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July 2003
CPM to cooperate to oust Antony: VS
Thursday, July 31, 2003
KOCHI: Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan declared his mission is to demolish and dethrone the UDF government led by AK Antony. Speaking to mediapersons at Kochi VS told it is time the anti-people, communal government went and the CPM will leave no stones unturned to oust this government. "We are ready to cooperate with any secular forces including the I group faction leader K Karunakaran to pull down this government", said the leader of opposition. Achuthanandan ruled out the possibility of making any alliance with Indian Union Muslim League. Achuthanandan was replying while the comment of LDF convenor Paloli Muhammed Kutty was made into his attention that LDF is ready to support the Karunakaran faction. Opposition Leader was here to inaugurate the dairy farmers convention. In his inaugural speech VS said the cooperative sector Milma in the state would be liquefied as the government is merging Milma with Mother Dairy an American company. Former Minister TK Ramakrishnan presided over the convention. CKP Padmanabhan, Gopi Kottamurikkal, MK Bhaskaran and TS Rajan spoke at the convention.
Balettan
Thursday, July 31, 2003
A Family Entertainer from Mohanlal Mohanlal’s Onam release Balettan is making brisk progress in and around Shornnur and will be completed by the end of the month in a single schedule. The audience is going to see a new Mohanlal in Balettan as the actor has lost almost eight kilos! His fans had bitterly complained after Kilichundan Mambazham that he looks bloated and overweight and should do something about it. In Balettan, he is Balachandran a jolly good fellow who will do anything for his battalion of friends. Balettan as they call him works in a bank and has a beautiful wife Radhika (Devayani) and two children. The twist in the tale is how Balettan gets into a fix due to his so-called friends and how he solves them. The second half of the film directed by V.M.Vinu is highly sentimental and melodramatic, which is aimed at the family audience. Mohanlal wears ‘mundu’ throughout the film and the idea behind this is to project him as a common man. The songs of Balettan written by Girish Puthencherry are tuned by M.Jayachandran. On the whole this Aroma Mani produced film has the making of a great family entertainer.
Balettan
Thursday, July 31, 2003
A Family Entertainer from Mohanlal Mohanlal’s Onam release Balettan is making brisk progress in and around Shornnur and will be completed by the end of the month in a single schedule. The audience is going to see a new Mohanlal in Balettan as the actor has lost almost eight kilos! His fans had bitterly complained after Kilichundan Mambazham that he looks bloated and overweight and should do something about it. In Balettan, he is Balachandran a jolly good fellow who will do anything for his battalion of friends. Balettan as they call him works in a bank and has a beautiful wife Radhika (Devayani) and two children. The twist in the tale is how Balettan gets into a fix due to his so-called friends and how he solves them. The second half of the film directed by V.M.Vinu is highly sentimental and melodramatic, which is aimed at the family audience. Mohanlal wears ‘mundu’ throughout the film and the idea behind this is to project him as a common man. The songs of Balettan written by Girish Puthencherry are tuned by M.Jayachandran. On the whole this Aroma Mani produced film has the making of a great family entertainer.
NCC group adopts 10-year-old AIDS victim
Thursday, July 31, 2003
NCC group adopts 10-year-old AIDS victim PATHANAMTHITTA: Ten-year-old Vidya, an AIDS-infected girl of Malayalapuzha, has been adopted by the National Cadets Corps (NCC) group, Kottayam. Kottayam NCC group Commandant Col Joy Cyriac told this website's newspaper that the NCC would mobilise a corpus fund for ensuring a permanent income for the girl. The plight of Vidya, who is being looked after by her 67-year-old grandmother, was published in this website's newspaper on July 10. The NCC headquarters took the decision to adopt the girl when the report caught its attention. The NCC would give Rs 1,000 a month, free ration, medical facilities and make arrangements to give education facilities to her, Col Joy Cyriac said. The NCC group, through its three battalions based in Kottayam, Pala and Pathanamthitta, would mobilise funds for Vidya's rehabilitation. Monthly visits by NCC cadets from the four colleges, 12 higher secondary schools and high schools would be arranged, Commandant of the 14 Kerala Batallion NCC, Pathanamthitta, Lt Col Harikumar, said. Joy Cyriac told reporters that the NCC was taking up several social service projects, and that the NCC Kottayam group would take care of all facilities for Vidya. AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: The NCC would launch an awareness campaign among the students and parents on the advantages of students enrolling in NCC. The people in the State were not aware of reservation of students in medical and engineering colleges and the scholarships available for NCC cadets, he said. Lt Col Gopinath and Lt Harikumar were present at the news conference.
Kairali TV airs 150th ‘Pravasalokam’ episode today
Thursday, July 31, 2003
MUSCAT Some weeks ago, siblings of a Muscat-based expatriate, hailing from Telicherry, Kerala, reported him missing (since the last three years or so). Normally, such cases are referred to the non-resident Keralite bodies in Kerala or similar authorities concerned, but in this case, the brother and sister of Siddique made the appeal directly to a well-known Malayalam television network, which has since its inception, some three years back, carved a unique niche in the television arena, thanks to its penchant for homing in on to the truth and highlighting issues that few dared to touch. Kairali TV has shot up the ranks thanks to innovative programmes such as the Pravasalokam and today commands such respect that Malayalis in trouble simply seek their abode. This has made it something more than a television network alone and thanks to its role, at times of being an ombudsman, it has almost become a refuge for the common Malayali. This network has not hesitated from taking up the cause of the common man and at the same, has solved many knotted up issues as well as assisted many in distress. One of its most popular programmes is the Pravasalokam, which will be reaching a very coveted milestone today when it airs the 150th episode at 9.30pm today. There will be a special one-hour show hosted by well-known filmmaker and director of Kairali channel, P.T. Kunhumohammed, noted the award winning programme producer and director, Rafeek Ravuther. Babu Bharadwaj, creative director of Kairali channel, will be the special guest. The speciality of this one-hour programme will be a feature that will include the family members of those who have been reported missing in the Pravasalokam. Some of them include Gracy, who is awaiting her son, Shalen Koshy, who is missing in Oman; Devi, waiting for her husband Kanaran, who is missing from Bahrain; K. Sabira, awaiting her husband, K. Ummer, missing in Dubai and a few others who will share their stories to the viewers, Rafeek told the Times of Oman from Kerala. Through its 150th episode, Pravasalokam seeks the help and support of all those with the humanitarian bent of mind for the families of these missing folks, he added. The chief coordinator of the programme is Anasudeen Aziz; script and coordination is done by Dhanya S. Nair, while it is directed by Rafeek. Its is three years now since the inception of the programme, which started off along with the channel and has today the most number of viewers, P. M. Jabir, Kairali TV coordinator in Oman told the Times yesterday. I can confidently say that it is a favourite television programme among Malayalis, and not just in Oman, he noted. Viewers range from India, the Gulf, and many countries abroad, Jabir said, recalling how, many Malayalis called from as far as Malaysia stating that they would change the direction of their antennas to view their favourite programme. Many identify it as their own programme and that is the reason for its success, Jabir said, also adding that most non-resident Keralites felt that it was an extension of themselves. The highly popular programme, which commands the highest number of viewership among all channels in the Gulf, has three segments, Khabrayen (news section), Dosth (which is a follow up of missing cases and also includes various coverage of related matters of expatriates) and the third is Walkie Talkie, which is a phone-in segment, handled by the presenter, former MLA and award winning film director (Garshom and Maghrib), P.T. Kunhumohammed. It is through this segment that Keralites give details of their missing kith and kin in Oman and the rest of the AGCC countries. Pravasalokam, which began on September 2000, has stringers in the other five AGCC states, namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. So far, more than 1,000 cases have been received, out of which 450 have been aired. We have managed to trace around 100 missing persons in the Gulf. Oman was one country where we have been able to find the most number of missing people and around 20 have already been sent back, Jabir said. There are around seven still remaining, and four more to be traced. Some of them are likely to have left Oman, Jabir noted. The most recent case was that of Siddique, from Telicherry, who was aired on Pravasalokam’s 148th episode. The beauty of the programme is its incredibly strong and involved viewership. Jabir recalls how during the airing of Siddique’s story, he received close to 50 calls. Pressed on the psyche of those who go missing deliberately, Jabir said: There are various reasons. One of the main reasons is the loss of heart which they incur after losing everything they have in life. Most of them may have huge debts back home, and once they lose their jobs here or get into some kind of trouble, they have no option but to disappear from the normal circuit, change name or something like that. The Pravasalokam will be aired from 9.30pm to 10.30pm today and there will be a repeat tomorrow at 9.30am and on Sunday it will be shown at 1pm. Jabir noted that plans are afoot to change the format of the Pravasalokam. There is a move to be more issue based in this programme and therefore there is a likelihood that the news segment would be taken off and replaced with a more focused feature on issues related to the pravasi (NRI/K). Today the programme has become the pride and hope for many NRKs as well as their families and its reach and its ability to change many mindsets have been well appreciated and applauded. Rafeek’s vision and his ability to touch people with his sensitive portrayal of many stories have made him one of the topmost artiste in the channel segment today. So far he has obtained five awards, the latest being the one given by the Gulf Malayali Association, Jabir noted, showering praise on Rafeek.
Oman Air cuts fares to Kerala, Chennai
Thursday, July 31, 2003
MUSCAT In an abrupt move, Oman Air slashed its return and one way fares to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai by RO20 and RO10, respectively, sources revealed to the Times of Oman yesterday. The lowered fares came into effect since yesterday. According to sources, the fares to these sectors were downed from RO220 (plus taxes) to RO200 (plus taxes) and from RO140 (plus taxes) to RO130 (plus taxes). While this move is sure to trigger off a major tit-for-tat reply in the market, things were quiet yesterday because the market is yet to digest this bold move by Oman Air. Earlier, this month, airlines operating to Indian sectors had decided to do away with the two-tier, two-season (low and high) fares and had opted for a yearly (single season) fare. This was decided at a YIC (Yield Improvement Committee) meeting. Till this month, airlines were operating on a low and high season basis and this was drastically changed to a standard, single season fare. With this move, passengers were forced to shell out more money and they were also unjustly deprived of low season fares. The standardised fares would have affected many passengers if the same fares would have continued till the end of this month until the real low season begins, but with Oman Air firing a salvo in the direction of low fares, others are surely bound to return fire. Earlier, many agents pointed to the huge gap between south Indian and north Indian fares. Apparently, there was a gap of almost RO70 between the two and some were of the opinion that a step-motherly treatment was accorded to the south Indian sector. However, Oman Air seems to have set the house in order, in that respect, by introducing these new slashed fares. It is not sure as to how long these Oman Air would continue to feature these fares, which many claim was done without the consent of the YIC.
Bobby sets new mark in high jump
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Bobby sets new mark in high jump Press Trust Of India Hyderabad, July 30: Busan Asian Games silver medallist and Kerala’s star performer Bobby Aloysius clinched the gold medal with a new meet record on the final day of the 9th Federation Cup athletics meet which saw Army and Punjab Police marching away with team titles for men and women, respectively, at the G M C Balayogi Stadium here today. Bobby’s 1.89m effort in women’s high jump was enough to get her the gold medal with a new meet record ahead of Sahan Kumari of Karnataka (1.75m) and M Sangeeta of Tamil Nadu (1.7m). The effort also helped Bobby win the best female athlete award while Kuldip Kumar of Uttar Pradesh bagged the award in men’s category. The day also saw new meet records in both the pole vault events and men’s 400m hurdles and women’s 20-km walk. Prasad Reddy led Army’s challenge on the final day of the three-day meet bagging the gold in the 400m hurdles.
IUML-Congress talks to be held on Thursday
Thursday, July 31, 2003
IUML-Congress talks to be held on Thursday 31-July-2003 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest constituent of the ruling UDF, looks forward to Chief Minister A K Antony making amends for his controversial statement on minority politics in the State as the IUML and the Congress get ready to sit together for Thursday's bilateral talks. The talks follow the dialogue between AICC general secretary Ahmed Patel and IUML supremo Panakkad Mohammedali Shihab Thangal last Sunday in Malappuram. The Congress will be represented at the discussions by Chief Minister A K Antony, KPCC president K Muraleedharan MP and UDF convener Oommen Chandy MLA. Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty and E Ahmed MP will represent the IUML. ``Only the Chief Minister can save the situation and we hope that he will rise to the occasion,'' a legislator of the IUML told this website's newspaper here. IUML sources said that the party had no `illusion' that the Chief Minister would completely withdraw the statement and tender an apology. But the IUML could still salvage some pride if Antony announces a time-bound plan for the rehabilitation of the Muslim families of Marad and gives an assurance on the implementation of the Narendran Commission recommendations. There was also palpable unhappiness in the IUML about the non-participation of Ahmed Patel in Thursday's talks. But Antony is himself part of the party high command on account of his status as a senior leader in the party and hence there is nothing for the IUML to worry about the non-participation of Patel, sources close to the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister, meanwhile, is keeping his cards close to his chest. There is, however, no ambiguity in KPCC president K.Muraleedharan's stand on the issue as he had vocally criticised the Chief Minister for the remarks. The issue has its genesis when Chief Minister A K Antony took the minority communities to the task on exerting undue pressure on the Government for cornering benefits. He was provoked by the insistence of the IUML for the immediate rehabilitation of Muslim families in the trouble-torn Marad and the unrelenting stand by two Christian medical colleges against the Government policy on admissions.
Jury violated norms: Adoor
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Jury violated norms: Adoor By N.J. Nair Source: http://hinduonnet.com THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 30. The noted director, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, has expressed reservations about the way the national film awards jury had awarded the best actor prize to an artiste who is acting in the latest film of the jury chairman, Prakash Jha. Ajay Devgan, who won the award for the best actor, is now acting in `Gangajal' directed by Mr. Jha. He had acted in two other films of Mr. Jha, `Dil Kya Kahen' and `Rahul'. Mr. Jha's conduct is ``against the ethics of the jury'', Mr. Gopalakrishnan told The Hindu here today. The jury members would have to give an undertaking that they do not have any connection with the entries screened for the awards. ``If Mr. Jha had suppressed the fact, it amounts to violation of the covenant and is immoral and illegal,'' he said. The noted Marathi director, Amol Palelkar, who was to head the jury last year had not taken up the assignment on knowing that he had acted in a relatively insignificant role in one of the films that was to be screened before the panel. When contacted, Shyama Prasad, a member of the jury, said rules had it that the committee members should not have any direct involvement with the films that came up for screening. Two artistes had bowed out on the first day itself as they had acted in comparatively irrelevant roles in two Telugu films that came up for screening. But an active director would essentially have links with many artistes as he was associated with many projects. Then the jury would have to be filled with those who had quit the field, he added.
Kerala to set up Agriculture Export Zone
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Kerala to set up Agriculture Export Zone Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 30 - The Government proposes to set up an Agriculture Export Zone to promote export of quality agriculture produce following increased competition under the WTO regime. Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan said in the Assembly that the proposal was one of the recommendations of the M S Swaminathan Commission, which was appointed to study the impact of globalisation and liberalisation on the State's economy. He said agriculture and marine products would be tested at the sophisticated laboratory set up at the Marine Products Export Development Authority in Kochi, before export to avoid rejection. Sankaranarayanan said Kerala would continue to exert pressure on the Centre to raise the import duty of cash crops like tea, rubber and spices. Unrestricted import of these commodities had hit the Kerala farmers and the Government had taken various measures to provide them relief. The Government also proposed to constitute a revolving fund to provide relief to workers of traditional industries affected by globalisation. Answering supplementaries, Sankaranarayanan said various proposals were being considered on entrusting the Kochi-based Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore, a Central PSU, with the cooperative sector.
Prithivraj denies affair with Navya
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Prithiviraj has denied any romance with Navya. " I am friendly with all my heroines and I see them as only friends. I still stand by the statement that I will only have a love marriage. Anyway all the gossips about me is a big joke in my family"
Publication for NRK on the anvil
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Publication for expatriate Keralites on the anvil THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala legislators were informed on Tuesday that the government is planning to bring out a journal that would focus on the needs and problems of the state's large expatriate community. Non-resident Keralites (NRK) Minister M.M. Hassan mentioned the publication plans while speaking in the assembly on various proposals before his department to help the 1.6 million Keralites settled abroad, mostly in the Gulf region. Among other things on the agenda of Roots-Norka -- a state-run agency that looks after the welfare of NRKs -- is the teaming up of various Malayali organisations both within India and abroad, he said. Also planned is an identity card for Keralites living in India. The government is even planning a legal cell to help Keralites within the country embroiled in cases. A major demand before Hassan's department is for reservation of seats in Kerala's higher education institutions for NRK children and setting up of examination centres abroad so they do not have to come to their home state to appear for entrance tests. Satish Nampoothiripad, the CEO of Roots-Norka, said the plan for the publication for NRKs is in the early stages, "but we are committed to come out with the journal". Nampoothiripad told : "Right now we have a website for NRKs and on that we bring out a bimonthly newsletter. We are thinking of bringing out a hard copy of that and we plan to get articles from NRKs interested in writing." On the new insurance-cum-pension plan for NRKs brought out along with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), he said it is picking up but there are a few bottlenecks with regard to medical check-ups for the policyholder. "We are having a discussion with top LIC officials early next month to sort out the few bottlenecks and once that is cleared, we expect a good demand for this product," said the Roots-Norka CEO.
Thousands offer bali tharpanam
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of people on Tuesday offered ‘bali tharpanam’ at various parts of the State. In Thiruvananthapuram district, heavy rush was witnessed at Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Sanghumughom beach and Papanasam beach in Varkala. According to the Travancore Devaswom Board sources, over 25,000 people offered ‘bali’ at Thiruvallam and over 10,000 at Sanghumughom. Aruvippuram, Aruvikkara, Thrivikramangalam, Kadinamkulam and Kelamangalam were the other centres in the district where large number of believers offered ‘bali’. The rituals began early in the morning at all the centres. Other major centres in the State where the ritual was performed were Thirumullavaram in Kollam, Periyar river bank at Aluva and Tirunavaya on the banks of Bharathapuzha in Malappuram. A considerable number of persons offered ‘bali’ on Monday following confusion over the date of ‘bali’. The Travancore Devaswom Board had made elaborate arrangements at all the centres for ‘bali tharpanam’ on Monday and Tuesday. The confusion over the date of ‘bali’ occurred as the Amavasi in the month of Karkkidakom, on which the ‘bali’ is performed, fell on July 28 and 29. The Amavasi which began at 12.25 p.m on Monday lasted till 12.23 p.m on Tuesday.
Court asks KPCC to produce fax message
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Court asks KPCC to produce fax message 30-July-2003 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A local court here has directed KPCC President K Muraleedharan to produce the original fax message send by AICC suggesting expulsion of five "I" group MLAs on July 21, the crucial day of voting on the Appropriation Bill in the assembly. First Class Magistrate Nixon M Joseph asked Muraleedharan to produce the fax message on August 5 while hearing a public interest litigation filed by one Joymon Puthenpurackel on Tuesday. The petitioner had alleged that Chief Minister A K Antony and ruling UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, forged the fax message to threaten a section of party MLAs to continue in power. K Karunakaran, who had earlier threatened that MLAs belonging to his 'I' group would vote against the bill, later backtracked.
Amrita get Cusat recognition
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Amrita get Cusat recognition 30-July-2003 KOCHI: The Amrita Institutions, the leaders in IT, health-care and management studies in the State, have crossed yet another milestone by securing the recognition of the Cochin University of Science and Technology for its three PG courses. The courses recoginsed by Cusat are MSc (hospital management), MSc (computer science) and PG diploma in computer hardware. ``The recognition came after the academic committee of the university held a rigorous process of appraisal of the faculty resources, infrastructure and academic standards. This collaboration will lead to significant burgeoning of inner-institutional, multi-disciplinary learning and research,'' hoped Amrita Institutions Director Dr U Krishna Kumar. ``We have also submitted a proposal to recognise five other courses which are slated to be commenced during the next academic year,'' he added. The courses awaiting for Cusat recognition include MSc (Visual Communication), MSc (Electronics), MCom (with Computer Applications) PG diploma in Visual Communications (PGDVC) and P G diploma in Mass Communication (PGDMC). The syllabi for the courses have been conceived and devised by experts in tune with state-of-the-art tropical trends and needs, Dr Krishna Kumar said. Set up in 1990 as Amrita Institute of Computer Technology (AICT), it broadbased its academic reach by bringing various other courses under the new nomenclature Amrita Institutions. As of now, it offers three courses at the PG level. The Amrita Institutions have also set up a Research and Development (R&D) centre headed by former Director of School of Marine Sciences of Cusat, Dr P G Kurup.
Unpaid workers in Oman stage silent protest
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
DUBAI JULY 29. Over 300 Indian workers in Oman, who had paid huge amounts to recruiting agents back home for their jobs, staged a silent protest near the Indian Embassy to draw the Government of India's attention to their plight. As public demonstrations are rarely encouraged in the Gulf countries, the local authorities reached the protest venue staged on Monday but did not take action as it was considered a gathering that did not cause any untoward incident. But for the new Indian Ambassador, Talmiz Ahmed, who joined only on Monday, it was an unexpected welcome and an eye-opener to the exploitation of Indian labourers at the hands of unscrupulous recruitment agents and dubious companies. The workers, majority of them from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, complained that they had not been paid salary for the past three-and-a-half months and deprived of proper accommodation and food. The companies had paid wages last year when the workers went on strike and later went to the labour court, but the firms defaulted after March. ``Some of us have put in almost 18 to 20 years of service. If we get our salary and gratuity, we will get back home,'' the Times of Oman quoted a worker as saying. Another worker from Kerala said M.M. Hassan, Minister for Non-resident Keralite Affairs, visited Oman recently and promised to look into their grievances, but nothing had been done so far.
14 students, 11 policemen injured in Thiruvalla clash
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
PATHANAMTHITTA: Twenty five people, including 14 students, were injured when the march taken out by LDF backed students organisations in protest against the education policy of the UDF government at Thiruvalla turned violent yesterday. Police restored to lathicharge to disperse the stone throwing students. Fourteen students and eleven policemen were injured in the lathicharge and stone pelting. The condition of SFT district secretariat member Shanavas David and CPM area secretary K A Joseph was stated to be serious, sources said. A dawn-to-dusk 'hartal' has been called by the LDF in Thiruvalla Taluk today to protest the police bigheadedness. The students, marching to the office of the Deputy Director of Education, turned violent when thy reached Kurisukavala Junction. The protestors pelted stones at two KSRTC buses and a Tata Sumo van smashing their glass panes. The march was stopped by a heavy posse of police in front of the DD office. When the marchers tried to storm into the DD office and indulged in heavy stone throwing, police restored to lathicharge. In the melee, police beat up Thiruvalla CPM area secretary KA Joseph and DYFI state joint secretary R Sanalkumar, who tried to pacify the mob of irate student activists. While chasing the stone-throwing students, the police reportedly entered the CPM area committee office. IN the violent incident, eleven policemen including Thiruvalla ASI Muhammed Kunju had suffered injuries. All those injured had been admitted to Thiruvalla Taluk Hospital. Cases had been registered against 50 students in connection with the violent incident, said Thiruvalla Deputy Superintendent of Police K Sivadasan.
Pinarayi demands probe on AICC fax
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Pinarayi demands probe on AICC fax CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan demanded a comprehensive probe into the controversy regarding the reported fax message sent from AICC headquarters last week to Chief Minister AK Antony's office suggesting expulsion of five Congress MLAs belonging to the Karunakaran camp. In a statement here, Vijayan said the "fax controversy" was a "serious political and legal" issue since the offices of Chief Minister and the Speaker were involved. The ministers and MLAs, to whom the letter of expulsion, was issued were continuing to be members of the CLP which meant that the missive was only a ploy to threaten the MLAs who had decided to vote against the Appropriation Bill,he said. Speaker Vakkom B Purushothaman had also become a "controversial figure with his steps on the issue." There had also been complaints earlier that the Speaker had tried to wean away MLAs to vote in favour of the official Congress candidate for the Rajya Sabha poll, the statement alleged. The chief minister and speaker should provide sufficient explanation before the people on the "forged fax" issue, the statement said.
VS all out to demolish Antony Gov
Sunday, July 27, 2003
VS too all out to demolish Antony Government Opposition leader VS Achudanandan declared his mission is to demolish and dethrone the UDF government led by AK Antony. Speaking to mediapersons at Cochin VS told it is time the anti-people, communal government went and the CPM will leave no stones unturned to oudt this government. "We are ready to cooperate with any secular forces including the I group faction leader K Karunakaran to pull down this government", said the leader of opposition. About the time factor for the process all VS said was that the work is on.
'Nizhalkuthu' best Malayalam film
Sunday, July 27, 2003
'Nizhalkuthu' bags award for best Malayalam film Nizhalkuthu directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan won the award for the best Malayalam film of 2002 in the National Awards announced at New Delhi.
NCP not to support Sonia as PM
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) General Secretary P A Sangma on Friday said his party would not support Sonia Gandhi's candidature for Prime Ministership at the next general election as the issue of her foreign nationality was still relevant. Talking to mediapersons at the airport in Kochi on his arrival to participate in the two-day NCP leadership camp, which began at Aluva on Friday, the former Lok Sabha Speaker said the NCP would support any other Congress candidate other than Ms Sonia Gandhi for the post. On the Uniform Civil Code, he said he was personally in favour of the concept but added that it should not be implemented in haste. Later, addressing the NCP State leadership camp, he expressed the hope that the people would support a non-BJP, non-Congress political formation at the Centre. However, there was no scope for any single party rule at the Centre, he added. The meeting, presided over by party State President Cyriac John, was addressed by Party National Secretary T P Peethambaran and former Minister A C Shanmughadas, among others.
Rare surgical feat by Malayali
Sunday, July 27, 2003
In a rare medical feat not reported in India so far, cardiac surgeons in a Chennai hospital successfully replaced the aorta of a Sri Lankan patient that was about to rupture, besides again replacing the aortic valve replaced six years ago at another hospital. Forty five year old Firthouse, who underwent replacement of the aortic valve earlier, was airlifted from Colombo last fortnight in a critical condition after doctors there advised emergency surgery overseas. The patient was suffering from acute dissecting aneurism of the root and arch of the aorta which could burst anytime, leading to instant death. Thoracic surgeon Dr V V Bashi, whose team at MIOT Hospital saved the high risk patient in an eight-hour operation, told the tests at the hospital showed that blood had leaked into the torn aorta which was involved in the valve and coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. "The aneurism was thin walled and could have ruptured anytime resulting in sudden death," said Dr Bashi who is from Kaladi in Ernakulam district. Since the patient was high risk, opening the chest was not possible without connecting him to the heart lung machine as the aneurism was behind the bone. The patient was connected to the heart lung machine by making holes in the veins and arteries of his thigh. "The chest was then opened and the blood was cooled to 18 degrees C. The surgeons then noticed that the aneurism was about to rupture," said Dr Bashi.
George Eden passed away
Sunday, July 27, 2003
George Eden is dead. The death occured at the All India Institute of Medical Science where he was admitted a couple of days ago following cerebral stroke. Fifty year old George Eden represented the Ernakulam constituency in the 13th Lok Sabha. He was fiirst elected to the House in 1998 and was reelected in 1999 from the same constituency defeating the LDF candidate Mani Vithayathil by more than 1.12 lakh votes. Eden's wife Rani died couple of years ago. He is survived by two children. Born at Kadamakkudy in Ernakulam district, George Eden was an active member of the Kerala Students Union. He had his education at St. Alberts College Ernakulam and the Government Law College Ernakulam. Eden used to be so proud of the fact that he is an alumni of the St.Alberts College and never missed any functions organised by his Alma Mater. Though a prominent figure of the I faction in the Congress, George Eden had a large circle of friends cutting across party boundaries. itself. His body is expected to be flown in a special flight from delhi later this evening. The funeral is expected to be held tomorrow, family sources said. CM mourns the death of Eden THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony today expressed sorrow at the demise of George Eden, MP. In a condolence message, he said Eden was always in the forefront in rendering unparalleled service to the people Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran, MP, state ministers P K Kunhalikutty, G Karthikeyan, M M Hassan, Kadavoor Sivadasan also mourned the death of Eden
Delegates from 191 U N member countries to attend Amrithavarsham
Sunday, July 27, 2003
An estimated 10,000 delegates representing 191 United Nations(UN) member countries the world over are expected to attend a four-day Golden Jubilee birthday celebrations of the spiritual leader Mata Amrithanandamayi(Amma) beginning at Kochi on September 24. To be inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, the mega event would be participated by an estimated 150,000 devotees per day which would also be addressed by President A P J Abdul Kalam and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Disclosing this at a media conference at kochi , International Organising committee General Convener Swami Amritaswarupananda said the epic celebrations titled "Amrithavarsham 50" would pave the way for spiritual and religious figures the world over besides politicians, educators, business leaders and great thinkers, actors, artists and musicians to make their pilgrimage to Kochi during the four day function to be held at the international stadium. The celebrations would be an occasion for Amma, who had been holding the hands of the suffering humanity, to demonstrate to the mankind that a life dedicated to love, compassion and selfless service is possible in the present day world which was witnessing lack of spirituality in society, the Swamiji, who is also Vice Chairman of the Mata Amritanadamayi Math, said. The President's concept of making India a developed nation by the year 2020 would also be given an exposure at a summit of business leaders and CEOs of Indian origin functioning in various parts of the world which would be addressed by the President himself on September 26, he said. A mega youth event, to be participated by about 100,000 youth from various parts of the country, an interfaith meeting of spiritual and religious leaders from around the globe and an international conference of important women would also form part of the celebrations, the Swamiji explained.
Kerala bans begging in Thiruvananthapuram
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has issued a notification, banning begging in the Thiruvananthapuram. An official release said that Corporation Mayor J Chandra had urged the Government to issue a ban on begging in view of the growing menace in the city. Official sources said the City Corporation was working out a scheme under which beggars and children rounded up from streets would be housed in a permanent shelter and provided alternative employment.
Coca Cola accused of water shortages
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Villagers in Kerala are accusing Coca Cola of causing severe water shortages and environmental contamination. The villagers say that the Coca Cola bottling plant is draining the water that feeds their wells and contaminating the land with waste sludge. Charity group, Action Aid, say that villagers noticed changes in their water supply just six months after the factory had begun operating in 2000. They say local villagers reported that the water levels had receded and had turned brackish and milky white in colour. Many villagers also reported upset stomachs, the charity says. Scientists from Exeter University who tested samples of the water found it contained high levels of cadmium and lead and, would cause severe nuisance and hardship. Coca Cola deny the allegations saying there is no evidence of overexploitation of groundwater reserves. The company points to a rainwater harvesting programme it has implemented to help recharge the groundwater table and says it has supplied villagers with water from tanker trucks. However, villagers see the fact that Coca Cola have attempted to give away free water as proof of guilt and are continuing to protest.
Kerala Techno Park to be expanded
Saturday, July 26, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Government has decided to expand the Techno Park located in the suburbs of the city. Announcing this in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday, Mr P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister- Industries and IT, Kerala, said the Government has also decided to create an `IT Corridor' by acquiring some 270 acres of land at Kazhakootam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. Work on acquiring land for this is on, he added.
Hartal in Kottayam
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Kottayam, Jul 25 - A dawn to dusk hart al would be observed in the district tomorrow in protest against the police lathicharge towards ABVP students. ABVP state joint secretary announced this. In the clash yesterday, three policemen, two women constables and six students were injured.
AICC team to arrive shortly: Karunakaran
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram Jul 25 - A team of central Congress leaders would visit Kerala shortly to sort out the problems in the Congress and the ruling UDF, according to senior leader K Karunakaran. He added that the demand for leadership change still exists. " A central team will visit the state this week itself to hold discussions with the coalition partners," Karunakaran told reporters at the airport on his return from Delhi, where he held parleys with AICC chief Sonia Gandhi. Asked whether he was still firm about his demand for removal of A K Antony as chief minister, Karunakaran shot back asking, "is there any reason to be shaky about that." While Karunakaran on Monday demanded removal of Antony as chief minister, Congress' principal ally Muslim League is cut up over Chief Minister A K Antony's controversial statement that minorities in the state often used their organized force for collective bargaining.
Dileep strikes gold
Friday, July 25, 2003
Dileep has once again struck gold at the Kerala box-office. His CID Moosa has taken the best initial collection in the history of Malayalam cinema! The film has grossed an amazing Rs 2,98,00858 from 35 screens in 13 days! No film in Malayalam history has grossed nearly Rs 3 crore in such a short time. In Trivandrum, Moosa started at a single theatre but in the second week a second theatre was added due to unprecedented crowds! The gross from the three main centres for 13 days: Trivandrum: (Sreekumar & Sree Visakh) Rs 16, 07,843 Kozhikode: ( Apsara) Rs 16,06,540 Ernakulam: (Shenoys) Rs 15,81,840 But even in smaller centres like Kollam, Trichur, Kottayam, and Attingal the collections are truly amazing. The film, which cost Rs 2. 10 crore including cost of print and publicity will be recovered from the releasing stations alone in less than 25 days as per current trend of collections!
State Finance Bill passed by the assembly
Friday, July 25, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Finance Bill, 2003, aimed at giving effect to the financial proposals announced in the Budget for the financial year 2003-04 was passed by 79 to 38 votes on Thursday. The A.K.Antony Government, which faced one of its biggest threats during the voting on the crucial Appropriation Bill on Monday, had an easy walkover on Thursday when the House took up the Finance Bill. The majority of the Indian Union Muslim League members, who kept away from the Assembly on Monday due to the IUML State Secretariat meeting, participated and voted in favour of the Bill. Karunakaran loyalists also voted in favour of the Bill. Senior Congress leader K.Karunakaran had directed the MLAs belonging to his group to vote for the Bill after meeting party president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday to demand a leadership change in the State. There were speculations that if the party high command failed to take Karunakaran into confidence, the ‘I’ group MLAs might take some extreme steps to put pressure on the Government. Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan while replying to the debate on the bill said that the Government was ready to look into the problems faced by the local bodies due to the freezing of funds. The decision taken by the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to constitute a sub-committee to look into the issue illustrated the commitment of the Government on the issue. The Government had directed local bodies to return the unutilised funds for the previous financial year with good intention, he said. There were allegations that the funds for the decentralised planning were being misused and carried over to the next financial year. ‘‘We have to put an end to such a practice. The funds should be utilised during the same year itself,’’ he said.
Evar
Friday, July 25, 2003
Jayaram is changing track from comedy to doing action films with Rajiv Kumar directed Evar. The film is based on underworld gangs and their fight for supremacy. In the film, Jayaram plays Raghav Menon who drifts into the underworld gang led by ‘Pambu’ Jose (Biju Menon). According to sources, Biju is excellent, as he has reinvented himself in the role, which has shades of grey. Anil Murali also plays an important role as Hakim, another don. Confessed Jayaram: I was impressed by the character of Raghav Menon brilliantly etched by Rajiv. The film will be different in many ways and it is an action film. However it will be a welcome change for Jayaram who has been concentrating on comedy roles till recently. Adds Jayaram: I did not want to be typecast and do crass comedies that are dished out these days. Evar promises to be a taut action drama and Bhavana is the heroine.
ABVP student march turns violent
Friday, July 25, 2003
KOTTAYAM: Three policemen and two women constable and six students were injured when a march taken out by students owing allegiance to the Akhil Barathiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) turned violent near the Collectorate Gate here. About 60 students under the leadership of the ABVP State Joint Secretary Kasinath took out a march from the Tirunakkara Maidan here in protest against the commercialisation of education in Kerala, police sources said. The injured cops were admitted to the medical college hospital here. Thirty-six students were arrested and remanded in connection with the incident, the sources added.
"I will act in two films" -Sheela
Friday, July 25, 2003
Sheela on a comeback trail 7/24/2003 Sheela, one of Malayalam cinema’s greatest heroines ever is back after a 17-year sabbatical. This veteran actress is making a comeback by playing a pivotal role in ace director Satyan Anthikad’s next film and in Viral Thubil Aaro directed by Ismail Hassan. Sheela has acted in over 300 films in Malayalam and a few others in Tamil during the 60’s and 70’s, the golden age of Malayalam cinema. She was the most indispensable actress of those days and has acted with Prem Nazir in 103 films, a world record for a leading pair. Along with Sarada she shared the limelight and most of the characters she played were based on popular novels and classics. Who can forget the Karuthamma in the classic Chemeen, the working woman in Kalli Chellamma, the divorcee in Vazhvemayam, the advocate of Thulabharam and the leprosy patient in Aswamedham ? All these characters were unforgettable and a whole generation grew up on them. Above all Sheela was a sort of Marylyn Monroe of her generation who was always targeted by the press as they churned stories about her flings with Prem Nazir and later Jayan. When contacted Sheela says: I will act only in two films this year and in future take up roles that suits me under good directors and banners. The film with Ismail Hassan written by Lal Jose will start by August end and Satyan’s film with a story by Ranjan Pramod and produced by the producers of Meesa Madhavan is scheduled to start by September.
Karunakaran, Murali differ on leadership change
Friday, July 25, 2003
Karunakaran, Murali differ on leadership change Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 25 - Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran and his son, KPCC President K Muraleedharan, on Thursday expressed divergent views on leadership change in the state, with the latter saying Chief Minister A K Antony's removal was not on the agenda of the KPCC. Karunakaran and Muraleedharan, who returned from Delhi by the same flight after discussions with the AICC leadership on the issues plaguing the party unit in the state, made their positions clear in separate interactions with the journalists. Asked whether he was still firm on his demand for leadership change, Karunakaran said there was no reason to be "shaky" on the matter. Talking to reporters who met him at the KPCC office, Muraleedharan, however, said the issue of leadership change was not on his agenda. Both Karunakaran and Muraleedharan said they had convinced the High Command about the problems confronting the party and the UDF, including the fallout of Antony's statement on minorities. Karunakaran said the High Command representatives were expected to reach here within a week to sort out the problems. Meanwhile, UDF sources said AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Ahamed Patel, was likely to meet IUML supremo Panakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal at Malappuram during his scheduled Kerala visit in the next few days to assuage the ruffled feelings of the party over the Chief Minister's statement.
BSNL on an expansion drive
Thursday, July 24, 2003
KOCHI: Public sector telecom heavyweight Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to increase its capacity of mobile phone connections in the State by around three lakh this financial year. The company, which has led the cellular market in the State from March, has planned the expansion drive after exhausting around 2.3 lakh pre-paid Excel connections and considering the popularity and the increasing demand for its service. Though the post-paid Cell One is still available on demand, acute shortage has been felt in many places in the State for its pre-paid connections, in the last few weeks. BSNL, which had a subscriber base of 2.5 lakh at the end of May, has already given 20,000 connections in the short span of a month-and-a-half. By next week, another 20,000 connections will be made available in the pre-paid category to meet the demand in the State, according to a BSNL official. ‘‘Since a lot of churning happens in the pre-paid category, with a number of short-term users like non-resident Keralites, we will be able to make available another 20,000 connections in a week’s time,’’ the official said. The BSNL has currently a capacity for 3.25 lakh connections and the post-paid service is still available on demand. ‘‘Nearly 80 percent of our subscribers are in the pre-paid category, the connections for which we have currently exhausted. We are targeting a subscriber base of five lakh by March, 2004, and are increasing the state-wide capacity to six lakh for the same period,’’ the official said. The company, which has set up around 250 base transmission towers till now, will increase it by another 100 by September to increase the coverage of the mobile service. ‘‘Compared to any of the competitors, our coverage and service, from customer response, has been the best. We have to build on that advantage and in the coming months focus on increasing coverage. Hundred towers will be put up all over the State before Onam,’’ he said.
Nizhalkuthu: Even posters carry the master touch
Thursday, July 24, 2003
KOCHI: Every aspect of an Adoor Gopalakrishnan movie is the product of a distinct creative outpouring. And publicity is no exception. The master's eyes nurture even the minutest detail of how his works are advertised. The posters of his latest film Nizhalkuthu are now being given the finishing touches at the studio of designer B Ashokan a.k.a Gayatri Ashokan. The movie is slated to be released on 31st of July. Set in the '40s, Nizhalkuthu depicts the pangs of an executioner who is forced to perform the heinous job against his own will. And the posters very well catch the haunting atmosphere which dominates the film. The kind of rope used for execution is specially prepared. And, once an execution is performed, the rope is kept quite safely as people believe that the ashes from its fibres possess medicinal quality. One of the posters of Nizhalkuthu shows Kaliyappan, the protagonist played by Oduvil Unnikrishnan, cutting off a few fibres from such a rope. On the wall are reflected both the shadow of the rope and a 'charkha', which is placed nearby. This is set against what looks like a prison wall. The 'charkha' throws light on the path chosen by the son of the protagonist who is associated with the National Movement. And the poster combines the plight of the two generations. Another poster portrays a guilt-ridden Kaliyappan looking at his own `sinful' hands. The intensity of emotions on the old man's face has been fully captured on the poster, with twilight in the background. ``I have been given all the freedom to incorporate my own creative ideas while designing the posters. After all my association with Adoor is two-decades-old,'' says Ashokan, who has worked on all of Adoor's films since 'Anantharam'. As advertising in the media is a highly costly affair, exhibitors have to rely on posters and hoardings in a big way, Ashokan points out. ``After all, the merits of an Adoor movie need not be publicised through the posters,'' he feels.
Fort beautification progressing
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Fort beautification work progressing THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The beautification of the Fort area is progressing as the tussle between the Corporation and the Archaeology Department has ended with the decision that the keys of the constructed bunks would be handed over to the Corporation authorities on completion of the work. "We have not done anything regarding the legalisation of the bunks. We are only giving them a cleaner and aesthetically-pleasing place to sell their stuff. More than that the bunks are placed close to the wall of Theerthapada Mandapam so that a space of two metres can be saved in front of them," said Archaeology Department director V Manmadhan Nair. The space in front of the bunks would be paved with cobble stones. The Corporation had objected to the replacement of the bunks with permanent structures behind the East Fort gate, saying that the bunk-owners had not procured the licence of the Corporation. The Corporation authorities have been given the assurance by the Archaeology Department that the keys would be handed over to the Corporation for distribution, considering the legalities involved. The replacement of the bunks with permanent shops is part of the beautification plan adopted by the Archaeology Department to preserve the heritage buildings inside the Fort, covering an area of one square km. For the plan, the Archaeology Department had identified 22 buildings for renovation. "The documentation part of the work has been completed and the work orders have been given. The tenders will be opened on July 22", he said. "We are planning to begin the work by August 1. The entire process would be over by January," he said. The beautification is done by a Kollam-based consultancy.
International Airport haven for smugglers
Thursday, July 24, 2003
International Airport turns haven for smugglers NEDUMBASSERY: The Cochin International Airport is increasingly being used for smuggling electronics items and gold into the country. The customs department of the airport seized electronic items and gold worth Rs 75 lakh within a space of six months. "The customs duty involved in the seized items has been assessed to around Rs 37.5 lakh," said Deputy Commissioner Satheesh Kumar. The Air Customs Intelligence unit of CIAL has registered at least 95 cases and the latest one was registered against one Mariamma when gold worth Rs 1.8 lakh was seized from her on July 1. But several other high-profile cases involving items worth huge amounts of money have been intercepted at the airport. Praveen C Ravi was intercepted by the Customs personnel when he tried to smuggle electronic goods worth Rs 5.09 lakh in February. Annamma George, a passenger from Dubai was detained when undeclared electronic goods worth Rs 6.6 lakhs were seized from her at the Nedumbassery airport. "The smuggling of electronic items has become highly profitable and the air passengers especially expatriate women working in Europe and United States are increasingly trying to smuggle gold into the country," said the customs personnel. But according to sources in the Customs, the rise in the cases of smuggling must have been primarily due to the highly liberal and cordial approach of the Customs personnel towards the passengers in a bid to promote the goodwill of the airport. "Several anti-socials must have exploited this aspect and would have zeroed in on the airport as a favourite locale for smuggling goods into the country," said sources in the customs department. But the Customs department is still groping in the dark, unable to pinpoint smugglers for want of modern X-Ray machines and sophisticated scanners. "Only experienced Customs personnel could pinpoint concealed goods in the baggages with the existing X-Ray machines functioning in the airport," said the Customs personnel. Steps are being taken to install modern X-ray machines to facilitate Customs personnel to easily pinpoint unauthorised goods like chemicals, ammunition, electronic goods, gold etc. In cargo section of the airport expects to get a modern X-Ray machine soon. The concessions extended to the passengers by certain international airlines operating here are being exploited by the smugglers to bring in bulk quantity of unauthorised goods. But the customs personnel led by Additional Commissioner C J Mathew and assisted by Deputy Commissioners Satheesh Kumar, K Sreedharan, Anto David and M V J Nair have been quick to nab smugglers, as the cases registered by department clearly show. "The goods seized by the Customs Department will be released after adjudication and only after the penalty fees and full duty are paid by the people involved," said Deputy Commissioner.
Better luck next time, ‘Leader’
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Better luck next time, ‘Leader’ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Karunakaran is clumsily scurrying back from yet another vainglorious go at the Cliff House. There was no time for even beating a proper retreat. As he had entered the arena with fanfare, he could not have left it on tiptoe. He is stomping the earth to keep kicking up the dust. Where does he go from here? You don’t expect him to take to sanyas even in his serene age. Or, to turn to penitent prayers even in the purifying air of the Ramayana month. AKG Centre has closed the gates on him. They love to egg him on but are afraid of embracing him. Not to the house of Panakkad. There, they are still ruing that day when they counted the chicken even before they were hatched. Pillai will not make any difference, nor T M Jacob. Back to knocking at Sonia’s door? Wait on an Ambika Soni or an Ahmed Patel to let you in only to be politely told: Sir, you have burnt your boats? To show your Hindu card at Vajpayee’s table? But then the Prime Minister has fallen in love with Antony head over heels. And Vellappilli is already supping there. That leaves one with Pawar and Sangma. Too late. The gentlemen have made up with the lady of foreign origin. To the voters at last? That would mean more waiting. And Karunakaran as we know is in a tearing hurry. Yet all is not lost. There is always a thing called home and hearth to which everyone returns. Family and friends. Murali and Padmaja. P P George and P C Chacko, if he is not so sure of the rest of the folk. And who knows? There is Oommen Chandy with his pack of unhappy MLAs in the Antony camp biding his time in the quiet confidence that this particular Chief Minister was and will never be the choice of any of the powers that be in the State. And, waiting in the wings is Vakkom who sealed the fate of the aborted Assembly coup. So, hold on Leader. It is time for some homework now. Better luck next time, if there is one.
Karunakaran sings new tune after meeting Sonia
Thursday, July 24, 2003
NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday bought peace with senior party leader K Karunakaran, who had earlier demanded the resignation of Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony for his anti-minority remarks. While the party high command stressed there was ``no question of state leadership change,'' Karunakaran refused to comment on whether or not the leadership needed to be changed. At the hour-long meeting with Sonia, party sources said Karunakaran reiterated that the image of the party suffered because of Antony's statement on July 9. Speaking after the meeting, Karuanakaran demanded that Antony must ``withdraw the statement''. While he refrained from repeating the demand for Antony's exit, it is learnt the AICC would give an assurance to Karunakaran loyalists that no disciplinary action would be taken against them. Emerging from the meeting, AICC Kerala in-charge Ahmed Patel said: ``The crisis was over long time ago. We were contemplating action but the chapter is now closed.'' Saying he was ``satisfied'' with the meeting, Patel said there were ``certain grievances'' that will be sorted out soon. The drama began last weekend when Karunakaran loyalists threatened to sit separately in the Assembly which had crucial finance bills pending. The party high command threatened to expel five Karunakaran loyalists from the party. Following this the Appropriation Bill was passed on Monday but another crucial voting on Finance Bill is slated for Thursday, which Karunakaran said his faction of 21 MLAs would support. It would take 21 MLAs to split the 62 member Congress Legislative Party in Kerala. Karunakaran said: ``We are trying to solve the problem without surgery and by using drugs.'' Ironically, these were the very same words used by Antony seeking leniency for Karunakaran loyalists who had defied the party whip during the crisis of the Rajya Sabha elections and voted for a rebel candidate. On the possibility of a party split, Karunakaran said: ``I rule out any such thing on my account because I have been a chief minister for four times. I will not split the party for getting to any position.'' ``I will never split the party for my sake,'' he added. After the meeting with Sonia, Patel and senior party leader R.K. Dhawan, an old associate of Karunakaran, joined him at his residence for further discussions.
Murali draws fire
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Murali draws fire for aggravating crisis in party KOZHIKODE: KPCC chief K Muraleedharan has painted himself into a corner in the aftermath of Chief Minister A K Antony's `plainspeak' on minorities. The Congress men are not amused, particularly some at the State level. ``Instead of helping to solve the crisis, he has aggravated it,'' a senior party functionary observed. Muraleedharan further confounded the Congress-IUML stand off by jumping the gun even before IUML supremo Panakkad Shihab Thangal could voice his views, he felt. A good section of Murali's own ranks hasn't yet lived down the Rajya Sabha elections involving Kodothu Govindan Nair issue, and Murali's ill-timed acrobatics. Such immature handling of successive crisis during the later stages of his two-year tenure has been a big let down, asserted one of his senior camp followers to this newspaper. Though the High Command wants to keep the warring groups in the State in good humour, A K Antony's apparent charisma is not helping Muraleedharan, who gained the KPCC chief's mantle following a quid pro quo for Antony's Chief Ministership, in May 2001. Observers say that he will be troubled further by the organisational reforms that the party contemplated during its Shimla meet which underscored identification of loyal and devoted Congress leaders at all levels. They point to the way in which Muraleedharan was sidelined by the party High Command by deputing UDF convener Oommen Chandy and AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi to solve the upheavals in the party following the minority issue. Muraleedharan is now only a de facto KPCC president, they assert. This is in spite of the fact that Muraleedharan's vociferous objections to Antony's alleged anti-minorities statement, is in lines with the discussion paper on poll preparedness during the Shimla meet, which stressed on garnering the support of minorities, tribals and women. And ipso facto, the High Command is not at all happy with the KPCC president. ``Antony, now better than ever at political manoeuvres, looms large and powerful. Even the IUML had to lick its self-claimed wounds and back track. And all said and done, Muraleedharan is yet to emerge out of the shadow of his father K Karunakaran. He is just not cut out to be a seasoned politician as he seemed to be in the initial stage,'' a senior Antony bandwagonist in the DCC here affirmed. But Muraleedharan may yet find a good prop. The `I' group, though it demands a change in the legislature party leadership that the party High Command is averse to, is unlikely to trade the KPCC president's post for this cause.
Antony to undergo Ayurvedic therapy
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Antony to undergo Ayurvedic therapy THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony is to undergo two-weeks of restorative Ayurvedic therapy, an annual ritual he has been observing for the last seven years. The therapy will begin on Thursday. For the next fortnight, Antony will only attend the assembly session. He will not attend any other function or receive any visitors. "I have been doing this for the past seven years. Except attending the ongoing assembly session, there will be no functions for me nor would I entertain visitors," Antony told reporters Wednesday. A senior doctor from the Ayurveda College and a few assistants will be conducting the therapy sessions, which will begin early in the morning and last almost three hours. "It is basically an oil massage therapy and mainly meant for his spondilitis," a close aide of Antony told . Diet is strictly controlled during the therapy but this should not be a problem for Antony, who is a frugal eater at the best of times. Last year, Antony was hospitalised with a stomach ailment at the fag end of the therapy. Such restorative therapy, experts said, is best undergone during the monsoon season that Kerala is currently experiencing.
First marriage under Cochin Xtian Civil Marriage Act
Thursday, July 24, 2003
First marriage under Cochin Xtian Civil Marriage Act KOCHI: The Cochin Christian Civil Marriage Act, enacted by the Maharaja of Cochin in 1920, got a new lease of life on Wednesday when Liju V Thomas and Shiny Gracia tied the nuptial knot. The is the first marriage in the State to be registered under the Act. The Act came handy for Liju and Shiny, who work in Dubai and is on a short vacation, as the Act requires only three days' notice to get married. The often followed, Special Marriages Act, calls for 30 days' notice for marriage. Liju hails from Kurikkad and Shiny from Manjummal areas in Ernakulam district. The couple had approached the court as Thrikkakkara Sub- Registrar Santha Chacko refused to conduct the marriage citing the reason that her office does not have the required registers and seal. The court turned down the argument and directed the Sub-Registrar to register the marriage. Advocate Varghese P Chacko counselled on behalf of Liju and Shiny. The newly-wed belong to the order of Jehova's Witnesses.
Quiz competitions to be held in 6 cities
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Kochi, Jul 23 - Helpage India will be conducting city level quiz competitions in six centres in Kerala Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kochi, Kottayam, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram as part of its All India Inter school Quiz competition. One team from each city-level competition will participate in the state level competition to be held at Thiruvananthapuram on Aug 16, a press release from Helpage India said. The state level winning team will be participating inthe Regional level competitions to beheld at Chennai on October one. The winning team will participate at the National level competition to be held at New Delhi, the release added. Schools can send a three-member team and students from eighth to 10th standard are eligible to participate. The competitions will commence at Kozhikode from July 25.
Four school children killed in train-van collision
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Palakkad, Jul 23 - Four school children were killed, two of them on the spot, and six seriously injured when a van in which they were travelling collided with a special train carrying the Southern Railway General Manager and other officials at an unmanned level crossing in Yemur Village on the Karur-Dindigal broad gauge section yesterday. Police said the mishap occurred when the GM special, coming here from Dindgul after wayside inspection, rammed into the van of a private matriculation school at Thanthonimala. The van driver could not see the approaching train due to a curve. Following the collision, the van was dragged for some distance, police said, adding that the vehicle was badly damaged. The injured were admitted to government headquarters hospital.
Sudhakaran to sue Achuthanandan
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Sudhakaran to sue Achuthanandan Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 23 - Minister for Forests and Sports, K Sudhakaran has sent a legal notice to Leader of the Opposition V S Achuthanandan, threatening to sue him for Rs one crore if he did not withdraw certain "unfounded allegations" made against him. In the legal notice, sent on Monday, Sudhakaran charged that the LDF leader had knowingly made false accusations to affect his credibility as a Minister and his image in politics. "You have caused incalculable damage to the image, reputation, credibility and standing among the public of my client and thereby he has sustained huge damages. My client estimates the amount of damages in terms of Rs one crore," the notice sent by Sudhakaran's lawyer said. It called upon Achuthanandan to withdraw his "unfounded and untruthful allegations" within a week of receipt of the notice and tender an unconditional apology, failing which he would be proceeded against both in criminal and civil courts. Refuting Achuthanandan's allegations made at several press conferences that he had accepted Rs five crore as bribe from Grasim Industries in a certain deal, Sudhakaran asserted that he had offered explanations on the floor of the Assembly and outside. "Though you are fully aware and conversant of the nature of transactions, you out of personal ill will and political motives against my client, have made the wild allegations which are per se defamatory," the legal notice said
CM to meet Panakkad Thangal
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Chief Minister AK Antony would meet Panakkad Shihab Ali Thangal at his residence and would explain the situation in which he commented against the minorities. It is observed that with the visit of Chief Minister at Panakkad could ease the tension between the government and Muslim League the second largest party in the ruling United Democratic Front. It is to prepare such a platform, the League State Secretariat meeting did not announced a crucial decision, and asked the president to take appropriate action. The leaders earlier said that they would announce the decision at the secretariat meeting. The present crisis would be solved with the presence of Antony at Panakkad.
2nd phase of computer literacy training begins
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of training in computer literacy of the District Literacy Mission has begun. Training would be given to about 10,000 people during the second phase, a press release issued by the mission said. To impart training 100 computer firms have been selected. The function was inaugurated by Planning Board Vice-Chairman V. Ramachandran at Kanakakunnu Palace here. District Panchayat president Sasikala Sivasankar presided. The programme was inaugurated by Varkala Radhakrishnan, MP. He said that Rs 55 lakh had been allotted from MP’s local Area Development Fund for purchase of computers in schools in Chirayinkeezh.
Abhayadev Award for Dakshinamurthy
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
KOTTAYAM: V Dakshinamurthy has been selected for the coveted Abhayadev Award for his wholesome contributions to the enrichment of film music. The bi-yearly award carrying Rs 10,001 in cash and a scroll of honour will be presented to Dakshinamurthy by Yesudas at a function scheduled here at MM Hall on August 1 at 5 p.m. Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Cyriac Thomas will deliver the keynote address. Abhayadev Foundation secretary Madavana Balakrishna Pillai and treasurer A Aravindan told reporters that the Abhayadev-Dakshinamurthy duo were noted for creating lullabies and melodies for all times. The foray of Dakshinamurthy into composing itself was through a song composed by Abhayadev in 1948 for the movie 'Nallathanka'. Dakshinamurthy has composed songs for around 150 movies so far. The award committee comprised Yesudas, Sukumar Azhikode and Madavana Balakrishna Pillai. The first award went to Yesudas in 2001.
Nizhalkkuthu to be released on July 31
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nizhalkkuthu, written,directed and produced by Adoor Gopalakrishnan is scheduled for theatrical release all over Kerala on July 31. Mudra Arts of Guruvayoor is the distributor of the film. The film has already won world acclaim with its extensive participation in major international film festivals. After being world premiered in Venice it went on to Toronto, London, Nantes, Rotterdam, Rome, Bangkok, Pusan, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Munich, Frankfurt, Vesoul, Manosque, Paris, New York, Washington, Cleveland, Palmspring, Houston and a host of other festivals round the world. The Global Film Initiative in New York and the Paradox Films in Paris have picked up the film for theatrical release in the US and France. The renowned French film publication, Cahiers du Cinema has termed it a Masterpiece. So has The Variety, Time, Hollywood Reporter, Film Comment and other international publications. The film had won seven major prizes at the State film awards leaving the awards for producer, director, writer, script writer and producer out of consideration .The director had appealed to the State Government not to consider him for any of those awards. The film which is shot in cinemascope and Eastman colour has photography by Mankada Ravi Varma and Sunny Joseph. Ilaya Raja has scored music for this film, as a first time association with Adoor. Harikumar did the sound recording while Dominique Vieillard of France did the ambience sound scoring and sound editing. Ajith edited the film. The main star cast of the film includes Oduvil Unnikrishnan and Sukumari in the lead. Murali, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Indrans, Ravi Vallathol, Kukkoo Parameswaran, Thara Kalyan and new comers, Reena Rajagopal, Sunil and Sivakumar.
Vegetable prices returning to normal
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
KOCHI: Vegetable prices which had soared following the week-long truckers’ strike will take another day to stabilise, according to traders of the Ernakulam market, which has about 200-odd vegetable stalls. Though the strike was called off on Monday, with vegetable markets in the city and surrounding areas depending on Tamil Nadu and Mysore for their goods, the movement of trucks has to be normalised for the rationalisation of prices. Dealers in the neighbhouring States received the news of end to the strike only in the afternoon, traders were not able to make alternative arrangements for transportation. While many of the vegetables continued arriving on Monday by alternative means, the regular movement will commence only from Wednesday, according to traders. But there will be no shortage of items, said Mohammed Sherif, youth wing president, Ernakulam Market Stall Owners Association. Sherif, who has been transporting vegetables at double the normal price, on Monday also faced the wrath of the strikers. ‘‘While normally transportation costs Rs 2900, I had to pay upto Rs 5700 last week along with the risk involved. On Monday morning our lorry was hit by strikers at 2 a.m. at Chalakudy. So I will now have to pay for the glass as well as for the treatment of my brother who was injured,’’ he says. Damodaran, vegetable dealer at the Ernakulam Market since 1965, said that other than a few items, prices of all other essential items will become normal by Tuesday. ‘‘We bought the vegetable at a high price and risk. By Wednesday things will be back to normal at the Ernakulam market. As for the markets in the surrounding areas like Kalamassery, prices will depend on the availability of commodities,’’ Damodaran, who incurred a daily loss of Rs 1500 during the strike days, said. Meanwhile, the movement of containers at the Cochin Port has begun and will be back to normal in a day, according to Kumaran, public relations officer, Cochin Port Trust. ‘‘The containers have started moving and the backlog will be cleared in the next few days,’’ he said. Also, there will be no shortage of petrol and diesel in the district from Tuesday. The Ernakulam District Petroleum Dealers Association has called off the one-day state-wide strike called in solidarity with the truckers’ strike.
Archive files to enter hard disk
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
KOCHI: The Kerala State Archives Department is going ahead with its plan to computerise the Regional Archives, Ernakulam, which will give a new lease of life to the historical data preserved on thousands of palm leaves, bamboo splints and manuscripts. The Archives Department has submitted a proposal to the State Government in this regard. The Department will finalise the deal within a week with the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Thiruvananthapuram, which had been awarded the job a few months ago. ‘‘It is obviously a time-consuming and expensive enterprise. But there is no other way to preserve this rich collection of historical data for future researchers and historians,’’ according to the State Archives director. The project is part of a larger initiative launched by the Department some months ago to computerise the Central Archives, Thiruvananthapuram. Computerisation - how much a laborious process it may be is yet to be seen - is a big step into the future for the Regional Archives, which started out as Central Records of the Cochin State at Tripunithura in 1901 during the tenure of Diwan P Rajagopalachari. The archives was shifted to the present location near Kanayanoor Taluk office during 1935-40 when Shanmugham Shetty was the Diwan. The Archives is now manned by 17 officials including the Archives superintendent, assistant conservationist and assistant archivist. Among the priceless documents at the archives are ‘Cadjan Grandhas’ or palm leaves dating from 1525 to 1891 containing historical and land survey records of Kochi. Around 2000 churunas dating from 1818 to 1905, bamboo splints dating from 1630 to 1690, copper plates containing treaties and records of the Cochin Royal Family and manuscripts from 1684 to 1689 are preserved at the Regional Archives, Archives superintendent K K Mohanan said. Among landmark treaties preserved at the archives are the treaty signed between the Raja of Cochin and the Dutch East India Company and the last treaty with the British. The proclamation abolishing slavery, proclamation on compulsory education, several Persian documents, documents on arrival of Jews to Kerala and White Jews to Kochi and the record bearing the seal of Tipu Sultan are other important pieces. Regional Archives officials recently collected documents from the RD Office at Fort Kochi and Ernakulam as part of a state-wide operation to collect government documents which are more than 25 years old. In a bid to spread awareness among the public, the Regional Archives, Ernakulam, has expressed its readiness to organise small exhibitions in connection with public programmes. ‘‘Exhibitions are the best way to create awareness on the importance of preserving old documents. The department is also trying to buy ancient documents from private holders,’’ Regional Archives superintendent K K Mohanan said.
Encourage new talents: M G Sreekumar
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
THRISSUR: Noted playback singer M G Sreekumar said that new talents in music field should be encouraged. Addressing a meet the press programme organised by the Press Club here on Monday, he said that engaging playback singers from other states for Malayalam films not only denies opportunities to singers here, but also causes damage to Malayalam language. He disagreed with the point raised in some quarters that well-known playback singers are standing in the way of young talents in the field. He said talent in music is a gift of God and no singer can prevent others from singing. He said that with the support of media, especially the visual media, many new comers in the field are getting the necessary exposure to come up in the field. Sreekumar said that each singer has his own style. The styles of different singers are not comparable and therefore it is unfair for others to pass judgment on the performance of a singer. He said Yesudas is still the most talented and prominent singer in the field. By saying this he is not trying to belittle P Jayachandran, whose style is different, he added. The playback singer said that fast songs are more appreciated by the youth today, but they will not be remembered for long. While fast songs with classical base will be remembered longer, melody is ever lasting.
Users fee may be scrapped by month-end
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The collection of users fee from the foreign-bound travellers at the Karipur Airport here is likely to be stopped by the end of this month. A decision to this effect was taken during the talks held between the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and representatives of airport development outfits. AAI legal department executive director P K Ray, District Collector T O Sooraj, who is also the chairman of MIADS, Karipur Airport Director Subba Rao, Airport Authority Committee Chairman K T Raghunath and Malabar Chamber of Commerce representative P Sunderdas took part in the discussions. Withdrawing the users fee before July 31 would be a relief for majority of Gulf Malayalees who will be returning after spending their vacation here. Then District Collector on Monday told this website’s newspaper that the Airport Authority had expressed its willingness to pay the outstanding principal amount to HUDCO which had been funded for the development project of the airport. ‘‘Once the outstanding principal amount of Rs 6.32 crore is paid off, there won’t be a need to collect the users fee from passengers anymore,’’ he said. ‘‘We have requested P K Ray to take a final decision regarding the withdrawal of the users fee without waiting for the outcome of the cases pending in various courts,’’ he said. It may be recalled that the collection of users fee has been a vexed issue that had invited a plethora of litigations against it. So far seven public interest litigations have been filed against the Airport Authority in this regard. ‘‘Waiting for the verdict in these cases will defer the matter further, thereby prolonging the financial burden of passengers. The cessation of users fee collection has been delayed due to the attitude of the finance department of the Airport Authority which is against stopping the practice,’’ Sooraj said. Meanwhile, the Calicut Airport Committee chairman K T Raghunath told this website’s paper that in the absence of a favourable decision from the Airport Authority of India, the committee would launch a public agitation against the issue. ‘‘Most of the Gulf Malayalees who have come here for vacation will be returning back after July 31. P K Ray has assured the committee of a favourable decision by then. In the event this does not happen we will be forced to embark on a strong public agitation,’’ he said.
With limited options, IUML drives a hard bargain
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
MALAPPURAM: What clinched a consensus to adopt a soft line at the crucial IUML state secretariat meeting at Kozhikode on Monday were the clear signals from the Congress High Command that it would not entertain any demand for immediate leadership change in the State Congress and that it would not be possible to put pressure on the Chief Minister to withdraw the statement or make him apologise for his observations on the majority-minority equations in the State. In fact, the tone of the discussions at the meeting was set in the report present by Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty who said the party had very limited options before it in the current political situation in the State. The report pointed out that the decision by the Congress High Command to take strong action against the dissident moves of the `I' faction has further confined the alternatives before the party. The report paved the way for further discussions and helped the top leaders to prevail over the hawks in the party secretariat against taking a tough posture. Party secretariat member E T Muhammed Basheer and MLAs C Mammooty, P K K Bava and Kutty Ahammed Kutty pitched in for a stern stand by asking the Chief Minister to withdraw the statement and ask him to offer an explanation to the public on the statement. It was countered by raising the argument that any hard posture on the issue will not do any good for the party. It was pointed out that such an attempt would make difficult the rehabilitation of the Muslim families at Marad and would deepen the communal divide in the State. It was later decided that the party will strive to resolve the issue but will also take care that the Marad issue is not kept `live'. Confirming the party's stand, IUML supremo Panakkad Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal told our website's newspaper that the party was waiting for a decision from the part of the Government on the three crucial issues like providing relief to the displaced persons at Marad, steps for rehabilitation of the Muslim families and concrete decision on the implementation of the Narendran Commission report. The IUML hopes that the Chief Minister will take the initiative for restarting the rehabilitation process by bringing all the concerned parties to the discussion table. In fact, the two-member Congress delegation, comprising of AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi and UDF convener Oommen Chandy, had assured the IUML that the Government would take concrete steps in the three main issues, starting off with immediate steps to offer relief for the displaced families at Marad. It finally prevailed at the meeting that the party would be able to regain its sheen in the community once it succeeds in getting the Government take concrete steps on the three pivotal issues which was raised by Shihab Thangal himself on July 12, while making his first response to Chief Minister's statement. The meeting also noted that the implementation of the Narendran Commission report by the UDF Government would attest that the minorities in the State were still backward, in contrary to the observations made by the Chief Minister. It would also endow the party with a strong electoral plank, bolstering its claim as a crusader for the cause of Muslim community.
40 Students among 81 injured as two buses collide
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
KOCHI: In yet another major private bus accident in the city, 81 passengers, including nearly 40 school and college students, were injured, when two speeding private buses collided head on on Banerjee Road near St. Albert's College around 8.45 a.m. The driver of one of the buses and a student were seriously injured and admitted to the Medical Trust Hospital. Those seriously injured are identified as driver, Jaleel, 23, S/o Haneefa, Paalavakkadu, Paravoor, and Nisha Sebastian, D/o Sebastian, II BCom, St Paul's College, a native of Nettoor. According to hospital sources, Jaleel sustained head injuries and Nisha Sebastian has injuries in her eyes and head. P B Vinod, 26, driver of the bus, Riyas, has fractures on both his legs and has undergone surgery at the Specialists Hospital. The bus, Riyas, was coming from Gandhi Nagar and proceeding to Eloor ferry and the other, Gregorius, was coming from Kakkanad and proceeding to Fort Kochi. According to eyewitnesses, overtaking at high speed led to the tragic incident which injured several students and office-goers. According to a shopkeeper near St Albert's College, the bus proceeding to Eloor ferry was overtaking another vehicle and the bus coming from the opposite direction accelerated forward immediately after allowing the passengers to alight at St Albert's stop. A loud sound of collision and scream of the passengers were heard. The people who were near the area rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. Those who were in the forefront of rescuing the passengers said that autorickshaw drivers and other private vehicles cooperated in taking the injured persons to the nearby hospitals. Forty-one passengers were admitted to City Hospital, nine to Medical Trust, 22 to District Hospital, seven to Lisie Hospital and two to Specialists Hospital. The majority of the passengers in the Gandhi Nagar- Eloor ferry bus were injured as the seats came out from the platform. The toll of the number of persons injured has risen due to breaking of worn-out parts of the bus including the seat and platform in the impact of collision. The front portions of both the buses were completely damaged. Umbrellas, school bags and vanity bags were seen scattered in the buses. Blood stains were also seen in the interior of both the buses. The students of St Albert's College and St Albert's Higher Secondary School had a miraculous escape as both the buses collided after allowing the students of these institutions to alight. The majority of the other students who met with the accident were from the St Antony's School and St Paul's Polytechnic,Kalamassery. Traffic was disrupted on the Banerjee Road for nearly two hours after the mishap. Traffic resumed after the buses were removed using a crane.
Karunakaran loses ground; Antony emerges stronger
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
The veteran Congress leader, K. Karunakaran is expected to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday and urge her to effect a leadership change in Kerala for ending the present crisis in the party. Party sources said that Karunakaran, who reached New Delhi on Tuesday evening, is not in a mood to relent even after he had to beat a hasty retreat from his move to split the parliamentary party on Monday. However, though the Congress highcommand may try to pacify Karunakaran considering his stature and experience in politics and the Congress party, the demand for a leadership change is unlikely to be accepted by New Delhi. According to a report, Sonia's independent sources in the state politics, that include some senior journalists, have conveyed to her that Karunakaran is fast losing his grip over his group and his camp followers are getting frustrated with each abortive attempt to bring down Antony. This is for the second time in the last three months that Karunakaran's attempts to force a leadership change have failed miserably. But the Congress leadership is also equally worried about the prospects of the party getting affected due to internal strife, during the next Lok Sabha elections scheduled for early next year. However, the present turn of events have helped Chief Minister Antony to emerge stronger both in the Congress party as well as the UDF. The bargaining power of the Muslim League has more or less been demolished. Arch rival Karunakaran's weakness has been exposed. And as a bonus, Antony has also thwarted the BJP's efforts to come up with a wider platform cashing on the resentment among the majority community by the controversial statement largely addressing their concerns. But the Congress leaders in New Delhi understand that Karunakaran is unlikely to give up the fight so easily and that he can create more problems for Antony in future. However, following his attempt to split the party and efforts to forge an alliance with the CPI (M), Karunakaran has lost all his friends in the central leadership of the party. This has also helped in strengthening Antony's position further.
83 of 135 Marad accused are IUML men
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
A group of writers and social activists, including the Jnanapith laureate, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, K.T. Mohammed, P. Valsala and Thayatt Balan, on Tuesday appealed to the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, to order a CBI inquiry into the Marad killings since in their perception it had become necessary for restoration of peace in the violence-ravaged village. In a joint statement, they said that unless the fire of hatred that had engulfed Marad was put out without loss of time, these would consume the entire State and cause irreparable damage. By ordering a CBI probe, the groups which had been staying away from peace talks could be made to join the efforts to restore peace in Marad, it said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister A K Antony has revealed that 83 out of 135 accused in Marad carnage are activists of the IUML. This included a Panchayath member and the ward president of the Muslim League, Antony stated in a written reply in the Assembly on Tuesday. While replying to questions, the Chief Minister told the Assembly that the Government would curb the activities of organisations, which tried to create communal animosity in the State.
Antony survives another crisis
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
With Karunakaran being forced to hold fire and Muslim League deciding not to take any drastic action against the government, the two-year Antony government has survived another major crisis in the last six months. It is evident that the Congress highcommand, as they did during the Rajya Sabha election crisis in April 2003, came to Antony's rescue this time too. The parleys held between the national leadership of the party and the IUML representatives saw to it that the Muslim League doesn't desert Antony and continue as part of his ministry. The Muslim Leagues' softening of stand was evident on Monday morning itself when they rushed seven of its MLAs to the state Capital to attend the Assembly after sensing trouble during the crucial vote on the Appropriation Bill. On the other the highcommand sent strong signals to Karunakaran and told his son and KPCC president K Muralidharan that indiscipline will be dealt with sternly. "Gross indiscipline will not be tolerated any longer, enough is enough. We will not hesitate in taking action," Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president, who is in charge of party affairs in the state, told reporters in New Delhi. Following this, the Karunakaran group that had been keeping the Antony Government on the tenterhooks, backed out from extreme steps on the pretext of high command intervention. However, political observers point out that Antony's problems are far from being over. On one hand Karunakaran continues to be belligerent and has made it amply clear that he will not compromise on anything short of Antony's removal from chief ministership. Though he has backed out for the time being, Karunakaran is bound to make another attempt to bring down the government , probably during the current session of the Assembly itself. On the other hand, a section of Muslim League leaders and workers are unhappy with the state leadership of the party for its soft stand taken in response to Antony's remarks on minorities. They think that by 'swallowing the insults for the sake of continuing in power', the party has ditched the Muslim community. They also argue that the extremist elements in the community would take advantage of the situation at the cost of League's ground support. This general feeling will force the League leadership to take a sterner stand on future issues, which may even affect the good working relation that the Chief Minister enjoyed with the Muslim league ministers so far. For the time being, all eyes are now set on the Congress highcommand which has the Himalayan task of sorting out the vexed issue where one-third of its parliamentary party, including two ministers have turned against the Chief Minister.
High command sends stern signals to Kerala Congress
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
NEW DELHI: Even as veteran leader K Karunakaran on Monday openly demanded removal of A K Antony as Chief Minister, Congress high command on Monday sent out a stern signal to the state partymen that it would not tolerate any indiscipline as "enough is enough". "Gross indiscipline will not be tolerated any longer, enough is enough. We will not hesitate in taking action," Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president, who is in charge of party affairs in the state, told reporters. Patel's comment came in the wake of Karunakaran's threat of splitting the Congress legislature party asking his group of MLAs to sit as a seperate bloc and vote against the Appropriation Bill and backing out from the extreme step on the pretext of high command intervention. Asked about the demand made by Karunakaran earlier in the day, Patel said he was not aware what the senior leader had said but the central leadership was ready to discuss his "genuine grievances." Maintaining that it was the responsibility of the PCC president to maintain discipline in the state unit, he said the high command would intervene and take appropriate action to ensure unity, coordination and discipline in the state.
Christian forum supports CM's remarks
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
The United Christian Forum has said that the educational institutions run by the minorities in the State have been reduced into money-making business establishments. In a statement issue in Thiruvananthapuram, forum secretary V.M Mathunni said that the management seats in the minority-run colleges were sold to the financially rich sections irrespective of whether they belong to the majority or minority communities. The Dalit Christians were still depending on the Government-run educational institutions and even the majority section among the Christians in the State was yet to recognise them, it said. In this backdrop, Chief Minister A.K Antony's remarks on minority communities were very relevant, the statement said.
Truckers' strike withdrawn
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
The weeklong strike by lorry owners demanding the rollback of the recent 50 percent hike in the motor vehicle taxes, has been withdrawn. The strike was withdrawn after the State Transport Minister held a second round of talks with the strikers in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday morning. The change in government's stand had become apparent on Monday when State Transport Minister informed the Assembly that the hiked tax tariff will not be implemented till a final order form the High Court comes. After holding talks with the strikers, transport Minister said that the strike had started affecting the industrial climate in the state and that government has not taken it as a 'prestige issue'. In view of the decision, the one-day motor strike called in support of the agitation on Tuesday has also been put off.
25 school children injured
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
About 25 school children were injured, when a school bus in which they were travelling, collided with a state road corporation bus, at Vlathankara, near Parassala, about 30-kms from Thiruvananthapuram, this morning, police said. The injured children were hospitalised. Some of the other children travelling by the school bus were treated at the Neyyattinkara taluk hospital and later dischared, police said. Some of the children suffered fracture and minor head injuries, but the condition of none of them was serious, the hospital sources said. The school bus belonging St Peter's School had about 60 occupants, a few of them teachers, at the time of the accident. The bus was mostly carrying children studying from LKG to seventh standard.
Karunakaran demands removal of Antony
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Monday demanded removal of A K Antony as Chief Minister, but said for the time being his group was refraining from taking 'hard steps' in the light of intervention from the party High Command. Maintaining that his faction was strong enough to oust the government, he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that his faction was refraining from hard steps now since the high command had directly intervened in the matter. "It is not the feeling of the "I" group alone, but generally of the people in the state," Karunakaran said. He said AICC general secretary Ahmed Patel had talked to him on the Monday morning.
Antony asks resignation of Kadavoor and Sankaran
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister AK Antony asked resignation of Kadavoor Sivadasan and P Sankaran from the UDF cabinet. Antony called these ministers yesterday night and said if they have signed the resolution of I group to vote against the Finance Appropriation Bill, they should resign from the cabinet. The two ministers attended the faction meeting at Karunakaran's house yesterday and signed the resolution. Twenty One I faction MLAs also signed in the resolution to sit as a separate block in the House. Karunakaran's decision is expected on Monday morning. It is learned that if the decision of Karunakaran is against the interest of Congress, the High Command would intervene in it. While contacted over phone, Health Minister P Sankaran gave a vague answer that whether he signed or not.
Alapuzha port to be a tourist spot
Sunday, July 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has formulated plans to develop Alapuzha port, one of the oldest ports in the state, as a tourist attraction spot with an estimated investment of Rs 230 crores, State Minister for Port and Co-operation, M V Raghavan told the assembly on Friday. Replying to a submission for the necessity to develop the port as a major trading centre, Raghavan said with the development of Cochin port as an important business centre, business in Alapuzha had come down. Now it has been planned to make Alapuzha port as a tourist spot with a view to attract domestic and international tourists. Project report and design, undertaken by a private company, was ready and the proposal was to implement the scheme in two phases. After taking final decision, tenders would be invited from private parties for the execution of the project, he said adding the plan was to complete the work in two years after the work started.
Public sector units move petroleum products
Sunday, July 20, 2003
KOCHI: The movement of petroleum products eased on Friday as Kochi Refineries, HPCL and IOC pressed into service their tanker lorries, under tight police cordon, to supply the products to pumps across the State. The public sector oil companies were also largely successful in ensuring supply to their petrol bunks in various districts. However, the situation is far from normal. ``Compared to yesterday's crisis, when there was virtual scramble for petrol and diesel, the scene has improved a lot today,'' said an official in Kochi Refineries, which ensured supply to 15 HPCL tanker lorries on Friday.
Karunakaran holds talks with Thangal
Sunday, July 20, 2003
KOCHI: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran met IUML supremo Panakkad Mohemmadali Shihab Thangal late on Friday evening and held discussions for about an hour about the political crisis in Kerala. Karunakaran, who had left the Le Meridien Hotel after attending a marriage, returned around 10 pm with Revenue Minister K M Mani, Co-operation Minister M V Raghavan and held closed-door discussions. IUML leaders E Ahamed, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and other senior leaders were also present. The beaming ‘I’ group leaders later held a meeting at the residence of KTDC chairperson Padmaja Venugopal and deliberated on various formulae evolved at Friday’s political parleys. Sources said a senior UDF Minister has advised Karunakran not to rush to any decision before July 21. ‘‘Antony dethroned the Leader through unethical tactics. It should be a tit-for-tat,’’ the Minister is learnt to have advised the Leader. But ‘I’ group members, including Padmaja, strongly feel that they should strike when the iron is hot. ‘‘We’ve waited enough. A decision should be taken at the earliest,’’ she is learnt to have told the meeting which continued late into the night. The group meeting also discussed the possibility of winning the support of Nair Service Society to any move to topple Antony from chief ministership. Sources said the group is a bit doubtful about winning the wholehearted support of the NSS. The meeting also concluded that a majority of the JSS MLAs would rally behind Karunakaran in the event of a leadership change. Earlier, KPCC president K Muraleedharan held separate discussions with RSP(B) leader A V Thamarakshan on a crisis management mission.
FACT trade union banned from speaking to media
Sunday, July 20, 2003
The management of the public sector unit FACT instructed the trade union leaders of the company not to speak to the media. This follows the news items filed by the Asianet News at Ernakulam highlighting the anguish of the workers of FACT on the move to disinvest the central government holding in the company to private players.
Karunakaran dares AICC
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Terming the clarification given by Chief Minister AK Antony to his remarks about the organised bargaining of the minority communities as unsatisfacory, senior Congress leader K Karunakaran, blasted him in no uncertain terms at Kochi. Fresh fom his meeting with the Muslim League leadership at Kochi , Karunakaran made it clear in unequivocal terms that Antony has to go. "It is for the Congress High Command to take a decision about it. What Antony told is contrary to the Congress stand on minorities. If High Command fails to take any action, there will be reaction from Kerala," declared Karunakaran to media persons. Karunakaran also told that most of the allies in the UDF are against the government. Today's outburst by Karunakaran is seen as the severest from him against Antony in the recent past.
Multilingual Linux software versions hit market
Saturday, July 19, 2003
NEW DELHI JULY 18. Linux For You (LFY), a magazine involved in the promotion of open source software, today announced a multilingual version of Linux. Available so far in English, Linux educational software solutions now have versions in several major Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali, Gurmukhi and Gujarati. It has been developed at the LFY Labs here. Called "Linux from India For You" (LiFY), the educational version of Linux claims to provide cost-effective software solutions to a cross-section of the population. It has been integrated with applications that are useful for education. These include applications meant for students at school, college and research level. As is the case with all Linux products, the applications are based on open source which means they can be used totally royalty-free. The source code is also available for modification and re-use by programmers. LiFY has been integrated with applications devised by Indian programmers. The operating system does not need any installation and can run directly from CD-ROM. "The support of all major Indian languages in LiFY will make it a universal choice for all Indians. Till now the basic language for computing was English. Now Indians will be able to use their own languages in computers using LiFY,'' said the LFY editor, Rahul Chopra. Allowing users the freedom to know the source code, modify it and redistribute it, Linux is said to be an ally in the process of democratisation of societies. Its far bigger rival, Microsoft, has called Linux "a cancer that spreads to anything it touches" and "not a real cost saver in the long run." But the company also admits that Linux scores over Windows in hardware utilisation and lower licensing costs. India, like many developing countries, is debating over the merits of using open source software compared to propriety software of companies (Microsoft) who closely protect their source code. At the same time, some Government institutions such as the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, the National Centre for Software Technology and the National Informatics Council have teamed up with the IITs to develop Linux for Indian languages.
MV Raghavan endorses Antony's views on minority bargaining power
Saturday, July 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In one of the staunchest speeches delivered by him, Kerala Minister For Co-operation fully endorsed the views expressed by Chief Minister AK Antony about the bargaining power of the minorities of the state. It may be a rather strange coincidence that the venue happened to be the seminar organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists in connection with its 41st state conference at Thiruvananthapuram. For, MV Raghavan was the president of the function organised by Kerala Press Academy at Kakkanadu in 1993 where AK Antony delivered the famous Mathai Manjooran Memorial Lecture which is considered as a turning point of his political career. Raghavan decried the tendency of a section of the people to criticize Antony for his views on the ground realities. "What one fails to notice is that there isn't much difference between the majority and minority communities in Kerala", said Raghavan. He also criticized in no uncertain terms those who issue ultimatum to the Government on the rehabilitation issue at Maraad. "Those who shout from the rooftop that the government failed to safeguard the constitutional rights of the minorities at Maraad should bear in mind that the eight persons who were massacred in a span of five minutes also were denied the rights enshrined in the constitution", reminded Raghavan. He also came down heavily on those who work for mainstream political parties during daytime and devote their nocturnal activities for organizations like NDF. Raghavan asked leaders like Shihab Ali Thangal, President of the Kerala faction of the Muslim League to see to it that the cadre do not go wayward. "One should not forget the fact that it was from the sacred Mosque at Marad that blood stained weapons like swords and knives were seized by the police. Hence the demand to hand over the Mosque to the Wakf Board does not carry much weight", MVR concluded.
CID Moosa
Saturday, July 19, 2003
Dilip make a handsome profit Cast: Dileep, Bhavana, Harisri Asokan, Oduvil, Jagathy, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sharat Saxena, Cochin Haneefa, Murali, Vijayaraghavan, Abu Salim, Narayanankutty, Machchaan Varghese, Kalabhavan Shajon and Sukumari. Music: Vidyasagar Direction: Jhonny Antony Dileep is undoubtedly the clear number one in Malayalam cinema. His latest release CID Moosa, his own home production has grossed Rs 1.07 crore from 32 prints in the first three days of its release in Kerala! CID Moosa has beaten all existing records at the Kerala box-office. And the star has done this against all odds and nature’s fury as the monsoon has strengthened in Kerala. Even as it was raining cats and dogs, all theatres in Kerala saw unprecedented crowds during the weekend. Suresh Shenoy of Shenoy Cinemax in Kochi told: We have not seen this kind of crowd for any film in recent time. Dileep has proved that he has the best opening among Malayalam superstars. Though the film carries mixed reports among the audience, Moosa will not only recover its cost within a week but producer Dileep will make a handsome profit! Will it be a hit? Theatres are full but in film parlance the report is not good. Dilip manages to raise laughs but he resorts to slapstick, crudity, and vulgarity to do it. He might have reached out to the masses but in the process takes Malayalam cinema one-step behind. Editor Rajan Pramod, cameraman Salu and music director have done a good job. Debutant director Johny must be given credit for doing a good job and giving the film a touch of grandeur. Special mention must be made of the dog Arjunan Dileep has produced the comedy film along with his brother Anoop. For the first time Jhonny Antony has tried hands in direction. Apart from this the film has lot of other surprises. Prabhakaran (Oduvil), is a police constable who has a son Sahadevan (Dilip), who dreams of joining the police force as an Inspector. Not that he just dreams and does nothing. Sahadevan put earnest efforts and even cleared the exams, But he could not make it at the physical test. Later he comes to know that his brother-in-law Pithambaran (Jagathy) got his failed in the physical test. Sahadevan's uncle suggests his to become a private detective. This gives birth to CID Moosa. Along with Dileep we have Harisri Asokan and a dog solving cases. Its laugh riot and also its our dog which solves most of the cases. Some scenes of this film reminds one very much of the old flicks PATTANA PRAVESAM and NADODIKATTU. Bhavana for the very first time acts with Deleep. She plays the role of a bubbly character Meena, who loses her job because of Sahadevan. Then eventually they land becoming very good friends. The rest of the casting includes Ashish Vidyarthi, Sharat Saxena, Cochin Haneefa, Murali, Vijayaraghavan, Abu Salim, Narayanankutty, Machchaan Varghese, Kalabhavan Shajon and Sukumari. Sibi K Thomas and Udayakrishna have scripted the film. Gireesh Puthencherry has written the lyrics for which music is provided by Vidyasagar. The highly script conscious Dileep has faltered in his own home production and has no basic plot or storyline. Dileep's bumbling private detective here tries hard to make us laugh, but in sum CID Moosa’s antics leave the viewer neither shaken nor stirred! Moolamkuziyil Sahadevan (Dileep) is the son a police constable (Oduvil Unnikrishnan) in the dog squad. Sahadevan has only one ambition and that is to join the police department and for that he has cleared the exams and is waiting for the physical test. But he has an enemy in his brother-in-law Peethambaran (Jagathy Sreekumar) who does not like him. Along with the police commissioner (Ashish Vidyarthi), Peetambaran sees that Sahadevan does not clear his physical test. But Sahadevan does not give up and becomes a private detective and calls himself CID Moosa! He has Arjun, a smart dog who was condemned for mercy killing by the police dog squad and a funky car that sprays chilli powder and throws marbles to assist him. Moosa’s mission is to save the life of Kerala Chief Minister (Murali) who is under death threat from a group of terrorists. Moosa has a lover Meena (Bhavana) who is a Gujarati girl. Dileep and his debutant director Johnny have borrowed bits and shards from various Hollywood comedies like K- 9, Police Academy and Austin Power series along with Spiderman and Superman costumes to bring children to the theatre. Added to that he has liberally helped himself to borrow certain scenes from Shahrukh Khan’s Baadshah, to make a ‘kitchidi’ of a film. The major problem with CID Moosa is that Dileep is unsure whether to be a mocking secret agent or to be an action hero! There are many continuity lapses in the narration and the screenplay is strictly baloney. The heroine, Bhavana is a major letdown as she lacks glamour to go with the role and even Jagathy Sreekumar hams, while less said about the supporting cast the better (What is Salim Kumar doing in the film?). Vidyasagar’s music is very average. On the whole, the adventures of CID Moosa are crammed with childish gags, puerile pranks and toilet humour, which may go down with the Kerala audience who are no-holds-barred crass comedy addicts.
Talks to end truckers’ strike fail
Saturday, July 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A crucial meeting between Transport Minister R. Balakrishna Pillai and representatives of truck owners here on Friday failed to resolve the truckers' strike that entered the fourth day, hitting distribution of essential commodities. The truckers had gone on an indefinite strike from Tuesday demanding rollback of the recent hike in motor vehicle taxes. Pillai told newspersons after the meeting that the non-compromising stand by a section of truckers had made the meeting inconclusive. Pillai said that he had explained the government's stand at the meeting. ``The court had said that those truckers who do not participate in the strike need to pay only 25 percent excess tax. The truckers should call off the strike and comply with this,'' he said. However, the truckers were unwilling to compromise on their demand for a complete roll-back of the tax hike, |
