Tremors & Aftermath Shakes Me

I had forgotten to blog about our office experience of an aftermath of the 2Nd earthquake of a magnitude of 6.8 that hit Sumatera at 9.53am. Well since everyone had already left office day b4 yesterday when the first earthquake actually occurred, none of us felt the tremors of that although a few parts of JB was said to have felt it. I was still on the road driving back home at that time so it would not be easy to have felt the tremors even tough they were happening. However yesterday sitting on my desk at around 10am or so I felt a very strange feeling. Its almost a feeling someone sitting in a ship in the middle of sea would feel. I felt instantly sick and nauseous and actually thought that it was my diet that was doing this to me. I manage to bring my concentration level back to my work however I suspected something amiss when the water the bottle sitting on my desk was shaking without any reason. This puzzled me as my computer desk is very stable and therefore the water should not shake as it was. I walked up to my clerks and colleague alerted them. When we looked out of the window, we noticed that all occupants of our near by buildings were evacuating so we closed our office and coolly made our way down. We were out from office for about one over hour when the building managers deemed it safe to go back in again. No other incidents as such occurred again after that but having never gone thru this before I was pretty shaken and sick after that. I just wondered if I was feeling like that just with some tremors, how about those who are actually in Padang, Sumatera who bore the actual brunt of the earthquake. Is it God's way to do math, I am not sure but I pray for the souls who have perished, those who are in critical conditions, those who have lost family members and to those who have very little food and drinking water. MAY GOD BLESS AND PROTECT ALL!

Just to bring all reading to level as to why we working in Komtar fear that the tremors may affect Komtar (where our office is located on the 21st Floor) Komtar is actually supposed to be a 4 storey shopping complex and a 26 floor office tower resting on the foundations of the complex. Due to refurbishing work, the complex was totally torn down and what is left a hollow square on which the 26 floored office building rests upon so when it comes to tremors we take no chances!

NST 2/10/2009

Cracks in 5 buildings after tremors

KUALA LUMPUR: The earthquake in Padang, Sumatra, on Wednesday left minor cracks in several buildings in Peninsular Malaysia. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said yesterday the Fire and Rescue Department received calls from residents of 47 high-rise buildings that felt the tremors.Checks by the department's staff showed minor cracks in five buildings in the Klang Valley, Bernama quoted Kong as saying in Ipoh yesterday."The cracks in the five buildings were found to be not serious after checks by engineers and the relevant authorities." In Putrajaya, hairline cracks appeared in several government buildings and homes.Putrajaya Public Works Department director Datuk Abdul Rahim Ahmad, however, assured residents there was no need to worry.He had referred the matter to the city's developer and said the building structures were able to withstand minor tremors as the piling foundation was sturdy."We have only received complaints of minor cracks from residents in two units of a government quarters apartment block in Presint 14 and government buildings in Parcel C."Our officers have thoroughly checked all premises and concluded that the damage to buildings doesn't pose a threat to inhabitants."Rahim said repair work commenced yesterday.Resident Mazuadi Mustafar, 27, who lives on the 15th floor of the Presint 14 apartments affected the most, said he barely slept a wink that night worrying that the building may collapse.His elderly neighbour, Sheikh Aziz Sheikh Said, 74, whose apartment unit bears cracks as an aftermath of the tremors, said they had immediately packed their bags even after the authorities declared it safe in case the building collapsed.

In Johor Baru, precautionary measures were taken at several high-rise buildings, with those inside told to evacuate when tremors were felt for a second day in a row. Among buildings where the occupants were told to evacuate were Menara MAA, Plaza Kotaraya, Hotel Selesa, Landmark Mall, City Square office tower, Menara Ansar and Komtar. Also affected were government office buildings at Wisma Persekutuan.The Johor Fire and Rescue Department received reports of tremors at more than 10 high-rise buildings in the city centre from 10am.

All That We Have Are Memories

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come. Author --- Rabindranath Tagore

I was just sitting down yesterday and managing my Diwali sms wish list. I was putting all my friends and family who celebrate diwali into one folder in my contacts so that when it comes to sending out Diwali greetings it would be much easier. I almost reached the end of my contacts when I realised what I had done. I had also included the numbers of my mama who passed on one month ago (2nd September 2009) and my dearest friend Lachman who passed on 2 years ago (14th July 2007). What surprised me was that after 2 years I still have Lachman's number. Maybe because I always have this bizarre thought that one day I will call and might just hear his voice at the end of the other line. Never going to happen I know but sometimes it is nice to think that nothing is impossible in life. If impossibilities becomes integral in life, it would be impossible to live. When I was posted to Putrajaya I used to think how nice it would be to still have my grandparents house in Rahang, Seremban. I wd travel daily. Even though no one is around anymore, just staying in the house would have been a joy. It is so strange how even today I close my eyes I can still imagine every nook and cranny of that house and all the time I have spent there. The house is no longer where it is. All that is left is a plot covered with thick bushes. The kampung is almost unrecognisable. The sandy roads have been replaced by tar, the papan houses with brick. The yellow buses are far n few in between where once there used to be many. There is no longer the smell emanating from Lee Rubber, the smell that never bothered us but would have disturb many. The biscuit factory just sits there motionless. The cow sheds have vanished just like their owners. The river has dried up where once water flowed. The infamous scary wooden bridge that we had to cross which connected us to the other side of the kampung where the shops used to be has disappeared almost as if saying that our present can never ever be connected back to our past life. It holds as reminder to say that everything changes but change itself. My ultimate dream is to build a house exactly like what our Seremban house was. Wish me luck. Now whenever I pass a signboard that says either Seremban or Pontian, my heart says visit but my mind automatically asks WHO? I have always been listening to my heart so the next time I pass such signage I will visit......not the people but their abundant MEMORIES that is left behind. Nanaji, Nanima, Great Nanima, Dadaji, Dadima, Mamaji and Lachman. Rest in pecae and HAPPY DIWALI in advance.

Death- The Order Of The Year 2009 (Yasmin Ahmad.....The Story Teller)

Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names. (Quote by author -- Proverb)

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, more than 48 hours after surgery, Yasmin Ahmad succumbed to her injury and was pronounced dead at 11.25pm.On Sunday, July 26, 2009, Yasmin Ahmad was laid to rest at the USJ 22 Muslim Cemetery in Subang Jaya, Selangor where her husband, Abdullah Tan Yew Leong, their immediate families, hundreds of fans, friends, industry colleagues and personalities gathered to bid her farewell.

If in one sentence I am ever asked to comment about YA's movies what would I say? I was asked this question just after the passing of YA by one of my colleague. I taught hard. I had watched Sepet unknowingly when it was first televised on ASTRO. It was a revelation. An important message depicted so innocently almost childlike. Having watched Sepet umpteen times ( I still watched it again and again on channel 110 YDK when it was recently shown in memory of YA) I made it a point this time to seek out GUBRA in the cinema in Kuala Lumpur in the year 2006. I had to breve the movie alone as no one was interested in watching a movie made by a Malaysian Director. No form of convincing helped so I decided I was on my own. From the time the lights went out and the title of the movie came on till the credits rolled I was mesmerized once again by YA. I had no words to describe what I had just saw. Any word from the dictionary would not have sufficed. I imbibed the movie as one would inhale a favourite cologne. After which my curiosity towards YA mounted and i turned to you tube to watch all the advertisements that were YA branded. I realised over the years I have seen all these touching commercials on TV during festive seasons and how it struck chords in me but never imagined that these were the work of none other than our very own YA. One commercial that stuck on was the one title 'Funeral'. I am married and hubby snores so I can relate to the protagonist that played the wife. Since our marriage we have never stayed apart for more than one day. Yesterday my hubby had to remain in Batam due to some work. Initially i was thinking it was a good break we would get from each other but after a while realised TV didn't seem so interesting without him and his small silly comments, food without him didn't taste so good, and our bed didn't seem so comfortable without us wrestling for the covers.

So if I were to describe YA's movies/commercial in one line it wd certainly be

' An ordinary/everyday message presented through extraordinary brilliance'

Rest in Peace YA.

Death- The Order Of The Year 2009 (Micheal Jackson)

Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names. (Quote by author -- Proverb)

I could not believe what my hand phone screen was displaying on June 25th (Malaysian Time) 2009. It took some time to sink in that Micheal Jackson, the man that the world christened King Of Pop had actually passed on to meet his maker. I had come to know about MJ back in the 80ties when I had accidentally stumbled upon a cassette lying in my uncle's room. It had no label so I had no idea what it was. Being a curious kid I seeked the assistance of the then popular 'walk man' and within minutes of me hitting the play button I heard my first MJ song that until today brings back all lovely memories of being a child way back in the 80ties. I am so very proud that the first 2 songs that endeared me to MJ was none other than Beat It and Billy Jean. What music, what vocals......amazing just amazing. MJ had a hold over me just with those two songs and back then I was just a small kid knowing very little about music. Imagine if he cd have a hold over a child, the magnitude of hold over the rest of the world certainly is befitting with the title 'King of Pop' that he shall forever be known as. Rest in Peace Micheal!

I'd Rather Be A Happy Whale!

From time to time my friends and loved ones send me profound e-mails that touch my heart and I thank them. In the last few years I have myself become heavier by a few kilos. Age tends to drain metabolism and thus weight gain. There have some people who time and again rub my face in it by saying "Gosh loose some weight"......Like I don't want to. This started to get at me. Why should people be obsessed with my weight when I myself am at a stage in life where I am contended with life. I have a beautiful home a loving husband, a good job, wonderful parents and in laws. What more can I ask for in life.........being a supermodel was not what I set out to achieve. I love being me cause I am who I am. I am proud to say I am a happy whale. Sharing this article I found to be brilliant!

Sharmila

Recently, in a large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tanned woman appeared in the window of a gym.

It said: "THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?"
A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins, stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Barren Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they don't have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?
The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a coffee with my friends. With time we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, "Good gosh, look how smart I am!"

The Paradox

I frequently ask my husband one question, in getting a fatter paycheck, a bigger home, a nicer car and a fat bank balance what are we losing out on? Our average day starts at 5am, my husband leaves home at 6am and i follow suit at 7.30am. I am normally back home by 7pm and my husband follows up at 7.30pm latest 8pm. By the time i get home , clean and straighten out the house, arrange a meal and have my bath my husband is back. We just have enough energy to greet each other, eat dinner whilst watching the idiot box and then retire for the day. Our day ends as early as 8.30 sometimes or maybe if we are lucky around 9.30 max. Weekends don't help either cause there is housework to do, errands to run. As i ponder over this scenario which is the order of the day 5 days a week (MON-FRIDAY), questions are being thrown at me at high speed about starting a family. FAMILY? BABY? What type of quality time would I being a mother be able to give to my child when i have not even enough time for myself and mu husband. I do calculations in my mind counting the time I can devote to my child and that makes me so sad. One of my friends was kind enough to send me this message written by George Carlin which i found profound thus the urge to put it in my blog and share.

Sharmila

Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things..

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less.. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ' I love you ' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..

Happy Birthday Mum

MUM'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ON 3RD JUNE 2009
AT OUR PLACE

I was over the moon when mum announced that she wanted to come down for a visit and spend some days with us. Firstly cause ever since we rented our house, this is the first time mum was coming for a visit and secondly cause she would be with us on her birthday. I began planning her birthday. I took leave and made sure she did not do anything at home on her special day. We took a nice long walk around the neighbourhood while my 2 nephews battled wits for the bicycle. After our nice long walk, we got dressed and went down to the Gurdwara to pay our homage and also to let mum see where we got married.(mum did not come down for the wedding). My mum was very gracious to prepare lunch for us so after temple we went for lunch to my parent's place. After a sumptuous meal, I sent mum and the kids back home and went cake hunting. Needless to say Impian Emas only has one cake shop and that is where i headed directly. After being spoilt for choice I manage to set my mind on a chocolate cake. Well the time to reveal the cake finally came as the clock struck 7.30. My mum being the darling she is offered to cook dinner for me and she arrived around 7.15. We brought out the cake and mum was so shy to pose for pics and cut her cake. Nevertheless I manage to get some snaps of mum laughing and she enjoying all the attention and that was what that mattered to us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

Grandpa's Death Anniversary

19th Mei 2009 marked the death anniversary of Sardar Gurbax Singh, my maternal grandfather. Now days when i look at my nephew and niece and my husband's nephew and niece I see how much grandparents love their grandchildren, I sometimes yearn that I still had my grandparents around. I was to young to understand the bond of grandfather-granddaughter. Grandpa or Bapa as we used to lovingly call him, was a handsome man. Having served in the police force, he was a tall broad shouldered man. In the many years I had known him I have never seen him raise his voice or get angry. I still remember I used to sneak into his room every morning in Seremban during school holidays just to hear and see him recite the Jaapji Sahib. I was young when Bapa passed away. I could not even comprehend death and was lost as to what was happening. All I can remember is my dad bundling my brother and me into the car and driving to Segamat (my Dad's hometown) and then continuing on our journey to Seremban the next morning. I can still picture how my mum (who was already in Seremban earlier) hugged me and cried. I saw my grandpa sleeping on the bed which was now put in the hall. All I could wonder was why was he sleeping when so many people are around and also that why was he asleep in the hall when his bed is supposed to be in his room. He looked calm and peaceful. Then they took him away but when they returned he was not with them. I was never to see him again in person except in my memories and dreams. I never understood where they took him at that time but as I grew up everything made sense to me. I knew where they took Bapa.

I know this may sound weird but 2 days later as i stood at the verandah looking out into our kampung house compound, I swear I heard Bapa's voice coming from the Lee Rubber factory lane and he was calling out my aunt's name "Guddi" just as he always used to call out whenever he came home from the market. Alas only the voice echoed but Bapa was gone forever and that was the bitter truth we had to accept and move on in life. The passing of Bapa is more significant year after year because 19th May also happens to be my brother's birthday. So on one side we celebrate life, one the other hand we remember death!

Mother's Day

1. This year Mother's Day on 10th May 2009 was very significant for me. This year I had to plan for both my mum's. We didn't have the chance to go back to KL for Mothers Day but I made sure, my mum in KL receives a bouquet of lovely flowers. All plan in motion the flowers were delivered on the actual day and mum told me she just loved the flowers. I was later sent pictures of mum cutting her mothers day cake with her grandchildren and the bouquet was very nicely placed next to the cake. That made my day!

After making sure my mum in KL had received her flowers, we put our second plan into action. We bought a cake for mum and went over for lunch. Mum didn't expect a cake as she was slightly surprised. However her grandkids were more excited to cut a cake. Give them a cake and a knife and they will do enough justice. This year's mothers day was more significant for me mainly because i was celebrating with my husband and both my mum's. Although one of my mum was far away in KL she was still close to our hearts. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MUMS!

Honeymooning in Chiang Mai

Its been so long since I updated my blog. I wont lie, life hasn't been easy lately, what with work pressure and household nitty gritties. I awaken everyday with the intention that maybe today I shall sit down with a hot piping cup of coffee and attempt to update my blog but always fail to do so. Its a wonder how we plan to do something but never set out to achieve it. When this happens we console our self and say its okie I will get down to doing it tomorrow. Have we ever sat down and thought what if there is not tomorrow or tomorrow never comes.

OUR HONEYMOON IN CHAING MAI

Thanks to my sister in law Gurjit, our honeymoon in Chaing Mai (8th April-11 April 2009) was really memorable. Our hotel was one far off from town nestled in between mountains and all the greenery one can wish to see. The most remembered part of it was the visit to the elephant farm and the 1 hour elephant ride right across the elephant village. I wish I could take a picture of my hubby;s face when he got onto the elephant. Why u may ask? Well let me put it this way Frankenstein wd have looked less scarier than my husband did when he attempted to sit on the back of our elephant. I was so amused to see my hubby's face when after the elephant show an elephant came n lifted me up with his trunk. If he was a baby i cd have sworn he was gonna cry there and then. After the elephant ride came the ox cart ride. We just sat there being amazed and pondering over the fact of how our ancestors used to travel day in day out on such modes of transport. Once the ox cart ride was over, it was time to don our straw hat and go for a bamboo raft ride. The weather was scorching hot, so hot that half way we decided to take off our shoes and dip our feet into the cold cold water while we imagined we were on a gondola instead of a raft. Once we got off the raft out stomachs were aching for some authentic Thai cuisine so we requested out taxi driver to bring us to where we could feast on some hot hot spicy tom yam. He agreed and drove us to a small hut by the roadside. I was skeptical but my husband kept on urging me to b positive. Well I always tell how can I b positive when my blood group i b negative! Well safe to say, after such a sumptuous meal all we cd do was go back to our hotel and sleep..............................! We were lucky actually because all our meals in Chaing Mai were nice and reasonably priced. The taste out of this world!

Besides this elephant farm adventure, we also manage to catch the night safari. That was interesting. Imagine the animals all around us and we sitting in an open bus like concept for a vehicle. My husband was constantly looking out the window as if a tiger or a lion was gonna make us his dinner and desert. (My husband being the dinner and of course me being the desert). We also manage to visit one of the Buddhist temple in the heart of town. This was amazing because I actually thought the monk sitting in the smaller temple in a glass frame was actually a statute (a replica) but to my amazement, it was actually a life monk who has been meditating and has managed to brings his breathing down to a amazing low. This proves that mind over matter is not just a saying. If we put our minds to it we can achieve miracles! The mind is such a powerful tool and dangerous if residing in a physco.

Finally came time for shopping. Since my husband has been to Chaing Mai earlier he knew exactly where to get good bargains. We had goodies for everyone including our selves also. Lastly we were bankrupt happy honeymooners! But the adventure did not end there. The riots were becoming bad in Bangkok and our worry meter rose to an alarming frenzy as we prayed we could fly out of Chaing Mai the next day which was a waste cause the Songkran festival was beginning the day we were flying out and we did not have the chance to experience it. Its okie we shall try to make it the next time we plan to return to Chaing Mai. By the time we landed in LCCT there was a storm and we had to sit in our aircraft for at least 30 minutes before the plane doors were thrown open. Normally when it comes to an end of a holiday, paces become sluggish and we were no different. Our thoughts were just to hop onto the bus and get home and that is exactly what we did. The only hitch in our plan came when our bus broke down on the highway and we were required to board another bus which were already filled with passengers. Well this brought me back to my college days where i used to push those shoving me and try to get a seat. If getting a seat was impossible I wd just sit on the floor of the bus just to get a load of the feat. That was exactly what I did here. My husband was amused and slightly puzzled but just to tired to say anything so the moment passed without any comments. His thoughts I am sure was just to get home and into his bed.

A BIT ABOUT THE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors. Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance (Thai: น้ำอบไทย) over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from all of the city's important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually 'bathing' the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags. Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by capturing the water after it had been poured over the Buddhas for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune to elders and family by gently pouring it on the shoulder. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F or 40°C on some days). This has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles. Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists. In recent years there have been calls to moderate the festival to lessen the many alcohol-related road accidents as well as injuries attributed to extreme behavior such as water being thrown in the faces of traveling motorcyclists. The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs. Songkran is also celebrated in many places with a paegant in which young women demonstrate their beauty and unique talents, as judged by the audience. The level of financial support usually determines the winner, since, to show your support you must purchase necklaces which you place on your chosen girl.

Life Is Short

A death in the family leaves a void that cannot be filled. No one can ever take the place of this individual in the world. We should not try to comfort the family by saying that "it was his time anyway", or, "he was suffering". These may be words of comfort later. However, there must be time to mourn the fact that things will never be the same. One minute he was here and now he is gone. The human mind must be allowed to sit with this reality. Mourning is a necessary part of the human experience. If it is ignored, a general feeling of sadness may pervade.

THE PASSING OF MAMAJI SARDAR SARJIT SINGH

On 2nd August 2009, I received a call from my family while I was out carrying out my office duties. It was most devastating to hear that my mamaji SARJIT SINGH had left us on earth an moved on to be united with his maker WAHEGURU. His death came as a shock to all of us as we never expected him to go leaving us so soon. As I made my way into the room where mamaji laid on the bed, I was haunted by all the memories of him. His smile, the special way he told a joke and most importantly the way he smiled. He had a smile that reached and twinkled his eyes and not many people have that kind of smile as that indicates and innocent heart devoid of any ill feelings for anyone. Such was my mamaji, he touched the lives of many who had the chance to know him. He was 76 years old and his passing is such a loss to our family as he was the parent to my mother, aunt and uncle after their parents passed on. He was always the rock of our family and now we hv to learn to live without him. May His soul rest in peace always.

HAPPY VASAKHI

We would like to wish all our Sikh brothers and sisters, near and dear ones close to our hearts a very HAPPY VASAKHI. Thanks for all the Vasakhi sms. VASAKHI DI LAKH LAKH VADAI HOVE.

Love: Kuldip n Sharmila

Baisakhi Day

Baisakhi Day or Vaisakhi Day of March 30th, 1699 is of significant importance for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh - the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at a ceremony organized at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. The Akal Khalsa played a significant role in resistance against Mughal rule. Every year on April 13 Sikhs celebrate with pomp and gusto the birth of the Khalsa Panth.The Background In the year 1667 Aurungzeb, the Mughal Emperor installed himself as the Emperor of India after annihilating almost all his family opposition. Immediately after gaining power, Aurungzeb embarked on a policy of religious persecution and started the process of Islamization of India. Brahmins became the prime targets of Aurungzeb in this regard as his clerics made him convinced that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. Pursuing his agenda, Aurungzeb levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus and shut their temples and places of learning. The Brahmins, particularly those of Kashmir, desperately felt the need for a dynamic leadership to fight this subversion by the Mughal Emperor. They approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion and asked him for guidance on the issue. During this meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine-year-old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. Finding Guru Tegh Bahadur under deep contemplation, the young son asked the reason of his repose. The Guru explained the situation to the child and said the world is aggrieved by oppression and no brave man had yet come forward to willingly sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. To this young Gobind Rai replied, "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave.” Pleased with his son’s reply, Guru Tegh Bahadur entrusted the Guruship to Gobind Rai and proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire. Just as they reached Delhi, the mighty Aurangzeb imprisoned the Guru and his loyal attendants. Foreseeing his ecclesiastic journey during imprisonment, Guru Tegh Bahadur thought of testing his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission. In a letter to Gobind Rai, the Guru wrote, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints.” In his reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote, "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself.” Later, Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi in the presence of hundreds of people. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. But no one dared to come forward to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even the ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. It was only when the stormy weather occurred, that two persons took advantage of the situation and covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice of Sikhs incited in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity. With the desire to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. At the age of 33, Guru Gobind had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. The Guru found the occasion of Baisakhi could serve his purpose, as every year thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur at the time of Baisakhi (springtime) to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. Early in the year 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregates far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair and to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis. Besides, men were asked to come with full beards. The Baisakhi Day of March 30, 1699At the call of the Guru, thousands of people gathered at the Anandpur Sahib, the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, India on the Vaisakhi Day, March 30, 1699. To instill courage in the fellow men, Guru Gobind made a powerful oration and revealed to them his divine mission of restoring amongst Sikhs and preserving the Sikh religion. At the end of his speech, the Guru flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded one head for oblation. To the Guru’s call, Daya Ram, a Khatri of Lahore offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees - Daram Das - a Jat of Delhi, Mohkam Chand - a washerman of Dwarka (Gujarat), Himmat - a cook of Jagannath (Orissa) and Sahib Chand - a barber of Bidar (Karnataka) offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand. Astonished with their Guru’s behavior and believing him to have gone berserk, people started to disperse. Shortly after, Guru Gobind emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called 'Khande di Pahul' (the double-edged Sword Amrit), what Sikhs today call Amrit. After this, the Guru asked the five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. They were then knighted as Singhs, as the Five beloved ones, the first members of the new community of equals, to be called the Khalsa, meaning "pure". Guru Gobind proclaimed that the Panj Pyare or the Five Beloved Ones would be the embodiment of the Guru himself, “Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy." These "saint soldiers" were to dedicate their lives to the service of others and the pursuit of justice for people of all faiths. The Guru also said whenever and wherever the five baptized or Amritdhari Sikhs comes together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles, Guru Gobind established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones. The Guru also gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks:

Kesh, unshorn hair
Kangha, the wooden comb
Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet
Kirpan, the sword
Kachera, the underwear

This act of total surrender of one's life to the service of the AKAL (God), the Timeless One, and at the feet of Guru Gobind Singh created the Sikh religion. For many centuries after that, the first male child of all families of Hindus in Punjab was ordained as a Sikh.Social Significance of Baisakhi DayApart from fighting the political tyranny, Guru Gobind also sought to eliminate social discriminations in the name of caste with the establishment of Khalsa Panth. The Panj Piyaras set by the Guru amalgamated people of low and high caste into one as it consisted of people of different strata of the society. To further do away with the system of caste discrimination and to give to all Sikhs an opportunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality, the Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai, he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur (Princess).

Baisakhi Festival
Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. For the large farming community of Punjab, Baisakhi Festival marks the time for harvest of rabi crops and they celebrate the day by performing joyful bhangra and gidda dance. For the Sikh community, Baisakhi Festival has tremendous religious significance as it was on a Baisakhi Day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa-the Order of the Pure Ones.Date of BaisakhiBaisakhi Festival falls on the first day of Vaisakh month (April-May) according to Nanakshahi or Sikh Calendar. For this reason, Baisakhi is also popularly known as Vaisakhi. According to English calendar, the date of Baisakhi corresponds to April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. This difference in Baisakhi dates is due to the fact that day of Baisakhi is reckoned according to solar calendar and not the lunar calendar. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated all over India under different names and different set of rituals and celebrations. Baisakhi date coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala.Baisakhi CelebrationsPeople of Punjab celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with exuberance and devotion. As the festival has tremendous importance in Sikh religion, major activities of the day are organized in Gurdwaras. People wake up early to prepare for the day. Many also take bath in the holy river to mark the auspicious occasion. After getting ready people pay a visit to their neighbourdood gurdwara and take part in the special prayer meeting organized for the day. At the end of the Baisakhi ardas, congregates receive specially prepared Kara prasad or sweetened semolina. This is followed by a guru ka langar or community lunch. Later, during the day people of Sikh faith take out a Baisakhi procession under the leadership of Panj piaras. The procession moves through the major localities of the city amidst the rendition of devotional songs by the participating men, women and children. Mock duels, bhangra and gidda performances make the procession joyous and colourful. Celebrations by FarmersFor the large farming community of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks a New Year’s time as it is time to harvest rabi crop. On Baisakhi, farmers thank god for the bountiful crop and pray for good times ahead. People buy new clothes and make merry by singing, dancing and enjoying the best of festive food. Cries of "Jatta aai Baisakhi", rent the skies as gaily men and women break into the bhangra and gidda dance to express their joy. Everyday farming scenes of sowing, harvesting, winnowing and gathering of crops are expressed through zestful movements of the body to the accompaniment of ballads and dhol music. In several villages of Punjab Baisakhi Fairs are organized where besides other recreational activities, wrestling bouts are also held.

History of Baisakhi
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. History of Baisakhi traces its origin from the Baisakhi Day celebrations of 1699 organized by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa - Brotherhood of Saint Soldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression.Story of BaisakhiThe story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who was publicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler. Aurungzeb wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and the Mughals therefore saw him as a threat.After the death of Guru Teg Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became the next Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men. To fulfil his dream, Guru Gobind Singh called on the historic Baisakhi Day congregation of Sikhs at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur on March 30, 1699.When thousands of people assembled for Guru’s blessing, Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent carrying an unsheathed sword. He gave a powerful speech to infuse courage amongst fellowmen. At the end of the speech he said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded that anyone prepared to give his life come forward. On the Guru’s third call, a young man offered himself. The Guru took the man inside a tent and reappeared alone with a bloodied sword. Guru Gobind Singh asked for another volunteer. This was repeated another four times until a total of five Sikhs had gone into the tent with the Guru. Everyone present was worried and though that Guru Gobind Singh has killed five Sikhs. At this point Guru presented all the five men before the people. Every one present was surprised to see all five men alive and wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments.These five men were called Panj Piara or 'Beloved Five' by the Guru. The Guru blessed them with a Pahul ceremony. In an iron vessel, the Guru stirred with a sword called Khanda Sahib, the batasha that his wife, Mata Sundari Ji had put into water. The congregation recited verses from scriptures as the Guru performed the sacred ceremony. The water was now considered the sacred nectar of immortality called amrit. It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed amongst the crowd. With this ceremony, all those present, irrespective of caste or creed, became members of the Khalsa Pantha (the Order of the Pure Ones). The Guru regarded the Panch Piaras as the first members of the Khalsa and the embodiment of the Guru himself. With the constitution of the Panj Pyare the high and low castes were amalgamated into one as among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. This was seen as a great step in national integration because society at that time was divided on the basis of religion, caste and social status. Guru Gobind Singh also bestowed on Khalsa, the unique Sikh identity. He directed Sikhs to wear five K's: Kesh or long hair, Kangha or comb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara or bracelet. Guru Gobind Singh also discontinued the tradition of Gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept the Grantha Sahib as their eternal guide. He urged them to come to him with their hair and beard unshorn to get baptized by the sword.

Significance of Baisakhi
Vibrant Festival of Baisakhi is considered to be an extremely important festival in India for number of reasons. Apart from being important for the farmers as a harvest festival, the festival is of prime importance in Sikhism as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth. Besides, auspicious Baisakhi day is of importance for astrological reasons too !! Astrological Significance of BaisakhiThe festival of Baisakhi falls on April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. Change in date is because of the fact that date of Baisakhi is reckoned according to the solar calendar. Astrologically, the date of Baisakhi is significant as marks sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi. For this very reason, many people also know Baisakhi as Mesha Sankranti. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated all over India under different names and rituals. It is celebrated as 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, ‘Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu, 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala and ‘Vaishakha’ in the state of Bihar. Significance of Baisakhi for FarmersFor the agriculturally rich state of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks the time for harvest of Rabi (winter) crops and is therefore extremely significant for the farmers. Baisakhi Festival is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving Day festival in these states. After waking up early and dressing themselves in new clothes, farmers visit temples and gurdwaras to express gratitude to God for the good harvest and seek blessing for ensuing agriculture season. Farmers also celebrate Baisakhi by performing energetic bhangra and gidda dance and participating in Baisakhi Fairs. Significance of Baisakhi in SikhismBaisakhi is of major importance for the people following Sikh faith. As it was on a Baisakhi Day, in the year 1699 that the Tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa Panth or the Order of Pure Ones and gave a unique identity to Sikhs. On the same day the guru administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples making them Singhs, a martial community. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal.Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi by participating in special prayer meetings organized at gurdwaras. They also carry out joyful Baisakhi processions to mark the day.Significance of Baisakhi in Other ReligionsThe day of Baisakhi is of significance for the Hindus as it was on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj - a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship. Besides, Baisakhi day is of relevance for the Buddhists as Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and Nirvana on this auspicious day.

Legends of Baisakhi

There are various legends associated with the colourful and vibrant festival of Baisakhi. A study of these interesting legends of Baisakhi reveal that the day of Baisakhi is significant not just for Sikhs but also for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Besides, it is joyous to note that as a harvest festival, people of all communities in Punjab celebrate Baisakhi in a harmonious manner.

Baisakhi Festival marks the time for the harvest of Rabi crops and is therefore celebrated with utmost joy and enthusiasm in the state of Punjab where agriculture is the predominant occupation of the people. To celebrate the occasion, people dress themselves gaily and perform the joyful bhangra and giddha dance on the tune of the dhol. Farmers in Punjab celebrate Baisakhi Festival to hilt by feasting and merrymaking before they hit on tiring but joyful task of harvesting from the next day. As a harvest festival, Baisakhi is also celebrated by different names and with different rituals in several regions of India. Regional celebrations of Baisakhi are marked as Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala and Vaishakha in Bihar. Birth of Khalsa.

The day of Baisakhi marks the birth of Khalsa Panth and therefore holds tremendous significance for the Sikhs. It was on the Baisakhi Day meeting organized at Anandpur Sahib, in 1699, that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Sigh laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth and called on the Sikhs to sacrifice themselves for their community. Besides, it was on the Baisakhi Day that Guru Gobind Singh administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples, the Panj Piaras making them Singhs, a martial community. After the Baisakhi Day in 1699 the tradition of gurus was discontinued, and the Granth Sahib - the Holy book of the Sikhs was declared the eternal guide of the Sikhs. Day to Receive Guru’s Blessings for Sikhs. According to a popular legend in Sikhism, it was on the day of Baisakhi in 1567 that Guru Amar Das had first institutionalized Baisakhi as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the guru's blessings at Goindwal.

Foundation of Arya SamajThe day of Baisakhi Festival is also important for the Hindus as it on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj - a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship.

For the Buddhist, the day of Baisakhi Festival is significant, as according to a popular legend it was on this auspicious day that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in the town of Gaya. For this reason, the day of Baisakhi is celebrated as Buddha Purnima is several parts of the country.

Rabb Har Saal Ehoji Baisakhi Lyaavey

Mennu milyaa meraa maahi mele vich

Rabb har saal ehoji baisakhi lyaavey,

Pyaar di jyot dilan vich jalaa jaavey

Bichhdey dilaan nu milaa jaavey

Phir khiliyan pyaar di kaliyaan ve

Mennu cheddiyan saari sakhiyaan ve

Karan rabb daa shukar dil naal main

Mennu bichhdyaa pyaar milya mele vich

Rabb har saal ehoji baisakhi lyaavey

Jithey har bichhadyaa pyaar mil jaavey

HAPPY VASAKHI

The Passing of Sardar Arjan Singhji on 1st April 2009

Ghalle aaye Nanaka, sade hee uth jaye

We come into this world when Nanak wishes and depart as it pleases Nanak

I shall always remember Uncle as the person who gave the most impeccable speech during our wedding lunch. The eloquent way he spoke, the poise and the grandeur of his language shall always remain a pleasant memory which we can rewind over and over again as we watch our wedding video. I was fortunate to be able to pay my last respects to Sardar Arjan Singhji during his final journey in this earthly world. Sardar Arjan Singhji passed away on the 1st day of April 2009. I guess this is God's way of playing a joke on his family members right on April Fools day. We were waiting for God to pop by at some point of time and say April Fool but alas all of us knew that would not happen. He loved Uncle more than us I resolve. Although I only knew Uncle (who is my sister-in law Harjit's (my husband's sister) father in law only for a short time and never had the opportunity to get to know him more but he always reminded me of my paternal and maternal grandfathers Sardar Hazara Singhji and Sardar Gurbax Singhji. The loss of the family is irreplaceable but at least we know he is in a better place far away from all bodily sufferings. May Uncle's soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to the family of Uncleji.

Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru

My new family

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

I am truly been blessed with such loving in laws. I have always heard ugly stories about in laws and how they make a bride's life miserable after the wedding. This was the reason I never wanted to get married because I felt it was all not worth it. But as people say, there are still nice people in this world the only thing is finding them and loving them. I found a gem of a husband and more so equally gems as in laws. May we all remain a happy family for the rest of our lives and may we resolve all our problems, conflicts in a harmonious way. Waheguru.

Well that was our wedding. I hope I haven't left behind anything and if n when i realise I have i shall proceed to update them slowly but surely. When i started this blog it was to document our impending marriage but now i want this blog to be a document of our live together so that we can proudly show it to our kids one day and let them read what they missed out on. So this will be a blog of our lives from now on.

In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there

Wedding Day 4 8th March 5pm to 7pm Temple function @PJ Gurdwara

Laughter bonds people. Anyone will tell you that laughter is the shortest distance between people — especially in a marriage.

The next day was spent at my in laws and everyone was busy preparing for the evening temple function that was scheduled from 5pm to 7pm at Petaling Jaya Gurdwara Sahib. I was sent back to the hotel for my make up which was going on from 3pm till 4.30pm. I swear in my 30 years of life I have never applied so much make up as I have in these 3 days of my wedding. Anyways once I got the make up out of the way mu hubby was also all ready to move to the temple so we went home to fetch mum and d kids who were to ride with us and went to the temple. The programme was a very nice, sweet and simple programme after which we were brought to the back of the temple and it was time for the my hubby's side relatives to have a dekko at me. Heheheh! I felt like a doll in a glass panel! After dinner we went home to relax and chat before finally retiring for the night.

Wedding Day 3 7th March Arrival of Doli in KL

4 hours later the doli arrived back at my in laws place in Petaling Jaya. I was given a traditional sent off from my house and also a very traditional welcome at my in laws house. As my hubby and me walked into the porch, I set my eyes on a beautiful two tier royal icing cake which was decorated with red roses and adorned with a bride and a groom on top. Needless to say my in laws were happy to see both of us back. I had a tearful send off at my place and here I got a tearful reception as my mum in law cried when she ushered us into the house. Festivities carried on till late up until my husband looked as if he wd collapse into sleep sitting on the chair. After all that were supposed to be done completed, we were asked to go and retire for the nite. I am still amused at my husband reactions when I attempted to take off my scarf (that heavy 1 ton veil of mine). He was amazed at he number of pins I was pulling out of my head and there came a point he told me 'enough la how many pins u gonna pull out from your head?'. I counted there were more than 40 pins stuck into my head and once all those came off so did the 1 tonne veil which I proceeded to put on my husband's head. All he could say was 'aiyo so heavy a?' Heheheheheh he is so cute!