Taking driving licence to public

The Transport Department has embarked on a mission to reach out to motorists in providing them with driving licence.

Deputy Transport Commissioner, Coimbatore Circle, K. Yogarajan said The Hindu that Transport Commissioner R. Sivakumar had instructed Regional Transport Officers to end the practice of motorists taking to roads without a licence.

First phase


In the first phase, the Department visited colleges for issuing licence to students. Now, the second phase is aimed at reaching out to people in their locality rather than waiting for the applicants to turn up at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Public should make use of this opportunity. This exercise helped the public avoid standing in queues at Regional Transport Offices to get a licence.



Regional Transport Officer, Erode, P. Mani had organised similar drives with the help of voluntary organisations and licences were issued to over 350 people in Bhavanisagar, Gobichettipalayam, Kangeyam and Vellakoil. Similarly, a three-daylong camp was conducted in Modakurichi in Erode district in which 3,558 villagers were provided learner's licence, he said. More such drives were being planned in every RTO jurisdiction. The Coimbatore Circle of the Department had so far visited 99 out of the 159 educational institutions and had provided learner's licence to 17,345 students. The Department was looking forward the active participation and co-operation of the educational institutions in making the exercise a success.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Awards and accolades for Sri Krishna Sweets

Three prestigious awards from the United States were conferred on M Krishnan and M Murali of Sri Krishna Sweets for their pursuit of excellence in business and their following of Corporate Social Responsibility that promoted Tamil culture, language and fine arts.

It was a glittering function at the Vani Mahal yesterday that saw eminent personalities showering praise and blessings on the siblings and a large gathering of social celebrities, including director K Balachander, film producer AVM Saravanan, industrialist Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty and Kamala theatre owner V N Chidambaram, among others, witnessing the awards ceremony.

Also, the event marked the launch of Southern Indian Chapter of Indian American Business Promotion Council (IABPC), a group that strived for joint ventures and foster business relations between the two countries. IABPC at its annual convention in New York held recently had bestowed the duo the Best Business Person of the Year Award which was presented by the Governor Surjit Singh Barnala at the function yesterday. While the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FETNA) presented the Award of Excellence to Murali and Krishnan for their stellar role in promoting Tamil language, culture, music, fine arts, heritage and spirituality, David T Hopper, the US Consul General for South India, handed over Recognition Certificate to the brothers for their commitment to quality and excellence in business acumen.

'May their sweet service to the society continue forever,' wished the Governor in his keynote address. Expressing happiness over the launch of Southern Indian Chapter of IABPC, he said the rapid progress of knowledge-based industries in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad would lead to economic benefits like more jobs and income growth. 'The success of knowledge-based industries will open avenues for many others sectors of the Indian economy. With India's focus on cost, quality, reliability, speed and flexibility, offshore services continue to grow, accounting for billions of dollars in overseas trade,' he explained.

With advanced IT skills and English proficiency, the Indian workforce could offer Americans high quality service at low cost and hence, cooperation in this segment could yield significant benefits to both countries, he said.

Hopper said the successes of Indian-Americans have been 'phenomenal' as the community of late was enjoying rising economic and political clout with sound education, professional standing and growing income levels. 'Though Indian restaurants are increasing with the popularity of their cuisines on the rise, Tamils have to take the initiative to spread their delicious and healthy food across America and to make it flourish in restaurants,' he opined.

Sri Krishna Sweets was synonymous with genuine Tamil food and the enterprise was known to promote Tamil arts and culture wherever they establish presence, he felt.

Former CBI Director D R Kaarthikeyan recalled that Mahadeva Iyer began SKS as a humble outlet in 1948 at Bazaar Street in Coimbatore and took another 30 years to set up a second branch. 'Now, his two sons, Krishnan and Murali within a span of decade had expanded SKS into 50 branches employing 2,000 people across Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Recently, the 50th branch was opened at Dubai too,' he said.

To cite the dedication and professional spirit of the duo, he said SKS had delivered 17.5 tonnes of Mysurpa (sweet delicacy) at a golden jubilee fete of BHEL in Bangalore in record time, earning the praise of everyone.

Prakash M Swami, executive director, IABPC, said as part of social responsibility Murali has been organising events for orphans and destitute children in which they were treated and lavished with 5-star food and delicacies.

'When educated and cultured people like Murali and Krishnan foray into sweet business that profession grows in public esteem,' said A Ramdas Rao, president, Chennai Hotels Association.

If one thought of Chennai, then the sweet taste of Mysurpa ranked top in the culinary choice of an outsider, averred Hiren Shah, vice-chairman, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.

In his poetic address, lyricist Vairamuthu said the overall quality of life in Chennai has risen by few notches with the advent of SKS. Murali's abiding worship of Lord Ganesha, besides reverence to his father, had seen his enterprise grow in stature, he observed.

In his acceptance speech, Krishnan said the three awards were the fruits of the penance of 'our ancestors.'

Dedicating all the felicitations and blessings to his father, customers and the staff, he said it was a precious moment for Sri Krishna Sweets for being honoured by IABPC, FETNA and US government.

Shanthi Radhakrishnan, regional director, IABPC, Detroit, in her vote of thanks asked the siblings to expand their presence in the US and promote Tamil arts and culture in a big way in that continent.

Courtesy : News Today Net

380 Lankan refugees brought to Coimbatore

A total of 380 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including 132 women, were brought from Mandapam near Rameshwaram and lodged in a community hall, official sources said on Saturday.

“The refugees, brought by six buses, include those who had come three months to 10 days ago from Vavuniya, Mattakalappu, Trincomalee, Mannar and Tirukalur areas of the conflict-ridden Sri Lanka,” the sources said.

“They also include 54 boys and as many girls, belonging to 100 families. The refugees would be sent in batches to various refugee camps in the district shortly,” they added.

“The families have been provided with identity and ration cards and would be given relief materials, including rice, kerosene, besides money,” the sources said.

Some of the refugees said that they had no plan to return to the Island nation till peace is restored there.


DNA India

Real estate boom in Coimbatore. Prices of Land & Properties soaring to new levels.

Thanks to the IT development initiatives taken by the state government recently, real estate is booming to unbelievable heights in and around coimbatore. Here are some of the leading developers in the city who can help you in finding beautiful house for your own.

RAVI MURUGAN CONSTRUCTIONS
1-A, Ravi Murugan Apartments,
229, 5th Street, KK Pudur,
Coimbatore - 641 038, India.
Phone : +91-422-2448376.
Mobile : 94433 - 15120, 94433 - 15121

S.T Sivagnanam Proprietor,
G.K.S Nagar (Back Side), Saravanampatty,
Coimbatore -641 035, India.
Phone ; +91-422-2646 110. Mobile : 098422-89696.
E-mail : shreeshivvas@yahoo.co.in
Web site : www.shreeshivvascastle.com, www.sivaconstructions.com

Covai Property Centre (India) Private Limited

C 601, Pioneer Apartments,
1075 Avinashi Road,
Coimbatore.
Tamilnadu.
India.
Pin: 641 018

Phone: 91 422 2216867
91 422 5572625

E-mail: covaiprop@vsnl.net
covaiprop@airtelbroadband.in

Bal Properties Pvt Ltd
Address :
1168 Trichy Road Ramanathapuram,
Coimbatore-641045
Phone : 0422-2316863

Sri Hari Assosiates
Address:
784, Trichy road ,
Opp Food World< Ramanathapuram,
Phone : 094438 99961

Akshya Pushan Construtions
Address:
30,Neer Maniakarar Street,
Ramanathapuram,Coimbatore- 641045,
India.
Phone : 04222323829
Contact Person : Senthil Prabu

P.N.R.Agencies
Address :
8A/1013, Avanashi Road ,
PNR BUILDINGS, Coimbatore - 641018,
India.
Phone : 2303231
Contact Person : N.Venkatesh

Prolife Pest Management Co.
Address:
#962,Avanashi Road,
Coimbatore - 641018, India.
Phone : 04222387887
Contact Person : Jayakumar

Eureka Trading Company
Address :
252-C 2nd Street Gandhipuram,
Coimbatore-641012
Phone : 0422-2497485

Kongu Real Estate
Address:
492, 2nd floor, 7th Street Extn.
Gandhipuram, Coimbatore- 641012,
India.
Phone : 0422-4212240
Contact Person : S.Jayaprakash

PV Real Estate Consultants
Address:
88,5th St Extension,
Gandhipuram,Coimbatore-641012
Phone : 4374426
Contact Person : Somnath

SB Real Estates
Address :
228, Chellapa Gounder Street,
Kattoor, Coimbatore - 641 009
Phone : 0422-2237055, 2235056

Sree Neeliamman Real Estate and Agencies
Address:
146 Bhadurshah Road KK Pudur,
Coimbatore-641038
Phone : 0422-2433792

Jay Deep Property Developers Pvt Ltd
Address :
74 Vairam Nagar K Palayam,
Coimbatore-641043
Phone : 0422-2340770

Vishal Builders
Address:
1A MK Palayam Road BR Puram,
Coimbatore-641004

Samy Property Dealers Portal
Address:
D-3,Housing Unit,
S.N.Palayam , Coimbatore - 641007,
India.
Phone : 0422-2495918

Sivasakthi Real Consultancy
Address :
184 Avanashi Road Peelamedu,
Coimbatore-641004
Phone : 0422-2570213

Rk Real Estate
Address:
R.K.Complex,474A, Kamarajar Road,
Peelamedu, Uppilipalaym post,
Coimbatore - 641004, India.
Phone : 9363225525
Contact Person : R.Karunakaran

Lavanya Property Developers
Address :
7/138-B6 Umar Nagar Podanur,
Coimbatore-641023
Phone : 0422-2710358

Sree Satha Real Estate
Address:
Pollachi Road Sundarapuram,
Coimbatore-641024
Phone : 0422-2873125

Arulendran Real Estates
Address :
42-43 Kannusamy Road R S Puram,
Coimbatore-641002
Phone : 0422-2551103

Green Home Landscape Pvt Ltd
Address:
550 D B Road R S Puram,
Coimbatore-641002
Phone : 0422-2546372

Luxux Resorts India P Ltd
Address:
671 A Ponnai Gounder Street R S Puram,
Coimbatore-641002
Phone : 0422-2554304

Associated Properties
Address :
19 Abdul Rahim Road Race Course,
Coimbatore-641018
Phone : 0422-2218012


V. Shanmugavel and Co. (P) Ltd
Address:
Park Residence, 45,
Race Course, Coimbatore - 641 018
Phone : 0422-2212718

Associated Properties
Address:
19 Abdul Rahim Rd
Race Course-641018.
Phone: 0422-218012
Contact: PARASURAMAN R

Jenne Real Estates
Address:
10,Thirugnana Sambandham Rd,
Race Course,Coimbatore 641018
Phone : 9894032255
Contact Person : Pramod

Lakshmi Saraswathi and Co
Address :
10/1-2 Kalingarayan Street Ramnagar,
Coimbatore-641009
Phone : 0422-2232455


V K V Real Estates
Address:
198 Nehru StreetRamnagar,
Coimbatore-641009
Phone : 0422-2230709

Eksale Estate
Address :
1 Thayir Itteri Road Rathinapuri,
Coimbatore-641027
Phone : 0422-2535623

Shri Balaji Constructions
Address:
4 Indira Nagar Rathinapuri,
Coimbatore-641027
Phone : 98422-49677

Akshaya Builders
Address :
444-A,6th Street,
K.K.Pudur, Saibaba Colony,
Coimbatore
Phone : 9842195174


Indraj Associates
Address:
218 F NSR Road Saibaba Colony,
Coimbatore-641011
Phone : 0422-2447483


R R Real Estate
Address:
65-A NSR Road Saibaba Colony,
Coimbatore-641011
Phone : 0422-2445456

Indus Housing And Realestates
Address :
49,Sivaji Colony Coimbatore - 641025,
India.
Phone : 9345514715

Murali Constuctions
Address :
3/33, A, 2nd street,
Sivanandha puram, Saravanampatti (PO),
Phone : 0422 - 2668736

Global Property Dealers Portal
Address :
42/70, Themaiyan Street,
Street No 1, Coimbatore - 641030,
India.
Phone : 2439326
Contact Person : T.S.Sulthan Hameed

Ramani Property Dealers Portal Private Limited
Address :
1680, Trichy Road,
Coimbatore - 641045
Phone : 0422-2314922, 2317572


Trichy Road Property Dealers Portal

Shree Real Estates
Address:
2201 Sembian Complex
Trichy Road Singanallur, Coimbatore-641005
Phone : 0422-2590804

Real Estate Agents Trichy Road

Bal Properties Pvt Ltd
Address:
1168 Trichy Rd
Ramanathapuram-641045.
Phone: 0422-316863
Contact: Vineth

Kovai Realestate
Address:
34\1 TV Nagar West ,
Location : Tamil Nadu,
Coimbatore - 641045, India.
Phone : 9894558988
Contact Person : George Aldrien

RMG Homes Private Limited
Address :
3/77 RMG Mansion Maruthamalai Road Vadavalli,
Coimbatore-641041
Phone : 0422-2422122

D S M Real Estate
Address :
63 Vysial Street,
Coimbatore-641001
Phone : 0422-2399985

New foundry complexes to bring fresh investment for coimbatore

The relocation of a large number of foundries from within the city to the three new foundry complexes being established outside Coimbatore will provide not only a cleaner environment within the city but will bring in additional investment of about Rs 200 crore which will help create a substantial number of new jobs.

These foundries, which now have an annual turnover of between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 3 crore, would also benefit from modernisation and better marketing opportunities, according to Mr G. Rajendran, President, Coimbatore Industrial Infrastructure Association (COINDIA), which is implementing the Pump, Motor and Foundry Cluster Project (Coimbatore Cluster Project) at an estimated cost of about Rs 58 crore. Speaking to presspersons in Coimbatore, Mr Rajendran said among the cluster projects sanctioned in 2005 under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradataion Scheme, Coimbatore cluster project was the first to have received the second instalment because of the progress made in the implementation of the project.


The Centre has released the second instalment of Rs 13 crore taking its total sanction to Rs 26 crore.

He said that while the Centre would provide a total grant of Rs 40 crore for the cluster scheme, the rest would come from the participating member organisations and by way of bank finance.

Already, around 40 per cent of the work has been completed and he was confident of completing the balance work by April next.

Expenditure


The COINDIA President said about Rs 21 crore had been spent on the project work mainly relating to the creation of physical infrastructure and upgradation of testing facilities to benefit the small and medium foundries and general engineering units in the region. The scheme envisaged establishment of sewage water treatment plant at Valankulam in association with Coimbatore Corporation and Siruthuli.

A sand reclamation plant would be established that would help the small and medium foundries to recycle 75 per cent of sand that would help reduce the process expenses by more than 20 per cent. Establishment of testing and training centres and rapid prototyping facility were part of the project.

Relocation


He said three foundry complexes coming up at Arasur, Kallapalayam and Manickampalayam could accommodate about 200 units. He expected that at least 75 per cent of the foundry units that were located within Coimbatore to shift to the new location. While the relocation would be important from an environmental angle, this was not its only advantage. By using common facilities, these small units would be able to improve quality.

They would also be able to get export orders and the employees would be provided with training. Many of the small foundries used technology that was labour intensive and these would be able to upgrade themselves by going for automation that would help improve productivity and quality.

Investment


Mr Rajendran estimated the new investment to be made by the units in the three complexes to be around Rs 200 crore. There would be 20,000 additional jobs created in the next five years in the foundry complexes coming up. He expected the cluster project to be ready by April 2007.

Courtesy : Hindu Business Line

Kurinji rules the hills of ooty

A little, mauve flower with no particular charm or fragrance is drawing hordes of visitors to some of south India's leading hill resorts this season. Tourists are flocking to the mountain folds and hillsides of Munnar, Kodaikanal and Ooty to have a look at this ordinary-looking shrub flower, which however has its own set of legends, myths and superstitions attached to it. Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) blooms once in 12 years and the plant dies the following year.

Though the individual flower is no stunner, the vast tracts of hillsides awash with the mass-flowering Kurinji are a heart-warmer. The huge mauve carpets remind visitors of the Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas.

In Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park, which is a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri tahr, has vast areas of Neelakurinji. Each day this season, some 3,500 visitors have lined up in front of the park's ticket counters to view the flowers. Besides, there are large areas of Neelakurinji in nearby Kanthalloor, Kadavari, Kambakkal and Poovar. Across the border in Tamil Nadu, there are huge patches of Neelakurinji areas on the way to Kodaikanal. In Ooty, the Mukkurthy Peak in the Mukkurthy National Park is abloom too.

Neelakurinji is an endangered plant found in the shola grasslands of the Western Ghats at above-1,500-metre altitudes, particularly in the Nilgiris, the Palani Hills and the High Ranges around Munnar. It is a gregarious flowering plant and its seeds mature 10 months after flowering — at which point the plant dies. It is the 12-year mass-flowering cycle that draws botanists and laypersons alike to Neelakurinji. The 12-year-cycle was first recorded in 1838.

According to G. Rajkumar, secretary of the Thiruvananthapuram-based Save Kurinji Campaign Council, a team of three German scientists had done important studies on the species several decades ago. The scientific name had changed several times before the name Strobilanthes kunthiana was settled. `Kunthiana' came from Kunth, who was a member of the German team.

Tribal communities in the Western Ghats had evidently been aware of the 12-year flowering cycle. Certain tribes believe that the flowering brings bad luck, including infertility. Others offer the flower to Muruga (it is referred to as Muruga's Flower by these tribes). So far no medicinal properties have been established for either the plant or the flower. Muthuvan tribesmen in Munnar told The Hindu that they used to get abundant supplies of honey from the forests a few months after the flowering.

Mr. Rajkumar said the Save Kurinji Campaign was promoting Neelakurinji as a mascot in its campaign for the preservation of the shola grassland ecosystem in the Western Ghats. Kerala Tourism is deploying the Neelakurinji factor to get tourists to visit Kerala.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Coimbatore focussed on IT park

The modalities are being finalised to commence work on the much awaited IT park in a 29 acre sitehere, which is expected to become operational in 18 months after start of construction, two senior Tamil Nadu Government officials said today.


The proposed park would accommodate a Tidel park on ten acres of land, facilities by TCS and Wipro in five and 10 acre respectively, C Umashankar, Managing Director of Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) and Ramasundaram, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Industrial Corporation (TIDCO), told reporters.


The process for floating the tenders for the Tidel park would be finalised within 40 days, the officials said.


The 1.2 lakh sq.ft Tidel park, at a cost of Rs.250 crore is a joint venture by Elcot, Tidco and Software Technology Park of India,and expected to provide employment to 10,000 to 12,000 persons, Umashankar said.


Wipro would provide jobs for 6,000 and TCS around 5,000 jobs, he said, adding, the park, being an special economic zone would also have domestic SME players.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Sun launches operations in Coimbatore

Sun Microsystems India today announced the launch of its operations in Coimbatore.

Sun will commence operations in the city through its partner Accel Frontline Limited.

Speaking at the launch, Sudhir Nayar, director - partner Sales, Sun Microsystems India said, "There is a large base of customers located in regions other than the tier I and II metros who are increasingly recognizing the need for technology to run their business successfully and are thus displaying a large appetite for IT infrastructure.”

“We have identified 18 such tier III cities and towns and will aggressively expand our presence into these regions over the next one year. Coimbatore definitely figured top most on our list thanks to the presence of a large number of business units in and around the region,” he added.

“Our expansion into tier III cities and towns forms a strategic part of our efforts in growing our presence across the country, allowing us closer proximity to customers in these regions and enabling businesses in these regions, to benefit from Sun's superior products and solutions," Nayar added.

This phase also marks the launch of Sun's strategic regional partner model, which will help Sun's expansion into a pre-decided list of tier III cities in towns over the next one year.

According to this program, Sun will identify partners for each of these regions and will conduct intensive training and enabling sessions for the partners chosen to represent Sun's business in these regions, a Sun statement said.

On the partnership, Rajesh Rege, director, sales, Sun Microsystems India, said: "We are confident that this partnership will help us penetrate the Coimbatore market and establish ourselves in this region. With an efficient, proactive and dynamic

distribution platform, combined with flexible and responsive business processes and in-depth knowledge of the region, Accel will enable Sun's market strategy of expanding into newer geographies including Dehradun, Guwahati and Goa."

Courtesy : CIOL.com

Natyanjali Dance Festival at Perur

The four-day Natyanjali Dance Festival commences on September 14 at the Perur Pateeswarar temple.

The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Metropolis, as part of its attempts to keep alive India's rich heritage of performing arts, has been conducting the festival for a decade now, enthralling lovers of traditional art from all sections of the people.

Classical dance


Natyanjali has provided a platform for pure classical dance forms and enabled people to witness performances by some great artistes of our time like Dr. Padma Subramanyam, Dr. Sudharani Raghupathy, Anita Ratnam, Chitra Visveswaran, The Dananjayans, Vempatti group presentations, Malavika Sarukkai, Alarmel Valli, Dr. Chandrasekar, Sonal Mansingh, Vani Ganapathy, Manju Barghavi, and Shobana.

It has also constantly encouraged younger performers and beginners to showcase their dance talents and gain confidence on stage in the presence of large audiences.

Temple


The dance festival acquires an added dimension as it is performed in the premises of the ancient and beautifully sculpted temple of Nataraja, the god of cosmic dance, at Perur. Some of the performances are by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Vempatti Chinna Satyam and troupe, Dr. Vaibhavi Joshipura and party from Bangalore and Nalini Prakash of `Silambam', Coonoor.

Dance recitals


There will be dance recitals by `Nrityarasodya' and Anita Guha's `Bhatanjali', as well as a Bharatanatyam and Odissi presentation by the Temple of Fine Arts, Coimbatore.

Performances at the Natyanjali festival this year will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. every day. This year's event will come to a close on September 17.

Natyanjali Dance Festival at Perur

Coimbatore next big destination

Coimbatore on Friday was formally launched as the next big destination, after Chennai, in the State for information technology industry.

"I am happy that today we are launching Coimbatore as a tier-II city [for IT industry], by allotting land to Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro Limited," Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi declared here.

He was inaugurating Connect 2006, the Confederation of Indian Industry's premier event on information and communication technology. The announcement comes in the backdrop of the Government's emphasis on broadbasing the growth and benefits of IT.

The State Government decided to consolidate the infrastructure at Chennai and spread the IT revolution to other towns of the State. Recently, it announced the decision to establish a second TIDEL Park in Chennai and IT parks in Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchi, Salem and Tirunelveli.

Detailing the growth of the industry in Tamil Nadu — third largest software exporter in India — and the initiatives proposed by the State Government, including a new comprehensive IT policy, the Chief Minister said: "We are not content with resting on our laurels."

It is time "to rededicate ourselves with renewed vigour ... we would strive to provide the best possible environment, in which you could grow and prosper," he said. The suggestions, arising out of the two-day Connect conference, for shaping the Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy would be given "utmost consideration."

He called upon stakeholders in the IT industry to join the State Government in its battle against hunger, deprivation, want, inequality and unemployment. "I am convinced that the ICT can provide opportunities for touching the untouched and approaching the unapproached," he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi received the strategic report on 16-bit encoding for Tamil computing. The Chief Minister also `e-launched' the HP's development centre here and unveiled a model of the TIDEL Park at Coimbatore.

He presented a memento and Rs.1 lakh, as part of the CII's recognition of young talent to musician Kashyap Mahesh and the youngest student in the IIT, S. Chandra Sekar from Tirunelveli and another young IIT student, Abishek Kumarasubramanian, who is scheduled to work with Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

Union Minister for Communications and IT Dayanidhi Maran said the factors behind the Tamil Nadu's success in IT and IT-Enabled Services must be further leveraged for increasing the State's share of IT and ITES and electronic hardware market revenues to 20 per cent of the total value of exports by 2011.

Achieving this vision would mean the State having an output of $25 billion in the three industries. "It will be employing nearly seven lakh people in these industries and attract an investment close to $5.5 billion to achieve this output."

TCS Managing Director and CEO S. Ramadorai said the company's Coimbatore project would be operational in a year or 18 months.

Connect 2006 chairman Gopal Srinivasan said the best minds in the IT business would deliberate on the theme of the conference `Creating a Knowledge-driven Ecosystem.'

Co-chairman Lakshmi Narayanan said Tamil Nadu "clearly is the State with global appeal" and needed to promote tier-II cities. CII southern region chairman M. Lakshminarayan thanked the State Government and the Centre for their support to the event.

Courtesy : The Hindu