latAjI, I really appreciate your concern for privacy. No doubt, that is how trust builds up.

Your idea of having a field for option to announce it is good. A few people do not like to celebrate their birthdays in a public fashion. Personally I am neutral about it. One of my favourite birthday songs is "jiyO hazArOn sAl" from the movie sujAtA.

I am always amused, though, that quite a few companies in America know my birth date, my "supposed" interests and hobbies and more importantly my personal health and ailments!

Regards! - mOhana

Dear Rajam,

You'd asked me to do something regarding finding about others b'day dates. I had already done that, a long time ago. I'd included a b'day field in the profile section. Filling it up with real dates or otherwise is upto our members. There are a couple of different perspectives to the b'day factor. I play two roles in this site; the first one is the admin role, and the second one - as an active member. As an admin person, my job is to manage, channel "things" to the respective places/sections, inform, make announcements, send newsletters, organize yearly rangoli competitions and such. As an active member, I am a friend, and can have friendly chats with all of you, just as you or anyone else gets to do. As an admin, I have access to everyone's profile, and can find out their b'day dates. But, I don't have the right to announce the same in our site by myself. In fact, you might have noticed, that I don't reveal peoples' relations/relatives, place of residence, details from what I have learned from other members, in the site. I need to be cautious both as a member of this site, as well as an admin, and should not do any "trespassing"! :) If I do, then I risk members trust and loyalty. But, I am good at picking up on hints, ie, when a member reveals an upcoming b'day either thro' the site, or by personal email to me, I announce it in the site, thus letting others know about it, because that is what is preferred by the "owner" of that particular info.

So, dear members, if you want others to wish you on your b'day, you have to do one of the following; either send me a personal email, or, let everyone know thro' comments. But, here is a suggestion: you could include the birth month and the day, not the year (not unless you really want to). ;)

Thank you,

Thanking you one and all for your kind wishes. Lata, Vani, Indira, Purni, Viji, Deepa, Gowri,Judy, Subashini,Brindha, Radha,Asha and Anirudh how about giving the chance to me to wish you all on your Birthday?Lata do something! Brindha, Subashini...Azhagu Thamizhil anbaana vaazhthukkalai Alli Thanthutteeenga! Judy...Your poem conveyed so many nice things!

aunty we have (ikolam members) sent birthday withes to you.. we ll not agree only one thanks... Pls send us Birthday Special aunty. (Kolams...or Muruku..... or etc.,,,,)

My dear friend Rajamma - You are not 63!!! You are only 18 with 45 years experience :) :) :)

Belated Birthday wishes dear friend!

Tt is good to remember the past, But don't let the past capture your future.. The greatest thing about life is, That it moves ahead and never goes back... But just remember, when it moves ahead, A new biginning starts...

and finally....

Friends are the sunshine of life.. Thanks for brightening my world - with the warmth of your friendship :)

May you live for another 100 years and keep ikolam glowing with your wonderful comments..

Belated Happy birthday wishes Rajamma mam!

Indha Jayashree ponnu ippadi oru kurumbu pannuvaa endru ninaikalai.aanaalum ,tobe frank I was longing for all ikolam members wishes!Paatiyaanaalum manasu innam ilamayaa thaan irukku. innum niraya naal aarokyama vaazhndhu onga kolathai ellam rasithu comment adichu aanandhama irukkanum engira aasai irukku. So ungal ellorodum nal Vaazhthukalukku romba romba Nandri I thank one and all who wished and wanted to wish.It was a surprise when I opened the site today morning,(2nd),though Lakhmi also surprised me yesterday night by calling me from chennai to wish.All my daughter's contribution.But dear members, though getting old(63 years) I am really enjoying the love I received from you all through your wishes. Thank u all again and again. Lata, last but not the least.. u are the one who made it with a nice greeting card.Spl Thanks. I made Nei Appam because it is my mother's favourite and others at home also like it and ofcourse my Lord Guruvaayoorappan's special also. The gift is a cell phone from family members and my kutti Neel is claiming the ownership for that.( mmm I should spend sometime to learn the operation).

Dear friends,Taken much of ur time. Keep rocking by commenting, wishing and inbetween presenting your colorful kolam creations!

Dear Rajamma Mam, Very many happy returns of your birthday. (we can wish you the whole year. So no regret inn wishing a day latter.) By the by what the sweet in yesterdays menu? viji

wish you a very Happy birth day Rajamma madam!

Wish you a very happy b'day! :) Today's special; Paal thirattipal!