DMK demands action against Elangovan Monday, February 28, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 27 : Irked by union minister E.V.K.S. Elangovan's suggestion that his party, the Congress, was eyeing a share in power in Tamil Nadu, the DMK Sunday demanded "immediate action" against him.
Senior DMK leaders, including all its seven ministers in the union cabinet and its MPs, met here Sunday morning under the leadership of party president M. Karunanidhi in the wake of Elangovan's comment.
Elangovan had Thursday said: "A coalition government was not far away in Tamil Nadu." His demand that the DMK share power with the Congress if the combine wins the 2006 assembly polls had set alarm bells ringing in the DMK.
The DMK, under whose leadership the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition swept all the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry last year, passed a resolution at the meet, demanding "immediate action" against errant Congress leader Elangovan.
Minister of state for commerce Elangovan was accused of making "derogatory remarks" and using "abusive language" against Karunanidhi, who called on the Congress high command to take disciplinary action against him.
Karunanidhi said: "For the Congress, which has no majority in the UPA government at the centre, it is not good to talk too much. Is the Congress ready to fight elections alone in Tamil Nadu?"
Briefing reporters at the end of the meet, he said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi had spoken to him over telephone Saturday night, expressing regret over Elangovan's remarks.
--Indo-Asian News Service
Actor Raaz arrives from Dubai Wednesday, February 23, 2005 | Editor
Mumbai, Feb 23: Actor Vijay Raaz, who was detained in Dubai on alleged drug charges, arrived here this morning.
UAE authorities released Raaz last night, nine days after he was detained at Dubai airport on February 13.
Raaz had gone to Dubai for shooting of the film 'Deewane Hue Paagal', directed by Vikram Bhatt, who had accompanied him.
Raaz is known for his role in movies like national award winning 'Raghu Romeo' and Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding'.
He also acted in films like 'Prarambh' and 'Jungle'. (Agencies)
Final Phase of works Completed for 'Chandramuki' Wednesday, February 23, 2005 | Editor
The 'Chandramuki' unit has broken the traditional pumpkin yesterday to mark the end of the shooting of the film. Since the production company had availed the Call sheets of the artistes in block, the director P.Vasu had completed the shooting 50 days in advance. There is only one song sequence yet to be shot in this film. Rajinikanth
This song sequence might be shot in a foreign country. They are searching for a 'virgin' country to which nobody should have gone before to shoot films. After that, based on Rajini's preference, they would go to that country.
Rajini seemed to have realized though a bit late, that too much build up and hype created before the release of his film 'Baba', was one of the main reasons for its flop. So there is lot of changes in Rajini this time. The reporters and the media are able to collect the informations and stills of 'Chandramuki' without any hassles. The other thing Rajini is very particular in this time is planning.
The fact that, the film is completed even before 'its' dead line, the way they had conducted a grand pooja in Telugu, before selling the Telugu rights of the film for a very huge amount and the initiative taken to release the film even in Japan on the same day of 'its release here in Tamilnadu.
Rajinikanth, Vadivelu
All these suggestion and the planning to carry out them had come from Rajini himself. Another lesson that Rajini learned from the failure of 'Baba' is the importance of the comedy! He had understood now that the fans are expecting equal amount of comedy and action from him. So in 'Chandramuki' 60% of the film is comedy based, he had done a good job of it along with Vadivelu.
Since the film is about 'Ghost' and 're-incarnation', there is lot of chances for comedy. Vadivelu, who usually do a good job as a frightened man does the same thing in this film also. Rajini had made him feel very much afraid by his histrionics in this film.
"Just as in the film 'Baba', even in this film also, there will be spiritual advice from Rajini. But it is included within the story, and not out of it" says the director P.Vasu. On the whole, this film is going to be a wholesome entertainer to satisfy everybody.
Asin, in search of Life Partner Wednesday, February 23, 2005 | Editor
If anybody should ask the question, 'who is the latest angel of Kollywood?, we can say 'Asin' as an answer assuredly. Asin
Asin, by acting in the film 'M.Kumaran S/o Mahalakshmi', had attracted very many youngsters' attention and had gained a special place in their hearts. But for this Angel from Kerala, nobody had gained place in her heart as yet.
When asked, how can nobody have attracted her so far? She winks and says, "Yes, nobody had attracted me as yet, that is for sure."
"Many people have tried to get my attention, but I didn't fell into their trap" I too am searching for a man who would make an instant impact in me as soon as I see him. But I don't know, where that kind of person exists till today"
"I will give myself to the person, who has a bit of heart, a bit of handsome and with bit of intelligence. Even my family had given the green signal for my wishes. "The young men who fits the description described here may apply" says Asin, flashing a smile.
Hmm, who is going to be the lucky guy?
Kovai prison inmates boycott breakfast Wednesday, February 23, 2005 | Editor
Coimbatore, Feb 23: A group of prisoners and undertrials in the central prison here today boycotted breakfast, assuming that a convict was denied parole to see his ailing wife.
According to police, the convict, Subramani, had sought parole for one day today to see his ailing wife, residing at Bhavani in nearby Erode district.
Though he was granted parole, there was a slight delay in providing police escort and the 50-strong group of prisoners, on the assumption that Subramani was not granted parole, refused to take food in the morning and also informed the authorities that they would be on fast for the entire day, the sources said.
With police escort, Subramani was taken to Bhavani around 11 a.m., after which all the prisoners took their noon meals, prison sources said. (Agencies)
Jaya case: Karnataka appoints public prosecutor Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor
Bangalore: With the appointment of a public prosecutor and completion of translation of voluminous documents, Karnataka on Saturday set in motion the process to facilitate commencement of trial in the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case filed against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
The Karnataka High Court on Friday appointed B V Acharya, a senior advocate as the public prosecutor for the case, Karnataka Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H K Patil told a press conference.
The High Court has also informed the government that it has completed the work on translating documents running into 17,000 pages from Tamil to English.
Patil said A S Pacchhapure, who has been appointed the judge to try the case, would soon announce a date for commencing the trial.
Court poser in bus burning case Saturday, February 19, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 18 : The Madras High Court has given the prosecution three days to produce papers relating to the death of three girls when their bus was torched five years ago.
The incident occurred in Dharmapuri in February 2000, when miscreants, allegedly enraged over the conviction of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, set afire a bus carrying students of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore.
Judge V. Kanakaraj also directed the high court registry to trace within three days its order on transferring the case from a court in Krishnagiri to a sessions court in Salem.
During the hearing on a petition filed by the state government seeking the expunction of remarks made by the court earlier in the case, Public Prosecutor K. Duraisamy said the case files were not readily available in the registry and time was needed for reconstructing them.
Kanakaraj then gave the public prosecutor three days to respond to the court's Aug 22, 2003, order transferring the case from Krishnagiri to Salem.
The case was initially heard in Krishnagiri and many witnesses turned hostile. The father of one of the victims then petitioned the Madras High Court seeking transfer of the case elsewhere.
Indo-Asian News Service
Global theatre group to perform in Chennai Friday, February 18, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 17 : International travelling theatre group "Footsbarn" will perform "Perchance to Dream", an adaptation of six of Shakespeare's greatest plays Feb 18-19 here.
Mumbai-based Prithvi Theatres has joined hands with Footsbarn for the performances.
Sanjana Kapoor of Prithvi Theatres Thursday said: "Footsbarn wants to reach the Indian audience and has even built relationships with Indian artistes, some of whom joined Footsbarn."
Prithvi Theatre was looking for more partners to incorporate local ethos and culture into its performances.
The local host is "Magic Lantern", a theatre organisation in Tamil Nadu.
"This is only a beginning. We will try to get newer and contemporary theatre groups here," said a member of the Magic Lantern.
(IANS)
Thousands witness Rathasaptami festival at Tamil Nadu Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Tirupati, Feb 15 : Thousands of devotees from all over the country participated in the annual 'Rathasaptami' festival at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here today.
The devotees also witnessed seven celestial processions of the Lord, taken out separately at different intervals. Traditional music troupes from several states, mainly Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, escorted the dieties of the Lord, a temple priest told PTI.
He said on this day each year devotees observe a centuries old custom of placing a layer of 'Jilledu' (a herb believed to possess curing power) leaves on their heads and take a dip in rivers hoping the ritual will wash away their sins. PTI
Revert to paper balloting system: AIADMK tells EC Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai: The AIADMK has asked the Election Commission to revert to paper ballot system for conducting elections saying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were "not trustworthy".
A resolution adopted at the party's general council meeting in Chennai said people wanted a polling system which was "beyond doubts, devoid of mistakes and cent per cent trustworthy."
It said the EC was duty-bound to fulfill the aspirations of the people and should revert back to the ballot paper system.
Ilayaraja's musical symphony 'Thiruvasakam' in April Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 12 (IANS): Music director Ilayaraja is ready with the much-awaited "Thiruvasakam", a symphony based on Manickavasagar's Tamil verses, and would release it here on April 14, the Tamil new year's day.
The release will be followed by launches in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Nagercoil, Ilayaraja told reporters.
He also announced launches in the US, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Singapore.
"Thiruvasakam" is one of the most revered works in Tamil literature.
The music director said his aim was not to provide a new dimension to the Tamil masterpiece or show off his musical talent through the compositions.
"We have a responsibility of telling the youth things in such a way that they understand the greatness of literary and religious masterpieces like 'Thiruvasakam,'" he said.
"There will always be people who will question why these verses have been rendered in the album this way. I am not trying to say that this is the only way to sing them," said the music director.
Ilayaraja has sung six songs in the album. "You have to listen to my voice, that is your fate," he said amidst laughter.
Rev Jegath Gaspar Raj of Tamil Maiyam, a non-profit organisation that has produced the album, said "Thiruvasakam" has witnessed excellent performances by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra in Hungary (140 players), American playwright Stephen Schwartz, five-time Grammy award-winning sound engineer Richard King, and more than 200 musicians from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Budapest and New York.
'We will stop Mumbai Express' Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai: The Tamil Protection Movement (TPM) has threatened to stop the screening of Kamal Hassan’s Mumbai Express, and S J Suriya’s BF, to protest against the English titles of the films.
While the actors say it is their prerogative to choose the title of their films, the TPM says Tamil films should have only Tamil titles.
Sunday Mid Day spoke to Thol Thirumavalavan, chief of the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), a constituent of the TPM, and asked him why they have picked on Mumbai Express and BF when so many other Tamil films have had English titles before. Excerpts from the interview:
What is wrong with the title Mumbai Express? It has been our stand that Tamil films should have Tamil titles. It is true that many films have had English titles in the past. But this trend can’t continue forever. In the last three years about 80 films have had English titles like Jeans, Run, Boys, and New. This is not a healthy trend.
We have been discussing this issue with the Tamil film industry. Many had agreed not to keep English titles in their movies in the future.
But Kamal and Suriya are adamant that they will keep only English titles. It is not good. Suriya says BF stands for ‘best friend’ but everyone knows what he is trying to hint at with his title.
So what are you going to do about it? We will stop the screening of films with English titles. We will also write to the actors (Kamal and Suriya) asking them to reconsider their decision.
Is this the only agenda of the TPM? TPM was formed to safeguard the interests of the Tamil language. We have a charter of 10 demands. Our demands include making Tamil the language of worship in temples instead of Sanskrit.
We have been asking shops and commercial establishments in the state to display the Tamil names prominently in their name boards. In March, we will be holding a Tamil conference to highlight our demands.
The TPM has also brought the DPI and the PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) closer. There is a view that the TPM would evolve into a political alliance. What do you think? Politics is not in our mind at the moment. We have come together for a common cause. But if this shapes into a political alliance, I will be happy about it.
Tamil film 'Thirupachi' asked to cut portions on insecticide Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 11 (IANS): Can Hit - an insect killing spray - prove fatal for humans too? At least that's what Tamil film "Tiruppachi" shows.
The scene was not liked by the Mumbai-based Godrej Sara Lee Ltd, the manufacturers of the insecticide that filed a civil suit in the Madras High Court seeking removal of the "offensive" portions.
The firm contended that the adverse publicity was severely affecting sales and had raised doubts in the minds of the public about the product.
The Madras High Court, which heard the plea Thursday, issued a notice to film producer R.B. Choudhary to remove the objectionable portions from the film. Justice R. Balasubramanian, who gave the interim orders, posted the case for next hearing Feb 21.
"Tiruppachi", starring Vijay and Trisha, was released last month during Pongal festival. Vijay is shown as getting rid of the villain by spraying the insecticide into his mouth.
Some good tracks in Vidyasagar's 'Ji' Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Film: "Ji"; Music Director: Vidyasagar; Singers: Udit Narayan, Sujatha, Madhu Balakrishnan, Madhushree, Sreelekha Parthasarathi, Shankar Sampoke and Kay Kay.
With the forthcoming release of "Ji", Vidyasagar is making a bid for a place among the big league of Tamil Nadu's music directors. Ajit is hoping for a hit with "Ji" after his "Attahaasam" fared moderately.
And, for that, he will require a little help from the music of "Ji" - help that was not forthcoming in "Attahaasam". Will Vidyasagar provide the vital input?
The first track, "Kiliye Kiliye", sung by Udit Narayan and Sujatha, is already a hot favourite on Chennai's radio channels. The second track, "Ding Dong" (sung by Madhu Balakrishnan and Madhushree), is, however, eminently forgettable.
The next track, "Thiruttu Rascal", is rather interesting with Sreelekha Parthasarathi's sugary voice chiding a thieving rascal. It is eminently worth listening to.
The next track by Karthik, "Sarala Kondayil" is reminiscent of Malayalam folk music.
The first track on Side-B, "Yethanai Yethanai", is melodious. Shankar Sampoke's voice has a haunting lilt that adds to the tune.
The only other track in the album, "Vamba Velaikku", sung by Kay Kay, is hum-able but not in any way memorable.
"Ji" is by no means a must buy. It can be best categorised as a time-pass album.
Kannamma Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
"Kannamma", a film scripted by DMK president M. Karunanidhi, is the top release Friday in theatres across Tamil Nadu.
At the Sathyam multiplex large hoardings announce that the DMK leader has written the screenplay, dialogues and two of the film's songs.
At the preview Thursday the hall was packed with DMK loyalists because Karunanidhi, 80, is known to deliver a political message in each of his films.
Karunanidhi is famous for his dialogues in "Parasakthi", which saw the rise of Sivaji Ganesan as a Tamil superstar.
"Kannamma" opens with a soliloquy on the people, the nation and the DMK patriarch's hopes for its future. But an inauspicious note is introduced with the mocking recitation of Subramania Bharati's famous lines addressed to "Kannamma".
The story is that of a rich medical student, Kannamma - played by Meena - who falls in love with Anandan (Premkumar) after he saves her from an acid attack by her driver, Babu (Karate Raja).
Anandan's friend Madan (Venkat) becomes Kannamma's ever-vigilant sentinel, risking his own marriage with Mala (Vindhya).
Kannamma comes to know of Anandan's martyrdom through TV. Her baby is disputed and she is brought before a village council. These scenes sorely test the viewer's intelligence.
With a new generation gradually taking over the party, octogenarian Karunanidhi's message perhaps lies in the two songs he has written, one of which is addressed to youth. The other song, "Iru vizhi mazhai", is sung by Vani Jayaram.
The film has quite a few item numbers choreographed by John Babu and as many fights. The song likely to top the charts is "Kai kudu, kai kudu, Kannamma" with lyrics by Vairamuthu and music by S.A. Rajkumar.
But amateur direction by S.S. Baba Vikram and editing by Vikram Raja make the much-hyped film little more than propaganda.
The film is peppered with messages on nationalism, caste and communal harmony. Bu it lacks the spellbinding effect of certain war films.
Also the hi-tech special effects that make India-Pakistan war films box-office hits are missing.
There are too many references to the TV news of the Kargil war, the camera returning repeatedly to shots of Karunanidhi and Murasoli Maran handing aid to Kargil victims.
But there is hardly any focused link to the war. Pictures of Congress leaders - from Jawarharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh - signify the DMK chief's blessings for his party's alliance with the Congress.
It is 12 years since Karunanidhi wrote a film script. Many are wondering what the DMK patriarch's next film, "Mannin Mainthan", will have to say.
Proceeds from the film will go to victims of the Dec 26 tsunami.
Vijaykanth to head film body Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Jan 31 (IANS): Actor Vijaykanth has been re-elected president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association (SIFAA).
Vijaykanth got 749 votes Sunday night. Film star Devi could garner only 122 votes, a SIFAA statement said Monday.
Sarath Kumar was elected the general secretary. This is his second term as a SIFAA office bearer. Actors Napolean and S.S. Chandran were elected vice-presidents.
Music pirates face police ire in Tamil Nadu Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Jan 22 (IANS): It's not quite music to the ears of audio pirates - Tamil Nadu Police have launched a new drive against them.
"Though the state does not have a special police cell to monitor audio piracy like it does for video piracy, police teams conduct raids along with (the music industry's) IMI teams who gather intelligence on audio piracy," J.K. Tripathy, a joint commissioner of police, told IANS.
Chennai's Burma Bazaar is considered to be the den of audio pirates in the city. Of 19 establishments raided in Chennai, nine were there. The police also unearthed three recording units in other parts of the city.
The Tamil Nadu Police along with IMI teams conducted 53 raids in the state and seized over 400,000 audio CDs in 2004, Tripathy said.
Raids were carried out in Madurai, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Trichy and Hosur among other places. In Madurai, seven recording units were unearthed, he said, adding this was the highest number of seizures made till date.
Talking about video piracy, Tripathy said ever since the subject has been brought under the Goondas Act in October 2004, the specially constituted video piracy cell had seized more than 130,000 VCDs and DVDs. Their total value could be worth Rs.120 million.
The all-India figures of IMI statistics suggest that 1,690 people were arrested in 1,661 raids across the country last year. About 1.4 million audio CDs, 221,002 audiocassettes and 768 CD writers were seized.
Rajnikanth looking for more film roles Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Hyderabad, Jan 28 (IANS): Tamil superstar Rajnikanth has scotched rumours that "Chandramukhi" will be his last film.
Rajni said he had just become "selective" about his films and was "looking for some variety in the commercial format".
Talking to IANS, soon after performing a religious ritual here for the Telugu version of "Chandramukhi", the superstar claimed the bilingual "Chandramukhi" would be "a different" film, though a commercial one.
Shooting for the film's Telugu version, produced by Karunakar Reddy and Parthasarsthy, will begin at the Ramoji Film City here after the cast is finalised.
Jyothika is the only actress to be signed for the film so far. According to Rajni, hers will be an important role.
"If 'Baba' (Rajni's last film that bombed at the box office) revolved around spiritualism, 'Chandramukhi' has a woman as the central theme," said Rajni.
First-time music director scores with 'Kaadhal' Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
IANS :Tamil film "Kaadhal", a love story with a new heroine and a new director, has surprisingly hit a jackpot. And its music is faring no different, despite being made by a fist time music director.
1."Kaadhal" (Joshua Sridhar): The music is nothing exceptional, but its songs are widely hummed because the film is a hit, the most popular song being "Thottu, Thottu" belted out by Haricharan, Harini and Sudhaar.
2."Thirupachi" (Mani Sharma): "Thirupachi" is no "Gilli", and there is no "Appadi Podu..." in the film, but one song that is steadily going climbing the charts is "Kannum Kannumthan" by Harish Raghavendra and Uma Ramanan.
3."Ram" (Yuvan Shankar Raja): Raja has proved his remarkable talent with every single album of his after "Kadal Kondein". His latest album is no exception, as the son of maestro Ilayaraja strives to fill the gap left by A.R. Rehman who has shifted to Hindi.
4."Devathaiye Kandein" (Deva): This album by Deva is nothing to write about. With the film doing reasonably well at the box office, some of the songs are topping the charts, like "Azhake Brahmanidam..."
5."Ji" (Vidyasagar): Expectations are very high both for the "Run" director Lingusamy and Vidyasagar, whose last hit was "Gilli". The song "Kiliye, Kiliye" in the Ajit-starrer has become a hit with the masses already.
Group protests English titles in Tamil films Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 15 (IANS): A group against the use of English titles in Tamil movies Tuesday protested at a film shooting here.
Officials said that volunteers of the Tamil Protection Movement were demanding that director S.J. Surya's film "BF" (Boy Friend) should not have English titles.
Witnesses said Surya met the volunteers at the studio gate and agreed to consider the demand.
The group had recently also threatened to disrupt the shooting of actor Kamal Hassan's new venture "Bombay Express".
Political parties such as the PMK and DPI have backed the protests and demanded legislation against English subtitles in Tamil movies.
Tamil activists keep their appointment Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Editor
Activists of Tamil Protection Movement today kept their appointment with film director S J Suryah by seeking to storm into the seaside resort on East Coast Road, where shooting of his film BF was on, but returned without interrupting the proceedings.
The movement, launched recently by a coalition of parties including the PMK and DPI, has warned Tamil film directors of agitations to stop shooting of films that had English titles. However, a few film personalities, including Kamal Haasan and Suryah, refused to give in to the demand of the group, prompting more threats.
Today, even as the shooting of BF (an abbreviation for Best Friend, according to Suryah) began at the well-known resort premises, about 100 activists of the movement banged at the closed gates and shouted slogans against the director.
Giving a break to the shoot, the director is said to have gone to the gates to have a word with the protestors, who dispersed afterwards, allowing the resumption of shooting.
Some of the activists later said that Suryah had given them an assurance to consider their demand for renaming of the project and they had left it at that. But crew members of Suryah's unit said that no such assurance had been given and that the director had just pacified the agitationists and made them disperse.
However, it is interesting to note that the activists had gone all the way to the resort on ECR to stop shooting, when the film was being shot within in the city, T Nagar to be precise, for several days.
It should also be noted that Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had spoken against the movement's plans to interfere in the projects of tinsel town and that State would not keep quiet if law and order was sought to be disrupted.
Junior seer reports at police station Monday, February 14, 2005 | Editor
CHENNAI: Vijayendra Saraswathi, the junior pontiff of Kanchi Mutt, who was granted conditional bail in the Sankararaman murder case, reported at the Thousand Lights police station here on Sunday.
He arrived at the station complying with the condition put forth by the Madras High Court while granting him bail. Vijayendra, who came along with advocates Balasubramanian and Ravi Anandhapadmanabhan, gave a thumb impression of his left hand on the papers given by the police.
The High Court in its order granting bail had put forth conditions directing him to reside in the city limits and to report at the Thousand Lights police station every Sunday.
Jayendra's anticipatory bail application adjourned to Feb.17 Friday, February 11, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb.11: Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi's anticipatory bail plea related to the Tirukoshtiur Madhavan assault case was adjourned to February 17 by a sessions court on Friday.
During the hearing of the application, both the prosecution and the counsel demanded an adjournment, so Principal Sessions Judge P Murugesan adjourned the proceedings to 17th February.
The case is related to the assault on Thirukkottiyur Madhavan, a Vaishnavite priest, in August 2004.
Initially, Mr Madhavan told the doctors that he had been injured in a road accident. Three months later, in November the priest complained to the Central Chennai police station that he had been attacked for opposing the shifting of a Lord Shiva idol from the Thirukkarungudi Perumal temple near Valliyoor, in Tirunelveli district.
The senior Kanchi Shankaracharya is out on bail in connection with the Sankaraman murder case and Radhakrishnan assault case. (ANI)
Tyagaraja celebrations begin Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 5: Eminent carnatic musicians would participate in rendering "pancharatna kirtanas" in chorus on the occasion of the five-day Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Mahotsavam and Aradhana celebrations, beginning here from tomorrow.
The celebrations had been jointly organised by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Information Centre and TTD's Local Advisory Committee, TTD sources said today.
Well-known violinist Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan would also be giving a concert.
The celebrations would be inaugurated by well-known industrialist P Obul Reddy and Tamil Nadu Tamil Development and Religious Endowment department secretary P A Ramiah would preside over the inaugural function, the sources said.
Every year to pay homage to Saint-composer Thyagaraja, eminent carnatic vocalists and musicians participate and render his "kirtanas" at Thiruvayaru, Thyagaraja's birth place in Thanjavur district in early January.
Similarly, TTD also celebrates it annually. (Our Cofrrespondent)
Travel and Tourism Fair opens in Chennai Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 5: Tamil Nadu today said its monuments and tourist centres were not affected by the tsunami and asked holiday makers and pilgrims to give a new lease of life to the state's travel and tourism industry, which was badly hit by the catastrophe.
"Our monuments were not affected in the tsunami. All the tourism destinations are safe," said V Ramadoss, secretary, Tamil Nadu Tourism, after inaugurating three-day Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) & Outbound Travel Mart, here.
He said the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) witnessed a 30-40 per cent drop in tourists in the last one-month period, due to last-minute cancellations in the wake of tsunami.
"The three-day travel fair is a fitting occasion to show the world that our tourism sector is much alive and showcase all our tourism destinations," Ramadoss told reporters.
The tourism fair, which is the fourth of its kind in the city, has around 100 participants and 12 states.
Overseas presence includes repeat participation from Thailand and Nepal, whereas Indonesia, Hongkong and New Zealand are participating for the first time.
"Billed as the country's biggest travel mart network, the TTF aims to make holidayers and business travelers aware of the various leisure and holiday travel options available in India and abroad, as also the best buys and attractive deals," said a TTF press release.
The tourism departments of Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dman and Diu, Goa, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the host state, are participating in a big way at the fair. (Our Correspondent)
Dashmunsi flays Jaya for seeking re-poll Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Madurai, Feb 5: Joining issue with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Union Water Resources Minister P R Dashmunsi today criticized her for creating a "political tsunami" by threatening to move the Supreme court demanding re-poll in all the Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
He told newspersons here that if there was any "big fraud" in the electoral rolls, the Chief Minister should have raked it up before the polls or could have stopped the elections by going to the court then itself.
She had 60 days time to go to the court and challenge the elections after the polls were over.
"Why should she talk about it now," he asked.
TNCC president G K Vasan, who was also present, said delimitation of Assembly constituencies in the state should be done as per the law and there should not be any political interference.
Intervening during a debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the House, Jayalalithaa had said there were irregularities in the electoral rolls and that she would challenge the outcome of last year's Lok Sabha polls in the state. (Agencies)
MDRF to create awareness about diabetes Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 5: With a view to creating more awareness among the city population about diabetes, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) and Chennai Willingdon Corporation Foundation (CWCF) have decided to go for mass screening of the people.
The CWCF has donated a van to the Research foundation which would go to various places in the city to screen the people and create awareness among them so that the onset of the disease can be prevented, well-known diabetologist and Chairman of the MDRF, Dr V Mohan, told newsmen here, before accepting the keys from the director of CWCF, V Narayanan.
The MDRF had actually kick started the massive campaign called 'Prevention, Awareness, Counselling and Evaluation (PACE) project' on Sept.24 last.
Sixty three camps were held in various parts of the city and about 13,000 people were screened which revealed that at least 30 percent were 'either diabetic or border line case. 'At least 25 per cent of them did not know that they were diabetic', Dr. Mohan said.
Under the PACE programme, nearly one million people would be covered in three years.
Dr Mohan said it was not enough if people alone were screened but even the General Practitioners, who normally treated diabetic patients, should be given proper training. 'Our goal is to train 500 General Practitioners and of them over 60 had already been given three-day training.' (Agencies)
SGS India inaugurates its lab facility Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 5: SGS India, a global leader and innovator in the verification, testing and certification services, today inaugurated its world class life sciences lab facility, set up at the Ticel Park with an investment of about four million USD.
This facility, created over an area of 15,000 sq ft, contains labs for quality control, bio-analysis and biotechnology. "Nowhere in the world, these three services are offered in one place," manager - quality assurance, Ashwini Kumar Srivastava told PTI on the sidelines of the meeting.
These facilities will be catering to the needs of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare sectors both domestic and international.
The bio-analysis lab has been built with facilities to meet the bio-analytical regulatory requirements of ICH and US FDA.
Facilities have been created in the lab to carry out testing of contraceptives and medical devices to meet the standards of WHO, International Standards Organisation and Population Council.
SGS India has moved on to quality control to other life sciences services like bio-analysis, said Business Manager, SGS India Dr V Meenakumari.
Condom testing facility has been created in the quality control lab. "Our condom testing facility has been approved by UN and almost 15-17 brands, including two international brands, are tested here," said Srivastava. (Our Correspondent)
Police inspector, head constable held Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
Tiruchirappalli, Feb 6: An inspector of police and a head constable in Tamil Nadu's Pudukottai district have been arrested on the charge of demanding and accepting Rs 2,000 as bribe for relieving a panchayat chairman from a criminal case.
Inspector Sampathkumar and head constable Johan Badash, attached to the Avudaiyarkovil police station, were arrested last night by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption police after the constable was caught accepting the money, police said today.
Both were remanded to judicial custody today.
According to police, Avudaiyarkovil panchayat chairman Latchumanan got himself entangled in a clash between his friend Saravanan and the latter's neighbour.
When he approached the inspector for relieving him from the case registered in connection with the clash, the latter had demanded Rs 5,000 as bribe but settled for Rs 3,000.
Latchumanan asked his friend to pay the money, but the latter complained to the vigilance police who laid a trap.
The head constable later said that he had received the money on behalf of the inspector, police added. (Agencies)
Girl falls into hot sambar, dies Sunday, February 6, 2005 | Editor
CHENNAI: A six-year-old girl who received severe burns in a freak accident, succumbed to her injuries at the Kilpauk Medical College on Friday.
The girl, Jhansi Rani, a standard one student of a panchayat union elementary school in Chenneerkuppam in Thiruvallur district had fallen into a vessel of hot sambar at the school’s noon meal centre on Wednesday and was rushed to KMC hospital with severe burns. She failed to respond to treatment and succumbed on Friday.
Condoling her death, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa granted Rs 1 lakh to her family from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund and also ordered departmental and criminal action against the school’s noon meal centre workers.
Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi's bail plea adjourned to Feb 11 Thursday, February 3, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Feb 3 (PTI) The anticipatory bail application filed by Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi, who apprehended arrest in the Tirukoshtiur Madhavan assault case, was today adjourned to February 11 by a local court with a direction that the Seer should not be arrested till then. When the bail application came up before the court, the Principal Sessions Judge P Murugesan adjourned the case after the city public prosecutor T V Ganesh sought the adjournment on the ground that the Tamil Nadu public prosecutor K Doraisamy would make a detailed submission in the court.
The case relates to the assault of a temple priest Tirukoshtiur Madhavan in August three last. PTI
Aruna murder case: Judicial custody for Raja Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
Tirunelveli, Jan 31: The chairman of Rajas Group of Educational Institutions, S A Raja, arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of former Tamil Nadu minister Aladi Aruna, was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody till February 9.
Tenkasi judicial magistrate Anil Kumar remanded Raja to judicial custody.
Later, Raja was lodged in the central prison at Palayamkottai in the district.
K Gopalakrishnan, DIG, Tirunelveli, told reporters that Raja, running three engineering colleges here and one medical college in Orissa, and late Aruna were close friends till some years back.
However, the two became rivals after Aruna started an engineering college here in 2001.
Some disputes occurred between them on the admission of students in their respective colleges.
Other than the rivalry, there was no political motivation for the murder of Aruna, he said.
Veldurai Thevar, a key accused in the case, who was arrested at Ahmedabad on January 26 and brought to Tenkasi later, had also given a statement to the police on the role of Raja in the murder.
Two pistols were also recovered from a house at Ahmedabad, where Veldurai took asylum after Aruna's murder.
Gopalakrishnan said so far 10 persons were arrested in connection with the case. Another suspect, 'Auto Bhaskar' was found dead while in police custody on January 20, but police said he died in a hospital after he fainted.
Another key accused Benny consumed poison and died at Ahmedabad when police stormed the place Veldurai and he were staying.
Gopalakrishnan said the chargesheets in the case would be filed within three weeks. (Agencies)
Chairman of Rajas group lodged in prison Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
Tirunelveli, Jan 31 : The Chairman of Rajas group of Educational institutions, S A Raja, arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of former Tamil Nadu Minister Aladi Aruna, was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody til February nine.
Raja was remanded to judicial custody by the Tenkasi Judicial Magistrate Anil Kumar.
Later, Raja was lodged in the central prison at Palayamkottai in the district.
K Goplakrishnan, DIG, Tirunelveli, told reporters Raja, running three engineering colleges here and one medical college in Orissa and late Aruna were close friends till some years back. However, the two became rivals after Aruna started an engineering college here in 2001. Some disputes occurred between them on the admission of students in their respective colleges.
Other than the rivalry there was no political motivation for the murder of Aruna, he said.
Veldurai Thevar, a key accused in the case, who was arrested at Ahmedabad on January 26 and brought to Tenkasi later, had also given a statement to the police on the role of Raja in the murder. Two pistols were also recovered from a house at Ahmedabad, where Veldurai took asylum after Aruna's murder.
Gopalakrishnan said so far 10 persons were arrested in connection with the case. Another suspect, 'auto Bhaskar' was found dead while in police custody on January 20, but police said he died in a hospital afer he faintd. Another key accused Benny consumed poison and died at Ahmedabad when police stormed the place Veldurai where he was staying.
Gopalakrishnan said the chargesheets in the case would be filed within three weeks. PTI
Tamil Nadu tourism poised to pick up post tsunami Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
Despite a loss of Rs.30 million ($685,000) to Tamil Nadu's tourism sector in the wake of the Dec 26 tsunami, the state is fast returning to normal and expects tourist inflow to pick up by the year-end.
"The (state) Government has already put out information on its website about return of normalcy and rehabilitation works being undertaken in the tsunami hit areas," said Sakthi Kandha Das, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) Commissioner.
Kanyakumari, Tranquebar and Mahabalipuram were among the tourist spots that had been hit by the tsunami, Das told IANS.
Admitting that revenue from tourism was expected to decline following the tsunami devastation in the coastal areas, he said this would not have any long-term impact and tourism would pick up later in the year.
Last year, Tamil Nadu had earned Rs.20 million ($457,000) from tourism. The state was emerging as a tourist hotspot and last year 900,000 foreign and 270,000 domestic tourists visited the state, Das said.
On plans to promote tourism in the state, he said the TTDC was planning to start Ayurvedic massage centres at its properties in Kodaikanal, Ooty, Madurai and Kanyakumari.
Das said the tourism department was planning to hold the "Chettinad Heritage Festival" at Karaikudi in Sivaganga district next month. If the response is good it would be made an annual affair and more such events would be organised at other places, he said.
Indo-Asian News Service
Tamil version of Governor's address read out in House Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
In a reversal of his earlier decision to skip the reading of the Tamil translation of the Governor's address this year also, Speaker K Kalimuthu today read out the Tamil version. The practise of reading the Tamil translation has been resumed after a gap of two years.
Following the opposition demand for reading out the Tamil translation of the Governor's speech, the Speaker, a couple of days ago, had clarified that in some States, the translation of Governor's address had not been made in the regional language and the Tamilnadu Assembly too followed this practice.
Before, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala commenced his speech, Kalimuthu said the Governor's address to the House was being telecast through Doordarshan and with a view to take it to all sections of the society and added that he would be reading the Tamil translation once the Governor completed his speech.
Tsunami wreaks havoc on Tamil films: Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
Chennai, Jan 31 : The verdict on the Pongal releases in Tamil Nadu is out. And it is a huge disappointment. Vijay's "Thirupachi" was perhaps the only one that managed to escape the tsunami onslaught, but even this film could not sustain the initial pull.
It was a period when all tried and tested phenomena failed - be it Sarath in a double role or superb action by Prashant. The only film that came out winner is first-time director Balaji Sakthivel's "Kaadhal".
"Thirupachi": It was exactly like any other Vijay film, the same action scenes, similar sentiments and dance sequences and even the same heroine. Although it fared better than the other Pongal releases, it failed to recreate the old magic at the box office.
"Kaadhal": This small love story from Shankar's production house is winning hearts all over Tamil Nadu, catapulting hero Bharat into the league of big actors.
"Devathayai Kandein": Nobody expected this film with its jaded look to overtake the Sarath Kumar-starrer "Ayya". But it did. For actor Dhanush, it is a jolly good wedding gift!
"Ayya": It had all the ingredients of a super hit - director Hari, producer Kavithalaya and hero Sarath Kumar that too in a double role. But the film bombed, despite Sarath Kumar's high-spirited performance. Perhaps, times have changed!
"Aayudham": One more flop to Prashanth's list. He might have delivered some excellent kicks and chops in the film, but this old wine in a new bottle formula, was completely rejected by the audience.
--Indo-Asian News Service
Tamil Nadu to introduce Value Added Tax in April: Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
[India News]: Chennai, Jan 31 : Tamil Nadu will implement Value Added Tax (VAT) by April, state Governor S.S. Barnala said Monday.
Barnala told the assembly that a legislation to introduce VAT, which replaces sales tax, would be introduced in the budget session.
He praised the Jayalalitha government's relief work in the tsunami-hit districts, saying: "The severe challenges posed by the Dec 26 tragedy have been handled effectively by the state government."
The governor said 7,993 people died after the giant waves lashed the coastline and thousands were displaced.
"The state government has requested the central government for a waiver of all loans taken by fishermen. It has also asked for liberal terms for replacing small fishing craft destroyed in the disaster," Barnala said.
He said food production in the state had been impressive and 3.7 million ration cards were distributed among the poor. By June, about 7 million cards would have been given.
The opposition was, however, not satisfied. Arcot N. Veerasamy of the DMK said the governor did not announce any livelihood schemes for the fishermen and farmers affected by the tsunami.
The house adjourned after paying tributes to former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi who died last month, and DMK leader Alladi Aruna who was murdered on Dec 31.
--Indo-Asian News Service
Jayalalitha flays Tamil `custodians': Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
[India News]: Chennai, Jan 31 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha has warned of strict action against "self-styled custodians" of the Tamil language planning to stall the release of Tamil films with English titles.
In a statement here, she said: "The government would not remain a mute spectator if anyone tries to indulge in violence to stall the release of Tamil films under the garb of safeguarding Tamil language.
"The police department, entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, would do its duty."
Jayalalitha's reaction came in the wake of statements by PMK leader S. Ramadoss and Dalit Panthers leader T. Thirumavalavan that they would launch a stir if Tamil films had English titles.
Thirumavalavan had demanded that actor Kamal Hassan change the name of his forthcoming movie "Bombay Express".
Jayalalitha said there was no legal bar against naming films in any language. She quipped: "Will Ramadoss, which is a Sanskrit word, change his name to a pure Tamil name?"
She asked why he was mum over the name of Sun TV, the television channel run by his party's ally, the DMK.
However, Ramadoss charged Jayalalitha with trying to sidetrack the issue of the Tamil Protection Forum's protest against Tamil films with English titles.
"We are well aware that there is no law to regulate the naming of films. That is why we want a law," he said.
Indo-Asian News Service
Tamil Nadu govt woos NGOs for tsunami relief Wednesday, February 2, 2005 | Editor
NEW DELHI, Jan. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The Tamil Nadu government in southern India is wooing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a big way for relief and reconstruction in tsunami-hit villages.
An advertisement in newspapers in Chennai on Sunday asked NGOs,charity organizations, public sector enterprises and industry houses to "provide infrastructure and livelihood support" to the survivors of the Dec. 26 disaster.
The local government has suggested two ways of helping: NGOs can choose areas and build houses for up to 1,000 families or invest in infrastructure, helping build schools, hospitals and community and communication centers.
The local government said it would cost 150 million rupees (3.43 million US dollars) to build 1,000 homes. Land will be providedand the NGOs can get architects to design the homes.
Organizations already building temporary shelters for the survivors are not sure this will work. "Often the design of such houses does not match the requirements of the people who would live in them," said Sanjay Awasthi, an official overseeing tsunamirelief.
Investments on infrastructure projects should not be less than 5 million rupees (113,280 dollars), the government said.
