October 2010 Issue 10

MOTOTREND

Velammal’s No. 1 Automobile

Magazine

EDITOR : S. LOKESHWAR
Henry Ford

Henry Ford, c. 1919

July 30, 1863(1863-07-30)
Born Greenfield Township,
Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
April 7, 1947 (aged 83)
Died Fair Lane, Dearborn,
Michigan, U.S.
Occupation Business, Engineering
▲$188.1 billion - from
Net worth
Forbes – February 2008.
Religion Protestant Episcopal
Spouse Clara Jane Bryant
Children Edsel Ford
William Ford and Mary
Parents
Ford
Signature

Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist, founder of the Ford Motor Company and developer
of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and
American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He
is credited with "Fordism", that is, mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a
global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many
technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put a dealership in every city in North America.

Ford Unveils the Ford Endeavour 4x2 Automatic -

The Latest Addition Adds to the Popular Endeavour
SUV Range
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Endeavour's rugged reputation enhanced by contemporary interior and exterior design elements. The bold front end design is
accentuated with new sleek and stylish side body cladding on the exterior . Premium and classy appeal bolstered by new interior
touches including titanium-finish instrument panel sports pedals and illuminated red scuff plates . Spacious two tone interiors
provide generous leg-room comfort across three rows of seating

New and impressive transmission and powertrain features :

A 5-speed automatic transmission provides a great driving experience for urban and rural conditions. The 3.0 L TDCi common-
rail turbo-diesel engines with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) engine delivers maximum power of – 156 PS at 3200 rpm
and class leading torque of 380 NM at 2500 rpm Extra security peace of
mind for Endeavour owners. Superior breaking performance with
ABS and (EBD) Electronic Brake force Distribution . Equipped with
dual stage front driver and passenger air-bags combined with seat belt pre
-tensioners and load limiters.
 EDITORIAL BOARD
The editorial board is currently being reorganized, with the new EB members taking on a more active role in screening submissions, assigning peer-reviewers, and guiding manu-
scripts through the peer-review process.

Stell Jeeba Kumari

Principal, Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Mogappair, Chennai.
(India)

Ponmathi.
Vice-Principal, Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Mogappair, Chennai.
(India)

Vijay Kumar
Head Master, Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Mogappair, Chennai.
(India)

EDITOR’S COLUMN
The Automobile industry in the Republic of India is the seventh largest in the world with an annual production of over 11 mil-
lion vehicles and exports of about 1.5 million. [1] In 2009, India emerged as Asia's fourth largest exporter of automobiles, behind
Japan, South Korea and Thailand.[2] By 2050, the country is expected to top the world in car volumes with approximately 611
million vehicles on the nation's roads.[3] A major chunk of India's car manufacturing industry is based in and around the city of
Chennai and hence it is known as "Detroit of India". [4] Chennai accounts for 60 per cent of the country's automotive exports.

India has emerged as one of the world's largest manufacturers of small cars. According to New York Times, India's strong engi-
neering base and expertise in the manufacturing of low-cost, fuel-efficient cars has resulted in the expansion of manufacturing
facilities of several automobile companies like Hyundai Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Suzuki. [9]

In 2008, Hyundai Motors alone exported 240,000 cars made in India. Nissan Motors plans to export 250,000 vehicles manufac-
tured in its India plant by 2011.[10] Similarly, General Motors announced its plans to export about 50,000 cars manufactured in
India by 2011.[11]

In September 2009, Ford Motors announced its plans to setup a plant in India with an annual capacity of 250,000 cars for
US$500 million. The cars will be manufactured both for the Indian market and for export. [12] The company said that the plant
was a part of its plan to make India the hub for its global production business. [13] Fiat Motors also announced that it would
source more than US$1 billion worth auto components from India.

According to Bloomberg L.P., in 2009 India surpassed China as Asia's fourth largest exporter of cars. [2]

In recent years, India has emerged as a leading center for the manufacture of small cars. Hyundai, the biggest exporter from the
country, now ships more than 250,000 cars annually from India. Apart from shipments to its parent Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki also
manufactures small cars for Nissan, which sells them in Europe. Nissan will also export small cars from its new Indian assem-
bly line. Tata Motors exports its passenger vehicles to Asian and African markets, and is in preperation to launch electric vehi-
cles in Europe in 2010. The firm is also planning to launch an electric version of its low-cost car Nano in Europe and the U.S.
Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to introduce its pickup trucks and small SUV models in the U.S. market. Bajaj Auto is de-
signing a low-cost car for the Renault Nissan Automotive India, which will market the product worldwide. Renault Nissan may
also join domestic commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland in another small car project. [15] While the possibilities are
impressive, there are challenges that could thwart future growth of the Indian automobile industry. Since the demand for auto-
mobiles in recent years is directly linked to overall economic expansion and rising personal incomes, industry growth will slow
if the economy weakens.
 What’s Inside

It's been just over a month since the Toyota Fortuner came to town and disrupted the calm in the Rs 18-25 Lakh SUV/
Softroader segment and now to take on this beast; Ford India is unleashing the new upgraded Endeavour.

Having driven the Endeavour already in the Philippines, where it goes by the name of Everest, I must say that the new Endeav-
our does pack a punch. The contemporary looks with the extended headlights, new grill and front bumper do enhance its appeal.
The butch square look is now gone. The doors get side cladding and the rear has received a few changes in the bumper and rear
lights.

Inside the Endeavour, you will see a familiar dashboard; however the quality of material seems to have been upgraded for the
better. Seating position stays the same and there is little that can be done about that as the chassis is the same as the outgoing
Endeavour model. This isn't a complete model upgrade and happens to be more of a facelift.

Powering the Endeavour are two engines that we know rather well. The first is the 2.5 litre TDCi which churns out 143PS and
generates 330Nm of torque at just 1800 rpm, and the second is the more powerful 3.0 litre TDCi which offers 156PS and a
healthy 380Nm of torque at 2500rpm. Incidentally, Ford will offer the 3.0 litre only as a 5 speed automatic. There is no manual
transmission for this beast. Ford believes that the market trend is heading in the automatic direction and they want to have a first
mover advantage on this front.

With these revised looks and some additional goodies on board, the Endeavour promises to give its closest rival, the Fortuner a
run for its money, but in a country where anything Japanese pipes that of America, this will surely be an interesting battle to wit-
ness. Let the games begin!

Feature Highlights:-

Bold 16 inch alloys

Fine chrome detailing
Electric OVRM?s that can fold at the touch of a button
Spare wheel cover
All leather interior
ABS and EBD standard
Optional Multifunction Entertainment system with navigation
 The Person I admire. Why ?
Kumar Ram Narain Karthikeyan (Tamil: கு஥ார் ஧ாம் ஢ர஧ன் கார்த்஡ிரக஦ன்; born 14 January 1977, Coimbatore,
[1] India) is the first Formula One motor racing driver from India.[2] He has previously competed in Formula One, A1GP, and
the Le Mans Series. He made his Formula One debut in 2005 with the Jordan team, and was a WilliamsF1 test driver in 2006
and 2007. Like other former F1 drivers, Karthikeyan has moved to stock car racing and is driving the #60 Safe Auto Insurance
Company Toyota Tundra for Wyler Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Early career
Karthikeyan was born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Karthikeyan did his schooling at Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary
School, Coimbatore. Karthikeyan's interest in motorsport began at an early age, as his father was a former Indian national rally
champion winning South India Rally no less than seven times. He is also related to the late S. Karivardhan, India's most famous
racing driver until Karthikeyan came along. With the ambition of becoming India's first Formula One driver, Karthikeyan fin-
ished on the podium in his first ever race, at Sriperumpudur in a Formula Maruti (a.k.a.FISSME). He then went onto the Elf
Winfield Racing School in France, showing his talent by becoming a semi-finalist in the Pilote Elf Competition for Formula
Renault cars in 1992. He returned to India to race in Formula Maruti for the 1993 season, and in the same year, he also competed
in the Formula Vauxhall Junior championship in Great Britain. This gave him valuable experience in European racing, and he
was keen to return for the following year.

Some of the Racing records

Career summary
2010: Superleague Formula - PSV Eindhoven, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - Starbeast Motorsports, Wyler Racing

2009: A1GP World championship A1 Team India, 2nd place at British GP at Brands Hatch

2009: 24 Hours of Le Mans and Le Mans Series, Kolles Audi R10 TDI

2008: A1GP World Championship A1 Team India,Winner British GP, Brands Hatch.

2007: A1GP World Championship A1 Team India,Winner Chinese GP

2005: Formula One World Championship Jordan, 18th (5pts)

2004: Formula Nissan World Series (World Series by Nissan), 6th (TATA RC Motorsport)

2003: Formula Nissan World Series (Superfund Word Series), 4th (Carlin Motorsport)

2002: Formula Nissan World Series (Telefónica World Series), 9th (TATA RC Motorsport)

2001: Formula Nippon, 14th (Team Impul)

News at a glance
Mahindra 2 wheelers has launched their mo-
torcycles with a bang - the Mojo is a 300cc,
26PS motorcycle that promises to be one of
the quickest bikes in its segment. It is a tech-
nological tour de force, with features that in-
clude fuel injection, liquid cooling, a 320mm
front petal disc brake with a radially mounted
calliper, and upside down front forks. The
Mojo is available in a choice of two colours –
red and black. It is estimated to go on sale in
about 2-3 months at a price of Rs 1.75 lakh, ex
-showroom, Pune.

BMW has launched the new version of its SUV,

the X5. The X5 will be available with two engine
variants, the xDrive30d with its 3.0-litre, six-
cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that gener-
ates 245PS and 540Nm 0-100 in 7.6 seconds.
Also available will be the xDrive50d with its tur-
bocharged V8 petrol engine putting out 407PS
and 600Nm 0-100 claimed 5.5 seconds, a time
that would make many sports cars proud. Fo-
cus for sales will still be on tier 1 cities (metros),
as tier 1 cities account for nearly 70% of total
sales but tier 2 cities will soon be included, say
BMW officials. The new X5 will still have run-
flat tyres and the debates will continue but
BMW India is adamant that runflats are a good
thing, but the X1 in Europe offers standard
tubeless as option so the dependency on runflats
is puzzling, especially given Indian road condi-
tions. The petrol is priced at Rs 69.5 lakh and
the diesel at Rs 52.99lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

Shortly following the launch of the new Super

Splendor, Hero Honda motorcycles launched the
new Splendor Pro on the 27th of September 2010, a
new addition to their already popular splendour
model range. The Splendor Pro will come with a
new „Power Start‟ and New-Gen APDV engine
short for Advanced Pro-series Digital Variable Igni-
tion System which will deliver 7.8 PS of power. The
new Splendor Pro is priced at Rs 39,950 (spoke
drum kick start, ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs 41,950
(spoke drum self start, ex-showroom Delhi).
Bugatti will launch the Veyron and Grand Sport in India. Exclusive Motors (India
importers for Bentley & Lamborghini) will be the official distributor and will have
a dealership in Delhi. The launch is slated for the last week of October 2010, fol-
lowed by customer test drives in Delhi. The Veyron should cost Rs 17.5 crore ex-
showroom, and the Grand Sport approx Rs 23 crore. The stumbling block so far to
bringing the Veyron to India was the fact that it is only available in left-hand
drive, which according to current laws cannot be imported, but now a solution has
been found for automobiles being imported in very small quantities. The target is
to sell 2-3 cars in the first year.

The Singapore GP, the only

night race in the F1 calendar
had the two reds fight tooth
and nail to take victory. Fer-
rari’s Fernando Alonso and
Red Bull Racing’s Sebastien
Vettel had a dramatic race,
with the Ferrari finishing two-
tenths of a second ahead of
Vettel’s Red Bull. Thus, Alonso
registered his fourth win this
season, in a race that seemed
lustreless till the halfway mark.
Amazing Facts ( Believe it or not )
 Tata's ambitious small car was
named Nano because it connotes high
technology and small size. The Nano
made its European debut at the Geneva
Auto Show 2008 and successfully gath-
ered huge crowd. The onlookers mar-
veled at its small wheels, straw-sized
exhaust pipe, and single windshield
wiper.

 The Nano will be offered in a wide

range of body colours, and other acces-
sories so that the car can be customized
to individual preferences. It can com-
fortably seat four persons. Four doors
with high seating position make ingress
and egress easy.

 The Nano comes with a rear-wheel drive. The lean design has helped to minimize weight, which further maximize per-
formance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency.

 Tata Motors claims that the Nano is completely safe. It features crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts,
strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Also, the Nano's emission performance exceeds
regulatory requirements with low carbon dioxide emissions thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transporta-
tion solution with a low carbon footprint. Its pollution levels are lesser than the two-wheelers being manufactured in India
today.

 Tata Motors is likely to start Nano bookings from March or April 2009. The Nano was originally planned to be launched
commercially in October 2008 but the land issues at Singur in West Bengal delayed the launch of the car. Ratan Tata then
moved the Nano plant to Sanand, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In addition to the Uttarakhand facility, the Tata Motors also
plans to manufacture the Nano from various facilities including the Pune and Pantnagar plant.

 Since the day it was announced, masses across the world were keen to know how the „People's Car‟ looks. The Tata
Motors' website received nearly 7.9 million hits on January 10, 2008 (the day the Nano was unveiled), while the Tata Nano
website registered 4 million hits in 30 hours.

 It is interesting to know that Tata Motors has already won the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award in the
'Transportation' category for 'very impressive design accomplishment' for the Nano. The contest had received over 700 entries,
which were later brought down to 162 for the final selection.

 Nano's mission began way back in 2003 when Ratan Tata first thought of gifting the India‟s middle class society a car
that will carry a price tag of a two wheeler and features of a four wheeler. The Nano concept popped up into his mind when
he saw a family traveling somehow scrambled in a two wheeler in rain. The very site of this urged him to build a car that
will suit the need of middle class family.

 Earlier, Nano was speculated to be a simple four-wheel auto rickshaw. But this was then clarified by Ratan Tata that it‟s
"a real car" and not any vehicle with plastic curtains or roof. The Nana rather has a roomy passenger compartment with
generous leg space and head room.

 According to the Tata Motors, the conceptualization of the Nano was a highly refined idea. With an emphasis on innova-
tion and new design approaches, the Nano was designed at the Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering, Italy.

 The Nano would be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Luxury variants. The Deluxe and the Luxury variants are air-
conditioned and have body coloured bumpers. Alloy wheels, fog lamps, and ICE are the other features of the Luxury vari-
ant. Most notably, the Nano has 21% space in the interior and 8% smaller exterior compared to its closest competitor Ma-
ruti 800.

 Carrying a length of 3.1m, width of 1.5 m, and height of 1.6 m and adequate ground clearance, the little Nano can easily
manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.

 Tata Motors is also working on an environment-friendly electric version of the Nano called the E-Nano. It would be the
world's cheapest electric car if it gets launched in the market. It is also said that E-Nano would have attached or side solar
panels. Further, a hybrid Nano is also speculated to make its entry.

 Tata Nano has already generated competition even before its entry into the market. Bajaj Auto is said to be working on a
small car project pitted against the Nano carrying same price delivering 30km/litre. Fiat, General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, and
Toyota are also interested in producing small and highly affordable cars aimed largely at middle-class consumers. Players like
the proposed inexpensive and eco-friendly electric cars like the Tara Tiny, the Oreva Super are expected to take on the Nano.
 Amazing Facts ( Believe it or not ) [Contd…]
Interesting Facts About Automobiles
The history of the automobile is very rich and dates back to the 15th century when Leonardo da Vinci was creating
designs and models for transport vehicles.

There are many different types of automobiles - steam, electric, and gasoline - as well as countless styles. Exactly
who invented the automobile is a matter of opinion. If we had to give credit to one inventor, it would probably be
Karl Benz from Germany. Many suggest that he created the first true automobile in 1885/1886.

Inventor : Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot (1725-1804)

Date : 1769
Type/Description : STEAM / Built the first self propelled road vehicle (military tractor) for the French army: three
wheeled, 2.5 mph.
Country : France

Inventor : Robert Anderson

Date : 1832-1839
Type/Description : ELECTRIC / Electric carriage.
Country : Scotland

Inventor : Karl Friedrich Benz (1844-1929)

Date : 1885/86
Type/Description : GASOLINE / First true automobile. Gasoline automobile powered by an internal combustion en-
gine: three wheeled, Four cycle, engine and chassis form a single unit.
Country : Germany Patent DRP No. 37435

Inventor : Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler (1834-1900) and Wilhelm Maybach (1846-1929)

Date : 1886
Type/Description : GASOLINE / First four wheeled, four-stroke engine- known as the "Cannstatt-Daimler."
Country : Germany

Inventor : George Baldwin Selden (1846-1922)

Date : 1876/95
Type/Description : GASOLINE / Combined internal combustion engine with a carriage: patent no: 549,160 (1895).
Never manufactured -- Selden collected royalties.
Country : United States

Inventor : Charles Edgar Duryea (1862-1938) and his brother Frank (1870-1967)
Date : 1893
Type/Description : GASOLINE / First successful gas powered car: 4hp, two-stroke motor. The Duryea brothers set
up first American car manufacturing company.
Country : United States

Invention of traffic rules?.

Since we are talking all about firsts here, lets us talk about another first- the first road traffic law. Yet again, the first
traffic law was created long before automobile was suggested and it was United Kingdom that first established any
kind of law regarding its roads. In 1555, a law was passed requiring people to keep the roads in front of their prop-
erty repaired at their own expense.
Because of this unpopular law, the people made the roads very narrow, creating problems for horseback riders and
carriages. Some people favored the ancient Roman traffic pattern of traveling on the right, while others preferred the
pattern used by knights, on the left. Then in 1756, Parliament passed a law for traffic on London Bridge, requiring all
traffic to keep to the left. It wasn't until 1835 that this law for left-handed traffic was expanded to include the whole
country.
 Literary Piece
Fiction and Cars are the Best Blend
Apart from exciting car chase scenes in movies, it‟s also highly entertaining to watch some unreal cars in movies. Not all the
cars but some of them in movies are specially designed for movies. Some cars come with special features and design too. Most
of the time it is in the fictional movies the cars are transformed into unique designs and also equipped with additional fittings.
For instance cars used in James Bond‟s movie are always armed. Every person would love to own a car from the list of top five
James Bond Cars. Mostly kids are fascinated by such car and they actually start imagining owning a car like this. These fictional
cars in Hollywood films have left a great impact on every viewer.

Here are some of the fictional cars that will be fun to read:
 The Flintstones' Car
The popular animated series loved not only by kids but even elders. The series is about a working
class Stone Age man called Fred’s life with his family and his next door neighbor and best friend.
Fred’s drives a cool car. Though the car is not enhanced with power steering, air conditioning, a floor
but still it is a stylish car. These cars are carved out of stone, wood and animal skins are powered by
foot. It is really nice to see the characters driving the car.

 The Mystery Machine

Scooby-Doo is a long-running animated series is very popular among children. In the series four teen-
agers and a dog (Scooby-Doo) commute in their mid-size van and solve the mysteries. The van is not
enhanced with any special features but it does have a creative and fun filled exterior paint. The front
of the van resembles Volkswagen Bus, whereas the rear gets a look of a Chevrolet van. Inside the
cabin there two racks on the roof that helps in to carry oversized items, a detachable couch-like rear
seat that can fit three people.

 KITT
In 80’s there was adventurous TV series where car plays the fictional protagonist. KITT (Knight Indus-
tries Two Thousand in the original series) a 82 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is an intelligent car which is
carries a mission. The car has the ability to think, speak, remember, smell and even drive itself. It is
a completely cool car which is also seen with police lights, tear gas, seizing hook, lasers, parachute,
bomb sniffer, surveillance camera for spying. The car was the talk of the town then. Many kids wished
that they could have a car like this which could talk. The new series of KnightRider is still on keeping
many fans glued to the television.

 James Bond's Aston Martin

James Bond’s cars have always had a special place. In the 1964’s Bond movie Sean Connery drove
silver Aston Martin DB5 which created a sensation. DB5 is popular for being the first and most re-
nowned James Bond car which was equipped with special features like - ejector seat, oil slick release,
guns.

 The Batmobile
The Batmobile or the bat car is the person car of the popular fictional character Batman. The car is
laden with gadgets. Over the years the Bat mobile underwent several incarnations.. It is now more
technologically advanced. The batman car was first introduced in Detective Comic#27 (a batman
story). The Bat car designed beautifully with sleek structure include a nose-mounted chain slicer, la-
sers, rockets, an on-board telephone, radar, dash monitor, on-board computer, and police beacon. If
needed, the Batmobile is capable of a quick 180 degree "bat-turn" with the help of two rear-mounted
10 parachutes. It is also seen with a smoke emitter and a nail spreader to discourage pursuit. Some
of the other additional features are the rear-facing camera and battering ram. In one of the series the
car also featured in a flying version too.
 Short Story

NARROW ESCAPE

It was about 4 in the morning when my parents along with my uncle

and aunt started their travel to Thirupathi. Of course, my sister and I
were alone at home. We were happily playing carom board.

At that time the phone bells rang and my sister who attended the
call started crying. When i asked what the matter was, she told me
that our parents had met with an accident on their way to Thirupathi.
It was that, when they were nearing Kailasapuram (approximately 5
km from Thirupathi), there was an 'S' bend on the road and the driver
didn't even care to slow down the car which was travelling at a speed
of 80 km/h. Just when they took the turn, they noticed a big stone on
their path.

The front wheel escaped without damage but the back wheel got
hit by the stone and the tire got burst. The car was out of the driver's
control. It hit a big lamp - post near - by and landed in a 50 - feet
well doing some somersaults.

Fortunately, there was no water in the well and no electricity in

the village that day. Then the villagers immediately came to their aid
and they were saved. Thank goodness the Almighty was with them in
the form of the villagers.
 Creative Writing—English
The Teacher Has Come
The swirling waters of Cauvery knew no bounds of limit. People worship her with respect as she is the only source of res-
cue even during acute summer. The much adorned aganda Cauvery becomes scanty when monsoon fails. Visitors to this
calm village Kodumudi, make it a ritual to visit the trinity shrine Makudeswara Temple on the banks of the river reju-
venated by the sage Agasthya.

The temple town suffocates on Aadipperukku when the head count sets a new record every year. Sitting on the shoulders
of my father, I had a tough time kicking my legs and wading through the crowd to safeguard my anklets. For the boom-
ing voice of my paati (grandma) reverberated, ‘kolusu bathiranda tholachiyo thatha velasuvar’ (Beware of anklets, if
lost, grandpa will charge you).

All relatives from near and around gave full attendance while other lady members were busy in kitchen cooking to feed
a group of forty. The heaps of firewood at the backyard disappear to ashes within no time.

The rectangular type house of five thousand square feet was moderately enough to accommodate as many guests. Some
relatives were too busy discussing the family feuds. Everyday was filled with fun when marriages and other functions
took place in the spacious house. The roof was laid with mangalore tiles with provision for skylight. Wooden cantilevers
added strength and were sturdy enough to suspend the giant swing with heavy chains.

Kolusu and kadukkan were done away with the passing of early childhood as I was certified as a grownup boy. When
postman Perumal knocked the door, our house went in to raptures. Since mail was a rare feature, even a postcard was
received with equal importance as MO.

Pitchu vadhiyar, the village school teacher was a humble man from a modest family. With parents, five sisters, wife and
children, he somehow managed to keep the cards in his hands. A short and lean figure, Pitchu had only a pair of slippers,
a cloth bag and an old umbrella as his paraphernalia. He was much to the core that he never absented himself for per-
sonal reasons and was more courteous to take me to school enroute. This was signaled through my grandpa’s words
‘vadhiyar vandachuda’(teacher has come).

My mama-thatha(grandma’s brother) was a devout congressman who was religious and educated up to intermediate.
His love for the motherland figured more than his classical music. He would feel elated when K.B.Sundarambal (KBS)
sang a splendid piece to evoke the spirit of freedom.

As a lad of ten, I remember ‘Gandhiji’ seated on a lorry, waving to the crowds at the grounds of Sankara Vidhyasala
from atop. I knew not what he spoke but he had charisma to attract masses. The glamour he wore was the ‘pokkai vai
sirippu’. Sure Gandhiji would have missed the hot tasty crispy pakodas and vadas prepared by Kuppanna.

Many a time at home for evening snacks, delicacies were supplied in pottalam by Kuppanna Iyer, a Nala in his style,
whose basket went empty in no time. Thus childhood rolled on and I was admitted into fifth form (X Std). As the eldest
sibling in our family, my grand parents were very proud of my growth.

The trousers I wore were so magnanimously stitched to accommodate two. I remember wearing them for four years be-
cause the tailor was instructed so by my thatha, ‘valarra paiyan…dharalama theiy’ (he is a growing boy, let it be spa-
cious). Other then kaki, white and green, I never knew that many colours existed in pants and shirts.

I had never dreamt of a hair style except ‘summer crop’. The bristles replicated the touch of a porcupine on my head
whenever a strong wind blew over. With a big ‘jolna’ bag precariously hanging from the shoulder, it had at the bottom
few books and loosely stitched crumpled sheets. My teacher was so patient enough to care for those papers with material
consideration.

From then onwards, Pitchu vadhiyar played a significant role in my life. Rain or shine, he was the first to sign the mus-
ter roll. At times he skipped his breakfast and came for duty. He was unique in all aspects. An unassuming duty con-
scious teacher, he was my class in-charge, English teacher and head master too.

My Pitchu vadhiyar was paid a monthly salary of rupees 20. His agility needed no proof and being a swimmer and swift
walker, he visited the next village for an extra monthly income of Rupees Two per tuition. He tried his best to make both
ends meet but in vain.

My batch that existed as coeducation had totally twenty boys and four girls of the same age. The next year I passed out
and the entire family was in jubilant mood. To pep up the spirit, we drove to the talkies next village in a cart to watch
the hit of MKT. M.K.Thiagaraja Baghavathar, was a singer-hero unsurpassed for over a decade.
It was around this time that freedom struggle was at its peak. KBS and others were arrested for propagating patriotic
songs. Sundarambal was famous for the exuberant royal fee she received for acting in ‘Nandanar’ and so were her songs.
At Kodumudi, she owned a theatre that was fondly called as sundari kottayi.

After a few years, India got independence and the whole village wore a festive look. With the only band radio at Peri-
asamy Iyer hotel, the news was heard throughout. I was shrewd enough by then to identify the voice of leaders.

My parents were planning to send me to Bombay for employment and that I stay with my aunt in Matunga. Before
leaving Kodumudi, the Periasamy Hotel radio broadcast the news of Gandhiji’s death with grief. Nehru’s address to the
nation remained in memory and the dimple cheeks of Gandhiji flashed again. I was deeply engrossed in the memories
when my train moved out of the Madras Central station.

My parents boasted, ‘pullaiyandan bombaila government uthyogathula irukkan’(our son is employed in Bombay in gov-
ernment service). My service involved transfers to Calcutta, Nainital, and Arvi. In twenty-five years, my family had
also grown.

During the vacation, when I visited my hometown, I noticed an old man sitting on the chair of the railway platform.
With a worn out bag and faded umbrella, the little figure stood up and made a brisk walk towards me. Lo! My Pitchu
vadhiyar. Lying down on the cot stretched out on the front yard thinnai, I recalled old memories. Many wickets fell on
the relatives’ side; the old house also exposed its weakness to the fury of nature. Grandparents, KBS, Kuppanna Iyer, Ra-
dio Periasamy and postman Perumal have all gone into history. Aged parents who lived in this house also spent their
evening years in peace.

I remember Dr.Arumugam, a simple man and experienced doctor of this village with healing touch. His simple tools and
dressing of wound were highly commendable. The purple syrup mixture in a bottle was the much expected medicine. The
consulting fee he collected was a rupee or few annas. Raji, the old village midwife was anytime available on call to at-
tend to labour pains till she was too old to make a visit.

My last leg of posting was Madras. It was a joy that I was able to visit my native whenever I liked so. After a long in-
nings of service, I retired as a pensioner and planned to settle down with wife at Kodumudi. The ancestral house needed
renovation and some basic amenities to be upgraded. Having completed all my duties as a householder, I preferred the
solace on the banks of the Cauvery.

Some houses have been pulled down to pave way for new buildings and KBS theatre has become an entertainment house
that screened new films. The railway station has a modern look and many trains pass through now. VLR stall has taken
the role of Kuppanna and big lodges have sprouted near the bus stand for the welfare of pilgrims. With the presence of
hire purchase shops, cable TV has become a necessity. With hardly a decade to millennium 2000, many computer centers
have spread across. The evolution goes on its course.

After rewinding my childhood memories on the steps of the ghat, little did I realize it was dusk and the dazzling lights of
TNPL (Tamilnadu Newsprint Ltd) spotted my sight in the dark. Before could I leave the place, a mild voice requested
help to be accosted to the main road. The fragile structure with partial blindness dropped his belongings, a crumpled bag
and distorted umbrella. Oh, my school teacher!

I was in tears to look at his pathetic situation. Is this the effect of old age in penury? This is a lesson new to me. Unable to
withstand this scene, I came home along with my master. Though everything has changed and I too have grown old, my
mind is relatively younger by few decades. My soul searches for a recharge kit and it is none other than my memorable
childhood days. Same house, same teacher and the same obedient student to my master. What an ideal mood to simulate
the bygone era! My grandpa’s words, ‘vadhiyar vandachuda’ echoed in every cell of my body with joy.
 Creative Writing—Tamil

ஈயும் சிங்கமும்

ஒரு காட்டில் சிங்கம் ஒன்று இருந்஡து. அந்஡ சிங்கத்஡ின் திடரி ர஧ா஥ங்களுக்கிடடர஦ ஒரு ஈ
஬ாழ்ந்து ஬ந்஡து. அந்஡ ஈ, "஢ான் சிங்கத்஡ின் திடரி ர஧ா஥ங்களுக்கிடடர஦
஬ாழ்ந்஡ிருப்த஡ால்஡ான், சிங்கம் இவ்஬பவு ஬஧஥ாக
ீ இருக்கிநது. ஢ான் இருப்த஡ால்஡ான் சிங்கம்
஢ன்நாக ர஬ட்டட஦ாடி தசி இல்னா஥ல் இருக்கிநது. இந்஡ சிங்கத்஡ின் ஬ாழ்஬ிற்ரக ஢ான்஡ான்
கா஧஠ம். ஢ான் இல்னா஬ிட்டால், சிங்கத்஡ால் எதுவுர஥ சசய்஦முடி஦ாது' என்று ஢ிடணத்துக்
சகாண்டிருந்஡து.

ஒரு ஢ாள், ஡டன அரித்஡஡ால் ஒரு சிறு ஥஧த்஡ில் ஡டனட஦ உ஧சிக்சகாண்டது சிங்கம். ஈ
இட஡ எ஡ிர்தார்க்கா஡஡ால், ஥஧த்஡ிற்கும் சிங்கத்஡ின் ஡டனக்கு஥ிடடர஦ சிக்கி சற்று
அழுந்஡ி஬ிட்டது. ஥ிகவும் ரகாதம் ஬ந்து஬ிட்டது ஈ-க்கு. அது தநந்து சிங்கத்஡ின் முன்ணால்
஬ந்து ரகட்டது:

""ஏய்... சிங்கர஥! உணக்கு என்ண அநிவு சகட்டுப் ரதாய்஬ிட்ட஡ா? ஏன் ஡டனட஦ ஥஧த்஡ில்
உ஧சி, உன் திடரி஦ில் ஬சிக்கும் எணக்குத் ச஡ாந்஡஧வு சசய்கிநாய்? இர஡ா, ஢ான் உன்டண஬ிட்டு
இப்ரதார஡ ரதாகிரநன்! என்டண இ஫ந்து ஢ீ துன்தப்தட்டால்஡ான் உணக்கு என் அருட஥ புரியும்.''

சிங்கத்஡ிற்கு ஒன்றுர஥ புரி஦஬ில்டன. அது ஥ீ ண்டும் ஥஧த்஡ில் ஡டனட஦ உ஧சி஦து. அப்ரதாது,

஥஧ம் அடசந்து சருகுகள் உ஡ிர்ந்஡ண. இட஡ப் தார்த்துக் கத்஡ி஦து ஈ:

""அட... முட்டாள் சிங்கர஥, தார்! ஢ான் உன்டண஬ிட்டுப் ரதாகிரநன் என்று சசான்ணவுடரண,

காற்நடித்து சருகுகள் உன் ஥ீ து உ஡ிர்கின்நண. இணி ஬஧க்கூடி஦ துன்தங்கடபச஦ல்னாம்
஢ன்நாக அனுத஬ி! இணிர஥ல் ஢ான் உணக்கு உ஡஬ி சசய்஦஥ாட்ரடன்.''

திநகு ஈ தநந்து சசன்நது.

""இந்஡ ஈ இவ்஬பவு கானம் என் திடரி஦ில் இருந்஡து என்று இப்ரதாது஡ான் எணக்குத்

ச஡ரிகிநது'' என்று ஡ணக்குத்஡ாரண சசால்னிக்சகாண்டது சிங்கம்.

஡ான் இல்னா஬ிட்டால் எதுவுர஥ ஢டக்காது என்று அகம்தா஬ம் சகாள்த஬ர்கள் இந்஡ ஈக்கடபப்

ரதான்ந஬ர்கள்஡ான். எத்஡டணர஦ா அநிஞர்களும், ஥கான்களும், ரத஧ாற்நல் ஥ிக்க஬ர்களும்
஬ந்து சசன்ந இடம் இந்஡ உனகம். அந்஡ ஢ிடணவும், த஠ிவும் ஢஥க்கு ர஬ண்டும்.
 Jokes
Car and Automobile Jokes.
Read and hopefully enjoy. We have Car Acronyms on this page, but don't forget to check out the other Car and Automobile
Jokes on the following page. If you have some that you especially like and you don't see it here. Drop us an email.

AUDI
Always Unsafe Designs Implemented
Accelerates Under Demonic Influence
Always Under Diagnostic Inspection

BMW
Big Money Works
Bring My Wallet
Bavarian Money Waster

BUICK
Built Under the Inspection of a Crazy Korean
Big Ugly Idiot‟s Cat Killer
Big Ugly Imitation Chrome King

CADILLAC
Crazy Aunt Drives It Like A Lunatic Across the Country
Company Asking Dealers If Local Lawyers Are Calling
Company Always Denies Its Lawful Liability After Collisions

CHEVROLET
Cheap, Hardly Efficient, Virtually Runs On Luck Every Time
Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles, Oil Leaks Every Time
Crappy Hot-Running Engines, Very Rusted Out, Lose Every Time

DODGE
Damned Old Dudes Going Everywhere
Damn Overhauls Do Get Expensive
Designers Occasionally Do Good Engineering

FIAT
Finest Italian Automotive Technology
Failure In Italian Automotive Technology
Fix It Again Today

FORD
Full Of Rust Deposits
Found On Rubbish Dump
Fancy Oil Recycling Device

Riddles
The Car Crash

A Father and son were travelling to some place(not step-dad),(no tricks involved). They were in a car crash and the dad DIED(no
tricks involved in that, too).The little boy was hurt very badly and he was rushed to the hospital. When he came to the emer-
gency room, the surgeon who was operating on him said,” I can‟t opperate on this little boy, he‟s my son!” How can this be????

Answer: The surgeon was his mother

Roads Without Cars

You can find roads without cars,

And roam through forests without trees,
Cities exist without houses?
Whatever can I be?

Answer: A map

The cars odometer

A car‟s odometer shows 72927 miles, a palindromic number. What are the minimum miles you would need to travel to form
another? (a palindrome can be read both forwards and backwards, like “Kayak”)

Answer:110 miles. (73037)

Car Collisions

Four cars come to a four way stop, all coming from a different direction.
They can‟t decide who got there first, so they all go forward at the same time.
They do not crash into each other, but all four cars go. How is this possible?

Answer: They all made right-hand turns.

The Bridge:

There is a man standing on a bridge and there is no cars coming and nothing abnormal is happening . Suddenly he jumps off.
Why did this man jump off the bridge?

Answer: He was a bungee jumper

Jigsaws

Answer :
 Art Gallery—Bikes
Suzuki GSX R1000

Yamaha YZF-R1

Aprilia Shiver & Dorsoduro 750 Factory

Honda CB Twister
 Art Gallery—Bicycles
Octane Recra 26T (21 Speed) Octane Spear 26T (21 Speed) Octane Estes 26T (21 Speed)

Adventure 26T/24T Power Max 26T/24T Ostrich 24T

X-Sport Acrobat Street Racer Sx

Nitrogen Nitrogen Integra 26T/24T Stitch 24T

 Art Gallery—Cars
Corolla D-4D

Nissan Micra XV

BMW 5 Grand Tourer (GT)

Mercedes Benc C200 CGI

 QUIZ BUZZ—SPORTS
1. Which Briton was a member of the winning team in the 1990 Le mans 24 24--hour race?
2. Which Beatles' album includes the song "Drive my Car"?
3. In the TV series, what make of car does Inspector Morse drive?
4. Who in 1966 won the Constructor's Championship with a car of his own design, and also became For-
mula 1 world champion?
5. What is the title of the 1979 top 10 hit for driver 67?
6. Who won an Oscar for her role in the 1989 film Driving Miss daisy?
7. In which game might a player use a driver?
8. Which Spaniard won the 1991 Monte Carlo rally?
9. Which group had a number 1 in 1961, with your driving me crazy, was it the Cool 4's, The High 5, the
Sexy 6's, Temperance 7, Eistedfford 8's
10. Who played the high speed getaway driver in the 1978 film Driver?
11. What does a 'drosometer' measure: light, the tread on a car tyre or dew?
12. What acid is commonly found in car batteries?
13. Which British car manufacturer shares it's name with a London Bridge?
14. Which Ferrari was named after the son of Enzo Ferrari who was killed in a car accident?
15. Was the first powered road vehicle manufactured in 1769, 1779, 1789 or 1799?
16. Who designed the mini?
17. What was Rolls of Rolls Royce fame first name?
18. What make of cars was Lord Nuffield responsible for manufacturing?
19. The Dusenberg motor car comes from which country?
20. Which comedy, starring Steve Martin was all about him trying to get home for thanksgiving?

Answers :

1. Martin Brundle
2. Rubber Soul
3. Jaguar
4. Jack Brabham
5. Car 67
6. Jessica Tandy
7. Golf
8. Carlos Sainz
9. The temperance 7
10. Ryan O'Neal
11. Dew
12. Sulphuric Acid
13. Vauxhall
14. Dino
15. 1769
16. Sir Alec Issigonis
17. Charles
18. Morris
19. The USA
20. Planes Trains & Automobiles
 QUIZ BUZZ—CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. 100% concession has been given for travelling in the Indian Railways for patients of ...
a) AIDS
b) Cancer
c) Swine Flu

2. In how many Routes special tourist trains called 'Bharat Tirth' is to start?
a) 19
b) 16
c) 17

3. Ladies special trains to be renamed with the Name of ...

a) Bharat Bhoomi Specials
b) Sonia Gandhi Specials
c) Matri Bhoomi Specials

4. How much funds has been allocated to the Unique Identification Authority of India?
a) Rs 1,500 Crore
b) Rs 1,900 Crore
c) Rs 1,600 Crore

5. What is the rate of Income Tax for incomesz above Rs 1.6 lakh upto Rs 5 lakh?
a) 10%
b) 12%
c) 15%

6. What is the reduction in Service Charges on ee--tickets?

a) Sleeper Class Rs. 20 & AC Class Rs. 10
b) Sleeper Class Rs. 10 & AC Class Rs. 20
c) None

7. Imports from China in the Year of 2008

2008--09 in Rs...
a) 100,000 Crore
b) 140,000 Crore
c) 147,605 Crore

8. How many new teams have been added in IPL 2010?

a) 2
b) 1
c) None

9. Which countries have recently faced Tsunami Waves?

a) Japan & Chile
b) Sallie & Korea
c) China & Thailand

10. Who has scored the highest individual ODI Score?

a) Saeed Anwar (Pak)
b) Charls Coventry (Zim)
c) Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

Answers for Above Current Affair Questions:

1(b) 2(b) 3(c) 4(b) 5(a) 6(b) 7(c) 8(c) 9(a) 10(c)
 QUIZ BUZZ—SOCIAL STUDIES
1. Which long river has White and Blue tributaries ?
Nile

2. Which religious leads is head of state at the Vatican ?

Pope

3. Is Perth on the west or east coast of Australia ?

West

4. In which country is „Calgary‟ ?

Canada

5. Does Bombay or Tokyo have the higher population ?

Bombay

6. What sort of Snowman is another name for the Himalayan yeti ?

Abominable

7. What is the world‟s smallest, flattest and driest continent ?

Australia

8. Is Argentina in the northern or southern half of South America ?

Southern

9. Pakistan & Bangladesh both border which country ?

India

10. Which country‟s name is an anagram of „PURE‟ ?

Peru

11. The West Indies lie in which sea ?

Caribbean

12. Zambia is a neighbour of which country, which also begins with a „Z‟ ?
Zimbabwe

13. Which Egyptian canal links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean ?
Suez

14. Is Ghana on the African coast, or wholly inland ?

African Coast

15. Which ocean is the world‟s deepest ?

Pacific

16. In Ireland, what is a lough ?

Lake

17. Who is commemorated at Washington‟s Lincoln Memorial ?

Abraham Lincoln

18. Which US state, has the postal abbreviation „AZ‟ ?

Arizona

19. New South Wales is in which country ?

Australia

20. Which American desert is the world‟s largest ?

Sahara