Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2

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/[email protected]

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

Volume 3 Issue 2 15th May, 20135115 sshimJw


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.



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 : [email protected]

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.



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



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.)



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



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.



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

.



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



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.


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



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


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?



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


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



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


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.



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


19/31Sopanam - May 2013 19

News



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


21/31Sopanam - May 2013 21

News



SpiritualismNews

Vichar Bharati KuwaitVichar Bharati Kuwait

VIVEKAMVIVEKAM( )

For more details and information kindly contact to us on :-

[email protected].


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..



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


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.



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


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


28/31


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- [email protected]



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


31/31

Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2

Documents

Transcript of Sopanam E Magazine Vol 3 Issue 2