Sugam Newsletter - January Issue

JAN. 2021 | VOL. 1 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SUGAM HOUSE About SUGAM More stories inside: SUGAM is a non-profit organisation formed in 2003, aimed at SCH STUDENT'S STORIES - 1 societal transformation through arts and culture. We believe in long-term sustainable growth and in giving back to SK STUDENT'S STORIES - 7 society. As such, our initiatives are aimed at empowering communities in a transparent, measurable and accountable way SVS STUDENT'S STORIES - 14 to enable them to be independent and to enhance development. We strive to create real and lasting positive social changes for SUGAM ANNOUNCEMENT - 20 Malaysia through our work in the following focus areas: Arts, Culture & Education, via our institutions Sugam Culture & Heritage Foundation, Sugam Karnatica and Sugam Samskhaaraa. VISION Arts and Culture for a better world. MISSION Transforming communities through arts and culture. CORE VALUES S . P . I . C . E (Service . Passion . Integrity . Creativity . Excellence) Service and Passion underpin the cause of our organisation and in the implementation of the organisation’s activities for the benefit of the community. Integrity is constantly upheld in the governance of the organisation as well as in community relations. Our Creativity transcends traditional ideas and rules to create meaningful new forms, methods and interpretations to help execute programmes of the organisation as well as invent novelty products and services for the community. Our commitment to Excellence is by being and delivering the best. OUR GOALS To enhance the standard of living and quality of life for communities through an innovative curriculum featuring arts and culture. To provide a platform for young people to obtain affordable, quality arts and creative education to contribute in developing an innovative nation. Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage. EDITIORAL TEAM - 21

Through The Eyes Of A Winner WRITTEN BY ABIRAMI S.RAJ KUMAR, 17 As we venture deeper into this pandemic, many \"I would say that when I of us seek various ways to bide our time. Some of learn a new lesson and can us discover new talents and hobbies, some of us immediately get it right. It focus on refining our existing talents and look for gives me a sense of pride different ways to further pursue them. and pushes me to keep on Sudharshaana Muralidharan is no exception to learning.\" this. An abundantly talented young girl in the field of carnatic arts, she recently participated in the Abirami: That’s a great reason! How was your Malaysian International Carnatic Music Festival experience at the competition? Since it was a virtual (MYICMF) and won 3rd place in the Vocal Krithi one. Subsenior Category! Keep reading to learn more Sudharshaana: I was quite nervous and scared, about this talented and enterprising budding considering that I’ve never done anything like this singer. before, it was definitely nerve wrecking but also exciting. Abirami: Hi Sudharshaana, hope you are well! It’s Abirami: Totally! I know the feeling. So, how much wonderful to speak with you! practice did you put into this competition? Sudharshaana: I practiced every day for two hours Sudharshaana: Hi there! I’m well, thank you. It’s a in the morning and two hours at night, starting from pleasure to be doing this, thank you for giving me three weeks prior to the competition. My dad would this opportunity! accompany me and help correct my mistakes and contact my sangeetham teachers for further help. It Abirami: No problem! What made you decide to was quite tiring but definitely worth it. participate in MYICMF? During MYICMF Sudharshaana: Well, I wanted to take it as a challenge because it’s an international competition and I’ve only been competing at the national level or internally in Sugam Karnatica.

Through The Eyes Of A Winner WRITTEN BY ABIRAMI S.RAJ KUMAR, 17 Abirami: Wow, that’s a lot of effort that you put in! \"I would say that when I How long have you been learning sangeetham learn a new lesson and can for? Do you enjoy it? immediately get it right. It gives me a sense of pride Sudharshaana: I’ve been learning sangeetham for and pushes me to keep on six years. Yes, I do enjoy it. Learning music always learning.\" Sudharshaana brings out the best in me, so I’m always enthusiastic to learn more. Interview session Abirami: I see, since this was an international Abirami: That’s great! What is your favourite part competition and you were afraid in the beginning, about learning sangeetham? did participating and winning take away most of that fear ? Sudharshaana: I would say that when I learn a new lesson and can immediately get it right. It Sudharshaana: Yes, exactly. gives me a sense of pride and pushes me to keep on learning. Abirami: Alright Sudharshaana, that’s all the questions that I have for you! Thank you for your Abirami: How does carnatic arts impact your life? enlightening and inspiring answers. Here’s wishing you all the best in your carnatic arts journey! Hope Sudarshaana: Carnatic arts helps me further to see more wins from you in the future! Have a identify myself with my culture and heritage. It good day. also helps me to be more focused in my academics, makes me more creative, and it gives Sudharshaana: Thank you so much! Hope you have me a broader spectrum of knowledge in the field a good day as well. of music. Abirami: That’s some awesome benefits! So, did winning in the MYICMF competition motivate you in any way? Sudharshaana: It definitely motivated me to put in more effort into practicing consistently. It also taught me to be more forthcoming to bigger challenges and not back down from it. Annoucement of Winners

Sugam Culture & Heritage: Who we are WRITTEN BY J. TANISHA DEVI, 13 Most people think of Sugam as a place to learn to \"Behind every creative sing, dance and play some musical instruments. endeavour exists a more It’s much more than that. Sugam is an profound concept.\" organisation aimed at societal transformation through arts and culture. Initially formed as Founders of Sugam Sugam Sangeet Sabha in 2003, the organisation Their creativity transcends traditional ideas and changed its name to the current Sugam Culture rules to create meaningful new forms, methods and and Heritage Foundation (SCH) five years later to interpretations to help execute programmes of the reflect its focus of leveraging the arts and culture organisation and invent novelty products and to transform and progress the community. The services for the community. Last but not least the organization was founded by Sujietra Jayaseelan, word excellence refers to their commitment to be Sumitra Jayaseelan and Subatra Jayaseelan, three the best and deliver the best. talented sisters who had forged their niche in the Behind every creative endeavour exists a more Carnatic music industry. Through their endeavour, profound concept. Imagine what the world would Sugam Karnatica, the three sisters began offering be like if we just stopped creating. We wouldn’t classical music to the masses. even be where we are now. That’s why Sugam Why was Sugam created? It’s aim was to serve Culture and Heritage was created to help blossom communities in a transparent, measurable, and the full potential of people and communities and accountable way to enable people to be lead them like a magical divine rod directing their independent and enhance their development. powers to create and inspire change. Arts and This organisation endeavours to create real and culture are not only notable to us but also a crucial lasting positive social changes for Malaysia tool for a holistic existence. through their contribution in Arts, Culture & Education, via their wings Sugam Karnatica and Sugam Samskara. Everyone has their own goals, right? Sugam has its own goals too. One of their goals is to enhance the standard of living and quality of life for communities through an innovative curriculum featuring arts and culture. As daunting as the task appears to be, Sugam has its own unique way of achieving it. Sugam provides a platform for youth to obtain affordable, quality arts, and creative education to contribute in developing an innovative nation. This is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of a community.I would like to add on their core values too. Ever heard of spice? Spice to Sugam is actually not about tantalising the tastebuds, but each alphabet represents an intrinsic value. S is for service, P is for passion, I is for integrity, C is for Creativity, and E is for Excellence. Service and passion underpin the cause of the organisation and in the implementation of the organisation’s activities for the benefit of the community. Integrity refers to Sugam’s role in constantly upholding the governance of the organisation as well as in community relations.

Sugam - The Journey WRITTEN BY SUSHMEETA BALAN KUMAR, 19 I was introduced to Sugam in 2015 by an old \"I am forever thankful for friend. He described Sugam as “a place that educates people in our arts and culture”. And to that because it made me a that friend, I will never be able to thank you enough! I remember it as clear as day, 3rd March better singer and allowed 2015, I walked into the grounds of Sugam, clearly without an inkling as to what was in store for me, me to discover the wonders but as I started engaging in the numerous activities that Sugam had organized, I slowly of Carnatic music.\" unravelled the pages of the story of Sugam’s evolution. Formerly known as Sugam Sangeet In 2015, when I joined, Teacher Suji, one of the Sabha when it was formed in 2003, this arts sisters, accepted me into Sugam with open arms education institution aimed to provide music and a huge smile on her face. She explained that lessons. I never thought people could work with Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad consisted of Sugam their siblings, I could never agree on even one Karnatica - providing formal and non-formal Indian thing with my brother, but that ideology changed arts and culture programmes (all Indian classical when I met the founders of Sugam, the three arts - Sangeeetham, dance, and several instruments) sisters - Sujietra Jayaseelan, Sumitra Jayaseelan as well as Sugam Samskharaa - a cultural institution and Subatra Jayaseelan. providing education in Vedic values and culture Later, in 2008, Sugam Sangeet Sabha was (Vedic Chanting, Bhagavad Gita, Bhajan, Yoga, converted to Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad where Sugam Sunday School). These new concepts were they not only provided music lessons, but also introduced in 2013. I immediately decided to enrol other classical arts including instruments and for Sangeetham classes. Teacher Suba, another dance for people across all ages. Furthermore, sister, was my Sangeetham teacher. She worked Sugam introduced an interesting initiative,’Sugam hard to bring out the best in every one of her Sunday School’. Here, children could enrol to students. Every line, word and note had to be sung learn about the beauty of our Hindu culture while in perfection before we moved on. I am forever enjoying some lovely Milo and Nasi Lemak during thankful for that because it made me a better singer breaks! and allowed me to discover the wonders of Carnatic music. Sugam students posing with Teacher Suji shortly after Not only does Sugam Karnatica provide classes, its painting Sugam House. students are trained to perform from an early stage to boost their confidence via an annual concert put up by Sugam Karnatica. I learnt that this annual event, Music Carnival, where we witnessed hundreds of other Sugam students perform on stage to showcase what they had learnt throughout the year, was a tradition. Each year, as the days pass, I look forward to this event in anticipation, as it is very exciting. Not only did I enjoy the sounds of the many instruments such as the violin, Mridangam, Tabla, Harmonium and Veenai, I felt so privileged watching the Bharatanatyam dancers perform various familiar Carnatic pieces through this concert.

Sugam - The Journey WRITTEN BY SUSHMEETA BALAN KUMAR, 19 I also witnessed little children from the Zizu class, \"I have grown with Sugam, 3-6 years of age, perform a variety of songs and dances soulfully and it was evident that they were and I cannot imagine life dedicated to learning and perfecting the choreography at such a tender age. At the end of without it.\" the show, students are rewarded for their performance throughout the year and the hard Although 2020 was a tough year, Sugam definitely work they put into attaining flying colours in their managed to open up a host of opportunities for theory exams.Apart from that, Sugam has a choir students interested in pursuing a professional career team called ‘TAP to Raagas’- TAP stands for Talent in the mentioned fields. Acceleration Programme. TAP to Raagas has Besides all of this, 41 years ago, when the 3 sisters competed in many competitions and also were young , they used to have puppet shows at performed for many events. I am so proud to be a their home. They were soon joined by a curious and part of this choir. It’s a great experience as interested audience of friends and family, and it together, we learn many new songs and explore started growing bigger and bigger. Noting this, they how to harmonize our voices seamlessly. Teacher decided to incorporate it into Sugam Karnatica, Sumi leads the team, determined to perfect our calling it ‘Sugam Samarpanam’, a holiday coordination and also to bring out the best of our programme. I had no idea what it was, until voices. November 2015 came along and there was so much In 2017, Sugam and Annamalai University of India chatter about this very highly anticipated joined hands to allow students to be examined by programme. Whispers around halls and its highly trained musicians and to be rewarded by a preparations encouraged me to sign up and I can certificate issued by the university. This acted as assure you that it was the best decision I had made an additional examination along with the internal throughout my journey with Sugam! It was super ones provided by Sugam Karnatica itself. In 2020, fun, and so many friendships were built. I felt closer Sugam Arts & Culture Berhad converted to to the Sugam team than I ever did before. Sugam, consisting of Sugam Karnatica, Sugam In 2020, we had to say goodbye to the old Sugam Samskhaara and Sugam Culture & Heritage House before moving into the Sugam Academy Foundation. Under the Sugam Culture & Heritage building. Many of my friends and the Sugam team Foundation many concerts and competitions are came together to paint the house before handing it organised, this includes the prestigious Malaysian over to the owners. It was a very tearful day as so International Carnatic Music Festival. many memories of events conducted in the house Sugam Karnatica also opened up a new system in flashed before our eyes. However, I am convinced 2020 where the older students could choose to Sugam has a bright future ahead and I’m here to pursue their Diploma or Degree in Carnatic vocals, witness it. I am beyond excited to see what’s in store instruments or dance right here in Sugam, with for Sugam and everyone who has been and will be a the examination and certificate awarded by part of it! Annamalai University. In conclusion, Sugam has been a huge part of my life and I’ve loved every single experience encountered here,from the Navarathri performances, external competitions to the charity lunches! I have grown with Sugam, and I cannot imagine life without it. Not only did I learn my culture and Sangeeetham as an art form, I have built numerous relationships and made countless memories. I am now a part of the Sugam family and I couldn’t be prouder!

How the online world took over 2020 WRITTEN BY TAYANAA LOGENTHIRAN, 17 When people mention 2020, what is the first \"Similarly, Sugam thing that comes to your mind? For me, like most people, it is Covid-19. Many fell sick, many lost Karnatica immediately jobs, but one common thing that affected everyone was the lockdown – the inability to move acted on the situation and freely from one place to another. For Malaysia, it was announced in March 2020. Schools, began searching for the best businesses, and many other sectors in the country, scurried to discover the wonders of our only option for us, their students, alternative – the online platform. as they realised that Covid- Similarly, Sugam Karnatica immediately acted on the situation and began searching for the best 19 had not only put our option for us, their students, as they realised that Covid-19 had not only put our health at risk but health at risk but also our also our education. Not long after, we were introduced to an application that rapidly gained education.\" its fame, “Zoom”. Zoom classes quickly became the new norm. Sugam Karnatica also ensured that At first, all of us were excited! Waking up 5 minutes their team was well-prepared to guide any before an early class was like a once-in-a-lifetime student facing technical issues. opportunity. With almost all events occurring virtually, the phrase ‘In the comfort of your own homes’ became a common one. Zoom classes also brought along many new, funny experiences. Sometimes my classmates would forget to mute their microphones and shout for their parents to bring their books. The whole class would erupt in laughter and through the screen we would watch our friend’s face turn red. Other times, our computers would lag, and our faces would freeze. That’s when screenshots became our worst enemy! Sugam Online Class

How the online world took over 2020 WRITTEN BY TAYANAA LOGENTHIRAN, 17 However, these cherishable moments were \"Regardless of the accompanied by countless obstacles. The challenges, Sugam teaching and learning process became harder as Karnatica made the best of communication was not as effective, especially for the worst times\" instrument learning, where the teachers were unable to place the student’s fingers in the correct position, and for dance classes where the teachers could not lift the drooping elbows of their students. Regardless of the challenges, Sugam Karnatica made the best of the worst times. They went the extra mile to organise Navarathri celebrations, open days and competitions including the Guruguha Challenge, Deiveega Raagam and more, virtually. To top it all off, the Sugam Culture and Heritage team came up with an extraordinary way to continue the tradition of hosting the Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival (MYICMF) 2020, online! Many people, including the students of Sugam Karnatica got the opportunity to perform and witness performers from all around the world, who were able to showcase their talent without spending hours on a flight, because the online world was accessible from every corner of the Earth. Online Events via Facebook In my opinion, I believe that Sugam Karnatica adapted to the new norm in the best way possible and all their hard work has paid off as they ensured that we received the same amount of knowledge that we would have gained in a physical class. However, I am still eagerly waiting for everything to return to normal because it has been a long time since I have seen my teachers and friends and I miss them very much. Online Events via ZOOM

A Chat with Sugam Karnatica’s ‘Big Teacher’ WRITTEN BY THEIVANAI NATARAJAN, 12 Sujitra Jayaseelan, or Teacher Suji as she is fondly \"But as she went on, it known, is one of the founders of Sugam Karnatica, dawned on her that she had and an outstandingly remarkable singer. She this zeal for Carnatic music- started singing at the age of three. At first, she that she’s getting pleasure hadn’t any idea about Carnatic music. But as she by singing Carnatic music.\" went on, it dawned on her that she had this zeal for Carnatic music- that she’s getting pleasure by Music then became a part of Teacher Suji’s life- just singing Carnatic music. like brushing teeth and eating. She found her inner peace by singing and listening to Carnatic music. Teacher Suji first learnt Carnatic music from Mr. This ignited a fire in her to start teaching Carnatic Siva Subramaniam at Sungai Petani, Kedah. At music. That was when she, along with her sisters the age of 12, she continued her training in Subatra and Sumitra, founded Sugam Sangeet Carnatic music under Smt. Vijayalakshmi Sabha, which was later renamed ‘Sugam Karnatica’. Kulaveerasingam. Teacher Suji fancies the ragam Hindholam. She says that this ragam gives a strong, groovy vibe. A ragam such as Hindholam inspires you to sing Carnatic music. Although Teacher Suji didn’t master any instruments, she makes up for it with her singing. Well, she had learnt the harmonium, but I bet she sings a hundred times better! Picture Collage by Aghalya Manimohan, 12

A Chat with Sugam Karnatica’s ‘Big Teacher’ WRITTEN BY THEIVANAI NATARAJAN, 12 Teacher Suji’s favourite aspect in teaching \"Music isn’t magic, We will Carnatic music is the company of the children get the hang of it if we around her. She simply adores interacting with practice daily.\" them and enjoys the easy banter that they share. Besides teaching, Teacher Suji has also performed in several concerts, including the Gems Concert, Navarasa Concert, and the Thyagaraja Fusion Concert. Teacher Suji affirms that the reason for her musical prowess is that she practises Carnatic music every single day. “Music isn’t magic,” she says. “We will get the hang of it if we practice daily.” Teacher Suji advises that if we practise Carnatic music on a daily basis, we will certainly earn the inner peace that she did.

Leaving Sugam House… WRITTEN BY DHARSHANA SIVANESHWARAN, 14 Leaving anything that we have created a strong \"One of my favourite things bond with, is hard for everyone, and this was true about the house was the for us at Sugam. We had to leave the Sugam slope at the front of the House because of the current pandemic situation. garden.\" Sugam House has been more than a school for many of us. In the last eight years, we have Teacher Suji said, “Of course I was sad to move out created memories, had many performances and of Sugam House, but it was an unavoidable situation celebrated many festivals. One of my favourite mainly because of MCO (movement control order). things about the house was the slope at the front We were very used to moving as we have moved 8 of the garden. All the kids, including myself, had times since we established Sugam in 2003, so I was hours of fun running up and sliding down. What prepped for this. It was still devastating, as we’ve lovely memories. been in this house for over 8 years and was the Sugam is founded by the three Jayaseelan sisters, house that we remained in the longest. It's not the Sujitra, Sumitra and Subatra; known to us Sugam end because there are more places for us. We kids as Teacher Suji, Teacher Sumi and Teacher started small and we grew bigger, not just as a Suba. It would have been the hardest for them to community but as a family. Now we are continuing leave the house, so I decided to get their point of classes online like the rest of the world. I always try view on it. my best to think positive and hopefully the next place we move to will be one to remember too.” Sugam Sisters Sugam House Entrance

Leaving Sugam House… WRITTEN BY DHARSHANA SIVANESHWARAN, 14 Teacher Sumi said, “I liked this house as it had a Food fair at Sugam house lot of space outside and it was always nice to see the kids playing there after class, sliding down the One of the many group sessions slope and running around, and I think this added at Sugam House a lot of life to the whole house. There was also a tree right in front of the house that I liked. It was a Annual Navarathri prayer at Sugam House big, beautiful and majestic Neem tree. Since Neem has medicinal property, I feel that it cast a very good shadow on the Sugam house. Some kids came here when they were 10, and now they are 18. So, they practically grew up in that house. The house had a very good vibration as well. This house will be a very fond part of Sugam’s history.” Teacher Suba said, “It was very emotional to move out because we were in that house for 8 years and have grown to love the place and the vibration inside. The place is one thing, but it’s the people in it that makes it what it is. It was a very tearful experience for all of us and the students as well. Cleaning, packing and then coming back to an empty place was very emotional. I wasn’t happy at first as I was very emotionally attached to the house, but we had to do it for the greater cause of Sugam.” After all the memories that we’ve made there, it is sad but it just might be a good thing to move on to another fresh start. After all, Sugam is not just a place, but a community and a vision.I loved Sugam house for many reasons and it is hard to move on from something that has had a big impact on my life. I’ve been with Sugam since I was 5 and I turn 14 this year. In the ten years, I have made a lot of friends and learnt a lot of things. We were always served with great food at the Sugam House, and it was a good day for me if it was nasi lemak. Sugam is a really big part of my life and I hope that when I am done studying, I can come back and contribute in a way I can, by adding to the growth of another generation of Sugam kids.

GOODBYE SUGAM HOUSE POEM WRITTEN BY SUMITRA JAYASEELAN In 2012 we moved into this house of education, We filled it with our love for arts, culture and tradition We had 8 years of students come and stay, Leaving a lot of memories along the way. Innumerable rehearsals, lively stage performances, The stress of examinations and festival celebrations, Kicking football at the field, having breakfast with friends, Not forgetting times of prayer and giving God our thanks. We shared many memories, we hold it in our core, We taught each other, while learning so much more, 8 years of growth, 8 years of achievement, 8 years of blessings, and 8 years of talent. The pandemic shook us and we had to pivot online, Virtual activities, tasks reassigned, We thank our teaching force for facing the new norm, Reaching out to students, anticipating the end of the storm. We are officially leaving “Sugam House” as it has come to be known, Soon, we will find a new place for our tales to be told. Thank you to our Sugam family for making this space a home, We move to a new one, carrying with us the Sugam chromosome.

Sugam Vedic Fest 2020 WRITTEN BY V. HARSHINI RHEYA NAIDU, 15 The Vedic Fest of 2020, was definitely an \"I, honestly admired the interesting experience. Quite frankly, it was students who stepped up to challenging, annoying and disorientating to do volunteer for the individual everything online, including the pre-event performances.\" preparations. Everyone was buzzing with not only excitement, but also worry during practice runs After the opening, the group presentations began, because there were many setbacks like audio kicking it off with our adorable juniors. Their puppet problems, unstable Internet connection and show performance was without a doubt the cutest, everyone having to do everything individually. with each student using an animal puppet to However, each group had something unique to convey their message of friendship. Next up were bring to the table and worked hard at giving their the Year One students, whose storytelling all to the presentations. presentation was titled “My Puranic Hero”. These seven -year-olds definitely put in a lot of effort into their presentation; each student was dressed in a costume depicting their puranic hero and had told their stories fully in character. It was definitely entertaining seeing all the small Ganeshas, Krishnas and Murugans enthusiastically narrating their puranic tales. Yoga Team Some slides used at the presentation. The little ones all dressed up for the virtual SVS Fest. The yoga team started off the program with a bang, with a surprising amount of energy considering it was at 8.00 in the morning. It was followed by a few students who lead our usual Universal Prayer in both English and Tamil. The mantra chanting was done by multiple students, all whom had memorised beforehand. I, honestly admired the students who stepped up to volunteer for the individual performances before the group ones, as they went the extra mile to work on, not only their part in the group presentation but on an additional mantra, sloka or Thirumurai. For example, the students who volunteered to do Bhagavad Gita recitation had fully memorised both the sloka and translation and delivered it fluently. The students who sang Thirumurais were no less diligent, who had undoubtedly practiced hard as could be seen through their good pronunciation and tune.

Sugam Vedic Fest 2020 WRITTEN BY V. HARSHINI RHEYA NAIDU, 15 The Year Two team, on the other hand, had come \"We adapted, adjusted and up with a mix of a skit and a PowerPoint accommodated to our presentation on the Ramayana, Yudha Kanda. circumstances and managed Each student was dressed up as a character from to pull off our fest as the famous epic, and related different parts of the spectacularly as we do every Yudha Kanda while their teacher shared a year\" PowerPoint presentation with colourful pictures on the screen. The third year students had We had each done a slide on one topic from our prepared a presentation similar to the previous syllabus this year and compiled it into a PowerPoint, two, with the students portraying their characters presenting our slides individually. We’d done our on the topic of the ten avatars of Vishnu or the best to make our slides and presentation as Dasavatara. interesting as possible, so the younger kids could They were followed by the Year Four students who enjoy it as well. We were all proud with our presented the Faces of Mahabharatha, with the performance on the day. likes of The Pandavas, Draupadi and Abhimanyu. So yes, this year’s Sugam Vedic Fest was filled with The fifth and sixth year students who had a surprises and challenges, but we adapted, adjusted slideshow on the planetary system, the seven seas, and accommodated to our circumstances and fasting and japa. Finally, it was our turn, the senior managed to pull off our fest as spectacularly as we group. do every year. My fellow seniors and I during our class presentation. Saying goodbye to SVS for 2020!

Temple worship in the new normal WRITTEN BY JANARDTHAN SURENDRAN, 15 A temple is a calm and holy place. It serves as a Devotees must wear masks upon entering the temple. place to worship our gods. Some temples can also [Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters] be a place where an individual can obtain knowledge. The main reason an individual enters The Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) limited a temple is either to pray or to meditate. The calm the number of individuals that were allowed to surrounding serves as a suitable environment for enter the temple, and social distancing became a people to meditate. The mantras that are chanted must. prasadam and vibhuti are prepared to be by the priest flows into our ears as a calm melody. distributed in order to avoid contact. Worshipers must also wear masks as the mask helps to protect However, a small pathogen just came out of the people around the temple. Children under 12 were blue. That pathogen spreads a disease called not allowed to enter the temple due to their safety. coronavirus 19. It originated from China, and it Due to the stringent SOPs, less people went to the slowly started to make its way around the globe. temple to pray and most opted to pray at home As the cases were rising in Malaysia, our instead. Temple managements introduced new government decided to take swift action and online systems for temple prayers. Temples had declared a lockdown, or as we call it a MCO online pooja sessions so that people could pray at (Movement Control Order) in March of 2020. Due home during a religious day. Some of the religious to this lockdown, people were forced to stay at festivals that were affected by the pandemic were home and all temples were also forced to be held online by temples such the Tamil New Year, closed. After 3 months of MCO, temples were Navarathri, and many more. Our beloved Sugam allowed to operate in June 2020. However, strict also held Navarathri prayers and performances standard operating procedures (SOP) were during Navarathri through online sessions. compulsory to be obeyed in order to put a stop to the spread of the corona virus disease. A temple staff sticking tape on the floor to help worshipers maintain social distancing.

Temple worship in the new normal WRITTEN BY JANARDTHAN SURENDRAN, 15 The experience of the online prayers is not the same with the experience that we can obtain only in the temple. Prayers can be more intimate at home with our families. We can also increase spiritual relationships between family members and chant mantras to create positive vibrations in our homes. We might have to continue this routine for quite a while. In order to enjoy the temple environment, we must work together and follow the instructions given by the government. Together we can overcome this disease, and go to the temple anytime we want. So let’s all pray that this pandemic ends, so that we can live without any worries. This also goes to show that God is everywhere and not just necessarily in the temple surroundings . Devotees watching live online poojas at home

Origin of worship with kavadi - story of Idumban WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA PRABHU, 15 Once upon a time, there lived a demon named Idumban. The name Idumban is very symbolic and it means arrogance. This demon was a disciple of Sage Agathiyar, a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism. One day, Sage Agathiyar ordered Idumban to bring him the Shivagiri and Shaktigiri hills, as he wanted to pray to them as Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma. Idumban, along with his wife, went northward, and prayed to both the hills while chanting the respective mantras. He then used snakes to tie both the hills on either side of a pole and carried the pole on his shoulders as a kavadi. When he was near the hill of Palani, Idumban felt fatigued, and decided to take a break. At this stage, Lord Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. His elder brother, Lord Ganapathy had won the prized ‘nyaanappazham’, or the fruit of wisdom, by simply going round his parents, whom the elder sibling had declared as his whole world. Lord Muruga had instead travelled around the world on his peacock, convinced that he will be the victor. Angry with what he considered as an unfair loss, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came to the foot of the Sivagiri hill. Siva pacified him by saying that Muruga himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the hills where he was at was called Pazham-nee ('You are the fruit') or Palani. (Later Muruga would withdraw to the hill and settle there as a recluse in peace and solitude.) Meanwhile, Lord Muruga spotted Idumban, and decided to play a trick to test his devotion to Sage Agathiyar. Ganapathy receiving the nyaanappazham after going around his parents.

Origin of worship with kavadi - story of Idumban WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA PRABHU, 15 Idumban, refreshed by a good rest, decided to resume his quest. Lifting his pole, he realized he could not lift the hills as they had become too heavy, Idumban noticed a young boy wearing only a loincloth sitting at the hilltop. He demanded that the boy vacate at once, so that he could resume his task. As the boy refused, Idumban flew into a rage and began fighting the boy. Soon, Idumban was defeated and killed. Later, Idumban was brought back to life on the humble request of his wife and Sage Agathiyar. Upon realizing that the young boy was actually Lord Muruga under disguise, Idumban immediately prostrated himself before the lord. He prayed to Lord Muruga for the honour of serving him by standing guard before his temple. He also prayed for Lord Muruga to bless and help all mortals who carry the kavadi to honour the lord, and to rid them of all their miseries. And this, is how people began to worship Lord Muruga with this ceremonial sacrifice of carrying a kavadi. Idumban carrying the Shivagiri and Shakthigiri People carrying kavadis to worship Murugan hills as a kavadi

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