QChennai: Rajini Says No to Hindi Imposition & More

Here is your roundup of the top stories from Chennai.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth said the concept of a common language in India was “unfortunately” not possible.

(Photo: PTI)

1. Don’t Impose Hindi, Common Language Not Possible in India: Rajini

Rajinikanth asserted any attempts of Hindi imposition will not only be resisted by southern states, but even many in the north.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth said the concept of a common language in India was "unfortunately" not possible. He asserted any attempts of Hindi imposition will not only be resisted by southern states, but even many in the north.

The actor's remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent pitch for using Hindi as a common language.“A common language, not just for India but any country, is good for its unity and progress. Unfortunately, (one cannot) bring a common language in our country. So you cannot impose any language,” he told. “Especially, if you impose Hindi, not just Tamil Nadu, no southern state will accept that. Many states in northern parts will also not accept that,” he said.

Read the full story here.

2. Can’t Forget Subhasri’s Father’s Words: Stalin on Meeting Family

The distraught parents of 23-year-old Subhasri said that their daughter’s death was no mere accident.

DMK President MK Stalin visited the family of 23-year-old Chennai techie Subhasri, who was killed after an illegal flex board fell on her while she was riding her two-wheeler last Thursday. Subhasri was subsequently run over by a water tanker.

Visuals of his brief visit on Wednesday morning showed Subhasri’s mother Geetha and father Ravi breaking down as Stalin offered his condolences to them. Stalin was accompanied by DMK MP TR Baalu and CPI(M) state Secretary K Balakrishnan. Stalin said, “All banners and hoardings should be kept with police permission, action should be taken against those who did it illegally. The ruling party (AIADMK) does not pay heed to even court judgments.”

Read the full story here.

3. 'Officers Must Be Punished': Family of TN Man Electrocuted by Faulty Electricity Pole Demands

Sethuraj had left his residence around 8.30 pm to feed four stray dogs that he took care of in his locality, when the incident happened.

It was close to 8:30 pm on Monday night, when 36-year-old Shankari heard a startling crash and saw electric sparks flying on the road outside her residence in Chitlapakkam. Her worst fears came true when she saw her 42-year-old husband immobile below an electric pole.

“Nobody came forward to help us because they were afraid of being electrocuted. We had to use a wooden stick to push the pole away and pull him out,” says Shankari, her voice breaking. "If the Electricity Board had fixed the pole when we requested them to, this would have never happened. My husband would be alive," she says.

(Source: The News Minute)

4. Chennai Metrowater Brings Back Meters, in Digital Avatar

In a bid to ensure judicious use of drinking water, Metrowater has started installing digital meters in Adyar zone under the Smart City Mission.

Chennai Metrowater is bringing back water metering. After a failed attempt a decade ago, Metrowater, instead of installing manual meters, is going digital now. By early next year, commercial establishments, that are water-intensive, would have digital meters in place. Later, the meters would be fixed in existing residential buildings as well.

It may be recalled that the water agency had attempted metering system in the city a decade ago. But, it could not be implemented due to glitches, including faulty meters and lukewarm response from residents. Bills would be generated based on the water consumed by the establishments, said Metrowater officials.

(Source: The Hindu)

5. Amma Patrol Vehicles Attend to over 3,200 Calls Since Rollout

Since 26 August, the Amma patrol vehicles were rolled out, they have attended over 3,200 calls and rescued many women and children. Till date, 3,263 calls have been attended and close to 600 awareness programmes on POCSO and women and child-related issues have been conducted, sources in the wing said.

“The women police at Thousand Lights station stopped a child marriage on 10 September. Three days later, the personnel from Villivakkam police station rescued a boy from criminals with whom he was friendly with and encouraged him to study well. Besides, we have rescued abandoned and mentally-challenged senior citizens,” said a senior police officer.

(Source: The News Minute)