Livonian survival story ~~~ Evika Siliņa !!!

 

An interesting Political post not of what is happening in Tamil Nadu  – believe me – She is not a fashion model but a Politician.  Thousands of miles away is Košrags,  a small village in Kolka Parish, Talsi Municipality, Latvia. It sits on the shore of the Irbe Strait of the Baltic Sea. It is one of twelve Livonian villages on Līvõd rānda (Livonian Coast).

 

One of the most fascinating Livonian stories is the legend of the two survivors after the plague – a tale of near-total extinction and miraculous renewal from the Livonian coast in northwestern Latvia. 

Latvia,  is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia   and Belarus   and shares a maritime border with Sweden Latvia covers an area of 64,573 km2 (24,932 sq mi) with a population of 1.83 million which would compare to that of Thane in India, 7 times smaller than that of  Chennai !!   

The name Latvija is derived from the name of the ancient Latgalians, one of four Indo-European Baltic tribes (along with Curonians, Selonians and Semigallians), which formed the ethnic core of modern Latvians together with the Finnic Livonians 

The good looking women at the start is : Evika Siliņa  a Latvian lawyer and politician who served as prime minister of Latvia from 2023 to 2026.  Recently she had to resign following the collapse of her government coalition,  and remained in office as caretaker prime minister until her successor, Andris Kulbergs, was appointed two weeks later.

 

On 16 August 2023, after the resignation of Krišjānis Kariņš, the New Unity nominated Siliņa as a candidate for the post of prime minister.  The government coalition led by Siliņa won the confidence of the parliamentary majority in the Saeima on 15 September 2023, receiving 53 votes.  In her speech, the new Prime Minister emphasized the need to be more inclusive, which was interpreted as prioritizing gender equality and other progressive goals. For the Russian-speaking minority, inclusion assumes elimination of the "non-citizen" status and integration into the Latvian-based education system.   Siliņa was the second woman to become prime minister of Latvia, following Laimdota Straujuma in 2014–2016. 

On 14 May 2026, Siliņa announced her resignation as Prime Minister after the Progressives withdrew support from her government.  They did so after Siliņa fired Defence Minister Andris Spruds following the explosion of two drones in eastern Latvia during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Andris Kulbergs who serves as the president of the Latvian Authorised Automobile Dealers Association  is the new President now. 

Now that interesting  survival story :    

Before the plague, the Livonian people thrived in villages along Cape Kolka in northwestern Latvia—Melnsils, Kolka, Vaide, Saunags, Pitrags, Košrags, and Mazirbe. They were a Balto-Finnic people, speaking a language related to Finnish and Estonian, fishing in the Baltic Sea, and living peacefully together. Then the plague arrived. It swept through the villages like a silent wolf, killing everyone. One by one, families fell. Fishermen never returned. Children stopped playing. The wooden houses stood empty, and the Livonian language grew quiet.  

When the plague finally ended, only two people remained alive—one in Saunags, the other in Sīkrags.   

The survivor from Saunags woke days later and walked through the dead village, calling names no one answered. He searched for miles until, near Sīkrags, he saw fresh footsteps in the sand. Someone had walked here. Someone was alive. His heart exploded. He dropped to his knees and kissed the footsteps, pressing his lips to the sand where another human being had walked. He cried, tears mixing with the dust.  

From Sīkrags, the other survivor emerged. He had seen the footsteps too. And he, too, kissed them. The two men found each little more than souls from a world that had disappeared. They were the last Livonians in Cape Kolka.  

"We are alone," said the man from Saunags.

"No," replied the man from Sīkrags. "We are two."  

Years later, new people arrived—families from Saaremaa (Estonia) and Finland who sailed across the Baltic Sea for new land. Two brothers from Finland arrived in Košrags and built two wooden houses: Anduļu sēta and Žoki. Their descendants grew up. The names survived. The two Livonian survivors lived long enough to see their people begin again. They never forgot the plague. They never forgot the emptiness. But they remembered the footsteps. They remembered kissing the sand. And they remembered that even when everyone dies, if two people remain, the world is not yet lost. Today, the two houses still stand in Košrags. The Livonian people, though nearly erased, still exist. Their language whispers in the wind along Cape Kolka—a testament to survival after the plague.

 

Māris Štrombergs   is a Latvian former professional BMX racer. In the 2008 Summer Olympics he became the first Olympic champion in BMX cycling.   In 2012 he added to his Olympic title by winning the gold medal in the London Olympics.   In 2018 Māris Štrombergs announced his retirement.

 

Interesting !
 
Regards – S Sampathkumar
7.6.2026

 

SYMA honoured good Samaritan(s) - Childfest 2026

 

Imp Pre-script :  the mind blowing act of honesty   happened in Jan 2026, everybody from the CM to Corporates recognized the person.  Being a Triplicanite, SYMA thought it fit to honour them on stage – that of Childfest 2026 Prize Distribution.  A small write-up coming up rather belatedly. !!

 

The proverb "honesty is the best policy" originated in late 16^th -century England, emphasizing truthfulness as the wisest long-term strategy over deception. It reflects cultural values of integrity in personal and public affairs. Moral character is formed by one's actions. The habits, actions, and emotional responses of the person of good character all are united and directed toward the moral and the good. Character and action are intertwined  

 

The great Thiruvalluvar said : 

தூய்மை துணைமை துணிவுடைமை இம்மூன்றின்

வாய்மை வழியுரைப்பான் பண்பு.

 

It is slightly off the topic yet conveys :  in this Thirukkural, Valluvar highlights the qualities of – ‘Integrity, resourcefulness, soul-determined & truthfulness – as the hallmark of a person who can be a trusted emissary. Integrity and truthfulness are hallmark of great sincere honest people too !!  

Embezzlement in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) primarily falls under Section 405 (Criminal Breach of Trust), defining it as dishonestly misappropriating or converting entrusted property, with Section 406 dealing with general punishments, while Section 409 imposes stricter penalties for specific individuals like public servants, bankers, or agents.  Not to feel tempted and not to usurp other’s asset is a great virtue.    

 

In Indian ithihasam – the epic tale of Harishchandra stands out – a real tell-tale version of striking testament to unyielding honesty, pushing the limits of human endurance. King Harishchandra of Ayodhya, famed for truthfulness, boasted to sage Vishwamitra about his integrity.  He descended into poverty, working as a menial cremation ground keeper enduring lashes and humiliation while upholding his vow.

 

In the 17^th  century, Galileo Galilei honestly shared evidence that Earth orbits the Sun, despite opposition from authorities. Facing house arrest, his truth advanced science and earned posthumous vindication, proving honesty endures beyond personal risk. Benjamin Franklin exemplified honesty through his personal virtues and life experiences, often weaving it into his writings and actions. His autobiography and "Poor Richard's Almanack" highlight stories where truthfulness built trust and success. Franklin listed "Sincerity" as one of his 13 virtues: "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly." He tracked his adherence daily, crediting it for his influence and relationships, as it made others seek his company despite imperfections.

 

Honesty remains a timeless virtue, as illustrated in engaging moral stories that show truthfulness leading to rewards and inner peace.  Triplicane’s couple Mr Subramani & Mrs Padma are epitomes of these virtues.    

 

Srinivas YOungmens’ Association [SYMA] founded in 1977 has been actively engaged in social service, enabling betterment of the society in many ways.  From 1989, we have been running a Medical Centre, where free medical consultation and medicines are provided (at a notional fee of Rs.2/-).   From 2008, we are running a Free Educational support centre – SYMA Growth – taking care of more than 100 years every year. This centre has two X Std sections and one each of +2 Commerce & Science groups.  The beneficiaries are from the economically challenged group of citizens.

 

Childfest is our initiative for the past 3 decades – this year on 7^th & 8^th of Feb 2026  we conducted 10 competitions at NKT National Girls High School – more than 80 schools and 2000 students participated in the two day extraganza.    

0n 8^th Feb 2026 evening, Prize Distribution was held.  The Chief Guests were -  Subedar Major Anandasayanam, more than 3 decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army, (Army Service Corps);  Mrs. A. Jayanthi, a teacher in Army Public Schools across various states Mr Kasi Viswanathan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chennai Super Kings  were on stage.  

On the stage – SYMA honoured Mrs Padma & Mr Subramani [for sure you have seen news about them in various media / social media and more] … still to recap.  In Jan 2026, Mrs Padma employed as a Conservancy worker found a bag in Maharajapuram Santhanam Salai, T Nagar .. .. .. and it was jewellery of 45 Sov (approx 50 lakhs worth!).  without battling an eye-lid, she along with her co-workers and husband went to Pondy Bazaar Police Station and handed over the bounty.  It was simple and plain – it was not mine, someone had missed it and it should reach them !!  moving back a few years, in Feb 2021, her husband Mr Subramani, an auto driver found a bag in Beach road and handed it over to Police – it contained Rs.1.75 lakhs in cash. 

Mr Subramani is well known to Triplicanites – he now drives an auto and earlier was a devoted Sripathamthangi (bearer of vahanams of Perumal) at Sri Parthasarathi swami thirukkovil.  They are shining jewels of Triplicane.    

 

SYMA thought it fit to honour them on stage as they will be a living example of honesty for the future generations.  Those on stage too felt overwhelmed in appreciating and honouring them on stage. 

Here are some photos of the honouring of the couples at SYMA stage on 8^th Feb 2026.  

Regards – S Sampathkumar
Vice – President, SYMA
10.3.2026

Celebrating Women (I know and have heard of !!)

celebrating International Women's Day - remembering great women  !!

My knowledge of Cinema is very low – have not heard of this Hindi movie ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’   directed by Ashutosh Gowariker starring Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone  BUT feel bad in not knowing  Pritilata Waddedar !! – who ??- Gandhi and Congress fought Britishers and got freedom without drop of blood and Jawaharlal Nehru guided the Nation !!!!!  

                    According to Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, King Janaka of Videha Kingdom held a Rajasuya Yagna and invited all the learned sages, kings and princess of India to participate. The yagna lasted for many days. The galaxy of scholars, included the renowned sage Yajnavalkya.  There  were eight renowned sages who challenged him for a debate, which included Gargi, the only lady in the assembled gathering of the learned.  Gargi and Yajnavalkya's exchange centered on the ultimate "warp" of reality ("warp" means "the basic foundation or material of a structure or entity).  

This is a post on ‘wonder women’ ~ it would not require a Nobel for a woman to be impressive and an influencer    before you read further, this post is dedicated to all the Women known and those who influenced me – the list would start with my mother, sister, wife – my teachers at elementary school,  my female colleagues, my women bosses and my dear friends).. ..  also to those women who zip past in the morning – the Conservancy workers of Chennai metropolis.

Today (8th March) is International Women’s Day .. ..  Appreciating all Women I know right from my mother, wife, sister, sister-in-law, relatives, teachers, women bosses, female colleagues – and all feminine gender known to me- my  special greetings to all of them  ~  Happy International Women's Day 2026.

  

March 8, 2020 was a Red letter day  for  Indian women's cricket. India's maiden appearance in a T20 World Cup final, against defending champions Australia, drew 86,174 spectators at the MCG - the most ever at a women's or men's T20 World Cup final and for a women's sporting event in Australia.  India lost that match !  .. .. years later at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai in Nov 2025, India  won their first-ever Women's ODI Cricket World Cup  defeating South Africa by 52 runs.  In that finals India posted 298-7, with key contributions from Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (58), before bowling out South Africa for 246.

In some ways this is a western concept – marking a day and attaching all importance to it by marketing it. Our literature has cherished  place for women and traditionally we are taught to respect women. Our moral stories are replete with instances of obeisance to mother and femininity holding them in high regard; yet 8th Mar would be a special day.

Any reference to women of fame would not be complete with writing about ‘Avvaiyar’ -  great tamil poetess  whose statue also stands in the marina closer to Queen Mary’s college. She  lived in the southern parts attributed to sangam period. Reverred to be noble besides her extraordinary poetic skills, the term means ' respected old woman' or 'Grandmother'. Her works include Purananuru and Aathichoodi. She had cordial relations with the Kings Pari and Athiaman.  

There are many others who achieved, though not as famous – Reena Kaushal Dharkshaktu was the first woman to reach South pole and Sucheta Kadethankar was the first to have walked across Gobi desert.   Devika Rani was the first recipient of the prestigious film prize, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.  Rajkumari Amrit Kaur from the Princely family of Kapurthala was the first Women Cabinet minister – she was the health minister in the Indian Cabinet for ten years after India's independence from the British Raj in 1947.

In Sept 2022,  a young Kurdish woman was detained in Tehran after allegedly breaching the country’s strict dress code. Days later, the 22-year-old died in custody — allegedly after being beaten by police.  Mahsa Amini’s death unleashed a wave of protests under the slogan “Women, life, freedom,” which came to express decades of discontent not only with the country’s veiling laws but with the ruling system itself.  

If there is one field where Men & Women compete together – it is Horse racing   where men and women compete directly against each other on equal terms, sharing the same tracks, prize money, and glory. While historically male-dominated, female jockeys regularly compete alongside men, and studies show they are often slightly underestimated by betting markets.

Jamie Melham is an acclaimed Australian jockey known for breaking barriers in horse racing. She has achieved historic milestones as one of the top female riders globally. Born in 1995 as Jamie Lee Kah, she started racing at 15 and won her first premiership in 2012.  She secured the 2025 Caulfield Cup on Half Yours, making her the first woman to win it, followed by the Melbourne Cup on the same horse, becoming only the second female winner after Michelle Payne.   By early 2026, she was named Woman of the Year.

If you still remember that name at the start – “Pritilata Waddedar” – here is something on that great woman [5.5.1911 – 24.9.1932] – a mere 21 years !

She studied in  Chittagong and Dhaka, attended Bethune College in Kolkata;  graduated in philosophy with distinction and became a school teacher. She is praised as "Bengal's first woman martyr". Pritilata joined a revolutionary group headed by Surya Sen and led  fifteen revolutionaries in the 1932 armed attack on the Pahartali European Club, during which one person was killed and eleven injured. The revolutionaries torched the club and were later caught by the colonial police.  Pritilata was born in a middle-class Vaidya Brahmin family  in Dhalghat village in Patiya upazila of Chittagong (now in Bangladesh).

In 1932, Suriya Sen planned to attack the Pahartali European Club which had a signboard that read "Dogs and Indians not allowed". [Remember this epic instance was clumsily captured in Rajnikant starrer Maaveeran]   Surjo Sen decided to appoint a woman leader for this mission. Kalpana Datta was arrested seven days before the event. So,  Pritilata was assigned the leadership of the attack.  On the day of the attack, Pritilata dressed herself as a Punjabi male. Her associates Kalishankar Dey, Bireshwar Roy, Prafulla Das, Shanti Chakraborty wore dhoti and shirt. Mahendra Chowdhury, Sushil Dey and Panna Sen wore lungi and shirt.  They attacked the club building and set it alight.  There was firing from inside by the Police officers.

An injured Pritilata was trapped by the colonial police;  She swallowed cyanide to avoid getting arrested. In Bangladesh, she hailed as an ideal woman.    A trust named Birkannya Pritilata Trust (Brave lady Pritilata Trust) was found in her memory. Pritilata's birthday is celebrated by the trust in different places of Bangladesh and India every year. The last end of Sahid Abdus Sabur Road to Mukunda Ram Hat of Boalkhali upazila in Chittagong has been named as Pritilata Waddedar Road.  In 2012, a bronze sculpture of Pritilata Waddedar was erected in front of the Pahartali Railway School, adjacent to the historical European Club.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (transl. We Play with Passion)  is  an account of the 1930 Chittagong armoury raid -   an attempt on 18 April 1930 to raid the armoury of police and auxiliary forces from the Chittagong armoury in the Bengal Presidency of British India by armed Indian independence fighters led by Surya Sen.  The group included Ganesh Ghosh, Lokenath Bal, Ambika Chakrobarty, Harigopal Bal (Tegra), Ananta Singh, Anand Prasad Gupta, Tripura Sen, Bilash Dey, Bidhubhusan Bhattacharya, Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutta, Himangshu Sen, Binod Bihari Chowdhury, Subodh Roy, Monoranjan Bhattacharya.  Now honestly tell 3yourself – whether you know or read about any of these personalities who sacrificed their life for our freedom !!   .. .. [Mahatma Gandhi got us freedom without drop of blood and Jawaharlal Nehru guided the Nation!!]

In the footsteps of legendary PT Usha, Hima Das was a sprinter.   She holds the current Indian national record in 400 m with a time of 50.79s that she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games. She is the first Indian athlete ever to win gold medal in a track event at the World U20 Championships.  She received the Arjuna Award in 2018. A few years ago, Indian sprinter Hima Das    was  inducted as Deputy Superintendent of Assam Police and referred to the moment as a childhood dream coming true.  

Appreciations and greetings to all  Women known and those who influenced me – and pranams to those great women like Pritilata

With regards – S. Sampathkumar
8.3.2026

  

  

celebrating Women's Day 2026

 

Chennai Corporation celebrated Womens’ Day 2026 at Marina beach – honouring Women Health workers, Sanitary workers & drivers.

Part of the celebrations ! a group performing gymnastics !!

: https://youtu.be/6rmm5hSDOSA

NZ crushes SA in the first Semis - enters Finals

 

Ever heard of ‘Riigikogu’ ??    the unicameral parliament of Estonia. In addition to approving legislation, the Parliament appoints high officials, including the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and elects the President. Can you identify this good looking person ?

 

ICC Men T20 WC 2026 .. .. first Semis over much ahead of time and in a fashion that not many would have guessed. Match did not go down the wire but was over with 43 balls remaining and 9 wickets in hand !!  Meek submission ! 

The first Semis was a  good thing that millions watched as the two neutral teams are also by far the most affable teams.  Two generally likeable sides who have - somehow - yet to lift an ICC white-ball trophy between them since 2000.  Often the much stronger South Africa is pulled down as ‘chokers’ while Kiwis propel in strenuous circumstances.  

Not exactly a safe sail as New Zealand's campaign was challenged in multi-facets.  They beat Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE through the group stages but lost badly to South Africa and in Super 8 – their first match against Pakistan was a washout;  lost to England and had to  rely  on an external result to qualify. They owe their place in the last four to a commanding win over Sri Lanka, and Srilanka not succumbing meekly to Pakistan.  Meanwhile, South Africa had a great ride beating every team and looking menacing !! 

BUT today’s match at Eden Garden was a dampsquib.  SA managed to set a target of 170 which NZ rolled sure winning by 9 wickets with 43 balls to spare.  Before the match none would have guessed the way the match would end and most likely not – the Man of the Match. 

The player of the day came to be known well to Indian crowds in Mar 2021, when he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore as Josh Philippe's replacement.  Recently, in Dec  2025 IPL mini Auction he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rupees 2 Crores. An Opener who can also keep wickets, a hard hitter of the leather has been a name to have in T2os; he announced his arrival with a bang in 4 overs at SCG in 2022 T20 WC.  Then he  smashed a 48-ball hundred against Pakistan in Dunedin, with a New Zealand T20I record of 16 sixes. 

Finn Allen is the name, born in Auckland in Apr 1999 he is known for   explosive hitting.  Today the web is full of searches for - Finnley Hugh Allen !!

 

There were enough indicators when Tim Seifert and Allen opened and thrashed making 84 in the power play.  In the 6^th over, Allen was harsh on Corbin Bosch laundering him  for a sequence of 6,4,4,4,4 in a 22-run over. Though Seifert made 50 first, it was Allen on the way. 

With such a power hitting, the Black Caps have booked a spot in just their second Twenty20 World Cup final in the most emphatic way, crushing South Africa.  Opener Finn Allen smashed 100 from 33 balls in a stunning performance, the fastest century at a T20 World Cup, after putting on 117 for the opening partnership with Tim Seifert (58 from 33) to lead the Black Caps into the final. 

South Africa was the strongest team on paper but struggled batting first at  77 for five then recovering through big hitting by Marco Jansen  to make 169.  Allen brought up his 100 with the winning runs in an innings which included eight sixes and 10 fours - 33 of which coming in the last seven balls.  Surprisingly, Canterbury off-spinner Cole McConchie struck twice in the in second over but did not bowl another.   

Now New Zealand would wait for the winner of tomorrow’s Semifinals between India and England ! 

Before concluding the woman at the start is Kaja Kallas who  served as prime minister of Estonia since 2021, becoming the first woman to serve in the role. The current prime minister is Kristen Michal of the Reform Party.  Though Allen made a fabulous century off mere 33 balls, it is not the fastest in T201.  Surprisingly the record stands in the name of Sahil Chauhan of Estonia who made a ton off 27 balls against Cyprus at  Episkopi on 17/06/2024

Well played New Zealand !
 
Regards – S Sampathkumar
4/3/2026

Sa - ri ........ Saree !!! - what a display !!!

 

In Carnatic music  ..  it is – ‘Sa – Pa’ -    the musical initiation starts with - "sa", "ri", "ga", "ma", "pa", "dha", "ni" – but  many learn only the first two  “SA – Ree”

 

What a display !!  Some get distracted ! – some get attracted !!

செலவு மாத்திரம் நிச்சயம் !!!

 

The name "saree" (or sari) originates from Sanskrit roots meaning a strip of cloth. It evolved linguistically from terms like śāṭī or śāṭikā in ancient texts.  The linguistic rhythm of "sa ri" or "sare" reflects the natural syllable cadence in the evolution from Sanskrit śāṭī (pronounced roughly "shaa-tee") to Prakrit sadi ("suh-dee") and Pali śāḍī or sāḍī ("saa-dee"), culminating in Hindi sāṛī ("saa-ree"). 

Early Sanskrit śāṭī referred to a simple cloth strip, transitioning through Prakrit sadi and Pali forms like sāḍī into modern Indian languages as sāṛī. Jain and Buddhist scriptures from the 6th century BCE describe sattika as women's attire, often a three-piece ensemble including a lower wrap (antarīya), veil (uttarīya), and chest band (stanapatta). 

This draped garment traces back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2800–1800 BCE), where cotton cultivation around 5000 BCE enabled early weaving with natural dyes like indigo and turmeric. Over centuries, influences from Dravidian, Aryan, and later Mughal eras refined its styles, but the core name retained its "strip of cloth" essence. 

From Vedic Sanskrit śāṭī, regular sound changes in MIA (ca. 600 BCE–1000 CE) included loss of intervocalic consonants, vowel simplifications, and shifts like Sanskrit ṭ to Prakrit/Pali ḍ or ṭ, yielding forms such as Pali śāḍī or sāḍī.  Ancient texts like Jatakas (Buddhist Pali literature, 6th century BCE) and Hindu Sanskrit works reference śāṭikā or śāṭī as women's draped attire, a three-piece ensemble (antarīya, uttarīya, stanapatta). By the 7th century CE, as in Bāṇabhaṭṭa's Kādambarī, the term solidified in descriptions of exquisite drapery, bridging to contemporary usage.

 
Interesting ! on a Friday !!
 
Regards – S Sampathkumar
23.1.2o26

lady with the lamp !!

 

திருவாசகம் - அருட்பத்து - 8.29

--------------

 

சோதியே சுடரே சூழொளி விளக்கே

.. சுரிகுழற் பணைமுலை மடந்தை

பாதியே பரனே பால்கொள்வெண் ணீற்றாய்

.. பங்கயத் தயனும்மா லறியா

நீதியே செல்வத் திருப்பெருந் துறையில்

.. நிறைமலர்க் குருந்தமே வியசீர்

ஆதியே அடியேன் ஆதரித் தழைத்தால்

.. அதெந்துவே என்றரு ளாயே.