It is time to recall the achievements of youngsters who brought laurels to their native place, Coimbatore, determined to go the extra mile in their chosen field.
Disability did not deter 26-year-old Archana from showing her prowess in cycling. She bagged gold in the 1-km and bronze in 500 metres event at the 13th Special Olympics Summer World Games this year at Athens, Greece.
On her daughter’s sports interests, the autistic girl’s mother Annapoorna said Archana evinced keen interest in cycling which she developed through continuous training under international Indian coach Avatar Singh.
Archana enhanced her skill taking part in different training camps at the national level to be chosen for the international event. At Athens, she participated in three cycling events - 5 km, 1 km and 500 metres and won in two.
For F. Shabeena Banu, 27, of Podanur, it was a dream come true in getting selected to participate in the Asian Powerlifting championship in Kobe city, Japan, during April this year. Her father, who runs a small grocery shop, encouraged her sport activity.
Banu lifted the Asian Powerlifting championship in 2003 at Kazakhstan, followed by the Commonwealth Powerlifting championship in 2005 at Northernborg. Since her father’s income is not enough to take care of the family, she feels that some corporates or philanthropists could help her participate in global events.
At a time when children find it difficult even to memorise couplets from Thirukkural, 13-year-old K. Anjana Devi has penned the book, ‘Thirukkural Thelivurai’ (meanings of Thirukkural couplets), besides publishing it. It took nearly a year for her to complete the book since she could write only during her spare time.
Dejection and deprivation forced differently-abled M. Babu to quit his sign language interpreter job due to meagre pay, but he is now teaching his clan sign language in the rural areas.
Armed with an UG in public administration before taking up a two-year course in ITI electrician trade from Hyderabad national level training centre for adult deaf in 1996, Babu did his PG diploma in computer applications and Indian sign language course.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Coimbatore's quest for traffic improvement, road connectivity
Of the major projects the Coimbatore Corporation readied for submission for fund under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the transport project is one.
Under the head ‘Traffic and transportation – inclusive of roads, bus rapid transit system and flyovers', the Corporation sought Rs. 637 crore after preparing a detailed project report (DPR). The DPR says the objective is to identify transportation deficiencies and come up with a comprehensive mobility plan for the city of Coimbatore. This was in November 2007.
The Corporation set up four committees - the first for identification of problems in traffic network and bottlenecks for their intermodal integration and road connectivity aspects; the second for short-term measures for traffic improvements; the third for medium- and long- term measures for traffic improvements; and, the fourth for traffic management measures. The report the committees submitted identified the following as the city's problems: phenomenal growth in vehicles, lack of segregation of traffic, inadequate road network, congestion at railway crossings, lack of adequate link roads, absence of organised parking facilities, lack of sufficient signalised junctions, medians, pedestrian walkways and lack of an efficient transit system.
As part of the long-term improvements, a mass transit system was listed as priority one.
The report said Coimbatore would do well to have a bus rapid transit system (BRTS) because it suited the ‘Passenger Per Hour Per Direction' estimate, which was 6,000.
Under Phase I of the BRTS project, the committees suggested taking up works on the Avanashi Road – Dr. Nanjappa Road – Mettupalayam Road stretch and under Phase II, the Trichy Road, Sathy Road, Thadagam Road and Sanganur Canal.
The Corporation took up the committees' report and said that it would be able to implement the project with 50 per cent financial assistance from the Central Government and 20 per cent contribution from the State. It promised to chip in with the remaining 30 per cent.
JNNURM projects
This report, according to sources, is with the State Government and has not been forwarded to the Central Government because the Corporation has not been able to complete the JNNURM projects at hand such as the solid waste management, underground drainage, storm water drain, etc.
They also say that even if the report is forwarded to the Central Government, it may not fund the project because the Corporation has not taken necessary administrative reforms and acted on its promises, like for instance, collecting user charges.
This is only one half of the story, though. Even without the BRTS, the Corporation could have taken several measures to ease traffic congestion in the city, sources say.
The civic body failed to implement even short-term improvement measures such as bringing in bicycle lanes, providing pedestrian facilities, regulating street hawking, identifying hawking zones and improving junctions.
The Corporation, they say, has not been successful in bringing in many link roads, constructing flyovers, road overbridges, pedestrian underpasses, etc., as suggested in the committees' report.
If the Corporation wants to ease traffic congestion and introduce mass transport in the city, it must start from scratch because the report prepared in 2007 will not reflect 2011's reality, they say and want the Corporation to seriously consider BRTS.
Under the head ‘Traffic and transportation – inclusive of roads, bus rapid transit system and flyovers', the Corporation sought Rs. 637 crore after preparing a detailed project report (DPR). The DPR says the objective is to identify transportation deficiencies and come up with a comprehensive mobility plan for the city of Coimbatore. This was in November 2007.
The Corporation set up four committees - the first for identification of problems in traffic network and bottlenecks for their intermodal integration and road connectivity aspects; the second for short-term measures for traffic improvements; the third for medium- and long- term measures for traffic improvements; and, the fourth for traffic management measures. The report the committees submitted identified the following as the city's problems: phenomenal growth in vehicles, lack of segregation of traffic, inadequate road network, congestion at railway crossings, lack of adequate link roads, absence of organised parking facilities, lack of sufficient signalised junctions, medians, pedestrian walkways and lack of an efficient transit system.
As part of the long-term improvements, a mass transit system was listed as priority one.
The report said Coimbatore would do well to have a bus rapid transit system (BRTS) because it suited the ‘Passenger Per Hour Per Direction' estimate, which was 6,000.
Under Phase I of the BRTS project, the committees suggested taking up works on the Avanashi Road – Dr. Nanjappa Road – Mettupalayam Road stretch and under Phase II, the Trichy Road, Sathy Road, Thadagam Road and Sanganur Canal.
The Corporation took up the committees' report and said that it would be able to implement the project with 50 per cent financial assistance from the Central Government and 20 per cent contribution from the State. It promised to chip in with the remaining 30 per cent.
JNNURM projects
This report, according to sources, is with the State Government and has not been forwarded to the Central Government because the Corporation has not been able to complete the JNNURM projects at hand such as the solid waste management, underground drainage, storm water drain, etc.
They also say that even if the report is forwarded to the Central Government, it may not fund the project because the Corporation has not taken necessary administrative reforms and acted on its promises, like for instance, collecting user charges.
This is only one half of the story, though. Even without the BRTS, the Corporation could have taken several measures to ease traffic congestion in the city, sources say.
The civic body failed to implement even short-term improvement measures such as bringing in bicycle lanes, providing pedestrian facilities, regulating street hawking, identifying hawking zones and improving junctions.
The Corporation, they say, has not been successful in bringing in many link roads, constructing flyovers, road overbridges, pedestrian underpasses, etc., as suggested in the committees' report.
If the Corporation wants to ease traffic congestion and introduce mass transport in the city, it must start from scratch because the report prepared in 2007 will not reflect 2011's reality, they say and want the Corporation to seriously consider BRTS.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
City welcomes new Rail Over Bridges announced by CM
The announcement of four new rail over bridges (ROBs) in Irugur, Karamadai, Pollachi and Podanur by chief minister J Jayalalithaa has received wide-spread appreciation among commuters in the district.
The chief minister has allocated Rs 26.70 crore for the construction of a new ROB in Coimbatore-Irigur Road, while setting aside Rs 30.70 crore for a ROB on Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Road in Karamadai, Rs 20.42 crore for ROB in Pollachi-Annamali Road and Rs 22.60 for ROB on Podanur-Chettipalayam railway crossing. Construction of ROBs is fast progressing at eight locations in the district and the four newly-sanctioned projects are expected to decongest roads to a great extend.
"Coimbatore city is fast expanding its limits and adjoining towns are also developing. Vehicular traffic has increased many-fold and more ROBs are inevitable,'' said K Kathirmathiyon, secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause. "Most rail crossings within the city and adjacent areas are facing severe congestion during peak hours. Number of vehicles has increased and only ROBs can ensure free flow of traffic,'' he said.
"Construction of ROBs is a welcome step but its implementation depends on acquisition of land. The district administration has to work in tandem with highway authorities to evacuate settlements near railway crossings,'' said R Raveendran, honorary secretary, Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore.
"Most of the on going ROB works inside the city and the outskirts are stopped due to problem related to land acquisition.The district administration should take active measures involving the corporation and other official bodies to execute the projects. Only if it is done, such projects would be completed on time,'' he said.
"It is necessary to build bridges at all level crossings as roads are getting congested everyday," said V Balachandran, a resident of Nanjundapuram. Motorists have to wait long hours when gates are closed for passing trains, he said.
But the government has to ensure the works are completed at the earliest. Citing the example of rail overbridge at Nanjundapuram, he said the work is moving at a snail's pace for the past two years.
"People are suffering the most due to this. The delay is always followed by excuses. The officials should ensure that the project is well planned and executed," he said adding that the past experience has been bad for the people and the administration should ensure that it is not repeated again.
The chief minister has allocated Rs 26.70 crore for the construction of a new ROB in Coimbatore-Irigur Road, while setting aside Rs 30.70 crore for a ROB on Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Road in Karamadai, Rs 20.42 crore for ROB in Pollachi-Annamali Road and Rs 22.60 for ROB on Podanur-Chettipalayam railway crossing. Construction of ROBs is fast progressing at eight locations in the district and the four newly-sanctioned projects are expected to decongest roads to a great extend.
"Coimbatore city is fast expanding its limits and adjoining towns are also developing. Vehicular traffic has increased many-fold and more ROBs are inevitable,'' said K Kathirmathiyon, secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause. "Most rail crossings within the city and adjacent areas are facing severe congestion during peak hours. Number of vehicles has increased and only ROBs can ensure free flow of traffic,'' he said.
"Construction of ROBs is a welcome step but its implementation depends on acquisition of land. The district administration has to work in tandem with highway authorities to evacuate settlements near railway crossings,'' said R Raveendran, honorary secretary, Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore.
"Most of the on going ROB works inside the city and the outskirts are stopped due to problem related to land acquisition.The district administration should take active measures involving the corporation and other official bodies to execute the projects. Only if it is done, such projects would be completed on time,'' he said.
"It is necessary to build bridges at all level crossings as roads are getting congested everyday," said V Balachandran, a resident of Nanjundapuram. Motorists have to wait long hours when gates are closed for passing trains, he said.
But the government has to ensure the works are completed at the earliest. Citing the example of rail overbridge at Nanjundapuram, he said the work is moving at a snail's pace for the past two years.
"People are suffering the most due to this. The delay is always followed by excuses. The officials should ensure that the project is well planned and executed," he said adding that the past experience has been bad for the people and the administration should ensure that it is not repeated again.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Ubislate (Aakash-2) – Indian make - Aakash tablet
The commercial version of Aakash tablet is named Ubislate (Aakash-2). It brings with it all the features of Aakash tablet. It has some additional features as well that make it a not-to-miss device at a very low price.
Some of the additions to the commercial version will be the availability of GPRS along with its usability as a phone. You don’t have to be satisfied with 2G. There is an option to convert your tablet to 3G as there is a plug-in for 3G dongle as well. The memory is expandable up to 32 GB. You can also get a keyboard, a mouse or a pen-drive. Two USB ports are available with the tablet. Both GPRS and Wi-Fi can be accessed at a monthly cost of only Rs 98/ 2GB. You can also access up to 1.5 lakh applications for your tablet. All this and much more! You only have to shell out Rs. 3000 for this dream device.
The device was launched last month in New Delhi by Mr. Kapil Sibbal. The tablet aims at bridging the digital divide that exists in the country.
The commercial version Ubislate (Aakash-2) is soon going to be launched in the market. Currently, only the student version of the tablet is available.
To get answers to all your questions about Aakash tablet or Ubislate (Aakash-2), you can call at the toll free number 1800-180-2-180. You can also reach us by filling the query form available on the official websites www.akashtablet.com and www.aakashtablet.com.
You can also keep your updated by following us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AakashUbislateTablet.
Some of the additions to the commercial version will be the availability of GPRS along with its usability as a phone. You don’t have to be satisfied with 2G. There is an option to convert your tablet to 3G as there is a plug-in for 3G dongle as well. The memory is expandable up to 32 GB. You can also get a keyboard, a mouse or a pen-drive. Two USB ports are available with the tablet. Both GPRS and Wi-Fi can be accessed at a monthly cost of only Rs 98/ 2GB. You can also access up to 1.5 lakh applications for your tablet. All this and much more! You only have to shell out Rs. 3000 for this dream device.
The device was launched last month in New Delhi by Mr. Kapil Sibbal. The tablet aims at bridging the digital divide that exists in the country.
The commercial version Ubislate (Aakash-2) is soon going to be launched in the market. Currently, only the student version of the tablet is available.
To get answers to all your questions about Aakash tablet or Ubislate (Aakash-2), you can call at the toll free number 1800-180-2-180. You can also reach us by filling the query form available on the official websites www.akashtablet.com and www.aakashtablet.com.
You can also keep your updated by following us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AakashUbislateTablet.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Entrepreneurship should flourish
Entrepreneurship should flourish in the country for the growth of the manufacturing sector, Chairman of Rane Group L. Ganesh said here on Friday.
He inaugurated the three-day technology and engineering exhibition, TechEx 2011, organised here by PSG Tech Alumni Association and PSG College of Technology. Sustenance of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at eight per cent to nine per cent should be led by the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing units should capitalise on the brand image of India and supply world-class products.
There were challenges in the country and China was a formidable competition to India in manufacturing. However, there were inspirations from pioneers here who had created industries in more stifling environments. “We operate in a relatively free environment now.” Large-scale Indian companies should invest more in research and development, industry-institute interaction should be strengthened and entrepreneurship should grow. Only the innovative ideas of the entrepreneurs would help in the growth of the country. Capital availability was not a problem, he said.
Dr. Ewald Bentz, Chief Representative of LAPP Group, said the welfare of a country came from science and technology and manufacturing. Germany was always a technology-driven country. Apart from the large-scale companies, it also had several mid-sized, family-owned companies. These not only supported the big ones but also had their own brands. These companies followed the large-scale ones as they expanded to other countries. Indian SMEs should also look at exports as globalisation enabled the units to assess their competitiveness.
Manufacturing and education were important and Germany had a dual education system that developed the skills of students with hands on experience. This made the students ready for job when they completed their education. Coimbatore had several mid-sized companies and the institutions should look at offering such dual-systems of education.
K. Jayakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Industrial Research, said small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) played an important role in the Indian economy. About 45 per cent of industrial output in the country and 40 per cent of the country’s exports were from these units. The SMEs employed nearly 60 million people and contributed to 17 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was expected to increase to 22 per cent by 2020.
The West Asian and African countries preferred Indian products and faculty members. Indian companies need to tap the potential areas such as engineering consultancy and scientific and technical consultancy. The department had 10 outreach centres for science and technology programmes. The SMEs should be more creative and build organisations that would achieve breakthroughs in several fields.
L. Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee of PSG and Sons’ Charities, said the institute had played a major rule in developing Coimbatore as an industrial city. Several students who passed out of the institute aspired to be entrepreneurs and job providers.
R. Palaniswami, Chairman of TechEx 2011, said that apart from the exhibition of products manufactured by the companies of the alumni, the three-day event would also have sessions on Saturday and Sunday on financial support schemes for technology ideas, commercialisation, and financial support for growth and expansion. These would be organised by the PSG STEP.
G. Ranganathan, President of PSG Tech Alumni Association, said the association had 10 chapters in India and another 10 abroad. It had taken up five major projects for the diamond jubilee year, including the TechEx event.
R. Rudramoorthy, Principal of PSG College of Technology, said the college was organising national and international conferences as part of the diamond jubilee programmes apart from the exhibition. The college offered over 50 courses, had nearly 8,500 students, and more than 1,000 faculty members. It had established collaborations with several overseas Universities.
The Hindu is the media partner for the three-day event.
He inaugurated the three-day technology and engineering exhibition, TechEx 2011, organised here by PSG Tech Alumni Association and PSG College of Technology. Sustenance of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at eight per cent to nine per cent should be led by the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing units should capitalise on the brand image of India and supply world-class products.
There were challenges in the country and China was a formidable competition to India in manufacturing. However, there were inspirations from pioneers here who had created industries in more stifling environments. “We operate in a relatively free environment now.” Large-scale Indian companies should invest more in research and development, industry-institute interaction should be strengthened and entrepreneurship should grow. Only the innovative ideas of the entrepreneurs would help in the growth of the country. Capital availability was not a problem, he said.
Dr. Ewald Bentz, Chief Representative of LAPP Group, said the welfare of a country came from science and technology and manufacturing. Germany was always a technology-driven country. Apart from the large-scale companies, it also had several mid-sized, family-owned companies. These not only supported the big ones but also had their own brands. These companies followed the large-scale ones as they expanded to other countries. Indian SMEs should also look at exports as globalisation enabled the units to assess their competitiveness.
Manufacturing and education were important and Germany had a dual education system that developed the skills of students with hands on experience. This made the students ready for job when they completed their education. Coimbatore had several mid-sized companies and the institutions should look at offering such dual-systems of education.
K. Jayakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Industrial Research, said small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) played an important role in the Indian economy. About 45 per cent of industrial output in the country and 40 per cent of the country’s exports were from these units. The SMEs employed nearly 60 million people and contributed to 17 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was expected to increase to 22 per cent by 2020.
The West Asian and African countries preferred Indian products and faculty members. Indian companies need to tap the potential areas such as engineering consultancy and scientific and technical consultancy. The department had 10 outreach centres for science and technology programmes. The SMEs should be more creative and build organisations that would achieve breakthroughs in several fields.
L. Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee of PSG and Sons’ Charities, said the institute had played a major rule in developing Coimbatore as an industrial city. Several students who passed out of the institute aspired to be entrepreneurs and job providers.
R. Palaniswami, Chairman of TechEx 2011, said that apart from the exhibition of products manufactured by the companies of the alumni, the three-day event would also have sessions on Saturday and Sunday on financial support schemes for technology ideas, commercialisation, and financial support for growth and expansion. These would be organised by the PSG STEP.
G. Ranganathan, President of PSG Tech Alumni Association, said the association had 10 chapters in India and another 10 abroad. It had taken up five major projects for the diamond jubilee year, including the TechEx event.
R. Rudramoorthy, Principal of PSG College of Technology, said the college was organising national and international conferences as part of the diamond jubilee programmes apart from the exhibition. The college offered over 50 courses, had nearly 8,500 students, and more than 1,000 faculty members. It had established collaborations with several overseas Universities.
The Hindu is the media partner for the three-day event.
Pick up business ideas from newspapers
Management students should be alert enough to pick up business ideas from reports that are churned out by the newspapers as there are mini-case studies waiting to be explored, according to Mr D. Sampathkumar, Editor, The Hindu Business Line.
He felt that while the media is not ‘completely presumptuous' that it could entirely bridge the gap between the industry and academic institutions, it could still expose people who were concerned with the business of management and open up the ‘mental horizon' in a way that was somewhat better than what if the person was not familiar with newspapers.
Speaking at a Business Line club meeting organised by the PSG Institute of Management Studies (PSGIM), Coimbatore, on Monday, he said a question often raised was whether newspapers helped the students perform better as managers or make them better as students.
An issue that frequently cropped up was the industry-academia divide, which was particularly relevant for business schools.
Not a producing machine
Even engineering colleges were confronted with the criticism that the students were not equipped to perform the tasks that the IT companies expected them to do, which may be true with other industrial segments too. Even medical education was not exempt from this criticism.
Mr Sampathkumar said there was a perception that the academic institutions were ‘simply not turning out the kind of people' that the industry seemed to want. It was not as if this criticism has gone ‘unrebutted' by the academic community, who say the industry doesn't do enough to ensure that the students are ‘adequately equipped' when they pass out of courses, like sharing information as to why some products launches failed.
Management courses are not something like a raw material that, when put through some manufacturing process, comes out as a product! That the industrialists ‘generally tend to shy away' from parting with information about their operations makes it tough to bridge the divide between academia and the industry is a common refrain of the academic community.
Gap getting wider
The problem would not have engaged everyone's attention to the extent it has but for the fact ‘this divide is actually getting wider and wider' as days go by, he said. The real world was also becoming complex in that what would impact the fortunes of a business are not defined so easily that effective counter strategy is difficult to formulate.
It was only natural that the ‘fundamental divide' between the academics and industries ‘should get even wider' as we are beginning to see now.
He felt that newspapers could play a positive part in this scenario, though the media is not ‘so presumptuous' as to think that it could bridge the gap between the real world and the academia but could move towards exposing the people who were concerned with the management of businesses/ economy towards things they should be guarding themselves against.
It would help open their mental horizon in a way that was somewhat better than what it would have been if they had no exposure to the media.
Waiting to be explored
Mr Sampathkumar's advice to the students was to look for news reports from which they could pick up business ideas and said ‘there is probably some mini case studies that are waiting to be explored in each and every story that we publish' that may be true of other business dailies too.
Newspapers in their own way try to bridge the academic-real world divide. Since competition in the job market is getting more intense, students were required to equip themselves a lot better.
Prof Umesh Chandrasekhar of PSGIM said the interaction of the students with Mr Sampathkumar had helped to reduce the disconnect between the industry and the academics, and reading good business newspapers/ magazines regularly would help the students improve their awareness as managers.
He felt that while the media is not ‘completely presumptuous' that it could entirely bridge the gap between the industry and academic institutions, it could still expose people who were concerned with the business of management and open up the ‘mental horizon' in a way that was somewhat better than what if the person was not familiar with newspapers.
Speaking at a Business Line club meeting organised by the PSG Institute of Management Studies (PSGIM), Coimbatore, on Monday, he said a question often raised was whether newspapers helped the students perform better as managers or make them better as students.
An issue that frequently cropped up was the industry-academia divide, which was particularly relevant for business schools.
Not a producing machine
Even engineering colleges were confronted with the criticism that the students were not equipped to perform the tasks that the IT companies expected them to do, which may be true with other industrial segments too. Even medical education was not exempt from this criticism.
Mr Sampathkumar said there was a perception that the academic institutions were ‘simply not turning out the kind of people' that the industry seemed to want. It was not as if this criticism has gone ‘unrebutted' by the academic community, who say the industry doesn't do enough to ensure that the students are ‘adequately equipped' when they pass out of courses, like sharing information as to why some products launches failed.
Management courses are not something like a raw material that, when put through some manufacturing process, comes out as a product! That the industrialists ‘generally tend to shy away' from parting with information about their operations makes it tough to bridge the divide between academia and the industry is a common refrain of the academic community.
Gap getting wider
The problem would not have engaged everyone's attention to the extent it has but for the fact ‘this divide is actually getting wider and wider' as days go by, he said. The real world was also becoming complex in that what would impact the fortunes of a business are not defined so easily that effective counter strategy is difficult to formulate.
It was only natural that the ‘fundamental divide' between the academics and industries ‘should get even wider' as we are beginning to see now.
He felt that newspapers could play a positive part in this scenario, though the media is not ‘so presumptuous' as to think that it could bridge the gap between the real world and the academia but could move towards exposing the people who were concerned with the management of businesses/ economy towards things they should be guarding themselves against.
It would help open their mental horizon in a way that was somewhat better than what it would have been if they had no exposure to the media.
Waiting to be explored
Mr Sampathkumar's advice to the students was to look for news reports from which they could pick up business ideas and said ‘there is probably some mini case studies that are waiting to be explored in each and every story that we publish' that may be true of other business dailies too.
Newspapers in their own way try to bridge the academic-real world divide. Since competition in the job market is getting more intense, students were required to equip themselves a lot better.
Prof Umesh Chandrasekhar of PSGIM said the interaction of the students with Mr Sampathkumar had helped to reduce the disconnect between the industry and the academics, and reading good business newspapers/ magazines regularly would help the students improve their awareness as managers.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Coimbatore City police's Facebook page a big hit among residents
A resident suggests on the Facebook page of the Coimbatore police that more traffic policemen on night duty should be provided with breath analyzers to check instances of drunk driving. so that unhealthy practice of inhaling air from mouths of others could be stopped.
Another seeks intervention of city police commissioner Amaresh Pujari against policemen who ask for bribes during passport verification.
Barely two weeks after the commissioner started the Facebook page to interact with city residents, over 2,254 persons have already aired their views on various aspects of policing through the forum. On most occasions the commissioner himself responds with solutions, while his subordinates reply to queries in his absence.
Like it and share your thoughts: https://www.facebook.com/CoimbatoreCityPolice
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board employee Balasubramaniyan posted a question on the page as to why all traffic police constables in night round are not provided with breadth analyzers. "On many occasions, I see policemen asking two-wheeler riders to blow to know whether they consumed alcohol or not. It is not good for the health of policemen on traffic duty to inhale the air from the mouths of others," Balasubramaniyan reminds the commissioner. A pleased commissioner assures Balasubramaniyan of immediate measures to rectify it. He also explains the fund constraints that prevent the force from ensuring breath analyzers to all.
Besides, some citizens are also taking the initiative to correct wrong perceptions with regard to functioning of the police. A woman who had recently moved back to India, sought action through the Facebook page against a neighbour who had diverted sewage into her residential compound. However, a visitor to the page clarified that action could be taken against the neighbour only by the city corporation and not the police. The visitor also provided a detailed description of the powers of the city corporation in dealing with such persons.
Among different sections of the city police, the traffic police received some positive reviews from net users. A number of visitors expressed their appreciation for traffic police constables deputed on the dusty Mettupalayam Road. Some of them even recommended face masks for them. But there were complaints about the functioning of police as well. A visitor charged that sought intervention of the commissioner against policemen who seek bribes during verification for issuing passports.
the bribe for giving a positive passport verification report ranged between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500. Many others complained about the refusal of police officers to wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.
There were a few who sought intervention of the commissioner to check usage of mobile phones by policemen on duty at traffic signals. The commissioner owed it to the lack of sufficient walkie-talkies. "Because of the lack of sufficient walkie-talkies, policemen at traffic signals have to contact the network using mobile phones,'' he answered. Speeding of police vehicles also turned into a matter of discussion on the site. City resident Vasanth Chellappa, was clueless on how to lodge a compliant against a person who cheated him to the tune of Rs 38,500. He was provided with steps to lodge a complaint against the swindler. A man who brought up the issue of online fraud mails offering money worth several crores was also directed to file a complaint.
"These steps are extremely useful for those who have never entered a police station. It is a good sign that the city police is lending an ear to our grievances,'' said R Radhakrishnan, who runs an advertisement agency in the city.
Another seeks intervention of city police commissioner Amaresh Pujari against policemen who ask for bribes during passport verification.
Barely two weeks after the commissioner started the Facebook page to interact with city residents, over 2,254 persons have already aired their views on various aspects of policing through the forum. On most occasions the commissioner himself responds with solutions, while his subordinates reply to queries in his absence.
Like it and share your thoughts: https://www.facebook.com/CoimbatoreCityPolice
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board employee Balasubramaniyan posted a question on the page as to why all traffic police constables in night round are not provided with breadth analyzers. "On many occasions, I see policemen asking two-wheeler riders to blow to know whether they consumed alcohol or not. It is not good for the health of policemen on traffic duty to inhale the air from the mouths of others," Balasubramaniyan reminds the commissioner. A pleased commissioner assures Balasubramaniyan of immediate measures to rectify it. He also explains the fund constraints that prevent the force from ensuring breath analyzers to all.
Besides, some citizens are also taking the initiative to correct wrong perceptions with regard to functioning of the police. A woman who had recently moved back to India, sought action through the Facebook page against a neighbour who had diverted sewage into her residential compound. However, a visitor to the page clarified that action could be taken against the neighbour only by the city corporation and not the police. The visitor also provided a detailed description of the powers of the city corporation in dealing with such persons.
Among different sections of the city police, the traffic police received some positive reviews from net users. A number of visitors expressed their appreciation for traffic police constables deputed on the dusty Mettupalayam Road. Some of them even recommended face masks for them. But there were complaints about the functioning of police as well. A visitor charged that sought intervention of the commissioner against policemen who seek bribes during verification for issuing passports.
the bribe for giving a positive passport verification report ranged between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500. Many others complained about the refusal of police officers to wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.
There were a few who sought intervention of the commissioner to check usage of mobile phones by policemen on duty at traffic signals. The commissioner owed it to the lack of sufficient walkie-talkies. "Because of the lack of sufficient walkie-talkies, policemen at traffic signals have to contact the network using mobile phones,'' he answered. Speeding of police vehicles also turned into a matter of discussion on the site. City resident Vasanth Chellappa, was clueless on how to lodge a compliant against a person who cheated him to the tune of Rs 38,500. He was provided with steps to lodge a complaint against the swindler. A man who brought up the issue of online fraud mails offering money worth several crores was also directed to file a complaint.
"These steps are extremely useful for those who have never entered a police station. It is a good sign that the city police is lending an ear to our grievances,'' said R Radhakrishnan, who runs an advertisement agency in the city.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Body donation on the rise in Coimbatore
Medical education in the city is all set to get a boost with more residents approaching the Government Medical College here pledging to donate their bodies. Since January this year, 80 city residents have pledged their bodies for research work of MBBS and MD students at the college. This is happening at a time when lack of cadaver is hitting medical education and research in other parts of the country.
In fact, the changing profile of persons coming forward to donate their bodies seems to be an encouraging sign for the medical college authorities, who usually depend on unclaimed bodies from different government hospitals in the district and surroundings. "A majority of the people pledging their bodies includes elderly, who otherwise are considered orthodox and conservative. Now it seems people have started shedding their inhibitions and discarding myths in this regard to come forward for this noble cause," said P Sivaprakasam, Resident Medical Officer of the Medical College.
Till recently, body donation was considered as a taboo in the city like elsewhere. According to Sivaprakasam, those pledging their bodies now come forward from all sections of society, including old as well as young.
It was just on Saturday, parcel company employee S B Jagadeeshwaran (58) and his wife N R Manjuladevi (42), who works as record clerk at Coimbatore District court, had pldged to donate their bodies to the medical college. They found 79th and 80{+t}{+h} position in the list of donors. Body donation is defined as the act of giving ones body after death for medical research and education. It is indeed a noble act that benefits the society at large. Cadavers and donated bodies remain a principal teaching tool for anatomists and medical educators teaching gross anatomy and so the donors are helping medical education to flourish,'' said Sivaprakasam.
"I am very much enthused by the idea. It is quite thrilling to know that my body would help medical students to excel in their chosen field. After all, more number of qualified doctors means more health and betterment for the society,'' said Manjuladevi when TOI sought her reaction. The body is in anyway going to perish within minutes after death. Why not we donate it for the betterment of the society?,'' she sked.
There is a lack of awareness amongst the people about the need to donate cadavers,'' pointed out Jagadeeshwaran, who is involved in co-ordinating blood donation activities in the city and the encouraging of people for eye donation.
According to him, voluntary donation of body is not much different from donation of organs including eyes, kidney, liver, heart or simply blood. The only requirement is a mindset. Decision of an individual to donate his or her body for anatomical reaserach is a vital contribution towards the understanding and advancement of medical science,'' he said.
"It is remarkable that 80 people pledged their bodies this year. Since January, the medical college is in receipt of three bodies of people who were registered earlier," informed Sivaprakasam.
For donating body, people have to follow certain formalities. The most important of all is the consent of their own family members, who have to sign the forms provided by the medical college. The registration can be done only at the medical college and a person can pledge for organ donation by filling up a donor form in the presence of two witnesses. One among the witnesses must be a close relative. The pledge must be prepared in Rs20 stamp paper and get attested by notary public. The medical college, on its part, will give the concerned person an organ donor card bearing a registration number. Any person of any age and background can be a donor. If below 18 years, permission is required from parents or guardian.
During the time of death, there would be verification. Autopsied bodies and decomposed bodies would not be accepted. Body would also be rejected if the death was due to a contagious or communicable disease, suicide or homicide. On getting information of death, the body would be embalmed and handed over to Anatomy department.
In fact, the changing profile of persons coming forward to donate their bodies seems to be an encouraging sign for the medical college authorities, who usually depend on unclaimed bodies from different government hospitals in the district and surroundings. "A majority of the people pledging their bodies includes elderly, who otherwise are considered orthodox and conservative. Now it seems people have started shedding their inhibitions and discarding myths in this regard to come forward for this noble cause," said P Sivaprakasam, Resident Medical Officer of the Medical College.
Till recently, body donation was considered as a taboo in the city like elsewhere. According to Sivaprakasam, those pledging their bodies now come forward from all sections of society, including old as well as young.
It was just on Saturday, parcel company employee S B Jagadeeshwaran (58) and his wife N R Manjuladevi (42), who works as record clerk at Coimbatore District court, had pldged to donate their bodies to the medical college. They found 79th and 80{+t}{+h} position in the list of donors. Body donation is defined as the act of giving ones body after death for medical research and education. It is indeed a noble act that benefits the society at large. Cadavers and donated bodies remain a principal teaching tool for anatomists and medical educators teaching gross anatomy and so the donors are helping medical education to flourish,'' said Sivaprakasam.
"I am very much enthused by the idea. It is quite thrilling to know that my body would help medical students to excel in their chosen field. After all, more number of qualified doctors means more health and betterment for the society,'' said Manjuladevi when TOI sought her reaction. The body is in anyway going to perish within minutes after death. Why not we donate it for the betterment of the society?,'' she sked.
There is a lack of awareness amongst the people about the need to donate cadavers,'' pointed out Jagadeeshwaran, who is involved in co-ordinating blood donation activities in the city and the encouraging of people for eye donation.
According to him, voluntary donation of body is not much different from donation of organs including eyes, kidney, liver, heart or simply blood. The only requirement is a mindset. Decision of an individual to donate his or her body for anatomical reaserach is a vital contribution towards the understanding and advancement of medical science,'' he said.
"It is remarkable that 80 people pledged their bodies this year. Since January, the medical college is in receipt of three bodies of people who were registered earlier," informed Sivaprakasam.
For donating body, people have to follow certain formalities. The most important of all is the consent of their own family members, who have to sign the forms provided by the medical college. The registration can be done only at the medical college and a person can pledge for organ donation by filling up a donor form in the presence of two witnesses. One among the witnesses must be a close relative. The pledge must be prepared in Rs20 stamp paper and get attested by notary public. The medical college, on its part, will give the concerned person an organ donor card bearing a registration number. Any person of any age and background can be a donor. If below 18 years, permission is required from parents or guardian.
During the time of death, there would be verification. Autopsied bodies and decomposed bodies would not be accepted. Body would also be rejected if the death was due to a contagious or communicable disease, suicide or homicide. On getting information of death, the body would be embalmed and handed over to Anatomy department.
Munching Bananas keeps you stress free - A Research study by Avinashlingam Institute
Many ailments these days are said to be caused by the stress of modern living. So here’s an easy and natural way to beat stress: drink 200 ml of lime juice or milk or eat a banana daily for three months. This simple diet is said to bring occupational stress levels down by 40 per cent and boost iron content, especially in women, according to a study. Nutritionists R. Usharani and U.K. Lakshmi from the department of food science and nutrition, Avinashlingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, in their presentation at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition, claimed that a person with occupational stress index score of 230, could reduce the score by 99.9 points by drinking 200 ml of lime juice daily.
The score will come down by 73 points if the person takes 200 ml of milk daily, and will be down by 98 points if she eats a banana a day. The researchers selected four groups of women employed in an industry, whose occupational stress index was measured at 230. The group that had the lime juice gained the maximum benefit, followed by those who ate banana. Those who consumed milk daily too successfully lowered their stress levels, but to a lesser extent. This diet was given to the groups for 90 days and at the end, those who did not consume any of these three foods were found to have elevated stress levels. For those who were on the diet, their haemoglobin content increased.
“Haemoglobin levels of all the groups that had taken milk, lime juice or banana, had increased. In case of lime juice, the increase in iron content in the blood was 1.3 grams per decilitre. The figures for those who had milk and banana were one gram and 1.1 gram per decilitre respectively. Those who did not have any of these foods showed a significant reduction in their haemoglobin levels,” the team said.Many ailments these days are said to be caused by the stress of modern living. So here’s an easy and natural way to beat stress: drink 200 ml of lime juice or milk or eat a banana daily for three months. This simple diet is said to bring occupational stress levels down by 40 per cent and boost iron content, especially in women, according to a study. Nutritionists R. Usharani and U.K. Lakshmi from the department of food science and nutrition, Avinashlingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, in their presentation at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition, claimed that a person with occupational stress index score of 230, could reduce the score by 99.9 points by drinking 200 ml of lime juice daily.
The score will come down by 73 points if the person takes 200 ml of milk daily, and will be down by 98 points if she eats a banana a day. The researchers selected four groups of women employed in an industry, whose occupational stress index was measured at 230. The group that had the lime juice gained the maximum benefit, followed by those who ate banana. Those who consumed milk daily too successfully lowered their stress levels, but to a lesser extent. This diet was given to the groups for 90 days and at the end, those who did not consume any of these three foods were found to have elevated stress levels. For those who were on the diet, their haemoglobin content increased.
“Haemoglobin levels of all the groups that had taken milk, lime juice or banana, had increased. In case of lime juice, the increase in iron content in the blood was 1.3 grams per decilitre. The figures for those who had milk and banana were one gram and 1.1 gram per decilitre respectively. Those who did not have any of these foods showed a significant reduction in their haemoglobin levels,” the team said.
The score will come down by 73 points if the person takes 200 ml of milk daily, and will be down by 98 points if she eats a banana a day. The researchers selected four groups of women employed in an industry, whose occupational stress index was measured at 230. The group that had the lime juice gained the maximum benefit, followed by those who ate banana. Those who consumed milk daily too successfully lowered their stress levels, but to a lesser extent. This diet was given to the groups for 90 days and at the end, those who did not consume any of these three foods were found to have elevated stress levels. For those who were on the diet, their haemoglobin content increased.
“Haemoglobin levels of all the groups that had taken milk, lime juice or banana, had increased. In case of lime juice, the increase in iron content in the blood was 1.3 grams per decilitre. The figures for those who had milk and banana were one gram and 1.1 gram per decilitre respectively. Those who did not have any of these foods showed a significant reduction in their haemoglobin levels,” the team said.Many ailments these days are said to be caused by the stress of modern living. So here’s an easy and natural way to beat stress: drink 200 ml of lime juice or milk or eat a banana daily for three months. This simple diet is said to bring occupational stress levels down by 40 per cent and boost iron content, especially in women, according to a study. Nutritionists R. Usharani and U.K. Lakshmi from the department of food science and nutrition, Avinashlingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, in their presentation at the city-based National Institute of Nutrition, claimed that a person with occupational stress index score of 230, could reduce the score by 99.9 points by drinking 200 ml of lime juice daily.
The score will come down by 73 points if the person takes 200 ml of milk daily, and will be down by 98 points if she eats a banana a day. The researchers selected four groups of women employed in an industry, whose occupational stress index was measured at 230. The group that had the lime juice gained the maximum benefit, followed by those who ate banana. Those who consumed milk daily too successfully lowered their stress levels, but to a lesser extent. This diet was given to the groups for 90 days and at the end, those who did not consume any of these three foods were found to have elevated stress levels. For those who were on the diet, their haemoglobin content increased.
“Haemoglobin levels of all the groups that had taken milk, lime juice or banana, had increased. In case of lime juice, the increase in iron content in the blood was 1.3 grams per decilitre. The figures for those who had milk and banana were one gram and 1.1 gram per decilitre respectively. Those who did not have any of these foods showed a significant reduction in their haemoglobin levels,” the team said.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
US focusing to invest in Coimbatore SME, 3rd largest investment in India!!
Coimbatore and U.S. businesses can work together in several areas and this will help the industries here achieve their ambitious development goals, Jennifer McIntyre, U.S. Consul General in Chennai, said here on Friday.
Addressing Coimbatore industrialists at a meeting organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, she said that U.S. companies would be able to partner with Indian high-technology companies to build high-speed infrastructure.
Bilateral trade and U.S. investments in India had grown manifold. In order to achieve and realise the next level of relationship, the two countries should build on several natural platforms, such as human development, and in the fields of education, women empowerment, and health where Coimbatore was making impressive strides. People-to-people connections would help build mutual understanding and trust.
In the coming years, cities such as Coimbatore would play a key role in increasing commercial and transit linkages throughout South Asia. The U.S. was committed to expanding bilateral economic ties with India.
It was the third largest foreign direct investor in India, with substantial investments in computer software and hardware, telecommunications, housing and real estate and construction. In 2010, the U.S. provided over 27 billion dollars of FDI.
Through a U.S. – India initiative called the economic and financial partnership, the U.S. government was working with India to develop financial instruments and public-private partnership models to mobilise the significant private capital needed to build the India of tomorrow.
On the bilateral trade, exports from the U.S. to India had quadrupled over this period, while Indian exports to the U.S. has grown by over 180 per cent. However, despite the increase in bilateral trade, India was only the 12th largest trading partner for the U.S. “Given the size of our respective economies, we must do better. Both of our markets have enormous untapped potential,” she said.
James Golsen, Principal Commercial Officer, US Consulate General, Chennai, said the Consulate worked with Indian businesses on several areas. It provided basic introductions, especially for the small and medium scale units, and organised Indian delegations to the trade shows in the U.S.
It also arranges trade finance. Trade between India and the U.S. was growing dramatically. Several multinational companies were already present here and now the U.S. small and medium-scale enterprises should come here, he said.
Addressing Coimbatore industrialists at a meeting organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, she said that U.S. companies would be able to partner with Indian high-technology companies to build high-speed infrastructure.
Bilateral trade and U.S. investments in India had grown manifold. In order to achieve and realise the next level of relationship, the two countries should build on several natural platforms, such as human development, and in the fields of education, women empowerment, and health where Coimbatore was making impressive strides. People-to-people connections would help build mutual understanding and trust.
In the coming years, cities such as Coimbatore would play a key role in increasing commercial and transit linkages throughout South Asia. The U.S. was committed to expanding bilateral economic ties with India.
It was the third largest foreign direct investor in India, with substantial investments in computer software and hardware, telecommunications, housing and real estate and construction. In 2010, the U.S. provided over 27 billion dollars of FDI.
Through a U.S. – India initiative called the economic and financial partnership, the U.S. government was working with India to develop financial instruments and public-private partnership models to mobilise the significant private capital needed to build the India of tomorrow.
On the bilateral trade, exports from the U.S. to India had quadrupled over this period, while Indian exports to the U.S. has grown by over 180 per cent. However, despite the increase in bilateral trade, India was only the 12th largest trading partner for the U.S. “Given the size of our respective economies, we must do better. Both of our markets have enormous untapped potential,” she said.
James Golsen, Principal Commercial Officer, US Consulate General, Chennai, said the Consulate worked with Indian businesses on several areas. It provided basic introductions, especially for the small and medium scale units, and organised Indian delegations to the trade shows in the U.S.
It also arranges trade finance. Trade between India and the U.S. was growing dramatically. Several multinational companies were already present here and now the U.S. small and medium-scale enterprises should come here, he said.
Coimbatore man applies for patent to 20 varieties of idli. Yes "Idli"!!
If variety is the spice of life, then nobody other than Kovai Iniyavan of Coimbatore has truly lived upto the adage.
A 38-year-old school drop out from Coimbatore, Kovai has not only developed scores of varieties of idlis, but has also applied for patents for 20 types of the popular south Indian dish.
The caterer has applied for patent and Intellectual Property Rights for these idlis claiming all the recipes were exclusively developed by him. His menu card boasts of 200 types of idlies comprising apple, orange, tomato, pizza , pudina, curry, honey, etc varieties.
“They differ in taste, shape and smell. He makes idlis with various kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices,” said Gnanavel Murugan, a foodie from Chennai.
Kovai learnt the art of idli making from Chandra, a widow in Coimbatore whom he helped in transporting the idlis she made to hotels.
“Later I started helping her in idli making and she taught me how to prepare soft and tasty idlies. It was a new experience and she shared all knowledge with me,” he said.
Idly is the simplest and safest of all foods, says Kovian.
“But one has to be careful while preparing the batter. Housewives grind rice and lentils and leave it overnight for fermentation. That is not the correct method,” said Iniyavan.
Though he grinds the rice the previous day, the lentil is ground only three or four hours before the idly is steamed.
“The rice and lentil are mixed just two hours before preparing the idli,” he said.
Kovian asks housewives to use aluminum vessels to steam idly. “Pour the batter only after the water starts boiling and use only two layers at the same time,” he said.
On the anvil are idlis made of tender coconut, carrot, chocolate, pomegranate, coriander, etc. “This will make idly eating a new experience because every day one can think of having a new variety,” he said.
A 38-year-old school drop out from Coimbatore, Kovai has not only developed scores of varieties of idlis, but has also applied for patents for 20 types of the popular south Indian dish.
The caterer has applied for patent and Intellectual Property Rights for these idlis claiming all the recipes were exclusively developed by him. His menu card boasts of 200 types of idlies comprising apple, orange, tomato, pizza , pudina, curry, honey, etc varieties.
“They differ in taste, shape and smell. He makes idlis with various kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices,” said Gnanavel Murugan, a foodie from Chennai.
Kovai learnt the art of idli making from Chandra, a widow in Coimbatore whom he helped in transporting the idlis she made to hotels.
“Later I started helping her in idli making and she taught me how to prepare soft and tasty idlies. It was a new experience and she shared all knowledge with me,” he said.
Idly is the simplest and safest of all foods, says Kovian.
“But one has to be careful while preparing the batter. Housewives grind rice and lentils and leave it overnight for fermentation. That is not the correct method,” said Iniyavan.
Though he grinds the rice the previous day, the lentil is ground only three or four hours before the idly is steamed.
“The rice and lentil are mixed just two hours before preparing the idli,” he said.
Kovian asks housewives to use aluminum vessels to steam idly. “Pour the batter only after the water starts boiling and use only two layers at the same time,” he said.
On the anvil are idlis made of tender coconut, carrot, chocolate, pomegranate, coriander, etc. “This will make idly eating a new experience because every day one can think of having a new variety,” he said.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Coimbatore students make it to final round of Google contest
Four of the finalists from the city shared their excitement on being selected to the final list with The Hindu onThursday. Bhavika Dugar (Std. V), M.R. Lakshana (Std. VII) and Mahak Khemka (Std. VII) of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at R.S. Puram and R. Abhinav (Std. VI) of Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School are the young artists who made it to the final round.
The theme of the ‘Doodle 4 Google' competition was ‘India's gift to the world'. Various features of Indian culture like yoga, ayurveda, mathematical and scientific contributions made by the county, and various Indian art forms seemed to be the recurring themes in the finalists' paintings. Images of Gandhi and Buddha were also chosen by many. Bhavika Dugar's painting featured the cultural heritage and spirituality of India. Bhavika, who has won many prizes in painting competitions, is also a national-level swimming champion.
Mahak Khemka is a budding artist who has won prizes in many painting competitions. Her painting on the theme ‘Unity in diversity' portrays India as a democratic country where people who speak different languages and believe in different religions co-exist.
“I had heard the story about how God balances the planet on his index finger and wanted to portray that. I wanted to highlight how Indian culture is unique in the world,” said Lakshana.
Abhinav said that through images of Buddha and Taj Mahal, contributions in algebra, mountains and birds, he wanted to capture Indian life and the country's significance in the world.
Google had invited entries to the competition on October 15. Students from Standard 1 to XII from 350 schools had participated in the contest. The entries by 45 finalists were left open for public vote from October 24 to November 4. The winners would be declared on November 9 in New Delhi, the organisers said.
According to the organisers, the participants were categorised according to their age into three groups: Group 1 (Classes I to III), Group 2 (Classes IV to VI) and Group 3 (Classes VII to X).
The best entries would be chosen based on artistic merit considering the age, drawing skills and use of colours. Creative representation of the theme and use of Google logo were the other criteria. The supporting statement that explained the vision in the doodle would also be considered, the organisers said on their website.
“Google has sent two air tickets for each finalist to travel to New Delhi to attend the final award ceremony,” said Mahak's mother Minakshi Khemka.
According to the search engine's website, Google's Doodle designer Dennis Hwang would pick up the national winner. The first prize winner would get a technology starter package. His/ her school would be given a technology grant of Rs. 2 lakh, the organisers said. All finalists would receive a Doodle 4 Google certificate and a Google goodie bag, they said.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Is a Theater overcharging for your ticket. Act now!
Taking firm action against a theatre for non-compliance, the district administration has cancelled its license to screen films, after it was discovered they had been selling tickets at a higher price than notified by the government.
District collector M Karunagaran gave orders to cancel the license of Ganga theatre in the city following several petitions and complaints registered by the public about excess fare being collected by the theatre, said S Santhakumar, Regional Divisional Officer.
"I personally got many calls from the people, besides the petition filed by them to the district administration. Based on these complains we visited the theatre and checked the situation and found that the theatre was indeed selling the tickets at a higher price," he said.
The team also cross checked with the public who purchased tickets and found that a Rs 10 ticket was sold for Rs 20 and a Rs 25 ticket for Rs 40. Since the theatre fell under category C, the theatre had no right to sell tickets at a higher price. He said the C Form license was cancelled based on section 9 of the Tamil Nadu Cinema Regulation Act and this would deny the theatre any rights to play movies in the theatre.
It is not uncommon for a theatre to sell tickets at a higher cost than what has been approved, said Suresh Kumar, high court advocate, who has filed cases in the court against theatres for not providing bills for eateries, lack of hygiene and others issues.
He said that the failure of the government to be firm with theatres has encouraged them to fleece the public.
"Besides selling tickets in the black market, theatres also charge more than the actual rate printed on the ticket, especially during the release of a new movie, as people are willing to pay any amount to view the film," he added. There are many people who are forced to avoid theatres due to the exorbitant prices. Stringent action by the Coimbatore district administration against such theatres is a welcome step and similar steps should be taken in other places as well, Suresh Kumar said.
He further said that the administration should also look into other aspects like the facilities provided in these theatre. Many theatres do not have emergency exit, or proper billing system for eateries and unhygienic toilets, he added.
"Though this is just the beginning, we hope the administration will continue to identify such fraudulent theatres to curb extortion," said S Prem Kumar, a resident of R S Puram, adding that eateries in movie houses also charged high prices for their products.
When TOI contacted officials of Ganga theatre, they were not available for comment.
Source: TOI
District collector M Karunagaran gave orders to cancel the license of Ganga theatre in the city following several petitions and complaints registered by the public about excess fare being collected by the theatre, said S Santhakumar, Regional Divisional Officer.
"I personally got many calls from the people, besides the petition filed by them to the district administration. Based on these complains we visited the theatre and checked the situation and found that the theatre was indeed selling the tickets at a higher price," he said.
The team also cross checked with the public who purchased tickets and found that a Rs 10 ticket was sold for Rs 20 and a Rs 25 ticket for Rs 40. Since the theatre fell under category C, the theatre had no right to sell tickets at a higher price. He said the C Form license was cancelled based on section 9 of the Tamil Nadu Cinema Regulation Act and this would deny the theatre any rights to play movies in the theatre.
It is not uncommon for a theatre to sell tickets at a higher cost than what has been approved, said Suresh Kumar, high court advocate, who has filed cases in the court against theatres for not providing bills for eateries, lack of hygiene and others issues.
He said that the failure of the government to be firm with theatres has encouraged them to fleece the public.
"Besides selling tickets in the black market, theatres also charge more than the actual rate printed on the ticket, especially during the release of a new movie, as people are willing to pay any amount to view the film," he added. There are many people who are forced to avoid theatres due to the exorbitant prices. Stringent action by the Coimbatore district administration against such theatres is a welcome step and similar steps should be taken in other places as well, Suresh Kumar said.
He further said that the administration should also look into other aspects like the facilities provided in these theatre. Many theatres do not have emergency exit, or proper billing system for eateries and unhygienic toilets, he added.
"Though this is just the beginning, we hope the administration will continue to identify such fraudulent theatres to curb extortion," said S Prem Kumar, a resident of R S Puram, adding that eateries in movie houses also charged high prices for their products.
When TOI contacted officials of Ganga theatre, they were not available for comment.
Source: TOI
What will you do if you sight a snake in the City?
What should a person do when they sight a snake? Who should they turn to for help? These questions remain unanswered as there is no system in place to handle such a situation. It was evident on Friday too when a snake appeared on a busy stretch holding up the traffic for more than an hour
The city has no official snake handlers and the people are left at the mercy of private snake charmers who try to make a fortune out of every rescue call. Depending on the size and specie of the snake, charmers charge anything between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 10,000. Even authorities at the Coimbatore Corporation's Zoo have to rely on private snake charmers in case of emergencies.
District Forest Officer V. Thirunavukkarasu said Sadiq from the Nilgiris, a snake handler who has the expertise of even catching King Cobras has come forward to offer training in snake handling to field staff of the Forest Department.
The training programme will be held in November. The objective is to have 30 to 40 professional snake handlers available in all the six ranges of the Forest Department. At present, the department was making use of the services of five trained volunteers who are part of nature conservation groups and NGOs.
He said people can call the District Forest Office at 0422-2456911 when they sight a snake.
Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department had fire and rescue men who were trained in handling snakes. At present, Coimbatore has four firemen with skills in handling snakes. People can call fire control room at 101. Though Firemen used to be trained at State Fire Service Headquarters in snake handling, it is not being done in the last couple of years, it is reliably learnt.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
IBM deputes its experts for social initiatives in Coimbatore
Saken Kulkarni is a US citizen of Indian origin. He has been working with IBM Global Business Services for the last three years as a business consultant and helping corporates win business across the world. But on Wednesday, he under took another mission. The young expert will help city based NGO Siruthuli in its ongoing mission to rejuvenate Valankulam tank in the city, which is contaminated and encroached upon.
''I will use my skills as a business consultant to ensure resources for Siruthuli in cleaning up the lake. Water hyacinths have to be removed and the quality of the water will have to be improved, said Kulkarni.
Benjamin Vera Tudela is a US citizen, who has been with IBM for 12 years. A computer science graduate, he has been working in the fields of education and training. For the next six months, he will train teachers of seven rural schools run by Isha Foundation of Coimbatore. ''Rural schools are meant for poor. Training the teachers of such schools means imparting better education to the poor but bright students. This is an opportunity for me to help the economically backward people, he said.
Sverre Sveum Moen is a project manager for IBM and an expert in knowledge management. He too has devoted himself to social, joining city-based Sankara Eye Care Institution. He will work there for six months. He will help the eye care centre which provides free services to the poor, to streamline their systems.
Kulkarni, Tudela and Moen have been deputed by IBM as part of its Corporate Service Corps (CSC) for the benefit of Coimbatore. Seven other top employees of the company are also serving different social service firms in the city for the next six months.
''The initiative is not confined to Coimbatore alone. Another 10 skilled professionals will join various organizations in Chennai next week. A 10 member group is already working with NGOs in Jaipur,aa said Mamta Sharma, corporate citizenship and community affairs manager of IBMas South Asia division.
Over 140 IBM staff from outside India will come here this year to work with grassroots organizations. Meanwhile 200 Indian staff members of IBM will go to other countries this year to serve people there, she added. The company is attempting to get involved with local communities on issues including entrepreneurship, transportation, environment, education, citizen services, health care and disaster recovery.
''I will use my skills as a business consultant to ensure resources for Siruthuli in cleaning up the lake. Water hyacinths have to be removed and the quality of the water will have to be improved, said Kulkarni.
Benjamin Vera Tudela is a US citizen, who has been with IBM for 12 years. A computer science graduate, he has been working in the fields of education and training. For the next six months, he will train teachers of seven rural schools run by Isha Foundation of Coimbatore. ''Rural schools are meant for poor. Training the teachers of such schools means imparting better education to the poor but bright students. This is an opportunity for me to help the economically backward people, he said.
Sverre Sveum Moen is a project manager for IBM and an expert in knowledge management. He too has devoted himself to social, joining city-based Sankara Eye Care Institution. He will work there for six months. He will help the eye care centre which provides free services to the poor, to streamline their systems.
Kulkarni, Tudela and Moen have been deputed by IBM as part of its Corporate Service Corps (CSC) for the benefit of Coimbatore. Seven other top employees of the company are also serving different social service firms in the city for the next six months.
''The initiative is not confined to Coimbatore alone. Another 10 skilled professionals will join various organizations in Chennai next week. A 10 member group is already working with NGOs in Jaipur,aa said Mamta Sharma, corporate citizenship and community affairs manager of IBMas South Asia division.
Over 140 IBM staff from outside India will come here this year to work with grassroots organizations. Meanwhile 200 Indian staff members of IBM will go to other countries this year to serve people there, she added. The company is attempting to get involved with local communities on issues including entrepreneurship, transportation, environment, education, citizen services, health care and disaster recovery.
American Nobel Price winner joins Coimbatore varsity
Nobel Laureate Leland H. Hartwell, currently president and director Emeritus at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, USA, has joined the Amrita School of Engineering and School of Biotechnology of Amrita University at Coimbatore as Distinguished Adjunct Faculty. Announcing this Dr.Venkat Rangan, vice -chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham said in a statement on Tuesday that this is the first time a Nobel Laureate has joined as a faculty of any university in India. Dr. Hartwell won the Nobel Prize in 2001 for his research in genetic studies of cell growth and regulation.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Vijaya Dhasami Celebration - 2011
Here is a video of how peoples of Coimbatore celebrate Vijaya Dhasami. I am not sure, how many of you are aware of such an event that happens in Coimbatore(கொà®™்கு மண்டலம்). Warning: video may not be appropiate for some viewers.
The ceremony started at Ramalinga Sowdeshwari Amman Temple near Saibaba Colony and continued till New Ramalinga Sowdeshwari Amman Temple in R.G. Street.All the way through, they harm themselves for GOD. They pray for a cause and sacrify their blood. Its more of spirit than pain.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
$35 Tablet (made in India) can replace a teacher!! Can you believe?
After a year of testing in a remote village in India, researchers are ready to scale up production of an ultra-low-power $35 tablet called the I-slate.
The probabilistic CMOS approach is simple: run an ordinary microchip less stringently, sacrifice a small amount of precision, and get huge gains in energy efficiency in return. Probabilistic CMOS (CMOS refers to the technology behind most of today's chip technologies) works particularly well in graphics and sound processing, since human vision and hearing aren't perfect, and small errors are therefore undetectable.
Krishna Palem, a professor at Rice University and director of the Institute for Sustainable Nanoelectronics at Nanyang Technological University, first demonstrated probabilistic CMOS in 2006. Palem is now working on getting the technology into applications including a low-power hearing aid. In the educational tablet device, Palem says, probabilistic chips will enable huge power savings: the educational tablet will require just three watts of power, meaning it can be powered entirely by small solar cells like those on a pocket calculator.
The I-slate looks similar to an iPad, with a seven-inch liquid-crystal touch screen display. But it's not a full tablet computer—in fact, unlike other hardware supplied to disadvantaged children through efforts such as One Laptop Per Child, it's not a computer at all, and does not have an operating system. "It's an elaborate, single-function device," says Palem. Kids can read from a preloaded textbook or take notes and work out math problems using a stylus on a "scratch pad" to one side of the screen. The device can store a few pages of notes.
Palem's group at Nanyang Technological University is developing the I-slate in collaboration with the Indian nonprofit organization Villages for Development and Learning Foundation and the Los Angeles design firm Seso. Last year, the group tested prototype I-slates loaded up with a math textbook and exercises at a school in Mohd Hussainpalli, a village about 70 miles southwest of Hyderabad. In this region, electricity is unreliable, and some villages don't have teachers.
The I-slate is designed to teach math and other subjects to students whose schools lack electricity or to students who don't have access to teachers at all. The device will enter full-scale production next year, and will be the first device to apply a low-power technology called probabilistic CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) to achieve a longer battery life.Low-Cost Tablet Runs on Three Watts of Power. Designed to teach math to students in poor countries, the device will be the first to use a new energy-efficient computing strategy.
The probabilistic CMOS approach is simple: run an ordinary microchip less stringently, sacrifice a small amount of precision, and get huge gains in energy efficiency in return. Probabilistic CMOS (CMOS refers to the technology behind most of today's chip technologies) works particularly well in graphics and sound processing, since human vision and hearing aren't perfect, and small errors are therefore undetectable.
Krishna Palem, a professor at Rice University and director of the Institute for Sustainable Nanoelectronics at Nanyang Technological University, first demonstrated probabilistic CMOS in 2006. Palem is now working on getting the technology into applications including a low-power hearing aid. In the educational tablet device, Palem says, probabilistic chips will enable huge power savings: the educational tablet will require just three watts of power, meaning it can be powered entirely by small solar cells like those on a pocket calculator.
The I-slate looks similar to an iPad, with a seven-inch liquid-crystal touch screen display. But it's not a full tablet computer—in fact, unlike other hardware supplied to disadvantaged children through efforts such as One Laptop Per Child, it's not a computer at all, and does not have an operating system. "It's an elaborate, single-function device," says Palem. Kids can read from a preloaded textbook or take notes and work out math problems using a stylus on a "scratch pad" to one side of the screen. The device can store a few pages of notes.
Palem's group at Nanyang Technological University is developing the I-slate in collaboration with the Indian nonprofit organization Villages for Development and Learning Foundation and the Los Angeles design firm Seso. Last year, the group tested prototype I-slates loaded up with a math textbook and exercises at a school in Mohd Hussainpalli, a village about 70 miles southwest of Hyderabad. In this region, electricity is unreliable, and some villages don't have teachers.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Codissia to explore biz opportunities with Austria, Switzerland
The possibility of importing raw material from Austria and Switzerland, for manufacture of components meeting the design and quality requirements of those countries for exporting back to them, would be explored during the visit of the Indian business delegation accompanying the President of India to those countries from October 3, according to the President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, Mr M.Kandhaswami.
He would also look at the opportunity of using the two European countries as the launch pad for reaching out to the Euro Zone market as some of the industries in Coimbatore region have clients there .
The Codissia President, who is a member of the CII business delegation accompanying the President, Ms Pratibha Patil, during her visit to Austria and Switzerland from October 3-6, told Business Line the main aim of the visit was to promote business relationship between India and the two European nations. The delegation was going with an open mind as `we have to find market’ for our products.
Mr Kandhaswami said the European countries, because of environmental concerns, were phasing out foundries, spinning units and paper mills and he sensed business opportunities in these sectors for the region.
He said during his discussions with the industrialists in the Coimbatore region, he found that many companies here were being supplied with raw materials like steel alloys by European nations for manufacturing finished products on a job work basis since they were able to source the raw materials cheaper elsewhere whereas the labour and processing were cost competitive in India. Mainly auto and textile components and general engineering goods were produced on a job work basis in the region for export meeting the design and quality parameters of their raw material suppliers. He said he would like to take this process forward.
The Codissia President said the two nations have also expressed interest in investing in Indian companies and to become partners. He felt that while the MSMEs in the region may not be keen to allow foreign equity in their companies, they would be ready to have technological tie-ups and buy back arrangements with Austrian and Swiss companies.
Conceding that the potential of Austria and Switzerland was limited because of their size, he said that he would like to enquire whether these countries could be utilised as storage hubs for supplying products to the European countries just as Dubai or Bangladesh are used for reaching out to markets in the neighbouring regions. Already many Coimbatore engineering companies were exporting to countries like Germany and this possibility merited consideration.
He said he would also invite the Swiss companies, some of which supply precision machines to Coimbatore companies, to participate in the forthcoming INTEC exhibition organised by Codissia. Apart from him, the five-member CII business delegation has members from Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Kalam to take part in greenery drive in Coimbatore
Pasumpulari, an year long afforestation drive of Siruthuli to plant and nurture 1,00,000 trees in Coimbatore in line with the International Year of Forests 2011 and 80th birthday of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is in the last lap and will be reaching the milestone on October 15, 2011.
Mr. Kalam will be with the Pasumpulari, Coimbatore's Green Army, to applaud their green efforts and will be presented with a Pasum Ponnadai.
Ms.Vanitha Mohan – Managing Trustee of Siruthuli said that Pasumpulari began its journey with a heart full of dreams and a handful of saplings. The movement gained strength every month with celebrity guests campaigning for the event. Eight months down the line the movement is all set to turn this region into a fertile greenbelt. Planting commenced with the onset of southwest monsoon and so far 60,000 saplings had been planted in various locations. October 15 will be observed as Green Coimbatore Day and an event will be held at Nandangarai on the foothills of Western Ghats near Irutupallam off Siruvani Road from where Mr.Kalam will convey his green message to the nation. On the occasion, 10,000 saplings will be planted throughout the city involving students and volunteers.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Postal dept to give away mini fridges
COIMBATORE: The postal department has signed an MOU with Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd to supply the 'Chotukool', a mini refrigerator, to customers at their doorstep, in Coimbatore. According to A N Nandha, Post Master General, the department will launch the facility in the city from Friday and deliver the products through Express Parcel Post facility.
In western region, he said the product has already been launched in Salem and the response has been good. In Maharashtra the product has become a great hit. In a short period of time over 7,000 pieces have been sold. It is part of the retail post and it will definitely pick up in the state, he added. The refrigerator which weighs over 8 kg is a low cost cooling solution for preserving vegetables, water, milk, leftover food and other perishables. It caters to household & small commercial outlets.
He said that 'Chotukool' is a thermoelectric cooler which provides the utilities of a refrigerator at half the cost, in addition to other benefits which are specially designed for rural areas. It produces a temperature difference of 18-20 degree centigrade from the ambient and can operate on 12 Volts DC as well as on main 230 V AC power supply.
The product which costs Rs 3,790 will be retailed in all important post offices in the Western region including Coimbatore, Pollachi, Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri & Krishnagiri Districts and Tirupattur.
He said refrigerators will be stocked in all important post offices. Interested persons can place their orders at the post office.
In western region, he said the product has already been launched in Salem and the response has been good. In Maharashtra the product has become a great hit. In a short period of time over 7,000 pieces have been sold. It is part of the retail post and it will definitely pick up in the state, he added. The refrigerator which weighs over 8 kg is a low cost cooling solution for preserving vegetables, water, milk, leftover food and other perishables. It caters to household & small commercial outlets.
He said that 'Chotukool' is a thermoelectric cooler which provides the utilities of a refrigerator at half the cost, in addition to other benefits which are specially designed for rural areas. It produces a temperature difference of 18-20 degree centigrade from the ambient and can operate on 12 Volts DC as well as on main 230 V AC power supply.
The product which costs Rs 3,790 will be retailed in all important post offices in the Western region including Coimbatore, Pollachi, Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri & Krishnagiri Districts and Tirupattur.
He said refrigerators will be stocked in all important post offices. Interested persons can place their orders at the post office.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Entrepreneur organisation announces GSEA National Champion
Winner Sapan Kadakia will represent India in Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) World Finals in New York City, USA
Ahmedabad student Sapan Kadakia, MCO Marketing and a student of MICA won the Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award (GSEA 2011) India Finals held at PSG College of Technologies – Science & Technology Entrepreneurial Park, Coimbatore, overcoming challenge from 23 contestants from 9 different states in a tough competition organised by Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) Coimbatore Chapter on September 1, 2011.
The national winner will advance to the 2011 GSEA World Finals in NYSE, New York for the opportunity to engage with world class entrepreneurs, receive media exposure, win cash prize and share over $150,000 in donated business services.
30 National winners from around the world will compete for the title of Top Student Entrepreneur in the World at the New York Stock Exchange on November 17th 2011. To get there, the finalists have surpassed more than 1,800 nominees who participated in National finals in over 40 countries around the world.
“The EO - GSEA India finals is the first big scale event organised to recognise undergraduate student entrepreneurial spirit and help propel its growth”, Vikram Mohan, President of EO Coimbatore Chapter, which organised the premier event said. “The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards offers our student generation a tremendous opportunity to showcase not only their academic excellence but also their business insight. It represents the greatest hope for our economy and society. These students are leveraging their own creativity and innovation to bring new ideas into the marketplace and create new jobs.”
“We were overwhelmed to find hundreds of inspiring student entrepreneurship stories cutting across various sunrise sectors such as in Science, Technology /IT, Engineering, Media/Advertising, Sports Manufacturing, Finance and in Education/Consulting businesses vying for the top slot before we shortlisted and choose the winner from 30 finalists.” Vikram Mohan added.
Sapan Kadakia, MCO marketing, from Ahmedabad, Suraj Krishnan Mark & Make from Pune, Mohammad Asif, Jazaa Financial Advisory from Delhi, Durgesh Nandan, Automotion Ads, Lucknow, Animesh Sarangi, Amazing Youth from Orissa, emerged as top five student entrepreneurs by afternoon.
The top five had a tough round to show case their business potential. Along the winner Sapan, first runner up Durgesh Nandan of Automotion Ads, Lucknow and Second Runner up Animesh Sarangi of Amazing Youth, Orissa were also declared..
The judges were Anil Sivadas, Chairman Enventure Technology Services, Anupam Thareja, Founder and Managing Director of PHI Advisors, Ashok Bakthavathsalam Managing Director K G Informations Systems, Jayadev Galla, Co-Founder Amara Raja Group,Kavitha Varadaraj, Managing Director Primero Intimates & Sr VP FICCI Ladies Organisation, Manav Goyal, Executive Director, Adyar Gate Hotels, Padmaja Nair, GM FIBU (SBI), Vikram Ramakrishnan Managing Director, Thinking Palm, & Founder Linkstreet Learning.
In 2010, nearly 2000 students from 44 countries were nominated to the GSEA. Over the course of 5 months, the students participated in rigorous regional competitions that brought the field down to the top 30 “dorm room entrepreneurs.” These students converged at the GSEA Global Finals at the Kauffman Foundation during Global Entrepreneurship Week in Kansas City, MO last week. Spanning all industry sectors, these student-run companies earned annual revenues ranging from $20,000 to $3 million.
Ahmedabad student Sapan Kadakia, MCO Marketing and a student of MICA won the Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award (GSEA 2011) India Finals held at PSG College of Technologies – Science & Technology Entrepreneurial Park, Coimbatore, overcoming challenge from 23 contestants from 9 different states in a tough competition organised by Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) Coimbatore Chapter on September 1, 2011.
The national winner will advance to the 2011 GSEA World Finals in NYSE, New York for the opportunity to engage with world class entrepreneurs, receive media exposure, win cash prize and share over $150,000 in donated business services.
30 National winners from around the world will compete for the title of Top Student Entrepreneur in the World at the New York Stock Exchange on November 17th 2011. To get there, the finalists have surpassed more than 1,800 nominees who participated in National finals in over 40 countries around the world.
“The EO - GSEA India finals is the first big scale event organised to recognise undergraduate student entrepreneurial spirit and help propel its growth”, Vikram Mohan, President of EO Coimbatore Chapter, which organised the premier event said. “The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards offers our student generation a tremendous opportunity to showcase not only their academic excellence but also their business insight. It represents the greatest hope for our economy and society. These students are leveraging their own creativity and innovation to bring new ideas into the marketplace and create new jobs.”
“We were overwhelmed to find hundreds of inspiring student entrepreneurship stories cutting across various sunrise sectors such as in Science, Technology /IT, Engineering, Media/Advertising, Sports Manufacturing, Finance and in Education/Consulting businesses vying for the top slot before we shortlisted and choose the winner from 30 finalists.” Vikram Mohan added.
Sapan Kadakia, MCO marketing, from Ahmedabad, Suraj Krishnan Mark & Make from Pune, Mohammad Asif, Jazaa Financial Advisory from Delhi, Durgesh Nandan, Automotion Ads, Lucknow, Animesh Sarangi, Amazing Youth from Orissa, emerged as top five student entrepreneurs by afternoon.
The top five had a tough round to show case their business potential. Along the winner Sapan, first runner up Durgesh Nandan of Automotion Ads, Lucknow and Second Runner up Animesh Sarangi of Amazing Youth, Orissa were also declared..
The judges were Anil Sivadas, Chairman Enventure Technology Services, Anupam Thareja, Founder and Managing Director of PHI Advisors, Ashok Bakthavathsalam Managing Director K G Informations Systems, Jayadev Galla, Co-Founder Amara Raja Group,Kavitha Varadaraj, Managing Director Primero Intimates & Sr VP FICCI Ladies Organisation, Manav Goyal, Executive Director, Adyar Gate Hotels, Padmaja Nair, GM FIBU (SBI), Vikram Ramakrishnan Managing Director, Thinking Palm, & Founder Linkstreet Learning.
In 2010, nearly 2000 students from 44 countries were nominated to the GSEA. Over the course of 5 months, the students participated in rigorous regional competitions that brought the field down to the top 30 “dorm room entrepreneurs.” These students converged at the GSEA Global Finals at the Kauffman Foundation during Global Entrepreneurship Week in Kansas City, MO last week. Spanning all industry sectors, these student-run companies earned annual revenues ranging from $20,000 to $3 million.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Collector M. Karunakaran, on Wednesday, launched the initiative of enrolment for issue of Unique Identification numbers (UID) Aadhaar. Central Bank of India will facilitate the enrolment for UID while Srei Sahaj e-Village (SAHAJ) Limited will be the service provider. http://amplify.com/u/a1cvk4
Aadhaar takes off in city
Collector M. Karunakaran, on Wednesday, launched the initiative of enrolment for issue of Unique Identification numbers (UID) Aadhaar. Central Bank of India will facilitate the enrolment for UID while Srei Sahaj e-Village (SAHAJ) Limited will be the service provider.
In Coimbatore, Karvy Consultants will offer the UID service to residents of Coimbatore at its centres on NSR Road in Sai Baba Colony (opposite to IOB), Jaya Enclave on Avanashi Road and at SNV Chambers on Cross Cut Road in Gandhipuram. Residents could walk in between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all days and avail the facility free of cost. The allotted UID number will be sent to the residential address of the applicant after processing the application and capturing the image and bio-metric data. Bank of Baroda will also offer the service at its main branch opposite to Railway Station.
S. Palanisamy, Assistant General Manager of Central Bank of India (Regional office – Coimbatore) said that as many as 150 machines have been provided by SAHAJ and the bank is yet to finalise the list of places where the service will be extended to residents. Now, the bank is locating a UID centre at Collectorate for the benefit of its staff as well as those visiting the Collectorate.
Mr. Palanisamy said that ideal option will be to visit offices and major areas and conduct camps where residents can fill in the application forms and provide the required proof. Then, the UID authority will generate a unique 12-digit UID number for the applicant and it can be used for identifying all financial transactions. The idea of offering the facility at the bank's branches will be considered provided if there was adequate space to carry out the drive simultaneously without affecting bank work.
Mr. Palanisamy said that forms can be collected, filled-in and submitted along with supporting proof and then if the applicant turns up, the entire process of taking a photograph, bio-metric scan of all the 10 fingers and iris can be taken. All this can be completed in just two minutes. Otherwise, if an applicant turns up for the entire process at one go, then the entire process will consume nearly 10 to 15 minutes.
Possession of an UID number is likely become mandatory in future, as many financial service organisations will start insisting on the same. Similarly, with the UID capturing the iris and biometric details, it will eliminate the ordeal of having to carry too many identity cards and proofs. It will also eliminate the risk of the identity cards being forged, the officials said.
Alpa Bagga, Associate Vice-President (Business Development) of SAHAJ and V.R. Naresh, Senior Manager of UID participated in the function.
In Coimbatore, Karvy Consultants will offer the UID service to residents of Coimbatore at its centres on NSR Road in Sai Baba Colony (opposite to IOB), Jaya Enclave on Avanashi Road and at SNV Chambers on Cross Cut Road in Gandhipuram. Residents could walk in between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all days and avail the facility free of cost. The allotted UID number will be sent to the residential address of the applicant after processing the application and capturing the image and bio-metric data. Bank of Baroda will also offer the service at its main branch opposite to Railway Station.
S. Palanisamy, Assistant General Manager of Central Bank of India (Regional office – Coimbatore) said that as many as 150 machines have been provided by SAHAJ and the bank is yet to finalise the list of places where the service will be extended to residents. Now, the bank is locating a UID centre at Collectorate for the benefit of its staff as well as those visiting the Collectorate.
Mr. Palanisamy said that ideal option will be to visit offices and major areas and conduct camps where residents can fill in the application forms and provide the required proof. Then, the UID authority will generate a unique 12-digit UID number for the applicant and it can be used for identifying all financial transactions. The idea of offering the facility at the bank's branches will be considered provided if there was adequate space to carry out the drive simultaneously without affecting bank work.
Mr. Palanisamy said that forms can be collected, filled-in and submitted along with supporting proof and then if the applicant turns up, the entire process of taking a photograph, bio-metric scan of all the 10 fingers and iris can be taken. All this can be completed in just two minutes. Otherwise, if an applicant turns up for the entire process at one go, then the entire process will consume nearly 10 to 15 minutes.
Possession of an UID number is likely become mandatory in future, as many financial service organisations will start insisting on the same. Similarly, with the UID capturing the iris and biometric details, it will eliminate the ordeal of having to carry too many identity cards and proofs. It will also eliminate the risk of the identity cards being forged, the officials said.
Alpa Bagga, Associate Vice-President (Business Development) of SAHAJ and V.R. Naresh, Senior Manager of UID participated in the function.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Coimbatore boy returns after five day training programme at NASA
COIMBATORE: Its not every day one gets to spend time in a real space flight simulator chamber in NASA, rub shoulders with outer space experts, sleep in a cylindrical space habitat or get a taste of actual astronaut food to be eaten during a space mission. City ninth grader B Vajresh was among the 16 member team that was selected for a five day training programme at NASA's Marshall Space Centre, Huntsville Alabama. He was also the team leader of the student group ATLAS at the space facility and they designed a lunar base which a team of experts adjudged as the best design at the space centre.
"It was a dream come true for me. We were given a detailed tour of the facility. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us," said B Vajresh. During the five day stay at the NASA facility, Vajresh got an opportunity to be in simulated environments where he did the moon walk, experienced under-water pressure and space ship travel simulations. He was also lodged in one of the space habitat facilities on the NASA campus.
"Five of us shared the space habitat. It was cylindrical in shape and it was a whole new experience for me to live with children from various parts of the globe. We have become good friends and maintain contact over internet," Vajresh added.
Vajresh was selected as part of the Annual Training Programme at the Huntsville held from May 15 to 20 earlier this year. Retired NASA Astronaut Story Musgrave honoured Vajresh and his team after they completed the training sessions. "We used to wake up every morning and were taken for seminars and sessions on space missions and life in space. We were also shown a number of documentaries about the various achievements of NASA in space research," said Vajresh.
However, he also added that the only sour part of the expedition was the food which he just did not like. However, he got an opportunity to taste an ice cream flavoured astronaut food item.
"My son was very much excited about the trip and still recounts his experience there," said S Balaji, Vajresh's father. Vajresh's teachers at Shri Nehru Vidyalaya claimed that he is one of their brightest students and was already interested in advance technologies including robotics. "He is very much interested in robotics and has also participated in a two day robotics workshop at NIT Trichy," said Punita Chandrasehar, Principal, Shri Nehru Vidyalaya.
"It was a dream come true for me. We were given a detailed tour of the facility. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us," said B Vajresh. During the five day stay at the NASA facility, Vajresh got an opportunity to be in simulated environments where he did the moon walk, experienced under-water pressure and space ship travel simulations. He was also lodged in one of the space habitat facilities on the NASA campus.
"Five of us shared the space habitat. It was cylindrical in shape and it was a whole new experience for me to live with children from various parts of the globe. We have become good friends and maintain contact over internet," Vajresh added.
Vajresh was selected as part of the Annual Training Programme at the Huntsville held from May 15 to 20 earlier this year. Retired NASA Astronaut Story Musgrave honoured Vajresh and his team after they completed the training sessions. "We used to wake up every morning and were taken for seminars and sessions on space missions and life in space. We were also shown a number of documentaries about the various achievements of NASA in space research," said Vajresh.
However, he also added that the only sour part of the expedition was the food which he just did not like. However, he got an opportunity to taste an ice cream flavoured astronaut food item.
"My son was very much excited about the trip and still recounts his experience there," said S Balaji, Vajresh's father. Vajresh's teachers at Shri Nehru Vidyalaya claimed that he is one of their brightest students and was already interested in advance technologies including robotics. "He is very much interested in robotics and has also participated in a two day robotics workshop at NIT Trichy," said Punita Chandrasehar, Principal, Shri Nehru Vidyalaya.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Coimbatore will host "Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)"
Coimbatore will host a national level competition Thursday, in which 30 undergradutates from nine Indian states will showcase their businesses for a place in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), US.
The 30 finalists include entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, according to statement Wednesday from the hosts of the India finals, Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO), Coimbatore Chapter.
EO is global network of around 8,000 entrepreneurs, founded in 1987, with 120 chapters in 40 countries.
‘The GSEA programme offers student entrepreneurs a great opportunity to meet with fellow entrepreneurs and reach out to mentors and investors to share their successes, failures, listen and learn to go to the next level,’ said Annush Ramasamy, EO-GSEA programme director for South Asia.
Three will be awarded at the competition, of whom the first place winner will represent India at the GSEA in New York, Nov 17, and vie with 29 others for the $150,000 prize money.
The prime eligibility criterion is that their business must be in operation for more than six months and generating revenues. It also must be a new business idea with a good game plan that incorporates strategies, future growth and market understanding.
Also known as textile city, Coimbatore is around 500 km from here. It is a city with a large number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and positions itself as the cradle of entrepreneurship sustainability over the last 50 years.
The 30 finalists include entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, according to statement Wednesday from the hosts of the India finals, Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO), Coimbatore Chapter.
EO is global network of around 8,000 entrepreneurs, founded in 1987, with 120 chapters in 40 countries.
‘The GSEA programme offers student entrepreneurs a great opportunity to meet with fellow entrepreneurs and reach out to mentors and investors to share their successes, failures, listen and learn to go to the next level,’ said Annush Ramasamy, EO-GSEA programme director for South Asia.
Three will be awarded at the competition, of whom the first place winner will represent India at the GSEA in New York, Nov 17, and vie with 29 others for the $150,000 prize money.
The prime eligibility criterion is that their business must be in operation for more than six months and generating revenues. It also must be a new business idea with a good game plan that incorporates strategies, future growth and market understanding.
Also known as textile city, Coimbatore is around 500 km from here. It is a city with a large number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and positions itself as the cradle of entrepreneurship sustainability over the last 50 years.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
More news about "TIDEL Park Coimbatore Ltd (TPCL)"
TIDEL Park Coimbatore Ltd (TPCL), spread over 9.5 acre in Coimbatore SEZ and is now ready in terms of infrastructure. Anand Purusothaman, CEO of Payoda which is the first company to move in, said, it was one of the best decisions to move to TPCL and that it has payed off really well in the 3-4 months they have stayed there.
"Coimbatore is a Tier II city with Tier I capabilities," he said. His company has taken up 17,000 square feet in the park and plans to buy more space as they are happy with the facilities and the advantages of the location. "It's right next to major educational institutions and we just walk to these campuses for recruitment," he added.
Susan Mathew, chairperson and MD, (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and chairperson, TIDEL Park Coimbatore said that Coimbatore has been doing really well and now accounts for 30% share (in revenue terms) of the engineering sector from the state.
"In the park, the space for IT companies is 9.14 lakh square feet. It was built at a cost of Rs 407 crore. All approvals have been received and it is ready. Located at just 2 KM from the with Airport and 7 KM from the railway station," she said.
The promoters of TPCL are TIDEL (52.5%), Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited - ELCOT (25%), TIDCO (20%) and Software Technology Parks of India-STPI(2.5%). "Coimbatore was declared the fourth best city in India in terms of investment by a study conducted by CII," said N Sundaradevan, principal secretary (industries) highlighting the advantages of Coimbatore.
"It's cost advantage is 34% compared to Chennai, 21% compared to Madurai, 35% compared to Trichy and 36% compared to Salem." Coimbatore is fast emerging as an IT hub mainly for the talent pool it pos-sesses. According to Nasscom, 40% of the fresher hiring in the Indian IT in-dustry happens in the 9 districts in and around Coimbatore.
Bhamathi Prakash, MD of Merrill technology services which will be moving into the park in November and has taken up 18,000 square feet, said that Coimbatore was a great location because of weather and talent pool. "We plan to recruit 300 people by the end of this year," she said. "Overall, the exports from Indian IT industry currently stand at Rs 48,000 crore and will reach Rs 70,000 crore by the end of this year," said K Purushothaman, regional director of Nasscom.
"Coimbatore is a Tier II city with Tier I capabilities," he said. His company has taken up 17,000 square feet in the park and plans to buy more space as they are happy with the facilities and the advantages of the location. "It's right next to major educational institutions and we just walk to these campuses for recruitment," he added.
Susan Mathew, chairperson and MD, (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and chairperson, TIDEL Park Coimbatore said that Coimbatore has been doing really well and now accounts for 30% share (in revenue terms) of the engineering sector from the state.
"In the park, the space for IT companies is 9.14 lakh square feet. It was built at a cost of Rs 407 crore. All approvals have been received and it is ready. Located at just 2 KM from the with Airport and 7 KM from the railway station," she said.
The promoters of TPCL are TIDEL (52.5%), Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited - ELCOT (25%), TIDCO (20%) and Software Technology Parks of India-STPI(2.5%). "Coimbatore was declared the fourth best city in India in terms of investment by a study conducted by CII," said N Sundaradevan, principal secretary (industries) highlighting the advantages of Coimbatore.
"It's cost advantage is 34% compared to Chennai, 21% compared to Madurai, 35% compared to Trichy and 36% compared to Salem." Coimbatore is fast emerging as an IT hub mainly for the talent pool it pos-sesses. According to Nasscom, 40% of the fresher hiring in the Indian IT in-dustry happens in the 9 districts in and around Coimbatore.
Bhamathi Prakash, MD of Merrill technology services which will be moving into the park in November and has taken up 18,000 square feet, said that Coimbatore was a great location because of weather and talent pool. "We plan to recruit 300 people by the end of this year," she said. "Overall, the exports from Indian IT industry currently stand at Rs 48,000 crore and will reach Rs 70,000 crore by the end of this year," said K Purushothaman, regional director of Nasscom.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Coimbatore firm builds 'longest' periscope for Kalpakkam plant
A 10-metre long periscope manufactured by a city-based firm for a nuclear reactor at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam was dedicated to the nation on Monday. The manufacturers claimed that the periscope was the longest in the world.
Manufactured at a cost of Rs 3.9 crore by Coimbatore-based Visual Education Aids (P) Ltd (VEA) in collaboration with IGCAR and others, the periscope was handed over to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (Bhavini), Kalpakkam, by IGCAR director S C Chetal here.
Built with specification from Bhavini and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre over a period of two-and-half years, the periscope can function under high temperature and radiation. This periscope has facilities for scanning the area of interest, image zooming, image relay, image focusing and image rotation, which are motorised and can be remotely operated by an operator with a remote control panel.
Chetal claimed that developing the periscope was a major step's in the country's goal to become self-sufficient in technology and is a good example of public-private partnership to produce world class quality equipment.
He said except two reactors in Tarapur and another two in Tamil Nadu all the other eight nuclear reactors have been indigenously built. India plans to generate 20,000 MW of power through nuclear reactor in the next two decades. More reactors would come up in next decade, he added.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Coimbatore to become a Greener city.
All industrial concerns in Coimbatore and surrounding areas will devote 25 percent of their total occupancy areas to develop green belts. This was decided at a meeting of industrialists and pollution control board officials, organized by Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) on Friday.
It was also decided to evolve plans to increase green cover in the district by planting large number of trees. The relevant authorities plan to act tough against manufacturers who use plastic carry bags less than 40 microns in thickness.
Pledging to fight against noise pollution, the participants urged all industrial units to implement proper measures to control noise, dust as well as water pollution. The pollution control board will be in constant touch with industrial units to solve issues of pollution. District Environmental Engineer K Kamaraj, who was chief guest at the meeting, said industrial units can apply on-line for services of TNPC Board.
He also sought the cooperation of industrialists in checking pollution effectively. Kamaraj gave a brief outline of pollution control legislations and supportive rules to representatives of the industrial units.
All the district level officials of the board also participated in the meeting and they sought the cooperation of industrial units in tackling the challenges posed by Municipal Solid Waste, Hazardous Wastes and Bio-Medical Wastes.
Industrialists wanted cooperation of the board in ensuring sustainable development without any damage to the environment. They told the board to bring all industrial units in the district under Coimbatore District office of the board. A number of units in the district are under the jurisdiction of Tirupur District Office.
It was also decided to evolve plans to increase green cover in the district by planting large number of trees. The relevant authorities plan to act tough against manufacturers who use plastic carry bags less than 40 microns in thickness.
Pledging to fight against noise pollution, the participants urged all industrial units to implement proper measures to control noise, dust as well as water pollution. The pollution control board will be in constant touch with industrial units to solve issues of pollution. District Environmental Engineer K Kamaraj, who was chief guest at the meeting, said industrial units can apply on-line for services of TNPC Board.
He also sought the cooperation of industrialists in checking pollution effectively. Kamaraj gave a brief outline of pollution control legislations and supportive rules to representatives of the industrial units.
All the district level officials of the board also participated in the meeting and they sought the cooperation of industrial units in tackling the challenges posed by Municipal Solid Waste, Hazardous Wastes and Bio-Medical Wastes.
Industrialists wanted cooperation of the board in ensuring sustainable development without any damage to the environment. They told the board to bring all industrial units in the district under Coimbatore District office of the board. A number of units in the district are under the jurisdiction of Tirupur District Office.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Anand - Featured among most inspiring entrepreneurs (Ideamensch.com)
I just want to share one of my happiest moments with all my blog readers. I am being featured in http://ideamensch.com/anand-k-parameswaran/.
What is Ideamensch.com?
Its a California based organization, which brings out most talented and inspirting person to limelight.
IdeaMensch is a community for passionate people with ideas. People who are doing, not talking. Ideas are everywhere. And everybody has ideas. But it takes a special kind of person to take an idea and actually bring it to life. Read more about it: http://ideamensch.com/about/
Why I am featured?
I was actually working for the website: Ideamensch.com, but I left the job to continue my dreams of having my own Business. I have started it small but, I am working hard to make it a big success. I believe I am the only resident Indian to be featured in that website. Ideamensch.com plays a vital role in motivating and inspiring to live out my dreams. There are many people being featured in the website. Each one are from different field and interest (growing mushrooms at home to Craiglist). I am very sure you will find inspiring interview for your interest and field.
Please visit Ideamensch.com and check out mine and others inspiring interviews. If you feel that you deserve to be featured in the website, please visit: http://ideamensch.com/participate/
Have a nice time reading Ideamensch.com.
What is Ideamensch.com?
Its a California based organization, which brings out most talented and inspirting person to limelight.
IdeaMensch is a community for passionate people with ideas. People who are doing, not talking. Ideas are everywhere. And everybody has ideas. But it takes a special kind of person to take an idea and actually bring it to life. Read more about it: http://ideamensch.com/about/
Why I am featured?
I was actually working for the website: Ideamensch.com, but I left the job to continue my dreams of having my own Business. I have started it small but, I am working hard to make it a big success. I believe I am the only resident Indian to be featured in that website. Ideamensch.com plays a vital role in motivating and inspiring to live out my dreams. There are many people being featured in the website. Each one are from different field and interest (growing mushrooms at home to Craiglist). I am very sure you will find inspiring interview for your interest and field.
Please visit Ideamensch.com and check out mine and others inspiring interviews. If you feel that you deserve to be featured in the website, please visit: http://ideamensch.com/participate/
Have a nice time reading Ideamensch.com.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Inventor of Wet grinder.
Have you ever wondered who invented wet grinder, that helps makes out South Indian famous idlis and dosas? Without it my breakfast is unthinkable. Here goes the story.
It was indeed a unique wedding gift. Indrani was told by her fiancée days ahead of their marriage that she would not get tired at his house by preparing rice batter for idlis and dosas using the traditional south Indian style manual wet grinding stone.
On reaching her husband P Sabhapathy's home near Town Hall in Coimbatore, Indrani found a unique device that can revolutionise the whole concept of batter making. The device was called 'Wet Grinder' and it was invented by none other than her husband Sabhapathy.
On her part, Indrani not only accepted the devise as the wedding gift but also strengthened the family's relationship with the whole neighbourhood by allowing others to use it. As a result, the entire street was liberated from the strenuous task of using manual grinding stones.
Sabhapathy's unique invention which made life easy in a small street in Coimbatore in the fifties is now having worldwide appeal.
But it is another story that multi-faceted Sabhapathy left the thriving wet grinder business halfway to engage in several other industrial ventures before succumbing to severe breath ailments around 13 years ago.
"My husband invented the wet grinder in 1955, exactly five years before the marriage. But he made it a commercial product after its introduction as the wedding gift turned a huge success in the locality,'' remembers Indrani, who has turned 68 years of age now.
Though the widow of a highly skilled technocrat who rewrote Coimbatore's industrial scene, Indrani is now leading a Spartan life in the Town Hall area. She has no ill feeling about the way the city conveniently forgotten this great innovator or the lack of mentioning of his name even in the election manifestos.
She is living with her son Sreeram Ganesh, who too in the entrepreneurial arena but focusing exclusively on manufacturing of equipment meant for making bakery food items.
It was indeed a unique wedding gift. Indrani was told by her fiancée days ahead of their marriage that she would not get tired at his house by preparing rice batter for idlis and dosas using the traditional south Indian style manual wet grinding stone.
On reaching her husband P Sabhapathy's home near Town Hall in Coimbatore, Indrani found a unique device that can revolutionise the whole concept of batter making. The device was called 'Wet Grinder' and it was invented by none other than her husband Sabhapathy.
On her part, Indrani not only accepted the devise as the wedding gift but also strengthened the family's relationship with the whole neighbourhood by allowing others to use it. As a result, the entire street was liberated from the strenuous task of using manual grinding stones.
Sabhapathy's unique invention which made life easy in a small street in Coimbatore in the fifties is now having worldwide appeal.
But it is another story that multi-faceted Sabhapathy left the thriving wet grinder business halfway to engage in several other industrial ventures before succumbing to severe breath ailments around 13 years ago.
"My husband invented the wet grinder in 1955, exactly five years before the marriage. But he made it a commercial product after its introduction as the wedding gift turned a huge success in the locality,'' remembers Indrani, who has turned 68 years of age now.
Though the widow of a highly skilled technocrat who rewrote Coimbatore's industrial scene, Indrani is now leading a Spartan life in the Town Hall area. She has no ill feeling about the way the city conveniently forgotten this great innovator or the lack of mentioning of his name even in the election manifestos.
She is living with her son Sreeram Ganesh, who too in the entrepreneurial arena but focusing exclusively on manufacturing of equipment meant for making bakery food items.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
One more firm takes space at our Coimbatore TIDEL Park
One more multi national company has finally signed an agreement to occupy the space inside the TIDEL Park, after much criticism that not many companies have come forward to occupy the space in the newly built Information Technology Park in the special economic zone in Coimbatore.
The park had brought along with it a lot of expectations for the city and was considered the next step for the growth and development of IT in the state. However, despite its strategic location, proximity to the airport and better infrastructure facilities, only one company has taken up space at the park.
The 380-cr project, a joint initiative of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, Electronics Corporation of India, Software Technology Parks of India and Tidel Park, Chennai, has come up on a 9.5 acre plot on Avinashi road, adjoining the Coimbatore Medical College campus.
"The company Merrill Technology Services India Private Limited, providing consultancy services, IT services, legal, marketing, communications, health care and financial solutions, has finalized the agreement," a senior official at Tidel Park said.
The company has agreed to occupy 20,000 sq ft of space in the facility and work would soon begin, he said, adding that the company is likely to employ about 150 people in the new facility.
"We are in discussion with many big companies. Besides Merrill, there are two other firms that have expressed interest in occupying space here, and we are in the final stage of discussions," he said.
"The minimum space a company needs to acquire here is 5,000 sq ft. Many of the smaller firms do not require so much space, and we have given many suggestions on how we can accommodate them," he said. He confirmed that the cost is 25 per sq ft and it has not been raised. He also reiterated that all necessary approvals have been received to set up offices at the Park.
Tiger census - Coimbatore Erode region
"This (Sathyamangalam range) is the place for source population. After almost 20 years, two tigers were spotted in Coimbatore district this year using camera traps. This is a positive trend," he says. Another study by World Wide Fund for Nature near Sathyamangalam, Seygoor and Bandipur belt in October-November 2010 has also shown a good number of tigers.
"(In this study) we found over 50 tigers in this area using camera traps. The tiger population in this area is certainly growing thanks to availability of prey and intergrated habitats here," says N Mohanraj, Co-ordinator with World Wildlife Fund for Nature in Coimbatore. All the experts agree that the sole and most significant step in tiger conservation is a focus on improving the animal's habitat.
Good to know that tiger are still around Coimbatore
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Top cop opens office up to the public
COIMBATORE: Residents who want to approach the city police commissioner with a problem are likely to find task easy. The new commissioner Amaresh Pujari has decided to keep the doors of his office open to the public from 11am to 1.30pm on all working days.
And he has also told all deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and inspe-ctors will also receive visitors and accept complaints in their chambers between these hours.
People can go into Pujari's office and discuss their problems with him directly. "There is no need to make an appointment," said Pujari, who has also decided to make his mobile number public. "My mobile number is 94422-23277. People can call me any time. There will be no delay in enforcing the law," he said.
Addressing a meeting of police officials on Thursday, Pujari directed those in charge of stations to handle visitors and petitioners in a friendly way. "All members of the police force in the city must behave politely and courteously to all complainants and visitors," he said.
Pujari said all officers should be in their chambers in the morning to receive complaints from the public. They would not be available only when law and order matters require their presence elsewhere. On such occasions, alternative arrangements will be made.
The reception desk at all stations will function from 8am to 8pm, he said. All petitioners will get receipts for each complaint filed. If the complaint was registered as a first information report (FIR), copies of the FIR would be made available to complainants, he said.
And he has also told all deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and inspe-ctors will also receive visitors and accept complaints in their chambers between these hours.
People can go into Pujari's office and discuss their problems with him directly. "There is no need to make an appointment," said Pujari, who has also decided to make his mobile number public. "My mobile number is 94422-23277. People can call me any time. There will be no delay in enforcing the law," he said.
Addressing a meeting of police officials on Thursday, Pujari directed those in charge of stations to handle visitors and petitioners in a friendly way. "All members of the police force in the city must behave politely and courteously to all complainants and visitors," he said.
Pujari said all officers should be in their chambers in the morning to receive complaints from the public. They would not be available only when law and order matters require their presence elsewhere. On such occasions, alternative arrangements will be made.
The reception desk at all stations will function from 8am to 8pm, he said. All petitioners will get receipts for each complaint filed. If the complaint was registered as a first information report (FIR), copies of the FIR would be made available to complainants, he said.
Universities of Coimbatore Ties-up with Mexico's Centre for Research and Advance Studies
COIMBATORE: In a move that may help enhance quality of science education in Coimbatore, Mexico's Centre for Research and Advance Studies has entered into a partnership with three key educational institutions in the city including Bharatiyar University.
As per the deal, aspiring bright science students in Coimbatore will get preference in admission as research scholars and post graduate students at the institution, funded and operated by the Mexican Government. Known in Spanish as CINVESTAV, the institution functions on similar lines of the Indian Council for Scientific Research ( CSIR). Selected students can meet expenses through fellowships and support programmes being offered by the Mexican Government. The institution will not charge any fee.
Apart from Bharathiyar University, PSG Institute of Technology and Coimbatore Institute of Technology are also entering into the partnership. While Bharatiyar University signed the MoU with CINVESTAV director general Dr Jose Pablo Rene Asomoza Palacio on Wednesday, the other two institutions signed MOUs on Thursday. Karunya University is already in partnership with Mexico's leading scientific research centre.
As pioneers in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, CINVESTAV will primarily focus on joint efforts in the field. Joint efforts in areas like basic sciences and bio-technology also will be initiated. According to Dr P Anbalagan of Bharatiyar University, the partnership will not just ensure research facilities for Coimbatore students in Mexico but also provide them opportunities for short term visits to improve their knowledge. Students from Mexico also would be exchanged with the Coimbatore institutions.
As per the plan, faculty exchange would also be facilitated very soon. Both the institutions also agreed to probe the possibilities of starting dual degree courses in key subjects with students dividing the total number of academic years between the two universities.
Dr S Velumani, a former student of Bharathiyar University and presently a faculty of CINVESTAV, said 20 Indian students are now doing Ph D in Mexico under his initiative. Hailing from Tatabad in the city, Velumany is instrumental for the partnership programmes, which would brighten the scope of science education in Coimbatore in the days to come.
Coutesty: Times of India
As per the deal, aspiring bright science students in Coimbatore will get preference in admission as research scholars and post graduate students at the institution, funded and operated by the Mexican Government. Known in Spanish as CINVESTAV, the institution functions on similar lines of the Indian Council for Scientific Research ( CSIR). Selected students can meet expenses through fellowships and support programmes being offered by the Mexican Government. The institution will not charge any fee.
Apart from Bharathiyar University, PSG Institute of Technology and Coimbatore Institute of Technology are also entering into the partnership. While Bharatiyar University signed the MoU with CINVESTAV director general Dr Jose Pablo Rene Asomoza Palacio on Wednesday, the other two institutions signed MOUs on Thursday. Karunya University is already in partnership with Mexico's leading scientific research centre.
As pioneers in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, CINVESTAV will primarily focus on joint efforts in the field. Joint efforts in areas like basic sciences and bio-technology also will be initiated. According to Dr P Anbalagan of Bharatiyar University, the partnership will not just ensure research facilities for Coimbatore students in Mexico but also provide them opportunities for short term visits to improve their knowledge. Students from Mexico also would be exchanged with the Coimbatore institutions.
As per the plan, faculty exchange would also be facilitated very soon. Both the institutions also agreed to probe the possibilities of starting dual degree courses in key subjects with students dividing the total number of academic years between the two universities.
Dr S Velumani, a former student of Bharathiyar University and presently a faculty of CINVESTAV, said 20 Indian students are now doing Ph D in Mexico under his initiative. Hailing from Tatabad in the city, Velumany is instrumental for the partnership programmes, which would brighten the scope of science education in Coimbatore in the days to come.
Coutesty: Times of India
Monday, June 20, 2011
Peoples beware of Fraudsters and Scams; They found a new way now.
It was a dream coming true too fast for Narendraa Dave, a resident of Coimbatore. It was not even a month since he put up an online advertisement expressing interest in adopting a dog when Andrew D’Silva, in response to his advertisement, informed him that he had a two-month-old German Shepherd to give away for free.
Clearly excited with the quick response, Dave quickly followed D’Silva’s instructions for depositing the transportation charges in the account of Parth J Bhatt from Mumbai.
However, the telephones of both the men have been switched off ever since Dave deposited the money on June 11. After waiting for three days to hear from them, Dave finally wrote to Mumbai police’s cyber cell, seeking help to find the missing dog and the men.
“I have been feeling quite helpless since the bankers have not been very cooperative in revealing details of the account holder,” Dave told DNA. According to Dave’s complaint, D’Silva had claimed that he was giving away the dog for free since he was moving to Miami.
On being asked about the transportation of the puppy, Dave was asked to get in touch with Bhatt, who according to D’Silva was a sub agent of Jet Airways Cargo. When contacted, Bhatt claimed to be specialising in transportation of pigeon, cats and dogs.
“Though it was a small amount of Rs2,700, I feel that the duo would have tricked many innocent people if no action is taken against them,” said Dave.
Hope you all remember about the stories about Lottery Scams:
A lottery scam is a type of advance-fee fraud which begins with an unexpected email notification that "You have won!" a large sum of money in a lottery. The recipient of the message — the target of the scam — is usually told to keep the notice secret, "due to a mix-up in some of the names and numbers," and to contact a "claims agent." After contacting the agent, the target of the scam will be asked to pay "processing fees" or "transfer charges" so that the winnings can be distributed, but will never receive any lottery payment.[1] Many email lottery scams use the names of legitimate lottery organizations or other legitimate corporations/companies, but this does not mean the legitimate organizations are in any way involved with the scams.(Souce: Wikipedia)
Be Cautious while approaching/dealing with stranger. If you suspect someone, approach the police station nearby.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
It is no more a metro for Coimbatore, Luckly we will have monorail
The mention in the Governor's address to the state assembly on Friday that the government plans to explore the prospect of building a mono rail in Coimbatore has been welcomed by city residents. Majority of them claimed that the monorail would ease the traffic burden, besides considerably reducing pollution levels in the city.
"It is very heartening to know that the government has addressed our transport problems. Even Mumbai does not have monorail. This is an indication that Coimbatore is being recognised as one of the major cities in the country," said M Krishnan, President, Chamber of Commerce.
With Coimbatore all set to become a major IT hub in the coming years, the vehicle and resident population is expected to increase substantially. However, some residents were concerned that since monorail is a long term project, the government should ensure its completion as per schedule.
"The monorail will help a great deal to ease traffic congestion but then, the project implementation might prove tricky for the government," said R Hariharamoorthy, a city based businessman. A few residents believe that the monorail will help curb accidents. "Surface accidents will be reduced as there will be less vehicles on the roads," said R Kalaiarasu, advocate.
The former DMK government had announced a metro rail project for Coimbatore. Residents have for long demanded that the public transport infrastructure in the city needed to be improved by taking into account the economic potential of the region.
Coimbatore is the urban hub for people of western Tamil Nadu as well as Palakkad district in Kerala. As one of the fastest growing tier-II cities in the country, the city needs better rail connectivity with neighbouring towns, as well as more comfortable travelling options within the city. The attention now shifts from a metro for the city to a mono rail. The point is to build it fast so that the city doesn't get bogged down by a crumbling public transport system.
"It is very heartening to know that the government has addressed our transport problems. Even Mumbai does not have monorail. This is an indication that Coimbatore is being recognised as one of the major cities in the country," said M Krishnan, President, Chamber of Commerce.
With Coimbatore all set to become a major IT hub in the coming years, the vehicle and resident population is expected to increase substantially. However, some residents were concerned that since monorail is a long term project, the government should ensure its completion as per schedule.
"The monorail will help a great deal to ease traffic congestion but then, the project implementation might prove tricky for the government," said R Hariharamoorthy, a city based businessman. A few residents believe that the monorail will help curb accidents. "Surface accidents will be reduced as there will be less vehicles on the roads," said R Kalaiarasu, advocate.
The former DMK government had announced a metro rail project for Coimbatore. Residents have for long demanded that the public transport infrastructure in the city needed to be improved by taking into account the economic potential of the region.
Coimbatore is the urban hub for people of western Tamil Nadu as well as Palakkad district in Kerala. As one of the fastest growing tier-II cities in the country, the city needs better rail connectivity with neighbouring towns, as well as more comfortable travelling options within the city. The attention now shifts from a metro for the city to a mono rail. The point is to build it fast so that the city doesn't get bogged down by a crumbling public transport system.
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