The Hindu : Reporter's Diary

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 08, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Reporter's Diary

The memories of the Tamil Nadu Essential Services Maintenance Act and the Essential Services Maintenance Act still haunt teachers and employees of the State Government.

Some say they can assert their strength in the coming Lok Sabha elections by exercising their franchise.

What they mean is anybody's guess. But, when it comes to agitations, the teachers are not ready to take chance, in view of their bitter experience during last year's indefinite strike. This is evident from their plan to organise demonstrations at the district headquarters after the working hours on March 29, to highlight various issues and to demand the repeal of these laws.

A meeting of the general council of the teachers' federation held in the city on Sunday condemned the action taken against government employees.

Interestingly, the teachers say they will turn out with their families to cast their vote this time.

It remains to be seen whether they will get favours from the Government. And that may be the real test for them.

* * *

Fans imitate the appearance, hairstyle and moustache and some unique mannerisms of the matinee idols of their choice. But, it seems the graffiti painted for the film, `Virumandi', a Kamal Hassan-starrer, has caught up well with political parties. A case in point is a wall writing on Jail Road, seeking votes for P. Mohan, Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate for the Lok Sabha elections. The candidate's name has been painted in the style used for the title of the film. Surely, this doodle has served the purpose of catching the attention of the people, as passers-by certainly take a look at it.

* * *

Any gathering of students leads to fun and frolic. But if that fun serves a purpose, such functions are welcome. This happened at the American College last weekend.

The college was celebrating its `Commemoration Day', remembering its founders.

The students of each department organised a `food and fun' fair. It was nice to see boys and girls coming together and making innovative and traditional cuisines.

They also organised fun games. It was an enjoyable afternoon for the students. The college's cultural team conducted various programmes that attracted the students.

There was also a sound-and-light show, depicting the historical significance of the college.

The important of all was the students' gesture: they contributed the proceeds of the function to the fund meant to finance the education of poor students.

* * *

(Contributions from Shastry V Mallady, M.R. Aravindan and T. Saravanan.)

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu

News Update

Stories in this Section

`Thwart any attempt to revive ban on animal sacrifice'

Plea to increase insulin supply to Govt. hospital

Walk-in interview

TASMAC employee honoured

Around The City

In Madurai Today

Reporter's Diary