Euphoric Effects Of The Live Webcast
Dear Fellow-Bhagavathas,
Euphoria. That just about sums up the feeling that was in the air in the aftermath of the live webcast of the Offering of Swarna Kavacham to the Uthsavar idol of Srinivasa here, the Pushpa Uthsavam and the Pradosha Araadhanam to Sri Malolan of Ahobila Mutt, on the 22nd February. That was really the proverbial ‘talk of the town’ as feedback poured in from across the globe about the efficacy of the relay, especially the audio quality.
It was a great sense of satisfaction to us in www.svdd.com that thousands could watch the events sitting comfortably from their drawing room. Our sincere thanks to chennaistream.com which provided the exceptional coverage. The recorded video of the entire event is available in both the sites and will be there for a couple of more weeks. Those who missed the live action may make use of this opportunity.
It was a totally unexpected massive ‘hit’ literally as the following statistics (country-wise break-up) would vouch for, and a pleasant surprise as well. That the webcast was arranged at a very short notice, makes it even more satisfying. We thank all the viewers for having made the live relay a big success.
| Webcast hits (top ten countries): | |
| India | 1229 |
| United States | 629 |
| United Arab Emirates | 18 |
| Singapore | 16 |
| Great Britain | 15 |
| Germany | 12 |
| Malaysia | 9 |
| Bahrain | 8 |
| Canada | 7 |
| Finland | 6 |
| Others | 14 |
| Total | 1,963 |
Such a wide reach could have been possibly due to a write-up (see below) on the website’s activities by Sri Anbil Ramaswamy, USA, posted in various Sri Vaishnava group journals/websites. The octogenarian, who is a renowned scholar and known to be objective, has been lavish in his praise for our website. We pay our gratitude for his gesture. While all this is encouraging, the flip side cannot be ignored. The effect is a pronounced surge in the pressure on us not only to keep doing well, but also to keep raising the bar. The expectation has got to be met and with aplomb. Setting up standards is decidedly easier than really sustaining them. We will, with the divine blessings, strive our best to keep pace.
Life is a great leveller, it is said. True to the cliché, and much to our concern, what started as a great week plunged into the abysmal with a gripping sense of depression midway as Srimath Azhagiyasingar, who is camping at the Temple premises, was afflicted by poor health. The terrific atmosphere turned into a terrible one as the pontiff struggled, tension gripped and the temple management was stretched. The Offering of Swarna Kavachams to Moolavar Thayar and Perumal on 26th February was understandably a low-key affair.
Meanwhile, as I write this, the heartening news is that Srimath Azhagiyasingar is slowly getting back to his normal self and is in a better shape. He, in fact, is scheduled to resume performing Samasrayanam and Saranaagathi from today. A great relief and the smiles are back on the faces of devotees. It was so kind of him to have asked me to tell you all that he has recovered well and also passed on his blessings to one and all. He is scheduled to leave for Selaiyur in a couple of days.
Happy ending to an eventful week, indeed.
| Sri Anbil Ramaswamy's Write-up |
Dear Bhaagavatas, Sri Vedanta Desikar Devasthanam, Mylapore needs no introduction to most of our members. For others who are not fully conversant, I wish to bring to notice the unique and unprecedented nature of the activities of the Devasthanam in spreading Sri Vaishnavam in general and Desika Sampradayam in particular. The activities are designed to create an orientation to the uninitiated while kindling interest in research for the scholar for a better understanding of the nuances pertaining to the glory of our Satsampradayam Articles bearing on these authored by erudite scholars are also featured for information and these are sure to provide a veritable smorgasbord for the education and edification of the readers. Two online quiz programs are being featured every month in their official website – namely, www.svdd.com. The seniors' quiz entitled 'Trail Our Glorious Sampradaya', is in its 23rd episode, and is open to all. A children's quiz by the same name followed by 'Junior' has been started a few months ago in order to inculcate the great values of our tradition in the inquisitive minds of children and the adolescents (7 to 17 years of age). Though the organizers claim that these are only their humble efforts in sustaining the awareness and interest levels in the legacies of our Glorious Sampradayam, people who have actually participated can and do vouch how their efforts are far-reaching in their effects. Indeed the venture makes more and more people think about and learn our tradition while providing an opportunity to express what one already knows or has learned. Every month, there are three prizes (chosen amongst the top performers) for the seniors quiz as a token of appreciation and encouragement, in addition to publishing the list of top performers in the site. The enthusiasm of the participants is spontaneous and mind boggling and speaks volumes of the popularity and usefulness of the programs as a learning experience at once for the novice as for the learned. We strongly recommend that members of all Srivaishnava groups must join in the Quiz and other programs in their own enlightened self-interest in enriching their knowledge about the glory of our Siddhaanta (philosophy) and Anushtaana (practices) as revealed by our Azhvars and Acharyas. We would appreciate if you could spread the word to all your contacts. Dasoham |
Meet you in the next Note.
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