NEWSHINDU

A PUBLICATION OF THE HINDU ENDOWMENTS BOARD, SINGAPORE

www.heb.gov.sg

Issue 02/2015

Manmatha New Year GreetingsWe wish all devotees and well-wishers a very Happy Manmatha New Year. ,dpa kd;kj Gj;jhz;L tho;j;Jf;fs;;.

2 - HINDU NEWS

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SEVA IN MANY WAYSWHAT’S ON

The Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) extends its best wishes to one and all for the Manmatha New Year. The Editorial Team of Hindu News dedicates this edition to all staff and volunteers who continue to play a pivotal role in the

running of the various social and education services run by the HEB namely, the two kindergartens, its halfway house Ashram, the Hindu Studies programme for children, Project Bhakti and several new programmes in the pipeline.

Since the 1990s, HEB has moved away from just administering the 4 Temples. It has taken on the running of kindergartens to prepare and mould children from the community for their primary education. The two kindergartens will celebrate key milestones in 2015.

HEB’s halfway house, Ashram, has achieved major breakthroughs recently and continues to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other penal institutions and community bodies to help rehabilitate drug addicts and integrate them back to society so that they can gainfully employed in the long run. Expansion plans are on the cards for the Ashram.

And there is Project Bhakti, a fun way of learning Hinduism for children. More Temples around the island have come on board with the HEB to provide these weekend morning classes and we hope many more parents will take this opportunity to have their children engaged productively during the weekend by taking advantage of the Project Bhakti class sessions.

The articles on these projects tell you more about their achievements and long term plans, all of which would not be possible if not for the people spending their valuable Seva time to make it happen. We Salute You.

Mangala Puthaandu Vaazthukkal. Happy Manmatha New Year!!

NEWS 2

Editorial 2

HEB Appreciates Your Feedback…. 2

Project Bhakti – Nurturing Young Lives

3

Kindergartens Achieve Milestones 5

Educating on Dress Code 6

HEB - Ashram Halfway House: The Leap Forward & SG50

7

The SEVA Initiative 7

Public Lecture by Hinduism Scholar 8

Lunar New Year Reunion 9

Celebrating the ‘Birth’ of a Holy Text 9

Health Fair Targets Silver and Younger Generation

10

Tribute to Our Statesman 10

HEALTH 11Marvels of Hibiscus 11

TALES OF WISDOM 12

PHOTO JOURNAL 13Vaikunda Ekadesi 13

2015 New Year’s Day at Sri Mariamman Temple

13

Pongalo Pongal!! 13

Makara Vilakku 13

Iconic Katong Landmark Marks Consecration Ceremony

14

Thaipusam 14

Maha Sivarathri 15

Thirumurai Programme 15

Navakshari Maha Yagam 15

Sri Pratyangira Maha Yagam 15

INFO 16

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HOROSCOPE 20

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20

FESTIVALS 21

BHAJANS 22

KIDS’ ZONE 23

The newsletter is published by the Hindu Endowments Board, © 2015. No part of this newsletter should be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

For further enquiries, please contact the Hindu Endowments Board, 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123. Tel: 6296 3469, E-mail: admin@heb.gov.sg

Editorial Commitee: Advisors: Mr R Jayachandran, Mr M Param

Editorial Board: Mr S Ramesh, Mr Vivek Kumra, Mr Krishnasamy Siva Sambo (Sri Mariamman Temple), Mr V Selvam (Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple), Ms Rajashree Rajan

(Sri Sivan Temple), Mr Anantha Sayanam (Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple), Dr Rajesh Rai, Ms Jayasri Prushuathamun, Mr V Dinesh Natarajan

Photo credits: Mr T KavindranDesigned & printed by Sun Media Pte Ltd, 20 Kramat Lane, #01-02 United House,

Orchard, Singapore 228773, Tel: 6735 2972/1907, E-mail: admin@sunmediaonline.com

HINDU NEWS - 3

HEB ApprEcIATES YOur fEEdBAck….

prOjEcT BHAkTI – NurTurING YOuNG LIVES

R Jayachandran, Chairman, Hindu Endowments Board

Thaipusam is a one of the largest Hindu religious festivals celebrated in Singapore. The organisers of this festival, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (one of four temples

under Hindu Endowments Board) and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple spend many months planning and preparing for it. The festival is celebrated and kept open for more than 24 hours and hundreds of volunteers are deployed to manage the festival’s 4.5km procession route. Lanes along major roads and bus stops are closed to facilitate the movement of participants from one temple to the other.

At this year’s Thaipusam, an incident occurred which captured the attention of the media and online sources spanning from which, press statements were issued by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, S Iswaran and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam to clarify the situation. Subsequently HEB, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued statements to further clarify the matter.

As a logical next step, we invited the public to engage us in Thaipusam feedback sessions in the form of focus group discussions. Members of the public responded by registering via email.

Feedback sessions were kept to a reasonable size to ensure that every participant got ample opportunity to voice his/her views. Those who registered had to be Singaporeans or PRs, Hindus and participants in the Thaipusam festival, as the feedback was for a local Hindu festival. We also invited representatives from Tamil and Hindu organisations, academics and those interested in spiritual matters to join in the dialogue.

The sessions were largely held in the evenings to accommodate the many who came after work. The sessions attracted participants of all ages and from mixed social and economic backgrounds. To date, eight sessions have been held and the views given by all participants have been

Thaipusam feedback session held on 17 March 2015

Project Bhakti’s 10th Anniversary celebrations

documented. The highly constructive feedback sessions generated many useful and practical suggestions that we organisers will use in formulating our recommendations to the authorities and in our planning of upcoming Thaipusams. As Chairman of HEB, I made sure that I was present at every session along with a few key office bearers of the Board. Representatives from the Hindu Advisory Board (HAB) were present for all the sessions as observers.

There are a few more feedback sessions scheduled and once completed, all the information gathered will be used by us to revisit current arrangements for the festival.

In addition to preserving and promoting the sanctity and decorum of Thaipusam, we will work towards ensuring devotees, their families and friends, volunteers and others participating in the festival, one way or the other, have fulfilling devotional experiences. I would like to thank all of you who have so far shared your views through the sessions.

Project Bhakti will soon be reaching another milestone next year: 15 years of imparting knowledge of

Hinduism to the youth by the youth. At its 10th anniversary a few years

ago, Project Bhakti (PB) took stock of its accomplishments; from bringing in more youth volunteers to organising field trips. PB has indeed come a long way from its inception in 2001.

This year, PB has commenced classes at two new centres; Arulmigu Velmurugan Gnanamuneeswaran Temple (Sengkang) and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (Serangoon Road). This expansion, coupled with increased publicity efforts, has brought a large increase in student numbers – more than two-fold since the start of 2015.

Having started out as the brainchild of a group of youth volunteers, who

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Jayasri Prushuathamun

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Students at Arulmigu Velmurugan Gnanamuneeswaran Temple learning values in the stories through role play

Akshaya sharing the wealth of knowledge with her students at Sri Sivan Temple

Shruthi is proud to volunteer with a project that promotes awareness of Hinduism

wanted Hinduism to be an integral way of life for children, PB was formed under the aegis of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB). Ms Balakrishna Madhubala, Chairman of the HEB’s Hindu Studies Committee (HSC), which manages PB, believes “expansion is always a perennial goal of the HSC as the objective of the program will benefit many children”.

Changes were made in 2010 to streamline the curriculum and to introduce more modern touches to the resource material; children were grouped according to their ages, textbooks were now in full colour and audio CDs accompanied the age-appropriate textbooks to re-enforce the mantras, shlokas and bhajans they learnt in class.

One of the original facilitators of PB, Thiruchelvan Naidu, remembers a time when it was about getting the program out to the community communally through many temples. He now believes that “consolidating resources and bringing together the classes to regional centres helps in creating uniformity in the curriculum”. Today, PB classes are conducted at Sri Sivan Temple, Darma Muneeswaran Temple, Sri Siva-Krishna Temple and Sri Muneeswaran Temple.

With five years of PB teaching experience, he feels very heartened that parents believe strongly in PB. “I’m especially proud to hear how much PB is a part of the Hindu community and is still very vibrant. Even today, when I hear about one of my PB students doing her part and contributing back to PB, it reminds me that what we are doing is meaningful and impactful,” said Thiru.

Former PB student and current teacher Akshaya Krishnamachari remembers the wealth of knowledge she received as a child and finds that teaching at PB is a “beautiful experience”. She loves that the children she teaches come

to class each week excited about learning and go home, not only with knowledge about Hinduism but also about values like honesty and loyalty – all while having loads of fun.

Bhama Suppramanian, whose two children have been PB students for over 4 years, has observed that the PB facilitators have “taken extra steps to involve kids not just in PB activities but also temple related activities such as last year’s Navarathri celebrations and they make them feel more involved with Hindu culture and practices. The increase in centres means that it’s easier for parents who have not yet sent their children for PB classes to do so at a center near their home”.

Similar sentiments were shared by other parents like Uthaya Kumaran whose child is with PB. He said, “I feel very happy for the children who are benefitting many fold in terms of spiritual enrichment. I credit the organisers and volunteers of PB who help our young Hindus carry on the legacy of our rich culture and traditions.”

Another volunteer, Shruthi Aradhya, who has been teaching with PB for six years and whose son enrolled in PB more than a year ago, felt strongly that “children should be in an environment where they feel safe enough to ask questions about Hinduism and to gain proper understanding of the religion”.

As the syllabus provides a good foundation for the next generation, teaching PB classes for her is a joy. An added bonus is when her students soak up stories like Sita’s abduction by Ravana in the Ramayana and ‘Mom is always right’ from the Hitopadesha.

Her son regales her with the week’s activities; the role he played while a story was narrated, catchy bhajans he sings each week as well as new games he plays with his new friends. The positive impact of PB on her son and the pride that she too is a volunteer with a project that promotes awareness of Hinduism in a multi-racial, multi-religious country has her urging her friends and other parents to sign up for classes.

Meanwhile, figures have more than doubled since the last semester from 150 students to 308 students. The numbers are set to increase in the next semester commencing this July.

Having surpassed expectations, Madhubala is pleased to see the reach PB has attained. “We were moving rather conservatively the last three years, developing our program infrastructure as we didn’t want this to be just another Sunday class. We want our children to have fun learning and have even set up a library with age-appropriate books for five to 12 year olds.”

Interest is being shown by many temples to host PB and with such burgeoning interest, this makes it easier to expand the program further in a short span of time. However, with the expansion of any project, there will be accompanying

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challenges. One challenge PB has faced is recruiting dedicated youth volunteers between the ages of 21 to 40. Project Bhakti is a project by the youth for the youth and it starts with attracting, training, appreciating and retaining volunteers to be part of the PB family. Volunteers, even those with little knowledge of Hinduism, can be trained to conduct these classes within a few training sessions.

Another issue PB is facing is the lack of space in some temples. As Madhubala explains, “Most of our temples don’t have enough rooms and even if they do, these rooms are not equipped to deal with the large numbers or are required for temple events. If we’re unable to get more space, we may have to cap the number of students at each temple.”

As new volunteer teacher Saravanan Pannir Selvam said, “Seeing the children excited for class on Sunday makes me very excited to teach. I hope PB continues to impart our Hindu way of life – values, traditions and rich history to young children for many years to come.” PB kids from Sri Muneeswaran Temple

Students performing at the official of SKG at Kim Keat Avenue in 1998

kINdErGArTENS AcHIEVE MILESTONESV. Dinesh Natarajan

The Hindu Endowments Board’s two kindergartens, Saraswathy Kindergarten (SKG) and Saraswathy Darma Muneeswaran Kindergarten (SDMKG), commemorate

important milestones in 2015 – 25 years of achievements for SKG and ten years for SDMKG.

The BeginningSKG was established in 1990. From 1990 to 1998, it

operated from within Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple’s hall at Toa Payoh Lorong 8. The Kindergarten was set up to meet the need of the Indian Community for pre-primary education offering English and Tamil.

When it first started, the kindergarten faced several challenges, from having its own premise to enrolment numbers. The teachers had to come in early every day to set-up the classroom by erecting the portable tables and chairs and had to put them back at the end of the day. They also found it a challenge to attract students at the start as not many parents were aware of the need for pre-school education and that SKG existed in the first place.

Today, SKG has its own premise located at Block 254 Kim Keat Avenue. Mrs Padhma Rajendran, SKG’s Principal reflected, “Now that we have our own place, things are a lot easier. We spend time improving the classroom space by decorating the class with the relevant charts and pictures.”

The ExpansionIn 2005, SDMKG was started together with Darma

Muneeswaran Temple, to meet the greater needs of the Indian Community for pre-primary education in English and Tamil. SDMKG offers a comprehensive pre-school program that includes pre-Nursery, Nursery, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2 classes.

Since the establishment of both kindergartens, teachers have taught students with a mother’s love – by educating students about the various cultures in Singapore and emphasising the need to be racially harmonious. The kindergartens’ curriculums encompass the academic and the physical and aesthetic programmes. Under the academic umbrella, students will pick up linguistic tools in picking up English and Tamil languages. Mathematics concepts are conveyed through interesting activities using daily experiences, teaching aids and games. The Kindergartens also offer computer-based lessons. Value-added programmes such as phonics, speech and drama, music, art and craft are also incorporated into the curriculum. Swimming lessons are organised weekly at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex so that children learn the fundamental skills from trained coaches.

All Round Support The kindergartens’ success would not have been possible

without the support of both the teachers and parents. They have played an integral part in ensuring that the students gain mightily and are prepared for formal primary school education.

The parents of these kindergartens have been very pleased with the programmes in place and have not held back their satisfaction and gratitude to the teachers. Madam Janaki remarked, “I am very happy to have put my son Sreehari Krishnan in Saraswathy Kindergarten. My son, by nature, is very reserved and shy. I can see a good difference in him after putting him in Saraswathy Kindergarten. Now, he is always ready to sing, dance and talk in public without fear. Thanks to the individual attention and efforts by teachers and programmes in the school such as show and tell and current affairs, my son has overcome his stage fear.”

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Students during their swimming lesson at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex

Parents support group helping out to make props for a school event

Another parent wrote gleefully, “I am writing to reiterate our point as delighted parents of Sanjiv Rajandra’s Primary 1 Readiness status. I have attached his Orientation paper done on Orientation Day at St Andrew’s Junior School, 7 November 2008. He was assessed on Mathematics, Writing, Alphabets, Colouring and Reading. He scored a near perfect “Super” in all areas except for Writing, which was a “Good”. This simply shows that Saraswathy Kindergarten’s Academic Programme has equipped our child adequately, to meet the initial demands of Main Stream School. We can sigh with relief that our child’s transition from Pre-school to Primary 1 will be smooth. Thank you very much.”

Accolades These are clear evidences of the quality of the programmes

implemented by the kindergartens. SKG has already been re-certified as a Singapore Pre-School Accreditation Framework (SPARK) centre by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). SDMKG is in the midst of attaining its SPARK certification.

The progress of our kindergartens can be seen by our healthy number of students enrolling with us every year. Till 2014, 1,395 students have graduated from SKG and 422 students have graduated from SDMKG. Another 33 students from SKG and 26 students from SDMKG will be graduating in 2015.

The Road Ahead However, in the last couple of years, the HEB and the

Kindergarten Management Committee has noticed that the enrolment numbers have dropped slightly and there could be two reasons for this. Firstly, the geographical location of SKG

A popular religious landmark which tourists don’t miss when they visit Chinatown is Sri Mariamman Temple.

The Temple has begun educating tourists, both men and women, on the need to be properly attired before entering the Temple. It has been providing tourists with wrap-arounds which they can adorn and walk around the Temple to enjoy the sculptures, history, take pictures and cherish their visit.

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has contributed to the decreasing number of children enrolling into the school. The kindergarten is located in a very mature Kim Keat estate, which may no longer be a good catchment area. The second likely reason is that both the kindergartens may require more space to expand their respective pre-Nursery intakes. It is apparent that parents are starting their children off early, with many children attending pre-Nursery classes at a tender age of three. Parents seem reluctant to switch centres once their kids have settled down. As such, to keep these kids for the entire kindergarten programme, both Kindergartens need to expand capacity.

Hence, the HEB and the Kindergarten Management Committee are reviewing the state of the kindergartens and are studying and exploring various solutions before finalising their plans for the kindergartens moving forward. The Board is also committed to provide a quality pre-school programme at an affordable price and to provide the necessary assistance to children from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure that they would not be denied admission into these programmes. About $50,000 is spent annually on providing bursaries to kids from financially disadvantaged households in our kindergartens.

The Board is also considering relocating SKG to improve its catchment and to add more space to SDMKG to increase its pre-Nursery intake. And to top it all off, the Board will promote the kindergartens in the community, so that there is greater awareness of out kindergartens and their value proposition.

The Celebrations To mark the key milestones, the two kindergartens will be

celebrating with a few events, culminating in a grand finale during the year-end graduation. A big ‘Thank You’ to the principal and teachers for their good work, organisational skills, dedication, commitment and diligence in discharging their duties and to the parents, our deepest appreciation for their everlasting support.

EducATING ON drESS cOdE

HINDU NEWS - 7

Visit by the Team from SSO @ Woodlands on 11 Dec 2014

HEB - ASHrAM HALfWAY HOuSE: THE LEAp fOrWArd & SG50

Following its achievement of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management Service – a first for halfway houses in Singapore – and taking the lead in the aftercare sector,

Ashram sets its sight on expanding the ‘Gift from the Heart’ (GFTH) project for needy families. The GFTH assistance programme, which was launched in 2009 by HEB, provides food rations to needy families from the Hindu and other communities in Singapore. Through the spirit of community assistance and volunteerism, the project is managed by Ashram and its residents. It is also noteworthy that our key partner and sector leader, the Social Service Office (SSO) @ Woodlands, publicized the GFTH project in their Feb 2015 issue of SSO Scoop (newsletter).

In the spirit of SG50, Ashram – with the strong support of HEB – will collaborate with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and other aftercare and community agencies to identify about 500 families of current inmates and extend food rations and the GFTH project to them. Ashram echoes SPS’ view that the successful rehabilitation of an offender must take place both inside and outside of the prison. The primary objective of this initiative, then, is to communicate hope to the families of inmates who eagerly await the returning offenders.

Moving forward, Ashram will further intensify its aftercare efforts by adopting a three-pronged approach. The first involves working very closely with the Indian Community Aftercare Council (ICAC) and their volunteers to provide

befriending and other forms of aftercare support and services to its residents and their families. This strategic partnership is a timely one considering the spotlight on the aftercare sector and recidivism rates in Singapore. Second, Ashram will focus on preventive education for residents, ex-offenders and their families. This involves collaborating with key partners in the addiction field and aftercare sector to maximize the use of resources in the continuum of care. Third, Ashram intends to set up a social enterprise to enhance employment prospects of ex-offenders and bring about a positive change in them. This three-pronged approach coupled with strong support from the community agencies will go a long way towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders.

Annathanam or free food distribution is a common feature of all Hindu temples in Singapore

THE SEVA INITIATIVE

Underscoring the need to develop a social and welfare wing has been a priority of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB). Hence, a focus group led by Ambassador

K. Kesavapany has come to be known as the ‘SEVA’ team. It has been tasked with:

• Documenting existing social and welfare activities organised by Hindu temples and associations.

• Understanding the challenges faced by Hindu temples and associations in organising social and welfare activities.

• Facilitating, coordinating and supporting existing social and welfare activities organised by Hindu temples and associations.

• Encouraging the further development of social and welfare activities for the benefit of the Hindu community and Singapore society at large.

Between September and December 2014, the task group met representatives from 16 temples in Singapore to get a sense of existing social and welfare activities organised by Hindu temples; the challenges they faced; and the areas which they felt required attention.

Beyond building a sense of fraternity amongst representatives, one of the positive findings of these get-together sessions was a cognisance that a number of

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

- Rabindranath Tagore

Hindu temples had already established several social service initiatives including: Food distribution; regular Blood Donation Drives and Health Check campaigns; social and prison counselling; sports and yoga for health; bursary and scholarship awards; visits and donations to old age homes; pilgrimage tours; pro-bono legal advice; and Tuition, language, music, dance, religious and human values classes. Amongst the key challenges faced included: a shortage of volunteers; lack of publicity for activities; lack of expertise especially in

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Dr Rajesh Rai

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Music and dance classes are offered at some temples

Some temples offer their space for sports activities

dealing with more complex social issues; and a limited uptake of social counselling support and pro-bono legal activities due to concerns over social stigma.

Following these meeting sessions, the SEVA group has met several times to brainstorm how this initiative can be developed. Our targets for the coming year are as follows:

• To establish a community of volunteers who will offer social services at four designated temples around Singapore. These volunteers will receive training for the provision of basic social counselling, but in more complex cases will act as referral persons to the Family Service Centres. Where help from the Family Service Centre is insufficient, the HEB SEVA group will turn to other national and non-government agencies involved in welfare provisions.

• The HEB SEVA group will collate information on social and welfare activities at various temples and publicise these through electronic media, and where possible, through its publications.

• An Annual SEVA day will be organised, which may take the form of various activities from cleaning temple premises, to visiting ‘old folks’ homes’, mass food distribution and so on to encourage more people to be involved in service.

The success of the SEVA initiative depends on volunteers, and we hope that as the initiative develops more people inspired with a spirit of service will come forward to aid in the initiative. If volunteers are forthcoming, we are positive that over time the SEVA group will be in a position to undertake a more comprehensive social and welfare programme for the Hindu community in Singapore, and Singapore society at large.

Prof Lipner during the Q&A session chaired by Mr Rajan Krishnan, Chairman of Hindu Advisory Board

puBLIc LEcTurE BY HINduISM ScHOLAr

The Hindu Endowments Board and the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme under the auspices of the S

Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) jointly organised a public lecture on Hinduism – a first ever joint effort.

The lecture entitled ‘Hinduism, Peace-building and the Religious Other’ was delivered by Professor Julius Lipner, a renowned scholar in Hinduism from Cambridge University.

In his lecture, Prof Lipner spoke about the modern context of Hinduism, “Hinduism” a world religion (what this means) and the ‘polycentric’ nature of Hinduism. The lecture highlighted that peace in Hinduism is exemplified by both traditional and modern notions and practices.

Prof Lipner elaborated on the values that Hinduism shares with other faiths such as non-violence, tolerance, compassion and respect. He also shared insights into Hindu fundamentalism, its traditional “others”, its opposition to modernity and its status today. The lecture concluded with a dialogue and question and answer session.

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Mr Lui giving out ‘hong baos’ to the residents from Tembusu Home.

Devotees participating in the Gita Jayanti Havan

Goodie bags were given to the needy by Mr Lui.

Each year, the altar depicts a different form of Lord Krishna. This year, the depiction was that of Lord Krishna as seen in the Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi.

LuNAr NEW YEAr rEuNION

cELEBrATING THE ‘BIrTH’ Of A HOLY TEXT

In its on-going efforts to promote community bonding and in providing support for the less fortunate, Sri Mariamman Temple held its Lunar New Year Reunion Celebrations on 7

February 2015 at the Temple. About 110 senior citizens from the Tembusu, SASCO, Banyan and Sri Narayanan Mission Homes were invited.

The Guest of Honour was Minister for Transport and MP for Moulmein-Kallang GRC, Mr Lui Tuck Yew. Also joining in the Reunion Celebrations were Mosque and community leaders and officials from the Chinatown Business Association.

Mr S Nallathamby, Chairman of Sri Mariamman Temple, highlighted that while families rejoice this festive occasion,

the less fortunate members of the community were also remembered and they were invited with the message that “You are not alone!”

He also pointed out that all these years, Sri Mariamman Temple has been supporting community and charitable activities to care for the needy and to encourage their integration into society.

The guests were served savoury Chinese vegetarian dishes prepared by the Temple volunteers, followed by a toss to an auspicious year. They were also treated to some exciting multi-racial entertainment and each guest received ‘hong baos’ after lunch.

Into its 17th year, the Gita Jayanti celebrations encapsulate the joy of participating and sharing the message of the Bhagavad Gita. Held under the auspices of the Hindu Endowments Board, several Hindu

organisations come together to jointly organise the annual Gita Jayanti celebrations each year. This year’s celebrations were led by Sri Ruthra Kaliamman Temple, which is also marking its centennial year of its existence. The Gita Jayanti Havan (homam) held on 15 March 2015 at the PGP Hall marked the end of the year-long calendar of events which include monthly Gita chanting sessions, Krishna Manjari (a cultural programme), an International Gita Forum, an art competition for children, and essay and oratorical competitions. The Havan event drew around 500 devotees who recited shlokas from the Gita in unison and had the opportunity to personally offer ‘homa dravyam’ (sacred items) into the eighteen homa kundams (fire pits) made especially for the event.

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Leaders from the Indian community paid a tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Temple officials and devotees observed a minute of silence at Sri Mariamman Temple

Guests penning their thoughts in condolence books at the event

Project Bhakti students observed a minute of silence

An eye screening station at the Health Fair last year

TrIBuTE TO Our STATESMAN

A statesman who strongly believed in meritocracy and one who ensured that the four official languages in Singapore thrived. These were some of the sentiments

expressed by Indian community leaders at a special tribute ceremony organised by SINDA and held on 28 March 2015 in honour of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew who had passed away on 23 March 2015.

Joining some 700 people were Deputy Prime Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ministers S Iswaran and Indranee Rajah, and Members of Parliament, Inderjit Singh and Hri Kumar Nair.

Eulogies were delivered in both Tamil and English and those who attended the tribute also signed the condolence books to pen their thoughts about Mr Lee.

HEALTH fAIr TArGETS SILVEr ANd YOuNGEr GENErATION

A grand Healthy Lifestyle Carnival is on the cards to be held at the PGP Hall on Sunday, 26 July 2015 targeted at the silver and younger generations on the need to stay healthy.

Jointly held by the Hindu Endowments Board’s Medical Support Services and Mediacorp Vasantham, the carnival aims to create awareness on common chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and some of the common ailments affecting the older generation in Singapore. To the younger generation, the carnival hopes to give tips on unhealthy eating habits.

The theme of the carnival, also being held as part of the SG50 celebrations, is ‘A Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation’. It is hoped many from the Indian community will come forward to take advantage of the free medical screening stations – all towards a healthy lifestyle.

Event: HEB-Vasantham Health CarnivalDate: Sunday, 26 July 2015Time: 8.30am – 3.00pm (Registration starts at 8.00am)Venue: PGP Hall (397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123)

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In Memory of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew

HINDU NEWS - 11

MArVELS Of HIBIScuS

Water 1 litreHibiscus flowers 3Cinnamon sticks 2Sugar 1/8 cupSmall orange, sliced 1IceLemon, cut into wedges 1Method1. Bring water to light boil, turn off heat.2. Add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks.3. Cover and let it settle down for 20 minutes.4. Strain tea into a jug. Add sugar and orange slices and

serve over ice.5. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and/or mint

leaves.Written by Padmini Natarajan. Adapted from the monthly, Tattvãloka, The Splendour of Truth (October 2014). Regd. Office: 76 Eldams Road, Chennai 600 0018. Tel: 2432 8124. Email: info@tattvaloka.com.

Website: www.tattvaloka.com.

HIBISCUS TEA RECIPE

HEALTH

Botanical name: rosa-sinensis; English: hibiscus, shoeflower; Hindi: goodhal, adhul, japakusum; Marathi: jaswanth; Bengali: jaba; Oriya: Mondaro; Tamil:

sembaruthi; Malayalam: cemparatti; Telugu: mamdaram.Hibiscus flowers are edible and are used in salads in the

Pacific Islands. The flower is an important ingredient in hair care. It is also used in the worship of Devi, especially the red variety. Hibiscus has a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology and in Ayurveda. An extract of the hibiscus acts as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

Hibiscus tea is made as an infusion from crimson or deep magenta-coloured calyces (sepals) of the roselle flower. It contains 15-30 p.c. organic acids, including nitric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid.

Hibiscus flower supports cardiovascular health. It contains anthocyanins that are active anti-hypertensive compounds. Roselle is also sipped as a tea, believed to reduce cholesterol. Drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes, pre-hypertension or mild hypertension. Drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks reduces systolic blood pressure. The effects of drinking hibiscus tea have been compared to blood pressure medication.

For Skin ProblemsIn Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus is used to help maintain a

normal body temperature, support heart health and encourage fluid balance. North Africans imbibe hibiscus for upper respiratory health including the throat. It is used topically for skin problems.

In Europe, hibiscus is used for upper respiratory health, alleviating occasional constipation and to promote blood

circulation. It is combined with lemon balm and St John’s Wort to treat restlessness and sleep deprivation.

The leaves act as a soothing cough remedy. In Ayurveda, extracts of the flowers are used to treat high blood pressure and liver disorders. Hibiscus tea contains Vitamin C, which helps fight cold and cough.

Coconut oil, boiled with hibiscus flowers, curry leaves and gooseberry is an age-old recipe for lustrous long tresses. You can also take the flowers of hibiscus, squeeze out the juice and apply it to your scalp and hair. Wash after 45 minutes with a mild shampoo made from the gel squeezed from hibiscus leaves. The flowers and leaves are burnt in ghee to produce a black soot or kajal that is used in eyes and eyebrows.

Hibiscus flower and leaf extracts are used to regulate women’s problems. The extracts are used to help in child birth. At the same time, hibiscus flowers are reported to possess anti-fertility properties too. It is also used to treat headaches, boils, sores and inflammations.

People with low blood pressure should not take hibiscus extracts. It can also affect your concentration. Hence, it should not be used while driving and wherever alertness is needed. Hibiscus should be avoided while taking anti-cancer drugs.

12 - HINDU NEWS

“It Is easIer to crItIcIze others, but dIffIcult to guIde and ImprovIse theIr drawbacks.”

“be contented and happy wIth what you have, you are gIven whatever Is best suIted for your lIfe…”

There was a painter who had just completed his art course. He took 3 days

and a painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people’s opinion about his calibre and painting skills.

He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. Just below his painting, he placed a board that read: “I have painted this piece. Since I’m new to this profession, I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake.”

When he came back in the evening to collect his painting, he was completely shattered to see that the whole canvass was filled with ‘X’s (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting. Disheartened and broken completely, he ran to his teacher’s place and burst into tears.

The young artist was breathing heavily and his teacher heard him saying, “I’m useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I’m not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like giving up.”

His teacher smiled and suggested, “My son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It will work.”

The young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later, early in the morning, he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his teacher. The teacher took the painting and said, “Come with me.”

They reached the same street-square and displayed the painting exactly at the same place. The teacher took out another board which read: “Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I’m new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes. I have put a box with colours and brushes just below. Please do me a favour. If you see a mistake, please pick up the brush and correct it.”

The teacher and the disciple walked back home. They visited the place again that same evening. The young painter was surprised to see that there was not a single correction done to his painting! The next day, they visited again and found that the painting still remained untouched. The painting was kept there for a month but not a single correction came in! The young painter was astonished.

Lord Krishna created a horse. The horse was beautiful and had many good qualities. But it

wanted to be more perfect in every way.

One day the horse said to Lord Krishna, “O Lord, you have given me beauty and good qualities. I am very grateful to you. But how I wish you could make me more beautiful.”

Krishna said, “Tell me in what way you want to be changed.”The horse said, “I would like to be more proportionate. My

neck is too short. If you can make my neck a little longer, my upper body will be infinitely more beautiful. And if you can make my legs much longer and thinner, then I will look infinitely more beautiful in my lower body.”

Krishna said, “So be it!” Immediately, Lord Krishna made a camel appear in place of the horse. The horse was so disheartened that it started to cry, “O Lord, I wanted to become more beautiful. In what way is this kind of outer form more beautiful?”

Krishna said, “This is exactly what you asked for. Whatever you described I have fulfilled.” The horse cried, “Oh no, I do not want to become a camel. I wish to remain a horse. As a horse, everybody appreciated my good qualities. Nobody will appreciate me as a camel.”

Krishna said, “Never be greedy to receive more than what I have given you. If you want to lead a desire filled-life, then at every moment you will want more and more. But you have no idea what the outcome will be. If you cry for longer neck and legs, this is what will happen. Each being in my creation has its own good qualities. The camel is not as beautiful as you are, but it carries heavy loads and has a tremendous sense of responsibility.”

MORALIt is very easy to criticize others, but very difficult to give them suggestions to improve or show them the right way to

correct themselves. If we cannot help them improve or provide some guidance, then we might as well not criticize. It is wiser to use the time spent on criticizing others for our own self-improvement instead. We can keep ourselves busy by refining our own lives so that we do not have time to see other’s faults. Even if we at all criticize for the well-being of others, let it be like a rain – gentle enough to nourish their growth without destroying their roots.

Let us not allow compliments get to our head or criticisms to get to our heart. Let us not get carried away or judge ourselves by someone else’s criticisms and feel depressed – we are our best judge!

MORALThe Lord’s creation is just perfect as it is. Let us not

mess with it! We are put in a situation to learn something from it and polish our strengths. Let us not be swayed or jealous about what others possess. If there is strength, there will be some weakness too somewhere. No one is perfect and at the same time, no one is imperfect.

TALES Of WISdOM

HINDU NEWS - 13

Opening of the ‘Swarga vasal’ or Gateway to Heaven

Devotees offering milk to Goddess Sri Mariamman

Cultural performances entertained the guests during the light up ceremony for the Pongal festival held on 11 January 2015.

As Vaikunda Ekadesi coincided with the English New Year’s Day, large crowds thronged Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple with queues snaking the entire temple complex.

Children performing a traditional dance in honour of Lord Srinivasa Perumal

A special alankaram of Lord Ranganathar was done as the New Year’s Day which also coincided with Vaikunda Ekadesi.

Lord Aiyappan’s silver chariot procession at the Little India arcade in conjunction with the Makara Vilakku festival which was celebrated on 14 January 2015.

The chariot procession in the evening drew many devotees to the various chariot stopping points along Serangoon Road.

VAIkuNdA EkAdESI

2015 NEW YEAr’S dAY AT SrI MArIAMMAN TEMpLE

pONGALO pONGAL!! MAkArA VILAkku

pHOTO jOurNAL

14 - HINDU NEWS

Devotees carrying paalkudam leaving Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on 3 February 2015

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean speaking to kavadi bearer, Mr Murali.

The consecration ceremony for Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple was held on 26 January 2015.

At Sri Thendayuthapani Temple – offerings to Lord Murugan Destination reached!

THAIpuSAM

IcONIc kATONG LANdMArk MArkS cONSEcrATION cErEMONY

pHOTO jOurNAL

HINDU NEWS - 15

pHOTO jOurNAL

Sri Mariamman Temple jointly organised ‘Thirumurai Isai Nigalchi’ with the Thirumurai Manadu Organising Committee on 28 February 2015.

Navakshari Maha Yagam in progress at Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple

Devotees’ participation during the Maha Yagam at Sri Mariamman Temple

SMT Othuvar V Vivekraja performs his renditions of the Thevarams and received a standing ovation.

Conclusion of the Maha Yagam with abishekam and deeparthanai for Goddess Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman on 14 March 2015

The poornahuthy on 29 March 2015

THIruMurAI prOGrAMME

NAVAkSHArI MAHA YAGAM

SrI prATYANGIrA MAHA YAGAM

Cultural performances entertained devotees observing a vigil on Maha Sivarathri

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Lawrence Wong, joins thousands during Maha Sivarathri

MAHA SIVArATHrI

16 - HINDU NEWS

xU Myak; vd;whNy mjd; jpUtpohf;fhs; jhd;. ekJ jpUtpohf;fs;> cyfpy; kdpjd; kw;Wk; caph; $l;lq;fshfpa mirAk; mirahj midj;J caph;fspd; Jah; ePq;fplr; nra;ag;gLfpwJ. kdpjdhy; jLf;f Kbahj gQ;rk;> nts;sk;> Gay;> ngUkio> jP> tpgj;J> G+fk;gk;> Nghd;w tpgj;Jf;fs; ePq;fplTk; cyfk; Rgpl;rkhf ,Uf;fTk; ehk; gy jpUtpohf;fisf; nfhz;lhLfpNwhk;. ,J Gwtho;f;iff;F NkYk; mf tho;thfpa Md;kPf newpapy; Qhdk;> Nkhl;rk; milaTk; nra;ag;gLfpwJ. ,it> rpthfk E}y;fspy; fhzg;gLk; tpsf;fkhFk;.

f. rhk;grpt rpthr;rhh;ahh;jiyik mHr;rfHNfyhq; <];l; = rptd; Nfhapy;

gpuk;Nkhj;]tk; - mjd; jj;Jtk;

INfO

1. tpU\ahfk; mjhtJ hp\g Njtuhfpa ee;jpNfRtuUf;F ahfk;

2. j;t[hNuh`dk; - nfhbNaw;wk; 3. gpU`j;jhdk; - Nghp vd;Dk; Njhy;fUtpf;F G+iI

nra;J mjid thrpj;J Njth;fis mioj;jy; 4. mq;Fuk; mjhtJ Kisg;ghypif ,Ljy; 5. k`h ahfk; - ahf rhiy G+iI6. gypjhdk; - jpdKk; gypahf md;d

cUz;ilfis ,e;jpud; Kjyhfpa jpir nja;tq;fspd; nghUl;L mspj;jy;.

7. ahdf;fpukk; - gy;NtW thfdq;fspy; vOe;jUsr; nra;jy;

8. ghpNt\k; - ,iwtid ee;jtdk; Nrhiy ,tw;wpy; xUehs; mkh;j;jp G+iI nra;jy;

9. nfsJfk; - uf; \hge;jdk; mh;r;rfh; Kjy; nfhbkuk; fhg;Gf;fl;Ljy;

10. jPh;j;jthhp - Gdpj ePuhly; 11. #HNzhj;]tk; - mgpN\f nghb ,bj;jy; 12. Njtjh`;thdk; - Njth;fis Mth`dk;

nra;jy; 13. tpth`k; - jpUf;fy;ahz cw;rtk; 14. mtNuh`zk; - nfhb ,wf;Fjy; 15. uj cj;]tk; (Njh;jpUtpoh) 16. ahf tprh;r;rdk; - ahfj;ij epiwT nra;jy; 17. tf;Njhj;]tk; - rz;bNfRtuh; cj;]tk; 18. Mr;rhh;a cj;]tk; vd;gdthFk;.

,j;jpUtpohit vy;yh khjq;fspYk; me;j khjj;jpd; el;rj;jpuj;ij Kothff; nfhz;L nra;a Ntz;b Mfkq;fs; $Wfpd;wd. rpj;jpiu - rpj;jpuh ngsh;zkp> itfhrp - itfhrp tprhfk;> Mdp - mD\k;> Mb - M\hlk;> Mtzp - jpUNthzk;> Gul;lhrp -

,j;jifa jpUtpohf;fspy; gpuk;Nkhj;]tk; my;yJ kN`hj;]tk; jiyrpwe;jjhf fhzg;gLfpwJ. epj;Nahj;]tk;> thNuhj;]tk;> gf;N\hj;]tk;> khN]hj;tk;> rk;tj;]Nuhj;]tk; (Nfhapy; Fk;ghgpN\f ehs;) Mfpa jpUtpohf;fSk; Myaq;fspy; nfhz;lhlg;gl;L tUfpd;wd.

xU Nfhapy; KOikahd ey;yjph;TfSld; tpsq;Ftjw;F %d;W epiyfis Mfk E}y;fs; mwpTWj;Jfpd;wd. mit

1. mbf;fy; ehl;LtjpypUe;J Fk;ghgpN\fk; tiu2. Fk;ghgpN\fj;jpypUe;J jpUtpohf;fs; tiu

,tw;wpy; epj;aG+i[ - thug+i[fs; - rpwg;G topghLfs; mlq;Fk;.

3. cj;]thjp gpuhar;rpj;jhe;jk; jpUtpoh Kjy; gpuhar;rpj;jq;fs; tiu vd;gdthFk;.

jpUtpohtpy; Kf;fpakhf nfhbNaw;wk; nra;J tpohit njhlh;tJ kN`hj;]tk; my;yJ gpuk;Nkhj;]tkhFk;. ,J jPh;j;jthhpAld; epiwtilfpwJ. cj;]tj;jpy; cj;]t %Hj;jpfs; vd;Dk; gQ;r cNyhf jpUNkdpfs; Kf;fpa ,lk; ngWfpd;wd. ,e;j gpuk;Nkhj;]tg; ngUtpoh 18 tpjkhd (m\;lhjrfphpiafs;) fphpiafis cilaJ.

HINDU NEWS - 17

Rthkpf;F mgpN\fk; nra;tjhy; ngWfpd;w gyd;fs;

uhNk];tuk;

INfO

mgpN\fg; nghUs; ngWfpd;w gyd;fs;ey;nyz;iz Rfj;ijj;jUk;

gQ;rft;ak; kdijr; Rj;jpfupf;Fk;

nea; Nkhl;rj;ijf; nfhLf;Fk;

ghy; ePz;l MAisj;jUk;

japH kfg;NgW cz;lhFk;

gQ;rhkpHjk; ntw;wpia mspf;Fk;

fUk;Gr;rhW MNuhf;fpak; ngUfpLk;

Njd; fiythzpapd; mUs;fpl;Lk;

gourk; kuz gaj;ijg; Nghf;Fk;

,sePH caH gjtp tha;f;Fk;

re;jdk; ,iwtNdhL ,uz;luf; fyf;fr; nra;Ak;

fyrhgpN\fk; m\;l yl;Rkp flhl;\j;ijj; jUk;

t];jpuk; tWikiag; Nghf;Fk;

kz;zpw; gpwe;jhh; ngUk;gad; kjp#Lk;mz;zyhh; mbahh; jikaKJ nra;tpj;jy;fz;zpdhyth; ey;tpoh nghypTfz;lhh;jy;cz;ikahnkdpy; cyfh; Kd;tUnfdTiug;ghh;

- nghpaGuhzk;

G+ul;lhjp> Ig;grp - m];tpdp> fhh;j;jpif - fhh;j;jpif> khh;fop - kpUfrPh;\k;> ij - ij G\;ak; mjhtJ ijg;G+rk;> khrp - kfk;> gq;Fdp - gq;Fdp cj;jpuk;). ,tw;wpy; rpj;jpuh ngsh;zkp> itfhrp tprhfk;> jpUf;fhh;j;jpif> ijg;G+rk;> khrp kfk;> gq;Fdp cj;jpuk; vd;gitNa mjpfkhf filgpbf;fg;gLk; gpugykhd jpUtpohf;fshf cs;sd.

nfhbkuk; - rptdhfpa guk; nghUshf flTshfTk; - nfhbr;rPiy - cyfpd; caph;;fshfpa kdpjd; cs;spl;l midj;J [Ptuhrpfspd; tbthfTk; (nfhbapy; ,d;Wk; ,itfs; G+rpf;fg;gLfpd;wd) jh;g;ig fapW - khah - ghrq;fshTk; (,J nfhbf;fapw;Wld; Nrh;j;J Rw;wg;gLk;).

N[hjpu;ypq;fk;

rptngUkhd; N[hjp &gkhf fhl;rpaspf;Fk; 12 jyq;fs;> ,e;jpahtpy; cs;sd. mjpy; xd;W uhNk];tuk;. kw;w 11 jyq;fSk; gpw khepyq;fspy; cs;sd.

Mya rpwg;Gfs;

uhku; topgl;l jyk; vd;gjhy;> rptd; rd;djpapy; ngUkhSf;Fupa jPu;j;jk; gpurhjkhf jug;gLfpwJ. %y];jhdj;jpy; Mjprq;fuu; gpujp\;;il nra;j ];gbf ypq;fj;jpw;F Kjypy; G+i[ nra;Jtpl;Nl uhkehjUf;Fg; G+i[ nra;fpd;wdu;.

1212 J}z;fs;> 210 kPl;lu; ePsk;> 133 kPl;lu; mfyk; nfhz;l ,f;Nfhapypd; gpufhuk; cyfg;Gfo; ngw;wJ.

rptdpd; Njthug;ghly; ngw;w 274 rpthyaq;fspy;> ,J 198tJ Njthuj;jyk; MFk;.

mk;kdpd; 51 rf;jp gPlq;fspy; ,J NrJ rf;jp gPlk; MFk;.

nfhbf;fapW - jpUtUl; rf;jpahTk; (mjhtJ ,iwtdpd; fUizahfTk;) rpthfkq;fs; mwpTWj;Jfpd;wd.

,iwtopghl;bd; njhz;bNy kd kfpo;r;rpAk; - fspg;Gk; ngwNt jpUtpohf;fSk; - jpUtPjp cyhf;fSk; nra;ag;glNtz;Lk; vd;gij Mfkq;fs; mwptpf;fpd;wd.

18 - HINDU NEWS

INfO

uhNk];tuk; uhkehjRthkp Nfhapy;

rptgf;jdhd ,uhtzid mopj;jjhy; uhkUf;Fg; gpuk;k`j;jp Njh\k; cz;lhdJ. Njh\k; ePq;f uhNk];tuk; flw;fiuapy; rpt G+i[ nra;a tpUk;gpdhu;. ,jw;fhf rptypq;fk; nfhz;L tUk;gb MQ;rNeaiu mDg;gpdhu;.

mtu; tu jhkjkhfNt> rPij flw;fiu kzypy; rptypq;fk; itj;jhu;. me;j ypq;fj;ij uhku; G+[pj;jjhy; “uhkehjRthkp” vd;w jpUehkk; mike;jJ.

rd;djpapy; ,tu; ,Uf;fpwhu;. MQ;rNeau; rpukgl;L nfhz;L te;j ypq;fk;; vd;gjhy;> jd; gf;jDf;F kjpg;gspf;Fk; tifapy; Kjypy; tp];tehjUf;Fg; G+i[ nra;a ,uhku; Vw;ghL nra;jhu;. ,g;NghJk; tp];tehjUf;Fg; G+i[ nra;j gpd;Ng rPjhgpuhl;b cUthf;fg;gl;l uhkehjUf;Fg; G+i[ elf;fpwJ.

NfhapYf;F tUgtu;fs; tp];tehjiuj; juprpj;j gpd;Ng> uhkehjiu juprpf;f Ntz;Lk;.

Gul;lhrpapy; tUk; kfhsa gl;rj;jpy; gpj;Uf;fs; G+kpf;F tUfpd;wdu;. gpJu; fhupaq;fisr; nra;a rpwe;j jyk; uhNk];tukhFk;.

22 jPu;j;jkhLtjpd; gyd;

gf;ju;fs; Kjypy; jD\;Nfhb flypy; ePuhLtH. gpd;du; uhNk];tuk; Nfhapypy; cs;s 22 jPu;j;jq;fspYk; ePuhl Ntz;Lk;. ,e;j jPu;j;jq;fspy; ePuhLtJ tof;fkhFk;.

Kjy; juprdk;;

MQ;rNeau; jhkjkhf ifyhaj;jpypUe;J nfhz;L te;j rptypq;fj;jpw;F “tp];tehju;” vd;W jpUehkk; #l;lg;gl;Ls;sJ. uhkehju; rd;djpf;F ,lg;GwKs;s

HINDU NEWS - 19

ek; rkaj;Jf;Fk; jkpOf;Fk; rpwg;G NrHj;j nja;t GytH Nrf;fpohH ngUkhDf;F kupahij nra;Ak; tifapy; ,t;thz;L Kjy; ngupaGuhz tpoh ele;jJ. ,e;J mwf;fl;lis thupak; ,jid Mjupj;J tpohit Vw;ghL nra;jJ. ,e;j Kaw;rpapy; gq;F nfhs;s rpq;if Myaq;fs; Fapd;];Nt = KdP];tud; Myak;> mUs;kpF jUk KdP];tud; Myak;> = murNfrup rptd; Nfhapy;> mUs;kpF yad; rpj;jp tpehafH Nfhapy;> = njz;lhAjghzp Nfhapy; kw;Wk; jpUKiw Vw;ghl;Lf;FO Mfpait tpoh rpwg;gpf;f thupaj;Jld; ,ize;J jq;fs; gq;if Mw;wpd.

ngupaGuhz tpoh 16-3-2015 md;W> thupaj; jiytH jpU u. n[are;jpud; mtHfs; Fj;J tpsf;Nfw;wp njhlH nrhw;nghopitj; njhlq;fpitj;jhH. rpwg;G Ngr;rhsH fk;gthupjp n[auh[; mtHfs; njhlf;f

ehs; ciuahf “nja;tr;Nrf;fpohH” vd;w jiyg;gpy; ciu epfo;j;jpdhH.

njhlHe;J te;j ehl;fspy; Mya jiytHfs; Fj;J tpsf;Nfw;wp md;iwa nrhw;nghopitj; njhlq;fp itj;jdH. tpoh 20-3-2015 md;W epiwTngw;wJ.

ek; ghuk;gupak;> rkak;> rKjhak;> rlq;Ffs;> jkpo; vd;W gytw;iw fk;gthupjp n[auh[; mtHfs; jk; nrhy;yhw;wyhYk; ehtz;ikahYk; ,f;fhy #oYf;Fk; ek; rpq;if tho;f;if Kiwf;Fk; Vw;g ciuahw;wpdhH. te;jpUe;jtHfisr; rpupf;fTk; rpe;jpf;fTk; itj;jhH.

xt;nthU ehsd;Wk; 400 - 500 NgH nrhw;nghopitf; Nfl;f te;jpUe;jhHfs;. ,e;J miwf;fl;lis thupak; jpdKk; midtUf;Fk; ,uT czT Vw;ghL nra;jJ.

INfO

ngupaGuhz tpoh

];gbf ypq;f G+i[

uhNk];tuk; uhkehjRthkp %y];jhdj;jpy; Mjprq;fuu; gpujp\;il nra;j ];gbf ypq;fk; ,Uf;fpwJ. jpdKk; fhiy 5 kzpf;F ,q;F ghygpN\fk; nra;j gpd;Ng> uhkehjRthkpf;Fg; G+i[ elf;fpwJ. gu;tjtu;j;jpdp mk;gpif gPlj;jpw;F fPNo Mjprq;fuu; ];jhgpj;j = rf;fuk; ,Uf;fpwJ. rf;jp gPlq;fspy; ,j;jyk; “NrJgPlk;” MFk;.

ehfNjh\j;jhy; ghjpf;fg;gl;ltu;fs;> mf;dp jPu;j;jf;fiuapy; ehfu; gpujp\;il nra;J Ntz;bf;nfhs;fpwhu;fs;.

fhrp> uhNk];tuk; ahj;jpiu

fhrp> uhNk];tuk; ahj;jpiu nry;gtu;fs; Kjypy; uhNk];tuj;jpy; mf;dp (fly;) jPu;j;jj;jpy; ePuhb> kzy; kw;Wk; jPu;j;jk; vLj;Jf;nfhz;L fhrp nry;yNtz;Lk;.

fq;if ejpapy; kziyg; Nghl;Ltpl;L> fhrp tp];tehjUf;F mf;dp jPu;j;j mgpN\fk; nra;a Ntz;Lk;. gpwF fhrp fq;if jPu;j;jk; vLj;J te;J kPz;Lk; uhNk];tu uhkehjUf;F mgpN\fk; nra;aNtz;Lk;. ,t;thW uhNk];tuj;jpy; njhlq;fp> uhNk];tuj;jpy;jhd; jPu;j;j ahj;jpiuia Kbf;f Ntz;Lk; vd;gJ IjPfk;.

20 - HINDU NEWS

kd;kj tUlj;jpd; nghJ uhrp gyd;fs;

HOrOScOpE

up\g uhrp (Taurus),e;j tUlk; XusT ed;ik cz;lhFk;. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg fhupa epfo;r;rpfs;

rpwg;ghf eilngWk;. nghd; nts;sp NrHf;iffs; cz;lhFk;. cwtpdH ez;gHfshy; ed;ik cz;lhFk;. cly; MNuhf;fpak; rpwg;ghf ,Uf;Fk;. Nrkpg;G fzprkhf caUk;.

Nk\ uhrp (Aries),e;j uhrpf;fhuh;fSf;Fr; Rkhuhd Nahfk; cs;s fhyk;.

tUkhdk; mjpfk; te;jhYk; Nrkpg;G ,Uf;fhJ. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg fhupaq;fSf;F nghd; nts;sp eiffs; NrUk;. fztd; kidtp cwT ,dpikahf ,Uf;Fk;.

kpJd uhrp (Gemini),e;j tUlk; kpfTk; Nahfkhd fhyk;. nghd; nghUs; NrHf;if

cz;lhFk;. Rg fhupa epfo;r;rp eilngWk;. cly; MNuhf;fpakhf ,Uf;Fk;. cwtpdH ez;gHfshy; ed;ik cz;lhFk;.

flf uhrp (Cancer),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;Fr; rw;W epk;kjpahd

fhyk;. FLk;gj;jpy; Rgepfo;r;rpfs; rpwg;ghf eilngWk;. Nrkpg;G caUk;. nja;t topghL cz;lhFk;.

rpk;k uhrp (Leo),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F rw;W fLikahd fhyk;. ez;gHfs;

cwtpdHfs; tpyfp ,Uf;Fk; fhyk; ,J. Nrkpg;G FiwAk;. rpyH nrhj;Jf;fis tpw;f NeupLk;.

jDR uhrp (Sagitarius),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F tUkhdk; te;jhYk; nryTfSk;

mjpfkhf ,Uf;Fk;. gps;isfSf;Fr; Rg epfo;r;rpfisr; rpwg;ghf elj;JtH. Nrkpg;G FiwAk;.

fd;dp uhrp (Virgo),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;Fr; rw;W fbd Kaw;rpfspy; yhgk;

rpj;jpf;Fk;. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg tpiuaq;fs; cz;lhFk;. gf;jp ngUFk;. Nrkpg;G caUk;.

Jyhk; uhrp (Libra),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F rw;W epk;kjpahd fhyfl;lk;.

FLk;gj;jpy; Rg fhupaq;fs; eilngWk;;. Nrkpg;G fdprkhf caUk;. FLk;gj;jpy; re;Njh\k; epyTk;.

tpUr;rpf uhrp (Scorpio),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;Ff; nfhQ;rk; Nrhjidahd fhyfl;lk;. mjpf

Kaw;rpfSld; FLk;gj;jpy; Rg epfo;r;rpfs; elj;JtH. kdjpy; Fog;gk; cz;lhFk;.

kPd uhrp (Pisces),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F XusT ey;y fhyk;. f\;lq;fs; ePq;fp

epk;kjp ngWtH. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg fhupaq;fs; eilngWk;. nja;t Rw;Wyh gazk; cz;lhFk;.

Fk;g uhrp (Aquarius),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F vy;yh tpjj;jpYk; Nahfkhd fhyk;

,J. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg fhupaq;fs; eilngWk;. nghd; nghUs; Nru;f;if ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;. Gjpa nrhj;Jf;fs; thq;FtH.

kfu uhrp (Capricorn),e;j uhrpf;fhuHfSf;F ,e;j tUlk; kpfTk; Nahfkhd

fhyk;. FLk;gj;jpy; Rg epfo;r;rpfs; eilngWk;. cly; MNuhf;fpak; ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;. nghd; nghUs; Nru;f;if ed;whf ,Uf;Fk;. ez;gHfs; cwtpdHfshy; ed;ik cz;lhFk;.

HINDU NEWS - 21

fESTIVALS

22 - HINDU NEWS

LOrd GANESHA

Ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati paalayamaam

Ganapati gunapati gajapati mamapati varapati surapati paalayamaam

Ganapati baala ganapati nartana ganapati gambheera ganapati jnaana ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati ganapati paalayamaam

Ganapati gunapati gajapati mamapati varapati surapati paalayamaam

LOrd SHIVAOm dhim dhim dhimi dhimi natana shivaataandava keli vilaasa shivaa

Leelaa maanusha vesha shivaalingodbhavakara saamba shivaa aatma lingodbhavakara saamba shivaa saamba shivaa baala shivaa

LOrd krISHNAChitta choraa yashodaa ke baalnavaneeta chora gopaal

Gopaal gopaal gopaal gopaal govardhana dhara gopaal

Hey giridhara gopaalaa hey giridhara gopaalaahey giridhara gopaalaa

BHAjANS

HINDU NEWS - 23

During festive seasons intricate and colouful kolams and rangolis can be seen at the entrances of homes. Such patterns are drawn for auspiciousness. Add life to the rangoli below by colouring it to the best of your abilities!

Category 1 (Age group: 5–8 years)Name:Age:Contact number:Address:

Send in your entries, complete with details by 15 June 2015 to:

The Editor, Hindu NewsHindu Endowments Board

Singapore 218123

KIDS' zone

24 - HINDU NEWS

Category 2 (Age group: 9–12 years)Name:Age:Contact number:Address:

Send in your entries, complete with details by 15 June 2015 to:

The Editor, Hindu NewsHindu Endowments Board

Singapore 218123

Here are the winners of the Kids Zone activities from Hindu News Issue 01/2015:

Category 1 prize winners:

1st prize: Muthukrishnan Nethra2nd prize: S. K. Sunjaiy3rd prize: Jaidev Balaji

Category 2 prize winners:

1st prize: G. Ramya2nd prize: Alankritha 3rd prize: Shivesh

Congratulations to all of you!

During festive seasons intricate and colouful kolams and rangolis can be seen at the entrances of homes. Such patterns are drawn for auspiciousness. Draw a rangoli design in the space given below and add life to the rangoli below by colouring it to the best of your abilities!

KIDS' zone