Monthly Archives: January 2014

Dainty Cow Figurines Prove to be a Sell-out!

Krishna’s cows figurines had sold out so rapidly that all that was left after 11 30 am were mud pots! | R Satish Babu
Krishna’s cows figurines had sold out so rapidly that all that was left after 11 30 am were mud pots! | R Satish Babu

What do you do if you’ve grown up giving your family cows a makeover on Mattu Pongal, but you suddenly get married and move to Chennai? You stop and pick up a colourfully decked up mud cow off the Kodambakkam pavement instead. “

I can’t travel this year because I’m carrying. But Pongal isn’t the same without bathing our four cows and watching my brothers paint the horns. But I can’t ask them to bring a cow from Dindigul here for my sake, so I persuaded my husband to get this (points to the doll) instead,” laughs a cheerful 22-year-old Subhashini.

She is not alone. In fact, according to Krishna Wodeyar who came up with the idea of making these cows as colourful as the pots, he has been getting plenty of enquiries from customers all through Monday, despite having sold-out his stock by 11.30 am.

“My son wanted to concentrate on pots but I usually like making cow dolls. This time we made lots of them and used various colour paints and glass work on them. They sold immediately,” he says with plenty of glee.

The mud-figurines were first put out on Saturday and have quickly been sold-out over the weekend – they came in two sizes with the smaller one being sold at `200 and the larger one fetching about `450.

“In the villages, it is not just about getting the cows clean but reinstilling belief that gomatha is godly. Plenty of people who bought it asked if this was made for keeping in the puja room, so I said yes! It was made with a lot of care so it deserves the attention, just like a real cow,” he adds.

To keep the effect real, Krishna had also perched the cows on an old push-cart and lined the surface with hay to create ‘a shed effect’.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / January 14th, 2014

Spreading Smiles

NammathuShelterCF14jan2014

Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) and social work students from Mohammed Sathak College, Loyola College, Mar Gregorious College, Madras Christian College, Hindustan College, Asan Business School, Vivekananda College and SDNB Vaishnav College organised New Year Celebration at the Nammathu Illam Shelter for homeless residents, recently.

ICWO works for various developmental initiatives with a specific focus on women and children. ICWO in collaboration with Corporation of Chennai initiated Nammathu in Thattankulam Chennai. It aims to provide shelter to the elderly, orphan women, homeless and people with disabilities.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / Express News Service – Chennai / January 01st, 2014

10-day book festival in Perambalur from January 31

The 10-day annual book festival will commence at the municipal ground near the new bus stand here on January 31.

More than 50 publishing companies and equal number of book selling companies will participate in the expo, a brain child of Collector Darez Ahamed. The exhibition last year netted a sale of about Rs. 98 lakh while Rs. 38-lakh worth books were sold in 2011. This year it has been targeted to sell books worth Rs. 1.05 crore through the exhibition, sources said.

V. Irai Anbu, Director of Anna Institute of Management and Director General of Training, and M. Thirumalai, Vice Chancellor, Tamil University, Thanjavur, will be chief guests at the inaugural function on Tuesday evening. Noted writers, including Ponneelan, Sahitya Akademi awardee and president of the All India Progressive Writers Association, Su. Venkatesan, Sahitya Akademi awardee, S.Tamilselvam, Prof. G. Gnanasambandam, and Parveen Sulthana, Tamil scholars, and Thamira, film director, will participate in programmes at the venue on different days.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Special Correspondent / Perambalaur – Decemeber 30th, 2013

Tiruchi GH Doctors successfully operate on parasitic twins

The fifth child of a Manapparai couple — Mamundi and Jaya — the baby was born in a private hospital and admitted to the Tiruchi GH on December 26 for surgery.

Doctors at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital successfully operated on the five-day-old pair of parasitic twins on Monday, removing a pair of arms, legs and other organs. After the operation, the baby was put on the ventilator at the intensive medical care unit of the hospital. The fifth child of a Manapparai couple — Mamundi and Jaya — the baby was born in a private hospital and admitted to the Tiruchi GH on December 26 for surgery.

Prior to conducting the operation, doctors conducted intensive investigation on the baby monitoring the oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure. A team of doctors consisting of paediatric surgeons and a couple of anaesthetists conducted the operation, lasting over three hours, and successfully removed the organs, said Dr. Bhaskar, a paediatric surgeon, who headed the medical team.

General anaesthesia was given to the baby born with extra arms and legs attached to the chest wall with the intestine and spleen projected outside the abdomen. Terming it as a rare case, Dr. Bhaskar said the surgery was complicated. A silo technic procedure was adopted to restrict the intestine and spleen into the abdominal cavity, Dr. Bhaskar said adding that this was the first time that the Tiruchi GH had carried out such a complex surgery on a newborn.

The condition of the baby was stable, he said, adding that the infant was being constantly monitored.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by A. Rajaram / Tiruchi – December 31st, 2013

Balaji Sakthivel walks down memory lane

ALL SMILES: Film Director Balaji Sakthivel interacting with College students at the Workshop on Film Appreciation at Periyar EVR College in Tiruchi on Thursday./  Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu
ALL SMILES: Film Director Balaji Sakthivel interacting with College students at the Workshop on Film Appreciation at Periyar EVR College in Tiruchi on Thursday./ Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu

I decide on climax and start working backwards, says ace director at film appreciation workshop

“Since my films are based on real-life incidents, I decide on the climax and start working backwards while writing the story,” said director Balaji Sakthivel who was in the city on Thursday.

The award-winning director was interacting with college students during a workshop on film appreciation organised by the Department of English, Periyar EVR College.

The man known for such hard-hitting realistic movies such as Kaadhal and Vazhakku Enn 18/9 shared his passion for making realistic cinema with the participants. His frank talk and smiling disposition made the session lively. Shooting quick witted replies to the doubts raised by students, he explained concepts in an interesting manner.

The day-long workshop featured the screening of two films: the Italian film Bicycle Thieves and the Tamil film Kalloori, followed by students’ reviews and interactive sessions.

While Bicycle Thieves is based on the social condition of post-World War II Italy, Kalloori portrays the trials and tribulations of college students.

“Watching Kalloori brings back flood of memories. I feel I could have done a lot of things differently. For instance, I could have toned down certain scenes where there was too much drama ,” Mr.Sakthivel said.

“I have been stereotyped as a director who gives his films a tragic ending. But such an ending is essential to convey the intended message,” he said in reply to a question by a student.

B.Mathivanan, head, department of Tamil, Bharathidasan University, K.Sekar, principal, Periyar EVR College, and A.William, head, department of English, also addressed students during the workshop.

A total of 100 students from the department of English and department of Visual Communication of the college participated in the workshop.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Deepika Muralidharan / Tiruchi – January 10th, 2014

25 model villages identified in Pudukottai district

Knowledge centres to create awareness of latest technology

The State agriculture department has identified 25 villages in Pudukottai district as model villages under the World Bank-aided Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water bodies Restoration and Management (TN-IAMWARM) Project for implementing projects for the development of farming community.

Under the scheme, different departments such as public works department, agriculture, horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, fisheries, animal husbandry, agricultural engineering and agricultural marketing, will work together to help farmers use latest technology in every agricultural activity – from seed to marketing.

The objective is to develop the identified villages as models for other villages. The project will facilitate the opening of a Single Window Information and Knowledge Centre (SWIKC) to create awareness on latest technology among the farmers, said K. M. Shajahan, Joint Director of Agriculture, here.

Redgram transplantation scheme is implemented in the district in 210 hectares, for which the department has already allocated financial assistance. CORG – 7 (C) is a variety suitable for the district and seedlings are prepared in polythene bags.

A subsidy of Rs. 7,500 per hectare under the National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) and Rs. 5,000 per hectare under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is given to farmers.

Of the normal paddy area of 72,200 hectares in the district, 69,323 hectares has been brought under cultivation till last month. The farmers have also raised millets in 4,087 hectares, pulses in 1,087 hectares, sugarcane in 2,979 hectares, and oilseeds in 5,418 hectares.

The agricultural extension centres have stock of 169.11 metric tonnes of paddy seeds, 19.76 tonnes of pulses seeds, and 33.43 tonnes of oil seeds. Referring to the implementation of oil palm development scheme as a pilot project in the blocks of Gandarvakottai, Karambakudi, Aranthangi and Tiruvarangulam , the joint director advised farmers to contact the assistant director of agriculture of the respective blocks and enrol their names in the priority register for getting the benefits.

On the incidence of rice blast disease in samba , he said that the farmers can contact the agricultural extension centre for collecting pesticides at subsidised rates. Farmers could prepare cow dung solution and mix it with 200 litre of water and spray it on crops to control bacterial leaf blight disease, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / Pudukottai – December 30th, 2013

‘Give autonomy to Raise edu Quality’

In order to promote quality of education, educational institutions must be accorded autonomy, opined VIT University chancellor G Viswanathan.

While speaking at a function on Saturday organised by associations, NGOs and institutions to commemorate his 75th birthday celebrations, Viswanathan recalled that had he not met former chief minister of TN Annadurai, he would have ended up as an advocate and not an educationist.

He said the educational institutions across the country were not being given adequate support by the government and wherever these institutions enjoyed freedom and autonomy, they were able to provide quality education. Quality education must be the goal for both the State and Centre, he added.

Viswanathan also stressed on the importance of providing good tree cover to Vellore, which, in the next ten years would change the climate  of the city. He also offered to donate `50 lakh to renovate the Sangeetha Sabha building in the old bus stand area. Former union minister S R Balasubramaniam, termed Viswanathan as an open-minded person, who was a friend of all parties. The VIT University, founded by Viswanathan had become an additional landmark of the historical city of Vellore, he added. The organisers of the event conferred the ‘Kalviko’ award  on Viswanathan. The diamond jubilee souvenir was released by the former vice-chancellor of  Anna University A Kalanidhi, on the occasion.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service – Vellore / December 30th, 2013

Pamban: A Healthy Mix of All Religions

Pamban in Ramanathapuram symbolises the communal harmony of the coastal southern district, where members from Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities live in unity.  While the Swami Vivekananda Mandapam is situated on the seashores in Kundukaal, the Pamban Swamigal’s Memorial is located within a densely populated Muslim area.

The entrance of the street where the memorial is located has a notice on the wall of a house, which reads: “No public thoroughfare; area reserved for women.”  However, there are no restrictions on the entry of people from any religious faith.

M Guhan, a member of the lineage of Pamban Swamigal, said “Hindus, Muslims and Christians have been living here for generations and address each other as Mama (uncle) and Macchan (nephew or brother-in-law).”

“We have put up this notice, only to restrict eve-teasing and movement of drunkards,” says K Seeni Syed Ammal, president of Kadarkarai Meenavar Kootturavu Sangam, a fishermen cooperative. The street serves as a short-cut to hit the main road and earlier drunkards used to tease the women while the men folk were away.

A Christian priest, Rev Samson noted that there were instances when inebriated men created nuisance by bathing in the street. M Mohandas, another resident, agreed that when the street was a thoroughfare it led to frequent instances of misbehaviour. “This is being wrongly propagated as a case of communal fatwa,” he added.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader and Ramanathapuram MLA M H Jawahirullah said no fatwa has been issued anywhere in the district. “Not only do non-Muslims visit these villages, they also invite Muslims for social functions,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service – Ramanathapuram / December 30th, 2013

Short-term Siddha course for Velloreans

The Tamil Nadu Paarambarya Siddha Vaidya Maha Sangam will soon commence six-month diploma course in siddha vaidyam in Vellore.

Vaidyar Arjunan of the sangam said the diploma course would be a good platform to learn and get exposure to the traditional healing system. The a course was already being conducted in Bangalore in association with the Institute of Ayurvedha and Integrated Medicine and Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).

He said introductory workshops were held for interested youngsters in Bangalore and later at Dindigul. The third one would be held in Vellore shortly. “We are planning to start the course in Vellore in 2014,” he added. He said the sangam had a research and training centre in Vellore where practical training was being imparted to students, who had completed the regular graduate course in Siddha, offered by the government and private colleges. The new diploma course would be practical oriented and a good platform to learn and get exposure to traditional healing system, he added.

Arjunan said the sangam would launch a monthly magazine to popularise traditional healing. It was also planning to document research activities of the siddha vaidyars of the State and their rich experience through the magazine.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by V. NarayanaMurthi – Vellore / December 30th, 2013

75 years old and still washing strong

The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. The hospital also has a modern laundry unit. / Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu
The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. The hospital also has a modern laundry unit. / Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu

A British-era steam laundry unit at Govt. Stanley Hospital washes 100 pieces of linen at a time

Huge and nothing like modern-day washing machines — the steam laundry machines at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital have been in use for washing linen for close to 75 years.

The steam laundry unit consists of five washing machines, four hydro extractors to squeeze washed clothes, a four-roller ironing machine, a drying chamber and two boilers. “The hospital is 222 years old. These machines were manufactured in Britain and installed here before independence. Plenty of effort goes into maintaining the units,” said hospital dean, S. Geethalakshmi.

Hospital officials said they have to forge spare parts just to maintain the machines.

The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. According to B. Jagadeesan, junior engineer in the steam laundry department of the hospital, each washing machine has a 100-kg capacity and can wash 100 pieces of clothing at a time.

“The washing machines carry a seal indicating they were made in Nottingham, England. They work on a reverse gearbox mechanism with a clutch,” he said.

Once the linens are washed, they are shifted to the hydro extractors and then to the drying chamber which has a steam pressure blower, and finally, to the ironing machine.

“Two boilers — one made in England and another in India — produce steam and provide supply to the machines through pipelines,” Mr. Jagadeesan said.

Only recently, the hospital installed a modern laundry unit, which consists of two washing machines, two hydro extractors and two drying chambers, to handle its increased bed strength and facilities.

Linen from the operation theatres located in the surgical block will be washed in the new laundry unit, while linen from other buildings will be washed in the old unit, Mr. Jagadeesan said.

“The new laundry unit has made the process of washing linen quicker. Now, the load is being shared between the old and new units,” the dean said.

The hospital’s bulk sterilisation machine, which can sterilise 100 instruments at a time, too belongs to the pre-independence era.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Serena Jospehine M / Chennai – January 09th, 2014