General
When the fingers speaks!
A tribute to my guru late Korambu Subramanian Nampoothiri.
A comment on one of my earlier post about him prompted me to sit down and record this video.
I was lucky to learn mridangam from him during my childhood days. He used to come home all the way from Peruvanam temple, approximately 15 kms away from my home, after finishing his temple duties. Half way walking and half way by bus, to save money for taking care of his family with his meagre income from the temple. The fees that time was somewhere very very small (if I remember correctly Rs. 10/-). There was no greed or instinctive approach to get the students to the so-called mainstream limelight by way of arrangettam within 1 or two months of learning during those days.
Again, if I remember correctly, a group of students including me, did our arrangettam during Koodalmanikyam Temple Festival after several months or years of training. I still remember the songs and my stage fear during that day in front of the large audience. His humble and simple presence sitting in front of us encouraging us not to miss even a single beat.
Again, if remember correctly, Uma was singing and then Rajesh, Ranjith and other stalwarts amongst us joining the group. The small start that day then slowly transformed to a bigger and better version and became the first of its kind in percussion history, named as “Mridangamela”, which is now being diligently presented each year at Koodalmanikyam temple festival by his children with students who are learning directly as well as through online.
I am really worried about the parents these days who force and influence different channels to get their children to play musical instruments or get on to stage with a short stint of direct training or alarmingly even with online training!.
Relax, they are children and let them practice and play on and on… Daily practice is very important. And do not expose them until they are well versed and get the full go-ahead from their gurus.
Again, I am also worried about the gurus who give consent to children performing within a short time period of training…If you do that you are doing injustice and spoiling a genuine talent.
My pranams to my guru late Korambu Subramanian Nampoothiri.as I present this practice session of today. Nothing special, just played and recorded what came into my mind. No mathematics, physics or whatever involved….purely divine presentation to him and also to my divine guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Yes, it is also very important to have a good musical system and also great support from the person behind the sound console for the success of a musical presentation. There should be also strict discipline among those accompanying artists to play within the framework and guidelines.
My humble pranams to all my manasa gurus, to whom I listen and observe online as well as through phone or other channels and whenever possible directly and learn various tips and tricks from them.
Each day, yes I practice every day, in front of him and my only prayer to him is bhagavan – when I play, please be with me and let you play through my fingers and not to miss even one beat. Hence the name for this video : When the Fingers Speaks”. Sri Gurubhyo Namah and Om Sri Sairam.
Once again, this is just a practice session and have not followed any strict patterns or guidelines.
Write (right) back!
Write back to writing days!
A deliberate silence of 125 days away from blog…. I cannot say, it was accidental and I cannot say firmly it was deliberate. Mind Speaks all the time within me and comes out of words and sentences and normally I never hold them. But, this time I did.
Why did I do it?
A good question to me first? The void created by my father’s death was one among them. Indeed, the period from July 2016 till August 2017 was a fast-track time for me to complete and tick-off many items from my father’s wish list. Between us, there was always harmonious and silent communication happening all the time. I knew what he wanted and he knew very well that if it was in my reach, I will do it at any cost for him. It is now emotional as well as memorable to recollect the visits to places and friends we made during those days. I knew very well how fast his life clock was ticking to come to an abrupt and silent end. It happened on 17 August 2017.
Is that the case for me distancing myself away from the blog? Not really.
I continued to click and post on FB or instagram or other social media and kept my presence alive. However, it did not give me the full satisfaction that I get when I am here on the “Mind Speaks” section of my blog. It is where I express myself, what I think about and see around.
I see things in a different way than I used to do before. It is because I believe no one bothers about the other these days. It is also because, I see that all news are of value only for that moment or may be hour or a day. Then it becomes nothing. There are several examples. People go back to their routine very quickly these days. I find excessive use of mobile as one of the reason for this change. There is always something or other thing to take your attention away. It is good as well as it is bad. All along I have been giving extra focus on road safety and community issues. In future, I will be adding some more key elements to my writing to highlight human values like respect, togetherness, friendliness, confidence etc – there are many to add and where we stand now?
One thing is for sure, I cannot hold my thoughts and stop expressing my mind. One other important note is to affirm – it is easy to preach, but difficult to practice all the above.
I am right back here to my writing days. I am sure you will come back as often as you can to read and comment.
Ramesh Menon
04th March 2018
Farewell to Palakkad Radhakrishnan
Palakkad Radhakrishnan – One and only combo personality of all Abu Dhabi satsangs. A humble and simple person who plays multiple roles whenever there is a community activity of significance happening in Abu Dhabi. Percussionist, singer, good cook, last to leave – an overall selfless volunteer!.
He might not belong to the category of professional percussionists or vidhwans. But, he plays his beats from his heart with full of strength and divinity, and that covers the completeness of his music even if he is not given a microphone for his instrument as it happens many times!.
From physically assisting the set up of the venue from start till the end and also performing as percussionist of quality, I really admire him and his value to all of us.
I cherish my association with him all along.
Matha, Pitha, Guru Daivam. He is an example and continue to be, as he leaves Abu Dhabi tomorrow, 31st October 2017, after 21 years of Service to serve his aged mother.
May all Sathgurus and Gods shower him with peace, prosperity, good health and overall well being.
He will be available on Whatsapp +97155 657 89 75.
https://soundcloud.com/ramesh-menon-abudhabi/gananayakam-ganeshwaram-sai-bhajan-by-muthuraman
The divine ambience he creates can be enjoyed by listening to the above song where he plays Dholak to a beautiful bhajan.
Kathakali festival in Abu Dhabi
2 days of Kathakali festival #InAbuDhabi.
Titled “Kanninakkanandam (feast for eyes)”, Abu Dhabi Kathakali Festival 2017 showcases three plays of the 18th century poet laureate Irayimman Thampi who represents the golden age of Kathakali. Much admired by connoisseurs, his plays Keechakavadham, Uttaraswayamvaram and Dakshayagam continue to enthrall audiences with their music, action, rich emotional quotient, and literary finesse.
Keechakavadam and Uttaraswayamvaram are based on Viradaparvam of Mahabharatha, while Dakshayagam is based on Mahabhagavatham.
Festival opens on October 19th at Kerala Social Centre (KSC) Abu Dhabi with Uttaraswayamvaram.
Keechakavadam will be staged on 20th at India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC Abu Dhabi) in the afternoon followed by Dakshayagam in the evening.
Padmasri Kalamandalam Gopi will reveal another facet of his acting prowess with his Duryodhana in Uttaraswayamvaram and Daksha in Dakshayagam. All the renowned artists , musicians and percussionists forming part of this troupe will add their strength and skills to complete this tauryatrika (triple symphony) experience.
As part of this festival, a Thayambaka by renowned artist Sri. Panamanna Sasi and team will exhilarate the audience with the percussions on October 20th. A musical ensemble titled Carnatic Melodies led by Sri Biju Edappal is also scheduled in the evening.
Do not miss out this event to enjoy as well as understand the traditional art form froms Kerala. Added attraction is the Thayampaka – traditional colour performance on chenda, a popular percussion instrument of Kerala, in which the main player at the centre improvises rhythmically on the beats of half-a-dozen or a few more chenda and ilathalam players around.
A chance to watch international as well as local artists performing. A golden opportunity for Passionate Photographers. Hash tag your clicks with #PassionatePhotographers #TalentShare.
Best photo and photographer will get a special gift (this is a personal initiative to support the event conducted by Anoop Nair and his team).
Young ADIPEC Photography Competition 2017
The 2017 Young ADIPEC photography theme is announced as Sense of Community, in line with the UAE’s 2017 Year of Giving.• Influence
• Integration and fulfilment
• Shared emotional connection
2. Boys 15-18 years
3. Girls 11-14 years
4. Girls 15-18 years
ENTER THE COMPETITION IN JUST 3 EASY STEPS:
1. Take one or more photos that fit the theme. You can use only your camera, photos taken by a mobile camera are not eligible for entry.
2. Download the submission form: www.adipec.com/youngadipec (a maximum of three entries per person are allowed).
The judging session will take place on Saturday 28 October and winners will be notified shortly afterwards. Winning entries and Runners-up of each category will appear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in the Photography Competition Zone at the Young ADIPEC stand, during ADIPEC 2017 (13 – 16 November at ADNEC).
WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP CAN COLLECT THEIR PRIZES ON TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER AT 16:00 AT THE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ZONE.
Young ADIPEC Photography Competition 2017
ADIPEC 2017 is here around and the prestigious Young ADIPEC Photography competition for children. The theme for the 2017 Young ADIPEC photography: “Sense of Community”. As it is the year of given in UAE our theme will encourage young photographers to express their feeling and sense of belonging in the community.
It will focus on displaying the four elements of Sense of Community which are membership, influence, integration and fulfilment of needs, shared emotional connection.
Encourage your children to participate. Click on the link to know more:
https://www.adipec.com/features/young-adipec/young-adipec-photography-competition/
Deadline to submit: 15th October 2017
Basic values – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt 07 October 2017
Life is not easy
for most of us. People face different challenges, personal and professional tensions. However, some are fortunate. They enjoy privileges that they don’t deserve.
Opportunities for excelling in one’s field are rare. They have to be grabbed with both hands and mind with a “Thank you” note to God almighty.
But, some take it all lightly. For mundane reasons, they resist changes in life and situations happening around them. What one has to remember is there is no assurance that you will be in the position that you are now the next moment.
The only thing one can control is conduct, dedication and self-discipline. Do not add anything more to existing disharmony. Always try to understand from the other side of the fence.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit the below link:
Short Take – Gulf Today dated 07 October 2017
Always Wear Seat Belt
Several friends and family are visiting us these days to offer condolences on the demise of our father T Sachidanandan on Thursday, 17th August 2017.
Padmashree Peruvanam Kuttan Marar was one among them. He has a special place in my life as he was my mother’s colleague at CNN Boys High School, Cherpu, Thrissur District, Kerala. Long association with him and his family since my childhood made us always feel him as part of our own family.
He was leaving my home after spending time with us, particularly my mother and as his car started moving, I noticed something amiss. I asked the driver to stop the car and told them about the importance of road safety and in particular the advantage of wearing seat belts by all passengers. Immediately, he obliged and wore the seat belt and continued his journey with his pleasant smile.
That was the action by a very senior artist, a Padmashree award winner, a legend, a guru for many and someone who has thousands and thousands of fan following and the whole of Thrissur and musical world reverberate listening to the greatest percussion symphony in earth for Thrissur Pooram.
It is very important to follow road safety attitude of people like him and their commitment when it comes to Road Safety. Wherever and whenever possible, all passengers should wear the Seat Belts. The roads are busier than ever, the vehicles are faster than ever and patience limit by the road users deteriorating day by day!.
Road Safety is not an individual’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of all. As a road user we do not know the mindset of other drivers who are on the road at the same time. As do their, vehicle condition or driving skills.
Always remember to #StartEarlyDriveCarefullyReachSafely.
Issued as a memorial tribute to my father, T Sachidananda Menon.
Partial Lunar Eclipse 7 August 2017 from Abu Dhabi
Partial Lunar Eclipse 7 August 2017 – from Abu Dhabi
#LunarEclipse
#InAbuDhabi
#RameshMenonAbuDhabi
#PassionatePhotographers
#ClicksandWrites
News U Wish To Read – 7 August 2017
Energy
It’s a buyer’s market for LNG
The National
More liquefied natural gas (LNG) coming into the market will keep prices depressed despite an increase in demand from Asia, analysts said.
LNG producers are ramping up from Qatar to Australia and the United States, while Egypt is expected to emerge as a new export player.
Australia has increased its market share in the first half of the year to 20 per cent from 12 per cent last year, according to BMI Research, and its exports are forecast to grow by 23 per cent over the financial year to the end of June, according to Australian energy advisory firm, EnergyQuest.
Published: 5 August 2017
Follow: https://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/it-s-a-buyer-s-market-for-lng-1.616942
Adnoc active on the debt front as it pushes ahead with transformation strategy
The National
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is studying a number of fund raising options at both group and asset level that will help unlock value and optimise the group’s balance sheet as it pushes ahead with its new approach to drive growth.
Adnoc is in discussions with banks for a club loan of approximately US$5 billion that will be used for ongoing corporate activities. It is also looking into financing options for select midstream infrastructure assets including potentially tapping debt capital markets via a bond issuance. Plans are at an early stage so the size and scope of any potential bond issuance has not been decided. The company said it has no intention to issue bonds at the holding or main operating company levels such as Adco, Adma-Opco and Zadco.
Published: 02 August 2017
Total Ready to Make Acquisitions as Financial Strength Grows
Bloomberg
Total SA said it’s ready and able to make acquisitions and pursue growth, shrugging off uncertainties about oil prices as its financial position strengthens.
Europe’s second-largest oil and gas company has the firepower to buy up fields on the cheap and press ahead with new developments, taking advantage of lower levels of debt, rising profit and surging cash flow, according to a statement Thursday.
“Total has a stronger balance sheet,” Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said as the company reported second-quarter earnings that beat expectations. “The group has the flexibility to take advantage of the low-cost environment by being able to launch profitable projects and acquire resources under attractive conditions.”
Published: 27 July 2017
Politics & Economy
Indian rupee to get stronger, NRIs should remit now
Khaleej Times
If you’re a non-resident Indian (NRI) and looking to remit a handsome amount back home or planning to buy a property or invest in any venture, the time is now.
Going by views of analysts and industry executives, the Indian currency is likely to strengthen further against the US dollar — thereby against the UAE dirham, because the Emirati currency is pegged to the greenback — in the wake of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to cut interest rates last week, and may strengthen as much as 1.1 per cent.
Published: 7 August 2017
Follow: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/indian-rupee-to-get-stronger-nris-should-remit-now
Looking for a job in UAE? Here’s the salary guide
Khaleej Times
Starting salaries for professional roles in finance and accounting, financial services, technology and administration in the UAE will grow by 2.5 per cent over the next year, according to the Robert Half 2017 Salary Guide.
The guide is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on starting salaries and recruitment trends in finance and accounting, financial services, IT, legal, and HR and administration. The Salary Guide enables employers and employees to benchmark salaries for over 185 different permanent professional roles in the UAE.
According to the survey, competition for the best candidates is heating up in the UAE with 68 per cent of employers planning to attract new employees in 2017 and on an average, pay scales could increase by up to 5.8 per cent in comparison to 2016.
Published: 6 August 2017
Follow: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/looking-for-a-job-in-uae-heres-the-salary-guide
Community, Environment & Society
Year 2018 to celebrate Zayed’s vision
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2018 the “Year of Zayed” in the United Arab Emirates.
The year 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and yesterday’s announcement is coinciding with the anniversary of Shaikh Zayed’s Accession Day, the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, marking the start of a new epoch in the history of the country.
Published: 6 August 2017
Follow: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/year-2018-to-celebrate-zayed-s-vision-1.2069463
Apply for UAE visa from comfort of your own home
Gulf News
You can now, from the comfort of your home, complete applications related to nationality, and residence, without having to visit typing offices or customer service centres.The Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday launched “E-channels”, a new system of smart services that lets nationals and residents apply for entry permits and residency visas within 10 minutes.
Published: 01st August 2017
Follow:http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/apply-for-uae-visa-from-comfort-of-your-own-home-1.2067647
Thousands of road-safety breaches by lorry drivers leads to police campaign
The National
More than 30,000 fines have been issued to lorry drivers in Dubai in the first six months of this year alone for not abiding by road safety rules.
Police on Tuesday launched a one-month lorry driver safety campaign in a bid to reduce the number serious accidents and deaths involving heavy-goods vehicles. So far this year there have been 14 serious accidents and 15 deaths involving HGVs on Dubai roads.
Published: 01 August 2017
Don’t come on visit visas for job hunting, Indians told
Gulf News
Indian Consulate asks expatriates to verify job offers and visas before arriving in the UAE. Indian jobseekers should not come to the UAE on visit visas and must authenticate their employment offers and entry permit visas before heading to the UAE, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has said. The advisory from the mission follows high numbers of calls and visits by Indian workers who have been duped by agents or employers on a regular basis. “We have got several cases of people falling into trouble when they come for employment or for looking for employment on visit visas. There are also cases of women being forced to work as maids etc by dubious agents who get them to the UAE on visit visas as well as sending them to Oman and other countries.”
Published: 02 August 2017
Technology
iPhones, Facebook and internet are sucking our time and making us miserable
AFR.COM
In a past life, we served on our local council. Despite the impressive size of our gross budget, our free choice in spending was remarkably limited.
By the time our road grants were spent on roads, child care funding on child care, the indoor and outdoor staff paid and the rubbish collected, funds for truly discretionary spending were tight. According to Associate Professor Adam Alter, a psychologist at New York University, the days of our lives are just like that.
Published: 4 August 2017
Sports
Gatlin spoils Bolt’s farewell in 100m with remarkable gold
Khaleej Times
Usain Bolt was no longer stunning. He was just stunned.
At the end of a career in which he has dominated his sport for a decade, Bolt was beaten in his final 100-meter race by an American almost five years his senior – Justin Gatlin.
Calling it quits at the age of 30 and looking for a golden farewell in his last individual race at the world championships, Bolt lost to a man who produced a comeback not only on Saturday but also through a doping-tainted career.
Published: 6 August 2017
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