Carnatic Mahabharata

Well I have been writing all those mokkai jokes and posting mokkai stories for quite sometime now (4 days techinically speaking).

One of the readers had sent me a mail stating – “Neenga comedy nalla panreenga. Konjam apadiye seriousa ezhuthavum try pannunga”.

I guess basically what he meant was – “Comedyin thaaliyai aruthathu pothum. Vera ethavathu try pannu.”

So I thought of writing a very serious matter.

I shall put forth a request to all the readers – “Even if you don’t think this is a serious article, don’t consider this also as one of the comedy pieces. Nambungappa naanum rowdythan.”

Now matterkku povom –

Recently I attended one discourse by Shri. JalagalAnantha swamiyar.

Topic was about Mahabharata.

Swamiyarin words -

“Mahabharata, as we know was in Dwapara yuga. It was a period where Demi-Gods like Karna, Dharma, Bheema, Arjuna, etc existed. Now in Kali yuga also there are few Demi-Gods. Unfortunately all are amsa of Sani bhagawan. This kali yuga would have been very different if such Demi-Gods were born. What to do? History can’t repeat itself.”

Ingethan enakku lighta pori thattiyathu.

Then he started telling the stories of Karna, Kunthi, Pandu, bla bla bla and finished off with the war.

Athu ethuvum en manadhirkul nirkavey illai enbadhai sollavum thevaillai.

Unmayagavey Demi-Gods kali yugathil illaya?. Illai avargal irunthum adhai naam unaravillaya?. Apadiye irundhaalum yaar yaaragathan irukka mudiyum? – kelvigal pala ezhunthana – Aanaal badhil – “???????”.

Siridhu naal kazhithu oru article padithen. “Karnataka Sangeethathin Pithamagar Semmangudi”.

Endha kadavulin amsam yaar yaaridam irukirathu endru vendumaanal theriyamal pogalam. Aanaal history does repeat itself time and time enbathu mattum purindhathu.

Demi-Gods need not be reborn. But their Amsams will be taking birth again and again.

I donno know why Semmangudi was called Pithamaga. But he can definitely be compared with Pithamaga of Mahabharata times – “Bhishma”. One, for his knowledge of the art; Two, for his longevity. Not all qualities of Bhishma can be attributed to Semmu Maamu, but a few can give a glimpse of the same.

This was when I started analysing the musicians and their counterparts in the history.

Innum Greek Demi-Gods story ellam padicha, I think many of the stalwarts’ amsams can be filled up. Yet I restrict myself with Mahabharata and a few musicians.

The following comparisons are made based on the informations and events that were told to me from time to time, from person to person. (he he naangalum CA padikiromnu appo appo intha madhiri disclaimer pottu kaatanumla.) If anything is wrong, please donot mistake me, but do let me know in the comment segment so that I can correct it.

Here, I am going to compare three of the finest archers with three of the finest Mridangists.

It would have been logical had I compared any violin artists (coz avargalum vill vidhaithan purigirargal) with the archers. But the problem is – “enakku violin artists pathi theriyathu.” So enakku therintha three mridangam artistsoda compare panren.

ARJUNA

Arjuna as we all know is considered worldwide as the finest archer of his time. He was considered a prodigy by everyone and he was the favorite student of Drona.

The stature of Arjuna can only be elevated if he is to be compared with the person whom I think resemble him. Mr. Palghat Mani Iyer.

Considered as one of the finest archers by many (The site Palghat Mani Iyer.org says he is the greatest Mridangist of all time, (so ithuvum based on information provided to me-dhaan – marubadiyum solren naan CA padikiren)) he understood the nuances of mridangam at a very young age. He was also the favorite student of Shri. Thanjavur Vaidhyanatha Iyer. He took the stage by storm at a very young age.

All the advanced techniques of their respective arts were like “Jangiri-eating” to them, even at a very young age. Mani iyer had the ability to make his mridangam sing.

During the battle, Karna cut the string of Arjuna’s bow many times. But even before he could take the next arrow, Arjuna tied back his strings. Such was his understanding, passion and knowledge of the art. Mani iyer had a large space in his house allotted to mridangams alone. Right from making, testing and tuning them he understood everything about mridangam making and further enhanced his knowledge.

“Villuku oru Vijayanaipol, Mridanga sollukku nam Mani iyer endru sonnal adhu migai aagathu”.

Summary of Similarities:

1)      Both were considered by many as the best in their art.

2)      Prodigy

3)      Royal clan (in music field, in those days, Brahmins were considered equivalent to that of Royals in Archery).

4)      Men of few words (I don’t think Arjuna even made a single decision in his life. Though that cannot be said with Mani iyer, he was a man of few words).

5)      Arjuna saw parrot’s eye (kai valikirathu – I assume you know that story). Mani iyer’s concentration, knowledge and instinct is definitely a God’s gift.

6)      Arjuna had the knack of making someone feel close to him. (My guess). Hence he totally mesmerized the likes of his Guru, Relatives, etc. Same way Mani Iyer knows to play according to the audience and take them in awe.

People may disagree though, in either case, if somebody says that these two were the great ‘est’.

Rivalry.

A term that can split the world into two.

Sachin Vs Shane Warne; Messi Vs Ronaldo; Maradona Vs Pele; Senna Vs Prost; MGR (now Jaya) Vs Karunanidhi – ippadi rivals pathi example kuduthukonde pogalam.

But the best rivalry of all time, atleast for me, was Karna vs Arjuna. Nobody lost to each other till the end (Now don’t tell me that Arjuna defeated Karna in the battlefield. It was solely because of Krishna’s Kepmaarithanam and his curses).

KARNA

 

Even Lord Krishna exclaimed to Arjuna “Oh Kauntheya!! I consider this Suta, thy equal, or thy superior” (Copy pasted matter).

(Now before writing about Karna I want to make one thing clear. I seriously oppose caste-based discrimination. Now that it is not prevalent much, please don’t take this seriously. Also it is the FCs/OCs who are facing problems because of the caste-based and not economy-based reservations. But in the days of these stalwarts, in both the yugas, such discrimination existed where Kings/Princes held the upperhand in the former yuga, whereas it was Brahmins who occupied centre stage in the Golden era of Carnatic music.)

Elder to Arjuna, Karna was not deemed fit to face the royal princes (during the archery competition) because he was Sutra (Low caste). He got a helping hand from Duryodhana, who made him a king and allowed him show his talents to all. He had other curses as well, as you all know. I don’t want to elaborate on those curses. He longed for his mother’s love. Karna fought against misfortune throughout his life and kept his word, ie was honest under all circumstances.

The comparison could be easily guessed. It is Mr. Pazhani Subramaniam Pillai.

(My brother had written a book on him, in which he compared this legend with Dhruva. History does repeat itself time and time again).

He was a PillaivaaL (not to be confused with vaal pillai – Pazhani was a sadhu). Though Pillais were considered equally good to Brahmins in arts those days, where recognition is concerned Brahmins had the upper hand. He never really got any award. (Padupaavinga oru vengala kinni kooda tharala. This is like serupAla adichifying the Music itself.)

Like Karna’s other curses, Pazhani had a problem (not a curse ofcourse). He was a left-hander. Even his father did not approve of someone to touch the Valanthalai (Right hand side of Mridangam) with their left hand. That was tradition for you.

Just like Karna, who was rejected by Drona, who longed to learn the art,  Pazhani, who also was rejected teaching by his father, longed to learn. Karna never really got his Mother’s love, and so is Pazhani, in this case because of her death when he was too young.

Similar to Duryodhana’s help, Pazhani too was helped by one legend, Shri. Chembai Vaidhyanatha Bhagavathar, to show his talent and become famous. Pazhani remained faithful to Chembai all his life.

(I am not comparing Chembai with Duryodhana. Rendu perukkum sambandhamey illai).

Karna was true to his words, just as Pazhani was true to the art.

I was told that, while playing a Mohrra, if he does a mistake, he will replay it until it comes correctly, highlighting his mistake to the listeners. He was not playing for the audience but for his conscience. His gumki technique was unparalleled.

Karna, as described by Vyasa was very beautiful, well built and unparalleled. Pazhani’s Thani avarthanams were also properly structured, beautiful and obviously unparalleled.

Karna was multi-talented (he can also wrestle, as seen in the picture he is wrestling with Dharma). Pazhani too was multi talented. He has played Kanjira in many concerts, mostly with Mani iyer on the Mridangam.

He was four years older than Mani iyer. Similarly Karna was elder than Arjuna.

Summary of Similarities:

1)      Both had to fight misfortune all their life.

2)      Passion for the art despite their fate not allowing them to pursue it.

3)      Multi talented.

4)      Got helping hands at the time of need.

5)      Loyalty.

6)      Stood by Truth.

7)      Very low recognition.

8)      And most importantly, both are my inspirations.

It was said that when Karna faced Arjuna during the war, it was like the ocean trying to move a mountain with its force. Even the Devas, Asuras, Rishis, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma were watching in awe of the greatest battle they would have ever witnessed.

Mani iyer and Pazhani with Ariyakudi and TNK

Trichy Sankaran once said, “Ivaa rendu perum vaasikiradha paatha rendu Madha Gajangal modhikaraapla irukkum.” (When Mani iyer and Pazhani played together, it was like two Giant Elephants clashing with each other).

Having said the similarities, I would also like to express a difference. Karna and Arjuna were fierce rivals (like MGR and Karunanidhi). Whereas Pazhani and Mani iyer considered each other as their peers and had mutual respect and admiration (like Rajini and Kamal).

Karna also praised Arjuna to Salya when he cut Arjuna’s strings, and Arjuna was easily able to tie it up very quickly before Karna could take the nect arrow, “Now I know why they call him the best archer.”

Same way Pazhani once said;”Mani iyer is like Vaali. He takes half of the strength of whoever plays opposite to him”.

EKALAVYA

Now for the third archer. Ekalavya.

Again, everyone knows his story.

A hunter (Low caste) by birth. Had a passion for learning archery. Asked Drona. As usual the partial-minded Drona rejected. He made Drona his Manasiga Guru. Learnt the art. Became well versed, more intelligent than Arjuna himself. So Drona went to him and asked for his thumb. He gave it happily. Goddess Saraswathi comes and curses Drona.

He was never a Demi-God. Yet he looked all set to surpass the prowess of Arjuna and Karna.

And we have happily forgotten this unsung Maestro.

Ok, now don’t search for any musician, who cut his thumb for guru. I don’t think so any would have done it. As I said earlier, not all the qualities can be attributed. But quite a few can be related to another Mridangam Legend. Mr. Ramanathapuram C S Murugabhoopathy. Unlike Ekalavya, Murugabhoopathy did play for all the stalwarts. His art was loved by all. His gumki techniques sometime even matched Pazhani’s, if not better. Even at a higher speed, the quality was never sacrificed. His tonal quality of mridangam is second to none.

He learnt his art from his brother. It was his brother who simply understood what his father taught others and re-taught the same to him.

But how many of the listeners today actually know about him?

How many even appreciate such a great musician. In his peak, he was awarded with "Padmashree" and other awards (Thanks to my brother for this info). But in today's music field, among today's rasikas, he is clearly overlooked.

I heard that there was an instance (not sure abt it) where one of the concert recording, in which he had accompanied was made for sale. His name was not even mentioned in it. (Just wish there was a Anniyan to stop this nonsense).

Why I chose to compare this person with Ekalvya was mainly because of my Vaitherichal that both are not given proper recognition, which they duely deserved.

Atleast Karna, in this case Pazhani had the fortune of somehow entering into people’s heart.

But how many of us would have actually thought that Ekalavya, in this case Murugabhoopathy was equally good?

We would have (maximum) studied a chapter on Ekalavya in our 5^th standard moral stories for children, unlike the other two on whom we will be happily doing our PHDs on.

Here I would like to add a comparison as well - the stupidity of Drona to that of us.

Just like how Drona cut the thumb of Ekalavya, we have cut the status Murugabhoopathy deserved.

Atleast Ekalavya didnot get a chance to prove his talent by fighting in a war, etc. But Murugabhoopathy has accompanied all the veterans all his life. Yet avarukku intha nilai. He even developed talents like T N Seshagopalan, who learnt vocal music from Murugabhoopathy's brother; and the greatest Kanjira Maestro (for me) Harishankar.

That Drona was cursed by Saraswathy, since his mistake could not be rectified.

But our mistakes can be. Else, we will also be cursed by the Goddess. (Saami unmayave kanna kuthinathaan thirundhuvom endra gumbalakku en anega kodi namaskarangal).

Summary of Similarities:

No recognition, despite being one of the best talents ever in their respective art.

My humble request to all the music listeners – Please appreciate the greatness of these legends. Do not ignore to award them for their contributions to the art.
I am not requesting to underestand the significance of contribution made by Murugabhoopathy alone. There are so many Nadaswaram and Thavil vidwans whose talent remains in shadow, because of our inability to understand their music.
 Please donot restrict yourself with some selected artists, because you may never know what you actually miss. And by the time you realise, they may not be there to be honoured.

Anyways, Ippodhaikku ivvalavuthan comparisons yosikka mudindhathu. Vera edhaavathu thonithuna pudhusa add panren.

Ok ok – ivvalavu neram veri kondu pulambinadhukku mannikkavum. Porumayaga padithadharkku mikka nandri.

Mudivaaga naan enna solla varenna – “Naanum rowdyakkum ketela? I can also write serious articles.”

Oru CA trainee kandupiditha ariya thathuvam

As an articled trainee in an audit firm I was obliged to go to many companies, firms and even look after that kanakkus of wealthy individuals.

An auditor’s job is quite easy. And so is the Directors’ of a company (ikkaraikku akkarai pachchai). But the life and job of the articled trainees (like me) and that of the Accounts Dept people in those companies are (honestly) tiresome, underrated (not on all occasions though) and after the work gets over – I have to repeat the same ‘performance’ in another company, and the corresponding Thalai Vidhi of the accounts team is to deal with other auditors (like internal auditor, tax auditor, systems auditor, stock auditor, etc).

During these visits I have come across people of different mentalities towards us, in these accounts Dept. Rightu – intro over ippo topickku varen. Matter ennana all such characters can be related to cinema characters also. Starting from “All in all Azhaguraja Kounder” to “Karagattakaran (appavi) Senthil”. Now let me write about one of my favorite characters here. Over the course of time I will try to write about other comedy pieces as well (idhu padikiravangaloda thala vidhi).

Ippo storykku polam (this is a mix of reality and imagination)……

"Mr. Ennatha Kannaiya"

It was during the early part of my articles (very early I would say). Basic accountsey ‘thadhinginathom’ podura rangela irunthen. I don’t know how my firm chose to send me to that office alone (avanga manadhairiyatha naan romba paaraataren – irunthaalum avanga judgement romba thappu). Still moonjiya verappa vechikittu I went to that company.

Anga poi paathaathan therinjudhu adhu companye illa. Etho Ganapathi iyer bakery madhiriyana oru idam. Itha companynu yaaro unmayave puraliya kelappi vitrukanga.

Now only I understood why I was sent there.

Pudhusa varavangalam adichi pazhagikkongannu anupi veikira edam adhu.

I went to the receptionist.

“Sir I am coming from auditor office”

“vaanga vaanga vaanga” (yo naan enna ponnu paakava vandhuruken – ipadi varaverkararey)

“Accounts manager????????”

“Naandhan inga accounts maintain panren” (Ennathu ivara?. appo namma judgementum thappa).

“Accounts paakanum”

“Mudhalla enna sapdareenganu sollunga?”

(Asai kaati mosam panraan – alerta iruda arumugam)

“onnum venanga”

“Ada summa sollunga”

“Sir summa enna naan seriousavey solren. Onnum venam. Accounts paakalama?”

“Oh sure. You can take this PC.”

(Before I opened the tally)

“Sir enna panreenga?”

“Tally open panren”

“Ayyo  naan adhai ketkala. Enna - articles panreengalanu keteyn?”

“Aamam sir. Ippodhan join pannen.” (Ayayo. Avasara pattu new entrynu sollitene. Naama dummy piecenu kandupudichiduvano?)

“Pudhusa irunthaalum romba confidenta audit panreenga” (Tally still opening. Yo innum aarambikkavey illa athukullayeva.).

“Enna vayasu thambi?” (Ahaa sir-lendhu thambi-kku vandhutaaney. En vayasa therinju nee ennada pannapora?)

“PoratAsi vandha 19.” (Tally opened – his mouth closed.)

(Enna paakurathuney therilaye?)

“Sir unga company turnover evalo?”

“Adhan tallyla irukke thambi” (appo unakku theriyatha?).

“Sales invoice, returnslam………..”

“Tally review first mudichidunga thambi” (Yo therinja panna maatena?.)

“okay sir”.

After one hour,

“Enna sir ethavathu prachana irukka?”

“Ippodhaikku onnum illa sir. Innum fulla paathu mudikkala.” (Ethavathu paathu irundhathana prachana irukkanu theriyum)

“Seri lunchku enna saapdaringa?”

“Veetlendhey thayir soru eduthunu vanten”

“From tomorrow I will take care of lunch sir. Neenga vandha mattum podhum. Neenga vandha mattum podhum.”

There is always confusion for the new trainees, whether to get anything from the client or not. We always tend to think that it may affect our integrity. But we tend to overlook one major point. If someone praises us, we give importance to those words (we will not see whether we are actually worth it.). Hence these people, in our eyes will look as if he is a Yogiya Sigamani, the “Romba Nallavan” type.

Ramanaa padathula Vijaykanth solvare – “Doctor kiitayum, valkeel kittayum sollakodathathunu onnu irukku!! uahn”

Same way there is one thing which one should not tell to an auditor.

“Neenga romba periya AppAtucker sir”.

This fellow kept on saying stuufs like - "Sir neenga MGR maadhiri romba colora irukeenga... Summa thagathagathaganu minreenga". (Adanga maatrane ivan).

It was around 6 PM. I had to inform my partners about what I had done that day, in this case I what they presumed I would have done that day.

“Sir naandhan pesaren”

“Solluppa”

“Tally review over sir”

“Tally review ah? Appo vouchinglam?”

“Adhu naalaikku paathukalamnu sollitanga sir”

“Yaaru?”.

After 'spitting' out his name, I could guess the mind voice of my partner.

“Yo. Avaru koodamaada help panravarupa. Accounts manager illaya?”

“One minute sir” – (turning to this kooda maada helper) – “Accounts manager enga sir?”

“Avaru innki leave thambi”

Back to the telecom – “Sir leave-aam”

“Appo ennappa review panna?. Intha aalukku onnumey theriyathey.  Seri Seri naalaikku office vanthudu – andha manager vandha apram poikalam”

“Seringa aapicer”

(Invoicelam tharama verum system mattum kuduthane, apove naan usharayirukka vendama?)

“Enna thambi auditor kitta pesitingala. Nalaikku balance-a mudichidalama?”

(Adingu dapsa mandaya. Already yen adhigari kitta maativittutu, marubadiyum nalaiku pakalamgriye da naarapayale. Onnumey theriyama enna azhaga match pannitanya. Cha. Nammal vida fraudunga intha naatla nerayave irukanunga. Enna koduma Sir ithu).

“Naan kelambaren sir”

 "Seri thambi" (I know he could have guessed what has happened)

 

Moral – I realized that too much of ice-keeping is also not good for communication. So I always use this – “enna romba pugazhathinga sir. Athu enakke comedya irukku” phrase to shut them up.

Idhu verum CA  panravangalukku mattum illa, poduvana advicethan.

Mudinja neengalum itha follow pannunga. Apothan vaazhkaiyila shine panna mudiyum.

(Free advice – kettaa kelunga; ketkatti ponga).

PS -  Video attached herewith is the character in cinema which matches with this person (and this scene as well may be).

How my college ennai “varuga varuga ena varavetradhu”

College – (I ‘visited’ there for only one year. But started enjoying my life there only. One of the places I love so much, may be coz I escaped in a year).

The first time I visited my college was to buy the application form.

I don’t remember why, but I was a bit frustrated (my guess is due to 2 hours traveling in 29C bus).

“Excuse me sir, vivekanada collegeku epaadi ponum?”

“Sorry-nga naan oorukku pudhusu”

“Anna – inga viveka college?”

“pch pch” (ivarukku theriyathaam. adha ipadithaan solluvaaru. Yenda vaaya thiradhu sonna aayusu koranjiduma?)

Then there was one fast food. (This place is a gift for all the students. One parotta 5 rs only. Unlimited side dish. Andru mudhal indru varai.)

I convinced myself that unless I buy something, this shop keeper also will give  “pch pch“ only.

“Dosai irukka anna?”

“Eveningdhanpa dosai poduvom”

“Vera enna irukku?”

“Mealsthanpa irukku. Lunchtimela!” (Enakku theriyatha athu)

“Mealslam venamna”

“Vera ethuvum ippo illa kelambuppa”

Well I couldn’t ask him about the college now, as I had not bought anything.

Fortunately for me – one boy came as a saviour.

“Hi.” (thirumbi Hi solluda)

“Hi”

“Viveka college-ah?” (Illanu sonna azhuthuruven)

“Illa verum application formthan vaanga vandhen”

“Oh – apdiya (thapichenda saami). Aamaa college enga irukku?”

“Oppositela paarunga – antha periya grill gatethan college entrance”

There is always a problem in watching movies. We tend to imagine more. I had imagined about the campus to be a place similar to paradise. Expectations Hurt – apdingarangale – adhukku artham annikithan purinjidhu.

(Kanavula Soppana Sundariye vandhaalum, nija vaazhkaiyila oru Soap vikkara ponnukooda nammala thirumbi paarka maatangala – antha maathiriyana oru feelingu).

“Ithu Vivekananda collegedhana?” – just sought a confirmation from a person (he looked like Dhanush – Karpooram sathiyam) standing at the entrance.

“Boarda paartha therilaya – ithuthaan” – (Etho manapaadam panni oppikira maadhiri sollittu poyittan. I think many students would have asked the same question to him).

In one idukku sandhu of a window – “Applications here” sign was put.

One Aranmanaikili Rajkiran was giving out the application forms.

“Oru form 100 rooba” (intha locationa paatha college fees-ey avalothanda therum paavigala)

“Onnu kodunga”

“Morninga? Eveninga?” (Dei mongoose mandaya – ithu afternoon da)

“Ayya enna kettinga?”

“Morninga? Eveninga? Seekiram sollupa”

“Puriyalanga? Inga rendu college irukka?”

“Morning college morningla nadakkum, evening college….” (Eveningla walking poguma?. Enna koduma sir ithu)

“Oru nimisham sir - veetla phone panni kettuttu solren”

After 3 missed calls, my mom called back.

“Inga morning, eveningnu rendu college irukkam? ethukku application vaangarathu ma?”

“Rendumey vaangidu – ethaavathu onnulayavathu kedaikkuthanu paarpom”

(Ennathu rendumeva - Aagaa – balance 100 roobava aataya potrulamnu nenacheney – padu paavinga ipadi keduthutanungale)

Back to the mangoose mandayan –

“rendumey kodunga sir”

“evalo nerampa? – lunch time – povenama?” (intha collegela kandippa ivan irukara varaikkum seravey koodathu saami..)

“Sorry sir.”

He gave two forms – one was in yellow colour, other one in light blue.

Intha rendu bit-notice kodukarathu periya collector vela. Anju varusham okkandhu padikkanum. Athulayum egathalatha paaru. Naan intha collegela mattum sernthen – kandippa onakku aapu vechittuthanda veliya poven.

On my way back –

“Boss, ithu Viveka collegedhana?”

 Now I understood why that Dhanush-boy gave that reply. This answering in frustration bit might make the person think that this college is full of nuts. And when he goes to that mongoose mandayan for application – he will definitely not have this college as his preference.

“Boarda paartha therilaya – ithuthaan”

Ithu verum aarRAMBAMdhaan

Me and my friends have been discussing for quite a long about starting a blog.

Well the first and basic question that we had to answer was a very tough one.

“What will you write about?”

Honestly we had no idea. We just planned to start a blog, because many of our classmates (Scene sigamanigal) were having a blog, posting whatever they felt like, film reviews, cricket commentaries, football analysis and all those Bald Grandpa fell in a pond stories - with an ultimate aim of attaining popularity.

Inevitably our thinking was “Why this ‘Manamketta polappu’? Padichu urupudara vazhiya paaruda”

Yet one day, satan threw the apple at us. My friend’s dad bought a apple laptop, which he suttufied and brought to our place one day. One of the scene sigamanis was with us at that time and he asked us whether we have blogs.

“ Nope”

“Then why do you guys need a laptop man?”

Well forgive him please. He has never heard of PC Games I suppose.

Then he started grinding his stories about his blog, “You know how many mails I get everyday for my post. Daily aayiram commitments, aayiram engagements. Yet I blog (he is basically from Karumame Kannayinar Parambarai). You know why? We need recognition of some sort.”

Free advice, free advice.

“Machi we don’t have any recognition anywhere da” - one of the future sigamani.

Well we were not convinced with the Nothing is Better than Nonsense philosophy.

The scene sigamani was happy that he had dragged a bunch of appavis to the mini time machine. (Just sit on ur PC and turn on the net. You will realize even about your hunger only after 2 hours minimum).

We too decided to blog, atlast. (as Mister Virumandi Santhanam said –“Life ssstaartss with competition. Compete or die”).

We know we would never get astronaut’s pen from any of our professors, in this instance readers. Atleast we were planning to give a shot at the vengala kinnis, knowing one thing for certain that we will get the cup (obviously we were the pulla poochis, as depicted in the picture attached).

Now - Coming back to ‘our’ discussion.

3 or 4 times we just started with the topic and ended it with the first question.

The 5^th time, we started with a positive frame of mind – simple – to skip the first question for the time being.

The second question almost buried our everlasting friendship.

“What should be the name of the blog?”

Starting from “Sachinfans.com to Santhanamfans.com; Mokkablog.com to Informationiswealth.com”, we were able to find more answers for this question very easily. Annoyingly more I would say.

“If you are not going to keep Massheroes as the name, am not going to post anything. Naan aatathavuttu velagikkuren” – the first person to escape from blogging.

Then we chittu kulukki pottufied and decided on a name (I prefer not to say it).

Now the 3^rd question – “Whether anyone will read our posts?”

“Be happy if none reads, coz if they do they may kaari thupify on our faces” – well this was a convincing yet a positive answer for that question.

Now we were forced to answer the first question.

We decided that each one will take a topic of our choice and then post them as we wish.

Well it dint work out.

Basically we were all somberis.

And to write for atleast 3 pages – Man you must be nuts seriously.

Mr. Sincere sigamani wrote atlast. It was about our school.

But he was Harichandra’s naalu-vitta naathanar paiyan. He had written abusively, yet whatever we had in our minds about all the “Kneel down on the floor” teachers and “Write 50 times imposition” HMs.

Yet we were afraid to post them. If it got leaked that it was this Kullanari kootam who had written we would be expelled, literally.

So the best solution was - “Sangatha kalaingada”.

After this we have not been in touch for sometime.

Later, after my schooling, during one of my visits to the nearby net centre (well I vaguely remember about Orkut now) to check the ‘scraps’, the previously mentioned Scene Sigamani was there. I never expected him to remember me. Unfortunately for me, he did. He was still blogging. I also learnt from him that my partners in crime were all busy blogging as well.

Now I had to answer the 4^th question in my blog-life.

“So how is your blog going?”

“Almost started”

“You still got ways to go man” he said with a tone of arrogance, intentionally ofcourse.

So I had to take a vow that day - Naanum aagarenda Blog-writer.

But, fortunately or unfortunately I joined CA articleship after this meeting – so “I dint have the time to write” – the reason I used to give all the time. (The truth was I was a somberi. Not that I have changed myself now).

Now that my articleship is over, I am finding myself in a total-vetti mode all day. Hence decided to start a blog atlast.

So for me to edutha sabadham mudikka, I have started this blog.

This time – I dont have to answer or convince any of my friends over the name/topic/design/anything else.

Because Ithu en area.

But ellarum ulla vaanga.