Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Early Nilgiris through photographs

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
The Burn foot lake of Udhagamandalam in 1860 – from a collection of photographs of A.T.W. Penn.
The Burn foot lake of Udhagamandalam in 1860 – from a collection of photographs of A.T.W. Penn.

Christopher Penn, the great grandson of ATW Penn, one of the first photographers who documented the Nilgiris and Southern India, visited the Nilgiris on Saturday and made a presentation at the Nilgiri Library of his great-grandfather’s photographs.

Mr. Penn, who stumbled upon his gilded ancestry by sheer coincidence in 2000, has been visiting the Nilgiris over the last decade.

Mr. Penn made a pictorial chronicle of the early Nilgiris, by reading from his book and also based on research done on the pictures.

Mr. Penn exhibited photographs of the Ooty Boat House, Willow Bund, a view from St. Stephen’s Church, Tiger Hill and many more.

Reading from his book, Mr. Penn, who is 79-years-old, and believes that this could be his final visit to the Nilgiris, described the funeral rites of the Todas, emphasising the importance of the Toda buffalo to the local culture.

The author said that the buffalo would be sacrificed with a single blow, and placed in the grave of the fallen man in such a way that the head of the deceased would touch the buffaloes’ and the hand would be in contact with the animal’s horn. Geetha Sreenivasan, president of the Nilgiri Library, welcomed Mr. Penn.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Staff Reporter / Udhagamandalam – February 09th, 2017

A glimpse into the work of a versatile artist

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
S. Nandagopal (left), son of K.C.S. Paniker, describes a painting to German Consul General Achim Fabig and N. Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons Ltd. | Photo Credit: K_Pichumani
S. Nandagopal (left), son of K.C.S. Paniker, describes a painting to German Consul General Achim Fabig and N. Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons Ltd. | Photo Credit: K_Pichumani

“Artist K.C.S. Paniker created a landscape that combined elements of language and symbolism with colour and shape to construct a painting of a larger nature,” Consul General of the Consulate General of Germany Achim Fabig said.

He launched a book ‘Paniker’ that was compiled by Mr. Paniker’s son S. Nandagopal comprising his paintings, at Artworld Sarala’s Art Centre. Mr. Fabig said the legendary artist who founded the Cholamandel Artists Village had managed to transcend the presumed limitations of Indian artists. “His work is of larger importance, not just to India, but to the world of art as such,” he added. N. Ram, chairman, Kasturi and Sons Limited, said Mr. Paniker was a fine artist who had contributed a great deal to the Madras Art Movement. “The book has been beautifully produced and has very carefully selected text. Mr. Paniker had astonishing energy and integrity that made him do things without expecting success. He did what he believed in and did it exceedingly well,” he added.

He noted Mr. Paniker’s assessment of his work ‘Why do I paint?’ gave an interesting psychological insight about himself. “This shows how open he was,” he added.

The exhibition of prints on canvas will be on till February 10 at the art centre. For details, contact: 24338691

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / Staff Reporter / Chennai – February 02nd, 2017

FICCI launches cell to educate women on their legal rights

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

Chennai :

The next time you find yourself tangled in a legal battle concerning matrimony or succession, you can avail first-hand advice. FLO, a division of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI), has launched a legal and advocacy cell — a pan-Indian attempt to empower women and sensitise them in their knowledge and understanding of laws relevant to their rights.
The cell in Chennai was launched last week with a series of workshops on how to file an FIR, awareness of matrimonial laws, succession and will. It was followed by comprehensive sessions by Jayanthi Natarajan and Justice M Sundar.
“The purpose of this cell is two-fold: firstly, everyone should know their rights and entitlement, and secondary, we as a chamber, want to make important policy suggestions. Pan-India, we found that there were gaps; while laws are available and there are several women who use them to their benefit, they don’t always percolate down. This legal and advocacy cell is an attempt to understand that gap and bridge it,” said Sudha Shivkumar, chairperson, FICCI FLO Chennai.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Chennai News / by Saranya Chakrapani / January 31st, 2017

Lone ranger in khaki with unique approach to handle jallikattu protests

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Sports
Tiruchy Deputy Commissioner A Mayilvaganan with chief minister O Panneerselvam. (EPS)
Tiruchy Deputy Commissioner A Mayilvaganan with chief minister O Panneerselvam. (EPS)

Chennai :

At a time when the police are facing uncomfortable questions from all quarters including courts, activists and opposition parties, here is a young officer who has stood out. Tiruchy Deputy Commissioner A Mayilvaganan has become a lone ranger in khaki in the State today, applauded for the way he handled the jallikattu protests.

On January 23, the day when the protests took a downward spiral into violence and street battle in Chennai for which the police are under fire for their alleged role,  Mayilvaganan stood out for his impassioned speech that coaxed protesters to disperse peacefully. The way in which he handled the protest and protesters has impressed many on the corridors of power, almost from the High Court of Madras to the Chief Minister.

While hearing a case seeking relief from various persons affected by the violence, Justice R Mahadevan of the High Court had asked the officer to be present at the court on Monday. Today, the judge openly expressed the court’s admiration for the way the protest was handled.

Later in the day, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also invited the young officer to his chamber in the Secretariat to express his appreciation of his work.

Helped by his experience in Madurai, where, as the Additional Superintendent, he witnessed the brewing discontent among the people over jallikattu, Mayilvaganan was calm in handling the protests when it began turning ugly in other parts of the State. According to sources, police personnel were asked not to use their lathis against the crowd.

Even when the students took their protests to the street blocking the road near MGR Statue, he appealed to them not to bring a bad name to the protests that had been peaceful until then. The video of this impassioned but patient speech he gave on that day went viral on social media platforms, which made many sit up and take note of the young man.

“So far the protest has been good without any untoward incidents, and as an outcome of your protests, the government has passed an ordinance which would pave way for the conduct of the bull taming event in coming days. It is wise to end the protest now,” the Deputy Commissioner appealed to about 100 students through the loudspeaker.

Subsequently, a section of police personnel went on to convince the students individually by explaining them the provision of ordinance and other legal developments in ensuring the conduct of jallikattu in coming days.

Soon enough, the crowd dispersed, perhaps the first protest venue in the State where protesters took an official’s word on face value.

Before being posted at Tiruchy last year, Mayilvahanan, served in Ambattur, Chennai, as Deputy Commissioner, and was ADSP (Headquarters), Madurai before that.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / January 31st, 2017

Chinese Indians family reminiscences their roots

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Members of the Min family bursting crackers to signal the arrival of New Year. | Photo Credit: R. Vimal Kumar
Members of the Min family bursting crackers to signal the arrival of New Year. | Photo Credit: R. Vimal Kumar

For the Min family, the only Chinese- Indians based in Tirupur who now lives very much as Indians, the dawn of Chinese New year is still been seen as the moment that provides an opportunity to reminiscence their roots.

The Chinese New year celebrations each time bring fond memories to the family members, spread over three generations, about the traditional rituals followed in China since otherwise the Min family did not celebrate any other Chinese festival.

The Chinese New Year falls on the ‘New Moon’ between January 21and February 20 of the English calendar year and the festivities usually last for a fortnight with each day marked for different types of rituals.

Thus, the Chinese New Year this year began on January 28.

The Min family this time welcomed the dawn of New Year with the bursting of crackers wearing new dresses.Special prayers were performed as per the Chinese tradition with Wenchaswi Min (69), the senior most member in the family, leading the ceremony. Then they distributed sweets to the neighbours and friends.

“Speciality of the feast is that there would only be even numbers of dish. This time, there has been 10 dishes with six being Chinese specialities like Chinese dragon chicken, dried mushroom soup and egg sandwiches as prepared in China”, said Sebastian Leo Shaou Kang Min, another member.

The Min family fled China to India in 1930s following the effect of China-Japan war on that country’s economy.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by R. Vimal Kumar / Tirupur – January 30th, 2017

My lyrics draw inspiration from Tamil land: Vairamuthu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

VairamuthuCF17jan2017

Says lyricists cannot remain oblivious to political and social developments

Poet and lyricist Vairamuthu on Sunday said the Tamil land and its people formed the main subjects for his film songs as they could never be exhausted.

“They are like the air that constantly fills the space. They are like a human life that remains inexhaustible despite generations of writers dwelling on it,” said Mr. Vairamuthu in a conversation with Tamizhachi Thangapandian at The Hindu Lit for Life on the subject Sol Isai Porul.

Mr. Vairamuthu said he entered the film world dominated by the ideas of nationalists in the beginning and followed by the Communists and leaders of the Dravidian movement and had to draw on Tamil land and its people for ideas and make his songs socially relevant.

He went on to recite the song Chinna chinna mookuthiyam sekappu kallu mookuthiyam by K.C.S. Arunanchalam to explain how the lyricist wedded to communist ideology created a song placing thrust on red, the colour of Communism.

A lyricist could not remain oblivious to the current political and social developments and should be very careful about choice of diction and simile, he said.

When the audience questioned the presence of English words — 50 kg Taj Mahal — in his song, he said the words were introduced taking into consideration the nature of the character.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Lit for Life / Staff Reporter / Chennai – January 16th, 2017

Chennai designer makes clothes for people with disabilities

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

Chennai :

Men and women on wheelchairs will take to the ramp as models for adaptive clothing for a city-based designer at the `Trios Fashion Show 2017′ on Sunday for a fundraiser. Having made clothes for her husband and aunt who are both wheelchair  users, Shalini Visakan , an alumni of NIFT, is presenting Indo-western party wear for people with different disabilities.

Visakan has recently designed a one-piece sari with pleats and blouse that can be worn as a housecoat for her aunt. “She could never go to temples because she could only wear nighties. So I designed it in one piece so that she could be comfortable without having to wear a separate skirt inside,” says Visakan. “Designer wear in adapti ve clothing is very rare. Some women use diapers and I’ve given extra crotch length for their clothes. For those who lack motor skills, I have used magnetic buttons and Velcro,” she says.

The party wear for the physically challenged has been designed in such a manner that they can wear it independently . Students and working professionals from Vidya Sagar  will model for the show.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India /News> City News> Chennai News / TNN / January 05th, 2017

‘Natya Kala Acharya’ for Malavika Sarukkai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Susan Tuller, Deputy Consular General, Consulate General of United States, in Chennai, presenting the title to Bharatanatyam exponent Malavika Sarukkai at The Music Academy’s 11th dance festival. Academy president N. Murali is in the picture.
Susan Tuller, Deputy Consular General, Consulate General of United States, in Chennai, presenting the title to Bharatanatyam exponent Malavika Sarukkai at The Music Academy’s 11th dance festival. Academy president N. Murali is in the picture.

The Music Academy’s 11th dance festival inaugurated

Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and guru Malavika Sarukkai was on Tuesday conferred the title of ‘Natya Kala Acharya’ at the inauguration of The Music Academy’s 11th dance festival here.

Susan Tuller, Deputy Consular General, Consulate General of United States of America in Chennai, who presented the title, said this was her first Margazhi season and that she was awed by the scores of ‘sabhas’ in the city that have thousands of concerts. She congratulated Ms. Sarukkai on winning the title. The US Consulate here enjoyed bringing together South Indian and American artistes, she added.

Academy president N. Murali said Ms. Sarukkai was a wonderful exponent of Bharatanatyam. “Excellence and holistic approach to art are her hallmarks and she is never afraid to explore and innovate. To her, innovation is only an organic growth from within,” Mr. Murali said. The 2017 edition of the dance festival will feature 26 performances over seven days comprising a variety of dance genres, including Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam, he said.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Sarukkai said it was an honour to be recognised by the Music Academy which has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Bharatanatyam from the 1930s. She acknowledged with gratitude her gurus and her mother Saroja Kamakshi, who anchored her dance journey.

“Classical dance is a gift — both precious and vulnerable — that must be nurtured and supported for it represents the heritage of India and requires a conducive ecosystem to survive and flourish,” she said . The responsibility to do this lay with sponsors, philanthropists, organisers, artistes, media, dance enthusiasts.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 04th, 2017

Step into the old world & devotional tunes of odhuvars

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Chennai :

Odhuvar is a Tamil word which has its root in the Tamil term odhal, which means recitation. Literally, the word odhuvar would refer to a person who recites.

However, in the Tamil Saiva tradition, the word would normally refer to a person who sings the praises of Lord Siva in temples. Since the odhuvars are trained in the traditional style of singing devotional songs, the Saivite devotees who listen to them during temple worship recount an empyrean emotional experience.
Odhuvars sing the devotional songs composed by the Saivite saints, like Karaikkal Ammayar, irunavukkarasar, Tirugnanasambandar and Sundaramurthy Nayanar. The works of the latter three saints, taken together, are known as Thevaram.

They lived and composed the songs, set them to music, as also sang them in the Siva temples between the 6th and 9th centuries.
The provenance of Tamil music is attributed to the Tamil singers of yore who were called paannar(s). The Thevaram songs which have been composed in pathigam (or ten hymns) style are set to specific pann(s) or raga.

Rajaraja Chola is credited with the retrieval of the sequestered palm leaf manuscripts of the Thevarams from the Siva temple in Chidambaram, re-organising this into the 12-volume Thirumurais with the help of Nambiandar Nambi, a devotee of Siva, and nominating paannars at temples across the Tamil land to sing hymns in musical form.
The odhuvars have come to be identified with a new generation of trained professionals. But, it’s apparent that a large number of the young hereditary professionals have started leaving the profession in search of better avenues mainly due to insouciant social attitude and insufficient income potential. Even though the larger Siva temples in the State employ them under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, their salaries are reported to be meagre to retain them.
Satgurunatha Odhuvar of Kapaleeswara temple has stated in an interview: “It makes me sad that so few youth are coming forward to follow this tradition of serving God. Finance is one reason for this decline.”

Indira V Peterson, in the Journal of the American Oriental Society (Jan-Mar, 1982), has suggested that “besides being a literary record of the pilgrimage of the saints who composed and sang the thevarams, the songs reveal a conceptual orientation to pilgrimage as being central to the Tamil Saivite cult and that through this orientation the songs have played a powerful role in shaping Tamil Saivite community’s view of itself as a separate linguistic and regional culture.” Any effort taken to preserve such a hoary tradition may augur well to those interested in preserving living heritages.
The writer is VP (Education & Training), India Cements, and has worked in UNESCO for 10 years on various projects

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by S. Venkatraman / Express News Servic e / December 20th, 2016

Five dance exponents honoured

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
L. Sabaretnam, Chairman of Karthik Fine Arts (fourth from left) and dancer Chitra Visweswaran (third from left) with awardees at the inauguration of ‘Natya Darshan 2016’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Friday. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu
L. Sabaretnam, Chairman of Karthik Fine Arts (fourth from left) and dancer Chitra Visweswaran (third from left) with awardees at the inauguration of ‘Natya Darshan 2016’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Friday. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Five dancers were honoured at ‘Natya Darshan 2016’, an annual dance seminar here on Friday. The event organised by Karthik Fine Arts and convened by dancer Krithika Subramanian conferred the Madurai N. Krishnan Memorial Award on Rathnakumar, Lifetime Achievement Award on Raja and Radha Reddy, ‘Natya Chudar Award’ on Sudharma Vaidyanathan and ‘Nithya Jyothi Award’ on Mathura Vishwanathan Vijay.

Dancer Chitra Visweswaran, after presenting the awards, said this seminar has grown from strength to strength over the last several years primarily because of the cooperation from dancers. “It was started locally, then went national and now people from across the world come to participate,” she said.

Kuchipudi exponent Raja Reddy recollected the time when one of the great dance gurus refused to accept him as a disciple because of his appearance. “He told me bluntly that I cannot dance because I have a dark complexion and huge nose; he said I must have attractive features to be a dancer. After a long struggle I learnt this art form and then sometime back when I gave a performance in Elizabeth Hall, London I was appreciated to a great extent,” he said. Chairman of Karthik Fine Arts L. Sabaretnam also spoke during the event. It was followed by a dance recital by Priya Murali.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities / by Staff Reporter / December 17th, 2016