The Hindu Articles: December 2012

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Cosmic Dance

The month of Margazhi stands witness to a beautiful cosmic dance by Lord Shiva! Let's celebrate the occasion with a quick snippet (and some delicious 'kali', of course) on Tiruvadirai or Aarudra Darshanam.

*Aarudra Darshanam is a festival celebrated on the full moon day coinciding with the star 'Tiruvadira' or 'Aarudra'in the month of Margazhi. This day is considered very auspicious for Lord Shiva.

*Lord Shiva, in the form of Nataraja, is said to have performed the cosmic dance, the 'ananda tandavam' on this day, along with his consort Goddess Shivakami.

*Festivities abound at the famous temple of Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram, around the Margazhi brahmotsavam conducted for about ten days.

*At homes and at temples of Lord Shiva, devotees recite hymns from the tevaram, tiruvachakam and so forth. A special sweet pudding called ‘kali’ is prepared as an offering to the Lord.

*In Kerala, a Tiruvadira festival is celebrated, which entails a tradition of wearing flower garlands and performing the Tiruvadiraikali or Kaikottikali dances.

*This day is believed to mark the birth anniversary of Saint Tirugnanasambandar and Saint Manikkavachakar in Sirkazhi and Tirupperundurai respectively.

*Several Carnatic music composers including Muttuswami Dikshitar, Gopalakrishna Bharati and Marimutha Pillai have composed soul- stirring songs in praise of Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram.

Links:

Detailed animated explanations of 'Ananda Natana Prakasham' by Muthuswami Dikshitar

Complete song rendition with lyrics of 'Ananda Natana Prakasham':

A crisp audio-visual presentation on 'Panchabhutalingams in South India':

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-arts/chen-music/the-cosmic-dance/article4246056.ece

Cholamandalam to augment capital

TOPICS

economy, business and finance company information

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company is planning to raise capital upto Rs. 300 crore in one or more tranches. The directors of the company at a meeting held on Thursday, have approved the proposal to raise capital through private placement including qualified institutional placement, the company informed the stock exchanges.

Keywords: Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company

Feast with your ears: Mountbatten Mani Catering

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-food/article4245706.ece

The KARMA connection

Urmila Sathyanarayanan. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

Urmila Sathyanarayanan. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

Urmila Sathyanarayanan. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

How does the cycle of Karma affect the lives of all beings? Upon whom does the burden of our actions fall? The law of Dharma which dictates the inexorable nature of retribution for one’s deeds, formed the leitmotif of Urmila Satyanarayana’s ‘Apurva Purva’ performed at The Narada Gana Sabha.

The Krishna avatara comes to an end in the episode where a hunter mistakes Krishna’s foot for a deer and shoots a fatal arrow. The hunter is horrified at this turn of events, whereupon Krishna consoles him by imparting the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita through many tales. This, in a nutshell, was the storyline.

Krishna, as the voice of righteousness, the hunter as the one seeking absolution, Vaali, Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Kuchela, Draupadi and Devaki, were some characters in the telling of Apurva. With costume, hair style and jewellery designed to resemble Krishna’s persona, Urmila presented close to an hour and a half of continuous dancing with dramatic effect.

Despite the solemnity of the main story, the artist’s visualisation of the central character, Krishna, and his smiling acceptance of fate uplifted the tone of the dancing. The composition took care in interlacing a variety of emotions that made it engrossing. The hunter’s initial euphoria at setting out and his horror on discovering the fatal accident established the focus of the presentation.

Rama’s surreptitious defeat of Vaali highlighted the reason for the mishap in Krishna’s incarnation. Similarly, other anecdotes were narrated with ample histrionics to correlate the turn of events in each tale and highlight the cause and effect connections.

A major factor in the presentation was the close harmony of dance and music. Swamimalai S.K. Suresh, who was responsible for the music composition and the fluid singing, was also at the helm with his steady nattuvangam. The other members of the orchestra -- Dhananjayan on the mridangam, Kalaiarasan on the violin and Devarajan on the flute -- blended their inputs with those of the dancer. Mellifluous swaras in ragas such as Keeravani, Revati and Desh lent their hue to the artist’s expressive depictions. Lyrics for the dancing were provided by Shatavadhani Ganesh.

If energetic moves, adavus and postures formed the framework of the dancing, facial expressions, hand gestures and relevant poses depicting the mythic deities fleshed out the roles. A sari-style screen as a backdrop, the image of a tree beamed onto it and a seat were stage props that were skilfully used to show Krishna and his situation at one corner of the stage. Sensitive use of the lighting effects added to the performance.

This did not mean the presentation was without imperfections. Some depictions could have been described in brevity for better impact. For example the Vaali episode could have been trimmed since this was dealt with twice. Also, minute details in episodes like that of Devaki meandered away and certainly the seat upon which Krishna sat could have been given a more artistic touch. Nevertheless, for a first time presentation this was endowed with the asset of artistry to evolve commendably.

In all, Urmila’s seamless natyam linking one parable to another gave the production its core strength.

More In: Dance | Arts | Dance | Arts | Chennai

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-arts/chen-dance/the-karma-connection/article4245028.ece

Munroe’s India connections

KONGU NAATTIL THOMAS MUNROE

Idaippadi Amudhan

Anuradha Pathippagam, 9 Jalakantapuram Road, Idappadi -- 637 101 Price: Rs.145

India during the British Raj brought some colourful personalities into limelight; Thomas Munroe is undoubtedly one of them.

Amudhan has done meticulous research on the role played by Munroe in the Kongu region. The writer has relied on historical records from the district manuals and gazetteers of Salem and Coimbatore, besides the biographies by G.R. Gleig, Alexander Arbuthnot, John Broadshah, P.R. Krishnaswamy, M. Arokiasamy and K.K. Pillai, as well as, three editorials of The Hindu from 1878 to 1978. What makes this book absorbing is the way he has strung the incidents together.

Munroe’s love for India, and particularly Dharmapuri in Salem district, comes out loud and clear. He considered seven years of his work in the area as a golden period.

For being posted in Dharmapuri, Munroe showed his gratitude to George Kippen in Fort St. George. Later as Governor, he helped I.M. Heath to establish Salem as the source for iron ore exports. He did not spare officials, whether British or Indian, who had indulged in corruption.

While Munroe introduced the ‘ryotwari’ system for direct payment of taxes by farmers, he fought with his own masters to reduce taxes on weavers. As Deputy Collector, Salem, Munroe had insisted that the Collectors are fluent in local language of the people. Later, he also distinguished himself in the British Army, during wars in the region.

Enriched with letters to his parents, siblings and friends, the book reveals the character of the protagonist. In his letter to his brother James living in Krishnagiri, Munroe wrote: “Do exercises daily in the morning. Be nice to your colleagues in the Army. Along with Maj. Cuppage and Capt. Irton and others, go round the place; it is helpful for body and mind. You would come to know more about the people. Please ensure your expenses are manageable within your salary, but don’t be a miser.”

Munroe faced challenges from his own men in the latter part of his life. However, William Thackeray and Charles Carpenter were closer to him. Novelist Thackeray’s fictional character ‘Colonel Newcome’ is none other than Munroe, quotes Amudhan. Carpenter’s sister was married to novelist Walter Scott. Carpenter died in Salem and his cemetery is found near Salem Collectorate.

Munroe married when he was 53 to a girl who was 30 years younger. In his letter dated September 15, 1795, Munroe replied to his sister who had found a girl for him, thus: “Even if we marry, I cannot assure her that our married life would be pleasant. While my wife would love to play the melody of flute into my ears, she would show her wrath on servants instead, whenever she is angry with me.”

The final chapter when Munroe contracts cholera and succumbs to it in Gooty, is moving. The book presents an intimate picture of Munroe with authenticity.

Charukesi

2012: Those who bid adieu

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2012-those-who-bid-adieu/article4238739.ece

They dive headlong into troubled waters

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/they-dive-headlong-into-troubled-waters/article4244437.ece

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Salman asked to appear in court today

TOPICS

people celebrity

crime, law and justice

A court here has summoned Bollywood star Salman Khan and the Senior Inspector of Bandra police station to appear before it on December 27 to answer the charge of submitting false evidence in the 2002 case of hit-and-run in which one person was killed and four injured. The court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bandra, served the summons acting on an application filed by social worker Santosh Daundkar.

Mr. Daundkar said the false information the police had submitted in the court delayed the case by four-five years.

What was more, in the intervening period, Mr. Khan gained an “enormous pecuniary benefit” through his business in films. The application said the police officers allegedly produced wrong medical officers instead of those who had examined the injured persons. The former IAS officer and advocate, Abha Singh, who is pursuing the matter along with Mr. Daundkar, said: “People while making allegations often say there is no point in pursuing cases in court because it leads to nothing. The summons issued by the court clearly shows that the belief of those people who make allegations and do not go to the court is wrong. Courts do produce results.”

On November 2, Ms. Singh’s husband and former IPS officer, Y.P. Singh, alleged for the first time that the police were hiding evidence against Mr. Khan. Thereafter, Mr. Daundkar moved the application.

Keywords: Salman Khan hit-and-run case

The poet of Oottukkadu

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-arts/chen-music/the-poet-of-oottukkadu/article4242304.ece

Egypt’s constitution gets approval

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/egypts-constitution-gets-approval/article4240734.ece

26th December 2012

Mr. C.R. Surdsh, CEO, Code Mantra LLC & Zen Data Services Pvt Ltd passed away on 25.12.2012. Mobile: 0-98402-50050.

Mrs. P. Lalitha, W/o. late Mr. Venkatramana Pejathaya passed away on 25.12.2012. Mobile: 98400-82382.

Mr. K. Kanniappan, Retd. Dy. Manager (NABARD), RBI, Chennai passed away on 25.12.2012. Phone: 044-2628 2892 / Mobile: 94444-45799 / 98841-81124.

Mr. N. Subramanian (Artist Subha) passed away on 25.12.2012. Phone: 044-2227 5373 / Mobile: 94453-16792.

Ms. Seetha Rajagopalan passed away on 24.12.2012. Mobile: 98404-43969.

25th December 2012

Mr. A.G. Nambiar, Advocate, Retd. Joint Secretary to Govt of India & FERA Board Member passed away on 22.12.2012.

Mr. T.A. Mahadevan, Retd. Superintendent of Central Excise passed away on 22.12.2012. Mobile: 95001-17160.

Mr. M. Ganapathy (alias MG), Branch Manager, TechNova Imaging Systems (P) Ltd., Chennai passed away on 24.12.2012. Mobile: 98847-12662.

Dr. Sheila Pereira passed away on 22.12.2012. Funeral at 11 A.M on 27.12.2012 at Church of Christ the King, Katoor, Dr. Nanjappa Road, Coimbatore.

Mr. N. Prathiba Ponselvi passed away on 24.12.2012.

Mr. Yashwanth Ethi passed away on 24.12.2012.

Mrs. Lakshminarayani, W/o. Mr. G.s. Mani passed away on 24.12.2012. Mobile: 0-98400-93260.

Mr. M. Arjundas Narang passed away on 22.12.2012. Mobile: 98400-74996.

24th December 2012

Mrs. Ida Mary (Laila) Samson, W/o. Admiral B.A. (Chippy) Samson passed away on 23.12.2012 in Chennai. Phone: 044-2446 2642.

Mr. Lionel P.T. Ponnaya, Retd. Indian Overseas Bank (S/o. Mr. J.H.S. Ponnayya) passed away on 23.12.2012. Y-35/2, 5th Street, Anna Nagar, Chennai. Mobile: 80560-21961 / 95000-21991.

Mr. M.N. Gopal Das, Retd. A.D. G.M Telecom, Anna Salai, Chennai passed away on 23.12.2012. T-20, Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600 040. Phone: 044-2621 3253 / 2620 7728 / Mobile: 97100-46922.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

World Telugu meet on track, says Chief Minister

World Telugu Conference logo

TOPICS

India Andhra Pradesh

Dismisses the call given by some political parties to boycott the event

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy dismissed the call given by some political parties to boycott the ensuing 4th World Telugu Conference in Tirupati and said that it is up to them to decide how to react to the prestigious event.

Though as a reply to a media query, his comment came in a veiled reference to the critical observations by the TDP and YSR Congress on the sloppy arrangements and the political overtones to the literary event.

The Chief Minister, however, gave an open call to all litterateurs, scholars and politicians to take part whole-heartedly in the event, irrespective of their party affiliations.

He also exuded confidence that the event would become a hit with the support of all stakeholders and language lovers.

Expresses satisfaction

During his inspection of the venue, ahead of the arrival of President Pranab Mukherjee in a couple of days to inaugurate the grand event, Mr. Reddy expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, especially at the late hour, the main dais and the other stages.

Accompanied by Ministers V.Vasantha Kumar (Cultural Affairs), G. Arunakumari (Mines and Geology), K. Parthasarathy (Intermediate education), he had a look at the stage backdrop getting ready for the main dais where the President would formally declare the three-day event open.

He also watched with amusement the ‘Akshara Kalpavriksham’ (Eternal tree of knowledge), an artificially made art piece at the venue, with Telugu alphabets hanging from it as fruits.

He released a booklet brought out by the Police Department on the security plan, which, rather interestingly, was titled in chaste Telugu as ‘Bhadratha Pranalika’.

TTD Chairman K. Bapi Raju, Executive Officer L.V.Subrahmanyam, Collector Solomon Arokiaraj, Deputy Inspector General of Police Charu Sinha, SP (Tirupati Urban) S.V. Rajasekhar Babu and Culture Secretary R.Kavitha Prasad were present.

Keywords: World Telugu Conference

TOPICS

India Bihar

crime, law and justice

unrest, conflicts and war

Public outrage in Bihar’s Saharsa district has forced the surrender of the main accused in a kidnap-molestation case. The district, tense for the past few days, had a brief bandh on Monday, calling for police action against those who kidnapped and molested a Class Ten student last Saturday.

Avinash alias Animesh, the prime accused in the case, surrendered before the police on Monday. “The victim has named him in the First Information Report and also identified him,” Superintendent of Police Ajit Kumar Satyarthi told The Hindu.

Mr. Satyarthi said Animesh has been booked under Sections 366 (kidnapping) and 354 (outraging one’s modesty) of the Indian Penal Code.

The incident took place in Panchwati Chowk in Saharsa town. The victim was returning after writing her school examination, when she was kidnapped by a group of miscreants. They molested her but the victim escaped.

Keywords: Saharsa district unrest

Christmas 2012

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/religion/christmas-2012/article4238034.ece

Monday, December 24, 2012

Distressed cry of an ardent fan

TOPICS

sport cricket

I am a cricket fan. I endure caning when I go to buy a ticket to a match and suffer more when getting to my seat. But I love my cricket and my cricketers. I bunk school and sneak to the ground to watch my heroes in flesh.

I also hook on to the commentary when the boss is away. Following cricket is my life actually. Is it not fans who make a sportsman the legend that he comes to be known as!

But I don’t get an opportunity to connect with my hero. When he retires, he just fades away from the field, not from our memory.

However, as a fan, a die-hard follower of the game, I don’t get an opportunity to participate in his farewell.

In recent times, I have seen some greats take a bow, gracefully and thoughtfully. But then their final moments on the field hardly attracted the attention of their fans. That final walk, amidst thundering ovation, with echoes in various corners of the world, in schools, offices, homes and fields, has almost passed un-noticed.

Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, V. V. S. Laxman were kind in informing some journos and close friends in advance that they had decided to call it a day. Just as Sachin Tendulkar. But those were private sharing of emotions. The fans remained oblivious until the media broke the news the next day.

Why can’t I, a humble cricket fan, become a part of the retirement if it is a process. My support to my hero, praying and sometimes fasting for his success, remains a personal association, well concealed from the public.

Even the hero remains unaware. I have always craved for my hero’s attention. It can mean a message, through the media, or best, an invitation to enjoy his retirement in the same fervour as his work on the field.

I have only heard or read of Don Bradman’s last innings in cricket. The world followed his farewell show. Sadly it ended with the Australian legend scoring nothing in the Oval Test. He got to bat just once as Australia won by an innings but he was accorded a standing ovation twice — when he went to bat and on his return. For everyone knew it was his farewell appearance in Test cricket.

What prevents us from giving a Tendulkar, a Dravid, a Laxman, Kumble or Sehwag the opportunity to walk back to an ovation from the audience? These are moments that are treasured for posterity by cricket fans like me. “I was there,” can be a story for my grandchildren to hear countless times. But it remains a dream.

When Kapil Dev limped back to the dressing room, troubled by a hamstring injury, against the West Indies at Faridabad in 1994, little did I know it was to be his farewell! The same fate befell Kumble, an injury at Delhi hastened his retirement. He attended the next Test at Nagpur but not as a player.

Dravid and Laxman figured in the defeat at Adelaide in 2012. India lost the Test and Indian cricket two of its finest cricketers.

And now Tendulkar joins that list. I will not watch him turn out for India in coloured clothing again. Sad! He remembered to kindly thank his fans but why did he not choose a match as his farewell for me to be an integral part of his fading process.

If not at the ground, I would have again bunked school or office and bid him a standing ovation from my drawing room.

As a cricket fan, I hope Tendulkar, one of the greatest icons of the game, will give me a chance to celebrate his farewell from international cricket.

If Bradman, Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar could do it, why not Tendulkar? He deserves a standing ovation from the cricket world when he walks back finally to the dressing room. I, the cricket fan, deserve the right to applaud his genius from the stands.

Keywords: Sachin Tendulkar retirement

TOPICS

sport cricket

India and Pakistan all set for an intense face-off

Within 24 hours of suffering a last-ball defeat against England at Mumbai, M.S. Dhoni’s men found a diverse range of off-field challenges to cope with as they flew to Bangalore on Sunday.

They had to accept that Sachin Tendulkar in the blue shade, will now be an overwhelming memory, and at the same time be aware of the varied sub-texts that trail matches against Pakistan.

The Twenty20 match against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday night comes with the usual baggage of history and intense rivalry.

Heartening sight

Amidst these multiple layers of meaning that is a staple diet of any game involving the sub-continental rivals, it was also heartening to see the banter between Virat Kohli and Saeed Ajmal and the brief chat that Dhoni had with Umar Gul while the teams trained ahead of a contest that highlights the return of bilateral cricket between the two nations after five years.

Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu lingered in the air as pleasantries were exchanged, bats were checked before the respective players went their different ways.

Meanwhile, on the pathway leading to the National Cricket Academy, a Pakistani television channel was interviewing wicketkeeping great Syed Kirmani.

There was nostalgia and bonhomie in abundance but when the first ball is bowled on Tuesday, it will all be about a tense face-off that should whet the sporting appetites of fans on either side of the border.

Both teams are fused together by fortune’s vagaries. India is in a state of churn that is intrinsic to transition and Pakistan, plagued by lack of matches at home ever since masked gunmen made a ghastly attempt against the Sri Lankan team bus at Lahore in 2009, is slowly finding its mercurial feet.

Good past record

If history against a rival is an index for feel-good clues then India has it in abundance as it won the last face-off in 2007 (1-0 in Tests and 3-2 in ODIs) besides defeating Mohammad Hafeez’s men in the ICC World Twenty20 clash at Colombo in September.

The past, however, will not assuage Dhoni’s primary worry that will revolve around his bowling unit in which R. Ashwin and Ishant Sharma are the most experienced players.

The manner in which Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler scythed through the final overs of Parvinder Awana and Ashoke Dinda at Mumbai, has quadrupled pressure on the men in blue.

Its batsmen, notably the quartet of Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Kohli and Suresh Raina, have to flourish for Dhoni to display his muscular hits past the 15-over mark.

Limited success

Pakistan, meanwhile, has had limited success in Twenty20s this year, the exception being a 2-1 triumph over Australia in the United Arab Emirates. Hafeez needs Shahid Afridi to reclaim his all-rounder tag besides hoping that the Akmals — Kamran and Umar — along with Nasir Jamshed clatter the runs. The attack, with Ajmal and Gul in its ranks, does have bite and deception while the pitch, according to curator Narayan Raju, is tailor-made for Twenty20 and promises a 180-run fare.

The teams (from):

India: M.S. Dhoni (captain), G. Gambhir, A. Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, S. Raina, V. Kohli, R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, A. Dinda, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, P. Awana, P. Chawla and A. Rayudu.

Pakistan: M. Hafeez (captain), N. Jamshed, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, U. Amin, S. Malik, S. Afridi, S. Ajmal, M. Irfan, Junaid Khan, S. Tanvir, U. Gul, Asad Ali, Z. Babar and Ahmed Shehzad.

Umpires: S. Ravi and Shamsuddin; Third umpire: Vineet Kulkarni; Match referee: Roshan Mahanama.

Match starts at 7 p.m.

Keywords: India-Pakistan Twenty20 match

TOPICS

education

What is the term for non-stop meaningless chatter or talk?

(L. Joseph, Kochi)

If you are thinking of our politicians who frequently appear on TV in support of their colleague or party, then ‘diarrhoea of the mouth’ and ‘verbal diarrhoea’ are two expressions that can be used. A person who has ‘verbal diarrhoea’ talks a lot, but has nothing interesting to say: the words he utters have no substance in them. While the person with diarrhoea is unable to control his lower end, the one with verbal diarrhoea is unable to control his mouth! Another expression, sometimes heard nowadays, that has more or less the same meaning is ‘blabber infection’!

*Whenever Mahesh drinks at the pub, he comes home with a blabber infection.

Sometimes, we experience ‘diarrhoea of the mouse’ as well. It refers to the amount of time we waste rambling on the Internet: chatting, blogging, emailing, etc.

How is the word ‘decrepit’ pronounced?

(Dileep Kumar, Chennai)

The ‘e’ in the first syllable and the ‘i’ in the final syllable are pronounced like the ‘I’ in ‘bit’ and ‘hit’. The second syllable is pronounced like the word ‘prep’. The word is pronounced ‘di-KREP-it’ with the stress on the second syllable. This is one way of pronouncing the word. Decrepit can be used with things and people to mean ‘old’ and ‘run down’. When you say that a building is decrepit, you are suggesting that it is rather old and is ready to collapse. When used with people, the word has a negative connotation. It suggests that the person is old, weak and in very poor health. It comes from the Latin ‘decrepitus’ meaning ‘very old, infirm’. You do not tell a person to his face that he is ‘decrepit’.

*Mohan spends half an hour every morning trying to start his decrepit scooter.

*The decrepit old woman was toying with her dentures.

What is the difference between ‘talk to’ and ‘talk at’?

(Sarika Rao, Bangalore)

When you ‘talk to’ someone, you speak to the individual; you have a conversation with him. ‘Talk to’ can also be used to mean to lecture or scold someone.

*I need to talk to my boss about a possible raise.

*There are lots of complaints about Ram. I’m going to have to talk to him.

Unlike ‘talk to’, ‘talk at’ has a negative connotation. It suggests that the ‘talk’ is going to be more like a monologue than a dialogue. When you ‘talk at’ an individual, you do most of the talking, and when the person does say something, you don’t really pay attention. In fact, you are not interested in the person’s response.

*Jyothi’s classes are boring. She merely talks at her students.

Why is Christmas sometimes written as ‘Xmas’?

(J. Shalini, Mysore)

Christmas is a combination of two words: ‘Christ’s Mass’. In ancient Greek, the letter that was used to represent the first sound in the word ‘Christ’ looked like the English letter ‘X’. With the passage of time, the Greeks began to represent the word ‘Christ’ using a single letter-X (pronounced ‘chi’). As early as the 16th century, native speakers of English began to write ‘Christmas’ as ‘Xmas’. There are many people even today who object to this.

******

“Four stages of life: 1) You believe in Santa Claus. 2) You don't believe in Santa Claus. 3) You are Santa Claus. 4) You look like Santa Claus.” — Unknown

upendrankye@gmail.com

Keywords: Know Your English

All I want for Christmas

TOPICS

festivals Christmas

religion and belief christianity

religion and belief

It was dark on Christmas-eve by the time I collected the Christmas magazines from the printing press. I had to send them by bus to my hometown, 500 miles away. I was to have made the trip, carrying them myself, but had been compelled to stay back. This would be the first time I won't be home for Christmas. Thoughts of my parents being on their own wracked me. Everyone seemed in a hurry. Somehow, in the big city, I felt forlorn and lonely. As I reached the depot, passengers were boarding the bus, talking animatedly, anticipation writ large on their faces. Scenes of Christmas back home flashed through my mind, the air full with excitement, homes swelling with loved ones. I wished I was home.

A man was loading parcels atop the bus. He wore a worn-out pair of trousers, his torso bare. He was perspiring as he climbed up and down, piling luggage. A small wooden cross dangled around his neck. When he prepared to pick my bundle, I hesitantly asked him if he could secure it well. He offered no response. I wondered if his task was harder than it seemed. Was he a migrant, does he have a family back home? Maybe he, too, yearned to be home for Christmas. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me. My gentle probing was met with a glare. Later he spoke for the first time, still avoiding eye contact. He too was from my hometown, it turned out. He lived alone here. He was weary. I too am from his place, I told him. He eyed me fleetingly and turned his gaze away. We watched the bus leave. I headed to a tea shop. I watched him finish. He soon sat beside me on the bench. I ordered tea and biscuits. He hesitated, but accepted them. We sat in silence. Words didn't seem necessary. It was time to leave. I offered him a lift. He preferred to walk, he said. As he started to leave, he paused and wished me for Christmas. I then watched his figure fade in the street lights. As I lay awake in the stillness of the night, it comforted me a little that I was not alone in being lonely, after all. A distant church bell announced the arrival of Christmas. Peace that eluded me so far began to gently envelop me.

Keywords: Christmas

Media protests student’s gang rape

TOPICS

crime sexual assault & rape

Speaking out against the use of force against journalists covering protests against the gang rape of a physiotherapy student, five press organisations on Monday urged Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to take measures to protect mediapersons, as well as women.

The memorandum, signed by presidents and general secretaries of the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Association, Indian Journalists Union and Delhi Union of Journalists, demanded action and accountability from the police officers who gave orders for the use of force against the mediapersons who were carrying out their functions on Sunday.

Before sending the memorandum to the Union Home Minister, journalists from different media organisations gathered at the Press Club of India here. Holding placards, they marched till Rail Bhavan, where the police had put up barricades.

Describing the assault on the mediapersons as totally unacceptable and condemnable, the memorandum said: “We view this action as a strategy to control the media and prevent them from covering the protests. This also constitutes curbing freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution.”

Delhi has become an extremely unsafe place for women at all times of the day, particularly during evening hours, where safe forms of public transport have become non-existent, the memorandum added.

Keywords: Delhi gang-rape

TOPICS

India Delhi

crime sexual assault & rape

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of the gang-rape victim undergoing treatment in a city hospital.

In his Christmas message, Mr. Mukherjee lauded the courage of the young girl who was gang-raped on December 16 and the strength shown by her family.

“We mark Christmas at a time when the nation is joined in anguish and distress over the recent horrific attack on a young girl here,” he said.

“Let us resolve to redouble our efforts for the protection of women and their welfare. Let us strive to ensure that women feel safe and secure at all times in our country.”

Greeting the nation, the President urged the people to renew in their minds and hearts the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Keywords: Delhi gang rape

The year that was - Sports

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/the-year-that-was-sports/article4225524.ece

Kaleidoscope: North Karnataka

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/kaleidoscope-north-karnataka/article4234723.ece

An ear to fashion: Sudha Ragunathan

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-multi-media/chen-podcasts/article4235340.ece

The laser effect

The Laser Science and Technology Centre, New Delhi, has developed a technology for eye surgery.

A look at the Laser Science and Technology Centre and the Scientific Analysis Group, both in New Delhi.

This week we shall cover two research institutions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the first focussing on laser and the other on electronic communication.

There are controversies and rival claims about the discovery of laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). But a laser beam was created in 1960. Laser technology has a wide variety of applications including those in our everyday life. It is used for scientific, military, medical and commercial purposes. High mono-chromaticity, coherence, and ability to reach extremely high powers are the features of laser that make it employable in diverse situations. Here, we look at some of the military applications of laser.

The DRDO has an institution that focusses on the military uses of laser and research on this subject: The Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Metcalfe House, Delhi – 110 054;

Web: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/ LASTEC/English/index.jsp? pg=homebody.jsp.

The centre was born in 1950 as the Defence Science Laboratory (DSL), functioning as a nucleus laboratory in Defence science. It was located on the National Physical Laboratory premises. In 1960, it was moved to Metcalfe House and named the Defence Science Centre. The thrust needed on research in laser, opto-electronic systems, and related technologies was appreciated and in 1999 the centre was renamed the Laser Science and Technology Centre.

Later on, some of the activities of the original DSL were distributed among the various DRDO laboratories. To begin with, the lab touched research on various areas such as operational research, ballistics, electronics and communication, explosives, physiology, nuclear medicine, and food technology. After 1970, the research became more focused in application-oriented areas such as liquid fuel technology, spectroscopy and crystallography.

The lab has to its credit substantial contributions in areas such as missile programme, trajectory modelling, Joule-Thomson mini cooler, and infrared dome material, polyurethane for potting of electronic circuits, microphone grid (for locating gun position by sound ranging methods), and air-ventilated suits.

The major thrust on laser technology came in 1982. Further, LASTEC was made responsible for the development of lasers for directed energy applications as one of its major missions. Aspirants for research would be interested to learn that it has grown as a centre of excellence in certain domains of research. Some of these areas of development are:

High-power laser sources and related technologies.

Electro-optic countermeasure equipment.

Battlefield optoelectronic simulator and sensor systems.

Solid-state laser sources for military applications.

Laser materials and Laser based remote sensing technologies for detection and identification of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare agents and explosive agents.

The technologies developed by LASTEC include the direct retrofitting of a laser module with slit lamp microscope and the in-situ energy measurement unit.

There is ample infrastructure to meet the tough demands of laser research. They include sophisticated items of equipment such as Tyman Green Interferometer, Czochralski Crystal Puller, Ion Beam Sputtered Coating Unit, and Cold Iso-static Press.

A remarkable product developed by LASTEC is an ophthalmic laser system used for photo-disruption applications. It was developed under the aegis of the Society for Biomedical Technology. The device, named “Drishti - 1064,” is for the treatment of post-cataract opacification and glaucoma. It was subjected to confirmatory clinical tests and approved by leading ophthalmologists.

The centre makes collaborative efforts with other DRDO research laboratories.

Electronics R&D

The DRDO has a unit engaged in research and development work in the field of electronics, with a focus on the communication system in Defence services: The Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Metcalfe House, Delhi - 110 054;

Web: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs /SAG/English/index.jsp? pg=homebody.jsp.

The unit which was established in 1963 takes up projects on mathematical, communication and speech analysis as well. Its areas of studies and research include the following.

Advanced mathematical and statistical analysis and development of tools.

High performance computing.

Linguistics — computational and structural.

Microprocessor-based systems.

Satellite communication.

Signal processing.

Simulation studies.

Speech analysis — recognition and synthesis.

The products of results, though primarily meant for the armed forces, are sometimes shared with other government departments. Consequently, the requirements of those departments may have to be studied and appropriate research in electronics with a specific orientation carried out.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Day in Pictures

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/day-in-pictures/article4234182.ece

A season for shopping!

TOPICS

Karnataka Bangalore

Shop windows across the city are looking bright, decked in Christmas spirit. Many of them have stars, in different shapes and sizes, while the more upstreet showrooms have Santa Claus and Reindeer installations.

A trend that’s caught on in the past many years, shops and shopping complexes also have their own Santa, often wiry men with a pillow or two stuffed underneath their bright red Santa suits, ushering in some Christmas cheer and some Santa spirit. While some Santas manage to endear themselves to children with their tummy rubbing and their ‘ho-hos’, others simply scare away the young ones.

Apart from the Christmas spirit, what’s ubiquitous are the sales. Shouting out of every window display, most shops — be it furniture and clothes or the mundane groceries — are offering discounts, each more attractive than the last one.

Maya M., a rather harried mother of three, who was shopping at Big Kids Kemp on M.G. Road, said that it is the “maddest time of the year”.

“Shops are offering sales and discounts. And I still have to buy my youngest this toy car for Christmas,” she said, admitting that Christmas, for her children, was mostly about toys and gifts.

Ashok S., an employee at Kids Kemp, said, “This is our biggest season. Christmas is when all the children expect presents from Santa Claus and all the parents are too willing to indulge.”

Not to be left behind is the roadside vendor. Like every year, Santosh Kumar, who sells Santa Claus caps on Brigade Road, says business is brisk. “People come here to shop, see the caps and at this time of the year they don’t think about money but just buy them for the fun of it,” he says, adding that his most enthusiastic costumers are children.

Sachin R., a proprietor of a fancy store in BTM Layout, says: “I bought 10 Christmas trees this year, and I’m down to my last one. Christmas stars are selling like hotcakes. When it comes to festivals, even those who are not so well off want to celebrate and enjoy for just one day.”

Keywords: Christmas celebrations

Feast with your ears: Gnanambiga Catering Service

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-food/article4232258.ece

Sachin’s five best ODI hundreds

The Hindu Sachin Tendulkar

TOPICS

cricket One-day cricket

Forty-nine centuries. Some may have lacked aesthetics but were all constructed with purpose. India won quite a few of them and in the rest, the team was not disgraced. For Sachin Tendulkar, one-day cricket was a challenge he learnt to love.

His first ODI century came after 79 matches, a piece of statistics that is bound to surprise many for generations to follow. Once he broke the barrier, there was no looking back.

His best ODI innings, however, fell short of a century. It was the 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup.

Here, we pick five of his centuries and follow them through the non-strikers at the other end when he crossed the mark.

110 (130 balls, 8x4, 2x6) vs. Australia in Colombo (Singer World Series, 1994) — 1st century: “He was in super touch. He had so much time to play his shots that (humid) day and he hammered them all over. A mid-wicket six off McDermott was just breathtaking!” Vinod Kambli reminisced.

“The humidity was forgotten and I enjoyed his knock. We didn’t have a big partnership, but I was there when he reached his century. No hand-shakes. I just hugged him. In the evening, we had a nice party, just the two of us.”

118 (140 balls, 8x4, 2x6) vs. Pakistan in Sharjah (Pepsi Cup, 1996) — 8th century: “It was an education,” remembered Navjot Singh Sidhu, who also hit a century. “(Aamer) Sohail and I had a slanging match. We batted first and I just enjoyed every moment of his batting.

“I don’t remember if Sachin was even beaten once. He hit them at will and had a calming impact on me. ‘Thanda (cool) rehna hai, thanda rehna hai’, he kept telling me every time I lost cool with Sohail.

“I remained ‘thanda’ but he was on fire. The Pakistanis tried needling him but he only responded with his bat. I would love to play some of the shots that came from him. It was indeed a privilege to be at the other end that day.”

143 (131 balls, 9x4, 5x6) vs. Australia in Sharjah (Coca Cola Cup, 1998) — 14th century: “It was easily the most brilliant and destructive knock I have ever seen from Sachin. He was like a man possessed, in a zone,” recalled V.V.S. Laxman, his partner in the middle.

“He knew he was left alone to do the job. He played some amazing shots off the fast bowlers. His determination was seen in his aggression.

“His eyes were burning from the dust storm but nothing could stop him that night. He hit a century in the final too but this sensational knock remains etched in my memory.”

122 (138 balls, 12x4) vs. South Africa in Vadodara (Bilateral Series, 2000) — 25th century: “I remember we got off to a great start. It was a superbly controlled knock and it was a treat for every student of the game.

“He paced his innings well and given the conditions, it was one of his best performances,” said Sourav Ganguly. “Sachin was determined that day. It may have been a small ground but his innings was huge.”

200 not out (147 balls, 25x4, 3x6) vs. South Africa in Gwalior (Bilateral series, 2010) — 46th century: The curator, Ajay Sahasrabuddhe, had assured Sachin it was a “Donshe chi wicket (pitch worthy of a double century).”

The master put his stamp on it. For Dinesh Karthik, it was a lifetime experience.

“It was a slow pitch but he placed his shots through point and covers with ease. How he used the pace of the ball to score was a lesson for all. He was always looking to hit boundaries and I ensured he stayed on strike as much as possible.

“He played normal shots, Test match shots, and destroyed the South Africans. He was in a different zone and didn’t rush; He was amazing.”

Tendulkar indeed has been an amazing phenomenon!

Keywords: Sachin Tendulkar

RELATED NEWS

Sachin quits one-dayers

Saturday, December 22, 2012

You are not alone in your travails

TOPICS

human interest

This is in response to the article, ‘You hug a large heart, we see a bad disease’ by Dr. Tiny Nair (Open Page, The Hindu, December 9, 2012)

Thank you doctor for not being our kind,

As every day and night as you do your bit.

To save a life with a good and trained mind;

Not having time to spend with a family back home to knit.

Turn around and look around, the world is not alone,

Every day and every night, the people do their bit;

A soldier protects the border with his life,

A plumper climbs a wall to mend a pipe to make it fit,

A labour jumps in sewage to remove a clog, and risks his life

A sailor sails with waves for months alone.

In a society everyone must do their bit

As none can be the master of all.

They risk their life and you save them,

You are so special to humanity.

Teach your son that you knit our lives,

When he asks you in anxiety.

Tell your wife we thank them with all our lives

Thank you, doctor for not being our kind;

Without you society can’t be built by them.

(The writer’s email: puthangopinathan @gmail.com)

Keywords: medical profession

Are they children of a lesser god?

TOPICS

human interest

social issue

For our generation a standard annual gift was limited to a new pair of dress during Onam. The type and style were decided by the parents, not on demand by the kids. But times have changed. Right from age four, my daughter would ask Santa Claus to bring her a Barbie doll, while my son, six years later at the same age, opted for a fighter plane. Mostly, Santa would oblige.

Clement Clarke Moore was a professor of Oriental and Greek studies at Columbia University. His close association with the church made him a teacher of great respect at the General Theological seminary in New York. In 1823, he wrote an “anonymous” poem under the name ‘A visit from St. Nicholas.’ It described a chubby, bearded man in red robes on a sleigh driven by reindeers, delivering gifts in socks to children on the eve of Christmas. St. Nicholas over time transformed into Santa Claus.

Every year, I make it a point to surprise my children with some gifts on Christmas Eve and this year it was no different. My son wanted that game CD and my daughter, a funky laptop cover.

I squeezed some time out — during a meeting sponsored by the European Cardiologists was being held in Mumbai, where I happened to be an Indian faculty — to make sure that I bought the gifts, got them gift-wrapped, ready to surprise my children on Christmas Eve. The venue was Grand Hyatt. My one month’s salary would be just good enough for a five-day stay, provided the meals were complimentary.

Just before the flyover at the Santa Cruz traffic signal, I saw them. Not one but half a dozen. They swarmed in as the signal turned red. Armed with plastic flowers, table-calendars, photo frames and other cheap Christmas gifts, they ran from car to car trying to sell their wares to every driver and passenger. Kids of my children’s age. Hardly anyone budged, nor did the Mumbai traffic.

An SUV cut in from the left at high speed, barely missing a kid who was coaxing a woman driver for a possible sale. I closed my eyes, fearing the worst and gasped. My driver understood my predicament and said: “Sir, don’t worry, they are used to it, nothing will happen.”

He was right. Nothing happened to him, but something happened to me. Inside the air-conditioned car, suddenly the knot of the tie felt too uncomfortable and the jacket too warm. The gift packs in my handbag poked painfully on my flanks.

In the U.S. and Canada, children can write to Santa Claus, his address being North Pole, 4141, Postmark Drive, Anchorage. The postal department makes sure that all letters posted prior to a cut-off date are answered, just not to dishearten the children, just to keep them happy. After all, it is these sparks of happiness in receiving that make a child grow up into an adult. At a time when children worldwide receive toys, these street kids sell them for food. I thought of my own children. As the car picked up speed, I put on my dark glasses.

(The writer is Head, Department of Cardiology, PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Email ID: tinynair@gmail.com)

Keywords: Mumbai street kids

Crime against women continue in Mumbai, too.

TOPICS

crime, law and justice

While the protests against the crimes on women rock the country, there seems to be no end to the crime committed against women. In two different incidents of crime against women, a college student was stabbed by her classmate and a woman from Nepal was raped by three men in Mumbai.

Payal Balsara, a third year student of Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) from Chetna College in Bandra, in suburban Mumbai, was on Saturday morning stabbed by Nikhil Bankar. The accused after stabbing Ms. Balsara, stabbed himself. Both injured were admitted to Guru Nanak hospital in Bandra, where Bankar died due to knife injuries. The girl is still fighting for her life in the hospital.

“We cannot confirm whether the attack took place through one sided love. Further investigation will reveal the real motive behind attack. Right now, we can only say that they both were friends,” told Vishwas Nangre-Patil, Additional Police Commissioner (West region), to The Hindu.

In another incident, a Nepali national was raped by three different people under the guise of helping her. Two of the accused have been arrested while the police authorities are on the lookout for the third accused.

According to police authorities, the victim had come from Nepal to visit her husband who works in a factory in Mumbai. However after reaching the address given by her husband she was told by the owner of the factory that her husband has already left for Nepal.

“She was then allegedly raped by the owner of the factory where her husband was working. She was once again raped by the worker of that factory who was sent to give her food,” said Vinayak Sawade, Senior PI of Nagpada police station. The woman registered her complaint on Saturday morning with the Nagpada police station.

The police on Friday afternoon received a tip that a woman from Nepal is going to be sold for prostitution after which they raided the A-one lodge in Madanpura area of Mumbai. “The woman was found with another person who is claimed to be a friend of her relative in Mumbai. According to her account, he also raped her,” said Mr. Sawade.

The police have arrested two people, namely Zulfikar and Parvez Sheikh after the woman’s complaint. Police are on the lookout for third accused.

Keywords: Mumbai crime

TOPICS

arts, culture and entertainment cinema

1.Cloud Atlas

2. Pt. Ravi Shankar

3. Django Unchained

4. Bharath alias Yasho Sagar

5. Gerard Depardieu.

6. Dust-busting.

7. High Frame Rate.

8. Rupesh Paul.

9. Sivaji Ganesan.

10. It is regarded as India’s first colour film.

Keywords: Cinema Plus Quiz

Gangrape victim speaks to magistrate

TOPICS

crime, law and justice

Delhi Police said the girl’s statement corroborates with the version of her male friend who was also assaulted brutally by six men inside a moving bus on Sunday last.

As she continues to battle for her life, the 23-year-old gangrape victim has given a “fearless and bold” statement before a magistrate about the brutal assault on Sunday night and wants her tormentors to be swiftly brought to justice.

The statement was recorded before a Sub-Divisional Magistrate by the girl yesterday at the Intensive Care Unit of the Safdarjung Hospital where she has been undergoing number of surgeries and medication since her admission there on Sunday night.

Delhi Police said the girl’s statement corroborates with the version of her male friend who was also assaulted brutally by six men inside a moving bus on Sunday last.

“We are continuously in touch with her parents. She is stable and she got her statement recorded in the presence of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate. She has given a fearless and bold statement. It corroborates with what her male friend has told us,” Chhaya Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, said.

She said the statement would be of “extremely valuable” to the police who are pursing the case.

Sharma said she is eager that justice is “meted out” to those people.

“In fact, she was so enthusiastic that she wanted to talk to me. But I told her that she has to talk to another person (SDM),” the police official said.

The girl has started speaking to doctors since yesterday and is now breathing on her own without the support of ventilator.

About the arrest of the two persons involved in the case, Sharma said the police team had done a “painstaking, meticulous and awesome” job when it came to picking up the remaining two accused.

Keywords: Delhi rape incident

Friday, December 21, 2012

Baby boy stolen from Vani Vilas Hospital

TOPICS

Karnataka Bangalore

crime kidnapping

police investigation

A newborn was stolen from the cradle while his parents were asleep at the Vani Vilas Hospital on Friday afternoon.

Hospital sources said Vasantha (19) had given birth around 1.30 a.m. on Friday. In the afternoon, when the exhausted Vasantha and her husband Manju were sleeping, a stranger entered the room.

Vasantha’s mother, who was tending to the newborn, thought she was a hospital attendant. The latter asked her to bring her some tea while she took care of the baby. When Vasantha’s mother returned, to her horror she found both the woman and her grandson missing. Manju alerted the hospital staff, who then rushed to check the CCTV footage. However, it was no help as no one could recognise the woman. The hospital submitted the footage to the Victoria Hospital police for investigation.

Vani Vilas Hospital has repeatedly seen such kidnappings, so much so the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission had issued a notice to its medical superintendent seeking a detailed report.

Golf: Chopra takes early lead

TOPICS

sport golf

Daniel Chopra takes a few days to get used to the ‘Delhi rhythm’ when he comes to the capital city. This time it was no different, even though he found his playing rhythm on the opening day of the Shubhkamna Champions event by carding an eight-under 64 and grabbing a two-stroke lead at the Noida Golf Course (NGC) here on Friday.

The Indian-origin Swede, who mostly plays on the USPGA Tour, enjoys being in Delhi where he spent seven years of his childhood and learnt his first lessons of golf at the Delhi Golf Club.

The right excuse

“I would like to make a few more trips every year. The right excuse for me is having a golf tournament to play. Makes it easier to justify travelling so far,” said Chopra.

“Already thinking that there are (just) two days to go. Somewhere you start to feel sad, it is time to leave. It takes a few days to get into the Delhi rhythm,” the 38-year-old said.

The year had not been a great one for Chopra, who managed two top-25 finishes on the USPGA Tour. He had two good finishes on the Asian Tour towards the end of the year.

Chopra, however, insisted he had been playing well.

His first round at the Shubhkamna event supported his claims. Chopra, who began his journey from the third hole in a simultaneous shotgun start, sunk eight birdies and an eagle against two bogeys.

Chopra earned the eagle with a 30-foot putt on the 17th hole. Then he missed a two-foot birdie on the next. “I drove nicely and putted beautifully,” Chopra summed up his performance.

Ajeetesh Sandhu and Anura Rohana shared the second place at six-under 66. Sandhu, this year’s DLF Masters winner, played a fine bogey-free round. On the short course, he hit it close and putted six birdies, including four in a row, from about 12 to 15 feet.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, who had a tremendous season with two Asian Tour titles this year, returned a five-under 67 card to be at the fourth spot. Bhullar, who was one-under after nine holes, gathered six birdies and a double bogey.

The scores: Daniel Chopra 64; Ajeetesh Sandhu, Anura Rohana 66; Gaganjeet Bhullar 67; Mukesh Kumar, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa 68; Anirban Lahiri, Jeev Milkha Singh, Abhijit Singh Chadha 69; Arjun Atwal, Zamal Hossain Mollah 70; Ashok Kumar and Rahil Gangjee 71.

Keywords: Shubhkamna Champions event

Ranji Trophy Group ‘B’ match: Tamil Nadu desperately seeks a win

The Hindu Tamilnadu captain Dinesh Karthick (right) and Utter Pradesh captain Md Kaif seen during the pratice session at IIT chemplast in Chennai on Friday. Photo: K. Pichumani

TOPICS

sport cricket

In the quaint setting of the IIT-Chemplast ground, Tamil Nadu will fight for survival. The host desperately needs a win over Uttar Pradesh in a crucial Ranji Trophy Group ‘B’ match beginning here on Saturday.

In a contest that will test its nerve, Tamil Nadu will seek a comprehensive team effort. With 13 points from six matches, the side is now placed sixth in the nine-team group. Only the top three sides qualify for the quarterfinals.

UP better-placed

Uttar Pradesh is far better-placed. The side heads the group with 21 points from six matches. A favourable result here could virtually guarantee qualification.

The visitor, however, will be without three key players – Suresh Raina, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Piyush Chawla are part of the Indian Twenty20 side against England – for the contest.

Fitness worries

Tamil Nadu might eye an opportunity here but the side has its own fitness worries. Skipper L. Balaji is still nursing a toe injury and senior batsman S. Badrinath has a sore back. Both will miss the game. And the side is already without R. Ashwin, a regular in the Indian team in all formats.

The surface for the game is likely to assist spin and left-arm spinner Aushik Srinivas and off-spinner Malolan Rangarajan will carry much of the side’s hopes. Left-arm spinner Rahil Shah, who could do some damage here with his line and trajectory, might receive a look-in as well.

Stand-in captain Dinesh Karthik said, “It is a challenging situation for the side. Everyone has to put his hand up and accept responsibility.”

As Karthik admitted, consistency has eluded the side this season. The team has performed in fits and starts even if the first innings lead over Baroda in the last away game was an improvement. Karthik has been the leading run-scorer for the side this season with 365 runs at 60.83.

The form of openers Abhinav Mukund and Murali Vijay has been an area of concern for Tamil Nadu.

In the middle-order R. Prasanna has donned the mantle of a ‘savior.’

Paceman Yomahesh bowled with verve in the game against Baroda but Tamil Nadu’s bowling has largely lacked penetration this season. The side has missed a spearhead.

Mohammed Kaif has not only infused spirit in the Uttar Pradesh side but also shown the way himself with the willow – he has 514 runs at 57.11 this season. He is a vastly experienced campaigner.

Mukul Dagar, Parvinder Singh and Tanmay Srivatsav have also batted capably for the side but the visitors appear to be short on spin.

Uttar Pradesh has been heavily dependent on its pacemen with Bhuvaneshwar (27 wickets) doing most of the damage. In his absence, Imitiaz Ahmed (22 wickets) assumes the role of the lead paceman. The injury-prone Sudip Tyagi is also around. Yet, left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza – he has just two scalps from two matches so far – could find himself in a central role in the Uttar Pradesh attack here.

The teams: Tamil Nadu: D. Karthik (capt.), M. Vijay, A. Mukund, K.B. Arun Karthik, B. Aparajith, R. Prasanna, Vijay Shankar, V. Yomahesh, M. Rangarajan, S. Sam, R. Shah, R. Aushik Srinivas, M. Mohammad, K. Gandhi.

Uttar Pradesh: M. Kaif (capt.), T. Srivatsav, M. Dagar, Parvinder Singh, Prashanth Gupta, A. Nath, A. Khan, Praveen Gupta, Umang Sharma, Ali Murtaza, Imitiaz Ahmed, S. Tyagi, A. Rajpoot, Amit Singh, E. Dwivedi.

Keywords: Ranji Trophy Group ‘B’ match

Parimarjan Negi holds top seed Radoslav Wojtaszek

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/parimarjan-negi-holds-top-seed-radoslav-wojtaszek/article4226699.ece

National squash championship: Favourites in semifinals

TOPICS

sport squash

Favourites ruled the roost in the quarterfinals of the 60th National squash championship at the Calcutta Racket Club here on Friday.

Men’s top seed Saurav Ghosal of Tamil Nadu, found Delhi’s Gaurav Nandrajog an easy meat as he won the encounter easily 11-6, 11-6, 11-7. Second seed Harinder Pal Sandhu of Tamil Nadu, however, had a tough time against Sandeep Jangra of Services.

The well-built army athlete lost the first two games 10-12 and 9-11 before mounting a stiff challenge to take the third game at 13-11. Sandhu, however, proved too good in the fourth with an 11-9 victory for a meeting with third seed Mahesh Mangaonkar of Maharasthra, who made short work of his Statemate Abhinav Sinha at 11-3, 11-6, 11-3.

Ghosal’s semifinal opponent will be Ravi Dixit, also of Tamil Nadu, who tamed Services’ Vikas Jangra 9-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-7.

The women’s quarterfinals were one-sided matches with the top seed Joshna Chinappa of Tamil Nadu advancing into the semifinals by default. Her Jammu & Kashmir opponent Kiran Katoch failed to turn up.

Second seed Anaka Alankamony of Tamil Nadu outplayed Tamanna of Uttar Pradesh conceding only two points in the third game. The only game that saw contest was between Vrishrutyi Sahni of Maharashtra against Janet Vidhi of Delhi.

It went to full distance as Janet won the first and Vrishrutyi the second. The third was won by Janet and the fourth seed won the fourth before the decider went in favour of Vrishrutyi at 14-12. She will next square up against the top seed.

The results: Quarterfinals: Men: Saurav Ghosal (TN) bt Gaurav Nandrajog (Del) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7; Ravi Dixit (TN) bt Vikas Jangra (Ser) 9-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-7; Mahesh Mangaonkar (Mah) bt Abhinav Sinha (Mah) 11-3, 11-6, 11-3; Harinder Pal Sandhu (TN) bt Sandeep Jangra (Ser) 12-10, 11-9, 11-13, 11-9.

Women: Joshna Chinappa (TN) w/o Kiran Katoch (J&K); Vrishrutyi Sahni (Mah) bt Janet Vidhi (Del) 7-11, 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 14-12; Sachika Ingale (Del) bt Aishwarya Bhattacharya (Mah) 11-4, 11-7, 11-4; Anaka Alankamony (TN) bt Tamanna (UP) 11-0, 11-0, 11-2.

Keywords: 60th National squash championship

TOPICS

sport badminton

Badminton: Kashyap and Sindhu move into the semifinals

Losing steam near the finish line, Tommy Sugiarto used every trick in the book to frustrate R.M.V. Gurusaidutt. The third-seeded Indonesian summoned medical help, opted delaying tactics and earned a red card before being docked a point.

Eventually, these unusual on-court happenings combined to break Gurusaidutt’s rhythm and paved the way for Sugiarto’s entry into the semifinals of the $120,000 Syed Modi Grand Prix gold badminton championship here on Friday.

After posting a 19-21, 22-20, 21-16 triumph in 92 minutes, Sugiarto planted himself on the forecourt and offered to shake Gurusaidutt’s hand from under the net. The 22-year-old Indian, understandably done in by Sugiarto’s gamesmanship, almost rapped the Indonesian’s hand after the painful defeat.

Strangely, Sugiarto needed a helping hand from Australian referee Jane Wheatley to get up and leave the court, with a smile, after his second victory in as many meetings with Gurusaidutt since 2009.

A day after India’s challenge ended in doubles, second seeds P. Kashyap and P.V. Sindhu marked the host’s presence in the singles semifinals with contrasting victories. Youngsters H.S. Prannoy and K. Srikanth lost to higher-ranked rivals before Gurusaidutt, ranked 39th in the world, suffered an agonising defeat.

Gurusaidutt, who won the Tata Open title in Mumbai before arriving here, admitted to being unaware of the rules. “I don’t know how much time is allowed for a player between points.

“After being on the court for around 80 minutes, both of us were tired. But, he started wasting time and I did not know what to do. I wanted to prolong the rallies but could not. He wanted to finish the rally quickly and hurried me up.

“Since the shuttles are very fast (in this arena), I had to play to his pace. I could not find my rhythm again and lost.

Staying positive

“This kind of defeat surely hurts. But I am going to look at the positives from this tournament.” said Gurusaidutt, aiming to break into the top-20 of the world and represent the country in the world championship in August.

Sindhu produced yet another dominating performance in getting past Indonesia’s Febby Angguni, ranked 144. Considered the country’s biggest hope after Saina Nehwal, the world No. 24 Sindhu needed just 37 minutes to pack off the recent Tata Open finalist 21-13, 21-17.

Kashyap, performing far below the level expected from a player ranked 20th in the world, set up a meeting with Sugiarto after battling to a 23-21, 8-21, 21-16 victory against world No. 90 Malaysia’s Soon Huat Goh.

The conqueror of former National champion Saurabh Verma in the first round, Goh levelled the match and was leading 14-13 in the decider before Kashyap got his act together.

The results (quarterfinals):

Men: Alamsyah Yunus (Ina) bt H.S. Prannoy 18-21, 21-10, 21-12; Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Tha) bt K. Srikanth 21-16, 21-12; Tommy Sugiarto (Ina) bt R.M.V. Gurusaidutt 19-21, 22-20, 21-16; P. Kashyap bt Soon Huat Goh (Mas) 23-21, 8-21, 21-16.

Women: Nozomi Okuhara (Jpn) bt Sannatasah Saniru (Mas) 21-17, 21-12; Lindaweni Fanetri (Ina) bt Nichaon Jindapon (Tha) 21-15, 10-21, 21-12; Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Tha) bt Aprilla Yuswandari (Ina) 21-16, 21-11; P.V. Sindhu bt Febby Angguni (Ina) 21-13, 21-17.

Keywords: Syed Modi Grand Prix