Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
21 July 2011
CHENNAI: A group of nine men mill around restlessly in the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi office. Having recently returned to India from Saudi Arabia, they have suffered over the past year to get to where they are now.
Promises of a monthly pay of Rs 20,000, free food, lodging, uniforms, trip allowances and an international licence lured these men to Riyadh as drivers. All of them possessed heavy vehicle licences and were interviewed and underwent a driving test before being selected.
Venkatesan of Virudhachalam, Cuddalore, paid Rs 80,000 to an agent, Selvam. He had told Venkatesan that the job would his if he paid the amount. “Selvam works for Mumbai-based Vijaya Travels. He is one of many agents in Tamil Nadu. They prey on hardworking people like us, who want to provide for our families and look for better job opportunities,” he says.
Hired to work for Abdullah Nasir Abdullah Al Dagheen, a company that hires out buses on contract for a school for the differently-abled, the men were paid only once in four months. They were not provided food or water, and the accommodation was woefully inadequate. An international licence was not given, which meant that they would always have to pay to get out of any situation even if it was not their fault. They washed dishes and toilets, just to be able to afford food.
Ansar Basha of Nellikuppam, Cuddalore, had worked in Kuwait previously and with his knowledge of Arabic, questioned the management. “They beat me up and a few others, and threatened to kill me. They had a gun to my head, but finally put three bullets in the ceiling as a warning,” he said. The owner claimed that he had provided the visas for free to Vijaya Travels, and they were the ones who fleeced the men. On contacting the travel agency, they met another dead end. “They would see a Saudi number calling and hence not answer. After a couple of tries, the phone would be switched off,” says Raja of Villupuram district.
The men then approached the Indian Embassy. Ganesh, also of Cuddalore, says, “We were treated as if we were of no consequence. They listened to us and then called our employers, who took us back to the quarters and beat us up soundly.”
They then contacted the Amma Peravai in Riyadh. This group, along with Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) branches in Saudi, helped them leave the country. The plane fare to Mumbai and bus fare to Chennai from there were taken up by them. Chelladurai of Ramanathapuram says, “We had to pay Rs 40,000 to get out of that place. Some of us paid nearly Rs 1.2 lakh for this job, but we sent back hardly Rs 12,500. How will we face our family, and more importantly, those who lent us money?” The men ask the Chief Minister to ensure the safety of Tamilians abroad, and to look into the way the Indian Embassy treats their own. “We do not want anyone to go through what we experienced,” they say. Rajiv Gandhi of Karnatham, Cuddalore says, “Vijaya Travels has to be shut down so they cannot ruin more lives. We have nothing more to lose.”
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Ubiquitous cycle rickshaws now reduced to relic
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
11 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: They were once the primary means of transport within a locality for the city folk. Even former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran won the National Award for Best Actor for his role as a ‘Rickshawkaaran’ in a movie of the same title.
The once ubiquitous cycle rickshaw has now been reduced to a relic of the past, with only a smattering of them operating in the city these days. Although their decline began a few years ago, the situation has not changed much.
At the Walltax Road cycle rickshaw stand adjoining the Chennai Central Railway Station, the rickshawmen doze fitfully in the afternoon heat. This stand has around 40 rickshaws.
Kumar, a rickshaw-puller at the stand for the last 25 years says, “We earn around Rs 100 to 150 a day, at the most.” Thangavel, also from the same stand says, “Earlier, for short distances, people used to prefer taking rickshaws. Even now, we find some users in Sowcarpet, who take us to go through the narrow streets. We don’t take school children these days, and since everyone has a two-wheeler, they use that.”
He also says that they charge a maximum of Rs 25 to 30, but still people preferred autos.
Residents of Sowcarpet feel that not only are cycle rickshaws cheaper as there is no fuel, but can also manoeuvre through the chaotic streets.
Mansi, a psychology student says, “Rickshaws provide livelihood for those men. Some of them have been pulling rickshaws all along, what will they do now?” Even in areas like Purasawalkam, many students make use of cyclerickshaws to travel to and from school.
This being another locality with narrow streets, which are mostly clogged with parked vehicles, rickshaws can travel more easily.
Although rickshaws are on the decline, residents feel that it would be cheaper and easier to take a rickshaw from the bus stand to their homes. If properly allotted space and promoted, cycle rickshaws may well be the solution to lapses in public transport in the city.
11 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: They were once the primary means of transport within a locality for the city folk. Even former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran won the National Award for Best Actor for his role as a ‘Rickshawkaaran’ in a movie of the same title.
The once ubiquitous cycle rickshaw has now been reduced to a relic of the past, with only a smattering of them operating in the city these days. Although their decline began a few years ago, the situation has not changed much.
At the Walltax Road cycle rickshaw stand adjoining the Chennai Central Railway Station, the rickshawmen doze fitfully in the afternoon heat. This stand has around 40 rickshaws.
Kumar, a rickshaw-puller at the stand for the last 25 years says, “We earn around Rs 100 to 150 a day, at the most.” Thangavel, also from the same stand says, “Earlier, for short distances, people used to prefer taking rickshaws. Even now, we find some users in Sowcarpet, who take us to go through the narrow streets. We don’t take school children these days, and since everyone has a two-wheeler, they use that.”
He also says that they charge a maximum of Rs 25 to 30, but still people preferred autos.
Residents of Sowcarpet feel that not only are cycle rickshaws cheaper as there is no fuel, but can also manoeuvre through the chaotic streets.
Mansi, a psychology student says, “Rickshaws provide livelihood for those men. Some of them have been pulling rickshaws all along, what will they do now?” Even in areas like Purasawalkam, many students make use of cyclerickshaws to travel to and from school.
This being another locality with narrow streets, which are mostly clogged with parked vehicles, rickshaws can travel more easily.
Although rickshaws are on the decline, residents feel that it would be cheaper and easier to take a rickshaw from the bus stand to their homes. If properly allotted space and promoted, cycle rickshaws may well be the solution to lapses in public transport in the city.
A really smelly problem this!
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
16 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Residents of Pattabiram, a residential locality that comes under the Avadi Municipality, have continuously been facing problems when it comes to getting the septic tanks of their houses cleaned. The municipality has given out the cleaning job to a private contractor, and residents allege that they are harassed when they ask for his services.
Earlier, the municipality was responsible for clearing the septic tanks, but for the past few years, the work has been given to GMR Transport. The prescribed rate for those living in their own houses is Rs 300, for residents in rented premises Rs 400 and commercial establishments, Rs 500. These rates have not been revised since 2003, according to an official in the municipality. The contractor, on the other hand, charges Rs 1,200 for everyone.
Roy Rosario, a resident of the area and General Secretary of People’s Voice (a federation of residents' associations), says, “This is almost four times the given rate. We agree that the rates have not been revised for a long time, but the amount is preposterous. An average middle-class family cannot afford to pay so much just to get their septic tank cleaned.” He also adds that the cleaners insist on coming only past midnight, which is inconvenient for all residents.
Raja, a mason, says that the contractors are not above cheating. “I called them for a week before they agreed to come to my house and clean. I paid them ` 900 after a lot of bargaining, but they did not give me a receipt. Later, when I called them to confirm when they would be coming, they denied getting any money from me,” he says.
With more than 50,000 people in the 64 square kilometre area, the tanks get filled up at least once or twice a year, depending on the usage and rain water seepage.
Machinery is used to clear the sludge, which is then supposed to be dumped in an area called Sekkadu. But the cleaners take an easy way out and dump the foul-smelling cargo in an unused patch of land on the MTH Road.
Speaking to City Express, Councillor of Ward 44, Banumathi, said that she had taken note of the problem. “At the next council meeting, I will be moving to have this contract revoked and invite tenders for a new contract. Residents should not be put through such hardships,” she said.
16 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Residents of Pattabiram, a residential locality that comes under the Avadi Municipality, have continuously been facing problems when it comes to getting the septic tanks of their houses cleaned. The municipality has given out the cleaning job to a private contractor, and residents allege that they are harassed when they ask for his services.
Earlier, the municipality was responsible for clearing the septic tanks, but for the past few years, the work has been given to GMR Transport. The prescribed rate for those living in their own houses is Rs 300, for residents in rented premises Rs 400 and commercial establishments, Rs 500. These rates have not been revised since 2003, according to an official in the municipality. The contractor, on the other hand, charges Rs 1,200 for everyone.
Roy Rosario, a resident of the area and General Secretary of People’s Voice (a federation of residents' associations), says, “This is almost four times the given rate. We agree that the rates have not been revised for a long time, but the amount is preposterous. An average middle-class family cannot afford to pay so much just to get their septic tank cleaned.” He also adds that the cleaners insist on coming only past midnight, which is inconvenient for all residents.
Raja, a mason, says that the contractors are not above cheating. “I called them for a week before they agreed to come to my house and clean. I paid them ` 900 after a lot of bargaining, but they did not give me a receipt. Later, when I called them to confirm when they would be coming, they denied getting any money from me,” he says.
With more than 50,000 people in the 64 square kilometre area, the tanks get filled up at least once or twice a year, depending on the usage and rain water seepage.
Machinery is used to clear the sludge, which is then supposed to be dumped in an area called Sekkadu. But the cleaners take an easy way out and dump the foul-smelling cargo in an unused patch of land on the MTH Road.
Speaking to City Express, Councillor of Ward 44, Banumathi, said that she had taken note of the problem. “At the next council meeting, I will be moving to have this contract revoked and invite tenders for a new contract. Residents should not be put through such hardships,” she said.
City kids warm up to men in Khaki
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
08 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Visitors to Flower Bazaar were met with an unusual sight- a large number of excited children thronging the police station. This was no attention-grabbing gimmick, but a part of the Joy of Giving Week, in which the cops of the local station interacted with kids from various city NGOs.
Children are usually scared of the men in khaki, but a few hours spent with them changed their perspective. These kids, who were from Arunodaya, Udavi and Brother Sigamani animation centre, enjoyed their day out. This novel experience was a treat for the children, aged between 4 and 16. Nearly 300 kids participated and were served snacks by the officers, apart from being given gifts like pencil boxes etc.
Speaking to Express, Inspector Vijay said, “We wanted that fear of cops to go away from the kids minds. The response we got was also good.”
The role of a cop, how to identify the rank of an officer by his uniform, how to contact the police and in what situations they need to come to a police station and the working of a women’s police station were some of the topics covered in the interaction which which lasted 3 to 4 hours. They also demonstrated the arms used by the police. The cops even gave a patient listening to their queries.
08 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Visitors to Flower Bazaar were met with an unusual sight- a large number of excited children thronging the police station. This was no attention-grabbing gimmick, but a part of the Joy of Giving Week, in which the cops of the local station interacted with kids from various city NGOs.
Children are usually scared of the men in khaki, but a few hours spent with them changed their perspective. These kids, who were from Arunodaya, Udavi and Brother Sigamani animation centre, enjoyed their day out. This novel experience was a treat for the children, aged between 4 and 16. Nearly 300 kids participated and were served snacks by the officers, apart from being given gifts like pencil boxes etc.
Speaking to Express, Inspector Vijay said, “We wanted that fear of cops to go away from the kids minds. The response we got was also good.”
The role of a cop, how to identify the rank of an officer by his uniform, how to contact the police and in what situations they need to come to a police station and the working of a women’s police station were some of the topics covered in the interaction which which lasted 3 to 4 hours. They also demonstrated the arms used by the police. The cops even gave a patient listening to their queries.
‘Deepavali shopping not hit by price rise’
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
19 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: The festival of lights is reason enough for everyone to go shopping. New designs and a variety of clothing usually bring wave upon wave of customers to the shopping districts in the city.
These days, consumers look for more than just the usual styles and also insist on comfort and wearbility of the clothes beyond the festive season. For women, the latest trend is the netted chudidars and leggings with kurtis. Men seem to be going for the checked look in shirts, and branded shoes are in vogue. T Nagar has been attracting the normal crowd for this time of the year.
Shop owners feel that inflation has not affected the shopping habits of the city folk. Sundar, the son of the owner of Jayachandran Textiles, says, “The price of cloth has not increased exponentially. A nice outfit can be put together for around `500. The demand has not decreased even a little bit.”
Likewise, manager of Pandian Bangles, Selvam, says that the love of matching glass bangles has not waned, judging by the hordes of shoppers who come to the shop every day. Talking above the din of the customers, he says, “They do not care about the trends, they want perfectly matching bangles and they pick whatever designs they like best.”
Purasawalkam, with its numerous little shops, is decked up festively. In the evenings, special patrols of policemen have been put out to manage the crowds. Even during a weekday, afternoon shoppers abound. With shops like Madhar Sha and Saravana Stores, the crowd is constant.
Savithri, a shopper at Purasawalkam, says, “Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals, and the children look forward to it. It is the time to make them happy with new clothes and whatever they want. We do not see the need to control our spending; after all, it is once a year that we celebrate this festival.” This seems to be the general view of most shoppers.
Some of the smaller shopkeepers say that since there is one more weekend left before Deepavali, they expect more crowds in the coming days.
19 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: The festival of lights is reason enough for everyone to go shopping. New designs and a variety of clothing usually bring wave upon wave of customers to the shopping districts in the city.
These days, consumers look for more than just the usual styles and also insist on comfort and wearbility of the clothes beyond the festive season. For women, the latest trend is the netted chudidars and leggings with kurtis. Men seem to be going for the checked look in shirts, and branded shoes are in vogue. T Nagar has been attracting the normal crowd for this time of the year.
Shop owners feel that inflation has not affected the shopping habits of the city folk. Sundar, the son of the owner of Jayachandran Textiles, says, “The price of cloth has not increased exponentially. A nice outfit can be put together for around `500. The demand has not decreased even a little bit.”
Likewise, manager of Pandian Bangles, Selvam, says that the love of matching glass bangles has not waned, judging by the hordes of shoppers who come to the shop every day. Talking above the din of the customers, he says, “They do not care about the trends, they want perfectly matching bangles and they pick whatever designs they like best.”
Purasawalkam, with its numerous little shops, is decked up festively. In the evenings, special patrols of policemen have been put out to manage the crowds. Even during a weekday, afternoon shoppers abound. With shops like Madhar Sha and Saravana Stores, the crowd is constant.
Savithri, a shopper at Purasawalkam, says, “Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals, and the children look forward to it. It is the time to make them happy with new clothes and whatever they want. We do not see the need to control our spending; after all, it is once a year that we celebrate this festival.” This seems to be the general view of most shoppers.
Some of the smaller shopkeepers say that since there is one more weekend left before Deepavali, they expect more crowds in the coming days.
Harish, the most-talented in mental arithmetic
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
15 Sep 2011
CHENNAI: At first sight, Harish Raj looks like any other Class 4 student. But the little boy packs a lot of talent into his small frame, and has been awarded a World Amazing Record certification by the World Amazing Records in Ahmedabad, for being the most talented in the mental arithmetic category.
A master of mental arithmetic, Harish started his abacus training three years ago. Till date, he has won the state championship thrice, and has been named the champion of champions twice at the national level. He now has the opportunity to fly to Malaysia in December, to participate in the international championships.
Son of a taxi driver and a stay-at-home mother, Harish lives at Sembakkam’s Thirumalai Nagar, close to his school, Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Kiruthika Natarajan, Harish’s mother, says, “We had applied for this record a year ago. It states that he is the most talented in mental arithmetic. They scouted around the country for another child like him, but Harish is one of a kind.” She also said that it would be helpful if Harish could find some sponsors who can enable him to attend more events.
N Vijayan, Harish's school principal, says, “When we observed Harish in class, we could see that he had a lot of potential. For this reason, I encouraged him to join the abacus training. His reasoning and analytical skills are beyond what I have seen in any other child his age.” The school has promised Harish free education up to Class 12.
The Bharathi Yuva Kendra Trust awarded Harish the ‘Yuvashree Kala Bharathi’ three years ago.
Harish wears his success lightly for someone so young. “I am very happy with everything that has happened to me. With each award I win, my confidence goes up. I am at my happiest when I get prizes from the chief guests of the competitions I attend,” he says.
Harish also holds a purple 2 belt in karate — having been placed first in state three times and once internationally — and is training in yoga, silambam (a weapon-based Dravidian martial art) and football.
Apart from this, Harish maintains a 98 per cent average in school and has completed a foundation IT course in Apollo Computers and is currently doing an animation course.
15 Sep 2011
CHENNAI: At first sight, Harish Raj looks like any other Class 4 student. But the little boy packs a lot of talent into his small frame, and has been awarded a World Amazing Record certification by the World Amazing Records in Ahmedabad, for being the most talented in the mental arithmetic category.
A master of mental arithmetic, Harish started his abacus training three years ago. Till date, he has won the state championship thrice, and has been named the champion of champions twice at the national level. He now has the opportunity to fly to Malaysia in December, to participate in the international championships.
Son of a taxi driver and a stay-at-home mother, Harish lives at Sembakkam’s Thirumalai Nagar, close to his school, Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Kiruthika Natarajan, Harish’s mother, says, “We had applied for this record a year ago. It states that he is the most talented in mental arithmetic. They scouted around the country for another child like him, but Harish is one of a kind.” She also said that it would be helpful if Harish could find some sponsors who can enable him to attend more events.
N Vijayan, Harish's school principal, says, “When we observed Harish in class, we could see that he had a lot of potential. For this reason, I encouraged him to join the abacus training. His reasoning and analytical skills are beyond what I have seen in any other child his age.” The school has promised Harish free education up to Class 12.
The Bharathi Yuva Kendra Trust awarded Harish the ‘Yuvashree Kala Bharathi’ three years ago.
Harish wears his success lightly for someone so young. “I am very happy with everything that has happened to me. With each award I win, my confidence goes up. I am at my happiest when I get prizes from the chief guests of the competitions I attend,” he says.
Harish also holds a purple 2 belt in karate — having been placed first in state three times and once internationally — and is training in yoga, silambam (a weapon-based Dravidian martial art) and football.
Apart from this, Harish maintains a 98 per cent average in school and has completed a foundation IT course in Apollo Computers and is currently doing an animation course.
Little canines finally get a home
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
17 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Rani chewed busily on a rubber bone, while Golden sat quietly looking with big brown eyes at all the people around. Little whines and boisterous barking could be heard at Boat Club Road on Sunday morning, even as children and elders went gaga over the Indian puppies put up for adoption by the Canine Adoption Drive (CAD).
At this bi-monthly event, CAD helps Indian puppies and dogs find a loving family. Puppies younger than 30 days to two-and-half-year-olds were seen at the venue. Pink and blue satin ribbons around the puppies' necks differentiated the males from the females.
Those interested in adopting the animals were helped by volunteers in making a decision. Murali, a member of CAD, said, “Bitches are more friendly, whereas dogs are naughty. The females can be neutered in six months time, and then, they will not breed. This is what the owners are worried about most. However, if you adopt a puppy younger than 45 days, it is better to take two, as they may feel isolated otherwise.”
Those who adopt a puppy are required to give their residential details, and CAD will offer any help required. Pups above 45 days old had been dewormed and given their first set of vaccinations. Volunteers push for slightly older dogs to be adopted, as they are trained and more settled.
At the end of the day, of the more than 35 puppies waiting for a home, nearly 20 were adopted.
17 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Rani chewed busily on a rubber bone, while Golden sat quietly looking with big brown eyes at all the people around. Little whines and boisterous barking could be heard at Boat Club Road on Sunday morning, even as children and elders went gaga over the Indian puppies put up for adoption by the Canine Adoption Drive (CAD).
At this bi-monthly event, CAD helps Indian puppies and dogs find a loving family. Puppies younger than 30 days to two-and-half-year-olds were seen at the venue. Pink and blue satin ribbons around the puppies' necks differentiated the males from the females.
Those interested in adopting the animals were helped by volunteers in making a decision. Murali, a member of CAD, said, “Bitches are more friendly, whereas dogs are naughty. The females can be neutered in six months time, and then, they will not breed. This is what the owners are worried about most. However, if you adopt a puppy younger than 45 days, it is better to take two, as they may feel isolated otherwise.”
Those who adopt a puppy are required to give their residential details, and CAD will offer any help required. Pups above 45 days old had been dewormed and given their first set of vaccinations. Volunteers push for slightly older dogs to be adopted, as they are trained and more settled.
At the end of the day, of the more than 35 puppies waiting for a home, nearly 20 were adopted.
Lack of walking space, cycle lanes add to chaos
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
11 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Experts have attributed the lack of walking space and bicycle lanes to the increasing traffic chaos in major cities, including Chennai.
At a discussion on Sustainable Public Transportation for Emerging Megacities, held as part of the 16th Asia Pacific Automotive Conference (APAC16), a panel of experts spoke about their research on the various reasons why traffic in major urban areas is increasingly congested.
Professor Dinesh Mohan of the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, highlighted the fact that in India, there is no separate and convenient space for pedestrians to walk and a dedicated bicycle lane.
“People have to walk or cycle to the nearest public transport facility. No matter how good the public transport is, they will not use it by choice if these facilities are not safe,” he said.
Mohan also felt that road space for cars and two wheelers should be reduced to give way for bicycles and pedestrians. “Cities should be designed for optimised door-to-door transport,” he says.
Dr R Sivanandan from the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, said that the ideal public to private transport ratio was 70:30.
“The reason why people opt for their own transport is the lack of connectivity from stations and bus stops. For some, bus stops are more than two kilometres away from their homes,” he said.
Speaking about Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System, Sivanandan said, “It was built to handle around 4,00,000 passengers a day, but now hardly 70,000 people use it. The authorities know that the most common complaint is the stations are scary. They can solve this problem by making it them user-friendly and attractive. By coordinating with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, they can establish bus connectivity as well.”
R Seshasayee, executive vice-chairman of Ashok Leyland Limited, said that the public are also to share the blame. “No one wants to travel with other people when they can travel in air conditioned comfort in their cars,” he said.
11 Oct 2011
CHENNAI: Experts have attributed the lack of walking space and bicycle lanes to the increasing traffic chaos in major cities, including Chennai.
At a discussion on Sustainable Public Transportation for Emerging Megacities, held as part of the 16th Asia Pacific Automotive Conference (APAC16), a panel of experts spoke about their research on the various reasons why traffic in major urban areas is increasingly congested.
Professor Dinesh Mohan of the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, highlighted the fact that in India, there is no separate and convenient space for pedestrians to walk and a dedicated bicycle lane.
“People have to walk or cycle to the nearest public transport facility. No matter how good the public transport is, they will not use it by choice if these facilities are not safe,” he said.
Mohan also felt that road space for cars and two wheelers should be reduced to give way for bicycles and pedestrians. “Cities should be designed for optimised door-to-door transport,” he says.
Dr R Sivanandan from the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, said that the ideal public to private transport ratio was 70:30.
“The reason why people opt for their own transport is the lack of connectivity from stations and bus stops. For some, bus stops are more than two kilometres away from their homes,” he said.
Speaking about Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System, Sivanandan said, “It was built to handle around 4,00,000 passengers a day, but now hardly 70,000 people use it. The authorities know that the most common complaint is the stations are scary. They can solve this problem by making it them user-friendly and attractive. By coordinating with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, they can establish bus connectivity as well.”
R Seshasayee, executive vice-chairman of Ashok Leyland Limited, said that the public are also to share the blame. “No one wants to travel with other people when they can travel in air conditioned comfort in their cars,” he said.
Cops teach students to identify abusers
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
18 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: The city police on Thursday invited students of various schools to visit police stations and educated them on how to protect themselves from sexual abuse.
Commemorating World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse on November 19, the Chennai City Police, along with Tulir-Centre for the Prevention & Healing of Child Sexual Abuse, is organising a number of activities through the month. This open house for school children was held across the city at the 123 inspectorate jurisdictions, and gave students a rare opportunity to interact casually with police officials.
Students of Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devastanam Boys Higher Secondary School and Pachaiyappa’s College School visited the Flower Bazaar police station. The students of Standard IX were given an insight into how police stations function and advised on how to act when they felt threatened. B Dinakaran, a student of the school, said, “The police have told us that we can approach them at any time if we feel threatened. They also told us what constitutes a good touch and bad touch.”
Suresh, a teacher at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devastanam Boys Higher Secondary School, said, “It is a really useful experience for the children. The officers were very patient and it has been worthwhile.” C Palani, teacher at Pachaiyappa’s College School, said that students should be given more opportunities like this.
Inspector Vijay of the police station said the officers were happy to assist.
Similar sensitisation programmes were seen in many police stations in the city.
18 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: The city police on Thursday invited students of various schools to visit police stations and educated them on how to protect themselves from sexual abuse.
Commemorating World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse on November 19, the Chennai City Police, along with Tulir-Centre for the Prevention & Healing of Child Sexual Abuse, is organising a number of activities through the month. This open house for school children was held across the city at the 123 inspectorate jurisdictions, and gave students a rare opportunity to interact casually with police officials.
Students of Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devastanam Boys Higher Secondary School and Pachaiyappa’s College School visited the Flower Bazaar police station. The students of Standard IX were given an insight into how police stations function and advised on how to act when they felt threatened. B Dinakaran, a student of the school, said, “The police have told us that we can approach them at any time if we feel threatened. They also told us what constitutes a good touch and bad touch.”
Suresh, a teacher at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devastanam Boys Higher Secondary School, said, “It is a really useful experience for the children. The officers were very patient and it has been worthwhile.” C Palani, teacher at Pachaiyappa’s College School, said that students should be given more opportunities like this.
Inspector Vijay of the police station said the officers were happy to assist.
Similar sensitisation programmes were seen in many police stations in the city.
Broken sewage pipeline; Stink in Adyar River
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
17 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Adyar River was subjected to more pollution, as a major sewage pipeline break was discovered on Wednesday by a passerby. The pipeline, which runs parallel to the Thiru Vi Ka Bridge and over the Adyar River, has been in this condition for the past two days, but no notice had been taken of it.
On Wednesday, K Saravanan, a commuter noticed that the area was smelling worse that before. When he checked, he found a huge break in the pipeline, which was spewing sewage directly into the river.
No officials had noticed the breach and effluents have been polluting the already mucky river. He notified the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials, who said they would look into it.
Saravanan said the construction of the additional bridge to handle traffic over the bridge has affected the pipeline. “I had filed an RTI to find out whether permission had been obtained for the construction of the brid-ge. I found no permission was sought and none of the coastal zone regulations were followed,” he said.
Saravanan added that the bridge has further narrowed the mouth of the river causing hardship to the people of his village — Urur Kuppam, a fishing village. “The extra sewage will help mosquitoes breed. Earlier, we used to have malaria outbreaks, and I fear this would happen again,” he said. Villagers have complained to the PWD and the Highways Department regarding this, but to no avail.
17 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Adyar River was subjected to more pollution, as a major sewage pipeline break was discovered on Wednesday by a passerby. The pipeline, which runs parallel to the Thiru Vi Ka Bridge and over the Adyar River, has been in this condition for the past two days, but no notice had been taken of it.
On Wednesday, K Saravanan, a commuter noticed that the area was smelling worse that before. When he checked, he found a huge break in the pipeline, which was spewing sewage directly into the river.
No officials had noticed the breach and effluents have been polluting the already mucky river. He notified the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials, who said they would look into it.
Saravanan said the construction of the additional bridge to handle traffic over the bridge has affected the pipeline. “I had filed an RTI to find out whether permission had been obtained for the construction of the brid-ge. I found no permission was sought and none of the coastal zone regulations were followed,” he said.
Saravanan added that the bridge has further narrowed the mouth of the river causing hardship to the people of his village — Urur Kuppam, a fishing village. “The extra sewage will help mosquitoes breed. Earlier, we used to have malaria outbreaks, and I fear this would happen again,” he said. Villagers have complained to the PWD and the Highways Department regarding this, but to no avail.
World Day against child abuse observed
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
20 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Abuse against children is a taboo topic in most scenarios, especially in India. Ma0rking a day on the calendar to highlight the violence and abuse that children face is not quite enough, but many groups in the city took the opportunity to create awareness on the subject.
Educating children on how to protect themselves is the first step. A workshop was organised by the Karunalaya Social Service Society, for around 100 children from the slums of North Madras. Facilitators provided activity based training for the kids, on how to protect themselves from abusers. They also taught children to empathise, so that the ones who tend to experiment on other children realise that they are harming themselves and others.
Dr N Paul Sunder Singh, Secretary of Karunalaya said that these children were exposed to explicit sexual behaviour very early in life, and the inhibitions lay with the adults rather than the children. Several children were confident enough to identify situations in which certain behaviour is permissible. “Today’s program was an intervention; bringing in the context of child rights and safety added to it,” he said. The children said that they felt empowered after the workshop.
Archishaa Trust organized a demonstration outside Memorial Hall, demanding the implementation of an Act specifically meant to protect children. More than 150 children, along with their parents, participated in the event, and distributed flyers and pamphlets to the public. B Rajya Lakshmi, founder of the trust, said the social stigma attached to abuse should be taken away. “Parents and schools should keep a watch on those who interact closely with kids,” she said, adding that background checks may prove useful in ensuring safety of the children.
Bro Siga Animation Centre organised an awareness camp for 100 children from Vyasarpadi area, where they met Councillor Saravanan of Ward 46. The US Consul General, Jennifer McIntyre, spent the day with children at American library.
20 Nov 2011
CHENNAI: Abuse against children is a taboo topic in most scenarios, especially in India. Ma0rking a day on the calendar to highlight the violence and abuse that children face is not quite enough, but many groups in the city took the opportunity to create awareness on the subject.
Educating children on how to protect themselves is the first step. A workshop was organised by the Karunalaya Social Service Society, for around 100 children from the slums of North Madras. Facilitators provided activity based training for the kids, on how to protect themselves from abusers. They also taught children to empathise, so that the ones who tend to experiment on other children realise that they are harming themselves and others.
Dr N Paul Sunder Singh, Secretary of Karunalaya said that these children were exposed to explicit sexual behaviour very early in life, and the inhibitions lay with the adults rather than the children. Several children were confident enough to identify situations in which certain behaviour is permissible. “Today’s program was an intervention; bringing in the context of child rights and safety added to it,” he said. The children said that they felt empowered after the workshop.
Archishaa Trust organized a demonstration outside Memorial Hall, demanding the implementation of an Act specifically meant to protect children. More than 150 children, along with their parents, participated in the event, and distributed flyers and pamphlets to the public. B Rajya Lakshmi, founder of the trust, said the social stigma attached to abuse should be taken away. “Parents and schools should keep a watch on those who interact closely with kids,” she said, adding that background checks may prove useful in ensuring safety of the children.
Bro Siga Animation Centre organised an awareness camp for 100 children from Vyasarpadi area, where they met Councillor Saravanan of Ward 46. The US Consul General, Jennifer McIntyre, spent the day with children at American library.
Storm water drain plans inconvenience Anna Nagar
By Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
26 July 2011
CHENNAI:Storm water drain construction in Anna Nagar’s Shanthi Colony, Y Block, 8th and 9th Street (Zone V of Chennai Corporation) began over three weeks ago. This offered residents some hope that there would be no flooding on their streets during the monsoons. But their problems have already started.
The project has been given on contract to New Infrastructure, and the same company is carrying out close to 185 projects all over Chennai, 75 of them in Zone V itself. The work on storm water drains has been done in bits and pieces, and there seems to be no continuity.
Work began first by digging trial pits to figure out where the Metro Water pipelines lay. Why the Metro Water officials could not have been approached for the plans is a mystery. Saroja, the project manager, says, “The plans have never been given out. The officials have been informed so that they will take care of repairs if anything happens.” Once the digging started in earnest, one of the smaller pipes was broken accidentally.
The earth which was dug out has not been properly removed. With moderate to heavy rainfall almost every night, the thick mud turns to slush and poses a threat to motorists and pedestrians alike. Over the past week, at least three people on bikes have skid on the slush and fallen on 9th Street. Residents are wary of involving themselves in the issue, as many have encroached the frontage of their residences on to the road.
Colonel Jason Peter who has retired from the Indian Army and now works for an IT company, says, “The work that has begun, has to be finished properly. They should finish the work completely in one place, rather than leaving it unfinished in many places. Residents with cars can traverse the area easily, but what about those with two wheelers? It is dangerous for them.”
A mountain of debris blocks more than half of 8th Street. Valli (name changed), who runs an ironing shop on the street, says, “I see a lot of the residents struggling to use this road. Since the entrances of the houses are blocked, people can go in only by using a narrow board and the elders find it difficult to move around. Kids who used to play here are also not able to do so any more.”
With all these problems, resident are left wondering how long they will have to be inconvenienced. Project manager Saroja says, “We plan to finish the work in a month’s time. We have focussed on completing the project phase by phase, throughout the zone.”
26 July 2011
CHENNAI:Storm water drain construction in Anna Nagar’s Shanthi Colony, Y Block, 8th and 9th Street (Zone V of Chennai Corporation) began over three weeks ago. This offered residents some hope that there would be no flooding on their streets during the monsoons. But their problems have already started.
The project has been given on contract to New Infrastructure, and the same company is carrying out close to 185 projects all over Chennai, 75 of them in Zone V itself. The work on storm water drains has been done in bits and pieces, and there seems to be no continuity.
Work began first by digging trial pits to figure out where the Metro Water pipelines lay. Why the Metro Water officials could not have been approached for the plans is a mystery. Saroja, the project manager, says, “The plans have never been given out. The officials have been informed so that they will take care of repairs if anything happens.” Once the digging started in earnest, one of the smaller pipes was broken accidentally.
The earth which was dug out has not been properly removed. With moderate to heavy rainfall almost every night, the thick mud turns to slush and poses a threat to motorists and pedestrians alike. Over the past week, at least three people on bikes have skid on the slush and fallen on 9th Street. Residents are wary of involving themselves in the issue, as many have encroached the frontage of their residences on to the road.
Colonel Jason Peter who has retired from the Indian Army and now works for an IT company, says, “The work that has begun, has to be finished properly. They should finish the work completely in one place, rather than leaving it unfinished in many places. Residents with cars can traverse the area easily, but what about those with two wheelers? It is dangerous for them.”
A mountain of debris blocks more than half of 8th Street. Valli (name changed), who runs an ironing shop on the street, says, “I see a lot of the residents struggling to use this road. Since the entrances of the houses are blocked, people can go in only by using a narrow board and the elders find it difficult to move around. Kids who used to play here are also not able to do so any more.”
With all these problems, resident are left wondering how long they will have to be inconvenienced. Project manager Saroja says, “We plan to finish the work in a month’s time. We have focussed on completing the project phase by phase, throughout the zone.”
Thane passes, city rejoices
Express News Service
Chennai, December 31
CHENNAI: Residents of the city woke up to a bright and sunny Saturday, after two days of continuous rain due to Cyclone Thane. Life returned to normal, as the after effects of the cyclone started disappearing.
Traffic was normal on all major roads. The empty roads of the past two days filled up as students and employees of offices, which had declared a holiday the previous day, resumed work.
Roads were not waterlogged, as the rains had stopped late on Friday night. Areas like Adambakkam and Guindy had a few puddles, but nothing disrupted the flow of traffic.
Bus and train services functioned at full capacity, as last-minute travellers going to their hometowns thronged major points like CMBT, Central Station and Egmore Station. Sathya, a native of Thirunelveli residing in Chennai, said, “I was worried if I could leave the city by bus, as the rains were really bad. Trains too were on the verge of being cancelled, but thankfully I now get to usher in the New Year with my family.”
Many people were out, enjoying the weather and sunshine after the squally gloom which threatened to dampen all New Year celebrations. A lot of open-air parties, which were hastily moved indoors after the cyclone warning, were tentatively shifted back outdoors.
Those making eleventh hour purchases thronged shopping districts like Purasaiwalkam and T Nagar. Haphazard parking and rash driving led to minor traffic jams.
Cyclone Thane did not leave behind much chaos, at least in the city, and residents were hopeful of a bright start to 2012.
Chennai, December 31
CHENNAI: Residents of the city woke up to a bright and sunny Saturday, after two days of continuous rain due to Cyclone Thane. Life returned to normal, as the after effects of the cyclone started disappearing.
Traffic was normal on all major roads. The empty roads of the past two days filled up as students and employees of offices, which had declared a holiday the previous day, resumed work.
Roads were not waterlogged, as the rains had stopped late on Friday night. Areas like Adambakkam and Guindy had a few puddles, but nothing disrupted the flow of traffic.
Bus and train services functioned at full capacity, as last-minute travellers going to their hometowns thronged major points like CMBT, Central Station and Egmore Station. Sathya, a native of Thirunelveli residing in Chennai, said, “I was worried if I could leave the city by bus, as the rains were really bad. Trains too were on the verge of being cancelled, but thankfully I now get to usher in the New Year with my family.”
Many people were out, enjoying the weather and sunshine after the squally gloom which threatened to dampen all New Year celebrations. A lot of open-air parties, which were hastily moved indoors after the cyclone warning, were tentatively shifted back outdoors.
Those making eleventh hour purchases thronged shopping districts like Purasaiwalkam and T Nagar. Haphazard parking and rash driving led to minor traffic jams.
Cyclone Thane did not leave behind much chaos, at least in the city, and residents were hopeful of a bright start to 2012.
The dream. Come true.
So I've been working since May 11, 2011, and have been published nearly every day since then. Only NOW did it strike me that I most probably need to get a wider audience. Starting today, I will post all my work here.
It was my dream, my aim, my goal. Now that I have achieved it by God's grace, this blog is proof that He does know what is best for me.
It was my dream, my aim, my goal. Now that I have achieved it by God's grace, this blog is proof that He does know what is best for me.
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