S P O T L I G H T

Chandra Shekhar postpones rally
PATNA, Jan 28 (PTI) — Former Prime Minister and Samajwadi Janata Party President Chandra Shekhar on Sunday postponed his rally keeping in view the earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Gujarat and took out a silent procession in protest against the Centre’s “anti-people and anti-nation” economic policy. Later, a five-member party delegation headed by state president Ram Sunder Das called on Bihar Governor V.C. Pande and handed over a memorandum asking the latter to communicate their protest to the Centre. 

‘Thikkodiyan’ passes away
KOZHIKODE, Jan 28 (PTI) — Eminent Malayalam playwright and literary figure Thikkodiyan died at his residence here on Sunday following a brief illness. Thikkodiyan was 84 and is survived by a daughter. He had been ailing for the past few months. “Thikkodiyan” was the pen-name of P Kunhanandan Nair, who had started his career with the All India Radio. He had won several awards, including the Vayalar Award and honours from the Kendriya Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sahitya Academy for his contributions to theatre.