe  that one should share his delight & glory with the Almighty and distress with people ?

Unfortunately we do exactly the opposite  by Rushing to the nearest temple  &  pouring out our misery to all 33 crore Gods and  seeking out  even long lost friends and associates to share our .Jubilation

 

Odds & Ends

 

Odds & Ends

Waking up, I find its raining. As I am about to get up from bed, I check the time on my mobile by force of habit. It’s  2:00 am !. Lying down again  I Toss & turn in bed but I cannot  sleep.  I feel intense anger  and self – contempt

 Don’t know why

There are a few people who actually even  enjoy this state , the types  that  perpetually  grumble  . I like to believe I am not one of those .

Don’t know why

I am no idealist either. I like to believe I am attempting to be one, but that might seem  distinctly  dishonest.

Don’t know why

Sleep still eludes me .Suddenly for no reason I think  I like to live like a silk worm. Or am I one, already?.  I can even compensate for the missing cocoon  by raising  an imaginary hood  around myself ,into which I can withdraw more often  & into which none  dare enter .

Don’t know why

Monotonous  grind  sickens me. I feel no pleasure in the conventional. Is life just being trapped  in the groove and running round in circles over and over again ? Don’t recall when  I  got  stuck in this wheel of despair  and torment

Don’t know why/when

I detest people who have very impractical views of circumstances. I find it impossible to accept people who .glorify even the most ordinary  matters 

Don’t know why

Thoughts, doubts, questions   ! . As I try finding replies   I hear a faint bleat …. And then see the  sheep: 1, 2, 3 ……… before  finding the answers, Sleep came without definition, as did the dream.

 &  it should know why

பெற கேட்டாலே……

 

பெற கேட்டாலே…………

 

Was Very lovingly  treated to Gandhi Class experience of Thalaivaa’s Coolie.

Within 15 minutes of the title card appearing on screen , by sheer weight of experience in Movie Exhibition, anticipated what would unfold.

So decided on how to “ENJOY” the remaining 154 odd minutes .  Devised my own technique similar to  counting sheep . Proudly present the Results:

1.Nos. Maimed/ Bludgeoned by Soubin Shahir:  11/ 16

2. Glass panes Shattered:  9

3.Nos. Chopped/ by Bullet Sprayed by Nagarjuna: 14

4. Nos. Cut / Sliced by Saar & Uppi Saar    : +/-  32

5. XXXXL Sized Beefy Hoodlums:  7 (Excluding Rachita Ram ie;)

6. Cigarettes Smoked by Nagarjuna: 18

7. Nos. Pouched by Amir(Tom & Jerry)  Khan : 19

7.(a). Instruments Used : Rapid fire Machine Guns,Rifle,Musket, Revolver,Huskies for "Bhav"

8. Successfully  tested Victims on Satyaraj’s Incinerator: 13

9.The only time A few Viewers let out Cat calls?./ Whistles: When Thailaivaa                    Roared “Kaaaleshaaa”

The dialogue that appealed to me most : ஏண்டா நான் என்ன சொன்னாலும் நம்பீடுவியா? By Rachita Ram. Somehow felt it was directed at me!

Thailvaaa!

Note: Figures furnished above may not match exact nos.. Blame it on my Age related  slow reflexes & Aniruddh

To sum up( after the numbing effect of BGM has worn off & some  sanity has returned) . Coolie delivers exactly what Thalaivaa’s die hard fans hoped for, and even more: Saar is in his elements on his familiar turf, effortlessly blending Charisma, style,swag & trademark mannerism.

It is generaly felt that it is hard  to tell Vijay’s movies apart as he looks and acts  pretty much the same in all his movies

I’m starting to feel the same way now with all  action’ films Including Thalaivaa’s

Every Producer/Director  is using Rajinikanth as a whistle-generating  crowd puller, and that may be fine commercially , but what about the actor’s ability to act? Pray somebody utilizes that talent .But, who’s going to use that? When?

 

Organic : trend ? , Or return to tradition

 

Organic :  trend ? or  return to tradition ?

Finishing a quick Breakfast at a restaurant on the highway, while travelling to Bangalore,  I was waiting for the Driver who was taking his time over refreshments. Impulsively, entered the “Organic” shop Attached to the restaurant. Found half a dozen ladies (seemingly conservative and  distinctly north Karnataka), all Senior Citizens, presumably on a group tour.They were sauntering  loitering around the racks.

One of the Ladies asked  her friend:  “ Harini , what is organic food ?”

Did you say “Organic food Lakshmakka”? 

“Yes, I see these organic food counters in every shop now.” Lakshmakka  persisted.

“Ah…organic food. Thats just regular food but costlier.” Said Harini Triumphantly

The other women standing nearby got curious & joined in the conversation.

Now  let wicked me not disappoint you. You are right! It is my firm belief  that when a group of women (Senior Citizens at that!)  are engaged in a  healthy discussion , it invariably ends with the  “ fittest”  delivering   the final  verdict.

Usually  in a group  one doesn’t  question  the other’s opinion  unless they are  discussing important  issues  like  “ is coconut chutney with Idli  better than Raitha with Pongal” ?  or  “does adding garlic in brinjal  curry make it tastier” ? when everyone  jumps in with their own Expert Opinion..

In this case too they  did !

Stern looking Aunty 3: “ If it is normal food, why is it costlier?”

Not to be seen as the one who doesn’t know her grocery , Aunty 4  responded with Authority : “  You see , these are items  which didn’t have poisonous fertilizers and pesticides sprayed on them. Such toxic stuff can kill people you know?”

 And As an after  thought said  , “ Not that fertilizers and pesticides are the only way to kill people.”

My Driver returned.  But I waited,  ears perked up ( Oh yes  my hearing aids were in place) holding my breath. This discussion was getting interesting. There was half a chance one of the contestants hiring the Hotel Security  to “Convince”  the others. Thankfully nothing serious happened   and they moved on to other topics.

But  I realized that  the ladies  were right. Organic food is regular food but costlier. In fact, organic food is so costly that a household with average fixed earnings will be doomed if they decide to go completely “Organic”.

Resumed  our travel, thinking about “Organic Food”

Twenty  years back, only a few people  would dare  to enter shops that had huge glass panes in the front , were air conditioned   and  were  costlier than the  traditional  “Friendly”  Neighborhood Store.

 But, not anymore thanks to  booming consumerism, people    don’t hesitate to enter  such shops .

what these fancy  shops were about then  , the “organic food” store  is today. It is so expensive.

Every time I go  grocery shopping to one of these Mega Stores,   I see racks  labelled ‘Organic Foods’ .

Just in case someone has  a misconception &  don’t realize. Organic food is the food that our grandparents   ate everyday, day after day  & without paying anything extra . This was when they were in control of their lives and and when we were toddlers.

Organic food for which we pay so much today  wasn’t always this  costly. Just think of the fruit Ganesha (the Lord) earned using his inventiveness or the Apple Eve ate or the poisoned one the witch tempted  Snow White with. ORGANIC & FRE E  were’nt they?. Not to mention  the one that fell on Newton’s head !

 Why then do we  unfortunate mortals  have to pay hefty sums now for anything labelled organic ?

About twenty five  years ago all food items sold at every store was organic and easily accessible to everyone. There was no seperate shop or counters. Our grand parents never had to go to    stores  named ORGAnik,  PURE & SURE , Hasiru Siri, Etc; to buy unadulterated  , healthy Food.

One of the things we can do to make ensure we all don’t end up paying exhorbitant sums  for Organic food  Is by  sharing posts like this  on  Facebook & Whatsapp groups and educate all farmers that we  should ONLY be growing food without  chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Ohh! wait, there is an issue ! The farmers on Facebook & Whatsapp groups  aren’t real farmers (plowers ie)  …  they are the ones who block the highways while protesting against farm laws, crop prices and other personal issues with their imported SUV’s while enjoying  Pizza with cans of coke for Nashta , Khana & diversion .Farmers & their farming  have come a long way.

Continued the journey with The words of “Authoriative" Aunty 3  ringing in the ears:

“ , ಆದಾ ನೋಡ್ರಿ ಮತ್ತ್  thangi ಈ ಖಾನಾವಳಿಯಾಗ್ ಒಂದ್ ಥಾಟ್ ಭಾಕ್ರಿ ತಿಂದ್  ವಾಟಗ ಚ್ಛಾಹ್ ಕುಡಿದಾಕ ಮೂರ್ ನೂರ್ ರೊಕ್ಕ  ನೀಡಾಕ್ ಹತ್ತ್ಹೀವೀ.”