Lavanasura Vadham Kathakali by Kalanilayam Gopi Ashaan – an evening of delightful performance on the occasion of Keraleeyam 2010 by KALA Abu Dhabi.

Posted on June 27, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Lavanasura Vadham Kathakali by Kalanilayam Gopi Ashaan – an evening of delightful performance on the occasion of Keraleeyam 2010 by KALA Abu Dhabi.

Thayambaka

Keli by Kalamandalam Shivadas and troupe.

On chenda – Kalamandalam Shivadas, On Madhalam – Kalanilayam Prakashan, On Chengala – Kalanilayam Rajeev, On Elathalam Kalanilayam Babu

Inaugural function of Keraleeyam 2010

Photos of the performance by Potent Shinz (member Passionate Photographers group)

Photos of the performance by Saleem Abu Alyazia (member Passionate Photographers group)

Lavanasura Vadham Kathakali by Kalanilayam Gopi Ashaan – an evening of delightful performance on the occasion of Keraleeyam 2010 by KALA Abu Dhabi.

KALA ABU DHABI organized “KERALEEYAM-2010” – as part of the inaugural function of newly elected Managing Committee for the year 2010-11 on 24th of June Thursday evening at India Social & Cultural Center, Abu Dhabi.

A delightful Kathakali performance by renowned Kathakali artist and guru Sree Kalanilayam Gopi Asan and his team was the attraction of the evening for the packed auditorium of ISCC main hall. A thayambaka, Keli and Mohiniyattam dance performances added to the list of memorable performances of that evening.

The Kathakali was based on the story “Lavanasura Vadham” , a section from Ramayana where where Rama is ruling after duly completing his 14 years in exile. A casual conversation of his two sub-ordinates, a washerman and his washerwoman, where it appeared as if there is a black mark on the purity of Sita who had spent a few months alone in Lanka under the custody of Ravana. The washerman tells the washerwoman that I will not take you back in my house if you spend a single night outside even though our King Rama took back his wife Sita. The word spread around of this conversation and although, this comparison is quite unjust, Rama, respecting popular opinion decided to send Sita into the forest. Sita was pregnant and also contemplating to visit some sages in the forest and take their blessings. Sri Rama requested Lakshmana to leave Sita in the forest and come back. The unsuspecting Sita was left in the forest but fortunately near the ashram of Valmiki. Valmiki took Sita into the ashram and consoled her. Soon Sita delivered twins. Sage Valmiki named them Kusha and Lava. He taught them all the sciences and arts of the time. And they grew up with the sage. At that time, in the nearby forest lived a demon called Lavanasura. He was terrorising the sages who lived there. They complained to Rama who sent his brother Shatrughna to deal with the demon. Shatrughna kills the demon. Then starts an Aswamedha yaga in which a decorated horse was sent out followed by a mighty army led by Shatrughna. The horse came near to Valmiki’s ashram. Lava and Kusha tied up the horse, and fought with Shatrughna and defeated him. Rama also came for battle but went back without fighting.

Rama then asked Hanuman to bring the Horse. However Lava and Kusha tied up Hanuman (rather Hanuman allows himself to be tied up) and brought him to Sita. Sita was astonished and immensely happy to see Hanuman. She ordered him to be released from the knots. Hanuman enquired about the well being of Sita and also told her that Rama had made a statue of Sita for completing the yaga rites. This made Sita happy. Hanuman went back happily with the Horse.

Artists:

Hanuman – Kalanilayam Gopi Aashan
Seetha – Kalanilayam Vinod Kumar
Lava – Aishwarya Gopi
Kusha – Kavya Pushapangadhan
Chenda – Kalamandalam Shivadas
Madhalam – Kalanilayam Prakashan
Music & Chengala – Kalanilayam Rajeev
Elathalam – Kalanilayam Babu
Chutti – Janardhanan
Commentary, and presentation by : Kalanilayam Dr. Rajeev

It is the fourth time that KALA Abu Dhabi is bringing Kathakali performance to the art lovers of UAE. The enthusiasm and interest by organizers convey a message that this traditional art form of Kerala will have many more stages in future. Utilising this opportunity a demonstration and Kathakali Pada Kacheri was held by Thiranottam in Dubai on Friday and a similar programme was held at Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam. Both programmes were attended by large number of Kathakli enthusiasts and the narration by Kalanilayam Dr. Rajeev, an oncology specialist working with Regional Cancer Centre Trivandrum was a boon to many to understand the art form and create added interest to the novice.

The action photos of this post were captured by Potent Shinz and Saleem Abu Alyazia admins of Abu Dhabi Photographers Club group on Face Book.

Looking forward to many more performances by Guru Kalanilayam Gopi Ashan and troup in the region.

You may also read an interview with him at:

http://athaani.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post.html

Those who wish to contact him and book for performances, may contact him on the following address:

Kalanilayam Gopi
Sreevalsam
Sangameswara Avenue
West Nada Irinjalakuda
Thrissur Dist
Kerala, India
Tel: 0944 76 733 82 / 0480 2828 382
E-mail: gopisreevalsam@rediffmail.com

Workshop in Pottery Decoration by Sangya Jindal organised by ILA and ISCC Abu Dhabi

Posted on June 5, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Workshop in Pottery Decoration

The Indian Ladies Association and the India Social & Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi jointly hosted the Pottery Decoration Workshop on 2nd June 2010 at ISC Premises at 4.30 pm

This collaborated effort received an overwhelming response and was very well appreciated.

Ms. Sangya Jindal demonstrated various techniques in the Pottery Decoration. This was a hands-on workshop wherein some of ILA and ISC Members exhibited their unique talents.

Children also had a good time and displayed their creativity.

Such collaborations foster the feelings of friendship and harmony amongst the members and should be encouraged.

A few photos from the worskhop:

ILA President Ms. Jonia Mathew, ISCC Abu Dhabi President Mr. Thomas Varghese and Ms. Sangya Jindal

Participants at the workshop

Participants at the workshop

Participants at the workshop

Participants at the workshop

Participants at the workshop

Workshop in Pottery Decoration

The Indian Ladies Association and the India Social & Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi jointly hosted the Pottery Decoration Workshop on 2nd June 2010 at ISC Premises at 4.30 pm

This collaborated effort received an overwhelming response and was very well appreciated.

Ms. Sangya Jindal demonstrated various techniques in the Pottery Decoration. This was a hands-on workshop wherein some of ILA and ISC Members exhibited their unique talents.

Children also had a good time and displayed their creativity.

Such collaborations foster the feelings of friendship and harmony amongst the members and should be encouraged.

Those interested in participating at ILA activities may contact ILA at 02 6330182.

Fr Fancis Kurissery’s visit to UAE – March 2010

Posted on March 13, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Fr Fancis Kurissery’s visit to UAE – March 2010

http://widget-5d.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf

Rev. Fr. Fancis Kurissery’s visit to UAE – March 2010

Rev. Fr. Francis Kurissery CMI – a Catholic Priest who believed, preached and practiced, Students are not problems, but Students have problems….

* Completed his M.Phil from Oxford University, London
* Lectured, English for 15 years in CHRIST
* Was the Principal of CHRIST in the year 2003-2004.
* Was the Chairman of the Board of Studies (English) for the University of Calicut.
*Is the Provincial Councilor of CMI Congregation, Thrissur Province.
* Presently, is the Joint Director of Amala Medical College, Thrissur
* Presenting to you some photos taken during his visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It was purely a personal visit organised by his students from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. W thank him for accepting it and taking time out to come and recreate our good old college days, where even if we cut classes of our main subjects, we made sure to not miss your lectures.

Regards,

Ramesh Menon
13 March 2010

My Name is Khan – a review

Posted on February 12, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

My Name is Khan – a review

Movie: My Name Is Khan
Director: Karan Johar
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

A movie which I went in with lots of expectation after the recent debate and action created by political and film personalities.

Shah Rukh Khan playing the lead role “Rizwan Khan” and Kajol as his partner.

Screenplay by Shibani Bhatija is interesting, however at times lagging and a test of patience.

The movie touches the 9/11 myths and tries to capitalise from the anti-muslim agenda emanating against all peace loving Muslims world-wide. Shah Rukh Khan in this movie, I believe is trying to project himself as a character actor and tries to justify the mannerism of patient with autism. He succeeds in it, and may be this is one of the projects where he tries to display a serious role oriented performance than his usual touch of humour here and there. After watching it, I felt, is this an attempt to project himself over Amir Khan as who is the best expressive actor in the field.

Kajol as Mandira, gave a graceful self and bring back the golden touch of beautiful presence and calibre of our beautiful actors of yester years. Her come back is really marvellous and classy.

The child artists Yuvaan Makaar who played as their son Sam (Sameer) played a commendable role in the movie and at times scored even better than both of them. Kudos to this little talent. Tanay Chadda as young SRK also did a great job.

Zarina Wahab as his mother in her short role was superb.

Nice music, especially the background scores and the Tabala beats for the songs Tere Naina, outstanding. It has also a well choreographed dance scene in which SRK trying to dance with his autism disabilities and the emotions projected throughout are excellent.

Sabu Cyril’s set created an outstanding effect of the flood and devastation scenes. However, it could have been a bit more realistically captured by thoughtful camera presentation.

Overall, the movie provides an interesting viewing although it does require lots of patience to sit through certain stages of it. Those who go to movies for pure entertainment purpose may stay out of it. This is a serious stuff and do convey messages to the society and the world around that human beings should not be treated according to religion and topographic orientation. Daring attempt by Sharukh Khan and Karan Johar for trying out something different this time than their usual projects.

Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
11 Feb 2010

Congratulations to all the members of Passionate Photographers group on Face Book

Posted on January 27, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Congratulations to all the members of Passionate Photographers group on Face Book

Congratulations to all the members of Passionate Photographers group on Face Book.

We are now 1000+ members.

Best wishes to all of you. Keep clicking and keep posting without inhibition.

Every photo clicked is a history. You will never be able to re-create that precious moment. Once again dedicating this group to all those who are passionate about photography.

Sri P R Lonappan sir – Cycling his way 38000 ft above to the oasis of his Past Pupils

Posted on December 12, 2009 Updated on June 6, 2015

Sri P R Lonappan sir – Cycling his way 38000 ft above to the oasis of his Past Pupils

Franson Michael Edakulathur welcoming all for the evening.

Sri P R Lonappan Sir and his wife Mary teacher.

A traditional Kerala style welcome to Sir.

Representatives from various batches waitinf for the cermonial lighting of the lamp

Inauguration of the function and ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mrs. Mary Lonappan

The senior most past pupil present Sunny Manath who studied in the school during the period 1964 lighting the lamp.

Lighting of the lamp continues..

Lighting of the lamp continues..

Lighting of the lamp continues..

Lighting of the lamp continues..

Memento presentation – a written message from Ranjith Thampan and message of thanks from 81 batch

Memento presentation – all present.

A memento – remembering the good old school days, during (and even now) Lonappan sir with his favorite cycle.

Remembering late Sri A J Varghese sir. A memento for the school staff room.

Sri P R Lonappan master

Student of Don Bosco High School Irinjalakuda 1968 batch (1st English batch that passed out from the school)

– worked as Physics and Mathematics teacher for the same school for 31 years.
– Unassuming, non-controversial, simple, humble, god fearing, very dedicated to his profession and family.

Many more to add. We were lucky enough to have him here with his wife to rekindle the fond memories of our school days.

Short visits to India many times after I left cycle and came abroad. I never really got a chance to see him after. It was during my recent visit, I saw him with his trademark cycle in the town centre of Irinajakuda. I was driving, and the road was busy and unfortunately, could not capturing him through my lenses (as my usual self). But the memories captured well that time itself. After coming back here, I checked with my friends and found that despite of his poor eye sight he still uses his cycle to move around. I never knew that time that an occassion will be due very soon to portray him in a natural way.

There is also another story behind this picture. I had promised Franson that I will try and do a carricature of Lonappan sir (after this memory of seeing him with his cycle) for giving it as a surprise present during his visit. However, till thursday around 4:00 pm, I did not get time or did not have a clue as to how I do this job – between my main jobs. It was then my colleague, Souheila brought to me a piece of white paper with a picture of a beach, sun and a boat drawn by her son Wassil (he is a regular participant of Talent Share). She told me that this was drawn by Wassil (4 yrs old) during his visit to her office previous evening using marker pen and yellow and blue highlighters on her desk. It was like an apple hitting Newtons head for me. While all the time I was complicating thigs to portray him, here is a simple solution and the result was that I was able to keep my commitment to Franson. Children many time teach us things in an entirely different way.

I submit this as a pranam to all my gurus.

Date: 11 December 2009
Event: Dynamix of 80s
Venue: Sheraton Hotel Deira Dubai

His speech. Sri Lonappan master addressing his students at the function. He was truly his self during the evening. Recollecting his past memories, as a student and as a teacher of the same school, he conveyed special thanks to the batch of 81 or remembering him even after the school days and then giving his the greatest honor of his first ever foreign trip with his family. He was recolleciting the friendly atmosphere prevailed in the staff room. He also recollected the gratitude of meeting several of his students at various stages of their post school life and their continued affection to him. Finally, how can he conclude without a word or two of guidance. He emphasised the importance of honesty in profession and commitment to the family. He also stressed his students to lead a non-alcoholic life.

In a light manner, he finally mentioned, while coming to Dubai his Emirates flights was showing that it was flying at an altitude of 38000 ft above the land. He felt as if his students honoured him him to reach 38000 ft above.

Mrs. Mary Lonappan speaking at the function.

A teacher by profession in a different school and due to officially retire in March 2010, she mentioned the prestigious role of the Don Bosco students in her life. The affection shown to her husband was nothing new to her as she was literally married into a family of Don Bosco students. Even now both of them cherishes the reception organised by the 81 batch students after their marriage. It continued from then on. She emphasises two important things during her speech. The importance of a continuous communication process between husband and wife, which happened in her life due to which she was able to identify each of his students as he discussed about them and their progress at home. Also, she precised on the success tool for marital harmony. “Any differences between the husband and wife should happen within the sunrise to sunset period. It should not extend beyond that and get carried over to another sunrise.”. Concluding her speech and on behalf of both of them, she said “Indian teachers get national awards, but this is truly greater than an International Award”.

No wonder. Now we know the secret of remaining happily married to a husband totally devoted to his profession, no time for holidays, movies and other worldly pleasures that she and her children get to see around. Good wishes to her from all of us for these golden words of wisdom. Probably as a reminder to many.

A photographer in the making – a big group and a great job to start with at a young age. Well done my dear for your enthusiasm.

Celebrating a joyous evening.

And the mood was really playful – back to the school days, the band, the orchestra, the play ground, even the rain was favoring the occassion. As a special welcome, it rained in UAE for the first time yesterday evening. The rain falling while the sun shining took our memories further back to the school days, the walk towards the school during the rainy mornings.

There were also special attractions by way of recorded video speech by the current Principal and Vice Principal of the school. Mementos and thoughtful words by past pupils Ranjit Thampan and his students.

A great evening, a theory has been proved once again. Teaching is a noble profession, irrespective of what the monetar benefit involved. A good teacher is always remembered by a student. Let this be a beginning. Let this be an inspiration for other alumnis, past pupils organisation to remember their teachers, arrange a venue to reunite the spirit of the school days.

More photos and updates will follow upon receipt.

A word of special thanks to the organisers Franson, Suresh, Sunil, Sundar and all others who made this event possible. Thanks also goes to the members and families who took time out to come and participate.

Best wishes to all.

Ramesh Menon
12 December 2009