Hey... Nithu Chithi... DOUBLE CONGRATS.... DOUBLE DHAMAKA....

HEYYYYY..... MY CHITHI HAS WON DINAMALAR T.V.R.'S SHORT STORY CONTEST...
and Today HER TWO STORIES HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE MAGAZINE.... one in her name & the other in Sathvika's name.

DOUBLE DHAMAKA... Chithi....

CHITHI .... YOU SHOULD GIVE US DOUBLE TREAT for this on MOM'S 39th Birthday on 22nd Dec, as you scheduled to come over here.... and I could enjoy the treat leisurely as 22nd is my last exam.

As I wrote in one of my posts earlier, my Chithi Nithu Bala (Nithya Balaji) is a versatile blogger, writer & so on...

Many number of her stories, her tour experiences with her pictures & photos and recipes were published in leading magazines such as Devathai, Aval Vikatan, The Hindu, Thendral (one of the magazines from USA, as earlier she resided there).

Recently she won Dinamalar T.V.R.s Short story contest and her story has been selected from about 4000 stories.

The prize story " VEEDU" has been published in today's VAARAMALAR in her original name Nithu Bala ( Dinamalar Weekly Magazine) ....

Her Other Story " MAAMIYAAR KUNAM" in a Pen Name SATHVIKA (Name of my Cousin , Her Daughter)... has also been published in today's VAARAMALAR.

A BIG CONGRATS CHITHI.... 

Here goes the LINK.... for Today's DINAMALAR STORIES

1. http://www.dinamalar.com/Supplementary_detail.asp?id=13322&ncat=2

2. http://www.dinamalar.com/Supplementary_detail.asp?id=13330&ncat=2


LINK TO HER OTHER STORIES, ARTICLES & RECIPES PUBLISHED IN VARIOUS OTHER MAGAZINES... 

1. My Chithi Nithu Bala's Article about Niagara Featured in Aval Vikatan (May 24, 2011)  

http://www.vikatan.com/article.php?mid=3&sid=163&aid=5758

My Chithi Nithu Bala's stories

1. http://www.tamilonline.com/thendral/morecontent.aspx?id=128&cid=13&aid=7284

2. http://www.tamilonline.com/thendral/morecontent.aspx?id=137&cid=13&aid=7812

3. Her Story (Paambin Kaal..!) Published in Devathai
(http://www.nithubala.com/search/label/Media )
http://www.nithubala.com/2011/12/my-story-published-in-devathai.html


My Chithi's Recipes Published in THE HINDU... 

1. Her Recipes Featured in The Hindu Metroplus - Kadugu Sadam (June 19, 2010)   and
2.  Thengai Paal Mullu Murukku (September 10, 2010)   ... Link for above two is ...

http://www.nithubala.com/search/label/Article%20Published%20in%20Hindu

3. Her Recipe Featured in Vikatan Deepavali Malar (October, 2010) & the link is ...

http://www.nithubala.com/2010/10/my-recipes-featured-in-vikatan.html

4. Her Recipes Featured in Thendral (November, 2010) 

http://www.nithubala.com/2010/11/my-recipes-featured-in-thendral.html

Apart from these, she has published so many articles in Aval Vikatan, Doctor Vikatan, & few other magazines. 

In the Footsteps of My Thatha, Chithi & Amma.... Here I Come.... 

I am 11 Today....

Today is my 11th Birthday....

Yesterday (Nov 11, 2012) night I had so many surprises... We were chatting & having fun till 11 pm. Both Mom & Dad asked me to sleep so as to wake up early the next morning. As I was in the celebration & festive mood, I could not sleep & was so brisk & bright. By around 12 Midnight, Dad went to hall to get his mobile... later he called Mom & I to hall....  to my surprise, no light was there but only candles... I with my eyes wide open could see a cake in the middle of the hall with candles in all its four corners... WOW.... They are celebrating my birthday in the midnight...

Thank you so much Amma & Appa.

Prayed Sri Mother after lighting the incense sticks & then I cut the cake.

After cutting the cake, Both Amma & Appa gave me gifts... on seeing the pack given by Amma, I thought that might be either  Bailey School kids series or R.K.Narayan's one or two collections.... I said my guess to Mom.... She said No... & then asked me to open it.... I opened it with so many guesses.... to my utter surprise there was educational CDs Combo Pack & Then I took Appa's gift... It was a bit heavy... on opening, I was astonished to see the electronic gadget...  Amazing Dad & Mom... Thank You so much.

This Morning I woke up around 6.45 am and got ready. I bought Salwar & Banaras Pavadai for both my birthday & Diwali. Also bought Black Capri, Black Shrug & Yellow Racer Back top -- It's my Chithi's gift. I wore the Capri  today.

Viga was the first one to call in the morning by 7 am sharp. Thanks Viga for your wonderful wishes. Continuously one by one called me...  Viji Paatti, Nithu Chithi, Elango thatha & Balaji Chittappa, again another Lakshmi Paatti, Mahesh Chittappa, Kavita Chitthi & Nakshu, then Appa's Cousin Preethi Athai & Chitta Thatha, Amma's Aunt (athai Paatti), Her Daughter Mirudu Athai, Her Son Darshan Mama, Our Family Friends Arun Uncle & Devi  Aunty, Vino Mama, Pappy Aunty & their son Aku, ... & received mobile message wishes from Amma's Chithi ( Sundari Paatti & Thatha) , Priya Aunty, Anand uncle, Mrittika & Srutti... Then Amma's MBA & B.Pharm friends.... The list is so big & it continues...

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LOVE YOU SHOWER ON ME....

THANK YOU... THANK YOU..... THANK YOU.... 

Chitta Thatha & Preethi Athai came by around 11 in the morning... I again cut the cake for them & they gave their gifts and blessings.

Athai gave a beautiful greeting card in handmade paper, made by her, & her gift is  a photo frame with Sri Mother & Sri Aurobindo Photos, Multi coloured light & a serial light set for our Christmas & New Year celebrations.... Thatha gave me money to buy the story books of my liking. Thanks Thatha & Athai. They had their lunch with us. We all played Carrom board & Then I played Chess with Preethi Athai.  

Thank You So Much Thatha & Athai for your blessings & gifts. 

FANTABULOUS DAY.....

To My Dear Mom & Dad, on Your 15th Wedding Anniversary

Yeah... Today is a special day.

It is my Parents 15th Wedding Anniversary.


They got married in 1997, at Chidambaram. By the time they got married, Mom was in the 2nd year of her MBA (after her B.Pharmacy) and Dad, a Civil Engineer by Profession. After marriage, with the support of my dad & my maternal grand parents, mom pursued her studies & with sheer hard work, got her university gold medal & qualified her SLET. Even now she has all the support from my maternal grand parents and from my dad. She is much blessed to get such a great parents....  and ...

... I am truly blessed to have such a caring & doting parents.

They mean a lot to me.... they are my strength... they are my support.

They appreciate me...., they advice me..., they discuss each and everything in the world with me....,

they guide me...., they ask my suggestions to take important decisions..... 

Simply...

My parents mean everything to me. 

I often see their wedding album and even after 15 years, they look the same.... ;-)



On the Day of their Wedding




Mom & Dad After 15 Years ( Today)

 

I just wanted to mark their milestone with a quick blog, as we have to go the parents-teachers meeting today, at the school.

Happy Anniversary My Dearmost Amma & Appa.... 

Love you loads. 

HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY

Its Teachers' Day.

HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY TO OUR PRIMROSE SCHOOL TEACHERS.

It is your Day and you have to be Honoured.

Thank You My Dear Teachers. 

ALSO TEACHERS' DAY WISHES TO ALL THE TEACHERS. 

AUGUST 8th - OUR SATHVI'S 1st BIRTHDAY

The August 8th - the same day our Sathvi born last year.

I remember that day -- we all anxiously waited from the morning for a phone call from Patti or Chittappa from the hospital. It is only by 7 O'Clock in the evening we got a call from Patti to come to hospital as our kutti darling born by around 6.56 pm.

This year, we started on 8th August morning to chithi's house at Chennai. We reached by around 9.30 am. and by the time we reached chithi's house, almost 80% of the decoration was over, as chithi, chiththappa & paatti were at it for the past two days. Chithi was busy doing flower arrangement in Sri Mother's Meditation Hall, as the prayer to be followed after the cake cutting. The Cake cutting ceremony was also arranged before Sri Mother in the same hall.

We bought few ornamental flowers from Pondicherry and we arranged it in the vase. I then played with Sathvi. Appa & Chittappa tied the balloons and I helped them by pumping air in the balloons.

By 5 O'Clock in the evening, all the decorations were over and we got ready by 5.15 pm. By 5.30 pm, Chittappa's Younger Brother Saran Chittappa came with his wife and his daughter, Oviya.

Invitees were just our family members -- Appa, Amma & I, Elango Thatha & Viji Paatti, Saran Chittappa, Chithi & Oviya & Gunal Thatha ( My Chiththappa's Dad). Thats it.

Usually, this is our way of celebrating any family functions. Our celebrations normally restricted to our own family alone. We start any function  with prayers to Mother & flower offerings. Also end any function with prayers again and meditation.

The cake was beautifully decorated in pink and in the shape 1. The table was decorated with pink rose petals, that match the eggless cake.

By around the same time Sathvi born, they cut the cake. Then, Chithi had arranged for 2 games -- one is Tambola ( Housie) and the other is Passing the parcel. 

In Tambola, Amma won Full House & 3rd House & I won 1st House & 2nd House. Every one said.... The same family won all the 4 prizes... We had a great time.


In Passing the parcel game, its Saran Chittappa's turn... he won.

Chithi along with Sathvi gave prizes & gifts to us. Superb Personalised gifts... really really wonderful...

Thanks Chithi & Chittappa. A Special Thanks to Sathvi Kutty. 

Enjoyed this day like anything. HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR DEARMOST SATHVI. 

2nd August - Annual Awards Ceremony of Talent Hunt, 2012

Another Wondrous Evening indeed. 

We went to the Subbalakshmi Hall at Muthialpet by evening around 3.30 pm. I was asked to go to the Prize Winners waiting area. Amma and Appa sat in the audience and viewers area. As the instructions were clearly given on the prior day itself not to bring any cameras and so on., as the school has arranged for those, .. Appa didn't bring anything with him.

Director of School Education, Mr. Vallavan came to distribute prizes to us. This year, few new prizes, such as Little Champion Runner I, Runner II and Primary Champion Runner I, Runner II were included. Coming to the most awaited Champion Of Primrose, it is none other than Haritha Akka. CONGRATS HARITHA AKKA. Javeed Anna and Shashank Anna were the Champion of Primrose - Runner I and Runner II respectively. CONGRATS Javeed anna and Shashank Anna. 

After the Prize distribution, much enjoyed programs lined up one by one and we enjoyed each and every program very much. Superb ones, especially the classical dance by Thaniya Akka and team and also the Fusion Dance by again Thaniya Akka Team. Amma said that she enjoyed both these dances. The Skime ( Skit + Mime) was full of fun. I laughed my lungs out.

Samyukta (Samyu for us) of LKG told the MIDAS -  THE GOLDEN TOUCH story with such a lovely lovely language. So sweet Samyu.

Balamithra of 2nd, gave his English speech. Cute little boy with so many expressions in his face and voice. Wow simply Superb Bala.

On the whole an EXTRAORDINARY, AMAZING and a FANTASTIC DAY.  

31st July - Announcement of Prizes.

Today they have announced the prizes, in the afternoon session. Mrs.Anuradha Sriram, of Integra, came to distribute prizes.

One by one the places were announced and prizes were distributed. I got 1st Prize in Flower Carpet, 2nd Prize in English Recitation, 1st Runner-up (shared with Purple Team) in Quiz and 3rd Prize in Group Dance. Inspite of few confusions, it was a great feeling. I am yet to receive the prize for Quiz and certificates for the Group dance. 

I have learnt so many new things with this Talent Hunt, as otherwise I am sure I might not have the urge to learn and know about those now.

Thank You so much Teachers for arranging these wonderful events.

A Great and Wondrous Day.

30th JULY - Last Day of Our Talent Hunt

30th July, we had Group Dance by Morning 9.30 and Flower Arrangement by Morning 10.30.

We collected flowers from different shops and one shop keeper had promised us to give many different varieties of flowers, as specified by appa, by around 8.15 am. We got tensed up as he was not picking up our call till 8.50 am and many of my friends started from their houses with make up to school. I got ready by this time but Appa had gone to collect flowers from few other shops that have regular bouquet flowers and not the ones we have ordered.  Atlast dad came with flowers and we started to school.

The Mission street is full of debris as the pipe laying work is going on everywhere in the city and of huge traffic. On our way we again collected flowers from the person we have already ordered. I got really really tensed up as the program has to start by 9.30 its almost 9.15 am. Normally Dad used to say that one should be before time but not after time.

It is exactly 9.28 am, we reached the school. I was relieved to see my friends, all dressed up so beautifully and colourfully.

The Group Dance was started by around 9.40 am. We were the first in our Category I and before us danced was Category II Vaibhavi Akka's Team. There were more than 6 teams in our Category itself. We danced really well.

After the group dance, we were called for the Flower arrangement and numbers were allotted to us. In our respective places we did the arrangements. I displayed everything carefully. I studied about the flowers, its nature and significance at home, as amma never let me do anything without prior ideas and knowledge about that. She said, " If you want to do flower arrangement, first learn about basics... - about flowers, their nature and most importantly their COMMON NAMES, if not the Botanical names. If someone asks you about a flower, you should be thorough enough with that flower. It is not just arranging it in a colourful manner. The competitions are arranged, for you should learn something useful, about that . Otherwise don't do that just for joining the competitions ". I agreed with her. So  did homework properly at home.

Thanks a lot to Suni Miss and the Management of Primrose, and to all the Team Members of voice of Primrose and to all those who were behind the scenes for arranging this Talent Hunt, for giving us a wonderful opportunity to learn something more useful.

Afternoon session is full of Skits and Group songs. We enjoyed this last day very much. Both Appa and amma wished to see our programs in the afternoon, but as parents were not allowed they waved me after my lunch.

Enjoyed This Day Very Much. 

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

A VERY HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY TO YOU ALL.... 

Friendship may bloom between any two persons, of any age, whether of same age or younger or elder or even with your Teachers, mother, father, Grandparents, sister, brother, aunt or uncle. 

I treat my blog as my friend and share anything I could.

It could occur with the Divine too. Sri Mother & Sri Aurobindo thatha are my friends as I smile at them and speak to them my happiness, worries and wishes. This Canna indica flower, of bright red, in my friendship day card, signifies the FRIENDSHIP WITH THE DIVINE, according to Sri Mother.

All my Teachers and Mentors are my friends too.

Also my schoolmates and classmates are my friends.  

My mom and dad are my best friends. 

In General we used to give Yellow Roses to our friends, which signifies friendship with the fellow being. 

Friendship is such a great feel and every one should have a great, good friends.  

It demands nothing 

commands nothing. 

It guides you & 

makes you go in the right path--if

its a true one. 

HAVE A GREAT FRIENDSHIP DAY!!!

27th July - Fun Filled Day !!!

On 27th July, 2012, I had my Recitation competition. I reached the school on time by School Bus.

Morning by 9.15 the Competition started. I recited William Wordsworth's I WANDER LONELY AS A CLOUD. It is commonly called as Daffodils. I loved this Poem very much. I did very well with proper modulation of voice. I remember, the same time last year, I recited Savitri.

After our recitation, there came the CHAMPION OF PRIMROSE SESSION. We saw this for the first time. Introduction Round, Talent Round, Mock Interview Round, Rapid Fire Round were there. We enjoyed the programs very much. As amma used to say.... All are equally excellent.

Afternoon Session too, there  were the Champion of Primrose rounds. One by one many got eliminated and atlast, Javeed Anna, Haritha Akka and Shashank Anna got selected, for the final round. We really had a great day.

Results are yet to get announced. We are all with our fingers crossed.... Who is Going to be the CHAMPION OF PRIMROSE???!!! 



ANYBODY THERE...??? PLEASE TELL ME WHO THE CHAMPION IS.... 

26th July - AN AWESOME DAY....

It is 26th July, 2012, our Competitions started.... till today, 30th July 2012 we had competitions.

This year we entered in Category I, as we are in 6th Std. These are OUR DAYS....


On 26th July morning, by 9.30 am, Fancy Dress Competitions were held. Superb every one.

By 10.15 am, I had my English Speech Competition- Finals. The Topic is MY FAVOURITE AUTHOR. I was selected in the preliminary round held on 6th July 2012.

 The Speech Competition started immediately after the Fancy dress competition, as the judges were there on time already at the school.  I was the first to give the speech, as I had to go to the Floral Carpet Competition to be held at the same time. I gave the speech on Thiru. R.K.NARAYAN.  I did very well and of course I have become a great fan of him and keep on reading his books whenever I find a little time. I don't mind reading his writings repeatedly, every day atleast for 15 minutes, before sleeping by 11 pm or even later, after finishing my school works.


After finishing my English Speech, I went to the Floral Carpet Competition. Amma & Appa, were waiting near LKG, with different Flowers, Traditional Lamp & Candle Lamps. Anu miss alloted space and gave my number card. I got it and asked her to which room i have to go. Miss showed the room and amma came in and kept all my things, flowers in the rack and near my place and went out. I started drawing in black sketch and miss asked me to draw it with chalk and not by sketch. Sri Vidya miss gave me chalks and I started drawing it with chalks.

Later, I arranged one by one. This is the first time I single handedly did this Flower Carpet. Thank You Teachers for giving me this wonderful opportunity to try my best in Floral Carpet. I have seen many number of times, Viji Patti, Thatha, Chithi, Chittappa, Amma & Appa making this for offering many number of flowers to Sri Mother & Sri Aurobindo at Thatha's House, in Chithi's House and in our house too. I have done a small area arrangement alone or used to arrange flowers in a tray or plates or in vases.

But I have never arranged solely by myself. This is the first time I have tried my hand in this Floral Carpet. After finishing my first try, I just loved it. It came out very well. Miss told us to light the candles later, just before the arrival of the judges. Mam and almost all my teachers appreciated the flower carpet and friends said that it was very nice. It is only the appreciation and recognition keeps me going and gives me confidence to learn a lot. Thanks you so much Mam & Teachers. Thank you friends.

After sometime, Mam asked us to light the candles. Appa took three snaps and then left the room and said that he would take the photos of other carpets later.

My Floral Carpet

I have seen the works of other Akkas. Really superb carpets. I just loved the way the flowers were arranged.... every one has come out with different themes.

Afternoon session, full of Puzzles, Solo State Dance for category I & II, and a Mime by seniors. Arwa, Mrittika, Siddarth, Oviya Akka, Subiksha Akka, Kiruba Akka, Nimanshi Akka & Sana Banu Akka danced very well. The mime is full of fun and fun only. Enjoyed a lot.


Really it was an awesome day.

Time for Talent Hunt

It's time for Talent Hunt....!!!

Last year, around the same time Talent Time was conducted. This year, it's Talent Hunt.


Last week, that is 20th July, 2012, the Friday, Our Primrose was Colourful, just as Primrose flowers, from Violet to Pink to Yellow and White.... Cool.... & Lovely....

It was the inaugural function of the Talent Hunt followed by the K.G. kids Fancy dress. We enjoyed every second of it. So lovely... the kids posed as Japanese, Politician, Minnie Mouse, Tear Drop,  Fairy and so on...

Children came one after another to the stage and few spoke well and few stood still. Beautiful Angels....

Its really wonderful to see our Primrose full of beans.... Superb....


From 23rd July (till 25th July Morning), Primary Section Competition started. We had classes and we could not see those competitions. Mom came twice as a judge. She told me that she enjoyed every micro bit of the programs. In the speech competition, Children were really wonderful in their presentation and in the fancy dress, they dressed so colourfully and spoke very well.


On 25th July, we had our Quiz Competition in Volley ball Court. Due to regular tests and school work till last day, I didn't prepare much for the quiz. Quiz Masters are Saritha Miss, Sujatha Miss and Sri Vidhya Miss. Gautham Anna held the mike for the Blue team and Pink Team. Kaushik Anna held the mike for the Yellow, Purple and Orange teams.

I really lag in the ministers. Mom keep on telling me about the home minister, defence minister and so on. But I don't give much importance to it.

I know the answers asked for the other team mates like who resigned his finance ministry recently? and few other questions in this current affairs... as amma said to me. But the question for me in this is who is the home affairs minister? I just got remembered as amma told me this and with sheer negligence, I didn't give much importance to it.

Also I know the answers for the questions posted to other team mates like Where do we find Cerebellum, Cerebrum & medulla oblongata? , jaundice affects which part of our body? For my team, we got a question from hand... might be the name of the two bones in hand or something else... as amma had taught me about the nature of the hand, the bones and so on when I got fractured and also during appa's fracture and surgery... I know for sure, with little thinking I could have answered... But in this quiz competition, the HOT SEAT IS A REAL HOT SEAT... I could not think... just got blank enough....

At last, Ragav Team emerged as Winners and We were one among the Runners and the other team that shared Runner was Fatema's Team. Congrats Friends.

I thanked Sri Mother for giving me this and thought of doing this excellently well the next time.

I apologised to amma when I saw her at the bus stop for all these  blunders I have made. She said, "Congrats & Its ok... this is the first time and with a little effort you could make it next time and don't worry about this. Think of tomorrows".

Have a Great Day.

1st BLOG - VERSARY !!!

Ha.... It's been one year since I started my own blog.... Time flies....

I started this Blog last year during Talent Time to record my views and experiences.... a kind of diary. Amma keep on insisting me to write diary regularly. I would start to write few lines but would not feel like continuing it. It is amma who initiated me to write something or other regularly and I immediately thought of starting a blog, as I got inspired by my Chithi Nithu Bala's Blog http://www.nithubala.com. She is a versatile blogger. She often writes stories in various weekly magazines, monthly magazines and her recipes have been published in many magazines including the ones in India and in Abroad and in leading News Papers like The Hindu.

Here Comes My Chithi's Carrot Eggless Cake http://www.nithubala.com/2010/10/eggless-carrot-cake.html as Greetings for My Blog's First Birth Anniversary.

I thought of blogging atleast 75 posts (ofcourse I could not do that) in this one year with regards to my daily activities, day today affairs, my ideas, my suggestions and so on. I treat this as my friend or my sibling (as I don't have one), to express myself and share all my feelings, my thoughts and ideas without any inhibition, even if it is a joy or a sorrow.

No hiding of words here.

No polishing of thoughts here.

No controlling of feelings here.

I could post
what ever comes to my mind,
what ever flashes in my thought and 
I may be myself here. 

It is a wonderful platform to discuss some or other issues / events and so on.... 

I am really very happy for that I have blogged 1 post in 9 days on an average. But It is really really very hard for me to sit and type after writing the post once in a paper and got it corrected at times and then used to type slowly. I find very little time to blog a post. I try my best to do it perfectly with amma's little help. Amma is one of the best critics I have ever seen.... I have received both the bouquets and brickbats from her and also from my well wishers.


THANK YOU WELL WISHERS FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT & SUPPORT YOU GIVE ME. 


THANKS ALL....!!!

Memories of Our Holiday.... - Scanned Memories!!!

I have already made posts of our holidays at Anamalai, Alleppey, Thrissur, Guruvayur, Pollachi and Coimbatore.

I have visited so many places from Alleppey House Boat Stay to Pollachi Circus.

To make this trip a memorable one, I have scanned all the parking tickets, entrance tickets, circus tickets and the movie tickets.
These scanned memories will remind me of those good old days in future.

Here are few of my scanned memories.....

Went to Kalakalappu @ Masala Cafe- on 18th May, 2012, at Pollachi. The Actual Cost of the Ticket is Rs.60 

Vehicle parking @ Alleppey House Boat Office + Entrance + Mattencherry Toll Tickets -- Went on 21st & 22nd May,2012

Went on 22nd May, 2012 - Mattencherry Palace Ticket

Went to Circus - on 23rd May, 2012, evening 7 O'Clock Show @ Pollachi Ground

Thrissur Art Museum & Thrissur Zoo - went on 24th May, 2012.

Thrissur - Edapally Toll Ticket

Few more are there... could not scan, as the computer printing is so dull.

Memories are treasures. It should be preserved for ever.

Thank You Doctors...!!!

Today is Doctors Day.

I take this opportunity to Thank all the Doctors, who were there with me and who are there for me when I am sick.

Let me first Thank My Paediatrician Dr.Nalini. I usually call her Aunty. She is such a friendly lovable person.

She is a retired Professor and Head of Paediatrics Department, PIMS. Earlier she was a Professor in JIPMER. Now she is the President of Haemophilia Society, Pondicherry.
From my 1 ½ years, she is my doctor. She knows each and every problem of mine. There are times, such as when we went to Munnar some 4 years back, on vacation from Chennai in Ernakulam Express, I started to vomit non stop and severely, when we are about to reach Ernakulam. From there we called her over phone and proceeded to M.O.S.C. Medical College Hospital, at Kolenchery on our way to Munnar and had an emergency Injection and proceeded further.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr. NALINI AUNTY, for all that you do and have done for me. 


Let me now Thank My ENT Dr. Thambi.A.Cherian. I usually call him Thambi Uncle. Another Wonderful person. 


He has been relocated from PIMS to somewhere in UAE. He along with his wife, Dr.Meenu Cherian (also an ENT) worked in PIMS. When I was around 2 ½ years old, after joining PreKG, I caught heavy cold and got ear infection, with severe ear pain. He tried so many ways to clear the infection but could not and suggested a surgery in my ear to clear it. Both Mom and Dad accepted his suggestion and he performed Myringotomy in my ears. From that time till 2 years back, he was my ENT. Now that he has been relocated somewhere in UAE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr.THAMBI UNCLE and MEENU AUNTY, for all that you have done. 


Let me Thank my Ortho Doctor Dr. Matthan Mammen. A Great Human. 


When I was doing my 1st Std., I got fractured (broken fully into 2) my Right Upper Arm, just below the shoulder. Such a painful moment. It is he along with another doctor, operated and fixed 3 KWires. Later after some 45 days, he  operated again in the same to remove the Kwires. KWires are nothing but three Big and Long Steel pins, looks like a book stitching needle. Now he has also been relocated to Australia, it seems.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr.Mammen, for your timely encouragement and support. 

Also let me Thank the other doctor who accompanied Dr. Mammen. He is Dr. Vijayaragavan. He is such a warm, friendly and jovial person, who made me relaxed whenever he comes to check. He used to tell jokes to make me laugh, without any fear. Still I would cry with pain, after dressing. Earlier we often see him here and there, while shopping. But could not find him these days.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr.Vijay Uncle. 


Also let me THANK THE ORTHO DOCTORS WHO HELPED ME TO OVERCOME ALL THOSE DIFFICULT DAYS, Dr. VINEET, Dr. CHANDRASEKAR, Dr.PRAGASH. Daily they would come to visit me and encourage me not to get panic and every thing would settle in course of time. There are times when I thought that I could not write anymore, or lift my hand and so on... But it is they, who helped me to overcome my fear and speak with me in a friendly, soothing manner. I am really grateful to them.
THANK YOU DOCTORS. 

Also, let me Thank Paediatrician Dr. Balu, who has a clinic in Chidambaram. He was my doctor from my 6th month till 1 year. He worked in Annamalai University, after resigning his Government job. Dad used to tell me, he is such a warm person and we could call him anytime and he would immediately attend to it. He has become our family friend later.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr.BALU, for your kindness. 


Also Let  me Thank My First Paediatrician Dr. Sundaramurthy. He has his clinic in Bussy Street. I am not much familiar with him, as I was a kid. But dad and mom used to tell that he had attended me even after 12.30 midnight, when they knocked at his door, for the first time when I am down.
THANK YOU Dr.SUNDARAMURTHY, for your timely service.

Let me now Thank the doctors of my Dad and Mom.

I Thank Dr.Ganapathi, Senior Consultant Neuro Surgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospital, who treated and operated my Dad's Extradural Haematoma with lots of clots in the brain, occured to him in a major bike accident, in Annamalai University, way back 1998. Dad used to tell me that Dr. Ganapathi is such a dedicated wonderful doctor, always with a smile and kind words. He is the FIRST Indian Doctor to get Ph.D in Neuroimaging, in 1990.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr.GANAPATHI, for your wonderful service and the encouraging words from your mouth that made mom and dad strong. 


Now Let me Thank Dad's Ortho Doctors in PIMS, Dr.Sudhir Robertson in PIMS. He is the one who specialised in arm surgery and it is he, who operated Appa's left hand multiple fracture with both rods and plates for more than 6 hours, in 2009. He told us that he fixed appa's hand with so much difficulty, as the fracture was heavy and even the bones in some places has been crushed to powder. He is such a doctor, always very vibrant and active. Very friendly too. He used to pull Appa's leg often. He too has been relocated to UK.
THANK YOU SO MUCH Dr. SUDHIR, for your kind jesture. 


Let me Thank Amma's Childhood and Family Doctor Dr.Ramanathan. He is now the VC of Annamalai University. His daughter and amma are schoolmates from KGs. He is a friendly and down to earth person.
THANK YOU Dr.RAMANATHAN. 


Its time for me to Thank Dr.Shankardevi, Amma's Doctor. She made me see this world. I have met her many times and she is one kind of person, a mix of old and new generation. Moves very freely.
THANK YOU Dr.SHANKARDEVI.


Another Person not to miss while thanking.... A person, down to earth, very very friendly, mixes freely with all our family members, advices what to do and what not to... Also very soft spoken. Yes... Thank You Dr.Badrinath. He is Amma's Doctor. Earlier he worked in PIMS, as General Physician. But later he has become a Cardiologist. Now he is working as a Cardiologist in PMM. Now that he has become our family doctor. 

THANK YOU Dr.BADRI. 

This List goes on and on.... I take this day as a great opportunity to Thank all the Doctors. 



THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL THE DOCTORS WHO HELPED US AND TO ALL THE DOCTOR COMMUNITIES FOR THEIR WONDERFUL ROUND THE CLOCK DEDICATED SERVICES.

Happy Father's Day....

Yeah.... Well.... Everybody loves our father very much.... My dad is more special to me.... He is such a doting father.... no words to explain my love for him....

He is my Best Friend... I share all the things that happen in my world with him... I have never told any lies to him...

He taught me how to handle life... He discusses every single thing with me... He used to tell me his whole days happenings & discusses his work related problems, his finance and all things in earth... 

Basically, this sharing of things was started by Amma from my childhood... She is such a chatter box and would speak to us about her day at home for hours...  ( I wished Mom, on Mother's Day & could not blog, as we were not in town that day).

Here I would like to tell one important lesson I have learnt in my Childhood days.
Those days, whenever I ask for something...(this happens almost daily....      ;-)....) "Appa buy me this.... that...." .
He normally says... "I would buy you one.... But don't ask me immediately....right.... If you demand.... or command... we won't give you...." .
Mom used to tell this in a stern voice... But Dad would tell in a calm voice... Mom & I, at times, were like Tom & Jerry (some 3 years back);-)...ha...ha... just kidding mom...

Also... whenever I was about to cry in my KGs by demanding something to buy at once.... Both my dad & mom used to say.... "Ask the things you need, without crying... you will get it... If you cry.... we never ever give you.....".

Now I am telling this to my little sister Sathvi, when she cries... "If you cry, you won't get a single thing... Don't Cry Dear...." . One day, when I told this to Sathvi, Amma and Chithi over heard this and laughed loudly.... and said, "Hey Shri... She's just a baby.... she could not understand what you say.... tell her when she understands." .

Also Amma & Appa keep on telling me... (even now, at times....)... "Whenever you want something.... think twice...before asking us.... If you really really need that and if you are sure to use that, only then you should ask.... otherwise not.....".
Earlier, I would say... "Yes pa... I thought of this... and its of real use to me... and I want it...".
Now... slowly I realise..... I was wrong... Today, I really think of the use twice before asking anything to appa & amma. Normally I won't ask anything that is exorbitant... I ASK ONLY BOOKS.... Earlier it was Cartoon CDs. For books, he never says NO!!!


For any occasion, whether it is Birthday, Diwali, New Year, Daughter's Day, Pongal, Christmas, even for their birthdays and anniversaries....  they give me BOOKS as gifts.... Even my Thatha and Paatti give me books for all the occasions.... apart from the regular gifts. This has become  a custom in our house for years.... I never expect anything more from them.... Also I would like to say one thing.... no other gift fascinates me like a book..... I am proud to say I LOVE BOOKS.

He often tells me not to get upset over few teasings by somebody close to me, whether they are my friends, neighbours or relatives and asks me to take life as it comes... and not to give too much importance to those hurting comments... Also told me not to speak anything wrong about anybody and also not to speak any abusive slang.

I Love You Dad.... You are my friend.... a great support... and my guide...

39th Wedding Anniversary for Thatha & Patti

Back home only on 25th May from Anamalai, after spending wonderful memorable holidays there.

On 26th May afternoon, we started to Chennai, to Nithu Chithi's house, to celebrate Elango Thatha & Viji Patti's 39th Wedding Anniversary, that falls on 27th May. We thought of celebrating their day on 26th May itself, as Thatha has a lecture in Pondicherry University on 28th May and from there he has to go to Bharathidasan University for another meeting on 29th May. So he has to start to Pondy on 27th May evening.

We reached chithi's house by evening 4 pm. Loved to be with Sathvi... Naughty Little Angel...

Chithi has already made the grand feast ready... After coffee, we chatted for hours. We celebrated Thatha's day with a delicious feast.... Hats off Chithi... Thanks for the wonderful dinner with desserts.... and gave gifts to the elders. Thatha has arranged for Meditation and Prayers. We prayed Sri Mother and Sri Auribindo. Amma read Mother's Golden Words, Chittappa read a page in Life Divine, I read a page in Savitri, Thatha read a page from Sri Karmayogi's Book and at last Appa read Mother's Words. After prayers, we slept.

The next morning, 27th May, we again wished them. That day Thatha started to Pondy... but we stayed back in Chennai. Played with Sathvi...

Appa came back to Chennai, after finishing his works in Pondy on 31st May morning. We waved hands to all at Chithi's house and back to Pondy that day itself.

That evening, we bought my bag, shoes, socks for this year.

Here comes the whole new academic year.... All the best to you all.  

GURUVAYUR - The Temple Town of Kerala

24th May, by Morning 6 O'Clock, we started from our Anamalai Guest house.

Guruvayur is just 116 kms from our guest house. We happily started our journey through --

Anamalai --to-- Aambarampalayam --to-- Meenakshipuram --to-- Mangalapalam --to-- Kollengode --to-- Nemmara --to-- Mudapallur --to-- Vadakkencherry --to-- Mannuthy --to-- Thrissur --to-- Punkunnam --to-- Choondal --to-- Guruvayur.


When we are about to pass Nemmara, suddenly two persons, stopped our car and asked us to park in the side of the road, till 6 pm and from their angry voice and body language ( even though we could not follow their Malayalam, as they spoke very fast ), we could guess that there might be Local Bandh of Kerala Government. We were worried to halt in an unknown place & also we could not go back, as we have already entered Kerala. Dad quickly thought about it and proceeded further hurriedly. But Mom was a bit tensed up althrough her journey till Guruvayur.

No hotels, shops were open on our way. We reached Guruvayur by around 8 O'Clock and to our relief, Indian Coffee House and Hotel Saravana Bhavan were open and flooding with crowd. We prefered Indian Coffee House and some how managed to get chairs. Had our breakfast and the Hotel Incharge informed us that there wont be any hotels for Lunch and asked us whether we need parcel. We ordered him to pack Pooris for lunch.

We kept all our belongings in the car, as the camera, mobile phones were not allowed inside the Temple premises. The Shops on both the sides were closed.... But there was a huge crowd, inspite of the Bandh.

We joined the queue by 9.10 am and the queue slowly moved forward. We finished our Darshan by 10.20 am. We sat there and watched people for sometime and came out of the temple by around 11.30 am.

We then planned to go to Thrissur Zoo and Art Museum and also the Mural Museum on our way.  Even we planned to visit the Palace. But due to Bandh, the Palace was closed.

We first went to the Zoo and Art Museum, as both are located in the same premises.

There were number of animals, like different varieties of Deer , Himalayan Bear, different varieties of Bisons ( A Real Big Scary Bisons), Lion, Tiger & Tiger cubs, lots and lots of Monkeys, different Birds ranging from Storks to Scary Owls. 

Asian Open Bill Stork

Woolly-necked Stork / White necked stork

Painted Stork

Owls

Deer

Relaxing

Only this could be photographed. Inside the photographing is Prohibited.

In the Art Museum, we could see old artifacts, weapons, ornaments, vessels, paintings, sculptures and so many other things. It was quite interesting.

Inspite of all these, it is very obvious that THRISSUR ZOO and MUSEUM need MAINTENANCE. Most of the zoo area is unused and many cages are empty and dirty. These are common and seen everywhere in India.

Inspite of my observation, I enjoyed this visit to the zoo and musuem.

After having our lunch in the car, that has been parked outside the zoo, we took rest for sometime. Around 2.15 pm, we started to Anamalai. We thought of purchasing 'Kerala Special Nenthirankkai Chips ' at Mangalapalam. It was 3.45 pm, we reached Mangalapalam. No chips shops were open by that time. So we proceeded further and reached Anamalai by 4.30 pm.

We straight went to the Resort site. Appa went to look after his work and I started to photograph what ever comes by.

Busy Talking in Guruvayur Costumes

Watchman Thatha-- in deep thoughts 

Men at work

Thatha Poo ( Tridax procumbens)-- A variety of Daisy

 Inspite of bandh tensions, its a real great day. We planned to start in the early hours to Pondy the next day.

ATHIRAPILLY - VAALPARAI -- Adventurous Dense Forest Drive....

On May 23rd, we started to Athirapilly from Chalakudy, by morning 5.15 am. The climate was too good, chilly and breezy. Appa wanted to fill diesel. But normally the petrol stations would open only by 6.30am. We waited in a Petrol bunk. The Owner came by around 6.00 am and asked us to wait for another 5 mins. After 10 mins, our vehicle was filled with diesel.

Wow...Beautiful big bungalows were on the way.... Modern.... Traditional.... Posh bungalows with very big lawns, gardens... superb.

On our way, we now & then took a break to enjoy the nature.

We reached Athirapilly early, by around 7.15 am. The ticket counter for the entry into falls would open only by 8.00 am.

Photo Taken by the Forest Guard

Also, there was very less water in the falls. So we decided to proceed further, to Vazhachal Falls.

In Vazhachal too, there was no water. On our way, only one tea stall at Vazhachal was there. Absolutely no tea stalls or hotels anywhere between Vazhachal and Malakkiparai (55 Kms).

We enjoyed the scenic beauty of this forest range. Appa now & then stopped the vehicle, got down and took snaps.

No single vehicle passed or crossed us.

No single human seen in the vicinity.

No single mobile signals.

No single tea shops.

No single houses.

No single habituation.

REALLY AN ADVENTUROUS DRIVE.... WE ENJOYED EVERY MICRO SECOND OF IT.... 

There is a Forest Check Post at Vazhachal. There they are checking the number of plastic bags -- both carry bags and snack pouches, like Lays Chips Packet, Kurkure packet and any other packets, plastic water bottles, and disposable plastic kind of things. They are putting everything in writing and getting signature from us.

This forest zone is PLASTIC FREE, NOISE FREE and a TOTAL POLLUTION FREE ZONE.


Again at Mallakkiparai (after 55 kms), there is another one Forest (Out) Check Post.... There they are checking the number of plastic items (those that are mentioned in the previous check post), to make sure, that we have not thrown any packets or bags in the middle of the forest. They ask us to dispose the covers or bags that are empty in their dustbin itself and then only allow us to proceed further.


This Athirapilly - Vaalparai Stretch is a dense forest, with wild animals, freely moving here and there.
We have seen a very big Cobra on our way. We just stopped in the middle of the road and waited for the snake to pass. It took more than 8 mins to cross the road. It stood still in the middle for 5 minutes and then moved slowly. We took snaps. As there was a huge mist, the picture is not that much clear. Amma literally cried out of fear, as the snake was too big and long.

We proceeded further.

Number of  small falls were there on our way.... 

There were fresh Elephant dung on the roads... we searched... initially we didn't find any elephants... after sometime later on our way again we found two, at a distance. But althrough our drive, we could see number of elephant paths and its fresh dung.

Number of animals such as Wild Squirrel, Bison, Red Spurfowl (Kaattu Kozhi), lot of Monkeys, Wild boar, Green coloured Pigeon crossed us on our way.

Wild Squirrel

Green Coloured Pigeon

Monkey family

Bison

Elephant
  

No Mobile signals were there on our way Vaalparai. We have Airtel, Aircel, Reliance and Vodafone. Absolutely no service.

We have travelled for more than 4 hours from Chalakudy to Malakkiparai.... No single vehicle passed us... We were all alone travelling in the thick dense forest.

Thrilling.... and Spine Chilling.... trip...

The route we drove from Chalakudy to Vaalparai is ---

Chalakudy ---to--- Athirapilly ---to--- Vazhachal ---to--- Perungalkuthu dam ---to--- Sholayar ---to--- Malakkiparai ---to--- Valparai.

The Total distance from Chalakudy to Valparai is 110 kms.

On our way, we went to Perungalkuthu dam and Sholayar, where the hydro electric power project is going on.

As we have already visited Valparai during my December holidays last year, we straight headed to Aliyar.

We reached Aliyar after 40 hairpin bends in the Valparai - Aliyar Stretch. On the way, we drank tea in Waterfalls Tea outlet. Also we bought some Premium Waterfalls Tea and Amrit Waterfalls Tea packets.

By afternoon 1.00 pm, we reached our guest house at Anamalai, had our lunch at a mess there. Took some rest, visited the work site.

We went to Rajkamal Circus at Pollachi that evening, by around 6 pm, from Anamalai. Enjoyed a lot. Had our dinner in Sri Gowri Krishna Restaurant, in Pollachi, one of the best hotels there. Back to the Guest house by around 10.30 pm.

Quite a memorable day.

I am sure, would definitely make another trip to GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. 

I agree with the phrase, " Adventurous Trips are Enjoyable"

AN ADVENTUROUS, THRILLING & AN ENJOYABLE DRIVE.

Thank you Appa.