Here is a picture of me acting like I am updating my blog.
I never would do it from my brand new office IBM ThinkPad....would I?
N E V E R.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Me Updating the Blog
Here is a picture of me acting like I am updating my blog.
I never would do it from my brand new office IBM ThinkPad....would I?
N E V E R.
Latest from the Sri Lanka National Security Website
Fighting Continues In Mavil Aru
31 Jul 2006 - 11:47 GMT + 05:30
(SECOND LEAD)
TRINCOMALEE: AT LEAST TWO ARMY OFFICERS ALONG WITH FIVE OTHER SOLDIERS who were on ‘Mission Water Shed’ in MAVILARU, TRINCOMALEE today (31) were feared dead at the fierce gun battle that broke out during broad day light with LTTE terrorists.
Another officer and twelve soldiers suffered injuries and they have been rushed for treatments.
31 Jul 2006 - 11:47 GMT + 05:30
(SECOND LEAD)
TRINCOMALEE: AT LEAST TWO ARMY OFFICERS ALONG WITH FIVE OTHER SOLDIERS who were on ‘Mission Water Shed’ in MAVILARU, TRINCOMALEE today (31) were feared dead at the fierce gun battle that broke out during broad day light with LTTE terrorists.
Another officer and twelve soldiers suffered injuries and they have been rushed for treatments.
Latest From TamilNet: 3 Pronged SLA Offensive Thwarted says LTTE
3RD LEAD (UPDATE: 15 killed)
Three pronged SLA offensive thwarted - LTTE
[TamilNet, July 31, 2006 07:05 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) began moving ground troops through three fronts from two SLA bases towards Mavil Aaru sluice gate Monday morning, supported by Multi - Barrel Rocket Launchers, artillery fire and aerial bombardment from Kfir and MIG jets towards Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled area in Mavil Aaru. The SLA advance was thwarted by the Tigers, according to Ilanthirayan, the military spokesman of the Tigers. Three LTTE cadres were killed and two wounded, Mr. Ilanthirayan said. Meanwhile, informed defence sources in Colombo said 12 SLA troopers including two SLA officials were kiled and many wounded. The SLA initiated operation has threatened the Ceasefire Agreement.
LTTE defence was being carried out under the supervision of LTTE's Trincomalee District Special Commander Col. Sornam, Mr. Ilanthirayan said.
SLA troopers launched a troop movement from Thirumangalam SLA camp towards Ankodai in LTTE controlled area, but the move was defeated at Valkottu by the Tigers, amidst indiscrimate bombing by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Kfir jets and MIG bombers.
"They [the SLA] could not move far, even a kilometer from Thirumangalam camp," Ilanthirayan said confirming intensive clash between ground troops from the both sides.
In the meantime, another move, made from Kallaru SLA camp eastwards in the direction of Eachilampattu, was also defeated, he said.
A third "surprise" move through a jungle area was also defeated by the Tigers.
"The defence forces of the Tigers under the supervision of Col. Sornam offered heavy resistance," Ilanthirayan said.
Meanwhile, Colombo military sources said in Monday's fight 12 SLA soldiers were killed.
Many wounded soldiers were first admitted to the Serunuwara government hospital and later transferred to the Polonnaruwa hospital.
Schools in the Serunuwara division were closed and shops were shut down as tension prevails in the area, police sources said.
Keheliya Rambukwella, the Sri Lankan Minister and Defence Ministry spokesman in Colombo said that SLA troops were advancing towards Mavil Aaru.
"The movement of troops is reportedly slow due to mines and attack of the LTTE," Mr. Rambukwella told media Monday
Three pronged SLA offensive thwarted - LTTE
[TamilNet, July 31, 2006 07:05 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) began moving ground troops through three fronts from two SLA bases towards Mavil Aaru sluice gate Monday morning, supported by Multi - Barrel Rocket Launchers, artillery fire and aerial bombardment from Kfir and MIG jets towards Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled area in Mavil Aaru. The SLA advance was thwarted by the Tigers, according to Ilanthirayan, the military spokesman of the Tigers. Three LTTE cadres were killed and two wounded, Mr. Ilanthirayan said. Meanwhile, informed defence sources in Colombo said 12 SLA troopers including two SLA officials were kiled and many wounded. The SLA initiated operation has threatened the Ceasefire Agreement.
LTTE defence was being carried out under the supervision of LTTE's Trincomalee District Special Commander Col. Sornam, Mr. Ilanthirayan said.
SLA troopers launched a troop movement from Thirumangalam SLA camp towards Ankodai in LTTE controlled area, but the move was defeated at Valkottu by the Tigers, amidst indiscrimate bombing by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Kfir jets and MIG bombers.
"They [the SLA] could not move far, even a kilometer from Thirumangalam camp," Ilanthirayan said confirming intensive clash between ground troops from the both sides.
In the meantime, another move, made from Kallaru SLA camp eastwards in the direction of Eachilampattu, was also defeated, he said.
A third "surprise" move through a jungle area was also defeated by the Tigers.
"The defence forces of the Tigers under the supervision of Col. Sornam offered heavy resistance," Ilanthirayan said.
Meanwhile, Colombo military sources said in Monday's fight 12 SLA soldiers were killed.
Many wounded soldiers were first admitted to the Serunuwara government hospital and later transferred to the Polonnaruwa hospital.
Schools in the Serunuwara division were closed and shops were shut down as tension prevails in the area, police sources said.
Keheliya Rambukwella, the Sri Lankan Minister and Defence Ministry spokesman in Colombo said that SLA troops were advancing towards Mavil Aaru.
"The movement of troops is reportedly slow due to mines and attack of the LTTE," Mr. Rambukwella told media Monday
Latest from the Sri Lankan National Security Department
MAVIL ARU:Troops Continue Amidst Heavy Resistance
31 Jul 2006 - 08:31 GMT + 05:30
TRINCOMALEE: TROOPS ADVANCING IN A LIMITED offensive to open MAVIL ARU anicut to restore the water supply for civilians at KALLAR-TRINCOMALEE were fired upon heavily by Tiger mortars and small arms causing death to five soldiers and injuring six around 1.00 p.m today (31).
Troops were fighting through heavy resistance at the time this report is published.
Troops retaliated with the assistance of Air force and Artillery to reach the sluice gate with the intention of ensuring this much needed humanitarian aid to the civilians. Ground sources confirmed that over 35 Tigers are also killed during the retaliation
31 Jul 2006 - 08:31 GMT + 05:30
TRINCOMALEE: TROOPS ADVANCING IN A LIMITED offensive to open MAVIL ARU anicut to restore the water supply for civilians at KALLAR-TRINCOMALEE were fired upon heavily by Tiger mortars and small arms causing death to five soldiers and injuring six around 1.00 p.m today (31).
Troops were fighting through heavy resistance at the time this report is published.
Troops retaliated with the assistance of Air force and Artillery to reach the sluice gate with the intention of ensuring this much needed humanitarian aid to the civilians. Ground sources confirmed that over 35 Tigers are also killed during the retaliation
5 troops dead, 35 rebels reported killed in fierce fighting in E Sri Lanka
By Rajesh Sundaram, New Delhi, 31 July, 2006
Sri Lanka's Defence ministry Spokesman Major Rajapakse has confirmed that 5 troops have been killed in the first major ground offensive launched by the sri lankan army since the 2002 ceasefire. 6 soldiers are said to be injured since the offensive was launched.
"As we get closer to the sluice gates the battle is getting more and more fierce.we are now 500 meters away. We are encountering tough resistance.As per the reports we are getting 35 rebels have been killed in the ground offensive." Rajapakse said.
There is no independent verification of the toll by the rebels. The offensive is ongoing.
The military spokesman said troop advance is slow as the rebels have planted landmines and traps on the way leading to the cannal sluice gate.
Atleast three of the troops have died from landmine injuries.
More updates to follow.
Sri Lanka's Defence ministry Spokesman Major Rajapakse has confirmed that 5 troops have been killed in the first major ground offensive launched by the sri lankan army since the 2002 ceasefire. 6 soldiers are said to be injured since the offensive was launched.
"As we get closer to the sluice gates the battle is getting more and more fierce.we are now 500 meters away. We are encountering tough resistance.As per the reports we are getting 35 rebels have been killed in the ground offensive." Rajapakse said.
There is no independent verification of the toll by the rebels. The offensive is ongoing.
The military spokesman said troop advance is slow as the rebels have planted landmines and traps on the way leading to the cannal sluice gate.
Atleast three of the troops have died from landmine injuries.
More updates to follow.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Latest TamilNet report on the situation in Lanka
SLA artillery attacks on Eachchilampattu villages continue[TamilNet, July 30, 2006 16:46 GMT] Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Chief of Staff Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi, remains at Kallaru army camp in the Serunuwara police division directing the military operation to capture Mavilaru area amid announcement by SL Defence Ministry spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in Colombo Sunday that Sri Lankan troops are now about one km away from Mavilaru. Sources in Serunuwara said that there is a likelihood of troop movement from Kallaru to Mavilaru area early Monday morning.
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has been continuing its multi-barrel artillery fire towards the Mavilaru area.
At least twenty artillery shells had been fired Sunday, sources in Serunuwara said.
Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi is camped in Kallaru since Friday.
Meanwhile, Venerable Elle Methananda Thera, leader of the all monks' party Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) said at a press briefing held in Colombo accused the government for delaying the military thrust on the LTTE to capture Mavilaru area.
He added that JHU parliamentary group leader Venerable Athureliya Ratana Thera would not leave from Kallaru to Colombo until the closed sluice gate of Mavilaru is re-opened.
Venerable Athureliya Rata Thera came to Kallaru on Thursday and has continued his agitation for a military operation to capture Mavilaru located in the LTTE controlled area, sources said
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has been continuing its multi-barrel artillery fire towards the Mavilaru area.
At least twenty artillery shells had been fired Sunday, sources in Serunuwara said.
Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi is camped in Kallaru since Friday.
Meanwhile, Venerable Elle Methananda Thera, leader of the all monks' party Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) said at a press briefing held in Colombo accused the government for delaying the military thrust on the LTTE to capture Mavilaru area.
He added that JHU parliamentary group leader Venerable Athureliya Ratana Thera would not leave from Kallaru to Colombo until the closed sluice gate of Mavilaru is re-opened.
Venerable Athureliya Rata Thera came to Kallaru on Thursday and has continued his agitation for a military operation to capture Mavilaru located in the LTTE controlled area, sources said
The Devil Dance...grim situation in Sri Lanka
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The situation in Sri Lanka is grim. Even as I write this there are reports that the Sri Lankan army have launched their first ground offence since the 2002 Norway brokered ceasefire was signed.I spoke with the military spokesman a while ago he confirmed the development and he calls it a humanitarian action to open the sluice gate of an irrigational canal inside rebel held territory in the eastern district of Trincomalee.
This comes after 4 days of airial bombardment by Krif aircraft of the Sri Lankan Airforce.
The situation is worse now because this comes as Finland and Denmark have pulled out of the 57 member Sri Lanka Monitoring mission.
The rebels had moved reinforcements in anticipation and are reported to be responding with heavy gun fire.
The withdrawal of Finland and Denmark will reduce the size of the SLMM by a third.
The Chief of the SLMM has said that in the light of serious violations of ceasefire conditions by both the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government...the ceasefire is as good as dead.
The Cat and the Toad
Choco Pie kisses the toad...it did not turn into a princess ( sweety should have tried...it probably is a tom cat prince)Choco Pie is sad.
Poems by Rajesh Sundaram
Celebrations
Celebrations, generations
young songs of passion
older more subtle ones
Blaring from hired speakers in a lawn
Drowned sometimes by hired Dhols and drunk Dholies
Colours of cheer, some harsh chemicals too
All there...sobriety and some twisted sobriety
Young faces...in love, basking in the warm sunlight
glistening in bucketfuls of cold purple water
masks painted on faces...unfathomable
inhibitions intact...some lost
Sobriety sits in judgement.
( Picture by Nilanjan Chowdhury. This is what he had to say "The lawns of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur...are a silent witness to many a debauched celebrations. The white marble structure is an example of "Sobriety sits in Judgement" ...and waiting for the next years celebrations")
Poems by Rajesh Sundaram
Insanity
Copper, Sugar...commodities...oddities
Work, work, work...shirk, shirk, shirk
Change the lane...i am still not sane
Blaa Blaa blaa...shaa shaa shaa
( Picture shot by Nilanjan Chowdhury at a street market in Kabul, Afghanistan)
Poems by Rajesh Sundaram
The Plan
Creative differences
Piss pot on the edge...aggressive naked opinion
No Space for compromise
Middleman on a high chair... the self appointed judge.
Return fire with a small arm
humble, respectful...diplomatic.
Aggressive host returns fire with hospitality
I am floored...but fire with a firm angle in my wrist
Make a point...hear a point
No one wins this time...but there is a big battle ahead.
( Picture by Nilanjan chowdhury. Children dressed as Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru...they did have their differences. Shot at the Delhi Public School independence day function. Gandhi is Nilanjan's son.)
Poems by Rajesh Sundaram
RefreshingTo be conned,
in doses that do not hurt.
My biggest loss... the faculty to think straight
Guarded and complicated like rats planning their nests
A strategy for war...when no threat exists
Refreshing...the thought that makes me breath easy
...When I know I need no strategy and the war is already won
(This picture shot by Nilanjan Chowdhury, and was also selected by him for this poem...because he thought this poem was about anorexia. I wonder where the girl who ate all this food is ?)
Poems By Rajesh Sundaram
Cellphone Trouble
Helpless, powerless
I am armed but have run out of bullets
I have to fire in the air now...a signal
...but I can't
No battery
If I don't fire now, i send out a message I don't want to send
But I send the wrong message anyways
I mess it up more when I Can't talk
This picture titled "Troubled Sperms" was shot by Nilanjan at an IV Clinic through an electron microscope. This picture was slected by Nilanjan for this poem...as "it is reported" that cell phones can lead to low sperm count)
Liberty
Liberty is never out of bounds or off limits; it spreads wherever it can capture the imagination of men
-E.B.White
Andaman Islands after the Tsunami
This picture was taken by Manoj Menon when he went to the Andaman Islands earlier this year to film a report on the aftermath of the December 26,2004 Tsunami that devastated the island chain.
The Perfect Family
Aathira, Sreeja and Manoj made this Onam Sadya and relish it.Onam is a big day at the Menon house...and as you can see from the smiles on their face the food is yummy!!!!
Manoj has promised to send us more pictures of the people and places he visits.
We look forward to that.
The Mallu and the Pathan
Manoj has done many prestigious assignments for top television companies from India and abroad during his career that has spanned much more than a decade.
He currently works for CNN-IBN and is considered one of the best by his peers.
Manoj is a family man. It is work and home for him. He just adores his little daughter and can't wait to run home to her every evening.
Mr Tough and the Wall in Pakistan
Manoj Menon is an old buddy. We worked together at Zee News in Delhi for many years before we went to different cities and different organisations.
But we have been in touch right through. Manoj is married to Sreeja and has a lovely daughter Aathira (Pictures will follow).
Manoj is a tough professional cameraman...creative, tireless and brilliant.
This is a picture of him during India's tour of Pakistan (the series of 2005-2006). If Dravid is the Wall...Manoj is Mr Tough.
Zain in Ladakh
Zain sent me this picture of him with these wonderful ladies from Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in the traditional attire of the region.Send me more Zain.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Sunday Again
This Blog is a week old and has already reached more than 130 profile views.I am doing more to increase the traffic on this URL...top of the strategy is to improve the content.
Please come back and I will make sure there is always something interesting for me to share with you.
Take care.
r
Me At a Stem Cell Lab in Chennai
This is a picture of me at the Stem Cell lab of Lifecell, the private stem cell bank in Chennai.
Met Him at the Traffic Light
Well it was Saturday Evening and I was out on the road taking a cycle richshaw cruise around Mayur Vihar. We were waiting at a traffic intersection waiting for the light to go from red to green when guess who came up next to me.
This guy... he was pulling a cart with atleast a 200 kilos loaded on it.
No wonder he refused to smile for the picture.
Aasheesh and Perizaad
Notice the two "a"s in their names....cool. and it makes for an aahsom picture !!!
I Asked Aasheesh to set this picture up for us and here is what he had to say.
"Besides being a superb actor, Perizaad is a nice human being who is very down to earth. I wish she gets her due in Bollywood and the movies business. It has always been a pleasure interacting with her for interviews and my photographer colleague Raj pounced upon an opportunity to tease me about one of these, in this picture. "
Go to the Hindustan Times today to read a front page story written by him on the corruption at the Income Tax office at Mayur Bhavan, Delhi.
I hear the great white Lungi is very upset in his office in North Block.
Introducing Aasheesh Sharma from The Hindustan Times
It is like finding a lost treaure when you meet old buddies after a long long time.
Aasheesh was with me in College. He passed out 1995, I did in 1994. We kept in touch regularly after that.
I got my first job at Business world and he at UNI.
He works now with the Hindustan Times in Delhi as Senior Assistant Editor.
I met him to day after 4 years, a lot has happened since then.
Aasheesh has been blessed with a son and a daughter and a lot many more grey hair than when i saw him last.
At least he has hair...I have lost most of mine. Also in his the picture is is his wife Tapaswini, an ENT surgeon at the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences.
Poems by Rajesh Sundaram
HideousThings blown out of proportion
senselessly, hideously blown out of proportion
Irredeemably blown out of proportion
Destiny at work?
taking things to their illogical conclusion
Contrarian...is it wise to catch falling knives?
Shouls I resist ?
Fighting against mysterious opponents
Celestial powers?
May be...but then may be not.
But how can i not fight.
( Picture by Nilanjan Chowdhury)
Poems By Rajesh Sundaram
ALLIES
Strategies of a tiger...the hunter, the leader
made in the mind, battles won with brute force.
Allies were not part of the initial grand plan
but the glory of victory is lost in being lonely
Obsessed with allies now, an unexplained urge to share
Loneliness is defeat...is this victory sustainable?
(Picture shot by Nilanjan Chowdhury in Kabul, Afghanistan)
POEMS BY RAJESH SUNDARAM
ALLOCATIONSSavvy Allocator
weighs risks...follows prudential norms
allocates for higher returns... profit
Systemic risks, institutional risks,
sovereign risks...warnings from the gut
A calculated gamble for gains in a harsh world
both short term and long
There is no appeal against the Allocator's wisdom
No questions asked...you get what the allocator gives
Follow the social ratings they say
But do the blind see ?
Do the blind want to see?
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