Balaji Sakthivel walks down memory lane

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ALL SMILES: Film Director Balaji Sakthivel interacting with College students at the Workshop on Film Appreciation at Periyar EVR College in Tiruchi on Thursday./ Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu
ALL SMILES: Film Director Balaji Sakthivel interacting with College students at the Workshop on Film Appreciation at Periyar EVR College in Tiruchi on Thursday./ Photo: M. Moorthy / The Hindu

I decide on climax and start working backwards, says ace director at film appreciation workshop

“Since my films are based on real-life incidents, I decide on the climax and start working backwards while writing the story,” said director Balaji Sakthivel who was in the city on Thursday.

The award-winning director was interacting with college students during a workshop on film appreciation organised by the Department of English, Periyar EVR College.

The man known for such hard-hitting realistic movies such as Kaadhal and Vazhakku Enn 18/9 shared his passion for making realistic cinema with the participants. His frank talk and smiling disposition made the session lively. Shooting quick witted replies to the doubts raised by students, he explained concepts in an interesting manner.

The day-long workshop featured the screening of two films: the Italian film Bicycle Thieves and the Tamil film Kalloori, followed by students’ reviews and interactive sessions.

While Bicycle Thieves is based on the social condition of post-World War II Italy, Kalloori portrays the trials and tribulations of college students.

“Watching Kalloori brings back flood of memories. I feel I could have done a lot of things differently. For instance, I could have toned down certain scenes where there was too much drama ,” Mr.Sakthivel said.

“I have been stereotyped as a director who gives his films a tragic ending. But such an ending is essential to convey the intended message,” he said in reply to a question by a student.

B.Mathivanan, head, department of Tamil, Bharathidasan University, K.Sekar, principal, Periyar EVR College, and A.William, head, department of English, also addressed students during the workshop.

A total of 100 students from the department of English and department of Visual Communication of the college participated in the workshop.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Deepika Muralidharan / Tiruchi – January 10th, 2014

25 model villages identified in Pudukottai district

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Knowledge centres to create awareness of latest technology

The State agriculture department has identified 25 villages in Pudukottai district as model villages under the World Bank-aided Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water bodies Restoration and Management (TN-IAMWARM) Project for implementing projects for the development of farming community.

Under the scheme, different departments such as public works department, agriculture, horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, fisheries, animal husbandry, agricultural engineering and agricultural marketing, will work together to help farmers use latest technology in every agricultural activity – from seed to marketing.

The objective is to develop the identified villages as models for other villages. The project will facilitate the opening of a Single Window Information and Knowledge Centre (SWIKC) to create awareness on latest technology among the farmers, said K. M. Shajahan, Joint Director of Agriculture, here.

Redgram transplantation scheme is implemented in the district in 210 hectares, for which the department has already allocated financial assistance. CORG – 7 (C) is a variety suitable for the district and seedlings are prepared in polythene bags.

A subsidy of Rs. 7,500 per hectare under the National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) and Rs. 5,000 per hectare under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is given to farmers.

Of the normal paddy area of 72,200 hectares in the district, 69,323 hectares has been brought under cultivation till last month. The farmers have also raised millets in 4,087 hectares, pulses in 1,087 hectares, sugarcane in 2,979 hectares, and oilseeds in 5,418 hectares.

The agricultural extension centres have stock of 169.11 metric tonnes of paddy seeds, 19.76 tonnes of pulses seeds, and 33.43 tonnes of oil seeds. Referring to the implementation of oil palm development scheme as a pilot project in the blocks of Gandarvakottai, Karambakudi, Aranthangi and Tiruvarangulam , the joint director advised farmers to contact the assistant director of agriculture of the respective blocks and enrol their names in the priority register for getting the benefits.

On the incidence of rice blast disease in samba , he said that the farmers can contact the agricultural extension centre for collecting pesticides at subsidised rates. Farmers could prepare cow dung solution and mix it with 200 litre of water and spray it on crops to control bacterial leaf blight disease, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / Pudukottai – December 30th, 2013

‘Give autonomy to Raise edu Quality’

Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Records, All

In order to promote quality of education, educational institutions must be accorded autonomy, opined VIT University chancellor G Viswanathan.

While speaking at a function on Saturday organised by associations, NGOs and institutions to commemorate his 75th birthday celebrations, Viswanathan recalled that had he not met former chief minister of TN Annadurai, he would have ended up as an advocate and not an educationist.

He said the educational institutions across the country were not being given adequate support by the government and wherever these institutions enjoyed freedom and autonomy, they were able to provide quality education. Quality education must be the goal for both the State and Centre, he added.

Viswanathan also stressed on the importance of providing good tree cover to Vellore, which, in the next ten years would change the climate  of the city. He also offered to donate `50 lakh to renovate the Sangeetha Sabha building in the old bus stand area. Former union minister S R Balasubramaniam, termed Viswanathan as an open-minded person, who was a friend of all parties. The VIT University, founded by Viswanathan had become an additional landmark of the historical city of Vellore, he added. The organisers of the event conferred the ‘Kalviko’ award  on Viswanathan. The diamond jubilee souvenir was released by the former vice-chancellor of  Anna University A Kalanidhi, on the occasion.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service – Vellore / December 30th, 2013

Pamban: A Healthy Mix of All Religions

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Pamban in Ramanathapuram symbolises the communal harmony of the coastal southern district, where members from Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities live in unity.  While the Swami Vivekananda Mandapam is situated on the seashores in Kundukaal, the Pamban Swamigal’s Memorial is located within a densely populated Muslim area.

The entrance of the street where the memorial is located has a notice on the wall of a house, which reads: “No public thoroughfare; area reserved for women.”  However, there are no restrictions on the entry of people from any religious faith.

M Guhan, a member of the lineage of Pamban Swamigal, said “Hindus, Muslims and Christians have been living here for generations and address each other as Mama (uncle) and Macchan (nephew or brother-in-law).”

“We have put up this notice, only to restrict eve-teasing and movement of drunkards,” says K Seeni Syed Ammal, president of Kadarkarai Meenavar Kootturavu Sangam, a fishermen cooperative. The street serves as a short-cut to hit the main road and earlier drunkards used to tease the women while the men folk were away.

A Christian priest, Rev Samson noted that there were instances when inebriated men created nuisance by bathing in the street. M Mohandas, another resident, agreed that when the street was a thoroughfare it led to frequent instances of misbehaviour. “This is being wrongly propagated as a case of communal fatwa,” he added.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader and Ramanathapuram MLA M H Jawahirullah said no fatwa has been issued anywhere in the district. “Not only do non-Muslims visit these villages, they also invite Muslims for social functions,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service – Ramanathapuram / December 30th, 2013

Short-term Siddha course for Velloreans

Education, Science & Technologies

The Tamil Nadu Paarambarya Siddha Vaidya Maha Sangam will soon commence six-month diploma course in siddha vaidyam in Vellore.

Vaidyar Arjunan of the sangam said the diploma course would be a good platform to learn and get exposure to the traditional healing system. The a course was already being conducted in Bangalore in association with the Institute of Ayurvedha and Integrated Medicine and Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).

He said introductory workshops were held for interested youngsters in Bangalore and later at Dindigul. The third one would be held in Vellore shortly. “We are planning to start the course in Vellore in 2014,” he added. He said the sangam had a research and training centre in Vellore where practical training was being imparted to students, who had completed the regular graduate course in Siddha, offered by the government and private colleges. The new diploma course would be practical oriented and a good platform to learn and get exposure to traditional healing system, he added.

Arjunan said the sangam would launch a monthly magazine to popularise traditional healing. It was also planning to document research activities of the siddha vaidyars of the State and their rich experience through the magazine.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by V. NarayanaMurthi – Vellore / December 30th, 2013

75 years old and still washing strong

Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technologies
The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. The hospital also has a modern laundry unit. / Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu
The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. The hospital also has a modern laundry unit. / Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu

A British-era steam laundry unit at Govt. Stanley Hospital washes 100 pieces of linen at a time

Huge and nothing like modern-day washing machines — the steam laundry machines at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital have been in use for washing linen for close to 75 years.

The steam laundry unit consists of five washing machines, four hydro extractors to squeeze washed clothes, a four-roller ironing machine, a drying chamber and two boilers. “The hospital is 222 years old. These machines were manufactured in Britain and installed here before independence. Plenty of effort goes into maintaining the units,” said hospital dean, S. Geethalakshmi.

Hospital officials said they have to forge spare parts just to maintain the machines.

The unit is put to heavy use between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. According to B. Jagadeesan, junior engineer in the steam laundry department of the hospital, each washing machine has a 100-kg capacity and can wash 100 pieces of clothing at a time.

“The washing machines carry a seal indicating they were made in Nottingham, England. They work on a reverse gearbox mechanism with a clutch,” he said.

Once the linens are washed, they are shifted to the hydro extractors and then to the drying chamber which has a steam pressure blower, and finally, to the ironing machine.

“Two boilers — one made in England and another in India — produce steam and provide supply to the machines through pipelines,” Mr. Jagadeesan said.

Only recently, the hospital installed a modern laundry unit, which consists of two washing machines, two hydro extractors and two drying chambers, to handle its increased bed strength and facilities.

Linen from the operation theatres located in the surgical block will be washed in the new laundry unit, while linen from other buildings will be washed in the old unit, Mr. Jagadeesan said.

“The new laundry unit has made the process of washing linen quicker. Now, the load is being shared between the old and new units,” the dean said.

The hospital’s bulk sterilisation machine, which can sterilise 100 instruments at a time, too belongs to the pre-independence era.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Serena Jospehine M / Chennai – January 09th, 2014

Organic farming scientist Nammalvar dead

Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature
G. Nammalvar / The Hindu
G. Nammalvar / The Hindu

G. Nammalvar (75), organic farming scientist and crusader, died at Pichinikadu village near Pattukottai on Monday night.

Born at Elankadu village near Thiruvaiyaru in 1938, he graduated in agriculture from Annamalai University. In 1963, he joined as an officer in the Agricultural Regional Research Centre, Kovilpatti.

Later he served as an agronomist in Island Peace, an organisation founded by Nobel Laureate R.P. Dominic Pyre. All his life, he championed the cause of natural farming. Gandhigram Rural University honoured him with a doctorate.

A crusader against genetically modified crops, he was spearheading the movement against proposed methane project in Cauvery delta districts.

This article has been corrected for a typographical error.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Thanjavur – December 31st, 2013

The street that has heavy metal all around

Business & Economy

Coimbatore :

Tall stacks of tyres, a small board tucked in the middle of the mound, and a tiny temple announces your arrival on one of the noisiest roads here- Patel Road. What follows is a beeline of shops- that sell iron and steel scraps, chequered plates, steel pipes, iron rods, textile machineries, automobile spare parts, casting iron, carbon and alloy steel; and offers services like retreading, sheet bending, steel cutting, pipe bending, fabrication work.

A smattering of houses here and there and the rest is occupied by the age-old, rundown godowns and shops. Dust wafts in the air, noise of welding steel and iron rip through the ears and heat engulfs the atmosphere- but no one here seems to be complaining.

R Janardhanan, an iron scrap merchant, who has been a permanent resident on the noisy street for the last 40 years, quips that the situation doesn’t matter to him anymore.

“This was my grandparents’ property and I moved in when I was merely 6 or 7. I spend my time locked indoors and hardly step out because of the grimy air. The vehicle movement on this road is terrific and even if a truck passes by, you need to run for a shower. At dusk, you will be swarmed by mosquitoes. But I have got used to all this.”

Barring a few buildings that came up in the recent past, the rest of the street is lined with old structures. Two-wheeler cover manufacturer P Vincent, who has been selling products for the last 25 years in a dingy shop, tells us, “You won’t believe but this street used to have some of the worst traffic jams when I started out. This was the only road that connected people to North Coimbatore and was like a deadlock when the railway gate was shut. Thankfully, the situation has improved after the bridge came up as commuters don’t have to wait for the train to pass. On Sundays, a deadly silence falls on the street.”

Historian Perur K Jayaraman considers this street an important one that contributed to the industrialization and growth of the city.

“A majority of the roads in the Ram Nagar area took the name of freedom fighters. This was no exception. The road, rightly named after the Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel around the ’40s, houses hard metal industries. Industrial development was at its peak once here and it’s no surprise that the government too came up with its MSME Development Institute on this road.”

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore> Iron Man / by P Sangeetha, TNN / December 29th, 2013

Coimbatore’s botanical gardens to get seed vending machine

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Records, All

Coimbatore :

The Coimbatore Botanical Gardens is set to emerge as the first to have a ‘seed vending machine’ in the State.

The machine will dispense vegetable and flower seeds in affordable packets of 10 gm to 100 gm each (depending upon the price), priced at Rs 10 a packet, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K. Ramasamy said.

The university has invested Rs 2.4 lakh on this machine.

Ramasamy said the university’s labelled seeds would be packaged and placed in the vending machine. The effort is aimed at encouraging kitchen and roof-top gardens.

The seed requirement for such potted plants is relatively less, and those looking for seeds invariably buy such packets at agri expos. The vending machine will enable garden lovers to source in quantities suited to their needs.

Seed packets would be placed in rows in 6 trays. The user can insert the Rs 10 note or coin, select the seed and collect the packet without waiting to be served, he added.

Depending on the response to this seed dispenser, the varsity plans to install more such machines in the coming days. “We have plans to install a seed dispenser for private seed producers as well. We are looking to create a small window for organic products too,” he added.

The vending machine will be formally inaugurated by State Agriculture Minister S. Damodaran on January 11.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / by L. N. Revathy    revathy.lakshminarasimhan@thehindu.co.in / Coimbatore – January 06th, 2014

23 state records broken at athletic meet in Coimbatore

Records, All, Sports

Coimbatore :

It was a double bonus for parents of twin sisters, both of whom won gold medals, at the state level Republic Day Athletic Meet in the city on Saturday.

While Vidhya won a gold medal in the under 17 400m category, her twin sister R Nithya won the Gold in the 100m hurdles, achieving a record breaking 14.8 seconds. The girls, students of the government girls higher secondary school in Erode were selected by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu when they were in class 7.

“The two of them had an interest in sports from childhood. But it was only after they joined the sports hostel that they began to excel,” said their father Ramraj who is a driver with a private firm. The two sisters who were perhaps the only twins at the meet have won medals in some of the national events in previous years too. Ramraj and his wife Meena say that they encourage their children as much as they can. Their coach R Kanmanidevi says that the two are dedicated athletes on whom they have high hopes.

“We expect record breaking performances at the national level from them. They have been able to display consistent performance,” she said.

About 23 state records were broken at the three-day meet which concluded on Sunday. S Mithra Varun, a class 11 student at the city based Mani Higher Secondary School who won a gold medal at the discus throw, broke the record made in 1982. A computer applications student he wants to take up sports as a career. “My dream is to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics,” he says.

P Gowtham from Thirunelveli who broke an existing record in Pole Vault with 3.65 metres too wants to take up sports as a career. “Earlier, I used to participate in the High Jump event. I took up pole vault after my coach advised me so,” he said. The meet concluded on Sunday afternoon. Most of the winners will leave for the National Sports Meet to be held in Ranchi in the coming days.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimb atore> Gold Medal / TNN / January 06th, 2014