Give a thought

We all talk about women empowerment, education etc. As a step towards it, many awareness programs are being conducted in every part of the country in order to encourage girl child to come forward, take a step and help them achieve their goals. The situation has far better improved than earlier days when parents used to think many times to allow their daughters to pursue higher education.

But we must also admit that in spite of such programs yet there are people who really do not understand the real meaning of an education though they are given an opportunity. There are places in our country where the so called literacy rate is higher than other states; people really do not understand the real necessity of education and how it can change ones life.

Many of us, though being from a well of family with no major restrictions, where girls are allowed to pursue education, are treating education as a business. The more the girl is qualified, the better chance of getting married to a better earning person. Here, the “Degree” is what actually matters and nothing more than that. I can tell you from my own personal experience that I have seen girls saying that “We have joined MBA to get a degree”. It came as a shock to me. No ambition, no interest in acquiring knowledge and no idea of what education is all about.

Irony is many genuine girls who are unable to pursue higher education because of financial constraints or non-supportive family, are loosing out on various opportunities. Colleges charging heavy donations and fees are becoming a time pass place for many girls from rich families. I really feel that one precious college seat is wasted by each of those girls who come to acquire a degree for better marriage deals.

We people are our own enemies and we are killing the opportunity of other women. We people have to change and think beyond this. For women, marriage is important but at the same time a genuine education is also very important to run a family if not for career.
Text By: Aparna Vishwanathan

Masala Baigan

Image : Masala Baigan
Image By : Aparna Vishwanathan
Image Copyright: Aparna Vishwanathan

Baigan (Brinjal) can be prepared in many different ways. Though it does not have any taste of its own, we really relish its taste because of the ingredients which we put.

Here I have put a very simple and yet delicious recipe of brinjal.

Ingredients Required

1. Small Brinjals (1/2 Kilo)
2. Onion (Two)
3. Tomato (One)
4. Ginger
5. Garlic (5-6 flakes)
6. Chili Powder
7. Turmeric Powder
8. Coriander Powder
9. Salt
10. Oil

Preparation Method

1. Slit cut small brinjals retaining the tail.
2. Mix Chili powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder and salt to prepare a mixed powder.
3. Stuff this powder inside the slit-cut brinjals and leave it for 10 mins.
4. Chop two onions into long and thin pieces.
5. Chop tomato into small pieces
6. Chop ginger and garlic into small pieces.
7. Put some oil in Kadai, add mustard seeds, Ginger, Garlic, Onion and tomato.
8. Put ½ tsp chili powder, turmeric powder and salt.
9. Put stuffed Baigan into the kadai and cook it for 15 mins and thus it is ready to serve.

You can have it with Chappatis and Rice-Dal.

** Do not add water and do not put lid on the kadai while cooking. Keep mixing it gently in between. Ensure that Baigan retains its shape.

Text By: Aparna Vishwanathan

Pudina Rice

A tasty way of including certain herbs in our usual food is always good. Pudina is one such herb which is very good for health. It helps in quick digestion. Pudina also helps in curing stomach aches and chest burning.

Image : Pudina Rice

Image By: Aparna Vishwanathan

Image Copyright: Aparna Vishwanathan

Here is a very simple, healthy and aromatic recipe. Anyone can try it out at home easily.

Ingredients Required

1. Pudina
2. Coconut
3. Green Chili
4. Mustard seeds
5. Dal Urud (white one)
6. Rice
7. Salt

Preparation Method

1. Cook the required quantity of rice.
2. Make a dry powder of Pudina, Coconut, Green Chili and salt.
3. Take the cooked rice and let it cool down for 10 mins.
4. Mix the prepared Pudina-coconut-chili powder to the rice.
5. Give a tadka of mustard seeds and Dal Urud and mix it well with the rice.

**Approximately for a cup of rice, one cup pudina, half cup coconut and one green chili will be required.

Text By : Aparna Vishwanathan

No Emotions

Supporting aged parents is one of the recent issues which have come to the limelight though with no actual solution to it.

Image: Tears
Image By: Aparna Vishwanathan
Image Copyright: Aparna Vishwanathan

It is very unfortunate that we people have become so heartless that our own parents are burden on us. We are taking the help of legislation to show love, affection and kindness towards them. Imposing punishments or fines on somebody to show affection towards parents is not the solution to this problem.

Times are changing. Everyone is busy with their own lives. People have become more and more ambitious. Concept of joint families is gradually fading away. Both husband and wife are struggling to sustain a good life style. All these are part of our life. But how can one forget the reason of their existence? People who gave them the life? They are not use and throw material. They struggled their whole life to provide a comfortable and secured life to their kids.

There are many aged parents who are financially independent yet they are not happy because they are not given any respect, no affection from their kids, bitter words from daughter-in-laws etc. They are emotionally injured and in many cases physically as well. Think of those who are dependent on their children. Their life is even more pathetic.

With the changing culture and increasing westernization, these days it is very necessary that children of this generation should be made to understand the importance of family, relations and their role in it. Elder members in the family play an important role in such situations.

a) They teach moral values to the kids.
b) They stay with kids for their security when parents are away on work.
c) They ensure that kids do not feel alone when parents are not at home.
d) Kids and grandparents develop good relation with each other that parents need not worry about them in their forming stages.

It is in our hands to decide. A family is formed out of its members. Each member has got his/her responsibility. Adjusting with each others requirements strengthens the bondage. Every one should be given his/her own space. Money is not everything. Emotional support, love and affection are the one for which our aged parents are longing for.

Counseling can be one of the ways to teach people, to make them realize that parents are our part as we are theirs. They may also face similar situation when they will grow old.

I hope people understand the value of their parents, respect them and set an example for their kids so that they don’t have to face the same situation in future.
Text By: Aparna Vishwanathan

PAPER JEWELLERY

Image : Paper Jewellery

Image By : Aparna Vishwanathan

Image copyright : Aparna Vishwanathan

Every women has her own style, likings and dislikings. Women are easily attracted towards jewelries of whichever kind depending on their taste. I am also not an exception in this regard. I recently bought this beautiful set of paper jewelry. I was so pleased by the style and its color.

I have been buying jewelries of different materials. But the paper jewelry seems to be the most attractive. The vibrant colors and the designs are very soothing to the eyes. Most importantly they are so light weight that we need not unnecessarily hurt our ears.

The most important point to be kept in our mind is the way we handle it. Since it is made of paper, we need to take utmost care like we take care of our other costly jewelries. Slightest rough handling can damage the jewelry. These jewelries must not be left for long in heat like direct hot sun, steam rooms etc. It will spoil the jewelry. These paper jewelries are very delicate and are need to be handled delicately.

Those who need a change in style can go for these beautiful paper jewelries.

Text By : Aparna Vishwanathan

Introduction

I want to start my blog sharing some good experience. Let me start with a beautiful place in Tamil Nadu. I am talking about the place called Madurai. When somebody hears about Madurai, we first remember “Madurai Meenakshi Temple” , which is a historic Hindu temple.

There is a saying that Madurai never sleeps. It is also beleived that the word “Meen” (Fish in Tamil) “akshi” (dynasty) depicts this. A fish never closes its eyes and this town which is under the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi never sleeps. She looks after this town all the time.

Meenakshi Temple:
The temple is around 2000 years old but still the grandeur of this temple has remained undiminished. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva with the name Sundareswarar (Beautiful Lord) and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi Amman). These two sanctums form the core of the temple. There are many other shrines and halls around. The temple is enclosed by high-raised walls from all the sides. The temple has got marvellous architecture and it is the largest temple complex in India. The entire temple area is about 6 hectares.

Gopurams or Temple towers
There are 12 temple towers or Gopurams in this temple. Among them, four temple towers are considered to be the landmark of this temple. They are East, West, North and South Gopurams. The heights of these Gopurams range from 45 to 50 meters. The Southern Gopuram is the tallest among all. Each one of these four main Gopurams has got nine storeys. Each Gopuram consists of various statues of Lords and Goddesses each painted with bright and beautiful colours.

Temple Tank
There also exists a temple tank at the centre of this temple. The tank has a beautiful Golden Lotus at the centre. The area around this temple tank is considered to be the meeting place of ancient poets which is also known as TamilSangam. In ancient times any Tamil literature work is given importance only if it does not sink when thrown into this temple tank. People coming to this temple take a holy bath in this tank before they visit for darshan. Stairs lead to the water for the worshipers to take holy bathe. The tank is surrounded by huge corridors with pillars.

Important Festivals
There are many important festivals associated with this temple. The most important among them are Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam (Marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar), Ther Thiruvizhaha (Chariot festival), Navaratri (Gollu pooja in which various statues of God, Goddesses and other dolls are displayed in step format), Shivaratri etc. All these festivals are celebrated in a grand manner. The entire temple is decorated by huge, colourful rangolis, flowers (Thoranams). Many programs like Bhartanatyam, Classical music concerts, folk dances are organised inside various mandapams (Halls) in the temple.

Other Important Places around Meenakshi Temple

Thirumalai Nayak Palace (Light and Sound show is organised daily in the evenings about various historical events), Gandhi Museum, Azhagar Kovil, Palamudurcholai, Thirupparamkundram, Kodai Kanal, Kuttralam, Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar temple and Palace), Kumbakonam, Trichy etc.

How to Reach?
Madurai is a well connected place with all major cities. It has got daily flights from Chennai and Bangalore. It has got daily trains from Chennai and Bangalore. Bus transports from all major cities to Madurai is also a very convenient mode. There are four big Bus stands in Madurai which connects the place to various other cities and towns around Madurai.

Stay and Food
There are various hotels and lodges available in and around temple where tourists can stay. There charges are cheap compared to other cities and are easily affordable. One should not miss out a chance to visit Murugan Idli restaurant. Though the prices are slightly on the higher side when compare to other hotels but are worth spending.

I personally have fond memories associated with this temple. One must not think twice to visit such a beautiful place and to get the blessings of Meenakshi Amman.