tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86469372889897525062024-03-06T19:56:50.819+11:00Sanity Migrating to a new blog at https://vijeya.wordpress.com/Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-40268480405052527622016-02-03T11:59:00.002+11:002016-02-03T12:22:14.300+11:00Migrating to a new blog <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
New year, new grown up blog?<br />
<br />
The <strike>thought</strike> urge to create a new blog has been on my mind for quite some time now. I feel like I need a blog that describes me as I am now, not 17 year old Vijeya. I did unclutter and delete some posts of this blog a couple of years back, but somehow, it's not quite what I need it to be.<br />
<br />
So after spending too much filtering through posts, and playing around with themes and layouts, my grown up blog is now up at <a href="https://vijeya.wordpress.com/">https://vijeya.wordpress.com</a><br />
<br />
Of course there were some posts I had to take along, because some things (and times in my life) I need to be reminded of. The rest? I still have them all downloaded and saved, so I can import them if I feel the need. That's so me isn't it? Holding on and letting go.<br />
<br />
My life right now is so different from when I started this blog. In the past year, I have been an interviewer (the tables have turned!), Secretariat for two international conferences, MC for a seminar on transforming the public service, and so many more things I would have never dreamt of doing. Hopefully, I can slowly build an online presence that matches that. Yup, Instagram and Facebook are going to need some spring cleaning too. Boy, this is a lot of work...<br />
<br />
Will I delete this blog? I am an emotional bag of fluff, so I don't know yet. That's how I work, holding on and letting go. </div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-44177767518613587302016-01-28T20:06:00.004+11:002016-01-28T20:07:55.624+11:00ICT Appeal for KL Krashpad <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">I’m not quite
sure what got into us the day we decided we were going to buy 6 desktops for <a href="http://www.yck.org.my/" target="_blank">KL Krashpad</a>. But I am glad all my
colleagues believed in the idea. Although we were all aware of how ambitious it
was, although we were still entertaining the idea of a backup project at the
back of our heads, we still went with it. We sat down and talked about all the
things that would go wrong, and we tried to cover all bases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">Yesterday, our
amazing custodians at <a href="http://www.rsog.com.my/" target="_blank">Razak School of Government</a> donated not 6, but 7 desktops to
KL Krashpad, complemented with the following items:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1 used printer</span><br /><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1 Mini projector</span><br /><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Paper and ink cartridges for
said printer</span><br /><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-MY" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2 foldable tables & 4
chairs</span><br /><!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">4 of the
desktops are now set up in the common area for the teenagers to use, and we
have dubbed it the ‘ICT Corner’. I did have some concerns as to how well it
would be used. But after meeting the wonderful children at KL Krashpad, I am
convinced that even if they used it solely for entertainment, it would still yield
only positive consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">Seeing as we
were there to handover desktops, the teenagers put up a presentation on ‘Technology
in Education’. They talked us through the evolution of education, beginning
with cave drawings right up to smart phones in the classrooms. They then
presented mini skits of various situations surrounding the use of technology,
both positive and negative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">Amazing, precious
children. These were smart, mature teenagers with happy dispositions. I could
pick them all up and pinch their cheeks. Really, I have no recollection of
being so mature and talented at any point in time, let alone my teenage years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY">Looking forward
to see more of these kids in CSR Project #2. I’m certain we’ll think of
something crazier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-MY"><i>“The
people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones
that do.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-8975785544663149422015-12-31T12:46:00.003+11:002016-01-30T01:02:44.068+11:00Beautiful words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Jisko hai kho jaana, woh milta hi kyun hai<br />
Dil ko hai murjhana, toh khilta hi kyun hai.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Those who are to be lost, why do we meet?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>The heart which is to wilt, why does it blossom?</i></div>
<div>
<br />
பிரிவென்றால் உறவு உண்டு அதனாலே வாட்டம் இல்லை<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Estrangement validates that we once shared a relationship, thus I feel no sorrow. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why my playlist so emo T_T </div>
</div>
<div>
Also, my english translations make me cringe. No where near the original awesomeness. </div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-77795340596011276862015-12-04T19:17:00.000+11:002016-01-28T20:07:55.626+11:003 questions <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Had the opportunity to be the MC for a conference/ workshop entitled Reinventing Public Services yesterday. The participants were essentially big guns from various ministries.<br />
<br />
The first speaker had the participants think about the following:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Why I do my job</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For me the first one was easy peasy; considering I've only just entered the civil service and this is something I've personally given a lot of thought to anyways. But I should note that this was a really really hard thing for senior government officials to do. Sure, they could answer why they joined the government all those years ago. But why do they do their job NOW?<br />
<br />
But if things turn out the way I want them to, wouldn't I be a senior government official one day? Would I then be struggling to find an answer?<br />
<br />
<i><b>At what point am I most reminded of the reason above</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Oh boy, was this a hard one. I can rattle a list of frustrating things that happen day in day out that discourage me, but what REMINDS me of why I'm here? For now, the only thing I can think of is the TAPS programme and RSOG. What happens when I lose this amazing support system of people who keep telling me I'm amazing?<br />
<br />
<i><b>What would happen if I did my job outstandingly this year</b></i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was super surprised by this one. The answer is "I have no clue". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I'm thinking I should really make this an annual exercise. </div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-2201208147729883442015-12-02T12:12:00.001+11:002016-01-28T20:08:53.085+11:00Men and feminism <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />I read this today: <a href="http://i%E2%80%99m%20suspicious%20of%20male%20%E2%80%9Cfeminists%E2%80%9D%E2%80%8A%E2%80%94%E2%80%8Aand%20you%20should%20be%20too/">I’m Suspicious of Male “Feminists” — And You Should Be Too</a><br /><br />And then read this: <a href="https://medium.com/@alicengrey/not-all-men-well-actually-2d491d53dec4#.inbi30qog">Not All Men? Well, actually…</a><br /><br /><br /><u><b> Favourite quotes (ie. words that blew my mind) </b></u><br /><br /><i> "When presenting our feminist views to men, we waste so, much, time,desperately seeking their approval and validation. So much time doing everything we can to dissociate from the “man-hating” stereotype. (I say “we” because I’m guilty of it too.)"</i><br /><i><br /> "They do this shit, or they passively watch other men do this shit, and then they have the nerve to get offended when women are suspicious of them."</i></div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-41126289822899077672015-11-23T14:34:00.000+11:002015-11-23T14:34:30.398+11:00Self-esteem <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
When people keep telling you that you are amazing, I guess at some point you'd have to believe it.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-88671892400763245112015-11-05T13:38:00.004+11:002016-01-28T20:07:55.632+11:00Feminism 101 - TAPS Presentation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>Lesson 1: Feminists come in
all personalities. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A
few decades ago, feminists were fighting for rights to an education, rights to
work, rights to vote. The world has been conditioned to see feminism as a
movement that demands more power for the women. And yes, that is what feminism
is, but we do not want power over men. We want power over ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Today,
the word feminism brings to mind strong women. CEOs. Ministers. Working women
who demand equal roles and equal pay. There’s even a saying that goes "A truly
equal world is where half the nations are ruled by women."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The
western media on the other hand portrays feminists, or rather feminazis, as
women who oppose femininity all together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Amidst
these 2 extremes, is me. My ultimate
goal in life looks a bit more like this. And I am a feminist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKFkwmtH6p-VLOwkIEXZTZOZydYcETPhgfeHdMw1m6nAQ6iREsqeIUhasNzti9W8khrsLt5EK-2hZqPaMtqBIoStqOV00bhbJdAVhRu6j6gyQtJd_Vbm1shyphenhypheng9xzJADw2VskjySdHApHH/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKFkwmtH6p-VLOwkIEXZTZOZydYcETPhgfeHdMw1m6nAQ6iREsqeIUhasNzti9W8khrsLt5EK-2hZqPaMtqBIoStqOV00bhbJdAVhRu6j6gyQtJd_Vbm1shyphenhypheng9xzJADw2VskjySdHApHH/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">"Erm,
that doesn't look very feminist at all, Vijeya. That looks like the exact
opposite!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Well,
not all confident, competent women want to be CEOs. Some want to be housewives.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 2: Feminists are not
against men. </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Feminism
is often misconstrued because of its name. Being a feminist is being against
patriarchy, not against men. <b>But why
feminist? Why not gender activist?</b> Being a woman is not easy. I'm sure
being a man is not easy as well, but I am a woman. And all I know and truly care about is how
hard it is to be a woman. I feel strongly about such issues and I relate to the
label feminist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Being
a feminist doesn’t mean that I'm against every other cause in the world. I am
also a gender equality activist. All feminists are, although some feminazis are
not. If someone claims to be a feminist but doesn’t support gender equality,
then that person is not exactly a feminist but someone who supports women’s
causes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 3: The right NOT to
be. </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Feminism
is respecting people for the individuals that they are. It doesn’t mean that
all women need to be working and earning on par with men. It means all the
women who want to work and earn, should be able to. And all the women who want
to be Indian housewives, should be able to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">People
feel feminism is irrelevant in Malaysia because women can vote, drive, work,
own property, etc etc. In my opinion, gone are the days when feminism meant
fighting for rights, rights and more rights. Today, feminism means having those
rights, but also having the choice not to exercise them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I
have all those privileges women fought for years back. But people laugh at me
when I share with them that my biggest ambition in life is the exact opposite
of a highly driven career-woman. Another example, perhaps closer to home. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ5uy4VNQF2ECHH-GlSBbZqmXTIA52iFmaHBGebj7By1-toXwGMONCPYWn1mPYxP9B58n-UGZzBYaESfcWmSYPE5wGF214ZdOfsxIhGbzgFyUfodRZnjAOybvOz5UVIAViDTGGwO1W9dC/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ5uy4VNQF2ECHH-GlSBbZqmXTIA52iFmaHBGebj7By1-toXwGMONCPYWn1mPYxP9B58n-UGZzBYaESfcWmSYPE5wGF214ZdOfsxIhGbzgFyUfodRZnjAOybvOz5UVIAViDTGGwO1W9dC/s320/Picture2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Feminism has been about wearing more unconservative clothes for so many years,
that today we need to fight for our rights to wear conservative clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 4: The patriarchy is
very deeply ingrained in our minds. </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Modern
men and women always say that our society no longer discriminates women, we’re
no longer patriarchal. But…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoa6Ok3TUpxtC3swBbrA-BR_HnB6URRDGvM4M3gaQEgMig3zRpr-v5ldRrGUHC2rCFnsByAf6SMNhLf1yM-TAizT4jzMnJkSH2e5u434gjA9WXfhTsfhNMLVtUlOne3ih60Dl_OV9Ts4_/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoa6Ok3TUpxtC3swBbrA-BR_HnB6URRDGvM4M3gaQEgMig3zRpr-v5ldRrGUHC2rCFnsByAf6SMNhLf1yM-TAizT4jzMnJkSH2e5u434gjA9WXfhTsfhNMLVtUlOne3ih60Dl_OV9Ts4_/s320/Picture3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">What
is your honest opinion of men like this? Would you encourage this behavior in
your son?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Where
did we get the concept of what a boy should sound like, walk like, dress like?
Who are we to decide that this is natural and this is unnatural? Who cares if
it is a phase, or biological, or due to influence? Why is it not socially
acceptable? Boys are expected to dress and act <b><i>like boys</i></b>, because
whatever society deems feminine is unacceptable on boys. I can wear a pant suit to work, but a man
will not wear a dress even to the pasar malam.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Let’s
think about the reverse: What do we think of girls who are tomboyish? Are they
on the same level as men who wear dresses? The patriarchy lives in our heads. If you call a boy a girl it is an insult. Why
is it an insult to be a girl? Why do men and women need to fit into a mould
that is socially constructed? The argument also extends to transvestites, </span><span style="line-height: 15.3333px;">cross dressers</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, homosexuals, etc etc. I am not saying all men should embrace femininity. It's just that sometimes we need to remember that our perspectives of gender and sexuality
are socially constructed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 5: Women want to be treated
like women, not men. </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBvf-vtRZcm9lNaXxZOH48QN2KJvwyx9mSUAn-TW1xn8g1hA9UArpqO3WYzmELfXPEOiDScgdjudT-JfrrrHqKvHXNN9dUbhaeejJiFojv4a-6EGmvgGKKVapXDKy7Ff13GL57arQ6VLD/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBvf-vtRZcm9lNaXxZOH48QN2KJvwyx9mSUAn-TW1xn8g1hA9UArpqO3WYzmELfXPEOiDScgdjudT-JfrrrHqKvHXNN9dUbhaeejJiFojv4a-6EGmvgGKKVapXDKy7Ff13GL57arQ6VLD/s1600/Picture4.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This
is a so called smart reply to feminism. A lot of arguments against feminism
online take this form. If you want equality, take it! They say. Feminism and
gender equality does not mean men and women are treated exactly the same. We are not the same. We are different
biologically and otherwise. Feminism is about respecting those differences. Gender
equality does not mean being a jerk. This brings us to our next lesson: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 6: Sometimes, women
have it worse than men. Way worse. </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Be
wary of comparing woman’s problems to men problems. Not all of them are
comparable. This particular example is just nonsense, but it has been
circulating on Facebook a lot, with many of my male friends agreeing with it. We
are more than happy that you didn’t sexually harass us, we’re not going to complain
that you didn’t hold open the door. Another example, recently men have been
claiming to be victimized by feminist. They say that women demand that society
do not stereotype them, but we stereotype all men as monsters. However: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC1GGGJlYbtWMv7D0WVXiZ0s8qdKM58wGa8zRWLBvXLvAXQUMGVveJLbmD2YRSQKD0MvJNKOULA1AEzcjqNM6KYdi6kd5e0zzVdEUNwuh3hz0ER0PzcZmZ67EidMn2EP-oNEt4ZVLcP7T/s1600/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC1GGGJlYbtWMv7D0WVXiZ0s8qdKM58wGa8zRWLBvXLvAXQUMGVveJLbmD2YRSQKD0MvJNKOULA1AEzcjqNM6KYdi6kd5e0zzVdEUNwuh3hz0ER0PzcZmZ67EidMn2EP-oNEt4ZVLcP7T/s320/Picture5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">All
women structure their lives around not getting raped, not getting assaulted. We
walk in pairs. We hold our car keys as weapons when we’re alone in the car park
at night. We text our friends when we get home. We text the taxi number plate
to friends/family. We’re scared all day every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 7: The ‘Nice Guy’ is not nice, and the
‘Friendzone’ does not exist.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq5xdVnnErjGdj1Rux5RL-l_HK3jdXbj1OThf1KP7yc6I3X33Z8CSsl2xuQ1OPg5VaPpI7luIStL1vwZJzkMrgGDOuIplMe2F6Ut0HnNLfDNIQCw8U0PzisDZObWrEPo3aFPwj8L8zZnB/s1600/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq5xdVnnErjGdj1Rux5RL-l_HK3jdXbj1OThf1KP7yc6I3X33Z8CSsl2xuQ1OPg5VaPpI7luIStL1vwZJzkMrgGDOuIplMe2F6Ut0HnNLfDNIQCw8U0PzisDZObWrEPo3aFPwj8L8zZnB/s320/Picture6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Another
internet phenomenon. The term Friendzone is used when a girl labels a very
sweet, ‘Nice Guy’ who treats her right just as a friend, and nothing more. Why
is a girl obligated to be in a relationship with a guy just because he’s nice
to her? And why is he disappointed that she isn’t attracted to him
romantically? If you can’t be nice to a girl without expecting something in
return, then you are not Nice. And girls are allowed to have platonic friends.
Who she falls in love with is her business. Guys who complain about being in
the ‘Friendzone’ are not ‘Nice Guys’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;">Lesson 8: Feminism is
relevant</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Even
today, even in Malaysia. Here’s a look at the population gender split. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPvwpkZH_2TKJg-cqtkftVFh5L78NPecrV7eVXf68cq8hhHC1oUJiDPUn5Q20YPHADlmDaZtWp1RxShZPoLbqblKxv3SMjCN-srs5BiBzbI1jJDUYXGL2QfVpirCIJX151M0mYMzTBcgi/s1600/Picture7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPvwpkZH_2TKJg-cqtkftVFh5L78NPecrV7eVXf68cq8hhHC1oUJiDPUn5Q20YPHADlmDaZtWp1RxShZPoLbqblKxv3SMjCN-srs5BiBzbI1jJDUYXGL2QfVpirCIJX151M0mYMzTBcgi/s320/Picture7.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333px; text-align: justify;">And here’s a look at women representation in top positions. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDP3JPvE9bqbu0zDlD38E8BsyFMDFEF0bYEQOJ7DG9bl6kZkeHWT6ecNxh9_3uArFXo8FMRF08AaNz9BLC6YNHJS5soXcGRz_ypiY0t2AfNdQWlkAyWGn049ASnr0_sygKqXeRmvsX3qB/s1600/Picture8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDP3JPvE9bqbu0zDlD38E8BsyFMDFEF0bYEQOJ7DG9bl6kZkeHWT6ecNxh9_3uArFXo8FMRF08AaNz9BLC6YNHJS5soXcGRz_ypiY0t2AfNdQWlkAyWGn049ASnr0_sygKqXeRmvsX3qB/s320/Picture8.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3333px; text-align: justify;">And here’s women representation in the cabinet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hobnvZwpCDkHx9CEEb9CrGhdo2zTQMqsFmt6sNMIgkRFEGPOtGOqapwX4jLCkQV85rBEpWVTNoH0a1Ev35jshqOniNB7A_r2O0Tqh8LHzf5oJ2m1QvVF84-oavcwRPtShhF_-NCeen98/s1600/Picture9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hobnvZwpCDkHx9CEEb9CrGhdo2zTQMqsFmt6sNMIgkRFEGPOtGOqapwX4jLCkQV85rBEpWVTNoH0a1Ev35jshqOniNB7A_r2O0Tqh8LHzf5oJ2m1QvVF84-oavcwRPtShhF_-NCeen98/s320/Picture9.png" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Why does this happen? Because we raise girls
differently. We instill in them that the household is their responsibility,
that teaching and nursing are more appropriate careers. It is not ladylike to
be loud, it is not safe to be too outgoing. We make jokes that women are too
emotional to be leaders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Random fact: PMS makes a woman’s estrogen levels drop,
making her less of a woman and more like a man emotionally. If women are not
fit to lead due to fluctuating moods, men are not fit to lead anytime of the
year. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Look
in your homes, in your friend’s circle. Society has different expectations on
men and women. Society needs to change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Lesson 9:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #c27ba0;"> But
remember, our society, is you.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-8374129065034927812015-10-13T14:20:00.000+11:002016-01-30T01:02:59.878+11:00Asura: Tale of the vanquished <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been slightly obsessed with imagining the Mahabharatham from the Kaurava perspective, and found a book called <i>Ajaya</i> by Anand Neelakantan, which is exactly what I was looking for. <i>Asura</i> is by the same author, telling the perspective of Ravana and his people on the Ramayanam.<br />
<br />
But alas, the book was <i>meh</i> at the most. Ravana's tale is a tragedy from start to end. His character makes many blunders, and if he were real, such a person would never have been made king, never have the support of so many people to take on Rama's army.<br />
<br />
The romanticized idea in my head is that the antiheroes of these epics are only seen as such because they lost in the end. Anand Neelakantan's Ravana would have been portrayed as he is now regardless of him losing the war. Compared to Ravana in the book, I think the original story of a great man who just made the mistake of lusting for Rama's wife is more redeeming.<br />
<br />
The Ravanan in my head wanted to avenge his sister. Lust was not his goal, hence why he didn't harm Sita. He really did believe Rama and Lakshman to be villains. Whether or not they were villains is not of any concern. <span style="text-align: right;">Ravanan's story is the tale of a king who happened to lose a great war. </span><br />
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-86852472436507341612015-07-22T19:01:00.001+10:002015-07-22T19:04:42.436+10:00You have to forget in order to remember<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know all those gratitude challenges? The ones where you pledge to find something to be grateful for in each day? In which you have to remember to be grateful. If you have ever done one of those, then you'll know that some days you have to settle for being grateful for being alive and call it a day.<br />
<br />
I've had those days, we all have. You just can't find the silver lining sometimes. And then, I came home. I came home and I got an amazing job. It doesn't sound very amazing, nor does it sound interesting. But it is. And I no longer have to remember to be grateful.<br />
<br />
Everything from the free parking, to the cheap food, to the work culture, to the diversity of my role. I work far away, but I wake up later than some people who need to beat traffic. I can have a life. I know what I'm working for, and that reason is not profit (a gazillion gratitude points for this one!). I have a room, with a door I can shut. People respect your time and energy. You are more important than a deadline. The deadlines are reasonable to begin with.<br />
<br />
One day I'm writing a welcoming address for a minister, one day I'm caught up in statistic formulae, one day I'm reading academic papers. One moment I'm lost in a world of spreadsheets, and another I'm playing peek-a-boo with my colleague's toddler. Who knew I could be so content being a research officer in a department I never knew existed.<br />
<br />
I spend most of my days learning, and some of them teaching. And I no longer have to remember to be grateful.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
மறந்தால் தானே நினைத்திட </div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-73623001594445407922015-06-04T17:45:00.002+10:002016-01-30T01:03:08.470+11:00அக்னிக் குஞ்சொன்று கண்டேன்<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
அக்னிக் குஞ்சொன்று கண்டேன்<br />
<i>I found a young/small spark of fire</i><br />
அதை அங்க்கோர் காட்டிலோர் பொந்திடை வைத்தேன்<br />
<i>And I planted it in the hollow of a tree in the forest</i><br />
வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு<br />
<i>The forest burned to ashes</i><br />
தழல் வீரத்தில் குஞ்சென்றும் மூப்பென்றுமுண்டோ<br />
<i>For does the rage/courage of fire know the difference between young and old.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
மஹாகவி பாரதியார் </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>The great poet, Bharati</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I found within me a small spark </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>And I shall plant it in the hearts of young people around me</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Its flames will eventually reach the world over</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For does revolution know the difference between young and old.</i> </div>
</div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-31208975631981693612015-06-02T13:13:00.006+10:002016-01-30T01:03:24.223+11:00Timeless thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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சுட்டும் விழிச் சுடர் தான் கண்ணம்மா சூரிய சந்திரரோ<br />
வட்டக் கரிய விழி கண்ணம்மா வானக்கருமை கொலோ<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The blazing flames that are your eyes, are they the sun and moon; </i></div>
<div>
<i>And the round black spot in them, from the darkness of the sky.</i><br />
பட்டுக் கருநீலப் புடவை பதித்த நல்வயிரம்<br />
நட்ட நடுநிசியில் தெரியும் நட்சத்திரங்களடீ</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Your silk dark (blackish?) blue saree, with its embedded diamonds,</i></div>
<div>
<i>Like stars seen in the darkest hour of the night.</i><br />
<br />
சோலை மலரொளியோ நினது சுந்தரப் புன்னகை தான்<br />
நீலக் கடலலையே நினது நெஞ்சின் அலைகளடீ</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The radiance from a garden of roses, your beautiful smile;</i></div>
<div>
<i>The blue waves of the ocean, the curves of your bosom / the waves of your heart. </i><br />
<br />
கோலக் குயிலோசை உனது குரலின் இனிமையடீ<br />
வாலைக் குமரியடீ கண்ணம்மா மருவக்காதல் கொண்டேன்<br />
<br />
<i>The song of the koel, the sweetness of your voice;</i></div>
<div>
<i>Young maiden, Kannamma, I am in love with you. </i></div>
<div>
<br />
சாத்திரம் பேசுகிறாய் கண்ணம்மா சாத்திரம் ஏதுக்கடீ<br />
ஆத்திரம் கொண்டவர்க்கே கண்ணம்மா சாத்திரமுண்டோடீ</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>You speak of rules, Kannamma, but what for?</i></div>
<div>
<i>For rules don't apply to people overcome by passion.</i><br />
<br />
மூத்தவர் சம்மதியில் வதுவை முறைகள் பின்பு செய்வோம்<br />
காத்திருப்பேனோடீ இது பார் கன்னத்து முத்தமொன்று</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>With our elder's approval, we will observe the marriage rituals later,</i></div>
<div>
<i>How am I to wait till then? Here, a kiss on your cheek. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
மஹாகவி பாரதியார் </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>The great poet, Bharati</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guys of this generation need to step up their game. </div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-82034129772066814552015-06-01T12:12:00.001+10:002015-06-01T12:12:39.310+10:00Today's rant.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So much on my mind. Thoughts for today:<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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 <strike>Malaysia </strike>you are, do something! Or at least don't ridicule people who are trying to.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
4. Freedom of speech is not freedom to pass offensive remarks.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-10285191540004282682015-05-20T18:30:00.001+10:002015-05-20T18:30:33.076+10:00The joy in teaching<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm revisiting high school maths to help a friend catch up before classes commence for her masters course - drafting out lesson plans beginning with the BODMAS order of solving equations, to basic algebra, a sprinkling of calculus, leading all the way to compound interest and annuities. Only one lesson down so far, but she's proving to be a fast student. Of all my mini math tutoring stints, this one is definitely the most noble and most joyful, as she is going back to study after more than a decade of being a mum. So, being humble is out of the question, I so damn proud of this!<br />
<br />
It is such a wonderful thing to help someone out. To put our knowledge and skills to good use. For surely there is no use in being knowledgeable if you don't use said knowledge to further someone else's understanding.<br />
<br />
<i>Take pride in the number of people or causes we have helped with our knowledge, not the possession of knowledge itself. </i><br />
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-86639123163480867102015-04-27T17:20:00.002+10:002016-01-28T20:07:55.629+11:00மலர்கள் கேட்டேன் வனமே தந்தனை<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One surprise after another. After so many last minute decisions and changes, I'm finally posted to The National Institute of Valuation, an educational institution cum research centre. <br />
I get ALL the things that I was trying to choose among: <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A door into the Public Service, </li>
<li>Corporate professionalism, </li>
<li>leadership development, </li>
<li>international involvement, </li>
<li>a career in education </li>
<li>some dabbling in the actuarial field. </li>
</ul>
A little bit of everything thrown in with the thing I want most, an opportunity to advocate change. The following year is set to be the perfect crash course in everything I need to go about that. <br />
<br />
Once again, Big Boss knows best. And he'll know what to do with me when the year ends. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black;">நல்லதோர் வீணை செய்தே, அதை நலம் கெட புழுதியில் <strike>எறிவதுண்டோ </strike>எரியவில்லை</span>!</div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-70270699636386813832015-03-30T15:18:00.003+11:002015-03-30T15:18:38.766+11:00The Malaysian feminist gets a voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's to a year of change and empowerment as an Alumni Yayasan Tun Razak ExCo member.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.</div>
</div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-65836350506450263342015-02-24T04:40:00.002+11:002015-02-24T04:40:31.787+11:00வேலை இல்லா பட்டதாரி <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 33.5999984741211px;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm currently spending all my time keeping the house and myself looking acceptable. </span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 33.5999984741211px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 33.5999984741211px; text-align: center;"><i>“Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.” </i>Albert Camus</span></div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-34170825698622053692014-12-25T22:01:00.001+11:002014-12-25T22:01:51.447+11:00Sydney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
“You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place, I told him, like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again.”</h1>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5151.Azar_Nafisi" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Azar Nafisi</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Reading Lolita in Tehran</i></div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-23124710403230980562014-08-19T02:32:00.000+10:002014-09-02T01:24:13.701+10:00Wanting to make a difference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I would really appreciate the chance to make a difference. But good intentions are not enough. On one hand the government has few vacancies relevant to me, a long wait before I get a job (if I even get it, that is) and a lot of protocol and hierarchy and a culture that doesn't heed the opinions of someone of a lower position/age. On the other hand are issues I feel so strongly about and that dull ache in my heart pushing me to do something about it. Just something. ANYTHING.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice." -Albert Camus</blockquote>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-11656726378015440122014-08-17T22:05:00.004+10:002014-08-17T22:05:59.291+10:00Ruby slippers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<i>Settle abroad. </i></div>
<div>
<i>The work culture is much better.</i></div>
<div>
<i>You will have better opportunities there.</i></div>
<div>
<i>You really should get a PR while you can.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Malaysia will never change. Go overseas.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Why are you coming back?</i></div>
<div>
<i>You will regret it later.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Your kids will be better off.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Give me one good reason how Malaysia is the better choice.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why should I have to defend my desire to stay in the country where I was born and brought up? Why do I have to come up with a rational reason for loving my country? Why are people (random strangers included) so bent on convincing me that there is no hope in Malaysia? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can write me a 10 page essay on the benefits of moving to Sydney, and I may take your word for it and uproot my life and move abroad. But one lazy Sunday morning, I will wake up and crave nasi lemak from a road side stall in Sitiawan, and I will regret it. And I'm not willing to take that chance for now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There's no place like home. </span></div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-15865315507528973152014-05-31T00:53:00.000+10:002014-05-31T00:53:12.539+10:00I am a feminist.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe0J0R4MqltiWXdoWi2qwxO36o5Tk8Ubq0FO8M-VgaKTo0p08ZHvvcOjnlTWKYGgkr_SPJwtOtNS1XctE7Q4zjyvwJHvSFx9EF4WX6533f-vbj5aqpUHe9vPZe1o0fdjTXwCLTbo0P1j3/s1600/feminism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe0J0R4MqltiWXdoWi2qwxO36o5Tk8Ubq0FO8M-VgaKTo0p08ZHvvcOjnlTWKYGgkr_SPJwtOtNS1XctE7Q4zjyvwJHvSFx9EF4WX6533f-vbj5aqpUHe9vPZe1o0fdjTXwCLTbo0P1j3/s1600/feminism.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sexual harassment bothers me. Even in the mildest forms, it bothers me deeply. You know why? Because I can't do anything about it. Trust me I've tried. I have been trying for years. But there is really very little you can do about it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pondering, reading and conversations about this issue only magnified the problem. I was now facing a bigger monster: Sexism. And guess what? I can't do anything about it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so, I have decided to channel my years of frustration and dreams of change into a title. I am now a feminist. Always have been actually, but now I will begin calling myself a feminist. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always had strong opinions about feminism, but never before have I been so scared. Scared for my safety and future. Scared for the kind of world I will be raising children in. Scared that I will grow old with the words "If only.." gnawing away at the back of my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So a few days ago, I put my thoughts into action, and my feminism ball has started rolling. And I hope that I will make a difference. I hope you will too. </span></div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-67584579690809513642014-05-30T01:59:00.005+10:002016-02-03T17:23:48.802+11:00Karna <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Her eyes. Draupadi's eyes haunt me. I should have stepped in. I should have said something. I could have saved her from her humiliation in the court today. I don't understand how the elders of the court stood silent and upheld their textbook dharma when a woman's honour was at stake. Even </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">her husbands did nothing to protect her! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They say Draupadi was granted five husbands because in her past life she asked Lord Shiva for five qualities in her husband, and no one man possessed all five. I wonder what useless qualities she asked for. As apparently none of them were of any use to her today!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Read the rest of the post in its new home here: <a href="https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/karna/">https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/karna/</a></div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-59551831617415888242014-05-27T03:24:00.000+10:002016-02-03T17:24:16.536+11:00Duryodhana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Duryodhana, you are yet young and foolish. How could you stand aside and watch Draupadi be humiliated in front of the whole court? She is after all, your sister in law. Any disgrace that befalls her befalls the Kuru dynasty!"<br />
<br />
"That arrogant woman deserved everything she got! She is no sister in law of mine, Godfather Bheeshma! Her husbands, all five of them, are illegitimate children of Kunti and the Gods. There is no Kuru Dynasty blood in their veins. Don't you ever address her as my sister in law ever again!"<br />
<br />
"And yourself? The pure Kuru lineage was wiped out years ago, Duryodhana."<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Read the rest of the post in its new home here: <a href="https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/duryodhana/">https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/duryodhana/</a><br />
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-78365316990952128532014-05-23T19:08:00.000+10:002016-02-03T17:24:41.273+11:00A husband like Bheema<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
She has a beautiful smile. When I first saw her I thought to myself, "Oh, I would do anything to keep her smiling." But she wasn't smiling at me then. She was smiling at Arjuna. Besides, her swayamvaram had been structured such that only the greatest archer can win her hand. And I knew that it wasn't me.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When Arjuna lifted the bow, I secretly wished he would not hit the target. I prayed to the Gods to spare me the agony of having to live with her as my Sister-in-law. But Destiny had a different plan. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Read the rest of the post in its new home here: <a href="https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/a-husband-like-bheema/">https://vijeya.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/a-husband-like-bheema/</a><br />
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-59577151204055884912014-05-23T17:46:00.003+10:002014-05-31T00:56:13.477+10:00She<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I heard a silvery laugh. That's the only way I could have described it. Silvery. That faint laughter filled the recesses of my mind with glistening dew drops and the colour of the moon and the refreshing smell of rain, all in one short moment.<br />
<br />
I looked up from my textbook. There was a girl sitting cross-legged on the floor, straight across the room from where i was seated. She wasn't laughing then, but the slight traces of a smile had yet to leave the corners of her lips. And I knew it was her. Or, at least, I hoped it was.<br />
<br />
She was engrossed in a book, and I, in her.<br />
<br />
Her warm brown hair, her sweet silver laugh. I followed her fingers as they traced the spine of her book. I watched her slender wrists as they flipped the page. And I searched my memory for a word to describe her eyes. I studied her toes as they curled. I imagined the emotions she felt as she read and I saw them reflected in her face.<br />
<br />
I settled on the perfect way to say hello as I walked over, but alas. She left.<br />
<br />
She closed her book, picked up her bag and left me staring into the space she previously occupied. And she left her silvery laughter ringing in my mind. </div>
Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646937288989752506.post-69306738396634722452013-12-13T18:51:00.002+11:002013-12-13T18:51:40.009+11:00Beautiful paradoxes. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/cody-delistraty/2013/12/31-albert-camus-quotes-that-show-the-beautiful-paradoxes-and-complexities-of-life/">http://thoughtcatalog.com/cody-delistraty/2013/12/31-albert-camus-quotes-that-show-the-beautiful-paradoxes-and-complexities-of-life/</a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Filed for inspiration </div>
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Vijeyatharzhini Bathmanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17291979890644266255noreply@blogger.com0