The Man from Marathur and Malai Nadu

M.G.Ramachandran - MGR

17 January 1917 - 24 December1987

Part-I

Ninety two years ago, a baby boy was born to a migrant couple, Gopala Menon and Sathyabama, in a ‘line-room’ of a tea estate in Kandy. Later, this baby boy would grow into a leader with the name Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (popularly adored by Tamils all over the world with the acronym MGR).

Maruthur was the ancestral village in the Kerala state from where his parents hailed from. Many have ridiculed the uncertainty of his birth date, though MGR had used 17 January 1917 in his personal documents. One should sympathise with MGR on this matter because he was born to an Indian immigrant family in a tea plantation in Ceylon, which was then under British colonial rule. Way back in 1917, the health care facilities available for the plantation workers were atrocious, leave alone the requirements related to birth registration. That he survived into adulthood itself was an achievement.

Though as a two-year old he was taken to Kumbakonam by his mother (who had been widowed after the birth of MGR), the destiny would make it that in his last five years of life, MGR would again have close links with the Tamils in the land of his birth.

After landing in Tamil Nadu, MGR would rise in his professional ranks with perseverance, hard work and the smile of Lady Luck. He reached the ‘top’, step by step; 10 years as a vaudeville child actor, 10 years as an apprentice actor with secondary roles in movies, 30 years as an ‘uncrowned king’ in the Tamil movie land and finally 10 years as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Having experienced poverty personally during his young days and forfeiting the opportunity to have a formal education, MGR would see to it that at least one song in his movie had some educational value to the average man.

He would take a keen interest in the theme of the song, its musical composition and its exact appearance in the movie. Not surprisingly, it would turn out to be a hit song.

1. Acheham enpathu madamaiyadah - Anjaamai Dravidar udamaiyadah (on Dravidian glory and heroism) அச்சம் என்பது .. மடமையடா.. அஞ்சாமை திராவிடர் .. உடமையடா
2. Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe - Nee somberi enra peyar vaankaathe (on the consequences of idling and procrastination) தூங்காதே தம்பி தூங்காதே - நீயும் சோம்பேறி என்ற பெயர் வாங்காதே!
3. Chinna payale Chinna payale Chethi keladah (on character-building and self confidence) சின்னப் பயலே, சின்னப் பயலே சேதி கேளடா
4. Thirudathe - Paapaa Thirudathe (on prevention of bad habits, especially stealing, while young) திருடாதே, பாப்பா திருடாதே, வறுமை நிலைக்கு பயந்து விடாதே
5. Moonrezhuthil En Moochchirukkum - Athu mudinthapin thaane Pechehirukkum (on the dignity of duty) மூன்றெழுத்தில் என் மூச்சிருக்கும்.... அது முடிஞ்ச பின்னாலும் என் பேச்சிருக்கும்...
6. Onru Engal Jathiye - Ouru Engal Neethiye (on the unity of human race)
7. Unnai Arinthaal Nee Unnai Arinthaal Ulagthil Pooradalaam (on developing self confidence) உன்னை அறிந்தால்...நீ உன்னை அறிந்தால், உலகத்தில் போராடலாம்
8. Buddhan Jesu Gandhi pirandathu Bhoomiyil etharkaaka (on the dignity of labour)
9. Atho Antha paravai pola vazhayendum (on freedom and liberty) அதோ அந்த பறவை போல வாழ வேண்டும்
10 Thaayillamal Naanillai Thaane evarum piranthathillai (on mother love) தாய் இல்லாமல் நான் இல்லை...
11. Chirithu vazhavendum - Nee chirikka vazhnthidathe (on dignity of the labour)
12. Poomazhai thoovi vasanthangal vaaztha oorvalam nadakkirathu.(on sibling love)

MGR would also make sure that he will teach good manners and discipline to the masses through the movies. Therefore, in the characters he played in 120-odd movies, he would never smoke or take alcoholic drinks. On top of that, he would never physically or mentally abuse women. This self-imposed rigidity restricted the character roles he would play and movie critics ridiculed him for this 'un-natural style' of his characters. But MGR would have the last word. Ultimately, he claimed the respected honorific ‘vaathiyar’ (teacher) in its proper sense of the word.

Home Interior Design-Series-011

Magazine Cabinet End Table with Pull-out Shelf

Do you often find that magazines and newspapers begin to take over your living room space? If you like to daily peruse the latest interior design styles, fashion trends, vintage cars or football news, the magazines and publications can begin to build up. What’s needed is a special storage area which can be located in the living room or bedroom but which looks good and blends in with the rest of the room. I believe this magazine cabinet end table in sage green is just the answer.

The magazine cabinet table is convenient, compact and charming. All of these are important for any storage furniture piece that you want located in one of the main rooms of the home. This cabinet table comes with a two-tier magazine rack on one side which can hold a great many newspapers, magazines and related paper-based publications.

What’s ingenious about this construction is the fact that there are two doors, one at the back and one at the front. This means the magazine cabinet end table can be placed at either end of a sofa or armchair by simply being turned in the direction you want the side tiers to face.

Of course, magazine and newspaper reading go hand in hand with tea or coffee drinking. The designers didn’t forget that aspect and so incorporated a pull-out shelf on which cups, mugs and plates can be placed. In this regards, the magazine cabinet end table can be used for more than just a storage cabinet but also as a regular side table. Its sage green color is particularly attractive.

Home Interior Design-Series-010

Attic Remodeling Ideas and Considerations



The attic is one of the most under-designed and unused spaces in the entire home. Most people use the attic space as a storage area where long forgotten antiques, clothes, photo albums and assorted junk gather dust and cobwebs. However, this needn’t be the case, for the attic can quite easily be transformed and remodeled into a usable space such as a spare bedroom, playroom or home study. The following are some considerations you need to take into account before you plan your next move in regards to refurbishment of this area.



The most important rule to abide by is the local building code applicable in your area. These are usually pretty much the same nationwide but there can be variations. Most building codes in the United States require the height of any room to be 7 1/2 feet over 50% of the living area. This means if the highest point in your attic space is 6 feet, then you might face difficulties in developing it much further.



Lighting will be one of the most important interior design considerations for a remodeled attic. If you can get planning permission and have the means and structural ability to install a window or skylight, then this will be perfect. Otherwise a lot of artificial lighting will be needed and whilst this will be more than adequate for a bedroom, it will mean the attic won’t be such an attractive interior to be used for long periods of time during the day. Natural light really is better if you’re going to convert the attic into a playroom or study area and is indeed, much more healthier for your emotional well-being.



Heating in the attic will be required for the colder months of the year. As mentioned in an earlier post (winterizing your home), it will be wise to install a thermostat which will keep the interior at a temperature above freezing so as to avoid damage to pipes, furniture and precious items. Think about running new ducts and check the state of the existing insulation. Replace if necessary.



Another heat-related aspect to take into account is the temperature the attic could reach during the summer months when the sun is blazing down upon the roof. Correct ventilation, fans and protective layers can all help keep the temperature down in this situation.



The floor material might need to be changed or strengthened depending on the type of room that will be created. For example, if the attic is to be changed into a bedroom, then heavy furniture pieces such as beds, chests and wardrobes will need to be carried by a strong and sturdy floor, as well as the extra human traffic.


One of the most difficult and possibly most expensive alterations to the attic will be the creation of an access route. In many cases, the attic is reached via a ladder, which won’t be suitable unless you’re a tree-house crazed child. If there is an existing stairway then you’re in luck but if not, then one will need to be created. This could be a problem depending on the interior architecture of your home.


When all the above considerations have been taken into account and the attic has been transformed into a study, playroom, bedroom or even a meditation room, then the only thing left to do is decorate. This is the fun part and one you can find inspiration for by reading through the posts on this blog.

Home Interior Design Themes-Series-009

Chelsea Nook 3 Piece Dining Set For a Corner of the Kitchen

Depending on the number of rooms in your home and also the size, it can be more suitable for a family to eat in the main kitchen area rather than a dining room. Whether this is the case for you or if you purely seek some extra seating space in the kitchen, then this Chelsea Nook 3 Piece Dining Set made from pine wood might well be just what you’re looking for.

It’s important to make the kitchen an inviting and attractive area of your home. The act of food preparation and consumption should take place in an environment that appeals to the whole family as well as visiting friends and relatives. Too often in our home kitchen, we find there is an absence of seating and table space, perhaps because we have placed the main dining table in another room. It can be quite easy to have concentrated on fitted cupboards and electrical fittings such as fridges and washing machines whilst having forgotten the all important family focal point, the breakfast table.

One of my favorite areas of my own home is the kitchen. I tend to eat breakfast in there, especially as it faces in the direction of the rising sun. If you are in a similar position, then this very attractive wooden 3 piece dining set will provide a delightful furniture piece for this all important morning meal. As is often the case, the kitchen looks back onto the rear yard and in Summer, fresh air can be let in to the kitchen as well as birdsong, whilst ones eats breakfast. The almost rustic appeal of this Chelsea nook set, takes one back to the traditional country cottage interior scenes from centuries gone by. Before I descend into whimsical and romantic verse about such corner nook sets and related interiors, I will tell you where you can purchase the one you see in the image above. From here: Chelsea Nook 3 Piece Dining Set For a Corner of the Kitchen.

As you can see, the set is designed to fit into the corner of your kitchen and provides a focal seating area for the whole family. You can even place it in another room such as the living room, master bedroom or even the hallway if it’s large and open enough. I must say, I like the style of this piece very much. It’s a great place to read the morning newspapers.

Home Interior Design Themes-Series-008

Funky Jazz Metal Wall Art Sculpture

If you’re a huge jazz fan like myself, then this funky jazz metal wall art sculpture will make a great addition to your home. It can be difficult deciding how best to display our love of jazz and we usually often dabble between purchasing posters or paintings. However, metal wall art is a great alternative and one that will indeed last a lot longer than other mediums.

One of my favorite types of Jazz is improvised jazz and is the style that comes to mind when looking at this metal wall art sculpture. It’s expressive, dynamic, energizing and emotionally stimulating whilst at the same time entrenched in a certain order that keeps it from spiralling out of control. A common misconception about improvised jazz is that it is plucked from the air, when it fact it is set to regular rhythm and harmony but with a flexible structure.

In many ways, this description matches the sculpture itself. It’s made from rigid 1/8? mild steel which has been cut by an expert craftsman in South Carolina. We normally expect cut metal to be straight and uniform but this wall sculpture is the opposite and seemingly alive. However, it still holds to the rules of metalwork and is cut from natural, unrefined, unpainted and unburnished steel. This gives it a delightfully individual quality much like the subject it portrays.
This jazz metal wall sculpture will make a great accent for a variety of home interiors. If you have a father or son who are into Jazz music, then this will make an excellent gift. Hung up on a bedroom or living room wall, the jazz band will lend an expressive and artistic display that will enliven the ambiance of a room.

I love listening to Jazz and one of my favorite Jazz musicians is Maceo Parker.

Home Interiror Design Themes-Seies-007

Burnt Out Market to Stylish Library Interior in Bangkok

Inspiration for home interior design can be found anywhere and everywhere. With the advent of the internet, this has made viewing different styles and cultural decorations even more easier. The pictures below will hopefully provide you with both visual enjoyment and a jumping board for ideas when it comes to a room or two in your own home. More often th an not, just a little detail in a larger interior scheme can ignite a decor concept for a domestic living room or bedroom.

There are many reasons to re-decorate a home, one of these being reconstruction after a fire. Thankfully this is a very rare reason. However, this was the case with an old market building in the Min Buri district of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. The local area deteriorated after the major fire which occurred in the late 1990’s. Slums began to develop and business people moved out.

Then came along the Norwegian non-profit organisation, Tyin Tegnestue. This group consisted of five architectural students from Norway who sought to pursue humanitarian ends through architecture. Over a few years, Tyin Tegnestue managed to garner the support and funding from over 60 companies and private payers to help improve the lives of communities affected by poverty across Thailand.

Last year, the project pictured in this post, was completed. Out of the burnt out ruins of the old market came a modern library and a meeting point for the local community. Locals and tourists alike congregate to socialise, read books and generally relax in a warm and attractive interior environment.

The designers tried as best they could to keep their designs in line with the fundamental identity of the area. Materials for construction were gathered from the local region, which would appeal to the locals and also keep costs down. A nearby carpentry carried out most of the woodworking. Since it has opened, the library has been a spring board for regeneration of the surrounding area. Businesses have returned and new people have set up home nearby.

Tyin Tegnestue hope that their refurbishment of the old market will spur on the locals to do the same elsewhere. By using materials that are abundant and cheap, the Norwegians are hopeful that the people of Min Buri will act on their own initiative from within the resources available to them.

Like with these Thai townsfolk, images in magazines, on the net and on television can act as a catalyst for your own interior design endeavours. It’s always fun to take inspiration from bits and pieces we see around us and try and fit them in to our own décor schemes at home. Hopefully these wonderful pictures above will give you something to chew on.

The Man from Marathur and Malai Nadu

Loading...

Home Interiror Design Themes-Seies-006

New Zealand Interior Architecture on the Scenic Coromandel Peninsula

The beauty of the New Zealand landscape is well known across the world. Many movies were filmed on these islands including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s not surprising therefore that an architect and interior designer would want to work with this stunning setting to create a home like the one shown in the images below.

The setting is Coromandel Peninsula in the north of the country on the aptly named North Island. The intention of the designer was to recreate the traditional New Zealand building methods which included the crafting of wood into a modern expression of architecture. A connection to the natural world is provided by the very building materials used; sustainable and renewable timber

from the local region.

The house is built in a simple rectangular fashion and has been erected on a patch of cleared bushland overlooking the Pacific ocean. One can assume its aim has been achieved in that the essential spirit of the New Zealand has been captured in the merging of the environment with traditional building techniques.

What is particularly interesting about the house is the open living room. There is no wall or window dividing the outside from the inside as one can see in this image. It’s almost like a camp-site, a popular hobby in New Zealand. The sleeping quarters are enclosed however. Notice the large fireplace that will be a much needed functional necessity during the Winter months.

Like the living room, the bathroom is also open to the elements. A wooden slatted floor allows for

shower water to drain without the need for a cubicle. The bathtub is also highly manoeuvrable allowing for a dynamic bathing experience as close to the open deck as so desired.

வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன்

உலகின் உயிரின பரிணாம வளர்ச்சியில் மனிதன் என்ற படைப்பு மிக உன்னதமாகக்கருதப்படுகின்றது. உலகம் தோன்றியது முதல் இன்றைய காலகட்டம் வரை பிறந்து மறைந்தவர்கள் எல்லோரும் நம் நினைவில் நிற்கமுடியாத நிலை. ஆனால் காலத்தால் மறைக்க முடியாத மனிதர்கள் இன்றும் நினைவில் வாழ்ந்து கொண்டுதான் இருக்கின்றார்கள். அத்தகைய சிறப்பை அவர்கள் பெற்றதற்கு காரணம் அவர்களின் தனித்தன்மை வாய்ந்த அவர்களின் குணாதியங்கள்கள்தான். அப்படி வாழ்ந்து மறைந்த மாவீரனாக நம் நெஞ்சங்களில் வாழ்ந்து கொண்டிருப்பவர்களில் ஒருவர் வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன்.

03-01-1760 ல் அழகிய வீரபாண்டியபுரத்தில் (இன்றைய ஒட்டப்பிடாரம்)பிறந்தார். இவருடைய தந்தை ஜெகவீரபாண்டியன். தாய் ஆறுமுகத்தம்மாள். கட்டபொம்மனின் முன்னோர்கள் தெலுங்கு தேசத்தை சேர்ந்தவர்கள. விஜயநகர பேரரசினரால் புலம் பெயர்ந்தவர்கள் எனக்கருதபபடுகின்றது. .இவர்களின் மூனறு புதல்வர்கள்தான் கருத்தையா என்ற வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன், தளவாய் குமாரசாமி என்ற துரைசிங்கம் மற்றும் செவத்தையா என்ற ஊமைத்துரை.

இவர்களின் முன்னோர்கள் தெலுங்கு நாட்டின் பிரசித்திபெற்றவர்கள். கெட்டி பொம்முலு என வீரத்துக்கு அடையாளமாக சொல்லப்படும் சாஸ்த்தா அய்யணசாமி என்ற தெய்வத்தின் பெயரால் அழைக்கப்பெற்றவர்கள். அந்த வீரத்துக் காவல் தெய்வமாகக்கருதப்பட்டதனால் என்னவோ பிழைக்க வந்த வெள்ளையர்களுக்கு கட்டபொம்மன் ஒரு சிம்மசொப்பனமாகத்திகழ்ந்தார்.

சங்க காலத்தமிழ் காப்பியங்களில் வீரத்தமிழ்மன்னர்கள் தம் நாட்டு மக்களின் துயர் தீர்க்க தன்னுயிரையும் தர இசைந்தார்கள். "தாய்ப்புலி தான் ஈன்ற குட்டிகளை தன்னுயிர் போனாலும் கவர்ந்து செல்ல யாருக்கும் அனுமதியளிக்காது. அவ்வாறே ஒரு மன்னன் தன் நாட்டு மக்களை காக்க வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் கொண்டவர்களாக அன்றைய தமிழ் மன்னர்கள் திகழ்ந்தார்கள்" என புறநானூற்றுப்பக்கங்கள் நமக்கு பறைசாற்றுகின்றன. இதற்கு உதாரணமாகத்திகழந்தவர் கட்டபொம்மன். தம் எதிர்கால மக்கள் சுதந்திரமாக வாழவேண்டுமென்பதற்காக கொண்டகொள்கைகளை கடைசிவரை காப்பாற்றி தமிழகத்தின் வரலாற்றில் ஆழமாக பதியப்பட்டு நிற்கின்றார்.

பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சியை ஆண்ட கட்டபொம்மனின் மூதாதையர்களில் ஒருவர் காலத்தில் நடந்ததாகக்கருதப்படும் கதைகளில் ஒன்று இன்றும் பேசப்படுகின்றது. "ஒரு நாள் வேட்டையாடும் நேரத்தில், வேட்டை நாய்களினால் துரத்தப்பட்டு வந்த முயலொன்று குறிப்பிட்ட இடத்தில் வந்தவுடன் வேட்டை நாய்களை நோக்கி முயல் சீறிப்பாய்ந்ததாகவும் அதைக்கண்ணுற்ற அன்றைய கட்டபொம்மர் அதுவே தாம் கோட்டை கட்டுவதற்கு உகந்த இடம் எனத்தீiமானித்து அவ்விடத்திலேயே பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சி கோட்டையை நிறுவியதாகவும்" கூறப்படுகின்றது.

கருத்தையா என்ற வீரபாண்டியன் 02.02.1790ல் கட்டபொம்மர்களின் வாரிசாக கருதப்பட்டு ஆட்சி அமைக்க அன்றைய மதுரைப்பாளையர்க்காரர்களால் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டார். கட்டபொம்மன் பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சியின் மன்னனாகப் பொறுப்பேற்றார்.

1736 க்கு முன் ஏறத்தாழ இரண்டு நூற்றாண்டுகள் மதுரை நாயக்கர் வம்ச அரசர்களால் பரிபாலனம் செய்யப்பட்டு வந்தது. அதன் பிறகு சந்தாப் சாகேப் ஆர்கோட் என்பவரால் மதுரை அங்கு கடைசியாக ஆண்ட ராணியிடமிருந்து பறிக்கப்பட்டு நவாப் ஆட்சியின் கீழ் கொண்டு வரப்பட்டது. இக்காலகட்டத்தில் மக்களின் வரிப்பணம் பெருமளவில் சுரண்டப்பட்டதின் காரணமாகவும் மக்கள் மிக்க அதிருப்தி கொண்டிருந்தனர்.

அத்துடன் இஸ்லாமிய ஆட்சிமுறையை பெரும்பாலான பாளையக்காரர்கள் எதிர்க்கத்துணிந்தனர். இத்தகைய போக்குகள் இறுதியில் ஆர்க்காடு அரசினை வெள்ளையர்களிடம் நாட்டை அடகு வைக்கும் நிலைக்கு கொண்டு சென்றது. சரியான தருணம் பார்த்திருந்த ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் ஆர்க்காடு நவாப் அரசுக்கு கொடுத்துள்ள கடனுக்காக நவாப்பிடமிருந்து வரிவசுலிக்கும் அதிகாரத்தை தங்கள் கையில் எடுத்துக்கொண்டு மக்களிடமிருந்து தாறுமாறாக வரி என்ற பெயரில் கொள்ளையடிக்க ஆரம்பித்தார்கள்.

வரியை மக்களிடமிருந்து வாங்கிக்கொடுக்காத பாளையக்காரர்கள் கொடுமைக்காளானார்கள். இத்தகைய நிலை ஏறத்தாழ 40,50 ஆண்டுகள் நீடித்த நிலையில்தான் பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சியில் கட்டபொம்மன் ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தார். மக்களின் வரிப்பணம் பாலாக்கப்பட்டு நிர்வாகம் தறிகெட்டுக்கிடந்த ஒரு காலகட்டத்தில் மக்களை புரட்சியிலிருந்து ஒடுக்குவதற்கு ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் கடுமையான நடவடிக்கைகளை மேற்கொண்டார்கள். இத்தகைய போக்கு பிரச்சனைகளை மேலும் மோசமாக்குவதாக அமைந்தது.

இத்தகைய குழப்பமான நிலையில் ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் தங்களுக்கேயுரித்தான பிரித்தாழும் சதிவேலைகளை மேற்கொண்டு மக்களிடம் ஒற்றுமையின்மையை ஏற்படுத்தினார்கள்.
இக்காலகட்டத்தில் ஆஙகிலேயரின் ஒடுக்குமுறைக்கு சற்றும் சளைக்காமல் கட்டபொம்மன் அவர்களுக்கு வரி சேகரித்துக் கொடுப்பதை நிறுத்தினார். புல அச்சுறுத்தலுக்களுக்கும் பணியாமல் கட்டபொம்மன் தன் நிலையில் உறுதியாக இருந்தார். இதனால் கட்டபொம்மனை வஞ்சக வலைவிரித்து கவிழ்க்கத் தருணம் பார்த்திருந்தார்கள். கட்டபொம்மனின் மந்திரியாக செயல்பட்டு வந்தவர் தானாதிப்பிள்ளை அவர்கள்.

பிரதான தளபதியாக அமைந்தவர் சுந்தரலிங்கம் என்று அறியப்பட்டு பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சிக்காக தன் இன்னுயிரைத் தியாகமாக்கியவர். மதுரை பாளையக்காரர்களால் அணைவரிடமிருந்தும் கப்பம் பெற்றுக்கொண்ட ஆங்கிலேயர்களால் கட்டபொம்மனிடம் தங்கள் கொட்டம் பலிக்காமல் அவமானம் அடைந்தனர். அதனால் சமாதானம் பேசுவது என்ற போர்வையில் கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு தூது அனுப்பினார்கள்.

பேசுவதற்காக ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்ட இடம் இராமநாதபுரம் சேதுபதி ராஜா மாளிகை. பேச்சுவார்த்தைக்கு பொறுப்பாக நியமிக்கப்பட்டவர் ஜாக்ஸன் துரை. கட்டபொம்மன், தானாதிபிள்ளை மற்றும் தன் குழுவினருடன் இராமநாதபுரம் சென்றார். அங்கே நடந்த பேச்சுவார்தை தோல்வியாகி கைகலப்பில் முடிந்தது. ஆங்கிலேயரின் இந்த திட்டமிட்ட வஞ்சக வலையில் சிக்காமல் தன் வீரத்திறமையால் அங்கிருந்து தப்பினார். ஆனால் தானாதிப்பிள்ளை கைது செய்யப்பட்டார்.

இந்த நடவடிக்கைக்காக ஜாக்ஸன் துரை பதவி நீக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டார். இதற்காக அமைக்கப்பட்ட கமிட்டி ஆலோகனையின்பேரில் திருநெல்வேலி கலெக்டர் கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு வரி கொடாமைக்கு காரணம் கேட்டு கடிதம் 16..03.1799ல் அனுப்பினார். இதற்கு கட்டபொம்மன் வரி செலுத்த வேண்டிய பணம், தானியங்கள் எல்லாம் கொள்ளையடிக்கப்பட்டதாக பதில் அனுப்பினார்.

கட்டபொம்மனின் தலைவணங்காத்தன்மை வெள்ளையர்களை மேலும் கோபத்துக்குள்ளாக்கியது. கட்டபொம்மனை நாட்டின் பொது எதிரியாக்கி தீர்மானம் நிறைவேற்றினர். தங்கள் நயவஞ்சக திட்டத்துக்கு கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு எதிராக எட்டப்பனை தேர்ந்தெடுத்து கட்டபொம்மனின் ஒவ்வொரு நடவடிக்கையும் ஆராய்ந்து சரியான தருணம் பார்த்து இராணுவத்தளபதி பாணர்மேன் தலைமையில் பாஞ்சாலம்குறிச்சி கோட்டையை தகர்க்கும் திட்டமத்தை உருவாக்கி,. கேர்னல் கொலினிஸ் தலைமையில் கோட்டையின் நாலாபக்கமும் தாக்குதல் நடத்தினார்கள்.

வெகு சுலபம் என எதிர்பார்த்த கொலின்ஸ் தாக்குதலை சமாளிக்கமுடியாமல் பின்வாங்கி மேலும் ஆயுதங்கள் தேவை என செய்தி அனுப்பினார். இதைப்பயன்படுத்தி கட்டபொம்மன் கோட்டையை விட்டு தப்பிச்சென்றார். பெருத்த ஏமாற்றத்துக்குள்ளான வெள்ளையர் கட்டபொம்மன் தலைக்கு விலை வைத்தார்கள். தானாதிப்பிள்ளை முதலிய 16 பேரை கைது செய்து அழைத்துச்சென்றார்கள். கைது செய்யப்பட்ட தானாதிபிள்ளையின் தலையை வெட்டி பொது மக்கள் பார்வைக்கென பொது இடத்தில் வைத்தார்கள்

கட்டபொம்மன் புதுக்கோட்டை ராஜாவிடம் தஞ்சம் புகுந்தார். ஆனால் வெள்ளையரின் வஞ்சனையின் காரணமாக கட்டபொம்மன் சரணடையவேண்டிய கட்டாயம் ஏற்பட்டது.

16.10.1799 ல் கைது செய்யப்பட்டு மூன்று வாரங்களுக்குப்பிறகு, இன்றைய தூத்துக்குடி மாவட்டம் கயத்தாறு என்ற இடத்தில் புளியமரத்தில் தூக்கிலிடப்பட்டார். அவருடன் சேர்ந்து தங்கள் இன்னுயிரைத்தந்த வீர மறவர்கள் என்றென்றும் போற்றுதற்குறியவர்கள்.

கட்டபொம்மனின் வீழ்ச்சிக்கு காரணகர்த்தாவாக விளங்கிய எட்டப்பன், எட்டயபுர ராஜாவாக ஆக்கப்பட்டு அவருக்கு சர் பட்டம் வழங்கப்பட்டது. பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி கோட்டை கொள்ளையடிக்கப்பட்டு தரைமட்டமாக்கப்பட்டது. ஆனால் வீரபாண்டியகட்டபொம்மன் என்ற மாமனிதனின் பெயர் உலகம் உள்ளவரை நிலைத்திருக்கும் என்பதில் சந்தேகமில்லை.

முப்பத்து ஒன்பது ஆண்டுகளே வாழ்ந்த அவரின் தியாகத்தை போற்றுவோமாக.

கட்டபொம்மனின் நினைவு என்றும் போற்றத்தக்க வகையில் கயத்தாற்றில் அவருடைய சிலையும், பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சியில் கோட்டையும் நிலைபெற்றுள்ளது.

விடுதலைக்கு விலையாக பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி என்ற ஊரும் கோட்டையும் அன்று வெள்ளையர்களால் மண்மேடுகளாகப்பட்டது. இந்திய சரித்திரத்தில் ஜல்லியன் வாலாபாக் படுகொலை மிகப்பெரியதாக கருதப்படுகின்றது. அகைவிட பலமடங்கு பெரிய தியாகங்களை தமிழர்கள் இந்திய விடுதலைக்காக ஆற்றியுள்ளனர் என்பதற்கு பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி ஒரு உதாரணமாகும்.

வரலாறு

சரித்திரம் என்பது விளம்பர மனிதரின்
சாகச முத்திரைகள் - கடல்
தெறித்திடும் போதினில் புகைப்பட மாகிடும்
சிற்சில நீரலைகள்!

ஆயிரங் கோடி மனிதரில் ஒருசிலர்
அடைகிற பிரபலங்கள் - பல
ஆயிர மாயிரம் பெயரை மறைத்திடும்
அற்புதப் புதைகுழிகள்!

வையத்து மாந்தர் நடந்துசென் றேகிய
வழிகளின் ஓவியங்கள் - சில
பொய்யையும் தூக்கி
மெய்யென ஆக்கிப்புகன்றிடும் மூலங்கள்

-மு.மேத்தா-

Super Seniors-81-Year Marriage

Anita Milford was happily married for 81 years. Now, she'll have to find a way to go on alone.Her husband, Frank Milford, died in the couple's assisted living home in Plymouth, southwest England. He was 101.

Super Seniors Frank and Anita Milford of Plymouth, England, celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary on May 26. That Frank had died at the age of 101. Anita was at his side, holding his hand. They were recognized as the longest-married couple in Britain.

The Milfords met in 1926 at a YMCA dance in Plymouth. They were married two years later.
They were recognized as the longest-married couple currently in Britain. In February 2010, they would have broken the record of 81 years and 260 days for the longest British marriage ever.

Anita Milford, also 101, was with her husband when he died. "She's very upset obviously, but she was sitting holding his hand when he passed away," their son, also named Frank.

"For the past three weeks or so he hadn’t been eating or drinking and I think we all realized he was ready to die," the 76-year-old son said. "He knew it was his time and I think he simply died of old age."

When they celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary in May, the Milfords credited daily disagreements for keeping their marriage strong. "Not big rows, just the odd cross word," Anita Milford told The Times of London. "As far as I am concerned, it’s healthy."

The couple had two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Home Interior Design Themes-Series-005

Free Standing Butler Toilet Tissue Holder With Pinched Nose

Are you looking for a little humor to brighten up your bathroom? If so you might be seeking something which offers both light relief and a functional yet decorative quality. With this in mind I would like to introduce you to this delightfully helpful butler toilet tissue holder made from hand-painted resin. It’s a bathroom accessory that will bring a smile to all the family and visiting guests.

Placed beside the toilet, this free standing butler tissue holder will provide a close-to-hand supply of toilet paper. Beneath the top hat is a place to store a second toilet roll for when the first runs empty. This gives the benefit of being able to hide the extra roll away from the visual ambiance of the interior and keep the bathroom uncluttered.

One problem might be the height of the butler toilet tissue holder. As one can see it is placed low to the ground. However, by placing the butler on a small table, shelf or decorative box, this can be overcome. If you have children in the household or often have nieces, nephews and/or grandchildren visiting, this will make a wonderfully humorous focus for naughty little minds. Poop time will never be the same again. It’ll make a super gift for a son or daughter leaving home to go to Uni as well.

World's oldest dog dies in NY at 21 — or 147

NEW YORK – A wire-haired dachshund that held the record as the world's oldest dog and celebrated its last birthday with a party at a dog hotel and spa has died at age 21 — or 147 in dog years. The dog, named Chanel, died Friday of natural causes at her owners' home in suburban Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.

Chanel, as stylish as her legendary namesake, wore tinted goggles for her cataracts in her later years and favored sweaters because she was sensitive to the cold, owners Denice and Karl Shaughnessy said Monday. The playful dachshund was only 6 weeks old when Denice Shaughnessy, then serving with the U.S. Army, adopted her from a shelter in Newport News, Va.

Along with her owner, Chanel spent nine years on assignment in Germany, where she became adept at stealing sticks of butter from kitchen countertops and hiding them in sofa cushions in the living room, Shaughnessy said. She also liked chocolate, usually considered toxic to dogs, Shaughnessy said. "She once ate an entire bag of Reese's peanut butter cups, and, you see, she lived to be 21, so go figure," Shaughnessy added. Karl Shaughnessy nominated Chanel for the title of world's oldest dog after noticing the Guinness World Records book had no record.

Guinness World Records officials presented Chanel with a certificate as the world's oldest dog at a Manhattan birthday bash hosted by a private pet food company in May. Chanel loved the party, especially the cake, which had a peanut butter flavor and had been made for dogs, Denice Shaughnessy said. Chanel exercised daily and ate home-cooked chicken with her dog food, but good care wasn't entirely responsible for her long life, said her owners, who attributed God.

"Dogs are God's angels sent here to look out for us," Denice Shaughnessy said. A dog from New Iberia, La., named Max, is vying for the record of world's oldest dog. Owner Janelle Derouen said Max marked his 26th birthday on Aug. 9. She said Guinness World Records officials were reviewing documents to authenticate his age; a Guinness World Records official in London didn't immediately answer an e-mail from The Associated Press requesting confirmation of that.

When asked the secret to her dog's long life, Derouen said she was shocked he's still with her.

NEW YORK – A wire-haired dachshund that held the record as the world's oldest dog and celebrated its last birthday with a party at a dog hotel and spa has died at age 21 — or 147 in dog years. The dog, named Chanel, died Friday of natural causes at her owners' home in suburban Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.


Chanel, as stylish as her legendary namesake, wore tinted goggles for her cataracts in her later years and favored sweaters because she was sensitive to the cold, owners Denice and Karl Shaughnessy said Monday. The playful dachshund was only 6 weeks old when Denice Shaughnessy, then serving with the U.S. Army, adopted her from a shelter in Newport News, Va.


Along with her owner, Chanel spent nine years on assignment in Germany, where she became adept at stealing sticks of butter from kitchen countertops and hiding them in sofa cushions in the living room, Shaughnessy said. She also liked chocolate, usually considered toxic to dogs, Shaughnessy said. "She once ate an entire bag of Reese's peanut butter cups, and, you see, she lived to be 21, so go figure," Shaughnessy added. Karl Shaughnessy nominated Chanel for the title of world's oldest dog after noticing the Guinness World Records book had no record.


Guinness World Records officials presented Chanel with a certificate as the world's oldest dog at a Manhattan birthday bash hosted by a private pet food company in May. Chanel loved the party, especially the cake, which had a peanut butter flavor and had been made for dogs, Denice Shaughnessy said. Chanel exercised daily and ate home-cooked chicken with her dog food, but good care wasn't entirely responsible for her long life, said her owners, who attributed God.


"Dogs are God's angels sent here to look out for us," Denice Shaughnessy said. A dog from New Iberia, La., named Max, is vying for the record of world's oldest dog. Owner Janelle Derouen said Max marked his 26th birthday on Aug. 9. She said Guinness World Records officials were reviewing documents to authenticate his age; a Guinness World Records official in London didn't immediately answer an e-mail from The Associated Press requesting confirmation of that.


When asked the secret to her dog's long life, Derouen said she was shocked he's still with her.

Home Interior Design Themes-Series-004

The Refurbished Home of Belgian Architect Leon Stynen

I was recently browsing a photography site and saw the refurbished interiors of what was once the home of Modernist architect Leon Stynen. Built in 1933, the house in the city of Antwerp was one of nine that the famous Belgian designer created for the city council. Originally, Stynen wanted to mimic the modernist housing complex of Weissenhofsiedlung in Stuttgart. This German housing complex consisted of an estate of working class housing which became the symbolic international style of modern architecture. Mies van der Rohe was one of the principle architects involved.

Leon Stynen is probably the foremost Belgian architect of the 20th Century. The scope of his work was legendry and his works are seen throughout Belgium and indeed across Europe. His style can be considered close to that of the more internationally acclaimed designer LeCorbusier who Stynen was good friends with during the latter part of his career. They both also knew well one of the designers I studied most at Art School, one Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus.

Buildings designed by Leon Stynen include the Casino in Oostende (1949) and the Church of Harelbeke (1952), which in itself was an interesting piece of work merely for the fact that Stynen was rather anti-clerical.

The pictures below show the re-designed interiors of Stynen’s Antwerp home which was recently renovated. Much of the style and decor has been placed in a way that compliments and echoes the original style and period of his life. For anyone familiar with the works of the above designers, there will be a recognition of such features.

This wonderful spiral staircase brings to mind a quotation by the Czech playwright Vaclav Havel: “Modern man must descend the spiral of his own absurdity to the lowest point; only then can he look beyond it. It is obviously impossible to get around it, jump over it, or simply avoid it.”

The proliferation of books adorning the walls is something I greatly appreciate in any interior space. Notice in most of the pictures, books seem to be everywhere. Wonderful!

Books!! A wall is never more beautiful than when its covered with books from floor to ceiling. Can you tell I am a bookworm?

Gandhi's Daily Resolution

Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day

I shall not fear anyone on earth

I shall fear only God

I shall not bear ill toward anyone

I shall not submit to injustice from anyone

I shall conquer untruth by truth And in resisting untruth

I shall put up with all suffering