3 Chennai professors among 9 selected for National Science awards, 2012

Education, Resources of Free Materials, Science & Technologies

Chennai:

Three academics from the city are among the nine awardees selected for the Indian National Science Academy Awards, 2012. The INSA Teachers Awards was instituted to value consistent and high levels of teaching in colleges, universities and other higher educational institutions.

Professor of Chemistry department of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras Dhamdodharan Ragavachari, professor A Subbiah Pandi of Presidency College and professor P Gautam of Anna University have been selected for the award. Professor Dhamodharan, who completed his PhD in UMASS at Amherst in the US, is also a senior Fulbright Research Fellow.

The other awardees are professors Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; Achuthsankar S Nair of the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram; Anil J Elias of IIT-Delhi; Pratap Kumar Pati of   Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Raja Ram Yadav of the University of Allahabad; and Shibnath Mazumder of the University of Delhi.

Nominees come from all disciplines of science and technology. The awardees will receive a scroll, a cash award of 50,000 and a one-time book grant of 20,000.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Chennai / TNN, October 09th, 2012

The Bulkley tomb resurfaces

About Chennai(Madras) / TamilNadu, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

“Have you been able to locate Dr. Edward Bulkley’s tomb?” was a frequent query raised by the Chief. “In its time it was a landmark of Madras, and a point of reference for surveyors.” He had written about it in October 2004 in The Hindu, and wondered about its whereabouts. A correspondent had replied that it had vanished after Independence when the Army began construction on the western glacis of the Fort. There matters lay.

Early in August, Karthik Bhatt and I embarked on the search. Vestiges of Old Madras by Love located it opposite the Madras Medical College, in the Ordnance Lines. But we drew a blank despite repeated searches. I wrote about the same in my Hidden Histories column for The Hindu on September 25th.

Capt. Harold Barnes, Security Officer of the Department of Archaeology, then called. He took us to the tomb, which is located inside the premises of the Shaurya Army School, at the intersection of Poonamallee High and Evening Bazaar Roads. The tomb lies exactly where Love found it.

Bulkley, one of the early medical reformers of Madras, presided from the 1690s till 1708 over what was to later become General Hospital. He was buried in his own garden in 1714.

The tomb, given its size, has survived the travails of nearly 300 years. Not so its railings, which have partially vanished. Certainly, the place could do with some maintenance. But it is good to see that the good Doctor still rests in peace.

Bulkley was the doctor who issued India’s first medical certificate which cited illness as a cause for inability to work and the first injury certificate. On August 28, 1693 he performed the first medico-legal autopsy in India. He is certainly someone to be remembered as part of the medical history of not only Madras but also the country as a whole. Will the General Hospital authorities and the Army team together to maintain the site?

source: http://www.madrasmusings.com / Home / by Sriram. V / Vol.xx11, No.12, October 1-15th, 2012

Jewel on the Marina

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

he Senate House is one of the most beautiful structures on the Marina. It is part of the University of Madras, one of the three oldest surviving universities in India, the other two being Bombay and Calcutta.

These universities were established by the British in the mid-19th century to provide modern scientific knowledge through the English language to Indians.

Soon after the establishment of Madras University, the Senate House was conceived as a grand auditorium for public functions, mainly the University’s annual Convocation.

In 1864, the government announced a competition for the design of this building in which British architect Robert Fellowes Chisholm’s design was adjudged the best.

He supervised the construction of the building that was completed in 1879 at a cost of Rs 2,89,000.

The Senate House is a unique building with certain artistic and architectural features unknown in any other edifice in the city.

Inspired by the Byzantine style of the Middle Ages, it was built basically in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is a combination of the Hindu, Islamic and British styles.

It has a large Central Hall, measuring 50m by 15m and is around 16m in height. It can accommodate over 1600 persons.

The hall is flanked, on the east and west, by long verandahs, lined by sturdy stone columns with capitals bearing sculptures displaying Hindu and European motifs.

Some of the interior walls feature rare paintings of the style that prevailed in medieval Europe. The richly ornamented domes and stained glass windows make the building stand out.

The author is an archaeologist and Tamil Nadu State Convenor, INTACH

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Others / by Dr. S. Suresh, DC, Chennai / October 08th, 2012

A locomotive marvel

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

Scenic Ride

Few trains offer the type of excitement that the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) does. The leisurely journey it takes is best suited for nature lovers, as it offers a view of the mountain flora, and life in the hill at close quarters.

It was the British who, in the year 1908, planned and built the railway line, in order to reach hill stations such as Coonoor and Ooty. The NMR covers a distance of 41.8 km between Mettupalayam and Ooty, at an altitude of 2600 m, spanning 208 curves, 250 bridges, and 16 tunnels. It has a unique narrow gauge of 1,000 mm and rack pinion arrangement to negotiate the climbs and steep descents. It has one of the steepest gradients to climb during its journey.

The once popular steam locomotives have now been replaced by diesel engines between Ooty and Coonoor. The upward journey takes about five hours while the descent takes about four hours. A daily passenger train runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty.

However, four shuttle trains ply daily between Ooty and Coonoor and back.

In 2005, UNESCO designated NMR as a World Heritage Site, as part of the Mountain Railways of India. The NMR has hosted the filming of a few Indian as well foreign films.

The NMR is an engineering marvel, which must have been tough to build on a difficult terrain a century ago. It is still a challenge to run the train during rainy months.

I was impressed by the fact that tickets are issued as per the capacity of the compartment, with no standees allowed. However, if seats are available in the reserved coaches, then these are filled up at a higher rate, that includes reservation charges. The large windows facilitate easy viewing of the passing scenery of verdant forests, hills, dales, towns and villages. Tea estates fill up the gentle hill slopes. We pass through quaint stations with romantic names like Arvunkadu, Lovedale, Glendale and Wellington.

The diesel engine hoots constantly to keep away stray animals and people who might be caught unawares by the rushing train, though at 10.4 kmph, it might be the slowest in the country!

The manner in which the driver and the station staff communicate might appear amusing in this day of technological advancement. If there is a problem, such as a failed signal, the only way around it is to send a messenger on foot to the stranded train with a note stating that the driver is authorised to drive the train to the station.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Sunday Herald Travel / by DBN Murthy / October 06th, 2012

Awe your guests with jute-made gifts

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment

Wondering what to gift your guests this Navarathri season? You could then drop in at the exhibition organised by the South India Jute Association (SIJA) in Adyar to pick up products that are “attractive, durable, ethnic, eco-friendly and versatile,” which are made of jute. Well, if you thought jute was only for  movers and packers, think again. The colourful exhibits ranging from office bags, stationery, shopping bags, wallets, wall hangings, durries, jewellery, footwear and garments are sure to surprise you.

The exhibition is making its fourth annual foray in the city with around 21 stalls. Prices of the products range between ` 20 and ` 1,000. “The exhibition has been partly sponsored by the National Jute Board and partly by the entrepreneurs,” R P Srinivasan, coordinator, SIJA, told City Express.

SIJA took off four years ago, after entrepreneurs in the South realised the potential of the “beautiful, golden fibre,” Srinivasan said. “After getting the raw material from West Bengal, we started manufacturing contemporary, value-added jute products.”

Realising the need for support in procuring raw materials, manufacturing and marketing, entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala came together and formed SIJA. Today, the association has around 52 members. Workshops are held under  schemes sponsored by the Union Ministry of Textiles, where the entrepreneurs are given training in design development and skills augmentation. A leading player in the field, Srinivasan runs his own unit at Kilpauk.

Women too are making a big impact in the industry. SIJA president and entrepreneur Janaki Ananth has been crafting jute bags since 1985. One of her customers is Poompuhar, run by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation. Last month, she won the Priyadarshini Award for ‘outstanding entrepreneur’ from the Union Ministry of Women and Child Welfare.

“We want to motivate self-help groups from rural and urban areas to manufacture jute products by promoting awareness and giving them training,” she said.

For budding craftswomen, help is at hand in the form of Marketing Organisation of Women Entrepreneurs (MOOWES), a voluntary non-profit organisation, set up in 1990.

“There are about 40-50 active members in MOOWES. Most of them are home-makers,” Janaki Ananth said. “Many of them have diversified into manufacturing jute products after realising its potential and we conduct periodic exhibitions to showcase their products.”

For instance, A Mahalakshmi’s unit at Ekkatuthangal employs six persons and her unit specialises in making wall hangings, mirrors, table tops and letter and magazine holders. With turn-over of around ` 12 lakh per year, she also exports her products to Mauritius.

Running a larger unit in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, is D Nagendran, a member of the National Jute Board. His unit specialises in manufacture of yoga mats and kalamkari-printed durries, which are sold in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and Varanasi.

Sujatha Jaishanker, a former teacher and story-teller, who was among the first visitors to the exhibition, claimed she was “pretty stunned” at the collection this year. Her son was soon getting married and she was scouting for gifts for the wedding guests.

Pointing at her bag, Sujatha Jaishanker said she started buying jute products after she decided to turn eco-friendly two years ago. And the jute items suited her ethnic tastes too. “Compared to last year, there is a lot of variety. I am overwhelmed by the finish, finesse and the vibrant colours of the products.”

Promise of support and assistance for the entrepreneurs came from the State Minister for Handlooms and Textiles Dr S Sundararaj, State Textiles Secretary G Santhanam and Market Promotion Officer of National Jute Board T Ayyappan.

The exhibition is open from October 4 to 11 at Vijayaraja Thirumana Mandapam, First Avenue Road, Shastri Nagar, Adyar.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> Latest News / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / Chennai, October 06th, 2012

‘N.Ram’ Delivers the James Cameron Memorial Lecture

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Influential Indian journalist Narasimhan ‘N.Ram’ Ram delivers this year’s lecture entitled ‘Sharing the Best and the Worst: The Indian news media in a global context’

Narasimhan Ram, known to his readers simply as ‘N.Ram’, delivered the James Cameron Memorial Lecture at City University London last night, and gave journalists in India a call to arms saying they needed to ensure that “transparency, accountability and social responsibility are more than just slogans.”

His speech entitled ‘Sharing the Best and the Worst: The Indian news media in a global context’ began with a glowing tribute to James Cameron who he described as “writing like and angel when in flow, with deceptive richness and shiningly honest value judgements.”

Turning his attention to his home country N.Ram described his frustration with the mix of “joys and sorrows” that are hallmarks of Indian media. On the one hand he described “a real vibrancy” within the industry in stark contrast with the depressive atmosphere here in the West. However the poor quality of journalism and reliance on young, inexperienced talent who aren’t properly nurtured greatly subdued his sense of optimism.

Next on his hit list was the over confidence of the media industry in India. He warned that the “uplifting” narrative of Indian media, especially print, must not be “romanticised” and that “the social reach of the Indian press is not impressive.”

At the heart of Ram’s lecture was the tension between freedom of the press and the corrupt, controlling government. He urged the press to champion the poor and underrepresented and recognise that the government’s record for corruption actually presents India’s independent media with “limitless opportunities” and enables them to “win strong public support for what they do”.

He closed by suggesting that the media industry in Indian could benefit from the forensic-level of scrutiny that the British media have been under during Lord Leveson’s investigation “The Indian situation cried out for such an independent, comprehensive, hard look into the culture, practices and ethics on the news media.”

The James Cameron Memorial Lecture has been delivered by a distinguished group of speakers including Ben Bradlee, Michael Grade, Alan Rusbridger, Tony Benn, Greg Dyke and Sir Max Hastings.

Professor Hugh Stephenson organised the lectures and chaired the judging panel from the inaugural lecture in 1987 to 2010. From 2011 this was taken over jointly by Professor Howard Tumber and Professor George Brock.

Read the full text of N.Ram’s speech here and hear a  from City’s student radio station ”City OnAir”

source: http://www.city.ac.uk / City University London / Home> News / October 04th, 2012

Lord Mayor of London to visit Chennai

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Chennai, October 03:

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, David Wootton, will be in Chennai next week.

On October 9, the Lord Mayor will meet senior government officials in Tamil Nadu to explore how UK companies can collaborate on projects associated with the State Government’s Vision 2023 across sectors such as transport and energy, skills, health and education.

He will also launch a report that recommends use of fiscal instruments in developing a low-carbon pathway in Tamil Nadu.

He will also meet senior business leaders in Chennai.

The Lord Mayor’s visit to India also includes programmes in New Delhi and Mumbai. He will discuss opportunities for increased interaction in areas such as infrastructure financing, financial sector development and regulatory reform and dispute resolution.

Ahead of his visit, the Lord Mayor said: “I will reinforce the mutual benefits for India and make the City of London’s case for real economic reform in India, and reassure policymakers that the UK’s commitment to India remains strong.

Our companies want to do more business in India…Greater participation of UK firms can help facilitate economic development because they can introduce new products, services and expertise to the market…”

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> News / by Hindu’s Bureau / Chennai, October 03rd, 2012

Look who drives the stars!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Auto attraction:  Stand for Vikram

Chennai’s star auto stands — where hero worship meets social service, writes Aparna Karthikeyan

“This is Chennai’s first auto stand dedicated to actor Suriya,” Murthy tells me enthusiastically. “Annan (as they endearingly refer to him) lives nearby. When he goes past, he can see the cut-out we’ve kept for him.” I’m standing across Arcot Street, in T. Nagar, next to Ettam Vallal Suriya Auto Nirutham. The afternoon sun is fierce, but it hardly dampens spirits at the city’s only Suriya auto stand. “We opened the stand just six months ago. On his birthday — July 23 — we put up a big banner here,” Murthy points over my head, “and we distributed food to 150 people, as well as notebooks and geometry boxes to 50 school children.”

“Sixteen of us went to the General Hospital on July 23,” continues P. Thangaraj. “We’re 11 members in this stand. Along with our friends, we donated blood. That pot over there,” he shows me a mud pot with a glass on top of it. “We drink water from it daily, by the roadside. It’s mineral water, madam; we all take turns to fill the pot. But someone stole our stainless steel tumbler,” he laughs. I ask if their families too are Suriya fans. Murthy looks shocked that I could imagine otherwise. “Of course, they’re Annan’s fans,” he says. “We all have photographs taken with him; we met him on his birthday. The photo is at home; you came here suddenly, otherwise, we would’ve shown it to you,” Thangaraj tells me.

Celebration through service

I go with an appointment to Ilayathalapathi Vijay Auto Stand in Kasturba Nagar, Adyar. Sitting in Kesavan’s auto, I listen to him and Thiruvanmiyur K.V. Dhamu tell me about being Vijay fans. “Vijay used to live nearby, now he’s moved to Neelangarai, but this stand has been around for 15 years,” Dhamu tells me. As ardent Vijay fans, they celebrate his birthday with fanfare. “This year, we distributed gold finger rings to 22 children in the Government Hospital, Adyar. See for yourself,” he says, showing me an album full of pictures. “This one is when we conducted a blood donation camp,” he points out a picture. “Around 107 people gave blood. The camp was organised by the Rasigar Mandrams of Velachery and the surrounding areas. Look at this picture — we cut a cake in a school, distributed notebooks and gave biriyani to the children. We’re very fond of Vijay sir, and pray for him on June 22, his birthday.” A Vijay movie release is also a big occasion, marked by cut-outs and banners, and the members also go to the cinema together for the first day, first show.

When I ask what motivates them to take up social service, they say they draw inspiration from the star himself. “He does a lot of service, but he advises us to look after ourselves and our families first. We do this in our spare time only,” Dhamu explains.

First day, first show

At the Chiyaan Vikram Auto Stand in 17th Cross Street, Besant Nagar, I find three autos, but no drivers. I wait by the beautifully painted stand — there’s Vikram on a bike, Vikram looking cool, Vikram looking smart, and Vikram looking innocent (Deiva Thirumagal). I spot D. Sathyanathan walking towards an auto, and ask if he’s from the stand. “Yes, for the last ten years, this has been ‘Vikram sir’ stand,” he says. “We’re ten members, all his ardent fans. Actor Vikram used to live nearby; he’s even driven my auto back then,” he says with a shy smile. On the star’s birthday, they meet him with shawls and garlands; there’s usually a big event at a kalyanamandapam when tailoring machines, iron-boxes and tricycles (for people with disabilities) are distributed. “We all participate and help in the function. When a new movie is released, we pool our finances to meet the cost of banners and cut-outs, and, of course, catch the first day, first show.” Sathyanathan tells me that his daughter is also very fond of Vikram. “You know, he attended my wedding,” he adds with quiet pride. Among Vikram’s movies, Sathyanathan loves Sethu and Pithamagan, besides Anniyanand Saami. “We’ve already watched Thaandavam, and plan to take our families later.” At the Suriya stand, expectations run similarly high for the release ofMaattran. “Nobody has done that kind of double role; the movie is going to do very well,” Murthy assures me. The entire team don’t just watch the first day, first show; they go back to the cinemas several times (“only Sathyam/ Sangam theatres, madam”) to watch their idol on screen. “We want him to visit our stand during Ayudha Pooja; we’re going to invite him,” Murthy and Thangaraj tell me. After all, it’s thanks to Suriya that the stand is so popular, and many auto drivers now want to join them. “We have a policy of never demanding unfair rates from our customers. We work well as a team and split the cost of putting up banners. We do it because we like it; and because we’re huge fans of Suriya,” says Thangaraj. Dhamu echoes his sentiments.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Life & Style> Society / by Aparna Karthikeyan / Chennai, October 03rd, 2012

Quest12 held at SRM University

Education

School of management, SRM university Ramapuram, conducted a national-level management meet, QUEST’12 on September 27.

Yogesh G.Nair, head, talent development, L&T infra Ltd., Chennai, delivered the inaugural address and released ‘SRM RMP Journal of Advanced Management Research’.

He spoke of his own perceptions, experience and learning which enriched the gathering on good decision making skills. Different events such as Best Manager, Business Plan, Business Premier League, AD-Zap and Corporate Walk were conducted to showcase the entrepreneurial and managerial skills of youth. Around 500 Students from more than 150 colleges participated and won prizes.

R.Narayanasamy, director, delivered the special address and was felicitated by K Abdul Ghani, Dean and l Antony Micheal Raj, vice principal, SRM university.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> Latest News / The New Indian Express,  Express News Service / Chennai, October 03rd, 2012

AR Rahman: Two decades and counting

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

ARR was felicitated for completing 20 years in the industry.

The Mumbai rains refused to dampen the spirits of spirited attendees at the 6th Annual Global Indian Music Awards (GiMA) held at Yash Raj Studios on Monday night.

The ceremony, hosted by Saif Ali Khan and Parineeti Chopra, featured stellar performances by celebrated musicians and Bollywood stars.

There was a special act dedicated to the musical maestro A.R. Rahman for completing 20 years in the industry.

The Mozart of Madras was was felicitated by none other than veteran Yash Chopra. Renowned singers like Alka Yagnik, Hariharan, Udit Narayan, Naresh Iyer, Mohit Chauhan, Chitra, Sonu Niigaam came together to honour the music legend with a heartwarming performance to some of his popular chartbuster hits like Dil Hai Chota Sa, Tu Hi Re, Chanda Re Chande Re, Mitwa, Mehndi Hai Rachne Wali, Ru Ba Ru, Saathiya, Sadda Haq and Jai Ho.

On the special tribute given to him, A.R. Rahman says, “I had a hint about the tribute but I did not realize that it will create such huge nostalgia. I have learnt a lot from all these singers who have touched my heart today. I still remember the day of my first concert in 1996 when most of the singers who sang today came to watch me. I really thank GiMA for this. I am truly touched.”

The fragrance of success

Music maestro A.R. Rahman’s other half loves perfumes, we hear. And sources close to her reveal that her collection can rival some of the most ardent perfume collectors in the world.

It seems she’s so well acquainted with scents and fragrances that she can easily tell a person what he or she is wearing.

But the lady who is spiritual and has a strict no-alcohol policy, shops only for oil based perfumes which contain no alcohol.

The friend who was fortunate enough to receive the fragrances revealed that Saira is generous and loves having people experience the power of perfumes.

“She believes in the healing qualities of a good perfumed oil. The ones she buys are very soothing and long lasting too.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Showbiz> Others / by Nandita Ravi, DC, Chennai / October 02nd, 2012