Thank God for thankless job

This poem was written when I strep down as Chairman of IISJ.  In fact, these reflections may suit and are common to any public and social activists.

Passion of education brought me to the spot

Does it worth? Deliberated a lot

Hesitation of angels, an invitation to devils

Service to society is a devotion to God

Accept the challenges and unveil the courage

Common cause, gave me the heart

Conviction brought me to the convention

Commitments enthrall the motion

‘Herd’ I am not part of it, because I ‘think’

Reaching the bottom is the reverence of clarity

Finding the root cause is the veneration of my serenity

Solution is not an illusion, rather is my efficacy

Simplicity is my method, sincerity is my weapon

Honestly is my domain, patience is my strength

Adding value is my strength, avoiding glory is my satisfaction

Led them from front, Chairs don’t give cheers

Yesterday’s intelligence failing in reality

Today’s problems rattling the past cleverness

Tomorrow’s vision – may not be the dominance, but

Where is today’s intelligence?

Society is a kitchen, country is a lab

All are chefs and technicians

Convenience distances the minds

Bodies were sprawling around, when

The souls were searching else; day after day its

Conference of bodies, not the convergence of mind

Stage is permanent, actors are temporary

Performance matters, life goes on

Fore run to a future and a fabulous experience

Yet another example to erase the expectations

Thank God for the thankless job

Games within the game

‘To go fast one need to go alone and to go far, go together' is an African proverb. Egyptian ousted President Mubarak seems to know it well - by choosing to go fast in last 29 years amassing the wealth and protect his power. The military rulers and dictators taught the people that ‘revolution is the only method to remove a tyranny or to change the governing system' and inevitably they themselves fell victims to their own system. Egypt is the latest example. The impact of Egyptian revolution is much more than Tunisia's Jasmine revolution in early 2011. Egyptians not only threw out the champion of Arab, the strong man of Egypt Mr. Hosni Mubarak, but also shook up the world. The reverberations are consequential at least to tyrannies around Egypt but it’s interesting to watch how the other regimes are responding to it.


Middle East is a rich, but poor block of the world - by that I mean, Middle East is rich in resources, but poor in prosperity. Middle East requires stability in peace, but peace alone cannot bring prosperity. Peace is the precondition to prosperity followed with the cultivation of amenable governing system and accountability culture in all level. Egypt being a part of the Middle East positioned it as a ‘Chief facilitator' of various policies that fit in the region's peace, but not prosperity. They billed and received payments regularly, in other word, aids from USA and GCC countries but did not properly utilize it to develop the country's economy. Egypt failed miserably to benefit from the position of Chief facilitator because of the system. The ruling system in Egypt limited with a few influential and powerful people and we all know the objectives of such powerful people. The system allowed siphoning the major share of payments to their personal coffers. Rulers might have thought the billing is to take care of peace treaties only and let the people to mend their own ways to prosperity.

The new generation, unlike the old with penchant patience, is growing with restless attitude and approach. In ever widening competitive market and living circumstances, the majority, in other word the ‘common people' are completely sidelined or failing themselves. Intelligent and qualified people know their road well and will not wait for government initiations, but these common ordinary mass require government initiation and protection in building their life supports. They expect support and opportunities from government and their demand is a genuine one. How long can these leaders ignore this common, but powerful majority?

Egyptians might have succeeded in their goal of removing a corrupt leader and even will change the governing system, but the Middle East is not going to be the same. A new Middle East is in the making. It is not an Islamic awakening as pronounced by the Iran President. It is simply, Arab awakening. Yes, the fall of Mubarak is the beginning of change. The change is not about the rulers only, but about the perception of Arabs at large and future demands. The change will expose the different connotation of the rugged minds of stereotype western media about Arabs. The change will also expose the pseudo liberals' right across the world. The change will convey that Arabs are no less inferior than any other races and they are very much part of global progress and prosperity.

Yet, the significant change is the approach from Uncle Sam. Bush invested in billions to remove Saddam in the name of democracy and created business and trade opportunities to his country. Obama have invested only his time with strict instruction to Egypt military to keep the guns silent. Ever since the military refused to open the arms, Mubarak understood the 'end' and his desperate attempt was to save his kith and kin including his wealth. Obama's approach created constant doubt in the minds of Arab rulers and most importantly, the Israel government. Israel must find its bearing to work on its own towards peaceful existence in the Middle East. They cannot continue the language of state violence in the name of security.

Israel never lost any opportunity to present millions of case studies on Arabs to brand them as most primitive race and will never co-exist with others, mainly Israelis. Israel portrayed them as the advanced nation looking for co-existence with the Middle Eastern Muslim nations while using all kind of suppressions against poor Palestinian cousins. Every western country looks at Arabs through Israel eyes and allows Israel the license to kill Palestinians in the name of security. All the myth about Arab brutality against Israel is becoming a fairy tale now and Israel is feeling the real heat of Egyptian revolution. It is time for Israel to stop demonizing Arabs and need to agree to the solution of allowing Palestinian to run the country on their own as early as possible. Israel need to talk with Arab leaders and cannot sit behind Uncle Sam, since USA is determined to shed the extra baggage of Israel from their existing burden. Arab leaders have great opportunity to take up this Palestinian cause with sincere approach, which can save their regime and allow the Arabs to retain their pride apart from subsequent reforms in respective countries.

The most notable and historical fact is that Egyptian opposition played a clever role by keeping their figureheads under the carpet and let the ordinary mass to lead the revolution. They know that Mubarak will use the opposition leaders as an excuse to manure both internal and external forces. He always threatened the West using the Islamists as the disaster in waiting. This time, none of those outlawed opposition leaders minced any words in public, where as they were busy in orchestrating Tahrir Symphony in tandem. Egypt's opposition and military understood the language of Obama and pressed towards regime change. Military inaction against ordinary people, in fact they did the right thing, made Mubarak to write his own conclusion and all he needed was a couple of weeks to organize his exit that he did promptly on February 11, 2011. Rest is not history, but a perfect boiling pot that is spiraling in neighboring countries. While Yemen, Algeria, Libya and poor Bahrain are experiencing unrest, one can wonder why Bahrain is pulled into this conflict as they are reasonably doing well considering their size and resources.

Arabs are normally content with what they have, least bothered of their freedom and often conditioned to live with what is ordained mainly due to the religion and culture. The truth is that the world is always not kind enough with Arabs and seldom understood the ground reality. Arabs love freedom but not the western brand of freedom. Arabs like to be relaxed, but not ready to forget or forgive tyrannies. Arabs talk more, but articulate and meaningful. Arabs take their own time to decide, but once decided they won't change and this is what happened ever since they conquered two third of the world and now in Tahrir Square in Cairo.

The influential Arab leader King Abdullah needs to take the lead role in shaping this new development to peace and prosperity. His image as reformer is well established including his love for establishing various educational projects, economic cities and allocating major budgets for education and infra-structure developments for Saudi citizens. The world class King Abdullah University for Science and Technology is another example of his quest for knowledge. Proactive approach in reaching out to various sections of people and putting the reforms on fast track will stabilize the situation towards the interest of larger Arab perspective and ultimately end the region's major problem of Palestine and Israel settlements. The time and situation is ripe and wise leaders like Abdullah should not let this to be hijacked by vested interests.

தேர்தல் கூத்து - கும்மாளம் - கொண்டாட்டம்

தமிழகத்தில் தேர்தல் நெருங்கிவிட்டது. வாக்காளர் பெருமக்களின் மரியாதைக்குரிய நேரம் இது. அரசியலை வியாபாரமாக்கிய முன்னால், இன்னால் மற்றும் பின்னால் வர இருக்கின்ற தமிழகத் தலைவலிகளின் கனவு மெய்ப்பட, மரியாதைக்குரிய திருவாளர் வாக்காளர்களை அடையாளம் கண்டுக்கொள்ளப்படும் நேரம் இது. சாதித்தாக ஆளும் கட்சியும், சாதிக்கப் போவதாக எதிர்கட்சிகளும், சகித்துக் கொண்டதாக துக்கடா கட்சிகளும் ஒன்றுகூடி மக்களை சோதிக்கும் நேரம் தொடங்கிவிட்டது.



இவ்வறிய சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் என் சிந்தனைகளையும், அரசியல் அலசல்களையும் அவ்வப்போது எனது மனக்குமுறல்களையும் இந்த வலைப்பூவில் கொட்டித் தீர்க்கலாம் என்று முடிவுக்கு வந்துள்ளேன். நான் தற்கால அரசியலையும், அதை நடத்திச் செல்லும் பெரியவர்களையும் விமர்சித்து பல வருடங்கள் ஆகிவிட்டது. விமர்சிக்க ஒன்றுமில்லை என்றல்ல. எனக்கு நேரமில்லாமல் போனதால். இப்போது மட்டும் நேரம் வந்துவிட்டதா என்று கேட்கலாம், இல்லைதான், ஆனாலும் வரவிருக்கும் தேர்தலில் யாராவது ஒன்றிரண்டு பேர் எனது அலசல்களை படித்துவிட்டு தங்களது சிந்தனைகளில் சில மாற்றங்களை கொண்டுவரலாம். அதனால் வாக்களிப்பதில் சில மாற்றங்கள் ஏற்படலாம் என்ற
காரணத்தினால் எழுதத் தொடங்கியுள்ளேன். என்ன கிழிக்கப்போகிறாய் என்று கேட்கலாம். நல்ல கேள்விதான். ஒன்றுமே கிழிக்க முடியாது என்று ஒதுங்கிக் கிடப்பதைவிட எதையாவது கிழிக்கலாம் என்று நினைப்பது மிகவும் மேலானது. வெறும் நினைப்பைவிட முயற்சிப்பது மேலானது. முயற்சி எப்போதாவது, எங்கேயாவது ஏதேனும் சில பலன்களை ஏற்படுத்தலாம். எனவேதான் இந்த கிழிக்கும் முயற்சியின் முதல் பதிவு இது.



அது மட்டுமல்ல, இந்திய ஜனநாயக அரசியலில் பொதுவாக ஐந்தாண்டுக்கு ஒருமுறைதான் சூரிய உதயம். இரவின் நீளம் வருடக்கணக்கிலும் பகலின் அளவு ஒருசில மாதங்கள்தான் உள்ள நிலையில் வருடக்கணக்கில் தூங்க வேண்டிய நிர்பந்தத்திற்கு ஆளாகிவிட்டது பொதுஜனம். பாவம் பகலின் தன்மையை புரிந்துக் கொள்வதற்குள் கையில் மையேந்தி கடமையை முடித்துவிட்டு மீண்டும் உறங்க சென்றுவிடுவார் இந்த பொதுஜனம். எனவேதான் இந்த விழித்திருக்கும் சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் எதையாவது கிழிக்கலாம் என்று முடிவுக்கு வந்துள்ளேன்.



என்னைப் பொருத்தவரை இந்தியாவில் வளர்ச்சி என்பது, அது எந்தவிதமான வளர்ச்சியாக இருந்தாலும், அரசியல் மற்றும் அதிகாரப் பெரியவர்களின் சிறப்பு வாய்ந்த திட்டங்களினாலும் அவைகளின் செயல்பாடுகளினால் மட்டும் கிடையாது. இந்தியாவின் வளரச்சி ஓர் இயற்கையான வளர்ச்சி. இயற்கை யாருக்காவும் எதற்காகவும் காத்திருப்பதில்லை. இயற்கை தன்னுடைய வேலையை தொடர்ந்து செய்துகொண்டிருக்கிறது. அதில் அழிவுகளும் உண்டு, ஆக்கங்களும் உண்டு. இயற்கை வளர்ச்சிக்கு உதாரணமாக கர்நாடக மற்றும் தமிழகத்தின் விவசாயத்தை சொல்லலாம். சுதந்திரத்திற்கு முன்னும், கிடைத்த சில ஆண்டுகள் பின்னும் தமிழகத்தின் விவசாயம் இந்தியாவில் முதன்மையான ஒன்றாக இருந்தது. இயற்கை நீர்வளத்தை ஆதாரமாக கொண்டு செயல்படும் தமிழக விவசாயம் கர்நாடகாவில் கட்டப்பட்ட அணைகளின் மூலம் நசியத் தொடங்கியது. அதே இயற்கை வளம் கர்நாடகாவில் தரிசுகளாக கிடந்த பெரும்பகுதி நிலங்களை வளம் கொழிக்கும் நிலமாக மாற்றிவிட்டது. பகரமாக தமிழக நிலங்கள் தரிசுகளாக மாறிக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றன. இயற்கையை பயன்படுத்தி கர்நாடாக மாநிலம் ஆக்கம் பெறத் தொடங்கிவிடது, தமிழக மாநிலம் அழிவை சந்திக்கத் தொடங்கிவிட்டது. இவ்வாறு எத்தனையோ திட்டங்கள் இயற்கையின் உந்துதலில் ஏற்பட்ட மாற்றங்கள்தான்.



மனிதர்களும் இயற்கையின் ஓர் அங்கமே! இயற்கையை புரிந்துக் கொள்ளும் ஒரு புதிரானப் படைப்பு. இயற்கையின் மாற்றங்களை சாதகமாக பயன்படுத்திக் கொள்ளும் ஆற்றல் கொண்ட அரிய படைப்பு. இயற்கையின் தன்மையைப் புரிந்துக் கொண்டு அந்த வளர்ச்சி அதிகமடைய அவ்வப்போது எதாவது ஒன்றிரண்டு அரசியல் நல்லவர்கள் சில நல்ல திட்டங்களையும் அல்லது கொள்கைகளையும் செயல்படுத்திவிட்டு செல்வார்கள். அதன் தாக்கம் பல ஆண்டுகள் நீடிக்கும், குறிப்பாக பசுமைப் புரட்சி, வெள்ளைப் புரட்சி (பால்), கணினி புரட்சி, தொலைத்தகவல் புரட்சி என்று இதுவரை நாம் பார்த்த புரட்சிகள் அனைத்திலும், அடிப்படையாக இருக்கும் இயற்கை மாற்றத்தையும், அதன் உந்துதலையும் பார்க்க முடியும். இதற்கு வித்திட்டவர்களில் பலரின் பெயர்கள் கூட நமக்கு மறந்து போயிருக்கலாம், காரணம் அவர்கள் தங்களின் நலன்களுக்காக எதையும் செய்யவில்லை, தங்களின் அறிவு மற்றும் உலக அனுபவம், இந்தியாவின் தேவை, உலக அரங்கில் நமது பங்கு என்று பல பரிமானங்களை அலசிப்பார்த்து செயலாற்றியவர்கள். மற்றவர்கள் எல்லாம் அந்த வெற்றிகளில், வளர்ச்சியில் குளிர் காயும் புத்திசாலிகள். சரி இந்த இயற்கை உந்துதலினால் ஏற்படும் வளர்ச்சியும் மாற்றங்களும் போதுமா என்றால், நிச்சயமாகப் போதாது. இயற்கை வளர்ச்சியுடன் மனித மற்றும் பொருள் வளங்களை ஒன்று சேர்த்து உந்துதலை அதிகப்படுத்தினால் நாம் வேகமாக முன்னேற முடியும். அப்படி ஒன்று சேர்க்கும் எந்த முயற்சியையும் தற்போது இருக்கும் பெரும்பாலான அரசியல்வாதிகளால் செய்ய இயலாது. காரணம், அவர்களின் சிந்தனைகளில் பழமையும், சுயநலமும், தனது சுய பாதுகாப்பு மட்டுமே ஆக்கிமிரத்திருப்பதால், அவர்களால் அந்த வட்டத்தை சுற்றி வெளிவருவது என்பது சுலபமல்ல.



எனவேதான், வரவிருக்கும் தமிழகத் தேர்தலலை சந்தர்ப்பமாக வைத்து எனது எண்ணங்களை பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளும் ஆவலில் இதை எழுதுகிறேன். எனது கட்டுரையில் சமகால நிலை அதன் பிண்ணனிகள், தேர்தல் கூட்டணி அமைப்புகள், அதற்கான பிண்ணனிகள், தேர்தலில் முன் வைக்கப்படும் பிரச்சனைகள், திட்டங்கள், தேர்தலில் போட்டியிடுபவர்கள், தமிழக்த்தின் எதிர்கலாப் பிரச்சனைகள், அதை சந்திக்கும் ஆற்றல், நமது விருப்பம் என்று இவை அனைத்தையும் முன்னிறுத்தி எழுத இருக்கிறேன். என்ன செய்யவேண்டும் என்பதை முடிவு செய்வது அவரவர் தகுதிக்கும், விருப்பத்திற்கும் சம்பந்தப்பட்டதாக இருந்தாலும் என்ன செய்தால் மாற்றங்களை கொண்டுவரலாம் என்று ஒருசில கருத்துக்களையும் ஆய்ந்து வெளிப்படுத்த இருக்கின்றேன்.



இந்தக் கட்டுரைத் தொடர் முழுக்க முழுக்க எனது ஆய்வாக இருந்தாலும், இந்த ஆய்வில் நான் பலரை சந்தித்தும், பேசியும், தொடர்பு கொண்டும் அறிந்த கருத்துக்கள் நிறைய இருக்கும் பட்சத்தில் இதைப் படிப்பதன் மூலம் உங்களின் சிந்தனைகளை ஆக்கப் பூர்வமான வழியில் கொண்டு செல்ல இது பயன்படுமானால் அதுவே போதுமானது.



இந்தியாவை புரட்சியின் மூலம் மாற்ற முடியாது. அரசியல் கலகம், புரட்சி என்பதெல்லாம் நமது வாழ்க்கை, கலாச்சார மற்றும் பண்பாடுகளில் கிடையாது, மேலும் நமது இரத்தத்திலும் அப்படிப்பட்ட அணுக்கள் இல்லை. இந்தியாவில் மாற்றமும் வளர்ச்சியும் பரிணாம வளர்ச்சியை அடிப்படையக் கொண்டுதான் அடைய முடியும். இப்பரிணாம வளர்ச்சியை ஒழுங்குப்படுத்தி செல்ல சில நல்லவர்கள் அரசியல் அதிகாரத்தில் அமர வேண்டும். ஆகவேதான் இந்த முயற்சி. இது உடனே நடக்கக் கூடியதல்ல, ஆனால் நடக்க முடியாததும் அல்ல. உலக வரலாற்றிலும் சரி, இந்திய வரலாற்றிலும் சரி மாற்றங்களை கொண்டு வந்தவர்களும், வருபவர்களும் 'மைனாரிட்டிகளே'. நான் சொல்லும் மைனாரிட்டி இன, மத, ஜாதி அடிப்படையில் அல்ல. 'மாற்றம்' வேண்டுமென்று சிந்திக்கும், விரும்பும், உழைக்கும் சுயநலமற்ற நல்ல உள்ளம் கொண்ட மனிதர்களை சொல்கின்றேன். அவர்களில் நானும் ஒருவன். நீங்களுமா?



(தொடரும்)

Are we ready to be a regional power?

I wonder! The other day when I was watching the big fight talk show in NDTV and have found three politicians and two intellectuals in a completely different level and view. A BJP politician Pratab Rudi and a communist leader are speaking two different things that are absolutely too childish and shows how immature they are. Rudi upset that Obama did not mention about Pakistan during his memorial service at Taj and the communist leader keep harping that ‘how many jobs that we are going to create by the visit of President Obama?’


God.. Save our country from these kinds of politicians and their parties. Does India exist because of Pakistan? Does India’s only worry is Pakistan? Why do we need to look at all our foreign policy issues through the spectacles of Pakistan? Why we need to play at the hands of Pakitan politicians? Even media spends considerable time in asking questions to all emotional build up politicians with the same question of ‘Why Obama is not talking about Pakistan?’ Zardaris and Gilanis in Pakistan might be laughing and saying to themselves that ‘Look… Indians cannot live without Pakistanis’.

Obama’s reply to a student in St. Xavier’s college is perfectly enough to answer to the politicians. Yes, these politicians need to go to any good educational institutions to learn and mature. Making USA against Pakistan will not solve our issues with Pakistan. Preventing USA from Pakistan diplomatic relations would not help in stabilizing this region? We should take a calculated trust with United States and continue our dialogue with them for a permanent shift in US policy towards Pakistan and is possible only using minds not tongues.

I know, Communists are living somewhere in 1950 of Soviet era and is still unable to term with developments that are happening around the world. They think, it is the government alone to create jobs and any international relation means ‘how much our pots are filled?’

Creating economical opportunities by exchanging expertise and technology is most important between India and United States. Outsourcing BPO is not a permanent solution to our employment issue. We need to be part of the technology development in all fields around the world and to achieve them we require the knowledge and technology advancement of United States. Moreover, we also require uninterrupted flow of technology transfer to DRDO, ISRO and other defense related industry. We do require non-interference in our nuclear development programs. We can build excellent business opportunities if we secure enough freedom in knowledge and technology exchanges. There is no excitement in exporting our finest talents to USA where they need to struggle. It may be fancy but shortsighted.

To become a regional power, we must understand our own strength and behave with dignity in international arena. Our attitude must change. There is no country in the world with absolute comfortable position in regarding any major internal or external issues like us. Today, the International arena is more of a leveling field with bit more advantageous to United States, though they are internally weak. It is a chance for us to concentrate on our strength and try to overcome our weakness like Pakistan’s nemesis, China’s unpredictable threats, unemployment, receding agricultural industry, lack of fire power in our technology developments, etc. Take one step ahead and be perfect in it before we can boast ourselves as a leading economical block in the world. Our neighbors require our products and let us extend our market to neighboring countries by increasing relationship level and own productivities.

Finally, when it comes to national issues, let these political parties voice one opinion even though there may be internal differences. It is not fair to show our squabbles when world’s attention is on us during the visit of President Obama.

What is your goal category?

In a construction site, a worker was asked ‘what is he doing there?’ ‘I am laying bricks’ he said. The same question was asked to another. He said ‘I am building a wall’. The same question was posed to a third worker. Third one said ‘I am constructing a building’.


The first one is doing it just for the sake of his wages (money) without any mental involvement to his job or least bothered about the overall development. The second worker is little more involved in his job, but without knowing much of what is he doing or the knowing the final outcome. However, the third worker is highly involved and enjoying of what is he doing.


The first worker is an example for ‘complimentary goal’ in which he is complimented for what is he doing and the matter end there itself. The second worker is an example for ‘necessary goal’ in which he felt the necessity of his involvement to a certain extend that gives a necessary compensation in terms of money, self satisfaction and promotion. The third worker is the ideal example for ‘indispensable goal’.


Those who follow the indispensable goal are the makers of the business, society, country and humanity. They believe that they have possessed something that need to be exploited in the right environment of their own existence. They would always find opportunity and come out of the existing level to new. They are the highly productive people for them and others and would always vie for higher standard even at the fake end of their life.


They live a life that is more or less for others than theirs. They imprint their marks in the mind and hearts of others. They leave a legacy that is memorable and inspiring.
What is your goal? Complimentary, Necessary or Indispensable!


Thanks and appreciation to Steven Covey for his excellent and inspirational writings those are highly valuable.

Ayodhya Verdict

A historical verdict evokes three different responses. Before I explain the responses, I consider it historic, because the verdict does not limit within the legal domains and suggest the parties to move forward with compromising formula of joint possessions or joint holders of the property. It is historic, because the judges thought about the social implications, which is again beyond the legal purview and practices in India. Rarely judges show their vision of social implications on positive direction and therefore, we must appreciate the panel of judges, though one of them categorically dismissed relief to Muslims and awarded the entire property to Hindu parties. It took sixty one years to decide on the title holders, but largely based on the belief, practices and utilization of the property in the absence of valid or clear documents and entitlements.

No victory or loss – proclaimed by RSS parivars including BJP. A base for reconciliation – thumped by other political parties and individual intellects of both Muslim and Hindu communities. Accepted, but disappointing – Muslim political parties and religious organizations of both Muslims and Hindus.

RSS parivars are reasonably happy, because they were expecting nothing but negative verdict considering their overall arguments that includes the false propaganda of Babar destroyed a Ram temple to construct the Masjid. A negative verdict could have ignited the revival of BJP’s political fortunes considering their slump in recent past. However, BJP believe that the allotment of two third possessions will help them to muscle their political and administrative power to compel the Muslims to submit the remaining one third of the land to construct a grand Mandir. They can also claim victory among their vote banks that they were and are right; in fact, the rightful owners of the concept of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The core team of BJP, VHP and RSS will chalk out a new formula for Grand Mandir by cajoling and coercing the Muslim community, thus conveniently setting up an action plan to erase the 1992 crime from public minds! So, the Ayodhya verdict is an absolute advantage to RSS parivars.

“India’s story is bigger than the story of Mandir or Masjid and so move on India by taking this verdict as an opportunity to build trust between two communities and live in peace” is the advises from Intellectual community from both. They would even love to see both religious places side by side thus promoting the values of tolerance and democracy to the world. It is quiet fascinating to see such beautiful India in which religious tolerance is not just a theory, but in practice too – a very unique situation till 1855 as cleverly notified in the judgment of S.U. Khan. Obviously, reconciliation is always a productive option and the political fraternity of India should exercise to close this deal once for all. Will it work? No doubt, these intellectuals will fill the channels space for long hours and argue on compromising plan, which is a sweet music to our ears. In reality one need to see the Muslims opinions in aftermath of the verdict. Eventually, one cannot impose the compromising formula using Muslim intellectuals and others at this preliminary level.

Muslims are by and large disappointed with the verdict, even the apolitical and reputed individuals of Muslim community feels that the verdict is not appreciable. The verdict is largely based on the ‘belief’ and ‘utilization’ of the property from time immemorial. The verdict also recognizes the demolished central dome as the location of Ram’s birth place, since the idols are placed there in 1949. If belief can play a major role in deciding such complicated issues, we are opening up new avenues that will surpass the time that is to come. The ‘belief business’ is open ended and will draw unprecedented complications such as opening up other historical disputed structures, lands, boundaries and even the concept of India. It will be difficult to draw a line between reality and history. Therefore, the verdict based on belief is not conclusive from Muslims point of view and is disadvantage to Muslims.

ASI’s historical evidences played another major role in concluding the existence of Temple or temple’s property underneath of destructed Babri Masjid among the panel of judges. Two judges have drawn a conclusion of temple ruins prior to Babri Masjid construction is disputable concerning the environment and practices prevailed five hundreds years ago. It was obvious in those days that stones and pillars were moved from one place to other for construction purpose. However, it is a great relief Emperor Babar from two judges that he was not indulged in demolishing the temple at the very site is something a justice that Babar was looking from his grave. Muslims were whipped for more than hundred years by certain section of Hindus by wrongly ‘believing’ and hope that they will be corrected. Therefore, the verdict that is partly based on ASI evidences in support of ‘belief’ and ‘utilization’ of property is largely disappointing to Muslims and again disadvantage.

Eventually, the issue today is not just a structure or site or belief. It is the question of Muslim’s coexistence and their rights in a democratic country. One cannot draw a conclusion of this issue once for all now. This historical verdict is part of the solution that requires proper validation from Supreme Court and Muslim parties should exercise their right to appeal. The findings of these judges and their verdict shall play a constructive role in deciding the final solution at Supreme Court. Interpretation of the findings may vary in Supreme Court and we need to wait and watch.

Lastly, the suggestions from the judges for dividing the land into three portions cannot be exercised unless all the issues related to Babri Masjid is cleared from all courts of India including the criminal cases against the leaders and members of the Hindutva group that destroyed Babri Masjid in 1992. BJP is vocal at preset to absolve their leaders and using this opportunity by calling Muslims for reconciliation. Ravi Shankar Prasad, the general secretary and chief spokesperson of BJP yesterday expressed his emotional appeal to Muslims for magnanimity to handover the one third properties to Hindus to construct the grand mandir. He even calls for amity from Muslim community, leaders and intellectuals. Fortunately, Ravi Shankar Prasad don’t have anything to offer to Muslims as return of amity from majority community for two reasons. One is that he don’t represent the majority community and other is his party would not like to offer anything to Muslims.

Harmony cannot be preached when there are many more issues related Babri Masjid is still pending. RSS parivars must know that Muslims won’t surrender anything at this stage. In fact, Muslim community may love to present entire property to Hindus to construct a grand Mandir provided justice is done by clearing all issues related to Babri Masjid. Yesterday’s Ayodhya verdict is just a round one and beginning for many more legal battles including 1992 criminal acts.

The secondary but important results of Ayodhya verdict is something that every Indian should proud of. Yes, the verdict tested the integrity and unity of every Indian especially in such sensitive situation. It proved that Mandir or Masjid is not an issue to Young India. Young India is completely free from the burden of past issues and humbly living in present and future. Young India is more focused on developmental issues and already surpassed the divisions of religion, caste and creeds. Young India is destined to capture the entire India by focusing on developments that will make our country free from poverty. I strongly believe that a quick Supreme Court verdict will advance Young India and bury the past repercussions once for all.

Learn to live

Mankind’s classic challenge is how to achieve the ambitions in other words converting the dreams in a real life. Ambition is a vital cog that propels the minds or feed the minds with necessary vitamins in day and night. However, the audacious challenge is preventing the ambition becoming imprudent consequences that derails the fundamentals of tenacity in life system. Failing in challenges is a painful process which allows the erosion of inherited and accumulated values in addition to the loss of ambitions or dreams while converting them. Ambition is both strength and weakness to human’s life process and is also invites both positive and negative energy, thus it is always not readily congruent in practical life. This is a delicate process and one need to do a careful planning based on the available resources to reach the goal. Planning is personal or group responsibility but resources are subjective. Responsibilities cannot be breached due to lack of resources or abundance meanwhile these groups or countries are expected not to indulge in excessive and wrongful manipulations.

Today’s economic crisis is a mega example of how the ambition with ambiguity spiraled into pandemonium that not only blasted the vital cog but shudder the fundamental process. These financial crises are the making of few groups or countries with prolonged pursuance of improper goals despite of knowing that they in wrong strategy and cannot be achieved. Today’s financial doldrums is the results of unilateral policy that promises a short term and reclusive benefits. Those who have no access to the system or unaware of the bedlam asks what went to wrong? There are another set of people who question the kind of planning or miscalculation of resources? Sadly, it is the fundamental flaw and arguably the policy makers of influential countries are beating around the bush.

The outer layer of the truth as argued by various experts is that there was no alarming system or simply the system went malfunctioned and fails to alert the business managers. I would disagree with any such conclusions. There was and is an alarming system imbibed in all economical activities of government and business corporations. There was enough time and talented people at every government and private institutions to monitor and rectify the malfunctioning. There are people who are rich, successful and influential kept warning the respective governments to find an amenable solution before it spill out of hands.

Seldom listens and most of them ignored and expecting someone else will take the lead role. Unfortunately, no one was ready neither from the government side nor from the business organizations because they all know that the empire is built on the inappropriate foundation. Hardly one can blame the business organizations since their interest and operational circumstances are limited to their share holders and interests. Everyone knows that there is a huge price need to be paid for keeping the continued malfunctioning of the system for decades, therefore, no one was ready to lead. After all why should one lead to fail!

Obviously, under tragic conditions, there is no time to debate the reasons behind such catastrophe as in many human made disasters that rocks the world. All we can do is to find out ‘how’ we can pull our economy to a safer zone. Perhaps, while driving to safer zone, we can able to dissect the reasons of ‘why’ factors and document them for future safeguard, because there is another economical catastrophe is waiting to happen let alone restoring confidence. The issues are not in control and most of us expecting a natural cure and remedies. If we cannot correct the root cause and abandon the present policy then we are in the process of facing another huge economical disaster that is unimaginable. Even China and India will not be safe with their giant people economy and ultimately the world is one big empty bowl with nothing to feed. One cannot change the past, but can alter the course for avoiding future disasters.

There is an appropriate ‘road to recovery’. It is a hard path, but achievable. There is a new price to be paid, but can be. It is no more a problem of one country or individuals, but for all. It is not just manipulation of available resources, but required collective management with strong leadership at every level. It is not enough to run documentaries and films to show how to save the money to spend from it.

The recovery analysis should include all countries in one panel irrespective of their size and level of economy and not limited to Group Seven or Twenty or only future economies. It must be comprised of economists, political, social and administrative experts. It is time to stop exploiting each other and operate from one manual. Technology must be driven to find solutions on mass level and shared among nations.

The recovery process should start from the America’s currency policy and must return to peg against gold. Precisely, the recovery panel would consider freezing the value of dollar for certain period against other currencies which not only protect the America’s interest, but also the Forex deposit in other countries. A commonly agreed value proposition by all countries, though is a lengthy process, is much better than unlimited printing of currency papers by USA. Ailing industries in USA require immediate financial injection in exchange of government share in partnership, which can be further substituted with employees and others, not just pouring in.

Parallel black economy must be driven out and all countries should declare ‘war on black economy’ both micro and macro level. Macro level black economy should be crushed with iron first since it is controlled by anti social elements and terrorists. Micro level black economy shall be absorbed through cohesive and coherent manner since it is the product of ignorant and ambitious mass.

Dead economies, especially in oil producing countries is vital to revive the world economy. It’s a huge junk of economical asset and is required careful planning by giving them appropriate opportunities and benefits. The recovery panel should identify the area of investment and guarantee the investments through bilateral, but guided by common world bodies. It should not be left with the exploitation of few power blocks for their own benefits.

While green economy plays pertinent role in conserving energy let us not forget that there is huge waste economy that silently drains the material and human resources. All the countries knows that there is considerable amount of waste economy and is spoiling their GDP growth. Green initiatives required continued momentum and should not be a ceremonial annual celebration.

Nature plays vital role in educating the humans by constantly reminding what is achievable. Identifying the natural process and aligning with our ambition is an intricate process, but inevitable for human success. One of the major lessons from nature is ‘care and share’. Caring others will naturally entitle all the individuals among the sharing group and therefore it develops an organic community irrespective of their colours, religions, ethnics and borders. Mankind needs organic growth to attain peace among them. Organic community lives with common cause without diluting the individual aspirations, because every individual’s aspiration shall be aligned with collective community progress and would have the objective of ‘care and share’.

I will discuss this organic community concept in another article. This is the time to find positive energy among nations and business houses by being honest and unified in approach to win the battle against odds. It is not a fight between countries or business giants, but against a killer disease that is spreading fast. ‘Learn to live’ is nothing but seeking victory for others as well.

Would you remember us?

Plying buses around the park, Towering buildings looking sharp
Flying students down the ground, Stepping toddlers holding hand
We step with our parents; Father and mother were our world
Blooming flowers were our dreams, Loving nature were our home
Twinkling eyes were our language, Twining words our sweets


Scrolling tears down the cheek, Fearing eyes browsing the rooms
Holding fingers of our parents, Walking into the world of anew
Awakened to the new world order; Frowned by the charming teachers
Strangers of every corner, Searching some friendly smiles
Started our school life


Came to learn the knowledge, Learn to listen the teachings
Yearn to know the hearts, Form to have the groups
Found the life among friends, Dare to fear the fears
Thought this world is permanent, Tomorrows become ambivalent
Refused to think about future, Abandoned to the Teachers and parents


Minds are filled with numbers, Marks are filled with zeros
Words are exchanged among parents and teachers
Throw the responsibilities on each others, And we watch the dramas
Why all these fuss and fury, Did the night ever fight with day?
Learn to live together – you parents and teachers
Have we not completed our 12 years?


May the exams come and go, May the marks low and high
When the May (month) comes, May we forget the studies
Terms may come and go, We have our terms and conditions
The joys are our terms, Look at those old faces – you teachers and parents
Are you not missing these student days? Then
Why all these fuss and fury, Let the joy filled with glory

Worries are our enemies, Who cares the passing hours
Let the teachers cry a lot, Make the parents fear a lot
Wake up everyday with strange thoughts
Love is all we need, Love is all we talk
Love is all we advise, Love is all we share
Lives in dreams and passions
Books and notes are boring, Bats and balls are charming

Final, pre final - annual stomachache,
Principal, vice principals daily headache
Sirs and Teachers hourly pain, Parents advises evening pain
Computer, Internet are our assets, Mobiles and MP3s are our gadgets
Learn to live in modern world, but never misses our family world

We, the fruits of your labour Will never let you down teachers,
You know winning horses are slow starters
Oh Teachers, now we know the weight of tomorrow
Oh Teachers, Now we walk into the future
Every of your words, Registered in our minds
Every of your advises, Memorable in our ears
We only end our years, not our relationship
We came with empty minds and go with flowing wisdoms
You are permanent, We are temporary
Days may comes and go, But would you remember us?

Oh Teachers, this is our day, the day of truth
Truth of reality, the separation; a permanent good bye
Forgive our mischievous, Forgive our ignorance
We only love you and We don’t know how to hate you
Plying buses around the park, Towering buildings looking sharp
Stepping toddlers with parents, It is an end to us in school,
But a beginning for someone else. Would you remember us?
Pray for us please!

Note: This poem was written by me and presented by my son on his farewell day in school during February 2008. Just wish to share with millions of such fantastic youths like my son.

பத்து கட்டளைகள்

வாழ்வின் வெற்றிக்குத் தேவையான பத்துக் கட்டளைகள். இதை அன்றாட வாழ்க்கையில் நாம் சரிவர பயன்படுத்தினால் நிச்சயம் வெற்றி பெறலாம்.

1) First things first. Do not pile up the issues and solve them immediately
2) Use the intuition. Practice the analytical skill with intuition to decide the course
3) Utilize the opportunities. Opportunities are rare, be alert and utilize them in full extend
4) Be courageous. Bold enough to express the right thing and be impartial
5) All are not same. Don’t expect people to be perfect and allow them to learn
6) Don’t expect kindness. World will never be kind to us and don’t expect any favour
7) Don’t confuse. Balance the life and be organized. Today’s life should not be a worry for tomorrow
8) Quality in life. Life should be quality driven and not money driven
9) Principles centered life. Live with the principles and practice them with characters
10) Believe in destiny. Noting can happen except what has been destined (by God)

என் தேடல்கள் முடிவதில்லை

என் தேடல்கள் முடிவதில்லை
நானே முடிந்தாலும்

சில தேடல்கள் முடிவதில்லை
தேடுவது கிடைத்தாலும்
சில கேள்விகள் நிறைவதில்லை
பதில்கள் தெரிந்தாலும்
சில நாட்கள் முடிவதில்லை
சூரியன் மறைந்தாலும்
சில நினைவுகள் அழிவதில்லை
இதயமே அழிந்தாலும்

உயிருக்குள் உறைந்தவைகள்
உலகமே அழிந்தாலும்
ஒரு நாள் மீண்டு வரும்
வரும் நாளை நோக்கிய இப்பயணம்
வாழ்நாளும் தாண்டி வாழும்

என் தேடல்கள் முடிவதில்லை
நானே முடிந்தாலும்

Please live in peace

It was a wonderful Thursday evening usually reserved for family outing. But I cannot resist myself to browse the Indian TV channels to update the release of 'MY NAME IS KHAN'. It created considerable curiosity in me and my family members. The showdown between Sena supporters and government security is in full preparation to face on Friday noon. I just off the television for the outing with family and chose to have a long walk in a beautiful Jeddah walkway near the Corniche.

It's our favourite garden since my younger son Fareed can have some pedaling with his bi-cycle without any interruption. Fareed is 10 years old and bit talkative with less physical works. It is important for me to have as much as physical activity possible to keep him fit. He always speaks lot of about bi-cycle tricks and sometimes cars and bikes that he normally sees in Top Gear programs.

We were enjoying the pleasant wind from the sea and less number of people in our walkway. My daughter was as usual outsmarting me in our walk and my wife was trying to match her in speed and talk, of course, we Indian cannot be silent.

An old lady suddenly grabs my son’s cycle handle bar and shouted at him in Arabic saying that cycling should not be allowed in the walkway. Initially I thought that she mistook my son for someone, but understood that she does not want anyone to ride bi-cycle on the walkway, though there are thirty bi-cycle riders (children) moving front and forth on that occasion. I was trying to reason with that lady that it is not harmful to elders since they are children. She turned more violent and threatened to call police to arrest my son and confiscate the cycle.

I felt awkward and told her to call police and let us face it. She got aggravated since I am an Indian, perhaps, she might be thinking that Indians should not have the right to argue with her. She used her mobile to call police and report the incident. Crowd gathered around us and people start to inquire including a mid aged Saudi gentleman. She will hand over the mobile phone to him to explain the incident to police and he seems to be educated and well mannered person immediately close the mobile and told me not to argue with the woman and move away. To our rescue there is another boy just reached there with his bi-cycle and this lady jumps out to grab the other cycle. She assumed the role of policewoman and decided to clean up the walkway. People around there laugh over her actions and immediately pointed to each other that she may be an insane or mentally disturbed.

I was disturbed by that incident and mind started to map the incident with Shivsena’s agitation against SRK’s film release. This lady’s opinion of having free walk without children’s bi-cycle is not bad idea, but cannot be possible when families walk along with children as no children would love to have simple walk. Similary, Shivsena may be right in protecting the rights of Maratha’s or angry against Pakistan due to 26/11, but the anger cannot be directed against the individuals from other regions of India and especially the players. Sports, games, music and literary activities are universal and brings billions of people under one roof without looking at the cast and creed. We enjoy together and try to sooth our souls by identifying the similarities with others.

The lady assumed the role of custodian of garden trying to enforce her rule as she believes that is right. Shivsena assumed the role of custodian in Mumbai to enforce their rule as they believe they are right. Both have forgotten other’s right. Both have decided behave violent and both are ignored by others in the process of their violent enforcement. The people around the garden laughed and start to ignore her and immediately the old lady was isolated and left to shout on her own. Now Shivsena is also isolated in Mumbai by ordinary Indians, perhaps the Maratha Mannus who understand the rights of others.

It is timely, and true that a Mumbaikar have said to a TV reporter after coming out of a theatre in Mumbai that ‘Balasaheb Thakery should see this movie MY NAME IS KHAN and the message to Thakery is ‘please live in peace’.

MADAEN SALEH - The final three days

Thursday morning, the first day of final three days they have come to grip of incomprehensible phantasm like something going to happen. Overwhelmed feelings of unknown anticipations have brought enormous discomfiture in their heart and minds. Death is a most powerful enigma that dances around the mind of people and often directs and shape its performances in worldly life.

Death is again a strong barrier between the known and unknowns which could never be intruded. No one has ever said of what is after death except the religious divine revelations in holy books. Death brings to a permanent and paramount end to the worldly connections which is many at times is difficult to imagine or incapable of imagining by humans. The life of individual either luxury or ordinary, is inexplicable in its ordeal while leaving the earth. Thamuds have started to count the days. In the evening they felt that one day have passed. When it was third day, Saturday their faces gone black and in the evening they said, all three days of the deadline has passed. Sunday morning, the third day they had no idea of what is going to befall on them or from which side the punishment going to come or is it just one more usual warnings of Prophet Saleh.

After the sunrise, a mighty blast came from the sky along with earthquake. All souls that were present in the city died and every movement stopped therewith. There were no noises and people remained in their houses squatting and lifeless. It is said that nobody was left alive except a disabled girl whose name was Kalbah bin As-Salaq. She ran away and reached nearby place where an Arab tribe was living and informed of what she saw it. After drinking water she also died.

“As they had never dwelt there, for Thamud disbelieved in their land, so obliterate Thamud” (11:68 –Holy Quran)

Imam Ahmad has mentioned from Jabir who said that when the Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) passed by the Rocky track of Thamud, he said:

“Do not ask for signs, as the people of Thamud had asked for it, meaning she- camel. She went for water from this way and come back from that way. They transgressed against their Lord and slew her. She drank from their water one day and they drank from her milk one day. They slew her and so that Blast which Allah sent upon them from the sky, seized them all except one man who was in the Haram of Allah.” They asked, “Who was that person, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) said: “He was Abu Rughal, when he came out from the Haram, the same punishment was inflicted upon him which had inflicted upon his people”.

What happened to the great civilization of Thamuds and their intelligence of hewing the mountains and why this Madaen Saleh is now more attributed to the civilization of Dedanians and Nabateans? Let us analyze in next article.

(To be continued)

MADAEN SALEH - PROPHET SALEH

Chambers at inside the hewed home

Cluster of hewed homes in a mountain

Cluster of hewed homes in a mountain

Cluster of hewed homes in another mountain

Prophet Saleh

God selected a man among Thamuds as His messenger. He was Saleh bin Ubaid bin Maseh bin Ubaid bin Hadir bin Thamud bin Athir bin Iram bin Noah. His presence among Thamuds as Prophet is the pinnacle of their history that is well documented and remembered by Muslims all over the world and particularly in the region even today. It is also observed from the traditions of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) that this region is cursed by the Creator due to the severe punishment meted out to Thamuds through natural obliteration. Even today, the elderly Arabs living nearby region was not interested to visit the place. Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) advises to avoid visiting such cursed places and even if someone to visit for learning purposes, should cry for the fear of curse and punishment.

Followings are the verses from different parts of Holy Quran to detail the final events that led to the destruction of Thamuds from earth. Prophet Saleh called them to worship one God and not to associate any partner with Him. He warned of their corrupted life widely prevailed among them including their way of life that is against the Creator and the law of nature.

“And to Thamud We sent their brother Saleh. He Said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah, you have no God other than Him. He has created you from the earth and made you dwell in it, therefore, ask for forgiveness from Him, then repent to Him, surely my Lord is near and responsive’.

They said, ‘O Saleh! Surely, you were among us a source of hope before this. Do you forbid us to worship what our fathers worshipped? Surely, we are in suspicious doubt as to what you invite us to”. (11:61,62 – Holy Quran)

“Thamud rejected the Messengers, when their brother Saleh said to them; Will you fear Allah? I am for you a trustworthy Messenger. So fear Allah and obey me. And I do not ask you for any reward for it, surely my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds. Do you think you will be left secure here, in gardens and fountains, in plantations and date groves with fine spathes? And you hew houses out of the mountains with great skills. So fear Allah and obey me, and do not obey the bidding of the transgressors, who spread corruptions in the land do not do right”. (26:141-152 – Holy Quran)

Thamuds were continue to reject him and even believed that he is a sorcerer or bewitched.

“You are merely one of those who are bewitched” (26:153 – Holy Quran)

Thamuds then demanded Saleh to produce some evidence or to bring a miracle to prove his claim as Prophet and has received guidance from God.

"So bring a sign if you are truthful” (26:154 – Holy Quran)

The researchers and scholars have summarized that Thamud gathered in their assembly and Prophet Saleh came to them again and invited to believe in one God. He further admonished them and even warned the consequences of spreading corruption and rejecting the faith. Thamuds have demanded something impossible like ‘If you can produce from this rock (pointing towards a rock) a she-camel with a specific characteristic of at least 10 meters long. The Prophet Saleh accepted their challenge and asked them to believe in him as messenger of God and took their covenant and promise for that. Prophet Saleh stood up and offered prayers to God to respond their demand. God commanded particular rock to produce a she-camel with the qualities they have described.

“This is a she-camel, she shall have her portion of water and you shall have your portion of water on an appointed day. And do not harm her, least you be seized with a chastisement of grievous day”. (26:155,156 – Holy Quran)

“This is the she-camel of Allah, as a sign for you, leave her to graze in Allah’s earth and do not harm her, lest you be seized by a swift chastisement”. (7:73 – Holy Quran)

“We shall send the she-camel as a trial for them. So watch them and bear patiently. And inform them that the water is to be shared between them and her, each one will have his drink in turn”. (54:27,28 – Holy Quran)

When they watched this miracle, many of them believed in Saleh’s message and equal number of them still persisted in their erroneous way of life and devotion. However, the she-camel is a reality and need to remain with them. The she-camel was grazing wherever she wanted and drink whenever it require. It became the practice for Thamud tribes and the she-camel to drink from the well on alternative days and the well was equally divided between she-camel and Thamuds. It is also said that Thamuds drank or consumed the milk from the she-camel in return of sharing the water well.

After a long confrontational situation, their leaders gathered and decided unanimously that the she-camel should be hamstrung and killed, in order to relieve them with sufficient portion of water for themselves. The person who took charge or volunteered of slaying the she-camel was their chief Qidar bin Salif bin Junda. It is said that he was born out of wedlock and chief of them, hence his act of slaying is regarded as the act of his whole people.

Ibn Jarir have mentioned that there were two women in Thamuds and one of them was Saduq, the daughter of Mahya bin Zuhair bin Mukhtar and was wealthy. The other woman was Unaizah bint Ghunaim bin Mijlaz and nicknamed Umm Ghanmah. Saduq was divorced due to her husband’s belief in Saleh as Prophet and approached her cousin to marry her provided if he can kill the she-camel. Her cousin name was Masra bin Muharraj bin Mahya. Umm Ghanmah had four daughters and offered one of her daughters to Qidar bin Salif bin Junda if he can kill the she-camel. These are the two men and along with seven more members from the community made available to kill the she-camel.

“And there were in the city nine people who made mischief in the land, and did not act righteously” (27:48 – Holy Quran)

They pursued the rest of the tribe to agree with them by presenting the benefits of killing the she-camel and all agreed to their plan. When the she-camel came out from a well Masra ambushed her with his arrow into her shinbone. While group of women chanting for their heroics and instigated other men, Qidar bin Salif came forward with his sword and hamstrung her and she fell on the earth.

"But they called their companion and he took a sword and hamstrung her. See how was My punishment and how True My warnings". (54:29,30 – Holy Quran)

“When their most wretched broke forth with mischief; then the Messenger of Allah said to them: ‘The she-camel of Allah, let her have her drink’. But they disbelieved him and they hamstrung her, for their sin their Lord obliterated them. And He fears not the consequences thereof’. (91:12 to 15 – Holy Quran)

“So they slew the she-camel and insolently defied their Lord’s command and challenged Saleh saying; ‘Bring us that which you threaten us with, if you are a Messenger” (7:77 – Holy Quran)

As soon as the she-camel fell on earth, all other people cut the she-camel into pieces when her calf watched all this. The calf fled from the place and went onto the peak of the mountain and howled three times. They even tried to kill Saleh on the same evening.

“But they slew her, and he said: Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days, this is the promise not to be belied”. (11:65 Holy Quran)

They still could not believe in the warning of Saleh and continue their mission of killing Saleh and his family.

“They said; ‘swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a night attack on him and his family, and then we will say to his heir; we did not witness the slaying of his family, and we are saying the truth”. (27:49 – Holy Quran)

“And they devised a plot, and We planned a plan while they did not perceive. See how was the end of their plot, for We destroyed them and their people all together. So these are their houses in utter ruin, because of the evil they committed. Surely there is a sign in this for people who have knowledge. And We rescued those who believed and were God fearing”. (27:50 to 53 – Holy Quran)

God saved Saleh and his people with His miracle by crushing the enemies with a larger stone rolled down from a mountain while they were waiting to ambush Saleh and his family. It is also observed in history that Saleh and his people left the city and lived afterwards in Makkah.

“So Saleh left them and said: ‘O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message of my Lord, and I advised you sincerely, but you do not love sincere advisors”. (7:79 – Holy Quran)

(To be continued)

உழவர் திருநாள்

பொங்கல் திருநாள்
உலகிற்கு அமுதூட்டும்
உழவர் திருநாள்.
வானும் மண்ணும் பார்த்து
வயிற் நிறைத்தவனின்
வாழ்வுத் திருநாள்

சேற்றில் வீடுகட்டி
செம்மண்ணில் நடைபயின்று
வரப்பு வீதிகளில்
கோவனத்தில் வாழ்ந்துவரும்
விவசாயித் திருநாள்

நாடு வளம் பெற
காடு மண்ணில் களம் பரப்பி
நாய் நரிகள் மத்தியிலும்
நன் மக்கள் குடிசையிலும்
சாக்கு முக்காடிட்டு

சந்திரனின் ஒளிகொண்டு
வாழ்வின் விடியலுக்கு
விடியல்வரை நீர் பாய்ச்சும்
எளியோர் திருநாள்

என் பாட்டன் பூட்டன் முதல்
சாதி சனம் சேர்ந்தணைத்து
இயற்கையின் அரவணைப்பில்
இன்பமாய் வாழ்ந்துணர்ந்த
வலியோர் பெருநாள்

நெருங்கரும்பை நிற்க வைத்து
கொத்து மஞ்சள் படைசாற்றி
வெண் பானை பொங்கலிட்டு
பல்லில்லா பாட்டன் முதல்
பொக்கைவாய் மழலை வரை
வான் சிரிக்க வாய்விட்டு
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல் சொல்லும்
ஏழைகளின் எழுச்சித் திருநாள்

இனம் மறந்து இயல் மறந்து
இருப்பின் நிலைமறந்து
பொருள் ஈட்டும் போதையிலே
தமிழின் தரம் மறந்த தமிழனுக்கு
நினைவூட்டும் தாயகத் திருநாள்

MADAEN SALEH - THAMUDS

Chiseled wall (rough finish)

Chiseled wall (fine finish)

Chiseled roof corner

Wall shelves

Wall shelves

Thamud was a famous Arab tribe living between Hijaz and Tabuk named after their forefather Thamud the brother of Jadis. Both are sons of Athir bin Iram bin Shem bin Noah the Prophet. Thamud tribe came into existence after the natural devastation that must have been annihilated the ‘Ad’ tribe. It is known from the Holy Quran that Ad tribe have suffered continued rain, cold wind and thunders for seven nights and eight days that spelled doom to their existence on earth. In fact the Ad and Thamud stories are well known to the followers of Moses, Jesus and among Muslims.

Thamuds have built palaces and castles on the plains of the earth and particularly had the great skills of hewing the houses out of mountains. The art of hewing the houses from the mountains and hills is certainly stands even today and proved to be a great skill that benefits numerous generations to come. Hewing the mountains guaranteed a safe shelter to Thamuds since their average life span is more than four hundred years. They must have frequently experienced damages to their mud houses and tents often in their own life time and prompted to try and learn the hewing of mountains. The inspiration of hewing the mountains certainly stands as a monumental creative thinking of Thamuds and is yet another example of human competence under duress. Their mastery in carving the mountains again shows that this tribe must have enjoyed unperturbed lifestyle and considerable freedom. Life in harmony with nature always helps the humans to evolve with noble principles to benefit all humans and the existence of Madaen Saleh is yet another proof in regard to the civilization. It is amazing to see the walls (as shown in above pictures) and roofs that are beautifully carved with stone tools. The carved surfaces remind us a perfect interior paint design of heritage in our modern houses. I was able to distinguish the works of craftsmanship in different chiseled walls having some variation in carved effects as some of the walls and roofs are extremely tidy with uniformed chisel works.

Some of the interior walls are having beautifully carved shelves to keep provisions or utensils (see above pictures). The interesting observation is that the home style of Thamuds or the early generation does not differ much from present generation in some part of the world, especially in Asia and Africa.

The interior arrangement and neatness clearly shows that there exists a wonderful lifestyle and were well settled in their life. Further it denotes that their life must have been largely pleasant enough to concentrate on improving the lifestyle. The history mentioned in Holy Quran does not include any references or information related to war or skirmishes with fellow dwellers in the region. Therefore, it may be safe to conclude that they were largely having comfortable life.

There were few trenches at inside the home suggests that this could have been used as resting place for older or dying people. Thamuds are seems to be well built in their physique and having the average height of 7 feets as most of the trenches are having similar length and width. In many houses, the trenches are suitable enough for a single man or woman to lay down with required air circulation. In few houses, we observed wide trenches like basement rooms. It was not clear whether it was carved or extended by Thamuds or the following occupants.

The region has acquired tremendous importance and gained significant position in trade, culture, arts and political route to successive kingdoms and becomes an integral part of the world history. The relevance of Madaen Saleh became more interesting due to the Nabataens who have further utilized these hewed houses for considerable period. However, before we scrutiny the history of Nabataeans , it is worth to read the penultimate last period of Thamuds that is highly significant in Islam and to some extend in other religions originated from Middle East. Although Thamuds’ stories are not clearly or well documented in Jewish and Christian holy books, but Holy Quran exponents the examples.

(To be continued)

MADAEN SALEH

Visiting the historical sites and monuments, especially the naturally preserved sites are extremely delightful to eyes and equally mysterious to minds. Often it turned out to be an enriching experience due to the inscrutability surrounded with it. I have experienced one such during my recent visit to Madaen Saleh historical site which is inexplicable in terms of its silent existence for more than 5000 years. I must appreciate the Saudi government and the authorities for preserving its originality and preventing it from human pollution (see the below picture). I would even recommend leaving the site as it is so as the researchers, historians, archeologists, scientists and geologists can easily feel the presence of history in almost original form. They can also able to uncover and reconstruct the history of its inhabitants including the Nabataeans life and their astuteness.

My visit to Madaen Saleh with family is one of the most memorable experiences to all of us. The incapable human minds always tend to travel to past and try to unravel the lost sequence of human history. It did happen to me and I tried to identify such frequency of feelings. The dead sands and rocks; perplexing shapes and sizes of mountains; curiously looking skies; and the comprehensive existence of historical evidences are all consistently exhibiting the visual lessons to the humans that the world is impermanent to any living beings. Nature has many to offer and its imperceptible communication to every human observing mind is unexplainable in words. Nature has its own language and meanings and Madaen Saleh too. Madaen Saleh is undoubtedly one of the remarkable historical monuments on earth which is imprinting the exciting experiences and memory for ever. Precisely, the mentioning of Prophet Saleh and his people’s story in Holy Quran added the meaningful purpose to my visit.

Time and again it is proved that history has many faces and incredibly mysterious when we look at the astounding appearances of monuments and structures. One cannot have conclusive satisfaction of mere visit with simple or casual approach. It required a careful, concentrated and detailed approach right from basic knowledge about the locations, preparation of mind, proper guide and above all a clean mind to observe everything without any prejudice. I prepared with all necessary information and have read the records including Holy Quran and Ibn Kathir’s ‘the stories of prophets’ prior to my travel. Obviously, I will have to repeat the same when I come back.

It is appropriate to start from the years of Prophet Saleh as is known to the world as Madaen Saleh. It is also learned from history references that the site was named as Madaen Saleh by Andulasian traveler in 1336 AD. However, Holy Quran is the only authentic and highly relevant source available at present with the stories of Ad and Thamud tribes. Through Holy Quran only we would able to understand that Prophet Moses also warned his people with the stories of Ad and Thamuds. Holy Quran explains in detail including the explanation from Ibn Kathir.

(To be continued)

Changing Market Dynamism

The market dynamism is changing from ‘consumer driven’ to ‘affordable driven’, a phenomenon that is rapidly creating imbalance between productivity and purchase capability. Consumers are not relatively comfort enough to choose from array of available options as was the practice in past (decades); rather their decision making process is now based on affordability. Affordability is subjective and varies among people depending on their disposable income. However, irrespective of their class and income, consumers have considerably lost their confidence in plastic money and unsure of future income, let alone the savings. Banks have suddenly folded their free lending tents and let the consumers to mend their own paths to recovery. The result is ‘lack of confidence’ among consumers, traders, wholesalers, manufacturers and bankers. The significant development is the suspicious attitude among commercial entities about present market economy modules and subsequently eroding the trust level among commercial entities.

Media world is also contributing to the chaotic situation by blowing hot and cold and not allowing the entrepreneurs to off their legs from gas and brakes which is already making unpleasant noises only. Media is not clear with their interpretation and confusing the market and mass by their own confused approach. The significant growth achieved by certain countries despite of economic crises around them like India and China is not largely helping economists to forecast or pretend the overall growth trend or at least the new modules. The dilemma of economists and financial experts is reflecting in media world as well.

Business managers are facing unprecedented challenges that are rarely predictable and unknown in present turbulent circumstances. The shocks and the series of aftershocks still visible in all market segments and we do not know when will we recover. In fact, business managers are wondering the kind strategy that can help them to sustain the survival or is it going to be a new way of life or new world order?

Constructing various scenarios is the order of the day for many CEOs and is still guessing which would be the best possible scenario to define the course of action or strategy. Back to basics was one of the safest strategies and a best option to restructure, but the irony is even basics are not helping at this level. Be it in a family or business houses, the immediate decisions such as cost control, budget cut, laying of employees and put hold on product innovations are all seldom helping to recover the confidence level.

In present circumstances most of us are in great stress to choose between the strategies of ‘road to recovery’ and ‘learn to live with it’. Perhaps, both strategies can be worked out to sustain the survival by adapting the ‘learn to live with it’, as a first approach and the ‘road to recovery’ could be followed up. Accepting the reality can relax the business managers and give much needed break to think on reviewing the available options including possible methodologies.

It is observed and recommended through various formal and informal discussions that ‘learn to live with it’ would be a safe beginning to new world order or road to recovery. Apparently, it has its own bitter taste that no one would like to swallow but considering the future uncertainty bitter meal is better than no meals. Perhaps, learn to live with it can allow everyone on board and sail through the turbulent weather. Maximizing the performance while accepting the reduced or controlled remunerations can help to recuperate the business institutions to some extend and give necessary motivation to the process of recovery. Top management should be taken into confidence by business owners and adequate compensations could be distributed during recovery stage. Employee’s benefits can be reinvested in the same organization supported and legalized by bank guarantees and government degrees in case of vulnerabilities. Concentrating on product innovations coupled with technological advances should not be stopped since it can create or sustain the feel good situation among manufacturers and competitors.

Team work is more important at this stage than unilateral decision process particularly for the policy developments at higher level. All departments are interdependent at one or other level and pulling them at one or other direction would be harmful to everyone. Even industry giants need to sit together to define the kind of progress or road map for certain period. A common minimum agreement or economic strategy can positively help all nations to pull the world out of danger. If not the internal bickering will drain all our energy and we would be digging our holes deeply and vigorously.

B JP’s divisive demon

Ever since the creation of BJP as national political party and embraced with a divisive ideology, it not only divides the minds of Indians but also keep digging itself into the dearth of divisions that is untenable. The strong conviction of its dormant theory of ideology that is only well understood by its core members of BJP (who are those core members?), it has done more damage to country than help to develop as cohesive nation.

If Jinnah has divided the country on Hindu and Muslim identity as claimed by certain section of subcontinent people, Jinnah is still dividing the BJP even from his grave! The divisive demon that was earlier let loose by BJP have found suitable place in home and busy in dividing the head quarter now. Expulsion of Jaswant Singh from party is reflecting the overall mindset of BJP leaders along with internal bickering. It is pity that BJP try positioning it as a party based on past history rather than future. A new drama is unfolded from Shimla to pave the way for certain divisive leaders to claim the crown that is being only warmed by Advani for future takeovers. Jaswant is the first casualty and many more to come.

Advani’s continued silence can be misconstrued or perceived as a leader who could not come into term with the loss of Prime Minister opportunity. Advani has lost the plot before the election began and now BJP losing its plot and disconnecting with common Indians. The backward moving BJP is a big concern to the nation since other national party CPI and CPM also living with past ideologies. It will only allow Congress to handle the national issues on high handedness. If Advani has any desire to serve the nation, he must clean up the party with decisive plan for future India and get rid of the divisive policy. The law of average denotes that it is possible, provided BJP can silence Modi type of politicians.

BJP wins Philipit but lost India

It is sad to see the tall leader Mr. A.K. Advani with somber mood due to unenthusiastic performance of BJP in parliament elections. He is one of the finest and articulate speakers who can drive the mass to madness of his liking. He is also one of the able leaders that India likes to see in political administration of the country. Of late he struggled with his emotional weight of his own and haunted past.

Emotions can rule the mass, but to certain extend only. It is true that Indians are easily swayed by emotions, but the growth of democracy as such that every Indian knows that which the road to his or her better future is. The progressive voter of India knows where his butter is and will not shy away from the emotional chain to bring the rational output. Often, politicians ridicule the voters and got away with the things that he or she wants.

Mr. Advani lost the battle before Varun Gandhi files his nomination in Philipit. Varun may have clearly outlined his road to his political career and objective, but Advani should know that Varun’s road should not cross with the BJP’s. BJP’s analysis should not rest with vote analysis and coalition combination only; rather it introspect its political ideology and principles. The nation needs BJP as a political party, not as a religious party that upholds certain principles for certain group.

Mr. Advani can leave politics as and when he likes, but not before he reforms his party. If he enforces certain reforms in his party, he will be remembered for long in the history of Indian politics. I personally believe that he is needed as a BJP leader at this situation than as PM of the country.

நான் சூரியன்

நான் சூரியன். சுடுவதில்லை
என் பார்வையில் சூடு இருக்கும்
சுகமான அன்பும் இருக்கும்
சூரியன் சுட்டு யாரும் செத்ததில்லை

காற்றின் கடுமையில்
காற்றிழந்தவர் பலர் உண்டு
நீர் விழுங்கி நிலமிழந்தோர் பலர் உண்டு
நெருப்பின் வெறுப்பிற்குள்
சாம்பலானவர் சிலர் உண்டு - ஆனால்
சூரியன் சுட்டு செத்தவர் யாருமில்லை

நான் ஒளிமயமானவன்
என் ஒளிதான் உன் கண்களின் உயிர்
மனிதா! இருட்டில் நீ இரட்டிக்கின்றாய்
ஒளியில்தான் நீ நீயாகின்றாய்
என் ஒளிதான் உன் வாழ்வின் பயிர்

நான் தினமும் வருவேன்
எனக்காக உலகம் விழிக்கும்
என் வருகைக்காக இவ்வுலகம் காத்திருக்கும்
எல்லோர் வீட்டிலும் நான் அழையா விருந்தாளி
ஆனால் என் வீட்டிற்கு யாருமில்லை

எனக்கு உன்னையும் தெரியும்
உனக்கு அப்பாலும் தெரியும்
எனக்கும் ஓர் வருத்தமுண்டு
என் கண்களை நேர் கொண்டு
பார்த்தவர் எவருமில்லை
என்னைப்போல் எவருமில்லை
எனக்கென்றோர் நண்பனில்லை

நான் அழுது நீ கேட்டதில்லை
என் கண்ணீர் நீ பார்ததில்லை
நானும் அழுவதுண்டு
எனக்காக நான் அழுவதில்லை மனிதா!
உனக்காக நான் அழுதேன்
உன் பசி கண்டு நான் அழுதேன்
உலகில் உன் வலி கண்டு நானழுதேன்

பழிவாங்கும் உன் குணம் கண்டு வெறுத்தேன்
பொய் பேசும் உன் புலன்களை
அழிக்க அழுதேன்
சுயநலப் போர்வைக்குள் நீ பேசும்
பொதுநலக் கொள்கைகளை கண்டு அழுதேன்
போகும் இடம் தெரிந்தும் உன் பொருள் சேர்க்கும்
முடிவில்லா மனம் கண்டு அழுதேன்

நெருப்பிற்குள் ஆவியாகும் என் கண்னீர்
அதை நான் மட்டும் பார்த்ததுண்டு
நான் நெருப்பில் பிறந்தவன்
நெருப்பாய் வாழ்பவன்
நான் வாழ்வது உலகத்திற்காக
நான் அழியும்போது இவ்வுலகமும் அழியும்

நிலாப் பாட்டு பாடும் பெண்ணே
ஏன் உனக்கு இத்தனை வெறுப்பு
உன் மழலைக்கு என்னையும் பாடு
நிலவிற்கு ஒளிகொடுத்து நீட்டிக் கொள்ளும்
என் சுயநலமற்ற வாழ்க்கையைப் பாடு
என் வாழ்வின் நெறியைப் பாடு
நான் செய்யும் கடமையைப் பாடு
என் நேரம் தவறாமையைப் பாடு

நிலவிற்கும் எனக்கும் பகை என்பார் கவிஞர்கள்
நீண்ட நெடும் கவி எழுதி
நிலமெல்லாம் பொய் சொல்வார்
போகட்டும் - கவியின் பொய்கள்
காயங்கள் செய்வதில்லை

என் ஒளியின் நாயகி - நிலவுக் காதலி
வருடத்தில் இருமுறை
என்னில் அவள் மறைவாள்
அவளில் நான் மறைவேன்
எங்களின் உயிர்கூடல், உலகிற்கு ஓர் அதிசயம்
அறிந்தவர் சிலருண்டு, அறியாதோர் ரசிப்பதுண்டு

வீழ்வேன் என்று நினைக்காதே
மழைக்காலம் வந்துவிட்டால்
மேகங்கள் என்னை மறைக்கலாம்
அது உங்கள் பார்வையில் - அவைகளோ
நான் படுத்துகிலும் பஞ்சு மெத்தைகள்
கரு மேகங்கள் என்னிடம்
குளிர் காய வந்த பறவைகள்

உனக்கு நான் புதிர் - இருளென்னும்
தீமையை நீக்க வந்த கதிர்
நான் இறைவனின் ஓர் அத்தாட்சி
(அவனை) பணிந்து நடக்கும் பெரும் படைப்பு
என்னைப் பார்த்து ஏன் திகைப்பு

நான் ஓர் ஆசிரியன்
இயற்கையின் தத்துவத்தில்
என்னை புரிந்துக் கொள்,
எனக்கு நீ பணிய வேண்டாம்
அறிவுக்கு வயதில்லை, அனுபவத்திற்கு முடிவில்லை
இயற்கையைப் புரிந்துக் கொள்
உலகமெனும் வகுப்பறையில்
நானும் ஓர் ஆசிரியன்.

ஓடிப் பிடித்து விளையாட
எனக்கும் ஓர் பகையுண்டு
இருள் என்னும் கரியவன்
எனக்கு முன் பிறந்தவன்
எனக்குள் அவன் அழிவானோ?
அவனில் நான் அழிவேனோ?
என் வாழ்வின் கேள்விக்கு
பதில் சொல்வார் யாருண்டு