92nd annual conference and concerts of the Music Academy comes to a close
The Music Academy on Tuesday conferred the title of Sangita Kalanidhi upon renowned Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam at its Sadas, concluding its 92nd annual conference and concerts. Presenting the award, Governor Banwarilal Purohit said Ms. Sairam, who has had an illustrious career spanning decades could be credited with taking the art to a wider audience both in India and abroad. She was also known for her collaborative exercises in music with artistes of other countries, he said.
Mr. Purohit also spoke of how the people of Chennai had nurtured Carnatic music, classical dance and their traditions for several centuries. “This city now is ample testimony to the mix of tradition and modernity. It is a city where Sabhas, software and puttus and popcorn co-exist, to hold aloft music and culture. May this tradition continue,” he said.
Other awards
The Governor also gave away other awards, including Sangita Kala Acharya awards to mridangam vidwan Thanjavur R. Ramadas and Carnatic vocalist and guru K. Omana Kutty. The T.T. Krishnamachari awards were presented to veena vidhushi Kalyani Ganesan and veteran nagaswaram vidwan Sembannarkoil S.R.G. Rajanna. Premeela Gurumurthy, Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University, received the Musicologist Award.
N. Murali, president, the Music Academy, acknowledged contributions of all who had worked to make the 18-day-long 92nd conference and concerts wholesome and complete, including the rasikas, members, sponsors, musicians, musicologists, artists and the caterers.
Danceuse and guru Leela Samson said Ms. Sairam was one of 12 women artists who had been conferred the title of Sangita Kalanidhi by the Music Academy. Recalling that her guru Rukmani Devi Arundale had asked her to sing when she danced, Ms. Samson said perhaps vocalists too could dance when they sang. Musicologist Ritha Rajan, who offered felicitations to the other awardees, recalled how Mr. Ramadas would appreciate other artistes after concerts.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 02nd, 2019
Forty-five cyclists savoured the sights, sounds and taste of Northwest Tamil Nadu as they visited four waterfalls in seven days
In an age of bullet trains, express ways, and long haul flights, choosing a bicycle as a means of touring still presents a challenge. While there have been people who have toured the world on a bicycle since it was invented, it is still difficult to navigate even familiar cities today thanks to issues like safety, weather, road conditions, traffic, on-road support, and so on.
In 2010, to give more cyclists an opportunity to cycle in properly organised tours, Tamil Nadu Cycling Club (TCC), a Chennai-based not-for-profit organisation, began organising an annual cycling tour in partnership with The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Vasanth Ramaswamy, Secretary TCC and curator of the tour, outlines the objective of the tour as “to promote eco-tourism in the state of Tamil Nadu and provide a platform for touring on cycles”.
The group poses together | Photo Credit: unknown
Given the vastness and diversity of Tamil Nadu, TCC has come out with different themes each year. In the first edition, the tour started in Coimbatore with the theme ‘Mountains’ and offered riders a chance to explore Ooty, Yercaud, and Kodaikanal. The subsequent editions explored themes like heritage sites, cuisines, the Eastern Ghats, Western ghats, the Nilgiris and wildlife. The focus was on visiting places that are intricately linked to these themes. The theme this year was ‘Waterfalls’ and the ride covered four waterfalls in Northwest Tamil Nadu. The tours typically start and end at one of the major towns in Tamil Nadu; this time, it was Erode. The intermediate halts over the next seven days were at Hogenekkal, Yercaud, Kallakuruchi and Kolli Hills. Forty five riders, including five women, participated.
The route for different days were designed to provide a variety of experiences; flat sections, uphill rides that test one’s determination, downhill rides that require good control, frustrating headwinds and tailwinds that provided much-wanted relief. “We avoid National Highways as much as possible as they offer very limited scenic beauty and most are all about speed,” says Venkat Venkatadri, one of the key organisers.
A stop for breakfast
The first day from Erode to Hogenekkal passed through some beautiful roads that had stiff headwinds and the second day had steep inclines. After a more relaxed third at Yercaud that was all about scenery, the fourth and fifth day offered gentle climbs in the Kalrayan Hills. The toughest one was reserved for the sixth day when riders ascended the Kolli hills. The last day was a ceremonial easy ride back to Erode.
When asked how this tour compared to the prestigious Tour de France, Rajaram Pattabiraman, the tour director, quickly dismisses the inevitable comparisons, “This is not a race; it is a tour. It is immaterial whether someone rides fast or slow, the entire distance or partially, all days or some days… We want each participant to enjoy the tour and will offer support and recognition to all riders in the best possible manner.” The participants came from all over the country including a few international riders. They were from all walks of life and of all ages. For many, especially those from other parts of India, it was a new experience to ride through Tamil Nadu in places that they had rarely heard about.
It is not always the destination that counts but also the journey. One may not find a small town like Kallakuruchi very romantic but, when reached through the Kalrayan Hills and breathtaking views of Gomukhi dam, it is a place worth visiting.
Riding up to the hill stations helps one enjoy every bit of the view from the top and a sense of accomplishment. Modern highways bye-pass most small towns and link only the major cities. Cycling through small towns helps us connect with many wonderful people and institutions. The friendly cheers from children make each rider feel like a celebrity. It also offers us a chance to try local cuisine and get a closer look at local customs and traditions.
It is an opportunity to pay heed to what songwriter and entertainer Eddie Cantor said, “Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going to fast; you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.”
Pedal winners
The tour covered four waterfalls:Hogenekkal, Kiliyur in Yercaud, Periyar in Kalrayan Hils and Agaiya Gangai in Kolli Hills
There were 45 riders including five women
The distance covered was 852 km
The total elevation was 11,111m
The total trip took seven days
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by S. Balaji / January 01st, 2019
They enlivened the Carnatic music world. To commemorate them and their music, Parivadini, a charitable organisation promoting music, has decided to make a calendar showcasing six nagaswaram and six thavil players.
“We have selected artists who have not been documented by musicologist B.M. Sundaram in his book. There will be a brief note about every artist, explaining their achievements,” said Lalitharam, founder, Parivadini, who has collected the pictures with the help of music enthusiast Swamimalai Saravanan.
Dharmapuram Govindaraja Pillai was an artist as well as a composer. His compositions are unique, often bringing out rare facets of ragas with intricate laya patterns inter-weaved. He published 25 of his Tamil Varnams in a book, ‘Abirami Isai Vanna Malai’.
Pandanallur T.R. Dakshinamoorthi Pillai was the favourite nagaswaram player of the legendary thavil player Yazhpandam Dakshinamurthi. He was famous for raga elaboration and the ability to continuously bring out fresh phrases while playing a raga for several hours.
While musicians are known by the town they lived, Vandikaratheru brothers R. Mani and Mamundiya Pillai chose to attach the street they lived — Vandikkaara Theru — in Mayiladuthurai. They often played an apparently small raga with limited scope for exploration for hours.
The first woman nagaswaram player Madurai M.S. Ponnuthayi made her mark when the likes of T.N.Rajaratnam Pillai, Thiruveezimizalai brothers were at their peak. She remained one of the most sought after artists — especially during temple festivals — for several decades until her husband’s death abruptly halted her career.
Known as one of the greatest teachers, Thirumagalam Somaskanda Pillai taught at the Nagaswaram school in Pazhani. His students include Thirupampuram T.K.S. Swaminathan, Injikudi E.M. Subramaniam, Injikudi E.M. Mariyappan and Mannarkudi Sankaranarayanan.
Semponnarkoil is known for Rakthi melam and S.R.D.Muthukumaraswami and S.R.D. Vaidhyanathan carried the weight of their legacy with ease.
Distinctive style
After spending his initial years in Sri Lanka, Valangaiman Shanmugasundaram Pillai, on his return, had the honour of being the first disciple of thavil legend Nachiarkoil Raghava Pillai. He dominated the field for five decades and his distinctive style is a unique blend of freshness and aptness. Stock accompanist for Karaikuruchi Arunachalam, Perumpallam Venkatesa Pillai was known for his unique representation of even the well-known ‘sollus’. His popularity reached a peak when his playing in the movie‘Konjum Salangai’ became a mega hit.
Thiucherai Muthukumaraswami Pillai carved a niche for himself through pleasant playing that made even a novice nagaswaram artist feel at ease, resulting in complete enhancement of the concert.
Self-designated thavil engineer Poraiyar R. Venugopal Pillai replaced the leather belts and bamboo rings with steel strips and pipes. His innovation came handy for artists who could ready the instrument in a jiffy.
Swamimalai S. Govindaraja Pillai started his concert career playing for the legendary T.N.Rajaratnam Pillai and later became the mainstay for TNR’s nephew “Kakkayi” Nataraja Sundaram Pillai.
A great thavil teacher, Kivalur K.Sinagaravelu Pillai’s ability to instil the basics in a student was unparalleled.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by B. Kolappan / Chennai – December 28th, 2018
Governor Banwarilal Purohit giving the appointment order to Dr. Sudha Seshayyan on Saturday.
New V-C of M.G.R. Medical University has donned many hats
Beginning her career at the Madras Medical College (MMC) in 1987, 57-year-old Sudha Seshayyan has come a long way. Her love for Tamil literature and spirituality has travelled alongside her medical career spanning over 30 years.
Dr. Seshayyan is no stranger to the people of Tamil Nadu. She has donned many roles including that of the official Master of Ceremonies at many State government programmes. On Saturday, she was appointed as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
Dr. Seshayyan, a professor of Anatomy, has authored a three-volume textbook on anatomy in 2015. This textbook is being used by MBBS students during their first year, and also by postgraduates across the country.
Pivotal roles
In anatomy, her areas of interests include upper abdominal organs, neuro anatomy and genetics. As director of the Institute of Anatomy, Madras Medical College (MMC), she played a pivotal role in taking steps to create a museum of anatomical specimens.
She had planned to set up a museum showcasing specimens for comparative anatomy and materials tracing the history of MMC in the 121-year-old heritage building that earlier housed the Department of Anatomy on MMC campus.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – December 30th, 2018
The 61-year-old actor-comedian started his career on stage with Crazy Mohan’s Crazy Creations
Theatre artiste and film actor ‘Cheenu’ Mohan, who was associated with Crazy Creations for over two decades, died here on Thursday due to cardiac arrest.
The 61-year-old actor-comedian started his career on stage with Crazy Mohan’s Crazy Creations. He appeared in nearly 4,000 shows since the troupe was started in 1979. Mohan shot to fame as he played the role of one of the comic duo ‘Maadhu-Cheenu’ in many dramas, including Maadhu +2 and Madhil Mel Maadhu.
Recalling his friendship with Mohan, ‘Maadhu’ Balaji, actor and brother of playwright Crazy Mohan, said, “We met in 1977-1978 during inter-collegiate competitions. He was impressed by my brother’s scripts and joined the troupe in 1979. He travelled with us throughout the world to enact in dramas for 25 years. He had a natural talent and was spontaneous on stage.”
The duo went on to enthral television audience in 1,000 episodes of serials such as Nil Gavani Crazy, Maadhu Cheenu, Siri Gama Padhani and Vidaathu Sirippu.
“He was my roommate for two decades wherever we stayed for performance and we shared great chemistry on stage. He was a good trouper. He could not join us regularly due to his ill-health. His last performance on stage was for Crazy Premier League in April and he got thunderous applause from the audience,” said Mr. Balaji.
In films
‘Cheenu’ Mohan has also acted in many films. He made his debut as an film actor in Varusham Padhinaaru and went on to act in several movies including Thalapathi and Anjali.Some of his recent movies were Iraivi, Aandavan Kattalaiand Kolamaavu Kokila.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – December 28th, 2018
The design was inspired from a South Korean interior designer, Ha Young Lee, who designed a sturdy desk made out of cardboard for underprivileged kids in his country.
Chennai :
IIT-Madras students have designed study desks using discarded cardboard boxes, for underprivileged students, in some of the government schools. Under the REACH (Reuse cardboard to help children) initiative as part of Shaastra, IIT-M’s annual technical fest that starts from January 3, students have created a supply chain network to collect hundreds of used cardboard cartons from shopping malls, electronic shops, retailers and other places.
The material was then sorted, based on size, shape, and thickness, and then shaped by cutting the sorted boxes into pieces such that they can be assembled easily by anyone with minimal instructions.
The design was inspired from a South Korean interior designer, Ha Young Lee, who designed a sturdy desk made out of cardboard for underprivileged kids in his country. “After a month of trial and testing, we came up with a prototype which was tested by distributing in schools which are devoid of these facilities and infrastructure.
We collaborated with one NGO named ‘BHUMI’, which helped us to get volunteers for making the desks and TFI (Teach For India) which helped us to reach out to schools which didn’t have desks. We have currently reached out to 200 students in 5 schools with each child getting access to these desks,” Shaastra team said in a release. In India, according to a survey, there are 20 million students in the age group of 6-14, who lack basic facilities.
source:http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / December 28th, 2018
Novelist and a researcher in Tamil literature Raj Gouthaman received the Vishunpuram Award for the year of 2018 here recently.
Since 2010, Vishnupuram Award is bestowed every year on senior Tamil writers. Coimbatore-based Vishnupuram Ilakkiya Vattam awards a trophy and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh to the recipient.
Apart from the award ceremony, a two-day literary event was held. It included discussions among writers from across the world and the screening of “Paattum Thogaiyum”, a documentary on Mr. Gouthaman that was directed by K.P. Vinoth.
Anita Agnihotri, an Indian Bengali writer and civil servant, Madhupal, Malayalam writer and filmmaker, Tamil writers Jeyamohan, Devibharathi, Stalin Rajangam, and Suneel Krishnan took part. A book on a collection of articles by various critics on Raj Gouthaman’s writings was also released on the function.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Special Correspondent / Coimbatore – December 29th, 2018
Speaking at the function, Palaniswamy said Srinivasan was successful because he has always seen himself first as a worker, then as a managing director.
CM Palaniswami along with N Srinivasan, cricketers MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev at the book release | D SAMPATH KUMAR
Chennai :
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday released a coffee table book, which chronicled the 70-year journey of India Cements and N Srinivasan’s five-decade association with the company, in a glittering ceremony at Kalaivanar Arangam.
Former India captain MS Dhoni received the first copy of the book titled: “Defying the Paradigm N Srinivasan: Fifty years of an extraordinary journey” in the presence of several other stars.
Speaking at the function, Palaniswamy said Srinivasan was successful because he has always seen himself first as a worker, then as a managing director. “Srinivasan’s contribution to India’s cement business and other walks of life is well documented in this book. For any youngster who dreams of evolving as a successful entrepreneur, Srinivasan is a perfect example,” Palaniswami said.
“His contribution to the world of cricket is something all of us can be proud of, especially at a time when very few came forward to invest in the sport. He did so in other sports as well, which is laudable,” the Chief Minister added. The function was attended by a galaxy of cricketers including former captains Chandu Borde, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and other cricketers. Also in attendance were ministers from Tamil Nadu Cabinet and opposition leader MK Stalin.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / December 29th, 2018
In its endeavour to go green and reduce dependence on conventional energy, the Southern Railway has turned seven coaches of the Coimbatore – Mayiladuthurai – Coimbatore Jan Shatabdi Express solar powered.
The provision of solar rooftop photovoltaic panels on the coaches was entrusted to the Salem Division.
As a trial, one coach was provided with solar PV panels and commissioned in January 2017. Now, six more non-AC coaches in the train have have been provided with the panels at ₹15.20 lakh, providing 4.8 kw per coach. Railway officials said the solar panels functioned well, powering the lights and fans in the coaches.
In case solar energy was not generated, the system would switch to conventional energy.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Special Correspondent / Coimbatore – December 29th, 2018
Twenty-nine scientists were felicitated with the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA), for making valuable contributions to the field of science and technology.
Chennai :
Twenty-nine scientists were felicitated with the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA), for making valuable contributions to the field of science and technology. The awards were distributed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday.
Scientists from across ten disciplines such as agriculture, chemistry, physics, medical sciences, mathematical sciences, etc, received their awards from the Chief Minister and were also given a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each.
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, hosts the event every year to mark the contributions of scientists from across the State. Ten scientists for 2015, nine for 2016 and ten for 2017, were selected to receive the awards. Minister for Higher Education K P Anbalagan, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and other ministers, were present during the event.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / December 28th, 2018
