VOL: 2 ISSUE 63 August 30, 2009 PRICE Re. ONE ONLY

Established in 2008

*

ALPHA TIMES

To Advertise Call

99400 2455690947 99006

LAKSHMI VILAS BANKNo. 29, Govindu Street, Near Panagal Park,

T.Nagar, Chennai-17.

The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced a pay hike for teachers in universities, government colleges and

g o v e r n m e n t - a i d e d colleges.

T h e m o v e

would benefit 20,000 teachers and entail an a d d i t i o n a l a n n u a l expenditure of Rs 557.49 crore to the government.

D i s c l o s i n g d e t a i l s o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s dec i s ion , Ch ie f M i n i s t e r M . Karunanidhi, told reporters that a newly-appointed assistant professor would get Rs 26,352 a month against the present pay of Rs 1 9 , 6 8 0 . T h e minimum increase would be Rs 6,672.

Likewise, in the case of professors, the revised pay would be Rs 62,085 against their current pay of Rs 40,344, an increase o f Rs

21,741.As done in the

case of government

employees, the new pay scales would be fixed notionally from January 1, 2006. The monetary benefit would be given since January 1, 2007. The arrears would be g i v e n i n t h r e e installments.

T h e C h i e f Minister also said that there would be no change in the structure of the revised pay scale and academic grade pay, as announced by the Union government on the basis of the University Grants C o m m i s s i o n ’ s recommendation.

T h e government would follow another recommendation of the Commission that t h e r e b e t h r e e designations of teachers — assistant professors, associate professors and professors.

As advised by

the UGC, the pay scales of librarians, assistant l i b ra r ians , phys ica l educat ion directors, deputy and assistant p h y s i c a l e d u c a t i o n directors would also be

revised. They would also receive pension, family pens ion and o the r pensionary benefits, as given to the government employees.

The conditions

followed for the provision of other allowances to the government employees would be applicable in the case of the teachers, Mr. Karunanidhi added.

MK announces pay hike for varsity, college teachers

Private radio channels may be able to broadcast news sourced from agencies like PTI a n d U N I i f t h e government accepts their long pending request to allow them to do so.

F M r a d i o broadcasters have been demanding that they should be allowed to use news provided by the a g e n c i e s i n t h e i r bulletins.

"The matter is still under consideration," according to a top official

of the information and broadcasting ministry.

The demand, being considered by the ministry, could form a part of the phase-III roll out of F M r a d i o s t a t i o n s bidding.

The phase-III of FM radio stations bidding would be rolled out as soon as the government settles the financial problems and royalty issues facing several bidders of the second phase.

A t p r e s e n t ,

there are around 100 FM radio channels in the country and a number of private companies have applied for licence to launch new channels.

Govt may allow pvt radio channels to broadcast agency news

Reaches

55,000households every week

Page 2 Alpha Times August 30, 2009

VOL: 2 ISSUE 63 August 30, 2009

Stars this weekStars this week

With Geminian Mars sighted by Pluto, there will be a funds-crunch. Irrational associates could make the situation tense but a younger colleague may help.

Exalted Mercury is good for finances. You can now shop, invest, sell and purchase stocks. Wednesday is auspicious to make bids and gain.

You’ll increase your professional output. You may join hands with like-minded people to improve your thoughts.

A hectic and work-oriented period ahead, so take care of your health and to lead a sound and sturdy life.

An exalted Mercury will bring defeat for opponents. A distant relative could bring good news. Beware of idle friends on Wednesday.

Reposing confidence in Geminians and Virgoans is beneficial but stay away from Cancerians and Leos.

With Mars in the house of finance, protect your funds and utilise them wisely. Opt for long-term gains rather than short-term ones.

Debility-prone Jupiter together with Dragon’s-head foretells spurt in expenditure and a financial disaster. Check impulsive instincts.

An ascending Saturn is a force reckon with. Your achievements could make rivals intolerant. You will not lag behind in a trial or test.

Don’t pay heed to gossip. The opposition is in your imagination. You can tackle it head on.

All major stars are smiling on you. Don’t turn down invitations even if these take a big chunk of your time.

You have struggled alone but now onwards you can count on friends. Seek help and feel relieved.

- Dr. Anuj Vikram Sharma

For the week Aug. 30 - Sept.05, 2009

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Saibaba wanted to belong to all and be shared by all. He apparently found himself at ease in this paradoxical situation. When pressed on whether he was Hindu or Muslim, he would often get very angry and abuse people. Once he told a devotes:" You have been with me for eighteen years now. Does Sai mean for you only these three and a half cubits of height?

Certainly, Saibaba never encouraged his own worship, though in the last years he gave up

resistance and accepted the cult which the Hindus tribute to him, often in a q u i t e os tenta t ious form. Saibaba was able to avoid clashes between two communi t ies a n d succeeded in unifying them i n a n atmosphere of g e n e r a l harmony. At

this early period, Hindu worship of Baba was purely individual. A devotee would bring flowers, bow to him, and ask for a blessing and leave. Mhalsapati was apparently the only one who honored him with a sandal paste puja.

Baba would often talk about Hindu gods, quoting from sacred texts and commenting upon passages of Bhagavadgita, the Isha Upanishad and so forth. The names of Krishna and Rama seem to have been particularly dear to him. With Muslim followers, Baba would always talk of Allah and Koran, often quoting Persian verses. Apparently one of his favorite expressions were Allah rakhega vaisa rahena, that is, Let us be content with what we have and submit our will to Allah. On several occasions, Sai reassured his listeners by saying that he, like them, was but a devotee of Allah, a humble faqir with two arms and two legs.

In later years, Parsis and even a few Christians would come to Shirdi. Saibaba respected all creeds, true to his conviction that all religions are but particular paths leading to one ineffable goal. All had free access to the Masjid: outcasters, lepers, dogs, birds and so on. Baba particularly enjoyed the company of untouchables and the ill. One Bhagoji Shinde, a leper, came to be one of Sai's closest devotees. This was the reason why the Masjid came to be known by the Hindu name of Dvarakamai, the many-gated mother. From the young faqir, most asked for blessings of a material kind, progeny, jobs, cures from illness etc. very few requested spiritual guidance.

He belonged to All!

Access to higher education in India is marked by a high degree of inequality and the dice is heavily loaded in favour of the privileged and well-to-do sections of society. Now all this is likely to change. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved interest-free education loans to students from economically disadvantaged families who want to pursue technical or professional courses in recognised institutes. This should open doors for those who are denied the opportunity due to lack of money.

That the scheme employs income rather than caste as a determinant for interest subsidy implies that it will not only reach out to larger sections of society but will also be more widely acceptable. Unlike caste-based reservations, it doesn’t undermine merit. Besides, the upper ceiling of Rs 4.5 lakh, higher than the initial proposal of Rs 2.5 lakh, has been arrived at after much deliberation to widen the ambit and scope of the scheme. In the modern world education is an important means that increases social mobility. It guarantees individual success, is crucial to survival and allows people to break social barriers. Though the 1986 National

Policy on Education states: “In higher education in general, and technical education in particular, steps will be taken to facilitate inter-regional mobility by providing equal access to every Indian of requisite merit, regardless of his origins” huge gaps have existed. Higher education has remained a preserve of the creamy layer. Affirmative action like the interest subsidy can provide a level-playing field provided there are no lapses in implementation.

The scheme has appropriate checks and balances in place to ensure that it is not misused. For one the interest subsidy shall be available only once and not to those who drop out on reasons other than medical grounds. However, the proposal to be applicable from the academic year 2009 to 2010 should not be caught in red tape.

Equality in education

“Sree Krishna Jayanthi Mahotsavam” Part II will be celebrated at the Sri Sringeri Jagadguru Sankara Math located at New No. 38 (Old No. 29), Krupasankari Street, West Mambalam, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 01 as detailed hereunder .

Aug. 30 7.15 p.m Garuda Sevai; Bhajan by Sri O.S. Sundar and party; Aug. 31 and Sept. 01 at 7.15 pm a discourse on Sri Krishna Vaibhavam by U.Ve. M V Anantha Padmanabhachariar. All are welcome

“Sree Krishna Jayanthi Mahotsavam” Part II

Tiruvellikeni Sri Paruvathamalai Adiyaargal Tiruppani Sangam, No.7, V.R. Pillai St., First Lane, Tiruvellikeni, has planned the renovation of the 2000-year old Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, at Sri Paruvatha Malai, in Tiruvannamalai District. The temple on this hill, which is about 5000 feet high, allows devotees themselves to perform abhishekam for the Lord.

Plans are on to build pedestals for deities, two-tier vimanam for Lord Mallikarjuna and another vimanam for Brahmarambikai Amman and gopurams for Goddess Kali and Veerabhadra Swamy. Kumababhishekam will follow.

Devotees are requested to contribute for the cause. For details call M. Murugan at 99430 78343.

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple renovation planned

The annual Hayagriva Jayanthi at Sri Vedanta Desikar Temple, Mylapore, will be held on September 2. There will be a special Thirumanjanam for the deity and Swami Desikar at 10 a.m. and in the evening there will be a grand procession of Swami Desikar at 6.45 p.m.

There will be a Pushpangi Sevai for Sri Srinivasa Perumal and Thaayar (Moolavar) on the same day in connection with Thiruvonam. For details, contact Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam at 044-24953799.

Hayagriva Jayanthi

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Sri V. Narayana Iyer Memorial Trust, (Ph: 2621 2454), to be celebrated at Asthika Samajam, Alwarpet, on August 30, 6.01 p.m., the title, ‘Pravachana Vachaspati,’ will be conferred on Dr. Ananntha Padmanabhachariar, a doyen in the field of pravachanam. Also Dr. Nalli Award will be presented to Prof. Veezhinathan, Sri G.K. Subramaniya Iyer Award to Jaya Srinivasan and Smt. Sankari Narayanan Award to Dr. Premeela Gurumurthy. Justice S . V . Ramasubramanian, Judge, High Court Judicature, Chennai, will do the honours.

The events will be followed by Ananntha Padmanabhachariar’s ‘Vaazhkaiyil Nam Kadanum, Karumamum.’

‘Pravachana Vachaspati’ title for MVA

Chaithanya Mahaprabhu Nama Biksha Kendra, Chennai twill organise chanting of Hare Rama from 4 pm to 5.30 pm on Sunday, Aug.30 at the residence of Rajalakshmi Narayanan at F-4, Achuthan Flats, 19, Janakiraman Street, West Mambalam. Contact for more information: 98412 82765/ 89522. All are welcome.

Hare Rama chanting

Page 3Alpha TimesAugust 30, 2009

Daily Trip to Thirupathi

T h e Stenographers’ Guild, T.Nagar, has proposed to conduct a Tailor-Made special coaching for Banks’ Probationary O f f i c e r s / C l e r k s E x a m i n a t i o n s f r o m S a t u r d a y, t h e 5 t h September 2009. Since many Banks are coming f o r w a r d t o r e c r u i t POs/Clerks, the Guild is starting coaching classes with an aim to help youth to acquire the necessary reasoning ability and quantitative methods of solv ing problems in the exams.

The duration of the coaching classes will be two hours a day for six days in a week and for 2 months. There will be morning and evening batches and exclusive Sunday batches.

Since the State Bank has announced that there are 11,000

vacancies to be recruited especially 880 vacancies in Tamil Nadu alone, the Guild is starting a special coaching for effectively t a k i n g u p t h e s e examinations.

The coaching is offered free of cost to physically handicapped, orphans, trans-genders, Gypsy community and economically poor boys and girls. For others, the fee will be very low compared to o ther institutions conducting s u c h t r a i n i n g programmes.

For details, the Office of the Guild may be contacted at No.1, Guild Street, (Behind Siva-Vishnu Temple), T. N a g a r, C h e n n a i -6 0 0 0 1 7 . P h o n e : 24342421; 24337387, Fax: 42867859; E-mail: s t e n o l d @ v s n l . c o m ; w e b s i t e : www.stenold.org

Special coaching classes for bank examinations

Sri Suprabhata S a b h a , W e s t M a m b a l a m , i s celebrating its 40th anniversary from Sept. 4to 6 and has organized special programmes commemorat ing the celebrations. The venue will be 10/6, Baroda Second Street, West Mambalam.

The p rog ra -mme details: Sept. 4:4.00 pm: Vedapaara-y a n a m ; 6 . 3 0 p m : Bhajans by Sri Vishwa

Vidyalaya; 7.30 pm: Sampradhaya Bhajans b y d i s c i p l e s o f Srivanchiyam Murali-dhara Bhagavathar.

Sept. 5: 6.00 pm; Yoga demonstration ; 6 . 1 5 p m : S l o k a chanting; 7.00 pm: Magic show by K.T.S. Raman. Sep t . 6 : 7 .00 am: Laksharchana for Lord Venkateswara: 8.00 am: visit of Sri Muraildhara Guruji Swamy. All are welcome.

Suprabhata Sabha 40th anniversary celebrations

Ta m i l n a d u Thiruvallurvar Kazhagam (15/4, Arya Gowda Road, West Mambalam) will have its monthly meeting at 10 am on Sunday, Aug.

30 in Anjuham Higher Secondary School, West M a m b a l a m . Pichinikaadu Ilango will read out his poems. All are welcome.

Thiruvalluvar Kazhagam meeting

G a n d h i a n Integrated Forum Trust (36, 1st Avenue, 100 Feet Road, Ashok Nagar) will conduct competitions in Tamil on the topic How to make people realize that untouchability is a sin? which are open to all. The categories are short stories, songs and street plays. Oratorical and

fancy dress competitions will also be conducted. Separate competitions will be conducted for college students.

F o r partivcipation call P. M a r u t h i ( M a n a g i n g T r u s t e e ) i p h o n e 9 3 8 1 0 0 7 3 0 4 . E -mail:p_maruthi2002@yahoo.co.in

Gandhian Forum contests in Tamil

B e n g a l A s s o c i a t i o n h a s o rgan i zed a b l ood donation camp from 9.30 am to 1 pm on Sunday, Aug. 30 in its premises. at 29, Giri Road, T.Nagar

Tapes Bajan (Honorary Secretary) said that volunteers from V H S B l o o d B a n k , Velachery will collect the blood. call phone 2834 0557.for details

Blood donation camp

N a l i n i Viswanathan a resident of Lake View Road, West Mambalam will give a talk on ‘Benefits of yoga’ at 10 a.m on Thursday, Sept.3 in Koviloor Madalayam, Kuppaiah Road, West Mambalam.

The talk will cover the breathing t e c h n i q u e s a n d d e m o n s t r a t i o n s o f asanas.

Al l are wel-come.

More detai ls can be had in phone 94449 29801.

Talk on benefits of yoga

INDIA'S FAMOUR ASTROLOGERGreat Disciple of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Pandit Guru Maharaj

Due to Public Demand Pandit is staying in Chennai since 2000. He predicts your future in traditional way by reading your Face, Palm, Photograph & Horoscope, Consult Pandit for Higher Education, Employment, Business, Finance Problem, Abroad, Politics, Love Marriage, Children, Husband & Wife relationship and all your personal problems will be solved. Industrialists & Cine Actors have been benefitted by Pandit.

FIX APPOINTMENT OVER PHONE.4th Block, Flat 1-A, Chari Street, (North Usman Road), T.Nagar, Chennai-17

Ph: 98401 76260/ 2814 2625

To Advertise Call

99400 24556

T h e B r i t i s h Institute of Technology a n d E - C o m m e r c e (BITE), London, has announced a scholarship f o r i t s M a s t e r ’ s programme.

Students can opt for MBA in Banking and Finance, M.Sc in Innovative Technology, M . S c i n N a n o Technology, LLB and o t h e r t e c h n o l o g y programmes for i ts S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2009 intake.

The p rog ra -m m e a l s o e n t a i l s additional two years in the U.K. under the Post

Study work visa scheme, which permits students to gain two years work experience, said a press release said.

For details on the admission, contact Janet Foxcroft at 99628 00567 or 24996688. The office is located at 177, Royapettah High Road, 3rd Floor, SMS Center, Mylapore

BITE Scholarship

newsalphatimes@gmail.comSend your news and events to

Page 4 Alpha Times August 30, 2009

R. Karthikeyan, 90947 99009

Banks to cap third party ATM cash withdrawal from mid-OctoberBanks have

decided to put a Rs 10,000 cap per third p a r t y A T M c a s h withdrawal from October 15, besides limiting such transactions to five in a month.

Indian Banks’ Association, which is the industry lobby of Indian banks, has sent a c i rcu lar to i ts 150 member banks directing them to implement the decisions from mid-October, a source close to the development said.

“IBA has sent a circular to all banks a s k i n g t h e m t o i m p l e m e n t t h e s e decisions on third party ATM transactions from October 15,” the source

said. E a r l y t h i s

month, the Reserve Bank had put a Rs 10,000 cap per withdrawal from ATMs not owned by the bank in wh ich the c u s t o m e r h a s a n

account, besides limiting such transactions to five in a month.

The apex bank h a d s e n t a communication in this regard to Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

I B A h a d s u b m i t t e d i t s

recommendations to the central bank last month citing the financial burden faced by banks on account of huge number of third party usage and small-ticket withdrawals.

Since April 1, RBI had declared third p a r t y AT M u s a g e , i n c l u d i n g c a s h withdrawals and account enquiries, free for all customers and said that banks can charge Rs 18-20 per month from other banks in case of third party ATM transaction.

W i t h t h e number of third party transactions surging p o s t - A p r i l , b a n k s approached the Reserve Bank through IBA to revisit the current norms and make necessary modifications.

Though IBA had also recommended a minimum limit of Rs 1,000 on third party ATM withdrawals, this was rejected by the Reserve Bank to protect the i n t e r e s t o f s m a l l withdrawers.

Teachers who have completed 15 years of service and above

were honoured with cash awards and gold coins in Sri Sitaram Vidyalaya Mat. Hr. Sec. School, West Mambalam

M r . Duraiswamy, a willing donor and endowment donor of Sri Ram Samaj recognized the services of the teachers with long service magnanimously v o l u n t e e r e d a n d honoured 22 teaching and non-teaching staff of the esteemed institution. M r s . L e e l a Parthasarathy, Principal

delivered the welcome speech. All the trustees and governing body

members of Sri Ram S a m a j g r a c e d t h e o c c a s i o n . S r i N . V e n k a t a r a m a n , President, Sr i Ram Samaj and the School Committee addressed t h e t e a c h e r s a n d appreciated them for t h e i r s i n c e r e a n d dedicated service to the institution.

M r s . P . M a n g a l a m . S e n i o r teacher and recipient of the award presented vote of thanks.

Teachers of Sitaram Vidyalaya honoured

Vanamamalai jeer visited the Vasudeva S a t h s a n g a m , We s t Mambalam on Aug. 27.

He was received with religious rites by the Sathsangam members.

E x p r e s s i n g happiness about the Sathsangam in h is

anugraha bashanam, the Jeer stressed the importance of unity among the community

and urged the devotees to pray to Lord Sriman Narayana on a daily basis to wash off the sins.

H e a l s o stressed the importance

Vanamamalai jeer visits Vasudeva Sathsangam

S R M Nightingale Matric. Hr. Sec. School , West Mambalam, primary sections ce leb ra ted t he V i n a y a k a Chathurthi on Aug. 24.

M a t h a , P i t h a , G u r u , Deivam was the concept selected for that day. The primary children showcased idols of Vinayaka in various posture.

A boy in t h e g u i s e o f Vinayaka was the centre of attraction. Children chanted slokas and bhajans which added to the a l r e a d y p r e v a i l i n g divinity.

S k i t s a n d stories were recited about the birth of Vinayaka, h is p lay pranks as a child to various other Gods and the importance of being the remover of obstacles were deftly handled by the children. How he extolled his father and mother and how he acted as Guru were also

recited through stories.

The aud ience and parents came to visit the

display and they were

given Mothagam, and Thambulam.

Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam in a class of its own

of chanting the Lord's nama as and when possible which will alone will bring peace to the society.

He added that his wish of visiting Chennai d u r i n g C h a t h u r m a s y a vritham had fullfilled only now.

Devotees thronged the Sathsangam to have a glimpse and blessings of the Jeer

Send your news and events to

newsalphatimes@gmail.com

Page 5Alpha TimesAugust 30, 2009

As thousands of people in the country are waiting for organ t r a n s p l a n t , M I O T Hospital in a unique initiative has proposed to sign-up 10,000 people to donate their organs from this year.

''You don't need to be a hero to save a life. All you need is a large heart and compassion to gift a life through organ donation".

This was the motto of the new initiative MODE (MIOT Hospitals Organ Drive), today launched by Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin to educate, sensitise, enroll and propagate the message o f o rgan donation after death.

T h i s w a s launched by MIOT H o s p i t a l s t o commemorate its tenth anniversary.

Mr Stalin and his wife Ms Durgavathy Stalin, who donated their organs to the Hospital, lit a lamp for symbolic launch of MODE in the p resence o f M IOT Hospitals founder Dr P V A M o h a n d a s a n d Chairman Dr Mallika Mohandas.

Speaking on t h e o c c a s i o n , D r M o h a n d a s s a i d

thousands of people in India were suffering, waiting desperately for an organ. ''All parts of the body, except the brain, can be harvested from brain- dead patients and transplanted to the needy people''.

Corneas, lungs, heart, and heart valves, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestine, femoral and saphenous veins, skin,

connective tissue, bone, b o n e m a r r o w a n d t e n d o n s c o u l d b e donated by brain dead patients.

''Every year one l a k h p e o p l e a r e diagnosed with chronic kidney ailments who need urgent transplants. But due to non availability of organs only 2,500 kidney transplants are done'', he said.

Dr Mohandas said Miot Hospitals performs two kidney transplants a week which comes to jus t 104 transplants a year. But the demand is more.

''We have all the facilities, equipment, surgeons, expertise, and talent, but still there is no awareness on organ donat ion' ' , he said, prompting the hospital to launch this new initiative.

''The gesture of Mr Stalin and his wife will stimulate millions of people to donate their organs to meet the demand'', he added.

He said MODE was launched to extend

the reach of the Tamil Nadu government ' s organ donor programme and create awareness and launch a massive drive to sensitise the people on the need for organ donation.

' ' M O D E w i l l handle the promotion and coordination while the organs of brain dead p e r s o n s , w h o a r e registered with MODE, will be harvested by the G o v e r n m e n t i n

a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e regulations stipulated in the Transplantation of Human Organs Act," Dr Mohandas said.

MIOT Hospital launches organ donation drive MODE

The Reserve Bank of India has banned acceptance of deposits from the public by Chit Funds in public interest with immediate effect.

According to a notification issued late last night the decision has been taken in the interest of public and also for the purpose of enabling the bank to regulate the credit the credit system of the country to its advantage.

R B I s a i d i t prohibits mislaneous non-bankign companies (MNBCs) from accepting deposits from public excep t f r om sha re holders, which was subject to the conditions specified in the directions issued by the RBI.

A n y d e p o s i t accepted and held by the MNBCs other than from its shareholders as on date shall be repaid on maturity and shall not be

Chit Fund companies banned from accepting deposits.

Page 6 Alpha Times August 30, 2009

On Call Service Rs. 75/-

Computer Service

& Laptop Service.

Software Installation on Rs. 75

SM Computers

988444548842801038

Situations vacantRental Residential

BASIC HINDILearn to speak, read, write Hindiin three months.Convenient Timings

HINDI VIDYANIKETANOld No: 10, Dhandapani St., T.Nagar.

98414 02602/ 6519 0376

* DSA of Fullerton India wanted Te leca l le rs , document executive & sales officer to market p e r s o n a l l o a n C T 9841632311

* Residential flat 1320 Sq.ft ground floor, 3 bedroom and a carpark with 2 A/c fixed at Akba rabad Second Street, Kodambakkam. Brahmins only. Broker's excuse. Contact 94444 63132.

If you are notreceiving the

paper by12.00 noonPlease Call

90947 99009

Sir, Linking of rivers

at National level is to take two decades and linking of storm water canals built along all streets and roads of Chennai will take atleast five years.The labourers employed by the contractors punch all power cables and drive the residents from pillar to post for restoring the connections. Even the water mains are not spared of the damage done by the labourers.

While harvesting rain water falling on roofs and compounds of houses is possible, harvesting such water falling on road surface is well nigh impossible.God save Chennai and its citizens of the troubles and difficulties posed by the Corporat ion and i ts contractors and their labourers.

K Vaidyanathan, T Nagar, Chennai-17.,

Ph: 2815 6891.

Storm Water Drainage-Gains & Pains!

Sir I s t ay i n a res ident ia l complex comprising 28 flats. We, the members of this complex salute the nation in our humble way by hoisting the national flag every year, on Jan 26 and Aug 15. This year too, I was looking forward to the occasion to unfurl the national flag on Aug 15. Before I went to bed the previous night, I decided to get up early and be ready for the occasion.

But at 4.00 a.m. on Aug 15, 2009, it was pitch dark, with spells of rain. There was no power. The drizzle kicked up the heat disturbing my sleep. As if this was not enogh, I had to use the ‘bat’ to contain the ‘bites’ of mosquitoes, which rain or shine, make the life of the people

miserable. I first thought that the power wi l l resume immediately. But this was not to be. At 6.00 a.m., I phoned up TNEB to find out as to when the power will resume. As usual, the phone was engaged and after continuous efforts, I got them on the line. They replied that the defect is being attended to and power will resume at 9.00 a.m.

T h o u g h t h e country attained freedom 62 years ago, we, the people still struggle to gain freedom – freedom f r o m p o w e r c u t s , m o s q u i t o b i t e s , c o r r u p t i o n , encroachment on foot-paths and the l ike. Despite the fact that the i l k s o f T r a f f i c Ramaswamy fighting against some of them through filing PILs [Public

Interest Litigations], we are yet to taste victory.

B e f o r e I conclude, I must state that the power was restored at 12.00 noon. From morning 4.00 a.m. till 12.00 noon, we really sweat it out. This sweat due to power failure w o u l d p a l e i n t o insignificance when one realizes the hurdles/ h a r d s h i p s o f o u r freedom fighters to rid our country from the hold of Britishers. Jai hind – nay Jai ho!

- V S Jayaraman, 31 Motilal Street,

T Nagar

Freedom from power cuts

Sir,The traffic in

Brindavan Street turning near the SRM hospital is a nightmare or all the road users. A new barricade is blocking the smooth flow of traffic. The policeman on duty is unable to control the traffic . The barricade was erected to 'protect' a poli stall doing roaring business - at the cost of the road users.

Will the civic / p o l i c e a u t h o r i t i e s prevent these hurdles so that the traffic can flow smoothly ?- Sivaramakrishnan R

Giri Street, West Mambalam

Traffic chaos in

West Mambalam

T h o s e interested in starting new industrial training i n s t i t u t e o r n e w departments in the ex i s t i ng i ns t i t u tes shou ld submi t an a p p l i c a t i o n . T h e a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e avai lab le wi th the D e p a r t m e n t o f E m p l o y m e n t a n d Training, Alandur Road, Guindy, Chennai – 32.The applications will be given till August 31 and the last date for receipt of fi l led in a p p l i c a t i o n s i s September 30.

Applications invited

Applicants for the Haj pilgrimage this year will be required to submit valid inoculation certificates for seasonal flu taken two weeks prior to obtaining Haj visas. They will also have to

Submit inoculation certificates

S. Rly will run

Special trains for Velankanni festival

Chenna i Egmore – Nagore specials (via Arakkonam, Jolarpettai, Salem, Karur, Tiruchi, T h a n j a v u r , a n d Nagapattinam):

Train No. 0627 w i l l l eave Chenna i Egmore at 10 p.m. on September 4 (Friday) and reach Nagore at 11 a.m. the next day. In return – train No. 0628 will leave Nagore at 2 p.m. on September 6 (Sunday) and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 3.45 a.m. the next day.

F i l l e d - i n application forms for the Rs. 1- lakh Kaniyan Poongkundranar prize f o r Ta m i l s o f t w a r e developers should reach the Director of Tamil D e v e l o p m e n t , Directorate of Tamil Development , Hal ls Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 on or before S e p t e m b e r 1 5 . T h e development of software should have been done between 2006 and 2008, an official release issued recently stated.

Prize for Tamil software developers

The Vasantha Memorial Trust is busy collecting goods and material for its annual j u m b l e s a l e o n S e p t e m b e r 9 , t h e proceeds of which will go t o w a r d s c a n c e r treatment for the needy. The trust collects old and unwanted items like furniture, utensils, toys, domestic and electronic appliances, old cars and bikes, but not clothes, footwear, to i le t r ies, eatables, medicines, books, cassettes and CDs, and re-sells them. Last year, the trust raised Rs 8 lakh from a similar sale. Members of the trust even collect junk from the doorstep. For d e t a i l s , c o n t a c t 9894089379. The last date for deposition is September 7.

Jumble sale to help needy cancer patients

s u b m i t i n o c u l a t i o n cer t i f i ca tes for the A(H1N1) f lu. Those suffering from chronic diseases, children and pregnant women are advised to postpone their Haj and Umrah this year for their own safety.

Page 7Alpha TimesAugust 30, 2009

Think of the various forms and ways that we use paper — newspapers, books and magazines, catalogues, brochures and junk mail, printer and copier paper, email printouts memos or reports, bank notes, paper towels and toilet paper, food packaging l i k e c e r e a l b o x e s , wal lpapers and gi f t wrappings… the list can go on and on. To say that paper can be found in all aspects of modern life would not be wrong.

N o w t h i n k where all this paper comes from. The raw material for all this paper comes from only one source — trees that are cut down to make all the paper we use. We never stop to think how many trees are cut down to meet our paper needs. Few of us would have ever imagined that as many as 24 trees are hacked down for a ton of copier paper and 12 trees for newsprint.

We not only lose trees when we make paper but we a lso c o n t a m i n a t e o u r e n v i r o n m e n t a n d c o n s u m e p r e c i o u s e n e r g y r e s o u r c e s . Production of paper is responsible for pollution of air and water and for deforestation, and it all contributes to climate c h a n g e a n d disappearance of plant and animal species. Yet we use paper as if it were a cheap commodity, without realising the real cost of paper production and its rampant use in t e r m s o f h e a l t h , environment and well-being.

According to a repo r t by Na t i ona l Wildlife Federation, USA, “Paper production ranks a m o n g t h e m o s t resource-intensive and highly polluting of all

m a n u f a c t u r i n g industries.” The report further considers paper i n d u s t r y a s b e i n g “responsible for the release of persistent toxic pollutants like chlorine, m e r c u r y, l e a d a n d phosphorus into the environment, resulting in a number of health p rob lems i nc lud ing cancers, nerve disorders, and fertility problems.”

Just imagine how much paper is used in a year! The average American consumes more than 700 pounds of paper every year which is the world’s highest per capita figure. The use of paper in China, India and the rest of Asia is growing fast but they still rank far behind Eastern Europe and Latin America (about 100 pounds per person per year), Australia (abut 3 0 0 p o u n d s ) a n d Western Europe (more than 400 pounds). And most of this paper ends up in the garbage and eventual ly landf i l ls , instead of going for recycling.

Recyc l ing is beneficial as paper made w i th 100 pe r cen t recycled content uses less energy, produces less greenhouse gas e m i s s i o n s , l e s s particulate emissions, less wastewater and less solid waste, and best of all no trees have to be chopped down. But recycling is also not without problems, as besides adding to the f i n a n c i a l b u r d e n dangerous chemicals are used for the treatment of the disposed paper.

Using paper in enormous quantit ies means we continue to cut down t rees by the millions. If we continue to cut down so many trees a n d p o l l u t e t h e environment by putting paper in the garbage and

not recycling it, we are also running the risk of being left with no trees for our future generations.

There has to be some solution, and the obvious solution is going virtually paperless. But is it possible to go paperless? According to estimates, 30-40 percent of paper is used in offices and related needs, such as manuals, directories, e tc . In modern t imes computers are increasingly being used in all types of businesses, yet a good portion of most day to day work is still paper-based. Besides that, people prefer taking pr intouts of al l important documents for more careful study or to bring to meetings. It may be diff icult to control but restrictions can be imposed on the use of printer and photocopier.

A d d i t i o n a l l y electronic filing systems can be used instead of the traditional filing system. T h e r e i s t h e r i s k o f technology failure but the problem can be taken care of by making backup on USB or external hard drives.

Today, e-banking is increasingly becoming the norm for handling personal business; one can easily make use of e-banking and bill paying via electronic medium. It saves time, effort and postage, and is more secure than mailing a cheque and the risk of it being lost.

Then there are people who just love paper books, newspaper, etc. and do not like e-books or e-paper, while kids have to be given paper, markers, glue and glitter to work with to help develop their creativity.

Though it is not possible to eliminate the use of paper, responsible use of paper and recycling can definitely reduce the number of trees that are cut down for making paper, which will in turn have an impact on our environment. The choice is ours.

- S. Raghunathan

Paper chase One morning I

happened to glance through a neighbourhood school and students were standing in the assembly line . Suddenly I saw teachers checking the hairs of boys, as long hairs are strictly not allowed in the school.

The assembly ended and a l l t he students went inside their classes - except those who were caught for long hairs - some of them casting pitiful glances at them.. Then the teachers came with the scissors in their hands towards them, grinning from ear to ear, as if they were really barbers. Sources said that they had been warned several times but were all too stubborn to go to the barber.

The teacher made a hap hazard cut so that these students go to the barber for a proper haircut.Although I don’t go against school rules, I have a grudge against this ‘long hair’ issue. Of course we go to school to study and learn but... what has hair got to do with studies?

I t wou ld be

stupid to say that long hair comes in front of the eyes of the students so they cannot see and read properly. Ok, I don’t mean to say that boys should grow their hairs as long as those of girls but why should we be forced to have the ‘crew cut’ that the schools favour.

To maintain the school discipline we need to be tidy, do everything according to the rules of the school, etc. I accept that long hairs do look untidy and don’t leave a decent impression on others, but I still feel they have nothing to do wi th studies…

Let me express why students feel bad about this ‘short hair’ issue. Schools want students to have very short hairs — too short to shape them into any style. So basically they want the students to be style-less. The students claim there is life after the school hours too and short hair looks very bad when they attend any important event or any fami l y occas ion . A student said. "We also

want to do whatever we can to make ourselves appear better looking. We accept the fact that we are still very young and study in school… yet the desire to show off a nice hairstyle remains s o m e w h e r e i n o u r hearts. "

" I d o n ’ t understand why schools cannot give us ‘a little f r e e d o m ’ t o k e e p average-length hairs as — again I stress – it’s got nothing to do wi th studies! But all they want is neat and ‘short’ hair cuts. Someone should r e m i n d t h e m t h a t Einstein had very long hair (which was rather unkempt too most of the time!) but see how intelligent he was."

Well, there you have it, both sides of the picture. Though, I know no school will change any of their ‘hair cutting’ rules in spite of even a million students’ request, I just felt like expressing what students feel about the issue. Long hair, I guess, can only be kept during the long vacations for when the school starts, the short hair issue starts…

What has hair got to do with studies?

Aavin Milk is to cost more in Tamil Nadu as the state government hiked the procurement price, fulfilling the long pending demand of milk producers.

After holding t a l k s w i t h t h e

representatives of milk producers in the State, the government hiked the procurement price of cow milk by Rs two from the present Rs 13.54 per litre and buffalo milk by Rs five from the present Rs 18 per litre.

A s t h e

government would be procuring milk at the enhanced rate, it has hiked the selling prices of different varities of milk by Re One to Rs 2.50 per half a litre and one litre.

B o t h t h e

procurement price and selling price would come into effect on September one, in view of Anna centenary celebrations, an official release here said.

On the advise of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Minister for

Dairy Development U Mathivanan, held talks with Milk Producers Wel fare Assoc iat ion P r e s i d e n t K A Se n g o t t u ve l i n t h e p resence o f sen io r M i n i s t e r s A r c o t N

Veerasamy and K P o n m u d i a t t h e s e c r e t a r i a t a n d r e a c h e d a n agreement on the procurement price hike, the release said.

For the monthly card holders, a litre of tonned milk would cost Rs 17.75, an increase of Rs two and saturated milk Rs 11, an increase of Rs 1.50 per half a litre, from September one.

W h i l e f a t content milk would

cost Rs 12 per half a litre, doubly tonned milk would cost Rs 9.25, an increase of Rs 1.50 for both varieties. All these varities of milk would cost 25 paise to 50 paise more in the retail market, the release added.

Aavin milk to cost more

Page 8 Alpha Times August 30, 2009

Owned Edited and Published by S. Raghunathan Editorial and Advertisement Office: F 5 and 6 1st Floor, Leo Complex, New No: 41, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017. Ph: 4286 7784 and Printed at New Merit Printers, 14/51, Reddykuppam Road, Saidapet, Chennai- 600 015.

Gandhi peace competition

T h e G a n d h i Peace Centre, Australia, in collaboration with the Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, is organising a creative art/essay writing c o m p e t i t i o n t o c o m m e m o r a t e t h e International Peace and Non-violence Day on October 2.

Participants can send in their posters, paintings, poems, logos, slogans, essays and short stories on peace, nonviolence, harmony, unity and values of m u l t i c u l t u r a l i s m i n English, Hindi, Gujarati or Marathi to Gandhi peace competition, Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, 299, Nana Chowk- Tardeo Road, Mumbai-400 007 o r e m a i l t o in fo@mkgandh i .o rg . Entry is free. Details are a v a i l a b l e o n www.mkgandhi.org and www.gandhicentre.com