Mind Speaks
Mind Speaks – Birthday wishes to Satguru Mata Amritanandamayi
Mind Speaks – Birthday wishes to Satguru Mata Amritanandamayi
Mind Speaks – Indian cricket mining gold at South Africa CLT20
Mind Speaks – Indian cricket mining gold at South Africa CLT20
Indian cricket mining gold at South Africa CLT20.
As expected before the first ball of the finals played, Chennai Super Kings have won the finals of the CLT20 Cup. Watching the match and the entire series gave several interesting management perspectives. One man cannot win continuously matches for his team, especially highly competitive matches like this. This was proved by the performance of Davey Jacobs. He guillotined his and his teams chances the moment he played an over enthusiastic shot of R Ashwin’s first ball. It proved several things for the bowler and all of us. First of all, the value of following the basics, which he did, by keeping the ball straight to the stumps. Secondly and most importantly, keeping a calm and composed self on the field, even at times of victory or defeat. I wish, video of his bowling efforts at this series to be showed as an example to our other bowlers, who swear, curse and do all sorts emotional tantrums, while they lose focus and objectives. Davey also erred in brining his new ball bowler Thoron after 5 overs, instead of bringing him fresh, which may have caused the bowlers confidence. Off color M Boucher, supplemented with luck favoring him on the d-day enabled M Vijay to walk away with the Golden Bat award.
Each and every player of CSK, proved their mettle at opportunities they received. This includes R. Ashwin, Murali Vijay, Aniruddh Sreekanth and Balaji, not to leave out others including captain M S Dhoni. He has shown once again, how he means business on the field for a particular match as well as for future of his team members. The way, he handled L Balaji was excellent, giving confidence not only to the bowler by giving options for him to play in a big final, but also to other Indian bowlers, the choice he has in future, of a silent and smiling performer to add to his team.
The team spirit showed on field between all players irrespective of their nationality showed a harmonious feeling and optimism for world cricket. The encouragement to our young generation players from senior players was outstanding. The series really gave some players to stand tall amongst the crowd. I wish, the same strategy is employed by corporate organisations to promote other sports, especially football and hockey.
Photo Speaks – Golden Blossom Memories – A spider at work
Photo Speaks – Golden Blossom Memories – A spider at work
As I walked around my apartment compound clicking the beauty around, I found this interesting site. A spider at work. I watched it for a long time, as it slowly consumed it’s prey and moved around. Unlike the normal black spider, this one was beautiful too. Indeed, there was a beauty all around it. Isn’t true that God creates every creatures in the best and most beautiful possible way?
Mind Speaks – A visitor from the past
Mind Speaks – A visitor from the past
It was a very common seen during my childhood days to see the above scene. A man carrying a wheel adapted to sharpen knife, and also selling knives in various shapes and sizes. The advent of latest equipments and the change of technologies have made redundant these age old visitor who travels from village to village and was once a common visitor to all homes. We used to have a regular person in our village who was from some distant village in Tamilnadu. It has been a very long time I have seen him, or any one who took over from him in our village. However, I did not stop my search for him. It was during my recent visit I chanced upon one such person in a village in Bangalore. I did not miss the chance and did turn my car and came back all the way to include him in my collection. From a casual talk with him, even he is going to put a full stop to this trade as no very few people uses his services. Except, for some barber shops or butcheries, even they have electronic equipment to sharpen their tools or completely electronic equipments to be used and thrown away. I wished him good luck for future and continued.
Football Memories – Ground is Water
Football Memories – Ground is Water
It’s almost 30 years since I left this campus. But the memories still remain. The monsoon rain and the urge to play football before the class and after it. Surprisingly, even after so many years the playground at Don Bosco High School Irinjalakuda remains the same. With thick grass and water pool near the goal post, it was mischievously delightful to play there. Blue trousers and white shirts obviously ended up colorful after each time. Even if it doesn’t get dirty, we made sure, a hit to the most clean uniformed classmate gets an imprint on his shirt. Thomson, Franson, Nandan, Pradeep, Biju, Nandakumar, Jayachandran….. List of names never end….. A casual visit to the school brought back your memories. It was lunch time and drizzling. So the students were having food from their lunch pack within the classroom. Hmm, the smell of packed food from home was in the air throughout the corridor. I remember also the PT Sir, of that time, who used to tell us the special title here. Miss you all.
Adding some more passing shots…
Mind Speaks – Rain, a pond and a temple elephant
Mind Speaks – Rain, a pond and a temple elephant
As usual, however short it may be, I make it a point to visit my ancestoral home, the temple and the old neighbours at Oorakam, Thrissur District Kerala. It was raining heavily on that day, I found this temple elephant, tied securely and under treatment for heat, enjoying the heavy rain on that day.
The incessant rain and the overflowing pond nearby shows very clearly the amount of rain received during this season. To add beauty to it, there was a series of thunder and lightning. Since I was driving, I was unable to capture them.
It is a delight to jump into the pond and swim our heart out. No wonder, Kerala, always GOD’s Own Country, at least when we talk about nature and it’s beauty.
Little World – a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays
Little World – a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays 
Little World – a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays
http://www.youtube.com/get_player
I was really touched by the episode that was shown on Sunday, 6th June 2010. Sincere thanks for presenting a beautiful message of compassion and love for those children of Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Trivandrum. I am sure, many who watched this programme will have the same feeling.
To say “Help Them” is very easy. But to be with them and help assist them to ease the pain, agony and emotions of them as well as their families is very important. So, if any of you get an opportunity to be with them and bring a happy smile on their face, please do utilise it.
Sincere pranams,
Ramesh Menon
My Name is Khan – a review
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
No News edition 21 – A journey from No to Yes
No News edition 21 – A journey from No to Yes
Dear Friends,
Welcome to read the 21st issue of No News.
It has been a long break since I touched the No News magazine. Although, I have been coming out to you through various other forms, this is one special section of my creativity which I cherish doing. It is similar to asking anyone interested in cricket about the beauty and enjoyment of playing and following a Test match. This gives me sufficiently large space to promote what I am promoting all the time in a detailed way than what I do every day. Of course, it all comes to certain small and mundane things of creativity, safety, social values or “whatever”, as someone could leisurely write and read off.
Inspire: No matter if the world stand still, continue with what I am doing. This is what I am trying to do these days. I do it from within, for my own enjoyment. As you see it, I do not do what I don’t enjoy and here is another edition of No News detailing those simple efforts in my own way.
I always believe that an individual’s life must benefit society. There should be some social purpose along with personal. Otherwise, according to me it remains meaningless. We are all in some way or another, blessed with worldly fortunes of different kind. Do not remain contended at that point.
During my journey carrying the Team 1 and Talent Share banners, I have faced several obstacles. However, I did not deter. What inspired me were some simple steps of encouragement or support from those whom I interact with. Like, the words of one of my friend, who calls me at the middle of the night and tells me, Ramesh, there is a problem with the check-in system at the airport. I have identified corrective solutions for it, and have taken pictures of the present conditions. Please help me to submit it to the right authorities, so that the conditions could be improved in future. Or my friend, who write to me with photos saying that in his area, there are no playgrounds for children. But there is an open space which could be converted to a small playground. How do we go about it? Or another one more interesting an sms from a friend – “I just remembered you when I’m sitting in the most “annoying” place where we feel ashamed to be an Indian – The Indian Consulate Dubai -. (those who have gone there will agree with him)…. These are inspiring gestures that shows that they silently acknowledge to a few of the constructive social efforts I have been diligently carrying out for the last few years. There are some others too, like my son, who takes away the small note pad and pencil I keep handy in my car, when he notices a traffic arrogance happening in front of our car, to note down the time, place and car details. Because for sure he knows, I would have already memorised even the smaller details of it for reporting. There are pros and cons to it, and I do always look from all the angles before coming out with an action, which I initiate to the well being for a larger group, whoever it may be.
Many times, small action leads to bigger joyous happening. One such event that is happening around is the Team 1 Talent Share birthday celebrations. A suggestion by one of the participating member taken in the right spirit by all members is bringing joy to several young members and their families. To the extent, it made me happy when I listened to a friend who told me a conversation that happened at his home the other day. He told me, “my son is very happy nowadays. Because all these years his birthday used to fall on school holidays, and now yesterday, when I came from office, he was excited to tell me – Dad, this year I am going to celebrate my birthday in a big way with my friends at Talent Share.” His words conveyed the sense of oneness prevailing there and a feeling of assurance that his share of small joy will be taken care in a bigger way by all the members of Talent Share. It is a kind of confidence built over the period of this selfless journey.
Yes, the journey began in a small and singular way is gaining momentum and reaching bigger and wider regions and masses. Many of the individual talent that remained within four walls are now common names. We all know their style, character and attitude and orientations. This is a sustained process and you will agree that it is not possible to reach this far without dedication. Creativity and that too at this pace does require a sense of devotion and that is what is exhibited regularly.
When I encourage and nurture these young ones, I do remember clearly my own childhood, the limitations, the good and bad, the limited opportunities and guidance pool available. I remember and remind myself very well – the journey of a little boy, who fumbled and responded in feeble voice those days when the cane weaving, cigarette smelling hands of his class teacher passes by. I do remember all the time, the little boy, who loved to listen to stories at night, sucking one thumb and playing ganchira with the other hand. Those are the rejuvenating thoughts for my never-ending spirit to nurture these young ones, each one of whom I cherish and carry along.
Create an attitude at heart with intentions of welfare and selflessness added to it. This is the prime thought when there is some action happening from my side. In our epics, stories indicate how man’s mind reacts to others’ happiness and sorrows. Instead of feeling jealous about others’ prosperity one should feel happy and join him in his success. Similarly, one should show concern when encountering others in distress and try to give them solace. While noticing someone drowning in a river one rushes to save him spontaneously without deliberating whether he is one’s friend or enemy. Likewise our heart must automatically sympathise with the distressed. Good fortune and happiness in this life is due to God’s grace and meant for sharing with others not for one’s edification only. Broadmindedness, concern for others and selflessness are virtues which should be inculcated in children from an early age. Man’s intellect has its limitations and he cannot know everything on his own or learn only from his experience. So, it is always good to look at elders or experienced for guidance and inspirations to mould one’s life to a suitable format. One should not have reservation about learning from others and in the realm of learning, age should not be a deterrent. History has shown several examples of elderly person seeking knowledge from young and mastering important values and virtues in the process.
Utilise your talent or knowledge without inhibition and if you have a good or bad experience, taking cue from this note, do take a few minutes of your time to share it either at Team 1 blogs or Talent Share Fan page. I look forward to your comments and feedbacks. I am presenting to you in this edition a short synopsis of what happened at Team 1 blogs and Talent Share Fan page recently.
God bless you all and have a great journey ahead.
Ramesh Menon
10 Feb 2010
To read the old issues of No News, please click here
or email me at team1dubai@gmail.com
or become a member of Team 1 Talent Share google group http://groups.google.com/group/team-1-talent-share
The will to have it your way
The will to have it your way
The will to have it your way.
A write up about Sujit Sukumaran.
I am highlighting it this article here, as it details about his late father. Late Sri E N Sukumaran, was an inspiration to many of his friends and well wishers. Those who all know him never misses his presence, even so many years after his death.
My tributes and prayers to his soul, once again, while posting this message here.
Please also read: An inspiring story
Have a great week-end / week ahead all.
Ramesh Menon
28 Jan 2010
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