Saturday, October 10, 2009
Team 1 Daily LAWS - Obama gets Nobel Peace prize and No peace around - even for Navagrahas
Team 1 Daily LAWS - Obama gets Nobel Peace prize and No peace around - even for Navagrahas
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Passionate Photography Thoughts - Do you hear the tinggggg?
Passionate Photography Thoughts - Do you hear the tinggggg?
Dear Friends,
I am thrilled today because my memories are taking me to my childhood days, when I lived at my ancestral home at Oorakam near Trichur within a big joint family amongst a group of children of various ages within the family and surroundings. Not like these days, gifts and pocket money were occasional and we had to wait for either Onam, or Vishu to get a pair of new dress or some money within our pocket for utilising for our own dream requirement. Money those days remained within the boundaries of maximum of a one rupee coin, which was by itself huge. It came to us only during Vishu when we get Vishu Kai neettam (gift of coins by eldest member of the family). At our home, it was the right of Appettan, who is my grandmothers brother and eldest male member of the family to give this customary gift to all other family members including children. He keeps several coins with him of various denominations within the boundary of one rupee and distribute it to all according to age and his liking. Whatever the denomination we were all thrilled to get that precious gift from him on that auspicious day and very happily wait for it after our daily religious rituals.
Once we have this gift, all the boys turn group themselves and then go and get a rubber ball, to replace the existing old ones for us to play with. Those days, we used to get a medium 8 to 10 cm diameter sized for a nominal amount, and it was the only luxurious play item we all shared.
On some odd years, we had special appearances during these Vishu season by other senior male members of the family who were working outside of Kerala. So, as a mark of affection, they also discretely gave us additional coins of bigger denominations, even one rupee itself. This made a huge difference to all of us. We will then group ourselves and run to Devassy’s shop which is in the nearest town, that is Cherpu for a bigger ball, say about 25 cms diameter in size. The generous contribution means a lot. Bigger in size, bigger in temper, and the more reach it has. The “tingggggg” sound it produces when hit makes a huge thrill to all of us and the thrill of it keeps us grouped and cheerful for many days to come.
I am experiencing that odd gift and that tinggg thing in the Passionate Photographers group today, by the visit and submission of a huge collection of photographs clicked by Sri Sangeeth Sivan. His and other great photographers visit and submission of their works at the groups gallery makes a big role transformation for us similar to that of a school, which started with KG classes, growing into the Higher secondary levels. Education in all fields is mainly a self interest process. Many times due to various reasons, we do not get time to study a subject. But a systematic self learning process will take us to greater heights in those fields interesting for us.
I am inviting you and your friends, who have not yet joined to travel through the photo gallery of Passionate Photographers where you will get to see Professionals and Amateurs with pure passion submitting without count their clicked photos. Observe each one of them, the characters in it, the nature, the presentation, the angle, and learn a tip and trick or two from each one of them. If you have a large heart, leave a comment of appreciation or criticism before you proceed to the next picture. This makes a huge difference.
Dear Friends,
I am thrilled today because my memories are taking me to my childhood days, when I lived at my ancestral home at Oorakam near Trichur within a big joint family amongst a group of children of various ages within the family and surroundings. Not like these days, gifts and pocket money were occasional and we had to wait for either Onam, or Vishu to get a pair of new dress or some money within our pocket for utilising for our own dream requirement. Money those days remained within the boundaries of maximum of a one rupee coin, which was by itself huge. It came to us only during Vishu when we get Vishu Kai neettam (gift of coins by eldest member of the family). At our home, it was the right of Appettan, who is my grandmothers brother and eldest male member of the family to give this customary gift to all other family members including children. He keeps several coins with him of various denominations within the boundary of one rupee and distribute it to all according to age and his liking. Whatever the denomination we were all thrilled to get that precious gift from him on that auspicious day and very happily wait for it after our daily religious rituals.
Once we have this gift, all the boys turn group themselves and then go and get a rubber ball, to replace the existing old ones for us to play with. Those days, we used to get a medium 8 to 10 cm diameter sized for a nominal amount, and it was the only luxurious play item we all shared.
On some odd years, we had special appearances during these Vishu season by other senior male members of the family who were working outside of Kerala. So, as a mark of affection, they also discretely gave us additional coins of bigger denominations, even one rupee itself. This made a huge difference to all of us. We will then group ourselves and run to Devassy’s shop which is in the nearest town, that is Cherpu for a bigger ball, say about 25 cms diameter in size. The generous contribution means a lot. Bigger in size, bigger in temper, and the more reach it has. The “tingggggg” sound it produces when hit makes a huge thrill to all of us and the thrill of it keeps us grouped and cheerful for many days to come.
I am experiencing that odd gift and that tinggg thing in the Passionate Photographers group today, by the visit and submission of a huge collection of photographs clicked by Sri Sangeeth Sivan. His and other great photographers visit and submission of their works at the groups gallery makes a big role transformation for us similar to that of a school, which started with KG classes, growing into the Higher secondary levels. Education in all fields is mainly a self interest process. Many times due to various reasons, we do not get time to study a subject. But a systematic self learning process will take us to greater heights in those fields interesting for us.
I am inviting you and your friends, who have not yet joined to travel through the photo gallery of Passionate Photographers where you will get to see Professionals and Amateurs with pure passion submitting without count their clicked photos. Observe each one of them, the characters in it, the nature, the presentation, the angle, and learn a tip and trick or two from each one of them. If you have a large heart, leave a comment of appreciation or criticism before you proceed to the next picture. This makes a huge difference.
Now you know where to freak out if you have an interest in photography. Invite your friends and intereact without inhibition.
God bless you all and Enjoy your weekend by having a great time viewing and submitting your favourite clicks at Passionate Photographers group.
Ramesh Menon
08102009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Short Film Competition based on Love story - Love in 60 seconds
Short Film Competition based on Love story - Love in 60 seconds
Short Film Competition based on Love story
Film 15, the movie production company of England, headed by Emma Macy is conducting a short film competition in association with the Indian film maker Sohannlal.
The contestants of all ages and nationalities are eligible for participation. The main content of the film should be based on a love story or a romantic situation.
The duration of the film do not exceed one minute. The film can be made in any language however other language films requires English subtitles.
The entires need the below mentioned detials:-
· DV, MiniDV or DVD format
· Script of the film
· Bio data of the director and the producer
· List of the artists
· List of technicians and crew
The winners of the competition will receive a cash award as well as invitation to various international short film festivals.
The entires should reach the following address before the 31st of December 2009.
Love in 60 seconds,
GNA 177,
Gandhi Nagar,
Trivandrum.14,
Kerala,
India
e-mail:festival@sohanlal.com
Phone:+919895625321,+919387330604, +919495022014, +919847359046
Watch this video, taken by me by chance during my recent holiday and which came apt (as usual) for making this promo for Sohanlal. It required only 11 seonds for them to express their love, so you have an additional 49... seconds more to make it a winning movie. An opportunity not to be missed. All the best to all contestants.
Short Film Competition based on Love story
Film 15, the movie production company of England, headed by Emma Macy is conducting a short film competition in association with the Indian film maker Sohannlal.
The contestants of all ages and nationalities are eligible for participation. The main content of the film should be based on a love story or a romantic situation.
The duration of the film do not exceed one minute. The film can be made in any language however other language films requires English subtitles.
The entires need the below mentioned detials:-
· DV, MiniDV or DVD format
· Script of the film
· Bio data of the director and the producer
· List of the artists
· List of technicians and crew
The winners of the competition will receive a cash award as well as invitation to various international short film festivals.
The entires should reach the following address before the 31st of December 2009.
Love in 60 seconds,
GNA 177,
Gandhi Nagar,
Trivandrum.14,
Kerala,
India
e-mail:festival@sohanlal.com
Phone:+919895625321,+919387330604, +919495022014, +919847359046
Watch this video, taken by me by chance during my recent holiday and which came apt (as usual) for making this promo for Sohanlal. It required only 11 seonds for them to express their love, so you have an additional 49... seconds more to make it a winning movie. An opportunity not to be missed. All the best to all contestants.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mind Speaks - Importance of Learning the Basics - story of Raghu and Appu
I hope you all read what is posted here periodically. Today, I am posting an earlier write-up of mine (done in 2008). Thought of submitting here as the content may be of interest to some of you.
Look forward to your comments.
***********
Importance of Learning the Basics - story of Raghu and Appu
Eid Al Fitr is over and the holy week of Navaratri is on. As I wrote here earlier, I was really enjoying each moment of this year’s Eid break. Traveling with the minds of a group of creative children, I was literally following the management mantra for happiness - enjoy each moment of what you are doing and find happiness in whatever you do.
This is a week dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi and let me come to you with a true life story happened.
It was not very long ago. And as usual, it happened in my home state Kerala. There was a master who taught Tayambaka (a percussion form of performing arts using chenda – the traditional Keralite drums). He was a legend and had many students. It is not very easy to learn this instrument and students have to practice first, on a stone with wooden sticks before they were given an opportunity to play on the real drum. At one stage he had two students who came to him to learn this art. One boy, let us call him Raghu, who had a flare for percussion instruments, joined our master to learn this art along with his friend Appu.
Day’s passed, weeks passed, the master made both of them play only the basics steps on the stone, repeatedly as the students came for their class each day. Those were the days which students have to come every day to learn and practice an art or a subject of knowledge from their Gurus residence. It was not like now, when you find an hour per week for an art at one institute or one master’s place and sit and then rush to the other class the same day or the next day and try to seek a different subject or art from a different master. It is all capsule form of learning arts now.
After a couple of months continuing with the basic steps, and not happy with the way he was being denied of an opportunity to switch to the real drums to play, Raghu asked his master, why he was being sidelined?
Whereas, Appu was quite and totally followed whatever his master taught him daily and practiced it home too.
One day, impatient as ever he is, Raghu argued with his master, Sir, I feel I am proficient enough to play in real times. Why don't you give me an opportunity to prove it?.
The master smiled and said, ok, both you and Appu started together. So both of you come with your drums on Sunday to the temple with me for a performance. Only one condition, you should show the confidence and concentration to play without missing even a single beat for the entire duration of the performance.
Accepting the challenge, the students came with their drums to join the master and his team. For traditional way of performing a Tayambaka, the lead player will be accompanied by a group of others, who plays accompanying beats in rhythm and they follow several routines. The master before the performance began, announced that today he is going to introduce his two students to perform for the first time. While carrying on his praise for his students, the intelligent and observant master also announced that for the first time he will introduce a new method of performance where the students will switch in between their performance and not play throughout.
With lots of enthusiasm both Raghu and Appu started playing with the group and Raghu was smiling in full glee looking at the master and the others how he was managing. The performance started well and as the stage progressed along with it, Raghu started getting cramps on his hands and legs. The Chenda he was carrying was very huge for his age and he was getting to realize the feel of performing live with focus and concentration. Sweat particles started coming in and body was itching here and there. However, he had to hold on to his master’s words of guidance to never miss even a beat while performing. It was significant too, as a second delay in any of the beat will be realized by all and he will be exposed.
The master too, as ever watching his student’s each movements, noticing the twists and twirls of his student. All the instructions and communications between the performers on stage happened through eye contacts, master told Raghu to switch over with Appu, who was playing in the second line that time, concentrating on his rhythmic beats rather than the lead beats.
Appu, bowing his master, came forward and continued from there on. The master gave him opportunity to transfer from one stage to another in tempo and beats while performing. Alt throughout the leraning time, he had been concentrating on the basic notes, and during those precious time he was with his master, Appu was listening to various types of beats and rhythms his master was practicing and was playing and visualizing them all in his mind during his free times. When the time came to perform live, and when he finished the initial stage phobia, Appu was slowly transforming into his creative elements automatically. Constant practice had given him focus, strength for his hands and stamina to play longer and in higher tempo and everyone who watched him perform thoroughly enjoyed.
What to tell, by the time, the performance was completed, all present realized who the real student was and also the value of learning thoroughly the basics before putting it into practice. Both Raghu and Appu prostrated in front of their master and Raghu apologized to him profusely for his over enthusiasm.
In real life, we get to see many students like this. Some are over enthusiastic and try to forget to learn the basics thoroughly. Some, of them, even if they know the basics, get carried away from it, due to other obstructions. As I wrote here earlier, this is the time when many children get to learn a new art, craft or talent. Dear Children, and Dear Parents, do not rush to get to see your children perform in the real life and real scenes. Give them time and favorable environment to learn the basics. There will be many instances when you will be tempted by influences to enroll your child to perform without learning and mastering the basics. It will kill the creativity and in-born artistic talents in your child to improvise on their own at a later stage.
Wishing every child and every parent who reads this article a Happy Navarathri, blessed Vijaya Dashmi, Vidhyarambam and a successful saga of continuous and sustained learning.
Ramesh Menon
07102008
*********
Look forward to your comments.
***********
Importance of Learning the Basics - story of Raghu and Appu
Eid Al Fitr is over and the holy week of Navaratri is on. As I wrote here earlier, I was really enjoying each moment of this year’s Eid break. Traveling with the minds of a group of creative children, I was literally following the management mantra for happiness - enjoy each moment of what you are doing and find happiness in whatever you do.
This is a week dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi and let me come to you with a true life story happened.
It was not very long ago. And as usual, it happened in my home state Kerala. There was a master who taught Tayambaka (a percussion form of performing arts using chenda – the traditional Keralite drums). He was a legend and had many students. It is not very easy to learn this instrument and students have to practice first, on a stone with wooden sticks before they were given an opportunity to play on the real drum. At one stage he had two students who came to him to learn this art. One boy, let us call him Raghu, who had a flare for percussion instruments, joined our master to learn this art along with his friend Appu.
Day’s passed, weeks passed, the master made both of them play only the basics steps on the stone, repeatedly as the students came for their class each day. Those were the days which students have to come every day to learn and practice an art or a subject of knowledge from their Gurus residence. It was not like now, when you find an hour per week for an art at one institute or one master’s place and sit and then rush to the other class the same day or the next day and try to seek a different subject or art from a different master. It is all capsule form of learning arts now.
After a couple of months continuing with the basic steps, and not happy with the way he was being denied of an opportunity to switch to the real drums to play, Raghu asked his master, why he was being sidelined?
Whereas, Appu was quite and totally followed whatever his master taught him daily and practiced it home too.
One day, impatient as ever he is, Raghu argued with his master, Sir, I feel I am proficient enough to play in real times. Why don't you give me an opportunity to prove it?.
The master smiled and said, ok, both you and Appu started together. So both of you come with your drums on Sunday to the temple with me for a performance. Only one condition, you should show the confidence and concentration to play without missing even a single beat for the entire duration of the performance.
Accepting the challenge, the students came with their drums to join the master and his team. For traditional way of performing a Tayambaka, the lead player will be accompanied by a group of others, who plays accompanying beats in rhythm and they follow several routines. The master before the performance began, announced that today he is going to introduce his two students to perform for the first time. While carrying on his praise for his students, the intelligent and observant master also announced that for the first time he will introduce a new method of performance where the students will switch in between their performance and not play throughout.
With lots of enthusiasm both Raghu and Appu started playing with the group and Raghu was smiling in full glee looking at the master and the others how he was managing. The performance started well and as the stage progressed along with it, Raghu started getting cramps on his hands and legs. The Chenda he was carrying was very huge for his age and he was getting to realize the feel of performing live with focus and concentration. Sweat particles started coming in and body was itching here and there. However, he had to hold on to his master’s words of guidance to never miss even a beat while performing. It was significant too, as a second delay in any of the beat will be realized by all and he will be exposed.
The master too, as ever watching his student’s each movements, noticing the twists and twirls of his student. All the instructions and communications between the performers on stage happened through eye contacts, master told Raghu to switch over with Appu, who was playing in the second line that time, concentrating on his rhythmic beats rather than the lead beats.
Appu, bowing his master, came forward and continued from there on. The master gave him opportunity to transfer from one stage to another in tempo and beats while performing. Alt throughout the leraning time, he had been concentrating on the basic notes, and during those precious time he was with his master, Appu was listening to various types of beats and rhythms his master was practicing and was playing and visualizing them all in his mind during his free times. When the time came to perform live, and when he finished the initial stage phobia, Appu was slowly transforming into his creative elements automatically. Constant practice had given him focus, strength for his hands and stamina to play longer and in higher tempo and everyone who watched him perform thoroughly enjoyed.
What to tell, by the time, the performance was completed, all present realized who the real student was and also the value of learning thoroughly the basics before putting it into practice. Both Raghu and Appu prostrated in front of their master and Raghu apologized to him profusely for his over enthusiasm.
In real life, we get to see many students like this. Some are over enthusiastic and try to forget to learn the basics thoroughly. Some, of them, even if they know the basics, get carried away from it, due to other obstructions. As I wrote here earlier, this is the time when many children get to learn a new art, craft or talent. Dear Children, and Dear Parents, do not rush to get to see your children perform in the real life and real scenes. Give them time and favorable environment to learn the basics. There will be many instances when you will be tempted by influences to enroll your child to perform without learning and mastering the basics. It will kill the creativity and in-born artistic talents in your child to improvise on their own at a later stage.
Wishing every child and every parent who reads this article a Happy Navarathri, blessed Vijaya Dashmi, Vidhyarambam and a successful saga of continuous and sustained learning.
Ramesh Menon
07102008
*********
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Onam sadhya 2009 at ISC Abu Dhabi - 25 September 2009
Onam sadhya 2009 at ISC Abu Dhabi - 25 September 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Shiveli at Kollur Mookambika Temple
Shiveli at Kollur Mookambika Temple
It is Navarathri time and Hindus all over pray to different forms of Devi during the days of Navarathri, for peace, prosperity, vigour etc etc. One particular temple stands out in terms of devotees during Navaratri in terms of devotees and that is Kollur Mookambika temple. Devotees, especially those who are interested in arts, music and all literary forms pray to Mookambika Devi for blessings in abundance for prosperity in their chosen field. During my recent visit I had an opportunity to visit the temple and it was the Shiveli (procession) time. During this procession, the idol of Mookambika Devi is carried on head by the chief priest and it happened that when he reached the main entrance where I was staying, he started conversing with a person accompanying him so that the idol on top was pointing directly towards my direction where I was standing and recording this video. May be the goddess had in mind that time to give darshan indirectly to all her devotees worldwide through this medium. Submit the same with prayers and pranams at the lotus of feet of goddess saraswathi.
MAHA LAKSHMI ASHTAKAM
(The sloka chanted by Indra)
Indra Uvacha: Namasthesthu Mahamaye Sreepeethe Surapoojithe Sankha Chakra Gada Hasthe Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: I offer my worship to Maha Lakshmi, who symbolizes the great illusion and who is worshipped by all Devas. I worhip Maha Lakshmi who resides in Sri Peetam and who carries Sanku(Conch), Chakram(Disk) and Gadha(Club) in her hand.
Indra Uvacha: Namasthe Garudaroodhe Kolasura Bhayankari Sarva Papa Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: I offer worship to the one who has Garuda bird as her vehicle and who was feared by even Demon "Kola". I worship Maha Lakshmi who destroys all sadness.
Indra Uvacha: Sarvagne Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayankari, Sarva Duhkha Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthute
Indra speaks: I offer worship to the one who is all knowing, giver of all boons, remover of all dangerous enemies. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is remover of all afflictions.
Indra Uvacha: Siddhi Buddhi Pradhe Devi Bhukthi Mukthi Pradayini Manthra Moorthe Sada Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi confers great powers, desires, good intellect, enjoyment and Liberation (heaven). I worship Maha Lakshmi who is the personification of all mantras and who is ever shining and radiant.
Indra Uvacha: Adyantharahithe Devi Adi Sakthi Mahesvari Yogaje yoga Sambhoothe Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi is the one who is without beginning or end. She is the primordial energy and Maheswari. I worship Maha Lakshmi who was created out of yoga and who sustains yoga sakthi.
Indra Uvacha: Sthoola Sookshma Maharowdhre Mahasakthi Mahodhare Maha Pape Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi represents both the gross and the subtle manifestations of life. She is very scary to the bad. She is the great energy. I worship Maha Lakshmi who destroys the greatest sins.
Indra Uvacha: Padmaasana Sthithe Devi Para Bramha Swaroopini Paramesi Jaganmathar Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi who has lotus as her seat symbolizes the ultimate reality. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is Parameswari and the mother of the universe.
Indra Uvacha: Svethambharadhare Devi Nanalankara Booshithe Jagat Stithe Jaganmathar Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Wearing white clothes Devi Maha Lakshmi is adorned completely with jewels. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is the omnipresent Devine Mother.
Palasruthi:
Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Stotram
Ya: patheth Bhakthiman Naraha
Sarva Siddhi Mavapnothi Rajyam Prapnothi Sarvadha
Yeka Kalam Pathem Nithyam Maha Papa Vinasanam
Dwi Kalam Ya: Pathen Nithyam
Dhana Dhanya Samanvithaha
Thri kalam Ya:Pathen Nithyam
Maha Shathru Vinasanam
Maha Lakshmir Baven Nithyam
Prasanna Varadha Subha
Benefits of Chanting this Sloka: The one who chants the above sloka with devotion will get all desires fulfilled and will inherit great land. Chanting this sloka once daily destros all sins. Chanting this sloka twice daily will bring the devotee wealth and grains. Chanting this sloka three times a day will help destroy powerful enemies. It will always enable to obtain the direct, auspicious grace of Maha Lakshmi.
Devotees are urged to learn the proper pronunciation of the sloka with the help of someone who knows the Sanskrit version
It is Navarathri time and Hindus all over pray to different forms of Devi during the days of Navarathri, for peace, prosperity, vigour etc etc. One particular temple stands out in terms of devotees during Navaratri in terms of devotees and that is Kollur Mookambika temple. Devotees, especially those who are interested in arts, music and all literary forms pray to Mookambika Devi for blessings in abundance for prosperity in their chosen field. During my recent visit I had an opportunity to visit the temple and it was the Shiveli (procession) time. During this procession, the idol of Mookambika Devi is carried on head by the chief priest and it happened that when he reached the main entrance where I was staying, he started conversing with a person accompanying him so that the idol on top was pointing directly towards my direction where I was standing and recording this video. May be the goddess had in mind that time to give darshan indirectly to all her devotees worldwide through this medium. Submit the same with prayers and pranams at the lotus of feet of goddess saraswathi.
MAHA LAKSHMI ASHTAKAM
(The sloka chanted by Indra)
Indra Uvacha: Namasthesthu Mahamaye Sreepeethe Surapoojithe Sankha Chakra Gada Hasthe Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: I offer my worship to Maha Lakshmi, who symbolizes the great illusion and who is worshipped by all Devas. I worhip Maha Lakshmi who resides in Sri Peetam and who carries Sanku(Conch), Chakram(Disk) and Gadha(Club) in her hand.
Indra Uvacha: Namasthe Garudaroodhe Kolasura Bhayankari Sarva Papa Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: I offer worship to the one who has Garuda bird as her vehicle and who was feared by even Demon "Kola". I worship Maha Lakshmi who destroys all sadness.
Indra Uvacha: Sarvagne Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayankari, Sarva Duhkha Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthute
Indra speaks: I offer worship to the one who is all knowing, giver of all boons, remover of all dangerous enemies. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is remover of all afflictions.
Indra Uvacha: Siddhi Buddhi Pradhe Devi Bhukthi Mukthi Pradayini Manthra Moorthe Sada Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi confers great powers, desires, good intellect, enjoyment and Liberation (heaven). I worship Maha Lakshmi who is the personification of all mantras and who is ever shining and radiant.
Indra Uvacha: Adyantharahithe Devi Adi Sakthi Mahesvari Yogaje yoga Sambhoothe Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi is the one who is without beginning or end. She is the primordial energy and Maheswari. I worship Maha Lakshmi who was created out of yoga and who sustains yoga sakthi.
Indra Uvacha: Sthoola Sookshma Maharowdhre Mahasakthi Mahodhare Maha Pape Hare Devi Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi represents both the gross and the subtle manifestations of life. She is very scary to the bad. She is the great energy. I worship Maha Lakshmi who destroys the greatest sins.
Indra Uvacha: Padmaasana Sthithe Devi Para Bramha Swaroopini Paramesi Jaganmathar Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Maha Lakshmi who has lotus as her seat symbolizes the ultimate reality. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is Parameswari and the mother of the universe.
Indra Uvacha: Svethambharadhare Devi Nanalankara Booshithe Jagat Stithe Jaganmathar Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe
Indra speaks: Wearing white clothes Devi Maha Lakshmi is adorned completely with jewels. I worship Maha Lakshmi who is the omnipresent Devine Mother.
Palasruthi:
Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam Stotram
Ya: patheth Bhakthiman Naraha
Sarva Siddhi Mavapnothi Rajyam Prapnothi Sarvadha
Yeka Kalam Pathem Nithyam Maha Papa Vinasanam
Dwi Kalam Ya: Pathen Nithyam
Dhana Dhanya Samanvithaha
Thri kalam Ya:Pathen Nithyam
Maha Shathru Vinasanam
Maha Lakshmir Baven Nithyam
Prasanna Varadha Subha
Benefits of Chanting this Sloka: The one who chants the above sloka with devotion will get all desires fulfilled and will inherit great land. Chanting this sloka once daily destros all sins. Chanting this sloka twice daily will bring the devotee wealth and grains. Chanting this sloka three times a day will help destroy powerful enemies. It will always enable to obtain the direct, auspicious grace of Maha Lakshmi.
Devotees are urged to learn the proper pronunciation of the sloka with the help of someone who knows the Sanskrit version
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Performers at a shopping mall during Eid 2009
Performers at a shopping mall during Eid 2009 
A set of Lebanese performers during Eid days at a shopping mall. The fun part of this photo was - there were hardly any audience to watch these two performing (probably that is what they were trying to convey through the phone and their facial expressions) where as an adjacent standwith a Jordanian group had a big crowd to cheer them. Enjoy viewing the photos and watching the video.
A set of Lebanese performers during Eid days at a shopping mall. The fun part of this photo was - there were hardly any audience to watch these two performing (probably that is what they were trying to convey through the phone and their facial expressions) where as an adjacent standwith a Jordanian group had a big crowd to cheer them. Enjoy viewing the photos and watching the video.FEKCA Onam 2009 - Kerala Colleges Alumni Onam Celebration details
FEKCA Onam 2009 - Kerala Colleges Alumni Onam Celebration details
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Eid programmes at Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi
Eid programmes at Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi
Members and families of Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi celebrated Eid 2009 with it's full harmony and joy. Here are some pictures from the cultural programmes organised by members this evening.
Members and families of Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi celebrated Eid 2009 with it's full harmony and joy. Here are some pictures from the cultural programmes organised by members this evening.
My Letters - Gulf Today - Wrong attitude
My Letters - Gulf Today - Wrong attitude
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
Thursday, September 17, 2009
My Letters - Khaleej Times - All set to handle the crowd
My Letters - Khaleej Times - All set to handle the crowd
I always write about the positive aspects of photography and it's influence on our self to elevate our mind. I believe that interest in photography give a cutting edge to a person to be alert for opportunities and value each and every second that is available. This photo is an example of such a precious moment. At the Terminal 3 of Dubai airport, just after the Iftar on an evening, with not many flights landed and being the first few to reach for the immigration counters, I suddenly noticed a golden scene in front of me. For those who travel through Dubai airport, they will realise the importance of it as they will always find a long queue of passengers lined up for immigration check.
Playing in the mind is another important point which I wish to convey through this photo. One doesn't need a high tech camera to come out with excellent pictures. It's all in the mind and the knowledge of the equipment at your disposal. Like a quick run out on a cricket field or a quick shift of gears on our bike or even sudden change of beats on the Tabala according to varying and demanding situations we come across. One needs to listen and observe carefully every opportunity available and play it in the mind several times and then practise without inhibition and then when that precious moment comes, you will never miss it.
God bless, Keep clicking and have a great day ahead.
Ramesh Menon
17092009
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Calling it a day - Mail from a fellow community journalist based in UAE
Calling it a day - Mail from a fellow community journalist based in UAE
All Clients,Friends and well wishers,
I am sincerely thanking you all for the support given to me in my Profession and motivation for my writing.Eventhough I am Departing from this Goldenopportunity country in the Middle of October to my Home town Chennai,My memory will bealways with you ,because i have spent 16, Glorious years,till the Metro is on the wheels. I am giving below my Mail id as well my blogs which I want your continuous motivation,to present better in the days to come.
write2ragavan@yahoo.com
write2ragavan.wordpress.com
www.ragavan-creativity.blogspot.com
with warm regards.
K.Ragavan.
Dear Ragavan Sir,
We travel by bus or train on a regular basis and interact with a fellow passenger on the way inside or during our walk to the station and then it becomes an everlasting friendship or bondage. Ours have been a similar one. We met through the columns of Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Gulf Today and The National and although I got to know you and interact with you at this later part of your stay in the UAE, it has been a short and sweet one. Our objectives have been more or less the same, i.e. to react pro-actively for the welfare of the society around us. This is a continuous process, and I am sure, wherever you go, you will not be able to stay away from it. Loss of UAE, is going to be a blessing for Chennai and India.
Good luck Sir for your retirement life and God bless you to have many more peaceful, prosperous and socially active years ahead.
Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
All Clients,Friends and well wishers,
I am sincerely thanking you all for the support given to me in my Profession and motivation for my writing.Eventhough I am Departing from this Goldenopportunity country in the Middle of October to my Home town Chennai,My memory will bealways with you ,because i have spent 16, Glorious years,till the Metro is on the wheels. I am giving below my Mail id as well my blogs which I want your continuous motivation,to present better in the days to come.
write2ragavan@yahoo.com
write2ragavan.wordpress.com
www.ragavan-creativity.blogspot.com
with warm regards.
K.Ragavan.
Dear Ragavan Sir,
We travel by bus or train on a regular basis and interact with a fellow passenger on the way inside or during our walk to the station and then it becomes an everlasting friendship or bondage. Ours have been a similar one. We met through the columns of Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Gulf Today and The National and although I got to know you and interact with you at this later part of your stay in the UAE, it has been a short and sweet one. Our objectives have been more or less the same, i.e. to react pro-actively for the welfare of the society around us. This is a continuous process, and I am sure, wherever you go, you will not be able to stay away from it. Loss of UAE, is going to be a blessing for Chennai and India.
Good luck Sir for your retirement life and God bless you to have many more peaceful, prosperous and socially active years ahead.
Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kadugodi Fly Over - A need for Bridging a commuting gap
Kadugodi Fly Over - A need for Bridging a commuting gap
Being a resident of Kadugodi village, whitefield area, I always have to depend on the Whitefield railway gate to go across to the main town. The fly over to ease the smooth flow of traffic at the Kadugodi area / Whitefield station, which is situated just in front of the Sai Baba ashram has been remaining incomplete for a considerable period of time. Every train passing through the station, a lot of man hours is being wasted, waiting for the railway gate to be opened for another couple of minutes of traffic flow, before a train arrives. This is to be considered as this road connects the village to Whitefield and has an easy access towards the airport road and many prominent institutions situated in and around. Precious time lost by all every time they use this road, without any sign of this incomplete work being carried out in the near future enabling smooth passage too and fro. Photo of the incomplete bridge is attached herewith.
Through a series of email and news postings, I sincerely request authorities to consider completion of this essential fly over for general public without any further delay.
Thanking you in advance and sincere regards to all your excellent administrative and public convenience measures.
Ramesh Menon
Team 1 Blogs
Being a resident of Kadugodi village, whitefield area, I always have to depend on the Whitefield railway gate to go across to the main town. The fly over to ease the smooth flow of traffic at the Kadugodi area / Whitefield station, which is situated just in front of the Sai Baba ashram has been remaining incomplete for a considerable period of time. Every train passing through the station, a lot of man hours is being wasted, waiting for the railway gate to be opened for another couple of minutes of traffic flow, before a train arrives. This is to be considered as this road connects the village to Whitefield and has an easy access towards the airport road and many prominent institutions situated in and around. Precious time lost by all every time they use this road, without any sign of this incomplete work being carried out in the near future enabling smooth passage too and fro. Photo of the incomplete bridge is attached herewith.
Through a series of email and news postings, I sincerely request authorities to consider completion of this essential fly over for general public without any further delay.
Thanking you in advance and sincere regards to all your excellent administrative and public convenience measures.
Ramesh Menon
Team 1 Blogs
Monday, September 14, 2009
My Letters - GULF NEWS - Reader Pictures of the day
My Letters - GULF NEWS - Reader Pictures of the day
It is interesting to participate in competitions as it gives an idea to where we stand, even if we ends up as a loser. With this always in mind, I regularly participate in various opportunities in the field of photography, writing, drawing or playing percussion instruments or even sports to make a self assessment. I was surprised to receive an sms as earl as 6:30 am yesterday from my friends and emails also after seeing the above photos coming in print in the Gulf News Daily. There was no mention, other than Ramesh Menon and Abu Dhabi and of course their title "extremely active community journalist". As one of them said to me quoting the old saying from Mahabharatha - if it is Kheechaka then, it is Bhima who killed him, we were sure it is you only, whether it is a photo or an article for the need of public facilities.
True, I do care about the society around, whether it is here in the UAE, or back home in Kerala or at Bangalore. Thank you all for your continued support.
Team 1 blogs and the thoughts and messages through it is slowly evolving as an inspiring group of members, who not only react to the anomalies happening around but also come out with progressive measures for the benefit of the society. More than that it the assurance that we are there for those who need, when they are in need. We can and Together we try.
God bless and have a great day ahead.
Ramesh Menon
14092009
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
It is interesting to participate in competitions as it gives an idea to where we stand, even if we ends up as a loser. With this always in mind, I regularly participate in various opportunities in the field of photography, writing, drawing or playing percussion instruments or even sports to make a self assessment. I was surprised to receive an sms as earl as 6:30 am yesterday from my friends and emails also after seeing the above photos coming in print in the Gulf News Daily. There was no mention, other than Ramesh Menon and Abu Dhabi and of course their title "extremely active community journalist". As one of them said to me quoting the old saying from Mahabharatha - if it is Kheechaka then, it is Bhima who killed him, we were sure it is you only, whether it is a photo or an article for the need of public facilities.
True, I do care about the society around, whether it is here in the UAE, or back home in Kerala or at Bangalore. Thank you all for your continued support.
Team 1 blogs and the thoughts and messages through it is slowly evolving as an inspiring group of members, who not only react to the anomalies happening around but also come out with progressive measures for the benefit of the society. More than that it the assurance that we are there for those who need, when they are in need. We can and Together we try.
God bless and have a great day ahead.
Ramesh Menon
14092009
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Passionate Photography Thoughts - Photos that speaks
Passionate Photography Thoughts - Photos that speaks
Dear Friends,
First of all let me welcome our new members who joined the Passionate Photographers group since my last communication with you. As the name denotes this is a group intended to ignite your passion for photography. How this group and your presence as a member can fuel the growth of your photography knowledge and photographic output depends on your active involvement within. Please therefore read the limited number of discussion threads present here to get a basic idea of interactions happening here.
Our interest in photography make us curious onlookers of any photo posts either in print or web media. Many times some of the best creations are produced by experts with the latest equipment available to them. It may be wide variety of lenses, lighting equipments or even models or subjects who are professionals to modulate the subjective topic into a magical visual experience. However , many of us do not have these advantage factors and the same should never hold us from continuing our passion to go in without inhibition and capture that magical and price moment which comes in front of you.
How can you do it? This is where an open attitude towards this hobby and creative activity comes in. Many of us are fond of cricket. Now imagine getting a chance to play at the beautiful Sheikh Zayed cricket stadium for a T20 match. A golden opportunity from out of the blue. You get to bowl only 24 genuine balls against your opposition. It is here your mind plays the key role. If you have been a player who plays cricket, you always play the game in your mind several times. The situations, the pros and cons, the weather conditions, the batsman whom you may play against. All those things are practiced and perfected in mind. Also your own positives and negatives, the effectiveness of your equipment like bat and other gears. All the factors compares to a photographic opportunity which comes to you suddenly.
Imagine you have a digital camera which is not a very high end model. First thing for you is to study it’s numerous features and their effectiveness on different light situations and surroundings. For this you have to keep on clicking, changing each and every option and testing it out. Like the bowler, who bowls numerous overs in the nets and perfect that unplayable Yorker, doosra or theesra or whatever, you too have to test the various options several times. This will make you comfortable and quick fingered to change the settings to the required mode to capture your object within the minutest of seconds available. In photography, seconds or milliseconds are precious. It teaches you the importance of time within time. This is why I say and propagate, those who are interested in photography, normally succeed in all other fields of life.
Constant practice make you comfortable and experienced with your equipment. Like the same way you change gears on a fast track, you will be able to switch over to various modes within the applicable precious seconds available at your disposal. This is how you get to see extremely interesting photographic moments captured by photo journalists. Regular members of photography related groups can visualize the amount of devoted effort by professional photographers to give us a golden moment. Examples like a boy jumping into a running bus, an mad elephant attacking a man, a sprinter finishing the race etc are some of them.
Lighting is another important factor that aides to a perfect picture. What do we do, if we are not equipped with specialized lighting equipments. What more you need than the natural and greatest light providers – i.e the Sun and the moon. Through constant observation, a photography enthusiast will be able to learn about different light options available during different times of the day and night. Your photography life becomes easy once you start understanding these natural settings better. Positioning yourself in the right spot to gain the advantage of these lights will then do wonderful effect your otherwise normal equipment and settings. By constant practice and observations you will learn the best settings for any particular scene to look priceless.
Observe closely each and every photo you get to see, especially of experts and professionals. Play the settings in your mind like a bowler and you will never know when that priceless moments comes clicking in front of you. Try it and your Photo will definitely speak the next time.
Our growth has been slow, but steady. A look at the photo section of the Passionate Photographers prove how we all grow each day. We can see several examples from passionate photographers.
I sincerely look forward to your comments and guidance notes from experts who are members here. Mere onlookers will never do good for the growth and knowledge share of this community. I repeat what I wrote in my previous communication about the accidental death of my brother in law holds good here also. Timely interactions and active involvement is extremely important for keeping the pulse of a community clicking along. If you are a professional with experience, please do not remain an unworthy onlooker. This is my sincere request.
God bless and have Passionate Photographic days ahead.
Ramesh Menon
10092009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Public Safety concerns - Measures required to control the speeding of cars carrying Ministers and other government officials
Public Safety concerns - Measures required to control the speeding of cars carrying Ministers and other government officials
My Letters - GULF NEWS - Make dreams come true
My Letters - GULF NEWS - Make dreams come true
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Ramadan lightings - Abu Dhabi Corniche Street
Ramadan Lightings at Abu Dhabi Corniche Street. In order to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, Corniche Street, one of Abu Dhabi's major drive way, is decorated with beautiful lightings. Traffic is light during the post Iftar time and here is a video taken by my wife Rajashree during a pleasant evening drive, with our favorite music on.
Friday, September 4, 2009
My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Anxious wait for taxis and buses
Anxious wait for taxis and buses
With schools starting and most expatriates back from holidays, we are facing the same old problem: no taxi or bus available in the morning. During post-iftar time, the scene is no different. Everywhere, huge crowds wait anxiously for a taxi or bus to come. I request the authorities consider more transport services during peak hours.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Anxious wait for taxis and buses
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
With schools starting and most expatriates back from holidays, we are facing the same old problem: no taxi or bus available in the morning. During post-iftar time, the scene is no different. Everywhere, huge crowds wait anxiously for a taxi or bus to come. I request the authorities consider more transport services during peak hours.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Anxious wait for taxis and buses
To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Taste It - Sweet and soft Coconut Vada
Taste It - Sweet and soft Coconut Vada
I believe cooking as an art. I enjoy doing it as I do passionately several other hobbies. Starting on this auspicious day of Onam, a new series for my blog. Taste It. A delicacy each time, tested and tasted. Hope to recieve your comments.
Sweet and soft Coconut Vada
Ingredients:
- Fresh Coconut grated – 4 nos
- Jaggery – 500gms
- Ghee – 25gms
- Roasted cashew nut
- cardamom powder add to taste
Take jaggery in pan, add water and boil it to melt it uniformly so that it forms a smooth syrup. Sieve it well so that any unwanted particles of stone etc are removed from it.
Now add this jaggery syrup to a heavy bottomed pan and keep it on medium heat.
Once it starts boiling, add the freshly grated coconut to this syrup solution.
Stir continuously and let the coconut cook well in the jaggery syrup.
Add the ghee and cardamom powder to this syrup.
You may add little water if the mixture is looking too dry.
Keep stirring until the mixture comes close to a thick form.
Turn off the heat and keep it aside for few minutes.
When the mixture is still warm grease your palm with ghee and start making small oval or round shaped vadas with the mixture.
Display it nicely on a plate and then garnish each one of them by placing a roasted cashew nut on top.
Enjoy your Onam or Iftar evening with a Taste It recipe and let me have your comments. I dedicate the first of the series to the Sharadechi, wife of late M N Vijayan. This was one of the delicacies she served to us when we visited her during our recent holidays.
Monday, August 31, 2009
My Daily Ramdan Thoughts - 10/2009
My Daily Ramdan Thoughts - 10/2009
A blessed and graceful welcome to all my readers to the 10th day of holy month of Ramadan. I have deliberately missed to post the thoughts for the past few days. It was due to the turbulence created in my mind due to the untimely demise of a friend and also due to some personal happenings which were not conducive to writing these divine thoughts. Chirayinkeezhu Ansar – a good friend to all who know him and interacted with is no more with us. May his soul rest in peace. Very seldom we get to see human beings like him who go out of the way and help those in need. When I told about his untimely demise to a friend, I was told about his experience of interactions with late Sri. Ansar. Once at the Indian Embassy for a complicated work, he was running around from one counter to another to get things sorted out. It was at this time that late Sri Ansar passed by and seeing his tension, he enquired and intervened to assist him to clear the matter. Very rarely we get to see such act of kindness from those with responsibilities in public and corporate field. In all his areas of interactions with public and the community around he set examples to follow.
May god bless each one of us to develop good thoughts and deeds to the benefit of the society around us.
Ramesh Menon
31082009
May god bless each one of us to develop good thoughts and deeds to the benefit of the society around us.
Ramesh Menon
31082009
Kadugodi Kobra Cup - A Cricket tournament to nurture unity and friendship
Kadugodi Kobra Cup - A Cricket tournament to nurture unity and friendship
During my recent visit to Bangalore, I was lucky enough to see the finals of a club Cricket tournament. Kadugodi Kobra Cup - named after the small village which occupies Whitefield and surrounding areas of Bangalore. The initial stages of the tournament had matches played between various local teams and on the day I was there, it was the Finals. The composition of the two teams attracted me very much. One team was filled with members of the building community of Golden Blossom who owned properties there and the opposition team formed workers and management staff of Golden Gate Properties. A thrilling final, typical with moments of heated arguments, run chases, run outs and of course the winning moments. To relive the Lagaan experience, the Workers/Management team won the cup. It gave me another opportunity to share the harmony and joy of winning and losing.
Good wishes to all the participants and team members. For individual photos, please email me at team1dubai@gmail.com
Ramesh Menon
During my recent visit to Bangalore, I was lucky enough to see the finals of a club Cricket tournament. Kadugodi Kobra Cup - named after the small village which occupies Whitefield and surrounding areas of Bangalore. The initial stages of the tournament had matches played between various local teams and on the day I was there, it was the Finals. The composition of the two teams attracted me very much. One team was filled with members of the building community of Golden Blossom who owned properties there and the opposition team formed workers and management staff of Golden Gate Properties. A thrilling final, typical with moments of heated arguments, run chases, run outs and of course the winning moments. To relive the Lagaan experience, the Workers/Management team won the cup. It gave me another opportunity to share the harmony and joy of winning and losing.
Good wishes to all the participants and team members. For individual photos, please email me at team1dubai@gmail.com
Ramesh Menon
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Passionate Photography Thoughts by Ramesh Menon - Archiving
Passionate Photography Thoughts by Ramesh Menon - Archiving
Dear Passionate Photographers,
A warm welcome to all the new members of Passionate Photographers group on Face Book. As the name denotes, you all have joined this group out of your interest for Photography. For any form of creativity there should be no boundaries or restrictions. Because, what I feel creative may not be the same for someone amongst you. But, it doesn’t mean that what I have done is not creative. So, with the above statement, I relax a mandatory condition kept for photo submission to this group. You can post photographs on any subject you feel interested and comfortable – except children and pornography. This is to keep our forum from any controversies or issues. However, if you are able to find time to post photos pertaining to the selected topics (Best Moments of your Summer holidays, Animals and Birds, Flowers, Smile) provided as Theme for Summer 2009, well and good. The theme is selected keeping in view of a competition planned for children to be conducted by Talent Share blog very soon. Also, please try to post limited numbers of photos each time selecting the best from your collection. This will make reviewing and editing work easy for our expert team.
Please also welcome Mr. J. H. Gaspar and Mr. Sujin Balakumaran to the expert team to guide us through a world of knowledge sharing and team building in the coming days. Mr. Gaspar has immense photography knowledge and a guru who nurtured photography talent to many. Mr. Sujin is a talented photographer, a team person and moreover, a friend for all who love to share knowledge and skills. I am sure we all will gain from both of them and their immense photography experiences.
In my previous communication, I touched the point of Discipline. This time, let me take you to Archiving. As a person who is passionate about photography and who likes to click photos without inhibition, I end up taking many pictures each day. Normally, What I do, is to do a transfer of pictures taken each day at the end of the day to a month-wise folder, systematically designed in my computer. This is done, when I keep my batteries for daily charging, so that main set of batteries and the spare are always fully charged each morning. I always take pictures in high resolution and when the transfer process is done and as I get time, I distribute copies of them to numerous folders, again systematically designed – say birds, animals, city scenes, autos, places, events, faces etc. This makes it easier for me to retrieve photos easily whenever I need a specific photo for a write-up or for presenting to a competition or for press. Normally, before posting on to my blogs or for that matter on any public portal, I resize the picture size to make it convenient for viewers to see them from any type or speed of access point they use, including PDA phones. This way it makes easy for normal readers to view and any time anyone interested in a high resolution of it could revert to me for viewing or any other commercial purpose. In addition, as I keep on clicking, I always keep a stock photo of a particular interesting situation for later use so that it never become a duplicate of what I submitted in the sites. The archiving system I developed is by trial and error and by experience. Currently with the help of bigger storage facilities like 500 GB hard disks and so on, keeping multiple version of our precious photography moments safe have become an easy task. However, for new viruses, there is always an easy access and I try to avoid using USBs and other connectors on common computers.
Wish to hear your comments and see your photography knowledge shared. Please invite any keen photographer who may be interested to share his knowledge and skills for our benefit and let us progress ahead each time we visit Passionate Photographers group.
Always keep your eyes open for a precious moment and have a great journey ahead.
God Bless.
Ramesh Menon
29082009
A warm welcome to all the new members of Passionate Photographers group on Face Book. As the name denotes, you all have joined this group out of your interest for Photography. For any form of creativity there should be no boundaries or restrictions. Because, what I feel creative may not be the same for someone amongst you. But, it doesn’t mean that what I have done is not creative. So, with the above statement, I relax a mandatory condition kept for photo submission to this group. You can post photographs on any subject you feel interested and comfortable – except children and pornography. This is to keep our forum from any controversies or issues. However, if you are able to find time to post photos pertaining to the selected topics (Best Moments of your Summer holidays, Animals and Birds, Flowers, Smile) provided as Theme for Summer 2009, well and good. The theme is selected keeping in view of a competition planned for children to be conducted by Talent Share blog very soon. Also, please try to post limited numbers of photos each time selecting the best from your collection. This will make reviewing and editing work easy for our expert team.
Please also welcome Mr. J. H. Gaspar and Mr. Sujin Balakumaran to the expert team to guide us through a world of knowledge sharing and team building in the coming days. Mr. Gaspar has immense photography knowledge and a guru who nurtured photography talent to many. Mr. Sujin is a talented photographer, a team person and moreover, a friend for all who love to share knowledge and skills. I am sure we all will gain from both of them and their immense photography experiences.
In my previous communication, I touched the point of Discipline. This time, let me take you to Archiving. As a person who is passionate about photography and who likes to click photos without inhibition, I end up taking many pictures each day. Normally, What I do, is to do a transfer of pictures taken each day at the end of the day to a month-wise folder, systematically designed in my computer. This is done, when I keep my batteries for daily charging, so that main set of batteries and the spare are always fully charged each morning. I always take pictures in high resolution and when the transfer process is done and as I get time, I distribute copies of them to numerous folders, again systematically designed – say birds, animals, city scenes, autos, places, events, faces etc. This makes it easier for me to retrieve photos easily whenever I need a specific photo for a write-up or for presenting to a competition or for press. Normally, before posting on to my blogs or for that matter on any public portal, I resize the picture size to make it convenient for viewers to see them from any type or speed of access point they use, including PDA phones. This way it makes easy for normal readers to view and any time anyone interested in a high resolution of it could revert to me for viewing or any other commercial purpose. In addition, as I keep on clicking, I always keep a stock photo of a particular interesting situation for later use so that it never become a duplicate of what I submitted in the sites. The archiving system I developed is by trial and error and by experience. Currently with the help of bigger storage facilities like 500 GB hard disks and so on, keeping multiple version of our precious photography moments safe have become an easy task. However, for new viruses, there is always an easy access and I try to avoid using USBs and other connectors on common computers.
Wish to hear your comments and see your photography knowledge shared. Please invite any keen photographer who may be interested to share his knowledge and skills for our benefit and let us progress ahead each time we visit Passionate Photographers group.
Always keep your eyes open for a precious moment and have a great journey ahead.
God Bless.
Ramesh Menon
29082009
Friday, August 28, 2009
A journey from one festival to another
An elephant with its mahout on its way from one festival place to another.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 06/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 06/2009
A municipality worker from Abu Dhabi Municipality harvesting the dates
Welcome to read my Daily Ramadan Thoughts on the 6th day of this holy month of Ramadan. Many times we conduct ourselves in different situations under the influence of various thoughts and moods. It may be deliberate or not but we get do these things as if we are under the influence of a magician. However, the almighty god always wish us to think only good and do the same, keeping aside even slightest of evil thought in all our deeds.
The other day, I was returning home from work nearer to the Iftar time. Taking my car out from the parking, I noticed another car blocking my way. Not seeing anyone inside, I honked the horn a few times. I noticed a well dressed person coming out from the nearby shop and then returning back again. I waited for about 10 minutes and seeing no response, I went in to the shop and enquired whether the owner was inside. Immediately the response came - from the shopper - who tried to convince me saying that it might have been by someone who went upstairs of that building. Seeing his quick response and seeing the embarassed face of the shopkeeper who was familiar to me, I realised who the real owner of the car was. I do not know from where I got the patience, I went back to my car and then reversed about 1 km to find an alternate route outside of that parking and proceeded.
A motorcycle specially made for Abu Dhabi Police on display at one of the malls.
Its important to keep away from doing or saying wrong things while observing the holy rituals. I wish all my friends all whom they love the goodness of this holy month of Ramadan.
Ramesh Menon
27082009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 5/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 5/2009
Moon during the month of Ramadan moon as it is seen here in Abu Dhabi
Today is the 5th day of the holy month of Ramadan. Many organisations are arranging Iftar evenings. It is an opportunity to break the fast together with everone, without any type of discremination. It is also an opportunit to feel the oneness and enjoy the blessings of a full days of deovtion to god. Please do not miss an opportunity to participate in an Iftar evening.
Difficulties or sadnes comes in different forms of types to all of us. How we overcome it and how we work our way out of it shows what type of person in life we are and to what level our success factor is. During my recent holidays I met a family of four. A father, mothe and two children. The family has already spent about 18 lakhs for various treatment for a terminal illness which the mother is suffering from. However, we found the family with full of happiness, living the day as it evolves out in front of them and do not worried about what is in store for them for the coming tomorrow. I also happened to meet another family. A young couple. When we went, the father was busy watching the share market analysis on the TV and mother was at work. Their only child - an year old girl - was lying in the bed watching the share market charts moving and the analysis happening with curiosity. When the mother comes back from work, the father will move on for his night shift. I was wondering about the child. Changing faces and changing times for the new generation. When are they going to get a few hours together - may be it also depends on the financial and recessional markets fate.
A mosque illuminated during the holy month of Ramadan.
Praying all good to happen to all the harmonious communities and social groups and gatherings during this holy month of Ramadan, I wish you all a wonderful Ramadan evening.
Ramesh Menon
26082009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 04/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 04/2009
Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi decorated to greet the customers during the holy month or Ramadan
Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi decorated to greet the customers during the holy month or Ramadan
Into the 4th day of the holy month of Ramadan, my thoughts revolve around the same topics which I covered yesterday. Sometimes it is like this, some or other things remain for a longer time. It is the thought about the have's and have not's. It is about an interaction with a friend of mine who lost his job here due to recession recently. Well settled, he used to enjoy life in the fullest of possible ways. Leaving nothing for him every month, after his regular payoffs to his family, he enjoyed it to the best. Back home, with nothing much in hand as balance, thinking that whatever he transferred, he had a different approach from his relatives waiting for him. Just the same way it has happened for many others from here. Not easy to get a good job, and not used to this situation, he is in distress these days. On a casual meeting, I asked him, what do you do these days? And his answer to me was " Our state is very big and we have several long distance services during the day and night? I sit inside one of them and there goes by days or nights problems."
Let this holy month of Ramadan be an opportunity for all of us to think about those in need and help them in whatever we could.
Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi decorated to greet the customers during the holy month or Ramadan
Wishing another blessed day of Ramadan to all my friends.
Ramesh Menon
25082009
Monday, August 24, 2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 03/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 03/2009
Abu Dhabi mall decorated to greet customers during the holy month of Ramadan
Within no time we are into the 3rd day of this years holy month of Ramadan. First two days of fasting and prayers have groomed our body and mind to a pious and divine environment. When I thought of writing today’s two points of importance came to me and presenting to you all as it is. Both are somehow connected with Iftar.
As part of Ramadan, we all donate generously to the poor. Sumptuous and pompous Iftar celebrations are also part of the daily fasting. While planning ahead with a detailed Iftar, take a minute and think about the numerous poor who cannot even afford to have a light refreshment to break their fast. Arrange only what is necessary and if you come out with excess fund, try to organise an Iftar for the poor and needy at their place. It may be a labour camp which you know of, or it may be offering to an association who does it on behalf of you. This is one of the most benevolent way of caring the poor and in turn following the path of devotion as guided in our holy books.
Second thought which came into my mind is of the road rage which happens regularly on our highways and streets before the Iftar timings. Many accidents happen and many arguments follow unnecessarily for several unwarranted reasons. Mainly just to reach home to break the fast with friends and relatives. Keep your calmness and observe the traffic rules and regulations. This will benefit you and your fellow road users to reach home safely and observe this days and the coming days religious observance with its fervour and blessings.
Abu Dhabi streets decorated to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan
Wishing another blessed day of Ramadan to all my friends.
Ramesh Menon
24082009
Abu Dhabi mall decorated to greet customers during the holy month of RamadanWithin no time we are into the 3rd day of this years holy month of Ramadan. First two days of fasting and prayers have groomed our body and mind to a pious and divine environment. When I thought of writing today’s two points of importance came to me and presenting to you all as it is. Both are somehow connected with Iftar.
As part of Ramadan, we all donate generously to the poor. Sumptuous and pompous Iftar celebrations are also part of the daily fasting. While planning ahead with a detailed Iftar, take a minute and think about the numerous poor who cannot even afford to have a light refreshment to break their fast. Arrange only what is necessary and if you come out with excess fund, try to organise an Iftar for the poor and needy at their place. It may be a labour camp which you know of, or it may be offering to an association who does it on behalf of you. This is one of the most benevolent way of caring the poor and in turn following the path of devotion as guided in our holy books.
Second thought which came into my mind is of the road rage which happens regularly on our highways and streets before the Iftar timings. Many accidents happen and many arguments follow unnecessarily for several unwarranted reasons. Mainly just to reach home to break the fast with friends and relatives. Keep your calmness and observe the traffic rules and regulations. This will benefit you and your fellow road users to reach home safely and observe this days and the coming days religious observance with its fervour and blessings.
Abu Dhabi streets decorated to celebrate the holy month of RamadanWishing another blessed day of Ramadan to all my friends.
Ramesh Menon
24082009
Dancing temple elephant of Kukke Subramanya
Dancing temple elephant of Kukke Subramanya
The most interesting part of my summer journey. The forest road towards the temple was extremely scenic and quite and it was raining while we drove towards the temple. Reaching there, and doing our routine prayers, we found that it was time for arathi and special pooja. So, with all the devotees we waited patiently and did not give much attention to the little temple elephant stationed inside. As soon as the temple bell rang, I noticed some changes in the elephant and then it became more prominent as the intensity of the ringing increased. As it was dancing, it held on to the bell tied on its neck and was ringing it to the tune of the music played by the musicians.
The temple is specially famous for removing sarpa dosha. Sachin Tendulkar visited this temple and performed special poojas one or two years ago when he was doing badly in cricket. Many others too visit for progeny.
I don't want to miss sharing a wonderful experience with you all. The temple is very famous and often visited by celebrities.
To read more about the temple, visit: Kukke Subramanya temple Kukke subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore .KSRTC operates buses on a daily basis from these two places. The nearest airport is the the Bajpe Airport, the Mangalore International Airport, at a distance of 115 kms. The nearest railway station is Subramanya Road (SBHR) railway station on Mangalore-Bangalore railway route, which is 7 km from Kukke Subramanya. There is a daily passenger train service from Mangalore (Train No. 061/0652). The train leaves Mangalore at 10:30 a.m. and reaches Subrahmanya Road Railway Station by 1:00 p.m. One can catch a local transport from the station for a journey of 15 minutes to the temple (approx Rs. 20 per head).
The most interesting part of my summer journey. The forest road towards the temple was extremely scenic and quite and it was raining while we drove towards the temple. Reaching there, and doing our routine prayers, we found that it was time for arathi and special pooja. So, with all the devotees we waited patiently and did not give much attention to the little temple elephant stationed inside. As soon as the temple bell rang, I noticed some changes in the elephant and then it became more prominent as the intensity of the ringing increased. As it was dancing, it held on to the bell tied on its neck and was ringing it to the tune of the music played by the musicians.
The temple is specially famous for removing sarpa dosha. Sachin Tendulkar visited this temple and performed special poojas one or two years ago when he was doing badly in cricket. Many others too visit for progeny.
I don't want to miss sharing a wonderful experience with you all. The temple is very famous and often visited by celebrities.
To read more about the temple, visit: Kukke Subramanya temple Kukke subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore .KSRTC operates buses on a daily basis from these two places. The nearest airport is the the Bajpe Airport, the Mangalore International Airport, at a distance of 115 kms. The nearest railway station is Subramanya Road (SBHR) railway station on Mangalore-Bangalore railway route, which is 7 km from Kukke Subramanya. There is a daily passenger train service from Mangalore (Train No. 061/0652). The train leaves Mangalore at 10:30 a.m. and reaches Subrahmanya Road Railway Station by 1:00 p.m. One can catch a local transport from the station for a journey of 15 minutes to the temple (approx Rs. 20 per head).
Sunday, August 23, 2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 02/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 02/2009
A supply tent by Abu Dhabi co-operative society to distribute free Iftar packets during Ramadan
We are into the 2nd day of this years holy month of Ramadan. Mankind celebrate religion and the rituals and festivities associated with it in various different ways. There is a saying in Malayalam which corresponds to the meaning Different people Different ways. Everything corresponds to it. While reading my thoughts, some of you might be wondering why all these?
Different religion, various gurus, several hundred thousand types of rituals have all fascinated me from my childhood. Similarly my effort to continue education in various fields. This constant effort has developed a continuous approach in me to find good in all whom I meet and all religions they follow and to provide me with a strong belief in god to do a devoted life for family and mankind. During my school and college days and all throughout the 22 years of expatriate life here, I have had the chance of having plenty of muslim friends. Knowing them well and caring about them and their families provided me opportunities to learn about their religion and culture more and more each time. This has strengthened my respect for them as well as the religion. I strongly believe, if one is good at science, there is no rule which says that he should not learn maths or arts? Offering good wishes to all good things associated with this holy month of Ramadan, may I continue to my thoughts on this 2nd day of Ramadan.
Having completed the 1st day of Ramadan and the Iftar, I am sure a certain group might find it exciting to follow. They are none other than our children. As we all know, many times, they observe quietly what we say, and do and carry with them an urge to carry out and follow their peers. The rituals associated with Ramadan is also one among them. As they see their parents, relatives and friends fasting throughout the day during the holy month of Ramadan, and in the evening, after sunset, pray together and the break the fast by taking Iftar together as a group. It creates a dedication within themselves to follow suite on their own for the first time and they do it with utmost devotion. A challenge to make sure that they are at par with their peers make them more dedicated to follow these holy rituals with ease. No wonder, the seeds of unity, dedication and oneness automatically gets planted in their mind from a very young age.
Let me take this opportunity to narrate an interesting interaction I witnessed during my travel back from summer holidays via Goa recently. A young goan guy and his son studying in Gr 2 was sitting next to me. They kept on talking about all topics under the son and the interaction was really interesting. As the airhostess came around serving soft and hot drinks, the father asked for two beers. Pointing towards his sons seat, he requested the airhostess to keep two more if permitted. She did it with a smile and turned. Immediately, the boy opened out, Dad, you are cheating. You know that I don’t drink. You should not have ordered on my behalf.! Myself, the airhostess and of course our dad, were surprised by the momentary reaction by that small child. Children they are innocent and their mind is simple and pure.
The holy month of Ramadan and the short working hours associated with it is a blessing in disguise for many to spend maximum time with children. Utilise it to the maximum and you will find god in everything. Through various bits and pieces of Talent Share activities I will be also here around and if you find it interesting, please do spare a few minutes to make sure your child participate in them.
Wishing another blessed day of Ramadan to all my friends.
Ramesh Menon
23082009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
My Daily Ramadan thoughts - 01/2009
My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 01/2009
Mosque near Madinat Zayed Shopping complex Abu Dhabi
Today is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. It is the 9th month according to the Muslim calendar and very special to all muslims. From the time, I came to gulf, I enjoy following the fast and festivities associated with Ramadan. May be it is due to the religious upbringing I followed from my childhood which gave prominence to all religion and taught me to consider every one with importance irrespective of their caste or creed. May be this enthusiasm and belief is the force behind me to do the second edition of the Ramadan thoughts this year too. The first edition done last year was in Malayalam and many of my friends were unable to read it and I am following their request this year to do a version in English.
This is the month of August and days are longer than other months. That means fasting during the entire period of the day is a tough proposition to all, especially who do not fast regularly. It gives an added importance and virtue to this religious ritual and give a person a test to his commitment and belief.
During the month of Ramadan, muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is therefore important that muslims and non-muslims do not eat, drink or smoke in public places during this period. All these are considered as an offence to the belief. Please also do not express any type of anger or swearing in public during this period.
Muslims pray five times during Ramadan. When the call for prayer is announced, it is required to keep silence and reduce the sound of any loud music or public announcements happening around.
Display of affection between men and women in public places should also be controlled during the holy month of Ramadan. Provocative clothing should also be avoided during Ramadan period.
Fasting muslims eat two meals a day during Ramadan, namely Suhour and Iftar. Suhour is a pre-dawn meal, taken to give enough strength to fast. Iftar marks the end of the fast just after the sunset and mainly water, fresh juice and dates are taken. The main course of food is taken later during the evening after performing the Maghrib prayers.
Iftar tents situated near the mosque at Madinat Zayed shopping complex Abu Dhabi
I will try to add daily a few pictures of how the society celebrates the holy month of Ramadan in this part of the world.
I wish all my friends blessings of this holy month.
Ramesh Menon
22082009
Mosque near Madinat Zayed Shopping complex Abu Dhabi
Today is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. It is the 9th month according to the Muslim calendar and very special to all muslims. From the time, I came to gulf, I enjoy following the fast and festivities associated with Ramadan. May be it is due to the religious upbringing I followed from my childhood which gave prominence to all religion and taught me to consider every one with importance irrespective of their caste or creed. May be this enthusiasm and belief is the force behind me to do the second edition of the Ramadan thoughts this year too. The first edition done last year was in Malayalam and many of my friends were unable to read it and I am following their request this year to do a version in English.
This is the month of August and days are longer than other months. That means fasting during the entire period of the day is a tough proposition to all, especially who do not fast regularly. It gives an added importance and virtue to this religious ritual and give a person a test to his commitment and belief.
During the month of Ramadan, muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is therefore important that muslims and non-muslims do not eat, drink or smoke in public places during this period. All these are considered as an offence to the belief. Please also do not express any type of anger or swearing in public during this period.
Muslims pray five times during Ramadan. When the call for prayer is announced, it is required to keep silence and reduce the sound of any loud music or public announcements happening around.
Display of affection between men and women in public places should also be controlled during the holy month of Ramadan. Provocative clothing should also be avoided during Ramadan period.
Fasting muslims eat two meals a day during Ramadan, namely Suhour and Iftar. Suhour is a pre-dawn meal, taken to give enough strength to fast. Iftar marks the end of the fast just after the sunset and mainly water, fresh juice and dates are taken. The main course of food is taken later during the evening after performing the Maghrib prayers.
Iftar tents situated near the mosque at Madinat Zayed shopping complex Abu Dhabi
I will try to add daily a few pictures of how the society celebrates the holy month of Ramadan in this part of the world.
I wish all my friends blessings of this holy month.
Ramesh Menon
22082009
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