Directory of Ernakulam District Committee Released

A Directory of the members of the District Committee of Ernakulam was released on 28th of March 2010 at Perumbavoor Samooham Mandapam. State Vice President and Central Zone President P. S. Raman released the Directory. The first copy was handed over to N. Ranganathan, State Committee Member in the presence of V. Krishnaswami, District President and other State-District office bearers. This Directory carries the addresses, phone numbers, e-mail ids and photographs of all District Committee Members (2009-2011) as well as State Committee Members from Ernakulam District, including Vanitha Vibhagam.

Reception to V. Krishnaswami, District President at Perumbavoor

The Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Perumbavoor Upasabha organized a reception to V. Krishnaswami, District President on Sunday, 28th of March 2010. K. Hari, Secretary of Perumbavoor Upasabha welcomed the District President by draping a ‘ponnada’ and Lakshmi Hariharasubramanian, Secretary of Vanitha Vibhagam presented a memento.

P. S. Raman (State Vice President and Central Zone President), P. Ananthasubramaniam (State General Secretary), K. G. V. Pathy (State Treasurer), N. R. Parameswaran (State Joint Secretary and Central Zone Secretary), R. Ramakrishnan (District Secretary), A. G. Ganesh Venkitachalam (District Treasurer), P. Veeraraghavan, N. Ranganathan, H. Ramanathan (President, Vadarkutti Samooham), K. Hari (Secretary, Perumbavoor Upasabha), M. Vanchiswaran (Secretary, Ernakulam City Unit) and K. Annalakshmi (President, Vanitha Vibhagam) addressed the gathering.

N. Ramachandran (District Vice President and President, Perumbavoor Upasabha) delivered the welcome speech and K. R. Chandran (District Vice President and President, Parur Upasabha) said the vote of thanks.

Sasthapreethi at Muvattupuzha Samooham

The Sasthepreethi at Muvattupuzha Samooham was celebrated on Monday, 29th of March 2010. Pooja commenced at 6.00 in the morning. A Bhajana by the ladies of Samooham was also conducted.

Great Nandi

An idol of Nandi – Lord Shiva's primary vehicle and principal follower – is being created at Aimury Sree Mahadevar Temple, Perumbavoor. This Great Nandi is of 30 feet height, resting on a 756 square feet basic structure.

The work of ‘Great Nandi’ commenced in May, 2009 under the auspices of Thanthri Thottamattom Subramanian Namboothiri. Almost 90% of the work is finished and the completion of this Sculpture is expected by the month of May 2010. “Our sculptor Appukuttan who has done Narthana Ganapathy and Thandava Sivan in our temple earlier is the man who initiated the thought to make this Great Nandi” said K. Babu Pradeep of the Brihat Nandi Construction Committee.

Aimury is a serene village near Perumbavoor. Ancestors say it is the same place ‘Nandi Gramam’, mentioned in puranas. Sreelalan Subramanian and Jayanthi S. Mani is financially supporting this venture costing around 10 lakhs.

KBS to own an Administrative office at Thripunithura

A long dream of Kerala Brahmana Sabha - to own an administrative office to coordinate its activities in the state - comes true under the leadership of V. Ramalingam probably this year in the city of Thripunithura, known as the Land of temples. The decision to purchase the administrative office was taken in the in the State Committee Meeting held at Thripunithura on Sunday, the 21st of March, 2010.

Thripunithura - the name originated from 'Poorna Veda Puri' (the town of Vedas) - is one of the most prominent centers of traditional cultural heritage. The proposed 153 square meter office is in the 1st floor of Thripunithura Upasabha's three storied building which is nearing completion. The decision to purchase a property for the Sabha will be a landmark in the activities of Kerala Brahmana Sabha - said V. Ramalingam, State President.

Sree Rama Navami at Muvattupuzha

The Brahmana Samooham of Muvattupuzha celebrated Sree Rama Navami. The Unchavrithi in connection with the celebrations was held on Sunday, the 21st of March 2010. The day commenced with Ganapathy Homam under the auspecies of priests from Sri Sringeri Mutt, Kalady. The Vanitha Vibhagam of Muvattupuzha rendered a Bhajan in which insistance was given to songs that prasing Lord Sree Ramachandran. K. Annalakshmi, Vanaja Balasubramanian, Lalithalakshmi, Geetha Krishnamurthy, Sowmya Sivaramakrishnan, Jyothi Hari, Revathi Parameswaran and Radha Santhanam lead the Bhajan.

A. S. Balasubramania Iyer (President, Muvattupuzha Brahmana Samooham) and S. Krishnamurthy (Secretary, Muvattupuzha Brahmana Samooham) said that the Sasthapreethi the Muvattupuzha Samooham is proposed to be conducted on Monday, 29th of March 2010 at Brahmana Samooham Hall at Kavumpady, Muvattupuzha.

K. V. Sarada honoured by KBS, Ernakulam City Unit

K. V. Sarada, wife of T. R. Sethuraman, Mangalasseri Madom, Thripunithura who secured 1st Rank for M. A. Music (Veena) was honoured by Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Ernakulam City Unit on 21st March 2010. A Cash Award was presented by M. Vanchiswaran, Secretary of Upasabha. S. Narayanan, R. Ramakrishnan (District Secretary and Upasabha President), R. Ananthanarayanan and Ganesh were present on the occasion.

Sree Rama Navami Celebrations at Madappilly Samooham, Thripunithura

The Sree Rama Navami celebrations commenced at Madappalli Samooham, Thripunithura on 16th of March 2010. Daily at 6.30 p. m. to 8.30 p. m. Ravi Kasyap from Chennai delivers Sree Rama Katha Prabhashanam at the Samooham Hall. Unchavrithy - bhikshamdehi visit of Thyagaraja Swamikal in brahmin houses by singing Sree Ramachandra prabhu’s keerthanangal - was conducted on 19th, 20th and 21st, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Unchavrithi at Samooha Madom will be on 24th at 7.30 a. m. to 9.00 a. m. A Sangeetharchana is also being scheduled on the day from 10 a. m. The morning session comes to an end by Samaradhana at 11.30 a.m. In the evening session, Bhakthi Ganangal by Abhirami & Group will be staged at 5.30 p. m. in connection with the Anchaneyotsavam. Sambradaya Bhajana will be held at 7 p. m. to 10 p. m. by P. S. Ramachandran & Party of Thripunithura.

Aluva Sasthapreethi in April

The Sasthapreethi of Aluva Brahmana Samooham is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 4th of April 2010. The three-day celebration begins with Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam. 1008 Kozhukattai Nivedyam, Bhagavathy Seva, Adiyanthiram Vilikkal and Athazha Oottu will take place on Wednesday, 2nd April. On Saturday, the 3rd April, the Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam followed by Ganapathy Homam, Veda-Upanishad Parayanam, Sastha Pooja for Sasthapreethi, Sasthampattu, Mahanivedyam, Deeparadhana and Samaradhana will take place. The attraction of the evening will be Vanchi Paatttu from Manappuram Alathara to Temple, followed by Bhajana and Athazham. The order of events which will be conducted on the third day - 4th April - will be Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam, Rudra Ekadasi, Sooryanarayanapreethi, Rudra Pooja, Kramarchana, Vasurdhara Homam, Rudrabhishekam for Samooham deities, Mahanivedyam, Deeparadhana, Brahmana Bhojanam and Samaradhana.

Also the Brahmana Samooham of Aluva is celebrating Pankuni Uthram with Panaka Pooja, Bhajana and Samaradhana on Monday, the 29th of March 2010.

On behalf of Brahmana Samooham of Aluva, S. Venkatesh, Secretary invites all devotees to attend the functions.

Request financial assistance for treatment

Venkitachalam Iyer, aged 43 residing at Agraharam, Ravipuram Road, Cochin 682016 is suffering from kidney failure. Unfortunately both the kidneys are damaged. He is under treatment at Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam. His family is in a very pathetic situation and he is unable do any work at present. Venkitachalam and his wife Sreevidya E. S. is having two children of 12 and 7 years of age. A kidney transplantation surgery is advised by the Doctors for which the total expense will come around 5 lakhs (as we are informed).

We humbly request you for a financial assistance for conducting the surgery. Well wishers may help Venkitachalam and family by sending some financial assistance. The amount may be transferred or send to the joint account in Canara Bank, Ernakulam South, Cochin 682016 opened for this specific purpose. Details: Savings Bank Account No.0806101068363 – IFSC Code No.CNRB 0000 806.

Helping Hands

Dr. P. S. Sarma (Retired Vice Chairman, Good Year Tyres) and Kamala Sarma handing over a cheque for Rs.25,000/- to E. S. Srividya, wife of K. R. Venkitachalam, Agraharam, Ravipuram for his treatment. (From Left) R. Ramakrishnan (District Secretary and President, City Unit), M. Vanchiswaran (Secretary, City Unit), Parvathy Teacher, Ratnam Veeraraghavan (President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Ernakulam City Unit) and the two children of Venkitachalam.

Sree Rama Bhajana Madom, Perumbavoor celebrates Sree Rama Navami Utsavam

The ten day Sree Rama Navami Utsavam commenced at Sree Rama Bhajana Madom, Perumbavoor on Tuesday, 16th March 2010. During these days, Sree Rama Sambradaya Bhajana, Deepa Pradikshnam, Kolattam etc. will be performed at Bhajana Madom. Oonchavrithi is on Sunday, the 21st of March. On the day of Sree Rama Navami, which falls on Wednesday, 24th of March 2010, from early morning, Special Poojas, Vedaparayanam, Sangeetha Aaradhana, Ramayana Parayanam, Varadanam, Samaradhana etc. will be held. Anjaneya Utsavam is on on Thursday, 25th March 2010 and a procession will be conducted at 7 p.m. in connection with this. The Utsavam will come to an end with a Bhajana after the procession.

Kolattam - usually performed during the Sree Rama Navami Utsavam.

KBS, Ernakulam City Unit honoured Sharmila & Ramakrishnan

Sharmila Sivakumar (1st Rank, M. A. Music, Kerala University) receiving memento from M. Vanchiswaran (Secretary, City Unit) and R. Ramakrishnan (President, City Unit). (From Left): Narayanan S., Viswanathan, Ganesh (Joint Secretary, City Unit) and Ananthanarayanan R. (Treasurer, City Unit) with family members of Sharmila.

K. H. Ramakrishnan (Highest Grade - College Topper Award for M. C. A. from Amrita School of Engineering, Vallikavu) receiving memento from M. Vanchiswaran, Secretary, Ernakulam City Unit. (From Left) R.Hariharaputhran (District Joint Secretary), Ananthanarayanan R. (Treasurer, City Unit), R. Ramakrishnan (President, City Unit), Ganesh Venkitachalam (District Treasurer) and Narayanan. S.with family members of Ramakrishnan.

Kerala Brahmana Sabha honoured K. V. Sarada

The District Committee of Kerala Brahmana Sabha honoured K. V. Sarada who secured 1^st Rank for M. A. Music (Veena) in M. G. University. V. Krishnaswami, District President presented a Cash Award to Sarada on Sunday, 14^th March 2010 at her residence. K. Annalakshmi (District President, Vanitha Vibhagam), Balu Narayanan (State Joint Secretary), N. Ramachandran (District Vice President) and Mohandas S. (District Joint Secretary) were present on the occasion.

Sarada is daughter of late Kasi Viswanatha Sasthrikal and K. V. Padmavathy. She is married to T. R. Sethuraman who is working in a pharmaceutical company. She has two brothers – Sreenivasan, Tuticorin (elder) and Sreeram, doing B. Tech (younger) – and one sister – Sreevidya. 

Dharna at Kalady

To protest the apathy of the Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University at Kalady in setting up study centers on reformist leaders, a co-ordination of 28 organizations including Kerala Brahmana Sabha – Sanathana Dharma Suhrud Vedi – conducted a ‘Dharna’ on 13^th of March 2010 in front of the official residence of the Vice Chancellor. On behalf of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, N. Ramachandran, District Vice President addressed the gathering with other leaders of the co-ordination including Prof. P. V. Peethambaran, General Convener.

The university, in its budget, had proposed to set up seven study centers in the names of Sankaracharya, Sree Narayana Guru, Mahatma Gandhi, Chattambi Swamikal, Ayyamkali, Agamanantha Swamikal and Inter-Religious study centers. But the proposal was sidelined by the decisions by the new Vice-Chancellor.

Vanitha Vibhagam of Thripunithura Donated 50,000/- to Building Fund

The Vanitha Vibagam of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Tripunithura handed over a cheque for Rs, 50,000/- as donation to Upasabha’s building fund.  The Cheque was received by P. S. Raman (State Vice President and President, Thripunithura Upasabha) from Revathy Krishanan (President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Tripunithura) during the Women’s day celebrations held at Rukmini Ramakrishna Kalyana Mandapam, Tripunithura on 7^th March 2010. The amount was mobilized by different commercial activities implemented by the Vanitha Vibhagam. The sales of typical Brahmin sweets, other snacks (Palaharam) and eco-friendly paper bags manufactured by the members of Vanitha Vibhagam brought good profit for this cause.

Vanitha Vibhagam of Thripunithura Celebrated Women’s Day 2010

Women’s day was celebrated in a grand manner by Vanitha Vibhagam of Thripunithura on Sunday, 7th of March 2010 at Rukmini Ramakrishna Kalyana Mandapam. Revathy Krishnan (President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Thripunithura) presided the meeting and R. Kamakshi, Principal of R.L.V. College, Thripunithura delivered the key note address. P. S. Raman (State Vice President and President of Thripunithura Upasabha) was the Chief Guest of the day and K. Annalakshmi (District President) felicitated the gathering. Meenakshy V. P. (Secretary, Vanitha Vibhagam, Thripunithura) welcomed the dignitaries.

R. Kamakshi, in her key note address described how important is a Woman in our society while P.S. Raman explained how to come forward in our life without giving up our cultural and religious values. Annalakshmy said it is important being a woman, especially a Brahmin. She also explained how a Brahmin lady can uphold the traditional values in this modern world.

Function started with prayer by Sreelakshmi (daughter of Manikandan and Sarasa Manikandan). Awards were given to Sharmila(1st Rank, M. A. Music, Kerala University), B. Lakshmi, Uthra R. Krishnan (1st and 2nd respectively, Classical Music, M.G. University Kalolsavam) and Gopika Jairam, (Std.XII Student, Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Eroor, Participant in Asia Girl Child Peace Camp held at Nepal).

The cultural programmes started with a Kathakali performance by Uma Raman and Uma. Shruthi Suresh, Deepa, Baby Vipanchika and Swathi delivered their performances on stage wonderfully. The special attraction of the day was ‘Kolaattam’ by the members of Vanith Vibhagam. The dancers were trained by Jaya Sethuraman and Sindhu Suresh. Tiny tots did a small dance to tell the importance of helping each other.

Also a drama on dowry - a social evil was enacted by the members of Vanitha Vibhagam. The drama – Moondru Kal – was scripted by Saraswathi and directed by Jaya Sethuraman & Usha Nagarajan. (Actors & Characters: Alamelu Mami-Saraswathi, Girl’s father-Sarasa Manikandan, Girl’s mother-Uma Raman, Boy’s father-Lakshmi Ramaswamy, Boy’s mother-Rukmini Ramalingam)

Gopika Jairam, Peace Ambassador

Gopika Jairam, daughter of Jairam K. Iyer and Chitra Jairam, Class XII student of Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Eroor, Thripunithura was selected to represent India as a Peace Ambassador, to attend the 5th Asia Girl Child Peace Camp at Nepal. The camp was organized by ‘Bikalpa Gyan Tatha Bikas Kendra’ from 2nd to 6th of November, 2009. Representatives from Thailand, Germany, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India, were present in the Peace Camp. Gopika Jairam was selected after going through a multi-leveled selection process by the Cultural Academy for Peace, Ernakulam.

The participants got a chance to interact with the Honorable President of Democratic Nepal and other eminent personalities like Miss Nepal 2009. The camp had sessions of skits, role-plays and tableaus on child abuse, violence against women etc. Also stress-release sessions – yoga, games and miming were conducted. A mural painting on ‘Peace’ was drawn by the participants of the camp.

Gopika Jairam is Senior Head Girl of her school and also the ‘Best Outgoing Student’ in this academic year. She has won many prizes for Classical Music, Recitations, Elocutions, Essay writing and Debate competitions.

"Sambharam" distribution

The State President V. Ramalingam requested all Upasabhas in the State to distribute "Sambharam" among the public during this summer with help of Vanitha Vibhagam. Its age old practice to drink lots of "Sambharam" during summer months. You might be surprised to learn that it is lower in fat than sweet milk. As the temperatures are rapidly increasing, we feel hot and this causes us to sweat more, causing us to need to increase our fluid intake drastically. What could be a better way to beat the heat than to sip a cold glass of healthy, refreshing "Sambharam"? So this summer, instead of having aerated drinks, Kerala Brahmana Sabha wish to promote "Sambharam".

V. Krishnaswami, President of Ernakulam District suggested distributing "Sambharam" in one or two prominent locations in each town hygienically at least two hours a day for 20 days. The Vanitha Vibhagam of each Upasabha may consider this as a social service activity.

Cash Award Presented to K. H. Ramakrishnan of Ernakulam

K. H. Ramakrishnan (Mahesh) of Ernakulam has won the Highest Grade - College Topper Award for M. C. A. (2009 pass out batch) from Amrita School of Engineering, Vallikavu. The District Committee Members of Kerala Brahmana Sabha visited his home on 12th of March 2010 and congratulated him on his achievement. A Cash Award was presented to K. H. Ramakrishnan by V. Krishnaswami, President of Ernakulam District on behalf of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, District Committee. K. Annalakshmi (District President, Vanitha Vibhagam), Balu Narayanan (Joint Secretary, State Head Quarters), R. Hariharaputhran and Mohandas S. (District Joint Secretaries), S. Naganathan and V. Parameswaran (Organising Secretaries) were present on the occasion. K. H. Ramakrishnan is son of A. Latha and K. R. Hariharan of Sri Ram Associates, Paliyam Road, Ernakulam. His only brother Ananthanarayanan is doing his B.Com. Congrats to Ramakrishnan.

Kaaradayan Nombu on 14th March, Sunday

Article Courtesy: S. Venkatesh, Secretary, Aluva Brahmana Samooham

Kaaradayaan Nombu or Savitri Nombu is a Tamil observance in which Sumangalies prays for the well being and long life of her husband. It is observed on the particular day when the transition between the Tamil months Maasi and Panguni takes place. Kaaradai is the name of a unique nivedya (holy dish) prepared on this day. Nombu means Vratam or Upvasam. This year Nombu falls on Sunday, the 14th of March 2010, between 8.15 p.m. and 9.15 p.m.

Savithri Nombu festival is observed in remembrance of the Sathyavan – Savithri legend. A princess, Savithri through her supreme devotion saved her husband, Sathyavan, from the clutches of death. This legend is very popular in India and there are several other observances based on this legend. An important ritual is the wearing of the Kaaradayan Nombu Charadu, which is a yellow thread, around the neck.

THE PRACTICE

Prepare Nombu Charadu (Manjal thadavina Cotton Nool), Vethalai-Paakku, Pazham, Vennai and Nombu-Adai. Cook Nombu-Adai by 7.00 p.m. on the day. Sumangalis may wear Pudavai and decorate the place with Kolam. Then light up the Vilakku. Keep the arranged Nombu Charadu, Vethalai-Paakku, Pazham, Vennai and Nombu-Adai on a leaf (preferably a banana leaf) or Plate (Thattu or Thambalam).

By praying/chanting “Urukaatha Vennayum Oattadayum Vaithen - Oru kaalavum en Kanavan Piriyaathirukkanum”, offer the Nivedyam to Kamakshi Amman and wear the Nombu Charadu.

MANTHRAM
The following manthram has to be recited while wearing the Nombu Charadu.
"doram grihnami subhage maharidram dharamyaham
bhartuh ayushya sidhyartham suprita bhava sarvada"

NOMBU ADAI - RECIPE

1. Arisippodi Sivakka Varuththathu - 1 Cup; 2. Cherupayar Sivakka Varuththathu – ¼ Cup; 3. Thenkai Thuruvinathu/keerinathu – ¼ Cup; 4. Vellam Udachathu (Unda Sarkkarai udachathu) – 1 Cup; 5. Elakkai Podichathu - 2 Nos.

Oru Cheenachattiyil 1½ Cup thanni vittu item no. 4 pottu karayavaithu aduppil Paani thayyar panni arithu edukkavum. Cheenachatti clean panni, konchm thanni vittu item no. 2 pattu venthathum Paani athil vittu kothikka vechu item no. 3 add pannavum. Ithu kothikkum pothu, item no.1 koncham-konchamaaka serthu kindavum. Item no. 5 serkkavum. Kettiyaaka uruttum paruvathukku kindi edukkavum. Aara vaithu urundayaka urutti Ilayilo Thattileyo 1 cm thickness-il parathi naduvil viralaal oattai pottu steam-il veka vaikkavum.

1st Rank for Sarada K. V. of Thripunithura

Congratulations to Sarada K. V. who has secured 1st Rank for M. A. Music (Veena) from R. L. V. College, Thripunithura. She is married to T. R. Sethuraman of Mangalasseri Madom, Kannankulangara and daughter of late Kasi Viswanatha Sasthrikal and K. V. Padmavathy of Sarada Nivas, Eloor.

Woman’s day Celebrations held at Mattancherry on 7th March 2010

The Woman’s Day Celebrations at Mattancherry was held at the Sarada Sankara Kalyana Mandapam on 7th of March 2010. The programme started at 4.30 p.m. with a prayer and the meeting was presided by Santha Sabesan (President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Mattancherry). Sankari Sankaranarayanan (Treasurer), Kala Varadarajan (Secretary), Vilasini Parameswaran and Smt. Aanadhi Venikiteswaran (both Joint Secretaries) were present on the occasion.

The variety entertainments began with classical and semi classical songs by Parvathy Hariharan, Meenakshy Narayanan, Lalitha Janardanan, Jayshree Sethu, and Chellammal. Quiz, based on old Tamil and Malayalam movies conducted by Thangam Ramakrishnan was received by the participants and audience with great enthusiasm. Pankajam started the answering session. The winners were given sweets for their right answers.

An interesting session was then conducted, in which the crowd was given an opportunity to say few nice unknown facts about their friends. This opportunity was grabbed by Santha Sabesan and revealed that Lalitha Raman was an accomplished Veena player. Thangam mentioned that Master Abhiram (Vasanthi’s son) had been invited to be the D.J. at the recent Valentines Day Celebration at Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi.

Fun games like Dumb Charades and Masking the Product were also conducted and Jyothi won the prize for masking the product. The fun and games concluded with a game - Tambola - and prizes were given in cash to the winners. Jayshree, Vilasini, Meena, Shanti, Mallika and Kumari Vidya were the winners.

Light refreshment was arranged for all and the programs ended with National Anthem.

Prathishta Day Maholsavam at Koovappady Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple

The Prathishta Day Maholsavam of Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple at Koovappady is proposed to be conducted on Tuesday, the 27th of April 2010. Nirmalya Darsanam, Ganapathy Homam, Mahanyasapoorva Rudrabhishekam, Kalasa Pooja, Kalasabhishekam, Deeparadhana and Prasada Oottu will be held in the morning session starting from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. In the evening session starting at 5.00 p.m., Sahasranama Parayanam, Kramaarchana, Chuttu Vilakku and Deeparadhana will take place.

This 300 year old temple is celebrating its 2nd Prathishta Day this year and the building constructed around 150 years back was renovated last year. S. Mukundan (President, Koovappady Brahmana Samooham) and M. S. G. Iyer (Vice President, Koovappady Brahmana Samooham) invite all devotees to take part in the Prathishta Day Celebrations.

Sree Sankara Talent Award for C. Y. Gangadharan

C. Y. Gangadharan of Perumbavoor has been selected for the Sree Sankara Talent Award for young musicians. The award named after Adi Sankaracharya is instituted by Sree Sankara Assessment and Accreditation Council (SAAC), the first of its kind in Kerala - an autonomous body of Sree Sankara School of Dance, Kalady. C. Y. Gangadharan will receive the award in May 2010 in connection with the 4th Sree Sankara National Dance and Music Festival at Kalady.

C. Y. Gangadharan is an employee of Infosys, Bangalore who has special interests towards Music, Vedas, Yoga and Sports. He started learning Classical Music from Nedumkandom Vasudevan and presently he is getting trained under Bangalore K. V. Krishna Prasad. Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Padmabhushan Madurai T.N Seshagopalan is his Guru for Namasankeerthanam. N.S Viswamani Bhagavthar and H. Ramanathan of Perumbavoor were the first ones to introduce Gangadharan to the world of Bhajana. Also Gangadharan has proven his skill in chanting 3 Prasnas of Taittariya Upanishad, Vishnu Sahsranamam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Purusha Sooktham, Sree Sooktham, Durga Sooktham, Aditya Hridayam, Rudram, Rudra Kramapatham, and Bhagavat Gita.

Apart from these, Gangadharan has won prizes for Music in University level competitions. He has a few Music Albums in his credits. He was a participant in Gandharva Sangeetham – the musical reality show – in Kairali TV. He has performed Carnatic Vocal Concerts and participated in Samprdaya Bhajana in many places like Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Rameswaram, Pandarpur etc. C. Y. Gangadharan is son of S. Yagneswara Iyer and G. Vally Ammal and an active member of Kerala Brahmana Sabha. His only brother C. Y. Subramanian is a student.

Thripunithura Vanitha Vibhagam to celebrate Women’s Day

The Vanitha Vibhagam of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Thripunithura is organizing a function in connection with Women’s Day 2010 on 7th of March 2010 at Rukmini Kalyana Mandapam. Kamalakshi, Principal of R. L. V. College will be the Chief Guest of the day and K. Annalakshmi, District President of Vanitha Vibhagam and P. S. Raman, State Vice President and President of Thripunithura Upasabha will deliver felicitations in the meeting. Meritorious winners will be presented awards in connection with the function. After the meeting, the members of Vanitha Vibhagam will present variety entertainment programmes.

Sharmila honoured by KBS, District Committee

The Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Ernakulam District Committee honoured Sharmila. S from Thripunithura who secured 1st Rank for M. A. (Music) from Kerala University. P. S. Raman (State Vice President and President of Thripunithura Upasabha) handed over the Cash Award to Sharmila on 28th of February 2010 at her residence in the presence of V. Krishnaswami (President, Ernakulam District). R. Ramakrishnan (Secretary, Ernakulam District), A. G. Ganesh Venkitachalam (Treasurer, Ernakulam District), Mohandas S. (Joint Secretary, Ernakulam District), Naganathan S. (Organising Secretary, Ernakulam District), Balu Narayanan (Joint Secretary, State Head Quarters) and Venugopal K. (Secretary, Thripunithura Upasabha) were present on the occasion.

Born to Prof. B. Nellayappan (Violin) and Seethalakshmi, Sharmila started learning classical music from her father at the age of seven. She has won many prizes in school level and University level competitions. Sharmila is now continuing her studies under Prof. Kumara Kerala Varma and Dr. Malini Hariharan. She has performed in many concerts individually and with her sister Santhala.

This talented singer did her graduation in Chemistry in the year 1995 and after a long gap; she joined Kerala University in 2007 for M. A. in Music. Sharmila is B Grade Artist in vocal at AIR Thrissur. She is married to T. K. Sivakumar, an Astrologer and blessed with two girls.

Medical Aid for Sundarambal, Kalady

As part of providing Medical Assistance to the financially backward people among the community, the District Committee of Kerala Brahmana Sabha handed over Rs. 5000/- as Medical Aid to Sundarambal, of Kalady Upasabha. She lives in the Agraharam at Kalady and struggles with old age health problems.

N. Ramachandran (District Vice President) visited Sundarambal’s house and handed over the fund. V. Krishnaswami (President, Ernakulam District), Prof. Subramaniam (Manager, Sri Sringeri Mutt, Kalady), Mohandas S. (Joint Secretary, Ernakulam District), K. Hari (Secretary, Perumbavoor Upasabha), S. Vaidyanathan (District Committee Member) and Suresh of Kalady Upasabha were present on the occasion on 28th of February 2010.