‘Enchanting Tamil Nadu’ is giving a leg up to tourist arrivals in ‘Incredible India’. Chennai airport has emerged as the third most preferred gateway for foreigners arriving in the country.
What’s heartening is that these people don’t just get their first glimpse of Indian soil in the city and fly off to another place. “The transit traffic is almost negligible on international flights in Chennai. Barely 1-2 per cent of the people have connecting flights through a city like Chennai. If they come, they’re here to be tourists,” said an immigration official. Even domestic transfers are limited when it comes to foreign tourists, he added.
In a trend that has held steady through the last two years, with Chennai having seen between 7.5 and 8 per cent of total tourist traffic, January 2015 has witnessed a slight jump with 8.39% of foreign visitors using the city as a gateway to India. The only other entry points that saw higher foreign tourist entry are Delhi with 28.72% and Mumbai with 21.87%. The numbers also indicated that the country that has been sending the highest number of their citizens our way is the US, followed by the UK and Bangladesh.
In numbers revealed by the Tourism Ministry, it is evident that Tamil Nadu’s tourism plan is enchanting enough to draw a fair share of independent interest, besides the larger tour options that foreigners undertake. Through 2014, the number of Foreign Travel Arrivals (FTAs) logged by Immigration sat at a considerable 74.62 lakh visitors. “Remember, these are only people who apply for tourist visas. Medical and business visas are separate, so it’s evident that every year people are coming to explore our country as a tourist destination,” said J Kishore, a travel agent. He added that most of the bookings were done through international travel networks online.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / February 11th, 2015
As 80-year-old A Karpagam steps out of the Madras high court, her frail body bears signs of exertion. But there is hope and jubilation on her wrinkled face. Three decades after the state government allotted a piece of land to her husband — a decorated ex-serviceman — and subsequently cancelled it, the court has directed the government to hand over the plot.
After his retirement, former Indian Air Force flying officer S Devarajan was allotted 1.84 acres of land in a village near Sriperumbudur in 1981. But he was not given possession of the land and it was later sold to another person. After Devarajan’s death in1982, his wife Karpagam approached the revenue department several times, and finally, in 1998, another plot land was assigned to her in Kelambakkam village. In 2009, the second allotment too was cancelled saying the land was being used for public purpose
She approached the Madras high court, which in its order in April 2014 directed the government to allot her the land. This order was upheld by the court earlier this month, her counsel M Narendran said. Karpagam thanked Narendran for his efforts. “He has supported me. The high court, in its verdict, also appreciated his role in assisting the court,” she said.
Reminiscing about the old times, she said, “My husband often told me that he would ensure his family had a comfortable life; even when he is not around. He had reposed his faith in the government that it would provide him all benefits.”
Devarajan started his military career as a soldier in ‘boy service’ during the World War II. After independence, he fought in the 1962 India-China war and 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was decorated for his bravery in the face of Chinese aggression.
Death of her husband and a protracted legal tussle meant mounting costs. “Yes, finance was bit tough. After the death of my husband, I had to support my two children. My sister’s family helped us,” she said. “It’s painful when you are given something and it is taken back for no fault of yours, again given and again taken back.”
“It is sad to see the plight of retired defence personnel who, during service, sacrifice a lot to serve the nation. Regularly I read reports about ex-servicemen not getting the benefits due to them. Who is responsible for this,” she asked. But Karpagam does not believe she has been denied justice. “The court has recognized my rights. I will be happy if the land is allotted during my lifetime,” she said.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / by Manish Raj, TNN / February 20th, 2015
Bodybuilder M.Raja. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu
Raja, physically-challenged body builder, has not allowed financial hurdles to keep him from following his dreams, says Vaishali R. Venkat.
“Winning Rs. 25,000 in a contest does not help me financially as I would have borrowed at least Rs.40,000 to meet the expenses of taking part in the event. That is how my debts have accumulated over the years,” says body builder Raja, his muscles bulging beneath a half-sleeved shirt.
The ‘Steel Man of Tamil Nadu’ title in the physically-challenged category (90 kg) is the latest title in his kitty.
Raja is happy but not excited. The various titles and awards have not helped him lead a comfortable life.
The 28-year-old school dropout from Kasimedu is a carpenter who was affected by polio in his childhood.
Disability and poverty have not kept him from following his dreams as a body builder.
“I will not give up on my dreams. I want to participate in the Olympics and Asian Games,” says Raja, who has plans to participate in three contests next month.
In Raja’s humble home are displayed trophies and medals he has won over the last 10 years.
M.Raja won a number of body building competitions including Mr. India. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu
He has won 10 titles at the national level, four at the south India level and the Mr. Tamil Nadu title several times.
But he has not been lucky enough to find a job.
“I can work as a coach at a gym or for body building aspirants or as a trainer for athletes,” says Raja who earns his livelihood repairing fishing boats.
It is only during the 45-day fishing ban that boat owners undertake repair works.
“My earnings are meagre as I find work only 10 days in a month,” he says.
He could be in competitive body building due to support from his friends — which include John, Sankar Ganesh, Velu and Royapuram R. Mano — gym-coach Annamalai and M. Karthikeyan, mariner and chairman of SAMS College of Engineering & Technology.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Down Town / by Vaishali R. Venkat / February 21st, 2015
Ancient Tamils are known for producing and consuming several varieties of paddy and millets, which kept them hale and healthy. Their daily food even doubled up as medicine and kept them free of diseases. As part of the Sangam Four literary Festival which began on February 13, stalls showcasing ancient varieties of rice and millets have been opened. Apart from these, cookies made of millets and other savouries are also available at these stalls.
Some of the rare varieties of rice are on display at a stall put up by Aral Organics. Among the rice varieties, Kala Namak, known for its aroma and distinct taste, and rich in 40 minerals, is the cynosure of all eyes as this rice variety is believed to have been consumed by Lord Buddha several thousands of years ago.
Kala Namak rice had derived its name from black husk (kala) and a mild salty taste (namak). It is considered one of the finest rice varieties in the international market.
Kala Namak rice is said to be good for the brain cells and prevents cancer. People suffering from kidney problems and those with skin and blood-related ailments are advised to consume this variety of rice. The next important rice variety is Moongil Arisi (Bamboo rice), which interestingly, is not grown in paddy fields. Bamboo blossoms once in 40 years and the flowers of bamboo produce this rice variety. It looks like the miniature version of wheat and is the staple food for tribals. This rice adds immunity to one’s system and helps those having infertility problems.
The other important varieties of rice on display are: Maappillai Samba, Sivappu Kavuni, Kothamalli Samba, Poongar rice, Seeraga Samba, Sona Masoori, Koliyan Samba, etc. Each variety of rice has distinctive medicinal purposes.
Many varieties of millets are also on display. Millets are more nutritious than any other cereals and can be a worthy addition to one’s diet. Cookies made of millets, ragi, kambu, samai, varagu, kuthiraivali and palm candy cookies, using only country made sugar, are available here.
The kodo millet reduces cholesterol levels, enhances kidney function, reduces joint pain and diseases that damage optic nerves, and regulates lymp glands and menstrual disorders. Little millet contains more micro nutrients and regulates the blood flow in the body, reduces cholesterol levels, helps bone development and overcome problems related to the intestine, besides reducing the effects caused by fever and easing constipation.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / February 19th, 2015
For many people, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Madras is a body working for the health and fitness of youngsters.
Celebrating its 125th year of inception, YMCA Madras, along with the National Council of YMCA, has now diversified into various activities.
Lauding the contributions of YMCA Madras, established in 1890 by David McConnaughy, Governor K. Rosaiah, at a function on Friday, traced the history of the organisation that is present in over 120 countries.
Giving away lifetime achievement awards, the Governor said such voluntary organisations must play a significant role in building a harmonious society and serve as an inspiration to others.
Rolland Williams, president of the National Council of YMCAs of India, spoke on the growth of the organisation that has over three lakh members across the country. Peter Posner, president of World Alliance of YMCAs, Aerial Pollack, public affairs officer, US Consulate Chennai, and M.M. Selvakumar, president of YMCA Madras, also spoke.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai/ by Special Correspondent / Chennai – February 21st, 2015
The student debate on ‘Skill building is the raison d’etre of education’ at the ThinkEdu15 Conclave here raised some important points on whether it was skill or subject knowledge that was important for survival.
The debaters pointed out that skill building and education move in a parallel direction towards molding an individual.
While Ayush Bhargava from IIT Madras stated that education was a common platform to inculcate labour skills, soft skills and life skills, talking for the topic, Apoorva Ramachandran from Stella Maris College, Chennai, argued that skill could only be acquired with proper knowledge and practice over time.
“Education should impart wisdom, ethics and morals. Gaining skills has nothing to do with education, it is a check box while gaining knowledge,” said Amit Antony, an Electronics and Communication student of Vellore Institute of Technology-Chennai campus.
Manaswini Prasanna, a psychology student of Women’s Christian College, who spoke for the topic, pointed out that education should help develop social, personal, soft and interpersonal skills.
The winner of the debate, Ujjwala Varma, a student of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, who spoke against the topic, said, “Skill development is not imparting of information, but is an off-shoot of academic knowledge.” Ayush and Apoorva were declared the runners-up.
The platform was set and the debate points were in place, but this did not stop students from making their rebuttal strong. Though there were heated arguments on both sides, it can be said that education is a lifelong process. It is dynamic and provides growth, and skill building is equally important for character building.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / February 22nd, 2015
Sampoornam in her house at Tiruvanaikoil in Tiruchi.
Staying alone in a tiled house at Tiruvanaikoil, 92-year-old Sampoornam had a VIP visitor calling her recently.
Confined to her cot in a dingy room, the nonagenarian was elated when she learnt that the visitor was Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) treasurer M.K. Stalin. The grand-old woman was someone so special for Mr. Stalin that he took time off to interact with Ms. Sampoornam whose “self-respect” marriage (Seerthirutha Kalyanam) over 60 years ago in Tiruchi set off a renaissance in those days.
It was in October 1941 that the late DMK founder, Annadurai, conducted the first “self-respect” marriage between Rama. Chinnaiah and Sampoornam. The wedding held in the Tamil month ‘Purattasi’ was a simple event in a small shed with 50 members attending it. “I was 19 years old then and my husband was aged 34,’’ recalls Ms. Sampoornam.
Nevertheless, it was a special occasion as the late Tamil scholar and social activist, K.A.P. Viswanatham and lawyer T.P. Vedachalam also took part, she says with her memory afresh.
Getting emotional, she says it was an exceptional moment as Annadurai had conducted the first “self-respect” marriage then. “An order was placed for just two rose garlands and 50 rose flowers”. Born in a family of five siblings, Ms. Sampoornam says her elder sister prepared lunch for the invitees with five ‘padis’ (a ‘padi’ means one-and-half kg) of rice at the wedding.
As someone who had sung at DMK meetings and at Karanthai Tamil Sangam, Ms. Sampoornam says it was her elder brother Simon Ramasamy who was instrumental in her “self-respect” marriage.
Having worked as a teacher for several years in Tiruchi, she says her elder sister Porselvi Ilamurugu was closely associated with the family of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi.
Ms. Sampoornam had met Kalaignar only at meetings and was inspired by his speeches and more so his pronunciation, says the nonagenarian whose husband died in a road accident several years ago. The aged woman, whose sons live in Tiruchi and Madurai, is now being look after by a caretaker.
The interaction with Mr. Stalin who took time to meet Sampoornam while campaigning for the Srirangam Assembly by-poll, lasted a few minutes. Yet, it was a stirring moment for both.
“He offered me a ponnadai and asked me to take care of my health. I asked him to care of Dayalu Ammal and inquired about Kalaignar and wished him many years of good health”, says Ms. Sampoornam.
It was in October 1941 that Annadurai conducted the first “self-respect” marriage between Rama. Chinnaiah and Sampoornam
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by R Rajaram / Tiruchi – February 21st, 2015
The Madras Polo and Riding Club team in 1973 along with Mukarram Jah, grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad (third from left). Also seen is Col. Maharaj Premsingh (second from right)—Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu
As Chennai soaks in the fervour unleashed by the cricket world cup, a fact many residents may not know is that around the 1960s and 70s, it was polo that was the pride of Madras.
As the city soaks in the fervour unleashed by the cricket world cup, a fact many residents and even sports enthusiasts may not know is that around the 1960s and 70s, it was polo that was the pride of Madras. Every year, between September and October, the city played host to some of the best polo players from across the world in tournaments such as the Kolanka cup (which holds a Guinness record of being the tallest sports trophy at six feet), Bobbli cup and the South Indian Gold Vase.
The city’s eminent polo player Buchi Prakash says, “Before independence, many kingdoms had polo teams. The military too trained officers to take up the sport. Polo is a game that requires deft horsemanship and these skills were crucial when cavalry was one of the important components of an army.”
Hailing from the first family of sports in Madras, the Buchi Babu clan, Prakash says polo is almost a family heirloom that has been handed down through seven generations. He recalls, “It was in Gymkhana Club that my father (M.V. Prakash) and grandfather played polo. Island grounds and the Chettinad Palace (now the MRC Nagar area) were other haunts.”
The Madras Riding Club and Madras Polo and Riding Club (MPRC) however popularised the sport among civilians. N.V. Ravi, president of the Madras Riding School says, “While the Madras Riding Club did have polo and bicycle polo, it was only with the MPRC set up by M.V Prakash, A.C Muthiah, M.A Chidambaram and M. A. M Ramaswamy that polo truly gained the spotlight. They even managed to get the world renowned polo champion Col. Maharaj Premsingh of Jodhpur to train aspiring sportsmen in the game.”
Kishore Futnani, who runs the Chennai Equestrian Academy, was trained by Premsingh. He fondly remembers the words of his late coach before his first tournament, “I was all of 15 and he said to me, ‘I’ve taught you all you need to know to play, so now all I can say is when you’re in the field ask yourself ‘what the hell am I doing?’ If your answer is ‘nothing’ then that’s your cue to do something – hit the ball or stop your opponent from doing so.” Futnani says that these words have held him in good stead, even off the pitch.
Four decades on, the sport barely has a presence in the sporting landscape. Experts say only an investment in infrastructure and funding can revive the glory of polo.
In the 1960s and 70s, Chennai was home to a thriving polo culture
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Nitya Menon / Chennai – February 20th, 2015
Saraswati Bai, the phenomenally talented first woman Harikatha artiste of south India, came from poor circumstances. With a fine guru, and great patrons, she rose to the top against all odds and was called Lady Bhagavathar
The world had its way…
Years ago I happened to hear a short rpm recording of C. Saraswati Bai; it was the famous kriti “Aada Modi Galade”. Robust and full throated, her non fussy music left an impact on me. Years later, when I saw her on the cover page of the Sruti magazine, the Charukeshi kriti emerged dusting cobwebs of memory. Music historian Sriram V. had written an extensive story on the life and music of Saraswati Bai, and it continued in the next issue of the magazine. It was a thrilling experience to read the story of Saraswati Bai, and somehow it immediately took me to the life of Kannada’s early woman writer Saraswati Bai Rajwade’s. Was there a connection beyond the name – not beyond their grit and determination perhaps. Of course, that they were woman who occupied the same period in history and struggled to change its course was also common to them.
Apart from Sriram V.’s wonderful essay on Saraswati Bai and a commemorative volume put together by M.S. Ramaswami Aiyar, there is not much information available on her. As Sriram himself says, Saraswati Bai wrote a sketch of her life in 1935 for the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan which is the only other authentic source. Lady Bhagavathar, as this first harikatha woman exponent was called, and Brahmin at that, led a life that was marked by ups and downs. But it is worth recalling her story not only because it allows us to re-read history, but also for her passion for learning which remained a constant through all the adversities she encountered. It is important to revisit because many of these forces, in our minds are always oppositional in nature – man and woman, upper caste and lower caste, rich and poor. But, they have integrated in heart-warming ways to make this great story of Saraswati Bai.
Born to the Madhwa Brahmin couple Rangammal and Rama Rao in 1892, Saraswati Bai’s life was to change when her mother Rangammal nursed the cholera stricken, wealthy Venkataswami Naidu back to health. Circumstances took Rama Rao’s family from Renigunta to Madras and they lived in close relationship with the Naidu family. Saraswati Bai accompanied Venkataswami Naidu’s great grand daughter Narasamma to her Hindustani music classes with Yakoob Ali Khan and just by being a passive onlooker she had learnt “songs, how to play the sitar and harmonium.” Several musicians such as Veena Dhanammal, Abdul Karim Khan, Hirabai Badodekar… visited the Naidu household giving the eager Saraswati a footing in music. Sanskrit scholar Krishnachar who happened to listen to Saraswati sing at an informal gathering was determined to teach the girl. A teacher at the Madras Christian College, Krishnachar became a devout guru and taught her Sanskrit along with a few Carnatic kritis. He took her to top artistes of those times – T.S. Sabesa Iyer, Muthaih Bhagavathar, Pudukottai Dakshinamurthy Pillai and several others, making sure that she learnt the best from their repertoire. He was so obsessed with teaching the young Saraswati that he even neglected his job.
If the support Krishnachar gave Saraswati was phenomenal, the encouragement the Naidu family extended to her was equally important. They provided opportunities for her to perform harikatha discourses and soon, Saraswati’s knowledge and depth was being widely discussed. She was married as a child, and her husband took care of the house and allowed her to pursue her passion. But with her rise, they began to cast aspersions on her character. Her guru was sufficiently maligned and he was even asked to give up his post in the college. People stopped attending her performances, getting sabha became impossible, finding accompanists was a herculean task. Vidwans who had accompanied her were ostracized by the Brahmin community and were later forced to undergo ritual purification. Saraswati Bai wrote: “If I were to list out the ways in which I was insulted and troubled by men, it would disgust the reader.” But the backing of her guru was solid.
She relentlessly held on, and with growing public support, in the years to come, none could stop Saraswati Bai’s increasing popularity. In 1911, as a 19-year old, she travelled widely across India giving performances. Saraswati Bai also went to Sri Lanka and by the time she turned 22, she was one of the most accomplished Harikatha performers. Saraswati Bai was greatly appreciated by the stars of her time like Dhanammal and Mukta. In fact, she paved the path for other Brahmin women to pursue their interests.
Sriram V. records F.G. Natesa Iyer (in 1939) as saying: “Saraswati Bai is a pioneer, and today, as a result of her sacrifices…. Brahmins and non-Brahmins walk freely over the once forbidden ground. C. Saraswati Bai has achieved this miracle.”
This is the first of a four-part series on women from the world of Performing Arts
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Deepa Ganesh / February 12th, 2015
pioneer:K.V. Mathew started the now famous Chennai Book Fairin 1977 —Photo:V. Ganesan
K.V. Mathew, who died on Friday, leaves behind a vast library at his house and generations of book lovers.
The man who nurtured the Madras Book Fair from its initial days breathed his last at his house in Luz on Friday afternoon.
On February 4, Mr. Mathew had celebrated his 87th birthday, said his nephew George, a school headmaster.
“His passion for books was unimaginable and he would encourage youngsters to read,” he said. Mathew was responsible for starting the now famous Chennai Book Fair in 1977, and later the Student’s Book Fair.
Born in Mavelikkara in Alappuzha, Kerala, Mr. Mathew began his career in 1945 as a salesman with Christian Literature Society (CLS), and became its sales manager.
After 25 years at CLS, he joined BI Publications as its regional manager in Chennai. He retired from BI at the age of 83, after which, along with three other friends, he started the Ecumenical Book Services, a publishing house for nursing textbooks.
He was founder secretary of the Ecumenical Fellowship in Madras, which organised the Human Christmas Tree. His wife Mariamma Mathew was former nursing superintendent at CSI Kalyani Hospital.
He also penned an autobiography, You Turned My Wailing into Dancing , and a book on jokes, Chuckle Till You Buckle .
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – February 15th, 2015
