My-Tamil News: January 2008

Chennai Port, Jan 31 (ANI): Minister of State for Railways R. Velu today said that the Indian Railways has achieved another milestone by dispatching Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) coaches to Angola, the first ever export of Indian manufactured DMUs to the world market.

The fifteen DMU coaches, six each for two trains and three for self propelled accident relief train, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), production unit of Indian Railways, Chennai and exported to Angola by RITES, were flagged off for export to Angola by Velu at a ceremony here today.

"This export of DMUs to Angola will bring great laurels to Indian Railways and to our country and open new vistas for similar exports in future," he said.

ICF has always been in the forefront to accept new challenges put forth by ever increasing needs of coaching stock for Indian Railways to satisfy domestic passenger rail traffic.

The present endeavour of designing and manufacture of DMUs, self-propelled accident relief train and other coaches for export to Angola is testimony of ICF's continued initiative to partner with RITES to boost exports on a sustainable basis.

"ICF have so far manufactured 230 varieties of different designs of coaches. It is still venturing into new designs and assimilating the latest technology available to provide the best comfort to the passengers," he added.

He further said that manufacture and dispatch of these DMUs and the self propelled accident relief train mark the successful completion of various on-going projects undertaken by RITES in Angola which include technical assistance, up-gradation of maintenance workshops and earlier export of passenger coaches manufactured in ICF and diesel locomotives manufactured in DLW, Varanasi.

He also appreciated RITES for achieving highest ever turnover of Rs. 265 crore in 2006-07 from export of locomotives and rolling stock as against previous best of Rs. 110 crore achieved in 2001-02.

"RITES has been a pioneer in executing Railway-related export projects in a variety of railway systems of different gauges all over the world," he said.

RITES has worked in about 60 countries worldwide and has undertaken a variety of projects of versatile nature and multiple complexities.

Some of the major projects have been undertaken in countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Senegal, Mali and Angola.

Speaking on the occasion, V.K. Agarwal, Managing Director, RITES said, "This is a momentous occasion for both RITES and ICF as it is the first time cape gauge DMUs have been designed and manufactured in the history of Indian Railways and are being exported by RITES."

The major ongoing export projects include - leasing of 25 locomotives in Tanzania and 20 locomotives in Mozambique, supply of 20 locomotives to Myanmar, leasing of 23 passenger coaches to Tanzania, rehabilitation of 73 and 88 class locomotives in Tanzania, rehabilitation of GE locomotives and wagons in Mozambique, rehabilitation of Traction equipment in Angola and maintenance support to locomotives for CDN, Nacala, Mozambique. (ANI)
--MP

SC grants four weeks time to Centre to file affidavit on Sethusamudram project

New Delhi, Jan 31 (ANI): The Supreme Court has granted four weeks time to the Centre to file its affidavit on Sethusamudram project on Thursday.

Juctice K G Balakrishnan headed the bench.

Next hearing on the matter will be in the first week of March.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and other Hindu groups have called on the government to stop the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, saying it will demolish the mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by King Ram of Ayodhya.

Opposing the 560 million dollars project, the Hindu groups claim it would destroy the 48- kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.

The Sethusamudram Project will dredge a channel along a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.

According to the Central Government, the sand shoals were created by sedimentation.

Dredging for the project began in 2005 and the channel -- 12 metres deep, 300 metres wide and almost 90 km long -- will provide a crucial link between the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. (ANI)
--MP

Tourism: Botanical Garden planted 50,000 slips

Fire accident kills woman at Siddhi Vinayagar Temple

Telgi gets 10 years rigorous imprisonment
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Chennai, Jan 30 (ANI): A special CBI Court in Chennai has sentenced Abdul Karim Telgi, the main accused in the fake stamp paper scam to 10 years rigorous imprisonment on Wednesday.

Three of the accused Telgi, Abdul Wahid and Jacob Chako, who are lodged in Yerwada prison in Pune had pleaded guilty through video conferencing and had filed petition through jail authorities.

Balaji another accused had also filed a petition from Bangalore Central Prison where he is being lodged.

The remaining accused who are on bail Nizamuddin, his wife Nasneen, suspended DIG Mohammed Ali, LIC agent Ramasamy Sathu and then Assistant Commissioner Shanker, were present in the court.

Peter Kennedy, another accused, in the case appeared in the court and filed a petition pleading guilty.

Accused Sarfarz Nawaz has already pleaded guilty and was given five year rigorous imprisonment in the case.

The CBI has charged the accused with conspiracy, cheating, counterfeiting and forgery. (ANI)
--MP

Rose blooms witness sales boom ahead of Valentine's Day
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu), Jan 29 (ANI): The business in rose blooms is witnessing a mega boom ahead of Valentine's Day in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri District.

Krishnagiri, which is about 250 km away from Chennai, has a climate that is ideal for rose cultivation. As a result of this, floriculture thrives and business in roses is witnessing a mega boom.

Pushpanchali Rose Garden, located in Krishnagiri is the largest rose production centre in the region, growing lakhs of roses in eleven varieties.

A one-hectare farm can grow as many as 70,000 rose plants. And each plant produces at least 20 to 22 flowers every year in ideal "glass house" conditions.

With Valentine's Day approaching on February 14, orders are pouring in from around the world for roses grown in this region.

"Our daily production of roses comes to around 15 to 20,000 roses. These are directly sold in the Indian market that is in Bangalore and New Delhi mainly. From this place, the deemed exporters are exporting them to other countries. The annual average rate of our roses is about Rs. 3 and the prices go as high as Rs10-15 per rose during the festive season," said Varghese, Manager, Pushpanchali Floritech.

During the Valentine season, grand gala and frost red colours are eternal favourites.

The owners of these farms are paying special attention to aspects like cooling, grading and growing coupled with the use of automated irrigation systems, the yield of flowers particularly the roses is at par with international standards.

"This yellow coloured flower is blooming and has not bent. This is because it has the support of the net. If there is no support of the net, these flowers won't be standing straight and will bend. This affects the quality of the flower," said Nand Kishore, horticulturist.

The domestic market is also witnessing considerable growth.

With Valentines' Day nearing, dealers expect a rise in exports as well as sales in the domestic market.

During this season, the flowers are mainly exported to the Middle East and European countries as well as Australia, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. (ANI)
--MP

Security beefed along Indian coast to ward off suspect LTTE intrusion
Monday, January 28, 2008

Jayalalithaa should approach competent authority on Ram Sethu: Supreme Court

New Delhi, Jan 28 (ANI): The Supreme Court has asked former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to approach competent authorities for declaring the Ram Sethu 'a monument of national heritage'.

Jayalalithaa, in her petition, had sought the court's direction to authorities to take alternative routes for completing the project without demolishing the Ram Sethu.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices Tarun Chatterjee and R V Raveendran said it was not the job of this court to decide about the status of a monument.

Hindu groups have called on the government to stop the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, saying it will demolish the mythical bridge linking India and Sri Lanka, believed to have been built by King Ram of Ayodhya.

Opposing the 560 million dollars project, the Hindu groups claim it would destroy the 48- kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.

The Sethusamudram Project will dredge a channel along a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.

According to the Central Government, the sand shoals were created by sedimentation.

Dredging for the project began in 2005 and the channel -- 12 metres deep, 300 metres wide and almost 90 km long -- will provide a crucial link between the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. (ANI)
--MP

Floating bamboo house washed ashore in Tamil Nadu village
Sunday, January 27, 2008

Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), Jan.26 (ANI): People in Vadakadu Village were delighted to see a bamboo house floating on water near the Rameshwaram seashore in Tamil Nadu recently.

Residents say that it is one of the most interesting floating materials that has drifted ashore here so far. The floating house that ran aground in the rocky area of the sea was first sighted on Saturday by a fisherman.

People's curiosity has doubled following the information that it might have travelled thousands of nautical miles from Myanmar. Hence, fishermen and many tourists are making a beeline to watch the floating wooden house at Vadakadu.

"First I thought it was a picture, but as we drew closer, we realized that it was a boat house. The interior was fine and beautiful. We saw some photos inside," said Ganeshan, a local.

From a distance, it looks like a real house.

The square house is 15 feet wide and 12 feet high. Keeping it afloat are four drums. While two of its sides are covered with wooden boards, the other two are fitted with bamboo sticks that facilitate free flow of air. Its roof is made of rexine.

Police and intelligence agencies have already checked it for security purposes. Initially, it was thought that it would have drifted from Sri Lanka.

It is now believed that the boathouse might have arrived from Myanmar, as the colour of the flag on the boat houses appears to be of Myanmar.

The language written on the side of the house reflects that it could have come from Myanmar, said police sources. (ANI)
--MP

Tamil Nadu police officers received President Medals
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Rare collection of antique lamps on display in Coimbatore
Friday, January 25, 2008

Coimbatore, Jan 25 (ANI): A unique collection of antique lamps is on display in Coimbatore.

The collection belongs to a school teacher Sabu, who says that it has taken a lot of effort to collect the lamps as most of the people are not in a habit of protecting antiques which has resulted in the losing out some important antique pieces.

"We have around 200 collection of lamps from different states of India. Nowadays, it's very difficult to collect the lamps because it's a part of our culture to throw and not use something old," said Sabu.

The visitors at the display were spellbound by the splendor of the antique lamps. They included school children who were thrilled to see and understand the way the people in bygone days dispelled darkness.

Haripriya, a school girl was spellbound by the number of lamps she could see under one roof.

"Here, I am able to see many varieties of ancient and modern lamps, which were even used more than 200 years ago. I had never seen such a huge number of lamps," said Haripriya.

People in ancient periods used various types of lamps including the ones made of banana leaves.

With the advancement of civilization, the lamp making techniques evolved that resulted in some awe inspiring designs. (ANI)
--MP

Communists demand re-introduction of capital gains tax
Thursday, January 24, 2008

Coimbatore, Jan 24 (ANI): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary, Prakash Karat, has demanded the re-introduction of capital gains tax on equities ahead of budget to be unveiled next month.

Karat said the capital gains tax on equities, scrapped four years ago, should be brought in again.

"Through speculations, a lot of profits are made in the stock market. Earlier, there used to be tax on the profits through sales of shares. The tax was done away with, was abolished in 2004. According to us that was a wrong step. Now, we want re-introduction of the long term capital gains tax for equity transactions," he said.

He also renewed warning to the government on an imminent domestic oil price hike.

"We will protest against any price rise in petroleum products. The government should first come forward and change the tax structure and revise the taxes so that the burden is not placed on the common people," he said.

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has been holding parleys with various trade groups and experts in the run-up to the Central budget. The budget will be present before Parliament on February 28 for fiscal year starting April 2008.

Just days after Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) blasted off an Israeli satellite 'Polaris', Karat upped the ante slamming New Delhi for being mum on Israel's blockade of Gaza.

"Just because they have occupied Palestinian territory, they continuously shell it, bombard it from there. Now they have stopped. They have closed all the crossings. No supplies can reach Gaza and now they have stopped the supply of fuel. That is what we asked Government of India, why are you keeping quiet about this?" he said.

Israel sealed its borders with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip last week, cutting fuel supplies to the territory's main power plant and petrol stations and stopping aid shipments that include food and other humanitarian supplies.

It resumed fuel supplies on Tuesday.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt had been mainly closed since June. (ANI)
--MP

"Chennai Lights Off" launched

Nagarathar Chettiar meet

Nayan: Members of the Nagarathar Chettiar community from all over the world gathered at Nattarasankottai, a small town about 10 km from Sivaganga to offer worship at the shrine of Kannudayanayaki Amman by boiling pongal and offering it to the deity. The Nattukkottai Nagarathar, a community of Chettiars, famous for their overseas trade, are credited with having built temples in many countries, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Africa and even Guyana. The members of the community are very religious and the consider Kannudayanayaki of Nattarasankottai their family deity and responsible for their wealth and development. In whichever part of the world they are, they make it a point to come to Nattarasankottai in January to participate in the annual rite performed on the following the Thai Pongal festival.

Police booked criminal tresspass against Children

Transgenders conduct AIDS campaign in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Jan 24 (ANI): A group of transgenders in Kinathukadavu village near Coimbatore have recently conducted a campaign through cultural programme to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS.

"We intend to make people aware about safe sex and ways to protect themselves from the disease. We also want to educate people about cancer, need to have a girl child, female education and infanticide," said Thenmozhi, a campaigner.

A large number of people thronged the roadside to watch this unique cultural programme.

"People have a lot of misconceptions about transgenders. But, now they have come up with the campaign. It is really nice and all of us should support their campaign," said Hussain, a spectator.

With the number of HIV and AIDS patients increasing each day in India, such awareness campaigns are a common feature in the country.

Although the Government has launched a nation-wide programme to educate the people about the disease, the stigma is still widely prevalent.

India has roughly 2.5 million people infected with HIV, less than half the number of cases that previous studies estimated.

An earlier U.N. study had estimated 5.7 million HIV cases, which would have been the highest total in the world.

But as per the latest available data, India, which has a population of 1.1 billion, has fewer HIV cases than South Africa and Nigeria. (ANI)
--MP

TN requests Centre not to shelve Sethusamudram project

Chennai, Jan 23 (ANI): The Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre not to shelve the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project because of the issues raised by some people for their political gain.

In his customary address at the beginning of the State Assembly session, Governor said that this project is a long-pending dream of the people of Tamil Nadu and "desired" by scholars and eminent personalities.

The construction work at Ram Sethu Project had been stopped by the Supreme Court after a number of writ petition were filed seeking stoppage of demolition of the mythological bridge believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama.

"This government urges the union government not to go back on its endeavour to transform the future of people of Tamil Nadu to one of progress and prosperity and to continue with implementation of this unique and constructive project," Barnala said while addressing the State Assembly.

The 560-million dollar project, approved by the government in 2005, plans to dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.

When the project is finished, ships sailing between India's Western and Eastern coasts will not have to go around the south of Sri Lanka, and is expected to save up to 36 hours of sailing time which would strengthen the Country's economy by expanding International and maritime trade.

Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
--MP

Pakistan's Gwadar Port worries Indian Navy
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Chennai, Jan 23 (ANI): Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta has said that the development of Gwadar port, the third deep-sea port of Pakistan with Chinese assistance, worries India as the port would have serious strategic implications for the country.

While delivering a memorial lecture on T.S. Narayanswamy here, Admiral Mehta said that the port would empower Pakistan to control strategically important energy sea-lane on the Persian Gulf through which over 13 million barrels of oil pass every day.

"A highway is under construction joining Gwadar with Karachi and plans exist to link the port with Karakoram highway, thus providing China with the gateway to Arabian Sea," he said.

"Being only 180 nautical miles from the exit of the Straits of Hormuz, Gwadar, would put Pakistan strike major aisles of the Persian Gulf. Thereby enabling her to exercise control over the energy jugular of the world as also easy interdiction of Indian tankers," he added.

Gwadar port is on the Arabian Sea in the south-western province of Baluchistan. It is about 450 km (280 miles) west of Karachi and about 70 km (45 miles) east of the Iranian border.

Gwadar is looking to handle transhipment traffic for the Gulf and ports on the Arabian Peninsula. Pakistan also plans to use it as the main trade link with land-locked Afghanistan and resource laden economically emerging Central Asia.

China bankrolled 80 percent of the project's 248 million dollar initial development costs. (ANI)
--MP

Indian Naval Chief says, Sethu Samundram is not good for big ships
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Chennai, Jan 22 (ANI): Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Suresh Mehta has
said that the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP), which will
dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka,
would not be useful for the navigation of the big ships.

"It is a viable project. But, on completion, it will be useful only
for small ships but not to those big ships navigating on international
routes," Mehta told reporters here on Monday night.

When he was asked to elaborate the matter further, Admiral Mehta said:
"This is Tamil Nadu. And it is a sensitive issue," and refused to
elaborate.

The 560-million dollar project, approved by the government in 2005,
plans to dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and
Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic.

However, according to the Central Government, research has shown that
the "Ramsetu" was a series of sand shoals created by sedimentation and
therefore no religious sentiments should be attached to it.

When the project is finished, ships sailing between India's western
and eastern coasts will not have to go around the south of Sri Lanka,
and is expected to save up to 36 hours of sailing time.

Hindu groups, however, have been opposing the 560 million dollars
project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre
chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to
Mannar in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
--MP

American college students learning Yoga in Chennai
Sunday, January 20, 2008

Chennai, Jan 20 (ANI): For a group of American students visiting India on an education tour, one of the biggest charms has been learning Yoga at a Chennai college here.

Belonging to the Elmhurst College, this group of 20 students along with their two college professors has enrolled themselves for the yoga classes at Madras Christian College.

Under the stewardship of Yoga instructor Gopinath, these American students are finding the Yogic exercises and postures very attractive. These students spend three hours a day practicing various techniques and movements taught by their Guru.

"It's quite an amazing experience. We get up early in the morning and a group of us get instructed by the yoga master. It is very rejuvenating. It's a great start to the day and keeps us energetic throughout the day," said Hoshua Reonman, one of the students.

These students say that yoga sessions are a great rejuvenating experience that have helped them relieve themselves from physical and mental stress. They lament that ignorance about Yoga in the U.S.

"It's just a great experience for all of us and its something most of us will be taking along to the U.S. We will try to spread knowledge about Yoga because it's something that most of our friends, family and relatives don't really grasp. They don't understand it out there. So it will be a good experience for us to take this to our families in the U.S.," Reonman added.

Every day, the yoga class commences at 6 o'clock.

These enthusiastic students have already learnt almost 20 yogic postures. Their Yoga instructor is also happy teaching them some of the advanced yogic exercises which include-- Sarvangasana, Dhanuasana, Pujangajana, Pavanamuktasana and Chakrasna. "All the 20 students have taken out time to be here. In the two beginning sessions, I taught them basics. When I found out that they were more advanced in learning, I taught them Saravanasanas, Bhujangasanas, Dhanurasanas and Halasanas. All these are very difficult asanas," said Gopinath, the Yoga instructor.

The accompanying teachers of these students said that besides learning yoga, the Indian tour has offered them an opportunity to understand the culture, its traditions and diversity. All of them are delighted to learn the physical and spiritual practice on the land of Yoga's origin.

"The students got an opportunity to learn yoga and to practise yoga in the land of its origin. They can understand people of the country, its diversity and how yoga and India has really influenced the entire world," said Paul Parker, American teacher.

Yoga has emerged as one of the biggest captivation for a large number of people from across the India and abroad. It could happen due to widespread awareness about positive impact of the ancient Indian practice on the physical and mental faculties of a large number of people.

Famous Indian monk Swami Vivekananda first introduced yoga to American society in late nineteenth century. (ANI)
--MP

1600 Sri Lankan tamils living in Madipakkam
Saturday, January 19, 2008

DMK to celebrate Azhagiri birthday celebrations

TIECON-2008 annual entrepreneurs awards function held

Nayan: Chief minister M. Karunanidhi said that the new industrial policy unveiled by the state government would lead to creation of 20 lakh jobs by 2011. Addressing industrialists at TIECON-2008, an annual entrepreneurs awards function, the chief minister said the new industrial policy would also increase the state's exports to Rs 1,40,000 crore. "As part of this policy the state government would support development of Centres of Excellence and Innovation to develop a pool of world class scientists and technologies in areas of chip and electronic hardware design, leather product design and automative design," he said. Stating that the state government was making special efforts to set up industries beyond Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, he said Tamil Nadu would continue to lead in industrial development.

Elephants participated in Pongal celebration
Friday, January 18, 2008

Coimbatore, Jan 18 (ANI): Pongal celebrations in Coimbatore have something special to offer to its participants. Elephants are included in the celebration and they have become the main attraction here.

Pongal is celebrated at a place called Top Slip at Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Over 5000 people from all over the State participated in the celebrations. Tourists from abroad also attended the event. The participants were very enthusiastic to take part in the traditional festivities.

"I think it is a good thing for the families and it is a very interesting festival. I think the elephants probably enjoy it too. It is very good to have rice, cashewnuts, raisins, ghee, jaggery and so many good things", said Marcus Sherman, a tourist from United States.

The elephants were first taken to the celebration venue in a row and special `poojas' were conducted there. Then the women cooked the traditional delicacy called "pongal" in front of the elephants. The elephants were then treated with the cooked "pongal", bananas and coconuts.

"Actually Pongal is celebrated only for cows and goats. This is called Mattu Pongal. But here, it is very unique. It is also celebrated for elephants. It is called Elephant Pongal in Top Slip. They are given special food and special items," said a visitor named Abunanda.

In rest of the state, Mattu Pongal was celebrated by honouring cattle like cows and goats. The animals are given bath and their horns are painted. Then they are served the traditional delicacies. (ANI)
--MP

SC stays death sentence of three convicts in Dharmapuri case

New Delhi, Jan 18 (ANI): The Supreme Court today stayed the death sentence awarded to three All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) activists in connection with the Dharmapuri bus burning case.

Admitting their petition, the apex court issued notice to the Tamil Nadu Government on their plea against the Madras High Court verdict.

The Madras High Court had upheld the death sentence awarded by a lower court to all three.

Three girl students of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) were roasted alive on February 2, 2000, when their college bus was set ablaze by unidentified persons near Elakiyampatti in Dharmapuri following the conviction of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa in the Kodaikanal Pleasant Stay Hotel case.

Eighteen other students were injured in the attack.

There were 31 accused in the case, out of which, one had died during the trial. And two were acquitted.

The case assumed significance when the Madras High Court suspended its trial at the Krishnagiri court and transferred it to the sessions court on September 19, 2003. (ANI)

--MP

Bull fight 'Jallikattu' draws thousands at Madurai

Madurai, Jan 18 (ANI): Thousands flocked to Madurai in Tamil Nadu to watch the traditional bull fight or 'Jallikattu.

'Jallikattu' is a major event in south India and is held as a thanks-giving ceremony for the animals that have helped in farm activities all the year round.

The event was held amidst tight security after the Supreme Court conditionally granted permission for the event to take place, lifting an earlier ban on 'Jallikattu' which the court had imposed citing cruelty to animals as the main reason.

The ban, which was imposed on January 11, was lifted following protests from a large number of villagers in Madurai against the verdict.

The conditional lifting of ban has made people happy as they rejoiced during 'Jallikattu' and participated with full fervor and gaiety.

"For the past seven years, I have been taking part in 'Jallikattu' and winning prizes. Initially, I was sad because of the ban put on the event, but now I am very happy as the Supreme Court has lifted the ban," said Murugan, a participant.

Animal rights activists in Tamil Nadu had for long waged a war against continuing the decades old tradition of bull fighting during Pongal, terming it as the worst form of animal abuse in the name of a sport.

The event, which saw residents and foreigners in full strength, was appreciated by one and all for the thrills and adventure it provided to the spectators.

Squashing the belief about the game being 'dangerous' Amanda, a tourist said: "We enjoyed. We think it's not cruel to the bulls. The bulls don't get hurt. It wasn't dangerous for the bulls or for the people."

For others, the entire event was a wonderful experience.

"People here are very friendly. I am very happy to be here. I love India," said Ben, another foreigner.

The sport of Jallikattu is to wrest the bounty, which is held in a cloth bag tied between the horns of the bulls.

An agitated bull is let loose to run in an open space as a number of people attempt to tame the animal by controlling its horns with the victor taking the prize money home.

The horns of the adorned bulls are made wet before the event and the animal is rubbed down with oil making it more difficult to hold onto. To add to it the bulls are drugged and sometimes made to drink alcohol in order to enrage them during the event. (ANI)
--MP

Fight against Jallikattu (Bull fight)

Jallikattu: This time more animals than men

Nayan: The Supreme Court may have lifted the ban on jallikattu, but the youth don't appear very keen to enter the ring and tame the bulls. The jallikattu held in Alanganallur in Madurai district was reduced to a mere ritual without the usual fanfare and excitement. This year there were more animals than men, with less than a 100 men trying to prove themselves. District officials had taken necessary precautions for the game which saw about 100 participants inside the arena, although officials put the figure at 370. Ten of them sustained injuries, with five being referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital for further treatment. Twenty-three participants failed to pass the breath analyser tests.

Stephen Hawking friend Ranjith Nair visits Chennai

Nayan: Prof Ranjith Nair, an internationally renowned physicist and a close associate of Stephen Hawking, was in Chennai to explore the possibility of setting up an institute of international standards where young and aspiring physicists and mathematicians could interact with Nobel Laureates. Prof Nair, who was a colleague of Stephen Hawking in Cambridge University for over a decade, and did research with him into cosmology and the Big Bang Theory had challenged the contention of the author of A Brief History of Time that physics would become redundant in the next 20 years. Prof Nair argued that mathematics and philosophy themselves being still incomplete, Hawking was off the mark.

Chorikkampatti villagers offers prayer to bull fighter
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Nayan: While villagers in Madurai district are in a state of elation preparing for jallikattu or conducting it following the revision order of the Supreme Court, the people of Chorikkampatti village near Chekkanoorani about 20 km from Madurai, offered prayers at a temple built to pay homage to the village hero – a bull fighter. According to the village legend, Azhagathevar, a youth of the village was gored to death while trying to tame a bull during the jallikattu about 100 years ago. Because of his interest in bull fighting, he had refused to get married and led the life of a bachelor spending his time preparing to meet the bulls.

Pet carnival in Coimbatore has 2000 animals on show

Coimbatore, Jan 17 (ANI): A pet carnival with some rare species of animals attracted a large number of people on Tuesday in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

One-day event provided the people of the city a chance to watch many rare species of domesticated animals.

According to the organisers more than 2000 varieties of pet animals from across the globe were on show.

"For the first time in Tamil Nadu we have organised this pet carnival in Coimbatore. Here in this show we have exhibited 2000 varieties of pet animals such a dogs, cats, birds, fish, horse, goats and love birds from all over the world and we also displayed cats from China and Russia in this pet carnival," said Siva, Organiser of the show.

The pets included varieties of dogs, cats, goats, hens and birds of attractive hues like white and grey parrots.

Some people called it a dog show due to predominance of different varieties of pet dogs.

"I liked this dog show very much, here I saw varieties of dogs, cats and parrots etc, which are very nice and beautiful and something different and very much interesting and I am very happy and enjoyed watching these pet animals," said Ranjit, a visitor.

The pet owners came from all over the State to take part in this unique show.

Rare variety of goat with dog face called Beetel attracted a large number of curious visitors.

More than 5000 people visited the show. (ANI)
--MP

Bird flu: High alert at TN

Nayan: Ms Geetha Jeevan, minister for animal husbandry, said she had put her department on alert mode immediately after hearing reports about the death of poultry birds in West Bengal. With the High Security Disease Laboratory, Bhopal and National Institute of Virology, Pune confirming the presence of the H5N1 virus, which is responsible for avian flu, in the chicken samples collected from Bengal, all entry points to Tamil Nadu have been put on alert, the minister said. More than 40,000 poultry birds have died in Birbhum district in West Bengal and the Union health ministry has dispatched a team of doctors from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases to that state.

Labels: Health

A visually impaired but versatile

Coimbatore, Jan.17 (ANI): Karuppusamy of Tamil Nadu's Pollachi District demonstrated that despite physical disability one can be a success in life if he or she is ready to build personal career with a positive mindset.

Despite being a visually disabled, Karuppusamy of Palanigoundanpudur is today able to repair radio sets, climb coconut trees and shred open (dehusk) coconuts to earn his livelihood.

Forty seven-year-old Karuppusamy lost his eyesight due to small pox at the age of two. When grown up he was told that he could never regain his vision. He made up his mind to make the most of his life instead of wasting his time cursing his disability.

Karuppusamy is adept at climbing up around 40-feet high coconut palms. He climbs up at least 30 trees in a day and plucks coconuts.

He also repairs radios.

Having tossed down the tweaked coconuts, Karuppusamy climbs down the trees and dehusks several coconuts per day with the agility of any normal person.

"I learnt radio mechanism from a nearby shop. I also learnt to climb tall coconut trees and dehusk coconuts. Today, I can climb more than 30 tall coconut trees a day and dehusk over 1,000 coconuts," said Karuppusamy.

"With the small earnings what I get from all these jobs, I manage my family's expenses. Generally, people used to say that physically challenged people are disabled, but I don't agree with this. I have proved this in my life for the past 45 years and I can achieve and do anything in life without eyesight. I hope to be able to do this for 100 years, God willing," he added.

Neighbours and local residents appreciate Karuppusamy's self-confidence and zeal.

"Generally, people with good eyesight fail sometimes and fall down, but this man does all his work without anybody's help. He repairs radios from nearby houses, and he also climbs tall trees. He is now helping me financially and physically," said Nachammal, an elderly neighbour of Karuppusamy.

Karuppusamy is also a breadwinner for his family comprising his wife and a baby girl.

"I know him for past 30 years and he used to climb tall coconut trees. He dehusks one load of coconuts," said Saraswathi, another resident of Palanigoundanpudur.

Karuppusamy loves swimming with his friends. (ANI)

--MP

New scheme for underprivileged children
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Arundhadiar Orunginaipu Kuzhu members arrested

High security cover for Modi on Pongal

SC allows bull-fighting in Tamil Nadu
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The Supreme Court today lifted the ban it imposed on "Jalikkatu", a popular sport that involves bullfighting in Tamil Nadu, saying it must be held under the State Government's supervision.

Citing cruelty towards animals, Supreme Court on Friday has put a stop to traditional bullfight 'Jallikattu', prevalent in Tamil Nadu.

A large number of villagers of Madurai had threatened to surrender their ration cards to the State Government, if it did not take immediate action regarding the ban on the traditional sport.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had sent a team of senior officials to New Delhi to take immediate steps to meet the public demand for lifting the ban.

'Jallikattu', bull fighting or taming the bull, which dates back hundreds of years, is a major event in villages of south India and is held as a thanksgiving ceremony for the animals that have helped in farm activities year-round.

The objective of Jallikattu is to wrest the bounty, which is held in a cloth bag tied between the horns of the bulls.

An agitated bull is let loose to run amok in an open space as a number of people attempt to tame the animal by controlling its horns with the victor taking the prize money home.

The horns of the adorned bulls are wet before the event and the animal is rubbed down with oil making it more difficult to hold onto. To add to it the bulls are drugged with steroids and are sometimes made to drink alcohol in order to enrage them preparing for the event. (ANI)
--MP

Hirco reports continued strong sales at Chennai's Hiranandani Palace Gardens

London, Jan 15 (ANI/Business Wire India): Hirco PLC, the investment vehicle for Hiranandani, India's largest developer of prestigious mixed-use townships, today announced that sales of residential units in Phase 1 of its Chennai township development, Hiranandani Palace Gardens, continue to be strong both in terms of volume of residential units sold and the level of pricing achieved.

Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of Hirco, commented: "We are very pleased with the continued response to Hiranandani Palace Gardens as demand continues to be strong. These results demonstrate the strong quality of our product and the high standard of living provided by our mixed-use townships."

As of January 6, 2008, sales consideration has been accepted on approximately 1,381,951 square feet at an average price of Rs 3,834 (GBP 49.84) per square foot. This represents a significant increase over figures reported in September 2007 of 1,005,106 square feet at an average price of Rs 3,809 (GBP 47.19).

The total value of contracts signed as of 6 January 2008 was Rs. 5,299 million (GBP 68.89 million).

Pre-construction sales for the Chennai Township started in May 2007 and construction began in August 2007.

Hiranandani Palace Gardens has a total buildable area of approximately 30.1 million square feet, 21.5 million of which will be residential.

Palace Gardens will offer a range of apartment sizes and styles designed to appeal to the employees of major international companies located within the township's catchment area.

The township will be constructed over three phases, all-building to a unique master plan.

Hiranandani Palace Gardens will be a self-sustaining community with offices, schools, health care facilities, shops, recreational facilities, and public space set within 369 acres.

The township, located south west of Chennai, has easy access to the international airport, the national highway system, and rail transport. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Business

Pongal being celebrated today

New Delhi/ Chennai, Jan 15 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil has greeted her fellow countrymen on Pongal, which is being celebrated today.

In her message, President Patil said, "I extend my greetings and felicitations to all my fellow citizens and wish them happiness and prosperity. Pongal is day of great festivity and rejoicing."

"May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection and inspire us to work for the unity, progress and well being of our nation," the President added.

In Chennai, AIDS patients celebrated Pongal, even as American students and faculty joined revelry in a separate ceremony.

A self-help group, "Indian Community Welfare Organisation" staged the festival to encourage 25 men and women infected with the deadly virus.

Women cooked rice as offering to the Sun God as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. The rice is allowed to boil over as a symbol of plenty and prosperity.

Nearly 200 people joined the celebrations to avoid the feeling of societal discrimination faced by AIDS victims.

"We feel very happy on the eve of Pongal. I have been infected by HIV for the past 21 years. Most of the time, I was left out. But this year, we are celebrating this festival," said Noori, an HIV infected woman.

In another ceremony in Chennai, some 22 students and as many faculty members of Elmhurt College, Illionis, USA, joined the festivities. The group is in the city from December 30 under the education exchange programme.

The American group, who is staying at Madras Christian College, pursuing their rural village studies, participated in Pongal and cooked food.

"Having opportunity to have first hand experienced and to bring our students into the traditions, values into this part of India means so much for us. We cannot substitute anytime spent in classrooms studying books. Here we are learning Indian traditions, about people, about history of India and meaning of harvest," said Malden Turk, a professor from Elmhurt College.

Originally celebrated almost exclusively by the Tamil farming community, Pongal has now become an important festival even among non-farming Hindu communities in towns and urban areas.

The festival is widely celebrated across India with different names. In North India it is known as 'Makar Sakranti' and in the East "Bihu".

Pongal is a celebration of the prosperity associated with the harvest by thanking the rain, sun and the farm animals that have helped in the harvest. (ANI)
--MP

AIADMK, BJP alliance speculations rife following Modi, Jayalalitha meeting
Monday, January 14, 2008

Chennai, Jan 14 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Narendra Modi on Monday met All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J Jayalalitha fuelling speculations that their respective parties may join hands for the next Lok Sabha polls.

The meeting between the two leaders is being seen as the beginning of a realignment of political forces after Jayalalitha snapped her ties with the BJP in 2004.

The AIADMK had parted ways with the BJP after the 2004 poll debacle in which the DMK-Congress alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.

However, BJP leaders squashed any such reports saying, though there were discussions about the current political scenario of the country, the meeting was personal.

"We discussed the whole range of the country's political situation. She was a very generous host. We thank her from the core of our heart," said BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Politics

Modi to meet Amma over lunch today

Chennai, Jan 14 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narender Modi is all set to meet AIADMK chief Jayalalitha today in Chennai over lunch. It may be recalled that Jayalalitha was one of the first ones to call and congratulate Modi on his triumph in recent elections.

The meeting has fuelled speculation of a possible BJP-AIADMK tie-up in the run up to next year's general elections.

Earlier, in the morning Modi offered payer at the famous Guruvayur temple of Trishur district in Kerala.

This meeting of Modi will be his first major political outing beyond Gujarat.

Modi denied to comment on the meeting and said this meeting is just an invitation from Jayalalitha for lunch on the occasion of Pongal.

Modi said that the possibility of early general elections is unlikely, as the political climate is not favourable for the ruling UPA government. ''The Congress is really shocked by the BJP's victory in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh,'' he said outside Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. (ANI)
--MP

Ministry of urban development asks BRTS

Villagers in Tamil Nadu stage protest against ban on bullfighting
Sunday, January 13, 2008

Madurai, Jan 13 (ANI): A large number of villagers staged a demonstration here today to protest against a Supreme Court order that imposed ban on "Jalikkatu", a popular sport that involves bullfighting.

Citing cruelty towards animals, Supreme Court on Friday has put a stop to traditional bullfight 'Jallikattu', prevalent in Tamil Nadu.

The villagers threatened to surrender their ration cards to the government, if it did not take immediate action regarding the ban on the traditional sport.

"Nearly 5000 people of Anagnanullur village are ready to surrender their ration cards to the Government," said Alanganaullur councillor Velu Thambi.

"This is Tamilians most heroic sport, which is also popular worldwide. We have been organising Jallikattu every year since nearly 400 years," Thambi added.

Most of the shops in Alanganullar were closed in protest against the apex court's verdict.

A meeting of councillors of the Alanganallur village, where the Jallikattu is held on a grand scale and attracts local and foreign tourists, resolved to observe January 15, the day of Pongal, as a black day and directed the residents to hoist black flags.

As public demand that the Supreme Court should review its verdict has gained momentum, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps in the context.

A team of senior officials has also been rushed to New Delhi in this regard.

'Jallikattu', bull fighting or taming the bull, which dates back hundreds of years, is a major event in villages of south India and is held as a thanksgiving ceremony for the animals that have helped in farm activities year-round.

The objective of Jallikattu is to wrest the bounty, which is held in a cloth bag tied between the horns of the bulls.

An agitated bull is let loose to run amok in an open space as a number of people attempt to tame the animal by controlling its horns with the victor taking the prize money home.

The horns of the adorned bulls are wet before the event and the animal is rubbed down with oil making it more difficult to hold onto. To add to it the bulls are drugged with steroids and are sometimes made to drink alcohol in order to enrage them preparing for the event.

Indian laws have provided ample protection to animals against cruelty.

There is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Indian Penal Code, 1860, but in spite of the laws and occasional protestations by activists, such cruel sports continue in several parts of the country either using animal or birds. (ANI)
--MP

1913 Helpline for civic grievance

Nayan: Mayor M Subramanian unveiled a four-digit help line number –1913, for phone users to register their civic grievance with the higher officials of the Corporation at a function held at the Ripon Buildings. The number 1913 was selected specifically because, 1913 was year in which the British formally inaugurated the Ripon Buildings. Chennai Corporation is the first local body in the country to bring in a four-digit help line similar to the system practised in western countries. The advantage of the new help line is easy to remember and any grievance complaint, which is related to other government departments including electricity board, Chennai metro water can be launched. Such complaints would be forwarded to the respective departments immediately, the mayor said.

Bullfight jallikattu banned

Nayan: Any film or advertisement with jallikattu scenes will be banned without any scrutiny, according to D. Rajasekar, secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India. Maintaining that the Supreme Court's verdict on bullfight is a landmark judgement, the IFS officer said his board would intensify measures to fight cruelty to animals. From this year, those seeking permission to shoot films with animals should furnish the details of the shooting spot, venue and time. Subsequently, the AWBI will conduct surprise checks at the shooting spots to check whether animals are subjected to cruelty. In case of cruelty, besides the film getting banned, the production company will face legal action, the secretary warned.

Government should not back out from Sethusamudram: Raja

Nayan: The CPI asked the Congress-led UPA government to complete the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project as promised in its common minimum programme. In the wake of reports that the Congress wanted to delay resumption of the project, CPI national secretary D. Raja said the Union government should not back out from the project or delay its completion. It should recommence the work immediately and make known the present status of the project. He said the BJP and the Sangh Parivar were trying to stall the project by giving it a communal colour while parties like the AIADMK were supporting them on the issue. Stating that only the economic and environmental feasibility of the project should be considered, he asked the BJP not to communalise the issue.

Chennai to host SIETAR India Annual Conference 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008

Chennai, Jan 12 (ANI/Business Wire India): SIETAR India, (Society for Intercultural Education Training and Research) will host its two-day Second Annual Conference here on January 19.

The theme of the conference is "From the Melting Pot to the Salad Bowl" that will delve into the area of intercultural communication and its relevance to the world we live in.

In this context, a pre-conference workshop 'Designing Training Games' will be organised by Dr. Sivasailam Thiagarajan.

It is the world's largest interdisciplinary network in the field of intercultural relations.

SIETAR India invites management and HR professionals, international business heads and students to attend this workshop to gain new insights into the field of intercultural communication and global leadership.

The conference strives to promote intercultural dialogue between people of different cultures.

Eminent speakers at the conference include intercultural practitioners, researchers and trainers who will discuss a range of subjects varying from "Snapshots of Indian Culture", "Expatriation challenges faced by Indian families" to "HR Trends in a Globalized World".

Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions would be the guest of honor for the conference.

SIETAR India launched in 2006, coupled with the First Annual Conference at Bangalore, witnessed a whooping figure of 100 delegates from various parts of the world to share their deep insights about their culture and research on the same. (ANI)
--MP

Madras, Mysore University alumnus' edible antifreeze keeps ice cream's taste perfect

London, January 12 (ANI): An alumnus of Madras University and Mysore University edible antifreeze that can keep ice cream tasty and smooth, besides preventing other frozen foods from being ruined.

Food chemist Srinivasan Damodaran, who is currently associated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has revealed that he made his antifreeze by partly digesting gelatin using an enzyme called papin, which is found in papaya.

He says that gelatin is much more effective at preventing ice crystals from growing to 40 microns or larger from around 15 to 20 microns in width, as water melts and refreezes, while ice cream is transported home from the store.

Using a process called gel chromatography, Damodaran separated the partly digested gelatine into proteins in different weight ranges. He later added the gelatine samples to different batches of identical ice cream frozen to -40 degree Celsius.

The researcher examined each batch alongside a control sample on a microscopic slide. The temperature of the ice cream samples was then varied between -14 and -12 degree Celsius, once every 3 minutes for 21 minutes. The samples were scrutinised again thereafter.

The study showed that the lightest proteins most strongly prevented ice crystals from growing.

Upon studying the amino acid sequence of the most effective protein, Damodaran found that it was very similar to that of a natural antifreeze found in snow fleas, a species of springtail that remains active throughout winter.

Damodaran says that the new antifreeze has similar physical properties, and probably acts the same way.

He, however, admitted that these proteins were not ready to be launched in the market as yet.

"It will be some years before these (proteins) reach the market. But hopefully they will bring benefits and better ice cream to everyone," New Scientist magazine quoted Damodaran as saying. (ANI)
--MP

Samy expresses ire over Karunanidhi snub

New Delhi, Jan.10 (ANI): Visiting Malaysian Minister S. Samy Vellu attempted to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi thrice, and failed.

"I believe he felt slighted that I did not defend him when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nazri Abdul Aziz, told him off and asked him not to interfere in the internal affairs of Malaysia in the aftermath of Hindraf's illegal demonstration," Vellu suggested.

Vellu said what Nazri said was to safeguard the good name of the country, and added that he was unhappy with Karunanidhi's attitude.

Samy Vellu, who is Malaysia's Works Minister, was quoted by The Star as saying that the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and India would not be affected by allegations made by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) in November last year.

He added that he would explain the situation to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Politics

Ooty tourists facing problems
Friday, January 11, 2008

Fishermen and their boats released

HC orders invstigation on fake government appointments
Thursday, January 10, 2008

Nayan: The Madras High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation into the issuance of 'fake' government appointment orders by forging government seals to the CB-CID from the Central Crime Branch police. rdering that the transfer should happen within a week, Justice K. Mohan Ram, before whom the case came up on Wednesday, directed the CB-CID to investigate and file a final report in six months. he petitioner, R. Mohan, had moved the court seeking a direction to transfer the investigation in the cheating and forgery case to the Crime Branch CID. Submitting that Raghavan lured him with the promise of government jobs for a price, Mr Mohan said he believed Raghavan's claims on wielding "political influence" and "contact with top government officials".

Annual arts festival begins

Nayan: Mr Manickam Yogeswaran (42), Sri Lankan-born Tamil singer and composer and the first-ever Tamil to sing in a Hollywood movie Eyes Wide Shut (1999) based in London, will be the star attraction of Chennai Sangamam, an annual arts festival to promote folk arts in Tamil Nadu which is scheduled to begin on Thursday in the city. Mr.Yogeswaran, popularly known as Yoga in European and Hollywood music circuits, will be performing at the inaugural function of Chennai Sangamam at the open air theatre in IIT here. He is performing to the theme songs written by Ms Kanimozhi, MP daughter of Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi and co-ordinator of the seven-day Sangamam event.

VIT fee waiver for merit students

Nayan: The VIT University will be providing admission in any of its B.Tech courses with a 50 percent fee waiver to one boy and one girl each in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Kancheepuram, who obtained the highest marks in the Plus-Two public examinations among the students of government schools. IT Chancellor G. Viswanathan pointed out that the fee waiver would be provided under its rural students development scheme. Mr. Viswanathan said that the VITU had launched the RSDS to motivate teachers and students of government schools in rural districts to outperform other students.

National Youth Awards for 2006-07 to be given away at Chennai
Wednesday, January 9, 2008

New Delhi, Jan 9 (ANI): The National Youth Awards for the year 2006-07 will be given away at the 13th National Youth Festival, scheduled to be held in Chennai from January 12 to 16.

These awards are conferred on youth who have demonstrably excelled in different fields of developmental activities and social service.

The award to individual comprises a medal, a scroll and Rs 20,000/-. The award of one voluntary organisation comprises a trophy, a scroll and Rs. 1,00,000/-.

The theme for the 13th National Youth Festival is "Youth for progress and excellence".

About 4000 youth from all over India will participate in the festival. Each State/UT administration is expected to send a contingent of participants for competing in designated events and also participating in other activities.

Variety of cultural programmes (both competitive and non-competitive), youth convention, suvichar and exhibition will be organised to show the talent and creative energy of our youth.

The National Youth Festival is held annually in one of the States willing to host the festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand.

The January 12, being the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand is also observed as National Youth Day. (ANI)
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-AA

Labels: Education

AIADMK organises four protests against DMK
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Nayan: AIADMK general secretary Ms.Jayalalithaa remains upbeat silently watching the skirmishes in the DMK-led alliance. As her premature call to PMK last year met with cold response, she maintains caution and focuses on mobilizing party cadres to protest against the DMK-led government on civic issues across the state. After the dawn of New Year, AIADMK has organised four protests in Kancheepuram, Tiruvanna-malai, Pallavaram and Conoor in a span of nine days. Her plans also show that she wants to win back the lost constituency of AIADMK, mainly MGR loyalists. She attacks the DMK-led state government with renewed vigour.

People of Tamil Nadu take part in bullock cart race

Chennai, Jan 7 (ANI): The residents of Tamil Nadu today participated
in the annual bullock cart race with full fervour and zeal.

The bullock cart race is a part of the Pongal celebration (harvest
festival) in Tamil Nadu.

"We don't participate in this contest for the money, but to keep our
family tradition alive. We participate in the race to gain
popularity," said Kumar, a participant.

Nearly 15 carts participated in the race covering five miles. Sports
lovers gathered in huge numbers to enjoy the rural sport. The bullock
cart festival is followed by a horse cart race covering a distance of
8 miles.

There were 10 horse cart racers who were equally upbeat about the event.

"I have been participating for 25 years now, " said Raja, a jockey.

The bullock cart racers participated from neighbouring places like
Tanjore, Madurai, Theni and Puddukottai districts of the state.

The winner received a prize bounty and villagers gathered to watch
this traditional spectacle. (ANI)
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-AA

Madras Canine club's dog show held
Monday, January 7, 2008

Gold stolen from Chennai houses

CPM satisfied with AIADMK in TN
Sunday, January 6, 2008

Vaiko urges Manmohan Singh not to visit Colombo
Thursday, January 3, 2008

Chennai, January 3 (ANI): MDMK General Secretary Vaiko has urged Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh not to visit Colombo to participate in Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations, saying that it would send a "wrong signal" in favour of the Mahinda Rajapakse government which was using military might to resolve the ethnic conflict.

Vaiko, a staunch LTTE supporter, appealed Dr. Singh not to accept the invitation extended by Sri Lankan President Rajapakse for attending the National Day celebrations on February 4.

He cited the report of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour, who after a visit to Colombo indicted the Sri Lankan military for gross human rights violation.

He also pointed out that the Sri Lankan government rejected her report and denied her permission to visit the LTTE-controlled areas in the island nation.

Vaiko accused the UPA Government at the Centre of unnecessarily getting involved in the armed conflict between the Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE. (ANI)

Indian Railways enters new world market by exporting DMUs to Angola Thursday, January 31, 2008

SC grants four weeks time to Centre to file affidavit on Sethusamudram project

Tourism: Botanical Garden planted 50,000 slips

Fire accident kills woman at Siddhi Vinayagar Temple

Telgi gets 10 years rigorous imprisonment Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Rose blooms witness sales boom ahead of Valentine's Day Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Security beefed along Indian coast to ward off suspect LTTE intrusion Monday, January 28, 2008