EOGM

Monday, September 10, 2012

EOGM (Extra-ordinary General meeting) on Saturday, 15 Sept at 4pm

Going out to all Alumni:

There will be an EOGM (Extra-ordinary General meeting) this coming Saturday, (15 Sept) at 4pm, at SIFAS.
Please note the primary agenda for this EOGM is the election of office-bearers to the positions of Events Manager and Treasurer.
For the full scope of duties for both these positions, please refer back to earlier articles from our blog (links below):
Events Manager - http://sifasalumni.blogspot.sg/2011/05/events-managers-scope-of-duties.html?m=0
Treasurer -
http://sifasalumni.blogspot.sg/2011/05/treasurers-scope-of-duties.html?m=1
Our Events Manager, Sai Akilesh, has recently moved to Chennai and is further pursuing his musical interests there. Although he continues to help us in whatever way he can, we require someone to fill the position of Events Manager on the Alumni Committee.
Sathiabhavani, the committee's Treasurer, has also asked to be excused from her position due to her own personal commitments.

**Should you be interested in running for the positions of Events Manager or Treasurer, please drop us an email at sifasalumni@gmail.com and prepare a short speech in time for the EOGM. The speech should provide an indication of your background, suitability, and the level of commitment you will be able to extend towards the position you are running for.
(For details on Alumni eligibility, pls refer to this blog post: http://sifasalumni.blogspot.sg/2011/12/sifas-alumni-2011.html?m=1)

At the EOGM, the committee will also be providing an update on the Alumni's activities, our development since the AGM of May '11, and our upcoming events - including this year's Navarathri slot and our Alumni Orchestra production 2013.
We apologise for the short notice of this EOGM.
As we are currently busy preparing for the above-mentioned production, we require these positions to be filled on an urgent basis.
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

 

Warmest Regards,

Perth

Perth is the Capital City of the Western Part of Australia. It is also found to be the most popular city in the Western part of Australia with a approximate human population of 1.74 million.The metropolitan area is located in the South West Division of Western Australia, between the Indian Ocean and a low coastal escarpment known as the Darling Range.The central business district and suburbs of Perth are situated on the banks of the Swan River. Shortly after the establishment of the port settlement of Fremantle, Perth was founded on 12 June 1829 by Captain James Stirling as the political centre of the Swan River Colony. The city of Perth has also grown consistently as the business and administration centre for the resource-rich state.Perth became known worldwide as the "City of Light" when city residents lit their house lights and streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962. Before the European colonisation, the city had been inhabited by the Whadjuk Noongar people, also known as the the Aborigines, for over 40,000 years, which is clearly proven by the archaeological findings on the Upper Swan River. These Aborigines, who lived as hunter gatherers, occupied the Southwest corner of Western Australia. The area where the current Perth City stands now was termed as the Boorloo by the Aboriginals who lived there in the early 1827. Although the British Army had established a base at King George Sound (later Albany) on the south coast of western Australia in 1826 in response to rumours that the area would be annexed by France, Perth was the first full-scale settlement by Europeans in the western third of the continent. The British colony would be officially designated Western Australia in 1832, but was known informally for many years as the Swan River Colony after the area's major watercourse. On 4 June 1829, newly arriving British colonists had their first view of the mainland, and Western Australia's Foundation Day has since been recognised by a public holiday on the first Monday in June each year. Captain James Stirling, aboard the Parmelia, said that Perth was "as beautiful as anything of this kind I had ever witnessed". On 12 August that year, Mrs. Helen Dance, wife of the captain of the second ship Sulphur, cut down a tree to mark the founding of the town. It is clear that Stirling had already selected the name Perth for the capital well before the town was proclaimed, as his proclamation of the colony, read in Fremantle on 18 June 1829, ended "given under my hand and Seal at Perth this 18th Day of June 1829. James Stirling Lieutenant Governor".[18] The only contemporary information on the source of the name comes from Fremantle's diary entry for 12 August, which records that they "named the town Perth according to the wishes of Sir George Murray".[19] Murray was born in Perth, Scotland, and was in 1829 Secretary of State for the Colonies and Member for Perthshire in the British House of Commons. The town was named after the Scottish Perth,[20][21] in Murray's honour.[22][23][24] Beginning in 1831, hostile encounters between the British settlers and the Noongar people – both large-scale land users with conflicting land value systems – increased considerably as the colony grew. This violent phase of the region's history culminated in a series of events in which the British overcame the indigenous people, including the execution of the Whadjuk elder Midgegooroo, the death of his son Yagan in 1833, and the Battle of Pinjarra in 1834. By 1843, when Yellagonga died, his people had begun to disintegrate after having been dispossessed of the land around the main settlement area of Perth. They retreated to the swamps and lakes north of the settlement area including Third Swamp, known to them as Boodjamooling. Boodjamooling continued to be a main camp-site for the remaining Noongar people in the Perth region, and was also used by travellers, itinerants, and homeless people. By the gold-rush days of the 1890s they were joined by miners who were en-route to the goldfields.[25] In 1850, Western Australia was opened to convicts at the request of farming and business people looking for cheap labour.[26] Queen Victoria announced the city status of Perth in 1856. Perth receives moderate though highly seasonal rainfall, making it the fourth wettest Australian capital city after Darwin, Sydney and Brisbane. Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year, while winters are relatively cool and wet, making Perth a classic example of a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa).[39][40] Summer is not completely devoid of rain with sporadic rainfall in the form of short-lived thunderstorms, weak cold fronts and on very rare occasions decaying tropical cyclones from Western Australia's north-west which can bring significant falls. The highest ever recorded temperature in Perth was 46.2 °C (115.2 °F) on 23 February 1991, although Perth Airport recorded 46.7 °C (116.1 °F) on the same day.[41][42] On most summer afternoons a sea breeze, also known as "The Fremantle Doctor", blows from the south-west, providing relief from the hot north-easterly winds. Temperatures often fall below 30 °C (86 °F) a few hours after the arrival of the wind change.[43] Perth is a particularly sunny city for a Mediterranean climate, with an average of 8.8 hours of sunshine per day, which equates to around 3200 hours of annual sunshine.[44] Winters are relatively cool and wet, with most of Perth's annual rainfall falling between May and September. The lowest temperature recorded in Perth was −0.7 °C (30.7 °F) on 17 June 2006.[41] The lowest temperature within the Perth metropolitan area was −3.4 °C (25.9 °F) on the same day at Jandakot Airport.[45] Though most rainfall occurs during winter, the wettest day ever was on 9 February 1992 when 120.6 millimetres (4.75 in) fell.[41] The rainfall pattern has changed in Perth and Southwest Western Australia since the mid-1970s. A significant reduction in winter rainfall has been observed with a greater number of extreme rainfall events in the summer months,[46] such as slow-moving storms on 8 February 1992 which brought 120.6 millimetres (4.75 in) of rain,[47] and a severe thunderstorm on 22 March 2010, which brought 40.2 millimetres (1.58 in) and caused significant damage in the metropolitan area.[48] http://kevinleo2008.googlepages.com/myflash.swf Credits : Google, Wikipedia

Presidential Election in Singapore

In Singapore , our current President, His Honourable Excellency Mr. S R Nathan is going to retire from the President Post. Thus, we are currently going to have our Presedential elections. Presedential election is an election where Singaporeans vote for their President for the next 10 or so years. This year, Presedential election is held on the 27 Aug 2011. As for this year,the 27th of Aug falls on a Saturday. In Singapore, all polling days are a public holiday so as to allow all Singaporeans to have their time to vote. In Singapore, as I mentioned before, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday,the following Monday is a school holiday.So, as for the Presedential Elections, it is held on a Saturday, the 27 Aug 2011. Therefore, the following Monday, the 29 Aug 2011, is a School Holiday. The Singapore Elections Department (SED) uses schools and Community Centres (CCs) as polling stations for the respective districts. Those schools which are being used as polling stations have been informed earlier already. Therefore, the SED orders all staff and students of those schools to clear the school permises by 2pm on the afternoon of 26 Aug 2011, Friday. After which, the Principal of the school has to ensure that all his/her staff and students have cleared the school permises before handing the school over to the Singapore Election Department(SED) Authorities.

Voting procedures will be quite similar to the procedures for the previous PM (Prime Minister) elections held earlier this year. (Please refer to my blogs posted earlier this year). Just to recap, A polling card will be sent to each Voter's home.
That polling card will contain his/her name, NRIC No., Polling verification No. and the polling station he/she is supposed to report to on the 27 Aug 2011. All polling stations will be open from 9am on the 27 Aug 2011 to 6pm on the 27 Aug 2011. Voters are free to visit their designated polling stations to cast their votes between 9am and 6pm on the 27 Aug 2011. Police officers will be on duty at all the entrances of each polling station to verify the identity of people entering the polling stations. This is to ensure that no one enters the polling stations without having the permission to vote. When the person enters the polling station, police officers on duty inside the stations will ensure that the poller does not use any electronic devices when inside the station. This is to ensure that everyone`s vote is confidential. Each voter will be given a paper containing all the names of the parties standing for the Presedential Elections 2011. The voter is given a seal.

He/she is required to chop the seal on the name of the candidate he/she wishes to vote for. Special assistance will be rendered to disabled people entering the stations. After which, the poller is required to seal his poll card tightly and drop it into a box placed at the exit of the polling station. After which , he/she is required to leave the polling stations Immediately. The results of the election will be released via media like Television(TV), Radio(FM)etc. by 3am the next morning.
This is the whole procedure for Presedential Elections in Singapore. I have also included photos of candidates standing for the Presedential Elections 2011 in Singapore.

In Singapore, its compulsory that all Singapore Citizens cast their votes for any elections held. Anyone who does not adhere to this law without relevant excuse will be barred from voting at future Elections held in Singapore.

Credits: Google, Google Images, Singapore Elections Department

Elections in Singapore

After many years, Sinagpore is again having its elections. For the past yrs, Singapore did not have any oposing party . Now, Singapore has other parties ready to oppose a party , the People`s Action Party also known as PAP. In the moulmein district,a district of Singapore, we have the Workers` Party, also known as WP ready to oppose the PAP. In other districts, we also have other parties contesting against the PAP. As the other parties, which includes WP, are just starting to contest for elections, they are not contesting in many areas of Singapore.We have the different candidates who are standing in the elections from the different parties going around people`s houses and asking them to support them by voting for them.As an election administrator, the Singapore Elections Department(SED) will plan,prepare for and manage the Presendential and Parlimentary Elections in Singapore.


Singapore will be divided into many districts. Each district will have 2 or more candidates opposing each other,one from PAP and the other from other parties. If the PAP wins most of the areas, they will become the ruling party. If the other parties win, they will be the ruling party. As Singapore is divided into different districts, each district will have a voting centre. If there is a higher number of votes for a certain party in only a certain district, then, that party can only take over that area of Singapore. If only the party wins in all the districts in Singapore, then they take over the whole of Singapore. For the past elections, as PAP has been winning, most Singaporeans hope that PAP will win this time again.

In Singapore, it is a law that all Singapore Citizens (SCs)above the age of 21 must have a role in voting. Each SC will recieve a polling card sent by post to his/her home. In that card there will be 4-5boxes. One reading 'PAP' and the other reading other parties` names . Then, he/ she must bring that card to the deignated polling station and then he/she will be given a seal which is supposed to be chopped. He / she chops the seal against the name of the party he/she wishes to vote for. Then,this card is supposed to be sealed and dropped into the polling box which will be placed at the entrance/exit of the polling station. All votes must and will be kept highly confidential at all times. The results of this elections will be released 2 days later via radio or the TV and the newspapers. This is the procedure for elections and voting systems in Singapore. As to allow all Singaporeans to have their own time to vote, voting day will be a public holiday in Singapore.

The designated polling stations will most probably schools and Community Centres
(CCs). As schools are being used as polling stations, the Singapore Elections Department (SED) authorities urges all school principals to ask their students and staff to clear the school permises by 3pm on the afternoon of 06 May 2011. After which,the school will be handed over to the authorities and the security guards
will be replaced by policemen to ensure that no one enters the school permises before the appropriate polling day and time.When entering the polling stations,
all Singaporeans have to produce their ICs (Identification Cards) and their
respective polling cards with their name printed on it to the policemen at the
entrance of the polling stations. This is a security measure taken to ensure that
no one enters the polling station illegally.

As for this year, as polling day falls on the 7th of May 2011, and it is a public holiday. In Singapore, as known, if a Public Holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be officially a school holiday. Thus,this year, as polling day is on a Saturday, which is the 7th May 2011, the following Monday, the 9th of May 2011 is a school holiday. As this is a unexpected,sudden, event and this is the Mid Year Examinations (MYE) period in Singapore , all schools have trouble rescheduling their MY exam papers due to the unexpected Monday Holiday.

Credit(s) : Google Images

Life In India

Every region in India has its own characteristics and traditions, like the palm-leaf houses in the south are nothing similar to the stone houses of the Himalayas or the houseboats of Kashmir. Every state has its own identity which is respected by people all around India and also the world. Family life is equally varied in Indian states. India is a country with many states in which people from different cultures, religions, castes, etc. live. The language, clothings, customs, and traditions of people are influenced by the respective regions they reside in.

Most of the families in India are extended families, wherein every member has his/her own role, often influenced by age and gender. Children are cherished and considered as gifts from God. Children can look forward to continual family support throughout their lives, unlike in other countries. However, they are expected to respect their elders and parents, their wishes and family ties. The family structure in India is typical, wherein there are many wedding customs, which have to be strongly followed by people. Religion, caste, traditional practices, and regional differences influence family structures. Indians are more emotionally attached to the members of their family. Husbands and wives are not allowed to openly display their affection for one another.

Marriage and Family Bonding

Marriage is the joining of two families, and in India, it is regarded as more than an individual's decision. Majority of the marriages are arranged by parents. The prospective bride and groom are usually supposed to marry someone from their own caste and religious background. Marriage partners are often found through the extended family circle or in urban areas, through newspaper advertisements and marriage bureaus. It also happens that parents may consider a partner for their children first from their own families, like a son marrying an uncle's daughter. If they don't have a match in their own family, then partners from outside their families are considered. Elders use their experience and wisdom to guide younger family members for their future.


Responsibilities and Financial Support

As per traditions followed, men have held the primary responsibility of financially supporting their families. In the urban areas, women have always been working; but lately even in the rural areas, women have started working and contributing to the income of their families. Women are largely responsible for maintaining the household and caring for their children and aged relatives, even though they may have a career.

Living Style

There is also a variety of living conditions in India. Rich urban families enjoy modern homes, servants and cars; whereas, the middle classes usually live in apartments or smaller homes. Poor families live in simple huts or roofed houses. The living standards don't matter much to the people, as they expect peace and life satisfaction, rather than riches or financial prosperity. Large joint families live in big houses that have many rooms.

Changing Trends in Indian Families

Nowadays, traditional roles are changing, especially in urban areas. There are important values shared and followed by most Indian families. But today's young generation who is into the modern age, don't seem to like the traditions and family practices that have been followed by their families for decades. They are more inclined toward the western culture and lifestyle. Indians generally hold family progress, unity and support, in high regard throughout their lives. Lately, more and more people are opting for 'live-in' relationships, a concept that is borrowed from the West. They prefer love marriages instead of marriages that are arranged by their families.

The discussion on family life in India can be continued further, as there are many good things about it. In its entirety, it would suffice to know that people in India look up to family life and this is evident in the dedication of every member within the family.

Credits : Wikipedia, Google

About Pongal

( Source: Google images)
Pongal is a festival celebrated by all Tamilans all over the world regardless of the
reliegon. This festival is clebrated to appreciate the efforts of all the farmers in
all over the world. During this festival, rice mixed with ghee and other spices will be made. This rice is calles 'Pongal'. This Pongalcomesin two different flavours, one with sweetness and the other with no sweetness added. During this festive period, some Dairy Farms will offer to bring over their cows to an area in Singapore called Tekka. People will go and visit these cows. Cow food would be sold at the area at the price of $1 [ SINGAPORE DOLLARS ONE] which can be bought and fed to the cows. This act is carried out for the entetainment of the people who vist there. At home , families wake up early in the morning and take bath and start to make Pongal.
This is quite difficult as it is not a hoiday on that day. So, some families prefer to celebrate this festival after work; in the evening. After which this Pongal is put near the god statue in the house and prayed. Decorations will be made along the Tekka street. The Pongal is then shared between neighbours , friends and other family members.

Credits : Google Images

About Deepavali

Deepavali is a festival celebrated by all Hindus all over the world. This festival is celebrated to celebrate the success of Lord Muruga, a Hindu God, in killing a very
horrible demon, called Naragasura, who used to torcher everybodyin the town, including gods,humans,animals etc.On this day of Deepavali,Hindus wake up as early as 3am in the morning and take an oil bath. This is done as to follow the Lord Muruga
who came home and bathed after he had killed the demon, Naragasura. After that, they go to the temple to worship all the gods and especially, Lord Muruga to thank him
for kiling the demon. Unlike Christmas, Deepavali does not fall on the same day
every year. The date is decided depending on the number of days  in the Indian Calender. On this day, we also give sweets to our relatives, neighbours etc. Decorations will also be made at the street of Tekka, a place in Singapore. Some people decorate their houses with flowers etc. This day is a public holiday in Singapore so as to let Hindu people to celebrate the festival.

Credits: Google Images