For the Love of Matunga and its South Indian Connect

MATUNGA’S SOUTH INDIAN CONNECT

LALITHA BALASUBRAMANIAN

My association with Matunga began when I was just a year old, and such was the predominance of the South Indian community at that time, that this pretty central suburb was known as mini Madras.  I still reside here, having been witness to the migration of many of these families to far flung suburbs and the steady influx of Gujaratis and Jains in this area. Now, the essence of the South Indian crowd is seen in the temple cluster of South Indian origin, which include Asthika Samaj, Bhajan Samaj, Shankara Matam and Kanyaka Parameshwari temples.

 

 These temples do stand tall, bearing testimony to the community’s rich contribution to Matunga’s heritage, art and culture. All of them have beautiful gopurams with aesthetically carved sculptures of Hindu deities. 

The crowd in these temples never abate as the people who have migrated from here make it a point to visit from wherever they are. On festival days like Skanda Shashti, Ram Navami, Gokulashtami, Navrathri and Shivrathri, music, dance and religious discourses are held on a regular basis, and one can see them, be they from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka, blending together everywhere, making the entire area a colourful festive conglomeration.

It is said that where the South Indians are, flowers follow. 

The mesmerising smell of the pure white jasmines and roses wafts across the air, beckoning us to halt and savour the magical sight of a row of flower stalls displaying colourful garlands of all sizes.

 These shops take orders for garlands and loose flowers for temple deities, pujas, weddings and other occasions. Talking of weddings, there are typical South Indian sari shops like Nallis, New Mahalakshmi, Lakshmi and Solanki with their varied selections of the delightful Kanjivaram silk, Pochampalli and Mysore crepe silk saris along with the crisp Coimbatore, Madurai and Venkatagiri cotton weaves.

As for culture and art, would there be any Mumbaikar who has not heard of the Shanmukananda Sangeetha Vidyalaya or the Rajarajeshwari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir? These two iconic institutions continue their contribution to the preservation and spread of classical art forms like Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. Both of them have existed for as long as I can remember. Their students generally graduate to becoming performing artists of high calibre.

And what’s more! The South Indian flavour does not end here. Popular eateries like Madras Cafe, Ramashray, Anand Bhavan, Amba Bhavan, Sharada Bhavan and Mysore Cafe dot the suburb with their varied temptations. 

  

The aroma of filter coffee is by itself an invitation to savour a cup of coffee or kapi as they call it, at any of these joints. This tempting aroma of freshly ground coffee powder can be felt even as we touch Maheshwari Udhyan from the generations old shop of Mysore Concerns.

 In fact the shop has become so famous, that they distribute their coffee powder to various suburbs of Mumbai by public demand.  The mouth watering and most popular South Indian meal served at the Udupi Rama Nayak, near Matunga station, is definitely worth a mention. Apart from the South Indians, the current predominant population of Gujaratis and Jains relish the idlis, dosas and medhu vadas with the generous helpings of sambhar and chutneys served at these joints. But even with so many famous eateries in the vicinity, it behoves me to ponder over the perennial crowds at the fast food stall near Milap and opposite Asthika Samaj. This stall has been there since decades, and many residents swear by the unique taste at this outlet. A year or two ago, a wayside stall by the name Ayyappa stall, close to Shankara Matam, had many cars halt outside to allow the passenger to get down and savour the food, while creating a traffic jam. The roads are not too wide and with vehicles parked on both sides this is not something to be wondered at. Fortunately for the car owners and pedestrians, this eatery has been shifted to another place.

While speaking of parking, there is another very unique thing about Matunga that sometimes drives a person like me insane. Drivers of taxis, cars and tempos park even in two or three parking lanes, with complete disregard for traffic sense, sometimes wilfully blocking the way of others to follow. So honking is so, so, inevitable. But, Matunga has so much going for it that one tends to overlook this obvious flipside to the coin.

The South Indians are a religious lot. To cater to this need of theirs, Giri Store has a whole lot of religious books, music CDs and other puja items. In fact anything that is necessary for a puja apart from the havan samagri can be availed of at Giri Store. They also have a collection of brass idols. During Navratri time, there is a virtual influx of ladies visiting the store to buy Golu dolls and haldi Kumkum items. The dolls are on display at least a month prior to the festival. Specialised Golu steps are also available with Giri Store on order.

The vegetable market too exhibits a distinct South Indian tinge, with the Maharashtrian vendors calling out in Tamil about the mangais (mangoes) and chakkais (jackfruit).

They are so conversant with the South Indian festivals that they display the special items needed for each festival with elan, be it koorkai during Thiruvadhirai or chakkai and kanikonnai during Vishu. 

Vazhai elai, thandu and vazhai poo, (banana leaf, stem and flower), so typical of South India, is available here throughout the year.

It is interesting to note that if any South Indian household has a function or a religious ceremony to be held, they flock to this market for all the essential items, serving a reminder that Matunga, the Mini-Madras of yesteryears, still retains its South Indian connection.
#Matunga  #SouthIndian #AsthikaSamaj #BhajanSamaj #ShankaraMatam

#MiniMadras #Eateries #Kapi #vegetablemarket #flowers

A #Story for #children from #Ramayana on the strange request of Sage Vishwamitra #ChildrenStories 4

After finishing their learning at the gurukul, Rama and his brothers returned to the palace.

 Maharaja Dashrath and his queens were delighted. They poured affection and love on the children and were enjoying their company to the maximum.

One day, Sage Vishwamitra arrived in Ayodhya. Maharaja Dashrath went personally to receive and welcome him to his kingdom. He washed Vishwamitra’s feet in reverance and accompanied him to the palace. Sage Vasishta who was present, also stood up reverently and welcomed  Vishwamitra Maharishi.

“Oh revered Maharishi Vishwamitra! Your sacred feet have enhanced the honour of our country. Your respected presence in our palace has made the entire Ayodhya sacred,” said Maharaja Dashrath, while welcoming the Sage into the palace court.

Vishwamitra acknowledged the respectful welcome of the King.

After ensuring that the Sage had been seated comfortably, the King went up to him and enquired, “Tell me, what can I do for you?”

“Are you sure that you will give me what I want?” asked Vishwamitra.

“If it is in my capacity, I promise that I will offer you whatever you require,” answered Dashrath.

“I will not take no for an answer anyway,” said the Sage. “I want Rama and Lakshmana to accompany me to the forest. We are doing yagnas for the wellbeing of the world, but there are two demons who disrupt our yagnas. I need Rama and Lakshmana to defeat those demons so that we can complete our yagnas in peace.”

Maharaja Dashrath was stunned. He had never expected such a request from the Sage. The children had just come back home after a few years of stay and learning at the gurukul. How could he part with his beloved Rama again? How would the queen mothers take it? Dashrath mind was floundering for an answer to the Sage.

Vishwamitra waited for a few seconds. Then he got up and said angrily, “Maharaja Dashrath, I thought you were a man who stood by his word. You promised me that you would give me what I want. Then why are you not answering?”

Dashrath pleaded with the Sage, “Maharishi, Rama and Lakshmana are too young to fight with demons. Let me accompany you and I assure you that I will fight with those demons. I will see that you are allowed to perform your yagnas in peace.”

The Sage refused to listen. “I don’t want you. I want Rama and Lakshmana. If you cannot give them, let me leave. I don’t want anything else,” he exclaimed angrily.

Knowing the effect of the anger of Sage Vishwamitra, Vasishta came forward.

“Maharaja Dashrath, You speak like this because you are not aware of the real caliber of Rama and Lakshmana. As a Guru, I can vouch for their exceptional power and capability. And though I have taught them whatever I could, by being with Brahmarishi Vishwamitra, who has so much more knowledge to impart and so many divine asthras in his repertoire, they can acquire much more gyaan.”

Listening to the words of his Kulaguru Vasishta, Dashrath gave in and sent for Rama and Lakshmana. 

Vishwamitra was waiting for this moment when he could set his eyes on the Lord. When Rama and Lakshmana came in, Vishwamitra drew in his breath. They were looking so innocent, so handsome.

“Father, you called for us?” asked Rama softly.

Dashrath’s eyes were moist. “Yes. I called for you both. This is Sage Vishwamitra,” he said.

The boys folded their palms and greeted the Sage with respect.

“My dear sons,” said Dashrath. “Maharishi Vishwamitra wants you both to accompany him to the forest and protect his yagna from demons.”

“That will be a blessing for us,” said Rama.

Vishwamitra looked at them with great affection.

 The queens by then had heard of Vishwamitra’s strange request. They came running to plead with the Sage to allow the boys to remain in the palace. But Rama managed to placate them.

Dashrath said, “Rama, Lakshmana! From now, till you come back here, Maharishi Vishwamitra will be  your father, mother and Guru.  Follow his orders as you would follow mine.”

“Yes Father,” answered both Rama and Lakshmana.

They slung their bows over their shoulders and the quiver of arrows on their backs and followed the Sage into the forest.

#Vishwamitra #Rama #Lakshmana #Dashrath #Vasishta #Ramayana

A #story for children from the #Ramayana about Rama's childhood #ChildrenStories 3

There were festivities in Ayodhya when the four sons of Dashratha were born. Soon Sage Vasishta had to perform the naming ceremony. He thought for some time before proclaiming that Kausalya’s son would be named Rama.

“Why Rama?” he explained. “Rama means one who is everywhere or omnipresent. Because this child will always remain in the hearts of his people and give joy and happiness to everyone in the world, I am going to name him Rama.”

Maharaja Dashrath was very happy and he and his queens took the infant Rama in their hands one by one and whispered the name Rama in his ears.

Then Vasishta said, “The son of Kaikeyi will be named Bharata as he will protect everyone. The sons of Sumitra will be named Lakshmana and Shatrugna, as Lakshmana is auspicious and Shatrugna will be the destroyer of enemies.”

Vasishta being a great Sage and visionary, knew that Rama was the incarnation of Mahavishnu, Lakshmana of Adishesha, Bharata of the divine Conch and Shatrugna of the Sudarshanachakra.

Rama was the darling of everyone. Kaikeyi loved him more than her own son, and so did Sumitra.

One night as Kausalya was feeding baby Rama while showing him the moon.

“Chandamama” little Rama said pointing to the moon.

 It was full moon night and the moon was very beautiful and Rama wanted it. Kausalya first thought that he wanted more food, but when she fed him with rice he refused saying again that he wanted the moon. Kausalya did not know what to do. Rama started crying out loud that he wanted the moon.

Hearing his cries, the King and the other queens came running. When they saw that Rama wanted the moon, they were nonplussed.

‘How to bring the moon down?’ They were in a dilemma. They tried to console the child, but in vain.

Then Kaikeyi suddenly hit upon an idea. She brought a vessel filled with water from her room and showed the reflection of the moon to Rama.

Rama was happy and his laughter made everyone happy.

Rama and his brothers grew to be strong young lads and loved playing together. Lakshmana always sided with Rama, while Shatrugna went with Bharata. Being the eldest, Rama was loved and respected by all of them and they always listened to him. Once when they were playing at bringing mangoes down from the tree, Rama and Bharata both aimed at the mangoes. The person who brought down the most number of mangoes would win. The mangoes were struck down but both felt that he was the one who had hit the mango. 

Lakshmana at once started arguing on Rama’s behalf, whereas Shatrugna maintained that it was Bharata who had struck the mango down. Rama at once calmed his brothers and declared that it was Bharata who had won. This showed his selfless love for his brothers.

The children grew up a little more and were then initiated into learning by Sage Vasishta at his gurukul. They were taught archery and martial arts along with formal education. The princes were treated as equals to all other students in the gurukul. They did not have any advantages or special treatment because they were from the royal family. And Rama and his brothers were happy with their friends and gave utmost respect to their Guru, Sage Vasishta.  

#Rama #Gurukul #SageVasishta #Rama_and_the_moon #Kaikeyi #Kausalya #Bharata #Lakshmana #Shatrugna

Focus on Regional Sporting Infrastructure could help India Win More Olympic Medals

India, the nation which has gifted several sports to the world, has little to show by way of medals or achievements at mega sporting events like the Olympics, apart from the individual brilliance of a few like Abhinav Bindra. 

Every once in four years, bureaucratic apathy, corrupt officials, inadequate training facilities and political interference in sports gain predominance in discussions on sporting failure. 

The furor dies down as soon as our cricketing heroes play the next cricket match. This is on expected lines as our people consider cricket as a religion. But what about the focus on other sports!

If talent could be unearthed at the grass root level and simple strategies to win could be evolved and executed, success could definitely be achieved. For example, Pullela Gopichand, a master strategist, made Hyderabad the center for badminton training single handed.  His badminton academy gave us players of the caliber of Saina Nahiwal and P.V. Sindu. 

Recently we have seen some teenage shooters like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary proving their mettle in the sport.

Haryana has given us world class wrestlers like Sushil Kumar,  Yogeshwar Dutt and the Phogat sisters. Enthusiasm for the sport has assumed good proportions among both men and women. Boxing is another sport Haryana specializes in.

Kerala, with its famous Vallamkali and Kalaripayatu, could give us rowing and martial arts specialists.

Maharashtra’s Mallakambh could offer gymnastic talent, Jharkand rafting and so on.

Probably,the way forward is to improve sports infrastructure according to the heritage of the region, scout for exceptional talent, provide excellent training facilities and most important of all keep politics out of sports, India can look forward to more Olympic medals.

#Olympics #Sports #medals #training #sportinginfrastructure #talent #Shooting #badminton #Wrestling #Boxing #Gymnastics #rowing

A #Story for children from the #Ramayana on the Birth of Rama #ChildrenStories 2

Maharaja Dashrath, the King of Ayodhya, had everything that his heart desired, three beautiful wives, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra, wealth, prosperity and happy subjects. But he had no sons to continue his lineage. The King and his queens were worried about the future of the kingdom.

They went to their Kula Guru,Sage Vasishta.

“We have everything we want in the world, but we have no children to continue our lineage. I am not going to live forever. What will happen to the people of our Ayodhya?” asked the worried King.

Sage Vasishta advised, “You can perform the puthrakameshti yagna.”

 Maharaj Dashrath immediately agreed.

 “But,” pronounced Vasishta, “There is only one person who can guide you in perfoming this yagna, and that is Sage Rishyashringa.”

As Dashrath got ready for the journey, Vasishta told him, “You and your queens have to go on foot without any encumbrage to invite the Sage.”

Dashrath agreed and soon set out to meet Sage Rishyashringa. The Sage was pleased with the humility and respect shown by the king and agreed to do the Puthrakameshti Yagna.

At the culmination of the yagna, Agnidev appeared from the sacrificial fire with a pot of kheer in his hands. He gave the pot to King Dashrath and asked him to distribute it to his queens. 

Dashrath gave one part of the Kheer to Kaushalya, another to Kaikeyi and the remaining two parts to Sumitra. They returned to Ayodhya with hope in their heart and prayer on their lips. Within a few days, all the three queens became pregnant. 

Nine months later, the King became a father to four sons. In the month of Chaitra, on the Navami day, one son was born to Kaushalya, one to Kaikeyi and two to Sumitra. Entire Ayodhya joined the king and queens in rejoicing. During the naming ceremony, Kaushalya's son was named Rama. Kaikeyi's son was named Bharat and Sumitra's twins were named Lakshman and Shatrugna.

#Ramayana #Rama #Bharat #Lakshman #Shatrugna #BirthofRama

#Ayodhya #Dashrath #Kaushalya #Kaikeyi #Sumitra 

The Freelance Scenario in India is still not as rosy as it seems

A decade or two ago, one would have related the term “freelancer” to someone in a creative field like media, advertising, interior designing or photography. Not so now. Worldwide trends for freelancing show a lot of difference especially in the past five years. We find many mainstream professionals in Marketing, Management, Information technology and Education, quitting their white collar jobs and turning to entrepreneurship or freelance.

Cut to the Indian scenario. There are millions of freelancers in this country, most of them part timers wanting to supplement their regular income. Some enterprising professionals are venturing into freelancing or “Consultation” as they prefer to call it. The move, more often than not, is premeditated, with the person opting to be his own boss, not finding adequate job satisfaction or wanting flexibility in work hours. If the individual is a professional with years of experience behind him, and opting to become an entrepreneur mid career, he is aware of the financial investment risks involved and accepts it. He is willing to face the pain of failure if it happens. He has probably saved to compensate for the oncoming financial insecurity. And if his business plans do take off, his success could reach heights.

 The picture of a full time freelancer, not necessarily an entrepreneur who does not invest anything except his time and expertise, is, however, not as rosy as it seems. The freelancing trend in India is comparatively nascent, an organisational mess and fraught with risks. Hurdles appear at every step and if this adventure into the world of freelancing fails, going back to a well paid job may prove to be slightly difficult.

The journey faces its first hurdle in the family.

 “How are you going to manage the day to day expenses without a steady income?”

This is the normal question asked by any Indian family member, in whose mind the twin factors of job security and monthly salary remain too deeply ingrained for him/her to accept the freelancer’s baggage of financial insecurity.

The second hurdle makes its appearance in the social and business circles. A freelancer, unless already respectfully established, has to work doubly hard and generate quality output to establish his credentials. Gender inequality also exists in most spheres. Employers generally seem to think that women, especially those with young children, who take the freelance route are not committed enough towards their work, and should be paid less than their male counterparts, whereas the opposite may be the factual truth. Bidding wars and cut throat competition are common. A steady flow of assignments may be hard to come by. A freelancer’s quality credentials are suspect if he under quotes. But if he sticks to his price, he may lose out on some prestigious projects. However, every established freelancer would advice not to compromise on pricing and quality, as in Indian circles, the ‘word of mouth’ recommendations still play a huge role in landing assignments on your lap.

As it is, the freelancer worries about the inconsistencies of cash inflow with some busy months followed by a lean patch when one is waiting for some project to materialize. Added to this, the vicious red tape involved in lengthy negotiation with bureaucracy leading to delayed payments can be extremely frustrating to say the least. 

Thankfully, not all companies are the same. There are a few who pay well and promptly, but they are significantly few in number. It pays to make a note of these and serve them with increasing frequency. You can search for specialized work assignments in freelancing websites, but the success mantra has to be research. Research the credentials and authenticity of a prospective job giver, before you approach for a job-work. There is no specific law relating to freelancers in India. Hence the benefits and privileges available to employed personnel cannot be availed by them. Everything depends on the contract that is entered into between the individual and the organisation.

The employer though is in a win-win situation.  When the company hires a freelancer, they are saving on so many counts, no health benefits, no provident fund, no gratuity, bonus payment or leave salary, no training cost. But the freelancer loses out on all these benefits. Hence, he/she should ideally take all these factors into account before quoting a price for his/her expertise.

But the scenario is not totally grim. Silver linings do lighten up the horizon if you keep in mind that facing a talent crunch and perennial job rotation antics of good employees, companies are scouting for genuine talent on the freelance screen. You have to note, however, that every employer is different. His requirements are different. You will have to keep updating your skill and knowledge in the field of your expertise. You may have to spend from your own pocket for training and updating your knowledge.

But if you are able to take it as a challenge, then you could be a huge success.

#freelancer #expertise #updating_skill  #financial_insecurity #contract #genuine_talent #Indian