Date:06/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/06/stories/2007070655930600.htm

Tamil Nadu

e-Forum inaugurated

Special Correspondent

TAMBARAM: All India Congress Committee member Karthi Chidambaram on Wednesday inaugurated the e-Forum of the Department of Commerce (Self-financed stream) of Madras Christian College here.

He said the “English speaking middle class” had benefited the most ever since liberalisation and globalisation policies were ushered in the 1990’s. But despite this, the class had a great amount of distrust in a lot of things, including politics.

Urging educated middle class youth to take up politics, he asked them to make a beginning by voting in elections. Pointing out that the present image of politics was largely due to its portrayal by popular media, including films, Mr. Karthi Chidambaram remarked: “You cannot reform politics by staying away.”

He also called upon the youth to think of exploring alternate avenues to create business models.

Stating that though the country had made great achievements in space science and other forms of technology, there were plenty of problems at the grassroots level, sanitation for instance.

Referring to media reports on Tuesday on the condition of public toilets in Chennai, Mr. Karti Chidambaram said young business managers and students of commerce and management could explore the possibilities of venturing into this sector by providing good service and making profits, “but not exorbitantly.”

Clients world over looked forward to manufacturing companies’ compliance to norms and commitment to environment protection and labour welfare. ’ While setting up business establishments, profits should not be the only motive, but meeting the expectations of all stakeholders in their organisations was important, Mr. Karti Chidambaram said.

Florence John, Head of the Department, and Annet Pearl, Staff Advisor, were present.