Mylapore's Museum Caf shut to make way for office space
CHENNAI: The Museum Caf, a unique and fully accessible space run by persons with disabilities (PwDs) atop the Museum of Possibilities at the Lady Willingdon College campus in Mylapore, has been shut down by the Commissionerate of the Welfare of the Differently-Abled, reportedly to convert the premises into an office space. Sources said Monday was the cafs last working day. The caf also offered persons with disabilities essential training opportunities, and also served as an accessible place for them to meet and interact. The Museum of Possibilities, along with the caf, was inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin in June 2022 as a state government initiative. The museum showcases a range of assistive and adaptive devices aimed at enabling PwDs to lead independent lives. It was conceptualised as a space where persons with disabilities could try out new technologies and understand what best suit their needs, while also raising public awareness on accessibility and inclusive living. The caf was also functioning as a bakery and confectionary training unit for disabled students, providing them hands-on experience in a safe and inclusive setting. According to sources, NGO Vidya Sagar has been running a one-year vocational programme in restaurant and retail management using the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) cirriculum, where students undergo six months of theory training at the NGO followed by six months of industrial training at the caf. A total of 16 persons have been trained in the cafe so far of which 10 were from Vidya Sagar and the remaining six came through other referrals. Of them, five persons are working in different restaurants while one has started his own business. In a notice dated September 26, the commissionerate stated that its three-year MoU with Vidya Sagar ended on August 31, 2025. It also noted that the commissionerate has decided to run Museum of Possibilities only on the ground floor and that tenders had been invited to manage and operate the facility. The NGO was instructed to hand over the caf premises within 60 days. With the closure, an accessible, community-led space created for and by persons with disabilities will now be converted into government office space, said activists and disabled persons. The caf, which has been functioning for three years, was 100% accessible. From the light switches to the cups used there, every detail was designed to accommodate people with different kinds of disabilities. Because of this, it became a popular and safe space for wheelchair users and others with disabilities, and several events were held there, said Sathish Kumar, a wheelchair user and member of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA). He added it was disheartening to see such a valuable space being shut down. The department should allow the caf to continue, as it would be very difficult to recreate a space like this again. It was not only accessible but also offered training that helped disabled persons to become financially independent, he said. Officials from differently abled welfare department were not available for comments.
Chennai rain alert: Chennai faces a yellow alert as the northeast monsoon intensifies, with a low-pressure area likely to form a cyclonic storm named Senyar in the Bay of Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted for several Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, from November 25 to November 30.
Women ride their way to wheeling dreams
Even before we are born, many stereotypes are attached to us. They linger in the colours were wrapped in, the toys placed in our hands and the expectations adults whisper. Even the machines we ride have assigned gender. Somewhere along the way, a gearless two-wheeler, aka scooty, became the sensible and safe choice for women, while the heavier, more powerful motorcycle was framed as a natural extension of masculinity. The road never made these rules; society did. A woman riding a bike becomes a cultural decay, and a man choosing a scooty is teased for being less manly. But slowly, and quietly, this has begun to shift. Recently, social media has been flooded with videos and advertisements about motorcycle training communities, and most of them are dedicated specially for women, opening new lanes of confidence, independence, and long-awaited freedom for many. One such reel that has been trending with nearly 290 thousand views is of a retired 60-year-old woman from Coimbatore, who took up a two-day bike-training to fulfill her desire to ride a gear-bike, thereby ticking it off her bucket list. Hitting the road The sexagenarian was trained by Caf Cruisers, founded by Abisek Shravn, who saw a gap in training. Almost no one was focusing on creating riders, he says. Riders groups welcomed those who already knew how to ride, but rarely those who didnt. His goal became clear: build riders, not just gather them. As structured riding modules took shape from slow-speed mastery to road simulations the unexpected happened. During our early sessions, we noticed many women approaching us discreetly, he says. Today, the fastest-growing group in Caf Cruisers is women aged between 28 and 45 years, with a significant rise in women aged above 40 and 50 years. Meanwhile, Nomad Bikers Club grew out of the lack of a safe, judgment-free space for women to learn and make mistakes. The founder, Mayas journey to building a for women, by women community began with her own experiences of not having that space. Male riders have had the privilege of learning to ride a bike because one of their friends or cousins would confidently give it to them, she says. But that space is not there for women. After a difficult experience in college and later an incident with a slipping clutch downhill, Maya realised women werent just denied motorcycles; they were denied the room to make mistakes. That became her fuel. What began with Sunday free-of-cost sessions on a friends Splendor slowly expanded across 20-plus cities. My motto was that people should not go through what I went through, she says. Even if they drop the bike, its fine. That is when the fear is broken. Caf Cruisers For Fais N, founder of CRF Women On Wheels, the journey began in a moment of personal darkness. He was navigating depression when teaching a woman to ride brought him a spark of joy he hadnt felt in long. The first time I saw happiness in the eyes of a woman who learnt riding from me, something changed, he recalls. From there, the community grew into an international platform. His one-day intensive training, built on trust and full refunds if a student doesnt learn, has taken women from fearing a two-wheeler to riding across India. Age is never the problem mindset is. And we help them break that mental block, he says. These origin stories may differ, but they converge at a shared purpose: dismantling a fear that was built over decades. The first gear For many women entering these riding communities, learning to handle a motorcycle isnt just about balancing a machine; its about unlearning years of conditioning and stepping into a kind of freedom they were never encouraged to claim. Aruna, a 53-year-old from Bengaluru, trained with Nomad Bikers Club after years of travelling pillion. I realised I never got the chance to learn because nobody even showed me that was an option for women, she says. Determined to change that, she signed up for training. I was afraid of fallingbut the trainers were extremely patient. I started riding within the first 30 minutes. Today, she rents bikes and goes on mountain trips, rides her kids around, and worries far less. I am not scared of anything these days, she adds, proud that her elder daughter, too, has now joined the programme. Nomad Bikers Club For Soumya, a 32-year-old from Kochi, deciding to learn to ride with the Nomad Bikers Club was tied to healing. Widowed young, she wanted to take her son on the Bullet he loved. I was scared. The bike is heavy. How will I do it? But within two days, she was riding through the streets confidently. Now she drops her son off at school on the bike. He loves to talk about the ride to everyone, she smiles. Her brother, once doubtful, is now proud. Arpita Tibrewal, a 37-year-old yoga instructor from Coimbatore who trained with Caf Cruisers, had long dreamt of riding. The biggest fear was safety. If I hurt myself, who will handle the kids? she says. The training shifted that fear. They taught me safety procedures, gear, and things about the vehicle that were important. Riding has begun to reshape her confidence. Riding makes you feel powerfreedom is a byproduct of learning it. Her husband knows shes training, but the rest of her family doesnt. Ill tell them when I go for my first bike trip, she says. Different stories, one shared outcome: the road, once off-limits, now belongs to them. For the future As these stories multiply, the communities behind them are imagining a road that looks very different from the one they first stepped onto. For Maya, the future is not about expanding aggressively but protecting the emotional core that built Nomad Bikers Club in the first place. She doesnt want the training to become mechanical or commercialised. We can have trainers in every city, but the comfort space wont feel the same, she says. Maya imagines a future where bike training becomes as normal as tuition classes, where women dont have to pay or travel miles for the chance to learn because someone at home will simply hand them the keys. These days arent far, she says. The hype will fade, and it will just become a part of life. Caf Cruisers Abisek views the road ahead through a structural lens. To him, the impact goes deeper than women learning to balance a machine; it reshapes how families understand mobility and responsibility. His vision for Chennai is a city where riding is treated as a life skill, not a risk. What inspires him most is the cultural shift already unfolding: husbands encouraging wives, daughters pushing mothers to learn, families cheering when a woman completes her first road session. This, he believes, is how confidence spreads, quietly, through shared moments. Fais brings yet another perspective one rooted in emotional transformation. His platform grew from a place of personal healing, but the mission remains unchanged. He has seen women who once trembled at the clutch ride across Himalayan passes. If that can happen, he believes, anything can. And perhaps that is the beauty of this movement. These women are not just learning to ride; they are reclaiming space, speed, and agency, one gear at a time.
Give a traditional twist to modern homes
Contemporary homes largely have comparable features, clean lines, modern furniture, neutral palettes, and curated dcor. Often times in these homes, we spot something else, pieces of furniture, art, or dcor that do not necessarily match the overall style. The heirloom pieces a weathered trunk at the foot of the bed, a handwoven fabric draped on a modern sofa, or a brass urli on the console. As these pieces dont match the overall style of the space, it is exactly why they work well. Adding character, memories, and emotions to spotlessly clean spaces. Soul, not just style Over the past decade, minimalism has dominated spaces. While bringing calm and clarity, it also created spaces, that at times, felt too clean or too perfect making it too impersonal. Heirlooms act as antidotes; the worn-out handles, tiny chips, and faded patina add warmth and character to perfectly modern spaces. They introduce textures in a way that new materials cannot fully replicate. Sentimental styling There has been a shift in interiors globally from perfect to personal. Sentimental styling involves decorating with memories and stories rather than just aesthetics. Instead of sourcing a statement center piece, homeowners are making their heirloom pieces the focal point that lived in their grandparents homes for decades. A vintage clock ticking in the modern corridor, a wooden dresser in a contemporary bedroom, and a hand-embroidered tablecloth for the family dining setting are ways in which heirlooms can be incorporated in your clean-lined spaces. As they dont fit any design trend, they also remain timeless. Filling spaces with emotions Heirlooms carry memories, and every memory carries stories filled with emotions. These pieces are reminders of where we came from, while reflecting on the journeys we have had. At times like today, when our homes and cities change at lightning speed, heirlooms keep us rooted to our past. A fathers old typewriter, grandfathers carved study chair with rubbed edges, or a mothers silver lamps, they all have stories of our past that are emotion-filled and should be celebrated in our current spaces. Blending heirlooms with modern aesthetics Would these pieces look out of place? Absolutely not. The clean, modern feel acts as a perfect backdrop for heirloom pieces to shine. A hand-carved wooden chest can be a coffee table, and a writing desk from that era can sit in a contemporary study effortlessly. The trick is to blend materials, not just eras. Add brass details to matte black surfaces, layer handwoven textiles on modern furniture, and watch the energy shift alongside the aesthetic upgrade. Creating tomorrows heirlooms Heirlooms dont have to be unique or expensive; they have to be valuable with memories attached to them. A childs hand-painted bowl, a brass bell that once rang in your childhood home, or a letter framed over a chic desk. The heirloom needs to have emotional longevity, making it precious for the next generation, too. Homes are more than just structures; they are keepers of stories. Heirlooms dont just remind us of the people who came before us but also the values, habits, and love they left behind. These pieces anchor our spaces because they anchor us. They remind us of the stories we carry forward in our journey with what we choose to keep close.
Here's how a Sunday can transform perspectives of Chennai
A red building stretching along the road opposite Marina Beach is unlikely to be missed. The Public Works Department office stands there with its long corridor of arches and an occasional splash of green from the bushes that border the pavement. If you paused for a moment to take it all in, what would you notice? The rhythm of those arches? A dragonfly prancing between the shrubs? A bus rumbling past and cutting the frame of your view? On a Sunday morning, a group decides to freeze that moment. They sit on portable stools or simply settle on the opposite pavement. Sketchbooks open. Pencils and brushes move quickly. The city slowly turns into lines, curves and blocks of colour on paper. This is the routine of Urban Sketchers Chennai (USK Chennai). With no entry fees or prerequisites, the group focuses on one mission: to come together and enjoy different pockets of the city. It is a simple effort that has made art accessible to many who once thought that galleries and studios were not for them. USK Chennai began in 2020, when filmmaker Mohan Krishnan discovered the global Urban Sketchers network, started in Seattle in 2011. Growth was quiet in the early days, especially with the pandemic pausing gatherings. Among those seeking community was Namita Prasanna, a visual communication graduate with around two decades in design. She had heard of groups like Pencil Jam in Bengaluru and yearned for something similar here. When she found the Chennai chapter, she joined, and the meets slowly became regular. By August 2023, after months of meeting around the city, we finally received recognition as an official chapter, she says. Now, every alternate Sunday, around 45 to 50 people gather at a new location. One building often has 50 different perspectives. Drawn with curiosity Choosing a spot isnt just about architectural heritage. It is also about small things like the vendor at the corner, or the sight of schoolchildren rushing by. Their sketch meets read like a visual diary. At Broadway Junction, buses and bicycles weave through the frame; outside Sir Mutha Concert Hall, music floats through windows; at the Sunshine House in Adyar, members sketched local singers and a small pop-up of art for sale. Even a busy fish market or a roadside temple becomes a subject worth pausing for. We choose locations that are a mix of heritage and everyday life. A tea shop can be as interesting as a grand building. You start seeing beauty in small things, Namita says. Some of the places they sketched no longer look the same. Adyar Gate Hotel has vanished. Besant Nagar Beach has changed. The SBI building on Mount Road is under restoration. As urban sketchers, our job is to create a reportage of how the landscape is changing. What is here today may not be there tomorrow, she says. The only rule is to sketch on location. You bring your own perspective. Some draw the whole building, some only a corner, some add the autos, the vendors or a patch of leafy shade. It is a judgement-free space where each person sees differently, and that is the beauty, Namita adds. Their meets end with a throwdown. Sketchbooks are placed on the ground, side by side, forming a colourful mosaic of styles. They take pictures. People walk around admiring each others work, not measuring talent but celebrating effort. Art shouldnt feel exclusive. Anybody can pick up a pencil and paper and join us. We have engineers, filmmakers, government employees, fourth-graders and even people in their eighties. It has made art feel approachable and joyful, Namita says. Fear fades in company Sketching in full public view can feel intimidating. That first moment when someone looks over your shoulder or asks what you are doing can make your hands shake. But it doesnt last long. In a group, there is comfort. People laugh, share techniques. Slowly, you stop worrying about who is watching. Those two-and-a-half hours become meditation, Namita says. They have sketched in places loaded with stereotypes. Busy market streets. Narrow lanes where people rarely see artists sitting with sketchbooks. We dont go by stereotypes. We have sketched in every nook of the city and never felt unsafe. People are always curious, sometimes even offering us chairs. They want to see their city through our eyes, she says. The citys art scene is spilling out onto the streets, pavements, and bus stops. And USK Chennai has emerged as one of the most inviting doors into that world. Just a few weeks ago, USK chapters from across India met in Goa for a national sketch carnival. The Chennai team returned with new friendships, techniques and people eager to join them. Next Sunday, the group will gather again at a different corner of Chennai. The intent remains the same. To look closer and tell a story through your eyes. If you wish to give the city a place in your sketchbook, join USK for their next meetup. Follow @uskchennai on Instagram for more updates.
TVK picks hyper-local issues for grassroots connect
AIADMK, DMK bat for sports to secure youth support
Court questions legality of charging 30% interest on loan to make movie
BLOs to visit homes to collect forms from tomorrow
Neither ECI nor politicos coercing BLOs; no voter will be left out: CEO
ED flags SL womans voter ID in Chennai
OMR residents federation forms group to assess impact of waterbodies restoration
Volunteers say restoration efforts have not fully translated into the intended benefits
Gurupriya Vision Research Foundation receives award for its project Vision on Wheels
Visitors struggle for parking as bays along Elliotts Promenade are encroached
Fake GST invoice racket busted; kingpin arrested for siphoning 50cr
Dowry plaint: SHRC flays settlement by cop
Ex-judge to head panel for bar council election
Draft curriculum to be out in December, says Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi
He states that deliberations on the curriculum revision will go on till March 2026
OPS hints at launching a party if EPS fails to `unify AIADMK by Dec 15
Cop booked for assaulting businessman
Pontaq Ventures to close maiden India fund with Rs 700cr corpus
Bids invited to design beach road widening
Tamil Nadu will see coalition govt in 2026: Premalatha Vijayakanth
Inter-State racket in fake GST invoicing busted in Chennai
GST Commissioner (North)said the prime suspect who was operating an unregistered tax consultancy firm, M/s A.S. Associates, in Chennai, was arrested.
Restaurantmanager and three others held for cheating
All four arrested persons were remanded in judicial custody.
Chennai Court Awards Lifer to Three Bawaria Gang Members For Murder of AIADMK MLA
Sudarsanam was the AIADMK MLA of Gummidipoondi in neighbouring Thiruvallur district and Minister for Backward Classes Welfare when the incident took place
Drone helps police nab gangsters celebrating birthday in TN forest
GST Nil Tax: Does It Make Notebooks More Expensive?
GST reforms have unexpectedly increased notebook costs for students by shifting them to a nil-GST bracket. This move, intended to reduce prices, has instead burdened paper manufacturers and MSMEs due to unrecoverable input taxes, making imports cheaper and threatening domestic industry and jobs.
Cyclone Senyar may bring heavy rainfall to north Tamil Nadu, delta districts
Dharmendra passes away: Learn The Kollywood Stories of A Bollywood Hero
Dharmendra's dedication to his craft was evident in his meticulous preparation for roles, including studying original South Indian films. He shared memorable experiences working with Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and collaborating with Chennai stuntmen. The veteran actor, known for his charm and commitment, passed away at 89.
SHRC flays settlement by inspector, orders Rs 1 lakh compensation
ED flags Sri Lankan womans voter ID in Chennai
Congress will reach out to people horizontally and vertically: Bellaiah Naik
Grand And Heartfelt Welcome Accorded To World Cup-winning Indian Womens Blind Cricket Team
T20 World Cup Cricket: In a moment of immense national pride and celebration, the Indian womens cricket team for the blind, led by the Chairman of Cricket Association for the Blind in India, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar returned to India, on Monday after creating history by winning the first ever Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2025 in Colombo. The Indian team defeated Nepal in the final to lift the title in the inaugural Women's World Cup for the Blind. This landmark victory has not only elevated Indias standing in the global blind cricket community but has also inspired millions across the country. The victorious team arrived in Bangalore via Chennai, where they were greeted with overwhelming warmth, applause, and admiration. At both airports, the atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers, the crowd waving Tricolour flags, and emotional celebrations as supporters, officials, and onlookers came together to honour the champions, who have brought unprecedented glory to the nation. In Chennai, the team received a rousing and enthusiastic welcome, reflecting the admiration and respect they have earned through their grit, determination, and exceptional sporting spirit. As the team made their onward journey to Bengaluru, the celebration only grew louder and more vibrant. Upon their arrival in Bangalore, the players were welcomed with elation by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka, marking the states deep commitment to promoting inclusive sports and recognising extraordinary talent. The heartfelt gestures and warm reception underscored the governments pride in the teams achievements and their role in shaping the future of blind cricket in India, and as a tribute to the visually impaired women in making India the pioneer of inclusion through sport. The celebrations continued at Kempegowda International Airport, where the players were felicitated by the dedicated staff of IndiGo Airlines and Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL). The airport premises came alive with applause, floral greetings, and special acknowledgements, symbolising the nations collective joy in welcoming home its world champions. Upon their arrival in Bangalore, the players were welcomed with elation by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka, marking the states deep commitment to promoting inclusive sports and recognising extraordinary talent. The heartfelt gestures and warm reception underscored the governments pride in the teams achievements and their role in shaping the future of blind cricket in India, and as a tribute to the visually impaired women in making India the pioneer of inclusion through sport. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This grand homecoming stands as a powerful reminder of what unwavering dedication, teamwork, and belief can achieve. The first-ever Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind is now etched in history and shall remain as a reminder of Indias commitment to gender equality and inclusion. Article Source: IANS
96.22% of the electors given enumeration forms, says Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer
ArchanaPatnaiksays the forms were distributed by the Booth Level Officers to 6.16crorevoters as part of the Special Intensive Revision. And 50% of them have returned the forms filled up. The December 4 deadline will not be extended
Two weather systems likely to trigger heavy rain over south T.N.
Some northern districts, including Chennai, may see intense rain on November 29 and 30. The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, is monitoring the weather systems development and trajectory to assess changes in rainfall impact
Tiger kills tribal woman in the Nilgiris, eats parts of body
Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurates upgraded Ambattur Industrial Estate bus terminus
Judge Who Sought Favours Dodges In-House Probe With Retirement? Maybe Not
A high court chief justice who tried to influence a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal member in Chennai for a ruling in favour of a company has narrowly escaped an in-house inquiry due to his retirement and other reasons.
Chennai court accepts CCB report; closes case against deputy mayor M Mahesh Kumar
A Chennai court has dismissed a plea to reject a police report clearing Deputy Mayor M Mahesh Kumar and others in a case of alleged document forgery to seize a deceased partner's quarry business. The court found no offence made out, noting the petitioner's refusal to settle loans and take over the firm.
Metro commuters grouse overshuttle services
ThoughCMRLsshuttle service fromPallavaramto Airport Metro station has become a lifeline for many, commuters say inadequate regulation and cramped vehicles have detracted from the convenience it offers
ECI officials to review SIR across Tamil Nadu from November 24 to 26
Chennai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will carry out an extensive review of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu from November 24 to 26, according to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and State Government Secretary Archana Patnaik. The SIR process, which began on November 4, mandates that citizens submit 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 .
Chennai Senyar Cyclone Landfall time: A low-pressure area is strengthening over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to become cyclonic storm 'Senyar' next week. The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Tamil Nadu, schools have been shut in many districts due to heavy rainfall.
A small fledgling library in Chennai: residents donate books, shopkeepers watch over it
This reading nook is in a space near the Marundeeshwarar temple tank that is promoted as a social congregating point. The library is a work in progress. It is currently up against the elements, owners of roadside shops coming to its rescue when it rains. It is carried to a residents house at night for safekeeping and brought back in the morning
Chennai boy breaks barriers on the track
From having hard days over mathematics in school to handling high-speed racing cars, Chennais Monith Kumaran has come a long way in life. Growing up watching multiple-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso in both his Renault and McLaren days, the sight of him zooming in the slipstreams and beating his opponents caught Moniths imagination. Years later, the 21-year-old has taken a credible step towards realising the dream by winning the rookie category (93 points) of the LGB F4 event as part of the JK Tyres National Racing Championship, which concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore recently. In the third and final round, he won three of the four races to collect a total of 34 points. The LGB category is an entry-level category for single-seat open-wheel racing. The cars are powered by a 1298cc Suzuki Swift engine. Apart from enjoying the sight of Alonso dominating the track in F1, Moniths life in school was filled with doubt. He found it difficult to deal with arithmetic, and according to his father Srinivasan, Monith was often found finishing tests late. We felt he should take up open schooling after he found it difficult to calculate. The fact that he writes with his left arm invited suspicion from the teachers, he explained. It could be said that for Monith, motorsports is what makes him a rather stubborn person. On a trip to Kancheepuram in 2019, Srinivasan recalled how the boy managed to push his cause to race. He kept crying, saying, My dream is getting spoiled throughout the return trip home. There could have been skepticism and doubt surrounding Monith, considering his perceived symptoms of abnormal intelligence. A psychological test administered at a government ministry-approved institute in 2021 had concluded that Monith fell under the Borderline Intellectual Functionality. But when it came to racing, Monith seemed a different person altogether. Two months into learning the kart, he got the opportunity to participate in a national level karting tournament. I won my first Karting event at KMS in Coimbatore, and then we thought of taking the Formula 1300 car in the Novice Cup, but Covid hit, and we could not take up more races, he told CE. With the growth in the sport came the outside noise over his conduct. People, he recalled, had said certain things about it. I just push it away. My coaches tell me that when youre going to the circuit, its just you and the track. Youre alone. Just drive, drive and drive, Monith added. In his pursuit of success, he impressed Sarosh Hatoria, team principal of Ahura Racing. And after three training sessions, he selected me for the 2022 rookie championship. In my first season itself I got third in the rookie. And it was a good progress, shared Monith. This season, in a way, is a redemption for Monith. In the 2023 rookie championship, he lost the title by a point to Mehul Agarwal. He also finished third in the overall championship then. Funnily enough, I won the (rookie) title by a point this year, he added. Ganesh Prasad, five-time national motorcycle champion and Monith's coach, summed up Moniths first experience on the wheel, a rented one, as average. One thing that struck me is his ability to grasp instructions properly. He also pays attention to details. It is the passion that makes him a different person altogether on the tracks, Ganesh said. The former racer was also surprised to see how Monith adapted to weather conditions, which play a big role in races. In a Mini-max event that saw heavy rain, he was able to get the lines correctly and managed his speed well. He really embodies the meaning of being special, he added.
Green shoots of India-UK FTA already visible, says UK Minister
in Bengaluru, the Minister launched Tescos new capability centre, and in Chennai, she was part of the launch of a GCC of research firm Lloyds List Intelligence
To the Sky and Beyond : Malvika Iyer, disability rights activist on inclusivity across sectors
Losing is not failing. Giving up is failing, said well-known social worker and disability rights activist, Malvika Iyer, as she wrapped up hosting this years India Inclusion Summit (IIS) in Bengaluru. It is a philosophy that has guided her from surviving a grenade blast at age 13 to becoming one of Indias most recognisable voices for inclusion. She recalls her first stint hosting IIS in 2013, just months after she delivered her first public talk in Chennai, where, for the first time, she openly addressed her disability, her trauma and the years she spent trying to blend into a world that demanded normalcy. It was after the first time I spoke openly about my disability, my struggles, the years I spent hiding my hands. I just wanted to be part of the conversation, she shares. This year, her opening segment earned her a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes, a moment she describes as humbling and overwhelming. But applause aside, Iyer hopes the audience walked away with a shared sense of responsibility. Inclusion cannot be carried by a single person or sector. Caregivers, policymakers, educators, activists, journalists everyone has a role to play, says Iyer. The systemic change she wants to see most urgently is nothing but accessibility in a broader sense. Whether in technology, public transport or built environments, accessibility determines whether a person with disability can participate fully in life. For her, a crucial moment was travelling by metro in Delhi for the first time. She says, For most people, thats routine, but for me, it was exhilarating freedom. For me, the power of access to public spaces and technology changed my entire life. Her PhD research on the stigma surrounding disability revealed something she had long known intuitively: societal attitudes often disable a person more than their physical condition. My missing hands never made me feel helpless. Peoples pity did, she states. Beyond disability rights, Iyers advocacy spans accessible fashion, mental health and equality in all means. Ive lived with PTSD and anxiety since 2018. People only see my missing hands, but the story goes deeper. We must talk about the invisible struggles, too, she points out. Meanwhile, positive representation in media, she adds, has been crucial in changing this narrative in society both for her and for young people who now grow up seeing disability beyond a lens of tragedy. As the summit wrapped up, she reflected on how India is changing when it comes to being inclusive. The word disability is no longer whispered. Its becoming normal as it should, she says. And that shift marks the quiet revolution many like her have spent working towards. Embracing Disability The genesis of the India Inclusion Summit came from a simple thought: mindsets must change. When I first asked how I could contribute, Dr Arun Chowdhury told me that disability shouldnt be treated as taboo or approached with sympathy. It should be celebrated. That pushed me to imagine a world-class platform not a disability event but a conference that inspires, shares VR Ferose founder and chairman, IIS, adding, IIS leads with storytelling, not sermons. People come not because they have a disability, but because they leave feeling more human.
What Gen Z is really talking about when they talk politics
Among all the Gen Zers this reporter spoke to, one thing was irrefutable: they get their news from social media, absorbing the gist before swiping on. Some, however, do gravitate towards long-form pieces through newspapers and digital subscriptions
MRTS trains to run every five minutes after CMRL takeover
The government plans to procure 90 coaches initially for MRTS operations. 25 three-coach trains will be operated at a five-minute frequency, and five trains will be on standby for maintenance, according to sources
Highways begins placing spans for Anna Salai flyover
Schools reimagined through eyes of kids
Commuters grope in dark at GST Road from Vandalur to Paranur
Vijay: DMK will regret targeting TVK, calling cadres tharkuris
City to drink 170MLD from new reservoir
AIADMK GC, EC meets planned for Dec 10
Seeman threatens journalist, booked
5-member Congress team to meet Stalin soon: Selvaperunthagai
DMK hits out at Vijay for speech
Two arrested for possessing 12 kg of ganja
The HinduMade of Chennai organises tour of artists village
Boy dies after his neck gets entangled in a cradle in Avadi
AI tool to offer career guidance to students
Waste gushes into Agaramthen lake
A groundbreaking US survey revealed widespread caste discrimination among Dalits, challenging the notion that it's confined to South Asia. Activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan spearheaded the research, highlighting physical assaults, educational bias, and workplace discrimination. Her advocacy has fueled anti-caste legislation efforts, particularly in California, and she now calls for de-brahminising technology to prevent digital apartheid.
Guest worker dies in boom lift accident
Hiranandani bets on Oragadam as new growth phase begins
TNs early advantage in electronics
Wonderla eyes mass-premium amusement pie
96 pc of electorate distributed enumeration forms in TN under SIR: EC
Chennai: Ninety six per cent of the electorate in Tamil Nadu have been distributed the enumeration forms as part of the SIR exercise and from November 24 to 26, senior officials will review the ongoing work related to the revision and hold inspections across the state, authorities said here on Sunday. Tamil Nadu has 6,41,14,587 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 .
Guest workerfalls from building, dies
Animal rights activist arrested for harassing five women volunteers
BLOs, mainly women, have been having a tough time after being deputed as BLOs for the SIR work in the State. They feel its a race against time to complete the process while managing their regular employment and other responsibilities
3 held for attacking, robbing student of gold chain at Pondy Bazaar
T.N. to study feasibility of establishing shelters for street dogs
There is also no financial support that has been announced by the Centre for setting up such shelters, and hence, funding sources need to be identified. Implementation may therefore take time, says Shruti Vinod Raj, a member of the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board
Childrens Sangam demand better infrastructure in schools
Three, including a couple, electrocuted as power cable falls on them in Cuddalore district
Owing to heavy rain and strong winds, a tamarind tree uprooted and fell on an overhead power cable, which snapped and fell on the three sitting in front of their house atSathamangalam. They died on the spot
Security guard killed during reverse car parking bid in Chennai
The woman who drove the car was arrested
Entry to all FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 matches to be free, says Hockey India
Hockey India has announced free entry for all matches of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, aiming to boost fan participation. The tournament, featuring a record 24 teams, will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Spectators can secure virtual tickets via Ticketgenie.in or the Hockey India app for paperless entry.
Documentary on Chinese convicts to cultivate Cinchona plantations in India screened
BEIJING, Nov 23: A documentary made by an Indian academic from IIT Chennai tracing the history of a group of Chinese convicts brought by the British to Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu in the 18th century to cultivate Cinchona plantations was screened in Chinese universities here. Joe Thomas Karackattu, Associate Professor working at the IIT Chennai said the documentary titled Those 4 Years was shown in Hong Kong and elsewhere previously but it was the first time screened in China. It [] The post Documentary on Chinese convicts to cultivate Cinchona plantations in India screened appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chennai man arrested for online harassment of women animal welfare activists
CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Police on Sunday arrested a man identified as Muralidharan Sivalingam, founder of the Indian Centre for Animal Rights and Education (INCARE), for allegedly subjecting a group of women animal-welfare volunteers to weeks of gender-based online harassment. He was booked under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, with relevant provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the Information Technology Act. Police said he was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. The arrest followed a complaint filed by five women, all animal welfare volunteers from the city, who alleged that Muralidharan had subjected them to cyberstalking, intimidation, defamation and targeted harassment across social media platforms. In their complaint submitted to the Thiruvanmiyur police, the complainants stated that the accused had been tagging their names in posts on X and Facebook, misrepresenting their activities, provoking online mobs, and creating a hostile environment that endangered their safety. According to the complaint, the accused repeatedly used derogatory and misogynistic phrases to describe women activists, referred to them as mental patients and out of control, and circulated distorted interpretations of Supreme Court orders (particularly the recent orders related to the control of the stray dog population) to portray the complainants as lawbreakers. They also stated that the repeated tagging of officials and strangers had sparked negative comments from unknown users, instigating public hostility. Following preliminary investigation and collection of electronic evidence, including posts, metadata and screenshots submitted by the complainants, the police registered a case and arrested Muralidharan.
'You're not dumb; I am the one who trusted you': Dhoni said; bowler recalls
Deepak Chahar recounted a tense moment from the 2019 IPL on Big Boss, where MS Dhoni entrusted him with death bowling against Sarfaraz Khan. Despite two initial no-balls, Chahar recovered, conceding five runs and taking a wicket in the remaining five deliveries to secure a win for Chennai Super Kings.
Tamil Nadu government announces police honours for poet Erode Tamilanban's funeral
A Tamil teacher at New College, Chennai, the Sahitya Akademi Award recipient was also a newsreader with Doordarshan
Man accused of drug peddling shot on knee by police near Chidambaram
The accused had nine cases including five ganja cases pending against him in various police stations in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and Chennai.
Cyclone 'Senyar' likely to form over Bay of Bengal: 10 key points
A low-pressure system over the Strait of Malacca is poised to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal next week. Early warnings are in effect for heavy rain and strong winds across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Agnikul raises $17 mn at $500 mn valuation; to focus on orbital launch, booster recovery
Structure collapses, two workers killed near Neelankarai
CHENNAI: Two migrant workers from Odisha fell to death when a structure they were dismantling at an old granite company collapsed at Vettuvankeni near Neelankarai on Saturday afternoon. The police said the workers identified as M Babu Malik (32) and B Sasikanth Malik (42) were part of a team engaged in removing metal sheets from the roof and iron support structures at a building in the site. According to police sources, Babu and Sasikanth were positioned on the elevated portion of the structure, causing them to lose balance and fall during the collapse. Babu suffered severe head injury, while Sasikanth sustained multiple injuries. Co-workers rushed them to Government Royapettah Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead. Senior police officials said a case has been registered to identify the cause of the collapse and to find if there was negligence on anyones part.
Suspect in Mandaveli daylight murder shot in leg during arrest
CHENNAI: A 21-year-old history-sheeter, suspected to be involved in the daylight murder of a rowdy, Mouli, in Mandaveli on Thursday, was shot in the leg by police in the early hours of Saturday near the Indira Nagar MRTS station after he allegedly attacked a constable while attempting to escape. The police said the suspect, Vijayakumar of Visalakshi Thottam, was traced by a special team led by Mylapore inspector Ambedkar. When the team moved in to secure him, Vijayakumar allegedly lunged at constable Tamilarasan with a knife, and ignored repeated warnings to surrender, prompting the inspector to open fire in self-defence. He was initially admitted to Royapettah Government Hospital and later shifted to the prison ward at Stanley Medical College Hospital. Two others have also been arrested in connection with the case. Twenty-four-year-old Mouli was hacked to death in Mandaveli on Thursday by a six-member gang. He succumbed to injuries at Government Royapettah Hospital on Friday. The murder, which happened in daylight, caused panic among the public. Sources said preliminary investigations have indicated that personal enmity triggered the attack. Multiple teams are on the lookout for the remaining accused, a senior officer said.
Auto driver dies as tree on IMH campus crashes on to vehicle
CHENNAI: A 38-year-old autorickshaw driver was crushed to death after a termite-ridden palm tree fell on his moving vehicle at the junction of Medavakkam Tank Road and Ayanavaram Road on Saturday afternoon. A Class 11 student travelling in the auto escaped without injuries, the police said. The deceased, A Abdul Wahid, a resident of VOC Nagar in Tondiarpet, had just turned on to Ayanavaram Road when the palm tree near the outpatient block on Institute of Mental Health (IMH) campus fell on to the front portion of the vehicle. Wahid died on the spot. The police said the tree was severely weakened due to termite infestation. Civic workers later removed the fallen trunk using earthmovers to clear the stretch and ease the traffic. Preliminary inquiries revealed Wahid had picked up the student from Good Shepherd School in Nungambakkam, and was on the way to drop her home when the incident occurred. Wahids body was shifted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for postmortem. Police have registered a case.
Sanitary workers claim corporation planning to privatise waste management in two more zones
CHENNAI: Amid the ongoing protest by sanitary workers against the outsourcing of solid waste management operations in Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones recently handed over to Chennai Enviro Solutions Private Limited (Ramky Group) the Greater Chennai Corporation is now allegedly preparing to outsource operations in the Anna Nagar and Tondiarpet zones as well, according to K Bharathi, president of the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, which is spearheading the agitation. If these zones are also privatised, it will trigger a massive protest, he said, adding on November 24, sanitary workers from the Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, along with their family, plan to return their voter ID cards to the government as a mark of protest. Addressing a press conference, Bharathi said although the corporation had earlier assured workers that Anna Nagar and Tondiarpet zones would not be privatised until the 2026 Assembly election, further progress in the tender process has created concern for more than 3,000 sanitary workers employed in these zones. He pointed out the demands of the protesting workers who had worked in Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar remained unresolved even after 114 days of protest, and despite four workers being on an indefinite hunger strike for the sixth consecutive day on Saturday following High Court approval on November 14. On Saturday, a few workers from Ambattur zone also expressed solidarity with the protesting sanitary workers by refusing to eat the breakfast provided under the free one-meal-a-day scheme, Bharathi said. Protesting workers from the Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones were also present at the press conference.
