Post on 14-Apr-2018
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
1/31Sopanam - May 2013 1
tk m ] m\ w tk m ] m\ w A Famly-Magaz fom SevA dArShAn KuwAit
For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150Sevadarshan@gmail.com
Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)
Volume 3 Issue 2 15th May, 20135115 sshimJw
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
2/31Sopanam - May 20132
Spiritualism
Amritha Vachanam
Subashitam
A G LcbJa BZ
. i cc, , EJ dVJ
K ccU. _c. KW c
J WJ J xUWK .,
c J C a d K
xKW K KAK. Ja d ,
L d VNc ic B
vK VB{ U. Vic, dOK cc, ccB{. B{ A{ W
c K. x
dMAK; L J f d UK.
UJ b , VjBZ K {M
EM xC . d J
cV NW cc KK, { A ,
VJAK LcJ fAOZ IIK icBZ
J JW dK icM
d CcV.
di
vc
v
Aw diJ d cX K.
J J I.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
3/31Sopanam - May 2013 3
Editorial
eoal BoaKrishna Kumar PaliathVibheesh TikkodiAnandharaj KonniReshmy Krishna Kumar
daa MaagmAjaykumar AnjaneyamRajarajan Ganesan
Gopakumar. P
Sindhu SanjithSuresh Varickolil
Roopesh R. Souparnika
Advt.Vidhya SumodDr. Sindu Sudheesh
Shyny Biju NavadeepDivya Satheesh Kumarakam
Anuradha Sundara RamanAnju Prasad
Arun Kumar. N
Vishal VikramRagesh Regunath
Raghiya Menon
Sheeja AnandPraveen V.
Ca & dsgSreenivasan C.P.
Vinaya Babu. C.K.
Sunil Pookode
Cover Design - Deepa Namboothiri
For Comments, Submissions &
Subscriptions please write to
mal : bka@gmal.com
Someone once wrote the wars of the 21st century
and later will not be fought on battleelds but in
the minds of the people. Information technologyhas fast over taken our thought process. We have
become dependent on IT and its derivatives for
moving our daily life forward.
A thinker recently compared us to a frog
experiment. A frog was put in a pan of boiling
water and it jumped out immediately. When it
was put in another pan of cold water it remained
still. Slowly the temperature of the pan was raisedand the frog remained still. It kept adapting to the
temperature until it boiled to death ultimately. We
must not simply pretend to be immune to the ill
effects in our society and to all that is happening
around us.
Innovative ideas and curiosity has indeed paved
way for extraordinary leaps in the progress of the
world as we know it today. The communicationexpansion has made the world much smaller and
closer. Media channels like TV, Radio and Cell
phones have reached every corner of the world
today. Social media has become our new friend
and valuable source for news, information and last
but not the least, gossip. We must learn to use these
forums to effectively expand our minds and share
ideas rather than being emotionally overtaken
by the tone of the discussions that happen here.Business houses and other interest groups have
begun to effectively use these medium to transmit
their ideas. Social media has also become a
platform for effective transmission of extremist
and anti- national propaganda that is a threat to
world society and governing bodies. We, as social
leaders, must effectively confront it by reporting
and standing up to such medium at any cost.
The Sopanam electronic magazine is today read
and appreciated widely for its effort in spreading
progressive ideas and encouraging people to think
and create. Its focus has always been on educating
the public and encouraging them actively participate
in seva related activities. Sopanam aims at making
world citizens who lives the word of world peace.
We hope our governments and national leaders
strengthen our hands in our process of making the
change in our society which alone will ensure our
citizens live a fruitful life in harmony with fellow
beings and nature.
Change can happen through us alone. Every
action we take can create a ripple effect across
the world. We have been world leaders from times
immemorial and today we need to strive to achieve
that status once again. To lead this world fromanarchy, confusion to peace and hope.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
4/31Sopanam - May 20134
SpiritualismSanskrit
Q Q
[Q] |
[^ ||
\Q Q ` [ | , Q \,
, | [ , , ] | Q\Q ,
[S | Q` |
[ | Q \ \ [ [ | ] , [
Q\QQ [Q | Q | \
Q , \ Q ^ [Q |
\Q[Q \ | Q^\ | \ `Q
` |
SomefamiliarAnimals
Elephant
she elephant
\ Horse
Horse
Dog
[ Cat[ female cat
Cat
female cat
Bat
Snail
Q
A Q ]A
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
5/31Sopanam - May 2013 5
Spiritualism
w K
B{AK N, , ,, d z AAK I.
1. cJ AV OKWAKAK, (dX)
VH dVJfAKI.
2. AKxW AKdVjAOZ v zAWKKx WAKOM ddLAX I.
3. AKAX A MM
JJA.
4. dJW {AKAX, bAU cBZ VH,A J L dVJA.
5. dJW VJ KJ dVJzAU JUI.
6. dJW cAKU ,W MAW ,L, i, VN cViAKUI.
7. {G Vj AK{ cBZ JI.
8. c KJ v t { c J K, ZAJIXcU WKBZ
A , J BZJ xM{AKWJc K.
9. fJ O dVjAK,f JJKOB{ JaJGIW {MJW AK K.
10. dE K c KAX, A{ A
, cJA d VH MA KzAI.
11. BKO M d LA,AKU .
(W dB{. v z AK.)
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
6/31Sopanam - May 20136
SpiritualismCultural
Dear Parents,
We are Indians. However, what is our
understanding of the Indian identity? Are we
referring to rituals and traditions? Fasts and
festivals? Dress codes and diets? Should we then
feel contented that if our child wears Indian dresses
and likes sambhar-rice? Do we have to then worry
of nothing? Does culture not include the way we
think, act and interact. How do we treat others?
How open is our mind? Can we sacrice? Can we
forgive? How polite and humble are we?
What if we ourselves are selsh and stingy;
think narrowly or scream at our elders or think
of squeezing maximum work from our maids or
think that money ought to be the rst priority inlife and cant be generous or humble??? Is it then
our business to teach the Indian identity to our
children? Parents are proud of hosting birthday
parties in KFCs and proud that their ve year old
can operate the laptop and understands all features
of the smart phone... but parents are not disturbed
that their ve year old has not learnt the simple art
of folding hands with a smile on opening the door
or offering water to a guest.
Growing up is no longer a simple, and a casual
process which just happens... However, what we
need to ask is why is it that while our children here
have relatively comfortable lifestyles in terms of
air-conditioned or heated houses and no stress of
travelling or water or food etc, yet there seems to be
something amiss. They have stopped appreciating
what they have; they have stopped thinking about
those who do not have as much as them and they
have stopped accepting is there is something theydo not have. Is it because we are like this?
WHAT CAN WE DO?
The Indian Identity in theChildren of Expatriates
d. na Ga
Staying connected with the roots isnt only
about knowing the rites and rituals... there are
families which spend lakhs on thread ceremony
for their kids; but if you ask the children about their
understanding of what it is all about, they stare
blankly at you. We do not encourage reading; wedo not take them to the few museums and science
centres here. We want them to learn Bollywood
dances- which have lewd lyrics that depict women
as commodities, with the suggestive gestures and
tell them to perform before guests. And there are so
many avenues and means to strengthen the Indian
identity in Kuwait. There are Veena classes and
Kathak classes; there are Kala Bhavans and Vichar
Bhartis and Seva Darshans... we are indeed blessed
that Kuwait offers us every opportunity to stay intouch with our Indian identity.
They should know that life is not just about
social networking on FB. But while they are glued
to their mobiles or computers, theor knowledge
and sensitivity levels are still shrinking. It is not
that they understand more or feel more. They have
sometimes no clue of anybodys suffering or issues
in India or anywhere in the world. Worse still, they
have become cynics about their country and its
systems at the age of 15-16 itself.
Maybe, we have not ignited their minds
enough. As teachers and as parents, how much have
we instilled in them the desire to know; to explore;
to understand and to do something??? Even during
vacations, when they have to go to India, it is like a
fantasy vacation; AC cars are hired as our children
cannot now travel in crowded buses and trains...
and everywhere they see relatives and friends
smiling and laughing and treating them well. Or,
some families take pride in going for a vacation
outside India, since they feel there is nothing to see
in India, other than dirt and poverty. If there is no
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
7/31Sopanam - May 2013 7
Cultural
eagerness in the eyes, of parents to explore the rich
geography and heritage of India, can we blame our
children for lack of interest in India?
Maybe we have an identity crisis, which
needs resolution rst. Kuwait has its own limitations.
All of us do not get career openings according to
our qualications Women, who are often well-
educated and qualied are forced to sit at home
and stare at blank walls. And then, in their quest for
doing somethingthey fall into the trap of coffee
mornings or kitty parties or shopping or gold or malls
or movies or maids. Life just revolves around all of
these. And men are somewhere trapped too. They
nd it difcult to get that respect and recognition
for their work, vis-a-vis the English and Americans
and the local Kuwaitis. There is a distinct feeling of
getting trapped since the dinars are coming in too...
the outcome is that we crib and complain; we do
not accept this place as our own; we do not forget
our country and yet we do not want to go back to
our country as there is drudgery there and when we
go for a brief time, we feel terrible about the lackof infrastructure; the corruption the noise etc. And
then we want to come back here...
We must check and assess our own selves
rst. The picture is thus confusing. We want our
children to stay connected with our roots but then
we want to send them for higher education only to
US or UK or Canada and the last option may be
Manipal... We crib all the time about the pathetic
state of affairs in our country. How will then they
feel proud of it?
Are we connected to our roots? Do we remember
what our saints and sages taught us about frugality
and austerity and not boasting of pomp and ashiness
in our lives? Do we remember that more than
money, relationships matter; togetherness matters;
wisdom and knowledge is more important than
gold and property? How many of us and how often
discuss Vivekananda or Kabir or make sure that our
children have read the Panchtantra and other booksof wisdom? And we do not even discuss the state of
affairs with them. We want them, to stay away from
all that is ugly. Even when men have drinking and
gossip sessions or women have theirswe make
our children go to another room and see cartoon orbe immersed in I-pads. In fact, there are association
which invite literary stalwarts from India and when
there is a play or a musical program, they make
arrangements for children to be shown cartoons
in a separate room so that the parents can see the
program undisturbed. Even when our lives have
been reduced to malls and eating and gadgets, we
cannot stop these from becoming the priorities for
our children too.
Conclusion
We need to take a pause and think a bit. Where
are we headed? What are we passing down to
generation next? We have it all. We can choose.
We can pass our hard-work; our dedication; our
truthfulness or our ostrich-like attitude. We can
tell them that they do not have to worry about the
nation and society back there. We can pass down our
cribbing and complaining nature or our greed and
mindless materialism? Or this killer competitivespirit? The day we understand truly as to what it
is to be Indian in spirit; if we understand what it is
to be a true human, we may not have to teach our
children anything... they would just know it too.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
8/31Sopanam - May 20138
Spiritualism
P-K-Zv-Kp-cp- B-Zn-i--cm-N-m-cy- kzm-an-I-fp-sS- Po-hn-X-s-bpw- X-XzNn--sb-bpw- F-{X- ]-Tn-m-epw- A-Xn-\v- H-c-hkm-\-an-- F-v- H--hm-n- ]-d-bm-hp--
Xm-Wv.- `m-c-Xw- II-,- A-- tem-Iw- II- G--hpw-h-en-b- X-Xz-Pv-Rm-\n-bmbn-cp-p- i-c- -K-h-Zv-]m-Z.- A-Xv-`p-X-I-c-am-b- ho-cy-hpw - hn-]p-e-am-b- I--i-n-bp-ap-- E-jn-hy-c-\m-bn-cp-p- {io- i--c.- C-y-bp-sS- X-Xz-Pv-Rm-\-n-s- G--hpw- D-b-- sIm-Sp-ap-Sn-bpw- tem-I-Nn-bn- B-Xv-ao-bm-\p-`q-Xn- {]-Zm-\w-
sN-p-- B-Zn-irw-K-hp-am-b- D-]-\n-j-Xv- hym-Jym-\n-p-sImI-v- B-Zn-i--c- th-Zm--n-s\- km-[m-c-W-m-cn- F-n-p.- kv-Ym-h-cm--am-b- {]-]--n-se-k-I-e- h-kv-Xp--tf-bpw- X-n-epw- X-s- k-h-`q-X--f-n-epw- A-\p-`hn--dn-bp-hm- A-t-lw- ]-Tn-n-p.-Cu- k-a-\-z-b-n-s- `m-j-bm-Wv- `m-c--Xn-t-XvF-- D-Zv-t_m-[-\-am-Wv- B-Zn-i--c- k-t-i-n-s- Xm-tm.- Cu- `m-j- A-dn--h- H-n-s\bpw- sh-dp-p-I-tbm- H-n-s\--n-bpw- Zpx-Jn-p-I-
tbm- H-n-\p-th-In-bpw- tam-ln-p-I-tb- sN-n-.- C-
Xm-Wv- ]-c-a-am-b- G-I-Xzw,- A-Y-hm- A-ssZz-Xw- F--A-\p- -hw- F-v- {io-i--c- Xn-cn--dn-p.-Im-e-Sn-bn- A-h-X-cn-- B- a-lm-\p- -m-h-Pv-Rm-\n-bm-hp-I- h-gn- {]-]--n\n-v- hn--I-v-G-sX-n-epw- h-\-n-s- aq-e-bn- tem-I-n-seP-\--v- F--v- kw- -hn-p-p- F-v- t\m-m-sX- ap-\n-bm-bn- C-cp-n-- F--Xm-Wv- {]-tX-y-I-X.- `m-c-X-n-s- sX-t- A--v- tI-c-f-n-\n-v- B-cw-`n-v- F--a- P-\--fp-am-bn- Iq-n-ap-n-A-h-tcm-Sv- kw-h-Zn-v- A-h-v- Cu- k-a-\z-b-n-sA-\p-`-hw- hn-f-n- Du-n-.- APv-Rm-\- ns- C-cp-n-
F-s-m-tam- Im-n-q-p-- km-[m-c-W- P-\-;-A-h- I-w- sN-p-tm-gp-Im-Ip-- sN-fn-F--s\- I-gp-I-Ww- F--dn-bm-sX- D-g-ep-tm-{ioi--c- c--I-\m-bn- F-n.- I--n-s-]m-c-X-{y-n-\n--p-- ap-n-bp-sS- am--w- \n-w-K-X-bm-Wv- F-v- D-]-\n-j-Xv- {]-am-W-am-n- t_-m-[y-s-Sp-n-b- Nn--I-\m-Wv- {io- i--c.- \n-wK-X-h-gn- A-ar-XXzw- t\-Smw.- \n-kwK- Po-hn-Xw- \-bn-m--h- F-{X- h-en-b-h-\m-I-s- sF-ln-I- Po-hn-X-hpw-]m-c-{Xn-I- Po-hn-X-hpw- c-n-p-n-- F-pw- c-Ipw-
Iq-cn-cn-v- \n-d--XmIp-p- F-v- ]-Tn-n-p.-{io- i--c-t\m-S-v- X-n-- A--s- bp-n-Nn--I-tc-bpw- ]-Wv-Un-X-tc-bpw- ]q-W-am-bn- F-Xn-m-sX-A-h-tc-bpw- X-s- XXz-Nn--bnte-v- k-a-\z-bn-n-p.-
A-h-cn-- X-s- kz-w- A--th-K-n-s-bpw- {]-N-Wv-U-am-b- Du-P-n-s-bp-w- H-cw-iw- k-a-\z-bn-n-v-A-\p-`q-Xn- {]-Zm-\w- sN-p--Xv- Im-Wmw.- {]-kv-Ym-\-{X-b-n-eq-sS- Cu- A-\p-`q-Xn-sb- Im-Wn-p-X-cp--{io-i-c- Cu- A-dn-hn-\v- \n-Zm-\w- X-]-v,- B-Xv-ao-b-\n-b-{-Ww,- \-njv-Im-a- I--m-\p-jv-Tm-\w- F-n-h-bm-Wv- F-v- km-[m-c-W-m-sc- t_-m-[n-n- p.- A-Xn- A-km-[m-c-W-am-bn- hn-P-bn-p-I-bpw- sN-bvXp.- C-h-sb-
k-a-\z-bn-n-p-tm- km-[m-c-W- D-Im-Ip-- sX-v- F--Xv- hn-p-ho-gv-N-m- a-t\-m-`m-h-hpw- k-l-n-jv-Wp-XA-[-n-I-am-bn- Im-Wn--ep-am-Wv.- hn- -n---fm-b- Nn--I-sf- i-cn-bm-b- shfn--n- ]-cn-tim-[n-p-I-bm-
Wv- thI-X-v- F-v- {io-i--c- D-Zvt_m-[n-n-p.-
ap--n-cI-v- h--j-s- Pohn-X-n-\n-S-bnB-Nm-cy- sN-bv-Xp-Xo- {]-hr-nI- Cpw-h-f-sc- {]-X-y--am-bn- Im-W---hn-[w- C-y-bp-sS- ta- X-s- i-n-tb-dn-b- a-\-kn-s-bpw- kp-k-ar--am-b- ssN-X-\y-n-s-bpw- ap-{Z- ]-Xn-n-p-I-
bpw- sN-bv-Xp.-ssh-jv-W-h,- im-t-b-,- ssi-h,- \mkv-
Xn-I,- iq-\y- Xp-S-n-b- X-a-n- BI-p-In-S-p-- `m-c-tXm-hn-sb- k-ap-cn-p-hm-\
i--c Z-i\T
BharathDharshan
.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
9/31Sopanam - May 2013 9
pw- k-\m-X-\-[-w- k-v-Y-m-]n-p-hm-\pw- thI-n- X-s-
A-ssZ-z-X-kn-m-w- sImI-v- km-[-n-p,- th-Zm-w-
sImI-v- km-[n-p.- A-dn -hn-s- A-y-am-Wv- thZm--w.-F-mw- A-dn-hpI-fpw- F-n-\p-th-In-bm-tWm,- G-Xn-sN-v- A-h-km-\n-p-p-thm,- G-sXm-c-dn-hv- e-`n-m-F-m- A-dn-hp-I-fp-sS-bpw- ]-c-a-^-ew- e-`n-p-tam-]n-s-m-pw- A-dn-tb-Xm-bn-n-s-v- H-cp-h-\v- A-\p- -h-am-Ip-tam- A-Xm-Wv- X-s- knm-w- F-v- D-d-s-]-d-p- {io i--c.-Cu- X-Xzw- D-]-\n-j-n- Im-Wm-w- F-pw- D-]-\n-j-Xv- B-i-bw- e-f-n-X-am-bn- -K-h-Xv-Ko-X-bn-\n-pw-a-\-kn-em-m-sa-pw- {i-o-i--c- k-a-Xv-Ynp.-18 tm-I--fp-- C-u-i-m-hm-ky- D-]-\n-j-Zv- h-f-sc- e-
fn-X-ambpw- hn-]p-e-am-bpw- 18 A-[ym-b--sf-smIv-`-K-h-Zv-Ko-X-bpw- C-m-cyw- ]-d-bp-p.- Cu-iw- Ko-Xbp-sS- km-c-kw-t-]-am-sW-pw- Ko-X- Cu-i-n-s-hym-Jym-\-am-sW-pw- a-\p-jy-s\- D-Wp--Xn-\v- C-y- Db-n-b- [o-c-kz-c--fn- A-Xnt{i-jv-T-am-b- H-m-Wv- F-pw- Km-\v-[n-Pn- ]-d-bp-p.-i--c- -K-h-Zv-]m-Z-cp-sS- Ir-Xn-I-sf-p-dn-v- k-zm-an- hn-th-Im-\-- ]-d-bp--Xv- "B-[p-\n-I- tem-I--n-se-B-iv-N-cy--'- F-m-Wv.- Cu- tem-Iw- A-Kv-\n-]-h-X-n-s- ap-I-fn-em-Wv-.- A-Xn-s\- c-n-p-hm-
{io-i--c-a-X-n-\v- am-{X-ta- km-[y-am-Iq- F--Xm-Wv-k-Xyw.- i--c-a-X-n-\v- Pm-Xn-bn-.- Ip-n-bm-bn-cn-p-
tm- X-s- "\-ta- _-\v-[p-h-tim- \-ta- Pm-Xn-t -Zw'-F-v- ]-d-bp-hm- B-Nm-cy- ss[-cyw- Im-Wn-p.- Pm-Xym-Zn-I-sf- Xy-Pn--Ww- F-p-X-s- D-]-tZ-i- k-l-
{k-bn- sX-fn-p- ]-d-bp-p.-C--cw- Nn--I- ]-W-v-Un-X-am-cp-sS- k-Z-n-s\- C-f-n-a-dn-p-F-n-epw- Im-em--c-n- A-h-sb-mw- im--a-m-Ip-I-bpw- A-h-v- A-\p-`q-Xn- D-Im-hp-I-bpw- sN-bv-Xp.\-thm-Xv-Ym-\- \m-b-I-cn- \m-b-I-\m-hp-I-bm-bn-cp-p-P-KZv-Kp -cp. {io- i--c- km-[m-c-W-mcmb,- Ip-Spw-_w- \-bn-p-- Kr-l-kv-Y-\v- sIm-Sp-p-- D-]-tZ-iw-`-P-tKm-h-n--n- Im-Wmw.-tK-b-w- Ko-Xm- \m-a-k-l-{kw- t[y-bw-{io]-Xn- cq-]-a-P-{kw-t\-bw- k--\- kw-tK- Nn-w-
tZ-bw- Zo-\ -P-\m-b- N- ]n-w.-\m-a-P-]-hpw- Cu-iz-c-Nn--bpw,- k--\-kw-k--hpw- k-thm-]-cn- \-ap-p-- k--n-s-bpw- H-cp- hn-ln-Xw- \n-[-\-cm-b-h-v- \-In- Xym-K-n-s- tk-h-\-n-s-bpw-]m-X- kzo-I-cn--Ww- F-v- ]-Tn-n-p--p.-A-Xn-\v- hn-\-bw- k-m-Zn--W-sa-v- j-Sv-]-Zn-kv-tXm-{Xw- h-gn- D-ZvtLm-jn-p-p.- C--s\- ]m-cn-\p-- A-Sn--d-]m-p- I-dn-- B- bp-K-]p-cp-j- X-X-z-Pv-Rm-\n,-]-Wv-Un-X,- B-kv-Xn-I,- tbm-Kn,- I-hn,- -Iv-X,-
\-th-m-Xv-Y-m-\- \m-b-I,- {Im--Z-in- F-o- \n-e-I-fn- ]p-Wym-Xv-am-hm-Wv.
BharathDharshan
Kog a i am ff fom boy, i
o glc boy. i s a cl a i s
o asac ol. i s mpl c
oss P Slf .
There is sorrow in nitude. The Self is beyond
time, space and objects. It is innite and hence of
a of absol appss.
- A Sakaacaya
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
10/31Sopanam - May 201310
SpiritualismBharath
Dharshan
Founder of 'Brahmo Samaj & the rst social reformer
of Modern India.
Born - 22nd May 1772 in Bengal.
Great scholar of Sanskrit, Persian, English and knew
Arabic, Latin and Greek.
Had a rational and scientic approach and believed in
the principle of human dignity and social equality.
A perfect combination of the East and the West.
Deeply devoted to the work of religious and social
reform.
Condemned polytheism and idol worship and propagat-
ed the concept of one God.
Attacked the caste system and campaigned to persuade the
Government to abolish 'Sati' system and child marriage.
Advocated equal rights for women, right of widows to remarry
and right of women to property.
The rst feminist in India and his book, Brief remarks regarding modern encroachments
on the ancient rights of females (1822), is a reasoned argument in favor of the equality of
women.
Stood for modern education, for the propagation of science in India and modernization of
Indian society.
Rabindranath Tagore remarked Ram Mohan was the only person in his time, in the whole
world of man, to realize the signicance of the Modern Age. He knew that the ideal of human
civilization does not lie in the isolation of independence, but in the brotherhood of interdepen-
dence of individuals as well as nations in all spheres of thought and activity.
Died In England in 1833.
Raja Ram Mohan RoyA Kma K.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
11/31Sopanam - May 2013 11
Exchange of information is inevitable for all
living beings, be it plants, animals or humans. Being
the special creation of God, human beings have
always found different ways for conveying ideas,
thoughts and needs, right from the beginning. As
man advanced in his experiments and inventions,
electronic signals took place of the earlier smoke
signals, drums and ags. Now we have reached that
tipping point where time and distance have no role toplay when it comes to the matter of communication.
Thanks to the advanced technology which made the
whole world available on our nger tips.
While celebrating the World Telecommunication
Day on May 17th, the question is Are we on the
right track in using the facilities available? Though
we proudly talk on the achievements man has made
in this led, the answer would be a big NO, taking
into consideration the rate of under-usage and
mis-usage of the advancement in the facilities.The possibilities and potentials of latest internet
technology is hot topic for discussion worldwide
since it is found. Medias including channels, radios,
newspapers, phones which are as smart as human
brain, are we utilizing such promising technologies
for our betterment?
The history of communication has witnessed
dramatic changes over time. There was a phase when
a written piece of information has to be carried in
person from one part of the world to another. Newsfrom various parts of the world took ample time to
reach another. Common man had no opportunity
to express his/her opinion or decision on a general
issue. Usually it was the editorial column of the
popular dailies which summed up the public opinion.
Editor gives his view point in public interest on each
and every issue faced by the society. There was an
authenticity for the news published. But today with
the advent of the social media, the propagation of
a piece of information happens at lightning speed.
Good or bad, vital or trivial, it reaches the people
worldwide within seconds. It will be interesting to
note that now the Editor for the dailies has took the
form of Editorial Board and the editorial column
Advancing with Information
and Communication rsmy Ksakmacomes up with diplomatic approach.
When social media is gaining power, the whole
system all over the world has become so transparent
that we expect an efcient change in favour of the
public. When acceptance of the good and rejection
of the bad is purely at readers discretion, the risk
of misuse creeps in. When the seamless potential
of a human brain with such a sensitive technologyto support starts rowing in the opposite direction
of social benet; there arise the jeopardy. The need
for a public awareness is increasing on how these
advanced facilities can be benecial for the society.
These can be utilized with efciency in areas
ranging from the simple humanitarian assistance for
someone in need to the highly complicated cyber
security.
Each year the World Telecommunication Day
is celebrated to commemorate the founding of theInternational Telecommunication Union in 17 May
1865. Every year the day comes up with a theme
and the programs are organized with an idea to
forcefully penetrate that particular message into
the society. The main intention is to raise universal
awareness of common changes brought about by the
internet and new technologies. Another concern is
to reduce the economic inequality between groups,
both within and outside the countries, in terms of
access to, use of, or knowledge of information and
communication technologies.
Taking into consideration the need for the
hour, worldwide, this year we celebrate the World
Telecommunication Day with the theme Global Road
Safety. Now-a-days, the advanced communication
technology nds its worst adverse effect on roads.
The unreasonable usage of information and
communication technologies while driving not only
pledges his/her lives, but also of those who really
follow all safety measures while driving. The need
for awareness is widely in demand regarding the
benets of communication and safety technologies
for the vehicles.
Views
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
12/31Sopanam - May 201312
Spiritualism
Our mission has been a process of man making.Our nation has gone through so much of churningthat at times we often feel we have deviated fromour causes that we, as Bharateeyans, stand for. Ourmission from times immemorial has been to bethe guiding light for the transformation of worldcivilizations and societies. But where do we standtoday as a nation? From beings catalysts, we havenow taken to adapting foreign cultures and valuesfor survival.
The lack of a proper mission and vision to takeour nation, and its citizens forward, is becoming the
bane of our slow degradation. The effect of adaptingto tendencies and culture that is not in tandemwith our thought process is now being felt acrossthe nation. What our media today projects as merecases of immorality are becoming a daily menace toour society. The average citizen has started losinghis individuality in this ash of happenings that istaking place around us. The media revolution has
had its good and bad effects on us. The repeatedand frequent reports of arson, rape and corruptionhas painted a degraded face of our nation acrossthe globe. It wouldnt sufce to simply blame it allon outside interferences alone. The mind set of oursociety is sadly changing, taking a very negativerole.
There seems to be a rapid decline in the moralqualities of the society on the whole. People seemto be adapting to these negative tendencies more
frequently. Corruption seems to have seeped into oursystem and become a part of it. Today, the citizenfeels no qualm in giving to taking bribes. Civilmorality has been demolished to such and extendthat the next generation would be left with nothingmuch to look back to.
The fast paced life has brought along with itnecessity to fast track everything even if it meanscertain values and qualities can be compromised.Our nation, that prided itself in the family values it
upheld, is today faced with the prospects of illicitrelationships, live in relationships and divorces.Cut throat completion to survive in our professionaland education system has bred intense egos likeselshness and jealousy. This has gone to the extent
of harming near and dear ones without any remorse.Today compettion has even entered the home of thecommon man with the father and mothercompeting
with each other, leaving their off springs in thehand of servants and house maids. This has led toan increase in cases of divorce and suicides due tosevere cases of frustration and depression.
There is greater need now for the society to havea direction and vision in life. Our history and cultureis rich with ideal messages and examples of peoplewho have led our nation through prosperity. Theyhave left the message that an ideal citizen alonecan save the home and the nation. All prosperity
that comes out of a family household, is what takesthe society and nation forward. We dont need tolook for heroes and leaders to move us in the rightdirection. Each one of us needs to take the lead intaking our nation forward.
For a change to take place, it is necessary todiscipline ourselves. We need to ensure that ourculture and heritage is protected and the respect wehave as a nation and the worlds oldest civilizationis upheld. This would often require extraordinary
measures. Stringent laws are often meant to controlelements in the society that have a tendency to goastray. But, if stringent laws alone served their
purpose, we would have no crime rate in many ofthe dictatorships and theocracies around the worldtoday.
So it is evident that the transformation has to comefrom within the society. The change in the individualdoes not come at his home alone. Every individualneeds to transform himself as the ideal example tolive in a perfect society. He needs to perform hisduties at home and in every aspect of his personallife. His must set examples to his co-workers and tohis fellow beings in the society he lives in. Socialworkers and politicians who serve the society must
be leaders who set examples. People who lead suchlives sacrice themselves for the nation. When such
personalities become a burden to the society theylive in, every individual has the duty to shun them.
The transformation of every bharateeyan wouldalone ensure that our societies change and ensure
that Bharat takes its position as the leader that wouldmake the this world a better place to live in.
Our mission
Views
Ksa Kma Pala
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
13/31Sopanam - May 2013 13
Learn with Quiz Masterrsmy Ksakma
Education
Answers page - 23
My Hero Sa Sa(A so smmay o o moly Ya dasa Class-27Apl13)
In our previous Yuva Darshan class held on 27th April, our topic of discussion was My Hero. Everyone of us who had attended the class, recollected all the heroes who have impressed us throughout our lives.Starting from our darling parents to our lovely teachers, we have come across many personalities, who haveshaped our ideas and thoughts. Personally for me, I think my hero is god. During the session, we learnthow our parents became our heroes when we were kids and then we went through each phase of our life indetail where we had met many new heroes including our teachers and relatives.
Then we learnt about the hero of our nation, India - Swami Vivekananda. The ideal qualities Swamijipossessed made him a real hero in the hearts of millions of youths. We all know that Swamiji is revered andloved by all, and I got the answer what made him a real hero. His good heartedness and boldness made him
unique among others.
Now, let me share the qualities I admire in Swamiji.
Swamiji had the power of self-realization, faith, sacrice, love and service. He is one the greatest leaderIndia has ever seen and was a great motivator not only to every single man in the era but even now tomillions of Indians.
I would like to conclude that, everyone has a hero in their life, even if they think they dont have one.But we should decide who should be our hero, who can lead us in the right direction.
1. Name the English poet who makes use of the storyThe Voice of the Thunder in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad?
2. Which is the biggest gland in human body?
3. Who is the rst winner of Sahithya Academy Award for hiswork in English?
4. Who directed the Malayalam movie Vaasthuhara?
5. Which national park derives its name from the most prominenthillock of the area and is said to be given by Lord Rama to his
brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka? The name meansBrothers Fort in Sanskrit.
6. Who named Akasavani for All India Radio?
7. The scientic study of Dictionary is called _________?
8. What is the old name of Istanbul?
9. Which is the rst technology park in India?
10. Sadakat Ashram Memorial in Patna is dedicated to which formerPresident of India?
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
14/31Sopanam - May 201314
Spiritualism
Statistics shows that about 1.24 million people
die each year on the world's roads and between 20
and 50 million sustain non-fatal injuries. As per
statistics published, Kuwait itself had approximately
400 deaths and 8000 injuries resulted from road
accidents in 2012.
Driving is risky business. If you've been out on
the roads, you know that not everyone drives well.
Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into
another lane because they aren't paying attention.
Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns
without signaling, or weave in and out of trafc.
Aggressive drivers are known road hazards,
causing one third of all trafc crashes. But inattentive
driving is becoming more of a problem as people
"multitask" by talking on the phone, texting or
checking messages, eating, or even watching TV as
they drive.
You can't control the actions of other drivers.
But updating your defensive driving skills can help
you avoid the dangers caused by other people's bad
driving.
Reiterating the signicance of safe driving, some
tips are provided here on safe driving that we have
to follow in our day-to-day life.
Take necessary Safety measures before setting
out. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition
for the road. Properly inate your vehicle tires.
The defensive driver tries to recognize potentiallyhazardous situations sufciently in advance to allow
time to safely maneuver past them. He assumes that
other drivers may make mistakes and is on guard
in the event an error is made. The defensive driver
searches ahead of what is immediately in front, to
have advance warning of approaching hazards
Safety is not an Option
Is an ObligationPakas na, eQuAte
Before starting your vehicle, wear your Seat Belt
while driving and ensure that your passengers are
wearing theirs. Seat belts dont mean just a clause
in the rulebooks. They could be your lifeline, thedifference between life and death in an accident.
Avoid driving if you are sleepy or on medication
that makes you drowsy.
Never leave the car with engine running and
children inside. Look over your shoulder in the
direction you plan to move.
Avoid Tailgating and tailgaters. Have you ever
thought the vehicle ahead is moving too slow? And
you have taken your car so close that you almost
touched the cars bumper in a bid to overtake it?
Education
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
15/31Sopanam - May 2013 15
This is tailgating.
Lane use and lane changing accidents primarily
result from following too closely or being inattentive
to trafc conditions ahead. In either case, defensive
driving is the most effective countermeasure. Lane
use and lane changing accidents primarily involve
sideswiping and rear-end collisions. The existence
of blind spots around large vehicles is a major
contributing factor. Maintain a proper following
distance and take note of countermeasures involving
right-of-way.
In rain, drive slowly and brake gently.
Hydroplaning happens when tires move quickly
across a wet surface. There is not sufcient time to
move the moisture away from the center of the tire.
As a result, the tire is lifted by water from the road,
losing all traction.
Distractions can cause fatal accidents. So when
you are behind the wheel, just drive. Avoid using
mobile phones, texting, drinking and eating whiledriving.
Drive your vehicle where others can see you.
Do not drive in another vehicles blind spot. Try to
avoid driving on either side and slightly to the rearof another vehicle. Never stay along side a large
vehicle such as a truck or bus.
The above are only a few tips from an ocean of
defensive driving techniques. The bottom-line is
that while behind the wheels each person himself is
responsible for his safety.
d Saf, rac hom Saf!
Yo famly s ag fo yo!
Stop when the trafc light turns amber. Follow
the road signals. Be aware of the type of the lane and
intersection you are in.
Summer means heavy trafc on the highways.
You will lose control of the vehicle if there is a blow
out on the highway, especially if it is the front tire.
After a blowout, hold the steering wheel rmly tomaintain control. Do not brake sudden and let the
vehicle slow down.
Education
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
16/31Sopanam - May 201316
SpiritualismEducation
amdp temI{Ianseambm aqey xJW N d Mc ccB{W V vL{ dVJB{ MG.a BZ Ja{W AK
BZ L. AZ IAJ c Ea BZ. , cJa dfa . CWG{. N G{ {VA cLf_c_ cAK Jad Jb. c JJb W VACW NGZ K {Z, Z,dBZ LK fVJ,ic, JTAII.GJa xJGZ K {{,{ IA.
W J fAI, AIN . GJ dBZ, Z KJ GZK. { AVK dLccW G{W IKdBZ . W { VH II.J V x
cBZ, d, , dBZ, , _ GZ, ...........dB{ G . f
J x{A, dB{ALI GZ BK K JW LAOZ GK JBZN JAK B{A :_1 G Lf2 A{ cc
3 K , tBZ4 GJ Ja 5 vcB{ c6 c cc i7 A{ VV8 dL ZWEBZ VKAK xBZ c L
fJ A, b NGZ L{A, xcB{A BK. _ {V K,'b Ta " (cb) K A GZ{O{ A{ ZVHK.c, , K VNK J Ja -d fc cbVN.cbVN K OZ B{ VJ xA K.
VJ c AIN {W K, B{W
K. 'OZ OIAKL ". CWMJ J II.
A
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
17/31Sopanam - May 2013 17
Education
J Z AK N {W c x
JII. N I N{ {I. c TWII ' VN"K W x J J. GZ Nx OJ. OJ W c CW A. IG{ J KG AX diAI
Z dzVbJ dAKI W.1 G{M W A2 G{ diA (V Kd i ZA)3 dMA4 G{M BZ wVA5 LZ TWA6 c
7 { cJ8 ic{ LBZ K
A9 G{ { IJ drMA10 b VPV W
aVx, WY, x icBZ a bi N G{AKI, bAKI. dv_VP {VJK,
VJ, JdU VP II cB{VjcJ XdU K NAc. fcdA I B{ {B{ NBZ G. ctJaJ OcJ N `czV N cBZ, VBZ,K JW A K.
cB{ VN J fAX JU cVjJ AX Kc cA A dVJAI . czG J AKd{ GZA IK{{, { {
. TA ccBZ VKWXd{ dA. ,, , VN K{ d. cc,O, MG d fcBZ. z JfAI{ A VH A
K J fcB{ NAI.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
18/31Sopanam - May 201318
Spiritualism
Seva Darshan Kuwait Celebrates its annual Vishu Seva Dinam on 26th of April at the Central school in
Abbassiya. The programme was a huge success with active participation of the members and public alike.
The performances by the children of Bala Darshan Kuwait were highly appreciated for its content and
perfection.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. K. Kumar, Senior Marine Resources Scientist. His speech set
the pace of the proceedings of the day. Shri. Manoj, organizing secretary spoke of the importance of Vishu
Seva Dinam and the contributions of the society for this great cause. Dr. P. Santhamoorthy, Neurologist, was
appreciated the organization for its efforts in helping for the upliftment of the needy people in the society.
The programme was chaired by the convener Shri. Murali Potti. Shri Suresh, Fahaheel unit secretary of theSeva Samithi, thanked the audience and the parents of Bala Darshan Kuwait for their support in making the
event a grand success.
Vishu Seva Dinam 2013
News
Poos : Gas K. naayaa
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
19/31Sopanam - May 2013 19
News
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
20/31Sopanam - May 201320
Spiritualism
Vichar Bharathi Farwaniya Unit
conducted Talk ShowVichar Bharathi Farwaniya unit conducted talk show on May 10th Friday at Sopanam Hall, Salmiya.
Formal inauguration was done by Dr.Zyju and Dr.Navniit Gandhi accompanied by Vichar Bharathi and
Sevadarsan representatives by lighting the traditional lamp. Dr.Zyju preside the function and Dr. Navnit
Gandhi delivered the enlightening key note speech on Indian Identity and Expatriate Children. The
membership campaign was launched by handing over the membership form to Shri.Harish Bhandari. The
function was marked with the presence of eminences including Dr. Panicker, Dr. Nandakumar Moorkath
and Smt.Preethi K. Nair. A prologue to Vichar Bharathi was presented by the Joint Coordinator Advt.
Sumod. Sevadharshan Farwaniya Unit Secretary Shri.Praveen addressed the gathering.
The second session was an open debate on the Challenges and Limitations of Expatriate Children. The
debate moderated by Advt. Mili Chandra Hari was distinct with the active participation of the audience. An
expert opinion and conclusion on the topic was delivered by Dr. Panicker, Smt Preethi K. Nair and Shri.
Vibheesh Tikkodi . Honorable guests for the evening were presented memento as token of appreciation. Shri.
Vinod Kumar extended a warm welcome and Sri.Ajith conveyed the word of gratitude to the audience.
News
Poos : Gas K. naayaa
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
21/31Sopanam - May 2013 21
News
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
22/31Sopanam - May 201322
SpiritualismNews
Vichar Bharati KuwaitVichar Bharati Kuwait
VIVEKAMVIVEKAM( )
For more details and information kindly contact to us on :-
vbkuwait@gmail.com.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
23/31Sopanam - May 2013 23
News
Quiz Answers
1. T.S.Eliot
2. Liver
3. R. K Narayan
4. Aravindan
5. Bandhavgarh National Park(Madhya Pradesh)
6. Rabindranath Tagore
7. Lexicography
8. Constantinople
9. Techno Park, Thiruvananthapuram10. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
VIVEKAM PROJECT
SALIENT FEATURESSALIENT FEATURES
VIVEKAM PROJECT
The books to 150 schools in India will be distributed to theschool libraries across the southern States of Bharat, under theguidance of Swami Vivekanandas 150th Birth AnniversaryCelebration Committee.
The project strives to uphold Seva Darshans commitment todevelop a vibrant young generation for building a strong nation.
The project aims to create awareness about SwamiVivekanandas inspiring life, his thoughts and his relevance intodays context.
The inspirational books are selected to educate and enlightenour young minds.
We aim to impart the spirit of seless Seva amoungst
our community..
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
24/31Sopanam - May 201324
SpiritualismHealth
World No Tobacco Day focuses on informing
people about health problems associated with
tobacco use.
Tobacco is a product processed from the dried
leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be
used as a pesticide, and extracts form ingredients of
some medicines, but is most commonly consumed
as a drug. The product manufactured from the leaf
is used in cigars and cigarettes, snuff, pipe tobacco,
chewing tobacco and avored shisha.
Tobacco use is among the leading preventable
causes of death. Each year, the global tobacco
epidemic kills nearly 6 million people, including
more than 600,000 who die from exposure to
second-hand smoke. It is on track to kill more than
8 million by 2030, by which time approximately80% of the deaths would occur in low- and middle-
income countries.
The costs of tobacco use are measured in its
enormous toll of disease, suffering and family
distress. Economies also suffer from increased
health-care costs and decreased productivity.
Health Effects on Tobacco
Tobacco is the single greatest cause of preventable
death globally. Tobacco use leads most commonly
to diseases affecting the heart, liver and lungs, with
smoking being a major risk factor for heart attacks,
strokes lung diseases and cancer (particularly
lung cancer, cancers of the larynx and mouth, and
pancreatic cancer). It also causes peripheral vascular
disease and hypertension. The effects depend on the
number of years that a person smokes and on how
much the person smokes. Starting smoking earlier inlife and smoking cigarettes higher in tar increases the
risk of these diseases. Also, environmental tobacco
smoke, or secondhand smoke, has been shown to
cause adverse health effects in people of all ages.
31 May
Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners
everywhere mark World No Tobacco Day,
highlighting the health risks associated with
tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to
reduce tobacco consumption. The theme for World
No Tobacco Day 2013 is: ban tobacco advertising,
promotion and sponsorship.
A comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising,
promotion and sponsorship is required under the
WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control
(WHO FCTC). Evidence shows that comprehensiveadvertising bans lead to reductions in the numbers
of people starting and continuing smoking.
Statistics show that banning tobacco advertising
and sponsorship is one of the most cost-effective
ways to reduce tobacco demand and thus a tobacco
control best buy.
The ultimate goal of World No Tobacco Day
is to contribute to protect present and future
generations not only from these devastatinghealth consequences, but also against the social,
environmental and economic scourges of tobacco
use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Quit Smoking...!
Before Smoking Quits You.....Aj Pasa
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
25/31Sopanam - May 2013 25
Health
Quit smoking: Proven strategies to help you quit
1. Being prepared can help you quit smoking
and other tobacco use. Use these proven strategies
to help end your dependence on tobacco. You know
that when you quit smoking, it's one of the best
things you can do for your health. Try one or two,
or try them all until you nd what works to help you
quit smoking.
2. Put it on paper
Consider what you don't like about smoking and
why you want to quit smoking. Write it all down
and carry the list with you. Each time you pick up
a cigarette or have the urge to, read your list and
remind yourself why you want to quit smoking.
3. Enlist support
Get others on your side. Tell your family, friends
and co-workers that you want to quit smoking. You
may even ask them to remind you why it's important
to quit smoking if they see you pick up a cigarette.
4. See a specialist
The more counseling you receive when you
want to quit smoking, the more likely you'll remain
tobacco-free. Ask your doctor or hospital for
information, or check your local phone book.
5. Take it slow
Most people have the best success with quitting
smoking by setting a quit smoking date and then
abruptly stopping on that date. If you've tried that
method a few times and it hasn't worked for you,
you might want to start the quit smoking process by
gradually cutting back on your smoking.
Avoid smoking triggers
Recognize places and situations that make youwant to smoke and avoid them. Hang out with
people who don't smoke or who also want to quit
smoking. Keep especially busy during times when
boredom may tempt you to smoke. Practice saying,
"No thanks, I don't smoke."
Try a stop-smoking product
Don't use withdrawal symptoms or cravings
as an excuse to not quit smoking. Plenty of stop-
smoking products and medications with Food and
Drug Administration approval are available to help
you manage. Some types of nicotine replacement
therapy including patches, gum and lozenges
are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal
spray and the nicotine inhaler are available byprescription.
Manage your stress
Stress and anxiety can increase your urge to
smoke and derail your effort to quit smoking. To
keep stress and anxiety under control, prioritize your
tasks. Practice relaxation exercises, such as physical
activity, deep breathing or meditation. Stretch or
simply listen to your favorite music.
Celebrate your successes
Made it through the day without a cigarette? Treat
yourself to something special. Made it through the
week? Count how much you've saved by not buying
cigarettes. Use the savings for a special treat or
invest the money for the future.
If you are thinking to quit smoking, then the WorldNo Tobacco day is the right time to break the chain
and start living. People across the globe celebrate
the Anti-Tobacco Day on 31 May of every year to
encourage people by abstaining from consuming
tobacco for 24 hours, an act which is believed to
help tobacco users quit taking tobacco.
If you do not stop tobacco, tobacco will stop
you. If you have a family to take care or if there
are dependents on you then there should be no otherreason to say good bye to tobacco forever. There
are positive coping mechanisms like meditation to
overcome stress.
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
26/31Sopanam - May 201326
Spiritualism
Though it was supposed to be summer time inParis, the weather then was comparable to that ofthe coolest month, makara back home in Kerala!The scene outside the airport dazzled me, not by themultitude of people or squalour so much evident inour big metropolises in our country then, but by the
cleanliness and stylishness and richness effused bythe surroundings. While waiting impatiently for theguide, I had ample time to get impressed too by theneat and wide tarred and paved roads and by the lineof speeding stylish limousines and carriage vehicles.After a few minutes, a middle aged, white skinned manapproached us and in half butler English and in halfFrench, he enquired whether we were the scholarshipholders and trainees waiting to be transported. We saidin unison, Oui (yes, in English) and soon we wereon our way in a Peugeot brand sedan, to a temporary
hostel, somewhere in the Paris metropolis.
Used to the style of driving on left side of the roadback home in India, I was immediately stuck by thedrive on the right hand side of the road and by thestylish and well-laid out chain of roads. I could notsee even a single pothole on the road during the 30minute journey and unlike that used to the situationthen in India, not a single vehicle was seen emitting
puffs of smoke while speeding too! The Frenchdriver-guide was blabbering non-stop during the
journey in French and Dr Sharma, unsure whethercomprehending any thing he was blurting out ,wasseen saying, oui,ouioften and saying nothing morein reply! The other two companions, who introducedthemselves as Rodrigo and Adnan, of similar age
as ourselves, and hailing from Chile and Egyptrespectively appeared to me to be as ignorant asmyself and my Indian friend, and they were seenconversing and joking while travelling, in brokenEnglish!
After a pleasant drive by a seemingly expertdriver, we reached a small house-like building at aplace somewhere near Gare de lEst (Eastern RailwayStation) and we were accosted by a beaming, middleaged French lady who turned out to be as ignorantof English language like the driver-guide himself!The driver conversed briey with the house-keeper(generally called as concierge in french language)and was about to bid bye to us when I realised that myfriend Dr Sharma was not to be with me or our groupany more! He was to be taken to another place for his
stay, I was told by the chauffeur (driver) by readingout from a piece of paper in his pocket! I felt sad thatmy Indian companion of the ight was to leave metoo, and leaving me alone in this foreign soil! Butthen, that is life, I consoled myself! After all are wenot like passengers in a long train journey where
people board the train at stations and disembark atother stations, never to meet or see again later till theend of the journey?
With lots of gestures the housekeeper (termed asconcierge in French language) lady explained to usin local language, of our programmes for the coming2 days in Paris. Frankly I understood only a quarter ofwhat the concierge explained! The lady seemed to bevery enthusiastic to talk to us and kept on pouring out
Dr. Nandakumar Moorkath
The HeavenlyBreak
The HeavenlyBreak
Travelogue
Eight Years In Paris:
Musings Of A Pravasi ScientistPart V
"Taste of Paris, the Wonderland"
Art &Literature
Eight Years In Paris:
Musings Of A Pravasi ScientistPart V
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
27/31Sopanam - May 2013 27
words in a language which I guessed must be Frenchlanguage , but her friendliness and welcoming attitudewas writ large on her face and in her gentle utterances.
She accompanied us to our small individual rooms onthe rst oor and wished us to take rest, to recuperatefrom the long air travel and journey. It was then that Irealised that my companions had gone through nearly20 hours of air travel before landing at Paris and thatI was lucky enough with a shorter ight duration!
After a short nap and badly needed rest, I wokeup to nd that the Chilean and Egyptian friends hadlocked their room and gone out on an unspeciedmission. By a mixture of gestures and Parisian style
French words, the concierge made me understandthat the friends will be back soon and that I can jointhem for a trip together later! I was awfully hungryand went out in search of an eatery or food shopthat could mitigate my hunger. There were brightlylit street cafes or eateries around, but I was sort ofintimidated by the stylish and posh look of the aboveand chose instead to enter a shop bearing a hugename-board boulangerie at the entrance. I spottedseveral sweet cakes and bread-based items in glasscovered big enclosures, besides a sprinking of stylish
alcochol based drinks in the shelves all around . Amiddle aged woman welcomed me with the words,oui, Monsieur (meaning yes,sir).
I pointed to a small apple-cake and when she handedit to me neatly packed, I asked, how much and thesales-woman replied in a strange looking language. Itook out a 10 Franc currency and she paid me back
balance amount in good-looking coins. I was to learnlater that the amount paid for the cake was severaltimes more than the amount I had anticipated and that
with that equivalent amount in Indian rupees, I couldhave afforded a luxurious lunch or dinner back homein Kerala! The French cake was delightfully tastythough!
I returned to my room and after a hot water bathresorted to scribbling a few words , to be sent as a
postal letter home, informing my parents of my safelanding at Paris without much problems. Unfortunatelytelephone was unheard of in my village then in Keralaand even if there was one available in Delhi,to informthe friends there, the phone charges, I imagined will
be outside the reach of the skinny budget I had then!Hardly had I written few lines, than I heard a fewgentle knocks on the door. To my pleasant surpise,there they were the Chilean and Egyptian friends,
ready to take me for a tour or discovery mission ofthe magical metrolpolis, Paris!
Frankly, I was in the same frame of mindas the character Ittiyaranan in the hindu epicbhagavatham who had set out to discover the landof the gods with utter admiration and astonishment!
Neatly paved, tarred roads with wide tiled pavementfor pedestrians, sparkling shops and cafes sprinkledhere and there, stylish cars and vehicles speedingalong in an orderly fashion all provided a delightfultreat to eyes and mind.
Where should we go rst? Rodrigo, the chilean
posed the question casually, in an attempt to have aconcensus! While Adnan, the Egyptian friend didnot bother to answer, I ventured out, let us rst goto Eiffel Tower, the trade mark of Paris and othersreadily agreed! The party was on the move and thetroupe leader, Rodrigo semed to have some previousexperience of similar discovery missions. Youknow one of my friends have told me that undergroundtrains or metro is the best means of transport to seeParis, the troupe leader commented wryly whileleading the gang. When a young-looking pedestrian
in his twenties happened to cross our path, he askedboldly in French, with a distinct spanish accent, ouest le metro, sil vous plait (where is the undergroundstation please?) I was impressed by his languageskill and felt assured that I was in good company ofa competent guide for the tour! The pedestrian, mostlikely a student, I thought was more than just casual inhis reply and detailed in half French and half Englishthe route to the nearest underground metro station.
We reached the metro station after a lazy strollof about 10 minutes and the excitement of exploringnew unseen and exotic location made the walk amemorable and enjoyable experience. You see,these underground stations were built before thesecond world war to give shelter for Parisians fromGerman bombing and bombardment Rodrigoswords reected his ery imagination since there is no
proof or report of German soldiers or occupying armyof having showered bombs in Paris, during secondworld war or earlier! Not to spoil the camaraderieand the enthusiasm of the friend and guide, I chosesilence as the better part of valour and pretended tonod in agreement!
(Continued)...
Art &Literature
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
28/31
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
29/31Sopanam - May 2013 29
W AW x, EAW
X V, c
c Z dLAKU c K
JMxU WA,
d c fJI
W A, d
B{W Oc {VJ
b cAUbd
BZ K a W
dVJK. {W
K cJ AK{. AU
AK { X d
GI.
dxa W 5_ TU
Z (b
cX Z) dVJAK.
KA AVA
cG ccAK cBZA
dc JIU cc
KKKU
cJa dc.
a Ud
V b
cX { ic
x A K cc
VK cB{W KKGU. GdB{W
cB{ K c
AU Vic{IG
V ZAI bVj
J icJ
{ AK.
A I d xU
AX , AZI
Lb N BZI
LMAX
KU JV.
.
B{WKU
C{J KId
b w AW X
W dVJAK. d
J { ZJA JAK
B{W dx N
J BZ
cI. A JU
VAX GK B{W
Kd w AW X.
bVj J '
b w AW X,
{ . , GM,
A_678581,
Phone -00914924254107
E-mail- svmmagali@gmail.com
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
30/31Sopanam - May 201330
SpiritualismMathru
Dharshan
On a weekend day during the rushhours I was passing through thecrowd in a shopping center in Kerala,oh sorry its a new generation mall.As usual I was busy doing windowshopping. Suddenly I noticedpeople in front of me slowed downand even few men stopped andwas focusing on something infront. Me too eagerly tuned my
eyes and it was a young girl. She was not beautifulbut was wearing a trendy body t sleeveless topwhich allowed to display her bare hands in full. Itwas also giving a clear and projected view of herupper body.
Even being a woman I too for a moment cannottakeoff my eyes and enjoyed the display of her
beautiful body shape. I noticed men turning aroundand their eyes still following her and whisperingamong themselves. All that time I was wonderingthat people noticed her because of her dressing which
according to me contained vulgarism and exposing.I will say that type of dressing is provocative andcan make one reason leading to social deviance.Our appearance is greatly affected by the clothes wewear and it is because of this reason that a growingnumber of people have begun to question whetherwe should wear our pure traditional clothes or followwestern trends.
Youngsters today argue that we must learn to gowith the ow and therefore taking up new trends isa better option. Still a handful of people still believe
that our traditional clothes represent our identityand to let go of them will be like discarding our ownculture.
Western trends tend to offer freedom ofexpression. One can add his or her own tastes andideas to them and they are quite classy , stylishand attractive .Following new trends helps peopleespecially teenagers cope with peer pressure andit even results in the acceptance among liberal andcontemporary people, this is because it sets a goodimpression on others by signifying that you arevery much in touch with the world and come from a
polished background. Moreover it makes youngstersfeel condent as they know they are portraying amodern image of themselves that are convenientand comfortable.
Traditional clothes on the other hand represent ourculture and identity. It is necessary to hold on themif we wish to preserve our tradition and show ouridentity. If we are not going to promote our customsthen no body will and it is likely that it will becomeextinct. People who go abroad often tend to adaptwestern trends prevailing their Nations identity andtraditions. However, they should keep in mind that
their identities represented by the way they dress. Weshould keep a balance in all things and hence we canstill follow western trends but should not shy awayfrom our traditional clothes. This way we will befollowing new trends yet promoting our culture and
be very much attached to our roots. During a recentdiscussion, someone commented that now Indiansin western countries follow a habit of wearing ourtraditional dresses during special occasions and
parties which will truly portray our rich culture andclass. Indian attire is truly unique by itself givingelegant and colorful appearance.
When you ask yourself why we wear dress, theanswer is to cover your body and to present yourselfto others in a descent manner. The rst impressionalways depends on the type of dress worn by the
person. But when you closely look at the modernwestern outts, does it fully comply with our answer!
No it doesnt. Because it may cover but at the sametime there will be cleverly designed exposing also.Most of these dresses present you not in a descentway, instead make you attractive and charming withthe display of your body and shape.
If we stand aside and analyse our culture and ourtraditional dressing, you will nd that our dressingrepresent our culture with respect to the societyand upholding our dignity. We got a wide and deepculture where woman is well respected in the society.The most important aspect which we nd with ourdressing culture is the proper cover of the human
body without any vulgarity in appearance. We allshould note that we may even go across our parents,
brothers and sisters, husband and children or evenrelatives and here we should uphold our identity and
showcase our culture.
Right dressing makes life easy and beautiful foryou and also allow peace in the society.
Dress Culture with
Respect to SocietySyy Bj naap
7/30/2019 Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2
31/31