Category Archives: World Opinion

An inspiring saga of the Tamil diaspora’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle

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TAMIL NADU / OVERSEAS:

Spread from South Africa to Malaysia and Singapore in south-east Asia, the diaspora members involved themselves in the Indian freedom struggle. Some others, though having no direct relation to the national movement, led such a life that motivated those in India to carry on their struggle against the colonial regime.

Govindaswamy Krishnaswamy Thambi Naidoo’s love for the homeland knew no bounds, said the Mahatma. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The contributions of Indian Tamil diaspora in the field of public life in the early part of the 20th Century carry many inspiring accounts. Some of them had involved themselves in the Indian freedom struggle while some others, though having no direct relation to the national movement, led such sterling lives that motivated those in India to carry on their struggle against the colonial regime. The Tamil diaspora’s presence was spread from South Africa to Malaysia and Singapore in south-east Asia.

Giving an account of the work of the Tamil community, S.N. Nageswara Rao, who headed the Department of Historical Studies at Sir Theagaraya College, in a recent publication of the Tamil Nadu government, Tamil Nadu’s Contribution to the Freedom Struggle, said, “Its [the Tamil diaspora’s] role is not a small part in the large national project. Its size and location in the strategic colonies ensured a bigger role for Tamils, manifest in the scale of mobilisation. Their crucial and emphatic efforts enhanced several fold the momentum of the struggle.”

A story to remember

The story of the diaspora can be best illustrated through the work of Govindaswamy Krishnaswamy Thambi Naidoo (1875-1933), Gangathura Mohambry Naicker (1910-1978), also called Monty Naicker, and Janaky Athi Nahappan (1925-2014).

Speaking of Thambi Naidoo, Mahatma Gandhi, in his book Satyagraha in South Africa (1928), mentioned, “He had never seen India. Yet, his love for the homeland knew no bounds. Patriotism ran through his very veins. His firmness was pictured on his face.”

Naidoo, the first president of the Transvaal Indian Congress, was born in Mauritius but his family’s roots were in Thanjavur district. He was a key member of the Satyagraha campaign led by the Mahatma during 1906-14. An article published by Frontline, a sister publication of The Hindu, in the issue of October 15-28, 1988, says that when, in 1906, Gandhiji sought to broaden the base of his political initiatives against the Smuts Administration, he turned to Thambi Naidoo. “But each step Thambi Naidoo took was extraordinary — extraordinary in its strength and resoluteness.”

During the picketing of Registration Offices in July 1907, Naidoo was the first to be arrested. He was given 14 days’ imprisonment. On December 28 that year, he was charged for refusing to register and sent out of Transvaal. When he refused to obey the orders, he, along with Gandhiji, was arrested on January 10, 1908 and sent to jail, points out the article carried in Tamil Nadu’s Contribution to the Freedom Struggle.

Born to a successful businessman who was into export of fruits, Monty Naicker was sent in 1927 to Edinburgh and Dublin to complete his matriculation and medical education. He returned in 1934 and began a medical practice in Durban. He was a member of the Liberal Study Group before he joined the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). Monty Naicker also participated in unionising Indian workers, according to an article authored by Surendra Bhana in a site (https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/index.php /site/q/03lv02424/04lv02730/05lv02914/ 06lv02917.htm), which is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

A Gandhian more than a Marxist, Naicker had a passion for freedom and justice, and believed that the best way to achieve them was to demand fully what rightfully belonged to Indians as citizens of the country, according to the article. Explaining the rationale behind Naicker’s approach towards his work in public affairs, a report in The Hindu on September 6, 1943, quoted him as saying that “a voteless, voiceless community, such as Indians in South Africa, could not expect to remain silent when suppressed with legislation. Therefore, they had to appeal to India.” The fighter, who favoured multi-racialism, also made it clear more than once that his struggle was not directed against the white people of South Africa but against injustice.

Faith in Netaji

Janaki Athi Nahappan (1925-2014) was one example of the Indian diaspora who took part in the freedom struggle directly. She was a member of the Indian National Army (INA) headed by Subhas Chandra Bose. She rose to the rank of Captain and Second-in-Command of the Rhani of Jhansi Regiment and during World War II, she fought against the British on the Burma-India border, Dr. Rao writes.

Janaki Athi Nahappan, who rose to the rank of Captain and Second-in-Command of the Rhani of Jhansi Regiment of the INA and fought aagainst the British during World War II.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Nahappan grew up in a well-to-do Tamil family in Malaya and was only 17 when she responded to Bose’s call to persons of Indian origin to give whatever they could for the fight for Indian independence. Twenty-five years ago, while participating in an event to receive an award in Eluru of Andhra Pradesh, she said she thrust her diamond ear rings and gold chain into his hands as her contribution towards the war fund. She pleaded with her parents, who were of Indian origin, to sign the papers permitting her to serve in the INA, according to another news item carried by The Hindu on February 3, 1998.

Stalin Gunasekaran, writer, who authored a book on the contributions of Tamils to the freedom struggle nearly 20 years ago, recalls his meeting with her. He said she, also known as Janaky Thevar, was one of the Tamil women who accounted for 75% of the strength of the Regiment. In 2000, the Indian government conferred on her the title of Padma Shri.

source http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Tamil Nadu / by T Ramakrishnan / November 07th, 2023

Hidden tales of Chennai’s Harrington Road

About Chennai(Madras) / TamilNadu, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

There is more to Harrington Road than restaurants, concrete buildings and bustling traffic. Writer Sudha Umashanker unveils some secrets.

MCC School

Chennai : 

It’s been 40 years since writer-storyteller Sudha Umashanker moved from her father’s house on Marshalls Road to Harrington Road. Recounting her early memories of the neighbourhood, she shared, “I vividly remember the beautiful, long road lined up with tall trees on both sides. Apart from Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School, Chetpet railway gate and a small departmental-cum-stationery store called Hansa, the area was almost empty, and dotted with a few bungalows and villas.”

Over the years, shopping complexes, supermarkets, apartments, restaurants and educational institutions have mushroomed in the locality. Even as the area’s landscape has drastically evolved, the long-time resident took Madras Month celebrations as an opportunity to trace the history of the neighbourhood’s landmarks, as part of a virtual walk for the Madras Literary Society.

So, how did the road derive its name from William Harrington, a civil servant from the 1770s to 1790s? “Late historian S Muthiah wrote in one of his columns that William Harrington was given ten acres south of the Spur Tank.”

The many treasures
Considered as one of the greenest localities in Chennai, Harrington Road houses many service organisations that continue to do remarkable community work to date. Little Sisters of the Poor is one such. “It was founded by Jeanne Jugan, a French nun. The organisation, started in France, is currently spread across 100 countries. They came to Harrington Road in the 1930s after receiving a three and a half-acre facility from a landlord. They have 100 inmates. Plenty of patrons are contributing to keep their work going,” she shared.

Harrington Road from Chetpet signal

A few metres down the lane is another well-known service organisation called The Madras Seva Sadan. It was a women’s service centre run by the Women’s India Association that had prominent female members such as Margret cousins, Annie Besant and Muthu Lakshmi Reddy. When the Margret cousins had to leave, they proposed that Pune Seva Sadan take over the organisation by offering Rs 750, but they refused to. Soon after, the organisation was bought by Mutha Subbarao for a princely sum of Rs 10,000. “He acquired the Shenstone Park building in 1928 and that’s when the organisation moved to Harrington Road. Along with wife Lady Andal, the couple rehabilitated many women and empowered them. Presently, there’s The Madras Seva Sadan Higher Secondary School, Lady Andal School, Sir Mutha Venkatasubbarao Concert Hall and a women’s hostel within the premises,” she noted.

With educational institutions on both sides of the road, it’s not without reason that the traffic is always bustling here. Then there’s  MCC Higher Secondary School, which dates back to the 1800s. The school owes its origins to the Church of Scotland and St Andrews Kirk. Chaplains James Laurie and Mathew Bowce came to the city and set up the first school in Rundalls Road, Vepery. Then came Chaplain Anderson, after which the school was moved to Armenian street, and Esplanade. Just when it was about to shut down due to poor performance, Revenant William Miller brought it back to fully functioning system.

“The school was earlier called Madras General Assembly School. William Miller got the help of the Wesleyan Service Ministry and Christian Service Ministry to fund the school and hence the present name. The school was moved to Chetpet, its current location, by the first Indian Headmaster called Kuruvila Jacob after purchasing the Napier Gardens in 1950. He put the school on solid footing from 1931 to 1962. There’s a statue of William Miller inside the school in Chetpet,” she narrated. Besides this, there’s also the Chinmaya Mission Primary School which was inaugurated in 1982 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Further down the road is the Chinmaya Heritage Centre.

Largely a residential area, the neighbourhood has a few places of worship, too. A few buildings past the MCC school is the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. “This is the first parish outside Kerala. It was opened in 1936. Now, 650 families come here for worship. The church belongs to Chennai-Bangalore Diocese,” said Umashanker. There’s also a samadhi temple dedicated to saint Gangadhara Navalar, who was fond of the deity of Kapaleeshwar temple. The temple is said to have powerful vibrations.

Illustration by Srishti Prabhakar

Of people and places
They say it’s the people that make a place. One among the many reputed families that lived in the locality was that of social worker Ammu Swaminadhan’s. Married to renowned lawyer Subburam Swaminadhan, the couple had four children. Gilchrist Avenue, where they resided, gained its name from the Gilchrist scholarship their eldest son, lawyer Govind Swaminadhan, earned to pursue higher education.

The area was also home to some reputed people, who contributed to the city.’s development. One such respected figure was T Namberumal Chetty, a famous building contractor. “Theory goes that he owned many houses in the locality and all were occupied by his family members. There are over 30 houses of his, presently,” pointed out Umashanker. Another eminent person who lived in the locality was JH Tarapore, the co-founder of Tarapore and Co, a well-known construction company.

Closing the session, Umashanker touched upon an important landmark that used to be in place of present-day Prashanth Hospital. It was the Institute of Techno Economic Studies founded by celebrated economist B Natarajan. “ He studied the London passenger transport system which formed the blueprint for the state transport undertaking. This was one of his best contributions. We should never forget his name.”

The area has one of the most active residents association in the city — the Harrington Road Residents Association, who’ve been actively involved in the civic and infrastructural development. “Every place has a story to tell and we’re proud of our area. The road lives on, changing itself,” said Umashanker.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities>Chennai / by Vaishali Vijaykumar / Express News Service / August 11th, 2021

Chennai-based start-up raises $5.5 million

Business & Economy, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

The loan was deployed through IndusInd Bank’s Impact Investing Group, guaranteed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

Chennai-based agritech start-up WayCool Foods raised $5.5 million through debt financing from IndusInd Bank Ltd, guaranteed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

This funding follows the Series C round of $32 million led by Lightbox earlier this year. Setuka Partners LLP was the advisor to the current transaction. WayCool Foods intends to use the funds raised to introduce advanced technology, implement strict hygiene measures and increase transportation efficiency to reduce food spoilage and improve farmer yields. This will also allow the company to strengthen food distribution across South India.

Karthik Jayaraman, Co-Founder and CEO, WayCool Foods, said, “WayCool has been steadily building necessary technology and operational capabilities to operate robust agrifood supply chains from soil to sale.”

DFC, America’s development bank, provides financing to address critical challenges across emerging markets on a global scale. It invests across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets.

The loan was deployed through IndusInd Bank’s Impact Investing Group. The DFC guarantee enabled the bank to provide an equivalent of ₹35 Crores loan to WayCool, the bank’s statement said. The structure is significant as it helps in mobilizing local capital for WayCool, also it eliminates foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk from the balance sheet of WayCool, it added.

Founded in July 2015 by Karthik Jayaraman and Sanjay Dasari, WayCool procures, processes, and distributes a range of food products, including fresh produce, staples and dairy products, moving over 250 tonnes of food every day, to 8,000 enterprise clients across South India. The company operates a soil-to-sale model engaging with a base of 40,000 farmers in more than 50 regions across India.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Sangeetha Kandavel / Chennai – June 11th, 2020

Madras HC directs Tamil Nadu doctor to move ICMR on drug for COVID-19

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The petitioner had made representations to the ICMR to consider the importance of the concept proposed in his article and conduct trial but there was no response.

Chennai :

The Madras High Court on Thursday directed a doctor in Tamil Nadu to make a fresh representation to the Indian Council of Medical Research on his claim that a particular drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Disposing of a petition by Dr Vasantha Kumar from Krishnagiri district, a Division Bench of Justices Vineet Kothari and R Suresh Kumar also directed concerned authorities to grant him an opportunity to present his case and pass appropriate orders, as expeditiously as possible.

Vasantha Kumar in his petition submitted that he has authored an article on the use of ‘beta-adrenergic blockers,’ medications used for reducing blood pressure, in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

He further submitted that he had examined in detail the nature of coronavirus and its effects on the human body and the possible cure for it.

He had requested a discussion on the subject for the benefit of public at large and sent a communique to the Union Health department and ICMR.

In his article, he proposed that beta-adrenergic blockers may be beneficial in coronavirus patients with hypertension co morbidity, by regulation of blood pressure and decreasing SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry.

In low doses, beta-adrenergic blockers may be beneficial in COVID-19 patients with normal blood pressure, as it may decrease the SARS- CoV-2 entry into the cell.

The petitioner said as there was no response from the Journals to which he sent his articles, he proceeded to publish it online.

Though he made representations to the ICMR to consider the importance of the concept proposed in his article and conduct clinical trial at the earliest, there was no response.

When the plea came up before the bench through video conference, the doctor claimed that the drug would stop the symptoms and not allow it to develop into fever.

Noting that the cost of the drug would be less than Rs 2 and the poor would benefit from it, the petitioner said as he has not received any response even from ICMR till date, he was constrained to approach the Court.

He prayed for a direction from the Court to ICMR to consider the importance of the concept proposed in his article and to conduct a clinical trial.

The bench disposed of the petition after recording the submissions of Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan appearing for the Centre and the counsel for ICMR that the representation of the petitioner would be considered in accordance with the guidelines.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by PTI / June 11th, 2020

NASS award for Ganga Hospital research team

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A research team of Coimbatore-based Ganga Hospital has won the Outstanding Paper Award of the North American Spine Society (NASS) in basic science category for 2020.

The research was a molecular level study probing the cause for lumbar disc degeneration, main cause of lower back pain, and attempts to identify molecular targets for biological repair of damaged discs.

The research, “Uncovering molecular targets for regenerative therapy in degenerative disc disease: Do Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans hold the Key?” won the award, instituted by NASS and the society’s official research publication The Spine Journal.

Social impact

The study, a pointer to regenerative interventions for lumbar disc degeneration in future, gains significance as lower back pain significantly reduces the quality of life of nearly 70% of the patients worldwide, causing a considerable economic and social impact, said the research team head S. Rajasekaran, chairman, Department of Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery at Ganga Hospital.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Staff Reporter / Coimbatore – June 02nd, 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

IIT Madras alumnus appointed to National Science Board in USA

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Three of the institute’s alumni are currently on the Board

Sudarsan Babu, a 1988 graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras was appointed to the National Science Board in United States of America on Monday. He is the third alumnus from the IIT-M to currently occupy the Board. The members are appointed for a period of six years.

Mr. Babu completed B.Tech from PSG College of Technology and graduated with M. Tech in Metullurgical and Materials engineering at the IIT Madras in 1988.

The other two alumni are Sethuraman Panchanathan and Suresh V Garimella. Mr. Sethuraman is tipped to become the director of another prestigious institution the National Science Foundation. One of his predecessors is Subra Suresh, another alumnus of the institute, who is currently the president of Nanyang Technological University.

Mr. Sethuraman completed M.Tech in electrical engineering in 1986. Mr. Garimella graduated in 1985 in B.Tech mechanical engineering.

Institute director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said, “Our alumni have done us proud in India and abroad and have been a great pillar of support to their alma mater.”

“Having three alumni on the Board is a first for the institution. It speaks of the academic research culture that we had established even a long time ago and continue to foster. This is a direct validation of the institution’s ecosystem as a whole, as a research institution going back to the early eighties. All of these people we talk about today were students here in the mid-80s. The ecosystem has created these superstars and we have continued to grow from strength to strength. That is in essence why we talk about these achievements,” said Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean of International and Alumni Relations, adding that the alumni were “deeply involved in advising the institute in its activities.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by R. Sujatha / Chennai – April 21st, 2020