Noted music director M S Vishwanathan has bagged this year's 'Kamukara award'. At a news conference held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, the judging committee members and office-bearers of Kamukara Foundation said that Vishwanathan was selected for the award in recognition of his decade long contributions to the Malayalam cinema. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a plaque designed by artist Bhattathiri. The award would be presented to MSV, at a function organised on December 14 at the Senate hall Thiruvananthapuram. The ministers and eminent personalities from film field would be participate in the function. The Judging committee for the award consisted of Perumbavoor G Raveendranath, Dr Leela Omcheri, Ezhacheri Ramachandran, Poovachal Khader, Saraswathi Amma and V K Narayanan.
Dhanalakshmi Q2 net jumps
Friday, October 31, 2003
MUMBAI: Kerala-based Dhanalakshmi Bank has posted a 84.4% rise in its net profit at Rs 3.2 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, ‘03 as against Rs 1.7 crore in same period last fiscal even as it plans to grow business over Rs 4,000-crore mark by this fiscal. The total income for the reporting quarter grew by 10.7% to Rs 69.5 crore from Rs 62.7 crore in the July-September ‘02, bank managing director B Muthuswamy told reporters here today. The total interest income for the quarter grew marginally to Rs 49.1 crore from Rs 48.1 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year, while the other income was up at Rs 20.3 crore (Rs 14.6 crore), Mr Muthuswamy said. The private sector bank’s net profit and total income for the six months ended September 30, stood at Rs 8.5 crore (Rs 6.9 crore) and Rs 91.8 crore (Rs 94 crore) respectively, he added.
NSS in support of the Antony
Friday, October 31, 2003
Nair Service Society (NSS) General Secretary P K Narayana Panicker and Assistant Secretary Sukumaran Nair today came out in support of the A K Antony government in Kerala. Talking to media persons at the NSS Headquarters at Perunna, the NSS leaders made it clear that without budging from the organisation's declared equidistant stance, the NSS would oppose any move to oust the Antony Government. There was no administrative crisis in the state, they said in reply to a question.
Peace programme to mark Kerala Day
Friday, October 31, 2003
An innovative, inter-religious peace and value education programme, in tune with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, will commence in Kerala tomorrow, the 47th anniversary of the birth of the state. Christened "The Kerala Regeneration Project" (KRP) against the backdrop of the recent Marad carnage and the increasing incidence of domestic, social and political violence, the pilot project is intended to combat the twin evils of communalism and consumerism stalking the state. Launched by the Hyderabad-based Dharma Bharathi Foundation, in cooperation with the Kottayam-based Mahatma Gandhi University and a number of concerned organizations and individuals, the KRP will train and develop a network of activists and peer groups to work amongst the people, especially the youth, to engender and promote a spirit of friendship and camaraderie. This action programme to promote peace and value education through a committed cadre of trained men and women is a "creative response" to the increasing negativism and violence in society, a release by the Dharma Bharathi Foundation said here today. Dharma Bharathi's Spiritual Home and Training Center to impart the required inter-religious leadership training is nearing completion at Mulanthuruthy in the state. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil will bless and inaugurate the KRP at St Teresa's College in Ernakulam tomorrow. Justice VR Krishna Iyer and Prof. Sukumar Azhikode will be the Guests of Honour at the function in which Dr Cyriac Thomas, Vice-Chancellor, MG University, is to deliver the Keynote Address. Swami Satchidananda Bharathi, the Acharya Guru of Dharma Bharathi, will preside over the event. There will also be cultural programmes on national integration and communal harmony by the students of the St Teresa's College and the Viswa Vidya Matt.
Abortions in Kerala increase
Friday, October 31, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 A survey by a women's magazine in Kerala has revealed a substantial increase in the number of medical termination of pregnancies (MTP), 45 percent of which are done on women between 18 and 25. Reacting to the survey conducted by Vanitha magazine from the stables of the Malayala Manorama group, senior gynaecologist Leela Mathew said the availability of abortion inducing medicines have contributed to the trend. The medicine is taken within the first six weeks of pregnancy. Even after six weeks, MTPs are easy. They are done on the operating table with the patient being discharged the same evening in most cases. According to the state health department, induced abortions in government-run hospitals shot up from 16,339 in 1999 to 43,368 in 2001-02. The Vanitha survey has other revealing sidelights, pointing to societal changes and trends. Close to nine percent of MTPs are performed on women who get pregnant while their husbands are working abroad. Women who have been exploited at the workplace constitute eight percent of all MTPs in the state. Women who have been sexually exploited by relatives also figure significantly. As do women who live abroad but come home for MTPs. Discussing the trend of increasing MTPs, Mathew said: "This new medicine for MTP has been available in the market for the last two years and in Kerala recently." "In the government we do all the required paperwork, but I doubt whether this is being done in the private sector," Mathew told . According to the health department, there are 651 government and private hospitals in the state that have the required licence to perform MTPs. Of these, only 330 hospitals keep proper records. "It has come to our notice that MTPs are being done in hospitals where there is no gynaecologist. Doctors have to work against this if it has to be stopped," said state Health Minister P. Sankaran. "I understand that doctors charge anything between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 for performing an abortion. It is lucrative business for them," Sankaran told .
U.S. foundation to spread computer education in Kerala schools
Friday, October 31, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 The American India Foundation (AIF), which has offices in the U.S. and India, has teamed up with the Kerala government to spread computer education in schools in the state. The foundation will draw up a strategy to roll out its Digital Equaliser Programme (DEP) in partnership with state's ongoing IT@School project. This was decided after Srimathi Prasad, director, DEP, held discussions with Aruna Sundararajan, IT secretary, and P. Mara Pandiyan, general education Secretary, here Thursday. IT@School is a project launched by the state education department that envisages computer training in over 2,400 across in Kerala. Similarly, the foundation's Digital Equalizer Programme provides computers, software, Internet access and training to children and teachers in underprivileged schools in India. Last month the Kerala State IT Mission that runs the IT@School project had an understanding with AIF. The foundation will commit to raise at least $100,000 to set up DEP centres in Kerala. The Kerala government will match the amount under its IT@School programme by supplying hardware to the DEP schools, an official release said.
Thalassery court completes 200 years
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
THALASSERY: "They put a thief to death for stealing a single nut or even a grain of seed of any fruit. Hence thieves are unknown among them," wrote Moroccan traveller Ibn Batuta who travelled through Malabar during the 14th century. Malabar's judicial system got transformed into the formal judicial administration with the arrival of the British. The Thalassery court they set up in Malabar has turned 200 now, a milestone in the country's judicial administration. It was in 1802 that the court was set up separating judicial powers from the executive administration. Significantly, Thalassery's links with the judicial system dates back even further. The British rule over Thalassery was established in 1792, and the Provincial court established by them was presided over by three judges, two of whom functioned as mobile circuit courts in turn. The North Malabar Zilla court came into being by the end of 1802. H Clephen was the first District Judge. After much chronological evolution the Zilla court became the District and Sessions court in 1875. The best visible sign of the court's pristine judicial tradition here is virtually the 'Seat of Justice' itself. The ceremonial chair on which the District judge sits at the main court hall made by the British is believed to be almost as old as the Zilla court. Interestingly, a good many of the District Judges who served at Thalassery were later known as authors of books on erstwhile Malabar. W Logan, the Collector of Malabar who also took charge as District judge in June 1873, wrote the Manual of Malabar, an authoritative document on the province. Malabar Laws and Customs was another work done by Lewis Moore, another District judge who took over in 1885. The book is an in-depth study on partition, adoption, marriage, role of elders and property rights in the Malabar region at the time. The library of the Thalassery Bar Association is named after J W Reid who served as District judge in 1869. Reid had a large collection of books which later became part of the library of the Bar Association. E N Overbury, another British man who served as District judge here in 1879, wanted to construct a picnic spot at the cliff near the Municipal stadium here. He couldn't complete it, but the spot later earned the name "Overbury's Folly". Perhaps, a much familiar name among the people here is W Holloway who worked as the District judge in 1859 because the road from the Thalassery courts to the Judge's residence and Bishop's House is now known as 'Holloway Road'. The most valuable treasure-house of the court here is its Record room where the judgments delivered right from 1802 are preserved. An original hand-written judgment delivered in 1802 is one of precious documents preserved at the record room. Noted Malayalam writer Chandu Menon was serving as a judge at the court here when he wrote Indulekha, the first Malayalam novel. As many as 12 courts including four District and Sessions courts are functioning at the Thalassery court complex now.
Traders, police clash at Palayam
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The vegetable vendors at the Palayam market here clashed with the police this morning after a policeman allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10 from the driver of a goods carrier. The trouble started when the cop tried to assault the driver, Ashraf, for refusing to pay the amount. The head-load workers and traders in vicinity reportedly manhandled the policeman. Two vegetable vendors suffered minor injuries, when a large contingent of police, which reached the spot used force to disperse the crowd. A constable who was injured was admitted to Beach Hospital. The police also took some traders into custody for ‘inciting’ violence. Traders then along with the head-load workers marched to the City Commissioner Office. The tense situation was diffused after Police Assistant Commissioner Chakkeri Abubacker intervened. The protestors dispersed following the assurance that departmental action would be initiated against the policeman. All those who were taken into custody were released in the evening.
State’s first IT Technopolis to be ready by November next year
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
KOCHI: Technopolis, a nine-storey state-of-the-art IT park housing a roof-top restaurant, a full-fledged gymnasium, travel desks, ATMs, banks and a library-cum-information bureau, will be ready for occupation by November 2004. The IT park project is being established at a two-acre plot at the Cochin Special Economic Zone, Kakkanad, by the Muthoot Pappachan Group with a project cost of Rs 35 crore. Technopolis is expected to provide employment opportunities for at least 3000 IT/ITES professionals. Managing Director Thomas John Muthoot told reporters here on Tuesday that the group has engaged Jurong Infrastructure (India), part of JTC Corporation, Singapore, to provide the urban planning, architecture, engineering and construction services for the development of Kerala’s first IT Technopolis. ‘‘When completed, Technopolis 2004 will be an architectural landmark with a high-tech and user-friendly environment of international standards for its tenants,’’ he said. Construction work of the park will commence next week. ‘‘The Technopolis will provide a work-play-live-system.’’ he said. Jurong has the expertise and track record in design and development of high-tech parks and campuses in India, such as the International Tech Park (ITPL) and IT Corridor in Bangalore, Hitech City Phase 3 and the most recent iLabs Campus in Hyderabad. ‘‘We are confident that the Technopolis will be functional as well as aesthetic. This is a forward-looking partnership backed by the development foresight of the Muthoot Pappachan Group and Jurong (India)’s international experience,’’ said Rao Manukutla, chief executive officer of Jurong (India). While 60 percent of the space at the Technopolis will be offered for sale, the remaining space will be leased out, said Thomas Muthoot. Another feature of the Technopolis is the parking space for over 200 cars built into the IT complex. Technopolis will offer the lowest cost per square foot compared to other IT Parks and the operational costs will be less than 50 percent compared to the rest of the country. CLEARED IN A DAY: Rao Manukutla said the application for the Technopolis project was cleared by the CSEZ officials in a day a record that cannot be matched even by the US. It took Jurong 45 days to receive clearance for its designs of IT Parks at Bangalore and Hyderabad. ‘‘At CSEZ, we gave the designs in the morning and they were cleared by evening. It takes more time in the US,’’ he said.
Be cautious against CPM's 'evil designs': Antony
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
PATHANAMTHITTA: Chief Minister A K Antony has cautioned the people against the 'evil designs' of the CPM in the backdrop of the ensuing by-election in the Tiruvalla Assembly constituency. Inaugurating UDF candidate Elizabeth Mammen's election convention at St John's Cathedral auditorium in Tiruvalla on Tuesday, Antony said that the people of Chengannur-Tiruvalla-Kuttanad area would remember the anti-farmer attitude of the CPM which launched the "vettinirathal" campaign. Recalling the contributions of Mammen Mathai, Antony said that the development programmes initiated by him for the benefit of the constituency were immense. They covered all fields like agriculture, industry and service sectors, he added. Presiding over the function, KPCC president K Muraleedharan recalled Mammen Mathai's credible role as a people's representative by taking up public causes. He called upon democratic forces to work for the victory of Elizabeth. In a deliberate attempt to embarrass Antony, Muraleedharan remarked that the large chunk of NRI population in Tiruvalla should be a factor to be reckoned with in the byelection. Revenue Minister K M Mani said that the various development programmes undertaken by Mammen Mathai for the constituency should be continued. Mani called upon the people to repose their confidence in the UDF candidate to ensure this. Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty said that the role played by the late MLA in taking up the problems of public sector undertakings like Traco Cables or Travancore Sugars was noteworthy.
Kakkakarumban, Walayar Check Post and Sethurammayar battle for Christmas
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Swargachitra Appachan is back with three Malayalam films. The films that he bought are Joshi's film starring Dilip and Kavya Madhavan, which has been named Walayar Check Post, K Madhu's Mammootty film Sethurammayar and Sidharthan's Kakkakarumban. All these films will be released during the coming Christmas season. Mohanlal's Hariharanpilla Happy Aaanu will be the first film to be released for Christmas. Viswanathan directs the film. Vipin Mohan's Pattanathil Sundaran for Liberty Thara starring Dilip and Navya Nair is another film, which will be released during the season. Shafi's Jayasurya, Kavya film will also be released for Christmas.
Satyan- Jayram- Sheela film
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
The shooting of Sathyan Anthikadu's film starring Jayaram and Sheela is in progress at Pattambi. The selection of the heroine has not been done yet.The film tells a story of the kindness and well being of innocent villagers. Chacko Mappila and son Reji work hard to make their end meet but still they do not hesitate to help any needy person in the village. Their neighbor Kochu Thresya a rich middle-aged woman stays alone with no relatives or kith and kin. Reji's family is very close to Kochu Thresya. Thresya seeing the financial sufferings of Reji decides to pave way to get them financially secured. This lands both the families in trouble. Sheela, after a 17-year sabbatical is making a comeback as Kochu Thresya in this untitled film. Her reentry film is Viral Thubil Aaro directed by Ismail Hassan. Innocent is Chacko and Jayaram is Reji. Nedumudi Venu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Siddique and KPAC Lalitha too act in this film. Subair produces this film under the banner of Varnnachitra. The story is by Ranjan Pramod of Meesha Madhavan fame. Lyrics by Girish Puthencherry and music by Ilayaraja are the credits. The film is expected to release in Christmas.
I.V. Sasi's daughter debuts in Malayalam
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Film director I V Sasi and actress Seema's daughter Anu is all set to debut in a film and that too in her father's film. She will be seen in I V Sasi's latest film Symphony opposite Siva, a newcomer. Anu wants to follow the footsteps of her mother. Altogether six songs have been recorded. Also include Jagathy, Sudheesh, Jagadhish etc. Famous Bollywood model Anjana Varma has also been signed as another heroine. Mahesh Mitra writes the script for the film, which is produced by Thankachan under the banner of Egna Films. The shooting of the film will start at the end of this month in Kottayam.
Old is Gold
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Sheela the yesteryear heroine had dominated the Malayalam screen during 70’s along with Prem Nazir. One of the greatest romantic pair in Indian cinema, they had done over 100 films and featured in Guinness Book of World Records! Sheela who had called it a day and took retirement more than a decade ago is back once again in front of the camera. She has signed two films and is staging a comeback in powerful character roles. She is currently shooting for Satyan Anthikkad’s untitled new film with Jayaram and Innocent near Pattambi. She plays Kochu Thresia, a 60 plus rich lonely lady who is jovial and talkative living in a huge farmhouse. She has everything in life except someone to love and care for her. Jayaram and Innocent are her neighbours and the heroine is a new face. Said Satyan: She has an amazing screen presence and her character dominates the film all along. This film has music by Ilayaraja, camera by Azhagappan and script by Ranjan Pramod. The cast also has Nedumudi Venu, Oduvil Unnikrshnan, Siddique and K.P.A.C.Lalitha. -Sify.com
Lal Jose and Dileep’s Albhuthavilakku
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Hitmaker Lal Jose and popular actor Dileep are to team again after their super hit Meesha Madhavan in Albhuthavilakku. It is to be scripted by Benny P Nayarambalam. To be produced by Rajagopal, the film would commence after Dileep completes his present assignments, namely the Rafi-Mecartin film and the Joshi film. Though more details regarding Albhuthavilakku are yet to be known, it is said that the film is likely to be released on July 4 next year, the date being considered Dileep’s lucky date.
7 killed in two seperate road accidents
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Seven killed in two seperate road accidents 27-October-2003 PALAKKAD: Five people, including two children were killed and ten injured, four of them critically, when the van in which the Christian pilgrims were travelling collided with a lorry at Kulavanmukku on the Palakkad-Thrissur section of NH 47, early today. Police said the victims, belonging to Kuttikkad at Chalakkudy in Thrissur, were returning home after offering prayers at the famous Velankanni shrine in Tamil Nadu when the accident occurred. The dead were identified as Rappai, 55, Sini, 25, Dally, 35, Ajay, 3 and Blessy, 13. The inured were hospitalised. In yet another accident, two persons were killed this morning at Karunagappally near Kollam. Those dead were identified as Dr Ramesh Kumar working in Shanthi Hospital and his daughter Sarada, a first year MBBS student of Alappuzha Medical College. Sources said the car in which they were travelling collided with a mini lorry. Sarada and her two friends were on their way back to the college with Dr Ramesh Kumar.
Glass powder found in two batches of Annapoorna iodised salt
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two batches of Annapoorna iodised salt was banned by the Health Department on Monday. Health Director Dr V.K. Rajan told that batch numbers 66 and 67 of Annapoorna iodised salt were banned following the report from the analytical lab that it contained glass powder. The salt was tested in the lab following a complaint filed by C. Mammooty MLA.
Vayalar Ramavarma award for noted playback singer P Leela
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
THRISSUR: Popular playback singer P.Leela has been selected for the first award instituted by the Vayalar Ramavarma Foundation Society. The award, consisting of Rs 10,001 and plaque, will be presented to the singer by actor Jagathi Srikumar at a here on November one, Society secretary P.V.Sunil announced at a press conference yesterday.
Kochi figure in cruise tourism project
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
MUMBAI: The Ministry of Shipping and the Department of Culture have joined hands to offer cruise tourism by setting up circuit ports along the East and West coast, bringing in the much-awaited "cruism" culture to the country. It is creating a cruise circuit of five ports -- Kochi ,Mumbai, Murmagoa, New Mangalore , on the West coast and the Tuticorin Port on the East coast, said Union Minister for Shipping Shatrughan Sinha. The Ministry has already constituted a committee headed by Mumbai Port Chairperson Rani Jadhav to look into the marketing and infrastructure facilities for promoting cruise tourism. Currently, cruise tourism in India is limited to the backwaters of Kerala despite the country having a coastline of 7,000 km. It is learnt that the Tourism Department will share the expenditure for building cruise infrastructure at the port premises. Tourism Joint Secretary Amitabh Kant, while addressing a cruise tourism seminar at Mumbai had announced the government scheme to fund projects for infrastructure creation to meet the viability gap. In November, the Port-Tourism team will also offer a variety of tourist packages to leisure travellers. India is the seventh most preferred tourist destination and the trend reveals that the number of Indians going in for leisure travel is shooting up. According to Rani Jadhav, 26,000 Indians opted for the international cruise major Star Cruise for liesure travel during the last year. The passenger base of India was around 30,000 in 2002 and it is expected to go up, she said. The global cruism industry is growing at 80 per cent annually, which is higher than world tourism. The worldwide revenue on this is calculated at 14 billion dollar. Cruise shipping, hit hard by September 11, 2001 attacks and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) saw a dramatical fall in booking, but is now poised for recovery with new destinations and routes. The fleet size and number of passengers are expected to double in ten years, she said. "Already eight cruise liners had called at Mumbai Port and more cruise liners are expected this fiscal,"said Jadhav. The Mumbai Port has a dedicated passenger berth and temporary facilities for immigration and other formalities, she added.
PCB member-secretary manhandled
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A group of Yuva Janata Dal activists barged into the office of State Pollution Control Board member-secretary K.V. Indulal here on Monday, manhandled him and forcibly poured Coca-Cola into his mouth accusing him of suppressing PCB reports against Cola companies. Police later arrested seven YJD workers in connection with the incident. The attack on SPCB member-secretary comes close on the heels of 'trial by people' of a doctor at Muvattupuzha on Saturday and gheraoing of the Health Director here on Monday. The workers, led by YJD district president Panjakuzhi Wilsakumar, entered the SPCB office by 12 noon and held talks with the Board chairman Paul Thachil. The chairman told them that he was not aware of any suppression of reports by any official, following which the agitators targeted Indulal. The workers barged into the office of Indulal and garlanded him with bottles of Coca-Cola and Pepsi and manhandled him. They also made him drink Coca-Cola and Pepsi and poured the soft drinks over his head. The other officials of the Board were prevented by YJD workers from entering Indulal’s room. The police arrested the agitators when the situation worsened. The arrested were later produced before the court and remanded. The YJD workers shouted slogans alleging that the Board officials had accepted bribe from the Cola companies to keep under wraps a study report by the Board that the Cola companies had been causing pollution. The activists also demanded action against the officials concerned. Interestingly, Health Minister P.Sankaran who is in charge of the Pollution Control Board has been spared by the YJD activists. A meeting of SPCB employees in the afternoon condemned the incident and urged the Government to take stern action against those behind the attack and to ensure safety at the office.
SBI plans to set up second offshore unit in Kerala
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to open a second Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) in Kerala's commercial capital Kochi. SBI chairman AK Purwar told a news conference on Wednesday: "As a result of this operation, exporters and importers will be able to benefit hugely. This is meant for foreign exchange business operations. "Everything is ready and it will be opened any time." Currently the lone OBU of SBI is located in Mumbai. After Kochi, OBUs will open at Kandla and Surat as well. "The Kochi OBU will be located in the Cochin Export Processing Zone where we already have a branch," he said. He said SBI was doing "extremely well" in Kerala and the bank planned to start several new schemes to enhance the credit deposit ratio. SBI, along with its associate State Bank of Travancore, has a lion's share of the banking business in Kerala. SBI has 231 branches with a total deposit of Rs 65 billion.
Five killed in Kerala road mishap
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Five persons, including two children and a woman, were killed and 14 others injured when the van they were travelling in collided with a truck at Kuzhalmannam in the early hours on Monday , police said. The occupants of the van, all from Chalakkudi in Thrissur district, were returning from a pilgrimage to Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. The condition of the four injured was stated to be serious, they said. The injured were admitted to hospitals here and in Thrissur.
Karunakaran group defies high command
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
PATHANAMTHITTA: Defying the directive of the Congress high command, Karunakaran group supporters held the district convention here on Monday. They pledged to go ahead with the proposed group meetings across the State. Inaugurating the convention, Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan said that the group leaders were ready to face any inquiry or action by the high command. However, such proceedings should be impartial. He said that the Ernakulam by-election verdict had proved that the Congress workers were alienated from Chief Minister A.K. Antony. He said that UDF convener Oommen Chandy had failed to coordinate the constituents of UDF and his activities would cause a split in the Congress. Health Minister P. Sankaran said the present critics of Karunakaran were opponents of Indira Gandhi when she contested from Chikamangalur. Sankaran vowed to remain with Karunakaran and said that for the Congress workers of the State, Karunakaran was their high command. Sankaran said that those who campaigned against Karunakaran and his supporters could not even win a panchayat election. P.C. Chacko said that conventions of the Karunakaran group would be held as scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Thrissur. P.P. Thankachan said that Oommen Chandy had no moral right to continue as the UDF convener. MLAs E.M. Augusthy, P.P. George, Malethu Saraladevi and Adoor Prakash, KPCC general secretaries Rajmohan Unnithan, N. Venugopal and K.P. Kunhikannan, secretaries K. Pratapan and Ajeeba M. Sahib, Pandalam Sudhakaran and Malayalappuzha Gopalakrishnan, Sadasiva Panicker, DCC general secretaries Shamsudeen and Bijilee Panaveli spoke.
Harvest of history from a paddy field
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
The Kerala government is inviting international marine, archaeological and conservation experts to examine a sailing vessel, believed to be around 920 years old, excavated from a paddy field owned by a physician in Thaikal, a coastal village in Alappuzha. The ship was first noticed when its wooden planks protruded as the field was being tilled. The government's archaeology department started excavations in April 2002 and by June 2003, a large part of the vessel, which is around 22 meters long and 5 meters wide, was pulled out. Sensing its historical significance, the government has now asked international experts to conduct research studies on it. Centre for Heritage Studies Registrar P K Gopi said the government would soon send invitations to experts across the world for a study conference, scheduled tentatively for January next year. "We want international experts to come here and study the ship. We are sure it would throw up many mysteries of history, especially of India's maritime history," Gopi told rediff.com The Kochi-based CHR is a government-funded heritage research institute. Gopi said a large portion of the vessel, including its hull, is intact. "We have arrived at its age after conducting carbon dating tests on its wood," he said. The vessel has been made of sturdy local wood variety, anjili, he said. "But the technique used in making this vessel is not Indian. We believe the ship was made either in China, Japan, Egypt or some Arab country. In the 12th century, lots of people from these countries used to come to the Kerala coast for trading," Gopi said. For centuries Roman, Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, French, Dutch, British and Jewish merchants came to Kerala in search of the state's fabled spices. The ship's discovery has elicited considerable international attention. In May, Professor Ralph Pederson, a marine archaeologist from the Nautical Archaeology Division of the Texas A&M University visited the excavation site. Prof Pederson and some other experts have agreed that the vessel is over 900 years old. The professor has, however, suggested that the remnants of the ship be put to 'thermo luminescent testing' for a more accurate estimate. A team of researchers from the Southampton University visited the excavation site early this year. The researchers working under Dr Lucy Blue, a specialist in maritime archaeology at the university's Centre for Marine Archaeology, spent several days at the site.
Showcause notices will not solve crisis: Muraleedharan
Monday, October 27, 2003
KOZHIKODE: KPCC president K Muraleedharan MP has said the party High Command's showcause notices would not help solve the present crisis faced by the State unit of the Congress. Accusing the High Command for being `selective' in issuing showcause notices, he said this was not the right prescription for the 'disease'. "What we need is a total solution," he said while addressing the mediapersons at his residence here on Sunday. The KPCC president said at present there was deep rift in the party, which has adversely affected the functioning of the Government. Muraleedharan said there was nothing wrong in the statements made by ministers P Sankaran and Kadavoor Sivadasan. "They had only demanded that the KPCC president should be taken into confidence and that senior leader K Karunakaran should be consulted before taking decisions concerning the party." "On the contrary, many other Congress leaders are crossing all limits while making allegations against Karunakaran," he added. On the secret parleys he had with IUML leaders on Saturday, Muraleedharan said discussions were based on the resolution adopted at the recently held IUML Working Committee meeting. "The leaders said an IUML delegation will convey the party decisions on the factional feud in the Congress to the High Command," he said. When asked about the reported statement made by Forest Minister K Sudhakaran on not revealing the details of funds mobilised by the KPCC for constructing new party building, Muraleedharan said he was ready to disclose the details about the utilisation of the funds. "If any body raises allegations that I misappropriated funds, I will file a defamation suit against him," he added.
State's lack of youth joints may hamper IT growth
Monday, October 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as Kerala woos technology firms, company officials and footloose and fancy free employees say one of the biggest problems of the state is the lack of discothèques, pubs and leisure facilities. The Kerala government is busy trying to get IT firms to set up shop in the state, particularly in the Technopark here. But the lack of hangout joints where busy employees, mostly youngsters, can let their hair down after a hard day's work, is seeing cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad gain an edge. "It is difficult to get high profile IT professionals from elsewhere in the country to come to Kerala because what we lack is a cosmopolitan outlook and facilities. "The social infrastructure is lacking. Nor do we have the facilities at Technopark, even though there is a club that has come up recently," said V.K. Mathews, chairman of IBS, one of the biggest IT companies in Technopark. Thiruvananthapuram still does not have a discotheque, nor are there beer pubs or a club with these facilities near the Technopark campus. The nearest clubs the city provides are at least 17 km away and access is restricted to members. "Also, despite the government saying it is promoting IT in Kerala, politicians and the bureaucracy are found wanting." "Why talk only about here, I was really surprised and so were my Australian clients who were told at a hotel in Kovalam that beer couldn't be supplied.
AICC move unlikely to solve problems: 'I' faction
Monday, October 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sending a clear signal that the AICC move to seek explanation from four party leaders was not going to defuse the crisis in Congress in Kerala, KPCC President K Muraleedharan has said disciplinary action would 'only complicate problems further.' Unfazed by the move, two Karunakaran loyalists in the Antony cabinet strongly defended their arguing in favour of the senior leader. While the Antony camp chose to remain silent on the AICC decision, Karunakaran loyalist and Power Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan said he had only aired some "truths" about the state party affairs and wasn't worried about the consequences. Health Minister P Sankaran, another Karunakaran nominee in the A K Antony cabinet, said he had not criticised the chief minister but had only praised the services of Karunakaran. When contacted, the chief minister's office said Antony did not want to comment on the development. Reports had it that along with two "I" faction ministers, forest minister K Sudhakaran and P T Thomas, MLA, from anti-Karunakaran factions, were likely to be asked to explain their public comments on party affairs in the wake of the current bout of infighting in the party.
Sharp reactions to AICC disciplinary notice
Monday, October 27, 2003
The decision of the Congress leadership to serve 'show-cause notice to three state ministers and an MLA, for violating party discipline, has evoked mixed but sharp reactions from different leaders. No regret, says P Sankaran Meanwhile, State Health Minister P Sankaran, against whom the AICC has issued notice, said that he has no regrets over his comments. " I don't know why this notice was issued, If supporting Karunakaran and praising him is a mistake, I'll continue to commit the same mistake again," he said in Thrissur on Sunday. Karthikeyan says this won't serve he purpose In a related development, State Culture Minister G Karthikeyan said that while only a concerted effort could solve the issues within the party and not any disciplinary action. " Of course, disciplinary action is required against those who committed indiscipline. But here only a concerted effort would solve the issue," he said in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. It is the responsibility of all, says K V Thomas State Tourism Minister K V Thomas, reacting to the AICC action, said that if there are problems in the party and the UDF, it should be solved within and not outside the set up. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, he said that those who allege that the government functioning has been affected due to the political crisis are also equally responsible for this stalemate.
Kerala fest logo released
Monday, October 27, 2003
CHENNAI: The UK Deputy High Commissioner to India, Stuart Innes, released the logo of third Global Kerala Festival 2003 to be held in London from November 7-10. The function was recently held at the residence of the Deputy High Commissioner here and attended by non-resident Keralites from Chennai and elsewhere. The festival, with the UK's House of Commons as one of its venues, will have close to 100 delegates from Chennai. According to the organisers, the festival would be a combination of seminars on areas of development in Kerala as well as an attempt to showcase the state's cultural traditions.
4 Christmas films
Monday, October 27, 2003
Four Malayalam films will be released during the coming Christmas season. Mohanlal's Hariharanpilla Happy Aaanu will be the first film to be released. Viswanathan directs the film. Just one more song sequence is left to be picturised. Siddharth's Kakkakarumban is the second Malayalam film. Swargachithra will release both these films. Vipin Mohan's Pattanathil Sundaran for Liberty Thara starring Dilip and Navya Nair is another film, which will be released during the season. Shafi's Jayasurya, Kavya film will also be released
Sethuramayyar in Thiruvananthapuram
Monday, October 27, 2003
Sethuramayyar in T'puram: The shooting of the third part of CBI Diary Kurup titled Sethuramayyar started on October 15 in Thiruvananthapuram. The film starring Mammootty and Mukesh is expected to finish in fifty days. The film is directed by K Madhu and will have script by S N Swamy.
Thangal's green signal to change Antony
Monday, October 27, 2003
Thangal's green signal to change Antony MALAPPURAM: Indian Union Muslim League state president Panakkad Shihab Ali Thangal gave green signal to the demand of many corners to change Antony from chief ministership. Muslim League is the second biggest party in the ruling United Democratic Front. The leaders took such a decision considering the emotion of the state working committee meeting on Friday. Till now the Muslim League was not taking part in the factional rift in the Congress party. But now they have forced to take such a step and decided to work to form a new government. As the first step in connection with forming new government, Muslim League leaders contacted Kerala Congress Mani group and held talks. One of the senior leaders told this correspondent that Mani has deserted Antony. IUML general secretary E AHammed and Industries Minister PK Kunhalikkutty would hold discussions with all allies in the UDF. IUML would not project any other congress leader for the chief ministership instead the party should find one other than Antony.
Four Minister's to get showcause notice
Monday, October 27, 2003
NEW DELHI: Congress High Command decided to issue show cause notice to four congress ministers for airing allegations against government and congress leaders after the Ernakulam by-election. Ministers Kadavoor Sivadasan, P Sankaran, Prof KV Thomas and K Sudhakaran would get the notice. Ministers Kadavoor and Sankaran are getting notice for criticizing Chief Minister AK Antony and Ministers Thomas and Sudhakaran have to answer for criticizing senior leader K Karunakaran and KPCC president K Muraleedharan. Though a decision in principle have been taken for issuing show cause notice, AICC general secretary Ahammed Patel denied to announce it yesterday. He added High Command cannot remain inert. This decision to issue show cause notice to both Karunkaran loyalists and others shows that congress party is not in favour of another split. The present decisions of High Command shows that they do not have full faith in AK Antony. Earlier Antony has the support of Muslim League and the by-election results prove it as wrong. IUML general secretary E Ahamed while met Sonia Gandhi said they prefer a leadership change in Kerala.
Kerala to develop 'tourism zones'
Sunday, October 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will soon have Special Tourism Zones (STZs) and Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kochi and Munnar are likely to be among the proposed areas. "The government will shortly promulgate the Kerala Tourism Conservation, Preservation and Trade Ordinance notifying the STZs and constituting a Tourism Conservation and Preservation Panel (TCPP),"said a senior official of the Department of Tourism. He said only areas with high tourism potential would be declared as STZs. In many of the destinations like Kovalam and Kumarakom, it was high time that the authorities intervened and regulated developmental activities. The Town Planning Department in association with the Centre for Earth Science Studies has conducted a study on the carrying capacity of Kovalam, Kochi, Kumarakom and Munnar and submitted its report to the state tourism department, he added. Under the proposed plan, each destination is to be divided into three zones--prohibitive, restrictive and facilitative. All developmental activities at these destinations will be monitored and controlled. Unauthorised ventures will be curbed and any violation of rules checked. With this end in view, the TCPP will be constituted with adequate powers to suggest developmental activities in the special zones and renovation or modification of existing assets and utilisation of resources in the area. Besides, the panel will also have the power to clear new projects in the area. The State Tourism Secretary will be the Chairman of the proposed TCPP while the Tourism Director will be the convener. Chairpersons of local bodies, a member each from the local panchayat or municipal council will also be
Murali confers with Muneer, Ahmed
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Murali confers with Muneer, Ahmed KOZHIKODE: KPCC President K Muraleedharan held an hour long meeting with Kerala Minister for PWD MK Muneer and Muslim League all-India General Secretary E Ahmed at Kozhikode. It is understood that the discussion centred around change of leadership in Kerala. Both the Muslim League leaders assured Murali that they will get back to him after confabulating with party supremo Shihab Ali Thangal who is at Panakkadu. Though Muneer and Ahmed asked Murali not to do anything to topple the UDF arrangement, the later is understood to have told the duo that it is not possible to carry on with the present leadership. The League leaders told Murali that they too favour a leadership change in Kerala. It is noteworthy that Murali chose to talk it over with Ahmed and Muneer instead of the League legislature party leader PK Kunhalikkutty who is the second-in-command to Shihab Thangal.
Murali at it again: this time against KM Mani
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Murali at it again: this time against KM Mani KOZHIKODE:As if to give a parting kick to his detractors in UDF, KPCC president K Muraleedharan came down strongly against the manner in which KM Mani declared the name of the Kerala Congress (Mani) candidate for the bypoll from Thiruvalla Assembly constituency. "The basic courtesy of discussing the name of the candidate with the allies was thrown to the winds by the Kerala Congress (Mani) leadership which announced the name unilaterally. It seems they have not learnt any lesson from the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll," said Muraleedharan who is actively engaged in parleys with the Muslim League leaders san Kunhalikkutty for toppling the Antony-led ministry. Muraleedharan reminded the KC(M) leaders that in a state like Kerala it is a merer one per cent voters which tilt the balance and under such circumstances, it is one's responsibility to take all concerned into confidence.
LDF to go all out to topple Antony
Sunday, October 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition VS Achuthanandan made it clear beyond all doubt that the CPM led LDF will collaborate with 'anybody' interested in toppling the Antony ministry. "There are no restrictions on with whom we can have discussions about the toppling move. All those who are opposed to the Antony asministration are welcome to join us,"said the Opposition leader while speaking to mediapersons at Thiruvananthapuram. VS justified the actions of Kadavoor Sivadasn and P Sankaran, ministers in the Antony cabinet who is on an Antony bashing mission across the state. "When ministers belonging to the Antony faction criticise and blame Karunakaran at each and every opportunity, how can they remain silent? Otherwise the High Command should come forward to sort out the problems in the state unit of the Congress,"said Achuthanandan.
LDF to field Varghese George
Sunday, October 26, 2003
KOTTAYAM: The Opposition LDF will field Varghese george of Janata Dal (Secular) for the December 1 Assembly bypoll from Thiruvalla. The byelection was necessitated due to the sudden demise of the sitting MLA Mammen Mathai of the Kerala Congress (Mani). The Janata Dal (Secular) parliamentary board which met at Kottayam on Friday decided to field Varghese George as the party candidate for the bypoll. Varghese George had contested from Thiruvalla twice in the past and was defeated on both the occassions.
Thiruvalla: Mani to field Elizabeth Mammen Mathai
Sunday, October 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Elizabeth Mammen Mathai, widow of the deceased MLA Mammen Mathai will be the UDF candidate for the Thiruvalla Assembly bypoll scheduled for December 1. This was announced by the Kerala Congress (Mani) supremo and Revenue Minister KM mani at a press meet here. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Mammen Mathai who has been representing the Thiruvalla constituency for the last three terms.
Kochi to acquire retired warship
Sunday, October 26, 2003
An Indian ship that wrought havoc on the Pakistan Navy during the 1971 war will soon be a tourist attraction in God's Own Country. The Kerala government and navy plan to station INS Chatak, decommissioned this year, off Marine Drive in Kochi. INS Chatak was part of the Osa-II Class missile boats, which were called 'killers'. "We have inspected the ship and we are very impressed by it. We believe it will be a great tourist attraction if we station it here, either in the backwaters or on land. The deal will be finalised soon," Greater Cochin Development Authority chairman Antony Isaac told rediff.com "Many domestic tourists who visit Kochi will be eager to see the ship because it was involved in several heroic battles, especially with Pakistan," he added. The navy has offered the battleship for free. But since it will require money to take it to its new berthing site and maintain it, the GCDA plans to invite private participation in the venture. Initially, the Southern Naval Command wanted to put up INS Chatak on display at its base itself. But since that meant dealing with tourists on its premises, the command decided to gift it. "We are happy the GCDA has come forward to acquire it," a navy spokesperson said. Several decommissioned navy ships have already proved to be good tourist attractions. Mumbai hosts aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and missile boat INS Prabal (at Esselworld). INS Kursura, another retired battleship, is a major attraction at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Cusat once again in the eye of a storm
Saturday, October 25, 2003
KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is once again in the eye of a storm with Wednesday’s KSU-SFI clashes leaving several students seriously injured, property worth lakhs of rupees destroyed and suspension slapped on 22 students. No activities were held on the campus on Thursday. According to Cusat authorities, Post-Graduate level classes are to be resumed on Monday, but nothing has been decided on the B Tech classes. While Cusat has etched an enviable position for itself in the academic scenario nationally, several campus-related incidents in the last two years have left a black mark on the achievements of this centre of excellence. From the sex scandal which rocked the campus in 2001, the death of a fifth semester Fire and Safety Engineering student Vishnu Gopal in Goa, occasional KSU-SFI clashes on the campus, a slew of allegations of dubious appointments at various levels of office and probes into irregularities, down the line Cusat has seen it all. Cusat officials squarely blame rivalry at the under-graduate level between student organisations for Wednesday’s fracas. ‘‘Recent clashes on the campus have been confined to under-graduate levels,’’ vice-chancellor N Unnikrishnan Nair said. According to him, overcrowded under-graduate courses have proved to be a problem in maintaining peace on the campus. At present, 2000 students are undergoing classes in seven under-graduate level courses all self-financing. The matter will also be a point of discussion at the Cusat syndicate meeting on November 1, he said. Measures to prevent similar incidents can be taken only after the judicial inquiry, he added. The involvement of several outsiders has also been a cause of major concern for the Cusat authorities. But considering the geographical proportions of the sprawling campus it would be difficult to prevent unwanted elements entering on the campus, they point out.
Ganesh lashes out at Sivadasan and Shankaran
Saturday, October 25, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Kerala Congress (B) and former Minister of Transport KB Ganesh Kumar has called for a stock taking of the UDF rule in Kerala. Speakingto mediapersons at Thiruvananthapuram, Ganesh Kumar said that the administration in the state has come to a standstill and it needs a thorough overhauling. "There is no governance in Kerala. The entire leadership is engaged in petti squabbles over the fake fax issue and no-confidence motion against the Speaker. In addition to this some members of the cabinet are crying from the rooftop for the blood of the Chief Minister," thundered Ganesh who represents the changing face of the Kerala politics. "I am also sorry that people like MP Gangadharan has become self-appointed advisors to the chief minister AK Antony and it is quite saddening. People remember MP Gangadharan only when they see the big pipes lying all over the state,"said Ganesh. Ganesh also wanted the leadership to convene the UDF meeting at the earliest so that all outstanding issues could be sorted out through discussions and negotiations. "It is not proper for ministers to go to the town and cry for the blood of the chief minister. If they have any difference of opinion with the Chief Minister either they can talk it out or resign from the cabinet,"explained the former Transport Minister who got himself endeared to the people of Kerala with his distinct style of functioning and a no-nonsense approach.
Kerala to develop 'tourism zones'
Saturday, October 25, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will soon have Special Tourism Zones (STZs) and Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kochi and Munnar are likely to be among the proposed areas. "The government will shortly promulgate the Kerala Tourism Conservation, Preservation and Trade Ordinance notifying the STZs and constituting a Tourism Conservation and Preservation Panel (TCPP),"said a senior official of the Department of Tourism. He said only areas with high tourism potential would be declared as STZs. In many of the destinations like Kovalam and Kumarakom, it was high time that the authorities intervened and regulated developmental activities. The Town Planning Department in association with the Centre for Earth Science Studies has conducted a study on the carrying capacity of Kovalam, Kochi, Kumarakom and Munnar and submitted its report to the state tourism department, he added. Under the proposed plan, each destination is to be divided into three zones--prohibitive, restrictive and facilitative. All developmental activities at these destinations will be monitored and controlled. Unauthorised ventures will be curbed and any violation of rules checked. With this end in view, the TCPP will be constituted with adequate powers to suggest developmental activities in the special zones and renovation or modification of existing assets and utilisation of resources in the area. Besides, the panel will also have the power to clear new projects in the area. The State Tourism Secretary will be the Chairman of the proposed TCPP while the Tourism Director will be the convener. Chairpersons of local bodies, a member each from the local panchayat or municipal council will also be on the panel, besides a town-planning official.
Antony calls on Governor
Saturday, October 25, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister AK Antony called on Governor Sikander Bhakt on Thursday evening. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes and have set the grapevine in motion. It was at 1750 hrs the Chief Ministers motorcade went inside the Raj Bhavan premises. Antony did not speak to the waiting mediapersons outside the Raj Bhavan gate. The meeting assumes significance in the background of K Karunakaran calling on the Governor a couple of days back. Political circles attach importance to the CM's meeting with the Governor because of the anti-Antony campaign being carried out by two of his ministerial colleagues P Shankaran and Kadavoor Sivadasan.
Sivadasan, Sankaran on Antony bashing spree
Saturday, October 25, 2003
PALAKKAD/ ERNAKULAM: Kadavoor Sivadasan and P Sankaran, two of the Karunakaran faction ministers in the Antony cabinet are on a mission to demolish the Chief Minister. Both the ministers are attending the Karunakaran faction conventions being organised across the state and speaking against the style of functioning of the Chief Minister. The speeches have been scripted in such a way that the theme is same; Antony has to go.
Leader
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Director : Deepan Cast :Vijaykumar, Aishwarya,Jayaram, Producer : Sidhartha Cine Creations Rating : What happens when the real life of politicians is made into a reel masala with a title Leader? It is nothing but a political caper which could have been aptly titled Congress Politics in Kerala starring K.Karunakaran, A.K.Antony, K.Muralidharan, Umman Chandy, Padmaja Venugopal, Sobhana George and other members of Congress (A) and (I) group! Debutant director Deepan, a former assistant of Shaji Kailas has made this political potboiler with look-alikes of top congress leaders in the state. The censors had butchered the film, as the story is based on newspaper reports about the power struggle between the Congress groups and the naked ambitions of Karunakaran to anoint his son and daughter as his political heirs. The film starts with Thulasidharan (Vijaykumar) promising to bring back his father’s (Leader) regime back. The leader (Jayaram) and his group are dead against the chief minister Thambichan (Rajiv). However Thampichan and his right hand man Eapen Varghese (Sai Kumar) are able to win over Thulasidharan. The rest of the story is all about what has been happening in Kerala politics for the past one year. Why did the censors refuse to give a certificate to this film, which faithfully records the happenings in Kerala politics? Malayalam channels in Kerala have been more aggressive in showing programmes like Cinemala etc where spitting images of Karunakaran and A.K.Antony have been depicted in poor light. So it makes no sense in censoring this regressive piece of political ‘kitchidi’, which is just caricaturing Kerala politics. Any day watching Cinemala on television is better than sitting through this offensively trite and silly caricature of congress culture and caucus politics in Kerala.
Pinarayi, PKV, Murali hold closed door talks
Saturday, October 25, 2003
KOCHI: CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI leader PK Vasudevan Nair and KPCC president K Muraleedharan held closed door talks for nearly an hour here yesterday. The meeting was held at Eloor Fact Guest House and the three leaders were only present and they refuted to comment the details of the discussion The leaders united here to attend the anti-communal seminar organized in connection with CITU district conference. Murali who came earlier went directly to Fact guest house where Pinarayi Vijayan was waiting. After that PKV also reached there. The leaders even posed to the press photographers after their discussions. While asked whether they discussed about the present political situations, Murali said if we three are together what else would be discussion point?
US company to invest $4 million
Saturday, October 25, 2003
DUBAI : Infovista Technology Solutions (ITS), a top-end US IT firm, will invest $4 million in the Infopark Technology park at Kakkanadu near Kochi over a period of five years. ITS, a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of the California-based Infovista Technology, a leading Software Development and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) solutions provider, concluded the agreement on the sidelines of the Gitex 2004 here, K G Girish Babu, Inforpark CEO said. The company intends to make an initial investment of $200,000 for the next quarter (of this year) towards their centre to be located at Infopark, the largest information technology park in India , Samir Rahman, president, Infovista Technology said. Infovista's planned global delivery centre at Kochi will have the capability to serve businesses and offices in the United States and also in the Middle East and Australia .
Discipline needed for development of State: Gouri Amma
Saturday, October 25, 2003
KOLLAM: Minister for Agriculture KR Gouri Amma stated that lack of discipline and truthfulness among the people and the political parties the State is not heading for a development. To become a prosperous state discipline and truthfulness is must she added while inaugurating the Sree Narayana College of Technology here yesterday. She remembered her stay at Gulf countries and added that the Malayalees there are working from morning seven to night nine. And gulf countries, the so called sand hills, have achieved tremendous growth. Here in our state the officials are working according to the timings of train. The state secretariat is also not an exception. In 1957 Kerala placed four developed state in India, and now our position is 14, she said. The undisciplined culture at every filed have lead us to such a bad position, Gouri Amma added.
Kerala firm buys Avient from Honeywell
Saturday, October 25, 2003
The Thiruvanathapuram-based IBS Software Servizces, an IBS Group information technology company, and a provider of software solutions to the global travel, transportation and logistics (TTL) sector, announced at a press conference on Thursday that it has acquired Avient Technologies (Avient), a business unit within Honeywell International, through its UK-based subsidiary Avient Solutions Ltd. This transaction, which involves a transfer of customers, products and employees, was completed on September 26. Headquartered in London, Avient Technologies was conceived by Honeywell as its Global Centre of Excellence for flight operations when launching a new strategic initiative to address airline delays and cancellations. Avient specialises in providing airline and airport operations systems and solutions, and includes world leading airlines and airports such as Air Canada, Emirates Airlines, and BAA (Heathrow and Gatwick ) amongst its customers. IBS Group chairman V K Mathews said, Avient will become our global centre of excellence. This acquisition creates a stronger European presence for the IBS group, promoting the group’s entire portfolio of software and services. IBS already has an operation based in Zurich, Switzerland, and this will allow the group to rationalise its European operations. Peter Cefai, managing director of Avient Solutions said, I am delighted that IBS has decided to select Avient for its centre of excellence for airline operations systems and solutions, Avient products are state-of-the-art and its customers are opinion leaders. The combination of our industry specialisation and access to the complete portfolio of IBS services which includes a CMM level 5 offshore software production capability, will enable Avient to become a world class supplier, providing its customers cost effective and high quality solutions, Cefai added.
Split in UDF will help CPM return to power: Antony
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K.Antony on Tuesday warned that any split in the ruling UDF would lead to the return of CPM to power and this would not be good for the development of the State. Antony told newsmen on his return from New Delhi at the airport here that the CPM's violent politics would not go hand-in-hand with a development agenda. ``The UDF may have differences within it. But the coalition partners can solve them through talks,'' he replied to questions about the reported unhappiness on the part of the IUML over the performance of the UDF Government. According to Antony, the UDF was formed about 35 years ago as a platform of anti-CPM forces after it was found that single party rule was not possible in the State. ``The UDF is still relevant in the State as a political entity against the CPM,'' he said. The Chief Minister also said he believed that as a human being there was scope for him to improve himself and that was the basis for his statement in New Delhi on Monday regarding his willingness to change. Antony said, for example, that an earlier statement of him regarding the Malayalees working abroad (that the money the members of minority communities working abroad send home is the reason for social tension) had caused considerable unhappiness among both the resident and non-resident Malayalees. ``Even some of my friends told me that they had not expected that from me. I said so at a particular situation but I had no intention to hurt anyone. But later I found the statement was unnecessary and I have regret about it,'' he said. According to Antony, no one could forget the contributions of Malayalees working abroad. It was also an acknowledged fact that their support was crucial for the industrial development of the State. ``If mistakes like this are pointed out, I am ready to correct them,'' the Chief Minister clarified. Antony who refused to confirm reports that he had asked for disciplinary action against the `I' faction in the Congress during his talks with party president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Ahmed Patel, said that he had given them his opinion about the defeat of the party candidate in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll.
Marad development draft ready
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
KOZHIKODE: Job creation, infrastructure expansion, medical aid and water and power supply are the thrust areas in the massive Marad development package of which a draft was prepared on Tuesday. The draft, evolved at a meeting of senior officers of various government departments convened by Principal Secretary (general administration) K K Vijayakumar, will be finalised after getting approval from the Cabinet. Vijayakumar told mediapersons here on Tuesday that the entire proposals in the package will be implemented by the end of December. ``Financial control will not affect the implementation of these projects,'' he said. The package, once implemented, will change the face of the trouble-torn coastal village. Water supply and electrification has been identified as the most important areas. An amount of Rs 28 lakh has already been sanctioned for the purpose. The Naduvattom scheme will be augmented to meet the shortage of drinking water. More water tanks will be installed and deepening of wells will be undertaken as part of the project. Maximum number of water taps will be installed to avoid arguments over collecting potable water. Works on giving electricity connection to houses has already begun. The entire stretch of the beach and the by-lanes will be lit up. All the four approach roads to Marad will be kept well-maintained to make access to the beach easier. Efforts are on to identify the location for a police station in Marad. Vijayakumar said sanction has been given to provide land to Coast Guard station in Beypore. ``Two-and-a-half acres of land which is now with the Fisheries Department will be handed over to Coast Guard any time they ask. No further orders are needed in this regard,'' he said. Fisheries Department will assess the damage caused to fishing tools and compensation will be sanctioned through Matsyafed. As many as 30 Kudumbasree units will be started which will create job opportunities to around 300 women. Preliminary works on this have already begun. To address the health problems in the area, five medical camps will be organised with the help of voluntary organisations. The DMO will lead the camps, the first of which will be held on October 26. An amount of Rs 76 lakh will be sanctioned for construction of the sea-wall to prevent erosion. The work will begin in November. All the top officials of the government departments including PWD, KSEB, Health, Fisheries, DRDA, Water Authority attended the meeting. Vijayakumar held first round of meeting of these officials at Marad. After this, the officials went around the area to appraise the situation and a wrap-up meeting was held at the Government Guest House where the draft was finalised.
Death of kids in MC: Govt pleader asked to file report
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on day directed the Government pleader to file a report regarding the alleged negligence of the doctors and staff of Alappuzha Medical College, on account of which a woman happened give birth to twins in the hospital bathroom, resulting in the fall of one child into the closet and subsequent death of both the children. According to Thekkevila Raju of Kuthirappanthi, Alappuzha, the husband of Suma, the ill-fated woman, the incident occurred on September 25, 1999, on account of the negligence of the hospital authorities. Suma, who was on the verge of delivery, had been sent to the bathroom without any aide, the petitioner said. Raju has prayed, in his petition to the court, for an inquiry into the incident and a direction to the Government to pay compensation to him for the death of the children.
Antony surrounded by ‘kandan poochas’: Vellappally
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
KOLLAM: SNDP Yogam general secretary Velappalli Natesan has said that both Antony and Karunakaran should try to patch up their differences. Inaugurating the State-level programme of the Mahila Suraksha Kshema Padhathi launched by the Yogam in association with the New India Assurance company at Karunagappally on Tuesday, Vellappally said that some vested interests were trying to intensify the rivalry between the two leaders. He said that though Antony was a man of integrity personally, he was surrounded by ‘kandan poochas’ (greedy cats). Welcoming the statement of Antony on changing his style of functioning, the Yogam general secretary said that Antony should identify such people and avoid them. ‘‘It is a matter of shame that Antony understood the necessity of changing his style of functioning only after meeting Sonia Gandhi,’’ he said. On the Yogam affairs, Vellappalli said that there was no crisis in the organisation as propagated by certain quarters. He urged the community members to isolate those who were making false allegations against the Yogam leadership. Karunagappally SNDP Union acting president K.Suseelan presided over the function and secretary A.Somarajan welcomed the gathering.
Devotional songs flooding audio cassette market
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
KOCHI: The audio cassette industry in Kerala has received a financial boost on account of the glut of devotional song cassettes. Any number of such audio cassettes and audio CDs, with songs praising deities or idols of any faith, is available now. But what really suffers at the cost of the proliferation of such stuff is the real charm and grandeur of the good old devotional songs which are being ``renovated'' and re-orchestrated in tune with the modern trends. On top among the popular Hindu devotional songs are those praising Lord Ayyappa. There are titles like Pampa, Swamy Sopanam, Swamy, and Vrischikapulari among the currently popular ones. Well-known names like M G Sreekumar, Madhu Balakrishnan, Jaya (of Jaya-Vijaya) and Chovvallur Krishnankutty are associated with these cassettes. Among the rechristened ones in this category are Thedivarum Kannukalil, which includes old classics like Hairvarasanam and Vishnumayayil, and Thiruvabharanam, which has in it the evergreen song Sreekovil nadathurannu, penned by poet P Kunhiraman Nair. Other Hindu devotional songs in praise of deities like Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, some of them renovated versions of old ones, are also popular. The recent additions to this category are a few cassettes containing songs which praise Mata Amritanandamayi. Manorama Musics brought out a special collection of songs titled Amma, in connection with the Amritavarsham 2003 celebrations. Most of the Islamic songs come in the form of Mappila songs. Leading names like M G Sreekumar, Chithra, K G Markos, O M Karuvarakundu, Sayan Anwar and Baby Nasrin are there among the credit lines. Collections titled Islam, Pattu, Mylanchi, Madid, Mehbooba, Surur, and Mehbin have many takers. Most of these songs are tailor-made, in tune with the current trends in the popular and western music and also the innovations which have come about in the electronically regulated orchestra. Even some popular mimicry artistes have come out with their own brands of devotional songs. Though the numbers in such cassettes become instantly popular, they often end up only as seasonal favourites.
Mass murder accused in judicial custody
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
KOCHI: Asokan and Lekha, who were arrested in connection with the unnatural death of the six members of a family in Chottanikkara, were on Tuesday produced before the Magistrate and were remanded in judicial custody till November 2. Asokan, 30, of Charuvila Puthenveettil, Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram, and Lekha, 23, daughter of Syamala, one of the six dead, have been accused of plotting the murder, abetting suicide, murdering and destroying evidence. The dead are Syamala, 60, her children Sudha, 28, Latha, 25, Lathika, 16, Suresh, 20, and grandchild Sujith, 6. The body of Syamala was found lying in bed and the body of Sudha was found hanging in the rented house. The bodies of Latha, Lathika, Suresh and Sujith were recovered from the nearby well, where the accused were found alive.
Innovative cleaning operation by NGOs at Kovalam
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a unique initiative to clean up the popular Kovalam beach near here, activists, students and local people collected over 2000 soft drink bottles and sent them back to Coca Cola and Pepsi demanding that the multinationals "stop trashing the planet". The clean-up drive was led by activists of international environment protection group Greenpeace and a local NGO 'Thanal'. College students, Coast Guards and representatives of the local community also took part in the action. Greenpeace media officer Priya Nayar told here on Tuesday that the plastic bottles would be deposited at the Coca Cola and Pepsi bottling plants at Plachimada in Kerala on Thursday. The clean-up drive was initiated by Greenpeace and Thanal as part of their three-year-long campaign to take Kovalam towards zero waste. "The extended producer responsibility drives home the message that what cannot be reused, recylced or composted, should not be produced in the first place. It is not the community, local government or the environment that should pay the heavy price for the gains of corporates," he added. Executive Director of Greenpeace India G Ananthpadmanabhan said "zero waste begins when we realise that there is no 'away' into which we can throw what we call our waste. This centre is a visible demonstration of the economic and aesthetic potential of what we discard."
JPC decides to visit Coke's Kerala plant
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Coca-Cola's recent commercials to allay consumer apprehensions on the presence of pesticides in soft drinks may have come too soon. Not only will the Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) on soft drinks and water-based beverages ``look into'' the Cola-company's recent advertisements, the JPC on Tuesday decided that its members would visit the Coca-Cola's Palchimada plant in Kerala to get a first-hand report on the sludge contamination controversy that had surfaced around the same time. Sharad Pawar, Chairman of the JPC, told newspersons today that the JPC would visit the company's plant following requests from farmers in the region. The Coke plant had been mired in controversy, following reports on the alleged presence of cadmium in its sludge, which was being given to farmers in the region as fertiliser. An MP from Kerala, Ramesh Chennithala, told Business Line that, "The Kerala Chief Minister felt that banning the company would be an extreme step. Action will be taken after the JPC visits the site, possibly in December," he said. On the company's recent advertisements indicating that their products were safe, Pawar said: "We have received complaints from members and we have to see whether we have the authority to take action against it." Coca-Cola had put out advertisements featuring its staff endorsing its quality. But more recently, hi-decibel Fanta commercials featuring actress Rani Mukherjee sought to play down the controversy. The JPC members had complained on the commercials depicting certain soft drinks as safe for consumption, even as the JPC was looking into the matter. Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) today deposed before the JPC. They pointed out that implementing the European Union norms would go "against the interest of the country", Pawar said. The chambers' underlined the need for norms that are "implementable" in India. India was a signatory to the WHO and Codex Alimentarius and their guidelines were being implemented in 150 countries, they said. On Monday, the JPC had heard the Mysore-based Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and the Kolkata-based Central Food Laboratory (CFL), appointed by the Centre earlier to test the beverage samples. Pawar pointed out that these laboratories had carried out routine tests on the soft drink brands, before the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) alleged the presence of pesticides in them. "Interestingly, though the same methodology was used, the CFTRI had found no pesticides when it tested the brands before the CSE report. However, it found pesticides in all brands when it tested the soft drinks after the CSE. Also, the CFL had said that their tests were done on an emergency basis," Pawar said. The JPC will meet next on October 29 and 30 and will talk to a clutch of authorities in ground water, environment and food processing, besides the Indian Bottled Water Association. `Worm' chocolates FOOD-SAFETY being the mandate of the JPC, the issue of Cadbury's worm-infested chocolates was raised at the commission by the members. Pawar said that there was a possibility that the commission could look into it, given that it also puts the consumer at risk. "We will take a collective view," he added.
Oppn notice on Kerala Speaker's removal returned
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition notice, seeking the convening of the Kerala Assembly to discuss the removal of Vakkom Purushothaman from the post of Assembly Speaker, was today returned by the Legislature Secretary, stating that the Presiding Officer had no powers to convene the House when it was prorogued by the Governor. Returning the notice, the Secretary said it was for the Government to recommend when the Assembly should be convened and not the Speaker. The notice, served by CPI(M) Legislature Party Deputy Leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on October 17, alleging that the Speaker had failed to act in an impartial manner, could be considered as a non-official resolution and taken up for discussion only when the House is in session. Meanwhile, Balakrishnan told a media conference that the decision of the Secretary went against the Constitutional provisions and Rules of Procedure of the House. He said the notice was served under Article 179 of the Constitution and in accordance with the rules and procedure of the House. It was improper on the part of the Secretary to bracket the notice as non-official resolution. It should be considered as a statutory resolution and a special bulletin issued, a copy of which should be served on the Government, he added. Balakrishnan said it was unfortunate that the Legislature Secretary acted as the ''Secretary of the Speaker'' on the issue. As the Speaker and the Government had lost the confidence of majority in the House, they had declined to convene the Assembly, he alleged, stating that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) State Committee would decide on its future course of action after knowing the Government's stand on the issue.
Karunakaran’s demand for Antony’s removal genuine: Vellappalli
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
PATHNAMTHITTA: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappalli Natesan on Sunday said that Congress leader K.Karunakaran’s demand for removal of A.K.Antony from chief ministership was genuine. Vellappalli, who came here to attend the 10th anniversary function of the SN Public School, told newsmen that the State was witnessing a ‘mukthiar’ rule in which a coterie around the Chief Minister was calling the shots. Make keralanext your Home Recommend this page to your friend MOVIE CHANNEL MOVIE NEWS LEADER What happens when the real life of politicians is ... more Sethurama Iyer is back Lal Jose turns to Dileep again SEND GREETINGS Send Diwali Greetings to your dearest... Click Go to Greetings Channel WallPapers Vellappalli said that the SNDP leadership was going ahead with the move to forge Hindu unity and it had already held talks with the NSS, the Vellala Mahasabha and the Brahmana Sabha in this regard. Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan laid the foundation stone for the new school building. Film actor Suresh Gopi was the chief guest. SNDP devaswom secretary M.B. Sreekumar presided over the meeting. Kodikunnil Suresh MP and Adoor Prakash MLA spoke on the occasion.
11 year-old deaf and dumb on way to Guinness Book
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
His skill to operate all types of motor vehicles from motorbikes to the earth-moving Machine and a flair for arts and sports, is expected to fetch the eleven-year-old deaf and dumb boy from Kerala a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Krishnanunni Sivan, a sixth standard boy who is also into painting, miming, photography, roller-skating and chess, was presented to mediapersons in Kochi on Monday ahead of his public demonstration of the multi-faceted skills on October 23. Krishnanunni's father E Sivan, a brick contractor residing in Chengamanad near Kochi, said the boy had started exhibiting extraordinary talents in handling motor vehicles at the age of seven. Soon he learnt driving all types of motor vehicles, including heavy ones like trucks and buses by merely watching the drivers. Described as the 'Child Prodigy of the Century' by the Kerala Citizens Forum, Krishnanunni, a student of the nearby Manikamangalam St Clair Deaf and Dumb school, is now being projected by the All Kerala Parents Association of the Hearing Impaired. Its president K M George was also present at the media conference. Krishnanunni's name has already been recommended to the Guinness Book of World Records, which is in the process watching his performances for a final decision to give him a place in the coveted book, George said. Krishnanunni had earned the praise of President A P J Abdul Kalam, who met the boy during his recent Kochi visit.
Kerala bans sale of Cadbury, Nestle chocolates
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
The Kerala State Health Department has banned the sale of two batches each of Cadbury and Nestle chocolates, after worms were detected in them. Food inspectors searching shops in Parassala, near the capital Thiruvananthapuram, and Pattom in the city, found that chocloate bars of batch 'INRORAS W-6' of Nestle and '245313' of Cadbury's, both manufactured in June 2003, were infested with worms. State Health Director Dr V K Rajan said food inspectors across the state have been instructed to search for and seize chocolates of these two branches, and to intensify the examination of other products of confectionary majors. Shop owners have been instructed to store chocolates and confectionaries in hygenic conditions to prevent contamination, Rajan said. Complaints of live worms crawling in bars of chocolates were reported from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi last week.
Five more families rehabilitated in Marad
Monday, October 20, 2003
KOZHIKODE: Five more Muslim families were rehabilitated at the violence-hit Marad on Sunday, taking the total number of rehabilitated families so far to 235. The families rehabilitated on Sunday included that of Kinattinkalakathu Aboobacker, Puthiyapurayil Thitheebi, Seemamuntakathu Hamsa, Kuttichantakathu Aboobacker and Thalakkalakathu Bava, comprising a total of 18 members. As many as 27 families are still staying at the refugee camps at the Payyanakkal GVHSS, Kappakkal and Chaliyam. The district administration is trying to contact the other displaced families scattered to the neighbouring areas following the May 2 massacre. "The rehabilitation would be completed only at a slow pace as we have to consider the ground realities," said RDO P Balan.
New Bill to recognise ayurveda practitioners
Monday, October 20, 2003
KANNUR: The Kerala government is proposing to bring in a new legislation to give recognition to services of senior practitioners in the ayurveda and siddha medicines as the existing laws were inadequate to protect them, State Health Minister P Shankaran said on Sunday. "Kerala government is proposing to introduce a new Bill in the state Assembly to give recognition to the traditional ayurveda and siddha medical practitioners having minimum of ten years in service and the details are being worked out by the state Cabinet," Shankaran said after inaugurating a seminar on 'Management of Anorectal Ailments' here. Highlighting the need to issue patents to the ayurvedic and siddha medicine manufacturing units, the minister called upon the Central government to initiate steps in this line to popularise the Indian ayurveda system across the globe. "It is quite unfortunate that the country has failed to encourage ayurveda and siddha medicine system despite gaining lot of popularity and we should pay greater attention to research and development wing to manufacture effective medicines to get deserving global recognition," he said. The minister reiterated that the government would provide assistance upto Rs 30 lakh to those who came forward to start herbal gardens and claimed the project had received good response with the setting up over 20 herbal plantations in the state.
Police fail to make breakthrough in 'mass suicide' case
Monday, October 20, 2003
CHOTTKKARA: The police team led by Moovattupuzha DySP N C Chacko and Piravom Circle Inspector Pushkaran investigating the alleged 'mass suicide' at Chottanikkara took fresh evidence on Sunday from the house where the bodies of six members of the family were found on Friday morning. The police team continued questioning of Asokan and Lekha, the two survivors in the alleged suicide attempt. The team could know from the locals that Ashokan had borrowed huge sums from different persons residing in and around Chottanikkara. He had pledged the documents of land purchased by the deceased Shyamala at Kanayannoor Co-operative Society and had borrowed Rs 30,000. The mystery surrounding the 'suicide note', believed to be written by the members of the family, still lingers and the police investigation could not throw any light on the letter. According to the reports from hospital authorities, symptioms of poisoning were not found in both Ashokan and Lekha. Meanwhile the case took an interesting turn on Sunday with the arrival of Shaji, the eldest son of the deceased Shyamala, from the Gulf. Shyamala, alongwith the other family members and Ashokan, came to Chottanikkara and settled there in a rented house owned by Thomas.
Kerala travel agents warn Air-India, Indian Airlines
Monday, October 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's travel agents have cautioned Air-India and Indian Airlines with "extreme measures" for their alleged "unfavourable attitude" towards travellers to the Middle East. "Both airlines charge exorbitant fares compared to Middle East airlines. The difference on some routes is as high as Rs.2,000," K. Muraleedharan, president of the Kerala Association of Travel Agents (KATA), told newsmen here Sunday. He also charged the two carriers with deliberately showing a reduced load factor as a ploy to withdraw services from the Thiruvananthapuram airport. This would be to the benefit of Kochi airport, he held, charging certain politicians with playing a "dirty game" to abet the two airlines. "There is a dubious collusion of politicians and airline officials to thwart the development of the airport here," said Muraleedharan. KATA officials are finalising their agitation programme and have threatened to stage demonstrations outside the offices of the two airlines here. From an all-time high of 924 flights from the airport here in January as against 1,281 flights from Kochi, the figure has come down to 840 here, while rising to 1,260 at Kochi. But figures indicate that while the two airlines started 19 new flights from Kozhikode and 15 from Kochi, the number of new flights from here is just four.
Antony meets Sahi; Chandy summoned
Monday, October 20, 2003
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister A K Antony appeared before the three-member L P Sahi committee, appointed by the AICC(I) to look into charges of anti-party activities during last month's Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-poll, and reportedly avoided demanding disciplinary action against any individual, including his bete noire in the state Congress politics K Karunakaran. Antony, who arrived Delhi last night, appeared before the committee and narrated his version for nearly one hour from 1030 hrs this morning at the sitting held at the residence of R K Dhawan, one of the three members.
KPCC chief for quit pro quit
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 18: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Muraleedharan today said he was ready to quit his post if Chief Minister A K Antony also relinquished office to resolve the present crisis in the party. Reacting to the reported statements of 'A' faction leaders that appointment of Muraleedharan as KPCC president was a package deal when Antony was made the Chief Minister, Muraleedharan said, "I am ready to discuss this." "I am ready to quit the post if Antony also resigns the post of Chief Minister." But it is not "possible for me alone to quit", he told reporters here today. To a question, he said disciplinary action was not a cure to the present crisis in the party in the state. "That would only worsen the situation," he added. To another question, he said he was not recommending any action against UDF convener Oommen Chandy for his alleged remarks against him as he was a senior leader. Muraleedharan said the reported adverse remarks made by Chandy against disciplinary committee chairman L P Sahi has been brought to the notice of the party high command. (Agencies)
Oriya film, cultural festival inaugurated
Sunday, October 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Films and traditional dance forms of Orissa will be the highlights of the Oriya Film and Cultural Festival organised by the Information and Public Relations Departments of Kerala and Orissa. Organised for the first time in the state, it will present 50 young talents from Orissa and five popular Oriya films, one of which had bagged an international award. `Lakshmi ra abhisara' directed by Rajagopal Misra, `A aakare aa' by Subash Das, `Nila mastarani'' by Chakradhar Sahu, `Ahalya' by Bijay Ketan Mishra and `Bhukha' of Sabyasachi Mohapatra, which won the special jury award at the Gijon International Film Festival this year, will be screened at the Tagore Theatre.
Kottayam medical centre inaugurated
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Kottayam medical centre inaugurated KOTTAYAM: The Rs one crore Kottayam medical centre multi-speciality and emergency hospital started functioning at Vadavathoor here on Saturday. After inaugurating the hospital, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences Chairman M I Sahadulla said the 30-bed KMC hospital having tie-up with KIMS has all type of treatment facilities. About 3000 health privilege cards were also distributed on the occasion. These patients would get treatment at minimum cost. Facility for free blood Sugar and BP check up is also available in the hospital, he said. KMC hospital in association with United India Insurance company would provide to its members, after paying a premium of Rs 99 or Rs 129 per year, Rs 25000 to Rs 50,000 worth of treatment facility.
No need for Antony to quit, says Chandy
Sunday, October 19, 2003
KANNUR: Rejecting the demand of the Karunakaran faction in the Pradesh Congress and Opposition parties for a change of guard in Government, ruling United Democratic Front Convener, Oommen Chandy, said Chief Minister A K Antony, need not have to quit until he loses majority in the State Assembly. "Why should the Chief Minister resign as long as he enjoys the majority support in the Assembly and Congress', Chandy asked. The setback in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha polls does not make enough ground for taking such a step, Chandy told reporters. "No Congress leader should ever nurse the dream of removing Antony as Chief Minister", he said. Expressing anquish over the heightened factional fued in the Congress, Chandy said the Karunakaran-led Congress faction's moves, particularly after the Rajya Sabha elections from the State, to 'take the party to the CPI-M camp' was against the party interests and could not be tolerated. The Karunakaran led faction's 'tacit support' to the LDF nominee during the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll and its open criticism of Antony for the "wrong" way of handling the Marad issue clearly indicated that Karunakaran was trying to take the Congress to the CPI-M camp for his own 'vested interest', Chandy said.
Governor to be approached: Pinarayi
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Governor to be approached if assembly is not convened: Pinarayi THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the Speaker and government should convene the Assembly to discuss the notice given by the Opposition for removal of Vakkom Purushothaman from the speaker's post. "If the Speaker or the government fail to call the session, the Opposition will approach the Governor," said Vijayan while addressing a press conference here. Vijayan said that the LDF was forced to move the motion only because of the behaviour of Purushothaman who is a blot on the Legislative history of Kerala.
Murali for convening of the Assembly
Sunday, October 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Internal rivalry in the ruling Congress in Kerala today continued to be on the boil with its state president K Muraleedharan virutally backing Opposition demand for convening a special session of the Assembly to discuss a resolution to remove the Speaker. The KPCC chief also hinted that there was some merit in the allegation that Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman has given up his political neutrality. He said the privilege notice given by the Congress Legislature Party Secretary and three others against some Opposition leaders for criticising the Speaker did not have the approval of the KPCC. The remarks of Muraleedharan, son of senior Congress leader K Karunakaran who is up in arms against Chief Minister A K Antony, whose faction has rallied behind Purushothaman, came a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister M M Hassan said the government had no intention to request the Governor to convene a special session of the Assembly. Meanwhile, CPI(M) said it would approach the Governor if the Speaker and the Chief Minister refused to take early steps to convene a special session to discuss its notice. "Discussing the matter in the House will provide an opportunity for the ruling party members to express their sentiments and Opposition to explain their position. The House can then take a decision on the notice," Muraleedharan told reporters here. On the merits of the allegations against the Speaker, he said Purushothaman should have refrained from making certain statements like the Congress candidate in Ernakulam by-poll M O John was his candidate. Asked about the KPCC stand on the notice, Muraleedharan said let it come up for discussion. However, it was for the Chief Minister, who is the leader of the House, to take a decision. On the privilege notice given by CLP Secretary and Antony loyalist Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan and three others against Opposition leaders for criticising the speaker, he said "the notice was given without consulting KPCC leadership and me. The party has no official responsibility on the notice." He said he did not know whether the notice was given after consulting the CLP leader. On a solution to resolve the crisis in the party, he said KPCC had informed the high command about the matter and ways to solve it. "An immediate surgery is needed....The problems would only be complicated if immediate steps are not taken."
Antony meets Sahi committee
Sunday, October 19, 2003
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister A K Antony appeared before the three-member L P Sahi committee, appointed by the AICC(I) to look into charges of anti-party activities during last month's Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-poll, and reportedly avoided demanding disciplinary action against any individual, including his bete noire in the state Congress politics K Karunakaran. It is learned that Antony did not advice to take any disciplinary action against I faction leaders. Antony, who arrived Delhi last night, appeared before the committee and narrated his version for nearly one hour from 1030 hrs this morning at the sitting held at the residence of R K Dhawan, one of the three members. Antony informed the committee that as his actions would also come in purview of the enquiry he is not suggesting any disciplinary action against the dissenter group. Sahi told newspersons here after the meeting that ruling coalition convener Oommen Chandy, defeated candidate M O John and Leno Jacob, who was denied the ticket, would also be summoned for knowing their version with regard to the party's debacle in the poll. It may be recalled that Antony appeared before the committee a few days after KPCC(I) President K Muraleedharan, who is the son of Karunakaran, gave his version on the reasons for the party's debacle in Ernakulam which was wrested from the Congress by the rival Marxist-led Left Democratic Front. Sahi told newspersons that Antony did not ask for disciplinary action against any individual leader. He said Antony expressed regret for the defeat of the party's candidate in the by-election, and attributed "deflection of minority votes" and the groupism in the state unit of the party to the dismal performance of the party. "Though Antony had alleged that some of the partymen had worked against the interests of the party, he did not mention any name, including that of Karunakaran." Sahi indicated that there would be a delay in the committee submitting its report. The next meeting of the committee would be held only after Deepavali festival. He also indicated that the committee would not be able to meet before the exercises connected with the forthcoming assembly elections in five states were completed. RK Dhawan said no decision had been taken as to whether to summon senior leader Karunakaran. He said if necessary, Antony would be summoned again. Meanwhile, party sources here said Antony would hold discussion with AICC(I) President Sonia Gandhi on Monday.
Two hacked to death in Kazhakootam
Friday, October 17, 2003
KAZHAKOOTAM: In another instance of violent inter-gang rivalry, two persons were hacked to death at Menamkulam Kalpana Shed Harijan Colony in Kazhakootam yesterday night. Those dead were identified as Shyam Kumar, 25 and Vinod, 26. According to police, the rival gang consisting of eight persons attacked them and later the gang themselves took them to the hospital. At the time of admitting them in the hospital itself, the duty doctor confirmed their death.
Six of a family commit suicide, two rescued
Friday, October 17, 2003
KOCHI: In a gruesome incident, six members of a family, including a five year old boy, allegedly committed suicide by resorting to different methods, while two others escaped from the jaws of death at Chottanikkara, near here, today. The incident came to light when neighbours alerted the police. Four bodies were retrieved from the well in the compound of the rented house in which they were living for the past four years while one person was found hanging inside the house. One person, whose body was found inside the house, is suspected to have consumed poison. The family hailed from Nemon in Thiruvanathapuram district, police said. Two other members, who had also jumped into the well were reportedly rescued and admitted to hospital, report said. Senior civil and police officials had rushed to the spot. A suicide note reportedly found inside the house indicated that financial problems had forced the family members to resort to the extreme step. The names of the victims were given as Syamala, 50, Suresh, 22, Lekha, 27, Lathika, 25, Sudha, 40 and her son Sujith, 5. Rekha and Asokan who were rescued from the well, had been hospitalised. The Mulanthuruthy police is investigating the incident.
Karunakaran calls on governor, terms it 'courtesy call'
Friday, October 17, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Thursday called on Kerala governor Sikander Bakht at Raj Bhavan here. He was with the governor for about 30 munites and described the meeting as a 'courtesy call.' Make keralanext your Home Recommend this page to your friend MOVIE CHANNEL MOVIE NEWS EVAR With Evar, director Rajiv Kumar has tried to make ... more Sethurama Iyer is back Lal Jose turns to Dileep again SEND GREETINGS Send Diwali Greetings to your dearest... Click Go to Greetings Channel WallPapers However, speculation was rife in the capital that the senior leader called on the governor to convince him that he enjoyed the support of 23 Congress MLAs in the state. "It is just a friendly call. He (Bakht) was the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha when I was a Union Minister," Karunakaran told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan. Asked whether his meeting with the governor had any political significance in the context of dissidence in the state Congress deepening, Karunakaran's he said "I have to catch a train to Thrissur."
Dilip's Kochi Rajavu
Friday, October 17, 2003
There is a very interesting story behind the announcement that Shogun films has signed Dilip to act in their project Kochi Rajavu directed Johny Anthony of CID Moosa. Bhadran the director of films like Iyer the Great and Spadikam planned a subject for Mohanlal and Shogun Mohan had agreed to produce. A few of shooting too took place. Mohanlal felt the subject was just not right decided to back out. Bhadran then made a few changes and titled it Ettadi George and got Dilip instead. Dilip wanted a few changes and by that time Dilip left for another film. Bhadran did not want to sit idle. He told Mohan that he would produce a film for Rs 75 lakhs with Prithiviraj as hero. When Velithira’s first print came out the total cost was Rs 2 crores. Mohan sat in a daze. But Bhadran consoled him saying that Ettadi George with Dilip would bring back all the money lost. To Bahdran’s surprise he found Dilip backing out saying a subject for Mohanlal would not suit him. The reason was that Bhadran in TV interviews to promote Velithira stated that Prithiviraj was the next Mohanlal and so what was Dilip? Undaunted Bhadran told Mohan to produce Ettadi George with Prithiviraj. The next thing Bhadran knew was that Mohan and Dilip together are producing Kochi Rajavu
Anjana Varma in I V Sasi’s film
Friday, October 17, 2003
Anjana Varma in I V Sasi’s film Famous Bollywood model Anjana Varma makes her debut on big screen with I V Sasi’s Symphony. Acting opposite to her is new face Siva whose is a six-footer.Siva, a native of Kasargod is at present residing in Bangalore. After his graduation, he was working in a software company. I V Sasi who was in search of a fresh face for quite some time was impressed by the looks and cast him as Jijo Samsun in Symphony. Jijo, a music composer unexpectedly meets a girl Sandra and falls in love with her. The problems that the lovers face form the rest of the story. The film has given importance to music. Deepak Dev of Chronic Bachelor fame scores music for the songs penned by Kaithapram. Jagathy, Sudheesh, Jagadhish are the other artistes. Mahesh Mitra writes the script for the film, which is produced by Thankachan under the banner of Egna Films. The shooting of the film will start in Kottayam.
Jayaram in Chettayi
Friday, October 17, 2003
Eby Jose next film is Chettayi with Jayaram in the lead role. Biju Menon has also an important role in this film. The film has Janardhanan, KPAC Lalitha, Sajan. Reji Nair who wrote the script for Pattalam is the scriptwriter for this film and P Sukumar wields the camera. The shooting of the film will start on November 10 in Kottayam. Jayaram will join the sets of Chettayi once the shooting of Sathyan Anthicaud's latest film is over in Ottappalam. Jolly Stephen produces the film under the banner of Konathappally Films.
Ammakilikoodu
Friday, October 17, 2003
Ammakilikoodu (2003) Sneak Preview The shooting of Ammakilikoodu is fast progressing in the trouble borne areas of Kozhikode. An old age home is set up besides the Sea named ‘Karunalayam’, a centre mainly for mothers deserted by their children. Ammakilikoodu has script by Renjith and is directed by Padma Kumar. An ancient bungalow near the sea is turned into a Karunalayam. A kind of tranquility is witnessed when you enter this bungalow. The uproarious sound of the waves is not heard and it is also isolated from the busy city life. Sukumari, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, KPAC Lalitha, Mallika Sukumaran, Saritha and Vijaya Kukmari are those who play mothers. Prithviraj does the role of a representative working for a multi national company. Navya Nair acts as Akila, an activist of a student organisation. Karunalayam is placed in the land of a multi national company. The problems start when Vivek (Prithiviraj) appears as a representative of the company. His main aim was to put into practice the secret agenda of the company. Sai Kumar who is very busy in Telugu films does the role of an advocate.
Choonda
Friday, October 17, 2003
After a gap of many years, Devan comes back to his village with an aim for revenge. He wished to remain incognito and has Chandranettan and Mahesh for company. Gopalettan knows that Devan son of his intimate friend Vasudevan comes to meet him. Gopalettan tries to dissuade Devan from his present aim and tells him to forget the past. Hearing this Devan blasts Gopalettan and says, "I am not the old Devan, I am a different man and I don't want to hear anybody's advise". Devan's anger is towards Varghese and the only person who knows about this is Gopalettan. Directed by Venuopan the film has Jishnu in Devan's role, T P Madhavan as Gopalettan and Siddique as Varghese.Its a family story and has three heroines Geethu Mohandas, Suchita and Nitya Das. Also in the cast are Oduvil, Subair, Mahesh and many others. Script is by Kalavoor Ravikumar. Songs penned by Yousafali has music composed by Mohan Sithara. The film produced by Sarish under the banner of Mahadeva Cinemas is currently being shot in Ottappalam and surrounding areas.
Chakram
Friday, October 17, 2003
Chakram (2003) Sneak Preview Lohithadas' latest film Chakram starring Prithivraj started shooting. Earlier Lohithadas was to direct this film with Mohanlal and Dilip but differences with Mohanlal led to the film being stalled. Lohithadas tells the story of lorry drivers and their life on the highways with Prithviraj, Jayasurya and his favorite heroine Meera Jasmine in the lead. Chandran at the age of fourteen was the only breadwinner of a big family consisting of his mother and sisters. Doing odd jobs and traveling a lot led him to meet Giri and they became thick friends. Chandran considered him as his guru since Giri taught him driving. However their friendship did not last and they get separated. Chandran now a bitter man is in search of Giri. Lorry cleaner’s role initially to be done by Dilip is now enacted by Vijeesh who plays the role of a troublemaker and driver Chandran bailing him out. Prithviraj plays Chandran. The film also has Cochin Haneefa, Shree Hari, Kalabhavan Shajon and Mahesh While lyrics are by Girish Puthencherry, Ravindran scores the film’s music. Krishna Raj produces the film. Shooting is in full progress in Pollachi.
Vallothottu Thirinjal Nalamathe Veedu
Friday, October 17, 2003
Vallothottu Thirinjal Nalamathe Veedu (2003) Sneak Preview Aji’s job is to buy old houses and demolishing it and selling the materials. Aji draws up an agreement to demolish ‘Nalackal Tharavadu’, which belonged to Prabha Varma. He was promised an amount of Rs 200,000, which would go to towards his sister’s marriage. Prabha Varma‘s daughter Sangeetha dissuades Aji and the latter realizing the poor family background refrains from demolishing. But Sangeetha changes her mind and forces Aji to demolish it. The reason for the change of heart forms the climax. Directed by Ansar Kalabhavan the film has Jishnu as Aji and Bhavana as Sangeetha. Also Jagathy, Cochin Haneefa, Harishree Ashokan, Janardhanan, Rajan P Dev, Nivedita play important roles. Script by Ansar Kalabhavan, lyrics by Girish Puthencherry , music by Shakeer and M D Sukumaran wields the camera. The film is produced by Cine Flag.
Oru CBI Diary Kurippu Part III
Friday, October 17, 2003
The famous S.N.Swamy-K.Madhu writer-director combination is dusting up the old files and bringing back Sethurama Iyer, that brilliant CBI officer. This sequel will be the part-3 of Oru CBI Diary Kurippu where Mammootty will once again entice the viewers with his deep, intense, investigative and shrewd ways of solving murder mysteries along with his power packed dialogue delivery. The 80’s super hit Oru CBI Diary Kurippu catapulted the actor to superstardom. The movie featured Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer, the Palghat Brahmin CBI officer on the trail of a murder, which was passed off as suicide. The second part Jagratha in mid 90’s was also an average hit. Remember Oru CBI Diary Kurippu was a sensational hit even in Chennai at the old Safire theatre (Now defunct) where it ran for 150 days and created a market for Mammootty and Malayalam films.
Mohanlal
Friday, October 17, 2003
KOCHI: For him life is a celebration. Destiny has made him what he is. Philosophy strengthens him. And those who love him find an echo in his warm response. Twenty-five years is nothing to destiny and only a stepping stone for versatile actor Mohanlal. Time buzzes past him. It seems like that he stumbled from the bicycle - to Malayalam tinseldom but not yet to fame - just yesterday in the unreleased movie Thiranottam. His portrayal of the baddie in Fazil’s Manjil Virinja Pookal saw him getting more offers, and in his own words, "there was no looking back". Priyadarshan’s Poochakkoru Mookuthi (recently remade into Hungama) gave him a break from villain to hero. Mohanlal is relaxed as he recounts his 25 years in Malayalam film world. We start with an apology for having to ask some clichéd questions. He smiles as he had been through it all. It has been 25 years since you have been in the movies. What are the changes in Malayalam movies and in Mohanlal the actor? For Malayalam movies, the changes are mainly technical. And for Mohanlal the actor, I feel age has brought maturity. I have learned to take things as they come. I work, or spend much of my time with the same friends who were with me right from my first movie. What made you come into the movies? Destiny. Destiny plays a very important role in my life. Destiny made my friends put in my application when Navodaya (a production house) had called for fresh faces in their new movie, destiny made director Fazil like me; destiny made people enjoy my roles. If you had not made it big in movie what would you have become? I did not have time to think that way. I was into movies before my graduation results got out. In fact, I was on location of a movie when they came. Usually people thought about there careers after graduation. Destiny made me an actor. How much do you think filtration of character is important to an actor? I have not found it very difficult. I live as that particular character between the 'take and cut'. The realisation that I am before the camera never leaves me. From reel to real and real to reel, the transformation happens in seconds. There are some roles when something stirs deep in you. And it comes out on the screen too. Some directors have the ability to catch it on screen. It's a matter of acting and reacting; of passion. You have worked with most of the directors in Malayalam movies. Who are your favourites? (He strikes a how can I answer that attitude and goes on) Fazil who directed me in my first movie, I like the way he treats a character. Priyadarshan had been my college mate and friend, Sathyan Anthikad, Lohithadas, Padmarajan, Siby Malayil, I V Sasi, Shaji Kailas, Bhadran Bharatan... the list goes on. I did just one movie with G Aravindan, but that was a different experience altogether. How come you never did a role for Adoor Gopalakrishnan? He has never asked me. If he asks me, if the character suits me, I ll definitely do it. How was it to work with Ram Gopal Varma? Do you feel that the Hindi film industry is not as disciplined as South Indian cinema? 'Click- Camera -Action' It’s the same in both places. Only the language differs. As for discipline, I was there for just one movie. You did a play in Sanskrit Karnabhaaram directed by Kavalam Narayana Panikkar. I did not know Sanskrit. I was apprehensive, but I studied it in just 8 days. I play the epical hero Karna, there are other characters but Karna is the lead character. The play opened to an audience who were well versed in Sanskrit. But they said I did well. We did four stages. And then I had other engagements and had to bow out, for want of time. Most people go from theatre to cinema... I was into stage performances and small-time theatre in college. And went in to cinema early in my career. But definitely theatre is more challenging for an actor. It's like condensing everything into two hours and holding the attention of the audience all the time. Some of your recent films have flopped... A movie is a joint effort. The story has to be good, script has to be good, director has to direct it well, actor should rise to their expectations. He is just a vehicle to convey what comes as a thought to the writer. There are many elements which have to come together in the right proportions for a movie to become a hit. Malayalam movies have come up with some great story tellers. But in the recent times the numbers have dwindled. It is a cycle. And I believe this is just a passing phase. Acting is a passion for me. It comes naturally to me as breathing. Speaking about passion, we have heard that Mohanlal by nature is a shy person. So what did you feel when you were asked to do intimate scenes in the first couple of movies? For an actor it’s just another scene. It lasts for just a couple of seconds. And the character need not be confused with the actor. If you were asked to have your pick from your movies... Every role was different. A new attempt, a new challenge, a stepping stone. Kalapani was a period film. Vasthuhara was again different. I had to learn dancing and Kathakali for Kamaladalam and Vanaprastham. I loved doing each and every role and all those had strong story lines. What are your hobbies? I love music. I'm not choosy about what I listen to. Jazz, blues, folk songs... I listen to everything as long as it is melodious. I read a lot. There again I don’t have a favourite author. But I like to read Osho, J Krishnamoorthy, Aurobindo, Ramana Maharshi. I have read Vasishta Sudha many times over. I have gone to see Mata Amritananda Mayi. Are you spiritually inclined? It is an eclectic process. I accept what I feel is best from all the great teachers.
Appachen takes over Dileep’s action film
Friday, October 17, 2003
Swargachitra’ Appachan, leading producer and distributor who strides Malayalam films like a colossus has taken over Joshi’s new Dileep film. He has distributed many Mohanlal hits in the past before falling out with the star last year. Appachan had vowed to make Dileep a viable alternative at the Kerala box-office and distributed Dileep’s Thilakkam this year for Vishu, which was a big hit. Now Joshi is directing Dileep’s first action film that was initially titled Valayar Check Post. The movie has been renamed Arabi Kallan to suit the comedy king’s image as per the instructions of the producer! Appachan has also asked the scriptwriter Sibi.K.Thomas and Udayakrishnan to add more comedy elements into Arabi Kallan and tone down action as he knows the pulse of the audience more than anybody else.
Kamal repeats Kunchacko Boban and Bhavana
Friday, October 17, 2003
Ace director Kamal has signed Kunchacko Boban and Bhavana for his next film. The movie has not been titled yet. Kamal's Onam release "Swapnakoodu" is doing good business.
Ranji changes the story of "Naran"
Friday, October 17, 2003
Ranji Panicker is forced to change the story of his first directorial venture "Naran" since Haridas is making another film based on the same theme. "Naran" was supposed to be based on the recent Marad violence.
Kaveri won Andra Best Actress Award
Friday, October 17, 2003
Malayalam Actress Kaveri(Kalyani) was adjudged Best Actress for her performance in "Avunu Vaalidaru Ishtapadaru" in the Andhra Pradesh State awards for 2002.
Anti-Karunakaran groups’ big show
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Anti-Karunakaran groups’ big show in Murali’s turf KOZHIKODE: The district convention of the anti-Karunakaran groups held at Tagore Centenary Hall here on Tuesday virtually turned to be a show of strength of the groups in the fiefdom of KPCC president K Muraleedharan. The Hall and its premises were teaming with Congress activists. UDF convener Oommen Chandy, M I Shanawas, M P Gangadharan, T H Musthafa, Benny Behanan, K C Venugopal, A Sujanapal, K K Ramachandran Master, K C Rosakkutty, Ajay Tharayil, K C Abu and N P Moitheen were among the leaders who addressed the meeting. Reacting to Muraleedharan’s reported comment that the UDF convener is fostering sectarian line by organising group conventions, Oommen Chandy said the conventions are being staged for salvaging the party. ‘‘For the past two-and-a-half years we have been suffering silently. Now we have been driven to the wall. These conventions are meant to regain democratic tradition of the party. We would not allow anyone to take the party to CPM fold,’’ he said.
Arms training by ultra outfits in Wayanad
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Arms training by ultra outfits in Wayanad hideouts KALPETTA: The post-Marad vigil maintained by State and Central investigative agencies in Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram districts has forced the Islamic fundamentalist outfits to shift their covert operations to the border villages of the district. ‘‘The strategic position of the district, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has become handy for these organisations. Many of the vast coffee plantations are centres of their operations,’’ police sources told this website’s newspaper. Many of these are operating under the cover of martial arts training centres, they said. The presence of several granite quarries with explosive licenses also help their operations. The police that investigated Marad massacre had conducted raids at Kottoor, a remote village bordering Tamil Nadu, on a tip-off and had seized two vehicles. Police have identified Meppadi, Ambalavayal, Vaduvanchal, Vellamunda and Kambalakkad as hot spots. There are considerable supporters for the banned-ISS and its new incarnations like NDF in these villages. Few years ago, police had unearthed a firing range which was set up apparently to provide rifle training for youths inside an estate owned by an NRI. But the investigation failed to take any headway due to the lacklustre attitude of the Government. Police say that the entire operations in the district are remote-controlled from a multi-storied building at Mananthavadi known as the ‘head office’ functioning under the banner of an Islamic trust. Cadres from Kannur, Kasargod and Kozhikode were trained at this centre. Outstanding activists would be selected for a high-level training at a centre at Manjeri, where they undergo special training in manufacturing and handling of arms and explosives, the sources said.
Adoor gets rare French honour
Thursday, October 16, 2003
NEW DELHI: Internationally renowned film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan is to receive the ‘Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters’, the second highest award given to a civilian in France. The award will be presented to Gopalakrishnan on Oct 18 by French Ambassador Dominique Girard in a function at the French Cultural Centre in Delhi. Gopalakrishnan, who arrived on Tuesday for receiving the award and the ongoing 34th IFFI is being honoured for his contribution to cinema and to the development of Indo-French cooperation in film production, distribution, and exhibition. Created in 1975, the award is aimed at honouring distinguished personalities in the fields of arts and letters and their contribution to the dissemination of culture in France and worldwide.
New emigration rules to hit prospects of Gulfjob-seekers
Thursday, October 16, 2003
KASARGOD: The new emigration rules coming into effect on November 15 which require that the employment contract should be attested by the respective Indian embassies abroad along with the visa will hit hard the Gulf job-seekers. This meant that the job-sponsors in the Gulf would have to be present at the Indian embassies abroad to sign the declaration before the officials. The Emigration Act, 1983, required that the sponsors should send the job-contract along with the visa. But, this rule was simplified in 1991 following the Gulf war when large number of emigrants landed in the country to help reconstruct the war-torn Kuwait. According to sources here, majority of Arab sponsors would shy away from giving such a declaration because they could easily get similar skilled labourers from countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Philippines, and that too with lesser remuneration. Thus the job-seekers from India would once again be thrown out in the rat race for jobs in the Gulf where workers from other countries would dominate. The Union Labour Ministry has decided to tighten the rules following complaints from job-seekers that that the sponsors had manipulated the agreement and they were forced to take up inferior jobs other than the ones promised in the job agreement. According to sources here, the new rules would affect about five lakh job-seekers in the country apart from the travel and recruiting agencies across the country. The new system would result in the fabrication of visas and bogus emigration documents. According to N A Sulaiman, regional secretary of the IATA Agents' Association, the complaints from the migrants who were cheated by the sponsors were very few. But, the Union Labour Ministry decided to tighten the rules on the basis of the complaints by a few Gulf migrants. He said prospects of lakhs of job-seekers are affected by the decision of the Union Labour Ministry. But, the advantage of the new rule is that no job-seeker can be cheated by the sponsors hereafter. Sulaiman said the recent rule by the Labour Ministry in the UAE that the SSLC books of Gulf job-seekers should be attested by its embassies in India had already affected hundreds of job-seekers. This, together with the new rule of the Union Labour Ministry has compounded the woes of the job-seekers as well as the travel and recruiting agencies, he added. The new rules are strict even in the case of visas being sent by friends or relatives working abroad. In such cases, job-seekers have to remit the equal amount of the flight ticket for getting the emigration clearance. Besides, they have to present the affidavit signed by a public notary. According to Sulaiman, the State Government as well as the MPs from the State should exert pressure on the Centre to withdraw the rule since it would have far-reaching consequences in the State's economy which is enriched by remittances from the Gulf countries.
Modis launch Sunshine lottery in Kerala
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Modi Enterprises, part of the Rs 2,200 crore KK Modi group, yesterday launched its Sunshine India Online Lottery in Kerala. The group has a ten-year exclusive licence from the Manipur state government to market, promote and distribute the state’s lotteries. Explaining the reason for the comparatively delayed launch of its operations, Sunshine India Lottery chief executive officer, Shreekant Gupte, said, We took additional time to develop a differentiated retail and marketing strategy, and we were determined to acquire the best in technology partners. We also conducted a detailed study of the business, the consumers and the retail fraternity. Now we are launching with an agenda to address advanced technology, a never-before, unique and engaging retail experience and a very scientific approach to human resource. Claiming that an elaborate research to attain a clear understanding of the market and the consumers had been conducted for Sunshine India Lottery by an international market research agency, Gupte said, This research will help in launching the correct mix of products and positioning our brand on a higher platform of integrity and credibility. Sunshine would adopt a three-pronged strategy of aggressive retail presence, state-of-the-art technology for online security and convenience, and scientific deployment of skilled manpower, he said and pointed out that the management team includes experienced expatriates responsible for launching the world’s most successful online lotteries -- National Lottery in UK and Uthingo in South Africa. Sunshine has partnered with the Swedish Company EssNet for online lottery software. IBM is providing hardware and the lottery terminals.
Meeting with CJ row unnecessary, says Antony
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram,Oct. 15 : Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, today sought to put the lid on the controversy over his recent meeting with the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, J L Gupta, saying there was no 'secrecy' about the meeting. Opposition leaders in the State had alleged that Antony had held a "secret" meeting with the Chief Justice Dismissing the Opposition criticism, Antony told reporters after a cabinet meeting there was nothing unusual or secretive about his meeting with Gupta and such meetings were "not a new thing". "I went to meet the Chief Justice in the State car and with police escort", he said, adding controversy over the meeting was unnecessary. "This is not the first time that I met the Chief Justice. I had met the Chief Justice during my earlier tenure as Chief Minister also," Antony said.
Rs 7-crore call centre project dropped
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Rs 7-crore call centre project dropped as banks develop cold feet KOZHIKODE: Amidst the clamour of banks for more lending avenues in the State, a firm here has been forced to drop its Rs 7-crore call centre project for want of financial aid from banks. Aysha Infotech (P) Limited, of the Koothuparamba-based Aysha Hosiery Factories, had to abandon the 120-seater project, which could have employed 240 persons, after a year-long wait for bank finance. According to company sources, the reason given by the banks was that this segment of the IT would not flourish in Kerala. Even venture capitalists in Bangalore rebuffed the request for money on the same ground. (Last year, a Nasscom survey had identified Kerala as one of the best destinations for IT-enabled service industry in the country). Sources said they approached six banks for a loan of Rs 3.5 crore for the Rs 7-crore project. But every bank cited the risk factor in financing the project, despite the assurance to give collateral security for the loan. While turning down the plea for loan, one of the banks pointed out the default case of a call centre firm in Andhra Pradesh. Even as the loan applications were rejected by the banks one after the other, the firm had spent Rs 75 lakh on various accounts. "The training to the candidates by a US professional alone cost Rs 25 lakh for us. Besides, candidates had to be reimbursed the expenses they incurred for the training. The equipment imported from the US had to be handed over to another firm after paying the demurrage," company sources said. "When we approached the banks for money they wanted to know whether we have tie-ups with marketing firms. The marketing firms, in turn, wanted to know our infrastructure for doing this business. Without the support from financial institutions how could we build up the infrastructure," a promoter of the venture asks. According to sources, the fiasco in the case of a few projects in the medical transcription has given the impression that the voice-based customer interaction service would not survive in Kerala. But the promoters of the Aysha Infotech are not in a relenting mood. They are going for business process outsourcing. After much effort, last week a bank has sanctioned a loan of Rs 64 lakhs for this endeavour, sources said.
School boy fatally run over by private bus
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
School boy fatally run over by private bus ALAPPUZHA: In a shocking road tragedy, a 10-year-old schoolboy was fatally run over by a private bus in front of a school at Kalarkode in the municipal limits on Monday, police said. The boy was first thrown off his father's scooter after it was hit by a vehicle. The child who fell on the road was then run over and crushed to death by a bus which came in the opposite direction. Police identified the hapless child as Devanarayanan, a fifth standard student of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. His father Asokan and younger brother Ananthanarayanan were admitted to the Medical College Hospital. Shocked by the accident, local people gave vent to their anger at the bus and halted traffic for some time. The situation was brought under control after the police came to the scene.
Ernakulam model will continue: BJP
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Ernakulam model experiments will continue: BJP KOZHIKODE: The State unit of the BJP has decided to adopt a new style of functioning to strengthen its base in the State, which it claimed has been experimented by no other political parties before. Party State president P S Sreedharan Pillai told mediapersons here on Tuesday that a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions on the performance of the Vajpayee-led Government, would be distributed among its workers so that the party could formulate its future programmes based on the opinions of the party workers at the grass-roots level. All the leaders in the State will take part in the booth-level campaign which will last a full month. The decision in this regard was taken at the party State committee meeting held in Kochi the other day, he said. Pillai said a door-to-door campaign seeking the opinion of the common people on relevant issues would be held from November 1 to 15 as part of the programme. Replying to a query, he said the BJP did not consider the Ernakulam experiment a failure. "There has been a loss of BJP votes in the Ernakulam byelection. A scrutinising committee would look into that. But it was an experiment to invigorate the party in the State and such experiments would continue in my tenure as the party State chief," he said. On the rehabilitation of the displaced Muslim families at Marad who are the relatives of the accused in the May 2 carnage, the BJP leader said it was the Government that has to take a decision. "I am unaware of any secret understanding on the rehabilitation of such families. But an unhurried rehabilitation would help to ease the tension in the area," he said.
Killi incident: IPS officer off the hook
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Killi incident: Pressure to let IPS officer off the hook delayed action THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The pressure from the Home Department to let the IPS officer involved in the police excesses at Killi in Kattakada near here off the hook was reportedly one of the reasons for the delay in taking action against the officials found guilty in the incident. However, the Department was forced to abandon the move following strong resentment expressed by the Kerala Police Service Officers' Association, an organisation of non-IPS SPs and DySPs, against targeting only the non-IPS officers in such incidents. It has been pointed out that in several similar instances in the past, disciplinary actions were limited only to those at the lower levels while those at the top, especially IPS officers, were exempted. The association had raised strong objection towards such a tendency to shield IPS officers in the wake of the Killi incident. Thus, the Government decided to limit the action against the officials to mere removal from office and extend the same to all those who were involved, including the IPS officer. "We wanted the Government to ensure that there was no discrimination against those at the lower levels while taking disciplinary actions," an office-bearer of the association told this website's newspaper. "There were several instances in which IPS officials were exempted from disciplinary actions and those at the lower levels were being targeted. This had been causing resentment among those at the lower levels," he said.
Karunakaran urges Sonia to drop Antony
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Karunakaran urges Sonia to drop Antony NEW DELHI: For the first time in a direct demand to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, 'I' group leader K Karunakaran on Monday sought the replacement of Chief Minister A K Antony during a 45-minute meeting here, but remained guarded about her response. Describing the talks as incomplete, Karunakaran indicated that he may meet some more AICC leaders on Tuesday on the direction of the high command. "Discussions will continue till the Congress is there", he said. Asked whether he was satisfied with the talks, Karunakaran said, "Why should I be dissatisfied? The goals I have set should be pursued." AICC general secretary in-charge of Kerala, Ahmed Patel, was also present in the meeting. Earlier in the morning, Karunakaran had an hour-long meeting with Patel. "Nothing happened there. We could not talk much as he had a bad cold" said Karunakaran. On Sunday night, AICC treasurer Motilal Vora had talked to Karunakaran and set the pace for talks, Congress sources said.
Heritage tourism is the buzzword in Kerala
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Heritage tourism is the buzzword in Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heritage tourism will be the new buzzword in Kerala with the Government preparing legislation for conservation of heritage buildings in the State. The State Tourism Department has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for "protecting, conserving and preserving cherished architectural, natural, cultural and material heritage of Kerala". As a first step, state Tourism Minister K V Thomas told a seminar here, "We have already listed out the conservation of 10 churches in Kerala with the help of the Portuguese. The government of India and the state government are expected to chip in with the required funds for this," said Thomas. One reason for the department of tourism to enter into a tie-up with INTACH is the success of several new heritage resorts that have come up in the state in the last three years. In the capital city itself, there are three major resorts which reveal the rich heritage of Kerala architecture, built at a cost of Rs 500 million in the last three years. "Who would want to stay in concrete structures in a hotel? We basically want something different and that is why we have come here to spend our vacation in a place where Kerala architecture is on display. "We would like the Government to take up conservation of old buildings which exist at several places in the state", said a German couple, regular visitors at one of the heritage resorts in Kovalam for the past three years. Speaking to , T Sudeesh Kumar, who owns a hotel on the Kovalam beach, said he planned to invest in a heritage building. "After getting feedback from the tourists at my hotel in Kovalam, I have decided to lease a resort in Alapuzha district where the emphasis will be on heritage. Kumar believes there is growing demand for such resorts and is hopeful of drawing the first batch of tourists this season.
Father seeks CBI probe into death of son
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Father seeks CBI probe into mysterious death of son in backwaters KOCHI: M J George, father of Jimmy Antony, whose body was recovered from the Kochi backwaters on Sunday morning under mysterious circumstances, has demanded a CBI probe, alleging that his son was killed in police custody. Jimmy, a 28-year old Merchant Navy man, had gone missing Friday night after he was taken to the north police station along with his brother and a friend for riding motorcycles in inebriated condition. Jimmy’s body was recovered from near the KSINC jetty on Sunday morning. In a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding the probe, George has included North SI Ramesh Kumar and police constables identifiable by sight as the respondents. He has also demanded that the police officials concerned should be placed under suspension to prevent destruction of evidence. George, a native of Karthedam, Vypeen, says there are several indications that his son, who was taken to the north police station along with his brother Thomas Lal and a friend Rakesh V K on Friday night, was ‘‘brutally murdered’’ by the police. According to him, even before his son’s body was found, a relative of his was told by a police officer that the body can be recovered from the backwaters near High Court jetty. ‘‘So it is clear that the occurrence took place with the knowledge and connivance of police officers concerned,’’ he says. Jimmy was detained at the station while the other two were taken to the Ernakulam General Hospital for blood tests. George alleges that his son was manhandled at the station when he tried to contact his relatives on mobile phone.
Calicut Video Fest 2003 from Oct 17
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Calicut Video Fest 2003 from Oct 17 KOZHIKODE: Calicut Video Fest 2003, being conducted by the Bankmen’s Film Society, will be held at the Nalanda Auditorium here from Oct.17 to 19. Roman Polanski’s ‘The Pianist’ will be screened as the inaugural film. Ingmar Bergman’s ‘The virgin spring’, Satyajit Ray’s ‘Charulatha’,John Abraham’s ‘Agraharathiley Kazhutha’,Makmelbufh’s ‘Khandhahar’, Aki Kurasmaki’s ‘I Heard a Contract Killer’, Aparna Sen’s ‘Mr and Mrs Iyer’ and ‘No Man’s Land’ are some of the other movies to be screened at the fest. Delegate passes will be given only to one hundred people who have registered in advance. For details contact: 94470 42004, 98472 00983, 2701521.
Marad: 18 more families rehabilitated
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Marad: 18 more families rehabilitated, accused's kin may have to wait KOZHIKODE: The district administration will take a few more days to decide on the rehabilitation of about 40 families related to the accused in the Marad carnage who are at present staying at Chaliyam camp and Payyanakkal Government Vocational Higher Secondary School. The administration has refrained from rehabilitating these families to avoid trouble as bringing these families to the site of murders is a sensitive issue. The Araya Samajam leaders, on Sunday, had cautioned the authorities against bringing them in a hasty manner. District Collector T O Sooraj, however, said the rehabilitation will be completed within five days. "This is a very delicate issue. Seventy percent of the process has already been over. We are constantly holding discussions with the Araya Samajam leaders," he said. Meanwhile, 18 families comprising 65 members were rehabilitated at their houses in Marad on Monday. As many as 203 displaced families of Marad were rehabilitated over the last four days. Those rehabilitated on Monday comprised nine families from Kappakkal camp, seven from Chaliyam camp and two families who were staying at Payyanakkal GVHSS. According to official figures there are 68 families including the 40 families who are the relatives of the accused yet to be rehabilitated. On Monday, the families were brought straight from the refugee camps and registration was held at Marad itself. Though Payyanakkal School, where 26 families are staying at present, was given a holiday on Monday, classes for students in X to XII standards were held in the first floor of the school. The district administration has declared a holiday for he Payyanakkal GVHSS for two more days except for classes X, XI and XII. Meanwhile, a meeting 35 Araya Samajams in the district was organised here to review the agitation and to express gratitude to those who supported their cause. Leaders including RSS prantha pracharak S Sehtumadhavan, Hindu Aikya Vedi general secretary Kummanam Rajasekharan, BJP State president P S Sreedharan Pillai and others attended the meeting. Marad Araya Samajam president K Dasan presided.
Rajagopal State's ambassador in Delhi: Antony
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Rajagopal State's ambassador in New Delhi: Antony THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony has described Union Minister of State for Defence O Rajagopal as the ambassador of the State in New Delhi. He was inaugurating a civic reception accorded to Rajagopal on his 75th birthday at the State Co-operative Bank Auditorium here on Monday. He said that though Rajagopal was not elected to the Parliament from the State, he showed more enthusiasm to raise the issues relating to the State than many MPs who were elected from the State. He said that Rajagopal's tenure at the Railway Ministry could be termed as the golden era of the State in terms of development in rail transport sector. Rajagopal said in his reply speech that he felt happy that he could sanction the highest amount from the Prime Minister's relief fund to patients from the State for treatment. He did this without any caste, religious or regional considerations. According to statistics, the maximum amount of money sanctioned from the relief fund was in Malappuram district, he said. Though the maximum amount available for the State from the PM's relief fund was three percent, he could sanction over 30 percent amount. This had resulted in some administrative problems, he said. BJP State general secretary K Raman Pillai released a book on Rajagopal's four-year tenure as Union Minister by handing over a copy to Hindustan Latex chairman G Rajamohan. Former MG University Vice-Chancellor A Sukumaran Nair presided. Mayor J Chandra, V S Sivakumar MP, writer George Onakkoor, Thapasya chairman P Narayana Kurup and BJP State vice-president V N Unni offered their felicitation.
Valayar Check Post
Monday, October 13, 2003
The comedy king of Malayalam cinema is going for an image change and is trying to be an action hero in Joshi's Valayar Check Post. The shooting for the movie will start in Shornnur on October 20. Veteran director Joshi has given many superhits in the past with superstars like the late Jayan, Mammootty and Mohanlal. However it is for the first time that this action director is teaming with a comedy star. The script is by Sibi.K.Thomas and Udayakrishnan. According to Dileep: "I wanted to try out a new genre- a serious action film with all the commercial elements." Though the industry is not confident whether it will work, Dileep is adamant that he wants to try out the other moods of commercial cinema. His name in the film is Valayar Paramasivam, a man with underworld connections. Dileep's lucky mascot, Kavya Madhavan will be his heroine and the cast also includes Harisri Asokan, Salim Kumar and Indrajeet as the villain. The film is likely to be Dileep's Vishu release.
Chaya Singh- What is in a name?
Monday, October 13, 2003
Chaya Singh, the 'thirudi' in the blockbuster Thiruda Thirudi has changed her name to Minnu in Malayalam and is making her debut here as Kunchakko Boban's heroine in Mullavalliyum Thenmavum. Mullavalliyum Thenmavum is directed by V.K.Prakash of Freaky Chakra fame. It is a racy romantic entertainer and Chaya Singh was the last minute replacement for Meera Jasmine whose dates in the film clashed with her Mani Ratnam Tamil film. Prakash had started the shoot of his film a week before the release of Thiruda Thirudi in Varkala and has given this Banglalore based girl a strong female oriented role. Meenu has acted in Kannada films before she did Thiruda Thirudi and says:"I have an author-backed role in Mullavalliyum Thenmavum". V.K.Prakash is a noted ad-film maker and has made the award winning film Punaradhivasam. With Thiruda Thirudi turning to be a big hit, Chaya alias Minnu has become hot property in Tamil tinsel town.
Video piracy worsen crisis in Malayalam film industry
Monday, October 13, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rampant video piracy continues to compound the crisis the Malayalam film industry is going through. With CDs of almost all new releases in wide circulation all over Kerala, turnout at cinema houses has lately been quite poor, forcing more theatres to shut down in view of the dwindling collection. Mr S Chandran, President of the Kerala Film Exhibitors' Federation said video piracy had further worsened the crisis in Malayalam movie industry. Authorities have failed to curb the menace, despite repeated requests from the industry. Only stringent action against those trading in pirated cassettes could help solve the problem. "Already the film industry has a bag of woes, from exorbitant entertainment tax, prohibitive power tariff. But nothing is being done to salvage the industry," he complained. Following a memorandum submitted to Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony by a high-level delegation from the industry, including super stars, it was assured that all steps would be taken by the State Government to curb video piracy. Although the authorities initially seemed enthusiastic in bringing the culprits to book, it has lately tapered off with the result that piracy is revived with an added vigour, stated Kerala Film Distributors' Association President Kireedom Unni.
Oommen Chandy blames KPCC chief for Cong feud
Monday, October 13, 2003
THRISSUR: Blaming party president K Muraleedharan for the present crisis in the Congress, A K Antony loyalist and UDF convener Oommen Chandy on Sunday said the troubles in the party's Kerala unit could be solved if the KPCC chief approved and obeyed the high command. All the problems in the party's state unit would be solved if the KPCC president showed readiness to approve and obey the high command decisions, Chandy told reporters after inaugurating a convention of anti-Karunakaran factions here. The UDF convener expressed the hope that the high command would take 'appropriate action' against the leaders who had defied the decisions of the central leadership. Addressing the convention, Chandy wanted all sections of Congress workers to be vigilant against moves by certain quarters to split the party and lead the splinter group to the 'CPI-M stable.' State Tourism Minister K V Thomas said he deserted the Karunakaran camp after he was convinced that the senior leader gave more 'emphasis to his family than to the party.' Culture Minister G Karthikeyan, A C Jose, MP, KPCC office-bearers and MLAs spoke at the convention, which was attended by many party workers from the area.
Research institute plans to launch website on plants in India
Monday, October 13, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Any details on the plant wealth of India is now just a click away with the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) at Palode near here getting ready to launch an internet database named ‘Plant Info’ on the plant wealth of India. Plant Info, the first of its kind in the world, will have comprehensive details of the whole plant species in India. A Bioinformatic centre supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been set up under this project. A special team of biological experts and computer experts is now engaged in compiling the details on the species of the State alone. The Tenth Plan, focusing on biodiversity, had given special attention to the project and the TBGRI has received Rs 45 lakh from the DBT for the project. The project, conceived in 2002, is scheduled to be finished by 2012. The TBGRI has released a special software Plant Info Version 1, specially created for the documentation. This is a freely downloadable software, which gives details regarding the current trends and development of the plant wealth for scientific research. Bio Informatic centre has already collected data of 60 plant species. The State’s Western Ghats have almost 5,725 endemic species of the plants and 50 percent of plant species are yet to be identified, according to bio informatic project coordinator S.Sreekumar. An executive committee, comprising the TBGRI director, the DBT director, the Special Officer of Bioinformatics, a representative of the Madurai Kamaraj Bio Informatic Centre, two special invitees and two programme coordinators, is taking care of the security of the data base. "The TBGRI is very much concerned about the security aspects of these data. If not looked into carefully, they may fall into wrong hands," Sreekumar said.
Ashok Yadav, seven others transfered in conncection with Killi incident
Monday, October 13, 2003
THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Rural Superintendent Ashok Yadav, Dy SP Yogesh and six junior police officers were transferred with immediate effect following the Killi incident. This was announced by the Chief Minister's office. The action follows the report submitted by the Director General of Police Hormis Tharakan to the Government about the Killi incident involving some policemen and the local residents.
BOT Bridge: First phase of discussion over
Monday, October 13, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The first phase of the discussion in connection with the problems arising from toll collection from BOT bridge in Mattanchery has concluded. Transport Minister after attending the meeting stated that it is not possible to enact new law in this connection. He also pointed out that, in the matter emphasis would be given to the interests of the common man.
Officials attempting to sabotage Marad rehabilitation: Rajagopal
Monday, October 13, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central Minister O Rajagopal accused that officials are trying to sabotage Marad rehabilitation. He had come to inaugurate the photo exhibition depicting the central government's achievements, which was organised by DAVP Thiruvananthapuram Field Exhibition Office at the Trivandrum Hotel. It had been decided that the accused in the case should be rehabilitated only at the last moment. Rajagopal pointed out that, overlooking this decision by the officials had led to temporary opposition to the rehabilitation move. The government has behaved in an exemplary manner and that this temporary problem can be overcome successfully.
Follow footsteps of Mother: Cardinal
Sunday, October 12, 2003
KOCHI: Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil on Saturday exhorted missionaries and nuns to follow the footsteps of Mother Teresa by dedicating their lives for the service of the poor and destitute. Inaugurating a valedictory function jointly organised by Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC) and KCBC Mass Media Commission here to commemorate the beatification of Mother Teresa on October 19 and Pope John Paul II's 25th year of his Papacy, Mar Vithayathil said the Mother was able to spread the message of God among the poor and in that respect, she was much more than a social worker. The Cardinal, a key member among the 10 main priests who conducted the funeral prayer service of Mother Teresa at Kolkata, said the beatification day of October 19 will be an historic occasion. On Pope John Paul II, Vithayathil said the Pope, in 25 years of Papacy, has travelled an unprecedented 103 countries spreading the `Good News' and the message of peace. Superior General Sr. Franceena of D.M, who composed a song in memory of Mother Teresa, and GCDA chairman Antony Isaac also spoke. Speaking at the day-long seminar and get-together, KCBC vice-chairman Fr. Francis Kallarakkal said Mother Teresa and the Pope have shown that bearing witness to love was bearing witness to Christ. Kerala High Court judge Justice Kurien Joseph was the chief guest. A film on Mother Teresa `The Gift of God' produced by Divine Creations was also screened.
Rs 76 lakh compensation disbursed to kin of victims
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Rs 76 lakh compensation disbursed to kin of victims KOZHIKODE: Continuing the process of rehabilitation in Marad, the district administration on Saturday brought 58 more families back to their houses, taking the total number of families rehabilitated to 129 over the last two days. As many as 18 families, who were brought from relief camps and have registered their names at the counters at Payyanakkal School, will be taken to Marad only on Sunday. The authorities have made arrangements at the school for their stay. Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary (General Administration) K K Vijayakumar distributed the compensation amount sanctioned to the relatives of those killed and injured in the attacks at an emotionally charged function. Babu, father of Praji, Padmaja, wife of Krishnan, Sreemati, wife of Madhavan, Soumini, wife of Dasan, Prameela, wife of Gopalan and Shyja, wife of Chandran received the cheques for Rs 10 lakh each. Seriously injured Unni and Manoj received cheques for Rs 5 lakh each while injured Vinod and Prasant got cheques for Rs 3 lakh each. Cheques will be handed over to the remaining persons on Sunday. Saturday’s rehabilitation took place at areas considered highly sensitive, where the nine gruesome murders took place five months ago. Among the families that returned on Saturday include that of Mariambi, who was forced to go back to the relief camp after two day’s stay earlier last month following protests from the women activists of Araya Samajam. The families were brought in buses and government vehicles. As on the first day of the rehabilitation on Friday, Gandhians accompanied the families to their respective houses. The families who were rehabilitated at Chulliyamvalappu on Friday complained to the authorities that their houses were not in living condition, and that many of the houses were without doors and window panes. They also said that their valuables were stolen when they were forced to stay at relief camps. Vijayakumar, who visited the some of the families, assured them that their grievances would be addressed immediately. Confusion prevailed at Payyanakkal School in the evening when the families which were told to stay back at the school insisted on going to their houses in Marad. The families include that of Muhammedali, the prime accused in the case. Sources told this website's newspaper that their houses have been completely damaged and it would require some time to complete the repair work. Vijayakumar told reporters that Fisheries Director would be visiting Marad on Sunday to assess the damage. He said the process of rehabilitation was likely to be completed within three days. A comprehensive development package for Marad, a joint effort of various ministries, would also be announced soon. The volunteers of various Gandhian organisations also are planning to launch programmes to heal the wounds and to bring the communities together.
Marad rehabilitation continues for second day
Sunday, October 12, 2003
The rehabilitation process continued "peacefully" for the second on Saturday in nearby Marad where nine persons were killed due to violence in May forcing several families of the minority community to flee the area. Official sources said over 100 families would be rehabilitated through the day. On Friday 70 families returned back to their homes, they said. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the area to ensure that there is no opposition to the peace moves, they said, adding Araya Samajam, representing the Hindu community in the beach area, was helping in the process. An accord was reached on Sunday between the two communities which agreed for a "partial" CBI probe and quick rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Kerala Principal Secretary KK Vijayakumar, who joined District Collector TO Sooraj, DIG (North) N Sankar Reddy and Police Commissioner TK Vinod Kumar in overseeing the rehabilitation process, was expected to give compensation to the victims' relatives at the Araya Samajam office later in the day.
No chance for `explosion' in party, UDF: Antony
Sunday, October 12, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday said that he does not expect any `explosion' in the Kerala unit of the Congress and the UDF. ``I do not expect any more street fight either'', Antony told mediapersons at the airport here on his return from Sriperumbadur on Saturday morning. Antony said that he did not discuss politics with party president Sonia Gandhi when he met her at Sriperumbadur the other day. ``It was not the occasion to discuss politics'', he said. The Chief Minister said that all issues concerning the ongoing group war in the Congress would be discussed when he meets the Congress president in New Delhi next week. Antony said that the present crisis in the party and the UDF was nothing serious. `` Every Government passes through difficult situations like this. But the crisis would be solved some way or the other'',he said. When his reaction was sought to party leader K. Karunakaran's reported comment that the UDF partners have started expressing dissatisfaction over the Chief Minister's functioning, Antony said that he did not want to discuss party matters on the street. ``I used to do it earlier. But now that I am holding a responsible post, I have decided to observe maximum restraint'', he said. Asked whether he expected disciplinary action against any party functionary for the defeat of the UDF candidate in the Ernakulam bypoll, the Chief Minister said that he was not the right person to answer this question.``It is up to the Congress high command to decide on disciplinary action'', he said. On the reported change in the CPM attitude towards the Indian Union Muslim League, Antony said that CPM had changed a lot. The Chief Minister said that he would seek the support of all political parties to ensure that the 12th Finance Commission did not ignore the needs of the State as it happened in the case of the 11th Finance Commission.
Film festival begins on Dec 12
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Film festival begins on Dec 12 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The International Film Festival, would be held in the state capital under the auspices of the State Chalachitra Academy from December 12 to 19, the Minister for Culture, G Karthikeyan, said. As many as 150 films from various parts of the world will be screened in six theatres in the city. About 100 entries, the minister said, had been received for the competitive section. Out of them, 17 films would be selected for screening in the section. There would be a special retrospective of non-feature films this year besides the usual retrospective of feature films, he said. Karthikeyan said that emphasis was being placed on films from the Third World countries. A cash award of Rs 200,000 has been introduced for a debutante director from the Third World countries. The Festival, he said, would be dedicated to 75 years of Malayalam cinema. A multimedia CD-ROM would be released as part of the celebrations.
Heroin seized from air passenger
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Heroin seized from air passenger THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Air Intelligence Unit of the Air Customs have seized 408 gms of heroin valued at Rs 50 lakhs from a passenger bound for Male. The accused, Sheikh Abdul Khader, a native of Thondi in Tamil Nadu was arrested when he was about to board the Indian Airlines Flight to Male on October 6. On being questioned, the accused said that he had swallowed 100 cellophane wrapped pellets of heroin. The drug was retrieved from him at the Medical College Hospital.
Marad rehabilitation takes off peacefully
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Marad rehabilitation takes off peacefully Kozhikode, Oct 10 Clearing off the final hurdle to lasting peace in the violence-ravaged Marad in the district five months after the ghastly massacre of nine people, the process of rehabilitating the displaced Muslim families finally took off peacefully today, amid a new-found sense of fraternity. The first batch of the families, who fled their homes after the May two incident, were ushered in back to their homes amid tight police security, as per the peace package struck recently by both the Hindu and Muslim communities after months of intense animosity. After resettling over 500 people, mostly women and children, from 71 families at Chulliyamvalapp area by the evening, the district administration decided to continue the process tomorrow with another 84 families, official sources said. While immense relief was writ large on the faces of the refugees who had come back, ending their five-month ordeal in crowded and clumsy dark relief camps, most of the rival community watched on the events indifferently, though without any tinge of open animosity. But some of the Hindu families were seen helping their Muslim brethren by extending utensils and a few embracing each other to refind the old amity. ''The process, which started in the morning, went on very smoothly. However, tight security was been clamped to avoid any reversal,'' senior officials camping in the area said. Gandhi Smaraka Samithi Chairman P Gopinathan Nair, who brokered peace, asked the people to forget the past and rekindle the age-old friendship. However, a sense of apprehension also has struck the minds of many refugees as many of their men are behind the bars now. ''We are all a bit apprehensive. I don't know what will happen in the days to come,'' Kacheebi said, echoing the feelings of many as they boarded the bus from Payyanickal school where they had first gathered. The rehabilitation of about 300 families was the contentious issue after the local Hindu community twice foiled the attempts to press their demand for a CBI probe into the killings. However, after the Government agreed to a partial probe by the CBI following prolonged discussions, the local community agreed to allow their neighbours in. ''Many of us have lost our fishing boats. It is to be seen, whether we can go on fishing as earlier,'' said Aboobacker, one of the fishermen in the area, as he reached back. The first batch of 71 families were from the two relief camps of Chaliyam and one at Kappackal. They were taken in two buses and 10 jeeps after were distributed with provisionary items for a week by the authorities. District collector T O Sooraj and RDO P Balan led the process while the Gandhians, led by Thayattu Balan, opened up a 10-day camp to spread the message of peace in the area. DIG Sankar Reddy and City Police Commissioner T K Vinodkumar were also camping at the area to oversee the massive cover of security. The repair works of damaged homes were still on under the guidance of Nirmithi Kendra.
IFFI tribute to Malayalam film veteran
Saturday, October 11, 2003
IFFI tribute to Malayalam film veteran New Delhi, Oct 10 National award winning South Indian film veteran K S Sethumadhavan was today given a touching tribute at the 34th Internaional Film Festival of India(IFFI) here. A five-film retrospective of Sethumadhavan, who won the President's Gold Medal for his 1991 film 'Marupakkam'(Tamil), opened with the screening of of 'Oppol'(1981). The prolific director, who made 66 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi in a career spanning four decades, was given a standing ovation at the inauguration of the retrospective of his works. ''Sedhumadhavan brought Malayalam cinema out of the closet. The best works of great actors Sathyan, Sharada and Sheela happened under him,'' said writer-critic Thottam Rajashekharan, who was the chief guest at the opening. ''We should be much more aggressive about our own films,'' said festival director Neelam Kapur. She said the small package retrospective was a beginning of small festivals of works of such directors as Sedhumadhavan. The other Sethumadhavan films, which will be screened during the 10-day festival are Achanum Bapayum'(1972), 'Marupakkam', 'Nammavar'(Tamil-1995) and 'Stri'(Telugu-1996). ''At a time when sex and violence were the staple diet of popular cinema, Sethumadhavan steered clear of temptations to portray them,'' said Rajashekharan. In his modestly budgeted films, Sethumadhavan mixed socially relevant themes of his times with humour and cinematic vigour sending out a strong message of humanity. ''I enjoy films, of my days and even today's,'' said the ageing director in a brief speech at the opening of his retrospective.
Kerala gold fest to begin tomorrow
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Kerala gold fest to begin tomorrow Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10 The month-long Kerala Gold Fest "Swarnam 03," showcasing the history and traditions of the yellow metal, will begin here tomorrow. The festival, an exercise to brand Kerala as the 'evergreen land of gold,' is being organised by the Kerala Tourism Department in association with the World Gold Council and All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Assocation. Almost all gold and silver merchants in the state would participate in the event which will cover the entire state. Exhibitions of gold jewellery and designs, interactive sessions with gold workers, cultural programmes, fashion show and music concerts will be organised during the period. Kerala Finance Minister K Sankaranarayan will inaugurate the Gold Fest at a function to be organised at the Nishagandhi Auditorium here. Tourism Minister K V Thomas will preside over the function, followed by a traditional and ethnic and cultural extravaganza. The organisers of the event said today that the focus would be given on the traditional elements of purity, creativity and craftsmanship of Kerala gold jewellery in the international market.
Mumbai twin blast: conspiracy involves Malayalee also
Saturday, October 11, 2003
MUMBAI: The Mumbai police said that some living in Ernakulam also involved in the twin bomb blast that rocked the country on August 25th. Police got this information on questioning Hanish Abdhul Saaid, and Jafid Padni, who were arrested in connection with the blast. Not only some involved from Ernakulam but also some people belonging to Hydrabad and Chenni were also there in the conspiracy. Joint Commissioner Satyapal Singh told that the police are searching for all involved in the conspiracy. He also added that a special investigation team will be send to these areas if needed. The conspiracy for the bomb blast was planed at the Leksher A Thaiba office in Gulf. There was a rumour that the Gujarat revenge group was behind these blasts at first. But police said that investigations showed that there was plans for these blasts even before the riots in Gujarat.
Azhikkal port project to be completed in two years
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Azhikkal port project to be completed in two years Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10 The first phase of the Azhikkal port development project in North Kerala will be completed in two years. Four companies have submitted expression of interest for the Rs 1,377 crore project for the port's development with private participation, said state port department officials. Tenders will be invited this month itself. The Azhikkal port, near Kannur, is one of the oldest in the state and is located midway between the major ports of Mangalore and Kochi. The development project includes construction of wharf facilities and facilities for shipbuilding and ship repair. The channel dredging work is expected to be completed in three months. Already, to carry out the work, the Dredging Corporation of India has handed over the Kerala Maritime Development Corporation, a dredging vessel with 200 cubic metre capacity. As a first step, the channel draft is to be increased to four metre. This would enable medium vessels to operate at Azhikkal. The port has an ideal basin. Sailing vessels could cross the bar and enter the river mouth without navigational dangers, port department sources said. The work of completing two breakwaters in order to stabilise the channel and further deepen the shallow bar at the river mouth is in progress. Increasing the channel depth after dredging will help revive cargo handling at the port. Once an important port, Azhikkal had handled timber and farm products. Till a few years ago, the port had been handling building materials bound for Laksadweep and also timber for the timber units at Valapattanam. Meanwhile, an exclusive wharf for handling cargo bound for Laksadweep is also proposed. The Kerala Government has entered into an agreement with the Lakshadweep Administration for developing the proposed 150-metre wharf. The work is to be carried out by the Harbor Works Department of the Lakshadweep Administration. The proximity of Lakshadweep to Azhikkal makes operation of vessels between the island and the mainland cheaper. Presently traders in Malabar region engaged in traditional business with the island are operating from the Mangalore port, state port department officials said.
Amrita channel to confine to global culture
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Amrita channel to confine to global culture Kochi, Oct 10 Amrita TV channel, inaugurated during the four-day 'Amritavarsham-50' celebrations here last month, is expected to become operational from January 1 next year. Disclosing this at a media conference here yesterday, Swami Poorna Amritananda, General Secretary of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math which owns the channel, said the programmes would concentrate on spreading global culture with a view to uniting mankind. ''It will not either be a religious or spiritual channel but a cultural channel aimed at removing mental tension. The Math is sure that we would have very good viewer response from all over the world,'' he said. The conference was convened to express gratitude to all sections of the society and the administration, in helping to conduct the international convention in a smooth manner. The four-day event had attracted an estimated 1.5 lakh people daily from all over the country and abroad. On Septmber 26, when President A P J Abdul Kalam addressed the youth assembly, the strength of the participants had swelled to nearly 2.5 lakh without affecting normal city life, the seer added.
Legal activist Nawab Rajendran dies
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Legal activist Nawab Rajendran dies Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10 Well-known legal activist Nawab Rajendran, who led a crusade against corruption and social injustice, died here today. He was 53. He was undergoing treatment for cancer at the Regional Cancer Centre for quite some time. He was rushed to the Medical College Hospital this morning after collapsed at his lodge room. Hospital sources said he breathed his last at 1150 hrs. Known as an expert in filing Public Interest Litigations, Rajendran had singlehandedly fought and won several cases against top politicians in the state during the past three decades.
HC adjourns review petition on campus politics
Saturday, October 11, 2003
HC adjourns review petition on campus politics Kochi, Oct 10 The Kerala High Court today adjourned to October 30 further hearing on the review petition filed by student organisations challenging the Government's order on empowering college managements to prohibit politicial activities of students inside the campus. A Division Bench, consisting of Mr Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Mr Justice K Padmanabhan Nair, partly heard arguments in the matter today. Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur Universities informed the court that they did not favour a total ban on student politics inside the campus. According to them, some safe guards alone were required to effectively curb campus violence. Cochin University of Science and Technology and Kerala Agricultural University filed affidavits supporting parliamentary form of election to the University Unions.
German gel to treat scars in India
Saturday, October 11, 2003
German gel to treat scars in India Kozhikode, Oct 10 Win Medicare (P) Ltd, a UK Modi group company, has launched a German-manufactured gel for treating scars effectively in the Kerala market. `Contractubex', a patent formulation from Merz GmbH and being used in over 50 countries, was launched at a function here last night, eyeing at the vast cosmetic-friendly Kerala market. ``The scar-specific gel is the first medicinal treatment in the country for scar left by burns or wounds on the body,'' company vice-president (sales and marketing) S S Aurora claimed. A panel of leading skin specialists in the State also claimed that the gel could effectively work in removing the scars, in a specified time depending on the size and skin type. The leading pharma company has also tie-ups with IBSA, Switzerland for bolstering its gynaecological products and with Tillots Pharma Ag of Switzerland for its gastroenterology range of products, the officials said.
No evidence against Karunakaran, says NP Sahi
Saturday, October 11, 2003
No evidence against Karunakaran, says NP Sahi NEW DELHI: The NP Sahi committee enquiring about the situation in which the Congress candidate defeated could not get any evidence against senior congress leader K Karunakaran, that he did any dissident work. The AICC observer's report says that Karunakaran had not campaigned for the congress candidate, meanwhile he did not participated in any group meetings or made any public speech against Congress candidate. The Sahi committee got proof against some of the I faction KPCC office bearers that they have issued statements against the Congress candidate. And the comments of the some Antony faction had increased the group rivalry. The Sahi committee would not be taking some disciplinary actions against I faction as it would increase the group rivalry. And as election in five states have been announced, there is little chance of announcing any disciplinary action.
Cauvery issue: BKS embarks on 120-hour relay fast
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Cauvery issue: BKS embarks on 120-hour relay fast Tiruchirapalli, Oct 10 The district unit of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) today embarked on a 120-hour relay fast to urge Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to seek Prime Minister A B Vajpayee's intervention in the Cauvery issue to bail out the delta farmers from the crisis, near Anna statue at Chinthamani area here. The agitators, led by BKS State Spokesman P Ayyakkannu, also demanded that the Government pay a compensation to all the drought-affected farmers of the State. Mr Ayyakkannu told newspersons that Ms Jayalalithaa should urge the Prime Minister, also the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) Chairman, to immediately convene a CRA meet and get water for Tamil Nadu as the farmers were severely hit by the drought conditions, prevailing for two consecutive years. He appealed to the State Government to continue with the free electricity scheme for farmers until the ryots got remunerative prices for their agricultural produces, especially Rs 1200 per quintal of paddy and Rs 1,750 for a ton of sugarcane.
Marad rehabilitation from today
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Marad rehabilitation from today KOZHIKODE: The families flee from Maraad after the massacre would be rehabilitated from today onwards. District Collector TO Sooraj stated that all the arrangements for rehabilitation have been completed. He said the rehabilitation process would be completed in four days. Forty families from Chaliyam and Kappakal refugee camps would be rehabilitated in the first phase. The Chulliyamvalappu where the rehabilitation is taking place, 51 houses have been repaired yesterday. The Nirmithi Kendra is doing the repair works and the deputy collector T Bhaskaran is over viewing the progress of these works. The wells were also cleaned yesterday. The families are asked to come to Payyanakkal High School today and after recording their details they would be taken to their homes. Collector Sooraj received the government order regarding the rehabilitation yesterday morning and the Government secretary in charge of Marad, KK Vijayakumar held talks with the district administration and give directions. The police have been divided the Marad area into ten sectors and security has been beefed up in all areas.
Kerala cabinet approves Marad peace package
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Kerala cabinet approves Marad peace package October 08, 2003 17:31 IST The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday approved the agreement reached between leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities to establish peace in Marad and also decided to seek legal advice on the possibility of recommending a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the May 2 violence. Briefing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister A K Antony said General Administration Secretary Vijayakumar has been authorised to co-ordinate the activities of the various departments for the speedy implementation of the proposals contained in the October five agreement, which include enhanced compensation to the kin of victims and rehabilitation of families that fled Marad after the carnage. The development package for Marad would be taken up in a time-bound manner and would be monitored by the ministers for Water Resources, PWD, Electricity, Health and Fisheries. On possibility of recommending a CBI inquiry into the May 2 violence, which left nine people dead, the cabinet decided to seek the advocate general's advice.
Unnikuttan gets a new home
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Separation is painful but for Sajimol, an inmate of the Women’s Jail in Neyyattinkara near here, it came as a relief. Ashvas Bhavan, run by Kottayam-based voluntary oraganisation Correction India, will take care of her four-year-old son Unnikuttan from now on. The jail authorities on Tuesday handed over the child to Correction India at a heart-rending function held on the jail premises. Sajimol is undergoing life imprisonment for killing her first child and she wants her second child to be free from the big bad world within the jail. Unnikuttan was born in the jail and till now it was the only home he knew. He is the darling of the 38 inmates of the jail and today, as he stepped out to seek his new life everyone was dumb-struck. The Women’s Jail can keep children only till they attain the age of five. The child will then be shifted to the juvenile home or an orphanage. If the inmate has a family to fall back on, then it will be another option. But for Sajimol, though she has a mother she is not ready to rely on her. The Correction India was her only hope as it has a history of taking care of children of the jail inmates. The voluntary organisation will give children better education and even take the initiative to get them married. The organisation had taken custody of Rajan, son of a Sri Lankan convict, six years ago. He was also present to take Unnikuttan to his new home. Unnikuttan will be brought back to see his mother once in a month or as he wishes.
Non-IT firms take the lead at Kinfra park
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
Non-IT firms take the lead at Kinfra park KOCHI: Investment announcements by tech firms at IT Park, Kakkanad, may be hogging headlines, but away from spotlight it is the less glamourous brick-and-mortar companies that are implementing projects on ground at the Kinfra Export Promotion Industrial Park Ltd (KEPIP), lying alongside the IT Park. Already the entire area of the 70 acres allotted for non-IT sector in the 170-acre Kinfra land at Kakkanad (a 100-acres for IT), has been sold out to firms in a range of business from pharmaceuticals to fabrics, coir-products to food processing and ready-made garments to laboratory furniture. While four units are up-and-running at KEPIP, another 10 companies are in various stages of project implementation at the Park. With the total area for non-IT fully booked, the KEPIP is looking for another 100 acres for expansion. ‘‘The State Government is acquiring another 200 acres in Kakkanad for IT and non-IT. The KEPIP hopes to get 100 acres for non-IT,’’ said V N P Kaimal, managing director, KEPIP. The Kerala Chemicals and Proteins Ltd (KCPL) which employs 150 people on an area of 13 acres is the largest unit now functioning at KEPIP. Kera Fibre Tech, which has an Italian tie-up, provides similar number of jobs. Though only in its second year of operations, the Kera Fibre Tech has notched up a turnover of about Rs 30 crore. The other functioning units are Central Warehousing Corporation and A&B Toolers, the latter beginning operations only about four months back. In terms of employment, the ready-made garments venture of Leela Scottish, which is expected to provide jobs for over 2000 people (mainly women), will be the biggest among those setting up projects in the Park. ‘‘We have provided five-acres for Leela Scottish, which already has a successful unit at Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ),’’ said Kaimal. Nirmal Agro Industries, which is setting up a pineapple processing unit at an investment of Rs 30 crore, is the largest in terms of investment. The Nirmal Agro project, which will provide jobs for 200 people, is expected to go on stream by January-February 2004. ‘‘The work is fast progressing on the seven-acre land allotted,’’ said Kaimal. The sunrise sector of biotechnology will also find representation in the Park in the form of AVT Biotechnology. The Rs 1.5 acre unit will provide jobs for 50 and is expected to commence operations in the next 3-4 months. And the response from IT companies is also very encouraging, says Kaimal. The major attraction of the Park, according to him, is the centralised power of 20 MW. ‘‘In a month’s time, KEPIP will have the licence to distribute power to the units inside the Park. This will ensure uninterrupted power supply for the units,’’ said the KEPIP managing director. The Park also has the capacity to supply three million litres of water per day. ‘‘Already we supply one million litres to CSEZ. If the need arises, we can ensure the supply of entire water in the KEPIP itself,’’ he said.
New regulation may sour Kerala nurses’ dream
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
New regulation may sour Kerala nurses’ dream KOCHI: The American dream seems to be turning sour for nurses in Kerala hoping to migrate for a lucrative career. The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Service recently issued a regulation, making VisaScreen certificate mandatory for healthcare workers applying for a visa to the US. The new regulation, which came into effect from September 23, is applicable to nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals except physicians. So far, healthcare professionals applying for non-immigrant visas have enjoyed a waiver from this certification requirement which tests the applicant’s education, experience, training and English language ability as equivalent to that of a US healthcare worker. This certificate is issued by the International Commission on Healthcare Professionals, a division of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Apart from the CGFNS examination, the test of the International English Language Testing System is also mandatory to get a visa to work in US. Many candidates pass this test only in second attempt. Moreover, compulsory VisaScreen means that the processing will go on for another three or four months, forcing the candidates to wait for over a year. Added to this crisis is the recent cutting down of H-1 B visas from 1,95,000 to 65,000 per year. This means that nurses aspiring for a career in the US will have to resort to the EB-3 visas which take more than a year to process. The cutting down of visas, which has come into effect from October 1, is expected to spoil the chances of nurses who want to work in the US only on temporary basis, either for three years or for a maximum of six years. This visa takes six to eight months to be processed and is considered ideal for single women who want to work in the US for a few years and come back. The H-1 B visa is a temporary work visa granted mostly to professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
Heavy rain disrupts life
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
KOCHI: Heavy rain that has been lashing the city since on Monday has thrown city life out of gear. As most of the people decided to remain indoors due to the incessant rains, the traffic was not affected much. Long queues of vehicles on busy roads, a usual sight during rainy days, were not witnessed on Tuesday. Almost all the canals in the city are overflowing. Water-logging has been reported from low-lying areas of the city, mainly the South Railway Station area. Water slowly started receding by noon when the rain stopped. However, heavy rains during evening also has left the people without a chance for shopping or other activities in the city.
'Mohanlal mega show' postponed to Nov 29
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
KOCHI: The 'Mohanlal mega show,' which was to have been held here on October 11 at the Jawaharlal nehru stadium, has been postponed to November 29 due to heavy rains. The show, 'Priyapetta Mohanlal 25 years', was being organised by Deepika Infocus, the event management group of Rashtra Deepika group of publications to celebrate the actor's 25 years in malayalam films. Due to the heavy rains the venue had been waterlogged, the organisers said. The function would now be held on November 29 at 6.30 PM at the same venue.
'Charges against Speaker contempt of House'
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress Legislature Party secretary Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said here on Tuesday that he would file notice for ‘contempt of House’ against ‘‘those who have raised false allegations against Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman.’’ Radhakrishnan told newsmen here that the Opposition was trying to blackmail the Speaker by unleashing a propaganda that he had canvassed votes for the United Democratic Front candidate in the Ernakulam byelection. "The Speaker represented the House and raising unfounded charges against him amounted to contempt of the House," he said. According to Radhakrishnan, there was no prescribed rule that Speakers should not get involved in political activity. Former Speaker M.Vijayakumar was elected to the CPM State committee twice during his term as Speaker. He also challenged CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan to make public the 'proof' which the latter claimed to have on the Speaker’s open campaigning for Congress candidate in the Ernakulam byelection. The Opposition move to serve a notice for the removal of Speaker was just a gimmick, he said and added that Vakkom Purushothaman would continue to be the Speaker as long as he had the trust of the House.
Murali meets Sonia, sings different tune
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
NEW DELHI: A forty five minute long meeting with AICC President Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi toned down the aggressive mood of KPCC President K Muraleedharan. Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Murali said he has told the Party President that it is quite difficult for the I group to get along with the present leadership in Kerala."If we face the next Lok Sabha elections under the present leadership, it will end up in a major disaster for the party. I have also told Sonia Gandhi about the one and only solution to sort out the Kerala problem,"said Muraleedharan who refused to divulge the solution to the media. About the ultimatum served by the I faction that if the High Command does not effect any leadership change by Novemeber 19, the KPCC President made a vault face. "No ultimatum has been served on the Congress High Command. We are not fools to do so. The 'I' faction will organise a rally at Kochi in connection with the birth anniversary of Indiraji on November 19 and that is all,"said Muraleedharan. AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel was present during the meeting. The KPCC President also made it clear that the I group will not do anything which would be detrimental to the Marad accord. "Though we have reservations about the manner in which the accord was finalised, we will not do anything which will upset the rehabilitation process of the displaced families of Marad,"said Muraleedharan. Earlier, the AICC observers Veerappa Moily and GK Vasan submitted their report to the Party President about the factors which led to the defeat of party candidate in the Ernakulam bypoll. It is reported that the committee reported to the High Command that dissident activities were galore at Ernakulam and suggested disciplinary action be initiated against them.
'UDF had spent Rs. 3 cr. during by-poll'
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
'UDF had spent Rs. 3 cr. during by-poll' Kochi, Oct. 7 : The 'I' faction of the Congress in Kerala today fired yet another salvo alleging that the Congress led UDF had spent Rs. 3 crores in the run-up to the September 23 bypoll for the Ernakulam Lok Sabha seat and wanted the Government to investigate the matter. The accusation comes close on the heels of the demand of the faction owing allegiance to veteran leader, K Karunakaran, for a leadership change in the State following the electoral debacle in which the Congress candidate, M O John, lost to LDF supported independent candidate, Sebastian Paul in Ernakulam. KPCC General Secretary and a prominent 'I' faction leader, N Venugopal, told reporters here that if the Government failed to order a probe, the faction would not hesitate to approach the Election Commission with a formal complaint. He said the Chief Minister, A K Antony, and UDF Convener, Oomen Chandy, should resign as they were indulging in group activities. Chandy was openly involving himself in activities of the 'A' group close to the Chief Minister and hence he was 'unfit' to be the UDF Convener, Venugopal alleged. Replying to a query, he said the KPCC President, K Muraleedharan, had neither participated in nor addressed the meetings of the 'I' faction, while Antony and Chandy were functioning as the spokesmen of their own group. The faction would hold district conventions from October 15 to 30 and a State convention here on November 19, which will be addressed by Karunakaran, he said.
Move for CBI probe wrong:VS
Monday, October 6, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader V S Achudanandan termed the decision of the state government to go for a CBI inquiry into the Marad massacre a wrong one. "The CBI itself stands tarnished because they helped L K Advani scotfree in the Babri Masjid Case which was filed in the Allhabad High Court. The Marad issue is a state subject and hence it should be probed by the state government itself," said Achudanandan to mediapersons at Thiruvananthapuram. The opposition leader said the approach of the government in this issue looked like a total surrender to the Sangh Parivar. "The primary responsibility of the government was to ensure the welfare of those evicted from Marad. More than 4,000 persons belonging to different categories had to flee Marad . They should have been given suitable compensation instead of surrendering before one particular group," said the opposition leader.
Indo-US joint naval exercise begins
Monday, October 6, 2003
KOCHI: With the threat of terrorism looming large both on land and at sea, the fifth Indo-US joint naval exercises starting today will focus on "VBBS" - visit, board, search and seizure operations. During the exercises off Kochi, personnel from warships of the two natives would board and search a suspected vessel at sea, an Indian Navy spokesman said. "There would be focus on maritime interdiction operations and sea certain areas of the sea for limited duration for use by friendly forces," the spokesman added. Anti-submarine warfare would also be part the exercise with the participation of submarines INS Shakti and US navy's nuclear submarine USS Pasadena. The other US vessels participating include two frontline warships USS Chosin and USS Fitzgerald, two P3C maritime patrol aircraft and a tanker.
Karunakaran, Murali flayed for making pro-CPM statements
Monday, October 6, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Union Minister and Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran has criticised Congress leader K. Karunakaran and KPCC president K. Muraleedharan for their pro-CPM statements. Mullappally Ramachandran said in a statement here on Sunday that the statements made by Karunakaran and Muraleedharan supporting the CPM had hurt the sentiments of thousands of workers who had stood by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the time of crisis. This was because the CPM had a history of targeting Indira Gandhi and the `I' group was in the forefront of defending her during the time of the split in the Congress in 1978, he said. The efforts by Karunakaran to topple the Congress-led Government to ensure the post of chief ministership for himself was despicable, he said.
Marad people hail peace accord
Monday, October 6, 2003
KOZHIKODE: Five long months of agony, pain, misery and uncertainty into the Marad massacre which claimed nine lives on May 2, the people of Marad, including the Muslim refugees, finally heaved a sigh of relief with both the parties reaching an accord in the presence of the Chief Minister on Sunday. Both Araya Samajam activists and the refugees staying at various relief camps welcomed the latest development and termed it as the first positive move that could solve the issue amicably. But there were no apparent celebrations in both the camps as the leaders and the affected parties still had various doubts regarding the proposals which would be placed before Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. "We welcome the proposal to order a partial CBI inquiry into the episode and to enhance the solatium to the victims. But a smooth rehabilitation will be possible only after a clear cut order for CBI inquiry," said Araya Samajam president K Dasan. "We are relieved with the decision but not happy as the wounds still remain," he added. Dasan, however, said there will not be any provocation from the Hindus of Marad which could trigger off violence. "But things will be different from the past as we would be closely watching the movements of the rehabilitated Muslims. We have lost our confidence in them and in the Sneha sangamams which may follow," he added. The Araya Samajam will hold a meeting at Marad on Monday evening after its secretary T Suresh returns from the State capital. "We would call upon the entire community to cooperate with the rehabilitation process if there is an undoubted move from the Government to meet our demands," Dasan said. "But the rehabilitation should be a natural process without any outside instigation," he said. The Araya Samajam leaders also said the Government could order a comprehensive CBI inquiry if there was any legal complications for a partial inquiry. Though most of the Hindu women in Marad declined to make comments, they seemed to be relieved by the turn of events. "We are happy. Let them (Muslim women) come and live here. They are welcome," said Uma, one of the residents of Marad. Meanwhile, the womenfolk staying at the refugee camp run by the IUML at Chaliyam could not hide their joy while responding to the Government decision. "We are dying to go back to our place. We were never against a CBI inquiry or the demand to enhance the compensation to the victims. But the Government should take measures to compensate our losses too," said Biyyathumma. A M Kasim, the chief coordinator of the camp where 264 families are residing, said they were ready to wait for another week or two if the problem could be settled amicably. ``Now the ball is in the district administration's court. They should initiate a local-level meeting of both the parties to facilitate a smooth rehabilitation,'' he said. "A CBI inquiry doesn't affect the refugees staying here. We do not even consider their security after the rehabilitation a major problem. But the women, with most of their men behind the bars, need the Government aid to help them find a living," he added. The decision has also raised the hopes of those residing at the CPM-run camp at Chaliyam. ``We want to go back, but the district authorities seems to neglect our problems,'' one of them said in the absence of local leaders who look after the camp. Meanwhile, Jameela, the camp leader at the Kappakkal camp, said they would proceed to Marad only after their houses were repaired and losses compensated. RDO P Balan, who visited Marad and the refugee camps on Sunday, said any steps towards rehabilitation would be initiated only after receiving the Government order in this regard.
Antony takes rivals head on
Monday, October 6, 2003
NEW DELHI: Defying the ‘minority veto’ sponsored by the Left Front and the Karunakaran faction of the Congress, Kerala chief minister A K Antony today promised to take the demand for a CBI probe into the Marad communal flare up to his Cabinet. The promise for a CBI probe was made at a meeting of Hindu and Muslim leaders convened by the chief minister at Thiruvanathapuram. The BJP and the parivar organisations have been on the war path demanding a central probe and the chief minister’s personal preference for the CBI was probe was, quickly and expectedly, described by his critics in the Congress and the Left as yet another instance of the chief minister capitulating before majority interests. The terms of reference for the central probe agreed at the meeting it includes an investigation into the role of fundamentalist forces with networks outside Kerala however was trumpeted by the BJP and the parivar organisation as a success of their sustained agitation. The chief minister’s move is an indication of his resolve to take on his rivals within the party, who have been trying to settle political scores by employing the ‘minority veto’. A section within the Congress as well as the Left had attributed the defeat of the Congress candidate in the Ernakulam bypoll to the chief minister’s ‘anti-minority utterances’. It may be recalled that the chief minister sought to shake the appeasement rules of the state’s politics ago by saying it was time that the minority communities stopped exercising its veto on issues of governance. The defeat of the Congress in the by-poll has given these sections a fresh opportunity to attack the chief minister on the same turf. But by agreeing to the demand for a CBI probe on the Marad episode, the chief minister has clearly indicated he will not succumb to the pressure of minority campaign. However, this might aid the larger game of the Left as it has been trying to exploit the minority sentiments to fuel the crisis in the Congress. The CPI(M)’s just-concluded polit bureau meeting had said it was willing to do business with Karunakaran if his faction severed ties with the Congress. The Left is naturally hoping that Karunakaran’s statements accusing Antony for lack of enthusiasm in appeasing Muslim interests will dent the Congress’ minority support base, leaving it vulnerable in the northern districts of Kerala.
Antony communalised Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan
Monday, October 6, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Democratic Front under the leadership of Chief Minister AK Antony is trying to communalise the state and appeasing all the communnal and religious organisations in the state, accused Pinarayi Vijayan, Secretary, Kerala CPM. Speaking to mediapersons at Thiruvananthapuram, his first major media interaction after the Ernakulam bypoll and the State Committee meeting of the party, Vijayani ,in a no-holds barred attack, alleged Antony and his close aides are trying to Christianise the administration. "The Chief Minister is in an appeasement spree doling out whatever the communal and religious organisations are asking for,"alleged The CPM Secretary. The so-called Marad package is nothing but a sell out to the Sangh Parivar, said Vijayan The CPM leader asked both AK Antony and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly V Purushothaman to quit on the basis of the Ernakulam bypoll result since both campaigned strongly for the Congress candidate MO John throwing to the winds all democratic norms. "If they do not quit on their own, we may have to see to it that they go through a democratic process," said Vijayan. The CPM secretary claimed that there is a marked change in the attitude of the minorities towards his party and the Ernakulam bypoll is yet another proof of it.
Left parties slam Marad accord
Monday, October 6, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 5. : The Left parties in Kerala today expressed strongly themselves against the accord reached between the Hindu and Muslim outfits on issues relating to Marad violence, charging the A K Antony Government with giving in to pressure tactics from communal forces. Leader of the Opposition LDF, V S Achuthanandan, said the government's role in hammering out the accord could not be justified at all as the whole thing amounted to "appeasing communal elements." The move to order CBI probe under pressure from the Sangh Parivar would trigger widespread protests, the CPI (M) strongman told reporters. CPI state secretary Veliyam Bhargvan said the government handled the whole matter lightly refusing to take the opposition into confidence.
Melody that lingers
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Yesudas is one singer whose music crosses barriers of language and religion, opines C V ARAVIND In a career spanning well over three decades, the celebrated singer, Yesudas has lost count of the number of awards that he has won for playback singing. Das would however cherish one award that has recently come to him, the J C Daniel award, given to commemorate the memory of the man who was known as the father of Malayalam cinema. In fact it was in Malayalam cinema that the singer first made his mark before moving on to several other languages, notably Tamil and Hindi. Yesudas however differs from the rest of his tribe in that he is an accomplished classical singer too. The December concerts which are a rage in Chennai are never complete without a concert by Yesudas whose legion of fans has never stopped growing. Yesudas’s has been a typical rags to riches tale. Born to a classical singer in Kerala, Kunjukunju Bhagavathar, Yesudas spent his early years in near penury. Shifting to Chennai (then Madras) with his friend and music director, Ravindran, Yesudas did the mandatory rounds of studios in the city. In those days the music for all south Indian films was recorded in Chennai. While slowly gaining acceptance as a playback singer in Malayalam cinema, Yesudas also took time off to hone his talent in Carnatic music. Fortune favoured him when the famed classical vidwan, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar took him under his wings. Under Chembai’s tutelage, Das’s talents flowered and soon the Sabhas began to flock to him for concerts. The rich timbre in his voice, his consummate artistry and his mastery of the ragas have ensured for him a firm place in music’s hall of fame. From that time to now, Yesudas has continued to wear two hats and he has been more than successful in both his vocations. There was a time when Yesudas was in very great demand as a playback singer for Hindi films. He shot into the limelight with his rendering of semi-classical numbers, Kya Karoon Sajni... (Swami) and Chand Akela Jaye Sakhee... (Alaap) with the latter netting for him the prestigious ‘Miyan Tansen’ award instituted by the Sur Singer Samsad. Equally popular were his numbers in Choti Si Baat (Jaaneman, Jaaneman), Chit Chor (Gori Tera Gaon BAda Pyara) and Anand Ashram (Tum Itni Sundar Ho). At the height of his popularity, Yesudas recorded as many as seven songs for the Rajshri film Sawan Ko Aane Do. While his Malayalam hits are too many to mention, the numbers that he sang for Chemmeen made well over three decades ago still remain evergreen. Director Balachander gave him several breaks in Tamil cinema and so did matinee idol M G Ramachandran. Among his hit numbers in Tamil were Thanga Thoniyile (Ulagam Shutrum Valibhan), Anbukku Naan Adimai (film of the same name), Deivam Thantha Veedu (Aval Oru Thodar Kathai) and Poomalai Vaangi Vandhan (Sindhu Bhairavi). Yesudas’s soulful rendering for Rajnikant, Amma Endrazhaikatha Uuirilleye became an instant chart-topper. Of late the celebrated singer whose Christian faith has never stopped him from becoming an ardent devotee of Swami Ayyappan and Guruvayoorappan (his devotional songs are pure magic) has been advocating communal amity among the public at large whenever he gets on to the stage. The recently announced ‘Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust Award’ for communal unity has gone to him and this again has been a honour for Yesudas, who though mostly based in the States these days still continues to wear his patriotism on his sleeve.
Arya - Kannada film by Shyam Prasad
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Arya - Kannada film by Malayalam director Malayalam director Shyam Prasad is all set to launch his new film Arya in Kannada. On Sunday at Press Club of Bangalore he made the announcement. Chief guest Uncle Loknath formally launched the film and wished the film crew a very best. Shooting begins from the second week of October. Shayam Prasad who has won several national and provincial awards also has name in International film industry as his film Agnisaakshi was premiered at Karlovy Vary, Cairo and Tokyo as well as in Fukuoka Film Festival as one of the most outstanding film. His latest English feature Bokshu The Myth, an Indo-US co-production is shot in the US and Himalayan valley is awaiting its world release by end of 2003. As Shyam Prasad served as a jury for the prestigious Indian National Film Awards in 2003 and Indian Panorama in 1999 he got opportunities to watch many Kannada films. He wondered when he watched the mainstream Kannada films. Directors like Girish Kasaravalli and Girish Karanad demonstrate some excellence and human observations in their directions. He feels there is a major disparity between so-called meaningful mainstream Kannada cinemas. Current films are not up to the mark as there is a lot of scope for new experiments and innovation in cities like Bangalore with cosmopolitan culture and life style. "So when I entered into making a Kannada film, it's a feeling of great expectation of how this intercultural exchange is going to take place" added Shyam Prasad. Film Arya is basically a love story set in at a very hard time. Pair of young lovers who are held in a very difficult and tact time, wanting to reach the brighter side of the world. The film narrates how they strive to achieve it. Director feels, this and the other Kannada films are no different except the style and ambience he is going to capture. He believes the foreigner's eye captures the best. So when he looked at Bangalore, he saw a different world. Kannada and other regional langue cinemas are facing great threat. So the regional cinema has to extend to reach out others so that we have cross-cultural communication for the survival; strongly feels Shyam Prasad. He is looking for a multi-cultured crew from Kerala, Tamila Nadu, Karnataka and from North India. He enjoys working with this type of troupe as they bring in their language, their culture and their living experiences. He is looking for new and fresh faces. He did not specify anything about the supporting casts. Expecting to start the shooting by October and still not clear on the cast sounds strange! He may look for mixed troupe here too. Deepak Dev from Kerala will score the music. From next week they will be starting the song recording. Laxman Sirvi who is basically from Rajastan and staying in Bangalore for a long time is producing this film under the banner of Bindas Creations.
Navarathri celebrations in full swing
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Navarathri celebrations in full swing in city KOCHI: The Navarathri celebrations reached a peak in the city on Friday, on the auspicious occasion of Durgashtami Day. The next two days, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami will be packed with cultural events, as various communities in the city celebrate Pooja in their traditional styles. The Kannada Sangha will be staging several dance performances at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Saturday. On Sunday, which they will celebrate as Vidyarambha, the poojas will end with a Poojaeduppu at 8 a.m. Avishkar (Kottaram Sankunni Nair Smaraka Kala Kendram) will have special poojas, and a Bhajan-Kirtan programme on Mahanavami. At Poonithura Sri Bhuvaneshvari Temple, Mavelikkara R Prabhakara Varma will lead the recitation Pancharatna Keerthana at 6 a.m. on Saturday. This would be followed by Sangethaarchana and Sangeethakacheri later in the day. At Ernakulam Karayogam, dance programmes by ‘Nrithakairali’ will be staged at 6.15 p.m. on Saturday. The Maheshwari Sabha has been conducting daily bhajans and artis at the Madhav Mandir, near Woodlands Hotel. In many north Indian homes, the ‘kanjak pooja’ was performed on Friday. This ‘pooja’ entails worshipping nine young girls and feeding them the traditional prasad of puris, halwa and black gram. The Indian School of Arts will celebrate Vijayadashami with a Saraswathipooja and Sangeetharchana. Sri Vittal devotees will have bhajans at Thulasi Gardens, near Vittobha Temple from 9 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, rendered by Sri Thukaram Ganapathy Maharaj from Tamil Nadu. Sarbojonik Durga Pooja is being celebrated at the Naval Base and Girinagar pandals by the Bengali community, with the staging of various Bengali plays and dances in the evenings, hosting the community feast or bhogs in the afternoons and several prayers throughout the day. The Goddess will be immersed in the waters on Vijayadashami Day.
Girl killed in road mishap
Sunday, October 5, 2003
KOCHI: A 14-year-old girl was killed on the spot, while her sister and uncle escaped with minor injuries, when a private bus knocked down the motor cycle in which they were travelling at Palarivattom in the city on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Sheena, a ninth standard student, police said. The mishap occurred when the bus, which was on its way to Muvattupuzha, knocked down the motorcycle and ran over the victim killing her on the spot. Enraged public smashed the glass panes of the bus.
IUML not in favour of CPM-backed alternative
Sunday, October 5, 2003
MALAPPURAM: Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty on Friday held talks with Indian Union Muslim League supremo Panakkad Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal at the latter’s Kodappanakkal residence. Kunhalikutty briefed Thangal about the political developments in the State and the progress in the talks held between Muslim organisations and Sangh Parivar outfits on Marad issue in Kozhikode on Thursday. He left for Thiruvananthapuram in the evening to take part in the final round of talks, to be held in the presence of Chief Minister A K Antony at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Party national secretary E Ahmed, who was scheduled to attend the meeting, could not turn up as he was indisposed at Kozhikode. It is learnt that the IUML leadership is not in favour of supporting the moves for forming an alternative government with the outside support of the CPM. The party will not extend support to the ‘I’ faction for such an endeavour as it feels that the alternative government with LDF support will be a short-term affair. The League leaders also hinted that the party was not ready to openly support the demand for leadership change, as voiced by senior Congress leader K Karunakaran.
Sonia keen to take action against rebels in Kerala and Maharashtra
Sunday, October 5, 2003
NEW DELHI: Will Congress President Sonia Gandhi use the same yardstick to deal with dissidents in Kerala as those belonging to Maharashtra for the party's electoral debacle in the recently held by-polls? While the reasons for the defeat of the party's candidate Anandrao Devkate in Solapur are still being looked into, in Kerala, everyone knows that it is Karunarakan who is to be blamed for the defeat of Chief Minister A K Antony's candidate, M O John, from the Ernakulam seat. According to high-level sources, Congress President Sonia Gandhi who hesitated last time to act against the dissidents in Kerala -- the "I" group -- (Karunakaran faction) is all likely to punish the dissidents this time. A high-level committee which has been set-up for this purpose, headed by L P Sahi and comprising of Janardhan Poojary and R K Dhawan, is meeting on October 6 to ponder over the reasons for the debacle of Congress candidate from Ernakulam. According to sources, action can be taken at three-levels -- first, on Karunakaran himself, which is most unlikely seeing his growing stature and the fact that he has a sizeable number of MLAs with him, second, on KPCC President K Muralidharan and third, on the office-bearers of the party who have been indulging in anti-party activities. The third option seems most likely since the High Command is now keen to rein-in the Karunakaran loyalists, who are becoming too big for their boots to even dare to go against the wishes of the party president. Last time, one would recall that though AICC General-Secretary Ambika Soni had tried her best to take some punitive action against Karunakaran faction for having fielded a rebel candidate against the official candidate in the Rajya Sabha election, she was not allowed to have her say. The two observers appointed by Sonia Gandhi -- Ghulam Nabi Azad and R K Dhawan -- were not in favour of taking any action against Karunakaran. He was let-off after tendering an apology to the Congress President. This time round, the party High Command is contemplating a serious action against the "I" group, not even waiting for the dead-line set by Karunakaran of November 19. As for Maharashtra, the party high command has set-up a four-member committee to go into the reasons for the defeat of the party in Solapur, which is the Chief Minister's constituency. The committee will be headed by former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ramarao Adik and consist of leaders Prataprao Bhonsale, N M Kamble and Ishaq Jhamkanwala. It will give its report within three weeks. According to sources, Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who met Sonia Gandhi has put the blame on other party leaders like Patangrao Kadam, Shivajirao Nilangekar and also PCC Chief Ranjit Deshmukh for the party's poor performance, not to leave behind NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who did not campaign for the Congress candidate. The argument put forward by Shinde is that while he won the Assembly seat with a margin of 80,000 votes, why couldn't the Congress candidate, Anandrao Devkate, who lost the seat with a margin of 1,22,000 votes in the Lok Sabha by-polls? The blame is being put on the party organisation and the coming together of all the Marathas -- Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ranjit Deshmukh, Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar and Patangsingh Kadam Patil -- against the Dalit leader Sushil Kumar Shinde. Sources stated that the Congress High Command is contemplating a change in the MPCC by replacing Ranjit Deshmukh. The names doing the rounds are Vilasrao Deshmukh, Prithviraj Chauhan and Shivajirao Nilangekar. Will the Congress High Command also take a similar harsh stand against the dissidents in Kerala is to be seen. Here, the rival group is much stronger and can topple the Antony government.
Festival of new Spanish cinema from October 7
Sunday, October 5, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chalachithra Film Society in association with Spanish Embassy is organising a festival of new Spanish cinema from October 7. The festival includes the films which represented the Spanish cinema at Cannes and many other film festivals. Films titled Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown, Women Alone, The Community and The Innocent Saint would be screened at the Museum auditorium and The Others would be screened at Kalabhavan Theatre, a statement from Chalachithra secretary K.Narayanan said here on Friday. The speciality of the festival is that only cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram have the opportunity to screen these films this time. Those who are interested to participate in the festival might contact the organisers at the venue of the screening, the statement said.
Kerala to be partner state for Dubai Festival
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Kerala has been selected as the partner state for the upcoming Dubai Festival to be held in January 2004. The Minister for Tourism, Prof. K. V. Thomas stated this while attending ‘Ente Nadu, Ente Thrissur Development Meet- 2003’ organized by Malayala Manorama. This is the first opportunity for Kerala to participate in a festival that assures good international exposure in tourism and a place in the world travel map. Besides Kerala Tourism, five other departments of Kerala Government will also participate in the festival. As is customary, the Chief Minister of partner state will inaugurate the festival. Kerala registered an increase of 28% in revenue from foreign tourist arrival and there has been 15% increase in the number of hotels. Prof. Thomas also referred to projects with private participation in various tourist destinations in the state.
Indo-US joint naval exercise to begin on Sunday
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Kochi: The fifth Indo-US joint naval exercises - 'Malabar-2003' - would begin on Sunday off Kochi. The American ships participating in the exercise include their two frontline warships 'USS Chosin' and 'USS Fitzgerald', one Los Angeles class Nuclear Submarine USS Pasadena, two P3C-Orion Maritime patrol Aircraft and a product Tanker, a naval release said. The Indian navy is matching the US participation by fielding two Guided Missile Frigates, INS Brahmaputra and INS Ganga, one Submarine INS Shalki along with tanker INS Shakti and a variety of integral and shore-based aircraft, it said. The first Indo-US joint exercise was held in 1992 and was known by the name of 'Malabar', as these are held off the Malabar coast. With the threat of terrorism looming large, both on land as well as at sea, the exercise would focus on visit, board, search and seizure operations. During the operation, personnel from warship board and search a suspected vessel at sea, the release said. Anti-submarine warfare this year would get an added thrust with the participation of Indian naval submarine Shalki and nuclear submarine USS Pasadena, of the US navy. The joint exercises are of great significance as it would enhance inter-operability and help in understanding each others operating philosophy, the release added.
SNDP to oppose quota for economically backward classes
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, a social organisation representing the powerful Ezhava community in Kerala, strongly opposed the decision of the NDA Government to amend the Constitution for giving job reservations to economically backward classes (EBCs). Talking to newspersons here, SNDP General Secretary Vellappalli Natesan said the Vajpayee Government's move was 'anti-constitutional' and a dilution of the very idea of reservation. Organisations like SNDP representing backward communities would strongly oppose any such move, he asserted. Instead of introducing economic reservation, the Government should ensure the benefits of reservation to all members of the backward communities, he added.
KPCC Chief meets Thangal, leaves for Delhi
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Kozhikode: Amid growing differences within the party in the backdrop of its defeat in the recent bypoll to the Ernakulam Lok Sabha costitituency, KPCC President K. Muraleedharan left here for Delhi on summons from the party high command. AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel, who is also incharge of the party's state affairs, had called Muraleedaharan to Delhi to hold discussions on the recent political developments in the state. Muraleedharan's meeting with the party high command on Sunday assumes significance as it comes a day ahead of the party's disciplinary action committee meeting. "I have been called for discussions and can say anything only on my return" Muraleedharan, reserving his comments on "factional politics" in the party, told reporters at the Karipur airport near here before leaving for Delhi. Earlier, the KPCC President met IUML Supremo, Panakkad Mohammad Ali Shihab Thangal at his Malappuram residence and briefed him on the recent developments in the ruling UDF as well as the Marad issue.
Mohanlal, Dilip join in Priyan movie
Friday, October 3, 2003
Mohanlal, Dilip join in Priyan movie Can these most selling top stars of Malayalam save crisis-ridden Malayalam film industry? Director Priyadarshan, who can create magic, experiments Mohanlal and Dileep in his next film. Priyadarshan, Mohanlal and Dileep -Yes, it is a merger of three gems. So, there is no mistake in expecting something fabulous. Priyadarshan's last Malayalam film KILICHUNDAN MAMBAZHAM, a Mohanlal movie, was a big flop. Now Priyadarshan wants to save his face. At the same time he wants to save his long time friend Mohanlal from his flattening career graph. Mohanlal will be the hero of this film. But Dileep too plays an important character. G. Suresh Kumar, Mohanlal's friend, is the producer. S. Kumar will wield the camera. Mohanlal, who has completed silver jubilee in Malayalam film industry, is doing another project with his long-term close friends- Priyadarshan, G. Suresh Kumar and S. Kumar. Jagathy, Salim Kumar, Harishree Ashokan, Innocent, Cochin Haneefa, Oduvil Unnikrishnan will also act in this film. It is second time Mohanlal and Dileep acting together in a Malayalam film. Earlier they have acted in VARNAPAKITTU- an I. V. Sasi film. But in VARNAPAKITTU Dileep had only a brief role. Dileep had earlier acted in Priyadarshan's MEGHAM with Mammootty. Now once again, Malayalam viewers are impatiently waiting for another wonder from Priyan through Mohanlal and Dileep.
Anyar
Friday, October 3, 2003
After Mr and Mrs Iyer, one can say Anyar by Lenin Rajendran is a bold statement on the communal clashes that is rocking the nation. This film will appeal to only those who are aware of the communalism that is ravaging the nation and to those fed on a staple diet of crass comedy the film will look half baked .He subtly puts forth the point that a Gujarat did not happen in Kerala because of the communist presence. This point might have lot of critics but then such a statement coming from Rajendran a communist in real life does not shock. Despite the illogical approach to the communalism the film undoubtedly is the most telling. Woven through the love story of Rasia, a TV reporter and Suraj the film director the communal disharmony and the moot point that friends after the entry of the virus called communalism are today strangers (anyar). The images that come across haunt you for a long time. Credit goes to Madhu Ambat and Rajiv Rai for the striking visuals. Music scored by Mohan Sithara is very apt and haunting especially the song from Lal about his memories. Performance wise Biju Menon as Suraj and Jothirmayi as Rasia give a brilliant performance. Rathi Agnihotri has come a long way as an actress. If one remembers her in Ek Duje Ke Liye then here she as Lals wife will surprise you with her acting talent. Though the director has created well-etched characters the films only weak link is Raghavji played by Lal. The character looks pseudo. Karthika, Nishant Sagar, Siddique, Irshad complete the cast. The film in todays era of comedies of various varities comes as relief. This movie which makes a bold statement on communalism is produced under the banner of Sense Six Films.
Symphony
Friday, October 3, 2003
Famous Bollywood model Anjana Varma makes her debut on big screen with I V Sasis Symphony. Acting opposite to her is new face Siva whose is a six-footer. Siva, a native of Kasargod is at present residing in Bangalore. After his graduation, he was working in a software company. I V Sasi who was in search of a fresh face for quite some time was impressed by the looks and cast him as Jijo Samsun in Symphony Jijo, a music composer unexpectedly meets a girl Sandra and falls in love with her. The problems that the lovers face form the rest of the story. The film has given importance to music. Deepak Dev of Chronic Bachelor fame scores music for the songs penned by Kaithapram. Jagathy, Sudheesh, Jagadhish are the other artistes. Mahesh Mitra writes the script for the film, which is produced by Thankachan under the banner of Egna Films. The shooting of the film will start in Kottayam.
Vajram
Friday, October 3, 2003
Devarajan (Mammootty) is a dare devil adventurous crane operator but once he was a goonda and many feared him. Devrajan who repents about his past leads a peaceful life with wife Nandu (Nandini) and a son Appu. Unfazed by the Pattalam fiasco, Mammootty is soldering on with his new venture titled Vajram directed by debutant Pramod Pappan, a former fashion photographer. The film is written by Dennis Joseph, the master copycat who gave Mammootty one of his most memorable films in the 80’s, New Delhi based on Irving Wallace’s The Almighty. In Vajram Mammootty is a hit man for the local mafia and a crane driver during the daytime. This creates an emotional stress in his personal life and he parts with his wife (played by Nandini) and is on the run with his nine-year-old son (Master Mithun), followed by the mob. The tag line of the film is -A family crime thriller His life began to crumble when he rescued an actress from an accident. He lost everything including his wife and finally turns a murderer. Vasundhara Das and Nandini play the female lead roles opposite Mammootty in Vajram, directed by Pramod Pappan. Produced under the banner of Continental Cinema, the film will also have in the cast Manoj K Jayan, Jagathy Sreekumar Harishree Ashokan, Suresh Krishna, Riyaz Khan, Sathar, Ambika Mohan, Narayanan Kutty, Atul Kulkarni and child artistes like Master Mithun and Baby Sanusha. Script is by Dennis Joseph. Music by Ouseppachchan and lyrics are by Kaithapram Damodaran Huge crowds turned up in Kolencherry to see the scene of a car which fell into a gorge being lifted using a crane. Mammootty is the crane operator. Vasundhara Das was seated in the car. This is Vasundhara Das' second film the first one was Ravanaprabhu with Mohanlal. In Vajram, Vasundhara does the role of an actress who meets with an accident and how the hero rescues her. The film is produced by Rafeek and Akbar and will be released on November 25.
Jyothika re-enters Malayalam cinema
Friday, October 3, 2003
Her most recent release was 'Kaaka Kaaka' in Tamil. The film's commercial success ad gossips about an affair with the film's hero, Surya, seems to have revived her career, which was on its way down. The screenplay of her film in Malayalam is going to be written by Udayakrishnan and Sibi K Thomas. The film is going to commence once Haridas completes his film based on the Maarad incident. Shooting will begin depending on Dileep's call sheet availability.
Indian film bags prize at South Asia festival
Friday, October 3, 2003
Indian film bags prize at South Asia festival KATHMANDU: Malayalam film The 18th Elephant - Three Monologues produced by P Balan won the first prize of $2,000 and the Ram Bahadur trophy award while another Indian film The Fire Within by Sriprakash won the grand jury award in the fourth South Asian documentary film festival here. Filmed over a period of five years, the 62-minute documentary narrates the gruesome encroachment of humans on the lives and habitat of elephants resulting in the extinction of 250 among the 252 species of elephants. A total of 43 documentary films were screened during the festival which concluded here on Sunday. About 15 of these films are to be screened again at Yala Maya Kendra in Patan as part of the travelling film South Asia. Tale of the Darkest Night by Kawsar Chaudhary of Bangladesh and Sand and Water by Saheen Dill-Riaz also from Bangladesh bagged the second and third prize respectively.
Karunakaran's deadline timed well
Friday, October 3, 2003
Karunakaran's deadline timed well NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran's November 19 deadline to the party high command to drop A K Antony from the Chief Minister's post has given a chance to the AICC to deal with the question after the Assembly polls. The carefully-timed deadline presumes that once the Congress is done with Assembly elections in the four states, it would be left with no argument not to take decisions which would have electoral ramifications. While the deadline gives the Congress a reprieve, this could be the second time this year that the Congress has contemplated dropping KPCC chief K Muraleedharan and held back. Muraleedharan, Karunakaran's son, survived disciplinary action in April this year because of intervention by Antony, who got him a pardon and tried to win him over to his side. While that strategy did not work, it gave a new lease of life to the Karunakaran faction. Once again, during the campaigning for Ernakulam by-elections, the party high command was set to act against Muraleedharan. Congress had set up a disciplinary action committee much before the results of the by-elections, being sure that it would win the seat and would be free to cut Karunakaran to size. It had even chosen senior leader L P Shahi to head the team, in the event he had to investigate charges against a leader of Karunakaran's seniority. But the by-election defeat seems to have taken the wind out of its sails. While it is not clear whether Karunakaran was solely responsible, overtures of the Left Democratic Front towards him for an alliance indicate his revised stature. Buoyed by the defeat of Antony's nominee in the Ernakulam elections, the Karunakaran faction yesterday also stated that it "cannot wait indefinitely" for a leadership change in the State. They said that it would hold a public rally on that day to decide the "future course of action".
'Red' is better than `saffron', says Murali
Friday, October 3, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran and KPCC president K Muraleedharan on Thursday joined CPM State secretary Pinaray Vijayan to attack Chief Minster A K Antony for his latest peace initiative in Marad. While Pinarayi suspected a hidden agenda in the initiative, the father-son duo alleged that Antony was appeasing majority communalism by delaying the rehabilitation of the evicted Muslim families. Participating at a Gandhi Jayanthi function, organised by Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation here, Karunakaran said that the Antony Government had failed to ensure the constitutional right of the Muslim families to live in their own houses in Marad. "The Government has denigrated Gandhi Jayanthi Day itself by failing to effect the rehabilitation today as was promised earlier," he said. Reminding the efforts taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to protect the minorities, he said the Antony Government was deviating from the age-old policies of the Congress party. Participating in another function along with Pinarayi Vijayan - a discussion on Marad which was organised by Deseeya Balatharangam - Muraleedharan criticised the peace talks in Kozhikode on Thursday saying that the Government's intentions were not genuine. "What one expects from the Government are actions and not mere announcements. If that does not happen, we will be forced to think about other alternatives (for effecting the rehabilitation)," he said. He said that Antony was the main culprit in bringing fundamentalist forces, till now considered untouchable, to the mainstream politics of the State. The KPCC president went on to say that the 'A' faction in his party had "purchased" the BJP votes in the September 23 Ernakulam Lok Sabha byelection. "I doubt that the diversion of BJP votes in the election, the postponement of the October 2 deadline for Marad rehabilitation and the move for CBI inquiry are inter-related," he said. Taking a dig at the 'A' faction's allegation that the 'I' group was moving closer to the Left parties in the State, Muraleedharan said: "It is better for the khadi-clad Congress men to join hands with the Marxists rather than with the saffron brigade." Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the Government was trying to fool the people by bringing in a new mediator for Marad peace talks. "We have seen a number of mediators who had complicated the situation with their hidden motives and this one is also going to meet the same fate," he said. "The Government move to order a CBI inquiry is part of the secret agenda of Antony," he alleged. The ineffectiveness of the Government in handling the Marad incident had helped the RSS to make inroads by blowing up communal sentiments, he charged. 'Red' is better than `saffron', says Murali THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran and KPCC president K Muraleedharan on Thursday joined CPM State secretary Pinaray Vijayan to attack Chief Minster A K Antony for his latest peace initiative in Marad. While Pinarayi suspected a hidden agenda in the initiative, the father-son duo alleged that Antony was appeasing majority communalism by delaying the rehabilitation of the evicted Muslim families. Participating at a Gandhi Jayanthi function, organised by Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation here, Karunakaran said that the Antony Government had failed to ensure the constitutional right of the Muslim families to live in their own houses in Marad. "The Government has denigrated Gandhi Jayanthi Day itself by failing to effect the rehabilitation today as was promised earlier," he said. Reminding the efforts taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to protect the minorities, he said the Antony Government was deviating from the age-old policies of the Congress party. Participating in another function along with Pinarayi Vijayan - a discussion on Marad which was organised by Deseeya Balatharangam - Muraleedharan criticised the peace talks in Kozhikode on Thursday saying that the Government's intentions were not genuine. "What one expects from the Government are actions and not mere announcements. If that does not happen, we will be forced to think about other alternatives (for effecting the rehabilitation)," he said. He said that Antony was the main culprit in bringing fundamentalist forces, till now considered untouchable, to the mainstream politics of the State. The KPCC president went on to say that the 'A' faction in his party had "purchased" the BJP votes in the September 23 Ernakulam Lok Sabha byelection. "I doubt that the diversion of BJP votes in the election, the postponement of the October 2 deadline for Marad rehabilitation and the move for CBI inquiry are inter-related," he said. Taking a dig at the 'A' faction's allegation that the 'I' group was moving closer to the Left parties in the State, Muraleedharan said: "It is better for the khadi-clad Congress men to join hands with the Marxists rather than with the saffron brigade." Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the Government was trying to fool the people by bringing in a new mediator for Marad peace talks. "We have seen a number of mediators who had complicated the situation with their hidden motives and this one is also going to meet the same fate," he said. "The Government move to order a CBI inquiry is part of the secret agenda of Antony," he alleged. The ineffectiveness of the Government in handling the Marad incident had helped the RSS to make inroads by blowing up communal sentiments, he charged.
It's raining freebies for cell subscribers
Friday, October 3, 2003
KOCHI: Cashing in on the spirit of Diwali, which is slowly catching up in the State, major telecom companies have announced attractive packages in a bid to lure prospective cellular subscribers. All cell majors including public sector giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) are tempting prospective subscribers with a splendid array of offers that will leave the public with little option but to take a new connection. From waiving activation charges for the festival period and offering extra talk-time to lucky dips, cellular firms are wooing new subscribers into the world of wireless communication. "We are planning to extend acquisition offer to both pre-paid and post paid connections and activation charges may be waived off during the festival season," said an official from Escotel Mobile Communication. The BSNL, which has become the number one player in the cellular industry in Kerala, has announced a host of freebies as part of its third anniversary celebrations. This will include exciting prices by participating in short message service (SMS) contest. The subscribers are directed to answer three questions through SMS and the winners will be selected through a lucky draw. BSNL is offering extra talk time on their pre-paid card during this period. The prevailing talk time of recharge coupon worth Rs 300 has been increased from 175 to Rs 277.78. The talk time of recharge coupon worth Rs 500 has been increased from Rs 361 to Rs 462.96 "This special package will be available up to October 25, said a dealer. BPL Mobile, the other leading player, is also set to announce its schemes shortly. "We have plans to introduce a package offer for Diwali," said an official.
Govt. staff to agitate
Friday, October 3, 2003
KOCHI: As part of the nationwide protest against the State and Central Governments for their 'anti-worker' policies, Government employees in Kerala would also resort to agitations, said M N V G Adiyodi, Chairman, Joint Council, here. Their demands include restoration of pension benefits, interim relief before wage restructure and to stop the restrictions imposed on appointment and posts. It was planned to organise two rallies one from Kasargod and another from Kochi during October 7 to 21, he said. On November 11, a Secretariat march to Thiruvananthapuram would be organised.
Karunakaran, Murali join Pinarayi to attack CM on Marad issue
Friday, October 3, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran and KPCC president K. Muraleedharan on Thursday joined CPM State secretary Pinaray Vijayan to attack Chief Minster A.K. Antony for his latest peace initiative in Marad. While Pinarayi suspected a hidden agenda in the initiative, the father-son duo alleged that Antony was appeasing majority communalism by delaying the rehabilitation of the evicted Muslim families. Participating at a Gandhi Jayanthi function, organised by Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation here, Karunakaran said that the Antony Government had failed to ensure the constitutional right of the Muslim families to live in their own houses in Marad. "The Government has denigrated Gandhi Jayanthi Day itself by failing to effect the rehabilitation today as was promised earlier," he said. Reminding the efforts taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to protect the minorities, he said the Antony Government was deviating from the age-old policies of the Congress party. Participating in another function along with Pinarayi Vijayan - a discussion on Marad which was organised by Deseeya Balatharangam - Muraleedharan criticised the peace talks in Kozhikode on Thursday saying that the Government’s intentions were not genuine. "What one expects from the Government are actions and not mere announcements. If that does not happen, we will be forced to think about other alternatives (for effecting the rehabilitation)," he said. He said that Antony was the main culprit in bringing fundamentalist forces, till now considered untouchable, to the mainstream politics of the State. The KPCC president went on to say that the ‘A’ faction in his party had ‘‘purchased’’ the BJP votes in the September 23 Ernakulam Lok Sabha byelection. ‘‘I doubt that the diversion of BJP votes in the election, the postponement of the October 2 deadline for Marad rehabilitation and the move for CBI inquiry are inter-related,’’ he said. Taking a dig at the ‘A’ faction’s allegation that the ‘I’ group was moving closer to the Left parties in the State, Muraleedharan said: ‘‘It is better for the khadi-clad Congress men to join hands with the Marxists rather than with the saffron brigade.’’ Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the Government was trying to fool the people by bringing in a new mediator for Marad peace talks. ‘‘We have seen a number of mediators who had complicated the situation with their hidden motives and this one is also going to meet the same fate,’’ he said. ‘‘The Government move to order a CBI inquiry is part of the secret agenda of Antony,’’ Pinarayi alleged. The ineffectiveness of the Government in handling the Marad incident had helped the RSS to make inroads by blowing up communal sentiments, Pinarayi charged.
We will oppose CBI probe into Maraad killing: LDF
Friday, October 3, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF today warned the government against "succumbing to the pressure of communalists" and said they will oppose CBI probe into the killings at Maraad on May 2. The LDF would take steps to rehabilitate the Muslim families that fled Marad with the co-operation of local people if the Government further delayed the process, he told reporters here. 'The arrests of the persons involved in the Maraad massacre has been done and judicial probe has been ordered into the incident. The government is succumbing to the demands of majority communalism', he said. "Peace talks now being held between Hindu and Muslim leaders was merely a ploy to force the latter agree to the Sangh outfits' demand for CBI probe," Kutty said.
Antony should be replaced before Nov 19: I group
Friday, October 3, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The I group conclave which met at the Jawahar Nagar residence of K Karunakaran sent an ultimatum to the Congress High Command for a change of leadership in Kerala. "We want the Congress High Command to throw out AK Antony from the chief ministership by November 19," thundered Raj Mohan Unnithan, the official I group spokesman to mediapersons after the conclave. "If the Congress High Command does not heed to the I group demand by November 19, we can see some sort of fireworks in the Congress in Kerala,"reports PG Suresh Kumar, Asianet News Correspondent who covered the I group conclave. They have selected the date of November 19 since it happens to be the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, on whom Karunakaran swears day in and day out, says the report of Suresh kumar. The Karunkaran faction will hold a major rally on November 19 and the formal announcement of a split would be declared by the "Leader" in that rally, reports Suresh Kumar.
Mammootty as a crane operator in Vajram
Thursday, October 2, 2003
Mammootty as a crane operator in Vajram Devarajan (Mammootty) who is an adventurous crane operator today has a horrifying past. He was a goonda and his name used to fear many. But today, he is a different person and repents about his past. He has a beautiful wife Nandu (Nandini) and a son Appu. Their happiness did not last too long. He began to lose everything including his wife and lastly turns a murderer. Vasundhara Das and Nandini play the female lead roles opposite Mammootty in Vajram, directed by Pramod Pappan. Produced under the banner of Continental Cinema, the film will also have in the cast Manoj K Jayan, Jagathy Sreekumar Harishree Ashokan, Suresh Krishna, Riyaz Khan, Sathar, Ambika Mohan, Narayanan Kutty, Atul Kulkarni and child artistes like Master Mithun and Baby Sanusha. Script is by Dennis Joseph while Ouseppachchan tune lyrics by Kaithapram Damodaran Nampoothiri. One of the shots filmed in Kolencherry was a car, which fell into a gorge being lifted using a crane, and a heavy rush was witnessed to see Vasundhara Das inside the car and Mammootty as a crane operator. After two or three takes, the shot was okayed by the director. The shooting location is Thodupuzha. This will be Vasundhara Das' second film, the first one was Ravanaprabhu with Mohanlal. In Vajram, Vasundhara does the role of an actress who meets with an accident and how the hero rescues her. The film produced by Rafeek and Akbar will be released on November 25.
Controversy over Hanuman Junction
Thursday, October 2, 2003
Controversy over Hanuman Junction Director Shafi will change the name of his new movie. Earlier its title was HANUMAN JUNCTION. Vishwa Hindu Parishat came heavily against Shafi's new film title. They alleged that Shafi, a Muslim, is purposefully tarnishing Hindu god "Hanuman" through his film's sarcastic title. To stop this controversy, Shafi later said that he would change the name of his new film. But new name is not announced till now. Shafi is doing this film after scored a big hit KALYANARAMAN in which actor Dileep was in lead role. Now VHP alleges that Shafi also tried to taint the name of Lord Rama through his early movie title KALYANARAMAN. The shooting of HANUMAN JUNCTION has already begun. The film would be shot in two locations- Kochi and Guruvayoor. Kavya Madhavan and Jayasoorya are the lead pair. Also the film stars Jagathy Sreekumar, Cochin Haneefa, Harishree Ashokan and many others. The film is said to be a Christmas release. The owner of Guruvayur Appas Theatre produces it. Songs are penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Nampoothiri would be tuned by Bernie-Ignatius. P. Sukumar will wield the camera for the film. The distributors will be Mega Movie Makers.
No threat for ministry: Antony
Thursday, October 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister AK Antony said that he doesn't think that there is not any threat to the ministry now. This was said by the chief minister when he was asked by the reporters, whether there is any threat to the ministry due to failure in Ernakulam by-poll election. He also said that he would surely inform the reporters if there is any plans for reconstitution of the ministry. It is the High Command who has to take decisions on the problems if any that arise due to the defeat in the by poll election. Antony added that he does not have the right to do any disciplinary action. He also said that he has told everything to the High Command and he is not being called to Delhi. When asked about the threat given by I group for change of leadership before November 19th. Antony said that he doesn't know anything about that and he is hearing it now only and can tell only after knowing its details. Antony answered to the question asked by reporters that the KPCC President Muraleedharan is accusing the chief minister for the defeat at Ernakulam. I do not want to tell anything about it and also don't want to cause any rivalry with the KPCC President publically. Antony said that a defeat at any place is a defeat and finding the cause for it can do nothing good. There were some drawbacks and thus UDF loss and LDF won. There is nothing more to say on that.
Mohanlal
Thursday, October 2, 2003
Try slotting Mohanlal into a genre, and you'd fail miserably. He is everything from your friendly neighbour to the larger-than-life hero, the comedian and also the actor who can bring a lump to your throat. The most-loved person in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal is truly a phenomenon. And this explains why Kerala is celebrating his 25 years in cinema with such fanfare. Mohanlal entered movies with Thiranottam in 1978, made by a gang of friends. The movie faced a censorship problem and was not released. Luck intervened Lal soon got a break in Fasil's Manjil Virinja Pookkal, albeit as an anti-hero. And what an anti-hero he was! Unlike the muscled, snarling, scary villains till then, he was soft-spoken, ordinary-looking, but a perfect foil to the hero. Soon, Lal graduated into second lead with Priyadarshan's Poochakkoru Mookkuthy. His next phase as an actor had him perfecting the common middle-class man, struggling to fulfil his responsibilities yet laughing at life's foibles. With Satyan Anthikkad's T P Balagopalan MA (for which he won his first State Award), Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam and Gandhinagar Second Street, he struck a chord with the ordinary movie-goer. ''Mohanlal is a born actor. His actions are never conscious,'' says director Satyan Anthikkad. ''On the sets of T P..., cinematographer Vipin Mohan once asked me if Lal was good enough, as he didn't seem to be acting. But that was the best form of performance, where the onlooker felt he wasn't acting at all,'' he adds. Rajavinte Makan introduced Lal to the action genre, and the golden era began with hits like Nadodikkattu, Chitram and Kireedom (which won him the special jury award at the national level). There was no stopping Mohanlal. Siby Malayil, who directed him in Kireedom, says ''He delivers a scene one level higher to what is expected. He is not someone who 'lives' his role even when not shooting. He is very relaxed, chatting with people, but once the camera is on, he gets into the skin of the character with tremendous ease.'' It was inevitable that Mohanlal would expand his horizons and his production house, Pranavam Arts, launched His Highness Abdullah, a musical. Bharatam, the second movie from Pranavam, was equally successful and fetched Mohanlal his next national award. He also portrayed a dancer in Kamaladalam, sculptor in Rajasilpi and killer in Sadayam with equal elan, drawing applause from both masses and critics.. In comedies, Lal's pairing with Jagathy Sreekumar or Srinivasan ensured sure winners, and Kilukkam and Yodha are good examples. Lal ventured into Tamil cinema with Mani Ratnam's Iruvar, proving that language was no barrier. And he reinvented himself in Malayalam cinema with Sphadikam, as the daring, almost villainous hero. However, the genre climaxed with Narasimham and Aaram Thampuran, and it wasn't long before fans began gravitating towards lesser mortals on screen. Even when his films were bombing, Shaji N Karun's Vanaprastham won him state and national awards. He also attempted theatre with Kavalam Narayana Panicker's Sanskrit play Karnabhaaram. Then came Ram Gopal Varma's Company, where his role as a 'thinking' cop made Bollywood sit up and take notice. ''What he (Lal) needs now are meaningful roles that suit his age and level of maturity,'' says Siby Malayil. Agreed, with a well-deserved Padma Sri, this average-looking actor has come a long way. But at 43, with many exciting offers on hand, Mohanlal is still young enough for another round of action. His latest release Balettan is proving a winner at the box-office, and he has every reason to celebrate his silver-jubilee. Still fired up Twenty-five years in the field have only made Mohanlal busier. Caught in the middle of the shooting for the movie Hariharan Pilla Happiyaanu, he agrees to a quick chat: On his favourite character The most-loved characters like the ones in Kireedom, Bharatam, Manichitrathazhu, which people can identify with. Regrets, if any Once a movie is done, there is no sense in regretting. You cannot correct your performance. I trust the director's confidence in me. On what keeps him going My passion for movies. I had fire in me when I began working in Manjil Virinja Pookkal, which is burning even now. Moreover, the confidence that my friends and the audience have in me keep my batteries charged. On his dream role I have never had dream roles. I am a person who does not dream much. Best of Lal Siby Malayil: ''The character he plays in Dasaratham is eccentric. He is restless, he doesn't look at your face while talking and he is slightly abnormal. He has maintained his character throughout the movie.'' Satyan Anthikkad: ''The role of Balagopalan in T P Balagopalan MA is my all time favourite. It was the first time that Satyan-Lal-Srinivasan team came together. It was also the first movie to deal with the problems of the common man in a realistic way.'' Lal Jose: ''My favourite is that of Sethumadhavan in Kireedom, which haunts you for long. Every man escapes being a Sethumadhavan in real life by sheer luck. I guess everyone can identify with that. I do.''
Marad rehabilitation: Antony's biggest challenge
Thursday, October 2, 2003
It's one of the biggest challenges Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony has faced so far. It may have already cost him the Ernakulam by-election, which his Congress party lost to the opposition Left Democratic Front. And unless Antony is done with it, his own and his party's commitment to the state's secular character will remain unproved. The Antony government has deployed nearly 10,000 police personnel in northern Kerala's violence wracked Marad village, hoping that their presence will give the Muslim residents the confidence to return to their homes. Will it? It's a big question mark. Exactly five months back, eight Hindus and a Muslim died in a fierce clash between the two communities. Over 400 families fled the village soon after fearing a Hindu backlash. Every time some of them tried to return, Vishwa Hindu Parishad-backed local Hindu groups made their displeasure known and raised the specter of a revenge strike. The Arya Samajam -- which forms the core of this opposition to the rehabilitation of Muslim families in Marad -- insists the government must order a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the May 2 carnage and pay Rs 10 lakh compensation each to the kin of those killed. But the government does not want the rehabilitation held hostage to any conditionalities. It has it own political compulsions. The Muslim League, a part of the ruling United Democratic Front, wants to see the Muslim families returning to their homes as soon as possible. The government's attempts so far at rehabilitating the villagers have been in vain. But this time it has decided to press ahead with it come what may. "The process of rehabilitation at Marad is complete. We have deployed enough police personnel in the village to ensure that the resettlement of the families does not pose any law and order problem," Additional Secretary K K Vijayakumar, who is overseeing the rehabilitation effort, told rediff.com. Antony too has made his intentions clear: "I want to make sure that the wounds of the Marad carnage do not linger too long. We want everyone to cooperate with the government. We have done everything to ensure that another Marad incident does not occur in Kerala," he said recently Investigations into the Marad killings so far have revealed that the massacre was the handiwork by the relatives of the Muslims who were killed in the same village last year. The wedge between the Hindus and Muslims here has been widening steadily. Arya Samajam president K Dasan, who has been leading the agitation against the Muslim rehabilitation, says the government has so far neglected the Hindus' demands. "First we want the government to order an impartial CBI inquiry into the killings in Marad. Merely rehabilitating the Muslims in the village does not help re-establish peace in Marad," Dasan told rediff.com. With pressure mounting on Antony, the government may concede to the demand for a CBI inquiry.
No leadership change in Kerala Cong
Thursday, October 2, 2003
NEW DELHI: The Congress today ruled out a leadership change in Kerala in the wake of the defeat of its candidate in the recent Ernakulam by-election. Every Chief Minister took responsibility for the victory or defeat of party candidates and there was no question of Kerala Chief Minister AK Antony shirking the responsibility, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters. Singhvi also disagreed with the suggestion that the anti-minority stand adopted by Antony led to the defeat of the Congress candi- date. ``There was nothing like anti-minority stand,'' he said. The Congress spokesman said action would be taken after a com- prehensive inquiry into the causes of the defeat. All corrective steps would be taken and efforts would be made to see to it that the causes that led to the defeat of the Congress candidate in Ernakulam were removed, he added. He said the three-member inquiry committee, led by LP Shahi, will look into all aspects of the defeat. Singhvi also disagreed with the suggestion that results of the by-elections were a referendum on the elections to the assemblies or the Lok Sabha. United News of India
Rousing public reception for Anju
Thursday, October 2, 2003
Kerala Governament on Wednesday accorded a civic reception to Anju Bobby George, who won the first medal for the country at the recent World athletics championships in Paris. State Chief Minister, A K Antony presented a cheque of Rs five lakhs and a momento to Anju. Speaking on the occasion, Antony said government would do its best in promoting sports in the state. Thanking for the support given to her, Anju said now her aim was to win a medal in the next Olympics. Government also felicitated her parents, Marcose and Gracy Markose, her husband Robert Bobby George and coaches, K P Thomas and T P Ouseph. The function was also attended by state ministers and BCCI Secretary S K Nair, key officials of the various State sports associations, coaches, athletes and enthusiasts.
Ernakulam debacle not CM's defeat: Vellappally Natesan
Thursday, October 2, 2003
KOCHI: SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Natesan on Wednesday said the defeat of the UDF candidate, M O John, in the Ernakulam bypoll could not be termed as the defeat of chief minister A K Antony. Natesan, who returned from a foreign trip, told reporters at the airport that some coalition parties in the UDF had stabbed from behind. The factional feud in the Congress was also responsible for the drubbing, he said. The SNDP had not canvassed votes for any candidate, he said.
Anniversary bonanza for BSNL customers
Thursday, October 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fixed line phones with rentals as low as Rs 99 per month, 'Direct Internet Access System', 'Managed Leased Line Network' and expansion of the WLL CDMA 'Tarang' are among the host of new schemes announced by the BSNL at Thiruvananthapuram to mark its third anniversary as a corporation. SL Winston, Chief General Manager, BSNL, Kerala Telecom Circle,said a new fixed phone line scheme with monthly rentals of Rs 99 for rural areas and Rs 160 for urban areas would be launched on October 5 all over the country. The service would provide for only incoming calls. Outgoing calls could be made from these phones with the help of India Telecom cards. Existing landline users could covert their phones to this scheme, if required, he added. Stating that the BSNL had emerged as the number one mobile service provider in Kerala within a year of starting its operations, Winston said the public sector corporation had provided more than 300,000 cellular phone connections, covering 212 cities, including some in the Lakshadweep islands of Kavarathy and Agathy. The corporation was to add another 300,000 lines to its Kerala network during 2003-04. The WLL CDMA 'Tarang' service, presently available in capital Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode urban areas, would be launched in Thrissur shortly. Besides its highly popular 'Sancharnet' internet service, the BSNL had launched a 'Direct Internet Access System' to provide internet and telephone services simultaneously to subscribers. Winston said a 120 line DIAS had been commissioned at Ernakulam. Following the huge success of the system there, DIAS capacity of 120 lines each was being installed in Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode and would be operational by October 31. An "Accountless Internet for All" service, started in Thiruvananthapuram recently, would be extended to other cities. 'Managed Leased Line Network' (MLLN) equipment would be set up at several places in the state to enable faster provision of leased internet lines with bandwith ranging from 64 Kbps to two Mbps. To cater to the requirments for the higher bandwidth by customers such as corporate houses, OF Access Network was under installation at Ernakulam. This network would also be introduced in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode during 2004-05. Winston said BSNL Kerala had netted a revenue of Rs 1500 crore, in 2002-03 registering an increase of about 35 per cent over the past three years. Kerala has the highest tele-density of 10.6 per 100 population in the country. More than 99 per cent of the bills issued are collected within six months, which is the highest collection rate in the country, the Chief General Manager said. During 2003-04, the Kerala Circle proposed to induct WLL systems extensively. Presently, WLL service is available at 79 locations. Installation is in progress at 87 more locations. As against the total installed capacity of 81,500, the working connections are 37,132. Announcing some special festive schemes, Winston said Cell One customers under the post paid scheme would get free talk time equal to Rs 325 and Rs 525 under Plan 325 and 525 respectively for connections booked upto October five. All recharge coupons of Excel pre-paid service would have full talk value if recharged before October 25. In a special offer on leased lines, available upto October 15, the initial charge of Rs 10,000 is waived. Minimum period of hire is six months instead of the existing three months, with a further discount of five per cent in usage charges for one year.
CPM hints at helping Karunakaran form govt in Kerala
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
NEW DELHI: Following up on its victory in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-election, the CPM on Tuesday sought to drive a further wedge in the Congress in Kerala by giving signals that it would lend outside support to an alternative government led by veteran leader K Karunakaran. However, the party made it clear that it would not participate in any such government unless it gets a mandate to do so through elections. A day after Congress lost the Ernakulam Lok Sabha seat to the CPM-supported independent candidate Sebastian Paul, CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters here that Karunakaran had taken a strong stand against the UDF government's "misdeeds". Asked if the CPM would cooperate with Karunakaran in case he came out of the Congress, Vijayan said his party cooperated with Antony in 1980 when he left the Congress and "if the situation warrants now, we will take a positive step." Karunakaran, who openly rebelled against Congress candidate M O John, handpicked by Antony, has the support of 21 Congress MLAs. Vijayan said it was "circumstances" and not "individuals" that mattered. Attacking the Antony government, he alleged it had used money, caste and communalism in the by-election and "has no legitimacy to remain in power". Lashing out at the BJP, he said it had always been selling its votes and this by-election was no exception.
Motor strike total in State
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Operation of trucks, taxis, autorickshaws and private buses in the State came to a standstill today in response to the strike call by different trade unions demanding formulation of a comprehensive transport policy and rollback of hike in vehicle tax. The 24-hour strike which began at midnight last was total in all parts of the State as all the major trade unions including CITU, INTUC, AITUC and BMS were taking part in the stir. Police said no untoward incident was reported from any part of the State. State Road Transport Corporation buses and private vehicles plied as usual. KSRTC buses and essential services like ambulance and vehicles for supply of milk and newspaper had been exempted from the strike. The strike affected the mobility of people in urban areas. Most schools had declared a holiday in view of the strike. The demands of the unions included introduction of welfare schemes for workers in the transport sector.
An election where losers feel they have won
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
KOCHI: For the losers, factors from Karunakaran, communal consolidation and lack of political ethics had proved decisive in the bypolls, with many, having lost heavily, still claiming victory. BJP and Janakeeya Vedi-backed independent V Viswanatha Menon says his anti-Sonia tirade had left a mark locally as well as nationally with the CPM politburo deciding to keep away from the Congress in the coming elections to five states. The Karunakaran factor, according to him, was decisive in the outcome which would have a serious impact on the Antony Government. "The insult to the senior leader turned the people against Antony's candidate M O John," said Menon, who was not ready to blame the BJP or the Vedi for his own poor performance. "Yes, the votes polled were certainly low. Let both the parties discuss it and decide on what went wrong," he said in a resigned tone. Claiming that the BJP had made significant gains, P S Sreedharan Pillai, BJP state president, said in a statement that Menon's candidature had forced the CPM out of an "unholy coalition" with the Congress at the national level. Though the BJP had lost over 25,000 votes from the last parliamentary election, the party had not lost its basic votes. Echoing the sentiment, A N Radhakrishnan, BJP State secretary, was also in a jubilant mood. "The election showed that we are no longer untouchables in state politics. While our experiment has had its limitations, the poll was fought on casteist and communal lines and totally lacked political ethics," he said. Veteran trade union leader V B Cheriyan, of Janakeeya Vedi, said the consolidation of Muslim votes along communal lines had resulted in Sebastian Paul's victory. But the results had also strengthened the secular fabric of the State. "There has been no gains for the BJP and their traditional votes have been split between the UDF and the LDF. This was because the Shiva Sena openly backed the LDF and the VHP's campaign on the Marad issue against the Antony Government. While for Antony this might seem like a backlash, in the long run his stand will be vindicated for having stopped the BJP on its tracks," Cheriyan said. While this might look like an extended exercise in dialectics, PDP's Poonthura Siraj is also smiling, claiming that his party's stand has been vindicated. "I am quite happy with the results and people voted for our cause. The anti-minority stance of the Antony Government, especially regarding Marad, has been exposed. This will stop the designs of the BJP in the State. This is a win for the PDP and secularism," he said. Which brings us to the point that, unfortunately, there are no losers in an election!
Muslim League calls for ouster of Antony
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: A cabal under the leadership of E Ahmed,MP, General Secretary of Muslim League has started strategic moves to oust AK Antony from the chief ministership of Kerala. As part of the gameplan, E Ahmed flew down to New Delhi on Tuesday night where AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel had a mid-night discussion with the former. Ahmed asked for Antony's head for the continued support of the Muslim League to Congress. With a section of the Congress and the entire Muslim League leadership blaming Antony for the Ernakulam bypoll , the chief minister finds himself in a beleagured position. The Marad rehabilitation, which the Government declared would be carried out by October 2, remains as an unfinished promise. According to the Chief Minister, it is the intransigent attitude of the Muslim League leadership which blocks the efforts for a CBI probe into the Marad massacre. It was reported that one of the League higher-ups is involved in the Marad massacre and that is why the party is opposing all moves by the chief minister to get the case investigated by the CBI. Ahmed rushed to New Delhi immediately after he along with Kunhalikutty, the industries minister, called on Antony at Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night.
