tkm]m\w

Volume 1

A Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

5113 ImnI

Issue 8

15th November, 2011

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150 Sevadarshan@gmail.com

Sopanam - November 2011

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

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Editorial
On Thursday millions of Ayyappa devotees began their pious penance for before they visit the abode of Ayyappa at Sabarimala. They will spend these 41 days in prayer, fast and devotion. As we witness the millions who will climb the holy mountain to pray to Swami Ayyappa they will be witness to the callous way the successive governments have neglected the basic facilities at the holy site. But as devotees in deep penance they will ignore these hardships. And as a blessing in disguise the government will look away busy with public bad mouthing and aggressive political nature they are now depicting. Countless number of hartals and a worsening economic condition has changed the thinking mentality of the aam admi (as the nation now likes to call them). The people have lost interest in the affairs of the nation and politics in general. They have closed their minds and have adopted a dont care attitude to all that is happening around them. They have gone into a defeatist mode and seem to have accepted a thinking that no one and nothing can change this nation and we will continue to remain ignorant, poor and corrupt. In this era when the people of our nation are exhibiting such a low morale, a few shining beacons emerge that tells us that there is still hope for our nation. When even a few number of people exhibit exemplary dedication and devotion to the nation and society, it is enough to bring happiness to our depressed minds. The recent seva initiative of the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt to press its members and devotees of AMMA into service to clean up the Sabarimala pilgrimage site and its surrounding deserves a loud applause from the citizens of our nation. They have proved that selfless service to the nation through spiritualism is a way forward for our nation. All spiritual leaders need to take notice and teach their followers that service to mankind along with prayers and learning is the true service to God. Many organizations like Ayyappa Seva Samajam are doing great work like this throughout the year. The need of the moment is a greater coordination by the government with organizations like these to develop the Sabarimala temple into a National pilgrimage center by taking all the people into confidence. At the same time we must be aware not to destroy the ecological and environment balance of the Poomkaavanam. All efforts by the government to control the over flow of pilgrims and basic infrastructure arrangements must be in accordance to the temples tantric needs. Likewise, Seva Darshans recent initiative of the VIKAS project is another such example of true service to mankind. As a nation that once truly led the world with its philosophy and teachings, what better way to further spread its peaceful message by extending its helping hands to its neighbors in need. The VIKAS project aims to rehabilitate the children affected by the civilian war in Sri Lanka by giving them an opportunity to continue their higher education and to become better citizens to lead their country. We wish Lord Ayyappa will shower his blessings on our nation and be the protector of the soldiers of seva who are currently striving around the country and the world in trying to maintain the essence of a peaceful Vasudeva Kudumbakam.

editorial Board

Krishna Kumar Paliath Manoj Nair Vibheesh Tikkodi Redhish Chandran Gayatri Raveendran

data Management
Ajaykumar Anjaneyam Rajarajan Ganesan Anandharaj Konni Rani B. Basker Sindhu Sanjith Aneesh Kumar. U Ajith Kumar. S Baburaj. M. P. Suresh Varickolil Roopesh R. Souparnika Reshmi Sudheer Sreenivasan C.P. Sunil Pookode Vinaya Babu. C.K. Viswajith .M.K. Prajeesh M.R

Creative & design

For Comments, Submissions & Subscriptions please write to

(Yadhum oore, Yaavarum kelir) 'Every country is my own and all the people are my kinsmen.'
3

email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
Sopanam - November 2011

Spiritualism

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Sopanam - November 2011

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam

Seva Darshan Launches the

VikAS projEct
Ours is a civilisation built on the enduring foundation of selflessness. By seeing ourselves in others and others in us, sacrifice and service come to us naturally. Supporting the less fortunate is not a gesture of compassion, but an expression of our philosophy. The three decade long war in Sri Lanka is over. The last battle that took place has created a situation where in nearly 2,00,000 people in the North and North East of Sri Lanka have been rendered homeless. Many of these displaced people are located in camps arranged by the Sri Lankan authorities. The misery out of the war has left thousands wounded and many families bereaved of their kith & kin. The concern for the suffering thousands has been amply represented through the media. In this hour of crisis, Seva Darshan felt that extending a hand of succour to the displaced community in Sri Lanka is a prime duty of the neighbouring country India. Apart from the governmental help that is being extended to Sri Lanka, the benevolent society in India should also try to help out the suffering thousands in that country. Seva Darshan announced the launch of the VIKAS project on October 21st at the annual Vijayadashmi celebrations held for its members and friends Seva Darshan in association with Vikas Trust Trichy, Tamilnadu has decided to undertake the construction of a multi storied school and hostel facility which will ensure that children from the war affected areas of the north and north east Srilanka, will be provided high school education and vocational training to start rebuilding their livelihood. The main objective of our VIKAS project is to provide higher education for children who are economically deprived and / or without parental care. Apart from giving academic education, VIKAS aims to inculcate pride in their culture and life style and to instil appropriate and desirable ethical values to make the students productive and responsible global citizens. Vikas Trust is managed by professionals from the field of education and social service. The project aims at acquiring sufficient land wherein a building will be constructed for boarding and lodging the students. Food clothing and all the required study material will also be provided. YOUR VALUABLE SUPPORT MAY PLEASE BE DIRECTED TO

VIKAS STATE BANK OF INDIA SB A/C NO. 31772163954 IFSC Code No. SBIN0008181

Sopanam - November 2011

11

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam

Sabari Sarnasramam
On the 17th of November Kerala will again stand proud witness to the pious devotion of the Ayyappa Bakthas from around the world. During the Mandal Vrath Makara Vilaku season, lakhs and lakhs of devotees will visit the divine shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala. They will trek the long distance to reach the abode of the Lord. The abode of Lord Ayyappa is located on a hill top in the Sahya mountain ranges in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Climbing these mountain peaks, the pilgrims reach the shrine, walking amidst dense forests and often facing hardships as a penance. The mountain of Sabarimala is named after the ancient woman sage Sabari, mentioned in the Ramayana. The latest estimate is that over five crore pilgrims visit the shrine during this period. Sadly, it has often been noticed, talked about and often discussed in the media, that the facilities provided at the pilgrimage site dont match the surge in the number of pilgrims each year. After their 41 day of penance, the devotees are often left without basic facilities for stay, cooking etc. The prime need of the devotees is to get basic amenities like sanitation, vehicle parking clean drinking water, hygienic food, accommodation, hospitals, waste disposal, toilets etc. The problem during this period is the massive congestion felt at Pampa and the Sannidhanam each year. Keeping this in mind,
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A multi faceted complex for Ayyappa Pilgrims

Krishna Kumar Paliath Seva Darshan decided, three years ago, to support the Sabari Sarnashramam project in India which aims to decongest the rush and to adopt a regional perspective in developing the peripheral areas as a viable solution to these problems. The Sabari Sarnashramam will house a Anna-Daana Kendra for pilgrims who come from long distances to worship. The multi storied facility will provide arrangements for short stay, food, drinking water, toilets etc. A specialized health care hospital will be built that will attend to pilgrims injured in jostling and motor accidents. Currently the only facility available is at the Kottayam Medical College. This speaks volumes about the callous way in which successive governments have provided attention to this important factor in a place where crores of people come together. The center will also have a Ayyappa museum where arts and art crafts, traditional objects, historical reminiscences and materials relating to the Sabarimala tradition will be collected and preserved. A multi disciplinary Institute of academic excellence will be established where the Ayyappa traditions will be researched and validated with a scientific basis. The center studies will be done

Sopanam - November 2011

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam

rimala between Perinad and Laha for the development of the project. A vast area is designed and given shape for this project. The trust is registered as a public charitable trust and has evolved an elaborate master plan which has already been set into motion at the site. The plan has three phases which will run over 10 years and will ensure an enjoyable spiritual experience for all Ayyappa bhaktas. The foundation stone of the project was laid by Brahmasri Thazhamon Madom Maheswararu, Supreme Priest of Sabarimala on 16th September 2011 in the presence of the Pandalam Palace Raja Vishakham Thirunal Rama Varma. For more information, you can contact the Seva Darshan volunteers in your area. Your contributions to this noble endeavour can be sent to the following address

on nature, ecology, agriculture, infrastructure development relating to Sabarimala and surrounding areas. A temple will be built where the pilgrims can do sadhana practice, meditate and worship. A gosala will be built that will house the hundred of cows that a dedicated to Lord Ayyappa each year at Sabarimala. Traditional medicine from Panchagavya will be prepared here. Seminars related to cow protection and related studies will be done. The Ashramam where Sabari Mata did her penance will be developed into a sadhana center for meditation. A prominent sculpture depicting the Lord as Anna Daana Prabhu will be installed at the entrance of the Sabari Saranasramam. Manikanda Gurukulam will be established for the vanavasi brethren residing in Sabarimala Pumkavanam. Though the temple gets crores as revenue, the vanavasis in the neighborhood live in misery. The gurukulam will be a shelter and residential school. The Sabari Sarnasramam Trust has acquired 18 acres of land at Koonakara, on the way to SabaSopanam - November 2011

Sabari Saranasramam Trust

Registration: Public Charitable Trust No. 204/ IV/2008

State Bank Of India Elamakkara Branch SBI SB A/C No. 30868691101 SBI Current A/C. 30369051781 Branch Code: 13223 IFC Code: SBI N0013223 PAN: AAITS7752B www.ayyappa.co.in

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IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature

the Art of public Speaking

A PLEASURE FOR YOURSELF AND THE LISTENERS
- Mrs Gomathy Murthy Public Speaking does not have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you in your preparation: You do not need to be perfect in succeeding in speaking in public You do not have to be too witty or brilliant when you speak in public. If people leave after your speech with something that is of value, they would think of you as a successful speaker they would consider your speech as something that was worth their time * Deliver your main points. * Stress on three or four of your main points. * Listeners want simple facts, this should be done by structuring your main points Remove all complex issues. * Inject some humor at the same time practice humility. * Humor and humility makes your speech lively and entertaining. * Humor should be appropriate for the occasion only if you are comfortable with jokes use them or else it is likely to fall flat on your nose. * Humility with others means standing before an audience sharing with them your own mistakes
14 Sopanam - November 2011

your human frailties and weakness if you show to people that you are not afraid or ashamed admitting such things, you create a relaxed and intimate environment that will permit them to open up to you.

* Lastly being humble in public also makes you

one with them not a remote expert ahead of them.

more believable, more credible, more respected with your listeners relating to you easier, last but not the least you should present yourself as

IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature

Some Famous indian Musical instruments

Sitar
Sitar is of the most popular music instruments of North India. The Sitar has a long neck with twenty metal frets and six to seven main cords. Below the frets of Sitar are thirteen sympathetic strings which are tuned to the notes of the Raga. A gourd, which acts as a resonator for the strings is at the lower end of the neck of the Sitar. The frets are moved up and down to adjust the notes. Some famous Sitar players are Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pt. Ravishankar, Ustad Imrat Khan, Ustad Abdul Halim Zaffar Khan, Ustad Rais Khan and Pt Debu Chowdhury.

maestros are Rehman Bakhs, Pt Ram Narayan, Ghulam Sabir and Ustad Sultan Khan.

Sarod
Sarod has a small wooden body covered with skin and a fingerboard that is covered with steel. Sarod does not have a fret and has twenty-five strings of which fifteen are sympathetic strings. A metal gourd acts as a resonator. The strings are plucked with a triangular plectrum. Some notable exponents of Sarod are Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Buddhadev Das Gupta, Zarin Daruwalla and Brij Narayan.

Flute
Flute is a simple cylindrical tube of uniform bore and associated with Indian music since time immemorial. Flutes vary in size. Flute is held horizontally and is inclined downwards when it is played. To produce sound or melody one has to cover the finger holes with the fingers of the left and right hand. Variations in pitch are produced by altering the effective length of the air column. Notable flute exponents are Pt Pannalal Ghosh and Pt Hari Prashad Chaurasia.

Sarangi
Sarangi is one of the most popular and oldest bowed instruments in India. The body of Sarangi is hollow and made of teak wood adorned with ivory inlays. Sarangi has forty strings of which thirty seven are sympathetic. The Sarangi is held in a vertical position and played with a bow. To play the Sarangi one has to press the fingernails of the left hand against the strings. Famous Sarangi
Sopanam - November 2011

Shehnai
Shehnai is a traditional musical instrument, associated with auspicious occasions like marriages and temple processions. Shehnai is a double reed instrument with a tapering bore which progressively increases towards the lower side. The Shehnai has finger-holes to produce semi, quarter and micro-tones. Ustad Bismillah Khan is the unrivalled maestro of the Shehnai.
15

IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature
Tabla
The most popular musical instrument used in North India is the Tabla. The Tabla consists of a pair of drums- the Tabla and the Bayan. The Tabla is made of wood and whereas its head is made of stretched animal skin. Finer tuning of Tabla is done by striking the rim of the Tabla with a small hammer. The Bayan is the bass drum and is usually made of metal with a stretched skin head. Both drums have a black spot in the center made of manganese or iron dust.

Pakhawaj
It is believed that the Tabla was derived from Pakhawaj. Pakhawaj usually accompanies Dhrupad style of singing. Pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads which are made of layers of skin. The heads of Pakhawaj are expanded by leather straps which run along the sides of the body over small cylindrical wooden blocks that are used for tuning.

performer whereas the smallest to his right. Water is poured into the cups and the pitch is changed by adjusting the amount of water in the cup. The cups are struck with two thin bamboo sticks.

Mridangam
The mridangam is one of the most popular classical instruments of South India. Mridangam accompanies vocal, instrumental and dance performances. The present day mridangam is made of a single block of wood. It is a barrel-shaped double-headed drum, the right head being smaller than the left. The two heads are made of layers of skin. The mridangam is played with hands, palms and fingers.

Harmonium
The harmonium is a traditional and popular musical instrument of India. The harmonium has a keyboard of over two and one-half octaves and works on a system of bellows. The keyboard is played with the right hand while the left hand is used to operate the bellows. Harmonium is more popular in North India than in the South.

Ghatam
The Ghatam is one oldest percussion instruments of South India. The Ghatam is a mud pan with a narrow mouth. From its mouth, it slopes outwards to form a ridge. Ghatam is made mainly of clay baked with brass or copper filings with a small amount of iron filings. The Ghatam produces fast rhythmic patterns. Ghatam is generally a secondary percussion instrument accompanying mridangam.

Jaltarangam
Jaltarangam consists of a set of eighteen porcelain cups of varying sizes. The cups are arranged in a semi-circle before the performer, in decreasing order of size. The largest cup is to the left of the
16

Sopanam - November 2011

`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan

Description and Definition of Infinity

Infinity was well known to ancient Indian Mathematicians. Kha hara is the term used to represent infinity. It is also well defined literally as anantho raisi, i.e, never ending number. BhaskaracharyaII and others have given clear expalanation with examples for infinity. In Bhaskaracharya's Beejaganitha (stanza-20) infinity is thus glorified.

indian Heritage

Asmin vikara khahare na raasaavapi praveshteshvapi ni: Srutheshu bahushvapi syaallaya srushtikaale nanthe chyuthe

Meaning
Nothing happens to the infinity when any number enters(added) or leaves (substracted) the infinity. During pralaya many things get dissolved in Mahavishnu and after pralaya during srushti all those things get out of him. This happens without affecting the Lord itself. Like that whatever number is added to infinity or whatever is substracted from it, the infinity remains unchanged. It is also known that when a number is divided by zero, the result is infinity. This has been made very clear in Bhaskaracharya IIs Lilavati (page71, rule 1). This explanation is in full agreement with modern mathematics.

Sopanam - November 2011

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hnZr`rmkw
Education

personality- A thought
Personality is the thought, feelings and collective behaviour of a person which makes the person unique. The main four dimensions of the human personality are physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual developments. The interaction of these four constitutes the real personality. Physical personality is determined through heredity. Physical structure, facial attractiveness, muscle composition, biological and physiological characteristics are mainly inherited from parents. This is consistent and stable, cannot be influenced by environmental or experimental factors. First step of personality development is the love towards ones own body. The children should be taught to forgo the comforts to make the physical self more comfortable and pure. Smoking, drinking and other illegal activities can be seen commonly among the new generation. They may start these for company, for the status and then become addicted. Though the disadvantages are known, they can not control it because the mind is controlled by the body. In this state some one may direct them to control the body through mind. Parents are the first choice. Many parents may not be aware of their childs activities in the beginning. It is mainly due to the trust on the child and the time spent in interaction with the child is so short that they fail to analyse and understand the attitude of the child. Mental development starts from childhood and is influenced by the environment and situations around. According to Sri Sri Ravi Sanker, First seven years physical body grows, up to 14 years intellect grows and the period of 14 to 21 is for emotional maturity. It is known that children should be allowed to involve in many activities since their memory and capability will expand as per the need. But during this period they may not know the discrimination of good from evil. Thought and the actions are very rapid hence before analysing the fact they would like to reach to their desire. Arjun asked Lord Krishna , How do I control my mind, it is like a wind !
18

dr.vasanthy Sudheer nair

Chanchalam hi manaha Krishna pramadhi salvaddrudam tasyaham nigraham manya Karosiva Lord Krishna said, Yes it is very difficult to control the restless mind but it is possible by suitable practice "Asamsayam mahabaho mano durnigraham chalam Abhyasena tu kounteya vairagyena cha gruhyate" We can try to control everything but not mind, but if we could control the mind we could control everything. According to Swami Vivekananda, Thoughts are primary and words are secondary. Thoughts lead to purpose, purpose to action, action form habits, habits decides the character, the character fixes our destiny Tryon Edward In this stage parents may teach the child a disciplined mind rather than the disciplined body. Children should be trained to come out of their problems by themselves. For that intellectual and spiritual developments are necessary. When we speak to some people we will feel pleasant and happy and may open the mind though we have never seen the person before. It is sure due to the attractive personality of the person like simplicity, lovability and an in depth attraction. From the childhood the child must be taught such characteristics, honesty, trust worthy, truthfulness, good sense of
Sopanam - November 2011

hnZr`rmkw
Education
humour, leadership quality, concentration, self respect, respect to others, will power, control ego, overconfidence and desire . Intellectual development is complimentary to mental development. In this stage a child will know to differentiate good from bad, control the emotions, happiness and sad. He will start analysing a situation with his knowledge and wisdom which result to understand that he is responsible for his own judgements. As we know, many times people say that we cannot change the person in this matter. It is because previous experiences stored in the brain confirm that matter as correct. So without any substantial evidence he will not change his attitude and approach to that matter. When a child get into bad friendship, it is difficult to bring him back because the information we provide about his friends is not enough for his brain to accept against the experience of him with his friends. Spiritual development causes transformation of mind. All humans are divine but not aware of that. So as parents, we have to just awaken the divinity inbuilt in the child. Spend time with the child, dont impose your expectations and ideas but emphasise compassion, tolerance and the power of prayer. Let him to be aware of Gods glory and bliss which may not be visualised instantaneously but will be present with him always and will help to strengthen his self. It should be reiterated in childs mind that prayer should not be just to reach the desire because if he did not reach to his desire then he will start disliking and misbelieving the eternal glory. Ultimately, higher spiritual awareness and understanding will help to handle the life authentically, powerfully and compassionately. It will help to synchronise the mind with the body, environment and situations which in turn help to control the emotions, understand the presence of soul in the physical self. Once the body and the soul are in harmony then the individual is divine. The integral assimilation of the four factors leads a person to have a lovable and respectable personality in the society. We all love to have a lovable personality, then where the problem starts and continues at least to some extent. We have to analyse that from childhood. Parents should develop positive characteristics to the
Sopanam - November 2011

child and try to diminish negative personality, which is a challenge to parents. During this development, all his explanations, decisions and desire should be listened properly with due respect and love, which will motivate the child to discuss everything in his day to day life with parents. But as parents that is not enough, we should analyse the fact while observing the child closely then only we will know the negative attitude of the childs mind which is influenced by the surrounding and the society. Many times parents say that we are so God fearing, my child will not do the wrong things. Believe to our child is important to some extent, but that attitude of parents should not deny the initial chance to correct the child. If it happens then as parents, we are supporting and promoting the child to be a social evil in the society. As working parents, though we spend little time with the child, use that time in meaningful way, more than quantity of time, quality of time which we give to our child is more important and motivating. So if we analyse and accept the undisciplined mind of the child as early as possible then we can nourish and nurture him as a better personality. Dr. Abdul Kalam said ignited mind is the most powerful resource of the earth. But that resource should work in right path. Every child has latent talents and potential with lots of energy. We, parents, teachers and elders should direct him to use the energy in wise path, then the child will know to control his mind with the body and become a lovable personality. If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. So let it be Sathya Sai Baba

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hmI
News

Vijaya Dashmi celebration - 2011

SEVA DARSHAN KUWAIT celebrated Vijaya Dashmi on October 21st with a get together of its members and friends. The programme was enriched with a display of yoga and national songs by children and adults. Shri. Sreekumar, manager of the Gulf Indian School was the chief guest of the day. Shri. Gopalakrishnan was the main speaker on the occasion. The talk touched on the importance of the festive ocassion and stressed on the need of the society to wake up and stand by our countrymen at their time of need. Seva Darshan's new project, VIKAS was inaugurated at the function by a token contribution by committee members from the four different units. The project aims at starting an education programme for the war affected children in Sri Lanka. VIKAS will build a residential school in Tiruchirapalli where hostel facilities, high school education and vocational training will be imparted. The Nationalist Media Forum Kuwait convener Shri. Mohankumar also announced the issuance of the first share for its supported JANAM TV project at the function. The programme attended by over 700 people was also chaired by the Seva Darshan president Sri. Krishnakumar and Seva unit member Shri. Sudhir

Yuva Darshan kuwait

Inaugurated on October 22, 2011, Yuva Darshan is a youth forum for youngsters in the age group 12 - 17 yrs. This youth forum looks to creating confident Yuva of tomorrow with various personality development programs with a difference. It also looks to making its youthful community aware of our nations's real greatness. In the inaugural session, more than 50 children in the age group of 12 - 17 yrs participated in an hour long interactive session on "The Role of Yuva in Changing India" with Sri. A Gopalakrishnan, on Oct 22 at Sopanam Hall, Salmiya - Kuwait. Swami Vivekananda came up as the shining example of the ideal Yuva for the present generation. Taking a cue from Swami Vivekananda, the youngsters decided to meet once every month under the banner "YUVA DARSHAN". The second session of Yuva Darshan was held on Nov 5th in Sopanam- Salmiya. More than 60 children attended the one hour interactive session. A power point was shown highlighting India's achievements in the fields of science and mathematics. A comparison was shown to students as to the inventions and discovery of popular concepts. Students were amazed to know that many mathematical concepts attributed to western mathematicians had already been written about in books by learned scholars in Sanskrit. The forum looks to host monthly sessions on facets of India and her Heritage..apart from training our yuva to spread the message of all the right things to be proud of about our motherland. Through their research, presentations and Yuva Darshan, our yuva will take the message of India to the world.
20 Sopanam - November 2011

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Education

Learning Differently
Vijaya Venkatesh
By Gayatri raveendran Shyam Sundars teachers do not understand what is wrong with the boy who is studying in Class III in a leading school in Kuwait. He is unable to keep his attention on anything for more than 5 minutes. His classmates complain to the teachers about his violent behavior. His mother complains of his complete lack of interest in his studies. His teachers complain about his shabby and incomplete work. But Shyam is a nice boy, smiling and ready to help his teachers. What is wrong with him? When Shyams parents took him to a Counsellor, they came across a new term -Learning Disability. Learning disability (LD) is sometimes called a learning difference, learning disorder, or learning difficulty. A child with a learning disability cannot try harder, pay closer attention, or improve motivation on their own; they need help to learn how to do those things. A learning disability, or learning disorder, is not a problem with intelligence. Learning disorders are caused by a difference in the brain that affects how information is received, processed, or communicated. Children and adults with learning disabilities have trouble processing sensory information because they see, hear, and understand things differently. There are different kinds of LD. ADD or ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder - where the child is unable to keep its attention to even simple tasks. The key to learning is attention. But children
Sopanam - November 2011

An interview with

Vijaya Venkatesh
who suffer from ADHD are unable to learn because of attention issues. Some symptoms are: Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly or talks excessively Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations Has difficulty playing quietly from confusion with reversal of letters. Developmental Reading Disorder, also called Dyslexia, is a reading disability that occurs when the brain does not properly recognize and process certain symbols. This occurs when there is a problem in areas of the brain that help interpret language. It is not caused by vision problems. The disorder is a specific information processing problem that does not interfere with one's ability to think or to understand complex ideas. Most children with DRD have normal intelligence, and many have above-average intelligence. While there are many others with very technical
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hnZr`rmkw
Education
names, these three are the most prominent. The key to handling these disabilities lies in finding them very early so that help can be given on time. Your child has been given to you to look after. Do what your heart tells you to do, that is your Dharma Looking at Vijaya Venkatesh, one clearly senses a very soft and sensitive nature. But there is also a firmness of purpose when she begins to talk about her work. Vijaya works with children with special needs. A Graduate in Zoology and Chemistry, she has been handling children with special needs, retardation and learning disabilities. As we began to question her, her understanding of the special children came across loud and clear. Q .what made you take up teaching children with learning disabilities? VV: It was obvious, they needed help. And I wanted to help. I knew that this would take up a lot more of my time and energy and I had to gear up to handle all of the unpredictable situations. It has been tough but it has been worth every minute. Q. How is LD identified? VV: In autism and retardation, there are physical differences which are visible and the parents also are aware of the issues. But with LD, there are no signs. Children with LD know they are different but they dont know how. They suffer inside and try to express their suffering or anger through different behaviour patterns. The worst thing is that even the parents are not aware of this problem and may not be in a position to help. Some LD like Dyslexia are visible but the schools and parents should be vigilant and identity the problems at the earliest. Q. how can schools help? VV: First and foremost schools need to be aware of LD and how children with LD are different. I remember 2 boys Rahul and Nischal who were the
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liveliest boys in my LD classes. They were comfortable in my class because they said they got emotional support. Thats the problem. Schools do not provide the emotional support so badly needed by these children. They are busy with syllabus completion and there is unfortunately no support for special children who may need more time to complete their work. I remember Chandramouli who asked me Why cant I write like the other children? I had no answer to that except to support him. Today he is in early 30s and doing very well in life but he had to overcome many emotional issues to reach the level. But he did with support and that support was the most important thing. Q .How can this problem be fixed? VV: Directly and indirectly we have to fix the problem. Kids with LD are not understood because their problems are not identified early for help. They get into wrong company so they are identified only as kids with behaviour problems. Since behaviour problems are viewed with so much disapproval, these children feel comfortable in that group. There is another issue here but no one is aware of it! So they get thrown out of school. But they only need help with their learning disabilities and everything else gets sorted out by itself. But this has to be identified first, which is not done. A proper structure has to be provided for such children. They need clear cut goals of learning achievements, small ones everyday. But our schools are not geared up for this. Teachers generally teach the average students in the class. The more intelligent ones learn by default but have the support of their teachers. Q .how much does the learning pattern affect the student? VV: Each child is different in class. The learning patterns of Child A may not be the same for Child B but there is no place for 2 different learning patterns in the average classroom. The educational systems today is geared up only for rote learning with no or little comprehension involved.

Sopanam - November 2011

hnZr`rmkw
News
There are different kinds of learners in a classroom. Some are visual learners who learn with visual clues, auditory learners who learn with verbal clues, kinesthetic learners who learn by doingetc. Usually there is a gap between the learning styles of students and the actual style by which they are taught. It is better to identify LD early in life (early intervention). Otherwise the children reach adolescence with unidentified learning disabilities and their life goes off at a tangent. To unlearn and start fresh becomes very difficult. Q .what is the role of parents who have children with Ld? VV: Complete support for the child. It has to be understood that there is nothing wrong with the child. He or she is normal with a different learning style. When the world is shooting arrows at the child, it is vital that parents hold his hands and support. That way the movement forward is faster. Q .how can parent identify that their child has Ld? VV:Parents are usually tuned in to what the other students are doing in the class. Usually they compare the performance. Instead of comparing of results, it would be better to focus on the learning patterns. This way LD can be detected early. Road blocks are usually visible early reversal of letters, not organized, not taking instructions or repeated instructions needed. Parents need to keep track of anything which may not be normal. Q .What is the reaction of parents when they find that their child has Ld? VV: Usually they are unable to believe or accept. They look upon their child as someone else and begin to judge. Any progress that could be made, halts as all assessments become judgmental. They ask, Why me? The question I ask them is, Why not you? There has to be unconditional acceptance of the child and his capacity. When there is acceptance, the child feels confident about his ability. Ultimately
Sopanam - November 2011 23

Education
it is not about you, me or the world. It is about the child. Q .Has the Indian educational system been of help? VV: CBSE and ICSE have brought in major changes in the assessment patterns and courses which are a boon for children with LD. But teachers have to be educated on LD to bring about any positive change. In a class of 40 students with the syllabus completion hanging over their heads, they have no space to identify any learning disability, let alone help. Moreover the role of Counselors has to be given more importance. They can suggest ways and support the parents greatly. Q .what is your experience when handling children with Ld? VV: Each day is a new day for me. There is nothing routine in the life of a child who has LD. Success is not measured in leaps of discovery, but in small steps while holding hands. There could be one step taken forward one day, three steps backwards the next day! It is all trial and error within the given area of work. I feel this is Gods work given to us. As we take leave, the only thing that comes to mind is that only the chosen can do Gods work.. Vijaya Venkatesh is one of them.

[\Imcrw
Finance

Economy does not lie in sparing money, but in spending it wisely. Suresh varickolil
Investing money is a vast subject and before investing, one should have to study, analyze and evaluate his current financial position and his current goals and risk tolerance. Financial investment is putting money into something with the expectation of gain, that upon thorough analysis, has a high degree of security for the principal amount, as well as security of return, within an expected period of time. Anything otherwise can be compared to gambling. Financial speculation can involve the trade (buying, holding, selling) and short-selling of stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, collectibles, real estate, derivatives, or any valuable financial instrument to attempt to profit from fluctuations in its price irrespective of its underlying value. Following elements one should consider before investment. 1.Evaluate your comfort zone in taking on risk. 2. Consider an appropriate mix of investments. 3. Create and maintain an emergency fund. 4. Consider rebalancing portfolio occasionally. 5. Avoid circumstances that can lead to fraud. 1.Share and Share Market Share is nothing but the ownership of the com24

pany divided into small parts and each part is called as Share or Stock. Share is also called by different names like equity, financial security and so on. A person carrying a share of a company holds that part of ownership in that company. A person holding maximum shares carry maximum ownership and designated like director, chairman etc. A Share market is the place where buying and selling of shares take place. Now a days due to internet and advanced technology there is no need to present physically in exchanges like NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) but in fact the buying and selling of shares can be done from anywhere, where there is a computer with internet connection. One should have a demat and trading account. There are two types of Indices called Nifty and Sensex. Nifty consists of a group of 50 popu-

Sopanam - November 2011

[\Imcrw
Finance
lar large scale stocks where Sensex consists of a group of 30 market capitalization trading stocks. 2. Gold Of all the precious metals, gold is the most popular as an investment. Investors generally buy gold as a hedge or harbor against economic, political, or social fiat currency crises (including investment market declines, burgeoning national debt, currency failure, inflation, war and social unrest). The gold market is subject to speculation as are other markets, especially through the use of futures contracts and derivatives. The history of the gold standard, the role of gold reserves in central banking, gold's low correlation with other commodity prices, and its pricing in relation to fiat currencies during the Late-2010s financial crisis, suggest that gold behaves more like a currency than a commodity. 3. Real Estate In general use, 'real estate' is taken to mean "Property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this; (also) an item of real property; (more generally) buildings or housing in general. Also: the business of real estate; the profession of buying, selling, or renting land, buildings, or housing. The origins of Indian Property Market can be traced to the interest rate reductions made by the NDA coalition government in the years following 2001. Home Loan Rates fell to a historical figure of 7.5% in early 2004 which helped most of the lower and middle class peoSopanam - November 2011 25

ple to own a house in cities and other places. Low interest rates triggered interest in individuals to borrow their own homes and this triggered an increase in demand for real estate across India. 4. Mutual Fund A mutual fund is a professionally managed type of collective investment scheme that pools money from many investors to buy stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, and/or other securities. With a control free economy, supported by expert banking facilities, Indian capital market offers a plethora of investment options for NRIs. As per the investment plans, an investor should thoughtfully select the best option available in the capital market that meets his requirements. On this edition, we are focusing about different ways of investment, one can choose wisely and the forth coming editions reveal more information.

Bala Lokam

_metemIw

LorD AYYAppA

Lord Ayyappa is the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple. Information on the life and teachings of the Lord are mostly based on legends. In fact, there are very many popular stories associated with Him among the devotees. These differ from one to another depending on the imaginations of the narrator and inherent variations due to the passing down of the stories from generation to generation. However, there are a few events which are common in all the stories and which can stand historical scrutiny. Examples are: All stories confirm that Ayyappa lived in the Pandalam Palace as the son / savior of the King. He had had super-human or divine knowledge, wisdom, and courage and had great liking for the King and his people. He protected the King and the kingdom from the attacks of enemies. At the end of His life in Pandalam, He vanished into the forests and is ever since worshiped at the Sabarimala temple. The most popular and widely accepted story goes to say that Lord Ayyappa had had His human sojourn as the son of the Raja(King) of Pandalam. At that time, Raja Rajasekhara ruled the kingdom of Pandalam. During one of his hunting expeditions, the Raja was puzzled to hear the wails of a child on the banks of the river Pampa. He moved in the direction of the voice to find a resplendent infant there. The beautiful baby with radiant face wore a bead ('mani') around his neck. Mythology has it that Manikantan was Ayyappan, born of Hari and Hara. The King, though pious, charitable, just, and God-fearing had no children. He accepted the child as God's gracious response to his fervent prayer for an heir to his throne. Manikantan was given proper education and training and he grew into a boy well versed in academic lore and martial arts of the time. Meanwhile the Rani gave birth to a son. The King regarded Manikantan as his elder son.
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He decided to crown him as the Yuvaraja. The King's corrupt Minister had had a deep dislike for Manikantan. The Minister made the innocent Queen believe that adverse consequences would befall her if Manikantan was crowned Yuvaraja and that the kingdom actually belonged to her son. They conspired between them to get rid of Manikantan by hook or crook. They bribed the royal physician into becoming an accomplice of theirs. The Rani pretended to be afflicted with severe pain in the stomach, and the physician prescribed the milk of a tigeress as the only cure for the ache. The King was in an agonizing fix. He knew that none could be deputed for a mission that was so patently suicidal. However, the youthful and valiant Manikantan stepped forth and volunteered to fetch the milk. Despite the worried protestations of his foster-father, he set out for the fearful forests. Days later Manikantan entered the palace preSopanam - November 2011

Bala Lokam
cincts riding a fierce tigeress and followed by a pack of its cubs. The schemers were frightened into confessing their nefarious plot. They and others now knew that Manikantan was no ordinary being. They were convinced of His divine origins, and prayed to Him to be with them for their own salvation and for the safety of the kingdom. However, Manikantan was now determined to leave the place. Filled with emotions of happiness, grief, fear, wonder and 'bhakthi' (devotion to God) and self-surrender, the king stood praying for the mercy and blessings of Manikantan. He repented he could not fully visualize the truth of the divine powers of the Lord and repeatedly requested Him to forgive him for behaving as if He were his son only. The Lord lovingly embraced the King who continued to pray: " Lord, kindly bless me by freeing me from my egos and the worldly life of birth and rebirth and grant me ' moksha (salvation). Kindly continue to be the savior of my family and stay eternally in my kingdom. Manikantan then enlightened the King on the path of attainment of 'moksha'. These words of the Lord are contained in Bhuthanathageetha, which is in the form of conversation between Him and His foster-father. To the King who is by now mentally cleansed and completely immersed in 'bhakthi', Lord Ayyappa said: " I am to free you from all worldly sorrows & worries and to grant you 'moksha'. All those who are and would be born in your family shall have my blessings unfailingly. I am always accessible to 'bhakthi' and only 'bhakthi ". The Lord told the King that he could construct a temple at Sabarimala, north of the holy river Pampa and install His deity there. Ayyappa also explained how the Sabarimala pilgrimage shall be undertaken, emphasizing the importance of 'vrutham' and what the devotees can attain by His 'darshan'. The Lord further consoled the King saying that the devotees who held him and his descendants in 'bhakthi' shall happen to be devoted to Him as well. Manikantan then blessed the King and all others assembled there, and vanished. The
Sopanam - November 2011

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King duly constructed the temple at Sabarimala, dedicated to Him. There are various lores connected with Lord Ayyappa. These relate to discovery of the child at Pampa, Manikantan's youthful days in the Pandalam palace, bestowing the power of hearing and speaking upon the deaf and dumb son of His teacher as Guru-dakshina, His friendship with Vaver, bringing the tigeress's milk, accomplishing His divinely destined mission of annihilation of the demoness Mahishi, eliminating the forest-thug Udayanan, bestowing moksha on Sabari, blessing His foster-father with moksha and so on. Legend also goes to say that Manikantan was the incarnation of Lord DharmaSastha. Raja Rajasekhara was in his previous birth a rich and pious 'brahmin ' by name Vijayan who was a very strong believer and devotee of Lord Dharma Sastha. Such was Vijayan's ' bhakthi' towards the Lord that He blessed the brahmin by granting his wish to be born as his son in his next birth when the Lord would offer him "moksha'.... A collection of legends called Ithihyamala first published in 1904 gives a slightly different version.In it the Raja of Madurai finds Ayyappan ,as a young man well versed in archery ,in a forest.The story then follows the same pattern as above except that the Raja recognises him as an Avtar or incarnation of Shastha.This story could be nearer the truth.The Pandyans subsequently migrated to Pandalam in Kerala.This story is plausible since it explains why members of Pandalam Royal Family even today do not stand directly in front of the sanctum sanctorun at Sabarimalai.This version puts Ayyappan as a Senapathi or Captain of the Pandyan army whose popularity and influence with the King was disliked by locals.It is obvious that even subsequent generations of Royals would be honoured by Ayyappa and would apparently cause the idol to stand up-the ostensible reason for Royal family members not standing in front of the idol.If he were their ancestor-adopted or otherwise this could not be the case. Also the popular Kerala version places the Vishnu-Siva union and birth of Sastha smack in the 13-14th century.
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COMING SOON....
28 Sopanam - November 2011