chennai News 87

CHENNAI NEWS

(NEWS OF CHENNAI AND TAMILNADU BY ENVERNATHAN)

Volume 87 (March 2008)

Enver’s Rambling.

Lots of mails have been coming in support of the people of Tibet who are under the rule of the Chinese. People have condemned the violence there. There is also a website that you can go and register your protest. http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org

However the world seems to have forgotten the plight of the Tamil people in Srilanka who are being killed everyday. It is only the Tamils in the various countries who are voicing their protest. One only has to surf the net to see the horrendous pictures of the plight of the people as a result of the indiscriminate aerial bombardment by the Srilankan air force.

So how many of you have been following the auction of players in the PCL 20/20 cricket league in India. Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said that he felt like a cow being sold. However I guess a race horse auction would have been more appropriate. This was a chance for the superrich of India to lavish money on the cricketers of the world.

On the converse while all these millions were being dished out there was a case of a young 24 year old Ilavazhagi of Chennai who went to the world caroms championships at Cannes and became the world woman champ. A daughter of a cycle rikshaw puller and living in poverty she just about made it in the small print. All she wanted was someone to give her a permanent employment. Thanks to a few benefactors and the Tamilnadu government she will now be comfortable enough to practise her sport without wondering where the next meal will come from.

I am looking forward to spending the Tamil New Year celebrations being held by the Tamil Federation of KZN. Although Tamil New Year falls on April 13^th this year (because of the leap year) the celebrations will start on Saturday 12^th April culminating in a Tamil Koothu (dance) which will go on till the next morning. I am flying down especially on the 12^th morning to be with all of you who will be attending. I hope I have the energy to do a few steps at the dance.

This year the Youth Group of the Tamil Federation will be holding a fair to coincide with the celebrations. I have already booked my stall. This will give me a chance to meet and talk to you at the stall. I will also be able to tell you more about the Tamil Movie Club. In fact I would like it to rather become an Entertainment Club where movies will just be one of the many functions that we can promote.

If you would like to book a stall and promote some of your wares then please contact the following people. Remember it is not often that you can meet a crowd of over 20,000 people all in a short space of time and in one area. You can also attach your advert in the Post and Rising Sun

For more information contact : Senthil Narsigan 031-4051997 0768995277

Alvin Naidoo: 031-707 4985 072 867 4333

Adver:t To Book Contact : Marcus Narsigan : 031-405 1997 082 685 0922 Fax : 031-400 0079

Email: senthilnarsigan@gmail.com

Internet

I have also started a blog site called www.envernathan.blogspot.com

I intend putting all my old volumes of Chennai news in this site and also news that cannot wait a whole month. Please visit it at least once. This will also give me some idea of the readership of Chennai News. Unfortunately I lost all the very early copies of Chennai News when my system crashed. Hopefully one of you may have it.

My son Kamesh has his own blog site which can be accessed at http://kameshgovender.blogspot.com/ . It is quite interesting and he loves putting pictures etc in it.

I have finally registered my website www.envernathan.com I have to now build up the website as soon as I can get some time.

Some of you who visited India a few years ago promised me space on your server. I did not follow it up at that time but now that I have a web domain I will need that promised space. Please mail me.

One of our groups in Facebook is called Learn and Teach Tamil. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6084403897) This was started on 1 December. This is an interactive site for people who want to learn Tamil and also for people who want to teach. As it is aimed at adults we are using the English font. Please join in to get involved. Kamesh has prepared some lessons which I will share with you. However to get really involved on a daily basis it will be better to join the group.

This site is becoming very popular and is increasing daily.

For those of you who are interested in Tamil movies you can join the group Tamil Movie Club. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6526801521) Not to be confused with the Movie club which you pay R100 as an investment. The one in Facebook is of course free. You can join in some lively discussions on all aspects of Tamil cinema.

The latest addition is the Tamil Eisteddfod group. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7818284447) This is a place for all of you who ever took part in an eisteddfod whether as a participant, administrator, Adjudicator or the audience. The rule of the group is that you must introduce yourself. Hopefully we will have a collection of experiences that will inspire others to take part.

For those of you who are looking for a Tamil word processor then you should look at the Azhagi software. This is also excellent for transliterating Tamil songs etc.. You can get a free basic copy by downloading from the site www.azhagi.com If needed you can then opt for the more advance version. You don’t even have to know Tamil to use it.

Kamesh has taken it upon himself to help his school raise funds for their building expansion project. He has managed to get two ex students from the USA to make a donation. He has got his mum’s friend from Bangalore to do likewise. He has asked me to include this in Chennai news. If you would like to donate something for the building you can contact him at kwg2005@gmail.com

Tourism Scene

Well the tourism season is almost over. I have about four families still to tour. I also have my first family for the next season ready to tour from June. There used to be a 3 to 4 month gap between the end of one season and the next. Now the off-season is now less than two months. However this gives me the time to come to South Africa on my annual visit.

I have had a real range of tourists. I am now also getting tourists from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. I had one couple from New Zealand who had originated from Fiji. His grandparents had come from Andra Pradesh while his wife’s grandparents had come from Tamilnadu. He had grown up in a village full of people who originated from North India, so he wanted to converse in Hindi which did not please me. I do not know if it was just him but I just did not enjoy doing the tour. The guy was suspicious of everyone from India. I think I will concentrate on South Africans no matter which part of the world they are in. Somehow we are different.

I also did a tour of four ladies from the Westville, Hillcrest area. Three of them were white. This was mostly a five star holiday. I did enjoy this tour and so did they. I have found that ladies no matter if they are Hindus, Christians or Muslims or now even if they are Indians or whites they all have one thing in common. They all like to shop. Even the white ladies were overweight with their luggage.

The two group tours were quite a success. Many young professionals have come up to me saying that they would like to sponsor their parents on a holiday to India. The dilemma is that they themselves are too busy to accompany their parents on the holiday and also they don’t want to send them alone. Thus they find a solution in sending them on a group tour with me knowing that they will be safe. So far no one has any cause for complaints.

Lots of people are trying to find their roots and come armed with the details from the document centre. However many come here and then find that they have left the papers at home.

The next group tour will be in September this year. I am still working on the dates but it should be around September 1. This is a three week South tour. I have 10 people from the phoenix area already booked. If you want to join in please do so.

I have had some people who shop around and tell me that some agent on the internet is cheaper. I then tell them to use that particular agent as I am not going to lower my standards and match the cheapest. I know that most South Africans will not be able to live in hotels provided by these cheap agents. I sometimes have calls from these people asking for help however it is too late as most times they have paid the money upfront. I pride myself in the Hotels and transport that I use. My motto is that I want a peaceful night sleep. To ensure that I have to use hotels which are good so that people will not want to move to another hotel?

A new trend is that lots of younger people are now travelling to India. Thus we have to do a lot of homework to ensure this new category of tourists have a good holiday. Holidaying to Nepal is becoming quite popular with them.

As a new service I have now added accommodation and tours in Mauritius as an extra service on to the holiday. I find that it can be done quite cheaply when booked directly with the owners in Mauritius. I am now looking at a similar service in Dubai.

Film scene

We have all been waiting patiently for the movie Vellai Therai (Silver screen) which stars Pritiviraj, Prakashraj and Gopika. The movie is a joint production of Duet Movies (Mozhi), Mosier Baier and Michi FM radio. The movie is a satire on the Tamil movie industry. The movie gives you a good insight into the excesses of the industry where the actors call the shots. Prakashraj plays an oldish small time actor who is always in debt and always worrying directors for a break. Pritiviraj is an assistant director who is very interested in good cinema. Gopika is an actress who is in love with Pritiviraj. However Gopika is being controlled by her brother who calls all the shots and pockets all the money. While taking refuge at Pritiviraj’s home, Prakashraj steals the script that the former had been working on the last 10 years. He takes it to a producer and says that it can be made into a movie only if he is given the lead role. The movie becomes a hit and he a star.

Pritiviraj soon learns about the treachery but can do nothing about it as he had not registered the script. After a severe beating from her brother Gopika leaves her home and marries Pritiviraj. Pritiviraj soon begins the slide downwards till he finds himself on the roads. A kindly producer then decides to give him a chance to direct a movie on condition that Prakashraj acts in it. This gives the plot many twists and turns and how the director finishes the movies when the star walks out is best kept secret until you see this movie. This is really an enjoyable movie for the whole family to watch.

The movie Thoondil stars Shaam, Sandiya and Dhivia and is shot entirely in London. Sham is happily married to Sandhiya and their only short coming is that she cannot conceive. With the help of a doctor played by Revathy she falls pregnant and has a daughter. Shaam then finds his life slowly being dismantled and the baby is kidnapped. The kidnapper is an old flame played by Dhivia (Polladavan fame) who lays claim to the baby. They go to court and it’s a case of surrogate mother vs egg donor. A very well done movie that keeps you gripped to the narration. The only negative part was the stale comedy of Vivek.

The Name is Rajnikanth is a book written by an ardent Rajni fan Dr Gayathri Sreekanth. The book which was written with the aid of the superstar and his family is 384 pages with over 100 pictures. It traces his life from a humble bus conductor to his status as a superstar. It is selling for about R100 here.

The South Indian movie industry in general and the Tamil film field in particular will mourn the death of film actor Raghuvaran who was 49 years old. He was no doubt a versatile actor who could play the role of a villain with absolute finesse. Born in Coimbature he moved to Chennai to pursue a carrier in movies. His first movie was Ezhavadu Manidan but really shot to fame after the success of Poovizhi Vasalilae in which Satyraj his senior also from Coimbature played the hero. The movie was remade in various languages and Raghuvaran played the villain in all of them. His performance in Anjali and Badsha will be remembered for a long time. His failed marriage to actress Rohini saddened him and he doted on his son Sai Rishi. Besides acting he was an accomplished musician and loved playing the guitar and keyboard. He had also written a song for his dream album Strangers.

Swaamiyeh Saranam Ayyappaa

The members and officials of Pretoria Bhajanai Mandram have great pleasure in announcing to all devotees that the Mahaa Kumbhaabhishegam at Shree Ayyappaa Kshetram will be celebrated from Tuesday 15^th April to Saturday 19^th April 2008

For further information please contact:

Dr. Raj Kolapan – 012 374 0491 Mr A Pillay(Ben) – 083 6569390

Mr. Devi Dherman – 082 552 5531 Mr. Sudesh Pillay – 076 2400307

Mr. Kassen Pillay - 079 302 7292 Mrs. Tilly Pillay – 082 463 2244

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VADHINI INDIAN ARTS ACADEMY

Presents

“FOLKLORE OF INDIA”

Wednesday 9th April 2008 at Artscape Theatre @ 7:30pm

Please note there will be ONE SHOW ONLY (I am assuming this is capetown)

It is a 1hr15min performance. Tickets available at computicket @ R60

Computicket opens Monday 17^th March 08

Western Cape Tamil Federation

FAMILY PICNIC / SPORTS DAY

SUNDAY, 30^th March 2008

at

Glencairn Sports Complex

(on beach road towards Simonstown, turn right after Ou Kaapse Weg sign at Hotel [Glen Rd]Drive towards mountain, field on right, after 2^nd stop)

Prayer Service / Bhajans from 9:30 to 10:30 followed by

Sports events, Fun and Games

ALL AGES – Lots of prizes

Braai stands provided, bring own wood, coal, ice, umbrellas, etc

FREE ENTRY

Curly Valoo 021 638 2820/ 072 149 2191 Sassy Dass 073 856 3876 Salvan Moodley 082 456 8942

Classified Section.

As I will leave for South Africa on April 8^th I want to make sure that my shipment leaves here in the first week of March. So if you need anything please let me know early.

The Sydenham Tamil Society has re-started the Veena and harmonium classes after the eisteddfod. The teacher is Dr Deena Pillay a student of the late Mr GN Moodley. For more details contact my sister Jayambal Govender at 031-2086929 (h) or 031-2603106 (o).

Sri Saradha Institute of Arts and Culture (Free Tuition in Tamil, Music & Dance)

Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 at 39 Munn Road - Ottawa

Contact Suja or Kovilan Muthumanikam on 083 742 8508 for more details

Manormani Dance Academy. A school of Bharatha Natyam and Folk Dance.

Saturday 9.00 – 12.00 at Umgeni Road Temple. 13.30 – 16.30 ABH – Chathsworth.

Monday 18.00 – 20.00 at Woodview Primary.

Tuesday 15-30 – 17.00 Stanmore Regional Hall.

Wednesday 17.30 – 19.00 Mount View Civic Hall.

For further details contact Mrs Govender on 031-5053379

HINDU CULTURAL LEAGUE - MUSIC AND DANCE ACADEMY

Offers the following classes on Saturdays in the disciplines of Music, Dance and Language: Bharata Natyam, Tabla, Harmonium, Tamil, Karnatic Vocal Classes & Folk & Contemporary Dance

Children and adults, from beginners to advanced are welcome.

Classes are held at the H. A. Jack Primary School, Cnr Jauncey & Preston Roads, Abbottsford (close to Melrose Temple). Johannesburg. For more information in respect of times, cost and other information, contact

Rueben 072 709 5991, Thirumala 082 563 4439, Don 082 787 2056 or Inbam 083 262 6511 or email info@hcl.co.za Visit our website www.hcl.co.za

Chennai: Contact Envernathan Govender, 21 South Street, Radhanagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, India. Tel. 0091-44-22654243/22654396. Cell 0091-9841248652.

South Africa: Contact Mrs. K. Govender, 30 Eskdale Road, Sydenham, Durban, 4091. Tel. 031-2086929.

Mauritius: Contact Mr. Balakrishna Tandrayan, 8 Sun Yat Sen Street, Port Louis, Tel. 2423404. Fax. 2413299. (Sorry this is for people from Mauritius who want to travel to India)

Chennai News 86

CHENNAI NEWS

(NEWS OF CHENNAI AND TAMILNADU BY ENVERNATHAN)

Volume 86 (February 2008)

Enver’s Rambling.

One of the biggest bashes that I missed was the celebration of 80 years of Mr MV Rajah. I am not saying his birthday as it happened a few weeks later. For those of you who don’t know MV as he is affectionately called he is one of the most interesting persons that I have ever known.

An athlete, an academic, a teacher and administrator for sports, education and culture are just some of the areas that he excelled in. This man straddled these varying fields with ease.

My association with him is primarily because he was married to my late aunt Dhaya (my late father’s sister). However this was just the beginning of our association.

My first recollection of him is when he used to visit my grandfather at Villa Road. Both our families used to go together to most functions. I remember him and my father playing a kind of game of cricket. However for the want of a ball they used to use green lemons much to the annoyance of Mr MM John who owned the lemon tree.

A story teller and raconteur par excellence he will have you in stitches with his many amusing anecdotes.

He has been a long serving member of the Eisteddfod movement and served in both admin and as a head of the adjudication panel for many years. He is now the chairman of the NTVS trust.

In 1982 Uncle Marie (as I like to call him) asked me to join the Natal Tamil Vedic Society Provincial Body as the assistant secretary. An equally young Rama Pillay was the secretary. Except for my stint as a Chairman of a football club I had no experience in Admin work. This started my interest with the Tamil culture and which later developed into a great passion.

Another birthday that I am going to miss is my mum’s 76^th on March 2. I have no problem in disclosing her age as she is quite proud of it. Those of you who know her can phone her on 031-2086929 and wish her for her birthday. She will like that.

I will be bringing my younger son Mahesh with me this time to SA. We will be arriving in Johannesburg on April 8^th where we will spend 4 days. On April 12 we will be making our way to Durban. I want to attend the Tamil New Year celebrations on that evening which is being hosted by the Tamil Federation of Kwazulu Natal. I believe that there will a Tamil Koothu (dance) which will go on till after midnight. They have also arranged stalls and I plan to take one. So you can meet me at the stall to say hello. Those of you from Gauteng who want to meet me please mail me and we will set up an appointment. I will be in Beverly Gardens which is close to Randburg.

The Tamilnadu government has declared that from next year Tamil New Year should be celebrated on Jan 15 which is Thiruvallular’s birthday. So be prepared for some confusion next year. They also want the New Year to be celebrated with pomp and gaiety which they say is more appropriate during the harvest time of January rather than April.

Anyway watch this space as I will keep you updated.

Internet

I have also started a blog site called www.envernathan.blogspot.com

I intend putting all my old volumes of Chennai news in this site and also news that cannot wait a whole month. Please visit it at least once. This will also give me some idea of the readership of Chennai News. Unfortunately I lost all the very early copies of Chennai News when my system crashed. Hopefully one of you may have it.

My son Kamesh has his own blog site which can be accessed at http://kameshgovender.blogspot.com/ . It is quite interesting and he loves putting pictures etc in it.

I have finally registered my website www.envernathan.com I have to now build up the website as soon as I can get some time.

One of our groups in Facebook is called Learn and Teach Tamil. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6084403897) This was started on 1 December. This is an interactive site for people who want to learn Tamil and also for people who want to teach. As it is aimed at adults we are using the English font. Please join in to get involved. Kamesh has prepared some lessons which I will share with you. However to get really involved on a daily basis it will be better to join the group.

This site is becoming very popular and is increasing daily.

For those of you who are interested in Tamil movies you can join the group Tamil Movie Club. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6526801521) Not to be confused with the Movie club which you pay R100 as an investment. The one in Facebook is of course free. You can join in some lively discussions on all aspects of Tamil cinema.

The latest addition is the Tamil Eisteddfod group. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7818284447) This is a place for all of you who ever took part in an eisteddfod whether as a participant, administrator, Adjudicator or the audience. The rule of the group is that you must introduce yourself. Hopefully we will have a collection of experiences that will inspire others to take part.

For those of you who are looking for a Tamil word procssor then you should look at the Azhagi software. This is also excellent for transliterating Tamil songs etc. I went along with Mr Moon Moodly to meet with Visvanathan who is the creator of the Azhagi software. While the fomer has come out with a manual transliterating system the latter has a computerised sysem. It was really a pleasure listening to two great minds sharing ideas. What amazed me was that two people who did not know each other and living in two different countries could come up with the same idea and system that was almost 95% compatable. The best part is that both are not Tamil scholars. Moon Moodley is a mathematician and Visvanathan is an engineer. You can get a free basic copy by downloading from the site www.azhagi.com If needed you can the opt for the more advance version. You don’t even have to know tamil to use it.

Tourism Scene

Well the Group tour is almost over. The next group tour will be in September. I already have people enquiring about it. If you want to come along on this tour or send your parents then please contact me.

Movie scene

Saadhu Miranda (Literally what happens when a meek man becomes full of rage) starring Prasanna and Kavya Madhavan is a delightful mix of comedy and action. The story is one of revenge but why we are kept guessing till the end. In between is a heady blend of comedy. Siddique who also directed the Surya and Vijay movie Friends has once again succeeded in keeping the audience laughing long after the movie is over. Prasanna has done an excellent job and is making his presence as an actor. Kavya is given a meaningful role and she makes the best of it. The combination of Karunas, Bhaskar, Charlie, Vyapuri etc makes it a laugh riot. Watch out for Abbas as the villain. He has done a splendid job. The songs are excellent even if sometimes misplaced.

Anjaathe is the second movie by director Mysshkin after Chithiram Pesuthadi and once again stars Narain. Prasanna is the villain and Vijayalakshmi plays Narain’s admirer. Although the movie is long (3 h 10 mins) it is fast paced and does not slacken for even a minute. It is a very realistic look at the underworld of Chennai. Sathya who reluctantly joins the police force is soon drawn into a case where a gang led by Pandiarajan and Prasanna kidnap young girls for ransom. In between is the story of his best friend Kripa (Ajmal) who becomes an antisocial when he is rejected from the police force recruitment. The fact that Satya is selected by fraudulent means turns his ire against his friend. Unwittingly he joins the gang of kidnappers. His sister Uttara (Vijayalakshmi of Chennai 28 fame) begins to admire Sathya which further adds to his anger. Sathya is asked to join the special task team as he can recognize the voices of some of the gang. Prasannna shows his versatility as the sexual deviant villain. The fact that he is also playing the hero in other movies did not deter him from doing this role. The climax is one of the most riveting you will come across in Tamil cinema. The songs are excellent and few in number and does not in any way hinder the storytelling.

Pirivom Sandhipom stars Sneha, Cheran and Jairam. Sneha marries Cheran and just loves the fact that he belongs to a big joint family and fits in very easily in this life. However Cheran wants to live alone with his wife and gets a transfer to an isolated area. The place where they live is one of the most beautiful locations with a waterfall as a backdrop. Sneha who has very little to do in her new home is soon engulfed in boredom. She starts recording all the sounds around her and listens to it when she is alone. Jairam is the local doctor and soon realizes that she is suffering from loneliness. Sneha takes any opportunity to get people to her house so that she can have someone to talk to. The by play between Jairam and Ganja Karupasami is quite funny. Sneha gives a brilliant role and is ably supported by Cheran. I really enjoyed this movie.

Vazhthukal stars Madhavan and Bhavana. One of the main claims of the film was that the entire dialogue was in pure Tamil without any English words. However the movie has much more going for it. Madhavan sees a TV interview of Bhavana where she talks about her large extended family and how she likes being with all her relatives. He compares this to his sister who cannot stand living with her in-laws. He makes up his mind that he will marry her. He and his friend go to Coimbature and with the help of an interior designer get the commission of decorating Bhavana’s family home. While working on this project he endears himself to the family and wins Bhavana’s love. However a problem arises because her grandfather does not approve of love marriages. This causes a rift in the family and Madhavan realizes that the only way for him to marry her is to get them all back together. This is a really charming movie for all members of the family.

Polladhavan is directed by Vetrimaaran and stars Dhanush and Divya. The film was released with very little hype but has had a very successful run. Dhanush is a happy go lucky if somewhat irresponsible youth. However, all this changes when his father gives him Rs 40,000 and he buys a motorbike which becomes his life. He gets a job as a sales representative and becomes a responsible son. On the way he wins the love of a lovely girl played by Divya. A parallel story is the gangs of Chennai and their infighting. When one of the gang members steals his bike it begins his search and in the process getting in the way of the gang. An instant mutual dislike is established between Dhanush and the younger brother of the gang leaders. This culminates into a very good ‘one to one’ fight at the end. The music by GV Prakash (nephew of AR Rahman) is excellent especially the remix Engaiyum Eppothum with rap.

After quite a delay Bheema finally made the screens. The story is excellent and about a young boy who hero worships the local gang leader and grows up emulating him and the joins his gang. Vickram is excellent in this role. Prakash Raj as his mentor is also excellent as can be expected. Trisha is as pretty as ever and has a new look in this movie. However the movie is somewhat marred by the killings which become mechanical at times. Vickram is a one man killing machine and it becomes a bit too much. The songs and music are excellent.

Kaalai is Simbu’s latest movie directed by Tharun Gopie and also stars Vedhika. It is a movie of revenge. Jeeva (Simbu) comes to the city to avenge the death of his grandmother. However we are kept guessing as we are only told that later. The fact that he shares his name with a local thug adds to the confusion. I found the violence a bit too much and felt that a story that really had potential was wasted.

Palani is the latest movie of Bharat. After 3 hit movies Bharat has certainly taken a step backwards. He tries his hand at comedy and it just does not work. For a guy who has created a niche market for himself I don’t know why he decided to imitate all the other stars like Rajni, Vijay etc. It just did not work. Hopefully he will get back to being himself. However the heroine Kajal has done an excellent job.

Swaamiyeh Saranam Ayyappaa

The members and officials of Pretoria Bhajanai Mandram have great pleasure in announcing to all devotees that the Mahaa Kumbhaabhishegam at Shree Ayyappaa Kshetram will be celebrated from Tuesday 15^th April to Saturday 19^th April 2008

For further information please contact:

Dr. Raj Kolapan – 012 374 0491 Mr A Pillay(Ben) – 083 6569390

Mr. Devi Dherman – 082 552 5531 Mr. Sudesh Pillay – 076 2400307

Mr. Kassen Pillay - 079 302 7292 Mrs. Tilly Pillay – 082 463 2244

Western Cape Tamil Federation

FAMILY PICNIC / SPORTS DAY

SUNDAY, 09^th March 2008

at

Glencairn Sports Complex

(on beach road towards Simonstown, turn right after Ou Kaapse Weg sign at Hotel [Glen Rd]Drive towards mountain, field on right, after 2^nd stop)

Prayer Service / Bhajans from 9:30 to 10:30

followed by

Sports events, Fun and Games

ALL AGES – Lots of prizes

Braai stands provided, bring own wood, coal, ice, umbrellas, etc

FREE ENTRY

Curly Valoo 021 638 2820 Sassy Dass 073 856 3876 Salvan Moodley 082 456 8942

Classified Section.

As I will leave for South Africa on April 8^th I want to make sure that my shipment leaves here in the first week of March. So if you need anything please let me know early.

The Sydenham Tamil Society has re-started the Veena and harmonium classes after the eisteddfod. The teacher is Dr Deena Pillay a student of the late Mr GN Moodley. For more details contact my sister Jayambal Govender at 031-2086929 (h) or 031-2603106 (o).

Sri Saradha Institute of Arts and Culture (Free Tuition in Tamil, Music & Dance)

Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 at 39 Munn Road - Ottawa

Contact Suja or Kovilan Muthumanikam on 083 742 8508 for more details

Manormani Dance Academy. A school of Bharatha Natyam and Folk Dance.

Saturday 9.00 – 12.00 at Umgeni Road Temple. 13.30 – 16.30 ABH – Chathsworth.

Monday 18.00 – 20.00 at Woodview Primary.

Tuesday 15-30 – 17.00 Stanmore Regional Hall.

Wednesday 17.30 – 19.00 Mount View Civic Hall.

For further details contact Mrs Govender on 031-5053379

HINDU CULTURAL LEAGUE - MUSIC AND DANCE ACADEMY

Offers the following classes on Saturdays in the disciplines of Music, Dance and Language: Bharata Natyam, Tabla, Harmonium, Tamil, Karnatic Vocal Classes & Folk & Contemporary Dance

Children and adults, from beginners to advanced are welcome.

Classes are held at the H. A. Jack Primary School, Cnr Jauncey & Preston Roads, Abbottsford (close to Melrose Temple).

For more information in respect of times, cost and other information, contact

Rueben 072 709 5991, Thirumala 082 563 4439, Don 082 787 2056 or Inbam 083 262 6511 or email info@hcl.co.za Visit our website www.hcl.co.za

Chennai: Contact Envernathan Govender, 21 South Street, Radhanagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, India. Tel. 0091-44-22654243/22654396. Cell 0091-9841248652.

South Africa: Contact Mrs. K. Govender, 30 Eskdale Road, Sydenham, Durban, 4091. Tel. 031-2086929.

Mauritius: Contact Mr. Balakrishna Tandrayan, 8 Sun Yat Sen Street, Port Louis, Tel. 2423404. Fax. 2413299. (Sorry this is for people from Mauritius who want to travel to India)

Chennai News 85

CHENNAI NEWS
(NEWS OF CHENNAI AND TAMILNADU BY ENVERNATHAN)
Volume 85 (January 2008)

Enver’s Rambling.

A very happy Pongal to all of you. Here we will have a 3 day holiday for the Pongal festival which is the biggest festival in Tamilnadu. It is essentially a harvest festival celebrated by the farmers after their crops have been harvested. It transcends religion and is celebrated by all irrespective of religion.

This year the Supreme Court has banned the sport of Jallikattu or bull taming that is held during this time especially in Southern Tamilnadu. A bag of money is tied around the neck of the bull and the young men tussle with the bull trying to retrieve the money. The one who does so is declared the winner and is treated as a champion. While animal rights groups have welcomed the move the people who indulge in this sport are outraged as they see it as curbing their culture. It must be noted that many young men are injured every year and some even die when they are tossed by the bulls. This is because the men face the bulls bare handed and with no weapons. In fact it is the bulls that are victorious on most occasions. In the olden days this sport was practised by young men to impress the girls of marriageable age. I guess they still do. However the traditional bull racing has not been banned.

We have had an addition to the family, triplets in fact and we are quite excited. It is our love birds that have become proud parents. I did not know that they bred in captivity so was surprised when the three eggs hatched. Today all three baby birds finally came out of the clay pot in which they were born and joined their parents. It was real education to see this whole drama unfolding before us. The parents were really protective at first and would always get between us and the chicks. As time passed they treated us as family (probably grandparents) and allowed us to admire and view their babies. One of the hatchlings came out first and it was hilarious to see the way it would show off to its two siblings that could do so. It would make a point of scampering in and out of the clay pot almost taunting the others as to why they could not do the same.

Our hearty congratulations to Wayne Frederick from Chatsworth who came FIRST in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN - including state & private schools) in the 2007 Matric Examinations. Wayne is the son of Vincent Frederick who is a senior member of the Tamil Action Group (TAG).
We at Chennai News would like to take this opportunity in wishing Wayne everything of the best. WELL DONE...Keep up the good work.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of you who sent me birthday greetings and New Year greetings. I am sorry due to the time constraints and the sheer number of greetings it was not possible to reply to all of you personally.

Here is wishing Mr MV Rajah a very happy 80th birthday on Feb 2. I will elaborate in my next volume.

Internet

I have also started a blog site called www.envernathan.blogspot.com
I intend putting all my old volumes of Chennai news in this site and also news that cannot wait a whole month. Please visit it at least once. This will also give me some idea of the readership of Chennai News. Unfortunately I lost all the very early copies of Chennai News when my system crashed. Hopefully one of you may have it.

My son Kamesh has his own blog site which can be accessed at http://kameshgovender.blogspot.com/ . It is quite interesting and he loves putting pictures etc in it.

Our latest group in Facebook is called Learn and Teach Tamil. This was started on 1 December. This is an interactive site for people who want to learn Tamil and also for people who want to teach. As it is aimed at adults we are using the English font. Please join in to get involved. Kamesh has prepared some lessons which I will share with you. However to get really involved on a daily basis it will be better to join the group.
This site is becoming very popular and is increasing daily.
Now I will give the Tamil names of all the Household articles - Veetu Ubaiyoga Porutkkal
Chair - NaarkaaliTable - May-sai Bed - Padukai Pillow - Thalaiyanai Door - Kadhavu Window - Jannal Light - Villakku Book - PuTHagamRooms in the house - Veetilil irukum araigalHall/Living room - Koodum Kitchen - Samayal arai Bathroom - Kuliyal Arai Bed room - Padukai Arai Toilet - Kazhivarai

Now we will use the words we know in TamilNaan kadaikku pogiraen - I am going to the shop.Nee kadaikku pogirai - You are going to the shopNeengal kaidaikku pogirirgal - You (plural)are going to the shop (and with respect)Avan kadaikku pogiraan - He is going to the shop Aval kadaikku pogiraal - She is going to the shopAvargal kadaikku pogiraargal - They are going to the shop.

Tourism Scene

I have been promising a group tour in February. Please find the details. I am prepared to do the same in Late Feb/March. Cost of tour is R6000 per person sharing a double room. This is from Chennai to Chennai. This is without the flight tickets. It includes all hotels with breakfast, entrances into Temples, churches, parks, gardens etc, all transport and transfers (Air con vehicle), taxes, road tolls, porters in hotels and a boat cruise in Kerela. All you need is money for your other meals and personal expenses. The tour will be fully escorted. If you want an add-on to the north this can also be arranged. Contact me at insatours@gmail.com for all enquiries. I have just 4 seats left so hurry.

01 Feb leave SA via Dubai (or whichever airlines you want to travel with)
02 Feb Arrive in Chennai. I will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Rest of the day is free. Arrangement can be made for money exchange etc.
03 Feb After breakfast you will be taken on a City tour. Afternoon free for shopping etc
04 Feb After early breakfast you will be driven to Tirupathi. Visit the Venkateswara Temple for Darshan.
05 Feb After breakfast it is a beautiful drive to Puttarpathy and Sai Baba’s Ashram. Once you check into your Hotel you will be free to visit the Ashram.
06 Feb After Swami’s Darshan you will be driven to Bangalore the capital of Karnataka. Bangalore is also the software capital of India. Maybe you will want to visit the famous shops in Commercial Street in the evening. Night in Hotel
07 Feb Bangalore After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of Bangalore. This city is famous for its gardens. A visit to the famous Shiva statue and Hare Krishna temple among other places is a must.
08 Feb Drive to Mysore. Visit the City palace, Mysore Zoo and Brindhavan gardens.
09 Feb After breakfast drive to Ooty. On the way visit the Bandipur and Muthumalai game reserve. After checking into your hotel visit the sighseeing spots of Ooty.
10 Feb Full day Sightseeing in Ooty
11 Feb After breakfast start your drive to Cochin. On the way visit Coonoor and Coimbature. If you have time in the evening maybe you will want an ayuvedic massage or enjoy a kathakali dance performance. Night in Hotel
12 Feb Morning City tour visiting the Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Jewesh Synagogue and other sites.
13 Feb Drive to Allepey for boat cruise and drive to Kollam
14 Feb After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari the tip of India.
15 Feb Kanyakumari. Visit the Vivekanandha ashram and also visit the 133 ft statue of Thiruvalluvar the author of the Thirukural. See Sunset. Relax on the beautiful beaches of this town. This is also where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet Night in Hotel
16 Feb After breakfast drive to Madurai. Visit the Madurai Meenatchi Temple the focal point of the City of Madurai. Night in Hotel
17 Feb Drive to Trichy. Visit the Pilliyar temple on Rock Fort and the Vishnu temple in Srirangam. Night in Hotel
18 Feb Drive to Thanjavur and visit the famous Shiva temple. Drive to Chidambaram famous for its Nataraja temple. On the way visit the brass industry of kumbakonam. Night in Hotel
19 Feb After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram where you will visit the famous rock carvings. You can also see sculptors at work. Late afternoon drive to Chennai. Night in Chennai.
20 Feb Chennai. You are free to relax or do whatever you want. Maybe some last minute shopping or catch a movie. Night in Chennai.
21 Feb Free day for shopping etc. Night in Chennai
22 Feb Fly from Chennai.
Movie scene

I finally got to see Madhavan’s Ivano Oruan which also stars Sangeetha. The movie is about an ordinary family man who fed up with the corruption around him explodes and takes it on single handed. He uses whatever weapon he comes across starting with a cricket bat to a knife and then a gun. However he does not do any thing serious but soon captures the imagination of the people some who criticize him and others who think he is a hero. Madhavan is superb as the frustrated man and Sangitha as his wife gives a brilliant portrayal as a harressed grumbling wife. The film is without songs which makes it even more realistic.

Eight movies are going to be released for Pongal. Here is a preview of the movies.

Thangam
Cast Sathyaraj, Megha Nair, Goundamani Director Kichas
Music Srikanth Deva
Plot Set against a village background, Thangam is about Mr. Clean trying to solve the issues of the common man.

KAALAI
Cast Silambarasan, Vedhika, Nila
Director Tarun Gopi
Music G.V. Prakash
Plot The hero and two baddies have the same name, leading to mistaken identities. Is the hero able to set the record straight?
Genre Mass entertainer

PALANI
Cast Bharath, Kushboo, Kajal Agarwal
Director Perarasu Music Srikanth Deva
Plot The age-old sibling sentiment coupled with commercial components forms the crux of the story. Kushboo and Bharath play the key roles.
Genre Formula fare


INDIRALOKATHIL NAA AZHAGAPPAN
Cast Vadivel, Yamini Sharma, Shriya (guest appearance)
Director Thambi Ramaiah Music Sabesh Murali
Plot The story revolves around Vadivelu and his comic exploits in heaven, hell and earth. Vadivel appears in three different roles - Azhagappan, Yama and Indiran.
Genre Fantasy comedy
A laugh riot called Vadivel. Shriya plays a witch and dances with Vadivel!

BHEEMA
Cast Vikram, Trisha, Prakash Raj, Raghuvaran and Ashish Vidyarthi
Director Lingusamy Music Harris Jayaraj
Plot Like the Bheema of the Mahabharata, the hero is the strongest man in town, a sharpshooter who joins a mob but later turns out to be its nemesis.
Genre Action thriller
Vikram is back after a two-year break, with his favourite Saamy heroine Trisha, under the direction of master storyteller Lingusamy. Harris’ music is already a rage.

VAZHTHUKAL
Cast Madhavan, Bhavana
Director Seeman Music Yuvan Shankar Raja
Plot How can a person who neglects his own parents become a Good Samaritan is the question director Seeman seems to pose in the film
Genre Family entertainer


PIDICHIRUKKU
Cast Ashok, Visakha
Director Kanagu Music Manu Rameshan
Plot The travails a young man has to undergo for the sake of love.
Genre Romance

PIRIVOM SANDHIPOM
Cast Cheran, Sneha, Mahadevan
Director Karu Palaniappan Music Vidyasagar
Plot An emotional film set in a Nattukottai Chettiar family where a couple splits owing to unfortunate circumstances. How the family tries to bring them together forms an interesting climax.
Genre Family drama
Expected to strike a chord with the audience. Soothing melodies by Vidyasagar

Classified Section.

The shipment has finally arrived in Durban. I have lots of Music and religious atifects, Salangi (bells) for dancers, shawls, posters, stickers etc
Phone my mum at 031-2086929.

The Sydenham Tamil Society has re-started the Veena and harmonium classes after the eisteddfod. The teacher is Dr Deena Pillay a student of the late Mr GN Moodley. For more details contact my sister Jayambal Govender at 031-2086929 (h) or 031-2603106 (o).

Sri Saradha Institute of Arts and Culture (Free Tuition in Tamil, Music & Dance)
Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 at 39 Munn Road - Ottawa
Contact Suja or Kovilan Muthumanikam on 083 742 8508 for more details

Manormani Dance Academy. A school of Bharatha Natyam and Folk Dance.
Saturday 9.00 – 12.00 at Umgeni Road Temple. 13.30 – 16.30 ABH – Chathsworth.
Monday 18.00 – 20.00 at Woodview Primary.
Tuesday 15-30 – 17.00 Stanmore Regional Hall.
Wednesday 17.30 – 19.00 Mount View Civic Hall.
For further details contact Mrs Govender on 031-5053379

For all travel arrangements in India. Email Indo South African Tours at insatours@gmail.com or envernathan@gmail.com

Chennai: Contact Envernathan Govender, 21 South Street, Radhanagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, India. Tel. 0091-44-22654243/22654396. Cell 0091-9841248652.
South Africa: Contact Mrs. K. Govender, 30 Eskdale Road, Sydenham, Durban, 4091. Tel. 031-2086929.
Mauritius: Contact Mr. Balakrishna Tandrayan, 8 Sun Yat Sen Street, Port Louis, Tel. 2423404. Fax. 2413299. (Sorry this is for people from Mauritius who want to travel to India)

Chennai News 84

CHENNAI NEWS
(NEWS OF CHENNAI AND TAMILNADU BY ENVERNATHAN)
Volume 84 (November 2007)

Enver’s Rambling.

Thanks to all of you who sent me Deepavali greetings. I don’t know why people abbreviate such a beautiful word and change it to Diwali. Are people just too lazy to write long words? The same happens when they change Christmas to Xmas. The word Christmas just resonates with goodwill.

With India’s new found economic uplift Indian is now the favour of the world. Whether it is Indian food, movies, fashion it is now the in thing. I read an article about how Indians in the US and UK used to slink into cinemas showing Indian movies so that their non Indian friends could not see them. Now they walk into the cinemas with head held high and also taking their friends with them.

This also seems to have an affect now on Indians living in other countries as minorities. While Tamils in Srilanka took up arms to fight against discrimination Indians in Malaysia were very complacent and took all that the ruling class subjected them to. Malaysian Indians seemed to be content with their lot always favourably comparing themselves to their relatives in India. However things have changed and ethnic Indians of whom Tamils are the majority are fighting for their rights. The Malaysian government is one of the most repressive governments and do not tolerate any resistance. In fact in many ways they remind me of the old apartheid governments of South Africa. I have just read that they have charged some of the protestors with attempted murder for just going on a protest march. However worse is the treatment of the unskilled labour force from mainly Tamilnadu? This is not just from the government forces like the police but also from their employers who exploit them. Many of them come back after three years of slogging just even after paying of all the expenses of going there.

The other Indians that are fighting for their rights are those living in the UAE of which Dubai is one such place. Here again the workers especially those in the lower rungs are not taking things lying down. I guess they realise that they are actually in the majority and out number the residents there. I wonder if the next revolution will be the workers living in these countries.

My cousin Maynard Govender and his wife Unita who had come to Chennai a few days ago brought a copy of ‘Inside Indenture’. The book is also autographed by the authors Ashwin Desai and Goolam Vahed with a message for my wife Gowri so I am sure it will have a special place in her library. I have not yet been able to prise the book away from her but the few pages that I did read were excellent. I am waiting for my chance to read it.






Internet

I now have my skype connected so you can talk to me at your will. I have also joined the Facebook network. www.facebook.com Mail me if you want to join in. I have two groups in it Indo South African Tours (started by Kree Raman from New Zealand) and Tamil Movie Club. My code name in both envernathan. Having a unique name means, I can get on to any site just using my first name.
I must say that I am really enjoying Facebook. I have found so many people that I know but did not know that they are on the internet. Luckily I have a good memory for faces so I can recognise familiar people by their photos.

I have also started a blog site called www.envernathan.blogspot.com
I intend putting all my old volumes of Chennai news in this site and also news that cannot wait a whole month. Please visit it at least once. This will also give me some idea of the readership of Chennai News. Unfortunately I lost all the very early copies of Chennai News when my system crashed. Hopefully one of you may have it.

My son Kamesh has his own blog site which can be accessed at http://kameshgovender.blogspot.com/ . It is quite interesting and he loves putting pictures etc in it.

Our latest group in Facebook is called Learn and Teach Tamil. This was started on 1 December. This is an interactive site for people who want to learn Tamil and also for people who want to teach. As it is aimed at adults we are using the English font. Please join in to get involved. Kamesh has prepared some lessons which I will share with you. However to get really involved on a daily basis it will be better to join the group.




Tourism Scene

I have been promising a group tour in February. Please find the details. I am prepared to do the same in Late Feb/March. Cost of tour is R6000 per person sharing a double room. This is from Chennai to Chennai. This is without the flight tickets. It includes all hotels with breakfast, entrances into Temples, churches, parks, gardens etc, all transport and transfers (Air con vehicle), taxes, road tolls, porters in hotels and a boat cruise in Kerela. All you need is money for your other meals and personal expenses. The tour will be fully escorted. If you want an add-on to the north this can also be arranged. Contact me at insatours@gmail.com for all enquiries.

01 Feb leave SA via Dubai (or whichever airlines you want to travel with)
02 Feb Arrive in Chennai. I will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Rest of the day is free. Arrangement can be made for money exchange etc.
03 Feb After breakfast you will be taken on a City tour. Afternoon free for shopping etc
04 Feb After early breakfast you will be driven to Tirupathi. Visit the Venkateswara Temple for Darshan.
05 Feb After breakfast it is a beautiful drive to Puttarpathy and Sai Baba’s Ashram. Once you check into your Hotel you will be free to visit the Ashram.
06 Feb After Swami’s Darshan you will be driven to Bangalore the capital of Karnataka. Bangalore is also the software capital of India. Maybe you will want to visit the famous shops in Commercial Street in the evening. Night in Hotel
07 Feb Bangalore After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of Bangalore. This city is famous for its gardens. A visit to the famous Shiva statue and Hare Krishna temple among other places is a must.
08 Feb Drive to Mysore. Visit the City palace, Mysore Zoo and Brindhavan gardens.
09 Feb After breakfast drive to Ooty. On the way visit the Bandipur and Muthumalai game reserve. After checking into your hotel visit the sighseeing spots of Ooty.
10 Feb Full day Sightseeing in Ooty
11 Feb After breakfast start your drive to Cochin. On the way visit Coonoor and Coimbature. If you have time in the evening maybe you will want an ayuvedic massage or enjoy a kathakali dance performance. Night in Hotel
12 Feb Morning City tour visiting the Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Jewesh Synagogue and other sites.
13 Feb Drive to Allepey for boat cruise and drive to Kollam
14 Feb After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari the tip of India.
15 Feb Kanyakumari. Visit the Vivekanandha ashram and also visit the 133 ft statue of Thiruvalluvar the author of the Thirukural. See Sunset. Relax on the beautiful beaches of this town. This is also where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet Night in Hotel
16 Feb After breakfast drive to Madurai. Visit the Madurai Meenatchi Temple the focal point of the City of Madurai. Night in Hotel
17 Feb Drive to Trichy. Visit the Pilliyar temple on Rock Fort and the Vishnu temple in Srirangam. Night in Hotel
18 Feb Drive to Thanjavur and visit the famous Shiva temple. Drive to Chidambaram famous for its Nataraja temple. On the way visit the brass industry of kumbakonam. Night in Hotel
19 Feb After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram where you will visit the famous rock carvings. You can also see sculptors at work. Late afternoon drive to Chennai. Night in Chennai.
20 Feb Chennai. You are free to relax or do whatever you want. Maybe some last minute shopping or catch a movie. Night in Chennai.
21 Feb Free day for shopping etc. Night in Chennai
22 Feb Fly from Chennai.

Movie scene

I really enjoyed the movie Kannamoochi Ennada starring Satyraj, Radika, Pritiviraj and Sandiya. I took Devan and Indra Govender and Don and Baby Naicker as it was their last night in Chennai. They told me it was the best movie they had seen for a long time. It is an outright comedy and Satyraj is in his element. Devasena (Sandhya) falls in love with Harish (Prithviraj) in Malaysia and brings him home to Chennai. Police Commissioner father for who his daughter is the apple of his eye just does not like him. Harish endures himself to the rest of the family except Satyraj. Pritiviraj is fast making a name for himself in Tamil cinema. One of the few heros without heroics. The song megam will just capture your hearts.

I just got back from the movie Vel starring Surya in a dual role and Asin. Although the concept of twins being separated has been done many times in Tamil movie the modern touches given here makes it work. The screenplay is excellent and does no lag for even a moment. Vasu (Surya) is a private detective who is given assignments to follow girls to see if they are good enough for their prospective husbands to be. While on an assignment he meets Swapna (Asin) and really likes her. Swapna wants to be a famous TV interviewer. They eventually fall in love after a few hic-ups. The other twin is Vel who is the protector of the people in his village. Fate has it that they will meet. It is Swapna on an assignment who sees Vel and tells Vasu about him. Vasu knows that this could be his twin brother who his mother (Saranya) is always crying about. He goes to the village to find out the truth. Vel’s adoptive family don’t want him any where near them as they have not told him that he is not their own.
Eventually Vel and vasu change places. Vasu in the guise of Vel tries to bring peace among the two warring families. Many a time he uses his brain to overcome brawn..

The boys and I went to see the movie Azhagiya Tamil Magan staring Vijay (also in a dual role) and Shriya. Vijay plays a dual role as Guru a sprinter a good character and Prasad a bad character from Mumbai. However why they look alike is not explained. The movie has excellent music (by AR Rahman) and dance and the beautiful Shriya. Although the artistes perform well the director Bharathan does not do justice to them and has too many loose ends and unexplained situations. Vijay fans will love his new svelte and dashing looks and his prowess as a dancer. Shriya who is quite a dancer herself keeps up with him.

I was eagerly awaiting the release of the movie Rameswaran which stars Jeeva and Bhavana. This time I was not disappointed and it was worth the wait. Jeeva has decided to go for meaningful roles where the character is more important than the actor.
The story revolves around a group of Tamil refugees from Eelam who escape the killings in Sri Lanka and land near Rameswaram on the Taminadu coast. Jeevan (Jeeva) an author is one of the refugees. Vasanthi (Bhuvana) the daughter of the local philanthropist (Lal) falls in love with Jeevan. After many rebuffs he finally also falls in love with her. They then fall to the wrath of an angry father and a jealous suitor. The plight of the Tamil refugees and their suffering is brought out in the movie. Except for one duet all the songs are situational and in the background. Jeeva is very impressive and Bhavana in typical south Indian outfits is bubbly and beautiful.


Tamil Movie Club


I now have 116 people who have shown interest in the Movie Club. I am still in phase 1 of my recruitment. This is for people who I know on a first hand basis. Once I have recruited all of you I will move onto phase 2. I will soon let you know what this is. Here are the names of the people who have joined the club. If your name is still not listed here and you have intimated that you have joined please let me know as I could have missed it. There are lots of people who have verbally told me that they want to join but I will only add your name once I have it in writing.

Enver Govender, Gowri Govender, Kamesh Govender, Mahesh Govender, Krishnambal Govender, Jayambal Govender, Ivan Reddy, Jayson Govender, Sivani Naidoo, Rudi C Pillay, Devi Reddy, Saras Ponnen, Kasturi Pillay, Tholsie Subramony, Vincent Fredericks, Jayshree Karan, Vasantha Govender, Asogen Moodley, Kogie Moonsami, Michael Lachimiah, Kogie Moorthi, Kogie Archery, Pauline Naidoo, Pravie Govender, Vassie Packree, Rani Naicker, Strini Moodey, Vis Goveder, Amudha Nardhamuni, Logan Govender, Patma Naidoo, Rani Govender, Namasundari Padayachee, Yogi Pillay, Venu Naicker, Yana Pillay, Magen (Gopie), MV Rajah, Sharmala Naidu, Robin Pillay (3 members), Steve Kandasamy, Olaga Naidoo, Kumaran Moodley, Selvan Moorthy, Gonnie Govender, Ronnie Govender, Nelson Govender, Selvan Velayudan, Savy Naidoo, Reggie Mariemuthu, Krish Govender, Murthi Sooboo, Preggy Govender, KN Moodley, Cliffy Muthu, Stanley Perumal, Teddy Sigamoney, Charles Reddy, Magen Moodley, Savy Perumaul, Renee Moodley, Sagie Doorsamy, Rani Nair, Mac Naidoo, Poovie Govender, Vasantha Govender, Ramanjulu Loganathan, Vas Moodley, Indren Pillay, Derrick Pillay, Puven Akkiah, Robert Moonsamy Gengan, Shalina Moodley, Pam Moodley, Yugeshan Naidoo, Karran Moodley, Saras Moodley, Vikesh Moodley, Tinesh Moodley, Kris Govender, Seelan Naidoo, Mogarasathavan Kistasamy, Siva Moodley, Benny Rasen, Devan Govender, Indran M Govender, Morgan Nadasen Odayar, Terrence Pillay, Nalini Naidoo , Indrani Palad, Shamilla Govender, Danny Mudaly, Kogie Govindsamy, Shireen Govender, Sinda Palani, Jayce Pillay, Venessa Pillay, Kessy Pillay, Nalaini, Satchie, Sharon, Nalene Reddy, Uban Chetty, Saras Chetty, Kreesan Naidoo, Losh Naidoo, Sonny Pillay, Vassie Pillay, Pam Moodley, Ashnee Reddy, Sue Reddy, Sugan Armugam. Joe Govender.

I am quite optimistic that the Movie Club’s first release will be for the Tamil New Year. I am positive that by then we would have at least a thousand members. However if the opportunity presents itself before the Tamil New Year then I would not hesitate in an earlier start.

From January I will start a separate newsletter for members of the Movie club. This will be a weekly one and will concentrate on movie news. I cannot start any earlier as I am just too busy with my tours, which reaches its peak in December.

Tamil Lessons

I am repeating the lessons that Kamesh has posted on Facebook.
Relation Terms in Tamil Culture.
Amma – mother, Appa – Father,
Anna – Elder brother,
Akka – Elder Sister
Thambi – Younger brother
Thangai – Younger sister
Patti / Aaya – Grand mother,
Thatha – Grand father
Athai – Father’s sister
Mama – Mother’s brother/ Athai’s husband
Chittappa – Father’s younger brother
Periyappa – Father’s elder brother / Periyamma’s husband
Periyamma – Mother’s Elder sister/ Periyappa’s wife
Chitti – Mother’s younger sister / Chittappa’s wife
Sagalai - Husbands of sisters call themselves Sagalai.
Machini – Sister of wifeMachaan – brother of wife
Naathanaar – sister of the husbandAnni – Anna’s wife.
Pangaali – Relatives who have rights to the ancestral property.
Marumagan – Son in law / Nephew
Marumagal – Daughter in law / Niece
Maamanaar – Father in law Maamiyaar – Mother in law.

Terms for Non – Relatives
Nanban – Friend
Ethiri - Enemy
Pakkathu Veetu-kaaran/ Kaari / kaarar / kaarargal - Next house neighbor
Male/ Female / with respect / Plural
Ethir Veetu-kaaran/ Kaari / kaarar / kaarargal - Opposite house neighbor
Male/ Female / with respect / Plural
Velai-karan / Kaari / Kaarar / Kaarargal - Servant
Male/ Female / with respect / Plural
Thotta-karan / Kaari / Kaarar / Kaarargal – Gardner
Male/ Female / with respect / Plural
Mudhalaali – Boss (Add Amma or Ayya to make it Female and male ) And Mudhalaaligal for Plural
Thirudan/ Thirudi/ Thirudargal - Thief
Male / Female / Plural
Samayal-karan / Kaari / Kaarar / Kaarargal – Cook Male/ Female / with respect / Plural

Varuthal – verb – to come
Naan varaen – I come
Nee varaai – You come
Avan varaan – He comes
Aval varaal – She come
Avargal varaargal – They come ( Plural and Respect)
Neenga Vaanga – You come ( With respect)
Naam Varom – We come .

Classified Section.

The shipment has finally arrived in Durban. I have lots of Music and religious atifects, Salangi (bells) for dancers, shawls, posters, stickers etc
Phone my mum at 031-2086929.

The Sydenham Tamil Society has re-started the Veena and harmonium classes after the eisteddfod. The teacher is Dr Deena Pillay a student of the late Mr GN Moodley. For more details contact my sister Jayambal Govender at 031-2086929 (h) or 031-2603106 (o).

Sri Saradha Institute of Arts and Culture (Free Tuition in Tamil, Music & Dance)
Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 at 39 Munn Road - Ottawa
Contact Suja or Kovilan Muthumanikam on 083 742 8508 for more details

Manormani Dance Academy. A school of Bharatha Natyam and Folk Dance.
Saturday 9.00 – 12.00 at Umgeni Road Temple. 13.30 – 16.30 ABH – Chathsworth.
Monday 18.00 – 20.00 at Woodview Primary.
Tuesday 15-30 – 17.00 Stanmore Regional Hall.
Wednesday 17.30 – 19.00 Mount View Civic Hall.
For further details contact Mrs Govender on 031-5053379

For all travel arrangements in India. Email Indo South African Tours at insatours@gmail.com or envernathan@gmail.com

Chennai: Contact Envernathan Govender, 21 South Street, Radhanagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, India. Tel. 0091-44-22654243/22654396. Cell 0091-9841248652.
South Africa: Contact Mrs. K. Govender, 30 Eskdale Road, Sydenham, Durban, 4091. Tel. 031-2086929.
Mauritius: Contact Mr. Balakrishna Tandrayan, 8 Sun Yat Sen Street, Port Louis, Tel. 2423404. Fax. 2413299. (Sorry this is for people from Mauritius who want to travel to India)

Chennai News 83

CHENNAI NEWS
(NEWS OF CHENNAI AND TAMILNADU BY ENVERNATHAN)
Volume 83 (November 2007)

Enver’s Rambling.

After some complaints from some disgruntled viewers of Sun TV, Multi-choice may be looking for alternate Tamil Channels. I was asked by someone in multi choice to help.

My reply: I have some free time so I thought I would share a few thoughts on the South Indian Channels. For your information Sun TV is by far the best Tamil TV station and has also been voted the best regional language channel in India. Millions of Tamils all over the world are addicted to this channel as is my family who very rarely watch any other Tamil channel.
I also know many Tamils in SA who are hooked on this channel and watch nothing else. This includes my mum and many like her would be very upset with you if her soaps in Sun TV were dropped. One of the channels that you can look at adding is Sun Music which is a 24 hour music channel and has young vibrant VJs who speak in Tamil and English. I think this will go down well in SA. It is currently the second most popular Tamil channel and the most popular with the younger viewers.
KTV is basically a movie channel with also good interviews with the film personalities and is watched by people who know Tamil. The subject of subtitling is another issue altogether and has nothing to do with the quality of the programs.

The one thing I agree with is the very poor information about the programs being telecasted. Whenever I am in SA I get quite irritated when I see "Get ready for another riveting plot only available on the South Indian Bouquet". If you cannot get suitable information from Sun TV then maybe you should employ an independent consultancy from Chennai to provide you with the relevant information. I am willing to help you. With the time difference of 3.5 hours it will be easy to update your information site.

However I have not received any thing further except an acknowledgement of my mail.

I now have my skype connected so you can talk to me at your will. I have also joined the Facebook network. www.facebook.com Mail me if you want to join in. I have two groups in it Indo South African Tours (started by Kree Raman from New Zealand) and Tamil Movie Club. My code name in both envernathan. Having a unique name means, I can get on to any site just using my first name.
I must say that I am really enjoying Facebook. I have found so many people that I know but did not know that they are on the internet. Luckily I have a good memory for faces so I can recognise familiar people by their photos.

I have also started a blog site called www.envernathan.blogspot.com
I intend putting all my old volumes of Chennai news in this site and also news that cannot wait a whole month. Please visit it at least once. This will also give me some idea of the readership of Chennai News. Unfortunately I lost all the very early copies of Chennai News when my system crashed. Hopefully one of you may have it.

Nostalgia

I sometimes marvel as to how safe it was when I was growing up. On lots of Fridays I would visit my maternal granny’s home in Asherville. This entailed a bus journey from FOSA to quarry road. I used to get off at the then famous Balams shop. Cross the road and then take a Springtown bus to where David Landau hall is now situated and then a short walk to 14 Lantana Place where my granny lived. My parents used to send me alone from the time I was 5 years old and a little later even send my sister, who was four years younger, with me. Off course we almost always knew everyone on the Naicker’s Store bus and they would make sure that we got off at the right stop. Not that their help was needed. Although my mother used to give me money for the bus fares I don’t think I ever paid as someone in the bus would pay or the conductor would be so impressed with me travelling alone that he would not bother, especially when my sister Jayambal and I used to travel together. She used to like to sing and once she started she would not stop. I used to love visiting my grandparents as I had lots of young uncles and aunts and they would always pamper us. My mum and dad would come on Sundays and take us to my grandfather’s house which was in South Road. Here also I had lots of aunt’s and uncles and also many cousins who I knew well as they would always come to FOSA for holidays.
Remember how we used to go for holidays for our school vacations. For me the two favourite places were my aunt Parie’s house in Cottonlands. This was because she lived in a big joint family (the Moonsamys) and there were always cousins to play with. I used to love exploring the farm where they had a pond, orchards, cane-fields and cows and horses. My uncle Ganas was good hunter and would invariable bag a buck or at least a few rabbits for dinner. Sidney and I who were of the same age were good friends which we still maintain till now.
The other place was Tongaat. This was my second home. My favourite aunt Ruby lived here. In fact all the cousins loved her. She lived in Railway Street aptly named as it bordered the railway line. Behind the houses was a stream. Later the railway line was moved and a new row of houses came up in its place. My cousin’s Albert and Robert were much older than me and Ruben much younger. However I had lots of friends here. Apparently my mum had stayed here for a few months after I was born so everybody knew me. Some of my friends were Lenny, Kenneth, Bully, Gilly, Ram and others whose names I cannot remember. I remember we would get up a 6 am just so that we could have a longer day to play. One of the things the guys were good at was foraging. We would scour the country side looking for things that were re-saleable. Bottles, iron, steel, copper etc became very valuable. Once a week a man would come with a lorry and buy it from us. This would give us money to visit the cinemas during the weekends. I used to love when we would all go swimming in the little dams and ponds that abounded around there. Of course nothing beat raiding the fruit orchards and the sugarcane plantations. I remember on many occasions we would encounter wild pigs and we would scamper up trees to get away from them.

Deepavali and Guy Faulkes used to be special in FOSA. My father just loved fireworks and would buy a crate every year. Most of my younger uncles and aunts used to come over to spend the two days with us. Although I was never too keen on crackers (something my sister enjoys) I nevertheless enjoyed all the company and the eats.

Tourism Scene

I sometimes wonder why people cut things so fine. A few days ago I got a call from someone saying that his aged relatives were coming to Chennai on the 2nd. I thought the second of December and was quite shocked when he said no November. That was 2 days time. Luckily for him I was able to get the rooms booked. I tell you it is not easy to get bookings in Chennai these days as most hotel rooms are booked by the IT companies for their staff. So if you are coming in December please book early.

I was quite surprised when one of my best friends phoned me to say that he was in Chennai and wanted to see me. I was very busy but did go to meet him on the Saturday. He tried to explain to me that his daughter had booked the whole trip so that is why it was done by some other company. However contrary to what he may have thought I actually don’t mind if very close friends and relatives use other travel operators. This allows me to meet them socially without any pressure. I can laugh with them at any lapses on the part of their operator. The only problem I have is knowing that they could have paid less if they travelled with me. Anyway Raj is an avid collector of carnatic music and I knew exactly where to get it. So I took him to a music store where he bought some real gems. As is daughter commented “Papa now you look happy”

I am really busy working all the relevant quotes for December and January. However it seems that less people are travelling to India from South Africa compared to the last few years. Maybe it is because of the strong rupee and the week dollar. However over the last few weeks the rand value has increased fro about Rs 4.80 to Rs 5.60.

India however is still one of the few places where you get value for money. The Hotels are now relatively more expensive but food, transport and clothing is still quite cheap.



SUN TV and KTV (Deepavali program on 8 November) Program starts at 7 am till 10 pm.

1. Vakkakam Thamizhagan
2. Thala Deepavali – Srikanth and his wife.
3. Special interview with Actress Nadhiya
4. Small Screen Artistes
5. Interview with Vijay and AR Rahman
6. Special debate shot in Singapore with film artistes
7. Movie Chennai 600028 (11.30 am)
8. Interview with Surya
9. Movie Gilli (6.30 pm)
10. Interview with Jeeva and Bhavana

There will be programs in between as fillers that have not yet been announced.

There always seems to be a problem with the date of Deepavali in SA. When I was a young boy we celebrated on both days. No one worried about whether it was the North Indian or South Indian day. We divided our crackers in two halves and kept aside a little for Guy Faulkes day if it fell after Deepavali.

Here in Tamilnadu the people will celebrate Deepavali on November 8. On November 9 they will observe the amavasa nombhu during which they will fast. They do this on every amavasa nombu. Thus on Deepavali day (Nov 8) people who are not vegetarians will eat meat and generally celebrate. This was carried over to South Africa where the South Indians generally have a feast.

I read that some people are quite upset about some pact where the South Indians and North Indians will alternate every year as to the day of Deepavali. However I want to add that Deepaval is just once a year. What happened to the pact of Radio Lotus playing 50/50 ratio of North Indian and South Indian music. This pact is being broken every day. Why are these people silent on this topic?

With the advent of Sun and Ktv a new dimension has been added. If I have these two channels I would rather take the day off when all the Deepavali specials are being relayed. Unless off-course it is a weekend when the day does not matter.

Here the debate is about whether loud crackers should be burst. The crackers especially the cheap ones from China have a very high sulphur content. Apparently this chemical penetrates the body and acts as a poison. Also the loud crackers can affect your hearing. Many people here are making a pact where they will not burst crackers. They will donate this money to charity. It is estimated that people here will spend the equivalent of one thousand four hundred million Rand this Deepavali.

Wishing all of you a very joyous Deepavali. Remember Deepavali is a festival of lights and not of sound.

Movie scene

We were expecting 6 major releases this Deepavali. However it looks like Vickram’s Bheema is being delayed yet again.

Azhagiya Tamil Magan stars Vijay, Shriya and Namitha and is directed by Bharathan. Directors Note: this is a film for Vijay’s fans. He plays a dual role and there are plenty of twists and turns. It is a neat film with all the ingredients of a box office hit.

Vel stars Surya and Asin and is directed by Hari. It also stars Lakshmi, Nasser and Saranya. Directors Note: This is the second film with Surya and Asin and my second starring Surya after Aaru. It is a story of two families and Surya plays a dual role. Vadivel is sure to send the audience into splits throughout the film. It is an ensamble cast with over two dozen popular faces.

Polladhavan stars Dhanush, Divya and Bhanupriya and is directed by Vettrimaran. Directors Note: The film is a mixed bag of action, sentiment and comedy. Incidentally the car used by Rajnikanth in the original Polladhavan is also being used in this film. The film also features the remix version of yesteryear hit ‘Engaeyum Eppodhum’ from the film Ninaithalae Inikkum. The screenplay is entirely engrossing.

Machakkaran stars Jeevan, Kamna and Malavika and directed by Thamizhvavan.. Directors Note: it is a winning horse. It is an out and out commercial film with a story tailor-made for Jeevan. The hero is a simple guy caught in complicated situations.

Kannamoochi Yenada stars Satyaraj, Radhika, Pritiviraj and Sandhya and is directed by Priya V. Directors Note: It is a big star cast. The film is backed by a racy script. I am sure it will win the hearts of cinema goers. Such films bound to win at the box office. The story revolves around a mature couple coming to the aid of young lovers. The nuances in relationships are brought out with sensitivity.

Agra has Vikas, Emi Mohan, Nasser and YG Mahendra in the cast. It is a romance movie directed by P Chithraselvan. The thing that caught my eye was the kissing scene on the cover of the audio CD.

Palaniyappa Kalluri showcases some new talent, including director pradeep. It is a campus story full of entertainment.

Hopefully by the next volume of CN I would have seen most if not all the Deepavali releases.


Tamil Movie Club


I had some irate mail from people who I had not put on the list. I am really sorry about that. It is just that I have thousands of mails in my various inboxes so I sometimes miss some. I now have 115 people who have shown interest in the Movie Club. I am still in phase 1 of my recruitment. This is for people who I know on a first hand basis. Once I have recruited all of you I will move onto phase 2. I will soon let you know what this is. Here are the names of the people who have joined the club. If your name is still not listed here and you have intimated that you have joined please let me know as I could have missed it. There are lots of people who have verbally told me that they want to join but I will only add your name once I have it in writing. I don’t want to be presumptuous.

Enver Govender, Gowri Govender, Kamesh Govender, Mahesh Govender, Krishnambal Govender, Jayambal Govender, Ivan Reddy, Jayson Govender, Sivani Naidoo, Rudi C Pillay, Devi Reddy, Saras Ponnen, Kasturi Pillay, Tholsie Subramony, Vincent Fredericks, Jayshree Karan, Vasantha Govender, Asogen Moodley, Kogie Moonsami, Michael Lachimiah, Kogie Moorthi, Kogie Archery, Pauline Naidoo, Pravie Govender, Vassie Packree, Rani Naicker, Strini Moodey, Vis Goveder, Amudha Nardhamuni, Logan Govender, Patma Naidoo, Rani Govender, Namasundari Padayachee, Yogi Pillay, Venu Naicker, Yana Pillay, Magen (Gopie), MV Rajah, Sharmala Naidu, Robin Pillay (3 members), Steve Kandasamy, Olaga Naidoo, Kumaran Moodley, Selvan Moorthy, Gonnie Govender, Ronnie Govender, Nelson Govender, Selvan Velayudan, Savy Naidoo, Reggie Mariemuthu, Krish Govender, Murthi Sooboo, Preggy Govender, KN Moodley, Cliffy Muthu, Stanley Perumal, Teddy Sigamoney, Charles Reddy, Magen Moodley, Savy Perumaul, Renee Moodley, Sagie Doorsamy, Rani Nair, Mac Naidoo, Poovie Govender, Vasantha Govender, Ramanjulu Loganathan, Vas Moodley, Indren Pillay, Derrick Pillay, Puven Akkiah, Robert Moonsamy Gengan, Shalina Moodley, Pam Moodley, Yugeshan Naidoo, Karran Moodley, Saras Moodley, Vikesh Moodley, Tinesh Moodley, Kris Govender, Seelan Naidoo, Mogarasathavan Kistasamy, Siva Moodley, Benny Rasen, Devan Govender, Indran M Govender, Morgan Nadasen Odayar, Terrence Pillay, Nalini Naidoo , Indrani Palad, Shamilla Govender, Danny Mudaly, Kogie Govindsamy, Shireen Govender, Sinda Palani, Jayce Pillay, Venessa Pillay, Kessy Pillay, Nalaini, Satchie, Sharon, Nalene Reddy, Uban Chetty, Saras Chetty, Kreesan Naidoo, Losh Naidoo, Sonny Pillay, Vassie Pillay, Pam Moodley, Ashnee Reddy, Sue Reddy, Sugan Armugam

I am quite optimistic that the Movie Club’s first release will be for the Tamil New Year. I am positive that by then we would have at least a thousand members. However if the opportunity presents itself before the Tamil New Year then I would not hesitate in an earlier start.

From January I will start a separate newsletter for members of the Movie club. This will be a weekly one and will concentrate on movie news. I cannot start any earlier as I am just too busy with my tours, which reaches its peak in December.
Music scene

Hey I just got the CD of Vijay’s Azhagiya Tamilmagan and the music rocks. AR Rahman has really surpassed himself. There are six songs and all six are excellent. The first is Ellapugazhum sung by AR Rahman. This is a fast paced song. The second is Ponmagal Vandal which is a remix song with rap included in it. It is sung by Aslam and Embar Rap. A very interesting song. The third is Nee Marilyn Monroe a slow rap kind of song. This is sung by Benny Dayal and Ujjayinee. Should do well with the younger crowd. The next song is called Valayapatti and is a mixture of folk song, ballad with carnatic notations. This song is sung by Naresh Iyer, Ujjayinee and Madhumitha. The next song is Kelamal Kaiyile is a ballad sung by Sriram Parthasarthy and Saidhavi. If I had to be partial this one would be my favourite. The last song is Maduraikku Pogathadee and is a beautiful peppy folk koothu song and sung by Benny Dayal, Archith and Dharshana.

Vel is the movie of Surya and Asin with music of Yuvan Shankar Raja. The first song is Intha Ooril Epothum sung by Shankar Mahadevan. This is fast paced song. Ottrai Kannal sung by Haricharan. This is a beautiful ballad. Kovakkara Killiye is sung by Tippu and Sujatha. This is a beautiful ballad. Thoppul Kodi Sondhamonnu sung by Sriram. This is a really beautiful song. Onnappole sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Srilekha Parthasarathy. This is another beautiful duet.

Kannaamoochi Enaada stars Satyaraj, Radika, Pritiviraj and Sandiya. The music is by Yuvan Shanker Raja. Megam Megam is a beautiful duet by Haricharan and Swetha. Kannaamoochi Attam is a beautiful fusion of carnatic and pop and would make for a beautiful fusion dance. This song is song by Paghat Sriram, Sainthavi, Prasanna and Dr Narayanan. The third song is Sanjaram sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Madhushree. This is a beautiful duet. Andru Vandhadhum is a remix however done in a slow pace. The music interludes here are really beautiful and fits in so well with the song. Putham Pudhu Kaathu is also sung by Shankar Mahadevan and with Vijay Yesudas. A beautiful male duet. This pair rocks.




Classified Section.

The shipment has finally arrived in Durban. I have lots of Music and religious atifects, Salangi (bells) for dancers, shawls, posters, stickers etc
Phone my mum at 031-2086929.

The Sydenham Tamil Society has re-started the Veena and harmonium classes after the eisteddfod. The teacher is Dr Deena Pillay a student of the late Mr GN Moodley. For more details contact my sister Jayambal Govender at 031-2086929 (h) or 031-2603106 (o).

Sri Saradha Institute of Arts and Culture (Free Tuition in Tamil, Music & Dance)
Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 at 39 Munn Road - Ottawa

Contact Suja or Kovilan Muthumanikam on 083 742 8508 for more details

Manormani Dance Academy. A school of Bharatha Natyam and Folk Dance.
Saturday 9.00 – 12.00 at Umgeni Road Temple. 13.30 – 16.30 ABH – Chathsworth.
Monday 18.00 – 20.00 at Woodview Primary.
Tuesday 15-30 – 17.00 Stanmore Regional Hall.
Wednesday 17.30 – 19.00 Mount View Civic Hall.
For further details contact Mrs Govender on 031-5053379

For all travel arrangements in India. Email Indo South African Tours at insatours@gmail.com or envernathan@gmail.com

Chennai: Contact Envernathan Govender, 21 South Street, Radhanagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, India. Tel. 0091-44-22654243/22654396. Cell 0091-9841248652.
South Africa: Contact Mrs. K. Govender, 30 Eskdale Road, Sydenham, Durban, 4091. Tel. 031-2086929.
Mauritius: Contact Mr. Balakrishna Tandrayan, 8 Sun Yat Sen Street, Port Louis, Tel. 2423404. Fax. 2413299. (Sorry this is for people from Mauritius who want to travel to India)