VOL: 1 ISSUE 33

Alpha Times Feb. 01, 2009

Putting Heart and Soul of your Neighbourhood
PRICE Re. ONE ONLY

Subhiksha retail on virtual collapse

With the Satyam fiasco strife in the country been unable to pay staff salaries, vendors and rent turnover target this year. I guess we will do it next year
since August-September last year. now."
"Since August-September, when we The spokesperson denied there was an
started having trouble, we ensured that we 'exodus' of senior management from the company, but
keep the financial creditors -- banks etc --- said "the stress in the situation has caused some
paid as much as we could and also tried to movements as well one would guess". He also said the
keep sales happening as much as we could. company will not be sold out and there was no reason to
This led to employee payments and rentals exit the business if it got the backing of financial investors
and some such payments getting delayed. and banks.
This got into a spiral and really blew up on all Explaining why the crisis began in the summer
of us," he said. of 2008, the company said: “We could not trade as we ran
Highlighting the struggle to manage out of cash. When we could not pay for fresh buying, the
1,600 stores with over 15,000 employees, the trade cycle collapsed in October and that is what brought
spokesperson said, "when we get into delays us to a standstill.”
(it) is a nightmare and a tragedy...once we got The promoters have been trying to raise Rs 300
into pain it became a vicious cycle. The pain crore, needed to bring the company back on its feet.
meant that it stopped all ability to tap fresh They held negotiations with at least two retail chains for
funds that could have cut the Gordian knot." selling equity, but no deal has happened so far. Last year,
The inability to raise fresh funds cost Wipro promoter Azim Premji bought 10% stake in
Photo by S. Mohan
the company dear, he said, adding "we have Subhiksha for Rs 230 crore from ICICI Venture. The
Close doors of West Mambalam Subhiksha lost a year in this process. We could have promoters currently hold 59% in the company.
reached our 2,300 store and Rs 4,300 crore - S. Raghunathan with inputs from Agencies.
another major retail chain Subiksha Trading Services is
on a virtual collapse.
Stating that its operations are "near standstill",
retail chain Subhiksha Trading Services on Friday said it
needs liquidity injection of up to Rs 300 crore to get the
company back on track as it had run out of cash in
October last year.
"(The company is at) a stage where operations
are at near standstill. We are working with the financial
stakeholders - lenders and investors - to inject liquidity
and get company back on track," a company
spokesperson said.
"We need a liquidity injection of up to Rs 300
crore, while we argue on whether it is debt or equity that
really does not matter, the business can get back to near
peak levels once this cash is available," he added.
The company's lenders, while supportive, were
also unable to extend further lines unless the equity was
raised. Net net it became a chicken and egg story with
the company running out of cash by October, he said.
"We never took serious credit from suppliers, most
purchases were on limited or nil credit. When we could
not pay for fresh buying, the
trade cycle collapsed in

Reaches October and that is what

brought us to a standstill,"
the spokesperson added.

55000 H e , h o w e v e r,
insisted that the company
was not closing shop. "No,
we are in pain but we are
households
Houdjj not shutting down."
Despite the issues of large
employment at risk and a
every sound business model it is
taking time to get the
pieces closed as all
Sunday stakeholders have to come
to agreement and it is
stressed time for many of
them as well, he said.
To Advertise The company is
now engaging in getting
Call the restart plan approved
by the financial

99400 stakeholders and then get

the liquidity so that it can
continue from where it left,
he said.

24556 I n a b l u n t
admission of its troubles,
the company said it has

VOL : 1 ISSUE 33 Feb. 01 2009
R. Venkataraman led the
country during tricky times
Whichever way one looks at it, Ramaswami
Venkataraman rates among the better Presidents that
the country has had. His death at the age of 98 marks a
break with the past that goes back to the advent of the
20th century and the freedom struggle. The values that
he imbibed during the Gandhi-Nehru era remained with
him all his life and he was acknowledged as a stickler for
rules. He had been associated in various capacities with
all the country's Prime Ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru
to Manmohan Singh. But by the time he became the
country's eighth President in 1987, there had been
considerable erosion in values in public life. The coalition
era had also dawned, which he personally disproved of.
But it goes to his credit that he gave sage advice to all the
Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, V P Singh, Chandra
Shekhar and PV Narasimha Rao. To that extent he was a
copybook President.
But the pulls and pressure of coalition politics
were taking their toll on the country and as a remedy, he
floated the idea of a national government. Since it did not
suit the conflicting ambitions of some politicians, it could
never get off the ground. During his presidential years,
which he later recounted in a book of that name, he had
to bring all his administrative acumen and sense of
fairplay into operation while deciding on such a tricky
situation created by the Sri Lankan crisis, the Bofors gun
deal, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the stocks scam
and the Defamation Bill.
He had left his mark on the national scene
earlier also, be it in his capacity as the Vice-President or
while holding important portfolios such as industry,
finance and defence. He also had a major role to play in
the industrialisation of Tamil Nadu. It is this efficiency
which brought him to Delhi and he made his mark as
Planning Commission Member and President of the
United Nations Administrative Tribunal. A lawyer by
profession, he was an excellent speaker and impressed
everyone during his three Lok Sabha terms. Even after
demitting office he remained actively associated with
various music associations and the institutions of
Shankaracharyas. The regulated life that he led helped
him remain active right till the ripe age of 98.
Consecration
The Mahakumbabishekam of Paarvatiamba
sameda Sri Kalakandeswaraswami temple and Sri
Varadarajaswami temple at Adayabalam village near
Arani will take place on February 8, 8.30-10 a.m.
Mandala puja will go on up to March 19.
The 500-year old temples were built by Sri
Appayya Dikshitar with the gift that Chinnabomma
Maharaja gave him. The kumbabishekam in 1960 was
held in the presence of Sri Chandrasekarendra
Saraswati and Sri Jayendra Saraswati. Consecration
has been held three times since.
Sri Appayya Dikshitar Trust, under the care of
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Math, took up the renovation of both
the temples, estimated at Rs. 8 lakhs. Donations in the
form of cheques and demand drafts drawn in favour of
Sri Appayya Dikshitar Private Trust or Sri Kamakoti
Ghatikasrmam Trust (exempt from income tax) may be
sent to Sujatha Narayana, 19/10, Mahalingapuram Main
Road, Mahalingapuram, Chennai 600034.
Prathista Dina
Mahotsavam
Prathista Dina Mahotsavam will be celebrated
at Shringeri Mutt premises located at Kripasankari
Street.West Mambalam on Feb.02.: The programme
begins at 7.15 a.m with Sree Ganapathy Homam, 8.00
a.m Mahanyasa Ekadhasa Rudhra Japam. 9.00 a.m
A b h i s h e g a m f o r S r e e Vi n a y a k a r, G o d d e s s
Sharadhambal and Sree Naveneetha Krishnar.12.30
p.m Sree Rudhra Homam, Poornahuthi,12.45 p.m
Kalasabhishegam, Deeparadhanai 6.30 p.m Procession
of Deities through the near by streets. Feb. 03 6.30. p.m
Procession of Deities through the near by Streets. All
are welcome.
Feb. 01, 2009
Why do we suffer?
God or His Name is the sole strength in living
against all odds and uncertainties. If one is not at cross
purposes with Him, one finds His manifestation in For the week Feb. 01- 7, 2009
every happening. But, one has to bear with patience
A combust Mars makes you allergic to others'
good advice. Don't have blind faith in your potential
An exalted Venus makes it a splendid period to
take a break. Bank upon genuine and sincere persons.
Friday is a jovial day for you.
Mercury in the house of expenditure will make
you harsh with people without reason. Keep your cool.
Wednesday is irksome day.
A lustreless moon accompanied by malefic
the onrush of the forces one has let loose. Yoke stars may make you extravagant. A spurt in spending
yourself unto Him and He will bear the brunt. could harm your economy. Monday is expensive day.
Take refuge in none but Him. Dependence on
Him makes one fearless. Human beings will enjoy
three-fourths of life and one-fourth they will suffer. But, [ July 23 to Aug 22 ]
we lose our patience and do not accept even that one- Sun, in your sign, will lighten up your mood and
fourth of sorrows given by Him. shed lethargy. Creative Leos will find a new way to
Do not be obsessed with any wish. Shake off rejoice.
sadness. Unhappiness is part of the ego. Beyond it, no
such thing exists. That you have forgotten Truth (that
God is within) is the root cause of your misery. A painful
blow becomes bearable to a great extent by His
remembrance. As He inflicts blows on you, so also He Your travel plans may switch from long to short
gives you the capacity for bearing the suffering. As one term. Success ahead in interviews or other important
tolerates unbearable situations with patience, a time meetings on your agenda.
comes when He resolves all problems. Whenever you
have tumults in mind, try to remember this very often.
You can do this. The key is with Him. Truth wins. He is
your shield. Destiny still comes but He eases the
suffering. Despite a hectic schedule, you will remain a
When you have the shelter of Satyanarayan conscientious professional who means business. Your
(God within), He will test you in various ways. Your duty opponents will be impressed by your equilibrium.
is not to get agitated when these sorts of events hurt
you. There is a saying of Baba, "You look to Me, I look to
you. Even then, if they do not leave Me and still seek
Me, I then become their humble servant." The smiles
and frowns of life are His tokens of love. Bear them with Mars, being combust and exalted, predicts a
loving patience, you have to forsake nothing. Neither
indulge, nor restrain.
mixed outcome. Despite meeting exorbitant demands of
others, no serious crunch ahead.
If you have devotion, you need fear nothing.
Devotion is never devoid of strength. So many varied
problems and hindrances must come, otherwise
people will not understand and realize how and why He A boom period for service-oriented
is the best of all friends and companions. He is the Sagittarians. Your ties with elders will improve. Ample
Dearest One, who keeps us protected in all calamities monetary luck during the end part. You will win friends
and adversities, which are unpredictable. People falter and dispel enemies.
in life and suffer by discarding Him. But, they can't do
anything without Him. Have faith in Him, unflinching
faith. Love Him. Hazards take care of themselves.
Remembering and depending on Him make one Don't try to win over a Leo or Scorpio as it is not
fearless in life, whatever may happen. wise. Patch up with Virgoans and Librans who will stand
He gives us jolts so that we can be ready to by you.
taste real happiness with Him, to make us free of maya,
or mind and attachments. We do not know His Will, so
we grieve over all He does, but He always does
everything for the best. Do not worry. Never try to Saturday-born Aquarians, with their wisdom,
understand. Only accept as a gift whatever He gives, will solve problems. For Tuesday-born, it is a negative
take it as His blessing. When one feels, "I am helpless, phase. They should be cautious.
my strength fails" He comes to hold the rudder. Being
always in the midst of people with their selfishness,
jealousy and hatred, the mind is afflicted with pain.
These afflictions are shaken off like dust through
devotion and remembrance of God's Name within.
He, the Almighty, by His wish and touch takes
With Jupiter on the back track, avoid brash
attitude. Don't grumble when others call the shots. Take
away the worldly attractions gradually to bring one to a it as a challenge.
blissful, peaceful state. A person cannot realize this
state on his or her own due to the intensity of illusory
worldly desire. You do everything, see everything,
listen to everything, but do not get so deeply involved
Donate Keep
as to invite sufferings through them. Of course, He will
ensure this, you don't have to make any effort for it. Just
Blood your
keep Him in your remembrance.
city
Save Life
Send your news and events to
clean
alphatimes1@gmail.com
Feb. 01, 2009
Workshop on Tyagaraja Aradhana at
‘How to face examination’ Sri Ram Samaj
The Stenographers' Guild, T.Nagar, has
proposed to conduct a one day workshop on Facing
Examination on Sunday, Feb. 01 from 10.00 am to 4.00
pm with lunch break of one hour.
This workshop will focus on how to prepare for
the exam, how to concentrate on studies, how to acquire
more marks in the subjects and how to overcome the
exam fear. The registration fee for the workshop is
Rs.100/-.
This workshop will be useful to students of class
X and XII appearing for the Board examination. The
registration will be first-come-first-served basis and is
subject to a maximum of 50.
For more details contact Guild Office at No.1,
Guild st, T.Nagar, Chennai -600 017. Phone:
24342421,24337387, 99621-63122. Fax:42867859.
Email: stenold@vsnl.com .
'Chennai Science Festival 2009'
from February 5
The Science City will organise 'Chennai
Science Festival 2009' from February 5 to 9 at Anna
University.
The festival is aimed at creating awareness
among the student community and public of science in
everyday life, organisers said.
It would be open to the public between 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m. during the five days.
One of the main features of the festival would
be an exhibition covering topics in 12 major disciplines of
science. Scientists would exhibit scientific models in over
100 stalls. Several disciplines of science such as
astronomy, bio-sciences, chemistry, earth and energy,
environment, fabric science, food and agriculture,
mathematics, medical and veterinary sciences, ocean
and water, physics and urban sciences including
transport, green building, water and sanitation would be
covered.
The festival would also feature lectures by
eminent scientists, panel discussions among senior
academicians and practitioners, and competitions.
Awards would be presented to women
scientists and children excelling in the field of science.
Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy would
inaugurate the festival and present awards to recipients
on February 5 at Vivekananda Auditorium, Anna
University, at 10 a.m., according to a release.
Education UK expo
from February 11
The British Council will organise the 'Education
UK exhibition' here on February 11 and 12.
Representatives from nearly 60 universities in
the United Kingdom will be present at the exhibition, to be
held at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam, between
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Interested candidates could interact with
representatives from schools, colleges and universities
to know about the courses, admission requirements,
facilities and services offered. Students could register
online ( www.educationuk-in.org) or at the venue. Entry
is free.
Visitors could attend seminars conducted by
academics on topics such as student visas, studying for
undergraduate and postgraduate courses, engineering
and business degrees.
Among the universities participating are the
University of Sheffield, Queen's University Belfast,
Middlesex University, the University of Manchester,
London Metropolitan University, the University of Leeds,
the University of Greenwich (London), the University of
Edinburgh, Cardiff University and Kingston University.
The exhibition will also be held in Bangalore,
Hyderabad, New Delhi and Pune.
Kerosene supply
for cardholders
New cardholders, having one liquefied
petroleum gas or no gas connection will get three litres of
kerosene for February also, according to an official
release.
Gearing up for growth
Attention Readers, Advertisers
Sri Ram Samaj, West Mambalam, will
celebrate the music festival dedicated to Sadguru
and Advertising Agencies
Tyagaraja from February 2 to 7, at Ayodhya Our new Advertising and Editorial
Mandapam, West Mambalam. Vocal concerts will be
featured daily at 7 p.m as per schedule given below Classified Booking Office Address:
The aradhana will be inaugurated by A
Subramanian, Exectuive Director, Indian Bank at 6.00
pm and will unveil the portrait of Saint Tyagaraja. Dr.
Pappu Venugopal Rao, Secretary, Music Academy will
speak on “Saint Tyagaraja's contribution to Carnatic
music in praise of Lord Rama”.
Feb. 02: O.S. Thyagarajan - Vocal, S.
Kannan- Violin, R. Narayanan- Mrudangam, Aniruth
Aathreya- Kanchira.
Feb. 03: S. Sowmiya - Vocal, Mysore V. F 5 and 6, First Floor, Leo Complex,
Shreekanth- Violin, N. Manojsiva- Mrudangam, Dr. S. New No: 41, Madley Road,
Karthic- Ghatam. T.Nagar, Chennai- 600 017.
Feb. 04: Gayathri Venkatraghavan - Vocal, Ph: 4286 7771, Fax: 4286 7772,
Shree V.Sanjeev- Violin, B. Ganapathiraman- E-mail: alphatimes1@gmail.com
Mrudangam, G. Hariharasharma- Kanchira.
Feb. 05 Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan - Vocal, R.K.
Shree Ramkumar- Violin, Thiruvarur M
Bakthavathsalam- Mrudangam, E.M. Subramaniyam
Ghatam
Feb. 06: Kunnakkudy M. Balamuralikrishna -
Vocal, Kumari Akkarai S. Subbulakshmi - Violin,
Thirusur C. Narendran- Mrudangam, N. Govindarajan-
Ghatam,.
Pancharatna kritis will be rendered by
musicians lead by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Madurai T N
Seshagopalan on February 7 at 8.30 a.m.
Purandaradasa Day
celebrated
Sri Purandaradasar Bhakta Samajam
conducted the aradhana of the composer at Kotta
Srinivasayya Ramanuja Kootam, T. Nagar, on January
25.
Musicians rendered the kritis of
Purandaradasa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Three senior musicians were honoured on
the occasion.
The title, 'Dasa Seva Rathna,' was conferred
on harmonium expert, Palladam Venkatramana Rao,
vocalist N.C. Soundaravalli, and mridanga vidwan
Kumbakonam R.N. Ganesan.
M u s i c i a n a n d m u s i c o l o g i s t T. R .
Subramaniam and violin exponent M.
Chandrasekharan felicitated the stalwarts.
The curtain came down with an excellent
harmonium recital of Palladam Venkatramana Rao.
Republic Day at Kalamandir
The Nation's 60 th Republic day was
celebrated at Kalamandir Mat. Hr. Sec. School, West
Mambalam, with patriotic fervour. ,Rtn PHF T.R.
Nandakumar, President Rotary Club of Madras Mount
was the chief guest and unfurled the Tricolour flag . Ln.
S.J. Sharma, Secretary of the school presided over the
function.
In his address the chief guest insisted the
students to work for the Nation's Pride. The students
gave speech and sang patriotic songs and mimred on
National development themes. The winners in the
State level Kabbadi championship and Inter school
tournament runners were given prizes and
certificates.
Inter school Chess Tournament
An Interschool Chess Tournament is being Send your news and events by email to
organised by Sri Ahobila Math Oriental Higher
Secondary School, West Mambalam, Chennai – 33 on
alphatimes1 @gmail.com
Sunday Feb. 08. The tournament will be held at the
school premises.
The entry fees is Rs. 50/- per player. Entry is
free for blind and physcially challenged students.
Visit
Entries close on Feb. 6 at 3.00 pm. Players from all
Districts can take part. For further details contact – R. www.timeschennai.com
Muralikrishnan, 23712654, 9444781586.

With the Pulse
Polio day announced on
Feburary 1, health ministry
officials got together to
dispel rumours and the
controversy that
surrounded the death of a
child following an
immunisation at
Sathyamanagalam in
December 2008
This time, a panel of
experts has urged parents
of children under five years
old, to make sure their
children received two
drops of OPV on Sunday,
the Feb. 01.
Pulse polio day on Feb 1
As many as
40,399 booths across the
s t a t e w i l l o ff e r t h e
vaccine, and at least
178,000 health workers
will be involved in the
drive.
“No child can
die because of the polio
vaccine, and it is
absolutely safe,” said Dr
Jacob John, chairman of
the India Expert Advisory
Committee on Universal
Immunisation.
“While we
aimed to reach 70 lakh
children across Tamil
Nadu, at least 1.5 lakh to reported over 2003-2004
3 lakh children failed to were ‘imported cases’.
receive the vaccine due Migrant workers from
to the rumours,” Dr Jacob Bihar and UP, from
said. where 96 per cent of the
This time, the health country’s polio cases are
reported, are a great
minister has announced
that anyone spreading worry,” said Dr G. K.
rumours about the OPV Durairaj, joint director of
would be booked under immunisation, DPH.
Educating the
general public Dr. Vijaya,
District Family welfare
Medical Officer,
Corporation of
Chennaisaid the second
phase of the statewide
pulse polio immunisation
drive is scheduled for
February 1, and parents
still doubtful about the
safety, or potency of the
vaccine can check the
‘vaccine vial monitor’ on
the label.
“There is a grey
circle, around a white
square, on the label of
the OPV vial. If the colour
the National Security Act. of the square turns grey,
The aggressive and merges into the
immunisation drives are circle, the vaccine is unfit
directed at maintaining for use, and should be
Tamil Nadu’s track record discarded.”
of being poliofree since While Dr. Jacob
John said that the batch
2005.
“Three cases samples are tested by
the Drug Regulatory
Authority of India and
then released for
consumption and the
vaccines that is used in
the regular immunisation
programme are the same
used in the pulso polio
progreamme. There is
no side effects.
Dispelling the rumours
of death he said "it is like
some one saying that the
death occured due to
butterfly bite."
Earlier Rotary
District Governor A Designer
Subramaniam welcomed
the gathering and
Rotary past president K
C Vijayan proposed a
vote of thanks.
In T Nagar and
West Mambalam the
booths are:
T.Nagar
Corporation
Hospital, No. 4,
Sivagnanam Road:
Corporation Middle
School, New Boag Road;
Kollapuriamman Kovil,
Rajapillaithottam;
Kamaraj Colony; Round
Table Night School, No.
7, Thukkaram 3rd Street;
A.E. Office Siva Vishnu
Feb. 01, 2009
Our Team
Editor
S. Raghunathan
Advisor
K. Venkataraghavan
Reporters
Usha
Sai Narayan
M. Valarmathi
Circulation
S. Akbar Ali
Advertisement Desk
044 4286 7771
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 7771
99400 24556
Disclaimer
Readers are recommended to
mak e appropriate enquiries
before entering into dealings
with advertisers who advertise
in this publ icat ion, Nei ther.
the Editor, nor the Printer and
Publisher do not vouch any
claim s made by advertisers
and hence shall not be held
liable for any adverse
consequences.
Temple, South Usman
Road; A.E. Office Opp.
Vivek & Co. Buzzullaha
Road; Saradha Madam,
No. 4 Ragavaiah Road;
Corporation Dispensary,
Ramakamathupuram;
Corporation Middle School,
Dharmapuram.
West Mambalam
Kumaran Nagar
Health Post No. 1
Govindan Road; ICDS ,
Adhikesava Perumal Kovil
Street; Perinba
ChristianSchool, No: 60,
Pushpavathi Ammal Street;
ICDS Vazhaithoppu, No. 5
Padavattamman Kovil
Street; CMS Mettupalayam
School, 21, Perumal Kovil
Street; Anna Poorani
School, Old Mambalam
Road; Malligaswari N.H,
Sadayappan Street; C.M.
School, New Street; Karani
Garden Main Street;
Dispensary Periar
Ramasamy Street; Pillayar
Kovil Street; Annai Therasa
School, Thirvalluvar Street.
Mobile booths
with also be stationed at
T. N a g a r B u s s t a t e d ,
Mambalam Railway
station, Ranganathan
Street- Near Saravana
Selvarathnam Stores,
Pothys, and also Near
Balaji bhavan Hotel,
Pondy Bazaar.
Feb. 01, 2009

Students urged to dedicate Novel way to put up illegal structures

It is a success adjacent to the street.
for 'Vision - 2020' for the commercial
andtraffic managers and
now these visible legally
structure supporting the
newly-opened bag shop ``Earlier, there
SRM Nightingale Mat. Hr. Sec. School, West establishements to put illegal structures. nor any part of the shop was a concrete structure.
Mambalam, celebrated our country's 60th Republic Day up illegal structures in T C e r t a i n protruding on to the road. About three months ago, it
Nagar commercial hub c o m m e r c i a l This makeshift was knocked down, when
though Chennai establishments in the structure is well within the authorities started
Corporation and Chennai region have come up with the owner's premises, taking serious action
M e t r o p o l i t a n innovative ideas to thus raising little doubt against illegal construction
Development Authority in T Nagar,'' said Ashokan a
resident of T Nagar.
The new structure
is supported by the wall of
Fathima Jewellers on one
side and four iron pillars on
the other side. A few
asbestos sheets are used
as the roof. Moreover, a few
glass supports are
embedded into the wall to
be used as racks in the bag
shop.
It is said the new
'makeshift' structure was
constructed by the owners
of Fathima Jewellers and
was rented out to the
people running the bag
shop. ``In fact, there is no
compound wall.
The four pillars of
the shop stand in place of
the wall,” added Ashokan.
Both Fathima
(CMDA) are using all hoodwink the authorities. about any unauthorised
Jewellers and the bag shop
their might to put an end One glaring construction.
refused to comment on the
to unauthorised instance is the bag shop Then, where is
construction of the building
construction in this area. attached to the wall of the compound wall? It is
stating that the person
I t w a s `Fathima Jewellers' on this question that makes
concerned who could
encroachement in this Ramaswamy Street in T people take a deep look
speak on the issue is not
area that was giving Nagar. One can neither into the construction of
available.
nightmares to shoppers find any concrete this `makeshift' edifice
at the school campus A. Annamalai, Director, Gandhi
Study Centre, an ardent follower of Gandhian principles
was the chief guest.
After unfurling the flag, the chief guest in his
address urged the youth to be dedicated and strive to
fulfill our former President's dream- Vision 2020 and take
India to the fore front in all fields.
The Chief guest inaugurated the Art and Craft
Exhibition and applauded the students for their interest
and talent. On this occasion, he gave away the Role
Model Award to C. Aishwarya of Std V and congratulated
her parents and teachers for having groomed her with
great care.
The parent of C.Aishwarya thanked the
Management for the award and stressed that every
student should aspire to win the award. The School
Principal Mrs. Shanthi Sukumar in her speech
emphasized that parents and teachers should join hands
to strengthen the self-confidence of the children by
teaching them the basic ethics and moral values.
Students presented cultural programmes with a patriotic
fervour. The programme came to an end with singing of
the National Anthem.
Earlier T.S. Sriraman, Vice-Principal welcomed
the gathering and advised everyone to involve
themselves in serving the nation in the true spirit like our
great leaders. Mrs. Usha Kannan proposed a vote of
thanks.

Counselling for middle

school teachers
The School Education Department has
announced that third phase counselling for middle
school teachers on the list for promotion to Tamil
teachers will be held on February 4. Those with
registration numbers from 601 to 720 have been asked to
come to the PTA Building, Chennai-600006 at 10 a.m.

Get-together planned
Can-Stop, a cancer support group, will
organise a get-together for survivors, support groups
and organisations working on cancer care at
Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore, on February 8 between
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. A fun fair that includes music, drama,
games, folk performances and informative programmes
on cancer will mark the event. Can-Stop helpline number
is 26284256.

Cinema
Veteran comedian
Nagesh dead
V e t e r a n
comedian Nagesh, who
carved a niche for himself
in the Tamil film industry
both in humorous and
character roles, died here
on Saturday after a brief
illness, family sources said.
Born as Gundu
Rao to a Kannada Brahmin
family in 1933, Nagesh was
the most sought-after actor
in the MGR-Sivaji era of
Tamil cinema in the 1960s
and mid-seventies, and
was a regular feature in the
movies of these late
superstars.
Nagesh, who was
suffering from prolonged
illness, breathed his last at
his residence.
A 1000-film
veteran, Nagesh was
known for his timing and
intonation that had the
audience in splits. Even in
serious movies, his roles
were well-appreciated.
Nagesh has
played some memorable
characters. His role in
'Thiruvilaiyadal' as
Dharumi, a poet struggling
to make ends meet and
who comes face-to-face
with Lord Shiva, and as
aspiring director Chellappa
in 'Kadhalikka Neramillai,'
are still remembered by
Tamil movie-goers.
The actor also
proved his mettle with
serious roles in films like
'Ethirneechal' and
'Neerkumizhi,' besides
playing the villain in Kamal
Hassan starrer 'Apoorva
Sagotharargal,' dubbed in
Hindi as 'Appu Raja.'
N a g e s h i s
survived by his wife and
three sons. One of his
Feb. 01, 2009
sons, Anand Babu, is
also an actor.
Ta m i l f i l m
director K Balachander,
was responsible for
Nagesh coming into
movies from the theatre.
Nagesh's first
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sources. Powered by www.indiareel.com
Feb. 01, 2009

BUSINESS Language Arts

Towards clear communication
Fuel price cut raises fears in written English
of deflation, say economists What is it that is responsible for making us
vague and ambiguous, or worst still, making us
Fuel price cut by the government has raised fears completely misunderstood in our written
of deflation with economists expecting an overall decline in communication? The answer lies in the following faults
the prices early next fiscal. that are recurrent in writings that fail to get their
"Oil price cut would bring down inflation sharply in
the next 15 days. By end of March, it could reach below two
message across to their readers:
(1) Illegibly written work
Eating etiquettes
per cent. In a month of so from there, we might see decrease (2) Faulty sentence structure It was my cousin's wedding. I was so excited
in the price level, that is deflation," Crisil principal economist (3) Punctuation and spelling errors because all the cousins had gathered and we really had
D K Joshi said. (4) Inappropriate choice of words a fun time. All was smooth and I was enjoying it all greatly
The government recently slashed prices of petrol (5) Casually written responses when came those ugly scenes. We were all sitting in the
by Rs 5 a litre, diesel by Rs 2 per litre and cooking gas (LPG) To begin with, when it comes to handwritten hall and dinner was to be served at the end of the
by Rs 25 per cylinder. assignments what works in your favour the most is a ceremony. Suddenly I saw the whole crowd rise and
Expressing fears of deflation hitting India in the neat and orderly presentation in well formed letters. dash towards a certain direction. I was surprised rather
next three to four months, HDFC Bank chief economist See to it that each letter in your work clearly stands for
Abheek Barua said, "The fuel price hike could have a 40 shocked and worried thinking whatever has happened to
what you mean it to be and is not mistaken for some them all. I turned back and realised the reason of the
basis point impact on inflation. I expect it to fall to 1-1.5 per
other letter of the alphabet. Therefore, if you are in the whole commotion. It was the dinner's tocsin! And I
cent by March. By April-May, we might see deflation,"
habit of forming your 'n' like a 'u' or your 'm' like a 'w', couldn't help but sigh with deep grief!
Having declined for the 10 consecutive weeks, the
inflation for the second week in a row rose to 5.64 per cent
and your 'r' looks like an 's' or vice versa, or you are I wonder why it happens to us all when it comes
for the week ended January 17. fond of adding tails to your y, g, h, or t, you are only to food-time in ceremonies. Each of us rushes towards
Earlier, it touched a peak of 12.91 per cent in multiplying problems for your bewildered readers. the 'target' as if it's the first and the last time we're going to
August last year. Thereafter inflation, measured by Remember the best definition of a clear handwriting is devour it. Moments earlier, we are all civilised, mannered
movement in wholesale price index, continued the that all its lines are straight and all its curves are well species sitting honourably at our seats, dressed nicely
downward march and dipped to below the double-digit mark rounded. Just stick to this simple formula and your and talking decently. And then it's time for food and we
in November. ideas are bound to get across to your readers in totality. become uncivilised beings, grabbing every bit of food we
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance P K Another important requirement of a written
can lay our hands on before our brethren. Struggle for
Bansal has also said the cut in petroleum prices will bring document is that its sentences have a proper structure,
survival, eh?
down inflation by more than one percentage point. namely they make a complete sense, they are not
And not only is it the grab-before-em-all
Global financial firm Citi too said that inflation was ambiguous or confusing in their meaning, and their
word order is correct. Examples: struggle, it's also the pile-it-all effort. You'll see those who
likely to fall to two per cent by March end.
When we were just about to reach there. won't even eat more than half a plate of rice or nothing
"Given that petrol, diesel and LPG together have a
(sense is incomplete) more than a few ounces of food, piling each and
weight of 4.75 per cent in the whole price index, the fuel price
hike would have a 40 bps impact on inflation. This will result When we were just about to reach there we everything available on the table as if they're there for
in headline inflation falling to two per cent by end-March," remembered our bags that we had left behind. (makes some who-eats-the-most competition. And surprisingly,
Citi said. complete sense) they do it all despite knowing they won't be able to bottle it
According to Citi, the "negative patch in whole Mrs Aslam had her grandson for lunch on all down, even with those three or four bottles of soft
price index that was expected in the June-September Saturday. (a confusing statement) drinks they have cleverly got hold off, the result: You see
quarter could occur earlier." Mrs Aslam had lunch with her grandson on half-empty bottles and plates at the end of each such
Expressing a similar view, Yes Bank chief Saturday. (a clear statement) ceremony as a shameful demonstration of our dining
economist Shubhada Rao said inflation is likely to fall to 2 I often visit my favourite country, China. etiquettes.
per cent by the end of March. (incorrect word order) I have tried to find the reason of this whole
"We could see inflation in a negative territory in the I often visit China, my favourite country. strange psyche of ours when it comes to eating at
second quarter of next fiscal," she added. (correct word order) ceremonies and though I didn't really hit the nail, I am
Falling inflation, Rao added, would provide scope It is also necessary to pay close attention to positive that I at least spotted it. It goes back to those
for the Reserve Bank to slash key policy rates further. the punctuation marks and spelling of words in your days when country-culture prevailed and weddings were
"I expect RBI to slash short-term lending (repo) writing. Communication can get badly mauled if the considered a real grand function in fact the only function
rate and short term borrowing (reverse repo) rate further by attitude of the writer is careless. A few examples are where sweets, savories and other extravagant items
50 basis points in the current fiscal," she said. stated to bring home this point to our readers: were served. And thence, people would eat a lot,
Crisil's Joshi and HDFC Bank's Barua also expect The boys' club and the womens' club have savouring some items they were to eat only once in a
50 basis points reduction in the repo rate and reverse repo opened their membership again. (misplaced
rate in the coming days. year or so. Times changed, things changed, people
punctuation mark) became modern, claiming-to-be-more-civilised creed
Earlier, the RBI has cut key policy rates and ratios The boys' club and the women's club have
making provision for Rs 3.80 lakh crore of liquidity and but few things remained the same and among them was
opened their membership again. (no punctuation error) the dine-style of ceremonies. In fact, since modern
signalling softening of interest rates to boost economy.
The people went there money right now. beings have a lack of time, the fact added an additional
Besides, the government came up with two fiscal
(spelling error) rush to the dine-style and it eventually evolved into how
stimulus packages to boost demand and promote industrial
growth. The steps taken by the government include 4 per
The people want their money right now. (no we see it today.
cent cut in excise duty. spelling error) Leaving it aside, let's talk about the useful thing:
All these initiatives are having a benign impact on It was definately not going to be a good day, how to eliminate this pathetic practice from our social
inflation which has been continuing its downward march. my mothers' ancient vehical had a flat tyre. (spelling
ceremonies? It has so seeped in our society's roots that
and punctuation errors)
even the 'dignitaries' practise it when the moment
It was definitely not going to be a good day.
New GoM on 3G may be My mother's ancient vehicle had a flat tyre. (no spelling
or punctuation error)
comes. 'Seize the moment' is the sole slogan at such
occasions, it appears.
The best way to deal with it, simply, is to present
set up by first week of Feb Though the above examples carry errors in
spelling and punctuation their meanings are in no an example in your own. Just sit calmly when the food is
doubt. However, such mistakes if they are persistent announced at such occasions and take a calm bite as the
A new Group of functions of Prime Minister scene clears. Don't worry food's always ample! Your
and recurrent in one's work the meaning start to
Ministers, which will look into Manmohan Singh, who is friends, cousins or other people you know will surely
the 3G issues pertaining to
disappear.
indisposed due to surgery. notice this practice of yours and then out of
the number of operators per Example:
The terms of embarrassment or a likeness for it, they're going to follow
circle and reserve price, is reference of the GoM
My aunt is 50 years old, she is very
complesive and dislikes people who deaf ear to make a in your footsteps. Believe me it surely is going to work.
likely to be formed by the first would be to look at the twin
decision. She like to collect stamps and stay occupied That comes from my personal experience.
week of February. issue of number of 3G
Sources in know of in her garden. is a serious woman. So, the next time you are attending the wedding
slots and the reserve price
the development said, the for the radio frequency. You will agree that in the above example of some cousin of yours or some other social gathering
Cabinet Secretariat could The GoM will although some sense emerges there are several areas with a 'food time' in the list of 'activities', take a chill pill
issue the notification for the comprise members from where we are not quite sure what is being said. For and show them all you're mannered also when it coming
GoM by February 6. ministries of Telecom, example, what does 'complesive' mean? Did she to eating!
The name of Agriculture, Law, Finance, dislike deaf people and turn a deaf ear to them? There - S. Raghunathan
External Affairs Minister Home, Commerce, Steel are other confusing bits as well. The important thing to
Pranab Mukherjee is doing and Railways. remember is that whatever you write should be
carefully scanned by you for spelling, grammatical and
rounds for heading the GoM.
Mukherjee already heads
It now looks little
difficult for 3G services to punctuation errors first. At the same time pay close Visit
over 50 GoMs and is
currently looking at the
be possible in UPA regime,
admitted a DoT official.
attention to sentence construction that you are not
writing in a note form (Example: 'is a serious woman'). www.ibusinessweek.com
Carelessness also leads to writings that are
hazy and incomprehensible in their content. Lastly, if
To Advertise in this paper Call what you are writing is in response to a query, read the
question slowly and attentively in order to be accurate
Visit
99400 24556 and sensible in your response. Remember the answer
always lies in the question. www.timeschennai.com
-SR
 Feb. 01, 2009

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