Probuzz…
Monthly News Letter from
Probus Club of Chennai
(Sponsored by Rotary Club of Madras )
In servicsince
1992
Registered under T N Registration of Societies Act 1975 (148 of 2004)
An Association of Retired Professionals, Businessmen, Govt Servants and Others.
K46, Anna Nagar East Chennai-102. Ph:26216767
Vol 19
No 9
Dec 2008
1.0 The First Column
Dear Probians,
The president is now recuperating.
He sends his season’s greetings
and NEW YEAR WISHES to all our members, their
families, our readers
and well-wishers.
The end of this November was very traumatic to us —
with Mumbai and Chennai taking a severe battering,
the former at hands of NISHAACHARAAS (demons
who move at night) and the latter by another NISHA,
the cyclone down south. Mercifully, situations are
‘limping’ to normalcy. PROBUZZ publication too was
hit with its printing press ‘marooned; accessible by
boat only, for a few days! Power supply
was ‘switched off’, to avert electrocution, in several
inundated areas of the
city. At the time of writing this, another ‘depression’
[under what name (feminine)?] is being formed but
moving slowly towards Chennai. Hopefully,
it may ‘weaken’ and save our rehabilitation works in
hand. Our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the
man-made and natural calamities. We join the
bereaved families in their prayers for the departed
souls – RIP.
Since a few months, PROBUZZ is being ‘e-mailed’ to
such of those
who have given their e-mail addresses (about 130
members) by Probn
K. Venkatachari, PP; (Ph: 2498 1099). This is being
followed by mailing printed copies, as when those are
ready. Kindly keep a watch after the middle of the
respective month.
— Editor
HAIL OUR HEFTY HELPING HANDS !
Probus Scholarship Scheme :
Donors of Rs. 10,000 and more:
1.Probn Mrs. Pushpa Shah
…Rs.
(ID L 062)
Lloyds Road, Gopalapuram
Chennai-600 086
(She has already donated
Rs. 10,000 vide PROBUZZ,
August 2008. Total so far
Rs. 70,000 – Ed.)
2.Probn M. S. Rajagopalan…
(ID A 243)
“Bharadwaj”, 137/60,
Luz Church Road
Mylapore, Chennai-600 004
Rs.
60,000
10,000
Note : Thank you for the handsome
donations. Once you donate Rs. 10,000/(and above), its interest will go to educate a
deserving poor child from Std. VI to Plus
two. Your name will be associated with the
scholarship. You will be provided with full
details of the child you are educating.
CELEBRATE AS NEW YEAR IS HERE
SEASON’S greetings and best wishes
For A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR PROBUS CLUB OF CHENNAI
A UNIVERSAL PRAYER
Begin the day with a prayer and end the day
with a prayer. That will help you to fill all the
waking hours with noble activities.
As soon as you wake up in the morning:
O Lord, I am born from the womb of sleep. I am
determined to carry out all tasks today as
offerings to YOU, with YOU everpresent before
my mind’s eye. Make my words, thoughts and
deeds sacred and pure. Let us inflict no pain on
any one; let no one inflict pain on me. Direct
me; Guide me
this day.
pomeranian dogs with
long hair! The hair is periodically sheared like
that of a sheep for weaving as shawls, worth a
small fortune!!
At anytime during the day:
O Lord, may I have the maturity to accept
gracefully what I cannot change; may I have
the wisdom to know the difference between
what
I can and cannot change.
As mentioned in my earlier write up, family, as
we know now, became noticeable, between 600
BC – 300 BC, only with discovery of
agriculture. Agriculture operations became the
genesis of our ancient civilisation. It is
interesting to learn that cutting of water supply
to agricultural lands; to discipline an errant
farmer, was quite common even in the hoary
past!
Just before you go to sleep:
O Lord, the tasks of this day, whose burden I
placed at YOUR feet this morning, are over. It
was YOU who made me walk, talk, think and
act.
I therefore, place again thoughts and deeds of
today. My task is done. Receive me; I am
coming back to YOU.
Received from an anonymous well-wisher.
2.0 Editor’s space
JAI KISSAN
“ No race can prosper ’till it learns that there is
as much dignity in tilling the field as in writing a
poem”.
— Booker. T. Washington
To remember Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s
second Prime Minister; who coined the slogan
JAI JAWAN — JAI KISSAN to boost the
sagging spirit of the nation; soon after a war
with Pakistan, in 1964, with the country reeling
under an acute shortage of food. Significantly,
our jawans and kissans are two strong arms of
the nation, affording security in two fields — the
former against enemies within and outside and
the latter against hunger to millions of its
citizens. My write up JAI JAWANS appeared in
PROBUZZ, December 2007. This one is in
connection celebration of KISSAN DIVAS
(Farmers’ Day) on 23rd December of the year.
Let us not mix up the nomenclature FARMER
with A TILLER (often pictured as a famished –
looking man with a plough). No doubt, a tiller is
a farmer or a farm hand but all farmers need not
be tillers. Elaborating this further, a farm is a
tract of land with buildings etc.; for cultivation or
rearing animals. In other words, an
establishment for breeding animals, fish, fowls
etc. It was of interest for me to visit, about two
to three years ago, a rabbit farm, in a place near
Manali in Himachal Pradesh, where ‘Angora’
rabbits are bred. Those appeared like
India’s biggest living industry is farming,
with nearly 2/3 of its people engaged in farming
with just above 50% of total geographical area
of the country under cultivation.
When we celebrate “Farmers’ Day”,
a few relevant questions pop up, such as, What
is it that we have done to improve the farming
industry or to mitigate the problems of our
farmers; during the past sixty years of our
independence.
Being conscious of the widespread poverty,
especially, those with its deep roots in the
stagnated agriculture, Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru, on 14/15th August 1947, remarked
thus :
“Everything else can wait; but not agriculture”.
So, the focus was mainly on measures like :
1. Enlarging of areas under assured irrigation.
2. Providing of inputs such as seeds fertilisers,
pesticides and improved – farm implements
to the farmers.
3. Strengthening of infrastructure in the field of
research and education in agronomy.
Thus “Green revolution” was launched in the
year 1967-68, to improve agricultural
productivity. This was implemented in two
phases : with the second launched in 1983-84,
in different states. As a result of this, wheat
production was more than doubled. Rice
production increased by 50%.
In the field of “Dairy farming” (white revolution?)
— launched in 1970-71, implemented in three
phases viz Operation flood 1 (1970-81) —
Operation flood 2 (1981-85) and Operation
flood 3 (1985-90). As a result of these, India
became the second largest milk producer in
the world. India may face a ‘Problem of
plenty’ soon!
There is an increase of cross-bred cattle and
poultry. Fish production is increasing at 4% PA.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Indias Philo-sopherPresident, said thus :
“Science has achieved more for the masses
than wisdom of the sages” . . . How true!
At the commemoration celebrations of Golden
Jubilee of India’s Inde-pendence, on 14/15th
August 1997,
Shri K. R. Narayanan, then President of India,
was elated to refer to India’s best two
achievements in a span of 50 years viz:
First — India’s democratic system, the
world’s largest, of Governments; extending
down to village levels.
Second — India’s self-reliance in food
production, thanks to our farmers, scientists
and policy makers.
When India completed its Sixty years of
independence, its achievements, indeed,
were incredible. Some of them are :
India is the largest producer in the world of
mango, banana, milk, dairy products, coconuts,
ginger, turmeric and black pepper. It is also
second largest producer of rice, wheat,
groundnut, sugar, fruits and vegetables.
The above achievements do not mean that it is
‘milk and honey’ for the farming families.
Ironically, poverty and poverty-inducedmalnutrition are widespread. This
anomalous situation is mentioned in the
media as ‘Grain-mountains and hungry
millions”. A cruel comment but a very revealing
truth.
To end this unenviable reputation,
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, a world-renowned
agricultural scientist and architect of our
‘Green revolution, in his article “Towards a
hunger-free India” says that India’s focus should
be on ending of having ‘under-fed children,
women and men’ with a more scientific
approach.
WHAT IS AILING OUR FARMING SECTOR —
OUR GREATEST INDUSTRY?
The problems are complex, rooted in Ecology,
Economy, Technology and the social system,
peculiar to India, as a whole.
1. Economical : Low productivity, low
profitability, low sustainability of major farming
systems, For example, Productivity of Paddy
per hectare — USA – 7500 Kg., China – 6000
Kg. and INDIA – 3000 Kg. Productivity of
Maize per hectare — USA – 8900 Kg. China –
4900 Kg. and INDIA – 2100 Kg.
2. Technological : Water — Quality and
Quantity of ground water which is the dominant
source of irrigation are deteriorating. Soil —
Deficiency in micro-nutrients. Seeds — low
quality mostly. Fertilisers — mostly spurious
and adulterated.
3. Ecological : Adverse changes in
precipitation of rain, temperature, sea-level rise
due to global-warming.
4. Sociological : Holdings of agri-cultural lands
of the farming families speak for themselves on
the non-viability of the farming operations.
Here are the break-up figures, in percentage of
the farming families.
1. Marginal farmers (1 ha & less) :
2. Small farmers ( 1 – 2 ha) : 11.2 %
3. Farmers with 2 – 4 ha
: 7.1 %
4. Farmers with 4 ha and above
:
77.7 %
4.0 %
Source : Economic Survey 2005
With a large majority of farming families being
Small and Marginal Farmers (89%),
agricultural operations are becoming less
profitable and non-sustainable (smaller the
holding worse). This causes a seasonal
migration of farmers/farm hands to cities/towns.
Marketable surplus of products, to generate
CASH INCOME, is often low leading to high
‘rural indebtness’ (with private creditors
levying high interest on loans).
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, interalia, suggests
some more measures to improve the rural
economy, especially, in the farming sector,
such as :
1. Establishment of advanced soil testing
laboratories to detect deficiency of micronutrients in the soil.
2. Water harvesting with a million wells to
“recharge” the water sources.
3. Making water-harvesting mandatary.
4. Conservation of water input — ‘more crop
per drop’.
5. Encouraging ‘group farming’, especially,
among marginal and small farmers for
higher productivity, profitability and
sustainability.
6. Promotion of non-farming vocations among
farming families and farm hands, in the rural
areas to augment their cash income.
7. Establishment of 50,000 farming schools to
promote farmer-to-farmer learning on
improvement of yield per acre.
8. Improvement in production and postharvesting operations for better profitability
to farming families.
We have the necessary expertise and means
and natural resources to facilitate an assured
food security, with higher productivity, better
profitability for farmers and assured
sustainability of farming operations.
What is required is a change in our
philosophy of MAKING POVERTY A VIRTUE.
Doles and loans to farmers are not an answer to
alleviate the sad plight of our harding-working
farmers.
Reference :
1. Article “Towards a hunger-free India” by Dr.
M. S. Swaminathan.
2. “We Indians” by Shri Minoo Masani.
3. Manorama year books 2006 and 2008.
4. Pearson Concise General Knowledge
Mannual – 2007 by Edgar Thorpe and
Showick Thorpe.
3.0 Events and Activities
3.1 E. C. Meeting held on 8-11-08 by 10.30
a.m. at AASI Conference Hall, Chennai.
As the President was indisposed, Probn S.
Krishnaram Davey, VP, presided over the
Meeting. After a one-minute silent prayer, the
subjects in the agenda were taken up with a
welcome address by the Chairman. In the
absence of Probn M. D. Vijayarangam,
President, nomination of Sub-Committee
members was deferred.
Receipts and expenses statement was not
ready for consideration. Hence this was also
deferred, with a request to the Treasurer to
present it; with details of the collection of
Educational Fund, the investment of the amount
in Term Deposit with SBI, Mylapore Branch, in a
complete shape. It was also recorded to send,
in future, the statement well in advance to EC
Members with agenda. i.e. before 5th of the
month.
The third subject in the agenda was considered
in-depth. It was resolved
to regulate the work allocation related to
Children’s Day Celebrations as below :
1. Essay Competition,Last Date : 10-11-08
(Will be handed over on 11-11-08)
English – Judge / Valuer:
Dr. (Mrs.) V. Balambal
Tamil – Judge / Valuer:
Dr.V. K. Vanajakshi
2. Oratorical Competition
Last Date : 13-11-08 – 3.00 p.m.
English – Judges
G. Subbarao, Rtn. P. Sridharan and
J. Rengarajan
Tamil – Judges
Dr. V. K. Vanajakshi, K. Sivagami-nathan
and Mrs. S. Shakuntala
Sundaram
3. Drawing and Painting Competition
Last Date : 17-11-08 – 2.00 p.m.
Judges
Mrs. Shakuntala Sundaram and Mr
R. Seshadri
4. Fancy Dress Competition
Judges and Organizers
S. Venkataraman and J. Rengarajan
5. Interaction with Students
Gopalapuram Boys Hr. Sec. School
Chennai-600 086 on 13-11-08 – 3.00 p.m.
K. Venkatachari, PP and V. Aadimoolam,
V.P.
Event Coordination
Probn K. Venkatachari, PP
Probn R. T. Namashivayam, EC Member and
T. T. Srinivasamurthi, PP
The Probians in charge of the events were
requested to be present at the venues at least
30 minutes prior to the commencement of
activities. The EC recorded with appreciation
the donation of Rs.5000/- by PF Rtn C. R.
Vaithees-waran towards purchase of prizes
distribution of 200 books among all participating
students. The EC authorized the Secretary to
buy 100 biscuit packets and tea on 13-11-2008
at the venue.
The subject related to the sale of “Probus way
to Healthy Ageing” was reviewed. The
Secretary agreed to make alternative
arrangements to collect unsold stocks available
with EC Members. The EC Members were
requested to settle the account before 30th
November, 2008. The committee was briefed of
the acceptance of
Dr. Chitrarasu, MD, to speak on ‘Simple Habits
to avoid Triggers of Head Ache’ on 27-122008, at Breakfast Meeting. Probian J.
Rengarajan agreed to supply 125 cakes on that
day. After vote of thanks by Probn R. Subbaraj,
Secretary, the meeting was adjourned to 13-122008 to be held at the same venue and time.
(Based on the report prepared by Probn R.
Subbaraj, Secretary. This does not purport to be
the minutes of the
meeting. – Ed.).
3.2 Meeting of Spirituality Group
of Probus Club combined with Mylapore
Lodge of Theosopical Society.
“Patanjali’s Yoga Shastra” by Probn T.
R. Jaya-raman held at 4.00 p.m. on
15-11-2008 at M. P. Aanand Matriculation
School, Mylapore, Chennai-4.
“Patanjali’s Yoga Shastra”
Yoga, in common parlance today, means only
Hatha Yoga that includes asanas, pranayama,
kriyas and mudras but this should not be
confused with Patanjali’s Yoga Shastra. Yoga
Shastra is one of the 6 Hindu philosophical
treatises systematised by Patanjali. The Yoga
Shastra existed before him and even the
Bhagavad Gita is stated as Brahma Vidya and
Yoga Shastra. Patanjali later made out the
established revision as the first sutra itself says
“Atha Yoganusasanam”. This has 194 sutras,
while some publications show 195 or 197 of
them with no significant effect on contents. The
great sage Thirumoolar also wrote his great
work Thirumandiram, a part of which
is on the same lines as Yoga Shastra, in Tamil
where he says he was one among the eight,
along with Patanjali, who received the
instructions from Nandi.
World consists of gross and subtle elements.
The gross can be understood in many ways.
For knowing about subtle matters, you require
yogic practice. Discriminating intellect, acquired
through yoga practice, also paves the way for
liberation or Moksha. According to Dr. Theos
Bernard “Men of marvelous mental powers and
intense heroism in ancient India, Tibet and
China were the outcome of the teachings and
practice of Yoga”. Yoga is the key to all Hindu
philosophies. By the practice of yoga, any
person can see for himself the truth in the other
Shastras. In fact the philosophies go by the
name darsanas (insights).
Yoga is the complete stoppage of mental
disturbances – to put in simple language, the
technical terms used in the Shastra. Mental
tranquility is a prime need for pursuit of Truth.
Such tranquil state is achieved through sincere
practice. The Yoga of Patanjali is thus known as
“Ashtanga Yoga”. These 8 limbs are: Yama
(restraint), Niyama (observance), Asana
(posture), Pranayama (regulation of breath),
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana
(concentration), Dhyana (contemplation) and
Samadhi (trance). Once these angas are
performed, impurities get dwindled and
ilumination of knowledge (light of wisdom)
appears, leading to discriminative
knowledge (Viveka khyati) which is
necessary for overcoming grief or duhkha.
Now the details of these 8 angas :
I. Yama : (both the ‘a’s here are to be
pronounced short) 5 restrictions are prescribed,
1. Ahimsa. This is abstinence from injury. No
pain is to be caused to any creature in any
way at any time. Hostilities are given up in
presence of one established in the practice of
ahimsa. 2. Satya. Utterance of truth for the
benefit of all living beings. Word and thought
should be in accordance with facts. The
practitioner is then so attuned to truth that his
words lead to fruition. His blessings become
effectual. 3. Asteya. Abstinence from theft.
When this is practised, wealth comes to him
from all quarters. 4. Brahmacharya. Practice of
this leads to obtaining of vigour and one gets; to
be eligible to teach Yoga. This should be not
just in action, but in thoughts too. With
Brahmacharya,
one gets to be urdhvaretas – testos-terone
serving the upper regions.
5. Aparigraha. Non-covetousness. Avoiding
tendency to grab. Culti-vation of this quality
bestows on the practitioner knowledge of origin
of things – such as even nature of his
own existence in the past, present and future.
II. Niyama : These are 5 observances. 1.
Saucha. Cleanliness for body and mind
both. Mental impurities are pride, jealousy,
vanity and the like. Finally, this practice leads to
a sense of disgust to physical body (as it never
remains really clean despite all efforts) and
also to avoidance of bodily contacts. With
mental cleanliness, high-mindedness is
ensured. Senses are controlled and mind
becomes eligible for self-knowledge. 2.
Santosha. Contentment. This is absence of
desire to possess more and more.
Appropriation of things not one’s own is already
in the list of “don’ts”. This quality leads to
unsurpassed joy.
3. Tapa. Purificatory action. This results in
the purification of body and the indriyas. The
veil of impurity thus rid off, the practitioner is
capable of attaining the siddhis such as Anima
and the mental siddhies such as clairaudience.
Bodily, mental and oral taps are mentioned in
XVII : 14 to 16 of the Gita. 4. Svadhayaya.
Study. Introspective study. This leads to
communion with deity. 5. Isvara Pranidhana.
Attunement with Isvara. The practitioner
makes Isvara the motive of all actions. The term
Isvara is also defined. By dedicating all his
powers to Isvara, his intellect knows
everything as it is and thus attains Samadhi.
III. Asana : The Yoga sastra mentions only
briefly about asana and is concerned only
with any posture that can be steadily and
comfortably maintained over a long period.
This long period is the period of meditation.
Only three short sutras mention about asana –
II : 46 to 48. The posture (asana) becomes
perfect. It is effortless, thereby ensuring
absence of movement. Mind being focused on
the infinity, such long drawn posture is possible.
Commentators mention that such asanas as
Padmasana, Vajrasana, Bhadrasansa and
the like should be suitable. Gita, in VI : 10 to
13, tells more about the way to sit down and
where.
IV. Pranayama : With steadiness
of bodily posture, an important association
is steadiness of breath. Pranayama in this
shastra is described as “cutting off of the flow of
inspiration and expiration
(.svasaprasvasayorgati-vichhedah
pranayamah). It can be understood as stilling of
breath — not by force but by a slow process of
Puraka, rechaka and kumbhaka. Then it is an
“effortless effort” as mentioned by
Paramahamsa Yogananda. This stage is very
subtle. Though we may not be conscious of this,
we do remain in such a stage when
concentrated
in any activity. Karma of every individual
causes a veil over the Light. By practice of
pranayama, this veil is weakened (and finally
destroyed though Tapas) Pranayama makes
the mind steady and thus renders the
practitioner fit for concentration.
V. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses objects.
Uparati in the Gita. VI : 25 Sanaih sanaih
uparamet ... When you withdraw, the objects
of senses too go away from you! With mind in
control, the senses get controlled. The Gita
explains in II : 59 (Vishaya...). When you stop
feeding the senses with sense pleasures,
these senses get controlled.
These five limbs are characterised as
external (bahiranga) while the next three are
termed to be internal (antaranga). The
antranga practices are in sequence.
VI. Dharana : This is fixing of mind on a
particular object (usually a body part) or
even to an idea binding the chitta to one
place is dharana. Concentration can also be
on doing some work according to the wishes
of the practitioner (as said in the Puranas).
VII. Dhyana : This is the continua-tion of
dharana and is an unchanging flow of the
mental effort to understand the object of
meditation. VI : 19 of the Gita gives a simile
of steady flame of a lamp. One may here
recall the “flow” repeatedly mentioned by
APJ Kalam in his book “The Wings of Fire”.
VIII. Samadhi : This final of the eight limbs is
the resulting trance on practice of dharanas
and dhyana.
This can be achieved through great devotion to
Isvara too. In this stage the object of
contemplation (dhyana) has taken entire
possession of the mind and shows forth only the
light of the form of contemplated object.
Compare VI : 20 of the Gita.
Samyama is the complex of this aforesaid
triad – dharana, dhyana and samadhi and
serves as the instrument for acquiring all
knowledge of super-sensuous varieties and
siddhis. These siddhis are 8. Anima, laghima,
mahima, garima, prapti, praakamyam (determined will of truth). Vasitvam and isitritvam.
One may naturally question about
the possibility of doing such hard work as
Patanjali’s yoga. A solace to one who grasps
and the rigour and depth
of the discipline comes from Lord Himself in the
Gita II : 40 which assures us that in the path of
Yoga, there is no loss of effort and no
untoward effect (when the practice is given
up at any stage).
The talk was only on parts of the first pada and
the second pada of the Sastra. The talk was
followed by questions and answers and thanks
to the speaker.
(Gist of the speech as received from the
speaker – Thank you, Sir, – Ed.).
3.3 Children’s Day Celebrations, jointly with
Russian Centre of Science and Culture,
at 2.30 p.m. on 17-11-2008.
The club, jointly with Russian Centre
of Science and Culture; celebrated Children’s
Day, at 2-30 p.m. on 17-11-08 preceded by
organising competitions in events like essay
competition, oratorical competitions, Drawing
and painting and interactive session on family
relations with
elders. Events other than drawing and painting
and essay writing were held at 3 p.m. on 13-1108, at Corporation Boys Higher Secondary
School, Gopalapuram. Drawing & painting and
Essay competitions (in Tamil and English) were
held at the respective ten schools in the city.
(List of prize winners is given in Para 11 of this
issue – Ed.).
Celebrations on 17th November 2008 began
with light refreshments served to all those
present.
All Paintings and Drawings received from
various school, as entries for competition; were
displayed at the Exhibition Hall of the Russian
Centre of Science and Culture, for the Judges
to evaluate.
Girls of Sharada Vidhyalaya sang an invocation
song.
In the absence of Probn M. D. Vijaya-rangam,
President of the Club, who was indisposed;
Probn S. Krishnaram Davey, Senior VicePresident, chaired the proceedings.
In his welcome address, the Chairman gave a
brief account of the activities of the club and
introduced the Chief Guest of the evening Dr.
(Ms) P. Naga-bhooshanam, M.A, M.L; Ph.D.,
former Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Ambedkar Law
University, Chennai.
Cultural events began with a scintillating display
of Karate (a matial art) by Master S. Srikanth,
holder of many belts, of P.S. Higher Secondary
School, Mylapore. He was presented with a
memento by the Chief Guest.
This was followed by fancy dress competition
with 16 children partici-pating in the event. This
was thoroughly enjoyable. Participation
certificates and prizes were distributed by the
Chief Guest and the Chairman.
Next item was a skit by Russian children. All the
participants were presented with mementos.
Ms. Volga of Russian Centre of Science and
Culture was honoured with a shawl by the Chief
Guest of the evening.
The acme of the events for the day was the
presentation of Probus Award of Excellence,
a covetous one for school children, showing
out-standing performance in academics, sports
and Games, Art and Science and the like. This
year’s award was bagged by Master Bhaskaran
Adhiban, Inter-national Master; an eleventh
standard student of Velammal Higher
Secondary School, Mogapair, Chennai. This
Chess Prodigy, a lad of sixteen, is a recipient
of several gold medals and distinc-tions in
National and International scene, with FIDEELO rating 2493 at present; with a potential to
go up the ladder. His citation was read by Probn
V. Audimoolam, Vice-President. The Chief
Guest presented the memento and citation.
Parents of the awardee, Shri Bhaskaran and
Smt. Leela Bhaskaran, were honoured with
shawls. Master Adhiban in his acceptance
speech thanked the club for the honour done to
him and added that had the confidence to
become a world champion one day. Smt. Leela
Bhaskaran thanked the Seniors who
encouraged her son. Probn Kripa Shankar,
came forward to enthuse the promising
world-class Chess player by giving him
Rs. 10,000/- every year, out of the trust
founded by him, to improve his performance
further to achieve his ambition in life.
Heads/teachers nominated by the ten schools
were honoured. Principal of Sharada higher
Secondary School was honoured with shawl.
As a continuing practice, best students,
sponsored by different schools were given
books as prizes. The books were donated by
PF C. R. Vaitheeswaran as usual.
Probn S. Krishnaram Davey, Sr. Vice President,
chairing the celebrations, introduced Dr. (Ms.)
P. Naga-bhooshanam, M.A, M.L; Ph.D., the
chief guest and requested her to deliver her
address. Probn Davey honoured her with a
memento and shawl.
Probn Justice P. Shunmugam, Chairman of the
one-man commission appointed by Tamil Nadu
Government to enquire into the violence in Dr.
Ambedkar Law University, was honoured with a
shawl by PF. C. R. Vaitheeswaran.
The Chief Guest complimented the
club of Senior citizens for thoughtfully
encouraging school children in various fields,
besides celebrating a day exclusively for them.
She exclaimed the gesture as simply great. She
adduced two reasons for the special attachment
the Seniors show to school children. Every
Senior citizen goes through two important
phases in life viz the first childhood when he
looked forward with starry eyes to a bright
career and wholesome life-style — the second
phase, widely known as ‘Second childhood’
when the man looks backwards to his past
achievements and accomplishments. There is a
common trait in Seniors and children i.e. strong
likes and dislikes with an uncompromising
nature till fully convinced. Perhaps, this is the
magic behind the two groups getting along well,
with enduring love to ‘bridge the generation
gap’. In fact, generation gap between the first
and the third generation is virtually nonexistent; with them getting along very well.
She congratulated Master B. Adhiban, Probus
Awardee and all other children who won the
prizes and wished better luck for the rest of the
competitors.
Mr. Vladimir Potopov, Deputy Director of
Russian Centre of Science and Culture, was all
praise for the excellent relationship between
Probus Club of Chennai and The Russian
Centre of Science and Culture for nearly a
decade so far. He added that Children’s Day is
observed in Russia on 1st June, when the
school children enjoy their vacations. He
wished the school children a bright future and
Probians prosperity and good health for years to
come.
Probn K. Venkatachari, PP, coordinated the
programme of the day so well that both the start
and the end was on the dot.
Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, proposed a vote
of thanks.
Curtains were down with National Anthem.
(Based on the report prepared by Probn R.
Subbaraj, Secretary. – Ed.).
3.4 Breakfast Meeting held at
9.00 a.m. on 22-11-08 at Russian Centre
of Science and Culture, Chennai-18.
The meeting commenced after the breakfast
sponsored by Probn K. Venkatachari, PP, in
fond memory of his mother.
The meeting began with an invocation song by
Probn V. Audimoolam, Vice-President.
As the president was indisposed, Probn S.
Krishnaram Davey, Senior Vice-President
chaired the meeting.
In his welcome address, the chairman
expressed his happiness to see such a large
gathering, despite the inclement weather that
day.
Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, briefed the
gathering of the programme of the next break fast meeting on 27th Dec. 2008 the last for the
year 2008.
Dr. Chithrarasu, M.D.; of Amruthanjan, pain
balm, would speak on “Simple habits to avoid
triggers of headaches”. Max New York Life
Insurance would host the breakfast that day.
The Secretary appealed to the gathering to
donate at least Rs. 100/- each on ‘Flag Day’.
Probn V. Hariharan, Treasurer collected the
amount for passing on to the Tahsildar,
Mylapore.
Dr. V. R. Chandramohan, EC member, readout
the biodata of Dr. S. Muthu-kumaran, former
Vice-Chancellor of Trichy Bharathidasan
University.
Dr. S. Muthukumaran, a technocrat by
profession, graduated in engineering and joined
Tamil Nadu Public Works Department and
served with distinction for fourteen years. Later,
he joined the College of Engineering, Guindy as
a faculty member and served for ten years. He
served as a Special Officer in the Tamil Nadu
Directorate of Technical Education for two
years. In 1978, he was deputed to Government
of India, as Deputy Advisor to Ministry of
Education where he served in New Delhi for
four years. In 1982, he returned to his parent
department and served as Registrar of Anna
University (Technical University). Later he was
selected as Vice-Chancellor of Trichy
Bharathidasan University where he served for
six years, in two spells.
Even after his retirement from regular service
Dr. Muthukumaran served in various
committees as member or chairman, in state
planning commission, advisor to aided and
autonomous educational institutions,
in the Tamil Nadu.
He authored three books, in English,
on Science and Technology and
thirteen books, in Tamil. He is a protagonist of
teaching in one’s mother tongue; whether it is
Science, engineering or medicine. He bagged
several gold medals and distinctions
in research.
Speech of the day was ‘Vayathaaki vittatha?”
(Has oldage set in ?). The learned speaker
introduced the topic, explaining the true
meaning of KELAVAN / KELAVI, just to
disabuse the audience of notion that it is
pejorative in sense. Oldage is mostly a state of
mind. To that end, he narrated a story. Two
patients were in the same ward. One was
having his bed near a window. He was enjoying
the scenes outside.
The second patient who was bored to death
wanted to be shifted to another bed near
another window, commanding the same
view. However, to his utter surprise, he could
see only a wall — with nothing to enjoy. The
former was seeing only trees and other foliages
and deriving pleasure out of it; whereas, the
second patient was focusing only on a wall,
ingnoring the trees and the greenery at little
away from the wall. Thus enjoyment lies mainly
on how one looks at a thing. Strangely, one’s
capacity or capability is proved when he/she is
in service — but sadly it dwindles down after
retirement, unless it is nurtured with new skills!
There is more free time after one’s retirement to
develop new interests or hobbies or do things
for which he had no time while in service. The
first thing should be to shelve the past, stop
worrying about it and seek for something
new every day. Develop interest to serve the
community, in any capacity open. Service to
the community is the best antidote to the
sickening feeling of ‘growing old’. Do not count
the oldage by the years but by your good
deeds, with the capacity already developed
while in service.
The chairman appealed to members
to donate generously to SUNSHINE FUND.
Probn K. Venkatachari, PP, announced that
December month’s breakfast meeting, as is the
practice every year, would be deemed an
occasion to welcome the NEW YEAR and bid
adieu to the current year. An uninhibited show
of enjoyment like music, dance etc. with no
agenda.
Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, proposed the
customary vote of thanks with
a special word to thanks to Probn
K. Venkatachari, who hosted the breakfast that
day.
(Partly based on the report prepared by Probn
R. Subbaraj, Secretary. – Ed.).
4.0
Hello Rasikas, Appreciate Carnatic and
Hindustani classical music better now.
Now comes the second edition of RIG (Raga
Identification Guide) a labour of love of Probn K.
Balasubramanian. A tangible contribution to
music lovers (both Carnatic and Hindustani
classical music) from a diehard music rasika.
The book is a guide to 6200 Kritis and provides
the raga and the names of the composers
(Please see para 13.0 of PROBUZZ, January
2006). The second edition has been improvised
by addition of the equivalents of Hindustani
ragas to Carnatic ones. The second edition of
RIG with 254 pages is moderately priced Rs.
50/- (One rupee less than the first edition). The
book is available at all shops dealing in
musical instruments and music albums and
Kutcheribuzz office (Phone No. 4289 0027),
77, C.P. Rama-swami Road, Alwarpet, Chennai
or Probn K. Balasubramanian, 1-C, Indrani
Ammal Street, Sulivan Garden Road, Mylapore,
Chennai-4. Phone No. 2499 2474 & 2499 6272.
E-mail : kbdhanam@yahoo.com.
5.0
Padham Trust’s Year-Long “Paadha
Raksha” for Diabetics extended.
Based on the year-long “Foot Care Awareness
Campaign” and its benefits to diabetics,
Padham Trust has decided to continue to offer
free consultation for foot problems in
diabetics.
Details of tests done and the conditions that
apply to known Diabetics, aged sixty and
above, were published in para 23 of PROBUZZ,
December 2007. Kindly note that free
consultations are by prior regis-tration only
and only once a week at 5 p.m. EVERY
WEDNESDAY. Venue : 26, 2nd Main Road,
C.I.T. Colony. Contact No.: 2499 2958 E-mail :
editorhealthnews@hotmail.com.
6.0
Directory update
Probn K. Balasubramanian
(ID A 005)Mobile No. 94445 25765
e-mail : kbdhanam@yahoo.com
7.0
Members’ activities
Probn Dr. (Mrs.) V. Balambal, IPP, was invited
to present a paper at the International
conference of ethics and environmental policies
with theme “Ethics and Climate change
scenarios” at Padova, Italy from 23-25th
October 2008. She was among 2 delegates
from India, with other delegates from twenty
countries. She presented a paper on “Social
impacts of climate change on the life-style of the
people of Chennai”.
The study deals with the importance of climate
change, its natural and human causes,
importance of recycling waste, direct and
indirect impacts, health aspects. Effects on
plants and species, agriculture, rise of sea level
and impacts, Ethical dimensions of climate
change, India’s initiatives, climate in India,
especially Chennai, the impact of being a
coastal city, monsoon and failure — impacts,
water level and scarcity, Report of the
Intergovern-mental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), Liverpool University Scientists’
investigation on the anticipated effects of
climate change on India’s monsoon, and impact
that alterations in India’s water cycle will have
on people, agriculture and wild life; Tsunami of
2004, health life of the people of
three strata-upper, middle and lower class, the
beneficial schemes, and beneficiaries,
importance of ethical values during crisis,
foreign and local aid, reaching the needy
people, how to create awareness among
student community, formation of Eco Clubs, ban
on Smoking in public places from 2nd October,
2008, the warnings of National Council for
Climate Change on rise sea level; foundation of
the First Centre to monitor climate change in
Chennai on 4th April, 2008, and above all the
role of Government, NGOs, and individuals in
protecting the region from global warming.
The study ends with an appeal — Ten things
to do to help stop global warming are:
change a bulb, drive less, recycle more, check
your tyres, use less hot water, avoid products
with a lot of packaging, adjust your thermostat,
plant a tree, turn of electronic devices, and be a
part of the solution.
Her trip did not end with the conference. She
stayed for some more days to explore Padova,
a city of great culture, in Italy, with the oldest
Medical University and second oldest University
in the World, the great Basilica of St. Antony,
Botanical Garden, Museum, Official Buildings,
and so on. The whole city could be covered
by walk. Most of the people (young and old)
use cycles. As the streets are narrow, and traffic
is well controlled, people use cycle, bus and
tram. You can buy tickets in News paper shops
for your entire journey. Queue is well followed
every where.
She spent a day in Venice where the mode of
transport is boat. Venice is actually surrounded
by water on all sides. As we go by bus here,
people go by boats in which more than 100
people could travel at a time.
Food for non vegetarians is available in plenty.
She survived on vegetables and fruits. She
returned with a great satisfaction of having
visited wonderful places in Italy and learned
a lot on Climate Change.
8.0
Acknowledgement
Probus Club of Chennai places on record, its
appreciation of the good gesture of the
management, teachers and students of
S.B.I.O.A. Higher Secondary School, Anna
Nagar for collecting 1500 signatures with
pledges against “Elder abuse” and to protect
the dignity of the Elderly.
9.0 Felicitations
9.1.Probns having Birth anniversary in
Jan 09
No Name, Probn
Date
Ph NO
1
Gopinatha Rao C
H Probn
1
24993901
2
Pranab K Basu
Probn
1
24724089
3
Girija C K Mrs
3
28353182
4
Ramamurthy G V
Mr
3
24941711
25
Aban Naidu Maj
Gen
PVSM,AVSM
(Retd)
27
26425555
26
Krishnamoorthy N
Probn
27
24460442
24721268,
27
Sridharan P Mr.
10
26501113
28
Balachander V
Probn
30
22520243
12
2435 8064
29
Vittal N Probn
IAS (Retd)
31
28365533
5
Raman K V Dr
3
24456063
6
Sundaram S V
Probn .
4
2448 1460
7
Namasivayam
RT
5
28111882
8
Sathyanarayana
n B Dr.
5
9
Rajapandy, C
Probn
10
Premkumar
Commodore
11
Jai Shankar K
Probn
15
24456474
12
Singaraja Capt M
15
28231388
13
Srinivasan V
Probn ( Ch-20)
15
14
Ramavadhani J
Probn
16
42136514
15
Balasubramania
n G Probn
17
24743168,
Ramakrishnan V
Mr IAS (Retd)
17
17
Srinivasamurti T T
Mr.
17
24990967,
18
Badri Nath P Mr.
20
421803103
19
Narasimhan R
Probn IA&AS
(Retd)
20
24939974
20
Balakrishnan
T S Probn
22
22432516
21
Krishnaswamy R
Probn
22
24340723
Narayanaswamy
M
25
Chandrasekaran
K P Mr
Jambulingam AR
Probn
26
16
22
23
24
24411640
Name Mrs
BA
Ph No
1
Kamala Hariharan
1
42172019
2
Sundararajan M S
Mr
5
28474539
3
Saroja Narayanan
5
2432 2659
4
Ramalakshmi
Singaraja
5
28231388,
5
Bhuvaneswari
Krishnamurthi.
Malathi Ramanan
6
28361355
7
24464186
24321121
6
26
28473136
9.2. Probn Spouses having Birth anniversary
in Jan 2009
No
28143973,
98841
90473
26443535
29
7
Sakunthala
Shanmugam
11
2499 3452
8
Muthu lakshmi
Manickam
15
28279328
9
Vasantha
Kothandaraman.
16
24997213
10
Shantha Sankar
16
24919098
11
Vasundhara
Mallikarjunan
17
24757593
12
Uma Venkatesan
18
24997977
24996957
13
Moorthy V T Mr
19
28474111
14
Padma Bhattia
20
28362243
15
Bharathi
Jagadisan.
26
24996055
16
Sundari A
29
2495 2597
17
Lakshmi
Ramaswamy
30
28442526
18
Meenakshi
Krishnamoorthy
31
24460442
9
Kothandaraman V R
Probn & Santhamani
Kothandaraman Mrs
24
22435906
10
Vijayarangam, R
Probn & Kousalya
Vijayarangam Mrs.
25
2376 0815
11
Aiyer V L Probn &
Shantha L Iyer Mrs
25
24992329
12
Jai shankar K Probn
&Prema Jaishankar
Mrs
26
24456474
13
Narayana Pillai K N
Probn &
Saradamma
Narayana pillai Mrs
Krishnan N Probn &
Hema Krisnan Mrs
26
28474003
28
28111868,
15
Srinivasan A Probn &
Vedavalli Srinivasan
Mrs.
29
28341599
16
Hariharan S Prof
Probn & Kamala
Hariharan Mrs
31
42172019
17
Gopalakrishna A S
Probn & Vijaya
Gopalakrishnan Mrs.
31
080-32429742,
9945165902
9.3.Probus Spouses having wedding anniversary
in Jan 2009
14
No
Name, Probn and
Probn Spouse
Date
Surendranath A
probn & Haridra
Surendranath Mrs
19
Ganeshan V R
Probn & Vatsala
Ganesan Mrs
20
3
Balambal V Dr.
Probn & Shri
Ramasamy
21
2483 8806
4
Subramanian V Probn
& Usha Subramanian
21
24511799
5
Sahasranamam K
Probn & Lakshmi
Sahasranamam Mrs
21
24953052
6
Jagadisan C D Rtn
Probn & Bharathi
Jagadisan Mrs..
22
24996055
7
Rajapandy C Probn
& Jothimani
Rajapandy Mrs
22
26501113
1
2
8
Vimala R Dr Probn
& Mani R S Dr
23761107,
2441 6550
Wish you all many happy returns of the
day. May God bless you all with good
health, happiness and a peaceful life.
Probn D. Sugunaraj, will be sending,
Probus greetings to all the above.
(Thank you, Probn Sugunaraj – Ed).
Kindly donate to our Sunshine fund
generously – Ed.
10.0 Insurance matter
Health Insurance Policy
23
24342877,
55469127,9
381026405
The Bank of India is offering an attractive health
insurance policy in association with the National
Insurance Company.
The premium for a policy of Rs. 50,000 for a
family consisting of father, mother and two
children is only Rs. 931. Policies of upto Rs. 5
lakh is also available.
The policy can be taken by a family or an
individual according to the need. Medical tests
are not needed. Bills are paid directly to select
hospitals through third party administrator. Upto
Rs. 1,000 in addition to hospital expenses is
paid for meeting other expenses for children
below 12. Treatment expenses of 30 days prior
to being admitted to hospital and 60 days
aftrwards are met.
Source: Express News Service 14-11-08
Received from Probn K. Venkatachari, PP.
11.0 Proud prize winners of various
events on Children’s Day
This year, there is record number of ten schools
participating to organise competitions, on behalf
of our club.
They are :
A. Cambridge Matriculation Senior Secondary
School, Royapettah.
B. R. K. Mission Sharada Vidyalaya, T’ Nagar.
C. Corporation Boys Higher Secondary
School, Nungambakkam.
D. Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School,
Nungambakkam.
E. Vivekananda Vidyalaya
F. M. P. Aanand Matriculation School,
Mylapore.
G. Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan.
H. Gopalapuram Boys Higher Secondary
School.
I. Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, T’ Nagar.
J. Sri Shankara Higher Secondary School,
Adyar.
11.1 Award of Excellence
Master B. Adhiban, International Master in
Chess, XI Std., Velammal Higher Secondary
School, Mogapair.
11.2 Outstanding allrounders among
different schools
1. Selvi P. Nivedita – XII Std. of School B.
Best student in studies, sports, cultural
activities, quiz and NSS activities.
2. Selvi Fareen Fathima – IX Std. of School F.
11.3 Essay competition in English —
Topic : Joint family
1st Prize
Selvi Bhavani Priya, X-A Std. of
School A.
2nd Prize Selvi Chaitanya Srikanaka
X-B1 Std. of School B.
3rd Prize Selvan S. Ashok Kumar, X-A of
School H.
11.4 Essay competition in Tamil —
Topic : Joint family
1st Prize
Selvan G. Ravi Varma,
IX-A Std. of School H.
2nd Prize Selvi E. Jayalakshmi
XI-A of School D
3rd Prize Selvan R. Rajesh of School C.
11.5 Oratorical contest (in Tamil)
1st Prize
Selvan G. Ravi Varma,
IX Std. of School H.
2nd Prize Selvi Vennile of School A
3rd Prize Selvi A. Gomathi of School D.
11.6 Oratorical contest (in English)
1st Prize Selvan S. Kumar of School H.
2nd Prize Selvan S. Srijesh of School G.
3rd Prize Selvi K. Fathima of
School H.
Congratulations, names of prize winners of
Drawing and Painting competition, fancy dress
competition and interaction are not readily
available. These will be published later – Ed.
12.0 Elders’ representation
Federation of Senior Citizens Associa-tions of
Tamil Nadu writes to Dr. Anbu-mani Ramadoss,
Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Planning,
Govern-ment of India, New Delhi.
Sir,
On hearing from the Budget speech of Hon’ble
Minister for Finance Govt. of India that, this year
two National Institute of Research for Senior
Citizens will be started. I put forth a request to
the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Govt.
to send proposal for the sanction of one Institute
to Tamil Nadu State.
It is seen from the speech of Thiru
V. K. Subharaj, I.A.S., Health Secretary, Govt.
of Tamil Nadu, that a National Centre for Ageing
will be set up at a cost of Rs. 100 crores in the
prison land transferred to the General Hospital
at Chennai and that this will be a state of the art
research and treatment facility offering comprehensive care to senior citizens.
I thank the Hon’ble Health Minister
Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss for having sanctioned
one National Institute of Research for Ageing to
Tamil Nadu and also request to consider the
other demands which I gave in the year 2005 to
you personally. A copy of the same is enclosed.
Thanking You.
Yours Sincerely,
(Sd.) S. M. Chellasamy
General Secretary
13.0 Poem
Half a century ago, when I was an active
versifier, I wrote the following lines which were
also published by the International Society of
Poets (of which I was and am a member). They
reflect another, and possibly downbeat, mood :
Can I grow young again, child?
I doubt it, I doubt it.
Are grey hairs a loss or gain, child?
I hardly know about it.
Will you lend me your years child?
I doubt it, I doubt it.
Who will then wipe my tears, child?
I hardly know about it.
Am I then to sigh away, child?
I hardly know about it.
Am I then ever to mope, child?
I hardly know about it.
Is there one to love me, child?
I doubt it, I doubt it.
Is there God above me, child?
I hardly know about it.
Received from Probn B. S. Raghavan, I.A.S.
(Retd.)
14.0 Humourous verse
Over The Hill
We’re over the hill but don’t feel sad
This side of the hill ain’t all that bad.
So give us “five” and then a smile
To us who have been here for awhile.
With by-pass pain and mended hip
And plumbing fixtures prone to drip;
We all may seem a sorry lot,
But we rejoice for what we’ve got.
We have each day and what it brings
And on our pensions live like kings.
For the press that accuses what we take
To coin a phrase, Let them eat cake”.
We’ve paid our share for unused knowledge
As the kids are now all done with college.
We complain to them about our health
As they worry about our dwindling wealth.
And though our wardrobes may be plain
We’ll suffer no more labor or pain.
Now it’s with cane we do our strut
And if we can’t drive – we still can putt.
We’re mean and tough, meet all demands,
Why, M&M’s melt in our hands.
Yes, we’re still here, and it does delight us
That you join our fight against arthritis.
But we ask you make a pledge today
That you’ll be careful what you say.
We have to spread “Over the Hill” fear
Or we’ll have those young folks over here.
Received from Probn R. T. Namasivayam, E.C.
Member
15.0 Dates to Remember
DECEMBER 2008
27-12-2008 (Saturday) 9.00 a.m.
Monthly breakfast meeting at Russian Centre of
Science and Culture, Kasturi Ranga Road,
Chennai-18.
WELCOME TO NEW YEAR 2009.
Dr. Chitrarasu, M.D.; of ‘AMRUTHANJAN’,
speaks on “Simple habits to avoid
triggers of headaches”. Breakfast sponsored by
MAX NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE.
Contact: Probn R. Subbaraj,Secretary,PhNo.
2442 2839
JANUARY 2009
1-1-2009 (Thursday)
NEW YEAR DAY. Cheer-up visit to
VISHRANTHI Oldage Home, Palavakkam, Rs.
100/- per head.
Contact: Probn M. Chidambaram
Joint Secretary, Phone No. 2811 6465
The van will start from the residence of Probn S
Ranganatha Rao, Ph: 24995290 at 3 PM
Donations in cash or kind are welcome
10-1-2009 (Saturday) 10.30 a.m.
EC meeting at AASI
17-1-2009 (Saturday) 4.00 p.m.
Probus group–Theosophical Society, Mylapore
Lodge (TS)–Spiritual & Philo-sophical Meeting
at M.P. Anand Matri-culation School, Mylapore,
Chennai-4.
Contact: Probn T. R. Jayaraman,
Phone: 2466 1998 or Probn V. L. Aiyar
Phone: 2499 2329
22-1-2009 (Thursday) 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PONGAL CELEBRATIONS at Corpora-tion
Boys High School (Near Valluvar-kottam),
School Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
Contact: Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary
Phone No. 2442 2839
24-1-2009 (Saturday) 9.00 a.m.
Monthly breakfast meeting at Russian Centre of
Science & Culture, Chennai-18.
Dr. Sachin Sankar, M.D., Northampton General
Hospital, United Kingdom, speaks on
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH. Breakfast
hosted by Dr. Sachin Sankar himself.
Wish you all a
happy new year
and Joyous Pongal