Saturday, 1 December 2007

Youths have great responsibility

Youths have great responsibility”

NCC Week celebrations conclude



THE BEST: Collector Ashish Vachhani presenting a rolling trophy for the best marching contingent to 2 (TN) Battalion NCC in Tiruchi on Friday.

TIRUCHI: Ceremonial march past and distribution of prizes to cadets who excelled at the State and national level competitions marked the National Cadet Corps Day parade organised here on Friday to mark the culmination of NCC Week celebrations.

A total of eight contingents including cadets of 2 (TN) Battalion NCC, 34 (TN) Independent Company NCC and 3 (TN) Technical Air Squadron NCC took part in the ceremonial parade.

The NCC week is celebrated to commemorate the raising of the first NCC unit in Delhi in 1949.

Taking the salute on the occasion, Collector Ashish Vachhani said the NCC had emerged as the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation today.

He said youths had a great responsibility in taking the country forward. The NCC, he said, had grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

Colonel Benz K. Jacob, Group Commander, NCC Group Tiruchi said NCC aims to instil character, discipline, patriotism, spirit of adventure and selfless service amongst the youth.

The Tiruchi Group was the mainstay of the Tamil Nadu Directorate, which has been doing exceedingly well in NCC activities in the country, he added.

The cadets were administered anti-dowry and anti-female foeticide pledge on the occasion.

The rolling trophy, instituted by the Tiruchi Group Headquarters in memory of Major M. Saravanan, for the best marching contingent was presented to 2 (TN) Battalion NCC Tiruchi.

Commanding Officers of various battalions, Permanent Instructional staff and Associate NCC Officers participated in the function.

Six killed as buses collide near Kancheepuram

Six killed as buses collide near Kancheepuram

15 out of 29 injured persons referred to Chennai hospitals

Government bus was running to Tiruttani from Kancheepuram

Private bus coming from Sri Kalahasthi to Kancheepuram




MANGLED REMAINS: Rescue operation going on near Kancheepuram on Friday where two buses collided, claiming six lives. —

KANCHEEPURAM: Six persons were killed and 29 others injured in a road accident involving two buses on the Kancheepuram-Tiruttani Road near here on Friday evening.

A State Transport Corporation bus proceeding towards Tiruttani from Kancheepuram and a private bus coming from Sri Kalahasthi to Kancheepuram collided near a school at Sembarambakkam. In the impact, the side portion of the STC bus was ripped off. While drivers of the buses, a woman passenger and a school student died on the spot, two passengers including a woman died in the District Government Headquarters Hospital here. Nearly 15 out of the 29 injured persons were referred to Government Hospitals in Chennai as they had sustained multiple injuries.

However, relatives of some of the victims preferred to take them to nearby private hospitals as the authorities were unable to mobilise the required number of ambulances to transport the injured persons to Chennai.

Vellore Collector Dharmendra Pratap Yadav, who had taken the Tiruttani-Kancheepuram Road to reach Vellore after completing an inspection at Arakonam, coordinated with his Kancheepuram counterpart in the rescue operation. Kancheepuram Collector Santosh K. Misra and MLA Sakthi Kamalammal visited the injured in the hospital here.

10 children rescued from garment unit near Tirupur

10 children rescued from garment unit near Tirupur

A total of 41 children, including 9 girls, rescued in a fortnight


Freedom: Children rescued from a hosiery unit near Tirupur on Friday.

TIRUPUR: Ten children were rescued from a stitching unit at Vavipalayam, in Nerupperichal village on the outskirts of Tirupur on Friday. Four more were rescued on the same day from other units.

This is the first incident in recent times such a large number of children are being rescued from a single unit. According to sources, based on a tip off the authorities conducted a raid at Lakshmi Stitching Centre, run by K. Ramamurthy (41). The job-working stitching unit involved in innerwear manufacturing for a domestic brand.

Ten children, including two girls in the age group of 11 to 13, were rescued from the unit. All of them are children of quarry workers.

Led by Revenue Divisional Officer B. Murugesh and K. Kaliannan, a team of officials conducted intensive raids for the last two weeks.

Mr. Kaliannan said that so far they had conducted raids in 2,923 establishments, mostly garment units, hotels and bakeries here, and rescued 41 children, including nine girls. The children were handed over to Kovai Child Labour Abolition Support Society (Kovai CLASS) for rehabilitation.

Except three, all the 38 were employed at hosiery units, particularly those involved in the production of garment meant for domestic market, he added. A case has been filed against Ramamurthy under section 3 of Child Labour Regulation and Abolition Act, 1986.

Though child labourers are not employed largely by export units because of social accountability code by importers to place orders and third party verification of its compliance, there has been widespread complaints against domestic units for employing children.

Trade unions and non-Governmental organisations have been demanding officials of the departments of labour and factories to curb the practice.

Arts and humanities have potential

“Arts and humanities have potential”


New avenues: Students at the exhibition in Madurai.

MADURAI: The District Collector, S. S. Jawahar, has urged school students not to ape others while choosing courses at the higher secondary and college levels.

Mr. Jawahar was addressing students from various schools at the inauguration of a three-day exhibition on higher education, organised by the Lady Doak College here on Thursday.

He pointed out that many students were not getting proper guidance in making the right choice and hence they thought that only engineering and medicine were the best options available.

He lamented that there was a trend among students to look down upon arts and humanities courses without understanding the potential they have.

“Many outstanding personalities are not engineers or doctors. They are from pure sciences that have vast scope and have relevance to day-to-day life.

So, get the right guidance after tenth standard based on your personal interest in a subject and do not ape others. Simultaneously, pick up soft skills/ tips for personality development,” the Collector told students.

He also asked parents not to impose a course on children when he or she was not interested since it would not give any job satisfaction to youngsters even though they earned substantial salaries. The Collector lauded Lady Doak College for organising an exclusive exhibition to showcase the relevance and utility of higher education to students at school level itself.

Nirmala Jeyaraj, Principal, said that the exhibition, titled ‘Cognizance-2007,’ was an event organised as part of the institution’s diamond jubilee celebrations to enlighten school children about the opportunities and courses.

Fifteen departments have put up stalls, models and charts at the exhibition.

Walking tall

Walking tall


For a living: A youth from Rajasthan seeking alms by walking on stilts in Salem.

Residents protest move to demolish road

Residents protest move to demolish road


VENTING THEIR IRE: Residents of fishing hamlets protesting the demolition of a road and a retaining wall near the East Coast Road on Thursday.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Farmers’ protest


Farmers’ protest



For better price: Members of Tamilnadu Vivasayegal Sangam staging a demonstration in Krishnagiri for higher paddy price.

Fighting for frost

Fighting for frost


Nature’s act: Owing to severe frost plant protection measures have been stepped up at the Arboretum in Udhagamandalam. —

Dhanam’ nearing completion

‘Dhanam’ nearing completion



SING ALONG: Actors Sangeetha and Prem performing for a duet in the film ’Dhanam. —

KUMBAKONAM: The lush green field at Keezhapazhayarai, which swayed gently to the cool breeze, was a real treat for the eyes. The picturesque village near Kumbakonam was the location for the shooting of a duet for the film ‘Dhanam.’

On Monday, Prem and Sangeetha, who play the lead pair in the film, were rehearsing the steps choreographed by Balaji for the melody ‘Unakule irukinren engu thedi ponai …’ composed by Ilayaraja.

As the sun began to set, Balaji speeded up the proceedings. And once he okayed the shot, both the actors heaved a sigh of relief.

Directed by debutant G. Shiva, the film is a heroine-centric subject in which Sangeetha plays a call-girl. Without revealing much about the story, the director said that Sangeetha’s performance in the movie will earn her a very good name.

“We have an excellent team of technicians who have done a wonderful job. Maestro Ilayaraja’s music is a big plus for the film,” added Shiva .

The shooting will go on till this month-end in Kumbakonam and nearby areas. “Ninety percent of the work is over and only a couple of songs remain to be shot. The film will be ready for Pongal release,” said Shiva.

everything online

Civic needs, plaints, tickets… everything online
Government departments, agencies confident of an increase in number of online users


CATCHING UP WITH TIMES: Chennai Metrowater staff checking the online transactions at the head office in Chennai on Monday

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

German film festival opens



Off to a start: Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-chairman M. Ganesh addresses the inaugural function of the German Film Festival in Chennai on Monday. Madras Film Society general secretary S. Mahadevan is in the picture.

The winner is

The winner is


Memorable moment: The Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore, R. Kannan (second left), giving away the Salim Ali Nature Trophy to G.D.School at the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr.Salim Ali in the city on Monday. P.A.Azeez (right), Director, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, and K. Kalidasan (second right), Director, OSAI, are in the picture.

Progress of works reviewed

Progress of works reviewed
Special Correspondent


INSPECTION: M. Kutralingam, centre, Secretary, School Education, and Zonal Commissioner, inspecting the Government ITI at Perambalur.

PERAMBALUR: School Education Secretary and Zonal Commissioner M. Kutralingam on Tuesday held discussions on the progress of the development works being implemented by various government departments in Perambalur district.

Collector Anil Meshram, District Revenue Officer, P. Shankar, Project Officer, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), S. Ayyaru and the officials of the government departments participated in the meeting.

The agriculture department officials pointed out that due to poor rainfall the yield in maize has registered a fall by about 50 per cent in 20,000 hectares in the district. However, they expected that the yield of other crops would be normal. Works are in progress for the sinking of borewells for undertaking farm operations in the land distributed to the farm labour workers under the two-acre, free land scheme in Thenar and Sathambadi areas.

The Zonal Commissioner was informed that 98 medical camps have been conducted so far in different parts of the district under the “Varumun Kappom” scheme. The Animal Husbandry Department has conducted 65 veterinary camps in the rural areas. The works on the execution of underground drainage works would commence shortly in Perambalur and Ariyalur towns.

Later Mr. Kutralingam inspected the Government ITI which was started recently.

Saturday, 10 November 2007

A hindrance to free flow

A hindrance to free flow (this ads on hindu)


Stumbling block: Slabs and a pit at the junction of Mettupatti Road-Madurai Road in Dindigul cause inconvenience to motorists.

Pudukottai civic chief gets Rotary award


HONOURED: Rajadurai Michael, second from left, Rotary District Governor, at a function in Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: Distribution of financial assistance for medical treatment, presentation of special awards for outstanding personalities, provision of equipment to schools and beds to hospital marked the official visit of Rotary district governor, Rotary International District 3000, Rajadurai G. Michael, to Rotary Club of Pudukottai Crown City recently.

Mr. Michael presented special award for outstanding social service to Pudukottai Municipality Chairperson Ramathilagam Udaiyappan. He honoured “Dr. Radhakrishnan best teacher” awardees and gave away special awards to students who topped in public examinations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Michael commended the various projects being implemented by the Rotary Club of Pudukottai Crown City for the benefit of various sections of the society.

Rotary Club president Hemamalini Anbumuthu presided over the function. Secretary S. A. Anbumuthu presented the annual report covering the various welfare activities launched by the club.

Mr Michael’s wife, Pramila, Mrs. Ramathilagam Udaiyappan, Rotary deputy governor, L. Charles Raja and former deputy governors,

Maduranthaki Kaliyamoorthy, G. Antony, Mohamed Mansoor and Arunachalam offered felicitations.

A big motivation, says Kumble




HAPPY MOMENTS: Anil Kumble is overwhelmed by the warmth and affection with which his elevation to captaincy has been greeted by people all around.

Mohali: The selectors on Thursday named Anil Kumble as the Test captain for the series against Pakistan. BCCI joint secretary M.P. Pandove announced the decision after the India-Pakistan ODI here.

Kumble had captained India in one ODI against England in 2001-02. He was the vice-captain during Sachin Tendulkar’s stint as Test captain.

India’s highest Test wicket-taker was given the job ahead of ODI captain M.S. Dhoni, after Rahul Dravid’s resignation from captaincy in September and Tendulkar’s refusal to lead the Test team.

Our Principal Correspondent adds from Bangalore

Crackers in the background, the sound of children running around in delight and amidst the noise, Anil Kumble sounded as calm as ever.

He termed his appointment an ‘honour,’ and said that it was a ‘shot in the arm’ that might extend his Test career.

“It is a good feeling to be made the captain. It feels nice. I first heard about it officially from Venkatapathy Raju (selector) last night and yes I had spoken to Dilip (Vengsarkar) and Raju,” Kumble told The Hindu here on Friday afternoon.

His first thoughts as captain? “We hardly have any time for strategising as the ODI series concludes only on November 18. We just get about a couple of days before we play Pakistan in the first Test at Delhi from November 22. And remember they are all back-to-back Tests. Pakistan has a good side and we need to play good cricket.

Players happy

“Our players are happy and I have got calls and messages from them. We have a blend of experience and youth. You need the right mix. Yes, I know there is talk about seniors and juniors, but within the team there is nothing like that. I guess all this talk happens only in India.

“For me it is a simple matter of telling the players what their roles are and what they are expected to do.”

Kumble also made it evident that he will be his own man. “I know captaincy in India is a high-pressure job.

“Your moves are dissected and there will be criticism but I will not get affected by all that. At the end of the day, I will back my players. I will take decisions which I feel are the right ones at that time. I will decide on the basis of my cricketing acumen and will also discuss with the others. I will do what is best for the team,” Kumble said.

Warmth and affection

Kumble is also overwhelmed by the warmth and affection with which his elevation to captaincy has been greeted by people all around. “I have been getting calls all around, people have been messaging me too, writing lines like ‘you deserve it completely’. I feel happy that so many people believe in my abilities. I want to live up to their hopes.

“We need to keep winning as it is a long season ahead and we do have the players for it. There is so much goodwill all around.”

His predecessor in the hot seat — Rahul Dravid — called up Kumble and congratulated him.

A shot in the arm

Has his appointment as captain lengthened his Test career? “Yes, I think so. It is a shot in the arm. It is a big motivation for me to continue playing and to keep doing well for my country. It is a huge honour and I want to live up to it,” Kumble said.

“I thank my wife Chetana, my family, the players, my friends and my well-wishers for all their support,” he added.

* * *

More about Kumble

Born on Oct. 17, 1970 in Bangalore

Tests: 118 matches, 566 wickets (at an average of 28.73); 2,212 runs (with one century and four 50s)

Became only the second bowler in Test history to claim all 10 wickets in a an innings in 1999 at New Delhi, emulating England spinner Jim Laker

The third highest wicket-taker in Test history (566), behind Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan

Retired from ODI cricket in March 2007, with 337 wickets at 30.89 from 271 matches

Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1996

Tuesday, 6 November 2007

Deepavali sale


Deepavali sale: Vendors selling clothes on Main Road

High Court in Lahore(Pakistan)


Police officers arrest a lawyer outside the Lahore High Court in Lahore, Pakistan. Lawyers took to the streets for the second day to protest Musharraf's Emergency Rule.

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi (right), AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi (left) and Union Minister Ajay Makan (centre) pay tributes to former PM Indira Gandhi on her 23rd death anniversary at 'Shakti Sthal' in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

Organised effort




Raising their voice: Labourers of unorganised sector staging a demonstration in Dindigul on Wednesday demanding implementation of Social Security Act and extension of medical facilities.
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Watch your steps



Cesspool: Passengers have a horrible time as the Hosur bus stand is full of slush.
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United we stand



Reinforcing the idea: Commemorating National Integration Day, school students take out a rally in Dindigul on Wednesday.
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Awareness programme held

Staff Reporter


COUNSEL STUDENTS: Chief Educational Officer S. Chellam addressing Headmasters in Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: A one-day ‘school adolescent educational programme’ for creating awareness on AIDS was conducted by the Education Department here recently.

The objective of the programme was to sensitise the heads of school to preventive aspects of the killer-disease so that they can create awareness among the teachers and the students.

Presiding over the programme, Chief Educational Officer S. Chellam said that headmasters and teachers should ensure that the students felt free to express their views on AIDS.

Each school should have a box for letters from students.

A periodical counselling with the students, based on their letters, would go a long way in realising the desired goal, she said.

Mount Zion College of Engineering and Technology Chairman Jayabarathan Chelliah and District Educational Officer R. Boominathan were among those who spoke.

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Monday, 29 October 2007

CRPF 68th anniversary


CRPF personnel march during the 68th anniversary parade of CRPF,
at Jharoda Kalan, in New Delhi on Monday