Archive for category Cinema
Tamil star Ajith Kumar return to the racing circuit again.
Posted by ganesh in Award, Cinema, Information, Sports, competition, programme on March 10th, 2010
Ajith Kumar, the Tamil star with a huge fan following is all set to return to the racing circuit again.
Ajith was a bike racer before he took up acting. After he became a star in Tamil cinema, he returned to the tracks in 2000 and again in 2004, where he ended the season with two podium finishes.
This time around Ajith is racing in the Formula 2 event in Europe in April.
Ajith spoke exclusively to rediff.com about his passion.
When I first met you in the early 90s, you were just recuperating from a bike accident. Do you think you would have become a bike racer and not a film star if not for the accident?
I don’t believe in post-mortems. I am where I am. Let us say I believe in destiny. I also believe in miracles.
In early 2000, you decided to be a racer again though you were successful as an actor. Was it because motor racing is your passion?
I love motor sports. Whenever I got an opportunity, I indulged. I would say I like to be an ambassador of the sport.
In the 1990s, I rode the 110 cc bikes. In 2002, I started racing cars. I did the National Championship and my best finish was the fourth place in the last race. That kind of motivated me to go further and I participated in the Formula BMW Asia championship.
In 2004, I participated in the British F3. I could not complete my last few races there about which I wouldn’t like to go into.
Image: Ajith wins third place at the British F3 at Donnigton Park
20 AWWA women members part in a parasailing event
Posted by ganesh in Airways, Departments, Entertainment, Information, Public, Thanjavur, function, programme on March 10th, 2010
As amany as 20 women members of the Airforce Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) took part in a parasailing event, as part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day.
According to sources here today, Manisha Kothari, wife of Group Captain S S Kothari inaugurated the programme by sailing herself with the parachute.
”It was an excellent experience. I felt comfortable after being lifted in the air and enjoyed flying. This is the first time I did parasailing in my 20 years of life in the Airforce,” she said.
Sarika Saxena, who parasailed said she liked the adventure. ”I am interested in sports and this is the first time I did parasailing. It is an amazing experience.” All the participants of the yesterday’s event were the wives of Airmen and Air Officers of Airforce Station in Thanjavur, the sources said.
Group Captain Kothari said the aim was to inculcate the spirit of adventure among women on this International Day for Women.
Apart from parasailing, many other activities, including an anaemia detection camp, basic computer workshop, a lecture on female foeticide and preconception of sex determination, had been planned as part of the celebrations, he said.
”The Thanjavur Airforce station will become a full fledged one in a couple of years. Suryakiran airshow will also be arranged at Thanjavur soon,”
TN Governor’s son nominated as sub-panel member of Commonwealth Games
Posted by ganesh in Information, competition, games, programme, tamilnadu on March 10th, 2010
Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala’s son Jasjit Singh Barnala has been nominated as a games village sub-committe member of the Commonwealth Games 2010.
An official press release here today said that Jasjit’s name was nominated by Suresh Kalmadi, MP and Chairman of the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games, which is to be held in New Delhi from October 3 to 14.
Today Madurai Exclusive News
Posted by ganesh in Communication, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Information, Madurai Today, Other, Temples, businesses, competition, function, meeting, programme on March 10th, 2010
RELIGION
Selva Vinayagar Temple:Discourse on ‘Aanmeega Jothidam’ by Ponniah, Railway Colony, 7.30 p.m.
Saiva Siddhantha Sabha:Discourse on ‘Sivaprakasam’ by Yazh S. Chandra, South Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.
Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam:Discourse on ‘Tiruvarutpa’ by M. Vijayaraman, North Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.
Tiruvalluvar Mandram:Discourse on ‘Villi Bharatham’ by K. Manickam, S. S. Colony, 5 p.m.
Ramakrishna Mutt:Bhajan, New Natham Road, 6.30 p.m.
Hindu Baktha Jana Sabha:Abishekam, Karuppusamy Temple, Solaipatti, 8 a.m.
CULTURE
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya:Free Rajayoga meditation classes, 36 Meenakshi Nagar, P and T Nagar; 40 Sambandamoorthy Street, 211/95 East Veli Street and 357 Church Road, Anna Nagar, 6.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Gandhi Memorial Museum:T. Ravichandran conducts yogasana, meditation and pranayama classes, 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Vedatri Yoga Meditation Centre:Yogasana and meditation class, 16 Jawahar First Street, Kannadasan Colony, 6 p.m.
Aanmeega Kalvi Nilayam:Free meditation class, Madurai Arivu Tirukoil, 24 Besant Road, Chokkikulam, 6 a.m.
Ulaga Samadhana Alayam:S. Velshankar conducts yogasana training and meditation, 138 Kamarajar Road, 6 p.m.
Yoga Research Centre:Pushparaj conducts yoga therapy classes, Department of Philosophy, Madura College, 6.30 a.m.
Indian Institute of Yoga:V. Srinivasan conducts yoga therapy and pranayama classes, 5 Subramania Siva Street, Marudupandian Nagar, 6 a.m., 6.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
Tamil Isai Sangam:Nagaswaram by EN. V. Parameswaran, 4.30 p.m.; Thevaram recitation, 5 p.m.; M.A. M. Ramasamy, Pro-Chancellor, Annamalai University, inaugurates ‘Tamil isai festival;’ M. Jayapaul, Judge, Madras High Court, confers ‘Muthamizh Perarignar’ title on Solomon Pappiah; A. Surianarayanan, Chief Income Tax Commissioner, releases souvenir; Meena Muthiah addresses, 6 p.m.; ‘patti mandram,’ Solomon Pappiah moderates, Raja Muthiah Mandram, 7 p.m.
GENERAL
Madurai Kamaraj University:Archbishop M. Arockiasamy endowment seminar on ‘Ecology and religions,’ P. M. Ajmal Khan, Head, Department of Islam and Islamic Tamil Studies, presides, Seminar Hall, School of Religions, Philosophy and Humanist Thought, 10.30 a.m.
Agricultural College and Research Institute:Technology Week celebration, Kakkan Auditorium, 10 a.m.
Sri Meenakshi Government College for Women:Valediction of College Council; C. Periyathai, Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, addresses; S. Lakshmi, Principal, presides, 9 a.m.; seminar on ‘Web engineering,’ Department of Computer Science, 9.30 a.m.
Thiagarajar College:Research seminar in Tamil; V. Mohan of Yadava College speaks, R. Raja Govindasamy, Principal, presides, Tholkappiar Arangu, 9 a.m.; book review meeting, P. Ushadevi, Librarian, presides, Library, 12.40 p.m.
Madurai Institute of Social Sciences:R. Rukmani Palanivel Rajan, chairperson, Association of Social Health in India, inaugurates legal awareness camp for women, D.V.P. Raja, chairman, presides, Alagarkoil Road, 3 p.m.
Saraswathi Narayanan College:C. Muthuraj of American College speaks on ‘Union Budget,’ M. Kannan, Principal (in-charge), presides, Perungudi, 3 p.m.
Arul Anandar College:National Science Mela on ‘Science and philosophy of biodiversity;’ science exhibition and panel discussion, T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jayakumar, Principal, American College, presides, 9.30 a.m.; N. Rama Gopal, Professor of Economics, Annamalai University, inaugurates intensive course on ‘Recent insights in economics,’ Rev. Fr. G. Pushparaj, Principal, presides, Karumathur, 10 a.m.
Sourashtra College:J.S. Sukumar of Winways Systems speaks on ‘Open source systems — benefits and applications,’ Silver Jubilee Hall, 11.30 a.m.
Yadava College:K. P. Navaneetha Krishnan, correspondent, inaugurates ‘Beats 2010,’ State-level inter-collegiate meet, 9.30 a.m.; D. Bharani, film actor, distributes prizes, Nagendran Auditorium, 5 p.m.
Nadar Mahajana Sangam S. Vellaichamy Nadar College:State-level seminar on ‘Recent trends in computing techniques;’ N. Sivasubramanian, former Chief General Manager, Indian Space Research Organisation, and T. Kathirvalavakumar of Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Senthikumara Nadar College address, Audio Visual Hall, 8.30 a.m.
Vickram College of Engineering:S. Chandran of Thiagarajar College of Engineering speaks on ‘Town planning,’ Conference Hall, 2 p.m.
K. L. N. College of Information Technology:K. A. Kanagasabapathy, General Manager, F. L. Smidth, inaugurates national conference on ‘Emerging trends in power systems and power electronics; P. K. Alagirisamy, Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, addresses; K. N. K. Ganesh presides, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 10 a.m.
Madurai Sivakasi Nadars’ Pioneer Meenakshi Women’s College:11 {+t} {+h} College Day celebration, K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Director, Ma Foi Group, addresses, Poovanthi, 4.30 p.m.
St. Charles College of Education:Regional seminar on ‘Teacher competencies required to empower students as protectors of earth,’ Thanakkankulam, 9.30 a.m.
Tamil Nadu Science Forum:National Science Day celebration, S. Dinakaran of Madura College speaks, C. Indira Devi, Headmistress, presides, Government High School, Anaiyur, 10 a.m.
ICICI Bank:P. C. Thangaraj, Assistant Commissioner of Police, inaugurates ATM, 70 Alagarkoil Road, K. Pudur, 10 a.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous:Meeting, Dr. Dheep Hospital, Alagarkoil Road, K. Pudur, 7.30 p.m.
Today Madurai Exclusive News
Posted by ganesh in Communication, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Information, Madurai Today, Other, Temples, businesses, competition, function, meeting, programme on March 8th, 2010
RELIGION
Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam: Discourse on ‘Tirumandiram’ by S. Tirumavalavan, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.
Tiruvalluvar Mandram: Discourse on ‘Tiruvilayadalpuranam’ by S. Sadacharam, S.S. Colony, 5 p.m.
Ramakrishna Mutt: Bhajan, New Natham Road, 6.30 p.m.
Tatwananda Ashram: Samananda conducts ‘Bhagavad Gita’ class, Ayira Vaisyar Primary School, South Avanimoola Street, 6.45 p.m.
Hindu Baktha Jana Sabha: Puja, Thottichayamman Temple, Nilayur, 6 p.m.
Samarasa Sanmarga Sahiya Sangam: Discourse by R. Hari Govinthan, North Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 6.30 p.m.
CULTURE
Gandhi Memorial Museum: T. Ravichandran conducts yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Women’s Day celebrations and self-employment course for women, 10 a.m.; spoken Hindi classes, 5 p.m.
Aanmeega Kalvi Nilayam: Physical exercise and meditation classes, 24 Besant Road, Chokkikulam, 7.30 a.m.
International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre: Meditation, bhajan, satsangh, 23 Dr. Sathar Road, Anna Nagar, 5.30 p.m.
Yoga Research Centre: Pushparaj conducts yoga therapy classes, Department of Philosophy, Madura College, 6.30 a.m.
Small Industries Product Promotion Organisation: Craft Bazaar, Gandhi Museum, 10 a.m.
GENERAL
Madurai Kamaraj University Faculty Association: Women’s Day celebrations, R. Kathiresan, Department of Commerce, and J. Vijaya, joint secretary, LIC Employees Union, address, Dr. Ambedkar Building, 3 p.m.
Agricultural College and Research Institute: Technology Week celebration, Kakkan Auditorium, 10 a.m.
K.L.N. College of Information Technology: Women’s Day celebrations, I. Selvamani, psychiatrist, addresses, Pottapalayam, 1 p.m.
N.M.S. Sermathai Vasan College for Women: Women’s Day celebrations, seminar on ‘If you know thyself,’ Rani Chakravarthy addresses, 9.45 a.m.
American College: ‘Unbound’ performance project, 6.30 p.m.
Ultra College of Engineering and Technology for Women: Women’s Day celebrations, KR. Arumugam, chairman, presides, 11.30 a.m.
E.M.G. Yadava Women’s College: Women’s Day celebrations, S. Sethurakkayi, Head, Department of Geography, Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College, addresses, 9.30 p.m.
Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary: Women’s Day celebrations, rally and public meeting, Jinnah Thidal, 4 p.m.
Confederation of Indian Industry: Conference on ‘Women in 2020 – a vision,’ Hotel Fortune Pandiyan, 10 a.m.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Matriculation and Higher Secondary School: 25 {+t} {+h} Annual Day celebrations, R. Raja Govindasamy, Principal, Thiagarajar College, addresses, Tirunagar, 5.30 p.m.
High Court Legal Services Committee: Women’s Day celebrations, T. Mathivanan and K.B.K. Vasuki, judges, Madras High Court, address, Latha Mathavan Engineering College, Alagarkoil, 5 p.m.
Madurai Non Formal Education Centre: N. Chenbagaraman, Inspector General of Police, and P. Balasubramaniayan, Commissioner, address, Tamukkam Ground, 11.30 a.m.
Sumathi Fertility Clinic and IVF Research Institute: Women’s Day celebrations, free medical camp for women, Anna Nagar, 8 a.m.
Centre for Rural Education and Development: Women’s Day celebrations, Dinesh Ponraj Oliver, Collector (in-charge), address, Ajantha Theatre, Alanganallur, 10 a.m.
Women Entrepreneurs Forum: Women’s Day celebrations, G. Nathchiar and Premi Indra Kumar address, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises, Kamarajar Salai, 3 p.m.
Lions Club of Madurai Malligai: Blood donation camp, P.K.N. Arts and Science College, Tirumangalam, 9 a.m.
Vickram College of Engineering: Department of Electronics conduct special lecture by S. Sivakumar, conference hall, 10 a.m.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad: World Women’s Day competition prize distribution, Sri Jayanthi Illam, 28, Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Kamarajar Salai, 3.30 p.m.
Sermathai Vasan College for Women: ‘Principal Kanagasabapathy awards’ distribution function, 5.30 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting, Quality Care Hospital, Ellis Nagar, 7 p.m.
Thambikku Indha Ooru targeting the B & C audiences.
Posted by ganesh in Cinema, Entertainment, Information, Public, competition, music, tamilnadu on March 6th, 2010
Why do Tamil filmmakers insist on rehashing earlier masala movies of Rajinikanth and Vijay with younger heroes? Director Badri along with Bharath has dished out Thambikku Indha Ooru another pot-boiler using all the clichés and gimmicks associated with mass movie targeting the B & C audiences.
The film has no story, logic, reason or continuity with scenes cyclostyled from earlier films. The hero and heroine gets into a Kingfisher flight in Hyderabad and lands in Chennai on Air India! All leading artists in the film ends up at Binny Mills for the climax shoot out with the villain who is heroine’s father as the hero fights two dozen stuntmen and saves everybody including his foster parents and also “discovers” his dad !!
There is no originality in the film. Akil (Bharath) is a rich guy who along with his friend Cola Kumar (Vivek) runs a south Indian restaurant Sakunthala food palace in Singapore. His dad (Nizhalugal Ravi) arranges his marriage with family friend’s daughter Priya (Madhalasa), but Akil is in love with Divya (Sanya Khan) a squash champion from India, modeled on Sania Mirza!
When the marriage is called off, Priya’s dad in a fit of rage blurts out that he never wanted his daughter to marry an orphan. It shocks Akil whose foster dad reveals that his biological parents are in Chengalpet and a ambulance driver (Thalaivasal Vijay) knows the truth. Akil comes to Chennai in search of his parents and gets into trouble with Divya’s dad Thirumalai who does not like her getting married at a time when she is about to sign a Rs 5 Crore endorsement deal! He also runs into the bad books of Kumaraswamy (Prabhu), which leads to the final climax where everything is unraveled.
Bharath apes Vijay’s mannerisms and dance movements and tries his best to pass off as a mass hero. Vivek is highly irritating as a retrograde male stereotype making crude stale jokes and poking fun at Tamil super heroes, Telugu actors and Malayalee girls. Outrageous is a pretty good word to describe Vivek who uses double entendre liberally. Discussing the merits of the female performers would be doing great disservice to them. So mum’s is the word.
There is not even one hummable number from Dharan. By the time the film has strayed into its last scene, after two hours and 30 minutes you are past caring. No two ways about it Thambikku Indha Ooru is an unmitigated endurance test.
Today Madurai Exclusive News
Posted by ganesh in Communication, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Health, Information, Madurai Today, Other, Temples, businesses, competition, function, meeting, programme on March 6th, 2010
RELIGION
Selva Vinayagar Temple: Discourse on ‘Tiruvilayadalpuranam’ by Savitri, Railway Colony, 7.30 p.m.
Koodal Alagar Temple: Discourse on ‘Koorathu Alwar’ by R. Rangarajan, 6.30 p.m.
Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam: Discourse on ‘Tiruvilayadalpuranam’ by A. Arumugam, North Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.
Tiruvalluvar Mandram: Discourse on ‘Tiruvasagam’ by Raja. Umarani, S. S. Colony, 5 p.m.
Ramakrishna Mutt: Bhajan, New Natham Road, 6.30 p.m.
Adi Sankaracharya Sarada Lakshmi Narasimha Peetam: Public reception for Sachidananda Saraswathi, 5 p.m.; Sri Chakra Navavarna puja, Vasudhara, 78 Tirupparankundram Road, Andalpuram, 7 p.m.
Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association: Vishnu Sahasranamam parayanam, 1/194 Meenakshi Amman Nagar, Surya Nagar, 6.30 p.m.
Swami Tatwananda Ashram: Samananda conducts ‘Bhagavad Gita’ class, P and T Nagar, 6.45 p.m.
Hindu Baktha Jana Sabha: Abishekam, Ayyappan shrine, Siddhi Vinayagar Temple, Tirunagar, 6 p.m.
CULTURE
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya: Free Rajayoga meditation classes, 36 Meenakshi Nagar, P and T Nagar; 40 Sambandamoorthy Street, 211/95 East Veli Street and 357 Anna Nagar, 6.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Gandhi Memorial Museum: T. Ravichandran conducts yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Aanmeega Kalvi Nilayam: Free meditation class, Madurai Arivu Tirukoil, 24 Besant Road, Chokkikulam, 6 a.m.
International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre: Meditation and bhajan, 23 Dr. Sathar Road, Anna Nagar, 5.30 p.m.
Indian Institute of Yoga: V. Srinivasan conducts yoga therapy and pranayama classes, 5 Subramania Siva Street, Marudupandiar Nagar, 6 a.m., 6.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
Ulaga Tirukkural Peravai: 33 {+r} {+d} anniversary celebration; Ponnambala Desigar of Kundrakudi Mutt addresses; N. Manimozhiyan, general secretary, presides, New College House, Town Hall Road, 10.30 a.m.
Dalit Resource Centre: Dalit Kalai Vizha 2010, United Christian Higher Secondary School Ground, Arasaradi, 6 p.m.
Tamil Kalai Ilakkiya Perumandram: R. Nallakannu releases M. Chella’s book; Ponnambala Desigar of Kundrakudi Mutt addresses; T. S. Natarajan presides, Victoria Edward Hall, West Veli Street, 5.30 p.m.
Small Industries Product Promotion Organisation: ‘Craft Bazaar,’ Gandhi Museum, 10 a.m.
GENERAL
Madurai Kamaraj University: National Science Day celebration and 41 {+s} {+t} annual conference of Aqua-Terr; Rajendra Prasad of Jawaharlal Nehru University speaks on ‘Multidrug resistance: from microbes to man;’ K. Manoharan, Chairperson, School of Biological Sciences, presides, Sir C. V. Raman Hall, 10 a.m.
Agricultural College and Research Institute: Technology Week celebration, Kakkan Auditorium, 10 a.m.
Sri Meenakshi Government College for Women: Annual convocation, S. Jayabaskaran Charles, Director of Collegiate Education, addresses, S. Lakshmi, Principal, presides, 11 a.m.
Yadava College: R. Chandra
sekaran, former Head, Department of Commerce, inaugurates intra-departmental contests, 10.15 a.m.; S. P. Mathiarasan, MLA, distributes prizes, 2.15 p.m.; demonstration of jewellery making by S. D. Subbulakshmi, P. Rengan, Principal, presides, Tiruppalai, 2 p.m.
Government Arts College: State-level seminar on ‘Education for sustainable development in rural areas;’ J. Usha Devi, Principal, MVM Government Arts College for Women, Dindigul, delivers valedictory address; V. M. Maruthappan, Principal, presides, Melur, 4.45 p.m.
Madurai Institute of Social Sciences: National seminar on ‘Redefining HR strategy;’ M. Jeya Ramachandran delivers valedictory address; R. S. Bhoopathy, General Manager, Hindustan Aeronautics, addresses; P. N. Narayana Raja, Principal, presides, Alagarkoil Road, 3.30 p.m.
P. K. N. Arts and Science College: P. C. Thenmozhi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, inaugurates International Women’s Day celebration; J. Jenipathi Santha addresses; J. Mahatman Rao, Principal, presides, Tirumangalam, 1.30 p.m.
Sourashtra College: S. V. S. Shivnath, secretary, inaugurates National Science Day celebration; P. C. Thenmozhi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, addresses; S. K. Jegannathan, president, inaugurates competitions; R. L. Ramnath, Principal, presides, New Auditorium, 10 a.m.
Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College: 15 {+t} {+h} Graduation Day; G. Srinivas, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission, addresses; M. Vijayaraghavan, secretary, presides, Auditorium, 3 p.m.
Nadar Mahajana Sangam S. Vellaichamy Nadar College: Hostel Day celebration; S. K. C. Natarajan addresses; V. V. B. Srinivasan presides, Avaniapuram, 10.30 a.m.
Madurai Sivakasi Nadars Pioneer Meenakshi Women’s College: ‘Flurry 2010,’ cultural competitions, Poovanthi, 10 a.m.
Michael Institute of Management: S. Selvaraj, Deputy General Manager, TVS and Sons, speaks on ‘Emerging trends in HR,’ R. Bernardshaw, Director, presides, Conference Hall, 11 a.m.
Madurai Institute of Engineering and Technology: Alagurajan, Physical Education Director, speaks on ‘Safety measures and precautions;’ Mithilesh Kumar on ‘Recent trends in automobile technology,’ Seminar Hall, 1.45 p.m.
Thangam Nursery and Primary School: 36 {+t} {+h} anniversary celebration; V. G. Venkatachalapathy addresses; S. Jamuna Rani, Headmistress, G. K. P. School, distributes prizes, Rajbala Tirumana Mahal, 161 D Kamarajar Road, 3.30 p.m.
Jayaseelan Memorial Matriculation School: 27 {+t} {+h} Annual Day celebration, Rev. Fr. Edi Dharmanand, parish priest, addresses, P. Vishnuprasad, District Educational Officer, distributes prizes, Uthappanaickanur, 5 p.m.
Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology: M. K. Alagiri, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, lays foundation stone for Advanced Tooling and Plastic Products Development Centre; I. Periasami, Minister for Housing; Thangam Thennarasu, Minister for School Education; A. Tamilarasi, Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, and P. Moorthy, MLA, address;
Bijoy Chatterjee, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, presides, Idayapatti, 10 a.m.
Thiagarajar School of Management: K. Venkatesh of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, speaks on ‘Marketing of information technology,’ Auditorium, 10 a.m.
Velammal College of Engineering and Technology: S. Deivalakshmi of National Institute of Technology, Tiruchi, speaks on ‘Linear integrated circuits,’ Viraganur, 10 a.m.
Vikaasa School: Awareness programme for parents on physical fitness, Auditorium, 3 p.m.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India: Meeting on ‘Union Budget;’ M. V. Govindarajulu speaks on ‘Direct taxes;’ S. Sridharan on ‘Impact on economy,’ Old Natham Road, Visalakshipuram, 5 p.m.
Campaign Against Sex Selective Abortion: I. Chandrasekaran, Dean (in charge), Government Rajaji Hospital, inaugurates workshop on
‘Declining child sex ratio,’ A. Karthikeyan, Dean, Madurai Medical College, presides, Auditorium, GRH, 11 a.m.
All India Confederation of Organisations for Persons with Mental Disability: Meeting on ‘Time-scale pay for teachers of special schools,’ MUTA Hall, 6 Kakka Thoppu Street, 10 a.m.
P. K. M. Youth Development Trust: Bhaaratiraja inaugurates Training Centre for Competitive Examinations, D. Rajendran presides, Divya Tirumana Mandapam, TB Road, Usilampatti, 10.30 a.m.
Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Agri Summit, exhibition-cum-conference, Tamukkam, 10 a.m.
JK Maass Foundation: Training in ‘Inclusive education’ for middle school teachers, Veeramamunivar Middle School, Maninagaram, 10 a.m.
Rotary Club of Madurai South: G. Pitchaimani speaks on ‘Union Budget,’ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, 5.30 p.m.
Lions Clubs International District 324 B3: Ilandhevan inaugurates 20 {+t} {+h} district convention; S. Kumaravel, Assistant Commissioner of Police, addresses; P. T. Rajan Hall, Chokkikulam, 3.45 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting, Trishul Hospital, Anna Bus Stand, 7 p.m.
Flock of Flamingos flying past Koonthankulam
Posted by ganesh in Entertainment, Information, Public, Tuticorin on March 5th, 2010
Even as nine children are playing a rural game on a local holiday, declared by the district administration in view of Ayya Vaikunta Swamy birthday under one of the 12-feet tall acacia tree, grown amidst Koonthankulam, around 25 painted storks perching atop this thorny plant are busy constructing their house with the semidry twigs as yet another breeding season has started.
Some of these domestic birds have already even laid eggs and sitting on them gently as they have reached the incubation phase of this season. However, the children, all aged between 7 and 12, who normally scream in joy whenever they win the game, carefully and wantonly avoid it as their somewhat literate ancestors have wisely taught them that any clatter from them would scare their guests.
Though acacia trees have grown abundantly in and around Koonthankulam, the birds choose only the trees sprung up within this sleepy hamlet that avoids blaring speakers and crackers during celebrations of any sort including Deepavali and also the black babul grown in the middle of the tank, now having sufficient storage.
Moreover, the birds ‘believe’ that their homes ‘constructed’ on a tree within the village would be much safer.
And now, the entire village has been submerged in the ‘clak’ sound from the long beaks of the painted storks.
As of now, over 39 varieties, including painted stork, flamingo, bar-headed goose, pelican, spoonbill, ibis family, snake bird, heron family, tern family, duck family, egret family, garganey, pintail, etc., are vacationing at Koonthankulam.
Good number of flamingos that has camped at nearby Kaadankulam, a part of this renowned birds’ sanctuary, is the real treat to watch as these visitors from the Rann of Kutch paint the morning sky with the mesmerising pink whenever they spread their large wings. “Around 128 flamingos are at Kaadankulam now,” says bird watcher Paulpandi, while turning his binocular towards the extensive tank, now also has thousands of bar-headed goose, a transnational visitor.
“I expect that our village will have more than 4,000 painted storks’ nests during this season. Visit Koonthankulam again during April-end as the scene of the adults feeding of their chicks and the birds’ guarding the young ones from the hot sun by spreading their colourful wings will be visual treats,” says Mr. Paulpandi, who is yet to be employed by Department of Forest though he is watching the winged visitors carefully during the past 29 years for a paltry honorarium of Rs. 2,500 a month.
He, who lost his wife P. Vallithaai, also a bird watcher and mother of four children, on July 17, 2008 following some dreaded infection from the birds, was forced to stop sending his children to school as this paltry sum is not enough not even to feed them properly.
However, the privation has not discouraged in anyway this highly dedicated birdwatcher from looking after the ‘guests’.
‘Instincts,’ the fifth edition of the annual cultural extravaganza of the college for next two days
Posted by ganesh in Chennai, College, Communication, Entertainment, Information, dance, function, programme, student on March 5th, 2010
Actors Premji Amaran (left) and Vaibhav, along with director Venkat Prabhu at the inauguration of ‘Instincts ’10’ at SSN Engineering College.
For the next two days, it will be a confluence of creative minds at SSN Engineering College. ‘Instincts,’ the fifth edition of the annual cultural extravaganza of the college, is back with a long line-up of cultural events this year.
The inter-collegiate event on the college premises on Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kalavakkam will be a melting pot of cultural and art competitions, sandwiched between workshops and seminars. At the inauguration on Thursday, the crew of the movie Goa, kept the audience in splits with its impromptu one-liners.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Director of the film Venkat Prabhu spoke about the making of Goa, even while urging the students to give their comments. “Only 10 per cent of the film was made in Goa and the rest in Malaysia. Our target audience was youngsters and hope the film managed to match your expectations,” he said.
Actor Premji Amaran was greeted with resounding cheers from the audience, made up of hundreds of students from 300 colleges. With his characteristic wisecracks, Premji earned repeated applauses and requests for a song and dance. Actor Vaibhav enacted a scene from the film and danced to a fast number, along with the other two. A student from the college joined them, whirling around the stage with rapid moves.
After the team made an exit, the stage sizzled with a high-energy dance performance of the host college, organised as part of the inaugural session.
The dancers proved to be a big hit with the audience throughout their hour long performance.
A host of events followed the inauguration, keeping students busy with practice and registrations. They included quiz, prelims of light music and classical vocal competitions, Dumb C, 3D workshop, JAM and monoacting. The day rounded off with a DJ night.
There is lot more in store on the next two days including literary events, fashion designing, photography, debate, poster making, mehndi, creative writing and finals of music and dance events. For hardcore gamers, the event offers a host of options with wacky gaming events.
Choreo Night and Hip-hop battle will be the main attractions for dancers, while Bike stunt show will attract automobile enthusiasts, according to the organisers.
zoological park ‘Night Safari’ works progressing well
Posted by ganesh in Animal, Chennai, Communication, Departments, Entertainment, Information, Others, Public, government on March 4th, 2010
Work on ‘Night Safari’ in the zoological park coming up near the Vandalur zoo is progressing well.
Forest Department sources said the work on constructing enclosures for elephants and tigers was nearing completion, and they would be ready in the next couple of months.
Similarly, a circular road up to a distance of 3.4 km would be laid. Of the total distance the authorities had completed the wet mix mechanism for a distance of 1.4 km. A compound wall for a distance of 2.4 km had also been completed. Both the road and compound wall works were designed by the Structural Engineering division of the Civil Engineering Department, Anna University, officials said.
The Central Zoo Authority of India has provided the funds for constructing the tiger and elephant enclosures. A total of 36 enclosures would be constructed as part of the ‘Night Safari’ project, they said.
In order to create a natural environment along the circular road and around the enclosures, the authorities have taken up planting of saplings. A good number of endemic plants were identified and the selected saplings planted nearly a year ago. Most of them have grown well. Whenever the saplings were damaged by free-ranging deer or porcupine, it was being replaced systematically, they said.
The ‘Night Safari’ is coming up at a total cost of Rs.156 crore for the Safari Zone, which would be shared by the Central and State governments. Apart from this another Rs.35 crore is meant for entertainment zone, which includes an interpretation centre, amphitheatre, recreation facilities besides visitor amenities of international standard. The project is expected to be over in the next couple of years.
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