In servicsince 1992

Probuzz…Monthly News Letter fromProbus Club of Chennai

(Sponsored by Rotary Club of Madras )Registered under T N Registration of Societies Act 1975 (148 of 2004)

An Association of Retired Professionals, Businessmen, Govt Servants and Others.K46, Anna Nagar East Chennai-102. Ph:26216767

Vol 20 No 1 May 2009

1.0 The First ColumnFrom the President

Dear Probians,

My hearty Greetings to fellow Probians for showing their keen interest and participation in the Master Health Check-up Programme, organized by our Club at the Government General Hospital, Chennai by the good offices of the Health Secretary, Thiru V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., who has been pleased to give us an opportunity to conduct the programme for two weeks from 15th to 30th of April 2009, for the benefit of Senior Citizens.

After the two week long Health Check-up Programme, the valedictory function, to honour those Medical staff engaged in Health Service, was held on 11th of May 2009. The Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru K. S. Sripathy, I.A.S. was the Chief Guest. The Health Secretary, Thiru V. K. Subbaraj, was also present with other dignitaries and it was a well-attended function. I once again thank Probians and special invitees who attended the meeting and made it a grand success.

The Chief Guest, in the course of his address to our members commended the activities of our Club and also in having agreed to come forward to organize such a Health Check-up Camp for Senior Citizens. He was glad to note that more than 300 Senior Citizens came forward to avail of this medical facility offered for a meagre sum of Rs. 150/- per head.

I am happy that our Club has been getting a wide publicity for being able to provide social service to the poor and the needy in the matter of health care and organize Health Camp which is so vital for senior citizens in the evening period of their life.

Yours Sincerely,

S. Krishnaram DaveyPresident

18-5-2009.

BE GOOD — DO GOODLove more than you desire to be loved.

Serve more than you desire to be served.

Give of yourself more than you demand of others.

THIS IS NOBLE LIVING

— Swami ChidanandaCourtesy :  

Devine Life Society, Bairagah Branch, Madhya Pradesh.

Hail our Hefty Helping Hands !Probus Scholarship Scheme :Donors of Rs. 10,000 and more:1. Shri Sadayappan … Rs. 10,000

S/o. Probn Dr. S. PonnuswamyL.M. (ID L 071)Paid in March 09

2. Probn K. Rengarajan … Rs. 10,000L.M. (ID L 145)

3. Probn K. Narasimhan … Rs. 10,000(ID A 064)

Total … Rs. 30,000

Note : Thank you for the handsome donations. Once you donate Rs. 10,000/- (and above), its interest will go to educate a deserving poor child from Std. VI to Plus two. Your name will be associated with the scholarship. You will be provided with full details of the child you are educating.

2.0 Editor’s space

SCIENTIFIC TEMPER & WE

“Science without religion is lame,religion without science is blind”.

— Albert Eiestein

With the dawn of independence, rose an awareness to boost the scientific temper in Indians. There was a keen debate on whether we had it at all. It was an age of ‘isms’ like : communism, socialism, fascism, nazism. In schools and colleges then; was a movement known as YUKTHI VAADHAM (in Malayalam) which literally means ‘debate with scientific reasoning’. The practice was to subject the prevalent conventions and beliefs to scientific scrutiny. Thus a rationalist was known as YUKTHIVAADHI.

To wean us away from the influence of Atheism, some of the educational institutions run by Christian missio-naries; like the one where I studied, arranged non-curricular classes for teaching ‘Ethics’ for Non-catholics and Catechism for catholics. This gave me an opportunity to know something about christian beliefs of existence of God by a theory known as ‘Creationalism’. Fr X K, a strict disciplina- rian, elaborated on ‘theory of Utilitarianism’

developed by Jeremy Bentham, a British Philosopher. However, a healthy ‘working arrangement’ between some of the Atheist faculty members, and the managements (irrespective of religions) was apparent. There was tolerance on both sides.

A study of our hoary past would show that we Indians had ‘scientific temper’ and a ‘spirit of enquiry’ too. However, it was waxing and waning in different ages. Let us examine some of these trends.

One strange thing about our ancient history is that it is left to the foreigners to write it for us! On religion of vedic times, Maxmuller, German indologist, writes that it is a religion of ‘Nature-worship’ – the most natural of the Natural religions. The Vedic Hindus worshipped the Sun, the Moon, Wind, Fire, the Sky, lightning, the rain and the Dawn. These manifestations were identified with acts of God and worshipped. Regularity of certain natural phenomenon gave an expression of amazement (and its ferocity fear) in the primitive man. This led to a yearning in him to discover the secrets behind those too. It is often said ‘God is the creation of man out of fear and not love! Pre-Vedic society sought to grasp the unity behind the diversity, seen by it in actual life. For the purpose, various Gods were approached/appeased with offering/sacrifices. This is the uniqueness of the ancient Hindu society. Different sacrifices had to be organised to propitiate different Gods to achieve different ends! The procedures ran into hundreds and any deviation/departure from the stipulated procedure was not tolerated. So, a special class or group of men emerged towards this. In the 6th century B.C., Buddhism and Jainism came into existence, as a protest against this religion based on sacrifices and caste system.

Buddhism was essentially an Ethical religion. It did not talk of God, Heaven or Hell. Buddha’s attitude indicated his rationalism. When asked about the existence of God, it was a deafen-ing silence first; followed by words “Where of one cannot speak; thereof one must be silent”.

Even before the advent of Buddhism, there was SAAMKHYA school of philosophy. Nireeshwara (Atheism) branch of Saamkhya school went to the extent of saying that there

was no pramana (proof) for the concept of Eeshwara (God). Saamkhya conviction was “Naa vasthu — naa vasthu siddhi” (Nothing material can be realised from non-material). By the way, this concept might have helped (late) Shri Kovoor, our contemporary atheist in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to challenge some of our God-men (who created rings and small artefacts from thin air) to materi -alise things much bigger than their first-size. But none accepted his challenge and a reward of Rs. 1 Lakh from him. One glaring fact is that some of our God-men have been doing laudable service to the society, at large. Contributions of the atheists who chal -lenged the God men, are virtually NIL.

Now switching over from Theology to the Science of Medicine. Charaka, in his treatise on Ayurveda CHARAKA SAMHITA, mentions about three kinds of medicines viz. 1. DAIVA (Devine) depending on prayers, pilgrimages etc. 2. MENTAL depending on mind-control like yoga and 3. YUKHTHI (rational approach), largely depending on “Material practices which use herbs, diet-control, surgical and other procedures. Notably, Charaka’s conviction was that every disease has a cause and diagnosis (not a visitation of curse of Gods). He opted for YUKHTHI medical practice and adopted surgical procedures too (some of the text books on Ayurveda give sketches of surgical instruments used by Charaka).Now coming to Astronomy, Aryabhatta (476-520 AD) a great Mathematician and Astromer, was of firm opinion that Eclipses appeared based on shadows, whereas, Brahmagupta (7th Century AD) disputed Aryabhata’s theory supporting the Puranic theory that eclipses appeared when Rahu and Ketu (two serpants) swallowed the Sun! Many of us still stick to the Puranic version. Aryabhata had the last laugh when Modern India named its first Satellite launched by it after Aryabhathas.Now, coming to contemporaneous out-standing contributions to scientific temper doing their research works in India, two names shine as pole star. Shri Jagadish Chandra Bose, (1858-1937), doyen of Indian Science. He did original work in Electricity but credit seems to have gone to a Western Scientist. Sir C. V. Raman, Nobel Laureate, is said to have excused himself from personal appearance to receive Bharat

Ratna award; due to his preoccupation with finalising a Thesis of his student, in 1954. This was not taken amiss then. Indian scientists are religious with a firm mooring in science.

“Science has achieved more for the emancipation of masses than the wisdom of sages”.The above quote of our revered Philosopher President, Sri S. Radhakrishnan, Bharat Ratna; clearly brings out the distinction between Science which is knowledge and wisdom which cannot be defined precisely.

Science involves studies of Natural phenomena — systematically through observation, validation by experi-mentation and formulation of laws of its general principles, Like that of money (money is what money does), worth of Science depends on its practical utility.

Technology is practical employment of Scientific knowledge in Industry and Every day-life of the common masses. Thus the need for use of Science and Technology in tandem for the progress of a nation. To create an awareness and spread this message, we Indians celebrate 11th May as NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY.

Here is an excerpt of the observation of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, an agnostic himself, our first Prime Minister; who rekindled the fire of Scientific temper in his countrymen.

“The burden of the past pursues us, and it is a burden and an inspiration, for it drags us down and at the same time pushes us on”.

The thought for the NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY is that it is time for us to develop our technological potential and at the same time not to bar import of advanced technology from abroad. This is in line with the view of Mahatma Gandhi, our father of the nation, who expressed his view thus :

“I want the windows of my houses to be kept open so that fresh breeze blow from everywhere, but I DO NOT WANT TO BE BLOWN OFF MY FEET” (not verbatim).

JAI HO to our brilliant Scientists and Technologists.

Reference :1. Malayala Manorama Year Book 2009.2. WE INDIANS by Shri R. Minoo Masani.

3.0 Events and Activities3.1 E.C. Meeting held on 11th April 2009 at

10.30 a.m. at Automobile Association of South India Meeting Hall, Chennai.

Followed by one minute silent prayer Probn S. Krishnaram Devey, the President called the meeting to order and welcomed the members who turned out in large numbers. He thanked the Probians for nominating him as President for the rest of the (year) period.

• The E.C. confirmed the minutes of the E.C. meeting held on 14th March 2009 communicated already to E.C. members.

• The following new members were admitted.(a) (i)Probn Sri. V. N. Subramaniyar,

Annual Member ID A 358(ii)Probn Dr. (Ms.) P. Nagabooshanam

M.A., M.L., Ph.D.Life Member ID L 149

(b) Conversion into Life Membership approved.(i)Probn Dr. N. Rajagopalan

ID A 245 to Life L 150(ii)Probn K. Sivagaminathan

ID A 235 to Life L 151

• As regards, the approval of affiliation to the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamil Nadu; the E.C. “Resolved to have a network with the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamil Nadu in its activities as services for attainment of our clubs extended objectives” and to authorize the President for incurring an annual expenditure of Rs. 500/- towards affiliation fees, as fixed by the Federation now.

• The subject related to Master Health Check up scheme for Senior Citizens the E.C. resolved to conduct the scheme from 15-4-2009 to 29-4-2009 at General Hospital Chennai with the permission and full support of the Principal Secretary, the Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. Probn K. Venkatachari, PP and Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, were authorised to make necessary arrangements towards the conduct of the scheme.

• As regards the proposed visit to Sripuram Golden Temple, it was resolved to have the Tour to Sripuram Golden Temple, availing the concessions of T.T.D.C. Ltd., Chennai on 28-5-2009. It was also authorized to collect Rs. 500/- provisionally per head and chalk out the programme.

• The E.C. resolved to approve the Guest Speaker and Host as given below on 23-5-2009 for the Breakfast Meeting.Speaker :Rtn. PP. C. S. DevaprakasamTopic :“Service to Community”Host :Aag Rola Magnetics Pvt. Ltd.491, P. H. Road, MaduravoyalChennai 602 102

• The subject related to Receipts and Charges, for the year ended on 31-3-2009, it was resolved to request the Treasurer to prepare the statements in the Format and guidelines suggested by the Probn K. Venkatachari, PP and to commu-nicate with agenda of the sub committee to have a discussion at the next E.C. meeting.

After vote of thanks by the Secretary, the meeting was adjourned to 9th May 2009 at 10.30 a.m. at AASI Hall, Chennai.(The report is based on the report of Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary. This does not purport to be the minutes of the meeting – Ed.).

3.2 Inaugural function of MASTER HEALTH CHECK UP FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.

Our club, in association with the authorities of Govt. General Hospital, Chennai, organised a MASTER HEALTH CHECK UP exclusively for our members and other senior citizens, against payment of Rs. 150/- per head as against the usual normal fees of Rs. 250/- (with a long waiting time). The camp was open to those sponsored, for free of charges, by our members too. The camp was held from 15th April 2009 to 30th April 2009, at the pay ward, exclusively allotted for the purpose, at the Govt. General Hospital, Chennai.The medical camp was inaugurated by Sri V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Health Department, Tamil Nadu; at 10 a.m. on 15-4-2009. The inaugural function was attended by Dr. Rajendran, Dean-in-charge, departmental heads and other doctors besides a large number of our members.

In his welcome address, Probn S. Krishnaram Davey, the President of the Club, highlighted the uniqueness of the scheme and the fact that it was in line with the suggestion of Sri V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., Principal Secretary (Health) himself.

Sri V. K. Subburaj, the Chief Guest, in his brief address, said that Tamil Nadu Government is focused on affording better facilities to the public and Senior Citizens, in particular. To that end, the Government has filled up almost all vacancies in its hospitals, especially doctors and paramedics. Now a days, Primary Health Centres are well-equipped with more sophisticated equipments and medicines too. He gave strong indicat- ions that similar Master Check up facilities will made available in all District Hospitals. He requested Association of Senior Citizens, like ours, to come forward with more suggestions, assuring a very careful consideration.

Notably, the inaugural function was on a lowkey mode but the enthusiasm shown for the Senior Citizens was ‘infectious’ (in an otherwise “sterile zone” — to use a medical jargon).

The president of the club presented a bouquet to the Chief Guest and a small memento (books).

(Based on the report prepared by Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary of the Club. – Ed.).

3.3 Probus Group – Theosopical Society (Mylapore Lodge TS) Spiritual and Philosophical meeting held at 4 p.m. on 18-4-2009, at M.P. Aanand Matriculation School, Mylapore, Chennai-4.

The meeting commenced with a prayer, Probn V. L. Aiyar, co-ordinator welcomed the gathering and requested Probn T. R. Jayaraman to speak on the subject “Why Astrology and what we all should know about this”. A summary of his talk is given here.

Astrology is known as “Jyotisha Sastra” in India. This is a subject dealing with Science of Light. The subject is as vast as the cosmos and renders humble any learner of this science. Bharata derives its name from the fact this is a country that delights in the light. Grammatically, it is to be explained as Bhasi rataha iti Barataha. Our source of light for this solar universe is the Sun. Sun is Bhaskara because Bhasam karoti iti Bhaskaraha the light giver.

The rationale for astrology is in the postulate that we are all children of the cosmos. Yat pinde tat Brahmande. This means that macrocosm is the same as microcosm. Secondly, events and

phenomena are not isolated. They are all inter-related and there is a principle of simultaneity. We look into the mirror to check up if we are properly dressed. What do we have for examining our mental makeup? As the macrocosm is a reflection of microcosm, we seek the help of the planetary positions related to each individual to see what is inside us. In India, we relate very intimately with the cosmos. Our festivities and religious functions are detailed on astronomical chart — like pushyam star in the month of Thai, Krithika star in the month of Adi etc. Our panchangams (of which we have some hundreds) give five essential features of each day — day of the week, thithi, nakshatram, yogam and karanam. Thithi is the longitudinal difference between the Sun and the Moon. Nakshatram is the group of stars in which the Moon is then situated. Yogam is the addition of longitudes of the Sun and the Moon. Karanam is a further division of yogam. We look for our birth anniversary on the basis of not only the Sun but also the Moon. Even the names of months are not arbitrary (or based on the name of any king) but based on the asterism of moon on the full moon day of that month. For example, it is chitrai because in that month, the full moon is in Chitrai in that month. Tamil names for some months have changed during course of the centuries. New Year day is not an arbitrary day. It is when the Sun completes one cycle and comes back at zero degree celestial longitude. Many proverbs and house hold sayings relate to astronomy and astrology. In India, we have an intimacy with the cosmos and we delight in the light.

Sun is the life giver of this solar system and physically it is 99.9% of all matter in the solar system. The light from Sun is our life. It has to matter how this light comes to us reflected from the other planets of the system.It is but natural for every one of us to know what is in store in the years to come. How am I going to evolve in my life? How does one evolve? Nothing evolves out of nothing. There has to be some thing involved so that some thing evolves. What is that which is involved? How am I wound in the beginning that unwinds during my life? For these questions the scientific answer is that we should look into the cosmic force related to the individual at the time of his birth.

Another point of importance is the idea that time is not just a measure of gap between events but that it has a quality dimension to it.Astrology in India is very highly evolved and sophisticated. Ancient Greece also had their astrology. Westerners too have their system. In India, the main schools are of Parasara and Jaimini. We have Nadi system too. In the West, the system is tropic oriented, movable zodiac. The difference was explained during the talk. It is noteworthy that all through the world, the qualities attributed to the planets and “houses” are identical.Notable is a recent system founded by Shri K. S. Krishnamurthy of Chennai who did a painstaking research as he found that the traditional astrology could not give satisfactory answer in case of twins. He developed a system known universally as Krishnamurthy Paddhati, based on some old principles. His birth centenary was recently celebrated in Chennai.

As explained earlier, astrology is the most useful in deciphering the innate nature of an individual. It is used extensively for event prediction, health, marriage matching, selection of propitious time for important events, choice of line of education and profession, remedies including selection of deities for worship and mantras, mundane matters concerning the nations, climate, economy and the like. Prasna branch of astrology is for answering specific question on the basis of time of the question.A few cases of astonishing predictions made by some astrologers were cited to illustrate the points.

Many terms were explained at the meeting and it is not possible to put that down in this summary. These terms are: Ayanamsa, Houses, Graha, Gochara, Drishti or aspects, evolution of Indian Standard time and the various standards that prevailed earlier, the vargas or divisions of chart, on how Rahu and Ketu do not represent planets but are virtual points and known therefore as shadows diagrammatic charts used in the South, North and East of India and in the Western countries with their merits and demerits. What we term as Rasi is the zodiac sign in which Moon is situated at the time of birth. Lagna is an important point in the horoscope and this is the longitude of the Eastern horizon at the time of birth. For determination of Lagna you need to know the time of birth and the place of birth too.

The factors involved in analysing a chart are manifold and every chart is unique. This difficulty can be explained by a simple demonstration. If you take a large and thin paper and try to fold it, you may find it possible to fold it seven times but not the eighth; for with eight fold twin possibilities, the thickness of paper becomes 256 times the original thickness!Research in astrology is very essential. The great art and science should be firmly established. A great figure like U. V. Swaminatha Iyer is needed to gather various manuscripts scattered in different parts of India and secret knowledge available only with some persons and families. A number of dedicated teams are then required to work on large date banks to establish an irrevocable basis for predictive astrology.(Based on the gist of the speech, furnished by Probn T. R. Jayaraman, the speaker, which is acknowledged with thanks.– Ed.).

3.4 Monthly breakfast meeting held at Russian Centre of Science & Culture, at 9.00 a.m. on 25th April 2009, Chennai-18.

Probn S. Krishnaram Davey, the President, called the meeting to order.

Two minutes silence was observed to pay homage to Probn J. W. R. Livingstone who passed away on 24th April 2009.

The President welcomed the gathering and introduced Probn P. Badrinath, whom he knew intimately.

The President highlighted the salient features of the MASTER HEALTH CHECK UP SCHEME FOR SENIORS of the club, chalked out in the lines suggested by Sri V.K. Subburaj, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Planning, Tamil Nadu Government. He appealed to members to avail themselves of it, besides, sponsoring some poor senior citizens. He briefed the audience on the proposed workshop on SENIORS’ HEALTH CARE, jointly with the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamil Nadu (FOSCATAN) on 24th April 2009 at Gokhale Hall, Mylapore. (Please see report in para 3.5 in this issue. – Ed.).

Probn K. Venkatachari, PP, formally introduced Probn Ln P. Bhadrinath, the speaker of the day. The President honoured the speaker with a ponnadai and memento of books. Probn T. S. Ramaswamy, Sr. Advocate added more details about the deep knowledge of the speaker.

In his introductory remark of his speech, Probn P. Bhadrinath desired that more time could be given to the main speaker by avoiding other speakers, however well-versed they may be, speaking on the same topic. Probn P. Bhadrinath’s speech was more or less an interaction with the audience. There was a general view that the topic ‘Introduction to Bhagawad Gita and on personality development’ required more time for any speaker.

Probn V. N. Subramaniyar, a new member, was requested to introduce himself and he spoke briefly on his activities, especially, his connection with Civic Exnora.Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, proposed a vote of thank thanking the Guest speaker and Vasuki Builders for sponsoring the breakfast.

(Based on the report prepared by Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary. – Ed.).

3.5 Workshop on Seniors Health Care, organised by the club, jointly with Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamil Nadu, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on 26th April 2009, at Gokhale Hall, Mylapore, Chennai-4.

The workshop on SENIORS HEALTH CARE was organised by the club, jointly with the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Tamil Nadu (FOSCATAN) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 26th April 2009, at Gokhale Hall, Mylapore, Chennai-4.

The seminar began with an invocation by Probn K. Venkatachari, PP, Vice President of FORSCATAN.

Probn S. Krishnaram Davey, President of the club, welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address, the President paid rich encomium to Sri V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., the Principal Secretary (Health and Family Planning), for enabling the Probus Club of Chennai to conduct its scheme – MASTER HEALTH CHECK UP FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, from 15th April 2009 to 30th April 2009, at the Government General Hospital, Chennai. He highlighted the active part played

in the society by the eminent doctors who consented to deliver lectures, on various disciplines of medicines. Shri D. Rajasekharan, the President of FOSCATAN, introduced Sri. K. R. Gangadharan, the National coordinator and requested him to brief the delegates on the further developments since the last workshop held in Chennai, couples of months back. Sri. Gangadharan, in his brief speech dwelt on the policies of the Govern- ments, at State, National and International levels and emphasized the dire need to work with a concerted effort for effective representation of the problems of the Seniors. He urged on the Central Government to implement the recommenda- tion of K. S. Shastri commission.

Sri V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., the Chief Guest, while inaugurating the Seminar on SENIOR CITIZENS HEALTH CARE commenced his with an introductory remark that every individual has to prepare himself for retire- ment with a plan well ahead of the inevitable and expected event. To this end Government servants are being counselled. However, most of the retirees do no save enough to meet the eventualities in the post-retirement stage. With the cost of medicate flying through the roof, it is very necessary for one to have adequate health insurance coverage. He appealed to all Senior Citizens Associations, especially the FOSCATAN to send their recommendations to the Tamil Nadu Government, which will be given serious attention for effective implementation. He congratulated the Probus Club and the FOSCATAN for arranging regular seminars inviting eminent doctors.

A panel of doctors and specialists in various specialities spoke at length, with visual aids.1. Prof. Dr. V. S. Natarajan, Geriatrician on

GERIATRIC CARE.2. Dr. G. S. Kailash, Chest and Allergy

specialist – HOW NOT TO GO A DOCTOR (Yoga, Exercise and Healthy habits).

3. Dr. A. G. Ramesh, Opthalmic Surgeon on VISION CARE, eye diseases and the need for early detection.

4. Dr. V. Balaji, Diabetologist on DIABETICS AND FOOT CARE.

5. Prof. Dr. V. Chockalingam, Cardio-logist on CARDIAC CARE.

6. Er. V. Hariharan, Adviser to IRDA on MEDICAL INSURANCE.

Probn Er. V. Hariharan explained how different General insurance companies have different norms and tariffs. Hence insureres have to carefully study the prospectus of the company before taking a policy and warned against the rosy pictures given by Development officers who are more interested in canvassing than servicing of the policies sold. He disclosed that some of the insurance companies have now extended the coverage upto 90 years (only the ones which are current) and covering pre-existing diseases. He pointed out some of the lacunae which call for the attention of the IRDA. The follow up of these is a continuous exercise.

Panelists of the seminar and special delegates were honoured with mementos (books donated by PF C. R. Vaitheeswaran). Sri V. K. Subburaj, I.A.S., The Chief Guest, was honoured with a shawl. It was nice to see the Chief Guest sitting through the entire proceedings, showing a keen interest. The entire proceeding was ably co-ordinated by Probn Dr. V. Balambal, PP.

The delegates present had a nice Sunday, interacting with highly knowledgeable panelists and special invitees.

Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary of the club, proposed a vote of thanks, with a special word for the co-sponsores – DINAMALAR Tamil Daily, Probn Dr. G. V. Rao and abc Professional Services (our courier) for their liberal contributions. Light refreshments were served after the meeting with hot samosas and biscuits.

The meet ended with a national anthem.

(Report based on the input received from Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, Probus Club of Chennai. – Ed.).4.0 Welcome New Members

Life member :Nagabooshanam Ms. P. Dr. Probn Professor of Law, Department of Legal Studies University of Madras, Chennai (Retd.), DOB: 18-09-1943, Res: “Balaji” 10, (Old No. 18) Raja Street, Mandavelli, Chennai-600 028.,E-mail: naagam18@yaboo.com, Phone: 24616564, 9444751455, Membership ID L 149, Introduced by Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary.

Annual member :Subramaniayar V. N. Probn, Civil Engineer, Associate Consultant, Chennai, DOB: 11-06-1945, Spouse: Malathi S. Mrs., DOB: 29-10-1954, WD: 31-05-1974, Res: 2A, Lasya,,94, Old 189A, St. Mary’s Road, Abhiramapuram, Chennai-600 018. Phone: 24986838, 9840613799, E-mail: vnsmani@gmail.com, Member-ship ID A 358, Introduced by Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary.5.0 Medicine Bank and

Sundry itemsA. Donors1. Members of the Club (anonymous).2. Shri S. Chellappa, 31/1 (New) Sathya

Apts.Madhava Perumal StreetChennai-4.

3. Smty. S. Sri Devi93, M. K. Amman Koil StreetMylapore, Chennai-4.

4. Smty.G. Hemavathi31 (New)/17 (Old) Sathya Apts.Madhava Perumal StreetChennai-4.

B. DoneeUdhavum Karangal480, NSK Road, Chennai-106.

C. Details1. Medicines tablets and liquid medicines –

in strips and bottles – 8 items from item A1.

2. Used dresses like Pants-4, T-Shirts 2, Shirts-7 Total 13 Nos from item A2.

3. Sarees-3, tracksuit-1 from item A3.4. New blouse-bits-7, from item A4.

D. Despatched by Probn K. Venkatachari, PP on 2-5-2009.

Thank you donors for your thoughtful gesture. – Ed.

6.0 Train Calendar?Are you searching for train availability? Here is an easy way to find seat avai-lability in all trains with a single hit. Train availability calendar – Autho-rized site http://www.cleartrip.com/ trains/calendar.Do check it out... it’s amazing! Source: E-mail from Shifcons@gmail.comReceived from Probn K. Venkatachari, PP.

7.0 Sunshine Fund

1. S. P. Ambrose, I.A.S.(Retd.) 1,000/-(His Birthday)

2. S. Krishnaram Davey 1,000/-(His Birthday)

3. Mrs. Kalyani Namasivayam 500/-W/o Probn R. T. Nama-sivayam (Her Birthday)

Thank you, very much for your donations – Ed.

8.0 Special AnnouncementAnnual General body of the club would be convened on 27th June 2009 (4th Saturday). A formal notification will be mailed by the Secretary separately.

Such of the members, who desire to raise any point for the deliberation at the AGM, may please send it in writing to Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary, on or before 5th June 2009. This would be taken up for discussion only if deemed necessary.

KINDLY HELP USTO HELP YOU

9.0 Directory update1. Probn Kalkulam Madhu, (ID L 84)

Cottage No. 4Womens Indian AssociationB8, Greenways Road, R. A. Puram, Chennai-28Cell No. 94449 43091

2. Probn A. Balakrishnan, (ID 303)Phone No. 2448 8615 ,(a correction to a typographical error)

3. Probn Nelson Philip, (ID L 122) Vasanth Apartments22/9, Viswanatha Puram 1st StreetKodambakkam, Chennai-24Phone: 2375 1635,Mobile: 97100 25720

10.0 Probus T-ShirtsPF Rtn P. Sridharan designed a white T-Shirt with Probus Logo on the front pocket and a message “PROMOTE PROBUS RI 3230” on the back in three sizes M, L and XL. He donated a few shirts to our club with a view that the sale proceeds of which could go to the club. It is prized reasonably at Rs. 150/- each. T-Shirts in sizes M, L and XL have been sold out like hot cases. There are a few T-Shirts of L size, available with Probn R. T. Namasivayam. Those Probians who desire to buy one may please contact

Probn R. T. Namasivayam, EC Member. His Cell No. 97789 974100. The club records its appreciation of the novel idea and the kind gesture of PF P. Sridharan.

11.0 Felicitations11.1 Probians having Birth Anniversary

in June 2009

1. Abdul Rahim 1 2243 00622. Vijayarangam R 2 2376 08153. Subramanian T S 3 2847 48664. Kumarasamy S 4 2441 20875. Vijayarangam M D 4 2621 67676. Chakravarthy K V 5 2481 65887. Durai S 5 2499 27998. Govindan S 6 2491 02079. Rajendra Kumar Jalan 6 2836 5280

99620 8101010. Panduranga Rao N 7 2825 610411. Raghavan P S 9 2254 235812. Ramaraju S 9 2259 105013. Venkatachari K 9 2498 109914. Suryanarayanan S 10 2499 828215. Subramaniayar V N 11 2498 6838

98406 1379916. Narayanan R Dr 12 2441 855417. Gopinathan V 13 2836 479118. Raman K V 13 2662 291619. Ranganatha Rao 15 2499 5290

98412 9884820. Tamilarasan L 16 2442 0804

98414 2804421. Sakunthala 17 28114 00394

Sundaram Mrs 4402 400322. Hariharan V (Ch-102) 19 2626 101123. Mani Chebiam 19 2495 601424. Ramaswamy T S Dr 20 2844 252625. Desikan K 26 2481 282326. Raman H Dr 28 2446 5413

94449 62696

11.2 Probus spouses having Birth Anniversary in June 2009

1. Padmalalitha K 2 4213 6514Ramavadhani

2. Vasantha Sugunaraj 8 2374 27283. Hamitha A Mrs 10 5567 58924. Murugan A V M Shri 13 2499 2909

2376 04635. Jayalakshmi G 14 2245 1933

Dakshinamoorthy6. Shankari Mony 15 2445 61687. Gomathi Subramanian 16 2492 87698. Kalpakam 17 2499 0967

Srinivasamurti 98403 92155

9. Meenakshi Srinivasan 18 2441 164010. Vijaya Lakshmi Bhat 19 98409 7625411. Indrani Maniarasan 22 2245 244412. Shri Thiagarajan 23 2493 598313. Vimala Unnikrishnan 23 2445 253014. Vijaya Ramakrishnan 24 2828 111215. Gita Vittal 29 2836 5533

11.3 Probus couples having Wedding Anniversary in June 2009

1. Nelson Philip Probn & 1 3091 4174Grace Nelson Mrs

2. Gandhi R Probn & 1 2491 0974Visalakshi Gandhi Mrs

3. Rajagopalan Dr. N 2 2450 1169Probn & Vijayakumari 99405 25904Rajagopalan Mrs

4. Rao B S Probn & 2 2374 4064Lakshmi Rao Mrs

5. Thangaraj S Probn & 2 2670 3536Phelomena Thangaraj Mrs

6. Prabhakar M G Probn 2 2844 1380& Ramani P Mrs

7. Alaghiakrishnan K 3 2847 6468Probn & Padma Alaghia Krishnan Mrs

8. Lourdusamy P M 4 2551 1728Probn & Maria Roase T A Mrs

9. Arumugam S Probn & 4 2377 4650ChandrikaArumugam Mrs

10. Thyagarajan K Probn 5 2485 1204& PunithavathiThyagarajan Mrs

11. Gnanaraj P Dr Probn 6 4218 2465& Rathnavathy 98401 51589Gnanaraj Mrs

12. Saptha Rishi G 7 2436 1449Probn & ShakunthalaSaptha Rishi Mrs

13. Unnikrishnan P 7 2445 2530Variyath Probn & Vimala Unnikrishnan Mrs

14. Venkatakrishnan A 9 2447 0200Probn & SoumyaVenkatakrishnan Mrs

15. Mony S V Probn & 9 2445 6168Shankari Mony Mrs

16. Gopalakrishnan K S 9 2493 8224Probn & Parvathy 98410 96866Gopalakrishnan Mrs

17. Raman KV Dr Probn & 10 2445 6063Saroja Raman Dr Mrs

18. Chakravarthy K V 10 2481 6588Probn & Mrs KalpakamChakravarthy

19. Govindan S Probn 11 2491 0207& Padmavathy Mrs

20. Ramachandran S 12 2435 8953Probn & Mrs NirmalaRamachandran

21. Chandrasekaran C 12 2499 3477Probn & Mrs VasanthaChandrasekar

22. Narayanan R Dr Probn 12 2441 8554& AnandhiNarayanan Mrs

23. Krishnan A Probn & 12 2499 2998Mrs Revathi Krishnan

24. Ramanathan V K 13 2243 5124Probn & ManikekalaiRamanathan Mrs

25. Srinivasan S Probn & 13 2436 0068Rajalakshmi Srinivasan Mrs

26. Ragunath R Probn & 15 2499 6108Shanta Raghunath Mrs

27. Augustine B Probn & 16 6529 5049Asha Latha Augustine Dr

28. Sathyanarayanan B Dr 16 2472 1268Probn & Sukanya 98400 30703Sathyanarayanan Mrs

29. Ganesan S Probn & 17 2493 6825Kalyani Ganesan

30. Sriram N Probn & 17 2811 4923Alamelu Sriram Mrs

31. Sri Ram N C Probn & 18 2474 3106Subhadra Sriram N CMrs

32. Viswanathan V S 18 2253 0534Probn & KamalaViswanathan Mrs

33. Pandian G S Probn & 18 93810 57750MangayarkarasiPandian Mrs

34. Suganthi Premkumar 18 2641 3252Mrs Probn & Prem-kumar V Williams Mr

35. Namasivayam A Probn 18 2620 2689& Somasundari Namasivayam Mrs

36. Sampath S Mr Probn 18 2449 0227& JayalakshmiSampath Mrs

37. Ramachandran N 19 2248 3645Probn & LakshmiRamachandran Mrs

38. Narayanaswamy M 21 2814 3973Probn & Kamala 98841 90473Narayanaswamy Mrs

39. Nathen V V IAS 21 2493 9557(Retd) Probn &Mrs Janaki Nathen

40. Narayanan V Probn & 22 2432 2659Saroja Narayanan Mrs

41. Ramachandran N 22 2377 2124Probn & Maithreyie 99405 46854Ramachandran Mrs

42. Sridhar N Probn & 22 2435 0924Malathi Sridhar Mrs

43. Sivagaminathan K 24 98402 81833Probn & MuthammalSivagaminathan Mrs

44. Ramakrishnan V 24 2828 1112Probn & VijayaRamakrishnan Mrs

45. Kripa Shankar Probn & 25 2491 9098Shantha Shankar Mrs

46. Deivasigamani N 26 2493 3886Probn & Geetha 98411 44215Deivasigamani Mrs

47. Thyagarajan P Probn 26 3291 2951& VaralakshmiThyagarajan Mrs

48. Sridharan G N Probn 26 2491 2725& RajalakshmiSridharan Mrs

49. Vittal N Probn & 28 2836 5533Gita Vittal Mrs

Wish you all many happy returns of the day. May God bless you all with good health, happiness and a peaceful life. Probn D. Sugunaraj, will be sending, Probus greetings to all the above. (Thank you, Probn Sugunaraj – Ed). Kindly donate to our Sunshine fund generously – Ed.

12.0 Appendix to the speech on “Bhaja Govindam” delivered at 4 p.m. on 21-3-2009 at M. P. Aanand Matriculation School, Chennai-4.

Bhaja Govindamby Shri P. S. Venkataraman

Introduction:Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam is worded in such lucid Sanskrit that one is tempted to read the verses repeatedly to savour their beauty and melody of the expressions used. Adi Sankara was walking along the streets of Kashi with his disciples when he noticed a very old man, inside a house, loudly memorizing Panini sutras of Sanskrit grammar. He wondered why he was doing it instead of Harinama Sankeer-tanam! Of what avail would be these Sutras when soon he

faces yama? At that moment the idea of “Bhaja Govindam” as a guide for the layman was born.It is usual to begin with an invocation, but here he straightaway starts the poem addressing the old man, reciting Panini sutras, as ‘moodha mate” (one who is foolish)!

There are 31 stazas in all. The first 15 were composed by Sri Sankara; the next 10 by his disciples viz. Sureshwara, Hastamalaka, Totaka etc; and the last 5 again by Sri Sankara. Perhaps, Sri Sankara used this a “training module” for his disciples and the disciples had more than fulfilled his expectations.

Bhaja Govindam contains the essence of Vedanta in simple Sanskrit easily understandable to the layman. Sri Sankara cautions us against the pitfalls we face in day-to-day life and the ills prevalent in present day-society and suggests ways to steer clear off them. He comes down heavily on those wasting their life-time in the pursuit of sense plea-sures, greedily acquiring wealth by any means and using false pretences to cheat the public (by wearing saffron robes etc.). He exhorts everyone to lead a dharmic life and pursue the path of knowledge with the guidance of a Guru. By following these percepts Sri Sankara assures one would ere long get over the bonds of samsara and attain the goal of self-realisation.

There are 2 commentaries available on Bhaja Govindam – one by Rajaji and the other by Swami Chinmayananda.

Since it will not be possible to discuss all the 31 slokas due to paucity of time, I have chosen 10 slokas for detailed study. The translations are from Sri Rajaji’s commentory.

Stanza 3. Naari sthanabhara naabhi desam drshtva maa gaa mohavesam Etan mamsavasaadi vikaram manasi vichintaya vaaram vaaram.– Enticed by woman’s beauty, her bosom and the region of her navel, do not allow Yourself to be lost. They are only forms of mere flesh. Think of them as such every Time you look at them.Stanza 4. Nalinigatajalam ati taralam tadwat jeevitam atichapalam; Viddhi vyadyabhimaanagrastam lokam shokahatam samastham.– The water drop on the lotus leaf trembles. So too is human Life, precarious and

unstable. Know it to be in the grip of disease and anxiety, and smitten with sorrow.Stanza 10. Vayasi gate kah kaama vikarah; shushke neere kah kaasarah; Ksheene vitte kah parivaro, gnaate tatve kah samsarah– When youth is gone where is room for sport in lust. Where is the lake when the water has dried up? When wealth is gone where are the family/kinsfolk? When truth has been realized where are the worldly bonds?Stanza 18. Suramandira tarumoola nivasah, Shayya Bhootalamajinam vaasah; Sarva parigraha bhoga tyagah, kasya sukham na karoti viraagah.– If one can be happy living in the open halls of temples or under the trees, lying on the bare ground and wrapped in skins giving up every possession and enjoyment, who can disturb such a person’s happiness?Stanza 19.  Yogaratho vaa bhogarato vaa, sangarato vaa sangha vihinah, Yasya brahmani ramate chittam, nandati nandati nandatyeva.– When one is religious-minded and practising yoga, or enjoying his wealth and pleasures, whether he is one who likes to be in company (extrovert), or he prefers to be in solitude (author), if one’s mind finds delight in communion with the supreme Brahman, such a person enjoys total bliss.Stanza 21. Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam punarapi janani jatare sayanam Iha samsare bahudussare krpaya paare paahi muraare.– Born again and again, dying over and over again and getting into a mother’s womb over and over again. It is hard to get over this ocean of samsaara; save me from it merciful Lord.

Stanza 22. Shayya charpata virachita kanthah, punyaa apunya vivarjita pantah; Yogi yoganiyojita chittah, ramate balonmattavadeva.– Clad in rags picked from the street, travelling the path beyond good and evil (i.e. Not bothering to earn merit by good deeds and never doing anything bad or evil) lost in contemplation of the self, the yogi revels in the supreme, and behaves sometimes like a child and some-times like a mad man.Stanza 24: Tvayi mayi cha anyatraiko vishnuh, vyartam kupyasi mayi

asahishnuh; Sarvasminnapi pashya aatmanam, sarvatra utsruja bhedajnanam.– In you and me and elsewhere, there is but one Vishnu. Unable to bear with me and be patient you get angry with me in vain. See your own self in every other being. Give up the sense of difference from other beings everywhere.(Stanza 25 has to be read along with this stanza).

Stanza 29: Moodha jahihi dhanaa-gama thrishnaam, kuru sath buddhim manasi vithrushnaam Yat labhase nija karmopatham, vittam tena vinodaya chittam.– Eschew the greed for more and more wealth. Live and be happy with what you have earned by your own labour. The thirst for wealth is something which can never be quenched.Stanza 31: Guru charanaambuja nirbhara bhaktah, samsaarat achirat bhava muktah, Sendriya maanasa niyamaad evam, drakshyasi nija hrdayastam devam.– Trust yourself wholly to the lotus feet of the Guru. Be free from the shackles of Samsaara soon. Only with the senses and your mind controlled in this manner, you will be able to see Brahman residing in your own heart.(The appendix is to be read along with the gist of the speech given in the report in para 3.4 of April 2009 issue. – Ed.).

13.0 Probn J.W.R. Livingstone – a true Christian – passes away

Probn J.W.R. Livingstone (84 years) passed away on 24th April 2009. He was a true practitioner of Christian virtues. He loved all, hated none, helped all, never complained of his personal sufferings and made others feel happy. He had a charitable disposition. Recently, he established an Oldage home cum orphanage near Madurai, run by his close relatives. He was the Editor of a spiritual Monthly News letter, managing it single-handedly. He shared his almost every happy moment like marriages in his family, births of grand and great grand children etc., with fellow Probians and by sending contributions to our Sunshine fund. Perhaps, there is none among us who encouraged three generations of his family members to participate in our cultural programmes.Probn Livingstone was a soldier of Second World War vintage, having served in the far east. On getting himself discharged from armed services, he worked in Ceylon (now Sri

Lanka). On his return to his motherland, he was absorbed in Department of Atomic Energy (Madras Atomic Power Project, Kalpakkam, near Chengalpet).

When admitted to a city hospital in Chennai, with terminal stage of cancer, he desired to see Probn K. Venkatachari, PP and yours truly. He was a picture of serenity, despite the nagging pain he was suffering. That is the mental make up of a great personality who is no more now. His memory and his philan- thropy would live in the hearts of his friends and admirers for ever. Notably, Probn Livingstone passed away on a Friday, in the month when Jesus Christ was cruxified. We send our heartfelt condolences to Smt. Saramma Livingstone, his wife, and the rest of the bereaved family. We join them in their prayers for the eternal peace of the departed noble soul.

14.0 Condolence MessageI heard about the sad demise of our fellow Probian J.W.R. Livingstone, on 24th instant. It is indeed a great loss to us, may his soul rest in peace.Probn A. James, E.C. Member

I join you to pay homage and tribute to Probn Livingstone.Probn Scbian Singaraja, PP

15.0 Feed back1. Feed back from Probn Dharmes-waran, President’s New Year Greetings appears nebulous! We are neither in January 01 or January 14 the revised Tamizh New Year (sub. judice).What happened when Julius Caesar added a Month to the year in self- aggrandisement, July and his successor Augustus Caesar, not to be outdone added August, taking the Months tally from earlier ten to the present twelve!Editor’s reply : Our President and yours truly had not mentioned greetings as “Tamil New” year greetings, in view of the controversy. April 14th is a new year (it is 15th April, once in 36 years). Tamil Nadu (traditionally) and Kerala (Vishu) who follow Solar calendar have April 14th as New year. In Bengal, New year falls on 15th April and it is known as “Pahala Vaisaakh”. Thus, commencement of a New year differs from place to place. We have members hailing from different states of India. Fate of the dispute in Tamil Nadu (which is sub-judice) will not

influence our club. Thank you, Sir, for other information.

2. Editor’s space : Speaking of Health in the context of World Health Day sponsored by WHO, the definition of Health, translated from Samskrit term Arogyam does not meet the bill.The WHO official definition is “Health is state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.I vividly remember this, displayed on the entrance of Cordite Factory Aruvankadu Hospital. Should not the Editor be provided with Net-enabled PC, ex-officio?

Editor’s reply : I had only given the theme of WHO for the year 2009. and an overview of the norms of good health in general. – Thank you for the additional information furnished by you.

16.0 Our Net WorksProbus Club of Cheyyar held its 4th AGM on 24th April 2009. Probn G. S. Pandian, our former Secretary, inducted the new office bearers. Probn R. Subbaraj, Secretary of our club, felicitated the new office bearers. Probians of Cheyyar Probus Club evinced keen interest in our Master Health Check up and 32 members had the check up done on 24th April 2009, a day set apart or them exclusively. The following office bearers were inducted :President: Probn T. G. Sambandan2, Kamarajar Street,Narasimma Nagar,Cheyyar 604 407,ph: 04182 - 220321Vice President: Probn N. GurunathanSecretary: Probn T. D. Narayanasamy47/17, K. V. Pilliar Koil Street,Tiruvathipuram 604 407 Cell: 97510 81677Joint Secretary: Probn E. SundaresanTreasurer:Probn G. Viswanathan82, Sannathi Street,Tiruvathipuram 604 407 Cell: 94445 5653317.0 Dates to RememberJUNE 200913-06-2009 (Saturday) 10.30 a.m.EC Meeting at AASI

20-06-2009 (Saturday) 4.00 p.m.Probus group–Theosophical Society, Mylapore Lodge (TS)–Spiritual and Philosophical Meeting at M.P. Anand Matriculation School, Mylapore, Chennai-4.

Contact:Probn T. R. JayaramanPhone: 2466 1998

Probn V. L. Aiyar,Phone: 2499 232927-06-2009 (Saturday) 9.00 a.m.Annual General Body meeting at Russian Centre of Science Culture, Chennai-18.

(Notification to you on separately – Ed.).

Contact:Probn R. Subbaraj,Ph: 2442 2839Note : Programmes are subject to changes of time, venue, speakers and the like. Kindly contact the person(s) indicated against each programme, in case of doubt – Ed.

18.0 Degrees of Arrogance !

Dr. George Bernard Shaw define arrogance as follows :

The least arrogant is the person who does not respond to your greeting.

The more arrogant is the person who nods when you greet him.

The most arrogant is the person who nods when you are not greeting him.

Received from Probn S. Srinivasan.

PROBUZZgreets you all

ANYTIME !           – Ed.