Category Archives: Records, All

When Madras’ women won the vote

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

WomenCF15mar2015

Way back in 1921, Madras was the first legislature in British India to pass the women’s suffrage resolution by a considerable majority

As the vociferous battle for women’s freedom and equality rages on in the country, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the journey, in many ways, began in Madras.

Way back in 1921, Madras was the first legislature in British India to pass the women’s suffrage resolution by a considerable majority.

This meant that for the first time, women were recognised as ‘people’ by the State, thereby given the right to vote on the same condition as men.

As the news spread, the world was captivated by the women of Madras. Congratulatory messages poured in from across the world.

In The Hindu, dated July 2, 1921, Lady Constance Lytton, the renowned British suffrage activist, wrote, ‘Please offer the women of South India my most heartfelt congratulations on their winning the vote. I am thrilled and it seems like a dream the way the experience in our own Island (Britain) has borne wonderful fruit.’

Australia’s Women’s Service Guild, France’s Action Speciale de la Femme and the British Dominion Women’s Citizen Union too extended their greetings and hoped other provinces would soon follow suit. They did.

Within months, Bombay Presidency and the United Province passed similar resolutions.

Interestingly, it was the Madras Council’s resolution that reflected the most decisive mandate in comparison to others.

Of the 90-odd members present in the Council, 40 voted for the recommendation, 10 opposed it and 40 remained neutral.

Dorothy Jinarajadasa, of the Women’s Indian Association, who attended both the debates in Madras and Bombay recorded: ‘It took only an hour and a half of debate to show that the Madras Council was preponderously in favour of granting women suffrage. On the contrary, though Bombay is noted everywhere for the advanced education and free status of womanhood, it took three days of ‘hard verbal fighting’ to wear down the opposition.’

However, the news of women gaining the right to vote was not unanimously welcomed in Madras.

N. Subrahmanya Aiyar, in his column Impressions of the Week in The Hindu, sceptically described the resolution an attempt of foreign-inspired pseudo progressives to disturb the relative function of the sexes already perishing under the unhealthy modern influence.

Jayalalithaa, in 1989, became the first woman to be elected the leader of the Opposition. In 1991, being re-elected to the Assembly, she became the first woman, and the youngest, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to serve a full term, from June 1991 to May 1996 -- Photo: The Hindu Archives
Jayalalithaa, in 1989, became the first woman to be elected the leader of the Opposition. In 1991, being re-elected to the Assembly, she became the first woman, and the youngest, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to serve a full term, from June 1991 to May 1996 — Photo: The Hindu Archives

Echoing similar disdain, a reader from Saidapet, in a letter to the editor, exclaimed, ‘It is not a matter of congratulations that the legislative council should have resolved to extend suffrage to Indian women. For progress, man must be both the controller in politics and civics. His sex stands for performance, conformity and therefore, for uniformity, essential for common good and justice.’

Captain (Dr.) Lakshmi Sahgal held command of the Rani Jhansi Regiment of Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army. She was the first Indian woman to contest the Presidential elections, in 2002, when A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was elected -- Photo: The Hindu Archives / The Hindu
Captain (Dr.) Lakshmi Sahgal held command of the Rani Jhansi Regiment of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. She was the first Indian woman to contest the Presidential elections, in 2002, when A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was elected — Photo: The Hindu Archives / The Hindu

By taking the lead in swimming against the current, Madras laid the foundations for a tradition of progressive gender politics. Indomitable women leaders like Muthulakshmi Reddi, Lakshmi Sahgal, and Jayalalithaa are emblematic of the same.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi was the one of the first women doctors of the country, the first woman member of the Madras Legislative Council, the first woman to be elected as its deputy chairperson, the first president of the Women’s Indian Association, and the first woman to be elected alderman of the Madras (now Chennai) Corporation -- Photo: The Hindu Archives
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi was the one of the first women doctors of the country, the first woman member of the Madras Legislative Council, the first woman to be elected as its deputy chairperson, the first president of the Women’s Indian Association, and the first woman to be elected alderman of the Madras (now Chennai) Corporation — Photo: The Hindu Archives

THE MAKING OF HISTORY

1917: The Women’s Indian Association (WIA), with links to the women’s suffrage movement, is formed by Annie Besant, Dorothy Jinrajadasa and Margaret Cousins

1918: The Montagu-Chelmsford commission is sent by the British government to suggest changes to the franchise in India where the WIA, led by Sarojini Naidu, petitioned for women’s right to vote

1918: The Southborough Franchise Committee tours India to gather information. After accepting women’s petitions from just two provinces, it decides Indian women do not want the right to vote

1918-21: After dogged lobbying with the Joint Select Committee, the Parliament decides to leave the issue to be settled by elected legislatures

1921: Madras is among the first States to give women the right to vote

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Nitya Menon / Chennai – March 08th, 2015

Devadoss Gets Sahitya Akademi Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Virudhunagar :

A retired government officer based in this district has bagged the latest Sahitya Akademi award for the best translated novel in Tamil. S Devadoss’ work, Ladakhilirundhu Kavizhum Nizhal is the Tamil version of an English novel, Shadow From Ladakh by Bhabani Bhattacharya.  The award was announced on Monday.

Devadoss said the novel was about a love story in Ladakh during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. He said, “The Sahitya Akademi  Award for the novel is a good recognition for me and I am very happy.”

DevadossCF12mar2015

S Devadoss, from Nadayaneri village, has settled in Rajapalayam taluk in Virudhunagar district after retiring as a deputy registrar, Cooperative Societies department.

He said he completed his MA Tamil from Madurai Kamaraj University which kindled his interest in reading novels written by authors from other countries.

While reading those novels he felt there was a need to translate them into Tamil, which is one of the oldest languages, so that our people would know the culture of the other countries when they read these novels.

He said, “Though I was working as a government employee I gave lots of importance to my literary work. I used to wake up early to work on translation.”

He began his literary pursuit in 1990 and has so far translated 25 novels, short stories and non-fictional works. “One of my best works is ‘Platerovum Naanum” which was translated from the novel Platero and I written by a Spanish writer Juan Ramón Jiménez who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. This is a very simple novel and the narration style is different. This novel will be an inspiration for new writers,” said Devadoss.

He said he also translated the works of  veteran Spanish director Luis Buñuel and the works of well-known Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Kauhik Kannan / March 12th, 2015

Artificial Skull Implanted in 5-yr-old at Erode

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Science & Technologies

Erode :

A private hospital here conducted a rare artificial skull implant surgery on a five year old girl.

According to the KMCH Hospital neurosurgeon Dr M Prabhu, Thayasri, daughter of Sakthi Prakash (27) of Kalingarayanpalayam, near Bavani, met with an accident on Nov 2, 2014 while traveling on a motorcycle with Balasubramaniam, a relative.

When a van hit the motorcycle, Thayasri suffered serious head injury with skull bone fracture. Normally, a part of the skull would be removed to avoid infection from spreading to the brain and to allow space for the injured brain to heal.

As she was a child and the fractured skull was disfigured, both she and her parents had to be handled carefully. Hence there was a compelling need to consider not only corrective surgery but also cosmetic and protective aspects, said the neurosurgeon.

The specialist decided on a special type of skull bone implant called PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone).

PEEK has several advantages. It is durable, has shape memory properties (where the material given shape under specific conditions will retain it even if were subjected to stress) and is aesthetically pleasing.

Traditional methods for reconstructing the skull anatomy involved bone grafts or other implants like metal or titanium. But the disadvantages were inaccurate fits, increased surgical time and infection risks.

Cranial implants made of PEEK (which only recently made its way into orthopaedic surgery) are stronger, lighter and bio-compatible, making it an alternative to titanium.

With precise customization and better fit these implants required less time in surgery and provided greater comfort to the patient.

Thayasri’s head was scanned to measure the contour of the broken skull accurately and the details were sent to Switzerland for fabrication of the implant.

Once the implant arrived, the girl was operated on for inserting it in place. The implant has provided the required geometry and precision to obtain appropriate skull and facial reconstruction.

She has recovered well and is back to school with a renewed life, the neurosurgeon added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / March 12th, 2015

Wished to wear khaki dress, and here she is

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday, M. Sumathi was happy issuing tickets to commuters, in Coimbatore. Photo: M.Periasamy
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday, M. Sumathi was happy issuing tickets to commuters, in Coimbatore. Photo: M.Periasamy

For 28-year-old M. Sumathi, work hours start at about 12.30 p.m. every day and go on till 10 p.m. She travels on the Ukkadam to Gandhipuram bus route No. 130.

Lone woman conductor

She is the lone woman conductor in the nearly 420 Government town buses in the city.

But for a trip in the evening to Chinniyampalayam, she shuttles between Ukkadam and Gandhipuram for the rest of the day. “I have to only issue tickets and this is a job I like,” she says.

She has completed Class X and she joined the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Coimbatore Region, about three months ago.

The mother of three wanted to join the police but she could not make it. Till she joined the TNSTC, she was at home, taking care of her family.

“I was determined to wear a khaki dress and thought why not make it come true by joining as a Government bus conductor,” she said and added that her husband A. Murugesan (39), a carpenter, has been a source of encouragement and support by taking care of their two sons and a daughter.

Dignity

Sumathi enjoys her profession and the way she is treated with dignity by her counterparts and commuters.

“Colleagues, elder or younger to me, call me Akka (elder sister). I am very comfortable working with them,” she says.

Though the trip to Chinniyampalayam is hectic as the bus is crowded, she adds that even in the crowded bus there is good cooperation from the commuters.

Even the youth who travel on the footboard come into the bus when she addresses them as thambi(younger brothers), she says.

A senior TNSTC officer said that on an average there are only three or four women conductors in the district every year.

He said that a few women applied for the post of conductor, but were rejected as they did not have the minimum required height of 160 cm.

There are two more women employed as conductors in the district – at Pollachi – and that the department was open to recruit women as conductors, the officer said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by M.K. Ananth / Coimbatore – March 09th, 2015

Aussie consul general to south India traces roots to Coimbatore

Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Coimbatore :

In November, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia, and it was after 28 years that an Indian prime minister visited the country. And, three months later here in Coimbatore, the Australian consul general for South India was discussing business opportunities in Australia with businessmen here.

On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Coimbatore in association with Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) organized an interaction between Sean Kelly, consul general, South India and the industrialists of the city.

Sarath Chandar, president of Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce discussed the opportunities in the manufacturing and engineering sector. He, in his speech said, “The manufacturing industry is being outsourced in Australia, and India, especially Coimbatore that has global importance in the manufacturing sector can make use of the opportunity.” Sarath said that Coimbatore is also known for its engineering products and this, too was a growing market opportunity in Australia.

G Karthikeyan, president of Rotary Club of Coimbatore said, “Business in Australia was always a dream for many. But, we never dreamt of it till recently when our prime minister Narendra Modi visited Australia.”

He added, “This gives us motivation and hope that business opportunities can be made true.”

On the occasion, Sean Kelly, the Consul General for South India from Australia was conferred with the title ‘Kovai’s Grandson’. “Kelly’s grandfather was born in Coimbatore. And, this is the connection that he has with the city.

So, we decided to confer him with this title,” said G Karthikeyan, president of Rotary Club of Coimbatore to TOI.

Kelly in his interaction discussed the opportunities from different industry backgrounds. He said, “An interaction like this will help us think of business options.” He reiterated the difficulties of Australia in the manufacturing sector and hinted that the market had potential for business.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / TNN / March 06th, 2015

Dwindling Parsis go back to their roots

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

Chennai :

Just as the matriarch of the Tamil household in Chennai dots her porch with a kolam at the crack of dawn every day, women of the Parsi community pretty up theirs with what they call a ‘chalk’.

“It’s just like the kolam, except we have readymade tins with holes designed in them so all we need to do is fill them with rice flour and tap them on the ground,” said Tehnaz Bahadurji, a Parsi resident of Chennai, who spoke on the history, culture and practices of her community at Alliance Francaise on Tuesday. Her lecture, which was organised by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), traced how the Parsis migrated to India, how they trickled into Chennai and finally, how they live and, most important, dine.

While the first wave of Parsis settled in Gujarat centuries ago, the first Parsi to come to Chennai was Heerjibhai Kharas, who came here in the 1800s, said Bahadurji, who added that the government gave the community land in 1814, on which a Fire Temple was built more than a century later. The Parsi Fire Temple celebrated its centenary in the city in 2010.

Bahadurji then went on to list the famous Parsis past and present in Chennai – the most prominent among them being social activist and philanthropist Mary Clubwallah Jadhav (who died in 1975), who received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan from the government.

“The Parsis and Iranis were also involved in the cinema industry in Chennai. We built four theatres – the Elphinstone Theatre, the New Elphinstone Theatre, Wellington Theatre, and the Casino Theatre (which still stands on Anna Salai),” said Bahadurji.

When she got to the culture of the Parsi community, which has now dwindled to just 60,000 people in India, Bahadurji spoke of how several traditions were on the verge of dying out. The tradition of the ‘thoran’ for instance, which was used to decorate the doors of Parsi homes.

When she spoke of the ‘gaara’, the Parsi saree, Bahadurji talked of how in the old days women wore their sarees over their heads with only one ear exposed. “That’s the reason why you will find that Parsi jewellery sets in the old days came with only one earring. The jewelers probably figured they did not have to bother making two since the women always had one ear covered,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / TNN / March 05th, 2015

CITY EXPLORER – Stones that tell a story

Amazing Feats, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technologies
The mandapam housing the memorial to Dr. Sundara Reddy. / The Hindu
The mandapam housing the memorial to Dr. Sundara Reddy. / The Hindu

“You need permission,” says the watchman at Ramaniyam Sanjivini, a residential complex in Thiruvanmiyur, and despatches his assistant to call the secretary of the building association. I blink at the CCTV camera, hoping the secretary will take kindly to what he sees. Soon, a couple of dhoti-clad seniors walk toward me. “I need to photograph the memorials of Dr. Sundara Reddy and Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy,” I tell them. “Historian Narasiah told me I’d find the shrine and the memorials here.” They point to the round-about ahead; a few steps down and I’m face-to-face with the stone memorials — Dr. Sundara Reddy’s under a traditional mandapam and Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy’s out in the open air.

The memorial to Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy / The Hindu
The memorial to Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy / The Hindu

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy deserves more than just an open stone plaque in a private property. Born in the princely state of Pudukkottai on July 30, 1886 to Narayanaswami Iyer and Chandramma (16), a devadasi, Muthulakshmi was one of eight siblings. An exceptionally bright child, she completed schooling from home, fought for higher education, and was admitted to college as the first girl student when the Maharaja passed an order for her to be enrolled. (She sat behind a screen visible to the teachers alone, and left the class while the boys remained seated.) She topped the Intermediate exams, refused to get married and insisted on doing medicine, a decision brought on by her mother’s cancer attack and death of a cousin during childbirth.

In Madras, she met Sarojini Naidu at Dr. Nanjunda Rao’s Mylapore bungalow, and with her attended Annie Besant’s speeches at Adyar, and was drawn to the Home Rule Movement. Having stood first in her Medical degree (MB & ChM) exam, she worked at the Women and Children’s Hospital in Egmore, the first lady house surgeon in Madras’ medical history. She married Dr. Sundara Reddy in 1913.

Meeting the kids in Dr. Vardappa Naidu’s Destitute Home for Boys and Girls on her child’s Vidyabhyasam Day, she vowed to help them. When her youngest sister died of cancer, Muthulakshmi decided to do all she could to tackle the disease. Foregoing her handsome practice, she went to London with her husband and two boys for PG studies. In June 1926, she attended the International Congress of Women in Paris as India’s representative. When she returned, the Women’s Indian Association proposed her name for the Legislative Council and she became the first woman legislator in the Council. She was also the first alderwoman between 1937 and 1939. During her time, the Council passed a resolution giving the right of franchise to women. Her association with a home run by Sister Subbulakshmi brought her close to the plight of women and children, and she piloted the legislation preventing child marriage. Her bill for abolition of the devadasi system was passed after much debate in February, 1929. In 1937, she moved a bill for Inam lands to be given to devadasis. In 1930, when a batch of seven freed devadasi girls were refused accommodation in Madras hostels, she started the Avvai Home to house and train children and young girls, selling her jewellery for its basic facilities. She organised the first Vigilance Association, Rescue Home for Women and supported the Children’s Aid Society.

She resigned from the Council when Gandhiji was arrested in 1929-30. She was then editing Stri Dharma, a journal promoting the national movement. She went as a delegate to London to depose before the Lothian Committee on Franchise and to Chicago to attend the International Congress of Women. In 1935, MMC moved a resolution for a specialised hospital for cancer, but she had to wait to see it happen. After constant campaigning, she collected Rs. 2 lakh and established the Cancer Institute in 1955. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956. In 1967, she spoke for half-an-hour at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Women’s Indian Association, her last public speech. She passed away on July 22, 1968.

How did the plaque get there? The land belonged to Dr. Reddy and her son lived there, said Narasiah. After he passed away, the builder purchased it. While researching on Dr. Reddy, Narasiah came to know of the memorial at the residential complex. “I showed Sridhar of Ramaniyam the memorials at the site, and requested him to preserve them along with a shrine where the Reddys used to pray.” It turned out he had already promised Dr. Shantha of the Cancer Institute the memorials would be left untouched. “Dr. Shantha visits it often to see that it is well-maintained,” said the seniors.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Geeta Padmanabhan / March 03rd, 2015

The history of water management

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technologies
The dam constructed by Parakrama Pandian in Kuruvithurai. Photo: Special Arrangement
The dam constructed by Parakrama Pandian in Kuruvithurai. Photo: Special Arrangement

Inscriptions dating back to 12th Century, found along river Vaigai, talk about the efficient water management system devised by the Pandiya Kings

With summer round the corner, most of us are already worried about water scarcity this season. Experts have done their bit by sounding the alarm on the depleting water table. But have you ever wondered how are ancestors used, managed and conserved this elixir of life?

When it comes to effective conservation, distribution and management of water, one cannot dispense the role of King Karikal Chola, who built the Grand Anaicut across River Cauvery. There are several historical evidences to prove that ancient Tamil rulers had effective water management systems in place in their respective kingdoms.

The Pandiya kings constructed check dams across River Vaigai. King Maravarman Arikesari, also known as Koon Pandiyan, who ruled Madurai during Seventh century built a check dam across Vaigai and named it after himself. It is near the Kuruvikaran Salai road and archaeologists have found a stone inscription there. Likewise, King Parakrama Pandiyan constructed a check dam Sitranai in Kuruvithurai near Madurai. He also extracted granite from the nearby hill Kuruvikal and built a stone quarry. Stone inscriptions in Kuruvithurai Perumal Temple record this.

The stone inscription in the Kuruvithurai Perumal Temple. Photo: Special Arrangement
The stone inscription in the Kuruvithurai Perumal Temple. Photo: Special Arrangement

In the olden days, exclusive groups were constituted for the upkeep of the water bodies. These were theyeri variyam (lake board) and kalingu variyam (sluice board). According to B. Thirumalai and R. Sivakumar, authors of ‘Vaiyai Thadam Thedi’, the landmark ruling of Sri Vallabha Pandiyan, who established the riparian rights of the lower ayacut farmers, is remembered even today. “The case of a landlord cutting off the main channel by digging a channel upstream and depriving farmers of the lower areas was brought to the King,” says Sivakumar.

“The practice of creating a water body to help people has been there for ages,” says C. Santhalingam. Secretary, Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research. Tamil Brahmi inscriptions recovered from Nadumuthalaikulam near Vikkramangalam give evidence of existence of a 2000-year-old man-made lake. “Kings created water bodies and collected land tax from people. Pallavas constructed lakes across their kingdom and named the lakes after them. Some of the man-made lakes are Chithiramega Thadagam and Vairamega Thadagam,” he says.

There were also several lakes like the Thoosi Mamandoor Yeri near Kanchipuram, the biggest of the lot. “The rulers did not end with that. They appointed guards to stop people from polluting and created a corpus fund for the maintenance of the water body. The board used the money to desilt the lake and to distribute food and clothes for victims of floods. They also let the lake on contract for fishing and for ferrying people on coracles to generate funds. Many rich people also donated liberally,” he says.

“For effective distribution there are different types of sluice gates like Pulikan madai (which has three outlets). Depending upon the storage the water is released through these outlets. The one with seven outlets is located near Srivilliputhur. It is constructed by the Koon Pandiyan and to control the flow a pillar is erected at the centre of the main sluice gate,” he says.

Lakes were given much importance in those days. They were quoted in Sangam literature to identify the geographical division of that place, like the Madakulakeezh which refers to the land irrigated by the Madakulam Lake.

“Predominantly an agrarian community dependent on water source, our ancestors knew the importance of conserving water. They were farsighted, sensitive to environmental issues and better equipped than the current times,” concludes Santhalingam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by T. Saravanan / Madurai – March 04th, 2015

The Sam of all things

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Sam Paul at Jonah’s goes to Japan. Photo: M. Karunakaran / The Hindu
Sam Paul at Jonah’s goes to Japan. Photo: M. Karunakaran / The Hindu

From educational institutions and restaurants to gyms and styling salons, Sam Paul has ventured into a slew of businesses. The city businessman tells why he’s always looking for new frontiers to conquer.

There are two men, employed by Sam Paul, who look after newspaper clippings.

Every morning, Sam wakes up at 7, fits in an hour of exercise and then, sits down to scan the local papers. Since 2004, from the first mention of the launch of Casa Piccola in Chennai, he’s collected about 500 news clippings of himself. He often makes it to the papers for something or the other; news about the latest Toni & Guy store launch, party pictures, involvement in charity activities and social, news about his acting venture in the upcoming movie Patra… even the smallest mention, he clips, files, indexes and laminates. “We need some cheap thrills, no?” laughs Sam.

The reason he values these clippings and takes such care in making sure they are preserved is because, he says, he treasures the recognition and appreciation that comes his way. “This is achievement! I am well-heeled — I own a house, I drive a Porsche. I have good people working for me. What else do I need?”

Sam, who has been the reason for the arrival of many big brands in the city, schooled here. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Engineering and followed it up with a doctorate from College of Engineering, Guindy. He started working with his father, helping manage educational institutions owned by the family, had many grand business ideas which his father disagreed to and eventually, was asked to leave home for being too rebellious.

Relentless, Sam worked to prove himself, sleeping on the floor of his friend’s place in the meantime. Using the money he earned, and then some, he opened Casa Piccola in 2004, which was all the rage those days. “I just wanted to show my father that I was capable of earning my own money. But from there to where I am right now, it’s all God’s grace. Nothing else.”

Over a decade later, he has chiselled an identity for himself as a restaurateur in Chennai. He manages Crimson Chakra, Haagen-Dazs and Jonah’s Bistro. His latest, Jonah’s goes to Japan, in collaboration with Momoyama, introduces an Asian twist to the existing European menu designed by ‘MADChef’ Kaushik. “Right now, I’m tripping on Japanese,” grins Sam.

At the launch of the restaurant, Sam bustles about, greeting old friends and making new ones. He’s a people’s person; no doubt about it. He says he has the knack to identify the right ones too. “My greatest asset is that my staff have remained with me… it’s important to have the right people,” says Sam, adding that the same men who worked at Casa Piccola are cooking up a storm in Jonah’s kitchen too.

As the dishes stream out, Sam talks about the peasant origins of the beef goulash, fusses over the amount of fish in the seafood broth and insists that the chicken parmigiana would pair better with mashed potato, as opposed to spaghetti. “I’ve been doing this since 2004, you start to know a little by now,” chuckles the foodie.

This, however, is not all that he knows. In 2010, sometime in between opening new restaurants, managing educational institutions and being responsible for the mushrooming of Toni & Guy outlets in the city, he got bored of all that he was doing and bounded off to study law at the Government Law College. “I was 32 years old at that time, and I sat with these boys who were 18-19 years old and studied for three years. In fact, I got debarred for six months for not having enough attendance,” laughs Sam. He now practises law at the High Court and works with N. Chandrasekaran, Special Public Prosecutor for CBI cases.

That hardly confines him from juggling other things though: Sam just acted in a film and is producing another. He’s looking to do some celebrity DJing born out of a love for music and the request of a few friends. Keeping in line with body building titles that Sam won when he was in University, he launched a new project last month — Slam, the fitness studio. He is further looking to expand the Jonah’s brand and working to bring Doner Kebab to India, because, he says, “I am very particular about my kebabs.”

“That’s the greatest thing in life: to be able to do what you want. If I want to do something, I just have to think of the way to do it professionally… it’s all about God’s grace and having the right people by your side.” smiles the 37-year-old.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Raveena Joseph / March 03rd, 2015

Kids Take a Shy at Record Book with Giant Portrait

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
An aerial view of the portrait of Mother Teresa created by students of a private school at Kavanur, in Vellore on Saturday | express
An aerial view of the portrait of Mother Teresa created by students of a private school at Kavanur, in Vellore on Saturday | express

Vellore :

The chances of your hearing about Kavanur near Timiri is as remote as the village is. Located in the eastern part of the district, the village is likely to enter Limca Book of World Records, courtesy the artistic skill of 70-odd students of a private school.

On Saturday, the children made a 72 feet by 60 feet portrait of Mother Teresa, using small black pebbles. The weight of the pebbles was around three tonnes, a record of its own kind, worthy of finding place in the Limca Book of Records.

The initiative was taken by the drawing teacher Navakumar (29), who is a self-styled record breaker himself. In 2006, he entered the record book by drawing a picture of Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar using enamel paint on 133 feet by 60 feet canvas.

In 2008, he attempted another portrait on a 280 feet by two feet canvas to draw the world flags. The attempt gave him another entry in the record books in 2009. In 2010, he drew a picture of Gandhi on water on a three feet container using kolam, which gave him another entry into Limca records.

Navakumar, a part time arts teacher at a government school in Seemapudur village, also goes to the Indira Nursery and Primary School in Kavanur every week to teach drawing to kids free of cost. He also runs an art studio in Vellore, where he teaches children and elders various forms of drawing. According to Navakumar the previous record was held by students in the age group of eight to 10 for drawing a portrait with the dimension of 30 feet by 40 feet using colour powders. This attempt by the Kavanur school students in the same age group would break this record comfortably, he said.

“When I told the school correspondent R Settu about the possibility of training the school children for a Limca record, he put me on the job,” recalled Navakumar. He began training the kids on the pebble portrait three months ago. Last week, he organized practical sessions on the school grounds.

“We decided to go for the portrait of aged persons, as the facial wrinkles could be better captured. Though difficult, it makes a lot of difference in artistry,” said Navakumar when asked why he chose Mother Teresa.

“By drawing her portrait, children would learn about her and imbibe her qualities,” he added.

On Saturday, the district educational officer D Manoharan was the chief guest when the children toiled for nearly an hour before putting on display the portrait under the guidance of Navakumar. The whole event was documented, videographed in the presence of government officials  and would be sent to Limca Books.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by V. Narayana Murthi / March 03rd, 2015