Poem: My Surrender to Winter! – V. N. Giritharan –

Winter is fast approaching.
I have lived many years in Canada.
Yet, my hatred for this season
has not lessened in the slightest.

As always, when memories of winter
come rushing in, they bring along
the snow, the frost, and the ice.
Thoughts of how I will cope with them
this time spread throughout my mind.

Many times, I have tried—
hoping at least this year
I might sign a treaty of friendship
with winter, and live in peace.

Law and Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe!

 

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been accused of misusing public funds. He has committed an offence and has been arrested.

In response, many southern Sri Lankan politicians argue that Ranil donated his own house, worth 200 crores, to the college he studied at. They say he gave this, gave that, never even took a salary as President. Therefore, they claim, a former President should not be arrested for a small crime.

To such people, there is one question:

If a very wealthy and generous philanthropist drives his vehicle recklessly—where the speed limit is 40 km/h, he drives at 100 km/h—and the police stop him, will you then also say: “Ranil donated 200 crores, so he should not be fined or ticketed”?

During his presidency, Ranil Wickremesinghe misused public funds. If he had done so unknowingly, he could have rectified it. For someone who donated so much, that would have been easy. Why didn’t he?

If he has not committed any wrongdoing, then he has the opportunity in court to prove his innocence. Let him prove it and come out clean. That is the correct position to take.

Until now, not only in Sri Lanka but also in countries like India, politicians have been steeped in corruption. They use politics for their personal lives. If they violate the constitution and criminal laws of the country, then the law must deal with them without any bias.

On the arrest of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe...

Former Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been arrested on charges of corruption. This is a welcome move. Let the law do its duty. In recent times, the arrest of several prominent political figures accused of corruption is a healthy sign for the future of Sri Lanka. In this matter, it is essential for the law of Sri Lanka to act without ethnic or religious bias, for the sake of a better future for the nation. It is also necessary that the people of the country realize that the law is carrying out its duty without discrimination of race, religion, or language.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest appears to be an act by Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power that seeks to deeply understand the mindset of the people. If Ranil’s arrest does not lead to political protests or unrest in the country, we can expect that, step by step, more individuals will be arrested.

There is, however, one area where the government could have acted with a little more caution. There are several issues related to Ranil’s corruption allegations—such as protecting the Rajapaksa brothers, the Central Bank bond scam, and others. There are also matters concerning human rights violations. If the government had chosen one of those cases to arrest Ranil, it would have been even more effective. Perhaps, due to the legal delays and complications in proving such charges, the government has opted for this particular charge, which might be easier to establish.

Space - Time Universe and Consciousness!

"The fundamental source of reality is not material, but pure Consciousness. So, in the model I’m proposing, what we perceive as the physical universe is the manifestation of Consciousness, which exists beyond the constraints of space and time.” – Deepak Chopra

Here, the writer and physician Deepak Chopra states that what we see and live in as the material universe is nothing but an expression of our consciousness. That itself is the reality. Therefore, he proposes a cosmological model where the material universe is a manifestation of pure consciousness, which transcends the boundaries of space and time.

It is a different angle, but a logical argument. Existence and creation have always fascinated me. The vast spatial universe that we see unfolding before our very eyes is perceived only through our consciousness. But this consciousness is the activity of the human brain. Yet, Deepak Chopra says that this ‘consciousness’ goes beyond the limits of the space-time universe. That is the kind of cosmological model he is proposing.

The problem here is that he suggests human consciousness transcends space-time. But this very consciousness is bound within the limits of space-time. How can we discover or establish that this consciousness is something beyond the activity of the human brain? Even if it were true, it cannot be proved by us, who ourselves are confined within the boundaries of space-time and whose consciousness is produced by the brain.

"Two Women" – A Film That Reveals the Horrors of War

The Italian actress Sophia Loren is one of the finest talents to have left a mark on Hollywood. When people hear the name Sophia Loren, many first recall her glamorous figure. But Sophia Loren was not just a beautiful woman—she was also a brilliant actress. She was the first actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a film that was not in English. 

The film Two Women is based on a novel of the same name (La Ciociara) by Alberto Moravia, one of Italy’s most famous novelists. Moravia’s novels often deal with sexual themes quite candidly. The black-and-white film Two Women brought Sophia Loren 22 international awards. This film, directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica (whose films have won four Academy Awards and who also directed the famous The Bicycle Thief), movingly portrays the impact of war on ordinary people.

"Abinaya Saraswathi" (Saraswathi of Expression) Sarojadevi has passed away. Deep condolences.

The news of actress Sarojadevi's passing spread across the internet. Deep condolences. True artists never perish. They live on through their art. Sarojadevi too will remain eternal through her performances.

She was one of my favorite actresses. The first film I can remember watching was "Enga Veettu Pillai," starring MGR and Sarojadevi together. After that, only a few more films featuring both of them were released. Among those, "Anbe Vaa" particularly captivated me.

The era of MGR–Sarojadevi gradually faded as the MGR–Jayalalithaa phase began to dominate Tamil cinema. However, that very shift created space for several films that showcased Sarojadevi's acting prowess. Films like "Thamarai Nenjam," "Kulavilakku," and "Panamaa Paasamaa" are worth mentioning.

As for me, I am an ardent fan of MGR. Many of the films released between 1958 and 1965, starring MGR and Sarojadevi, were later re-released. Whenever I had the opportunity, I would watch them. It is noteworthy that many of the songs from those films, sung by T.M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela, became hugely popular.

Another unforgettable memory for Sri Lankan Tamils—when "Enga Veettu Pillai" was screened in Sri Lanka, Sarojadevi accompanied MGR on the visit. Everywhere they went, thousands gathered to welcome them. If one searches old newspapers and magazines, the scale of the reception they received can be seen clearly.

In her memory, here are some of my favorite songs from films she starred in:

Mother of refuge! Long live! – V. N. Giritharan -

- Today, July 1st,  is the birthday of Canada, our nurturing mother of refuge. Let us celebrate! - (Art by AI)

On this sacred land where people of all races live as one,
This is your land, O blessed soil!
Let virtue flourish and the world revere,
Long live you, the noble mother, forevermore!

To those who left their native lands seeking refuge,
We call you our Mother of Refuge!
O Mother Canada! You are the embodiment of compassion!
We have survived because of your love!

This day is the dawn of your birth!
Not just today, but always, we will sing your praise.
May your compassion overflow like today, forever.
We wish you well, and a life of grace!