pulse may 2013
DESCRIPTION
Pulse magazine of ET 1979, BHELTRANSCRIPT
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 1
Cover photograph: Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa (story in page 9). Credit: Andrew Hudson
PPPuuulllssseee May 2013 Issue No. 137
February 2013
Page 10 wot doin GenX?: Harita Kannan
The Unofficial Publication of the 1979 Batch Engineer Trainees of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Tiruchirapalli, India
Page 3
Nizam of Tiruchirapalli
Page 4
Ding dong BHEL
Page 5
Chandra on Chitra Pournami
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 2
Contents Page
In The News By Easwaran 2
ET79inDeed: Nizam of Tiruchirappalli 3
Ding dong BHEL: By Radha & Easwaran 4
Culture: Chitra Pournami: By Chandra 5
Reflections: From K K Parthiban 6
FAQ for Women: From R Easwaran 7
Health: Cholesterol: From Mohan 8
Guest Column: Cape Town: By Andrew Hudson 9
Wot Doin GenX? : About Harita Kannan 10
Feedback ; Quiz Winner; ‘Vadivelu’ 13,15
Dear ET 79
This issue comes with popular features and many valuable sourced-materials.
C S Nizam features in the ET79inDeed column. We have Harita Kannan in the ‘wot doin Genx?’ section. We take a break on LadyET79 post.
We are answering 10 intriguing questions lingering (?) in the minds of ET79 who have left BHEL (most of us have!). This series will also enable those who are still with BHEL to reflect on the past memories.
Your feedback continues to flow in keeping the Pulse Desk always charged.
Thank you all. Happy reading!
Radha
Dubai, 30 April 13
In The News R Easwaran
Google Search: Pulse digital magazine in Page #1 Last five back volumes are available on www.issuu.com
Top Management Meet
This year the Top Management Meet of BHEL,
Trichy is being held at Ooty during 28-30 Apr
2013. The arrival of BHEL delegates has brought in two days of rain at Ooty.
The significance of this event can be seen from
the presence of six ET79 - Gopi (with family), Soundy, Mrs and Mr Thanakodi, Nataraj, Mrs and
Mr Ravindran and Easwaran.
In all, on the side lines of the event, it was a good ET79 get together.
Ramesh Easwaran to Quit Infosys
Ramesh is all set to quit Infosys, Chennai, following his
getting admission in Xavier’s Institute of Management
and Entrepreneurship at Bangalore. He is likely to be
relieved by 24th May 013 and has to join XIME by June
17, 2013. These days quitting jobs is like switching TV
channels!
To recollect Ramesh and Ilamurugu Kailasam, who got
admission to PGDM with Birla Institute of
Management & Technology, were featured in the ‘wot
doin Genx’ column of Pulse!
Our best wishes to Ramesh and Ilamurugu!
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 3
C S Nizam has seen many challenges in
professional and personal life. Although he
could clear ET assessment only on his second
attempt, he went on to excel in the field of
maintenance of machine tools. Nizam talk to us
on his professional and personal journey and
his achievements.
Nizam, you have achieved a lot in your career.
Which one do you think is the most memorable
one?
I received the Gold Medal from the then Executive
Director, Mr. A. Srinivasulu, at the Repubilic day
celebrations in 1992. This was an unimaginable
achievement for me considering the fact that I was
one of the few ETs who failed the final assessment
conducted by the training centre; I passed the exam
on second attempt.
That indeed would have
been a long, strenuous route
to excellence. Can you
elaborate on the challenges
faced before you achieved
the Gold Medal?
I failed the final assessment
conducted by the training
centre. It was at that time that
I realized that I need to put in
extra efforts to come on par with BHEL standard.
The carefree attitude of college days—where I was
appreciated by friends as very intelligent scoring
more marks without studying etc.—was no longer
sufficient. So I borrowed books from BHEL libraries
and studied meticulously. The books were mainly on
Psychology and Electronics.
The several training programmes I attended within
and outside BHEL were very useful too. I am
thankful to
Mr. R.
Krishna Rao
and Mr. V. K.
Gopinath
who were the
leaders of
M&S
department
during the
period.
By 1988 when I was called for interview for the flier
promotion to Deputy Manager I had become the
expert engineer in automation and computer control
of machines in a department concerned with
automatic and computer controlled machines.
So, when the requirement came for the manufacture
of stud welded tubes for
gaining important orders for the
organization the responsibility
of developing a suitable
machine for manufacturing
these stud welded tubes was
assigned to me (electrical) and
to Mr. Ashokan ( mechanical).
An old Peg Fin Welding
machine supplied by ESAB,
Sweden was modified using
servomotor and electronic controls from Horizontal
Offset Bender (HOP) supplied by KKK Japan to
produce a new completely automatic Stud Welding
Machine.
Tell us about your accomplishments outside the
career.
I was two times elected as committee member of
Kailasapuram Club. I was two times badminton
doubles champion of Kailasapuram Club. I was a
member of BHEL, Trichy Chess team that won the
ET79inDeed Nizam of Tiruchirapalli arthiban
NIZAM’S CAREER TRACK 1979 to 1995 BHEL/HPBP, M & S: Lost position: Manager 1995 to 1997 BHEL/PC, Management Services, Manager 1997 to 1998 BHEL/PC, Materials Planning, Senior Manager 1998 to 2000 BHEL/PC, M & S, Senior Manager 2000 to 2002 BHEL, Transit Plot & Port Ops, Senior Manager 2002 to 2008 BHEL/HPBP, M & S, Senior Manager 2008 to 2011 Went to UK, could not take up any employment 08/2011 to 12/2011 CETHAR Ltd Assistant General Manager 2011 till date Looking for opportunities in Chennai
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 4
Inter-unit championship in 1981 and for several
more years I played Chess for the Trichy unit.
What kind of support do you receive from
your wife and family?
I married Fousia in 1989. She is M. A. in
psychology and LLB and enrolled as Lawyer in
Kerala High Court. In 1993 when my son was
diagnosed with autism she, based on her knowledge
in psychology helped me to come to terms with the
disability. When we were in Chennai, she worked in
Madhuram Narayan Centre for handicapped children
for three years (1995 –98) providing training and
care for physically and mentally handicapped
children. This experience has helped her in properly
looking after our son while I could concentrate in
office work.
Gopinath on Nizam’s the professional competencies: Nizam was known to be extremely knowledgeable on maintenance of machine tools. In Bldg 50 there was one Mr.Kunchithapatham, an electrical supervisor who was, and considered himself to be, the most knowledgeable on the machines and its controls in that Bldg due to his practical experience. He would respect only those who could prove themselves to be more knowledgeable and there were hardly any till Nizam came along. Those who knew Mr.Kunchithapatham well would vouch that the fact that he followed Nizam's instructions, is in itself a testimony of Nizam's proficiency. Gopinath recollects an anecdote that showcases Nizam’s forthrightness: Nizam is a person who speaks about anything and anyone in a very matter of fact way. When he is annoyed, the words he uses would be sharp but would be delivered in a flat voice. He is also a person who speaks his mind plainly - no matter to whom he is talking. I remember an incident, narrated to me, in which Nizam's boss asked him to verify the status of a machine. Nizam verified the same and reported back that the machine was working satisfactorily. But his boss probably had some other information and called Nizam back asking him to go to the machine, verify and report back. True to his reputation, Nizam replied " I have told you that the machine is o.k. If you have any doubts you go and verify"-or words to this effect.
Nizam, with his wife Fousia and son Saman
Ding dong BHEL This issue carries a series of
‘Thought-provoking questions’ and ‘Knowledge-enriching answers’; All about and around BHEL.
Radha rings the bell (Questions) and Easwaran comes alive with Answers!
THE ANSWER “Many things do not change in BHEL! Meal is still available at Rs.0.50ps (= US$ 0.009 or UAE Dhirams 0.033!).
As a change, an additional option of buffet lunch at Rs 3 is being offered in the last ten years or so. You can imagine that this is also heavily subsidised!!”
Ding dong BHEL # 1 Is the cost of meal at
BHEL canteen still 50p?
Answer Continued... (More food for thought!)
“It is said that a person, if he joins BHEL and chooses (after entering) not to go out of the gates, he can still live with free facilities provided by BHEL including uniform dress, shoes, socks, neem twigs for brushing, soap and towels, food 24x7, unlimited water and electricity, cell phone and laptop (which also serve as recreation) and so on.
Perhaps, the only facility that BHEL does not provide is shaving blades (even scissors are provided for trimming). Salary goes into bank account, but where is the need for cash! Even ATM counters are available in BHEL factory campus, if need there be, for extra paid requirements!”
10 questions in the minds of ex-BHEL (most of us are ex!) are answered. Those who are still with BHEL can also reflect on the past memories.
The questions you never found time to ask; but were eager
to know the answers
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 5
Chitra Pournami is a ceremony observed on the full
moon day in the Tamil month of Chitirai (April –
May). Considered as Chitragupta’s birthday, this year
it was on 25th April 2013. Chitragupta, according to
the scripts, is the assistant of Lord Yama, the God of
death. The day is also dedicated to Indra, the head of
Devas. It is on this day that the star Chitra and full
moon come together.
Chitragupta means collection of pictures. It is believed
that Chitragupta examines the good and bad
performances of the person. When a person dies, his
soul first goes to Lord Yama, where Chitragupta tallies
the deeds and reports to Yama. On this day, special
poojas are conducted at temples and people take bath
in holy rivers and temple ponds to wash away the sins
committed.
Temple Festivals
Chitragupta Temple at Kanchipuram is the only one
temple in South India dedicated to Chitragupta.
Thirukoteeswarar temple at Thirukodikaval, situated
on the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai route, has
separate shrines for Chitragupta and Yama. In these
temples, Chitra Pournami festival is celebrated in a
grand manner every year.
As per a legend, Lord Indra, the king of Gods, and his
Guru Brihaspati once had an argument. As Indra failed
to respect the Guru, he stopped advising Indra who
started committing sins in the absence of his Guru.
Days passed and Brihaspathi returned to his duty. He
advised Indra to go on a pilgrimage to the earth to
lessen the burden of sins. During the pilgrimage, Indra
realized that he had been redeemed from the sins. He
found a Shiva lingam under a Kadamba tree and
believed that Lord Shiva had helped him in relieving
his sins. Following this, he started worshipping him.
He worshipped Lord Shiva with a golden lotus which
he found from a nearby pond. This is believed to have
happened on a Chitra Pournami day at Madurai.
Devendra puja is held during Chitra Pournami in
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, commemorating
the event.
The Mangaladevi Temple located at Kumily in Idukki,
Kerala also celebrates Chithra Pournami festival with
much religious fervor. Mangala Devi Temple built in
Pandya style of architecture is dedicated to Kannagi,
the main character of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram.
The temple is around 2000 years old and remains
closed for the entire year except for Chithra Pournami
Festival. Hundreds of pilgrims from Kerala and Tamil
Nadu visit the shrine during the festive occasion.
Chitra Pournami is an important festival at Murugan
temple at Ettukudi, Near Thirukkuvalai, Tiruvarur.
Thousands of Kavadis will fill the small village with
Milk Kudams and Abhishekam will be done to Lord
Muruga with milk continuously without break. It is an
important summer festival in the area and lot of people
walk from their homes miles away with Kavadi to the
temple. In the olden days, renowned `Annadhana
Sivan' used to provide free food to all the devotees and
the same practice is being continued even today.
Chitra pournami is also famous for Arjuna. In
Mahabharata, Arjuna, aroused by Krishna’s beautiful
waist and red lips, approached him as ‘Arjuni’. It is
being celebrated in Arjuna temple in koovagam near
Villupuram in Tamil Nadu by those having both male
and female gender / characteristics, once in a year on
this day.
Real Significance
Chitta/Chitra Gupta is nothing but a function of our
Antahkarana only. Chitta...repository of
memories..from all our births
Gupta...a secret. The secret of our memories...
Upon death and during intrauterine life..the recording
in the "microchip" of the Chitta portion of our
Antahkarana plays all the scenes from our previous
lifes..it unfolds in front of us and based on that
recorded data..our karmic cycle kicks into action...
This is described as the book Chitragupta is supposed
to have.. He actually does not record anything..we
record it ourselves...
Well..Poornima is a full moon..Moon exerts effect on
our Antahkarana(made up of manas,buddhi,chitta and
ahamkara..loosely called Mind)
Hence on Chitta Pournami.. it would be good if we can
use such occasions for self appraisal that can help in
cleansing the mind (Chitta Suddhi) and reduce the
karmic baggage that one carries (DTS =
Cumulative Desires, Thoughts and Selections).
CULTURE Chitra Pournami – A day for your introspection
By Chandra
THE ANSWER
“Yes. The time lines for entry often start at 5.00 am,
these days!”
Ding dong BHEL # 2 On days of workers’ strike, do executives rush
to office, hours ahead to avoid stone pelting?
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 6
Meditation –
A Process of Cleansing, Dialogue and Joining
The word yoga means "bringing
together" or "joining again". Joining again with
what or with whom? Firstly, with our original and
eternal self: the soul, and secondly, with the eternal
Supreme Source of all positive power and energy; this
Source helps us to recharge ourselves with energy and
to know ourselves.
At this time in the history of humanity, humans have
lost the mastery and control over themselves. They do
not have continual peace or a sense of purpose,
happiness or fullness. The human soul needs to be
recharged. Although the soul has great potential in
its inner self, it needs a source of external energy
for the latent (hidden) powers and virtues to
emerge, just as occurs with seeds in nature.
The seeds of plants and trees have their own source of
inner energy. However, this energy cannot be released
without the actions of an external energy source, in
this case the energy of the sun. Through the power of
sunlight, the seeds in the earth will sprout and flourish.
The human body has its own energy, but needs
external sources of energy on a daily basis: air,
sunlight, water and food. Without these external
sources, the human body would die.
The external source of power that helps the latent
virtues emerge in the human being is not physical,
since the human soul is not physical either.
This source of power has traditionally been called
God or the Supreme Being: in fact it has been given
many names.
The Art of Forgetting In Relationships
Sometimes, someone says something in two minutes
that makes you feel really bad - they said it in two
minutes but it is still there inside the register of your
mind two months or even two years later. How could
they! Who do they think they are! Something
happened in two minutes and you remember it, you
repeat it again in your mind and in your words during
interactions with others. You keep replaying the scene
repeatedly in your mind. Just like an action replay of a
cricket match, you see the replays from different
angles and judge the scene in many different and
negative ways and come to different conclusions, most
of which are negative in nature. With this you
strengthen that experience in your mental register.
Memories and the experiences associated with the
memories replayed continuously in the conscious
mind enter your sub-conscious, so that even after a
long period of time you remember what they said to
you. The other person unburdened themselves and
forgot it straightaway.
It's like your neighbour who takes out rubbish, throws
it outside his house, into your compound and forgets
about it and you allow that rubbish to remain there,
without thinking of getting it cleaned. Someone
throws a few words at you and they forget, but not
only do you not forget but you repeat them in your
mind to such a point that at times these action replays
do not even let you sleep. We need to learn the art of
forgetting memories that generate shadows of hurt
or pain in our present. The past has already gone and
what you have now is the present moment.
Reflections Sourced by K K Parthiban
THE ANSWER
“Ayudha Pooja is still celebrated across the
campus, with 'muttai pori' being smeared across the campus .... with a small amount, of I guess
6ps per head, being given by BHEL for pooja!
But for the last several years, the entry for public
was avoided due to security reasons. Last year, however there was a small change. BHEL
employees were allowed to get security passes for
their relatives in advance, and they were alone allowed.
Our C Kannan visited last year. However, no
more queues stretching from North Gate to
Training centre hand statues in the afternoon!”
Ding dong BHEL # 3 On the Ayudha Pooja day, are the public still allowed inside BHEL?
Vichu’s son Raghavan’s
Wedding Schedule
Nichayathartham: 11 July: Evening
Wedding (Muhurtham): 12 July: 9:00 – 10:30
am Reception: 12 July Evening
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 7
Happy Birthday to You
Name May
Mr P Soundararajan 6
Mr A Venkatachalapathy 6
Mr Thanakodi 10
Mrs Baby Gopalaswamy 11
Dr G Ravichandran 13
Master Pradeep Kandasamy 18
Mrs Selvi Thirumalai Subramanian 18
Miss Pooja Mohan Aier 18
Mr C Kannan 24
Mr R Easwaran 31
1. What should a woman do if she finds herself alone
in the company of a strange male as she prepares to
enter a lift in a high-rise apartment late at night?
Experts Say: Enter the lift. If you need to reach the
13th floor, press all the buttons up to your
destination. No one will dare attack you in a lift that
stops on every floor.
2. What to do if a stranger tries to attack you when you
are alone in your house, run into the kitchen.
Experts Say: You alone know where the chili
powder and turmeric are kept. And where the knives
and plates are. All these can be turned into deadly
weapons. If nothing else, start throwing plates and
utensils all over. Let them break. Scream.
Remember that noise is the greatest enemy of a
molester. He does not want to be caught.
3. Taking an Auto or Taxi at Night.
Experts Say: Before getting into an auto at night,
note down its registration number. Then use the
mobile to call your family or friend and pass on the
details to them in the language the driver
understands. Even if no one answers your call,
pretend you are in a conversation. The driver now
knows someone has his details and he will be in
serious trouble if anything goes wrong. He is now
bound to take you home safe and sound. A potential
attacker is now your protector!
4. What if the driver turns into a street he is not
supposed to - and you feel you are entering a danger
zone?
Experts Say: Use the handle of your purse or your
stole (dupatta) to wrap around his neck and pull him
back. Within seconds, he will feel choked and
helpless. In case you don't have a purse or stole just
pull him back by his collar. The top button of his
shirt would then do the same trick.
5. If you are stalked at night.
Expert Say: Enter a shop or a house and explain
your predicament. If it is night and shops are not
open, go inside an ATM box. ATM centers always
have security guards. They are also monitored by
close circuit television.
Fearing identification, no one will dare attack you.
After all, being mentally alert is the greatest weapon
you can ever have.
Celebrating Wedding Days
Celebrations
Mr K Viswanathan and Mrs Uma
Viswanathan share the joy of 28 years of
union on May 15,
having married on this day in 1985.
Mr Gurumurthy and Mrs Shailaja
Gurumurthy complete 29 years of
married life on 9th May,
having married on 9th May 1984.
Happy wedding anniversary to you!
What Should a Woman Do? FAQ Sourced By R Easwaran
THE ANSWER
“Kamala Teashop does not exist, sorry due to
the widening of the roads. There was also a
once-reported instance of a lorry crashing into Kamala tea shop.
The spell of Kamala Tea (fondly known as KT)
is not just with ET79, but I have heard many of our senior batches talking about it. May be Dass
can help trace Kamala?!”
Ding dong BHEL # 4 Is Kamala teashop still around?
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 8
It’s easy to eat your way to an alarmingly high
cholesterol level. The reverse is true too — changing
what you eat can lower your cholesterol and improve
the armada of fats floating through your bloodstream.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and “good
fats” are all part of a heart-healthy diet. But some
foods are particularly good at helping bring down
cholesterol.
How? Some cholesterol-lowering foods deliver a good
dose of soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its
precursors in the digestive system and drags them out
of the body before they get into circulation. Others
provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower
LDL. And those with plant sterols and stanols keep the
body from absorbing cholesterol. Here are 5 of those
foods:
1. Oats. An easy way to start lowering cholesterol is
to choose oatmeal or a cold oat-based cereal like
Cheerios for breakfast. It gives you 1 to 2 grams of
soluble fiber. Add a banana or some strawberries
for another half-gram.
2. Beans. Beans are especially rich in soluble fiber.
They also take a while for the body to digest,
meaning you feel full for longer after a meal.
That’s one reason beans are a useful food for folks
trying to lose weight. With so many choices —
from navy and kidney beans to lentils, garbanzos,
black-eyed peas, and beyond — and so many ways
to prepare them, beans are a very versatile food.
3. Nuts. A bushel of studies shows that eating
almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts is good
for the heart. Eating 2 ounces of nuts a day can
slightly lower LDL, on the order of 5%. Nuts have
additional nutrients that protect the heart in other
ways.
4. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols
and stanols extracted from plants gum up the
body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from food.
Companies are adding them to foods ranging
from margarine and granola bars to orange juice
and chocolate. They’re also available as
supplements. Getting 2 grams of plant sterols or
stanols a day can lower LDL cholesterol by about
10%.
5. Fatty fish. Eating fish two or three times a week
can lower LDL in two ways: by replacing meat,
which has LDL-boosting saturated fats, and by
delivering LDL-lowering omega-3 fats. Omega-3s
reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also
protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of
abnormal heart rhythms.
But stay away from…As you consider eating more of
the foods that can help dial down cholesterol, keep in
mind that avoiding certain foods can improve your
results. To keep cholesterol levels where you want
them to be, limit intake of:
Saturated fats. The saturated fats found in red meat,
milk and other dairy foods, and coconut and palm oils
directly boost LDL. So one way to lower your LDL is
to cut back on saturated fat. Try substituting extra-lean
ground beef for regular; low-fat or skim milk for
whole milk; olive oil or a vegetable-oil margarine for
butter; baked fish or chicken for fried.
Trans fats. Trans fats are a byproduct of the chemical
reaction that turns liquid vegetable oil into solid
margarine or shortening and that prevents liquid
vegetable oils from turning rancid. Trans fats boost
LDL as much as saturated fats do. They also lower
protective HDL, rev up inflammation, and increase the
tendency for blood clots to form inside blood vessels.
Although trans fats were once ubiquitous in prepared
foods, many companies now use trans-free
alternatives. Some restaurants and fast-food chains
have yet to make the switch.
Stay well, Enjoy Life, & Be Nice to your spouse!
HEALTH Five Foods That Fight High Cholesterol (Source: Harvard Medcial School)
Sourced By Mohan
THE ANSWER
“The mystic charm of Maya Bazaar like in the old
days may be missing for the ET79, but the bazaar
is invariably available on pay days, bonus days and
any day some money is paid to some section of employees.
The aroma is haunting .... agarbathis to dried fish.
The sounds reverberate ... cacophony of seller's claims to crying children.
With a considerable younger generation inducted,
the newer generation is going through the thrills of
Maya Bazaar, we loved years back.”
Ding dong BHEL # 5 Is maya bazaar still buzzing on
paydays?
Sourced By Mohan
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 9
Five hundred years ago, Bartholomew Diaz, a
Portuguese seafarer looked up from his charts and saw
a peaceful bay over which towered a protective table of
rock. Unwittingly his view of Table Mountain
changed the face of this wild, unspoilt southern tip of
Africa forever.
For, the hunger for the spoils that were to be had in ‘the East’ – the Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, the
nutmeg isles and further afield - spurred the cold
European countries to mount expedition after expedition to procure and purloin
what they could in whatever way
they could. The rugged beauty and
safe Table Bay waters soon became a natural halfway house for the
fleets of ships on their way to and
from ‘the East’. Voyaging sailors repaired vessels here, then ventured
ashore, left messages for each other
under the ‘post office stone’, and searched for fresh water, vegetables
and fruit.
Repeated representations to the
powers that be in Europe, imploring them to establish a permanent
halfway station on the shores of Table Bay fell on deaf
ears until 1652, when the Dutch established the ‘tavern of the seas’, a permanent stronghold where provisions
for the passing ships were locally cultivated below the
visage of Table Mountain and beyond.
The vegetable fields, orchards and animal husbandry
activities required labour and management and it was
not long before the cosmopolitan population of Cape
Town was born. Labourers, tree-planters, vintners, stock farmers, soldiers, doctors, administrators and
traders from East and West, all converged on the Cape
of Good Hope to seek their fortune in the thriving chandlery business.
Today, nearly 400 years later, the mountain still stares
benevolently over a matured Mother City, smiting each visitor’s heart with its colour and beauty.
The fairest Cape is green – the green of the pitch
during a cricket international at Newlands. It is blue – the azure, big open skies above its sandy beaches. It is
red – the streaky rusted hulls of ships as they dock in
Table Bay. It is white – the foaming crests of waves as
they stroke the shore and exhale. It is black – the dark vegetation on the inland Swartland Mountains. It is
grey – the grey of the furious, thundering Atlantic
squalls on a stormy winter’s night. It is brown – the colour of the African continent to which its future is
tied.
It is also fresh green – the sun shining through the
sweetness of a young grape. It is ice blue – the winter sky and frigid wind born in the Antarctic cold. It is
golden good – the raw sugar stretches of sand along the
ocean that bid pleasure and relaxation. It is dark green, blue and white – the
angler’s bobbing fishing boat out at
sea. It is turquoise – the balmy ocean and tubular swells on a clear summer’s
day. It is speckled blue – the barnacled
whales as they crash their large bodies
and slap their tails in the lazy swells off the southern shores.
It is black, white and brown – the
cosmopolitan inhabitants and their different political and social views. It
is radiant and tanned – the welcoming
smile on a local man’s face. It is light, fruity white, ruby red and amber gold
– the bottled and fermented fruit of the many vines. It
is scissor white – the bared fangs of the great white
shark in False Bay. It is misty grey – the early morning anglers’ steamy breath as they joke over a cup of
coffee.
It is a smiling, nonchalant gold - the radiant African sun peacefully setting over a lapping ocean. It is indeed
a woven coat of many colours.
Guest Column Cape Town: South Africa’s Coat of Many Colours
By Andrew Hudson
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Sunset over a Calm Atlantic Ocean
Ding dong BHEL # 6 Is the last digit of BHEL staff number
still the check digit?
THE ANSWER
“Yes Radha. One of those wonderful
ingenious developments of BHEL! I don't
know if the code was patented? You may know better on this, as your ‘IED colleague’ used to
talk about this unstoppingly!!”
Sunset over a calm Atlantic Ocean
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 10
wot doin Harita Kannan?
A Self Portrait (Digital Art)
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 11
Harita Kannan, daughter of Kannan is a voracious reader, an avid violinist and a
keen digital artist to name only a few of her endeavours. She is doing her 12th
grade
in Northwest High School, Maryland USA. She aspires to become a Computer wiz
kid or an Architect in the future. Let us listen to the truly-Indian lady from the USA:
Harita, what is your
biggest passion?
“I would say my biggest
passion is music. I play
the violin, both western
and carnatic and I enjoy
both equally. I've done
western violin since the
fourth grade.
Who was your
inspiration?
Divya akka who also played western violin was my
inspiration. In fact, I decided to play violin because of
her. I idolized her, and I wanted to do everything she
did. She is also the main reason I play carnatic violin
too. I have been playing Carnatic violin for around 6
years, since the 7th grade.
My dad was also a big inspiration because he really
wanted me and akka to play the violin. Our teacher
lives in Virginia, which is around an hour away, but dad
never once complained about taking us to class, even
when we didn't practice.
I also learn carnatic vocal music and have been at it for
10 years. At first, I was neutral towards it. I didn't hate
it or like it, but now it is one of my favorite hobbies.
I have to credit my grandmother for making it my
passion. Whenever she calls from India, she asks me to
sing a song for her, which I love to do. Other than
music, my other favorite hobby is reading, but I'll add
to that later.”
How many hours do you practice? What is the level
you have achieved in music?
“I believe I have acheived a high level in each branch of
music. I get quite a lot of practice for western violin,
because I have orchestra daily in school, so I don't
practice much, maybe 2 hours a week. For carnatic
violin, 3-4 hours a week, and for vocal, 2-3 hours each
week. As you can see, practicing is not my strong
point.
Have you done concerts?
“I have done many, many concerts for vocal and both
violins. Right before akka left for college, we had our
mini carnatic violin arangetram in the Community
Centre in Maryland, USA.
I have done carnatic vocal concert was at a Thyagaraja
Aradhana festival conducted by the Chinmaya Mission
of Frederick, Maryland.
For school orchestra, we have travelled to many places
for competitions and placed in first for most of them.
My favorite orchestra trip was to Universal Studios in
Orlando, Florida.”
Tell us about your unique academic endeavours?
“In school, I joined the science bowl team and the
physics olympics and went to competitions, which we
did well on. I'm also in the math honor society, science
honor society, national honor society and ambassadors
group.”
What is science bowl?
The science bowl is a nationwide competition for high
schoolers and middle schoolers. It tests one's
knowledge of all branches of science but with the
emphasis on chemistry, biology, and physics. My
school's science bowl team competed in the state level
competition which was held in Montgomery College,
Maryland, USA
Let us not forget about your reading habits...
“I could go on and on about books, as you know. My
parents think I waste too much time on it and they're
right. I don't want to sound cliche, but my all-time
favorite is the Harry Potter series. Second would be
Wot doin GenX? Multi-talented Harita Kannan
THE ANSWER
“The answer is an affirmative yes! It you are a
lady holding a child or if you are a middle aged with luggage or if you are old with a walking
stick, then the clearance from the conductor for
BHEL passengers is given only after the bus moves a few feet!!
The Tanjore bus stop to Junction still have a
crowd of about 10-20 almost always in the
mornings and evenings. But the buses these days seem to be in plenty. There are no long queues at
Training Centre bus stand (inside township) these
days, after office hours.”
Ding dong BHEL # 7 At junction bus stand, BHEL passengers are still required to wait for the Tanjore
bus to move, before boarding?
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 12
Sherlock Holmes.
This is not only my obsession though, it is also akka's
and amma's obsession. We have read every single
Holmes story and seen all the movies and TV
adaptations. My favorite is the BBC version which
presents Sherlock Holmes in the 21st century. Other
than that, I will read almost anything. I also love The
Thief series by Meghan Whalen Turner.”
What are you reading now?
“The book I'm reading now is the Kite Runner by
Khaled Hosseini. It was assigned to us in our Lit. class
in school, so it should have been boring, but I really like
it.”
Are there books which you hate, at all?
“The books involving vampires or werewolves. I can't
stand those.”
In your school curriculum you are expected to do
some social service. How does it work?
“In America, students are required to complete 75 hours
of social service before graduating. For that, I chose to
volunteer at my elementary school along with my
friends. I helped the art teacher there which I really
enjoyed because art is a minor hobby of mine.”
What kind of art you have indulged in?
“ Of the arts, digital art is my favorite. I have done an
animation presentation for which I won an award in
middle school.”
What is the impact of internet, social media in your
life?
“ I am sad to say my life revolves around the internet.
Although I don't frequently use Facebook or have a
twitter or instagram like many, I would be lost without
the internet.’’
When not on internet or studying or reading, what
do you do?
“When I'm not studying or on the internet, I hang out
with my friends. Sometimes we go to the mall, or the
movies, or we bake cakes/cupcakes.”
We wish Harita a bright future!
Ding dong BHEL # 8 On retirement days, does the ethnic band (karaggattam,
tharee, thappattee ) still reverberate?
THE ANSWER
“These are times of mass retirements, with many
bulk recruits during the 70s slowing moving out of
the campus.
Every month, there are as many as 40-60 retiring. This will continue till about 2015, after which this
will taper down.
Karagattam, crackers, large posters with photos of
retirees, the entire family taking retired persons by open jeep, garlanding of Kamarajar statue
(blocking the traffic) are all common.
Tea parties at the retired employees home or at common place like KC are also not uncommon.
Perhaps, there are not enough karagattam artists to
cater to the 24th of every month at BHEL, these days!”
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 13
You Said It
Radha, This month PULSE has come (especially – layout) very well. Balraj
Parthi We are proud of you. Ilamurugan. I have seen you since you were a small boy in shorts. Nice to see you writing big-big things. H V Gurumurthy
Nice article Guru on your wife. Radha, congrats again on great contents and great production. Regards Muthu
Dear Chandra Congrats for winning the 'Guess Who' contest. Let me know how you want the prize money to be sent. You mentioned that you wanted a gift. In that case, let me know your preference or if you want to leave it to me to select one for you. Regards Radha Thanks Radha.. I thought someone from the US would have cracked it earlier because of the timezone. I would be very happy to receive and treasure the gift chosen by you. Chandra
Dear Radha, The idea of having the contest few days before the issue is brilliant and my compliments for that. I am sure this will stir up even the most lethargic to eagerly await the PULSE.
I am keen to see what more tricks you have?
Looks like PULSE will become a super hit in entire BHEL, Trichy and going by the reaction of Mr.AVK, you and Easwaran may be asked to edit the official publication as well.
Your columns are bringing out unknown side of ET79 and their family members and that will definitely enhance the mutual respect and bonding further. Great job again ! Keep growing !!
Chandra.
Kudos to you uncle. April Pulse was indeed a good read. Thanks a lot for featuring me in this edition. Ilamurugu Kailasam
THE ANSWER
“Roses do bloom there. There is still a good
variety. But I for one, tend to get a feel that it
is nurtured only in early November, in time for Nehruji's birthday!
There is enough scope for turning this into an
exotic rose garden, with a hundred species of roses! BHEL should also be known for its
rosy environment!!”
Ding dong BHEL # 9 Do roses still bloom around Nehru
statue?
Hi Uncles! It has been a while since we've been in touch, but the monthly issues always make us feel like we're still a part of the gang =) Thank you for continuing to keep the magazine fun and entertaining! Matangi Kendapady
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 14
Easwaran’s Review of April Issue
The cover 'rock'ed! Great that Jambu's camera has brought in good clarity of this vintage delight!
Balraj, your poems are really good. Ellam Irukkum idam engae??
AVK's message might have been a surprise to many. Radha always makes his dent.
Parthiban is very frank and forthright in capturing his life - its joys and pangs. The journey has been indeed successful. Kudos to him for a long continued successful journey. Everything is a learning for this hands-on man!
There is a lady behind Guru's smile - Mrs Shailaja. Guru, keep smiling.
Radha barges into Jeffrey Archer and earns his appreciation! An inspired unique story on Urgency Matters is indeed Radha special. There is a touch of Bank experience as well. Good story, Radha.
Ilamurugu's first love continues to be his car. Nice to know about this person and his other passions. Wish him a good PGDM and a great profession.
Andrew Huson is pained to buy something exotic, the added features of which is hardly used. Our generation may give their votes to Hudson. After all a phone is for talking; and not also for talking!
The emotions before hitting the pillow matters, says Marker. That is why people keep pleasing photos in their bed rooms.
Jambu has all the information on Tamil New Year. Kudos to his research. May Vijaya varsham bring all success.
In all a very rich treat. Thank you for it Radha.
R. Easwaran
You Said It
Hi uncle, It is really fun to read your articles. I especially like the quiz you made up in the last edition. Harita Kannan
In The News
Bon Voyage to Suresh Babu
Suba writes,
“I am in USA along with my wife from 10th May for about 4 weeks. I am attending a conference and having a number of business meetings.
Also, we will be on vacation with son and daughter-in-law who live in Houston.
I am planning to visit CA, TX, NJ, NY.
I am in touch with many of our friends to work out the possible meets.
Looking for a great trip….”
Valves Records Broken, Thanks to Soundy
Turnover climbs by 41% in a year and crosses the Rs. 1000 Crore mark.
From 1.38 lakh (nos) valves in 2010-11 ... a quantum jump to 2.35 lakhs in 2012-13 in 2 years ... Doubling in two years.
Number of material vendors enhanced from 25 to 45 in two years ... highly appreciable in the context of problems of power cuts
100 new vendors added in SCMC
Good to see Goindwal doubling in one year In all a good show; the stamp of ET79 is seen.
Congrats Soundy!
Venky, the Public Speaker
The 42nd
National Safety Day celebration was
held on 4th March 2013 in BHEL with a large
number of employees participating near Main
Gate.
Welcome address was by our Venky. He needs
special compliments for the excellent rendering of
his speech in Tamil.
Well done Venky!
May 2013 Pulse ...feel the beat! Page | 15
.
.
Thamarai’s Son Shashank to Wed on 28 June 13
QUIZ CONTEST RESULTS The answers: 1. C S Nizam 2. Kamala Tea 3. ‘a’ ie Pulse comes on top of Page #1 in
Google search
CHANDRA WINS AGAIN
Easwaran and Chandra submitted all correct entries, and Chandra wins Indirani Balraj cash prize of Rs500.
Congrats to Chandra!
We thank all the participants for their enthusiastic participation and Balraj for sponsoring the prize money.
Chandra will be contacted directly for the disbursing the prize money.
THE ANSWER
“Many may know that Bldg 2 & 4
was constructed in two parts? Plant
Lab (Bldg number 3) came up in
between. So the number 2 & 4
stuck.
I still have not deciphered which is
the 2 portion and which is the 4
portion!
Thankfully, there are no border
fighting chauvinists!”
"Ding dong Bhel..Nalla thaan erruku..
eethukku ellam room potttu yosipangallo?”
PS: Apologies for those who cannot understand Tamil. Please approach your nearest Tamil friend; it is worth it.
" ... ...
?"
Dear ET79!
I actually have some very exciting news that I know my dad (Thamarai Kannan) will kill me if I don't share with his beloved ET79 group! My mom (Gowri Kendapady) and I are extremely happy to announce the wedding ceremony of my brother (Shashank Kendapady)!
The big day is actually on June 28th, 2013 in Thanjavur and we would be beyond grateful if you can help spread the word with an announcement in the May issue. We plan on sending an official email with more details in a few weeks, but I just wanted to let everyone know now. Of course all are invited to bless my brother and his bride-to-be (Poornima Selvaraj). It would mean a lot to our entire family to have a piece of my dad's past blessing us into a new future!
Thank you so much and I hope to see you all soon!
Sincerely,
Matangi Kendapady
Ding Dong BHEL # 10 Has the riddle of why one building has two numbers (i.e. 2 & 4) been
cracked?
PULSE DESK
R Easwaran
K S Radhakrishnan