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April 2003
Bus-van collission kills four
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
MALAPPURAM: Four passengers of a pick up van were killed when it collided with a tourist bus in the National Highway-17 at Chankuvetti near Kottakkal around 5.15 this morning. The deceased have been identified as van driver Musthafa, 25, son of Hussain of Velladath Karukayil House, Abdul Jaleel, 25, son of Vakkalaparambil Abdu, Abdul Latheef, 25, son of Alungal Veerankutty and Avarankutty , 22, son of Abdul Rahiman of Chittakath Karthya House. All the four deceased belonged to Kadanangadi near Edakkulam at Thirunavaya. The accident occurred when the tourist bus, which was on a marriage trip from Kannur to Chavakkad, collided with the pickup van which was proceeding to Kottakkal from Thirunavaya to bring vegetables, in front of the PWD Rest House at Chankuvetti. Under the impact of collision the van overturned and rammed a wall five metres away. It was drizzling when the accident happened. K C Sathyan (37), a passenger in the bus who sustained injuries, has been admitted to a private hospital.
‘I’ group to end tirade against Antony
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi will announce her decision on Wednesday on granting pardon to the Karunakaran camp for having fielded the rebel candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections. At a meeting between KPCC chief K Muraleedharan and the two AICC observers, Ghulam Nabi Azad and R K Dhawan and general secretary incharge of Kerala affairs, Ambika Soni, a face-saving formula was evolved. According to sources, Muraleedharan has given an assurance to the Congress High Command after talking to his father K Karunakaran on phone that henceforth nothing will be stated against the A K Antony Government in the State. In the midst of the meeting, Muraleedharan was asked to extract similar commitment from Karunakaran. After talking to Karunakaran, Muraleedharan promised to the Congress High Command that they would not raise any discordant voice against the Antony group. Muraleedharan is expected to issue a formal statement after the announcement of the Congress president. In the statement, he will appeal to all the Congressmen to work unitedly for the party and the Government. After the meeting, a visibly relieved Muraleedharan stated that he was optimistic about the decision to be taken by the Congress president on Wednesday. He said that after the announcement of Sonia Gandhi, the crisis in Kerala will be a ‘‘closed chapter.’’ Murali said that as the KPCC chief, he did his best to have a better coordination between the party and the Govt. However, due to the RS polls, differences emerged between the two groups. In future, he will ensure that there is no groupism in the State. Talking about the expected decision, he hoped that it would be acceptable to all. He was also optimistic that after the decision, both Karunakaran and Antony will join hands for the unity of the party. He will meet the Congress president on Wednesday after the announcement. He said that all the Congress MLAs were solidly behind the Congress president. The High Command has been in a dilemma on the action to be taken against the Karunakaran camp. For the last few days, Sonia Gandhi held separate meetings with both Karunakaran and Antony to reach an amicable solution to the crisis.
Jeevan TV official launch on May 1
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
KOCHI: The Malayalam TV channel Jeevan will be officially launched on May 1 at 6.30 p.m. at a function to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. Prominent names from the entertainment field including Manisha Koirala and Bharat Mammooty will attend the function. Union Minister of State for Defense O Rajagopal will officially launch the channel. It will be followed by presentation of channel theme song and release of new logo. A mega musical night with an array of gifted singers including Vasundhara Das, Biju Narayanan, Vidhu Prathap will also be held.
Kerala's HIV-positive siblings to fight again for school
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHASPURAM: After attending lessons at a church without facing ostracism, two HIV-positive siblings in Kerala have resolved to revive their campaign for a place in school alongside other children. Ostracism from ignorance about HIV/AIDS had forced seven-year-old Bency and five-year-old Benson -- who were born with the virus that claimed the lives of both their parents -- to change schools five times in the just concluded academic year. The last of these was a state-run school in Kaithakuzhi, Kollam district. They were admitted after they sat on a protest outside the state secretariat here along with their grandfather to demand a regular schooling. Chief Minister A.K. Antony intervened in the matter and got them into school in February. But problems soon followed. The parents of the other 119 children in the school refused to send their wards as long as the HIV-positive siblings attended classes there. After the government failed to convince the parents, it arranged for a teacher to instruct Bency and Benson at their home, robbing them of the school environment they longed for. "Yesterday (Monday) we were informed that both the kids have been promoted. Benson is going to Class 2 and Bency to Class 3," the children's 50-year-old grandmother Sallykutty told on the telephone. "With one more month for the vacations to end, we are going to fight for the rights of these children. We want them to get admission to school, failing which a teacher should come here. The authorities have not told us anything on what sort of education would be given to these children. "If nothing happens, we have decided that my husband would launch an indefinite hunger strike in front of the secretariat. The children also would be sitting, but not on a hunger strike," said Sallykutty. The response the children received from others attending Bible lessons at Kaithakuzhy Mar Thoma church during the vacations has emboldened the family to again dream of a normal education for Bency and Benson. About 300 students took the lessons. "There was no problem at all and there was no ostracism of the kids like what happened at the school," said Sallykutty. "We were really happy that on the concluding day, like all the other children, we were taken in an open jeep announcing that there was nothing wrong with us," said Bency. The siblings also take tuitions from an undergraduate neighbour. "Both of them have the urge to study and making them sit idle at home would be wrong. They encounter no problem at their tuition teacher's house," said the grandmother. The family is also finding is difficult to meet the mounting expenses of the children's medical treatment. "We survive on the pension of my husband, who is an ex-serviceman," Sallykutty said. "Every week the medical bills of these children who are being given costly medicines to soothe the effects of HIV medicines costs Rs.3,000."
Cong crisis: Sonia's verdict today
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
The Congress high command is expected to announce its decision on Wednesday on the crisis that gripped the state unit of the party following Rajya Sabha nominations. As reported earlier, the high command is expected to drop discpilnary actions against the rebels to avoid further damage to the image of the party in the state and at the national level. Instead it would issue a series of directions aimed at strengthening the party unit and to avoid the occurrences of such incidents in future. Reports suggest that before pardoning the rebel faction, the high command would elicit an assurance from senior leader K Karunakaran that he would not upset the Antony government during the rest of its term. He has also assured that he would not press for a cabinet reshuffle. As part of the new reconciliatory approach, the Congress leadership has almost dropped the idea of removing KPCC president K Muralidharan from his post . As a prelude to making the announcement the AICC had summoned KPCC president K Muralidharan to Delhi on Tuesday. He met AICC General secretary Ambika Soni, Ghulam Nabi Azad and R K Dhavan. Ambika Soni also talked to Karunakaran over phone.
Hormis Tharakan likely to be next DGP
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Vigilance Director P.K.Hormis Tharakan is set to succeed K.J.Joseph as the next DGP of the State provided R.S.Mooshahary, Director-General of the elite National Security Guards (NSG), does not evince interest in returning to Kerala. Among the front-runners for the post are Mooshahary, Tharakan and ADGP (headquarters) Upendra Varma who will be elevated to the DGP's rank following Joseph's retirement on May 31. Going by seniority, Mooshahary, a 1967 batch IPS officer, should replace Joseph. The possibility of his homecoming is remote as he is holding the plum post of the NSG director. This leaves the field open for Tharakan who belongs to the 1968 batch and Upendra Varma, a 1970 batch officer who returned from a Central deputation very recently. In fact, the Government had created ADGP (headquarters) post to accommodate Varma. The post was abolished after the elevation of A.V.Subbarao as DGP a few years ago. Ajith Kumar Doval, another officer belonging to the 1968 batch and currently Intelligence Bureau special director, is five months senior to Tharakan. But being a hot contender for the post of Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB), his return to the parent State is most unlikely. In this scenario, Tharakan who had a long stint with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) appears to be Antony's favourite. If everything goes right, he will continue as DGP till June 2005. Mooshahary, on the other hand, has the option of continuing in NSG for a couple of years as he is due to retire only in March 2006. The instances of officers heading a prime central agency returning to their home States to take up the DGP's post are uncommon in police services. One such case is that of N.C.Padhi who left the post of DIB to become the DGP of Orissa. That Mooshahary is looking beyond NSG director's post was evident last year when he tried hard for the post of director-general of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) following the retirement of Trinath Mishra. Apart from Mooshahary, senior IPS officers R.C.Aggarwal and Sathish Chaubey were also in the fray for the post. Finally the latter made it. The CRPF DG's post is considered coveted as the organisation, with about 200 battalions, is the largest among the 19 Central police organisations in the country. The NSG, though an elite outfit, has just 5000-odd men in its ranks. It is almost certain that Mooshahary would give another try for the CRPF post. For Tharakan, what is reassuring is the farewell speech made by Mooshahary prior to leaving for Delhi. Mooshahary had then remarked in a lighter vein: "Tharakan need not worry about getting to the top post since I would be away in Delhi for the next few years." The posting of the next DGP practically hinges on Mooshahary's word. (Courtesy NIE)
Keralites form major chunk of amnesty seekers in UAE
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
About 50 to 60 per cent of the 14,000 people who have applied for general amnesty in the United Arab Emirates are Malayalees, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Minister M M Hassan said on Tuesday. Hassan, who returned to Kerala on Monday after a ten-day tour of UAE, Oman and Qatar, told newsmen that he had a detailed discussion with officials and the Indian Consulate in Dubai over the issue of processing of applications of amnesty seekers and supporting work required to be done in Kerala. He said UAE Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan had expressed keen interest to associate with Kerala in the field of education. He had offered to send more UAE students to Kerala for pursuing higher education. In Oman, he called on Labour and Manpower Minister Juma bin Ali al Juma and took up various issues confronting the labour class Malayalees in the country, including the delay in payment of wages and in certain cases of non-payment. The Omani Minister had promised to look into the matter sympathetically and also expedite those cases under litigation. In Qatar, the Minister took up the visa restrictions issue presently imposed against Indians and was able to receive assurances to look into various problems being faced by the Malayalees. Hassan had also visited the Fujaira Free Zone in UAE and held discussion with its Director General Sharief Habib al-Awadi on the shipping service between Kerala and Gulf and the possibility of using Furaira port as one of the ports for embarkation and disembarkation in UAE. The Muscat-based Towel Barwil Company had agreed to study the technical feasibility and economic viability of the shipping service and offered to submit a report within three months. Non-Residents Keralites Affairs Department Secretary Jiji Thomson, NORKA Joint Secretary M Aravindakshan and ROOTS-NRK Development Initiative Chief Executive K Satish Nampoothiripad accompanied the Minister during the trip.
High-level committee to tackle SARS threat
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
The state government on Tuesday formed a high level committee of experts and bureaucrats to coordinate the activities aimed at preventing the threat caused by Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the state. The decision was taken at a high level meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, State Health Minister P Sankaran told newsmen. The committee would comprise representatives of local bodies, health officials and airport authorities, the Minister said. Sankaran informed that Chief Secretary Chandrasekharan Nair would head the committee. The committee would begin its activities on Tuesday itself, the minister said. The Minister also informed that the functioning of isolation wards in all the three government medical College Hospitals in the state would be made more efficient.
UGC vice-chairman for strengthening courses
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
V N Rajasekharan Pillai, who has been appointed as the vice-chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has stressed the need for consolidation and strengthening of the conventional stream of courses in humanities, basic sciences and liberal arts in affiliated colleges in Kerala. In spite of the efforts by the UGC to support and augment the facilities in affiliated colleges, there had been a consistent decline in the number of good students who opt for such courses, Rajasekharan Pillai told an English daily when contacted in Bangalore. A radical restructuring of the undergraduate curriculum was required to solve the problem, he pointed out. Professionalism would be brought into the pattern of undergraduate training as part of this, he said. In addition to diversifying the courses, communication skill development programmes, information technology modules, managerial concepts and entrepreneurial training would be made part of the undergraduate programme. A joint effort, co-coordinated by the UGC involving private and public institutions in Kerala, is mooted for this project.
P S Sreedharan Pillai to head Kerala BJP
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Putting all speculations to rest, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday selected Advt PS Sreedharan Pillai from Kozhikkode as the consensus candidate for the post of party president. Sreedharan Pillai would take over the party in Kerala from C K Padmanabhan who held the post for two consecutive terms. A meeting of the party state leaders and district presidents held in Kovalam on Monday, presided over by party national president Venkaiah Naidu decided that Pillai would be the sole candidate for the post, when elections are held later this year. Pillai, one of the youthful orators of the party in Kerala is presently BJP's national executive member and state vice president. A native of Chengannur, Pillai is today a leading advocate in the Kozhikkode bar. Naidu later claimed to newsmen that the process was smooth and there were no differences in reaching the consensus. He informed the election process would be completed by the end of September. According to reports, the consensus was arrived after heated debate as the two groups owing allegiance to O Rajagopal and P P Mukundan had their own candidates for the post. Reports also suggest that P P Mukundan would continue as general secretary of the state party in the new set up also.
Kerala cases test negative for SARS
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
The two suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases in the State have been tested negative at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. Chief Secretary Chandrasekharan Nair has convened a high-level meeting of health officials tomorrow to review the steps taken by the Health Department to tackle the SARS threat. The serological samples of the two patients had been collected at the Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram and dispatched to the NIV for conducting confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests. Though the results were intimated over telephone on Monday evening, the result values were subsequently sent by fax at the behest of the health authorities in Kerala. The two patients are being kept under observation at isolation wards at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and the General Hospital, Kochi, since they reported for treatment with fever and respiratory symptoms. Following the report, the patients are likely to be discharged on Tuesday after getting the official clearance. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Chandrasekharan Nair has convened a high-level meeting of health officials in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday to review the steps taken by the Health Department to tackle the SARS threat.
Cong crisis: Sonia summons Murali
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
At the end of a long wait, the Congress high command is expected to announce its decision on the crisis in the state unit of the party in a day or two. Signaling this, the party general secretary Ambika Soni called up KPCC president K Muralidharan on Monday evening and asked to him to rush to New Delhi. Murali left Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday morning and would catch a flight to New Delhi later in the day from Kochi. On Monday Congress president Sonia Gandhi had held another round of discussions with Ambika Soni the AICC secretary in charge of Kerala and R K Dhawan and Ghulam Nabi Azad, the two observers who were in Kerala during the Rajya Sabha polls. Meanwhile, some reports suggested that Muralidharan may be removed from the post of KPCC president and will be offered a party post at the national level. However, Murali had dismissed the report saying that 'nothing of that sort will happen.' Reaffirming this Ambika Soni said in New Delhi on Monday that there is every reason to expect that the Congress president will be generous towards those who may have voted against the official candidates of the party for the Rajya Sabha elections. However, K Karunakaran, albeit subtly, has been threatening to take on the high command, if strict actions are taken against his loyalists.
Seek fresh mandate, Naidu tells Antony
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
The BJP national president Venkaiah Naidu has asked Kerala chief minister A K Antony to go fresh polls, to overcome the present crisis faced by the Congress party and the government. "Antony is talking about healing touch. But the wounds are so deep that a surgery is required. My advice to Antony is that he should seek a fresh mandate as no patch work would do," Naidu told a press conference in Kovalam on Monday. Naidu pointed out that the both the United Democratic Front and the Left Democratic Front have ruined the state. He also ridiculed their tie up at the national level. "They are not only too fronts but two friends too," he said. The BJP president also announced that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would lead the party in the next elections too. He also made it clear that the general elections would not be preponed and will be held as per schedule. Naidu said that the party was aiming at 300 plus seats on its own and two-third majority for the NDA in the next elections. Answering questions on Kerala politics, the BJP president said that the infighting in the Congress has affected the state's progress. Smaller groups like the Muslim League and the Kerala Congress parties cash on the situation, he said. Naidu denied that there was group rivalry in the BJP's state unit. "There may be differences of opinion, but such problems are sorted out," he added. He expressed confidence that the BJP would open its account from the state in the next general elections.
'Food on Kerala Express is miserably low'
Monday, April 28, 2003
'Food on Kerala Express is miserably low' NEW Delhi: The Janata Dal(united) has complained to railway Minister Nitish Kumar that the quality of food served on the Kerala Express is "miserably low". In a memorandum submitted to the Minister here, the Kerala unit of the party said the catering in the train which runs between Thiruvananthapuram and New Delhi is a ''total failure''. ''there is no cleanliness. The quality and the quantity of the food supplied is miserably low,'' said state JD(U) general secretary R Mohandas. The party asked the Minister to launch an inquiry so that corrective steps could be taken.
DYFI call to promote swadeshi goods
Monday, April 28, 2003
KOLLAM: The DYFI State conference has called upon the people to cultivate a new culture of consuming swadeshi goods as part of the fight against globalisation and imperialist occupation. A resolution adopted at the conference emphasised the need for making production and consumption also weapons in the struggle against imperialist forces. In another resolution, the DYFI said that criminalisation of Kerala society was taking place with the connivance of the Government. The activities of mafia gangs were on the increase in the State and they were exploiting the growing unemployment among the youth. The process of communalisation has spread to all spheres of life in the State, according to another resolution passed by the conference. The democratic institutions had been weakened because of communalisation of politics, it added. The conference will conclude on Monday with a parade of white volunteers and a youth rally. CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechuri will inaugurate the public meeting and it will also be addressed by Pinarayi Vijayan, N.N.Krishnadas MP, Tapas Sinha and P.K.Gurudasan. The State office-bearers of the DYFI will be elected on Monday.
Waiting for right kind of music for the State: Rahman
Monday, April 28, 2003
KOCHI: Music maestro A R Rahman has described Kerala as the ‘melodic paradise’ of India and said that he is waiting for the right kind of music to do for the State. Rahman, at the meet-the-press programme, organised by the Ernakulam Press Club on Saturday, said that he had some plans for the Malayalam films. However, he refused to divulge the details of it. Malayalam film songs and ‘mappila pattu’ have influenced most of his creations, he said. Sharing his experiences of ‘Bombay Dreams’ in which he worked with Andrew Lyod Webber, Rahman said it was a ‘nice opportunity’ as he gained good experience. The musical might go to New York, he said. On other projects with Webber, Rahman said Webber is doing his own musical now. The other projects may come up in the future. Rahman is also composing a piece for Bermingham Symphonic Orchestra. The work will be based on ‘Conference of Birds’ a 12th century Persian poem. The album is expected to be released by next summer, he said. Replying to a question on the crisis in music industry, Rahman said world wide crisis is due to piracy and internet down-loading. There are no stringent laws in India to curb it, he said adding that the Hindi music is going through a ‘troubled’ phase with the market down, piracy and bad music taking its toll.
SARS: Health Dept seeks aid
Monday, April 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department has sought an immediate assistance of Rs 60 lakh for tackling the threat posed by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the State. According to department sources, the request for funds has been approved by the Government and it would be released soon. The department on Sunday received 50 N95 masks from the Centre for distribution among the healthcare employees attached to the SARS cells at the airports and hospitals. As the supply is inadequate, the department would buy more masks and gloves once the fund was released, the official said.
Errors in answer keys distributed at KU valuation camps
Monday, April 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The answer key of the Social Formation examination of the final year BA History of the Kerala University distributed at the valuation camps are full of factual errors. According to a section of teachers, normally the chairman of the examination board or its members are entrusted with the duty of preparing answer keys. But in this case, the key was set by a teacher with just four years of service. He was also not a member of the examination board. The valuation process at camps at Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha is nearing completion and there is apprehension that the wrong answer key would affect the performance of a large section of students in the examination. The answer key was full of spelling mistakes and factual errors. The third question in the Part C of the question paper was ‘How the superior technology of the British affected the fate of Bengal?’ The answer given in the key revolves round the early faiths of the British and conflicts with the French East India Company.
Is Karunakaran anticipating censure from party?
Monday, April 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's veteran Congress party leader K. Karunakaran, who has put up a brave face since a rebel he backed for Rajya Sabha elections was defeated, now seems to be apprehending censure from the party. A statement by Karunakaran's son K. Muraleedharan, who heads the party in Kerala, was indicative of this. Hitherto, Muraleedharan had been playing neutral in the ongoing feud between Karunakaran and Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony, which culminated in a rebel Congress candidate being fielded for the Rajya Sabha elections earlier this month. Muraleedharan's statement questioning the Congress party's decision to make Antony and not Karunakaran the chief minister after assembly elections in 1995 is being viewed by political analysts as an indication that the gloves may be off. "What happened in 1995 when Karunakaran was replaced by Antony is a more serious act of indiscipline as compared to the fielding of a rebel candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections," Muraleedharan said. Karunakaran also took a swipe at Antony, saying: "All of you should understand that the 26 MLA's (legislators) stood united even though we had no liquor and money power". Immediately after the Rajya Sabha elections April 14, Karunakaran alleged that the liquor mafia and money power helped his opponents win. The Karunakaran faction of the Congress counts 26 of the party's 63 legislators in its ranks. The party leads Kerala's ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition that has 100 legislators in the 140-member assembly. On his part, Antony has steadfastly refused to comment on whether action would be taken against Karunakaran. "I have no idea about what action is being contemplated by the high command (national leadership). Whatever decision is taken will be accepted by every Congressman in the state," said Antony. And when specifically asked about Muraleedharan's remark about what happened in 1995, Antony said he would not speak about events that were now history. "Several things have happened after that, so I am not going to say anything," Antony maintained. One of the things that happened was that Muraleedharan was elevated to head the Kerala unit of the Congress in 2001 as a sop for Karunakaran not becoming the chief minister after assembly polls that year. Political analysts feel that should Karunakaran and Muraleedharan be censured by the party leadership, it could well mark the beginning of yet another stormy phase of Congress politics in the state. This could also affect Antony's development agenda and his plans to bring in investments of Rs.500 billion before his term ends in May 2006.
'BJP committed to rule of law'
Monday, April 28, 2003
KOLLAM: Reacting to the moves by the Viswa Hindu Parishad to construct a Ram temple at Ayodhya, BJP national president Venkaiah Naidu said that the law will take its own course against those who violate the constitutional authorities of the country. The NDA Government was committed to the rule of law, he added. Participating in a meet-the-press programme here on Sunday, Naidu said that the BJP was committed to the construction of Ram Mandir but it would try to reach a consensus on the issue. Commenting on the VHP's opposition to Prime Minister A B Vajpayee's initiative for a dialogue with Pakistan, Naidu said that the VHP was a religious organisation and it was not mandatory for the BJP to accept its views. There was a need for a dialogue as the country wanted peace with its neighbour. The people of Pakistan also wanted peace and friendship with India. However, the military rulers of Pakistan were instigating anti-India campaign as they always relied on such campaigns for their survival. Unleashing terrorism against India had become a state policy of Pakistan and the happenings in Jammu and Kashmir were planned by the ISI. When his attention was drawn to the statement of VHP leader Ashok Singhal on uprooting secularists in the country, Naidu said they were his personal views. Secularism was part and parcel of the Indian culture and for the BJP secularism meant ``Sarva Dharma Sama Bhavana''. However, in the present context, secularism in India had become anti-Hinduism. He condemned the arrest of VHP leader Praveen Togadia by the Rajasthan Government for distributing tridents. Talking about the prospects the BJP in the coming Assembly and Parliament elections, he said that the party would highlight the ``good governance of the NDA Government for five years as against the 47 years' misrule by the Congress''. When asked about the allegations levelled by former Naval Chief Admiral Vishnu Bhagavath on the operations of US and Israeli spy organisations in the country, Naidu said that he did not want to comment on the utterances made by a person who was removed from the post of the head of the naval force for the first time in the history of the country. THIRD FRONT: Naidu said that the State had become a fertile land for launching a third front against both the UDF and LDF. The UDF, according to the BJP leader, was corrupt and divided while the LDF was anti-development. The BJP would try to mobilise those forces which had become tired of experiments with the UDF and LDF. Discussions were going on in that direction, he said but refused to disclose the groups the BJP had contacted.
After Ayurveda, Kerala takes lead to popularise Siddha
Monday, April 28, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, the homeland of Ayurveda, has taken the lead in popularising the oldest but lesser known Indian system of medicine, Siddha, which is said to be effective in treating several modern day ailments including cancer. The first Siddha college in the country, outside of Tamil Nadu where the system originated, was opened in Kerala in November last year after approval from the State Government and the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM). The Santhigiri Siddha College, run by the renowned Thiruvananthapuram-based Santhigiri Ashram, has drawn a good response from local students with all the 25 management quota seats for the first year finding ready takers, its principal V Arunachalam said. Dr Arunachalam, also CCIM's vice-president, said Siddha, which is believed to date back to 4,000 B C, was the oldest of the Indian systems of medicine. Besides a huge 'Materia Medica', which included more than 500 medicines made of herbs, metals, minerals and animal by-products, Siddha had also made unique contributions such as pulse diagnosis and alchemy to the treatment of diseases, he said. The system also incorporated advanced techniques of physiotherapy, traumatology or 'Varma Chikitsa' to treat injuries, surgery and medicated massages. However, compared to Ayurveda, little was known about Siddha as all its texts were in Tamil and little effort had been made to translate these into other languages. Stating that Siddha medicines had been found highly effective in treating cancer without having the debilitating side effects caused by conventional methods such as chemeotherapy, Dr Arunachalam said the Chennai-based AIDS and Cancer Centre had recently initiated research to combine Allopathic and Siddha medicines for the treatment of cancer and AIDS. ''Their work is showing progressive results,'' he added.
'Political climate fertile for third alternative in Kerala'
Monday, April 28, 2003
Kollam: BJP president, M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said that the political climate in Kerala was 'fertile' for forging a third front as an alternative to the Congress led UDF and the CPM headed Left Democratic Fronts. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme here, he said the BJP was ready to co-operate with anybody who came forward to support the party. "But we are not interested in poaching". Stating that the people of Kerala were eagerly awaiting the emergence of an alternative to UDF and LDF, he said both fronts were 'disunited' and 'corrupt'. He claimed that the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre, which came to power with a thin majority, had implemented more schemes than past Congress governments, which had a massive mandate. "Our campaign plank for the next polls will be elect BJP to power with a massive majority to make India developed." On the violence in Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was the handiwork of the ISI, to prevent talks between both countries. Naidu said monitoring and implementation committees would be constituted in all states to oversee programmes under local bodies and to prevent the lapse of funds received under this head. Necessary constitutional amendemnts would be made. Defending the VHP's distribution of tridents, he said it was only a religious symbol. "Some distribute crosses, others talwars (swords).... The RJD leader distributes lathis. There is no need to get emotional on the issue". However, it was for the administration of the states concerned to take action against VHP leader, Pravin Togadia if he made any inflammatory remarks during his speeches, Naidu added.
Rajagopal urges party workers to do self-introspection
Monday, April 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Defence O Rajagopal has called upon the BJP workers to do self-introspection on the `prevailing situation' within the State unit of the party. He was speaking at the K G Marar commemorative meeting organised by the BJP district committee at Hotel Chaitram Auditorium here on Sunday. There were complaints from some parts of the State that an influential lobby within the party was denying memberships to those who had differences of opinion with them, he said. ``Recently I had seen reports on the so-called `Rajagopal faction' within the State unit of the BJP. I do not belong to the Rajagopal faction, I belong to the BJP faction,'' he said. ``I would not hesitate to react against the wrong tendencies in the party. Recently, a well-wisher of the party had opined that the BJP in the State had become a party nobody wanted. The BJP workers should understand the spirit behind the statement,'' he said. Rajagopal also elaborated on the contribution of K G Marar to strengthen the BJP in the State and also remembered him as a principled political leader. BJP city district president M Gopal, Rural district president Padmakumar, City district general secretary C Sivankutty, National council member Ayyappan Pillai and rural general secretary Vellachira Somasekharan were present.
Governor to commission Coast Guard patrol vessel on Apr 29
Monday, April 28, 2003
Kochi, Apr 26 - Governor Sikander Bakht will commission the Coast Guard Ship ''Durgabai Deshmukh'', the second of the new-generation fast-patrol vessel at a function to be held here on April 29. The 260-tonne 48-metre-long vessel, built by the public-sector Goa Shipyard and capable of attaining a maximum speed of 35 knots (64 km) an hour, is fitted with 30-mm gun, besides machine guns on the sides. It also has state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, an official release here said. The ship, capable of withstanding rough sea conditions, could undertake a continuous voyage extending to 1,500 nautical miles, the release added.
VHP will press Centre for conversion ban: Singhal
Monday, April 28, 2003
Kochi, Apr 27 - The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will pressurize the Centre to bring in legislations for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and to ban mass conversion, VHP International Working President Ashok Singal said. He said the Hindus could no longer wait for construction of the Ram temple. The VHP will mobilize the Hindus to achieve the objective as court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute would take further time, he said. Singhal said the VHP could extend hands of friendship to the Muslims only if the Sunni Wakf Board withdrew all cases relating to the Ayodhya dispute. It should also set aside their claims over the Krishna Janambhoomi and the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He alleged that Christian organizations were utilizing huge foreign funds they receive for conversion purpose. They were getting foreign funds to the tune of Rs 2013 crore every year while offerings received by temples are taken by the Governments, especially in Communist-ruled states. Singhal defended the Trishul distribution programme of the Bhajrang Dal and said that it was in vogue for the past 25 years. If Christians could distribute Cross, Hindus had the right to distribute Trishul, he said. Decrying the Prime Minister's renewed call for friendship with Pakistan, he alleged that Pakistan had always been promoting terrorism.
Rajagopal's secy gets bail in dowry case
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Puneet Kumar, an IAS officer of Kerala cadre, who was absconding in connection with dowry harassment case, has obtained an anticipatory bail. Puneet, personal secretary to O. Rajagopal, minister of state for defence, has rejoined office after leave. The Rajouri Garden police registered a dowry harassment case on a complaint lodged by Vandana, wife of Puneet Kumar's brother-in-law, Sumeet Arora. In her complaint filed on April 10, Vandana had alleged that Puneet, along with her in-laws, was physically harassing her demanding more dowry. She alleged that she was being harassed from February 2002, the month she got married to Sumeet.
DYFI State conference begins in Kollam
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Admiral Vishnu Bhagawat (retd) has accused the BJP-led government of trying to derail the democratic institutions in the country. "it is now an era of corporate fascism," Bhagawat said while inaugurating the ninth state conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in Kollam on Saturday. The ways and means to intensify struggles undertaken by the organisation in the state on social issues and against multinationals will be discussed the at the three day meet. The issue of inviting Cooperation Minister M.V. Raghavan to the foundation stone-laying function of the NS Memorial Hospital and the internal strife between the groups owing allegiance to VS Achutanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan respectively are expected to be reflected in the conference. Both Vasanthan and Sasidharan are VS loyalists in the party. The faction led by Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to establish its complete domination over the DYFI as both State president P.R.Vasanthan and general secretary T.Sasidharan would be replaced by strong Pinarayi loyalists at the conference. The DYFI had declared Raghavan as its archenemy after the Koothuparambu police firing in which five activists of the organisation became martyrs.
Aspirants run helter-skelter for safe shelter
Sunday, April 27, 2003
KOCHI: The All India Medical Entrance Examination slated for Sunday is likely to hold the parents and students hailing from far flung areas to ransom as the city was not able to accommodate them. Anxiety and fear were the predominant emotion among the parents who are in search for a safe shelter to their wards and made frantic calls to various hotels and lodges hoping for a room. Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are the only two centres in the State for the examination in which lakhs of students all over the country aspiring for a good career in medical science. With the crack of the dawn today the main arteries of the city were seemed to be teeming with baggage-wielding students accompanied by parents or relatives who disembarked from trains and buses after a prolonged journey. If the students could not find a safe place for sleep, it will affect their preparedness in facing the exam, said Rajkumar hailing from Thrissur. He was able to secure a lodging at Ganam Hotels after a frenzied three-hour search that began from Ernakulam North and ended in South. Neither the government nor any department perceived the difficulties being faced by the parents, said P Venugopal from Neeleshwaram, who was lucky in procuring a room by advance booking at Grant Tourist Home as he anticipated the crisis. But what worries him is the time grabbing traffic snarl from which even the city dwellers were not immune. In the previous year there was only one centre at Thiruvananthapuram, he added. All the medium range hotels and lodges were packed to its capacity by noon itself and the late comers would be forced to resort even three-star or above categories hotels which may not be affordable for ordinary people. The KSRTC has announced that additional buses will be pressed into service to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram from Kochi on Sunday in view of the examination.
Farmer from Kottayam district enters Limca Book
Sunday, April 27, 2003
KOCHI: George Mathew of Koruthodu in Kottayam district has entered the Limca Book of Records for developing a unique method of vanilla cultivation. George Mathew said here on Saturday that the new method would yield 1,000 plants per acre and a yield of around three kilogram per plant. One kilogram of dry vanilla bean fetches around Rs 10,000 in the global market.
Documentary by Thakazhi's grandson has Kaatha in the lead
Sunday, April 27, 2003
ALAPPUZHA: It's a casting coup a budding film-maker can rave about. Raj Nair, a debutante documentary-maker, is trying to unfold the actualities of ageing and the past and current social issues old women face. And Kamalakshiamma, alias Kaatha, the devoted wife for 65-odd years, of Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, is donning greasepaint for her grandson's documentary. The 90-minute documentary titled 'Kazhchavastukkal' will be shot in Malayalam at various locations in Kuttanad. ``The harsh realities of life faced by an aged women and luck measured in unimaginable units bestow upon her a status that often reflects respect, love, care, penance and ultimately patience, and also a social stance, which stands a step above the mother. The effort is to portray the indomitable spirit through my grandmother,'' says Raj Nair, an assistant oral medicine professor at Hong Kong University. ``The documentary will also attempt to rediscover those milestones in a woman's life, which will make any sweet little baby girl of the distant past just another grandmother,'' adds Raj, who is also working on a Malayalam novel 'Bhoomiyile Paravakal'. He already has an English novel to his credit. Providing the requisite spit and polish to the documentary is a team of experts. Film critics award winning cinematographer T G Sureshkumar and Girish Nedumudi form the camera team. Hong Kong-based Keralite entrepreneurs Ashraf A Bava and Kesu V Nair are the producer and executive producer respectively, of the documentary. The project is designed by Satheesh Babu Payyannur.
Be like Bengal comrades, Antony tells Kerala Communists
Sunday, April 27, 2003
NEW DELHI: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony is all praise for Marxists ruling West Bengal but rues that communists opposed to him in his own state are not ready to emulate the Bengal comrades. Here to meet Congress party president Sonia Gandhi, Antony lashed out at leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist of Kerala for what he alleged was their illogical opposition to economic reforms. "While Keralites are keen on better quality of life and are willing to shed their dogmas, there are still some negative factors," Antony told in an interview here. "A section of politicians and trade unions are still not willing to shed their dogmas. "Unlike in West Bengal, where the CPM is proceeding with reforms, in Kerala the Marxist party is trying to boycott goods of multinational firms. They have been holding strikes and violent agitations," complained Antony. "The political climate in the state is not the problem, but the frequent strikes and violent agitations are creating problems." Antony has been desperate for an economic revival in Kerala ever since he came to power in the state in 2001 at the head of the United Democratic Front, drubbing the CPM-led Left Democratic Front. After lying low for a while, the CPM has stepped up its opposition to the Antony government, criticising, among other things, aspects of his economic policies. Antony insisted that it was not factionalism within the Congress but "the sectarian attitude" of the Marxists that hindered the reforms process unleashed by his government. "Factionalism is something we have to live with. It is part of the democratic process," Antony said. The only thing holding back Kerala's development, he insisted, was the Marxists' sectarian mindset. Antony, however, expressed the hope that a dialogue with the CPI-M would help create a favourable atmosphere to attract investment in the state. At stake are Rs.260 billion worth of projects for which the state government had received expressions of interest during a global investors meet held in January. "Many of the projects are in the final stages of negotiations. In two or three months we hope to finalise them. We are hopeful that many of these projects related to IT, tourism and infrastructure development will materialise," said Antony. "We have also opened up opportunity for investment in the educational sector and are getting a good response. "The only problem is that the managements of these institutions are angry with the state government as we are trying to fix some sort of scale for fees," said the chief minister. The matter is with the cabinet, said Antony. He hoped that once the fees scale is fixed, children seeking admission on merit would be able to study in the private colleges in which the government has demanded 50 percent quota for merit holders and candidates from the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Antony said he had met central government officials here to convey Kerala's interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Iraq. "We have expectation that companies from Kerala will be allowed to work in Iraq. We have conveyed to the central government our eagerness to participate in Iraq's reconstruction." The Chief Minister was, however, shy of discussing the factional politics plaguing the Congress in Kerala, particularly his strained relations with former chief minister and party veteran K Karunakaran. In the latest incident of groupism in the Congress, 22 legislators loyal to Karunakaran backed a rebel candidate in the Rajya Sabha poll on April 14 although the official nominees won. Antony, who held discussions with Sonia Gandhi, said: "In a democratic setup, we have to live with dissent and contradictions. Finally, it all depends on how one manages things without getting panicky." He politely declined to go into details of his feud with Karunakaran. "I have given (Gandhi) my assessment of the situation and I am confident the party high command will find a just solution as she has considerable experience of handling such situations." But he asserted that Congress factionalism would not destabilise the Kerala government. He said, "In all these years the Congress has developed a mechanism to manage contradictions better than any other political party." Antony was also confident of the Congress winning elections in upcoming elections in four states, including Delhi, but declined to talk about the party prospects in next year's Lok Sabha polls. "Our first priority are the assembly elections, then only we will look ahead at the Lok Sabha elections," he said.
Ministry directive to LPG distributors
Sunday, April 27, 2003
KOCHI: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has asked LPG distributors to transfer with immediate effect their clients to the new nearby distributors either with the same oil company or with the other oil companies. ``The transfer is meant to extend better customer service as customers will be transferred to distributors who operate closely to their area of stay,'' said S Rajendran, senior area manager, Indian Oil Corporation. The order, which has been issued more than an year back, was not implemented by distributors as it would result in loss of customers. However, the Union Ministry now has asked distributors to transfer the clients or face action. In Kerala, out of a total of 17 lakh LPG customers, the transfer of distributors will affect about 36,000 customers. While the IOC has added 20 new distributors, the BPCL and HPCL, the other two LPG producers, together have added another 20. To begin with, the new distributor will inform the customer of the change in the agency and provide the clients with the phone numbers and address and the customers are requested to contact their new distributor for their refill services. The empty cylinders of these newly transferred customers will be arranged to be collected and refills delivered by the new distributors in future. ``The three oil companies will exchange the cylinders between themselves later so that the customers are put to minimum confusion,'' said Rajendran.
RS poll issue not a bigger act of indiscipline than ouster of Karunakaran, says Murali
Sunday, April 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president K. Muraleedharan said here on Saturday that the fielding of Kodoth Govindan Nair as a candidate in the recently-held Rajya Sabha polls was not a bigger act of indiscipline than the 1995 incident when the then chief minister Karunakaran, despite enjoying a clear majority, was ousted with the help of outside forces. Muraleedharan told newspersons that had Karunakaran’s adversaries waited for 13 months, the UDF would have returned to power. ‘‘The policy of labelling whatever happened then as right and whatever was taking place now as factionalism was wrong. If what is taking place now is indiscipline then what had occurred in the past too was an act of indiscipline,’’ he said. The KPCC president said that the fielding of Kodoth was not in defiance of the high command. It was just an emotional and sentimental outburst of a section of Congressmen. It would be good to examine the history of those who were terming the Kodoth’s candidature as a challenge to the high command. ‘‘As KPCC president, I have not supported Kodoth. I would have done that only after resigning my post,’’ he said. Muraleedharan said that during the last two years he had tried his best to bring unity in the Congress. However, the recent incident of indiscipline had defeated his efforts, he said. ‘‘I don’t have any anxiety of being made the AICC general secretary. I would not like to comment further on newspaper reports,’’ he said. Asked about Antony’s comment that the possibility of a tie-up between the Congress and the CPM in the State was a ‘divine dream’, Muraleedharan said, ‘‘all dreams may not become a reality, but some do.’’ He said that there was no policy of untouchability towards the CPM. ‘‘If we can work together in various States, why not in Kerala,’’ he asked. Chief Minister A.K.Antony refused to comment on Muraleedharan’s statement that the ouster of Karunakaran in 1995 was the biggest act of indiscipline. ‘‘It is all part of history. I would not like to say anything,’’ he told reporters at the airport on his arrival from New Delhi after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
Murali Nair's 'Arimpara' for Cannes Film Festival
Sunday, April 27, 2003
Murali Nair's 'The Story that Begins at the End' for Cannes Film Festival Renowned filmmaker Murali Nair's latest Malayalam film 'Arimpara' (The story that Begins at the End) is to be the Indian entry for the prestigious "UnCertain Regard Section" at 56th Cannes International Film Festival this year-- the only official entry from India. Co-produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) with Murali Nair Productions, the film is based on well known writer O V Vijayan's celebrated short story 'The Wart'. It stars Nedumudi Venu, Sona Nair, Bhagyanath, Rajan Sithara, Bharathan Narakkal and others. Murali Nair's Marana Simhasanam (Throne of Death) had won the Camera d'or award at Cannes in 1999. His Pattiyude Divasam (Dog's Day) and 'Yudhavum Vyaparavum' (War and Trade) were also highly acclaimed. 'Marana Simhasanam' lampooned the World Bank and American aid to Third World countries by portraying the tragic plight of a farm labourer who is caught stealing coconuts and soon finds himself framed for murder and is sentenced to death, in an electric chair, imported from America with the aid from the World Bank. It won six international awards and was screened in more than 50 international film festivals. A geologist by profession, he gave up a secure job in an oil rig to do a filmmaking course at the Xavier's Institute of Communication in Mumbai. Later, he served as the assistant director to Pavan Kaul, Nandan Kudhiyadi and Mani Kaul. In 1993, he made a short film 'The Tragedy of an Indian Farmer', based on Malayalam poet Changampuzha's poem Oru Vazhakula. His second short film 'Coronations' explored the impact of advanced military technology in a third world town. Murali's third short film 'A Long Journey', premiered at Cannes in 1996 in the short film competition section. His second feature film 'Oru Pattiyude Divasam' (A Dog's Day) is described as a political fairy tale. It is an indictment of globalisation and privatisation. To quote him, "The increasing tendency of the United States to interfere in the affairs of the second and third world for its own interests of war and trade made me think of a second film." Following the Camera d'Or, Murali, who is now London-based, directed a 13-part series called 'First Taste' exploring the life of teenagers in various countries and cultures and a 10-part series 'Miracles of Faith' examining the effects of miracles in people's lives in different countries all over the world, both for Channel 5 in the UK. He also made a 26-part series titled 'My Story' for Channel 5 on the life of teenagers in Britain. He's now been asked to do another 13-part serial on relationships among teenagers to be called 'My Kiss'. This will be followed up with another 13-part serial on relationships between different religious beliefs.
Union Home Ministry says Kerala govt is responsible for delay in CBI probe of Muthanga incidents
Sunday, April 27, 2003
The Union Home Ministry is yet to receive Kerala government's notification seeking a CBI investigation of the Muthanga incidents. Union minister of state home I D Swamy told Parliament that the Home Ministry could take any action only after receiving the notification. He said the state government is responsbile for the delay in this regard.
BJP betrayed Hindus, says Singhal
Saturday, April 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: VHP working president Ashok Singhal on Thursday said BJP had "betrayed" the Hindus on the issue of Ram temple construction after they assumed power. "We have been betrayed. We never expected this from them. But history teaches us that those who have betrayed Hindus have paid their price," he said, addressing a meet-the-press programme. Defending distribution of tridents in Rajasthan, he said it was purely a religious work."We are not against anyone. If RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav can distribute lathis and others talwars, why can't Hindus distribute tridents symbolically," he asked. Stating that `jehadis' were now ruling the roost in the country, he said secularists, who were "trying to eradicate India's great civilisation posed the biggest threat to the country." "Secularism has come to mean anti-Hinduism. They are in fact destroying Hinduism," he said. He said the Ram Janmabhoomi issue was entangled in court cases for the last 15 years. However, temple construction at Ayodhya would go on as planned by the VHP. The `dharma samsad' of VHP would be held on April 29 and 30 to decide their future course of action. He said conversion activity was "rampant" in Kerala. "You can profess or propagate a religion but have no right to convert. It is anti-constitutional," he said.
Pilots strike: Angry passengers detain official inside aircraft
Saturday, April 26, 2003
KOCHI: Angry passengers aboard an Air India flight, which arrived here early on Friday from UAE, allegedly detained an AI official inside the aircraft when its onward journey was delayed by over three hours as a pilot failed to turn up for duty. The flight from Al Ain in UAE had arrived at Nedumbassery airport at 5.30 am. It was to have left for Muscat via Thiruvananthapuram at 6.30 AM. However, the new pilot, who was to have boarded the flight at Kochi, refused to join duty in support of the strike call by pilots guild, which is demanding a certificate from the airlines stating that the accompanying crew have not flown to SARS affected regions during the past 10 days. About 97 passengers, who were to disembark at Thiruvananthapuram, got agitated and did not permit six passengers from Kochi to board the flight. When the AI manager tried to pacify the passengers, he was allegedly detained, airport sources said. The AI executive head at the airport, Captain P G Sudhakaran, calmed the passengers and informed them that a substitute pilot would board the aircraft and flight would resume its onward journey by 9.30 am. The Kochi passengers were then allowed to board the flight. Meanwhile, a monitoring cell of AI and airport officials has been set up at the airport to function round the clock and minimise the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the stir by pilots' guild.
Two suspected anthrax cases in Kerala
Saturday, April 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of reports of two suspected SARS cases from Kerala, an equal number of unconfirmed anthrax cases have been reported from the state, an official release said here on Friday. The release said two persons hailing from Panachikad in Kottayam district were admitted to Kottayam Medical College hospital with suspected symptoms of anthrax infection. An expert medical team would examine and study the disease and strengthen preventive measures, the release said. Meanwhile, the state government has stepped up its preventive measures against SARS in the wake of two persons with suspected SARS symptoms being admitted for observation at a hospital here and at Kochi.
Entrance exam: Maths exam cancelled
Saturday, April 26, 2003
The entrance maths paper was cancelled due to many mistakes and repetition of questions. The exam will be reconducted on May 7th the entrance commissioner said. The question papers that were distributed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi and Thrissur had many mistakes, the authorities said. The mathematics paper had a total of 120 questions under versions B1, B2, B3 and B4. The problem was due to the mixing of questions from B4 in between B2 and B3. The problem occurred while tagging different versions of the question paper together. The exam was from 10 to 12 on morning. The students and teachers found the mistakes in the question paper after the exam started. This caused panic among the students. The invigilators reported to the entrance controller immediately and got permission to distribute the correct question paper and give the students extra time. But due to scarcity in the number of correct question papers all the students could not get it and so the mathematics paper was cancelled as a whole. The entrance commissioner said that there would be no new hall ticket for the re-exam that will be conducted on May 7th. He also added that there would be no change in the canters also. All the other papers will be conducted as per planed and there would not be any change in it. Since the mathematics exam is reconducted the exam results will be delayed from the earlier said time. The entrance controller said that the result would be most probably published on May 10th
Homoeopathy can cure SARS: Doctors
Saturday, April 26, 2003
A Kerala-based homoeopathy institution has offered to effectively treat the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in India and abroad, claiming general medicines in homoeopathy are capable of killing the virus which causes the disease. "SARS, with symptoms of fever and cough, is curable through homoeopathy within two to three days in its first stage and the viral disease itself is not as dreaded as being publicised across the world," Dr K C Prasobh Kumar and Dr S Vidya Prakash, general secretary and vice-president of the Institution of Homoeopaths, Kerala, told a press meet at Kozhikode on Wednesday. Stating that unauthorised use of chemical drugs usually caused certain diseases that were difficult to diagnose, they said homoeopathy's way of treatment, quite popular in West Bengal and Kerala, had been effectively curing such diseases by killing the virus. "Homoeopathy treats patients to boost their immunity after identifying the disease," they said, adding while antibiotics could not kill a virus, homoeopathy successfully eliminated any virus that caused imbalance in the human body. 'Pulsagnilla' and 'Trionia' were some of the general medicines that were used in homoeopathy to treat fever and cough and application of specific therapy had cured even dreaded diseases like leptospirosis which recently turned into an epidemic in the state, they said. Offering to treat SARS anywhere in the world, the doctors said for the cost of purchasing a mask, several patients inflicted by the viral disease could be cured through use of homoeopathy medicines which were comparatively cheaper. "Homoeopathy medicines costing Rs 10 could cure any viral disease in less than a week, but, unfortunately, this system of medicine is not as popular as others," they said. "Although use of masks has been prescribed to resist the virus, masks can't serve the purpose," they claimed. Masks only served as a preliminary protection, but the virus was capable of inflicting a person in several other forms, they said. The Homoeopaths Institution, with over 3,800 qualified doctors as its members, had been treating several viral diseases that could not be cured through other systems of medicine, they claimed. "If desired, we are prepared to send our teams to any part of the world to treat SARS," they said, adding homoeopathy never gave importance to diseases based on their nature (airborne or waterborne), but always offered to treat the patients after initially identifying the virus that caused the disease. "SARS is yet another viral disease which has caused so much sensation due to its rapid outbreak in certain countries where homoeopathy is not practised," they added.
LDF planning no-trust motion against UDF govt
Saturday, April 26, 2003
The CPM-led LDF is seriously considering moving a no-confidence motion against the Congress-led UDF Government to make the most out of senior Congress leader K Karunakaran's single-point agenda of ousting Chief Minister A K Antony. Karunakaran, who reportedly raised the leadership change issue at his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi the other day, made it clear to the high command that he would not oppose any other leader from any group heading the Government. The Karunakaran loyalists have been in touch with the CPM leaders. The CPM is not averse to moving a no-confidence motion if Karunakaran sticks to his demand for Antony's ouster. CPM politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai's meeting with Karunakaran, minutes before the latter met Sonia, was a pointer to the importance the CPM attached to the internal squabbles of the Congress. "It was a courtesy call. We discussed various issues including the developments in the Congress. Karunakaran was indignant over the manner in which money power and abkari influence were used by the rival group in the Rajya Sabha elections. The CPM is certainly interested in the internal developments in the Congress in Kerala," Pillai said. His meeting with Karunakaran is also in line with the party's plan to send positive signals to the defiant Congress veteran. It is also quite significant from the point of view of a possible realignment of forces in the State. While Pillai was meeting Karunakaran in Delhi, the CPM State secretariat was taking stock of the political situation in Thiruvananthapuram. "We are watching the developments closely. The Opposition will take a decision at an appropriate time," CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said. The CPM leadership knows fully well that Karunakaran, even if he agreed for a temporary truce, would not settle for anything less than Antony's scalp. The CPM is contemplating two options in the present circumstances. It could either serve a notice for a no-confidence motion during the next Assembly session or wait for Karunakaran to do something drastic that would force Antony to prove his majority on the floor of the House. Several CPM leaders feel that the party should refrain from giving an advance notice for no-confidence motion. As per the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the written notice is to be given to the Legislature Secretary three days before the date on which the mover proposes to move the motion. The CPM leaders fear that by giving an advance notice the opponents might get sufficient time to rally behind Antony. With no formal calendar sent by the Legislature Secretariat to the Parliamentary Affairs Department yet, there is no concrete idea as to when the next Assembly session will commence. But going by Antony's recent statement, it could be sometime in June. The other option before the CPM is to wait for Karunakaran's next move. The party believes that an ideal situation would be one in which Karunakaran, after facing strict disciplinary action, decides to withdraw his faction's support to the Government. The party feels that in such a situation some minor constituents of the UDF who are cut up with Antony might cross over to the Karunakaran camp. But such a move from Karunakaran's side would depend largely on the action, if any, initiated against him by the high command. As `I' group supporters say: "The stricter the action, the harsher would be the reaction." With the hour-long tete-a-tete between Sonia and Karunakaran in Delhi on Tuesday failing to cut much ice, the ground is open for any development. All eyes are now set on the Congress high command, which is expected to announce its decision after hearing the views of Antony who is now in Delhi
Sanjayan Puraskaram for Akkitham
Saturday, April 26, 2003
Noted poet Akkitham Achuthan Nampoothiry has been nominated for the first Sanjayan memorial award (Sanjayan Puraskaram) constituted by Tapasya, a prominent cultural organisation in the state. The selection committee members, Prof M A Achuthan, Prof Gopalakrishnan and P Parameswaran said on Friday that Akkitham was selected for the honour considering his overall contribution to the world of Malayalam literature. The Tapasya award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000/-, a citation and a memento. The award would be presented to Akkitham during the centenary celebrations of Sanjayan to be held in Thiruvananthapuram in later part of this year.
Antony meets Sonia, Karunakaran returns
Saturday, April 26, 2003
Even as senior leader K Karunakaran returned to Kerala on Friday without reaching any understanding with the Congress leadership to settle the issues in the state unit of the party, the congress high command seems to be wavering on announcing its decision on the whole episode. The high command's reluctance to take action against Karunakaran loyalists itself is being interpreted as a political victory for the "I" group. Meanwhile, the Karunakaran faction is also meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening to access the situation. Karunakaran, who returns from New Delhi, would brief his loyalists on the discussions he had with Sonia Gandhi and other leaders of the central leadership. On the other hand, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony who held a half-an-hour meeting with Sonia said that he has given his own assessment about the Kerala crisis and she will evolve a "fair solution". Asked whether any major surgery was required for the unity of the party, Antony said that no such surgery is required. On the possibility of a minor surgery, Antony stated in a lighter vein "medicines can take care." Hinting that no major action is in the offing, Chief Minister A K Antony said that politics of antagonism is not the policy of the Congress. All along, the Congress has been finding solutions and coming-out of the crisis.
Karunakaran to wait and watch
Saturday, April 26, 2003
A crucial meeting of the Karunakaran loyalists in Thiruvananthapuram held on Friday evening has decided to wait for the Congress high command's next move, before finalising their strategy. The group expects the high command's decision to come out by Wednesday. The group will meet on Wednesday again, once the decision from New Delhi comes in. The meeting, which underlined the support of 23 MLAs to the group, has however decided to intensify group activities in the state and conduct group meetings at lower levels also. Karunakaran reportedly told the MLAs that the high command would take a lenient view and no MLAs or Ministers from the group would be victimized. He also pointed out that despite, various pressures, Sonia Gandhi decided to invite Karunakaran for talks, as the leadership was convinced that the group cannot be neglected. Karunakaran has also said that he had conveyed to Sonia Gandhi his displeasure over the attempts of Antony faction to 'sideline and insult' him since the UDF government came to power in the state. The Friday meeting, in which 22 MLAs participated, also saw the 'formal expulsion' of Prof K V Thomas and CP Muhammed from the group. Adoor Prakash MLA, who was away in Hyderabad had conveyed his inability to attend the meeting.
Kerala gears up to face SARS threat
Saturday, April 26, 2003
With suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome being reported from Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, the authorities and social organisations in the state are readying themselves to prevent the spreading of the virus in the state. Strict measures have been implemented in all the three airports of the state to monitor the passengers coming in. the passengers are given a questionnaire prepared by the Union Health ministry regarding details of their itinerary. A special team consisting of three doctors sent by the Union Health Ministry, two doctors from the state service and four doctors of the Airport Authority would monitor the passengers. A separate cell has been set up in the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for admitting suspected patients. Dr V K Rajan, the health director on Friday requested the public not to panic and not to suspect everybody with cough and cold as SARS patients. He also asked the doctors and paramedical staff to be alert and examine those who have recently visited the SARS affected countries. He also requested those coming from these countries to get medically examined within 24 hours of their arrival. A few social organisations in the state working in the health field are also preparing to launch awareness programmes, if the situation gets worse. Meanwhile, the medical examination results of the two suspected SARS patients sent to Pune, is expected to reach the authorities during the weekend. Meanwhile, reports from Kochi said that typhoid is spreading in Fort Kochi area of the city on an alarming scale. At present around 25 people, including six children down with typhoid are admitted in various hospitals in the city. Hospital authorities said that though more people reported in hospitals with typhoid symptoms on Friday, most of them tested negative for typhoid virus. The Kochi Corporation is taking emergency measures to prevent further spreading of the disease.
Kanninum Kannadikkum
Friday, April 25, 2003
The next movie for Kalabhavan Mani to star after 'Vaalkkannadi' is 'Kanninum Kannadikkum'. This movie will be directed by director Sundar Das and produced by film group Karthik Kalakshethra. It seems the name Kannadi(Mirror) and Kalabhavan Mani's recent movies got some coincidence and it has became a matter of discussion in the Malayalam film industry. Now Mani's fans are calling him as Kannadi Nayagan since the title of his recent movies are ending with Kannadi. The lyrics of this movie will be done by Haridas Karivalloor. Other cast members of this movie are Jagathy Srikumar, Janardhanan, Sudeesh, Siddique, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Indhrans, Kaveri, Indhraja, Bindhu Panikkar and so on. (Source: Galatta.com)
Star Wars In Kerala!
Friday, April 25, 2003
(Source: Sify.com) Like the famous Karunakaran Vs A.K.Antony faction fights, the Malayalam film stars are also now split into various factions. There is a Mammootty group, and a Mohanlal group which functions in the industry. This year’s AMMA 2003 function at Kozhikode brought out the group loyalties and affiliations. The show held in the first week of April was a bit of a disaster due to the absence of superstar Mohanlal and his key associates like director Priyadarshan and playback singer M.G.Sreekumar. Till the last minute there was suspense as many stars had threatened to boycott the live song ‘n’ dance and drama event. However Mammooty was the guiding force behind the show and he was able to conduct the event with the help of Innovations, an event management company run by actress Vani Viswanath and her husband Baburaj. They had roped in Suresh Gopi who had his own axe to grind against AMMA organisers. However it was a sell out crowd in spite of the tacky sets erected for the event and some stale dance numbers and run-of-the-mill skits. According to the buzz the bone of contention between Mammootty and Mohanlal was over the telecast rights of the show. Last year Mohanlal’s company ‘Visual Magic’ had bagged the television rights that was later beamed on Asianet. This year Mammootty wanted to give it to Kairali TV, which he heads but in the last minute Surya TV snapped the rights at an astronomical Rs 25 lakhs! As Surya TV was the highest bidders, the rights were given away to them, which irked Mohanlal and his company. The star diplomatically went to America for a holiday before the show!
Chronic Bachelor
Friday, April 25, 2003
Chronic Bachelor: Siddique, the director with the midas touch has done it once again. The film is a feel good entertainer made for a festival audience with all the ingrediants like great comedy, designer costumes and lavish song ‘n’ dance items. Excellent performance by the lead actors like Mammootty, Mukesh, Innocent and Harisri Asokan, and Rambha and Indraja is another highlight of the film. The irony of the Chronic Bachelor is that no distributor was willing to touch the film and it required a lot of guts on the part of director Fazil to back the project. The audience reaction has been overwhelming and the film is the clear winner. It has given superstar Mammootty a new lease of life. However the drawback of the film is that the story is a rehash of Siddique’s earlier films like Godfather and Hitler. Produced by noted filmmaker Fazil under the banner of Ammu International, Chronic Bachelor tells the story of Satyapratapan, more popular as SP, a rich businessman. The bitter experiences that he had had in his early young days made him stand alone in life. He had fought alone and had emerged successful as a businessman. But SP’s bitter experiences had made him decide to remain a bachelor. SP had become bitter at heart after his love affair with Bhavani in his early youth had ended on a very unhappy note. SP lives life his own way, with patience, goodness and gentleness as his assets. He cares very much about those who are around him. And around SP are some very interesting characters like Kuruvila, Sreekumar and Ugran. Kuruvila had teamed up with SP since his earlier days and follows him like a shadow. Like SP, he too has decided to remain a bachelor. Young Sreekumar, who is the son of SP’s mentor Parameswaran Pillai, is a lively fellow who loves the company of young girls, quite unlike SP, with whom he remains. Ugran, who is Sreekumar’s friend, is SP’s driver-cum-cook. Quite engaged among these characters and with his business activities, SP lives life his own way when suddenly a group of young girls come to stay as paying guests opposite his house. This lively, little group is led by Bhama, who is doing her MBA in a college in town. The arrival of this group is bound to bring about certain changes in SP’s life. While Mammootty plays Satyapratapan alias SP, Rambha comes to Malayalam cinema after a long gap as Bhama. Indraja as Bhavani, Innocent as Kuruvila, Mukesh as Sreekumar, Harisri Ashokan as Ugran, Janardhanan as Parameswaran Pillai along with Laloo Aalex, Bhavana, Biju Menon, Mohan, KPAC Lalitha, Sabita Anand, Zeenath, Seema G Nair, Nimya, Byon and Mohan Ayiroor form the cast for Chronic Bachelor. Story and script is by Siddique himself while Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri and RK Damodaran pen the lyrics which are set to tune by Deepak Dev. While Anandakuttan wields the camera, Mani Suchitra is in charge of art-direction and TR Shekhar does the editing. The film will be brought to the theatres by Ammu Movies. (Source: Sify.com & screenindia.com)
Kilichundan Mambazham
Friday, April 25, 2003
Kilichundan Mambazham: Like all other Priyadarshan comedies the film took a fantastic initial. The Mohanlal-Sreenivasan one-man-upmanship comedy is great and the technical aspects of the film are being appreciated. According to trade sources the film has got a distributors share of Rs 65 lakhs in its first week from 39 screens. There are mixed reports about the film as the audience in South Kerala find the Moplah dialect throughout the film, too confusing. They seem to like the first half but find the second half to be too lengthy and tedious. The audience are worried about Mohanlal’s bloated body and unless the actor does something about it, he will find the going tough! Still the film is going great guns in Malabar area and is a hit. Mohanlal and director Priyadarshan are soul buddies and have come together again in their 29th film with Kilichundan Mambazham. Priyan had a mission to save his friend from overexposure and audience apathy to his larger-than-life roles he had done in recent films. So Kilichundan Mambazham is a sort of comeback vehicle for the superstar and undoubtedly the film makes ideal holiday viewing for the entire family. Priyan, the scriptwriter and director has been able to meet the stratospheric expectations of the audience with a story set in a Muslim milieu of the 60’s. Koonthalikadavu is a remote village on the banks of the river Kallai, somewhere in the Moplah heartland where time stands still. A rich landlord and trader Moidukutty Haji (Sreenivasan) gets married for the third time to Amina (Soundarya), as his two wives (Vindhya and Geetha Vijayan) could not conceive. Haji is crazy and possessive about the beautiful Amina, but she avoids him by saying some reason or the other. Into this sylvian surrounding Abdul Khader (Mohanlal) comes for business with his close friend Usman (Salim Kumar). He reaches Haji’s house and gets a glimpse of Amina with whom he falls in love. Abdu then becomes a bangle seller; dates seller and wood merchant to meet Amina but Haji and his men beats him up and tries to drive him away from the village. Abdu is saved by the local people led by Kalandan Haji (Cochin Haneefa) and he confesses to them that Amina was his childhood sweetheart and while he was away in gulf to make enough money to marry her, her father Madapully Chekkutty Haji (Thilakan) got her married off to the rich Moidukutty Haji. Abdu promises to save her from Haji and the rest of the story how he does that with the help of the villagers. The first half of the film is racy and entertaining, but the second half is long-winded and tedious. The performance of the handpicked cast is uniformly excellent. The Mohanlal-Sreenivasan team’s one-man-upmanship tussle is the highlight of the film and both have come out with brilliant performance. Soundarya suits the character of Amina to the T. Technically Kilichundan… is one of the best films in recent times. The camera of Ravi Varman has etched the Moplah background, greenery and landscapes beautifully. Art director Sabu Cyril had done his homework well on the period Muslim household as even the utensils seen in the film look authentic. The lyrics of B.R.Prasad and music of Vidyasagar is another highlight of the film especially the theme song Kilichundan Mambazhame…Kilikotha..Mambazhame… that is melodious and it lingers on your lips even after seeing the film. On the down side the plot is confusing and the climax is cliché ridden. Mohanlal looks bloated and Jagathy Sreekumar’s comedy track looks stale ( a laNandanam). Though this Mambazham is not so sweet, it is sure to give a feel-good time to the viewers. (source: Sify.com & moviebuzz)
40-plus super stars facing new problems these days
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Our superstars like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and others who are 40-plus are facing a new problem these days as the current crop of heroines who are 17-something refuse to be paired opposite them. The hot and happening heroines of today like Kavya, Navya, Meera, Renuka, Bhavana and others are refusing to act opposite these stars. Their argument is that they have grown up on these heroes and the audience will not accept them being paired with them. Now they are willing only to do roles opposite young heroes like superstar Dileep, Pritviraj, Indrajeet, Kunchakko Boban and Jayasurya. This has put our superstars in a big fix as the directors and producers are desperately trying to get dates from mature heroines from Tamil to be paired opposite them. Recently for Chronic Bachelor all leading ladies in Malayalam were approached but they had no dates, so director Siddique had to settle for Rambha. Similarly Meena became the heroine of Mohanlal in Mr Brahmachari and Soundarya in Kochu Kilichundan Mambazham. In fact Soundarya who is virtually out from other languages became hot property after her Yathrakkarude Sraddhakku with Jayaram became a hit. Now Devayani is the heroine of Mohanlal in Balettan. More out of work heroines from Tamil like Gowthami and a few others will be joining the bandwagon shortly.
Cancellation of licence to Coca-Cola plant
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed that status quo should be maintained with respect to the cancellation of licence issued by Perumatty panchayat to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd. to run its bottling plant at Plaachimada. The panchayat had sent a notice to the company informing that renewal of licence could not be granted for the reason that the company was over-exploiting water sources causing water shortage in the nearby areas. The company had submitted an application on February 26, 2003, itself for renewal of licence which was due to expire on March 31, 2003. Later, the panchayat sent a show-cause notice to the company directing them to offer its explanation within 15 days as to why licence should not be cancelled. The company has challenged both these notices. The time granted for offering explanation is due to expire as on April 24, 2003. The company has so far not offered any explanation as it had challenged the notices before the High Court. In this circumstance, Justice K K Denesan granted the company time till May 1, 2003, to offer explanation. The Court also directed the panchayat to consider the explanation, if any, and take appropriate decision within two weeks of the receipt of the explanation.
Thoppumpady sex scandal,NHRC asks for report
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Thoppumpady: The National Human Rights Commission (HRC) has asked the Kozhikode senior police Superintendent to submit a report on the Thoppumpady sex scandal within four weeks. This was in connection with the complaint filed by 'swasraya' secretary K Prabhakaran. The incident for the case began in Thoppumpady, Kochi when police arrested the girl who was harassed and a youth named Shibili. Further investigation revealed porn film production and five were arrested. The case was then transferred to the special investigation team. The enquiry team made some arrests in Kochi and Kozhikode. All were released in bail. A petition was filed by 'Swasraya' secretary claiming that the investigation by special investigation team DySP S D Gopalakrishnan was not satisfying.
I am still with Karunakaran, K V Thomas
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Aluva: 'It was Karunakaran who helped me to become a MP and Minister and I will always stay with him', tourism minister K V Thomas said. He was talking to newspersons here. The issues that arose in the Congress party are temporary. It isn't true that existence in Congress is impossible without groups. There are many in the Congress without involvement in any group, he said citing the example of Mullapally Ramachandran. KPCC president K Muraleedharan stood neutral during the Rajya Sabha polls. The party asked me to vote for the official candidate and I just did it, Thomas added.
Labour Minister Babu Divakaran says govt will not allow lay off of FACT
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
The Kerala Government has taken the stand that it will not allow FACT management to layoff employees under any circumstance, State Labour Minister Babu Divakaran has said. He said no situation existed now for the continued shut-down of the company's plants. He said the management could raise their views on the issue at the tripartite conference called in Aluva on April 29. Divakaran said the State Government would take steps to ensure raw material supply to the company on credit basis from the Kochi Refineries for running the plants. The question of slashing sales tax, entry tax and power charges would also be considered by the government, he added.
Earth Day observed in the State
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Various organisations, including government departments and NGOs in Kerala observed the World Earth Day on Tuesday with various programmes. "Greens" an environmental organisation floated by State Secretariat employees, planted saplings in their office premises. The organisation also conducted a poster and photograph exhibition in the VJT hall in Thiruvananthapuram. The dangers faced by Karamanyar, the river that flows through the state capital, was the highlight of the photo exhibition. Around 400 photographs taken by 92 photographers were exhibited. The State Forest department conducted painting and quiz competition for schoolchildren at their headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. NGOs, including Sashtra Sahitya Parishad, are organizing various programmes such as street shows, exhibitions and rallies in all parts of the state as part of the Earth Day.
Singhal wants politicians out of Sabarimala
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president Ashok Singhal has asked politicians to keep off the administration of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. Singhal told newsmen in Thiruvalla on Tuesday that the temple administration should be vested with Hindu religious leaders. ''By governing the Hindu religious institutions, politicians are violating the very fundamental provisions of the Constitution. They should hand over the temple administration to religious persons,'' he said. Singhal alleged that the politicians were taking away the funds donated by devotees in the name of administering the temples. He said that the State Government's policy on self-financing educational institutions in professional and higher education sectors was detrimental to the interests of Hindus. He noted that a majority of the medical and engineering colleges sanctioned by the Government went to minority communities. ''The higher education sector will become inaccessible for average Hindu students in future on account of the hefty fees demanded by the managements,'' Singhal said.
Karunakaran- Sonia talks remain inconclusive
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
The talks held between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and senior party leader K Karunakaran on Tuesday night failed to break the deadlock in the state unit of the party which is in the grip of a crisis. The mood was evident when Karunakaran met the Press outside Sonia's residence after the talks. Karunakaran said that though he was largely satisfied with the discussions with Sonia , he would not accept 'any' decision that the high command takes on the issue. Replying to a volley of questions, Karunakaran agreed that all the problems have not been solved and it is not possible to overcome such a crisis with a single meeting. Political observers feel that while Karunakaran has asked Sonia to let off the leaders of his faction without any disciplinary action, he promised Sonia to give constructive support to Antony for the rest of the term, if the interests of Karunakaran group are accommodated. Meanwhile, a shrewd politician that he is, Karunakaran has also left everybody guessing about his next move. Sources close to him believe that Karunakaran would announce his future course of action after the high command takes a final decision on the issue. With Chief Minister A K Antony reaching New Delhi on Wednesday, for the first time after the Rajya Sabha polls, Sonia is expected to take a definite stand on the crisis after hearing the Chief Minister, who has been the real target of the onslaught of the rebel faction. KPCC president K Muralidharan is already in New Delhi and is expected to meet the Congress president again on Wednesday.
Anju George to train under Powell
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
One of India's brightest prospects for a medal at the Athens Olympics next year, long-jumper Anju B George will leave for California on Wednesday to train under the watchful eyes of world record holder Mike Powell. Talking to reporters from Bangalore, the 25-year-old Kerala-born girl, employed with Chennai Customs, said she has set her sights on a medal at the 2004 Olympics. "Being the best in Asia, I think it is time that I competed in more world championships. Once before, I had trained under Mike Powell. I am confident that my performance will improve well in time to clinch a medal for India in the Olympics [in Athens]," the Asian Games champion said. Listing out her plans for the future, Anju's husband and coach, Bobby George, said: "We had planned our tour to the US in January but sponsorship confirmation and other relevant matters delayed our trip. I understand Mike was already training people for various world level events. "It will be a training-cum-competition tour. We will be finalising the schedule on April 24 with Mike (Powell). Anju will be competing in the outdoor World championship in Paris in August," Bobby said. Anju, who bid goodbye to the triple jump after leaping to new distance of 13.67 metres in the National Games in Hyderabad in December last year, had said she was retiring from the triple jump to concentrate on sprints in order improve her long jump performance. The 1.76 metre tall athlete is ranked 13th in the world presently and was ranked seventh in the World Indoor championship in Birmingham, where she covered 6.40 metres. Bobby George is was confident Anju will improve her performance to the extent of being among the top three ranked jumpers in the world before the Athens Olympics. "She has the world class credentials and feels she could win an Olympic medal for India," he said. "I am aware of the hard work that is needed for securing a medal at Athens. I was to start my preparation towards achieving this goal from February but it is better late than never. I still have another 17 months to make steady progress in making my dream come true," Anju said. Anju, who would be training with Powell at the California University for six months initially, said: "I derive encouragement from fans in India, the Union Government, besides my employers, the Customs. We are still looking forward for financial help from corporates without which I cannot dream of competing in European circuits, which will only help improve my performance."
Govt machinery not functioning: Kodiyeri
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
KOLLAM: CPM deputy leader at the House, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that the government machinery is not at all functioning due to the present crisis at the United Democratic Front. Kodiyeri was inaugurating a media exhibition here in connection with the state conference of DYFI. He added that the government is trying to sideline the incapability of the ruling front using media gimmicks. Kodiyeri said the communal forces and human gods are influencing the media. With the help of such media, the Bharatiya Janatha Party had came into power at union government. D Radhakrishnan presided over the function. DYFI state president P R Vasanthan, district secretary K Sethumadhavan and Balakrishnan attended the function.
Peace in sight for Kerala Cong
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
New Delhi, April 21: The Congress high command and the Karunakaran faction in Kerala appeared close to a peace deal as state Congress chief K. Muraleedharan K. Karunakaran’s son met party president Sonia Gandhi today. Following his meeting with the Congress chief, Muraleedharan expressed the hope that the crisis within the state unit arising over the recent Rajya Sabha elections would be defused soon, probably within a week. AICC general-secretary in charge of Kerala Ambika Soni, too, virtually ruled out disciplinary action now, though she said it was for the party president to take a decision on this. Muraleedharan also met Soni before meeting Sonia. Soni, had met Sonia in the forenoon along with the two AICC observers for the Kerala polls Ghulam Nabi Azad and R.K. Dhawan and apprised her of the latest situation on the Kerala front. They also gave their recommendations on dealing with the situation and maintaining party unity and discipline. Muraleedharan’s meeting with Sonia follows rebel leader Karunakaran’s telephonic conversation with her on Saturday morning. This conversation was perceived as an indication of Karunakaran’s intention to patch up with the party high command. The arrival of Karunakaran, a Lok Sabha member, in the capital late tonight has fuelled speculation of a possible meeting between him and the party chief, though he had apparently not sought an appointment with her. The high command had threatened to initiate strong disciplinary action against Karunakaran and his supporters on Thursday. However, the move was stalled, presumably by Azad and Dhawan, who counselled restraint and an amicable settlement to keep the party united. With the high command in a mood to forgive the Karunakaran faction’s rebellion for the sake of party unity, Muraleedharan today said he does not belong to any faction. He was the leader of the state unit, Muraleedharan asserted. Apparently, Karunakaran is now preparing to press for the revocation of his rebel Rajya Sabha poll nominee K. Govindan Nair’s expulsion from the party.
Receptions for Kerala minister AT mUSCAT
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
MUSCAT M. M. Hassan, Kerala minister for welfare of NRKs and parliamentary af-fairs, and his team, comprising Jiji Thomson, managing director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, Ltd; and Satish Nampoothiripad, managing director of ROOTS NRK Development Initiative (of Norka) and Norka secretary; and A. Sujanapal, Kozhikode MLA, were given rousing receptions by individuals as well as active Malayali groups here: l One of the first receptions for Hassan and his team was given by the Muscat Priyadarsini Cultural Centre, which is registered with the Norka. The MPCC gave a memorandum to the minister raising various problems faced by NRKs. Responding to this, Hassan said that the government was doing a lot, but on more occasions than one, the media focused on either non-issues or ignored the things done by Norka. Although the Left Democratic Front (LDF) enjoyed five years in power, they did not do anything for the NRKs, he said. Sujanapal, in his turn, noted that they would bring about better machinery to sort out the existing problems. Jiji Thomson, in his speech, noted that the media should do a lot better than merely criticising the government initiatives, especially those that were being promoted for the welfare of the Keralites. The function was presided over by MPCC president P.K. Ummer and began with stirring oration from the centre’s chief patron, Srinivas. The vote of thanks was given by the centre’s general secretary, Lajudhin. l Ameer Ahmed, one of the directors of the KSIDC (Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation), Kerala’s prime industrial promotion agency and also the executive director of Teejan Group of Companies, gave a luncheon reception for the minister and his delegation yesterday. Many prominent NRKs attended the function. l The Indian Social Club (ISC) also hosted a reception in honour of the visiting minister and his delegation yesterday. M. M. Hassan gave a speech at this well-attended reception.
Sonia Gandhi meets Karunakaran; calls Antony to Delhi for talks
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has called Chief Minister A K Antony to Delhi for talks on the trouble in the party's Kerala unit. Antony is expected to reach Delhi on Wednesday .The call came after her meeting with senior party leader K Karunakaran. Their meeting lasted 20 minutes and Karunakaran refused to divulge anything about the talks to the media.
First accused in hooch case arrested.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Kochi,Wednesday, April 23, 2003: Excise official on Tuesday night arrested the first accused in the Kollam, Anchalummoodu hooch tragedy in which seven persons were killed recently. The accused, Mani along with his wife was on his way to Ernakulam from Mysore in a KSRTC bus, when they were recognised by some excise officials in the bus and arrested. The accused has been handed over to Crime Branch which is investigating the case, police sources said. 09:39 IST
Indiavision channel from July 14
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Indiavision would launch a 24-hour news channel from July 14, DR M K Muneer, chairman of the new channel told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Muneer said that Indiavision would be the first Malayalam channel to uplink from its own earth station. He said that infotainment would be the core element of the new channel. Replying to questions, Muneer said that there is scope for a fully news-based channel in Kerala, as revealed by research undertaken by them prior to the launch. He said that a second channel with entertainment programmes would also be launched subsequently. He reveled that the total cost of the present project would be around Rs 40 crores. The channel, beamed through Thaicom 3 would be initially available from Europe to Australia, and would later cover the United States also, he added.
Truckers' strike: prices drops marginally
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
As a result of the alternate measures taken by the state government to ensure the movement and supply, the prices of essential goods and vegetables in the state dropped marginally on Monday, the eight h day of the indefinite nationwide strike by truck owners. The prices of vegetables dropped a little as vegetables started arriving in buses, small vehicles and even by train from the neighbouring states in markets and wholesale depots across the state. The outlets of civil supplies corporation have helped in bringing down the prices of other essential goods also. The announcement made by the state government on Monday that vehicles, having no licence to transport goods can also be used during the strike period, has come as a boon for traders. However, traders have also expressed concern over sustaining these measures, if the strike continues for the next one or two weeks. Meanwhile, the construction work many parts of the state has also come to a standstill as the transportation of bricks, sand and stones from Tamil Nadu has been affected by the truck strike. Reports from different parts of the state indicate that the truckers strike has affected many in the state who depend on the truckers for their livelihood, directly or indirectly, are being driven to starvation in the city. The worse hit are the owners of wayside stalls and eateries near the lorry parking areas. They are being forced to close their shops as no new national permit vehicle is entering the State nor moving out. The business at foreign liquor retail outlets and bar hotels, which were depending mainly on the lorry drivers and cleaners, has also recorded a sharp decline. Strike may end soon Meanwhile, reports from New Delhi indicate that with the Central government's willingness to consider the main demand of truckers for stabilising price of diesel, the strike, entering ninth day on Tuesday, may end soon. The Unionl government is expected to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha on lorry strike on Tuesday. On the other hand, truck owners in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa and various cities have withdrawn their strike.
Antony hints at reconciliation
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Monday hinted that the crisis in the Congress party would end without any harsh disciplinary action against the rebel faction. "Such crisis and differences of opinion are nothing new in our party and we have a high command experienced in handling such issues. Anyhow, there would not be a chopping off process, in Hitler style, as it always happens in the CPI (M)," Antony said. The Chief Minister, however, did not dismiss reports that a cabinet reshuffle was in the offing. Antony also refuted allegations of misuse of government machinery and abkari lobby to ensure the victory of the Rajya Sabha candidates. "It is the MLAs who voted and elected the official candidates. Abkaris have no vote in the process," Antony added. He pointed out that as he had predicted, the LDF has also lost one vote in the Rajya Sabha polls. CPM condemned for double standards The Chief minister also lashed out at the CPI(M) for what he called the double standards of the party. He referred to the recent Polit bureau meet of the party, which refused to call for a nationwide boycott of American goods, in the backdrop of invasion on Iraq. " In West Bengal, where the CPM rules, there is no boycott. Three plants of the Coca Cola are working there round the clock without any problem. And here they call for the boycott and closing down of the MNCs. They should remember that the people are witnessing this double standard," the Chief Minister observed.
Truckers' strike: Antony warns of tough action against miscreants
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Kerala chief minister A K Antony has said the police have been given directives to take stringent action against persons who attack vechiles transporting essential commodities and vegetables in the state. Antony said the cabinet discussed the situation of price rise and scarcity of essential commodities due to truck-operators strike. Antony said there were a few reports of attack on vechiles carrying essential commodites and vegetable. The police have been instructed to take stringent action against the attackers, he said. Steps were under way to distribute essential items and vegetable through 700 Civil Supplies Corporation and 200 Horticorp outlets, he said. The Crisis Management Committees (CMC) at State and district levels were monitoring the situation, he said. The government was in the process of creating an atmosphere favourable to transporting essential items to the state, he said. All restrictions for transporting essential items in KSRTC buses and private vechiles have been lifted till the transporters' strike is over. Meanwhile, prices of essential commodites, fruits and vegetables continued to go up in the state.
Kerala will conduct judicial inquiry into hooch tragedy at Kooppana
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
The Kerala government has decided to institute a judicial inquiry into the recent hooch tragedy at Kooppana in Kollam district. Seven people had died after consuming methylated spirit sold through an unauthorised outlet near Anchalummood. Chief Minister A K Antony said the next cabinet meeting will decide on who would head the commission on inquiry. The government has also decided to disburse as relief to the victims the same amount that was given in the case of Kalluvathukkal tragedy. Asked about Congress leader K Karunakaran's allegation that liquor mafia and money were behind the defeate of the rebel Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, Antony said the government would initiate proper inquiry if those who raised the allegations were prepared to provide proof.
CPM, CPI reject Muraleedharan offer of alliance
Monday, April 21, 2003
The Opposition leader V.S.Achudanandan rejected outrightly the offer of KPCC President K.Muraleedharan's offer of an alliance with CPM. Talking to mediapersons, Achudanandan scoffed the offer as one from an immature mind. "How can we have an alliance with someone who even now eulogises the emergency and the police action on the tribals in Muthanga? Till the other day Murali was the loudspeaker of Chief Minister Antony and it was only the heartburning caused by the Rajya Sabha election failure od Kodoth Govindan Nair which prompted him to make an offer like this", said Achudanandan. But CPI State Secretary V.Bhargavan was quite mild in words while refusing to bite the Muraleedharan offer. "If there is a vertical split in the Congress on issues affecting the common man,and the Karunakaran faction come out in support of the agitation by the LDF for the welfare of the people, we can give a serious thought to Murali's offer",said Veliyam Bhargavan to reporters.
Kerala minister offers Onam gift to Gulf Keralites
Monday, April 21, 2003
MUSCAT A two-way trip at less than half the fares charged by the airlines currently on the Kerala-Gulf sector will finally become a reality before the end of the year, a top Kerala minister told the Times of Oman yesterday. The only thing is that the mode of transport would be ship, not plane. And it may take a little more than the usual three-and-a-half hours to reach the destination. But who cares as long as it is better than paying fares that would either be around RO250 or more (if you are a bachelor) and more than RO1,000 (if you are married with two children). Besides, it would save one the ignominy of having to beg for discounts. All this would turn to reality when the long-planned, perennially shelved Kochi-Gulf ferry service is brought back to life before the end of this year. And this time, the promise to revive this much-needed service is being made by M. M. Hassan, Kerala’s minister for the welfare of non-resident Keralites and parliamentary affairs. Hassan told the Times yesterday from Dubai that Keralites in Oman who were looking forward to such a service would soon be able to avail of it. The Kerala government was hoping to kickstart the service by August/September. That would mean, an Onam gift for Keralites to the Gulf, he indicated. One of the biggest grievances among the Keralites that I have met in Dubai is about the air fares. Everyone I met was talking about the exorbitant fares from Gulf to India, which is indeed very sad. We have tried to convince our airlines (Air-India/Indian Airlines) to reduce the fares but to no avail. And this is the reason that we are pushing ahead with this ferry project, Hassan said, noting that at the Global Investment Meet (GIM) in Kochi early this year, memorandum of understandings had been signed with two shipping agencies in the Gulf (in Oman and Qatar). The shipping agency from Oman is Towell Barwil. So, we want to finalise this once and for all and start the service as soon as possible, after settling other formalities, Hassan said. He noted that many Keralites were suffering because of the high air fares from Gulf to Kerala. Very few could afford the exorbitant rates, which often forces many to change their travel plans. So, this would definitely be a cheaper alternative compared to the ones they have at hand, the minister, who is arriving in Oman today after a four-day visit to the UAE, said. Reduction of the fares is one of the main and long-standing grievances of some 1.8 million Gulf-based non-resident Keralites (NRKs), others note. This is not, however, the first effort to bring this near-dead Gulf-India ferry service back to life. Many have tried it and it has also been the habit of visiting politicians to make promises, stirring hope among Keralites, many of who have not visited their hometowns for years, thanks to the unaffordable air fares. The ferry service would be quite a boon to Indian labourers and workers in the Gulf. A sizeable portion of the 320,000-odd Indians in Oman belongs to the labour class who would benefit from the introduction of such a service. Many of them had a reason to smile when the service was announced two years ago. However, the ferry could not take any passengers from Oman. Although it transited through Port Sultan Qaboos, on its way from Doha to Dubai to Kochi on one occasion, passengers could not board from here. Confusion reigned from the time such an announcement was made following which the project was torpedoed soon after. The passenger ship was initially expected to carry a maximum of 260 passengers on the Muscat- Kochi route. According to the baggage rules set then, each adult passenger was allowed to carry 200kg. The rates advertised then ranged from RO60 (deck), RO90 (Pullman seats), and RO137 (standard deck) to RO235 (super class). In short, it was quite economical for many.
Murali on his way to Delhi to sort out party issues
Monday, April 21, 2003
KPCC President K.Muraleedharan is on his way to Delhi on summons from the Congress High Command to discuss issues arising out of the recently held Rajya Sabha election. It is reported that the AICC has asked for an explanation from Muraleedharan about his comment that the Congress can have an electoral alliance with even the CPI(M) provided the latter gave up it's agitational policies against development works of the UDF Government. Mualeedharan told Asianet News at Kozhikode before leaving for Delhi that there is a concerted attempt by some groups to distort the statements he made about the possibility of an alliance with the CPI(M). "It is hoped that all issues arising out of the Rajya Sabha elections will be sorted out during the meeting between K.Karunakaran and Sonia Gandhi",said Muraleedharan. He also said that he hoped to meet the AICC president either on Monday or Tuesday.
KSU volunteers burn Thomas' effigy at Thiruvananthapuram
Monday, April 21, 2003
Irated volunteers belonging to the Karunkaran faction of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) gave vent to their feelings by burning the effigy of Tourism Minister KV Thomas at Thiruvananthapuram. Thomas crossed over to the Antony faction 'officially' in the recently held Rajya Sabha election violating the I group directive to vote for the rebel candidate Kodoth Govindan Nair fielded by K.Karunakaran. The burning of the effigy was preceded by a march in which nearly fifty volunteers shouted slogans against Thomas and M.P. Gangadharan whom they described as 'traitors'. Participants in the rally hailed Karunakaran as 'Chakravarthy' and the undisputed leader of Kerala. Slogans were also raised praising K.Muraleedharan and Padmaja Venugopal. Earlier in the week a group of Congress workers had burnt the effigy of M.P.Gangadharan and the ash was immersed in the Bharatapuzha.
Karunakaran to meet Sonia to sort out party issues
Monday, April 21, 2003
Senior Congress leader K.Karunakaran will meet party president Sonia Gandhi in the next couple of days to sort out the issues arising out of the recently held Rajya Sabha election from Kerala. Sources in Thiruvananthapuram told that Karunakaran had a telephonic conversation with Sonia Gandhi last night and it was at the instance of the latter that he is leaving for Delhi for talks. Meanwhile reports from Delhi indicate that the High Command may go soft on the rebellious leaders from Kerala who flouted the party directive and fielded a rebel candidate against the party nominees. The next couple of days will see a lot of hectic activities in Delhi to tame Karunakaran and his group.
Kerala govt to launch new welfare scheme for NRKs
Monday, April 21, 2003
MUSCAT The NRK (non-resident Keralite) will finally have an answer as to how he/she will make both ends meet when he/she gets back home. According to M. M. Hassan, Kerala minister for Norka and Parliamentary Affairs, has designed a welfare scheme for NRKs, with Life Insurance Corporation of India, which will provi |
