C m U

If ever there was a moment for a global leader to step up, this is it - so why is none emerging?

2011-10-13T12:52:00.000+05:30

The demand for global leadership has never been greater. The world is truly lost in trying to find a way out of the current crisis. America is imploding. Europe is crumbling. London is burning. The Arab Spring has lost direction. China and India remain internally preoccupied. If ever there were a moment for a global leader to step up, this is it. So why is no leader emerging?
First, the world has changed structurally, yet our systems for managing global affairs have not adapted. In the past, when the billions of citizens of planet earth lived in separated countries, it was like having an ocean of separate boats. Hence, the post-war order created rules to ensure that the boats did not collide; it created rules for cooperation.
Up until now, this arrangement has worked well. World War III did not follow World Wars I and II. But today the world's 7 billion citizens no longer live in separate boats. They live in more than 190 cabins on the same boat. Each cabin has a government to manage its affairs. And the boat as a whole moves along without a captain or a crew. The world is adrift.
The G-20 was set up to provide global leadership at the height of the latest financial crisis. The group came together in London in early 2009 to save the global economy. However, as soon as the crisis receded, the G-20 leaders retreated into their cabins again.
To make matters worse, some nations have become unmanageable. Just look at the United States.
The best candidate for global leader is, of course, Mr Barack Obama. No leader gets as much global press coverage as Mr Obama does. But he has no time to save the world. This summer, a tiny group of crazy Tea Party congressmen held him, the United States and the world hostage.
In the next 14 months, Mr Obama will only focus on his re-election. The world will not matter. Sadly, no European leader seems ready to fill this vacuum. Nor is there a Chinese or Indian leader willing to step up. Our global boat will continue to drift in the coming months.
The second reason no global leader has emerged: The geopolitics of the world are running at cross purposes with the geoeconomics of the world.
Geoeconomics requires consensus; countries coming together. In geopolitics, we are experiencing the greatest power shifts we have seen in centuries. Power is shifting from West to East. All this creates deep insecurity in the established powers. They want to cling on to privileges acquired from previous days of glory.
Only this can explain the rush by Europe to reclaim the headship of International Monetary Fund when Dominique Strauss-Kahn stepped down. No one doubts that Ms Christine Lagarde is a competent administrator. But is it wise for Europe to cling on to old privileges when power is shifting? And is it wise to choose a non-economist to run the most important economics organisation at a time of economic turmoil?
A secure Europe may have ceded power graciously. An insecure Europe clings to privileges.
Third, political leadership is always preceded by intellectual leadership. For several decades, the Western intelligentsia provided this intellectual leadership. Indeed, they used to happily lecture the world on what should be done. Today, they are clearly lost.
As an Asian, I used to be regularly lectured by Westerners on the inability of Asians to slay their sacred cows. Today, the Western intelligentsia seems equally afraid to attack their own sacred cows. Surely, after the damage done by the Tea Party episode, an obvious question to ask is: Have democracies become dysfunctional? Have special interest groups distorted the global agenda? Should some of them be disbanded?
Sadly, the parameters of intellectual discourse in the West have become narrower and narrower. Short-term political fights take precedence over long term strategic decisions. Only one phrase captures the current Asian perception of the West: Sheer incredulity.
How could the best preachers on political courage and economic discipline in the world display none of it when the hour came?
In short, we are not going to get any great global leadership soon. And if we continue to drift, we will at least know why. THE NEW YORK TIMES
Kishore Mahbubani, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, is working on a book about global governance and leadership.

From iTODAY:A rudderless world

Kishore Mahbubani | Aug 20, 2011 6:00 AM

I am so serious :)

2011-02-02T11:29:00.005+05:30

> i am so serious

not just delirious

> for the next phase

not just agaze

> of life

nor just rife

> of myself

not just wait

> for things to happen

long long ago

2010-12-12T14:27:00.003+05:30

Its been really long time almost nearing a year from my last post, and more over even before my last post it was sporadic posting ,esp stuff borrowed from elsewhere. Hoping this impasse sets itself right, unlike north Korea's stubbornness.

A new design. Original Content. Would be refreshing and very much welcome. Hopefully it happens soon.

jk C m U

Seriously what!

2010-03-10T01:39:00.003+05:30

Amusing ourselves to death

Road projects, flyovers: A major scandal?

2010-03-10T01:33:00.001+05:30

Mahesh Vijapurkar smells a scandal in the BOT model for road projects.

I am beginning to suspect that construction of road and related infrastructure like flyovers and bridges in out country could be a big scandal. Windfall profits may be available to those involved in this business which is best known by the acronym, BOT - build, operate and transfer.

Here is where my suspicion takes root: when the 50-odd flyovers were built in Mumbai to easily enable vehicles transit the multiple traffic signals which helped delay traffic and built up snarls, a charge was levied on their use.

People entering or exiting the city were asked to pay a toll. Periodically, as per a contract, an increment is allowed.

Misuse of BOT?

Any common sense approach would tell you that the idea behind the toll is to collect the cost of the construction, then maintenance plus some profit. For this, the toll is to be collected over a period because the costs, et cetera cannot be recovered overnight. When the government has no funds because it squanders elsewhere, this BOT model takes root.

But remember, the entire costing and revenue model is worked out after factoring in the usual bribes that are sought and paid, sometimes as a routine.

One critical element is the number of users. My fears are pitched on the number of users who pay for the facility. But how come the special purpose vehicles like Maharashtra [ Images ] State Road Development Corporation say they are in losses and officials ask that an extra levy on petrol be imposed to recover costs?

Everything seems so opaque!

When the plans were made and the contracts were drawn up, certain number of cars and trucks were reckoned as users and it is normally assumed that these numbers would only go up, regardless of the price of the vehicles and fuel also going up.

However, was it ever assumed that India's [ Images ] economy would grow at the pace it did and the number of vehicles it brought onto the roads?

Beyond expectations

We did not, because in the late 1990s when the flyovers were conceived and built, the economy was not as strong as it has been in the new millennium. It was assumed that everything would remain sluggish. Did we then underestimate the users?

We appear to have and thus over-collected the toll. More cars zip around and more trucks carry more to feed the growth machine which we seem to be now.

If that were indeed the case, then the toll collected now would have met the profits and the collections would now be meeting the profiteering needs of the establishment which always has a soft corner for the contractors.

Perhaps, it is time for an audit now and for the government and its agencies to say, 'yes, we have earned from this toll-business more than sufficient profits.' Failing to do so is to enable windfalls to the undeserving.

When windfall profits are the basis of private-public partnerships, then it is the immoral way of doing business. The government ought to be clamping down on that instead of winking at them.

But it seems none has cared because government is of the people, for the politicians, by the bureaucrats. Which is unfair, and the one single reason why our republic can go into decline sooner or later, if it already has not started sliding that way.

It appears there indeed has been some mischief of this kind in some parts of Maharashtra. The Marathi media has been writing about some serious aspects of this by pointing out that the authorities who can in some cases give a three-month extension for toll collection, have extended the license 'till further orders' which kept the scope for collection open-ended.

Windfalls

These concession agreements which address the issues of costing, maintenance and profits need to be revisited and from what has come out in the public domain, it is justified. These concession agreements were extended in as many as 23 locations for as many projects across Maharashtra and in some cases the collections have been much beyond reasonable recoveries.

For instance, the Pune-Saswad road cost Rs 11.63 crore (Rs 116.3 million) and the toll has crossed Rs 27.43 crore (Rs 274.3 million). The Saswad-Jejuri-Baramati road cost Rs 5.54 crore (Rs 55.4 million), the recoveries by way of toll has been Rs 11.05 crore (Rs 110.6 million) and so on and so forth. This is a dead giveaway.

The other point of note is that in some constituencies, which are known as VIP constituencies like Latur, Baramati, now Nanded -- no prizes for guessing why they have that status, the collection of the toll did not even commence in some cases. That was because the locals would not be happy.

Would rest of the road users in the country elsewhere who appear set to be called upon to pay toll in perpetuity be happy?

Not people-centric

I think not. Time, therefore, to ask the authorities across the country to come clean and end this toll -- a section of the Marathi media calls it the jiziya, a toll which the Moguls imposed on the Hindus.

What is happening in Maharashtra could well be true everywhere for roads are being built under the BOT model.

After all, all progress has to be designed to be people-centric and the benefits that accrue to the investor and developers -- and if we generously allow the officialdom and the politicians to wet their beaks a bit -- have to be incidental.

Nothing at the cost of or the neglect of the citizens ought to be the philosophy. But that is nowhere to be found.

Mahesh Vijapurkar is a senior journalist and commentator on people's issues.

Seven Principles of Social Business

2010-02-26T17:38:00.003+05:30

According to Micro finance pioneer and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus

Business objective will be to overcome poverty, or one or more problems (such as education, health, technology access, and environment) which threaten people and society; not profit maximization

Financial and economic sustainability

Investors get back their investment amount only. No dividend is given beyond investment money

When investment amount is paid back, company profit stays with the company for expansion and improvement

Environmentally conscious

Workforce gets market wage with better working conditions

...do it with joy

Typical work week ahead, so which one is your face today ?

2010-02-25T12:54:00.001+05:30

Indian Sign Language

2010-02-19T10:26:00.002+05:30

Tamil Nadu Art Forms

2010-01-15T09:00:00.000+05:30

Ethnographic details of Folk arts

1- Oyilattam
Oyil refers grace and the attam refers dance. Therefore Oyilattam is the dance of graceful gestures. A group of men and women of the villages performs Oyilattam in the open air at southern regions of Tamil Nadu perform it. The dancers dress uniformly. Generally the performers wear colorful dhoti and hold a ribbon at their hands. This is a linear type of dance in which 12-20 persons stand in row and perform dance to the rhythmic music with forward movements, swinging their hands forward and backward coupled with intricate foot movements.

2- Kokkali Kattai attam
This is a folk art form performed on slits. The performers wear tall props resemble of legs of egret, the dance has been named after the bird. It is a group performance accompanied with percussion instruments like Dholak, thappu and chatti. The dancers wear multi colour bands on their waists and a toy parrot perches secure on their shoulders. It is endemic in such regions adjoining Vellore and Wallahagapet and performed only on temple fests. Generally devotees perform this in temples in order to fulfill their vow. Today this art form now gained a wider audience with growing demand for it even in a secular audience.

3- Deverattam
Devarattam is performed by the men folk of Kambalathu Naicker domiciled Tuticorin and Virudhunagar regions. Deverattam is accompanied with a musical instrument that is known as Deva Thunthubi. There are thirty-two rhythmic steps in Devarattam. These steps are known as adavu. In the beginning of Devarattam all the dance performers worship the musical instrument and the musical performer and then they begin to perform. Similarly they do in the end of the performance also. Devarattam is performed in all the life cycle ceremonies and religious celebrations of Kambalathu Naicker community. It’s a traditional rule that every man from Kambalathu Naicker should know Deverattam. Some years ago Devarattam is performed as a ritual among this community only. How ever now a day it’s also performed as an entertainment in several socio cultural functions.

4- Villu paatu
Villu paatu is closely associated with the folk religious practices of Southern Tamil Nadu. Both men and women folk from various communities performs Villu paatu. The lead singer sings and narrate the respective myth of the deity along with musical instruments like Kattai, Jalra and Uduku. The main function of Villu paatu performance is to invoke the spirit of the deity. The performers sit semi circle in front of the bow. The length of the bow is around seven feet and its middle portion is bent. This is called Villu i.e. Bow . The lead singer commences Villu paatu. He offers Pooja to all the musical instruments. He holds a small rod in his hands while singing. He gives rhythmic taps to the strings attached to the bow to produce music. Generally villupaatu is performed through out the night during the annual folk religious festival.

5- Sakaikuchi attam
A team of men folk performed this art form. Small wooden pieces and wooden sticks are used in this performance. The wooden pieces are known as Sakai and the sticks are known as Kuchi. Therefore the dance is known as sakaikuchi attam. Small Bamboo sticks are also used in this performance. This is performed during Mariamman and Murugan temple celebrations in Tiruchy and Tanjoore region.

6- Thapattam
‘Thappu’ is a small circular one headed drum hung from the shoulder and performed with two small sticks known as chimbu kuchi and adikuchi. Thappu is performed to produce different kinds of music that convey specific meaning depending upon the context. There are different kinds of music in Thappattam. They are known as chaparathadi, dappa adi, Paadam adi, cinema adi, marul adi, maradithal adi etc. Thappattam is a traditional occupation of certain communities domiciled in the districts of Madurai, Dindigul, and Thanjavur regions in Tamilnadu. Thappattam plays an important role in all the life cycle ceremonies of these people.

7- Kaniyan koothu
A ritual folk performance, performed by the men folk of Kaniyan community is known as Kaniyan koothu. Kaniyan koothu is performed by a team of Kaniyan normally consists of six members. This includes a lead singer, an assistant singer, two drummers, and two dancers costumed as women. Kaniyan koothu is closely associated with Sudalai worship in southern region of Tamil Nadu. Kaniyan koothu is performed to invoke the spirit of Sudalai during Kodai- a annual celebration. In koothu performance the performers sung and narrate the origin myth of Sudalai together with music and dance. The name of the musical instrument is called Makudam and this performance is also known as Makudatam. Lead singer is the leader of Kaniyan koothu performance. He sings and narrates the myth of Sudalai. These lead singers are known as annavi. While singing the myth in high pitch the komarathadi gets possessed by the spirit and danced vehemently. In Kaniyan koothu performance two men folk perform the drum that is called Makudam. This drum is a small circular one headed drum hung from the shoulder and tapped with fingers. There are two types of Makudam based on the sound of the drum. They are vucha makudam (high pitch drum) andmantha makudam (low pitch drum) . Both the drums are used in Kaniyan koothu. These two drummers stand adjacent to the lead singer and perform. Two men dancers costumed as women danced. These performers dance according to the song and music.

8- Periamelam
A big percussion instrument is used in this performance, therefore it is known as Periamelam. A team of men folk performs Periamelam. Thamuru, Chatti, Thamuku, Jalra are the other musical instruments accompanied in this performance. There are ten paagams in periamelam performance. In first pagam they introduce all the varieties; second paagam is performed at social functions; third paagam is performed marriage rituals; fourth paagam is performed during the rituals at Gangai amman worship; fifth paagam is performed for cine songs; sixth paagam is performed during rituals at Mariamman worshipping rituals; seventh paagam is performed during Pongal celebration; eight paagam is performed for Puliattam and ninth Paagam is performed during festivals. This art form is traditionally performed in the northern regions of Tamil Nadu.

9- Jimpla Melam
Jimpla is a percussion instrument. It is also known as Cimpla melam, cimpla kottu and erudhu kottu melam. This is like a Thavil but short in appearance. One side of the drum is played by hand and a stick plays another side. This instrument is accompanied by the kattai kuzhal. This is also known as Kattai nayanam or satthu Kuzhal. Jimpla melam during folk religious festivals and life cycle ceremonies especially on funeral rites at Ramanathapuram region.

10- Kalaripayitu
The word Kalari derived from the Sanskrit word Khaloorke, a military training ground. Sward, knofe, Maan kombu, Kanda kodali, Mazhu etc are the weapons that are used in Kalari. There are two kinds of Kalari. They are Vadakan Kalari (Northern method) and Thekkan Kalari (Southern Method). Kalari is existeing at Kanyakumari region and Kerala. The Kalari performers worship the God, weapons, Guru and the ground in the beginning of every performance.

11- Kummiattam
Kummiattam is a folk art form of Tamil Nadu. Kummy refers the dance while clapping hands to a rhythm, accompanied by songs in popular tunes. Generally women form a circle and dance during folk religious festivals and life cycle ceremonies especially during marriage and puberty rituals.

12- Poikal kuthirai attam
It is a folk art form of TamilNadu. This art form is known as poikal koothu or puraviyattam. This art flourished under the patronage of Thanjavor king and is said that this have been first performed by Maratta artistes. A dummy horse prepared out of cardboard and bamboo sticks and wooden sticks are used by artists to produce the sound effects of hooves. The horses are decorated in the Thanjavur style with mirrors and other embellishments.

13- Marakkalattam
Two wooden poles are tied with the bottom of the legs and danced is known as Marakalaatam. It is performed as an entertainment. The performers danced to the music Nayandi Melam. The length of the wooden pole is approximately 130 cm. These poles are very strong and it has a special structure by which the performer fixes these poles comfortably at his legs. Thomparayer community performs this dance and it is believed that this dance is danced by Thirumangai Aalwar Kannan.

14- Kazhial aatam
Kazhi refers a stick. A dance accompanied with sticks is known as Kazhilattam. Kazhil attam is also known as Kazhal, Kalaladi.In Malayalam it is known as Kol kazhi, Koladi, Kambu Kazhi etc.Kazhial attam is performed at Tirunalveli, Kanyakumari and Tuticorin regions in Tamil Nadu.

15-Therukoothu
Theru koothu is the combination of literature, music and theatre. It is considered as the powerful theatre tradition of Tamil Nadu. This is performed in South Arcot, North Arcot, Chengalpattu, Thiruvanamalai and Vilupuram districts in Tamilnadu. Therukoothu is not only aesthetically sophisticated but also has a significant position in socio religious practices of the villages. Performance in the Theru koothu is considered as an act of devotion to the local village deity to which it is traditionally linked. There are two kinds of Therukoothu. They are Therkathi paani(Southern Method) Vadakathi paani (Northern Method). Therkathi paani is performd at Puducheri region and Vadakathi paani is performed at Chengalpattu and North Arocot region. Dolak, Jalra, Armoniam are the musical instruments that are used in Therukoothu. Generally therukoothu performers perform the myth of Ramayanam, Mahabaratham.

16- Nayandi melam
A team of men folk performs this. Nayandi melam is a musical form consists of a reed pipe, thavil, pampai and urumi and percussion instruments. It’s performed in rural religious celebrations and rituals and celebrations. It provide ideal accompaniment to folk forms like Karagaatam, Kavadiattam, Kuravan Kurathi attam , Poi kaal kutharai attam etc.

17- Kaavadi attam
With the kaavadi- an artistic semi circular canopy resting on three-foot cylindrical base- on their shoulders, devotees of lord Murugan undertake ritual pilgrimages to the hills where his temples are. The performer twists and turns the kaavadi in animated equilibrium. This is accompanied with Nayandi meelam.

18- Paavaikoothu (Leather puppet show)
Paavai koothu is performed by Mandigar- a Marati speaking community in Tamil Nadu. Paavaikoothu is performed not only in Tamil Nadu but also in other southern states of India. Generally a team of performers performs Paavai koothu. Puppets made of leather are used to perform this Koothu. A place in which three sides are covered with coconut leaves or gunny bags or walls and a white screen fixed in the front side is the space for paavai koothu performance. A bright light is fixed inside the room. The chief performer sit inside the room and he operates the Puppets behind the white screen with his hands and simultaneously give voice in different tones according to the character. Adjacent to the stage the musicians and assistant singers are placed. Audiences sit in front of the screen and enjoy the show. Ramayana, Mahabaratha and other myths are the themes of Paavaikoothu. In those days paavaikoothu artists travel several villages to perform their show.

19- Karagaattam (Maadattam, Mylattam, Karadiattam, Puliattam )
This is one of the showpieces of rural art, peculiar to Tamilnadu. Young women dance several variations to the music Naiyandi melam. The special feature of this art is that the dancer balances a painted pot on her head while performing a variety of specific foot movements in toe with the music and its rhythm. Karagattam is also known as Karaga chembu and Kumbattam It’s performed as an entertainment in temple celebrations. Generally as a part of Karagattam Mylattam, Puliattam Karadiattam, Maadattam are performed. The performers costumed as Peacock, Bear, Tiger and Cow and dance to the music of Nayandi Melam. These are a joyous dance form. The Artists mimic the movements and those birds and animals and dance to the music. How ever in certain places these forms are performed separately.

20- ChendaMelam
Chendamelam is a percussion instrument traditionally performed by a scheduled caste community in Kerela. A team of men folk performs this. The performers hold the musical instruments in their shoulder and play the drums with sticks. Generally Chendamelam is performed at religious festivals to invoke the spirit of the deities. Singara melam is a part of Chenda melam. Dance according to the Chenda music along with some other musical instrument like is known as Singara melam.

21- Dolu Kunitha
Dolu Kunitha is a popular folk art form of southern Karnataka. In Kannada Dolu refers a drum and Kunitha refers dance. This art form is performed at temple and marriage festivals.

22- Toda dance
Toda a tribal community domiciled at Nilgiris region performed a dance in their marriage and other life cycle ceremonies. Generally they don’t use any musical instrument in their performance.

23- Tudumbattam
This is performed by Tudumbar - a tribal community domiciled at Pollachi and coimbatore region in Tamil Nadu. Tudumbu- a musical instrument is accompanied with Chatti, Jalra, Vuruttu etc. are used in this performance. Traditioanlly they perform this misic in order to protect themselves form the wild animals.

24- Jikkattam
This art form is traditionally known as Jakku adi and primarily it is a musical form. In a course of time dance is also performed according to the music. There are several kinds of dance forms in Jikkatam. They are Themangu, Oyilattam, Kavadiattam and Disco. Generally eight men perform dance and sixteen men are perform music. Jikkattam is traditionally performed at Pollachi and Coimbatore region during temple celebrations and life cycle ceremonies.

25- Silambattam
Silambattam is a traditional art form of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Kazhi vesuthal, silambam kattutal, Kuchi vilaiattu, Kabmu Vilayattu etc. Silambattam is performed during folk religius festivals and other social festivals in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally cane sticks are used for silambatam however weapons like Sward, knife etc are also used in silambattam.

Chennai Sangamam festival

2010-01-11T10:35:00.004+05:30

Chennai Sangamam - The Open Festival

visit to know more Chennai Sangamam - 2010

The only Festival of India that belongs to people of all religions, as well as to the non-believers. The harvest fest of Tamil antiquity - The Pongal re-discovering itself as urban thanksgiving. It's Chennai Sangamam. More than 2000 performers will ignite the spirit of Chennai for seven days with around 4000 performances. All in parks, streets and beaches. From January 10-16, 2010. Welcome to the longest and biggest Open Festival of India, presented by Tamil Maiyam & Dept. of Tourism and Culture, Govt of Tamil Nadu.

Chennai sangamam highlights 12- 01- 09

Inauguration of:

1.Aadukalam, traditional games of Tamilnadu- Silambam, Kalari,malcom Pidivarisai, Vazhku Maram, Mallar Kambam.
2. Aquarium- exotic and rare fishes on display.

3. Craft Bazaar at Lady Wellington College, Kamaraj Salai.

At various venues:

Natesan Park- T NAGAR
7.15 pm to 8.15 pm- Carnatic Choir- Music College Students and O S Arun

Sivan Park - KK Nagar
7.00 pm to 8.15 pm - Kadri Gopalnath - Saxaphone recital- classical

Periyar Vilayattu Thidal, Valasarawakkam
7.00 pm to 7.45 pm - Dance by Lawrence Raghavendra'S Group

Tower Park – Anna nagar
8.15 pm to 9.00 pm - Salsa dance set to Tamil Music

ELLIOTS Beach, Besant Nagar
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm- Sangitha Sangamam- Umayalpuram Shri Sivaraman and Ensemble- classical and folk percussion

Thiru Vi Ka Park - Shenoy Nagar
6.45 pm to 8.15 pm -Bombay Jayashri- Carnatic Vocal

ECR Road – Palavakkam
8.30 pm to 9.30 pm -Sufi Music

Lady Wellington College
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm- Avigna Dance – Akara Mudhala
8.00 pm to 9.30 pm- Kattrinilae Varum Geetham – Thayanban's Pallavi Isai Kuzhu

Contonment Ground Pallavaram
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm -The Girls Orchestra presents 'Valaioosai'

Chennai sangamam highlights of 13-01-09
Inauguration Fruit Show and Vegetable Show at Natesan Park, T.Nagar.
‘White Night’ at Venkatnarayana Road, T.Nagar
At various venues:
Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm- Sangitha Sangamam- Umayalpuram Shri Sivaraman and Ensemble- classical and folk percussion
Natesan Park- T NAGAR
5.30 pm to 7.00 pm -Abhaswaram Ramji's Isai Mazhalai presents - "Kuzhal Inidhu Yazhl Inidhu"
Tower Park- ANNA NAGAR
7.00 pm to 8.15 pm -Sudha Raghunathan - Carnatic Vocal
Ashok NagarPark - Ashok Nagar
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm- Agara Mudhala-- Avigna Group Dance Performance
8.00 pm to 9.00 pm- Sufi Music
ELLIOTS Beach, Besant Nagar
8.30pm to 9.30 pm- Nayyandi Melam, Karagam, Kāvadi, Devarattam, Udukaiyadi, Chendai Melam, Silambattam, Bommaigal Nadanam, Kathamba Nigazhvu, Folk Songs.
Thiru Vi Ka Park - Shenoy Nagar
5.30 pm to 8.30 pm -Therkathi Vaasam -Paul Jacob- Folk in Orchestra.
Anna Park, Royapuram
7.30 pm to 8.30 pm - Pavalakodi – Special Drama
Suthanthira Thina Poonga – Valluvarkottam<>
ECR Road – Palavakkam
7.00 pm to 7.45 pm- Lawrence Raghavendra dance Group.
Contonment Play ground – Pallavaram
5.00 pm to 7.00 pm – Chinna Ponnu Folk performance

Chennai sangamam highlights of 14-01-09
At various venues:
Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm- “Suttrum Vizhi Chudar” – Anil Srinivasan, Anuradha Sriram & Unnikrishnan - Barathiyar in classical and films to the strains of Piano.
Natesan Park- T NAGAR
6.30 pm to 7.30 am – Bhairavi & Malavi – Carnatic Vocal
Periyar Vilayattu Thidal, Valasarawakkam
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm – Subhashree Thanikachalam – Folk Music in Cinema
Tower Park - ANNA NAGAR
8.00 pm to 9.00 pm – Volga to Ganga – Snekavin Western Classical and Modern Music Band
Ashok Nagar Park - Ashok Nagar
7.00 pm to 8.15 pm- Saxaphone in Carnatic – Saxaphone Sisters
ELLIOTS Beach, Besant Nagar
6.00pm to 9.00 pmTherkathi Vaasam – Paul Jacob – Folk in Orchestra.
Thiru Vi Ka Park - Shenoy Nagar
8.30 pm to 9.30 pm –Sufi Music.
Suthanthira Thina Poonga – Valluvarkottam
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm – Charulatha Mani presents ‘Isai Payanam’ – The Voyage of Music.
Lady Wellington School
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm – Irayanban Kuthos – Tamil Isai.

Chennai sangamam highlights of 15-01-09
At various venues:
Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore
6.30 am to 7.30 am- Saindhavi – Carnatic Vocal Music.
Natesan Park- T NAGAR
7.00 pm to 8.15 pm- Lakshmi Rangarajan – Carnatic Vocal Music.
Sivan Park – KK Nagar
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm- Mahathi Carnatic Vocal.
Periyar Vilayattu Thidal, Valasarawakkam
6.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Nithyasri – Carnatic Vocal
Tower Park - ANNA NAGAR
7.00 pm to 8.15 pm – “Panjali Sabatham” Dance Recital by –Roja Kannan, Priya Murle Lavanya Ananth, N. Srikanth and Aswathi Srikanth.
Ashok Nagar Park - Ashok Nagar
77.00pm to 8.15 pm - Savitha Narasimhan – Carnatic Vocal.
Thiru Vi Ka Park - Shenoy Nagar
8.30 pm to 9.30 pm - Salsa Dance Set to Tamil Music
Suthanthira Thina Poonga – Valluvarkottam
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm – Amrita Murali - Carnatic Vocal.
ECR Road – Palavakkam
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm - Krishna Leela – By Lakshya Performing Arts Academy
Lady Wellington School
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm – Nenjinnikum Pazhaya Padalgal- Kannagaraj Innisai Thenral-Thirai Mettukkal.
Corporation Ground - Kodambakkam
8.15 pm to 9.30 pm - Pavalakodi- Special Drama

Food Festival

Location Name of the hotel Cuisine specialty Retail Shop
1 Cantonment School ground, GST Road, Pallavaram Le Royal Meridien Chetinad
2 Chennai Corporation Ground, Kodampakkam, Trust puram
The Park
Tanjore
3 Lady Wellington College Grounds , Marina Beach Drive Savera Hotel Sangakala Unavu Retail Shop
Sheraton Chola Hotel Nagerkoil
Venu Biryani Venu Biryani
Club Mahindra Holidays Ancient Tamil Food
Thirupur Chidambaram Kongu nadu
Coimbatore Burma Pai Parorota Coimbatore Burma pai paorrota.
4 Nageswarar Rao Park, Mylapore The Rain tree Ancient Tamil food Retail Shop
Taj coromandel KumbaKonam
Chetinadu from Oriental Chettinadu
5 Natesan Park, Venkatnarayana Road, T-Nagar GRT Grand Nanjil Nadu Retail Shop
The Accord Metropolitan Sangakala Unavu
Sheraton Park Hotel Madurai
6 Tower Park,Annanagar Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Retail Shop
Radisson GRT Hotel Tanjore - Raja Saroboji cuisine
Radha Regent Madurai
Thamboolam-Herbal Food Herbal Food
7 Thanthai Periyar Ground Valasaravakkam Madhampatti Nagaraj KonguNadu
Venu Venu Biryani Retail Shop
8 Ashok Nagar Park, Ashok Nagar
Virudhunagar
Virudhunagar
9 Elliots Beach , Besant Nagar Virudhunagar Virudhunagar
Hotel Fortune Select Palms Tanjore
10 Independence day Park, Nungambakkam
Sabari Group of Hotels
Arcot
11 Thiru Vika Park Shenoy Nagar Virudhunagar Virudhu Nagar Retail Shop
Breeze Hotel Arcot
Coimbatore Burma Bai Coimbatore Burma pai paorrota.
12 ECR Road, Palkalai Nagar, Palavakkam Asiana Hotel Chola Nadu
Virudhunagar Virudhu nagar
Retail shops will sell the following items :

Irrutukadai Halwa

Srivilliputhur Pal Gova

Kovil patti Kadalai Mittai

Manaparai Murukku

PremaVilas Halwa

Madurai Jil Jil Jigardhanda

Kallidai kuruchi appalam

Detailed schedule of events for Madras Week

2009-08-17T11:51:00.002+05:30

For more details visit www.madrasmusings.com (please click on the image to enlarge)

Centre issues fresh guidelines on swine flu

2009-08-16T11:35:00.002+05:30

With swine flu cases across India rising sharply, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday issued fresh guidelines specifying screening and testing module for patients, to contain the disease in the country.

The guidelines were finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday night in connection with the various actions taken by the government for containment and mitigation of H1N1 cases across the country. During the meeting that lasted for more, than five hours till 10 pm on Friday night, the health minister also discussed various guidelines and protocols developed by the World Health Organisation in Geneva, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Atlanta, United States and the National Health Service in United Kingdom.

The meeting was attended by eminent experts from public and private hospitals/organisations besides senior officers of the Health Ministry and the Directorate General of Health Services. As per guidelines, all individuals seeking consultation for flu-like symptoms would be screened at healthcare facilities -- both government and private -- or examined by a doctor and will be categorised broadly under three categories A, B and C depending on their health status, as per an official release. They will be given treatment and isolated as specified in the guidelines.

Patients with mild fever plus cough/sore throat with or without body ache, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting will be categorised as Category-A. They do not require Oseltamivir and should be treated for the symptoms mentioned above. The patients should be monitored for their progress and reassessed after 24 to 48 hours by the doctor. For this category, no testing of the patient for H1N1 is required.

Patients should confine themselves at home and avoid mixing up with public and high- risk members in the family. Category B has two subcategories. Category BI is for those patients who have high grade fever and severe sore throat, in addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under Category-A.

They may require home isolation and Oseltamivir. Category BII is for those, who in addition to all the signs and symptoms mentioned under Category-A, have one or more of the following high risk conditions like children less than five years old, pregnant women, persons aged 65 years or older, patients with lung diseases, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV/AIDS, patients on long term cortisone therapy.

They shall be treated with Oseltamivir but no tests for H1N1 is required for Category-B (I) and (II). However, all patients of Category-B (I) and (II) should confine themselves at home and avoid mixing with public and high-risk members in the family.

Category C is for patients, who in addition to the above signs and symptoms of Category-A and B, have one or more of the following problems like breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, fall in blood pressure, sputum mixed with blood, bluish discolouration of nails, irritability among small children, refusal to accept food, worsening of underlying chronic conditions.

All these patients mentioned above in Category-C require testing, immediate hospitalisation and treatment. The release said that these guidelines will be reviewed and revised from time to time as per need and on the basis of the spread of the disease.

Everything you wanted to know about Swine Flu

2009-08-11T10:26:00.004+05:30

Stop germs from spreading

The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 healthcare emergency not just in the country but the world over. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be ignorance and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a information dossier on the subject.

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the beginning it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.

This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
* Bluish or gray skin colour
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?

Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you.

* Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings.

* Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation.

* Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough,headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.

source : 1 & 2

SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE LOST IT NOW

2009-08-10T22:34:00.001+05:30

The proud father brought home a backyard swing set for his children and immediately started to assemble it with all the neighborhood children anxiously waiting to play on it. After several hours of reading the directions, attempting to fit bolt A into slot B, etc., he finally gave up and called upon an old handyman working in a neighboring yard.

The old-timer came over, threw the directions away, and in a short while had the set completely assembled.

"It's beyond me," said the father, "how you got it together without even reading instructions."

"To tell the truth," replied the old-timer, "I can't read, and when you can't read, you've got to think."

Everything you need to know about swine flu

2009-08-08T21:22:00.002+05:30

Everything you need to know about swine flu

Rediff News Bureau

India is grappling with a swine flu epidemic.There is heightened panic among people following reports of growing number of HIN1 cases and the recent death of a school child in Pune. Here's an FAQ on the dreaded virus:

How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.

How soon can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.

They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The government has adequate stock and the drug is made available to government hospitals at the time of outbreak and would be available to you free of cost. The drug is to be administered under supervision of clinicians.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.

Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?

No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

DOs:

* Wash your hands
* Avoid crowded places
* Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with flu
* Get plenty of sleep
* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

DO NOTs:

* Shake hands or hug in greeting
* Spit in public
* Take medicines without consulting a physician

For people who are sick:

* Stay home and limit contacts with others as much as possible
* Rest and take plenty of liquids
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
* Seek medical advice if needed.

Almonds versus Peanuts

2009-07-23T16:58:00.005+05:30

I'm lover of peanuts/groundnuts, and just gulp them at any chance i get, my favourites are roasted and peppered ones. But suddenly got a doubt is there any better alternative to peanuts and the closest relative was Almonds. Peanuts are very bad for the obese and people having cholestrol. Never heard anything bad about almonds so decided to check out which augurs well,so googled out almonds versus peanuts and lo, i came across this,which i thought should share with all ;)

The Almond has long been considered the alternative to the peanut. Not just for people allergic to peanuts but for the health conscious as well. It has been considered the healthy option so I felt that I should make it my job to find out more.

Nutrients are based on 100 grams

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 22 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fibre: 12 grams
Fat Saturated: 4 grams
Fat Mono unsaturated: 32 grams
Fat Polyunsaturated: 12 grams
Calcium: 248 milligrams
Phosphorus: 474 milligrams
Potassium: 728 milligrams
Zinc: 3 milligrams
Iron: 4 milligrams
Magnesium: 275 milligrams
Vitamin A: 0 micrograms
Vitamin B1: 0.24 milligrams
Vitamin B2: 0.8 milligrams
Vitamin B3: 4 milligrams
Vitamin B6: 0.13 milligrams
Vitamin C: 0 milligrams
Vitamin E: 22.47 micrograms
Folate (folic acid): 29 micrograms

(This is one healthy nut! – Beeble)

What do these figures mean?

Compared to the peanut the calorie contents are very similar and there is no doubt that they are both very healthy options, especially for your mineral intake. There is a very obvious benefit of the almond over the peanut and that is that the Almond has nearly half the saturated fat content of the peanut and fractionally more unsaturated fats which means that, as far as fats are concerned, the Almond is indeed more healthy. Lets take a look at the Almonds other key areas of health benefits.

Vitamins and Minerals

100 grams of Almonds contain the following:

74% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Magnesium (essential for strong bones, healthy heart function and growth)
68% RDA of Phosphorus (used in nearly all the body’s structures especially bones and for the transportation of energy through our bodies)
53% RDA of Vitamin B2 (Important for getting energy from fats, carbohydrates and proteins)
50% RDA of Vitamin E (Protects the red blood cells, our nervous system cells and our immune system cells; a great antioxidant)

Side note

Vitamin E’s benefits are fairly unknown still and because of this the RDA could be inaccurate, 22.47 micrograms, as I have said, is 50% of the RDA however if you regard some other reports it could be as much as 200% of your RDA. This as a whole does not matter too much as Vitamin E is relatively nontoxic and doses as high as 3200 micrograms have been taken in a day with no side affects. Vitamin E is very good at at reducing blood clots and whilst this is good news Almonds, foods and supplements that are high in Vitamin E should be avoided if you are already being prescribed blood thinners by your doctor.

Summary

The Almond is a good alternative to the peanut if you do not like them or are allergic. However if you are neither of these and you are able to eat both then I would recommend you eat both. Whilst in the fat category the Almond is clearly more healthy they really do compliment each other in the vitamin and mineral category giving a very good supply to your recommended daily allowance. The Almond therefore is not better than the peanut it is just ever so slightly different and just as good. So it is time to start mixing your nuts!

source

Solar eclipse of July 22, 2009

2009-07-22T08:46:00.004+05:30

The solar eclipse of July 22, 2009, is the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting at most 6 minutes, 39 seconds. It has caused tourist interest in eastern China, Nepal and India.

The eclipse is part of saros series 136, like the record-setting solar eclipse of July 11, 1991. The next event from this series will be on August 2, 2027.^[4] The exceptional duration is a result of the moon being near perigee, with the apparent diameter of the moon 8% larger than the sun (magnitude 1.080) and the Earth being near aphelion^[5] where the sun appears slightly smaller.

This will be the second in the series of three eclipses in a month, with the lunar eclipse on July 7 and the lunar eclipse on August 6.

Visibility

It will be visible from a narrow corridor through northern Maldives, northern Pakistan and northern India, eastern Nepal, northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, the northern tip of Myanmar, central China and the Pacific Ocean, including the Ryukyu Islands, Marshall Islands andKiribati.

Totality will be visible in many large cities,including Surat, Vadodara, Bhopal, Varanasi,Patna, Dinajpur, Siliguri, Tawang, Guwahati, Chengdu, Nanchong, Chongqing, Yichang,Jingzhou, Wuhan, Huanggang, Hefei, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Huzhou, Suzhou, Jiaxing, Ningboand Shanghai, as well as over the Three Gorges Dam. According to some experts,Taregana in Bihar is the "best" place to view the event.

A partial eclipse will be seen from the much broader path of the Moon's penumbra, including most of Southeast Asia (all of India and China) and north-eastern Oceania.

Duration

This solar eclipse will be the longest total solar eclipse that will occur in the 21st century, and will not be surpassed in duration until June 13, 2132. Totality will last for up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds, with the maximum eclipse occurring in the ocean at 02:35:21 UTC about 100 km south of the Bonin Islands, southeast of Japan. The uninhabited North Iwo Jima island is the landmass with totality time closest to maximum, while the closest inhabited point is Akusekijima, where the eclipse will last 6 minutes and 26 seconds.

source

NASA Eclipse Web Site

The determined and hardworking....

2009-07-22T07:41:00.003+05:30

photo by Karthick Ramalingam(flickr)

more at

CTC Photography

The Movement

2009-07-15T09:03:00.006+05:30

IF LIGHTING A CANDLE OR WEARING A BLACK BAND

IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO,

Then this is not the right group for you

Mission Statement
"To establish and sustain a clean, accountable and responsible system and governement by empowering and enabling our citizens to become aware , responsible and clean there by creating a better city, country, world for all of us to live in. "

Post 26/11 everyone is angry. We want the politicians kicked out, we want terror camps bombed, we want hate mongers socked in the face.

All justified, all good...

But the important thing is that this should not be short-lived anger that gets expended in rhetoric and slogan shouting and marches and blogs and is forgotten one week or one month from now

What we really want is a safe Mumbai, a safe India, an India where we know the taxes we pay are being used to secure us, build infrastructure, make our lives better... Where our leaders are people we look up to, not crooks we want to thulp with our chappals...

What we need is for the system to change and that can't be done from ranting or railing from the outside. If we want the system to change, we have to get in there and do it…

NO ONE IS no one if going to show up with a magic wand and clean for us the mess our country is in, we're going to have to get our hands dirty...

Our dream is a party of professionals - engineers, doctors, architects, media people, ad guys, film makers, TV folk, finance and marketing janta and so on and so forth. Let’s come together all of us - find the best leaders amongst us who are willing to take the leap, put them up as candidates, raise money for them market them, publicise them, get them elected. Simultaneously we become think tanks to come up with an agenda for sustainable development, for creating the India we have wished for.

We’re talking about the most creative, most brilliant minds being put to use to make a better India, nay - the best India...

OF COURSE IT’S NOT GOING TO BE EASY. BUT NEITHER IS GETTING OUR BONES RESTRUCTURED ON POTHOLED ROADS. NEITHER IS COPING WITH WATER SHORTAGES, POWER CUTS, RISING PRICES. AND IT’S DEFINITELY A BETTER OPTION THAN CONSTANTLY WONDERING WHETHER THE NEXT TERROR BULLET HAS ON IT THE NAME OF SOMEONE WE LOVE…

LET’S MAKE OUR ANGER COUNT.

LET’S MAKE A CHANGE

Call for action

We believe that the time for talk is over and the time for action is here.

Begining now we move over from talking to action. There will be a mass meeting in January to discuss the first projects of the group.

But we need active members now.

If you would like to be an active part of this change, we request you to fill up thevolunteers form . This will enable us to understand your strengths and how you envisage yourself as part of this change.

You will sequesntly be contacted by the respective sub group as defined in the section on structure.

Our Pledge

* I will become the change I want to see happen.

* I will treat people of all caste, creed, religion, colour, sex, race or nationality as my equals.

* I will be the eyes, ears, and nose of my city and will inform concerned agencies if I notice anything untoward.

* I will participate in locality level initiatives that will ensure better civic amenities and active citizenship.

* I will fight corruption, regionalism, religious or cast based bigotry, as well as any kind of anti national behaviour.

* I will use communication, persuasion, litigation, group pressure and other peaceful means to precipitate the change I desire.

* I will dedicate ( ) hours every week to push our agenda, and participate in follow up action to ensure implementation.

* I will actively pursue and pressure our politicians, administrators and bureaucracy to be accountable and responsible to us, the people.

* I believe that the government and the citizens have a contractual relationship, and while I pursue and pressure the government to be responsive to our needs, I will simultaneously do my duties as a citizen.

source: I Am The Change

10 reasons why India will not become a superpower

2009-07-14T21:16:00.004+05:30

source

It saddens me to share this with you, but this is the stark truth glaring right on our faces. Should we acknoledge and take action or we leave it chalta hai,jo hoga so hoga...... no words to express.... when will we see political will amongst our politics... basically the whole system is flawed in design.. the federal/union - state structure and governance, though we are a democracy, in reality the decisions taken at large are by very powerfull lobbys mindfull of their respective gains... so many issues yet to be properly addressed... mainly divisim,casteism,religion and importantly national integrity. Hope,dream and do our part is we can say at the moment,Hope is what fuels our aspirations. Jai Hind!

'Will India become a superpower?' This is a question that nags every Indian. With the nature of problems that plague India, the chances of the country becoming a superpower are remote.

"India needs to be, not a powerful or dominant country, but a country which is less discontented from within", says Ramachadra Guha writer, historian and biographer who spoke on the topic 'Ten Reasons Why India Will Not and Should Not Become a Superpower' in a meeting organised by Aspen Institute India in New Delhi.

Guha pointed out that in 1948, there was a mood of despair and gloom about India's prospects, the government was seen as the only agent that could bring about change.

Today, however, there is a sense of optimism about India's prospects, although the government is seen as the major impediment in the country's progress.

Tarun Das, president, Aspen Institute India, said India needed more debates such as this to provide a more balanced view of the country's growth and development.

Of the 10 reasons he listed, Guha suggested that environmental degradation is likely to remain the most pressing challenge facing India. Primary education also remains a significant challenge that needs to be overcome.

He went on to elucidate the ten points that he thought would objectively prevent India from becoming a superpower:

1.Religious extremism: Long term trends indicate that liberals and moderates in every religious community in India are on the defensive.

2. Left wing extremism: Extremism in the form of the Naxalite movement, which is a result of geographical reasons and also social and political forces, owing to the continued dispossession and deprivation of tribal people in India.

3. Corruption: The corruption and corrosion of the power center in India, as a result of political parties functioning as family firms rather than open, transparent political systems.

4. Decline of public institutions: This includes universities, police, civil services, the judiciary (except for higher judiciary) etc.

5. Rich-poor divide: The increasing gap between the rich and the poor which is particularly manifested through farmer suicides in India, a phenomenon that has become pervasive only in the last 10-15 years, perhaps because there is now the expectation of a 'good life' that did not exist before.

6. Environmental degradation: The degradation at a local level, which is impacting people's lives in very real ways, whether in the form of massive depletion of underground aquifers, chemical contamination of soil, death of rivers, loss of species etc.

7. Apathy of the media: Apathy in covering issues of rising income inequality, environmental degradation.

8. Political chaos: The political fragmentation manifests as coalition governments at both the central and regional levels, which makes it very difficult to forge sustainable long term policies in the realm of health, education, etc.

9. Border disputes: India's unresolved border disputes, especially in Kashmir and the North East (Nagaland and Manipur) which indicates that there are parts of India that are not comfortable with being part of India.

10. Unstable neighbour: India's increasingly unstable neighbourhood is another serious impediment to our superpower ambitions.

source

A walk amongst the trees

2009-07-13T09:18:00.003+05:30

Though this is a very old post, i still thought i should share this with you all.After this walk, many more have been regularly conducted. To know more check their website.

---

Our first Tree Walk was held in Besant Nagar. Led by Dr. Narayanaswamy, a retired professor of Botany, a motley group of 30 tree enthusiasts went along observing and learning about trees by the roadside.

While learning about the trees, walkers learnt about issues that trees in urban areas face – abuse, nailing, and suffocation by indiscriminate paving. People don’t realise the long-term effects of a tree that is cut and not replaced. In one act of destruction, a vital eco-system that provided a haven for many birds, squirrels and insects is removed.

So, the damage goes on until worrying stories about global warming (for many individuals, this too seems to have no effect) make you think you’d better do something. There are several things we can do to create a greener Chennai.

• Being aware of the correct procedure for planting and caring for a sapling is very important. Also, choose species that help regenerate local biodiversity.

• Begin to notice the trees around you – the beautiful shapes, colours, flowers and fruits. Also notice the insensitive pruning, stakes that need removal, tree guards that can harm, and trees dying from wounds, drought and pollution and do everything you can for them.

• Become a tree guardian. Begin by adopting one tree in your own street, then wash its leaves, give it a drink, and see if it needs any special care. Then take on another and another. Check up on them every once in a while to see how they’re doing.

Nizhal invites corporate organisations to be part of our movement for sensitive greening. One could take part in tree surveys, awareness campaigns, and most importantly, to dispel the myth that ‘greening’ is only about ‘planting saplings’.

To be a responsible tree planter is most important, and this means taking care to monitor the growth of the saplings planted (it should never be about the number of saplings planted), and to help regenerate biodiversity of flora and fauna with a careful choice of species and a focus on bringing back indigenous species that are fast vanishing.

Often, in the course of my work, I remember the concluding line from Late Sundara Ramasami’s poem, Vriksha Manidhargal – Manithargal marangal pol vazhum kalaam varum (There will come a time when men will live like trees!). Nizhal hopes so too.

The author Shobha Menon, is one of the five founder trustees of Nizhal (‘Shade’ in Tamil), a Chennai-based NGO that promotes tree culture in urban landscapes. Reach them at nizhal.shade@gmail.com or call 044- 42045137. More information on Nizhal and its activities can be found at www.nizhaltn.org

Water cave in Hogenakkal Falls

2009-07-12T22:37:00.003+05:30

Water Cave in Hogenakkal Falls

photo by Bhagath Makka

This one is taken during Kolli3 trek. Know more about Trekking in chennai at www.chennaitrekkers.org

To know more about Hogenakkal Falls click here

Using The Same Password For All Your Logins? Don’t, And Here’s Why.

2009-07-12T16:32:00.002+05:30

By bluebadger

The first 5 months of this year have seen a continuos barrage of cyber attacks on individuals, websites, and browsers. In the last 2 weeks alone, FaceBook has been hit with at least two cyber attacks. With over 200 million users, FaceBook is a phiser’s dream. Unsuspecting folks login. And the login they use is the same one they use on Twitter, Digg, Mixx, and even their GMail account. And that’s what these phisers are looking for: your laziness at not having unique passwords for each account you use. With such sophistication, if you haven’t changed the passwords on your different accounts to its own unique one, now may be the time.

Phishers Harvest Facebook Passwords For Profit

by Gregg Keizer, Computerworld, May 19, 2009

Thieves assume people use the same password for most online identities.

“Identity thieves that hit Facebook last week with a new round of phishing attacks are harvesting passwords for profit, a security researcher has said. “It’s not surprising that they’re targeting Facebook,” said Kevin Haley, a director on Symantec’s security response team. “Facebook has, what, 200 million-plus users? The bad guys always go where’s there’s a lot of people.”

The newest Facebook attacks resemble previous phishing rounds in their tactics: A compromised account sends a malicious link to friends. That link leads to a site that mimics the legitimate log-in page. But users duped into entering their usernames and passwords are likely giving away more than just their Facebook credentials, said Haley. “Certainly this isn’t new,” he said, “but we think that what you’re seeing is an attempt to shake out every last dollar they can get.”

The criminals are operating on the assumption that the Facebook password they acquire from any given user has a good chance of being the same password that person uses on other sites, such as online shopping services or even bank accounts.

“Get one password for the right person and it’s like having their wallet handed over,” Symantec researcher Marian Merritt in the post to Symantec’s security response blog said on Friday.

Although Symantec has no statistics on the percentage of users who rely on just a single password for multiple online services or activities - Haley called the evidence “anecdotal” - it’s an assumption that both criminals and researchers make. “When you talk to users, that’s what they tell you they do,” he said.

Facebook Attack Acknowledged

Facebook has acknowledged the attack, and said it has reset passwords of compromised accounts and eliminated the phishing messages when it has found them. “It’s not like this is some great new virus technology,” Haley said, noting that the newest attacks are unlike worm-based attempts to infect Facebook accounts with the Koobface worm. This is straight con job. “Cons have been known from the beginning of time,” Haley continued. “But now we’re seeing them coming a little faster and more furious.”

The problem with social sites like Facebook is that they portray a certain level of trust - others are “friends,” after all, Haley added - and while users’ may be wary of clicking on links delivered via traditional email, they haven’t yet made the same connection to social networking.

“People are very wary of email [phishing attacks]. They’ve begun to catch on,” said Haley. “But they don’t have their antenna up when it comes to social networking.”

Symantec’s Merritt urged users to use more caution before clicking on links, to double-check the site’s URL and to use more, and more complex, passwords.

But Haley is pessimistic that the advice would sink in anytime soon. “It’s a progression,” he said, referring to the learning curve users go through before they realize they need to take care of their identities in a new online technology or type of service. Even then, it’s a never-ending fight. “If there’s a way to figure out a new way to attack, the bad guys will do it,” Haley concluded.”

Only Indians make, receive missed calls: Study

2009-07-10T09:07:00.004+05:30

India does more than just make and receive calls on its mobile phones. It is the only country in the world to send and receive

missed calls, has the lowest usage of multiple SIMs, while Indian women show a unique preference for public phones, including PCOs to make calls, according to a study.

The study also reports consumer-led innovation like wives using tracking devices on phones to pin cheating husbands or a migrant worker using the local grocer to transfer funds to his family by transferring load (prepaid value) from his mobile phone to the grocer.

These are some of the findings from a six-country qualitative survey of teleuse at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) in Asia by leading ICT think tank LIRNEasia.

Rural and low-income consumer segments are attracting immense interest as they are expected to contribute to the next wave of growth in India, particularly for telecom products and services.

Many industry experts believe that the next billion telecom subscribers will come from the BOP. Telecom adoption at the BOP highlights the role of telecom in enhancing household income and transforming personal identity by increasing accessibility and hence, credibility. Telecom adoption is also seen to impact their social and professional network coordination by strengthening family ties and increasing business coordination by overcoming challenges posed by location and context.

"If we are to have an inclusive society, it is imperative that the poor are connected to electronic networks. How can that happen unless companies deliver services that meet their needs? What LiRNEasia does with this survey is bridge that gap", says Rohan Samarajiva, chairman & CEO, LIRNasia.

"The complex and different nature of demand for telecom services among households making less than two dollars a day is illuminated by the teleuse@BOP research, enabling companies to develop appropriate products and governments to implement appropriate policies", Samarajiva explains. Missed calls are used by a high 84% of the sample to minimize communication expenditures.

They are used when people run out of load on their mobiles or when they want someone else to call them.

Missed calls are also used to check if another person is on the callers’ network. If the recipient is switched onto another network, he/she will be signalled to switch to a SIM corresponding to the callers’ network so that lower on-net charges can be availed of. Those below 35 years make the most use of missed calls as well as SMS, multiple SIMs and friends and family packages in order to manage their communication expenses.

Interestingly, Indian women are the only ones to display a preference for public landline phones. The reason is that they are enclosed during the conversation, which ensures safety and privacy, as also a place to sit.

At home, married women are especially starved for privacy which is at a premium when they want to converse with parents and siblings. Shopkeepers help by allowing women credit if they run out of money and also keeping messages for them in case they do not have phones.

The survey incorporates findings from a 45-minute questionnaire administered on 11,000 people in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Thailand.

source

Course in Basic Indian Sign Language

2009-06-30T08:14:00.007+05:30

Though i was following their activities for a while since i saw their recruitment advt in newspapers,it was by a chance that i saw ability foundation's page on facebook, there was a new event regarding sign language class. Immediately when i saw it, i had decided somehow should attend the programme and not forego the chance, the chance to learn something new, a new language in itself, that would be very helpfull and handy as well to communicate with the more gifted and able people around who are disdainfully neglected. Especially when some one is interested in doing a bit of social service and volunteering, you'll never know how usefull it would be. By any chance i didnt want to regret not doing the course, otherwise the very thought would be continuous nag until a new worry comes up.

This was being conducted by Ability Foundation and The deaf way foundation . A brief information on what the both organisation does. Ability foundation's goal is to create a level playing field for persons with disabilities. It sees the society as a whole and not divided into mainstream and the fringe. To create an environment where awareness about the rights of disabled persons is absorbed like daily news. It is to emphasise the fact,time and again, that persons with disabilities have the same rights, like everyone else, to realise their potential in a way that they choose to. Then the society would co-opt them in all spheres of activity. The Deaf Way Foundation is a voluntary organisation working in the area of Deaf Welfare, conducting programes,vocational training,placement,interpreting services,counselling,leadership training, personality development,seminars,conferences and also publishing India's first magazine of its kind for Deaf Issues.

Know me by my name,my strengths,my abilities,hopes and dreams and not by my diagnosis.

Ok, hope the history and geography was not that boring. Now lets come to the focal point of this article.

There were around 18 of us signed up for the evening batch, it was for about two week in duration. Our instructor was deaf and couldnt speak,in literal sense using his mouth(after attending this programme i dont think it is right in calling people dumb,when in reality they are not). We started by learning the various alphabets.Then the various greetings. Our syllabus was divided into 14 days. Each day we had something new to find out,learn,practice and also test!

It was not necessary to spell the words all time as each and every word had a distinct sign language. Day 2 we learned forming simple sentences and translating them to sign language. But before that we learnt a few vocabulary. As in learning a new language, it was no different here either, only by learning new words and vocabulary did we able to get our signing more interesting. It was nothing close to dull or drab, because each moment was quite fun and there were smiles all around.Day 3 saw us learning simple questions,family relationship terms and then translating them into simple sentences in sign language. Day 4 we started questioning with quite a few words. Learning how to use where,who,Which,How many,When,day. Day 5 was just as interesting and important as previous days, we learnt to sign days,months and words associated with it. Day 6 saw us learning how to say no and other negtive aspects in a sentence,such as refusing or defering and also commands. Each and every day there were new vocabulary to be learnt, as it was quite lot to learn,it was done on two days. Day 8 saw us doing another feat, learning the numeirc part of signing, how to sign numerals with other words,and relating them, like years,rupees,months,weeks,time and also some vocabulary with it. On day 9 we learnt how to relate sign with actions, viz us and the others we're talking to. Day 10 was practice,revision and of course learning new words and vocabulary. Especially signing states,countries and cities. The 11th,12th,13th day were focused on dialogues and how to carry on conversations. Day 14 all participants had to sign a story on any topic that they wanted to share.It was interesting to see all enthusiastically signing the story with lot of preparation and fine execution, except me i got cold feet as i hadnt prepared a story. Sorry all, maybe next time we meet up, i would definitely have an interesting story to sign. ;)

with instructor Hari, who handled our first week of classes

with instructor Uday, who handled our second week of classes

One thing all were unanimous was how they had enjoyed learning to communicate with sign language and still had fun by keeping the mouth shut.It was an incredible and amazing in itself. It was indeed an enlightening ,insightfull experience into theworld of deaf and those who cant speak. Also everyone stressed on the fact that signing skills should be learnt by all,especially the school students.

Thanks to the organizers,the participants,the instructors hari and uday, we all hopefully had a good time learning with like minded people who are hell bent on doing their part for social cause.

People interested can contact Pavithra (pavithra.parandhaman@abilityfoundation.org) or buzz at 044-24452400

Resuming Blogging Again Full time

2009-06-29T10:08:00.003+05:30

there was a gap in blogging for the past two months, was supposed to update and revamp the whole site with a new domain name, but the lazy i am, nothing worked out as i had planned.

But

CmU

is back with a bang!

The Local Heroes Section which was supposed to start atleast three months back, is finally on track and would be posted anytime soon.

Do check out What Local Heroes is about!

You too can nominate anyone who you think fits into the Local Hero as mentioned in CmU.

Not an Eye Opener but many!

2009-06-28T08:21:00.008+05:30

Continued from The Abled and Disabled

It rather came unexpected and so suddenly that i couldnt comprehend the exact intensity of things that i had faced recently

Always i had been the very problematic hyper active talkative kid , as a kid i had never faced the actual learning disabilities, learned quite well,was the average kid around, but even i had few issues, no idea whether it could be classified as dyslexic because i used to speak fast mumbled jumbled with no proper coherence,and most part of it would have been nasal sound. Was quite shy, nervous and introvert most times.But somehow people adjusted with me. Some used to say i think faster than i speak, or i get too nervous and mix things up, guess thats why i used to hate giving speeches during seminar hour during my college days, and another factor the stage fear too. So however knowledgeable i'm i find extempore a skill in itself,which i could never do justice to. Even now i face quite some difficulties in remembering names and faces and more importantly while speaking pronouncing words which are lengthy i get stuck intermittently how ever well i know them.

I lived,I dreamed and i did all i wanted to but never thought about others(not just the poor,socially inept,the needy,the orphans) in the sense the so called disabled or handicapped and how the world was cruel filled with disparity in not adjusting or adhering to their genuine needs. All long we've co-existed with our movie stars,our friends,neighbhours,superheroes,ghost,animals,plant life,the poor,world,universe,this,that and innumerable issues..

Living amongst us are people of a special kind with much special abilities,more determination,confidence,performance, not just the average humans. They are the so called disabled ,the handicapped, the retarded living with prejudice, designed in a world that makes things much more harder for them than an average so called "normal" humans yet they succeed in many things more than us in various aspects of life. Their will and endurance speaks much more of themselves than all possible things we "normal" humans have achieved in our mere existence.Saluting their incredible spirit, let me introduce few people whom i met very recently,which kind of gave me jolt to know more and do what i can!

I was applying for my higher studies and had to get all my certificates signed by a notary.I found it be very expensive from notaries around here in mylapore and nearby areas for signing the document,since there were numerous copies to be signed(in hundreds). So through a common friend came to know of a advocate notary based in perambur who did the same for students at a nominal cost. As my application was getting delayed, i had no choice but to make the trip down there as i could find no one as with similar price down here. So i contacted him and got an appointment fixed as we was a busy guy and didnt do much notaries but only if recommended by friends and known people and also he was more into the advocate work, he was a specialist civil lawyer.

It was a meeting i couldnt forget.Being new to that place i had to repeatedly call him for directions.Finally found where his office was located.But he hadnt arrived yet. There was an ancient church nearby so thought of visiting it and also while away my time, not exactly very religious or so ;). And also there was no parking available near his office as it was a busy one way lane and my parking problem was solved. Thanks to the big parking lot the church had. He called up once he had reached his office.He was very cordial and spoke with authority.He asked me about what i was doing,history,geography and what i intended do,how i found him and all.Then suddenly we were speaking about india in general, the various issues it was facing, the legal system and how old it is and so on. And how many things had to be changed for better. Then finally he asked the documents and how many were there and their originals for a check before he could begin signing.

Only during that moment i did realise something didnt seem the way it isnt,bu couldn connect to what it really was.But was to find the following very second. Then i realised he didnt have a right arm in whole.It was an artificial prosthetic that he was wearing.No idea whether he was left hander whole of his life or he had to become one after an accident. I will never know because i didnt have the guts to ask him. Though he had bit difficult in signing continuously by turing one sheet after other, but fairly he had got used to it and adjusted accordingly so that he could give his max performance. I just began to imagine how it would be not have a hand either right or left. How much are we dependent on it to perform even the most easiest of things on earth, how would it be for others who dont have one. How exhausting and frustating it would be for them in an already partially prejudiced world.

His disability i suppose had never come in his way of going through his personal and professional work and responsibilities or guess he would have adjusted accordingly.But the beauty is that even though he had an issue, he is surviving and surviving incredibly at that,than the most of the fittest average humans.

Though they dont have any serious condition or issues than others who are out there, they were kind of inspiration for me to know more about such issues and how they're able to survive in this apathetic world.

Hats off to them and the others out there.

to be continued...

A miraculous escape

2009-06-26T15:03:00.002+05:30

A miraculous escape

What's the unique ID card?

2009-06-26T11:41:00.003+05:30

The UIDAI project is an ambitious project to provide every Indian with a unique identity card

Ambitious |

Rs 150,000 cr Unique Identification Card (UIC) project will catalogue personal details of every Indian citizen on smart cards

Detailed |

To include name, sex, address, marital status, photo, identification mark and finger biometrics

Hi-tech |

Will be based on a sophisticated application called SCOSTA, a secured electronic device that’s used for keeping data & other info in a way that only authorized persons can view it

Versatile |

Can be used for many purposes, ranging from use as voter I-card to proof for opening bank account. Can help deter illegal immigration & curb terrorism

Urgent |

Scheme was launched in Nov 2003 and has so far been given to just 31 lakh citizens. Miffed by the delay, SC in Jan pulled up the govt and asked it to implement the scheme countrywide speedily

Infosys Technologies' Co-Chairman Nandan Nilekani was today appointed as Chairman of an Authority with Cabinet minister's rank to steer the ambitious scheme for creating a multi-purpose unique identification database of citizens.

54-year-old Nilekani, the co-founder of the leading IT firm along with N R Narayana Murthy 28 years ago, will head the Unique Identification Database Authority of India (UIDAI) under the aegis of the Planning Commission.

He will have the rank and status of the Cabinet minister, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

The scheme is aimed at providing a unique identity to the targeted population of the flagship schemes to ensure that the benefits reach them, she said.

A visionary and a thinker, Nilekani, who gets an annual compensation of over USD 1.75 lakh and whose net worth is USD 1.3 billion, resigned his membership of Infosys Board of Directors following his appointment.

His colleagues in Infosys top management Mohandas Pai and Kris Gopalakrishnan said his exit from would be a loss to the organisation but a gain to the country.

Announcing his appointment, the PMO said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has invited Nilekani to chair an authority that will create a unique identification database of the country's citizens.

Nilekani, born in Sirsi in Uttara Kannada in northern Karnataka, did his early education in Bangalore and Dharwad before moving to Mumbai to study Electrical Engineering in IIT, Bombay.

The PMO said The functioning of the authority and activities to be performed by the UIA would serve multiple objectives.

The authority shall have the responsibility to lay down plans and policies to implement the unique identification scheme in the country.

It shall own and operate the unique identification number database and be responsible for its updation and maintenance on an ongoing basis.

Sonia said the Authority shall have responsibility to lay down plans and policies to implement the Unique Identification Scheme (UID), shall own and operate the Unique Identification number database and be responsible for its updation and maintenance on an ongoing basis," Soni said.

The Authority will identify the targeted groups for various flagship programmes, she added.

The flagship schemes of the UPA include the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, National Rural Health Mission and Bharat Nirman.

The unique identification number would ensure that any lacuna in these schemes is removed so that the benefits do not reach those they are not meant for.

The Government had earmarked Rs 100 crore in the interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament on February 16 to kickstart its ambitious Unique Identification Project.

The government has been working on improving arrangements to ensure that development deliverables reach the intended beneficiaries, Mukherjee had said.

n order to do so efficiently, effectively and economically, a comprehensive system of unique identity had been worked out, he had added.

The Government also plans to set up state units of UIDAI, headed by state UID Commissioners.

Earlier, an Empowered Group of Ministers had approved setting up UIDAI with an initial core team in November 2008.

source

Please join for political change in TN

2009-06-25T09:56:00.002+05:30

Please join for political change in TN

The life which we live and lead is not the original life.This is just a mirage.Try to live in your own way.This society and the world will never consider you if you travel in the direction the world moves.Try travelling in the opposite direction which is good for the society and which will never harm anyone. Its enough living as an individual and for an individual.This nation and the society directly or indirectly has given a lot for you and has got nothing from you in return.Why not you realize it now and try to do something for the welfare of the society.The society doesnt mean someone who is invisble toyou.It consists you,me,your mom,dad,brother,sister and everyone around you and me.

THINK!!!THINK!!!
Dont waste time anymore.Lets join hands to for the rise of this nation.

ARISE!AWAKE!STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED..!

source

A miraculous escape

2009-06-24T09:13:00.005+05:30

A miraculous escape

source

Muhammet Dirlik, who had been standing on the pavement at top right, and hit by a runaway car which threw him down a flight of steps in Sanliurfa, Turkey runs away after the accident.

When Mohammet was asked if he had been hurt, the boy said 'no'.

The car plunged into a shopping area coming to a stop in a shop window, missing Muhammet.

Mohammet fell to the ground alongside the vehicle.

Mohammet sits on the ground after being hit by a runaway car and thrown down a flight of steps in Sanliurfa, Turkey.

Muhammet Dirlik, who had been standing on the pavement at top right, and hit by a runaway car which threw him down a flight of steps in Sanliurfa, Turkey runs away after the accident.

Muhammet Dirlik, is held by his father Ibrahim Halil Dirlik, right, in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Muhammet was hit by a runaway car and is thrown down a flight of steps in Sanliurfa on June 20, 2009.

Nagala Mini Trek - My Second CTC trek

2009-06-17T13:21:00.005+05:30

We all had a wonderfull time.

-- My mail next day to CTC fellow trekkers after the trek--

The pleasant climate,nice views,streams flowing around,birds chirping and insects screeching helped all to get us out of the concrete jungle providing very needed relaxation, and lots of greenery surrounding the trail made our trek an easy effort making it to the pool. Having a refreshing recharge dipping it, thanks to the swimmers who helped out to enjoy the waterfall by taking across safely and enjoy it.

This was my second trek with CTC , and its been a interesting,rejenuvating,networking,catching up with fellow trekers,and also a long lost school buddy and another junior too,finally a helluva experience.

Thanks to the organisers for their wonderfull efforts and logistics, we had power-packed breakfast with apple,juicy pears,bread and jam and cereal bar and a delighting lunch with pickles and jam.

The Photos in reverse order

Sorry for the trouble and delay caused due to sudden failure of the car(the alto), The whole irony about this thing is, i had borrowed it from one of my friend only in the morning intending that my car having a minor technical issue shouldn't become a liability during the trek. But it had become the opposite, though i'm a experienced driver, i had never handled an petrol-cng/gas car, and this had indeed become a harrowing opportunity to learn about it. It seems it had run on petrol(though there is auto switch for gas and petrol) from chennai to almost near our base point entirely on the meager petrol which i had filled up in the morning while finally sputtering to a stop and the tank had become total dry. I never realised this, thinking about other issues such as air lock and so on ,suggested by fellow trekers and villagers. But anyways i wanted to continue with the trek, for which i had come so long and continued on, hoping the problem might resolve when we would be back, but that would not be. Thanks to many a zealous efforts by amit & madhan - who said that he would hang on with me till something is done,purshotman - who said that he would be with me till the issue had resolved,and the many unknown villagers for their efforts seeking nothing in return and just lending a helping hand and also my fellow trekkers who were near the car during that time and others who had waited patiently to get back to chennai, and bala who after a long time agreed to drive the car till utthukottai.

The issue as it seemed was very trivial, especially with petrol engine refitted with CNG kits, they only start in petrol mode than automatically fallback to CNG/gas. As the petrol was totally dry, the car never started and due to continuous trying the battery too had gone dry. Finally due to persistent efforts of all it could be back on road again, and while driving back to chennai, it was little unbelievable that i was actually driving the same car back again to chennai, which i thought would be totally impossible to due to my silly ignorance. Finally it could be called a day that was eventfull .

Another CTC trek that was a learning,fulfilling,humbling experience. Once again thank you all. CTC trekkers never cease to amaze me how wonderfull and helping they are. God Bless.