Alpha Times, T Nagar April 05, 2009

Alpha Times Putting Heart and Soul of your Neighbourhood

VOL: 1 ISSUE 42

April 05, 2009

PRICE Re. ONE ONLY

Former CEC seeks steps to improve voting percentage Observing that voter turnout in the polls in the country left much to be desired, former CEC T S Krishnamurthy

on Saturday suggested that the election commission put in more efforts to create awareness among the electorate about their democratic right. "The percentage could be increased only when the voters turn in large numbers and this could be done only if people realise that they have the right to vote," he said at the launch of a website aiming to help voters make an informed choice by the Press Institute of India, Liberty Institute and Friedrich Naumann, a German foundation for liberal politics. L a u d i n g t h e e ff o r t s o f E l e c t i o n Commission for improving the conduct of elections in each time, the former chief election commission appealed to it to take every effort in creating more voter awareness, which could substantially increase the polling percentage.

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M r . Krishnamurthy said the coming Lok Sabha elections would be even better than the previous polls since the EC had taken several new m e a s u r e s f o r improvement. Stressing t h e n e e d f o r improvement in the country's electoral process, he suggested that new technology could be introduced

whereever it was required. He urged media to provide some space for the EC's campaign to create awareness among the electorate. Speaking on the occasion, Tamil Nadu Chief Electrol Officer Naresh Gupta said efforts should be taken for an error-free voters' list. -Agencies

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April 05, 2009

He belonged to All! VOL : 1 ISSUE 42

April 05, 2009

It’s all in the family The decks have been cleared for the entry of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi’s elder son Azhagiri into Parliament. The decision of the party to field him for the Madurai Lok Sabha seat is a clear attempt not only to catapult him to the role of party pointsman in New Delhi but also to ensure that the eventual passing of the chief ministerial mantle to Mr Karunanidhi’s younger son Stalin goes unchallenged. Mr Azhagiri is a power to reckon with in south Tamil Nadu and has in the past not hesitated to remonstrate with his father against favoured treatment to Mr Stalin. By sending him away to the Centre and promising him a key role there, Mr Karunanidhi is hopeful that there would be no succession battle in Chennai. It has indeed been a while since DMK politics began revolving around Karunanidhi 's family. The way things are, it would seem that it is sacrilege for anyone outside the patriarch’s family circle to aspire for the chief ministerial office or for a key role as pointsman for the party in Delhi. The irrepressible MDMK leader Vaiko was at one time in the DMK and was seen by many as a rising star in DMK politics. It is no secret that he was jettisoned because he was perceived as a threat to Stalin’s ambitions. After the last Lok Sabha elections, Mr Karunanidhi’s grandnephew, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, took on the role of pointsman in Delhi but when a newspaper published by his brother carried a survey showing Mr Azhagiri in poor light, he was sent packing and only recently rehabilitated when the latter condescended. With the Lok Sabha elections round the corner, Mr Karunanidhi indeed has much else to worry about. The recent PMK decision to leave the DMK fold and move over to Ms Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK combined with the anti-incumbency factor may give the DMK a rough time. It is time Mr Karunanidhi shed his family obsession and put governance above all else if he is to have any chance of beating the AIADMK.

Sathguru Shrimath Santhananda Swamigal Jayanthi T h e 8 9 t h Jayanthi celebrations of Sathguru Shrimath Santhananda Swamigal

will be celebrated at the Chennai Om Sri Skandasramam. On April 12th being Vishakam the birth star of Sathguru Shrimath Santhananda Swamigal, Sri Matha Bhuvaneswari Mula manthra Samputitha Chandi Mangala Mahayagnam will be conducted. The day starts with the go puja at 7. 15 am f o l l o w e d b y Guruvandanam at 8 am. At 8. 30 am there will be the Homa and 27 nakshatra Sankalpam, followed by Ganapathy Homam,

Navagraha Homam and Aavahandi homam at 9. 30 am. At 10 the Sri Bhuvaneswari Mula M a n t h r a Samputitha Chandi Mangala Mahayagnam begins followed by annadanam at 12.30 noon. At 4 PM the Homam c o n t i n u e s followed by the Maha Purnahudhi at 7. 30 Pm. AT 8 pm abhishekam to Sri Chakra Purna Maha Meru followed by deeparadanai and p r a s a d distribution. Being Sunday April 12th there will be Ragu Kala special abhishekam to Lord Ve e r a S a r a b e s a r a r between 4. 30 and 6 PM For participation and other details call the Chennai Om Sri Skandasramam, 1 K a m b a r S T , Mahalakshmi Nagar, Selaiyur, Tambaram, Ch 73, ph - 22290134 / 94446 29570, website www.skandasramam.co m.

Saibaba wanted to belong to all and be shared by all. He apparently found himself at ease in this paradoxical situation. When pressed on whether he was Hindu or Muslim, he would often get very angry and abuse people. Once he told a devotee:" You have been with me for eighteen years now. Does Sai mean for you only these three and a half cubits of height? C e r t a i n l y, Saibaba never encouraged his own worship, though in the last years he gave up resistance and accepted the cult which the Hindus tribute to him, often in a quite ostentatious form. Saibaba was able to avoid clashes between two communities and succeeded in unifying them in an atmosphere of general harmony. At this early period, Hindu worship of Baba was purely individual. A devotee would bring flowers, bow to him, and ask for a blessing and leave. Mhalsapati was apparently the only one who honored him with a sandal paste puja. Baba would often talk about Hindu gods, quoting from sacred texts and commenting upon passages of Bhagavad Gita, the Isha Upanishad and so forth. The names of Krishna and Rama seem to have been particularly dear to him. With Muslim followers, Baba would always talk of Allah and Quran, often quoting Persian verses. Apparently one of his favorite expressions were" Allah rakhega vaisa rahena", that is, Let us be content with what we have and submit our will to Allah. On several occasions, Sai reassured his listeners by saying that he, like them, was but a devotee of Allah, a humble faqir with two arms and two legs. In later years, Parsis and even a few Christians would come to Shirdi. Saibaba respected all creeds, true to his conviction that all religions are but particular paths leading to one ineffable goal. All had free access to the Masjid: outcasters, lepers, dogs, birds and so on. Baba particularly enjoyed the company of untouchables and the ill. One Bhagoji Shinde, a leper, came to be one of Sai's closest devotees. This was the reason why the Masjid came to be known by the Hindu name of Dwarakamai, the many-gated mother. From the young faqir, most asked for blessings of a material kind, progeny, jobs, cures from illness etc. very few requested spiritual guidance.

Kumbabishekam T h e kumbabishekam of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Panchamuga Anjaneyar Te m p l e o f S r i Panchamuga Anjaneyar Trust, Palaniappa Nagar, Gowrivakkam, will be performed on April 8, between 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Devotees are

requested to contribute in cash or kind for the kumbabishekam. DDs and cheques may be made in favour of Sri Panchamuga Anjaneyar Kumbabishekam a/c. For further details call: 94453 11891; 94440 42055 or log on to: www.panchamugaanjan eyar.com

For the week April 05- April 11, 2009 Don’t oblige others, especially at the cost of your interests. It will be ideal if you execute your agenda in a more risk-free manner.

A sensitive phase for emotional Taureans. They will remain confused and face some unfair criticism. Take such challenges in your stride don’t lose your cool.

You will relax as your financial obligations decline. You are not immune from ups and downs of life. Wednesday happens to be your restless day.

An exalted Moon will bring joy and merriment. Helping a needy friend is on your agenda during this week.

Your dominant stars will earn you the reputation of a social butterfly. You need more time to cement a bond between two hearts.

An unexpected change for the better should be on the way. You could cash in on an opportunity you have been waiting for since long.

With Venus on the back track, an unprecedented upswing in your routine expenditure. You may not overcome this crisis. Tighten your purse strings and feel easy. Friday is your most expensive day.

The work could pile up in leaps and bounds. Your speed could slow, if you take new obligations.

You are in happy mood. You have done well and could do still better. But be fully in control of all facts.

Both Virgoans and Librans are sincere friends. Don’t belittle them or under rate them. However, avoid Cancerians or Scorpions.

Creative Aquarians should be in their element. Their freshness of thought, excellence will come to the fore. But remain tension-free.

A debility-prone Jupiter makes you dependent on others. Don’t be guilty if you spend on luxuries but curb the urge to squander on Thursday. - Dr. Anuj Vikram Sharma

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Ramanavami celebrated with religious fervour A month long Ramanavami celebrations got underway last week at the Mambalam based Sri Ram Samaj. On April 3 Ramanavami was

celebrated with religious fervour. In the morning special poojas coincided with the moola parayanam by Brahmasri T R Rajarama Iyer comp-leting the Yuddha Kandam and thereafter the Ramar Pattabhishekam. In the evening Brahmasri Nannilam Rajagopala Ganapadigal and his team of vedic pundits chanted the Ganaparayanam of Sri Krishna Yajur Vedam. Being the ninth and the last day of the parayanam, the Ganaparayanam drew a large attendance. The recitation of

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Ganam wove a magic spell on the devotees present who listened the veda gosham with rapt attention. Speaking on the occasion Nannilam R a j a g o p a l a Ganapadigal, heaped praises on Sri Ram Samaj management and added that Mambalamwasis proved that they are rasikas of not only carnatic music but also to Veda Gosham and that is clear with the huge gathering at this celebration. He also said that the Sri R a m S a m a j management should continue Sri Krishna Y a j u r v e d a Ganaparayanam every year. L a te r R a m a r Pattabhishekam religious discourse by Brahmasri Mannargudi Goapalakrishna Sastrigal brought Ayodhya to the fore. The portrait of Lord Sri Rama was taken in procession after the Pattabishekam. S e e t h a Kalyanam under the Bhajan Sampradhayam would be held on April 5 at 9.00 am by Udayalur K a l y a n a r a m a Bhagavathar and party.

Ramanavami Celebrations Chakra Vinayagar Temple Sri Ramanavami Mahotsavam is being celebrated in Arulmigu Chakra Vinayar Temple, 2, South Dhandapani Street, T.Nagar. The following is the schedule for concerts (all begin at 6.30 pm): April 4: Vidya Kalyanaraman (vocal), April 6 : Vasudha Ravi (vocal), April 7 : Veena concert byG.R. S. Moorthy, April 8 : Dual violin concert by Melakaveri Thyagarajan and Villivakkam Raghuraman. April 9: Mohan Sathanam (vocal). April 10: Flute concert by J.B. Sruthisagar. April 11: Gayathri Devi (vocal). There will be a discourse on Ramayanam by M.K. Srinivasan at 6.30 pm on April 5. Seetharama Samrajya pattabhishekam will be at 7 am on April 11 followed by Ekdhina lakshaarchanai. All are welcome.

Sri Srinivasamurthy Mandiram Sri Srinivasamurthy Mandiram 56, Ellaimman koil Street, West Mambalam is celebrating its 26th annual Sri Rama Navami Mahotsavam from April 4 to 14. U.Ve.K.B. Devarajan Swamigal will give discourses on Srimad Ramayanam at 7 pm daily till April 7. Bombay sisters C. Saroja and C. Lalitha will present a vocal concert at 7 pm on April 8. They will be accompanised by Ananthapadmanabhan on violin, Madipakkam suresh on mridangam and Narasimhan on ghatam. There will be a bharathanatyam program at 7 pm on April 9. All are welcome.

Shiridi Sai Temple Shri Shiridi Sai Seva Samaj 9, Jaishankar Street, West Mambalam will have Sai Baba Laksharchana on Sunday, April 12. Those who want to join Laksharchana can register their names. 1st Batch: 8.00 & 9.00 am, 2nd Batch: 9.15 & 10.15 am. 3rd Batch : 10.30 & 11.30 am, 4th Batch: 3.30 & 4.30 pm, 5th Batch: 4.45 & 5.45 pm, 6th Batch: 6.30 & 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

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Voice your grievances Alpha Times in its endeavour to assist the general public invites the grievances against the service providers and utilities. All your letters may be sent by post /email and the same will be sent to the respective agencies and publish the action taken by such agencies. All letters to be addressed to The Editor - Grievances Cell

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Special trains between Bangalore and Chennai The railways will run weekly special trains between Chennai and Bangalore city to clear the rush during the summer. C h e n n a i Bangalore City Weekly Express Special (0635) will depart Chennai on Sundays at 11.30 pm (from April 12) and arrive at Bangalore at 7.30 am, the next day. En route, the train will touch Arakkonam (at 12.28 am), Katpadi (1.23 am), Jolarpettai (2.40 am), Bangarpet (5.08 am), Whitefield (6.08 am), Krishnarajapuram (6.20 am) and Bangalore Cantonment (6.40 am). The last service from Chennai is on June 28. In the return direction, Bangalore City-Chennai Weekly

Express Special (0636) will depart Bangalore on Mondays at 11 pm (from April 13) and arrive at Chennai at 5.15 am, the next day. En route, the train will touch Bangalore Cantonment (at 11.10 pm), Krishnarajapuram (11.24 pm), Whitefield (11.34 pm), Bangarpet (12.13 am), Jolarpettai (1.30 am), Katpadi (2.43 am), Arakkonam (3.43 am) and Perumbur (4.33 am). The last service from Bangalore is on June 29. The train has 18 coaches in all, comprising one AC twotier coach, three AC three-tier coaches, 10 second-class sleepers, two general secondclass coaches and two second-class luggagecum-brake vans.

Report election code violations To c o m p l a i n against violations of the model code of conduct set for the Lok Sabha polls, the district election office has released the contact numbers of returning officers and assistant returning officers in each assembly segment. Returning officer (Chennai north) Mythili Rajendran can be reached at the toll-free helpline-1077, Returning officer (Chennai central) Rajesh Lakhoni at 25383732 and Returning officer (Chennai south) M Balaji at 25383693. The district election office in Ripon Buildings can be c o n t a c t e d a t 25383695/25619344. The contact numbers of Assistant Returning Officers are as follows:Thousand Lights 9 3 8 1 5 1 5 2 4 3 ; Virugambakkam

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25268320/ 21/ 22/ 9841622273; Saidapet 25268320/ 21/ 22/ 9 8 4 0 1 4 8 8 4 6 ; Thyagaraya Nagar 2 4 7 2 7 8 7 4 o r 9841248386.

ABF cheques to be sent to account holders A l w a r p e t Benefit Fund will despatch cheques to savings, recurring and fixed deposit account holders from April 9. In a press release, A. Raman, Commissioner appointed by Madras High Court, said they would be issuing cheques towards 9th instalment of 5 per cent of the principal amount, subject to a

minimum of Rs.1,000. With this, the total repayment to depositors will be around Rs.58 crore. The cheques drawn on ICICI Bank, Alwarpet branch, will be delivered through courier in batches as per the membership number of depositors. Depositors are requested not to visit the office since the cheques will not be handed over in person, he said.

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BVSN Murthy Centre's Special children Corporate Excellence through performance par excellence piritual Culture - workshop held The 27th Annual Day celebrations of the BSVN Murthy centre commenced with the Tamizh Thai Vazhthu (a

ten incarnations was also presented. Indian folklore was another highlight of the event, where the

prayer). MK Srinivasan, President and Medical Director, Public Health Centre (PHC) welcomed one and all. For the next two hours that followed, the children presented some of the most popularised tales from Indian mythology, including the Vamana Avataram, a phrase from the Gita and briefly, the Dasavatharam. A c o m m e n d a b l e performance of Maha Vishnu’s incarnation as Vamana, a modest, poor dwarf priest, to tame down the flamboyance and pride of King Mahabali and restore India’s authority to the heavens. A brief sequence of lord Vishnu’s

c h i l d r e n presented a Kaavadi attam (a form of dance that is mainly performed while worshipping lord Murugan). The event was graced by M Murali, Managing Director, Sri Krishna Sweets and s i n g e r S u d h a Raghunathan. Both, deeply touched by the performance by the children, had words of encouragement for the teachers as well as the centre. “I have participated in a number of events, but none like this one. Watching these kids perform with so

much happiness makes me feel proud. I think parents play an important role in the success and joy of a child. I have seen it in my own life. The teachers and parents who have been responsible for such joy of the kids deserve a special mention,” said Murali. S u d h a Raghunathan, who promised to do a benefit concert for the school, with the help of M Murali, said, “School

performances usually have just entertainment or just morals. This one had both”. Ln S. J Sharma Secretary Kalamandir Mat. Hr. Sec. School presented a chalk mould to the school. Te a c h e r s , Parents and officials of the school participated in large numbers on the occasion.

Ramanavami Music festival The 54th music festival organised by Sri Ram Samaj will be inaugurated on April 6, 6 p.m. at Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam. N. Murali,

president, The Music Academy and managing director, The Hindu, will be the chief guest. M.S. Sundara Rajan, chairman and managing director, Indian Bank, will

File your PF account grievances online Employers and employees can file their grievances online with regard to their provident fund accounts. The Central Board of Trustees has already appointed Additional Central Commissioners in different parts of the country to facilitate this. These Additional Central Commissioners will act as administrative head and monitor the business activities of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation on a regular basis. Besides, they will look into the grievances of employees, employers or any particular officer with regard to employees’ provident fund account. N. A. Nair has been appointed the first Additional Central Commissioner for EPF Tamil Nadu (including Puducherry) and Kerala. The complaints or feedback with regard to non-settlement of claims, non-receipt of pension, deficiency in services, non-

compliance of law, failure to provide PF coverage and delay in settling refunds can be sent to [email protected]. It may be noted that Tamil Nadu is the second largest region in the country in terms of membership after Maharashtra. It has 64,000 establishments covering 67 lakh members.

be the guest of honour. The festival will feature a series of concerts by eminent musicians.

A workshop on Corporate Excellence through Spiritual Culture was held on Sunday at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. Dr R Mahadevan, director, Indian Pistons was the guest speaker. He began his talk by explaining that Spirituality helps human to be stable during inter process transaction. He went on to say that corporates don’t exist in isolation and so does human being. “You are a part of the society and you should be conscious of your responsibilities,” he said. Everyone should measure their excellence. To measure it, he pointed out said certain parameters that Frost and Sullivan, the company that gives Corporate Excellence awards, follows. He went on to explain that even individuals can follow the same. “They have scores for each parameters, when they measure the excellence of a company,” he said. By comparing scores e v e r y y e a r , improvements in the co mp a n y a re ma d e accordingly. So, every corporate has a plan to rise up the ladder of excellence and so will an individual, if they plan to excel. “Many corporates have this perception that

Free computer education Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Gandhi institute of Computer education and information technology centres at Mylapore and T Nagar imparts free computer education to t h e e d u c a t e d unemployed youth belonging to the economically backward section of the society. The bhavan has trained many students in various job oriented computer courses like accounts assistant, DTP, C&C++, VB.Net,

Multimedia etc for the past 12 months. This year Bhavan has introduced a new free computer course for senior citizens who have completed 60 years. Applications for the next batch starting May 2009 are already being issued at Bhavan’s Gandhi Institute 18-22 East Mada Street, Mylapore and 12 Thanikachalam Street, T Nagar. Last date for submission of filled in applications is April 13

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corporate excellence and spirituality are two different things and they don’t twine at all,” said Mahadevan, who is an IIT Alumni. Mahadevan, brought to the light of s t u d e n t s a n d professionals the present economic scenario and explained that no one was informed that the global meltdown would change. He spoke about the companies that led to the collapse of the global economy. After reading out a verse in Sanskrit, he explained that the person who led the financial breakdown must have had greed in his mind. When a person has a desire, he takes action; if he loses he would try again with an intense desire and that ends up in greed. “It’s like how a person gambles in a horse race,” Mahadevan pointed out. He went on to say that the solution to such behaviour is to expect good things and to think of good results out of the good actions that a person has taken. Many college students and working professionals were present for the special workshop.

Our Team Editor S. Raghunathan Advisor K. Venkataraghavan Reporters Usha Sai Narayan 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.

Crossing their first milestones SRM Nightingale M a t . H r. S e c . S c h o o l celebrated its 8th KG graduation day on April

4.This day is specially meant for encouraging the KG Students. Around 88 KG Graduates received their graduation certificates on this special occasion. The chief guests of the day were famous folk singer Mrs.Anitha Kuppusamy and

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the health and habits objective received a great applause both from the parents and the chief

guest. Presidential address was given by Mr V.N.Pattabiraman, Director, SRM Institutions Ramapuram campus. The chief guest Anitha Kuppusamy sang some folk songs and children's songs to

Coin Exchange at Kapali Temple

their busy work." K.G news letter in association with Papyrus Club was

released by chief guest and received by the SRM Director. Later UKG students took oath. They also received awards on various categories like honeybee awards, busy bee, all rounder, spell bee, Maths Olympiad and Science Olympiad

T Nagar's Silk tycoon Dr. Nalli Kuupusami Chetty inaugurated the coin exchange machine installed by Indian Bank at the Sri Kapali Temple Mylapore.

Ramanavami at TTD centre

Seetha Kalyanam was celebrated at the TTD Centre, T Nagar on April 03 being the concluding day of the Ramanavami Celebrations

Dr.M.Rajam Meenakshi Retd.District family welfare medical officer. The program began with the welcome a d d r e s s b y K.G.Coordinator Mrs. Kalavathi. Following this principal Shanthi Sukumar presented the KG annual report. The objectives of the school the especially

entertain the gathering. She said she was impressed by the display of folk games like Pallanguzhi and snakes and ladders when the world is concentrating on games like cricket and tennis for the youngsters. She also added that “parents must spend time with kids despite

winners. In this academic year the management had introduced a NESTCARE award for best parenting The cultural that followed especially the Villupattu focused on healthy and nutritious food was spell bound . - Gowri Neelamegam

Mambalam singers presents devotional concert Sri Nandalala Religious trust celebrated the Sri Rama Navami function with the blessings of Poojyasri Mathioli Sarasvathi for three days from April 01 to 03. . Ramayanam was portrayed in stages with the model of Vishvamithrar

FAST TRACK NEWS Pocket size Glossary A Glossary of the book 'Entre Jeunes - 2' prescribed for CBSE X Standard is now available, This pocket size book of 84 pages contains (1) Glossary by Lesson (2) Glossary French - English (3) Glossary English - French (4) Forme Nominale Forme Verbale and (5) Contraires. This book is conceived and compiled by Mrs. Kala Sugavanam. She is an experienced French teacher in Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School at Chennai. This book is priced at Rs. 50/- per copy. To get your copy, please contact Mrs Kala Sugavanam at 93806 10306 or email: [email protected].

Kutcheri in the park Aadithyaa Murali of National Public School, Gopalapuram, will present a Carnatic music concert at the Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore on Sunday, as part of the Sundaram Finance ‘Kutcheri in the park’ series. A disciple of V.Subramanian, Aadithyaa will be accompanied by Shyam R. on the violin and by Varun Ramaswamy on the mridangam, according to a release.

Desikan Diary

yaham clearly depicting the conduct of the yaham by Sage Vishwamithra. Vedashree and Ramya from West Mambalam presented a devotional concert on Lord Sri Ramachandra Moorthy.The age old Ragamalika song Bhavayami took the audience spell bound. Later Poojyasri Mathioli Saraswathi blessed both the singers. The second day of the pooja ended with Seetha kalyanam and The Pattabishekam of Ramachandramoorthy was ocnducted on the concluding day.

Sri Desika Darsana Diary and Guide with all the regular features that make it special has been released. From the important dates in the Hindu calendar to the rituals connected to various occasions, the almanac is a ready-reckoner. It contains slokas and extracts from texts followed by devotees. It is available at 10, Lakshmipuram II Street, Villivakkam, Chennai – 600049 and priced at Rs. 40. Phone 0442618 0481.

Change in EMU train schedule In connection with engineering work between Kavaraipettai and Ponneri from April 4 to 15 the following will be the pattern of train services. Trains partially cancelled: MG-11 Moore Market Complex (MMC) – Gummidipoondi EMU local schedule to leave MMC at 8.50 a.m. will run up to Ponneri and GM-20 Gummidipoondi – MMC EMU local scheduled to leave Gummidipoondi at 10.50 a.m. will leave from Ponneri at 11.06 a.m. i n s t e a d o f Gummidipoondi, according to a press release issued by the Southern Railway.

Helpline Credit Card Holders Association of India (CCHAI) has moved to set up a helpline for the benefit of debt-ridden professionals and others. In Chennai, one can call 25384061 for assistance.

Dry day on April 7 TA S M A C - r u n liquor shops and bars attached thereto will remain closed on April 7 on account Mahavir Jayanti ,says a government notification.

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Alpha Times

News You Can Use

Summer Camp Jus Drums – School of Percussion is launching its 7th annual summer camp. The students get trained in basics of drumming. They will also be a part of a concert at the end of the course. From April 5, Contact: 9840046827

Max academy Classes on memory games, handwriting, concentration techniques, meditation and memory skills at Kodambakkam, Ayanavaram, Velachery & Anna Nagar, For details contact: 23611422/ 1432

Workshop Life Academy will conduct a finance workshop to help gain essential skills of reading financial statements, basics of investing and managing finances. On April 5, 3.15 pm to 6.30 pm At Life Academy No: 36, Aziz Mulk Road, 1st Street, Opp. Thousand Lights Contact: 9841438486

Summer Camp Winkles Children’s Activity Centre and Right Step Finishing school is conducting a 10 day summer camp for children in the age group of 5 to 15 on April 6, 15, May 11 &25 at Right Step Finishing School, No.4, Saraswathi Street, Mahalingapuram, Chennai-34. For details contact: 45036434/ 9884129508.

Sister Subbalakshmi Nursery & Primary School S i s t e r Subbalakshmi Nursery & Primary School 2, Guild Street, T.Nagar will conduct a summer camp ( holiday utility program) from April 15 to 30 for different age groups. To p i c s w i l l include storytelling, talent promotion, learning with toys, p e r s o n a l i t y development, yoga, chess, keyboard, crafts, drawing, paper craft and painting. Classes will be conducted between 9.30 am and 1 pm. Interested parents may register the names of their children on Friday, April 10. More details can be had in phones 2436 1726/ 94445 46351/ 94441 67870.

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Hansel & Gretel Summer Camps for kids till June 12 for children in the age group of 4 to 12 years at Hansel & Gretel Children’s Play Centre, 11, Jagadambal Street, T.Nagar. For details contact: 2815 2549.

Free Summer camp for kids from April 20 World Telugu Federation at Ankur Plaza 113, G.N.Chetty Road, T.Nagar will conduct a free summer camp for children in the 6-12 age group from10 am to 12 noon from April 20 to 24 in its premises. Actitivities will include sloka recitation, human values, arts and crafts and traditional indoor games. Interest parents can register the names of their children before April 15. More details can be had from Bharathi in phone 9444207172 and Meera Sekar (9841535795).

Aarambh play school Aarambh Play school 125, G.N. Chetty Road, T.Nagar will conduct summer camps from April 15 to May 7 and May 8 to 22 for children in the 3-7 age group.Activities (9.30 am to 12 noon) will include slokas, songs, gymnastics, western dance, drawing, colouring and painting, craft work, origami, clay modelling, Yoga, games, storytelling, cooking and chess. More details can be had in phone 6587 3626.

Dr. Asana Andiappan Yoga & Research Center Dr. Asana Andiappan Yoga & Research Center - 155, Habibullah Road, T.Nagar - will conduct a 15day summer camp for children, men and women in the 3-85 age group which will include general fitness, weight loss, memory power, concentration and therapy. More details can be had in phone 6562 5555.

VV. International School of Swimming International School of Swimming 36, Brown Stone Apartments, North Usman Road Extension, Mahalingapuram Main Road, Nungambakkam is conducting a 15 day course for Rs. 1700. A weekend course is available for Rs. 1900.The one-hour charge is Rs. 70. More details can be had in phones 2817 0728/ 0693/ 99413 49313.

April 05, 2009

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T a l e n t Academy 19, Jubilee Road, West Mambalam is conducting spoken English, Sanskrit, German and French classes during its summer camp. Children can also enjoy drawing and colouring, creative crafts, word building, memory games, painting and story telling. More details can be had in phones: 98408 43783/ 94440 43783

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Little Angels Little Angels 13/9, Hobibullah Road, 3rd Lane, T.Nagar will conduct a summer camp from April 15 to 30 (10 am to 12noon including Saturdays.) Activities for those in the 3-6 age group will include craft, singing, dancing, storytelling, fun with English and fevicryl workshop. The fee is Rs. 1400. For those in the 7-15 age group, addition activities are yoga, chocolate making and block prinint.The fee is Rs. 1700. For women and children there will be Vaasthu, mural quilling art and thoranam making classes. The fee is Rs. 1000. More details can be had in phones 2834 1368/ 2236/ 98843 90540.

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India General Elections 2009 Voter's guide Can an EVM be pre-programmed by anybody to favour any party or candidate? To programme a substituted chip to transfer votes preferentially to a particular candidate, it would be necessary for the programme to identify the serial number of the favoured candidate. Since the order in which the candidates appear on the reference ballot paper depends on the nominations filed and found valid, it can't be predicted in advance before the list of contesting candidates is actually drawn up How many persons are allowed at the time of the scrutiny of nominations by the Returning Officer ? The candidate, his election agent, one proposer and one other person (who can be an advocate) duly authorised in writing by the candidate Can a person who is not a member of the party be nominated as a star campaigner (leader) of the party for the purpose? No Can a person confined in a jail vote in an election? Such a person can't vote if he is confined in a prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of the police Can a person contest the LS elections from as many constituencies as he likes? No. He can't contest from more than two constituencies What is “EVM randomization” ? In “randomization” the serial numbers of all EVMs to be used within the jurisdiction of a District Election Officer are listed. The EVMs which are to be used in a particular constituency are then randomly selected through a computerized process which is known as first-level randomization. Later, secondlevel randomization is done by the Returning Officer to determine which specific EVM will be used at a particular polling station of that constituency. Is there any restriction on displaying poster of the party concerned or of the candidate on the vehicle during the procession? You may display one poster of your party or candidate own on vehicle . Is external fitting allowed in the vehicles used for campaigning? External modification of vehicles, including fitting of loudspeakers, would be according to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act or any other local Act or rules Can a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for 2 years contest the elections? No. If such a person is on bail, pending the disposal of his appeal, can he contest the elections? No. Even if a person is on bail, after conviction, and his appeal is pending for disposal, he is disqualified from contesting. But if his conviction is also stayed, then he can contest. If a voter does not know how to use the EVM, whose help should he take? The Presiding Officer will have a cardboard replica of the ballot unit with him. Through this he will demonstrate to the voter how to use the machine. He will, however, not be allowed to enter the polling chamber, where the actual ballot unit is kept . Can a person registered as a voter in a particular state contest the Lok Sabha elections from outside that state? He/she can contest the poll from any constituency in the country except the autonomous districts of Assam ,Sikkim and Lakshadeep .

Thus spoke the 'Nethas' Different people have different viewpoints. Varun's way of putting forth his viewpoint may not be correct. May be he wanted to say something and could not put it rightly probably because of his political inexperience BJP Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini on Varun Gandhi Advani had said the black money stashed in Swiss banks should be brought back. They should first take care of the black money they have Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal There is a dictatorship in Bihar...conspirators are controlling the party....My decision to contest the election is in protest against this dictatorship and value-less politics ---Estranged JDU leader George Fernandes If Sanjay Dutt's case was to be treated as a rarest of rare case, many others convicted for heinous offences would have pleaded with the SC to treat their cases as the rarest cases citing this as a precedence BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley Every party wants to give opportunities to youngsters, but what ideology and what preaching are we giving them? To declare in open public meetings that people's hands should be cut off Sharad Pawar flays BJP on Varun issue

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Alpha Times

April 05, 2009 Language Arts

Intriguing idioms

English is a delightful language but can at times be a rather difficult mountain to climb. Reaching atop this steep and craggy mountain takes a lot of time and effort, but once you scale through with the right amount of determination, the feeling of elation and satisfaction is immense. Idioms are part and parcel of the English language. What is an idiom? An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is difficult or sometimes impossible to guess by looking at the meanings of the individual words it contains. Incidentally, ‘not on your Nelly!’ is a rather quaint idiom which means ‘certainly not!’ and ‘not in a million years!’ Though this charming idiom is not commonly used, it still brings a smile whenever uttered. Idioms appear in conversations all over the English-speaking world every minute of the day and we take them for granted. Have you heard someone say they had a bone to pick with you or they could smell something fishy? Have you wondered what on earth they were talking about? Yes? Okay then, let’s get down to brass tacks. ‘Getting down to brass tacks’ is a phrase which means that early discussions are complete and one now needs to get to the heart of the matter — the details. Some suggestions point to the origin of this phrase being the American drapery stores where brass-headed tacks were nailed to the counter and used for measuring out fabric. The idea being that once the customer had taken time to choose their material, putting it to the ‘brass tacks’ meant actually getting down to the sale. Let us discuss a few more interesting idioms. Shall we start from scratch then? Now ‘starting from scratch’ is a saying we use to illustrate starting again from the beginning, regardless of how much we have already achieved of a task. Its origin dates back to the medieval times, when horse-race competitors would start at a line ‘scratched’ into the ground by either a sword or a javelin. If competitors cut corners or strayed from a set course of the race, they would have to start again from the scratch line. Oh dear, you’re not getting cold feet are you? This phrase indicates a loss of nerve or to have doubts about a particular situation. It has its origins in the gaming world, albeit a fictional one. The story tells us that in 1862, Fritz Reuter,

a G e r m a n a u t h o r, described a scene in one of his novels during which a poker player fears losing his fortune but does not want to lose face by conceding defeat. Instead, he explains to his fellow poker players his feet are too cold and he cannot concentrate. This gives him a chance to leave the table and then slip away from the game. ‘Boo-hoo!’ you cry out. Come; come now, enough of the crocodile tears! ‘Crocodile tears’ are considered to be false tears or showing insincere sorrow. In fact, crocodiles, after eating, shed excess salt from the gland located just beneath each eye, giving the impression of tears. According to an ancient Egyptian legend, after the animal had devoured its victim it would immediately appear to be crying with remorse. The Egyptians coined the phrase and applied it to their doubledealing country folk who showed insincerity or false sorrow for their actions. What, do I hear you say that you are actually alive and kicking, and ready to bite the bullet? Ah, this is good! ‘Alive and kicking’ is used to suggest someone or something is lively and active. In the last century the origin was thought to relate to a market fishmonger who used the phrase to indicate his fish were so fresh they were still ‘kicking in the trays’. To ‘ b i t e t h e bullet’ is to carry out a task against the doer’s wishes. It means getting on with something that just ‘has to be done’. This phrase has its origins in the British Empire as the Victorians made friends around the world at the point of a gun. A h - h a ! Yo u have finally realized that this isn’t mumbo jumbo after all, and, hence, quite futile to beat around the bush. ‘Mumbo Jumbo’ is the expression we use for language that seems nonsense and to have no discernible meaning. For the origin of this saying we travel to Africa. Mumbo Jumbo was a legendary spirit in villages across Africa who was used by male tribal leaders in order to keep the women of their tribes in line. W h e n a n outbreak of backbiting became intolerable, a man would dress up as Mumbo Jumbo and visit the main culprit in the dead of night and scare her rigid by shrieking and hollering. The troublemaking woman was then tied to a tree and given an old-fashioned thrashing by Mumbo Jumbo. ‘To beat around

Youth of a nation: Trustees of posterity The progress of a nation lies with its youth — a powerful resource that can either construct or destruct the entire nation. As the youth of India, it is our responsibility to step forward and help our country grow. But the question is: are we doing anything to contribute towards the development and betterment of our country? Have we really forgotten our moral responsibility towards our nation? Have we forgotten the countless sacrifices that our forefathers made for this nation? S a d l y, t h e answer to all these questions is ‘yes’. What we are giving to this country is nothing as compared to what we should. The root of the problem could be the lack of patriotism in us and the fact that we are so uninterested in helping our country prosper, let alone seeing it prosper. Patriotism is not just about loving your country, it is a duty, an obligation, that a citizen has towards his/her c o u n t r y. I t i s t h e responsibility of a civilian to swear allegiance and loyalty to the nation that s/he calls home. The famous Irish literary critic, George Bernard Shaw very rightly said, “Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it”. It is this very intensity that is lacking in our feeling of patriotism, and as soon as this feeling inculcates in our hearts, there is nothing that would prevent our country from flourishing. We should not lose track of the right path

simply because of the unfairness that prevails in our country or because our leaders are doing the exact opposite of what we elected them for. As long as we have pride in our nation and its people, we can work together to defend what we feel is wrong and therefore should exemplify good patterns of behaviour for the betterment of our country, which in turn would brighten up our future. What we need is a future for the youth of India which is free from any discrimination. We need to promote a democratic and enlightened India where young women and men can enjoy freedom and safety. It is crucial that serious steps be taken to enable the youth to become active participants in activities which fulfil their dreams and ambitions, leading to their full integration in the economic, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of society. This vision is supposed to be translated through various action plans which can only be possible with considerable support from the youth. We are the youth of India — the pride and honour of our country; and we need to unite and work together for our beloved nation, as our founding fathers have done. Sincere effort and hard work never goes to waste. The time has come to take action and to bring a revolution in our country and help it become like the developed countries of the world. Let us join hands to help lead our nation in the right direction and continue the journey that was instigated by the Father of the Nation. Let's vote for a stable government

the bush’ is to approach a subject indirectly without tackling the central point directly. The saying is a 300-year old hunting phrase related to beaters who used sticks against the bush or undergrowth (wherever the prey had taken refuge) with the intention of scaring it out and into the line of the hunters’ guns. Hmm, I see you now nod your head in agreement. Clearly, you have the bit between your teeth. Bravo! To have ‘the bit between your teeth’ means to go about a task with such enthusiasm and determination that nobody can stop you. This term relates to the metal bar in a horse’s

mouth attached to the reign enabling a rider to steer and control the animal. Therefore, enhance your English by learning idioms. A piece of writing polka-dotted with such phrases makes an absorbing read, while a conversation peppered with idioms beguiles listeners, rousing their imagination and creating a colourful tapestry of words. Impress everyone — teachers and classmates, family and friends — with your knowledge of these captivating idioms. Get cracking! Go bananas! Have a lot of fun with idioms and, for sure, you’ll be tickled pink! - S. Raghunathan

- S. Raghunathan

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Alpha Times

April 05, 2009

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