Category Archives: World Opinion

The high-fliers

Education, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

This year’s edition of Fly Your Ideas contest witnessed a tough battle between five teams who came up with innovative ideas for the aerospace and aviation sector, reports Sangeetha Nambiar from Toulouse, France

Abunch of bright young people have put their own spin on innovations and technologies that can offer solutions to deal with challenges in the aerospace sector. The ideas came up as part of Fly Your Ideas, a contest floated by Airbus, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers. Fly Your Ideas is Airbus’ way of giving the younger generation a chance to come up with out-of-the-box ideas that could revolutionise the way the aviation industry works. “With the contest we look to create sustainable solutions for the future,” says Vicky Runchie, project leader for the contest. “We have multiple objectives which include focused research and development, new business models, better traffic management, meeting tough emission targets, protecting nature and nurturing future talent. The main idea being to reach out and connect with young talent,” she adds.

The third edition of the biennial contest, which was first started in 2008, witnessed a much higher participation this time with 6,000 entries which were whittled down to five by a team from Airbus. Challenges for contestants were huge as the criteria taken into account included energy, efficiency, affordable growth, traffic growth and passenger experience. UNESCO has offered its support to the contest as it is committed to the objective of reducing emission and promoting the idea of a greener planet.

The teams selected this year include: India (Team Avas from SRM University, Chennai ), Italy (Team Flybrid, Technical University of Milan), Brazil (Team Levar, University of Sao Paulo), Australia (Team CLiMA, Royal Melbourne Institute of Milan Italy) and Malaysia (Team Embarker, Universiti Putra Malaysia ), who headed to Toulouse in France for the finals where they presented their ideas before a jury of six at the Airbus  A380 final assembly line. Team Levar, which came up with an innovative design for a luggage loading and unloading system for airplane cargo compartments to reduce the workload of airport baggage handlers with an air cushion, walked away with the 30,000 euros prize money at the final award ceremony held at the Unesco building in Paris. Team CLi-MA won the runners-up spot for their proposal to develop aircraft fuelled by a blend of sustainably produced liquefied biomethane and liquefied natural gas (Bio-LNG ). Avas, the team from India, proposed the use of intelligent materials (shape memory alloys) for jet exhaust shape modification. The alloys are energised by harvested electricity generated by advanced thermoelectric materials using engine heat source which will reduce 6 to 7% of propulsion noise that an aircraft produces. “Airbus has over a period of time strengthened its relationships with universities across the world and FYI is one of its ways to engage the younger generation, assessing their ideas which are a refreshing change from those already in the industry,” says Rachel Schroeder, head of employment marketing.

The teams were a mix of technical and nontechnical. We want to encourage diversity in universities, ensure that more women  students are involved. In fact, Airbus proposes to introduce an award to increase diversity in classrooms. “Our objective is to increase a student’s knowledge base,” says Schroeder. According to Charles Champion, Airbus executive vice-president engineering, FYI patron and chair of the jury, “It was an extremely close contest. All the five teams came up with brilliant ideas. What finally swung the jury in Team Levar’s favour was their focus on the human element in the design apart from the innovativeness of the whole idea,” he says. “Airbus spends 2 billion euros annually on research and development. Any industry needs constant innovation to be sustainable. It is imperative that new and refreshing ideas are thrown up constantly. With FYI we have engaged with students in a big way,” he adds.

At a glance

The third edition of the biennial contest, which was first started in 2008, witnessed a much higher participation this time with 6,000 entries which were whittled down to five by a team from Airbus. Challenges for contestants were huge as the criteria taken into account included: energy, efficiency, affordable growth, traffic growth and passenger experience.

Courtesy: Educationtimes.com

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Education / by Sangeetha Nambiar / June 24th, 2013

Tamil Nadu to upgrade power transmission with Japanese aid

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Tamil Nadu  Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa  Wednesday said a new project to improve the power transmission in the state will be implemented with the financial assistance of  Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

She also requested JICA for a line of credit to for viability gap funding and credit to private parties in infrastructure projects.

In a statement issued here by the government, Jayalalithaa, during her meeting with a JICA delegation led by its president Akihiko Tanaka, said: “This year, a new Tamil Nadu Transmission System Improvement Project with a JICA loan of Rs.3,410 crore rupees (607.40 billion yen) is to be implemented.”

She told the delegation the project will greatly help strengthen the power transmission network in the state as 6,000 MW of fresh power generation capacity is expected to be commissioned within next one or two years.

Jayalalithaa said JICA’s assistance to ongoing projects in Tamil Nadu includes the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Project being implemented at a total cost of Rs.345 crore (JICA line of credit is around Rs.300 crore); the Tamil Nadu Bio Diversity Conservation and Greening Project at a total cost of Rs.700 crore; and the Chennai Metro Rail Project for which JICA loan is Rs.8,646 crore.

Expressing satisfaction at the progress of these projects, she also hoped that JICA would consider partnering with the state and funding next year projects like the Chennai Waterways Restoration Project, components of the State Highways Development Project, upgrading Urban Infrastructure in Extended Areas of Chennai, and the Madurai-Thoothukudi Industrial Corridor.

Jayalalithaa requested JICA to assist the Project Preparation Fund of the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board so as to help project development of bankable public-private-partnership (PPP) projects.

She also requested JICA on the possibility of a separate line of credit for viability gap funding by the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Fund to implement PPP projects and also provide long term financing directly to private sector developers to enable them to reach financial closure early.

During the meeting, Tanaka said Tamil Nadu has great potential to become the hub of industrial growth in the Indian Ocean region and promised support for infrastructure projects in the state.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS> Diplomacy / IANS- Chennai, June 19th, 2013

Malaysian Eateries Flourishing In Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Chennai  : (Bernama)

Malaysian eateries are flourishing in the Indian city of Chennai, amid its close proximity to the country.

The latest to enter the foray is, Sri Ananda Chettinad Curry House, which offers an array of Malaysian dishes.

“Nasi lemak, mee goreng, Maggi goreng,pasembur, roti bom and roti tisu are among the more famous dishes, on offer for our patrons here,” the restaurant’s owner and founder, V. Harikrishnan said.

The restaurant is strategically located in the heart of T. Nagar’s Pondy Bazaar in Chennai, Tamilnadu’s capital city. It is also approximately 14 kilometres from the airport, six kilometres from the Central Railway Station and 3.5 kilometres from the Malaysian Consulate General.

Opened on May 29, the restaurant cum lodge, “Hotel Malaysia Inn,” has been attracting a good number of customers.

“They are either Malaysians in Chennai or the increasing number of travellers to the city, locals who know and love Malaysian food, as well as those who want to try out a new eatery,” he told Bernama in an interview, here today.

The Nasi Kandar Pelita restaurant was among the first to venture into Chennai about a decade ago, followed by a few other chains, including New Town Coffee House.

The talk of the town is that, there are a few more such Malaysian restaurants, set to open in Chennai in the near future.

“There is room for a few more Malaysian-style restaurants here as long as you provide good food with a clean environment.

“In my restaurant, the advantage is that almost all the workers were trained in Malaysia. Some can even speak Bahasa Malaysia fluently. So, Malaysians will feel right at home here.

“At the same time, some key ingredients are brought in from Malaysia, to ensure the taste is top notch,” said Harikrishnan.

Sri Ananda Chettinad Curry House is also Halal certified.

He said location is another factor, adding, he had been eyeing the market in Chennai since 2007.

“I wanted a good location. It took me sometime before I could find one to house the restaurant and hotel,” he added

On the hotel, he said, it has 24 air-conditioned rooms, with 16 being double room deluxe and the rest, executive suits.

Asked if there are plans to open more such restaurants with a similar concept in the near future, Harikrishnan said the focus for now was on the Chennai outlet, although there was a request to open one in Bangalore.

“With this latest Chennai venture, we now have a total of 12 restaurants, of which 11 are in various places in Malaysia. This is already a handful,” he added.

In Malaysia, the Sri Ananda Chettinad Curry House goes by the name, “Sri Ananda Bahwan,”, established in 1991, with the first outlet in Butterworth, Penang.

source: http://www.bernama.com.my / National News Agency of Malaysia / Home> Business> News / by Saraswathi Muniappan / Chennai – June 23rd, 2013

— BERNAMA

HIDDEN 100 : Where Sullivan lost his heart

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

 Kannerimukku is where John Sullivan fell in love with the hills and discovered Ooty, writes SUBHA J RAO

Sullivan Memorial./ Photo: Subha J Rao / The Hindu
Sullivan Memorial./ Photo: Subha J Rao / The Hindu

January 8, 1819, Dimbatty Valley. Sitting in a valley kissed by the clouds, Collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan, 31, wrote to Sir Thomas Munro, Governor of Madras: “My dear Colonel, I have been in the Highlands for the last week. This is the finest country… it resembles I suppose Switzerland more than any other part of Europe… it freezes here every night, this morning we found ice in our Water chatties (clay pots).”

Sullivan's first letter from Nilgiris. Photo: Subha J Rao
Sullivan’s first letter from Nilgiris. Photo: Subha J Rao

Nearly two centuries later, the valley still retains part of the charm that captivated Sullivan, who went on to found Ooty, the first hill station in India. On a wet June afternoon, the tea plantations and vegetable patches shimmer a bright green. In a way, they are a tribute to Sullivan. For, it was he who introduced European fruit trees, vegetables and flowers to the hills and suggested that the British cultivate tea there.

John Sullivan./ Photo: Special Arrangement
John Sullivan./ Photo: Special Arrangement

When he first trekked up the Neilgherry (as the Nilgiris were then known) with a contingent of soldiers, elephants and ponies (who were disbanded halfway), it was through dense shola-filled forests and steep cliffs. During his second visit to Dimbatty (which means soft, pillow like) valley, Sullivan set up a camp. Later, it became a two-storey structure called Pethakal bungalow, named after a sacred stone that existed there. Sullivan lived there till 1823. In the five-acre property, he experimented with cultivation of potato and other English vegetables such as cabbage, beetroot and carrot. In the 1820s, the spud finally made its appearance in Ooty.

Today, the area is called Kannerimukku. You drive past winding roads, mist-soaked mountains, tea factories and tiled houses to reach the memorial, resplendent in brick red against a sea of green. When Dharmalingam Venugopal, director of the John Sullivan Memorial and Nilgiri History Museum (now housed in the Memorial), first saw it, it was crumbling, a pale shadow of the edifice it once was. In the years leading to its ruin, it was ironically used to store hay and the very potato that Sullivan introduced!

Today, with Government funds (the Hill Area Development Programme) and private donations, it stands two-storeys tall; the rooms hold a treasure trove of material about Sullivan and his family, the role of the British in the Nilgiris and the traditions of the local tribes.

There’s an original pencil sketch of John Sullivan, drawn when he was a lad of 15, before he set out for India. It was donated by historian and writer, David Sullivan, his great great-grandson.

There are also some exhibits collected by Venugopal that show you what life in the hills used to be like. A Badaga wooden food plate polished with use, hunting tools of local tribes, the bugiri, a cane flute used by communities in the Nilgiris, photographs of the local tribes by the self-taught Philo Hiruthayanath….

The section on the modes of communication and transportation in the hills is an eye-opener. The Nilgiris had six entry points (Sispara Ghat, Mulli, Gudalur, Sigur, Coonoor and Kotagiri) at a time when most hill stations had two. Today, five remain open; the original Sispara Ghat that connected it to Calicut has been closed. And, how did people travel? By foot, horseback, palanquin and tonga.

The Sullivan Memorial in Konnerimukku / Photo: Subha J Rao
The Sullivan Memorial in Konnerimukku / Photo: Subha J Rao

Though the Memorial is located just two km off Kotagiri, this is not a road regular tourists tread. But, there’s every reason why they should. Because, this is where it all began, years ago on a cold January day.

(June 15 marks John Sullivan’s 225th birth anniversary. The Nilgiri Documentation Centre, which works out of Sullivan Memorial, organises a two-day trek on June 15 and 16 to retrace the Sullivan trail.)

Getting there

Drive up to Kotagiri, about 75 km from Coimbatore. Take the road leading to Ooty. The memorial is two km from Kotagiri, past Ramchand Square and Kotagiri Medical Fellowship.

What to do

Read the well-documented panels at the memorial (http://www.sullivanmemorial.org/) that throw the spotlight on the making of a hill station.

Browse through the books on the Nilgiris that Venugopal has collected.

Visit the Ooty lake, created by Sullivan, and Stonehouse, where he lived. It now houses the Government Arts College. Plan a trip to St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty, where Sullivan’s wife Henrietta and eldest daughter Harriet are buried.

Where to stay

Kotagiri has many good hotels and homestays. Else, stay in Ooty (32 km) and drive down to the Memorial on your way back to the plains.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Feature> MetroPlus> Travel / by Subha J Rao / June 13th, 2013

GI certificate for Toda embroidery formally handed over to tribals

Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Toda embroidery dress displayed at a function in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. / Photo:.M.Sathyamoorthy / The Hindu
Toda embroidery dress displayed at a function in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. / Photo:.M.Sathyamoorthy / The Hindu

Toda tribal representatives on Thursday formally received a Geographical Indication certificate for their unique embroidery, which is known for its striking colours. District Collector Archana Patnaik handed over the certificate to the representatives at a function held here. The GI status was given in March by Chaitanya Prasad, Registrar of Geographical Indications. The recognition came after five years of effort by Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangham, Key Stone Foundation and Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation).

The status not only ensures uniform pricing for Toda embroidery products but also insulates the art from being duplicated.

Of the nearly 1,600 tribal people in nearly 69 hamlets, a little more than 400 are said to be actively involved in embroidery. The product range has now widened from Pootkhulu (shawl) to wall hangings, table mat, shoulder bags and gents and ladies shopping bag.

GI is a name or a sign used on prized goods to indicate their specific geographical location or origin, says Mathew John, trustee, Keystone Foundation. The three organisations are the Registered Proprietors of the GI.

The art of Toda embroidery, known as ‘pukhoor,’ has been passed on to generations. Organisations such as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India have been facilitating training programmes.

The function was attended by Pratim Roy – director of Key Stone Foundation, Jailani of Win Lexis that supported the initiative for GI status, Prasanth from the Registry of Geographical Indications, Prem Kumar – Marketing Manager of Poompuhar, Geetha Srinivasan of INTACH, Dr. Tarun Chabra, patron of tribal community, and Kottradu Kuttan – Head of Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangham.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Udhagamandalam – June 14th, 2013

US helping India to set up 100 community colleges

Education, World Opinion

Keelakarai :

The US is helping India realise one of its goals of establishing 100 community colleges under a new area of collaboration, Consul  General of US Consulate, Chennai, Jennifer Mcintyre , said today.

Participating at the Founders’ Day celebrations of the  Mohamed Sathak  College of Engineering   here, she said the US also supports India’s launch of a high education web portal to disseminate information on education collaboration and exchanges.

(US helping India to set up…)
(US helping India to set up…)

She said she expects the number of college and university representatives visiting India to increase manifold in future.

The US representatives were seeking to increase international student enrolment to prepare their graduates for better leadership in the new global economy.

Mcintyre said about a year ago eight grants were awarded for joint studies in the fields of Energy, sustainable community development, environment , education and public health, of which three were given to South Indian institutions.

She also said India has the largest number of Fulbright scholar exchange Programmes worldwide with more than 17,000 fellowships and other grants awarded to Indians and Americans.

“The goal of preparing our youth to meet the challenges of the 21st Century is the one that the US and India share,” she said.

Mcintyre suggested that people in faraway areas like Kilakarai contact USIEF ( United States India Educational Foundation )  through the consul website to get information on education opportunities in the United States.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News By Industry> Services / April 03rd, 2013

Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation to take part in US expo

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Madurai :

A trade delegation from the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TNCCI) will be participating at the International Franchise Expo which would be held in New York from June 20 to 22. In wake of the preparations, Jennifer A McIntyre, consul general of the US consulate general and James Golsen, principal commercial officer from the consulate interacted with the members of the chamber on Thursday.

As many as 60 members from the chamber who are into various industry and trade will be visiting US during these days and participate in the franchise expo where 400 more companies from 100 countries are expected to participate.

Addressing the event, McIntyre said that US-India trade is expected to increase as the countries are to enter another treaty shortly. She assured help from the consulate for the members visiting the US.

Announcing various measures from the consulate to facilitate the visiting delegation, Golsen said that Mala Venkat, commercial specialist will accompany the delegation and render her expertise in the field. They will help them with entry, meetings with the desired companies, workshop and site visits. He also assured accessibility to industrialists, experts and politicians if required by the delegation. However, the delegation has to go through the regular procedures in the visa applications, Golsen said. Besides, they will organise a welcome meeting for the delegation upon returning where they can share the feedback of their visit to franchise expo, he said.

Senior president of the chamber, S Rethinavelu said that it is the first time, TNCCI is taking a delegation to the United States though they were contemplating such attempt for the last one decade.

N Jegadeesan, president of the chamber said the expo will be very helpful for entrepreneurs in Madurai. “The exposure towards 400-plus companies for franchising will be great experience and they are coming from all continents. There may be some companies in our neighbouring countries and we may not be aware of them. We can strike a deal of franchising with interested companies,” he said. The response to the delegation is overwhelming and they are planning to limit the numbers to 60. Lot of young entrepreneurs from the chamber are very eager to attend the expo, he said.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / TNN / April 05th, 2013

Touching lives, the Rotary way

World Opinion
Full Of Ideas - Ron D. Burton / Photo: S. R. Raghunathan / The Hindu
Full Of Ideas – Ron D. Burton / Photo: S. R. Raghunathan / The Hindu

There are so many opportunities to change the world, says Ron D. Burton, president elect of Rotary International during an interaction in Chennai

“If I threw a dart on a world map blindfolded, and it fell on a landmass anywhere (except for three countries) I will know somebody there, and they will know me,” says Ron D. Burton, president elect (2013-14), Rotary International. That’s the reach of Rotary, and Rotarians, he says, are united in wanting to make the world a better place. Rotary is not merely about meeting, greeting and eating, avers Ron. “I want Rotarians around the world to get involved in some project, locally or internationally”. And it is because of his long association with Rotary (from 1979), he’s been able to forge partnerships with P.T. Prabhakar (director, Rotary International, 2013-15) and V. Raja Seenivasan (district governor) in Chennai, and impact the projects they’re involved in.

On a recent visit to the city — Chennai being the first Indian city he is visiting as president elect — Ron says there are so many wonderful projects in the country (he’s especially impressed with ‘Happy Villages’), which will do well to be emulated worldwide. He talks about being moved during his visit to the blood bank where he saw Rotaracters donating blood, and in the next room, Thallasemic children receiving a transfusion. “I thought, they could be my children,” he says, moved. “And when I looked into their eyes, it melted my heart.” And it’s this message that’s at the heart of his theme for the year — ‘Engage Rotary, Change Lives’.

While a life in service changes lives, the one it will change the most will be yours, says Ron. He recalls a training programme in New Jersey, when a gentleman walked up to him, with a picture of his three children, all of whom had a congenital kidney disease, necessitating kidney transplants. “The father told me that the oldest child got a kidney from a donor, and the second, received a kidney from a member in his Rotary club,” he said, adding he had many similar stories. “Every second, 1.2 million Rotary members worldwide are changing lives; what can we do if we had 2.4million?” Monetary contribution accounts for 200 to 300 million dollars, annually, but if you put a value on the time that was contributed by members, that number becomes astronomical!

CHEERFUL AND ENERGETIC, RON RECALLS WHAT INITIALLY SEEMED LIKE A HUMUNGOUS TASK — RAISING $ 120 MILLION TO ERADICATE POLIO BACK IN 1987-88. ONLY, THEY MANAGED TO RAISE MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT, HE LAUGHS.

EARLY SUCCESSES

But, he acknowledges, there were a lot of early successes; and maybe they lost focus, because, 26 years later, they’re still at it. “However, look at a map with endemic polio countries (marked red) from 87-88 and look at it now; the red has gradually bleached out to white.” The world thought India would never get rid of polio, but Ron says he tips his hat to the government of India and the Rotarians on the field, for their commitment to eradicate the disease. “We’re this close, it’s time to finish it,” he says, adding he will be back in India in January 2014, when WHO is expected to certify India polio-free.

COMMENTING ON THE DIVERSITY IN ROTARY, RON SAYS THAT EVERY-TIME HE SEES HIS CLUB DIRECTORY, HE’S CHUFFED TO SEE NEW MEMBERS, CUTTING ACROSS AGE, SEX AND RACE. “I SEE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES, IF THEY CAN GET OUT THERE, THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!” HE SAYS. ROTARY INTERNATIONAL MAY SOON SEE A WOMAN PRESIDENT, SAYS PRABHAKAR, WHILE RON ADDS THAT THE WOMEN IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD GOT THERE PRIMARILY BECAUSE THEY’RE GREAT ROTARIANS.

TOUCHING UPON THE GRANTS INDIA RECEIVES FROM ROTARY FOUNDATION, RON SAYS THE COUNTRY ALSO RAISES A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY (INDIA IS THE SECOND LARGEST MONETARY CONTRIBUTOR TO ROTARY, BESIDES RECORDING THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS, ADD RAJA SEENIVASAN AND PRABHAKAR). RON TALKS OF INSTANCES WHEN PEOPLE IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES DO NOT WISH TO CONTRIBUTE MONEY, AS THEY THINK THE ‘MONEY GOES OUT THERE’ (TO DEVELOPING NATIONS). “I TELL THEM ‘TAKE A VACATION, GO TO INDIA AD SEE WHAT THEY’RE DOING WITH YOUR MONEY’. ROTARY IS ALIVE AND WELL IN INDIA,” SAYS RON.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Aparna Karthikeyan / March 31st, 2013

Wellington to be promoted as tourist spot

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, World Opinion

 

Wellington Lake in The Nilgiris thrown open for boating on Thursday / Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Wellington Lake in The Nilgiris thrown open for boating on Thursday / Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Wellington near Coonoor which was hitherto known within the country and abroad mainly for its long association with the defence sector and the presence of two of the most prestigious establishments of the Indian Army- the Defence Service Staff College (DSSC) and the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) — would henceforth be linked to the tourism sector also.

The Wellington Lake in a picturesque spot of the barracks was thrown open for boating on Thursday.

Inaugurating the facility, the Commandant, MRC, and President, Wellington Cantonment Board (WCB) Brigadier S. Suresh Kumar said that it would be promoted as a tourist spot. Shortly it would feature a children’s park, he said adding that a restaurant overlooking the lake would come into being, later.

MUSICAL FOUNTAIN

Efforts are also on to provide a walking plaza and install a musical fountain.

The lake would also be used for imparting training in watermanship for soldiers.

Brigadier Suresh Kumar acknowledged the contribution of the district administration and others in the execution of the scheme.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by D. RadhaKrishnan / Udhagamandalam, March 30th, 2013

Nod for 2 Tamil subjects in SPM

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, World Opinion

COMMUNITY’S REQUEST: Najib says students can take Tamil language and literature for total of 12 subjects

Klang :

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced yesterday that secondary school students could now take two  Tamil subjects in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, resolving the long-standing request by the Indian community.

These are among the initiatives taken by the ruling coalition to meet the Indian community’s requests, in addition to other socio-economic efforts which are being carried out to alleviate the burden faced by the community.

Speaking to a 50,000-strong crowd at a meet-the-people gathering themed “Pilihan Rakyat” (People’s Choice), organised by MIC, he said there should be no problems if students wanted to add Tamil language and Tamil Literature for their SPM from now on.

“They can now take a maximum 12 subjects, including Tamil language and Tamil Literature. No problem with that,” he said, to thunderous applause from the audience.

He also emphasised the ruling coalition’s priority on job opportunities and also places of worship, which he said the Parti Keadilan Rakyat-led Selangor government had failed to deliver.

“Since the last election in 2008, we haven’t demolished any temple. Instead, we have given numerous allocations for countless temples and Indian associations.

“Compared with the opposition, in Selangor, they have demolished seven places of worship, including a private temple in Sepang.

“Why would they do such a thing? Don’t the Indians have the right to pray at their own place?

“If BN takes over, we will never do that.”

Najib noted a huge achievement by the Federal Government where it had resolved close to 7,000 cases of stateless Indians in the country.

“We have given allocations, such as giving out loans to Indian entrepreneurs. About RM58 million has been distributed to small and medium enterprises.”

He added that judging from the many initiatives, the Indian community should throw its support behind the ruling coalition in the coming election so it would continue to implement transformation for the country.

“We learnt a bitter lesson in the 2008 election. I know that the voters did not want the opposition to win (in the last election).

“They only wanted to send us a message that BN has to change, and that is what we did.

“For the past four years, we have been bringing changes after changes, programmes after programmes, allocations after allocations to help the Indian community. And we know the people want us to do more.”

This, he said, was proof that BN’s promises to the people had been fulfilled, unlike the opposition’s unkept promises which he described as “Janji tinggal janji” .

“Look at their (recently launched) election manifesto. Those are not promises. If there’s no promise, what’s the value? There’s no value at all,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

Najib also said the “mood” within the BN camp was encouraging, as it had received overwhelming response at their gatherings, indicating the people’s strong support for the ruling coalition.

“I was in Kelantan recently, and its ‘Gelombang Merah’ was so strong and we have a good chance to end Pas’ administration in the state.”

Not only would the show of support be an indicator of victory, Najib said that it would translate to the support given to him as prime minister.

“This will be the first time I will be contesting to get the mandate from the people as prime minister and the first time I will need your full support so that I can continue my work as prime minister because we have big plans in store.”

He said government’s transformation agenda would be crushed if no support was given.

“Moreover, the opposition’s manifesto did not mention anything specifically about the Indian community.

“They tried to fool the people. But this time, we are confident that the Indian community will be with us. Tomorrow will be ours and tomorrow BN will shine and will go forward with the support from the Indian community.”

Earlier, Najib announced that he was adding another RM10,000 to MIC’s RM90,000 in funds which were collected by the party for the fallen heroes in Sabah.

MalaysiaCF19mar2013

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak meeting with the people at SMK Meru in Klang yesterday. Pic by Syarafiq Abd Samad

source: http://www.nst.com.my / New Straits Times / By Ahmad Fairuz Othman  &  Rahmah  Ghazali / news@nst.com.my / March 18th, 2013