The fibre paintings depicting the history of freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman at his memorial in Kayathar has become a crowd-puller.
After the Kattabomman memorial was opened by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on June 18 last, over 200 tourists visit this place every day and the number goes up during holidays.
To add more colour to the memorial, two mega fibre paintings depicting the coronation of Kattabomman and a hare chasing the hound near Kattabomman’s fort at Paanchaalankurichi have been kept.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> TamilNadu / by Special Correspondent / Tuticorin – August 28th, 2015
‘Valourous Chola Prince Rajaditya was killed right in front of my eyes by a poisioned arrow’
A great city grew on my banks, but did you know that they have been sites of the clash of civilisations?
The location was close to what you now know as the spot where the dam was constructed across me at Keshavaram, where Kosasthalayar splits to do her own thing. It was near the location of this modern dam that I witnessed a bloody war of much importance, many moons ago.
In 949 AD, the combined armies of the Cholas and Cheras were led by the Chola crown prince Rajaditya, son of King Parantaka-I. The army met a fierce enemy in King Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta kingdom at Thakkolam (now technically placed in Vellore, but quite close to Kancheepuram), to whose aid came the forces of Ganga dynasty.
On a fateful afternoon, Rajaditya, the valorous Chola prince, was killed right in front of my eyes by a poisoned arrow, altering forever the history of the Tamil kingdom. Owing to the death of the prince, the crown later moved to his younger brother Arinjaya Chola and thus paved the way for the ascension of his descendants Raja Raja-I and Rajendra-I, two of the greatest Chola emperors, at a later point.
Imagine this: If not for the Thakkolam battle on my banks, you may not see the iconic Brihadeeshwarar temple today in Thanjavur since Raja Raja Chola would not have become a king.
A few kilometres down Thakkolam, the Polilore battlefield (Pullalur), again near my waters, was where the British forces faced tremendous losses in the Carnatic wars.
In 1780, Tipu Sultan faced off with British East India Company commander Colonel William Baille, inflicting deeps wounds to the British ego. As I watched the guns and canons blaze on either side, Baille was captured along with many of his troops and taken to Srirengapattna in Mysore.
But a year later in 1781, they returned to the same spot for another encounter.
The British side, now reinforced with better fire power, defeated Hyder Ali under the leadership of Eyre Coote. I remember that the Polilore field had witnessed another ancient but less decisive war as well, when Chalukyas led by Pulakesin II and Pallava King Mahendraverma-I took on each other. The former won.
Source: Venkatesh Ramakrishnan, Chennai Cooum group
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by SruthiSagar Yamunan / August 17th, 2015
The regular walkers at the Race Course were in for a small surprise on Friday morning as portraits of several unsung heroes of the freedom movement were displayed on the path. Everyone knows about Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters as our history lessons in school were complete without them. But names like Akkamma Cherian, Usha Mehta, Hemu Kalani, Durga Bhabi, Leela Roy and Bhima Bai Holkar hardly appear in any text book nor are many children taught about their sacrifice for the motherland.
“With each portrait that I pass, the only feeling I have is that I have done nothing for my country so far. These people gave up everything to ensure that we live in a free country but we should ask ourselves what have we done to better our country,” said Saroja, a home-maker from Salem. D Yuvarajan, 12, pointed out to a portrait depicting the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and told his mother all that he learnt in school. “I am not familiar with many of these leaders and so I am asking my mother to explain their contributions to me while I am sharing what I know with her,” he said.
A government arts college student was moved by the story of Hemu Kalani, who was hanged at the young age of 19, and said that he would definitely go back and read more about these unsung heroes. “I am very interested to read more about their life and their struggle. I am interested in learning more about each of them,” said S M Arun Boopathy studying BSc Maths.
For some it was a day to play quiz and find out who knew better history. “We both have seen nearly 30 portraits so far and we are testing each other as to who knows more about them. But the sad part is we did not even recognise half of them,” said R Ashish, who was with his friend Samuel.
The portraits are on display outside All Soul’s church at Race Course till 6pm on August 15.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Coimbatore / by Komal Gautham, TNN / August 15th, 2015
Pichai Sundararajan aka Sundar Pichai. / Photo: Kamal Narang / The Hindu
“Super excited about his progress and dedication to the company,” says Google co-founder Larry Page.
Google’s announcement on Monday that it would be subsumed within a new parent company called Alphabet had a bonus for people of Indian-origin world over: the company’s head of Products and Engineering, Chennai-born Pichai Sundararajan, was anointed the CEO of the new, “slimmed down” Google.
Underscoring his confidence in the man known as Sundar Pichai (43), Google boss Larry Page said of the restructuring in the company he co-founded with Sergey Brin, “A key part of this is Sundar Pichai.”
Mr. Pichai, who is a graduate of IIT Kharagpur and Stanford University, had “really stepped up since October of last year, when he took on product and engineering responsibility for our Internet businesses,” Mr. Page said in a blog post, adding that he and Mr. Brin were “super excited about his progress and dedication to the company.”
They may well have reason to feel fortunate that Mr. Pichai is the man to head their $66-billion revenue, $16-billion profit, company– by most accounts he combines a deep passion for engineering excellence with a rare managerial quality of attracting the best talent into the teams he works with.
Mr. Pichai started at Google in 2004, where he was known as a “low-key manager” who worked on the Google toolbar and then led the launch of the market-beating Chrome browser in 2008.
Following this his rise through the ranks of Google took on an increasingly meteoric tenor, and soon he became Vice President, then Senior Vice President, and ultimately was charged with supervising all Google apps including Gmail and Google Drive and finally given control of Android itself.
His promotion to Product Chief in October 2014 literally made him Mr. Page’s second-in-command with oversight of day-to-day operations for all of Google’s major products including maps, search, and advertising.
Some of Mr. Pichai’s colleagues describe him in the media as a skilled diplomat, including Caesar Sengupta, a Google Vice President who has worked with Mr. Pichai for eight years, and said to Bloomberg News, “I would challenge you to find anyone at Google who doesn’t like Sundar or who thinks Sundar is a jerk.”
Nowhere was Mr. Pichai’s easy blending of techno-diplomatic competence evident than in early 2014, when the fracas between Samsung and Google was reaching fever pitch, at the time over Samsung’s Magazine UX interface for its tablets, which Google felt may have been deliberately underselling Google services such as its Play apps store.
According to reports “Defusing the situation fell to Sundar Pichai, the tactful, tactical new chief of Google’s Android division. Pichai set up a series of meetings with J.K. Shin, CEO of Samsung Mobile Communications, [where] they held ‘frank conversations’ about the companies’ intertwined fates [and a] fragile peace was forged.”
Since then, Samsung has apparently agreed to scale back Magazine UX, and the two corporations have announced a broad patent cross-licensing arrangement to implement which they “now work together more closely on user experience than we ever have before,” according to Mr. Pichai.
Another apparent talent of Google’s new CEO – his thinking seems to be ahead of the curve. Although Mr. Pichai trained in metallurgy and materials science at IIT Kharagpur, and Stanford and did an MBA at Wharton, he was already deeply immersed in the world of electronics.
According to one of his college professors Mr. Pichai “was doing work in the field of electronics at a time when no separate course on electronics existed in our curriculum.”
The Google founders no doubt recognised that Mr. Pichai was a man on an evangelical-type mission for pushing the boundaries of technology.
Mr. Pichai most eloquently outlined this mission when he said, “For me, it matters that we drive technology as an equalising force, as an enabler for everyone around the world. Which is why I do want Google to see, push, and invest more in making sure computing is more accessible, connectivity is more accessible.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Technology / by Narayan Lakshman / Washington – August 11th, 2015
MDMK leader Vaiko, senior Congress leader Kumari Anandan and VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan and others paying homage to Sasi Perumal in E Metukkadu on Thursday | EXPRESS
Salem :
Eight days after his death, anti-liquor activist Sasi Perumal’s body was laid to rest in his native village, E.Metukkadu, here on Friday. Hundreds of political functionaries, civil society activists and general public paid their last respects before the body was buried in front of his house.
Sasi Perumal’s eldest son Vivek, relatives and social activists who were on a hunger strike ever since his death demanding an announcement from the State government on implementing prohibition, ended their fast after the last rites. As per discussions the six party front Makkal Nalanukaana Kootu Iyakam had with the family members, a memorial will be built for the Gandhian activist. Vaiko, who leads the front, handed over `5 lakh collected from the constituent parties to the family but since they refused, donated it for towards building the memorial.
The cremation was virtually hijacked by star leaders Vaiko, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, CPM’s G.Ramakrishnan and Thamimun Ansari of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi who relegated members of Sasi Perumal’s Desiya Makkal Kootamaippu to the background and organised the final rites, right from crowd management to moderating condolence speeches.
Earlier, around 10.30 am, Sasi Perumal’s body was brought from Asaripallam in Kanyakumari by his younger brother and son Navaneethan, accompanied by Vaiko. Once the hearse van entered the city limits, police objected to the body being taken around in a procession saying it was school time. Vaiko assured police officials that they would ensure discipline and cautioned that preventing them would trigger unrest. Following this, police relented and allowed the body to be taken in a procession. Thirumavalavan, Ansari, leaders of IUML, CPI and CPM took part.
Sasi Perumal’s supporters and his son Vivek have announced that they would continue his struggle till the government makes an announcement on prohibition.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders gave an unanimous call for total and immediate prohibition as against the gradual prohibition stand taken by some parties and anti-liquor campaigners.
Delivering condolence speech during the last rites of Sasi Perumal on Friday, MDMK general secretary Vaiko said, “Partial prohibition will only promote black market.”
Calling for a sustained struggle against liquor, Vaiko said the proposed memorial to be built for Sasi Perumal will only be built after ensuring total prohibition in the state.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol Thirumavalavan said that Sasi Perumal’s struggle will be continued with vigour and concern.
He clarified to Sasi Perumal’s supporters and activists not to feel that the opposition parties have sabotaged their indefinite fast.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States>Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / August 08th, 2015
Four years after the state-of-the-art multifunctional railway complex building at Kanyakumari station was constructed, the structure came to life on Sunday. The building includes a wax museum and other amenities.
Constructed at a cost of around Rs 2 crore, the 4,000 sq ft building was supposed to host various commercial establishments for passengers to spend their time. Unfortunately, there were not many takers and it started becoming a den of beggars and stray dogs without any use.
Due to the efforts of railway officials, the Wonderwax Wax Museum functioning in a nearby theme park was moved to the building. It also hosts a multi-cuisine restaurant, ice cream parlour, juice shop and public inquiry booth.
The wax museum hosts nearly 10 life images of various personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, A P J Abdul Kalam, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Barrack Obama, Pope John Paul II, Manmohan Singh and Rabindranath Tagore. The realistic images are placed in small cubicles and museum authorities are planning to provide audio ambience in the coming days.
“The wax museum and restaurant will be useful to railway passengers and will attract lot of visitors,” a railway official said. The building has also got ample parking facility, he said.
Kanyakumari District Rail Users Association secretary, P Edward Jeni said that it was an added attraction to the station that handles thousands of passengers. “We are glad that railways’ has utilised the building for some good purpose,” he said.
During his recent visit to Madurai division, general manager of Southern Railway, Vashishta Johri said that they are finding out methods to utilise such unused buildings.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Madurai / by J. Arockiaraj, TNN /July 28th, 2015
Senior superintendent of police K Bhavaneeshwari has been appointed chief security officer (CSO) of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), a newly created post.
After the Koyambedu- Alandur metro rail line was inaugurated by chief minister J Jayalalithaa on June 29, director general of police Ashok Kumar, state intelligence chief P Kannappan and city police commissioner S George discussed security arrangements at the metro stations.
Sources said Bhavaneeshwari, now SP, ‘Q’ branch, has been deputed to the new post. She will assist CMRL officials in cooperation with the city and state police. She will be paid by CMRL and will be responsible for setting up a team and deciding the roles of its members.
“She will be in charge of providing safety and security to the assets of the metro rail. She will also carry out anti-terror drills and anti-sabotage checks,” a police officer said.
Bhavaneeshwari will be responsible for maintaining law and order and tackling crime on metro rail property, including at work sites. Two private agencies currently handle security at metro rail stations and are monitored by a retired superintendent of police.
The 10-km stretch Koyambedu-Alandur metro rail line has seven stations and there will 32 stations along two corridors when the entire network becomes operational.
Once completed, there could be five to six metro rail police stations for the network, each with six to seven metro rail stations under its control.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / TNN / July 31st, 2015
Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was laid to rest on Thursday here with full military honours in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders.
The People’s President’s body, draped in the Indian tricolour was brought to the burial site at Pei Karumbu in a flower-bedecked gun carriage, escorted by columns of the three armed services.
A gun salute was accorded to the former supreme commander of the armed forces and a military band played the haunting Last Post.
Modi, who arrived here on Thursday morning, paid his last respects to the country’s youth icon and most popular president by laying a wreath.
Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar and Pon Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu ministers like O.Panneerselvam, Natham R. Viswanathan and others also paid their last respects to Kalam.
Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy were also present, as was Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders also paid their last respects to Kalam – also known as India’s Missile Man.
Earlier the mortal remains of Kalam were taken to the family mosque for prayers.
His family members also reached here.
“All our relatives have also arrived to attend the last rites,” A.P.J.M.K. Sheik Saleem, the former president’s brother’s grandson, told IANS.
The Tamil Nadu government declared a public holiday on Thursday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Banks, insurance companies, schools and colleges are closed throughout the state.
The government has also ordered closure of liquor shops and bars throughout the state.
Around 30,000 jewellery shops would also remain closed, while petrol bunks stopped sales for an hour between 10-11 a.m. as a mark of respect for Kalam.
Movie-theatre owners too have decided to shut down for the day while fishermen have decided not to venture into the sea.
Political parties like the DMK and the AIADMK have cancelled their functions.
Interestingly, the decision of private sector organisations to voluntarily shut shows that Kalam was truly a People’s President.
Born in Rameswaram on October 15, 1931, Kalam, as a boy, hawked newspapers to supplement his family’s income. His father owned a boat and his mother constantly struggled to keep the family sufficiently fed and clothed.
His sister pawned jewellery with a moneylender so that the studious Kalam could carry Rs.600 when he left Rameswaram to join the Madras Institute of Technology.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by IANS / July 30th, 2015
An alumnus of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), graduating with a doctorate in management from VIT in 2010, has been appointed the Minister for Education in the Rwanda government. Dr Papias Musafiri Malimba was awarded his Ph.D after working under Dr P Ganesan, his research supervisor, for five years at VIT. VIT Chancellor Viswanathan expressed his happiness and congratulated Dr Malimba on assuming his new role as the Minister for Education.
Dr Papias Musafiri Malimba
Dr Malimba graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and management from the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and has a master’s degree in business administration majoring in Finance and Information Technology from the School of Business, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.
With over 14 years of experience in the academic work arena, Dr Malimba was serving as the Principal of the College of Business and Economics of the University of Rwanda. Earlier, Dr Musafiri was actively involved in teaching, research and consultancy and held several senior management positions including that of director of administration and human resources, acting dean, faculty of management, vice rector academics and acting rector, in several higher learning institutions in Rwanda.
During his stint at VIT University, Dr Musafiri was actively involved in research and presented several research articles in national and international seminars and conferences. Dr. Musafiri has also published papers in several reputable journals including the International Journal of Social Economics and the Journal of Financial Services, which he co-authored with his research supervisor Dr. P. Ganesan.
Dr Malimba replaces Professor Silas Lwakabamba as the education minister last month.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / July 10th, 2015
