CONTRIBUTION Vs. SACRIFICE

Contribution and Sacrifice are two words which are often used interchangeably by people.  There is a big difference between Sacrifice and Contribution.  We use the word Sacrifice when it is actually contribution and vice versa.

A mother sacrifices her sleep and looks after the baby throughout the day and the night and that is a Sacrifice.  A husband helps his wife by cutting vegetables and doing dish washing once in a while and that is a contribution made towards the household chores.

We contribute a lot in the work place, at home, in the society as it is the collective contribution of all people involved in the work place or home or society that helps in the overall development.  We have to continue to contribute in whatever way possible and make the requisite efforts for the same.  Thus contribution is a continuous process and requires effort.  It is a disciplined approach which will help in making continuous contribution in whatever we pursue.  Contribution is made as part of the requirements or with an expectation in return.

Sacrifice calls for a very big heart and selflessness.  Sacrifice sometimes leads to suffering but the suffering is only for one person through which there is benefit for several others.  Sacrifice takes us to the highest level in life and helps us to realise ourselves and takes us closer to God.  There are thousands of soldiers who are guarding the Country all the time and are willing to sacrifice their sleep, timely food and sometimes they sacrifice their lives for the nation.

Contribution is made by all of us but Sacrifice is made only by a few.  Contribution entirely depends on the ability and availability but Sacrifice is a result of a mental composure which very few people are able to achieve.

I have contributed a lot in life and hope to achieve the mental composure to do some sacrifices in life.

Seasons' Greetings and my best wishes for a very happy and prosperous New Year to all my readers.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
26th December 2012

12.12.12 RAJNIKANT SPECIAL

Today is 12.12.12 and this will be the last of such number date sequence for this century.  From 2001 onwards we have seen the sequence numbers each year for 12 years as there are only 12 months in our calendar.

People who are born within the last twenty years would probably be there to see the number date sequence but I will not be there for sure to see the next number date sequence as I am already approaching 50.

It is such a special number and also numerology wise very powerful number that there are several hundred mothers who have delayed the delivery of their baby as they want the baby to be born on 12.12.12.  There are also several thousand couples who have been waiting for this date to get officially married.  In the USA about 7,500 couples are getting married today as it is considered a very auspicious date.

Super Star Rajnikant is celebrating his birthday today - 12th December as he has turned 62.  There are celebrations all over the world by his fans on his birthday.  While there are lot of punch dialogues and jokes about Rajnikant that do the circles, there was an interesting mail that came to me which read "Wishing all Birthdays a Very Happy Rajnikanth".  Such is is greatness and popularity.  The crowning glory is one mail which I received a few months back which read " we all have email account in gmail but if gmail wants to have an email then it will be gmail@rajnikant.com.

Someone has thought of a novel idea of capturing the whole world in one day.  They have shot glimpses of various parts of the world on one day, i.e., 12.12.12 which is quite interesting to watch:



Vijay Antony, Music Director has done a special number for the Birthday of Rajnikant.  One of the greatest hits of Rajnikant which I keep singing very often is from Netrikan - Raamanin Moganam:



Long Live Rajnikant.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
12th December 2012

MY BIGGEST ASPIRATION (MBA)

In the mid 80's the most sought after qualification was MBA.  Those who had the MBA degree were offered the best jobs in town.  As a student of CA (Chartered Accountancy) I also had the aspiration of becoming MBA but gave it up as the entry norms were quite stringent.  There used to be lot of comparison between CA and MBA in those days and they used to say that MBA is better than CA as they can present themselves very well.  I never participated in those debates as I felt there is no comparison between the two as they are totally different streams of education and training.

As I grew up, I did not like the comparison between CA and MBA and continued to avoid the debate.  However deep in my mind I still had the aspiration of getting into a B-School.  In 2011 I started looking around for MBA programmes offered by various institutions in Dubai.  I wanted to get a proper grounding on the Business Management through a B-School particularly attracted by the Case Study Approach.  I did the search for a long time and also visited a few of the institutions.  I also spoke to a few people who have done the MBA programmes with various institutions and got an insight into the same.  Finally I decided that at this stage and age in life I did not have to go through the full grinding of MBA and it is better to get a feel of it through short programme.

I selected the General Management Programme (GMP) of Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad) which is a course offered over eight months in Dubai and Ahmedabad.  I could not sign up for October 2011 batch as I was travelling to USA on holiday and so I finally ended up joining the course in April 2012.  The last eight months have been the most intellectually stimulating and highly enjoyable journey.

The programme emphasizes the problem-solving approach with active exchange of ideas and group discussions.  The Programme was delivered over 10 modules and was covered in 20 full days of intense learning.  The first 14 days were in Dubai over the weekends and the culmination of the learning was at IIMA campus for the last six days.  It was really a different experience for me as all the six days were filled with reading, discussions, learning and debating.  During that week in Ahmedabad there was hardly any time for sleeping (I managed about 3-4 hours of sleep on each day).  I returned to Dubai on 2nd December and it took me a good four days to get back to my normal routine.

During the course of these eight months we have gone through 44 Case Studies covering so many industries and a variety of issues in almost all the functional areas of a business.  Each Case study was supported by reading material and explanation to various concepts by the Professors.  We had very lively and interesting group discussions both in Dubai as well as in Ahmedabad on these 44 case studies which was a great learning.

When I stood at the "Harvard Steps" in the main entrance of IIMA it gave me a great sense of pride and satisfaction.  I felt as though I have achieved something big in life.

The facilities are top class in IIM A and the vibration in the 100 Acre campus is so good and pristine that one would end up only reading and learning all the time.  During that one week in the campus I never switched on the Television and never read the newspapers.  I hardly had time for anything other than learning.  My Biggest Aspiration of life has come true with my completion of the GMP at IIMA.  Though I am not an MBA I feel really happy and there is a sense of fulfillment and joy in mind on having gone through the GMP over the last eight months.

On 1st December 2012 I received the Certificate of Participation from Prof.Ajay Pandey, Dean of IIM A thus fulfilling My Biggest Aspiration in life.

There is still so much more to learn and as they say "learning stops only at the grave".  I shall continue to strive hard to learn more and more as there is a constant urge in me for furtherance of knowledge.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
9th December 2012

A JOURNEY OF PENCIL

We live in digital world where everything is done through digital devices.  However the use of Pencils and Pens cannot be replaced by digital devices.  My old friend Renganathan runs a company, Pointec in Bangalore which makes writing instruments.  I met him in Dubai a year ago and he told me that his company produces around 2.5 Million writing instruments a day.  When I heard this from him I could not comprehend what he said.  I asked him is it 2.5 million per day or per month.  He said "illa da it is daily production".

His company is doing a great service by producing these writing instruments by employing physically challenged people.  It is indeed a great gesture to employ such people and give them a comfortable life.  You would learn more about this initiative in the video below:



When I saw this video my eyes were filled with tears.  "Equal opportunity to all" coupled with "Social Responsibility" is demonstrated live on a daily basis by Pointec.  A sharp pencil is required to get a good handwriting and a sharp concerned mind is required to give good living and equal opportunities for physically challenged individuals in the society.

Renga, this is a great service to the society and you should continue this for ever in the future.   You have scripted the future direction of your company very well and written in nicely with a "Pointec Pencil".  I wish you all the very best and keep up the good work.  God bless you and I wish your company all the very best and a prosperous future.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
3rd December 2012

LARGEST IN AIR AND SEA

The transportation of people and cargo has come a long way over the last 100 years and it is really amazing to see how the technology has advanced.  If more than 500 people have to be transported from one place to another we thought it is possible only by Sea.  With the advent of large aircraft like A 380 it is possible for 500 people to be transported in Air.

The vastness of the sky and sea is really mind boggling and hence even these so called large Ship and Aircraft looks very small when they are in operation.  A very slight change in the wind speed or pressure in the air causes turbulence in the Aircraft.  A slight change in the current in the sea causes huge impact on some of the largest vessels that are sailing in mid sea.

The quest for understanding the nature and to use the natural resources has been very interesting and has kept several thousands of scientists busy throughout the year for the last several decades.

Largest in Air:

A 380 is the largest passenger aircraft which was first put to commercial use by Singapore Airlines in October 2007.  It is an aircraft made by Airbus costing around 300 Million Euros.  It has a wide body with double deck and is powered by four engines.  It has a seating capacity of 525 passenger in the three class configuration (Economy, Business and First Class) and can take upto 853 passengers in all economy class configuration.  I have seen the aircraft in Dubai Airport and also seen the take off several times and it is really a stunning wonder in air.  This aircraft is being used by Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and Qantas.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the longest passenger aircraft and is built by Boeing.  This aircraft is pitched directly in competition with A 380 and Boeing claims that this aircraft is fuel efficient and consumes 11 percent less fuel per passenger as compared to A 380.  747-8 Intercontinental can carry upto 467 passengers in a typical three class configuration in double deck.


Largest in Sea:

Emma Maersk is the largest Container Ship every built.  She along with the seven other sister ships are the largest container vessels currently in use.   She can transport goods across the pacific ocean in 5 days.  She is 397 meters (1,302 ft) long and reach maximum cruise speed of 31 knots.  She has the capacity to hold 11,000 containers of 20 foot equivalent units (TEU) or around 15,000 TEU depending on the definition.  This vessel can reach 4 days before a typical container ship on a China to California voyage.  She has been built in five sections and the sections were floated together and then welded.  The command bridge is higher than a ten storey building and has 11 cargo crane rigs that can operate simultaneously unloading the entire ship in less than 2 hours.  The crew is only 13 people!


MS Allure of the Seas is the largest passenger ship ever constructed.  She is 362 meters long and is just 50 millimeters longer than "Oasis of the Seas".  There are 16 passenger decks which can carry upto 5,400 passengers on double occupacny.  There are 2,384 crew members on board this vessel to maintain and run her as the largest vessel in Sea.  She has 2 deck dance hall, ice skating rink and a theatre with 1,380 seats.  The ship is built with 54,000 tonnes of steel only for the Hull.  She weighs approximately 100,000 tonnes and has a gross tonnage of 225,282.


The travel experience that we are getting both in Air and Sea has been improving a great deal over the years and the focus seems to be on giving the customers a far better experience on each occasion.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
24th November 2012

UNDERGROUND CITY - MONTREAL

The Underground City in Downtown Montreal is being used by an estimated 500,000 people everyday during winter.  This the world's largest underground complex spread across 12 square kilometers.  It covers more than 32 kilometers of tunnels connecting seven metro stations, two commuter train stations, a regional bus terminal, Bell Centre Amphitheatre, shopping malls, apartment buildings, hotels, condominiums, banks, offices, museums and universities.

There are more than 120 exterior access points to the underground city.  This is an impressive achievement for urban developers and town planners.  This is the biggest network of tunnels which are all properly linked and hence they renamed this underground city as "RESO" in 2004.  "RESO" is a french word and it means Network.  The network of tunnels connecting various buildings, universities, college, offices and apartment blocks began in 1962 and over the years has grown to be the largest known underground city.  During winter when it is extremely cold outside in Montreal people prefer to stay within the Underground City to stay warm all the time.  The underground city has become a major tourist attraction in Montreal.



With winter round the corner across the globe every one wants to find a warm place and if you are a resident of a cold city then it is good to be in underground area which provides the necessary warmth and controlled temperature.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
17th November 2012

FIREWORKS - SOKKABAANAM

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY DEEPAVALI.

Whenever we think of Deepavali we immediately think of four things: Sweets, New Dresses, Lights and Fireworks.  The most attractive of the four is the Fireworks.

I roll back in my memory lane to the early 1970s when we were living in Car Street in Triplicane.  The fireworks will start at around 2 a.m. in the morning and will continue through the day till about 10 p.m. in the night.

We used to go and drop some of the crackers in the "Sokkabaanam" specially created near the Temple Tank.  All of us used to assemble near Parthasarathy Swami Temple in the evening and when the Uthsavamurthy starts his visit around the Maada Veethi the Sokkabaanam will be fired.  All sorts of crackers will be in that Sokkabanam and it will be a great treat to watch it.  Sokkabaanam is actually a community celebration when all people in the community come together and celebrate with fireworks at one place.

Nowadays when the Perumal is coming around the Maada veethi at each house along the streets they burst crackers and it is a real treat to watch it.  Whenever I am in Chennai for Deepavali I dont miss this treat in th evening in Triplicane.

Nowadays there are fireworks in the sky and most of the people prefer to buy these wonderful crackers which go up about 200 feet and then burst into different shapes, forms and it is wonderful to see those designs in the sky.

In Dubai we get to see excellent fireworks during Eid and DSF.  Enjoy the festive mood with celebrations and ensure safety of everyone when you are celebrating with fireworks.

T.P.Anand

Dubai, U.A.E.

13th November 2012

COLONIAL COUSINS

The colonial cousins gave a wonderful album in 1996 and became a rage all over India overnight.  Hariharan has been around in the Music Industry for a long time but really became a super singer only after the release of the album "Colonial Cousins".

The pick of the album and my favourite song is "Krishna Nee Begane Baaro".  The fusion of the classical carnatic music with the western style was done very well and was very soothing to hear.



Hariharan has sung thousands of songs for all the leading composers like A.R.Rahman, Ilayaraja and others over the last two decades.  He is an expert in Hindustani, Carnatic, Ghazals and typical light music and has a very unique voice.  The Colonial Cousins is somehow in my mind the first recall whenever I think of Hariharan.  It reached the masses very well and was completely different at that time particularly because of the fusion and blend of classical.



Hariharan and Leslie Lewis have done two more albums and have also tuned the music for two films.  I wish they had contributed lot more to the music industry as a team.

Watch the magic in the song below:



Long live Hariharan & Leslie.  Look forward to some more albums from you guys on the lines of the 1996 wonder.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
10th November 2012

LOW BACK PAIN

"Lumbago" is the medical term for "Low Back Pain".  After Headache the second most common ailment that is found across the globe is "Low Back Pain" (LBP).  More than 80% of the people get affected by LBP at some stage or the other in their lives.  This is mostly related to our work and can be acute or subacute or chronic.  Even if you are not working but just sitting in front of the Television set you could get LBP.

I was driving around 100 kms a day and started having LBP.  I realised it was due to the bucket seat in my car and changed the Car.  I got relieved from the pain immediately when I changed the car.

The cause of LBP is strain or sprain in the muscles and soft tissues of the back.  Working continuously on the desk can cause LBP.  Lifting heavy things can also cause LBP.  The sitting posture is important to avoid low back pain especially for people who are doing desk work throughout the day.
 
In the olden days we used to do prostration in the temples and whenever we meet elderly people to take their blessings.  The prostration is by itself a very good exercise for the lower back.

I found a nice video on the Cat Cow position for exercising the lower back and get relief from LBP.  Watch this video:



Some people live with Lower Back Pain as if it is part of the day to day life.  There is a permanent cure for LBP and there is no need to endure the pain life long.  Keep fit and stay happy.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
4th November 2012

WORLD SAVINGS DAY

31st October is World Savings Day and it was first established in 1924.  It is a very important aspect of life and needs to be inculcated in children when they are very young.  Savings is a habit and a real good one to develop from childhood days.

The collection of coins in a small piggy bank was inculcated in me when I was young and I followed the same  practice when I became a father.  I have strongly advocated the "recurring deposit" system for all my clients during my early days of professional practice as "Chartered Accountant" in Chennai.  I have always followed the "Recurring Deposit" scheme and I used to include the monthly deposit as part of my expenses.  When the Recurring Deposit matures after the term (whether it is 12 months or 24 months) we will find that there is a substantial amount in our hands for meeting crucial and lumpsum payments.

The earnings are substantially higher nowadays and so are the expenses.  The expenses are increasing day by day and technological advancement has only led to much higher level of costs.  It is hence extremely important for all of us to get into savings habit and ensure that we do not spend all the money that we earn as we need to create a reserve for ourselves to meet major expenditure like Buying a House, Children's Education, Holidays, Rainy Days, Retirement, etc.

If we are used to a certain life style and standard of living it is extremely important to ensure that we are able to maintain the same till the end.  Savings is the only habit which will help us maintain the same lifestyle and standard of living.

Women are very good in Savings and I remember an old tamil song in which the lines that attracted me the most are "sertha panatha sikkana selavu seyya pakkuvama amma kayile koduthu podu chellakannu.  Avunga aara nooru aakuvanga chinna kannu".  This means give the money that you have earned to your mother as she knows how to make six into hundred.

Earn well and Save well to enjoy your life for ever.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
30th October 2012

AAJITH SUPER SINGER JUNIOR 3

I predicted on 26th September 2012 that Aajith will get selected for finals.  He not only entered finals from wild card round but he stole the show in Finals.  Pragathi and Sukanya are very good singers and did extremely well too.  Gautham and Yazhini also performed well and overall it was a wonderful treat to watch these children.  It is indeed highly commendable that these children can sing the songs without having to refer to the lyrics.  They have the ability to put so much emotion into the songs and are able to sing with lot of modulation.  Above all they have the courage to perform in front of a large crowd wit:hout any inhibitions.

Aajith has come a long long way to win the Super Singer Junior 3 title and some of the wonderful songs that he performed are listed below:

Vandhe Mataram:


Anubhavam Pudhumai:


Aaromale:


Asku Lasku:


Vennilave Vennilave:


Mukkaala Mukkabala:


Hasili Fisili Rasamali:


Roja Roja:


Uyire Uyire:


Po nee Po:


Neeye Neeye:


I am convinced with the decision of the Audience and Judges that Aajith deserved to be given the title "Super Singer Junior 3".  He is truly awesome and unmatched in his versatility and stage performance.

We have found the SPB of the next generation.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
28th October 2012

PROGRESSIVE CITIES

I love the walk along the Dubai Creek in the evening.  The cool breeze and sea water smell is really an enjoyable experience.  While I was walking along the creek I was thinking about the development of Dubai over the last few decades.  The abra (small motor boat with seating capacity of 20 persons) used to be the mode of transport for people in the olden days and it continues to serve as a transport between Diera and Bur Dubai.

Over the years the Government has developed other ways of crossing the creek - Shindagah tunnel, Makhtoum Bridge, Garhoud Bridge and Business Bay Crossing.  The creek actually adds to the beauty of the city and signifies progress.

Apart from Dubai there are several other cities which have a Creek or River in the middle and I found all those to be Progressive Cities like Dubai.

London is a very progressive city and the central part of London and great attraction is the River Thames.

New York is another progressive city which is bustling with activity all the 24 hours of the day.  The Hudson River adds to the beauty of the City and is a very important element of New York City.

I have visited both London and New York and admired the River that runs through the city.

Melbourne in Australia has been named the "Most Liveable City" in the world for the last two years and is a very progressive city too.  The Yarra River is a major attraction for Melbourne as the city extends along the Yarra River.

I have never been to Melbourne and hope to visit soon.

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is located on the banks of River Ontario and is fortunate to be intersected by three Rivers, viz., "Humber River", "Rouge River and "Don River".

Paris is the most sought after destination for tourists travelling to Europe.  It is another progressive city in the world as is also the largest city in France.  Paris is located on the north bending arc of "River Seine".

Rome is another progressive city which is also a very well sought after tourist destination.  Rome is on the banks of "Tiber River".

Moscow is a beautiful city with lot of architectural wonders like the Red Square.  Moscow is on the banks of the "River Moskva".  The rivers runs right across the city and there are 49 bridges over the river in the city.

These progressive cities have used the River/Creek very effectively and made it as the most important and integral part of the City Development.  I hail from Chennai in India and we have two beautiful rivers running through the city, viz., Cooum River and Adyar River but both the rivers are totally neglected and have become large open drainage for the City.

I wish they beautify these two rivers and bring further progress and prosperity to my dear Chennai.



T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.

21st October 2012

FELIX FELL

Felix fell from a height of 39,045 metres.  I do not know if this is a Jump or a Fall.  Whatever that was but it was a truly awesome record to create.  Felix Baumgartner has now made the world record of making the highest and fastest jump in history.  He took off in a helium baloon to an altitude of 39,045 metres and made the jump to mother earth and during the descend to earth he reached a top speed of 1,342 Km per hour.

This Austrian is a daredevil jumper and has already done several jumps from high altitudes but what he did on 14th October 2012 is truly the deadliest and more daring feat of all.  By this feat he has broken both the speed and altitude record that was set by Joe Kittinger almost 50 years ago.

Felix faced problems just before the jump and the worst came when he was into the jump as he started spinning in thin air of the stratosphere and as the atmosphere thickened he managed to stop the spin and then had a smooth fall until he was ready to open the parachute.  Being a former paratrooper this Austrian did not have any difficulty once the parachute opened.

By creating this world record Felix has not only showed and demonstrated something new but he has opened the eyes of space scientists to a new concept that the Astronauts could wear the spacesuit which was tested by Felix in the future.

This jump is financed by Red Bull and is named as "Red Bull Stratos" which took five years for planning and the team that has tirelessly worked on this project included 300 people.  Watch the fun on the Guardian Video which has captured the entire action over eight minutes.
                 
                   
This truly an amazing achievement and only shows how fast the technology has been growing in the last couple of decades.  "Nothing is Impossible" and looks like we are going to witness some unimaginable fantastic feats in the future as this Felix Fall will be the beginning of a flow of achievements which will continue to flow like a "Waterfall".

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
17th October 2012

SRIVAARI DARSANAM

Tirupathi is my native place and I visit the temple in Tirumala as often as possible.  My elders used to say that the visit to the temple will happen only when the lord wishes.  Any amount of planning and arrangements is not enough unless the lord calls us to visit the temple.  The successful trip to the temple is possible only if there is Lord Venkateswara's blessing and approval.  I have made several trips without any planning or thinking.  It has happened all of a sudden.  I have also gone to the temple and returned back to Chennai without having the darshan of the lord.

Myself and my wife are in the queue.  We have been standing in the queue for a long time and suddenly the queue started moving fast.  We were quite happy and excited about the quick movement in the queue.  We came near the main entrance of the temple and I told my wife in another 30 minutes we will finish the darshan and can be out of the temple.  We then moved towards the Dwajasthambam and in a short while we were near the main sannadhi.

As we are nearer to the Perumal Sannadhi there is a talk that the queue system will be stopped for few hours as they are going to close the temple.  I was praying in my mind that I should get the darshan in this batch so that I do not have to continue another few hours of waiting.

When we approached the perumal sannadhi i realised that only me and my wife were inside the Sannadhi and the queue has been stopped behind us.  We have now entered the Sannadhi and find that the view is completely blocked as they have closed the door.  My heart is pounding and I do not know what to do and look at my wife and she says let us wait.  One of the TTD employees appears in front of me and says wait for five minutes we will open the door and you can have darshan of the Lord.

I am standing on the left side of the Sannadhi and my wife is standing on the right side and we are both patiently waiting.  There is no one else in the Perumal Sannadhi.  After few minutes the door slowly opens and we are in front of Lord Venkateshwara.  What a surprise he is lying down in a sleeping posture.  Lord Venkateshwara opened his eyes and smiled at me and my wife.  We both are standing with our hands folded and we made namaskaram to the Lord.

In Tirumala Temple the Lord Venkateshwara is standing and giving darshan to the devotees.  I am wondering why he is lying down and smiling at me.  I then quickly realised that the temple is closed for few hours and the lord himself is taking rest.  We are truly blessed to be standing in front of Lord Venkateshwara and also extremely blessed and fortunate that we see him while he is resting and not giving darshan.  Having seen us both though he is resting and sleeping he opened his eyes and blessed us.

I was then thinking only in Srirangam the lord is in sleeping posture whereas in Tirupathi he is in standing posture.  Then I was thinking whether this is all happening for real in front of my own eyes.

At this moment I got up with a jolt and saw the clock it was 5.30 a.m. and I was lying in my bed in Dubai.

I have had several dreams in my life and this is the best dream I have seen so far.  My heart was filled with joy, happiness, fulfillment and an undesirable sense of satisfaction when I woke up today morning.

Sarvam Shree Krishnaarpanam.  God is Great.



T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
15th October 2012

TP TOURS

TP Tours is a name coined by my second son Akshay Anand.  I am very fond of driving around the city to show my visitors and friends different parts of the city.

I enjoyed taking people around Singapore when I lived there and I was especially happy to go to Sentosa Island.  After I moved to Dubai I have been doing the same here.  I am especially happy to take my guests to "Palm Jumeira" which is a man made island in Dubai.  May be it is a coincidence or may be at the back of my mind I have an affinity towards islands.

Touring Dubai and other emirates in UAE can be an exciting and very interesting experience.  I do not waste even one weekend as I love to drive around and explore different parts of the country.

The following is the list of places that I have visited and I strongly recommend for one and all:

1. At the Top - 124th floor observatory in Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world
2. Musical Fountain at Dubai Mall - every half hour from 6 p.m. till 11 p.m. every day
3. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall
4. Ice Rink in Dubai Mall
5. Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates
6. Ibn Batuta Mall - architecture from different parts of the world, viz., China, India, Egypt, Persia, Tunisia, Andalusia
7. Wafi Mall – there is a “Sound & Light” show at 9.30 p.m. which is very good and there is a beautiful Souk in the basement area which is worth touring
8. Bur Juman Center – one of the oldest malls in Dubai at the centre of the City
9. Festival City - Water Front and Ferrari Store
10. Diera City Centre
11. Mirdif City Centre
12. Outlet Mall – all leading brands have their outlets in this mall where you will get some amazing deals on Shoes, Bags, Clothes and Watches & Accessories
13. Dragon Mart - Chinese market for all products - 1.2 km long mall lined up with only chinese products
14. Desert Safari – most exciting ride on the dunes, sunset view, dinner at camp area with Belly Dance
15. Water Taxi Ride – you could go from the old city area Bur Dubai or Diera upto Dubai Marina
16. Wonder Bus Ride - from Burjuman Centre - both land and sea trip on the bus
17. Dubai Metro - longest driverless train service in the world – underground in the main business district and then you get into the elevated track to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Dubai
18. Jumeirah Open Beach - drive upto Burj Al Arab
19. Palm Jumeirah - mono rail ride and drive around the West Crescent and East Crescent Road
20. JBR Walk - Dubai Marina
21. Dubai Motor City - GoKarting both Indoor and Outdoor
22. Dubai Zoo on Jumeirah Beach Road
23. Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai
24. Dubai Dolphinarium in Creek Park - Magic Show, Sea Lion Show and Dolphin Show
25. Children's City in Creek Park
26. Car Showrooms on Sheikh Zayed Road
27. Drive on Hatta Road
28. Meena Bazaar – textile market – famous for Pakistani Dress Materials for ladies
29. Gold Souq – the one and only Gold Market in the world with hundreds of Jewelry Shops
30. Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek – you could enjoy a quiet Dinner on the creek
31. Ras Al Khor – Bird Sanctuary
32. Meydan – Race Track for Horse Racing with a fantastic multi level viewing gallery
33. SkyDive in Dubai Marina
34. Global Village – Open from November to March – pavilions of over 40 countries
35. Ajman Beach
36. Sharjah Corniche
37. Sharjah Al Jazeera Park
38. Sharjah Aquarium and Marine Museum
39. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi – fantasy world of Ferrari with some fantastic rides
40. Al Ain Zoo
41. Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain
42. Dibba and Musandam – day cruise – beautiful cruise along the coast of Oman

Visit the different parts of the Country and enjoy your forthcoming Eid Holidays.

T.P.Anand

Dubai, U.A.E.

12th October 2012

KJERAGBOLTEN

When you read the title you would have thought I made a mistake while typing. This is the name of a natural scenary in Norway. This stone is stuck in between two huge rocks and is in a place called Kjerag. In other words it is the "bolt" in Kjerag and hence known in Norway as "Kjeragbolten". This is the true "bolt in the blue".  People go to the top of the rock in Kjerag which is more than 1000 meters and jump down to the base. 

This is a tourist attraction and thousands of people visit this beautiful spot every year. You can reach this spot only after trecking for about 3 hours as that is the only way to reach this natural beauty. This boulder measure five cubic meters. The drop from the boulder is 735 meters. Would you dare to walk for three hours through the mountains and then stand on the boulder which has a 735 meter drop below? I can't even dream of standing there.

I recently saw the song in a Tamil Film "Ko" which has been picturised in this exotic location in Norway.  Watch this video where the scenic beauty of Kjerag is captured very nicely.

If you are planning for a short vacation during Eid Holidays may be a visit to Kjerag would be nice if you like hiking, trecking and adventure in general.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
9th October 2012

P.SUSHEELA - NIGHTINGALE OF SOUTH INDIA

P.Susheela is one of the greatest female playback singers of all times.  She started her career as a play back singer in 1952 and received National Award for best female play back singer five times.  She is popularly known as the Melody Queen and is truly the Nightingale of South India.

You can listen to her songs at any time of the day and it will give you a soothing effect and the mind will relax.  Some of the greatest songs of P.Susheela which I like the most are:

1. Chittu kuruvi mutham koduthu
2. Kanna karumai nira kanna
3. Aalaya maniyin osaiyai naan kaetten
4. Paartha nyabagam illayo
5. Love birds love birds thaka thimi thaa
6. Kumari pennin ullathile
7. Athaan ennathaan
8. Marainthirunthu paarkum marumam enna
9. Ninaikka therintha maname unakku marakka theriyaatha
10. Maalai pozhuthin mayakkathile naan kanavu kanden thozhi
11. Unnai ondru kaetpaen unmai solla vendum
12. Unnai kaanatha kannum kannalla
13. Inbam pongum vennila veesuthe
14. Aayiram iravugal varuvathundu
15. Thedinen vanthathu
16. Naalai entha velai paarthu odi vaa nila
17. Amuthai pozhiyum nilave nee arugil
18. Aadalundan paadalai kettu rasippathile thaan sugam sugam
19. Kannan piranthaan
20. Muthaana muthallavo
21. Poo pookkum maatham thai maatham
22. Kalaimagal kai porule unnai gavanikka aal illaiyo
23. Solla solla inikkuthada muruga
24. Sonnathu nee thaana sol sol enn vuyire
25. Thamizhukkum amudhendru per
26. Malarndum malaraadha paadhi malar pola valarum
27. Yaarai than nambuvado pedai nenjam
28. Kadavul oru naal ulagai kaana
29. Kalyana naal paarka sollalaama
30. Kannan oru kai kuzhandhai
31. Naan pesa ninaippadellaam
32. Muthumani maala enna thottu thottu thaalaatta
33. Amaithiyaana nathiyinile odum

I have seen "Kanna karumai nira kanna" song several hundred times and I have seen tears filling my eyes each time I watched this song.

Singers like P.Susheela will live with us for several hundred years and their songs are priceless treasures.  Long live P.Susheela.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
2nd October 2012

HANUMAN CHALISA

SRI HANUMAN CHALISA

Doha

Shri Guru Charan Saroj raj Nija manu Mukura sudhari

Baranau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu Jo Dayaku Phala Chari

Budheeheen Tanu Jannike Sumiro Pavan Kumara

Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehoo Mohee Harahu Kalesh Vikaar

Chaupaii

Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar // Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar

Ram doot atulit bal dhama // Anjani putra Pavan sut nama

Mahabir vikram Bajrangi // Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

Kanchan varan viraj subesa // Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesha

Hath Vajra Aur Dhwaja Viraje // Kaandhe moonj janeu saaje

Sankar suvan kesri Nandan // Tej prataap maha jag vandan

Vidyavaan guni ati chatur // Ram kaj karibe ko aatur

Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya // Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava // Vikat roop dhari lank jalava

Bhim roop dhari asur sanhare // Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare

Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye // Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye

Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai // Tum mama priya Bharat-hi-sam bhai

Sahas badan tumharo yash gave // As kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

Sankadhik Brahmaadi Muneesa // Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa

Yam Kuber Dikpaal Jahan te // Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te

Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha // Ram milaye rajpad deenha

Tumhro mantra Vibheeshan maana // Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab jag jana

Yug sahasra yojan par Bhanu // Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu

Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee // Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee

Durgam kaj jagat ke jete // Sugam anugraha tumhre tete

Ram duwaare tum rakhvare // Hot na agya binu paisare

Sab sukh lahai tumhari saran // Tum rakshak kahu ko darna

Aapan tej samharo aapai // Teenon lok hank te kanpai

Bhoot pisaach Nikat nahin aavai // Mahavir jab naam sunavai

Nase rog harae sab peera // Japat nirantar Hanumat beera

Sankat se Hanuman chhudavai // Man Kram Vachan dhyan jo lavai

Sab par Ram tapasvee raja // Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

Aur manorath jo koi lavai // Soi amit jeevan phal pavai

Charon jug partap tumhara // Hai parsiddh jagat ujiyara

Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware // Asur nikandan Ram dulare

Ashta siddhi nav nidhi ke data // As var deen Janki mata

Ram rasayan tumhare pasa // Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa

Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai // Janam janam ke dukh bisraavai

Antkaal Raghuvar pur jayee // Jahan janam Hari Bhakt Kahayee

Aur Devta Chitt na dharahin // Hanumat sei sarv sukh karahin

Sankat kate mite sab peera // Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosain // Kripa Karahun Gurudev ki nayin

Jo shat bar path kare koi // Chhutahin bandi maha sukh hoi

Jo yeh padhe Hanuman Chalisa // Hoye siddhi saakhi Gaureesa

Tulsidas sada hari chera // Keejai Nath Hriday mahn dera

Doha

Pavan Tanay Sankat Harana Mangala Murati Roop

Ram Lakhan Sita Sahita Hriday Basahu Soor Bhoop

Siyavara ramachandra ki jaya // Pavanasuta hanumana ki jaya

Umapathi mahadev ki jaya // Bola re bhai saba Santana ki jaya

Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa everyday is very good for our overall progress in life.

T.P.Anand

Dubai, U.A.E.

1st October 2012

ORBIS - FLYING EYE HOSPITAL

ORBIS INTERNATIONAL a New York based non-profit humanitarian organisation is dedicated to providing eye care and preventing avoidable blindness.  ORBIS is providing the eye sight to thousands of poor people across the world.  They innovated the idea of a "flying hospital" in 1982 in order to provide the high class medical facility to visually impaired people, who cannot afford the same.  The Flying Eye Hospital is one of the greatest innovations in the medical field and over the last 30 years this aircraft has traveled to 88 countries and provided eye care to more than 15 million people.  In addition to providing the medical treatement to visually impaired people the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has also provided the much needed training to the local doctors in these countries.  More than 288,000 eye care personnel have benefited from the training provided by Orbis.

This flying eye hospital is fully equipped with Operating Theatre, Recovery Room, Substerile Room, Laser Room, Audiovisual studio and Training Room.  The Flying Eye Hospital was started with a DC - 8 aircraft which was retired in 1994 and donated to the Datangshan Museum near Beijing.  The Opthalmic hospital and teaching facility is housed in a DC - 10 jet aircraft since 1994.  Orbis volunteer pilots fly the plane and the international medical team around the world to teach the sight-saving skills.   There are 22 staff members on board the flying eye hospital which includes opthalmologists, nurses, anaesthesiologists and flight mechanics.  There are 400 medical professionals in 20 countries voluntarily supporting the hospital's activities by providing training and consultations to medical staff in developing countries.



ORBIS alongwith the World Health Organisation has launched the "Vision 2020: The right to sight" initiative to eradicate avoidable blindness by year 2020.

The flying eye hospital is currently at Abu Dhabi to raise awareness and to invite partnerships from medical professionals.

This is truly a fantastic initiative and I wish the Orbis Team all the very best for realising thier Vision 2020.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
29th September 2012