அக்னிக் குஞ்சொன்று கண்டேன்

அக்னிக் குஞ்சொன்று கண்டேன்
I found  a young/small spark of fire
அதை அங்க்கோர் காட்டிலோர் பொந்திடை  வைத்தேன்
And I planted it in the hollow of a tree in the forest
வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு
The forest burned to ashes
தழல் வீரத்தில் குஞ்சென்றும் மூப்பென்றுமுண்டோ
For does the rage/courage of fire know the difference between  young and old.

மஹாகவி பாரதியார் 

The great poet, Bharati

I found within me a small spark 

And I shall plant it in the hearts of young people around me

Its flames will eventually reach the world over

For does revolution know the difference between  young and old. 

Timeless thoughts

சுட்டும் விழிச் சுடர் தான் கண்ணம்மா சூரிய சந்திரரோ
வட்டக் கரிய விழி கண்ணம்மா வானக்கருமை கொலோ

The blazing flames that are your eyes, are they the sun and moon; 

And the round black spot in them, from the darkness of the sky.
பட்டுக் கருநீலப் புடவை பதித்த நல்வயிரம்
நட்ட நடுநிசியில் தெரியும் நட்சத்திரங்களடீ

Your silk dark (blackish?) blue saree, with its embedded diamonds,

Like stars seen in the darkest hour of the night.

சோலை மலரொளியோ நினது சுந்தரப் புன்னகை தான்
நீலக் கடலலையே நினது நெஞ்சின் அலைகளடீ

The radiance from a garden of roses, your beautiful smile;

The blue waves of the ocean, the curves of your bosom / the waves of your heart. 

கோலக் குயிலோசை உனது குரலின் இனிமையடீ
வாலைக் குமரியடீ கண்ணம்மா மருவக்காதல் கொண்டேன்

The song of the koel, the sweetness of your voice;

Young maiden, Kannamma, I am in love with you. 

சாத்திரம் பேசுகிறாய் கண்ணம்மா சாத்திரம் ஏதுக்கடீ
ஆத்திரம் கொண்டவர்க்கே கண்ணம்மா சாத்திரமுண்டோடீ

You speak of rules, Kannamma, but what for?

For rules don't apply to people overcome by passion.

மூத்தவர் சம்மதியில் வதுவை முறைகள் பின்பு செய்வோம்
காத்திருப்பேனோடீ இது பார் கன்னத்து முத்தமொன்று

With our elder's approval, we will observe the marriage rituals later,

How am I to wait till then? Here, a kiss on your cheek. 

மஹாகவி பாரதியார் 

The great poet, Bharati

Guys of this generation need to step up their game. 

Today's rant.

So much on my mind. Thoughts for today:

1. Religion is personal.  I have never had to define my religion or show proof of my faith to anyone, not even myself. I accept my religion with ambiguity, and it's easy to do being Hindu. Our epics cover both sides of any story you could think of. Being Hindu makes it easier for me to see how ridiculous it is to police religion. Don't police religion, just don't.

2. Malaysia is not an entity separate from its people. "Malaysia is racist, Malaysia has messy politics, Malaysia has no career opportunities." You are Malaysia. If you are unhappy with the way Malaysia you are, do something! Or at least don't ridicule people who are trying to.

3. Yes, there is racism in Malaysia. No, racism does not automatically mean the Malays are being racist towards the non-Malays. When you whine that your child got full As but a Malay with lesser As got the scholarship because of quota, you are being racist. Just because the student is Malay does not render him/her less deserving of the scholarship. A lot of factors play a part in scholarships. Deal with it. And yes, Malays deal with racism too. Races are not racist. Individual people are racist.

4. Freedom of speech is not freedom to pass offensive remarks.

5. It's so easy to complain. All the people who criticize the state of things in Malaysia are so oblivious to the fact that it is they who must change. They need to change their 'know-it-all' attitude, they need to start investigating facts instead of perpetuating stereotypes.

6. Stop making everything about Article 153. My kid didn't get a scholarship because Article 153. Non-Malays can't get good jobs in the government because Article 153. I want to emigrate  because Article 153.

7. Teach children to be nice. To be understanding. Raise them free of racial, religious, gender stereotypes. Raise them proud of their culture but not critical of others.

Rant of the month:  Omg, you work with the government? I'm sure there aren't many non-Malays. Do you wear baju kurung to work? Do they air prayers on the PA? What do you eat, you poor thing.

Yes the majority of my colleagues are Malay-Muslim, because last time I checked, the majority of people in this country were Malay-Muslim. Yes, I wear baju kurung sometimes because I have nothing against the outfit plus it's so comfortable. No one makes me wear it, and even if they did, so what? You pergi kerja pakai saree ke? We all conform to uniforms/ dress codes. By the way I could totally wear a saree if I wanted to. They air prayers on special occasions, but being Hindu does not mean being against Islam. Plus they pray for the well being of everyone at the office (me included), ain't nobody mad about that. And I eat food. Yummy, cheap, food.