Welcoming Ganapati at Ashar Estate
Friday, August 21, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Independence day thoughts
India earned its independence from the British in 1947, long ago before most of us were even born. When we celebrate its anniversary today, here are some thoughts that, in my opinion, deserve serious deliberation. Yes, we all know our great leaders brought about our freedom with their sacrifice, struggle, determination and extreme hardships so that their posterity, that is us, could live in a free, welfare country. We are proud that their dreams have materialised and we, as today's Indians, enjoy every benefit. Today, we have the technology, government, infrastructure and a determined young generation who is making this country a world power. As a third world country, our achievements in areas like IT, Telecom, Agriculture, Nuclear Science, Space Technology and social engineering are at par with that of any developed nation. And our neighbours envy us. But still, I wonder whether we are worthy of being the beneficiaries of these. Have we earned our freedom from the clutches of our abominable ways of living? I wonder whether we, as citizens of this great country, have taken up civic responsibilities with its due importance.
Look around! The filth, mud and stinking dirt we have accumulated. People throw their garbage on the streets. Some people defecate on the railways. We litter our very own dwelling premises. People spit everywhere and the red 'paan' stains decorate the walls. We have little respect for our environment.
Vehicle owners sound horns in silent zones. They do not respect the traffic rules and we do not respect the vehicles. Instead we walk on the road. We never use our pavements to walk. Our footpaths are occupied by all but pedestrians.
We use mobile phones where they are banned. We play loud music causing our neighbours inconvenience. We have a corrupt system, where bribery and favoritism dominate.
We need freedom from all these! Isn't it our responsibility to fight and earn it? Obviously, yes. The struggle starts from within by everyone of us. We are the oppressors and therefore we are the liberators. This time, no foreign power has invaded us. We are prisoners of our own.
We know that in recent times, terror attacks, terrorist activities and religious extremities in our country have gone up considerably to unwanted heights. We have nothing to worry about it as our government is tackling those issues effectively and efficiently. I am confident and have faith in our government that we will not compromise our hard earned freedom to terrorists.
It is our responsibility to be good citizens. Our civic responsibilities are not only to read about but to practice also. Let us all work together to make our nation a great place where healthy and responsible people thrive.
Let us, with combined effort, spread awareness and set examples. Let us make our country a place where other nations will look upon with envy and respect.
Jai Hind!
Look around! The filth, mud and stinking dirt we have accumulated. People throw their garbage on the streets. Some people defecate on the railways. We litter our very own dwelling premises. People spit everywhere and the red 'paan' stains decorate the walls. We have little respect for our environment.
Vehicle owners sound horns in silent zones. They do not respect the traffic rules and we do not respect the vehicles. Instead we walk on the road. We never use our pavements to walk. Our footpaths are occupied by all but pedestrians.
We use mobile phones where they are banned. We play loud music causing our neighbours inconvenience. We have a corrupt system, where bribery and favoritism dominate.
We need freedom from all these! Isn't it our responsibility to fight and earn it? Obviously, yes. The struggle starts from within by everyone of us. We are the oppressors and therefore we are the liberators. This time, no foreign power has invaded us. We are prisoners of our own.
We know that in recent times, terror attacks, terrorist activities and religious extremities in our country have gone up considerably to unwanted heights. We have nothing to worry about it as our government is tackling those issues effectively and efficiently. I am confident and have faith in our government that we will not compromise our hard earned freedom to terrorists.
It is our responsibility to be good citizens. Our civic responsibilities are not only to read about but to practice also. Let us all work together to make our nation a great place where healthy and responsible people thrive.
Let us, with combined effort, spread awareness and set examples. Let us make our country a place where other nations will look upon with envy and respect.
Jai Hind!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Your first move
The 6 weeks long chess training programme conducted for children has been successfully concluded on Sunday.
Many thanks to the trainers for their commitment and AMA members for providing the facilities. A special thanks to Mr. Aravindan Nair for conceiving, scheduling and executing this project to its success.
Many thanks to the trainers for their commitment and AMA members for providing the facilities. A special thanks to Mr. Aravindan Nair for conceiving, scheduling and executing this project to its success.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Shree Ayyappa Mandir
Sree Ayyppa Mandir stands on a picturesque location at Shreenagar. The steep steps that lead to the temple are quite taxing to climb. They also take us to the the beautiful forest and the mountain. For an Ayyappa devotee, the location and the surroundings are reminiscent of a mini Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa.I believe that there are a number of Malayalees who could share with us more about this temple - its origin, history, myths, beliefs, festival etc.. If they contribute their valuable inputs, in the comments section, this entry will become a comprehensive source of information about this temple for anyone keen to know.
I have some pictures of the last year's festival.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tank Cleaning Day!
Today was water tank cleaning day at Ashar Estate. With the right equipments, relatively a simple but crucial process and the boys did a great job that took about 1 hour.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Kappanga or Omakka
Seeing the Papaya tree in our site, our friend Santosh referred to it as Omakka (ഓമയ്ക്ക). I had not heard of that name before. At Cherthala, we call it kappanga (കപ്പങ്ങ), kaplanga (കപ്ലങ്ങ) , kappanja (കപ്പഞ്ഞ) or papparakka (പപ്പരയ്ക്ക). I wonder if there is any other regional name for the fruit? Please add your comments.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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