அம்மாக்களும் குழந்தைகளும்

அம்மா-1.  எதை எடுக்கக் கூடாதோ அதைத் தான் எடுப்பாள்.

                 வாயில் வைக்காதே என்றால் கேட்க மாட்டாள்.

அம்மா-2.  ஒயரைப் பிடித்து இழுப்பான்.

              செருப்பை வாயில் வைப்பான்.

 அம்மா-1.  ஆனால் ஆகாரம் கொடுத்தால் வாயே திறக்க 

          மாட்டாள்.  மீறித்  திணித்தால் துப்புவாள்.  

அம்மா-2  மேஜை மேல் ஒரு சாமான் வைக்க முடியாது.

              இழுத்துப் போட்டு விடுவான்.

அம்மா-1.  எது செய்யக் கூடாதோ அதைச்  செய்து  விட்டு

                       நம்மைப்  பார்த்து  ஒரு சிரிப்பு. கோபிக்கவும் மனம் வராது.

அம்மா-2.  இவனிடமும் அதே கதை தான். வயிற்றில் இருக்கும் போதே டிரைனிங் எடுத்துக்

                      கொண்டு வருவார்களோ என்னவோ.

குழந்தை--1. எதைத் தொட்டாலும் இதைத் தொடாதே அதை எடுக்காதே, வாயில் வைக்காதே                         என்பாள் அம்மா. 

குழந்தை--2. ஒயரை இழுக்காதே, செருப்பைக் கடிக்காதே இது அப்பா.

குழந்தை--1. கஷ்டப் பட்டு எம்பி கால் விரல்களால் நின்று கொண்டு கை நீட்டி  மேஜை மேல்                       இருக்கும் அப்பாவின் மொபைலை எடுத்து விட்டோம் என்று வெற்றிச் சிரிப்பு                          சிரிக்கும் போது எங்கிருந்தோ ஓடி வந்து அதைப் பிடுங்கி விடுவார் அப்பா.

குழந்தை--2. அவர்கள் சாப்பிடு சாப்பிடு என்று வாயில் திணிக்கிற ஆகாரத்தில் டேஸ்டே

              இருக்காது.

குழந்தை--1. பெரியவர்கள் எல்லோருமே இப்படித்தான். நாம் வயிற்றில் இருக்கும் போதே                    ட்ரைனிங் எடுக்கத் தொடங்கி விடுவார்கள் போல.

Mohanlal in Kairali People

Was watching Mohanlal’s interview in JB Junction in Kairali TV by John Brittos. He has come a long way from being a shy and timid person that he used to be while being interviewed to a confident man tackling all the tricky questions posed by JB with his trademark sarcastic smile.

Thinking of Mohanlal many of his superb performance come to one’s mind.
In recent Dhrishyam in the climax scene his performance was simply superb though my comments on the story line are reserved. I don’t want to go into the details for some of you might not have watched the film and I don’t want to discuss the climax scene and take away from you the charm of watching it.

As a middle class father and next door neighbour turned alzheimers patient in 'Thanmathra'... a good performance but very saddening script.

As an arthritis patient and moving around in a wheel chair throughout in 'Pranayam', taking his predicament with a sense of humour and love for life. I liked the film and his performance very much. The script too was light and enjoyable though the theme was rather heavy.

No doubt he has excelled in many light hearted comedy roles in films like Kilukkam, Nadodikkatru, Pattanapravesam and Chithram to mention a few.
And his performance in Bharatham was remarkable and he deserves the National award he got for that role.

Above all his performance in the climax scene of Manichithrathazhu haunts you every time you watch the movie. And I have lost count of the number long back.
On to the scene...

 Ganga stands before her imaginary villain husband's dummy with a long sword and tears the neck and drinks the red liquid placed there, thinking it to be his blood. Sobhana is a very good actor, and fits well in the role, no doubt. As she once said being a classical dancer helped her very much to portray different emotions with ease. She fully deserves the national award that she got for her role in the film. Her role demanded her to bring out the expressive and histrionic talents and she did it very well.

But this is about Mohanlal’s performance in the film. Right from the intro scene to the climax he is very active and subtle at the same time with a right mix of both. I enjoyed his performance in every frame of the film.
Back to his portrayal in the climax scene..

Ganga is not only his close friend’s  wife; he knows her well to be his friend as well. She is young, energetic and devoted to her husband. Theirs is a happy married life until recently. And here she is doing something like rudra thandavam and standing before a dummy tearing it with anger and animosity. And his profession reminds him that it was not she in her normal senses doing it but the devil in her that is her nervous disease. Of course it will come to pass. But still to see it now and here.... all these feelings and pain writ large on his face though he does not say a single word. Undoubtedly one of his master piece of a performance.  And to imagine someone else in his role in remakes of the film.... I just can't muster courage to watch the remakes.

Me and my mobile

Had arranged for a small get together at home. Invited close relatives and friends. Sisters and brothers from both sides arrived early to help me with the arrangements.  We decided to prepare food by ourselves to give it a homely touch. Being the lady of the house hosting the party, my presence and advice was sought by every woman who was happily sharing the work.

“Viji, where is kolappodi and kaavi?” my sister asked.

“Amma, can we place the diyas over there?” – daughter-in-law.

“Akka, how much milk is to be boiled to make curd?”—sister-in-law.

“I doubt if the vegetables chopped will be sufficient.” another s-i-l.

I was rotating my head in all directions to reply to them when my brother’s mobile rang.  After attending it he said he had to immediately leave for his place on an urgent office work and left.

 As usual the other men folk were busy discussing politics –local, national and international unmindful of the happy chaos going on in and around the kitchen. (Not that they all are not familiar with house hold chore. In fact almost all of them help with their spouses in kitchen at home. But that is different no? What will happen to their male ego if they are seen in the kitchen by others? Won’t they think of me as henpecked? )

Soon a mobile rang and we all realised that my brother had forgotten to take his mobile while leaving urgently. I knew it was indispensable to his work and started thinking of ways to send it to him. I tried to find if he had any other mobile with him so I could tell him that he had left this one here. I was not familiar with the touch screen in his brand new gadget. I tried to contact in his land line from some other phone. As usual I could not locate my mobile especially in such a busy day. I got one from someone. It was also fancy looking and unfamiliar to me. If I touched the screen for the keys some funny message appeared. Soon everything disappeared from the screen. Tens of chores awaited my immediate attention and I could not afford more time to these tech monsters and decided to call my tech savvy son. He grasped the problem and started to fix it. Out of curiosity I watched him. The tricky gadget eluded him also which satisfied my ego to some extent. He touched the buttons and got some funny messages too. Somehow my own mobile had become touch screen and stopped working. No working mobile had my brother’s land line or other number stored. There seemed to be no way to contact him.

Ring....  Ring....  Ring....  Ring....  

I panicked realising guests had started arriving. My hands automatically searched for my good old simple Nokia under my pillow, found it and switched off the snooze. And what a sigh of relief I let out when I saw the normal key buttons intact in my mobile.

I would like to share a story I have heard or read many years ago. And I'm sure my atheist friends won't be cross with me for telling an age old mythological story as they can surely take it to higher platforms and invent many more interpretations. 

Narada according to Hindu mythology is a hard core devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is supposed to be a vedic sage capable of travelling to distant worlds. Once he is said to have acquired inflated ego and started bosting that he is the most sincere devotee of Narayana, the Lord and that no one can excel him when it came to true bhakti, devotion. 
Lord Vishnu, when He came to know of Narada's pride wanted to cut him to size.
One day Narada entered Vaikunda, the abode of Lord Vishnu, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana' as always. After exchanging initial pleasntries, Narada started beating his trumpet. 
“Lord, is there anyone in the whole of seven worlds who can beat me in my bhakthi to your lordship? No, and I'm naturally proud of this.”
The Lord did not reply. There he was with his usual mischevous smile which disturbed Narada.
“Why are you silent, my lord? Don't you agree with me?”
 “Oh Narada, when did you come? I didn't notice your presence as I was immersed in the bhakti of a true devotee of mine in the boologa(earth). Did you say something? Anyway why don't you go and meet him and come after a week or so?” 

Feeling hurt beyond words Narada dashed off to earth and found the trader, the Lord mentioned and started observing him keenly. The man was a shrewd trader and went about his business as usual. He didn't even murmur the Lord's name once during the day, let alone perform any pooja. His mind was fully occupied in his business which he did honestly. 
He returned to his home after a hard day at work, had a wash and relaxed for some time. Then played with his children and went to bed after dinner. He got up early in the morning. After taking bath he went to the pooja room and lit the lamp and prayed for a few minutes, no elaborate pooja or anything, just a few words of prayer. Then he went to his shop to look after the business. The routine continued every day. Making enquiries with the neighbours and family memebers Narada could realise that this was his rotine, be it any ordinary day or festival or other special days. 
Narada could no longer contain his rage. Why did the Lord think this man is his true devotee. After all this man says some prayer for less than ten minutes a day and doesn't even think of Him for the rest of the day, whereas I am chanting mantras and prayers 24x7. Still the Lord praises this man. I should show the true colour of this man to the Lord. And he rushes to Vaikunda. 

“Narayana, Narayana.”
“Hello, Narada, where were you?”
“Lord, I was observing the trader in the boologa as you said. He says a few words of prayer every morning. Whereas I am singing your praise all the time. How can you compare him with me?”
“Easy Narada. O.K. I shall accept you as my most devoted bhakta if you pass a test. First go and get a bowl full of milk kept over there. Bring it without spilling a drop.”
He went within seconds where the Lord pointed and saw a bowl filled to the brim with milk. He wanted to please the Lord and took it in his hands after putting the narada veena  down. Normally he never parts with his veena, but he was prepared to do anything to make his Lord appreciate his devotion for Him.
He started moving towards the Lord. Though the distance was quite less and the bowl quite small, he could not walk fast as he could not afford to shake the bowl and spill the milk. As he was fully conentrating on the milk bowl, he didn't realise that it took him quite some time to reach the Lord. But alas, he made it. He had brought the bowl without spilling a drop out. He proudly placed it before the Lord and looked up.
“Thank you Narada. But where is your veena?. You look strange without your veena which has almost become a part of you.”
Narada ran back to fetch his veena and returned, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana.' 

“Now my Lord, I have passed the test that you gave me. I hope at least now you shall agree that I am your true devotee.”
 “Umm..., wait Narada, just a couple  question. How many times did you chant 'Narayana' in this last one hour?” It had taken him an hour to accomplish the task.
He was silent as he hadn't for once.
“O.K. How many times if ever did you think of me during that time?”
Silence again.
The Lord smiled and asked, “So you forgot your lord so soon?”
“Oh Lord, but You had given me a task and I was concentrating on it,“ Narada tried to reason out.
“And I completed it as directed by you without spilling even a drop. I thought You will appreciate it.”
“That's good.”
Narada sighed in relief and quipped, “So, You agree that I'm Your true devotee?”
“Wait, My devotee the trader is calling me in his usual morning prayer. I shall come back to you after listening to him.”
Narada was shrewd. He didn't need to be told that the Lord valued praying for a few minutes every day in spite of his busy schedule more than a lazy man's day long prayer.

Unnigalae oru katha parayaam

 

I would like to share a story I have heard or read many years ago.

And I'm sure my atheist friends won't be cross with me for telling an age old mythological story as they can surely take it to higher platforms and invent many more interpretations.

Narada, according to Hindu mythology, is a hard core devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is supposed to be a vedic sage capable of travelling to distant worlds. Once he is said to have acquired inflated ego and started bosting that he is the most sincere devotee of Narayana, the Lord and that no one can excel him when it came to true bhakti, devotion. Lord Vishnu, when He came to know of this wanted to cut him to size.

One day Narada entered Vaikunda, the abode of Lord Vishnu, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana' as always. After exchanging initial pleasantries, narada started beating his trumpet.

“Lord, is there anyone in the whole of seven worlds who can beat me in my bhakthi to your lordship? No, and I'm naturally proud of this.”

The Lord did not reply. There he was with his usual mischevous smile which disturbed Narada.

“Why are you silent, my Lord? Don't you agree with me?”

“Oh Narada, when did you come? I didn't notice your presence as I was immersed in the bhakti of a true devotee of mine in the boologa(earth). Did you say something? Anyway why don't you go and meet him and come after a week or so?”

Feeling hurt beyond words Narada dashed off to earth and found the trader, the Lord mentioned and started observing him keenly. The man was a shrewd trader and went about his business as usual. He didn't even murmur the Lord's name once during the day, let alone perform any pooja. His mind was fully occupied in his business which he did honestly.

He returned to his home after a hard day at work, had a wash and relaxed for some time. Then played with his children and went to bed after dinner. He got up early in the morning. After taking bath he went to the pooja room and lit the lamp and prayed for a few minutes, no elaborate pooja or anything, just a few words of prayer. Then he went to his shop to look after the business. The routine continued every day except that on some days he went to the market in a nearby city to procure goods for his shop. Making enquiries with the neighbours and family members, Narada could realise that this was his rotine, be it any ordinary day or festival or other special days.

Narada could no longer contain his rage. Why did the Lord think this man is His true devotee. After all this man says some prayer for less than ten minutes a day and doesn't even think of Him for the rest of the day, whereas I am chanting mantras and prayers all the time. Still the Lord praises this man. I should show the true colour of this man to the Lord. And he rushes to Vaikunda.

“Narayana, Narayana.”

“Hello, Narada, where were you?”

“Lord, I was observing the trader in the boologa as you said. He says a few words of prayer every morning. Whereas I am singing your praise all the time. How can you compare him with me?”

“Easy Narada. O.K. I shall accept you as my most devoted bhakta if you pass a test. First go and get a bowl full of milk kept over there. Bring it without spilling a drop.”

He went within seconds where the Lord pointed and saw a bowl filled to the brim with milk. He wanted to please the Lord and took it in his hands after putting the narada veena down. Normally he never parts with his veena, but he was prepared to do anything to make his Lord appreciate his devotion for Him.

He started moving towards the Lord. Though the distance was quite less and the bowl quite small, he could not walk fast as he could not afford to shake the bowl and spill the milk. As he was fully conentrating on the milk bowl, he didn't realise that it took him quite some time to reach the Lord. But alas, he made it. He had brought the bowl without spilling a drop out. He proudly placed it before the Lord and looked up.

“Thank you Narada. But where is your veena?. You look strange without your veena which has almost become a part of you.”

Narada ran back to fetch his veena and returned, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana.'

“Now my Lord, I have passed the test that you gave me. I hope at least now you shall agree that I am your true devotee.”

“Umm..., wait narada, just a couple question. How many times did you chant 'Narayana' in this last one hour?” It had taken him an hour to accomplish the task.

He was silent as he hadn't for once.

“O.K. How many times if ever did you think of me during that time?”

Silence again.

The Lord smiled and asked, “So you forgot your lord so soon?”

“Oh Lord, but You had given me a task and I was concentrating on it,“ Narada tried to reason out.

“And I completed it as directed by you without spilling even a drop. I thought You will appreciate it.”

“That's good.”

Narada sighed in relief and quipped, “So, You agree that I'm Your true devotee?”

“Wait, My devotee the trader is calling me in his usual morning prayer. I shall come back to you after listening to him.”

Narada was shrewd. He didn't need to be told that the Lord valued praying for a few minutes every day in spite of his busy schedule more than a lazy man's day long prayer.

I would like to share a story I have heard or read many years ago.

Narada according to Hindu mythology is a hard core devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is supposed to be a vedic sage capable of travelling to distant worlds. Once he is said to have acquired inflated ego and started bosting that he is the most sincere devotee of Narayana, the Lord and that no one can excel him when it came to true bhakti, devotion. Lord Krishna when He came to know of this wanted to cut him to size.

One day Narada entered Vaikunda, the abode of Lord vishnu, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana' as always. After exchanging initial pleasnatries, narada started beating his trumpet.

“Lord, is there anyone in the whole seven worlds who can beat me in my bhakthi to your lordship? No, and I'm naturally proud of this.”

The Lord did not reply. There he was with his usual mischevous smile which disturbed Narada.

“Why are you silent, my lord? Don't you agree with me?”

“Oh Narada, when did you come? I didn't notice your presence as I was immersed in the bhakti oa true devotee of mine in the boologa(earth). Did you say something? Anyway why don't you go and meet him and come after a week or so?”

Feeling hurt beyond words Narada dashed off to earth and found the trader, the Lord mentioned and started observing him keenly. The man was a shrewd trader and went about his business as usual. He didn't even murmur the Lord's name once during the day, let alone perform any pooja. His mind was fully occupied in his business which he did honestly.

He returned to his home after a hard day at work, had a wash and relaxed for some time. Then played with his children and went to bed after dinner. He got up early in the morning. After taking bath he went to the pooja room and lit the lamp and prayed for a few minutes, no elaborate pooja or anything, just a few words of prayer. Then he went to his shop to look after the business. The routine continued every day. Making enquiries with the neighbours and family memebers Narada could realise that this was his rotine, be it any ordinary day or festival or other special days.

Narada could no longer contain his rage. Why did the Lord think this man is his true devotee. After all this man says some prayer for less than ten minutes a day and doesn't even think of Him for the rest of the day, whereas I am chanting mantras and prayers 24x7. Still the Lord praises this man. I should show the true colour of this man to the Lord. And he rushes to Vaikunda.

“Narayana, Narayana.”

“Hello, Narada, where were you?”

“Lord, I was observing the trader in the boologa as you said. He says a few words of prayer every morning. Whereas I am singing your praise all the time. How can you compare him with me?”

“Easy Narada. O.K. I shall accept you as my most devoted bhakta if you pass a test. First go and get a bowl full of milk kept over there. Bring it without spilling a drop.”

He went within seconds where the Lord pointed and saw a bowl filled to the brim with milk. He wanted to please the Lord and took it in his hands after putting the narada veena down. Normally he never parts with his veena, but he was prepared to do anything to make his Lord appreciate his devotion for Him.

He started moving towards the Lord. Though the distance was quite less and the bowl quite small, he could not walk fast as he could not afford to shake the bowl and spill the milk. As hewas fully conentrating on the milk bowl, he didn't realise that it took him quite some time to reach the Lord. But alas, he made it. He had brought the bowl without spilling a drop out. He proudly placed it before the Lord and looked up.

“Thank you Narada. But where is your veena?. You look strange without your veena which has almost become a part of you.”

Narada ran back to fetch his veena and returned, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana.'

“Now my Lord, I have passed the test that you gave me. I hope at least now you shall agree that I am your true devotee.”

“Umm..., wait narada, just a couple question. How many times did you chant 'Narayana' in this last one hour?” It had taken him an hour to accomplish the task.

He was silent as he hadn't for once.

“O.K. How many times if ever did you think of me during that time?”

Silence again.

The Lord smiled and asked, “So you forgot your lord so soon?”

“Oh Lord, but You had given me a task and I was concentrating on it,“ Narada tried to reason out.

“And I completed it as directed by you without spilling even a drop. I thought You will appreciate it.”

“That's good.”

Narada sighed in relief and quipped, “So, You agree that I'm Your true devotee?”

“Wait, My devotee the trader is calling me in his usual morning prayer. Ishall come back to you after listening to him.”

Narada was shrewd. He didn't need to be told that the Lord valued praying for a few minutes every day in spite of his busy schedule more than a lazy man's day long prayer.

And I'm sure my atheist friends won't be cross with me for telling an age old mythological story as they can surely take it to higher platforms and invent many more interpretations.

I would like to share a story I have heard or read many years ago. And I'm sure my atheist friends won't be cross with me for telling an age old mythological story as they can surely take it to higher platforms and invent many more interpretations. 

Narada according to Hindu mythology is a hard core devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is supposed to be a vedic sage capable of travelling to distant worlds. Once he is said to have acquired inflated ego and started bosting that he is the most sincere devotee of Narayana, the Lord and that no one can excel him when it came to true bhakti, devotion. 
Lord Vishnu, when He came to know of Narada's pride wanted to cut him to size. 

One day Narada entered Vaikunda, the abode of Lord Vishnu, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana' as always. After exchanging initial pleasntries, Narada started beating his trumpet. 
“Lord, is there anyone in the whole of seven worlds who can beat me in my bhakthi to your lordship? No, and I'm naturally proud of this.”
The Lord did not reply. There he was with his usual mischevous smile which disturbed Narada.
“Why are you silent, my lord? Don't you agree with me?”
 “Oh Narada, when did you come? I didn't notice your presence as I was immersed in the bhakti of a true devotee of mine in the boologa(earth). Did you say something? Anyway why don't you go and meet him and come after a week or so?”
Feeling hurt beyond words Narada dashed off to earth and found the trader, the Lord mentioned and started observing him keenly. The man was a shrewd trader and went about his business as usual. He didn't even murmur the Lord's name once during the day, let alone perform any pooja. His mind was fully occupied in his business which he did honestly. 
He returned to his home after a hard day at work, had a wash and relaxed for some time. Then played with his children and went to bed after dinner. He got up early in the morning. After taking bath he went to the pooja room and lit the lamp and prayed for a few minutes, no elaborate pooja or anything, just a few words of prayer. Then he went to his shop to look after the business. The routine continued every day. Making enquiries with the neighbours and family memebers Narada could realise that this was his rotine, be it any ordinary day or festival or other special days. 
Narada could no longer contain his rage. Why did the Lord think this man is his true devotee. After all this man says some prayer for less than ten minutes a day and doesn't even think of Him for the rest of the day, whereas I am chanting mantras and prayers 24x7. Still the Lord praises this man. I should show the true colour of this man to the Lord. And he rushes to Vaikunda.
“Narayana, Narayana.”
“Hello, Narada, where were you?”
“Lord, I was observing the trader in the boologa as you said. He says a few words of prayer every morning. Whereas I am singing your praise all the time. How can you compare him with me?”
“Easy Narada. O.K. I shall accept you as my most devoted bhakta if you pass a test. First go and get a bowl full of milk kept over there. Bring it without spilling a drop.” 

He went within seconds where the Lord pointed and saw a bowl filled to the brim with milk. He wanted to please the Lord and took it in his hands after putting the narada veena  down. Normally he never parts with his veena, but he was prepared to do anything to make his Lord appreciate his devotion for Him.
He started moving towards the Lord. Though the distance was quite less and the bowl quite small, he could not walk fast as he could not afford to shake the bowl and spill the milk. As he was fully conentrating on the milk bowl, he didn't realise that it took him quite some time to reach the Lord. But alas, he made it. He had brought the bowl without spilling a drop out. He proudly placed it before the Lord and looked up.
“Thank you Narada. But where is your veena?. You look strange without your veena which has almost become a part of you.”
Narada ran back to fetch his veena and returned, chanting 'Narayana, Narayana.'
“Now my Lord, I have passed the test that you gave me. I hope at least now you shall agree that I am your true devotee.”
 “Umm..., wait Narada, just a couple  question. How many times did you chant 'Narayana' in this last one hour?” It had taken him an hour to accomplish the task.
He was silent as he hadn't for once.
“O.K. How many times if ever did you think of me during that time?”
Silence again.
The Lord smiled and asked, “So you forgot your lord so soon?”
“Oh Lord, but You had given me a task and I was concentrating on it,“ Narada tried to reason out.
“And I completed it as directed by you without spilling even a drop. I thought You will appreciate it.”
“That's good.”
Narada sighed in relief and quipped, “So, You agree that I'm Your true devotee?”
“Wait, My devotee the trader is calling me in his usual morning prayer. I shall come back to you after listening to him.”
Narada was shrewd. He didn't need to be told that the Lord valued praying for a few minutes every day in spite of his busy schedule more than a lazy man's day long prayer.