Holiday in Uthrakand

We wanted to go somewhere when Sruthi is here on vacation and narrowed the destination to Mussoorie, the Queen of hills. Initially I wished to take my / Srikanth’s car by engaging a driver but could not get a good driver for 4 day trip. At last by 2000 hrs on Friday, I engaged a Tavera for the trip. Self, Raji, Sruthi and Sujani are confirmed and later Sandhya also joined with us.

Asked driver to come to our house for pick-up at 0530 hrs and we were ready by 0600 Hrs. But the driver reached home by 0615 and by 0620 we started our trip. It was good weather at that time.

Before entering UP, we have to pay road Tax for commercial vehicle Rs. 260/- per day and we paid the same.

We reached Muradnagar by 0745 hours. It is famous for “Shikanji” and Jain Shikanji is very famous shop for this. Being morning hour, we could not take it.

After Modi Nagar, there was lot of NH expansion going on and we could travel slowly. We should avoid entering Meerut and have to take the by-pass to go beyond.

By 0830 we reached Nathu’s restaurant in Meerut by-pass. We took Dosas, Dhahi Papdi, and Kulcha Channa. Good and well maintained restaurant.

Google map suggested us to take route towards Sharanpur after Muzafar Nagar but driver suggested to travel on Haridwar / Roorkee route which is NH road and can have comfortable journey. Once you reach Roorkee, you have to take left towards Dehradun and proceed.

We reached Dehradun by 1330 hours and had our lunch in a dhaba on way to Mussoorie. The road towards Mussoorie was good, wide and one can easily drive this stretch. After enjoying the valley site and good nice weather, we reached Mussoorie by 1530 hours.

Being holiday period and that too it was a Saturday, all hotels were full and our driver took us to a hotel he knew (about 1.5 KM away from Mall Road) and used to visit. It was a good Hotel and we got 2 rooms on top floor, good Mountain View from room and also had a big open terrace. Both rooms were interconnected, with 24 hour hot water supply. In Mussoorie you won’t find fan or AC in any room as you can enjoy the natural weather itself.

By 1700 hours we left for Mall road and here cars were not allowed to enter. Non tourist cars will be allowed in mall road till 1000 hours and after 2000 hours by payment of Rs. 100/-. Driver dropped us near Mall Road and we started walking around the road. There was heavy rush on the road and everyone was busy in purchasing something from the street vendor. On the other side of the road, Ropeway is available to go to Gun Hill Top. Purchased ticket (Rs. 55 per head) at about 1815 hours and it was informed that our turn will come around 1915 hrs as only 2 trolleys are there to carry passengers. We walked around for some time and went to top of Gun Hill at about 1930 Hrs. The journey through ropeway is only for about 2 minutes. Nothing special at the top and only some shops were available. There are view points available there from where you can see the valley and enjoy. Took some photos and started coming back. It was very cold and everyone started shivering in the cold. We got only one Shawl with us and Raji, Sujani and Sandhya used the same to protect them. It took almost 30 min to get our chance to come back. If anyone wants to enjoy the Ropeway travel, they can use it otherwise nothing interesting on the top.

On way back we saw Sagar Ratna, famous hotel group and entered for dinner. Not good and badly driven by the name.
Called back the driver to come to Mall Road to pick us back and thus ended the day 1

Day 2 (6th June 2010)

After morning routine and breakfast in the hotel, started for Kempty Falls which is about 15 KMs from the town. You have to go further and the road will take you down the hill. You will be droped on main road and have to walk down to reach the falls. There were well laid road available with both side full of shops. The way is some what difficult to go down and walk back even for young person like me !! Here also one ropeway is available and they are charging Rs. 80 per person. There was not much rush for this and within 5 to 10 min using this ropeway we were near Kempty falls. There was lot of change in Kempty as it becomes totally commercial place today. Water falling at low intensity and there was only a small pond of water. More than the visitors, shop keepers and promoters to sell bath dress were more. We did not take bath here. You will get dress to take bath, towels for rent (Rs. 25 per piece) and room for changing dress (Rs 10 per person). It is advisable to go to kempty falls early in the morning itself as after 1100 hours rush is too much. After watching and enjoying the location, we left after about 2 hours.

During my last visit, we enjoyed a lot to visit the Municipal garden. Again Commercial cars were stopped about a KM from this garden and anyhow other cars are allowed. Many cycle rickshaws are available to reach the garden but charging Rs. 100/- . As the way towards the garden is excellent and along the valley, we preferred to walk. With the same hope, we reached the garden and to my surprise it is also totally changed and almost all places are taken over by small hotels and snack bars. You won’t even find a comfortable space to sit and enjoy. Apart from this, a small garden with much variety of flowers is available and you can take photos. People are renting Gadwal and Kashmir dress for Rs. 30/- and you can wear it and can take photos. Sruthi, Sujani and Sandhya did the same. We left the garden by 1700 hours and again reached Mall Road by 1730 Hours.

We had the plan to see “Camel Back”, another point in Mussoorie. There is a long (about 4.5 KM) valley view road and we have to walk along the same. As we all were tired, we thought of going by rickshaw (Rs. 80 per head !!!). On the way we saw this Camel Back. This is pieces of rocks on top of a hill that looks like camel back if we see it from a distance. Below this point, two three persons are keeping telescope to see this and also some other points. Initially he asked me to give Rs. 500/- and at last settled for Rs. 50/- to show 5 points through telescope. The rickshaw wala dropped us on the other end of Mall road and we walked back to the other end to catch our car. Reached hotel by 2030 hrs. Had dinner and slept

Day 3 (7th June 2010)

We planned to start by 0800 hrs to go to Tehri Dam and Dhanaulti. At about 0700 hrs our driver called over phone and informed that he is having pain due to kidney stone and got himself hospitalized. I searched for another local Taxi for this trip and we started by 1000 hrs. Tehri is about 70 KM from Mussoorie. All along the way, road was nice and had wonderful natural views. Tehri dam was built in between two mountains by blocking flow of water and at the back end made huge space for storing water in between mountains. Because of this dam, learnt about 200 villages submerged in water and we could see some of the broken houses at some places inside water. Today due to lack of rain, water level came down by more than 40 to 50 feet. We were of the opinion that any one can go around visiting the dam like we are going for Metur Dam or other dams in Tamilnadu and no one told us anything about this dam. On reaching the dam site, we were not allowed to go inside near the dam stating that permission from ED is required and you have to apply in advance and someone working in the project has to give guarantee for you. We left out with no option but to see the dam from distance only. The construction of Hydro Power unit is still under installation and may be the reason why all general public is not allowed. After spending some half an hour, we returned back.

I heard from other friends and also from internet that the place “Champa” is good place for resting with nature views and a calm village. To the contrary, it was a big town with all sort of shops and hotels. Champa is about 25 KMs from Tehri towards Mussorrie. Seeing this, we didn’t stop in Champa and travelled further about 25 KMs and reached Dhanaulti.

When we cross Champa, climate got changed and started raining. We thought it was a passing cloud but rain did not stop. We reached Dhanaulti by 1330 hours and decided to take lunch so that rain also can stop by that time. Dhanaulti is a big village but had good hotel (Hotel Drive Inn). Meals were cheap (Rs. 500 for 5 of us) and of good quality but when I asked him about room rent, it was a shock to me (Rs. 4000/- per room per day is min.). People are coming and staying in this place just to relax themselves and to keep themselves away from crowed city. A well maintained town and there were 2 Eco friendly parks available for going around. After lunch, we moved towards one of the park and again waited in car for rain to stop. After sometime it was drizzling and we moved out. Ticket to enter the park is Rs. 10 and we went inside. Really a good place to spend and you can enjoy the stay. But because of heavy rain, we could not sit any where and moved to the top of the hill (about say 200 feet) with the help of well laid way/steps. During this time again rain started with cold wind and everyone started shivering. Anyhow we enjoyed the location and within 30 min. we started our further journey and reached Mussorrie by 1800 hours. Had hot tea and warmed our self from the outside cold temperature. Sruthi, Sujani and Sandhya started to take many photos of themselves. After dinner, in the hotel, went for early sleep by 2100 hrs.

Day 4 (8th June 2010)

Our driver got discharged himself in the morning and we were ready to move back by 0900 hours. Our plan was to reach Delhi via Hardwar. We don’t find much difficulty in coming down the hill, and reached Hardwar via Dehradun by 1230 hours. Google weather was stating that it is raining in Hardwar but it was a hot day there. Last time I went to Hardwar in 2006 and there is again a lot of change in the city (Really India is shining). A huge parking lot was made just near river and one can easily park and go for bath. Every one of us enjoyed a good bath. Water was so chill initially when we put out leg and after 5 min bath, we don’t have mind to come out of the river. That is the beauty of Ganga. All our body pain due to travel was gone once we took bath in Ganga. Almost one and half hour we were in Ganga and visiting Ganga ma temple, had lunch and left Hardwar at about 1530 hours. Reached Delhi at about 2030 hours.

Chitra prepared dinner for us and after good meals we concluded the happy journey. In the entire journey about 75% is on hill and no need for any air-condition in car. But we booked an A/c car and it helped not to feel the heat (which was too high) in the 25% journey and kept us fresh to enjoy the trip. This comfort costs us only Rs. 500/- and I think one should consider this while planning a holiday trip.

Mysore Trip - 2008

Just found this old mail and want to save it for future. So this posting

Self, Raji, Sruthi, Sujani and Sandhya went on 13 days tour to South and returned on 31st March 2008.
Highlights of the trip :
** Enjoyed Rajadhani train journey from Delhi to Bangalore (Via Secundrabad -- Met Rama in the station)
** Savithri Athai joined us at Bangalore Station for Mysore.
** Hired Tata Sumo for further journey and started directly from station
** Seen Nimishambal Temple, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Srirangapatnam
** Visited Ranganathittu -- Bird sanctuary near Mysore -- wonderful place and could see many birds during boat ride.
** Visit of Mysore palace, Zoo, Chamundi Hill, Nandi Hill, KRS
** Visited Nanjangudu Temple and shown Car festival, "Ther Vadam" etc
** Reached Wyanad -- shown Coffee plant / Tea plant / Jack fruit / banana/ paddy etc and other common plants that children not seen / not known -- Thumbai, touch-me-not etc etc.
** Had nice time around Wyanad
** On return, at Mathur had "Mathur special Vadai". Good one. Anyone know how to prepare this ?
** On return, Savithri athai came with us upto Bangalore and went to Hosur whereas we other reached Chennai
** Went to Mahabalipuram and visited relatives houses (Sorry KVS athimber -- could not make a visit due to lack of time)
** Spend some time at Beach and children enjoyed building " Manal Gopuram"
** Had rain almost in all places but could manage to see places.
** Ofcourse spend little time for shopping also at T Nagar.

We got a good driver who driven the car nicely and was with full cooperation with us. Thanks Wajeed Ahmed !

Everyone of us enjoyed the trip a lot and full of happy with the unforgettable hospitality shown by everyone during our visit at Mysore / Wyanad / Chennai.

End of Great Binding

Last week, an end came to a great binding in our life. There is an end to about 90 year old relationship with a government department. Yes, I got final settlement of Manni’s pension amount from Department of Post. The relationship started way back in 1920s when our grand father GRS joined the department and it started feeding our family regularly and with that we all grow. Before my grand father got retirement, my father joined the same department and the department continued to keep us comfortable. Before Anna get retirement, I joined the same P&T department but ofcourse it was bifurcated into two separate departments (DoT & DoP) and I became part of DoT. After retirement, Anna used to get pension from DoP and we continue to enjoy the relationship of the department. After Anna’s demise, Manni started getting family pension and after Manni’s demise in last August, the relation came to a final halt as I was paid the final and full settlement of Manni’s final pension amount. I could not able to write my emotions and feeling when I got the cheque from the Post Master.

Thanks a lot to the Department for feeding and bringing us to a well position today by playing a vital role.

During the final settlement phase we faced some procedural difficulty in closing the claim. I think it will be helpful to others to take necessary precaution on small things which is mandatory to such claims.

The Family Pension order contained the name as “R. Mythili”. The pension amount was getting created to a Savings Bank account in Post Office and that account had the name as “R. Mythily”. There was a difference of one character in the name.

Manni gave my name as her nominee about two years back but we were not made it sure entered in the pass book. Later when I went for claim, I was informed that no nomination was available in their records and I have to go through the separate lengthy process of “No nomination case”

In the death certificate of Manni, name was mentioned as “Mythili Ramachandran” and they told all of them were different and claim can not be settled. To solve this, I got a certificate to establish and stating that “R. Mythili / R Mythily / Mythili Ramachandran” are single person only and expired on 2nd Aug 2010.

Then they made physical verification and file went to CPMG’s office for sanction.

Next clarification came from them to give confirmation on death of husband as the final amount is to be paid from the SB account and always first claimant should be husband / wife. I find out Anna’s death certificate and gave it to them and next query came from them. In Anna’s death certificate, name was mentioned as “G. S. Ramachandran” and in Manni’s death certificate, husband’s name was mentioned as “Ramachandran” Again they told both these Ramachandran were different person.

I personally spoke to them and gave it in writing about Anna was receiving pension from post office only and subsequent to it, it was converted into family pension and that pension amount was only going to this SB account. Finally they agreed and paid the amount.

Even though it was a lengthy process, I understand the government’s function and these checks might be in place to protect the genuine claim. The officers involved in this process were cooperative and understand my difficulty and helped a lot to close it to their best and within their limits. Even they called me over phone to update and asked me to come to office for closure of certain thing quickly. The culture in DoP is much much better than any other departments even today.

During this process, I started looking for my accounts and investment & found in most of the cases there is no nomination available. The experience I got in Manni’s pension case made me to start correcting this. It is a must and high priority job to be completed.

அன்பிற்கும் உண்டோ அடைக்கும் தாழ் .....

In this fast world, many of us find no time to look back yesterday and appreciate the greatness that we noticed with others.

It is also alarming that in the society, people are giving more focus for negativity and not bother to highlight good points.

Even if we found good character or anything make us happy about others, we (It is only a general comment and not pointing anyone) are reserving ourself and not sharing the feeling most of the time openly and in some cases it may be behind them only.

I read that the sign of True Relationship is “Speaking without Ego”, “Loving without Intension”, “Caring without Expectation”, ” Praying without Selfishness”, made me to write something about my சித்த‌ப்பா, சித்தி, அத்தை and அத்திம்பேர் and to share with everyone openly. I want to build True Relationship.

This is only a start and I might have missed many things. Don’t take it serious for any such omissions, if there.

Sundaresan சித்த‌ப்பா & Pattu சித்தி

I am having great regards to them and you can very well see it that we never called him by including his name. All the time, we call him with love and affection as “பெரிய‌ சித்த‌ப்பா”. As the name, is the சித்தி(ப‌ட்டு). You can expect good love and affection from her.

சித்த‌ப்பா used to tell us that we should never ask him or inform him that we want to come to his house for leave. He used to tell that it is our right to visit him at any time. What greatness. His house is that one I visited more number of times in my life. I visited almost all the houses he stayed in his life so far.

The க‌ண்டிப்பு க‌ல‌ந்த‌ அன்பு from them is unique.

I still remember the days that self and Rama visited their house in Singarapettai and the help he extended to Sridhar when he was in Coimbatore.

In those days when self and Sridhar visited his house in Tiruppattur, we were named as his secretary / James Bonds 007 & 003 !! The story of Alibhaba and 40 thieves told by him at 17 Babu Rao Street is unforgettable.

The unique and best quality I saw and wish to adopt from them is doing prayer together as a family. Till date he is doing it. I learnt many slogas from them only. Keeping the time schedule, doing things perfectly is the best thing I learnt from them

Raja சித்த‌ப்பா & Vijaya சித்தி

Raja சித்த‌ப்பா really means his name and he is a king. One can see the good quality of work he makes, great analytical and statistical skills, fantastic and incomparable writing skill and so-on many skills.

Both சித்த‌ப்பா and சித்தி are great readers and one has to get this habit from them.

They are the person who made me to read news papers fully. When I was in his house at Hyderabad, I remember, he used to play with us using news paper, to find out news which may be available in any page. While playing you are forced to read the news and slowly the habit developed. It was his house, only where, I stayed more than a month also.

Now-a-days you can see his blog posting covering all aspect of life.

One can learn the art of developing children from them by seeing the way how they brought up A,A,A

The help சித்த‌ப்பா and சித்தி extended during ம‌ன்னி’s death is unforgettable. Thanks a lot dear RC & VC

Sugavanam சித்த‌ப்பா & Girija சித்தி

Both of them are very soft spoken person. I am equating myself with சித்த‌ப்பா as I heard from பாட்டி that self and Sridhar are like Sugavanam & Jayaraman. So there is special love and affection to him from my side

I can not forget the help he extended to me directly when I was in Chennai in 1980 for Telephone Operator’s training and subsequent indirect help through Girija சித்தி’s sister Babu -- as he transferred to Kolkatta.

Their character of loving everyone instantly by showing happiness on face is absolutely incomparable. He is having the quality of making any crying child to smile within no time. சின்ன‌ பாப்பா எங்க‌ செல்ல‌ பாப்பா is a master song from him.

The day he spends with us by playing cards and made us happy is unforgettable.

They are the person you can take for granted that they will be with you for any of your requirement at any point of time. Before you ask, he will be there to help and guide you.

Girija சித்தி is one person with whom I spoke a lot, even on daily basis from Bombay, when they were in Delhi. A friendly சித்தி. ->> சித்தி, we are missing you a lot now

As Raja சித்த‌ப்பா did, the help extended by SC & GC at the time of அண்ணா’s death is also unforgettable.

Jayaraman சித்த‌ப்பா & Kalyani சித்தி

Being in Cuddalore, I spent more time with them. சித்த‌ப்பா may get angry at times but as the old say “ கோப‌ம் இருக்கும் இட‌த்தில்தான் குண‌ம் இருக்கும்” he is a golden person by heart.

I cannot forget the day he came to Cuddalore bus stand to take me home when I came from Sankarapuram alone (I was 8 years Old) to join school. He gave the confidence and admitted me in the school.

My (and Sridhar’s) dream to have a cycle for our own was found out by him and he only got a cycle for our own use. “உள்ள‌ம் அறிந்து தானாக‌ செய்த‌ செய‌ல்” is an unique example for his character.

He never mined to spend money and wants to live a quality life. I think it is another unique quality of him

Kalyani சித்தி as we all know is a known for her simplicity and quietness.

I learnt from them how to have control in life when you have problems and how to be patience even if you get big problems and to smile.

சித்த‌ப்பா, சித்தி – Don’t worry for anything. We are not understanding why God play with us but it will not take time everything to reverse and to have a fantastic life with family together. கால‌ம் ஒரு நாள் மாறும் நம் க‌வ‌லைக‌ள் யாவும் தீரும்.

Padma அத்தை & KVS அத்திம்பேர்

They are the one who liked me a lot. Their love and affection only made it possible for me to be with them in Pune for more than a month when I was only 3+ years old. They treated me as well used to tell everyone that I am their first son. I cannot forget this.

Today many of the corporate talks about waste management but we can learn a lot from them how to lead a life without wasting things.

The specialty of அத்தை is preparation of ர‌ச‌ம். You have to visit their house only to take ஈய‌ சொம்பு ர‌ச‌ம்.

Saroja அத்தை & Ramamurthy அத்திம்பேர்

Best quality of them is “பாராட்டுத‌ல்” and having very good handwriting. As I was in Cuddalore, they used to write many letter to Cuddalore, they never forget to appreciate any good work done by anyone. They were the one told me that they are proud that I am their “Good ம‌ருமான்”.

It is a million dollar question for me how he is managing to buy so much of books, reading them and keeping them safely for years. A very good habit.

It was my dream and wish to go to their house, right from Bangalore, Kanpur, Allahabad, Kolkatta, Cochin, Chennai etc & to stay for some days but I don’t know why it does not materialized so far. I am sure my ஆசை to stay with them will fulfill soon.

You can visualize and has to learn the respect & affection one should have with their spouse by seeing the scene of அத்திம்பேர் sitting in dinning table and அத்தை giving coffee to him slowly. What a காட்சி ! Worth seeing and good mutual understandable person.

They are the person who made me to wait for their coming to Cuddalore every year. I don’t know the reason but it is true. There should be some other quality within them that I have to identify and to understand.

அத்திம்பேர் is the person I should respect as அண்ணா had great friendship with him and both of them move together whenever he came to Cuddalore.

Savithri அத்தை & Srinivasan அத்திம்பேர்

If I say simply அத்தை (without attaching any name), it will refer Savithri அத்தை only. If someone I have to admire and has to pay regards all the time in the world apart from my father and mother, it should be to Athai only. She did a lot to me in my life. It is not easy to bring-up anyone but she did it in my life. Right from giving meals timely, washing my cloths, keeping a watch on my studies and the list will be endless. Thanks அத்தை for your selfless attitude and care you took on my growth.

I slightly remember the quality of அத்திம்பேர். The day I went to Salem, he fed me like anything and when I was not even able to move out of hotel, he carried me out of the hotel and took me to house in a horse cart. Also I remember the Banian he gave to me – a big one and quality one – which I used for more than 3 years ! I think he is a man of quality and generosity.


Mangalam அத்தை & Gopi அத்திம்பேர்

அத்தை took special care for me as she was in Cuddalore and I was small boy. அத்தை ம‌டி மெத்தைய‌டி is a song but she proved it. May be because of less difference in age compare to others, she took me also along with her in all game. We cannot forget the days played with her – பாண்டி, புளிய‌ங்கொட்டை ஆட்ட‌ம், தாய‌க‌ட்டை, ப‌ல்லாங்குழி. She inspired me a lot to develop interest to go to College even when I was in school because she was the first one I saw going to college and describing about college life.

Gopi அத்திம்பேர் has never behaved with us as someone from outside. He played a lot with us right from the day he saw us and shared many valuable information. He is having good, quality knowledge towards Poojas and Viradhams. If anyone has any doubt; we can get assured correct clarification from him.

Note : Even though I am airing my view on my blog, I was little bit cautious to put disclaimer / generalization / condition apply because I feel everyone may not be in a position to accept / understand what I am meaning and want to communicate – may be due to any reasons presently. My wish and my work will be in the direction that I should build a relationship with others that such disclaimers should not be there in future.

Others can contribute to include on this page about our dear and nears & can be taken forward for next generation.

எழுதுகோல்

The dream of every individual who started using Pencil is to switch over to Pen as it is viewed as prestige and to show one as "பெரிய ம‌னிதர்க‌ள்”. பென்சிலில் அழுத்தி எழுதிய‌ கைக‌ளுக்கு, பேனாவால் எழுதுவ‌து easy ஆக‌ இருக்கும். Before getting an original pen for my use, as started earlier, I inserted a small pencil inside an old unusable pen and just started a show-off to my friends that I am having a pen.

When I got my first pen, along with it, I got a lot of advice also on how to use it like, it should be used very lightly, should not apply heavy pressure on it, should not keep upside down and above all, should keep it safely and should not be lost! As I am always obedient, I started following the instructions and soon become familiar to use it freely and with good hand writing (?) !!

In my early school days, we were allowed to use only Royal Blue colour ink. I was very much fond of using Black ink but not granted. Later during my 10th, I started using Blue-Black coloured ink which will look like both blue and Black. Lastly when I was in 11th, I got chance to use Black ink in my Record notes. எழுதுவ‌த‌ற்கே "ம‌ஜா" வாக‌ இருந்த‌து. Note book also looked very bright. Till now I don’t have the reason why blue ink was preferred over Black. As teachers only use Red ink for correction, I manage to get one pen with red ink with justification that I need it for underlining Highlighted points ! So Red was my forth colour pen. One more important colour was Green. Only Gazetted officers of Government services can use this. The great desire and in-depth willingness to use this colour came true when I was promoted as Gazetted officer in 1996. I think now-a-days pens are available in almost all colours and everyone uses it.

If anyone wants to give a gift, pen is the most common choice. I also got a pen as First prize for a competition when I was in 6th standard.

The next type of pen I used is Highlighters. It is also a pen but can be used only to highlight important texts with different colours.

Latest introduction is Gel Pen, Glister pens apart from Ball Pen.

There are two types of marker pens also available, Board marker and Permanent marker. Board marker can also be used on hand substitute to “ம‌ருதாணி”

I found some round space in my school desk which was used for keeping ink bottle. My seniors might have used such pen that does not have any self container for ink and they have to take ink separately. Those days, pen will have only nib inserted in a wooden frame. ( I am having some light remembrance that தாத்தா used to write with one of such pen). You have to dip the Nib in ink and can write a line.

Filling ink in the pen is an art. One should be expert to fill it without using a filler. Ink should come slowly from the ink bottle and it has to go inside the container half way and other half should be left for air flow. You should be careful that ink should not over flow and drop out. After filling about 80% of the container, it should be screwed with Nib “Barrel” with one twist and the pen should be made upside down and keeping it in that position you have to tighten the Barrel. By doing so, the excess ink will come out through the nib and can be poured back into the ink pot.

You should have blotting paper with you whenever you fill ink or when you anticipate ink will over flow. We also use chalk dust to observe such excess ink if we do not have blotting paper.

To fill the ink, you can use ink Filler also which contains a rubber cap and a plastic tube. There are four simple steps to fill using filler. 1) Keep fillers tip inside ink and press the rubber cap. 2) Release the cap. 3) Keep the filler inside the pen ink container and press the cap. 4) Takeout the filler and release the cap.

There were different variety of ink containers of a pen like solid one, slit window to know ink level, fully visible container and container with filler. I used all these types in my life.

Cleaning the ink pen will be handled like a big project. I used to clean my pen before exams (3 times in a year). We have to separate every part of the pen and have to put it in warm water. It has to be dried with the help of dry cloth and a thin stick (தென்னை துட‌ப்ப‌ குச்சி). After drying the container and barrel, we further dry it by blowing air from our mouth (விசில் ச‌த்த‌ம் also will come). The feeder (நாக்கு) has to be cleaned with the help of safety pin and all dust deposited on the path has to be removed. Then everything has to be assembled and ink has to be filled. You have to try to write and have to satisfy yourself that pen is writing very well. The tip of the nib has to be twisted upside or downside till we get desired sharpness. If the nib scratches the paper, you can easily correct it by scratching it continuously on a plain glass.

If the refill of a ball pen stops writing, you have to light a match stick and make the refill a little hot. Then rub it fast by placing it in between your palms and you can make it to write.

The culture of getting / giving loan started in my early days itself once I started using pen. I used to give 2 drops of ink to my friend who left out without ink in his pen. We remember the loan and get back the 2 drops from him the next day itself !!

Brill ink is the famous brand of ink in the market. Whenever I purchase a bottle of Brill ink, I used to get 10 or so Label that I can use it on Note books.

At times we find the pen is leaking and making out shirts dirty. We use soap or grease to control the leakage of ink.

Next most important use of a pen is to make impression on other’s shirt to make them April Fool and splashing ink over others shirt on last working day of school.

Even though I had written the information known to all, thanks to Sudhakar, who triggered me to write something about pen and to refresh my memory.

நெஞ்ச‌ம் ம‌ற‌ப்ப‌தில்லை

வ‌ருடங்க‌ள் ப‌ல‌ ஆனாலும் வ‌ய‌து ஏறினாலும், அம்மா அம்மா தான்.

பிறந்த குழந்தைக‌ள் பேச‌ ஆர‌ம்பிக்கும் முத‌ல் மொழி அம்மா என‌ இருக்கும்.
என் வாழ்வில் எப்ப‌டி இருந்த‌தென்ப‌து என‌க்கு நினைவு இல்லை. சித்த‌ப்பாக்க‌ளும், அத்தைக‌ளும், அக்காவும், "ம‌ன்னி" என்று அழைக்க‌, ச‌ந்த‌ர்ப்ப‌ சூழ்நிலை நினைவு தெரிந்த நாள் முத‌ல் உன்னை ம‌ன்னி என்றும், அப்பாவை அண்ணா என்றும் அழைக்க‌ வைத்த‌ன‌

அண்ணாவோ, ம‌ன்னியோ உங்க‌ள் அன்பு குறைய‌வில்லை

உண்ண‌ ஆர‌ம்பித்த நாட்க‌ளில், உன் த‌ட்டிலிருந்து, ஒரு உருண்டை ப‌ருப்பு சாத‌ம் சாப்பிட்ட நாட்க‌ள் நெஞ்சில் நிறைகிற‌து.

ப‌ள்ளி சென்ற நாட்க‌ளில், த‌லை சீவுத‌ல் முத‌ல் பென்சில் சீவுத‌ல் வ‌ரை உன் உத‌வியை எதிர்பார்த்து நின்றேன் -- முக‌ம் கோணாம‌ல் நீயும் செய்தாய்.

போட்டுக் கொள்ள‌ ச‌ட்டை/டிராய‌ர் -- அனைவ‌ருக்கும் ஒரே மாதிரி தைத்து த‌ந்து -- ச‌ம‌த்துவ‌த்தை போதித்தாய் -- ச‌ம‌ய‌த்தில் உத‌வுகிற‌து

தாய் பாச‌த்தை த‌ன‌க்குள் வைத்துக்கொள்ளாம‌ல், ப‌டிக்கும் கால‌த்தில், தாத்தா/பாட்டி யுட‌ன் ப‌கிர்ந்துக்கொள்ள‌ வ‌ழி செய்தாய் --- ப‌டிக்க‌வும் முடிந்த‌து -- பாச‌ம் என்றால் என்ன‌வென்றும் தெரிந்துகொள்ள‌ முடிந்த‌து.

விடுமுறை நாட்க‌ளில் உங்க‌ளை தேடி ஓடி வ‌ந்த‌ போது, இனிக்க‌ பேசினாய், உணர்ச்சிகளை காட்டினாய்.
உட‌னிருக்கும் ச‌கோத‌ர‌ ச‌கோத‌ரிக‌ளை விட -- உரிமை அதிக‌ம் எடுக்க‌, ம‌ற்ற‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் உற‌ங்கிய‌பின் உட‌னிருந்து அமைதி ப‌டுத்தினாய்.

ப‌டிக்க‌ திரும்பும் நாளில் -- பொங்கிவ‌ரும் துக்க‌த்தையும், அட‌க்க‌முடியாத‌ அழுகையையும் -- அர‌வ‌ணைத்து த‌டுததாய், அழுத‌ முக‌ம் மாற்றினாய்.

ஏட்டு பாட‌ம் ம‌ட்டும் இன்றி -- உல‌க‌ பாட‌ம் க‌ற்று த‌ந்தாய்.
அந்த நாள் பாட‌ங்க‌ள் இன்றும் ம‌னதில் உள்ள‌து --- உண்மையாக‌ உத‌வுகிற‌து.
வேண்டும் பொருள்க‌ளை, ஏட்டினிலே எழுதி வைக்க‌ சொன்னாய் -- எழுதிய‌வை அனைத்தும் என்னை வ‌ந்து அடையும் போது -- எண்ணிலா ம‌கிழ்ச்சி கொண்டேன் -- எப்ப‌டி முடிகிற‌து என்று இன்றுதான் புரிகிற‌து __ எழுதிய‌ எழுத்துக்கு எந்த‌ள‌வு வ‌லிமையுண்டு என‌ --- எவ்வ‌ள‌வு எளிதாக‌ அறிந்து நீ புரிய வைத்தாய்.

நல்ல‌ க‌ன‌வுக‌ள் அனைத்தும் ந‌ன‌வாகும் -- எவ்வ‌ள‌வு பெரிதானாலும் -- என்று உண‌ர்ந்து எடுத்துரைத்தாய், ந‌ட‌த்தி காட்டினாய் எங்க‌ளுக்கு. ஆம் தேவ‌னாம்ப‌ட்டின‌ம் dream house ப‌ற்றிதான் கூறுகிறேன்
இவ்வ‌ழியை க‌டைபிடிப்பேன் என்றென்றும், என‌க்காக‌ ம‌ட்டும் அல்ல‌ அனைவ‌ருக்காக‌வும் -- எல்லாவ‌ற்றையும் அடைவேன், ம‌ற்ற‌வ‌ர்க‌ளுட‌ன் ப‌கிர்ந்து வாழ்வேன்.

க‌ஷ்ட‌ங்க‌ள் ப‌ல‌வானாலும், க‌டுக‌ள‌வும் தெரியாம‌ல் இன்முக‌ம் காட்டி செம்மையாக‌ கையாண்டாய், இம்மிய‌ள‌வும் குறைவின்றி.
அறிந்து கொண்டேன், நினைவில் கொண்டேன் -- எத்த‌கைய‌ Management technique என்று.

வாழ்க்கையின் உண்மைக‌ள் உண‌ர‌ ம‌ற்றும் த‌ர‌ம் உய‌ர‌ ஆர‌ம்பிக்கும் வேளையில்
பெரிய‌தோர் இடி விழுந்த‌து __ த‌ந்தையின் ம‌ர‌ணம்.
எப்ப‌டியெல்லாமோ சீரும் சிற‌ப்புமாக‌ உங்க‌ளை வைக்க வேண்டும் என்ற‌ எண்ண‌ம் -- ஆகிய‌து த‌விடு பொடியாக‌.
நாங்க‌ள் எல்லாம் இடிந்து இருந்த‌ போது, ந‌ம்பிக்கையாய் நீ இருந்தாய் எல்லோருக்கும்
த‌ன் த‌விப்பு தான் ம‌ற‌ந்து, தானாக‌ முன்வ‌ந்து பொறுப்புக‌ளை நீ ஏற்றாய், பொறுமையுட‌ன் சொல்லி த‌ந்தாய் __ ம‌க்க‌ளையும் பொருள்க‌ளையும் கையாளுவ‌து எப்ப‌டியென்று.
உன்னிட‌ம் க‌ற்ற‌து ப‌ல‌, வார்த்தையில் வெளிவ‌ர‌வில்லை __ ம‌ன்னிப்ப‌து, ம‌ற‌ப்ப‌து, உத‌வுவ‌து, பொறுப்பேற்பது, ம‌கிழ்விப்ப‌து, அர‌வ‌ணைப்ப‌து, ஆறுதல் அளிப்ப‌து போன்ற‌ குணாதிஸ்ய‌ங்க‌ள், குறைவின்றி அறிய‌ வைத்தாய்.

ம‌ற்றும் ஒரு ந‌ல்ல‌ வ‌ழ‌க்க‌த்திற்கு நீ தான் வித்திட்டாய் ந‌ம் குடும்ப‌த்தில்
பிற‌ந்த‌ நாட்க‌ளிலும், ந‌ல்ல‌ நாட்க‌ளிலும் ஆசீர்வாத‌த்துட‌ன் வெகும‌தியும் நீ த‌ந்தாய்.
கொடுக்கும் பொருள் சிறிதானாலும், சீரிய‌ ம‌ன‌து பெரிதான‌து __ இனி வ‌ரும் நாட்க‌ளில் யார் த‌ருவார் எங்க‌ளுக்கு?

அலுவ‌ல‌க‌ குடியிருப்பு, சிறிது நாள் சொந்த‌ சிறிய‌ வீடு, ந‌டை ப‌ய‌ணம் என்றிருந்த‌ வாழ்க்கையை -- சிறித‌ள‌வு உய‌ர்த்தினோம் உன் உத‌வியால்.
த‌ந்தை காண‌வில்லை என்றாலும், உன் க‌ன‌வை நினைவாக்கினோம். த‌லைந‌க‌ர் தில்லியில் த‌னித‌னி வீடுக‌ள், சிறிய‌ பெரிய‌ கார்க‌ள், வித‌வித‌மாய் துணிம‌ணிக‌ள், ப‌ட்டொளி வீசும் ந‌கைந‌ட்டுக‌ள் என்று ந‌ல்ல‌ வாழ்வு நாங்க‌ள் தொட‌ங்க‌, நிம்ம‌தியும் பெருமையும் ப‌ட்டாய் நீ __ த‌ன் ம‌க்க‌ள் சிற‌ந்த‌வ‌ர்க‌ளென்று.
இந்நாளிலும் நீ சொன்னாய், ப‌ழைய‌தை ம‌ற‌க்காதே, செருங்குணம் அடையாதே___ என்றென்றும் ம‌ன‌தில் நிலையாக‌ இருக்கும்ப‌டி
முத்திரையிட்டாய்

தான் பெற்ற‌ குழ‌ந்தைக‌ள் ம‌ட்டும் அல்ல‌, உன‌க்கு வ‌ந்த‌ ம‌ரும‌க‌ள்க‌ள் ம‌ற்றும் ம‌ரும‌க‌ன்க‌ள் ஒவ்வொருவ‌ரும் தேடி எடுத்த‌ வைர‌ங்க‌ள், வைடூரிய‌ங்க‌ள், ந‌ன்முத்துக்க‌ள், ப‌வ‌ழங்க‌ள், என வீடே வெகும‌தியான‌து __ நீ செய்த‌ புண்ணிய‌மோ யார் செய்த‌ நல்வினையோ?
தொட‌ர்ந்து வ‌ந்த‌ன‌, தெவிட்டாத‌ குழ‌ந்தைக‌ள். ஒவ்வொன்றின் மீது நீ வைத்த‌ அன்பு சொல்ல‌ முடியாத‌து, அள‌க்க‌ முடியாதது
அந்த‌ குழ‌ந்தைக‌ள் நீ இன்றி விழிக்கின்ற‌ன‌, வ‌ந்து அணைப்பாய் என ஏங்குகின்ற‌ன‌ ஒதுங்கி நின்று.

உன் உட‌ல் ந‌ல‌ம் குன்றி, ம‌ருத்துவ‌ம‌னையில் இருந்த‌போது, உன‌க்கு ப‌ணிவிடை செய்ய‌ நீ வ‌ழிவ‌குத்தாய்
நாங்க‌ளும் எங்க‌ள் அன்பை காட்ட‌ மீண்டும் ஒரு சந்தர்ப்பம் அளித்தாய்.
எங்க‌ள் ம‌ன‌தில் இன்ன‌மும் எவ்வ‌ள‌வோ செய்ய‌ வேண்டும் என்ற‌ எண்ண‌ம் இருந்த‌போது, நீ ஏன் எங்க‌ள் சேவையை இன்ன‌மும் ஏற்க‌ ம‌றுத்தாய்?
நாங்க‌ள் செய்த‌ ஏதாவ‌து த‌வறா? இல்லை த‌ன் குழ‌ந்தைக‌ளுக்கு என் நிலையிலும் க‌ஷ்ட‌ம் த‌ரகூடாது என்ற தாய்மை எண்ண‌மா?
உன் எண்ண‌ம் வென்ற‌து. எங்க‌ள் ம‌ன‌ம் க‌ன‌த்த‌து.

க‌டைசி கால‌த்தில், த‌ன் ம‌க்க‌ள் அனைவ‌ரும் கூட‌ இருப்ப‌தென்ப‌து சாமானிய‌ விஷ‌ய‌மில்லை.
உன‌க்கு ந‌ட‌ந்த‌து.. நீ செய்த‌ புண்ணிய‌மா? எங்க‌ளுக்கு கொடுப்பினையா?
க‌ஷ்ட‌த்தில் ஒரு ஆறுதல், இறுதிவ‌ரை கூட‌ இருந்த‌து.

வாழ்ந்த‌ கால‌த்தில் நீ காட்டிய‌ வ‌ழிக‌ள் ஏராள‌ம். உன் ம‌ர‌ண‌மும் எங்க‌ளுக்கு த‌ந்த‌து சில‌ ப‌ல பாட‌ங்க‌ள், சீர் அரிய வாய்ப்பான‌து -- ந‌ல்ல‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் யார், ந‌ம்பிக்கையான‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் யார், கூட வ‌ருப‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் யார், குற்ற‌ம் சொல்ப‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் யார், ந‌ண்ப‌ர்க‌ள் யார், ந‌ண்ப‌ர் போல‌ வ‌ருப‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் யார் என்ற‌ வ‌ழியில்

அருமையான‌ வாழ்க்கையின் ந‌டுவில், உன்னுட‌ன் அனுப‌விக்க‌ வேண்டிய‌வை ப‌ல‌ இருந்தாலும், முக்கிய‌மாக‌ --

காவிரி க‌ரை ஓர‌த்தில் திருவையாறு திருத்தலத்தில் தியாக‌ராஜ‌ உற்ச‌வ‌த்தின் நேர‌டி அனுப‌வ‌த்தை 10 நாளும் அமர்ந்திருந்து அனுப‌விக்க‌ நினைத்திருந்தேன்

ப‌த்தாயிர‌ம் ம‌க்க‌ள் ந‌டுவில் உன் ம‌க‌ன் புக‌ழ் கூறும் ந‌ன்னாளில், நீ தான் என் தாயென உரைக்க நினைத்திருந்தேன்

த‌னிபெரும் வீட்டினிலே திரும்பிய‌ ப‌க்க‌மெலாம் க‌ண்க‌வ‌ரும், ம‌ன‌ம் க‌வ‌ரும் ம‌ல‌ர்க‌ளுட‌ன் வாழ நினைத்திருந்தேன்

தேடி வ‌ரும் யாவ‌ருக்கும் ம‌ன‌ம் ம‌கிழ‌ விருந்தோம்ப‌ல் உன் மூல‌ம் செய்ய நினைத்திருந்தேன்

இருக்கும் நேர‌ம் எல்லாம் நாம் அனைவ‌ரும் ஒன்றாக‌ கூடி வாழ்க்கை அனுப‌விக்க நினைத்திருந்தேன்

கால‌ம் சில விரைய‌ம் செய்துவிட்டேன்.. க‌ன‌வுக‌ளை நினைவாக்க நேர‌ம் ஆகிவிட்ட‌து… கால‌ன் உன்னை அழைத்து விட்டான், என்ன‌ செய்வேன் இப்போது?
நினைத்த‌தெல்லாம் ந‌ட‌க்கும் என்றாலும், கூட‌ இருக்க நீ இல்லை

மூத்த ம‌க‌ன் என்று _ க‌ட‌மை செய்ய‌ சொன்னார்க‌ள்.
த‌வ‌ழ்ந்து வ‌ள‌ர்ந்த‌ உன் உட‌ல் மீது, அக்னி வைக்க சொன்னார்க‌ள்
கொடுமையா? க‌ட‌மையா ? எப்ப‌டி முடிந்த‌து? நினைத்து பார்க்க‌ முடிய‌வில்லை
ம‌ன்னித்து அருள்வாய் நீ ! தாய் அன்றோ நீ !

த‌ந்தை ம‌ர‌ண்த்தில் துக்க‌ம் அடைத்த‌ போது, துவ‌ளாம‌ல் நீ இருந்தாய், எங்க‌ளை தாங்கினாய்
நீ ம‌றைந்த‌ இப்போது யார் வ‌ந்து தாங்குவார்க‌ள்?
ஏற்றுக்கொண்டேன் முன்வ‌ந்து, உன் வ‌ழி ப‌ற்றி
வாய் விட்டு அழ‌முடிய‌வில்லை, ம‌ன‌திற்குள் குமுறுகிறேன்

நீ விட்டு சென்ற‌ இட‌த்தை முழுமையாக‌ இல்லாவிட்டாலும்
முடிந்த‌ அள‌வு நிறைக்க‌ முய‌ல்வேன் -- ச‌கோத‌ர‌ ச‌கோத‌ரிக‌ள் குடும்ப‌த்தை எந்நாளும் உட‌னிருந்து காப்பேன்.

குறையொன்றும் காணாம‌ல் ஒன்றுப‌ட்டு வாழ்ந்திடுவோம்

காலை ம‌ணி 830 ஆனால், கை தானாக உன் எண்ணை dial செய்கிற‌து
பின்ன‌ர் தான் புரிகிற‌து answer ப‌ண்ண‌ நீ இல்லை என்று

நாட்க‌ள் 45 ஆனாலும், நெஞ்சம் மறக்க‌ வில்லை, வ‌லியும் குறைய‌வில்லை
இருந்த‌ போதும் உன்னிட‌ம் எப்போதும் கேட்பேன்
இப்போதும் கேட்கிறேன், எப்போதும் கேட்பேன்..

மேலிருந்து நீயும் த‌ந்தையும், எப்போதும் நாங்க‌ள் ந‌ல்ல‌ வ‌ழி ந‌ட‌ந்திட‌… ந‌ல் அருள் புரிய‌வேண்டும்
உரிமை அதிக‌முண்டு.... அத‌னால் சொல்கிறேன்
நீங்க‌ள் இருவ‌ரும் அருள் புரிந்தே ஆக‌வேண்டும்
வேண்டிய‌த‌ற்கு மேல் கொடுத்தே ஆக‌வேண்டும்
ந‌ல்வ‌ழி நோக்கி செல்ல‌, பாதை காட்டியே ஆக‌வேண்டும்

வ‌ண‌ங்கி நிற்கிறேன்
வாசு

எங்கள் பாட்டி -- Tribute by Sruthi, Vibha and all Grandchildren

TVல் நான் பார்க்கும் நிக‌ழ்ச்சிக‌ள்

Even though I am not spending more time in viewing TV, I like to see the following programs.

Kalaingar TV
Morning 0640 – க‌ற்ற‌தை க‌ற்பிப்போம் by DK Chandrasekar, Human Resource Development Consultant – A good motivation program. One may know many things what he says but even worth if you get info on one new thing that we may not identified so far and looked upon.
0650 Hrs : ம‌ங்கைய‌ர் உல‌க‌ம் by Revathi Sankaran : Morning hours will start with good wishes to everyone to get everything before going to program, followed by an enjoyable two line song about dish in cine song tune.

In between you can listen to the advertisement for mid-day serial title song by SPB – “ஆன‌ந்த‌ம் விளையாடும் வீடு… இது ஆன‌ந்த‌ம் விளையாடும் வீடு” By hearing this song, certainly our house will be filled with happiness and entire day will go happily.

Jaya TV

0805 Hrs. Carnatic music class by Neyveli Santhanagopalan: You can like his expressions and the details / meaning about words used in songs. At times he will give reasons also. Recently I heard

1. Money is Lakshmi and we have to keep Lakshmi near our heart. That is why we are having pocket in shirts near heart. But now-a-days people keeps money in back pockets and that is why Lakshmi is not staying with them. Good ! Why don’t we try to follow his view? May require a small change in thinking but it may help to get Lakshmi with us.

2. The quality of முற‌ம் is to keep good things with it and to throw out bad things. That is why lord Ganesha is having ear like முற‌ம் and he will keep all your good prayers with him and will grace you.

0810 Hrs. – தின‌ம் ஒரு வார்த்தை . Oh I can not explain the way V. Rajagopal teaches English to beginners (even everyone can get clarification on spoken English through this). The way he conduct class to the non-audience is great. I want to get full course of his teaching CD if available !

Sun TV
During dinner, I used to see அர‌சி (toggling with Jaya TVs for இத‌ய‌ம் 20-20. It is my doubt whether the sponsor of such quiz programs will force participants not to answer correct answer OR really GK of these participants are so low. It is not only to this show but generally all such shows and people are not answering to very simple question!)

Vijay TV

Sunday 2100 : நீயா நானா. Now-a-days selecting good topics for and against & ending it with human touch. Worth seeing

Daily 2245 to 2300 Hrs : Comedy programs in Sun TV, Raj TV or Sun Music

After 2300 Hrs --- Old songs in Jaya TV or in All India Radio Tamil FM with auto OFF in TV.