Alpha Times, T.nagar 11 October, 2009

Established in 2008

ALPHA TIMES 69th issue October 11, 2009

VOL: 2 ISSUE 17

Husband, wife eligible for separate LPG connection: HC According to Indane Gas Supply rules, both husband and wife in

a family could individually get cooking gas supply, the Madurai Bench of the High Court ruled on Oct.

08. The Bench gave this ruling while disposing

of a petition by Mariappan of Villapuram in Madurai. The peitioner had obtained a gas

connection in his name in 1976. In 2007, he went to an agent to register his name for supply of cooking gas. He was told that since there were two connections in his house, they were cancelling the one in his name. He filed a plea before the Madurai Bench challenging this and a single bench held that only one connection could be provided to a family of a husband and wife. The court said his connection would be discontinued and he obtained an additional connection in his wife's name. Contd. on pg. 7

Reaches

55,000 households every week

*** PRICE Re. ONE ONLY

Page 2

October 11, 2009

Alpha Times

Those wealthy! VOL: 2 ISSUE 17

October 11, 2009

Why can’t we invest in talent? NOW that Venkataraman Ramakrishnan has won the 2009 Nobel Prize for Chemistry along with two others, there will be a mad rush to eulogise his Indian-ness and to adopt him as an Indian icon. But the fact remains that he had to go to the US to do his pathbreaking work on ribosomes which might help in development of new antibiotics. The US has recognised, invited and nurtured many such outstanding minds while India has lost out on many. Whether it is Hargobind Khorana or others, they all bloomed overseas, while they were as good as ignored in their native land. Why is that we have to suffer such loss of home-grown talent? For the simple reason that we do not invest in talent. The whole atmosphere is so bureaucratic and suffocating that it only breeds mediocrity, not merit. A common pretext is that India does not have the right resources required for doing cuttingedge research. That may be a contributing factor but is not at all the main cause. Many professionals have such strong affection for their mother land that they are willing to rough it out here for a fraction of what they can earn abroad. It is just that they are discouraged despite such selfless service and the “system” tries its best to contain them slotted in pay scales and seniority lists designed by babus. The Knowledge Commission began to think of making amends, but the effort fell foul of the then Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh. The established order is in bad shape but is so well entrenched that whenever any attempt is made to reform it, it is seen as some kind of an affront and it hits back with all the brute force at its command. The loss is that of the country itself. The nation of over a billion people is not short of enlightened minds but these need to be nurtured the way Akbar patronised his “navratnas”. Unfortunately, today’s “navratnas” have to stand in the queue for the monthly salary slips.

Kanda Sashti festival On account of Krishna Paksha Ashtami on October 11, there will be special abishekam to Goddess Ashta Dasa B h u j a D u r g a Parameswari at 10.30 a.m. followed by special alankaram and deeparadanai at the Chennai Om Sri Skandasramam, Selaiyur, Tambaram. Phone: 2229 0134/94446 2 9 5 7 0 . O n t h e Pradosham day, (Oct. 15) Mahanyasam will be conducted at 5 p.m. followed by special abishekam for Lord Maha Sahasralingamurthy and Lord Nandikeswarar,

alankaram and deeparadanai at 5.30 p.m. The 11th year Sri Skanda Sashti festival will be celebrated from October 19 to 24. There will be special abishekam performed for Lord Swaminatha at 10 a.m. Special alankaram for the deity at 5.30 p.m. will be followed by Aavarna puja a n d s p e c i a l shodasaupachara deeparadanai at 7.30 p.m. L o r d Swaminatha will be adorned with different alankarams each day during the fest.

Chanting Slokas and Vedas The Varahas Gurucool of West Mambalam will conduct a lecture on “ Chanting Slokas and Vedas” at Kovilur Madalayam, 52, Kuppiah Street. Sastri Arunachala will deliver the discourse on Art and

benefits of Chanting Mahamantra and Gaytri Mantra on Sunday October 11 at 4pm. Admission is free. All are welcome. For more details contact 9841214778, 9941295549.

What Sri Sai gives to His children is a uniquely referred feature. Baba often dissuaded those who always scrupulously ascribe a "spiritual" tone to those who flocked to Baba those days or even today. However, if this topic is viewed in light of one's desires and wants, it will be known that the desires are endless and it takes a firm resolve to pursue further on what the God of Shirdi truly wants to give. The following from author Kevin Shepard's biography on Saibaba of Shirdi discerns the true disciples from others such as visitors, hangers-on or even devotees. "One of Saibaba's famous sayings is:" I give people what they want in the hope that they will begin to want what I want to give them". The context has so far been largely neglected in the posthumous revelations of the Shirdi revivalists. The recipients of the money, which Saibaba took from visitors, were often "those who were not always worthy". These were individuals who came to Shirdi in the hope of attaining material benefits. It evidently suited the sense of humor of the adept to treat them accordingly in his redistribution feat. Spectators could make of it what they wished, but it would not have been the only site where "fleas" congregated. It is reported that one recipient would receive as much as hundred rupees daily, and that he used the fund to "live well and sumptuously", though he was also able to support his large family. In contrast, Saibaba was very ascetically demanding of those who were his disciples. These latter were a minority, and quite distinct from the devotees, visitors, and hangers-on. The young Zoroastrian Gustadji Hansotia also lived in Shirdi, but was never given any money, received only scant food, and in general was denied even simple amenities like clothing and blankets. It remains to add that "those who were not always really worthy" would not have conceived of their presence in such terms, but instead would doubtless have described themselves as disciples of the Shirdi master. If this was liable to have confused those for whom surface appearances were ultimate yardsticks, the discernment of parasitic elements is nevertheless a useful; exercise for those in desperate need of it"

Ten reasons why one should worship Shirdi Saibaba 1) First and foremost because, in the: words of Hemadpant the author of Shri Sai Satcharita, He has taken a vow to give you what you want. 2) And that too immediately "cash down". You ask with sincere devotion (shradhha) and patience (Saboori) and there is the result. 3) He is so easily pleased. No hard penance, no unbearable fasts, not even difficult concentration and control of senses. In his own words, "You look to ME and I look to you". Can there be anything simpler than this? 4) He has left His mortal body 86 years ago and even today thousands of devotees have experienced His presence, halving met their demands. What more guarantee is required? 5) Not being bodily present as a human being today, there is no danger of being cheated in His worship. In case of so many Avatars, Bhagwans and Yogi's cropped up at present in the country, one is not sure if one is following the real preceptor (Sadguru). 6) No money is required to worship Baba. He is pleased even with flowers, fruits, leaves or even water devotionally offered. You do not have to spend for traveling up to Shirdi also, He is available even from where you are-'even beyond seven seas'. 7) Ashes (Udi) from the fire burning eternally in His Dwarkamai is the cheapest and most infallible medicine of all diseases. The cost is only two paisa-faith and patience. 8) His life history written by Hemadpant contains all the wisdom of Vedas, Upanishadas and Geeta in the form of simple stories and anecdotes. Reading them alone and following the advice therein, one can reach the goal of liberation without fail. 9) Repetition of His name SAI so short, so sweet and so easy to pronounce No twisting of tongue and no difficult accents. 10) Last but not the least, He, on fulfilling your demands in this world, ensures that you do not get caught in the dangerous network of this 'Sansar'. Slowly He moulds you, guides you and takes you step by step to liberation (Moksha) which is the key to eternal and everlasting bliss.

Stars this week For the week Oct. 11 - Oct. 17 2009

ARIES With debilitating Mars, self-control and discipline needed. You’ll commit mistakes, if you vacillate.

TAURUS Your romantic stars are strong. Those out of sight could come back. A special week when friends come first.

GEMINI Be cautious about tempting offers. Your hopes and aspirations are nothing but a daydream.

CANCER With the Moon near Rahu, the tough may dominate. Friends may avoid you. Those in a joint family will face overwhelming worries.

LEO Avoid sycophant friends. They will incite you one minute and let you down the next.

VIRGO With speeding Mercury, your ruling star, you’ll succeed despite problems. Don’ allow to dilute your zest for life. The sky is your limit.

LIBRA You have to tackle over work and rising prices simultaneously. You will have no time for relaxation and festivities.

SCORPIO The winds of change have set in. Be alert to frauds. You’ll march ahead but not without compromises and cooperation.

SAGITTARIUS A lucky period for Thursday borns. Tuesday-born will, however, waste energy on frivolous matters and repent.

CAPRICORN Don’t rely on Cancerians and Leos. But you can blindly trust Virgoans and Librans.

AQUARIUS The end may not be in sight but a bonus ahead. Take more care of your health and relax.

PISCES Being in a ambitious mood, you would opt for short-term gains and easy money. Good time to speculate or for sale-purchase of stocks. - Dr. Anuj Vikram Sharma

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

Lalgudi’s 80th birthday celebrations The Lalgudi Music Forum in association with Sri

Krishna Gana Sabha is celebrating the 80th birthday of violin maestro Lalgudi G. Jayaraman on October 11, 4.30 p.m. at the Krishna Gana sabha premises, T. Nagar. As part of the celebrations, there will be a lec-dem by ghatam exponent T.V. Vasan and T.V. Ramani on the nuances of Lalgudi music, followed by a speech, ‘Lalgudi and his m u s i c ’ , b y R . Thiagarajan, chairman, Shriram Group. ‘Lalgudi 80’, a

commemorative book comprising rare photographs and articles that trace the violinist’s musical journey through the decades, and a CD of a live recording of a c o n c e r t performed in 1984 at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, will be released by Dr. N. Ramanathan, scholar and former head, Department of Music, Madras University. The first copy of the book and the CD will be received by Sujatha Vijayaraghavan, musicologist. Compositions of the Trinity and others in Lalgudi patantaram will be presented at 6.30 p.m. by S. Saketharaman, accompanied by Vittal Ramamurthy, R. Ramesh and T. V. Vasan. This will be followed at 7.30 p.m. by a concert of Lalgudi’s compositions by S. P. Ramh with Vittal Ramamurthy, R. Ramesh and T. V. Vasan. For details, contact 28140806.

SR to run special trains The Southern Railway (SR) announced the following special trains between Chennai Egmore and Nagercoil sector to clear the extra rush of passengers. According to a press release, TirunelveliChennai Egmore Special train would leave Tirunelveli at 2030 hrs on October 18 and reach Tiruchirappalli at 0230 hrs the next day. It would leave Tiruchirapalli at 0235 hrs and reach Chennai Egmore at 0850 hrs. C h e n n a i Egmore-Nagercoil Special would leave Chennai Egmore at 1540 hrs on October 19 and reach Tiurchirappalli at

2115 hrs. It would leave Tiruchirapalli at 2125 hrs and reach Nagercoil at 0515 hrs the next day. C h e n n a i E g m o r e - Ti r u n e l v e l i Special would leave Chennai Egmore at 0930 hrs on October 16 and reach Tiruchirappalli at 1535 hrs. It would leave Tiruchirapalli at 1540 hrs and reach Tirunelveli at 2215 hrs. In the return direction Train Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Special would leave Tirunelveli at 0935 hrs on October 18 and reach Tiruchirapalli at 1550 hrs. It would leave Tiruchirapalli at 1600 hrs and reach Chennai Egmore at 2215 hrs, the release added.

Engagements in the neighbourhood

Sravanam concert Vijayalakshmi Subramanian will present a vocal concert at 6.00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 11 in TTD Center, 26, Venkatanarayana Road, T.Nagar. She will be accompanied by V.V.S. Murari (violin), Mannarkoil J. Balaji (Mridangam) and A.S. Krishnan (Morsing). 'Freedom from stress'

'Freedom from stress' There will be a talk on Freedom from stress at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 14 in GMCKS Pranic Healing C e n t r e , 7 , Vivekanandapuram 1st Street, West Mambalam. More details can be had in 97104 03992.

Spots meet for kids S p o r t s

Page 3

Athma's one day religious tour Athma's a religious trust is organising a tour to Vellore and Arni on Oct. 25. The tour will cover nearly twenty temples in and around Arni and Vellore. The most important is the Y a n t r a r o o p a Saneeswara Bhagwan Temple, and Yoga Ramar Temple.

T h e airconditioned van will leave at 4.00 am on Sunday Oct. 25 from Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam and the fare is Rs.1250/- per head which includes breakfast lunch and evening snacks. For more information and bookings call 96001 90493

Annual music and dance festival Shivanugraha Utsav Committee in association with Sivan Fine Arts Academy will conduct the sixth annual music and dance festival from November 23 to 26. Dance and music competitions based on Rukmini Ramani’s compositions will also be conducted o n the occasion. The dance

competition on November 1 and vocal contest on November 8, will be held at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road. For details and application forms contact Rukmini Ramani, Flat 1A, Sai Sakthi, 41, Umapathy Street, West Mambalam, Chennai – 600033. Phone: 6529 5949/2472 2928.

Ration card verification: Deadline extended The deadline for completion of the verification drive for identifying and eliminating bogus family cards in the city has been extended to October 15.Since many family cardholders worked on weekdays and were not available, it had been decided to conduct the

drive on Sundays also. A press release i s s u e d b y t h e government said that people could provide the required details on October 11 to those deputed for the verification work and help in the successful completion of the drive.

Oratorical competition for school students The Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya in Anna Nagar is organising an oratorical competition on October 22 for schoolstudents in the city. The competition will be in Tamil, English and Hindi on select topics. Students from Class IX to XII studying in matriculation, g o v e r n m e n t , governmentaided, corporation, CBSE and Anglo-Indian schools can participate. Each language contest carries three cash awards - Rs 2,000, Rs 1,500, and Rs 1,000. Two consolation prizes of Rs 500 each as well as participation certificates will be presented. Entry forms are Recreation cum Youth Club (Corporation Playground, West Mambalam) will conduct a sports meet for children in the 5-13 age group and women from 10 .00 am on Sunday, Oct. 11 in the same playground. There is on entry fee.

available at the school; the last date for submission is October 14. For more details contact 26213224 or 26289909

Send your news and events to

[email protected]

Page 4

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

Celebrate this diwali with Prashanthi...... The splendour of silk, the comfort of cotton – Prashanti, House of silkcottons, artfully combine the best of both to hand-craft their signature silk-cotton collections. The sarees - in deep jewel-tones, muted pastels and exotic shotcolours – retain the brilliance of Kancheevarams, while remaining as light and breezy as caressing cottons. P r a s h a n t i ' s celebrated Vivaham and Vaiboham collections, in traditional colours and classic designs (korvai borders, vairaoosi patterns and tissue pallus) continue to offer its patrons a comfortable and affordable alternative to silksarees, while for every-day w e a r, c h o o s e f r o m t h e Nithyam and Priem collections, with elegant

hand-embroidered and handblockprinted sarees. This festive season, Prashanti introduces a line of trendy, designer Kurthis - each exquisitely printed, embroidered and impeccably tailored, ready-to-wear. And, if you're looking for pretty Paavadai-blouse ensemble (for toddlers), choose from Prashanti's colourful, ethnic creations. Prashanti now extends a Festival Offer of 10 % for their new readymade collectionsand 5 % for other varieties till 16 th October at their Chennai Showroom at No 16,6th cross St, Chennai-04. Showroom is opened on all days between 10 AM and 8 PM Phone : 2499 1850/ 2499 7636.

R. Karthikeyan, 99411 16677

4269 7393

Send your news and events to

[email protected]

To Advertise Call

99400 24556

Page 5

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

Canaan City Business Centre - a lively and vibrant office serving your needs F r o m n o t looking for more than an air-conditioned room in a readymade office space,

Need an office in a different location but you don’t really need personnel there to run

Mail box and fax forwarding;Operate without physical space;Get your calls

and apart from that a presitigious business address : 570/2, Anna Salai,IIND FLOOR, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018(Landmark: Near Hotel Dreamz park) Plans available for virtual office are 3 months plan, 6 monthsand 12 months. For more information call 98400 30466/4591 8800

Diwali Issue on Thursday Oct. 15 Our Diwali issue no. 2 will be released on Oct. 15 instead of Sunday Oct. 18.

customers’ expectations have evolved to taking for granted a WiFi-enabled environment and the latest in décor and facilities. Add to that the market slowdown and growing competition, the readymade office space segment is in for interesting times. F l e x i b l e offerings in terms of rent and duration of leasing, space that sports modern ambience and the latest in office facilities are now a necessity says Mr. David Rajan, Canaan City Business Centre, Chennai P e o p l e concentrate on keeping costs down and are demanding smaller modules Canan offers the following facilities Contemporary f u r n i t u r e a n d ergonomically designed chairs with fully carpetd area., Storage cupboards, drawers. F u l l y a i r conditioned with Highspeed broadband internet access & lan connections; State-ofthe-art communications centre with aesthetic floor layout, walls, ceiling ;Checkpoint security;Onsite mangement and maintenance by qualified engineers for work station and office a u t o m a t i o n e q u i p m e n t s ; Te l e c o m infrastructure including all telephone lines and equipmentsAlso excellent ambience meeting rooms configured to meet your specifications with conference room facilities provided Virtual office

you business out of prime location by availing our virtual option says Mr. David Rajan In Virtual office the services rendered are

answered;Priority a c c e s s t o services;Dedicated contact numbers; On demand technical and administrative support

All advertisers should forward the advertising material including Classifields by 12 noon on Wednesday, October 14. - Editor

Public Holidays in Tamil Nadu

2010

1

New Year’s Day

01.01.2010

Friday

2

Tamil New Year’s Day

14.01.2010

Thursday

and Pongal 3

Thiruvalluvar Day

15.01.2010

Friday

4

Uzhavar Thirunal

16.01.2010

Saturday

5

Republic Day

26.01.2010

Tuesday

6

Meelad-un-Nabi

27.02.2010

Saturday

7

Telugu New Year’s Day

16.03.2010

Tuesday

8

Mahaveer Jayanthi

28.03.2010

Sunday

* Annual closing of

01.04.2010

Thursday

02.04.2010

Friday

14.04.2010

Wednesday

9

accounts for Commercial banks and Co-op banks 10 Good Friday 11

Dr B.R. Ambedkar birthday

12

May Day

01.05.2010

Saturday -

13

Independence Day

15.08.2010

Sunday

14

Krishna Jayanthi

01.09.2010, Wednesday

15

Ramzan

10.09.2010

Friday

16

Vinayakar Chathurthi

11.09.2010

Saturday

* Half yearly closing for

30.09.2010

Thursday

17

Commercial banks and Co-operative banks 18

Gandhi Jayanthi

02.10.2010

Saturday

19

Ayutha Pooja

16.10.2010

Saturday

20 Vijayadhasami

17.10.2010

Sunday

21

05.11.2010

Friday Wednesday

Deepavali

22 Bakrid

17.11.2010

23 Muharram

17.12.2010

Friday

24 Christmas

25.12.2010

Saturday

Applicable for Commercial Bank and Cooperative Banks

Send your news and events to Mylapore Anna Nagar Mount Road Nanganallur Kumbakonam Thirubhuvanam

No: 1, Sannadhi Street, Mylapore, Chennai- 600004 Ph: 91-44-24641906/ 07/08/09 E-mail: [email protected] www.radhasilk.com

[email protected]

Page 6

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

Joy of giving week celebrated Radio One fm 94.3 has a social view point in its programming

and to fulfill that they seized on the opportunity of Joy of giving week. The concept is special and was created just for this occasion.

The breakfast jock gets a caller who has registered

by SMS and one caller gets the opportunity to participate. A caller gets Rs. 500 per question he/she answers. The contest is carried on for

60 seconds. The number of correct answers will decide the amount. The individual winner vows to give the money won on this contest to a charity organization. This went on for 5 days Monday thru Friday. The charity organizations which benefited were Nalandaway, Little sister of the poor, Society for education and action, Suyam charitable trust, Kakkum Karangal. Radio One fm 94.3 achieved its objective and it experienced the real joy of giving when the winners and the beneficiaries had a smile when they received the prizes.

On Call Service Rs. 75/Computer Service & Laptop Service. Software Installation on Rs. 75

SM Computers 9884445488 42801038

Baggage theft cases can now be registered at destination T r a i n passengers can now lodge complaints regarding baggage thefts after reaching their destination as the Government Railway Police (GRP) have eliminated jurisdictional constraints to register such cases. Earlier, if bags or valuables were stolen on journeys, the affected passenger had to report the case at the nearest railway station. It often forced a passenger

to discontinue the journey. “The GRP has done away with this provision and has now decided to accept complaints of baggage theft at the destination railway station. The affected passenger need not discontinue the journey. He or she can report the crime to the TTE, continue the journey and file a complaint with GRP station at the destination,” said S

Paneer Selvam, superintendent of police, GRP. The rule was changed to provide relief to passengers whose goods were stolen and to prevent them from getting stranded along the way. Most baggage thefts happen or get detected late at night or early morning when it is not convenient for passengers to disembark to report the loss.

Now affidavit mandatory for gifts over Rs 50k From now on, when you get gift-in-kind valued at more than Rs 50,000 from your parents or other relatives, make sure you have a sworn affidavit declaring the donor as your kin. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has recently ruled that any "gift-inkind" exceeding Rs 50,000 would be taxable at the hands of the donee 'except' from relatives or given during occasions like marriage or by way of inheritance of the donee. "The donee has to get an affidavit affirming the donor to be h i s m o t h e r, f a t h e r, brother, sister or any other relative so that at the time of claiming the exemption under the new arrangement, the income tax assessment officer can have an on-spot verification without any delay," a senior I-T official said. An individual can preferably get one affidavit listing all such gifts in the entire assessment year from

different or the same relative. The individual will hence reduce the trouble of preparing an affidavit each time he receives a gift, the official said. During the assessment of the I-T returns, the affidavit will save you from the hassles of proving the gift, both movable and immovable, being received or inherited from any relative residing in any part of the world. It will also establish the donee's relationship with the donor, the officer said. The CBDT had on September 30 notified that "with effect from October 1.... any gift-inkind, being an immovable property or any other property, the value of which exceeds Rs 50,000, will become taxable in the hands of the donee, being an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), as income from other sources..." T h e

department will not tax gifts received from a person who is a relative, on the occasion of marriage of the individual (donee), under a will or by way of inheritance, in contemplation of death of the donor, from any local authority as defined in the explanation to Section 10(20) of the Act, from any fund or trust established under Section 10(23C) of the Act and from any trust or institution registered under Section 12AA of the Act, it said. Assesses will have to file income tax dues on the value of the gift and disclose the taxable value of such property in the return of income for assessment year 2010-11. Under the I-T Act, 1961, a relative is defined as, spouse, brother or sister, brother or sister of the spouse, brother or sister of either of the parents, any lineal a s c e n d a n t o r descendant and spouse of any of the relatives.

with Vani Vidyalaya

Matrimonial THINK of Brahmin alliance! Think of us. Chennai Sai Sankara Matrimonials, 7 (15/2), 9th Avenue, Ashok Nagar. Ph: 2471 6920, 98403 3 0 5 3 1 . W e b : www.ssmatri.com. Latest charts, astro services available. Best WishesPanchapakesan.

To Advertise in this paper Call

99400 24556 Send your news and events to

[email protected]

Page 7

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

Biofuel hazards Biofuels are in the headlines these days and the push is towards increasing the usage of these alternative fuels in the fight against global warming. They are already being used to some extent by millions of car drivers around the world and even by some go-getting airlines, yet many people do not really understand what biofuels are, or the implications of their production on the vast scale envisioned for the immediate future. B a s i c a l l y, biofuels are made from living plants or their waste products as against the more commonly used petrol and diesel which are refined from oil itself, the residue of plants that died millions of years ago. The most widely known biofuels are ethanol, an alcohol extracted from sugar beet and biodiesel made from vegetable oils. Then, there is biohydrogen made by turning crops such as wheat, corn and soya beans into a liquid fuel

and it is this one that is currently being promoted as a natural way to reduce the lethal carbon emissions that are poisoning the planet and causing many global warming-related problems. I m a g i n e running a car on fuel derived from a field full of wheat or vegetables which would otherwise be destined for human consumption and the inherent danger of biofuel, in its current stage of development, immediately becomes apparent. If crops are grown to be used as a fuel substitute, then what do we eat? Rich people will of course still be able to purchase all the food they want but, as the majority of people in the world are poor, these poor folks will inevitably end up going even hungrier than they often do right now. On top of this, the land used for cultivating food is already in increasingly short

supply and, as the world population escalates, then even more land area is needed to maintain the status quo. At the same time, urban areas are expanding, agricultural areas shrinking, so, whichever way you look at it, food is going to be in short supply, therefore increasingly expensive, even if we don’t produce crops for biofuels. Alternative energy sources are desperately needed as, according to the ‘experts’, there is only enough oil available for the next 20 – 30 years although this forecast is hotly disputed by others. H o w e v e r, t u r n i n g urgently needed food supplies into fuel could mean that yes, you can drive to the market but no… there is nothing there to buy. Obviously, fuel scientists need to come up with something more feasible and do this pretty fast unless, of course, you already have the answer! S. Raghunathan

Chennai Champs-Preparatory School A wonderland for kids! preparing them for life!! Amidst busy West Mambalam, stands tall and bright, Chennai Champs a premier preparatory school of Global Gateway.With very good infrastructure the school proves to be a treat to the tiny tots in and a r o u n d t h e neighbourhood. No more classrooms ! Children keep moving every 15 minutes from the Parlour to the Go-Art, Crafts Cabin, Activity Arena, Little Theatre, Splash Pool, Fun Spot, Kids Gym, Library and Fast Track. Space and Movement seems to be of utmost concern here at Chennai Champs! 'No more dumb, Day~ Care Centres' but only fun and enrichment activities all through the day, at the Day Care Centre here. The pre-school offers Play Group, PreK.G., L.K.G and U.K.G. The Activity Centre (Evening Classes) conducts 'Rhyme & Rythm' - School of Music, Colours - School of Arts

and Crafts, Champs'. Dojo - School of Martial Arts, giving a variety of opportunities to hone the talents, in the children of the locality. The Enrichment Centre conducts 'Alphabet' - School of Lingustics, offering Communication Development (Spoken English) classes for different age levels. 'Pep-Up!', a Fun and Enrichment programme, is specially designed for the 2.5 to 5.5 Yrs old , from Monday to Friday, where the little ones enjoy a variety of activities! ",Keeping Spirits High, is our motto!" says Mrs.Rita Ramesh, the founder and director of Global Gateway ," it is my dream to create a unique centre for children, which focuses not only on academics but on the overall development of the child . Hence multiple intelligence has become our academic approach. Skill based learning and enrichment with a global

perspective are the other dimensions we have incorporated into preschooling!" G l o b a l Gateway Educational Research Initiatives offers Montessori, PreP r i m a r y, P r i m a r y Te a c h e r s T r a i n i n g Courses along with Baby Care and Creche Management, all of which are approved by the Government of India. For more information and to have a feel walk in to Old No. 23, New No. 49, Umapathy Street, West Mambalam, Chennai 33. or call. 9840990499, 9952916263

To Advertise Call

4269 7393 99400 24556

Body language: Up and straight Freeze! Don’t move a muscle. Stay absolutely still. Now, take a good look at yourself. How’s the posture? Are you upright and erect? Well, good for you. You get top marks. But, if on the other hand, you are slouching with shoulders slumped, then tut-tut! It just goes to prove that there are times when some of us give in to our weaknesses. Weak tummy muscles, weak chin muscles, etc. However, now let’s make an effort to become strong-willed. Let us be determined to improve ourselves.

S e l f assessment is the first step in taking charge of your well-being. Stand in front of a full length mirror and examine your posture. Bad posture is tiring. It is unhealthy. Once you fall into bad posture habits, your muscles will be pulled and stretched to cope with your body’s unnatural movements. This can result in tension, joint damage, pain and discomfort. H u m p e d shoulders, and the head tilted forwards are all signs of poor posture. As

are the protruding shoulder blades that stick out like wings instead of lying flat. Good posture makes a tremendous difference. Not only does it improve your appearance, it is also healthy. Your head will be held upright and carried slightly forward and your shoulders will be on an even level, relaxed and pulled slightly back. Practise makes perfect, so be aware of your posture at all times, whether sitting or standing, walking or resting — hold your chin up and step forward with confidence! S. Raghunathan

The deepavali gift that is yet to reach On October 3, N Srinivasan, a retired deputy collector residing in West Mambalam, sent a money order (MO Issue Number 6641) for Rs 600 to his daughter S Bhuvaneswari, who is an assistant at the Government Arts College in Pudukkottai. The amount was a gift to his daughter for Deepavali. However, every time he called up his daughter to inquire if she had received the money, she would say ‘no’. W h i l e Srinivasan was wondering where the money had gone, a postman knocked on his door on Thursday to deliver the money order acknowledgement card. The senior citizen was rattled to find that the receiver had acknowledged receipt of

the money on October 5 itself. He again called his d a u g h t e r, b u t s h e maintained that the money had not reached her. “Finally, I decided to make a visit to the West Mambalam post office. On examining the m o n e y o r d e r acknowledgment card, officials found that it had a rubber stamp of a temple managed by a trust in Pudukkottai named ‘Bhuvaneswari Koil Trust’. The temple is situated just two or three kilometres away from the

college where my daughter Bhuvaneswari works. The money was wrongly handed over to the Trust where someone accepted it,” Srinivasan said. The retired deputy collector has lodged a complaint with the West Mambalam post master. “The post master here has forwarded the complaint to his counterpart in Pudukkottai. I have asked him to deliver the money to my daughter,” Srinivasan added. He hopes that the postal authorities would settle the issue ahead of Deepavali.

Talk on Bhagwan Ramana Sri Ramana Bhaktha Samajam at BVSN Murthy School premises, 27/12 A, Thambiah Street, West Mambalam) will hold a lecture on Bhagwan Ramana by C. T. Anantha Krishna (Advocate) at 6

pm on Sunday, Oct. 11 Veda Paarayanam and Aksharamanamalai paarayanam will be held at 5 pm .For details call 2371 6495/ 98417 39090 and 94441 72623. All are welcome.

Contd. from pg. 1

Husband, wife eligible . . . Petitioner contended that the order of the single bench was contrary to the rules of Indane and prayed for the revocation of the decision. When the petition came up before a Division Bench comprising Justices Chitra Venkatraman and M Duraiswamy, manager of Indane filed a counter plea saying there was a possibility of misuse if connections were issued individually to a husband

and wife in the same household. The government was providing heavy subsidy for LPG. This came under t h e E s s e n t i a l Commodities Act and, therefore, only one connection could be provided to a family, he had said. The Bench, in its order, said if a person h a s t w o L P G connections in his name it was an offence. The government has in its rules said that a person

has been stated as an individual. It does not say an individual is a family. Under these circumstances, the husband and wife were two individuals and they could have individual LPG connections. If they misuse the facility, action could be taken against them as prescribed by the law. Therefore, the agent cannot deny supply to the petitioner, the Bench ruled, revoking the order of the single judge.

Page 8

Alpha Times

October 11, 2009

To Advertise Call

4269 7393 99400 24556 Helpline Nos. Child - 1098 Women - 1091 Sr. Citizens - 1253

Confidential Complaints - 42103535

Owned Edited and Published by S. Raghunathan Editorial and Advertisement Office: 6, 1st Floor, Leo Complex, New No: 41, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017. Ph: 4269 7393 and Printed at New Merit Printers, 14/51, Reddykuppam Road, Saidapet, Chennai- 600 015.