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The Hindu
4 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
In male-dominated Kanwar Yatra, women pilgrims struggle to find space
Defeating all odds, Munni Devi, 32, a resident of Usmanpur, Shahdara, completed the Kanwar Yatra on Tuesday, carrying pots of water from Ganga in Haridwar on her shoulders and covering a distance of over 240 kilometres on foot. Ms. Devi, a devotee of Lord Shiva, who undertook the pilgrimage with her 12-year-old son, Pappu, said that finding a place in rituals and space in the male-dominated pilgrimage was more challenging than physical endurance. 'I participated in the yatra this year as my son desperately wanted to go for it. I did not want him to take the yatra in the company of other men,' Ms. Devi, sews/embroiders clothes for a living, said. Her son is a school dropout Amid hundreds of male pilgrims at a camp in Shahdara, Kiran Devi, 40, was trying to find a covered space to change her clothes and take rest. A Tikri border resident who has been participating in the yatra for five years, Ms. Kiran Devi told The Hindu that the organisers had 'ignored the needs of women participants'. 'Ever since my husband fell ill, I have been going for the yatra. To date, I have not found a separate washroom or resting space for women in any camp across the route,' she rued. She said with no separate space for women pilgrims, she had to take rest in the common area of the camp. Pilgrims felicitated Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday visited a camp at Shastri Park, north-east Delhi and felicitated the kanwariyas returning from Haridwar. 'It is an arduous journey, especially when it rains. But the camps set up by the Delhi government were equipped to meet all our needs,' said Ranjeet Paswan, 22, a migrant worker from Sitamarhi, Bihar, who was felicitated. With the yatra ending on Wednesday, Delhi Police heaved a sigh of relief as managing traffic and unruly elements had kept the force on edge.'There were various incidents of kanwariyas creating a law and order problem,' said a senior police officer. The officer said multiple complaints of loud music being played by the kanwariyas en route had also been received. 'However, there was no complaint of vandalism,' the officer added. The yatra also kept food stall owners in several areas on the edge. At a pizza joint in Shahdara, the manager and staff said they had been tense ever since a viral video of a popular food chain in Ghaziabad being targeted by kanwariyas surfaced. 'We put the guards on alert, just in case a large number of kanwariyas enter,' the manager said. Rajat Kumar, 55, a street food vendor, complained that a group of six-seven kanwariyas ate at his stall, then got into a verbal spat, and refused to pay him. 'They said they did not like the taste and left,' he said.
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Webinar on ‘Understanding IVF and Fertility' to be held on July 24
Kauvery Hospital, in collaboration with The Hindu, is organising a wellness webinar on 'Understanding IVF and Fertility' at 11.30 a.m. on July 24, to mark World IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) Day (July 25). Infertility is a growing concern among couples today, and advancements in reproductive medicine offer renewed hope. The session aims to raise awareness and provide guidance on fertility treatments and procedures. During the webinar, Gopinath, Director, Reproductive Medicine, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, will speak on 'The Evolution of Infertility Treatment', while K. Shanmugavadivu Venkatesan, Senior Obstetrician, Gynaec Endoscopic Surgeon, and Reproductive Medicine Consultant, Kauvery Hospital, Salem, will discuss 'Subfertility in Women'. Ramya Praveen Chander, Consultant, Reproductive Medicine, and IVF Specialist, Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, will provide insights into 'Intrauterine Insemination', and S. Divya, Consultant, Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Maa Kauvery, Tiruchi, will speak on 'IVF and Related Procedures'. Soma Basu, Senior Deputy Editor, The Hindu, will moderate the webinar. To register, visit: or scan the QR code.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Suriya turns 50: When Jyotika interviewed the actor for ‘The Hindu' in 2004
Tamil superstar Suriya, who is celebrating his 50th birthday on Wednesday (July 23), and his wife, actor-producer Jyotika, have for long reigned as Tamil cinema's most-adored celebrity couple. The actors, who first met on sets of 1999's Poovellam Kettuppar, fell in love while working on Gautham Menon's acclaimed cop drama Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and married each other in 2006. On Suriya's 50th birthday on July 23, 2025, The Hindu brings to you an exclusive blast from the past — from more than 20 years ago — when Jyotika interviewed Suriya about working with each other, the qualities they like in each other and, of course, why gossipmongers would not let them be. This article appeared exclusively on The Hindu on May 11, 2004. S.R. Ashok Kumar recorded the celebrity chat. Jyotika chats with Suriya: Should gossip disturb our peace?' Jyotika: When you started out as an actor, you were noticeably low on confidence. But it took only a few films for you to acquire the panache of a seasoned actor. Can you put your finger on 'that one film' which marked the transition from a tentative to a self-assured performer? Suriya: Nandhaa (2001). The film made me realise you can be on the right track, only if you keep yourself away from the beaten track. In offbeat roles, there is tremendous scope for acting. Director Bala has also played a great role in my transformation. As friend and guide, he has effected salutary changes in my 'real' life as well. In Pictures: Celebrating actor Suriya on his 50th birthday 1 / 3 Jyotika: Can we do a flashback and see Suriya the school boy? Suriya: (With a resigned well-if-you-want-to smile) In school, I preferred the shadows to the limelight. Even during school festivals and events, I would prefer to work behind the scenes. I used to be reserved, sometimes to the point of being considered a recluse (laughs). When I reached college, I started to open up. Even so, I was far from being the cool dude. I would wear only chappals, drawing taunts from my friends. If I wore shoes, my friends would ask me if it was my birthday (laughs). Then slowly I came out of my cocoon. I was part of the NSS and the college union as well. I would help organise functions. Jyotika: As you had a liking for offbeat roles, I am sure you would've grabbed the offer to act in AVM's Perazhagan . Suriya: You said it! Pithamagan (2003)was an eye-opener. It showed me that the grotesque can be attractive. As Perazhagan has enabled me to portray an offbeat character, it is a film after my heart. When I saw the original Malayalam version, I told myself that I could improvise on what Dilip had done. Perazhagan will be special to me for another reason as well – I play a double role for the first time. The 'camouflage' has been so complete that after watching the film, many found it difficult to convince themselves that it was Suriya who had played the hunchback. Well, you have also played a double role in the film. And one of the characters you essay is offbeat as well. Your thoughts on the film? (smiles) Jyotika: The film is after my heart too. And for the same reasons. I play a double role. One of them is that of a blind girl. Both the roles have a lot of depth. Having done this film, I feel more of an actress than I ever did. When you see that most films are hero-dominated, I can only thank my stars for landing this one. Hey, do you remember that when it was officially announced that I would be pairing up with you in the film, the gossip mills were grinding overtime? There were unpleasant accusations that you were recommending me to play the heroine. Suriya: Ah! Let tongues wag! Why should we let gossip disturb our peace? The whole world knows that you were chosen as the heroine for Poovellam Kettupar much before the hero was named. Actually Abbas was to have played the hero, but, as it worked out, the mantle fell on me. As for Uyirile Kalanthathu (2000), the producer came to the location and requested you to act as heroine. With Perazhagan too, you were the producer's choice. So impressed was Guhan with your performance in Priyamana Thozhi (2003) that he would have nobody else playing the blind girl. Jyotika: You have acted with 'n' number of heroines. So, you must be in a position to judge my performance as a heroine… Suriya: (With a well-this-is-an-unenviable-task look) It is the lengthy shot that separates good actors from the mediocre. Only a good actor or actress can pull off a lengthy shot successfully. I have noticed you do so many a time. Another quality that singles you out is your commitment. During the making of Poovellam Kettupar (1999), you burnt the midnight oil and memorised the dialogue as if you had to sit for an examination the next morning. That you take meticulous care in the selection of costumes and make-up highlights your professionalism. You are the first choice of many directors and actors because you are willing to contribute to a film more than you have to. They find your suggestions and comments invaluable. Here is my verdict: you are the best in the industry now! Jyotika: (With a you-have-made-my-day-week-month smile) Thanks a million! What do you like in me as a person? Suriya: You have many great qualities, but your sense of humour beats everything else by a mile. Your ability to keep the laugh lines flowing is a big help at the sets. I have never seen you shouting at anybody. You respect the other person's space as much as you value yours. You keep miles away from wearing a bad costume or acting in a scene that is not decent. For these reasons, I count you as someone special.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
In Pictures: Celebrating actor Suriya on his 50th birthday
'Anbaana' fans of Suriya are all set to take the internet by storm as the Tamil superstar celebrates his 50 th birthday on Wednesday (July 23). Widely regarded as an exceptional performer with a penchant for experimenting with his scripts, Suriya has cemented his position as one of the most adored stars of Tamil cinema. Born as Saravanan, to veteran actor Sivakumar and his wife Lakshmi, he made his silver screen debut in 1997 with Vasanth's Nerrukku Ner, The film's producer, Mani Ratnam, suggested his stage name 'Suriya' to avoid being confused with another actor. After starring in romance dramas such as Poovellam Kettuppar and Uyirile Kalanthathu, the star ventured into the action genre with director Bala's acclaimed film Nandhaa. However, it was Gautham Menon's 2003 hit Kaakha Kaakha that brought out the action avatar in him, propelling him into a much sought-after mainstream actor. Throughout the 2000s, Suriya juggled commercial mass cinema — films like Ghajini, which elevated him into a star, and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal — and off-beat roles — like Pithamagan and Perazhagan. After back-to-back hits with Vaaranam Aayiram and Ayan, Suriya famously reunited with his Vel director Hari to offer Singam, a blockbuster that would go on to define Indian mass masala cinema of the 2010s. Recently, Suriya has enthralled Tamil audiences with his stellar turns in Soorarai Pottru, Jai Bhim, Vikram, and Retro. Celebrating the 50 th birthday of a superstar who gives his all to every role, we bring to you images of the actor from The Hindu archives. Suriya with his father Sivakumar. Suriya in July 2002 Suriya and Jyotika in a still from 'Uyirilae Kalandhadhu' Actress Jothika and actor Suriya during 'Take two' chat session, at AVM studios in Chennai on May 03, 2004. Suriya, Vijay and Ramesh Kanna in a still from 'Friends' Suriya and Jyotika during the promotions of 'Perazhagan' in 2004 Suriya and Trisha in a still from 2002's 'Mounam Pesiyadhe' Tamil film actor Surya posing for a photograph session at his residence in Chennai, on May 21, 2004. Actors Suriya and Kamal Hassan in Chennai, 01-05-2004 Suriya, Sangeetha and Vikram in a still from 'Pithamagan' Actor Suriya in 2006 Actor Suriya and director Gautham Menon at E-Mail chat in Chennai, July 25, 2003. Actor Surya in the Tamil film "Kaakha Kaakha". Actor Surya at the inaugural of the Tamil film "Sachin" in Chennai on December 8, 2004. The film has Vijay in the lead role with Jhoan as director and is produced by Kalaipuli Photo: K.V. Srinivasan STILL: TAMIL MOVIE: Surya and Jyotika in "Perazhagan" Actors Suriya, Manobala (left) and Karunas (right) in the Tamil film 'Pithamagan'. Surya in a still from 'Maayavi' Actor Surya and actor Karthi at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the movie `Sivaji' held in Chennai on January 11, 2008. Actor Surya (ext right) with actor Ajith and his wife actress Shalini at the marriage of his (Surya) sister, Brindha, in Chennai on November 13, 2005. Suriya and Jyotika at the audio launch of 'Pasanga 2' in Chennai, on September 17, 2015. Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger with actor Suriya at a gym in Chennai on September 16, 2014. Suryia (right) and Mahesh Bhupathi in action at the Aircel Chennai Open 2010 tennis championship in Chennai on January 04, 2010. Actors Suriya and Karthi during a promotion for "Dope" clothing range in Coimbatore on November 19, 2009. Actors Suriya and Karthi during a promotion for 'Dope' clothing range in Coimbatore on November 19, 2009. Photo: K. Ananthan
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
History of air crash probes shows investigators disagree on pilot complicity
In two out of four fatal aircrash probes studied by academic researchers, the investigators from the national agencies disagreed with the United States National Safety Transport Board (NTSB) on whether the pilots intentionally crashed their planes. In three of the four cases, the length of investigations averaged two-three years and in two cases the deceased pilots were proven to have a history of clinically-diagnosed depression. Three of these cases involved one of the pilots having control of the aircraft and alone in the cockpit and the co-pilots for brief periods being unable to access controls. 'Psychological autopsy' – a form of forensic investigation into the deceased's mental state – was a key factor in determining pilot intentionality and even then 'there could rarely be certainty about suicidal intent being the sole cause of an accident,' Alpo Vuorio, psychologist and an academic researcher of aviation disasters, told The Hindu in an email. Questions on the mental health of the pilot have surfaced around the ongoing investigation into the AI-171 flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick on June 12 where 241 passengers, including crew, died and another 19 were killed on the ground. Though only a preliminary report is out, speculation is rife that the captain may have sabotaged the plane's fuel intake during take-off. Pilot associations in India have vociferously objected to such a characterisation with Ministers advocating restraint until the investigation has concluded. Since 1994, there have been only six confirmed instances globally involving commercial planes where investigating agencies attributed the accident to actions by the pilot. Within these, only four have published reports and analyses in academic literature. Overall, such crashes are a rarity. Based on flying-accident reports in the United States from 1993–2021, 24 out of 7,244 – or 0.33% — fatal accident cases in general aviation were formally attributed to be 'aircraft-assisted suicides' (0.33%). The vast majority of these accidents involved pilots flying their own planes or those of very small operators where planes usually didn't carry FDR (Flight Data Recorder) and CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder), said a 2023 study led by Dr. Vuorio in the journal Aviation Space Environment. The first of these was Silk Air Flight 185 (Jakarta- Singapore) in December 1999, which killed 97 passengers and seven crew members. A Boeing 737, it crashed into the Musi River, Sumatra, after nose-diving from an altitude of nearly 35,000 feet. Its CVR and FDR stopped recording following which the plane rapidly descended and crashed within a minute. Following a nearly three-year investigation, the National Transportation Safety Corporation (NTSC) – the Indonesian equivalent of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau that is investigating the Ahmedabad crash – concluded that the 'technical investigation has yielded no evidence to explain the cause of the accident.' The U.S. agency NTSB dissented. 'There was no evidence of a mechanical failure of any of the flight control systems or related components that would have been causal or contributing to the accident and the accident can be explained by intentional pilot action,' said the 140-page report. Along with a technical analysis, this report also placed on record that the captain, who had commandeered the plane, was reportedly battling a financial crisis, though it was also stated that he displayed no aberrant behaviour prior to the flight. The second accident occurred on October 31, 1999, when Egypt Air flight 990, a Boeing 767, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, south of Massachusetts. About 29 minutes after take-off, the FDR showed that the First Officer disconnected the autopilot. He was alone in the cockpit with the Captain having left for a bathroom break. The FDR recorded an abrupt nose-down elevator movement — the instrument meant to control the plane's pitch (up and down movement) — and the aircraft began a precipitous descent. The CVR recorded that the First Officer, a native Arabic speaker, said several times, 'I rely on God'. After that, the FDR recorded additional unexpected movement of the aileron – a device on the tail to control a plane's rolling movements. A master warning alarm began to sound, and the Captain, who was returning from the toilet, was wondering aloud what was happening. The aircraft crashed about two minutes later. The NTSB determined that the 'probable cause was... as a result of the First Officer's flight control inputs. The reason for the First Officer's actions was not determined'. However media coverage speculated on a wide variety of causes ranging from the first officer's 'religious extremism' to alleged disputes with colleagues. The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), while first collaborating with the NTSB on the investigation, concluded that 'the officer did not deliberately dive the air-plane into the ocean' and that mechanical failure was 'a plausible and likely cause of the accident'. The third accident, on November 2013, involved the Mozambique Airlines Flight 470 from Maputo, Mozambique to Luanda, Angola. The Embraer E190 twinjet crashed into the Bwabwata National Park, Namibia, killing all 27 passengers and six crew members. About an hour and 50 minutes into the flight, the First Officer stated that he had to go to the toilet. The Captain handled the auto flight system leading to a 'sustained descent and collision with the terrain', says the investigation report. While here the investigation agencies of the Mozambique and Namibia attributed the plane's 'unnatural' descent to the pilot, the Mozambique Association of Air Operators disputed the finding. The investigation lasted three years. The fourth analysed accident — the only one where there was rapid, unanimous consensus that a pilot, with a history of psychiatric problems, intentionally crashed the plane — occurred on March 24, 2015 with Germanwings flight 4U9525 from Barcelona, Spain to Dusseldorf, Germany. There were 150 casualties following the crash of the Airbus A-320. According to the investigation report, in the cruise phase of the flight, the First Officer waited until he was alone in the cockpit. Then he modified the autopilot settings causing the aeroplane to descend and, kept the cockpit door locked. The First Officer did not respond to the calls from air traffic controllers, and the aircraft fell into the French Alps. One of the quickest investigations, which officially concluded within a year, the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) and its German counterpart, the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) concluded that the pilot had deliberately crashed the plane as a 'murder-suicide'. German investigators found a doctor's note in the pilot's apartment, three days following the crash, indicating that he was 'unfit to fly'. They also reported that he suffered from 'psychiatric illnesses' and a post-mortem analysis of his body found the presence of a combination of antidepressants, escitalopram and mirtazapine and a sleep medication, zopiclone. The investigation report mentioned that he had researched online ways to 'commit suicide' before commandeering the flight. 'The links between pilot suicides and social change, such as unemployment threats and financial recession, have not been studied, given the low numbers of pilot suicide cases as well as the unpredictability and infrequency of recession, coupled with methodological challenges such as suitable comparison groups and the absence of baseline measures,' said Dr. Vuorio. 'However, it has been found that significant sudden changes in society may increase the number of pilot suicides. For example, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, the risk of suicide by aircraft in the year following the attack was almost four times the average risk in the five years prior to the terrorist attack. Significant, sudden and adverse changes in society can have an impact on pilot mental health,' he added.
