Category Archives: Records, All

A batsman’s success story in thirteen chapters

Alvin Kallicharran is the founder of a cricket academy based out of Raleigh, North Carolina in the US.

The pre-launch of Alvin Kallicharan’s book was held on Monday  Debadatta Mallick
The pre-launch of Alvin Kallicharan’s book was held on Monday  Debadatta Mallick

Chennai :

Chennai holds a special place in former West Indies cricket captain and legendary batsman Alvin Kallicharran’s heart as his mother Padma was born here. Each visit is a celebration, and he was here on Monday for the pre-launch of his upcoming book Colour Blind. The event was held at Amir Mahal where he spoke about cricket and the book.

“In the book, I recount four important stages of my life — from growing up as an impoverished child to becoming a cricketer, trying to find meaning to life through cricket, and finally recognising the need to give back to the community with spiritual guidance and awareness,” said Alvin. The book is expected to be released in May 2019.

Sharing a matchbox-sized home in Guyana with around 20 people including 11 siblings, Alvin has come a long way. “At the age of 10, I was working at a rice mill from 8 am to 6 pm. I used to come back home, eat food if there was any left, or head to the streets to play cricket where coconut branches were our bats and we made ball with wood from the tree. Injuries were so common that at least one person used to be in a hospital every day,” he said.

Through the 13 chapters in the book, he shares various stories including his childhood defined by his status as the grandson of indentured labourers in the sugar plantations of Guyana, his encounters with the great cricketers and how his upbringing helped him adapt rather quickly, his test match debut century, the daily rigors and demands required to become a professional sportsperson, significant issues of cheating, questionable run out tactics, umpires without accountability and much more.

Alvin Kallicharran is the founder of a cricket academy based out of Raleigh, North Carolina in the US.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Express Features / March 27th, 2019

TA Pugalarasan: Chennai’s turtle man creates a sea change among locals

Pugalarasan hopes to have a small research vessel someday to study endangered marine life.

T.A Pugalarasan
T.A Pugalarasan

On a chilly December morning in 2002, T.A Pugalarasan was walking on the beach in his fishing village Periya Neelankarai when he spotted a stranded sea turtle. He instinctively decided to save the turtle and swam 200 metres beyond the waves to release it back in the ocean. “I had seen several dead sea turtles on the shore. But that was the first time I helped a stranded turtle,” says Pugalarasan.

Like many youngsters in his village, Pugalarasan was initially indifferent to marine life and its conservation. There was even a time when he and his friends used to play with turtle eggs. Life took a different turn for him when he met conservationist Dr. Supraja Dharini, founder of the Tree Foundation.

“My entire perspective about the ocean and its life forms changed after I met Dr. Supraja. When I was younger, I did not know about sea turtles. So I would dig out their eggs and use them as balls to play cricket. They have a very soft shell, unlike other eggs, and so bounce off the ground. I still remember when I met her for the first time, I asked several questions like why we should put turtles back into the sea and why they should be protected,” adds Pugalarasan.

Pugalarasan received the prestigious Ocean award from the Boat International in 2017. ( Photo | Sunish P Surendran)
Pugalarasan received the prestigious Ocean award from the Boat International in 2017.
( Photo | Sunish P Surendran)

After interacting with Dr. Supraja, Pugalarasan realised that protecting sea turtles is like protecting the wealth of the ocean. Today Pugal is part of the Sea Turtle Protection Force (STPF) which comprises over 165 fishermen living along the Coromandel Coast. STPF is an initiative started by the Tree Foundation under the aegis of Dr. Supraja.

Over the years, Pugal and his STPF member have created a sea change in the attitudes of the local community towards the turtles. “We conduct many awareness programmes on endangered marine species in fishing villages, schools and colleges using dance, drama and documentaries,” says Pugal.

“In some fishing communities, the fishermen eat sea turtles. We have built a strong network of informers to save the turtles. We work jointly with the Marine Police, Fisheries Department staff and the Forest Guard,” he says. There was an instance when two turtles were going to be killed for a wedding dinner. On receiving an alert, Pugalarasan along with the Marine Police conducted a rescue operation and saved the turtles. Later they were released into the ocean.

But today things have changed and thanks to the strong network, whenever a turtle, dolphin or whale is stranded, fishermen inform Pugal or the Tree Foundation office. “Whenever I get a call from the fishermen about a stranded turtle or dolphin, I immediately drive to the place in our ambulance with the stranding kit. I give first aid to the injured turtle and bring it to the rescue and rehabilitation centre,” adds Pugal.

Once the turtle is brought to the centre, it is inspected and the treatment is started. Pugalarasan himself has helped in the rehabilitation of more than 40 turtles.

“I have seen Pugal when he was in his early 20s. Since then he has been part of Tree Foundation’s ‘Save the turtles’ mission. He has also helped Tree Foundation expand its conservation to other states. Apart from the turtle conservation initiatives, he along with his STPF members carry out several clean-up programmes along the beaches to make people understand the problems of pollution,” says Dr. Supraja.

Pugalarasan received the prestigious Ocean award from the Boat International in 2017 for pursuing sustainable ways of fishing, protecting sea turtles and educating people about endangered marine species.

He hopes to have a small research vessel someday to study endangered marine life. “I want to share everything I learn about the ocean and marine life. I want people to understand that we must take care of the ocean and its rich marine life. People should also refrain from polluting the ocean with plastic, chemical waste and other trash,” adds Pugalarasan.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Nandalal / Online Desk / March 27th, 2019

A museum of ancient instruments in Chennai

Tol Isai Kalanjiyam at Raja Annamalai Mandram in Chennai | Photo Credit: K_V_Srinivasan
Tol Isai Kalanjiyam at Raja Annamalai Mandram in Chennai | Photo Credit: K_V_Srinivasan

Tamil Isai Sangam’s museum has on display rare and vintage musical instruments

Tamil Isai Sangam was founded in May 1943, with Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar as the president and R.K. Shanmugam Chettiar as the vice-president. Annamalai Chettiar’s three sons — Muthiah Chettiar, Mayor Ramanathan Chettiar and Chidambaram Chettiar — were also involved with the Sangam. Many are the milestones in the history of the Sangam, the latest being the inauguration of Tol Isai Kalanjiyam — a museum of musical instruments at the Raja Annamalai Manram premises in Chennai. This writer caught up with Valli Arun, the moving spirit behind the museum. She is the great granddaughter of Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar and granddaughter of M.A. Chidambaram Chettiar. Her father A.C. Muthiah has been honorary secretary of Tamil Isai Sangam since 1993. Valli became a member of the board of trustees in August 2016. Her suggestion that a museum of musical instruments should be established, was instantly approved by the board.

“My grandfather M.A. Chidambaram Chettiar had collected many musical instruments, which were kept in the Sangam, but not displayed as in a museum. Grandfather also had a fondness for art, and he got artist T.V. Ratnam, to paint portraits of vidwans. The gallery was then just a hall, with long cases containing the instruments. What I wanted was an aesthetically designed museum, with a proper display. While plans for the museum began in August 2017, site work started only in May last year. We were very lucky to have found an excellent architect in Katheeja Talha,” says Valli.

Valli acknowledges that Dr. Lakshmi Poduwal, former Principal of the Sangam’s college, has been a pillar of support. Dr. M. Thangarasu, former Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University came up with crisp write-ups about the Sangam. On display in the museum are two visitors’ books, one of which pertains to the gallery and has signatures of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India, Bishnuram Medhi, Governor of Madras in the late 1950s, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and His Highness Jayachamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. One of the exhibits is a handwritten letter from Rajaji dated 1946, where he talks of a Tamil’s natural proclivity for music.

MuseumInstruments02CF27mar2019

“Eighty instruments in the museum are from grandfather’s collection. I wanted to add ones that were used by well known musicians. My mother recalled that my father’s childhood friend’s sister Nalini was married to T.N. Rajaratnam Pillai’s grandson Sarabhoji. So, mother contacted Nalini, who gave us two of TNR’s nagaswarams. Dr. Poduwal procured Papanasam Sivan’s spectacles and two handwritten kritis of his, flautist N. Ramani’s tambura, and a ghatam from Vikku Vinayakram. Nityashree gave us DKP’s sruti box. We also added the veena of Shamnugavadivu (M. S. Subbulakshmi’s mother) to our collection,” says Valli.

Some of the instruments were repaired in situ, while some were taken to workshops to be fixed. Balaji of Sankar Musicals, Mylapore, and Ezhumalai of Puttur took care of the repairs. The portraits were restored by artist Manivelu, says A. R. Nachiappan, secretary of the Sangam. Of the 38 portraits painted by artist Ratnam, 12 are displayed in the museum, and the rest in the auditorium. Many photographs were sourced from the archives of The Hindu. The museum, with its hand carved pillars from Chettinad, looks stately. Justice Gokulakrishnan suggested that a Nataraja bronze would add to the appeal of the collection, and Valli had one made in Swamimalai.

The museum has rare instruments including nagara, Panchamukha vadyam, an antique sruti box, kolyazh — a yazh shaped like a boat — and mayil naga veenai — which has a peacock face carved near the resonator and a five hooded serpent in place of the yaazhi. There are two ekkalams, and one can see how the five-feet long instrument is collapsed into a more easily transportable one-foot instrument.

“The ekkalam is an aerophone, played during weddings, temple festivals and during hunting. Panchamukha vadyam is a five-faced resonating instrument. Each face represents one of Siva’s faces — Sadyojata, Tatpurusa, Isana, Aghora and Vamadeva. It is played in Tiruvarur and Thiruthuraippoondi temples. The performer stands on the side of Vamadeva and strikes one or two of the faces at a time. Nagara is a North Indian drum, which is mounted on a carriage, to follow the deity in temple processions. The Pradarshana Veena is unique. Prof. Sambamurthy used this kind of veena to prove the theory of 22 srutis,” explains Dr. Poduwal.

MuseumInstruments03CF27mar2019

“My father suggested that we should screen video footage on how musical instruments are made. V. Nallathambi, retired Assistant Station Director of Doordarshan, told me that Doordarshan had aired a feature in 40 episodes, about the making of musical instruments. We’ve got the episode on tavil making for now. We will get more episodes from Doordarshan, so that the video will play continuously, even as visitors have a look at the exhibits,” says Valli.

While the museum is a dream come true for Valli, there were many anxious moments before the inauguration. A few days before the inaugural, Valli found that the mount for the rare rectangular flute was intact, but the instrument was missing. It was discovered after two days of frantic searching. Valli was briefing some students who were to be volunteers during the inaugural, when Nachiappan entered, ‘lost’ flute in hand, and the students cheered heartily. “I don’t think any instrument would have had the kind of welcome our ‘lost and found’ flute had!” laughs Valli. While the glass display cases were being made, rats had a go at the skin on the just repaired percussion instruments. And so back they went to the repair shop, returning in time for the inaugural.

Tol Isai Kalanjiyam was inaugurated by Governor Banwarilal Purohit on February 17. The museum is open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on all days, except Monday.

MuseumInstruments04CF27mar2019

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by Suganthy Krishnamachari / March 14th, 2019

Social educator weathered all seasons and changed lives – one at a time in Chenna

Known for her responsiveness, late Dr Udaya Mahadevan was a rare package who excelled at everything.

Dr Udaya Mahadevan is a foundng member of Jeevodaya - first hospice for cancer care in South in 1992.
Dr Udaya Mahadevan is a foundng member of Jeevodaya – first hospice for cancer care in South in 1992.

Chennai :

Dr Udaya Mahadevan was like a banyan tree, who provided shade on a sunny day, and home for all kinds of species to nurture and grow.The retired professor Emeritus of the Department of Social Work at Loyola College passed away on March 16 this year. An educator, practitioner, and researcher — she was a rare package who excelled at everything.

“She was a great teacher and has been a friend and mentor to many people who call themselves social workers today,” said TNM Deepak, president of December 3 Movement, a disability rights group. “She was a strong activist and a gender-sensitive social worker. She exemplified what a social worker should be like and her life is one that should be celebrated,” he shared.

She was from the 1973-1975 batch at Stella Maris College and completed her postgraduate degree in Social Work in the academic year 1974-1975. Subsequently, she received her Doctoral degree at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, which was supported by the Faculty Development Programme, a fellowship offered to teachers by the University Grants Commission.

Udaya joined Loyola College Chennai as a faculty member of the Department of Social Work in 1977. During her tenure, she served as faculty coordinator of the Centre for Women Studies and the Centre for Social Inclusion and Dalit Studies.

To Udaya, social work was more than just ‘work.’ It was what she lived and breathed for. Her passion to enrich people’s lives, the drive to make society better, compassion for anyone in need, and iron will drove her to go to great lengths to be the force that she was. “At her core, it was her responsiveness that defined her,” said Vandana Gopikumar, one of the founders of The Banyan.

“She was non judgmental, an advocate for commemorating all family occasions by donating to NGOs eschewing rituals, an active blood donor from her college days, passionately involved in the rehabilitation of the handicapped, funding of fees/books etc. to the marginalised sections and a mentor for most city-based NGOs. Despite being terminally ill, she never fussed and went about her business calmly. We, of her circle, can only recall the haunting lines of Andy Williams ‘we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun,’” said VM Prakash, brother of Dr Udaya.

A recipient of several prestigious awards, Udaya gained due recognition even as a young teacher. She won an award from the Indian Society of Psychiatric Social Work for her paper on Community Mental Health presented at the National Conference at Bengaluru. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) rightly recognised her as an Eminent Social Scientist as part of their Collegium comprising 250 social scientists in the country for 2016- 2017. “Her contribution is immeasurable. The service sector today is deteriorating. But, she was the gold standard in social work. She would serve those in need without ever looking at their background. I have seen her carrying people, waiting for hours till someone arrived to help a homeless person,” said Aspy Joyson, founder of Aruwe.

As a keen researcher, she contributed to the frontiers of Social Action Research. In this connection, she has been awarded the Dr Yedanapalli Research Award, the Dr TN Ananthakrishnan Commemoration Award and the Loyola College Research fellowship award. As a practitioner, she supported several NGOs, particularly Jeevodaya.

Hospice for cancer patients, she was active in enhancing the teaching and practice of professional social work at several social work teaching institutions. “Her academic achievements are well-known but what many don’t know is that she was a very good singer and was a delightful narrator of stories. She was humourous and witty while also being very knowledgeable. Her funeral was attended by so many people. It just goes to show that she truly touched so many lives,” shares Prakash.

A devoted social work educator, an ardent field practitioner, and a keen social researcher she has quietly and steadily contributed to the progress of social work education and societal development. Much like a banyan tree, which is considered to be a symbol of immortality, Dr Udaya too will live on through the numerous lives she has touched.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Dia Rekhi / Express News Service / March 26th, 2019

‘World of Women’ awards presented

Sharadha Menon receiving the Lifetime Achievement | Photo Credit: B_.VELANKANNI RAJ
Sharadha Menon receiving the Lifetime Achievement | Photo Credit: B_.VELANKANNI RAJ

Sudha Raghunathan, Joshna Chinappa and Trisha among those honoured

Women’s health influences family, society and the nation and it is high time women’s issues are addressed, Sharadha Menon, founder of Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), said in Chennai on Friday.

Ms. Menon was given The Hindu Lifetime Achievement Award at The HinduWorld of Women 2019 Awards that recognise women who have excelled in various fields.

Preethi Srinivasan, founder, Soulfree, who became paralysed below the neck after a freak accident received the The Hindu Inspiration Award. She spoke of the numerous challenges she faced.

Other awards

Among the other awards given were: The Hindu Business Leadership Award to Vanitha Mohan, chairperson of Pricol; The Hindu Torchbearer Award recognising excellence in education to Vasudha Prakash, founder and director, V-Excel Educational Trust; The Hindu Heritage Award recognising excellence in Art and Culture to Sudha Raghunathan, carnatic vocalist; The Hindu Excellence in Agriculture and Rural Development Award to Jaya Arunachalam president of Working Women’s Forum (India); The Hindu Excellence in Healthcare Award to Prithika Chari, senior consultant neurologist; The Hindu Entrepreneur Award to Hemalatha Annamalai, founder and CEO at Ampere Vehicles Pvt Ltd; The Hindu Contribution to Society Award to Vidya Reddy, co-founder Tulir; The Hindu Flying Colours Award recognising excellence in sports, adventure to Joshna Chinappa, squash player; and The Hindu Dazzler Award recognising excellence in entertainment to actor Trisha Krishnan. S. Sundaresan, business head advertisement, The Hindu also spoke during the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – March 23rd, 2019

Nari Shakti Puraskar presented

The Nari Shakti Puraskar, which is the highest civilian honour for women in India, was given at a special ceremony in New Delhi on March 8 to 44 women as well as institutions.

They were recognised for their relentless service towards the cause of women empowerment and social welfare.

Sujatha Mohan
Sujatha Mohan

Sujatha Mohan, executive medical director of the Rajan Eye Care Hospital was recognised for her efforts in raising awareness about the importance of eye donations as well as several projects she has initiated to ensure that quality eye care is accessible to all sections of society.

Mini Vasudevan
Mini Vasudevan

Mini Vasudevan, co-founder of Humane Animal Society from Coimbatore was honoured for her involvement in animal welfare as well as sensitising the public to it.

Award for dept.

Among the institutions, the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department of the Tamil Nadu government was recognised for performing well with regard to the implementation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign.

The campaign is a flagship programme of the Central government to address declining child sex ratio in the country.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – March 12th, 2019

Thirubuvanam Silk saree gets GI tag after a wait for 5 years

After a five-year wait, the Geographical Indications Registry of India accorded GI tag to the Thirubuvanam silk saree.

Chennai :

After a five-year wait, the Geographical Indications Registry of India accorded GI tag to the Thirubuvanam silk saree. The Handlooms and Textiles department that filed the application with the GI Registry on behalf of Thirubuvanam Silk Handloom Weavers Co-operative Production and Sale Society Limited (THICO Silks), was granted the status on Tuesday.

The application filed in April 2014, by THICO Silks, submitted that Thirubuvanam located near Kumbakonam, is a historical town and has preserved the art of silk weaving and withstood the test of time.
The GI tag is granted to products that are special for a particular geographical area and prevents misuse of the popularity of the products by others.

The aesthetic silk sarees, weigh around 450-1250 gm. The silk alone weighs around 400 gm and the rest of the weight comprises of zari. Traditionally, these silk sarees would measure about 12 ft in length and 4 ft in breadth. The THICO Silks was established in 1955.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Harish Murali / Express News Service / March 13th, 2019

Giving back to art: On the new Artrendz Art Gallery

R Vignesh Raj | Photo Credit: S.SIVA SARAVANAN
R Vignesh Raj | Photo Credit: S.SIVA SARAVANAN

Artist Vignesh Raj R hopes his brand new Artrendz Art Gallery will nurture art and allow it to reach more people

A colourful peacock draws my attention as I enter the Artrendz Art Gallery at Saravanampatti. This work by S Sujatha is a part of Women Artists’ Art Exhibition 2019, the inaugural show of the gallery. The place is well lit and either hung or leaning on the walls are 160 art works by 80 women artists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Assam. “We received 545 entries from all over the country. These were selected by a panel of artists,” says Vignesh Raj R, proprietor of the gallery. The paintings are on oil, watercolour, oil pastels and pen on paper.

_________________________

Info you can use
  • Timing: 10:00 am to
  • 7:00 pm
  • At Artrendz Art Gallery, Near Prozone Mall, Sathy Road, Saravanampatti
  • 8148407465 for detail

_________________________

Vignesh himself is a contemporary artist and it was his dream to open a gallery since he was a college student. “I did not want to depend on my family for the finance. I participated in art shows and sold my paintings to fund this project. It took me four years.”

Artrendz has two halls, one bigger than the other. “The small hall can accommodate up to 25 paintings, while the bigger hall can have around 120. The total hanging space of the entire gallery is about 200 running feet. We are yet to do more lighting work in the bigger hall,” he says. “I visited the Hermitage Museum in Russia in 2018. It is spacious and has huge art works. I enjoyed the ambience as an art lover. I hope my gallery will also provide such an experience to the people in the city.” He also plans to set up an art museum with paintings of well-known artists from the city at Thondamuthur by 2020.

___________________

Prize winners in the exhibition
  • Sudha Rajendran
  • Abhinaya Ramadhurai
  • Yazhini L.M
  • Sujatha S
  • Tamizh Selvi

__________________

Vignesh wants to expose more people to art. “I want people to get a better understanding of the varied styles. I also hope to invite eminent artists to hold demonstrations here.”

One thing Vignesh says he will definitely do is provide the gallery space free for artists who cannot afford to hire space.

“Being an artist myself, I know how difficult it is for beginners. This is my way of giving back to art.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Susan Joe Philip / March 12th, 2019

Kalaichemmal awards announced

The Tamil Nadu government has announced Kalaichemmal awards for painters and sculptors for 2013-2018.

The award consists of a citation and ₹50,000 cash, a government press release said.

The list of awardees for the Kalaichemmal awards are P.S. Nanthan, S. Ganapathy Sthapathi, P. Gopinath, Ramajeyam, Anathanarayanan Nagarajan, M. Thamizharasi, C. Douglas, S. Keerthivarman, Jeyakumar and A. Gopalan Sthapathi, the government press release added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – March 09th, 2019

City gets first woman public prosecutor

Gowri Ashokan
Gowri Ashokan

Gowri Ashokan has been appointed city public prosecutor, the first woman to hold the post.

Ms. Ashokan was holding the in-charge position until now. The State government has issued orders appointing her full time to the post.

She will represent any prosecution, appeal or proceeding on behalf of the State government in the city sessions courts.

Along with her, 16 law officers have been appointed as additional public prosecutors to the sessions courts in the city. The law officers will hold the post for a period of three years from the date of taking charge.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – March 10th, 2019