From the Desk of Raj

While Orkut pulled down curtains on itself, just thought I can reflect on what it meant to us as an Internet Social Media.

I was introduced to Orkut by my cousin in 2006 a period when I was traveling quite often and for people who knew me then, I was practically living alone even when in India. It was a period/phase in my life when I had literally none from my comfort zone around. My family or friends. 

When Orkut was introduced to me, I did not know what this was all about. Though I did know and had in the past in a very few occasions, have been part of some chat tools and rooms on yahoo and so on, this was new. Creating a web profile with interests and so on was ok, but little did I know that this medium would have an impact as long as I'm gonna live.

Like everyone, it started off with searching few people and eventually ending up in some good large communities. I was fortunate to be part of a few and a couple of significant ones like Kongu Vellala Gounders community (thanks for my racial side ;)) and Chennai Rulezz where very confidently I can say that I have met quite a lot whom would remain in my life as friends for ever.

While the Orkut is said to be a social networking site, my view is that it was rather a social engineering site. The kind of debates that it enabled on various topics from religion to cinema to politics to of course internal politics, it was more than a collaboration site. It was a real virtual world, as weird as it may sound. For instance within Chennai Rulezz community we have debated on Islam/Hinduism, Srilankan issue, TR to Super Star, from KK to Amma, celebrated b'days, got drunk virtually, attended weddings virtually (a few from virtual world did attend my wedding), we shed tears when someone in the community passed away, there were instances like in every family when there was a dispute when someone dashes out of the home and then coming back, songs, games, music, some affairs, a few marrying and last but not the least quite a few helping building careers!! We had elections and bloody hell, I was a moderator for one of the largest Orkut communities! Now if it is not real what else could be real. Quite a few of us met with, watched movies, dine and wine, phone conferences, it was such a saviour for people like me when at times you feel lonely.

Yes Facebook (I know I'll posting this blog there as well) moved us back into a social networking mode and with the advent of WhatsApp/Telegram we may even move away from other collaboration and social networking sites, however, Orkut would remain special for all the experiences and emotions it gave us. Personally, Orkut was a companion when I really was living alone and at time to the extent of me being addicted to it that I checked Orkut than Outlook. 

I have made enough friends most of them still remain physically strangers but attached in a virtual world where like anyone of our friends whom we know, we wish each other all the best from the bottom of our hearts.

Long Live Orkut!! You will live as long as two of the Orkut friends remain alive or even better, as long as a couple married because of Orkut and their children and great grand children live on, Orkut will live.

To all my Orkut friends, we owe Orkut a lot for it has done to us! Glad that we all met there and have remained friends there after.. Cheers!!!!

PS.: Only my Orkut friends know why I had to name the blog this way! The clue is, that desk is the reason why this blog is in existence. :)

Regards,

Raj.

Friends Acknowledged!

Friends are the ones that define what we are and how we lead our lives... I can boldly and in one sense arrogantly say that I'm leading a good life with so many around to wish me well, though deep down, I know that, sometimes I do not deserve such unconditional love and support. But that is why friendships are unique isn't it! There are no judgements in friendships. It is just support and support and support....

Each day is for friends for we find a friend in dad, mom, brother, sister, wife, and in all forms of relationships.... But this day is the day to acknowledge that unique meaning of a friend who lifts you up with his hands, shares shoulders just when needed and say am there for you even with silence...

விழும் போது கை தந்து...

அழும் போது தோள் தந்து...
இளைப்பாற மடி தந்து...

To all my friends... Acknowledged!
I may not the best to keep in touch, but am touched. :)
- Raj

Ovvaiyaar’s Aathichudi with Mei Ezhutuhgal now.

Long back, I wrote something on our grand old Lady Ovvaiyar's Aathichudi and the compilation was for only Mei Ezhuthugal.

There were requests from a lot of folks to post them for Mei Ezhuthugal as well. I can say an excuse of not finding time, but the real reason was I did not have the resources nor the knowledge to write the correct ones! Now, I bumped up on my friend Sabari Ganesh who had it all compiled on his FB page and am just presenting it as is. Enjoy reading.

Uyir Ezhuthugal:

1. அறம் செய விரும்பு / 1. Learn to love virtue.

2. ஆறுவது சினம் / 2. Control anger.
3. இயல்வது கரவேல் / 3. Don't forget Charity.
4. ஈவது விலக்கேல் / 4. Don't prevent philanthropy.
5. உடையது விளம்பேல் / 5. Don't betray confidence.
6. ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் / 6. Don't forsake motivation.
7. எண் எழுத்து இகழேல் / 7. Don't despise learning.
8. ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி / 8. Don't freeload.
9. ஐயம் இட்டு உண் / 9. Feed the hungry and then feast.
10. ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு / 10. Emulate the great.
11. ஓதுவது ஒழியேல் / 11. Discern the good and learn.
12. ஒளவியம் பேசேல் / 12. Speak no envy.
13. அகம் சுருக்கேல் / 13. Don't shortchange.

Mei Ezhuthugal:

14. கண்டொன்று சொல்லேல் / 14. Don't flip-flop.
15. ஙப் போல் வளை / 15. Bend to befriend.
16. சனி நீராடு / 16. Shower regularly.
17. ஞயம்பட உரை / 17. Sweeten your speech.
18. இடம்பட வீடு எடேல் / 18. Judiciously space your home.
19. இணக்கம் அறிந்து இணங்கு / 19. Befriend the best.
20. தந்தை தாய்ப் பேண் / 20. Protect your parents.
21. நன்றி மறவேல் / 21. Don't forget gratitude.
22. பருவத்தே பயிர் செய் / 22. Husbandry has its season.
23. மண் பறித்து உண்ணேல் / 23. Don't land-grab.
24. இயல்பு அலாதன செய்யேல் / 24. Desist demeaning deeds.
25. அரவம் ஆட்டேல் / 25. Don't play with snakes.
26. இலவம் பஞ்சில் துயில் / 26. Cotton bed better for comfort.
27. வஞ்சகம் பேசேல் / 27. Don't sugar-coat words.
28. அழகு அலாதன செய்யேல் / 28. Detest the disorderly.
29. இளமையில் கல் / 29. Learn when young.
30. அரனை மறவேல் / 30. Cherish charity.
31. அனந்தல் ஆடேல் / 31. Over sleeping is obnoxious.
32. கடிவது மற / 32. Constant anger is corrosive.
33. காப்பது விரதம் / 33. Saving lives superior to fasting.
34. கிழமைப்பட வாழ் / 34. Make wealth beneficial.
35. கீழ்மை அகற்று / 35. Distance from the wicked.
36. குணமது கைவிடேல் / 36. Keep all that are useful.
37. கூடிப் பிரியேல் / 37. Don't forsake friends.
38. கெடுப்பது ஒழி / 38. Abandon animosity.
39. கேள்வி முயல் / 39. Learn from the learned.
40. கைவினை கரவேல் / 40. Don't hide knowledge.
41. கொள்ளை விரும்பேல் / 41. Don't swindle.
42. கோதாட்டு ஒழி / 42. Ban all illegal games.
43. கெளவை அகற்று / 43. Don't vilify.
44. சக்கர நெறி நில் / 44. Honor your Lands Constitution.
45. சான்றோர் இனத்து இரு / 45. Associate with the noble.
46. சித்திரம் பேசேல் / 46. Stop being paradoxical.
47. சீர்மை மறவேல் / 47. Remember to be righteous.
48. சுளிக்கச் சொல்லேல் / 48. Don't hurt others feelings.
49. சூது விரும்பேல் / 49. Don't gamble.
50. செய்வன திருந்தச் செய் / 50. Action with perfection.
51. சேரிடம் அறிந்து சேர் / 51. Seek out good friends.
52. சையெனத் திரியேல் / 52. Avoid being insulted.
53. சொற் சோர்வு படேல் / 53. Don't show fatigue in conversation.
54. சோம்பித் திரியேல் / 54. Don't be a lazybones.
55. தக்கோன் எனத் திரி / 55. Be trustworthy.
56. தானமது விரும்பு / 56. Be kind to the unfortunate.
57. திருமாலுக்கு அடிமை செய் / 57. Serve the protector.
58. தீவினை அகற்று / 58. Don't sin.
59. துன்பத்திற்கு இடம் கொடேல் / 59. Don't attract suffering.
60. தூக்கி வினை செய் / 60. Deliberate every action.
61. தெய்வம் இகழேல் / 61. Don't defame the divine.
62. தேசத்தோடு ஒட்டி வாழ் / 62. Live in unison with your countrymen.
63. தையல் சொல் கேளேல் / 63. Don't listen to the designing.
64. தொன்மை மறவேல் / 64. Don't forget your past glory.
65. தோற்பன தொடரேல் / 65. Don't compete if sure of defeat.
66. நன்மை கடைப்பிடி / 66. Adhere to the beneficial.
67. நாடு ஒப்பன செய் / 67. Do nationally agreeables.
68. நிலையில் பிரியேல் / 68. Don't depart from good standing.
69. நீர் விளையாடேல் / 69. Don't jump into a watery grave.
70. நுண்மை நுகரேல் / 70. Don't over snack.
71. நூல் பல கல் / 71. Read variety of materials.
72. நெற்பயிர் விளைவு செய் / 72. Grow your own staple.
73. நேர்பட ஒழுகு / 73. Exhibit good manners always.
74. நைவினை நணுகேல் / 74. Don't involve in destruction.
75. நொய்ய உரையேல் / 75. Don't dabble in sleaze.
76. நோய்க்கு இடம் கொடேல் / 76. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle.
77. பழிப்பன பகரேல் / 77. Speak no vulgarity.
78. பாம்பொடு பழகேல் / 78. Keep away from the vicious.
79. பிழைபடச் சொல்லேல் / 79. Watch out for self incrimination.
80. பீடு பெற நில் / 80. Follow path of honor.
81. புகழ்ந்தாரைப் போற்றி வாழ் / 81. Protect your benefactor.
82. பூமி திருத்தி உண் / 82. Cultivate the land and feed.
83. பெரியாரைத் துணைக் கொள் / 83. Seek help from the old and wise.
84. பேதைமை அகற்று / 84. Eradicate ignorance.
85. பையலோடு இணங்கேல் / 85. Don't comply with idiots.
86. பொருள்தனைப் போற்றி வாழ் / 86. Protect and enhance your wealth.
87. போர்த் தொழில் புரியேல் / 87. Don't encourage war.
88. மனம் தடுமாறேல் / 88. Don't vacillate.
89. மாற்றானுக்கு இடம் கொடேல் / 89. Don't accommodate your enemy.
90. மிகைபடச் சொல்லேல் / 90. Don't over dramatize.
91. மீதூண் விரும்பேல் / 91. Don't be a glutton.
92. முனைமுகத்து நில்லேல் / 92. Don't join an unjust fight.
93. மூர்க்கரோடு இணங்கேல் / 93. Don't agree with the stubborn.
94. மெல்லி நல்லாள் தோள்சேர் / 94. Stick with your exemplary wife.
95. மேன்மக்கள் சொல் கேள் / 95. Listen to men of quality.
96. மை விழியார் மனை அகல் / 96. Dissociate from the jealous.
97. மொழிவது அற மொழி / 97. Speak with clarity.
98. மோகத்தை முனி / 98. Hate any desire for lust.
99. வல்லமை பேசேல் / 99. Don't self praise.
100. வாது முற்கூறேல் / 100. Don't gossip or spread rumor.
101. வித்தை விரும்பு / 101. Long to learn.
102. வீடு பெற நில் / 102. Work for a peaceful life.
103. உத்தமனாய் இரு / 103. Lead exemplary life.
104. ஊருடன் கூடி வாழ் / 104. Live amicably.
105. வெட்டெனப் பேசேல் / 105. Don't be harsh with words and deeds.
106. வேண்டி வினை செயேல் / 106. Don't premeditate harm.
107. வைகறைத் துயில் எழு / 107. Be an early-riser.
108. ஒன்னாரைத் தேறேல் / 108. Never join your enemy.
109. ஓரம் சொல்லேல் / 109. Be impartial in judgement.

- ஔவையார்.

For the sake of people who cannot read Thamizh, I'll try to transliterate this into English in a shortwhile. 

- Raj

Words of Wisdom.

A few quotes of this yours truly over the years!


Passion is a choice, not an emotion.
Circumstances defines emotions, but how we remain passionate despite our circumstances is a choice!!

No one dump for anyone except for oneself...

The difference between Good and Great!
Both enjoy tremendous success. However, the great remain Humble!
Success without humility means nothing!


Good people are part of Success Stories.
Great People make those Stories!

Leaders choose what problem to live with!

Life is all about taking small but right steps!

Ego is the best poison to kill any relationship!

Honesty is not easy, but it is the only one that helps!

Fact of Life: Ladies teach Patience to men; Men teach Perseverance to Ladies.

You can desire for a lot, but know what you need and be happy when you get what you need! For this shall be the difference between greed and content!

While other teachers train you and give tests, Life trains you by testing!

No Problem solves by itself or can be differed! FACE IT straight away!


Cleaning shit or having sex, do it with passion for it defines whether you are doing a shitty job or a sexy job.
With Passion - a sexy job in cleaning shit; Without passion - A shitty job in having sex!

Being Proactive is not about completing a task (that you were supposed to do) ahead of schedule. It is about doing a task that none expected you to do, in an efficient and effective way. It is about taking an initiative, seeing through it till the end!

Things are not as complicated as they seem when we look at them retrospectively. So take life as simple as you can.

Information, if only it is shared, it becomes an experience of mine, else it remains as a distinct memory within myself.

To me no question is stupid or intelligent because the nature of the question depends on the answer! Anyone who has the guts to ask any sort of question to me is intelligent as he wants to learn more!

It is my experience.. when you have two choices and you are unable to decide which you "think" is the right one and you decide to flip a coin.... The right option will be known moments after you flip the coin up and you "feel" the right option even before the coin starts descending... You would desperately want the coin to take your feeling and give the right choice... 

Moral of the statement... do what you feel is right.. If it was wrong, you try to make it right or learn to live with it. And no regrets... 


மேகம் என்று என்னை எள்ளி நகை ஆடாதே...
மேகங்கள் மோதி தான் இடியும் மின்னலும்... 
நான் இடித்தால் வெடித்தால்...

If you think am a cloud that would just pass by.. 
Beware... 
Am the source of thunder and light....

Embrace each person according to his or her characteristics, not position or title.

Everyone you encounter is your teacher!

 உடல் உழைக்க சொல்வேன்.. அதில் பிழைக்க சொல்வேன்...

 "I'm responsible for what I say, not for what you understand!"

 A wise man once sat in the audience & cracked a joke.

 All laughed like crazy. After a moment he cracked the same joke again and a little less people laughed this time. He cracked the same joke again & again, when there was no laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said,

 When u can’t laugh on the same joke again & again, then why do u keep crying over the same thing over and over again....

 Learn to move on

- Anonymous

The Letter 'P'

I do not know why, but I like this letter P, for most words that start with it are very important to us in life.
I keep insisting in the below words in my team!

Passion, Pride.

No matter what job you do, if you do it with passion and take pride in that, we derive satisfaction and we learn something new even if it gets monotonous.

A person without a passion is like a dead rat.

Of course there are quite a few other words.
Patience
Perseverance
Practice
Performance

But with all due respect, these words do not match the impact that Passion and Pride give us in life!

An Amazing letter called P :)

- Raj

Birth Day Acceptance Speech - 2011

Thanks to all the love and attention that was showered yesterday!
All the emails, messages, phone calls, FB, Orkut, personal visits. It is just so an amazing feeling to be loved.

When I look back at my life at large, I'm really fortunate to have good people around me and always. Family, friends, work, team and everyone that I have met in my life have been very kind to me and have always been with me and wished that I always fared well.

Yes it was a day to remind me of those people who cared and loved me a lot. Also, a day which told me that possibly am not returning all that love and care! Well, anything that I would say are excuses but not the reasons. Need to see, how best I can get out of shell of so called over working! But certainly realize that I need to do more than what am doing now to my family and friends. I know I have said it in the past, but well, I'll keep trying until I set it right.

While I do not celebrate any days, I have to admit that it really felt good to be remembered and loved! And it was so special that my entire family was with me for probably the first time in the last 15 years on my B'day.

It is Bliss and Bless!

Keep loving me....

I love to be loved....
I live to be loved!!!!

- Raj

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs! A man who is responsible for the world to change the way it operated!
Thanks Steve. Not just from an Apple perspective, but as an human and a source of inspiration to all of us. You let us all know that life is nothing but a journey until death and only we can choose to make it worth a journey!


You did and am glad to have lived during your times!


May you rest in peace!


- Raj

Ovvaiyaar’s Aathichudi

The other day while I was driving, I was listening to the remix from a Thamizh movie on a FM radio. It was all about Ovvaiyaar’s Aathichudi (ஒளவையாரின் ஆத்திச்சூடி)! The one that is so ancient and that I hope that every generation takes along.

The first reaction was, crazy buggers, they have not let this one go to. But later one thing stuck me (purely reminded by someone saying something in a meeting). And I went back to my school days to try and get Aathichudi. It was a refresher of sorts for me. I hope you love the below without any controversy.

Read what this great Old lady has given and the greatness of Thamizh.

Like any other language Tamil has Alphabets. Basically they are of two sets.

Uyir Ezhuthugal

Mei Ezhuthugal.

While all languages teach alphabets with some objects (like A for Apple, B for Boy etc.,.) look at what Thamizh offers.

The below are Thamizh’s Uyir Ezhugal.

அ, ஆ, இ, ஈ, உ, ஊ, எ, ஏ, ஐ, ஒ, ஓ, ஒள, ஃ

And look at how this great lady teaches Thamizh. She teaches Thamizh with morals.

அறம் செய்ய விரும்பு (Aram Seiya Virumbu) -> Have desire to do good

ஆறுவது சினம் (Aaruvadhu Sinam) -> The one that reduces should be anger

இயல்வது கரவேல் (Iyalvadhu Karavel) -> Donate what you can/Help if you can.

ஈவது விலக்கேல் (Eevadhu Vilagel) -> Do not stop giving.

உடையது விளம்பேல் (Udaiyadhu Velambel) -> Don't belittle your family and self to others/have and exhibit pride.

ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் (Ookamadhu Kaividale) -> Do not lose hope

எண், எழுத்து இகழேல் (Enn, Ezhuthu Igalel) -> Do not underestimate the power of Mathematics and literature

ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி (Yerpadhu Igazhchi) -> Receiving is meaner.

ஐயமிட்டு உண் (Iyamittu Unn) -> Eat after sharing.

ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு (Oppuravu Ozhugu) -> Get used to what you have. Get along with the world.

ஓதுவ தொழியேல் (Odhuvadhu Ozhiyel) -> Never stop learning or preaching.

ஒளவியம் பேசேல் (Oviyam Pesale) -> Do not talk ill about others.

ஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் (Akanjurukale) -> Do not be stingy.

It does not stop here. It continues with the Mei Ezhuthugal as well.

Of course not all of this is exact meaning and may not even be right, but I’ve tried my level best to capture it. Apologies if you find the meaning wrong. My intent is to say how the ancient Thamizh culture instilled morality into our system. While doing so am trying to translate a few as I can. If you find it wrong, please correct me and I shall include that as well.

Long live Thamizh!

Hope you had got something out of this.

Please do not treat me as a Thamizh Maniac. It just occurred to me and am just penning it down. Even if you think so, no issues.

- Raj

Appreciate Ladies in your Lives!

I really was really ashamed that I never did this . Not that it was intentional, but it was ignorance!

Please go back to your homes and just say thank you! Be it your wife or mom or sister!

Please read through some of the sacrifices a lady makes to just keep us happy!

- Raj

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
Who is earning almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as
you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your
Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system
that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as
much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family ,name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook
food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more,
and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother,
a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as
to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply
Because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important,
relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some
and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this......

Please appreciate "HER"