A Chennai is a happening city. The latest is the much awaited, much delayed launch of Vasanth TV, owned by the business magnate H Vasanth Kumar, thus increasing the population of Tamil channels. There was an ad in the morning papers on Sunday (June 1) proudly announcing the ‘telecast of regular programmes from today.’ It carried a list of ‘soon to be telecast tele-serials.’ Another announcement in the ad read as follows; ‘Viewers’ comments about today’s programmes are welcome. Best received reviews will win GOLD COIN prize.’
There were announcements since morning in the new channel that Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the TV at 9 30 am. I made it a point to view it. Obviously it was a recorded programme. She must have inaugurated some time back at 10, Jan Path, New Delhi. In the midst of the inaugural show, she told Vasanth Kumar that it was getting late and she would rather leave. Vasanth Kumar pleaded with her to stay on for a minute more. However it took much longer. Impatience was writ large on her face.
Most of the programmes in the channel are film-based!
All the same, I wish the new channel all the best!
I was there the other day at Thiruvanmiyur, when the Chennai Corporation officials, assisted by the Police were removing encroachments by shops and houses at the South Mada Street and the first Seaward road. The width of the road which according to the revenue records should have been 80 feet was only 63 feet.
To my surprise there was no opposition by the owners of these erring buildings. A bystander told me that the Corporation had given them notice a few months back. Then a few of them went to the Court. Finding that there was encroachments, the Court had ordered their immediate removal.
A good news that I got there was that the construction of Flyover at the busy Thiruvanmiyur Junction will commence soon.
The ban on dumping garbage and building construction debris in public places in Chennai has come into effect on Sunday. On the 'inaugural' day, fines were levied from sixty five institutions/individuals. The proposed ban on spitting and urinating in public places has been put on hold for the time being. Anyway let’s hope ours will soon be a clean city.
Recently I happened to attend the launch of 'help the disabled' scheme of the Singapore Airlines. Actor Madhavan was the Chief Guest. I like many of his ideas. He said that day that a society's worth is measured by the maintenance of the Public toilets and how the disabled are treated.
Normally I avoid attending VIP marriages. For one, you are never missed in such HUGE gatherings. Secondly, the problem of access to the crowded Hall, parking and above all, coming out of the Hall are all an ordeal. But I could not avoid such a VIP wedding on Sunday evening as he happens to be a good friend of mine. It was at a spacious, large, palatial marriage hall at Vanagaram on the outskirts of the City. It was like a little township. Luckily I was there five minutes ahead of the commencement of the Reception. The crowd was manageable. However, when I came out of the hall I could see waves of invitees storming into the Hall.
On my way back from the marriage Hall, I saw deserted roads. Even the Marina was thinly populated – on a summer Sunday! The reason was not far to seek. Everyone was at home watching the IPL finals. I too accelerated. Thank Goodness, the finals had a delayed start!
H Ramakrishnan