Compiled by GERARD GIMINO, C.ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
THE centuries-old tradition of handcrafting iron and brass locks in Dindigul is facing an uncertain future, Makkal Osai reported.
Dindigul, in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its intricate, hand-crafted locks that are difficult to pick. The trade dates back to the 18th century, during the reign of Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan, and was popularised by Sankaralinga Asari.
However, the industry now faces challenges from mechanisation, cheap mass-produced locks and a shortage of young people willing to learn the trade.
> More than 70 volunteers took part in the annual cleanup of the Damansara Jaya Hindu Cemetery ahead of Deepavali, Malaysia Nanban reported.
One of the organisers, identified as Selvam, said the annual cleanup had been carried out for the past three years at the 80-year-old cemetery.
This year’s effort was supported by local Hindu temples, NGOs, youths, Petaling Jaya City Council officers and other community members.
(The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
