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IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers claims airline's operations are now stable
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated in a video message that the airlines operations are now stable following a wave of disruptions. The airline has faced over 400 cancellations nationwide, affecting major airports including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, though airport authorities confirmed that passengers are being assisted and there are no terminal or airside issues.
Where to get handcrafted 2026 calendars by Indie creators
Our top picks include calendars inspired by Chennais iconic food spots, an evergreen one that grows with you, and one dedicated to furry felines
Kutty Kutchery Festival 2025: What to expect at this unique Chennai Margazhi experience
All about this 10-day celebration of Carnatic music, dance and folk arts in Chennai
Embassy Developments Sells 450+ Units Worth Rs 860 Crore at Launch of Embassy Greenshore
Embassy Developments Ltd. (NSE: EMBDL / BSE: 532832) announced the exceptional response to Embassy Greenshore, its newly launched premium residential project within Embassy Springs, North Bengalurus biggest and best-planned city. Embassy Greenshore Spanning ~14 acres and encompassing 1.55 million sq. ft. of saleable area, the development comprises 878 spacious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments spread across two phases. Crafted for upper-mid-segment buyers seeking an elevated living experience, Embassy Greenshore introduces a distinct product typology with larger-than-usual configurations rarely available at its price point in the North Bengaluru micromarket. The launch of Phase 1 comprised of 700 units spread over 1.34 million sq. ft. of saleable area. The project witnessed a strong market response, achieving bookings worth ~Rs. 860 crore within five days of the launch. A key differentiator is the projects meticulous master planning ensuring a high degree of privacy with no homes looking into one another and offering residents access to their own ~3-acre central park with dedicated leisure zones and access to multiple amenities spread across the podium. These features, combined with premium finishing standards, position Embassy Greenshore as North Bengalurus most compelling affordable luxury development offering an aspirational lifestyle within reach. Located in proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and key employment hubs, the project benefits from Embassy Springs integrated ecosystem of green landscapes, social infrastructure such as Embassy Academy a CBSE-affiliated school, and connectivity, reinforcing its appeal as a preferred residential destination. Speaking on the milestone, Reeza Sebastian Karimpanal, Chief Revenue Officer Residential, Embassy Developments Ltd. , said, The overwhelming response to Embassy Greenshore reflects a growing desire among homebuyers for homes that offer more more space, more privacy, more refinement. We have intentionally designed larger formats with expansive living spaces, tucked-away walk-in wardrobes, and marble finishes to deliver a sense of everyday luxury rarely seen at this price point. With a thoughtfully crafted masterplan that ensures no homes overlook each other, Embassy Greenshore offers a level of comfort and exclusivity that is genuinely new for this micromarket. Phase 2 of the project, consisting of a premium tower, will be launched by January 2026. This achievement follows the recent sell-out of Embassy Paradiso within the same township and is another step in EDLs focused growth journey, reinforcing its leadership in North Bengalurus residential market and signalling a strong start to its next phase of launches. About Embassy Developments Limited Embassy Developments Limited (formerly known as Equinox India Developments Limited and earlier as Indiabulls Real Estate Limited) (the Company) is one of Indias leading real estate developers, specializing in the construction and development of residential, commercial, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects across Indian cities. With a strategic focus on Bengaluru, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and the National Capital Region (NCR), the company also has a presence in Chennai, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Vizag, and Indore. EDL boasts a diversified residential portfolio, offering a well-balanced mix of high-value and high-volume developments across mid-income, premium, and luxury segments. Its portfolio of ready, ongoing, and future residential developments includes branded residences, uber-luxury apartments and villas, exclusive town homes, condominiums, integrated townships, senior living communities, and contemporary homes. Committed to building a resilient ecosystem, the Company actively fosters social, economic, and environmental progress in the communities it serves. The Company is listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and holds a long-term debt rating of IVR A- Stable from Infomerics. Disclaimer This press release is for informational purpose only and does not constitute a prospectus, offering memorandum or an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to purchase or sell any securities of Embassy Developments Limited ( Company ) or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) in any jurisdiction. Any offer or solicitation will be made only by means of definitive offering documents and in accordance with the terms of applicable securities and other laws. This press release should not be considered as a recommendation or advice to any person or investor to invest or subscribe for or purchase any securities of the Group or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group ) and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision. Recipients of this press release should conduct their own independent investigation and diligence, and/or consult their legal, tax, financial or other professional advisors as they deem fit. This press release contains certain forwardlooking statements based on current expectations, projections and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performances or events to differ materially from the results contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include the effect of economic and political conditions in India and outside India, volatility in interest rates and in securities markets, new regulations and government policies, the general state of the Indian economy, any delay in merger and the managements ability to implement the companys strategy that might impact the Group 's general business plans, its future financial condition and growth prospects. The information contained in this press release is only current as on the date hereof and is not indicative of future results. The Group is under no obligation to update these forwardlooking statements or to inform the recipientof any changes or developments arising after the date of this press release. Moreover, both express or implied press release or warranty is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information presented or contained in this press release. Neither the Group nor any of its directors, officer, employees, advisers or representatives accept any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any information presented or contained in this press release. Furthermore, no person is authorized to give any information or make any press release which is not contained in, or is inconsistent with, this press release. Any such extraneous or inconsistent information or press release, if given or made, should not be relied upon as having been authorized by or on behalf of the Group.
IndiGo cancels nearly 500 flights today; govt to cut routes
IndiGo cancelled nearly 500 flights on Tuesday, extending disruptions at the airline for the eighth straight day, sources said. Bengaluru and Delhi saw even larger disruptions. 121 cancellations were reported from Bengaluru, including 58 arrivals and 63 departures. 152 flights were cancelled from Delhi. At Hyderabad Airport, 58 flights were cancelled, 14 arrivals and 44 departures. At least 81 flights were cancelled from Chennai, 31 from Mumbai, 26 from Lucknow and 16 from Ahmedabad. The ongoing crisis may also cost IndiGo several routes in the current winter schedule. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the government will definitely cut the airlines slot allocation as a penalty. We will issue an order to reduce some routes from IndiGos winter schedule. These will be reassigned to other carriers and returned to IndiGo only when it demonstrates the capability to operate them, Naidu told DD news. IndiGo operates more than 2,200 daily flights across 90 domestic and over 40 international destinations. On Monday alone, it cancelled more than 560 flights across six major metro airports as operational issues continued to escalate. Government will take strict action: Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Indigo crisis
Indigos flight cancellations at Chennai airport ease up
Chennai Airport in the morning said that 18 departures and 23 arrivals of Indigo flights have been cancelled for the day; compared to 38 departures and 33 arrival cancellations on Monday
State can inquire into mishandling of funds in private temples, rules Madras HC
CHENNAI: A division bench of the Madras High Court has held that the state can intervene if there is maladministration or misappropriation of funds in temples managed by private persons because such temples become public institutions if donations from the public are received. A bench of justices S M Subramaniam and P Dhanabal gave the ruling recently while disposing of an appeal filed against a single judges order dated November 30, 2022, on proper management of the Vembiamman Temple at Gingee in Villupuram district. However, the state cannot intervene in the religious affairs of rituals and customs of such temples, the division bench said. The dispute in managing the affairs of the temple arose between managing trustee R Thennarasu and another person, R Thirumurugan. When Thennarasu found no action was taken against Thirumurugan based on a representation he submitted to the district, he filed a writ petition in the high court in 2022. The court ordered the latter not to interfere with the affairs of the temple, besides directing the HR&CE department to look into the issue of rights over the temple. Challenging this order, Thirumurugan filed the appeal questioning the single judges orders and the powers of HR&CE department. The division bench explained that Section 6(20) of HR&CE Act defines temple as a place, by whatever designation known, of public religious worship and dedicated to, or for the benefit of, or used as of right by, the Hindu community or of any section thereof. The facts of the present case are that the temple is admittedly constructed in a grama-natham land and the land belongs to villagers. In other words, it is a common public land. It is further not in dispute that whole villagers are worshipping deities in temples and contributing for conduct of poojas, festivals, functions, etc, it noted. When public contributions/donations have been accepted, the temple assumes the character of a public institution. If public contributions are involved, the state can intervene in case of maladministration or misappropriation of funds, following the procedure as outlined in the Act and Rules, and take necessary actions. Right to administer the temple would not include maladministration, the bench said in the order. However, it added the department has no power to interfere with the religious practices or performance of poojas in the temple, which is to be done as per the custom and practice prevailing among the villagers and adopted in the temple.
Greater Chennai Corporation turns to nature for restoration of lakes, ponds
CHENNAI: As part of its ongoing efforts to restore ponds and lakes across the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation has now turned to the Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) approach in at least two places the Kadapakkam lake and the Sadayakuppam lake. While the work is almost complete in Kadapakkam, the same approach will now be used in Sadayankuppam. The NbS, prioritises eco-restoration by relying on natural methods and avoiding concrete structures while enhancing the well-being of the local community. It also ensures the local communitys rights are not disturbed, a senior corporation official said. Sadayankuppam in Manali New Town often gets flooded, especially when the Poondi and Puzhal reservoirs are opened during the monsoons. A detailed project report is now being prepared for restorating the lake through NbS approach at an estimated cost of Rs 33 crore. The lakes inlet is located in the northern part, and its surplus water flows out on the eastern side, about 400m away, into the Kosasthalaiyar river. Speaking to TNIE, a corporation official said the project involves the construction of sedimentation pond at lake inlet, to protect the water quality and depth of the water body. This helps the sediment-laden soil settle in the inlet before the runoff is discharged. The project also includes improvement of water channel, desilting and dredging of lake, construction of protective bund, creation of bird island using green materials, afforestation, walking track, introduction of indigenous freshwater fishes and aquatic plants, provision of recreational facilities and landscaping, enhancement of the flood-storage capacity and thus the preservation and restoration of the lakes catchment as green flood-mitigation infrastructure. The project mirrors GCCs approach in Kadapakkam in Manali, which began in August 2024 and is expected to be over by February 2026. The project has been carried out at a cost of Rs 58.33 crore, funded by Asian Development Bank and Global Environment Facility. An official involved in the project said while ADB is also funding grey infrastructure for construction of stormwater drains under integrated urban flood management for Chennai, this green infrastructure helps to cut costs and supports to maintain natural ecosystem. Earlier, the lake remained neglected, filled with invasive species, reducing its water-holding capacity with just 1.19 million cubic metres. However, following the restoration, the lake which has a spread of 134.89 acres and a catchment area of 13.4 sq.km, now has an increased water-holding capacity of 1.90 mcm, an increase of around 70%. With eight waterbodies connected to the lake, the restoration helps retain a larger volume of water, reducing the risk of flooding in nearby areas. While usually lakes have steep slopes requiring stone pitching for bund strengthening, here, about 7.2 lakh cubic metres of silt removed during restoration has been used to strengthen the bunds. Landscaping work is also underway, using a combination of increased public green space, and paver blocks (2 km) to create a walking track. Bio-fencing has been done using tree branches. Two biodiversity islands are planned. The lake will act as both flood-mitigation and drought-mitigation system for the region, which is surrounded by extensive banana cultivation. During summer, farmers can use the stored water for irrigation, and enhanced storage will improve groundwater recharge, supporting agricultural activities and providing recreational space for local community, the official said. It further includes installation of sluice gates, creating seating areas, childrens play zone, outdoor turf, dedicated spaces for butterfly and dragonfly diversity, a pollinator garden, and learning spaces. The toilets are also built using recycled bricks made of fly ash. Kadapakkam lake Project cost: Rs 58.33 crore Started in August 2024 Expected completion by February 2026 Spread across: 134.89 acres Catchment area: 13.4 sqkm Current Storage Capacity: 1.2 million m Post-restoration Capacity: 1.9 million m Scope of work Removal of water hyacinth and terrestrial weed species Desilting & dredging of 7.2 lakh m of silt Strengthening and formation of bunds 3450 m Rehabilitation of inlets, outlets, sluice gates & surplus weirs Creation of bird island for an area of 5 acres & biodiversity habitats Formation of shallow ponds at inlet for reducing silt and improving water quality Dedicated space for Butterfly and dragonfly diversity 24 varieties of native tree species, including badam, poovarasu, vembu, and naval, are planted across an area of approximately 1 lakh sq.ft
Queues thin at Chennai International Airport; IndiGo cancels 71 flights
CHENNAI: After nearly a week of chaos, the thinning of queues outside IndiGo counters at Chennai International Airport, that began on Sunday, continued on Monday as well, and flight operations showed further signs of normalisation. Cancellations, however, still remained high. The airline cancelled 71 flights throughout the day - 38 departures and 33 arrivals. On Sunday, the airline had cancelled a total of 91 flights at Chennai airport, including 49 arrivals and 42 departures. Many passengers were seen enquiring whether their scheduled flights on Tuesday would operate or if they needed to seek refunds. For some, there was relief after IndiGo officials confirmed a few of the previously cancelled services would operate as scheduled. Abul Basan, an employee at Pullman Hotel in Chennai, told TNIE that he had visited the airport to check the status of his flight from Chennai to Kolkata, with a connecting service to Agartala. The IndiGo official at the counter told me the flight will operate as per schedule, he said. Inbound services linking Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad were impacted. Delhi emerged as the worst-hit route, accounting for nearly half of the cancelled departures, followed by Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Anchal, who had gone to Ahmedabad to attend a wedding, said she was relieved to get back to Chennai. I was struggling to get back and was finally able to fly back home on Monday, she added. Meanwhile, Indian Railways set up a help desk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday. Ashant Kumar and Abdurrahim, commercial and ticket clerks with Southern Railway, said the special counters had been functioning since Sunday. Twelve passengers were guided to book train tickets to destinations such as Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tatanagar. The railways has made provisions for special ticketing in select routes, including 3 AC, 2 AC and 1 AC coaches. On other routes, additional coaches have been earmarked for stranded passengers, they added. Railways helpdesk Indian Railways has set up a helpdesk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday
Nearly 300 sanitary workers protest outsourcing waste management in Chennai
CHENNAI: Nearly 300 sanitary workers affiliated with the Greater Chennai Corporation Red Flag Union staged a protest at the Ripon Building on Monday, opposing the outsourcing of solid waste management operations. They also demanded the GCC regularise the jobs of conservancy workers, workers involved in fogging, and those in Amma Unavagams. Meanwhile, the sanitary staff in Ambattur zone led by the Left Trade Union Centre, who staged protest against the corporations insistence to adhere to its rule on wearing uniforms entered its third day on Monday. Owing to the protest, the GCC deployed temporary workers from other zones for solid waste management in Ambattur. Speaking to TNIE, a worker said she was blocked and attacked by the protesters when she signed the attendance register. She filed a complaint at the Korattur police station and Ambattur zonal officer of GCC. However, after the incident, the corporation officials marked her absent for the day, she alleged.
After years of flood risk, Varadharajapuram residents hope for safer monsoons with new projects
The panchayat was one of the prominent residential neighbourhoods developed in the 1970s, with more than 70 different layouts; it now has many vacant plots, as the flood risk has prevented owners from building homes
On December 9, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,043 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,956 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,90,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
'Tis the season for some merry decors
Christmas is almost here, and the shift in the air is undeniable. All spaces are well-lit and decorated, and a holiday mood is settling in, with ovens filled with cookies being all-in-one experiences around this time of year. Lets dive in together and make our spaces merry and ready too! The tree: Less is almost always more This is an apparent one, yet many get this wrong. The two key points here are to intentionally add ornaments so the tree is not cluttered and actually visible, and to make it personal. From personalised ornaments to pictures, its your canvas, celebrating your family and loved ones. Add a tree skirt as the final touch to complete the look, and dont skimp on the lights. Tablescape Tablescapes have the most potential to add to the festivities, as they just require dcor to be juxtaposed aesthetically, playing with heights. From printed table runners to printed ceramic crockery, the options available are immense. The more economically right way to do this would be using old fabrics and laces from worn-out spreads to DIY your own table mats and coasters. Anything with checks or in the Christmas colours would make the table lively. Fairy lights in large glass vases as centrepieces work brilliantly too. Also, dont forget the festive food. Doors and more Some pieces of furniture hold tonnes of potential when it comes to adding festival vibes, starting with doors. Whether its your main door to set the mood before guests walk into the room. From bookshelves to basin counters, coffee tables to kitchen countertops, sprinkle the Christmas magic everywhere. You can also go the extra mile and deck up your washrooms using coloured napkins, scented candles, and decorated trays for the toiletries. Fragrance Christmas is absolutely incomplete without spaces smelling like it, and fragrances are the easiest way to get your space ready. Christmas fragrances range from cinnamon, clove and mandarin to freshly baked goodies. Stock up on tapered candles in vintage holders for statement table dcor. Light up scented candles throughout the space when not left unattended. Lights and fabrics Everything from reindeers to Santa are printed on fabrics available around this time of the year. Mix up sizes and shapes of cushions, and dont be scared to throw in a couple of prints for the maximalist feel. Luxe fabrics from velvet in deep reds paired with neutrals complete the premium look and feel. The fifth wall, which is the ceiling, can be adorned with a blanket of fairy lights while candles and light-up dcor peek from the other corners. There is no such thing as too many lights; add strips of lights on the bookshelf edges and even on the circumference of the table for the added shimmer. Think beyond the tree Why should the tree have all the fun? Bring the outdoors indoors with fresh greenery and seasonal berries. Hang a branch above your table with paper cutouts, and decorate stockings to add a nostalgic feel. Spread light-up dcor in every nook and corner of the space and use last years gift wrapping ribbon to suspend baubles, creating a focal point in your hosting space. All in all, while the homes and spaces are merry-filled, spend some time to actually spread smiles and enjoy the festivities with loved ones without stressing about having the perfectly decorated home. There is nothing merrier than a joy-filled space. Make your spaces glow while making sustainable choices so the planet gets to celebrate the festivities, too.
How climate, caste, digital divide are deepening north Chennai's inequality
In the charred remains of what was once his home in Udhayasuriyan Nagar, Vyasarpadi, a student sits cross-legged on blackened ground, hunched over a broken mobile phone. The screen flickers as he watches an educational video in Tamil on YouTube, his fingers leaving smudges on the cracked glass. Around him, the air still carries the suffocating smell of coal and ash, two months after the fire in May that reduced 24 houses to ruins. The device in his hands is more than a phone. It is his portal to knowledge, a necessity in today's era of schooling. But for one of his neighbours, even this fragile lifeline was consumed by the flames. Our phones got burnt. Without OTPs, we couldn't even access basic services, couldn't talk to officials or get school-related updates, recalls Ramarajan, a father of two whose children's education ground to a halt for almost a week after the fire. In the days that followed, as volunteers from Vyasai Thozhargal distributed food and documented losses, the absence of devices emerged as an invisible crisis within the visible catastrophe. The student's broken phone and Ramarajan's burnt device point to a larger pattern of erasure. In working-class Vyasarpadi home predominantly to the lowered caste disasters often repeat. Fire gives way to water, water to the next monsoon, each catastrophe wiping clean not only homes but the digital threads that now determine whether a child can attend school, whether a family can prove its existence to the state, whether survival itself is possible in a system that demands constant electronic proof of citizenship. Designed disasters? Historically, the highlands were occupied by wealthier, upper-caste people, even during the colonial city's expansion, explains Nityanand Jayaraman, a social activist. Marginalised communities live on the margins of the city, the rivers, the wetlands, the sea because no other land was available to them. When well-to-do people build on slightly lower land, they also elevate it. They create an island for themselves and push water to other places, Nityanand says. Vyasarpadi sits just 7-8 metres above sea level, trapped between the Buckingham Canal, Otteri canal, and Captain Cotton Canal. But the flooding isn't a natural disaster it's structured neglect. Sarath Kumar, a first-generation learner and advocate with Vyasai Thozhargal, puts it plainly, In Chennai, the village and colony are separate. North Chennai itself is like a 'colony' an unannounced, unacknowledged area where people from lowered communities live. This segregation exists. Future Amidst Flooding, a report released in November 2025 by the Youth Climate Resilience Movement, Vyasai Thozhargal, and the Chennai Climate Action Group notes that 68.9% of the area's population belongs to Scheduled Caste communities, the highest proportion in Chennai. When floods enter a poor person's house, the damage is completely different from flood water entering mine, adds Nityanand. Even if the monetary value of damage in my house is more, I can replace things, I have insurance. But for the poor, their motorcycle, their autorickshaw, their phone, everything needed for daily survival, gets damaged. In homes where the median monthly income sits at 12,000 roughly 3,000 per person a replacement smartphone is an added wreckage. Nityanand explains. Devices get lost, and replacing them becomes almost impossible. For breadwinners, phones are essential painters and carpenters run their business through their phones. Even a basic mobile phone costs 1,0502,000. Without it, they don't get daily bread. For Sarath, this panic has become a ritual. When floodwaters threaten, he has learnt to move with practiced urgency ferrying personal computers and phones to higher ground, sealing devices in plastic bags, stacking them in relief camps above the waterline. But even those who successfully rescue their devices face another trap. Future Amidst Flooding, notes that nearly a quarter of residents 23.3% lost critical documents to the floodwaters from the past few years: Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and certificates. In an increasingly digital bureaucracy that demands these documents to access relief schemes, their absence becomes its own disaster. The report even points how nearly every single resident surveyed 99.2% has watched floodwaters invade their homes, rising to an average of 3.4 feet inside. The disconnect The state's answer to this manufactured crisis has been digital disaster management apps, online helplines, SMS alerts. While officials tout modern warning systems, 68.3% of Vyasarpadi residents depend entirely on television for flood alerts a lifeline that snaps the moment power cuts begin, outages that residents report last up to 15 days. Only 2.5% receive SMS alerts. A mere 0.8% get information through social media. The digital emergency infrastructure might as well not exist: not a single person surveyed knew the Greater Chennai Corporation's emergency helpline number (1913). Zero residents could name the sewer overflow contact. Zero knew where community kitchens operated during floods revealing a dangerous irony: the government has built a digital safety net that the people it's meant to protect cannot reach. As researchers Dr Vishvaja Sambath and Prasanth J, along with young researchers from the community note in the report, this represents a severe breakdown in the communication chain. The most vulnerable are disconnected precisely when connection means survival The testimonies paint a picture of complete institutional abandonment. No one from the government came to check on us, and we survived five days without proper food, one woman told researchers. The nearby community hall, which could have been used as a shelter, was locked. It was only the local youngsters who broke the lock and opened it for us to stay. The myth of the digital native The assumption is that underlying schemes like Tamil Nadus laptop distribution programme which ran from 2011 to 2018 before being discontinued enables digital competence. It doesnt. The unavailability of strong Wi-Fi, data back-up, and access to digital skills are to be taken into account. Virgil D Sami, executive director of Arunodhaya, who has worked with marginalised communities since 2015, saw the same transformation. The laptop scheme was very helpful. When it stopped in 2018, it affected many children. I've seen students bring laptops for projects and learn to use them. Otherwise they have no access. But she quickly adds, But it must be supported by proper internet connectivity and awareness on how to use it. For first-generation learners, the convergence of climate disaster, digital divide, and institutional neglect creates what Sarath, a first generation learner, calls a rap. Career guidance is not available. They don't know what they want, what job they should go into, or how they can achieve their aim, he explains. Second, a very major one is the financial problem. Even if they go to college, they aren't aware of the realities. Suddenly, the atmosphere is new, it's challenging, and they can't adapt. By the time college finishes, being first-generation graduates, they are already tied to household responsibilities. For women particularly, the family situation is such that the father says, 'If you go to work, only then the family runs.' So even if they decide to pursue further, their aim gets blocked. That caveat points to the deeper problem. Joy, founder of the Ambedkar Reading Circle in Chennai, echoes this reality: Many young people don't know about opportunities. They don't know how to apply for scholarships. They don't have CVs, not even email IDs. Sometimes, I would sit with them and create email IDs, prepare their CVs. Digital literacy itself is a big gap. Joy himself faced this isolation and confesses to having no direction after college. I did not know about IIT or NIT. Virgil sees this pattern repeatedly, Children in government schools in underprivileged areas lack awareness of what is happening outside. They don't know career opportunities or how to apply to colleges. They go to e-service centres or internet cafs where they often get wrong guidance. Applications get rejected. She also describes how digital exposure arrived suddenly during COVID, without the infrastructure to support it properly, Digital exposure really came during COVID, when classes were online. Many children had no access to mobiles because of economic reasons and also gender. If there was one mobile at home, it was given to the boys. Girls told us they wouldn't get it even if the boy was younger and not using it for studies. Most live in one-room houses. Parents watch TV and tell the girls to go outside and study with the mobile. Nityanand advocates for a fundamental shift. What needs to be emphasised is inequality structural casteism. Any policy must address that. He connects this to broader systemic discrimination, The state cannot be discriminatory. It discriminates by not repairing, not investing, and not ensuring the safety of north Chennai the way it pays attention to places like Gopalapuram and RA Puram. Why have the backwaters in Ennore, polluted since the 1980s, not been cleaned up? But in Adyar, around MRC Nagar, things are cleaned and beautified the moment FSI is relaxed. The solutions require recognising community knowledge. We invite IIT to study flooding in Vyasarpadi, but when floods happen, local people know exactly what is blocking drainage. They go, use crowbars, break open a hole, and let the water out. Why is that knowledge not being used? Nityanand asks. What must change The 2015 floods left deep scars. Cyclone Michaung in 2023 created fresh wounds. Each disaster resets the clock, pushing students weeks or months behind, destroying devices that took months of savings to acquire, severing connections to scholarship deadlines and exam preparations that won't wait for flood waters to recede. The Future Amidst Flooding report offers concrete, community-led demands: early warning systems co-designed with residents using mobile alerts and loudspeakers; immediate clearing of fly ash choking the canals; economic safety nets with community-led price monitoring during disasters; documentation assistance centres for rapid replacement of lost identification cards; and crucially, letting community members who know which elderly residents need medicine, which pregnant women need urgent care help run relief operations. To bridge the gap of digital divide, on the other hand, Sarath envisions basic infrastructure, We need integrated learning spaces, like a library with digital access and equipment, a combined workspace. We need many such small, mini-formal centres in various places. There's no facility like free Wi-Fi in places like bus stands here. Virgil's demands are similarly grounded. She says, Schools should have access to digital technology computers, internet connectivity and teachers should be trained. Children must be given knowledge on how to use technology in a positive and productive way. Career guidance programmes should be effectively implemented. Schools in south Chennai are much better than those in the north. That kind of discrimination still exists. All schools should have equal access to infrastructure, quality education, qualified teachers, and proper teacherstudent ratios. Joy's vision is clear, I strongly feel that in another one or two generations, there should not be first-generation learners at all. This 'first-generation learners' category must end soon. We need to ensure education, employment, health, all of this, reaches everyone. Sarath's words provide hope. The village and the colony must become one. Only then can we say caste is gone. Caste must end. That is very important. Every aspect will then automatically change. Note: CE reached out to multiple government officials for a comment but did not recieve responses at the time of publishing. This story will be updated if and when they respond.
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In 2016 Assembly poll, it contested in all seats butMaduraiNorth, securing a single-digit vote sharein all others exceptMadurai South. In 2024, its vote share exceeded 20% in 5 Assembly segments
LPG tanker overturns on Outer Ring Road, traffic hit for 30 mins
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Highways Department takes up repairs on roads damaged during Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai
Of the 654 km of roads under the departments control in the city, potholes have developed on 109 km of the carriageway. Of this, repairs on 89 km has been completed
Man who threatened Siwan MP and Barharia MLA held in Bengal
On Monday, a construction worker was apprehended in West Bengal for allegedly issuing death threats to Siwan JD(U) MP Vijaylakshmi Kushwaha and MLA Inderdeo Patel over a demanded sum of Rs 10 lakh. The threats, made from Chennai on December 3, appear to be a misguided attempt at garnering attention.
SIR: Almost 100pc forms distributed, digitised in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: In Tamil Nadu, under the ongoing SIR exercise, over 6.40 crore enumeration forms have been distributed, which is 99.91 per cent of the electorate, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said here on Monday. Also, 99.27 per cent of forms have been digitised after voters provided requisite information in the forms and submitted Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
INDIA bloc plans to move a motion to impeach Madras High Court Judge G.R.Swaminathan
The judge last week directed the authorities of theSubramaniya SwamyTemple atThirupparankundramto ensure that the KarthigaiDeepamwas lit at thedeepathoon (pillar) near adargahatop the hill
Tamil Nadu is launching the ambitious TN Shore project, a 1,675 crore initiative funded by the World Bank and state government, to combat increasing coastal disasters. Six centers of excellence are being established to address climate change impacts like erosion and pollution, while also focusing on livelihood improvement and community engagement for conservation.
Nehru Says BJP using ED for politics, vows to face charges legally
Madras high court summons ED officials for contempt in Tasmac case
Dalit Christian prof dismissed from SRM University after targeted attacks
Chennai: A Dalit Christian assistant professor at Chennais SRM University was dismissed for sharing anti-war views when Operation Sindoor was executed. Lora Santhakumar was dismissed from service after the universitys internal inquiry confirmed she committed grave misconduct. In May, students had allegedly exposed Loras identity after she posted a WhatsApp status calling for peace during Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Four IAS officers designated as special roll observers in Tamil Nadu
They will oversee all activities related to the SIR in the enumeration phase, the claims and objections period and disposal of notices phases, and the final publication of the rolls
Lawyers demand resignation of Madras high court judge Justice G R Swaminathan
Chennai airports T3 terminal to open for passengers only in in December 2026
Initially, it was set to be opened in July 2025. So far, 27% of construction has been completed, say AAI officials. CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed to keep track of the progress of the terminal
First time after Karur stampede, Vijay to address public on Tuesday
IndiGo flight cancellations fall gradually at Chennai airport
On Monday, IndiGo cancellations stood at 71, comprising 38 departure and 33 arrival flights
SC relaxes bail conditions for Senthil Balaji; questions need for his twice-a-week ED appearances
NEW DELHI: Granting more relief in the form of bail relaxation to former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, the Supreme Court on Monday said in its order that unless summoned by the probe agency, he was not required to appear before an Enforcement Directorate officer twice a week in Chennai in the money laundering case linked to the alleged cash-for-job scam in the state. Why is this man (Balaji) required to appear before the Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate at Chennai on every Monday and Friday? At least save your own officer from the harassment as he will have to wait twice per week for this gentleman to come, a two-judge bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said. The court also relaxed the condition requiring him to appear in the trial court on every date of hearing, saying the presiding officer may consider any plea for exemption on merits. Earlier, the apex court had directed that the appellant mark his attendance every Monday and Friday between 11 am and 12 noon at the office of the ED Deputy Director in Chennai. He was also required to appear on the first Saturday of every month before investigating officers of the three scheduled offences. During the hearing on Monday, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Balaji, argued that the investigation was complete and the complaint had been filed before the Special Court, making the twice-weekly appearance unnecessary. He stressed that Balaji had never absconded and had appeared before the ED on 116 occasions. Lawyer Zoheb Hossain, appearing for the ED, opposed the relaxation, saying the conditions were imposed due to the seriousness of the crime. The conditions were imposed by the Supreme Courts order of September 2024, which granted him bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-jobs scam, he said. He argued that the stringent conditions had ensured smooth progress of the trial and should remain unchanged. The bench, however, questioned the insistence on twice-weekly appearances. A man is going before you every Monday and Friday; he has a cup of tea with your officer. Is this necessary? CJI Kant asked. Balaji had approached the Supreme Court in October, stating that he had complied with all conditions for 13 months, made 116 appearances before the ED, that the PMLA trial had begun, and that predicate offences were still at the summons stage. He sought relaxation of the bail conditions. The court had earlier sought the EDs reply after hearing submissions by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Narendra Hooda for Balaji, Zoheb Hossain for the ED, and senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan for complainant Y Balaji. The former Tamil Nadu minister was arrested on June 14 last year by the ED in connection with the money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in an earlier AIADMK regime. The ED has alleged corruption. It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court had granted him bail on September 26 last year solely on grounds of delay in trial and long incarceration. Days later, on September 29, he was sworn in again as minister, taking charge of electricity, non-conventional energy and excise in Chief Minister M.K. Stalins Cabinet. In subsequent hearings, the apex court expressed displeasure over his reappointment, warning him to choose between post and freedom.
Rohit Made Me Comfortable, Allowed Me To Be Free With Him And Express Myself, Says Shardul
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur said veteran opener Rohit Sharma made him feel comfortable and encouraged self-expression, something which he is now eager to experience again in the Mumbai Indians' camp for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Ahead of retentions, Thakur was traded from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to the Mumbai Indians, a side where he was a support bowler in 2010. Abhi aur pata chalega jab sath me baithenge toh. Kaafi masti hogi. He made me comfortable, he allowed me to be free with him, and he allowed me to express myself. We became comfortable with each other, and he played a major part in it, Thakur was quoted as saying by the franchises website on Monday. Thakur, whos played 13 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for India, noted that the exposure to the MI dressing room environment in IPL 2010 instilled the professionalism in him to achieve greater things in his cricketing career. I was made to play practice games. I bowled with a new ball, so that boosted my morale and confidence to another level, and I was picking wickets. I was lucky enough to experience the dressing room early in my days, Thakur said. I was already feeling comfortable in front of senior players. Somewhere down the line, whatever the way I was treated during the Mumbai Indians camp, also, that small gesture from the Mumbai Indians helped me a lot to grow in my career, he added. Thakur, who is turning out for Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, also credited MI Director of Cricket Rahul Sanghvi and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey for their daily guidance and inputs shaping his growth as a professional cricketer. I was already feeling comfortable in front of senior players. Somewhere down the line, whatever the way I was treated during the Mumbai Indians camp, also, that small gesture from the Mumbai Indians helped me a lot to grow in my career, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians, along with Chennai Super Kings, are the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), claiming five titles apiece. MI have, among others, picked Thakur to bolster their squad, hoping to win their sixth title in the upcoming IPL 2026. Article Source: IANS
Investors go to AP, Telangana because of DMK govts corruption, collection and commission: Anbumani
EPS, Opposition Seek Action on KN Nehru After ED Flags Corruption
Thousands witness consecration of Ekambaranatha temple in Kancheepuram
The mahakumbhabhishekam of the temple, considered one of the panchabhuthasthalas(temples for five elements), was performed after a gap of 17 years
IPL 2026: What CSK need and who they should target in the auction
Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2026 at a crossroads, carrying both legacy and last-place disappointment. Major trades, including Jadeja and Currans exit and Samsons arrival, signal a new direction. With gaps in finishing, spin and pace, CSK head into the auction with a big purse and urgent needs as they prepare for life beyond MS Dhoni.
Nedungundram residents flag regular flooding, say locality lacks proper storm-water drains
They allege that officials of Chengalpattu district have not taken any measures to mitigate inundation despite repeated representations. These include the submission of a GIS study that calls for the construction of macro channels for draining surplus water from the Nedungundram Lake
Tamil Nadu forms expert panel to draft comprehensive SOP for elephant translocation
The government forms the committee following concerns voiced over the death of two translocated elephants in recent months. It has asked the committee to submit a draft SOP in two months
Thirupparankundram case: INDIA bloc to move an impeachment motion against Justice G.R. Swaminathan
We are collecting signatures of the India Bloc MPs and will submit them to the Parliament tomorrow, said CPI(M) Su. Venkatesan
Tollywood actress who donated Rs 100 crores to Tirupati temple
Hyderabad: Veteran actress Kanchana, remembered by todays audience for her warm grandmother role in Arjun Reddy, created buzz recently when she appeared in public after many years. At 86, she travelled in an auto-rickshaw to pay her respects to the late AVM Saravanan in Chennai. Her humble arrival surprised many, and the video of her Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SC relaxes bail conditions of Senthil Balaji, says not needed to visit ED office twice per week
The Supreme Court has eased bail terms for ex-Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. He no longer needs to report to ED officers twice weekly in Chennai. The court also relaxed the requirement to appear in trial court on every hearing date. Balaji will appear before the ED only when summoned with advance notice.
Two persons arrested for assaulting wireman in Chennai
Two school boys document rare bird
Madras Naturalists Society members and school-going children from Chennai, Amoggh Vjay Chatty and Aaditya S Rajesh spot and photograph a Plaintive cuckoo, which is a vagrant in south India
Rainy season demands smarter composting
MandaveliRaja Street to hostkolamcompetition
The theme-based event is open to groups from other neighbourhoods as well
A tour of cyclone-battered roads on OMR
A mending exercise that does not inspire confidence
Work to lift gopuram of Sri Kalikambal Temple in Chennai begins
Already, around 25 temples in the State, including the Raviswarar Temple in Vyasarpadi, have been or are being lifted to prevent flooding
Antara Senior Living Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Max India Limited, has joined hands with Max Estates to exclusively manage the senior living residences and amenities at Estate 361 - a forest-themed, wellness-first 18.23-acre development along the Dwarka Expressway, which is one of Gurugrams most rapidly emerging corridors. This marks Antaras second project with Max Estates after the milestone success of Estate 360, Delhi-NCRs first intergenerational community, wherein 292 residences for seniors were sold out in just 11 months. The recently launched Estate 361 will have a total of 360 senior living units and will also have a curated integrated wellness centre combining modern medicine with ancient Indian wisdom to impact quality of life of Seniors. The Antara Integrated Wellness Centre brings together primary healthcare - in-house doctors, 24x7 nursing and paramedics, emergency services, ambulance, specialist consultations - with wellness programmes including Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupressure, acupuncture, UV therapy. By combining modern medicine with the wisdom of traditional therapies, Antara will enable seniors to access proactive, preventive and personalised care which grows with them. Explaining the concept, Mr. Rajit Mehta, MD & CEO, Antara Senior Care , said, Ageing is a second coming of empowerment. Its a phase where seniors rediscover their aspirations and themselves. Its also a stage marked by increased need for physical, emotional and social wellbeing. With so many seniors navigating chronic conditions, mobility challenges and emotional vulnerability, wellbeing must be clinically guided, compassionate and woven into everyday life. Ageing actively calls for purpose designed communities. This is where intergenerational living embedded with integrated wellness can play an impactful role. Senior living models, like the one at Estate 361, can help Indias ageing population stay active, engaged and confident for longer. At Antara, our mission is to build senior care ecosystems that bring all this together so seniors can age with dignity, ease and joy. Designed with nature and wellbeing at its core, Estate 361 offers over 250,000 sq. ft. of forest greens, water bodies and sensory pathways carefully planned to enhance cognitive, emotional and physical health. It has 200,000+ sq. ft. of planned amenities for active ageing, including dedicated sports and recreation facilities: paddleball courts, golf putting greens, all-weather swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, a senior-focused gym. The Antara Club will have our Residents Engagement Team curate year-long calendars of activities based on residents interests and passion. The senior living residences are designed with accessibility in mind to promote autonomy. They feature wheelchair-friendly layouts, rounded wall edges, anti-skid flooring, strategically placed grab bars, senior-friendly elevator bays with lavatories and rest seating, panic alarm buttons, centralised fresh air circulation and glare-free lighting. Living is made truly hassle-free with the little things taken care of by Team Antara: Gourmet dining, Ghar ka Khaana facility, dietician-planned nutritious meals, laundry and even housekeeping, all done with Sevabhav. India is reaching a demographic and social inflection point. The countrys senior population, according to the ASLI-JLL report Elevating the Golden Years, is projected to rise from ~147 million in 2024 to nearly 350 million by 2050. As per the UNFPA, the fastest-growing senior segment - the 80+ population - is expected to surge by 279% (1) . Simultaneously, Indias traditional care ecosystem of joint families is being replaced by nuclear families leaving families overwhelmed with care responsibilities, or seniors ageing alone with one in three reporting depressive symptoms or loneliness. Together, these factors signal an urgent need for structured, professionally managed senior living solutions. All these factors, NRI investment and the increased investor interest in senior living underscore a decisive transition: India is actively seeking dignified, dependable, holistic senior-living environments, not piecemeal services. Backed by the Max Groups expertise in healthcare, hospitality and real estate, Antara is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. About Antara Senior Care Launched in 2013, Antara is the senior-care business of Max India Limited, part of the $7-billion Max Group. It is an integrated ecosystem for senior care, operating in two main lines of business Residences for Seniors and Assisted Care Services. Antaras first senior residential community in Dehradun, comprising nearly 200 families, caters to their social, recreational, educational, wellness, and health-related needs. In the near future, it will open its second senior living community in Noidas Sector-150, with families moving into the 340 apartments built in the first phase. Expanding its footprint in Gurugram, Antara will manage senior living residences, dedicated spaces for senior living, and primary healthcare services at Estate 360 and Estate 361, developed by Max Estates. Antaras Assisted Care Services include Care Homes, Memory Care Home, Care at Home and AGEasy. This line of business caters to seniors, who need more immersive interventions in their daily lives due to medical or age-related issues. With seven facilities across Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru and Chennai, Care Homes provide long-term care to seniors who require constant medical and nursing supervision, and short-term care services for the recuperation of seniors. Its Care at Home services, offered in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai, provide well-equipped, trained professionals offering care to seniors inside their homes comfort. AGEasy, an online and offline store focusing on senior-specific products and solutions to manage chronic health conditions at home, has touched over 5 lakh lives since inception in 2023. india.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/iar_2023_rgb_web.pdf
IndiaLand Group plans data centre near Chennai
Investment in the centre could be between 500 crore and 2,000 crore depending upon market conditions
Top Meteorologist Says Chennai Done With Heavy Rain For Now, But Watch Out For These 2 Days
Tamil Nadus skies may still hold a few surprises, yet the feared storm appears to be fading. With a fresh update, Pradeep John offers clarity as the state awaits the next spell
90% of eco park work at Raman Thangal Lake completed
The project involves the removal of water hyacinth and terrestrial weed species across the lake
Three months after launch, work at Wall Tax road tenement shoddy, incomplete in Chennai
CHENNAI: Nearly three months after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) tenements at Meenambal Shivaraj Nagar along Wall Tax Road, the 90 families who have moved in so far said that they have been facing drinking water troubles. Residents also said that the overhead water tanks are exposed without lids, sparking health concerns. Residents said that while two water pumps have been installed, they frequently break down, reducing the per-day water supply drastically. Since each tank is shared by multiple households, the supply is insufficient for daily needs, they added. Even when the motors function, water is pumped to the overhead tanks only once a day, one resident said. The tenement comprises 308 housing units (stilt + 11 floors) constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 40.14 crore by the TNUHDB. According to the residents, though the complex has two sumps with a combined storage capacity of 1.5 lakh litres, they said that only four metro water tanks each with a capacity of 9,000 litres worth are being filled. They added that while one sump is clean, the other, located at the edge of the premises, is unclean and open to contamination risks. The sump is covered only with a metal sheet and remains partially exposed amid overgrown bushes. Dilip Kumar, a resident, said, Only 90 families have moved in so far, while others are yet to occupy their units. Even now water is insufficient, it is unclear what will happen once all the flats are occupied. Earlier, before the building was reconstructed, we had access to hand pumps and never faced such issues. Similar hand pumps need to be installed here, and it is also necessary to ensure that the sump is cleaned, properly covered and that the motors are repaired and well-maintained. When TNIE visited the tenements, it was observed that nearly all overhead water storage areas on the terrace remain uncovered. Residents said that despite nearly three months since inauguration, many essential works remain incomplete. Unfinished windows without shutters allow rainwater to enter homes, unlocked houses that are yet to be occupied have also led to animals wandering in and soiling the interiors. Compound walls are still under construction, and the lifts require constant repairs. Multiple attempts to reach TNUHDB officials for a comment were unsuccessful.
Ambattur workers stir: GCC deploys staff from other zones to fill gap
CHENNAI: With the sanitary workers of Ambattur zone continuing their protest for the second day on Sunday after the city corporation mandated the workers to wear uniform during duty hours, the civic body has deployed hundreds of workers from the nearby zones to ensure waste collection remains unaffected. Speaking to TNIE, H R Koushik, regional deputy commissioner (central), said, The uniform is part of mandated safety measures. The reflective straps improve visibility while the workers are on roads, which can help prevent accidents. It is, however, unclear why the workers are resisting uniforms. Another corporation official said, around 56 NULM workers who were originally hired as sanitary workers had taken on an informal supervisory role exempting themselves from working on the ground to clear waste. The GCC commissioner reportedly instructed these supervisors to engage in sanitation jobs. A circular was also reportedly issued last week reiterating that workers are to wear uniforms. However, the protest began as the NULM supervisors refused to engage in sanitary work while other protesting workers said that the uniform was uncomfortable. They alleged that GCC was also attempting to outsource solid waste management in the Ambattur zone. Meanwhile, E Saraswathi, a sanitary worker, who had been engaged in an indefinite hunger strike for the past six days demanding reinstatement of their jobs directly under GCC in Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones, fell sick and was taken to hospital. Three others are continuing the hunger strike, with one already on IV drip.
29-year-old dies after lorry runs her over in Madhavaram
CHENNAI: A 29-year-old woman driving a two-wheeler died on Saturday evening allegedly after a tanker lorry rammed into her vehicle and ran her over. Onlookers caught the driver and thrashed him before handing him over to the police. According to the Red Hills Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW), the woman was identified as J Sivaranjani of Manali. She was working at an electronic appliance showroom in Madhavaram. The accident occurred after work on Saturday evening when she was returning home, they said. Police said that Sivaranjani had turned along the Manjambakkam junction near Madhavaram when she stopped before crossing. A lorry that was coming behind her allegedly rammed into her, killing her on the spot. The driver did not see the woman as several trees blocked his view, police said. Upon information, police sent the womans body to a government hospital for autopsy. A case has been registered and a probe is under way. The driver who was detained by police is under treatment for his injuries.
MS Subbulakshmi's bhajans under the spotlight at ACJ
For many, MS Subbulakshmis music is a cultural memory, not only in south India but her voice has echoed across the North and around the world. Her songs have been a rite of passage for generations of Carnatic singers. Yet her artistic identity was never confined to Carnatic music alone; Subbulakshmi was equally celebrated for her bhajans , which became a defining part of her repertoire and legacy. Praveen Sparsh The most iconic bhajan associated with her, however, was not one she grew up knowing. She learned Hari Tum Haro overnight, tuned hurriedly with composer R Vaidyanathan, for Mahatma Gandhi at his personal request. As Gandhi famously told her, [He] would rather hear her speak the words than hear someone else sing it. Almost eighty years later, in commemoration of Subbulakshmis death anniversary, Soulfest 2025 - Hari Tum Haro revives the historic bhajans of the MS Subbulakshmi-R Vaidyanathan duo live on stage. Shreya Devnath The concert, curated, designed and narrated by Gowri Ramnarayan, will feature performances by Nisha Rajagopalan, Shreya Devnath, Sujith S Naik, and Praveen Sparsh on December 11 at M.S. Subbulakshmi Arangam, Asian College of Journalism, Taramani. Reflecting on Subbulakshmis musical journey, Gowri says, I think MS Subbulakshmi is perhaps the only classical Carnatic musician who is equally famous for her bhajans . The legacy, she explains, began with the film Meera, released in Tamil in 1944 and in Hindi in 1947. Since she sang so many bhajans in the film Meera, they became part of her repertoire. Nisha Rajagopalan The concert, along with many of her famous Hindi bhajans , will also showcase rare pieces preserved in intimate family spaces. There were three or four songs that she never sang on stage. They were in her notebook, written in her own handwriting in Hindi with the meaning in Tamil. I just learned them because they were in the notebook, and I thought, why not revive those songs? And so I shared these songs with Nisha Rajagopalan, and we are presenting them at the concert. Sujith S Naik What makes the experience truly unique is its mic-less format, using the halls rare architectural acoustics. Having curated and experienced many mic-less concerts, Gowri says, The natural sound of the voice and instruments is something we have forgotten because there are microphones everywhere. I want people to reclaim their right to enjoy natural sound in music concerts. She notes that the MS Subbulakshmi Arangam has been built with acoustics that retain the natural purity of sound, making the upcoming performance truly special. M.S. Subbulakshmi Arangam in Taramani will open its doors for Hari Tum Haro on December 11 at 6.30 pm. Entry is free, but registration is mandatory. Register at www.theticket9.com
On December 8, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 12,965 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,884 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,90,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
A game, a journey, and a realisation
On a recent visit to a museum, I saw a small placard advertising the sale of a board of Parama Padam. It is the traditional version of Snakes and Ladders, and contrary to popular belief, it is not merely an Indian name for the game. The traditional game had virtues associated with the ladders and names of characters from mythology and folklore for the snakes who in turn represented vices. The game itself was a representation of our journey to self-development, our internal struggle to overcome vices, acquire virtues, and ascend to Parama Padam or the highest place. The game was known by many similar names such as Moksha Path, Gyan Path and Vaikunta Pali. The origins of the game are hazy, with some ascribing it to Saint Gyandev of the Bhakthi movement and many others to the Jains, who perhaps developed it as a way to teach Jain philosophy. The essence of the game though, is common across all versions of the game the good is within us, the evil is within us, and the struggle is within us. This game, over the years, has become a metaphor for learning in a number of variations. From versions on healthy eating, to environment consciousness, to executive development, I have seen dozens of versions created by using this game. I picked up the Parama Padam at the museum, hoping to see an original board, but I was disappointed. What was being sold was not a very faithful rendering of the game. Virtues and vices sprinkled the board, and the graphics gave it a sense of authenticity. However, where this board, like many others, failed, is to understand the nuance of the game. The beauty of the traditional board was that vices were not merely listed but inferred through characters from mythology and folklore, with many old boards having localised characters. What this essentially did was create a sense of the human the sense that vices are inherently present in humans and not on their own. These humans are sometimes good people who do good deeds and are deeply loved and respected, yet they have within them a fatal flaw that keeps them short of achieving Parama Padam or the highest place. There is a Greek word hamartia first used by Aristotle in his Poetics and now, in dramatic literature to refer to the protagonists error that leads to a chain of actions which culminate in a reversal of events leading to his downfall. Shakespeare made very effective use of these in his tragic plays from Hamlets indecisiveness to Macbeths ambition, and Othellos jealousy among the others. What this does is change the narrative. The characters from mythology portrayed in Parama Padam cease to be merely good or evil and become flawed human beings, thus accepting and reinforcing the shades of grey. It teaches us to see people not in black and white but to accept them with their flaws because we, too are deeply flawed, as are all human beings. The journey to Parama Padam now becomes not merely a journey of self-development, but also one of acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness. Sadly, modern boards miss this nuance and thus the very essence of the game a learning that is critical to us in todays day and age, where we are quick to fault and make it almost a mission to spot flaws in everything around us. To further explain this, quote the words of Stephen Hawking, Without imperfection, you or I would not exist.
Holistic wellness through all ages
What does holistic healthcare truly mean for a woman? From her birth to the complex hormonal and emotional shifts of adolescence, motherhood, menopause and beyond, a womans body undergoes a series of changes that are often misunderstood, overlooked or reduced to isolated medical conversations. I Am Woman a book by family physician and preconception consultant Dr Mahalakshmi Sivaraman, steps in as a smart guide to womans lifelong wellness. Published after two years of writing and research, the book was launched on Friday at MOP Vaishnav College for Women by Pegasus, the colleges student-led book club. The event was graced by notable medical professionals, including Dr Ranjini Manian, founder of Global Adjustments and founder chair of Champion Woman, Dr Sujatha Mohan, executive medical director at Rajan Eye Care Hospital and president of Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, and Dr S Hemalatha, the authors mother and retired district project coordinator of the Greater Chennai Corporation. Dr Mohan Rajan, chairman and managing director of Rajan Eye Care, also joined the occasion. The proceedings began with a welcome address by Principal Archna Prasad, who set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to womens wellness. TNIE was the media partner. Speaking about the books design and accessibility, Dr Ranjini, the guest of honour, highlighted its easy-to-use format filled with tables, charts and quick illustrations. She noted that the three icons medical facts, warning signs, and practical tips make it a convenient guide even for those short on time. Its a wonderful book because you can just get bite-sized nugget information if thats all you have the time to do, she said. Dr Sujatha, who penned the foreword, echoed the authors effort of including researched references and not only focusing on personal experiences. Taking the stage, Dr Mahalakshmi spoke about her motivation behind writing the book and the necessity of reliable health information for women. Womens health is not a single chapter; it is a journey. One that begins before birth and continues through every age and stage of her life. She explained that the book explores topics ranging from menstrual health and reproductive care to mental well-being, post-menopausal challenges and ageing. It also addresses issues such as nutrition, body image, lifestyle habits, and the growing influence of unverified information on social media. In an era where contradictory health trends circulate rapidly online, she hopes the book will serve as an authentic and dependable reference. The launch closed on a note by the author, Stay committed towards your health, listen to your body and make conscious choices. Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.
Musician blends Carnatic and Western in new album
Born into a family that breathes Carnatic music, the melodious cadences of ragas seeped into USA-based Indian-American composer Shanker Krishnans system quite early in life. His guru, Brindamma, left an indelible impact on him, and his inclination towards Western classical music added even more layers of potential to his field of experimentation. He says, Brindammas music was a major influence on me, with the subtle gamakas and jewel-box intricacy of her style. It was when he went to Berkeley for graduate study in applied mathematics that he first encountered Western classical music. I was captivated by the music of JS Bach, with its lines layered vertically over one another in counterpoint. From the beginning, I wondered what would happen if the intricacy of raga met the intricacy of counterpoint, Shanker says. After years of learning and experimentation, the seeds of his debut album Confluence: Raga and Counterpoint were sown. It was released in September by IndianRaga and co-produced by Geetha Raja, a prominent musician, and his sister. The long duration of creating this masterpiece reflects how each formation was chiselled to perfection. The intention was to draw musical contours to his emotions. My aim was to bring together the architecture of Baroque counterpoint with the emotional impact of the ragas and gamakas of Carnatic melodic lines and to integrate them at the deepest level, he says. Blending in the Gita For Shanker, the purpose of music is expression and reflection, and the structure is how the emotion unfolds. In this album, the Fugue-Kriti traces an emotional arc from tranquillity to foreboding, and Field of Dharma explores the emotional landscape of the Bhagavad Gita , he says. Shankers inclination towards the philosophies and teachings of the Gita, and the emotional perplexities Arjuna encounters at each point of time during the Kurukshetra war, exude in the album. He believes that Arjunas dilemma and the lessons of the Gita are both timeless and timely. The themes used in the album have a universal appeal. The Gita remains very relevant in todays world. In moments of stress and anxiety, I still turn to its teaching of nishkama karma non-attachment to the fruits of ones actions, he says. Ragas , too, are a way of conveying the innate emotions that sway between the performer and the audience. He has used ragas like Shanmukhapriya and Charukesi for the Field of Dharma because both have a high level of emotional intensity yet can convey multiple moods. In the Fugue-Kriti , a shift from raga Hemavathi to Vachaspathi involves only the change in the gandharam , but the resulting change in mood is substantial from contemplation to luminosity and uplift. The modulations in emotions and moods were also brought through the changes in instrumentation and harmonic progressions. The album features instruments like violin, veena, venu, mridangam, cello, harp, trumpet, and oboe. Quite diverse in their functionality, these Western and Indian instruments meld into each other as effortlessly as a flowing river. Shanker believes that despite the deemed differences between the instruments created by the geography and other evolutionary differences, they share secrets in the quietest ways. These instruments can speak to each other more naturally than we assume, he adds. Instrumental integration Orchestrating the instruments was another way of articulating the rising and falling emotions. In the Field of Dharma , the plucked notes and resonance of the harp echo those of the veena, and the lines of the oboe and solo trumpet intertwine with the Carnatic violin and veena. By varying the instruments, I could shift the emotional register brass creating a more martial atmosphere, and the delicacy of the harp for Arjunas introspection. He expresses his gratitude towards the Carnatic soloists Shraddha Ravindran (violin), R Thiagarajan (flute), KR Shrievats (veena) and Mannarkoil J Balaji (mridangam), who defined the synchronization of the notes with depth and intricacies. After pursuing a career in poverty reduction at the World Bank for 25 years, he steered his path to follow his heart. An expert in traditional music and a passionate Western music enthusiast, he closely studied composers like Debussy and Bartk, and has been influenced by other forms of music, even rock. Confluence: Raga and Counterpoint is an offshoot of his deep exploration in the ocean of music, both traditional and Western. The album, consisting of two multi-movement pieces, is available on Apple Music Classical, Spotify, and on Shankers and IndianRagas YouTube channels.
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