Latest news with #Manimaran
The Star
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Former journo spends RM7,000 a year on newspapers despite digital shift
KUALA LUMPUR: In an era when most people skim headlines on social media, former journalist and editor Dr G. Manimaran still flips through printed pages - not one but 10 newspapers daily. For the past 30 years, the 58-year-old media consultant and political analyst has spent over RM7,000 annually on print publications, a habit many might consider excessive in the digital age. But to him, it is a worthwhile investment in knowledge. "I don't see it as a waste of money. Some say you can read news online for free, but not everything is available on portals. Many insights, especially detailed reports or archives, are still best found in print,' he told Bernama when met at his home recently. Growing up in Paloh, a small town in Kluang, Johor, Manimaran's hunger for knowledge began early. As a primary school pupil, he would save pocket money to buy a newspaper, then priced at 50 sen, a hefty sum for a child. "When I was working as a journalist and editor, I would read at least six newspapers a day to keep up with developments and because of the competitive nature of news reporting,' he said. Today, he subscribes to 10 Malay, English and Tamil dailies, costing him about RM600 a month, and adds Chinese papers (solely for archiving purposes as he does not read Mandarin) during major national events such as general elections or budget announcements. More than just reading material, newspapers are part of his identity and professional toolkit. His home houses a personal library stacked with archived clippings, election reports and books. Even while on vacation, he catches up on every paper he missed upon returning. "I cut and keep clippings of important stories, especially on politics and policy. When I need to refer to something, I don't have to search online as I already have it. This habit has helped me immensely in writing and analysis,' he said. Manimaran has written three books, including one co-authored with former Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman titled "Pilihan Raya Demokrasi Malaysia: Tanding, Pilih, Menang & Tadbir', completed in just three months during the Covid-19 lockdown. Three more books are expected in the coming months. His love for news was shaped in his youth, watching wayang pacak - outdoor screenings by the Information Department in the 1970s and 80s that entertained and informed rural communities. That early exposure, coupled with a fascination for current affairs, led him to a Communication degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), an internship at Bernama and a journalism career with Utusan Malaysia in 1991. "Years of reading, archiving and analysing news naturally shaped my path into becoming a media consultant and analyst. It's all connected,' he added. Manimaran acknowledges the challenges facing print media but remains optimistic - provided the industry reinvents itself. "The role of newspapers today should not just be about breaking news as people get that online instantly. What's needed is value-added content, insightful analyses and exclusives,' he said, likening it to how traditional kopitiam outlets blend familiarity with innovation to survive. "Maybe someday we will read news on our smartwatches, or newspapers may be printed in A4 format, which I have seen in Cambodia in 2006. But the core, credible journalism, must stay,' he said. While his vast collection of clippings is yet to be fully digitised, he has started passing on the habit to his 10-year-old daughter, encouraging her to embrace the same reading routine that fuelled his lifelong passion.- Bernama
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
PM Modi praises Mani Maran of Saraswathi Mahal Library for preserving ancient manuscripts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, commended the efforts of Mani Maran, the Tamil Pundit of the Saraswathi Mahal Library, to preserve ancient manuscripts. The Saraswathi Mahal Library has published 20 books written by him. He is also conducting research on a Monograph of the Sendalai Temple. In his message through Mann Ki Baat on All India Radio (AIR), Mr Modi said while the foundation of Bharat's culture lies in our festivals and traditions, another vibrant aspect of culture was the continued documentation of the present and history. 'These manuscripts hold science, medical systems, music, philosophy, and, most importantly, a vision that can illuminate the future of humanity. Friends, it is our collective responsibility to preserve this extraordinary wisdom and heritage,' he said. Mr Modi said in every era of the country, there have been people who have dedicated their lives to this cause, and one such inspiring personality was Manimaran from Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur. 'He felt that if today's generation does not learn to read Tamil manuscripts, then this priceless heritage might be lost in the future. So, he started evening classes where students, working professionals, and researchers all came to learn,' Mr Modi said in the message broadcast. Manimaran taught people how to read and understand Tamil Suvadiyial, that is, palm-leaf manuscripts. 'Today, thanks to many efforts, many students have become proficient in this art. Some students have even started researching traditional medicine systems based on these manuscripts. Friends, imagine if such efforts happened across the country — then our ancient wisdom wouldn't remain confined within walls. It would become a part of the new generation's consciousness,' he said. He also recalled that the Gyan Bharatam Mission, announced in the Budget this year, was inspired by this very idea. Under this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitised. Then, a national digital repository will be created where students and researchers worldwide can connect with Bharat's rich knowledge tradition. 'I urge you all, if you are involved in or want to join such efforts, please reach out to MyGov or the Ministry of Culture, because these are not just manuscripts. They are chapters of Bharat's soul that we must pass on to future generations,' he said.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Two held for stealing maize from poultry farm near Namakkal
NAMAKKAL: The Nallipalayam police in Namakkal district on Monday arrested two painters on charges of stealing bags of maize worth Rs 75,000 from a poultry farm. The police seized a pickup van used for transporting the maze bags and a motorcycle used by the thieves. V Manimaran, who owns a poultry farm in Karatukadu area of Thindamangalam, had stored maize in a shed adjacent to his residence to feed his chickens. On July 12, his employees P Ravichandran, 38, and M Ramasamy, 42, informed him over the phone that unknown people had broken into the shed and stolen maize bags. Manimaran rushed to the poultry farm. The thieves, who loaded maize bags on a pickup van, escaped in the vehicle. While they were escaping, five maize bags and four people sitting on them fell on the road. Bystanders caught one of them and beat him up while others escaped. The man who was beaten up was admitted to Namakkal Government Hospital. Based on Manimaran's complaint, the Nallipalayam police registered a case and began investigations. The police identified two suspects as T Sanjay, 29, and P Muthukumar, 29, of Mohanur. Both are painters. They were arrested. 'The man, who has been admitted to hospital, will be arrested after he is discharged,' a police officer said.
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Madras HC urges strict adherence to NDPS Act procedures for seized articles
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed all the investigating officers, prosecuting agencies, and special courts handling cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, across the state to strictly comply with the procedures outlined in Section 52A (disposal of seized articles) of the Act and the NDPS (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022. The home secretary and the registrar general of the Madras HC have been directed to soon issue a comprehensive circular in this regard. Justice B Pugalendhi issued the directive while hearing an appeal filed by R Manimaran, seeking the return of his lorry seized in an NDPS case in 2021. Though Manimaran was acquitted in the case in 2023, the Additional District Court for EC and NDPS Act cases in Pudukkottai dismissed his request to return the vehicle. Observing that the appellant, until 2023, did not claim ownership of the lorry throughout the investigation and the trial, the judge said had Manimaran come forward earlier, his potential connection to the offence could have been examined further. The judge also noted the investigating officer's failure to initiate pre-trial disposal proceedings under Section 52A of the NDPS Act. The court noted that pre-trial disposal should be considered an integral part of the case processing and not an afterthought. Special courts are mandated to actively monitor compliance, and Drug Disposal Committees must expeditiously process referred properties to prevent administrative delays and loss of evidentiary integrity, it noted. The judge said, 'The legislative intent behind the procedure stems from an operational necessity to prevent overcrowding of judicial or police custody spaces, eliminate risks of pilferage or decay, and reduce the burden on courts to determine ownership, post-trial,' adding that long-term retention of such properties has often led to deterioration, theft or unauthorised usage. As the investigating officer has already moved the trial court for permission to refer the vehicle to the Drug Disposal Committee, the HC directed the trial court to dispose of the application.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
11 including PMK functionary surrender in TVK man murder case
Trichy: Eleven people, including PMK's Karaikal district secretary D Prabakaran, surrendered in police stations in Mayiladuthurai and Villupuram districts on Sunday in connection with the murder of Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi functionary H Manimaran. Prabakaran, with the aid of his associates and hitmen, allegedly hacked Manimaran to death to avenge his father Devamani'' murder. H Manimaran, 32, from Thirunallar was hacked to death by a gang near Sembanarkoil on Friday when he was returning to Karaikal after participating in a party event in Mayiladuthurai. Five special teams were formed to catch the suspects. On Sunday, four people, including Prabakaran and his associates surrendered at Palaiyur police station in Mayiladuthurai district. Seven more people, including some 'hitmen', surrendered at Valavanur police station in Villupuram district. The surrendered suspects were brought to the Sembanarkoil police station in Mayiladuthurai district, where the case investigation is in progress. An initial inquiry was conducted. Mayiladuthurai superintendent of police G Stalin said, "We are still questioning the suspects about their involvement in the murder. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A Apple Recomenda o Blinkist, O Melhor App Para Intelectuais Ao Redor do Mundo Blinkist Undo They will be produced before a magistrate and remanded after the inquiry." Manimaran was the prime accused in the murder of PMK's erstwhile district secretary K Devamani. Due to a property dispute, Manimaran and a hit squad allegedly hacked Devamani to death on Oct 22, 2021. After his father's murder, Prabakaran was appointed as PMK's Karaikal district secretary. Manimaran, released on bail, joined Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi - a party founded by T Velmurugan, who broke away from PMK due to differences of opinion. Manimaran was TVK's Karaikal district secretary until he was slain.
