By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
CHENNAI, 18 August (asiantribune.com): Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Janata Party President, today submitted his written arguments in the Madras High Court in the matter relating to an appeal in Chidambaram Sabanayagar Temple, known as Chidambaram Natarajar Temple case.
According to the direction by the division bench of the court, Swamy filed his written arguments. In his arguments, Swamy said, the Pothu Dikshidars were maintaining the ancient temple for several hundred years. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board (HR&CE) has no right to take over the administration, he contended.
Also quoting several citations from the rulings of the high court and apex court, Swamy sought to set aside the single judge order of February 2 to uphold the HR &CE department’s notification to take over the temple administration.
The Bench comprising Mr Justice K Raviraja Pandian and Mr Justice T Raja posted the matter to tomorrow for further hearing.
Podhu Dikshidars had filed an appeal against a single Judge’s order dismissing their petition that challenged the Tamil Nadu Government’s appointment of an Executive Officer for the temple. In the appeal the Podhu Dikshidars had submitted that the single Judge had failed to see that protection under Article 26 would be available to a denomination if on the date of coming into force of the Constitution it had the right of administration of the temple.
Then Dr. Swamy had filed a petition seeking to implead himself in the case. It may be remembered, on February 17 this year, when Swamy came to the court to make a ‘mention’ he would like to implead himself in the appeal against the single Judge’s order, he was assaulted and eggs were thrown at him in a court hall in the presence of a Division Bench comprising Justices P.K.Misra (since elevated as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court) and K.Chandru. However, Swamy was directed to submit his written arguments.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Transgenders to have ID, ration cards in Tamil Nadu
By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
CHENNAI, 18 August (asiantribune.com): Transgenders in Tamil Nadu, who have an exclusive Transgender Welfare Board, the first in the country, will soon have their demands of ration cards, passport and voter ID cards, fulfilled.
As a prelude to the entire process, a four-member committee, one of whom is a doctor, is screening the members of the board to ascertain their true sexual identity. The screening camp held on Sunday and Monday at the Kilpauk Medical College, not only checked those registered for their ‘gender’, it also collected all relevant data of the members, as soon they are to become beneficiaries of many government incentives and plans.
There are 390 registered members of this ‘gender’ in the city, of whom 262 turned up at the camp venue, where they were put to physical and psychological tests by a panel comprising experts in the medical and psychological field, apart from Gemma D Silva, District Social Welfare Officer, Chennai, and Noori, a transgender member. Another camp would be held at another date for the remaining registered members, Noori said.
This effort was undertaken to study these members for their social and economic betterment, observed Gemma, adding that the members of the board were already issued ID cards from the welfare board. She said: “This is an attempt by the government to fulfil the demands of the transgenders.”
CHENNAI, 18 August (asiantribune.com): Transgenders in Tamil Nadu, who have an exclusive Transgender Welfare Board, the first in the country, will soon have their demands of ration cards, passport and voter ID cards, fulfilled.
As a prelude to the entire process, a four-member committee, one of whom is a doctor, is screening the members of the board to ascertain their true sexual identity. The screening camp held on Sunday and Monday at the Kilpauk Medical College, not only checked those registered for their ‘gender’, it also collected all relevant data of the members, as soon they are to become beneficiaries of many government incentives and plans.
There are 390 registered members of this ‘gender’ in the city, of whom 262 turned up at the camp venue, where they were put to physical and psychological tests by a panel comprising experts in the medical and psychological field, apart from Gemma D Silva, District Social Welfare Officer, Chennai, and Noori, a transgender member. Another camp would be held at another date for the remaining registered members, Noori said.
This effort was undertaken to study these members for their social and economic betterment, observed Gemma, adding that the members of the board were already issued ID cards from the welfare board. She said: “This is an attempt by the government to fulfil the demands of the transgenders.”
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday Celebrity:Bhawanesh Deora – he inspires patriotism around
By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
CHENNAI, 16, August (Asiantribune.com): Rajasthan is most popular destination for many—for its historical monuments, Dilwara temples, Thar and other deserts, Mt. Abu hills, national parks etc. For Rajasthanis nook and corner of the world is the destination, like Malayalees.
Their entrepreneurial spirit finds them all over the country, but they have always integrated themselves with the local situation and have been contributing to society wherever they have settled.
“There is a saying that ‘wherever the gaadi (vehicle) goes, the Marwari also goes’ says Mr. Bhawanesh Deora, who has a string of business establishments in Chennai. There is a sizable Rajasthani population in Chennai, “the earliest who has come to Chennai to settle was before independence,” he says.
While business has been an important reason for the migration, Rajasthani merchants have also contributed to their place of occupation through social service. Mr. Bhawanesh Deora is running one of the noted service organizations, under the name Shreyans Foundation, linked with the Lions clubs and NGOs.
Bhawanesh Deora
Deora’s patriotic and nationalist spirit; his euphoria and enthusiasm for national integration is inspiring. He is regularly celebrating the Independence Day since 1996, in Shreyans Hall, he owns, and serves food to the poor to about 1000s the same day. His full throat “Jai India” “Jai Bharat” fills to the blood veins. This correspondent was one of the Guests of Honour at his 63rd Independence day celebrations yesterday.
A few years back when the daughter of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose, Mrs Anita Bose Pfaf, was in the country (she is living in Germany with her professor husband), Mr. Deora managed to bring her to Chennai to his hall, and assembled all freedom-fighters of Tamilnadu, ex Indian National Army (INA) cadres of Nathaji and honoured them, this writer was present then. Deora gave the first reception in the city, and took care of all her programmes here.
When there was tsunami, Deora with his members reaching first the Chennai beach and virtually saw the third big wave receding, carrying in its folds lots of lives. This daring service-minded person rescued the people and helped them. He remembers how he pulled three persons from the forceful current of waters; he caught hold of some bodies the returning waves was rolling on the shores and also carried few dead bodies. “If the next deadly wave had lashed, I too would have been carried away,” he says.
“This made me first person to report to the TV crews that poured in a little later. I was on all TVs the whole day telling to the world what had happened. What is more, I was taken to the Sun TV studio to narrate the incidents, participating in the eye witness live presentation,” says Mr. Deora, “ek din a reporter” (one-day reporter).
He had organized food for the tsunami affected people immediately and for several days. Later he traveled to other affected areas with relief materials, distributing from Chennai upto Velankanni and Nagapattanam., all from his own money.
In handling tsunami affecteds, Deora had some experienced touch by now, for he had served earlier two catastrophes that had hit India before—the earth quakes in Latur in Maharastra and Buj in Gujarat.
Deora regrets he could not personally participate in the Latur relief camp sent by the Lions club, for there was a family grief. But he had participated in the collection of relief materials on behalf of the Lions club and sent them. When all his fellow men went, his heart of throbbing here. For the Buj earthquake, Deora joined one Jain Association, went with his group and served the people for 15 days. Seeing the conditions, he pumped out his own money to buy things and food material for distribution. Deora shows all the photographs proudly.
What has pulled him into this service mode? “It is because of my early membership with Lions club. As a boy of 16, I was inducted into the Leo club, the youth wing of Lions Club. in 1978. I was graduated into the service mode, participating into every field activity. In Leoism, I rose to the level of Council Chairman and won Wisdom award,” he says.
He joined the Lions Club in 1989 by starting his own Lion’s Club of Madras Leo City. Here too he handled service sectors with aplomb—eye donation, drug awareness, youth outreach, health camps and rain water harvesting, etc. And so service to humanity started grousing through his blood.
He is more than content serving the humanity at its worst. Every flood havoc in Tamil Nadu, Deora is up with his arms, ready with men and material, serving in the field. A couple of years back, when Chennai was in floods, he and his team of Shreyans Foundation were out of soccur.
His best service was at Zakir village, 15 kms off Arakonam, where the floods had affected the animals with foot and mouth disease, and men too. Shereyans had organized health camp for animals and human beings, cleaned the whole village and disinfected it, supplied food, cloths and bought books and notes for the children who had lost them in the floods.
Health camps are his routine, but one at the Pulicat lake island is worth mentioning, besides his Zakir village camp. There was skin infection, followed by chckenguniya. Deora went with his doctor team and rendered service.
Rain water harvesting is an habit in Rajasthan, where rain is sparsely. This was in his mind, seeing much of the rain water going down the drains waste. Speaking his mind out, he came across another person of same ideology by name Sekar of an NGO, Aakash. Deora happily remembers, the rain water demonstration given to Ms. Jayalalithaa, the then Chief Minister at Mandaveli.in Chennai. Impressed, she ordered rain-water for houses compulsory to increase the water table, which almost it did. If it is pursued vigorously, it will be good, he feels.
Deora is a tradition lover. “I am against the present-day use of more than one minute run of the National Anthem; it is pretty slow, rather it puts you to sleep.” For his function yesterday, he used the old 52-minute “jana gana mana”. He pointed out the national anthem should be that racy to arouse one.
He is a good designer and interior designer. He took me round his house showing the furniture he designed, the Rajasthani art work he had etched on the walls and floors. It was a treat.
Bhuwanesh Deora is third generation Rajasthani-Chennaiite. He is born (1962) and brought up here. He is a bachelor of commerce, but deserves to be ‘honorary doctored’. His businesses include, export-import, gift shop, convention hall which he calls Shreyans Integration Point, Reliance telecom dealership and Finance. His wife, mother and brothers are a good support to his activity. His friends’ network is enormous.
- Asian Tribune -
CHENNAI, 16, August (Asiantribune.com): Rajasthan is most popular destination for many—for its historical monuments, Dilwara temples, Thar and other deserts, Mt. Abu hills, national parks etc. For Rajasthanis nook and corner of the world is the destination, like Malayalees.
Their entrepreneurial spirit finds them all over the country, but they have always integrated themselves with the local situation and have been contributing to society wherever they have settled.
“There is a saying that ‘wherever the gaadi (vehicle) goes, the Marwari also goes’ says Mr. Bhawanesh Deora, who has a string of business establishments in Chennai. There is a sizable Rajasthani population in Chennai, “the earliest who has come to Chennai to settle was before independence,” he says.
While business has been an important reason for the migration, Rajasthani merchants have also contributed to their place of occupation through social service. Mr. Bhawanesh Deora is running one of the noted service organizations, under the name Shreyans Foundation, linked with the Lions clubs and NGOs.
Bhawanesh Deora
Deora’s patriotic and nationalist spirit; his euphoria and enthusiasm for national integration is inspiring. He is regularly celebrating the Independence Day since 1996, in Shreyans Hall, he owns, and serves food to the poor to about 1000s the same day. His full throat “Jai India” “Jai Bharat” fills to the blood veins. This correspondent was one of the Guests of Honour at his 63rd Independence day celebrations yesterday.
A few years back when the daughter of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose, Mrs Anita Bose Pfaf, was in the country (she is living in Germany with her professor husband), Mr. Deora managed to bring her to Chennai to his hall, and assembled all freedom-fighters of Tamilnadu, ex Indian National Army (INA) cadres of Nathaji and honoured them, this writer was present then. Deora gave the first reception in the city, and took care of all her programmes here.
When there was tsunami, Deora with his members reaching first the Chennai beach and virtually saw the third big wave receding, carrying in its folds lots of lives. This daring service-minded person rescued the people and helped them. He remembers how he pulled three persons from the forceful current of waters; he caught hold of some bodies the returning waves was rolling on the shores and also carried few dead bodies. “If the next deadly wave had lashed, I too would have been carried away,” he says.
“This made me first person to report to the TV crews that poured in a little later. I was on all TVs the whole day telling to the world what had happened. What is more, I was taken to the Sun TV studio to narrate the incidents, participating in the eye witness live presentation,” says Mr. Deora, “ek din a reporter” (one-day reporter).
He had organized food for the tsunami affected people immediately and for several days. Later he traveled to other affected areas with relief materials, distributing from Chennai upto Velankanni and Nagapattanam., all from his own money.
In handling tsunami affecteds, Deora had some experienced touch by now, for he had served earlier two catastrophes that had hit India before—the earth quakes in Latur in Maharastra and Buj in Gujarat.
Deora regrets he could not personally participate in the Latur relief camp sent by the Lions club, for there was a family grief. But he had participated in the collection of relief materials on behalf of the Lions club and sent them. When all his fellow men went, his heart of throbbing here. For the Buj earthquake, Deora joined one Jain Association, went with his group and served the people for 15 days. Seeing the conditions, he pumped out his own money to buy things and food material for distribution. Deora shows all the photographs proudly.
What has pulled him into this service mode? “It is because of my early membership with Lions club. As a boy of 16, I was inducted into the Leo club, the youth wing of Lions Club. in 1978. I was graduated into the service mode, participating into every field activity. In Leoism, I rose to the level of Council Chairman and won Wisdom award,” he says.
He joined the Lions Club in 1989 by starting his own Lion’s Club of Madras Leo City. Here too he handled service sectors with aplomb—eye donation, drug awareness, youth outreach, health camps and rain water harvesting, etc. And so service to humanity started grousing through his blood.
He is more than content serving the humanity at its worst. Every flood havoc in Tamil Nadu, Deora is up with his arms, ready with men and material, serving in the field. A couple of years back, when Chennai was in floods, he and his team of Shreyans Foundation were out of soccur.
His best service was at Zakir village, 15 kms off Arakonam, where the floods had affected the animals with foot and mouth disease, and men too. Shereyans had organized health camp for animals and human beings, cleaned the whole village and disinfected it, supplied food, cloths and bought books and notes for the children who had lost them in the floods.
Health camps are his routine, but one at the Pulicat lake island is worth mentioning, besides his Zakir village camp. There was skin infection, followed by chckenguniya. Deora went with his doctor team and rendered service.
Rain water harvesting is an habit in Rajasthan, where rain is sparsely. This was in his mind, seeing much of the rain water going down the drains waste. Speaking his mind out, he came across another person of same ideology by name Sekar of an NGO, Aakash. Deora happily remembers, the rain water demonstration given to Ms. Jayalalithaa, the then Chief Minister at Mandaveli.in Chennai. Impressed, she ordered rain-water for houses compulsory to increase the water table, which almost it did. If it is pursued vigorously, it will be good, he feels.
Deora is a tradition lover. “I am against the present-day use of more than one minute run of the National Anthem; it is pretty slow, rather it puts you to sleep.” For his function yesterday, he used the old 52-minute “jana gana mana”. He pointed out the national anthem should be that racy to arouse one.
He is a good designer and interior designer. He took me round his house showing the furniture he designed, the Rajasthani art work he had etched on the walls and floors. It was a treat.
Bhuwanesh Deora is third generation Rajasthani-Chennaiite. He is born (1962) and brought up here. He is a bachelor of commerce, but deserves to be ‘honorary doctored’. His businesses include, export-import, gift shop, convention hall which he calls Shreyans Integration Point, Reliance telecom dealership and Finance. His wife, mother and brothers are a good support to his activity. His friends’ network is enormous.
- Asian Tribune -
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Fortnight-long Madras founding day being celebrated
By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
CHENNAI, 17 August (asiantribune.com): The seventh edition of the founding day of the city is being celebrated as Madras Week. It commenced on Sunday in all grandeur with about 100 programmes lined up in various parts of the city and it will go on for fortnight with a wider range of events.
The idea of celebrating the founding day of the city (August 22, 1639), shaped six years ago and began as a week-long celebration from August 16 to 23. This year the festival would be for two weeks, although it is called Madras Week, as more organizations and corporates have jumped in to hold one programme or the other.
The celebrations will end on September 1, according to the organizers who have roped in more organisation/individuals and volunteer groups to make the event a gala affair.
‘Madras Day’ was an idea that three people put together -- the city's famed historian, S. Muthiah, journalist Sashi Nair and editor-publisher Vincent D' Souza. Today, they have been joined by three others -- senior journalist and editor Sushila Ravindranath, entrepreneur and writer-historian V. Sriram and journalist and web site entrepreneur, Revathi
Historian S. Muthiah said the prime objective of the celebrations is to spread heritage awareness, particularly in schools and colleges. And one of the significant features this year would be the participation of nearly 70 schools and 12 colleges, the major being Llyola, Vivekananda, Madras Christian College, MOP Vaishnav, Queen Maris, etc.
Several government departments, such as Archaeological Survey of India and Government Museum, are also hosting events. Some of the organisations that have joined in this year’s Madras Week celebrations include Alliance Francaise and Russian Cultural Centre. The others are the US Consulate General, the Madras Photographic Society, the Prince of Arcot.
Wikipedia would take people on a photographic hunt of the city, enabling them to take as many photographs of Chennai to illustrate Wikipedia articles. Besides heritage walks and talks, five photo walks would be conducted.
Growing from about 15 events in the first year, this year the celebration is accommodating a variety of events, all centered on the theme ‘Madras’. Besides the regular talks, quizzes, exhibitions and performances, there is hotels like Green Park organsing food festivals, Dakshinachitra holding a weeklong celebration, Malayali Club, Roja Muthiah Research Library, Alliance Francaise and Madras Terrace House organising youth-oriented programmes. Hotels Taj Connemara, Taj Coromandel, The Park, Park Sheraton are giving support.
Competitions like drawing and painting, essay writing, quiz and debate will also be organised by INTACH Heritage clubs by hub schools in Thirvanmiyur, Mylapore, Luz Corner, North Madras, KK Nagar and Purasaiwalkam, centering on coins and dedicating it to Late Raja Sitaraman, coin collector who exhibited his collection in last year’s celebration.
Vijayantha Higher Secondary School, Avadi, would conduct a bicycle rally from Avadi to Marina beach on August 22.One of the highlights of the events would be a reading session on ‘Madras Madrigals,’ a compilation of interesting verses on the city from the book that is out of print, he said.
This year, the celebrations would focus on youngsters in the city. A few bands, which have composed songs about Chennai, would be performing in places such as Elliots Beach. Besides an exhibition on bridges, coins and books, a special cover on arch bridges of the city would be released on Madras Day on August 22.
Credit goes to S. Muthiah
It was the noted Madras historian S Muthiah, who identified the founding day of Madras -- August 22, 1639. And the idea of Madras Day celebration grew out of it. The credit for the spirit of the celebration goes to Muthiah. It was on that day and year that a sliver of land, where Fort. St. George stands today, was sold to the East India Company. The deal was struck by Francis Day, his ‘dubash’ Beri Thimmappa, and their superior, Andrew Cogan, with the local Nayak rulers.
Once the fort was established, settlements grew around it. As the settlements grew with expanding trade and industry, the villages around it were absorbed into the newly formed city. One of them was ‘Madrasapattinam’, another was ‘Chennaipattinam’. The English name of the city seems to have been coined by the Britishers by shortening the former, while the Tamil name for the city was shortening the latter, the city got recently by the present rulers.
CHENNAI, 17 August (asiantribune.com): The seventh edition of the founding day of the city is being celebrated as Madras Week. It commenced on Sunday in all grandeur with about 100 programmes lined up in various parts of the city and it will go on for fortnight with a wider range of events.
The idea of celebrating the founding day of the city (August 22, 1639), shaped six years ago and began as a week-long celebration from August 16 to 23. This year the festival would be for two weeks, although it is called Madras Week, as more organizations and corporates have jumped in to hold one programme or the other.
The celebrations will end on September 1, according to the organizers who have roped in more organisation/individuals and volunteer groups to make the event a gala affair.
‘Madras Day’ was an idea that three people put together -- the city's famed historian, S. Muthiah, journalist Sashi Nair and editor-publisher Vincent D' Souza. Today, they have been joined by three others -- senior journalist and editor Sushila Ravindranath, entrepreneur and writer-historian V. Sriram and journalist and web site entrepreneur, Revathi
Historian S. Muthiah said the prime objective of the celebrations is to spread heritage awareness, particularly in schools and colleges. And one of the significant features this year would be the participation of nearly 70 schools and 12 colleges, the major being Llyola, Vivekananda, Madras Christian College, MOP Vaishnav, Queen Maris, etc.
Several government departments, such as Archaeological Survey of India and Government Museum, are also hosting events. Some of the organisations that have joined in this year’s Madras Week celebrations include Alliance Francaise and Russian Cultural Centre. The others are the US Consulate General, the Madras Photographic Society, the Prince of Arcot.
Wikipedia would take people on a photographic hunt of the city, enabling them to take as many photographs of Chennai to illustrate Wikipedia articles. Besides heritage walks and talks, five photo walks would be conducted.
Growing from about 15 events in the first year, this year the celebration is accommodating a variety of events, all centered on the theme ‘Madras’. Besides the regular talks, quizzes, exhibitions and performances, there is hotels like Green Park organsing food festivals, Dakshinachitra holding a weeklong celebration, Malayali Club, Roja Muthiah Research Library, Alliance Francaise and Madras Terrace House organising youth-oriented programmes. Hotels Taj Connemara, Taj Coromandel, The Park, Park Sheraton are giving support.
Competitions like drawing and painting, essay writing, quiz and debate will also be organised by INTACH Heritage clubs by hub schools in Thirvanmiyur, Mylapore, Luz Corner, North Madras, KK Nagar and Purasaiwalkam, centering on coins and dedicating it to Late Raja Sitaraman, coin collector who exhibited his collection in last year’s celebration.
Vijayantha Higher Secondary School, Avadi, would conduct a bicycle rally from Avadi to Marina beach on August 22.One of the highlights of the events would be a reading session on ‘Madras Madrigals,’ a compilation of interesting verses on the city from the book that is out of print, he said.
This year, the celebrations would focus on youngsters in the city. A few bands, which have composed songs about Chennai, would be performing in places such as Elliots Beach. Besides an exhibition on bridges, coins and books, a special cover on arch bridges of the city would be released on Madras Day on August 22.
Credit goes to S. Muthiah
It was the noted Madras historian S Muthiah, who identified the founding day of Madras -- August 22, 1639. And the idea of Madras Day celebration grew out of it. The credit for the spirit of the celebration goes to Muthiah. It was on that day and year that a sliver of land, where Fort. St. George stands today, was sold to the East India Company. The deal was struck by Francis Day, his ‘dubash’ Beri Thimmappa, and their superior, Andrew Cogan, with the local Nayak rulers.
Once the fort was established, settlements grew around it. As the settlements grew with expanding trade and industry, the villages around it were absorbed into the newly formed city. One of them was ‘Madrasapattinam’, another was ‘Chennaipattinam’. The English name of the city seems to have been coined by the Britishers by shortening the former, while the Tamil name for the city was shortening the latter, the city got recently by the present rulers.
Transgender Noori is a ‘leading light’
By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
Chennai, 5 July (Asiantribune.com): Only a few days before Chennai had “pride march” conducted by the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) community (June 28). The march was held in other cities too. Since the Delhi High Court’s landmark judgment legalising on July 2 homosexuality among consenting adults, holding law making it criminal offence is violative of fundamental rights, gays in the country go with a feeling of ‘gay abandon’; also their ilks.
Although Naz Foundation fought the case in Delhi, our search went on for some leading personalities among the LGBTs in Chennai. Thirumangai (transgender) S. Noori settled for a chat with the Asian Tribune. Her social activism impressed us. All electronic media has had her programmes or interviews on sex awareness.
Noori is happy to be known as ‘aravani’ (eunuch in Tamil) in stead of ‘thirumangai’ picked from Bhagwat Geeta by Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha MP, recently.
She is very happy the Delhi court discovered their rights, “but the central government should amend the 150 year old colonial era law—section 377 of the IPC. That will be biggest victory of the gay rights in India.”
Although Noori had education upto 3rd standard, the world ‘university’she was thrown into made her a multi-lingual. She is fluent in nearly half a dozen languages—Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi and English.
Noori has traveled 23 countries so far—South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Italy, France, Germany, Uganda, Thailand, and many African and European countries, addressing the AIDS awareness campaign, and exchanging programmes with them.
Noori is probably one HIV positive person surviving for 22 years now. Still hale and hearty, at her age of 58. Her positive thinking, positive role in the society may be keeping the dreadful disease afar. She is definitely a ‘leading light’ to sagging HIV inflicted persons around her.
Running an NGO, “South India Positive Network,” Noori is mother to 35 abandoned HIV children from age 4 to 17. When asked why only up to 17, and where do they go afterwards, Noori says: “That’s all the ends comes within that period. The youngest I have is 4 year old and the oldest is 17. Probably I am only one person who outlive the destiny. Maybe God wants me to serve them long.”
Not only HIV inflicted, she is a transgender too. There is no secret about anything. She is open, calls a spade a spade. Noori pours out her life in a straight matter of fact. She is converted to Christianity recently.
Noori was a Muslim when he was born in Ramnad, lost his mother when he was 4. Father, an army man, married another woman, step motherly treatment followed. At school he was nagged by colleagues about his feminine gaits, he ran away from home to Chennai and was in the employ of a Chettiar family. At thirteen he discovers the girl in him. The gender change disturbing, he runs away to Mumbai (then Bombay).
Noori says discovering the ‘she’ in him, it was natural in the sprawling city to be pulled into sex working. There a soldier falls in love with her even after knowing she is transgendered. When he was transferred to Chennai, Noori settled here. Soon her husband went way on transfer to north, with paltry sum arriving, she goes a full-time sex-worker.
Noori tested positive in 1987. Although there was initial shock, she says, she recovered and started playing positive role of advising and counseling other sex workers as per government health programme, weaning them away from their profession or advising them to adopt safety measures. Seeing she could convince her peers, a thought came why not establish an NGO herself.
Noori established an NGO in October 2001, South India Positive Network (SIP+ ), a non-profit organization, aided by Tamil Nadu Aids Control Society, that offers support through numerous services for people living with HIV/AIDS in South India, assisting them in overcoming constraints and difficulties faced in their day-to-day lives. The society was founded in response to the alarming speed with which HIV was spreading, and the lack of medical/ psychosocial/ economic support available to its victims in South India, Noori says.
SIP’s objective included everyone, regardless of whether male, female, child, eunuch, CSW (commercial sex worker), or gay, and bring together communities of people living with HIV/AIDS forming a statewide network. Registered under the Societies Act, SIP+ had 26 members to start with, and is currently made up of 4000 positive members living all over the south India, Noori says.
SIP takes HIV positive transgenders under its wing — it counsels them against continuing commercial sex, takes them for blood tests and arranges for free antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, their most poignant moment comes when the transgenders succumb to their condition and need what SIP offers – a funeral.
HIV/AIDS is one of the most challenging public health problem faced in India. Though awareness can be created among the various groups of people yet it is difficult to explain the facts of the killer syndrome to the tender and vulnerable children who are the major victims of this infection. According to the recent statistics more than five thousand children are infected in Tamil Nadu alone, Noori says.
In response to the escalation of the high rate of infection and considering the plight of the children Noori started SIP Memorial Trust home for infected and affected children in the year 2005 in Chennai, to provide a supportive assistance to the orphan children who are excluded from the joy of a normal childhood. Now there are 35 children.
Noori took this writer to ‘home’ to show the children. They greet her as she enters the home and come and nestle in her lap to be fondled by her, especially the young ones.
Noori says: “We aim that no children have to endure the state of homelessness besides the plight of the children who are orphaned due to AIDS epidemic should gradually come down. Moreover we wish soon these kinds of support shelters exists in the form of records in the history and not as destitute homes. Our focus is home base care, educational support, medical support, skill development training and recreation.”
Her life story was so inspiring that it was published as a novel by none other than Su. Samudhram, former All India Radio News Editor, author of several books. Its translation in English also came out subsequently.
- Asian Tribune -
Chennai, 5 July (Asiantribune.com): Only a few days before Chennai had “pride march” conducted by the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) community (June 28). The march was held in other cities too. Since the Delhi High Court’s landmark judgment legalising on July 2 homosexuality among consenting adults, holding law making it criminal offence is violative of fundamental rights, gays in the country go with a feeling of ‘gay abandon’; also their ilks.
Although Naz Foundation fought the case in Delhi, our search went on for some leading personalities among the LGBTs in Chennai. Thirumangai (transgender) S. Noori settled for a chat with the Asian Tribune. Her social activism impressed us. All electronic media has had her programmes or interviews on sex awareness.
Noori is happy to be known as ‘aravani’ (eunuch in Tamil) in stead of ‘thirumangai’ picked from Bhagwat Geeta by Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha MP, recently.
She is very happy the Delhi court discovered their rights, “but the central government should amend the 150 year old colonial era law—section 377 of the IPC. That will be biggest victory of the gay rights in India.”
Although Noori had education upto 3rd standard, the world ‘university’she was thrown into made her a multi-lingual. She is fluent in nearly half a dozen languages—Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi and English.
Noori has traveled 23 countries so far—South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Italy, France, Germany, Uganda, Thailand, and many African and European countries, addressing the AIDS awareness campaign, and exchanging programmes with them.
Noori is probably one HIV positive person surviving for 22 years now. Still hale and hearty, at her age of 58. Her positive thinking, positive role in the society may be keeping the dreadful disease afar. She is definitely a ‘leading light’ to sagging HIV inflicted persons around her.
Running an NGO, “South India Positive Network,” Noori is mother to 35 abandoned HIV children from age 4 to 17. When asked why only up to 17, and where do they go afterwards, Noori says: “That’s all the ends comes within that period. The youngest I have is 4 year old and the oldest is 17. Probably I am only one person who outlive the destiny. Maybe God wants me to serve them long.”
Not only HIV inflicted, she is a transgender too. There is no secret about anything. She is open, calls a spade a spade. Noori pours out her life in a straight matter of fact. She is converted to Christianity recently.
Noori was a Muslim when he was born in Ramnad, lost his mother when he was 4. Father, an army man, married another woman, step motherly treatment followed. At school he was nagged by colleagues about his feminine gaits, he ran away from home to Chennai and was in the employ of a Chettiar family. At thirteen he discovers the girl in him. The gender change disturbing, he runs away to Mumbai (then Bombay).
Noori says discovering the ‘she’ in him, it was natural in the sprawling city to be pulled into sex working. There a soldier falls in love with her even after knowing she is transgendered. When he was transferred to Chennai, Noori settled here. Soon her husband went way on transfer to north, with paltry sum arriving, she goes a full-time sex-worker.
Noori tested positive in 1987. Although there was initial shock, she says, she recovered and started playing positive role of advising and counseling other sex workers as per government health programme, weaning them away from their profession or advising them to adopt safety measures. Seeing she could convince her peers, a thought came why not establish an NGO herself.
Noori established an NGO in October 2001, South India Positive Network (SIP+ ), a non-profit organization, aided by Tamil Nadu Aids Control Society, that offers support through numerous services for people living with HIV/AIDS in South India, assisting them in overcoming constraints and difficulties faced in their day-to-day lives. The society was founded in response to the alarming speed with which HIV was spreading, and the lack of medical/ psychosocial/ economic support available to its victims in South India, Noori says.
SIP’s objective included everyone, regardless of whether male, female, child, eunuch, CSW (commercial sex worker), or gay, and bring together communities of people living with HIV/AIDS forming a statewide network. Registered under the Societies Act, SIP+ had 26 members to start with, and is currently made up of 4000 positive members living all over the south India, Noori says.
SIP takes HIV positive transgenders under its wing — it counsels them against continuing commercial sex, takes them for blood tests and arranges for free antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, their most poignant moment comes when the transgenders succumb to their condition and need what SIP offers – a funeral.
HIV/AIDS is one of the most challenging public health problem faced in India. Though awareness can be created among the various groups of people yet it is difficult to explain the facts of the killer syndrome to the tender and vulnerable children who are the major victims of this infection. According to the recent statistics more than five thousand children are infected in Tamil Nadu alone, Noori says.
In response to the escalation of the high rate of infection and considering the plight of the children Noori started SIP Memorial Trust home for infected and affected children in the year 2005 in Chennai, to provide a supportive assistance to the orphan children who are excluded from the joy of a normal childhood. Now there are 35 children.
Noori took this writer to ‘home’ to show the children. They greet her as she enters the home and come and nestle in her lap to be fondled by her, especially the young ones.
Noori says: “We aim that no children have to endure the state of homelessness besides the plight of the children who are orphaned due to AIDS epidemic should gradually come down. Moreover we wish soon these kinds of support shelters exists in the form of records in the history and not as destitute homes. Our focus is home base care, educational support, medical support, skill development training and recreation.”
Her life story was so inspiring that it was published as a novel by none other than Su. Samudhram, former All India Radio News Editor, author of several books. Its translation in English also came out subsequently.
- Asian Tribune -
Cyber crime has to take back seat; upgraded ‘cyber lab’ commissioned
By Gopal Ethiraj, Chennai
CHENNAI, 14 August (asiantribune.com): The upgraded ‘cyber lab’ at the city police commissionerate at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh was formally inaugurated on Friday by City Police Commissioner T Rajendran. Now equipped with most sophisticated facility in the country, IT- related crimes will be solved faster, the CoP said.
Of late cyber crimes is on the increase in the city. Although special training is given to the police in cyber crimes, for want of latest technological facility, the police was dependent on the private companies to solve the crimes related to computers, SMS, internet, cell phones, satellite phones and credit cards. Mumbai and Delhi have advanced cyber labs, and so the Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin had permitted to go ahead with the modernization project.
The equipment were bought from US and Isreal. The new cyber lab has 68 forensic tools, 43 relating to hardware and 25 to advanced software. The system has an external memory hard disk, which has a storage capacity of 320 gigabyte, as well as an in-built storage facility.
The police had a successful test run with the new facility. They nabbed the Haryana kabaddi player Sumith, who killed his team-mate in Chennai, by using the advanced technology installed, a senior police officer said.
The lab will be under the direct supervision of deputy commissioner of police, central crime branch, Sudhakar. There is a proposal to upgrade the cyber crime wing attached to the level of deputy commissioner of police because the wing plays a dominant role in cracking white-collar crime as well as other crimes such as murder for gain, a senior police officer said.
The cyber lab will also be useful in investigating cases involving issues of tampering, destruction, restoration and retrieval of stored data, hackers who get into protected networks, defamatory and illegal publications, and intellectual property rights and crimes.
The police commissionerate had a cyber crime wing functioning since 2003, and so far it has handled 133 cases and more than 2,500 petitions, sources said.
CHENNAI, 14 August (asiantribune.com): The upgraded ‘cyber lab’ at the city police commissionerate at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh was formally inaugurated on Friday by City Police Commissioner T Rajendran. Now equipped with most sophisticated facility in the country, IT- related crimes will be solved faster, the CoP said.
Of late cyber crimes is on the increase in the city. Although special training is given to the police in cyber crimes, for want of latest technological facility, the police was dependent on the private companies to solve the crimes related to computers, SMS, internet, cell phones, satellite phones and credit cards. Mumbai and Delhi have advanced cyber labs, and so the Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin had permitted to go ahead with the modernization project.
The equipment were bought from US and Isreal. The new cyber lab has 68 forensic tools, 43 relating to hardware and 25 to advanced software. The system has an external memory hard disk, which has a storage capacity of 320 gigabyte, as well as an in-built storage facility.
The police had a successful test run with the new facility. They nabbed the Haryana kabaddi player Sumith, who killed his team-mate in Chennai, by using the advanced technology installed, a senior police officer said.
The lab will be under the direct supervision of deputy commissioner of police, central crime branch, Sudhakar. There is a proposal to upgrade the cyber crime wing attached to the level of deputy commissioner of police because the wing plays a dominant role in cracking white-collar crime as well as other crimes such as murder for gain, a senior police officer said.
The cyber lab will also be useful in investigating cases involving issues of tampering, destruction, restoration and retrieval of stored data, hackers who get into protected networks, defamatory and illegal publications, and intellectual property rights and crimes.
The police commissionerate had a cyber crime wing functioning since 2003, and so far it has handled 133 cases and more than 2,500 petitions, sources said.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Azhagiri is now Alagiri
Pronouncing his name they tumble. His North Indian cabinet colleagues, officials, TV anchors and even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, especially, find it difficult utter his name. The correct ‘zha’ of Tamil in his name cannot be written in English for phonetics and so also can it be pronounced in Hindi.
And so, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister M K Azhagiri has now decided to settle the matter — he’s not ‘Azzagiri’ (as they now pronounce in Delhi), but ‘Alagiri’.
Henceforth he will be officially spelt ‘Alagiri’ and the new spelling would be notified in the gazette as well, sources close to him said. ‘‘Everybody, including the Prime Minister, was mangling his name.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, he was asked how he wanted his name to be pronounced and spelt. “For the benefit of his colleagues, he has now decided to make his name simpler and easier by changing the spelling,’’ sources said.
The ‘zh’ in Azhagiri is pronounced the same way as ‘l’ in Tamil, but the phonetic similarity is not intelligible to non-Tamils because the spelling does not reflect the pronunciation. Karunanidhi’s daughter and Rajya Sabha MP, K Kanimozhi, has been another victim of this common mispronunciation. ‘‘When people in Delhi call out my name, I can barely make out that they are referring to me,’’ she said.
Changing his name couldn’t have been an easy decision for the Union Minister, whose father is an erudite Tamil scholar, and for whom the ‘zhagaram’, as the unique consonant is known, may be the crowning glory of the Tamil language.
And so, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister M K Azhagiri has now decided to settle the matter — he’s not ‘Azzagiri’ (as they now pronounce in Delhi), but ‘Alagiri’.
Henceforth he will be officially spelt ‘Alagiri’ and the new spelling would be notified in the gazette as well, sources close to him said. ‘‘Everybody, including the Prime Minister, was mangling his name.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, he was asked how he wanted his name to be pronounced and spelt. “For the benefit of his colleagues, he has now decided to make his name simpler and easier by changing the spelling,’’ sources said.
The ‘zh’ in Azhagiri is pronounced the same way as ‘l’ in Tamil, but the phonetic similarity is not intelligible to non-Tamils because the spelling does not reflect the pronunciation. Karunanidhi’s daughter and Rajya Sabha MP, K Kanimozhi, has been another victim of this common mispronunciation. ‘‘When people in Delhi call out my name, I can barely make out that they are referring to me,’’ she said.
Changing his name couldn’t have been an easy decision for the Union Minister, whose father is an erudite Tamil scholar, and for whom the ‘zhagaram’, as the unique consonant is known, may be the crowning glory of the Tamil language.
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