India’s most prestigious theatre honor recorded the highest number of entries in its last 5 years – for META 2010. With 230 entries collected nationwide, META also announced the 10 best nominations shortlisted to compete for the coveted META 2010 in 13 categories.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Dubey, Creative Director of META said, “META has attracted over 230 entries from all over India signifies the interest and encouragement it has inspired in theatre companies across India. It is not just the number of entries that has increased but the quality of the productions that have shown a remarkable improvement every year. This is a very prestigious moment not only for META but also for Indian theatre. Having established a framework over five years in India, the need to create an international exchange with similar institutions overseas has now become an imperative. In our sixth year we hope to be in the international arena and re-invent ourselves on the global platform.”
He added, “The shortlisted productions will perform at the much awaited Mahindra Theatre Festival starting 2nd March 2010 in New Delhi. The weeklong festival will see India’s best theatre productions competing in front of the jury and audience in various categories like best play, best director, best stage design, best actor etc.
With an aim to drive theatre in India to achieve higher standards of excellence, META welcomed entries from pan India, in 2009. Within this short span of time, theatre enthusiasts outdid META’s previous years’ collection of 205 entries by sending 230 entries as on January 10, 2010. The states to witness the highest number of entries are- Maharashtra and Delhi NCR and coming a close second are West Bengal, Karnataka and Assam. While stressing on modern theatre and supporting all Indian languages, META 2009- 2010 play entries included myriad local languages, namely- Assamese, Garo, Urdu, Manipuri and even Sanskrit, offering a great cultural blend.
By Our correspondent
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META celebrates highest number of entries collected in its fifth year
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:16 )
GE Healthcare Introduces Pocket-sized Visualization Tool for Point-of-care Imaging
Vscan is a breakthrough innovation from GE Healthcare and has the potential to redefine frontline healthcare practice and patient management with its ability to give non-invasive, visual information of the inside body in real time. Roughly the size of a smart phone, Vscan houses powerful, ultra-smart ultrasound technology that provides clinicians with an immediate, non-invasive method to help secure visual information about what is happening inside the body. Vscan is portable; battery operated and can easily be taken from room to room to be used in many clinical, hospital or primary care settings.
Vscan is designed to be complementary to the stethoscope – to help physicians go beyond what they can hear to what they can see. Vscan may become as critical as a stethoscope to a physician in helping to detect disease more quickly. Vscan can reduce the need for more tests and referrals during physical examinations and could make healthcare more accessible to people
Vscan leverages GE’s high-quality black and white image technology for anatomy and color-coded blood flow in a device that fits into a pocket. It weighs less than one pound, 3 inches wide and 5.3 inches long. Vscan may prove invaluable for primary care physicians and those specializing in cardiology, emergency/critical care, women’s health, pediatric as well as hospitals.
Vscan is capable of scanning upto 30 patients with its one hour battery power backup. Physicians can store patient images with its 4GB memory card expandable upto 32 GB. The high image quality combined with simple, familiar, intuitive user interface that can be controlled using the thumb helps facilitate disease detection. Using a familiar dial key interface, physicians can zoom images in and out, pan left and right for analysis. Clinician can store images, add voice annotations and the docking station plus cable link helps the transfer of data to a PC for organizing or sharing with experts through e-mail or internet.
ELGI completes acquisition of European Company
Elgi Equipments Ltd (EEL), a leading manufacturer of industrial compressors in India, today announced the acquisition of “Belair S.A – France”, a company that is engaged in assembly, sales and service of industrial compressors, piping, fittings and accessories for more than 25 years.
Commenting on the development Dr. Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director of EEL said, “In Europe and other developed markets, we follow a model of “multi – local” acquisition of small to medium companies with strong brand names and supporting them with the ‘Elgi Inside’ strategy of providing key technologies and product extensions. In line with this strategy, we have purchased one hundred percent shares of Belair S.A, France. The acquisition has cost us € 700,000 which has been funded from internal accruals.”
Adding further, “Belair has established itself as a strong supplier of compressors to the industrial segment with about 3% of the French market. It is located at Alby Sur Cheran, in the southern part of France, about 100 kilometers South of Lyon. The sales of Belair are € 6.5 million per annum and it has 34 employees”, Dr. Jairam said.
It may be noted that besides selling in many Asian and African markets, Elgi has been expanding its global foot print aggressively by setting up subsidiaries in China, Gulf and Brazil.
By our Correspondent
FOODLES LAUNCHED IN THE CITY
First ever noodles in India fortified with 11 vital nutrients
Coimbatore, FEB 03, 2010: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare has launched ‘Foodles’ noodles, which is fortified with 9 vital vitamins and packed with the goodness of iron and calcium. The 80 gm pack of Foodles promises to deliver pleasurable nourishment and is available in two variants Regular and Four-Grain. The Four-Grain variant is made with nutritious grains like rice, corn, ragi and wheat. The two variants are priced at Rs.10/-and Rs.15/- respectively.
Each variant is available in three delicious flavors. The regular variant comes in flavors like Mast Masala, Crazy Curry and Spicy Treat while Ala Masala, Curry in a Hurry and Slice of Spice are the three flavors of the Four-grain variant. Easy and convenient to cook, Foodles gives children the right mix of taste and nourishment. One can add portions of vegetables; eggs etc or just cook it plain. Foodles is the new convenient and nourishing snacking option for kids. It is available across all departmental stores in the city.
MICHELIN OPENS TRUCK SERVICE CENTER IN SANKAGIRI
Opens ups its second Truck Service Centre in Southern Region in Sankari
Sankari, FEB 03, 2010 – Michelin, a worldwide leader in tyres and mobility, opens its second truck service centre MTSC, (Michelin Truck Service Centre) in Sankari, near Salem. Speaking at the opening, Mr. Philippe Neyrat, Commercial Director, Michelin said:
“We see India as an economy developing at an accelerated pace, with focused growth in infrastructure. The highways across the country carry heavy traffic; therefore, that is where the demand for a service centre was inevitable. In keeping with its commitment to India, Michelin offers services mainly for radial tyres, which help contribute to save fuel, up to 10%. Truck Radial is the way of the future, it helps reduce the cost of the fleet owner by reducing his fuel bill and the overall tyre cost. MTSC is a one-stop-shop for Bais, radial tyre and related services for trucks. Apart from the application based Tyre recommendation & sales, MTSC’s gamut of services include Wheel Alignment, wheel balancing, professional tyre repair service, greasing etc.
The opening of the second MTSC in South deepens the availability of Michelin products and services along India’s highways and will help to meet the soaring demand for Michelin Radial tyres. Being a one stop shop where all these services would be provided under one roof, MTSC would save the customer’s time and expenditure on maintenance/ servicing. Sankari is one of the historic town and is very famous for Lorry/truck industries and its allied business. In order to service the needs of our valued clients for both Radial Truck Tyres & Tyre related services, Michelin has opened its second MTSC centre in Tamil Nadu.”
Mr. K.K. Natesan & Mr. K Ramesh , owners Sri Manikandan Tyres, said, “We are pleased and honoured to be associated with Michelin Tyres as their partner in MTSC. Partnership with Michelin, an international leader in tyre technology, makes it possible for us to cater to huge market of Radial Truck Tyres in this district. It also enables us to provide the best possible Tyre related services using the latest machinery and well trained staff. MTSC is an internationally successful format, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and we see it growing in India too. Michelin has maintained leadership position for more than 100 years, thanks to its relentless efforts in research and development.”
Michelin Truck Service Centers are committed to offer:
- High quality Michelin Truck Radial Tyres.
- Professional tyre recommendations as per usage conditions
- Comprehensive range of professional technical services and recommendations
- Well trained staff
- Clean and tidy workshop environment
Mr. Harkesh Jaggi, Manager Distribution, Mr. B Kumar, National Sales Manager, TB and other officials & guests were also present at the event.
By our correspondent
ELGI Q3 RESULTS
Coimbatore, February 3rd 2010: Elgi Equipments Ltd, manufacturer of air compressors and automotive equipment, announced results for the third quarter of 2009-10, posting a PAT of Rs. 189 million, compared to Rs. 105 million during the same period in 2008-09. For the nine months ended Dec 2009, sales grew by 14% from Rs, 4149 million in 2008-09 to Rs. 4736 million.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director of EEL Said, “Compressor business grew by 33% in the third quarter. Increase in sales of Industrial compressors contributed significantly to the growth. While the results reflect a substantial growth in the domestic segment, the export market continues to remain sluggish.
While the demand revival in the Indian automotive industry, automotive division of the company is gradually returning to normalcy registering a business growth of 19% in the third quarter.
Adding further Dr. Jairam Varadaraj said, the company is expected to end the year as per plan though increasing trend in the commodity prices is causing significant pressure on the margins.”
By our correspondent
Last Updated ( Friday, 05 February 2010 04:26 )
Hamam Grihapravesham
Coimbatore, January 27, 2010: Hamam, the complete family soap from Hindustan Unilever announced the first winner for the Hamam Grihapravesham Offer 2010 Mr. N. Ganeshan from Coimbatore. Anu Hassan, the Noted Television personality personally visited Mr. Ganeshan’s home and awarded him. Ganeshan would get Rs. 10 Lacs towards the purchase of a new house from Hamam.
Handing over the award to the first winner, Anu Hassan said, “It gives me great pleasure to meet the 1st winner Mr. Ganeshan in Coimbatore. I hope this prize ushers a new beginning filled with prosperity and happiness for him and his family”
N. Ganeshan was selected as the winner based on the criteria of submitting the best slogan for the week amongst thousands of other entries. Winners are selected by a panel every week; the best slogan of the week getting the Grand Prize of Rs. 10 Lacs towards the purchase of a new house, the next 20 best will get Gold Coin Vouchers worth Rs. 5000, the next 60 best will get Mobile Phones worth Rs. 3000 and the next 800 will get HUL vouchers worth Rs. 200. All the entries received are uploaded onto the website on a daily basis. The winners selected and their details are also uploaded every Tuesday morning. Winners are informed of their prize through post / courier.
About the offer: The offer will be running till April 14th, 2010. The interested participants need to send 6 wrappers of Hamam along with the completed slogan “I Love Hamam Because…” and post their entries to Hamam Grihapravesham Offer 2010, C/O Alpha Data Centre PO Box No. 3904 Girgaum H P O Mumbai 400 004. For details and queries about the offer you can call 1800-102-4850 or log on to www.hamamgp.com.
Through offers such as Grihapravesham, Kalvidanam and Surprise Saree Offer, where homes, scholarships and silk sarees were given away to the loyal consumers, Hamam has made a valuable contribution to the people of Tamil Nadu over the years.
By our correspondent
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 07:15 )
Exterro To Double Its Head Count
Coimbatore 23.12.09 Exterro, Inc. is the global leader for legal governance, risk management and compliance software solutions. Exterro was founded with the vision that legal processes could be improved using tools that have been successfully applied in other business disciplines. Ongoing discussions with industry experts and clients ensure continued innovative solutions built to meet exacting legal process requirements.
Bobby Balachandran, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer says “Four enterprise software solutions are built on the core Fusion Workflow Platform – Genome, Legal Hold, Discovery Workflow and FusionGo, this enables corporation to manage governance, risk and compliance. Exterro’s products are built on its innovative new product development using cutting-edge technology ready for client adoption.
Our products address a market expanding by about $4.5 billion per year. E-Discovery is a dynamic and rapidly expanding segment in a larger continuum of opportunity for Exterro, including governance, business risk and IT governance solutions.
We are continually searching for top talent dedicated to career advancement regardless of current career opportunities. Currently, Exterro is looking at doubling the headcount at its development centre in Coimbatore. Exterro recruits through a number of avenues, including recruiting talented students from top universities. Employment at Exterro is more than just a job; we offer our employees once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a career in a dynamic environment with an open-door culture. Our employees are provided with the ability to leverage their skills in fresh, challenging ways and to take ownership over their careers.
Exterro has seen significant and swift growth since its founding in 2004. It remains a company dedicated to preserving an agile, entrepreneurial environment despite its increasingly global reach in past 3 years. Our team in Coimbatore works closely with the US development team to deliver tested solutions to Exterro’s clients”.
Our Correspondent
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 December 2009 09:08 )
MICHELIN OPENS TRUCK SERVICE CENTER IN NAMAKKAL
Namakkal, December 07, 2009 – Michelin, opens first of its kind truck service centre MTSC (Michelin Truck Service Centre) in Namakkal. It was inaugurated by Mr. Philippe Neyrat, National Head Marketing & Sales, Michelin India. Mr. Harkesh Jaggi, Manager Distribution, Mr. B Kumar, National Sales Manager TB and other officials & guests were also present on the occasion. The one-stop shop is equipped with state of the art facilities including a computerized Truck tyre Alignment Machine, Truck tyre balancing machine, Truck tyre repair machine etc
Speaking at the opening, Mr. Philippe Neyrat, National Head Marketing & Sales, Michelin India, said, “We see India as an economy developing at an accelerated pace, with focused growth in infrastructure. The highways across the country carry heavy traffic; therefore, that is where the demand for a service centre was inevitable. Michelin with its commitment to India offers services mainly for radial tyres, which help contribute to save fuel up to 10%. Truck Radial are the way of the future, it helps reduce the cost of the fleet owner by reducing his fuel bill and the overall tyre bill.”
Namakkal district has emerged as one of the leading transportation hubs of the TN State. About 40 per cent of the trucks operated in the State are from Namakkal and the district, noted for truck body building, has over 18,000 trucks, including 3,000 tankers and 2,500 trailers, with an annual addition of approximately 500 trucks. In order to service the needs of our valued clients for both Radial Truck Tyres & Tyre related services.
Mr. P. Kaliappan, owner of TLS Tyres stated, “We are pleased and honoured to be associated with Michelin Tyres as their partner in MTSC. Partnership with Michelin, a leader in tyre technology, makes it possible for us to cater to huge market of Radial Truck Tyres in this district. It also enables us to provide the best possible Tyre related services using the latest machinery and well trained staff.”
This MTSC is spread over an area of around 8500 sq. ft with about 5000 sq ft dedicated to the workshop area, showroom, Service rooms etc. This is an internationally successful format, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and we see it growing in India too.
Our correspondent
