Yet Another Star Leaves the Earth

It may be a coincidence that after setting up a blog (for noting down some of my favorite songs) a long time ago, it was only yesterday I had made the first two entries there ..പാട്ടിന്റെ കൂടെ<. And no sooner did I finish by first post , the news about the sad demise of Eminent Music Director Johnson struck the ears.. It was just a minute before I was remembering some of his songs too as I the mind was traveling back in the time.

ആടി വാ കാറ്റേ... ഗോപികേ നിന്‍ വിരല്‍ ... ഏതോ ജന്മ കല്പനയില്‍ ... കണ്ണീര്‍ പൂവിന്റെ .. മെല്ലെ മെല്ലെ മുഖപടം ...പൂവേണം പൂപ്പട വേണം .... ഭ്രഹ്മ കമലം ... ദേവീ .....ദേവാംഗനങ്ങള്‍ കൈയ്യൊഴിഞ്ഞ താരകം ..... പാലപ്പൂവേ ...ശ്യാമാംബരം ... The list is endless ..

After the withdrawal of Devaraajan , Raaghavan and Arjunanan Master , It was the era of Raveendran and Jhonson for the two decades ,producing some of the best of malayalam songs in the process. Raveendran Master has left the seen a few years back and Now Johnson master follows.. It indeed an era that is fading behind us with Johnson Mash's guitar now having played its last note.

तुम से अच्छा कौन हैं .....!

Passing away of Shammi Kapoor is probably a non event for many from the current generation.. But having glued to the Doordharshan in the late 80 s and early nintees when only the Hindi broadcast was in place, one couldnt have missed Shammi Kapoor, the young hero of yesteryears..

It would have been a bit hard for Shammi to compete with the likes of Rajesh Khanna or Shashi Kapoor, but eventually it was Shammi with his characteristic body language that stays with your heart .. When you think of a young bolliwood hero , a bit naughty and a bit way too funny who sneakily get into a ladies heart without even asking for an entry ticket, none else than Shammi comes to the mind...His mischievous eyes , chocolate baby face and rather muscular frame and comic mannerisms would have had many girls secretly hiding his photos in their college text books..

In fact which young man have not fancied doing a Shammi in real life .. Especially his song numbers were hits of all time , even today it does stay on your lips too often...!

Some of his best song numbers I like and keep humming includes these:

1. Tum Se achchaa Kaun hein ...
2. Batan pe sitaaron lapete huye...
3. Akele Akelae..kahaan.jaa rahen ho..
4. Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke...
5. Bar bar dekho ................
6. Dil deke dekho...dil deke dekho.....
7. Yun To Hum Ne Lakh Haseen deke Hein...
8. Dil kecharonke me...
9. Zindagi Ek Safar He Suhaanaa.. and alot more...

And yes .. Zindagi Ek Safar He Suhanaa.. Yahan kal Kyaa Ho kis ne Janaa...! True Indeed..!

Being (a) Human Being - Part 1.

The excessive addiction to the numbers from the world of finance  has caused a real break for me from the otherwise mundane and continuous process of sociological exploration.

However, grabbing enough attention, there has been quite a lot of talk about the inter relationship between the man and the society and about its most apparent form for the commoner - the politics. Much of the talk or cacophony as one would brush it aside, I refer here, is related to the heated debates that took place within the left circles in Kerala, which go beyond the realms of thoughts for the common man and for most of the so called wise men  either.For lack of one's ability to comprehend such seemingly weirdly(!) worded linguistic acrobatics, many would probably leave it as high IQ verbiage coming aimlessly from the ivory tower intellectuals.Yet, such is the nature of human-social relationships that the very same aspects one brushes aside as verbiage is exactly the one determines our life of today's and tomorrows and years to come. So let me try to De-classify such seemingly intriguing, yet probably the most simplistic sociological equations. The purpose of this post and probably that of the subsequent ones (!!??) is many folds including basic level awareness and introduction to human systems and my perspectives on how it should evolve.

Since the discussion is about 'us' - It essentially requires to describe 'us'. well , since 'we' forms a collection of 'me' and many 'you', it needs a further clear understanding of 'you' and 'me' who most acceptably(!) called as "human beings".

So the post title is "Being a Human Being" ... and probably it makes sense, as does the following alternate choices

1.Not Being a Human being 2.Being a Non Human Being 3.Being a Human Non Being

(well..!! somebody was talking about verbiage..!!! ;-))

We The "Homo sapiens":

The genetic evolution( or rather more correctly understood as the the plausible solutions of the multi variable - nth degree 'genetic' equation) has resulted in the gradual and yet relatively distinguishable emergence of a  group of living creatures, of a particular genetics base. We know them as Homo sapiens and we know we belong just there.

While it is certain and could be proved scientifically as well, that we the so called Human Beings are indeed Homo sapiens, it may be altogether a different task to answer the question, if we all are 'Human enough to be called Human beings..?'

In other words, while the term Homo sapiens and its reference set of gene pool marks a distinct detachment from the other species, we all, just because we possess the same set of gene pool would naturally fit into that group.So we are classified as Homo sapiens .The other classification - that we are human beings depends on the under lying semantic that defines the word : 'Human.'

We the Human beings:

While we being Homo sapiens is a empirically provable fact , the concept of a human being is not a data based concept but it is based on supposed 'non-physical attributes' the Homo Sapience may possess in 'varying degrees',varying with time space, and in varying degrees from other Homo Sapience too. So , the so called Human being is an 'abstract concept' whereas a Homo Sapience is a 'quantifiable reality' .

So, while two members of the species Homo Sapience can identify themselves quite closely on the basis of the same gene set, they can't be said to be possessing the same degrees of "Humanity" - "Humanness" . Needless to say compared to the genetic set , the degree of Humanity is not an easily measurable quantity and hence is a subjective experience.

With this basic concept of distinctly differentiable homogeneous class of homo sapiens contrasting with a random distribution on humanity amongst the Homo sapience, we can move to the next step.

We have undergone two different kind of evolution process - First -A long term one from animal genetics into Homo sapiens , which provided with innumerable neurons and second - a rather quicker one of evolving a software stack- an evolved humanity over what we call a process of civilization.

PS : Aside:For mathematical fanatics :

While the first kind of evolution - the hard one- had periodic impulsive nature when plotted over time, the second one - the soft one- is gradual and continuous - it is this continuity , that gives it on graph paper, a derivative - a differential with time, with its d/dt is a positive value it will be in a continuous uptrend, however may be the weight historical baggage- the negative coefficients of a infinite series -pull it down.

PS:Aside: - For Software Fanatics

1.Easy way of understanding the concept is considering the analogous and very closely correlated example from the computer world. As well know the hardware (CPU ) has evolved with different set of genetic structure(computational and combination),once the hardware is defined ( as intel X86=evolved and stabilized) the software was evolved on the top of it, in layers. Homo Sapience are akin to the CPU and Humanity=Human beings is the "soft" part that includes an operating system and its semantics.One can run many operation system on the same CPU some talk to each other some doesn't. The semantics , while can be common need not be exactly the same for various systems.

2. Another example is to consider a protocol stack where the physical layer form the visible evolved crystallized part with chips and the different soft layers -logical-sync-data semantics part evolving on the top.It may be noted that different protocols can exist on the same hardware(physical) just like grades of humanity developed on the same basic raw -home sapience- substance , can substantially vary.

The software stack or the logical upper layers of protocol decide why and how the "right" and "wrong" can appear differently to different people. The concept of a "modern state"- the "republic" , in a nutshell is a nascent attempt to loosely bind such variations of different makle/ versions of humanity. That "democracy" is a very basic, nascent and highly simplified system and it is plainly ineffective in dealing with such diversities of humanity under its wings is a matter of observable fact.

The subject is a topic for an encyclopedia itself, so for purpose of focusing onto the subject of the blog- the confrontation of the identities and dilemma of the left- this discussion can be left as brief as possible just to make the entry for the next section- Individual and Society - chicken or egg..? That ,In the next post.

Disclaimer: Written in haste - taking time from the dynamic stocks portfolios that blinks every second. Any syntax , semantic error is regretted.Hope the essence do not get missed.Plan to write a series to make the cross referencing of ideas complete , not sure if patience will allow....

Silent Valley

When you think about your childhood days, maybe, you might recollect some of those events, not necessarily personal,yet,those still sticks with you with vivid clarity. One such story for me ,was that of Silent Valley and the challenges it faced during the late seventies and early eighties.

During those days ,I was much into the literature from Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad. Science, Nature, Modern thoughts, all were getting bombarded into the mind on a daily basis. The penchant for reading was so unstoppable that virtually even meals were skipped the moment a new book was available to read.


Silent Valley is a special nature-rich tropical forest situated in Palakkad ,Kerala, On the foot Hills of Western Ghatts, close to the tribal belt of Attappadi. The area was far remote that there was hardly any human habitat in the vicinity.



Protected by the nature from the greedy eyes of humans, Silent Valley had evolved into a complete ecosystem, with a flora and fauna, unmatched anywhere in the world.
It is home to many rare species and is the only place for many of such yet to be extinct ones. It is also one of the greatest continuous stretches you can get, amongst the rain forests of western ghats.




Way back in late 70s ,when I was just learning the first alphabets , Kerala was found wanting in the power required for the consumption of the entire state. Unlike other states, kerala had a large number of upwardly mobile class of people living in villages, who were well aware of their rights and hence had higher expectations of their living standards. That also meant the electrification in Kerala had to happen simultaneously in villages and cities as villages boasted of more electrical/electronic products than cities.(because of the Gulf boom).

The north kerala, known as Malabar was lagging when it comes to electricity as bulk of the power was produced from the newly built Idukki power station in the south. Because of the transmission losses it was unthinkable to transmit the power to feeders in Malabar. Hence the only option they felt was to set up a Hydel Power station in North Kerala itself and they Chose Silent Valley, through which the very Kunthi puzha , a rich reservoir of water, was flowing all though the year.

The freelancers and mavericks amongst the scientist community took on this threat tooth and nail. The Shastra Sahitya Parishad took a strong stand which helped spreading awareness and gave an air or scientific rational to back the protest.

Noted literati figures lead by eminent poet Sugatha Kumari were in the fore front of the agitation. The importance of preserving nature was made aware via various agitations and stage shows.

Noted were the activism shown by famous ornithologist Salim Ali.Much of Parishad Publications had carried articles authored by the respectable yet down to earth luminaries who were mostly science teachers and professors..I was privy to their articles, which of course have set in me the right mindset towards generating interest in science and logic.

Rest is history, the Govt and the Development at any cost - lobby had to relent as a series of court verdicts slowed down the developmental project. Later the center govt passed resolutions barring any development activities in the Valley declaring it as a national park.

I vividly remember the sarcastic reference to the protesters made ,as they were fighting for the cause of "Simhavalan Kurangu" (Lion-tailed Macaque)

Now spotted as one of the richest rain forests in world, Silent Valley and its 90 square kilometers is the pride of Kerala. (You may build your Smart City with in two years. But to create another Silent Valley? It is hardly possible, humanly!)

PS: I see the the young ones of the modern era substantially miss these Parishad literature, which was the hall mark of vibrant young enthusiastic children of our times. Here is a samply copy of Eureka - their publication for children between 7-12 yrs of age. They have 'Thalir' for even younger ones and "Shashtra Keralam" and"Shastra Gathi" for elders.

Click Here to Read a typical eureka edition

ഒരുപാട്‌ സ്നേഹം തന്ന് .. ഒരുപാടു സത്യം പറഞ്ഞ് ..ഒന്നും ഒളിക്കാതെ... എന്നാല്‍ എല്ലവരെയും ഒപ്പം കൂട്ടാനാവാകാതെ മാധവിക്കുട്ടി വിട പറഞ്ഞു... കവി പണ്ടു പറഞ്ഞത് ഓര്മ വരുന്നു...

"കപടമീ ലോകത്ത് ആത്മാര്‍ത്ഥ

ഹൃദയമുണ്ടായതനേന്‍ പരാജയം..."

മാധവിക്കുട്ടി ഒരിക്കലും പരജിതയിരുന്നില്ലെങ്ങിലും അവര്‍ അങ്ങനെ വിശ്വസിച്ചിരുന്നു.. അങ്ങനെ അവരെക്കൊണ്ടു തോന്നിപ്പിചിത്..ഈ കേരളവും ഇവിടത്തെ കപട സന്മാര്‍ഗിക കോമരങ്ങളും അസോയാലുക്കളും ഒക്കെ തന്നെ.. എന്തായാലും..അവര്ക്കൊന്നും മാപ്പ് എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞു അപേക്ഷിക്കാന്‍ മാധവിക്കുട്ടി ഇനിയില്ല..

ഇനിയെങ്ങിലും നന്മകളെ തിരിച്ചറിയാന്‍ മലയാളി പഠിക്കുംമെന്ന തീരെയില്ലാത്ത പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ.. ഇനിയെങ്ങിലും സ്നേഹം തരുന്നവരെ തിരിച്ചു സ്നേഹിക്കുവാന്‍ മലയാളിക്കെ സാധിക്കുമെന്ന പ്രതീഷയോടെ...

ഇനിയെങ്ങിലും കപട മൂല്യങ്ങള്‍ തിരിച്ചറിയാന്‍ മലയാളിയുടെ ബുദ്ധി വകസിക്കുംമെന്ന ഒട്ടുമില്ലാത്ത പ്രത്യാശയോടെ

കുഞ്ഞു നാളീല് ഞാന്‍ വായിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ മാധവിക്കുട്ടിയെന്ന എഴുത്ത് കാരിയുടെ ഓര്‍മകള്‍ക്ക് മുന്നില്‍.... സാദരം.. എന്റെ പ്രണാമം..

He too lives here!

I am reproducing an old bit of write up from an obsolete blog of mine (posted in another website used for blogging in those times).. Clock was set to year 2005 when this blog was written.. :-) Maybe today being Valentine's day could be the right day to reproduce it...

"""

I am still thinking about it..And it makes me feel more angry...and sad..

Here was I yesterday, On this very Brigades .Being a Sunday, all colours and hues were on the street..Dressed up stylish as they can..

Me too was not falling behind..With the big Grey tinted spects and posing as a daredevil...(yaa, some wud say...a country look !!! )

It was fun, when ppl avoided eye contacts...as they thought this guy might be upto smthing..I am missing my friends..or else it could have been more fun..

I was walking as much carelessly as I could..Pushing the guys who walked past ..

There were regulars, many of them mallus (I cud easily identify them from the way they stare at the girls..(Buddies I did the same till sm years back..) I was abt to reach the Rex and there was this little boy in his unclean and sagging clothes, carrying a load of bags filled with what I guess is some kinda food ..

He was barely 7 years..and he was carrying a truck load..on his head..Though shabbily dressed..his face was bearing childish innocence, the shine of which none there could match even with their latest makeups..

As he was abt to walk past me, not bothered abt the Davinci Code and abt the hoola bulla of girls who just came out of the shopping mall, His hands were stretched to the extend he could to hold tight the bags and the banana leaves he kept on the top of it..

The street was full of ppl..busy..and cheerful...The contrasting images makes it even more apparent..And suddenly the bananna leaves slipped off as he cudnt hold it firm..

Here he was..His face looking aghast and a visible helplessness was read in his eyes...I was sure that he was afraid abt the scolding and may be the beating he wud get, had he not taken the leaves with him..

He looked back and was looking for his mother or smone who had set it up on his head..But they were lost in the crowd..He stood there trying to pick the leaves in vein..But the sheer weight of the load he carried didnt allow him to bend down..He seems afraid to ask for help.He might have felt that he was in a wrong place where he didnt belong.

The sea of humanity was passing by, but who is there to take notice of the agonies of the ones who aren't fit enough to deserve attention..We are more keen shed our tears for the manufactured sentiments of the sop serials.Groups of boys and girls passed by..The much talked abt emerging youth of India pretended they haven't got eyes..

He expected least from me (I was wearing the Grey tinted goggles!!!!)..there was a real sence of gratitude in his eyes..as I picked the leaves and put under of his little fingers,which ensured to grip as strong as he cud...'thanks uncle' he said in the way he cud..And he rushed to his destination , lest he might get beaten up for being late..

I was thinking..which is the real India...Is it the big pool of neatly dressed up ( I must say I like dressing up and to see ppl dressed up..)guys and girls..or is it this little boy..who is forced to do tough labour when he is supposed to be in an school..or play with his friends..

I am sure The genetic code of his cant be different from that of those arnd..But he can never dream of becoming one like them..As he grows old he will end up carrying more loads on his head..His little brain will be rarely used to think and more used to take orders..

What a shame!The talent of our country is wasted..at such a young age..Even when we have a law to ban child labour.. Are was a civilized society.What human values do we possess..?Why do we call ourselves cultured if we allows a kid to be exploited and his future sealed in front of our eyes..Eyes are there to see.But then why we use it so selectively..hypocrites..You and me..

Bye the way, the blog is not to spoil the cheer of valentine's day .Instead I have a posting specifically dedicated for it here :

http://silentheartbeeps.blogspot.com/



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Indo European Languages ..!

There is a branch of languages known as the Indo -European languages which includes Sanskrit and Persian bracketed with many European languages .

Did some little research to find out some the common threads existing now between the divergent branches. These words are somewhat straightforward relatives of each other (especially when one consider that the diversity was achieved much before the invention of writing,).Many a study on the roots syllables has revealed the more intricate nature of this relationships- like the "ph' in 'Bhaskar', 'Abha' ,'Shobha'and 'Prabha' indicates light as it does in 'photo', 'photon'..etc

More than anything else this gives a hint of the nomadic nature of the human tribes as they wandered across the grasslands on the earth.

In search of a suitable natural habitat they spread a long way across, carrying with them the myths and the fables..

In Stockholm I was surprised to see 'Sabon' printed on the soap they kept in the room. Made sure that is was not made in India :-

you...thou...thu..

name ...namen...nama

that...thath..

upper..uber..uper

under..anthar..

star...sitar..

better... behther..

wagan.... wahan

ankoman..agaman.

cow..gow..gaay..

man....manav

mind...man

new ..navine

door... dwaar

sabon...sabun....(soap)

night..nox..noxa...nisha

region..rajya..

know..gno..gyaan...njana

nose...nasika

dental...dantha..

heart...hriday..

mather..matter...mathru..

father....pithru..

brother..bhrathru..

folk...log

adam...aadmi..

eve...aurath...

mega..maga(as in magnanimus..)...maha..

ney..nahin..

deep...doobna..

divine .. deva..divya

gait..gathi..

kid .. gudi..gudiya

lad .. ladka

cut … kaat

bind .. baandh

beat..peet

taunt.. Daunh..

mad.. Mada..

tone .. Dhvan..dhvani..

Mud..Mitti.

Body..bathan..

Sir..Sree

rays ..rashmi…

behemoth...bahuth..

body..bathan..

voice.. avaaz

fear.. phaya

practical...prakriti..

new..nova...naya..

path..padh..

earth...dharthy..

ped(means foot ..pedesrian)....pada..

way..voie..veedhi..

is...aus..(sankrit..)

end...anth..

samarth ... smart

mruthyu .. murdur

masmaram -mesmeric

The philosophy of adwaitha says- Thath thvam asi..it is an exact translation of "That thou is " (that u are)