SUMUKHAM - Independence Day Celebration - 15th August 2023

 

Mylapore Trio & Families of Sumukham Apartments celebrate Independence Day 2023. The Mylapore Trio organised the Independence Day Celebrations at their Sumukham Flats in R.A. Puram. The Function was held on Tuesday 15th August 2023, at the Terrace in the 6th Floor around 8am.

An innovative Flag Pole was created and the Indian Tricolour made of original Khaddar was placed. An antique Bharatamatha Doll was installed on the table decorated with Roses. The Mylapore Trio were present in the Tri Colour. Around 25 members of the Sumukham Family presented themselves in the relevant colourful costumes.

Children Sukriti, Ananya, Aadith offered flower tributes and sang patriotic songs of Subrahmanya Bharatiyar. Ananya sang "Jayathi Jayathi Bharatamatha. Trisha rendered "Aaduvome Pallu Paaduvome" and "Saare Jahaan se Acha". Varshini sang "Jayathi Jayathi Bharatamatha" Thrisha and Varshini together sang "Paarukkule Nalla Naadu" Shri.Ramakrishnan sang the popular note "Senthamizh Naadennum Pothinile..."

Shri.Rajagopalan septuagenarian shared a few words on the celebrations and recalled the sacrifices made by the Freedom Fighters. He wished and congratulated the Mylapore Trio in organising the event and wished success in their value based cultural endeavours. All heads of families shared their wishes and joy with one and all. Traditional "Kadalai Muttai" was distributed to all present. This was followed by a traditional breakfast in the "National Tri Colour" Kesari (Saffron), Iddlies (White), Pudina Chutney (Green) A classic touch of Nationalism indeed. Vadais, Sambar, Coconut Chutney and Coffee were also distributed... Refreshing Breakfast was jointly hosted later. The Function ended up with a Group Photo and the National Anthem. We all carried Home. Rich Memories of the Indian Tri Colour.

SUMUKHAM - Oonjal - 19th June 2023

Introducing the "Traditional Oonjal - Sit and Chat" at "SUMUKHAM" Car Park (in a Flat System).

To combat the summer heat, the Mylapore Trio - Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna brought about an innovative idea of putting up a traditional Oonjal in their Covered Car Park area at their New Flats "SUMUKHAM" in R.A. Puram. The Trio wanted to make the best use of an Antique Oonjal Plank and Nickel Chain (more than Hundred years). Hence they hang it at their car park to sit and chat and enjoy the Evening Summer Breeze and it was inaugurated on Sunday, 18th June, 2023. It was a social get together with a High Tea in the Evening. Barring age, young and old (8 to 80 years) relax themselves solo or in group starting from Early Morning till Night hours.

It is totally a DIFFERENT IDEA to put up Oonjal in a FLAT SYSTEM for common use. Residents of "SUMUKHAM" Flats are extremely joyful and glad to swing and chat for a while with their families and co-residents. Trio also conducts Association meetings and small get together with the Jhula at the centre stage and as the centre of attraction. As families they come and enjoy few swings and get into nostalgia... instead of going to the terrace in hot sun... people feel the comfortable to swing and enjoy the cool breeze... Definitely the purpose of putting up a Oonjal was achieved.... Today the "Oonjal has become a Symbol of "SUMUKHAM".

Oonjal though an age old custom in independent Houses, Bunglows and in Villages... in City it is seen only in open spaces,  Lawns in Flat system and in Parks... and not in covered car parks (Oonjals are also inside the rooms). The present generation is always in tight schedule wedded to their mobiles and laptops which is both their work culture and relaxation. So the Trio thought of Oonjal idea to make the residents of "SUMUKHAM" have a feel of openness and pollution free air by swinging to their heart's content in the car park. It is not a Oonjal in the midst of greenery in the open air,,, but an Oonjal in the midst of concrete pillars on all sides, which is something very unique to the city culture. Its also quite safe and secure for children to swing and enjoy within the compound. The Residents are feeling proud to have this innovate concept of Oonjal at "SUMUKHAM".

https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2023/06/antique-oonjal-fixed-in-common-space-in-this-apartment-block-invites-residents-to-go-easy/

Nostalgic Memories with Late Sri. Karumuttu T Kannan by "The Mylapore Trio"

 

The Mylapore Trio was requested by Late Sri. Karumuttu T Kannan - Chairman of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple to put up a Massive, Magnificent Thematic Golu at the temple for 5 years from 2011- 2015. Mr. Kannan had heard about their famous Golu invited Mylapore Trio - Amarnath, Surendranath & Aparna through the then Joint Commissioner of the Temple. The Golus created waves across Madurai and literally lakhs of devotess had the darshan of the divine display during those 5 years. Every year a New Theme was taken for the Golu and the crowd started swelling year after year... Kannan was very much amazed with the passion, dedication and spiritual knowledge that Trio exhibited through their Golus. Hence he was extremely happy to invite the Trio every year and was expecting new themes, creative and innovative ideas which the Trio fulfilled. He had great Regards for the Mylapore trio and their passion for Golu. He being the Thakkar - Chairman took a decision to start putting up thematic Golu at the Meenakshi Amman Golu Darbar with a new theme every year which was very spiritually informative, knowledgeable based on our history and culture. Earlier the Golu was a normal arrangement of dolls usually placed on the steps and this trend was changed by him through Mylapore Trio's Golu.

Given the response to such a Golu which made devotees throng from all districts down south and other states (serpentine queues were seen on all Gopurams in 4 Maada Veedhis at 11pm) he was very much pleased and thanked the Mylapore Trio with folded hands thus... "Neenga Maduraikke Sirappu Senjuteenga" - "You have made Madurai Special by your Golu"... (Mylapore Trio did this as great blessing and not expecting anything as commercial returns) Trio had the Bhagyam to arrange thematic Golus because of his sincere efforts. 

Kannan was a very down to earth person, very caring and hospitable and he even invited and hosted "The Mylapore Trio" at his residence Twice...  During the 2015 Golu, as a symbolic gesture The Mylapore Trio Offered A Golden Lotus (Gold coated Brass Pottramarai) to Goddess Meenakshi and the same was received by Karumuttu Kannan on behalf of the Temple... After 8 long years one fine Evening last August 2022 he personally phoned the Mylapore Trio and requested them to arrange Golu at Meenakshi Temple... Due to personal reasons Trio expressed their inability and hence Kannan insisted that they do it next year i.e., 2023 and thanked them once again... The Mylapore Trio would always remember Karumuttu Kannan's goodwill, friendship, care and concern for them.

 

“Adhikaara Nandhi” Eve Dance 10th Year - 29/3/2022 Organised by The Mylapore Trio

 

"The Mylapore Trio" - Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna (Kalakshetra Alumni and Cultural Ambassadors of Mylapore) organised the 10^th year Natya Nivedhanam in front of Silver Adhikaara Nandi Vahanam on Wednesday, 29^th March 2023. Famous Adhikaara Nandhi Festival of Lord Kapaleeswarar is celebrated in Mylapore on the Third Day of the Annual Brahmotsavam. Every year, a Special Pooja is organized on the previous day night to “Adhikaara Nandhi” by the “Thandarai Vaidhyar” Family – The Donors of the Silver Kavacham of the Adhikaara Nandhi Vahanam in the year 1917. It is the 106th year celebration this year. This Family has been closely associated with The Mylapore Trio’s (Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna) Foster Parents Late. Smt.Sumukhi, Shri.Rajasekharan & Grand Mother Smt.Nagammal for many generations.

Hence this year, a Rare and Exclusive opportunity was offered by The Mylapore Trio to Smt.Gayathri Krishnaveni Lakshmanan to perform on this auspicious occasion. Gayathri has been like an younger sister to the Mylapore Trio and her association with Trio's family is for decades starting from Kalakshetra. (Gayathri's Mother is Late. Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, Former Principal of Kalakshetra and a Disciple of the Legend Smt. Rukmini Devi)

Gayathri began her soulful performance with the famous song “Karpagavalli Nin Porpathangal Piditthen” which was in a very vibrant note and grand manner. The second item was a very rare composition of a "Vazhinadai Chintu" - "Mayilai Nagar Vandhom" (belonging to 1900s) which explains about the greatness of Mylapore and vividly describes the Brahmotsavam and the Poompaavai episode. Gayathri concluded with the much expected and the most relevant famous Song “Kaana Kankodi Vendum… Adhikaara Nandhi Sevaithanai” (an exclusive Tamizh Keertanam composed by Shri. Papanasam Sivan, specifically on this “Adhikaara Nandhi Utsavam” on the 3rd day of Panguni Brahmotsavam of Lord Kapaleeswara - Mylapore), describing the beautiful procession of the Adhikaara Nandi during the Utsavam which was immensely soaked in Bhakthibhava, with her body, mind and soul into it.

This is the first time she is performing in front of this Silver Adhikaara Nandhi Vahanam with full of dedication, veneration and piety. The Devotees were spellbound and gave a thumping applause to her dance as a Blessing. Gayathri showed her immense expertise in Bhava, Abhinaya and Bhakthi. It was a beautiful combination of Nrittam, Nrityam, Natyam... Ultimately it was a Soul Stirring Experience for one and all...

Smt. Gayatri said "It was A 'GREAT BHAGYAM' and a rare opportunity that I performed in front Adhikaara Nandhi Vahana and felt Blessed with a divine experience. She immensely thanked the Mylapore Trio for giving her this LIFETIME OPPURTUNITY which was great Bhaagyam to perform on this Historic occasion. It was a blissful experience for the devotees as well, since it was a heavenly dance performance. Her performance was very Lively and Spectacular, with a Pinnacle of Bhakthi.

Gayathri created a niche for herself in the "Divine Dancing" for God. The devotees at Kapali Temple not only had a Dharshan of Adhikaara Nandhi Vahanam but also the divine dance in complete adoration. They expressed that it was a "Stunning Presentation" with a Simple yet a Striking Costume. It is an "Aathma Samarpanam” by The Mylapore Trio and a "Natya Nivedhanam" by Gayathri to Adhikaara Nandhi, Kapali and Karpagam - "Kaana Kankodi Vendum"...

https://www.facebook.com/100000746279110/videos/pcb.6436648846369927/149671108038668

Remembering Vani Jairam by the Mylapore Trio...

Smt. Vani Jairam was a very close associate and a well wisher of the Mylapore Trio. Her connection with their family goes back to decades.

Amarnath said that Trio's Foster Mother was her Beloved Teacher at the Prestigious Lady Sivaswmi Ayyar Girls School at Mylapore. Sumukhi Amma used to tell us that Vani's original name was Kalaivani in School and was a great singer and had won many laurels in many competitions especially music. She was a Multi-Talented student who excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Surendranth said... Vani Jairam was the Cheif Guest for the Birth Centenary Celebration of Sumukhi Rajasekharan in April 1916 held at Lady Sivaswami School. She said that Sumukhi Teacher was an expert in subject and loving and humble in nature and was her Beloved teacher. The same year 2016 she came home for our Golu with her husband Jairam and rendered songs on the goddess.

Aparna told that Recently she visited Mylapore Trio's New "Sumukham" House for the "Kanakabhishekam" of Sumukhi Rajasekharan and spent more than 3 hours with the Trio. For any personal help she would call on Aparna. Our 2 family bonding goes back to many decades. She used to enjoy & cherish Aparna's cooking & homely dishes.

Vani aunty also told that "you Trio are like my children" and we have developed mutual affection for each other. We exchanged mutual loving gifts. Vani aunty wanted to take her for lunch at "Annalakshmi" Resturant and so we did.

Lastly we spoke to her and congratulated her January 26th Republic Day congratulated her on being announced "Padma Bushan" by Govt of India.

We Trio just back home after paying our last respects to our Beloved Vani Jairam Aunty...

As per Suren's suggestion we took a  Holy Ganga Sombu which we got from Varanasi ,to be used during her last rights on Thai Poosam and we placed it on her... Her Sister Smt. Uma and other relatives said... "It was very thoughtful to bring Ganga Sombu..." Finally we placed the Holy Ganges Water on Her as A Symbol of Auspiciousness and Eternity and sought her blessings... Vani's melifluous voice & pinnacle of pitch will ever be remembered.

https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2023/02/remembering-vani-jairam-anecdotes-from-the-mylapore-trio/

Report - "Margazhi Veedhi Ula" - 1st January, 2023.

 

    The Mylapore Trio and Members of Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Foundation conducted the 21st year Spiritual and Cultural Walk on Sunday, 1st January, 2023 around the 4 Mada Streets of Mylapore. The event began at Theradi at 6.30am with a Ganesha Sthuthi and ended by 8.30am at Vaaniyar Mandapam. Exactly after 20 years the nomenclature was changed to "Margazhi Veedhi Ula". The group mostly consisted of Mylaporeans and non Mylaporeans too, who liked the culture of the place.

    The Mylapore Trio Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna were born and brought up in Mylapore. Their Foster Parents Sumukhi Rajasekharan were great Philanthropists of Mylapore since 1950. Trio's Biological Parents and Grand Mother Nagammal were all Mylaporeans and all lived in and around the Kapali Temple for decades till their last breath. Shivabala and Bharathi's families had been living here for many years and the list goes on. All of them shared their personal experiences about Mylapore. Trio explained the significance of the Temple & the Tank. They also identified age old Buildings and Institutions, traced its history and connected them with their own lives. They also shared many anecdotes of many residents of yester years who were Trio's family friends and relatives who lived in Lanes & By lanes. The Group also remembered the lost and forgotten histories of the place.

    Songs and Bhajans were also sung during the circumambulation. The Trio quoted a few lines of the famous song from the movie "Miss Malini" 1947 (Mylapore Vakkeel Aathu Maattu Ponnaaven) to highlight the Prestige of being a Proud Mylaporean. There were also people from other parts of Chennai in the group who were thrilled to know about the Old Stories and Personalities. Reminiscences, Anecdotes, Histories, Stories on People's lifestyle and antiquity of buildings were discussed.

    It was an  experience of going through the Memory Lanes of Mylapore through 5 Decades of 50 golden years. It was a new event enjoying the Margazhi Chillness with tasting Mami's Hot "Dabara Filter Coffee" and ultimately inhaling the Greatness of Mylapore. Team "Margazhi Veedhi Ula" finally went round the Temple and carried Memories of Mylapore with them.