[monsoonjournal.com] It is perhaps easy to compose an epitaph or a farewell note for a person who has been ill for the past six years, detached from the struggle he really lived for, but more difficult when the person is the one whose ideas and passion had gripped several generations of his people, driving them to an onward march for the restoration of their full democratic rights.
Comrade Ratna (23.11.1938 – 12.12.2006) was man of many talents. First and foremost he was an intellect and a visionary with an audacity to match. It was not through traditional education he reached such lofty heights, but by his sheer ability to combine his insights with raw experience. If there is an example of a man from an ordinary walk of life rising to perform extra ordinary feats, then Comrade Ratna was definitely among them.
His first intellectual feat was to correctly identify the Sinhala-chauvinist state and not the Sinhala working masses as the true enemy, of the all three Tamil communities, the Tamils of the Northeast, Muslims and the Plantation people; the state oppression and a common language are the link that have helped to evolve the cultures of these peoples who have more in common than differences. He then followed this line of reasoning and courageously stated that it is only when these three communities strive to fight together for a collective existence, as one people, endeavouring to belong to one nation, a modern nation based on an empowered people, individual communities can be fulfil their own aspirations.
He called this collective Eelam and the community members Eelavar. At the same instant when such an empowered people are born, he said the Sinhala masses will be set free from the bondages of their past and the inherent chauvinism of the ruling classes. To achieve these ends he founded EROS. Acronym of EROS stands for Eelam Revolutionary Organisers, which is associated in Greek mythology as a ‘Unifying Force’.
His second feat was to accept and become the strongest proponent of the ideology that proposed the toiling Tamil masses as the vanguard of this collective struggle, a strand of thinking at variance with his Federal Party traditions. Only a versatile and of courageous minds could accept new ideas or concepts and assimilate them into a whole system; Comrade Ratna could easily do that. The upshot of all these mental process was to use his creative abilities to coin simple phrases to express vibrant ideas that still echo in the minds of the masses even today.
The phrase, “A rigorous Saivar or an orthodox Christian of any tradition, religiously pious Muslim or unyielding Hindu, we are all Eelavar” is a unifying call, in his poetic Tamil is more of a command for all of us that argues well for that collectiveness, especially today.
For all his talents and skills, and his powers of reasoning and wit, he was neither able to establish EROS as a permanent organisation on the ground nor the meaning of the last letter ‘S’ in EROS among the political pundits. The institution Comrade Ratna wanted to establish may not be there, but its concepts still remain in the air, lingering on to find the right time to materialise.
However, he did achieve one of his aims, through the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord. Participating in the Thimbu talks, Butan, as part of the Tamil delegation, as the only group to champion the Plantation Tamils’ cause, without any others representing that section of the Tamil speaking people on the table, EROS and in particular Ratna was successful in establishing one of their goals as the fourth point in the Thimbu Proclamations. He did not live to see the fate of all the points in the Thimbu Proclamations. However, at his death Comrade Ratna is at least entitled to carry to his grave the satisfaction of championing the plight of the Plantation Tamils and the subsequent enfranchisement of them all.
We are Eelavar! Our language is Tamil! Our land is Eelam!
A Special supplement for the Republic Day of India-26 January 2007:
Contributed by Nate V and Harish G (Flavor for Life)
Friendly banter with any Indian friend would invariably veer towards a favorite topic – Food! Food is an integral part of India’s culture, with cuisines differing according to community, region, and state. Indian cuisine is characterized by a great variety of foods, spices, and cooking techniques. Furthermore, each religion, region, and caste has left its own influence on Indian food. Many recipes first emerged from Hinduism and can be traced back to Vedic ages. Later, many invader left their mark on Indian cuisine - Mughals, Christians, British, Buddhists, Portuguese, and the list goes on.
Just as Japanese sushi relies on the freshness of the meat and Chinese food relies on the various sauces to impart the right flavor and taste, Indian food relies on the spices in which it is cooked. Spices have always been considered to be India’s prime commodity. It is interesting to see an Indian cook at work, with a palette of spices, gratuitously sprinkling these powders in exact pinches into the dish in front of him/her.
Many of ancient Hindu kings and rulers – Emperor Ashoka (who later on went on to become a staunch Buddhist) being a prominent one – propagated Vegetarianism. Many of the religious festivals and rituals have also influenced Indian cuisine.
History of Indian cuisine:
Use of spices and cultivated vegetables dates back to 6000 BC (Indus Valley Civilization). By 3000 BC many common spices such as Black Pepper, Cardamom and mustard were being cultivated and regularly used. In Vedic times, a normal diet consisted of fruit, vegetables, grain, meat, fish and dairy products.
According to the traditional Indian medical system Ayurveda, food is either satvic, rajasic or tamasic depending on its character and effect upon the body and the mind. Food types were classified based on division of labor and different sections of society had dietary guidelines according to the kind of the work they did. Brahmins or priests were prescribed vegetarian diet, while Kshatriyas or warriors could eat meat to give them strength and stamina to wage battles.
As mentioned earlier, over the centuries Indian cuisine has been influenced by many foreign cultures and cuisines. Islamic rule introduced rich gravies, pilafs and non-vegetarian fare such as kebabs, known today as Mughlai cuisine (Mughal in origin), as well as such fruits as apricots, melons, peaches and plums. The Mughals were great patrons of cooking. Lavish dishes were prepared during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The Nizams of Hyderabad state meanwhile developed and perfected their own style of cooking with the most notable dish being the Biryani, often considered by many connoisseurs to be the finest of the main dishes in India. During this period the Portuguese introduced foods from the New World such as potatoes, tomatoes, squash and chilies.
In modern days, though Brahmins are strict vegetarians usually, those who reside in West Bengal and Konkan coast consume a lot of fish. Southern Indians generally speaking, have been orthodox in their tastes, probably because eating meat when it is hot all year round can be difficult. In the North, the weather varies from a scorching heat to a nail-biting cold, with a sprinkling of showers in between. So, the food here is quite rich and heavy, which is facilitated by a cooperative climate where a variety of fruits and vegetables can easily be grown throughout the year.
Regional Indian Cuisine
Indian cooking is known for its diversity. Though Indian cooking has become very popular around the globe, only very little of its rich culinary heritage has been exposed to the world. When people think of Indian food, they always think of Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan or Dosa. There is much more to Indian cooking than these popular dishes.
Though it does not do complete justice to the variety and depth, Indian cuisine can be largely classified based on 4 geographical regions.
North India cuisine (including Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine)
Mughlai food known for its Kababs and rich gravies has a deep influence on World food today. An everyday meal of a Punjabi farmer would be centered around bread, corn bread, greens and buttermilk (‘Lassi’). Buttermilk is whipped yogurt, and can be had sweetened or with salt and is usually very thick. Wheat is the staple food in Northern India. Shredded vegetables mixed with spices and stuffed into the dough, which is then rolled and roasted to make the delicious stuffed breads or “Paranthas” (the influence of Indian bread can be found in Malay and Indonesian cooking e.g: “Roti-Canai” ). Some Punjabis also eat meat dishes, and Indian cottage cheese called “Paneer”. North Indian rice preparation, commonly referred to as Pulav (Pilaf) has its origins in Arab/Persian cuisine and is garnished with fried onions and roasted nuts like cashew and topped with silver leaf and rose petals. ‘Tandoori’ food, a favorite with many foreigners is a gift from the Punjab. Various meats are marinated with spices, ginger and garlic pastes and curd and roasted over a clay-oven(Tandoor) with a wood-fire burning underneath. The special wheat bread cooked over the Tandoor is called ‘Naan’. In the beautiful and rich valley of Kashmir, all dishes are built around the main course of rice. Fresh fish found in the many lakes and streams here are also consumed with relish. Lamb and poultry are cooked in the Mughlai style. In the North Indian state of Utter Pradesh (city of Lucknow), there are varieties of Kababs (Galouti) that are said to melt in the mouth due to the marinating and brilliant use of spices. In the arid deserts of Rajasthan, a great variety of dals (lentils) and pickles (achars) are used to substitute the lack of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Western Indian cuisine (including Konkan and Malwani cuisine)
Maharshtra (Bombay - Mumbai) has some of the little known but amazing variety of food. Both rice and wheat are included in their diets. A lot of fish is available along the long coastline. Bombil (a type of fish), Pomfret and Bombay Duck (a fried fish dish) preparations are delicious. Further down south along the coast, in Goa, the Portuguese influence is evident in dishes like the sweet and sour Vindaloo, duck baffad, sorpotel and Xacuti. The vegetarian cuisine is equally vast too with use of Coconut, lentils, greens, garlic and red chillies. Dishes such as Gassi, Patroda etc. are unique to the Konkani cuisine. Malwani cuisine is known for its spicy and tasty sea food preparations. Paav Bhaji, Vada Paav and Bhel Puri are Mumbai’s answer to fast food. Widely sold in the streets of Mumbai often serves the busy Mumbai-ite as “Grab and Go” snacks.
Gujarati food is known for its richness and its complexity. Extensive use of lentils, clarified butter, sugar and milk give the Gujarati food a distinct flavor. A Gujarati “Thaali” (a complete assemble of various dishes, gravies, rice, bread and sweets) is delicious and very heavy! Shrikand – a sweet dish prepared from Milk and sugar is very popular. Khakdas or the light, thin and crispy snack is had often with milky, sweet tea during tea time.
South Indian cuisine (Including Hyderabadi cuisine)
South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh all have distinct flavors of their own. Southern Indian cooking has the least amount of external influence barring for Muslim/Arab cuisine in Hyderabad and Kerala (Malabar) cuisine.
Tamilian food uses a lot of tamarind to impart sourness to a dish, whereas Andhra food can be really spicy and hot. Brahmins of Southern India are largely Vegetarian. Iyer and Iyengar communities of Tamil Nadu have their distinct delicacies. Even common gravy-based dishes such as Sambar or Rasam is made differently in different communities and regions of South India. Brahmin cuisines includes vegetables and fruits but, in many cases does not include onions, garlic, root vegetables and mushrooms. Breakfast preparations such as Idli, Dosa and Vadai have become universal hits and can be found in any part of the world today. While Tamilian cuisine is largely vegetarian, Central and Southern Tamil Nadu has fantastic Non-Vegetarian cooking. Largely known as Chettinad cuisine, Karaikudi, Madurai and Tirunalveli regions are known for its range of spicy and sweet dishes.
Kerala cuisine is known for its simplicity and moderate use of spices. Some of the better known Kerala vegetarian dishes include Avial, Puttu, Appam and Payasam (sweet dish). Malabar Muslim cooking is a little known secret that only many Keralites know. Malabar Biriyani, Pathiri and Fish Curry are simply out of this world. Use of Fish, Coconut (both oil and grated coconut) and curry leaves is a distinct feature of Kerala cuisine. Kerala cuisine has very close resemblance is presentation and taste to Sri Lankan Tamil cooking, which again uses a lot of Coconut.
Andhra known for its spicy Chicken and Meat preparations uses a lot of Red Chillies in its cooking. Hyderabad, the capital city, is the home of the Muslim Nawabs(rulers) and is famous for its superb Biriyani, grilled Kababs, Kormas and rich desserts (made with apricots).
Karnataka cuisine is largely vegetarian. The practice of naivedya, or ritual offerings, to at Krishna temple in Udipi, has led to the Udipi style of vegetarian cooking. The variety of dishes which must be offered to Lord Krishna forced the cooks of the temple to innovate. Traditional cooking in Udupi Ashtamatha is characterized by the use of local seasonal ingredients. Rice, Saaru (thin gravy similar to Rasam) and Palya (Sautéed Veggies) form the staple diet to a Kannadiga (many people of Karnataka speak Kannada). Sheera (sweet dish made of Vermicelli, sugar and Clarified Butter) is an all time favorite for them.
Eastern Indian cooking:
Eastern India and the North-East consists of many states – prominent ones are West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur.
Calcutta is the capital city of West Bengal. With its numerable eateries, road side vendors and a huge spread of cuisine, Calcutta is a ‘foodie’s’ paradise. Bengalis eat a lot of fish and it is said that a Bengali meal is not complete without fish. One of the delicacies is a fish called the ‘hilsa’ is spiced and wrapped in pumpkin leaf and cooked. Another unusual ingredient used in Bengali cooking is the bamboo shoot.”Machor Jhol” or fish curry is eaten with Rice. Machor Bhaj or Fish Fry is very popular too. Milk sweets from this region like the Roshgolla, Sandesh, Cham-cham are world famous. A large immigrant Chinese community is present in Calcutta and they serve some of authentic Chinese food. Over a period of time, the Indian influence and flavor has crept onto their cuisine and you can now find “Indian-Chinese” restaurants in many parts of country (Vancouver and Toronto in Canada has a few of them).
Beverages
Tea (Hindi: chai) is a staple beverage throughout India; India is one of the largest producers of Tea in the world and some of the finest varieties are grown in Darjeeling and Assam. It is generally prepared as masala chai, a boiled mixture of milk and spices. The less popular coffee is largely confined to South India. One of the finest varieties of Coffee is grown around Mysore, Karnataka. Other beverages include nimbu pani (lemonade), lassi, and Tender Coconut water. India also has many indigenous alcoholic beverages, including palm wine (toddy), fenny (Goan Wine made from Cashew fruit), and Indian beer.
Etiquette
Several customs are associated with the manner of food consumption in India. Traditionally, meals are eaten while seated either on the floor or on very low stools or cushions. Food is most often eaten using the fingers of the right hand instead using cutlery. Eating out of a common plate or container is considered unhygienic in many Indian communities. In many Indian families it is tradition to have the head of the family eat along with the children, followed by women. In many parts of South India, food is eaten out of a large Banana Leaf .
A ‘thaali’(a metal plate or banana leaf) is quite common in most parts of India. Both the North Indian and South Indian thali contain small bowls arranged inside the rim of the plate(or leaf), each filled with a different sort of spiced vegetarian food, curd and sweet. At the center of the thali you would find a heap of rice, some puris(wheat bread rolled into small circular shapes and deep-fried in hot oil) or chapathis(wheat bread rolled out into large circular shapes and shallow-fried over a hot ‘tava).
‘Paan’ or “Paakku” is served as a digestive and mouth freshner after some meals. The dark-green leaf of the betel-pepper plant is smeared with a little bit of lime and wrapped around a combination of spices like crushed betel-nuts, cardamom, aniseed, sugar and grated coconut. It is an astringent and is believed to help in clearing the system. Mumbai is known to be a good place for connoisseurs of paan.
Indian cuisine – capturing the world market
After the Immigration Act of 1965, South Asian immigration to the United States increased, and with it the prevalence of Indian cuisine, especially in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, neighborhoods of New York city and New Jersey. In many Indian restaurants in the U.S., all-you-can-eat buffets with several standard dishes have become the norm. UK in general and London in particular has many Indian restaurants.
Curry has become synonymous with spicy gravy preparation. Basmati rice, the fragrant Indian rice used in cooking Pulav and Biriyani recently became a controversial trademark debate.
Indian restaurants are common in the larger cities of Canada, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver where large numbers of Indian nationals have settled since 1970. A number of the more adventurous restaurants have transformed their offerings into so-called Indian “fusion” menus, combining fresh local ingredients with traditional Indian cooking techniques. Indian restaurants can also be found in many European and Australian cities, particularly Paris, London, and Istanbul.
Due to the large Indian community in South Africa, the cuisine of South Africa includes several Indian-origin dishes; some have evolved to become unique to South Africa, such as the bunny chow. Many others are modified with local spices.
One thing is for sure – just a like a visit to India is a life changing experience, a taste of Indian cuisine is bound to change your palate preferences for life! [monsoonJournal.com]
Remembering for the 58th Republic Day of India-26 January, 2007:
By: Siva Sivapragasam
When Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India in 1966 she was described as a”Dumb Doll”obviously referring to her inability then to tackle India’s domestic and international issues. But barely four years later she was hailed as an invincible goddess when India won her war against Pakistan.
This writer had the opportunity of interviewing her father the First Prime Minister of India - the Late Pandit Jawarhalal Nehru somewhere around the 1960s when he visited Sri Lanka for the Non-Aligned Conference at the height of the Indo-China war.One of the questions put to him by the writer was about his successor and whether he was grooming his daughter to succeed him.With a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face Nehru said ‘this is a not a matter for me to decide but a decision the people of India have to take.’ The people of India did decide on her later when they made her the Prime Minister of the World’s largest Democracy.
Diverse Personality
Indira Gandhi was certainly a person with a diverse personality when she took decisions for her country.From the Olympian heights of victory after the Pakistan war she plummeted down into the abyss of electoral defeat.The last Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee even referred to her as a person who has been ‘consigned to the dustbin of history’.But he was wrong.Within two years the Indian people brought her back with pride to lead their country and the Janatha party became history. But unfortunately the decisions she took for her country were mixed and thereby created a sense of bitterness among sections of her people. Even today people remember her as a person who introduced nineteen months of nightmarish emergency in the country. Such acts clouded the benefits she bequeathed to her country. Sometimes referred to as the ‘man in the Cabinet’she took bold decisions in the interest of her country.When she ordered Lieutenant Colonel Sunderji of the Southern Command to invade the Golden Temple in Punjab she did this not because she loved the Sikhs less but because she loved India more. For this act of her’s she made the supreme sacrifice with her life when she was gunned down by her own trusted Sikh body - guards. In later life her son Rajiv too had to lay down his life for politics.
Concentration of Power
Critics of Indira always dub her as a person who wishes to have an iron grip with concentration of power in her hands.Some say that this was due to the large influence that her playboyish younger son Sanjay had on the mother and perhaps her love to ensure dynastic succession.But unfortunately she could not achieve this due to the untimely death of Sanjay who died in a helicopter crash.
Her pride of achievements was of course the liberation of Bangla Desh in 1971 and Indians are so proud of this that she was looked upon as an incarnation of Shakthi,the Goddess of Power.Her interest for the Tamils in Sri Lanka was no less. During the July 1983 riots when Tamils in the country specially those of Indian origin were being burnt, massacred and their belongings looted there was an uproar in the Indian Parliament.Members were questioning her as to why India was silent. It is said that she walked out of the Lok Sabha proceedings, went into her room , telephoned the Sri Lankan President Jayawardene and told him that if the riotimg is not controlled within the next 48 hours Indian troops will fly down to Sri Lanka to stop it. It was also rumoured that she had ordered the War Book be opened to invade Sri Lanka if the necessity arose. Jayawardene knew the seriousness of it and assured her that the rioting will stop. Both he and his Prime Minister immediately took steps to curb the violence.Gandhi also flew her Foreign Minister Narasimha Rao to Sri Lanka to ensure that Jayawardene kept his word.Thus another Bangla Desh type invasion of Sri Lanka was averted. She did not end her interest in the Tamils with this. When Appapillai Amirthalingam, the leader of the Tamil United Front was in exile in India soon after the July riots she called him to New Delhi from Madras to attend India’s Independence Day celebrations and introduced him for international exposure to the top-notch diplomats from all over the world as the Elected Leader of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. In fact she had requested Amirthalingam to purposely come a little late for the function so that he would be the cynosure of all eyes present.
A secular country
If History is to analyze the merits and demerits of Indira Gandhi both her faults and flaws may be long but at the same time her achievements and victories are even longer and impressive.The poison that was embedded in the form of the Emergency rule is now a thing of the past and the present younger generation knows little about this and cares little about it. In an irony of fate and paradox it has done some good to the Indians to realize that India has to be a secular country with its multi ethnic, diverse nationalities and has to be governed democratically.
India’s rise under Indira was dazzling and in a way the meteoric rise had even surpassed that of her predecessors including that of her father who was a man of great vision and wisdom. Her sudden and tragic removal from the scene of politics like Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar was indeed a great loss to the Indians and was perhaps a greater loss to the Tamils in Sri Lanka. [monsoonJournal.com]
An Appreciation by: Siva Sivapragasam
[monssonjournal.com] A.Y.S.Gnanam,a leading industrialist and Chairman of Express Newspapers(Ceylon)Ltd. which publishes the premier Tamil Daily in Sri Lanka “Virakesari” passed away about two weeks ago at the ripe age of eighty-four.
Arulanandam Yesuvadian Samuel Gnanam was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His story is that of rags to riches. He arrived in Sri Lanka from South India with his parents and siblings almost empty handed. He started life in Sri Lanka by selling scrap-iron during world-war two. The war and the shortage of scrap material in India helped him to expand this business. Gradually he went around buying scrap material and exporting it to India. When the war ended there was a shortage and he cashed on this. From selling scrap material he ventured out into the hardware business and set-up St.Anthonys Hardware stores and started dealing in hardware products.
From this point onwards it was going up the ladder in business for Gnanam. It is said that he won the Agency for the prestigious Grundig radios competing with leaders in electronic products. The import restrictions during Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s period of regime helped him to set up new industries to manufacture Hardware and Plastic products. His next line of business was Textiles and he started the manufacture of synthetic textiles like sarees, suitings, etc. under the name of Cyntex. It was during this time that he secured a loan from the World Bank for his Textile industry. It is said that he was the first private sector entrepreneur to obtain a World Bank loan. He also ventured into the manufacture of Cement with collaboration with the famous Japanese Mitsui firm. His final entry was into Newspaper business when he took over the “Virakesari” Newspaper group as it’s Chairman.
Samuel Gnanam was a man of deeds and not of words. He had a Midas touch in whatever he did. He never took “no” for an answer. He was never disappointed or frustrated over defeats. When all his factories were burnt down during the 1983 ethnic riots in Sri Lanka many of his friends advised him to migrate to India. He declined promising to re-build his Business Empire. This he did within a short time.
Gnanam had a knack to turn around less profitable businesses. During the 1970s due to import restrictions and a crippling of Government Advertising, the Virakesari Group of Newspapers had a hard time. Other Directors were pessimistic about it’s future. He told the writer who worked there as an executive and another colleague “my fellow Directors want to run away. But I have persuaded them to carry on. Please do your best to run this place profitably”. Time passed and the Newspaper was on the rails running smoothly. Although his business interests brought him into close contact with the top people running the Government he never allowed the independence of the Newspaper to suffer and he rarely interfered with the running of the Newspaper. Thus, the Virakesari was looked upon by the Tamil people as an independent, non-political Media working for the interest of the Tamil community.
The death of Gnanam creates a void in the generation of successful entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and ends the list of Businessmen of the Tamil community of his age. [monsoonjournal.com]
A Tribute - by S. Raymond Rajabalan
[monsoonjournal.com] V. Navaratnam, former Member of Parliament for Kayts passed away in Montreal on Dec.22nd at the age of 97, creating a void in the midst of Eeelam Tamils at this hour of need.
Navaratnam born in Karampon in the island of Kayts on18 October, 1910 was educated at Ananda College, Colombo and Ceylon Law College. He was a successful civil lawyer for more than fifty years .He was the only living founder member of Federal Party (Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi) which provided political leadership for Tamils for over thirty years after independence
A man with a prophetic vision, in 1949 Navaratnam along with some other members of the Tamil Congress opposed the Ceylon (Elections) Amendment Act which deprived the voting rights of Plantation Tamils. This resulted in the formation of Federal Party under the leadership of S.J.V.Chelvanayagam.
A political activist and writer with a sharp intellect and strategic thinking, he was the brain behind Federal Party’s peaceful campaigns .His loss coming hard on the heels of the recent demise of Anton Balasingham has dealt a double blow to the Tamil speaking community. In 1956 when the government of S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike enacted the Sinhala Only Act, Navaratnam was the brain behind the planning of the Satyagraha (peaceful protest) campaign at Galle Face protesting the passage of this act.
He was a parliamentarian who refused to compromise the rights and interest of his people for political expediency. Hoping to win the rights by peaceful means he participated on behalf of the Federal Party for more than a decade .However he was disillusioned by repeated failures of each and every talk.
When the government led by Srimavo Bandaranaike declared in 1960 that Buddhism was to be elevated as the state religion followed by legislation making Sinhala to be the language of the courts, Late Navaratnam spearheaded the civil disobedience campaign in North and East. He was also the brain behind running a parallel postal service during this campaign, a unique event which made him to become a legend in the annals of the history of the freedom struggle of Eeelam Tamils.
Navaratnam, contesting in the Kayts electorate during the 1963 August bye-election, resulting from the death of V.A.Kandiah, won by more than 9000 votes. He again won the subsequent election in 1965
Soon after the 1965 elections when Dudley Senanayake formed a ”National Government”, the Federal party as well as the Tamil Congress extended their support. When the
Shrima-Shastri Pact (1964) and the bill associated with the implementation of the Indo-Ceylon Agreement was introduced by Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, Navaratnam decided to defy the government Whip and speak and vote against it. However on the request of his leader S.J.V.Chelvanayagam, he agreed not to express his opposition on the floor of the parliament However Navaratnam’s opposition to the Indo Ceylon Act was a matter of public knowledge.
In 1967, the government in power introduced an Act relating to the Registrations of Persons Resident in Ceylon. The Act proposed a law under which every person in the island, 18 years of age and over was required to register himself with the Department of Persons and obtain a photo identity card. This was the proverbial last straw to break the camel’s back.
In 1968 when the White Paper for the establishment of District Council (DC) was submitted in the parliament he vigorously opposed it and made a clarion call to the Tamil youth to come forward to reach the ideals of achieving Tamil Eelam .When even this worthless DC bill was dropped due to anti-Tamil riots organized by Srimavo Bandaranaike, the Federal party quit the government. Navaratnam was once again proved right. This was how a soft spoken politician changed his way of thinking when every peaceful means ended up as failure
In 1969, his patience worn out thin, Navaratnam finally decided to have his own way and quit the party in 1969. He was a man ahead of his time and at that time because of the dominating influence of the Federal party among Tamils , Navaratnam’s voice was drowned and was swept away as a voice in the wilderness .He was a Moses denied of the opportunity to lead the Tamil speaking minorities, though he never aimed for fame or power.
Having realized the uncertainty of finding a political solution through long years of experience gained by short-lived meeting with Sinhala leadership, on Aug.1969, he launched his own party -Tamil Self Rule Party (Tamils Suyaadchchi Kazahagam). In fact he was the man who planted the seeds of freedom struggle which took a different dimension in late seventies
After losing the 1970 elections he faded away from politics but continued to keep himself informed about the developments in the country His views however were sought by politicians as well by newspaper editors.
Events of the past three decades have proved beyond doubt that he was a man with a vision and far sight .From time immemorial, the value of many are realized long after they are gone, a case in point being late Mr.Navaratnam, a soft spoken peace – loving man who after numerous dialogues with many Sinhala leaders realized very early the folly of continuing peace talks.
A man of honesty, who initially believed that peaceful means will bring an end to the political inequality, was reluctantly compelled finally to advocate alternate means.
The majority of Sri Lankans have expressed their hope for peace and an end to the hostilities, as proved by a number of opinion polls .There is a saying “More flies are caught by honey than by vinegar “.There is yet another saying “Hope is the basis of life”. Let us all hope that sanity will prevail in Sri lanka and the parties involved in the ethnic conflict will come to an amicable agreement sooner than later, so that there will be peace, prosperity and happiness - dreamt by Navaratnam - in the not too distant future.
May his soul rest in peace.
[MonsoonJournal.com]
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent for Monsoon Journal)
Oscar Anupam
Anupam Kher has been signed by none other than the ace Oscar winning director Ang lee for his movie LUST, CAUTION. The makers and the actor closed the deal on January 3, 2007 and the actor will begin filming for this venture soon. Ang Lee has directed oscar winning films including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain. The movie LUST, CAUTION is being made in Chinese language. Its an ultimate honor for the Indian actor to work in an International film project by the world acclaimed film director. LUST, CAUTION is an espionage thriller set in World War II era in Shanghai. Anupam kher’s role is said to be one of the key role in the movie. Well done Anupam.
Pushkar Aishwarya
Aishwarya Rai has been in news the whole of year 2006. Starting with a broken love with her ex-boyfriend Vivek Oberoi, year 2006 saw the media flashing news anything and everything about Aishwarya Rai. Rumors were agog that Aishwarya wedded Abishek Bachchan secretly in a South Indian temple. Rai’s family has supposedly challenged the priest who broke the news. Another news about someone sending her money in an envelope from South Africa was blown out of proportions. Latest we hear is about a drunken bodyguard of Aishwarya Rai supposedly misbehaved with the crowds and the security guards at the Pushkar temple when actress paid a visit. Ash reportedly was paying a normal visit to the temple after her film shooting of Jodha-Akbar was over. She is paired with the current heart-throb Hrithik Roshan in the movie and it’s a period film. Ash maintains an astounding silence through all this media controversies.
Baddie Hrithik
After Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, Rakesh Roshan plans to start the shoot of the third film in the series in 2007. It is reported that the film will start rolling in the second half of 2007. Hrithik Roshan who plays the character of a Super hero in this film wishes to do something new this time. He wants to be a baddie (negative role) in the super hero film. He is even ready to give the super hero title for playing a negative character. However, since he already plays the role of both the father and son in the film, negative roles seems to be a big no. Discussions are still on to cast him as a villain in the movie with an altogether different get-up. Audience loved Hrithik in Dhoom-II especially for his camouflaged characters he played. Whether Hrithik turns a baddie, wait and watch.
Howzatt Kumble
Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble will be soon seen on Silver screen with a debut in yet another cricket-based flick Meerabai Not Out. Produced by Pritish Nandy’s PNC (Pritish Nandy Communications) and directed by award winning Marathi director Chandrakant Kulkarni, the movie also stars Mandira Bedi in the lead along with Anupam Kher, Mahesh Manjrekar and Eijaz Khan. Mandira’s husband Raj Kaushal, who has earlier directed Anthony Kaun Hai, will be the line producer. Mandira seems to fit the bill perfectly, as she is well acquainted with the game. She shot to fame due to Sony Entertainment Television’s cricket show Extra Innings during the last World Cup. She will be a part of next year’s Cricket World Cup as well. Kumble is going to do a cameo in the film. The team is hoping to release the movie before the World Cup starts. Meerabai Not Out is all about cricket and the story revolves around an avid cricket fan as well as Mandira.
Crorepati Shah Rukh
Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back. And Shahrukh Khan is going to be hosting it instead of Amitabh Bachchan. So, does the tussle between SRK and Big B continue? After replacing him as the brand ambassador of Navratan Oil and ICICI Bank and being the new age ‘Don’ Shahrukh is all set to get onto the hottest seat of Indian Television. Wonder how will he re-christen Computer ji? C…C….C….Computer ji…Anyone….Kaun Banega Crorepati will be produced by Siddhartha Basu’s Synergy Communications. Says Siddhartha, “KBC with SRK will bring a whole new set of audience to STAR PLUS. Although I have been associated with KBC ever since it began, this is literally a new beginning for me. SRK’s wit, energy, excitement and enthusiasm will rub-off onto all of us and together as a team we hope to create some magical moments on television.” So, who makes a better host….Big B or SRK? Do let us know your thoughts.
Kajri Aamir
Aamir Khan plans his work meticulously. Everything is planned well in advance. But then he is also known to pull up surprises. Kareena Kapoor had been ecstatic about working with Aamir in Mani Rathnam’s ‘Lajjo’ early next year. Maybe she will have to wait a bit longer as Aamir may be launching his own home production a remake of Tamil hit film ‘Ghajini’ this January. The film has been tentatively titled ‘Kajri’ and will star Aamir in the lead role (A part played by leading Tamil actor Surya to ultimate perfection). Ravi K Chandran will be the cameraman. In a news published in a popular Mumbai tabloid, director of the original A R Murugadoss (He is directing the Hindi remake too) admitted that Aamir has told him that they will be starting the film soon. It has also been learnt that Aamir wants to cast Asin (She played Kalpana, the main heroine in the original) in the Hindi remake too. But the problem is that Asin can’t speak Hindi and since the film is going to be shot in Sync Sound, it won’t be possible for her to speak her own lines. If at all Asin is cast in Aamir’s remake, then she shall give all the top Bollywood heroines a run for their money. If Asin is not cast opposite Aamir, then in your opinion who do you think should be cast opposite Aamir in ‘Kajri’?
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent for Monsoon Journal)
THIRUVILAIYADAL AARAMBAM
Starting with a problem with the title, the producer opted for an addition of AARAMBAM along with the original title of Thiruvilayadal. The movie turns out to be a new beginning for Dhanush and it might well turn out to be his big comeback movie. Incidentally Dhanush has enacted a lot of scenes in the movie which was earlier done by his father-in-law Superstar Rajinikanth.
Named as thiru in the hero role Dhanush sings “Ennamma Kannu” the famous Rajini-Sathyaraj song with Prakash Raj. It’s an out and out Dhanush’s movie and going by the first two weeks Box office collection reports, the movie is poised to be a Super hit. Lets have a look at the story. Thiru (Dhanush) is a carefree laid back guy who has a great time with his friends (Karunas, Sukumar and others). He is basically a nice guy who wants to do some business and come up in life. But his dad (Mouli) and mom (Saranya) does not have confidence in him. One day after a small fight, his dad asks him to leave home and he sleeps in the temple. In the morning he sees Priya (Shriya) and it is love at first sight for him. She is the sister of a rich business tycoon Guru (Prakash Raj). Thiru takes a different route to make Priya love him, by directly approaching Guru. Slowly, Priya falls in love with Thiru but soon a twist happens just before interval in which our hero makes a business deal with Guru for leaving his sister. What follows then is a series of unpredictable twists and turns that keeps you engrossed.
Clearly the dialogues of Bhoopathy Pandian and its racy presentation make the film entertaining. The confrontation scenes between Prakash Raj and Dhanush are the highlights. Comedy has worked out well without depending on comedians. There are quite a few funny moments that make you laugh and think at the same time. Director Bhoopathi Pandians idea of making the LOVE as a business subject is really a good idea and seems to be new. But all other scenes look like he has copied the old formula, sequences and narration. The sequences where the growth of Dhanush is shown seems like a lift from the Blockbuster Annamalai where Rajinikanth played the part with élan. Music is by D Imman and the songs are average.
Dhanush tries to give a matured performance but he is shadowed by Prakash Raj during his confrontation scenes. Heroine Shriya looks good but doesn’t bother to act.
To sum up Aarambam oru RAMBAM (Saw) illai. Is it not enough!!!
SIVAPPADHIKARAM
Karu Palaniappan, the new Director who gave a successful film ‘PARTHIBAN KANAVU’ has now come with this Sivappadhikaram a slightly changed name of literature Silappadhikaram. But here there is no Silambu or Kannagi, only red-Sivappu is there in the second half of the film.He has used the action prowess of Vishal and acting talent of Raghuvaran in good combination.The film centres around the political arrogance and how it gets cut down by hero.
The movie begins with a retired professor Elango (Raghuvaran) coming to his native village along with his daughter Charulatha (Mamta). He summons a student from Chennai, Sathyamoorthy (Vishal), to join him in his research on folk songs. Sathyamoorthy’s pleasing manners attracts Charulatha. Meanwhile, poll fever grips Tamilnadu as general elections are announced. But, candidates are murdered one after another and a fear sets in among them. Many of them prefer to withdraw nominations. Citing lack of security to candidates, the State Election Commission prefers to postpone the elections.
Meanwhile, the police manage to obtain clues in a series of murders and arrest Elango. In a flashback, it is revealed why Elango with the help of Sathyamoorthy goes out to murder the aspiring MLAs. Sathyamoorthy along with his friends had studied in a college in Chennai where Elango was the professor. They come out with a pre-poll election survey which results in them incurring the wrath of the ruling party of the State. With the help of police, they let loose terror in the college and kill over 50 students.
Sathyamoorthy and Elango, who survive the attack, resolve to teach a lesson to the corrupt politicians. The screenplay is not upto the expectation. Vishal kills many political bigwigs and escapes without a trace. The screenplay lacks the gripping touch and the narration has lot of loopholes. Yet the subtle and polished performance by Raghuvaran and good action support by Vishal needs appreciation. Mamta as heroine comes, dances and vanishes.
Even though it is not a very new theme by Director Karupalaniappan, attempt for revitalizing folklore songs, good music by Vidyasagar and good use of the comedian Kanjakaruppu the film just gets above PASSMARK.
ILLAI KAARAM !!!!
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent for monsoonjournal)
A brief look at young married actors
Prashanth
Prashanth is one of the senior VARISU actor and son of actor Thyagarajan. He is almost rated along with Prabhu and Karthik the other varisus. He has given a lot of hit films from his first film ‘Vaigasi Porandhachu’ directed by Kastoori raja and paired with Kaveri [now TV actress] and films like Sembaruthi with Roja [Selvamanis first] and Director Shankar’s Jeans with double roles and many other hits. Prasanth married Grahalakshmi on 1-9-2005 with heavy blessings from J.Jayalalithaa the then TamilNadu Chief Minister. His marriage is now in courts due to a divorce application by his wife. He is not allowed to see his child and wife has demanded huge money for monthly maintenance from Prashanth. Actor Prashanth doesn’t have any big hit to his name after his blockbuster movie Jeans. Let us wish him that the new year 2007 brings him all good luck.
Vijay
The senior varisu actor and son of actor, Director S.A.Chandrasekhar position seems to be weak and the only his only 2006 movie release ‘Aadhi’ was a colossal flop giving him lots of trouble. Because of Aadhi’s failure at the box office, Distributors are not willing to pay and release Vijay’s Pongal release of ‘POKKIRI’ which is a revised edition of a Telugu hit film. Due to Rama Narayanan, President of Producers guild the issue has been amicably settled and Pokkiri will see the light of day on the Pongal day. Vijay got his 2nd child recently and his marriage life is normal. He doesn’t live with his parents and is looking to bounce back with his box office magic this Pongal. Good luck to Vijay.
Surya
Famous actor Sivakumar’s first son Surya married Sillunu oru Jyothika the famous actress last September. His only 2006 movie release ‘Sillunu Oru Kadhal’ with Jyothika bombed at the box office. Wife Jyothika’s film Mozhi is expected this Pongal. Jyothika decided not to act in movies further to her marriage. At present Surya has only 2 films in hand and those are not big budget movies. Whether the new year 2007 bring him good luck needs to be seen. We wish him all the very best in this new year 2007.
Arun Vijay
Actor Vijayakumar’s son Arun rechristened his name to Arun Vijay citing reasons of numerology. He is one among those few actors who have changed their names in the Tamil film industry. He has not tasted success so far in his career although he is a capable actor. He is another actor who recently got married in 2006. His three sisters who also entered filmdom sank without a trace. Arun aka Arun Vijay still sustains in the industry despite not having any big hits to his credit. His sheer perseverance and confidence will get him success this new year 2007. We wish him the best of luck in the new year 2007.
Manoj
Director and actor Bharathiraja’s son also got married in late 2006 to a malayalee actress after a love affair with her. Bharathiraja who is still believed to make even a STONE act, couldn’t get his son Manoj a success with his movie Taj Mahal. Manoj wants to try a hand in Direction and he may soon wield the megaphone for a big budget movie. Unlike his father, he wants to concentrate on city slicks as opposed to rural dramas. We wish him all the very best and a good new year 2007.
Dhanush
Director Kastoori Raja’s second son and husband of Iswarya, daughter of Super Star Rajinikanth. Dhanush had two releases in the year 2006 and his latest release ‘Thiruvilayadal Aarambam’ is doing well at the box office. He is elated and very happy to taste success after a long gap. His next film Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram is touted to be a family jerker and might win him more accolades. Can Dhanush continue his successful run at the box office needs to be watched. We wish him all the success in the new year 2007.
A brief look at eligible bachelor actors:
Vishal
With hattrick hits Chellame, Sandai Kozhi, Thimiru, Vishal is one of the hot eligible bachelors in the Tamil film industry. He has been linked with actress Reema sen with whom he delivered two super hits Chellame and Thimiru. His latest release Sivappathikaram is doing average at the box office. With four official hits to his credit, Vishal looks forward to a fantastic new year 2007. We wish him a continuous success in the new year 2007.
Silambarasan
Actor, Director and Ashtavadani T Rajendar’s son Silambarasan aka Simbhu started his career from his childhood. He named himself as the ‘Little Superstar’ and he has grown into a actor of demand. His much touted Vallavan (his only movie release in 2006) turned out to be an average grosser at the box office. He was linked with actress Nayanthara and later severed it. His strength is his confidence and his weakness as everyone says is his over confidence. Simbhu, another eligible bachelor and a potential actor badly needs a hit in the new year to prove his credentials. We wish him all the very best in the new year 2007.
Jayam Ravi
Famous Editor Mohan’s son Jayam Ravi is also an eligible bachelor actor who has never been linked with any of his costars. He has had a couple of box office hits to his credit like ‘Jayam’, ‘Something Something Unakkum Enakkum’ and ‘M Kumaran s/o Mahalakshmi’. His latest movie ‘Deepavali’ is expected to release this Pongal. We wish him a successful new year 2007.
As 2006 fades away forever, New Year ‘resolutions’ are abound looking forward to a better year ahead and wishing that many good things become reality in 2007. Pursuing the year afresh in prudent ways that will bring about positive changes for all is foremost in the minds of everyone.
The New Year also ushers us to the “Pongal” day in the following weeks, the Tamil equivalent of Thanksgiving. It is held to honor the Sun, for a bountiful harvest. Thai (January in Tamil calendar), the post-harvest month is also an important marriage season. The saying “Thai piranthal vazhi pirakkum” (with the coming of the thai – January- month a way will be open) says how the month of January illuminates the spirits.
This overflow of traditions inspires the promises of the December-January festive season and we work in earnest to ensure that the times ahead are better.
The Monsoon Journal is joining millions of humanity in adding one more celebration at the dawn of the New Year.
January 15th, the birth anniversary of Civil Rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King was born on 15 January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was a Baptist minister, his mother a school teacher.
Always interested in civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s policy of non violence. Many historians say that the ideals of Dr. King’s activism and organisation came from Christianity, but the method of non violence from Gandhi. In 1957 King was active in the organisation of the Southern Leadership Christian Conference (SCLC), formed to co-ordinate protests against discrimination. He advocated non-violent direct action based on the methods of Gandhi, who led protests against British rule in India culminating in India’s independence in 1947.
One way of paying tribute to him is to savor and live by the words of Dr. King.
His “I have a dream” speech is the best known.
He raised the consciousness of humanity to love and serve the fellow human beings. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?,’” is his wisdom that we could take upon in the new year. A commitment to the betterment of the lives of everyone. At home – national or global in scope, Dr. Kings’s words and methods – “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it”, will stand firm and prove right in the test of time and territory. [monsoonjournal.com]
By Kumar Punithavel
[monsoonjournal.com] Pongal is an ancient festival of the Tamils living in South India and Sri Lanka. It is not known exactly when the Tamils began celebrating the festival, but some historians identify it with the Thai Niradal, believed to have been celebrated during the Sangam Age (200 B.C. to 300 A.D). Pongal, a traditional Tamilian food item that has found a place on the menu of Indian restaurants across the globe, is perhaps the only dish to have lent its name to a festival and got eternal fame!
As part of the festivities, maidens of the Sangam era observed penance (Pavai nonbu) during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). Throughout the month, they avoided milk and milk products. They would not oil their hair and refrained from using harsh words while speaking.
On the day of Pongal, the women have their ceremonial baths early in the morning. The bath will be followed by worship of the image of Goddess Kalayani, which is carved out of sand. They end their penance on the first day of the month of Thai (January-February). This penance was performed in order to bring abundant rains and agricultural prosperity for the country.
Thai Niradal was a major festival during the reign of the Pallavas (4th to 8th Century A.D.). Andal’s Tiruppavai and Manickavachakar’s Tiruvembavai vividly describe the festival. According to an inscription found in the Veeraraghava temple at Tiruvallur, the Chola king Kulouttunga had made gift of lands to the temple especially for the Pongal celebrations.
Pongal or Thai Pongal is also called Makara Sankaranthi, since it is celebrated on the first day of Thai when the Sun enters the Makara Rasi (Capricornus). This signals the end of winter and the onset of spring throughout the Northern Hemisphere. For the next six months, the days are longer and warmer.
This period of six months is called as Uttarayna Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. Legend has it that the Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period. So it is believed that those who die during Uttarayana attain salvation. In fact, Bheeshma in the Mahabaratha is believed to have waited for the dawn of Uttarayana before he gave up his life.
Pongal is a four-day affair. The Bhogi is celebrated on the last day of the month of Margazhi. On this day, people decorate their homes. New vessels are bought and old and unwanted things burnt. Of late, environmentalists have pointed out that these bonfires pollute the atmosphere. And often, flights in and out of Chennai are delayed due to poor visibility because of the smog created by the bonfires.
Scholars have often compared Bhogi to the Indra Vizha celebrated by the Chola kings at Kaveripattinam, also known as Poompuhar. Indra Vizha was celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, also called Bhogi, the God of thunder and rain. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to shelter his people and save them from being washed away by the rains and floods.
It is also compared to Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam, celebrated in January. Assamese build thatched pavilions where they have grand feasts. The pavilions are burnt down the following day as part of the festivities.
The second day is Perum Pongal, the most important one. It is also called Suryan Pongal because people worship Surya, the Sun God and his consorts, Chaya and Samgnya. Women decorate the central courtyard of their homes with beautiful kolams, done with rice flour and bordered with red clay. The kolam also bore sociological significance and even today is religiously performed as a threshold ceremony before dawn in traditional households. The idea of Kolam is that insects will feed on it, and bless the household for the food. The Tamilian sense of charity did not fail to remember the insects!
Traditional Kolam
Plantain leaves are placed on the kolam on which vegetables and other farm products such as sugarcane, turmeric bulbs and coconuts are arranged. The offerings (padayals) are usually five in number, one each for Ganesha, Surya, Indra, Agni and the sacred lamp. A tiny idol of Ganesha, made of turmeric paste, is also placed near these offerings.
The pongal dish is cooked exactly at the moment when the new month is born. Traditionally, it was cooked on a hearth specially built for the occasion. Of course, these days, the hearth has been replaced by the gas/electric stove in the west where Tamilian has migrated. The pot in which the food item is prepared is adorned with flowers, turmeric roots and leaves.
There are several legends associated with Perum Pongal. A sage named Hema is said to have prayed to Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Pottramarai tank in Kumbakonam. On Perum Pongal day, the lord is believed to have taken the form of Sarangapani and blessed the sage. Yet another legend has it that Lord Shiva performed a miracle on this auspicious day by causing a stone image of an elephant to eat a piece of sugarcane!
The third day is Mattu Pongal, celebrated to glorify the cattle that help farmers in a myriad of ways. On this day, the cows are bathed and adorned with vermilion and garlands. In certain villages in southern Tamil Nadu, a bullfight called manji-virattu is held in the evening. Bags of coins are tied to the sharpened horns of ferocious bulls that are let loose in an open ground.
Manji-viratu
The young men of the village vie with each other to subdue the bull and grab the bags tied to the horns. In fact, in ancient Tamil literature, men had to subdue the bull in order to win the hand of a fair maiden and even Lord Krishna is believed to have defeated seven bulls before marrying Nappinnai. Unlike in Spanish bullfights, in manji-virattu, the bull is never killed.
Mattu Pongal has little significance to city folks. In most urban homes, the day is celebrated as Kannu Pongal. Special prayers are offered by women for the well-being of their brothers. The Tamils also remember their great poet Tiruvalluvar on this day and call it the Valluvar Thinam. On this day in honor of this great sage who was the law giver of the Tamilian race many seminars and debates are held in public forum.
The last day is Kaanum Pongal. During this part of the festival families used to gather on the riverbanks and have a sumptuous meal (kootanchoru). Even to this day when children get together and cook, it is called Kootanchoru! It is also time for traditional dances such as kummi and kolattam etc.
Kolattam Kummi
In recent years, this day has been celebrated as Uzhavar Tirunal meaning farmers day in honor of farmers who are the back bone of an agrarian society.
[Photos Courtesy of: Tamil Festival, Foods & Fanfare]
Photo Essay: Thai Pongal, at Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam, Colombo 13 on Jan 15th, 2007
