Category Archives: Records, All

A walk down the Sangam era

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

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.

Keezhadi excavation site
Keezhadi excavation site

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

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All

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

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technologies

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

IIT-Madras startup creating textile with antimicrobial material to tackle coronavirus

Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

The coated textiles can be primarily used to manufacture N95 masks, surgical masks, PPE and food packaging bags, among others, with inherent properties of inactivating the virus.

A petrol pump employee wearing personal protective equipment PPE kit at a fuel filling station in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav/EPS)
A petrol pump employee wearing personal protective equipment PPE kit at a fuel filling station in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav/EPS)

Chennai :

An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras-incubated startup Muse Wearables is developing novel and scalable methods for coating textiles with nanoparticles-based antimicrobial agents that can inactivate the human coronavirus on contact, the Institute said on Monday.

These coatings are expected to be effective up to 60 wash cycles, thereby making the textiles re-usable.

The coated textiles can be primarily used to manufacture N95 masks, surgical masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and food packaging bags, among others, with inherent properties of inactivating the virus.

According to the Institute, Muse Wearables’ current pilot machine can coat textiles of length up to 100 metres within a few minutes, thereby making it a viable commercial solution that can be deployed immediately.

Muse Wearables was incubated by IIT Madras Incubation Cell.

“They have quickly mobilised and repurposed their offerings in response to the situation and are striving to make a positive contribution to the nation’s anti-virus efforts,” Dr Tamaswati Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Madras Incubation Cell, said in a statement.

Some highlights of these nano-particles coated textiles include, anti-microbial properties — it continuously captures and destroys viruses and other microbes upon contact. Other viruses are as small as 30 nanometres can also be inactivated permanently.

It does not leach while washing in water and is environment-friendly. At present, the particles can be coated on materials like cotton, polyester and cotton – polyester. More fabrics will be tested soon.

It is non-toxic and therefore can be safely used for making masks and other PPEs, the Insititute.

Currently, the startup is assembling the coating machine and will shortly commence coating various textiles with different nanoparticle solutions.

Their coated textiles are expected to be ready for testing by the first week of May 2020. The start-up is also partnering with a mask manufacturing company to launch five-layered Antiviral N95 Masks at an estimated price of Rs 300 per piece.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by IANS / May 04th, 2020

IIT-M professor Pradeep wins Nikkei Asia Prize

Amazing Feats, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

Pradeep was recently conferred with Padma Shri by the country.

Chennai :

IIT-Madras professor T Pradeep has been honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prizes-2020 in the ‘Science and Technology’ category for his pioneering work on nanotechnology-based water purification, a statement from the institute said.

Pradeep was recently conferred with Padma Shri by the country.

The Nikkei Asia Prizes are conferred on individuals who have contributed to the region’s sustainable development and to creation of a better future in Asia.

The prizes are awarded annually in three categories – economic and business innovation, science and technology, and culture and community.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / May 03rd, 2020

What a ‘window’ful world!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

The series, titled ‘Windows of Madras’, takes us on a journey around the age-old city via its windows, giving us a peek into the history that seeps through its crevices.

WindowsCF30apr2020

Chennai :

From the stained glass windows of Santhome, unique horizontal windows of Chintadripet, sunburst jaalis of George Town to the Art Deco windows of Royapettah — the distinctive character of buildings is almost often interwoven with the area’s heritage and is reminiscent of its architectural history. In an attempt to capture the essence of Chennai’s myriad structural styles, Sunil Raghavendher, an architect, has set out on a mission to create an encyclopedia of the city’s hidden marvels through visual imagery.

The series, titled ‘Windows of Madras’, takes us on a journey around the age-old city via its windows, giving us a peek into the history that seeps through its crevices. Minimalist illustrations, geometric shapes and a blend of colours make the series an aesthetic affair. “My idea is not to just focus on the windows but to give a taste of how every component of a structure can come together and build a certain mood. This will act as a visual encyclopedia of Chennai’s architectural diversity,” he says.

The idea took form during Sunil’s 28-day self-quarantine period at his home in Mogappair. “I was working at a firm in New Delhi. When the lockdown was announced, I took the last domestic flight from New Delhi to Chennai and landed here last month. As soon as I reached Chennai, I self-quarantined. That’s when I had all the time for myself and decided to work on this series,” he says. As part of initial research, Sunil browsed through information about heritage buildings listed in Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) and Heritage Conservation Committee’s (HCC) websites. “This gave me a set of localities to concentrate on and read about. The Internet gave me enormous information about the history, cultural and architectural background of these areas,” he says.

Through the illustrations, he aims to not just express his love for the city but also hopes to create awareness on heritage conservation. “I’ve always had a sketchy idea about wanting to do something for Chennai that would matter. I wanted to focus on the architectural heritage of the city. Something that’s often been ignored,” he explains, sharing a quick trivia. “In India, Chennai has the second largest number of heritage buildings after Kolkata. Not many are aware of that. Most buildings are in a dilapidated condition and need attention. These structures, if they aren’t preserved might go down and we will be losing a lot of our own stories. So this type of archival is very important. It will make us value what we have,” he explains

SunilCF30apr2020

He has currently completed around 18 illustrations and is working on more. “I am also focusing on areas which are seldom given importance to — in terms of heritage conservation. What we all need to be aware of is that conservation is a slow process. So apart from the involvement of government bodies and private organisations, neighbourhoods should also come together to preserve what’s in their backyard,” he says. He hopes that people become aware of the structural marvels around them the next time they step out and can observe the intricate detailing in simple facades of everyday life. “Next, I will be focusing on different types of doors — how they are reflective of a society, its socio-economic condition, religion and heritage,” he shares. For details, visit Instagram handle @sunil_ raghav

Royapettah
Royapettah consist a rich architectural and cultural diversity — from the garden houses of the close knit Anglo-Indian community to the agraharams and the Islamic style houses dating back to the Nawabs of Arcot time with predominant Christian influence. The houses of Royapettah built in 1920s and 1930s derives its idea from the Art Deco style of architecture.

Santhome: The history of Santhome is woven with its Cathedral. Santhome has old, classical buildings, some in white, faded green, grey and yellow but all them resonate with charm and warmth. The houses and street names has a Portuguese hangover. There used to be a lot of Anglo-Indian families living in European style houses which are now given away to apartments.

Mylapore: The area doesn’t just have the agraharam houses but also consist of heritage houses with Neo Classical architecture and houses with an amalgamation of Classical, Indian and Muslim style of architecture. The houses built before 1930s have wrought iron balustrades and houses from 1930s and 1940s were constructed in the Art Deco style with distinct geometry.

Mount Road: The settlements on the road are older than the road itself. The buildings on this road display a dominance of Dutch architecture, Art Deco and Indo-Saracenic style.

Chintadripet: Chintadripet was one of the few localities in those days where streets were not demarcated on the basis of caste. Chintadripet used to have many row houses back then. The walls of every house were connected to each other. These houses were reminiscent of the French Art Decor style of construction, which followed the pattern of horizontal windows and vertical doors. Many houses used to have (and some still have) the Gajalakshmi symbol on top that signifies wealth. The houses run deep inside and have two courtyards; one in the front and another at the back. These houses still have the old style of door hinges, flooring, water pumps and even rain water harvesting systems.

T Nagar: T Nagar is believed to be the first planned urban neighbourhood in Chennai created in 1920, conceived in a European style, with the Panagal Park resembling the Arc De Triomphe and the Pondy Bazaar resembling the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Triplicane: The streets of Triplicane take one through historic Pallava settlement that have transformed through the ages while still rooted firmly in their rich and varied culture and its architectural styles and influences that range from Vernacular to Neo Classical to Art Deco.

George Town: The neighbourhood is known for several classic styles of buildings such as Indo-Saracenic, Neoclassical, Gothic, and Art Deco, apart from several traditional styles. Each building presents its uniqueness in its architectural character.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Roshne Balasubramanian / Express News Service / April 30th, 2020

T.N. plans portal for workersabroad intending to return

Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

An estimated 2.5 lakh workers from State are expected to return, says an expert

The State government is planning to develop a portal for Tamil Nadu natives who are employed abroad and intend to return in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The portal should be up in the next few days,” a senior government official said. Once the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted and transportation including air traffic opened, the data from this portal could be used in allowing them to return as well as quarantine them, he said.

Kerala government has already set up a portal allowing its natives working abroad to register. “We are expecting about a lakh workers to return,” he added.

Another official said a lot depended on when and how the Centre would open up air traffic into the country.

“The subject of air traffic was discussed during the recent video conference the Prime Minister had with the Chief Ministers. So, naturally, we need to plan on how to manage the inflow of NRI workers,” he said.

Professor S. Irudaya Rajan of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram, a noted expert researching on migrants, feels an estimated 2.5 lakh Tamil workers could return from abroad. “Over 25 lakh workers from Tamil Nadu are employed in various countries and of them, I expect at least 10% of them to return this year,” he said.

Planning ahead was necessary as to who should be allowed preference since most of them would be in a rush to return. “Priority would be given naturally to pregnant women, children and elderly persons.”

According to Mr. Rajan some 12 lakh workers are employed in the Gulf countries. “Almost all the countries are affected by COVID-19 and because of the repercussions, most of them would want to or be forced to come back home, if they could not continue to work there anymore,” he said and pointed out there may not be any job for them here too at once. Tamil Nadu and Kerala had 25 lakh and 22 lakh of their people working abroad respectively, which constituted almost one-fourth of 200 lakh Indians workers employed abroad, he said.

Based on a survey of a random sample of 25,000 households across Tamil Nadu in 2015, his team of researchers have put the figure as 25 lakh.

Mr. Rajan emphasised that in many households, the family was dependent on the remittances made by their family member employed abroad and once he/she lost his/her job, the family would have to find another source of income. The State government could think about conducting medical checks for them, finding jobs for them, among others.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by Dennis S. Jesudasen / Chennai – April 28th, 2020

Villupuram college student creates ‘smart stethoscope’

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technologies

The invention had won first prize at a university-level exhibition for bio-based equipment last month.

Srinath displaying the working model of his smart stethoscope
Srinath displaying the working model of his smart stethoscope

Villipuram :

A first year engineering student from Tindivanam has invented an equipment that could help the doctors in treating patients from a distance, avoiding the danger of getting infected themselves.
M Srinath invented the ‘smart stethoscope’ as part of his academic project at Mailam Engineering college.
The invention had won first prize at a university-level exhibition for bio-based equipment last month.

“With the stethoscope that I have made, doctors can check temperature and pulse of a patient from a safe distance.

The equipment is of high quality though it doesn’t cost much, and it can last for long with battery support. The patient can wear this equipment like a watch and through artificial intelligence, the required readings will appear on a device with the doctor even if the patient is 500 metres away,” Srinath told Express.

source:  http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Bagalavan Perier B / Express News Service / April 29th, 2020

Touch-free hand washing system developed

Records, All, Science & Technologies

The regional centre of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Agri Engineering has developed a touch-free hand wash system and portable touch-free hand sanitiser that can be installed at hospitals, markets, malls offices and industries.

According to a press release, the hand wash system has a water tank, photo diffuser sensor, water pump, speed regulator, battery, relay board and touch-free hand sanitiser dispensing unit. When the hand reaches near the sensor, it triggers the pump to turn on. Liquid soap / water goes to the tap. The discharge rate of water and soap can be regulated. This can be run on AC current and there is provision to run it on DC battery. There is also provision to attach solar energy panel.

The hand sanitiser dispenser is a stand-alone unit and a sensor is located near the outlet of sanitiser dispensing bottle.

Details of the products are available at the regional centre on Veerakeralam road.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Special Correspondent / Coimbatore – April 28th, 2020

Breast milk bank at CMCH a haven for newborns during lockdown

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technologies

However, sources claim it has become difficult to procure milk from new mothers from Coimbatore and Tirupur districts due to the lockdown as vehicle movement has come to a standstill.

A newborn being fed milk from the human milk bank at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital | Express
A newborn being fed milk from the human milk bank at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital | Express

Coimbatore :

No mother would want to experience the pain of being separated from her child, especially right after they give birth. However, due to the unusual situation that prevails, women from containment zones who delivered babies at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) are separated from their newborns until they test negative for COVID-19.

This measure has been undertaken to ensure that the newborns are not infected, even as the World Health Organization (WHO) permits new mothers infected with COVID-19 to breastfeed their babies.

The babies are fed milk from the human milk bank at the hospital. The milk bank has proven to be a haven for low-birth-weight babies since its inception in 2015.

Sources said, around 190 low-birth-weight babies in March and 123 babies in April (until 27) have benefited from the milk bank.

CMCH Neonatologist P Senthil Kumar said, “An asymptomatic mother hailing from a containment zone could later develop flu-like symptoms. Thus, we want to make sure that the mothers test negative for COVID-19 before breastfeeding their newborns. If or when the health condition of the mother does not allow her to breastfeed the baby, he or she is given milk from the milk bank.”

Between January and March, about 407 mothers have donated breast milk to the hospital, through which nearly 1,344 babies benefitted, said higher officials from the Department of Pediatrics (Newborn unit).

Another official said the breast milk, donated by volunteers, undergoes bacterial examination multiple times before it is pasteurised at the milk bank.

However, sources claim it has become difficult to procure milk from new mothers from Coimbatore and Tirupur districts due to the lockdown as vehicle movement has come to a standstill.

The usual practice is that lactating mothers store breast milk in containers or storage packs and earlier, they would drop the packets at collection points, from where they would be brought to CMCH.

Amirtham Breast Milk Donation Drive Founder Roopa Selvanayaki (28) said there are around 600 mothers in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode who are donating breast milk to the milk bank at CMCH.

Roopa said, “As we cannot commute during the lockdown, I coordinated with the mothers from various localities. Then, Neonatologist Senthil picked up the containers from the mothers.”

Besides, Roopa said milk secretion in lactating mothers will not reduce if they donate.

A WhatsApp group comprising of lactating mothers has been formed in order to constantly motivate them to donate breast milk, she added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Deepak Sathish / Express News Service / April 28th, 2020