Plethora of Birds at Ousteri Lake & Bahur Lake

It’s really a feast for our eyes at the Ousteri Lake and the Bahur Lake as they are nurturing a plethora of birds in them. The various varieties of birds are so beautiful and they attract more number of tourists from in and around the union territory.

The Bahur Lake welcomes lots of “cattle egrets” during the peak period of paddy cultivation. The “waders” occupy the area when the water rises and when the water recedes the “filter-feeders” living on zooplanktons crowds the lake. But the Ousteri Lake acts as sanctuary for many varieties of birds through out the year. The frequently seen species are Spotbill ducks, little egrets, large egrets, pond herons, grey herons, reef herons, shovellers, darters, cormorants, pinteal ducks, common coots and kingfishers.



Openbill storks, painted storks, pelicans, flamingos, pheasant-tailed jacanas, spoonbills are among the species that visit these two lakes during the August – December period seeking food, shelter and an ideal place for breeding.

Measures such as creating more islets in the lake, planting babul trees and also two varieties of fast growing bamboos are taken in order to provide the necessary cover and shelter for the birds. The officials of the department have also planned for a boat shaped watchtower with its lower deck housing an interaction center having various informative exhibits, besides highlighting the importance of protecting the eco-system. On the top floor, a telescope would be installed to enable the visitors to watch the birds more closely. Hence, we can soon expect beautiful bird sanctuaries at our home town with all facilities along with the proper security from the poachers.

Trip in for a Clean and Green Pondicherry

Our territory is known for clean roads and now making it still more alluring is at the hand of both Public and Government. The act of the Local Administrative Department (LAD) demands more applause and co-operation as it had launched a “Clean and Green” initiative.

The mission was the output of an idea that germinated from the mind of our Honorable Governor. This mission is implemented before a week in all the wards of Pondicherry Municipality and certain areas that fall under the Oulgaret Municipality and it is under the direct control of the officials of LAD. The mission is going to march round the clock in places such as Maraimalai Adigal Salai, Mahatma Gandhi road, Ambedkar Salai, Cuddalore road and Rajiv Gandhi road. The areas have been partitioned into different zones and the task is assigned to the private contractors.

In our scenic beach, the work is carried out by the self-help groups in three shifts starting from 11.00 A.M. The members engage themselves by cleaning even rock rubbles till late night. The Department also has the idea of issuing pamphlets to those visiting the beach highlighting the need to maintain the area hygienic. It had also planned to hold meeting with the traders and the hoteliers to seek their co-operation. Steps are also taken to replace the old dustbins by the new ones. And for the lustrous green look of the territory, massive tree plantation drive in selected places in the town and adjoining areas are planned. So we must also co-operate in keeping our city clean and green as we citizens are going to be gifted with hygienic living environment.

Curb Poachers to Enjoy the Beauty of Birds

Pondicherry is emerging as a sanctuary for nearly 50 species of migrant birds from southern states. Pondicherry has also become a transit point for flamingos that travel from Gujarat to Sri Lanka in order to mingle with lakhs of their own species. The Ousteri Lake and the Bahur Lake houses all these winged visitors. But these birds are now under the serious threat of poaching as the Narikoravas and some land less people use catapults, country made guns and nets to kill or trap the birds.



This has become a great concern for bird lovers, ornithologists and personnel of the Forest and Wildlife Department. In order to curb this mindless poaching efforts are on to help the Narikoravas and the landless people to switch over to some job. The revenue department has been asked not to give new gun licenses and not to renew the old one to those who indulge in hunting. The process of training the educated unemployed youth will also serve in enlightening these sorts of people.

The wild life and the forest department have also taken steps to attract more birds, create public awareness and promote eco-tourism in and around these two lakes. Hence, curbing the poachers will lead to the retention of more varieties of birds thus promoting the tourism.

Marching Towards Zero Dropout Rates in Schools by 2012

It’s indeed a great pleasure to announce that our union territory has achieved zero dropout rates at the primary school level last year. The steps don’t stop with this result and its marching towards the next level. The goals are all set to curb the student drop out rate in the middle school level. The plan to achieve the zero dropout rates by the year 2012 are chalked out and they are in the fast progress. We can also shook our collars that out home town has ranked on par with Kerala for achieving the zero drop out rates at the primary school level. The measures which are in the quick implementation have reduced the dropout rates from 10% to 2.39 %.



The Government is taking measures to reduce the drop out rates by assuring seats at the higher secondary level. The mid day meals and the incentive scheme up to standard 12 have also supplemented a lot for the retention process. The students are also provided with the free accessories such as uniforms, text books, footwear, stationary items, dictionary, raincoats and bicycles. These features reduce the parental burden and curb their hesitation to send the children to school, thus decreasing the drop out rates.

The bringing back of the dropouts through the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the three to six months training courses to bridge the gap when the dropouts are mainstreamed, reaching out to children of nomadic tribes and migratory tribes, starting exclusive schools in their habitation and solving problems through counseling or special coaching are the forth coming plans to increase the literacy rate and thus we can strongly hope that our government will surely curb the problem of student dropouts from the schools.

Forest Department Urge to Protect The “TALI POT” Palm Trees

Do you people know about the “Tali Pot” palm trees? They are known as “Kodaipanai” in Tamil and they bloom once during their life time. The botanical name of the tree is “Corypha-umbraculifera”. The tree is given the name Kodaipanai as its flower resembles an umbrella. The tree grows to a height of six to eight meters in length.

The most striking factor of the tree is that it contains about 12 million small flowers and produces 500 Kg seeds in each inflorescence. The above said set up is used to maintain the progeny of the tree and it is also the largest trees in the palm family. Have you people started wondering why this article is so far talking about the palm trees?


The necessity has come to talk about this “Tali Pot” palm trees because the forest department of our home town has taken serious measures to protect these trees from the Rhinoceros beetle attack. The department has rescued ten Tali Pot trees that found near the Velrampet Lake. The department has sprayed pesticides and it is also providing the root treatment. It has also planned to erect iron rods around the tree as a protective measure.

The trees that are found near the Velrampet Lake are more than 60-foot tall an over 30 years old. The department has applied Lindane dust with fine sand on the top of the trees. These types of trees are also found on the Malabar Coast of the Western Ghats. They have also been taken to Singapore, the United States, Panama and Honolulu as ornamental trees. Thus this article throws light upon the urge of the forest department to protect a tree variety.

Problems behind the Construction Of Ariankupam Bridge

I was traveling to a renowned temple at Cuddalore through the Ariankuppam Bridge. When I was crossing the bridge, I was stuck at a traffic jam. Many private busses ply from Pondicherry to Cuddalore. The area also nurtures several educational institutions, hospitals and industrial areas. So the old bridge is not able to host this heavy traffic. Records say that the work to replace the 150-year-old bridge was started in the year 2005 and it was suspended due to the paucity of funds. The work that was commenced three years back has ended up with only few columns and piers being laid.



The initial estimate of the bridge is Rs. 15 crores and this lethargy in the work will surely lead to the increase in the estimated cost. Meanwhile the columns of the new bridge had sinked. But the defect was rectified after getting suggestion from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. The problem of the sinking columns could have been avoided if the Public Works Department had conducted a proper study on the sand condition. The other aggravating problem is the big cracks that are formed on the either side of the old bridge and they pose a big threat to the people who pass the bridge. So the Government must take immediate steps to release the funds and it must also take measures to give the contract to the responsible persons.


The executive engineer of the National Highways division has said the reporters that the new bridge would handle four-way traffic and have adequate space for pedestrians. So let us all hope that this will take place in the near future.

New prison complex at Periyakalapet, Puducherry

The new prison complex constructed at the outskirts of Periya Kalapet, costing Rs. 12 crores was opened on 21st August. The inaugural release issued by the Jail Department cites that the decision to shift the prison from the Jawaharlal Nehru Street was taken in February 1997. The construction of the new complex was started in the year 2001. The new jail complex is infrastructured with an administrative block, separate yards for male and female prisoners, hospital, workshop, kitchen with modern facilities and quarters for the jail staff. It has the capacity to house more than 500 prisoners. The new complex also has an interior and outer wall and also an area for the vegetable cultivation.


The Chief Minister Mr. N. Rangaswamy inaugurated the new prison complex on 21st August. During his inaugural address the CM said that the government had sought Rs. 15 crores from the centre in order to utilize it to procure equipment, enhance security and construct additional buildings. The CM also stressed on the necessity to make the union territory a “crime-free” place and appealed the jail staff to work with commitment and dedication. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) M. Ramadass, Chief Judicial Magistrate Mr. Kaliamurthy, Inspector-General of Police (in-charge of prisons) S. Vasudeva Rao and Chief Engineer Public Works Department Mr.Chandrapal Singh were the other important personalities who were present during the inaugural function.

Note: Though the info is not bit new, I felt this could bring still light over Puducherry Government activity in the Union Territory.

Fountains Demand Attention

As a part of making beautiful Pondicherry, fountains were constructed at various parts of the town. But the fact is most of them are neither in working condition nor paid attention. The fountains at Rajiv Gandhi Square, Indira Gandhi Square, Marai-Malai Adigal Salai, the one at the premises of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar centenary educational complex, the fountain at the Muthialpet clock tower and Saram are not functioning at present.



In yet another case the fountains on the either side of the Rajiv Gandhi Square are fully covered with plants. Damage of the construction can be seen at the fountains of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar centenary educational complex due to complete negligence. Even though the workers do often visit these fountains to switch on the lights, the concerned officials aren’t taking care of these fountains and relate the issue with the fund constraint.

I peruse reports on newspapers that say about the measures that are taken by the Municipality to keep the town clean and green. It is always wise to promote and protect the available resources instead of scheming new plans.

Quick Headlines: October 30

Puducherry Flash News:

• At 29 hectares, Natural Gas power station is planned atYanam by THe National Thermal Power Coperation Limited
• The Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM) presented the “IAMM Endowment Oration Award” to J. Shanmugam Professor of Microbiology, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital.
• Pet Dog owners should hold an licence for their dog before November end says Puducherry Municipality
• Residents of Thilakar Nagar at Thattanchavady staged a demonstration in front of a public distribution system outlet to protest the irregularity in the supply of free sugar to card-holders.
• One killed, 11 injured in group clash at Pilliarkuppam in Bahour Assembly constituency on Monday, OCtober 27.
• Puducherry Women’s Commission will train 70 teachers of Classes VIII to XII of all government schools to understand the problems of adolescent students, how to counsel them and make them feel free to talk about their both physical and mental problems.
• 13 crore new court complex will function soon and Puducherry court shifting process is on.
• 175 road traffic accident cases and 160 injuries caused by fire crackers were reported during Deepavali weekend
• Four students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) would represent Puducherry at the Republic Day parade on January 26 in Delhi
• Staff of private schools seek more pay as equal as Government Teachers.

Sania Mirza in Puducherry for a Commercial Shoot

Nowadays many times a day, I'm greatly happy to find our Puducherry in TV commercials or Films. Recently on August 5th Tennis sensation Sania Mirza spotted at Pondicherry for a Commercial Shoot. Below is the quick snap for those who missed to meet her in person.



It's so obvious that Puducherry has become a lucrative place not only for tourist from world wide but also for film industry who are in search of perfect spot for high-end low-budget shoot. Some of the advertisements that I have seen our beautiful city are RamRaj Cottons, Junior Horlicks, Yaaradi Nee Mogin (a film by Dhanush & Nayanthara) and Dishyum Dishyum (a film by Jeeva & Sandhya). Can you list any other TV commercials or Films shot in Puducherry?

New Shopping Culture in Puducherry!

Puducherry is just booming with new-comers in all the fields. One such field is the flourishing Supermarkets, Cost Price shops or whatever name we give them.
Before some years, I use to wonder at my Mom and Dad about the budget plan they use to make on every end of the month. My mom reads out a big list of items needed for the whole month, whereas, my dad calculates the money for all the items. He takes with him two huge bags and rushes to the nearby grocery shop with the list and after a very big struggle for 2 hours, he returns home with the filled in bags. My Mom’s face shrinks a little because of the low quality product for which she fears that it would affect our health. But, a drastic change had occurred nowadays in my home. There is no list making nowadays, my Mom gets money from my Dad and hires an auto rickshaw nearby my home to the super market and returns within a few minutes with the very good quality products. I’m just awestruck and jumped out of my chair and enquired Mom about this new wonder at my home, and she explained me about the Supermarket. Out of interest, I myself went down town to get the glimpse of the Supermarkets in and around Puducherry. Gone are the days, we wait nearby the Petty-shops and grocery shops to buy groceries. Now, in my own experience to the Supermarkets that gives a relaxed shopping experience is just highlighted in my blog on Supermarkets.
Puducherry has the most popular shopping malls such as Nilgiris, Spencer’s Daily, Vijayaganapathey Stores, Aditya Birla Retail Limited and much more. The Supermarkets gives all the women a stress-free shopping experience in a closet where they could afford a wide variety of things under one roof. We need not wander about for each and every item that’s needed for our daily use, now we could easily get everything we need in the Supermarkets. Starting from a Vegetable to the Cookeries, we could get all the varieties from the Supermarkets.
The super markets also offer discounts on wholesale and retail purchases. The customer service team is excellent in all the Supermarkets; they are customer- friendly and helps us during our purchase. Super markets are not only meant for the home-makers and the women who heads the family, but it is available for everyone. Young girls too prefer these shops to buy Cosmetics and gift items; they get a nice place to chit-chat with their friends and also buy the things they need. Kids are very much interested in going around the mall and they love watching the colorful packs which is arranged in the racks and they like the trolleys which they watch like a wondrous thing, they drag the trolleys here and there and make a wide noise in these shops. It’s a good entertainment during our shopping. Refreshments like Ice- creams, Fruit juices and Pop- corns are also available to refresh us after shopping.
Many such super markets are mushrooming in Puducherry. N.Vaithianathan, spokesperson for Retail Smart Enterprises, the franchisee holder for Nilgiris says that they assessed areas such as Lawspet, Thattanchavady, Nellithope and Reddiarpalayam, and decided to cater the customers there by forming new Supermarkets over there, who, till now, had to travel to the city for their purchases.
Do you know the motto of the Supermarkets, yes, it is this, “Shop with us and get a great experience of comfort”. Are you still bargaining with the vegetable vendors and in the grocery shops, just stop and shop in the Supermarkets with fewer burden. Have a wonderful shopping experience in Puducherry!

The Cipahi Company & Pondicherry Armed Police

The Pondicherry armed police may be described as the continuation of the Cipahi Company of the French days. The Cipahi company, prior to the merger, consists of 283 men of all ranks including technicians such as masons, carpenters, musicians, cobblers, electricians, cooks, etc. The strength of this company gradually dwindled on the account of retirement, death, resignation, etc. The strength came down to 145 in 1960, 117 in 1962 and nil in 1969. It wound up in 1970 by absorbing the remaining strength in Police force.
Soon after the merger, one company of the Malabar Special Police was brought and stationed in the territory to perform the duties of the Cipahi Company. It was decided to organize the Pondicherry armed Police by gradually replacing the Cipahi Company in the territory. According to the first batch of the Pondicherry armed Police consisting of the five jamendars, 145 police constables and four followers was formed in the year 1956 and was trained by the instructors drawn from the Malabar special police. The Malabar special police stationed in the territory was withdrawn with the effect from 31st January 1967 and replaced by the Pondicherry armed police.
The Pondicherry armed police which assisted the local police in maintaining law and order in times of emergency and disturbances, attended to guard duties and special security duties until the Central reserve police took over the functions with the effect from 24th May 1969. So, I am very glad to say you all know about the changes that occurred from the Cipahi Company to Pondicherry armed Police through my blog.

Few Facts About a Historical School: Calve College

I often wonder at the majestic building of the Calve College that is situated at the Mission Street. The higher secondary school has stories for generations together. It has taught children for centuries together. I have heard pleasant memories from my Grandfather and my dad about their days in the school. This prompted me search for the history of this historical landmark. The following words takes you back to the 19th century i.e to the culmination of the school and it tells you about its progress.
College clave was opened in 1875 by Calve Soupraya Chettiar for the education of the Hindus. To begin with, it functioned as a private grant in-aid school from 1875 to 1877. The arête of 2nd May 1877 placed it under the public management. It was managed for some time by the members of the congregation i.e from 1877 to 1880. An English section was opened in1880 to prepare students for the Matriculation examination of the Madras University. In accordance with the terms of an agreement signed on 24th January 1185, the heirs of the Calve Soupraya Chettiar gave away the institution to the government. The school was then upgraded into an upper primary school and thrown open to all people.

The Pondicherry Cultivating Tenants Protection Act of 1970

This act was brought into force on 10th April 1971 and the provisions of this act were made applicable only to Pondicherry, Karaikal and Yanam regions. Relevant rules were framed under the act and they were notified on 17th May 1971. The act provided protection to tenants from the eviction of landlords. This protection was not, however, available to those tenants who were in arrears of rent which occurred after 21st March 1970, to those who were guilty of any negligent or injurious act to the land or crop, to those who had diverted the land to non-agricultural use and to those who denied the title of landlord. Besides laying down the procedure for regulating surrenders and abandonment of tenancy the act also provided for the restoration, on application to the revenue court of the tenant who was actually in possession of land on 1st December 1969 but was not in possession of it at the commencement of this act. The act, nonetheless, protects the right of the landlord to resume to personal cultivation, land not exceeding one half of the land leased out to cultivating tenant, although he cannot do so, if the land he owns exceeds 5 1/3 hectares of wet lands, or when he is assessed to sales tax during 1967-68 or holds land as tenant of wet land exceeding two hectares.

Interesting Facts on an Age-old Social Organization in Puducherry

The Societe Progressiste de l’Inde Francaise was started on 2nd March 1880 for the avowed purpose of popularizing the French Language and culture. It played an important role in educational advancements. It was through the efforts of this Societe that the upper primary education and teacher training courses were introduced in Calve College. It made some monetary contributions to the educational projects sponsored by the administration. A school was also opened in its premises. Scholarships were awarded to the deserving students for pursuing their studies.

In 1904, the school had to be closed down for the want of resources. However it was reopened in 1921, thanks to the donation of Rs.5000 given by T.S.N. Nannaya Bagavathar, a leading merchant of the town. The Societe utilized the income derived from the investment of about 30,000 and the rent from a building owned by it for carrying on its activities. An executive committee managed the accounts of this Societe.

Know the Facts on the Fire Service of Puducherry

The Cipahi company was in charge of fire fighting from the year 1933. Proposals for starting fire service stations in Pondicherry and Karaikal took concrete shape only during 1956. To begin with, two station officers were recruited locally and sent for training at the National Fire Service college, Rampur. At present the fire service functions as a branch of the Inspector General of Police, with the IGP as the director of the fire services. The Assistant Divisional Fire officer is directly in charge of the fire services.
Proposals for the opening of the new fire station with a pump escape at Dhanvantrinagar and for providing one large fire engine as reserve and one ambulance for Pondicherry and one small fire engine for Karaikal fire station were approved in 1966. The same year, the Pondicherry fire station was shifted from Mangir Barracks to Godowns No.8 and 9 in the South Boulevard taken on rent. Static tanks required for the pupose was built on five places viz. near Government distillery, Botanical garden, Orlayanpet, North Boulevard and Railway station in Pondicherry town. Major equipments such as trailer pump, mobile tanks etc. were added next year.

Quick Headlines View: August 14

Puducherry Flash News:

• Two country bombs thrown at AIADMK activist in Vanarapet area on Wednesday, August 13.
• On August 14, Communist parties to form human chain against nuclear deal.
• JIPMER organised an awareness programme as part of the World Breastfeeding Week on August12.
• The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will launch various online courses for PhD, M Phil, MA and post-graduate diploma this week.
• V Vaithilingam, minister for industries & power, said Ponduducherry govt to promote SEZs to boost industrial growth.
• Two day conference on HIV/AIDS in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute on August 15 and 16.
• The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting would be held on August 18 to take stock of the situation in politics and administration in the Union Territory.
• More than 2,000 policemen will be deployed on security duty during the 61st Independence Day celebrations.
• Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Monday congratulated shooter Abhinav Bindra for winning the Gold Medal in Beijing Olympic Games.
• The Bobby Fischer Chess Club, affiliated to the Pondicherry State Chess Association, is conducting an open chess tournament on August 16 and 17.

Mile Stones of French Architecture

We all are familiar with the fact that our home town is popularly known as “Mini France”. It is because of the architectural design of our town. So it made me curious to search for the reasons that are behind this fact. So here are some interesting facts that make our city unique in the architectural design.
Pondicherry town in its earlier stage of development is said to have followed the pattern of bastide towns (Medival towns of South west France, bulit according to a geometrical plan) in France with a wall around the town and main gates (Madras Gate, Valudavur Gate) leading to the market. The rest of the area was divided into rectangular blocks on the same pattern of Montpazier in Southern France.

Another notable feature of Pondicherry is the “Quai” which is found in many french towns. Most of the french “Quais” are bulit along the rivers flowing through the town. In Pondicherrry, this has been achieved through the town. In Pondicherry, this has been achieved through the formation of two promenades called “Quai de Gingy” and “Quai de Ambour” on the either side of the grand canal both of which were once lined with shady trees.
The Place du Gouvernement in Pondicherry is a brilliant example of french planning squares. Although it cannot be compared to any of the squares in its scale, it still epitomises the basic principles of the classical French squares. Another important characteristic is that all the main public buliding are lined along this square. Thus, these are few of the notable architectural designs of our city and it make the city on par with France.

Bindra wins Olympic gold, shoots into history

Abhinav Bindra won India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal when he claimed the men's 10m Air Rifle shooting title here on Monday.

Athens Games champion Zhu Qinan of China won the silver and Henri Hakkinen of Finland took the bronze at the Beijing Shooting Hall on the outskirts of the Chinese capital.

Bindra, the 25-year-old businessman from Chandigarh, followed his world championship title two years ago to finally win a landmark gold medal for his country.

In one of the most thrilling shooting finals in Olympic history, Bindra overcame a two-point deficit against Hakkinen and one point against Zhu after the qualification rounds to annexe the title.

The Indian trumped his rivals with the best finish of 104.5 in the 10-shot final as he went into the last shot level with Hakkinen on 689.7 points.

While Bindra secured his best score of 10.8 in the deciding shot, Hakkinen managed only 9.7 to concede the silver to Zhu, whose last shot was 10.5.

Bindra finished with a combined tally of 700.5, a fair distance behind Zhu's Olympic record of 702.7 set in Athens.

Zhu came in with 699.7 this time and Hakkinen, a member of Finland's armed forces who is taking part in his first Olympics, scored 699.4 points.

India, winners of eight field hockey gold medals, had never won an individual Olympic title before Bindra's feat.

The previous best was trap shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore's silver at Athens, while there were bronze medals for wrestler Khasaba Jadhav (1952), tennis star Leander Paes (1996) and woman weightlifter Karnam Malleswari (2000).

The Transition from Kanaka Suburathinan to Bharathidasan

Kanaka Suburathinam, born on 29th April 1891, even as a child evinced a liking for Tamil Literature which was so ably nurtured by Bangaru Pathar, his school teacher and subsequently reinforced by Saram Periasamipillai, a renowned Tamil scholar. He began his career as a school teacher even before he was 18, in a primary school at Niravi. His contacts with Bharathi and other freedom fighters attracted him to the cause of Indian Nationalism.

The “Kadar Rattinapattu” was the result of his national zeal. Enveloped as he was by the reformist zeal of Bharathi he also defended the cause of the women’s freedom, attacked child marriages and advocated widow re-marriages. In due course he came to call himself as “Bharathidasan”.



Following the tradition set by Bharathi, he wrote in a simple elegant style and sought to liberate, as it were, Tamil poetry from the clutches of the pedantry and infused new life and verve into it. His poems inspired a new generation of young poets not only in Pondicherry but in the whole of TamilNadu. Among them, mention may be made of Vanidasan of Seliyamedu, a self-acknowledged disciple of Bharathidasan.

Thus Kanaka Suburathinam, inspired by Bharathi, followed his foot steps by adding flavor to the Tamil literature on his part.

The Cultural Fresco of 20th Century Puducherry

Our territory is known for its literary values and the famous people who nurtured it. The city also excels itself in the fine arts. Many organizations dedicated themselves for the promotions of fine arts in the territory. This article gives information about some of the organizations that developed fine arts in the city.

The 20th century stands out as the period that gave birth to several associations devoted to the promotion of fine arts in the territory. Mention may be made of Societe Philharmonique de Pondicherry (1920), Vasoudevagana Sabai (1912), Krishna Gana Sabha (1940) and Mangala Gana Sabha (1943). The institutions were very often the progenies of one or more connoisseurs of art. Only some of these associations had a long lease of life. Most of them flourished for a few years and then they went defunct after sometime either due to the lack of resources or decline in the enthusiasm of their progenitors.

The Thiaga Bramha Saba started in 1946 was in receipt of financial assistance from the administration for several years to celebrate the Thyaga Bramha Aradhana in honor of Saint Thiagaraja. The opening of the radio Station in 1966 and the opening of the organization somewhat brightened the cultural atmosphere of the territory.

Students’ woe at Delayed BCA results by Pondicherry University

I have been always allergetic of exam results from my childhood until now. Like many other students out there, I was even more sensitively nervous before and after the exam results. But my response to delayed results is beyond my imagination (expected symptoms: rise in body temperature, extended fever, heavy headache, anger over authorities and teacher…list goes on).

Recently I found students experience delayed final year BCA results by Pondicherry University. The institute has announced its final date of application submission for MCA would be on July 26th and importantly none of the students have any idea of their marks and final year results. The university which has scholars and expets on various field should have known that it is impossible for a student to apply for a new course without knowing his current exam results. The institute has to consider the situation of the students who are in chaos of choosing new courses or aspiring for their future career.

Generally the academic year has almost started in colleges and schools of Puducherry. Delayed results not only risks students’ career but also affect the classes for the new academic session. The classes for the new academic session would also be delayed as the classes can begin only after the results are declared at any university. The main reason behind the delay is the lack of consensus between authorities and teachers over the evaluation process of the answer scripts.
I have contacted few students regarding this issue and came to know that the HOD (Head of the Department) of MCA was kind enough to extend the application submission date upto the end of August. A section of students feel that “those who lost PEC have lost one year”.

In the mean time, exams results were announced on July 30 with no perfection (many witnessed erroneous results). One of the students exclaimed, “The exams which we wrote came absent... Which we had not attended or applied for, come with absent. The fact is we have already passed out those papers.”
Yet another student said “We are only announced results, not Mark list, which is what asked in colleges while admission...I think it will take one more month for issuing it... I am not sure about it. And I don't know how many errors there will be in our mark list too, and if at all there is, How many months they will take to correct it and we don't know where to vent our anger!!!”

Some of the students are worried of the act of university with lack of care and awareness. Their voice meant more than what they shared to me. And their eyes transmitted “They are playing with our lives.”

I do believe the university is working hard on giving quality results and render 100% standard education. But at the same time, they have to understand the timely decisions and effective implementation of academic plans matters a lot to a student’s life and his career. Thanks to those who rescheduled the last application submission date. As we advice students arrears and reattempt are not good, we must also ensure rescheduling the last date, rescheduling the exams, and reevaluating the erroneous results. Behalf of all college students (involved in this), I request Pondicherry university to take necessary steps to distribute the mark lists as soon as possible.

Great Works Of Subramania Bharathi In Pondicherry

Subramania Bharathi has given his great works when he was in Pondicherry. His “Vedarishigal Kavidai” and “Patanjali Yoga Soothiram” were attempts at ves libres, a poetry form which probably Bharathi learnt through his acquaintance with the French literature. His frequent early morning visits to Thiagarajapillai madu provided him the inspiration to write the “Thirupalli Ezuchi” and “Kalai Pozhudu”. He also published the “Bharathi Arupatharu”. The Muttiyalupettai mango grove that belonged to the Krishnasamy Chettiar provided him the scenario for his “Kuyil pattu”. The cyclone of 22nd November 1916 prompted him to write the “Thikkukal Ettum Cithari” and the “Kattradikuthu Kadal Kumuruthu”.

The first part of “Panchali Sabatham” appeared in 1912. His “Puthia Athichoodi” appeared in 1914 and “Pappa Padal appeared in February 1915 issue of “Gnana Bhanu”. In November 1916, appeared the third volume of his poems.

On 20th November 1918, while he was on his way to Villiyanur, he fell into the hands of the British who were all along maintaining a close watch over him. He was detained at the Cuddalore sub-jail where he remained till 14 December (for 24 days). After his release, he went to Kadayam near Tenkasi. All his subsequent attempts to have his work published did not meet with adequate public response.

In 1920 he returned to Madras to work in “Sudesamithran”. Once on a visit to the Thirivellikeni temple, he was attacked by the temple elephant, as a result of which he died on 12th September 1921 when he was only 39. It is significant that although his stay in Pondicherry lasted only a little more than 10 years, this period turned out to be the most creative in his life-time, thus linking inseparably his name and Poetic accomplishments with Pondicherry.

The Lighthouse Of Pondicherry

In the early days, the red hills about three kilometers north of the town and more than 30 meters above the sea-level, served as a guide to the sea farers approaching to the port of Pondicherry.

The lighthouse situated on the edge of the sea near “Place de Gouvernement” was lighted for the first time on 1st July 1836. The light was placed upon a masonry tower of 21 meters height, being 29 meters above the sea level. The light was visible to a distance of 29 kilometer. On 12th September 1931, the fixed light was replaced by revolving light of 1,000 watts. This light which turns full circle in 36 seconds could be seen form a distance on 28 miles marine.

The lighthouse started giving trouble and went out of order frequently causing a lot of inconvenience to ships and sea traffic. In an attempt to remedy the situation, the Government of India was requested to declare the Pondicherry Lighthouse as a general lighthouse. The administration also came forward to hand over the lighthouse administration to the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships. About the same time, the Government of India was also convinced of the need to replace the old light with a new one.

In 1970, the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships came forward to construct a new lighthouse at an estimated cost of Rs.14.41 lakhs. A site measuring 39 Ares was acquired for the purpose in the Kirapalaiyam village, a little south of the new post office. The Department of Lighthouses and Lightships also agreed to install an MF radio beacon at Pondicherry as an aid to navigate the site adjacent to the land acquired for the construction of the lighthouse. A site measuring 1 Ha was selected for the purpose and acquisition proceedings were initiated.

According to the Madras Almanac and Compendium of Intelligence, vessels which touched Pondicherry during the north-east monsoon were required to anchor in 10 to 11 fathoms of water, keeping the light fromW/1/4N.W.N.W. (The French fathom is equivalent to 5 feet 5 inches). During the SW monsoon vessels were required to anchor in 6 to 8 fathoms with the light house bearing 282 (T) distance 800 to 1,200 meters in 5 to 6 fathoms of water.

A red signal light was first installed on top of a mast at the terminus of the old pier on 22 May 1881 in order to help sea-farers to locate the anchorage and landing spots. A green signal was put up on the same mast. On 28 May 1915 the red light was replaced by an electric bulb which could be seen from a distance of 2.5 kilometer. Whenever the sea was rough, landing operation used to be suspended. The new pier is also provided with a red signal light.

Facts on the All India Radio OF Puducherry

The Pondicherry station of all India Radio (of 1 KW strength) was commissioned on 23rd September 1967.it is a full fledged program originating station, headed by a station director. While the studios are situated on the Cours Chabrol, the transmitter and the receiving center are located at a distance of 6 km and 8 km from the studios respectively. The station operates on a frequency of 1060 KHz.


Beginning with only one transmission in the evenings, the Pondicherry radio station was expanded to put out three transmissions for a total duration of 9 hrs. Of this, like the other stations in the South, more than 6 hrs were accounted for transmitting programs like talks, discussions, interviews, plays, features, classical music, folk and traditional music, devotional songs, film songs, programs for women, children and youth. For the benefits of agriculturists in the coverage area, the station relays “Uzavar Ulagam” program from Thiruchirappali on six days week and also gives a thirty five minute program entitled “Thoppum Thuravum”, once a week, is also broadcasted. A half an hour program in French is also relayed three days a week.

The station’s news unit which started functioning in May 1970 puts out a daily five minutes Regional News Bulletin in Tamil, fifteen minutes weekly news reel and also five minutes newsletter are transmitted. The programs of Pondicherry station can be normally heard within a range of 65 kilometers. Although during the fine weather, the station would be audible as far as Madras in the north and Karaikal in the south. The radio stations Thiruchirappalli, Kozhikode and Vijayawada serve the regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Subramania Bharathi and Pondicherry

Our home town has the pride of nurturing great poets in its lab. The history gives us a brief list about their literary works when they were in Pondicherry. Subramania Bharathi is a great name in the modern Tamil Literature as well as in the Indian freedom movement. Our Pondicherry is so lucky to have given him place during the freedom struggle. Now let us glimpse his days in Pondicherry.


Although born at Ettayapuram in Thirunelveli district, Subramania Bharathi was one of the first to seek refuge in Pondicherry in 1908 to escape from British incarnation. He lived here under the patronage of Kuvalai Kannan, S. Swaminatha Dikshidar and Sundaresayyar, who were the readers of “India”, a journal with which Subramania Bharathi was closely connected while in Madras. Within a month the “India” press was clandestinely brought to Pondicherry from Madras; the journal which had stopped appearing from the last week of September 1908 reappeared from October 20. He soon settled in a south facing house at Easwaran Dharmarajakoil Street. Sri Aurobindo arrived at Pondicherry in April 1910 and since then Bharathi came more and more under the influence of Sri Aurobindo. A few months later came V.V.S. Iyer. Va.Ra. Aravamudayengar who is popularly known as “Amuda” and Kanakasuburathinam who was later famously known as “Bharathidasan” were the dedicated disciples of Subramania Bharathi. In 1911, when Sub-collector Ashe was shot dead by Vanchi Iyer at Maniyachi, Subramania Bharathi was protected by Sundaresayyar, Ponnu Mugesapillai and Sundaresa Chettiar.

Interesting Facts on Auroville

Auroville, the spiritual city, was the Mother’s greatest vision. This article takes a tour on the interesting facts on the spiritual city. It gives a bird’s eye view on the various stages that the city underwent during its culmination and construction.

The chief architect, Mr. Roger Anger (one of the foremost modern architects of France) put it, “we are building man, not just a city. Auroville wants to be new creation, expressing new consciousness in a new way and by new methods”. He said further, “we are already amid interesting experiments at the socio-economic level. Auroville is not to introduce the worn out labor-employer system. All are collaborators and all will be provided with facilities according to the peculiarity of needs. The residential houses are being financed by individuals, but they have agreed that the houses will belong to the community”.

The UNESCO has passed three resolutions supporting Auroville, unanimously, in 1966, 1968 and the latest being at it’s Paris session held during October-November 1970, wherein it requested the director general to take such steps as may be feasible within the budgetary provisions, to promote the development of Auroville as an important international cultural program.

Then by July 1974, there were about 300 voluntary workers on the Auroville site, representing India, France, USA, UK, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Africa, Mexico, Tunisia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

The Aurovillians live in communities in temporary houses according to their work and inclinations. One of the communities name “aspiration” is about to enlarge in to an advanced colony accommodating 200 inmates. Research is underway to improve the quality of the soil by using organic fertilizer and organic pesticides.

The school in the Auroville is a bold experiment of adventure of ideas. East and west meet here spontaneously; the local children read and play with those of the westerners, in complete ignorance of the so called racial differences. When the Auroville was started, there was no guarantee of the financial support. But the organizers had an undaunted faith in the goodwill of humanity and they knew that help would be forth coming sooner or later. Thus the Spiritual city was infrastructured to make the Mother’s dream true.

The Mother's Dream

Our city is well known for its spiritualism. The Auroville in our city is the epitome of Spiritualism and it’s beyond religion, caste and creed. This article throws light upon the Mother’s dream that marked the culmination of this splendid place.

“There should be some where upon the earth a place that no nation could claim as its sole property, a place where all human beings of goodwill, sincere in their aspiration, could live feely as citizens of the world, obeying one single authority, that of the supreme truth, a place of peace, concord, harmony, where all the fighting instinct of man would be used exclusively to conquer the causes of his sufferings and miseries, to surmount weakness and ignorance, to triumph over his limitations and incapacities, a place where the needs of the spirit and the care for progress would get precedence over the satisfaction of desires and the passions, the seeking for material pleasures and enjoyment”.

The above words were the reflection of the Mother’s dream many years ago. It was when her experiment in developing a harmonious community in the Ashram was a success and when she felt that the world, deplorably imbalanced by a tremendous material achievement on the one hand and an utter lack of conscious ness on the other hand, badly needed a daring example of a sensible alternative, she gave the idea of finding a new city to the Aurobindo Society. In the world conference of the society, in 1964, the idea of Auroville crystallized. Preparations began almost immediately, on 28th February 1968 when a boy and a girl representing each country of the world put handfuls of earth of the country into a concrete urn, shaped like a lotus-bud, and that marked the foundation of Auroville. This solemn function was witnessed by an international gathering made up of consular representatives, world press and the youth who had come to participate in it, apart from several thousand people of the locality.

Beautiful Botanical Garden and Its Architect

Botanical garden is one of the famous landmarks of Pondicherry. It plays a remarkable role in our history. This post describes some of the important features and also the architect who was responsible for the infrastructure and growth of the beautiful garden.

According to the old maps of Pondicherry drawn in 1705 and later, there were several gardens in and around the town. However it is difficult to say when exactly the present Botanical Garden was furnished. But it was definitely there in 1825 when the Ministere de la marine authorized the administration to promote the cultivation of sugarcane and indigo by utilizing its surplus revenue. The decision taken at 26th June 1827, Jardin du Roi (French name of Botanical Garden), was placed under the care of Belanger, Botaniste Directour, Jardin du Roi. Subsequently it came to be known as Jardin Colonial.

In 1835, Botanist Perrottet (Swiss by birth, but later became a French national) took charge of the garden. In a very short period of 4 ½ years, many new varieties of plants along with tobacco, cotton, sugarcane and mulberry were planted in the garden. The Annuaire of 1842 cites that the garden was provided with the pathways and an elliptical pond. The garden also consisted of plant house in the south west and a circular pond was erected at the center. The botanist brought many plants from the gardens of Calcutta, Ceylon and Madras in the exchange basis. He went to Shevroy hills, in person, and got many new varieties of plants.

He started the cultivation of vanilla plants in the year of 1850. Perrottet also started to develop a silk worm nursery by the year 1853. The catalogue prepared by the botanist in the year 1867 says that the garden housed up to 500 varieties of plants. In 1861, it appears to be two gardens, Jardin Colonial (founded in 1827) and the other one was Jardin de Acclimation (founded in 1861). The second one was developed as fruit and vegetable garden. An artisan well was constructed in the 1879. The garden hosted around 60 new species of plants, 250 species of trees and shrubs along with 200 varieties of herbaceous plants. Thus this article describes some of the historic points regarding the great landmark of our town.

Museums of Pondicherry

Pondicherry has got so much of historical treasures in it. Are you people interested in knowing it? Then this stuff is your cup of tea. Get into this article to know the various museums that are situated at our home town.

The Historical and Archaeological Museum, Pondicherry:
Many excavations were carried out at Arikamedu by Jouveau Dubreuie and Brother Faucheux between 1936 and 1940. Some of their interesting findings like shreds of pottery, baked clay, intaglio, etc. came to be preserved. The historical and archaeological museum as such came to be formed only by the virtue of the governor’s decision of 16th December 1942. This museum was placed under the care of Conservateur de la Bibliotheque. The order for the acceptance of donations and exchange of articles was also passed.


All the matters regarding the transfer and the inclusion of the new items were taken in consultation with Brother Faucheux. To this collection were added some of the findings of R.F.M. Wheeler, the then Director General of Archaeology in India, who carried out further excavations in Arikamedu between April and June 1945. The findings of the Suttukeni were handed over to the administration by 31st march 1958. A 13 member advisory committee was also appointed by February 1976.

Geological Museum, Tattanchavadi:
According to the decision of Government of India, the Geological museum was set up by 28th February 1972 at Tattanchavadi. The museum encloses over 500 specimens which consists of 250 minerals, 200 rocks 10 fossils and 50 industrial products.

Aquarium cum Museum:
The directories of fisheries maintained for some years a fresh water aquarium cum museum within the campus of the Botanical garden. In 1972, the aquarium was transferred to the control of Directorate of Education. It now forms an adjunct of Jawahar Bal Bavan. It will be of interest to note that there are three regional aquarium cum museums attached to the offices of the inspectors of fisheries at Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Helmet Sale Yet to Rev Up

Helmet sellers from Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, who have put up stalls in various parts of the town last week expecting good business, are a disappointed lot. The pavements of several arterial roads including 100 Feet Road, ECR Bypass Road and Tindivanam Road have turned into a hub for helmets. More than 150 sellers from Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, including several women, are camping in Puducherry.

“We came here after seeing reports in the media on compulsory use of helmets. But, the sale is dull and disappointing,” a salesperson from Andhra Pradesh said.



The headgear sold here include local and ISI certified helmets and the cost varies at each pavement stall. While some local brands are priced at Rs. 100 to Rs. 200, some are sold for Rs. 350. “The rate of ISI-certified helmets also differs. Some sell a piece for Rs. 350, while others for Rs. 450 or Rs. 550,” another seller said.

A woman seller said, “I am here for the past six to seven days but have sold only five to six pieces. This is very disappointing.” A Delhi-based salesperson, who has been here for the past 11 days, wondered why the motorists did not take the traffic police’s announcement seriously. “I have sold only 20 helmets since my arrival here. I wonder if the violators are going to be fined,” he said.

An authorised helmet dealer said, “We expected a huge rush, but the response is dull. Earlier, we used to sell four to five pieces a day. Now, we are selling 10 a day.”

There was adequate stock of helmets. “We expected to sell 500 pieces out of 1,000 helmets. When the existing stock has not been sold, we do not know what to do with new stock,” he said.

Source: Hindu

Ban on Neckties in Puducherry Primary Schools

Puducherry Directorate of School Education banned wearing neckties by children in all primary schools in Puducherry. G Ragesh Chandra, Director of Education , issued a circular to all institutions here to make the ban effect immediately.

Story behind the order:

The order follows a report the directorate received from the Centrally administered JIPMER that wearing of neckties would result in children running the risk of having breathing problems and at times even leading to suffociation.

It was a medical officer at the Rural Health Centre of JIPMER at Ramanathapuram who wrote to the head of department, preventive and social medicine, JIPMER, after noticing that a child received at the centre with breathing problems was wearing a very tightly knotted tie. He immediately loosened it, making the child feel better.

This served as an eye opener and the Department sent a report through the Director of the institute, recommending dispensing of neckties by the children. It was also felt that neckties were not suitable for hot climates.

Alternate fuel: Poop power fuels idli joint in Puducherry

Sivagami begins early at the Puducherry bus stand as she busies herself in a small food joint. Idlis are her specialty, only they come with a twist.

Apart from LPG cylinders, Sivagami also fuels her stove using gas supplied by a biogas plant just outside her kiosk.

The plant produces gas from human and food waste round the clock, and has been helping her battle the on-rush of hungry workers for a year now.

So unperturbed by the rising fuel prices, Sivagami says, "The LPG cylinders are getting too costly. Biogas has helped me save three to four cylinders per month."

Approximately, 8,000 people use the toilets at the bus stand everyday and almost 30 toilets are connected to the underground biogas plant.

The concept of biogas has been around since the 70s and lakhs of villages around the country still depend on gobar gas for their cooking needs. But now factories in big cites and even small towns like Puducherry are looking to tap this organic renewable energy.

But the question of the urban mindset remains – is the average consumer ready to accept this form of fuel to cook?

Many say, “source doesn't matter, energy matters.” While others at the bus stop say, “I will never eat that food.”

Biogas may never replace LPG in urban Indian households simply because there just isn't enough organic input to convert to fuel. But offices, hotels and commercial hubs around the country can take a leaf out of Sivagami's dhabha and her fuel efficient and eco-friendly idlis.

Wearing Helmets has become Compulsory in Puducherry from July 1

Traffic Police Department of Puducherry has announced that two-wheeler riders should wear helmets for their safety and to avoid major damage in the case of accidents. Wearing helmets has become compulsory in Puducherry from July 1, 2008. (Pardon me if I remember the same July 1, 2007, TN Govt implement the rule).

Superintendent of Police (Traffic) S. Kuppusamy reported Hindu Daily “Director General of Police A.S. Khan has directed the traffic police department to make helmet wearing compulsory. He has given the order as per powers vested under section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988”.
At the end of the news report it is said that “The proposal was still pending with the government, he said adding that they had decided to go ahead with the implementation as the Law Department had given its approval. Cases would be booked against those defying the order, he said.


Despite the fact that I wonder how police can go ahead with government approval, I am not sure why the department hasn’t given enough time for the public to intake the new rule. While questioned about this S. Kuppusamy added “as per the MV Act every two-wheeler rider has to wear helmet”.

I agree “Helmet saves life” but we also need to ponder over some practical problems when you ride with helmet.

1. Difficulty in hearing horn sound,
2. Unable to see people who ride beside,
3. Unable to view the riders face at any life threatening situations
4. Night time riding would be hectic with helmet
5. Less quality helmet would be a disaster than a life saver.
   

Since puducherry has criss-cross streets and small roads, there are more possibilities of not see the co riders who come beside or behind you. This new rule would be useful to the public until people have enough acquaintance and skill in helmet-riding.

We should all be happy since Puducherry government haven’t said the back seaters should wear helmets like DMK Government in Tamilnadu.

Sizzling Rainbow Fm launch in Puducherry after hot summer

Music rules each and every ear in Puducherry through this new Fm Rainbow. Rainbow is the symbol of Joy and surprise. Here comes the wondrous surprise in Puducherry through this Rainbow Fm channel which was launched recently. My new mobile just bangs with this Fm, my earphones melts in this non-stop entertainment and info gallery. “Everything for all” is the spell of this Fm Rainbow, Puduvai which is owned by All India Radio. This FM is set on air on 102.8 mega hertz. Our honorable chief minister N.Rangaswamy launched the channel on Saturday at 6 p.m and the function was presided over by Chief executive officer of Prasar Bharathi B.S.Lalli. This channel transmits for 17 hours from Morning 6 O’clock everyday.

Station Director of Puducherry AIR, Kalani Ramachandran was much excited and thrilled during this launch. She says that Rainbow is not only for entertainment purpose but should fulfill the needs of all sorts of people.

“Fm Rainbow is an entertainment channel of the AIR, totally different in terms of its content and presentation. However, as public broadcaster, Rainbow will not compromise on quality for the sake of entertainment. The interests of the individuals and welfare of the society will be kept in mind in all aspects of the broadcast. In short, infotainment is the forte of our programmes”, she said with a great confidence.

She also added that, “Rainbow is especially concerned about children, youth, women, illiterate and rural population, as they are the vulnerable sections of our population. A judicious combination of entertainment and information will certainly enlighten the target audience”.
All the programmes aired in this channel are very much special when compared with others. They all carry info to the public. One particular programme to all the age groups is “Vaanavil” (Rainbow)which offer a great opportunity to youngsters to enjoy the classic songs of yesteryears in various Indian languages and also takes the middle-aged and the old-aged people to their golden past.
Station Engineer P.Geetha Rani speaks in a satisfactory tone in the Fm launching. Having made a modest start, the channel broadcasts through 3 KW transmitter powered from Chennai station would cover Puducherry and Parts of Cuddalore, Villupuram and Thiruvannamalai districts, After six months a 10 KW transmitter would be installed and its would cover more areas, says Geetha with a confidential note.

Programme Executive G.Swaminathan says that “We are striving to present a quality product to the listeners, right from advertisements to voice modulation”.

There is new job opportunity for the youngsters in Puducherry, This Fm Rainbow would showcase the young talents in Puducherry by providing a good career start for the modern youngsters to become radio jockeys. Most of the programmes are live phone-in interactions and so sound listeners wishing to participate in the programmes can call 0413-2271660 or 2271770.

A Colourful Rainbow has come to paint all our lives with a blend of entertaining tools. Come on, let’s blast with Fun!

Puducherry Topping in Country's Suicide Rate

Puducherry has the dubious distinction of topping the country in suicides. Its suicide rate is 50.2 persons per one lakh population, compared to 10.5 in Tamil Nadu, 11.2 in Andhra Pradesh, and 26.8 in Kerala among others, as revealed by the Crime Records Bureau(CRB), Puducherry. Among the 517 cases of suicides reported in the Union Territory in 2006, 378 deaths were in the 15-45 age group.

Another alarming scenario is that more married males committed suicide, and in the case of women, more unmarried took their lives.

The inability to cope with pressure in the job, studies, home, financial problems and conflict in relationships were among the causes cited. Hanging, poison and self-immolation were the widespread methods. As many as 4,367 people of several age groups had taken their lives due to various factors from 2000-07.

With September 10 being observed as World Suicide (Prevention) Day, efforts are on to size up the actual status of suicides. The Data from CRB,Puducherry further reveals that suicides among people from 15 to 30 years of age is highest, followed closely by people in 30 and 44 years.

While failure in love affairs, unemployment, terminal illness and failure in exams average between 30-50 cases in the past 7 years. The least number of deaths are due to impotency, terminal illness, illicit relation, career problems, AIDS/STD, drug abuse, poverty and property dispute.

K Kumar, Director, Maitreyi, a crisis intervention cell, supported by Whirlpool of India, functioning at Puducherry for the past 15 years, reiterates that death among college goers who are not able to cope up soon after the spoon-feeding in schools is 7 times more than the normal cases reported in the past four years.

The heartening news is that suicides among school students after announcement of results has dropped by 70% in the past three years. Kumar stresses that the disparity in salary among the IT professionals and other professionals a major reason. The helplessness developing due to highly competitive world is the reason for stress.

7 Ways to Reduce Stress With a To-Don’t List

"I'd love to do it, but I can't fit another thing into my schedule." How many times have you heard that—including out of your own mouth?

And mostly this oft-repeated phrase is a true statement: Surveys show that most Americans feel starved for time to do the things that matter to them. All around the world, "crazy busy" is a code phrase for doing what it takes to be successful.

But in addition to possibly bringing success, a packed schedule brings stress. Under such conditions, making a to-do list, instead of being a tool to help us achieve more, becomes yet another way to beat ourselves up, because we're too busy to get to the things that we want to add to the list.

If all of this describes your situation a little too well, I'd like to suggest you make another list before you start in on your to-do list: a "to-don't" list.

Where a to-do list is expansive, inclusive and encompassing, a to-don't list is contractive, narrowing and boundary-defining. At the heart of the to-don't list is the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule.

Simply put, the 80/20 rule tells us that 80 percent of our success comes from 20 percent of our actions. Making a to-do list is about discovering the actions that comprise that magic 20 percent and focusing on them. The to-don't list is about naming the other 80 percent of our actions for what they are - not crucial in a cosmic sense - and finding ways to resolve our entanglements with them.

A couple of caveats are in order here:

* A to-don't list is not an excuse to remove things you don't like to do, but need to get done, from your plan of action.
* It is also not an excuse to ignore family or friends to make room for behavior that is unhealthy or compulsive.
* And it is not a way to avoid necessary confrontations or conflict (i.e. friction which eventually results in a better situation).

A to-don't list is simply a list of actions which you are currently doing which are not high priorities at this time, and which you are willing to forego doing, at least for the immediate future.

When you make a to-do list, for new every item you add, be prepared to move at least one other item (and more likely two or three) to the to-don't list.

Some potential to-don'ts can be massaged, with the time, manner or frequency of the item manipulated in some way to free up time or energy.
However, it's truly surprising how many things turn out to be optional, and can drop off our to-do list without incident.

If you're able to develop and implement a "to-don't" list, you can reap the following seven benefits.

1. You can take advantage of a new opportunity when it arises.

No more worrying about whether this is the "right time" to pursue an attractive new option. Adding to your to-don'ts can help make now the right time.

2. You can cope more easily with sudden challenges and changing circumstances.

This is a less sunny restatement of benefit number 1, but it is perhaps even more important. How many people do you know have changed their lives dramatically—including how they spend their time—when faced with a crisis? Knowing that you can clarify your wants and needs if you're buffeted by a difficult situation may make it easier to imagine surviving it.

3. You can become clear on what your priorities are.

Many people juggle actions that reflect their true priorities along with a host of social niceties, imagined favors and other actions that have merit, but just do not count as "essential" in their heart of hearts. The to-don't list helps you make distinctions between actions that flow from deeply held values and actions taken primarily to please others, protect your reputation, etc.

4. You can do more with less.

Evangelists of the 80/20 principle promote this point as one of the greatest advantages to their mindset. With energy and time freed up to concentrate on the to-dos, focus provides the leverage to turn what doesn't seem like "enough" into sufficient, even abundant resources.

5. You can say 'no' more confidently.

Few people like to be told no, and fewer still seem to enjoy saying it to someone else. By drafting a to-don't list, you can be more confident that the items you are saying no to truly can wait, or can be done by someone else other than you.

6. You can generate options to resolve conflicts more easily.

You may be able to generate counter-suggestions to a request after drafting the to-don't list, and create a mutually satisfying result, even if you can't provide what was originally expected.

7. Your to-do list will become more useful.

And that's the intent of the to-don't list—to support a to-do list that leads to meaningful, satisfying actions.

If you only have three things on your to-do list, but they're the three right things for you to do today, and you do them, it's far more productive than if you have a long list that never gets accomplished. And that's what a to-don't list can help you do: create a to-do list that's about to-doing, not to-shoulding or to-wishing.

What’s Special in ADLABS Jeevan Rukmani?

ADLABS is one of the largest entertainment conglomerate in the country which has made its footprints in Puducherry by acquiring Jeevan Rukmani theatre in Kamaraj salai. Though the talk of the town is Dasavathaaram, I see most of the folks amused by the opening of Adlabs on June 13, 2008. I can’t hide the fact that people are more surprised by ADLABS Jeevan Rukmani than petrol hike or Autorickshaw fare hike. Even Chief Minister N Rangasamy along with R Siva, chairperson of Puducherry Municipality B Sridevi and Municipal councillor Sakthivel enjoyed the movie for more than half an hour after the inauguration.

“What’s special in Adlabs” is the question that knocks me every time when someone gossips about which is instigated by the Kamal Hassan or Dasavathaaram. Bearing the thought of demolished Anandha Theatre, I envisaged Adlabs a super duper theatre ever in Pondicherry. And fortunately I hadn’t been disappointed by the infrastructure, grandeur of the build, screen clarity, hot and spicy snacks, flashy light effects and coolest omnipresent room air conditioners. I personally went and took photographs in possible directions.

I saw an exceptionally newer thing in the entrance of the theatre, securities were checking each and every ticket holders…what's new in it?) But to my surprise they were checking for cigarettes and other unusual material. We need to appreciate the idea…there is no smoking inside the theatre, no electronic items except cell phones and (words from BIG fm) No black tickets. Wow that’s a great thing. I can’t believe the words “No black tickets” yet I swallowed the thought and decided to search for any black ticket sellers…most often children not more than 20 years and women of less than 35 years would be black ticketers.

Not after a long search I found a man in twenties selling tickets illegally that too in the gates of the theatre where two policemen braving for any security threats. Since it was around 11.45 a.m. people started bouncing for tickets around the rounded necked T-shirt man. A police man came across the crowd without leaving a single sign of noticing that black ticketer. I approached the tall red hated police man and said “People said there won’t be any black ticket in Adlabs but here guys are hauling like anything”

I guessed he is gentle and would be so gentle in answer, “Where they sell black tickets? I don’t find anything like that.” He asked show me the place as if it is 100 meters away. I just pointed to him some 10 feet away a guy and showed the crowd. I was expecting a typical police man action…taking the man by colar… the person immediately replied me “actually I am not policing this area” and murmured some words which I couldn’t hear as he moved rapidly away from me and crossed the road to join another fellow policeman.

This time I told to myself, is this A TYPICAL POLICEMAN ACTION? Without a word I sighed at the gorgeous ADLABS banner and raised my bike to home.