High Tea
Saturday - 23 May 4-8 pm
The last of the events on the 2-day agenda was the High Tea organized at 214. Meticulously planned starting from invitations, timings, caterers for snacks, shamayana etc. There was so much planning that it ended in over execution - and we ended up with redundancies - there were 2 shamayana guys who landed up to put up their stuff ! The previous day we had received a call from the shamayana guy twice enquiring about the same details - what time to come, how many chairs and tables etc.? We irritatedly gave them the details, cursing them for not noting down the details when told once - not realizing that they were two different guys calling - and the next morning, both guys landed up to pitch their stuff ! So we had to pay the second guy for our own mistake!
Anyway the high tea started in the evening at 4pm., when people started trickling in. The bride and groom (smartly attired in maroon kurta and pyjama) came on time to start the proceedings ! Everyone was eagerly awaiting their turn to get a chance to have a tete a tete with the new entrant to the family ! The guests were seated outside in the verandah while the shamayana housed the caterers and their equipment for making hot crisp masala dosas, with sambar and chutney, sweet, masala vadai, and hot coffee.
There was almost full attendance from the invitees. The Poornis were in full force - with all kids and grand kids, Revathi with her daughters, Ravi and family, Achhu chitappa and chithi, Chitra, TVpa's sisters, Sanjay's kids, Arati(Sanjay's sister) and family(including the cute Sundu !) etc.
The moment Achhu chitappa entered, he had his fan club following him - Shyam, Suri, Pranav were all listening in rapt attention and complete admiration, to his awe-inspiring Spy-Vs-Spy stories in which he had starred, during his hey-days with RAW.
Rescue Mission
By now, one group had moved into the sunken living along with Rachna. And what started as friendly questions to Rachna, slowly turned into interrogations and cross-questions. Now hearing this, Pranav, who was in the middle of listening to the exciting spy stories, promptly abandoned the stories and rushed to her rescue - and ensured that the cross-questioning was successfully quashed!
Cultural Extravaganza
Next, Rachna was requested to sing a song - she is an accomplished musician - and has studied and passed advanced exams in carnatic music. She sang a film song first and then encored with Alaipayude title song - both, very melodiously rendered ! As a tribute to her music, Sundu (Arati's cute little kid) had peacefully gone to sleep. More importantly, she was complimented from the greatest critic in the family - her FIL-to-be - that the Kaanada ragam was well rendered ! She sure has found the right way to win this family's heart - through her music !
There was another cultural session taking place simultaneously in the 2nd floor- Dhaarini's
Bharatnatyam - Choreography, Music and natwangam by her mother. The entire audience then moved to that venue to witness the dance ! The dance was followed by more music - from Rachna and TV-pa's sister's (Mythili athai's) music, followed by a brief flute recital by TVpa.
The day ended on a musical note - and the entire crowd is now looking forward to the next get-together in Sept!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Pranav's Engagement (Part II) - The Engagement Ceremony
Engagement Ceremony
No sooner than the mehendi got done the girls were all getting excited about the next item on the agenda -- they couldn't wait ! They had all planned to wear saris and for some of them it was the first time !
So whether the bride was preparing or not, the girls in our family had been planning this for weeks - with Jana athai being the chief coordinator and instigator for the sari plot !
In fact the girls were quite divided on the sari decision until the last day, when they finally decided to unite for a common cause - a ramp walk at Rachna's ! By 4 pm (barely after recovering from the mehendi) the first floor of 214 had turned into a full-fledged women's beauty parlour with the girls trying out their saries, hairdos (straightening their hair etc.) face-dos, bangles ! One had to get her newly tailored blouses from the tailor's shop, while the rest were busy getting dressed ! In fact both the sisters (since they had decided late) had to go for a 24-hour blouse-stitching tailor , who turned out to be pretty punctual and good !
So the girls were finally ready by 5:45 after much ado and were eagerly awaiting the departure to Rachna's place (the venue for the ceremony). It was a 45 min car ride to their place. Each of the family members were responsible for one gift pack (fruits, dry fruits, coconuts, vethalai, paruppu thengai and not to forget the engagement ring etc.etc. - all gifts decoratively and laboriously packed) and carried by each one of us. We first went to Rachna's newly built house and then proceeded to their community hall - which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The professional photographers were ready with lights and re camera to capture all the action.
The formalities of the engagement were carried out by the vadiyar and the lagna pathrigai was written and read aloud. The groom and bride wore their respective new dresses given to them. Exchange of rings happened - diamond rings presented to each other -with similar designs ! Next was the cake-cutting ceremony - a fusion of west and east . When the candles were lit, one of the little kids started singing happy birthday to Pranav and then suddenly realised it was not his birthday and was left wondering what was the cake cutting all about !
Dinner came next - Pranav and Rachna sitting cosily for dinner - food was absolutely yummy karnatak food (esp the rasam) - including corn and pomogranate salad, boli, chitranna etc. Of course we tamilians kept waiting for our curd rice, to complete the meals - and were kept guessing for a long time as to whether it would be served at all - it was almost like a treasure hunt - after the second round of rasam, it was payasam, then boli, then banana, then a cup of curd, then pan , and then even the vethalai pakku bag - and then finally came the thair saadam ! Phew - what a relief !
Finally a formal goodbye and thanks between the two parties and we all parted. Then awaited the next day's event - the High Tea !!
No sooner than the mehendi got done the girls were all getting excited about the next item on the agenda -- they couldn't wait ! They had all planned to wear saris and for some of them it was the first time !
So whether the bride was preparing or not, the girls in our family had been planning this for weeks - with Jana athai being the chief coordinator and instigator for the sari plot !
In fact the girls were quite divided on the sari decision until the last day, when they finally decided to unite for a common cause - a ramp walk at Rachna's ! By 4 pm (barely after recovering from the mehendi) the first floor of 214 had turned into a full-fledged women's beauty parlour with the girls trying out their saries, hairdos (straightening their hair etc.) face-dos, bangles ! One had to get her newly tailored blouses from the tailor's shop, while the rest were busy getting dressed ! In fact both the sisters (since they had decided late) had to go for a 24-hour blouse-stitching tailor , who turned out to be pretty punctual and good !
So the girls were finally ready by 5:45 after much ado and were eagerly awaiting the departure to Rachna's place (the venue for the ceremony). It was a 45 min car ride to their place. Each of the family members were responsible for one gift pack (fruits, dry fruits, coconuts, vethalai, paruppu thengai and not to forget the engagement ring etc.etc. - all gifts decoratively and laboriously packed) and carried by each one of us. We first went to Rachna's newly built house and then proceeded to their community hall - which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The professional photographers were ready with lights and re camera to capture all the action.
The formalities of the engagement were carried out by the vadiyar and the lagna pathrigai was written and read aloud. The groom and bride wore their respective new dresses given to them. Exchange of rings happened - diamond rings presented to each other -with similar designs ! Next was the cake-cutting ceremony - a fusion of west and east . When the candles were lit, one of the little kids started singing happy birthday to Pranav and then suddenly realised it was not his birthday and was left wondering what was the cake cutting all about !
Dinner came next - Pranav and Rachna sitting cosily for dinner - food was absolutely yummy karnatak food (esp the rasam) - including corn and pomogranate salad, boli, chitranna etc. Of course we tamilians kept waiting for our curd rice, to complete the meals - and were kept guessing for a long time as to whether it would be served at all - it was almost like a treasure hunt - after the second round of rasam, it was payasam, then boli, then banana, then a cup of curd, then pan , and then even the vethalai pakku bag - and then finally came the thair saadam ! Phew - what a relief !
Finally a formal goodbye and thanks between the two parties and we all parted. Then awaited the next day's event - the High Tea !!
Pranav's Engagement (Part 1) - Mehendi
Mehendi (Friday May 22nd 9:30 am - 2:30 pm)
Mehendi was in the planning stages for a very looooong time - right from the day the engagement was announced !
With one week to go, the entire VSR family had started trickling in to 214 - and this continued during the entire week until Friday morning (the day of the engagement).
Pre-Mehendi
Pre-mehendi was hectic frenzied activity @214 - running around buying gifts, return gifts for mehendi, gift paper, special wrapping paper sets for sarees, and even flower stickers for the tiny (2"x3") mehendi-return-gift bags ! The tiny bags were specially imported from Chennai. The last family arriving on the mehendi day ensured fresh importing of tons of vethalai and malli poo !!
The verandah had its share of kolam and thoranams of mango leaves and flowers hanging down in decoration !
In the meanwhile the kitchen was agog with the multi-cuisine menu - with all the DIL chipping in with their culinary skills !
Not to forget the massive clearing up (sweeping and cleaning) of the sunken living (the actual venue for the mehendi), dining room, kitchen etc. And last but not least, a very valiant attempt by Jana at disposing off the thermacole dabbas that had been carefully stacked on top of appa's cupboard. Of course that can never happen since she was caught red-handed and sent packing.
Mehendi
Now for the main function - Two mehendi waalis had arrived on time by 9:30 - inaugural mehendi was for the bridegroom himself - ifor drishti ! Pranav had appeared in full spirit and sportingly got "Rachna" written decoratively on his palm ! Next was Choti chithi and then the rest of the family followed. With very intricate designs (in Arabic and Indian styles), everyone was happily displaying their palms all around.
And then came the interesting part - foooood !
Special Mehendi menu included salad dips (yoghurt and cream), cauliflower bondas, chips, cheesy corn toast, carrot halwa with ice-cream ....
Those with mehendi on could'nt eat, and were very generously fed by the numerous aunts around ! This tamasha went on till 2:30 by when they had completed the mehendi for more than 20 ladies / girls.
Next, everyone was awaiting the next item on the agenda --- the actual engagement ceremony !!!
Mehendi was in the planning stages for a very looooong time - right from the day the engagement was announced !
With one week to go, the entire VSR family had started trickling in to 214 - and this continued during the entire week until Friday morning (the day of the engagement).
Pre-Mehendi
Pre-mehendi was hectic frenzied activity @214 - running around buying gifts, return gifts for mehendi, gift paper, special wrapping paper sets for sarees, and even flower stickers for the tiny (2"x3") mehendi-return-gift bags ! The tiny bags were specially imported from Chennai. The last family arriving on the mehendi day ensured fresh importing of tons of vethalai and malli poo !!
The verandah had its share of kolam and thoranams of mango leaves and flowers hanging down in decoration !
In the meanwhile the kitchen was agog with the multi-cuisine menu - with all the DIL chipping in with their culinary skills !
Not to forget the massive clearing up (sweeping and cleaning) of the sunken living (the actual venue for the mehendi), dining room, kitchen etc. And last but not least, a very valiant attempt by Jana at disposing off the thermacole dabbas that had been carefully stacked on top of appa's cupboard. Of course that can never happen since she was caught red-handed and sent packing.
Mehendi
Now for the main function - Two mehendi waalis had arrived on time by 9:30 - inaugural mehendi was for the bridegroom himself - ifor drishti ! Pranav had appeared in full spirit and sportingly got "Rachna" written decoratively on his palm ! Next was Choti chithi and then the rest of the family followed. With very intricate designs (in Arabic and Indian styles), everyone was happily displaying their palms all around.
And then came the interesting part - foooood !
Special Mehendi menu included salad dips (yoghurt and cream), cauliflower bondas, chips, cheesy corn toast, carrot halwa with ice-cream ....
Those with mehendi on could'nt eat, and were very generously fed by the numerous aunts around ! This tamasha went on till 2:30 by when they had completed the mehendi for more than 20 ladies / girls.
Next, everyone was awaiting the next item on the agenda --- the actual engagement ceremony !!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Kapil stars in INSEAD Corporate promo !
INSEAD - The Business School for the World: An Introduction to the MBA Programme
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tanvi's graduation
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO TANVI !!
MSN Quiz Test your skill and wits on this revered battleground of knowledge IMing with Windows Live Messenger just got better.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The latest from Theo
Theo's been keeping the Ramanathans on their toes -- according to reports, he requires an army of at least 10 people to take care of him and almost all of them have their hands full from 5 am onwards !
His favourite pastime is chewing mugs - he has already dented all the mugs - so the household is considering resorting to tissues, to at least have a system that functions in the loos !
In an attempt to cool himself during the day, he brings the mug of water and pours it all over the ground and lies down on the same to cool himself off !! Jana says she needs no gym from now onwards, and it is a matter of days before she will be athletically fit - whenever he gets a chance, he runs wildly out of the house, with jana running right behind him !! He loves people around him all the time - he can also bring the roof down barking to let him out.
His hygiene is quite impeccable - last morning he woke up at 3:45 am and decided to brush his teeth - in the process, he squeezed and emptied out the entire toothpaste tube and had paste all over his face ! Unfortunately, at 3:45 am, Jana was not quite prepared with camera et al for taking a snap of this avatar!
Later in the day, Vasu was holding him with the leash just stepping out of her house to walk him, when suddenly he got excited about something in the road and decided to dart off - the next instant Vasu was flat on her face, being dragged unceremoniously down the 4 steps and dragged along the ground (a la the climax scene in Benhur) until she hit the pillar in the car park ! Poor girl recovered and is now nursing her wound on the elbow - fortunately it was not anything more serious !
So if anyone needs a different variation for a workout - do step into Akshaya for a day and volunteer your services to take care of Theo !
His favourite pastime is chewing mugs - he has already dented all the mugs - so the household is considering resorting to tissues, to at least have a system that functions in the loos !
In an attempt to cool himself during the day, he brings the mug of water and pours it all over the ground and lies down on the same to cool himself off !! Jana says she needs no gym from now onwards, and it is a matter of days before she will be athletically fit - whenever he gets a chance, he runs wildly out of the house, with jana running right behind him !! He loves people around him all the time - he can also bring the roof down barking to let him out.
His hygiene is quite impeccable - last morning he woke up at 3:45 am and decided to brush his teeth - in the process, he squeezed and emptied out the entire toothpaste tube and had paste all over his face ! Unfortunately, at 3:45 am, Jana was not quite prepared with camera et al for taking a snap of this avatar!
Later in the day, Vasu was holding him with the leash just stepping out of her house to walk him, when suddenly he got excited about something in the road and decided to dart off - the next instant Vasu was flat on her face, being dragged unceremoniously down the 4 steps and dragged along the ground (a la the climax scene in Benhur) until she hit the pillar in the car park ! Poor girl recovered and is now nursing her wound on the elbow - fortunately it was not anything more serious !
So if anyone needs a different variation for a workout - do step into Akshaya for a day and volunteer your services to take care of Theo !
Latest Services offered !
VSR Placements
Aditi's internship at Bangalore came by like a breeze - Aditi was just chatting up with D after her arrival in Chennai, when she mentioned that she was looking out for another internship. D promptly suggested that Aditi should apply to AZB (a v.famous law firm in Mumbai - in fact Adi is a little embarassed that she herself had not heard of AZB until very recently) D said that she knows one of the partners "Zia aunty" (hope i've got the name right) pretty well and suggested that Adi immediately contacts her dad, Suri, who could easily fix it up, since Suri's company deals with the AZB firm !!
Testimonials have poured in from Aditi, Kapil and Tanvi (though for the older ones the placements were done by the founding member) while for Aditi, it was ably handled by the youngest successor - Ms D ! Kapil has clearly stated that all his internships have been orchestrated by the founder where he has learnt much more than what INSEAD has taught him ! As was suggested to Tanvi "If you ever want a job in the white house / NASA - just tell Lalli patti and it will be done !"
The latest services being added under the VSR umbrella - is VSR Placements -although the head office is in Bangalore, it is currently being handled by none other than the young Ms.Dhaarini, the most recent member - she has recently undergone her internship in Chennai under the direct tutelage and able guidance of the founding member (Mrs.VSR) and has successfully placed her first candidate !
Aditi's internship at Bangalore came by like a breeze - Aditi was just chatting up with D after her arrival in Chennai, when she mentioned that she was looking out for another internship. D promptly suggested that Aditi should apply to AZB (a v.famous law firm in Mumbai - in fact Adi is a little embarassed that she herself had not heard of AZB until very recently) D said that she knows one of the partners "Zia aunty" (hope i've got the name right) pretty well and suggested that Adi immediately contacts her dad, Suri, who could easily fix it up, since Suri's company deals with the AZB firm !!
Now Adi, not knowing little Ms. D's networking capabilities (incidentally "Zia aunty" is one of the 30 most influential women in India " ) casually mentioned it to Shyam, who also casually checks with his brother - and the next day Adi's resume was sent across - Suri forwards to AZB - immediate response was that Bombay office has no vacancies - then thanks to the All Cargo CFO's position - believe it or not - Adi's lands up with the prized internship for their Bangalore branch - all within a week. And all this based on a 5-min chat with Little Ms.D (dont allow the size to fool you!)
While the rest of us are still trying to figure out how Little Miss D has managed the internship so easily, and that too with no former experience, the theory has been confirmed - the genes of the founder has been succesfully passed to the youngest granddaughter in the lineage !
Now to tell you a little more of VSR Placements -- the advice by the older kids is "If you want a job / internship - go to VSR placements first !"
It is a simple three-step process for securing your job /.internship
1. Identify your 'dream' company
2. Tell Lalli patti (head and Founding member) about it
3. Send your resume to the person suggested by the founder (within the next 24 hours)
And within a few days the job is in your hands !!
Testimonials have poured in from Aditi, Kapil and Tanvi (though for the older ones the placements were done by the founding member) while for Aditi, it was ably handled by the youngest successor - Ms D ! Kapil has clearly stated that all his internships have been orchestrated by the founder where he has learnt much more than what INSEAD has taught him ! As was suggested to Tanvi "If you ever want a job in the white house / NASA - just tell Lalli patti and it will be done !"
PS - pls note that this service is strictly limited to family since the board would like to preserve the best for the members of the family - based on the principle of 'resource conservation' since the (networked) resources are limited in supply.
bow leaves for berkeley
Bow arrives from KGP, bag and baggage, loads of dirty clothes, catches the chennai bangalore scorpio shuttle which happens to be leaving on that day with thathu, patti mama and mami and reaches bangalore. Lots of stress as the young man has to leave soon for the US, but ofcourse we all know how 214 loves the stress and the drama. First the visa getting rejected cos Bow had a 5 year old photograph affixed in his passport. Then run around and get a new passport and go to teh consulate get the visa approved and leave for chennai the same day. so wait with bated breath for the visa to come by courier. then the booking and teh quandry- through frankfurt or by hongkong. anyway left it to the whims of the travel agent who decided that hongkong it will be. then the long hair and the so called beard or a growth on the face refused to come off. Vibhav they will think you are a terrorist had no reaction at all. well finally he realises theres no go and he cant leave like that and very grudgingly becomes a cleanshaven, crew cut young lad whose handsome face actually can be seen. "Vibhav the checklist, Vibhav the clothes" all get passed off with his famous "will be back in 10 minutes" story. then the BP mounts among the senior citizens and with 24 hours to go the young man relents- actually goes shopping, throws in a few clothes and decides he's "all done!" the day arrives and more instructions and more palpitation for those around. the cool young man disappears with his friends and then leaves with his bags as they have decided to drop him at the airport as against catching the Vajra bus to the airport. Bon Voyage to the young IITian , destination Berkeley!
mothers day at 214
flurry of activity on the day before and on mums day. day before radha of tetcos comes with her bag of goodies for lalli patti her surrogate mom. lots of thindi.
the day dawns and the boys are there wishing their mom, a sleepy voiced naga and syam who passes this message through his dad(guts indeed).
then flowers arrive- lo and behold for the other mom around- from kapil and tanvi.
the day dawns and the boys are there wishing their mom, a sleepy voiced naga and syam who passes this message through his dad(guts indeed).
then flowers arrive- lo and behold for the other mom around- from kapil and tanvi.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
The latest addition to the family !!
A Big welcome to the latest addition to the 214 family -- Theo (or Leo ? ) or Julius or ????
He's not yet been named -- but he's just landed today and is all of Vasu's pet doggie ! The story of how he entered the family surely sounds a bit bizarre - but here goes !
Bhupati lands up at Jana's place (at 5 am mind you !) with an abandoned Labrador and a plumber, who claimed he was looking for a house to adopt him - for Rs.5000 ! And Jana athai was so moved on hearing this story of how a 1-year old dog could be abandoned, that she immediately took the decision - the dog is moving in to her house ! And the decision was even made the instant she set eyes on the doggie ! And Vasu just jumped out of bed and couldnt believe her eyes seeing the new arrival !
Soon, hectic activities started in the Ramanathan household - with Jana and Vasu trying to provide the warmest welcome to him -- dog biscuits (imported!) worth quite a fortune (which he unfortunately rejected after tasting a piece), rice with beetroot and all kinds of vegetables, shampoo, powder, bowls , collar etc. etc.
Evening was a quick investigation of the actual owners (traced back from the plumber) who had abandoned the doggie - along with the Shyams - only to discover that he has a sibling too (who is also up for adoption and most likely moving into Mansarovar !) Towards the late evening, the rest of us joined the group at Akshaya to extend a very warm welcome to ....... - We are still thinking of names for him --
Pls do give in your suggestions - the best name gets a prize - the competition is open for the next 24 hours - i.e. 10:30PM (IST)- And the decision of the judge (Vasu) is final ! Wednesday is the Naming Ceremony for which all are welcome !
PS - The author suggests the following greeko-ethnic names : Achilles, Argus, Aristo, Cosmo ...
Pls rush in your entries....
He's not yet been named -- but he's just landed today and is all of Vasu's pet doggie ! The story of how he entered the family surely sounds a bit bizarre - but here goes !
Bhupati lands up at Jana's place (at 5 am mind you !) with an abandoned Labrador and a plumber, who claimed he was looking for a house to adopt him - for Rs.5000 ! And Jana athai was so moved on hearing this story of how a 1-year old dog could be abandoned, that she immediately took the decision - the dog is moving in to her house ! And the decision was even made the instant she set eyes on the doggie ! And Vasu just jumped out of bed and couldnt believe her eyes seeing the new arrival !
Soon, hectic activities started in the Ramanathan household - with Jana and Vasu trying to provide the warmest welcome to him -- dog biscuits (imported!) worth quite a fortune (which he unfortunately rejected after tasting a piece), rice with beetroot and all kinds of vegetables, shampoo, powder, bowls , collar etc. etc.
Evening was a quick investigation of the actual owners (traced back from the plumber) who had abandoned the doggie - along with the Shyams - only to discover that he has a sibling too (who is also up for adoption and most likely moving into Mansarovar !) Towards the late evening, the rest of us joined the group at Akshaya to extend a very warm welcome to ....... - We are still thinking of names for him --
Pls do give in your suggestions - the best name gets a prize - the competition is open for the next 24 hours - i.e. 10:30PM (IST)- And the decision of the judge (Vasu) is final ! Wednesday is the Naming Ceremony for which all are welcome !
PS - The author suggests the following greeko-ethnic names : Achilles, Argus, Aristo, Cosmo ...
Pls rush in your entries....
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