Welcoming the Rooster year

The Lunar New Year officially starts with the noise of crackers which wake us once the clock struck midnight. We are so used to it that without those noises we would be feeling awkward. Chinese New Year is not only awaited by the Chinese but also by all of us Malaysians. Festive seasons always get us all excited since it allows the exchange of culture especially through food and also enables us to express our appreciation towards our diversify nation. Our diversity is a blessing and is our strength as well.

I always thought that Chinese New Year is about being as a family at home and spending time together. However, the trend has changed where families with small children use this time to take them on a tour of the city while some choose to spend their quality time with family in a cinema watching a good movie. No matter how many years passes the Red color and oranges which highlight the festive mood never goes missing.

It is a rare thing for me to go out during festivals since my preference would be staying at home with home cooked food and good movies. Breaking that regular routine ended up with full of surprises. Well, yesterday I headed out to the city with my cousin sister for some quality “Girl Time”.  After lunch, instead of thinking to walk around we fasten our footsteps to the sound of cymbals crashing combined with the sound of gongs and drums. The small kid within me just got released seeing the beautiful lions in front me. 

“Lion Dance” is the first thing which comes to my mind if it is Chinese New Year. When I was small, upon hearing the sound of cymbals and gongs I would run to the place just to have a glimpse of the Lion Dance. Of course, there will be a huge crowd surrounding the place so I didn’t really have the chance to see clearly. This time, however, I got a golden chance where a special performance was held in Berjaya Times Square with a small crowd since major viewers were standing on each floor. The red lions which consisted of four dancers were an eye catcher since the elegance was portrayed in the dance. The leader who stood in front was directing them on the moves and requested them to jump to perform certain moves. When they were delaying certain steps he would have a stern look on his face. By the time the performance ended the dancers were sweating and received a round of applause.

During the performance, everyone’s gadget was up since they were able to give such an impact on the spectators. A performance will never be a success without hard work. Lion dance acquires passion, discipline, and dedication. Without these, it will never be a performance which will be admired by all. The stern looking leader symbolizes the discipline behind the dance. Procrastination leads us down the drain while hard work leads to success, not in a short time of course but gradually. This is a common lesson yet some along the way tend to forget it and attempt for shortcuts. Remember, that those dancers too had to fall and practice many times before they master the dance.

The beauty of this festival also is about the beauty of sacrifices.  Those lion dancers instead of being with family they perform for the people and gain their happiness as a Chinese New Year gift. They would also be those who have to run restaurants to cater the need of their customers. To me, it is not only business but their way of celebrating the Chinese New Year, making people happy. Every festival which we welcome comes with its own lesson. A celebration of hard work and an acknowledgment for family bonding is what I learned from the Chinese New year celebration. There might be different ways of celebration but the reunion dinner and tossing the ‘Yee Sang’ will never be missed.

Interpretation of a festival does not only bind to tradition but it may also involve a person’s perception to further enhance the meaning of the celebration. Besides enjoying the public holiday at home, let’s also use the time to look at the decorations done by expertise to create the feeling of the festival and also share the spirit of the celebration with gratitude. The rooster year was a blast for me and dear Chinese folks “Happy Chinese New Year!” .I hope it’s not too late to wish and hope this will be a celebration to remember for a lifetime.

Source: Google images

Laughter over Dinner

Weekends are always meant for family and our loved ones. In this busy world, every day seems to pass in a swift but we do wish that the weekends will go on slowly since it gives us hope. Hope to be together as one and laugh out loud or time to seek adventure and excitement. There are also those who use the weekends as their leisure time where they indulge in a book or will be in a serious relationship with their bed; “sleeping”. Nevertheless, the weekend is always the most awaited and precious days.

Well, my Saturday went by interestingly and there was a particular thing I learned,

“Never judge a book by its covers.”

I was cordially invited for dinner with my school teacher whom I was very fond and meeting after such a long time. She asked if it was ok bringing a friend along and I was more than delighted since the more the merrier. So I assumed it would be four (My teacher, her elder daughter, her friend and myself) of us dining when I was surprised to see extra two people. My teacher’s second daughter and the auntie’s daughter were there as well. So, I was sitting in a table surrounded with a graduated MBBS, an engineer, a future lawyer, and two teachers. I was expecting some formal talks maybe on work, studies or some other things. Instead, I was engulfed in so much laughter and I think the whole time there was a smile plastered on everyone’s face.

Source: Google images

The main reason for everyone’s laughter was the interesting girl who is a 2nd year law student. I can’t register her name and I bet if she read’s (she will hopefully) this she will be crossed. She looks like a supermodel for her age and she does have a huge appetite for her petite body. The first thing she asked me was

“So, you are after form 5?”

I was in fits of laughter and so was everyone else. So firstly, she doesn’t fear to speak out directly to a person. It’s not just because she is a law student that’s her nature I guess. She doesn’t care about the age of a person. It can be an elderly woman or her peers or people younger than her she just speaks out her mind. How many of us do that now days? I do agree that it depends on the situation when we want to speak out our mind but if we do we won’t be complicating life right?

Besides that, in my opinion, most of them who study for the major degrees such as law, doctor and engineer their sense of humor will eventually decrease since gradually they will favor more on serious talks which lead back to their profession but she made me change that outlook. She has a great sense of humor whereby she eventually made the others in the restaurant laugh as well. The scene was like this. She wore a white blouse and was eating a noodle dish where one of its main ingredients was soy sauce. All of a sudden her action made the bowl and the cup of tea topple. She quickly got up forgetting her phone.

“My blouse is white so I didn’t want it to get dirty but I forgot my I-phone.” she sighed and mostly laughed. From then till I reached home her consistent chat in the car just ends up in laughter.

People are interesting and their exterior sometimes will never be related to their interior. Another interesting character yesterday was my teacher’s second daughter. She always as this serious face and I end up thinking she is very much focused on her life and career and not really on people who don’t really know how to start-up a conversation like me. Actually, she is this funny and sporting girl who will always be there for her loved ones even if at times if she is forced to do something for them.

We will never really understand a person until we sit down for a cup of coffee and sometimes it may also turn into dinner with a table of people. Communication is the only way for us to flip through the pages of the book. So, never put a stop for knowing different people, it will make us less judgemental of the cover and take a chance. :D

Treasure the best, tolerate the rest and life will be an interesting test! Hope all of you out there had an interesting weekend!

The Indian version of "Thanksgiving"

Pongal festival marks the arrival of the month of “Thai” (the 10th month in the Hindu calendar) and it is celebrated to thank the Sun. The existence of plants and other living organisms are due to the presence of Sun. Sunlight is an important element in photosynthesis and is the reason for the proliferation of plants. Our main food source is rice. Thus, after all, the hard work farmers will pray for their reliance on the sun to be paid off. As a result, they will celebrate the resemblance of the sun which can be seen by the amount of harvest they obtain.

The amount of sweat and dedication towards the planting of paddy will be celebrated like a festival especially in villages back in India. The place to cook the sweet rice (Pongal) will be setup with sugarcanes, bricks and sometimes “kolam” will be in the base to accentuate the festival spirit. The setup will be as below:

Example of setup.
Source: Google

Firstly, milk is added to the decorated pot and we wait for it to boil. Once the milk shows signs of flowing out from the pot, everyone will cheer “Pongolo pongal” at that moment and then subsequently rice will be added together with some water if the liquid is not enough. Later on, jaggery, dried fruits, cashews, and ghee are added. All are mixed together and then some of the contents will be scooped out to see whether it’s cooked overall. Once the cooking process is completed, the “Pongal” can be consumed right after the prayers.

The second day of the month “Thai” is dedicated to appreciating the cows which also contribute to the farm works. Before the introduction of modern technology, the farms were managed traditionally whereby buffalos are used to plow the land and also to carry out other heavy jobs. The buffalos/ cows will be bathed and decorated and “Pongal” will be cooked once again as the first day but instead of us consuming it, it will be served to the buffalos/cows.

Source: Google 

The following day, Pongal will be done by unmarried women who pray to be blessed with a fruitful marriage life soon. This commemoration leads to the unity of women from different backgrounds and this may lead to a new friendship. Moreover, when an entire family gathers for the girl she will feel belonged and believe that she will always be one of the family even though when she has to leave her home in the future. The love towards each other grows.

The celebration of “Pongal” is all about celebrating hard work and expression of gratitude towards nature (Sun) and to the living organisms who lend a hand without expecting anything in return. Besides that, it also strengthens the bond and gives hope for better days ahead. Solutions for our problems can be found when we open our heart and mind to the opportunities out there without relinquishing. Moreover, it’s also about the realization of our role not only for those as farmers but also everyone else as humans. When “The Sun” is able to flourish our planet, we too should contribute in making our planet a better place to live. Firstly, would be by appreciating the food we get and avoid wastage since there are more unfortunate people who are struggling to have food on the table. Changes in our environment are also due to irresponsible human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, open burning which leads to changes in the climate as well. Changes in these gradually lead to the lower proliferation of crops. Thus, “Pongal” is not only about happiness and celebration but also about realization and acknowledgment as well.

It is always special when we are able to celebrate a festival with so many values together outside our home. During my 1st year, Tamil Language Unit (TLU), Jeli Campus organized an event called “Aghniyin Varnam” which was based on  Pongal celebration. It’s an annual event and I was glad to be in the committee. One of the best parts would be the “Pongal cooking competition”, where we had Malay and Chinese participants as well. Reminiscing those fun filled moments and waiting to create more as “ONE”.

                    

Things provided for the Pongal cooking competition 

All the teams setting up the place to cook the pongal.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder

University or college life is all about the endless fun we have despite the downs and making through it with a smile. Our family drops us at the University/college and waits there till we finish the process of registration and check in into our room. Then it’s time to bid farewell and the next moment we will be standing there wiping off the tears which just comes untold. For the early weeks, there will be constant calls from home or we will be making calls several times a day. After some time, it reduces and what would the reason be? I will say it’s because of S.E.N.I.O.R.S.

They are actually the light at the end of the tunnel .The first thing they teach us will be,

1.    “Learn to trust your circle of friends and it’s never wrong to share your burden.”

It’s a normal phenomenon where we don’t immediately trust our circle of friends but treat them more as an acquaintance at first. But there are some lucky ones who gain each other’s trust in a short period and then the road to creating memories begins. For those naive or shy ones our seniors lend a hand. I did learn a lot from some of my seniors and had direct interaction with them and while the ones I didn’t get too often, they did influence me in a good way. For example, there was my senior who always emphasized on togetherness and he would quote,

“Remember at the end of the day, we are all ONE!”

"OHANA"

His spirit and attitude rubbed off on all of us and it was brought down gradually. Seniors are also the ones who will stand by us when there’s trouble regardless of the degree of closeness.

2.    “A friend in need is a friend indeed”

A busy schedule or pending assignment does not stop them from lending their ears to our problems. Most importantly, till the problem is solved we will be in their mind but they won’t allow us to be too dependent on them. It’s like killing two birds with a stone. They help us and build us at the same time. Initially, after talking to them we will be confident in making a decision and stay put even though the decision leads to a rough road. During the discussion, the existence as seniors and juniors just dissipates.

1st batch seniors (some missing in action)

3.    “All work and no play makes Jake a dull boy.”

Organizing events as a team is stressful. We have to ensure that everything is right, starting from the preparation till the day of the event. We might have shown our anger or stress to others but once the event comes to an end all the grudges will be kept aside and initially subside once everyone hits the dance floor. All of us will be there without any judgments by just enjoying that moment. Besides that all of us will make an effort to go out for dinner (mostly) together and laugh out till our stomach hurts. Life does not revolve on studies only.

2nd batch seniors

4.    “Share knowledge and never doubt it.”

Before stepping into the next semester, we will approach our seniors with questions regarding the subjects and what we can expect to learn from that specific subject. They ensure us it is ok to go for the subject of our choice. Other than that, when we are in a dilemma regarding our assignments or projects they are never far away. They are even willing to spend their time teaching us sports and encourage us to play better and excel in studies as well.

5.    “Go as far as you can and remember that love will always unite us.”

One of my friend posted in Facebook stating “You taught us so many things but didn’t teach us to be without you guys.” That is the amount of care they have towards us and never made us doubt even for once even though the first two senior batches have left the campus. Their consistent support and endless encouragement always makes us perform better and of course miss them more.

3rd batch seniors (some missing in action)

Officially the third batch of seniors will be leaving campus and then it will be “US”. I’m sure all of us can’t imagine the speed of time and at the same time; we can’t imagine life has to go on without them. The memories we created together will always be cherished and hopefully, we will be able to be “S.E.N.I.O.R.S” like you guys and accept all our imperfections like how you did and always be ready to be there for our beloved juniors. The untold tears are back, as a sign of gratitude and love for the family which came as a blessing. Distance makes the heart grow founder, so till we meet again

“WE LOVE YOU SENIORS!”

Truth or Dare

Life can be miserable yet in that absurdity we will feel motivated and try our best to be ourselves. We might be floating calmly in the sea when all of a sudden we might be hit by a wave. So will you escape by swimming to the shore or enjoy the moment or just let yourself get washed away? The choice is yours.

What is your answer?

I do know that life sometimes revolves around the thought where society thinks us as the perfect son or daughter who doesn’t cross the line drew by their parents. But, you know what; sometimes just prove this society wrong. Break the rules and have some fun but know the limits. This is your life so just be focused on doing or achieving what you want instead of matching people’s thoughts. For example, you wish to study on agriculture or forestry or any other new courses which are not familiarized by others out there; Just do it! Your job scope will not be equivalent working as a doctor, engineer or even lawyer but don’t give up. Do it for your own satisfaction and feel gratitude that you are gaining knowledge. Don’t give a second thought about others comment even if it’s your friends or family members. Just make sure you get your parents blessing and if they disagree at first, persuade a little and explain them about your passion. Be confident when you do so and then I bet they will be more willing to understand and let you go. Every field as its own niche and when you master it then you will be unstoppable. Go far away from home and explore. Be focused not only on gaining related knowledge but also gain experiences which will shape you into a better person. Regardless of any institution, make sure you obtain your tertiary studies; don’t miss the knowledge and excitement.

Of course, the pathway towards success is never easy and if your plans get stopped abruptly; firstly be calm. Easy said than done right? I agree with that fact but breaking down every time you think about the fact that pulled you down doesn’t bring you anywhere.  When there’s a will, there’s a way. Failures are temporary; they do not define your future. Thus, be persistent in achieving your goals. Maybe you have to work to support you family, so keep your studies on a part-time basis. Besides that, if your ambition of gaining entrance into a sports school at a young age backfired for example, then seek for other available opportunities. At this current point, Sacrifices have to be made to utilize that opportunity but it will be worthwhile. The happiness when we achieve what we want cannot be compared with others because that sense of fulfillment will make us work wonders and eventually will bring us to different heights.

So it all comes down to us being true to ourselves. Love what you do particularly when it comes to gaining knowledge. Knowledge might not be from books but from skills such as culinary skills, or other skills which are related to maintenance activities carried on a daily basis (e.g. plumbing); Go for it! Remember that knowledge comes in different versions, so make sure your mind is open for more.  Accept challenges and dare yourself but in that process don’t forget to be true to yourself. So, is it truth or dare?

Picture: Google images

The gates to heaven will always be open when our hearts are.

No matter how many New Year come and go the death of our loved ones will always haunt us. Rather than every New Year, I would consider it as each day. Moving on is never easy for anyone and sometimes to overcome the pain it may take years. The hole in the heart can never be mended as well as be filled in by someone else. The shock of their loved one's demise is just too hard to accept and live in reality and there are to some who attempt suicide.

Well, losing a parent makes a child to struggle throughout their life. If they lose either one parent or both parents at a young age, they will never be able to recall any fond memories. It’s actually more pathetic than those who lose their parent at a considerably older age since they will be some fond memories still intact. I agree the level of the pain is intolerable at any degree. But I do have friends that lose their father when they were too small and their mother is the one person who ensures they don’t lose touch about their father. Well, fate has its own way of declaring things. I lose my father 3 years back, and until now his absence makes my eyes well. I do wish he would stay longer and we could have done many things together but unfortunately, we had to say our goodbyes. It was a huge battle but at least mom and I have come all this way holding each other’s hand with the belief that he will always watch us from Heaven.

When grandfather passed away, which was a few months after father passed away it was like the entire scene being replayed. But this time, there was the acceptance that death comes unannounced so cherish the present moments and may the past remain as wonderful memories. It was a year full of sorrow but I admired the optimism of the deceived companions which are my mother and grandmother. Their optimism outshine the rest and when I sat and talk that is where I got an important lesson.

“Miss them but do not deprive your happiness because when you’re happy your heart will be open to new things and with that you can always feel their presence.”

One of my favorite sentence from the book "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes
(P.S- It might not be suitable for all situations but in my opinion it is still acceptable for certain.)

It’s not about me here, but it’s about every soul out there who has lost their loved ones. I know how it feels and nothing can be done to compensate the pain. But do know that when you are happy they will too.When you explore new things or achieve something they will be smiling at you from heaven. Find happiness in the smallest things. Watching TV or having dinner together with family can be considered as one or any other traditions which you do as a whole continue doing it. It’s a way of appreciating their presence. Every step you take in life, they will be there to guide you. Maybe not by standing right beside you but someone else might lend a hand and this might remind you of them. Live the life which you always wanted because the ones you love for sure want the best for you even though they are not around.

Open your heart to life’s wonders gradually. Eventually, you will see the beauty of it and know that your heart will always be the transit for you and love ones to meet because each heartbeat is for them; they know it. You will feel their presence virtually. Each person has their own story and also each has their own time frame to grieve. But I do hope I enlighten you a little on never giving up in life. Question the unfairness, but do not dwell on it. Cherish the bond FOREVER.

Picture: Google images

All rain and no sunshine

The 2nd day of the year with a negative topic and I bet you all will be wondering why such a gloomy title. Well, rain seems to specifically like the geographical location I’m in and I don’t blame it of course. The state of Kelantan became famous in 2014, ever since the flood hit and the damage it caused was unforgettable. Kelantan became my second home every since I enrolled as a degree student in University of Malaysia, Kelantan (UMK), Jeli campus on 1st September 2014. Now I’m in my 3rd year and my finals are going on. Seriously, for the current weather you will not feel like studying except for hibernating. But it doesn’t happen since all of us always want to give our best. So, after all, the hard work we instantly hit the bed and forget the world.

On the New Year, we had to sit for a paper and the night before the exam, there was just too many news. Certain schools in Terengganu and Tanah Merah (a one hour journey from my campus) closed due to flood. Everywhere water level is rising and as far as it’s scary to witness it we still hold on tight hoping that nothing will happen. No one can stop Mother Nature’s doing, but we can sit back and relax and take in the situation as an experience. It may sound crazy but I think others have seen more that what I and my other friends in campus have seen. In my campus, the road to the girl’s hostel (Pinggiran UMK) is half way gone (closed now since it’s considered as a dangerous zone) due to the landslide caused by the continuous heavy rain and the road towards the boys’ hostel has sunk. To me, it’s minor since the exams are still going on as usual despite all the hurdles.

The way to boy's hostel.

The road leading to girl's hostel.

But the real warriors above all are those who were the victims of the 2014 flood. The students who were in my campus without electricity and water supply, the city campus (Pengkalan Chepa) students who had to walk to safety with the water level till their chest and not forgetting the people of Kelantan state especially those who had their own businesses had to face a big loss. Everyone who was present during the disaster was part of it and that is where I saw real courageous people who were positive enough to continue their life regardless of the damage the flood has done. Students too were able to overcome their trauma and continue studying in UMK. The management of the University did a good job in restoring back the city campus which needed most of the attention and also successfully sent back all the students who were here during the study week. Of course, gratitude should be extended to JPAM, Red Crescent Society (BSMM) and other government and non-government organizations who played their role in ensuring all the victim's safety.

The memory till now is fresh in everyone’s mind and now being a 3rd-year student I feel privilege being a UMK student since it has given me memorable experiences. For those who want have a new experience, then never think twice to step into UMK. At first, the distance from home mattered most but now the life lessons (especially survival skills) I ‘m gaining from time to time are much more important. Hopefully, it’s not too late to wish a happy new year and have a fantastic year ahead of everyone! Specially, to students of UMK let's be strong as always guys!

P.S – Current situation in Kelantan is quite bad (hopefully it won't become worst) as well as Terengganu. Please pray for this situation to subside soon. You get updates from Portal Ebanjir Negeri Kelantan as well.

This is the current situation in Kota Bharu.