communication – Page 144 – Take off with Natarajan

படித்ததில் பிடித்தது ….” மறந்து போன மனித நேயம் உன் ஜனன தேதியில் மட்டும் தலை காட்டும்” ….

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

அமைதி ஆயுதம் போதும்!

உலகம் போற்றும்
உத்தமனே
உன்னால்தானே
உரிமை பெற்றோம்!

நாங்கள்
உயரப் பறக்க
சிறகுகள் தந்து
உன் உயிர் சிறகை
உதிர்த்துக் கொண்டாயே!

அன்னையின்
அடிமைச்சங்கிலி உடைக்க
அர்ஜுனனைப் போல
அஸ்திரம் ஏந்தவில்லை!

சச்சரவுகள் தீர்க்க
வாசுதேவனைப் போல
சாவகாசமாக வந்து
சர்க்கரை பேச்சு பேசி
சமரச முயற்சியும்
மேற்கொள்ளவில்லை!

ஆயுதம் எடுக்கவில்லை
அறைகூவல் விடுக்கவில்லை
அடிமைச்சங்கிலியை
எப்படி அடக்கம் செய்தாய்?

அமைதிப்பிரியனே…
உன் மவுன யுத்தத்தின்
உச்சி தவத்தால் தான்
எத்தனை மகத்துவம்!

மறந்து போன மனித நேயம்
உன் ஜனன தேதியில் மட்டும்
மறுமுளை விட்டு
மறுபடியும்
மறைந்து கொள்கிறது!

ஆனாலும்
மகாத்மா என்ற சகாப்தத்தின்
தலைமகன் நாமம் மட்டும்
மறந்து போவதே இல்லை
கருவறையிலிருந்து கல்லறை
செல்லும் வரை!

நீ அழைத்துச் செல்ல மறந்த
அகிம்சையென்னும்
அமைதி ஆயுதம் ஒன்று போதும்
இந்த உலகம் உயர்ந்து நிற்கும்
உன் பேர் என்றும் நிலைத்து நிற்கும்!

— க.அழகர்சாமி, கொச்சி.

Source….www.dinamalar.com

Natarajan

இதோ ஒரு அரிய சந்தர்ப்பம்…..

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

செப்., 28 மகாளய பட்சம் ஆரம்பம்

ஜென்மங்களிலேயே உயர்ந்தது மனித ஜென்மம்; மனித பிறவியில் மட்டுமே நாம் பிறவிப் பிணியில் இருந்து மீள முடியும். ஆனால், பிறந்தால் இறந்தாக வேண்டும், நோயில் சிக்கியாக வேண்டும், கஷ்டங்களை அனுபவித்தே தீர வேண்டும். இதில் ஏழை, பணக்காரர் என்ற வித்தியாசமில்லை.
ஒரு சிலர், பணக்காரர்களைப் பார்த்து, அவருக்குள்ள வசதி நமக்கு இல்லையே என, ஏங்குவர். இவர்கள் ஒன்றைப் புரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். அந்த பணக்காரர்கள் காபியில் சர்க்கரை சேர்த்து குடிக்காதவர்களாக இருப்பர். ஏங்குகிற நீங்களோ, காபி போதாதென்று கேசரியையும் சேர்த்து விழுங்கிக் கொண்டிருப்பீர்கள். இப்போது சொல்லுங்கள்… யார் கொடுத்து வைத்தவர்!
மானிடப் பிறவி உயர்ந்தது தான்; அதை தாழ்த்துவது அவரவர் எண்ணங்களும், செயல்களுமே! கோடி ரூபாய் சம்பாதித்தாலும், சாப்பிடப் போவது இரண்டு இட்லி தான் என்ற சிந்தனை மட்டும் இருந்து விடுமானால், நம் பிறவி, அர்த்தமுள்ளதாகி விடும்.
பல பிறவிகளின் புண்ணியத்தால் நமக்கு கிடைத்துள்ளதே மானிடப் பிறவி. இந்தப் பிறவியை நமக்கு வழங்கியவர்கள் நம் பெற்றோர். அந்த பெற்றோரை வழங்கியது அவர்களது பெற்றோர். இப்படியே நம் முந்தைய தலைமுறை விரிவடைந்து கொண்டே செல்கிறது. அந்த தலைமுறையை வணங்கவும், அவர்களது வாழ்த்தைப் பெறவும், ஆண்டில், 15 நாட்கள் மகாளய பட்சம் என்ற ஒன்றை உருவாக்கியுள்ளனர்.
‘மகாளயம்’ என்றால், கூட்டமாக வருதல்; புரட்டாசி மாதம் மகாளய அமாவாசையன்று நம் முன்னோர், கூட்டமாக நம்மை காண வருவதாக ஐதீகம். அன்று நாம், அவர்களை வரவேற்று தர்ப்பணம் செய்து, அவர்களுக்கு பிடித்த உணவு வகைகளை படைத்து வணங்க வேண்டும். அமாவாசைக்கு முந்தைய, 15 நாட்கள், தினமும் தர்ப்பணம் செய்ய வேண்டும்.
இது ஒன்றும் பெரிய விஷயமல்ல; அவர்கள் பெயரைச் சொல்லி சிறிது எள்ளும், தண்ணீரும் நீர் நிலைகளிலோ, கால் படாத இடங்களிலோ விட்டாலே போதும். புரோகிதர் மூலமாகச் செய்தால் மிகவும் நல்லது. வசதிப்படுவோர் கங்கை, காவிரி, தாமிரபரணி உள்ளிட்ட புண்ணிய தீர்த்தங்களுக்கு ஒரு நாளாவது சென்று தர்ப்பணம் செய்து வரலாம். பெற்றோர் இறந்த திதியன்று புண்ணியத் தீர்த்தங்களுக்கு செல்வது மிகவும் நல்லது. இந்நாட்களில் பசுவுக்கு கீரை, பழம் கொடுக்க வேண்டும். சக்திக்கேற்ப தான தர்மம் செய்யலாம்.
நமக்காக, பெற்றோரும், தாத்தா, பாட்டிகளும் எத்தனையோ தியாகங்களை செய்துள்ளனர். அவர்கள் ஆத்மசாந்தி பெறவும், நம் குடும்பம் வாழையடி வாழையாக தழைக்கவும், இந்த வழிபாட்டை செய்து வரலாம்.
இந்த ஆண்டு செப்.,28 துவங்கி, அக்.,12 வரை, மகாளய காலம். இந்த அரிய சந்தர்ப்பத்தை தவற விட்டு விடாதீர்கள்!

Source….தி.செல்லப்பா in http://www.dinamalar.com

natarajan

Image of the Day…Nile at Night

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, recently past the halfway mark of his one-year mission to the International Space Station, photographed the Nile River during a nighttime flyover on Sept. 22, 2015. Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) wrote, “Day 179. The #Nile at night is a beautiful sight for these sore eyes. Good night from@space_station! #YearInSpace.”

Image Credit: NASA

Source……www.nasa.gov

This 104 Year-Old Grandma, Adorned her Town with Crochet…….

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Grace Brett, a 104-year-old great grandmother might just be the oldest street artist in the world. The grandmother of six is a member of a knitting club known as the ‘Souter Stormers’ – a group that has recently taken over the towns of Selkirk, Ettrickbridge and Yarrow in Scotland, with their impressive knitting skills. Members of Stormers have spent a year secretly planning a project to conduct this street art installation. And this month, the mischievous knitters took to the streets, sewing up fences, benches and lamp poles all across the town in elaborate knitted art. The images below showcase her impressive knitting skills.

Oldest Street Artist

“I thought that it was a really good idea to decorate the town and enjoyed having my crochet included,” Grace Brett said.

Oldest Street Artist

“I liked seeing my work showing with everyone elses and thought the town looked lovely.”

Oldest Street Artist

Her daughter Daphne says that “she always knitted and crocheted all through her life.”

Oldest Street Artist

“She has always done all the knitting for the babies and made shawls.”

Oldest Street Artist

Residents have been enjoying their new yarn exhibitions too!

Oldest Street Artist

Source……www.ba-bamail.com and www.youtube.com

Natarajan

This 12 Year Old Wrote His Exams Blindfolded to Create Awareness About an Important Cause …

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

12-year-old R Madheswaran says that he can read even when he is blindfolded. The class 7 student decided to put these skills to better use and appeared blindfolded for his English exam. He did this to spread awareness about a very important cause.

Sri Ramakrishna Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore, witnessed an unusual scenario during the recently held quarterly examinations at school. Among all the students who were writing their papers on Friday, there was one who attracted everyone’s attention.

R Madheswaran, a Class 7 student, sat for the exam blindfolded. And he even managed to finish the paper within the prescribed two hours.-

Photo: blog.onlinerti.com

No, Madheswaran did not have an eye injury, nor is he visually impaired. The 12-year-old boy took this unusual step to spread awareness about eye donation. He wanted to feel how visually impaired people experience the world, and at the same time, wanted to spread awareness about the various talents that they possess.

Madheswaran claims to have some unusual skills which enable him to read phone messages, question papers and text books while he is blindfolded. .

The young boy decided to put his unique skills to use when writing his English exam paper. The questions paper was not in Braille, and neither were the alphabets embossed.

So how did this young fellow complete this unusual task? Madheswaran says that every word and number has a different smell, and this smell helps him read them in his mind. He also wrote perfectly, right between the lines, using the same technique of smelling the words and the sheet.

His parents claim that Madheswaran acquired these special skills after attending a brain fold activation programme which improved his concentration and enabled him to sense many things without seeing them. Confident of his skills, Madheswaran and his family approached the school authorities to seek permission for this special act and they happily agreed.

Though these skills look unrealistic, we can’t help praising the young boy who took this step to spread awareness for a cause. After all, it is the thought that counts.

Source………www.the better india .com

Natarajan

Dr Uma Rajan, 75-Year-Old Indian-Singaporean Doctor, Honoured for Her Community Service ….

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

This doctor has been working relentlessly and has contributed immensely to the field of healthcare and community service. And now, the 75-year-old has been honoured for her inspiring work.

Dr. Uma Rajan, an Indian-Singaporean doctor, dedicated 38 years of her life to healthcare and community service. And for this, the 75-year-old doctor has been honoured by the Indian community in Singapore.

She has now become the first woman to receive the tabla! Community Champion Award.

Source: Facebook

Singapore Press Holdings’ publication – tabla! is a weekly English language newspaper, which launched the Community Champion Award in 2011. The award, in its fifth year, was given by Minister of State for Law and Education, Indranee Rajah, yesterday at the Singapore International Indian Shopping Festival.

Dr. Rajan, who is currently the vice-chairman of the Siglap South Community Centre, won USD 10,000 and she donated the entire amount to two voluntary welfare organizations – Singapore Children’s Society and Asian Women’s Welfare Association in Singapore.

The doctor has been a part of many philanthropic activities, and has many achievements in her name. She was the director of the elder care department at the Ministry of Health from 1996 to 2000. In this time, she started about 10 elderly care centres with voluntary welfare organisations. She also created the blue booklet which is still being used by students in Singapore for their annual health check-ups. She had come up with this idea in early 1980s, when she was the Director at the School Health Service. She felt that booklets should be introduced for school children so they do not have to carry their medical cards. The booklet helps parents remain updated about their children’s medical conditions. She also participated in extensive research into problems such as obesity, myopia and scoliosis

Dr. Rajan lost her husband 38 years ago, after which she started giving her time to the community. She is also known for her contribution to the field of arts, and was one of the founding members of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society. She received the title of Natyakala Bushanam (ornament of dance) from the Indian Institute of Fine Arts in Chennai in 1954.

Source………www.the better india.com

Natarajan

MY STORY: “I Grew up in Karnataka Disliking Tamilians. Then This Happened….”

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

In the MY STORY section, we present some of the most compelling and pertinent stories and experiences shared with us by our readers. Do you have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com with “MY STORY” in the subject line.

He had grown up observing the endless conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and had formed some preconceived notions about Tamilians and their language. But once he got a chance to live in TN, his perspective changed forever. There were several humbling incidents that led to this change. And here is one of them.

Having been born and bought up in Karnataka, I had witnessed a lot of conflict between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu while growing up – sometimes for water and sometimes for linguistic equality. That’s why when I got a job in Chennai, I was really shocked. Over the years, I had developed an unfortunate prejudice against the people and language of the other state. And now, I had to go and live there. I was very unsure about this decision initially. Little did I know that I was in for a surprise.

After reaching Chennai, with every passing day, I slowly began to realise that the reality was very different from what I had grown up imagining.

People here were caring, honest, friendly and really inspiring. They completely changed my attitude towards the state. I also learnt that Tamilians love and have a high regard for Kannadigas. –

Photo for representation purpose. Cedit: Ryan/Flickr

Today, I have been in Chennai for three years. I know how to speak Tamil, and I cannot tolerate it if someone says something bad about the state. This place has always offered me its best. It has helped me attain financial stability, and has supported my journey towards my dreams.

There were several incidents which changed my outlook towards Tamil Nadu and its people, and here is one of them.

While in Chennai, I got associated with an NGO. This had always been my dream, and was also my way of giving back to the city which had welcomed me with open arms. One day, as part of the work related to this NGO, my roommate and I were travelling to SODEWS (Society for the Development of Economically Weaker Sections), which is situated near Yelagiri, 200km away from Chennai.

We took a train from Chennai to Vaniyambadi station and from there we took a private bus that goes to Alangayam. We had to get down at Niniyampattu station which is 7km away from Alangayam.

I had a bag which contained a few things that we had to deliver to some children in SODEWS. The bus was so crowded that I had to keep the bag in the separate luggage section.

It was a new place, so we were extra alert about getting off at the right stop. But when we finally did, I forgot to take my bag along. We then went into a small shop, and it was only five minutes later when I realised that I had left my bag.

It was a remote area. I did not remember anything about the bus except for its colour. And there was very little chance of finding another vehicle to chase the bus. I started asking around the shop, but the owner told me that there was no chance of finding the bus and I should forget about the bag. I told him that it had one book, a bunch of pencils purchased for SODEWS students, and my mother’s medical reports.

Suddenly, another person who was purchasing something at the shop and was listening to our conversation, said – “One of you can come along with me and I will help you catch the bus.”

He helped me in a completely selfless way

I told him that it was not very important, but he insisted, saying that we should give it a try. We rode for about 7km in search of the bus and finally found it as it was entering the Alangayam bus stand! –

Photo for representation purpose. Credit: cotaro70s/Flickr

Since vehicles were not allowed inside the stand, he asked me to go and collect my belongings. And then, he even dropped me back to the same place from where we had started.

I was really grateful for the way he helped me in such a selfless manner.

This was one man who was not concerned about where I came from, what language I spoke, or what religion I followed. All he was doing was helping me out in a time of need, just for the sake of humanity.

With this story, I would like to tell all my Kannadiga and Tamilian brothers and sisters, that instead of discussing and arguing about who is superior, and who is not, let’s all take pride in being human beings. Let’s maintain brotherhood and work with each other towards the development of the country as a whole.

-Anonymous

Source………www.the better india .com

Natarajan

She Helps the Needy Get Access to Wheelchairs, Crutches, Etc. For Just Re. 1….

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Orthopaedic equipment is expensive — wheelchairs cost thousands and even lakhs of rupees, while even a simple pair of crutches can tot up to a few hundred. But more important is the fact that most of the time, this equipment has a short-term use. Falguni Doshi of Vadodara has come up with an innovative way of recycling the equipment while helping the needy.

It all started when Falguni visited her friend Sonal in Vadodara. The latter’s grandmother had recently recovered from a prolonged illness and was no longer in need of her wheelchair and walker, which were now lying useless and discarded around the house.

This is when Falguni came up with the idea of recycling the equipment to help the needy. Soon, the two friends had come up with a plan to rent it out for Re. 1 a day.

Project ‘Helping Hand’ was born in 1999 with just four pieces of orthopaedic equipment.

Falguni (L) started with just four pieces of orthopaedic equipment. –

Over the years, donations poured in as many people don’t have much use for wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, canes, knee and ankle and neck braces, etc., after the immediate need for them is over. Falguni would rent them out on a regular basis as the demand for them kept growing with each passing day.

“It was just a simple idea. We didn’t expect it to be so successful. It has been about 16 years and I receive at least two to three queries every day even now. I have rented out thousands of pieces of equipment,” says Falguni.

Sonal had to drop out of the project due to personal commitments, but Helping Hand soon became more than a part-time commitment for Falguni. News about the work she was doing spread by word of mouth and many needy people began to approach her for renting the equipment she had.

Falguni takes the entire cost of the equipment as deposit from the clients. This amount is refunded when the customer returns the equipment.

Most people rent the equipment for a couple of weeks or months at a time.

“Earlier, I used to give these things away for free. But then I thought people would not value things given as charity or take care of the equipment. This way people take it seriously and I get to buy more products too,” she says.

Most of the products are donated to Helping Hand by those who don’t need them any more, while some are purchased brand new by Falguni.

For those who cannot afford to pay the deposit, the orthopaedic items are given on just a rental basis. “It is quite flexible. Our main idea was to put the unused equipment to some use and to help those in need. So we do not care if someone is unable to pay the deposit. What matters to us is that we are able to help them,” says Falguni.

Today, Helping Hand receives queries from across Gujarat. But Falguni has restricted her work to only Vadodara as of now.

“Right now I don’t have the capacity to scale up since I am the only one running the show. But my family members support me as much as they can,” she says.

Although the work has been running smoothly for the most part, Falguni has occasionally faced hurdles in the form of clients who return damaged equipment without informing her. –

For more details, contact Falguni at – falgunikd19@gmail.com

I figure it out when I am giving it to someone else. Also, many people do not take responsibility for the damage and I have to face the loss,” she says.

But these problems do not affect Falguni who is deeply attached to some of her customers — they often come to her for a friendly chat or when they need a shoulder to lean on.

“Many times, these people are frustrated with their sickness. They have already shared the details with their family and friends. But I am a new person to them, and since I work in this field I understand them. They feel very close to me and share their issues with me. I feel so overwhelmed by all the love that I receive,” says Falguni.

Falguni recalls a very touching moment when she received a call from a man named Mr. Gupta. His mother had just expired after a long illness and he had heard about Helping Hand. He called Falguni to donate all his mother’s orthopaedic equipment.

“All those products were imported and of very high quality. When he came here to donate them, he was so touched by our work that he donated some money too so that we can buy more things. His gesture will not only touch so many lives but it also gave me a boost that I was doing something good,” says Falguni.

So if you know someone who needs orthopaedic support in Vadodara, Falguni is there to help. And if you have spare equipment at your place, then you know how to put it to better use.

For more details, contact Falguni at – falgunikd19@gmail.com

Source…..www.thebetterindia.com

Natarajan

The healthy foods you’re not eating…….

September 26, 2015NatarajanLeave a comment

Purple carrots contain vitamin E and beta carotene like their orange counterparts but are also full of other goodies.

You may be all over quinoa and love kale, but there are some less common health foods that you need to start incorporating into your diet.

These foods are jam-packed with nutrients and are a great way to mix up your diet.

Red cabbage

Go for this vibrant-hued cabbage the next time you’re in the mood to mix things up in the vegie department. Red cabbage is low in calories, high in fibre, plus it’s rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Sardines

They may be tiny but sardines pack a punch in the nutrition department. They’re high in omega-3 fats which are great for the heart, along with vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and B vitamins. If you’re looking for a fish alternative consider adding sardines to your food repertoire.

Pumpkin seeds

You may occasionally come across these tiny bite-sized bits of goodness in a protein ball recipe or as a topping on salads but consider adding them to your diet as a snack alternative. The seeds are actually the most nutritious part of a pumpkin! They’re high in magnesium, full of copper, protein and zinc and are also a great source of antioxidants.

Radishes

Radishes are a great detoxifier and help eliminate toxins and free radicals from the body. They’re also jam packed with vitamin C and are a great source of folate, fibre, vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium.

Purple carrots

Orange carrots? Been there, done that. So how about the purple variety? They’re equally as healthy, if not more so. Purple carrots contain vitamin E and beta carotene like their orange counterparts but are also full of anthocyanins, the antioxidant compound that can help improve memory, protect against heart attacks and enhance vision. Plus who doesn’t love the novelty of a purple carrot?

Swiss chard

You may know this green leafy vegetable by its other name silverbeet. Just one cup of Swiss chard can provide you with 300 per cent of your required daily intake of vitamin K. It’s also a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A and is full of magnesium, potassium, iron and fibre.

Turnips

Along with broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale, turnips are part of the nutritious cruciferous family. Turnips are full of vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and potassium. They’re a great low-calorie alternative to potatoes and are packed full of fibre which will help you stay full for longer.

For more articles on nutrition, head to Body + Soul.

Source……..Tania Gomez ….www.news.com.au

Natarajan