Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Reporter's Diary

ON THE WAYSIDE: Signboard of little use. — Photo: S. James

Laying of underground pipes or cables mostly results in dislocation of traffic signboards. At many places, the trench diggers have uprooted signboards that came their way and left them unattended along roadsides. Since the cable/pipe laying works go on for several weeks, these traffic indicators get damaged and become useless.

In areas like Athikulam, where underground drainage works are under way, deep trenches lay uncovered for months, much to the inconvenience of road users. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation services along this busy road, which connects the New Natham Road with K. Pudur, have been diverted. A road that runs parallel to this stretch too is damaged forcing the residents to take a bumpy ride.

Representations to authorities concerned have not yielded the desired results, complain shopkeepers in the locality.

Anna University Vice-Chancellor D.Viswanathan is known for his staunch opposition to using cellphones in university and college campuses by students.

During his visit to the city last week for handing over appointment letters to final semester engineering students, he sought parents' cooperation in implementing the university's code of conduct.

"Cell phones are not needed for students. They are not doing import-export business. Chatting on mobiles is only a waste of time that will affect studies", he said.

Dr.Viswanathan told parents that he was pained to see during his morning walk in the university campus, hostel students glued to their cell phones, chatting since 6 a.m. and `they don't even recognise that the Vice-Chancellor is watching them'. Particularly, the women should understand that they should not spoil their children by presenting a cell phone, he says.

He also told reporters at a press conference that the academic performance of students improved after students began switching off their mobiles and concentrated on books.

A timely alert message indeed from the Anna University Vice-Chancellor because the final examinations are just a few months away.

Certainly, Dr.Viswanathan's call to parents can't be a missed call!

When it comes to honouring artistes, Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam is second to none. This has been proved time and again over the years.

This year, the Samajam will honour violin maestro T.N. Krishnan with the `Birudhu Madhurakala Praveena' at its 54th anniversary day celebrations on Monday. Mridanga vidwan K.S. Chellappa will be conferred with the newly instituted `Birudhu Madhurakala Mani'. The Samajam will honour Sangeetha Vidwamsini M.K. Kamala Kumari with a cash award. Besides, prizes will be distributed to winners of music competitions conducted by the Samajam recently.

To coincide with the anniversary celebrations, the Samajam will organise the 54th annual Music and Arts Festival from January 2 to 16, where renowned experts in Carnatic music and dance will be presenting a captivating performance. Altogether, for the next 15 days, a veritable feast is in store for music buffs.

Contributions from S. Vijay Kumar, Shastry V Mallady and T Saravanan

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