CORONA Foretold ?

Has the outbreak of the dreaded Coronavirus been predicted?  Yes, I am inclined to believe. In general, I don’t accept prophetic claims, but this case is different.  I happened to see an article in the popular Bangalore-based English daily “Deccan Herald” on the subject some days ago.  Out of curiosity I did some research myself.  I was astonished to find some solid evidence to prove that the onslaught of the virus was indeed foretold as many as 12 years ago.

PROPHETIC VISIONS

(By Subbaram Danda)

Sylvia Browne, who is no more, was an American author, who claimed to possess psychic powers.  Several of her books were on “New York Times” best seller lists.  She was a regular participant in television and radio programmes, especially the famous Larry King shows.

In her book “End of Days” first published in 2008 she predicted on page 312, “In around 2020 a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread throughout the globe, attacking the lungs and the bronchial tubes and resisting all known treatments.  Almost more baffling than the illness itself will be the fact that it will suddenly vanish as quickly as it arrived, attack again ten years later, and then disappear completely.”

What made me to accept it as a real premonition?

First and foremost, the year 2020 was specifically mentioned.  The scourge was pin-pointed as pneumonia-like.  Its sweep across the globe was correctly highlighted. More importantly, the illness was precisely characterized as resisting all known treatments. The current Coronavirus contagion fits neatly into this description. So, it was not a shot in the dark. 

What remains to be seen is the revelation that it would suddenly vanish as quickly as it arrived and would attack again ten years later.

Sylvia Browne

Born on October 19, 1936 in Kansas City, Missouri, United States, Sylvia was a controversial person. Though she was very popular till her death, many of her predictions were off the mark.  This earned her several critics. In a Larry King show, she was asked to predict how long she would live.  Her answer was 88 years.  But she died when she was 77 – on November 20, 2013.

“End of Days” did not foretell where from the disease would emerge.  There is another book that carries a reference to Wuhan. We all know that it is this Chinese city that has been the epicentre of the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The book titled "The Eyes of Darkness" by American novelist Dean Koontz was published as many as 40 years ago.  I have gone through its e-version and it is fascinating.

The main story of the book revolves around a woman Tina, who goes searching for her young son Danny, who was believed killed in an accident but was only missing.  In her search she traverses several curious places and learns about bizarre developments.

One passage on page 353 kindles our interest.  It says, “….a Chinese scientist named Li Chen defected to the United States, carrying a diskette record of China’s most important and dangerous new biological weapon in a decade.  They call this stuff Wuhan 400 because it was developed at their RDNA labs outside the city of Wuhan and it was the four hundredth viable strain of man-made micro-organism created at that research center…”

The 1981 book was purely a work of fiction.  Why it is relevant today is that it has a reference to Wuhan.

When people talk of predictions, the name of Nostradamus, the 16^th century French prophet, will always crop up.  Has he made any prediction about the Coronavirus?

Nostradamus

Some people believe that he did predict its outbreak.  The following lines attributed to Nostradamus are cited in arguments supporting the prediction. 

 “The sloping park, great calamity,

Through the Lands of the West and Lombardy."

According to one interpretation, the sloping park refers to a garden in Wuhan. It is this Chinese city from where the virus emerged and swept through the west and other countries. What is significant is the specific mention of Lombardy, a region in northern Italy.  Its capital Milan is a global hub of fashion and finance. Interestingly, it is this Lombardy that stands worst-affected in the current Coronavirus calamity in tragically devastated Italy.  

Have there been any Indian predictions?

The popular Tamil daily “Dinamani” carried an article on January 28, 2020, where it quoted a paragraph from a Tamil almanac, which said, “Lethal creatures will create enormous hardship to the people.  One new virus ailment will emerge from the western direction.”  (Oru pudhiya virus noy merku dhikkil irundhu urpattiyagum.)  Though the almanac correctly talked about the emergence of a new virus, its direction of arrival was not correct. 

When will this virus vanish?

An Indian astrologer, whose views are making rounds on WhatsApp, has this to say:  The Karaka (perpetrator) of viruses is Rahu.  He is currently placed in the toxic star Arudra.  Only when he moves to the nectar star Mrigasira, this virus can be expected to completely go out of the world.   Between May 12 and 15, Rahu moves to Mrigasira.  Till then chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam and following medical advice will mitigate the hardship of the people.  

If one searches deeper, more predictions will surface.  Each is different in its own way.  Only test of time will prove which is correct.

March 22, 2020

NAMASTE, Corona !

The Coronavirus, which causes the dreadful disease Covid-19, is undoubtedly the century's worst ever disaster perpetrator in the world.  Having originated from Wuhan in China, it has so far spread to over 100 other countries, infecting more than a lakh of people and killing a few thousands of them.  Scientists all over the globe have been tirelessly working to find a reliable cure for it but they remain clueless.  If there is one virus that is wrecking the world, it is Corona.  

Ironically, in this gruesome scenario, the virus has proved to be a source of swirling inspiration for a large group of humour writers, cartoonists and photographers. Their creative works make us laugh away our blues and blow away our fears.  All the wings of the social media are full of them. Sample the following.

THE COMIC SIDE OF THE CORONA

(Compiled by Subbaram Danda)

In lighter vein

An Indian was trying to tease a Chinese citizen about the quality of their products.

Indian:  My China-made cell phone’s battery gets drained out quickly.  My China-imported pocket radio does not pick up the most popular FM station. Even my Chinese torch light does not work. 

Chinese:  Ha, ha, ha.  Don’t be too sarcastic.  Look at the latest offering from China Covid -19. You will now be able to see its real potency.  It will last and last and last!

A safety tip for girls:  Are you pestered by stalkers and mischief making boys? Whether you know karate or not, this will certainly help you to fend them off.  Go close to them as if you don't know their intentions and cough a few times.  Then utter the words, “Oh God, save me from Corona virus.” They will run away.

Have you seen a cleverer leave letter sent through email than the following and the official reaction to it?

Dear HR, I am suddenly down with Corona virus.  I shall be grateful, if you can kindly grant me leave for one month.

It received a quick response.  Dear sick employee, very sorry to learn about your ailment.   We know how contagious it is.  We appreciate your social responsibility.  We are asking all the employees to ‘work from home’ with immediate effect.  About your health, we are equally worried.  We have informed the health authorities and they would be at your doorstep any moment to get you hospitalized and quarantine your other family members.  Take care.  Wish you speedy recovery.  

Work from home

As Covid-19 spread relentlessly across the globe, many organizations, particularly IT companies, decided to ask their employees to work from home. For many techies it was a boon. But in the case of others, it proved a bane.  This paradoxical scenario was beautifully picturised by two WhatsApp enthusiasts. Look at the photos below.

Options

Wearing a face mask helps people keep the virus away, according to medical experts. But some women feel that a mask will tarnish their beautiful appearance and image.  To address this concern a resourceful designer has come up with an elegant mask.  It serves as an ornament and at the same time as a helpful mask.  Take a look here.  

Some women are fetish.  They don’t mind wearing the mask but its colour should match with the hue of their attire.   In the cartoon below, a woman asks a man at the sales counter of a pharmacy whether he can give her a mask that goes well with the colour of her sari.  See the amazement and bewilderment on the face of the man. 

There are women, who do not like wearing paper masks.  But they would like to cover their face in the most natural way.  Here is how they can do it.  

Do you know?

Corona means crown in Latin.  It usually means a bright circle around and close to a luminous body such as the sun or the moon, caused by diffraction of light.

Corona is a well-known brand in the beer world.  Mexico has been exporting it to several countries, especially the United States.  It has become the favourite brew of a large section of American drinkers.  

There is a Corona sari sold online by Amazon.in.  It has been available for long.  Corona ear-rings are keenly sought in the market by fashion-conscious teens.  But these Corona branded products have nothing to do with the virus. 

 Namaste, Corona !

The dreaded Corona virus has brought unexpected honours for great Indian traditions.  As hand-shakes and hugs became a taboo to check the relentless spread of the virus, world celebrities quickly adopted the Indian style of greeting people with folded hands – Namaste.

Openly appreciating India for its contribution of ‘Namaste,’ President Trump of the United States recently greeted visiting Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar with folded hands.  He acknowledged, “India is ahead of the curve.” 

The British royalty also gave up hand shaking and accepted the ‘Namaste’ way of greeting.  In the photo, Prince Charles, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, is seen greeting people with a Namaste at the yearly “Prince’s Trust Awards” at the London Palladium.  

There is a list of other VIPs also adopting this.  As a wise man commented, after Yoga Indian Namaste is sweeping the world.  However, ironically the recognition for the latter came tied with the spread of the frightful virus! 

Seriously, Corona virus is no laughing matter.  It is terrible.  Follow the advice of medical experts and protect yourself.  As our Prime minister Narendra Modi said, "Say no to panic, say yes to precautions."

March 13, 2020

AIR FORCE ONE AND THE BEAST

The security features of the sleek-looking blue and white aircraft that flew President Donald Trump and First lady Melania of the United States of America to India on their first state visit in February 2020 are awesome and mind-boggling at the same time. Not lagging behind in its capabilities is the shimmering black limousine, in which they travelled in the country.  In fact, both are formidable fortresses in their own right. 

THE BIRD AND THE BEAST

(By Subbaram Danda)

The aircraft specially designed with astounding features for US presidential travel is known as Air Force One.  Emblazoned with the words “United States of America,” the US flag and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is conspicuous wherever it flies.   In fact, Air Force One is the radio call sign of the aircraft whenever the president flies.

Air Force One has unlimited flying range and can carry the president wherever he needs to travel.  An outstanding capability is that it can be refueled midair like certain types of military planes.  Thus it can keep the president in air indefinitely, if there is an unsafe situation on the ground.  

It is out and out a military aircraft but with swanky interiors and neat exteriors.  Its body has armour plating and is also made of other tough stuff. It can withstand an air attack.  It is fitted with electronic counter measures to jam enemy radar.  It can also eject flares to throw heat-seeking missiles off course.  Its avionics and other systems can counter electromagnetic pulses of a nuclear explosion. It can also serve as a de-facto bunker in case of a nuclear attack.  

Inside, the floor space extends over 4,000 square feet in three levels. The extensive suite for the President has a large office, a conference hall and rest rooms. It has living spaces for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, secret service officers, travelling media and other guests.

It has a medical suite that can function as an operating theatre.  A doctor is permanently available on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed about 100 persons at any time.

Manufactured by Boeing, it has a top speed of 600 miles per hour and can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, which is far above the cruising level of a commercial airplane.  It has 85 onboard telephones, a collection of two-way radios and computer connections.

There are two planes designated for presidential travel under the radio call sign Air Force One. The one for Vice-President’s use is called Air Force Two.

“It is beautiful – a great plane, terrific.” This is how President Trump described Air Force One after his first travel in it some years ago. 

The Beast

The shimmering black limousine that President Trump used in India carries the nickname the Beast, as it has been designed to function in rough and tough conditions like a rugged animal.  A unique Cadillac, it is the most technologically advanced, safest and exclusive car in the world.  It has a twin version that always travels in the president’s motorcade.

The body of the Beast is covered in military grade armour, which can survive a bomb attack.  The doors are 8-inch thick and can protect the occupants in case of a chemical attack.  The windows are built with five layers of glass and polycarbonate.  

Its bus-size tyres are puncture-resistant with steel rims.  This helps the car run under all circumstances.  The fuel tank is filled with special foam that prevents an explosion during any crash.  It has tear-gas and smoke-screen dispensers.  It has its own oxygen supply.

In the rear row of the Beast the President is seated.  The car can accommodate upto four more passengers.  There is a glass partition between the President and the others.  Only the President has access to a switch to lower the partition.  The President’s seat at the rear has a satellite phone with a direct line to the Vice President and the Pentagon. The car also carries blood units of the president’s type in case blood transfusion becomes necessary.

The Beast is maintained by the Secret Service and its chauffeur is specially trained by the service.  The driver is capable of coping with the most demanding conditions, including escape and evasion tactics.  Interestingly, the Beast can make a 180 degree turn.

During President Trump’s India visit, the car flew the American flag on the right side and the Indian flag on the left.  In the cavalcade two Beasts could be seen moving at a short distance from each other.

“It is not just a car.  It is a beautifully made tank,” an observer has commented.

February 26, 2020

DARBAR : My Review

The charisma of Superstar Rajinikant and the magic of his acting cast a spell on us too, as his new film Darbar opened in 7,000 screens all over the world some days ago.  This encouraged us to book our tickets online for a show at a theatre in a famous mall in the city.  In the film what appealed to us is that despite attaining the septuagenarian status, Rajini manages to mesmerise the audience with his own style of liquidating his enemies with uncanny ease, dancing like a bubbling youngster and making fast strides, besides uniquely putting on sun glasses and delivering punch dialogues. 

THE SEPTUAGENARIAN RULES

(By Subbaram Danda)

The storyline of Darbar has nothing spectacular about it.  It revolves around a police commissioner, played by Rajinikanth, tasked to quell the well-entrenched drug and women trafficking mafia in Mumbai.  What is unusual is that he employs his own methods, mostly extra-judicial, to crush them.  “I am a bad cop,” he articulates with a flourish. He fortifies it by another declaration that “originallave naan villain daa” (I am an original villain, of course). 

Rajini sets out to subdue the mafia 

The female lead in the A. R. Murugadoss directed film is Nayantara, whom widower Rajini dates gingerly.  Her role is more ornamental than substantial, which is a disappointment.  Nivetha Thomas, as Rajini’s daughter from his late wife, brings in quite a few sentimental moments.  She shines brilliantly, as father-daughter scenes turn emotionally endearing. Suniel Shetty in the role of a ruthless gangster adds depth to the film.  The comical side-kick for Rajini is Yogi Babu.  He tickles our ribs now and then providing occasions of relief in a film, which is full of serious action, fights and violence.

Nayantara in a dance sequence

Rajini’s punch dialogues retain their quality of being sparklers.  “Left le vechiko, right le vechiko aana straighta vechikkade…” (Have security men on your left or right but never straight…) is one such. What raises one’s eyebrows is his advice to young couples in a song, “Purushan pondatiya illama, nanbargala irundhinganna vaazhkai nallayirukkum” (Your life will be fine, if you don’t live like husband and wife but stay like friends.) 

Yogi Babu trying to attract girls

The musical scores are by Anirudh.  A refreshing new trend has been set in a song, where the hero himself sings the first line “Chumma Kizhi,” which has become a craze among Rajini fans. The song "Dum, Dum" resonates, as a massive dance troupe performs in a huge colourful setting.  The make-up, costumes, atmospherics and the able work of seasoned cinematographer Santosh Sivan together try to impress us that age is only a number for Rajinikanth. 

Nivetha Thomas at a party

There are quite a few incongruous situations.  One wonders how Delhi can appoint the Police Commissioner of Mumbai.  The senior cop in uniform never wears his cap!  After a mafia-orchestrated accident Rajini’s daughter is diagnosed with a major brain injury and the doctor declares that she would survive only for two hours. Interestingly, the doctor conveys this to her, while she is standing and listening to him intently.  Do they form part of the cinematic liberties? 

A massive dance programme in a colourful setting

The film, produced by Subaskaran under the banner of Lyca Productions, has received mixed reactions and reviews.  It must be said to the credit of the director that despite some shortcomings the 160-minute film manages to hold the audience interest right through and moves on a fast track. Our verdict: Darbar entertains.

January 17, 2020

OH, DEAR ONIONS !

Onions have once again caught the fancy of humour-writers, cartoonists, photographers and meme-makers.  This time their imagination scaled new heights.  Their creations have been hitting the social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, day in and day out without any letup.

TEARS WITHOUT ONIONS

(By Subbaram Danda)

Our dear onions have become dearer. The upward march of the onion prices since August throughout the country has been relentless.  In some markets, the price shot up to Rs.200 per kg for the small variety and crossed the mark of Rs.120 for the regular ones. The reason is failure of the crop in some states, following heavy rains. The Government efforts to control the situation through imports and imposition of stock holding restrictions did not yield timely results.

Playing on the current onion situation, several jokes have been churned out. Here are some:

An advertisement in the matrimonial column of a leading newspaper said: “WANTED a groom for a 21-year-old, dark-complexioned and unschooled girl of 4 feet 6 inches height.  She has no siblings. Caste no bar. Father owns a 100-acre onion farm.”  In a day there were 5,000 responses.  

The canteen in the Indian Parliament is highly subsidized and the dishes sold there are unimaginably cheap.  A cartoon in the “Deccan Chronicle” brilliantly gave expression to this idea in the context of soaring onion prices. 

The Police Chief of an Indian city issued an alert to its citizens drawing their attention to an unfolding danger.  It said: “New goons are on the prowl.  They are after your high value possessions.  Always remain on the guard. Please keep your onions in a safe under lock and key.”

A private security agency advised teenage girls on how to escape from stalkers.  It said: “Always carry some onions with you. Throw them at the ruffians one by one as fast as possible.  They will scramble to collect them. They may even fight with each other while sharing the booty.  Meanwhile, run away from the scene.” 

Marketing managers have also jumped into the onion fray.  A cell-phone company in Tamil Nadu offered a kilo of onions free on every cell-phone purchased.  A television channel showed packs of onions displayed in the showroom.

The American president is in tears of late.  The reason: 

Another security firm offered armed guards for trucks transporting onions from one place to another. “It has become a necessity.  Don’t be caught napping,” it told truck owners.

Now-a-days banks are flush with funds.  Home loans are not moving.  Car loans are sluggish. Managers in charge of loans are under pressure from their higher-ups to meet tall targets.  So, one bank manager came up with a brilliant idea cashing in on the rising onion prices.  

  

Famous Tamil screen comedian Vadivelu was featured in a meme as standing in front of a famous restaurant in Chennai and making a call to the Income Tax department.  He informed an officer: “Sir, I have seen a couple ordering onion dishes for their breakfast.  If you can rush here, you can be sure of a big catch.”

Going to buy onions?  Be prepared to expect the unexpected!  Here is a trendy cartoon:

  

A fancy store displayed a sign very prominently:  "Buy from us a very novel and timely gift. You can present it with a touch of pride to your near and dear ones on any occasion -- one kg of onions colourfully packed."

A thoughtful start-up made a mark on WhatsApp.  Naming itself “Onion Jewellery” it offered to make specially crafted jewellery with onions for all occasions.  Its speciality:  Bridal wear. 

Tik Tok enthusiasts have been very active producing hilarious videos on the onion situation.  In one such video, we can see onions being safely stored in the locker of a steel cupboard and subsequently used very sparingly.   

In another Tik Tok video onions have replaced currency!  A man alighting from an auto-rickshaw pays the fare with onions.  The driver too willingly accepts them. Here is a grab from the video. 

Godman Nithyananda has been in hot news since his announcement that he has formed a separate island-nation by the name Kailaasa.  A curious comedian asks his friend whether he has any idea what the price of onions is in Kailaasa.

Onions are known to produce tears when peeled or cut.  Now they produce tears in absentia. And smiles too.  

December 07, 2019

VINAYAKA CHATURTHI FESTIVITIES 2019

Ganesha is one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon, who merrily lends himself to be decorated and worshipped as per the likes, desires and fantasies of his devotees.  The imagination of the people knows no bounds in making and shaping the idols of the deity. Due importance is also given to themes of the day and current trends. Here are some photos of God Vinayaka as displayed in different places in the country during this year’s Chaturthi celebrations.  Unusual ornamentation of the deity can be seen in the photos.

STATUES OF FANTASY

(By Subbaram Danda)

Khairatabad Ganesha 

The famous Khairatabad Ganesha in Hyderabad, Telangana, stands grand with a height of 61 feet, a record for the county.  Displaying 12 heads and 24 hands and surrounded by 7 horses and 12 snakes, the idol invokes the Sun God for good rains and a bountiful harvest. A total of 150 artistes worked on the idol, which has become a big draw.

Lalbaugcha Raja 

Mumbai, Maharashtra, is known for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations in great pomp and gaiety. Hundreds of idols of the deity are displayed at various strategic points in the city thronged by people for several days till immersion. The most popular attraction, Lalbaugcha Raja statue, celebrates this year India’s space achievements.  The backdrop in colourful graphics shows two men in space suits hovering in space, planets revolving around and a Chandrayan lander ready to descend on the moon.  

Coconut Ganesha 

A 30-foot-tall idol of Ganesha fashioned out of as many as 9,000 coconuts has become a great attraction in Bengaluru, Karnataka.  It has been installed near Puttengally Genesha temple. The deity’s mount, the adorable mouse, is also made of coconuts.

‘Athi’ Vinayaka 

After ‘Athi’ Varadar, it is now ‘Athi’ Vinayaka.   The darshan of ‘Athi’ Varadar for 48 days in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, was a major spiritual event recently. The statue of Varadar, made of ‘Athi’ (fig) tree was taken out of a tank after 40 years and laid back in the tank following the 48-day darshan.  In a bid to keep up the ‘Athi' tempo, a festival committee has installed an 'Athi' Vinayaka statue made largely of dry figs on Venkatanarayana Road in T. Nagar, Chennai.  The 15-foot tall idol weighs about 250 kilograms.  

Millets Ganesha 

To lay emphasis on the importance of millets in an attempt to change the food habits of the people for good health, an idol of Ganesha made of pearl millets (Kambu in Tamil) has been set up in Rangarajapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The grains have been neatly and smoothly glued over the statue in an artistically pleasing way.

Saluting Ganesha

The theme of patriotism and nationalism has not been left out.  In an installation in K.K.Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Ganesha has been featured in a family set up saluting the national flag.  The admirable mouse holds the flag.  

Cool Vinayaka 

(Photo courtesy: Mylapore Times) 

Every year sculptors and artists have been turning out Vinayaka idols in ultra modern styles.  Whatever their medium is -- precious metals, wood, clay, plaster of Paris or sand – their creativity is outstanding.  This year my appreciation goes to the relaxed-looking Ganesha sculpture sporting a cooling glass!   

September 03, 2019