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Guru Nair connects Austrians to phone company With Images
INT26International/Diaspora/Lifestyle/Technology/EconomyGuru Nair connects Austrians to phone company With ImagesBy Mehru JafferVienna, Oct 9 IANS When 33-year-old Ramesh Nair talks, Austrians listen, because the choreographer and actor and new mascot of Telering has the answer to all their problems.Whether on the golf course or at a supermarket, when in doubt Austrians are told to ask the Indian for a solution in all Telering advertisements playing on the radio and television round the clock these days.Telering is Austria's fourth largest mobile phone operator with an earning of over 200 million euros and Nair, the German-born, Vienna-based choreographer and actor of Indian origin, is the new brand ambassador of the company, a job that he is expected to perform for at least a year, if not more."Listen to the Indian" is Telering's new slogan on television, radio, posters and on larger than life billboards. "Ask the Indian..." is the punch line along with the warm, smiling face of Nair that is expected to rope in a million more subscribers.Chosen from a cast of 50 aspirants, Nair is naturally delighted with his new avatar as the wise man of Telering for more reasons than one."The money is finally good. I can now concentrate on just dance and music. Besides I love television," Nair told IANS. The head of Sophistikids, a performing arts company for children, he is in the midst of choreographing "Annie", the musical about a little orphan that will premier later this year in Vienna.He is also rehearsing for a Vienna performance of "Guys and Dolls" the popular Broadway musical that ran for 555 shows in London in 1953. But most of the time, he performs on stage.In the latest Telering advertisement launched on television Oct 1, a very big European asks a pretty woman who is sharing a steaming bathtub with him if she would still love him if he were not a multi millionaire.The slender beauty hesitates, and she twirls her damp curls before saying, "I don't know...ask the Indian".In the next shot the Indian is shown soaking in between the Europeans in the same bathtub with his turban on. Despite the sexy surroundings of the scene the reply of the Indian is a melange of philosophy and practicality that viewers find both original and funny.Telering is in the midst of an aggressive but colourful campaign to promote new discount offers with the help of Nair.The second child of a couple from Kerela that came to Germany in the 1960s to work here in the medical profession, dance has been Nair's passion for as long as he can remember."I grew up listening to Indian music in our home. As a child I loved to tap dance. Afraid that my dancing would destroy her furniture and decorations, my mother enrolled me in a dance school when I was seven years old," recalls Nair.But his skill as a dancer is not why the casting directors chose Nair to play the Telering mascot."It was a combination of Ramesh's very Indian personality and the way he speaks German like a natural," explains Andrea Starl of Blink, the advertising agency that specialises in building strong brands. "We sat at this very table, playing with different ideas and wondering how we could help Telering conquer the heart of customers," Michael Heine, 50, creative director, told IANS.Out of five brands and four telecommunication operators in a country with more than eight million mobile phone users, Telering is known for offering consumers low prices.Blink wanted to say that Telering's prices may be low but the bargain that a subscriber strikes is smart."We wanted to promote the brand as a reliable pillar of strength not just for the moment but in times to come. We gave three ideas to Telering and the client loved the Indian theme," Michael Braun, head of Blink, said.Together with Tobias Federsel, 33, the scriptwriter, Heine who has never been to India eventually created an image of the wise Indian for Telering who is a master of the art of reaching out to other human beings in a warm, friendly and colourful way as portrayed by Nair.--Indo-Asian News Servicemehru/jg/ky 754 Words**09101024
2008-10-09 01:00:00
Devotees in West Bengal celebrate Mahanavami
NAT37National/Religion/CultureDevotees in West Bengal celebrate MahanavamiKolkata, Oct 8 IANS Festivities reached a crescendo, as thousands of people resplendent in their finest attire swarmed the streets Wednesday to visit different Durga Puja pandals celebrating Mahanavami across West Bengal.The community puja pandals or marquees in the state drew huge crowds, as the young and the old savoured every moment of the puja spirit, partaking bhog - community feasts of food items offered first to the goddess - and meeting friends and relatives."We've decided to go out and spend the entire day with my friends. We have a plan to dine out at some Bengali restaurant and then we'll visit some pandals which we'd missed in the past three days," said Asim Dutta, a college student in Kolkata.He said: "Some of the marquees like Suruchi Sangha, Behala Natun Dal, Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha and Ballygunge Pally Sarbojanin were really very good in terms of decoration and ambience. I think most of them were winners of several awards."Mahanavami, or the ninth lunar day, is the concluding day of Durga Puja rituals. The main Mahanavami puja began after the end of Sandhi Puja held at the conjunction of Mahashtami, eighth lunar day, and Mahanavami. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga killed two demons, Chand and Mund, at the sandhi or confluence of Mahashtami and Mahanavami. A number of devotees from the non-Bengali communities in West Bengal also observed Mahanavaratri during the auspicious occasion.The Chaltabagan puja pandal in north Kolkata attracted hundreds of people, who appreciated innovative artefacts.The marquee was made of metal wire mesh, a non-inflammable material. The puja was celebrated there in a completely eco-friendly atmosphere by installing hi-tech gadgets like heat sensors and smoke detectors. The organisers of Behala Natun Dal in South East Kolkata modelled their pandal on typical old mansions in the northern part of the city. A dilapidated red-brick zamindar house, the structure with a traditional courtyard, false balconies, ornate grills and chandeliers exuded old-world charm.At Suruchi Sanga in Alipore, the enchanting beauty of Assam was brought out with the melody of Bihu songs, and by presenting a synthesis of the three main streams of Hindu religion, Shaiva, Shakta and Vaishnava, that is found across the northeastern state. Also on display were the cultures of various tribes of Assam like Mising, Deuri, Rabha, Mech, Hajong, Dimasa and Reming. The marquee of the Kalitala Sporting Club in the eastern pockets of Kolkata was inspired by an ancient West African mud mosque in Mali, one of the world heritage sites, built by the Dogon tribe. The pandal was developed with plaster-of-Paris and jute structure pulling a huge crowd on the festive days.Goddess Durga, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, is lion-borne and wields an array of arms in her 10 hands. Mythology has it that the Puja celebrates the annual descent of the goddess, accompanied by her four children Ganesh, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati, on earth to visit her parents. She stays for four days to eradicate all evil from the earth before returning to her husband Lord Shiva at Kailash on Dashami that falls on Thursday this year.--Indo-Asian News Servicessp-sb/am/dg568 Words*08101748
2008-10-08 09:03:13
An all-women car unveiled in gender-sensitive Iran
INT19International/Society/Technology/BusinessAn all-women car unveiled in gender-sensitive IranLondon, Oct 8 IANS Iran's state-backed motor manufacturer, Iran Khodro, has unveiled a new car specially designed for women that might take the country's gender sensitivity to new levels, the Daily Telegraph has reported.The car, with electronic parking aids and a jack making it easier to change a wheel, will be painted in soft "feminine" colours and include interior design features aimed specifically at women. The car, part of the Samand range, will be fitted with features considered female-specific. These include an alarm system to warn the driver of flat tyres, an automatic gear box, a navigation system and audiovisual entertainment systems for child passengers in the car. According Iran Khodro, the car has been designed to cater to the growing number of female drivers in the Islamic country and will be launched in conjunction with national womens' day next June.Vahid Najafi, managing director of Iran Khodro's order unit, said he believed the car would be a great hit. He was expecting the car to prove popular. Previous vehicles have been exported to Iran's allies such as Syria and Venuzuela, but the womens' car will initially be aimed at the domestic market. "Women's necessities are different from men's," he said. "For example, a woman goes shopping, takes children to school - so this car is going to have some visual distinctions that will separate it from other cars.""It will be more beautiful. Cheerful and attractive colours will be used - for example red. A series of decoration pieces will be added to the interior, on the dashboard for example. What's important for women is that the car should be comfortable and handle well," he added.The hardline government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is known for encouraging gender separation in the country. Last year, it backed a proposal to design a women's bicycle that covered the rider's legs and upper body.The country also has a women-only taxi service run by female drivers.-- Indo-Asian News Service skp/jg362 Words08100859
2008-10-08 00:01:05
'Durai' - a disappointing fare Tamil Film Review
ENT12Entertainment/Cinema'Durai' - a disappointing fare Tamil Film ReviewBy Ayyappa PrasadFilm: "Durai"; Cast: Arjun, Kirath, Gajala; Director: A.Venkatesh; Rating:*Action star Arjun plays the title role in the film, which practically has no story and a disappointing screenplay.Arjun plays a canteen's major-domo, who is foxed by bad vibes emitted by those in his vicinity. Suddenly, he realises he was the victim of political corruption.The ensuing climax is too pat and predictable.Fisticuffs and scantily clad females - trademarks of an Arjun film are amply present in this foolish flick. The females in this film - Kirath and Gajala are mere decorations. Vivek as the canteen owner feebly attempts at humour. Sadly, the interludes are anything but funny.In the name of remixes, music director Imman has borrowed liberally and made a mess of them.--Indo-Asian News Serviceap/tsv/dg151 Words03102024
2008-10-03 11:00:00
No Eid festivity at Uttar Pradesh village having terror link
NAT39National/Religion/TerrorismNo Eid festivity at Uttar Pradesh village having terror linkLucknow, Oct 2 IANS There was neither festivity nor gaiety on Eid in Azamgarh district's Sanjarpur village, which was home to two suspected terrorists who were shot dead by the police in a shootout for their alleged involvement in the serial bombings at Delhi.Sanjarpur stood in stark contrast to the rest of Uttar Pradesh where the festival was celebrated with the usual fervour. Lucknow, the state capital, also saw a joint namaz of Sunni and Shia sects. Even places like Muzaffarnagar, which witnessed scuffles between the two sects, celebrated the festival in its true spirit.Hailing from Sanjarpur, Atif and Sajid, were killed in a shootout with the Delhi Police Sep 19 in Jamia Nagar, following their alleged involvement in the serial bombings in the national capital."How can you expect a village to have the usual celebrations when two of its sons have been killed in a police encounter after being falsely implicated in cases of terrorism" asked Sanjarpur resident Maseeudin who runs a coaching centre in the village."It was only after the consensus of 4,500-odd registered voters here that we decided not to participate in the traditional celebrations, donning new attire, wearing fine perfumes and feast."We only performed religious obligations today Thursday. No new clothes, no delicacies and no decorations," Mohammad Shahid, a grocery store owner in the village told IANS by phone.Agitated by the killing of the two village youths, the local residents demanded a judicial inquiry into the case."We want a serving or a retired Supreme Court judge to hold an inquiry to establish whether our boys were involved in the cases of terrorism or not," said Maseeudin.Banners demanding justice and impartial inquiry have been put up at all the vantage points, he added.Meanwhile, nearly 270 km away from Azamgarh in Lucknow, Eid not only had its usual festive spirit, but there was also an attempt to bridge the differences between the Sunnis and Shias, the two prominent sects of the Muslim community.For the first time on Eid, Shias and Sunnis offered namaz together at a Sunni mosque in Aishbagh locality of the state capital."Nearly 400,000 Muslims offered Namaaz at the mosque," said Naib Imam of the Aishbagh Masjid, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli. --Indo-Asian News Serviceasit/dd/rd/dg411 Words02101656
2008-10-02 07:00:00
Ten day harvest festival 'Onam' concludes
Kochi, Sept 12 ANI: The ten day long harvest festival 'Onam' concluded with gaiety in Kerala on Friday.The festival that began on Tuesday saw the religious fervor of the people soaring high as the thousands of people celebrated the festival with gaiety.The festival is celebrated after harvesting of the principle crop and filling the granaries to full, a sure sign of prosperity. It began with 'Atham', the 17th day of the Malayalam month 'Chingam' this year and the main day of the festival is called 'Thiruvonam' on which people celebrate the day with a grand feast."We are expecting around 7000-8000 persons to attend the feast hosted by us. Very good feast we are hosting," said Pankajakshan Pillai, President, Thrikakkara Temple Advisory Committee.Elephants are a part of most of the celebrations in Kerala and spectacular parades and processions of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and traditional art forms are associated with Onam as it is with other festivals. In olden days the festivities used to begin 28 days earlier but the fast paced life and lack of time has reduced it to ten days. During the ten days, people make floral decorations outside their homes, buy new clothes and present gifts to friends and relatives.Onam festivities are a commemoration of the visit of mythical king Mahabali to see his former subjects in his kingdom now known as Kerala. Keralites spend their year's savings to welcome the benevolent king on Thiruvonam that is the tenth day of the festival. ANI
2008-09-12 12:00:00
Italy Awards AU Chair for Achievements
The Italian Secretary of State, Senator Alfredo Mantica, awarded Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the decoration of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic....
2008-09-11 17:25:17
Salman hurts his foot at home
By Our CorrespondentMumbaiAmidst the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, Salman Khan injured his foot. A close friend of the actor revealed, &ampquot;Salman injured his foot in the house itself. The...
2008-09-11 17:00:14
Kochi holds flower show to promote Anthurium
Kochi, Sep.10 ANI: A five-day international Anthurium flower show held here recently drew several flower lovers.Organized by National Horticultural Board and the Kerala department of Agriculture, its objective was to promote the exotic flower's cultivation for commercial purposes.Anthurium, one of the most beautiful and exotic flowers mainly used for decoration purposes, attracted huge attention by its elaborate decorations made by experts here. Over 20,000 Anthuriums, said to be the 'queen of all tropical flowers', were exhibited in the show, of which 12,000 flowers were imported from various countries. The others collected from different states in India.The event also emerged as a rendezvous for many Anthurium lovers, enthusiasts, growers and companies.D Radhakrishnan, General Secretary, Exclusive International Anthurium Show, said: "The sole aim of this show is to promote, develop and bring more people to take up this cultivation commercially, which has a good business potential not only in the domestic, but also in the international market. Organisers said that climate in Kerala is best suited for growing Anthurium, but the flower is no popular here. Apart from foreign representative companies from Mauritius, Holland and Italy the Indian companies participating in the show included the Coorg Floriculture Association and South Indian Floriculture Association.A member of the Kodagu growers association, President of the Coorg Floriculture Association, A.R. Shivaprasad said: "Though its cultivation is bit expensive but he returns per hectare is estimated as 500,000 rupees per annum and there is a lot of demand in India itself. We are not able to cope up to meet exports demand of Anthurium. For the city dwellers it was a delight visiting the venue and learning more of this unique flower.The flower, if cultivated as a commercial crop for export and the domestic market, will create employment opportunities, apart from developing an agri-business.Indian flowers like roses, carnations, orchids, gladioli and anthurium are being well received in Japan, Netherlands, USA, Germany and France. Besides flowers, India also exports seeds, bulbs, dried flowers, ferns, leaves and grass.Anthurium grows in many forms, mostly evergreen, bushy or climbing epiphytes with roots that can hang from the canopy all the way to the floor of the rain forest.Anthurium flowers are small about 3 mm and develop crowded in a spike on a fleshy axis, called a spadix, a characteristic of the Araceae. The flowers on the spadix are often divided sexually with a sterile band-separating male from female flowers. This spadix can take on many forms club-shaped, tapered, spiraled, and globe-shaped and colors white, green, purple, red, pink, or a combination. By Juhan Samuel ANI
2008-09-10 09:00:00
Fun shapes, frostings make cupcakes extra special
Everyone associates cupcakes with something special. Kids love cupcakes because they sport all kinds of dazzling decorations, and they can eat them with their hands. And, of course, they make great af...
2008-09-04 13:36:09