Clicks and writes
Pithrutharppanam at Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple
It was our first visit to this famous temple, Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple.
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.
Thirunavaya was once the capital of Perumpadapu Swaroopam. It is indeed the cradle of culture in northern Kerala. Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where ‘Mamangam’, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held once every 12 years, in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD.
The famous and ancient Thirunavaya Temple, known throughout the country as an ancient teaching-centre of the Vedas, was once plundered and destroyed by Tipu Sultan’s army. It was the Zamorin who repaired the temple later.
Thirunavaya is considered equivalent to Varanasi because of the presence of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma temples.
It is said to be very auspicious to do the religious rituals at the banks of this famous temple to departed souls within and after the stipulated ceremonial days associated with death of our relatives. Therefore, it was our wish to be here on the 12th day of our ammas demise.
The temple is very well organised and the priests or acharyas for doing these detailed pooja and kriyas are fully devoted and never showed any sign of greed for money, normally associated with those doing services for such rituals.
We were recommended to meet Sri Unnikrishnan Elayath (Mobile : 00 91 9249259226) who is one of the senior most amongst them. Kriyas are done in three batches, starting as early as 5:00 am. The second batch start at 7:00 am and then the third at 09:00 am. It takes normally one and half hour to complete the full set of rituals. He does it in such a way that those who are doing the rituals really feels the presence of their close ones who left them from this world.
It should be noted to carry a coin along with you when going to perform the rituals as there are procedures to place the coin and then offer prayers. For those who do not carry them, he himself gives the coin. It is advisable to offer a nominal dakshina after the rituals and prayers associated. However, he never insists on it, and saw many leaving immediately without offering any dakshina or namaskaram to the priest.
It was really satisfying to see at least one more place of religious importance where greed for money did not rule over the rituals and sanctity associated.
An example of excellent hygiene – Public Toilets for Abu Dhabi Science Fair at Abu Dhabi Corniche
An example of excellent hygiene – Public Toilets for Abu Dhabi Science Fair at Abu Dhabi Corniche
ThruKarthika Festival at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – 09 December 2011
ThruKarthika Festival at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – 09 December 2011
After several years (probaby more than 25), I got a chance to be at Urakam Ammathiruvadi temple to be with her on her birthday, and see the ezhunellippu in the morning. Enjoy a few minutes of melam by Cherusseri Kuttan Marar.
Phone-in dangers – Gulf News Dt. 27.10.2011
Phone-in dangers
Radio stations in the UAE can play an important role in educating traffic safety to road users. After listening to various radio channels in the past few days I suggest an increased voluntary participation by radio jockeys from all prominent radio stations to talk about the importance of not using mobile phones while driving — or using it diligently with appropriate hands-free equipment. Radio stations should implement a check to not entertain a caller if he or she is not using such equipment while participating in phone-in programmes. Can the radio stations, which are doing a wonderful job in passing out useful information and entertainment to listeners, include this in their daily agenda? Could the authorities also ensure that an appropriate guideline is issued to radio stations on this subject?
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit GULF NEWS online.
Get to know Bu Tinah Island – Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011
Get to know Bu Tinah Island – Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011
You can vote it one of the new seven wonders of nature
- By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News Reader
- Published: 00:00 October 25, 2011
Off the coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of Nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity, Bu Tinah Island. Not many people in the UAE are familiar with this natural treasure. It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a worldwide campaign where people can nominate and vote for the seven most remarkable, awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.
Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats. Seabirds, such as the flamingo and osprey, diverse species of dolphins and critically endangered turtles like the hawksbill, can all be found in and around the island.
The island’s waters are also home to the planet’s second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal which is globally threatened.
It is rich in biodiversity and lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the region’s first and largest Unesco-designated marine biosphere reserve. Fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on the island, which is closed to visitors, to ensure its continued survival and protection.
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A special campaign to make Bu Tinah one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). People may visit http://www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose their seven wonders.
They have also organised an exhibition, which is held daily at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to create awareness about the campaign.
It is extremely interesting and informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can also vote in designated kiosks set up inside a dome-shaped replica of this natural wonder.
— The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.
You may also visit my blog link Vote for Bu Tinah to read more about it in different languages and see interesting videos.
Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch
Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch
On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, a delegation comprised of His Excellency Colonel Ali Saif Alndas, Director of Al Dhaid Police Department, His Excellency Misbah Aajeed Ketbi, Chairman of Maliha Cultural & Sport Club and a Member of the Federal National Council—UAE, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Saif, Mayor of Maliha, His Excellency Misbah Saif Ketbi, Director of Maliha Municipal, His Excellency Rashid Mahaan, Chairman of Parents of Students in the Central Region Senate at Al Dhaid, His Excellency Saeed bin Laith Tunaiji, Member of the Parents of the Students Senate, and 9 of the parents of students at Al Dhaid Branch visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, in order to increase communication and cooperation with the activities of the local community in Sharjah.
During the visit, a brief introduction about the services provided at the Al Dhaid branch was conducted. Visitors then discussed their expectations for this meeting. They were provided with a tour of SCHS. At the conclusion of the visit, delegation members expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the invitation and admiration of the efforts of the administrative staff and technical support team in providing the best services for children with disabilities. They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the objectives set by the branch to increase the level of coordination with local institutions and activities taking place in the community.
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons Federation at the Dubai Club for Special Sports, declaring the kickoff season to be in 2011-2012. This came during the grand celebration held by the Board of Directors of the Disabled Persons’ Federation to begin the new season and honor its successful partners. The ceremony was attended by Prince Hans, District Chief of Ictn Stein, located between Switzerland and Austria and President of Foote Paul Azemmour Establishment, Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary-General of the Public Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports, Khalid Cannon, Assistant Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Mohamed Mohammed Fadel Hamli, Chairperson of Disabled Persons’ Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the FIA, Nassan Thani Juma, Vice President of the Disabled Persons’ Federation and Chief Executive of the Special Olympics, and Majid Osaimi, Secretary of the Federation and the host of the ceremony. The celebration began with the United Arab Emirates National Anthem followed by a blessed recitation from the Holy Quran by athlete Rashied Said. Mohammed Fadel Hamli then gave an introductory speech in which he directed his thanks to SCHS for its unlimited support of the Knights of Determination. He praised the high attendance of this event, which doubled with mention to the thought that the number of practitioners are increasing rapidly which is good for people with disabilities. Currently, over 1000 athletes are registered.
There were over 113 medals won last year, by participating in 15 foreign championships. Sharjah will host the World Games of Disability and Amputation for the first time next December. The audiences interaction with the documentary film that displays the march of success of the Knights of Determination to try to overcome the barrier of disability and raise their country’s flag in international tournaments was extraordinary. Mr. Abdullah Khalil Ahli, Head of the Deaf Committee revealed the committee’s motto. His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons’ Federation and honored agencies, institutions, councils, and different sports clubs for the disabled. SCHS’s 3 branches in Al Dhaid, Khorfakhan, Kalba were among honored institutions for their unlimited cooperation with the federation. Mr. Ahmed Al Hamadi, Head of SCHS’s Public Relations Department, received the honorary mention on behalf of SCHS. In addition, Mr. Fayez Fathi Badawi, a Teacher of Physical Education, received the honorary mention on behalf of Khorfakhan and Kalba branches. As for Al Dhaid branch, it was received by Mr. Amer Ahmed Ibrahim, a Physical Education Teacher. Abdullah Saif Al Aryani, a Shooting Champion, presented a banquet of flowers to His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum on the occasion of winning the gold medal at the World Series of Shooting which concluded recently in Al Ain.
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation
On Thursday, October 6th, 2011, H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in the United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, education, and empowerment for people with disabilities, and Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank-Foundation (DIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support education, rehabilitation and training services provided by SCHS to people with disabilities in order to strengthen the cooperation and support of the strategic partnership between SCHS and DIB-Foundation to further enhance the support of people with disabilities and low income people eligible for Zakat. Abdul Razak Abdullah said that the signing of this agreement is the embodiment of the importance of the role of social responsibility and joint cooperation between the two parties for the best interest of people with disabilities to complete their education, training and rehabilitation. The institution will bear part of the fees prescribed for them, especially those who were unable to pay. He added that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes through the Foundation’s vision of the importance of cooperation with other bodies and institutions of humanitarian charities that support and help people with disabilities. It is highlighting the leading role played by Dubai Islamic Bank in serving the community citizens and residents in the UAE. Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah is proud to work with SCHS who has become renowned in providing services to people with disabilities at local, Arab, and regional levels. All staff at DIB are happy to cooperate with this prestigious organization who has a concern of educating and rehabilitating those with disabilities.
H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said that the Memorandum of Understanding between SCHS and DIB-Foundation is an important step in consolidating the bonds of cooperation between the two parties to serve the community in general and persons with disabilities in particular. As the memorandum has placed the comfort of people with disabilities on top of the list of its goals. As an expression of thanks and appreciation for the constructive cooperation with SCHS, Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader, Head of SCHS’s Financial Resources Department, gave a memorial shield to Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah who received it with gratitude. Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah was provided with a tour of Al Wafaa School for Developmental Training where he listened to a detailed explanation by Mrs. Mona Abdel Kareem, School’s Principal, on the mechanisms for the education of persons with intellectual disabilities and the methods used in educating them to further develop their abilities. It is worth mentioning that DIB-Foundation of Dubai Islamic Bank had provided financial contribution to SCHS in its Zakat campaign which was organized during the holy month of Ramadan under the slogan “We are your children ” one million AED (1,000,000) was donated to support the humanitarian services provided by SCHS to persons with disabilities of different nationalities, who are unable to cover tuition and other services such as training, rehabilitation, treatment, and counseling.
Magical moments – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt. 22.10.2011
Magical moments
School days are the wonderful period in our lives. I believe so now, not then. During my school days, we used to have a monthly cultural programme for students and we all looked forward to it.
It used to be a screening of a documentary movie (mostly Charlie Chaplin’s), a puppet show or a special event we all looked forward to — the magic show.
More than any other event, crowds would flock to this event because of the element of mystery surrounding the show. We never missed any opportunity. The memories of one or two such shows are everlasting in my mind. One was by PC Sorcar.
The magician came in his special magic dress and brought out many things from nowhere. A rabbit, a dove, and lots of chocolate.
He even “cut” one of his team members into two pieces. And he pocketed our teacher’s wristwatch using his magic wand. It was amazing for all of us.
Since then, I haven’t had a chance to watch a magic show. I hear that the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi is organising a magic show by the famous Indian magician Professor Gopinath Muthukad on Oct.28 at the National Theatre, Abu Dhabi.
He is a magician with a mission. He has a stupendous way to interact with children and captivates their hearts and instils good values in them.
I am looking forward to see him perform in Abu Dhabi. It adds more significance, when it is being held as part of a series of events held in commemoration of the 40th UAE National Day.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.
Please also watch a promotional video on this event.
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