Asian House Vibes

It’s time to party up again! Asian House Vibes – Pondy Party vibrates with featuring artist Dj K Lee. If you are planning to celebrate a great day with your friends, then get into Pondicherry and feel the real pleasure.

Resto-Club rules apply – Rights of admission restricted.

Complementary Welcome Drink with Buffet is offered for all the visitors.

Day/Date: Friday, 29th Aug
Time: 8pm onward
Venue: Asian House, 7 South Boulvard, (next to Park Guest House) Pondicherry

For reservation and information contact:
Call: 98948 30834 / 86950 64815 / 99437 45396
Email: arul.asianhouse@gmail.com

Pondicherry Student Helps Facebook, Google And Microsoft

Anand Meyappan, a postgraduate student of Information Security at Pondicherry Engineering College (PEC), in Kalapet, recently discovered bugs on social networking site Facebook, Google’s Admeld, Microsoft’s Skype and on a Yahoo website. Not only did he report the bugs but also helped the websites fix these issues, winning cash rewards and job offers in return.

‘Bugs’ is the technical term used for software errors that could lead to unexpected results and even to hacking. These websites, Google, Facebook, Yahoo rank among the toppers in the Alexa rankings, the world’s foremost rankings for websites. A bug in these sites, or even in Skype, can make huge losses for these billion dollar companies. Anand, who hails from Andaman, helped save the companies before getting into any such trouble.

The websites and the software honoured Anand by listing him in their ‘Hall of Fame’ pages. Along with that the young student received job offers from the companies.

However, Anand is adamant about not joining a job before completing his post graduate degree. “I get lot of job opportunities from software giants and social networking firms. Presently, I want to focus on my PG course. I will join a firm of my choice after my studies,” Anand said, according to a TNN report.

It began when Anand found a “cross site scripting” bug on Microsoft’s skype.com and alerted the software firm as early as 2012. “The bug can hijack users’ sessions and redirect to a website to the hijackers’ choice. It can hack the users’ login credentials and information with some social engineering techniques,” he said.

Following that, Anand went on to find and help fix more than 20 bugs on reputed websites. He found and fixed a bug, ‘cross site request forgery’ (CSRF) at giftcards.com.

“The hackers can take over giftcards accounts of the users and their passwords. They can change the email and their account balance,” said Anand, who has not only earned a great deal of respect and repute for himself but also for his institution. PEC which has recently earned the status of an autonomous institution, has one more laurel in its bag, in the form of Anand Meyappan.

Giftcards awarded Anand with $3600, Facebook 500$, and Google $100. Anand also found bugs on the websites of AT&T and Nokia. Having fixed them, his research led him on to finding bugs on a Yahoo website.

“The vulnerabilities on the Yahoo website are yet to be fixed. I will not be in a position to share details until the bugs are fixed,” he said.

The whole incident opened up a great deal of opportunities for the young engineer. As per his plans go, he is adamant on going ahead with further research with the resolve of making the  Internet a safer place, helping others in the field of information security.

Returning To The Seat Of Freedom

 We all know the story of India’s independence from British rule. What about Pondicherry’s liberation from French rule? Watch the story unfold at Kizhoor, a sleepy village, 25 kilometres from the city.

“India’s freedom came at midnight, but Pondicherry  woke up to freedom at dawn,” reads a plaque in a dome-shaped room at Kizhour village, perched on the border of Tamil Nadu. While Pondicherry, like the rest of India, celebrates August 15 with the usual pomp reserved for the occasion, it also quietly rings in August 16, the ‘de jure day’, when Pondicherry was finally recognized as a union territory of India.

Interestingly, it is in the hamlet, around 25 kilometres from the city, that Pondicherry’s story of demand for independence from French rule took a definite course towards its culmination. At the end of a recently laid road tunneling through an avenue of trees, and flanked by green fields , is the memorial  that commemorates the end of colonialism and the dawn of a new era for Pondicherry.

Right next to the Government Middle School, stands an enclosure with four flat marble columns, etched with names from top to bottom. These are the names of the 178 people who voted in the historic referendum that decided the fate of Pondicherry- to join the Indian union or not. On October 18, 1954,the dome shaped structure adjacent to the enclosure, must have been filled to capacity as these representatives of the municipal council  and members of the representative  assembley from Pondicherry, Mahe, Yanam and Karaikal shaped the course of the land’s history. A whopping majority of 170 voted in favour of the merger of French territories with the Indian Union.

The occasion was a milestone in the chequered course of the quest for Pondicherry’s liberation which strengthened after Indian independence in 1947. At this site today, is a permanent painting exhibition depicting the decisive moments and Kizhour and the aftermath. While the memorial was inaugurated on August 16, 1972, the exhibition was opened on the  50th anniversary of ‘de jure day’  in 2004.

Though pictures hang on crooked frames and could do with a more appealing display, a short tour lets you relive those moments , all those years ago. Copied from photographs that are also framed at the gallery, the paintings depict Lambert Saravane, submitting a motion calling for transfer of four French Indian settlements to the Indian Union to the French national assembly and the signing of the merger by Keval Singh and Pyer Lendhi, representing Indian and France, respectively.

Scenes from a victory procession with thappu and nadhaswaram are a glimpse of the celebrations that must have broke out after the verdict. Events that followed are also chronicled including the hoisting of the Indian tricolor in the Government House after transfer of power ceremony and the first visit of Jawaharlal Nehru to Pondicherry after its merger with India.

A few portraits of key personalities like Muthucoumarappa Reddiyar, E. Goubert and Venkatasubba Reddiar line the dusty shelves. Notices condemning the French rule, newspaper clippings chronicling various milestones, Preamble of the Treaty of Cession,all provide more insights. A few cartoons say it all without words- one depicts India as a woman in saree looking aghast at a French policeman dangling a cage with her four babies – each named after each one of the French territories. Congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister and President laud the friendly spirit of the negotiations, going on to express hope that Pondicherry would remain a centre of French culture.

Yet, the road to a complete merger took some more time-  the de facto transfer of  power came into effect on November 1, 1954, after which Pondicherry, became part of the Indian union (November 1st will be celebrated as Puducherry’s Independence day, from 2014 onwards). But only on August 16, 1962, France ratified the treaty of cession, giving India full sovereignty over the territories it held.

To reach Kizhour, take the Villianur road and the turn at the next sign on the left after Pangur. The memorial Is open between 7 a.m to 7 p.m on all days including Sundays. History once, was created here, and you can still feel it breathe.

Open Quiz – Spandan

For the first time in Pondicherry - Spandan 2014 presents JIPMER Open Quiz.

Win prizes worth Rs 30000

Special Prizes for best school & college teams

Registration:

Schools: Rs 50 per team

Open & college: Rs 100 per team

Teams of three or less

For details contact:

Pranavi 8903307190
Sripartha 8526420141

Day / Date : Saturday, 23rd Aug

Time: 2pm to 4pm (please call and check for correct concluding hours)

Venue: JIPMER Auditorium, Dhanvantari Nagar, Pondicherry

Pondy Trance Mission

Pudu Music presents Pondy Trance Mission

Featuring artist Mr. Gof of Tunnel Club, Germany.

Music Club Rules Apply – Rights of admission restricted.

Complementary Welcome Drink with Buffet.

Day/Date: Saturday, 23rd Aug

Time: 8pm onward

Venue: Asian House, 7 South Boulvard, (next to Park Guest House) Pondicherry

For reservation and information contact:

Call: 98948 30834 / 86950 64815 / 99437 45396

Email: arul.asianhouse@gmail.com

World Photography Day In Pondicherry

World Photo Day, celebrated across the world on August 19^th pays tribute to an art form that has undeniably added beauty to human life for the last 175 years. This year, to celebrate 175 years of taking and making photos, Light Art Academy had organized a Photo Walk in Pondicherry on August 3^rd.

The Photo Walk was part of a globally celebrated event to celebrate photography. The walk started from the Goubert Market at 6 am and went on till almost 10 in the morning. The leader of the Photo Walk was a young photographer, Prabha Kar, who hails from Pondicherry.

The walk was an all-inclusive and free to participate event, where anyone and everyone who possessed a camera could participate. The aim of the event was to bring together photographers from different walks of life and in the process share ideas, pick up tips and take photographs.

Light Art Academy had also chosen this day to launch their new website.

The origins of World Photo Day:

The origin of World Photo Day can be traced as far back as 1837, the year in which daguerreotype, a photographic process was developed by Joseph Nicèphore Nièpce and Louis Daguerre. In 1839 the French Academy of Sciences announced the daguerreotype process. A few months later, on August 19, 1839, the French government purchased the patent, announcing the invention as a gift “Free to the World”.

Well Being - Pranayama

Well Being (Pranayama) Workshop of 3 Sessions is facilitated by J.V. Avadhanulu for consecutive days at Auroville.

“It is in good health that the way to transformation is found.”- The Mother

This workshop introduces you to:

• Easy-to-do exercises based on yoga for flexibility and toning 

• Eight simple, but very powerful Pranayama practices

• Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation) to let go of stress and recharge yourself 

• Dietary principles for Well Being Intended outcome

You will gain confidence to practice. By practicing for thirty minutes per day, you enjoy a new level of wellbeing. 

This workshop is open to all. 

No registration is required.

To make the workshop beneficial to all, you are requested to:

1. Please be at the venue by 6:45 am on the first day and at 6:50 on the other days.

2. Please note that the session on the last day would be ending at 8:20 AM

3. Please note that the sessions would be held as scheduled even if it rains.

4. Please have your breakfast only after the Pranayama sessions.

There is no fee for the workshop. However, donations to Savitri Bhavan are welcome.

Duration: 22nd, 23rd & 24th Aug
Timing: 7am to 8am
Venue: Savitri Bhavan, Auroville

Cooking Classes at SIT Cultural Center

If you are a creative person and like to explore your talent, then SITA Cultural Center would be the perfect destination in Pondicherry. This popular cultural center enables the people to discover the various art forms and activities within a short period of time.

Apart from art, the SITA Cultural Center is conducting cooking classes for all the age groups.

The classes take place on every Wednesday and Friday.

You can easily start learning the art of making various mouth- watering Indian delicacies at your comfort.

For more details:

Call: 0413 42 00 718

Email:  sitapondicherry@gmail.com

Venue: 22, Candappa Mudaliar Street, Pondicherry

Website: www.pondicherry-arts.com

Somatic Exploration with Maggie

Going beyond the ‘myth of aging’ series, we will continue to explore moving with awareness to unwind habitual holding patterns, increase mobility, balance, coordination and wellness. If you are planning to experience an adventurous holiday trip, just pack your bags and move to Auroville with your friends and family!

(New students: Please arrive 15 minutes early)

Open to anyone.

For further info please contact Maggie

Call: 94866 23465 or 2622320

Day / Date: every Wednesday

Time: 5pm to 6pm

Venue : Vérité, Auroville

Independence Day Celebrations in Puducherry

Hello Visitors, I am glad to inform that the Union territory of Pondicherry celebrated Independence Day (De Junre Day) on 16^th August 2014 with great fun and enthusiasm. The day started with hoisting of national flag and paying tribute to the freedom fighters.

The Chief Minister of Pondicherry N. Rangasamy arranged a tea party for all the freedom fighters and the cabinet members of the territorial administration.

It is believed that Puducherry formally got merged with the Indian union on 1962. The French government came forward to liberate the territory from its rule following a referendum at Kizhoor village on November 1 in 1954 in which 174 of the total 181 councilors elected from various commune panchayats in Puducherry (21), Karaikal (8), Mahe (2) and Yanam (1) regions cast their votes against the French rule. Seven councilors did not take part in the exercise. Subsequently, the French in Puducherry ended on November 1 in 1954. 

However, it took almost nine years for the formal merger of Puducherry with Indian union after the Indian and French parliaments ratified the 'treaty of cession' on August 16, 1962. Since then, Puducherry celebrates Independence Day on August 16 while the rest of the nation on August 15. 

A section of freedom fighters demanded celebrating November 1 as Independence Day as it was on this day that the French rule ended and August 16 as the Republic Day as it was on this daythat Puducherry formally merged with the Indian union. However, Puducherry government decided to celebrate November 1 as liberation day and declared a public holiday on the day. 

One Day International Workshop on Android Application Development

Android is an open source mobile OS led by Google. This workshop introduces about Android, the fastest growing mobile OS. The job opportunities in this stream are not only restricted to the manufacturing, repairing and maintenance of mobile handsets but also it provides a lot of career opportunities in mobile application development for software professionals. The objective of the workshop is to enable the participants to develop mobile applications on their own and to train them to use Eclipse as IDE. To promote students technical career towards the new technological developments that happens in the industry. To bring students of various streams in to one roof and chance those to broaden technical knowledge of the students with the latest trends and technologies followed in the industry.

Participating in this workshop gives an opportunity for the Students/Academicians Industry to interact participants with the technocrats. Technocrats are capable to train the students and provide the awareness for students on various latest technologies used by the industry experts.

Workshop Highlights:

Learn & interact with renowned industry experts
Receive an unparalleled education with personal attention
Hand on practical workshop on ANDROID Application Development
Students will get “Development tool kit” at free of cost
 Android Development E-Book will also be provided to the students during the workshop KEY Benefits:

Participants will be receiving the following from the workshop:

• Development tools CD
• Participation Certificate 
• OD Certificate 
• File, Pen, Notepad 
• Snacks & Lunch Token

Participation is open to: 

ENGINEERS FROM INDUSTRIES
FACULTIES
RESEARCH SCHOLORS
STUDENTS

Registration Fees: 

Rs.1000 per delegate from industry.
Rs.500 per delegate from institute (Faculty).
Rs.750 per delegate from institute( research Scholar)
Rs.350 per delegate from institute(Student)
Registration charges include course material, certificate, CD, lunch & snacks.

The Number of participants is limited and will be allowed based on first come first serve basis. Registration can be made through DD or CASH at: LansA Informatics Pvt Ltd-Coimbatore

Payment through DD drawn in favor of “LansA Informatics Pvt Ltd”, Payable at Coimbatore.

Send DD to the following address before 28.08.2014 to confirm your registration.

LansA Informatics Pvt Ltd
No 165, 5th street, Crosscut Road, Gandhipuram,
Coimbatore – 641 012, Tamilnadu,India.
Ph:+91 90 953 953 33

AcroYoga Retreat

AcroYoga is a practice that blends yoga and acrobatics to provide physical and mental health benefits. In addition to the exercise and strength building aspects of AcroYoga the partner-balancing poses help improve concentration and trust. This is Level 1 of the Retreat and no previous experience in yoga, AcroYoga or acrobatics is necessary for participating. However, participants must note that this is a more vigorous practice than other traditional yoga practices, and must prepare accordingly

Participants will learn the three roles of an AcroYoga practice: Base, Flyer, and Spotter. The Base is the one with the most contact on the ground, providing stability and support to the Flyer. The feet and hands of the Base provide the foundation on which the Flyer lifts off the ground to assume dynamic positions, developing balance, confidence, and core strength. All the while, the Spotter will learn to keep an objective view of the partners, ensuring that the Flyer lands safely in case of any slips. The Spotter will also learn to make recommendations to the Base and Flyer to improve their form.

Damien and Mark will facilitate this Retreat. After decoding books and videos, the French-American duo has been offering workshops and retreats in Auroville over the past three years. 

Damien practice Acroyoga since 4 years by co-creating this workshop in 2010 at Auroville with a small group of yogis. He learns Asthanga yoga and Aerial through rope silk and trapeze at Miracle circus camp. He supports circus by teaching Acroyoga for kids. He likes the flying therapeutic part of Acroyoga as a healing part of the mind and the body.

SCHEDULE

DAY 1:

09:00 to 09:30: Registration and introductions

09:30 to 11:00: AcroYoga session

11:00 to 11:30: Tea break

11:30 to 13:00: Pranayama

13:00 to 15:00: Lunch and rest

15:30 to 17:00: AcroYoga session

DAY 2:

09:30 to 11:00: AcroYoga session

11:00 to 11:30: Tea break

11:30 to 13:00: Pranayama

13:00 to 15:00: Lunch and rest

15:30 to 17:00: AcroYoga session

17:00 to 17:30: Tea, feedback and closure

Details

Date: August 14, 15, 16

Time: 9.00 to 17.30

Venue: Auroville

Cost: Rs 3800

JIPMER Open Quiz

Quench your thirst - for questions - in our quaint little town. For the first time in Pondicherry, we bring you an Open Quiz!

JIPMER Open Quiz aims to bring the Open Quizzing experience to Pondicherry for the first time. Our inaugural edition promises to be an exhilarating quizzing experience, no matter what your niche is.

Details:

Venue: JIPMER Auditorium, JIPMER Campus, Pondicherry.

Registration: On-spot. Opens at 12 noon at the venue.

Registration fee:
1. Schools: Rs.50 per team
2. Open & College: Rs.100 per team

Prizes:

Prizes worth Rs.30,000 to be won.
Special prizes for Best College Team, and Best School team & Runner-up based on the prelims score (for those not qualifying for the finals).

Teams wishing to participate under school/college category must belong to the same institution. ID proof required.
No limit on the number of teams from an institution.
Questions will be on General Knowledge/Trivia

For more details, contact:

Pranavi 08903307190
Sripartha 08526420141

NH8-Road Kings by Peter Kabel opening THURSDAY 14 Aug at 5 PM

NH8 Street Rulers

National Interstate 8 (NH 8) interfaces New Delhi and Mumbai. The 1,375 km course is most likely the most voyage street of the whole Indian subcontinent. In addition to autos, cruisers and walkers, the partially four-lane highway is a significant truck course. 65% of all heap transport in India is street based and a colossal number of lorries proceed onward this freeway, day and night.

The trucks are basically Indian fabricated and are given over to their future managers as straightforward skeleton. Lodges, stacking stages and different structures are custom assembled. The lodge is frequently a wooden development with the inner parts laid out with a substantial level rack which serves as seat, cot or table as needed.

Trucks attain a normal velocity of short of what 35km/h so transport separations of a great many kilometers oblige a correspondingly long time. A truck group is regularly out and about more than a week and the three man live out of the truck lodge for the length of time. Sustenance parts are conveyed along and afterward cooked and consumed on the roadside.

PETER KABEL

Prof. Peter Kabel – b.1962 Germany, studied Visual Communication and Philosophy in Hamburg. 

After studying Visual Communications and Philosophy in Hamburg, Peter Kabel worked for many years as editorial designer for various international and German magazines and newspapers. He founded companies like Trend Büro and Büro Hamburg, as well as the consulting firm for digital media Kabel New Media. Besides his work as a media entrepreneur Peter has consulted for brands such as Time Warner, BMW, Deutsche Bank and Siemens. In 1996, Peter became a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg in Communication Design. 

Peter is an alert observer and avid photographer. He has contributed to a number of books and magazines and published numerous articles.

Peter's relationship with India began with a long-term stay in 2002. He lives in Hamburg, Germany between trips to India.

Venue:

Pondy Photo Exhibition, Old Distillery,

Beach Road, Pondicherry, India

Day & Time:  Thursday, Aug 14^th 2014 at 05:00 PM 

PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY, NORTH EAST FRESHERS' MEET 2014

Hello Friends,

It’s time to unite and welcome the freshers of Pondicherry University. The north east fresher event is going to take place in a big level and the preparations are in process. All the seniors, juniors & scholars are requested to confirm your attendance asap, so that we can make arrangement for food according to number of guests coming for the event. 

We have to do this, because we don't have the total number of expected guests yet. Please help us.

Venue: Pondicherry University Convention Hall Auditorium

Time & Date: Sat Aug 16^th, 2014 at 04:00 PM

Top 10 Activities to do in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is regarded as the top picturesque destination that offers a good life, entertainment, hotels, calm weather, tourist attractions and more. One of the most beautiful part of the city are the cobblestoned streets of the French quarter, they’re just ‘Oh! So French!’ right in the middle of the Tamil hinterlands. You will definitely be able to experience an ultimate journey on your trip to Pondicherry. To make your trip special, just check out the top 10 activities to be done in Pondicherry below:

Embrace Pondy’s cultural diversity

If you are planning to explore the tradition and culture of Pondicherry, then get into the cobblestoned streets leading to the bustling bazaars of the city. The city holds many religious shrines such as Varadaraja Perumal in the Hindu Quarter, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the Christian Quarter and Khutbah and Meeran mosques in the Muslim Quarter. Moreover, the tourists can also choose to meditate in silence in the leafy courtyard of Aurobindo Ashram.

Soak up all the French-i-ness

The church of Notre Dame des Anges, the marble statue of Jeanne d’ and the garden concerts at the Alliance Francaise’s Maison Colombani – Café de Flore would make your trip to Pondicherry special than ever before. Get a French culture booster shot at Alliance Francaise and Institut Francais de Pondicherry (IFP).

Take a boat ride at Chunnambar

Chunnambar, the boat paradise is located in the south of on Cuddalore road. This fascinating tourist spot would be the best destination to chill out in your summer vacation. Spend a lazy afternoon boating or go for a sea cruise and spot dolphins. You could also pack a hamper, speed boat to Paradise Beach and make a nice picnic of the day.

Get blessed by an elephant

Hand a coin to Lakshmi, the resident elephant at the Manakula Vinayagar temple and you’ll get her blessings; a thump from her trunk on your head. Having survived attempts by French missionaries to pull it down, the popular 500 year old shrine is dedicated to the elephant-headed god, Vinyagar.

Indulge in Franco-Tamil Cuisine at a Restaurant with No Name

Maison Perumal is a restored Chettiar mansion that is now a resort. But like in a house, the rooms are not numbered or named and the restaurant too has no name. Gorge on delectable seafood platters amidst brass ooralis, sepia photos and coloured glass window panes filtering the sun in rainbow colours.

Take in a Breath of Fresh Air at Bharathi Park

A treasure trove of 900 exotic plants, an aquarium, a toy train and a musical fountain, this is the perfect place for an evening walk. In the centre, stands the white Aayi Mandapam. The park is centrally located at the site of the demolished Fort Louis and military parade ground.

Learn Something New at Auroville

The inhabitants of Auroville are able to sustain themselves with the aid of the craft, Auroville products are world renowned. You can learn from them the craft of making different items like handmade paper (Auroville Papers), indigo-dyed clothing (The Colours of Nature), incense manufacture (Encens d’Auroville) and bodycare (Maroma Spa). All processes here are environment friendly and energy-efficient.

Take a History Lesson at Pondicherry Museum

Once upon a time Pondicherry was a flourishing port town called Poduke and there was a Roman trading settlement at Arikamedu. The century old Law Building, erstwhile residence of the French Administrator, displays Roman pottery and Megalithic burial urns. There is a transport gallery with palanquins, carts and the Pousse Pousse, a vehicle pushed from the rear and steered by a rider, on display. Other pieces of interest include period furniture like tête-à-têtes (S-shaped sofas), comptoirs, escritoires (writing tables and desks) and the cot used by French Governor Dupleix (1742-1754), whose bust adorns the museum.

Go Café Hopping

The place is heavily influenced and what is French culture without cafés? Baguettes and croissants, French pastry and great coffee or wine; most importantly superb ambience! There are cafés that have live music some evenings too, try out as many different ones as you can!

Shopping

The most amazing artsy environment friendly stuff – handmade paper, lampshades, jewelry, ethnic Indian clothing, trinkets, paintings, candles, all this and more you’ll find in the Auroville store. The Hidesign store in Pondy is pretty amazing too. On the streets, you’ll find amazing cotton kurtas and skirts and pyjamas at bargain prices.

That’s the best of Pondicherry for you!

Light House

When you go for sightseeing in Pondicherry, you will find an old lighthouse on Goubert Salai. This 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry is a significant landmark in Pondicherry. Its unique architecture of a round tower has made it a modern lighthouse at the time it was built. 

There is an interesting story behind the construction of the 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry. At that time, there was no signal for the ships coming to Pondicherry. 

The only light that was there was the fire located on the top of the Red Hills, and it was not serving the purpose at all. Therefore, all the principal merchants and captains of the ships set up a committee and asked the government to build a lighthouse. After much delay the project was finally taken up during the tenure of Governor Saint Simon in 1835.

The engineer of the project, Louis Guerre laid the foundation of the 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry at the end of 1835 and the inauguration ceremony of the lighthouse took place in February 1836. The 29 meter high lighthouse with the unique features of round tower and a square base took just few months to be completed and the cost was just 10,000 francs. The foundation of the lighthouse was made with nine meter deep masonry wells which stabilized the building on the sandy ground. When the 19th Century Lighthouse of Pondicherry was in operation then its light was seen from a distance of 15 miles.

This strength of light was provided with six oil lamps and two reflectors. The beautiful view was not restricted to just the night sea travelers the citizens of Pondicherry could also see the view from the top after dropping a little money in a box at the gate of the lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper was a Frenchman who was paid 600 francs a year for lighting it at the onset of evening. This lighthouse was subject to changes at various times. The major change was made in the structure when a round base was built encircling the older square base of the lighthouse.

The first floor of the lighthouse was an addition made at the beginning of the 20th century. Modernization came in the method of lighting also, first it had electric lights in 1913 and then in 1931, a more powerful lamp was placed there. So, when you go for a trip to Pondicherry make sure you do not miss this 19th Century Lighthouse at Pondicherry, which is however, not in use in the recent times. It is accompanied by a new one which is of modern technology. However, the lighthouse was not used from that time since the beacon that was coming from France did not reach Pondicherry till that time, and therefore the first time it was lighted was in 1St July, 1836. The 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry is regarded as a milestone in French technical achievements in Asia.

Arikamedu

One of the must visit places in Pondicherry is Arikamedu. Arikamedu is a great tourist spot as it has a lot of historical relevance. A lot of students arrive here on study tours periodically.

It is located on the banks of the Ariyankuppam River about 4 km from Pondicherry. This place is remembered as trades centre of the Romans a number of centuries back.

The place was excavated several times and it was concluded that this city was essentially into bead making and fishing and had trade relations with the Romans. This place is assumed to be the place of Roman settlements nearly 2000 years ago. Remains of a French Jesuit Mission House assumed to be built in 18th century are also visible here. Historians and archaeological enthusiasts are frequent visitors here.

Wine was supposed to have been imported whereas exports included textiles, glass, and so on. Chola coins have also been found here. The excavations brought into light several important findings of olden time. There have been references made of this ancient city in Tamil as well as Roman literature. The findings of Arikamedu have been preserved in the Pondicherry museum for all to see.

A present day visitor is not likely to find any specimens of the excavated material. There are the perpendicular walls and the mission houses which are the only remnants of the past.The trenches created by the excavations have been filled up. Now the place has a thick mango and coconut plantation. Tourists can take the river cruise which is about 20 minutes and enjoy the view of the Veerampattinam Beach.

Boost For Industries In Puducherry

The industrial corridors from Chennai to Bangalore and Chennai to Vishakapatnam as announced in the Union Budget is expected to generate a lot of activities which will benefit industries in Puducherry, especially those in the manufacturing sector.

“The industries can get a market to supply components manufactured by them in Puducherry to large industries that will come up on the corridor”.

M S Vijayaraghavan, former chairperson, CII Puducherry and Partner, Hexell Plastik Peripherals told the Express, “Several auto component manufacturing units have come up in Puducherry and some of them are going in for expansion. Such units will find buyers there. However, there is a need to improve the connectivity, especially the Puducherry-Chennai ECR. The four-lane that is proposed needs to be realised.”

In the Budget this boost in the manufacturing sector is likely to pick up and its effect will also be felt in Puducherry. “Though the Centre has focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), the growth in the MSME sector depends on the kind of plans the Centre unveils, “said Vijayaraghavan. As Puducherry has more than 4,000 functional MSME units, the growth of this sector will impact the economy.”

The harassment faced by the existing industries is generating a negative feedback. Several senior members of the industry feels that a lot of effort is needed for industrial growth in Puducherry with the industries getting discouraged by the policies of the government, labour issues and a non-conducive industrial climate.

Some big names like Suzlon and HCL (manufacturing) have closed their units and moved out, while NCR has announced its decision to move out of Puducherry. Even existing industries are expanding their units in neighbouring TN instead of Puducherry.  A few of them have just established their new units in TN area adjoining the Puducherry-TN border at Gorimedu.

“The systematic approach in TN, the handling and processing of applications, the well laid down set of rules and the advantage of land availability have led to the turn of things,” said an industrialist, “Some time ago, even for ordinary routine processes like renewal of factory licence, there were several hurdles. Non-conducive environment triggered by government lethargy and irregularities along with labour problems have led to the exit of industries.”

Most industrialists believe that the IT sector is not sustainable in Puducherry. Units like IT which manufacture white goods (which directly go to consumers) will prefer States that give concessions on excise duty and sales tax.

“Manufacturing units that sell their products to other industries can get tax credit, but consumers cannot give tax credit,” said a CII member,” Under these circumstances, the SEZ-IT planned by the government is also not a viable proposition.”

Philippines Dive Trip – August

Philippines Dive Trip – August

Are you excited to dive on crystal clear waters and jaw dropping colorful reefs? Interested to swim along with the sharks and witness colors beyond your dreams? Yes, then it is time for you to join in the next Philippines Dive Trip for this season!

This Philippines Dive Trip is going to be started on August 16^th- 23^rd in Pondicherry. There will be totally 11 dives in which you need to stay for 6 days and 7 nights. Would include flights from Chennai - Bohol, All transfers in Philippines and 30% off on all PADI Courses!!

You can experience an ultimate journey by spending just Rs 89,500. Book today! Only limited spots available!

For more details, you can contact: dive@templeadventures.com

Address:

Temple Adventures, 16 Ramaraja Street,

Pondicherry, India

Demand For Wage Board

For uplifting the living condition of struggling workers of the industry, All India Textile Workers Federation has appealed to the Centre for constituting a wage board.

On Thursday, resolutions were passed and adopted at the Federation meeting.

While explaining these resolutions, AITUC Tamil Nadu State Unit Secretary T M Moorthy said, “the textile industry workers are severely affected by the policies of the government. Nearly 3.5 crore workers are directly employed in the textile sector, which at times witnessed a boom and at times low. Only 30 per cent of the workers are now permanent employees and the rest are working on contract.

The workers' wages and other benefits are not protected as a result, the workers are struggling to make a living facing.”