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WEST MAMBALAM, ASHOK NAGAR, K.K. NAGAR, VADAPALANI, VIRUGAMBAKKAM NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWSPAPER Aug. 9 - 15, 2009 Vol.7 No.31
A 'Treet' to watch
Did you know that what we call the 'Ashoka' tree here in Chennai is actually the mast tree? I didn't either, before Sunday, till I participated in the Tree Walk conducted in Ashok Nagar on August 2. Chitra Viswanathan from 'Nizhal' sparked off the enthusiasm in the minds of the participants about trees with her clear explanations and trivia about our indigenous plants. She was patient and answered all the questions posed by the participants. The 'Tree Walk' is apparently an attempt to teach people from the neighbourhood about the local trees so that they are taken better care of. The walkers got to see everything from the enormous Peepul tree to the glorious peacock-
flower tree to the camelfoot leaved orchid. Padmini, a resident of Ashok Nagar said, “I did not know about the trees in this locality, even though I walk past them daily. It was a learning experience for me”. Indeed it was a learning experience for everyone involved. Little Hiranmayi, aged seven, brought along her notebook and jotted down the names of all the trees with sketches of their leaves' shapes. “I like the mango tree best,” the little one mused. Another participant Mrinalini, who is a Creative Movement Facilitator for Nizhal, confessed she had always wanted to give something in return to the environment. Contd...Page 3
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VADAPALANI TIMES
August 9 - 15, 2009
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NEWS A 'Treet' ....from Page 1 The tree walk was a good start in that direction. Did you know? The banyan tree and the fig tree are called 'stranglers' since they would completely destroy any other trees growing too close to them. The indigenous 'pungai' tree has spotted leaves because it shares a symbiotic relationship with a fungus. The beautiful Gulmohar trees, which are
common sight have shallow roots and will be the first to be uprooted during rains. The peepul tree has its flowers inside the fruit - they are never visible outside! It was an hour packed with information. It created a platform for sharing ideas and information among like-minded people. As I was returning home, I was looking around, trying to identify the trees I saw. A treat indeed! - Sarasija
Both parents are having diabetes, what is the chance of me getting diabetes? This is one of the most common questions we encounter in our clinical practice. Since diabetes is a hereditary disease, chances of getting diabetes is increased if any one of your family members is having diabetes. If any one of your parent is diabetic, chances of getting diabetes for their children is 60%. If both parents are having diabetes, chance of diabetes is increased to 90%. If any one of your brother or sister is having diabetes, chance of diabetes is 50%. If your spouse is diabetic, chance of getting diabetes is 30%, since the both husband and wife share the common life style, stress and food habits. Being an Indian, if your age is more than 40 years, chance of getting diabetes is 20 30 %. I am diagnosed as having diabetes during pregnancy. I don't want to take insulin, can I take tablets to control diabetes. Usually diabetes in pregnancy is detected between the six and eighth month of pregnancy. Diabetes in pregnancy needs strict control and fasting sugar should be less than 90 mg/dl and 2 hour postprandial sugar level should be less than 120mg/dl, to avoid complications during delivery and to the new born. It is always advisable to treat diabetes in pregnancy with insulin only. Since insulin never crosses placenta to reach the fetus, we can safely use insulin during pregnancy. However, all diabetes tablets cross placenta and reach the fetus also. Insulin has no side effects to growing fetus and can be safely used. For any questions and doubts regarding diabetes, kindly mail to drshanmugaa@gmail.com or vadapalanitimes@gmail.com
Annual Namasankeerthana mega yagnyam
Every year the period, August 1st to 10, has gone down in the Hindu religious calendar as the occasion of Namasankeerthana maha yangya, just like Dasara or Diwali. The magnitude of the event that takes place in Kamaraj Arangam has to be seen and experienced to be believed!! Sri Vittaldas Maharaj, literally transforms the Kamaraj Arangam into Pandari Kshethra, the presiding deity of which is Sri Vittala, who is himself is the “Nadhabramha”! “Varalaru kaanadha koottam” ….is my favourite phrase in Tamizh….. and may be that is the best way to describe the 5000 strong crowd of devotees that participates and gets drowned in the Nama sankeerthanam sessions led by Maharaj ji and his enthusiastic group of sishyas whose age ranges anything between 5
and 70. This is followed by soul stirring, bhakthi laden stories of saints who have tread the soil of our Bharatha punya bhoomi over the centuries. For two hours everyday, Guruji churns nectar from the Namamrutha Sagara of Sri Rama Krishna Hari Vittala and Panduranga Hari Vittala and soaks the bhakthas with eternal bliss, peace, joy and happiness thus transforming our city into a Bhooloka Vaikunda. Mention has to be made about the excellent arrangements - perfectly planned and flexible seating arrangements to accommodate bhakthas of every category in the airconditioned comfort of the arangam, amazing audio out put complete with huge video screens all over the entire auditorium- both inside and outside, (not to mention the huge parking
arena available)…. et al , so meticulously carried out by the organisers thus enabling the bhakthas to get mesmerised and hypnotised by the high voltage power of Sri Vittaldas Maharaj Ji's Nama sankeerthana, in total comfort. Again, one cannot overlook the energetic team of young volunteers who do a splendid job of handling that huge diverse crowd - of babes in arms to octogenarians with walkers - so smoothly and with great respect. On the part of the devotees who haunted Kamaraj Arangam on all 10 days from all corners of the city and its suburbs, while thanking Sri Vittala for this soul-filling spiritual experience, they could only pray to Vittala to bestow on Guruji, ayush, arogyam and aishwaryam
for continuing the unparralled service to society and completing his mind boggling divine project - the worlds biggest temple for Sri Vittobha and Sri Rukmini in the little village of Govindhapuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. For more details Ph : 0435 24723000, log on to www. Vittaldas.com For ever in the service of Guruji
Learn to paint on ostrich egg shell Sri Annai Kamakshi Kalaikudam has been training children in the field of drawing and painting for the past 13 years. Kalaikudam imparts training in oil, acrylic, poster, water colour, glass painting and Tanjore painting etc. It conducts frequent workshops, one day out door camps and
annual exhibitions. Recently on August 2, a one day workshop on ostrich egg shell painting was conducted. The eager participants were taught the art of M-Seal embossing and colourful painting on the egg shell. For more details, contact 24740429 / 9381024002 / 9789877697.
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VADAPALANI TIMES
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August 9 - 15, 2009
KOLLYWOOD SPEAKS
Kamal Haasan launches 'Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru' audio
The audio launch of 'Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru' was spectacular with celebrities gracing the event. Padma shree Kamal Haasan conveyed his wishes to the entire team and launched the audio on August 5 at Satyam Cinemas. The star-studded function also witnessed coming together of eminent personalities like A.R. Murugadoss, Mysskin, K.S. Ravikumar, Gowtham Menon, actress Sneha, Actor Jeyam Ravi, and Editor Mohan and many others. Ajmal who shot to fame with his stunning debut in 'Anjathey' sheds his tough guy image and poses as a cool happy-go-lucky lad in
the film, while Bangalore based Roopa makes her debut starring opposite him in the female lead. Addressing the gathering, K.S. Ravikumar said, 'the film's title 'Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru' has relevance to him. While he was filming 'Padaiyappa', I could not smoke as Sivaji Ganeshan sir who hated smoking was on the sets. I was really stressed out on the shooting spots and couldn't smoke. By the time I go to the store room to smoke, Rajnikanth would be there. Sivaji sir would sense the smell and catch us. And we would blame our make-up artistes standing beside us. First
we were almost 'Thiru Thiru' and later got 'Thuru Thuru' in faulting him”… Director Gowtham Menon wasn't an exception as he shared his moment in the context of the title… “While I was shooting for 'Vettaiyadu Vilayadu' on the second day, it was a scene where Kamal Haasan rescues Jyothika from committing suicide. He enacted the sequence, but I wanted some more improvisation. As I requested for another shot, he indeed asked me to perform it. My nerves merely froze as I was looking 'Thiru Thiru' at him and later he himself delivered another take with
'Thuru Thuru' that was astounding…” Padmashree Kamal Haasan came up on the dais uttering, “Everyone over here expressed their 'Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru' experiences. Fine! If they all had got through it, even I have one. While I was shooting together with Sivaji Ganesan sir for 'Thevar Magan', I requested the film's director to go for another take as I felt Ganesan sir would do better. But, the ace actor heeded to what I discussed. I was starring in perplexed moods 'Thiru Thiru', but within fraction of seconds, he accomplished the shot 'Thuru Thuru'. I
The item girl Mumaith Khan is all set to seduce the audience with her double role in Pournami Nagam. The film is directed by Kannan and has music by SA Rajkumar. The film has Karunas and Aditya in
she wanted to do glamorous roles. As a first step she cut her long hair and made it short and cho sweet. Now, she has done
high-spirits said, “If I am here today, it's all because of my family members who extended their earnest supports. All credit goes to my mentor Priya. V who took so much care in heeding to my requests… I am not sure whether Kamal Haasan remembers the occasion where he felicitated me with Gold Medal in film institute. Today I feel more elated as the ace actor has graced the occasion and showered his blessings…” Satyam Cinemas CEO Swaroop Reddy and Real Image Jaya Chandra welcomed the gathering.
Mumaith Khan does a double role
Keerthi goes glam
Actress Keerthi Chawla is going the glam way. The actress who started with doing girl next door roles, has earlier announced that
want to correct Gowtham's statement regarding retakes. I never look any filmmakers down as they enact certain sequences if they're looking out for perfection.' Adding more, he said, “I am so happy that Nandini has done a fantabulous job. Satyam Cinemas and Real Image have elevated the standard of Tamil Cinema. This is 'Picture Perfect' for Future Cinema. There are more groups roaming around the town opposing 'Satellite Channels'. But I am sure; no one can stop the growth of electronic and digital media.” Finally, director Nandini in
the lead roles. The movie is said to be a fantasy and has lot of computer graphics. Aditya (villain of Billa) sheds his villain image and turns hero with this film. Mumaith will act as a
a bikini act in the film Swetha. Hope the role brings her many more roles, not only glamorous but also perform oriented.
Log on www.vadapalanitimes.com
nagakanni and also as the heroine. The role is supposed to be very challenging for the dancing girl, as she is doing some action scenes and also some good performance.
VADAPALANI TIMES
August 9 - 15, 2009
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NEWS
Classes for IIT-JEE / AIEEE Anugraham Classes is conducting an 8-month classroom course for 8th Std & 14-month classroom course for 9th Std students towards IIT-JEE, AIEEE from August 19. Students having ambitions to graduate from one of the best engineering colleges in the country like the IIT, NIT or BITS now have an opportunity to prepare for the entrance exams conducted by the respective institutes right from class 8 onwards. The examsIIT-JEE, AIEEE or BITSATto be taken after the Plus 2 exams are normally considered 'tough' and hence warrant separate preparation in addition to school studies. Though tough, such exams can be easily cracked if proper guidance is provided from an early class
Anugraham Classes, established in 1984 by Prof. V. Gosakan and located in West Mambalam, is one such institute providing the right guidance to all aspirants seeking entry into the IIT/NIT/BITS in the subjects of Physics, C h e m i s t r y a n d Mathematics. Towards this, an eight month preparatory classroom course - the Talent Bright Program for 8th std, and a 14-month preparatory classroom course for the 9th std- the Project Excellence Junior Programme, is starting on August 19. The institute has successfully prepared hundreds of students over the last two decades. Expert teachers with years of experience and well known in the academic circles will
handle the classes. They have the skill of explaining very complex concepts lucidly making the students understand and apply those concepts to solve real-world numerical problems. Solving numerical problems is a prerequisite to get through any competitive exam. Concepts are also best understood and reinforced once a student solves problems based on them. This preparatory programme paves the way for a student to settle down comfortably for parallel preparations towards IITJEE, AIEEE & BITSAT in his / her 11th & 12th Standards. Interested parents and students can contact The Director for further details. Phone : 24749441 / 9884306136.
Volleyball tournament for women Lions Club of South Central and Exnora Sports Club will be conducting women’s volleyball tournament on August 15 and 16th from 10 am to
1. JUNIORS : Age Group - 9yrs to 13yrs. TOPIC Any Thamizh Keerthanai or Dhesa Bhakthi Padalgal [with carnatic tune]
6 pm as part of Independence Day celebrations. The tournament is open to all, including school and college students and
1. GROUP - I
Pre KG, LKG & UKG
TOPIC Any Cartoon Character which you like.
teams, and there is no entry fee. For more details contact : M. Babu, Exnora Sports Club President 98414 75566
Carnatic Keyboard & Violin 1. JUNIORS : Age Group - 9yrs to 13yrs.
Time : 3 mins.
Essay competition for students Students can win exciting prizes this August-15 by participating in an online essay competition on the theme “My India, My dream”. This essay competition aims at connecting millions of Indians through their dreams as envisioned by Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India.
Essay size can be between 200 to 1000 words about their dream about future India. The last date to apply for the first round of this contest is on or before August 11th, 6pm. Application forms for the same is available at www.myindiamydream.co m. The competition is free for all school/college going students.
First round of winners will be declared on August 15 and it will be based on the votes the readers cast and by verification of an expert panel. Gifts will be distributed through respective student's school / college. For more details, www. myindiamydream.com/ press or call : 09500010101
Mandalabhishekam Srimad Andavan Poundarikapuram Swami Ashramam, functioning at Srirengam, has done Maha Samproshnam for their Chennai ashramam branch at Thiruneer Malai (Pallavaram) on July 9, in the presence of H.H. Sri Ranga priya Mahadesikan
Swamigal. The ashram has the sannadhis of Sri Srinivasa, Sri Lakshmi Haya Griva and Maha Sundarshana Narasimma Sawnadis. The mandala abhishekam started in July will go on till August 29. The ashram committee at Chennai is organising Sree
Suktha Lakshmi Hayagriva and Maha Sudarsana Homams at the premises of the Thiruneer Malai ashram on August 15 from 8 am onwards. For more details, contact: 29700254 or Rajagopal 97102 11324/ R. Seshadre 99402 94908.
on E rati E t s i FR Reg
Workshop on writing skills
Pilgrimage tour
Calligraphy Training center in association with Jayavidya Learning center will conduct “Writing Skills'09” today for children in the age group of 6-10 and 11-18 years at
Loka Dharma Seva F o u n d a t i o n Tr u s t i s organising an anmiga tour to Thiruvayaru/ Thanjavur by bus on August 17. The bus will start at 5 am and the team will be back on
Vijayabharathi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, #8, Dhanalakshmi Colony Main Road, Vadapalani, Chennai-26. The registration fee is Rs.200.
The workshop will concentrate on neatness and speed of the handwriting/calligraphy. For further details, contact: 98419 70643/044-4207 1815
August 19, by 7 am. The tour will cover abishekam and pradosham at Pancha Natheswar temple, Thiruvayaru after a bath in river Kaveri and the team will also visit many temples
in the area. The cost per person will be Rs 650, which is inclusive of all. For details, 24760556 / 94443 81476 [Valasarawakkam] and JK. Sivan : 22240797 / 9840279080[ Nanganallur]
VADAPALANI TIMES
August 9 - 15, 2009
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ARTS
Young and going
K. Balakrishnaan and K.Srividhya Kannan presented a vocal concert on behalf of Vadapalani Times 30th week of Music Festival at Sankara Madam, West Mambalam. Lion Vijayakumar, EditorPublisher of Vadapalani Times introduced the artistes to the gathering. He highlighted the popularity of the music festival and how it has become a platform for young artistes to showcase their talents. The concert commenced with Sree Vighna rajam bhaje in gambeera nattai ragam. The selection of keerthanas suited the performers age. Though young, the vocalists proved their talent and reflected their gurus training. Some of the keerthanas were presented with a small raga alapana and swarams. Shanmave in
bowli, kamkshi kamakodi in mayamalava gowlai, B a n t u r e e t h i i n hamsanatham, parakalela in kedaragowla, Alayamani in sivaranjani were presented with good tempo. Giridhari Gopala in mohanam, dhandividalam i n a a r a b h i , Gangadheeswaram in sindhubhairavi, Ramakrishna Hare in bhajan sampradayam made the audience to sing along with the vocalists. There was good coo r d i n a t i o n a n d understanding between the brother and sister duo. Bho sambho in revathy, Idathu patham thooki in kamas, vadavarai maththakki in ragamalika stood for excellency in diction. Mahadeva siva s a m b h o i n r e v a t h y, kootrayinavaru in navaroj, Enna Kavi Padinalum in n e e l a m a n i a n d
Thiruppughz reflected the devotional inspiration. Selection of thillana in gambheeranattai ragam was apt. And it was the special attraction of the evening. Since the accompanying artistes of the concert were seniors, the support was very good and was according to the vocalists standard , so that each and every one in the audience could enjoy. The audience from time to time responded with a p p r e c i a t i o n s . Balaveeraraghavan on violin and Hari on mridangam were the accompanying artistes. Appreciation certificates were distributed to the vocalists. Vijayakumar in his speech admired the voice culture and even the audience felt the same. -Sharma
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VADAPALANI TIMES
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Regd. with RNI under Regn.No.TNBIL/2002/10963 R.Dis.No.349/09
August 9 - 15, 2009
NEWS
Singer Suseela felicitated
Dr. Inturi (Venkateswara Rao) Kalamandir Trust organised Sri Inturi Ve n k a t e s w a r a r a o ’s centenary celebrations and Dr. Inturi Memorial Awards presentation programme at Sarada Bhavan Infosys Hall at Ramakrishna Mission Hr.Sec.School, T.Nagar. T h e D r. I n t u r i Vi s i s t a Smaraka Puraskaram award was presented to
Padma Bhooshan P. S u s e e l a , f a m o u s playback singer. Dr.Inturi Visista Paatrikeya Puraskaram Award was given to I.Arjuna Rao, senior cine journalist. J.Sathyanarayana, founder secretary of the trust, Y.Sathyanarayana, N.Subbarao and N.Lakshmi, daughter of Inturi Venkateswara Rao had organised the function.
Bhuvan Chandra, cine poet and B.S.R.Krishna, senior journalist were the guests. Dr.G.Lalitha released Pranavi`s Gangaram, and video CD of Vrishagaatha. The guests recalled the memories of Dr.Inturi Venkateswara Rao who was a freedom fighter, youth leader, political journalist, socialist leader, film journalist and editor.
The guests narrated Dr.Inturi`s service towards cine field. Dr.Inturi had bagged many honours such as Ramabrahmam Award in 1975. He was h o n o u r e d b y Te l u g u Dharbar and it was he who inaugurated the first Andhra Cinema Employees conference at Vijayawada . In 1985, the prestigious “Ramnoth Award and so many prestigious awards were presented to him for his selfless service in different fields. Dr.Inturi was also one of the key persons who introduced free meals at T i r u m a l a . J.Sathyanarayana welcomed the gathering. Dr.Suseela and Arjunarao recollected their intimacy with Dr.Inturi and shared the experiences with audience. B.S.R. Krishna,.Swarnalatha, journalist Sree Rentala Jayadeva felicitated his family members for conducting the memorial programme. The
Janmashtami celebrations ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), will conduct Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on August 14 at its temple in Hare Krishna Land, Off East Coast Road, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai119, from 5 pm to 2 am. The celebrations will include prize distribution to the winners of the Hare K r i s h n a U t s a v competitions, Mohiniattam dance performance by students of Gopika Varma, Bharatanatyam recital by students of Meenakshi Chittaranjan and special bhajans with visuals. An elaborate abhishekam of Sri Rukmini Krishna
S a t y a b h a m a w i l l b e Administrative Committee, performed at midnight. A TTD Information Centre, kalasha abhisehkam is T.Nagar will grace the occasion. Dr. Pappu Venugopal Rao, secretary of the Music Academy and Director General of the American centre for Indian Studies will be the guest of honour. Sri S.B. Prabhakar Rao, Honorary Vice Consul, Royal Consulate Chennai will be the special guest. ‘Krishna’s Kids’, a unique fun section for kids will a r r a n g e d w h e r e b y also be there. devotees can sponsor the kalashas used for abhishekam and take back the kalasham home. Ananda Kumar Reddy, president of the Local
Gokulashtami festival Sri Ram Samaj, West Mambalam is conducting several programmes for Gokulashtami. The festival will commence on August
10 and will conclude on August 16. For details contact: 2489 3077 / 2371 8286
Log on www.vadapalanitimes.com Owner & Published by K.P. Vijayakumar from 37/5, Arya Gowda Road, West Mambalam, Chennai - 600 033. Printed by S. Ramachandra Bhat at Jayanthi Printers, New No.5, Govindarajan Street, Puliyurpuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai - 24. Editor : K.P. Vijayakumar