The power of a smile :)

Its 6 am in the morning. I snooze my alarm and go back to sleep. Mom comes to my room, half an hour later and shouts at me to wake up and get ready for college. Holy Christ! As always I’d overslept even today, cursing the alarm I sleepily walk out of the room, only mom was right and I was indeed late. I freshen up and have a strong cup of coffee along with a good dose from mom who reprimands me for staying up late and watching the SRK movie. I stand there in front of mom with an expressionless face and try my best to give a reaction which would evoke sympathy and possibly explain why the movie was so important, and why I couldn’t sleep well because of the dream, or whatever, but mom determined as she is goes on in full swing and I try my best to absorb her words, but in vain. I stand there for another two minutes and the minute I feel mom is done with her lecture, I smile innocently and wish mom a very good morning. One look at me and it’s a cue that I’ve to get out of the kitchen. On the way out, I see dad, who is just back from his morning walk, and says “Good morning, hope the Pooja went on well, I was able to hear mom’s mantra at the doorstep! Fuming, I come out and realize I haven’t switched on the geyser, and with a long face I somehow manage to take bath in the cold shower and my dresses which were supposed to be pressed, weren’t because I had been busy with err..Other things. I’m finally ready to leave, hurriedly I take oats and take tow stairs at once and as soon as I reach the gate it struck me that I had left my Id card on the table and run back again to get it. I almost run to the bus stop hurriedly saying my prayers and this dog keeps following me all the way, but you see I’m not afraid of dogs, well I think so. And I’m finally at the bus stop and to my relief the bus hasn’t arrived yet. The only good thing that happened to me since morning.

What a wonderful start to a day!

For the first time since I got up, I relaxed and I promised myself I’ll try to be better organized from then. But somehow I feel I’m irritated and I just can’t wait for the day to end already, though my day has just begun. Talking to myself and after finishing up with my prayers I just observe people, going on with their own business and there was this small girl, just about a year or so who was walking with her mom. She was looking so cute, babies always do, but there was something so catchy in her and out of an impulse I smiled at her and she looked at me for more than a minute and every voice inside me was saying “Ash, you’ve scared her for sure, just move out of her view before she starts crying else everyone around looks at you as though you’re the reason she started crying”. I honestly did not want any smile now, just wanted her not to cry, but out of the blue she gives me a wide smile and a broad toothless grin. I was relieved and she smiled at me again, I smiled back and the bus arrived and I was off the college.

Usually I keep myself occupied in the bus. I either read books or notes from cat classes or write my diary. I avoid talking or having conversations primarily because, mom always advises me to give rest to learn to keep quiet at times. Point accepted. And secondarily I feel I need to spend time with myself and just think about where I’m headed to, about my future, about my character, an introspection of sorts. But today, I realized I was restless and I couldn’t even read my book. I was recalling what happened at home and I was reminded about the small girl who smiled at me. Again, when I thought of her I started smiling. My grandma always says, whatever happens, happens only for our good. And as a person who truly believes it, I felt it was destined that way. May be god sensed my restlessness and irritation right at the beginning of the day and sent this small child, with its smile to light up my day. Think of it. You’re really upset with something and you just take a walk to organize your thoughts and someone whom you knew or didn’t, came up to you and smiled at you, wouldn’t you feel the difference? Wouldn’t you feel a bit better? Your day went horribly wrong, you shout at every person you lay your eyes on, reaching home you find that your mom has done something special for you, wouldn’t you feel happy? You were blamed for a mistake which you dint commit and when you come home you find your younger sister or brother, running happily towards you to share a chocolate or show you their drawing or their prize or something. Wouldn’t you actually feel the difference? Come on, on a normal day, when things are not blown out of proportion, do you appreciate what your mom or siblings have done? It’s only at these times, when we’re low that we realize how much their presence and smiles have an influence on us. Someone told me, you never know the power of a simple smile. We might have so many problems and worries, but when we smile at others when we see them, it will help them forget their worries at least for a minute. The purpose is served. You might as well end up making someone’ s day, just as how I realized the little one made my day! I was no longer restless or irritated and I smiled to myself and with a peace of mind went back to my introspection.

So I made up my mind. Next time I see someone, I’m going to smile at them as a way of acknowledging them. And next time my mom scolds me for something, I will surely keep smiling , but oh oh…I hope it doesn’t aggravate her anger, would she cool down or scold me all the more? Well I needn’t worry, I can try it tomorrow when I get up late and the see her reaction :) !

 :-) :-) :-)

Chennai Sangamam

(location : Venkatnarayana Road, Date:13.1.10, time: 10.30pm

1)first picture was taken by dad, 2)I took this one from the car, the lights in the road 3) a dance in progress 4)again the lights in Venkatnarayana road 5)the food stalls which were busy even at 11 in the night.)

Chennai Sangamam is primarily an initiative of Kanimozhi and is organised by the Tamil Maiyam and the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu . It is an annual event which aims to revive the traditional and cultural forms of rural folk art . This festival takes places during Pongal, the harvest festival  and is spread over a period of seven days. During the seven days,talented artists from all over the state perform in prominent parks and beaches  in the city. Along with the dance and music, food stalls are put up, showcasing traditional delicacies, adding flavour to the festival.It is thrown open to the public.

As a native of Tamil Nadu, who hasn't been to any of the remote villages, or witnessed the culture of the rural areas, personally, Chennai Sangamam is a welcome gesture. Its really nice, getting to know more about our native places in terms of their culture and way of life. I was always interested in this kind of a festival..I half heartedly accompanied by dad to Tnagar, on the eve of Pongal, since he wanted to take pictures of the lights in Venkatnarayan Road. What was so special about it was, the lights there were sponsored by the Panagal Park, Usman Road Shop Owners' Association and that was one of the reasons, why people thronged to that area. The lights that adorned the area, was such a blissful slight. That was the sole reason I agreed to go with dad. On reaching, we found the music and dance hard to resist, and I should say, the smell of Briyani was tempting me. So we parked our car near TTD temple and took a walk to where all the activity was. Mom said it was just like a thiruvizha, when we got there. It indeed was.There were different dances going on simultaneously on both sides of the road, and people were standing over the median to have a glimpse of what was happening on either sides.Mom and Dad told me about the different dances and the places where they were famous and I listened to them in one ear and the sounds of all the instruments filled my other ear.Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought I would stand over a median, but yea, I did and tapped my feet along with the beats of the instruments that were being used. Dad was having a gala time, taking picutes in his camera of each and every performance that was taking place, while mom and I settled near one of the dances. There was silambattum in one part of the road and acrobats on the other side.I really had a wonderful time enjoying the dance and music.And for the first time ever since I know, I cursed myself for having eaten at home because the smell of Kerala parotta and dindugal briyani were too tempting. I had already had my dinner, but still I did not want to go back without tasting anything, so finally after much thought, i got bhajjis from one of the food stalls and how could i ever return home without an icecream? So after eating the hot bhajjis, I got icecream from a local Kwality walls vendor. There was a karagatam going on near the newly opened Krishna Sweets and since it was Pongal the next day, they gave everyone hot sweet-pongal. After what dad said was the 23rd time I yawned, we decided to call it a day and left for our car. Back in the car, I took  a last look again at the brilliantly lit up road and admired the way it was dazzling. 

Hats of to all the co-ordinators and organisers of this grand festival for taking pains to deliver such a splendid programme. All the Best, Best wishes for Chennai Sangamam 2011!

Compering and Me

I was always interested in compering. I don't exactly remember as to when i became so crazy about it, but yea,there are certain things you just don't seem to notice when its growing, you notice is only when it blooms to the maximum extent and appears in front of you. And my college has indeed given me a good foundation to develop something which i never thought i could do.


1)The first time I compered. Guest lecture-1st year.
I was in my first year. Just one month in coll and we were having a free hour. A staff from our department, Shanmugathai Mam, came to our class and announced that there was going to be a guest lecture the next day and asked for volunteers for compering. I wanted to give my name but there was some inhibition and I succumbed to it. My then class coordinator, Satish sir coaxed me into giving my name and finally I gave my name. The reason I was not very much for it was because it had been hardly a month at coll, all of us were new and we were just getting used to each other and the college and staff and I dint want to experiment on something new right on the first month, not that I had stage fear! So I gave my name and all I mam handed me a paper and all I asked her was, 


"Mam, do I have to prepare anything on my own or do I have to just read the material which you've given." She immediately said,"hey your English is good, you're selected, meet me tomorrow at 9." 
I was at a loss for words and I was flying in the air. But then, I was determined to do well and stayed focused on that. Luckily for me, the compering went on well and I was content.


2) Convergence-1st year
I'd given my name for compering for our symposium. I was selected for the inaugural session along with another person. That was the first time when our Dean, Sitaraman Sir, appreciated us. While giving the inaugural address, he said" The MC's are doing a great job! keep it up!". That indeed was memorable because that was the first time; somebody appreciated me in front of an audience of about 400.


3) Sairam Institute Of Technology, Inception day - 3rd semester
When we were in our second year, Sairam Institute of Technology was started by our Chairman and luckily, I got the chance to compeer for the first induction day of SIT.

4) Women’s day function - 4rth semester
Our college usually celebrates Women's day. An eminent Women Entrepreneur is usually called to preside over the small function and every year, one student from each department is honoured the "Best outgoing women" with a medal. I compeered for the women’s day programme.


5)Induction day - 5th semester
I was in my 3rd year. This time I got to compeer with two more seniors of mine. Learnt a lot from them. The program went on well and I was feeling satisfied with myself :)


6) International conference Inauguration (ECE dept)- 6th semester
I'm in my 6th sem now. We had an International conference conducted jointly by the departments of ECE, CSE, IT and MCA. Our dept was in charge of the inaugural session and I got to compeer along with a few others from my department. I was compering for an International conference . Wow!

7)International conference, session 2- 6th semester
As a part of the three day conference mentioned above, I got a chance to conduct the paper presentation session scheduled for the day and a panel discussion regarding the theme of our Conference.

8)International Conference Inauguration (Mechanical dept)-6th semester
Soon after our International conference, the Department of Mechanical engineering also conducted a conference, and for reasons unknown(to others J) ,a few of us were selected to compeer. Before leaving for college in the morning, when I was talking to mom, I told her that for the first time in 3 years, ever since I started compering, there was this unknown fear in me. My mom just laughed it out and wished me luck and true to her word, It went on very well. I should say I put in my utmost, mainly because it was another department, but Thank God, everything went on smoothly and the Mechanical department staff was satisfied.
Hmm...Looking back, I should say Sairam has indeed given me more than what I dreamt of when I entered its gates on Day 1. I earnestly thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who've been instrumental and whose help I can never forget. A special note of thanks to Satish sir, who gave me the confidence that I could give it a try and To Shanmugathai Mam, without whom it wouldn't have been possible for me to write an entire post on just Compering and Me.


Touch Wood!!! :)

After a break of 6 months!

oh my!

Its been almost 6 months since i got to update my blog. And yea, I've not become lazy, just that I had my priorities on many other things.

some things worth mentioning during this 6 month break from blogging.

* college started and I'm in my 3rd year now. felt really good. Just dont know how the two years passed by and I really mean it, I enjoyed life at Sairam, despite what many say!

* I was given a splendid opportunity for compering ,again! I was called to compeer for the Induction day in college( and yea I plan to come up with a post regarding the compering!)

* There was this senior who tried to take her anger on me.Point to be noted is, I was not the reason for it) and i had a fight with her and so i dint participate in the symposium, but luckily for me( and unluckily for her) I got to be an integral part of it( God always stands by the truth you see!)And that was then I realized that God had again showered his grace on me! Thank you!

*Cousin's wedding was fixed and the Engagement was held in September. Had loads and loads of fun

* Dad got this new SLR camera. Its just amazing. I've started to develop an interest in photography now. really! i learnt the nuances of photography and handling the camera by clearing out all the ceramic dolls in our showcase( much to my mom's dismay . of course!)

*Been working out a lot :)

*had exams. As usual, Ellam avan seyal

* Cousin's wedding in November,I actually did some work for the family and i took two pattu sarees for the occasion :)

* Again, i was given a chance to compeer for the International conference conducted in our college. There were many groups selected and our group was scheduled to compere for the Inaugural ceremony! I grabbed the opportunity with everything i could muster and It went on well! full credits to my group members!

*Again, as a part of the INCON, i was called with another person to conduct a paper presentation and a panel discussion. The best part was , since we were a part of the conference, we got to have special lunch on both days! the ice creams were good :) and yea the food too.

* All of a sudden I started missing both my granpa's. The other day i saw this small girl being driven in the pram by her grandad supposedly and i couldn't hold back my tears when I was thinking of how pampered i was, by both my gradpa's. Hmm, i only wish, i only wish.............

* Cat classes going on in full swing and i decided to take it seriously and i tried my best to catch up with the classes. Thats's what is keeping me tired, a long drive to the class, just immediately after getting back home from coll.

* As for my friends, :)))))

* and now its 31st december and i'm here, with nothing to do and thinking of what else to write about!

Happy New year!

Why Hue and cry about Capitation fees?

The complaint:

For the past few days, the engineering and medical colleges of Tamil Nadu have come under the scanner for collecting exorbitant capitation fees. Parents of the so-called “Aspiring” students have put forward a word of complaint and The Government has created a board to keep a check on all colleges to see to that the fee structure of the colleges is in accordance to the norms established by the government.

Why capitation fees?

When the issue of collecting capitation fees was raised, I was told that according to the Government norms, for students who enter a college through counseling, a maximum of only Rs 40,000 could be paid as tuition fees and another Rs30,000 for transport and other fees. Practically, none of the colleges can sustain with a mere 40000. Every college needs to have a good infrastructure, the most important criteria when it comes to choosing a college. They need to have sufficient classrooms, adequate lab facilities equipped with the latest technology. They need to have enough teaching and non teaching staff, of good caliber and intellect and they have to pay them well. Since most of the colleges are situated away from the city, they need to have buses running all over the city. They have to provide good buses; you need drivers and assistants for that. And then there are lots more, its not a simple task to run an institution. So apart from tuition fees they collect money for transport and development and many other criteria. This is what I was told.

The Real Scenario.

Let me just give an example. In Chennai, I can buy a saree for mere Rs 1000 or I can get it for a lavish sum of 3lakhs (you get it for even more!). But it is my choice to select whichever saree I want. The people selling it for a huge sum are not cajoling me into buying it. The ball is entirely in my court and it’s up to me to choose whichever I want.

This is exactly what is happening in the colleges today. I WILL NOT BLAME THE INSTITUTIONS. It’s the parents who are to be blamed. If their child studied well and secured a decent score, they’re happy with it and wait patiently for the counseling. But not everyone can get the top rank, right? So what happens to students who have not performed well? Their parents, who are ready to pay lakhs or even crores to enroll their wards in a good institution, approach the top-notch colleges, explain to them the situation , that they need a seat for their ward in that particular college because of its excellent infrastructure and good placement offers etc .and as a compensation they pay the college, a “little” more than the normal fee structure.(mind you…its anyone’s guess as to how much “little” is in this context.)

So are the colleges forcing the parents pay the money? Are they compelling everyone who comes to their office to pay the huge sum? It’s the parents who go, enquire and pay. And why do they do all this? They do it because their children have not performed well, but in spite of it they want their child to get into the best colleges. So how can we blame the colleges? I’m not trying to justify what the colleges are doing, but still is it fair on our part to blame them? So finally what happens is, in a class of around 60 you have just 20 or so students who come from counseling and the remaining through management. So obviously the quality and standard of education will go down. I would actually say it’s a loss for colleges in terms of ranking. A student who couldn’t perform well in the 12^th grade, how will he be able to manage engineering or medical syllabus? Engineering is not an easy job and as for medicine, it goes without saying.

So I would say it’s only the parents’ mistake, forcing the children into going for engineering when they couldn’t manage a 12^th standard exam. So Parents, please don’t force your kids to do what you like, allow them to choose they field they wish to specialize in.