ThaLIFESTYLE Nov - Dec 2013 • Vol 01 : Issue 01
Tamil lifestyle magazine from Great Britain
www.Tha-lifestyle.com
Do we really know
What our Children
are going to be in the future?
Shop Saree Online
iPHONE GETS TAMIL TOUCH
Tamil MI 7
London Baba’s New release
Simple Guide to
Tamil Hindu
Wedding
Lego to Linux:
Programming for Kids
How Good are you in
British Slangs? Also in this issue.... • Newly launched Help t buy Scheme • Love your Pets? Then Care Them • Tamil Telecom Tycoon • Enters the Real Estate market
Recipe : Pineapple Chicken
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THA-LIFESTYLE.COM Collect your free printed copy in Tamil Organisations or email us at contact@Tha-Lifestyle.com to get delivered to your home 2
content 06 07 08 16
simple guide to tamil wedding Learn about Pre-wedding day customs and traditions of Tamil weddings
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Tamil Telecom Tycoon Enters the Real Estate market Featured news about Lyca Mobile’s expansion into London’s prime real estate industry
Iphone gets tamil touch How to get your Tamil keyboard with latest iOS7 updated on apple devices
Newly launched ‘Help to Buy Scheme’ Newly launched ‘Help to buy’ Schoeme by UK government. Learn more here
Love your pets? then care them Advice from veterinary surgeon on pet care for pet lovers
yoga for human excelence Simple Kundalini Yoga and its benefits
Starting your own business A guide to start a new businesss
Clicked Picture gallery from Tamil Photographers
Cinema corner
Tamil movie times and reviews
why our children are under pressure? Experienced High School teacher analyses the pressure on Tamil children by parents
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Parental engagement
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Child can be free from dental disease for life time
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Experience of a young father and his views of a role of parents
Oral Health awarness series from a Dental Surgeon for your children
An archive for Sri Lankan Tamils in Expatriate countries
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tha lifestyle
| EDITORIAL
Editor’s wall
Hello ! First step with fist bump‌ As the British Autumn arrives and leaves fall from the trees our magazine sprouts upwards like a seedling in Spring from bare land, shooting up to the sky. It has long been a dream of mine since I arrived in United Kingdom to create a forum where the many and varied lifestyles of the modern Tamil community could be reflected and captured, with voluntary contributions of stories and pictures from across our community, supported by successful ethical businesses. As a diaspora spread from the South Asian continent over the last few decades Tamils have settled in many countries, mingling and mixing with all communities, bringing their skills and traditional hardworking attitude and a desire to contribute. Our new generations collecting modern educations along the way are becoming a powerful nation. The huge changes in lifestyle for Tamils born in South Asian tropical lands, with its yearround supportive farming climate , coming to the industrial countries of the developed West have transformed our nation and ensured it will continue to prosper everywhere with time. As we look back on the changes in our lifestyle coming from Jaffna to London, we can all plot a steep learning curve of social, cultural and economic change. I have loved living and working in Great Britain for its tolerance and kindness and hospitality. And I see my friends, the people contributing to this magazine and all the other Tamil professionals and artists out there as role models who can inspire, educate and be the foundation of a great nation. We hope this effort from the team and all the voluntary contributors will be a magazine of our lifestyles to set an example and inform and entertain our readers. We want it to provide a platform for all ages to say something that expresses their feelings and aspirations. Our busy full time working lives are the very stories we wish to see and tell here every month in Tha Lifestyle. We begin this journey firmly believing that whether you are a pupil, a student or a teacher we want to hear from you all. No matter if you have a part-time or full time jobs or are self employed, an apprentice or a businessman, we want to hear from you all with your stories, and your pictures too if you have them. Tha Lifestyle is your magazine, your free platform to reach out through print and on the internet and eBook stores to tell your own Tamil story to millions of people
Sujay Sujatharan
Tha Editor
editor@tha-lifestyle.com
nimalan tharmalingam
Satheesan Thanabalasundaram
Bala Thavapalan
Tha Graphics manager
Tha Marketting Manager
Tha IT Manager
submit@tha-lifestyle.com
contact@tha-lifestyle.com
info@tha-lifestyle.com
Tha Team Stephen Jeyaseelan Nithiyananthan Partheepan Raguraj Nimalan Anton Gangakumaran N.Selvarajah
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Gajanthy Gobiraj Sachin Sakthivel Anthuriya Rajan Balan Thava Vara Suntharalingam Parani Tharmakularajah
Johannes Shanmugam Dr SS Balachandran Bharathan Ariryaratnam Vani Thavapalan Trisha Sundaralingam
tha lifestyle
| Business & Finance
Tamil Telecom Tycoon
Enters the Real Estate market
Subaskaran Allirajah Born : 2 March 1972 in Sri Lanka Group Founder and Chairman of the Lycatel and LycaMobile Groups of companies. Worth £180 million Lives in London Chigwell
T
he British Tamil Tycoon who is behind the world’s largest cheap international call network, Lycatel Chairman Subaskaran Allirajah, has purchased the 3.7acre Thames Quay in Docklands from Columbus Capital Management in an £82 million deal. The move is his first entry into British real estate investment. The site currently holds four fully occupied office buildings and has very good potential for redevelopment. The Ceylon Tamil born, ex- British Telecom tycoon is ranked 434th in the Sunday Times Rich List with a £180m fortune, and he saw off competition from seven other bidders to secure the site. Architects Robin Partington has already designed four residential towers of up to 47 storeys, incorporating a 100,000 sq ft hotel and a 246,000 sq ft office building. The group’s main company Lycamobile, which is already based at Thames Quay owns Independent House, the ISIS building, the Walbrook building and 197 Marsh Wall
Lycamobile also bought Drewry House at 213 Marsh Wall, which it plans to use as overflow space. Since Lycatel Group was founded in 2004 it has developed operations in 16 countries and a subscriber base of more than nine million customers. In an attempt to expand his business areas International MVNO Lycamobile has recently bought the Red Steel cricket team, which represents Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premier League. In an interview regarding the purchase Subaskaran Allirajah said: “We are incredibly excited to support the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team from the very beginning of their journey and look forward to growing with them through the exciting tournaments to come.” The Caribbean Premier League is an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament held in the Caribbean by the West Indies Cricket Board. It was created in 2013 and replaced the Caribbean Twenty20 as the premier cricket competition in the Caribbean.
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tha lifestyle
| INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY
iPHONE GETS THE TAMIL TOUCH
Upgrade to iOS7
Apple’s latest operating system iOS7, could lead to a dramatic shift in the nature of user-generated content as it included the two in-system Tamil keyboards. The iPhone , iPod and iPad users who upgraded to iOS7will enjoy the new user friendly Tamil Keyboard as they quickly change the keyboard by pressing the key . Already the Tamil keyboard is
available in other smartphone platforms, most notably in some Android Devices. Apple’s inclusion of Tamil input keyboards is significant for the developer community who still view it as the preferred platform for publishing ‘paid-for’ apps over others. The Hindu notes that Apple brought on an experienced maker of Tamil keyboards, Muthu Nedumaran, who’s
known for making the Sellinam keyboard for Android and iOS. The iOS 7 upgrade will bring to eligible Apple mobile devices two keyboards ; ‘Tamil 99’ which will display Tamil scripts and ‘Anjal’ a phonetic keyboard. Both of which are developed by the same team as ‘Sellinam’. This will enable users to type in Tamil directly. One of the areas it could improve dramatically would be ‘News Apps’ where users will be able to type in Tamil keywords. This should be a big boost for Tamil-speaking iOS users in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
HOW SAFE ARE YOU ON
FACEBOOK ?
Who can see your Facebook updates ? Everytime you post a status update on your Facebook page, you have the ability to control who can see it.If you make it “Public” then that actually means you have made the status update not only viewable by everybodyon Facebook, but also everyone not on Facebook as well.
Who can see your future and past posts ? You should also use Facebook’s privacy settings to adjust who can view your future posts,
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take the opportunity to review past Facebook posts you have made, and limit the audience for past posts that may have been accidentally shared with “Friends of Friends” or “Public”
Which Apps can access your private information? Many Facebook users aren’t aware that – unless you have locked down your privacy settings correctly – the apps, games and websites that your *friends* use can also access your personal details, photos and updates.
Why Post private stuff on Facebook? Facebook is going to find it a lot harder (although not impossible) to expose your personal and private information to others if you never share it with the social network in the first place. Who Can Tag you on Time Line? Facebook provides additional privacy settings which you should spend time checking to better protect yourself online.
tha lifestyle
W
hat is Help To Buy Scheme and Is it only for Newly Built Properties? The answer is NO. Help to buy scheme is designed for both pre owned and newly built properties. There are two kind of schemes
a government equity loan of 20% of the purchase price plus a traditional mortgage. Mortgage Guarantee: The UK government has extended its Help to Buy Scheme in October 2013 to make it possible to purchase any property whether newly built or pre owned with just 5%
| Business & Finance
£600,000. Participating Banks: RBS/NatWest and the Halifax. Santander, HSBC, Virgin Money, Lloyds, TSB and Aldermore all saying that they will start offering products by the start of January 2014. Equity Loan: Currently only applicable for newly built
Newly launched
‘Help to Buy Scheme’ have been introduced by the Government, and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is available for both pre owned and newly built properties. The two
available schemes in the market are, 1.. Mortgage Guarantee available on both pre-owned and new build properties with a standard mortgage of up to 95% of the purchase price. 2. Equity Loan - available on new build properties only using
B Niranchan, MBA BSc Estate Agent and Founder of Touchwood Homes (UK) (T: 020 8574 0270) twhomes.co.uk
deposit. The government will make guarantee the 20% to the lender, and this scheme is currently possible through participating lenders only. This scheme is available to both existing home owners and firsttime buyers with a deposit of just 5% and available for both pre owned and newly built properties up to the value of
properties with participating home builders and lenders only. In this scheme the Government will lend 20% of the property price as a long which is payable when you sell the property or
when the mortgage comes to an end. You will need to arrange the mortgage of 75% LTV to cover the rest. You won’t be charged loan fees for the first 5 years of owning your home but on the 6th year onwards a fee will be charged coupled with RPI.
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tha lifestyle | Pets & fAMILIES
PET CARE SERIES : PART 1
Love your Pets? Then care them Dr. S. S. Balachandran Former Director General at Department of Animal Production and Health, Sri Lanka
P
ets have become a very important part of our families. In many cases they have become as much a part of our lives as children or grandchildren. Pet dogs are usually companion dogs especially to elderly people. Recent studies also show that Pets can improve your mood, Control blood pressure better than drugs, Encourage you to get out and exercise, Stave Off loneliness and provide unconditional love, Can reduce stress, sometimes more than people etc. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the pet owners to keep their pets healthy and happy. So have to pay special attention in giving them proper food and in their health care..
FEEDING
Feeding your pet should be one of the easiest things you do. Pick a name brand that you are familiar with, feed puppy food to the young ones and adult foods to those generally over six months of age. Consult your Veterinarian on what to feed when they get past middle age. Most of the diets out there are fine and our pets seem to thrive well on nearly all of them.
HEALTH CARE Vaccinations
Vaccination protects your dog against various diseases which can cause pain, distress and are often become fatal. Vaccinating your dog will give you peace of mind knowing that you have provided protection to your pets. In addition to safeguarding
Recent studies also show that Pets can improve your mood, Control blood pressure better than drugs, Encourage you to get out and exercise, Stave Off loneliness and provide unconditional love, Can reduce stress, sometimes more than people
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your own pet from diseases, vaccination also prevents diseases from being passed on to other animals. The vaccines are commonly used to protect our pets from »» Canine parvovirus »» Canine distemper virus »» Leptospirosis »» Infectious canine hepatitis »» Rabies. Pets should receive a ‘primary’ vaccination course early in life, followed by ‘booster’ vaccinations throughout their life.
Know the Law! Controlling your dog in public It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control: a) in a public place b) in a private place where the dog isn’t allowed to be (eg a neighbour’s house or garden without permission) The law applies to all dogs. The primary vaccination course for dogs varies with the type of vaccine used. The first vaccine can sometimes be given as young
tha lifestyle
as six weeks of age, with the second usually given two to four weeks later. Booster vaccinations are needed because the body’s immune response gradually fades over a time. They are often given every year, depending on the type of vaccine. Puppies should be vaccinated before they mix with other animals.
External and Internal parasites Internal parasites – Worms
The most important internal parasites are Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms and Heartworms. They have been known to cause blindness and, in rare cases, even death. Zoonosis is a medical term for diseases that can be transmitted directly from our pets to us. Therefore, be sure your pets and their environment are as worm free as possible.
| Pets & fAMILIES
External parasites – Ticks and Fleas
Keep your pets flea and tick free. Fleas can cause itching, chewing and licking and the skin may become red and inflamed. Sometimes you might see fleas on your dog or you might see small dark flecks (flea “dirt”) in the fur and on the skin. If your dog has fleas, then it is important to treat the house, your dog and all other pets in the household. Your Veterinarian can recommend safe and effective products to use. The house should be treated with an effective household spray after vacuuming, because flea larvae and eggs live off the animal, in places like carpets and rugs. Particular attention should be paid to areas where your dog spends much of their time. Grooming also helps in the control of ticks and fleas. ....continued in Next Issue
BEST PET GADGET
The most common way these worms get transmitted is when dogs defecate in garden beds or sandboxes, and children come in contact when playing, or adults when gardening. Beaches can be another source of these creatures. Tapeworms are transmitted via fleas, and heartworms can be transmitted by mosquitos. Therefore, make sure your pets are free of the parasites. Practice good hygiene; wear gloves when you are gardening and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Keep the children out of sandboxes that may be used by stray animals. Dogs should be given regular medication (Deworming) to prevent them from suffering from worms infestations. It is important to follow the worming regime recommended by your Veterinarian
PawTrax Pet Tracker Keep track of your pets with this tracker.The PawTrax combines GPS with mobile technology to send updates of your pet’s whereabouts to your phone in the form of an SMS. Simply click on the link in the text to pinpoint your pet on Google maps.
£125, pawtrax.co.uk DAY OUT FOR ANIMAL LOVERS IN LONDON
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
Hackney City Farm www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk
London Wetland Centres www.wwt.org.uk
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tha lifestyle
| Business & Finance
Hi, I own two properties, one is a three bedroom house which is my main residence and other is a one bed flat. I was made redundant last month so I am going to sell my main residence and move into the flat. Please can you tell me whether I have to pay any tax on gain?
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If you sell your main residence, and if it has been your main residence during the entire period of ownership, then you do not pay any tax on gain as it will be covered by “private residence relief”.
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Tax tip: The day you move to your flat, and if you make it your main residence, all period then onwards would be covered by PRR relief.
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
My name is Sathees, and this year I made more than 12,000 gain on buying and selling shares and can you please advise me how can I avoid paying tax?
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For 2013/14 tax year the A first £10,900 gains made on selling shares is exempt from tax and any gain made above this limit is taxable. Tax tip: If you buy and sell shares based on “Financial spread bet trading method” instead of the normal “certificated method” then any gain you make on buy and sell shares is fully exempt from tax
TAX ON BANK INTEREST
Q: My name is Kumar and I am a higher rate tax payer and paying 40% tax on interest receive from my bank. Please can you advise me whether is it possible to transfer money to my son who is 12
?
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Ragu Dharmaratnam Head of finance for a UK group Firm and a financial journalist e: ragu.savetax@gmail.com years old and thereby saving tax on interest? Currently I am getting 3% interest on my savings account Income earned from gifts from parents is exempt if less than £100 per annum. Otherwise the income is taxable as that of the parents.
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Tax tip: You may open a savings account under your son’s name (children account) and transfer £3300 , thereby your son will get £99 interest per year which is covered by the £100 exemption limit.
CASH GIFT
Hello, My father is a UK national now lives in Canada, and he is sending me £30,000 to the UK to put a deposit towards buying a property. Do I have to pay any tax on the gift?
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Cash gifts are free of tax in the hands of the recipient, this means you do not pay any tax. You father is a UK national then this gift will be regarded as “potentially
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MONEY DOCTOR
PROPERTY TAX
exempt transfer” (PET) for inheritance tax purposes based on seven year rule. Please check with Canadian tax authorities for any local tax. Tax tip: Any gifts you make will be exempt from Inheritance tax as long as you live for seven years after making the gift.
EMPLOYMENT
My name is Jaffer and I am 22 years old. Recently I went for a job interview at a local cash and carry shop and I was offered £6 per hour hour doing 35 hours a week. I was told by my friend that I should be offered a minimum wage by law. Is this true please advise?
?
Under the “National Minimum Wage” (NMW) legislation from October 2013 , you should be offered at least £6.31 for hour . You have the right to ask your employer to match this figure and it is illegal for them to offer £6,
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tha lifestyle
“
| INTERESTS & HOBBIES
We hope our Walk will encourage different communities to come together
”
A charity walker from Gloucestershire, Johannes Shanmugam ,a British Tamil, will be walking his fourth year endless effort to raise fund for charities in Western English County in November. Showing in one hand a poppy and other hand Glory Lily, Johannes symbolise his message clearly to the Great Britain. He raises fund for ‘Help For Heroes’ and “Serendip Children’s Home” both UK based charities. Well known Help For Heroes formed to help those who have been wounded in Britain’s current conflicts while Serendib Children’s Home is supporting the war affected children in Sri Lanka. In sharing his feelings Johannes said that he wanted to thank Great Britain for allowing Tamils to live in freedom with dignity and British People a great prosperity and care shown when Tamils came as refugees. Therefore as gratitude, he decided to support British soldiers who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we enjoy here today.
Four years and on …
Heart to Heart Charity walk
He also chose the “computers 4 schools” programme through “Serendip Children’s Home” in Sri Lanka is a great opportunity for us to support the war affected children, and to give them an education so that they can enjoy the same benefits as our children. He says “We hope our Walk will encourage different communities to come together, putting aside any differences and barriers. Those who wish to support Heart2heart charity walk can visit www.h2hwalk.org or contact E: joshan2505@msn.com T: 07815 496902
Mr. Johannes Shanmugam Currently employed as Operations Assistant in a church Johannes is engaged in various fund raising events for the children impoverished by war. This is our fourth year, and we hope to raise sufficient funds as in the past three years. The 5-day walk is to create awareness and to remind our younger generation of the sacrifices made by many, so that we can enjoy liberty and freedom today in the UK.”
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Tamil lifestyle | Health & well being
SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY)
Yoga for Human Excellence All people wish to lead a happy life. The almighty nature is beautifully performing and providing everything for a harmonious life. Science is well developed to remove drudgeries in material life so that man lives happily and peacefully. Even then, humanity in general continues to be in the grip of turmoil due to lack of wisdom in the field of physical health, mental health, spiritual health and social harmony. To retrieve mankind from these sufferings Swamiji Vethathiri Maharishi, a philosopher in Tamil Nadu, India, had formulated and designed a spiritual system of life education for all to attain physical, mental and social perfection leading to peace in individuals and in the world. This system comprises: Simplified Physical Exercises, Simplified Meditation Practices, Simplified Kaya kalpa Exercises, Introspection Courses and Brahmagnanam. Simplified Physical Exercises An effective package of simplified physical exercises is designed to regulate in the body the flow of air, water, heat and life force leading to good physical health: comprising hand exercise, leg exercise, breathing exercise, eye exercise, Makarasanam,
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acupressure, massage and relaxation exercises When we learn and practice the above exercises regularly, they help in curing diseases, prevent certain diseases, increase the strength of the body and help in long life, enhance physical appearance, remove laziness and keep one active.
Dr. S. Letchoumanane Director, Research and Development, Temple of Consciousness, Aliyar - 642101, Pollachi TK Coimbatore DT E-mail: braintrust@vethathiri.edu.in Website: http://www.vethathiri.edu.in
Simplified Kaya Kalpa Exercise It is a technique devised by ’Siddhas’, the wise ancestral sages, to improve the qualities of sexual vital fluid thereby intensifying the life force in the body. It helps in postponing ageing process, minimizing disorders of old age, maintenance of youthfulness, develops resistance against diseases and helps in curing diseases, as the sexual vital fluid is purified and intensified, progeny of benefaction is possible. Simplified Meditation practices Normally the life energy is functioning at ‘Mooladhar’ near the sex gland. Under this condition, the mind is more emotional in an accelerated and aggravated condition through sensory and physical activities. By changing the working centre to ‘Agna Chakra’, point between eyebrows and meditating there, the mental frequency is
reduced to alpha wave level. Here, sharpness in intelligence and peace of mind sets in. In Thuria meditation, ‘Crown Chakra’, the brain wave is brought down to ‘Theta’ range 5-7 cps. Sublimation of self through introspection is achieved at this level. Besides this, practices to amplify and intensify the bio-magnetism also are taught.
Tamil lifestyle | Health & well being
DO WISH TO LEARN IN UK? Contact K Gangakumaran Mobile: 07766442273 Email: skyuk@vethathiri.edu.in or skyogauk@aol.com Weekly class: Every Saturday 8:30 till 10:30am at Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow HA1 2JE Introspection Courses After a month of initiation of thuriyam meditation and proper practice, introspection courses are taught in four stages every month for 4 months. Each stage consists of six sessions comprising special meditation and philosophies. For practical comprehension and experiences, introspection subjects like analysis of thought, moralization of desire, neutralization of anger and eradication of worries are explained. The great values of blessing others by saying, ‘VAAZHGA VALAMUDAN’ to maintain cordiality and compassion are also taught. Detailed knowledge about sins and salvations, life before birth and after death, astronomy and astrology, the unfailing law of nature - cause and effect system, karma yoga, purification of the genetic centre, differences among people, philosophy of magnetism, evolution of universe and living being are given. Benefits of Introspection courses Expansion of the mind leads to undue psychic attachments with men and materials, and thereon emotional illusions viz; ego, greed, anger, miserliness, immoral sex, inferioritysuperiority complex and vengeance. This transforms human life virtuous, peaceful and blissful.
Brahmagnanam course leads in developing God consciousness and understanding the unfailing law of nature, “the cause and effect system” help to live a virtuous way of life and live in harmony with others and nature. This only will instill peace and bliss in the mind. Benefits of Meditation Improves the personality, insight and dexterity of mind Increases mental concentration, sharpness, honesty and peacefulness there by leading to a rational life Helps in withdrawing the mind from sensory emotions thereby saving the life energy and inculcating God Consciousness Improves perspicacity, receptivity, remembrance and normalizes the functioning of endocrine system there by good health Helps in self-realization and sublimation to enjoy everlasting peace and bills This system of yogic practices is taught to all, beyond the barriers of sex, religion etc. Students of both sex are also trained in this system for their successful career, happy and peaceful life. This service is rendered by the World Community Service Centre founded by Yogiraj Vethathiri Maharishi in the year 1958, through its affiliated trusts spread all over the world.
Quotes “If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” Dhirubhai Ambani Indian business tycoon who founded Reliance Industries
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Eleanor Roosevelt Longest-serving First Lady of the United States
”A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” David Brinkle An American newscaster
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Mark Twain American author and humorist.
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” Vince Lombardi American football player
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman African-American abolitionist
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tha lifestyle
| Business & Finance
W
ith Unemployment at record highs, one way for people to get a job, is to start their own business. It is certainly an ambition for many people to run their own business. Some may have been made redundant, and find themselves with spare time and financial resources, while others make the choice to begin a business to be more independent and gain the full financial reward for their hard work.
take you through the easier ones. In order to make your business a success, you ought to consider some vital key factors. Most people go about finding their niche by using business school tools such as market analysis or sector research. This is good – however utilise what you are good at. Why not start a business, based on a need you have which is not properly addressed by existing suppliers. You experience the gap in the marketplace, and you fill it in.
then become the operational problems. Now not to worry – these are less daunting than they ever used to be. You become like the people you associate with. Therefore, associate with people who are like minded. Join appropriate industry associations. These will also give you the lowdown on relevant industry threats, opportunities and legislation and the like. Starting a business is not like back in the days. Generally, you already have the tools that you need.
It is no secret that running your own business is not an easy task. When those first few weeks of excitement and Most homes are already anticipation are a distant on a need rt a business, based equipped with quite a lot sta t no hy W . memory, getting to, and erly addressed by op pr t of the tools any business no is ich wh ve you ha staying at the top of your to reach a worldwide rs. game can be a constant existing supplie audience from day one. battle especially during A laptop and a mobile recession time. Don’t try to enter a competitive phone are all the infrastructure market that requires a great a new business needs to get However, hard times are good deal of capital and experience. up and running. There are also times to start a business so many social networking sites .The advantage of starting a Stick to something that you available for you to market business during a downturn either know a lot about or your business. Join online is that things can only get something that really interests networking groups and forums better as the economic climate you so that you’ll want to find and start giving useful advice on improves. By then, you will have out a great deal about it. If you areas directly relevant to your learnt an awful lot during the have got the need, and an idea, business. difficult times which will then
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tha lifestyle
| Business & finance
Starting your own business: The Sky is the Limit Sakthivel Sachithananthan Chartered Accountant Founder: Accountancy gateway www.accgateway.com
This raises your profile in a positive way.
table while M&S started with a market stall. Look at where they are now!
Every business from its commencement and through its development and growth will need finance.
Starting a business is demanding. Commitment, determination and enthusiasm are essential.
But what type of finance is best suited to the business and who should you approach for funding?
Are you running an Off-licence
Start -up business funding should be from your saving, relatives or any of the other investors.
Alcohol (Beer,wine & spirits) – 20%
When commencing a new business, very often the initial monies invested will come from the individual’s personal savings. Additional funding requires a commitment in terms of capital and interest payments.
www.businessesforsale.com
Embarking on this course of this action must therefore be planned carefully. Start small and keep overhead low. Don’t spend any more than you have to on your start-up. Many businesses start very small. For instance Laura Ashley began on her kitchen
store? Then Check your figures! On Average Off-Licence must make 17.5 % anual Gross Profit margin. Snacks (Crisps, pea nuts, etc) – 30%
go. Every Business should have a business plan. It is the key to success. As the saying goes: ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. Therefore preparing a business plan will help you to set clear objectives for your business and clarify your thinking. It will also help to set target for future performance and monitor finance and profitability. Keep your finances and records in order: everyone hates it- but it must be done.
Cigarettes, cigars and tobacco – 8% Looking for Off-licence on sale? www.offlicenceforsale.co.uk www.rightbiz.co.uk www.nationwidebusinesses.co.uk
You will need managerial, financial, technical and marketing skills. If you feel that you do not have these expertises personally, they can be found in a partner or employee. If you feel that you are not ready to employ anyone or take on a partner, there are many courses out there to get you trained and get you on the
Speak to your accountant about how much you should put aside for your forthcoming tax bills. Keep good records of your incoming and outgoing revenues, your receipts and other related information. Running a business should be creative, satisfying and enjoyable. It’s a chance to express you, meet interesting and creative people, potentially make a lot of money and create a whole new life for yourself. So do everything you can to enjoy the process of being in business.
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tha lifestyle
| language & culture
a simple guide to
Tamil Hindu Wedding Pre-Wedding Events
Pre Wedding Arrangements The marriage of a man and woman is such an important and unforgettable day in anyone’s life. Memories of a wedding are always recorded in family photographs and videos as people always want to remember and review the day of union between two souls. And In Tamil communities a wedding is more than the marriage of two individuals , it is also a coming together of two big families and all their friends. Tamil wedding customs date back four millenia and now there are local customs as well, based on newer geographic locations, not to mention how much change they have seen as Tamils have moved to western countries and adopted new styles. Some of the traditional procedures have been left behind by western Tamils as they grow into a new generation
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of British, Canadian, French and Australian Tamils, to name just a few. At the point of the transformations occur in British Tamil Community, the long historical traditional marriage procedures are vanishing with time. Traditional wedding custom can be retold under few headings. Even though custom is different in different parts of South India , North and East of Sri Lanka , Malaysia , Singapore and the newly growing Western Tamil Diaspora, the main aspects of traditional marriage are fairly common to most of them. Bride & Groom Seeking Usually Bride or Groom are sought by parents through their families and friends and based on age , jobs and background. Parents exchange the details and photos which includes the astrological charts which was written on birth.
Jathaka Porutham - Astrology Chart Matching Once the parents exchange the charts they consult a astrological expert to find the matching. There are two systems the charts are based on called ‘Vakkiya Panchangam’ which is based on empirical theory which has passed through generations and the other system which is called ‘Thirukanitha Panchangam’, based on mathematical calculations. Tamil astrological system, used for analysing marriage compatibility is based on horoscopes of a man and woman. Horoscope matching in Tamil is known as ‘ten matching’; named as dinam, ganam, yoni, rasi, rasiyathipaty, rajju, vedha, vasya, mahendram and stree deergham. Ponnu Parthal - Bride meeting
Once the chart is matched , groom family will visit the brides house which will allow bride and groom to meet for the first time. They will be allowed to have a private chat to get each other understanding. In successful day this will give bride and groom a good opportunity to understand each other and be confident to go for marriage.
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Ponnurukku - Melting of Gold This is the official beginning of the wedding procedure. This occasion occurs a few days before the wedding is attended by close family at which the groom presents a gold coin to the goldsmith for its ritual meltdown to fashion the thaali – the bridal pendent. Thaali is a symbol of marriage and must be worn all time by traditional married woman. After this occasion the bride and groom are not expected to meet each other until the wedding day. Kanni kaal Planting – ( Tree planting) On the same day a tree is planted in the homes of the couple. Currently the traditional choice for this is a metre high cutting of Mulmurukku which is easy to propagate and signifies fertility and prosperity. Three manure pots of nine grains are also planted to be sprouted and be used on the day of the wedding.
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After above Pre-wedding traditions, the wedding day will begin. Our next month edition will bring you the highlights of wedding day arrangements and customs. WAIT FOR OUR NEXT EDITION TO READ ABOUT INTERESTING WEDDING DAY CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF TAMIL COMMUNITY !
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tha lifestyle
| Photography
Clicked!
A View of London Bridge from Waterloo Bridge © Bharathan Ariyaratnam fb/ Ariyam.Photography Canon EOS 60D • 30 s • f 8.0 • ISO 100
Violet moments of honey bee
© Bala Thavapalan Canon EOS 500D • 1/250 s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
A floating boat in Punguduthivu , Jaffna
© Nimalan Tharmalingam photography.gradientgraphics.co.uk Canon EOS 400D • 1/400 s • f 4.0 • ISO 200
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cinema corner
tha lifestyle |ENtertainment TAMIL STYLE | ENTERTAINMENT
movie review: raja rani ‘Worth to Watch’ Though the movie is incredibly refreshing, it does remind one of Mani Ratnam’s classic hit ‘Mouna Ragam’. Atlee has added his own dimension to the story, and has served it on an all new platter. The best thing about the film is that it satiates the cravings of every class of viewer and leaves nothing to complain about. The film is a neat entertainer. The entire team has given this film their best. Atlee, the debutant director has delivered his dream project flawlessly. His strong points seem to be character definitions and screenplay. He has carved his characters with utmost care to perfection and has selected his crew rather cautiously. The movie has three different stories, but the gripping screenplay keeps the audience glued to their seats. The let-downs however are the songs and editing. Given G V’s repute, the audience definitely expected something better something hummable, and something more urban. Though the songs are a disappointment, he has done an excellent job scoring the background music in the first half.
in cinemas
Upcomming movies
Arambam Director Vishnuvardhan Starring Nayantara, Arya, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ajith Kumar, Genere Action comedy CINEWORLD, saffari
Irandam Ulagam Endrendrum Punnagai Director Selva Raghavan Director Jananathan Starring Arya, Anushka Starring Jiiva , Andrea Shetty Jeremiah, Santhanam Genere Romance Genere Romance Music Harris Jayaraj, Music Harrs Anirudh Ravi Jayaraj
Kochadaiyaan Director Soundarya R. Ashwin Starring Rajinikanth, R. Sarathkumar, Deepika Genere Epic fantasy Music A R Rahuman
Naiyaandi Director A. Sarkunam Starring Dhanush, Nazriya Nazim Genere Comedy CINEWORLD
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tha lifestyle
| family & pets
O
ur children in the United Kingdom are preparing for the 11 plus exams from the early age of 7 years in order secure a place in a grammar school or private school for their secondary education.
Are we undermining the capabilities of state schools? The education system in the United Kingdom is undergoing important changes at present, where new types of schools known as ‘Free schools’ and ‘Academies’ are emerging.
My teaching experience in the UK education system started back in 1987. I began my journey working with Adults in Further Education and then moved to secondary school education in 2000. I have worked with students with varying academic levels including children with learning difficulties. For over a decade now, I have been working as a School Governor with one of
ELEVEN PLUS & GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
Why Our Children are under Pressure? Para Paramkumaran Teacher at high school Founder of North harrow tuition centre
All parents have a strong belief that Grammar schools and Private schools are better equipped to provide the best opportunities for our children in comparison to state run schools. As we strive to achieve academic success for our children we work arduously to train them for the 11 plus examinations.
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These are new government initiatives to save money for the ministry of education with the recent financial crises. The entire league table system and the GCSE and Advance Levels exams are under scrutiny and will be assessed with different yard sticks. After 2014 no child will be entered for their GCSE exam early unless they are absolutely ready and it will be recorded as their first attempt.
the Brent Primary schools. During my lifetime I have seen extensive changes in learning and teaching methods and styles, including the changes brought in by the education watch dog OFSTED. At present I am also working with Primary school s to enhance early learning development with the ABACUS mental arithmetic program (MAP).
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Why do our children feel such immense pressure to get into to a Grammar School? One typical story – A mother came to me: “My Son is not doing well in Maths, and his Grammar school is not allowing him to take Maths for his Advanced Levels. My dreams and my son’s dream to be an Economist is never going to come true, please help!” These were the words of a very disappointed mother of a teenager, who came to me asking for help.
What we fail to notice is that this influence can be over powering at times, especially when the mother begins to impose an undue impact on deciding the future career path of the child. There are mothers who decide the future of their children with traditional views, and can be quite dismissive of their child’s aspirations and any professional advice by teachers or tutors. I have personally dealt with many students who have been misguided through influential parents, away from their strengths and interests in order to fulfil parental dreams
| family & pets
the child to achieve the success they dream of. This pressure results in a huge amount of disappointment when a child does not achieve a place in a grammar school and the confidence of the child can be destroyed by the same parent, unintentionally. In such circumstances, these mothers who dedicate their lives to every need of their child, to ensure that they get the best education, can herself have a detrimental role in the future of the child if they do not get selected into a Grammar school.
This is a common situation that arises frequently, especially in the British Tamil Community. We were forced to migrate here due to our many hardships, and the first generation British Tamil life style includes a hardworking father and child focused mother. In a world, where most fathers have chosen to work tirelessly, mainly as businessmen striving to establish their families on British soil they have limited the time they spend with their children. This has left the mother to guide children, looking after their every need, and bearing the most influence in the future of the child. The mother and the child spend a lot of time together, travelling in the car to all the educational and extra-curricular activities including Tamils School, Dance classes, Cricket, Football, Netball and private tuition classes. It is this precious time and the remaining time at home that allows the mother to the play a great role in establishing food habits and language fluency moulding the child’s future.
through their children. We fail to realise this at the time and this can lead to many problems in the future. Most Tamil parents feel that if they cannot afford a private school then it is essential that their child should attend a grammar school. They are under the impression that any other school would not allow
The future of our children lies in the hands of the parents. In my long career as teacher, I have witnessed many occasions when a child from an ordinary state school becomes a scholar and a student from private or grammar school ends up with
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tha lifestyle | Tha Style
| family & pets
the unexpected undesired life they wanted. We need to realise that the ideal role for parents is to understand a child’s strengths and weakness, helping them to improve on their weakness whilst continuously encouraging them to develop their stronger skills and interests. A good parent will try to understand the teacher and work with them to enhance the future of their children. They will seek the teacher and learn the skill of a guide from teacher, by being an observer and support the teacher’s consultation. A good parent will defy the myth that the future of their child is determined by the school they attend. They realise that it is not the school, but a good teacher and guiding parent who can help determine the future prospects of these young souls. They will strive to understand the child’s skills, appreciate the extra ordinary talents that he/she posses, and support them to choose a path on their own. They will ensure the child is aware of the possible paths they can take by opening their minds to a wider world of opportunities. A child who has been influenced by a role model or passion and determination will work towards their goal naturally. This journey will not be affected by which school they attend, as long as a teacher identifies them and help to enhance them. A student may have weaknesses in certain areas but they will definitely have strengths elsewhere. As good parents we must try to identify these with the help of teachers or tutors. When a child is guided and supported by parents with this awareness, he/she is more likely to become a shining star. The mother who endeavours to fulfil her own dreams through her child might unintentionally cast a shadow over their future prospects.
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I
n this article, I will share with you some of my own experience in respect of parental engagement. They are based upon the
workload and various personal activities. What I understand is, your baby’s familiarity with your
Parental
Engagement Stephen Jeyaseelan IT network Systems Engineer
Stephen is a IT network Systems Engineer lives in Sunbury-On-Thames, London.
understanding of my son (19 months old), since we saw him from his first scan until now. Parental engagement has a large and positive impact on children’s learning and positive effect on their achievements. Majority of fathers are not significantly involved in their children’s education or at least spending time with them. Some fathers aspired to and had loving relationship with their children. Many distanced themselves from what they saw as a ‘typical Asian father’. Some fathers, however, expressed a heavy sense of responsibility and worried greatly about their children’s successful education. Some found personal care giving tiring and frustrating and felt pressured to provide significantly and find time for direct contact with children due to their
voice helps him/her quickly form an attachment to you once he/ she’s born. One theory suggests that your baby’s hearing is well developed in the uterus to help him start to bond with you before he/she’s born. After birth, your newborn may also pay more attention to your voice than any other. Most children have two main educators in their lives their parents and their teachers. Parents are the prime educators until the child attends an early years setting or starts school and they remain a major influence on their children’s learning throughout school and beyond. If your child wanted to touch a leaf or piece of paper, please let them touch and feel. Because you may be seen that leaf or paper for million times in your life, but remember that is their first time they touch and explore the world.
tha lifestyle
If your child asks “Daddy, why is the sky blue?”, then please answer them rather ignore their findings. You can answer them “because blue is beautiful and it reflects the sea” In my personal experience, the key to bond with your baby is actually a process of enjoyment. Simply enjoying your baby is what helps you bond with him/her and him/ her with you. Babies fall in love with the people who enjoy them, and who help them enjoy themselves. These “first loves” aren’t simply the people who feed them they’re
the people who come when they want help or company, who notice when they smile and stop to smile back, who listen to their babbling and babble right back at them, who play with them, and who bring little bits of the world for them to see. These are the things that matters to your baby. How can you find time when you feel you don’t have any to spend with your children? Please find the following tips: 1-2-1 time: Alone time with your child is best when you are doing something you both enjoy. With one family it may be the time when Dad takes the baby so Mom can spend time cooking or spend time with the older child. This could mean going to a movie, going to the local theatre...Etc. Little helpers: Children love to help. Do you have a mailing to do? Have them put the stamps on the envelopes. Need to go shopping? Make grocery shopping “fun time” with you. Need to make dinner? Let
| family & pets
greatest helpers and they will look back and remember that “before dinner” was always special time with you. Phantom Time: You can still let your children know that you care. Write notes and drop them into their lunch boxes. This was one of the top ten things children made them feel loved and cared for by their parent. Break time: Everyone is busy. Some parents are busier than others. Slide in a “break time” so that you and your children can spend 15 minutes or a half hour together. Set a timer if you need to so that everyone knows when “break time” starts and finishes. Spending time with your children provides them with opportunities to learn and to be heard. Most of all, it provides you and your children with time to connect. It’s these connections that make your children feel loved. It’s true what they say: “The dust bunnies and dirty dishes aren’t going anywhere. Take a break from the rat race and commit to cherishing the little moments with your kids.”
them help you by contributing to the preparation process. While it might be messier and it may time more time in the beginning, you will see that the children will become your
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tha lifestyle
| Entertainment
S
uresh Krishna (also known as “London Baba“) was born and brought up in the village of Nelliady, near Jaffna in the northern province of Sri Lanka.
Since 2002, he has also worked as an actor. He has played the lead role in three films (‘Theervu’, ‘Neerai Kaanaatha
He moved to the United Kingdom to complete his higher education and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Middlesex University. In 1992 he became a naturalised British Citizen and settled in Harrow, north-west London. He has worked in finance for Samsung Electronics for the last 8 ½ years, but has not restricted his life purely to office work.
Veerkal’ and ‘Surya’) and his fourth film yet to be certified (‘Tamil MI-7’) which he stars
in and directs. Under his performing name of London Baba, he is currently acting in a film called Thousand Dreams in united kingdom and Its Director Nantha, he has imitated the superstar Rajinikanth and released a video song album called ‘Singa Nadai’ and also wrote the song ‘Ulaga Tamila’ with music Ravi Devendran, which was performed by SP Bala and released both as an audio and video single. Between 2000 and 2006, he encouraged and promoted young developing performer (singers, dancers and announcers) on the Deepam Tamil TV channel. During this time he was a key supporter of the Kanakuyil singing competition programme, originated by Mrs Yoha Thillainathan to promote young singers.
‘Paradesi’ wins awards at London film festival
S
outh Indian film Paradesi, an adaptation of Paul Harris Daniel’s book Red Tea , took two award at the London Film Festival, Best Costume Designer for Poornima
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Ramasamy and the second for cinematographer Chezhiyan. The film directed by filmmaker Bala, is on on the exploitation of Indian tea estate workers by the British in South India. “The film involved shooting in verdant landscapes of tea estates. And that’s where the challenge lay. We had to narrate a sorrowful story against this picturesque backdrop,” Chezhiyan , said in an interview. Paradesi is a sixth film for him as cinematographer. Chezhiyan was a civil engineer who pursued his passion for photography when he entered films as last assistant in
famous Tamil film director Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthe. Poornima Ramasamy, costume designer of the movie who already won National Award in India said “I am still shocked,” Ramasamy is the granddaughter of late M.G. Naidu, founder of Naidu Hall, a well-known garment store in Chennai, and was assisting her father at the store before venturing into films. Ramasamy has since wrapped up French filmmaker Michel Spinosa’s upcoming film, Mon Espouse, which will be screened at the Berlin Film Festival in 2014.
tha lifestyle
| internet & technology
Lego to Linux: Programming for Kids
Bala Thava Bala is a software-geek, full time developer at Microsoft gold partner, passion of photography, fond of music and cinema.
Kids can now test their creative skills on websites which helps them to develop simple games and applications. Programming helps kids to express their perception on objects and events surrounding with creativity. But are we enough realized the need for programming skill as part of the children education; according to some people it’s important as the literacy and calculation skills.
Scratch
This is designed for kids where its help kids to develop animation, interactive stories and games by drag-and-drop. They can draw their own characters too, add action and sound to them. The work can be saved and shared with others. http://scratch.mit.edu/
Hopscotch
It’s an iPad app, which provides with the right number of keys and controls for kids to start up, which helps them to learn it by them self without any help. https://www.gethopscotch.com/
Stencyl
If you are looking for only game related development, with a payment then Stencyl will be the choice. On the other side it’s a cross platform application as build once and play anywhere. http://www.stencyl.com/
Codecacademy
This is another great resource to learn programming interactively.
Kahn Academy
This is a non-profit educational project by educator Salman Khan. Here you not only learn programming but also other important subjects. https://www.khanacademy.org/cs
From ‘Lego’ to ‘Linux’, the base line of concept in programming is arranging the available blocks into a required or targeted design. By learning programming, kids learn to solve problems, get over the obstacles and collaborate with others, these are important life skills needed to prove them in any profession. As MIT professor Mitchel Resnick wrote, when kids ‘learn to code’, they also ‘code to learn’. On the other hand, many of us see the code as the endless lines of computer language. However, I look at programming as an expression which mixed up logic, techniques in form of modern art. So programming should be taught at an early stage of human life as the minds are not consumed by specific streams of knowledge - may be in kinder garden. So how we can teach programming to kids, there are number of web sites and projects are available both paid and free, but here I am listing a number of websites which helps you to learn from some code lines to a whole application. Have a try and find what suits you or your kids. I conclude this here with, as said by Naveen Selvadurai, co founder of Foursquare. - “What ever you do, learn to code” For more tech stuff and link stay turned with us. Mitchel Resnick : http://web.media.mit.edu/~mres/ Naveen Selvadurai : https://twitter.com/naveen Khan Academy : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Khan_ (educator)
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tha lifestyle
| family & pets
Do we really know our children ar to be in the futu
Paraniharan Tharmakularaja Tennis Coach David & Lloyds Sudbury Hill
I
am going to tell you a story about encouraging children and how encouragement makes them successful. There was a small town and in that town there were 3 kids who were very good friends. Theyalways went around the town after school to play cricket, football and basket ball. They were able to play all the games except from one game…TENNIS. In their town, they had 2 tennis courts that were used by the members of aclub. The members were engineers, doctors and lawyers. Every evening, they played for a couple of hours in the tennis courts. The 3 boys had a habit of
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watching and helping them by collecting the balls, if they flew out of the courts. These are the things we all do whenever we get a chance to play tennis. One day their sports teacher at school,went to them and said“We are going to start playing tennis at our school . Do you want to play?” The guys were filled withgreat joy and said “yes” to the Master. Older boys of their school went to America and encouraged the others bysending them tennis balls, rackets and Shoes. Because of that, the three boys started to play tennis and their dream came true. Many Boys joined themin their games. In two years time, they went to play at theNational Level School
championships. They came third place out of 22 Schools. Great Performance, Great Joy and Great Success were following them because of their hard work and the help of the older boys of their School. At Present, one of them is aTennis programme developer in SriLanka.He has travelled more than 20 countries in the world and representing International Tennis federation(ITF) as a captain for the trip to Europefor many years. The other one became the National Tennis Centre Head coach for Sri Lanka and the third one is writing this article from London as a Junior & Adult Tennis Pro at David Lloyd Sudburyhill. Encourage the children
now what re going ure?
Pineapple Chicken Ingredients:
»» Pineapple, cubed cooked with sugar 1/2 measures »» Boneless chicken breasts, cubed 2 »» Cornflour/ corn starch 3 tablespoon »» Chopped 5 clove Garlic »» Ginger chopped »» Spring onion »» Red capsicum small strips 1 medium »» Green capsicum, 1 medium »» Crushed red chillies 2 1/2 teaspoon »» Chicken stock 1/2 cup »» Spring onion greens, chopped 1 tablespoon »» Soy sauce 2 teaspoon »» Oil 1 tablespoon »» Salt to taste
Method:
»» Place the chicken pieces in a bowl; add salt, two tablespoons corn flour and one teaspoon soy sauce. »» Mix well. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan. »» Add the chicken pieces and sauté till light brown. »» Add the garlic and ginger. Toss well. »» Add the spring onions, red capsicum, green capsicum, and salt and pineapple pieces. »» Mix well and cook for two minutes. »» Add the remaining soy sauce, crushed red chillies, chicken stock and remaining cornflour dissolved in quarter cup of water. »» Stir to mix and simmer for one to one two minutes. »» Serve hot garnished with spring with spring onion greens.
and give them a chance to learnsomething that they don’t know. As we became successful, they will surely become successful in many things we didn’t know. As a Tennis coach, I encourage the Kids and I have seen that the kid who never listened and didn’t have any idea about tennis became the top player in the group. I hope you all understood how important to encourage the children. As a part of the encouragement, I will give some basic tips to learn Tennis and you all can share the tips among friends and you also can learn tennis. See you soon.
| food
Cooking Time
tha lifestyle
Vani Bala Vani is Passion on Food processing and homemade recipes, Nature Lover, Philosopher by qualification.
Rulang Ladoo (Rava Ladoo) Ingredients: »» Semolina (Rulang) 2 cups »» Sugar ¾ cup (powdered) »» Ghee 1 cup »» Cardamom powder 1 teaspoon (fried) »» Raisins 1 teaspoon (fried with ghee) Method: »» Heat the 1 teaspoon ghee in a pan and dry roast the rava. »» Grind the rava and sugar in a fine powder. »» Heat the remaining ghee and add powdered rava, cashew nuts, raisins and cardamom powder »» Mix them thoroughly. »» While it’s warm, make into small sized balls.
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tha lifestyle
| Health & well being
You Child can be free from dental disease for life time
Children’s oral health is one of the foundations upon which preventive education and dental care must be built to enhance the opportunity for a lifetime free from preventable oral disease which includes preventive strategies, oral
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Dr Anthuria Rajan
Anthuria is an overseas dentist from Sri Lanka currently living in South London.
health risk assessment and therapeutic interventions Early childhood caries (ECC)
begins soon after tooth eruption, develops on smooth surfaces, progress rapidly, and has a lasting detrimental impact on the dentition. This disease affects the general population but more likely to occur in infants who are of low socioeconomic status, who consume a diet high in sugar, and whose mothers have a low education level. Caries in primary teeth can affect children’s growth, result in significant pain and potentially life-threatening infection, and diminish overall quality of life.
tha lifestyle
Dental caries is a common chronic infectious transmissible disease resulting from toothadherent specific bacteria, primarily mutans streptococci (MS), that metabolize sugars to produce acid which, over time, demineralises tooth structure.
for adherence.
MS generally is considered to be the principal group of bacterial organisms responsible for the initiation of dental caries. MS colonization of an infant may occur from the time of birth.
Vertical transmission of MS from mother to infant is well documented.
Significant colonization occurs after dental eruption as teeth provide non-shedding surfaces
Other surfaces also may harbour MS. For example, the furrows of the tongue appear to be an important ecological niche in harbouring the bacteria in predentate infants.
The higher the levels of maternal salivary MS, the greater the risk of the infant being colonized. Along with salivary levels of MS, mother’s oral hygiene, periodontal disease, snack frequency, and socioeconomic status also are associated with infant colonization. Reports indicate that horizontal transmission (i.e., transmission between members of a group such as siblings of a similar age or children in a day care centre) also may be of concern. Dental caries is a disease that generally is preventable. Early risk assessment allows for identification of parent-infant groups who are at risk for ECC and would benefit from early preventive intervention. The ultimate goal of early assessment is the timely delivery of educational information to populations at high risk for developing caries in order to prevent the need for later surgical intervention. Educating the parent on avoiding saliva-sharing behaviours (e.g., sharing spoons and other utensils, sharing cups, cleaning a dropped pacifier or toy with their mouth) can help prevent early colonization of MS in infants.
| Health & well being
during pregnancy is especially important for the mother. Routine professional dental care for the parent can help optimize oral health. Removal of active caries, with subsequent restoration of remaining tooth structure, in the parents suppresses the MS reservoir and minimizes the transfer of MS to the infant, thereby decreasing the infant’s risk of developing ECC. Maintaining acceptable level of oral hygiene such as brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing by the parent are important to help dislodge food and reduce bacterial plaque levels. Dietary education for the parents includes the carcinogenicity (causing caries)of certain foods and beverages, role of frequency of consumption of these substances, and the demineralization/ remineralisation process. Using a fluoridated toothpaste and rinsing with an alcoholfree, over-the-counter mouth rinse containing 0.05 percent sodium fluoride once a day or 0.02 percent sodium fluoride rinse twice a day have been suggested to help reduce plaque levels and promote enamel remineralisation. Evidence suggests that the use of xylitol chewing gum (at least two to three times a day by the mother) has a significant impact on mother-child transmission of MS and decreasing the child’s caries rate. Look out for our December edition for continuation
A comprehensive oral examination and treatment
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tha lifestyle
| internet & technology
THE WORLD’S FIRST 64 BIT SMART PHONE IN YOURHANDS Iphone 5s , Apple’s seventhgeneration iPhone is indeed a major evolutionary step for the iPhone.
It’s the first smartphone where the hardware and software feel truly cohesive, fun and effortless.
With newly launched iOS 7, a new camera system and a high-tech fingerprint sensor, iPhone 5s offer much more to the smart phone users.
VERY FAST
64-bit architecture with quad-core A7 brings you the faster than iphone 4 s
FINGER SCAN
Unlock the phone and purchase in the iTunes store by scanning your finger
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SHOOTS IN SLO-MO
It can shoot at 120 fps but also can play the footage back in 30 fps, slowing your movie for view
WATCHES MOVE
With M7 a’motion coprocessor’ chip it can sense your move acurately with saving battery
tha lifestyle
T
he lives of Sri Lankan Tamils in their home country and expatriate countries are seen by many with particular interest in the light of the liberation struggle and the war desolation our kith an kin face back home. In the view of the world, the attention gatherings, readings and writings representing the Sri
University of London (SOAS), British Library and the Indian Section of Cambridge University, are limited in their utility because of the general absence of Tamil speaking personnel working in these institutions. Young researchers of the universities of the world, who wish to engage in studies
| Launguage & culture
would have been published, had a favourable situation existed. Should we ask ourselves as to why Tamil libraries, archives and book shops have not been established and developed as much as temples and shops have proliferated in expatriate countries, the answer would be only one. It is because that libraries, archives and book shops do not bring in as much money as temples and other commercial ventures would. Though this sounds bitter, it is the truth!
An archive for
Sri Lankan Tamils in Expatriate countries Lankan Tamils are being looked upon with an interest primarily focused on the art of war. Many important matters have been overlooked due to the above attitude. It is obvious that this would eventually create a negative impact on Sri Lankan Tamils. It is a fact that we, the expatriate Tamils, do not have any institutionalized resources to fulfil the needs of Tamils or others coming forward to engage in researches and studies on subjects related to Sri Lankan Tamils’ life, politics, literature and other matters. We who consider us intellectuals are obliged to ask ourselves whether we have done anything constructive towards this issue. The collections and works related to Sri Lankan Tamils found in the libraries of educational institutions like The School of Oriental and African Studies, of the
N.Selvarajah Co-ordinator-ETDRC Tel : 00 44 (0) 158 270 3786 Fax : 00 44 (0) 208 908 0452 E.mail : etdrc2009@yahoo.com Website: www.vethathiri.edu.in related to Sri Lankan Tamils, invariably turn their attention to other subjects related to Tamils in Tamil Nadu. This is because of the lack of accessible data and information and due to the risks of travelling to Sri Lanka because of the war. This has robbed Sri Lankan Tamils of valuable works of research and studies which
Wishing to usher in a change in this situation at least at this juncture we have recently created the ‘European Tamil Documentation and Research Centre’ – ETDRC in London.
Though this is a small step we are certain that this institution will create meaningful development in the intellectual lives of the expatriate Tamils in the future. We have taken necessary steps to register this institution as a Tamil Research Centre with the Charity Commission in the United Kingdom. (Registered Charity No. 1127365) As the next stage in this project we have begun to identify individuals who show keen interest in the sphere of Sri Lankan Tamils and to invite them into our institution; we are also collecting books, documents and other written works on this subject.
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tha lifestyle
| lnguage & culture
Apart from this project, I have recorded 5000 books in 5 volumes of my Nool Thettam collections in Tamil Language. A volume of Nool Thettam containing around 600 pages is published annually since the year 2002. The 6th volume is being compiled now and is expected to be published in early 2010. I have donated all the books I get in connection with the compiling of Nool Thettam as an initial resource to the ‘European Tamil Documentation and Research Centre’. These 3000 books are not enough to develop our archive; we need books and work related
to Tamil language from all over the world besides books and works authored by Sri Lankan, Malaysian and Singaporean Tamils. We would be grateful should those in possession of personal collections come forward and donate at least some books from their collections for public use. Many people are now giving us a helping hand for the ETDRC so that it would be of great service as the archive of the expatriate Sri Lankan Tamils and of the works of Singapore and Malaysian Tamils, in the future.
Yet, ETDRC is in need of more and more books and financial support. We are engaged in the task of sourcing them. I appeal to you in the hope that you will come forward to preserve and maintain the books you have on Sri Lankan studies and those written by Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil and English languages with ETDRC. I sincerely believe that this ambitious project would certainly be a useful source of data and information for the researchers on Tamil living in the European countries and also for the next expatriate generation and their needs of researches and studies.
Tha Calendar
08 Dec 2013
28 DEC 2013
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DEC 2013
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DEC 2013
V4U-UK Badminton Tournament
CANE CHARITY DINNER DANCE
St.Patricks alumini dinner dance
Venue Tiffin School, Kingston Upon Thames
Venue Nakshatra Banqueting Hall, Feltham Time 5:30 pm onwards
Venue Nakshatra Banqueting Hall, Feltham Venue Alperton Community School, Stanley Time 6:30 pm onwards Avenue, Wembley. HA0 4JE
Admission £20 per Adult
details: Live music and Admission www.wlts.org. Xmas Carol uk
Contact Ragavan 07768625687 Kamala 07711499284
Admission Contact the Contact Organiser www.wlts.org.uk
Time 10.00am- 6.00pm Categories- Mens Doubles, Over 40 Doubles, Beginners Doubles Team Entry feeBeginners- £20 per team (£10 per person) Mens & Over 40 Doubles- £40 per team (£20 per person) Contact Kesavan- 07747606203 Limited Spaces
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Contact Joe 07921 782266 Dr Jos 07788560001
West london Tamil School Christmas celebration
TAMIL lifestyle
| MOTOR
Car Tax Bands
What You Need to Know
O
ne of the key factor car buyers are concerned with is car tax or road tax. Buyers have to pay the tax every year, but it is easy to work out how much a new car is likely to cost you in tax over the years. The car tax bands are based on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that your car puts out over one kilometre called ‘CO2 emission rate’.
Road Tax ( officially called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)) , has two elements which are main tax rate, which is based on the emissions, and a first year’s rate, which can be more or less , expensive than the normal rate. If they emit less than 100g/km of CO2, then the car is completely tax free and also all cars that produce up to 130g/km are free to tax for the first year. If you buy an car which is manufactured before 2001 , then the tax is based on engine size instead. Cars under 1549cc (1.55 litres) cost £140 per year to tax, while everything above 1549cc costs £225 per year.
CO2 Emissions First year rate (g/km)
Annual rate
Up to 100
£0
£0
101-110 £0
£20
111-120 £0
£30
121-130 £0
£105
131-140 £125
£125
141-150 £140
£140
151-165 £175
£175
166-175 £285
£200
176-185 £335
£220
186-200 £475
£260
201-225 £620
£280
226-255 £840
£475
Over 255
£490
£1,065
Following table applies to cars manufactured after 2001.
Some Cars that have zero tax
Kia Picanto 1
Volkswagen Golf hatchback Peugeot 207 Oxygo
Citroën C3 1.4 HDI
Ford Fiesta Econetic
Price: £7,795 CO2 emissions: 95g/km Combined fuel economy:
Price: Price: £16,775 - £25,370 CO2 emissions: 85g/km Combined fuel economy: 88
67.3 mpg
mpg
Price: £14,395 - £23,995 CO2 emissions: less than100 g/km Combined fuel economy: 62 mpg
Price: £13,895 CO2 emissions: 95g/km Combined fuel economy: 76.3 mpg
Price: £12,645 CO2 emissions: 98g/km Combined fuel economy: 74.3mpg
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TAMIL lifestyle | lnguage & culture
How Good are you in British Slangs? As Tamil Community emigrated from former British Colonial South Asian Countries, most of them were mostly familiarised with their own version and own English style which were close to Queens English.
Bollocks: technically means “balls,” but often describes something seen as extremely negative or lacking in value; e.g. “total shit.”
So for some people British Slangs were new, therefore we researched into some famous British Slangs. As British Tamil become part for greater British Nation, these slangs will help them to mingle with other communities. Here the list of few famous slangs
Chav: white trash.
Any road: used in place of “any way,” primarily used in the north of Britain.
“Bugger off!”: “Go away!” or “Leave me alone!” (Note: Bugger, used on its own, is akin to “Shit!” or swearing)
Cheeky: to be not respectful of something, having a flippant or facetious attitude. Chin Wag: to have a chat with someone.
Baccy: shortened word for “tobacco;” also, “wacky backy” means marijuana.
Collywobbles: extreme queasiness or stomach pain brought on by stress, nervousness or anxiety.
Barmy: crazy, insane; always derogatory.
Crusty Dragon: a piece of snot or booger.
Biggie: term children might use to describe feces; also, an erection.
Daft Cow: a very stupid person (See also: “Wazzock.”)
Bits ‘n Bobs: various things. (Example: “My mother has a lot of Bits ‘n Bobs around the house.”) “Bob’s your uncle!”: “There you go! You’ve got it!”
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Dog’s Bollocks: extremely good or favorable, great Dog’s Dinner: to be dressed nicely or look dapper. Donkey’s Years: ages, as in “I haven’t seen you in ages!”
Fagged: disturbed, bothered or interrupted (Example: If one were studying for a test, one would not want to be “fagged.”) Fit: hot or sexually desirable. The Full Monty: going all the way with it, going big instead of going home. “Get stuffed!”: “Beat it” or “Scram!” Gobby: loudly opinionated, offensive or prickish. (See: Donald Trump.) Gobsmacked: amazed or awed by something. Gormless: completely clueless, like Alicia Silverstone in the 90s film. To Have A Butcher’s: to take a look at something or someone.
TAMIL lifestyle | lnguage & culture
Her Majesty’s Pleasure: being incarcerated or put in prison. “How’s Your Father?”: euphemism for sex (Example: “Have you and your wife had any of the ol’ ‘How’s your father?’ recently?”) “I’m Off To Bedfordshire!”: “I’m hitting the hay!” “It’s Monkeys Outside!”: “Wow, it’s very cold out!” Knackered: phrase meaning “extremely tired,” often uttered after a long, exhausting day; also see: “zonked.” Knees Up: A term for a mixer or a dance party (Example: “I went to this wild knees up this weekend. I wish you could have been there.”) Legless: totally, completely hammered.
Lose The Plot: to go “crazy” or become mentally unstable. Lurgy: sick or under the weather. Made Redundant: to be fired or let go from one’s position. Minted: to be extremely rich. Off One’s Trolley: mad, out of one’s mind. On The Piss: binge drinking solely for the purpose of getting totally smashed. Pavement Pizza: euphemism for puke or vomit. “Pip pip!”: archaic, out-of-use phrase used to say goodbye. Plonk: a pejorative word used to describe red wine of poor quality, usually purchased at little expensive. Ponce: a poser.
Porkies: old Cockney rhyming word used to mean “lies.” (Example: If one is “telling porkies,” you’re telling lies.) Comes from “pork pies,” which rhymes with lies. Puff: a fart. See A Man About a Dog: what you say as an excuse for leaving, in order to hide your destination; also, to excuse oneself to take a giant shit. Shambolic: in a total state of bedlam, chaos or dismay. Shirty: ill-tempered, insolent. Skive: a character deemed particularly lazy or incapable of being of use. Slap And Tickle: making out or heavy petting. Spend A Penny: to use the restroom.
did you know? The most commonly used letter in the alphabet is E The least used letter in the alphabet is Q The sentence “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the English alphabet The word ‘rhythm’ is the longest word without a vowel The letter W is the only letter in the alphabet that has 3 syllables 14
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