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PANCHAAMRITAM 183
Pancha is five in Samskritam, Amritam is nectar
Poornima, Kali Yugaabda 5111, VIRODHI Panguni 15 (March 29, 2010)
ONE
Sri Gurupadalinga Mahaswami, who heads the Virakta Math in Gulbarga district (Karnataka, Bharat), single-handedly converted 25 acres of barren land into a virtual gold-mine through a mixture of organic and conventional farming. The swami participates in every aspect of agriculture, right from the preparation of the land, tilling, sowing and harvesting of the crop. He spends at least 10 hours in the fields supervising operations. The agriculture and horticulture farm owned by the math is self sufficient. It has an open well and three high-yielding borewells that provide sufficient water for the farms. The entire horticulture farm is watered through drip irrigation; not a single drop of water goes waste. To improve the water table in the village, the swami donated five acres of land for constructing a tank and that has helped in improving the groundwater levels in the village. The farm has its own vermicompost manufacturing unit that produces 200 tonnes of vermicompost from 18 pits a year; 50 per cent of the compost is sold at the rate of Rs. 300 a quintal to farmers. The Swami established a grape farm five years. On an average, the farm produces more than 10 tonnes of qood quality golden raisins which fetches a good price in the market. The farm has one of the biggest scientifically established sheds, which can at a time hold 10 tonnes of grapes a day. The swami has also taken up cultivation of sugarcane on a small patch of land and is experimenting with the paired row method of planting of sugarcane which helps in retaining the moisture levels on the land for a longer period resulting in a higher yield. The farm also provides employment for the womenfolk in the village, who get a monthly salary of more than Rs. 1,500. The farm is frequented by the farmers from other districts as well. Recognising his contribution in the field of agriculture and horticulture, the State Government awarded the Swami the prestigious Krishi Pandit award this year.
Based on a report by Shri T. V. Sivanandan in THE HINDU March 18, 2010.
TWO
“I usually travel by Metropolitan Transport Corporation( MTC) bus, from Jain College stop (Which is near to my office) to Tidel Park. Formerly, MTC buses on routes 19B and 21H mostly won’t stop at Tidel Park. So I usually prefer to get into T51 bus, which stops. After some time, 19B started stopping at Tidel Park also. Today (March 22, 2010), while returning from office at around 8.30 pm, I got into a bus (19B) in Jain College at around 8.45 pm, and asked the conductor to give me a ticket to Tidel Park stop. He said, the bus won't stop there; I contested that; but he kept on saying the same thing. I found a complaint phone number (9884301013) in my mobile. I called that number. The MTC official at the other end asked me to give the phone to the conductor and asked for the bus registration number. He enquired where the bus was at that time. I said it is in Kandhanchavadi. The MTC official said he will come on the line and talk to them. I was curious how he will come and catch the bus. A few minutes ticked by. The wireless transmitter (to track the bus), near the driver in the bus started screaming... The driver stopped the bus on the left side of the road and started listening to the transmitter. The MTC voice enquired why the bus did not stop at Tidel Park stop. The driver said he stops in Tidel Park stop and in the previous trip also he has done. The voice asked him then why the conductor kept saying what he said. The voice asked the conductor too what the matter was. The conductor was speechless. The driver somehow managed the situation and supported the conductor by saying that the conductor was new to this route. The driver asked to be excused for the incident and said he will stop at the Tidel Park stop. The MTC voice said he wanted to talk to the passenger who called him. I went near the transmitter and spoke to it. He said he was sorry for the incident and apologised to me on behalf of MTC. Everyone in the bus was surprised. I came back to my seat and I was embarrassed as all were looking at me. A few passengers took down the number from my mobile. Eventually, the bus stopped at Tidel Park stop. Yes, nowadays good things happen in government sector also. Technology too is used properly”.
Based on a letter from Shri Prakash M, a software trainee of Tidel Park, Chennai;Idea: Smt. Rama Devi Prasad
THREE
Akhil Mathew, 18, a student of Indian origin, has won the third place in America's pre-college science competition, the ‘Intel Science Talent Search 2010’. The 18-year-old won the $50,000 prize for his math project on “Deligne categories, a setting for studying a wide range of algebraic structures with ties to theoretical physics,” said a release issued by Intel. Akhil's father Mathew Thomas hails from Kerala and mother Rama Madhavarao from Karnataka. Erika DeBenedictis, 18, of Albuquerque won the top award of $1,00,000. Her project involved development of a software navigation system to help improve spacecraft travel through the solar system. The second place and prize of $75,000 was won by David Liu, of Saratoga, California, for his work to develop a system to recognise and understand digital images.
From THE HINDU, March 22, 2010; Idea: Shri. U Sunder
FOUR
The Municipal Corporation of Madurai (Tamilnadu, Bharat) selected 100 students of class X studying in the city’s Corporation schools found to be the weakest in studies. It provided them toothpaste, soap, food, etc., and allowed them to stay in the school premises; it arranged for their intensive coaching there in order to ensure their success in final exams. This goes on for over a month now. Said Assistant Commissioner of the Corporation Shri. R. Bhaskar, “Most of the Corporation school students lag behind in studies because their homes lack the ambience. So, we decided to select those who lag behind and coach them under our supervision at least till the govt exams. The number was an unmanageable 240. We shortlisted them by selecting only those who fail in four or more subjects or in all subjects, for coaching. We arranged for their stay in a Corporation school near the Thirmalai Nicker Mahal that had been closed. There they benefit from the special coaching. We offer them food thrice a day; we serve them coffee or tea as well. Not to bore them with all lessons and no relaxation, they are given physical exercises in the mornings; we regale them with jokes in the evenings. They are introduced to the inspiring lives of Swami Vivekananda and Abdul Kalam in the nights. They are permitted to meet their parents for 15 minutes in the evening. The highlight is that the expenses for all this are met not by the Corporation but by quite a few good-natured individuals. The Commissioner gave us instant permission to use the premises for this purpose. Deputy Tashildar Shri Balaji contributes in a unique way. All along, he had been giving free tuition to poor students. He inspires the students by his tireless work, day and night.”
Based on a report by Shri S.J. Idhaya in THUGLAK,
Tamil weekly, April 7, 2010. Idea: Smt. Vasantha.
FIVE
The intersection of “Arden” & "Amboy" Avenues in Staten Island was named “Dr Jitendra Sukhadia Crossing” by the City Council of Staten Island (New York, USA) on March 21, 2010, as a tribute to his wide-ranging exceptional humanitarian work. Dr Jitendra Sukhadia, who passed away on March 21, 2008 was a brilliant pediatrician, conscientious community leader and a legendary philanthropist who touched countless lives through his generosity of help, spirit and commitment, especially in Staten Island which was his home for more than three decades. This event was graced by Hon. Councilman Shri. Vincent Ignicio, NJ Assembly Member Shri. Upendra Chivukula and scores of Indian dignitaries from various organizations. Dr. Smt. Ila Sukhadia, wife of Dr Jitendra’s Sukhadia, said that the street naming ceremony was a fitting homage by the people of Staten Island to immortalize his ideals. (Dr. Jitendra Sukhadia was a past president of New York area "Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America - VHPA" for several years and locally spearheaded all its charitable activities).
http://www.indoustalks.com/homepage/community-news/2067-street-naming-honor-for-dr-sukhadia-in-staten-island-ny; Idea: Shri Vedhagiri Kapali.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
PANCHAAMRITAM 182
Vishwa Samvad Kendra (Media Centre), Chennai (vskch.2009@gmail.com)
PANCHAAMRITAM 182
Pancha is five in Samskritam, Amritam is nectar
Amavaasya, Kali Yugaabda 5111, VIRODHI Panguni 1 (March 15, 2010)
ONE
As patriotic fervour reached fever pitch on the 150th anniversary of the 1857 uprising against the British, the potent symbol of that tyrannical rule — the East India Company — made a quiet return to India. Two years ago, London-based businessman of Indian origin Sanjiv Mehta bought the once-imperial company for its "instantly recognisable international brand name." The Mumbai-born entrepreneur plans to re-launch the East India Company after strenuously acquiring shares in the firm that once ruled India. With a Rs. 67.5 crore ($15 million) investment and inputs from a range of experts, from designers and brand researchers to historians, Sanjiv Mehta plans to open the company store in Conduit Street of the main Regent Street in the heart of London in 2010. Describing it as an achievement, Mehta said "I have this huge feeling of redemption, this indescribable feeling of owning a company that once owned us." Mehta said he travelled around the world, visiting former East India Company trading posts and museums, reading up records and meeting people who understood business of that time.
A report by Smt Kala Rao in HINDUSTAN TIMES, May 12, 2007; updated
TWO
On March 23, 2009, residents of Semmencherry near Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, were a proud lot. The kumbhabishekam' being performed at the 1,800-year-old Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, for the first time since 1957, meant that their restoration efforts had borne fruit. Almost 1,000 devotees, mainly locals, witnessed the grand function. Over time, the temple, which is considered a heritage structure by the Archaeological Survey of India, began to lose its sheen. Thick undergrowth enveloped most of the space around the one-acre main temple; the entire area is about 16.5 acres. Exposure to the elements and poor maintenance damaged some of the idols. A serious attempt began in March 2007. With active support from the Semmencherry panchayat, the villagers led by T Gnanasundraram, 65, started a door-to-door campaign to raise funds. Letters were sent to those in faraway places. The Srinivasa Perumal Trust was formed and within a few months, more than Rs 10 lakh was raised. Craftsmen from Kancheepuram and Kumbakonam began work on 16-foot high wooden doors for the main entrance. "We are planning to introduce additional facilities for devotees. We will ensure that the temple is well maintained," said Semmencherry panchayat president K Dhanasekar.
From a report in THE TIMES OF INDIA, March 24, 2009
THREE
Madurai-based Aravind Eye Care System (AECS) has been chosen for the Rs. 67.5 crore (USD 1.5 million) Conrad N Hilton Humanitarian Prize, given annually to an organisation that makes extraordinary contributions towards alleviating human suffering.The AECS has been chosen from among 400 nominees for the prize for its "extraordinary work" in the field of eye care, according to a release by the eye care facility.The international prize is awarded each year since 1996 by the Hilton Foundation established by the late hotel entrepreneur Conrad N Hilton, for the purpose of providing humanitarian aid to the poor. The AECS, founded in 1976 by late Dr Govindappa Venkataswamy, performed both free and subsidised operations to three lakh people every year through their five hospitals in India, the release said. Highlighting the achievements of the AECS, its chairman Dr P Namperumalswamy said a doctor of the eye care system could perform 2,000 eye operations a year, compared to average 250-400 done by any eye surgeon.This was made possible by the model established by its founder, he added.
Based on a PTI / www.zeenews.com report March 8, 2010. Idea: Shri. Venkatesh
FOUR
Kalyan Singh Rawat of Uttarakhand state, Bharat who was instrumental in rendering 6,500 villages along the Himalayas into lush green gardens, is bent upon making the entire state go green through his `Maithi hariyali Abhiyan'. He has infused Shraddha (belief) into it so that more people would take to it easily. The Abhiyan consists of an offering of ONE Rupee (Uchchana) into a box with the name of the Grama Devata written on it and kept at one's pooja room. The collection should be made available to the Abhiyan every year for a tree to be planted in one's name in his/her ancestral village. Anyone who lives far away from his/her village can thus soulfully associate with the roots via this pro-eco scheme. The surplus from this offering will be used to protect the village's jal jungle and jameen (water, forest and land). The Abhiyan also helps newly wed couple to plant a sapling; thousands of weddings take place in Uttarakhand every year. The Abhiyan will also help anyone capable of adopting a village for tree-planting.
Based on a report by Shri Virendra in RASHTRIYA SAHARA, March 10, 2010.
FIVE
Film 'Avatar' has made Hollywood history with Rs 14,000 crore ($2.6 billion) in worldwide ticket sales and showcased James Cameron's bold moviemaking skills. It also revealed the director's fascination with the imagery of India. "I just have loved every thing, the mythology, the entire Hindu pantheon, seems so rich and vivid," Cameron told an audience of filmmakers and actors at a conference in New Delhi on March 13, 2010. In 'Avatar', Cameron creates a lush world of dense forest and floating mountains in a computer-generated spectacular that transforms much of the cast into giant, blue-skinned humanoids. One of Hinduism's most revered gods, Krishna, is often depicted with blue skin. "I didn't want to reference the Hindu religion so closely but the subconscious association was interesting and I hope I haven't offended any one in doing so," the filmmaker said. Cameron said the title of the film was a subconscious reference to India. 'Avatar' in Sanskrit means reincarnation. At the Oscar Awards last week, Kathryn Bigelow's gritty Iraq War movie 'The Hurt Locker' outshone 'Avatar' after a nail-biting campaign season.
Based on a Reuters report by Smt. Shilpa Jamkhandikar, March 15, 2010.
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