Don't share your next move,
Don't spill out your secrets,
Let them keep guessing.
Don't speak of what keeps you busy,
Don't let them know why you smile,
Don't reveal your inner thoughts,
Let them keep guessing.
Don't tell them about your past,
Don't unveil your future plans,
Don't expose what you do today,
Let them keep guessing.
Live your dreams,
Live your life,
Live it your way,
Let them keep guessing.
Hamsadhwani is a Carnatic raga, which is derived from the 29th Melakartha raga, the notes Ma (madhyamam) and Dha (Dhaivatham) are missing, making it a pentatonic raga with the five notes or swaras Sa, Ri, Ga, Pa and Ni. The name Hamsadhwani translates to “the sound of swans”, which also suggests that it is a pure and calming raga.
The raga is believed to be auspicious, which also justifies why there are many bhajans or kritis based on it. It is said that the best time to sing this raga is in the evening after sunset. The raga brings inner peace and relaxation with its magically structured notes and progression.
This beautiful raga is not just sung and enjoyed by musicians, it is also used for music therapy in rehabilitation centres due to its healing properties. In this story, it talks about how Hamsadhwani raga helped heal a patient with chronic depression.
The famous Carnatic composition ‘Vatapi Ganapatim’ by Muthuswamy Dikshitar was composed in Hamsadhwani. There are many more classical compositions devoted to Lord Ganesha and other deities that are based on this raga, giving the raga a devotional touch to it.
When it comes to film music, the raga is used in various South Indian compositions as well as in the North Indian songs as the raga has later been adapted to Hindustani music as well. Below are some of the popular film songs based on Hamsadhwani raga:
1. ‘Raavil raaga nilaavil’ from the movie ‘Mazhanilaavu’
2. ‘Poovine kandu njan chodichu’ from the movie ‘Mukundetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu’
3. ‘Sree vinayakam’ from the movie ‘Bharatham’
4. ‘Paahi paramporule’ from the movie ‘Vadakkumnathan’
5. ‘Sumuhoorthamaay’ from the movie ‘Kamaladalam’
6. ‘Paaduvaanaay vannu ninte’ from the movie ‘Ezhuthaappurangal’
7. ‘Naadangalaay nee varu’ from the movie ‘Ninnishtam Ennishtam’
8. ‘Aa ragam’ from the movie ‘Kshanakkathu’
9. ‘Raagangale mohangale’ from the movie ‘Thaaraattu’
10. ‘Etho janma kalpanayil’ from the movie ‘Paalangal’
1. ‘Vellai pookkal’ from the movie ‘Kannathil Muthamittaal’
2. ‘Poovukkul olinthirukkum’ from the movie ‘Jeans’
3. ‘Nenjodu kalanthidu’ from the movie ‘Kaadhal Kondein’
4. ‘Aval appadi onrum’ from the movie ‘Angadi Theru’
5. ‘Dating’ from the movie ‘Boys’
1. ‘Mere dholna sun’ from the movie ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’
2. ‘Tere mere beech mein’ from the movie ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’
To conclude, Hamsadhwani is one of the auspicious ragas in Carnatic music, which is also melodious in nature, making it easily enjoyable by those who are not well versed in classical music. Do give your suggestions and feedback in your comments, and I also welcome you to add more songs to the playlist.
Know About Amritavarshini Raga
Know About Darbari Kanada Raga
At one point or the other, in our lives, we deal with people who just seem to suck the positivity out of every space they belong to. Maybe it's that coworker who constantly turns you off, or that friend or relative who always seems to bring drama and toxicity wherever they go. Sometimes it feels like the only solution is to remove them from our lives completely. But do we have a choice to shoot them and get rid of all the nuisances they cause? No!
What if I told you there's a way to get rid of their negative energy without taking extreme measures? It's called "the art of killing without killing," and it's all about learning to let go of toxic people without causing any harm to them or you.
Let’s see how this fantastic process works. It's simple. Instead of allowing these people to continue to bring negativity into your life, you can choose to "kill" them – not literally, of course, but figuratively, in your head. Imagine them disappearing from your life entirely, as if they never existed at all.
You might be thinking it’s easier said than done. The hard truth is that letting go of toxic relationships can be difficult, especially if they've been an integral part of your life for a long time. But once you start practicing this, you’ll start realizing that it’s worth it. It just feels like the trash is moved out, and there’s fresh air again!
By learning to ignore or be indifferent to these toxic individuals, you're not only freeing yourself from their negative influence, but you're also taking control over your happiness. Instead of allowing them to decide how you feel and react, you're choosing to focus on the positive aspects of your life and the people who truly bring you joy and contentment.
Obviously, this doesn't mean that you completely cut off all interactions with these individuals – unless that's the only way to protect your mental health. By setting boundaries and limiting your contacts with them, you can minimize their impact on your life and create a more positive environment for yourself. The happier you are, the more happiness it brings to those around you, so why not try it?!
So, the next time you get a red alert while dealing with a toxic person, remember the art of killing without killing. Do the murder in your head and choose to let go of their negativity. Trust me, your mental health will thank you for it.
Thank me later! :)
It is accidently that I came across Darbari Kanada raga as I was going through the comment section of one of my previous blog posts that was on Amritavarshini raga. I found this raga very interesting and decided to find out more about this amazing raga. Let me get straight to the origin of Darbari Kanada, interesting tales related to it and some of the popular film songs composed in this raga.
Just as its name hints, "Darbari" signifies a symphony fit for courts – a harmonious accompaniment to grand gatherings, where kings, queens, and dignitaries would be swaying to its enchanting melodies. This raga emerged from the illustrious Kanada family of ragas, comprising a beautiful combination of both natural and flat notes. This soulful raga is soothing to the ears, as it creates melody effortlessly, with perfection.
The raga originated in the Northern part of India, which also means that the raga is based on Hindustani classical music. The raga’s evolution and development were greatly influenced by the cultural and traditional fabric of the region. The raga has also been adapted to an extent in Carnatic music in Southern India.
It’s story time! Let’s hear some of the interesting tales related to Darbari Kanada raga:
Legend has it that during the Mughal era, Emperor Akbar once issued a musical challenge to his court musicians. He requested them to create a raga that could evoke the complex emotions of majesty, grandeur, and introspection all at once. The musicians took up the challenge and emerged with the Darbari Kanada raga. Its somber and majestic tones were said to have impressed the emperor, who was moved by the raga's ability to capture the essence of his court. Thus, Darbari Kanada earned its name, derived from "darbar," meaning royal court. This tale underscores the raga's connection to regal settings and its ability to evoke powerful emotions.
In another legend, the great Mughal musician Tansen found himself in a musical confusion. Tansen, known for his exceptional mastery over ragas, was perplexed by the complexity of a particular raga. He sought guidance from his mentor, Swami Haridas, who advised him to meditate and seek divine intervention. As Tansen meditated by the Yamuna River, he had a vision of Lord Krishna playing a melody on his flute. Inspired by this divine encounter, Tansen composed the Darbari Kanada raga, capturing the essence of the divine music he had heard. This tale showcases the raga's spiritual connection and its ability to transcend human boundaries.
A more recent story involves the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Amir Khan. It is said that he was so deeply moved by the melancholic beauty of Darbari Kanada that he referred to it as the "raga of monks weeping." This description perfectly captures the raga's ability to convey deep emotions and evoke a sense of introspection and sorrow.
According to a lesser-known legend, Darbari Kanada was believed to be a cursed raga, carrying a haunting quality that could evoke sorrow and even tragedy. It was said that anyone who attempted to play this raga at night risked invoking malevolent spirits and inviting misfortune. Musicians were advised to avoid playing Darbari Kanada after sunset, attributing its melancholic allure to supernatural forces. This mystique surrounding the raga added to its enigmatic reputation and the air of caution that surrounded its performance.
In a heartwarming tale, Darbari Kanada's soothing melodies were said to have healing properties. It is said that during times of illness or distress, musicians would play the raga to provide comfort and solace to those in need. The emotional depth of Darbari Kanada was believed to have the power to alleviate pain and restore a sense of calm and tranquility. This tale highlights the therapeutic potential of music and the belief in its ability to uplift and heal.
There's a famous rivalry tale involving Darbari Kanada and another renowned raga, Malkauns. It is said that the two ragas were once personified as two powerful titans engaged in a musical showdown. Each raga showcased its unique strengths and emotional palette, attempting to outdo the other. The encounter between Darbari Kanada and Malkauns is said to have resulted in a mesmerizing fusion of their respective qualities, creating a harmonious blend that left listeners spellbound. This tale emphasizes the distinctiveness of Darbari Kanada's character and its ability to engage in a musical dialogue with other ragas.
In certain traditions, Darbari Kanada is associated with the monsoon season. Its melancholic and introspective nature is believed to mirror the moods and emotions evoked by the rains. The raga is thought to reflect the sound of raindrops falling gently, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. This association adds a natural and elemental dimension to the raga, connecting it to the rhythms of the earth.
Here are some of the Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam film songs that have been composed based on Darbari Kanada raga:
"Mera Saaya Saath Hoga" from "Mera Saaya"
"Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon" by Lata Mangeshkar
"Badi Sooni Sooni Hai" from "Mili"
"Ja Re Ja O Harjaee" from "Kalicharan"
"Milo Na Tum Toh" from "Heer Ranjha"
"Chala Jata Hoon" from "Mere Jeevan Saathi"
"Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja" from "Noorie"
"Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si" from "Anamika"
"Chhoti Si Kahani Se" from "Ijaazat"
"Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda" from "Amanush"
"Thamizha Thamizha" from "Roja"
"Kalyana Maalai" from "Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal"
"Kadhal Rojave" from "Roja"
"Kaattukuyilu" from "Thalapathi"
"En Veettu Thottathil" from "Gentleman"
"Mangalyam Thanthunanena" from "Alaipayuthey"
"Malare Mounama" from "Karna"
"Kadhal Sadugudu" from "Alaipayuthey"
"Enna Vilai Azhage" from "Kadhalar Dhinam"
"Uyire Uyire" from "Bombay"
“Aalaapanam” from “Ente Sooryaputhrikku”
“Thaamara Noolinaal” from “Mullavalliyum Thenmaavum”
“Manassin Manichimizhil” from “Arayannangalude Veedu”
“Junile Nilamazhayil” from “Nammal Thammil”
“Shilayil Ninnum Unaruu Nee” from “Chronic Bachelor”
“Azhake Nin” from “Amaram”
“Thoomanjin Nenchilothungi” from “Samooham”
“Ponnil Kulichu Ninnu” from “Sallapam”
“Shivadam Shivanaamam” from “Mazhavillu”
“Aathmaavin Pushtakathaalil” from “Mazhayuthum Munpe”
I hope you enjoyed the read. Do listen to these songs and let me know if you liked them as well! 🙂
Being born an Indian, I’ve read and heard a lot about the love story of Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in the name of his lover Mumtaz. Well, I’m not a Shah Jahan fan for the fact that it’s nothing worth glorifying (given the facts of his multiple marriages before Mumtaz and marrying Mumtaz’s sister after her death, and the cruel chopping off of hands of the workers who built the Taj Mahal). Today I’m narrating a classic example of a love story, though it has a tragic end.
The story happens in the 14th century in Portugal. Peter I was the then King Afonso IV’s son. The King wanted a suitable wife for his son, but Peter was not interested in getting married. Done with Peter’s rejection of marriage proposals from the native kingdom, King Afonso finally decided to get Peter married off to Constance Manuel of a neighbouring kingdom Castile, as a strategic alliance between the two kingdoms. Though this marriage did take place against Peter’s will, he almost instantly fell in love with Ines de Castro, who was a lady-in-waiting to Constance. Ines was a noblewoman from Galicia, Spain. As the legend goes, Peter was never emotionally close to his legally married wife, instead his heart went to Ines whom he secretly married.
King Afonso came to know of his son’s infidelity, and was furious. This hidden relationship seemed to be a threat to the stability of the kingdom of Portugal, and he finally decided to put an end to their love story. The King ordered Ines and her children (fathered by Peter) to be sent away from the city. Ines retreated to her family estate, where Peter secretly met Ines and continued their relationship in secrecy.
The King later commissioned a group of assassins to have Ines killed. There are various versions of this murder. Some say that she was stabbed to death, while there are accounts that say that she was beheaded. This brutal murder happened in her children’s presence.
This news reached Peter through his trusted sources, and this left Peter in a mix of grief and anger. He kept his feelings to himself till he rose to the throne as the next King, so that he can pay back the assassins for the loss he suffered.
When Peter ascended to the throne as King Peter I, he decided to take revenge on those who brought an end to the love of his life. He found the assassins and punished them brutally. It is also said that the prisoners were tied to posts and their hearts were removed from the back, for “those who killed an innocent woman could not have a heart”.
King Peter I also exhumed Ines’ corpse and placed her on the regal throne, as a gesture of his undying love for his beloved. Ines hence becomes the “corpse queen” of Portugal. Peter also demanded that after his death, his body had to be placed next to the resting body of Ines. Still not over his revenge, he commissioned Ines’ tomb to be designed in such a way that it was carried by humans, the men who actually harmed and killed her.
Though this is a tragic love story, it also tells us the story of the power of love.
I found this story very interesting, and thought I’ll do my further research and take it to you. It’s time we stop glorifying Shah Jahan, isn’t it? :)
I have worked for a crypto trading exchange that was born in China. Later, when the crypto services got banned in China, they decided to change their headquarters to Dubai, which is a global hub for any kind of business to flourish. Now comes the fun part of a Chinese company trying to have a grip on the Dubai market. Just like the cheap products manufactured in China, the Chinese believe in selling their cheap ideas to the world.
There are some interesting observations I'd like to share with you:
If you're to join a typical Chinese company, make sure that you sell your backbone before you join. Don't be surprised if you see kids as managers and experienced professionals as executives under them. This is how it works here. Thus, your experience has nothing to do with your caliber. Another interesting nature of the structure is that, all the main heads would be Chinese. If you happen to see any non-Chinese in a managerial position, be sure that the person is going to be an ex employee. The Chinese management has a way of knocking out managers who don't belong to their community. Also, all the major corporate decisions will be made only by the Chinese.
Dreaming big is no sin, but you need to have an average level of IQ to be eligible to dream big. The fun part about the Chinese is that they have the audacity to dream big even with their molecular brains. Even with old-fashioned ideas and their frog-in-the-well attitude, they dream of conquering the world by competing with big brands that rule the industry. (Once when I gave some placeholder text "Lorem ipsum" for designing a template, a Chinese guy came to me saying "This is not in English, I don't understand this.". To my wonder, he was a Content Writer himself, that too a bilingual writer!
The Chinese are never tired of work. Despite being a workaholic, I've not understood the way they work. I see my Chinese colleagues always active at work, both online and offline. Whether it's a weekend or in the middle of the night, I see them awake and working, making me curious about their sleep patterns. Smart work is something unheard of in the Chinese circle, they believe in drying for work.
I belonged to the marketing department of the company. When it comes to marketing, or work in general, you either spend more to get better returns, or you set realistic expectations on your cheap budget. Here with this Chinese company, they expect to be displayed on Burj Khalifa without really spending anything worthy.
So these are my personal observations about the Chinese work culture. If you, as a reader, have anything to say/comment on this, or if you have other observations to share, let me hear you in the comments. :)
എന്തുകൊണ്ട് മടി ഉണ്ടാവുന്നു? എന്തുകൊണ്ട് എല്ലാർക്കും ഒരുപോലെ മടി ഇല്ല? സ്വന്തം കാര്യങ്ങൾ ഒന്നും ചെയ്യാൻ എന്തുകൊണ്ട് തോന്നുന്നില്ല ചിലർക്ക്?
ഇങ്ങനെ പല ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ചിലരെ കാണുമ്പോൾ മനസ്സിൽ വരാറുണ്ട്, എന്നാൽ മടിയുടെ പിന്നിലെ ശാസ്ത്രം തപ്പി പോകാൻ എനിക്ക് സമയം ഇല്ലാത്തതുകൊണ്ട് ഇത് എഴുതാൻ വൈകിപ്പോയി, അല്ലാതെ എനിക്ക് മടി ആയതുകൊണ്ടാണ് എന്ന് നിങ്ങൾ തെറ്റിദ്ധരിക്കണ്ട.
മടി പിടിച്ചു ഇരിക്കുന്ന ഒരാളെ കാണുമ്പോൾ എനിക്ക് കിട്ടുന്ന ഒരു പ്രചോദനം ഉണ്ട്...ഒരിക്കലും അങ്ങനെ ആകാതിരിക്കാനുള്ള പ്രചോദനം. ഞാൻ കണ്ടും കേട്ടും എനിക്കറിയാവുന്ന ചില മടിയന്മാരെയും മടിച്ചികളെയും ഒന്ന് നിരീക്ഷിച്ചിപ്പോൾ മനസ്സിലായിട്ടുള്ള ഒരു പൊതുസ്വഭാവം ഉണ്ട്. ഇവർക്ക് ഒരു കാര്യത്തിലും ലക്ഷ്യബോധം ഉണ്ടാവില്ല. ചുരുക്കി പറഞ്ഞാൽ, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് ഒരു പണിയും ഇല്ലാത്തവർ ആയിരിക്കും ഇവരൊക്കെ.
ചില രസകരമായ ഉദാഹരണങ്ങൾ പറയാം:
1. ചായ അരിക്കാൻ ഉള്ള മടി കാരണം ഹോർലിക്സ് ഉണ്ടാക്കി കുടിക്കുന്നവർ
2. സ്വന്തം അടിവസ്ത്രം കഴുകാൻ ഉള്ള മടിക്ക് വീണ്ടും പോയി പുതിയത് വാങ്ങുന്നവർ
3. ആരെങ്കിലും വാഷിംഗ് മെഷീൻ ഓൺ ആക്കുന്നത് വരെ മെഷീനിൽ തുണികൾ എന്നും കൂട്ടിയിടുന്നവർ
4. ഉണരുമ്പോൾ ഒരു ചായ തരാൻ വീട്ടിൽ ഭാര്യ ഇല്ലാത്തതു കൊണ്ട് (ഭാര്യക്ക് വേറെ ജോലി ഉണ്ടല്ലോ..) വീട്ടിൽ ജോലിക്കാരിയെ വെക്കുന്നവർ
5. വീട്ടുജോലി ചെയ്യാൻ ഉള്ള മടിക്ക് എന്നും അസുഖം അഭിനയിക്കുന്നവർ (ഇവരൊക്കെ അസുഖത്തിന്റെ ലക്ഷണം വെച്ച് എന്നോ തട്ടിപ്പോകേണ്ടവർ ആണ്)
6. എന്നും കുക്ക് ചെയ്യാൻ ഉള്ള മടി കാരണം ഒരു കിലോ കടല കൊണ്ട് കറി വെച്ച് ഫ്രിഡ്ജിൽ വെക്കുന്നവർ
7. വീട്ടിലെ പണിയെടുക്കാനുള്ള മടി കാരണം മര്യാദക്ക് ശമ്പളം ഇല്ലെങ്കിൽ പോലും ജോലിക്ക് പോകുന്നവർ (ഈ മടി വീട്ടിൽ അമ്മയോ അമ്മായിയമ്മയോ ഉള്ളവരിൽ മാത്രം ആണ് കണ്ടുവരുന്നത്)
ഇങ്ങനെ നീണ്ട് പോകും ലിസ്റ്റ്...
ഇനി എന്റെ കാര്യം പറയാം. എനിക്കുമുണ്ട് ഒരു മടി... ഒരു പ്രത്യേക തരം മടി ആണ്. നാളെ പണിയെടുക്കാൻ ഉള്ള മടിക്ക് ഞാൻ അതൊക്കെ ഇന്ന് തന്നെ ചെയ്തുവെക്കാൻ ശ്രമിക്കും.. നാളെ എനിക്ക് വെറുതെ ഇരിക്കാലോ..എപ്പടി!
മടി പിടിച്ച് ഇങ്ങനെ അവനവനും ചുറ്റുമുള്ളവർക്കും ഒരു ഉപകാരവുമില്ലാതെ ജീവിക്കുന്നവരോട് എനിക്ക് ചിലത് ചോദിക്കാനുണ്ട്.
നിങ്ങൾക്ക് മടുക്കാറില്ലേ?
വർഷങ്ങൾ കഴിഞ്ഞ് തിരിഞ്ഞ് നോക്കുമ്പോൾ നിങ്ങൾക്ക് വിഷമം തോന്നില്ലേ ഇങ്ങനെ സമയം കളഞ്ഞതിൽ?
മുന്നേറിപ്പോയ മറ്റുള്ളവരെ കാണുമ്പോൾ അസൂയ തോന്നില്ലേ?
അവസാനമായി ചോദിക്കുന്നു.. എങ്ങനെ പറ്റുന്നു ഇതൊക്കെ?
എനിക്കൊന്നേ നിങ്ങളോട് പറയാനുള്ളു...നമിച്ചു മക്കളേ..നമിച്ചു 🙏
നിങ്ങളൊക്കെ എന്നും എന്നെപ്പോലെ ഉള്ളവർക്ക് പ്രചോദനം ആവട്ടെ എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ട് ഞാൻ നിർത്തുന്നു!
The chilling nature who stood still,
Once decided to dance her way,
Inflicting a stir around as she moved,
Causing the world a great loss.
Thousands took their last breath,
While countless lost their shelters and families.
Rescuers sweat day and night,
Holding on to a fading hope.
The city that was once smiling,
Turned to a mass of shattered rubble.
Homes that were once full of laughter,
Declined to a mass of bloody dust.
The nature stopped her dance and left,
Leaving behind a cracked dance floor,
Leaving an air of cold death,
Leaving the whole earth mourning.
To feel that long gaze again.
Fall in love once more,
To share those beautiful moments again.
Fall in love once more,
To get lost in lust again.
Fall in love once more,
To cry a river again.
Fall in love once more,
To live that love again.
Each time you fall in love,
Fall in love with the same person,
To relive a hundred love stories again!
I want you to be with me,
To laugh together like we always do,
And care for each other like we're still new.
During the last lap of my life,
I want you to walk with me,
Through all the dreams we've weaved together,
And all the poems we've lived together.
During the last lap of my life,
I want you to hold my hand,
To assure that you'll always stay,
Till death separates us to a life beyond.
And conquer all of them one at a time,
As you differ to give up when let down,
And walk your way to a spring of victories,
I'll walk with you admiring your twinkling eyes.
When you learn and grow through the summer,
And fight back the bitter weather around,
When you find and cherish the love within you,
And enjoy every single moment you live,
I'll watch you through every dawn and dusk.
When you're low and need that extra push,
And forget the kind of warrior you are,
When you badly need a shoulder to lean,
And you can't take the autumn anymore,
I'll stay by you reminding that you're a living storm.
When things can get harsh and we stay apart,
And when being close can only be in words,
When you're weak and injured from a tiring day,
And you feel the winter
inside out,
I'll shield and protect you from the cold.
Through every storm in your life,
And every phase that you come across,
As you leap over every season of your life,
I'll always be with you till the end,
Like a shadow you were born with.
