Teens becoming fashionistas nowadays..

Oh my God!!! Its really a heck of time to walk out with a teen age girl in the Jawaharlal Nehru Street in Pondicherry. I have a very good friend of mine, She is a great Fashionista who use to often buy trendy ornaments and cosmetics in various types. This Sunday we both jumped out in J.N. Street to find out some Fashion Jewelleries for her as she is entering the college next year. I was amazed by the designs and the varieties of these trendy jewels and was dumb-struck. This was more than enough for not only girls in the town, I could even see teen boys too wearing these sorts of fashion jewels. Today I sat down to blog on these trendy fashion picks I saw in various shops.
Its not an easy task to pick a trendy earring or a bracelet in a particular shop because in our small town we could find many petty shops and also Air-conditioned showrooms that showcase this trendy items. My friend dragged me over the streets and she has been collecting various trendy things that suits her dresses. She even told me that most of the girls prefer these trendy items rather than the Gold ornaments. I have been seeing my Mother and Sister from my childhood who has been wearing Gold ornaments but now to my excitement, even a girl kid too joined the fashion team and was looking for the fashionable and pretty ornaments. Thanks to the fashion jewellery, We could find a huge variety of designs these trendy jewels are much affordable and has a wide range where you can pick the one that suits you. The varieties range from wood, glass, metals, sea-shells, embellished with precious stones and also semi-precious stones.
"Trendy ornaments are fast-moving. We keep getting new designs, and sales are good through the year. Both youth and middle-aged men and women buy them," says Vijay Kumar, Manager of Casablanca. Casablanca is a very famous outlet for the fashionistas who wish to wear trendy jewels. In the shelves of the shop we could see innumerable items like earrings, chains, rings, bracelets, pendants and etc. Famous Super markets in Pondicherry too stock these sorts of ornaments and trendy items. In all the fancy stores we could see these type of jewels that could be afforded by the middle as well as the lower class people.
“The range of colours is huge too, and the cost ranges from Rs. 90 to Rs. 1,200. "Most customers prefer fashion jewellery since it is not expensive and looks good too. Young girls prefer fashion jewellery, and so, we keep sourcing new designs to keep up with the changing trends," he says.
A number of shops on Jawaharlal Nehru Street, one of the commercial hubs in Puducherry, sell trendy jewels and fancywear too. In another famous fashion showroom is the Pink Fashion Jewellery which offers a wide range of bangles and anklets sporting pearls, corals and precious and semi-precious stones. Many teen girls prefer these types of hook and drop models as they are easy to wear and also light weighed metals that suit their dresses. This is one of the hot news in this hot summer for our Girls and also for fashion headed boys too.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

Educational FM Channel by Pondicherry University

Days are gone for the old radio stations by the micro and macro Fm stations around Pondicherry. I can’t escape a day from my mom’s favorite BIG FM yet she would flip through Suryan FM, Rainbow FM, and Nila Fm. Now Pondicherry University is filling the space of educational Fm channel in Puducherry. If you tune into FM 107.8, you will listen to Pondicherry University's educational broadcasts in another two months.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, J.A.K.Tareen told to Newindpress that “Through the channel, the university had plans to provide educational and learning resources to students and public in Puducherry”.

He also added steps were taken to prepare audio based lessons for students, innovative radio programmes for locals regarding health, business, cultural relations and competence, and other interactive fun filled educational programmes with Public.

Intially the station will broadcast programmes in Tamil, English and French for 3 to 4 hours in the forenoon and would repeat them in the afternoon. University faculties, students and other affiliated institutions will take part in the programme. This innovative step taken by Pondicherry university should be appreciated and hopefully the Fm would entertain the scholarly and knowledge crowds.

Important Memorial Homes of Patriots and Writers of Pondicherry

Puducherry is as historic as it has given the shelter for so many patriots and writers. Now let us know about the memorial homes of Shree Subramaniya Bharathi, Bharathidasan and Ananda Rangapillai.

Subramanya Bharathi, the Tamil poet-revolutionary whose pen was an important weapon during India's freedom struggle, sought refuge in this French enclave when the British made life impossible for him elsewhere in South India. At No. 20, Easwaran Koil Street, where he lived in Pondicherry, Bharathi composed some of his finest patriotic songs and such immortal works of Tamil literature as the Panchali Sabadham, Kannan Pattu and Kuyil Pattu.

Bharatidasan @ KanagaSuburathinam, another great poet, was inspired by Subramanya Bharathi, whom he regarded as his guru. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his play "Pisirandayar". He lived at No.95, Perumal Koil Street. The houses of both Bharathi and Bharathidasan are now maintained as memorials and are places of pilgrimage for Tamil-lovers.

Ananda Rangapillai lived at No. 69-C, Rue Rangapillai (Maison Ananda Rangapillai). His palatial house is an excellent piece of 18th century architecture, a unique blend of French and Eastern styles. Ananda Rangapillai is the famous diarist of Dupleix's time. The records he maintained of the events between 1736 and 1760 are an invaluable source of information on the history of Pondicherry and the French India that age.

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.