Book Review - En Sarithiram (My History) By U V Swaminatha Iyer

En Sarithiram (My History) is an autobiography written by the Tamil Scholar Dr.U V Swaminatha Iyer (1855 to 1942) who published about 100 books in ancient Tamil literature, poem, puranas, & devotional songs.  It all started with him publishing the Jain kapiyam (Epic) "Seevaga Sinthamani" which was written around 10th Century by Thiruthaka Thevar.  He went around collecting the old palm leaf manuscripts from various people who were holding it, complied it wrote commentary and published this epic.  In similar manner with a career spanning more than 70 years he published many long lost books in Tamil and made it available to the world by going around village by village meeting people collecting palm leaf manuscripts (which were almost lost).  His main publications which received great adoration are "Cilappathigaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru, Seevaga Sinthamani, Pattupattu, Ettuthokai".

In his book "En Sarithiram" he gives a beautiful view of village life near Kumbakonam in mid nineteenth century.  Written in simple Tamil which can be well understood by everyone he gives a gripping account of his journey through education & professional life.  The sequence of events are so well narrated that even though this book is somewhat long there is not even a dull moment.  

Some interesting topics in the book.

Marriage - he describes how a traditional Tamil marriage happens in the 19th century, the simplicity, the elegance the gathering of relatives.   He even comments about the extravaganza carried out in weddings in mid 20th century compared to his wedding (Ps : If he is to see weddings today I wonder what will be his comments!)  

Respect for teacher - This is the ultimate lesson in this book.  His respect for all his teachers especially Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai is simply adorable.  He gives lot of accolades to all his teachers right from his childhood.   

Efforts for publication -  His effort for his first publication Seevaga SInthamni is well narrated in the book.  His efforts, obstacles faced, financial challenges, logistical challenges etc.  He also narrates how it felt when all the hard work turned into a beautiful book.

A great man whose life was an illustrious one and needs to be studied and followed.

A must read book for all.

Balancing Act

Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent stock markets on a spin across the world and Sensex is no exception to it.  Compared to 23rd of February, Sensex is down by 5%.

There are indications that stock markets across the world will continue to be under strain as invasion of Ukraine does not seem to end soon.  Also as a consequence of this oil price is spinning out of control and currently trading at around $ 113 per barrel (29% increase since 23rd of February) which in turns puts in a big pressure on margin of corporate's which in turn affects the stock markets significantly.

Drop in stock markets and with oil prices not helping it either there is severe under current for all investors who are losing quite a lot of money on the markets.   This is where the balancing act has to come into play. 

Considered as one of the safe investments during crises gold has always traditionally played a pivotal role for investors.  Gold since 23rd February has increased by 4%.

Investors in gold have gained during the period when Sensex & Oil are wrecking havoc.

This trend helps us to understand the basic principle of balancing portfolio of investment.  It is not wise as an investor to have one type of investment it is advisable to spread portfolio.  It is always recommended to have gold around 20% to 30% in one's portfolio to have a balanced return.