Flight returns after medical emergency

MURALI N. KRISHNASWAMY

CHENNAI, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 00:00 IST

A Singapore Airlines flight operating on the Singapore-Chennai-Singapore sector on September 28/29 (Friday/Saturday) returned to the Meenambakkam airport a little over an hour after take-off, following an inflight medical emergency.

An airline spokesperson said, “Singapore Airlines flight SQ529 returned as a passenger required medical attention. There were 270 passengers on board.”

Chennai colleges can apply online for faculty qualification 

approval

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

CHENNAI, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 00:00 IST

V-C says several self-financing colleges yet to submit details

Arts and Science colleges affiliated to the University of Madras can now apply online for obtaining qualification approval for faculty members. Qualification approval from the university is a mandatory requirement to ensure that colleges have made appointments based on the eligibility requirements prescribed by the University Grants Commission.

Vice-Chancellor P. Duraisamy said that once the applications are obtained online, the university would constitute a panel comprising the Vice Chancellor’s nominee, three experts for each subject, SC/ST and women nominees, and interview the faculty members in the university and grant qualification approval to those eligible. Principals of the respective colleges would also be on the panel.

At the university’s academic council meeting held on Saturday, Mr. Duraisamy urged the affiliated colleges’ representatives to inform their respective managements to send the details of their faculty. It was mostly self-financing colleges that had not submitted the details yet, he added.

Officials said so far it received details of only 1,467 teachers. The Vice-Chancellor told The Hindu that there must be at least 2,500 qualified teachers. At least, 60 to 70 self-financing institutions had not sent in the details yet.

On conducting the interview in the university he said, “Instead of having to send an expert panel to each college it would be better for the faculty to come to the university.”

The norm is that within three months of the selection of faculty members, colleges must send the details of the appointment for qualification approval, “but self-financing colleges do not send them. They ask for approval with retrospective effect. Even for Principal selection they do this,” Mr Duraisamy said.

HC convicts three under SC/ST Act

Legal Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 00:00 IST

Sentences them to one year of rigorous imprisonment for abusing an individual

In a significant judgment, the Madras High Court has found a 72-year-old retired school teacher, a serving school teacher and an executive guilty of having abused a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste by using the name of his caste in a derogatory manner.

It sentenced them to one year of rigorous imprisonment under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.

Acquittal reversed

Justice P. Velmurugan reversed their acquittal by the trial court while allowing an appeal preferred by the victim Shanmugam of Vaniyambadi taluk in Vellore district. The judge found the convicts, Venkatachalam, Arun Kumar and Gopi guilty of criminal intimidation also and sentenced them to three months’ rigorous imprisonment for the offence, though both the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

“In India, the caste system prevails even now, especially in the villages,” the judge said and added that in some of the villages, non-SC/ST community Hindus would not allow the SC/ST community people into their streets.

‘Living in fear’

“Further, they are not treating the SC/ST community Hindu people with dignity. In some of the villages, SC/ST community people are living in fear,” the judge observed.

The delay of two days in lodging the complaint could have been because of the trauma faced by the Scheduled Caste people.

The convicts had taken a defence that the complaint was lodged only on October 30, 2010, though the alleged incident took place on October 28, 2010.

However, the judge held that the delay would not vitiate the prosecution case against them.

He added that the case could not be eschewed just because the prosecution witnesses also belonged to a Scheduled Caste and that they were the relatives of the complainant.

“In a case of this nature... evidence of other community cannot be expected to support the case of de facto complainant.

“Merely because eyewitnesses are family members and belong to the same community, their evidence cannot be per se discarded,” the judge added.

Nevertheless, in the present case, one of the three witnesses belonged to the convicts’ community and he had deposed in consonance with the evidence adduced by the other witnesses as well as the complainant.

Yet, the Principal District and Sessions Court in Vellore had erred in acquitting all the three accused from the case on June 29, 2012, the judge said.

He cautioned that trial courts should not discard credible evidences without a valid reason.

“Merely because eyewitnesses are family members, their evidence cannot be per se discarded

Are you suffering from middle-age manxiety?

Times of India 30.09.2018

The pressure to perform in life is driving many men into mental health difficulties. However, there’s hope. Ask yourself these questions and you’ll be able to navigate it

Your middle years can be a high-pressure and confusing time, but don’t bottle up your feelings (or get a tattoo that you’ll regret later). We all know the cliches of the midlife crisis — the sports car, the wardrobe overhaul, the desire to chuck yourself around at Arctic Monkeys gigs and, um, the affairs.

But there are reasons behind the stereotype. There’s a wake-up moment in middle age when you realise most of your life is probably behind you. Plus the stress of caring for a young family as well as ageing parents, while shouldering job pressure can take its toll on your mental health and relationships.

In fact, a report has found middleaged people are the least happy, have the lowest levels of life and suffer the most anxiety. And men are more vulnerable than women, who reported feeling more satisfied overall.

“There’s always been a clear correlation between how the economy is doing and the mental health of middle-aged men,” says Dr Rafael Euba, consultant psychiatrist. “There’s pressure to achieve, which isn’t always easy, especially in times of economic hardship, and that can provoke a deep sense of failure.”

While women tend to deal with psychological distress by talking to each other, Dr Euba says men are reluctant: “Most men still think acknowledging they’re suffering is a sign of weakness, and so put up with stress which is more likely to come out in other ways, such as drinking.”

Have you reached a crisis point? Here’s how you can read the signs by asking the right questions and learn how to navigate those rocky years…

Do you fail to embrace new things and feel the best is behind you?

Middle age can actually be a great time to try new things, says Dr Euba, “When you’re young there are many possibilities in the future, but by middle age it’s common to think, ‘this is my life’, and dwell on things you haven’t achieved. “But you could argue you’re in the peak of life. Yes, if you watch films and read novels you’d think that peak time is the 20s, but people in their 20s make huge mistakes. “By now, you’re experienced, you know what you like and what you don’t, you will probably have more money and freedom, so potential to enjoy life is huge. You may also look at life in a balanced way.”

Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, but keep it bottled up?

Planning your goals and reaching out to friends for support are key, says Dr Euba. He says, “Stress often comes down to economic pressure and dealing with the system — providing for your family’s future and dealing with authorities over schools and care provided for elderly parents.

“You need to be able to delegate if you can, to compromise where necessary, to negotiate and to plan.

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial to make use of your social network and don’t regard stress as a sign of weakness, but as a sign you have to plan things and get support from the other people in your life.”

Do you feel dissatisfied at work?

This is a tough one to sort out, admits Dr Euba. “Most of us can’t just walk out of a job if we have dependents. But it can help to remind ourselves of the norm — that it’s a minority of privileged people who genuinely love their job and earn good money from it. They are the exception to the rule —not you. Don’t compare yourself to others. These days, largely thanks to social media, if your life isn’t amazing it’s tempting to believe you’re failing. But it’s normal to have difficult days,” says the expert and adds, “Set yourself smaller, achievable goals and celebrate those wins and, if possible, try to carve out areas of your work that you’re in control of. It’s also important to understand there’s much more to being a man than how big your salary is and how far you go in the hierarchy.”

Are you anxious about your physical health?

Our bodies begin to decline in middle age and it can be a painful glimpse of what’s to come. Dr Euba says, “The knowledge there’s less ahead combined with the onset of physical ailments can cause anxiety. Getting fitter is good for the mind and there’s growing medical evidence that exercise can help people beat depression. The key is, don’t overdo it.

“Pay more attention to lifestyle — don’t smoke and don’t drink too much — and just be aware of your body. Taking responsibility for your health will help you feel in control.”

Do you feel your sex life is dull and want to cheat?

If you’ve been in a relationship a long time, along with a sense of stability can come a sense that life is, well, just a bit boring. Dr Euba says, “Men’s sexual potency does start to decline in middle age, and although it’s more subtle than it is for women, it can affect self-image for some men.

“If that’s combined with a lack of sexual interest from their partner, many guys take that as a personal failure. These things make couples more vulnerable to affairs.

“It helps to know these issues are normal and seeking help in therapy doesn't mean you're less of a man.”

— Daily Mirror


Feeling that life is getting on top of you is a common cause of stress

WOMEN, ARE YOUR IRUMUDIKETTU READY?

Asha.Prakash@timesgroup.com  30.09.2018

When a woman entered the Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra in November 2015, the priests did a ritualistic cleansing of the temple, since women were not allowed inside till then. It was this incident which incited activist Trupti Desai to set out to break all such rules in temples across the country, and when Trupti initially campaigned for the entry of women at the Sabarimala temple, it was termed sacrilege. Slowly, but steadily, the movement gained momentum and after many twists and turns, and courtroom arguments that ranged from the physiological to the advaitic concepts, the “unthinkable’’ has finally happened, and in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has scrapped the provision in the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965, which restricts women from entering temples during menstruation, making it possible for women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. The restriction went against the Constitution, and men and women have equal right to pray, the five-judge panel bench said. From now on, women can climb the famed hill alongside men, but questions remain still — what about the lack of facilities in the temple premises? Will devout women take the leap and break the centuries-old tradition? Will the crowd become unmanageable during the mandala puja season? We listen in on the opinions:

THIS ORDER HURTS THE SENTIMENTS OF DEVOUT HINDUS

I am against women in the age group of 10 and 50 going to Sabarimala. Traditionally, we have been observing certain rituals and restrictions, and the same should continue. Unlike other temples, the Sabarimala shrine is unique in many ways and we should not be disturbing the existing practices there. I think court should not interfere in the belief systems of people. We, Hindus have always been soft-targets for politicians and I think this court order too sidelines the sentiments of devout Hindus.

APPUKUTTAN M, President, Ayyappa Baktha Samajam

Arakattalai, Ayanavaram


Devotees throng the
sannidhanam


‘INCONVENIENCE, DISCOMFORT, SAFETY OF WOMEN ARE WORRYING’

‘THIS VERDICT WILL OPEN DOORS FOR WOMEN’

We welcome the verdict whole-heartedly. Not allowing a woman between 10 and 50 years of age, just because she bleeds was quite a regressive thought. Women have always respected religious sentiments and have refrained from going to temple on those days of the month. So, why not allow them the right to worship? It was Thanthai Periyar’s dream that people of all castes become priests at a temple. Kerala set an example by appointing a Dalit priest. I hope the Kerala government accepts this verdict and makes the necessary arrangements for women to go the temple. The Indian constitution provides equal rights to men and women but in some places of worship, like that of Sabarimala, this has not been followed. This verdict will open doors for women in many other places of worship where they are not allowed to enter.

P SUGANTHI, STATE GENERAL SECRETARY OF ALL INDIA DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (AIDWA)

THE PATH TO THE MOUNTAIN SHRINE WILL BECOME A DEN FOR ANTISOCIAL ELEMENTS

I agree that the verdict of the Supreme Court has to be followed. But personally, more than the expected ritualistic practices, that are unique of the character of the presiding deity, the inconvenience, discomfort, issues on security and safety of women that they have to face are more worrying to me. I have been going to Sabarimala for more than a decade now, and even during the period of the monthly pujas, women devotees have to face severe accommodation problems at the sannidhanam. Sanitation issues during the climb and even at the top are beyond explanation. The miserable condition of rooms without locks, lack of proper security measures, poorly-maintained toilets are all common there. If a large number of young women start visiting the shrine, there is every chance that the place also turns out to be a den of anti-socials.

MEERA KRISHNANKUTTY, WRITER

‘IT IS NOT THE COURT WHICH SHOULD HAVE MADE SUCH DECISIONS’

Is there any problem in women entering a temple where the deity is a brahmachari? No. But the nature of the deity should be changed if women are to enter, in my opinion. It is Manikantan Ayyappan, who has been installed as the diety in Sabarimala, not Sashtavu, who has two wives. Manikantan Ayyappan is a bachelor and an avataram of Sashtavu.

I agree that there should be change; in Koratti and Tiruvalla temples, women were not allowed for long, but they are now. But, in Chengannur Sashthakulangara Temple, they are still not allowed inside the nalambalam. It might be because the swamiyars who conduct the pujas are brahmacharis.

However, it is not the court which should have made such decisions, in my view. It is true that Amma Maharani, Chithira Thirunal’s mother, had climbed Sabarimala when she was below 45 years. But she had calculated the dates of her periods and also, she was carried all the way in a doli. Also, she entered through another route by climbing down a hill, not through the famed pathinettam padi. She did it because she had taken a vow to visit the temple since her son was facing some issues. But later, her family priest condemned her act.

MG SASIBHOOSHAN, HISTORIAN

‘JUDGEMENT PROVIDES WOMEN EQUAL RIGHTS’

I have always believed that some of the biggest achievers in our civilisation — be it Avvaiyar, Meera or even Karaikal Ammaiyar — they have never been celebrated as empowered women. All these women were extremely devoted to their respective gods, but they were never recognised as the enlightened ones. I think, we as a society, have never given women their due recognition. Similarly, by denying women the right to worship, we have tried to establish the idea that women can never be great devotees.

Who placed these restrictions on women at Sabarimala? Was this diktat created by the Lord? No! We created it. The other theory is that women were not allowed inside Sabarimala as the path to the temple was extremely treacherous and were not safe for women. There was also a risk of wild animals attacking them. However, there is no proof to the argument that Lord Ayyappa won’t be pleased to see women. Today, things have changed and the roads to the temple are safer and easier than they used to be in the days of yore. The Supreme Court has given the right verdict by upholding women’s rights to worship. This should have been done by the Kerala governments itself, but it’s better late than never. Instead of looking at the verdict as Supreme Court’s intrusion in matters of religion, one should consider this a judgment that provides women equal rights.

M CHANDRA KUMAR, WRITER

‘I WILL GO TO THE TEMPLE ONLY AFTER THE PRESCRIBED AGE’

It has been the temple’s tradition to not allow young women inside the temple. Why are we suddenly questioning and changing ancient practices that we have been following for many decades? There is no question of gender bias in the temple. It is said that the deity in the temple, Lord Ayyappa, is celibate, and hence, women do not go there. If someone really wants to worship Lord Ayyappa, why can’t they go to other Ayyappa temples in the country? Though the judgment has come in favour of women, I will go to the temple only after the prescribed age.

GEETHA V, HOMEMAKER

(With inputs by Sangeetha.P@timesgroup.com and Sindhu.Vijayakumar@timesgroup.com)

Post verdict, police moot restricting no. of visitors to Sabarimala

KP.Saikiran@timesgroup.com

Thiruvananthapuram: 30.09.2018

The Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to visit the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala has triggered a flurry of activity. With the pilgrimage season set to begin on November 17, authorities have an uphill task to set up facilities for women pilgrims.

Police have mooted restricting the number of pilgrims to the hill shrine even as other departments are looking at setting up woman-friendly facilities.

Chief secretary Tom Jose is likely to convene a high-level meeting next week to discuss modifications that are to be made to the Sabarimala master plan.

The police top brass held a meeting on Saturday to devise strategies to control the crowd. A point strongly suggested was to restrict the number of devotees to Sabarimala to 80,000 to one lakh a day, using the police’s digital queue system. It was also suggested that a limited number of on-the-spot tickets, too could be issued.

Restricting visitors alone would not solve the problem, it was pointed out in the meeting. Creating separate queues for men and women would be a larger problem.

“The police officers on duty at Pathinettaampadi (the 18 steps leading to the temple) would change duty every 15 minutes as they have to pull people up to make the queue move faster. When women devotees come as a separate line, women officers will have to do the job, which is physically demanding. If the queues of men and women are given alternate windows to climb the steps every 15 minutes, officers on the steps, too, will have be changed accordingly,” a senior officer said.

CHANGE IN MASTER PLAN

After garlanding Sir MV’s statue, K’taka minister asks whose it is

Chikkaballapura:30.09.2018

Karnataka forests minister R Shankar garlanded the statue of Bharat Ratna awardee Sir M Visvesvaraya on Friday, without knowing who the statue represented.

Shankar was at Chikkaballapura for a review meeting and prior to it, he inspected the Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology, work for which had started during the BJP government’s tenure. While returning, he visited Muddenahalli, Visvesvaraya birthplace, and on request from residents, garlanded the newly-erected statue.

When mediapersons asked Shankar about his engagements in the district, he listed them but seemed confused about the statue he had just garlanded. He turned to his personal staff who told him it was Visvesvaraya’s.

Even as the video clip of him asking staff went viral, forest department officials sought to play it down.

They claimed the minister was not ignorant about Sir MV but was trying to confirm who had sponsored the statue. Range forest officer, Chikkaballapura Vikram told STOI, “Shankar was in the district to review programmes and following the request of local people visited the samadhi of Visvesvaraya.” TNN