English Translation of the Article published in Kalki dated 21/12/2008 - about Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman

One who crossed the ‘ Ocean of Music’

Dear Friend,

I enjoyed listening to the Annamacharya cassettes of M. S. Subbulakshmi. In Particular a song in raga chenchuratti titled ‘Ra Ra Chinnanna’ made me blissed. I am sending a cheque for Rs.500/- for the beautiful way you have tuned. If I had the resource I would have added two or three Zeroes and written the cheque. But how to determine your ‘composing’ ability and knowledge!!!!!!!!!!!!

The letter was written by music world’s popular Vidwan Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and the one who received is Kadayanallur S Venkataraman. The meaning of the letter may not be a word-to-word but the content of the letter is the same.

If it was somebody else, they would have framed the cheque and the letter and hanged it in the house. But Kadayanallur Venkataraman was in need of money all the time so the cheque became ‘Money’ and due to his modesty the letter has gone to his table drawer.

Cinema going people all knows the details in composing tunes for lyrics already written or for the lyrics written, to compose tunes. Later is a difficult proposition to the Former. If a tune is good for hearing, it is easy to put the words based on the Screenplay. Even if the lyric is ‘OK’ because of the tune the song would be a success. ( People like Kannadasan are a rarity for this). But, composing a tune and making it a HIT for the already written Lyrics is a tough proposition. That too, for the Carnatic music songs where the tune has to blend and has to bring out the soul – composing is very difficult. But Kadayanallur Venkataraman has done that and also brought immense success in this endeavour and he is one of the best in few people who have done the same.

We are talking about Annamacharya Kirtanas but for lots of songs there are no Raaga-thala notes even if it is available we didn’t get that. Once Tirupati Devasthanam decided that they have to make famous the songs of Annamacharya they approached MS Subbulakshmi and Sadasivam couple and sadasivam accepted their request. Sadasivam selected and entrusted the job of composing tunes and music for the annamacharya kirtanas to Kadayanallur S Venkataraman. Not only for the name venkataraman, but also had the belief that venkataraman will do the job to the utmost satisfaction. That belief did not go waste – the proof for that is the letter of appreciation from Vidwan Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and also the bliss attained by the scores of rasikas who happen to hear the songs sung my M.S.

One day, for Annamacharya’s ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ song, venkataraman was trying to set the raga. Even after trying it out in many ragas the level of satisfaction was not attanined. Raaga, Thaalam, and the soul for the lyric has to be matchned isn’t it? If one is there the other one is missing – something is blocking – Kadayanallur became tired and sad. “ I will go and come back tomorrow” – off he went through the steps without waiting for MSS reply.

In those days, Kalki Office Gardens was Mammoth. From the Office doors to the Outside gate there would be lots of flowers in full blossom. Lush greenery grass will make your eyes cool. He was walking seeing these things and his mind has become thin and he got a bright tune formed in his mind. He stepped out of the gate but he did a ‘About Turn’ like a Army man , came back and went through the steps and reached MSS House and said ‘Please see whether this is good” and in Yaman Kalyan he sang the song.

The moment MSS Heard the song her eyes became moist. At that minute itself she know that ‘ This song will be a huge success’ . That’s what all the rasikas also felt and whenever they came to listen the cutchery of MSS they would pray that MSS should sang ‘Bhavami Gopala Balam’ today.

Once he composes music and his work is completed is never the case for Kadayanallur Venkataraman. Always he will be doing some tidbits extra work and make the final product in good shape. In Revathi Raaga ‘Na Naatti Badugu Natakamu’ song , all the MSS rasikas will remember it. When the recording of the song was going on and after finishing one take kadayanallur came near MS and said “After the first stepis over and before starting once again ‘Na Naatti’ just go ‘UP’ like this “ he sang and showed it to MS. Is it not enough show a bit to MSS? That moment itself MSS went to high Pitch and like a lightning spilled the ‘SANGATHIS’ and once again came back to the low pitch and continued the song, that part has become a Diamond in the Gold Necklace and shone brightly. In Second Take ‘ it became ‘OK’. In Curcheries that part would bring the rasikas sound ‘HAaaa’…

Once In Purttaparthi when MSS and Sadasivam went there, they introduced Kadayanallur S venkataraman to Sai Baba as he is the one who ‘Composed and Set the tune for Annamacharya songs’. Bhagawan , touched Kadayanallur S Venkataraman’s throat and expressed ‘ Always keep on serving MS AMMA”. That advice Kadayanallur Venkataraman carried on till he breathed his last breath.

Nobody need to think how Kadayanallur Venkataraman got this wealth of Knowledge in Music. ‘Semmangudi’s Disciple’ is enough!!!!!!!!!!! Kadayanallur has by Sitting with the Guru in the same stage and sang for many kutcheries as a supporting singer. Also has done Solo Kutcheries also.

In one instance an idea was mooted that tapes should be released wherein Semmangudi and MSS have jointly sung some songs. Under the insistence of ‘Enfield Sundaram iyer’ , both MS and Semmangudi have sung some songs in his house. This was done with only the Harmonium as the accompanist. When this gem was released in Tape and CD, everybody felt that if it accompanied with Violin and Mridangam then it would be really a GEM. Violin Sriram Kumar and Mridangam KV Prasad put on the headphones and by hearing the songs they played their instruments. Kutchery form has been achieved and was heard like that once it was attached to the sound track. When this ‘Master Tape’ was heard by Kadayanallur, he remarked that ‘AMMA and also Semmangudi has never sung a kutchery in the stage without a tampura’. Then only everybody realized and woke up from this reality. Kadayanallur expressed that he will ‘Put the Tampura’ and for two hours he put the tempura till the double cassette ran till the end and then he inserted the sound track into the tape and brought the tape into its full life. This he didn’t do as a small thing but with his full heart and dedicated the work to Semmangudi and MSS.

GOD who has given so much to kadayanallur Venkataraman also has given some negatives also. He got only an average job in All India Radio. But the works he carried out there is multifold. He was a Music Director, Sound Recordist and also he was very good in Editing also. For all the top artistes who will come and do the recording in All India Radio will feel the strength in themselves when they found out that Kadayanallur is there for the recording. But he got only the post of ‘Tampura Artist’.

GOD who has poured the music knowledge to him doesn’t granted him a great voice. Due to this he didn’t get many kutchery chances. One son, suffered from Polio and has three daughters whom he has to get them married. But, all this is known only to people who are really close to him. At the outside, he behaved to everybody as if there is no problem in his life.

Might be because of this outwardiness, he got the great chance and responsibility of composing and set the tune for ‘Kurai Onrum Illai’.

When this song was published for the first time in Kalki, it contained both the names of Rajaji and M.P. Somu. They had both consulted and took many days to conceive this song. One day that song will be set to music and will be sung by MS and will attain this height of greatness nobody even thought of. Even Sadasivam might not have realized or expected this when he asked Kadayanallur to set music for this song. But, god in the abode of Seven Hills has other ideas!!!!!!!!!!!

In that song, which has rare advices (thathuvams) put in simple words, kadayanallur venkataraman set the music and tune in the Raaga ‘Ragamalika’. MS took the essence of the song in her heart and soul and in full devotion and bhakthi sang it, all the rasikas all over the world felt the Bliss.. Even now the rasikas are enjoying the song.

From children to Big Vidwans everybody is singing the song. Flute singers, Nadaswaram artists, even saxophone players are playing and enjoying it. Wheter it is Marriage, or Function, or Anniversary functions wherever we go ‘Kurai Onrum Illai’ is being played.

This song will be played for ever…… This song will make us remember MSS, Rajaji and along with them Kadayanallur S Venkataraman will also be remembered!!!!!!!!!!’Kurai Onrum Illai’…..

About My Father - Kadayanallur S Venkataraman

English Translation of the Article published in Kalki dated 21/12/2008 - about ‘Kadayanallur S. Venkataraman’

One who crossed the ‘ Ocean of Music’

Dear Friend,

I enjoyed listening to the Annamacharya cassettes of M. S. Subbulakshmi. In Particular a song in raga chenchuratti titled ‘Ra Ra Chinnanna’ made me blissed. I am sending a cheque for Rs.500/- for the beautiful way you have tuned. If I had the resource I would have added two or three Zeroes and written the cheque. But how to determine your ‘composing’ ability and knowledge!!!!!!!!!!!!

The letter was written by music world’s popular Vidwan Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and the one who received is Kadayanallur S Venkataraman. The meaning of the letter may not be a word-to-word but the content of the letter is the same.

If it was somebody else, they would have framed the cheque and the letter and hanged it in the house. But Kadayanallur Venkataraman was in need of money all the time so the cheque became ‘Money’ and due to his modesty the letter has gone to his table drawer.

Cinema going people all knows the details in composing tunes for lyrics already written or for the lyrics written, to compose tunes. Later is a difficult proposition to the Former. If a tune is good for hearing, it is easy to put the words based on the Screenplay. Even if the lyric is ‘OK’ because of the tune the song would be a success. ( People like Kannadasan are a rarity for this). But, composing a tune and making it a HIT for the already written Lyrics is a tough proposition. That too, for the Carnatic music songs where the tune has to blend and has to bring out the soul – composing is very difficult. But Kadayanallur Venkataraman has done that and also brought immense success in this endeavour and he is one of the best in few people who have done the same.

We are talking about Annamacharya Kirtanas but for lots of songs there are no Raaga-thala notes even if it is available we didn’t get that. Once Tirupati Devasthanam decided that they have to make famous the songs of Annamacharya they approached MS Subbulakshmi and Sadasivam couple and sadasivam accepted their request. Sadasivam selected and entrusted the job of composing tunes and music for the annamacharya kirtanas to Kadayanallur S Venkataraman. Not only for the name venkataraman, but also had the belief that venkataraman will do the job to the utmost satisfaction. That belief did not go waste – the proof for that is the letter of appreciation from Vidwan Nedunuri Krishnamurthy and also the bliss attained by the scores of rasikas who happen to hear the songs sung my M.S.

One day, for Annamacharya’s ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ song, venkataraman was trying to set the raga. Even after trying it out in many ragas the level of satisfaction was not attanined. Raaga, Thaalam, and the soul for the lyric has to be matchned isn’t it? If one is there the other one is missing – something is blocking – Kadayanallur became tired and sad. “ I will go and come back tomorrow” – off he went through the steps without waiting for MSS reply.

In those days, Kalki Office Gardens was Mammoth. From the Office doors to the Outside gate there would be lots of flowers in full blossom. Lush greenery grass will make your eyes cool. He was walking seeing these things and his mind has become thin and he got a bright tune formed in his mind. He stepped out of the gate but he did a ‘About Turn’ like a Army man , came back and went through the steps and reached MSS House and said ‘Please see whether this is good” and in Yaman Kalyan he sang the song.

The moment MSS Heard the song her eyes became moist. At that minute itself she know that ‘ This song will be a huge success’ . That’s what all the rasikas also felt and whenever they came to listen the cutchery of MSS they would pray that MSS should sang ‘Bhavami Gopala Balam’ today.

Once he composes music and his work is completed is never the case for Kadayanallur Venkataraman. Always he will be doing some tidbits extra work and make the final product in good shape. In Revathi Raaga ‘Na Naatti Badugu Natakamu’ song , all the MSS rasikas will remember it. When the recording of the song was going on and after finishing one take kadayanallur came near MS and said “After the first stepis over and before starting once again ‘Na Naatti’ just go ‘UP’ like this “ he sang and showed it to MS. Is it not enough show a bit to MSS? That moment itself MSS went to high Pitch and like a lightning spilled the ‘SANGATHIS’ and once again came back to the low pitch and continued the song, that part has become a Diamond in the Gold Necklace and shone brightly. In Second Take ‘ it became ‘OK’. In Curcheries that part would bring the rasikas sound ‘HAaaa’…

Once In Purttaparthi when MSS and Sadasivam went there, they introduced Kadayanallur S venkataraman to Sai Baba as he is the one who ‘Composed and Set the tune for Annamacharya songs’. Bhagawan , touched Kadayanallur S Venkataraman’s throat and expressed ‘ Always keep on serving MS AMMA”. That advice Kadayanallur Venkataraman carried on till he breathed his last breath.

Nobody need to think how Kadayanallur Venkataraman got this wealth of Knowledge in Music. ‘Semmangudi’s Disciple’ is enough!!!!!!!!!!! Kadayanallur has by Sitting with the Guru in the same stage and sang for many kutcheries as a supporting singer. Also has done Solo Kutcheries also.

In one instance an idea was mooted that tapes should be released wherein Semmangudi and MSS have jointly sung some songs. Under the insistence of ‘Enfield Sundaram iyer’ , both MS and Semmangudi have sung some songs in his house. This was done with only the Harmonium as the accompanist. When this gem was released in Tape and CD, everybody felt that if it accompanied with Violin and Mridangam then it would be really a GEM. Violin Sriram Kumar and Mridangam KV Prasad put on the headphones and by hearing the songs they played their instruments. Kutchery form has been achieved and was heard like that once it was attached to the sound track. When this ‘Master Tape’ was heard by Kadayanallur, he remarked that ‘AMMA and also Semmangudi has never sung a kutchery in the stage without a tampura’. Then only everybody realized and woke up from this reality. Kadayanallur expressed that he will ‘Put the Tampura’ and for two hours he put the tempura till the double cassette ran till the end and then he inserted the sound track into the tape and brought the tape into its full life. This he didn’t do as a small thing but with his full heart and dedicated the work to Semmangudi and MSS.

GOD who has given so much to kadayanallur Venkataraman also has given some negatives also. He got only an average job in All India Radio. But the works he carried out there is multifold. He was a Music Director, Sound Recordist and also he was very good in Editing also. For all the top artistes who will come and do the recording in All India Radio will feel the strength in themselves when they found out that Kadayanallur is there for the recording. But he got only the post of ‘Tampura Artist’.

GOD who has poured the music knowledge to him doesn’t granted him a great voice. Due to this he didn’t get many kutchery chances. One son, suffered from Polio and has three daughters whom he has to get them married. But, all this is known only to people who are really close to him. At the outside, he behaved to everybody as if there is no problem in his life.

Might be because of this outwardiness, he got the great chance and responsibility of composing and set the tune for ‘Kurai Onrum Illai’.

When this song was published for the first time in Kalki, it contained both the names of Rajaji and M.P. Somu. They had both consulted and took many days to conceive this song. One day that song will be set to music and will be sung by MS and will attain this height of greatness nobody even thought of. Even Sadasivam might not have realized or expected this when he asked Kadayanallur to set music for this song. But, god in the abode of Seven Hills has other ideas!!!!!!!!!!!

In that song, which has rare advices (thathuvams) put in simple words, kadayanallur venkataraman set the music and tune in the Raaga ‘Ragamalika’. MS took the essence of the song in her heart and soul and in full devotion and bhakthi sang it, all the rasikas all over the world felt the Bliss.. Even now the rasikas are enjoying the song.

From children to Big Vidwans everybody is singing the song. Flute singers, Nadaswaram artists, even saxophone players are playing and enjoying it. Wheter it is Marriage, or Function, or Anniversary functions wherever we go ‘Kurai Onrum Illai’ is being played.

This song will be played for ever…… This song will make us remember MSS, Rajaji and along with them Kadayanallur S Venkataraman will also be remembered!!!!!!!!!!’Kurai Onrum Illai’…..

End 2008 Welcome 2009

Finale December 2008: End of a topsy turvy year - 2008. Ended with (Hopefully) tragic attack on India Mumbai by Terrorists. Now the same place are back in Life - Taj End, Trident and Oberoi.. Symbols of Indian Financial and Economic Might. Great answer given by the People of Jammu and Kashmir the way they came out in very good numbers to vote for 'DEMOCRACY' against the call of boycott from the separatists. To see The Government machinery in Delhi is going to discuss the Problem of Jammu and Kashmir with the elected representatives not with the separatists - which mistake they made last time. Hats off to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Yesterday's final sequence of Elections - Phase 7 of the J&K election - in Srinagar - Urban Scale of Separatist Movement - had the percentage of votes that is way way ahead of the last time. Politics of Rhetoric is coming from Pakistan. Trying to cover up the mess they have now in the International stage. It is upto or a test case for Indian diplomacy how they are going keep this issue lingering in the minds of the Foreign Governments so that they all combined put pressure to PAK government, so that they tackle the Terrorists infrastructure.

Sports: A great year for Indian Sports as a whole. Cricket - Good cricket throughout the year., IPL, India Vs Australia, AUS vs SA, IND Vs England, INDVsSL...Ended on a high note with india beating australia at home 2-0, SA drubbing Aussies in the first test at perth - chasing 418 to win with 6 wickets to spare. More than huge win for proteas huge loss for australia. Golf - Jeev Singh winning the Asian Order of the Merit for the second time and the first indian to win 1Million USD in prize money in a year. In Olympics Bindra making india proud, Boxers doing an excellent job...

Entertainment: Mozart from chennai having an excellent year - JA, JTYJN, ADA, YuvvraaJ, Ghajini with connections for Nokia capping a great musical year for Rahminiacs. Economic meltdown hitting the industry with Marmayogi shelved and endhiran changing hands from Eros (Ayngaran International) to Sun Pictures.

Economy: The tsunami of economy hitting America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Not even spared the OIL economy of Gulf with Dubai the worst sufferers. It is like saying More Greed More Poison... Only the conservatism of Abu Dhabi investments spared. Dubai with more project which in hindsight now showing not necessary - Emaar , Nakheel , Emirates are in doldrums all are the pet companies of the Dubai Ruler Sheikh Maktoum.

Wish You all a Very HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR - 2009

December - SAD & ANGER 2008

Mumbai (Taj/Trident/Oberoi/Nariman House/CST/Leopold Cafe/Metro Cinema)
Terrorists had a field day on November 28th 2008. Came by Boat, went in Taxi to places mentioned, sprayed bullets and just had 'KILLING' day. India Watched in Horror. Our Brave Police fought them in Pitched Battle, can you believe with .303 rifles (Pre-Independence Rifles so to say) when you compare the Kalashnikovs, AK-47 which the terrorists were having and also without Bullet Proof Jackets. Brave Officers and very good officers got killed. India watched in silence and in horror. 3 days (60 hours) terrorists held India Ransom. Innocent Men and Women - without nationalities, caste, religion were killed. What a planned operation - now in India Terrorism is not about against Hindus, not about Kashmir - it is about 'GLOBAL' terrorism that is done against Americans, Israelis, Europeans (british in particular). Nariman House - even Mumbaites are not aware of that - where the Jews mostly backpackers come and stay - terrorists systematically occupied the building and killed the Jews there. Now, India is in GLOBAL Terrorist map - Al Qaeda , LeT, ISI, JeM, Huji - everybody combined and did what they wanted successfully. Our NSG commandos fought bravely and mostly the INDIA should congratulate the brave Staff of TATA and OBEROI - who put their own lifes in risk and saved all the guests. Hats off to Them. Our Great Politicians - did what they do - exposed themselves.
Dy CM R R Patil - In a big city like Mumbai one or two things like that will happen, No Need to take it Seriously. Terrorists wants to kill 5000 people , they killed only 200.. Ex CM - vilasrao deshmukh - did a 'Terror Tourism' went to TAJ with his son and a Director - Ram Gopal Verma - no sensitivity. It is a Shame that these people are governing us. Kerala CM - telling that DOG will not visit Unnikrishnan's house, if it were not a NSG Commando - what happened to us?
Is there a solution to this menace, yes, if our politicians raise above themselves, raise and think about our Country INDIA. Waiting for Pakistan to do - will not happen - because ISI is not with Army , it is not with Government - it is an independent organisation. The solution is - it should be a combined one - with Israel, US, British, UN, Russia everybody should unite and kill the menace in Pakistan. India should organise that, whole world is waiting for an opportunity , INDIA should take this opportunity and raid the Camps and kill them. It should be a UNITED Attack. Will India raise to the Occasion - i doubt. Because there is no leader worth a salt to do that.
Finally, Hats off to NSG Commando, Our Police, Army, Staffs of Taj, Oberoi and Trident, Fire Service Personnel and MUMBAIites who are putting up this Horror. Media - they did their job. Nothing to add more than this.
A.R. Rahman - Ghajini Audio released. Great Music as usual from Mozart of Chennai.
Personal: Enjoying a short stint in Chennai. Enjoying with Two Lovely dolls - Smriti and Roshini. Having a whale of Time.
Official: Tough times are ahead. With Economic slowdown but one thing is being in AUH/DUB - better place to be than in US/Europe. At the same opportunity to talk about solution which will give immense benefit , cost control, cost saving. Every tough period or time is an opportunity to Shine.
See you soon!!!!!!!!!

3rd November 2008

Musaffah: Writing my first blog from the 'BED SPACE' in Musaffah. Enjoying Full the 'BACHELOR' life, sharing a room with '4' guys – all colleagues, working in the same office. There are 3 rooms – we are staying in supposed to be a HALL, 3 guys are in another room (one more colleague is sharing the room with other 2 people) and 2 guys are there in 3^rd room. All are very good – from the first day everybody has become friends. What a great food – I am having. Our Chief Chef Nitin S Pandit – is really a great chef – what a HAND he is having? Hats off to him – really a great time having in the kitchen. Vidya has advised me that – I have to reduce my BMI –well I am trying to do the same, but the food is the Killer. Anyway, doing a good 'Johny Walker' pun unintended, every evening, once again thanks to Nitin – who is also my walking partner. He is from GOA. Nice chap indeed. Hopefully, there is a place to stay in GOA, if at all a chance to visit the 'LOVELY' beaches. Ronald, another good friend in the flat – Tamilian. It has been destined that we have to come and settle in this place – after being 'THROWN' out from the CITY of Abu Dhabi – really we need to shift to a place within 24hours – that is the situation we had been put into. But, it is a great thing, that we had left the city. Literally we need to thank Mr. Biju, our office transport man – who was able to get us this place.

Cricket: What a month we had 'OCTOBER' with 'GOD' reaching the milestone 12,000 Runs. Hats off to him – who made the cricketing world sit up and notice at the age of 16 , now doing the same at the age of 35 – even after putting 19 years of great service to the NATION. Has the same enthusiasm to the game, as all players past and present – paying tributes to him – mostly his Humility – even after achieving ALL in the game of cricket. Now , another great man has retired 'JUMBO' – who did an untiring service to the Nation. 132 tests and 619 wickets. All cricket lovers should stand up and salute the man. Another 'DADA' to retire at the end of the Nagpur test – a great fighter (to the core) and very very special laxman to play his 100^th test. Hopefully the new GUN in cricket MSD lifts the allan border trophy by defeating the Aussies in the final test at Nagpur.

A.R.Rahman: What a man!!!!!!!! And what a Musical Treat he has given this year JTYJN, ADA, YUVVRAAJ, SAKKARAKATTI, – all are super hits and now another hit is on the way – GHAJINI. All are different genres of music. And in Yuvvraaj – he has taken the music to another level – fusion of Western Classical with Indian Classical. What a melody he has given. We should be proud that we are able to listen and enjoy ARR music. Not only to true rahmaniacs but to all the connoisseurs of music. Really a genius that too a Humble Genius.

Politics: A great tamasha of politics is happening in Tamilnadu. DMK government threatening that all the DMK MPS will resign and he even got everybody to submit the resignation papers to him. What for? – for srilanka tamils it seems. When every tom dick and harry knows that Indian Government led by Manmohan Singh cannot halt the WAR srilanka has started against LTTE. Now, in the guise of Srilanka Tamils, everybody in tamilnadu want the war to stop so that LTTE can escape – as the srilankan army is within KMs of Killinochi – the capital of LTTE. The Joke is the film world in Tamilnadu is also in the agitation. Only Cho and Jayalalitha in Tamilnadu are dead against the LTTE and they are OPEN in opposing LTTE.

Another tamasha is happening in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray – playing divisive politics with NCP and Congress tacitly supporting so that MNS led by Raj can overthrown elderly Bal Thackeray and decimate Shiv Sena in the coming Election. But this tamasha is going too far , Strike and agitation in Mumbai, Firing – killing two people and a North Indian being killed in shootout as he had threatened to kill people in a bus. MNS attacking the north Indians who are writing the railway board exams. And tit for tat - in Bihar agitators torching a railway wagon – stopping trains going to Mumbai. What is happening and as usual the central government is doing nothing. Another Bomb Blast in Guwahathi and shivraj patil – after changing his dress – made a routine visit to Assam and gave a routine statement against terrorism.

And finally, Bond is Coming – Shaken and Stirred Martinis , driving a Austin Martin and making 'LOVE' to gorgeous woman with a license to kill – Quantum of Solace releasing in India and other parts of the world – before releasing in UK and US. Look at the way India is being treated by the WORLD - it is a hot property for BOND films – highest grosser of bond films all over the world.

Back to Forced Bachelorhood in Abudhabi

Back in Abudhabi: After 4 weeks sojourn in Chennai with Family and Friends back to 'Forced Bachelorhood' in Abudhabi. By God's grace all are fine and keeping good health - 'TouchWood'. Lot's of things are happening around our life - Look around, crisis everywhere. As they say in the Battlefield - Bombs are falling everywhere. Financial Crisis - Wall Street going bankrupt , USA becoming United States of Socialist America - American , Bush Administration, coming to the rescue of the mistakes done by the so called 'Financial Witzkriegs' of the wall street. A socialist bailout plan - ala of 'Nationalisation' of the assests like nationalisation of the Banks done in India. $700b dollar bailout package - buying the 'Toxic' assets - all foreclosed housing mortgages and other credit instruments. Very Very big banks are all going bankkrupt - Liquidity crunch - banks are not able find funds to buy the assets. Assets worth Trillion dollars are going as 'Toxic' wastes. To the extent that - people are clolsing the homes and going, no money to pay back the instalments. You can get a home in (1BHK) in US for $1500. Yesterday i read an email article stating that - China has $2 Trillion dollars worth of US Treasury Bonds as Foreign Reserves - if they wants to offload all of them - There is no money in US to pay back. Imagine the crisis in US. All because of the flawed policies of the Bush Administration. Going to Unnecessary wars, failure in Iraq, Failure in Afghanistan - even now talking 'TOUGH' on Iran. Because of the US meltdown - crisis is brewing all over the world, Europe, Asia etc., even India is not spared, Sensex has dipped below 11,000 levels. Market Capitalisation of companies are nosediving. No country can be insulated from this crisis. Now the world has come around: America did through the star wars program , collapsed the USSR and now China holds the upper hand in all these 'US' crisis, and if they decide they can collapse the US. But at the same time China needs US because, lots of trade is happening between US and China. US is dependant on China for goods also, every item that is being used in US is coming from China.

Cricket: Now the another cricket fever has been Started in India. Ind Vs Aus - 4 test series and 5 ODI's. It is going to be a cracket of Series. Now, the topic going on the media - both in Print and in Visual Media, regarding the 'FAB FIVE'. Hopefully , 'FAB FIVE' will answer all the questions that have been raised till now. We can review this once the series is over.

Films: Last month was supposed to be the good month for Tamil Films. Sa.Ro.Ja, Poi Solla Porom, Dham Dhoom all had a good run. How a small film with advertisements and 'Controversy created' can make waves - good example is 'Kadhalil Vizhundhen'. Even a film with great music - if without a script can be a disaster - aptly seen is 'Sakkarakatti'.

From Chennai in September 08

General: After a short stint in AUH, exactly for 28days back in chennai, back in sweet home and back in Office. New Little one is cute and growing up. As elders say, 'Seeing a child smile, all the worries are just gone'; It's true. Elder one is enjoying the company of the Little One, little jealousy is there, that is understandable. Reason to come back after a short stint is due to elder one's quarterly exams and my job is to Baby Sit for both of them. My little help to vidya in whatever way it is possible. Office is getting livelier - as the techies residing in AUH has returned to Chennai. New recruits, New Sounds etc., Mylapore is the same - Opposite TASMAC - same sort of crowds, Roads are the same (like a field), Same Traffic Chaos - Complete Opposite to the sedentiary life in AUH , back to lively life in Chennai. Home Food, Mother, Brother, Sisters, Vidya, Sai Smriti and Sai Roshini, relatives, friends and not to forget 'Calls for Cards, Loans in the Mobile' - the moment i switch on the Mobile after reaching Chennai.
Nuclear Deal - 123 Agreement: Great Diplomacy from India. Had it passed without conditions in NSG (Nuclear Supplier Group) meet in Vienna. Eventhough in the Initial meeting US didn't help us , but this time , in the second meeting - like they say, in the final overs they did and showed their might , how the superpower backroom diplomacy will work. Made all the 'Hawkish' countries like, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland - all known anti-nuclear stand countries, China - as usual india fall prey to their comments, they tried to delay the agreement, but at the last minute gave Yes to the agreement. The same US diplomacy can work in other sense also - when they want to cancel the agreement, at that time also we have to accept that.
Now when the final sign from Congress is needed on that Agreement - Bush and US is making some statements, answering to Congress - all that is drawing to a conclusion that India will NOT ACCEPT the agreement at all. There are two points which are being downplayed by US, which are very critical to the agreement - one is legal binding to the Fuel Supply, which the agreement is vouching but now Bush Administration is telling that the agreement is not a legal binding one and it is only a Framework Agreement. Two, regarding the fuel reuse - spent fuel reuse, the technology to be supplied by US - this US is stating that they will not do that. If both of the points are not clarified by US to India very quickly , then India need not sign the agreement, even if it signs - the agreement is of no use because if there is no guarantee for fuel supply, what has happened to Tarapur, the same will happen (Tarapur happened after being in operation for 45 Years). All the hue and cry that has happened for the past 3 years - from June 25, 2005 till now has become a waste , because of the Bush Administration.
Delhi Blasts: No Words to express the shock, sorrow - for the innocent lives lost. As usual Police, Intelligence and important politicians - all played their part. Police - investigation after the bomb blasts, Intelligence - as usual no information and Politicians - Shivraj Patil, PM, President, Sonia - all expressed their condolences, shock, disbelief, Opposition - Shouted at the government, wanted Shivraj patils resignation. But the truth is - India has to live with this Bomb Blasts, it will be there today, tomorrow and for the future also. I think we have started taking as part of our routine. Because previously whenever a bomb blast has happened , the shock will be there for days, after a decade of violence -the shock has been reduced to hours, now it has been reduced to minutes. Most tragic part is - this could have been avoided. Pravin Swami from The Hindu has profiled the Mastermind behind the blast one Tauqeeb alias Qasim - not a normal Muslim guy (previous terrorists are profiled as one who has come from a Lower strata of society, no education etc., or sufferers or victims from the Babri Masjid violence. or from Godhra) , his is a MIG family background, all his family members had good education, he worked in Wipro and datamatics. So, now local cells also being engaged - so tracking or tracing is getting more complicated. The point is - he could have been arrested about a month ago in Azamgarh, UP authorities didn't give permission, because they feared communal clashes, as he is a prominent community leader in that area. Before that, from the same place they arrested three people, who had a role in the Jaipur and Ahmedabad blasts, that time there was a clash with the police. So, UP authorities feared violence and didn't give permission. After that delhi happened. Could it have been averted? Who is to be blamed Politicians, Intelligence or Police...... But whatever has happened, no state government has devised a plan where they have given funds to the Police, Revamped the Intelligence Organisation, whatever needed to control the terrorists and violence nothing? TN govt annouced 1Re a KG rice - 400 Crores extra expenditure from the State Government. Centre is sleeping, Shivraj patil on the bomb blast day - changed dress 3 times - before he came and annouced a statement in the TV. We have to live with this. Did any terrorists attacked or any sort of incident happened in US - after the 2001 inciden. No? They revamped the internal security and formed a HomeLand security department and they can tap any phones, maill whenever they wanted. In London - they have arrested the people who are behind the Bus and train bombing .. Here nothing of that sort has happened and Afzal Guru hanging is still pending.

See you Soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the Month of August 2008

Olympics: Oh!!!! Great Opening Ceremony. Very good Pyrotechnics, Fireworks display was very excellent eventhough some where stage managed, in the sense, for the television viewers, old fireworks display which was tested at the time of rehersals were shown. When we talk of China, it will not be without controversies!!!!!!! Like they told that nearly 58 ethnic groups of china were represented - but in reality ethnic minorities like Tibets and other were not represented by the ethnic people!!!!!!!!! But it was a great show put up by the chinese, they didn't left any stone unturned to make sure that this was one of the great olympics opening ceremony and wanted to show to the world that they have arrived onto the big stage. Because of communist regime and human rights violations, china was loathed upon by the so called western democratic countries and that too with the problem in the Tibet Region and all the confusions surrounding the Torch Lit run for the olympics. Hats off to Chinese for pulling out a real good show. In every Olympics opening ceremony - that too in recent memories.. Every time every country want to upstage the previous country in lighting the olympic torch in the Opening Ceremony - China did it in a very novel way.

What an Olympics for Phelphs!!!!!!!! Eight Golds in single olympics. Truly a Great Olympian. A versatile olympian who did the country USA proud and also to the olympic movement itself. With his torso built for the swimming - nearly reaching 17/18 inches at full arm stretch - a great physical beauty. A great achievement by Phelps is all the Medals are won in Record time - 7 in WR and 1 in OR. Winning the gold in 100M breast stroke by one hundredth of a second - just because of his reach and lunge he touched the touch pad. Another greatness is - the amount of strokes he does which is very much lesser than a normal swimmerand the amount of time he covers underwater - after he dives into the pool. All that has not come easily - he spends nearly 7-8 hours training and does 17 kms running and swimming daily. He does training on all days even on christmas day. His head works like a computer - if he says he wants to do a race in this time - he does it. All in all in early childhood he has been told that he is having an attention deficiency syndrome - so hyperactive that teachers told his mother that he is 'useless'. His present coach put him in water - now the whole world is amazed at this achievement.

Usain Bolt: Thunder Bolt in 100 M and 200 M - Both winning in World Record. USofA is nowhere to seen in this races. In Olympics, 100M is widely watched event, and always America used to hog the limelight. This time a small country has overshown every other country. REALLY AN ASTOUNDING RUN.

Basketball: Another event dominated by USofA. Greatly anticipated event in this olympics. Team USA till now has shown the world that last olympics was a non-issue. Great show put by millionaire sportsmen like Kobe, Lebron etc., Great match and great play by the dream team.

Football: Another enigma - Brazil lost to argentina in the semis - but as a saving grace won the bronze. Olympics Football is one of the sports where Brazil has not won the top honours. 5 Time world champions.....

Gymnastics: Another grand show by the Chinese. But controversy looms large with the two of chinese gymnasts are under age - less than the stipulated age of 16. This was revealed by the Chinese Paper. IOC is investigating the Matter.

All in all a grand show of Sports. Chinese are coming out top of the list of gold medal winners. USA is the leader in total medals tally. GB is doing a great show over its arch-rival in sports - Aussies.

India has atlast won a Individual Gold Medal. Abhinav Bindra , a great show. A self-made winner not by the System. He has the money and full family support - his father can afford it. He did the nation and his family very proud. Hats OFF to Abhinav Bindra. At the same not to overlook the effort vijender kumar and sashikumar for winning the bronze medals in Boxing and Wrestiling respectively. Truly an outstanding achievement. Hats off to them also.

Now to the favourite sport of India: Cricket.
India lost the series to Srilanka. Disappointing show by the 'FAB Four'. Question Marks are being asked against them. People are becoming very finicky when coming to sports and have forgotten the Past deeds - we don't need to go a year back or so, just 3 monts ago the same fab four shown how to fight agains Aussies. Now the same fab four is questioned. Yes, they played very badly, it is because of lack of preparation. It is a lesson learnt by them. One day series, started very badly but Dhoni and his team has shown character and class by destroying the lankans in the same way.

Tennis: This olympics blog would not be completed if no word is told regarding Tennis event. IT has been billed as the top class competition equalling Grand Slam Tournament sans the million dollar prize money. Pride was at his wanton peak. Federer Vs Nadal - Ohh what a competition all played in Great Olympic Spirit. In the end won by new super start of Tennis - Rafael Nadal. Federer - FedEx - lost in the quarterfinals. Questions are asked - whether Fedex in Decline. Seems to be so, but he is only 27 !!!!!. But the fear has gone to the opposing players. Now federer as a name doesn't give butterflies to the opponents. He is not feared anymore. He redeemed himself by winning the Bronze Medal.

Politics: J&K is burning. What is Delhi doing it - one thing is sure, it is not putting out the fire. Jammu people under the Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti are playing to the Separatists hands. And Separatists in Kashmir are putting oil to the fire and enjoying their day. Delhi is watching silently. Hurriyat is gaining lost ground and ISI, now with pakistan politics under some trouble , are doing whatever they can so that the situation can remain in this dangerous situation. Who is to blame for this : Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti, or Delhi (for all its negligence - congress has to take much blame), Kashmir Separatists or Pakistan ISI.. Elections - that too two - J&K state elections and National elections are round the corner and all the political parties are playing around that. PDP the main culprit in this drama. NC looking and remaining silent.

End: Now back in Abu Dhabi for next sojourn. Will be here for a month. It is still very hot in this part of the world. Good News, shifted to a new office, much spacier, more grandeur. But Journey to the office is longer - shifted to Musaffah. It is about 30 kms away from the Abu Dhabi Centre. But because of the roads are in great condition - 6 lanes , we are reaching office in 25 minutes. Imagine the same in chennai - ohhhhh it would be a pathetic.

From Chennai - 23rd July 2008

On Personal Front: Srividya, delivered a baby girl on Wednesday 16th July 2008 around 3.30 PM at Isabelle Hospital.Normal Delivery. We have named her as Sai Roshini, Meaning - 'Light'. Mother and Daughter are fine. Need all my friends, Well-wisher's blessings to the Kid.
Politics: What a 'Drama' - all the blockbuster movie's Screenplay, Climax, Story - nothing will come near this. 3 MP's from MP - whom people had voted with high hopes - showing Wads of Notes - 1000 Rs - shown live - there was a article in one paper saying that nearly million people watched Live the telecast. Shown All over the world - in the highest seat of democracy - inside the parliament - telling that Middlemen or contacts from SP and Congress gave this money - to abstain from voting. An another Sting operation from the TV Channel - CNNIBN - the channel not telecasting the tape, handed over the tape to the Speaker. The sting operation showing the 3 MPs going inside Mr. Amar Singh's house and showing the mobile conversation between the MP and the Ahmed Patel. The channel people placed some hidden cameras in the room of the MP and recorded the footages. The big question is 'whether any truth will come out of this'? Investigation has been announced, but i don't know how the truth will come out? There is no visual footages of MP's talking to Amar Singh and only one sided conversation with Ahmed Pater - -over the telephone. Maybe the footages showing Reoti singh another MP - contacts from Amar Singh meeting the MP's - that would be the only proof. At the end - a creditable victory for UPA. We may witness the best period for the next 3-6 months of Governance by the UPA with left not looking over the shoulder of UPA (Dr. Singh). Uncharacteristically - attack from Dr. Singh over Advani and the Left - speech interrupted by the Members of the Parliament - reply by Dr. Singh for the Confidence Motion. Dr. Singh emerging as a Politician !!!!!!!
As usual Lalu made a good comical speech, Omar did a great job, Rahul surprised by speaking extempore. All in All a rivetting two days of drama.
Cricket: England lost the Second test against South Africa. Proteas deserved the victory - they batted, bowled and fielded excellent. England top order batsmen failed in both the innings. Bowlers tried hard - but destiny - South Africa is the winner. From today onwards IndiaVsSrilankan - series starts. First test, first days play was washed out only about 20 overs were bowled. In this part of the world - this month is rainy season. Everybody is talking about the Mystery bowler - Ajantha Mendis - Carrom ball bowler. It would be good or delight to watch Sachin Vs Mendis showdown.
Tamilnadu: Normally when electricity is not there - we used to tell 'Power Cut' but a new term has been used by the Tamilnadu government, called as 'Power Holiday'. Even Scheduled Power cuts are now referred as 'Power Holiday'.
World: A powerful bomb blast in Afghanistan in front of the Indian Embassy in kabul, killing two diplomats, a security guard and an Afghan working for our embassy and injuring scores of people who have come to get visa to go to india for treatment. Intel is pointing towards 'Elements' in pakistan. It is a war between India and pakistan - being fought in the turf of Afghanistan. India is doing a very good job in afghanistan - which pakistan is not in favour of. Pakistan doesn't want india to get closer to the Afghan establishment. India is concentrating on infrastructure facilities and projects, building Afghanistan - like Road Construction, Hospitals, School buildings, telecom infrastructurals etc..,

Back in Abudhabi - 09/07/08

Musings: Lots of things have happened and happening in all parts of Life: Personal, Official, Politics, Cricket, Films and in General. A hectic course of things, fast paced. If we look at one thing, then there is another thing that has happened and we are forced to look at the other thing. "Motion on Wheels"..
Personal: Keeping fingers crossed as at any time expecting a second 'Flower' to bloom. Waiting for the second child - as the 'D' date is approaching. Both myself and Sri Vidya (Naturally) and others are waiting anxiously to see - who is going to 'Come' to see the world...
Official: Got the User Sign-off on a project, which has gone into every cycle for a whole year. Which earlier 'Great' people has termed 'Not Possible' to get a sign-off, the present team with me as the lead - has done it. Hats-off to 'Giruba' for accomplishing. Work is not over - still a lot of work to be done. New member has joined. Good thing lots of work is coming up. New Proposals, New Customers, Meetings.. hopefully few will materialise. Lots of scope for New Projects. A great 'deal' of work is expected in next few months.
Cricket: India 'Young Guns' succumbed to 'Final' pressure - two finals consecutively' One to Pakistan and another to Sri Lanka. India's bowling resources has been 'put to shreds' by the batsmen friendly pitches. No bowler to put india on top in the docile pitches in sub continent. Yousuf pathan - exposed to the '50' overs limited cricket along with his brother 'Irfan pathan' - with no pace and no real swing - easy meat in sub-continent pitches - Shredded to pieces.. Ishant bowled well in the final - IN patches bowled well. Consistency has gone. Our bowlers are seems like good in Foreign conditions, not able to show the variety in the Sub-Continent Pitches.
Batsmen did their assigned job well, great consistency shown by Gambhir. Viru back to form. But final lost is lost - nobody remembers the 'Runner-up' only winners are remembered. India has exposed that 'young guns' don't know how to play real spinners and real 'pacers' even in Sub-Continent pitches. Ajantha Mendis - new name on the Block.. really tormented the indians in the finals. Test team for Srilanka Series - announced. Seniors have come back. MSD is taking rest. Great deal of cricket has been played by MSD, a good move. Atlast indian board is maturing.
Politics: A good news. Left has withdrawn support for the Congress led UPA government. Atlast, congress has shown the 'Bravado'.. Now atleast we can expect some good governance for one year - till the elections. Left is the stumbling block for anything. It is good that they have withdrawn support.,
Films: Kuselan is getting released. Great deal of expectations. dasavatharam is going good. New film 'Aamir's cousin - JTJY - released and gettting good reviews. Sakkarakatti music is being eagerly awaited - ARR's music - getting released on 11th July 2008.
Sports: Euro 2008. New winner. Spain - worthy winner.