Monthly Archives: June 2013

Honour for a monarch

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

 

Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore. / The Hindu Photo Archives
Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore. / The Hindu Photo Archives

A new mani mandapam will be constructed in memory of Tipu Sultan in Dindigul.

Though the father-son duo Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, in whose memory the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa, has announced construction of a mani mandapam in Dindigul, were the rulers of Mysore, they had close links to Tamil Nadu, fighting and winning several battles across the State.

Their association with Tamil Nadu could be gauged from naming of Tipu Sultan after Hazrath Tipu Mastan Aulia, a renowned Sufi saint, whose tomb is in Arcot town, Vellore district. When Hyder Ali and Fakhr-un-Nisa did not have children for many years, the couple visited the tomb of Tipu Mastan Aulia frequently to pray for a child.

The Sufi saint assured that the Almighty would bless them with sons, provided they came forward to deliver the first born to God’s service. Though they agreed to do so, the couple did not keep their promise as Tipu Sultan turned a warrior at the age of 15.

Hyder Ali had even selected Raushan Begum, daughter of Imam Saheb Bakshi of Arcot, Vellore district, as the worthy bride of Tipu Sultan. Raushan Begum was one of the three wives of Tipu Sultan.

Of all the places where they fought battles against the British forces and camped in the state, it was in Dindigul where both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan stayed for many years. The Mysore ruler posted Hyder Ali as the commandant of Dindigul, in recognition of the pivotal role that he played in many battles. The main task given to Hyder Ali at Dindigul was to put an end to the menace of the refractory elements and he accomplished the job effectively.

Thanks to the special initiatives taken by Hyder Ali, the volume of tax collection rose remarkably. He gave a portion of the collection towards the construction and renovation of temples and mosques and also allotted considerable share for starting factories with the help of French engineers in the town. Soon he won the hearts of the people in Dindigul and the entire society extended unstinted support to his endeavours.

The most famous historical landmark of Dindigul is the Rock Fort, which is located atop a hill. King Muthukrishna Naicker of Madurai constructed the Fort. In 1755, Hyder Ali, his wife and son Tipu Sultan came to Dindigul. Tipu Sultan ruled the fort from 1784 to 1790. The English defeated Tipu Sultan in the Mysore War of 1790, and annexed the Fort.

It was at a mosque in Dindigul, constructed by Hyder Ali, that the body of his younger sister Ameerunnisa Begum was buried. The Begumpur mosque was named after her.

Ammerunisa Begam’s dharga at Begampur in Dindigul, Tamilnadu. / Photo: G. Karthikeyan / The Hindu
Ammerunisa Begam’s dharga at Begampur in Dindigul, Tamilnadu. / Photo: G. Karthikeyan / The Hindu

Battle against the British

The battles that Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan fought included those at Arcot, Ambur, Cuddalore, Porto Novo (Parangipettai), Thanjavur, Erode, Dharapuram, Tiruppattur, Vaniyambadi, Sholingur, Vandavasi and Kanchipuram. In a majority of these battles, the English force could not match the speed of Tipu’s cavalry. In the battles that took place in Tiruppattur and Vaniyambadi, the father and his brave son fought side by side, which helped them capture both the Forts with much ease.

In some of the battles, Tipu Sultan used war rocket. This earned him universal fame as ‘innovator of the world’s first war rocket.’ It was his victories against the British forces that ranked Tipu Sultan among the few Indian rulers who have defeated the British.

One of the wars involving Tipu Sultan, which badly affected the local economy, was the battle held at Annagudi near Thanjavur in 1782. It took a few decades for the administrators to restore the devastated economy and that period was named as the ‘Era of Hyder Ali’ (Hyder Kaalam) in history. After Tipu Sultan was killed, the British shifted his family members to Vellore,where they were interred.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review> History & Culture / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / June 13th, 2013

Raihana composes for a cause

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

ARrahmanCF20jun2013

The Mozart of Madras, AR Rahman has been part of many albums promoting world peace and harmony. It looks like his sister Raihana is also leaving no stone unturned and is busy composing a track to highlight the importance of the environment.

The lyrics for the track ‘Ithu Namma Bhoomi’ is penned by Raihanah and Thava. Playback singers Tipu, Harini, Kaushik, UK Murali and Sai Bharath will join the composer for the song. The video will be directed by Naveen Kumar and will be launched at a big event that will pay host to many celebrities and environmentalists.Now that’s a good move.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> AR Rahman / TNN / June 13th, 2013

Grandson of acting legends to play genius

About Chennai(Madras) / TamilNadu, Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technologies
Ramanujan
Ramanujan

Chennai : 

The grandson of southern acting legends Gemini Ganesan and Savitri will play math genius Srinivasa Ramanujan in a film being shot in Tamil and English.

Abhinay Vaddi, whose mother Vijaya is the daughter of Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, will star as the young mathematician in the film that traces his life from his native Kumbakonam, 400km from here, to Chennai and then to Cambridge before his premature death from pneumonia.

“It is an honour to portray an icon like Ramanujan. At the same time, there is considerable pressure that I must do it right. Then there is the added expectation because of my lineage,” said Abhinay, 29, a former international table tennis player.

The film is being directed by retired IAS officer Gnana Rajasekaran, who has two biopics — Bharati and Periyar — to his credit.

Abhinay said he had little to fall back on when it came to Ramanujan’s physical appearance as only three good photographs were available. “None of us knew how he walked or spoke, so I was coached by the director on how Iyengar Tamil was spoken in those times. Being a Telugu, mastering the dialect was difficult,” recalled Abhinay, who has one Telugu and one Tamil film to his credit.

The first schedule of the film at Kumbakonam is complete, and the story now shifts to Chennai. London-based theatre actor Kevin McGowan plays Professor Hardy, the man who discovered Ramanujan’s genius and relayed it to the world.

Sindhu Rajasekaran, one of the co-producers and Rajasekaran’s daughter, said the director believed in showcasing the lives of real-life heroes.

Abhinay Vaddi
Abhinay Vaddi

 “When Camphor Productions, promoted by my husband Sushant Desai, Srivatsan Nandathur and Sharanyan Nadathur, wanted to produce a good film, my father showed us the script of Ramanujan and we fell for it,” she disclosed.

Rajasekaran had assimilated information on Ramanujan’s life before finalising the script.

Abhinay familiarised himself with Ramanujan by reading The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel.

Asked why the director picked him, Abhinay said Rajasekaran felt his piercing eyes resembled those of Ramanujan. “I learnt later that he had considered Madhavan and Prashanth before choosing me,” said Abhinay, who had to wear a special wig to portray Ramanujan the boy with a half-tonsured head and a tuft of hair — the traditional Iyengar look.In the past, Rajasekaran had ignored the claims of many Tamil actors and picked Marathi actor Shayaji Shinde to play Tamil poet Bharatiyar in his film In the past, Rajasekaran had ignored the claims of many Tamil actors and picked Marathi actor Shayaji Shinde to play Tamil poet Bharatiyar in his film Bharati.In the past, Rajasekaran had ignored the claims of many Tamil actors and picked Marathi actor Shayaji Shinde to play Tamil poet Bharatiyar in his film Bharati. Shinde captured the restless rebel in Bharati very evocatively in spite of his language handicap.

Rajasekaran has chosen to shoot the film on celluloid rather than on digital medium. Scheduled for a December release, the film also has acclaimed technicians on board — national award-winning editor B. Lenin, cinematographer Sunny Joseph and music composer Ramesh Vinayagam.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Nation> Story / by G. C. Shekhar / Chennai – June 11th, 2013

Jack climbs to top at Yelagiri show

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

 

Jack, the Great Dane, which won the overall championship in the show organised as part of the Yelagiri summer festival on Sunday | S DINESH
Jack, the Great Dane, which won the overall championship in the show organised as part of the Yelagiri summer festival on Sunday | S DINESH

Sixteen-month-old gentle giant Jack, a Great Dane, hogged the limelight at the dog show on the second and final day of the Yelagiri Summer Festival 2013 on Sunday. The show, which turned out be a crowd puller, witnessed more than 15 different foreign breeds of dogs, besides the Kombai, a native breed.

Jack retained the overall championship, just like his father Apollo, who won the title last summer for its majestic look and traits. This harlequin Great Dane, one of the world’s tallest dog breeds, not only won the title but also brought moments of happiness and pride to its owner A Yuvaraj of Jolarpet.

“The calm characteristic of Great Dane that looks massive among other breeds of dogs has earned them the name of gentle giant,” said Yuvaraj holding the four and half-foot-tall (shoulder height) Jack with the trophy. His pet dogs have been winning the overall championship for the eighth consecutive year.

Yuvaraj engaged a professional trainer, T L Suresh Babu, to train the dog. Jack was calm and let out barks the minute its master yelled ‘Charge’. “It will never attack anyone until its master or trainer says ‘attack’. It is such an obedient animal. It will grow to the maximum height of 40 inches,” said Suresh.

Apart from the Great Dane, foreign breeds such as Golden Retriever, Neapolitan Bull Mastiff, Dulmison, Siberian Husky, Boston Terrier, Irish Setter, Doberman, Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, French Bull Dog, Pomeranian and Miniature Doberman also featured in the show. “A total of 60 dogs have been brought to the show. Boston Terrier, French Bull Dog and Siberian Husky are unique breeds and for the first time they are participating in the show,” Additional Director of Animal Husbandary, Ranipet Circle, Dr T Manoharan, said. He hosted the show and provided interesting information about the origin of the foreign breed dogs to the spectators. Among the native breeds, only the Kombai was present.

Next year, the department would take initiative to bring more native breeds such as Kanni, Sippiparai, Rajapalayam and other breeds, which are on the verge of extinction, to the show.

R Nithyanandam of Vellore is the proud owner of a Boston Terrier that won the special first prize in the small dogs category at the festival. This breed of dog originated from America and is nicknamed ‘the American Gentleman’. “I have a pair of Boston Terriers. The male is imported from Thailand and is named Billu and the female is imported from Moscow and called Teena. I spent `2.25 lakh for the puppies,” said Nithyanandam.

He was the first person to import this breed, which is known for its intelligence and sniffing out explosives, he claimed.

The other interesting breed was the Siberian Husky, having its roots in the polar region and bearing a strong survival instinct. “One Babu from KGF brought the breed. It costs around Rs 3 lakh. This is the first time this breed has been brought to the show here,” said Manoharan.

Babu also brought the smallest breed, miniature Doberman. It is smallest next to the world’s tiniest breed of dog, the Chihuahua, which is from Mexico. S Kumar of Yelagiri paraded his two and half-year-old Dalmatian. It won the second prize in the medium category. He also brought an Irish Setter and a Golden Retriever.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by J. Shanmuga Sundaram / ENS – Vellore / June 11th, 2013

Eureka moment for Badagas

About Chennai(Madras) / TamilNadu, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Uncategorized
K.R.Arjunan, a candidate to the Rajya Sabha elections, being greeted by AIADMK cadres in Ooty. —DC
K.R.Arjunan, a candidate to the Rajya Sabha elections, being greeted by AIADMK cadres in Ooty. —DC
Ooty:
The Badagas , who constitute the  single largest com­munity in the hills and other tribes  have not been able to contest parliamentary polls since 2009 when the Nilgiris parliamentary constituency became a reserved one.
So the announcement by the AIADMK that K.R.Arjunan, its Nilgiris district secretary and a Badaga,  will be representing the hills in the Rajya Sabha has come has a huge shot in the arm for the community,which has fervently thanked the party for its gesture.
From Ketti village, Arjunan, who was made district secretary in January 2012,  has held various party posts in the past and  was  chairman of the Ketti town panchayat in 2001-06.
Thanking the CM for having chosen to send a Badaga for the first time to the Rajya Sabha,  community chieftain R.Iyaaroo   said it was an honour for the tribals that she had opted for a man from amongst them for parliament.
Cha­irman of the Academy for Bada­ga Culture Trust,   Manjai Mohan, said the chief minister had made the Badaga community proud by sending Arjunan to the Rajya Sabha and her gesture would  “stay in the hearts of the Badagas forever.”
The hills were represented in RS last in 1952-58 by Surendra Ra­m of the Congress party.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / by B. Ravichandran, DC / June 11th, 2013

Kurangani Hills – a pristine spot for trekking

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Madurai :

Kurangani Hills near Bodinayakanur in Theni district is a perfect place for trekking fans as well as nature enthus. The 12 km walk from Kurangani village to Top Station through Central village is a journey  to be cherished. Those who visit Munnar in Kerala can also enter the trekking route here by walking down the dense woods and plain grasslands of Kurangani Hills. By reaching Top Station, border of Theni district, from Munnar after 35 km travel, one can start trekking down the hills.

Although, Kurangani Hills is near the famous Munnar Hills and Kolukkumalai Hills — the highest hills for tea plantation in the world at an altitude close to 8,000 feet — the place is still not known in the tourism circuit. However, several foreign tourists do come here. Some nature lovers within the state also frequently visit Kurangani Hills. Film-makers too have been charmed  by the nature here. Films Alagar Samiyin Kuthurai, Myna and Kumki were shot on the Hills. The best months to explore the Hills are between August to December.

Frequently changing weather, low-hanging clouds, chilly atmosphere and strong winds coupled with wide range of flora and fauna are the things to enjoy in the hills. It takes four to five hours to complete the trekking from Kurangani village, the foothills of the Hills to reach Top station, whereas two-and-a-half hours is enough for the return trip. Trekkers can find Samabalaru falls, the source of Kottakudi river which serves the drinking water needs of Bodinayakanur town, while wading through here. Central Village, with a population of 200 people and 50 houses, is four more kilometres from the Falls. A couple of cottages are available in here to provide accommodation for the visitors. Foreigners, who come prepared with tents, prefer to stay under the open sky. Guides can take you through unexplored thick woods.

The villagers say that tourists frequently spot Indian guars, barking deer, langurs, wild cats and. However, the villagers warn about the presence of leopards and tigers.

REACHING THERE

* Bodinayakanur is 16 km away from Theni, connected by frequent bus service

* 15 km road connecting Kurangani and Bodinayakanur

* Via Munnar one can reach 100 km distance Road facility connecting Bodinayakanur and Top Station- Around

* Buses, jeeps and autos available from Bodinayakanur

* 12 km — trekking distance between Kurangani village and Top Station

* Central village is the half-way point between Kurangani village and Top Station

* Best time to visit: August and December

* Lodges available in Top Station, Bodinayakanur and Munnar. Only two cottages available in Central Village

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Nature / by V. Devanathan, TNN / June 10th, 2013

Sullivan took man to modern Ooty

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
Today is 225th birth anniversary of John Sullivan, the founder of modern Nilgiris —DC
Today is 225th birth anniversary of John Sullivan, the founder of modern Nilgiris —DC

Ooty:

As tourism, nature and Nilgiris are inseperable, so is John Sullivan and Nilgiris, especilly Ooty- the queen of hills. Those who enjoy living in modern Nilgiris and tourists who visit the hills have an obligation to remember John Sullivan, called the founder of modern Nilgiris, especially Ooty, as his 225th birth anniversary falls on June 15.

This British-India collector would not have envisaged that the hills, which he loved passionately and started developing it, which changed the face of the Nilgiris in early 1800s, will become a world famous tourist destination in future.

But, certainly, he was the administrator who sowed the seeds for modern Nilgiris. The write-ups documented in the Nilgiris district gazetteer and few other such books, showed the role of Sullivan in developing the Nilgiris and showcase how the Nilgiris, once an unknown place on earth, growing to become a a well-known place in the world.

Born in London on June 15, 1788, Sullivan joined the East Indian Company at Madras and rose to become the collector of Coimbatore, which included the Nilgiris then, in 1815.
As collector he took out an adventurous expedition to reach the Dimhatti valley in Kotagiri, in the Nilgiris, in January 1819.

During his second visit to Kotagiri in May 1819, he built the first-ever modern builing in the hills at Kannerimukku village, from where he used to administer the hills for a while. This house, called Pethakal bunglow by the locals, was resorted a decade ago and now serves as a memorial to Sullivan.

View of the Sullivan Memorial at Kannerimukku in Kotagiri. —DC
View of the Sullivan Memorial at Kannerimukku in Kotagiri. —DC

 It is said probably on February 22, 1821, he visited Ooty with the help of a Badaga guide. Then he built the stone house, first-ever modern building in Ooty, and stated living there from 1823. This building is now a portion of the government arts college. It is not an exaggeration to state that Sullivan was the brain behind the hill residents witnessing a revolution in their lifestyle and enjoying the fruits of modernity.

He was learnt to have introduced horticulture crops and hill vegetables to the Nilgiris and planned the establishment of Ooty lake along with other road connectivity facilities to help the development and economy of the hills.

Sullivan, who lost his wife, son and a daughter in Ooty, as they died in the hills, retired to England in 1841, where he died on January 16, 1855. Besides the stone house in Ooty, a portion of the oak tree which Sullivan planted in 1823 at Stone House, is still seen there.

2-day trek to retrace Sullivan’s trail
B. Ravichandran | DC
Ooty:
The name of D. Venugopal, the director of Nilgiris Docu­men­­­­­­tation Cen­tre(NDC), which maintains the Sullivan Memo­rial at Kotagiri, would be etched in Nilgiris history as it was his interest, affection and sense of gratitude to John Sullivan saw him take genealogical research on the founder of the Nilgiris which helped him discover Sullivan’s grave at Upton, London, and his great-grandson later on in 2009.
]
Mr Venugopal’s efforts now help modern-man get an insight into the history and genesis of modern Nilgiris through photographs and other documentaries display at Sullivan Memorial.
Speaking to DC on the celebration of the 225th birth anniversary of John Sullivan, Mr Venugopal said the NDC and Association of British Scholars at Coimbatore will organise a two-day trek on June 15-16 to retrace the Sullivan trail, starting from Sirumugai to Kotagiri.
On the tale behind the trail, he said Sullivan organised an expedition on January 2 in 1819 having at his disposal an entire contingent consisting of army-men, several dozen war elephants, hundreds of dogs and ponies.  The rear guard was made up of two dozen English huntsmen.
They began the ascent of the mountain from the side of Denaigoukot (now Sirumugai). After having reached a level of 1,000 feet, the expedition was compelled to abandon its elephants and throw away nearly all its baggage as they had to climb higher and higher.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / by B. Ravichandran, DC  / June 15th, 2013

India’s glittering jewellery, now at Poompuhar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

India’s diverse artistic culture has now converged in one place, bringing the city the finest exquisite jewel works from the artisans of various states of this country at the Poompuhar – Artistic and Artificial jewel exhibition that was inaugurated here on Wednesday.

Like every year, the exhibition is slowly starting to make its mark by grabbing attention of the crowd, especially the ladies, who have been flocking to the exhibition since its inauguration. ‘We eagerly expect this exhibition every year as they have a huge collection,’ says Jayalakshmi, who had come along with her friend to purchase ornaments.

The exhibition has an assortment of every state’s artistic work to enchant the buyers of various age groups.  From Impon jewellery, temple ornaments and antique jewellery to Jaipur’s stone jewellery, Hyderabad’s pearls and gold plated ornaments, the bling is fast disappearing. In addition, wooden jewels, tribal jewellery, jute-made ornaments, silver filigree, crystal chains, Rajasthani bangles and meenakari earrings seem to be the popular choices for the younger generation.

Just few days into the fair, the exhibition has already seen phenomenal sales with products worth between `50,000 – 60,000 being sold each day. And it is expected to increase in the days to come.

But it is not only the local crowd that is grabbing the bling – the exhibition has also caught the eye of foreigners. According to the Bose, manager trainee, Chennai’s foreigners are a huge fan of the jewellery. “They love the variety here, they feel the jewellery is very colorful and unique,” says Bose. This can be very well seen from the sight of a foreign visitor who carefully scans through all the stalls. ‘I totally love this place. I am seeing every variety that I can think of,’ says Ken Smith, a visitor from Canada.

The artisans from different places find this as a perfect platform to exhibit their works to people.

Sometimes they get huge orders after displaying their products here, while others feel quite disappointed to see people hesitating to buy original quality crystals and stones, instead opting for duplicate low quality crystals outside.

This is inspite of the huge  profit margin they gain.

But the buzz is still on and the excitement is sure to go on for few more weeks, as the exhibition ends only on June 29. After all, there is no end for shopping in a city like Chennai.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / June 08th, 2013

Leader who shaped Tamil Nadu politics turns 90

About Chennai(Madras) / TamilNadu, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders

Chennai :

As a 14-year-old during the anti-Hindi agitation, he walked alongside Periyar as E V Ramasamy was called, with a spring in his step and vigour in his heart. Breaking away from a traditional family of temple musicians, he made politics his domain.

His fledgling party formed as a breakaway faction from the original DK in 1949, soon went on to shape national politics in the post-emergency era. Today, 10 years short of his centenary, Muthuvel Karunanidhi  is the oldest surviving active political leader of stature hi n the country with lakhs of party functionaries under his command for the past 44 years. Only his party general secretary K Anbazhagan is older than him. Karunanidhi enters his 90th year on Monday.

(Karunanidhi enters his…)
(Karunanidhi enters his…)

Facing a succession war, 2G scam charges and political isolation after the recent pullout from the UPA II regime, the DMK veteran is still a fighter strategizing at party conclaves. A five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu  taking over the reins of CM at a relatively young age of 44 years succeeding C N Annadurai, and 12- time MLA, Karunanidhi has been meeting party cadres and writing for them in the party organ almost every day.

Karunanidhi is the first Dravidian leader to set his sight on national politics, say analysts. “Till his mentor Anna’s period, the DMK had focussed on state politics. But Karunanidhi adopted a different strategy. He has been concentrating on national politics since 1971. He was planning to get more projects and funds for the state with the support of the Centre. Though, there was a strong anti-Congress mood in the party, he aligned with the Indira Gandhi-led Congress in the 1971  Lok Sabha  elections,” Dravidian writer and historian ‘Sangoli’ K Thirunavukkarasu told TOI.

The DMK was the first party to pass a strong  resolution  against the Emergency. The Karunanidhi-led government was dissolved in 1976 following the Emergency. “He played a vital role in the formation of the National  Front in 1988. He had organised a big event for the National Front  and leaders like V P Singh, N T Rama Rao and others participated. DMK became a constituent of the Union government for the first time when V P Singh formed the government in 1989. The DMK has had a strong hold at the Centre for the past 15 years with its representatives a part of the Centre,” he said.

Commentators say that Karunanidhi never gave up his basic ideologies like justice and the interest of Tamil language. “Karunanidhi has been following his ideologies from the time of the Justice Party,” Thirunavukkarasu said.

Though Karunanidhi dropped out of schools unlike his colleagues in the party, R Nedunchezhian and EVK Sampath, he managed to succeed Anna. “Others acted like leaders. But, Karunanidhi acted as a party worker. When he was a treasurer of the party during the Anna years, he had travelled across the state and consolidated his support base,” party seniors recalled.

Karunanidhi not only attracted the cadres but also impressed his mentors Anna and Periyar. “The other leaders in the party only knew about me, but Karunanidhi was the only one who knew the real me,” Anna once said. In fact, it was Periyar who proposed Karunanidhi’s name for DMK’s top post.

Political observers say that Karunanidhi’s hard work is the key factor for his consistent success. “He is still reacting to all the important issues. He has been writing letters and statements on a daily basis. Once he had said he would feel bad if he was not writing anything on any given day,” writer and politician D Ravikumar said. The Karunanidhi government had initiated many schemes and projects for the marginalised people like beggars, transgenders and the disabled.

The big challenge for the patriarch is to regain power in the state and and his ‘World Tamil Leader’ title. “Pulling out from the UPA government after enjoying nine years of power at the Centre, DMK has no allies now except the VCK. With not in power in the state, the party has been facing a serious crisis,” said a senior leader.

But, they are confident that their leader can come back to power with his commitment. “We were not in power for 13 years during the MGR period. We got only two seats in the 1991 assembly elections in the wake of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. But we bounced back with Kalaignar’s efforts and strategies,” said another leader.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / by Karthick S, TNN / June 03rd, 2013

Angkor Wat Built by Descendant of Raja Raja Cholan

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Angkor Wat is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation — first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture, with key features such as the Jagati. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.

The initial design and construction of the temple took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1113 — c. 1150). Dedicated to Vishnu, it was built as the king’s state temple and capital city. In the late 13th century, Angkor Wat gradually moved from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day.

source: http://www.phannarith.com / Home / May 31st, 2013