Friday, February 22, 2019
Random thoughts about Jeeyapuram House where Thatha Paati lived.
It was an old Agraharam styled house. It had a spacious Thinnai in the front of the house where I used to play one pitch cricket all the time with my friends. The space was perfect for 3 or 4 kifs to play cricket. My mamas would also join us once ina while and we had a great time spending at least 1 hour playing there. The Thinnai also doubled up as a Tution center for my Arunachalam mama to take Maths/accountancy tuition to the students from the village. The sessions would start very early in the morning around 6 am and go on till late evening. On a given day, there would be close to 50 to 100 students attending the tuition sessions. Sometimes I used to join those sessions finishing up my 10 std Maths problems or homework. The Thinnai was also our favorite place to hang out in the evenings as a family. I used to sit with Paati on the steps and Thatha used to get his "Easy Chair" out and put it facing the Perumal Koil. The whole evening would pass by so effortlessly as I heard stories from Paati and as we struck conversations with people walking past our house as they returned from work in the evenings. The steps of the house were also very distinct. Couple of them were just large pieces of Granite laid on top of each other. There was one cement step that had been created much later. I can still remember the Kolams paati used to put in front of the house which had the Cow dung as well as Hibuscus flower as decorations as well. Opposite to the house was a large vacant land which had a huge stack of Hay and couple of bullock carts. Behind the vacant land ran the Railway Lines. The trains were so punctual that Thatha used to tell time based on what trains passed through and at which speed. The goods train was a slow moving train whose sound lasted for close to 3 minutes. There were many times when I used to count all the bogies and even wave Byes to the train guard. I have walked through the railway lines and on the side of the railway lines many a times to go to the official Jeeyapuram railway station. Thatha used to take me there to the market streets to buy local stuff or go to the local tailor or shoe repair guy there. On the way to the jeeyaruram station there used to be couple of temples - One of them was the local ellachaami temple.I used to spend a lot of time at the temples around Jeeyapuram. My friend gokul and I used to do the Hanuman koil alankaram and even do the archanai/shlokams for Hanuman every Saturday evening. We would then take the prasadam(naatu chakarai/paanagam that Gokul used to bring from home) around the agraharam and share it with every house. Most of the mama and mamis used to bless us everytime we went and give us 1 or 2 rupees for the upkeep of the Hanuman sannadhi and buying prasadam/Suudam etc.One of my pleasant memories is the weekly alankaram/pujai Gokul and I did at the temple. It always gave a sense of satisfaction. Gokul was a great friend. He always looked after me as I was 2 or 3 years younger to him and was only 7 or 8 yrs old then. His house wouldn't have anything great to snack on or eat but he would always make sure that he shared whatever was there at home. sometimes he would just find Pottu kadalai or kalkandu and we used to be so happy to snack on those. Other friends I used to hang out together were Sethu (Gooch), Chandru , Prem Anand, Raaja. Most of them were elder to me but then they were very cordial and involved me in all the activities we did be it - play cricket or go across the cauvery river to Pluck Kodukapuli or spend 2 hours bathing in the Cauvery river where we played several games in water. My fond memories of Cauvery are with Thatha taking me and my sister chitra fr bath and meticulously applying soap and washing us and then applying Vibuthi on my face/hands/stomach. He used to then do Sandhya Vandhanam and then we used to go back home. The Nila choru we ate during Pournami at the banks of the cauvery wherein it used to be a PotLuck. All the maamis would pitch in with their choiciest food such as Thenga saadham/Puliyam Saadham/Thayir Saadham etc and about 30 to 40 folks would go to the Cauvery banks and eat in the bright moonlit sands. During the evenings, we used to play cricket under the banyan tree behind our house. We also used to play in the Cauvery sands when there was little to no water flowing. Great memories..More to follow as and when I remember....
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thatha's demise
Sad to inform the demise of my maternal grandfather - R.Venkatraman at around 5.30 pm,Thursday Feb 25th at Pondicherry.
Thatha was a great man, probably one of the most sincere and hard working persons I have ever known.A very methodical person who was a true engineer. He never wasted anything.I miss him a lot. As I sit in this far away land,I can't help crying silently for the departed soul.My heart goes to all my beloved ones crying their hearts out at Pondy at this hour of terrible loss for our Jeeyapuram family.The world has lost one of its favorite sons.He was an epitome of happiness, a signature of maturity and a symbol of hope. I recollect all the memorable incidents and mind boggling struggles he went through in his life to bring his sons and daughter to the status they enjoy today. A man who never expected anything in return.Simplicity is one word which could aptly describe him.
Long live R.Venkatraman's name. He is someone who can never be replaced by anyone! Love you Thatha. You were/are and will be the best!
More videos of my beloved Thatha here at this Youtube link
-Rajesh
Thatha was a great man, probably one of the most sincere and hard working persons I have ever known.A very methodical person who was a true engineer. He never wasted anything.I miss him a lot. As I sit in this far away land,I can't help crying silently for the departed soul.My heart goes to all my beloved ones crying their hearts out at Pondy at this hour of terrible loss for our Jeeyapuram family.The world has lost one of its favorite sons.He was an epitome of happiness, a signature of maturity and a symbol of hope. I recollect all the memorable incidents and mind boggling struggles he went through in his life to bring his sons and daughter to the status they enjoy today. A man who never expected anything in return.Simplicity is one word which could aptly describe him.
Long live R.Venkatraman's name. He is someone who can never be replaced by anyone! Love you Thatha. You were/are and will be the best!
More videos of my beloved Thatha here at this Youtube link
-Rajesh
Monday, September 8, 2008
Man fires gun in movie theater, still on the loose
Man fires gun in movie theater, still on the loose
Such headline news for Austin don't seem surprising but then its scary to realize that this happened yesterday when I was sitting in an adjacent movie screening oblivious to this happen in the nearby room.
Insanity and weirdness of Austin!Anything can happen anywhere!
-Raapi
Such headline news for Austin don't seem surprising but then its scary to realize that this happened yesterday when I was sitting in an adjacent movie screening oblivious to this happen in the nearby room.
Insanity and weirdness of Austin!Anything can happen anywhere!
-Raapi
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Fascinating Jeeyapuram days By SriLakshmi
• I’m really exited to recollect some of my thoughts of Jeeyapuram, where I, Kishen & Varsha used to have a lot of fun by playing bus game sitting on the oonjal & thinking it to be our bus.
• Everyday morning somehow we’ll wake up by 6.00(I didn’t talk of school days).Usually KIshen & Varsha would be the first. Always if it was Kishen who woke up first, he’ll wake Varsha leaving me sleeping.
They both will have fun either swinging on the jula/scribbling on the board when I get up I’ll see them having fun& start to cry.
• Paati would start to shout & thaatha will swing his left hand & come to beat me. Later we’ll compromise & he’ll take us {the 3 roses}, to Cauvery we’ll be having a lot of fun there splashing water at each other. Meanwhile thaatha will be washing our clothes, then after we come out of the water, we’ll wipe ourselves & thaatha will apply vibudhi on our heads & we’ll return back home by 10.00(raathri illa)
• Then I’ll play with ANU, my best friend (lallitha teacher’s paethi) choppu chamaan in a room opposite to her home. Kishen will also come. But I & Anu will be avoiding him (in order to deceive him for the above mentioned incident).
One day, Kishen was complaining of Anu to paati & called her “kurangu moonji” I was a very innocent child (not was, even now) & so I told Anu what he said about her. She started to wail till LALLITHA TEACHER came running enquiring me like a C.I.D enquiring a thief about the theft. I shuddered with fear & narrated everything to her .she came home, informed paati about everything & I got a good doze from her.
O.K I think it is more than enough. I’ve not written like this even in my exams for 15 mark answers. Soon, there’ll be internet connection in my home & so I’ll also be joining the Jeeyapuram group.
Anyway, good bye everyone!!!!!!!!
Yours thoughtfully (of Jeeyapuram),
Srilashree
• Everyday morning somehow we’ll wake up by 6.00(I didn’t talk of school days).Usually KIshen & Varsha would be the first. Always if it was Kishen who woke up first, he’ll wake Varsha leaving me sleeping.
They both will have fun either swinging on the jula/scribbling on the board when I get up I’ll see them having fun& start to cry.
• Paati would start to shout & thaatha will swing his left hand & come to beat me. Later we’ll compromise & he’ll take us {the 3 roses}, to Cauvery we’ll be having a lot of fun there splashing water at each other. Meanwhile thaatha will be washing our clothes, then after we come out of the water, we’ll wipe ourselves & thaatha will apply vibudhi on our heads & we’ll return back home by 10.00(raathri illa)
• Then I’ll play with ANU, my best friend (lallitha teacher’s paethi) choppu chamaan in a room opposite to her home. Kishen will also come. But I & Anu will be avoiding him (in order to deceive him for the above mentioned incident).
One day, Kishen was complaining of Anu to paati & called her “kurangu moonji” I was a very innocent child (not was, even now) & so I told Anu what he said about her. She started to wail till LALLITHA TEACHER came running enquiring me like a C.I.D enquiring a thief about the theft. I shuddered with fear & narrated everything to her .she came home, informed paati about everything & I got a good doze from her.
O.K I think it is more than enough. I’ve not written like this even in my exams for 15 mark answers. Soon, there’ll be internet connection in my home & so I’ll also be joining the Jeeyapuram group.
Anyway, good bye everyone!!!!!!!!
Yours thoughtfully (of Jeeyapuram),
Srilashree
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
PAATY’S FAVOURITE MENUS TASTED BY ALL
1. Sivarathiri …….:
Sivarathiri night suda suda pasi paruppu kanchi. That too not in a tumbler but in thattoo.Kaiyaal nakki nakki urinji kudipom.One litre per person was not enough that day.We remember sivarathri only with pasi paruppu kanchi.It is going to be more than 15 years since I enjoyed that kanchi.
2.Thiruvathirai…..:
The sweet thiruvatharai kali with thalathai kuzambu.What a great combination.On the whole day, for all the 3 times our menu was this only.Oru periya adukku naraiya,kaliyara time theriyathu.
Everyone has started preparing this one but no one able to achieve at least 10% of the taste of the Patt’y kali.
3.Ennai Kathirikka…..:
Kutty kutty muzhu ennaikathirikka . My tongue has been lounging for that one for the past 15 years but till not.
4.Thakkali thokku……:
If thakkali thokku available, whatever be the quantum of thayir shatham would automatically go into our belly in a fraction of second.Within 2 days vazhichi vazhichi muzhungi viduvom.The tireless patty never gets tired of preparing the thokku.The Supply from Patty always ≥ the consumption of thokku.
One time when we were returning from Sabarimalai,we had a sleep upto 5 hours in the van and when we reached Kutralam, we had an hour bath in the falls.We had a gaba gaba pasi.Suda Suda cooker Satham mixed with Sabarimalai Nai and one full horlicks bottle of Patt’s thakkali thokku…… Appa…… what a devarmitham…… Still the memories and my nakku is behind the event..
5.Ishtoo…….:
Ishtoo made up off urulaikizhangu and periya vengayam….Always a very big anda preparations.This we needed for all the 3 times of that day.Still we did”nt get bored. Now a days Brindha prepares this whenever I visit her house. The taste is also equivalent to our patty’s.Favourite menu to affectionate brother from affectionate only sister.
6.Paruupu urundai…….:
Paruppu urundai kuzambu ……We fought for no of urundais.No one is now a days preparing it.
7.Seppangizhangu …….:
Vasanaiyana Seppankizangu (muzhu muzhu kizhangu) sambar…..I knew pretty well that I would be suffering from Gas trouble after taking this one,but still I went behind in tasting it. My appetite for Seppankizhangu sambar was ≥ the after effect of consuming that one.
8.Sambaar puli……:
Sambaar puli made up of Kothamalli leaves and vellam.The best combination for morunsatham. Urutti Urutti verum vaiykke muzungividuvom.
9.Vengaya Vadaam…….:
Not the one now being prepared. origination from compounder mami.The old type of vengaya vadaam.Good combination for thayir satham.When it was dropped into Keerai Masiyal the taste goes to heaven.Once upon a time Brindha used to prepare it.
10.Oothaappam…..:
Oothaapam prepared in a cheen chatty with pachai vega vaitha sundaikka springled into it…no one can compare the taste.But we were being offered only 1 or 2 oothaapam and not more than that……Kanjus patty!!!!!
11.More Koozhu…….:
More koozhu with the Thayir kudai milagai, a different ever memorable taste.
These are the items I really enjoyed from patty 15 years ago and at present my tongue has dried and yearning for the menus.Instead of going behind the taste of the food items we have now accustomed to adjust our taste to the menus being offered by the marumagals.Ethaiyum thinnum vayiru.
We have to take a marugenmam to have once again the taste of above menus from patty.
-arunachalam
Sivarathiri night suda suda pasi paruppu kanchi. That too not in a tumbler but in thattoo.Kaiyaal nakki nakki urinji kudipom.One litre per person was not enough that day.We remember sivarathri only with pasi paruppu kanchi.It is going to be more than 15 years since I enjoyed that kanchi.
2.Thiruvathirai…..:
The sweet thiruvatharai kali with thalathai kuzambu.What a great combination.On the whole day, for all the 3 times our menu was this only.Oru periya adukku naraiya,kaliyara time theriyathu.
Everyone has started preparing this one but no one able to achieve at least 10% of the taste of the Patt’y kali.
3.Ennai Kathirikka…..:
Kutty kutty muzhu ennaikathirikka . My tongue has been lounging for that one for the past 15 years but till not.
4.Thakkali thokku……:
If thakkali thokku available, whatever be the quantum of thayir shatham would automatically go into our belly in a fraction of second.Within 2 days vazhichi vazhichi muzhungi viduvom.The tireless patty never gets tired of preparing the thokku.The Supply from Patty always ≥ the consumption of thokku.
One time when we were returning from Sabarimalai,we had a sleep upto 5 hours in the van and when we reached Kutralam, we had an hour bath in the falls.We had a gaba gaba pasi.Suda Suda cooker Satham mixed with Sabarimalai Nai and one full horlicks bottle of Patt’s thakkali thokku…… Appa…… what a devarmitham…… Still the memories and my nakku is behind the event..
5.Ishtoo…….:
Ishtoo made up off urulaikizhangu and periya vengayam….Always a very big anda preparations.This we needed for all the 3 times of that day.Still we did”nt get bored. Now a days Brindha prepares this whenever I visit her house. The taste is also equivalent to our patty’s.Favourite menu to affectionate brother from affectionate only sister.
6.Paruupu urundai…….:
Paruppu urundai kuzambu ……We fought for no of urundais.No one is now a days preparing it.
7.Seppangizhangu …….:
Vasanaiyana Seppankizangu (muzhu muzhu kizhangu) sambar…..I knew pretty well that I would be suffering from Gas trouble after taking this one,but still I went behind in tasting it. My appetite for Seppankizhangu sambar was ≥ the after effect of consuming that one.
8.Sambaar puli……:
Sambaar puli made up of Kothamalli leaves and vellam.The best combination for morunsatham. Urutti Urutti verum vaiykke muzungividuvom.
9.Vengaya Vadaam…….:
Not the one now being prepared. origination from compounder mami.The old type of vengaya vadaam.Good combination for thayir satham.When it was dropped into Keerai Masiyal the taste goes to heaven.Once upon a time Brindha used to prepare it.
10.Oothaappam…..:
Oothaapam prepared in a cheen chatty with pachai vega vaitha sundaikka springled into it…no one can compare the taste.But we were being offered only 1 or 2 oothaapam and not more than that……Kanjus patty!!!!!
11.More Koozhu…….:
More koozhu with the Thayir kudai milagai, a different ever memorable taste.
These are the items I really enjoyed from patty 15 years ago and at present my tongue has dried and yearning for the menus.Instead of going behind the taste of the food items we have now accustomed to adjust our taste to the menus being offered by the marumagals.Ethaiyum thinnum vayiru.
We have to take a marugenmam to have once again the taste of above menus from patty.
-arunachalam
Friday, December 21, 2007
Memories of Jeeyapuram
1 CRICKET STADIUM AT COLOR TV MAMI AAM :
30 TO 50 members from kutties to thathas assembling and watching DAY,NIGHT and midnight cricket. When India was up during the match,no one was supposed to change his seating position.Golden days!!! Even if u prepare to buy a ticket of Rs.10000now, u won't get back that enjoyment.
2.CRICKET MATCHES:
Theru matches,alamaram matches,school ground matches,and the KAMBARASAMBETTAI MATCH------- Rajesh hitting (????) the winning run!
3.CHITRA POUNRNAMI :
Each house contributing 1 item-Cauvery get-together by all the houses members-midnight masala eatables at Cauvery.No Marina beach will stand equivalent to that day of Cauvery. Pura's soup.(jambu mama's soup)
4.AADI KRITHIGAI:
Who will forget about the "sami attam" like the one at Palakkad on Sasthapreethi day.Various alagu kuthal.
5.PONGAL HOLIDAYS TO REPUBLIC DAY :
Various competitions.quiz,lot of prizes to almost all the members of the street,from kutties to thathas.Rajesh "thooliyilae adavantha vanathu minvilakke"
6.CAROM WITH BALAJI:
Carom match upto midnight- CA&Balaji Vs Lever&kuttu. More than the spectators were much eagerly watching.
7.INTERESTING CHARACTER :
Kirukku Krishnan - best friend of VAN & VB
8.NIGHT PATROL :
During summer, night patrol around our street. Some members took part just to have snacks and tea being offered for the goorghas. Balan caught a thief during the patrol but after 6 to 7 hours of torture that fellow seemed to be “FULL PAITHIAM”.
THERE ARE SAD THOUGHTS ALSO
1.The washing away of Anand on the early morning of Grahanam’s day in the Cauvery, got the body only after 2 days.He was very obedient and very affectionate towards our thatha and patty.
2.The opening batsman Jeeyapuram Gavaskar(Mohan- ward of YRK & Rajeswari mami).Very close to all our family members.
By - arunachalam (fondly addressed as CA by everyone)
30 TO 50 members from kutties to thathas assembling and watching DAY,NIGHT and midnight cricket. When India was up during the match,no one was supposed to change his seating position.Golden days!!! Even if u prepare to buy a ticket of Rs.10000now, u won't get back that enjoyment.
2.CRICKET MATCHES:
Theru matches,alamaram matches,school ground matches,and the KAMBARASAMBETTAI MATCH------- Rajesh hitting (????) the winning run!
3.CHITRA POUNRNAMI :
Each house contributing 1 item-Cauvery get-together by all the houses members-midnight masala eatables at Cauvery.No Marina beach will stand equivalent to that day of Cauvery. Pura's soup.(jambu mama's soup)
4.AADI KRITHIGAI:
Who will forget about the "sami attam" like the one at Palakkad on Sasthapreethi day.Various alagu kuthal.
5.PONGAL HOLIDAYS TO REPUBLIC DAY :
Various competitions.quiz,lot of prizes to almost all the members of the street,from kutties to thathas.Rajesh "thooliyilae adavantha vanathu minvilakke"
6.CAROM WITH BALAJI:
Carom match upto midnight- CA&Balaji Vs Lever&kuttu. More than the spectators were much eagerly watching.
7.INTERESTING CHARACTER :
Kirukku Krishnan - best friend of VAN & VB
8.NIGHT PATROL :
During summer, night patrol around our street. Some members took part just to have snacks and tea being offered for the goorghas. Balan caught a thief during the patrol but after 6 to 7 hours of torture that fellow seemed to be “FULL PAITHIAM”.
THERE ARE SAD THOUGHTS ALSO
1.The washing away of Anand on the early morning of Grahanam’s day in the Cauvery, got the body only after 2 days.He was very obedient and very affectionate towards our thatha and patty.
2.The opening batsman Jeeyapuram Gavaskar(Mohan- ward of YRK & Rajeswari mami).Very close to all our family members.
By - arunachalam (fondly addressed as CA by everyone)
From Brindha akka and athimber
Thank you Jayanthi ,Chitra and Uma....
I had left OUR HOUSE on marriage in 1974 and all of you became nattupongals...daughters in law of the house thereafter, Hence I couldnt exerrcise my powers as naathanar, Ofcourse I thank you all for certifying me as a good Akka but would like my brothers to confirm whether I was/I am a good Akka to them..... Ofcourse I had periodical reporting about the good, adjustable,pious, obdient,nature of all of you through my secret agent...my mother....who consider all of you as their daughters....
My brothers also now and then hinted to me their fortune in having such good wives...Kindly keep it up....
I am a part of Jeeyapuram family...shall write my views about many things soon..
I only recollect with pleasure the hose at Jeeypauram where all our family members starting from our grandmother Lakshmiammal and all kids till now......!!!!!! have met on many an occasion and lived together.... and enojoyed the plesure of being part of a large joint family.....
Anna ,my father and Manni my mother always like the happiness and welfare of all always and I like to contribute towards their wish
SARVE JANAHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU.......
Thank you to ALL GOOD NATTUPONGALS....OR MATTUPONGALS....
Your athimber is a silent spectator and support to me in all my efforts.... He also praises all of you Nattupongals.... for having given me no opportunity to exercise my inherent powers...
BRINDHA AKKA.....
I had left OUR HOUSE on marriage in 1974 and all of you became nattupongals...daughters in law of the house thereafter, Hence I couldnt exerrcise my powers as naathanar, Ofcourse I thank you all for certifying me as a good Akka but would like my brothers to confirm whether I was/I am a good Akka to them..... Ofcourse I had periodical reporting about the good, adjustable,pious, obdient,nature of all of you through my secret agent...my mother....who consider all of you as their daughters....
My brothers also now and then hinted to me their fortune in having such good wives...Kindly keep it up....
I am a part of Jeeyapuram family...shall write my views about many things soon..
I only recollect with pleasure the hose at Jeeypauram where all our family members starting from our grandmother Lakshmiammal and all kids till now......!!!!!! have met on many an occasion and lived together.... and enojoyed the plesure of being part of a large joint family.....
Anna ,my father and Manni my mother always like the happiness and welfare of all always and I like to contribute towards their wish
SARVE JANAHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU.......
Thank you to ALL GOOD NATTUPONGALS....OR MATTUPONGALS....
Your athimber is a silent spectator and support to me in all my efforts.... He also praises all of you Nattupongals.... for having given me no opportunity to exercise my inherent powers...
BRINDHA AKKA.....
Patrolling in Jeeyapuram - A funny episode
From: balakrishnan v
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:47:06 +0530
Local: Fri, Dec 21 2007 3:17 am
Subject: RE: about the jeeyapuram experiences
Dear Aruna//Narayanan
You kept it half way
night patrol:
Sriram incident:
Sriram with his structure used to show others as he knows every thing and a heavy weight champion. This made him to act like a hero in this incident.
Where when on patrolling they caught the theif and were surrounded by our people patrolling. Every body started throwing stones at that fellow who was at the dark, While throwing one of us called Sriram loudly. This name was taken by the thief who escaped, and used to come by train.
The next day he was searching for Sriram and gave good treatment. Thereafter he was rested for some days.
whenever we used to call him we call him with this incident.
V. balakrishna
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:47:06 +0530
Local: Fri, Dec 21 2007 3:17 am
Subject: RE: about the jeeyapuram experiences
Dear Aruna//Narayanan
You kept it half way
night patrol:
Sriram incident:
Sriram with his structure used to show others as he knows every thing and a heavy weight champion. This made him to act like a hero in this incident.
Where when on patrolling they caught the theif and were surrounded by our people patrolling. Every body started throwing stones at that fellow who was at the dark, While throwing one of us called Sriram loudly. This name was taken by the thief who escaped, and used to come by train.
The next day he was searching for Sriram and gave good treatment. Thereafter he was rested for some days.
whenever we used to call him we call him with this incident.
V. balakrishna
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:23:35 +0530
From: Ananth
Dear Arunachalam
It was really a good compilation of good old days of Jiyapuram. There is a good interesting story behind in most of the bullet points which only very few of us experienced in this Jiyapuram Group. I think some brief naration (interesting fact) required on each point so that the others who were not involved will be able to follow & enjoy.
I'm pointing out all these because I was the one who is either involved or experienced in almost all the points mentioned by all of you.For example on one point I give you an interesting story.
night patrol:
Sriram incident:
During summer there are lots of theft cases happened in our agraharam , so it was decided to have night patrol from 12 midnight to morning 4'o clock.It's headed by LIC officer who was there in our village. Myself, Balan represented from our house , Sekar, Bombay, Krishnan,Sriram, Narayanan and somme more people from agraharam attended.
Off-course some of the people attended this just to have fun with tea & snacks (but not me!!!).
One day, our team had found one thief who was plucking coconuts from the tree and the area was pitch dark with big bush. Sriram , Krishnan have lead the team and they were throwing stones in the bushes shouting " dey yaaruda ! velila vaada " and one of the team members told that "Dey Sriram anga check pannuda, thirudan angathan irukkan". Finally the thief had run away and escaped from there.
The thief was a local "roudy" , came next day to the agraharam and asked "dey yaaruda Sriram, vara solluda". Everyone escaped from there without telling anything.
Immediately after that incident, emergency meeting was called and it was decided not to mention anyone's name, instead give some alias name(patta peru) .
Giving patta peru had also gone into very interesting discussion throughout the night which itself is a very interesing one like ezharai, etc...
Really that's a very humorous and most enjoyable moment.
Regards
Ananth
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Harish - The darling of Jeeyapuram
From: harish
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:47:28 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:17 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
well..this is going very interesting..
i'm waiting for everyone's replies and would like to come with mine which i suppose would be a little hilarious, fascinating and which nobody of you have ever experienced..
for a sample i'll tell you this...
=>i once stole kollu paati's odomas and took it to school which she was searching for all over the house...
=> once i was caught at school for possessing auto horn in my bag which appa had newly got for me and which was in the possession of kollu paati (i stole that too..)...
=> then i used to open thatha's drawers with duplicate keys and nondify things only to find thatha hunting me behind for the keys but as you all know i was the most elusive and still am....
all of you give your experiences and i'll come up with mine as the final one as i'm the most experienced of all the folks here..
and one of the most unforgettable things is my time with PRARTHANA...
one of my greatest friends..
i wish i'm still in touch with her..but unfortunately i lost contact..
which i would love to revive...
-Harish
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:47:28 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:17 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
well..this is going very interesting..
i'm waiting for everyone's replies and would like to come with mine which i suppose would be a little hilarious, fascinating and which nobody of you have ever experienced..
for a sample i'll tell you this...
=>i once stole kollu paati's odomas and took it to school which she was searching for all over the house...
=> once i was caught at school for possessing auto horn in my bag which appa had newly got for me and which was in the possession of kollu paati (i stole that too..)...
=> then i used to open thatha's drawers with duplicate keys and nondify things only to find thatha hunting me behind for the keys but as you all know i was the most elusive and still am....
all of you give your experiences and i'll come up with mine as the final one as i'm the most experienced of all the folks here..
and one of the most unforgettable things is my time with PRARTHANA...
one of my greatest friends..
i wish i'm still in touch with her..but unfortunately i lost contact..
which i would love to revive...
-Harish
Elipori episode - Ananth and Balan
From Ananth
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:23:17 +0530From: vanan...@yahoo.co.inSubject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..To: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
When you are thinking about thaatha keeping elipori, I would like to mention one (not one but many times it has happened) interesting event that is thaatha every time would like to nondify all old items kept in the big wooden box (getting some shouting from paati ) and come out saying that remove this thelu (scorpian) koddukku ie. evertime he gets scorpian bite but without any big fuss. You may just mention to paati , which she used to complain to me (because I was the only listner amoung the dumb mamas ) immediately during those days.
Regards
Ananth
From: balakrishnan v
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:37:49 +0530
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 1:07 am
Subject: RE: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
Yes I do remember
Ramachandran, once this vadai kept outside after replacement, eaten by him. When thatha asked for that vadai to throw in dustbin, he shocked to have eaten that vadai.
There is so much like this to be penned.
But the vambu mama need not mention about being dumb because we did not want these kind of things, which was the only work by N-mama, who even if you dont tell,he will get the things out from you.
-V. balakrishnaN
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:23:17 +0530From: vanan...@yahoo.co.inSubject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..To: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
When you are thinking about thaatha keeping elipori, I would like to mention one (not one but many times it has happened) interesting event that is thaatha every time would like to nondify all old items kept in the big wooden box (getting some shouting from paati ) and come out saying that remove this thelu (scorpian) koddukku ie. evertime he gets scorpian bite but without any big fuss. You may just mention to paati , which she used to complain to me (because I was the only listner amoung the dumb mamas ) immediately during those days.
Regards
Ananth
From: balakrishnan v
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:37:49 +0530
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 1:07 am
Subject: RE: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
Yes I do remember
Ramachandran, once this vadai kept outside after replacement, eaten by him. When thatha asked for that vadai to throw in dustbin, he shocked to have eaten that vadai.
There is so much like this to be penned.
But the vambu mama need not mention about being dumb because we did not want these kind of things, which was the only work by N-mama, who even if you dont tell,he will get the things out from you.
-V. balakrishnaN
Few more from Rajesh
From: "rajesh vijayaraghavan"
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:38:37 -0600
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:38 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
Wow..
This topic is getting very very interesting.
Hope Harish/kishen/Varsha ,arunachalam mama,my appa and everyone replies
with their thoughts.
Narayanan Mama,
Is Chitra maami active with emails.Ask her also to participate in our
discussions.I can vividly remember how she used to enjoy in jiyapuram going
to cauvery and playing cards etc.
I am listing 5 more things that come to mind...
-elipori that thatha used to keep with a small piece of vadai or vadaam.
-Paati and thatha's special therati paal making event.They used to keep
churning the milk for hours together.
-Paati/Thaathaa's hand-made washing soap making process.
-Thaatha churning out butter from buttermilk by rapidly shaking the bottle.
-deepavali urundai that paati used to give everyone.
-Rajesh
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:38:37 -0600
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:38 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
Wow..
This topic is getting very very interesting.
Hope Harish/kishen/Varsha ,arunachalam mama,my appa and everyone replies
with their thoughts.
Narayanan Mama,
Is Chitra maami active with emails.Ask her also to participate in our
discussions.I can vividly remember how she used to enjoy in jiyapuram going
to cauvery and playing cards etc.
I am listing 5 more things that come to mind...
-elipori that thatha used to keep with a small piece of vadai or vadaam.
-Paati and thatha's special therati paal making event.They used to keep
churning the milk for hours together.
-Paati/Thaathaa's hand-made washing soap making process.
-Thaatha churning out butter from buttermilk by rapidly shaking the bottle.
-deepavali urundai that paati used to give everyone.
-Rajesh
Memories from Ananth - Lever
From: Ananthanarayanan V
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:47:49 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:17 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
I thought , i just listen to all of your comments/likings about good old Jiyapuram days. When I think of Jiyapuram , there are tons of incidents/fond memories coming to mind which I dont think I'll be able to narate in one single mail.
I'll just add some commentory to some of the points listed by you people.
Regarding cauvery bathing (eveno comment panninan !!!!) - it was wonderful experience going to cauvery , playing cricket in the river sand in the evening, chat with all our mates (all vambus will be karandhufied from all persons ) and then take bath (without soap ......) and come back to house by 7.o clock. (getting ready for then next event).
Others will come one by one. (lots & lots - which everybody including Brindha will agree particularly on my thinnai vambu with all of jiyapuram prople including mamis).
Regards
Ananth
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:47:49 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:17 am
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
I thought , i just listen to all of your comments/likings about good old Jiyapuram days. When I think of Jiyapuram , there are tons of incidents/fond memories coming to mind which I dont think I'll be able to narate in one single mail.
I'll just add some commentory to some of the points listed by you people.
Regarding cauvery bathing (eveno comment panninan !!!!) - it was wonderful experience going to cauvery , playing cricket in the river sand in the evening, chat with all our mates (all vambus will be karandhufied from all persons ) and then take bath (without soap ......) and come back to house by 7.o clock. (getting ready for then next event).
Others will come one by one. (lots & lots - which everybody including Brindha will agree particularly on my thinnai vambu with all of jiyapuram prople including mamis).
Regards
Ananth
Cherished memories from Jayanthi Balakrishnan
From: jaya lakshmi
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:40:57 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:10 am
Subject: RE: New topic : About Jeeyapuram.. from jayanthi
Hello all
I'm not having that much experience in Jeeyapuram , since i rarely
came to jeeyapuram.
But when i thought about jeeyapuram , whatever comes in my mind is
* the naughty & cute fellow harish who was just 5 yrs when i first entered into jeeyapuram , put ice cubes on me and played
* the gentle & affectinate persons rajesh & chitra , some times i very much admired their intellectual talks
* UNJAL
* warm welcome, close & affectionate behaviour of all elders (patti , thata , all annas , Mannis)
* only one day experience with kollu patti (lakshmi patti)-who teaches us
how to clean greens-keerai
* ellambuli amman koil trip with all .
* visit to kaveri with my husband , chitra manni & vambu , kindel anna
* experience with my nathanar who never behave like nathanar,more like akka
* experience with periya anna & manni - when i came for sumangali puja
( when i saw him very first time) - his kind enquiries - talks
thats all .
Jayanthi Balakrishnan
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:40:57 +0530 (IST)
Local: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:10 am
Subject: RE: New topic : About Jeeyapuram.. from jayanthi
Hello all
I'm not having that much experience in Jeeyapuram , since i rarely
came to jeeyapuram.
But when i thought about jeeyapuram , whatever comes in my mind is
* the naughty & cute fellow harish who was just 5 yrs when i first entered into jeeyapuram , put ice cubes on me and played
* the gentle & affectinate persons rajesh & chitra , some times i very much admired their intellectual talks
* UNJAL
* warm welcome, close & affectionate behaviour of all elders (patti , thata , all annas , Mannis)
* only one day experience with kollu patti (lakshmi patti)-who teaches us
how to clean greens-keerai
* ellambuli amman koil trip with all .
* visit to kaveri with my husband , chitra manni & vambu , kindel anna
* experience with my nathanar who never behave like nathanar,more like akka
* experience with periya anna & manni - when i came for sumangali puja
( when i saw him very first time) - his kind enquiries - talks
thats all .
Jayanthi Balakrishnan
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Dr.Chitra's memories.
From: "CHITRA VIJAYARAGHAVAN"
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:27:03 -0600
Local: Wed, Dec 19 2007 5:27 pm
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
My liking .pls note it is not in any specific order.just flashes into my
mind wen i think of jeeyapuram
1. bath in cauvery morning and evening accompanied by thatha.
2.paatis food and thatha getting us kuthchi icecream,soanpapdi
3.mandagapodi ,seetha kalayam..all fun things
4.my friends mithra,sathya,bharath
5.iyyapan poojai ,paanagams and visit to sivan koil with paati everyday
and extra for me and rajesh..the tst bus which goes from thillainagar to
jeeyapuram where we stand up the stop before jeeyapuram.
many more sweet things.
i know one thing for sure ..n mamas first choice would be koil prasadham and
mandagapodi food...any bets anyone?
-chitra
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:27:03 -0600
Local: Wed, Dec 19 2007 5:27 pm
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
My liking .pls note it is not in any specific order.just flashes into my
mind wen i think of jeeyapuram
1. bath in cauvery morning and evening accompanied by thatha.
2.paatis food and thatha getting us kuthchi icecream,soanpapdi
3.mandagapodi ,seetha kalayam..all fun things
4.my friends mithra,sathya,bharath
5.iyyapan poojai ,paanagams and visit to sivan koil with paati everyday
and extra for me and rajesh..the tst bus which goes from thillainagar to
jeeyapuram where we stand up the stop before jeeyapuram.
many more sweet things.
i know one thing for sure ..n mamas first choice would be koil prasadham and
mandagapodi food...any bets anyone?
-chitra
another 5 examples of cherished things
Harish,
I am not asking for a vote on things I listed. I am only asking for
things that each one of us remembers and cherishes when you think of
jeeyapuram.
Let me give you another 5 examples of things that I could recollect and
cherish about jeeyapuram..
-The paanagam after paati/thatha's poojai
-Facinated by the urikoal used by thatha to rip open the coconuts.
-The thinnai and the thulasi madam
-The kolla pakkams and the thenna marams
-easy chair :-)
Now your turn people..Bring out your wildest ideas and even any minute
details of even small,unique things abt jeeyapuram/house.
I already have another 5 more things to list..but I shall wait for
atleast 3 more replies and then I shall list again.
Thanks,
Rajesh
________________________________
From: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
[mailto:jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of harish deep
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 10:15 AM
To: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
this is a tricky question..its really hard to answer or choose among the
alternatives, as all are very vital and special in their own respect and
give us sweet memories....
its like asking which one you need for survival and giving the options
fire,air,water,earth and sky
I am not asking for a vote on things I listed. I am only asking for
things that each one of us remembers and cherishes when you think of
jeeyapuram.
Let me give you another 5 examples of things that I could recollect and
cherish about jeeyapuram..
-The paanagam after paati/thatha's poojai
-Facinated by the urikoal used by thatha to rip open the coconuts.
-The thinnai and the thulasi madam
-The kolla pakkams and the thenna marams
-easy chair :-)
Now your turn people..Bring out your wildest ideas and even any minute
details of even small,unique things abt jeeyapuram/house.
I already have another 5 more things to list..but I shall wait for
atleast 3 more replies and then I shall list again.
Thanks,
Rajesh
________________________________
From: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
[mailto:jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of harish deep
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 10:15 AM
To: jeeyapuram_family@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: New topic : About Jeeyapuram..
this is a tricky question..its really hard to answer or choose among the
alternatives, as all are very vital and special in their own respect and
give us sweet memories....
its like asking which one you need for survival and giving the options
fire,air,water,earth and sky
What did you like the most about Jeeyapuram?
Hi all,
What did you like the most about Jeeyapuram?
List 5 things about jeeyapuram in the order of your liking/
favorites...
1)Paati's food
2)Thaathaa's activities around the house
3)Kaaveri
4)DPs - dhanda pindams :)
5)Playing cricket and other indoor games with friends
-Rajesh
What did you like the most about Jeeyapuram?
List 5 things about jeeyapuram in the order of your liking/
favorites...
1)Paati's food
2)Thaathaa's activities around the house
3)Kaaveri
4)DPs - dhanda pindams :)
5)Playing cricket and other indoor games with friends
-Rajesh
Monday, March 21, 2005
Jeeyapuram! Its a beautiful life!
(This is one of my 'yet-another-nostalgic-accounts' which has been long pending!It is the narration of a typical day at Jeeyapuram - a wonderful village located on the banks of the river cauvery in Trichy.This is where my maternal grandparents lived till a few years ago and all my childhood annual vacations were spent happily loitering around and exploring the agraharam!Its definitely a wonderful life worth revisiting at any point of time!)
One long street spanning about a quarter kilometer in length with houses packed on both sides, not leaving space for even a small whiff of air. Every house meticulously built in an extraordinarily orderly manner following a standard set of rules making sure they all align perfectly with their frontyard - thinnais touching each other. The simple houses boasted of the builder's devotion to plain geometry and Vaasthu shatra principles. The colours on the houses were predominantly red, white and Kaaavi (orange) portraying the Hindu Brahminness in every brick of theirs.
Through the railway track adjoining the village, the Erode passenger passed exactly at 4.30 in the mornings rattling the entire Agraharam, which now had become a daily alarm for the women of all the households to rise from their 'Pathamadai Paai' and start their daily activities.
The grown up men, for their part wake up to perform their daily exercise of drawing water from the wells. About 20 to 30 buckets of water is drawn as the lady picks one by one and starts filling up the appropriate containers. She then goes to the frontyard and begins the 'Vaasa thelikkal', wherein cow's dung is mixed with water and sprayed in the front of the house. This daily 5-minute activity followed by the 'Kolam Podal' event sets the trend for many more socializing episodes to come during the day, for all the maamis.
Some of the familiar areas of conversations go as follows:
'Maami,Nannaa thunginaelaa?'
'Illa Maami,engaathla Odomosum Tortoiseum theendhu poachu...Orae kosu kadi'
'Oh..Engaathla naanga goodknight thaan use panroam'
'Seri..iniku enna samayal ungaathla?'
'Iniku..arachuvitta kuzhambu..kathrika curry..Rasam'! Ungaathla?'
'Engaathla saathamadhu..Vendakka Currimedhu'
Just as the conversations begin to mature, the male of the household gives out a cry, indicating that its time to stop and begin the household activities, following which the ladies act like robots programmed to do routine tasks, without deviating from the routine.They take their baths and then enter the kitchen to cook the delicacies, which the entire house devours upon later in the day.Then its time for the moms to wake the kids and get them ready for school.In between,the males in the house are forced to perform a multitude of tasks ranging from splitting open the coconut from its hardshell,for which a unique contraption called a 'Urikoal' is used;Start the fire at the back of the house to boil hot water for the kids to bathe;Climb the paran(attic) to retrive enough rice for the day from the gunnybags etc.
With M.S singing Suprabatham in the background,followed by Yesudas singing a couple of Ayyappa songs,the ladies perform their poojas and circum-ambulate the thulasi madam in the 'Mitham' - the roofless portion of the house with a few iron grills on top, which stands right in the middle of the house.
The kids wait patiently for the moment the camphor is lit and shown across all the hundred different pictures of Gods and Godesses, after which it is the much-awaited time for the prasadam,which usually is a mixture of dry fruits and cashew or badam,followed by a sweet concoction called the 'Paanagam'!
Once the breakfast is over,the kids get ready to go to school,either by walk or in the townbus that comes every 30 minutes.Every kid carries the trademark yellow Sarathas bag,laden with old front-coverless books which were inherited from his or her elder brother;an old Nataraj pencil box with a hero-pen,an wooden ruler,a light blue-colored eraser and a piece of chalk to suck the ink in the event of an unexpected ink deluge ;a small stainless steel tiffin box for lunch,which mostly consists of Curd Rice and mango pickle.
One long street spanning about a quarter kilometer in length with houses packed on both sides, not leaving space for even a small whiff of air. Every house meticulously built in an extraordinarily orderly manner following a standard set of rules making sure they all align perfectly with their frontyard - thinnais touching each other. The simple houses boasted of the builder's devotion to plain geometry and Vaasthu shatra principles. The colours on the houses were predominantly red, white and Kaaavi (orange) portraying the Hindu Brahminness in every brick of theirs.
Through the railway track adjoining the village, the Erode passenger passed exactly at 4.30 in the mornings rattling the entire Agraharam, which now had become a daily alarm for the women of all the households to rise from their 'Pathamadai Paai' and start their daily activities.
The grown up men, for their part wake up to perform their daily exercise of drawing water from the wells. About 20 to 30 buckets of water is drawn as the lady picks one by one and starts filling up the appropriate containers. She then goes to the frontyard and begins the 'Vaasa thelikkal', wherein cow's dung is mixed with water and sprayed in the front of the house. This daily 5-minute activity followed by the 'Kolam Podal' event sets the trend for many more socializing episodes to come during the day, for all the maamis.
Some of the familiar areas of conversations go as follows:
'Maami,Nannaa thunginaelaa?'
'Illa Maami,engaathla Odomosum Tortoiseum theendhu poachu...Orae kosu kadi'
'Oh..Engaathla naanga goodknight thaan use panroam'
'Seri..iniku enna samayal ungaathla?'
'Iniku..arachuvitta kuzhambu..kathrika curry..Rasam'! Ungaathla?'
'Engaathla saathamadhu..Vendakka Currimedhu'
Just as the conversations begin to mature, the male of the household gives out a cry, indicating that its time to stop and begin the household activities, following which the ladies act like robots programmed to do routine tasks, without deviating from the routine.They take their baths and then enter the kitchen to cook the delicacies, which the entire house devours upon later in the day.Then its time for the moms to wake the kids and get them ready for school.In between,the males in the house are forced to perform a multitude of tasks ranging from splitting open the coconut from its hardshell,for which a unique contraption called a 'Urikoal' is used;Start the fire at the back of the house to boil hot water for the kids to bathe;Climb the paran(attic) to retrive enough rice for the day from the gunnybags etc.
With M.S singing Suprabatham in the background,followed by Yesudas singing a couple of Ayyappa songs,the ladies perform their poojas and circum-ambulate the thulasi madam in the 'Mitham' - the roofless portion of the house with a few iron grills on top, which stands right in the middle of the house.
The kids wait patiently for the moment the camphor is lit and shown across all the hundred different pictures of Gods and Godesses, after which it is the much-awaited time for the prasadam,which usually is a mixture of dry fruits and cashew or badam,followed by a sweet concoction called the 'Paanagam'!
Once the breakfast is over,the kids get ready to go to school,either by walk or in the townbus that comes every 30 minutes.Every kid carries the trademark yellow Sarathas bag,laden with old front-coverless books which were inherited from his or her elder brother;an old Nataraj pencil box with a hero-pen,an wooden ruler,a light blue-colored eraser and a piece of chalk to suck the ink in the event of an unexpected ink deluge ;a small stainless steel tiffin box for lunch,which mostly consists of Curd Rice and mango pickle.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Paati...
Aug 17 2004
Just as I was going through my routine rounds of India telephone calls to wish everyone of my close relatives for the new year 2004,I stumbled on my maternal grandmother's telephone number.She lives with the youngest of her sons at Pondichery,the reason being that that house has the youngest kids in the family which require "Paati"s nurturing when the parents leave for thier work.
God only knows..yeah even Paati herself wouldn't be able to recollect, how many children she has had to bring up / take care of during thier baby phases.I feel I hold a very significant place in the list because I am the eldest of all her grandchildren.It is very very difficult to explain the kind of nurturing that I got from my grandparents.It is one of the sweetest phases of my life.Although I dint get a chance to live with them ,the few months that i used to spend during my annual/half yearly vacation still stays fresh in my fast diminishing memory.
Whenever I think about my childhood days ,almost in a split-second flash,I get vivid recollections of the time I spent with Paati.As soon as the time-table for the half-yearly or annual exams was put up on the black board or notice board,the first though that would strike was the train journey to trichy for my vacation.Paati and Thaatha used to live in a place called Jeeyapuram ,which was located on the banks of the river Cauvery.It was about 10 km away from the city and possesed a unique scenic environment which I have not witnessed anywhere else.
As soon as the train came to a screeching stop at the Jeeyapuram railway station,I could see my thaatha eagerly waving hands towards us.He was an old but very energetic man sporting a monkey cap,a white vaeshti and a sparingly used shirt which had the skills of the local tailor written all over it.Even though it would be very early in the morning,we could find the streaks of vibuthi(called pattai) noticeable through the monkey cap gaps on the temple of his head and on his hands.He always had a unique smell of this Vibuthi all around him,which was a trademark for his freshness.
Once I set my foot out of the train,I would never have to walk for the next few hours.By default thaatha would lift me and carry me on his shoulders along with 2 or 3 of our luggages.Once I enter the village(known as the agraharam),my life would turn into some kind of a young prince.Almost every house in the agraharam would have got the news of my arrival,thanks to my Paati and her group of other broadcasting paatis who would have been discussing about this on thier thinnais ,since the last few weeks.
Paati ,upon seeing me used to leap in joy.She would grab me and shower me with the sweetest of all words in tamil such as 'chakara kutty,vella kutty,raaja,chellam,muthukutty,which would translate to 'sugar,jaggery,the king,the beloved,the pearl.
Once I brush my teeth with the 'Gopal pal podi',the horlicks or Viva would be waiting for me.I would be amazed to see that Paati would have been "aathifying"(reducing the temperature of a fluid by repeated transfering between 2 tumblers)the Viva for about 5 minutes to bring it to the optimum temperature.Once the morning formality drink was over,its the start of the never ending menu..the ribbon pakoda,the maida cake,the mixture,halwa and the best of all 'paal-covaa'.These were specially made by my Paati herself for me.I would relish them for the next few weeks.
Paati was a wonderful lady.She had the signs of old age very well evident all over her.She was a very thin lady,with the veins on her hands and neck almost about to pop out of her body.Her voice was so soft and carried the unique soothing tone.Yet the strenth she had was amazing.She used to move the huge containers bearing rice,floor etc with no signs of any weariness.Her day would start at 4 in the morning and I never even knew when it would come to stop as I used to sleep in her lap before her day was over.
Her devotion to God and her prayer sessions were totally flabbergasting.I had to patiently wait for the final neivaethyam(offering to God) which consisted of kishmish(dried raisins) and the wonderful Paanagam(sweet concoction containing jaggery and other condiments).Once the food was over,Paati used to specially 'pesanjify'(mix rice with dhaal or rasam) and would start ootifying (offer food to a child) me.She used to tell me wonderful stories,which sometimes had me as the protoganist.In every one of those stories,as you would guessed,I would be the victor against the demons or the raakshashas.Apart from these stories,I learnt a lot of details about the Hindu mythology from her ayyapa/krishna and other deity-related tales.
I have never seen Paati getting mad at anyone.She never spoke ill of anyone and had the kindest words for even the mean-hearted ladies of the village.She had a tender heart which always welcomed everyone.Her life has been laden with so much trials and tribulations,yet the strength she possesses conveys the iron-like heart she has.She lost her mother at a very young age and she had been brought up in a very affluent family,but with all the wonderful characteristics that a brahmin girl should possess.She has been like a mother to her sister's kids and her journey though life as a caretaker of babies has started eons ago.
Although she came from a very rich family,fate had decided that she would be a wife to a middle class man.I still hear about the travails she had as mother to cope up with the family tensions and responsibilties.
Her life has been totally dedicated for the welfare of others.She has not asked for anything for herself and I am sure If God were to appear before and give her a wish of her life,she would ask for the betterment of her kids and grandkids.
Now,let me return to where I started.As the new year dawned yesterday in India,I called her up.She picked up the phone after it had rung 8 or 10 times and when I shouted from the top of my voice.."Paati..Rajesh paesaraen America laenrthu"..I could visualise the joy that she would have had.She had the same soothing tone,soft voice which had slowly started to shiver.During the course of our conversation,she said..."Rajesh..From the money that you sent,I had all my fragile teeth pulled out and rebuilt with strong teeth.I am now able to chew the food that I eat.Rombo thanks paa.."
I felt a huge lump of sorrow in my throat and I feel the same, as I type these words.I could not talk for a moment to her.It was a complete irony of life.I still remember her putting her fingers into my mouth and also my sister's mouth to see if our first tooth had sprouted out and NOW SHE WAS IN A STAGE..where she didnt have teeth and the worst scenario that life had brought onto us, was putting her in a situation to thank me for such a tiny deed that I had done.I still don't know how I can repay her even an iota of her her kindness and all the love she has showered upon me and my cousins.
I sincerely wish that Paati has a wonderful life ahead and hope to see her soon and enjoy her company as always.
Paati..Thank you for what you are.We all owe you big time..Love you always.
-rajesh
Just as I was going through my routine rounds of India telephone calls to wish everyone of my close relatives for the new year 2004,I stumbled on my maternal grandmother's telephone number.She lives with the youngest of her sons at Pondichery,the reason being that that house has the youngest kids in the family which require "Paati"s nurturing when the parents leave for thier work.
God only knows..yeah even Paati herself wouldn't be able to recollect, how many children she has had to bring up / take care of during thier baby phases.I feel I hold a very significant place in the list because I am the eldest of all her grandchildren.It is very very difficult to explain the kind of nurturing that I got from my grandparents.It is one of the sweetest phases of my life.Although I dint get a chance to live with them ,the few months that i used to spend during my annual/half yearly vacation still stays fresh in my fast diminishing memory.
Whenever I think about my childhood days ,almost in a split-second flash,I get vivid recollections of the time I spent with Paati.As soon as the time-table for the half-yearly or annual exams was put up on the black board or notice board,the first though that would strike was the train journey to trichy for my vacation.Paati and Thaatha used to live in a place called Jeeyapuram ,which was located on the banks of the river Cauvery.It was about 10 km away from the city and possesed a unique scenic environment which I have not witnessed anywhere else.
As soon as the train came to a screeching stop at the Jeeyapuram railway station,I could see my thaatha eagerly waving hands towards us.He was an old but very energetic man sporting a monkey cap,a white vaeshti and a sparingly used shirt which had the skills of the local tailor written all over it.Even though it would be very early in the morning,we could find the streaks of vibuthi(called pattai) noticeable through the monkey cap gaps on the temple of his head and on his hands.He always had a unique smell of this Vibuthi all around him,which was a trademark for his freshness.
Once I set my foot out of the train,I would never have to walk for the next few hours.By default thaatha would lift me and carry me on his shoulders along with 2 or 3 of our luggages.Once I enter the village(known as the agraharam),my life would turn into some kind of a young prince.Almost every house in the agraharam would have got the news of my arrival,thanks to my Paati and her group of other broadcasting paatis who would have been discussing about this on thier thinnais ,since the last few weeks.
Paati ,upon seeing me used to leap in joy.She would grab me and shower me with the sweetest of all words in tamil such as 'chakara kutty,vella kutty,raaja,chellam,muthukutty,which would translate to 'sugar,jaggery,the king,the beloved,the pearl.
Once I brush my teeth with the 'Gopal pal podi',the horlicks or Viva would be waiting for me.I would be amazed to see that Paati would have been "aathifying"(reducing the temperature of a fluid by repeated transfering between 2 tumblers)the Viva for about 5 minutes to bring it to the optimum temperature.Once the morning formality drink was over,its the start of the never ending menu..the ribbon pakoda,the maida cake,the mixture,halwa and the best of all 'paal-covaa'.These were specially made by my Paati herself for me.I would relish them for the next few weeks.
Paati was a wonderful lady.She had the signs of old age very well evident all over her.She was a very thin lady,with the veins on her hands and neck almost about to pop out of her body.Her voice was so soft and carried the unique soothing tone.Yet the strenth she had was amazing.She used to move the huge containers bearing rice,floor etc with no signs of any weariness.Her day would start at 4 in the morning and I never even knew when it would come to stop as I used to sleep in her lap before her day was over.
Her devotion to God and her prayer sessions were totally flabbergasting.I had to patiently wait for the final neivaethyam(offering to God) which consisted of kishmish(dried raisins) and the wonderful Paanagam(sweet concoction containing jaggery and other condiments).Once the food was over,Paati used to specially 'pesanjify'(mix rice with dhaal or rasam) and would start ootifying (offer food to a child) me.She used to tell me wonderful stories,which sometimes had me as the protoganist.In every one of those stories,as you would guessed,I would be the victor against the demons or the raakshashas.Apart from these stories,I learnt a lot of details about the Hindu mythology from her ayyapa/krishna and other deity-related tales.
I have never seen Paati getting mad at anyone.She never spoke ill of anyone and had the kindest words for even the mean-hearted ladies of the village.She had a tender heart which always welcomed everyone.Her life has been laden with so much trials and tribulations,yet the strength she possesses conveys the iron-like heart she has.She lost her mother at a very young age and she had been brought up in a very affluent family,but with all the wonderful characteristics that a brahmin girl should possess.She has been like a mother to her sister's kids and her journey though life as a caretaker of babies has started eons ago.
Although she came from a very rich family,fate had decided that she would be a wife to a middle class man.I still hear about the travails she had as mother to cope up with the family tensions and responsibilties.
Her life has been totally dedicated for the welfare of others.She has not asked for anything for herself and I am sure If God were to appear before and give her a wish of her life,she would ask for the betterment of her kids and grandkids.
Now,let me return to where I started.As the new year dawned yesterday in India,I called her up.She picked up the phone after it had rung 8 or 10 times and when I shouted from the top of my voice.."Paati..Rajesh paesaraen America laenrthu"..I could visualise the joy that she would have had.She had the same soothing tone,soft voice which had slowly started to shiver.During the course of our conversation,she said..."Rajesh..From the money that you sent,I had all my fragile teeth pulled out and rebuilt with strong teeth.I am now able to chew the food that I eat.Rombo thanks paa.."
I felt a huge lump of sorrow in my throat and I feel the same, as I type these words.I could not talk for a moment to her.It was a complete irony of life.I still remember her putting her fingers into my mouth and also my sister's mouth to see if our first tooth had sprouted out and NOW SHE WAS IN A STAGE..where she didnt have teeth and the worst scenario that life had brought onto us, was putting her in a situation to thank me for such a tiny deed that I had done.I still don't know how I can repay her even an iota of her her kindness and all the love she has showered upon me and my cousins.
I sincerely wish that Paati has a wonderful life ahead and hope to see her soon and enjoy her company as always.
Paati..Thank you for what you are.We all owe you big time..Love you always.
-rajesh
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