May - 2011 by Projects Abroad

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May 2011

Volume 2, Issue 18 Sponsored by:

Sharifa Khanum: A Road Less Travelled

Contents May 2011 | Issue No. 18

EDITOR’S CORNER

Editor

Dr. Nandini Murali Assisted by

Ezhil Elango Media Relations Officer

Slow is Sacred COVER STORY

04 08

A Space of Her Own The First Step to Freedom VILLAGE VOICES

Journalism Supervisor

B. Pooja

Mylampatti Musings PEOPLE

Coordinator

Joel Powel Abraham

PASSION

Carina Ringive Ingelise Jones Kristina Wilshusen

Monique Djarn

Thirumayam Fort: A Majestic Bird’s Eye View PERSPECTIVES

Malin Pohlmann Marie Nahmias

Elephant Talk! PHOTO ESSAY

Reporters and Designers:

Alexander Mackay

The Wizard of Aundipaty

Her Story: Voices of Africa TIME-OUT

Sunday Market: From Pins to Pipe Dreams ALTERNATIVES

Sibonile Mathe Stella Brikey

24 Green Living

Yukihiro Ota

CULTURE

Zinzi Boonstra

26 Deity’s Dress Code SUMMER SPECIAL

Sivakasi Projects Abroad Pvt. Ltd.,

27 30

BOOKS

Contact:

editor@maduraimessenger.org

MADURAI MESSENGER No. 17, T.P.K Road Pasumalai

Slow is Sacred For author Carl Honore, reading bed time stories to his five year old son Benjamin was a “gladiatorial clash of wills” between the journalist writer dad’s “speed” and his son’s desire for “slowness.” When he spotted a collection of condensed classic fairy tales, The One Minute Bedtime Story, it seemed a tailor made solution—the “Hans Christian Anderson meets executive summary” to deal with “time consuming tiny tots.” It was a turning point in Honore’s life that caused him to reconsider his relationship to speed and its impact on his life. “Suddenly it hit me: my rushaholism had got so out of hand that I was even willing to speed up those precious moments with my children at the end of the day. There has to be a better way, I thought, because living in fast forward is not really living at all. That’s why I began investigating the possibility of slowing down,” says Carl Honore, best selling author of In Praise of Slow, a critique of the cult of speed that sprung from the author living life in the fast lane. Slow is beautiful. Eknath Easwaran in Take Your Time reflects on the wisdom of a life of being over that of incessant doing. He writes, “We need time simply to be quiet now and then. There is an inner stillness which is healing, which makes us more sensitive and gives us an opportunity to see life whole.” The term slow is associated with pejorative connotations in the mainstream. The Oxford English Dictionary defines slow as not quick, dull or tedious. We speak of slow learners, slow decline, slow growth, or slow death. Certainly speed is the mantra of the contemporary world. We live in cult of speed. The silicone chip era is certainly one of “instant gratifications”, “short attention spans,” and “Two minute” noodles. Living as we do under the tyranny of time, the clock always calls the shots in the road runner culture. We thus live a life of acceleration and “velocitisation” or addiction to speed. The dehumanising effects of a life of hurry is evident in a life lived superficially; by default. Slow has become the operational word even in the kind of writing and reading that are my current passions. From an information junkie, I am now selective in what I choose to read. Instead of mindless TV watching, I prefer Slow Reading: a close and nuanced reading of books that nourish the Spirit and I jot down my reflections in a journal. By slowing down judiciously and approaching work with mindfulness, any work I do is more joyful: Be it cooking (Yes, Slow Cooking!) or enjoying the company of Goldie, my Golden Retriever! From a fringe idea that once seemed Bohemian, the Slow Movement is moving towards being integrated into mainstream. Like an eagle in mid air, my Slow Life has enabled me move towards finding that elusive balance—of that moment when our lives are in harmony with our innermost desires; between the head and the heart; between values and action; between the right and left brain; between our inner and outer selves.

Home Exhibition EATERIES

India Tel. 0452-2370269

Parenting, Chinese Rule Book Style! EVENTS

Madurai – 625004 Tamil Nadu

Summer Time Fun Beating the Heat

EDITOR’S CORNER

Pepper- The Spice of Life FILMS

Ko - A Thrilling Ride

Dr. nandini murali Editor

Madurai Messenger Cover Story May 2011

A Space Of Her Own Many anthems about women’s empowerment, feminism and independence have been written over time. Women such as lawyer and human rights activist Shirin Ebadi, journalist-activist Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhary and gender activist Sharifa Khanum have chosen to walk along the road less travelled. Madurai Messenger is honoured to feature Sharifa Khanum, an icon who stands up to the norm and says NO.

By Sibonile Mathe UK-Zimbabwe

“If you give women space and power, they can do anything,” says Sharifa Khanum, a 47-year-old well known Muslim human rights activist living in Pudukkottai. On meeting Sharifa, it is clear that she is a woman on a mission to do just that. Sitting back comfortably with people gathered around her, she was the centre of attention. She obviously feels at home in this position, and was eager to tell us about her work. In 1991, she set up an NGO called STEPS aimed at empowering women across Tamil Nadu. Through this organisation, she has been able to offer women support, training and a refuge. In 2002, she set up a women’s jamaat (an Arabic term for assembly or congregation) to address Muslim women’s issues such as dowry demands, divorce and harassment. Sharifa is a soft spoken woman and her body language is somewhat demure. However, she has an ability to engage all those around her. She has powerful ideas about society that she is not afraid to express. In her view, society has absolute control over how women act. “From childhood we are told how to talk, walk and act.” These confines placed on women by a

male dominated society do not allow women to be free. As a Muslim woman brought up in a conservative community, she has had first hand experience of some of the limitations women can, and do, face. It is fair to say that she aims to act as a voice for the women of her community and as a beacon for women all over the world.

Courage under Fire

Family is of great importance to Sharifa. She speaks lovingly of her mother, who sadly passed away in 2006. Her mother was not just a caregiver, but also her role model and the person who first showed her what it is to be a strong independent woman. She explains that her mother, having separated from her father, had the responsibility of looking after ten children. It is difficult to imagine the courage and hard work it must have taken to raise a family as a single woman in a very conservative community. It is, however, these struggles faced by her mother that planted the seeds in a young Sharifa’s mind about the importance of independence. As a girl, she recalls that she was stubborn, but also very sensitive to

the needs of others. She had a vibrant imagination and was somewhat of a dreamer. Sharifa recalls that as a teenager, she had “an urge to wear hot charcoal around her neck.” She wasn’t exactly sure why or what it meant. Looking back, she realises that the charcoal symbolises the gravity of the responsibility she bears. She always believed that she was destined to do something important to help others, a sentiment which she shares with many great leaders including Nobel Peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi, Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhary and Ela Bhat, to name a few. It is their ability to empathise with other people that enable them to devote their lives to fighting injustice.

Written in the stars?

As someone with great childhood aspirations, it could be said that Sharifa was destined to be where she is today. However, after a lengthy conversation we learn that her path was not transparent. Apart from her mother’s inspiration, it was her education which enabled her to become an economically independent woman. She was sent to study Office Management at Aligarh Muslim University in North India where she

lived with her brother. On completion of her studies, she decided to move back to Tamil Nadu to live with her mother. By disapproving her decision, her brother cut her and her mother off financially. On her return to Tamil Nadu, she faced grave uncertainty. Having just completed university, she needed to find employment and be able to support her mother. It was in 1988 that Sharifa took her first tentative steps towards activism. It seems almost fitting that the organisation she heads today is called STEPS. At the age of 22, she attended a women’s conference in Patna as a translator, a job she took as a means to earn money. Attending the conference opened up a whole new world for her. She recalls that she was the only Muslim woman at the conference, but what really took her by surprise was the fact that women were being open and honest about the issues they faced within their communities. She heard women speaking up against male dominance and violence. It became apparent to her that women were allowed, and in fact, entitled to voice their opinions.

Sharifa Khanum: A Voice for Women

A Beacon for Muslim Women

When speaking with Sharifa, you realise that she is a woman keen to know about others. She was interested in my backgrounds and in that of the other volunteers. Her love for travel is evident as she shares how

she would love to visit South Africa, the home country of Nelson Mandela, one of the people she most admires. She has a worldly charm having visited countries such as the US and Spain. It is with this knowledge of different cultures that she is able to understand people.

Madurai Messenger Cover Story May 2011

Sharifa Khanum addressing the leaders of tomorrow

Having met a lot of women at her first conference in Patna, she was invited to many other conferences where she learned a lot from the women she met. Traveling alone to attend these conferences, solidified her sense of independence and self-confidence —something unheard of within most Muslim communities. With all the knowledge she had gained, she started working with women in Pudukkottai. Initially, she worked with women from different castes and communities. She dealt with issues such as violence and lack of adequate facilities for young girls in school. She participated in a literacy programme in coastal Tamil Nadu, an area with a heavy Muslim presence. Through her travels in that area, she came face to face with the issues directly affecting Muslim women and realised that no one was helping them. To a great extent, she felt that Muslim women were locked away from society,

but felt that it was necessary for her to speak up for these women.

Freedom and Beyond

The question of gender inequality is one that is heavily debated in modern society. Although women have come a long way in this struggle, they are still fighting for an equal standing with men. The idea of gender inequality becomes a highly sensitive issue when placed in a different cultural context. As someone who lives in a liberal Western society, it is easy to take the freedoms l enjoy for granted. I realise, however, that the privileges I have today are thanks to brave and outspoken women, women just like Sharifa Khanum. Sharifa exudes an inner freedom not only through her words and beliefs, but also through her mannerisms. She speaks affectionately about the importance of freedom for all people. “I am a human being first , then a Muslim,” declares Sharifa in a spirit of inclusiveness, equality and freedom.

Once someone has freedom from the constraints of society, the sky is the limit. Space and power are both components of a grander idea of absolute freedom. Space for Muslim women, is a place to pray freely, an opportunity to discuss issues that affect them and to gain knowledge. Such a space is the women’s jamaat. When talking about the work she does through the jamaat, it is evident that this is something very close to her heart. Sharifa explained that a women-only jamaat is a necessity. Most Muslim communities in India have their own personal law in the form of a jamaat, a group of men who sit in mosques to hear and address community issues. There is no women’s point of view in these jamaats because women are not allowed to be present. According to Sharifa, this stems from a misinterpretation of the Quran. A great proportion of Muslim people

Standing Tall

in India cannot read Arabic and therefore cannot read and understand the Quran. They take the word of the maulvis, or religious clerics, who reinforce control over women, without question. Islam allows women many rights and one such fundamental right is that women are allowed to pray in a mosque. Sharifa is on a mission to create such a space which in turn will empower women.

Women’s Mosque

Sharifa`s work with the STEPS organisation has not gone unnoticed by the world at large. She has received a lot of international media coverage with various organisations applauding her for undertaking the task of building a mosque. However, as much as she feels that the building work is important, she was quick to mention that she does not want the building of the mosque to overshadow the work she is doing through STEPS. The mosque is just one part of her organisation, and not her main agenda. Although she is making

great strides in the Muslim community, she has faced a lot of opposition from some members of the community. This opposition consists of rumours that she is building a brothel, not a mosque. She has also received a number of death threats. But she vows to continue her work and proclaims, “I will not compromise with anything.” It takes a lot of resilience to face criticism from your own community and remain strong even in the face of adversity.

work on the mosque has been put on hold at the foundation level due to lack of financial support. She would like to secure more funds to complete the work and has designed some pamphlets to encourage donations. Mostly, she would like to expand her organisation to work with women not only in India, but all over the world. She would also like to start a bank for women which would enable women to gain control over their finances.

A Sacred Calling

Sharifa is a busy woman. She has dedicated her life to human rights. When questioned about taking time off, she says that her responsibilities come first. It seems that her work is a sacred calling.

Sharifa’s message is one of self-belief, empowerment and refusing to be held back by the limitations of one’s environment. She believes that in order for women to gain an equal standing with men in society, their attitudes must change.

Still the dreamer, she gave me an insight into what she would like to achieve in the future. STEPS has a few donors that support and help them to continue their brilliant work. However, the building

“Women have to understand that they are not confined to the kitchen, bedroom and delivery room, even if society tells them so,” declares Sharifa Khanum with a flourish.

Madurai Messenger Cover Story May 2011

and determined to show their support. Interestingly, men make up 10 percent of membership. Most members live within India, but as word of their inspiring work spreads through various networks and the media, there are also an increasing number of international members.

Hearing voices

The First Step to Freedom 8

Sharifa Khanum is answering a call from within. Her mission is to give marginalised women a voice and fight against the atrocities they face. With the support of STEPS, a women’s development organisation which she founded in 1988, Sharifa’s inspiring work is gathering momentum and making a difference in the lives of thousands of Indian women. By Ingelise Jones Melbourne, Australia

Muslim women are perhaps among the most marginalised of women in Tamil Nadu. Sharifa and STEPS are challenging the male dominated aspects of Islam, believing that misinterpretation of the Quran can lead to the exploitation of Muslim women and a denial of basic human rights. Some Muslim women are confined to their homes, not even allowed basic needs of hygiene, and many are subject to domestic violence. Education levels among Muslim women are very low, as is their general exposure to society. They are not allowed to enter the majority of mosques for prayer, nor are they allowed to be present in disputes involving themselves which are brought to the Jamaat, a male-only council who hears and resolves all disputes in the Muslim community. In answer to this injustice, STEPS developed a solution: a Muslim Women’s Jamaat, a women’s only council set up to hear cases of women in the Tamil Nadu Muslim community. Established in 2004, the body now runs independently and has so far addressed over 700 cases. Sharifa and the members of STEPS also have a dream to build a Muslim Women’s Mosque to allow women a place for prayer.

Connecting hearts and minds At the heart of the organisation is the recognition of the need for all women to have self respect, confidence, the right to be heard and the right to live a life of equality.

Empowering women begins with awareness. Through meetings, poster exhibitions, competitions, workshops and conferences, STEPS is helping women to connect with each other. By organising and mobilising groups, women are able to discuss their issues in a safe, caring and helpful environment. In the Muslim community alone, 410 Muslim women self help groups have been created across 10 districts of Tamil Nadu. STEPS also publishes the ‘Pengal Jamaat’, a quarterly magazine, to help raise awareness. They also regularly receive local and national media coverage. Another priority for the organisation is lobbying and advocating for women’s rights at the district, state and national levels. STEPS works together with the police, academic institutions, religious institutions and the media to raise awareness of the issues and find sustainable solutions to the atrocities faced by marginalised women.

A place to go, a space to pray STEPS is raising funds to build a women’s only mosque in Pudukkottai. So far, they have built the foundation, but still need more money to complete it. Sharifa also has a dream to one day start a women’s only bank. With such passion and strength, Sharifa is an inspiring leader who has achieved an enormous amount in support of marginalised women in Tamil Nadu. But the fight is not over. To continue their quest for social justice and equality for all women, STEPS depends on both financial and social support. For more information or to make a donation in support of STEPS, or specifically for the Muslim Women’s Mosque, visit http://www.stepswomenjamaat.org/

ptly named to literally mean ‘steps’ towards women’s liberation, STEPS aims to empower and support marginalized women in Tamil Nadu, especially those who are victims of violence. Sharifa believes that self-respect is the first step to freedom. Informally founded by Sharifa in 1988, STEPS is a grass roots organisation based in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. They initially focused on general women’s issues until 1991, when they began to take special interest in helping Muslim women. To support their work, STEPS was given land from the district collector on which they built a head office and a women’s centre. STEPS tackles issues arising from situations such as marital disputes, dowry harassment, sexual, physical and psychological abuses. Women in need receive support, short-term shelter, counselling and free legal aid. Since its inception, STEPS has supported over 10,000 women. They also take on broader issues of social injustice against women and children such as inadequate education, lack of toilet facilities in schools and child labour. To support the education of Muslim girls, they have created a Muslim Children Home in Pudukottai. STEPS also provides small financial loans through a micro credit scheme to support the establishment of small businesses run by women. With over 25,000 members, STEPS is continually growing. Among its members are women from multiple denominations who have been moved by their plight

A Supportive Space: Sharifa Khanum meeting with STEPS Members

Madurai Messenger Village Voices May 2011

Mylampatti Musings

Place:

Mylampatti is a small village located 48 kms west of Madurai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. It forms part of Usilampatti, a town made up of 57 small villages.

Population:

The first of a new series on pen portraits of villages in and around Madurai. We begin with bewitching Mylampatti, a small village in Usilampatti, 48 kms west of Madurai. Ingelise Jones sums up her experiences with inputs from Kristina Wilshusen, Malin Pohlmann, Sibonile Mathe and B.Pooja.

By Ingelise Jones Melbourne, Australia

isiting Mylampatti was a wonderfully warm and memorable experience. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were overwhelmed by the friendly reception we received. For a few hours, we felt like celebrities! Curious about everything from our hair to our skin, from our names to our home countries, it seems our fascination with them was matched by their fascination for us! As we sat under a banyan tree, we experienced first hand the close sense of community they share. We were surrounded by women, men and children, all eager to share their thoughts about life in the village.

The village has a population of around 600, with an equal male to female ratio. The township of Usilampatti has a population of over 1,00,000.

Production and Labour:

With rich fertile red and black soils, the village has a strong agricultural base. Most of the adults in Mylampatti work in agriculture or in nearby factories and mills. Crops including rice, sugar cane, papaya, bananas and vegetables are grown to feed the people of the village, and sell in the market. The town is particularly known for its production of jasmine, which they sell in local markets and to wholesale markets near Madurai. Jasmine flowers are, of course, a signature hair accessory for the women of Southern India. Their significance is closely associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and are used in religious offerings.

People:

Mylampatti is a lively village full of passionate people. The residents regularly gather together in the centre of the village, under the banyan tree where we sat, for festivities and to share information with each other. The elders have a special authoritative role among the people, and with a literacy rate of only 10 percent among this generation, talking is the most effective and most commonly used method of communication in the village.

Projects Abroad Volunteers mobbed by fans!

The two eldest women are 76 and 80 years old, (or at least that’s how old they think they are. They can’t remember!). The younger one was particularly enthusiastic and vocal, with something to contribute in answer to just about every question we asked. Unfortunately though, due to the fact that we lacked any kind of magical powers, her requests for us to mend her sore knee could not be fulfilled!

When we asked about school, all the children shouted that they loved it! Their favourite subjects were mostly Maths and English. As for Tamil, their answer was not dissimilar to the answer you may expect from most children around the world when talking about their native language, none of them liked learning Tamil! In Indian culture, young girls and boys play together, but once they reach 12 or 13 years of age, the battle of the sexes begins and they spend most of their time apart until they get married. While the older generation were married at age 16 or 17, today people usually marry in their early 20s. While the men of the village weren’t as vocal as the women, we were amused by some of the comments they made, mostly about how they were dominated by their better halves! The women naturally agreed. It was indeed entertaining to hear a familiar comment said in a very different sort of society!

Problems - Past & Present:

“Busy!” was the resounding answer from the adults of Mylampatti, when asked about the pace of life in the village. Long hours are demanded from their work. There was also much concern over a lack of adequate medical facilities. The nearest doctor is 2 km away and there is no hospital nearby. The cost of living was also a concern. One man told us that it costs about `2000 per month for a family of four to survive. When problems arise, the village seeks council from a group known as the ‘Protectors’. There is a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Commissioner and a Counselor to help them resolve any issues relating to property, financial, physical and psychological aspects of their lives.

She told us that her generation mostly came from a family of up to seven children. The size of families, however, has gradually declined and today, most couples only have two children. As one might expect, education is improving with each generation. Most of the middle generation, those aged 20-40 years of age, have completed schooling till the 10th grade. But it is clear that today, with a school of 120 students and four teachers, the hopes and dreams of the village lie with the children. The children’s excitement was infectious. It was impossible not to feel their energy and get swept away in the moment.

The Children of Mylampatti: All Smiles.

Madurai Messenger Village Voices May 2011

In the past, beliefs held by the people in Usilampatti, suggested that female babies brought with them, a curse on the family and on God. The incidence of female infanticide was common 15 years ago and for decades before that. However, we were told by a nurse who works at a local hospital that this doesn’t occur anymore. If in the rare case that a family has an unwanted female baby, the child will be given to an orphanage. Mylampatti also has a reputation for violence when resolving disputes. As volunteers from Western countries, we found this quite hard to understand. We were, however, slightly relieved to hear that while there are sometimes incidents involving violence, it only occurs on the rare occasion when peaceful methods and help from the authorities are ineffective.

Passions and Past times:

The residents of Mylampatti have a very obvious sense of pride in their village. With such a busy life tending the land, many of the villagers like to keep their free time simple. They care about each other and they enjoy spending time together. Importantly, every home in Mylampatti has a cow and a television! Watching films on television is one of their favourite past times. The older generation expressed their love for classic Indian films, particularly any starring the beloved Tamil actor turned

politician, M.G. Ramachandran. Films such as Rickshakaran and Ulagam Sutrum Vaalibhan are watched over and over again, his fans never get tired of him. Their other favourite actor is Sivaji Ganesan, another iconic Tamil figure known as the ‘Marlon Brando of South Indian cinema’. His lasting appeal is still well alive too, with popular films such as Thiruvilayaadal in which he played Lord Shiva, and the blockbuster, Vasantha Maaligai.

The children were very enthusiastic about their own prospects of future employment. Pavi, aged 13, wants to be President. Her brother, Pavin, aged 10, wants to be a doctor. Some children wanted to be like their cricketing hero Sachin Tendulkar. Others aspired to be actors or IAS officers. The teenage boys told us that their dream jobs would be as software engineers or police officers. There was also a strong emphasis on their desire to make lots of money!

For the children, it was just as clear who they loved. “Ajith and Vijay!” they screamed. Ajith Kumar often plays the romantic hero in films such as Kadhal Kottai and Kadhal Mannan. Vijay (Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar) stars in action and romance films such as Poove Unakkaga, Ghilli and Pokkiri. We got the feeling that these actors were not only adored, they were their heroes!

But do the children want to stay in Usilampatti for the rest of their lives? Most children shouted “Yes!” It’s fair to say that the future of Usilampatti is in safe hands with such bright and ambitious minds.

Of course, like many Indians all over the country, lots of the young boys also had a love for cricket! Many told us that their favourite player was, of course, Sachin Tendulkar.

Prospects & Promise:

So what does the future hold for the people of Mylampatti? What are their hopes and dreams? Life expectancy in the village is 86 - 90 years. When we spoke to the two elders, women aged 76 and 80, they told us that the secret to a long life is hard work!

Of course our names were unusual to them, just as theirs were unfamiliar to us. Many children ran around with a piece of paper requesting our autographs. Celebrity status confirmed once again! Kristina turned the tables on the children by asking them for their autographs as well. It seems as if all the children wanted to sign their name. After several fights over pens, Kristina ended up with over 30 signatures!

Parting ways:

Keen to ensure that the celebrity status was reciprocated, we had our cameras at the ready to capture their beautiful smiling faces. As they climbed on top of each other to get in the centre of the frame, we took dozens of photos between us. But it was the delight on their faces when they saw themselves on our digital cameras, which was truly priceless!

Amidst the screams, their true personalities shone through. Kristina from Germany found herself among the teenage boys who, while shy at first, were soon eager to show off and impress her with their command of English.

Saying goodbye was difficult. It was literally impossible to leave! As we attempted to make our way to the getaway vehicle, we were mobbed once again. Shaking hand after hand, we slowly piled into the back of our 4WD, just like celebrities. It felt like an appropriately exciting way to leave. For the entire journey home, we reminisced about how much fun our excursion was… And we’re still smiling.

All of the children had lots of questions for us… “What’s your name?” “What is your father’s name?” “What’s your home country?” “How old are you?” “Are you married?”

Thank you to the people of Mylampatti for your time and for making our Projects Abroad staff and volunteers feel so welcome. We wish you well for the future.

After the interview was over, we separated and each found ourselves surrounded by children. It was time to get up close and personal and embrace our inner celebrity…

Bright Minds: The future of Mylampatti

A Proud and Passionate Father

Madurai Messenger People May 2011

The Wizard of Andipatti Strange things happen in Andipatti. People talk about a legendary “magician” who is believed to heal children by the power of his hands! Hocus pocus or true magic? Stella Brikey went to Andipatti and met magician T. Duraisamy in his modest thatched home. Healing supplies

By Stella Brikey Hamburg, Germany

y journey started at 6.30 am, but there is no chance to be tired: Today, I am going to meet a real magician! His name? Unknown, so far. Hoping that he is not like Saruman from Lords of the Rings, I arrived in the rural fringes of Andipatti. The landscape reminds me of a desert. The car stops at a blue house without a front wall. And there he was: a skinny man with no teeth but a big beard and a golden turban on his head.

“Vanakam,” he said. His greeting was very friendly. I had to take off my shoes, even if there is just sand and dust on the floor. He seems to be a little bit nervous. “You are the first journalist who wants to talk to me,” he said. His shiny golden cape reminds me of a carnival dress. “This is my uniform. I am a certified magician of the state of Tamil Nadu.” He proudly presented us his identification card: Name: T. Duraisamy (64) Type of art: Sevayatta artiste Experience: 18 years

Duraisamy has worked as a healer since he was eight years old. He basically heals babies who don’t want to drink milk or generally feel sick. Most people prefer him to a hospital. “I am much cheaper!” His treatment costs only ` 10 and his “healing” takes only two minutes. Instead of a magic stick he uses natural tools: a pot of water, a pot of honey mixed with the colour of a peacock feather and green neem leaves. “My ancestors taught me how to heal,” he says while the red “kunkumam” powder on his forehead glared in the sun. Even the doctors in Andipatti or Madurai send their patients to him.

Suddenly, a car arrived and a young couple got out. No “hello,” no “vanakam” – everything just happened very fast. The mother gave her baby to the magician. He muttered a mantra while he kissed the hands and the feet of the baby. Then, he took a neem leaf, dipped it into the pot of water – and splashed it onto the face of the baby! Afterwards, the magician put some of the blue colour on the forehead of the baby and his mother. After two minutes, they paid and left.

The healer at work

“There is no time for a longer treatment,” he said. Actually, every ten minutes, a new patient arrived. “I have to work 24 hours a day.” I was the first foreigner he had ever met. “Hopefully I will get more popular after this article,” he says and smiles. Is he also able to heal cancer or leprosy? “No, I only heal little itches and pains,” he said. The biggest miracle is actually himself. “I never went to a doctor in my whole life and I never used medicine.” Proudly, he showed me a little green lemon.

It seems like all of his belongings dangled on his walls: necklaces, plastic flowers, and a faded picture of his father, bags, shirts, trousers, business cards and a peacock feather. In front of his hut there is a little temple with two bells, a radio, a couple of Ganesh statues, flowers, white ash, and red “kumkum” powder, which you put on your forehead as an offering to God. His house is almost empty. There was just a bed without any pillows or blankets, four cats, some old clothes and pots. But his walls were decorated with hundreds of colourful calendars of Shiva, Ganesh, Krishna, Jesus and a football team. “Neem” leaves are strewn all over his roof.

“I’ll tell you my secret: One lemon a day keeps the doctor away.” Sometimes Duraisamy gets 40 patients a day, sometimes only four. He earns around `6000 per month and the government supports him with another `1000 per month. It is some kind of a ‘magician foundation’, he told me. “That is enough for me to have a good and peaceful life.” What happens with all the money? T. Duraisamy, certified magician of the state of Tamil Nadu, getting ready for the first interview of his life

“I sent my three sons to university. One day, they will continue the tradition of healing – right after my death.”

In Andipatti, he has a couple of colleagues. Duraisamy calls himself the most famous. His rate of success is high. Only one or two out of a hundred people come back because they were not cured. Did he ever meet a person who does not believe in his power? “No, never.” How did he get his power? “I didn’t have sex for 45 years …” I asked him if it was worth it. He didn’t answer …

Madurai Messenger Passion May 2011

Elephant Talk!

Make way for the diva!

She is young. She is hot. And: She is an elephant! Stella Brikey had the pleasure to meet Sita (36), Madurai’s most famous lucky mascot and Super VIP (Very Important Pet), and dipped into a world of luxury, fame and crazy fans … Viva la diva! By Stella Brikey Hamburg, Germany

The lady charges `1000 - 2000 for a function, which is not much considering her luxurious lifestyle! She spends around `1000 every day – just for food! Every third week, the diva relaxes in a wellness spa. She prefers foot massages with warm oil and expensive Ayurveda treatments. That is why her owner Mrs. R. Mala (34) also has to work as a teacher in a college. “You can’t survive by owning an elephant,” she says. “It is just a passion.” Fortunately, Sita has enough sponsors and fans that donate her fruits and money.

Glamorous Goddess?

It is impossible for Sita to go out without getting disturbed by fans. Wherever she goes, hundreds of people run out of their houses, fall down on their knees, make obeisance and pamper her with fruits, coins and little gifts – as harbingers of luck. For them, Sita is some kind of a god. “Sita is the name of a Hindu goddess, the wife of Rama,” Mala says. “She is esteemed as the standard of wifely and womanly virtues for all Hindu women.”

The elephant woman Mala...

ome people would probably call Sita a diva, because the beauty often has her nose high up in the air! A life without a chauffeur and a personal make-up artist is not conceivable for her. Sometimes Sita is even bothered by the people who love her: her fans! But Sharukh Khan also has to deal with that. That is the curse of being a VIP – whether you are a human or a pet! Sita’s working day starts at 5 am. Then, her keeper come personal assistant or Mahout arrives by tricycle

Nevertheless, Sita is far from being a goddess. Often, she gets little aches and pains which require a visit to the doctor for a check-up. Mostly, he gives her medicine and injections. It is comparable to Hollywood star Angelina Jolie (35) who has to get her monthly Botox injections. For both VIPs, beauty is their capital!

... and her “pet”.

with her breakfast: two tanks of water (600 litres), 300 banana leaves and a lot of fresh fruit! “Sita prefers vegetarian food,” the mahout says, “But 150 kilos per day.” To stay in shape, she goes for a two-kilometre walk every morning and evening. Today, Sita gets ready for an appointment nearby as a lucky mascot for the devotees. Normally, she calls the mahout, who is also her personal chauffeur, to drive her wherever she needs to go, but today,

the VIP decides to walk! The distance of ten kilometres will take her two days, because the diva refuses to compromise on her beauty sleep (11 am - 2 pm every day). “For Sita, working in the midday heat is intolerable,” the Mahout says. Of course, too much sun hastens the formation of wrinkles. Before they arrive, the Mahout decorates her face with paint and jewellery. “You can call me her personal make-up artist,” he says with a grin.

But what is Sita actually worth? “A good quality elephant costs around `500 000,” Mrs. Mala says. What does good quality mean? “Strong legs, muscles and beautiful eyes – choosing an elephant is like choosing a husband,” she says and grins.

Living in a Golden Cage Sita is not free. She lives in Mala’s garden. Incidentally, she happens to be Sita’s best friend. But when she is at home, her legs are always in chains. Is she maybe dangerous? “No, no, no,” Mrs. Mala says. “Sita is a very calm and

quiet lady. She is never aggressive or angry – I love her very much.” It is, however, hard for a VIP to find friends. Most people are just looking for her money and fame. So Mrs. Mala is Sita’s only friend. The two ladies have known each other for ten years. “She is like a child to me,” Mala says. “Everything in my feelings is Sita, Sita, Sita. I take care of her – every day.” But it was not her decision to care for Mrs. Sita. “I continue what my grandfather and my father began. A few years ago, I even had ten elephants. But after my father died, I sold all the other

elephants – but not Sita. I think I am very blessed with my Sita. God gave something special to me. I am not a normal person – I have an elephant in my garden. That makes me proud. I will definitely never sell her. Having an elephant is not only a job – it is my passion. My husband lives very far away and I never had children… So, my Sita is my baby!” Mala and Sita even eat together. “I love her jealous look when I eat a fruit in front of her. Even if I drink a cup of coffee, I have to give her half of it.” But would you expect anything else from a real diva?

Madurai Messenger Photo Essay May 2011

Thirumayam Fort: A Majestic Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye View On our journey back to Madurai, after meeting activist Sharifa Khanum for our cover story, we stopped 20km south of Pudukkottai to see the historical Thirumayam Fort. By Ingelise Jones Melbourne, Australia

s you approach the town of Thirumayam, a large fort stands on a hill. Striking walls of carved stone are set on top of the gigantic rock, creating a platform with 360 degree views.

A single imposing canon sits in the centre, ready to fire in any direction. Lush vegetation is sprinkled around the fort as far as the eye can see. Built in 1687 by Sethupathi Vijava Ragunatha Theyar, ruler of Ramanathapuram, the fort is set on 40 acres. It has been used for different purposes throughout history, including as an arsenal base by the British Army in World War II. On the far side of the fort, there are two cave temples cut into the rock. The temples are dedicated to the Lords Siva and Vishnu, and are considered National Monuments.

As we explored the mysterious dark temples, we were fascinated by the intricate carvings and sculptures. Our experience was made even more magical by a mystical soundtrack courtesy of Palaniappa and his wooden flute. We noticed many stone cobras and asked about their significance. We were told that hundreds of cobras are still being used for worshipping! Apparently, the real ones were safely locked away. We were happy just to see the stone cobras! Traditionally, the temples have been a popular place for passing travelers to stop and pray for a safe journey. In 2007, the Archeological Survey of India renovated the fort. The restoration work included strengthening and reinforcing the architecture of the fort, as well as removing overgrown weeds. As the sun began to set and the light changed, it was impossible not to imagine all the kings, soldiers, locals and tourists who had shared this beautiful view.

Tsitsi Dangarembga Writer, Film maker and play wright.

Madurai Messenger Perspectives May 2011

Her Story: Voices of Africa African literature has captured the world’s attention in many ways. These writers use fictional characters to weave the conditions of their environment with their own personal experiences and yet remain relatable to the world at large. Sibonile Mathe, a Zimbabwean herself, says that the works of Yvonne Vera and Tsitsi Dangarembga, two of Zimbabwe’s most well known women writers, resonate deeply with her.

UK - Zimbabwe

patriarchal society has stifled their voices. Not surprisingly, it is the stories of the men who fought in battles against colonial rule, the men who worked in the gold mines, and those who stood up against the oppressive regime, that are told. The question that prevails is: Who speaks for the women of this great continent?

Celebrating Women through Literature

The late Yvonne Vera -Award winning writer.

he story of the African woman is often forgotten. Gender inequality can be traced back to a time when the indigenous people of the African continent were oppressed by foreign rulers. Traditionally, women are viewed as care givers and nurturers, which is still evident today. Women have been treated like second class citizens; seen, but not heard. It is evident that

Both authors use women as central characters who drive the story forward. Different types of characters are used to portray a broader spectrum of women’s experiences. In doing so, they celebrate womanhood by showing that there is not just one type of woman, and their stories need to be told.

Colonialism

By Sibonile Mathe

all the children to school. Therefore Tambu’s father decides to send her brother to school instead of her. Determined to get an education, she decides to sell vegetables in order to earn money to pay for her own tuition.

In my quest to answer this question, l came across two celebrated African women writers— Tsitsi Dangarembga and the late Yvonne Vera, both from Zimbabwe. These women are a rarity amongst African writers, a field mostly dominated by men. It is fair to say that their success paved the way for many upcoming writers. Their writing is heavily influenced by their upbringing, educational background and experience of living in a pre and post colonial society. It is through their works that readers are able to gain a better understanding of women’s experiences during the fight for liberation in Zimbabwe. Yvonne Vera summed this up neatly, “When the country gained its independence on the 18th of

April 1980, it meant freedom for all. However, women did not share the same freedoms.” There are a number of strong themes conveyed in both Vera and Dangarembga’s work, one such theme is that of women’s empowerment. Each writer is able to articulate this through the use of strong women characters. In Yvonne Vera’s novel, Nehanda, the protagonist is a women spirit medium who plays an active role in the liberation struggle and took on a leadership position mainly occupied by men. This character has great historical significance because she was an inspirational leader at a time when women in Zimbabwe were not recognised for their participation in the anti colonial movement. Tsitsi Dangarembga’s book, Nervous Conditions, tells the story of a young girl who wants to better herself through education. The context in which the story is set is one where the concepts of tradition and modernity are in juxtaposition. The main character is a girl called Tambu. She is denied an education by her father because of his traditional views and beliefs that it is not important to educate women. The family is poor and cannot afford to send

Another important theme evident in these novels, especially by Yvonne Vera, is that of colonialism. Like many other countries in Africa, Zimbabwe was under British rule before 1980. This period in history is of great significance as it shaped Zimbabwe and made it what it is today. Evidence of colonialism is still evident in modern day Zimbabwe. Vera tells the stories of the women who played a part in Zimbabwe’s liberation, not only through her critically acclaimed Nehanda, but also in The Stone Virgins, where she tells the story of two sisters living in a fragile post colonial Zimbabwe in the early eighties. At that time, Zimbabwe was a newly independent country, having only gained independence on the 18th of April 1980. However, the country was still in turmoil, recovering from colonial rule but also on the brink of civil war. It was a time of uncertainty

and the scars of war were still evident. Through the eyes of these two women characters, the reader is presented with the experience of living in Zimbabwe during this period. In this book, Yvonne Vera addresses a number of taboo subjects that directly affect women, such as rape. For example, one of the characters, Nonceba, is brutally raped by an insurgent, highlighting the way in which women suffered for colonialism and for freedom.

Preserving Tradition Story telling is an ancient tradition passed down through the ages, not just in Zimbabwe, but throughout Africa. This tradition began with oral tales told to children by their elders which were then passed down from generation to generation. The introduction of the printing press allowed these stories to travel across space and time. It is clear that this tradition in an important part of African culture. African writers like Yvonne Vera and Tsitsi Dangangarembga, play an important role in keeping this tradition alive. The works of these two authors are of great importance in the representation of real women and their experiences. They tackle issues faced by women such as rape, abortion, racism, self-image and they also challenge gender roles. They create an open debate to allow other women to relate to the struggles faced by the characters and paint a different and empowering picture of what it is to be a woman. Undoubtedly, both authors have enjoyed a long list of achievements in their careers and are recognised internationally for their talents. Yvonne Vera’s works challenge the position of women in Zimbabwean society by drawing attention to the tragedies and struggles they endure. The context in which most of her works are set is one of pre and post colonialism. As one of Zimbabwe’s most successful women writers, she has a long list of achievements. Her novel Nehanda (1993) was short listed for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize; Without a Name (1994) was awarded the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Africa and Zimbabwe Publishers’ literary award. Her other accomplishments

include the German literature prize in 2002 for Butterfly Burning and the Macmillan writers prize for Africa for The Stone Virgins (2000) Tsitsi Dangarembga is a playwright, filmmaker and novelist. She has had immense international success and one of her most famous works Nervous Conditions (1988) is now viewed as an African classic. This book won her the 1989 Common Wealth Writers Prize. As a successful playwright, she penned a number of plays such as She does not weep (1987). She also wrote the script for Neria (1993) which became the highest grossing film in Zimbabwean history. She made her directorial debut with the film Everyone’s Child (1996) and was the first black woman film director in Zimbabwe. The success of these writers cannot be measured through their achievements and awards alone, but also through the powerful messages they create. Through their works, one can gain an insight into what it means to be a woman. It is fair to say that both authors have inspired a generation of young women, and their works will continue to do so in future. They act as pioneers for Zimbabwean women by telling their stories; but most importantly, by giving them a voice. It is with this in mind as a Zimbabwean woman myself, that l am inspired to put pen to paper to tell my own story.

Madurai Messenger Time-out May 2011

Sunday Market: From Pins to Pipe Dreams Long before the phrase “one stop shop” emerged as an advertising gimmick, Madurai’s famous Sunday Market was established, housing everything from pins to pipe dreams! Kristina Wilshusen takes us through the bustling market and traces its history. By Kristina Wilshusen Germany

running his business for 30 years. He mainly sells metal pipes, both old and new, which he obtains from factories. The level of activity at his stall varies, but he gets an average of about 20 customers per day. He seems satisfied with this number, so business can’t be running too badly for him! When asked if he likes his job, Shanmugam answers with the typical Indian head wobble, which – in this case – is supposed to mean a plain “yes!” He greatly enjoys running his own little business and being his own boss.

Pets and pottery

As we walk on, the marketplace changes completely and we suddenly find ourselves in the middle of what resembles a miniature zoo. The owner of one of the pet shops, S. Rajendran, shows us the animals he sells. No matter what kind of pet you may be dreaming of, this is the right place! There is an aquarium full of tiny fish, cages full of rabbits, and even cute little puppies tumbling about in their crates. A cage made of thin wire practically brims over with white mice climbing the inner walls. It is doubtful whether they are destined to end up as somebody’s pets! In the bird’s corner, there are parrots, budgies and chickens waiting to be bought. The most precious of them all is a big black bird called “Trunk”. According to Rajendran, his stall gets around 100 customers a day, about 75 of whom actually buy something. By the way: some of the people he has sold dogs to are staff members of Projects Abroad!

They are cheap, but still in good shape. When I want to buy something, I always compare the prices at four or five different market stalls, and then I buy the cheapest one.” Of course, a purchase like this never happens without a good deal of bargaining!

Nothing is obsolete!

There are many kinds of other stalls to be found at the Sunday Market. Some feature motors or computers (complete machines as well as spare parts). Others offer a surprisingly wide range of water tanks or even rubber belts. Sometimes, the contents of a stall looks more like a pile of garbage than merchandise! But it never takes the owners a long time to find what their customers ask for, so there must be a cleverly devised system behind the chaos. Obviously, hardly anything is considered obsolete here. Demand determines supply! One particular stall sparkles and glistens with silver: keys hanging everywhere! It makes you wonder if there is a key for every single lock in Madurai!?

Having left the animals behind, we come to the pottery section of the market. The woman who is in charge of the central stall is too busy to answer any questions, but she allows us to have a look at her goods: handy clay stoves to cook on, heaps of small bowls to be filled with lights, and of course, countless clay pots that come in all shapes and sizes. The latter are said to keep the water stored in them fresh and cool, which is definitely an attractive option during the sizzling hot South Indian summer! The most eye catching artifacts in the stall are, however, the colourful masks hanging decoratively above the pots. People like to put them on the walls of their houses for religious reasons, as the mysterious-looking masks are supposed to offer protection.

Prices, products and personal encounters Mysterious clay masks

adurai’s so-called “Sunday Market”, situated not too far away from the Vaigai riverbank, carries a misleading name. Set up about 45 years ago, it originally opened only on Sundays. In fact, it wasn’t more than a simple vegetable market at first! But as the market grew consistently larger, it is now open on every single day of the week. The size of its grounds and the working hours, however, are not the only things which have expanded over time. It is the assortment of goods sold on site which underwent the most remarkable change: nowadays you will find anything but vegetables in the Madurai Sunday Market!

When the cat’s away, the mice will play!

“Heavy metal” items The first section that we pass when we enter the market is packed with (more or less rusty) metal devices and appliances. You can literally find everything from pins to pipes here. It instantly becomes clear that you have to know exactly what you are looking for when you come to this market as a customer. Tourists rarely stray off into its narrow alleys! It’s all about basic and useful items here, not about souvenirs or gadgets. One of the market stalls in this section is called “Pipe Centre” and belongs to R. Shanmugam, who has been

The pipe shop, the pet shop and the pottery shop are only three examples of what the Madurai Sunday Market has to offer. As a matter of fact, most of the goods are made somewhere else and merely brought to the market for sale. On the fringes of the market, however, you can also watch different kinds of tools being crafted right on site. A market is always a place of encounters, where people matter just as much as the goods they buy or sell. We then talk to a man who is just about to make a purchase. He turns out to be a regular visitor and customer of the Sunday Market, always in search of suitable tools and metal spare parts that could be of use at his motorbike repair company. Why does he come here instead of acquiring the items at a specialised shop? “I like to frequent the market because I can buy second-hand articles here.

Where is the right key?

At the end of our visit, we learned that there are many facets to the Sunday Market, which has undergone several significant changes over the years. For a certain period of time, there was even a political component to it, as politicians and their followers gathered there regularly and held meetings. Although this is no longer the case today, neither vendors nor customers are likely to get bored anytime soon. After all, nowadays, Madurai’s Sunday Market is far from being a quiet vegetable market. Rather, it has developed into an “Everyday-and-Everything” Market!

Madurai Messenger Alternatives May 2011

Green Living Waste is a mounting problem in India. Wandering through the streets of Madurai, Carina Ringive, in a state of eco-shock, searches for a trash can— like she would do back home in Copenhagen. Is there anyone, anywhere in India who cares about a clean world? She travels to Auroville where she finds the answer to her question.

Auroville

By Carina Ringive Copenhagen, Denmark

“I realise something… I was so caught up in the city’s rush that I didn’t consider nature and how I was a part of it.” Green Practices in Auroville.

In search of a Trash Can

A Dream

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Auroville – an experiment in humanity

I’d just finished a bottle of water, so I instinctively look around to find a rubbish bin. After a while, I realise that the streets of Madurai is everyone’s rubbish bin. The man in front of me throws his trash on the street, so I ask myself, “Would it really make a difference if I searched for a rubbish bin, or should I just use the streets like everyone else?” I decided to hold on to it, which I would have done at home in Copenhagen.

“There should be somewhere on earth, a place which no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world,” said the Mother of Auroville in August 1954.

As I walk around in Auroville, I see posters made by the people who live there. Among all the posters, I find one with a green campaign. One of the issues the campaign focuses on is ‘waste’. It gives people advice on how to reduce the amount of waste they create with tips such as, ‘reuse your own plastic bag when you go to the supermarket’ and ‘buy food that is wrapped in less plastic’. These guidelines are similar to environmental messages being used in many other countries around the world.

Auroville focuses on the concept of sustainable living and is home to 50,000 people of different nationalities. The city is located 10 km north of Puducherry and 150 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The people of Auroville see themselves as an experiment in humanity, seeking to address the cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind. The city is supported by the Indian Government and has been deemed as a project of importance to the future of humanity by UNESCO (United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

Finally after a 15 minute walk, I find a big rubbish bin. Funnily enough, it seems like no one in Madurai is good at aiming at a target, as all the trash is lying on the ground around the rubbish bin instead of being in it. It leaves my bottle a little lonely in the dark bin together with its two new friends: gum paper and a Kingfisher beer bottle. But Madurai is no different from the rest of south India when it comes to dealing with trash. Everywhere along the streets in India, garbage piles up. It is unsightly and harmful to the environment. Is there anyone, anywhere in India who wants to make a difference and cares about a clean world? To my pleasant surprise, there is. The magic place is called Auroville.

In mid March, I went to Puducherry, on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in south India. About 40 minutes away, there is an interesting place called ‘Auroville’, which was unlike anywhere I had ever been. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. It belongs to humanity as a whole. It’s a universal town, where men and women of all countries are living together, researching and developing new instruments and techniques as an actual Human Unity. The first thing I noticed about Auroville was the fresh air and the clean streets. Auroville, as a city, has chosen to deal with problems such as the destruction of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. They have planted thousands of trees to surround the city which they call ‘The Green Belt’. The Green Belt helps create a cleaner environment and forms a buffer zone to protect Auroville from intrusion by the rapidly expanding suburbs of Puducherry.

Auroville stands as a great example of a greener India. It makes me hopeful that it is possible to create awareness about the issue of waste. So, to all Madurai citizens out there, “Next time, please remember to aim right at the rubbish bin”. Like in Auroville, it should not be a question as to whether you want to throw your trash on the streets or in a rubbish bin, but rather that you should want to help reduce the amount of rubbish on the streets by always placing your rubbish in a bin. It is my hope that soon I will not have to worry about my plastic bottles lying alone in the bin anymore!

For more information about Auroville visit http://www.auroville.org

Waste Management in India Waste is a mounting problem in India. When walking down the streets in any Indian city, you are likely to see rubbish on the ground. The average Indian living in an urban area throws away about half a kilogram of rubbish every single day. This amounts to 36 million tones of garbage per year in Indian cities alone. With only 20 percent of the Indian population living in cities, the total amount of waste per year in India is likely to be significantly more. These statistics from Clean India, a community led environmental action programme, are alarming. As consumption patterns change and more people move from rural areas to urban areas, the amount of waste in India is likely to increase significantly. Rubbish that is collected is either burned or buried. There is a strong need for the improvement of waste management and recycling systems, and most importantly, public awareness. Clean India is a network of schools and NGOs across India who work hand in hand with the government, businesses and other institutions to help raise awareness about environmental issues. For more information about Clean India visit: http://www.cleanindia.org

Madurai Messenger Culture May 2011

Deity’s Dress Code

Summer Time Fun

April is the time when the sun is at its harshest in Madurai. Nevertheless, thousands of people visit the Temple City, but only for one reason: It’s celebration time! In preparation for the annual Chithirai Festival, the whole city wears a festive look – made by the tailors of Pudhumandapam. Stella Brikey met the busiest men in town…

It’s the end of April, a time when all school children are looking forward to some summer fun! Holidays are starting and children want to play all day long. Where do they go to meet as many other children and learn as many new activities as possible? Malin Pohlmann went to the Chithrai Summer Camp to see how much fun summer can be.

By Stella Brikey Hamburg, Germany

sually, when you enter the bustling tailor market in Pudhumandapam, it goes like this: “Hello Madam, look at my shop! Nice cloth! Nice Alibaba pants! Good price!” Around fifty men tailors usually clamour for your attention. But not today. Today, I am getting ignored by all of them, because the countdown is on: The annual Chithirai Festival is to start in a few days. “I didn’t sleep last two nights – too much work,” A. Suresh (35), owner of Vijaya Stores, told me. For him and his colleagues, April is the busiest month of the year. The whole city will be wearing a festive look as residents prepare themselves to usher Lord Kallalagar into their households. Villagers in and around Madurai congregate in the city, occupying every available space at Tallakulum. To cap it all, Tailors at work

A. Suresh (35), owner of Vijaya Stores

no one could miss the people wearing motley dresses and colourful caps (“salladam”). “In the last four weeks, I tailored around a hundred trousers and hats. Hundreds of devotees are still waiting for their clothes. But time is running out – they have only got two days left …” Nervously, he looked at his watch. “Actually, I have no time…” But still, he presented me with one of his most beautiful trousers. Whoever wants to look like God Kallallagar has to stick to a strict dress code: colourful velvet patchwork trousers with golden borders and baubles. All important: attached pictures of the mythical creature called Yalli as well as horses and a bag for a bottle of water. “During the festival, the devotees spray water on each other to provide them a brief respite from the scorching heat.” Making one of these complex trousers takes him one whole day. A simple work costs around `800 to 1000. Devotees who want to experience a touch of extravagance must pay. `1500 for the ‘deluxe version’ including an adapted cap! The upper part of the body is decorated by a necklace of flowers – exactly like God Kallalagar. At last, I asked Mr. Suresh to show me his personal festive clothes. Thereupon, he just laughed: “Me? No! I don’t take part in the festival. Only people who do offerings wear these clothes. But I am not interested in doing offerings. It is enough for me to pray in the temple.” Most of his colleagues agreed with him. “But now you have to go,” Suresh says. “I have to finish some trousers until tomorrow …”

27 By Malin Pohlmann Preetz, Germany

At TVS Matriculation High School in Madurai, children from in and around the city have the opportunity to enjoy about two weeks of their holidays playing a huge variety of games. You can play, draw, dance and learn how to work with the computer and much more. For the past fourteen years, the Summer Camp has given about 800 children the opportunity to learn and play in their free time instead of sitting in front of the TV. For the first twelve years, only a half day was offered, but after fantastic feedback from children and parents, the camp was expanded to a full day programme. The programme starts at 9.30 a.m. and ends at 4.30 p.m. Children are provided with transport, lunch, snacks and materials. Seeing the children playing soccer in the schoolyard, painting pots in the

class room, screaming and laughing, running everywhere, makes you smile immediately. With an atmosphere full of happiness, you can’t help but be moved by the children’s joy. Girls and boys aged three to sixteen get lots of opportunities to learn new things, be active and meet other children. They are divided into four levels. Level one includes the youngest children, aged three and four. The smallest are sitting in a circle listening to stories, painting paper plates, learning words with the computer, dancing and singing. At the computer they can learn spelling and things related to school subjects such as Maths or English. We meet little Lawrence (aged three) who tells us with a few English words which he already knows, that he enjoys painting the paper plates. He smiles and we are amazed that even this young boy is able to speak a little English. “At this school we only speak English with

our pupils,” we are told by our guide, Sharuka Vincent, a staff member of the Summer Camp. “But sometimes it is necessary to speak bilingual because children from all over Madurai are joining the camp,” she adds. After having spoken with Lawrence, we get the chance to attend a story telling session. The woman in front is screaming “Why is the tiger not moving?” I nearly had to protect my ears. She gets quite wild as she tells her story about a tiger made out of sponge. But every child sits silently in a circle and listens. They are absolutely fascinated by what their teacher tell them. Afterwards, they sing and dance. All the little girls and boys try to follow their teacher’s instructions, some with open mouths, because they are so concentrated on the game. We see girls of the third level painting pots, doing Yoga and learning Indian

Madurai Messenger Summer Special May 2011

and western dance. Suddenly, the teacher of the dance class asks us to come in and join the group. All the children seem to be having so much fun, so I decide to try my best by joining them in a dance to a song by Shakira. They enjoy dancing to the African rhythm. In the yoga class, we see 14 children trying to concentrate. They are standing on one leg, with the other leg pushed against the standing one and their hands are over their heads. They try to keep the balance, but it’s not easy. The group leader counts upto ten. Everyone wobbles a little and I have to smile. We go on.

Outside we see a group of cheering children racing with balls. Who is going to win? Another group is roller-skating. Immediately I would like to participate. But not everything is loud and full of screaming children. We enter a room of silence. Boys and girls of level four are sitting quietly, concentrating in front of their computers learning visual foundations, the basics of Microsoft office, and how to create animations. These children chose the techno branch of the programme. They also have the opportunity to draw, play and dance, but their first priority is to learn technological skills. Our guide Sharuka Vincent tells us that choosing the techno branch is a little more expensive than the other. It costs about `1500 to 1800 depending on the age. “We are providing everything they use, computer and all programmes.” But it is not only the “techno group” that is quiet and concentrated. Entering the library a few children lean over their books practicing their reading skills. No sound. Nothing to hear. I’m wondering which child would choose this part of the summer camp. “Do you know whether parents or children choose the programme?” I asked. S. Vincent answers “I’m not sure, but mostly the children choose. Only sometimes I see that parents put forth the condition to take one “learning” activity like handwriting. So the other two activities are free for the child to choose.” While she explains, we head to the sports ground.

Playtime in the school yard.

Drawing Class

answers, “Cycling, reading, special activities and dancing.” “Which one do you like best?” Without taking the time to think, her answer is “Dancing!” The sun is at its highest point. It’s already 12.30 p.m. and so we go inside again.

Learning with the computer

It is incredibly hot. But hidden in the shade of the trees, we can see children playing with sticks. This is the area of special activities. “They have the choice between learning new or old games.” I watch an old Tamil game called “Kiti”. Every child has a big and a small stick. S. Yogitha (10) shows us how the game works. First you have to throw the small stick in the air and try to hit it with your big one. If the first

player is successful, another child will go to the place of the small stick. The first child puts its stick down. Now the goal is to hit the small stick and place it as near as possible to the big stick on the ground. It seems simple and less complicated. But all children seem to be entertained and interested. I ask S. Yogitha “What are your activities here in the camp?” She

Time had passed quickly. It was time for lunch. “The younger ones have their lunch already at 11.30 a.m,” S. Vincent tells us. Curious about the menu we go to the serving counter. Everywhere there were children sitting on the ground and standing eating their lunch. There is one small boy who stuffs his potato chips pleasurably into his mouth. Everyone seems to like it. To learn what they are eating, I head towards two girls who are sitting on a stone wall. Meenakshi (11) and Bradheesha (11) explain that today’s lunch is peas or curd rice, Gobi Manchurian and potato chips. Asking what their favourite items are, they just answer “We like it spicy!” Maybe I had to eat the food for the children of the first level which are less spicy. Even though it looks and smells so good, I’m happy that I had a little snack before. Not that hungry, I continue my rounds. Next was a cooking class for Level

three students. Naga Nandhini (12) from eighth grade and Sahanya Devi (13) from ninth grade created their own recipe for vegetarian balls. We were the lucky people who got to try the delicious food. It was made out of beetroot, carrot, beans, chilly, onions and smashed potatoes. After having formed little pieces the girls put them into boiling oil under the supervision of a teacher. About 100 teachers from the TVS Matricultion High School take care of the camp participants. But there is not only one teacher per group. The school has a sister concern called TVS Sundaram School. So every group has at least one volunteer helping to keep the energetic children together. At the end of our visit, we meet Ms Selvi Santhosham. She is the coordinator of the camp. We learn that even adults can do a summer camp. Of course the programme differs a little from the children’s programme. They have a timetable which starts with Yoga/ Aerobics, cold porcelain art, Feng Shui and cooking classes. There are also driving lessons available, and you can even get your licence. So

children and adults get the opportunity to spend their time here. But what about children who can’t afford to come? Even for some of those poorer kids it’s possible to go to a special one called ‘rural camp’. It has about 90 children. Every school of the rural area sends the two best students to the camp. It is free. “In this rural camp we have personality development classes, which help to get more self- confidence,” Selvi Santhosham told us. A lot of children from poorer families are isolated and often don’t have belief in their abilities. In school, they normally learn theory, but here at the camp, they try to ensure that children spend 100 percent of their time on practical learning. “At the end of the camp, we see selfconfident children, who can face life a little better,” Selvi Santhosham adds. Going back to our journalism office, we continue to speak about the camp. We are so fascinated about the facilities of the camp and how rich the programme is. We very much enjoyed experiencing the jolly atmosphere. When I was a child, I would have certainly liked to go there for my summer holidays to learn and play.

Madurai Messenger Summer Special May 2011

Beating the heat The heat of the Indian summer is relentless. Keeping hydrated and refreshed can be a challenge for Indians and tourists alike. Malin Pohlmann gives some advice on beating the heat in Madurai. By Malin Pohlmann Preetz, Germany

ou’re sweating all day long and you feel lazy. What can you do when it’s getting hot? Your body already tries to regulate its temperature through sweating. It’s like a cooling system. The sweat evaporates and makes your skin feel colder. Aside from your own cooling system, you can also help yourself with other methods. Water Melons on the Roadside

Some advice:

• Drink about 2-4 litres of water a day! • Eat light food which is easy for your stomach to digest. Food with a lot of fat or eating too much can make your stomach feel heavy and overstrain your circulation! • Try to take extra minerals and salt through meals or drinking, because you’re losing a lot of fluids through sweat. • Wear bright and airy clothes which are made out of natural fibres. Otherwise your body will get too hot! • Babies, and also adults should wear a hat when they’re in direct sunlight. • To regulate the temperature in your house, it’s good to ventilate the rooms early in the morning and again at night. Try to keep the sun outside in the daytime! • If you feel too hot, pour cold water over your inner wrist. A cold underarm and footbath helps even better! The cold water helps the blood vessels contract,s so that your circulation gets better. You’ll feel refreshed! • Don’t drink alcohol! Alcohol makes your blood vessels even bigger so there is less blood for your circulation, which lowers your blood pressure and makes you feel dizzy! • Eat fruits and vegetables which contain a lot of water. Cucumber and watermelon are two of the best to eat.

Watermelon wonder

Watermelon consists of about 90 % water. It is sweet, but doesn’t contain unhealthy sugar. We met Ramkumar and Ganesan- two men who are selling watermelon and watermelon juice in Madurai. It is very hot and so this feels like the best interview to have. We were talking to the two men who were very busy selling their watermelons, and enjoying drinking our watermelon juice with added syrup to make it a little sweeter. Ramkumar tells us that the ice cubes make the juice watery, so a lot of people like it a little sweeter. A red so-called Nannari Syrup is added. There are piles of big green fruits on the left and on the right. The vehicle on which they sell everything is very small. One piece costs ` 5. 100 grams of watermelon costs `10. Our juice costs only `10. The two men have been selling watermelon for an incredible period of 20 years. They sell it every year during the Indian month called Thai (mid January - mid June). “The government gives the places where you’re allowed to have your business,” Ramkumar told us.

The place where they cut the watermelon looks pretty clean. I wonder how they keep it like that. “We clean it several times a day with corporation water,” he added. I’m happy to hear about that, but still I’m afraid that my sensitive western stomach can’t cope with small bacteria which are normal for Indian people. But the juice is so delicious and refreshing that I drink it anyway.

The daily energizer

Coconuts may not be cool, but they are still refreshing and thirst quenching. It strengthens your body and makes you feel good. Coconut water which contains nutrients like vitamins, mineral salts, antioxidants and enzymes. Coconuts have even more healthy mineral salts if grown near the sea. The trees absorb the salt of the sea through their roots and save it in the coconut water. The water gives your body so many healthy items like magnesium, calcium and potassium. All these items help our blood to absorb liquids and mineral salts faster and more efficiently. The water also has a low level of sugar and is virtually fat free. We met the owner of these healthy and refreshing nuts - V. Raja Gopal (41). He also knows about the good characteristics of his green and yellow coconuts. He tells us that he notices a higher number of consumers in summer. Each morning he goes to the market in town and buys his coconuts for the day. “In summer, I sell about 200-300 coconuts per day,” he tells us. Only in the rainy season does he have less business. During these days, he only sells about 30 to 50 coconuts a day. “But the income stays nearly the same,” he adds. He gets less money for each coconut, but he also has to spend less on buying his goods each morning. He should know, as he has been in this business for 29 years now. V. Raja Gopal started to deal with coconuts at the age of 12, so he’s able to explain the difference between yellow and green coconut very well. He tells us that the yellow ones contain much more coconut water than the green ones, making it better for drinking, but Thirst Quenching Tender Coconut

also slightly more expensive. But if you want to enjoy a a small, healthy and delicious snack as well as a drink, you should take the green because it has a little fruit pulp. They cost ` 30. Otherwise, they are priced according to size (` 20 - 25). I also want to know how to choose a good coconut. But V. Raja Gopal just smiles and says, “You need a lot of experience to choose the right coconut!” So, I don’t get to know the secret of selecting the best coconut, but that’s okay. I admire how he opens our big green coconut with his long saber like knife.

Coconut can help with: • dehydration • indigestion • tiredness • overheating • furuncle • diarrhoea • kidney stones • osteoporosis • infection of the urinary tract • infertility • reducing skin ageing

Madurai’s famous refresher

‘Jigarthanda’ when translated means “cold heart”. It has its origin in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. In the summer season, it’s one of the most famous refreshers next to soft drinks like Pepsi, 7Up or Mirinda. Its ingredients are milk, Sea algae (China Grass or Kadal Paasi), Sarsaparila Syrup (Nannaari Syrup) and a bowl of ice cream. When getting our own Jigarthanda, we met Kannan Sidhik in his “Jigarthanda and ice cream” shop near the Meenakshi Temple. He prepared a delicious one for us, so it’s no surprise that more than 700 people come to his store during peak summer. Compared to a soft drink, it’s cheaper or the same price (according to size they cost `15, 20 or 25). So go and get your piece of Madurai! Jil Jil Jigarthanda

Madurai Messenger Books May 2011

Parenting, Chinese Rule book style!

“the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they’re capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away”

By Malin Pohlmann Preetz, Germany

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is an honest, uplifting and often hilarious account of ChineseAmerican author Amy Chua’s attempts to raise her two daughters in the traditional Chinese way in the contemporary US. Clash of cultures, temperaments, and values, are all too vividly portrayed in this parenting memoir. Malin Pohlmann shares her perspectives…

he recently published Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (2011) by Chinese-American Amy Chua, tells her own story of raising her children the Chinese way in the United States. She tells her story by comparing her Chinese parenting style to the Western way of raising children. It was supposed to show that Chinese parenting is better for raising children, but in the end this doesn’t work out. Her rebellious thirteen-year-old daughter questions the usefulness of hyper parenting. The book is divided into three parts, each with a little introduction about the personality of tigers. That’s because Amy Chua is born in the year of the tiger, which means she has certain characteristics of the Big Cat. Those born in the year of the tiger are supposed to have strength, power, a command of fear and respect from others. Right from the beginning, it is obvious to the reader that Amy Chua

has to come to terms with the fact that Chinese parenting does not work with every child. In her own experience as a mother, the Chinese way works with her first daughter Sophia, who is a perfect role model of a Chinese child. But the constant fights and arguments with her second born daughter, Louisa, teach her many lessons. The relationship between Amy Chua and Louisa is described as an “allout nuclear warfare.” As the book unfolds, the tension escalates in their relationship. The first part of the book is about Amy Chua’s own childhood, and provides the reader with sufficient insights into the differences between Western and Chinese parenting styles. Amy Chua is the daughter of Chinese immigrants who had to work hard for a living in the U.S. She grew up with the strength of the Chinese parenting model, which means: you have to be an A grade student; you are never allowed to sleepover or have a play date; you can’t choose your activities yourself; you have to be two years ahead of your classmates in school; you must play a musical instrument (preferably the tough ones like the violin or piano!); you have to practice your instrument at least three hours every day; and you have to withstand the constant pressure of your parents! All in all, your life is about practicing

your instrument and working hard to stay ahead of your peers at school. “Chinese parenting does not address happiness,” writes Amy Chua. From a mother’s perspective, everything she does is because, like every parent, she wants nothing but the best for her children. “The Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children’s individuality, encouraging them to pursue their passion, supporting their choices, and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. But as a Chinese mother, “the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they’re capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away” writes Chua. Although her parents raised her this way, the U.S. culture was changing them. When she was four, her father said, “You will marry a non-Chinese over my dead body.” But later Amy actually married a Jewish non-Chinese man named Jed. In the end, America was not only changing her parents, but also Amy. Although Amy Chua says she doesn’t believe in astrology, she mentions that the Chinese Zodiac describes Sophia and Lulu perfectly. Sophia was born in the year of the monkey. This means she is “curious, intellectual” and generally, “can

accomplish any given task”. They appreciate difficult or challenging work as it stimulates them.” Raising her first daughter Sophia is hassle-free. Obedient and compliant, Sophia does everything her mother asks of her. She wins competitions and never complains about anything she has to do. In contrast to Sophia, Lulu, even as a baby, rebels by rejecting the food her mother feeds her. She is born in the year of the Boar. People born that year “are “wilful” and “obstinate” and often “fly into a rage,” although they are “fundamentally honest and warm hearted.” Step by step, Amy Chua has to give up her Chinese parenting, because Lulu makes her question its premise. Lulu even influences her mother (who was never comfortable with pets) to get a dog and later, a second one too! In giving Lulu the choice, she accepts another style of relationship with her second born that is not the Chinese way... Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is not a guide on how to raise children, or just a well written autobiographical narrative. Chua provides a very interesting and fascinating account of the changing contours of traditional parenting styles in a contemporary context. And, as her insightful story unfolds, Chua, as a Chinese mother, isn’t as cold hearted as you may expect her to be.

Madurai Messenger Events May 2011

Home Exhibition: A common ground for customers and storekeepers Like every year, this fair is a big success this time too. In the midst of all the enjoyment, this event of course will be renewed, and next year, the organizers expect more number of people.

Mr. Radha Krishnan, Zen Home Needs

The Home Exhibition which takes place every year in Madurai is clearly an event that should not be missed by the local population. Indeed, the fair was on for ten days, from February 11th to the 21st of this year. It attracted most of the people as the entrance fee was only Rs.10. It was also the opportunity for many brands to become even more well-known and for customers to benefit from rock-bottom prices.

A Shopping Mother with All Her Children

By Marie Nahmias Paris, France

he various stalls showcased a vast range of products from yoga classes, high-quality furniture and water purifiers, to paintings. Mr Radhakrishnan who represents the ZEN HOME NEEDS brand is one such vendor. He sells home equipment such as kitchen tools and security lockers. Visiting customers can benefit from very high discounts, a reduction of Rs.1,500 on gas stoves, the usual store price being Rs.7,000. According to Mr Radhakrishnan, potential demand for such good quality/price ratio products is very high. A few meters away stands Mr Ramesh, the trader of HARIHARAN Promoters,

who is quite used to such kinds of events, as he has already been to three similar exhibitions in the last four months. His company specializes in selling commercial property to private individuals. If customers are satisfied with the potential building area, they are asked for a cash advance to start title transfer procedures as soon as possible. When asked about the current state of the real estate market in Madurai, Mr Ramesh explained that Alagar Kovil Road is a highly demanded district by Madurai inhabitants. Indeed, its university, schools and hospital, as well as all businesses already located there, make it very expensive and difficult to access. Thus, this storekeeper is

lucky to participate in this fair. He can introduce himself to a new clientele and increase his chances to sell, thanks to the presence of customers of any social classes here. It is very impressive to see so many different stores succeeding one another. Customers on the Alert The Exhibition is a veritable treasure trove for visitors. You can find everything from car manufacturing to pet shops, spices to cosmetics; all for very competitive prices. We met two young women from Madurai who told us they were looking for inexpensive cosmetics. They were sure to find corresponding products among such

vast, varied and low-priced offers. As for the Pongodi family, they just wanted to make the most of the fair and benefit from great discounts enabling them to purchase normallyexpensive goods at a discount or to buy the presents that their children liked the most among the numerous toy stores. It is a pity that the Home Exhibition lasts only ten days. The customers would be happy to benefit more from all these reductions. Like every year, this fair is a big success this time too. In the midst of all the enjoyment, this event of course will be renewed, and next year, the organizers expect more number of people.

Madurai Messenger Eateries May 2011

Pepper - The Spice of Life Do you like spicy foods? ---- While pepper foods are well known in North India, South India boasts about its own unique collection of spicy cooking. Biriyani, milagu kuzhambu, and pepper chicken are just a few delicious examples of notable Southern dishes. By Yukihiro Ota Tokyo, Japan

Milagu Varutha Kozhi

”Almost all Indian people love pepper foods,” says a smiling Mr. Prabu, who manages a veg/non-veg restaurant in Madurai named “Hotel Milagu”. Although spicy foods can be found all over the world, pepper foods remain a staple cuisine for many Indian people. That the domestic consumption of pepper in India is by far the world’s largest, with no country able to overcome the Indian stronghold on the spice, only serves as further evidence of this fact. Mr. John, a chef of Hotel Milagu, believes that the local people of Madurai deserve to have spicy foods every day, as it is essential for them to enjoy the taste of pepper. It is often said that pepper is a healthy spice. This assertion is strongly supported by Mr. John, who claims, “Pepper is efficient as a medicine, so every dish of my restaurant is good for your health. For example, some pepper foods treat your cold.” Apart from its nutritional values, there are also many other appealing aspects to pepper.

Origin of the spice

Pepper Chicken

While pepper has long been used as both a seasoning and a medicine all over the world, the origins of the popular spice lie in the Indian subcontinent, earning it the title among locals of “The King of Spices.” ‘Pepper’, originally derived from the Sanskrit word pippali, first appeared in South India’s Malabar region as long as 4,000 years back, and from there, was later introduced to the Arab, Western and Asian countries, such as China. Today, it is undeniably one of the most popular seasonings wherever one goes, with black pepper currently being the most traded spice in the world. However, India is not the world’s largest producer of pepper but Vietnam has the premier position as an exporter and producer of the same.

not every use is scientifically proven, it’s true that people have believed pepper to be an effective medicine. Pepper contains a lot of nutrition and especially, dietary fiber, minerals and calcium, that are good for our health. Also, it contains Vitamins C and K. Therefore it has been chosen as a medicine. Today, in a lot of countries, many people utilize pepper as a seasoning, to make food taste better. Pepper is a common ingredient in the world though it’s used in different ways. For instance, in Japan, many people use pepper when eating some kinds of noodles to enjoy its taste and its nice aroma. So people always have pepper in their refrigerators.

The spicy joint

Hotel Milagu, which has been open since 2009 in the city of Madurai as a branch of Hotel Fantasy launched15 years ago, serves 250 dishes like Biriyani and Chicken. It set up its booth in the ‘Home Fair Exhibition’ at Tamukkam Grounds this February and offered several dishes. The spiciest food of this restaurant is Milagu Varutha Kozhi made with black pepper, chicken and ginger garlic paste. This hottest food has also been the most popular among customers and was published on a Newspaper. “Many tourists from other countries visit here and they enjoy the good tastes of pepper food,” says Mr. Prabu. According to him, there are a lot of German and British people who come

The Healer

In many regions, pepper is used not only as a seasoning but also as a medicine. It is said that pepper serves both as a disinfectant and an antimicrobial, along with various other scientifically proven qualities. For example, pepper is good for battling against constipation. Black pepper, which is actually an unripe fruit, aids digestion, treats colds, and cures both colic pain and stomach aches. White pepper, which is a ripe fruit, can be made into a paste, to treat eye diseases. For several thousand years, pepper has been used as a medicine against various diseases, especially in South Asia. Although

John, the Chef and waiters

to the restaurant. “Some families want to come back to us!” he says with joy. They tend to order Mutton Briyani because it is not too hot for them. Biriyani is an attractive rice dish. The word Biriyani which has originated from the Iranian Cuisine, is derived from the Persian language, Birian which means “fried”. In Arabia and South Asia, people like to eat it. In general, many meats and vegetables are needed to cook this spicy food, though different countries and cultures have different ingredients. Mr. Immanuel Devavaram, the owner of Hotel Milagu, has understood the tastes of foreign tourists, but he recommends that they try Milagu Varutha Kozhi. He hopes that more and more people eat and enjoy it because it is the very famous pepper food. Hotel Milagu is proud about the dish being mentioned in the Newspaper. A handsome waiter with a smile, arranged several dishes on the table. Mutton Biriyani has a real good taste and is at first, mild. But soon after starting to eat it, you feel a little hot. It is not spicy for Indian people to have black pepper. They feel hot only when eating foods with red chilly powder. Our tongues have different tastes! Adding a spoonful of gravy to Mutton Biriyani brings out a delicious flavour and you can enjoy a couple of varieties of Biriyani at this restaurant. Good flavour makes better taste!

John became a chef after assisting others and he has been working as a cook for 10 years. He makes dishes happily, anytime. He denies using special techniques, but his advantage is that, he learned cooking in another country and had a great mentor, who is a Chinese cook, so his technique is an international perspective for cuisine. He always says himself, “I want to make good foods and better ones” Mr. Prabu thinks that Hotel Milagu has attractive points. It always gives customers fresh ingredients and dishes. Many people coming to this restaurant tell their friends and family about the good tastes, so its reputation is high and spread out. Mr. John says, “It’s the taste, quality and the quick service that appeal to our customers.” John and team were welcoming at the exhibition.

Mass Appeal

Learning the way to make good pepper food is not complicated and difficult! Prabu says “it’s easy for ordinary people to cook pepper food at home.” This may be one of the reasons why many people love pepper foods. Today pepper has become perfectly acceptable as a seasoning on the table in every country. Pepper foods of South India, however, aren’t as famous as those of North India, even though there are a lot of delicious foods! It’s potential that the tastes of pepper foods like Biriyani and Kozhi in South India become more popular all over the world.

Madurai Messenger Films May 2011

Ko - A Thrilling Ride Fasten your seatbelts because you are in for a ride! You better hang on for this action packed love story that combines thriller, comedy and music. It will take you on an emotional ride that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Monique Djarn shares her experience of Ko! By Monique Djarn Copenhagen, Denmark

magine yourself on a treasure hunt. It is a hunt between life and death. It is a game in which the ones closest to you can suddenly turn, and put your life in danger. What drives you is passion… passion to get the perfect shot, the shot that will leave people stunned and earn you respect and fame. This is what Ashwin Jayaraman (Jeeva) strives to achieve every day as a photojournalist in this action packed Tamil film, Ko.

Ashwin’s job is to capture reality and we are shown how difficult, stressful and sometimes dangerous it can be. He works for a leading newspaper that often breaks the news against leading politicians (Prakash Raj and Kota Srinivasa Rao). We follow him around India as he covers an election. Vasanth (Ajmal) is an aspiring politician and front figure for the political party ‘Siragugal’. Ashwin’s assignment is to make ‘Siragugal’ the leading party. With a number of photos, he reveals the dark sides of the other leading politicians, ruining their reputation and accomplishing his mission. In a grand youth rally, Vasanth and his team of youngsters are involved in a bomb explosion. Many innocent people are killed, including Ashwin’s colleague, Saro (Pia). Another thrilling adventure unfolds. With each twist and turn of the story, you find yourself desperately searching for the meaning of the film. Cinematographer and director K V Anand, started his career as a photojournalist and it is obvious that he wants us to see how much courage, determination and passion it takes to work in this kind of industry. The story and direction is excellent, and you have to compliment Anand for successfully raising such important issues around an election while keeping the viewer entertained and “glued” to the screen the whole time. After seeing this film, you understand why he is an award winning cinematographer.

This film gives you food for thought. It is a bit confronting to see what a huge impact the media has on us, how often things are staged, and how easily we are manipulated. When you leave the cinema, you feel refreshed. You have been on an adventure but also learned something. All that is left for me to say now is, ‘go seek that adventure’!