Alpha Times, Anna Nagar April 12, 2009

Alpha Times Putting Heart and Soul of your Neighbourhood

April 12, 2009

VOL: 1 ISSUE 43

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LPG cylinder only if you buy a stove CHENNAI: Public sector oil companies have been directing LPG distributors not to force customers to buy gas stoves or other household items while providing a new or additional gas cylinder.

”Last month when I approached an agency for an additional cylinder, I was asked to buy a pressure cooker also and pay Rs 3,500. When I told them that I already had a cooker at

H o w e v e r, n o t m a n y distributors are following the instruction. LPG customers in several parts of Chennai including Anna Nagar complain that the distributing agencies force them to buy gas stoves, pressure cookers or mixers when new gas connections or additional cylinders are sought. Though officials in Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum say that the agencies are supposed to collect less than Rs. 2,000, which includes the refundable deposit and other charges for a new gas connection or an a d d i t i o n a l c y l i n d e r, customers are compelled to buy other kitchenware items and pay Rs. 3,500 to Rs 4,000.

home, they refused to provide me an additional c y l i n d e r, ' ' s a i d S Gomathi, a resident of Anna Nagar. Residents of Triplicane, Ashok Nagar, Avadi, Pattabiram and Pammal too had similar complaints. The unfair trade practice of LPG agencies was discussed in a meeting organized by the State Consumer Protection department

with voluntary consumer organizations two months ago. A senior IOC official said that gas agencies were asked to sell a specially designed energy-efficient gas stove only if customers wanted it. "Whenever we receive complaints that customers have been compelled to buy, we instruct them not to do it,'' the official said. Officials in HPCL and BPCL also confirmed that buying kitchenware items were not mandatory to get a new connection or an additional cylinder. Civil supplies and consumer protection department commissioner K Rajaraman said that the department had received similar complaints. "This sort of trade practice is illegal as per the Consumer Protection Act and is a violation of the disciplinary guidelines of oil companies. We have asked oil companies to take strict action against the erring agencies,'' he said. ''All LPG dealers who insist on buying stoves for allotment of a

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gas cylinder were let off only with a warning and no punishments are handed over to them. Unless some severe punishment is given to them ,the dealers will not venture into such acts", says a consumer activist from Anna Nagar.

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Alpha Times

April 12, 2009

Spiritual life and Material life VOL : 1 ISSUE 43

April 12, 2009

LTTE threat The reported threat of an attack on top political leaders, including Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi, by the LTTE during current electioneering cannot be taken lightly. The militant Sri Lankan outfit facing defeat is fighting a desperate battle for survival and could well unleash violence within India. One can hardly ignore the fact that it was the LTTE that had engineered the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. While that had caused revulsion among the masses in Tamil Nadu, it would be foolhardy to under-estimate the numerically-weak but strongly-motivated pro-LTTE forces to create trouble in a bid to find a foothold in the state. In Tamil Nadu, MDMK leader Vaiko has been making no bones of his support for the LTTE and has, in recent days, been warning the Manmohan Singh government of dire consequences if it does not push for an end to the Sri Lanka government’s anti-LTTE operations. The current dispensation, the DMK, itself had been indicted by the Jain Commission in 1997 for supporting the LTTE and that had led to a snapping of links between that party and the Congress. With pockets of support still in the DMK, the LTTE could well make an effort to penetrate the security cordon once again. There is, therefore, cause for strict vigil especially in all the southern states. Some newspapers have cited intelligence reports that LTTE cadres could loot a bank in Kerala to bolster its finances. The recent statement by Congress leader Verappa Moily that if LTTE chief Prabhakaran is captured by the Sri Lankan army he ought to be handed over to India to be tried for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi could be an added reason for the LTTE to strike. All in all, it is a situation that brooks no complacency. The security apparatus must be in top gear to thwart the LTTE’s sinister designs.

Donations for Dormitories The Esayanur (30 km from Kanchipuram) Sri Venugopalaswamy Bhakta Jana Sabha Trust, which maintains the 800 year-old Venugopalaswamy temple, need funds for the

construction of dormitories and a Veda Pada Sala. For Donations Contact 9 4 4 5 2 4 2 6 6 0 / 9840358204.

Is spiritual life the same as the material life or are they different? What constitutes a life that dwells in spirit and what is material life? Although Baba did not elaborate on this topic just as he did not dissect on any other topic at length, one encounters this discussion frequently. It is an observation that the young are often discouraged to pursue any spiritual activity as it is deemed that it is not as much a priority as earning a livelihood. Thus, spiritual pursuits are often pushed towards the latter stages of life. To dissuade this thought, it is said that one need not d i ff e r e n t i a t e t h e spiritual life from the way we live our everyday lives. To this effect, it is said that one should spend whatever time he could be in the thoughts of Sadguru as one goes about the ordinary life. As the distinction is blurred, the life itself becomes a harmonious blend of the self and Sadguru. Is there anything more? Everyone is entitled for Baba's grace. But, do all get the same benefit? Baba himself quipped that if every flower on the tree comes to fruition it would be a bumper crop. But it does not happen. The thought that material life and spiritual life is one in itself is a revelation, a comforting assurance that would help one in looking at life in its perspective. Does this mean that the material and spiritual lives are same, meaning there is no difference? If one were to observe carefully, argument that there are no differences between spiritual and material life denotes an intelligent yet subtle justification to the material pursuits that are always in conflict with the search for the spirit! Spiritual or material, it is one life. Attempting to differentiate is a futile exercise because it is neither possible nor appropriate to draw the line. However, as one progresses in the path of Sadguru, the changes in one's life should be evident as every interest revolves around Sadguru, around his likes and dislikes, and approval and disapproval. When the life is in complete tune with Sadguru and no one else, such life is completely spiritual and not material. Just like one cannot travel on two horses riding in opposite directions, one cannot expect to lead a material life to its fullest fulfillment and yet accomplish the spiritual goal. While it is not relevant to discuss the importance of each of the functions in this context, what it takes someone to become the Pope is different from what it would take to become the President of a nation.

Annadhanam donations The Srinivasa P e r u m a l Te m p l e , Nachiyarkovil, (the abode of Kal Garudar) Kumbakonam Circle, Ph: 0435-2467167 is promoting the government sponsored Annadhanam Scheme. Philanthropists and devotees desirous of contributing for the same

may send in donations. Demand drafts (Rs. 600 or Rs. 10,000 permanent deposit) for the Government’s Annadhanam scheme, may be sent to the secretary, Annadhanam Scheme, Srinivasa P e r u m a l Te m p l e , Nachiyarkovil – 612602, Kumbakonam Circle.

For the week April 12- April 18, 2009 Those who have been keeping aloof will rally around you. So you are in for good times on social grounds.

You will make new contacts with new people and strengthen old ones. Emotional life will pick up. Friday good day to socialize.

An idealistic phase soon to prove that you gain business. your duties come before rights.

Refulgent Moon is urging you to take up some challenging assignment. Do not miss or you may regret missing the chance.

You may have to choose between your lover and career. Proceed with patience.

A combustible Mercury will make you wage war against rising expenditure. Social obligations will affect budget. Wednesday may be exorbitant.

Exalted Venus will make you one up on your rivals. Anyone who dares to challenge you will have to lick the dust. The resistance you can put up now will be stunning. have

Travel may demand your time as well your work and home affairs. Your hectic schedule will have no time for relaxing.

Your bid to bid, shop or hunt a bargain may fail. Be attentive. You are however advised not to act on your impulses.

A minus point in your current solar chart is that you unequivocally forget that your sign is famous for its wisdom.

Good week for improving educational goals for trainees in the travel, communication, hotel and cinema industries. Sportsmen can also move up with a bang.

Cancerians and Leos are dependable at the time of need but avoid Taureans or Librans. - Dr. Anuj Vikram Sharma

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Alpha Times

April 12, 2009

Gold coins through post offices On account of Akshaya Trithiya festival, the Department of Posts has decided to keep 15 of its post offices open on April 14 for selling gold coins. A press release issued by the Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu Circle said that the following Head Post Offices in city (Anna

R o a d , T. N a g a r , Mylapore, Tambaram, Ambattur, Park Town, ) and three Sub-Post Offices (Anna Nagar, Tiruvanmiyur and Triplicane) will be kept open. In a short period from October 15, 2008 to March 31, 2009, the department had sold 30,277 grams of gold coins.

Meet on student visas at US consulate The United States-India Educational Foundation Chennai, will organize a presentation on student visas on Tuesday April 21, at the Music Academy. David Francis, vice-consul, US Consulate General, Chennai, will provide information about the student visa application procedure and discuss the guidelines used in making

student visa issuance decisions. Students who are planning to pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies in the United States are encouraged to attend the meet. For further information, contact 28574423 or email to [email protected].

Workshop on career guidance Science City will hold a workshop on ‘Career guidance for students’ on April 16 for those who have taken Standard XII examinations. According to a release, the workshop would cover various fields of engineering and technology, agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, medical sciences, basic sciences, and areas, including civil service examinations.

Eminent professionals from these fields would address students, the release said. Participants of the workshop would receive a certificate. Last date for receiving applications is April 13. Those desirous of participating may contact the Science City office on Periyar Science and Technology campus, Gandhi Mandapam Road, or call 24454054, 24454034.

Weekly specials to Jaipur Southern Railway will run weekly specials from Chennai Central to Jaipur in both directions during April, May and June. Train No. 0675 will leave Chennai Central at 4.30 p.m. every Monday from April 13 to June 22 and reach Jaipur at 5.55 a.m. on Wednesday. In the return

direction, train No. 0676 will leave Jaipur at 12 noon every Wednesday from April 15 to June 24 a n d re a ch C h e n n a i Central at 9.15 p.m. on Friday. Reservation had commenced, according to a Southern Railway release.

Lawyer held for cheating bank Sleuths from the central crime branch of the city police on Sunday arrested G Samidoss Pandian (46), a lawyer of Anna Nagar West, for pledging forged land documents with a State Bank of India branch for a loan of Rs 7 lakh. Bank officials

learnt about the fraud only when he defaulted on paying the instalments. Based on the complaint of an SBI assistant manager, the police arrested Pandian. He was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before a magistrate’s court.

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Restaurant of Haddows club sealed The Chennai Corporation has sealed the restaurant of a private club situated off Nungambakkam High Road. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said that the civic body had received several complaints that Haddows Club did not posses a valid licence to run the restaurant. “During an inspection,we found that the club did not have a licence to run a restaurant. Until it renews the licence, the restaurant would remain

closed,” he said. The club also owed the Corporation over Rs.12 lakh in property tax arrears. “The cheques issued by the club towards the payment have been dishonoured. "It is a criminal offence and if the club administration does not pay the due, we will take criminal action,” he added. M r. L a k h o n i said that restaurants in clubs must possess licences. “There is still time for them to get licences,” he added.

Science city to hold workshop Science City will organize a workshop on ‘Health and Wealth from Waste’ for women, at its premises on Gandhi Mandapam Road on April 18.The workshop will comprise lectures on kitchen waste, management, training on vermiculture and setting up of nutrition garden. Only 50 women would be selected for the free workshop. For details, call Science City on 24454054/34.

Send your news and events to [email protected]

Daily Trip to Thirupathi

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Alpha Times

Golusu pattu the new trendy wear Silk saree, which have been long for thel hallmark of tradition, can g e t t r e n d y. P a t t e r n s originally associated with it can give way to newer, more modern designs. And designer saree need not necessarily imply chiffons or silk cottons, pattu saree can bear that look too. It is believed that these have helped to promote a modest one-room establishment, Sri Palam Silks, a 2,000 sq ft showroom in the saree hub of the city, T .Nagar has launched the new Golusu Collection. The silk weaves and the anklet, two symbols of the South Indian tradition, have today been brought together to make a modern saree. Simply put, it is a silk saree which comes with work involving beads and the golusu at its border. The golusu collection, which starts at Rs 7,500 goes upto Rs 20,000. “It is often the needs of people that help us come out with innovations. "When a mother said she had to buy chiffons because her daughter wanted modern designs, we started with the designer concept saree. And when a person abroad had to buy saree but didn’t know to drape

one, the concept of a readym a d e saree was introduced ,” says Jayasree R a v i , founder of Sri Palam Silks. W h i l e acknowled ging that her store does not trade with saree in h u g e numbers, it does believe in exclusively and even takes orders from its

FAST TRACK NEWS

Free course for visually challanged Nandhini Voice for the Deprived (M 60/1, 4 th Cross Street, Besant Nagar) will conduct a 15-day free course on self-employment opportunities for visually impaired persons from April 15. Refreshments and course materials will be provided free of charge. For further particulars, N. S. Venkataraman may be contacted in 2491 6037 or 2496 1346.

Last Date The deadline for the receipt of applications for inclusion in the voters’ list and issue of voter identity cards is April 14. Applications can be given in Corporation Zonal Office opposite Ega Theater on Poonamalle High Road.

Free computer training The Tamil Nadu Foundation Inc Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Foundation Inc of the US is offering free basic computer training for school dropouts and students from the underprivileged section. Contact: 2644 6319, 99401 21860

Nose for news Calling all aspiring reporters. Yocee.com, a website for kids in Chennai, is out with its student reporter programme for those between 11 and 17 years. The website will select 20 reporters from the lot and give them the opportunity to report events from their school and residential locality, interview authors and artistes. They will also be a part of workshops and reading sessions. Details: www.yocee.com

'Strings Meeting Strings Series’ KAPRI music and art promoters is holding a a scintillating Jugalbandi titled `Strings Meeting Strings Series’(Carnatic - Hindustani) music concert of Kalaimamani Dr. M. Lalitha – Carnatic Violin and Ustad Rafique Khan – Sitar at 6.30 PM on Tamil New Year’s Day April 14 at the R. K. Swamy Auditorium(Sivaswamy Kalalaya Senior Secondary School)No. 5 ,Sundareswarar Street, Mylapore .

customers. Sri Palam Silks is located at 115, Pondy Bazaar, T Nagar.

April 12, 2009

Mumbai to Chennai in less than 20 hours In its endeavour to optimally utilize its resources, Central Railway (CR) has decided to introduce a weekly super fast train to Chennai from Dadar which will cover the entire distance in 19.50 hours. This train will cover 1,279 km between Dadar and Chennai at an average speed of 65 kmph. CR operates three trains between Mumbai and Chennai of which two originate and terminate at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and one from Dadar. "The two trains from CST - 1027 CSTChennai Mail takes 29.25 hours whereas 1041 C S T- C h e n n a i t a k e s 26.45 hours. The third train, 2163 DadarChennai, takes 23.15 hours. However, this super fast train will save over 3.25 hours," said

Shrinivas Mudgerikar, chief PRO of CR. Mudgerikar said the reduction in the time has been achieved by reducing the number of halts en route thereby increasing the speed between two stations. The train will halt at five places - Pune, Solapur, Wadi, Guntakal and Renigunta. Introduced on an experimental basis, it will be operated once a week from April 28 to May 19. "Seeing the immense response from people travelling to Chennai and back we decided to use t h e C S T- M a d g a o n special super fast rake that was lying idle. So without incurring additional costs we will be able to cater to t h o u s a n d s o f passengers," said Mudgerikar.

Our Team Editor S. Raghunathan Advisor K. Venkataraghavan Reporters Usha Sai Narayan M.R.Shobana Editorial Desk S. Subhakeerthana Photographer S. Mohan Designer M. Valarmathi Circulation S. Akbar Ali, 90947 99011 Advertisement Desk 90947 99006 Owned and Published by S. Raghunathan Office F 5 and 6, First Floor, Leo Complex, 41, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-600 017 Ph: 4286 7784 99400 24556

Disclaimer Readers are recommended to make appropriate enquiries before entering into dealings with advertisers who advertise in this publication, Neither. the Editor, nor the Printer and Publisher do not vouch any claims made by advertisers and hence shall not be held liable for any adverse consequences.

Annual identification The annual identification of the defence service pensioners for the year 2009-2010 will be done at the DPDO, Teynampet office .

IGNOU engineering courses The school of Engineering and Technology associated with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is joining with Sri Angala Parameswari Education Trust to offer certificate, diploma and degree programmes in various engineering branches from 2010. Dr Latha Pillai, pro-vicechancellor, IGNOU, said that this had been introduced to allow students who did not have access to higher technical education.

Shifted M M W S S B office No: 68 Kilpauk , functioning at Pulla Avenue Shenoy Nagar was shifted on April 03 to 1, New Avadi Road, says a MMWSSB release.

11th

6.00 p.m.

Inauguration of the Vizha and Conferment of Birudhu “Nataka Choodamani” on Shri. Visu - (Playwrite, Actor and Director) by Arulalar Shri. R.M.Veerappan. Poornam New theatres Rolling trophy for best drama troupe 2009 to Goodwill stage -Sri Kovai Padmanabhan

7.00 p.m

UAA Present Y Gee Mahendra in “Vietnam Veedu”

4.30 p.m

Chennai Drama House Present “Kandapadi Kandupudi”

7.00 p.m

United Visuals Presents “TV” Varadarajan in “Re(a)el Estate”

13th

7.00 p.m

Augusto Creations Presents Augusto in “Ranganathan Photo Studio”

14th

7.00 p.m

Stage creations Presents Kathadi Ramamurthy in “Ayya Amma Ammamma”

15th

7.00 p.m

Goodwill Stage presents Kovai Padmanabhan In “Washingtonil Thirumanam”

16th

7.00 p.m

Kala Nilayam Presents K.S.Nagarajan in “Marupakkam”

17th

7.00 p.m

Gurukulam (Original Boys Co –95) Presents M.B.Murthy in “Ammavin Aranmanai”

18th

7.00 p.m

Crazy Creations Presents Crazy Mohan in “Chocolate Krishna”

19th

4.30 p.m

Sowmya Theatres Presents T.V.Radhakrishnan in “Maanbumighu Nandhivarman”

7.00 p.m

Natakapriya Presents S.Ve.Shekher in “Mahabharathathil Mangatha” [Season (11th to 19th) Donar Pass : Rs.750/-,Rs.500/- Rs.300/Daily Donar Pass: Rs.300,200,100,50/-]

12th

You can now learn French, German in Tamil Tamil speakers who are not fluent in English will now be able to learn foreign languages as Loyola College is all set to start courses in French and German, using Tamil as the medium of instruction. " T h e i d e a occurred to us when a student asked whether it would be possible to teach him French using Tamil instead of English. A working knowledge of French, he felt, could help him get a job," said Francis M Peter, director, Research Academy of Cumulative Excellence (RACE), a division of Loyola College that equips individuals with different levels of language proficiency to help them better career prospects. Speaking to journalists here on Wednesday, he said that the concept of using the mother tongue for foreign language instruction had already been tested in the college classrooms. "We have found

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Alpha Times

April 12, 2009

that it works well with some of our students who have come from Tamil-medium schools. The new language course aims to equip individuals with a functional knowledge of the language. We propose to select dominant themes of daily life and train people to converse in these aspects. For instance, introducing oneself, asking for directions, purchasing provisions from a grocery store and so on. We will also give them an understanding of the basic structure of the language so that they can become creative with its usage," said Xavier Raj, an experienced French professor who retired from the foreign languages department of the college. K Srinivasan, Raj's colleague, the instructor for German at RACE, said that students would find it easy to learn

the language as German shared some structural similarity with Tamil. "The vowel sounds in both languages are very similar. This will facilitate easy pronunciation. There are certain simple rules that need to be understood. Once this is done, it easy to read German text. This can happen even after three sessions of three hours each," he said. Currently launching the initiative with a basic-level language course spanning 15 days, with coaching for three hours a day, RACE plans to expand it to intermediate and advanced courses as well, Francis Peter said. Scheduled to start on April 15, he said the academy planned to target students who had finished school and were looking to learn new languages during summer holidays.

Festivals galore from TTDC The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is planning to organize a Mango festival in Chennai. Usually, the Mango festival is an annual feature in Krishnagiri, a town located near the Mango city of Salem. This will be the first time the State capital will be hosting such an event. Different varieties of the fruit would be on display, and people will get a chance to taste different varieties of the fruit brought from different parts of the country. B e s i d e s , th e Corporation is also planning to organize a series of tourism programmes in Tamil Nadu - a music festival at Tiger Caves in Mamallapuram, a tea and coffee festival, Chettinad heritage festival and a

literary festival at Ettayapuram in Thoothukudi district, which is the birth place renowned Tamil poets, Umaru Pulavar and Mahakavi Barathiyar are in the pipeline. According to officials at the TTDC, the international tourist arrival to the State escalated by 23 per cent in 2008, accounting to a total of 20 lakhs in the previous year. Most of the foreign tourists were from the UK, USA, Italy, Germany, Holland and France, visiting six world heritage sites, including G a n g a i K o n d a Cholapuram and Brahadeeswarar temples at Tanjore. A section of tourists were also from Arab countries for medical treatment in Tamil Nadu. Likewise, the State had an inflow of

about six crore domestic tourists, largely from the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal last year. A large number of them, the official said, came as medical tourists to places like Chennai, Vellore and Madurai. Meanwhile, the TTDC launched its website on Wednesday in Tamil www.tamilnadutourism.org / t a m i l featuring tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. Dr V Irai Anbu, Secretary, Tourism, Dr M Rajaram, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of TTDC, participated in the event. TTDC is also planning to expand its website in Hindi, Telugu and few other Indian languages, in an attempt to attract more tourists from other States.

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Alpha Times

News You can use

Workshop Divine Life Society: The Anna Nagar branch is conducting a free Brahma yoga workshop. Special sessions will be held for women and children on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For details contact: 26210523

Summer camp Landmark is organising an annual summer camp for children titled 'The Chrysalis Busy Bee Fun Factory 2009'. Children will be able to participate and learn innovative ways of spending their summer. From April 19 -April 25, 10.30 am to 1.00 pm at landmark, Spencer Plaza, Anna Salai.

Predict the future Tarot Learning Centre presents a beginners course titled “Read yourself with tarot card power", conducted by Dr. Shanthi Sukumaran. April 12,Tarot Learning Centre, 23/5A, Govindan Street, Ayyavoo Colony, Aminjikarai. For details Call: 9600077073.

Seminar Hypnotic Circle conducts a seminar on Positive Self Talk followed by a session of mass relaxation by hypnotist P. Dharmaraj on April 12, Hotel Palm grove, Kodambakkam High Road, 2.30 pm to 6 pm. For details call : 9282173771.

Just for kids From April 13 Little Einstein, Harrington Road. Little Einstein presents a summer camp for kids aged between 3 and 10. For registration and details, call: 9884311480.

Discover your talents Discovery camp conducts camp for kids aged 9 to 13 years. The camp includes the Detective Club, to improve analytical, deducted skills and develop problem solving strategies, the Robotic Club, to help the child create Becham or Drogba to pay in the Soccer Robo Competitions, Dramatics Club, where the child will create skits and plays and Photography Club, to acquire hands-on experience of the nuances of photography and many more from April 13 at Anna Nagar from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. For details call: 9884061700.

Chess camp T. Nagar Chess Academy will hold a camp for children above five at Anna Nagar from April 14. Contact AL Kasi, Secretary, T. Nagar Chess Academy. Ph: 94444 66155, 23711180.

Instrumental Music Camp RAO'S Music Circle will conduct Instrumental Music Camp2009 for children in the age group of 4 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 to 15 years from April 16 at various places in Chennai. The class is aimed at teaching keyboard (Carnatic and Western), guitar, tabla, veena and vocal music.

Chess camp The Kilpauk Chess Centre (affiliated to CDCA) will conduct its seventh summer camp for boys and girls between five and 15 at Primrose Play School, Kilpauk, from April 16 to 30. C a l l S . Panaiappan at 94440 44576 / 26563151.

For details, call 9841723115.

Teacher training

April 12, 2009

B U D G E T

A D S .

The centre for training and resources in Early childhood Education presents an experiential workshop for kindergarten and play school teachers and parents. Emphasis will be on child development, curriculum and lesson planning, readiness activities for reading, w r i t i n g a n d m a t h e m a t i c s , storytelling, songs and movement and innovative games from April 15 to 25, Flat G, Jyothi Apartments, 2048, H Block, 12th Main Road, Anna Nagar. For details call: 2 6 1 6 2 4 0 3 / 9 8 4 11 34287.

Summer camp for Champs Lil champs, a 15 day course on arts and crafts, group discussions, public speaking, yoga and meditation, etc from April 15 to 30, 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, 14 B, 3rd floor, Pleasant Apartments, 45/50, Taylors Road, Kilpauk For details call 99520 31153/ 9677008550.

Tennis, football camp Loyola College will be conducting a summer coaching camp for tennis and football from April 15 to May 30. C o n t a c t Vijayakumar, Director of Physical Education, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on all days (except Sundays) at the Physical Education office, Loyola College, for registration and other details.

SUMMER

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India General Elections 2009 Voter's guide Are there any arrangements for the videography of critical events during the election process? Yes. Video teams are formed in the constituency to record and videotape critical events like meetings addressed/attended by ministers, national/state-level leaders of political parties, incidents of violence, etc Is there any restriction on the printing of pamphlets, posters, etc? A person can't print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, any election pamphlet or poster which does not bear on its face the addresses of the printer and the publisher there of . Are there any guidelines for setting up election booths by candidates / political parties near polling stations on the day of the polling? An election booth can be set up beyond a distance of 200 metres from the polling stations, only with one table and two chairs with an umbrella or a piece of tarpaulin or cloth to protect the two occupants with one banner (3 X 4 1/2 feet) to display the name of the candidate/ party/ election symbol at the booth. No crowd is allowed. Is it necessary to obtain the written permission of the authorities concerned for setting up the election booth? Yes What is the deadline after which no public meetings and processions can be taken out? Public meetings and processions can't be held during a period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the polling Is there any restriction on the presence of political functionaries in a constituency after the campaign period is over? After the closure of the campaign period, the political functionaries, etc, who have been brought from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency should not remain in the area. They should leave immediately after the campaign period ends Why was it necessary to switch over to EVMs from ballot paper elections? The counting of ballot papers in an election used to take long hours, creating a charged atmosphere for the counting officials as well as the candidates/ political parties. Sometimes this was aggravated by the demand for re-counting resulting in a low margin of difference of votes between the top two candidates coupled with a large number of invalid and doubtful votes How votes are counted in EVMs? In the counting centre, the EVMs are kept on a number of counting tables whose number normally does not exceed 14. Seating arrangements are made for the counting agents in such a way that they can clearly watch the EVMs and its display. When the result button of an EVM is pressed, its display segment indicates the total number of votes polled in a particular polling station and then shows the votes polled by each candidate in a serial order. Suppose I'm working and living in Chennai, can I be a voter in my native village? You are ordinarily resident in Chennai. Therefore, you can be enrolled in Chennai only and not in your native village. After the polling, where are the EVMs kept till counting? The polled EVMs are generally kept in a secure storage centre in the constituency or a nearby place on which the candidates or their representatives can keep watch. Mostly it is the same place where the counting is done. A person is a member of the Scheduled Castes in a particular state. Can he contest the LS poll from any other state from a seat reserved for the SCs? Yes. Is the wearing of special accessories like cap, mask, scarf, etc, permitted during campaigning? Yes. However, the supply and distribution of the main apparel like saree, shirt, etc, by a party/candidate is not allowed as it may amount to bribing voters .

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Alpha Times

April 12, 2009 Language Arts

The Power of Words

Words hurt, please, motivate and a n n o y. T h e y a r e powerful. They control emotions and can even control a person physically. Speaking comes to most people as naturally as breathing. On many occasions our words are uttered without conscious thought; in fact we rarely stop and think about what we are saying. Thousands of words pour out of us each day as our thoughts, opinion, judgments and beliefs are freely expressed. But are we aware of the positive or negative effects these words have on ourselves and the people around us. Words have tremendous power. They determine peace or war. They justify life and death. Words can be soothing or harmful. Words give out energy and a message which creates a reaction in others. Everything you say produces an effect in the world. Think of the number of people you have made happy by saying, “I really appreciate you”. Or the number of people you have hurt by saying, “What’s wrong with you?” or “Can’t you do anything right?” There is a great need to understand life and feelings for and of everyone. We need to respect each other and that can happen only when we reciprocate other people’s warmth and maintain a loving attitude towards others. We need to be in full control of ourselves. An important key to success in life is to understand the power of words. A word is a thought externalized. Our thoughts do have a great effect on us even though they are internal. What we think effects the way we live our life, it effects our emotions, our attitudes and our behaviour. A thought spoken, however, has even more power. It can never be taken back; for once it is out of our mouth, it will have an effect on someone. Our

words have even more power than our thoughts because they not only affect us, but the people and the world around us. Successful people take control of their words, rather than letting their words control them. They are more conscious of their thoughts and words, and the power they unleash. Successful people understand that they need to speak positively rather than negatively in order to succeed. Such people are characterized by the words they speak. They know the importance of speaking the words that will build self-esteem and confidence, build relationships and open up possibilities. They speak words of a f f i r m a t i o n , encouragement, love, acceptance and appreciation. To see more personal success, the words that we speak need to be in alignment with what we want to see being produced in our life, our vision and our dreams. Our words can determine our destiny. Even more importantly, our words can make a positive difference in the lives of the people we interact with everyday. So before we speak we have to ask ourselves: is what I am about to say going to uplift the hearer? Will it inspire, motivate and create forward momentum for them? Will it dissolve fear and create safety and trust? Will I create a positive or negative ripple effect by speaking out these words? Let others decide for themselves what they want to gain or loose. We have a responsibility to groom ourselves so we need to teach ourselves the healthy way of progressing in life and how to be kind-hearted and loving in our relations with family, friends and also generally. Let’s be determined to unleash the power of words for positive change and think before speaking !

Breathe slowly, but deeply. Now close your eyes and pray or make a wish with the firm belief that it’s going to be definitely fulfilled. Now open your eyes. What did you wish for? “I wished to become a doctor”, “I wished to have a bungalow and a sports car of my own”, “I prayed to complete my semester with flying colours”, “I wished a prosperous life”, “I wished to possess all things in the world”, “I wished to be a celebrity in future” — these are some of the things most of you would have wished for. But have you observed how self-centred we are? The dearest thing to us is nothing other than our own self. Our parents, our siblings, our friends were nowhere in our prayers, in our wishes that were made from the depth of our heart. Our parents, siblings and other relatives also our own flesh and blood but we hunger for our own betterment and progress. That’s something really odd on our part, isn’t it? Close your eyes once again and repeat the process with the same devotion and belief. Now open your eyes. What did you wish for this time? “I wished joy and happiness for me and for my family”, “I wished to be able to send my parents for Chardhaamj from my own hard-earned money”, “I prayed that all my wishes and that of my siblings get fulfilled” — hmmm, that’s good. The canvas has broadened up a bit this time. First we prayed for ourselves only, now our families are also included in our prayers. Now suppose you are standing in front of a billionaire and you are asked to demand whatever amount of money you wish for, with a surety you would be given that particular amount. Undoubtedly, taking the best advantage of this golden opportunity, you are going to demand a pretty handsome amount (some of you may even ask for the entire sum). But what if someone just says, “Just give me 50 rupees.” You would gaze at that person strangely and without waiting for a single moment you are going to certify him as a dunce. But what if you also behave like this dunce? Surprised? See, we acknowledge the immeasurable generosity of the Almighty but when it comes to making a wish or asking Him to grant us something, we just do what the other fellow did by asking for just Rs50 when he could have asked for millions. In the same way, we tend to pray only for ourselves and widen our circle only to our family members. It’s silly of us to ask for so little despite knowing there are boundless bounties that Almighty can bestow on His beings. We don’t include the entire humanity in our prayers, that’s should be the right way of praying before the Creator of the entire universe. Recently, in our yoga class when our teacher made us the aforementioned exercise, all of us were amazed at our foolishness. The Creator of the universe is inviting all of us to wish for whatever we want, but, inauspiciously, we are not making good of the golden opportunity. We, the dim-witted souls, are yearning for a drop of water from the sea that is simply beyond measurement. Today, let us promise ourselves to include the entire humanity in our prayers and supplications, and pray in the right manner.

- S. Raghunathan

- S. Raghunathan

Wish what you wish for…

Netas spoke I will not ride Tata’s Nano car because it has been manufactured with the people’s blood — Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee My feeling is that why should a Fourth Front be not formed at the Centre. Those parties which are opposed to the current formations can join hands with us to from the Fourth Front — Telugu star and Praja Rajyam Party chief Chiranjeevi Vajpayee not being around during the ongoing campaign is painful. During the last elections, Vajpayee did not campaign much but was at least there — LK Advani I will win by a margin of three lakh votes. We have got the experience of winning elections. I will consult the party cadres and draw up my strategy and work according to it – MK Azhagiri If the National Security Act has been imposed on Varun Gandhi even without a proper investigation, then why not against Lalu Prasad? — BJP president Rajnath Singh “I am a disciplined party worker and I have left everything to the party president. I am not going to pursue for my ticket for the upcoming polls.” — Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler

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Alpha Times

April 12, 2009

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