Egyptian Prime Minister visits TCI Sanmar
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Egyptian Prime Minister visits TCI Sanmar
1
The Sanmar Group
9, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086.
Tel.: + 91 44 2812 8500
Fax.: + 91 44 2811 1902
Sanmar Holdings Ltd Sanmar Consolidations Ltd
Chemplast Sanmar Ltd Sanmar Shipping Ltd
TCI Sanmar Chemicals S.A.E. Cabot Sanmar Ltd
Sanmar Speciality Chemicals Ltd Sanmar Engineering Technologies Ltd
- Products Divn.
Flowserve Sanmar Ltd
BS&B Safety Systems (India) Ltd
Sanmar Engineering Services Ltd
Xomox Sanmar Ltd
Xomox Valves Divn.
Pacific Valves Divn.
Tyco Sanmar Ltd
- Steel Castings Divn.
Sanmar Foundries Ltd
Matrix Metals LLC
2
In this issue...
8 15 16
Spotlight 25
Egyptian Prime Minister
4 dedicates TCI Sanmar
plant at Port Said
4th India-Arab
Partnership Conference 24
6 ‘Economy on a
development trajectory’
Recognition Sanmar in the NEWS
Happenings Sanmar bags sixteen State The Hindu Business
Sanmar Foundries at 16
7 Valve World Conference
Government Safety Awards Line’s initiative
A conclave of prominent
National Safety Council of
Madhuram Narayanan
Centre
17 India award for Chemplast
Mettur Plant II
22 Chennai citizens
Vijay Sankar gives away
8 A world of difference to
the lives of exceptional
Chemplast Cuddalore
Rotary Club Young
Achiever award
receives FICCI award for
children
18 water efficiency Chemplast cricketer
9 MNC’s 25th anniversary Ramkumar Shankar 23 M Vijay does the star
turn in Australia
elected President of AMAI
Events
Business leaders share their Sanmar publications win Beyond Sanmar
10 experience at The Sanmar 19 PRSI National Awards Proud moments for
Group Annual Day
Sustainability Report
24 Sri Sankara Schools
‘Sanmartini 2014’ - inter- Chemplast Sanmar Iconic Institutions
15 business competitions of
the Group
20 releases Fifth
Sustainability Report 26 The Theosophical Society
Matrix can be viewed at www.sanmargroup.com
Designed and edited by Kalamkriya Limited, 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086. Ph: + 91 44 2812 8051/ 52
For Private Circulation Only.
3
Egyptian Prime Minister dedicates
TCI Sanmar plant at Port Said
Spotlight
At the invitation of TCI Sanmar of Planning and Administrative the Chairman of TCI Sanmar,
Chemicals S.A.E., Port Said, the Reform, Adel Labib, Minister of Local PS Jayaraman, Navdeep Suri,
Prime Minister of Egypt, Eng. Development and Administrative Ambassador of India to Egypt, and
Ibrahim Mehlab, visited the Development, Mostafa Matloub, other company officials. At the
TCI Sanmar plant facilities. Minister of Housing, Dr Laila instance of PS Jayaraman, the Prime
He was accompanied by a Iskandar, Minister of Urban Renewal Minister dedicated the TCI Sanmar
high-power delegation of Cabinet and Informal Settlements and the Plant for the benefit of Egypt. The
Ministers, Ashraf Salman, Minister Governor of Port Said, Gen. Samah Prime Minister and his delegation
of Investment, Eng. Hany Dahy, Qandil, on 28 October 2014. expressed their satisfaction and
Minister of Transportation, Khaled appreciated the TCI Sanmar plant
Hanafy, Minister of Supply, The Prime Minister and his facilities as well as efforts made by
Dr Ashraf El Araby, Minister delegation were received by TCI Sanmar.
Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India to Egypt, Prime Minister of Egypt Eng. Ibrahim Mehlab with PS Jayaraman.
4
Spotlight
The Prime Minister and his entire manufacturing facility to the a new PVC plant with a capacity
delegation were taken on a tour delegates. of 200,000 MT, and enhance the
of the plant consisting of facilities The Sanmar Group has so far Ethylene manufacturing capacity by
to manufacture Caustic Soda, invested USD 1.15 billion in the 60,000 MT. The total investment
Ethylene-di-chloride, Vinyl Chloride projects of TCI Sanmar, already will then be USD 1.3 billion, the
Monomer, Poly Vinyl Chloride completed as above. Additional largest Indian investment in the
and Ethylene from Ethanol. The investment of USD 150 million chemical sector in Egypt.
company officials explained the is planned in Phase 2, to set-up
5
4th India-Arab Partnership Conference
‘Economy on a development trajectory’
Spotlight
The Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce and Industry, in
association with Ministry of External
Affairs of India, League of Arab
States and Federation of Arab
Businessmen organised the 4th
India-Arab Partnership Conference
during 26th and 27th November,
2014 at New Delhi.
The event aimed at extending a
conducive and enabling platform
to Indian and Arab Business
communities thereby enhancing
and exploring numerous business
and investment opportunities in
Vijay Sankar and PS Jayaraman at the 4th India-Arab Partnership Conference.
both regions.
The important association of The PS Jayaraman, Chairman, TCI thus far in Egypt, the current political
Sanmar Group with the Arab world Sanmar Chemicals, S.A.E. scenario in the country and how
is its investment of USD 1.30 billion highlighted the facets of this it would contribute to business
in the chemical sector in Egypt. investment and Sanmar’s experience environment.
A view of the 4th India-Arab Partnership Conference at New Delhi.
6
Happenings
Sanmar Foundries at Valve World Conference
Sanmar Foundries Ltd (SFL) with more than 650 exhibitors from served. Sanmar’s presence in the
participated in the 9th Biennial 40 countries and about 10,000 exhibition generated noticeable
Valve World Conference & visitors from all over the world interest from the mid segment
Exhibition at Dusseldorf, Germany taking part. manufacturers having specific
from 2-4 December 2014. In addition to the exhibition, many requirements in special material
technical papers on the challenges grades. The visitors to Sanmar
Valve World Expo is by far the
faced by the valve industry were also stall included those from Crane,
largest congregation of valve
presented in the conference. The event Pentair, Bonnetti, L&T, IMI
manufacturers, along with the
was sponsored by Emerson, Pentair, (Belgium), Kitz, Valvitalia among
entire gamut of the supply chain
Kitz and Velan, among others. others.
for valve companies. This event
took place at the exhibition SFL participated in the expo and This exhibition presented the right
grounds of Messe, covering put up a stall for the first time. opportunity for SFL to synergise
17,700 Sq Mts and this year was The stall had various posters strategies for products as well as
the biggest event in the history of displaying the capabilities of the regions. It was a stepping stone
the expo. The numbers surpassed foundry and the clientele, along to enter the European market for
the attendance at all earlier events, with the industries that are presently supply of valve castings.
Albert Kinnard and Meagan Mitrovich of Matrix Metals, USA, and Vinodh Gopinath and K Shankar from SFL, Valve World Expo, Germany.
7
Madhuram Narayanan Centre
Happenings
A world of difference to the lives of exceptional children
The Madhuram Narayanan Centre The Chief Justice also said that 25 years of existence, the book is
for Exceptional Children celebrated children deserved the best practices, probably one of the better named.”
its 25th anniversary on 12 December learning environment, materials and The book covers the journey that
2014. A book entitled ‘A World technology, coupled with the highest the centre has gone through in its
of Difference’ was launched on expectations, for success. “Children quest to bring about a revolution
11 December 2014 at Hotel My with special needs are like butterflies in the field of care for exceptional
Fortune to mark the occasion. with broken wings. They are as children. It includes all information
Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Chief beautiful as the others, but they need — from the conception of the
Justice of the Madras High Court, help to spread their wings,” he said. idea to the current centre and
was the chief guest at the book “A World of Difference is what the thousands of children it has
launch. Speaking at the function, the book is called. And speaking ushered in through its doors.
the Chief Justice said, “Children about the work and service that the Describing children as flowers,
with special needs should be given Madhuram Narayanan Centre for he said MNC’s programme,
the best educators have to offer.” Exceptional Children has done in its ‘Upanayan’, trained parents and
L to r: S Krishnan, N Kumar, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Jaya Krishnaswamy, Ranjitha Ashok at the book release function.
8
Happenings
professionals to deal with special N Kumar said that the book captured Its author, Ranjitha Ashok,
needs of such children. “The fact the history, essence and process dedicated the book to MNC, and
that over 70 per cent of these when a child joined the NGO. said the people working there were
children are from economically- N Sankar gave a donation of real heroes. Jaya Krishnaswamy,
and socially-backward sections of Rs One crore on the occasion to the Director MNC, proposed a vote
the society adds to its importance. MNC trust. of thanks.
MNC’s 25th anniversary
The Madhuram Narayanan Centre
for Exceptional Children celebrated
its 25th anniversary on 12 December
2014. Pratyush Kumar, President,
Boeing India, was the chief guest on
the occasion. The celebrations saw a
dance programme by mothers and a
video presentation of children who
were put in mainstream schooling.
Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India, inaugurating the function.
9
Business leaders share their experience
Events
The Sanmar Group Annual Day this “We are very proud that we are
year was held on 13-14 November an Indian company and every
at Hotel Leela Palace, Chennai. location of ours has the largest
The customary annual dinner was Indian flag flying” he said.
held on 13 November followed by He recalled the Kirloskar
a series of business presentations legacy which among other
and sharing of knowledge and things involved participation
experiences by corporate leaders in in a competition for the most
the field. productive charkha Mahatma
Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman Gandhi announced in 1934-
and Managing Director, Kirloskar 35 with a prize of Rs.1 lakh.
Brothers took us down memory His grandfather designed the
lane by sharing his ‘Experiences’ – a most productive machine,
truly remarkable story of Kirloskar but Gandhiji felt that it
Brothers since 1888. The MD of the looked like a machine and
company since 1985, he highlighted did not give them the prize. Sanjay Kirloskar
the history of Kirloskar in pumps He also candidly recalled some
and valves with all their factories unhappy experiences to show ‘how always right’, but narrated the story
situated in villages. governments and bureaucrats are with humour.
10at The Sanmar Group Annual Day
Events
“Many iconic buildings around the does the world look
world have our pumps. The Flame like tomorrow?”
Towers in Baku, Sydney Opera Some takeaways
House and the Channel Tunnel in from his informal
the UK are a few locations where our address.
pumps are used worldwide.”
Don’t think of a
On “Kaniyur- An all women plant” company by its size
“The decision maker to buy the or by what it does.
pump is a woman. The person who Think of how long
is hurt the most if the pump does it lives. Longevity is
not work is a woman. Why not an all a critical parameter.
woman workforce? They performed When you decide
extremely well and empowered young to take a decision
ladies really delivered. They are in a company, do it
invaluable in their homes now. That with people who are
gives them a different status now.” not present in mind. R Mukundan
R Mukundan, MD, Tata Chemicals, Then only can we have a decision of a decision is when you debate and
walked the audience through “What which can be long term. The depth come to a point where you say how
11employees of the future will, as if a programme called Unnati
they were sitting here, would take which started exactly the way
a decision. the ‘Swatch Bharat Abhiyan’
Events
The future is increasingly at the has started. We took brooms in
intersection. It is not at the core. our hands. We said, this place
The future is being created when is absolutely unacceptable
two things come together. What in terms of hygiene, work
is the intersection of biology and condition and we will make it
chemistry? It is biochemistry. the cleanest place in the world.
The intersection of Physics and And every one of the managers
Chemistry is Nano Technology. adopted a space in the plant to
So we chose these two platforms go everyday and make sure it
and without knowing the future, was clean.
we had no idea of what products Whatever process you do,
will come out, we hired a few innovation, acquisition, one of V Sriram
scientists and set up a lab. Out of the management secrets for success
“Anarchy is the most common thing
that came the Nano story. is to listen, constantly listen. There that you can experience when you
Manthan was about big ideas. It can be no stoppage of learning at any come into the city but within that
was about how to review cost, big age or whatever position you have anarchy there is a lot of individual
issues like getting rid of 50% of and karma yoga is always the most trait and character in the city.”
the workforce, changing the fuel important – so ACT.”
Sriram had the audience in splits
mix to get 70% savings. We also V Sriram, historian, spoke on ‘The with his rip-roaring tales on Chennai
needed small ideas. We started history and character of Madras’. and its character.
Adit Jain, Independent Director, The Sanmar Group Corporate
Board and Chairman and Editorial Director of IMA India,
spoke on the economic and political outlook in India. He said
that the ‘centre of economic gravity has been shifting from
advanced economies to Asia’, by virtue of higher growth of a
larger base and favourable demographics.
By 2022, India and China will constitute over 50% of global
growth and about 20% of global trade. This will have an
impact on the strategies of global corporations in a way never
seen before.
He said that the “investment rate should rise to 35-36% of
GDP from 30-32%. Favourable policy can increase FDI by
1.5-2% of GDP. Faster implementation and approvals can
boost the domestic investment rate by 3-4% of GDP, and
better financial intermediation can increase the savings rate
by another 1-2 percentage points. These steps could take the
GDP growth to 7.5-8% on a sustained basis.”
12Vijay Sankar drew the macro economic On a positive side Cabot
scenario and the tough global economic Sanmar has completed
situation with slow GDP growth 10 years of incidence free
Events
with tough financing conditions. But operations and must be
‘there were signs of hope with the US congratulated.”
economy recovery and global growth Talking about being
and with new leadership in Egypt and compliant, Vijay stressed
Mexico.’ that, “We have a very
Vijay also talked about the inter strong reputation with
linkages in factors driving Sanmar’s financial institutions
different industries – Chemicals, and we have been able
Shipping, Engineering products and to attract a lot of people
Foundry. He gave a snapshot of the in the HR market place
Group’s performance and the challenges and with the regulators
that lay ahead. as well. It is very very Vijay Sankar
important to be 100% compliant and
Stressing on the importance of Safety that is what we believe in. And being this but this is what I and Mr Sankar
as the utmost priority he said, proactive on this is going to be the strongly believe in. We believe that
“It is not just safety inside the plant. key. It is imperative that all of us are it is far easier to talk to somebody
It is also safety outside. What safety completely compliant.” by picking up the phone rather than
behaviour you display outside the He also had a dig at the prevailing by sending emails. He may be in
factory, the same thing you carry into email culture and exhorted, “I strongly the room just next door…. What
the workplace as well. It is important believe that email is a wrong way of I would understand in a minute,
that all of you at the different locations communicating except to deliver facts. would take 100 minutes if it is sent
place safety at the top of your list. There may be different approaches to through email.”
Sarada Jagan made a presentation on‘Sanmartini’ B Natraj anchored a discussion on Management
- a cocktail of explosive games and exhorted the Processes. It was a brainstorming session with exchange
business managers to play a more active role in of thoughts on several key issues including Policies,
such inter-business group competitions. Decision-making, Delegation, Implementation and
Day-to-Day Processes at Sanmar.
13It’s play time
A variety of flowers in varied hues combined with crystal chandeliers and special effect lights created a festive ambience
at the annual dinner at Hotel Leela Palace on 13 November this year. Games were organised for Sanmarites and
Events
their spouses who enjoyed every bit of it.
‘Wheel of fortune’
‘Loop it in’ ‘Getting there on time’
14‘Sanmartini 2014’ - inter-business competitions of the
Group
Events
Sanmartini–Season 3 was truly played at the various plant locations
explosive in its new avatar. There of the Group. The events required
were four competitions in all, quite a bit of preparation and it was
Talk it out (Debate of a different truly a knowledge sharing exercise.
kind), Comm.Com (a mocktail on The semifinals and final events were
communications), Convince Me held at Chennai where the best of
(Presentation) and All Roads Lead to the best contended. The Chennai
Rome (Variety entertainment), which HO team Apollo lifted the trophy
were held in the months of October this year, handsomely riding over
and November this year. There was the nearest team Atlas by a clean
an overwhelming participation this 280 points.
year as the preliminary rounds were
G Sankarasubramanian and PR Somaskandan receiving the Sanmartini championship trophy
from Vijay Sankar.
15Sanmar bags sixteen State Government Safety Awards
Recognition
In all, sixteen State Government
safety awards for the years 2010,
2011 and 2012 were bagged by
Sanmar plants. These awards
were won for the lowest weighted
accident frequency rate and longest-
accident free period in man hours.
The awards were given away by
P Mohan, Minister for Rural
Industries and Labour, at a function
in Chennai on 26 November 2014.
M Veera Shanmuga Moni, Secretary
to Government, Employment and
Labour, Pala.Karuppaiah, MLA,
and C Gunasekara Babu Rao,
P Manoharan, Safety, Sanmar Corporate Divn., receiving the award from P Mohan, Minister
Director of Industrial Safety and for Rural Industries and Labour, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Health, were present.
P Manoharan, President, Safety, While Sanmar Speciality Chemicals, highest reduction in accident
Sanmar Corporate Divn., Berigai, won the first prize for highest rate and lowest weighted accident
S Mathivanan, Head of Plant III reduction in accident rate for the year frequency rate for the year 2012
and R Kumar, Head of Safety & 2012, Chemplast Cuddalore won as well.
Environment, Plant II, Chemplast, the third prize for highest
Mettur, received the awards. reduction in weighted
accident frequency rate in
Out of the 16 awards received, 2011.
Chemplast Mettur Plant II has won
six and Chemplast Mettur Plant III The Engineering divisions of
won three and one by Chemplast Sanmar, Sanmar Foundries,
Mettur Plant I for the years 2010, Tyco Sanmar and Pacific
2011 and 2012. Valves, won awards for
16National Safety Council of India award for Chemplast
Mettur Plant II
Recognition
Chemplast Sanmar Mettur VB Sant, Director
Plant II PVC division won the General, Arvind Joshi,
‘Prashansa Patra’ in recognition of Vice Chairman and
its developing and implementing Dr Komerawar, Award
effective Management Systems and Committee Chairman
Procedures and achieving good of National Safety
performance in OSH for 2011 and Council of India, were
2012. also present during the
Dr R Palaniappan, head SHE, function.
Chemplast Mettur, received the
award from Narendra Singh Tomar,
Union Minister for Steel, Mines
and Labour & Employment, on 27
October 2014, at a function held in
Mumbai.
17Chemplast Cuddalore receives FICCI award for water
efficiency
Recognition
Chemplast Sanmar Cuddalore has
received the “Award for efficiency
in water usage by the Petrochemical
sector” instituted by FICCI. Executive
Director of Chemplast, Ramkumar
Shankar, received the award from
Surjit Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary,
Chemicals and Petrochemicals,
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,
Government of India, at a function
organised on 9 October 2014 at
Mumbai.
Ramkumar Shankar elected President of AMAI
The Alkali Manufacturers Association
of India (AMAI), which represents
the entire chlor-alkali industry of
30 companies in the country, elected
Ramkumar Shankar as its President
for 2014-15 at its 37th annual
general meeting. Ramkumar Shankar, Executive Director
of Chemplast Sanmar Limited, is a Chartered Accountant
with around 27 years of experience, nearly 25 years of it with
The Sanmar Group.
18Sanmar publications win PRSI National Awards
Recognition
The Sanmar Group has won three National Awards from the Public Relations Society of India for Corporate
Communications under the following categories:
First Prize: Second Prize: First Prize:
Sustainable Development Report Prestige Publication category: Newsletter (English) - Scribbles
category: Chemplast Sanmar’s Matrix 25 - Silver Jubilee Issue. (Nov-Dec 2013 issue).
Sustainability Report 2012-13 “If
the World of Nature Could Speak”.
The awards were given away at
the 36th All India PR Conference
at Jaipur on 19 December 2014
by Rajasthan Assembly, Speaker
Kailash Meghwal. The function was
presided over by SK Chaturvedi,
Chairman, Joint Electricity
Regulatory Commission for the
state of Goa and Union Territories,
with Gulab Kothari, Chief Editor,
Rajasthan Patrika and Jagdish
Chandra Katil, Head, e TV, Jaipur
as the Guest of Honour. Ajit
Ramadevi Ravi, Corporate Communications, receiving the PRSI National awards for The Sanmar Pathak, President, PRSI National
Group from Kailash Meghwal, Speaker, Rajasthan Assembly in Jaipur on 19 December 2014. Chapter was present.
19Chemplast Sanmar releases Fifth Sustainability Report
Sustainability Report
The theme of this year’s Sustainability Report
ENVIRONMENTALLY
is ‘Responsibility’ – in keeping with Sanmar’s
tradition of responsibility towards all its Responsibility
SUSTAINABLE
stakeholders. Chemplast Sanmar’s Sustainability
Report has been awarded A+ by Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI) for the fourth
consecutive year. An excerpt from this report is
presented in these pages.
8 The Sanmar Group Annual Report Chemplast Sanmar Sustainability Report
mar Group Printed on environment friendly paper
2013-14
eport
ast Sanmar
bility report
4
OUR Chemplast Sanmar works to meet the evolving improve the way we operate. Our ecological
APPROACH demands of its stakeholders in a responsible commitment outlines how sustainability
A PRODUCT
way. This means operating safely, reducing underpins our operations, including how we
our impact on the environment and sharing work with communities, our commitment
info@trisyscom.com
benefits with the communities who are our to safe operations and how we manage
neighbours. We have global standards in place environmental impacts.
and continually learn from our experiences to
REDUCTION AT SOURCE REUSE RECYCLE RECOVER
ENVIRONMENTAL The strategy and the corresponding action By making all plants attain ‘Zero Liquid
COMMITMENT plan reaffirm the Company’s commitment to Discharge’ status which ensures that no
the cause of conservation: wise management effluents are released from plant operations
of our resources for the benefit of all. This is into the earth
how Chemplast Sanmar gets it done:
By extensively using desalinated water in
By not drawing ground water for industrial shore-based facilities
20 applicationsOUR BUSINESS PROFILE
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
Sustainability Report
38
The Sanmar Group
4 Annual report
Chemplast Sanmar
nmar Group
l report Sustainability report
2013-14
plast Sanmar
ability report
14
GOVERNANCE,
The primary responsibility of Chemplast is
to pick up, transport, process, and dispose
technology; use of vehicles customised with
provisions required to transport chemicals
COMMITMENT AND
of all waste in a safe and environmentally and hazardous material (rubber lining test
responsible manner. Careful consideration certificate validity, emission certificate,
is given to disposal and processing, with HAZCHEM panel and spark arrestor in case
ENGAGEMENT
the highest priority given to environmental of the transportation of flammable materials,
stewardship. installation of a sturdy rectangular protection
frame with base support, maintaining safe
Chemplast Sanmar is engaged in the
distance between the frame and the valve);
cautious management of materials
working with vehicle drivers possessing the
(including transportation safety) through the
experience of having transported hazardous
appointment of transporters complying with
chemicals and endorsement in the licence;
the Company’s demanding requirements of
training for truck crews in emergency
environment, safety and transport emergencies;
procedures related to hazardous material
safe movement of Vinyl Chloride through a
transportation; training for drivers in safe
pipeline from the ship at the marine terminal
road navigation and emergency management;
facility to the atmospheric storage facility
providing a detailed material safety data sheet
by adopting a world-class ‘pipe-in-pipe-out’
Address: 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086, Tamil Nadu, India.
A
roup
nmar
eport
21The Hindu Business Line’s initiative
Sanmar in the NEWS
A conclave of prominent Chennai citizens
Business Line’s initiative is aimed
at bringing together the cream of
Chennai’s business circuit, arts and
cultural ambassadors for a morning
of coffee and conversations. Vijay
Sankar was present with other
industrialists at the second edition
of Breakfast with Business Line on
24 August 2014 at Sheraton Park
Hotel and Towers.
Rahul Mammen, Whole-time Director, MRF
Ltd, catches up with Vijay Sankar, Deputy
Chairman, The Sanmar Group, and
MA Alagappan, Former Executive Chairman,
Murugappa Group, at the powerpacked event.
Vijay Sankar gives away Rotary Club Young Achiever award
Vijay Sankar was the chief guest by the Rotary Club of Madras u-14 title in 2013, the KTC u-14
and gave away the ‘Young Achiever’ East on 12 November 2014. The title for two years and a gold medal
award to up and coming tennis 14-year-old, a student of Bala Vidya at the Violet u-19 championship.
player Ashraya Mahesh at a function Mandir, won the CBSE National
22Sanmar in the NEWS
Chemplast cricketer M Vijay does the star turn in Australia
During his innings of 144 in the In the torrid Brisbane heat, Vijay for Tamil Nadu earned him a Test
recent Brisbane Test match against was still running hard, and rotating call-up in 2008-09 as replacement
Australia, Jolly Rovers opening the strike to protect his just-arrived for Gautam Gambhir. Vijay’s Test
batsman M Vijay did not show any batting partner. He was dismissed opportunities remained limited
emotion on reaching his hundred for 144, more by fatigue than the as long as the Sehwag-Gambhir
until his batting partner Ajinkya bowling, he had dominated the day, flourished, but he never gave up,
Rahane informed him he had got hitting 22 of 34 Indian boundaries. using the IPL to parade his skills and
to the landmark. Vijay confessed he Vitally, he had left alone 65 deliveries class before a huge viewership.
did not keep track of the exact score, that morning, a habit he had perfected When he was recalled to the Indian
and it probably helped him relax. on the English tour earlier in the year. team, he failed as a Test opener, in
He had been out in the 90s three This ability is the hallmark of a great the West Indies in 2011.
times since the start of the South opening batsman, and Vijay seems
Africa tour last year. In the previous to be heading for greatness in no When Vijay was finally given another
Test at Adelaide, he had made 99 uncertain terms. full Test series, against Australia in
in the second innings following his 2012-13, Vijay scored back-to-back
“M Vijay brings, along with his bat, 150s, impressing with his improved
half-century in the first. pads and gloves, an invisible switch to back-foot play and the ability to
the crease,” said sports buckle down and play time. By now,
writer Siddharth Monga he had seven 150-plus scores out of
in the website ESPN 13 first-class hundreds. He was then
Cricinfo. “When that recalled for the 2013 Champions
switch is flicked on, given Trophy in England though he did
certain conditions, he not make the playing eleven in the
can be one of the more tournament.
pleasing sights in present-
day cricket; when it is Murali Vijay has for many years been
not, he can scratch and the Mr Reliable of Jolly Rovers, and
struggle on the flattest of is now being talked about in the
pitches. He prefers to play same words as an India opener. His
off the front foot, which match temperament is excellent,
can bring his downfall, but with his wide range of attacking
but it also produces some shots, he is also a joy to watch. He is
sensational hits down the a loyal team man, as clearly proved
ground, including the by his longevity with Sanmar and
trademark pick-up shot Jolly Rovers in the midst of several
over wide long-on.” players discovered and nurtured by
the group leaving for other pastures.
In his first few seasons of One of the best performers in a
first-class cricket, Vijay strong batting line-up of stars, he
made some big scores. seems to be poised for a leap to the
His involvement in a 462- next higher level of batsmanship at
run opening partnership the world level of cricket.
with Abhinav Mukund
23Proud moments for
Beyond Sanmar
Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Tiruvanmiyur
The Karuna club of Sri Sankara Vidyashramam organised
a Rally on 29 November 2014 to promote values of the
Karuna Club. Prof P Gopalakrishnan, Vice President,
Karuna International, motivated the students. Placards
on human values including peace, non violence, ahimsa
were raised by the students. Pamphlets were distributed
and slogans raised.
A team of two students from Std. XI
participated in the ‘Quiz on Japan’ for
Chennai city school children. N Swetha and
N Srinidhi emerged winners in the finals held
on 25 October 2014. The team won a Rolling
Trophy and a cash award.
N Swetha N Srinidhi
24Sri Sankara Schools
Beyond Sanmar
Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar
Sri Sankara Senior Secondary
School beat Nellai Nadar School
in the final of the North Chennai
Cricket Academy under-14 cricket
tournament. Nitin N Shenoy
was declared the best bowler and
R Keshav the best batsman of the
tournament as well as the Man of
the Match.
In the Bala Janagraha contest, a
civic festival, students of Std.VIII,
Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School,
received the 1st Prize.
Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School
Dhanya Mahalakshmi M of Std.
received the International School
XII presented a project on the
Award for the third time since 2006.
medicinal value of the piper beetle
This is in recognition of ‘outstanding
in the National CBSE Science
development of international
exhibition. She was then selected for
learning’ in the curriculum.
presentation under IRIS (Initiative
Aditya Raghavan of Std. XI secured for Research and Innovation in
the first place in the under-17 Science) and has won a medal and
category in the Sunil Verma Memorial a cash award from the Gujarat
Open Squash Championship under government. She is one of the
the auspices of Squash Racquets probables to represent India in the
Federation of India. Intel – ISEF to be held in May 2015.
25The Theosophical Society
Iconic Institutions
New feature
‘Matrix’ has been publishing
profiles of great personalities
from South India’s past in an
unbroken series titled ‘Legends
from the South,’ which began
in December 2000. While
‘Legends’ will continue to
appear in ‘Matrix’, we are happy
to launch yet another series
which will appear every other
quarter. The Theosophical
Society, Adyar, Chennai, will be
the first of what we hope will
be numerous iconic institutions Theosophy, according to the they bestow but as a duty they
in this part of the world, to be founders of the Theosophical perform, and they seek to remove
presented in these pages. Society, is the wisdom underlying ignorance, not punish it. They see
all religions when they are stripped every religion as an expression of
of accretions and superstitions. “It the Divine Wisdom and prefer its
The Theosophical Society has
offers a philosophy which renders study to its condemnation, and its
been one of the important
life intelligible and demonstrates that practice to proselytism. Peace is their
landmarks of Chennai, ever since
justice and love guide the cosmos. Its watchword, as Truth is their aim.”
its international headquarters
teachings aid the unfoldment of the The Society became famous, or
were located at Adyar, on the
latent spiritual nature in the human
banks of the river of that name. notorious, for the occult practices
being, without dependence.”
That was back in 1882, when it initiated by Madame HP Blavatsky,
was considered one of the most According to a Resolution passed who came over with Col. Olcott to
beautiful places anywhere, as Mary by the General Council of The establish the Madras wing. One of
Lutyens said in her biography of Theosophical Society in 1924, the TS the consequences of the belief in
J Krishnamurti, an original thinker “is composed of students, belonging reincarnation and clairvoyance this
discovered and nurtured by to any religion in the world or to none, engendered was the identification
Mrs Annie Besant, one of the who are united by their approval of of J Krishnamurti, one of two little
TS’s early presidents. It was often the Society’s Objects, by their wish sons of Telugu speaking parents,
referred to simply as Adyar. to remove religious antagonisms and by Annie Besant as the future
to draw together people of goodwill messiah destined to lead a world
The Theosophical Society, variously
whatsoever their religious opinions, order. Krishnamurti and his brother
also known as the Society or TS,
and by their desire to study religious Nityananda were nurtured with
was founded in New York on 17
truths and to share the results of their great love and close care by Besant
November 1875. It first came to
studies with others.” and her associates like the occultist
Chennai soon afterwards when
Col. HS Olcott and Madame HP “They extend tolerance to all, even CW Leadbeater, and Krishnamurti
Blavatsky came to establish it here. to the intolerant, not as a privilege was groomed to be the World
26Teacher, until one day he disbanded Adyar Library, the Besant Montessori outside India. The annual
Iconic Institutions
the whole movement. School, which was founded with convention is still an important
Annie Besant made her home in the help and active leadership of part of Chennai’s cultural and
Benares in 1895, and there started Maria Montessori, pioneer of the philosophical calendar.
her renowned religious, educational eponymous world-renowned child- The TS is now headed by
and social services to India. She friendly schooling system for young Tim Boyd, an American who
opened the Central Hindu College children, the Besant Theosophical has succeeded the late Radha
there in 1898. At her request George Publishing House and several other Burnier, after winning an
S Arundale accepted the post of initiatives flourished under the TS’s election. Situated in a prime
Professor of History at the College. banner. property in the heart of Chennai,
He latter became Headmaster of the Rukmini Devi Arundale met the the TS is a green oasis which has
Collegiate School, and afterwards famous ballerina Anna Pavlova during survived many attempts to grab
Principal of the College itself until her travels abroad, and inspired by the it. It is a remnant of Chennai’s
1913. From 1895 to 1906 was a great dancer, learnt the ancient Indian splendid past.
period of vigorous and steady growth art of Bharatanatyam during her late
for the Society. HSO and AB both thirties. She made her debut under International presidents of
travelled and lectured far and wide the guidance of traditional dance
the Society:
in many countries. Miss Lilian Edger masters under the banyan tree inside
was assisting the work in India. the Society, one of the largest in India. Colonel Henry Steel Olcott,
C Jinarajadasa started his career as She went on to revive Bharatanatyam President-Founder, 1875-1907
an international lecturer in 1904, which had been neglected as a result Dr Annie Besant, 1907-1933
in America. of an act to ban ‘nautch’ by devadasis,
women dedicated to God at temples. Dr George S Arundale,
Dr GS Arundale’s (president from 1934-1945
1934 to 1945) marriage to Rukmini The international school she founded
Devi, the young daughter of in 1936, Kalakshetra, is today world Mr C Jinarajadasa, 1946-1953
theosophist Nilakanta Sastri, came in famous. Mr N Sri Ram, 1953-1973
for some criticism, but they turned In 1898 the Society began to hold Mr John Coats, 1973-1979
out to be an ideal couple who did an Annual Convention alternately in
Mrs Radha Burnier, 1980-2013
yeoman service for the Society. The Adyar and Benares, and also decided
Besant Theosophical School, the to hold periodic World Conventions Mr Tim Boyd, 2014-
27A publication of The Sanmar Group 28
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