Overall SSLC pass percentage climb up in Puducherry and Karaikal

SSLC results are the prime news clamored by TV channels, dailies, magazines, and FM radios from the nook and corner of Puducherry. Schools are boosting themselves up with the centum and records in SSLC public examinations. Overall SSLC pass percentage climb up in Puducherry and Karaikal has increased to 79.40 which is 0.49 percent more than last year’s 78.9.

Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan said that girls fared better than boys with a pass percentage of 8.42. Out of 15, 512 students from 100 government schools as well as 102 private schools, (boys and girls) 12, 317 had passed in the academic year of 2008.

He also added “16 government schools secured a pass percentage of over 90. While 37 government schools had a pass percentage of above 80, 76 schools recorded above 60 per cent”
This year government schools had scored a good pass percentage through extra coaching and effective teaching.

“The government’s award of Rs.one lakh for securing pass percent of above 90 will go to 10 government schools in rural areas of Puducherry. Last year, only one school had received the prize”

State Rank Holders

First: M. Jeyaraj, Jawahar English High School, Koodapakkam (492 marks).

Second:

• R. Harikrishna and B. Ghayathri, Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School (490 marks).
• V. Suganya, Seventh-Day Adventist Higher Secondary School.
• R. Vishnukumar, Holy Flowers English School.
• S. Rajalakshmi, Sri Ramachandira Vidhyalaya School.

Third:

• R.S. Priya, Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School (489 marks).
• P. Manjula, Seventh-Day Adventist.

Government School Toppers

First: R. Subhashini, Subramania Bharathiar Government Girls Higher Secondary School (488 marks).

Second: G. Vaidegi, Government Girls High School, Kalapet (484 marks).

Third: V. Jayalakshmi, Sinnatha Government Girls Higher Secondary School (482 marks).

Schools that secured centum:

1. St. Joseph of Cluny Girls Higher Secondary School
2. Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School
3. Achariya Shiksha Mandir Higher Secondary School
4. Alpha Matriculation, Maruthi Matriculation
5. Sri Sankara Vidyashram School

35 Crores ZEST Big Beach resort in Puducherry by MHRIL

Despite the fact that Puducherry is a small town, it is needless to say about the ever increasing the numbers of hotels and resorts, both in the host of the town as well as in the outskirts. The geographical and cultural advantages of Puducherry have lured many recreational & hotel businesses.

I was just trying to list few hotels in the Union Territory but I ended with Hotel Mass, Hotel Anandha Inn, Annamalai International, Hotel De L'Orient, Villa Helena, Le Dupleix, Promenade, Soorya International, The Dune Beach Resort, St. James Court Beach Resort, Kailash Beach Resort…..I too thought I have listed all but my crazy little grey cells went on bombarding with new hotels……JAYARAM HOTEL, Hotel Surguru, Hotel Ellora, Hotel Ram International, Yatri Nivas, Sea Side Guest House, Hotel Felix, Calve Heritage Hotel, Banyan Beach Resort, Kailash Beach Resort, Devaki Guest House, Patricia Coloniale Guest House, Hotel Sunway, Hotel Ginger Ginger Puducherry, Aurodhan, Executive Inn, French Guest House, Villa Labourdonnais, Shree Sairam……..pardon me for the killer-length list, I am completely helpless (For God sake, oh I stopped here!). Final one is 35 Crores project Zest Big Beach by Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited which is inaugurated by Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry, Thiru N.Rangasamy and Union Minister for Tourism, Smt. Ambika Soni.

Mr. Arun Nanda, Chairman, MHRIL said, “As a dominant player in the leisure hospitality business, we offer a variety of holiday destinations to augment holidaying choices for our members. Zest encapsulates our aim of providing unique and innovative holiday experiences to our members. The Zest Big Beach Resort, Puducherry makes short getaways a reality for young urban customers.”

Mr. Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, MHRIL said, “We have always prided ourselves on offering innovative holiday experiences to our members. Our ZEST signature Big Beach Resort is one such offering in this direction and is another feather in our cap. The Big Beach resort has 125 rooms spread over 24 acres along a pristine beach. ZEST resorts are designed to bring unique and differentiated holiday experiences to young urban families. Zest Big Beach, therefore, is cohesive with this philosophy.”

Zest Big Beach, Puducherry is a seaside beach resort located at 16 km from Pondicherry, off Cuddalore road. It is the biggest resort in Pondicherry, spanning a whooping 24 acres with a spectacular beach front and has 83 contemporarily designed rooms. Room facilities include 400 sq. ft area, glass walls, open air shower, LCD TV, etc. Facilities include a swimming pool, a Multicuisine restaurant, a beach shack, a sophisticated gym, a large conference room, and a lounge bar to chill out. Activities at the resort include cycling, beach cricket and barbeque.

Here are the lines from the zest main official site “From being a Roman colony to a French colony and now a charming place that’s a great getaway, Puducherry is the reality to human beings’ dream of paradise. Where else can you taste a French dish served with South Indian chutney? If you thought that Puducherry was all about the serene atmosphere, Auroville and the ashram then you haven’t seen the Bigger Picture yet! Welcome to Zest @ Big Beach,Puducherry. Zest brings you a resort spanning a whooping 24 acres, with a spectacular beach front. A resort that’s first of its kind and the biggest in Puducherry.”

Theatre festival in Alliance Francaise

I have been to Alliance Francaise at many occasions to watch foreign films, cultural events, art exhibition and some times to meet friend’s friend. Alliance Francaise, one of the famous and popular institutes in Pondicherry, is known for its French culture, rocking cultural events, social forum and Art & Artistic exhibitions.

From May 27 to 31, Alliance Française de Pondichéry is arranging a theatre festival by Kalam Association on May 30 and 31 at the auditorium. The program would start at 6.30 p.m on Friday staging a children’s play called “Sooriyan Vandha Kadhai”.

According to the press release of Alliance Francaise, the next day play will be directed by Veli Kangarajan who is figuring out the difficulties of an independent woman in south India.

Though it is a good news that we had an opportunity to watch a drama performance, I missed to see the paintings and sculptures exhibition that held between May 27 to 29 where 40 artists showcased their works.

Pondicherry Institute Of Medical Sciences MBBS – Admission 2008

Affiliated to the Pondicherry University (one of the five central universities) PIMS is a well developed medical college with all the infrastructure along with qualified and experienced faculty. It is fully recognized by MCI for undergraduates. The first batch of Post Graduates have been admitted in 15 specialities.

The admission process for UG classes is to begin immediately. Please communicate to the below given address or visit their website.

Their final year MBBS success rate was 86% in 2006-2007 and 88% in 2007-2008.

THE REGISTRAR
Pondicherry Institue of Medical Sciences
Kalathumettupathai, Ganapathichettikulam,
Village No.20 Kalapet, Pondicherry-605014
Ph: 044-26565889/ 0413-26566600
www.pimsmmm.com

Puducherry will emerge as a major centre for cruise tourism in near future

On May 27, 2008, Puducherry Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said “Around five million foreign tourists had visited India in 2007 which was a big jump from the 3.92 million tourists during the previous year. Around 400 million domestic tourists had also travelled across different parts of the country during 2007.”

After declaring the Rs 35 crore 'Zest Big Beach-Puducherry' a project of the Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) at Manapet coastal village she was speaking about the improvement of Puducherry as tourism destination.

"We should work together to make Puducherry as a major destination as was done in respect of Sikkim and Goa and other destinations. In the near future Puducherry would emerge as a centre for cruise tourism. Around 74 heritage sites had been identified in Puducherry and we should look at the best of them for promotion and restoration for the benefit of the people here", she said.

The Auroville International Project and Sri Aurobindo Ashram here were adding to richness, the legacy and also full-fledged projection of Puducherry as a destination.
She also added, "There had been lot of questions and eager enquiries about Auroville in different parts of the world from information seekers as they want to visit Auroville to have a new experiment in India"

“Puducherry will emerge in the near future as a major centre for cruise tourism and efforts to promote this project would be intensified in collaboration with the Union Shipping Ministry”

CENTAC Applications issued on June 2, 2008

CENTAC applications for admission to professional colleges will be issued from June 2 to June 16. You can get the applications at post offices in all the four regions of the Union Territory and also in the Cooperative Credit Society outlet at the premises of PEC (Pondicherry Engineering College).

You can also request applications to the Convenor, CENTAC, PEC Campus, Puducherry 605 014 by sending a request letter along with two self-addressed slips.

The cost of the information bulletin and admission form is Rs. 315 (Rs. 130 for SC/ST) for B Tech and Biology based courses for general. The last date for submission of application is June 23.

Puducherry lost the first Santosh Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir

The 62nd edition of the Santosh Trophy started in Jammu and Kashmir on May 25, Sunday, after 30 years of it hosted the national football championship. In the inaugural match, Puducherry met Jammu and Kashmir but lost the game with no score (0-2).

Jammu and Kashmir Chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the championship at the Bakshi stadium, Srinagar. The last time the state hosted the Santosh Trophy was way back in 1978, before the outbreak of separatist violence. This is the first major sporting event organised in the valley in two decades.

Thirty-one states and union territories are competing in the tournament. The match venues are Bakshi stadium and Polo Grounds in Srinagar and the Maulana Azad stadium and G.M Science College in Jammu.

In addition, six pitches have been developed for practice matches. Entry for spectators have been made free from May 25 to June 2, but from June 5 till the conclusion of the championship June 15, the entry would be through paid tickets. You can watch all all the matches live in Zee Sports, the sponsors of the event.

Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School awarded gold coins to first 3 toppers

Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School, one of the popular schools in Puducherry, encourages school’s first 3 toppers in +2 examinations. It is notable that for the past 13 years, the school has been awarding gold coins to students who wrapped State ranks, the first three school toppers and subject-wise toppers.



In the 2007-2008, the school has hit centum results (309 students) in the Higher Secondary Board examination. School’s official release said the administration gave away 52 grams of gold coins to the school topper, 12 centum scorers and subject toppers.

Feast with Us in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Puducherry

Where shall we gang and dine this summer month? Here comes another rejoicement to the souls who hang in and around the streets of Puducherry. Puducherrians and the tourists are brimming with joy and wonder. I know you people are a bit confused and also expecting with much eagerness, what's new or special in Pondicherry. Ok now let me break the ice.

The inaugural function of centenary celebrations of the “Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” in Puducherry opens on May 23rd with the hoisting of a flag. This celebration extends and ends by June 21, 2008. The significant feature of the occasion is the releasing of a special Cover.


The parish priest Rev. Fr. A. Thomas is overwhelmed with joy and shared the growth and history of the age-old church. He said that the church was started in 1908 and the Gothic style of the church was constructed and completed by 1909. This is a very long process as the foundation was said in 1902 and was finished by the year 1909. He also added that flag will be unfurled, when the Holy communion on May 23. Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, evening prayer, benediction and car procession are the various occasion in the Novena.


The Scared Heart Feast is expected to be celebrated on May 30. After the releasing of special cover, the Eucharistic procession would start and a chain of celebrations would continue. Following the Mother Mary’s Feast on May 3, a Parochial Feast will be conducted on June 1st.

There is no such celebrations in Puducherry will end with enjoyment, it extends its warm hands to help others. So, a joint effort of the Parish authorities and the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Science and Research (JIPMER) will conduct of the feast.

The feast is open for all, so come let’s join them and blast out with fun!!!

Now You Can Become A Journo From Puducherry!

Now you don’t need to eye on big institutes in the capital and other metros to become a Journo. You can just do it staying in Puducherry.

Keeping in line with the enormous growth and opportunities in the field of Media, the Pondicherry University will introduce a Postgraduate course in Mass Communication from this year. It will now offer an M.A. in Mass Communication, the admission process for which will be open till mid-June.

“The university has introduced the two courses considering the growth of activities in Journalism and Mass Communication, Television and Radio channels in Puducherry, other parts of India and the world,” A. Balasubramanian, Director of Culture and Cultural Relations of the University, said. He added,
“The students will work on live projects. They will have to release Lab Journals, Campus News and Bulletins. The course prepares the students to acquire skills and enable them to work in the areas ranging from Reporting, Editing to Public Relations,Advertising, Video Productions to Web Casting”.

With the intake of 20 students this year M.A. in Mass communication will start its journey this year. The “brand name” stigma in the hearts of wannabe journos to study in branded institutes like Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Asian College of Journalism, etc, will always be there as in any other professional discipline. But, it has only a little to do with in this discipline. Once your stories, articles, reports, photos are published and impressive, you can create your own brand in the field. The job of an institute for a wannabe journo is that it should give a gate pass to enter. Pondicherry University’s M.A. Mass communication can very well do that. Journey of journos begins from Puducherry!

IAS Exams Held at 4 Centers in Puducherry on May 18, 2008

On May 18th Sunday, 989 candidates wrote Civil Service Examination in Puducherry at four centers: Vivekananda Higher Secondary School (Sellaperumalpet), Bharathidasan Government College for Women (Muthialpet), Women’s Polytechnic (Lawspet)., and Vallalar Government Girls Higher Secondary School (Lawspet).

"The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) of India conducts the IAS exam. The three-step process is: Preliminary Exam (Prelims), Main Exam (Mains), and Interview.

The Prelims are composed of two tests of two hours each. The General Studies (GS) test contains 150 objective, multiple-choice questions. It primarily covers six topics: the constitution of India, history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs. The second test is on a subject chosen, from among the 23 subjects, by the candidate. This objective, multiple-choice test contains 120 questions. The GS and second test are worth 150 and 300 points, respectively."

Out of 1676 applicants only 989 candidates appeared for the exam who wrote in 2 sessions (Morning and Afternoon). For the convenience of the other state and outskirts candidates, Enquire Center was arranged near Puducherry New Bus stand and also special free bus service is also made available between 6.00 a.m to 9.00 a.m. With the administration of Collector Davanithidas, Indian Admisntaration Service exams held successfully in Puducherry.

Heritage Hotel in Puducherry Honored by Relais

Did you ever have an emotion or a thought that you knew was important but that you could not quite put into words? Dilip Kapur is in this mood. Well, I know that you people are wondering why am I talking about this new personality. Yes, it’s really an amazing experience for me to proudly introduce Mr. Dilip Kapur and his achievements to you all.

Puducherry is a peaceful wonder in this world. Our Puducherry is well-known for its Hospitality and Royality that the tourists experience here. This credit is dedicated to the heritage hotels and the resorts for their efforts and love to the visitors. One of the prominent heritage hotels in Puducherry is “Le Dupleix”, and Dilip Kapur is the President of this hotel. Dilip is in high spirits because Le Dupleix has received “Badge of Excellence” from Relais Chateaux, a voluntary association of luxury hotels based in France.

It’s again a diamond-studded crown for Le Dupleix. Year by year, their achievement heads the sky. Last year, the heritage hotel is one of the nominees in the best hotels selection conducted by the Times London. Le Dupleix was selected as one of the 12 best hotels in India last year. “It’s an honor for the quality, ambience and excellence. It’s one of the three hotels recognized by Relais in India”, said Dilip Kapur in the joyous mood.

Relais Chateaux website quotes the beauty and heritage of Le Dupleix,

“Dupleix is one of the oldest and most magnificent French colonial style villas. The remarkable carved pillars and ceilings, commissioned by the Governor and Nawab, Marquis Joseph Francois Dupleix, are an outstanding example of architecture that intelligently combines Indian and French art. Each room has a unique character bathed in the agreeable scent of the omnipresent Burmese teak. As for the cuisine, it features local produce and spices”.

Le Dupleix is not only a heritage, but also a lavish style of architect. The efforts and achievements are still ongoing and they had also signed up with the club of hotels recognized by Relais. Dilip Kapur says that it may increase the services at Dupleix. He also added that, we would send our staffs and chefs to the training organized by Relais team. They would conduct periodic inspections at Dupleix and would lend their supporting hands to enhance the quality of Le Dupliex. ‘Best works yields better result’ is the motto of Le Dupleix, which adds and acquires victories to this heritage hotel.

Hot, Hotter, Hottest

The scorching sun is piercing and peeling out my skin through its red-hot rays, I’m just struggling to free myself and beat the heat in this summer. Are you the person who is chanting this as a mantra in this hot summer? Here, I have a few tips and suggestions in my hands to give you all guys.

Dehydration, fatigue, skin-rashes and muscle cramps are the common problems we face in summer. To escape from these strangers, we need to do certain tricks. We must consume large amount of water and also fruits. Fresh fruit juices such as cucumber juice, carrot and lemon would doze off of our body heat. Being in the coastal area, we follow a protective mechanism. Puducherry is in the coast, the people are not commonly affected by heat strokes as the sweat comes out as a recycling process, it acts as a protector. Whereas, the North Indian people suffer from the problem as they do not have the protecting method. They usually complain about the extreme fatigue and muscular cramps.

One significant problem in summer is the rashes and boils that occurs in the skin, especially in small children and the old-aged people. Their intake of water and fruits must be increased. Some of the expert doctors say that a tender coconut in the morning and in the noon may keep away the body heat and the heat exhaustion. We must also avoid going out in the peak hours from 12 noon to 4p.m., the blazing uv rays from the sun would create heat cramps and rashes on the skin.

The gastrointestinal disorders are also prevalent during summer. We must be very choosy in our food habits and must consume hygienic food and water. Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes would be a comfort in this hot weather. Continuously take in the fluids and fruits which can dump the heat and protect you from this hot summer. By following these simple remedy measures we could keep ourselves cool and fresh.

Will Nov. 1 be a Liberation Day of Puducherry? Oh We Miss the Past!

Until or unless I had read a news, I would have not known what is what in the history of Puducherry. Recently I came to November 1st is our liberation day of Puducherry. I promise I know not this ever before.

The Federation of People of Puducherry Origin has insisted that the government should announce November 1 as a public holiday each year to emphasize the 'historic event' of joining Puducherry with the Indian Union in 1954. Actually it was in this year that Puducherry became free from French rule.
The second annual convention of the Federation took certain worthy to notice resolutions like November 1 as public holiday (liberation or merger day of Puducherry), priority in education and employment opportunities for people of Puducherry origin, House site pattas to ex-servicemen & freedom fighters.

Apart from all these resolutions, they demanded the most valuable and timely plea: Inclusion of the history of Puducherry in the school syllabus. None of the Puducherrians will object if I say none of us either knew the complete history of Puducherry or the sociological (or) cultural background of Puducherry.

We are familiar with beach and park but (generously) no matter if we forget about the history. Neither my school nor my family taught me the history or said a story of freedom of Puducherry. My dad didn’t say a word about the history of Pondicherry since his teachers didn’t say a word. Lets first start with the school!

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Image Galary

Happy Sornavari Paddy Harvesting in Puducherry & nearby Villages

Second session of sornavari paddy harvesting is taking place in Puducherry and in the surrounding villages. Though agriculture is the main occupation in the union territory, handsome of quality paddy production plays a main role in Pondicherry economy.

Women labors are happily harvesting the well grown crops in the below photograph.


Wrapped bundles of paddy crops are taken to the next process where paddy and rice will be removed separately.
A women heaps a huge mountain of paddy after the dust removing process. In most of the case people started to use machines for this purpose. As a next step, paddy will be collected in large bags for sales or export purpose.

Governor Bhopinder Singh visits Jipmer, Puducherry Government Medical College and Pondicherry University

Puducherry Governor Mr. Bhopinder Singh made a sudden visit to Jipmer Hospital, Puducherry Government Medical College(under construction), and Pondicherry University on Thursday, May 08, 2008. When he arrived to Jimper, Dean Mr.K.S.Reddy and Hospital Supervisor Dr.Ramdec greeted and explained about the hospital’s functionalities as well as medical treatment as a response to Mr.Bhopinder Singh questions. The Governor visited the cardiology department, research centre, and other main departments.

The Governor also visited Government Medical College which is under construction in Kathirkamam. He was by accompanied by Health Director Mr. Dilipkumar Palika and College Principal Dr. Ananthakrishnan while ing about the progress in construction works and what percentage of work has been completed. He asked all the officers to speed up the basic construction works of Puducherry Medical College without sparing time in unnecessary building works. After insisting on the quicker work, Governor visited Pondicherry University before reaching Rajnivas.

Twelve Keys of Emotional Intelligence

Ever since Daniel Goleman wrote Emotional Intelligence, the subject seems to have made its way into success literature all over the world. But what exactly is emotional intelligence and why is it so important?

Well, the “why” is quite clear. Many people find themselves successful in all the traditional ways (i.e. with money and all its flashy friends) but still not satisfied. Creating meaning in life requires strong relationships and doing so requires emotional intelligence.

So, how does one go about creating a greater sense of emotional intelligence? In this post, I will outline the twelve aspects involved and offer brief descriptions of each:

1. Awareness. Recognising individual emotions as they occur, understanding why they occur, and understanding the effects (both good and bad) they have on you.
2. Control. Resisting impulses and urges (delaying gratification), remaining calm even as chaos ensues, and always thinking clearly when those around you can’t.
3. Assessment. Knowing strengths and weaknesses, learning from mistakes, and constantly striving to build on what you have in an attempt to make yourself better.
4. Vision. Creating a sense of direction in your life, having the foresight to anticipate problems/needs before they arise, and paying attention to the details.
5. Creativity. Thinking outside the box, developing a tolerance for ambiguity, and maintaining an openness to change.
6. Innovation. Seeking out unconventional solutions to problems, keeping an open mind to novelty in the world, and applying creativity in practical ways.
7. Ambition. Setting tough but attainable goals, constantly raising the bar in pursuit of excellence, and feeding the need for achievement whenever you can.
8. Initiative. Taking the first step when opportunity arises, never sitting back because it’s not in your “job description”, and bending the rules (occasionally) when it comes to making progress.
9. Conscientiousness. Accepting responsibility for personal performance, adopting a focused approach in your work, and understanding that nobody else is to blame for your shortcomings.
10. Adaptability. Admitting when you’ve failed, remaining flexible in the face of obstacles, and never being too stubborn to change.
11. Independence. Living with an unshakable sense of who you are, making your own decisions in the face of peer pressure, and acting despite tremendous risk and doubt.
12. Optimism. Understanding we all make mistakes, choosing to persist no matter how many times you’ve failed, and always remaining hopeful that success is just around the corner.

Those of you who are familiar with Zen Habits know that a great way to create a habit is to do so in a month-long trial. Start at the top of the list and work your way down over the next year. Or simply choose whichever you feel will benefit you most right now and take it from there.

For example, to create a greater sense of awareness you could start meditating, even if it’s for only five minutes a day. For assessment, you could take some time off to be alone with your thoughts, by treating yourself to a solo lunch or spending the afternoon at a local park. Or just drive to work with the radio off.

Slowly but surely, you’ll begin to see the changes. As long as you take the time to really imprint these new behaviours they’re bound to stick and you’re bound to feel the difference.