Despite no formal background in baking, Rinky Kothari (27) has been running her own home-based baking company called Frost Goddess for a year. City Express catches up with her to know more about her journey into baking and how it crystallised into an enterprise.
A flight steward before she took up baking, Rinky shares her opinion on both these professions. “Baking needs a lot of hard work and patience. When you put in all of that, the rewards are good and it motivates you further. I didn’t get this job satisfaction when I was an air hostess,” she begins.
Though she makes both cakes and cupcakes, she works only on themed cakes, and orders are usually delivered home. Rinky designs the cake herself according to the customer’s needs. “Designing is the toughest part. It requires a lot of creativity,” she says. “If you have the creative bentand the passion, you can make a wonderful career out of baking.”
So how does Rinky, a homemaker and a mother, manage all of it? “It’s all because of my family — their support means everything to me. In 2011, I practised baking for fun and made cakes only for my family and friends. After three years, I began to scale up my baking work to include customers from outside my family circle. Since 2015, through word of mouth and social media, I now have a steady stream of customers,” she beams.
Frost Goddess will soon have a commercial outlet in the city. Rinky mastered this skill by reading and practising it on a small scale. For orders, call Rinky at 9176631031.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / byVidya Gowri Venkatesh / July 16th, 2016
A surgical team in a city hospital has claimed to have successfully performed a ‘Domino Transplant’ using a liver with a rare genetic disorder called Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP).
The procedure is technically more complicated but allows the hospital to expand the number of patients who can benefit from this lifesaving surgery, Dr Nalla G Palanisamy, Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, claimed at a press conference today.
The first transplant recipient, 36 year old male was suffering from chronic leg pain, had approached KMCH, where the doctors suspected a rare condition of FAP, which was later confirmed by a nerve biopsy and genetic study testing at Royal Free Hospital, London, he said.
FAP is a genetic disorder that causes a protein called Amyloid to get deposited in nerves, kidneys and heart to cause multi organ failure and is a hereditary disorder which runs in families.
The second patient, was a 50-yer-old man and was diagnosed with decompensated cryptogenic cirrhosis for which liver transplantation was the only solution for both patients.
With two transplant teams performing simultaneous surgeries, the patient with FAP, received a new liver from a brain dead donor.
Then the FAP affected man’s liver was transplanted or Dominoed into the second patient.
Even though the second patient had received a liver with a genetic disorder, typically the condition will not impact his health for at least for another 15-20 years, Vivekanandan claimed.
NVM RC
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Coimbatore / PTI / July 06th, 2016
The Society for Educational and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) has selected Dhirajlal A. Gandhi, Chairman, Salem city based Dhirajlal Gandhi College of Technology, for the ‘best academic administrator-2016’ award. The award is in recognition of Mr. Gandhi’s contribution for effective institute-industry linkages.
The award will be presented to Mr. Gandhi by Anil Dattatraya Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education at the two-day national summit on “Sustainable Institute Industry Partnership – SIIP 2016” scheduled at New Delhi on July 21 and 22.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Salem – July 13th, 2016
Consisting of 1,330 couplets, the Thirukkural is part of the Tamil sangam literature and was authored by famed poet Thiruvalluvar. (Representative image)
Chennai:
When Carnatic musician Chitravina N Ravikiran decided to set the 1,330 Thirukkural verses to tune, music just flowed through him. Notes and rhythmic structures effortlessly set themselves to suit the ancient couplets and history was made. A project that was to take 50 hours of work was miraculously finished in 16 (composing) hours, creating a world record.
The Historic Thirukkural Project, which was completed on January 14, was launched in India on Thursday at the Narada Gana Sabha by Potramarai president L Ganesan.
“The project is unique as the verses are secular, non-religious and non-regional. But the verses haven’t been brought on to a music or dance platform, except sporadically. The idea of the project is to enrich the classical repertoire by setting the couplets to tune. Also, it’s easier to remember something when it is presented in melodious tunes,” says Ravikiran, who was inspired by celebrated poet Sri Vedanta Desika who is believed to have composed over 1,000 verses overnight in praise of Lord Ranganatha.
The project was conceptualised on January 9 and Ravikiran got to work almost instantly, beginning as early as January 12, as he didn’t want to lose the momentum. Consisting of 1,330 couplets, the Thirukkural is part of the Tamil sangam literature and was authored by famed poet Thiruvalluvar.
And musically rendering one of the most revered works of Tamil language was quite challenging even for the Chitravina virtuoso.
“The couplets are unevenly sized and it was difficult to fit them in the existing talas. I had to come up with different rhythmic structures to make them fit lyrically,” says Ravikiran, explaining that he used his musical and lyrical experience to tune the verses as faithfully as possible.
The harmonious rendition of the ancient verses was launched on Thursday and is available on Ravikiran’s YouTube channel.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Cities> Chennai / TNN / July 05th, 2016
The Tamil Nadu Medical Council awarded six of the most deserving doctors across the State on the occasion of Doctors Day in the city on Friday.
Governor K. Rosaiah graced the occasion and also gave away the awards who were selected after two months of detailed selection procedure.
One of the oldest doctors to receive the award was 80-year old Lakshminarayanan Janardhanan Poti, a pediatrician from Tiruchy. During the photo session at the end of the event, Poti seemed to have had the most number of supporters in the audience as his large family from babies to the elderly came onto the stage for a picture.
The other awardees were well known laparoscopic surgeon Ramesh Ardhanari from Madurai and M.A Mohamed Thamby, a pediatrician from Tirunelveli, who was awarded for his teaching. V. Alamelu from Chennai was awarded for her work in taluk hospitals. A. Nagarajan, a surgeon from Nagercoil and C.S Palani from Vellore were also awarded for rural services.
Speaking at the event, J. A Jayalal, vice-president of the TNMC and K. Senthil, president of the TNMC, stressed the need for the State government to give these awards, and not just the TNMC. Jayalal said that this year they had received 67 applicants, who had to fulfil various criteria to be eligible for the award like teaching, rural service, among others.
This award ceremony is usually held at the Raj Bhavan but was held at the TNMC office this year as renovation work was happening at the Raj Bhavan.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / July 02nd, 2016
It was a dream came true for V Keerthana, a Class 9 student of Maniyakarampalyam corporation higher secondary school, when she was selected to deliver a speech at the 15th anniversary celebrations of the NGO American India Foundation at Richmond in Virginia.
The NGO was instrumental to introducing technology-enabled learning in corporation and government schools across 10 states in the country. Keerthana was accompanied by A Anju, science teacher at P N Pudur corporation higher secondary school, who delivered a speech at a function organised in New York.
Keerthana said she was filled with excitement and was awed at the sight of an aeroplane. She held onto her teacher’s hand as she entered the Chennai airport. She was the first in her family to have boarded a flight and to cross borders. After the successful US trip, the duo returned to the city a few days back.
Keerthana not only represented the country, but also made the city proud as she received a standing ovation at Richmond in Virginia after she delivered the speech. “I spoke about my family and my experiences. Also, I explained as to how technology-enabled learning transformed my life and personality. After my speech, the entire audience stood and clapped. That moment will remain in my memory forever,” she said.
Having studied in a Tamil medium corporation school till Class 6, Keerthana was introduced to English language only when she joined Maniyakarampalyam corporation higher secondary school. “But I had keen interest in the language and would watch English channels and shows to improve my spoken English,” Keerthana said. Another moment that she holds dear is the first sight of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s gates. “It is my dream to pursue my higher studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and I was overwhelmed at the sight of university gates. Everyone I met encouraged me to work hard and reach greater heights, she further said.
Keerthana’s mother Dhanalakshmi said they were a bit apprehensive at first about sending her daugther to the US. “We were a little worried initially, but we knew that she would be safe. It is a dream came true for all of us. Since she turned 11, she has been telling us that she would visit the US and would pursue her studies there. We knew we could never afford it, but always encouraged her to study well,” Dhanalakshmi said.
Keerthana’s father is a mill worker, while her mother is a home maker. “Many people, including my school head master, helped me for the 10-day trip. Volunteers of American India Foundation arranged everything for us,” said Keerthana.
With just $29 in hand, Keerthana managed to purchase something for her entire family. A statue of liberty stands tall at her home that not only reminds her of the trip, but inspires her to pursue her dream.
Anju is equally happy with the US trip. “I feel very proud and still wonder if it was a dream. We learned a lot from the trip and met many people, including the governor of Viriginia,” she said.
Corporation commissioner K Vijayakarthikeyan said he was proud of their achievements. “I feel very happy when these children get this kind of exposure. We will continue to promote many activities and encourage students to pursue all their dreams,” he said.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Coimbatore / by Komal Gauthami, TNN / June 26th, 2016
Timely help:VIT University chancellor G. Viswanathan hands over a demand draft for Rs. 50,000 to N. Hemamalini on Thursday.— Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
N. Hemamalini will represent the country in javelin throw
VIT University Chancellor G. Viswanathan on Thursday handed over a demand draft for Rs. 50,000 to N. Hemamalini, a student of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Odugathur, to meet the travel expenses to participate in the World School Athletic Championship to be held next month in Turkey.
Daughter of a farmer, the student will be representing the country in javelin throw at the championship.
Ms. Hemamalini, who is in class XII, has been training in javelin throw for the last three years and has bagged 13 medals in State and National-level championships so far. She has created three records at the State, South India and National level, with her best throw being for 40.98 metres. She has been selected for the World School Athletic Championship to be held from July 11 to 18 in Turkey. As she required sponsorships, VIT University chipped in with financial assistance of Rs. 50,000.
Ms. Hemamalini said she was happy to receive the assistance as it would help her meet the travel expenses to fly to Turkey. VIT vice-presidents Sekar Viswanathan and G.V. Selvam, vice-chancellor Anand A. Samuel and S. Pandiyan, headmaster of Government Girls HSS, Odugathur, were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by Staff Reporter / Vellore – June 17th, 2016
Before the advent of cane sugar and mass production in factories, palm jaggery or palm candy used to be the local sweetener. But then, it lost sheen as it was unable to match the production of cane sugar.
One of the major impediments was that there was no mechanised method to produce like cane sugar. But, that tide is fast changing again as with its lower glycemic index is in demand over cane sugar.
Considering its huge potential, Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women has come out with a technology to produce with machines. This new technology was discussed during the international conference on food, nutrition and health organised by the college in Madurai from June 6 to 8.
Few pockets like Udangudi, Vembar in Tuticorin district, Sayalkudi in Ramanathapuram district and Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district are still famous for making palm jaggery from the sap of palm trees. They also make in conventional method by boiling palm sap for many hours to remove its impurities and store it in anaerobic containers where crystals are formed on threads tied inside the container. It takes 45 to 60 days to get in this manner.
The technology invented by the college provides in powder form within six hours.
Explaining the technology, S Muthumariswari, assistant professor, department of home science and research centre, said there is enormous demand for not just in India but from abroad as well. She has created the technology as part of her PhD research.
“In many places of Ramanathapuram district, people still make or powdered palm jaggery whenever there is a need. Considering the huge potential, we are making using machines,” she said.
The college has tied up with Coimbatore-based Dinu Technology to create the machine. J Dinesh from Dinu Technology said that similar to conventional method, in this technology too, palm sap is boiled and crystallised.
“Unlike 45 to 60 days, machine processing takes only six hours and sugar content may vary depending on the region. For instance, palm sap in Ramanathapuram district will have more sugar content than other places,” he explained.
It is said that there used to be five to eight crore palm trees in Tamil Nadu. After toddy tapping was banned, palm trees have seen a steady decline and there are only three crore now.
When demand for is said to revive palm cultivation, modern technology to manufacture it will be a great boon. But the machine cost is quite higher for poor palm farmers to afford, says Dr S Sumayaa, principal of the college urging government’s support in this regard.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India /News Home> City> Madurai / by Arockiaraj Johnbosco / TNN / June 08th, 2016
Next time you get into a cab, and find your driver speaking impeccable English and talking about general affairs, politics and education …don’t be surprised! Meet Vijey Srinivas, a 47-year old logistician-cum-cab driver. Hailing from Krishnapuram, Tiruchy this logistician turned-part time cab driver is what one would call Jack of all trades.
Apart from what he already does, he is also an academician and specialises in soft skill training, is a coach for competitive exams like civil service, TNPSC and MBA, and is also a motivational speaker. Vijey says that he really didn’t think he would be where he is right now.
“I grew up in a small village. I wanted to learn and gain knowledge about everything. That’s when I started reading newspapers,” he says crediting his progress to the various newspapers and tabloids. He started taking baby steps into the world of newspapers in 1987 and today, he reads almost six dailies.
“I can’t sleep without reading newspapers. It’s very hard for me to miss the day’s happenings,” shares Vijey, who settled in Chennai in 1992. His love for tabloids made him collaborate with his friends and start a tabloid Port Links (It deals with issues faced in the Chennai port). The tabloid was started to take issues like congestion to the ministry level. But he is no longer a part of it.
“I had other commitments,” explains the Economics graduate from the University of Madras. He aims to become a lecturer in business communication and is also doing a master’s degree in MA Journalism from Madurai Kamaraj University. “I want to keep learning and contribute to society,” he adds.
After serving over two decades in the shipping industry, he started pursuing a career in soft skills.
A qualified trainer, Vijey currently trains students across various institutions in public administration, Indian history, Tamil, Indian Constitution and other subjects.
“I haven’t done MBA. But, I even teach MBA students. I strongly believe having an aptitude for different subjects is more important than holding a degree in that specialisation,” he says.
So, let’s move to the cab part about which most of you are curious about by now. Vijey began to ponder over passenger logistics and cab aggregators and started driving for Uber on January 1 this year.
Travelling around the city, meeting people from different walks of life, networking and earning at the same time, Vijey hit a jackpot and started living the life he loved.
“I’ve met so many people in my journey. Everyone is surprised when I speak in English and talk about politics and current affairs. IT professionals to high command officers, I’ve met them all,” he shares, mentioning a passenger from the US who gave him a $10 tip, impressed by Vijey’s knowledge and skills.
Vijey’s day begins at 4 am and he works for up to 20 hours a day. “I do yoga, meditate and prepare if I have a class to teach. In my spare time I do what I love — drive!” he exclaims.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Roshne B / Express News Service / June 09th, 2016
Arjun Shankar, creator of the ‘Breaking Bad’ board game. Photo: Yash Suda
A chance $100 ticket, and the opportunity of a lifetime. Arjun Shankar tells how he went about creating a board game based on Breaking Bad, and met its creator Vince Gilligan
Like every other teenager, Arjun Shankar got hooked on to Breaking Bad while still in college. He watched the 62 episodes 25 times.
In 2015, he quit his three-year-old auditing job in a multinational firm, decided to drop out of CA with one exam to clear, and started working on a board game based on the Emmy award-winning series — complete with the popular characters Walter White, Jesse Pinkman and Gus Fring; Meth labs and dollar rolls.
In eight months, after 15 different versions, a brand new Breaking Bad board game was born. “Probably, the only one in the world as of now,” he claims.
Arjun then went a step further. He decided to meet the creator of the series, Vince Gilligan. And early this year, he did.
The journey from the comfort of his home in KK Nagar to a red carpet event in LA, where he finally got to meet Vince, is a story that seems straight out of a movie script.
With no prior background in board games, except for playing the conventional Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, and so on, Arjun went ahead to give life to a “path-breaking idea inside his head”.
“It was the time when Chennai was marooned due to the floods. There was nothing much to do anyway, so I locked myself up inside a five ft by eight ft store room for 19 hours every day, conceptualising the game. I cut off from friends, films, television and social media. Things were pretty bad at home as well. I come from a conservative family, and it was tough for my folks to understand and accept what I was doing,” recalls the 22-year-old.
“But, I held on to my passion. There were times when I worked till I almost passed out, woke up with a new idea all of a sudden, and worked on it for the next 12 hours. Though I lost nearly 25 kg in the last five months, mentally, I was never exhausted. I told myself it was something no one else in the world could do, but me,” he says.
Once the board game was ready, he created a one-man company called Tripeee Games, and applied for his U.S. visa. “I wanted to show Vince what I had created. I knew I was a ‘nobody’ with no network to reach the guy. But people always talk about destiny, about how the universe rearranges itself for those who wish for something, and I wanted to see if there was any truth in it,” he says. Turns out, there was.
“I got my U.S. visa in three days, and flew there in the next two days,” he says. Once there, he arranged to meet Vince’ lawyers at Santa Monica, LA, and presented before them the game prototype. Impressed with it, they said he would be put in touch with a higher authority. A few weeks passed before Arjun got any reply. “Vince’s direct lawyer got back to me saying she saw potential in the game, but could not sign a deal, as it needed to come through a proper channel,” he recalls.
The rights for the characters are with Sony Pictures, and to proceed with the development of the game, Arjun would need an investor who could help him get the rights, and a game developer. “I realised I still had a long way. Considering it as nothing more than a good learning process, I started packing my bags for India,” he says.
That’s when Arjun came across the public event ‘2016 PaleyFest’ at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood — Vince Gilligan was part of the panel. Call it divine intervention or just sheer luck, “but there was just one seat left in the first row of the hall for $100, and I spent the last few dollars left with me on it,” he says.
Arjun shares with us a video recording of the “biggest moment of his life”. In the video, Vince and the rest of the cast of Better Call Saul — an offshoot of Breaking Bad — are on the dais; and on the first row in the audience is our Chennai boy. When the moderator announces the session open to the audience, Arjun, all suited up, pounces at the opportunity. “I was numb. There were 1,500 people in the audience, and two heavyweight bouncers right in front of me. I knew that this was my only chance to talk to the director. So, I went ahead and grabbed the mike. I couldn’t remember a thing I spoke, until I saw the recording,” he says.
Arjun spoke to Vince about his story, took out the prototype of the game which he had taken along with him to the event, and asked feebly, ‘Would you like to see it?’ “Vince was perplexed. He probably hadn’t met anyone as crazy as me. However, he did agree to see it,” laughs Arjun. And, just like that, Arjun’s board game was screened on the big screen before hundreds in the audience, and probably thousands worldwide on their televisions. “Vince seemed pretty impressed, and said: ‘We will connect you with the right person’, before pointing at his assistant,” recounts Arjun, who was mentioned as a “bold game maker who pitched his invention to Vince”, on the next day’s Hollywood Reporter. “I hope Vince does not forget me and my creation in the near future,” he says.
That’s probably enough time for Arjun to get his game out.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Television / Naveena Vijayan / May 30th, 2016
