Monday 14 June 2010

Weekend, After 1st Week@Work...


Last weekend, passed by very fast. So fast, it feels like it was just yesterday I walked into the house with amma receiving me at the gate.

Saturday morning was market round as usual. Appa woke me up at 730. I got out of the bed to learn amma was bathing and I had another half hour to sleep. (That felt really really good).. Just as we finished marketing and I walked towards the car, ane calls to say one of our cousin's wife passed away. May she rest in peace. The drive to the house and the crematorium was rather adventurous with my cousin Nadhu ane. I miss my machal - Sugi. House would have been even cheerful and fun if she had not gone back JB. Well, she needs time with her parents too.

Met up with Kri, Thina, Tank, Sotong, Dinesh and Anba and Arasu. Few others couldn't make it. I was less fortunate I guess. Vshan, this fellow is only good to promise. (Worse then me!!) Wait till I get my hands on him. "Evil laughs"

We kick started the night with Kri's burger at Scot Villa. Ordinary, but a costly one. After a one exciting week at work, being home and meeting up homies was so good. We then went to Rex, Subang to play Foosball. Honestly I had never played it? But, it wasn't that bad. Fun game to play, especially with crazy buds like them. I was laughing till we finished playing the last game. We just spun the levers and moved the players left and right. Ball kept knocking hard against the wall before we scored goals each. Also not forgetting the goal Gajen scored, on the other table, playing form our table. Haha. Didn't know that was possible. The after-Foosball was cool too. You know la. 

I would like to recall the using horse as a mode of transport! Everyone's imagination was moderate, until Kri & Thina describing Gajen arriving with the loud sound system and his horse run-dance their way. Hahaha.

Sunday morning. Up late, anne was getting ready to hit the road and amma the usual you-came-home-late-look. To JB he was going, to bring back his "Home Minister" and my best friend. Lunch was great. Felt like I was eating at Karikudi!! Haha. Evening we visited my periamma (big mum) who just had her sister pass away less than a week ago, and lately, her daughter-in-law. Was nice seeing her, and chit chatting with my cousins. Here comes the finale of Sunday.

To Uma Rani we went, dinner we parceled. Don't know why, but parents refused to eat there. (I simply tried the pantun tone? Obviously it sounds terrible! I will get back to the normal tone)

We went home, just in time to watch Deal ah No Deal ah! Then, it happened. I revealed to amma that I like someone. Yohooo!!

First step. I shall investigate how it has progressed from there, this weekend. Hope ane and machal could do some magic, that amma and appa need not worry about finding me a "ponnu".

I am also missing this little creature I picked up less than a year ago. Now she's done with night prayers, so dinner should be good, I guess. Let's see how it goes! Just know that I (*&^ &^%!!

Haha. Just as I'm writing this, I'm dozing off. I really got to retire now.

So good night all.

I would like to thank God for all these lovely people he has given me!!

Monday 31 May 2010

Shopping - Walk Through Memory Lane

Last week, I went with my brother and sister in law to buy new clothes. Basically I got myself new shirts, to wear to work. 

We first walked into the Kamdar opposite the theater (the name doesn't ring a bell now) in town. We were there only half our before they closed down. Somehow we managed to get myself three long sleeve shirts that really fit me. (Big size people should go there. It's cheap, and you need not spend money for branded ones). We proceeded to the Kamdar next to Globe to buy the rest in the list.

I was surprised to see this elderly man who works in the outlet. We have been seeing him since the day I can remember, and Mathematically he would have been working there for 24 years now? Wonder how old is he.

(Ting ting ting ting - Glance of past memories)

I remember a time, shopping used to be our only reason for outing besides uncle's house, temples or functions. It used to be sort of one day event that I look forward to, once I am up. But the going have always not been very pleasant. Reason? I grew up with the ambient of, "Kuhan go look at some shirts that you like" and five minutes later, "This is dark, too bright and will get dirty easily, nah try these on", "Aaah, this looks nice on you". Or, the outnumbered tries of pants and still don't fit me. No matter how much I try to tell them that I want to tailor make, they still insist on me trying pants of different brands.

The finale, always had been amma's sarre shopping. The walk behind the street, starts of with Saradas, Haniffa Textiles and finally Ajunthas had always been a delicious walk. There would be many stalls selling delicacies, and that's how we were bribed to behave well. After a certain time, shopping wasn't that interesting after the long hours of walking, looking, trying and waiting. And me being what they say " Saapadu Ramasamy", bribing me wasn't that difficult. Hahaha.

This is the catch to shopping outing last time. Bus rides. I never liked this part of the shopping. We walk from Ajuntha, to Sogo and then the bus stop across the street to get a bus back home. We would be very unfortunate is there isn't any place in the bus. As it is the mini buses then were like programmed not to drive slowly. Vigorous turns, sudden breaks. Haha, those were the days. 

(Back to current time, jeng jeng jeng!!!)

So, that's how shopping was last time. If not for the discounted rates, I guess we would have just went to Jusco Kepong and I wouldn't have walked through this memory lane.

Friday 21 May 2010

Music

Music has always been my best of interests. As how people have different perception on the things, music too is seen in may ways. It is an endless feel of joy. 

The way I see music, it's not only an expression, but could also make you express your emotion. It can also be Man's best friend. I am saying this, because that's how I live music or music live within me. Life could appear rather empty somewhat dull, without music.

To me, it began with thevaram class. (Don't take it for granted that I'm a good boy just for this reason - Lol). In the process, the interest to learn sangeetham arose, but I was little unfortunate that it would have been slightly difficult for my parents to manage, including my travel. God's grace, later in life, my brother was able to sponsor my sangeetham lessons. It was a magical, beautiful one year, till I forcefully gave up lessons to make way for SPM tuition. (Not that I excelled, could have just continued. Sob sob) In the same time, my thevaram master also thought us some basic sangeetham. This had given me little enough knowledge, to learn sangeetham on my own.
I won't consider myself okay, compared to so many talented sangeetham vocalists in town. Doubt if I could even be compared to them.

So, this how I'm still tact to sangeetham. I look for my favorite kirthanas or krithis and it's respective swaras, also not forgetting the respected piece rendered by either MLV, MSS, Sudha Ragunathan or Bombay Jayshree. How good I am, is not for me to say.


This practice has taken me one step further, to play and recognize certain ragas. Recently, my friends (Kri, Thina, Gajen) and myself composed a piece of Mesha Kalyani. It is still in parts, and I'm sure it would be beautiful to hear them all as one piece. Soon. So, music is really interesting. Learning on our own, doesn't slow down the process, instead it sticks better in our memory. After completing this song, I hope to be able move on to another piece that I have been humming in mind for quite some time. God's grace, I anticipate that Kyk.Inc will complete three songs this year, including a tune that Kri has been working on.

My next step is to begin veena lessons. Can't wait to get my own, and get started with class.Perhaps Thulasi could give me a hands-on introduction?...


(Big pat on my back - "Good luck boy" Hahaha)

Saturday 17 April 2010

Thoughts... Random


So much so for final year, final semester.

Final year was supposed to be peaceful. Even with plant design project in it.

It would have been so for me too, but unfortunately, I don't seem to learn from lessons, no matter how hard they hit me. One good example, is getting clumsy with things at the 11th hour. (Hehehe) Though there is fun working in such situation, but trust me, at times, we'd regret for not having started earlier.

First in that list, is my final year project (FYP). I took things too easy the previous semester, when I assumed that the chemicals would be available. I only learned that they were all thrown away, towards mid of the semester. Nothing much I could do, than to fail and repeat it this semester. However, with high confidence that it would be easy, I only took the initiative to start work on FYP, in mid semester. So here I am, till now, haven't completed my FYP. It appears not easy as expected. Nothing at all!! Especially when the formulation fails, it's really stressful. Now I'm running out of time and only have very limited amount of chemicals. It's really a tensed situation. This has thought me not to take things for granted. Anymore.

Next is of course exams. Haha. I guess it's very normal, to mug at the 11th hour. But with FYP in mind, it's quite difficult to concentrate on either one. It is hard, but I have not much choice, if I chose to extend, which not at all in thought. So, I could only have God and my family support me.

Throughout bitter moment such as now, I must admit there are certain things that keep me smiling. Family, family to be, friends, FB and man's best friend - BED have kept me going. 

Amma who calls to ask if I would be back home by 2nd May, just because ane asked. Only because ane asked! 

Appa with the typical what you ate, what are going to eat. When's exam? When are you coming back.

Ane who goes, get to the point. Stop being a politician. I don't see the logic, but being 8years younger, guess there's nothing much that I could say, that would please him.

Anni, dead dog disease. Things haven't been so good, with my mouth, but now better i guess.

Not forgetting a little creature whom I picked up from some "kampung", off Jalan Ipoh. Very often I get corrected, but only Sentul slips form my tongue. The little "orbing" skills I had learned recently.

List just gets longer with a crazy bunch of friends at home. Don't know about others, but I could see that life would be quite empty, with out them in it.

Miss you all so much!


Now, many of my friends have been so into looking for job. Only then one day, we thought to ourselves. Once work life starts, all other commitments will just fall into place, bugging the hell out of us. Bills, fuel, food, marriage (laughs, but seriously scary!!!) and etc.

Sweet or sour, this is life!! Hahaha (As if I'm some philosopher)


Love,
SKKuhan

Friday 2 April 2010

Design Work Finally Comes To An End


Plant design, is indeed one of the toughest subject, offered in my faculty. As students, we have not much option than to pass this subject well. My contribution to this subject is not as great, because the chapters assigned to me aren't that complicated.

Yet, the tense was there. Days of sleepless nights, late mornings.

Finally today, all work came to an end, at 515pm earlier today. With that, is the end of our time for plant design. It isn't that over, as there is still presentation on the 5th April. I anticipate that it isn't going to be very pleasant, but I shall hope for the best, for the benefit of passing this subject.

Good luck to N-Tech Polymer Sdn Bhd and too all my batch mates.

Thursday 25 March 2010

Final Week of Final Semester

It's the final week of my final semester in UTM.

Things are pretty much unlike anticipated. You name it, assignments, project and even my final year project. Not forgetting, exams!! I'm totally against the clock. I wish, I could just rewind time and be well behaved since the beginning. Or go back to the past and warn me of the consequences I may face later, for not being myself.

To begin with, I must blame no one than myself. Simply for being lazy and taking things for granted. Learning lesson the hard way and still not changing is just my way. I have tried, but they some how happen again. No determination? Or it's as what the Hindus say, time is not right? I sincerely feel, it's wrong to blame the Planets for not sitting in the right position for me, as if I had put in the effort, God will set the right paths for us!

Having said all these, I have not much choice, than to speed up my work, hope for the best and complete my work.
God Bless!!

SKKuhan

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Origin of KLCC Twin Tower

Below is an email my uncle sent me, sometime ago. As I were going through my mails earlier, this appeared rather interesting to share with.
This article was written by Dreadnought.


Following the search for the origins of the Malaysian constitutional 'malays', my journey brings me to Vietnam . There, I meet up with the Cham people. After all, every Kelantanese I've met claim to be descendants of the Mighty Champa Kingdom .

Just who are the Cham? I met up with Dr. Hang, an Anthropologist at Saigon University , Ho Chi Minh City . According to him, the Champa Kingdom is a 2nd Century Kingdom in Central Vietnam . From 1487, they were continously driven by the Kinh (read as Mongoloid Vietnamese) from Hanoi till Phan Thiet today. Proof of this lies in the fact that there were hundreds of Cham Towers from Hanoi till Phan Thiet (near Mui Ne Beach).




If you'd observe very carefully, you might notice how similar the Cham are to the Kelantanese. The Austronesian Cham of Vietnam look extremely similar, and wear identical headgear to almost everyone in Kelantan. Both male as well as female. Not surprising. The Champa Kingdom had long established trading ties with both the present-day Malaya , Pattani, Aceh as well as Java since the 4th Century. Multiple wars also broke out between the Kingdom of Champa with Java. Migration was simply inevitable.

The Chams were Hindus. They still are today. In fact, all the towers of the Champa Kingdom are of Hindu Origin. One may visit any Museum, from Saigon to Danang till Hanoi . They all have on display, hundreds, if not thousands of Artefacts of this mighty Ancient Hindu Kingdom . It is however, so sad to see the Chams today, getting the short-end of the stick. Since they were driven by the Kinhs ( Hanoi ) down south, they live in the most hostile parts of the country. Barely getting rain, the land is almost Savannah-like in nature. Large cacti live in abundance on non-cultivated land.

Visiting the Cham produced mixed feelings. On the one hand, one comes face-to-face with the remnants of a mighty empire. On the other hand, one wonders why the Vietnamese government does little to improve the living conditions of these 'bumiputras'. I proposed new theories; that the Cham were in fact the actual people of the Dong Song, Hoabinhian and Sa Hyunh Culture, much to the surprise, but delight of these Saigon Anthropologists. Previously, they only assumed that those cultures belonged to 'someone else', and that Cham History only started in the 2nd Century. Proof being the Temples and Towers. I also highlighted that the Champa Kingdom would have been the second Kingdom of the Hindunization of South East Asia . The first, being Malaya, in the site near Penang called Lembah Bujang, of the 2nd Century.



Upon further scrutiny, there seems to be a lot more than just distant historical similarities between the Cham people, and the Kelantanese. My translator informed me that there were twin towers located in Qui Nhon. 'Much like that in Malaysia '. I was dumbfounded !! I immediately made the 300km journey. In total, I travelled over 2,000 km by road, boat, and every other imaginable transport available, visiting over 30 major Cham Tower sites along the entire coast of Vietnam .

Furiously making notes, I also found that the similarities did not stop at the fact that there were just twin towers. Cross-examining schematic diagrams of the Cham Towers and KLCC was astounding! For example, the top and side view schematics, when overlayed, was an identical match.




The similarities did not end there, even a side profile view of the Cham towers and KLCC was a match. I could barely contain my excitement when I made these cross-comparisons. Even the Saigon Anthropologist Professors were dumbstruck. No one had ever imagined that there was any correlation between an apparently 'Muslim-built Design' with that of an Ancient Hindu one. Add to that, it was located in isolated Vietnam . For those who have visited these sites before, pull out your private photo boxes, and confirm for yourself that the pictures I have displayed here have not been doctored in any way.








Considering that Mahathir was of Indian Origin, it does not completely surprise one that he took inspiration from his ancestry in Kerala. However, one might think that it is strange that he took inspiration from 2 apparently incompatible religions to build his monumental icon. It is even stranger that despite using a Hindu-derived icon to symbolize Malaysia , the Hindraf are swept aside and marginalized. Of course, it is even stranger that Najib takes the trouble to fly in from India , Hindu Priests into his home and office to perform covert rites, as per ascertained by the Driver's Sworn Affidavits.

Can seemingly incompatible religions be jointly practised? No? Read on. This might change your mind. Think for a moment of Sai Baba's concept of 'All religions lead to God' Concept. The clue lies in Vietnam . There is a Religion called CaoDai-ism. It is very widely practised. CaoDai is a merger of Confusianism, Taosim, Buddhism, Catholism, and Islam. This is a unifying and endemic religion. So is the Cham-Bani religion, which is a merger of Hinduism & Islam. Then, there are The Balinese, practising a merger religion of Animism & Hinduism. Of course, most of Java practices Kejawen which is a combination religion of Animism & Islam. So in reality, Najib's merger of Hinduism & Islam would be merely a copycat version of the Cham-Bani-type of religion of Vietnam . To add to it, he is Bugis, which makes him part Mongolian, part Arab. (No reference intended of his involvement with Altantuya). Hence his pale Mongoloid-type appearance! .

Surprisingly, UMNO today has turned to worshipping a Chinese God. And that God, is called the God of Money. So, the combination religion which unites worshiping Corruption and Allah, is called BN (Blatant Narcisism). Since inter-faith combination- worship is now a known Asian trait, is it not strange that UMNO was so quick to dispense with The Sky Kingdom in Terengganu? Perhaps Sky Kingdom Worshippers were not into worshipping Corruption as UMNO fervently does. I wonder what went on in UMNO's minds. I also wonder what Hadhari actually is. (or not...)

Take heart, my Hindraf friends. You now have an World Famous Icon, built by an Indian, who took direct inspiration from Hinduism. Not just one building, but a pair of twins, financed with Malaysian Petroleum money. Be proud. This is the best Hindu Representation of Malaysia , the world has ever seen; something which even  'Semi Value' did not anticipate. Hence, his Political Demise. (or should I have said Allaryahum Semi Value??) I can imagine him going 'Aiyo yoyoyo..' while smacking his forehead.

I'll part, leaving you with a composite picture. Two World-Famous icons 'photoshoped' together to illustrate my point. Please do not let the Khmers see this, or they would sue the pants off Malaysia like the Indonesian Parliament almost did with Rasa Sayang. Maybe the Khmer Rouge did discuss this blatant copyright infringement, maybe they did not. But I doubt Pol Pot lost any sleep over this. I'll keep Malaysia posted at the end of my research in Cambodia.


  


The facts and pictures look so true. It's nothing for us Indian to tale extra pride in, cause at the end of the day, we're simply Malaysians!!

Thanks for facts, Mr Dreadnought.



SKKuhan

Tuesday 2 February 2010

தைபூஸம்(Thaipusam) 2010@Batu Caves

Thaipusam this year, was a walk down memory lane to me. If I remember well, it's been 5years, since my last Thaipusam at Batu Caves. I think it all started with NS, then STPM & Uni. This year however, I guess the vibe at Batu Caves is so strong, that had another reason to come down.

The plan was very simple. Shave bald, pay Murugan a visit, windows shopping, a walk to the Sivananda Ashram & back home. I particularly look forward to go the ashram, to feast on the vegetarian burger!! Somewhere in between, the plan to follow the chariot to the river side slipped in, when I agreed to stay with Bangsar aunty and send her back.

As early as 1am, amma knocked my door to see if I were asleep and checked if I needed alarm. Half hour later she comes again, to ensure I'm geared up to shave bald and shower before going into the temple. Only then did I realise, my door knob was faulty. That was an hour of struggle, with appa and anne getting up to see what's all the noise about. Appa had the screw drivers and necessary tools tied on to one end of the mop-stick, while anne was reaching it to me form the bathroom. One hour of adventure before I were able to get myself out of the room to realise it's already 215am.

I were out on the road by 3am and I stepped on the pedal to be there in time, such that aunty doesn't wait for me. I began to panic when the empat-tin road was not accessible to go Batu Caves. Then I realised that the new flyover had been built, just a few metres away, hidden by the building. I managed to park my car by 320am. With my long legs, I reached as far as they could, and made my way through the I-can't-be-bothered-if-you're-rushing crowd.

I found my way to the barber, managed to return to my car and despite then my aunty had not arrived. Lucky me, I had a friend who happened to be there since the previous night. I got her to accompany me till they came. She kept to her words, just as I left towards my aunty, she disappeared form the spot she was. Didn't get to say a proper bye. Uncle stayed down, so aunty, Praba akka, Dhev anne and me we walked up. I always liked being with aunty, becasue she doesn't push, but she just slips her way in, between the crowd. I knew that I had to be prepared if I wanted her to be within my sight. Akka is not too bad, she finds her way in. Dhev anne, prefers to just follow the flow, but I think later he understood that he had to stay close to aunty? We didn't feel the crowd on the stairs, but in the inside, it was really really bad!!?

Took us nearly 45minutes to get inside the Murugan's mandapam. Better than India, it was just a 1-2minutes glance as the we walked pass Him. Aunty as usual used her "cable" to get some vibuthi, garland of flower and etc. As we reached down the cave, it was just about time for the Puja at the Eluntharulhi mandapam, where the Murugan deity from Maha Mariamman temple resides. We then walked with the chariot to the river-side and back to the mandapam. In my heart, I was hoping hard that aunty would walk again with the priest as he brought up the Vel, but I guess she was too tired.


Picture of me, at the river side, while bathing the Vel. Somewhere at the back, if you would recognise me.

As usual, we walked to the ashram. Aunty's and amma's usual gang was there. I grabbed 2pieces of burger, while aunty's friend packed some food and we were off back home.

I missed walking with my aunty with the chariot, on the eve, the Thaipusam and also the day after. But I ought to thank her, cause I got to see the Vel bathing ceremony. Though witnessing Thaipusam at my home town is so memorable, next year I look forward to go Penang!!

Tuesday 12 January 2010

11th, as a day to celebrate...

I'm very sad that I can't celebrate this as how I could with my family members too. Time is such, that it will take some time to celebrate days, such as this, at home with my parents. But if that happens, than there aren't any thrills, right?

Yesterday, 11th Jan2010, marked six months of a decision that has made my life even beautiful. In another six months, it would be one year. I hope that during this day, I would have my parents feel happy about it. But as for it concerns my parents, that would be lest predictable. Lolz. But nevertheless, I know what I'm doing is not wrong, and I have God to help me through tough times, then.

Six months had been a wonderful journey, as learning and understanding doesn't happen in a split second or overnight. It takes time, doesn't matter if your are fast learner (what else for a slow? - Lolz). the course that I had taken, hadn't not been smooth all the while, as that is life in reality. That's the beauty of Life. I would liek to quote this, something I heard form an advertisement by the Family & something Ministry - Imperfectly Beautiful. If I got it correctly.
It actully explains, how imperfect life is, with lots of tough time, sorrow but it makes our life even beautiful. Unique in its own way.

I can't stop thanking a friend of mine, who was there for me that night. When I were lost. Trying to interpret things as they were. And trying to absorb the reality and go on for it. For, such opportunities may not turn out as beautiful it was at that point of time, even if that decision day was planned well. Least for me, that's the situation. I know for sure, I won't be able to predict, when next it could happen.

Thanks to God too.

Monday 11 January 2010

SKKuhan went to gym

Today, I went to the UTM gym with my room mate, Heim. The last I went was some three years ago? Instead of my regular jogging, I followed Heim who went (&rode me, i dont ride bikes!!). I do realise(and have been told) that jogging isn't too good for my knee(for the weight that I am), but I have no other choice when I'm feeling introverted with my weight. And that's just another reason I followed Heim today.

The thing about gyms, is that smell. You know, that particular stringent smell? Pheww... But I guess it is just a matter of minutes to get immune and also contribute that odour. Lolz. Cycles were all taken, and I was lucky that some guy finished his session not too long then. First round on the new machine, I were a little blur, till I realised that it was timed 30minutes. I went on to check my stamina, and I felt I could go on for another 15minutes. I successfully completed two rounds. My legs do hurt now, but it is as usual after my regular jogs. I hope! Hehe..

Hope to go gym more often, as it's less effect on the knee, but that would depend on Heim. I shall see how it goes.

Reflection...

Reflection, as it sounds, means looking back into our past. Not just looking, but to think of what good and bad our action had caused onto others.

This is me, writing at the age of 23(turning 24). I think I had been more of a nuisance than anyone could be. Many a times, have I failed the people who Love me. Then, it didn't seem any big deal, but now after seeing a glance of sweet and sour in life, I have realised how much of a jerk have I been, all this years.
Much more could I write about how bad I have been, but I think enough I have regretted about myself.

I want a change! A new me! (Which I think I did promise, but it seems very glaring)

Only person whom I know will help me is Mr God. He's the bestest friend anyone could have! But I had been neglecting him too very frequently nowadays. I think the next person in line, is my mind &heart that I have to synchronise for the transformation of new me.

Wish myself good luck, and big pat on my back to motivate me!

God Bless...