Cafés cope with plastic ban

DEEPIKA AGRAWAL & HIMANSHI LOCHAB

Wooden spoons, paper cups and cloth bags replace plastic items in cafes | Deepika Agrawal

Chennai: Café outlets and eateries in Adyar are adapting to the plastic ban implemented by Tamil Nadu government on January 1.

One-time use and throwaway plastics such as plastic sheets for food wrapping, dining table spread, plates, teacups and tumblers, water pouches and packets, straw, carry bags and flags, irrespective of their thickness have been banned.

Writer’s Cafe in Adyar has introduced paper straws, paper cups and glass bottles. Tamil D, manager of the outlet, said that they had started using carry bags made of tapioca three months back, i.e., before the implementation of the ban.

“Sometimes, customers demand plastic carry bags but we refuse to give it to them. It is our responsibility that plastic does not go out of our restaurant. For example, for soup, we ask the customer to either have it here or bring their own bowl,” he added.

The café did not raise prices in the menu to compensate for the added cost of the raw materials as it claims to be a non-profit restaurant.

Sharadh Chand, franchise owner of the Makers of Milkshakes’ Adyar outlet, said that the company has replaced all plastic items with paper cups, paper straws, wooden spoons and cloth covers.

He added, “It is actually very difficult to cope with the ban as the cost of raw materials has gone up. They would initially purchase plastic bags according to weight but cloth bags cost Rs 250 for 100 pieces.” He said that a plastic cup costs Rs 5 whereas a paper cup costs Rs 6.

“This has affected the customer satisfaction because the quantity provided in paper cups is less than that in a plastic cup. But, we have not increased prices of the milkshakes,” Chand said.

He is satisfied that the environmental cause of the plastic ban is being fulfilled. “The compromises do not matter,” he exclaimed.

Nithin, a worker at Ibaco ice cream parlour, Adyar, said that the added cost incurred by the use of paper cups instead of plastic ones is being transferred to the customer because the pricing is according to the net weight of the product.

Inclusive fashion in the city

By MANJIRI CHITRE

Jabez Kelly, Founder of Diversita | Self-time picture by Jabez Kelly

CHENNAI: The city is set to host its second body positive fashion show in April, with the lineup including people from the queer community, and people of all sizes. The show is one of a kind as it also includes the participation of the differently-abled this year.

Diversità, a multicultural fashion show is a brainchild of Jabez Kelly, a drag queen based out of Chennai. Started in 2018, this is the city’s first fashion show that saw models of all sizes, colours, genders, and sexualities. Garments reflecting contemporary Indian wear of eight upcoming Chennai-based designers will be showcased in the show.

On October 20, 2018, Diversita had hosted a gender inclusive and body positive fashion show which showcased local designers from Chennai. According to Kelly, models of all sizes walked the ramp, along with people from the LGBTQ community. This year the show will have disabled models walking the ramp. “Our main aim to spread gender inclusivity and body positivity through our shows,” said Jabez Kelly, founder of Diversita. He further mentioned that the theme of the show cannot be revealed as it has not launched yet.

According to sources, funds for this year’s show will be raised for the ‘Pink People’ organization, which works for the LGBTQ community.

Last year, the show had seen around 60 models walking the ramp. Although his year, Kelly is expecting at least 100 to 125 models, out of which around 10 will be disabled models. Speaking to the models, Akku George (31), said, “For me, it is a very uplifting feeling to be able to stand there, in front of a crowd, and actually feel good about yourself. That is what I look forward to. It is a different form of beauty other than what is perceived in the world.”

Another model, Abhishek Reddy (33), who was a Show Stopper of Diversita, 2018, said, “It is a common misconception for a lot of people that models are supposed to be of a certain type. We come in all shapes and sizes. What I love about the show is that it teaches you how to love yourself.”

The theme of the show will be launched in the coming four weeks.

THE AIADMK-BJP PACT

JAYAKUMAR MADALA

Chennai: On May 16, 2014, The Election Commission of India announced that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with 282 seats has won the Lok Sabha election with an absolute majority. Indian National Congress (INC) with 44 seats became the second largest party. With just seven seats behind INC, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) contesting only in Tamil Nadu secured 37 out of 39 state Lok Sabha seats. Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J.Jayalalitha, leader of the AIADMK contesting the elections without an alliance, became the third largest party in the national parliament.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, O.Pannerselvam talking to the mediapersons on Monday said, “Secret talks are being held with state and national parties to forge an electoral alliance for the Lok Sabha polls, the talks are ‘top secret’ and once a clear picture emerges, you will be the first to know.” Fisheries Minister, D.Jayakumar supporting the Deputy Chief Minister added, that his party’s doors were open to forging electoral ties with all parties except the Dravida Munetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). These two Tamil Nadu based parties are led by M.K.Stalin and T.T.V.Dhinakaran respectively.

The Deputy CM’s admission that the AIADMK was holding talks with “national” parties among others was inferred by some sections as a possible exploration of electoral ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the Congress has allied with the rival DMK.

Dr.R. Nataraj, MLA, Mylapore constituency said, “ What’s wrong in having an alliance with BJP. Modi as Prime Minister has done so many good things for the country, what’s wrong in supporting such a determined man?”

When Narendra Modi, reached Madurai for a stone laying function of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), various political organisations including the DMK and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) protested in different parts of the State calling for a boycott of the Prime Minister.

Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy, Leader of the MDMK said, “We will show black flags to the prime minister who does not consider Tamil Nadu as part of India. We will show our protests in all forms. I warn him not to come here if he has to be treated with respect.” On social media, #GobackModi trended with at least 2, 50,000 tweets.

With dates for announcing candidates nearing, Deputy Speaker of TN Legislative assembly, AIADMK MLA Thambi Durai told The Hindu, “The Centre had done nothing that benefitted Tamil Nadu over the past five years. What sin has the AIADMK committed to carry the BJP on its shoulders? There is no scope for the BJP to establish itself in the State.”

Anwhar Rajha, AIADMK MP from Ramanathapuram said, “An alliance with the BJP will erode the Muslim vote base enjoyed by the party. In the absence of our iconic leaders like Thalaivar MG Ramachandran and Amma (J.Jayalalitha), I hope the party will not take any hasty decision.”

With contrasting views arising inside the party, AIADMK on Feb 4 started distribution of applications for aspirant members who are willing to contest in the Lok Sabha election. According to an official report, at least 400 applications were received as of Feb 6.

Chandrababu, an aspirant from the Perambur constituency said, “Let the high command decide on what is the best way forward. As a party worker, I will voice my opinion and if it differs from the decision taken by our leaders, I will take it as gospel and work towards implementing their order with perfection in my constituency.”

“Dissent inside the party is not a new phenomenon, every decision taken by the leaders is not supported always by all MLA’s. So it’s okay to have dissent, after all we are a democratic system and every individual has a right to express their opinion”, added, Nataraj, a Police officer turned Politician.

Poonga Nagar Selvam, tea seller and an ardent AIADMK fan hearing about the possible alliance said, “We are unhappy with the BJP’s governance and as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, there is a strong anti-incumbency against the party due to GST, demonetisation, NEET and Mekedatu row. We will express our views to the party high command and hope a decision is taken also to keep the DMK under check.

“There will be forces against us because of this alliance, but we hope we will be able to convince the voter through our campaign says, Balasubramaniam, an aspirant from Nammakal district, while filling his application in the party office.

In 2004, NDA partnered with the AIADMK but did not par well in the Lok Sabha election from Tamil Nadu but Congress performed better in its partnership with DMK. Touted as a major blunder back then, only time will tell whether it will become a winning combination or a blunder again.

Rise in leprosy cases in the city

BHAVINI MISHRA, LEAH THOMAS

CHENNAI: Leprosy seems to be back in the spotlight with a rise in new cases in the city alone. Out of the 4,109 cases detected in Tamil Nadu in 2018-19 so far, 294 cases were reported from the city, according to statistics shared to the New Indian Express from the State Health Department.

In 2017-18, 264 cases were reported by the department. “A major reason for an increase is the intensive screening that is taking place to detect early onset and the presence of a number of hidden cases in Chennai. This count has only been done till December 2018 and is bound to increase,” said Dr. G. Sridevi, Medical Officer at the Medical and Rural Health Services (Leprosy) Department, Tamil Nadu.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease (HD), is a long term infection by the bacterium Mycobacterium lepare. Symptoms include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tracts, skin, and eyes.

In 2005, the Central Government announced that leprosy had been eliminated as a public health concern. Despite such claims, the Central Leprosy Division of the Health Ministry reported that 1, 35,485 new cases were detected in 2017. There should be a distinction made between elimination and eradication, said Dr. Sridevi. “Elimination is not eradication. By elimination, it is meant that the disease has reached a rate of 0.01%, that is, 1 per 10,000 cases is reported. We have a long way to go before we eradicate it completely.”

The lack of a vaccination also affects the spread of the disease. “At the moment, patients come to us during the later stages of the disease, making it harder for us to treat it. Research to develop a vaccine is underway. For now, only early treatment can control the disease,” Dr. Sridevi said.

A doctor examining the skin patches on a patient |Bombay Leprosy Project

Chennai is among the 18 districts identified with relatively higher cases where the Division started a detection campaign. “The Centre wants to completely do away with leprosy by 2019, so they have allocated funds. But the problem is too widespread and embedded in the country for it to be completely eliminated by 2019. A long-term plan is necessary to tackle the disease,” said Dr. Sridevi.

Warriors in pink

DIVYA SETHU

Chennai, Jan 31: More than 300 cases have been detected at the Kilpauk Medical College Breast Cancer Clinic at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital here, since its inception on January 3.

The one-stop clinic for breast cancer screening was inaugurated at KMC Hospital by Health Minister C Vijayabasker.

Dr. Sumeena, Assistant Professor at the college and Assistant to the Head of Radiology Department says, “The hospital always had mammography centre, but we decided that a clinic was needed after realizing that women often come in too late. They only come in when the lesions have turned painful, and most times, by then the cancer has reached later stages.”

For this, she says that the clinic is equipped with extremely high end machinery, which is the first of its kind in the country. “We have machines that can do stereotactic biopsy, 3D tomosynthesis and a mammography all in one.” Says Dr. Sumeena. “These machines can pick up micro calcifications, which pose a high risk for cancer, in the breasts. Even the smallest lesions can easily be picked up by these machines. An ultrasound usually can only pick up visible lesions, but with this machinery, we can pick up small and almost invisible ones as well.”

The interiors of the clinic are mostly pink

The hospital also conducts contrast mammography, which involves injected a certain dye in the veins of the breast. This dye picks up the patterns of the lesions to reveal them, and is picked up by any cancer tissues, if present.

Almost 70 per cent of the women who come in are from rural areas, says Dr. Sumeena. If they hold a CMCHIS card, their screening is free. “Most women are shy about getting breasts examined, and don’t realize or know how common breast cancer is. They often ignore lesions as well, due to lack of awareness.”

However, the clinic has had around 800 patients since it started. “The idea was to bring in many more women, and it seems to be working,” she says.

The clinic currently employees four doctors from the hospital, all of them being women. Dr. Sumeena says that as students from the college are completing their postgraduate degrees, more women are eager to join the clinic and begin working there.

While the rest of the hospital is white, and almost washed out, the clinic stands out, painted in bright pink from wall to roof. The interiors, including tables, chairs and doors, are all pink as well.

Home Again

DIVYA SETHU

Women in the neighbourhood set up by The Banyan | Credits: The Banyan

Chennai, Feb 7: The Banyan, a Chennai-based NGO that focuses on mental healthcare, has initiated a programme named ‘Home Again’, which aims to integrate women with mental health issues back into society.

These women have been shunned from their houses, and the NGO’s attempts to contact their families have been in vain; their families are either untraceable or do not want them.

“The idea came about,” says Mrinalini Ravi, a Junior Research Associate at the NGO, “when we asked these women, whose mental health seemed to be getting no better, whether they wanted to stay at the institution or try to move back into society. Most women wanted the latter.”

These women then formed affinity groups. The Banyan provided them with homes, where four to five women live as ‘family’. Three mental health professionals were put in charge of them; a programme manager, a case manager and a nurse. Fifteen women from the community also volunteered to help out as personal assistants.

These assistants are in charge of things like timely medication, upkeep of appointments with psychiatrists, and ensuring the availability of basic amenities like water, gas etc.

“We saw the mental health of these women gradually improve,” says Mrinalini. “The curiosity of the neighbourhood women peaked, and they eventually came to get to know these women.”

The neighbourhood became more accepting of these women. The women are ecstatic about their new-found freedom, and some have even taken up jobs in nearby homes and shops. Others help raise farm animals, babysit for other families or just remain idle.

Researchers of The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM) found that social acceptance resulted in significant improvement of mental health of women.

The project is funded by The Hans Foundation and Grand Challenges of Canada, a non-profit organization that funds many NGOs around the world.

‘We look different, speak different’

LEAH THOMAS

In a 2016 survey conducted by the Tamil Nadu Government, 10.67 lakh migrant workers were accounted for |Source: Frontline

CHENNAI: Rakesh (35) wishes he could go back home more often. “I try to go home at least once a year, for two weeks. I miss my daughter the most. She just turned five,” he said.

A native of Darjeeling, West Bengal, he came to the city two years ago in search of a livelihood. Back home, he tended his field but soon realised it was not enough to look after his wife and child.

He works as a waiter in Murugun Idli Shop, a restaurant in Besant Nagar. He lives with 40 other workers from states like Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, in rooms below the restaurant. It gets congested, said Rakesh. “But, it’s also people who know your language, so they become your friends. The locals, on the other hand, do not like outsiders and want nothing to do with us.”

Similar stories can be found across the city. Physical assault, psychological and verbal abuse, housing, deplorable working conditions and absence of health insurance are the major issues faced by inter-State migrants involved in the manufacturing sector across Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts, according to a recent survey conducted by the Loyola Institute of Social Science Training and Research (LISSTAR),Loyola College and the Indian Social Institute(ISI), Bengaluru.

A major factor for the migration of such workers is agricultural distress. Around 90.8% of the respondents were from rural agrarian backgrounds, while 96.7% had come to the State in search of a better livelihood.

In another corner of the city, Ranjan Mandal (55), a cook, lives in a tin house on the banks of the Adyar River in Lock Road, Kotturpuram, with about 200 other construction workers from Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. They work as well as live at the construction site being developed by Appaswamy Real Estates.

Along with his parents, Ranjan had come to India from Bangladesh during the Hindu-Muslim riots in the 1960’s and settled in a village in Orissa. “The government had given each family about 2.01 acres of land but that was not enough to sustain ourselves. After the death of my parents, my wife and I travelled in search of work. We were in Andhra Pradesh before this. We shifted to Chennai only a few months ago,” he said. Ranjan and his wife, Kalpana (35), cook for the workers and earn Rs.10,000 per month. “Chennai can be harsh. We look different and we speak a different language, so people are scared of us. But we stay on because we get paid.”

Murali (60), a native of the city and the security guard on the site, says the same. “Especially for the younger workers, it’s the first time away from home. It’s the first time many have seen the sea. The locals treat them terribly and think them to be dangerous.” As it is a residential area, the workers are treated with even more suspicion, he said.

According to R. Karrupusamy, the Director of the Rights Education and Development Centre (READ), an NGO in Erode, the State has to register and monitor the welfare of the migrants. “The Interstate Migrant Workmen Act (1979) lays down the rules for workers, employers and contractors. But it is rarely followed on the ground,” he said. The State also has to keep a check on the minimum wage that is being worked to the workers. “Daily wage workers have to be paid between Rs. 300 to Rs. 400 according to the work they do. More often than not, they are not paid the correct amount. There have been instances when migrants are not given the same as the locals.”

Moreover, the government has to keep a record of the number of migrants working in the State. In a 2016 survey conducted by the Tamil Nadu Government, 10.67 lakh migrant workers were accounted for. “But, there are many more. Proper registrations don’t take place. Many contractors bring in workers illegally,” said Karrupusamy.

Each factory has to have a proper Internal Complaint Committee in place to address cases of harassment in the workplace. “But the committees do not function properly nor are the issues of the migrants taken up,” he said. Out of the 4,000 factories that the organization surveyed in the State, not one case of sexual harassment had come up. “These factories are predominantly filled with migrant workers. Most of them are scared to place a complaint and even if they do, it is not taken seriously,” he said.

But, while life is tough, most do not bother going back, said Rakesh. “We have to listen to our managers and our bosses. We have no choice. It’s the only way we can get paid and ensure a livelihood.”

Inputs from Bhavini Mishra.

CHENNAI COLLEGE STUDENTS ON A HIGH

CHHAVIANSHIKA SINGH

CHENNAI: Kotturpuram, which has as many as 22 educational institutions, has an ongoing drug problem, mostly because of its large student population, says Police Constable Vizhivittan, stationed at the police station in Kotturpuram.

However, Assistant Commissioner D A Raveendran at the Adyar Police Station says that drugs are not that much of an issue in their circle since more schools are located in the zone, and only one or two colleges.

“When we catch a student in possession of drugs, we usually don’t register a case against them, as it will ruin their life. Instead, we use the student to track down and nab their dealer”, says PC Vizhivittan.

On December 10, the police caught five students, all boys enrolled in a college in Adyar, in possession of drugs. They were all from well-connected families with friends in high places. “Even if we had arrested them they would’ve been out with one phone call”.

Later, their dealer, an “innocent-school-kid-type guy”, was caught at the D5 circle, around the Triplicane-Chepauk area.

PC Vizhivittan, who has been working at the Kotturpuram Police Station since the past three years, explains that the police have different procedures in place to deal with first-time and repeat offenders.

In case of a first-time offender, the police take the student into custody early, around 8 a.m. and leave them at the police station the whole day. “That is enough to dissuade them from repeating their offence”.

However, for addicts and repeat offenders, they take a sterner approach, their parents are called, and made to sign a written document stating that if their ward is caught again for the same offence, a case will be registered against them, and they shall be put behind bars.

EOM

TN plastic ban evokes mixed reactions

Plastic cups Naresh had bought last year. Now they banned. |M. Naresh

CHENNAI: A month after the Tamil Nadu Government banned the use of plastic in the State, shop owners are still dealing with teething problems.

“In IT hubs, working people order food for an entire group. And Tamil food predominantly consists of sambar and idli. But such items can’t be carried in paper bags. And aluminium foils are avoided as they are regarded as poisonous by many. Also, it’s not as if people have completely ceased to use plastics. There are many who are using it even now,” says M. Naresh, who runs a shop for decoration and plastics items at Malayaperumal Street, Parrys.

“The users and customers should have been consulted before the implementation of such a scheme.Their opinions must be respected, and their queries resolved. Even though it had been announced in advance, those who run small businesses like selling flowers, and running eateries, can’t afford to plan much in advance,” he says.

Rehman bought this bag from Bangalore. |Sumon Ali

Rehman,44, who runs a shoe shop at M.G. Road, Adyar, says that paper bags are costly.”One polythene bag costs me Re.1. For January I bought paper bags at the rate of Rs.550/kg, which means I had to pay Rs.7 per bag.”

Those who find the move positive regard it as a strategy to protect the environment.

Tilakeshwara,37, who works at a medical shop, says that the plastic ban is a good move as it will increase awareness.”People will be encouraged to carry their own bags instead of taking plastic bags from stores,” he says.

Deepak Motwani, 31, owns a clothes shop in Adyar. He says “I have bought paper bags in three varieties. The small one comes at the price of Rs 7, medium at Rs 11 and large one at Rs 15. So definitely there has been an impact, but the intention is good as the environment must not be polluted by plastics. So I support it.” He says that he got the bags from Royapettah.

Disabled people supported by the Andhra Mahila Sabha made these bags. |Sumon Ali

Venkat Chalam,44, Store Manager at Terra Earthfood Store,Kasturba Nagar,Adyar, has been using cloth bags for the past 5 years. “The small bag can carry 1 kg and costs Rs. 5, while the large one has a capacity of 5 kg and costs Rs.9. It is made from recycled newspapers. Disabled people supported by the Andhra Mahila Sabha make it.”

2 suicides in a row; IIT-M hostels turn into morgues

Two students ended their life on campus | The Financial Express

HIMANSHI LOHCHAB

Chennai, Jan 31: Two students of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) namely Ranjana Kumari (25) and Gopal Babu (23) committed suicide in their hostel rooms this month.

According to media reports, Ranjana Kumari, pursuing Ph.d in Metallurgy was found hanging in her room on 1^st January, two days after she went missing. Gopal Babu, a final year M.tech student also hanged himself on Monday fearing poor results in his 8^th semester examinations.

“The environment is so depressing here. Due to pressure of assignments, marks and placements, students get no time to socialise. These single sharing hostel rooms are a big hurdle. Nobody knew Ranjana had been hanging for two days,” said an engineering student from IIT-M requested anonymity.

“Our entire life has been a pressure cooker. First it was coaching for the entrance and now after somehow getting here we have to deal with adamant professors and cut throat competition. There is a limit up to which one can tolerate this. When the limit exceeds tolerance limits, the student decides to end his life,” said another student.

To deal with rising number of suicides, IIT-M introduced MITR or SAATHI helpline for students to share their problems. It also includes professional one-on-one counselling sessions which are kept confidential. Online coaches start sending mails to students a week prior to monthly quizzes. The process helps to boost students’ morale especially during placements. Senior student counsellors are also a part of this activity.

Gopal Babu was also availing personal counselling since a long time.

“To deal with stress and anxiety, emotional intelligence needs to be balanced. Psychological counselling is a gradual process. It is not like a pain killer tablet which can relieve you within seconds. If the depression levels are high, counselling alone cannot suffice to help the patient,” said Dr. Kalpana Suryakumar, a counselling psychologist in Chennai.

“For high pressure institutions like IITs, IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and NITs (National Institute of Technology), the task is even more difficult because the environment constantly keeps reminding you of the competition. So, there are high chances of students to relapse even if they are attending counselling,” she added.