Hi Guys,
I was reading about Bharat Ratna M.S.Subbulakshmi and stumbled upon a fact that she was born on Sep 16 1918. Being an ardent fan of MS Amma, I thought I should dedicate a post on her. I think a typical day in South India begins with her melodious voice in all households. She is the Asthana Gayaki (court-singer) of TTD. There is a certain devotion and serenity in her voice which calms the listener and makes them forget everything else.
She was honored with Padma Bhushan (1954), Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1956), Sangeetha Kalanidhi (1968), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1974), Padma Vibhushan (1975), Bharat Ratna (1998)(I have mentioned only the prominent ones ).Pandit Nehru addressed her as the Queen of Music. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan called her Suswaralakshmi. Lata Mangeshkar termed her as Tapaswini.
Indeed she was a Tapaswini .When one listens to her songs , you only think of the Deity. She donated all her award money and concert money to charity. Fame and Glory never really touched her. She was simple all her life. She was a humble and a great devotee of Kanchi Mahaswamigal and Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
She acted in a few movies like Sevasadanam, Savitri and Meera. During the shooting of Meera, she was supposed to sing a Bhajan and then faint after having the Darshan of the Lord. She was so much involved into the Bhajan that she really fainted. The Bhajan is Giridhara Gopala. One can listen to this melody at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3qD9EwvYEI
Who can forget her Jagadodharana. I think nobody can sing like that. One can listen to that at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qli9tU5MJa0&feature=PlayList&p=A2C0675FA20047A5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5
My personal favorite is Bhavayami Gopalabalam. One can listen to that at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxvd5DfpUt0
She herself looked like a goddess to me. I was so sad when I saw her without her trademark Kumkum after the death of her husband. She breathed her last on December 11, 2004. She will always live forever in the form of her melodious voice.
On a personal note I think she was a Karana Janmi (born for a purpose ).
Signing off for now,
Krishna.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hi Guys,
I was reading an article in the Times about why we don't excel consistently on the world stage. Actually this question is very important for each one of us. We don't win Olympic medals, we don't have many global brands (be it expensive items or even consumer goods ), we don't win Nobel prizes, we don't have a blockbuster drug of our own (all we have are generics). We boast of a huge IT industry but don't have our own Google. The list can go on and on. There is really no end to it.
Of course we also have a whole lot of positives but it is our responsibility to correct our negatives and improve our positives. Frankly speaking our negatives outnumber our positives a thousand fold.
Few common answers to this question are that we don't have money, our Governments are insensitive, Corruption etc etc. A very interesting aspect is that we don't give importance to talent and people. In our system , talent comes after connections, stature, heredity, experience etc. How often do we see an unknown and a common boy become a superstar, but definitely more often than not we see the son of a superstar become another superstar. Even if the talent is identified, we are not ready to train it and find it extremely difficult to reward it. We don't appreciate talent because we remind ourselves of our pain in their success ( in other words we have too much jealousy). That is the main reason why talented people go for greener pastures where they are respected and treated well. I am reminded of an incident that happened a couple of years ago in the KK express that travels from Bangalore to Delhi. There was a guy who was traveling with us in the sleeper class. He was a graduate from IIT and was doing his PhD from Purdue. He was visiting his hometown for a few days. There was a problem with his ticket and the TT was not listening to his pleas. What hurt him most was the manner in which the TT was speaking to him. There was a total disrespect shown by the TT towards the passenger. After all this, the TT pocketed 1000 Rs from him. That sums up everything about our attitude.
Ok , now for some solutions.....
At the individual level, we all need to appreciate and respect Talent. Talent should not cause resentment in us. It should inspire us.
At the Organizational level, we have to get rid of promotion system based on seniority. Exceptional Talent must also be rewarded exceptionally. I am sure these are small steps, but they will surely put us on the right path. Maybe, the path to few Nobels and a few Olympic Medals......
Signing off for now,
Krishna.
I was reading an article in the Times about why we don't excel consistently on the world stage. Actually this question is very important for each one of us. We don't win Olympic medals, we don't have many global brands (be it expensive items or even consumer goods ), we don't win Nobel prizes, we don't have a blockbuster drug of our own (all we have are generics). We boast of a huge IT industry but don't have our own Google. The list can go on and on. There is really no end to it.
Of course we also have a whole lot of positives but it is our responsibility to correct our negatives and improve our positives. Frankly speaking our negatives outnumber our positives a thousand fold.
Few common answers to this question are that we don't have money, our Governments are insensitive, Corruption etc etc. A very interesting aspect is that we don't give importance to talent and people. In our system , talent comes after connections, stature, heredity, experience etc. How often do we see an unknown and a common boy become a superstar, but definitely more often than not we see the son of a superstar become another superstar. Even if the talent is identified, we are not ready to train it and find it extremely difficult to reward it. We don't appreciate talent because we remind ourselves of our pain in their success ( in other words we have too much jealousy). That is the main reason why talented people go for greener pastures where they are respected and treated well. I am reminded of an incident that happened a couple of years ago in the KK express that travels from Bangalore to Delhi. There was a guy who was traveling with us in the sleeper class. He was a graduate from IIT and was doing his PhD from Purdue. He was visiting his hometown for a few days. There was a problem with his ticket and the TT was not listening to his pleas. What hurt him most was the manner in which the TT was speaking to him. There was a total disrespect shown by the TT towards the passenger. After all this, the TT pocketed 1000 Rs from him. That sums up everything about our attitude.
Ok , now for some solutions.....
At the individual level, we all need to appreciate and respect Talent. Talent should not cause resentment in us. It should inspire us.
At the Organizational level, we have to get rid of promotion system based on seniority. Exceptional Talent must also be rewarded exceptionally. I am sure these are small steps, but they will surely put us on the right path. Maybe, the path to few Nobels and a few Olympic Medals......
Signing off for now,
Krishna.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Hi Guys,
There are so many interesting things happening right now. What caught my attention is the row over cutting on the pay and perks of the Corporate executives. The movement was initiated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. I feel that this action should have been taken at least 5 years ago. It is already too late but still better late than never.
But most surprising thing was the example set by Reliance group of industries. RIL has issued a notice stating that its CMD will draw a salary of 15 crores for the fiscal year 08-09 . He was earlier drawing a whopping 44 crore. There is so much praise for the exemplary behavior of Mr.Mukesh Ambani by Mr.Kurshid (Corporate Affairs Minister).
Now,I am from a middle class family and I very much know the struggles of a middle class family to sustain a good living. A post graduate will earn sufficient money to take care of the needs of the family. I repeat its just the needs and not the comforts. So even if he or she makes 4 lakhs per annum, to even equal 15 crores he or she would take 360 years. Then what about 44 crores??? My question is when there is so much unemployment, poverty, etc etc in the country then why should one person earn so much (as much as salary of 100 people). Why is there so much disparity. That is the reason we are not moving ahead. The rich get richer and poor remain poor. What is the solution for this problem. I don't know. Government should find a solution for this. It may take long time,but the first few steps should be taken now.
Signing off for now,
Krishna
There are so many interesting things happening right now. What caught my attention is the row over cutting on the pay and perks of the Corporate executives. The movement was initiated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. I feel that this action should have been taken at least 5 years ago. It is already too late but still better late than never.
But most surprising thing was the example set by Reliance group of industries. RIL has issued a notice stating that its CMD will draw a salary of 15 crores for the fiscal year 08-09 . He was earlier drawing a whopping 44 crore. There is so much praise for the exemplary behavior of Mr.Mukesh Ambani by Mr.Kurshid (Corporate Affairs Minister).
Now,I am from a middle class family and I very much know the struggles of a middle class family to sustain a good living. A post graduate will earn sufficient money to take care of the needs of the family. I repeat its just the needs and not the comforts. So even if he or she makes 4 lakhs per annum, to even equal 15 crores he or she would take 360 years. Then what about 44 crores??? My question is when there is so much unemployment, poverty, etc etc in the country then why should one person earn so much (as much as salary of 100 people). Why is there so much disparity. That is the reason we are not moving ahead. The rich get richer and poor remain poor. What is the solution for this problem. I don't know. Government should find a solution for this. It may take long time,but the first few steps should be taken now.
Signing off for now,
Krishna
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Hi Guys,
I was watching the special report on AP flood situation in CNN. The water level has receded and the Government officials report that they have set up hundreds of relief camps and they are doing their best to provide the basic needs for the victims. But media has found out that Government is not trying its best to help the people. It is the local students, retired officers and other sensitive people who have come together and trying to help the people. Now, how many times have we heard and read about the incapability of the Government to take action at the right time. I can go on and on about the insensitive and corrupt people who form the so called Government.
But on the other hand, it is so gladdening to know that people feel empathetic for others who suffer the ordeal . They come forward and try to help the victims in whatever way they can. This is an eye opener for all of us. One needs to be considerate for other people because concern for others is Culture.
Another interesting news was about an engineering student whose heart was pierced by a 4 cm long needle. The needle remained stuck in his heart for 3 days. Doctors, who tried to operate him could not locate the needle. He was then taken to the Government hospital and they gave him few medicines and told him to come after 3 days as they were on a strike. Another example of the exemplary sense of Duty the Government Authorities have.
Finally, he was brought to Delhi and taken to Escorts Heart Hospital. He was put on a heart-lung-machine as his heart had to be stopped to prevent the needle from penetrating further down. They somehow could locate the needle and then pulled it out using a magnet.
I say that the guy was really lucky. In common parlance, he had a close shave.
Signing off,
Krishna
I was watching the special report on AP flood situation in CNN. The water level has receded and the Government officials report that they have set up hundreds of relief camps and they are doing their best to provide the basic needs for the victims. But media has found out that Government is not trying its best to help the people. It is the local students, retired officers and other sensitive people who have come together and trying to help the people. Now, how many times have we heard and read about the incapability of the Government to take action at the right time. I can go on and on about the insensitive and corrupt people who form the so called Government.
But on the other hand, it is so gladdening to know that people feel empathetic for others who suffer the ordeal . They come forward and try to help the victims in whatever way they can. This is an eye opener for all of us. One needs to be considerate for other people because concern for others is Culture.
Another interesting news was about an engineering student whose heart was pierced by a 4 cm long needle. The needle remained stuck in his heart for 3 days. Doctors, who tried to operate him could not locate the needle. He was then taken to the Government hospital and they gave him few medicines and told him to come after 3 days as they were on a strike. Another example of the exemplary sense of Duty the Government Authorities have.
Finally, he was brought to Delhi and taken to Escorts Heart Hospital. He was put on a heart-lung-machine as his heart had to be stopped to prevent the needle from penetrating further down. They somehow could locate the needle and then pulled it out using a magnet.
I say that the guy was really lucky. In common parlance, he had a close shave.
Signing off,
Krishna
Friday, October 9, 2009
Hi Guys,
To start with a very pleasant news.....The Nobel prize for Chemistry has one recipient from Indian origin. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has made a country of billion people very proud. Born in Chidamabaram (T.N), Venkat got his Bachelors in Physics from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda and migrated to the land of opportunity to pursue his Ph.D. He obtained his Doctorate in Physics from Ohio University in 1976 and then planned his 2 year transition from Physics to Biology. After a Postdoctoral stint at Yale, Venkat joined the staff of Brookhaven National Laboratory.Venkat has been awarded the Nobel prize in Chemistry this year for his pioneering work on Ribosomes. Venkat is now working as a senior scientist at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.
Previous Nobel Laureates
Tagore (1913, Geetanjali),C.V.Raman (1930, Raman Effect),Hargobind Khurana (1968, Genetic code),Mother Teresa (1979, Peace),Subramanian Chandrasekhar (1983, Evolution of stars),Amartya Sen (1998, Welfare economics).
Now for some not so pleasant news....
Floods have hit Andhra again and it has caused a lot of damage to lives and property.There seems to be no real solution to this recurring problem. PMO has released 1000 Crore for relief measures, but I am not sure how much of it will reach the really needy. There are lot of NGOs and Seva Dal groups who have alredy plunged into the relief work. I will get back with more news soon.
Signing off for now.
Krishna
To start with a very pleasant news.....The Nobel prize for Chemistry has one recipient from Indian origin. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has made a country of billion people very proud. Born in Chidamabaram (T.N), Venkat got his Bachelors in Physics from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda and migrated to the land of opportunity to pursue his Ph.D. He obtained his Doctorate in Physics from Ohio University in 1976 and then planned his 2 year transition from Physics to Biology. After a Postdoctoral stint at Yale, Venkat joined the staff of Brookhaven National Laboratory.Venkat has been awarded the Nobel prize in Chemistry this year for his pioneering work on Ribosomes. Venkat is now working as a senior scientist at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.
Previous Nobel Laureates
Tagore (1913, Geetanjali),C.V.Raman (1930, Raman Effect),Hargobind Khurana (1968, Genetic code),Mother Teresa (1979, Peace),Subramanian Chandrasekhar (1983, Evolution of stars),Amartya Sen (1998, Welfare economics).
Now for some not so pleasant news....
Floods have hit Andhra again and it has caused a lot of damage to lives and property.There seems to be no real solution to this recurring problem. PMO has released 1000 Crore for relief measures, but I am not sure how much of it will reach the really needy. There are lot of NGOs and Seva Dal groups who have alredy plunged into the relief work. I will get back with more news soon.
Signing off for now.
Krishna
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Hi Guys,
I was in Chicago over the weekend. I met few of my friends and some seniors from my college. It was basically an Alumni meet. I was so happy to meet all these people.
I was catching up with news today and read an article about ill treatment of Legendary Athlete P.T.Usha by Madhya Pradesh State Government. She was in Bhopal in connection with the 49 th National Athletic Meet. I bet that if the same thing would have happened to Sachin Tendulkar or for that matter even Harbhajan Singh, the issue would have been more serious and would have been discussed at the Parliament Session ( Our politicians have no time to solve the flood issues but will definitely have time to discuss this ). Such things will never happen to cricketers. It is not the fault of players. Players are being given importance by the rich Boards. It is high time that Govt should start investing in games beyond Cricket. We are way behind in all strenuous and stamina oriented sports like Athletics, Football, Tennis, Hockey, Boxing, Badminton....the list is endless. The Laurels brought to our Country by Paes, Bhupathi, Vijendar, Saina, Somdev and many many more unrecognized heroes are by their talent alone without much support from the Government. I remember that Abhinav Bindra (Gold Medalist of Olympics 2008 ) was not given air fare to travel to Beijing. He payed the money from his pocket. I am sure such thing will not happen to any established cricketer. In spite of repeated failures at major tournaments we still back Cricket. I think we have to encourage children to pursue other sports than Cricket.
Will be back tomorrow
Krishna
I was in Chicago over the weekend. I met few of my friends and some seniors from my college. It was basically an Alumni meet. I was so happy to meet all these people.
I was catching up with news today and read an article about ill treatment of Legendary Athlete P.T.Usha by Madhya Pradesh State Government. She was in Bhopal in connection with the 49 th National Athletic Meet. I bet that if the same thing would have happened to Sachin Tendulkar or for that matter even Harbhajan Singh, the issue would have been more serious and would have been discussed at the Parliament Session ( Our politicians have no time to solve the flood issues but will definitely have time to discuss this ). Such things will never happen to cricketers. It is not the fault of players. Players are being given importance by the rich Boards. It is high time that Govt should start investing in games beyond Cricket. We are way behind in all strenuous and stamina oriented sports like Athletics, Football, Tennis, Hockey, Boxing, Badminton....the list is endless. The Laurels brought to our Country by Paes, Bhupathi, Vijendar, Saina, Somdev and many many more unrecognized heroes are by their talent alone without much support from the Government. I remember that Abhinav Bindra (Gold Medalist of Olympics 2008 ) was not given air fare to travel to Beijing. He payed the money from his pocket. I am sure such thing will not happen to any established cricketer. In spite of repeated failures at major tournaments we still back Cricket. I think we have to encourage children to pursue other sports than Cricket.
Will be back tomorrow
Krishna
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