அமெரிக்க உச்சநீதிமன்ற நீதிபதியாகப் பொறுப்பேற்கவுள்ள தமிழர்!

வாஷிங்டன் – அமெரிக்க உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தின் தலைமை நீதிபதி ஆன்டோனின் ஸ்கோலியா அண்மையில் காலமானதையடுத்து, அப்பதவிக்கு புதிய நீதிபதியாக இந்தியர் ஸ்ரீகாந்த் ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் நியமிக்கப்படவுள்ளார்.

ஸ்ரீகாந்த் ஸ்ரீனிவாசனின் குடும்பம் தமிழகத்தைப் பூர்வீகமாகக் கொண்டது.

அவரது தந்தை பத்மநாபன்  நெல்லை மாவட்டம் மேலதிருவேங்கடநாதபுரத்தை சேர்ந்தவர். தாயார் சென்னையைச் சேர்ந்தவர்.

என்றாலும், சண்டிகரில் தான் ஸ்ரீகாந்த் ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் பிறந்து வளர்ந்துள்ளார்.

கடந்த 1960-ம் ஆண்டு, ஸ்ரீகாந்தின் குடும்பம் அமெரிக்காவிற்கு குடிபெயர்ந்தது. அங்கு தனது பட்டப்படிப்பை நிறைவு செய்த அவர், அந்நாட்டிலேயே வழக்கறிஞராக பணியாற்றத் தொடங்கினார். தற்போது கொலம்பியா மண்டல மேல் முறையீட்டு நீதிமன்றத்தில் அவர் நீதிபதியாக உள்ளார்.

இந்நிலையில், ஸ்ரீகாந்த் ஏற்கவுள்ள புதிய பொறுப்பு குறித்த அறிவிப்பை அமெரிக்க அதிபர் பராக் ஒபாமா விரைவில் அதிகாரப்பூர்வமாக அறிவிப்பார் என்று செய்திகள் வெளியாகியுள்ளன.

அவ்வாறு அறிவிக்கப்பட்டால், அமெரிக்க உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தில் நீதிபதியாகப் பொறுப்பேற்கும் முதல் இந்தியர் மற்றும் தமிழர் என்ற பெருமை ஸ்ரீகாந்த் ஸ்ரீனிவாசனிற்குக் கிடைக்கும்.

Source : http://www.selliyal.com/archives/122101

Despite controversy, Ola-Bola a homage to M'sian unity

COMMENT There was some controversy surrounding recent movie 'Ola-Bola' which saw some Chinese complaining that the player that scored the final goal in the1980 Olympics soccer qualifying match - which the movie was based on - was a Chinese.

This differs from the movie's account which showed a Malay player scoring the winning goal. The movie made it clear in its opening credits that it was not a true-to-life documentary.

The abortive controversy aside, as cliched as it sounds, 'Ola-Bola' is a movie whose time has come.

The issue raised above perhaps showcases the discordant times we now live in and why we need such stories to remind us of why unity is important.

In any case, 'Ola-Bla' is the long-awaited bridge between movies popular with the public and one that satisfies the critics' aesthetics. As well as being a timely social commentary and rallying cry for unity amidst our current crisis.

In recent history, Malaysian movies are either critically acclaimed or highly successful at the box-office. Both mutually exclusive, with few in- betweens.

Films like 'Bunohan', 'Lelaki Harapan Dunia', 'Kinta', and 'Jagat' which got rave reviews, did not get the exposure and box-office collections that their acclaimed status called for.

Silver screen adaptations of Mat Rempit, forbidden love, gangsters, rape victims marrying their rapists, ghosts, and other more casual subject matters raked in more takings.

Movies like 'Police Evo' and 'The Journey', however, have managed to bridge the two groups in taking in respectable collections while being touted as more artistic offerings.

But in this case, it is as though both genres had decided to elope and then have a baby. And 'Ola-Bola' is that baby.

It is a success story that has eluded many Malaysian films since the glory days of Sir Run Run Shaw, P Ramlee, and the productions of the 70s and 80s prior to the 90s, and the industry's later slide into pretty faces and populist leanings.

From an industry standpoint, 'Ola-Bola' is being seen as a show of hope that Malaysian movie-making is not yet in its sunset but is heading for greater heights.

Apt social commentary

Beyond the scope of a maturing Malaysian movie industry, 'Ola-Bola' is also an apt social commentary of our times and a galvanising cry for unity that Malaysia sorely needs.

While the subject matter is football and its story loosely based on the travails of the 1980 Malaysian football team to win the regional qualifier for that year's Moscow Olympics, woven into the fabric are more serious and important tidings.

These touched on the brain-drain which continues to plague Malaysia as the talented leave to look for greener pastures overseas.

The situation is portrayed in the movie via the story of team captain Chow Kwok Keong who turns down a chance to play in the English Premier League as he is loyal to the Malaysian football team.

One of the pillars of the movie is his struggle with that decision and how it affected the people around him.

It was also the background behind the interplay between one of the characters - TV producer Marianne - researching the 1980s team and her boss who turned out to be the announcer who was on duty during the Olympic qualifier.

Her boss had similarly decided to forgo an offer from the BBC to continue serving in his own country.

Marianne herself, in the beginning of the movie, was about to migrate and accept an offer overseas before her eventual decision to stay after finding out about the story of the 1980 Malaysian Olympic football team.

Police, military begin joint patrols for Thaipusam

The police and military have started joint security patrols for Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple grounds in Batu Caves.

Gombak police chief ACP Ali Ahmad said the patrols, which started today, had been necessitated by the recent terror attacks in several cities around the world.

Thaipusam falls on Sunday but will be celebrated over three days from Saturday, taking into account the chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Bandar to the Batu Caves temple and back.

Ali did not disclose the number of policemen or soldiers who would be deployed on the patrols but said there was an adequate number of personnel for the duty.

“Terror attacks can happen anywhere. As such, the police are taking precautions, including at Batu Caves,” he told a news conference at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple. Also present was the temple committee chairperson R Nadarajah.

Ali said security at Batu Caves was under control and the place was safe for Hindu devotees and visitors.

“Do not speculate on the security at Batu Caves and cause anxiety and panic among the people. Anyone violating police orders would be dealt with by the law,” he said.

More than a million devotees and visitors are expected at Batu Caves over the weekend for the Thaipusam festival.

Meanwhile, Ali also said that the police would not allow irresponsible people to collect payment for parking vehicles in the vicinity of Batu Caves during Thaipusam.

“We will monitor the situation. We advise the public not to pay any parking fees (to these irresponsible people),” he said.

Source - Bernama

Batu Caves safe for Thaipusam, say police

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Devotees and visitors going for Thaipusam at Batu Caves this weekend have been assured of their safety. Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah said police have started tightening security in Batu Caves.

 “The Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves is on the tourism calendar of the country and we have always given attention to security at public places,” he said.

 “We have taken into account all factors to determine the strength of our force to be deployed at Batu Caves.” Following instructions from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to heighten security following terror attacks in Jakarta, Abdul Samah said security measures at public places, including Batu Caves, would be at the highest level.

City traffic investigations and legal officer Supt S. Markandan said police would also crack down on illegal parking activities at Batu Caves and at surrounding areas known for having illegal parking attendants during Thaipusam.

Markandan said police would not only issue summonses but also tow away vehicles that disrupt traffic flow. “There will be no leeway for motorists who break the law,” he said.

He also advised the public to use public transportation to avoid adding to the congestion and to know where the road closures would be during the chariot processions that will take place two days before and after Thaipusam.

There will not be complete road closures during the processions unless deemed necessary, Markandan added


Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/batu-caves-safe-for-thaipusam-say-police#sthash.W2O5wK0o.dpuf

Sabarimala yatra

In Bhagawat Gita, Lord Krishna declared: "The one who loves everyone, treats both pleasure and pain with equanimity, is friendly to all beings, compassionate, ego-less, patient, always contended, self-controlled, determined, and who dedicates his mind and intellect to me is dear to me and is my true devotee.”

Ayyappa Vratham is a set of spiritual exercises to enable one to begin the journey towards becoming a true devotee. The ultimate purpose of Ayyappa Vratham is self-transformation. The process helps the Sadhaks -seekers of the Divine - to realize that we are part of the divinity. For the benefit of new devotees and the next generation of young devotees, in what follows, we describe the importance, significance, and the benefits of Ayyappa Vratham.

Why Observe Ayyappa Vratham?

Ayyappa Vratham is a good entry point to the spiritual world, particularly to those who are used to rituals as the basis for devotion. According to the Sanadhana Dharma, followed in India based on the Vedic traditions, man (jeevaatma) seeking the union with God (paramaatma) is the ultimate spiritual purpose of human life. 

However, there are several margas - pathways-to reach God-Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Gnana Yoga among others. Ayyappa Vratham probably falls under the Bhakti Yoga but uses elements from other yogic pathways as well. Using devotion to bring out the divinity in human is the aim of Ayyappa Vratham. In under-taking the Vratham, we follow several rituals to signify the transformation of human nature to the divine nature.

Before looking at how Ayyappa Vratham helps us to transform ourselves and go towards Godhood, it will be useful to consider basic definition of Godliness. In practical terms, to have the union with God is to say, that we have godly qualities. What are the main characteristics of Godly qualities? 

God is love and love is God -some will say. God is peaceful - some will say as they seek God to have their own peace. Others will say God is truth and they seek God by seeking truth and or being truthful. And yet others will say that God is righteousness. In observing Ayyappa Vratham we are expected to show love to everyone as God is in everyone, be peaceful with ourselves and with others, be truthful, follow righteousness and of course non-violence.

While opinions vary on how one sees God, everyone will agree that God is more powerful than man is. This is partly because God can control the nature both internal and external, better than man can. 

External nature is the elements like earth, wind, rain, sun etc. Internal nature of man is the qualities that man is not in full control yet strives, as a spiritual seeker, or a Sadhak to have control over the senses. 

In observing Ayyappa Vratham we try to have this internal control so we can go towards attaining godly qualities. In essence, Ayyappa Vratham is a "dress rehearsal" for preparing ourselves to be in union with God himself by surrendering his thoughts, words, and deeds and leading an austere life. In other words, cleansing oneself of all impurities.

A Journey Towards God

Human birth is the most important and difficult to attain of all living creatures. To be born as human is in itself a blessing. The desire to reach God using this human form is another blessing bestowed on us by God. With both human form and the desire to go towards Him, we need a marga to reach God. 

In Vedic philosophy and in Sanadhana Dharma there are many ways to seek union with God. Ayyappa Vratham and the journey to Sabarimala is one,and perhaps, the most realistic way to reach him in this Kali yuga. In order to reach union with God, through any marga, we need to observe basic discipline in life. Ayyappa Vratham trains us to follow this discipline.

Guruswami: In Vedic samparadhya, to reach God we need the guidance of Guru. Guru is one who has been there and done that. Guru is one who can guide us, monitor our transformation and correct the mistakes we make on the way to attaining union with God . 

Thus, submission to Guru-swami is the key. Humility and humbleness is a hallmark of a Sathvic person. Ayyappa Vratham teaches us to be in submission to Guru and to fellow devotees. We consider Lord Ayyappa as Guru of all the Guruswamies.

41 Days of Mandala Vratham: Ayyappa Vratham observed for 41 days amounts to one mandalam period. This is the most essential first step to make the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The idea is to follow the discipline continuously for a certain period so that it becomes habit. 

As they say, discipline on a daily basis forms the good habit; good habit forms good character and good character determines our destiny. During this Vratham period, we attain basic purity of body, mind and spirit which is necessary for any devotional effort. 

Before starting the Vratham, we take permission from parents, seek the guidance of a Guruswami, and ask his permission and take permission from our Kuladeivam, family deity for blessings and protection.

Mudra or Thulasi Mala

Ayyappa Vratham is initiated with the invocation of God through adornment of the Thulasi mala. Lord Ayyappa is called Manikandan as the King Rajasekara Pandiyan found Him in the forest as a baby with manimala around his neck. Wearing Mudra mala symbolizes beginning of the Vratham. 

Mudramala reminds the devotee that he is God himself and to others it indicates that the devotee is in Vratham. The Mudra mala is removed when the Vratham is over after 41 days and after the devotee has the dharshan of Lord Ayyappa climbing 18 steps with the irumudikettu on his head.

Colour Dhothi or Mundu: During the Vratham, the devotee lives like a Sanyasi and adorns black,blueor Sefton colour clothes as the all colour mentioned above denotes detachment from worldly things. There is no desire for dressing up.They do not cut hair, shave facial hair nor cut nails during the 41 days. 

The effort is made towards keeping oneself clean. Hence, they take bath twice a day both in the morning and in the evening before the prayers during which the devotees try to chant 108 namas or saranams.

A key essential of Ayyappa Vratham is the Sathvic lifestyle

Simply put it is lifestyle of a sadhu. Sadhus keep their body, mind and soul clean, eat vegetarian food, and refrain from any bodily or mental pleasures and constantly think of God. Learning to lead a Sathvic life is a first step to recognize the devotional path. We do not hurt anyone by word, deed, or thought. 

Sathsang - Association with godly people helps in maintaining Sathvic lifestyle. Ayyappa congregations are a unique opportunity to associate with other Ayyappans who are also in Vratham and share the knowledge and experience. 

Devotees see each other as Ayyappan himself and see God in every other creature. This association with other devotees is important for going through the daily tribulations in life as well. In sum, they withdraw themselves from worldly affairs except for serving God and their fellow human beings and paticipate in spiritual activities like satsangh, prayers and bhajans. An essential part of Ayyappa Vratham is brahmacharyam. 

This is to not only keep our body and mind clean, but needed as basic requirement to get way from materialistic world. Brahmacharyam also helps us to conserve and concentrate all our physical energy and translate it to spiritual energy. We treat every woman as our mother during the Vratham.

Namasmaranam or saying "Swami Saranam" is important aspect of Ayyappa Vratham. "Swami Saranam" -Surrendering everything to God - is the moola manthram and moksha manthram of Ayyappa devotees. Some consider saying Swami Saranam is so powerful that it is equivalent to chanting Veda. 

Thinking about God all the time and chanting his name is a sure way towards God. It is also recommended as the easiest way to godliness. Yet in our daily life it is not often that we chant God’s name consciously. 

When devotees wear Mudra mala, they are often reminded if not all the time that they are to call his name all the time. They say "Swami Saranam" before starting and ending a conversation with anyone. 

This is another way to remember his name and at the same time to see God in others. In fact, they say Swami Saranam whenever their thought takes them away from the thought of God or when a distraction comes in the way or when they make a mistake during the Vratham. 

This is not only to ask forgiveness but also to remember God all the time. Therefore, Namasmaranam is the way of life when the devotees are in the Ayyappa Vratham. This, indeed, needs to continue forever by all of us even when we are not in Vratham as Vratham is only a rehearsal period for how we should actually lead our life as a devotee of Ayyappa.

Namasangeerthanam is another way to chant God's name and remember God by singing his glory. Music has a tendency to to be etchedin our minds for days after we hear it. Hence, we should hear lots of bhajans, and songs that praise God so that they will always keep ringing in our heads and are better than any other meaningless music. By joining a group that sings Bhajans, we cultivate a habit of regular praying. Ayyappa Bhajans are regularly conducted in devotees homes and temples, which are the only places Ayyappa devotees, visit during the Vratham period.

Practice of reduction and eventual removal of kama, krotha, mada, maathsarya, lobha, moha is another key objective of Ayyappa Vratham. These are considered enemies of a spiritual man. Ayyappa Vratham is also an opportunity to practice moderation. Removal of desire, attachment to sensory world, yearning to harm or cause ruin to others, jealousy, and ego is the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ayyappa Vratham helps in avoiding these six obstacles.

lrumudikettu and journey to Sabarimala: At the end of the 41 days of Vratham period, we prepare irumudi to take it to the temple and dedicate it to Swami. The two bags represent the paavams and the punniyams each we have earned with our worldly activities and we surrender it to God and attain freedom from all Karmas good and bad.

As Lord Krishna declared in Bhagawat Gita and believed by ancient hindu sages, periodic fasts or vrathams purify the human mind and body. By adhering to an austere way of life observing tapas, observing daily prayers (in the morning and evening), participating in Sathsang and house pujas, doing community service through annadhanam, visiting temples regularly, imbibing in the spiritual literature, showing love and compassion to everyone and avoiding the six spiritual enemies as mentioned above, man trascends his earthly limitations and changes for the better.

Fans thrilled as superstar Rajinikanth lands in M’sia

Malaysian fans of Tamil movie star Rajinikanth are thrilled to bits to learn he is in Malaysia after social media went abuzz with news, pictures and videos of the superstar arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 5.45pm yesterday.

The much-loved actor is here with a film crew to shoot the gangster movie “Kabali”, most of which will be done in Malacca.

According to the Indian Express, the film is directed by Pa Ranjith and will feature Rajinikanth in the lead role, playing a gangster said to be based on a real life don.

Rajinikanth’s supporting cast includes Radhika Apte, Kalaiarasan and Dhanshikaa in what the news portal described as “important roles” with the latest addition being actress Ritwika, last seen in the director’s Tamil drama “Madras.”

The movie, Rajinikanth’s 159th film to date, is produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu and expected to hit the screens on April 15, 2016.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/10/27/fans-thrilled-as-superstar-rajinikanth-lands-in-msia/

Crown prince raps FAM for scoring own goals against nation

After the recent 10-0 drubbing at the hands of UAE, Malaysian football has landed under the microscope.

Early this week, disgruntled fans forced the match with Saudi Arabia at the Shah Alam Stadium to be cancelled after flares and fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.

Though the fans were criticised, Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said it is the Football Association Malaysia (FAM) which has embarrassed the nation for more than three decades, since the time of the former president.

FAM was previously led by Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah. The association is currently under the leadership of his son and crown prince, Tengku Abdullah (photo), who has since announced that he would relinquish the post.

In an interview posted on the Johor Southern Tigers football team Facebook page, Tunku Ismail said: "Even though I am strongly against the behavior of the fans, I understand their frustrations as the governing bodies never made the efforts to change and improve Malaysian football."

"This is because FAM's biggest problem is that it is run by people who have no clue about football and they are there for their own personal interests.

"In regards to the media reports on fans, I have a message to certain journalists. I know that FAM employs certain journalists to cover stories on the team when they are overseas. I also know when they do follow the team, these journalist are given free airfare, pocket money as well as money for shopping.

"So to those journalists, please stop sucking up to FAM and put the blame on the fans and labeling them as the destroyers of Malaysian football. FAM is the reason the country's football is in shambles," he added.

To another question on what he would do should be become FAM president, the Johor prince said topping the list would be to "clean up every single mess".

"After 31 years, I may need to take one year to do the cleaning up," he added.

'FAM needs right people'

Secondly, Tunku Ismail (photo) said, he would employ the right people who can contribute to football, not only in FAM but in all its affiliates.

He added that those who make the cut must be dedicated and passionate in wanting to improve football.

"We also have to improve the national team. We can't have the NFDP (National Football Development Programme) coming up and choose to neglect the national team and abandon the players while we wait for the NFDP to flourish in the future.

"You have to fix the problem at hand now. Remember 50 percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing. So get a foreign coach for the national team now while we wait for our youth to develop and flourish in the future," he argued.

Third on the list for Tunku Ismail is to improve all Malaysian football competitions.

"When you improve competition, leagues become more competitive and this will indirectly make the national team perform better," he said.

Fourth, which the crown prince cited as the most important, is youth development and football infrastructure development.

"Education and the upbringing in football is very important. So I would urge all teams participating in the country to invest more in their youth development and upgrade football infrastructure.

"I can assist them to do this by giving 80 percent of their broadcasting rights to the teams participating in our tournaments.

"Whatever they make from their sponsorships is a bonus for them. Currently, FAM absorbs 100 percent of he broadcasting rights they received from Astro," he said.

'Prioritise local players over foreigners'

Tunku Ismail said he would also urge all teams participating in the country to spend wisely and priority should be given to local players.

"Today we see several teams struggling to pay their players because they prioritise the foreigners,” he pointed out.

Fifth, Tunku Ismail said, the referees should be under an independent body and not under FAM, to avoid conflict of interest.

"Sixth, I would also work hand in hand with the authorities such as MACC and the police to avoid corruption altogether, including football officials, players and referees around the country. It would be tough, but we have to do it," he added.

Despite outlining his plans, Tunku Ismail however stated he was not the right man for the job.

"I believe I made a statement before this that I wasn't interested in being president of FAM. If they would have me there, I hope they can change the constitution of FAM. You must understand the people there are elected members. Most of them are there for the wrong reasons and not there for football.

"How can I work like this? In Johor for instance, I have total control from the high ranks all the way to the bottom. In FAM, I may be sitting together at the same table with those I can't work with and I can't kick them out as they are all elected.

"The whole country knows that I am very direct. I prefer to be direct than diplomatic. I prefer the man who handles FAM to be impartial, neutral and do not display any favoritisms towards any teams participating in the country and obviously not corrupt.

"To my fellow Johoreans and the Malaysian people. Unlike some people, I am not suitable to be FAM president. It is because of one reason and one reason only. I love Johor, and I would always be biased should there be any issues associated with Johor.

"Therefore, because of this conflict of interest, I am not the right candidate to take over," he added.

Source :  https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/311962#ixzz3lPpUCQC6