Nagamandala: My first Kannada Play read

'ನಾಗಮಂಡಲ', ಗಿರೀಶ್ ಕಾರ್ನಾಡರು ಬರೆದ ಒಂದು ನಾಟಕ. ಇದು ನಾನು  ಪಾಠಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹೊರತು ಓದಿದ ಮೊದಲ  ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಟಕ. 


ನಾಗಮಂಡಲ  ನಾಟಕದ ಕಥಾವಸ್ತು- ಮನೋರಂಜಿಸುವ ಅತಿರೇಕದ ಕಲ್ಪನೆ. ಇಂತಹ  ಕಲ್ಪನ್ನೆಯನ್ನು ಗಿರೀಶ್ ಅವರು ಉತ್ತಮವಾಗಿ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ನೇಯ್ದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಕಥೆ,ಜ್ಯೋತಿ, ಗೀತೆ,ಮನುಷ್ಯ -ಎಂಬ  ಪಾತ್ರಗಳು ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರೊಡನೆ ಸಂಭಾಷಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿ ನಾಟಕದ ಕಥೆಯನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತವೆ.ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ  ಪಾತ್ರಗಳ ಸಂಭಾಷಣೆ ಅತಿ ಸರಳವಾಗಿ, ಆದರೆ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ವಿವರಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮೂಡಿ ಬರುತ್ತವೆ.  


ಸುಮಾರು ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಬಳಿಕ  ಕನ್ನಡ ಓದುತ್ತಿರುವ  ನನಗೆ ನಾಗಮಂಡಲವನ್ನು ಓದುವುದು  ಬಹಳ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ  ಅನುಭವವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಓದುವಾಗ ಎಲ್ಲ ಪದಗಳ ಅರಿವೂ ನನಗಿದ್ದುದು ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ವಿಷಯ :) ಆದರೆ  ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿ ಬರೆಯುವಾಗ ಕೆಲವು ಪದಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ನಿಘಂಟನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. 


ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಮುಕ್ತಾಯಗೊಂಡ ಪುಸ್ತಕೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲವಾರು ಕನ್ನಡ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಂಡುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆತ್ಮವಿಶ್ವಾಸದಿಂದ ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ಓದುತ್ತೇನೆ,ಹಾಗು ನನ್ನ ಬ್ಲಾಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲೆತ್ನಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. 


ಇಂತಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಆತ್ಮೀಯ,
ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ  

Best lines from 5 ecstatic Tamil songs :)

The songs in Indian movies most of the times are like- unnecessary pitstops. But, some great music and wonderful lyrics have emanated from this system.

Here,I jot down my favourite couple of lines from Tamil cinema songs.There are numerous marvelously written songs,but,here I am qouting the ones which immediately stand out in my head. And 4 out of the 5 are composed by A R Rahman,so, that's my distinction there:)
These extraordinary lines are witty,meticulous and are peaks of imagination. I shall try to give you a gist of these lines,because translating them is virtually(?actually) impossible!I tried really hard to translate,but it seems to get awful!Hats off to all these lyricists.
[format:Song(Movie)-Lyricist]

1.Puthu Vellai Mazhai(Roja)-Vairamuthu


உன் புடவை முந்தானை சாய்கயில் இந்த  பூமி  பூப்பூத்தது
இது கம்பன்பாடாத  சிந்தனை உன்தன் காதோடு யார் சொன்னது



Beautiful exaggeration of the company with the girl by the guy,
The girl compares this exaggeration to an unwritten line by a great Tamil poet-Kamban;

2.Netru Illatha Maatram(Puthiya Mugam)-Vairamuthu


கடவுள் இல்லையென்றேன்- தாயை காணும்வரை;
கனவு இல்லையென்றேன்- ஆசை தோன்றும் வரை;
காதல் போய்என்று சொன்னேன்- உன்னை காணும் வரை;
கவிதை வரியின் சுவை- அர்த்தம் புரியும் வரை;
கங்கை  நீரின் சுவை-கடலை சேரும் வரை;
காதல் சுவை ஒன்று தானே காற்று வீசும் வரை;

Amazing similes exemplifying the importance and pleasure of love in life.For example,You enjoy a line of poetry only until you comprehend it;But,It is love which you can enjoy to eternity.

3.Anbe Anbe(Jeans)-Vairamuthu

பெண்ணே  உனது மெல்லிடை பார்த்தேன்-அடடா பிரமன் கஞ்சனடி;
சற்றே நிமிர்ந்தேன் தலை சுற்றி போனேன்-ஆஹா அவனே வெள்ளனடி;

An intimate description of the feminine features of the girl.

4.Anarkali(Kangalal Kaithu Sei)-Pa.Vijay

உலகத்திலயே மிக பெரும் பூவும் நீயடி;
நதிகளிளியே சின்னஞ்சிறு நதியும் நீயடி;

Metaphors  at its best:You are the largest flower,and the smallest river in the world


5.Ayengaru veetu azhage(Anniyan)-Vairamuthu

வான் மழையில் நனைந்தால் பயிர்கள் உருவாகும்;
ஆண் மழையில் நனைந்தால் உயிர்கள் உருவாகும்;

Lines about the masculinity,written excellently:)

These amazing lines are actually indescribable in any other way except the way they are.The emotions these songs churn up are divine,linking them with many personal attachments.

Raghavendra @ Pecos!

Yeah,it was me at Pecos,BEL road!And,before you people could express your exclamation about this,I've done it before hand ;)

I have discovered a new social networking tool(as put by my friends),by sipping two and a half mugs of Draught,for the very first time :)

I didn't do it because of peer pressure,or to emulate the 'metro' lifestyle. It was a personal inquisition which drove me to this adventure,encouraged by my today's entourage,which I enjoyed. Talking about,if I went high or anything,I guess I felt mildly tipsy just for a minute or so,that's all:)It was again a new lesson,wherein I learnt a lot many new terminlologies,and technologies behind the entire intrigue,which drives people crazy apart from me doing something for the first time ;)

I shall be limitedly available on this networking tool too;)Catch you all sometime then.

Stratum 2: 'Premature dotage' driven 'Absurd Chauvinism'

(Second post in my post series "The Question is Why!",11 Nov,2009)

Dotage:Feebleness or imbecility of understanding or mind,particularly in old age;
Chauvinism:Blind and absurd devotion to a fallen leader or an obsolete cause; hence, absurdly vainglorious or exaggerated patriotism.

I guess,the above definitions pretty much clears the clog of the post title(If at all there was one!).

I wonder how people find so many absurd reasons to channelise their efforts and time,instead of concentrating on the quintessential issues.I shall be expressing my views about the futile 'show of strength',and ridiculous opposition to logical scenarios by certain sects.

We have all been witnesses to the recent Linguistic upheaval a particular Chauvinistic group(instigated by a couple of their (mis)'leaders') is creating in Maharashtra. This isn't the only place in India where we can witness such atrocities. Linguistic Chauvinism is the very burning issue,which is a reason for a perennial under current between various neighboring states in India,as an example the infamous Karnataka-TamilNadu conflicts.

When issues such as Linguistic Chauvinism snowball,and grow demonically impeding the progress of the nation,or the betterment of the society,I wonder what goes on in the minds of the mislead mob-We,the people!

It is unfortunate to see regular manifestations of such insane instances,of which we are an equal part of. There are a million other issues,of hugely immense consequences to be dealt with rather than cribbing and quarreling over language or caste or creed,or any other trivial issue.

Encouraging a Language or culture will not happen by protesting and releasing provocative statements.A personal suggestion To promote a language-Endorse and help in the growth of Literature by Promoting writers,Subsidising books,inspiring students by Literary fests and not by polluting their minds by political meetings.

We still are a proud Developing country,and I guess we have grown comfortable with this excuse for leading a mediocre life in an average and imbalanced society. Let us concentrate our efforts and resources in breaking out of this secure but shameful carapace. We are all the culprits,and we should do our part in this already late atonement.

Free Software;Business models;Future Technology;Entrepreneurship;Politics;Ethics

This was the flow of a casual chat with a colleague in office yesterday. He wanted to talk about my inclination towards Free Software,and we got into an engrossing discussion.

I briefed him about the motive,consequence and path of the Free Software Movement. Touching upon the Freedom aspect,social significance and the technical ramifications it has and will continue to bring about.

Then,his immediate point was about the business models run on Free Software.This led us into the Free Software industry models like the Service,Support and Customised Solution providing scenarios.

He was rigid about his ideas about IT Business models being analogous to Proprietary firms.So,I had to bring up the essential topic of the quality of Technology that is emanating from Free Software,using the Internet as example,which thrives on Free Software. Then,came in Cloud Computing,and his Proprietary contenders would be seen misplaced in near future when we will all embrace Cloud Computing.

Also,I used instances of my acquaintances who are successful entrepreneurs today based on Free Software to manifest its potential in the current recession struck(and slowly recovering) world. Free Software provides the best platform for all the binary babies to become self sufficient and independent.

Talking about successful implementations of Free Software in the society-I mentioned Venezuela,Brazil and our own Kerala,which are fully "Free". Then,the question of Government supporting it,and that it would be convenient if it was Leftist.His immediate doubt was that if I was a Leftist,and I knew that I had crossed the line between Right and Left,moving towards Left.Although,I am not fully convinced yet,and am in the process of comprehending it myself.

Talking about Indian Democracy(of which both of us were unhappy about),I suggested a two-party system to make some sense out of this chaos(without mentioning what exactly I had in mind).But,he immediately put out my thoughts and said-For a system like India to fall into the right track,we need to be under an appropriate Dictatorship for atleast a decade(Exactly my ideas,I have spoken to a few of you about this).

Then,again came the Profit making vs not-so much profit making Free Softare industry,according to him. I then told if he was fancied by the Profits of a certain Proprietary Company,it was ultimately at the cost of exploiting the society.And it would be the ethics and morale of the individual to decide upon.

Personal conviction is the greatest strength,and the lack of it is man's greatest weakness.

Race between Freud and Che !

Two of the most adamant revolutionaries the world has known- Sigmund Freud and Che Guevara. This post will be the first of many I would be compelled to write about these two 'men',Nah!Two eternal minds.Although both were relevant to different fields-the inner core of their life was the same "Groundbreaking Ideas and a pathbreaking Journey".

I have already been admiring Freud for long time,although haven't read him entirely. I felt then that I required to groom myself a bit more mentally,to be able to comprehend and contemplate him. I had started with his most famous work-Interpretation of Dreams and paused the read after reading about 30% of it.

And about Che. I wasn't aware of him,until a mentor of mine happened to mention him,and talked passionately about him. I have since then tried to collect information about him,and have been left astounded by his ideas and his revolutionary life.

But,now my mind is simultaneously craving for both the greats. When I am reading Freud,I want to get more of Che. And while being immersed in the ocean of ideas of Che,I feel like drowning into Freud. This contention is driving me to get more of both the Mavericks.

People like Freud and Che are definitely a rarity.We need to fulfill their purpose of life by reading them,and trying to play our role in fulfilling their 'ideas'.

PS: We should not mourn for men of high ideals. Rather we should rejoice that we had the privilege of having had them with us, to inspire us by their radiant personalities.
~ Indira Gandhi ~

Power of Choice

"Imagine a world without choice"....This is the first line of a personal favourite video-Choice by Redhat.

A more relevant adaptation of the above statement in the current post's context would be-"Imagine a life without choice".

The varied emotions we humans go through,the ups and downs of our lives,all would be shunted if there were no choice to make. Imagine a life with a defined set of paths to be tread on,without an option of making a choice.Life would be so stagnant and trivial that,we'd not realize even our own existence.

Existence is complimented by the struggle to exist.There would be no struggle,if there were no choices to make. People would take life as it is,and,do nothing beyond filling the formalities. The power of choice lies in the fact that,it,by functioning in the background gives value to our lives by altering the course of our lives,and also by incorporating the much needed suspense in our lives!

Recollecting a dialogue from Girish Karnad's play would be apt to conclude this post:
If you have made a choice between the two paths you want to tread on;The other path will always remain a secret haunting you.

Bangalore Book Festival-2009

A single visit to my regular book store-Blossoms,takes me atleast 3 hours. Today,after missing it the last two times,I made it to the amazing Bangalore Book Festival.

390 stalls,with around 160 for English,80 for Kannada,and rest for regional languages. It was as expected-Overwhelming.I had decided before hand to purchase few good Kannada titles this time.As,getting Kannada titles during regular times is tough.The best stall was by LeftWord,with Karl Marx,Bhagat Singh,Einstien, Che Guvera,Fidel Castro,and other powerful Leftists. It was the peak of Red :)
Unfortunate though,by the time I reached this stall I was on reserve funds :(

The books I bought this time are of varied genres. Nevertheless,will make a real good reading treat. I have sufficient books accumulated from my today's and last month's purchases to last an year!

These are the titles I bought today:
1.ಯಾವುದೂ* ಸಣ್ಣದಲ್ಲ - ಜಿ. ಎಸ್. ಎಸ್, ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಸುದೀರ್ಘ ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಲೇಖನೆಗಳು
2. ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದ - ಕುವೆಂಪು-ರವರ ದ್ರಿಷ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ
3. ಬಸವಣ್ಣನವರ ವಚನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹ
4.Swami Vivekananda on Himself-Writings about himself,Something like an Autobiography
5. Valhalla Rising-Clive Cussler
6. Shock Wave-Clive Cussler;My favourite writer-character combination-Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt :)
7. Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen;Have been missing out this one for long time,but will read it this season :)
8.The 3 mistakes of my Life-Chetan Bhagat,for my sis

My current read though is Hegemony or Survival by Noam Chomsky.

*yaavudoo-a font error

The question is WHY! Stratum1:Understanding the Human 'Race':

Life is a sexually transmitted disease with 100% mortality!

A famous witty joke.We,being born is definitely not in our power,or will. After,stepping into the world,what is the motive behind us living our lives? What keeps us going? Is it mere survival,like animals? Why do we complicate our lives?What do we seek ultimately?What is satisfaction?

Lots of many such fundamental questions have been loitering in the naturally electrified regions of my brain. Then,I decided to ponder over these,and spill it out to you people in a series of posts titled-The question is WHY!***.
This will be the first in the series-Understanding the Human 'Race'.

By 'Race' I mean both our creed,and the herd-like race we run our entire lives. Most of us,unaware of the direction,or the motive,or the ultimate destination. Most of the actions are instigated not by selfish motives,but to cater/counter our peers' actions. Lives are lived mimicking people around,without a core reason behind our lives. And,I wonder how such a thing could make one happy!

You are your truest when no one's around you. Another profoundly true statement. We try to impress/instigate/irritate/ people around to be recognised one among them. And as a reaction even they are engaged in similar activities. The world would be a lot better place if people would live their lives,the way it should be!Just for the sake of the person living it,and not hindering the rest of the world!

If we just slow down for sometime,and introspect our actions,we would definitely be leading a lot better life:)

***Intended at most of us,but I know a lot many,who are the true human 'beings'

Hey Ram!....Aalavandaan :(

The post title contains names of two of the best movies which have culminated from Indian Cinema. These movies were released in 2000 and 2001 respectively.Because these were released when I was about 13,I had missed them then. I watched these two now,and have been left astounded by the man behind these pinncales of Indian Cinema. Both the movies have Story,Screenplay and Dialogues written by the genius Kamal Hassan.And Hey Ram was also directed by Kamal.

Hey Ram is a movie which cannot be measured by any standards-NO standard would be sufficient.A story of the unfortunate pain and bitterness between the Hindu and Muslim communities of the then Unpartitioned India,till date.A cinematic masterpiece of sorts. A plot which is so well interleaved with History,that it takes you through the mind of a sensible Indian citizen then- Saketh Ram,witnessing the chaos and blasphemy. The character tries to pin down the cause,and is convinced that it's M K Gandhi. The dialogues pertaining to Gandhi are the most brave ones written(keeping the hyper sensitive Indian population and media in mind!).I was applauding within for the dialogue where he relates the People of India to Gandhi's Three Monkeys,and while talking about people,goats,goat milk and Bakrid!

Apart from the dialogues,the cast is impeccable.The best casting ever in an Indian cinema. Not just a star studded one,but,as I've already mentioned-An impeccable one.Music again-a soul stirring background score,and the best track-Nee Partha Paarvai attains the musical zenith of the movie.

This is a movie,which is less famous in India because it is again something which is above the caliber of an average Indian mind. The final justification given for the protagonist's Principle Reversal is mainly to console the audience,according to me. A must watch for any person related to India.Kamal Hassan excels in every field of the movie he's involved in.

Now,talking about Aalavandhaan. A movie lot ahead of its times.Schizophrenia,as the basis of the movie,with again techniques and dialogues better than any movies. The movie has portions of cartoonish scenes in it.And,for those of you who didn't know,that's Anime style of movie making.Kill Bill Vol 1 too(2003)has similar inclusions. The scenes of drug induced hallucinations the protagonist undergoes are exemplary. The poems written by Vairamuthu,and beautifully recited by Kamal create a scintillating impact. Although,it has its few flaws,but the movie is a masterpiece yet again.

And,with a genius behind both these,and a lot more of quality Indian Cinema like Devar Magan,Anbe Sivam,Virumaandi-I declare myself an ardent Kamal Hassan fan from now on.

Grudge of the unaccomplished !

The character of most humans is unfortunately so brittle. He cannot bear the success of a fellow idealist,who brings forms to his ideas- by hard work.


A soft headed creature,like the accused(not one,but a bunch) in my current discussion ridicules the success,mocks at the triumphs, envies the accomplishments of the worthy-All behind a superficially cohesive facade,which is a slimy distraught of negativities.

I have seen very few people who admire,and get inspired by the success of their peers.Instead,ironically,they look for support and inspiration from unreachable human idols(The Superstar role models!),or a supposedly supreme power who always is resting in idols(The God!)

They never are able to see the manifestation of the supreme commandment of human nature,which is,To pursue our ideas. This truth (or discomfort!) is blinded by the cataract of jealousy.

Unfortunate though,this is the stigmatic reality which each of us is -either a part,or victim ,or atleast an audience of.

And then,She also brings tears in my eyes.

I haven't been this close to any person residing inside the body of a girl. I have had deep insights into her mind,and have been astounded by the sheer complexity of the tender mind. I have witnessed her growth from a jovial young girl to a fine introspective lady who is older for what she really is. She has confided to me with the utmost honesty. I have observed her pranks with amusement,her worries and troubles ,her mild grudges,her cribbing with futile concern.

I have adored her the most for whatever she eternally will be.She has one sidedly shared all her emotions with me, leaving the rapport between us incomplete,for,she never gave me a chance to share mine. I wish to tell her how similar we are,and to demonstrate to her the extent of admiration I still have,and forever will continue to have.

The helplessness which the circumstances had imposed upon her increases the rage against The Main Impostor. But,the courage she went on to show throughout will be an inspiration for me.  A friend, a teacher, an idol-this is what she will remain to me.

Anne Frank's Diary is the most compelling narration of the struggle within a juvenile's mind,who is also caught up in History's greatest human trap under the Nazis. Her memoirs give a profound insight into Anne,her transitions,her love, her struggle,and her invincible spirit.

When reading her diary,there were times when her confiding would seep into me and  evoke a drop or two of tears in tribute to her. Also,I was able to relate her to a friend of mine,who, for all the above mentioned traits of Anne would fit in perfectly.

PS:Anne Frank died in an extermination camp when she was 15 years old,but her eternal thoughts will live on.

Day One @ Work had to be Special,and so it was !

Today will go down as an important day of my life. The first day at work had many pleasant and one not-so pleasant revelations for me.

The ambience-It is one of the best of the places I've seen,and to be working in one such place is superb. The office building is one of the most environment friendly one,with ample daylight,fresh air,lots of plants in and around the building. That's a huge plus :)

Then,peers of the team I'm a part of,were very amicable,without letting me feel even a small air of hostility. Hope to have a great rapport with them, and not to mention loads of lessons to be learnt from them.

About the work:It is the closest to what I wanted,and, I believe this is the best place for me to embark upon my career. Glad to have joined MROTEK :)

FOSS Camp @ SJCE,Mysore

I was glad to visit Mysore after more than 7-8 years. The city is simply beautiful,something which Bengaluru used to be!

I visited SJCE for their FOSS Camp on behalf of FSMK.The enthusiasts of SJCE had efficiently organised and were executing a 3 day FOSS Camp from 30th Oct - 1st Nov. The activities they had planned were very attractive and appealing.Free Software tools introduction,Coding competition, Online Treasure Hunt, Talks from Google experts on their Open Source APIs,Debugging competition,and Online Gaming(Open Arena),and their online event-Kryptos.The star has been Kryptos,with very good reception from even outsiders.

My talk representing Free Sofwtare Movement-Karnataka,was today, on the final day,at 11 am. This was one of the rare talks of mine,when a small sense of apprehension had occupied my mind. It was because,I was told late that the audience would comprise entirely of CSE and ISE,with very few ECE students. And my preparation for the session had been entirely about Free Software and ECE.

I eventually did improvise more generic ideas into the talk,by emphasizing on the Social and Economic ramifications of the Movement,by discussing Threats of Software patents. And,today being Kannada Rajyotsava,I appealed to the audience to take up Kannada Localisation further,and also for an increase in the number of Kannada Bloggers. Then came the overview of diverse Free Software tools encompassing various fields,and also in relation to a Project I'm a part of. And the highlight of my session was the post questionnaire encore appearance of Truth Happens!They,like everyone fell in love with it.

Then,the offline discussions with various queries and doubts.It was fascinating for me to see the enthusiasm these students were displaying-It should be an inspiration for our upcoming GLUGs.

Overall,A good interaction as I see it,and, hopefully their time was utilised in a quality manner.

PS: Link to this event,register and try out kryptos http://fosscamp.lccsjce.org/events.html