The open invitation selection trials will be held on March 16, (Sunday) at 8,30 AM at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, located at Vandalur Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur.

Aspiring players are required to bring their UDID (Unique Disability ID), disability certificate, Aadhaar card, and a passport-size photo for verification. Prior registration is mandatory to participate in the trials.

For further details and registration, interested candidates can contact 9940633177 / 9841702338.

The Tamil Nadu Para Cricket Association is committed to promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for differently-abled cricketers to represent the state at competitive levels. The event is expected to witness a strong turnout as talented players compete for a spot in the state team.

The association’s leadership includes Dr. Raghavi (President), Dr. Vincent (Vice President), Mr. Mukundhan (Secretary), and Mr. Senthil (Treasurer), who are working collectively to support and develop para cricket in Tamil Nadu.

Haleem, a slow-cooked delicacy made from high-quality meat, lentils, wheat, ghee, and aromatic spices, is known for its nutritional value and energy-boosting properties, making it a staple during Iftar. Pista House ensures authenticity by sourcing select spices, ghee, and rava directly from Hyderabad, staying true to its original recipe.

Central Kitchen and distribution points across Chennai

Pista House has set up a central kitchen in Royapettah, alongside a live kitchen unit at Lalitha Party Hall, Seevaram (Near Toll Gate). Freshly prepared Haleem is available daily from 3 PM onwards at multiple locations across Chennai.

The distribution outlets include locations in Royapettah at Peter’s Road, Perungudi at Lalitha Party Hall, Navalur at RTS Food Street, and Sholinganallur at Ambur Star Biryani. Other spots include Anna Nagar, Mogappair, Ramapuram, Chrompet, Rajkilpakkam, and Thiruvanmiyur, all housed within Ambur Star Biryani outlets. Additionally, Mannady near Edgah Masjid, Potheri at Golcondas, and MWC at V Mini Mart also serve this Ramadan special.

Pista House also sells Vegetarian Haleem, which will be available exclusively on Sundays at the Royapettah outlet.

Customers can purchase Haleem directly at these locations or place orders via Zomato and Swiggy for home delivery. Orders can also be placed through 97890 60918, 98849 20918, 99666 21404.

The event served as a heartfelt gesture to appreciate the incredible women of the Greenwood Society. Adding to the spirit of the occasion, the women of the society extended their gratitude to their lady housekeeping staff by organizing a special lunch and presenting them with thoughtful gifts. This act of kindness emphasized the importance of inclusivity and recognition for the hardworking women who contribute to the community’s well-being.

Parry Travels’ support added a touch of grandeur to the celebration, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. The event underscored the significance of acknowledging women’s efforts, not just on this special day but throughout the year.

The Greenwood Society’s International Women’s Day celebrations stood as a shining example of community togetherness and appreciation, reinforcing the essence of empowerment and gratitude.

The Tamil Nadu government has already allocated Rs.1.5 crore to enhance water supply by expanding the existing underground water reservoir in Kannagi Nagar. Additionally, a major project worth Rs.69.57 crore is underway to construct a 3.8 million-litre capacity water tank and install pipelines to provide individual rooftop water tanks to every household. Currently, 23% of the work is completed, with the remaining 77% set for completion by June 2025.

In Tsunami Nagar, the existing 10 lakh-litre daily water supply is being expanded, with Rs.3 crore allocated to repair damaged pipelines and install new water tanks. Until infrastructure improvements are completed, additional water will be supplied through tankers.

The Chief Minister has also approved a ‘Vizhudhugal’ Speech and Physiotherapy Centre for differently-abled children in Kannagi Nagar. Furthermore, a beautification drive, including painting and renovation of buildings across 212 zones in Chennai, has been sanctioned.

The Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India inaugurated the program by lighting ceremonial lamp and delivered the inaugural address and served as the chief guest of the conference. Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, and Dr. Smt. Sudesh Dhankar, Second lady of India felicitated by Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD.

The conference brought together over 100 participants, including 40 deafblind individuals, to discuss employment opportunities, accessibility, and self-advocacy. Inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, the event focused on breaking barriers faced by the deafblind community and creating an inclusive society. Shri. Dhankar also planted tree saplings as a symbol of “Mother Earth” and distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities.

The event emphasized ‘information accessibility,’ particularly on online platforms, and highlighted government schemes like ADIP and NIRAMAYA that support people with disabilities. Shri. Zamir Dhale, Founder of SEDB, delivered the welcome speech, advocating for better education and employment opportunities for the deafblind.

This conference provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, learn about government initiatives, and build connections to advocate for their rights, creating a more accessible and inclusive world for people with disabilities.

Four star sailors of the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association representing our state won three of the ten Golds at this prestigious event. The first two days were sailed on a medium to high wind condition of 10-15 knots whereas the next three days the winds were low from 6 – 12 knots with patchy conditions. The sailors braved the varying conditions and ensured that they hit the podium demonstrating their talent and skill at this National Arena.

Nethra Kumanan, the two-time Olympian of the state won the Gold in the One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 (Women) class which was called Laser Radial Class earlier with 15 penalty points in 10 races in which there were 6 competitors. Mr Chitresh Tatha won the Gold in the Formula Kite Class with 6 penalty points where there were 7 races conducted. Another class of iQFoil (Women) saw Ishwariya Ganesh, win the Gold with 9 penalty points out of 11 races. M K Lepakshi’s performance in ILCA6 finishing 5th & Mr Sachin Ganesh’s performance in iQFoil (Men) finishing 6th were other commendable performances by the Tamil Nadu sailors.  

From 2PM to 10 PM on the day of the visit, motorists are advised to take note of the following measures:

• Alternate Route: Motorists traveling from Chennai Airport to East Coast Road (ECR) are encouraged to use the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) as an alternative route to avoid delays.
• Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: All commercial vehicles will be prohibited from using the Airport-ECR route during the specified hours to facilitate smoother traffic flow for the dignitaries’ visit.

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have urged the public to cooperate with the arrangements for a hassle-free travel experience and to expect some disruptions in traffic. Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

For further updates and detailed traffic advisories, motorists can tune into official traffic announcements.

The PRS Centres will function from 08:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs, serving passengers for just one shift, similar to the usual Sunday schedule.

Due to the revised operational hours, railway authorities have urged passengers to plan their bookings accordingly.

The festival, known for its vibrant display of hot air balloons from across the globe, is a significant attraction for locals and tourists alike. The event promises a spectacular visual treat, offering rides and cultural performances, and aims to boost tourism along the scenic ECR stretch.

Organizers anticipate record-breaking attendance this year, making the festival a highlight in Tamil Nadu’s calendar of cultural events.

The event will take place daily from 3 PM to 9.30 PM, with highlights including hot air balloon tethering starting at 4.30 PM, the dazzling Night Glow Balloon Show at 5.30 PM, and live musical performances from 6.30 PM to 10 PM.

Each day will offer a variety of experiences for visitors:

• Jan.10: Balloon tethering, night glow show, food stalls, games, and a musical fusion performance.
• Jan.11: A special performance by the popular Thaikkudam Bridge Band in addition to balloon shows and carnival attractions.
• Jan.12: Balloon displays, games, food stalls, and more musical entertainment.

The carnival will also feature a shopping expo, food court, kids’ games, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for families and enthusiasts.

Weather conditions will play a crucial role in the balloon displays and tethering activities, ensuring safety and optimal experiences for attendees.

For more details, visit the https://www.tnibf.com/.

The press release stated : “Traditionally, Bhogi, the day before Pongal, symbolized renewal and transformation, with people discarding old belongings in a bonfire made of natural materials. However, in recent years, the practice has led to significant air pollution due to the burning of discarded tyres, rubber tubes, plastic items, and other non-biodegradable materials. This has caused dense black smoke, disrupting traffic, and flight operations, and creating health hazards such as eye irritation and respiratory issues.”

For the past 20 years, TNPCB has been working to reduce these harmful practices through public awareness campaigns, including the distribution of handouts, audio messages via auto rickshaws, and community outreach efforts. These initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in the burning of waste materials during the festival.

In addition to the awareness campaigns, TNPCB will also conduct ambient air quality surveys in 15 locations across Chennai for 24 hours during Bhogi and the days before and after the festival. The data from these surveys will be published on the TNPCB website.

As part of its continued efforts, the TNPCB is reaching out to the public, especially in the Greater Chennai Corporation and across Tamil Nadu’s districts, urging them to avoid burning plastics, tyres, and other pollutants during Bhogi celebrations.

The TNPCB has called for a collective effort to celebrate a cleaner and healthier Bhogi festival in 2025, contributing to the well-being of the environment and the public.