Monthly Archives: May 2020
A walk down the Sangam era
Madurai, the cultural hub of Tamil Nadu, known to have housed and incubated poets and scholars from the Sangam period, is believed to be the birth place of Tamil literature.
Chennai :
Madurai, the cultural hub of Tamil Nadu, known to have housed and incubated poets and scholars from the Sangam period, is believed to be the birth place of Tamil literature. Speculated to have lasted between 300 BC to 300 AD, the Sangam was an institution to which most south Indian academics contributed, under the patronage of the Pandya kings. In fact, literature discovered of this era has been confirmed with archaeological evidence as well. With the recent Keezhadi excavations and the Kodumanal findings, culture enthusiasts are eager to understand the ancient Tamil history and culture from the time.
And to fulfil their wishes, Friends Of Heritage Sites (FOHS), a group of history and heritage enthusiasts in Chennai, has organised a four-part webinar on Sangam literature and culturalscapes on May 14 and 15. Epigraphist and historian V Vedachalam will be taking the audience through a bird’s eye view of the Sangam period and sharing insights into its structure. Continuing the thread, V Selvakumar, archaeologist will talk about the link between Sangam literature and archaeological evidence.
“Using case studies, I will be explaining the social and cultural aspects of the era. Over 400 poets from diverse backgrounds contributed to the Sangam. There is a fair amount of documentation that gives us enough to construct its social and cultural environment. We have references to salt merchants, and involvement and contribution of women to the economic trade of the era,” says Selvakumar.
Cascading through the various accounts uncovered by archaeologists, Selvakumar will be covering the economy of the Sangam age based on said archaeological material and literary references. Primarily, with respect to craft production and long-distance trade that the ancient Tamizhagam had with the ancient Afro-Eurasian world. Sangam literature also covers the first hints of urbanisation of the time. “Tamizhagam was inclusive of parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. I will be talking about the various migrations that took place due to political and economic changes,” he says.
This is the first webinar by the team and they have already crossed 100 registrations. “Normally we host a seminar or conduct a field trip once in two months. Since we can’t do that now, and everyone is also keen on learning and trying to spend their time usefully, we thought of doing this,” says Sharmila Devadoss, president of FOHS.
The webinar will be cast live on the FOHS YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9OxC8z42wbA on May 14 and May 15 from 6 pm to 7 pm.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Naaz Ghani / Express News Service / May 13th, 2020
GI tag for Thanjavur Netti Works, Arumbavur Wood Carvings
Applications for both the products were filed by Poompuhar
The Thanjavur Netti Works and Arumbavur wood carvings have been given Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry here in Chennai.
The application for Thanjavur Netti works was filed by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (Poompuhar) and in the case of Arumbavur wood carvings it was filed by Poompuhar in association with the Arumbavur Wood Carvers’ Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Society Limited and the Arumbavur Temple Car and Woodcarving Artisans Welfare Society. “Both the applications got registered and GI tag has been granted,” said Chinnaraja G.Naidu, Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications.
A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation by virtue of their geographical association. The tag conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the geographical origin of the product. The owner of the GI tag has exclusive rights over the product
IPR Attorney and GI Advocate Sanjai Gandhi, who was instrumental in getting the GI tag for the products, said, “Thanjavur Netti Works (Thanjavur Pith Work) is made from pith. The pith is obtained from netti, a hydrophyte plant called as Aeschynomene aspera. The artisans are skilled in this particular craft and this art is traditionally transferred from their forefathers.”
The lakes around Pudukottai (Pudukullam & Kallaperumbur lake) are surrounded with marshy land which favours the growth of the hydrophytic plant. The soil found in Thanjavur is favourable for the growth of the plant that is used for the production of pith handicraft based in Thanjavur. The notable works from Thanjavur Netti Works include models of the Brihadeeshwara Temple, Hindu idols, garlands, door hangings and show pieces used for decoration. The pith stems are found in and around the Thanjavur region and Mannargudi.
Arumbavur Wood Carving is done at Arumbavur and around the Veppanthattai taluk of Perambalur district. The wood carvings are primarily made out of wooden logs of Indian siris (Poo Vaagai, Albizia lebbeck), mango (Mangifera indica), lingam tree (Mavilangam), Indian ash tree (Othiyan – Odina wodier), rosewood, neem tree (Vembu – Azadirachta indica). The carvings in Arambavur Wood Carvings are often inspired by architectural details on temple sculptures and carvings. The dimensions of the wood blocks used depend on the wooden sculpture to be carved. The descriptions and designs which inspire the work lie in temple architecture indigenous to the region. Usually, the statues are crafted in the range of 1 to 12 feet.
Sculptures of Lord Vinayaka, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi can be seen in Arumbavur Wood Carvings, along with motifs such as hamsa/mythical swans, poomakhumbhal cornucopia, kaamadhenu, other floral motifs; temple chariots and temple cars used during processions of deities, figures of Christ, Dasavatara panels, avatars of Goddess Laksmi and vahanas for temple deities among numerous other designs .
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by Sangeetha Kandavel / Chennai – May 12th, 2020
Greater Chennai Corporation unveils app for telemedicine
The Greater Chennai Corporation on Tuesday launched an app offering telemedicine services to people free of cost.
Special nodal officer J. Radhakrishnan launched the “GCC Vidmed” app on Tuesday.
Corporation Commissioner G. Prakash was present.
“Residents can use the app to get telemedicine services free of cost 24×7. The pandemic has increased the risk of getting COVID-19 infection in hospitals. The app allows people to consult a physician without visiting the hospital,” said an official. Those availing telemedicine services will be screened for COVID-19 once the doctor finds symptoms.
Arrangements will be made to send teams of doctors to help such residents at home. The information about the residents will be shared with zonal health officials who will assist those at home.
The civic body has started telecounselling for residents in the containment zones.
Any resident can call 044-25384520 to get help, including on civic issues, relating to COVID-19 containment in the city. For example, residents who need ambulance, those who want their neighbourhood sanitised and also report civic issues related to the pandemic can call the number.
Civic officials said the telemedicine services will help at least 4.25 lakh people in containment zones where movement has been restricted. In addition to the residents in 690 containment zones, others who wish to provide information about the risk of infection can call also the helpline.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – May 12th, 2020
12
Social activist installs sanitiser plant for residents in Chromepet
The plant is helping residents and shopkeepers in the locality get sanitisers free of cost
Social activist V. Santhanam has come forward to show the way for residents to fight COVID-19 by installing a 1,000-litre capacity sanitiser plant.
The sanitiser plant, installed in front of his house in New Colony in Chromepet is helping residents and shopkeepers in the locality to get sanitisers free of cost.
Mr. Santhanam said the use of sanitisers is being recommended by health officials to prevent COVID-19 infections. As a social cause, a sanitiser-making unit has been installed, wherein residents can come with a one-litre bottle and fill their bottles for free.
The sanitiser plant cost ₹1.50 lakh and was installed through his family owned Sri Saranagathi Seva Trust, he said. Mr. Santhanam said the sanitiser plant was installed by Noble ECo Systems in Vengaivasal. The sanitiser plant has very low operational costs, with only two units of electricity being consumed per day for running the plant and the raw material for producing sanitiser being salt, it does not cost much, Mr. Santhanam added.
The sanitiser plant was inaugurated by Pallavaram Municipal Commissioner Mathivanan on Sunday.
A large number of residents and commercial establishments including provision shops are benefiting from this in the area.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – May 11th, 2020