GUV – August 2009

(Compiled and Published by J.N. Manokaran ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) on behalf of Glocal Resources Development Associates)

I India

Chennai turns up to support gay march: The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) movement in Chennai hit a new milestone. Young and old of all nationalities and religions gathered on Marina beach, braving the sweltering heat, united by a desire to influence public opinion in favour of a more tolerant society. While pride marches have been held in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi, it is the first time Chennai on 28 June 2009 has hosted an event that celebrates alternative sexuality. About 200 people from the gay community along with their friends and families formed the core group for the march. They included prominent figures from the community such as Kalki, a transgender who runs the Sahodari Foundation and TV chat show host Rose. Scores of others joined in at various points during the evening, holding up placards against Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises homosexuality, or shouting slogans, or just walking along silently to lend support. (Priya Menon, Resource accessed on 29 June 2009)

Former President of India is a humble gentleman, scholar, broad minded humanitarian and a great scientist. In the month of April 2009, he travelled to US in Continental Airlines. While boarding the aircraft he was frisked like any other passenger. The person who did this was just following the law of the US that expects all American owned airlines frisk passengers before boarding. The great gentleman did not complain or make it a public tamasha. The Civil Airlines ministry got a wind of this and gave notice to the Continental Airlines in July 2009.

Chennai Insights

News Release

Inform and Transform Urbanites

We are glad to inform you that CHENNAI INSIGHTS is the new Christian monthly newsmagazine to be released on 12th October 2009. The magazine would envision Christians to transform cities through the gospel for the Glory of God; equip them for integrated transformation and empower them by networking.

The magazine would have Cover story regarding contemporary and relevant subject; news about Chennai, rare photos, poems, cartoons, columns, stories, book marks…etc.

We look forward to your partnership. This is how we like you to be our partners:

Contributing writers: We welcome writers to submit articles, stories, poems, cartoons and other edifying information for the magazine.
Donors and Sponsors: We welcome people who could contribute for the finances to launch this magazine.
Volunteers: We need young people to be our ambassadors by promoting this magazine.
Advertisers: Christian organizations, churches, institutions, professionals are requested to provide advertisements for the magazine.

Please let us know your suggestions and comments.

Yours in His Vineyard,

J.N. Manokaran, P. Ramanathan and A. Rajkumar (Editors and publisher)

For more information, please send e-mail to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Paratwada (Maharastra) Writers Vision Workshop 2009

Thirty one aspiring writers from Akola, Amravati, Paratwada, Chikaldara and Khamgaon gathered on 11 July 2009 at Baptist Christian Association campus, Paratwada.

Pastor Sanjay Diwe welcomed the gathering. Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran shared a devotional message from David and Goliath and then gave the challenge to write from biblical perspective and contemporary context. Rev. P. Ramanathan spoke on writing for transformation and gave definite steps to interpret bible for present day context. Then the writers were divided into groups, who discussed regarding the lessons learnt and also the future plan.