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

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

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!!

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.

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...

I went to India...

Going India had always been my dream, since a very young age. The more I heard from people who had been there on pilgrimage, the more I wanted to visit India. And so one day, on the 20th Nov 09, it all happened, but still, when I arrived in Malaysia, it all seemed like a dream! A really good dream..
And I must thank my brother, Eeswaran, who actually took me along! Thanks ane.

Upon arriving Tiruchi, we felt kinda lost for a moment, until it clicked in my mind that our guide would definitely hold a card with ane's name on it. Walking out of the airport, I noticed that almost everyone wore a white shirt. Sparkling white!! Ane was good enough to have identified our driver, Segar. We walked to wards the van and I realised that our bags wouldn't fit into the van. Segar who realised my reaction immediately told me not worry and that he would put them on the top of the van. He climbed in less than split second, ane helped lift the bags to him, and within 15minutes, he was done, and we were all set to go.





So the bumpy road journey, began at 7pm (Indian time) and we headed towards Pazhani. Our first stop was at Shri Sangeetas. Allu puri and pani puri got the balls rolling. Trust me, they were really good! Well of course we topped up the order because they just weren't enough. Lol




And so our first long journey on the road began. Due to flight delay, we arrived Tiruchi and eventually arrived Pazhani late too. Apparently the hotel that we were supposed to check in, Vel's Court, had given up our reservation. Definitely we could have avoided this issue if we had called earlier, but I some how feel it's not the way how you run business. Then again, our agency is their regular customer. Damn. I actually thought people in India are smart, but only then I learned that many there, have poor manners, hospitality... Since we were really tired too, the reception was just lucky ane weren't in the mood to arggue.

We woke up next morning, fresh and ready to Pazhani temple, which was just a 5minutes walk from the hotel, but we eventually drove there cause parents definitely wouldn't be able to climb the stairs. Ama & apa took the wrench, while ane, anni and me we walked up to the peak. It was indeed a good workout. Haha..


At the temple, while waited long for ama apa and Segar, Sugi and I went around the temple to learn how big the temple is, actually. Half hour later, after they reached the hill top, we walked towards the special queue.

Many temples have free line(darshanam), and 50, 100, 150, 300 Rupee darshanam. Well it costs to overtake others... Sad, but that's how it works there, either you wait(which is normally least an hour) or you spend a little on what they call special darshan-fee. In certain temples, the special darshan queue brings you all the way to the entrance of the Moolasthanam, and the others, only till the main entrance of the temple. As for this temple, it lead us all the way to the Moolasthanam, but we could only see Lord Muruga for less than a minute. An extra 100Rupee and we would have been able to sit in front of the Moolasthanam for 5minutes and offer our prayer.

After praying, we walked back to the hotel, while Ama Apa & Segar had reached first. Then it was on the go, packed our stuffs, got it loaded onto the van while we had breakfast and we left to our next destination. This was our lifestyle for the next 2weeks.

Temples we covered includes;
1. Pazhani (6 Padai Veedu - Muruga)
2. Palamuthir Soalai (6 Padai Veedu - Muruga)
3. Azhagar Koil (Perumal)
4. Madhurai Meenakshi Amman (Kili & Madhurai Chokanathan)
5. Thiruchentur (6 Padai Veedu - Muruga)
6. Kanyakumari Bagavathi Amman (Mookuthi)
7. Rameshvaram (SIvan & 23 Wells to bathe)
8. Navagraham Kuil (Half sinked under the water)
9. Pillayar Patti (Vinayagar)
10. Tanjore Brigadeshwarar (Sivan)
11. Amman Temple
12. Velangkani (Mother Mary's Church)
13. Thirnallaru Saniswarar
14. Swami Malai (6 Padai Veedu - Muruga)
15. Budhan Temple (Budhan of Navagrahas)
16. Guru Temple (Guru of Navagrahas)
17. Chidambaram (Gold Nadarajah & Chidambara Ragasiyam - Sivalingam)
18. Swami Aurobindo Ashram
19. Hanumar Temple (Huge deity!!)
20. Thiruannamalai (Sivan - Thirukartigai celebration)
21. Raman Maha Rishi's Ashram (You may want to read up his books)
22. Sri Ekambaranathar Temple (Sivan)
23. Kanchi Kamashi Amman
24. Sri Kaalahasti Temple (Paathaala Pilayar & Sivan)
25. Thirupathi Balaji
26. Thirutani (6 Padai Veedu - Muruga)
27. Jambu Lingeshwara Temple (Sivan)
28. Sri Ranggam (Vishnu)
29. Uchi Pilayar

I think it's safe to conclude that:
1. Temples there are really big.
2. The temples are really, really big.
3. Most Murugan temples are on hill-top.
4. Their Goburams are very huge.
5. Temples with Gold goburam are doing okay there.(Good profit turn out)
6. Temples are as two story height, with a single piece of stones that make the pillar.
(Impressive?)

Guess these are one of the reasons people go India. I serioulsy enjoyed my trip. I shall write next on my personal experience...