All news channel have been reporting on President Obama taking the oath of the President’s Office of United States throughout yesterday. His inaugural speech was really one of its class. In the charismatic voice of Obama, it even sounded one of the best heard in the lifetime.

Here are a few excerpts from his speech, that I liked.

Talking to the other nations watching him take the oath he said:

“And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born:  know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

In his speech, the emphasis are always on the words ‘America’, ‘We’, ‘Hope’. That is why he has been drawing crowds. It is not only America that is looking at him, it is the entire world. A true leader’s speech.  So optimistic when he says, ‘We are ready to lead once more’.

“We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.  The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation:  the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.  It must be earned.  Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less.  It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.

Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.”

Calling the Americans to work, rather than bask in the past glory. It was really a speech that can be treated as a ‘wake up call’. He may not deliver what he had promised, but he has been inspiring, which can make people work.

“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.”

“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. “

Let this be a speech to the world. Let a new era of responsibility start throughout the world. Let us all work together for saving the earth and leave the world a better place for the coming generation.

All the best Obama on your new office.

Last saturday and sunday, I and my friends were on a trip to valparai. The trip was actually a treat arranged by Nirmal (my school friend) as he is travelling to Australia in couple of weeks. It was supposed to be seven people by plan who were to take the trip. Last minute sickness and work at office, forced Dinesh and Srikanth to opt out of the trip. We started as per plan at 9 pm from Chennai on Friday night, in a bus from Parveen Travels onward towards Coimbatore. Myself, Sakthi, Nirmal, Sam and Guru.

Nirmal, was the highlight of the trip. We made fun of him all through the trip. He is a great sport that he just smiled everything off. We reached Coimbatore at 8 am on Saturday. From there we hired a cab for the entire trip.

Vaalparai is a not so well known tourist location, located on the western part of Tamil Nadu. Known for its wonderful dams, and hills, its enjoys lovable climate all through the year. Rainfall is the highest in this place. It is not well developed as Nilgiris or Kodaikanal. Hotels and Lodges are few and not so good. But it is worth visiting for its scenic beauty and clean and wonderful weather.

From Coimbatore the route to reach Vaalparai is via Pollachi. Nirmal was insisting on having the famous ‘Pollachi Ilaneer’ (tender coconut). Our boy Sakthi, took to work, cutting the tender coconut for us. When it comes to workmanship, believe me, Sakthi is at his best. We proceeded to take our bath at the Monkey Falls. (Censored…)

From there, at around 3 pm, we reached Vaalparai. We visited, Aaliyar Dam, Balaji Temple, Suicide Point and local spots in Vaalparai. All were tired by then, and so the day ended at Hotel Green Hills. On sunday, we checked out of the hotel and proceeded towards the Sholaiyar Dam enroute to Athirapalli Falls.

Athirapalli Falls, a marvel. One must visit this place in one’s lifetime. It is the same falls from where Kamal Haasan jumps off in ‘Punnagai Mannan’. We spent nearly 3 hours there. Then we started back home from there, touching Trissur, Palakad and Coimbatore.

It was a trip to remember. Thanks to Nirmal.

Edit: Photos of Valparai Trip.