Monthly Archives: September 2015

IITian wins award for tech to dispose sanitary napkins

Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Science & Technologies

Chennai :

Talking about menstrual health is still considered a societal taboo. It’s no hidden fact that Indian society dislikes anything to do with matters of menstruation and particularly menstrual waste. So how do we deal with this staggering amount of sanitary waste generated every month? What are the technologies to handle it?

With feminine hygiene gaining importance over the past decade, affordable, but non-biodegradable, sanitary pads are within the reach of many. Women either wrap soiled pads in paper and throw them along with domestic garbage or flush them down or throw them in water bodies. This dismal state of sanitary waste management pushed IIT-M alumnus V Ramachandran into developing Reprocide, a wall-mounted sanitary napkin destroyer that will incinerate soiled pads with minimal release of smoke into the environment. And for his efforts he was given the CavinKare-MMA Chinnikrishnan Innovation Award- 2015 recently.

What makes Reprocide different from other incinerators is that it has a twin chamber with thermal insulation to burn pads – this allows marginal fumes to get emitted. The 51-year-old electronic engineer, who worked on the machine for over two decades, said, “Many destroyers in the market have a single chamber. So when you open the chamber after using it, the smoke hits your face. Reprocide has twin chambers. We also have a programmable timer, which allows the machine to automatically switch on and off after a set duration.”

The machine burns the pads with its electrical heating system within few minutes. The ash could either be used as manure for plants or can be flushed out. Ramachandran’s machine, which was developed through his company Glo Life Care, has already been installed in many government schools and private companies across south India.

Ramachandran, who had earlier developed a sanitary napkin vending machine, began toying with the idea of an incinerator after he noticed sanitary workers struggling to find a convenient way to dispose used pads. “The drain in our street was clogged and when corporation workers got to work, they found large amount of sanitary pads blocking it. That was when I thought I should find a solution,” he said.

Reprocide is not just compact but packs a number of features to save power. The entire system is packed compactly in a sheet metal box coated with anti-rust proof painting. Ramachandran has developed nano models measuring 12.5 inch x 12 inch that can burn five napkins at a time and jumbo models measuring 10 feet x 10 feet that can burn 250 pads at a time.

“All the components, including the heating system, thermal insulation, temperature controller, emission and ash collection, have undergone several rounds of tests and certified by NABL accredited laboratories,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Chennai / by U. Tejonmayam, TNN / September 14th, 2015

Bringing the spotlight on handicrafts

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Red , yellow and white threads are slowly interlaced to make beautiful mats by 28-year-old Swa minathan, who spends two hours a day weaving mats in his loom at home. Autism isn’t a barrier for the artist in young Swami, who drew portraits of great Indian leaders since he was five.

When he turned 18, his teachers at Vidyasagar advised his parents to admit him to the Employment Education Centre (EEC) of the school where he could further build his artistic capabilities. Developing a keen interest in weaving, Swami mastered the technique in just five years.His woven mats were sold at Vidyasagar’s store. Yet his customer base was limited to his relatives and close friends. The last week, however, has brought in a wave of change for him, as orders poured in after his products were showcased as part of The Artist Project.

Brainchild of budding architect Abhinaya Rangarajan, The Artist Project is a platform to promote talented artists who make handicrafts but lose out on a large audience because of minimal marketing. The rules are simple. If you make handicrafts and are looking for a marketing push then you can be featured.

The initiative, which began in mid-July , now features four artists from different cities and operates through a Facebook page with products ranging from handmade puppets to sculptures.The overwhelming response is a pleasant surprise for the artists. “We have received so many orders that we are sold out! This is very encouraging for Swami as it gives him a feeling of accomplishment,” says Swami’s mother, M Sivasankari, who also helps Swami thread the needle and choose colour combinations. She adds that Swami’s weaving has helped him therapeutically .

Swami’s teachers say initiatives like The Artist Project are critical in developing a career for children with special needs. “Special children have varied areas of intelligence. For Swami, his spatial intelligence is exceptional and he looks at things differently. Projects like these have further built his and his family’s confidence,” says Vidyasagar chairperson Usha Ramakrishnan.

Media consultant Karishma Benjamin from Bangalore says a busy work-life left almost no time for marketing her brand -Bangle Doodle -that began as a hobby . But little did she know that her 3.5ft long colourful floor lamps, made solely from bangles, would receive a positive response through this project. “It was heartening to receive many enquiries about the products from new people,” says Karishma, adding that she plans to train underprivileged women in this craft in the future.

Whether it is textile jewellery or a necklace from sea shells, the personal touch of the products has attracted many customers. “When I bought one of Swami’s mats, it wasn’t just to support a cause. I purchased a good quality product that made me a satisfied customer,” says architect Poornima Nair, explaining how the project has made her aware of many independent artists who `deserve to be known.’ Elaborating on her plans for the future, Abhinaya says, “I’ll be travelling to rural areas to rope in craftsmen,” adding “it is the story behind each handcrafted product that is inspiring”. All it takes to be featured in this initiative is a crisp message to the Facebook page -The Artist Project -about the artist and the handmade product.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Chennai / by Aditi Maithreya, TNN / September 14th, 2015

After 49 Weeks, 279 Receive Wings at Officers Training Academy

Education, World Opinion
Proud parents KC Mahali and his wife after their son Dikshanth’s pipping ceremony at the Officers Training Academy on Saturday | MArtin Louis
Proud parents KC Mahali and his wife after their son Dikshanth’s pipping ceremony at the Officers Training Academy on Saturday | MArtin Louis

Chennai  :

A total of 279 cadets were commissioned as officers on Saturday,  including 230 gentleman Cadets, 33 lady cadets and 16 foreign cadets (15 were from Afghanistan and one from Lesotho, Africa) at the centennial passing out parade of the Officers Training Academy.

Maribenyane Samuel, from Maseru, Lesotho told Express that the training he received was of a much higher standard compared to the previous training he received as part of the Lesotho Defence Force, as the Indian Army was one of the largest armed forces in the world.  The 49-week training will help him as Platoon Commander with the Lesotho army, he added.

Suriya Narayanan from Tambaram, one of the 15 cadets from TN, is an engineering student who joined the army, preferring it over IT jobs and is the first in his family to do so. He said retired officers should help increase awareness about army vacancies and recruitment process  which would reduce unemployment tremendously.

K C Mahali, Additional Director General of Police (Welfare) was present at the event as his son Dikshanth Mahali from PSG Tech in Coimbatore was passing out and will join the Gorkha rifles as Captain.

During the parade, the Reviewing Officer, Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi presented the “Sword of Honour” to Senior Under Officer (SUO) Pragun Bali for his best all round cadet of the passing out course. Winner of Mr.OTA (on-stage show), son of Col Rahul Bali, Pragun had represented the country through youth exchange programme in Kazakhstan even before graduation.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / September 13th, 2015

HIDDEN HISTORIES – The elements of an Empire

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
The Chrome Leather Factory gave rise to an entire colony — Chromepet. / The Hindu
The Chrome Leather Factory gave rise to an entire colony — Chromepet. / The Hindu

Travelling in the U.S., I was asked by Rayan Krishnan if I had read Sam Kean’s book, The Disappearing Spoon. A bestseller, it deals with the history of the world as seen from the elements of the Periodic Table. I found the work unputdownable and while reading it, pondered on the chemical elements that had an impact on our city, Madras.

The first were undoubtedly gold (Au) and silver (Ag), brought in large quantities by the East India Company to purchase the cloth, for which the region was so famous. Most of the company officers were corrupt and lined their pockets with the same metals, retiring to England with enormous fortunes. At least one, Governor Thomas Pitt, battened on the sale of a large diamond (just C, if you look at it from the chemistry angle).

That fortune was enough to fund the political ambitions of his descendants William Pitt the Elder and the Younger, both of whom became Prime Ministers of England.

Living in Madras meant a whole host of medical problems for the British, thanks to their unhealthy living. Excessive indulgence in food and drink was a common problem and that resulted in digestive disorders. A common treatment for this involved antimony (Sb) pills. As to what these did to the intestines is a bit of a mystery, but they were considered the best laxatives. ‘Antimony pearls’ were used in the treatment of eye disorders too.

Far more widespread was the use of the dreaded mercury (Hg). The Company officers and those of the army were largely single during their tenure here, which meant that many contracted venereal diseases. Mercury was the only known cure for these. Teeth and hair fell out, a symptom that came to be associated with the disease and not the cure, and yet for years, mercury remained in use, as internal medicine and as an ointment when mixed with iodine (I). Writing in the Madras Quarterly Journal of 1866, Thomas Lowe railed against the modern tendency of being wary of mercury. He recommended it for a host of other fevers as well. Another chemical used for medicinal purposes was Arsenic (As). An accidental overdose, caused by an error while compounding in 1693, led to the death of a Mr Wheeler, thereby necessitating the first post-mortem in Indian history, performed by Dr. Edward Bulkley, in Madras.

The early 20 century saw two elements coming to the fore. Sir Alfred Chatterton, Principal of the College of Engineering, pioneered the usage of aluminium (Al) for utensils of daily use. Later, as the first Director of Industries, Government of Madras, he set up the Indian Aluminium Company, now known as Indal, and with that, the aluminium wok became ubiquitous in our homes. It was also Chatterton who perfected the chrome tanning process for leather that involved the usage of Chromium (Cr) salts. The Chrome Leather Factory that came up consequently may be closed today, but it gave rise to an entire colony — Chromepet.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Sriram V / Chennai – September 11th, 2015

Upcoming aerospace park to see first entrant in January

Business & Economy, World Opinion

An upcoming aero space and defence park on the out skirts of Chennai will see its first entrant in January with VinMn, a start-up to make engines and components, setting up unit.

Tamil Nadu is setting up the aerospace park in Sriperumbudur-Oragadam, about 50km from the city . Nearly 12 aircraft component manufacturers have been given inprinciple clearance by the state government to set up units. They will now be allotted land. VinMn has been allocated 40 acre in the aerospace park.

“Ground clearing work is underway and we hope the government will complete the process by December. We will ground break in January,” Venkatesh Chandrasekaran, CEO, VinMn Aerospace said.Funded by PE investors, VinMn is venturing into making of aerospace components and unmanned aerial vehicles by acquiring an auto-components precision manufacturing unit. Aerospace appears the next frontier for manufacturing companies in the state as it can supplement the ecosystem that services Bengalurubased Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

“Between Salem, Hosur and Chennai, we could be the biggest in aerospace vertical.We expect the size of business to be in the region of $10 billion in 10 years,” Chandrasekaran said.

An association — The Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Tamil Nadu — has been formed to lobby for the interests of TNbased companies in this sec tor. This body hopes to act as an interface and enabler in efforts to supply component parts for the RTA (Regional Transport Aircraft) project, which is a joint initiative of HAL and National Aer and National Aer ospace Laboratories. The basic version of the aircraft will have 80-90 seats (RTA-70).

“The three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are the aero hub triangle in India and companies which are expected to come up in the aero park in the Sriperumbudur-Oragadum belt can look to develop components for the RTA,” N Shekar, president of the association, said.

Drawing similarities between auto manufacturers and vendor units, Shekar said aircraft component manufacturing units located in the region could end up supplying various parts to the RTA.

“An end to end RTA programme would take about eight years to complete. It is a smaller aircraft and could cater to regional connectivity requirements,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Chennai / TNN / September 11th, 2015

A classic culinary record

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Mallika Badrinath with her copy of Hindu Pakasastra. / Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu
Mallika Badrinath with her copy of Hindu Pakasastra. / Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu

Geeta Padmanabhan finds, what she is convinced, is the oldest Tamil cookbook ever published

In early 2004, S. Muthiah featured a book in his Miscellany column. He wrote: “First published in Madras in January 1891, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra and Dravida Hindu Pakasastra is a ‘treatise on Hindu vegetarian cookery in Tamil’ by T.K. Ramachandra Rau.” He referred to an enlarged version, the ‘third and Coronation edition’, marking the 1912 Coronation of ‘King Emperor George V & Queen-Empress Mary’. The preface of this book said the 2000 copies printed in 1891 were sold out. A second edition came out in 1900.

Celebrity cook Mallika Badrinath has the fifth edition of Hindu Pakasastra. It belonged to a K. Janaki in 1936, but was gifted to Mallika in 2002 by a Mrs. Radha Ramnath Dore. “Ms. Dore believed I would appreciate the book,” said a beaming Mallika, adding, “Please handle it carefully.” Her concern was about the discoloured pages, but the book is well-bound and the paper looks strong. Published by C Kumarasamy Naidu Sons in 1935 at the Caxton Press, this large 348-page recipe book cost Rs. 2 and 4 annas. What is that in today’s rupee value?

The book is priceless, particularly for its data on ingredients, cooking systems and recipes. For Rayar (Rau), cooking is a sacred art and science, and a cookbook, more than a simple collection of recipes. So you have a comprehensive textbook dealing with all aspects of Pakasastram: you learn of body types, appetite, tastes, health, nutrition, names/nutritive values of ingredients, cooking tools, fuels, weights/measures and meal plans before you reach the recipes. Rayar even talks of the kind of water you need to cook with! He meant this to be a beginners’ manual: ‘Training the Cook’ is a separate chapter. You master the book, and can walk into the kitchen with confidence to “feed — on all occasions — persons varying in number from 5 to 1000”.

“You are what you eat,” argues Rayar, linking food to satva, rajas, tamas and their combinations. He enlightens you on dietetic fibre, the six tastes and choosing a diet to suit your metabolism. (Prone to queasiness and heartburn? You run on ‘pitha’ metabolism. Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, cluster beans, peerkangai, peanuts, green gram, til). He teaches you how to separate butter and make ghee, and tells you which veggies can be grilled on an open fire. He lists cooking methods with examples. Pictures of cooking implements enliven the pages. And ah, the recipes. Who said “Saadam” is rice or daliya? Try corn or one of the millet varieties (bajra, sorghum). Have you heard of, tasted or tried, kamir roti, chameli kushka (jasmine-scented rice), wheat and almond roti, gomati anar rice, vegetable doria, arbi (seppankizhangu) combos, tamarind-jaggery rasam, gooseberry payasam, onion sweet-dish, wheat-channa dal jilebi and red pumpkin/banana poli? These are among varieties of curries, koottus, raitas, chutneys, sweets and savouries that fill pages. It is a tremendous collection — a pot you can keep dipping into. The style is simple, as is the cooking. Recipes call for very few spices; the emphasis is on bringing out the taste of the vegetables. Onions and garlic are sparingly used.

You get a description of tea/coffee/cocoa before reading how to prepare drinks out of them. He uses a picture of a plantain leaf to tutor you on where the dishes are placed. Tables estimate measures and costs of provisions for different clusters of guests.

Pakasastram is more than a record of our rich culinary tradition; it is a peep into our political/social/economic history. Rayar refers to the growing trend of men going abroad to earn, and acknowledges Queen Victoria’s efforts to open schools for girls.

It is, in its attempt to answer the question, “why should you learn cooking?” that this remarkable tome makes me squirm. The book is a lecture addressed to two young girls, so Rayar’s message is for women. “Proficiency in cooking is of foremost importance to carry out your duties of looking after the husband, children and others,” he writes. Ahem.

Hindu Pakasastra may well be the first published cookery book in Tamil. I am willing to bet on it till new information is unearthed.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Geeta Padmanabhan / Chennai – September 11th, 2015

Mahesh Ramanujam named CEO of US Green Building

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

Washington  :

Indian-origin professional Mahesh Ramanujam has been named the new CEO of the prestigious US Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated.

Ramanujam, who hails from Chennai, would replace Rick Fedrizzi, the co-founder of USGBC and current CEO after he steps down at the end of 2016.

“Mahesh has a highly impressive track record of success in both his role as USGBC’s COO and as President of Green Business Certification Inc,” said USGBC board chair Marge Anderson.

“He is a proven leader who has exhaustive knowledge of the organisation, respect from its volunteer leadership and strong support from its team. He has extensive global experience and broad business acumen. He is the perfect choice to lead the organisation into the future,” he added.

“As a founder, I could not be happier, and as a CEO, I could not be more satisfied that I’ll be able to leave USGBC in the best hands possible,” said Fedrizzi.

Ramanujam said he was deeply honoured that the Board have placed their trust in him.

“I will serve the organisation and our movement with a long-term vision – keeping innovation as a top priority,” said Ramanujam.

“As USGBC’s CEO, I pledge to continually modernise and enhance our capabilities and performance to ensure we deliver the future that our founders envisioned,” he said.

Ramanujam joined USGBC in 2009 as Senior Vice President, Technology, before being named COO in September, 2011.

In December, 2012, he was also named President of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) where he broadened offerings to better serve a wider client base, leading the organisation to change its name to Green Business Certification Inc earlier this year.

Prior to joining USGBC, Ramanujam was COO for Emergys, a business transformation consulting firm in North Carolina.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> NRI> NRI Achievers / PTI / September 09th, 2015

Indian-Origin Boy Sweeps Australian Spelling Bee Contest

Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Anirudh Kathirvel, a nine-year-old Indian-origin boy is Australia’s new spelling champion after he won the 50,000 dollars ‘The Great Australian Spelling Bee’ competition.

Kathirvel, born in Melbourne to a Tamilian couple won 50,000 dollars education scholarship along with an impressive 10,000 dollars worth goods for his school yesterday.

Anirudh said he could not believe his luck after winning the scholarship and asked his fellow spellers to “pinch” him.

“I need to rub my eyes and see if this is a dream,” he said adding “Nope.Nope.Nope.Real. I can’t describe it. It’s like the best day of my life.”

Anirudh said his favourite word to spell was ‘euouae’ as he liked the structure of the word as it was the longest word with consecutive vowels.

“Some of the other words I like to spell are feuilleton, cephalalgia, ombrophobous,” he said adding that he loves watching Indian movies.

Anirudh, whose parents Prithiviraj and Sujatha also migrated to Australia from Tamil Nadu 16 years ago, said, “I started reading from the age of two and slowly my reading passion evolved into my love for words. My parents encouraged and helped me to build up on my spelling.”

“My first spelling competition was when I was in grade 1. But my first year in the spelling competition was challenging.

“Gradually my confidence increased and I was pushing my spelling abilities to its limits. That’s how my spelling journey has begun,” he added.

He also can read, write and speak Tamil apart from English.

For him spelling practice has been his everyday routine and he said that he try and learn at least 10 new words per day.

“I research those words, find their meaning, their origin & the roots and their synonyms. I also practice my spelling on the different spelling apps,” Anirudh, who wants to be a neuroscientist, said.

“I am fascinated with the human body. The working of the brain is so complex. This created a great interest and I want to learn more & more about the brain.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to brain diseases like Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia. I want to look for those answers and help those people who suffer from those conditions. I want to be a neuroscientist,” he said.

Four Indian-origin children participated in the contest with another Indian-origin girl Harpita, 8, emerging in the top five finalists.

A total of 50 finalists were picked from over 3,000 children across Australia who had applied to be part of the upcoming TV show of Channel Ten that kicked off last month

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Magazine> News / by Natasha Chaku / Melbourne – September 05th, 2015

IOS head office opened

Business & Economy, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

The national head office of Indian Orthodontic Society, the national body of Orthodontists, was inaugurated on Sunday.

Nikhilesh Vaid, president of IOS, opened the office at Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital in Chromepet .

Sree Balaji Dental College has two more members in the national executive — Kannan Sabapathy as Joint secretary and K. Gnanashanmugham apart from C. Deepak from the Department of Orthodontics.

As part of the Golden Jubilee year, the IOS has the smile torch programme to promote awareness on Orthodontics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – September 08th, 2015

1 lakh Tamil articles to come up on Wikipedia

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Madurai  :

In its bid to promote Tamil languages on the internet, the state government is taking up steps under the initiative, ‘Kani Tamil Peravai’. One of the initiatives includes working with Wikipedia, the free-content internet encyclopedia, to develop Tamil content writings.

Director of Tamil Virtual Academy T Udhayachandran said they have set a target of publishing one lakh articles written in Tamil in Wikipedia in a year. “It will help people to have easy access over the articles written in their mother Tongue,” he said.

Wikipedia officials say around 45 lakh articles in English language are contributed from across the world. Among Indian languages, Hindi language has the largest number of articles published in Wikipedia and Bengali articles stand on the third position. Meanwhile, a non-profit organization, Wikimedia Foundation, publishes around 68,000 articles in Tamil languages on their web portal.

Wikipedia India program director A Ravishankar said Tamil people should contribute more articles to the website. “Many people are still not aware of the availability of Wikipedia in Tamil. Most of articles are about language, writers and other prominent persons. But, Tamil articles on specialized subjects like science are still scarce,” he said.

The number of articles available in Wikipedia is an indicator of how developed the language is on the internet, Ravishankar said. Experts should come forward to help increase Tamil contents in specialized subjects, he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Madurai / by Devanathan Veerappan, TNN / September 06th, 2015