In search of Humanity

I noted many a times that Senior citizens and ladies are not given proper respect in the society [especially in cities]. While I travelling in share auto long ago, old lady has been targeted by auto driver for not getting down quickly when her stop came. He shouted at her. Today, when I was trying to get into a bus from Vijayanagar junction, bus started moving even when there were few more people needs to get into and also a old man to get down. After people shouted, bus driver stopped the bus. These are only a few incidents which I am writing down here. But actually there are many which I witnessed. Not really sure if there is any humanity left in this world. Searching for it in this mechanical life. Hoping for a better tomorrow.

Traffic Rules and Saving Electricity

Wanted to share 2 incidents that happened yday and today. 1) Yesterday I noticed street lights were on @ around 9 AM near Velachery Railway station. Recently there was a hike by TNEB for using electricity. In NDTV-Hindu, there was a discussion wherein a expert told that if TNEB use its power consumption efficiently, there is no need to rise the power tariff now when the common man is already suffering from the hike of fuel prices and thereby essential commodities. Request government officials take extra care in switching off lights and instruments which during day time. 2) There was a complaint that MTC drivers are not following traffic rules. NDTV-Hindu also telecasted a news before a day or two on this. Today there was one such incident near Medavakkam where a bus driver crossed the signal when it is still on. [I mean when the signal is RED]. The bus drivers should be educated in such a way they follow traffic rules because it will a bad example for general public that government staff is not following rule, why we? Hope drivers understand and act accordingly.

Engineering student devises cellphone detector - TOI

CHENNAI: K Mohan, a second year engineering student, can give prison officials a hand in battling the problem of mobile phones being smuggled into prisoners' cells. He had developed a mobile detector that can find a cell phone within a range of 5 metres, and farther when fitted with a Zigbee sensor. More @ Engineering student devises cellphone detector

‘I-T Refund' fortnight from August 16 to 31 - The Hindu

CHENNAI: The Income Tax Department will observe the second fortnight of August 2010 as ‘I-T Refund' period to solve the long pending complaints of the salaried tax payers up to the assessment year 2008-2009, said Prema Malini Vasan, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax on Wednesday. More @ I-T Refund fortnight from August 16 to 31

Topslip beckons trekkers - The Hindu

CHENNAI: Topslip, one of the forest areas in the State rich in bio-diversity, has thrown open its serene wooded interiors to students and tourists for a trekking experience. More @ Topslip beckons trekkers

Google-liable-for-blogs-it-hosts? - Source - TOI

MUMBAI: Is Google India liable for criminal action when bloggers post defamatory content? Contending that the search giant can't be held responsible for defamatory blogs that the site hosts, an ex-employee of Google India has now challenged summons issued to him by a Mumbai magistrate. More @ Google-liable-for-blogs-it-hosts

Thillalangadi - Review

Finally hit combo Jayam Raja [Remake king] and Ravi is back. Seen "Thillalangadi" at Satyam Cinemas. This is my third movie in Satyam after "Siva Manasula Sakthi" & "Arundhathi[Thamizh]". Cast includes Jayam Ravi, Tamannah, Shaam, Prabhu, Suhasini, Vadivelu, Santhanam among others. Hope u all know that this is remake of Telugu hit "Kick" with RaviTeja and Ileana in the lead. Movie was good for comic scenes. Actually, it is Vadivelu who pulls off the first half and some of the second half. Jayam Ravi doesn't fit the bill. Wonder why Jayam Raja had casted his brother for this character. I had not seen the Telugu version but I know RaviTeja's comic timing. Tamannah has nothing to do except to wear glamorous clothes & very less scenes she has to act. Shaam could have done a better job. We cant blame him, but director should take credit for the same. Prabhu and Suhasini does justice to their roles. Santhanam, Ganja Karuppu, Manobala and even Radha Ravi does comic relief. Jayam Ravi tries his hand at comedy but really didnt succeed. Songs "Idhayam Karaikirathe", "Sol Pechu" & "Ding Ding" were good. Especially Sol pechu was picturised nice. I heard that Jayam Ravi had done good job in Peranmai, eventhough I didnt see the movie yet. Even in Deepavali he had spoken good Chennai Thamizh but he didnt do that here. I am not against REMAKING films but there should a correct casting. Even Yaaradi Nee Mohini I feel doesnt have a correct protoganist. Even making a small film does involve lot of efforts, but we cant just praise all the films which are released. Criticism is a must for good movies to come.

The Hindu : Cities / Visakhapatnam : Language gets a new face

The Hindu : Cities / Visakhapatnam : Language gets a new face

Those good old days

These days everything become online. We are doing every work by a click. It was not the case in old days. Take the case of putting the amount in bank. We need to go to the bank in person, fill the form and give them so that the money will be credited. From movie booking to getting clothes we need to go to respective locations to get them. It is not the case nowadays. It may have its advantages - time management, less physical work, etc. But the same too has its flip side or disadvantages - Less physical work indirectly makes the physical imbalance in the body. We will not be able to get to meet different kinds of people which by itself an learning experience. I am interested in going to banks whenever I find opportunity. I am interested in writing Letters too. Nowadays, mobiles and mails have replaced Letters, but LETTERS will actually retain the feel of the reader and sender even after if you take and read after many years. [Didnt mean that EMAILS will not serve the purpose but feel u get in LETTERS is much more good than from EMAILS]. I remember writing my last letter when I was in First year of the college. After that, I never attempted or had an opportunity because of the mobile phones in the campus.

Seen Mouna Raagam in Raj Digital Plus

Got a chance to see Mouna Raagam [Directed by ManiRatnam - Meaning Silent Symphony] in Raj Digital Plus last Saturday. Howmany ever if I see the movie I will in love with it over again because of acting of the leading stars, screenplay, music, backgroud score, cinematography, lyrics and singers and so on. Just read the column "Arasu Bhadilgal" in Kumudam [which is similar to HAI MADHAN of Ananda Vikatan]. This column is like questions posted by readers and Madhan and Arasu will respond to them. One of the question to Arasu was "Have u seen Raavanan?" and the reply was "Mani is trying to make out movies nowadays catering audiences across states." Last line said "Enge Mouna Raagathin Naayagan?" which translates to "Where is the hero of Mouna Raagam?" Hero here he mentions the Director of the movie. I felt it is really true. There are many things to post lining up. Will post them one by one.

TN Accreditation Council all set to be launched - TOI

A state level accreditation council which will promote academic audit and accreditation of all arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu will begin functioning later this month. "The council will ensure that all the colleges, after being accredited, establish internal quality assurance cells so that there is quality sustenance and enhancement in our higher education system. Tamil Nadu will be the first in the country to have such a state level accreditation agency," professor Thyagarajan told The Times of India on Wednesday. More info @ TN Accreditation Council all set to be launched

TN to mark 250th anniv of Battle of Vandavasi in Tiruvannamalai District - TOI

Tiruvannamalai: Tamil Nadu is all set to showcase its colonial past and historic battles fought between the British and French armies in this part of the country in a bid to attract foreign and domestic tourists. The government has proposed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Vandavasi fought fiercely between the British and French in 1761. The Tiruvannamalai district administration has chalked out grand plans to host an exhibition, displaying the armouries, cannons, cannon balls and weapons used by the British and French armies during the decisive battle that lasted nearly a year and saw the 1,700-strong British army drive out the 2,000-odd French soldiers. The British army, led by Sir Eyre Coote, defeated the Count de Lally’s French army in the Battle of Vandavasi. The French army was restricted to Pondicherry and they finally gave up in 1761. The battle, referred to as the Third Carnatic War between the British and French, enabled the former to establish their supremacy among the other Europeans. The Tiruvannamalai district administration, which had earlier proposed to renovate the 16th century Vandavasi fort, has dropped the plan. As part of the anniversary celebrations, a symposium will also be organised and experts invited to present papers on the colonial past of the historic district. The exhibition will also include rare photographs and ancient artefacts specific to this region. District collector Dr M Rajendran told The Times of India that the government gave its nod after the administration submitted a proposal to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the battle. “The anniversary celebration must not be misconstrued as an occasion to glorify the British. Our main objective is to enlighten the general public on rich heritage of the district. The event will also boost the inflow of foreign and domestic tourists into the district,” Rajendran said. The administration proposes to acquire armoury from private antique collectors and government museums in Chennai and other parts of the state. Rajendran pointed out that Chetpet, about 15 km from Vandavasi, was the district headquarters during the British rule and Chittoor in AP and other important towns in the present-day Vellore came under the administrative control of Chetpet. The British developed Chetpet and made it their district headquarters in 1801. Chetpet remained as the centre for development activities for the next 30 years,” he said. Rajendran expressed optimism that the celebrations would bring under the spotlight the facts, the early trade and battles of struggle among the imperialistic forces. English Supremacy The British army, led by Sir Eyre Coote, defeated the Count de Lally’s French army in the Battle of Vandavasi. The French Army was restricted to Pondicherry and it finally gave up in 1761. The battle was referred to as the Third Carnatic War between the British and French armies Tiruvannamalai district administration, which had earlier proposed to renovate the 16th century Vandavasi fort, has dropped the plan The district collector says the anniversary celebration must not be misconstrued as an occasion to glorify the British. The objective is to enlighten the public on rich heritage of the district and the event will also boost the inflow of tourists, he says

Vaanam - Remake of Vedham [Telugu] - Simbu's New Movie

Simbu after doing a breezy Vinnaithandhi Varuvaya [VTV] is going to do a remake of Telugu Blockbuster Vedham. I had not seen VTV till now and eager to watch that. Titled Vaanam in Tamil, it is planned to release on Diwali. Movie to be directed by Krish [Same director of original movie] is touted to be containing five stories interwoven and they finally coincides in the climax. Along with Simbu, Anuskha, Manoj Manchu and Lekha Washington will be acting in the movie. Simbu is replacing Allu Arjun while other actors already played their characters in the original. The director earlier had made Gamyam [which was later remade in Tamil as Kadhalna Summa Illa]. Gamyam is hit in AP while its Tamil version didnt fare well at the box office. Eager to watch Vaanam and of course VTV as Simbu had changed his normal masala type of movies and switched to a breezy entertainer in VTV.

Profession

There are news every year atleast for the past one decade that Engineering is the most preferred stream by Parents especially. They are in the image that if his son gets a good seat he will get a better job [may be in IT industry or similar to that]. Other professions like normal arts degree and some other fresh degree [like catering, Viscom, professions related to film industry [sound engineering, art direction, cinematography, etc] are not well received by parents of towns other than cities like Chennai and Coimbatore where good exposure is there. Parents should give choice to their children in choosing their career. Also, government should take steps in popularizing courses other than Engg stream. I am not blaming Engg, but if everyone goes into that stream who will take care of agriculture and others. My personal favourites in the profession or those profession which I wanted to be a part of but didnt happen are given below: 1) Doctor 2) Journalist 3) Teaching 4) IAS - UPSC

Follow Traffic rules - Avoid accidents

Seen a deadly accident today morning near Pallikaranai Govt. school. Body of the dead was covered. I dont want to imagine how deadly the accident would be. Just wanted to share that TN leads in the number of accidents occurring in India. This could be reduced only if 1) Individuals take responsibility in following traffic rules. Individuals I mean include general public, traffic inspectors and others who are part of transportation system. 2) Wearing helmet. 3) Avoid drunk and drive. Hoping to have a better India without accidents.

Raavanan parvayil Ramayanam / Raavanan is the HERO - Raman?

Watched Raavanan in my hometown last week with my parent. It was after 'Kandaen Kadhalai', I am watching a movie in my hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Story was on the lines of Epic Ramayana, but there were minor differences. Will talk that at the end of the post. Story - Brief: To avenge the death of his sister [Priyamani as Soorpanaga], Veera [Raavanan] kidnaps Ragini [Sita - Wife of Dev (Raman)]. Veera is shown as the lord among tribals, but anti social in front of the Govt. During the course, Veera develops love towards Ragini because of her beauty and courage she shows before him. Ragini develops sympathy after hearing his story. After few clashes, between police and Veera, Veera lets Ragini go. Dev enroute to their hometown, accuses Ragini of infidelity and it is Veera who told so. Ragini goes to Veera and asks Veera why he told that there is a relationship between her and him, Veera tells he never told. Dev follows Ragini and finds Veera. Veera comes to know it is the trick played by Dev. Veera dies as the police force shoots him. Cinematography by Santhosh Sivan and Manigandan was extra ordinary. Camera captures the liveliness of the forest. Music and background score were awesome. Lyrics used were sophisticated yet simple. Dialogues by Suhasini were sharp at places and not upto the mark at places. Songs 'Usure poghudhey' and 'Kodu potta' were picturised good. Acting - Vikram and Aishwarya Rai [Dubbing by herself and Rohini at few places] scores, while Prithviraj tries to put his full effort, but characterisation makes his efforts weaker. Reason: Prithviraj playing Dev [Raman] is shown with shades of grey, that he follows Ragini [Sita] to find whereabouts of Veera [Raavanan]. Supporting cast like Karthik, Prabhu, Priyamani and Munna try to give justice to their roles. Film is technically sound, but lacks screenplay. Ofcourse, it doesn't remind you of a Maniratnam film at places. Climax could have been better if Ragini leaves Dev as he accuses her infidelity. Also, Raman's character wasn't good as he try to find Raavanan through his wife. The climax was there as Director wants to show Raavan as the hero rather than Ram. Differences: 1) Epic: Raavanan falls for Sita and kidnaps. Movie: Veera [Raavanan] kidnaps and falls for Ragini[Sita]. 2) Epic: Rama with the help of squirrel and Hanuman finds Raavanan and defeats him. Movie: Dev [Rama] finds Veera through Ragini. 3) Epic: Sita hates Raavanan and never develops sympathy. Movie: Ragini develops sympathy on Veera after hearing story of his sister and why he kidnapped him.

IIT Madras’ social networking site for engg students - TOI Article

Chennai: A social-networking portal created by alumni of IIT-M, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi for engineering students has grown from an ambitious startup to a popular tool that helps and guides students in engineering education, according to a press release from IIT. Btechguru.com is a free online portal that was incubated in the department of management studies of IIT Madras and consists of free and open source content and also provides students an opportunity to collaborate with their peers through blogs, bookmarks and videos. Several students have benefited from the portal, as it contains links to open courseware of different universities, a huge collection of free e-books for engineering and competitive examinations, interview tips and information about civil services. Btechguru also provides formats and samples of Bank statement copies, statement for purpose for all engineering branches, recommendation letter and other legal documents which are essentials for higher studies abroad.

Places in & around ECR

More places on ECR @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Road

Eager to watch Raavanan & Raavan

The D-day had arrived. Raavanan & Raavan is releasing across the world today. The dubbed version of the film in Telugu as Villain is also hitting the theatres. I am very much eager to watch this ManiRatnam multi starrer movie for visuals and the music. I would like to watch the movie both in Tamil & Hindi versions. Rating of the movie - 3.5/5 - Source - TOI Visit for the review @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Raavan/moviereview/6058139.cms

Govt drops plan to tax PF withdrawals - Source - TOI

In a major relief to the middle class, the government on Tuesday proposed to drop its earlier suggestions of taxing withdrawals from provident funds, pension funds and pure life insurance schemes and of imposing tax on retirement and in-service perks given by employers. DTC[Direct Tax Code] Gets Less Taxing Change: Provident fund, pension funds, life insurance to continue under EEE (exemptexempt-exempt) system instead of EET (exempt-exempt-taxation) Implication: Withdrawals from these schemes will remain tax-exempt as at present. Earlier draft of Direct Tax Code (DTC) had proposed to tax them C: Interest payments on home loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh per annum to be tax-exempt for self-occupied homes I: Concession that earlier draft had proposed to remove will continue to be available C: Long-term capital gains to be imposed on graded basis I: Currently, zero tax on such gains. Earlier draft had proposed to add the gains fully to income. Revisions means only a part of the gains will be added, depending on how long the asset has been held C: Employer’s contribution to retirement benefits to be tax-exempt I: Earlier draft would have added these as perks to your income and hence raised tax liability. That won’t happen now C: MAT to be on book profits I: Earlier draft proposed minimum alternate tax (MAT) on basis of company’s gross assets, meaning even loss-making firms may have had to pay the tax. That won’t happen now. More information @ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-drops-plan-to-tax-PF-pension-funds-withdrawals/articleshow/6052092.cms Source - TOI