Festival of lights ushers in joy and delight

Deepavali, the festival of lights, comes close on the heels of Dasara. It is a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. Deepavali means a “row of lights”, and it brings along with it glowing happiness and the touch of sparklers all around. Deepavali is a festival

of lights symbolising the removal of spiritual dark-ness and the spread of prosperity and success.In India, Deepavali is

synonymous with the nightly bursting of fire- crackers and the beautiful decoration of the houses with earthenware lamps which is a feast for the

eyes.It is a festival of lights -- symbolising the victory of right over the wrong and the truth over the evil.The celebration of Dee-

pavali has a mythologi-cal significance. As one version of the legend goes, Narakasura, a mon-ster, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. His arrogance and anarchic temperament was evident in his crooked behavior. He was a trouble-maker to the gods and the pious sages and would disturb their penance or create havoc during the rituals. To prove his power, Narakasura usurped some

territory of Aditi, the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife. Not only this, he carried away 16000 women and imprisoned them in his palace. Vexed with this

harassment, the gods led by Indra approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from the demon “Narakasura”. On coming to know

(Contd on Page III)

Srimad Azhagiyasingar, Srimathe Srivan Sathakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesikan, 46th Jeer of the Ahobila Mutt in a special message for Deepavali to the Trinity Mirror wished all happiness, health and prosperity to the people with the blessings of Malolan, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha.

Whatever be the trials and tribulations at home or outside, forgetting all people always celebrated

Share your wealth with poor & needy

Ahobila Mutt Jeer’s Deepavali message

Deepavali with great eclat, Azhagiya Singer said in his special message for the occasion to Trinity Mirror.

On this day we must all seek the blessings of Malolan Lord Lakshmi Narasimha for the well being and happiness of all, he advised.The nation was facing difficulties on several fronts.

There was price rise, violence, injustice as a result of which poor have become poorer. He exhorted the rich to share

The sungudi saree was always seen as a six-yard wonder that mothers and grandmothers wore. But not any more! Now this saree, which is native to Madurai, gets a makeover, so that it’s attractive to young women as well.

Silk sarees (famously known as “Chinnalappattu”) and sungudi sarees are made here in traditional way. Chinnalapattu sarees are well known in South India. Many traders from Chinnalapatti export/sell these sarees and other handloom garments all over Tamil Nadu and countries in Far-East, Africa, Srilanka and Middle-East.

Saree business is the major business in this upcoming city. Since saree usage is reduced in these days, Chinnalapatti weavers are involved in making sungudi chudithars, which is getting popularity. Many wholesales shops buy the sarees and other garments from Surat and sell it in South Tamil Nadu.

“Sungudi Saree is a famous produce in Chinnalapatti at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is a good supplement for the more expensive silk sarees. It is worn by women mostly during marriages. The Sungudi saree features designs made using ‘batik’ prints.

The borders and ‘pallu,’

Madurai Sungudi captivates all

the falling edge of a saree, are adorned with ‘zari’ embroidery. The patterns are bold, made with a single color. Sarees - a five and half meters of clothing worn by the Indian Woman over the centuries, continues to be in feminine hearts.

Sungudi block prints are made from block print and resist dying on very high quality cotton cloth, that is the staple dress of village

women all over India. A hand-woven cotton garment typically worn by South Indian women originates in Chinnalapatti at Madurai, the home of Goddess Meenakshi.

The sungudi saree is made of pure cotton in bright colors with contrasting borders in gold “zari or jarigai”. The distinguishing feature of this type of saree is that it has a Bandhini like print throughout the body of the saree.

This handiwork was brought to Southern India by the Sourashtrians from western India (Gujarat mainly), a major migrant population living in Madurai.

It is light wieght and pretty and reasonably priced making it a staple garment in every South Indian woman’s wardrobe.

their wealth with the poor and bring cheer in their lives.

friday 1-11-2013II

LIC Bima Bachat plan is a conventional single premium money back policy that offers life cover in addition to return on investment in the form of money-back. The policy is available for the term period of 9, 12 and 15 years. The premium amount is decided on the basis of the term of the policy and age of the insured person.

The amount paid for the premium depends on the duration of the policy taken and life insurance is available till the date of maturity. The policy holder will receive 15 per cent. of the sum assured at the end of every 3rd to 6th or even 9th policy year.

If the policy holder survives till the duration of the policy, at the time of maturity, a single premium payment (excluding extra premium) is made along with loyalty addition.

Presently the rate of interest is 9 per cent p.a. payable half-yearly. The minimum

sum that needs to be assured is Rs 20,000/- and there is no limit on the amount that can be assured. It is important to note that the sum assured should be in multiples of Rs 5000/- only.

In case an individual is primarily seeking a life cover then in that case he certainly need not go for LIC Bima Bachat policy and should infact opt for a term plan, which would provide coverage many more times over. However, if you are seeking returns at regular intervals in addition to other benefits then this offering of LIC is surely a good bet.

Returns and Benefits of investing in LIC Bima Bachat

Survival Benefit: Money-Back after every 3 years. LIC Bima Bachat policy holder is entitled to receive money-back equivalent to 15 per cent. of the sum assured after every three years during the term of the policy.Maturity Benefit:

In case the insured person outlives the term of the policy then the full single premium excluding extra amount is paid along with loyalty addition. There is no clear guideline with regard to the computation of loyalty amount and is however presumed that it is approximately Rs. 35 for every premium payment of 1000.Death Benefit :

In case of death of the Insured during the term of the policy, the nominee is entitled to receive sum assured and accrued bonus.

Investment in insurance plan covered u/s 80C that provides tax benefit. The premium amount paid for the policy is allowed for deductions u/s 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act. With this, taxable salary gets reduced by the premium amount and eventually tax liability of the concern gets reduced.

Rebate in Insurance premium available

in case of high Sum Assured value. For Sum Assured value upto Rs 50,000 no rebate is available on premium. For sum assured value between Rs 50,000- Rs.1lakh, Bima Bachat policy offers a rebate of 5 per cent on premium amount. For sum assured value in the range of Rs.1 lakh - Rs.2 lakh, 7 per cent rebate is available and for sum assured of Rs. 2 lakh and above, the policy offers a rebate of 8 per cent on premium amount.Loan facility:

LIC Bima Bachat is the sole money back policy offering loan facility. At present, loan against LIC Bima Bachat policy is provided @ 9% per annum payable half-yearly.Surrender facility:

The policyholder can also surrender the policy if required only after the completion of one policy year.In that case, Surrender value of the policy = 90% of the single premium paid.

dual benefits of insurance and redemption of

money at regular intervals

LiC’s Bima Bachat

Kovai Shree Annapoorna Sweet Mela was inaugurated by Chairman Sundarrajan at R.S.Puram branch. Managing Director Ramaswami, Joint Managing Director Srinivasan, Directors Karthikeyan, Vivek Srinivasan presided the inaugural function. First sweet packet received by GRG Educational Trust Chairman Nandhini Rangaswami. More than 180 varieties of sweets and savouries are displayed at Sweet Mela also organized at Mettupalayam Road, People’s Park branches.

For the first time in world cinema 8 years old girls quadruplets are acting in the film titled “Enna Saththam Indha Neram”, produced by AVA production MR AV Anoop, directed by Guru Ramesh. This attempt is appreciated by limca books of record and issued the certificate. The kids names are Aditi, Aakriti, Akshiti, Aapti.

Sundari Silks situated at T.Nagar is the heart of Textile Showrooms Chennai. The Showroom is built with tradition like Chettinadu House, and the shop shows very peaceful divinity of the showroom.An eye-catching

collection of silk sarees from Kanchipuram, Arni, Dharmavaram, Bangalore, Mysore and Benares besides the popular Puttapaaka, Uppada, Gadwal, Ikkat, Valkalam and printed silk sarees are on sale on the ground floor.The shop started as

a Silk Shop 13 years ago. , it belongs to an era when traditions and cultures were woven into rich silk fabric that found its way to the royal homes to adorn the beautiful women of bygone days.When eight decades

of Family Experience and a passion for upholding the traditional values come together, it results in Sundari Silks. Beauty, as the name suggests, pervades the showroom. Not to mention the sarees,Dress Materials,Dhothi and the Handicrafts. Walk in and instantly you transported to a by-gone era when life was lived unhurriedly. With time, tastes

change, and so has Sundari Silks. It has remained close to its customers by understanding the changing aspirations in the aftermath of globalisation. So while the charm and beauty of a silk sari continues to lure the Indian women, and Sundari Silks continues to give

Shopping at Sundari Silks a unique experience

variety fare for special occasions.Sundari Silks has the

whole of range of sari varieties - exquisite Bridal Collection in traditional and modern designs – to printed silk, Soft Silk, Crepe, Georgette, Fancy Collection from Varanasi and Kolkata . It has ethnic and western wear for men, women and children.Design is Sundari Silk’s

strength. And the fact that we have a dedicated team of designers who work closely with the weavers and the marketing department ensures designs that our customers are looking for.Sundari Silk’s exquisite

accessory collection is stylish and suited to the current trends – be it Art silver jewellery with semi-precious stones, bangles, and everything that go to complete a woman’s dressing.Handicrafts for

the home are a new

collection, with works from across the country, aimed at giving the home the ambience you like.Sundari Silks always

desires to bring new trends into traditional patterns and yet retain its uniqueness. We started to setup our own handloom units in all the major silk production centres of Tamilnadu like Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, Tirucharai, Thirubhuvanam and Arani. This enabled us to manufacture new designs to keep up to the taste of the current women folk by

maintaining high quality. Our own manufacturing centres helped us to sell quality sarees at smart competitive prices.Sundari Silks has

always been part of your weddings, festive seasons, and joyous occasions for years. We do not want you to miss this tradition because of constraints in time or distance. Thus, we are bringing your favourite store even closer to you by extending our retail online for you to bag the real shopping experience at home from anywhere across the globe.

friday 1-11-2013 IIIKashi annapoorni

Bharathi Kaavalar

dr.K. ramamurthiDur ing Deepava l i ,

devotees can have the d a r s h an o f Go l d en Annapoorni, the presiding diety of Kashi (Varanasi) on the banks of holy river, the Ganga. On Deepavali day, it is the common practice, that everybody used to convey their Greetings thus: “Had your bath in the Ganga’ - Ganga Snanam aachhaa’A dip in the holy, river

Ganga is sacred. More sacred is to worship the goddess Annapoorni, the gracious giver of each day’s food to all.From time immemorial,

a d o r a t i o n o f S r i Annapoorneshwari is in vogue. Through out India, devotees are worshipping the goddess and seeking Her bliss, that results in the benignant grace of getting each day’s food for ever to the entire globe.It is said during the aeon, “Thretha Yuga’, Lord Rama with His consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, while at the banks of river, the Ganga, and when they were very hungry, on the advice of an elderly man, they steadfastly worshipped Sri Annapoorni. Immediately they all were bestowed with Biksha (food) and that grace was continued.Du r i n g t h e a eon ,

“Dwapara Yuga’ Lord Krishna, on His way to Indraprastha (Delhi), the Lord travelled through the banks of river, the Ganga. At that time, the hungry Krishna, in a consummate feeling, worshipped Sri Annapoorni and sought for Biksha (food). Lord’s need was fu l f i l l ed . Bestowing the Biksha, by the Goddess, continued without interruption.In the present aeon, Kali Yuga, Sri Adisankara, during his purposeful stay at the banks of the river, the Ganga, on seeing the plight of the famine and the hungry sticken people there, the Acharya, by his adoration, prostrated at the feet

The Do’s:- Before bursting fire crackers, look for an open space and ensure there are no combustible and inflammatory things around.- Keep small children away from the bursting area.- Use a sparkler, agarbatti (incense stick) or a long fire wood to light a cracker.- While igniting aerial fire works like rockets, ensure that they are not facing any opening like an open window, door or an open building which may cause fire accidents. - Keep first aid and buckets of water handy.- In the event of fire, extinguish flame by pouring water from the buckets.

The Don’ts:- Do not wear nylon clothes. Prefer cottons while bursting crackers.- Never ever light a cracker in your hand. See to it that you put it down and ignite it.- Never give any firework item to small children.- Never try to burst crackers indoors or from inside a vehicle.- Do not have fire works in your pocket while igniting another.- When crackets take time or do not ignite immediately, do not indulge in trying to burst them. Throw some water to diffuse them.- Never try to light used fireworks.

Do’s & Don’ts while bursting crackers

Going on a shopping spree is always fun and during Deepavali. It turns out to be a major event in every household in Tamilnadu.The craze for dresses

has been the re fo r ages in all culture and civilisations.F o r Ja p a n e s e t h e

Kimono, and like so, for Indian women, it is sarees. The setting in of a fashion cannot be predicted but once it catches up then it takes time to change, sarees and kimonos have been prevailing for quite longer than expected.S a r e e s a r e h o t

favourites of women in Indian though the salwar wearers outnumber them in the present age, yes there is the old conflict between tradition and modern and modern gets an upper hand due to greater convenience.Anywhere in the world

a country can be called civilised only if there is no one is there to carry weight on their heads. In advanced countries even in railway stations or airport we will not see a single person be it on a bell boy or a porter, goods will not be carried on their heads.They use a trolley or a

some other means to push it or carry it.Even in China, they

carry weight only on shoulders. In movies one can see people drawing a cart or using poles on their shoulders. But in India, we go on roads, railway stations, we see people carrying heavy suitcases, perishables on their head.Carrying on head is not

a demeaning stuff, only

dress for comfort, convenience

thing is a human entire activity is focussed and activated from our head. That is why we even have a strong skull to protect our very crucial organ, brains. This being so then why should we carry such heavy weight on our head and directly damage

our brains ?If we see English movie, we can see men and women go out fashionably dressed and wearing a equally fashionable hat, though these countries are much cooler than our country.Brains being the crucial

organ then wearing a hat is definitely most sensible as it shields off heat and protects us.We are created with black hair which in

festival of lights ushers in joy...(Contd from Page I)about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura’s malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the

charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon, Narakasura. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Kr-ishna accepted to marry them. The killing of Narakas-

ura was a victory of good over evil. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Nar-akasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Dee-pavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.

The festival of Deepa-vali is unique to India. It signifies the advent of joy and happiness. Every year, people look forward to this occasion which is celebrated for two days. The children await this

festival to rejoice with fire crackers, wear new clothes and savor deli-cious eats. The adults take this occasion as an ideal time for gatherings, exchange of gifts and, of course, invest in gold, silver and new acquisi-tions for their homes.This is also the time when houses are given a fresh coat of paint. Factories and shops re-

main open on Deepavali day and Lakshmi pooja is performed in the eve-nings. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi graces the shops and houses on this day and showers her blessings and bestows good fortune upon her worshippers. Continuing the story of

Rama, this festival com-memorates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after complet-ing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. The goddess Lak-shmi (consort of Vishnu),

who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day.Another story that goes

with Deepavali, is the destruction of demon king Narakasura in the hands of Vishnu. It is said, Narakasura, a cruel and selfish king, in his death bed requested Lord Vishnu, that his death

day be celebrated all over the world with happiness and joy, as the victory of the dharma over adharma, which the Lord granted.This festive occasion

also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and Lord Ganesha, the symbol of auspicious-ness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day.

of Sri Annapoorni and worshipped the Goddess. Words blossomed from

Adi Sankara’s heart and the entire vicinity heard the voice in a metrical tune, continued with tautophony and tautology. The voice carried rhyme, alliteration, coherence, diction and euphony.“Kasipuraatheeswari,

Biksham Thehi Kirupa Valampanakari, Maatha Annapoorneshwari.”“O! Goddess of Kashi,

the holy city, (I) pray for alms (Biksha - food)Ye! gracious, merciful

mother, Annapurneswari”Starting with these

words the divine recital continued at the abode of Sri Annapoorneshwari and that formed into eight verses of the Sloka. Sankara steadfastly and consummately surrendered at the feet of the goddess

and begged for Biksha for the whole universe.On hearing Sankara’s prayer, Sri Annapoorni, in no time, granted graciously and the whole city of Kasi flourished with prosperity and fertility. T h e v e r s e s o f

Adi Sankara on Sri Annapoorni, possess an epical and divine power and called Sri Annapoorna Ashtagam. This soul-stirring sloka, is a house hold adoration of prayer even today and whoever is worshipping the Goddess Sri Annapoorni by idolatry or with portrait worship by reciting this sloka would surely be graced with each days food for all forever. This is not only the

age long belief, but also true to the core upon conscience; it is really an emperical fact.Though

at the outset Sankara prayed Annapoorni for the Biksha (food), but it should be grasped that the great Acharya has worshipped Annapoorni to grant the Alms - Biksha of wisdom (Gnanam). It is the Gnana Biksha for which Adi Sankara worshipped the goddess.One should understand

the food is the basic factor for the livelyhood of the humanity for its proper growth and progress both physically and mentally. Hence Sri Adi Sankara prayed initially for food and that graced food will automatically take the human race for wisdom (Gnanam).Sri Annapoorni grants

graciously both food and wisdom, health and wealth unto the last; Adoration of Annapoorni is really a holy feast and treat.

fact absorbs radiation, and if you have white hairs, it is better as it reflects away all light energy and guards us against heat.For example cricket

players wear white shirts, not because it is formal and attractive basically because it does reflect and doesn't absorb sunlight, so a player can be spared to some extent from the hot sun and get some solace.This being so, India,

with such a hot weather all round the year we should have gone for hats in a big way.But many of us would make fun of hat wearers and comment that he is trying to imitate some one or the other.In fact, we tonsure our head and expose it directly to sun and radiation in the name of our religion and customs. It is time, some of our elders tried to inculcate the habit of atleast the Gandhian cap worn by Congressmen even now without being shy about it.After all it is our head.

After cap then our dress, we will take menswear first by starter. The traditional dress for men in India particularly in down South, it is as we all know is "dhoti".Dhoti or vasti however, we call it is not a suitable for a fast active man who are on the move always.F o r a p r o v i s i o n

shopkeeper or a person, who has to sit at a corner and finish the days work, then let him wear dhoties, we can see all the youngster wearing comfortable jeans or pants loose and jauntily going about doing whatever they have to do.

friday 1-11-2013IV

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease which if left undiagnosed or untreated can lead to multiple complications resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Th e popu l a t i o n o f d iabe t i c pa t i en t s i s rapidly increasing and without doubt the adverse socio economic impact of diabetes and i ts complications is looming large in the society.Acco rd i ng t o t h e

latest estimates Type 2 Diabetes is present in about 12-15% of the adult population in India – amounting to about 60 million diabetic patients at present. This is going to pose a serious challenge to the health care delivery system in the country and the country has to be prepared to face and tackle this challenge. Our state of Tamil

Nadu unfortunately has the dubious distinction of having a high prevalence of diabetes due to the

deepavali fireworks, homemade goodies prescribedDr I Periyandavar

genetic susceptibility and change in lifestyle of the population to the disease.Change in lifestyle

not only paves way for Diabetes but also lead to other chronic diseases like Hypertension, Heart disease, and cholesterol. Already we have reduced our exercise by virtue of busy schedule and ava i lab i l i ty of easy transport. Also there is considerable reduction in fibre intake and we have more stress in office and home.In those days sweets

How to make deepavali marundhu?Ingredients: Peppercorn

– 2 tsps, Cumin seeds Jeera – 2 1/2 tsps, Coriander seeds – 2 1/2 tsps, Bishop weed seeds/Ajwain – 25 grms/3tbsps, Dry or fresh ginger – 30 gm, Cardamom – 1gm/2 to 3, Nutmeg or jaadhikkai – ½ piece, Ghee or clarified butter – 100gms, KandaThipli

were taken by people only on occasions like Deepavali, Pongal, and other important festivals. But nowadays we are t a k i n g swe e t s l i k e icecreams, chocolates, soft drinks, very frequently.The soft drinks and

sweets have become part and parcel of our modern life and as a result we get more diseases.Once we get the Disease

like Diabetes and heart disease, we have to live with it lifelong and there is no permanent cure. If diabetic patients don’t

take proper treatment, and i f t h e i r b l ood sugar levels are always high, then the diabetic complications may come after 3 to 4 years. The diabetic complications like kidney failure, blindness, amputation of legs, heart attacks etc. are dreaded and the entire family will have “physical, mental and financial agonies”T o a v o i d t h i s

complications diabetic patients should keep sugar levels less than the permissible levels of Fasting less than 120 mgs and post-meal value of less than 160 (though normal persons should have fasting sugar value of less than 100 mgs and post-meal value of less than 140 mgs).If a diabetic patient

takes one sweet which have around 400 calories the blood sugar values will go very high (for example from 160 to 350 mgs) and the increased sugar values will be persisting for minimum one week and it will be very difficult to

bring it down. Frequent sweet intake can diminish effects of oral tablets which lead on to insulin injection.Hence it is better to avoid

sweets during festival season like deepavali. Diabetic sweets which contain more quantity of Sweeteners like fructulose as well as sucralose also may increase blood sugar values.We can prepare our own

sweets like rava laddu, adhirasam or badhusha with little sucralose based sweetener and with less oil or ghee (avoiding sugar or jaggery).T o a v o i d sw e e t s

during great occasion l ike Deepava l i wi l l require tremendous will power. Considering the complications of Diabetes wh i ch can p roduce great sufferings for the individual economic loss for the family as well as for the country let us prey our god almighty to give the willpower to avoid sweets.

Holy Ganga dip(Bharathi Kaavalar Dr. K. Ramamurthi)

a dip in the Ganga is sacred and

it is the practice on deepavali day

that everybody used to convey their

greetings thus ‘had your bathh in

Ganga’ (Ganga Snanam aachaa).

This poem by Bharathi Kaavalar,

narrates the epical and divine glory

of the holy river Ganga.

1. The Sanguine sun with your

meteor eyesat the Ganga’s water

on morning riseCount your benign blessings

one by onePray the ominipotent for

all laurels won.2.

Banks are covered with streaks of divinenessSteps of Ghats are steps to Godliness

She chant’s rama’s name into the last

The Gange’s every sand, a holy feast

3.i’m attracted towards for ever

Lord-God of all and cosmic father

Jyothilinga - Viswanatharand Visalakshi - cosmic mother

4.The Ganges brings wisdom

and wealthfor grants of fortuness

and needy healthSalute annapoorni, the presiding dietyGiven of eachday’s

food with gaiety5.

Elder’s Vinayaka, God’s premieryoungesters are dhandapani

and BhairavarMicrocosm and macrocosm

Movements of all, in the Ganges a swim

6.Current of

Manikarnika river flashesKnowledge within like solar-rays

for peace,i bathed in the Ganges pure

river which is flowing heaven rain pour

7.few drops of water from the Ganges

absorbed by me sown new changes

i found in my body and soulSough abode by God’s disposal

8.in the past ‘Sankara’ praised

its divinityin our days ‘Bharathi’

versed its purityNo parellel to the Ganges’ grace

and city-Kasi, world’s jewelled preface

9.in the Ganges i’ve bathed

for pleasureMy sins washed away, i

’ve become purei’m blessed with new life

immortalBecause the

Ganges’ flow is eternal

Making of deepavali marundhu

(De s ava r am P ipa l a mool) – 10 to 12 sticks, Crumbled Jaggery (equal to the amount of ground paste) – 50 grmsMethod:Smash al l

the dry and medicinal ingredients in a mortar

and pestle. Pour some water and soak them for about 10 – 15 minutes. Grind into a soft paste in a blender. Add 1/2 cup water and thoroughly mix up the paste and place in a heavy bottomed wok or vessel. Cook it on a slow flame, stirring it all the time with a flat ladle so that no lumps are formed.When the water is

nearly evaporated add the crumbled jaggery and stir it in. Add spoonfuls of ghee and keep stirring. When the lehiyam comes together in a ball and the ghee is separated from it, turn off the heat. Stir in the honey and store in an airtight container. Take one spoon of lehiyam on Deepavali after taking bath and before you eat

anything else.This lehiyam can

also be made using readymade powders that are available in many local medicine shops. Mix the powder with two times the water and cook in a heavy bottom vessel. Add jaggery and ghee until the lehiyam comes together and the ghee is separated.

friday 1-11-2013 V

Even as the residents of the city are busy with shopping for Diwali, they also look out for best offers to shop during this festive season. Keeping this in mind, the Bank of Baroda has come up with a better and cheapest retail product for its customers. The bank has introduced flexible Diwali loan offers to customers going for retail shopping.Continuing with its endeavour now the bank has come up yet another customer centric initiative with the launch of their new product christened as “Bank of Baroda Jumbo Festival Pack”.Many Banks are coming out with various schemes, attractive offers, discounts and so on, to increase their market share in their target segment. And most of time, all these incentives/offers/benefits are extended only to the prospective customers and existing customers are not given any of these benefits.But Bank of Baroda a pioneer amongst Banks in various customer centric measures had introduced its uniform home loan rate of 10.25 per cent across all tenures and limits on a different note. When they reduced their interest rates for Home Loans, the offer

Bank of Baroda’s attractive Jumbo festival

Pack for diwali

was extended to all its existing Home Loan borrowers as well as for takeover of loans as well. This move besides being beneficial for lakhs of borrowers across the country who are repaying their Home Loans at higher rate of interest is also effective and transparent without any fine print for the prospective borrowers. Bank of Baroda Jumbo Festival Pack is a package of Car Loan, Two Wheeler Loan and Consumer Durable Loan which is extended to New Home Loan customers as well as Existing Home Loan Customers, whose accounts are conducted satisfactorily. The benefits of this new product include 0.25 per cent reduction in interest rates for Car Loans availed,

Reduction of 2.25 per cent in the interest rates for Two Wheeler loans. Mega reduction of 2.75 per cent in the interest rate for Consumer Durable loans. 100 per cent waiver of unified processing charges. It is available at all branches of Bank. Hence a customer who avails the product will benefit from the following reduced interest rates Home loans at 10.25 per cent per annum. Car Loans at 10.25 per cent per annum (Normally available at 14.25 per cent per annum)Two Wheeler Loans at 12 per cent per annum (Otherwise available at 14.25 per cent per annum). Consumer durable loans at 12 per cent per annum (Regular rate of interest is 14.75 per cent per annum)

Every bride wants to look and feel absolutely gorgeous on her wedding day and look her unique best. To celebrate this beauty in the most unique way possible with designs crafted in 22 karat gold jewellery, Tanishq introduces its wedding jewellery collectioninspired by the geometrical and figural motifs of henna or mehendi which is considered to be an auspicious element of Indian wedding.

Wedding jewellery collections is being introduced across all the Tanishq stores in India is handcrafted with unique designs reflecting the concept of henna beautifully. Keeping in mind today’s discerning Indian brides; the pieces in the collection are made for all the occasions of wedding celebration.

Every silhouette, every weave is designed and styled to certain concepts of Indian matrimony. The necklaces, bangles, earrings and cuffs have intricate and well-articulated designs, highlighting its eloquence.

“With this wedding collection, we are focusing on the new age bride who looks at both the ornamental as well as emotional value of it. Stunning designs, intricate detailing and emotional connect with the piece play a greater role in their purchase decision. Available across all the Tanishq retail showrooms, this collection will extend

Wedding Collection of Tanishq speaks the story of every bride’s desire

Tanishq’s offerings in all the markets,” says Associate Vice President & Business Head – North, Tanishq Saumen Bhaumik

This hand crafted wedding collection represents traditional designs and jewellery making techniques in modern styles for today’s brides. Fashioned in 22 karat gold by our finest designers, this collection is a gorgeous example of craftsmanship. We are confident that our wedding collection will set a benchmark for others to follow. Inspired from elaborate heena designs and festoon decorations of Indian weddings, this opulent wedding collection is crafted in 22 karat gold. This collection is gorgeous, vibrant and timeless which personifies grace and elegance of a bride.

The style of the jewellery is based on the cut, pattern, quality and design which makes Tanishq jewellery unique yet timeless in all its beauty and grandeur. Every design is three-dimensional, intrinsic, sensual and expressive. Each groove, each

weave has been skillfully handcrafted using a variety of techniques like Meenakari, Polki and Kundan work that involves etching and engraving, enameling, filigree work etc.; to attain the perfect old time royalty and modern practicality.

A tribute to the glorious, theatrical and magnanimous Indian weddings, Tanishq wedding jewellery is an intricate connect between, traditions, excitement, nervousness and joy that represents the emotions of every bride. It embodies the breathtaking beauty of every bride with its scintillating designs, but stands as the most cherished possession that reminds every woman of her special bridal moments sealed in gold.

Tanishq, India’s only national jeweller offers gold and gem-set jewellery

(in 22 and 18 karat gold) in over 5000 traditional, western and fusion looks.

The jewellery is manufactured in a fully integrated manufacturing plant with state-of-the-art

equipment. The Tanishq retail chain

currently includes 166 exclusive boutiques in 86 cities, making it India’s first and largest jewellery retail store chain.

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friday 1-11-2013VI

Movies and Deepavali are synonymous with each other. Three relatively big names are in the fray with strong indications of a colourful riot for Deepavali. Of the three, Ajith’s Arrambam has hit the theatres three days earlier and reports have it of a decent opening. The expected clash of

Ajith, Karthi and Vishal has fizzled out to some extent with Arrambam taking off earlier but that has no way robbed the interest quotient. The die hard fans of

the threesome could not have asked for more. The package has Ajith’s action thriller film, “Arrambam” directed by Vishnuvardhan, Karthi’s romantic comedy film, “All in All Azhagu Raja” written and directed by M. Rajesh and Vishal’s action romantic movie, “Pandiya Nadu” directed by Susindran.A brief look at the

cast and crew of these films _ Araambam has Ajith Kumar, Arya, Nayantara, Taapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati, Mahesh Manjrekar, Atul Kulkarni with the musical score of Yuvan Shankar Raja.Studio Green, one

of the best production houses is behind Karthi’s All in All Azhaguraja. The Rajesh -directed family entertainer is very important for Karthi as his last few films were

Three big releases for Deepavali,

rather lukewarm at the box-office.The ensembled star

cast with the line up of Karthi, Kajal Aggarwal, Santhanam, Prabhu, Saranya Ponvannan is easily the best bet backed by the slam bang musical score of Thaman.Of course, the twosome

combo of Karthi and Santhanam have aroused the expectations for all the right reasons. Though overworked, Santhanam’s ability to improvise has turned out well for the movie cause and the producer and director are not complaining.

Not behind in popularity is `Pandiya Nadu’ with Vishal’s Susindran -directed venture getting into a strategic tie up with Vendhar Movies who will be marketing the movie with Gopuram Films enrusted the distribution task.The pairing of the

handsome hunk Vishal with the dapper Lakshmi Menon should work for the sheer contrast factor. Music composer Imman has reportedly come up with his best efforts and his impressive score winning due acclaim at the audio launch.Multiplexes and

single-screen theatres across the State are brimming with life at the expected moolah. Abirami Cinemas has listed as many as 16 shows daily, while the AGS group (with two multiplexes in Navalur and Villivakkam) has listed a whopping 36 shows a day. With multiplexes going all out to cash in on the surge following an Ajith release, single screens like Woodlands and Rohini have opted to screen Arrambam on extra screens at least over the weekend.

‘Arrambam’ jumps the gun

friday 1-11-2013 VII

Dr S.RamanathanLife essentially consists

of certain ways and means within our control and certain happenings and circumstances beyond our control. By acting on those within our control we can strive for leading a peaceful life.

Probably a spiritual and philosophical mindset would add fillip to our efforts.

Your life is your own. Your likes and dislikes, tastes, expectations and standards are your own. Your neighbor or your colleague need not be a bench mark for you to compare yourself or compete with.

Their level of education, financial status, social status or spending pattern need not be yours.

If at all you have to compare, compare yourself with those who are less privileged than you; those whose lives are more peaceful and less complicated than yours.

Added to sheer positive thinking, in the scheme of nature, all are not endowed with same set of skills and resources. If you are capable of judging yourself correctly, you will be endowed with the peace of mind – by not pursuing on something beyond your reach. Many of us do not know that having Peace of Mind itself could be worthwhile goal in our life and we can work our way to attain it! It would be even better if we develop such a mindset early in life. Do you want to have more inner peace? You can accomplish your goal by taking steps that will help you grow physically, mentally and financially. Focus on your health. Get plenty of aerobic exercise and eat an abundance of nutritious food every day. Do activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming or brisk walking at least thirty minutes almost every day. Follow the established nutrition guidelines.

Reduce the amount of time you spend harboring negative emotions. Do not get mad over little things.

For a stress free and peaceful life

Avoid carrying grudges and hatred in your heart.

Handle your stress properly. When you feel tense or pressed, take a deep breath and remember that your performance, health and level of inner peace will be affected negatively by an overload of stress.

Have you heard the phrase that says, “Rise to the occasion?” When it is very important to perform at your best level, you

must relax and totally concentrate on your task.

Do not be ashamed to cry or express your anger in a harmless manner. If you want or need to cry or scream, please do so because it will help you feel better; furthermore, suppressing your grief or anger will hurt your immune system.

Laugh alone and with others at things that are funny but harmless. Laugh at things that have already happened.

If you think of something funny around others, do not laugh too loudly.

Think positively. Turn negative experiences into positive experiences by contemplating the benefits that may come from what has happened.

Do not dwell on the past. This is counterproductive and will not bring you peace of mind. Only use bad memories of your past to avoid repeating your

mistakes. Think about your good

experiences as much as possible. Use these good memories to become happier. Be courteous to others. Being mean brings guilt and a lack of inner peace.

Volunteer your time at least occasionally. Help others in need. To increase your chances of feeling comfort and peace of mind in your golden years, prepare for your retirement.

Create and stick to a budget. Save at least considerable percent of your income. Take advantage of any retirement accounts provided by your employer.

Use your physical and mental energy to do good things. Do what you can to make a difference

The small buses, which were introduced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa last week, in an attempt to connect the missing links of the city, has brought cheer among city residents. People of Chennai, especially those in the suburbs couldn’t have asked for a better reason to heave a huge sigh of relief.

The small buses, with a seating capacity of 27, is being operated as feeder services in suburban areas as an alternative to autos and share autos. Pallavaram, Chromepet, Perungalathur and Velachery in the south, and Moolakadadi, Madhavaram, Ambattur and Porur in the north-western regions of the city get the bulk of the services.

The 50 buses will cover 20 routes, and the minimum fare is Rs.5. The idea is to connect railway stations and bus terminals with important junctions and residential areas. This service will serve two lakh passengers a day.This is more than double the number MRTS serves — 80,000 passengers a day. Regular buses with 700 routes serve 50 lakh passengers a day.

The small buses will be

People thank big for mini buses

Jayalalithaa innovative scheme connecting the missing links of the city

parked in the same depots as regular buses. Most routes are between six and 10km long. Each route has about three buses, so the frequency of buses will be 10 minutes

Big thanks to CM.People in the suburban

areas of the city, who were waiting for many years for a service that was promised by earlier governments, unequivocally welcomed this move by the government. In places like Iyyapanthangal, Porur, Ramapuram, Madhavaram, there is very less last-mile connectivity

service and many are dependent on public transport.

Kodhai, a resident of Iyyapanthangal said “Earlier, to reach Iyyapanthagal bus stand from Kumananchavadi, we had to resort to autos and spend `50 or more. We had no other option to fall back on as we didn’t have any other means of public transport. Now we are extremely relieved, as the government has introduced nearly five buses including three from Iyyanpanthangal to Thiruverkadu.”

A total of 50 buses are plying in 20 routes in Chennai, including the crowded areas like Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Guindy, etc., where the bus will connect the interior locality of the city.After launching the small bus services Jayalalithaa said the main aim of starting the services was to help residents in localities with poor bus connectivity reach the nearest bus stop or railway station.

She said that when she took charge as Chief Minister, the transport corporations were in a financially weak condition, facing a loss of Rs.6,150.95 crore.

Her government took steps to procure 6,000 new buses at a cost of Rs.1,026 crore. Out of this, 3,051 buses were already plying. Besides, a total of 483 buses that were in running condition were upgraded at a cost of Rs.34 crore.

The Chief Minister said steps were being taken to set up 68 depots to maintain State Transport Corporation buses. She also launched 610 new buses for different transport corporations in the State.

Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, the 35th Jagadguru of the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sri Sarada Peetham, was a perfect embodiment of virtues: compassion, truthfulness, patience, fortitude and righteousness. He worked ceaselessly for years—with inspired vision and strength and an immense capacity to elevate people.

Notwithstanding His extraordinary knowledge and proficiency in Shastras, He was able to talk freely with the common man and also convey lucidly the import of tattvas or truth.

H.H. Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji had so extensively and repeatedly travelled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Not only that he is the only amnaya Pithadhipati after Adi Shankarabhagavatpada to have visited Nepal.

The Jagadguru also organised in May 1979 a historic Summit Meeting at Sringeri with the Jagadguru Shankaracharyas of the three other Amnaya Peethams, Dwarka, Badri and Puri established by Sri Shankarabhagavatpada, thus showing the unity of spiritual strength of the religious leaders.

He was a great Pandit among Pandits; a great Yogi among Yogis. Just

Prosperity and welfare assured: blesses Sringeri Swamigal

by remembering the great saint, all prosperity and welfare will come to us.

H.H. Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal adorned the Vyakhyana Simhasana Throne of Transcendental Wisdom from 1954 to 1989.

Born to Venkatalakshmi Ammal and Rama Sastry, a primary school teacher, on November 13, 1917, the day of Deepavali at Bangalore,He was named Srinivasa. Even as a child, Srinivasa was ardently pious. At school, Srinivasa was an obedient and conscientious student. Srinivasa’s Upanayana(sacred thread ceremony) was performed at the Math’s expense at the Sharadamba temple in Sringeri. Srinivasa was unquestionably the most brilliant of the students at the Math and came up with thought-provoking interpretations of the Sanskrit verses that He was taught. He slowly caught the eye of the Jagadguru, the great Jivan Mukta, Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal.

When the Jagadguru decided to choose His successor, the choice fell rightly on Srinivasa. Necessary arrangements were made. On May 22, 1931, Srinivasa was initiated into the holy order of Sanyasa, even

before he had attained the age of 14. The Guru named him as Abhinava Vidyatirtha and taught the sacred Mahavakyas that signify the identity of the individual soul with the ultimate reality.

Ever since He was initiated into Sanyasa, Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha was extremely keen on being an ideal ascetic. Mere reading of the scriptural texts could never satisfy His need for perfection.

Strange as it may seem, his formal lessons in Vedanta commenced much after he had attained perfection in yoga. His guru expounded the

Bhagavad Gita Bhashyam, Brahma Sutra Bhashyam and Bhashyam on Isa, Kena, Katha and Taittiriya Upanishads.

To the Acharya, these lessons merely served to confirm what He had already learnt through His personal experiences earlier in life.

On September 26, 1954, Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati ended His mortal life in the waters of the Tunga. About 20 days later, on October 16, 1954, Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha formally took over as the 35th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

Cuddalore PSBB Millinium students staged a moral drama of ancient history titled Dharmo Rashadi rashthaha (tharmam thali kaakkum) in their cultural festival as part of school educational project.

Hundreds of students from pre KG to 6th standard participated in this cultural festival.

To focus the significance of dharma, students staged innovative dramas from Shakesphere stories to puranas and ancient stories of Indian culture.

Children from 3 to 10 years showcased individual talents in Dharmo balakas, in

panchathandra kathas they showcases various dharmas invarious titles like dharman, manu dharman, parivarikkarma, samajik dharma, raashtra dharma, varunas dharma, abath dharma and yuka dharma.

Minister for Environment M.C. Sampath had participated in this function as chief guest. Cuddalore Deputy Collector Lalitha was also participated in this function. Minister appreciated the students for showcasing the talents. He also appreciated the teachers who taught them and brought out their individual talents.

Little super singer star Srikanth showcased his brilliance in drama titled Karnan. He enthralled the crowd by his wonderful acting. He also mismerised the crowd by singing MGR song “Dharmam thalaikaakum thakka samayathil uyir kaakum”. Minister Sampath also appreciated.

The spectacular performance of students showcasing brotherhood affection of Raman and Bharathan and its dharma, kindness in Shakesphere drama Merchant of Venis drama. The programme concluded with santhi nilava vendum song.

Deputy collector Lalitha

appreciated the students for their performance and also hailed the teachers for preparing the students for this wonderful performance. PSBB Millinium School Principal Mahalakshmi Ramji welcomed the gathering.

PSBB Millinium Cuddalore is a landmark in the pursuit of excellence in education. It is an institution deeply dedicated to the mission of growing children with Indian Values. Global Vision. The school’s aim is to integrate academic excellence with value education and respect for our rich cultural heritage.

Minister hails PSBB Millinium schools effort

‘Dharmam Thalai Kaakum’ Students stage moral drama at cultural fest in Cuddalore

friday 1-11-2013VIII

friday 1-11-2013 IX

Deepavali is thoroughly enjoyed by people of all age group as they love the splendor and sparkle of fireworks. The earthen lamps that we light on Diwali night should be safely placed on balcony and window ledges.

All accidents, especially to the vital part (the eye) due to fireworks occur as a result of carelessness, negligence and

ignorance. But these can certainly be avoided by observing some very simple precautions. All of us enjoy the pleasure

of light and sound but when disaster strikes, the injured one has to bear the cross. If you’re going to set off fireworks at

home this year, please take a few minutes to read through these guidelines.

The Doctors at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital believe that prevention is always better than cure. Says Prof. Amar

Agarwal, CMD, Dr. Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospital, “Eye injury due to fireworks constitutes an important

percentage of preventable eye injuries, which makes it all the more important to take precautions against such injury.”

• Lightthefirecracker’swiththesupervisionofelderpeople. • Buyfireworksofauthorized/reputedmanufacturersonly • Alwaysuselongincensestickstolightthefirecracker • Alwaysusealongcandle/incensesticksforignitingfirecrackers

and keep elbow joint straight to increase the distance between the body and the crackers • Keeptwobucketsofwaterhandy.Intheeventoffire,extinguish

flame by pouring water from the buckets. Every major fire is small when it starts.

• Incaseofburns,pourlargequantityofwaterontheburntarea • In case of major burns, after extinguishing the fire, remove all

smoldering clothes. Wrap the victim • Thepatientshouldbetakentoaburnsspecialistoramajorhospital.

Don’t panic In case of eye burns, wash the eye with cold drinking Water for 10 minutes and take the victim to a eye hospital

• Alwaysusefootwearwhileburstingcrackers • Don’tignitefireworkswhileholdingthem • Don’tbendoverthefireworksbeingignited • Don’tignitefireworksinanycontainer • Don’tapproachimmediatelytothemisfiredfireworks • Don’ttamperwithmisfiredfireworks

Issued in public interest by Dr.Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospital.

To ensure appropriate learning resources are available to the children, and to inculcate reading habit in them, PSG Institute of Management (PSGIM) has initiated the GIFT OF LITERACY campaign to mobilize books, magazines, novels, Audio Visual learning resources (CDs, DVDs) that would be useful to children (of 1st class to 12th class) in some of the Government Schools / Government Aided Schools in Coimbatore.F i r s t y e a r MBA

Studen t s of PSGIM visited households, and educational institutions, requesting for the same; they also placed book collection boxes in various locations of the city for this purpose. Through this one month

drive we have received around 14,500 Books received are equally distributed (each set having books from all categories) and will be gifted to 5 Government

PSGiM’s “Gift of Literacy’

Safe Deepavali

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, one of the Pioneer’s in eye care services in India has made special arrangements to treat eye injuries related to Fire Cracker bursting. The festival of Deepavali has been celebrated for ages and grows in attraction by the year. The lighting of lamps

is symbolic of dispelling darkness and showing a ray of hope and happiness. All accidents, especially to the vital part (the eye) due to fireworks occur as a result of carelessness, negligence and ignorance. As a commitment to social responsibility, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital will extend all types

of emergency eye care services on Diwali day by remaining open for 24 hours in nerve centre at 19, Cathedral Road, Chennai.

The other hospitals of the group in Chennai city will extend the emergency eye care services during their working hours. For any emergency appointment or first aid, 33008800 or 2811

2811 can be contacted for help. This emergency eye care services on Diwali day has been organized since 4 years and more than 1000 eyes has been treated in relation to fire cracker bursting.

Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital wishes everyone safe and happy Deepavali because Vision is Life.

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital ready to treat cracker

burst eye injuriesAfter a long wait,

the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA), functioning under the Union ministry of culture, has given its nod for carrying out excavation in Srirangam, the constituency of chief minister J Jayalalithaa, to trace the town’s antiquity.The state archaeology

department had been pushing for carrying out early excavation at Srirangam, the temple town near Trichy. In the explorations conducted in and around Srirangam in the past, archaeologically significant antiquities dating back to the Sangam and Chola period were recovered. Explorers had also noticed the existence of megalithic sites in Trichy and Uraiyur.“We have given a

year’s time to the Tamil Nadu government to carry out the work,” said a ministry source. Srirangam is one of the noted 108 Vaishnavaite pilgrim centres and houses the famous Sri Ranganatha Temple. Its ‘rajagopuram’ is the tallest tower in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple has been eulogised by almost all Vaishnava saints. Inscriptions of Chola kings from 9th and 10th centuries were the earliest epigraphical records found in the temple so far. They throw light on the political, social and cultural life of those who lived during the period.Government sources say

the proposed excavation site is likely to be near the hall of 1,000 pillars. Earlier in April this year, the state’s consultant archaeologist Dr K T Narasimhan unearthed a potsherd with a rim, which was comparable to the Harappan fabric.

He was on a mission to find out the foundation of the seven temple pathways (praharas) in the Ranganatha temple when he stumbled upon the artefact.“Available evidence

proves that we have had ancient settlements in the town. Further excavation will throw light on it,” he said. A former archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India, T Satyamurthy, said that identification of a proper site for excavation would help them get some ancient structures belonging to the then settlements.“The town has been

sung about in Sangam literature. The inscriptions suggest Chola kings had strengthened the bunds of this island town,” he said. The inscriptions remind people of the floods that had inundated earlier settlements.It all started last

January last, when an earthmover which began digging the earth for laying foundation for the

government’s Yatri Nivas unearthed a copper pot full of miniature bronze icons of deities and artefacts on the river bank in Srirangam, which dated back to the Chola period. During an inspection, archaeologists unearthed some pieces of potteries, believed to be more than 2,000 years

old. Noted archaeologist Dr V Suresh said the excavation would be rewarding. “The town is rich in history and archaeology,” he said. Unlike most temple towns that became modern in construction, Srirangam continues to retain its old world charm, he said.

Centre’s nod for excavations at 1000 pillar mandapam in Srirangam

schools / Government aided schools located in the rural and semi-urban areas of Coimbatore, in the upcoming week (out of 5 schools, names of 4 schools are to be suggested by the Chief Educat iona l Off icer, Coimbatore District; and the other one being PSG High School at Vedapatti). We also received around 1000 col lege books (engineering, commerce, and management books) as a part of this endeavor; these books will be gifted to PSG Sarvajana Manavar Illam on October 24, 2013 during the Diwali

Celebration organized for them.One portion of the

books / reading materials collected (around 2,500 books) was gifted to Lebara Foundation (who supports refugees and displaced children in developing countries) on October 17, 2013. T h i s c a m p f o r

Sri Lankan refugees located in Pooluvapatti Panchayat town (Siruvani road) accommodates 300 families, with 267 children.As a part of Gift

of Literacy, students of PSG Insti tute of Management gifted a yearlong subscription of The Hindu newspaper to six Government schools / Government aided schools in the city (this includes the Corporation-run schools at RS Puram and Oppanakara Street and PSG High School at Vedapatti).The Principal of PSG

High School, Vedapatti, received around 2500

book s a nd r e a d i n g material as part of the Gift of Literacy program on behalf of the School. Also around 1000 college books were gifted to the inmates of PSG Sarvajana Manavar Illam. During this occasion

PSGIM gifted new clothes to 91 members of PSG Sarvajan Manavar illam and a shared a sumptuous meal with them. The kids enjoyed the festive season with bursting of crackers.We are thankful to

all the members of the community for such an encouraging response; this stands as a great reinforcement for us, to engage in several such social endeavors. We are moved by the response of few contributors who sent their books from Hosur, Tiruppur, Chennai, and Pondicherry through parcel service. Thank you all for

joining hands in this Gift of Literacy endeavor, and making a difference to the life of children.

Not everyone in so-ciety gets to celebrate Deepavali the same way, meaning the well-off splurge on clothes, fire crackers and so and so forth, but what about the underprivileged and the not so well off? They, too, have got all that, thanks to a charity and social service or-ganisation that the Inner Wheel club is.The Festival of Lights

is a just a week away, but the celebrations have already begun, yes, it’s the 12th con-secutive year the service organisation is throw-ing a party at Dr M G R Janaki College for Women in Chennai and what more can one ask for the poor, orphaned and destitute children across the city.The club hosted

‘Mazhalai Oli’ its dis-trict Deepavali celebra-tion, on the college campus on 26 October and there was eupho-ria, as 600 ‘children of a lesser God’ from dif-ferent schools converged on the college audito-rium for the feast, va-riety entertainment and the party.The Inner Wheel Dis-

trict 323, which hosted the ‘Mazhalai Oli’, pre-sented clothes, satchels, sweets and what not for the young ones, but before that there were light music programmes to keep the children en-tertained and to stay in their seats.On dot at around

three pm, the children arrived at the venue and they were transported there by vehicles which were arranged by Inner Wheel. The youngsters were delighted at being part of the celebrations, some of them have been taking part in them right from their kindergarten days.

Krishna, a class VI student, from a gov-ernment high school at Thousand Lights was beaming and was a personification of hap-piness as he was jiv-ing to the rhythms of the song belted out in the auditorium. The mu-sic programme got off to start at around 4 pm and there were children cheering the singer who was as young as the ones in the audience.Speaking to this news-

paper, Krishna said, ‘ This is not my first time out on this college campus, the club gave me ice-- creams, brand new garments and fire crackers for this festi-val. I can never for-get Deepavali, it’s the most memorable day for me and the rest of my classmates. This is the time which I enjoy the most. because whatever I don’t get back home, owing to my family’s financial background, I get here, with joy and exuberance unplugged.’Echoing the same,

his teacher Rosy said, ‘Every year, the Inner Wheel invites poor stu-dents and hosts a party during the ‘Festival of Lights’. I’ve taken part in this special pro-gramme and I’m happy that my students get whatever they could not, elsewhere.’‘The service organisa-

tion puts a smile on the face of each of my stu-dents. The club members ensure that each child returns home happy to tell their parents that the Deepavali is a great lev-eller, as they get what the other children, who come from rich and well to do families, get normally,’ she added.Kishore, a second

standard student, also coming from a poor family, said, ‘ I eagerly

look forward to partici-pating in this event, be-cause I know that In-ner Wheel club gives us and other kids my age, an opportunity to have a whale of a time every year. The club ar-ranges transport facility free of cost to be part of the show, the music programme is just an appetiser, more things that make us happy are bound to come our way. And Inner Wheel keeps us rocking and rolling every time we land up here.’Thara, coordinator of

the programme, said, ‘I have brought 51 studen ts this time and I’m here for the eighth consecu-tive year. The club does a lot of amazing things for the underprivileged children. Besides the gifts, the gesture of In-ner Wheel builds bonds among young children and makes them delight-ful.’ ‘The children get

to have a good time, they go home or back to their rooms (in the case of orphaned ones) and say that there was a huge party and that they had a jolly good time on the campus like they did one or two years ago. Can there be a better reward for us, I’m thankful to Inner Wheel,’ she added.Club district chairper-

son Mallika Venkata-ramani said, ‘ Our or-ganisation conducts this programme for children annually. This time, too, like earlier occasions, there has been an over-whelming response. I’m glad to see the happy faces everywhere.’She further said, ‘Our

club’s outreach pro-grammes for the un-derprivileged have been great, the music and va-riety shows, as one may

have seen, have had an impact on the children. As you look around this campus, there is joy and happiness everywhere. The dance performance has been the highlight. Our chief guest and ac-tor Shiva himself has acknowledged that no Deepavali is complete without young children. They add spirit to the festivities, he said.Convenor of the pro-

gramme, Nallammai Ramanathan said, ‘The club members are busy throughout the year, we do a lot of charity pro-grammes. We not only assist and do all we can to poor children, but also empower women from the less privileged sections of society.’Later, actor Shiva

walked in and there were loud cheers that erupted from the audi-ence, which was more than delighted to see their favourite star. Sharing his experiences on and off screen, he told the children that they must be happy all the time, each one of them must keep smiling and spread happiness wherever they go.’ After his motivating

speech, the actor cheered up the kids, who wanted him to sing and shake a leg. Shiva, in reply, said jokingly that he does not have the heart to ‘spoil’ the evening party by crooning or danc-ing. This, the children booed, was a lie. Then the ever- cheerful actor called a young dancer from the crowd and asked her to teach him a few steps. The little dancer demonstrated on the stage a few moves which the actor repeat-ed, this had the children on their feet, there was a thundering applause and the children egged him on to carry on. Shiva, the ever loving actor, obliged.The hour passed like

minutes, the minutes like seconds and then those who took part in the variety show and the singers and dancers for the day were honoured by the chief guest.What a way to cel-

ebrate Deepavali and lift the spirit of the fes-tivities, carry on Inner Wheel!

friday 1-11-2013Xinner Wheel has

poor kids on a spin There are many festivals in India. Some festivals are celebrated in certain regions, like Holi in Northern India, Onam in Kerala. However, Deepavali is the only festival that is celebrated all over India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, by everyone without distinction of class and creed. Everyone celebrates

with lights, crackers and sweets. Although almanac differs between regions, (suryamanam or chandramanam), Deepavali is celebrated on the same day by all. Why Deepavali is so special?In ancient Assam, in

the city of Prakjothisham, there was a king, Bowman also known as Narakasura. He was powerful and has obtained many boons by his tapas. He was misusing his power and troubling every citizen who feared him and wished his elimination to get peace. Mahavishnu destroyed

his prowess and gave peace to everyone. When Narakasura died his mother Boomadevi, who like all mothers should have been grief stricken. However, she was happy because Narakasura had darshan of Mahavishnu and got enlightenment. Narakasura got moksham by darshan of Mahavishnu which many cannot get by doing hard penance for years. There is Puranam

Significance of Deepavali by Kanchi Mahaswamigal

written for every month; like Chaitra mahatmiam, Vaishaka mahatmium. In Tula mahatmium there are 30 chapters that can be read on all 30 days of the Tula month (masam). In this work, in the chapter related to Deepavali it is mentioned “Thaile Lakshmi - Jale Ganga”. It says that on deepavali

day, before sun rise, wherever one take oil bath in hot water he gets the same punya as taking bath in Ganga. Every one without exception should take this oil bath, emphasize Tula Puranam.Dharma shastras

prescribe various karmas and the kala for doing that karma. It is sin to take oil bath before sun rise. However during Deepavali we do; because it is an exception owing to the boon granted to

Bhuma Devi who prayed to Mahavishnu that his son Narakasura’s death must be celebrated by taking oil bath in usha kala and they should get punyam for doing this.His mother prayed

“Oh lord! My son is dead but all other people are happy by is death. I am grieved by lose of my beloved son, but Lokashemam is more important than my personal grief. Let this day be

celebrated every year with pomp and fair, let every one take oil bath, wear new clothes, eat sweets and be happy, and Mahlakshmi’s grace be showed on them”. It is also believed that Narakasura himself prayed thus before his death. He specifically prayed that those who

take oil hot water bath before dawn should get same punyam one gets by bathing in river Ganga, and should have full grace (anugraham) of Mahalakshmi.The lesson to be learnt

is that the Mother set aside her own grief for the sake of welfare of all other species. Both mother and Narakasura wished welfare of the world than their own welfare.If Truth is held as the

highest goal (Lakshya) and if even that goal is dedicated to Eswara (Eswararpanam) one will get Eswara’s blessings (anughraha) very soon. We all continuously

oscillate between happiness and sorrow. Instead of exaggerating and thinking about our own happy and sad experiences, if our action can bring a little bit of comfort and happiness to some one else we must pray and do that work. This attitude alone is

the best. This is the core

meaning of festivals like Deepavali. Instead of brooding that “I have problem, I have sorrow” let us pray that entire universe should be happy. Let us pray Sarve jana sukhino bavanthu, Samastha loka sukhino bavanthu. Total commitment to

our action is possible only when the itch of selfish desire is absent and therefore the action is honest. (Extracted from: Aacharya swamigal Chennai upanyasangal, 1957-58.)

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The night is black Kindle the lamp of Love

With thy life and devotion Rabindranath Tagore

Deepavali signifies different things to all of us across the country. In North India it celebrates Rama’s homecoming to Ayodhya, In Gujrat it honors Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Kali Puja. Basically, it insinuates the triumph of good over evil. That is the essence of Deepavali.

Deepavali has come, Deepavali is here Darkness has left, bright light is hereCracker aloud, laughter all aroundFestive mood as fight over evil is overThundering blasts signals Triumph over TragedyBut beware, take careLet the celebration not turn into tragedyAll in a flash anything can happen, so take cautionBe prepared, that is the Deepavali message we shareWith you, now and foreverMay peace and fun filled joy stayLet the Deepavali mood prevail forever!Pay respects to God, to eldersThat is the spirit of DeepavaliPut on your new clothes, fill your stomach with sweets and tasty goodiesDo not forget to share the same with some who has not That is the spirit of Deepavali.Light the lamps, spread the illuminationVow to spread the knowledge among have not’sto drive away illiteracyThat too is the spirit of Deepavali.

friday 1-11-2013XII

Murali raghavanWashington Oct 31:

The first ever Deepavali Festival was celebrated at the US Congress today amidst chanting of Vedic mantras by a Hindu priest. Over two dozen influential lawmakers along with eminent Indian-Americans gathered at the Capitol Hill to lit the traditional “diyas”. The event , the first of its kind event at the Capitol Hill – was organised by the

US celebrates deepavali, amidst Vedic Chanting in White House

two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Peter Roskam in recognition of increasing contribution of the Indian-American community. The occasion was also used to highlight significance of India-US relationship.“I have come here to

say Happy Diwali. United States owes a great debt of gratitude to India. Because our civil rights

movement was built on the non- violent movement in India. Martin Luther King studied there, spoke there. We are blessed not only by that legacy, but also by the presence of so many Indo- Americans in our country” said Nancy Pelosi, Leader of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. “This is a truly historic event”, Crowley said. “You have the ability to bring together people from both sides of the

isle in ways thata r e powe r f u l and

significant”, Roskam said. “When we look at the relationship between the United States and India moving forward it is a wonderful relationship that has a great thing in store” said Roskam, who along with other lawmakers were welcomed at the historic event with red tilak and jasmine garland. A Hindu priest presented them a traditional shawl amidst chanting of Vedic

mantras.S t a r t i ng h i s b r i e f

remarks with ‘Jai Hind’ Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Commit tee sa id the relationship between India and the United States is strengthening. “Our goal should be to increase anddeepen this relationship

with counter-terrorism co-operation, with more trade and investment and trying to make sure that we strengthen our ally

India. And thatis our intention here,

whether we are Republican or a Democrat , our goal is to deepen this relationship,” he said. Ami Bera, who is the only Indian American in the current Congress said, “It is great to be one Indian American in the Congress, but at our second, fifth Diwali celebration, we want to see more members of the Diaspora elected to the House of Representatives. We want to see deepening of this relationship as we move forward”. “India and the United States have so much in common” said Congressman Elliot Engel, Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and appreciated the contribution of Indian

Americans in the country. The outgoing Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, also spoke on the occasion, along

with other Congressmen including Mike Honda, Sheila Jackson Lee, David Price, Charles Bernard and Steny Hoyer.

annual General Body Meeting of Chennai Central Cooperative Bank was presided over by President V. Girinath. in the meeting, a resolution was adopted at first, as a sense of gratitude to express thanks to Hon`ble Chief Minister Jayalalithaa by the newly elected Board of directors of the Bank. further, various resolutions were passed in connection with Bank`s financial statements for the year 2012-13 including extension of a high dividend of 14% to the member cooperative societies. President, Vice President, directors of the Bank, Officials/employees and the delegates of various member cooperatives were participated.

The Montfort Table Tennis academy was inaugurated by Vivek Kohli Vice President of Stag international. Principal and Correspondent Bro K K Thomas the welcomed the guests and the members of the academy. abishek, the Bronze Medalist in the 2010 Commonwealth games inaugurated the academy through an Exhibition Match with the Tamil Nadu State player Senthil Kumar which was officiated by Master antony of Std iX of Mont fort Mat. Hr. Sec. School and a State TT Player. annas the Joint Secretary of Madras Table Tennis association and the current Coach of the Senior Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Team will be heading the academy as the official Coach.