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Vol 1 Issue 35

Is Pondy Bazaar hawkers complex haunted?

Aug 05, 2012

No. 214

Price Re. 1 Only

households every week

55,000

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Alcoholics, Drug Addicts and Mentally Ill rehabilitative care

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With the festival season approaching, neither hawkers criss-crossing the bylanes of Pondy Bazaar nor shoppers have found relief from the congestion.and it looks like the place is haunted. The complex built for the hawkers in March 2011 here still lies under lock and key, as hawkers say theyd rather sell their wares on the street. The three-storied structure, built on a budget of roughly Rs 4.5 crore, lies right behind the flower shops on Pondy Bazaar. A plan for relocating the hawkers came up in 2003, after a Madras High Court-appointed committee came out with its report. But the facilities provided are not enough, said hawkers. There is a single hall on each floor, interspersed with the buildings beams. There are no facilities for the hawkers to store their wares and there is no guarantee that our things will be safe at night, said M Devadasan, head of the Pondy Bazaar Traders Welfare Association. The building has

provision for the 650-odd hawkers identified by the committee, but they have been allocated only an area of 5 x 5 feet as against the 10 x 10 feet demanded by the hawkers. A 5 x 5 feet area wouldnt be enough for a table and two people, let alone all the wares. The columns of the building also eat up into the space. Even an 8 x 10 feet space would be better, said Devadasan. Some of the traders also claim that the building has 72 toilets. It is a building of 18,000 sq ft. What will we do with so many toilets? First, ask the Corporation to give us more space to sell our wares, one of them said. The building also has two lifts to facilitate transport of goods. The shifting was initially delayed because the shopkeepers who sold their wares on the land the complex is built upon, were allocated the third floor. Around 125 members have been here for more than 75 years. We wanted the ground floor, so we filed a

case. So far, only hundred of us have got our allotments shifted to the ground floor. Others are still waiting, said Devadasan. But other traders who were allotted the third floor now want space on the first floor. Weve also been here for quite sometime, why should we be allotted the third floor? Why would people climb three flights of stairs to buy turmeric? asked a trader, who sells pooja material. Devadasan said the association was backing these traders. As long as they dont demand space on the ground floor, we are quite happy to help them, he said. Corporation officials said that cases for changing allotments had been filed in the Supreme Court. They are still pending and the court has ordered a status quo on the project. So were waiting for the verdict to take further steps, said a Corporation official. Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan indicated that the cases might be heard sometime next month.

Sangaabishekam for Lord Sai Baba


A special 1008 Sangaabhiskem is bieng performed on Sunday at 11.00 am to the green coloured idol of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba by the Sayee Prachar Seva Trust in Ayodhya Mandapam which will be followed by special poojas and Aarthi at 1.15 pm and Annadhanam. In the evening at 6.00 pm Sai Dhyanam, a book written by Sri S. Lakshmi Narasimhan - Founder Trustee, Sayee Prachar Seva Trust - will be released by Dr. A. R. Lakshmanan Former Chief Justice. S. Gokula Indira Tourism Minister and Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy on the occasion. For more information call phone 98403 25245. All are welcome

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ALPHA TIMES

Aug. 05, 2012

Vol 1 ISSUE 35

Aug. 05, 2012

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For the week Aug. 05 to 11, 2012


Aries [ March 21 to April 20) ] The security you have been longing for in your relationship will come now. However, dont take your partner for granted. This is a good time to invest in stocks, shares and property. A Taurean friend is helpful. Lucky colour: Green Taurus [ April 21 to May 21 ] Those in the creative fields will fare well. Financial transactions will work out in your favour, but guard against people who are eyeing your money. Joint pains may bother you. Go for a check-up. Lucky colour: Black Gemini [ May 21 to June 21 ] Most of the time you will be organising and settling things at the workplace. Plan your finances to avoid stress in future. This is a good time to unwind with pals. A trip is on the cards. Lucky colour: Red Cancer [ June 22 to July 22 ] People in the corporate world might face temporary problems related to conflicts with the management. A surprise awaits you. Your child may be a source of worry. Avoid speculation. Lucky colour: Aqua Leo [ July 23 to Aug 23 ] A good time to plan a holiday with your family. For the moment, try to concentrate more on work for future benefits. Take care of your eyes, and do not ignore doctors advice. Lucky colour: White Virgo [ Aug 24 to Sept 22 ] You will be the centre of attraction at workplace. Your efforts will be appreciated by those who matter. Romance is on the cards, but think before you commit for marriage. Beware of strangers. Lucky colour: Silver Libra [Sept 23 to Oct 23 ] For people in the creative fields, this is a productive week. In personal relationships you need to use tact and patience to make things work. Postpone overseas travel for now. A good news on the cards. Lucky colour: Peacock green Scorpio [Oct 24 to Nov 22 ] Parties and picnics seem to be on your agenda this week. However, avoid overindulgence. A promotion is on the cards, but remember it means long hours of work too! Remember; work is worship. Lucky colour: Black Sagittarius [ Nov 23 to Dec 23 Life will be full of challenges this week. Avoid using harsh words with loved ones. People planning to enter into partnership will need to be extra cautious before signing on the dotted line. Expect a quest on Friday. Lucky colour: Orange Capricorn [Dec 24 to Jan 20] Dont expect immediate changes. Stars favourable for those planning a house. Youll play more and work less this week. Give priority to travel plans. Use your own judgment in important issues. Lucky colour: Deep red. Aquarius [ Jan 21 to Feb 18 ] Underlying domestic tension may vanish. Pursue your creative & profitable hobby. Selective speculation in real estate and stocks will be highly rewarding. People will take care of you and you will eagerly return their favours. Lucky colour: Peach. Pisces [Feb 19 to March 20 ] Health problem will be over. An unusual streak of good fortune on Monday. Home and property affairs come to the fore. Focus is on sports activities. Friday will be spent with friends. Lucky colour: Crimson. - Dr. A. Ranganatha Sarma

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Aug. 05, 2012

ALPHA TIMES

Page 3

In a bid to resolve the consumers' p rob l ems the state owned Oil and Gas major Indian Oil Corporation has embarked upon an ambitious plan to curb the growing consumer complaints and discipline the delivery network by announcing the contact details of the respective officials for the neighbourhood with their names and mobile numbers and email id which was hitherto not accessible by the aam aadmi (Common Man ) Complaints of Non delivery, delayed delivery, misrepresented delivery, extortion of extra money, misbehaviour by the dealer/ delivery boy etc., can be lodged with the following officers. Theagaraya Nagar West Mambalam Area: Gas consumers can contact Ms. R Kavitha, Field officer on 1st and 15th of every mont h betw e e n 3 . 0 0 pm and 5.00 pm at Dev Agencies, 3-A 80ft Road, Saligramam, Chennai 600 093. Mob: 94449 91844 Email: kraghupathy@ indianoil.in For those who are drawing supplies from

Indane LPG complaints - call these numbers

TUCS outlets in city can contact Ms. Sugandhi Chakroborthy, Field officer on 1st and 15th of every month between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm at TUCs head office 156 big street, Triplicane Chennai 600 005. Mob: 04449 14839 Email: sugandhi@indianoil.in Teynampet Area: Gas consumers can contact Mr D Suresh, Field officer on 1st and 15th of every month between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm at Om Shakthe Gas Service 54/2 Balaji Street, Saidapet Chennai 600 015 Mob: 94440 30399 email : dsuresh@indianoil.in Also one can lodge their complaints to the area office Door No 500 Anna Salai Opp L R Swami Building Cenatoph Road junction, Teynampet, Chennai 600 018. 044 24339236 / 44 2433 9246. indanecarechao @indianoil.in. For any RTI querries on LPG products please write to Deputy General Manager (LPG) PIO Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Bhavan, 139 Utthamar Gandhi Salai (Nungambakkam high Road) Chennai 600 034. Ph: 044-28339181 / 28339023

Sri Krishna Sweets special for Janmashtami


This year Sri Krishna Sweets is celebrating Krishna Jayanthi by offering Janmashtami Special Tin Box which contains Laddu, Badusha, Groundnut Ball, Ghee Appam, Kai Murukku, Thattai, Seedai, Sweet Seedai , therattipal with this they are giving gift Cows Butter 150 grams, Aval & Vellam. All these will available at all Krishna Sweets Branches on August, 7th,8th and 9th On Krishna Jayanthi Day (Aug. 09) chuda chuda Akkaravadisal will be vailable from 9 am onwards till stocks last. Paal puri and Adai Vennai is availale on 8th and 9th at their Adyar, Ashok Nagar, Besant Nagar, Madipakkam, Mugappair, M y l a p o r e , P e r a m b u r, Tambaram, Triplicane & Ambattur, Velachery and Venkat Narayana Road branches. Krishna Jayanthi special sweets and savouries are also available according to the customers requirements. Advance orders are also undertaken. For further details contact: Ph : 43909930/42616161.

I-T returns can be filed till August 31


The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Tuesday extended till August 31, the filing of income-tax returns for assessment year 2012-13. Originally July 31 was the last date for filing the tax returns. An official communication issued stated that the extension was made under Section 119 of Income Tax Act 1961 following reports of disturbance to general life due to power failure and considering the fact that e-filing for a specified category of individuals and the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) had been made mandatory. In Chennai, the Commissionerate operated 40 special return receipt counters and 15 counters as help desk and PAN verification for four days to enable assesses to file their returns.over 51,450 people made use of this facility at the Aayakar Bhavan. Those earning less than Rs.5 lakh per annum, after allowing deductions and consisting of salary from a single employer and interest income from deposits in a saving bank account up to Rs.10,000, have been exempted from filing of returns. The CBDT had asked individuals whose total income exceeded Rs.10 lakh to file their returns electronically.

Bouyed by the retail big format stores occupying a large market share the state owned Triplicane Urban Cooperative Society is in the process of opening new fair price shops.to provide essential commodities at subsidised rates to more people across the city, As part of its efforts, the Society recently submitted a list of 20 Chennai Corporation-owned sites identified across the city to the civic body. At present, the Society serves nearly four lakh families through 258 fair price shops. According to sources, some of the shops operate in congested sites for want of space. The co-operative society is in dire need of space to shift their shops in areas such as Chetpet, Kodambakkam, T. Nagar and Mylapore. On an average, each shop serves 1,600 card holders. While a minimum of 600 sq.ft. of space is

T Nagar to get a new TUCS fair price shop

needed to operate and store commodities such as pulses, wheat, rice and sugar, some of the shops function in half this area. We h a v e c h o s e n sites depending on public access. The civic body could provide space in their multi-purpose halls. The Corporation could build shops on the sites and provide us with facilities for the monthly rent, said a source from TUCS. The society also proposes to set up a minisuper market along with fair price shops wherever space is available. This would enable customers to purchase groceries at subsidised prices as well. Meanwhile, a resolution was passed in one of the Corporations ward committee meetings held recently, to shift a TUCS fair price shop in West Mambalam to a Corporationowned spacious hall in the same area.

Music Hanuman concert at janma SMR school Nakshathra A Violin duet concert will pooja be held on Monday Aug. 06
at 6.30 pm in Thayagaraja Hall, SMR Matriculation School, Jothi Ramalingam Street, West Mambalam by R. Kailasam and M. Balakrishnan with the following accompaniments. Thanjavur Subramanyam on mridangam and Poongulam Ramakrilshnan on ganjira. All are welcome. 'Hanuman janma Nakshathra pooja. will be perfomred at Sri Sanjeevini Peetam 16/45,BRP 1st Street, West Mambalam at 11 a.m on Sunday, Aug. 5. This pooja will have 108 carrot ashtothra pooja for Lord Hanuman, chanting of Sri Hanuman Chalisa and singing of Rama bhajans. Mathaji will present betel leaf plants to 11 persons on the occasion. For more details call 2471 2231 and 90435 68941 or visit www. sanjeevinipeetam.com.

Anything interesting happening in your neighbourhood alert us at

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August has become a month of reminiscence and pride over the history and present of Chennai. Over the years, Madras Day has expanded from a single-day observance on August 22 to a month-long craze. In keeping with this, the Murugappa Group has announced that it would once again sponsor the Madras Quotient Quiz for the second year running. The Madras Quotient Quiz will be held for school students and will aim to get them thinking about the past, present and the future of Madras. The formal announcement of the quiz was made at a press conference at the historically significant Dare House on Parrys Corner on Thursday. The quiz is to be conducted by Dr Navin Jayakumar. There isnt much point in asking school students direct questions about the history or significance of places and things in the city. They just will not be able to answer it, said Navin. So, the challenge has been to come up with questions that engage the children

Madras Quotient Quiz on September 1

while also making them think about the various aspects that have made this city what it is today, he added. The quiz has been designed to have as many audio-visual and perceptive questions as possible, say the organisers. The Madras Quotient was first held in 1989, with Navin as the quiz master. After a hiatus two decades, it was held again in 2011. The quiz was first conceived to mark the 350th anniversary of the founding of Madras. We sponsored it last year, and are looking to make it an annual event, to be held on September 1 every year, said Sridhar Ganesh, director-HR, Murugappa Group. The preliminaries of the quiz will be held on September 1 at the Vani Mahal and six teams will be chosen to take part in the finals to be held the same evening. Schools can send as many teams of three. For further details, visit http://www.murugappa. com. The quiz will also features questions and prizes for the audience.

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ALPHA TIMES

Tamil Nadu Wakf Board election


The filing of nomination for the election to members of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board from the electoral college, comprising Bar Council Members and Muthawallis, will commence on August 2. The last date for filing of nomination will be August 9. While scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on August 10, the last date for withdrawal will be August 13. The final result of contesting candidates will be published on August 14. If necessary, polling will be held on August 29 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Office of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board, No.1 Jaffar Syrang Street, Vallal Seethakkathi Nagar, Chennai 600001, and the results will be declared on August 30, according to an official release.

Soft in Emotion, Understanding it with Prudence, Stern at Heart should be the Attitude To Living over Diabetes When you suffer from a health problem your doctor names it-The Diagnosis. But, you have to remember that, Diabetes mellitus is not a

Diabetes Foe? Or Friend?

Aug. 05, 2012

single disease, but a group of diseases (metabolic), and characterized by increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), resulting from defects at various levels. The increased blood sugar, on a long term(Chronic Hyperglycemia, invariably leads to, long-term damages, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. These deleterious damages affecting various organs may be felt by the patient(symptomatic), or he may feel normal(a symptomatic). But an alert Diabetologist can spot it in right time and save your life, from the pinches of chronic hyperglycemia. Several pathogenic processes are involved in the development of diabetes .Impairment of insulin secretion and defects in insulin action frequently coexist in the same patient. Sometimes it is unclear, which abnormality is the primary cause of the hyperglycemia. Symptoms of marked hyperglycemia include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, sometimes with polyphagia, and blurred vision. Impairment of growth and susceptibility to certain infections may also cause chronic hyperglycemia. INCREASED BLOOD SUGAR levels can occur, in many occasions, and it is called IFG, IGT.To Diagnose Diabetes an alert, very knowledgeable and experienced Diabetologist only can do with some expensive Tests. So you have to remember that, increased blood-sugar-level may be labeled as Diabetes 0r may not be diagnosed as Diabetes. YOU must be relaxed now to read further that, if your consultant says you are a Diabetic it all means that, nearly 5 to 10 yrs. back itself, the diabetic processes (pre-diabetic sequences) already started. Diabetes never pounces on anyone suddenly, it is SO SILENT. is the Diabetes.

Our Team

AlphA Times

Editor S Raghunathan Advisor K Venkataraghavan Reporters Bharadwaj Krishnan K Gopinathan Production Layout: Anand Print production: Lakshminrisimhan Circulation R karthikeyan 99411 16677 Advertisement Desk 94449 43293 Office R V Publications Private Ltd., B4-2, Vijayaraghava Manor 1,Vijayaraghava Road, T. Nagar, Chennai 600 017 Ph: 42697393

NO need to be schoked,but be alerted to do a check at least twice an year.IN FACT glucose is a friend, but you must remain watch-ful,and manage the situation well before it becomes a Foe. Long-term threatening complications of diabetes include retinopathy with potential loss of vision; nephropathy leading to renal failure; peripheral neuropathy with risk of foot ulcers, amputation, and Charcot joints; and autonomic neuropathy causing gastrointestinal, g e n i t o u r i n a r y, a n d cardiovascular symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Acute, life-threatening consequences of diabetes are hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis or the nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome (HONK). Your full-cooperation and understanding of your health status as explained by an Experienced Diabetologist can prevent serious damages, by keeping your blood glucose levels targeted. - Prof.Dr.Nandakumar AK Velu
To be continued

Diabetic Management
MBBS., MD (cmb). PG.Dip.Diabetology.Ph.D. Physician & Consultant Diabetologist, Specialist in: Diabetic Complication Management Chennai: SAT & SUNDAYS. (0)9944547364 / 9842617800

Prof.Dr.Nandakumar AK Velu

Aug. 05, 2012

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Aug. 05, 2012

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Consumer Rights

Housing finance firms on the mat


held the housing finance company guilty of deficient service. It directed it to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation within 30 days, failing which pay 12 per cent interest on the amount, calculated from the day the complaint was first filed. When the consumer court at the statelevel upheld this verdict, the housing finance company filed a revision petition before the National Commission, arguing that the loan had not been sanctioned because the consumer or the applicant had not submitted the required papers. Dismissing this contention, the apex consumer court pointed out that all title deeds demanded by the housing finance company had been submitted by the consumer , yet the loan had not been disbursed on some pretext or the other. So in addition to the compensation awarded by the lower consumer court, litigation costs of Rs 15,000 should be paid to the consumer, the commission said(LIC Housing Finance vs Shri Rajiv Rastogi and others, decided on July 10,2012). From what one can see from the order of the apex consumer court, the housing finance company obviously did not ask for all the papers in one go, as required, but in several instalments, thereby causing harassment to the consumer. Even after the papers were submitted, the sanctioned loan was not disbursed, eventually forcing the consumer to seek the loan from another source. In the bargain, he lost considerable time and this not only delayed his construction, but also caused him mental agony. As per the regulator's instructions (Guidelines on Fair Practices Code for Lenders), the lender is not only supposed to ask for all papers in one go, but also give an acknowledgment of having received the application and also give a time limit within which the application would be processed. If for any reason, the loan is not sanctioned, then the applicant has to be informed of it in writing, giving reasons for such denial. The RBI has also underscored the need for transparency in the entire loan application and disbursal process, which again was lacking here.
- Pushpa G TNS

Different Strokes

Home loan companies are supposed to ask for all papers at one go and give a time limit within which the loan will be processed HOUSING finance companies and banks that deny loans to consumers without any valid reason had better mend their ways. Or else, they will end up paying huge sums as compensation to consumers whom they have treated shabbily. A recent order of the apex consumer court, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, leaves no doubt about the way consumer courts will treat such complaints from consumers. In fact in this case, in addition to awarding the consumer compensation, the National Commission also wanted an inquiry to be held against the officials who denied the loan to the complainant, despite his completing all formalities. "This is a fit case where inquiry must be made by LIC Housing against its officials", the commission observed in its order. An application for a housing loan was sent by the complainant, Rajiv Rastogi to LIC housing, for constructing a house at Barotiwala in Himachal Pradesh. As per the requirement, the consumer deposited all original title deeds and he was informed by the agent on November 26, 2007, that the loan had been sanctioned. However, when no cheque or draft was issued by the housing finance company, the complainant made enquiries and was told that the validity of the loan offer had expired as the loan papers had not been forwarded. Surprised, Rastogi contacted the agent, who again asked for more papers. This was given and he informed the complainant on June 7, 2008, that the loan had been sanctioned. But again, the loan was not disbursed. He even sent them a legal notice on August 29, 2008, but got no response. Exasperated, the consumer took back the original documents and got the loan from a bank. He decided that the housing finance company must pay for its behaviour towards him. He, therefore, filed a complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, which

Good deeds never go waste


and popped some bread in the toaster. Precious minutes ticked by as mom quickly wrapped the food in a disposable dish and handed it to the old man. Here you go babaji, she smiled. Eyes glistening with gratitude, the old man blessed her. May your family never go hungry. May you live a happy life. May God always keep your family safe, he prayed with each morsel that he took. Wiping the kitchen counter, mom quickly locked the back door again and dashed outside. An old man came knocking. He needed some food, she explained to her family as dad looked at his watch impatiently. Their car sped with all possible haste to the station but they were too late. The train had left without them. Sonu and Renu were extremely disappointed. What a time to be generous, mom. Our holiday is ruined, said Sonu. Couldnt you just have ignored the man? asked Renu. They grumbled and whined all the way back home till their father sternly told them to stop complaining. They were all sad and very disappointed. Their mom felt very sad at seeing their sad faces but in her heart she knew she could not have ignored the old mans plea for food. Four hours later, they were all staring at the television, shocked and pale faced. The train they had missed had a collision which caused the front carriage to fall off a bridge. Luckily, there were no causalities as it was empty. Apparently, the family that had booked the front carriage had missed the train, the reporter was saying. Oh, thank God we were late! Dad said, holding his children close and looking at the pictures of crumpled train carriage on the screen that they had booked their seats on. And thank God, mom delayed us to give food to that hungry old man, said Sonu and Renu , hugging their mother hard and realising that a good deed always pays.
- S. Raghunathan

Everything was ready. All the preparations had been made. The suitcases were packed and tickets bought. The family got into the car and went off towards the railway station to embark on their much-awaited holiday. They had gone only half the distance when suddenly mom said, Oh, dear! I cant remember if I had locked the backdoor or not. Dad brought the car to a screeching halt. Really Geetha, he said in exasperation. Now well have to go all the way back. Sonu and Renu groaned too. They had been looking forward so much to their little holiday. Their father had booked seats in a newly launched, luxury train for the weekend. They were to go sightseeing, do a little shopping, eat some exotic food and have some family time together. Ill just take a minute! Mom promised once they reached their house. Plucking the keys out of her purse, she dashed inside. Their house had two doors. One in front, which was used by the family, and a small one at the back which was mainly used by the maid. Mom hurried to the back of the house only to find the door firmly locked and bolted. What a waste of time, she said wryly, shaking her head. Just then, there was a frantic knock on the backdoor followed by loud banging. Startled, mom peeped out of the side window to see an old man outside. He was stooping with age and looked very weary. She unlocked the door. I am very hungry, beti. Do you have some food for an old man? Mom was torn between her need to go outside to her waiting family and her desire to help a needy person. She always made it a point to give charity and food to whoever came to their door. Making up her mind, she told the old man to sit under the shade of the big tree growing just outside their back gate. Ignoring the impatient honking outside, she heated some food in the microwave As responsible adults we have to continue to show the way. Teach and give insight that good etiquette and manners are essential for society's growth. Learn to be gracious, have verbal and non-verbal courtesies (Open doors for other people, leave thankyou notes, gracefully refuse). Realise that good manners are a measure of how wonderful one is. It's a way of life! Whether it is at school, work place, corporate sectors etc., one learns that being manipulative pays ultimately as it is considered "smart" and therefore this maladaptive behaviour continues.
Monika S (The writer is a corporate counsellor)

Personality Traits

Sorry, no thank you please


Inability to carry out expectations set by parents. Wanting immediate gratification of needs. Lack of time for each other. Change in working class. Being self-centred, wanting things your own way. I-am-always-right attitude. Rebelling against social norms. Continuing with faulty behaviour patterns due to lack of insight. Inability to perceive the larger responsible picture. Rewarding manners Teach good manners when children are young. Be good role models for children to follow.

SOCIAL etiquette and good manners, once considered an asset, an essential courtesy in any communication, now appear to be a fading trend. People used words like 'Thank you', 'Please,' Excuse me and 'Sorry' in their speech so often to establish long-lasting relationships. Some of the causes responsible for this trend could be: Lack of guilt for displaying crude, uncivilised casual behaviour. Justifying wrong behaviour. 'I am rude , but I am honest .' Inability to imbibe and follow good values. Poor emotional climate at home. Poor role models to follow in society and dislike of being traditional. Peer imitation among youth.

Implementing a poll promise, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today approved an allocation of Rs 1.25 crore towards subsidising travel of Hindu pilgrims to the holy sites of Mansarovar and Muktinath, both in foreign countries. The state government will bear Rs 40,000 of the Rs one lakh estimated per individual for air travel to Mansarovar in China and Rs 10,000 towards those visiting Muktinath, one of the 108 Vaishnavite shrines which is located in Nepal. A total of 500 beneficiaries, 250 each for either destination, would be covered under the scheme and the Chief Minister has approved Rs 1.25 crore towards this purpose for the year 2012-13, a state government release here said. Selection of pilgrims would be done by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department from October 15 by issuing print advertisements. The department would select the beneficiaries under relevant guidelines, it said.

Jaya allocates Rs 1.25 cr for subsidising pilgrims travel

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RNI No. TNBIL/2011/40609

ALPHA TIMES

Aug. 05, 2012

Published by K Venkataraghavan on behalf of R V Publications Private Limited, B4-2, Vijayaraghava Manor, 1, Vijayaraghava Road, T Nagar Chennai 600 017 and printed by him at KVP Printers 98/51, Jones Road, Saidapet, Chennai 600 015 Ph: 4269 7393 Editor S. Raghunathan

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