Jayakrishnan verdict: Cases against 17 CPM leaders for threatening judge
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Jayakrishnan verdict: Cases against 17 CPM leaders for threatening judge KOZHIKODE: Police have registered cases against 17 CPM leaders including its secretariat member E P Jayarajan for threatening Additional District and Sessions Judge K K Chandra Das who had pronounced death sentence on five party workers in the Jayakrishnan murder case. The other leaders include State committee members and MLAs P Jayarajan and M V Jayarajan, former MLA Mammu Master, Panur area committee secretary P Harindran, DYFI State vice-president Rejeendranath, and block secretary Prakashan. They have been charged under IPC Section 506 (1) (criminal intimidation), 143 and 147 (unlawful assembly), and 188 (disobeying order). The cases have been charged against the CPM leaders for taking out procession without prior permission and threatening the Judge at a public meeting organised by the party at East Mokeri near Thalassery on August 28. The meeting was held to protest against the court verdict. Thalassery police have also charged cases against CPM leaders James Mathew, Kunhanandan, Rejeendranath and Shamsheer for showering abuse on the Judge. They have been charged under IPC Section 294 (B) (uttering obscene words in public), 427 (mischief), 323 (assaulting without weapon) and 188. According to the police, a mob led by these leaders organised a march in Thalassery on August 26, shortly after the Judge delivered the verdict. Apart from shouting abusive slogans, the mob had also attacked an autorickshaw. Meanwhile, the CPM is organising another protest meeting in Panur on Sunday. Former chief minister and CPM politburo member E K Nayanar will address the gathering. Police have given permission to use mike at the meeting.
Marad: Hindus threaten to launch nationwide stir
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Marad: Hindus threaten to launch nationwide stir 30/08/2003 Thousands of Hindu protesters marched in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, demanding a CBI probe into the Marad carnage of may2, in which eight Hindu fishermen were killed in a lightning attack. The leaders of the Hindu Aikya Vedi , who organised the march, later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister containing the same demand. VHP leader Achray Giriraj Kishore inaugurated the march, which started from Vellayambalam. The Acharya, in his speech, held anti -national forces prompted by Pakistan responsible for the Marad incident. VHP state leader and Aikya Vedi convener Kummanam Rajasekharan said that the VHP and other Hindu organisation would organise nationwide protest to highlight the issue, if the demand is not met. 'Hindus would not remain passive any more. The jails in the state would overflow with our protestors,' he warned while inaugurating the dharna before the state secretariat, at the end of the march. The march and the dharna were peaceful. Heavy security arrangements were made by the police to avoid any unpleasant incidents. Traffic diversions were also made from the morning on all major roads of the city. The state Chief Minister AK Antony is scheduled to meet the BJP leaders on September 4 to discuss the issue.
Ernakulam: Three in contention for Congress seat
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Ernakulam: Three in contention for Congress seat The KPCC election committee which met at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday finalised a panel of three contenters from which one will be selected as the party candidate for the Ernakulam by-election scheduled for September 23. The committee consisting of Chief Minister AK Antony, KPCC President K Muraleedharan and other senior leaders of the party finalised the names of Leno Jacob (I group), MO John(A Group) and Lijo (Third group). K Muraleedharan will submit the names to the AICC High Command which will declare the name of the candidate. Asianet News Correspondent K Ajith who had exhaustive interaction with a host of Congress leaders in the KPCC Head Quarters at Thiruvananthapuram told asianetglobal.com that in all probability Leno Jacob, a prominent Latin Catholic leader of the I group and a close acolyte of K .Karunakaran stands a better chance of becoming the Congress candidate in the by-election caused by the death of George Eden.
Sobig 'Carpet Bombs' the Internet
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Sobig 'Carpet Bombs' the Internet 30/08/2003 Sobig-F, which has been causing chaos on corporate networks the past three days, is now being called the fastest spreading virus in the industry's history. ''It was a carpet bombing,'' says Chris Belthoff, a senior security analyst with Lynfield, Mass.-based Sophos Inc., an anti-virus company. ''We're judging this to be the fastest spreading worm ever, even surpassing Klez and LoveBug. This is really just a complete swamping, or inundation, of networks... Companies are having their email systems taken down because of the sheer volume of emails they're getting. It's a slow down, then a slow to a crawl and then just being taken offline.'' Sobig-F, which first appeared this past Monday as the latest member of the malicious Sobig virus family, hit the Internet hard, flooding email servers and inboxes. Corporate networks staggered under the barrage with network access slowing to a crawl, and some email systems being taken temporarily offline to stop the siege. AOL saw email traffic nearly quardruple yesterday, according to Nicholas Graham, an AOL spokesman. Graham says AOL scans email attachments at the gateway, checking for viruses. On an average day, the ISP scans approximately 11 million attachments. On Wednesday, the staff scanned 40.5 million email attachments and found 23.7 of those to be infected with viruses. Of those, 23.2 million were infected with Sobig-F. ''People are just getting pummeled, either with the virus or with notifications,'' says MJ Shoer, president and chief technology officer of Jenaly Technology Group, Inc., an IT provider and consultant based in Portsmouth, N.H. ''We're just getting beaten on. One of our clients is seeing a 90 percent increase in email messages. In the case of my mailbox, it's close to 70 percent. And I have a firewall, a spam and content filter and anti-virus.'' And Shoer says the virus attack is bringing regular work to a standstill. ''It's rendered IT staffs useless,'' he adds. ''They're just flooded. If there was going to be a rollout or something, it's just not getting done. We're putting off everything that was a high priority.'' Shoer also noted that he talked to an IBM engineer on Wednesday who wasn't able to offer him customer service because his email was down. Security analysts verified IBM's troubles but the company could not be reached for comment and its Web site was unresponsive Wednesday afternoon. ''A lot of corporations and universities had to literally shut down their email networks because of the huge volume of traffic of inbound Sobig emails and bounced email messages,'' says Steve Sundermeier, vice president of products and services at Central Command Inc., an anti-virus company based in Medina, Ohio. ''If you're talking about a large corporation -- a Fortune 100 or a Fortune 200 -- and you take down an email system for an hour, it could cost that corporation a million dollars.'' But three different security experts say the Sobig-F assault seems to have peaked yesterday afternoon, when the malicious email was accounting for at least 70 percent of all email flowing around the world. Today, the number is still high but most estimate that it has dropped down into the 60 percent to 70 percent range. Sophos' Belthoff says the virus, which is a mass-mailing worm that also can spread via network shares, hit the Net so hard so quickly because of the spam-like spreading technique that the author used. ''They carpet bombed the Internet and played the numbers game,'' says Belthoff. ''There were just millions of copies out there hitting the Internet all at the same time. It's a matter of sending out enough copies so that somebody will click on it. When you send out that many, even a small percentage of a response, is going to make for a successful virus.'' But other security analysts say the virus is hitting the Internet so hard because it is building on the impact of its Sobig predecessors. Sundermeier explains that earlier variants of Sobig have infected computers and then downloaded Trojans to set the machines up to be hidden proxy servers. ''The author has a huge army now for the next seeding,'' he says. ''Every Sobig variant becomes bigger and bigger, and we believe it's because of this army he's building of infected machines.'' Sobig-F is designed to die out on Sep. 10. That's leading many analysts to suspect that the next variant will hit on Sep. 11 or soon after. And if that variant builds on the malicious success of Sobig-F, then the damage could be even worse. AOL's Graham says they are already planning defenses for the next Sobig attack. ''We're already gearing up for the next variant, Sobig-G, if you will,'' he says. When the worm arrives via email, it poses as a .pif or .scr file. The sender's address is spoofed. The subject lines used are taken from a list, including 'Re: That movie', 'Re: Wicked screensaver', 'Re: Approved' and 'Your details'.
One Alliance channels are back on Asianet
Sunday, August 31, 2003
One Alliance channels are back on Asianet 23/08/2003 Asianet Satellite Communications Ltd, the largest Cable Service Provider in the state, has resumed carrying the SONY bouquet of cable TV channels w.e.f. August 21,2003. Sony, Setmax, HBO, AXN, Discovery and Animal Planet channels that were not carried by Asianet Cable Network would now be available to subscribers across all 45 Asianet centres in Kerala. These channels were not carried by Asianet since May, 2003 following a commercial dispute with the SET-Discovery Ltd., the distributors for "the One-Alliance" group that comprises the above six channels and NDTV. The dispute between Asianet and SET-Discovery Ltd. has been amicably resolved on terms that will enable Asianet to avoid any increase in subscription tariff.
Jayakrishnan murder case: Murder convicts to move HC
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Jayakrishnan murder case: Murder convicts to move HC KANNUR: The five convicts in the Jayakrishnan murder case, who have been locked up in the condemned cells at the Central Jail, here, are planning to approach the High Court with the plea that the action of keeping them in condemned cells was a violation of the Supreme Court directive in this regard. The CPM leadership has already held discussions in this regard with legal experts. All the five convicts, sentenced to death, have been shifted to the condemned cells after the judgment was delivered on Tuesday by the Additional District and Sessions Court.
Jiji Thomson refuses to accept posting as Industry Secretary
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Jiji Thomson refuses to accept posting as Industry Secretary THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rift between KSIDC managing director Jiji Thomson and Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty has widened with the latter refusing to accept the post of the Industry Secretary. Jiji was made the Industry Secretary in the top-level bureaucratic shuffle in the last Cabinet meeting. Jiji had met Chief Minister A.K.Antony and explained the way the KSIDC was being sidelined by the Industries Department in effectively carrying out the post-Global Investor Meet activities. He had also sought a transfer from the Industries Department. The Chief Minister told him to wait till his return from Srinagar. The decision to appoint him as the Industry Secretary was revoked at the Cabinet meeting on Friday and he was confined to the post of Secretary for the Non-resident Keralites Affairs Department. Jiji Thomson reportedly told the Chief Minister that he would not like to continue in the Industries Department as Kunhalikutty seemed to have lost confidence in him. He was shifted from the KSIDC at a time when some crucial GIM projects were at the take-off stage. This is the second time in the last couple of months a senior IAS official has complained to the Chief Minister against their respective ministers. Earlier, former Forest Secretary E.K.Bharat Bhushan had sought to be relieved from the Forest Department following differences with Forest Minister K.Sudhakaran. The Industry Minister and the KSIDC MD had developed differences on a number of key issues including the follow-up of GIM, funding of KSIDC and the corporation role in computerisation of local bodies. There were reports that Kunhalikutty had even forced Jiji Thomson to cancel some press briefings organised by the KSIDC to explain the follow-up activities on GIM projects. The latest was the last-minute cancellation of the press briefing announced by the KSIDC on the occasion of completion of six months after the GIM. Another shocking decision taken by the Government was to deny any substantial fund for the KSIDC, which is the nodal agency for implementing GIM projects, in this year's budget. The constitution of the Investment Promotion Board was also delayed.
Antony criticises CPI (M) outburst against court
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Antony criticises CPI (M) outburst against court 29/08/2003 Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday criticised the CPI (M) for organising public protests against a court which had sentenced five of its activists to death in connection with the brutal killing of Yuva Morcha leader Jayakrishnan in front of his students. Talking to newspersons in Thiruvananthapuram after a meeting of the State Cabinet, he said the CPI (M) should not have taken such a stand, on the landmark judgment as far as the Malabar region of Kerala was concerned. ''Earlier, there existed a situation where no one was willing to appear before a court as a witness in political killings. The judgment is a warning to all that no one could escape the law of the land with mere political patronage,'' Antony added. He said the Government would give all possible protection to the school children who had given statements before the court. Referring to the court's direction to the Government to appoint an external agency to probe the role of certain police officials who had tried to scuttle the investigation into the case, the Chief Minister said the Government would take necessary steps to implement the court order.
Atham today: count down to Thiruvonam begins
Saturday, August 30, 2003
The Onam revelry in the state begins on Saturday with welcoming Atham day that marks the arrival of the festive season From the Atham day, for ten days, flowers are arranged in various formations in the front yard or verandah of the houses. This is known as 'Athappookalam,' an assortment of flowers in different colours. Nowadays, local clubs, residents' associations and cultural organisations have also started erecting their Pookalam pandals in small and big towns all over the state. Instead of flowers, many use couloured sand or powder to make the assortment. However, the highlight of the day would be the procession called Athachamaya procession in the sleepy town of Thrippunithara near Ernakulam that comes to life on Atham day. Art forms of ancient and modern times, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, floats and folk dances add colour and substance to this procession. Athaghosham is not a mere pageant, it is a unique experience, an event that lingers long in our memory. In other parts of the state, elephant pageantry, presentation of classical and folk dance performances, cultural shows and water carnivals form part of the celebrations during the next fortnight. Onam festivities in many parts culminates on the tenth day of Thiruvonam, but in some places it stretches upto Uthrittathi day. The most important celebrations are on four days- Uthradam, Thiruvonam, Avittom and Chathayam.
By poll to be a referendum, says Pinarayi
Saturday, August 30, 2003
By poll to be a referendum, says Pinarayi 29/08/2003 The by election to the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency would be a referendum of the UDF government in the state, CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday. Vijayan said the verdict would reflect the public anger against the two-year old 'misrule' of Antony government in the state. The CPM secretary was speaking at a press conference in Ernakulam called to announce the candidature of Dr Sebastian Paul , as LDF supported independent candidate for the poll. Vijayan hoped that the people would vote against the UDF in the coming election for its failure on a host of issues including the breaking down of law and order front and appeasement of communal forces. Answering a questions, Vijayan denied that the CPM was collaborating with the Congress party at the national level. Earlier the CPM secretary inaugurated the election committee office of the LDF in Ernakulam south
Police on high alert in Malabar
Friday, August 29, 2003
Police on high alert in Malabar By Biju Govind KOZHIKODE AUG. 28. North Kerala has been put on high alert following the bomb blasts in Mumbai on Monday and the recovery of a bomb from a State transport bus here last week. The top brass of the police has decided to step up surveillance in the districts bordering the neighbouring States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The activities of the inter-State nodal offices functioning at Kannur and Palakkad would be intensified, according to highly-placed sources. For the last several months, the Kannur nodal office had been coordinating activities with the police in Mangalore, and the Palakkad office with the Coimbatore police to keep a tab on the cross-border anti-social elements. These measures were taken primarily to check the flow of explosive materials into the State. However, of late, it has been found that inter-State criminal activities have increased in North Kerala. Inter-State extremists organisations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka having strong links with some of the fundamental groups in Kerala have posed a serious challenge to the police and the intelligence agencies. Although the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and the Islamic Sevak Sangham (ISS) are defunct, these outfits have resurfaced in other names and are continuing their activities in the State. As many as 13 Muslim and Hindu organisations were classified under the category of the fundamentalist outfits. Police sources said that instructions had been issued to monitor the activities of these outfits and give a report from time to time. The sources said extremists had found an easy route to recruit local people for anti-social activities through various outfits functioning in the State. Funds for the purpose were pumped through hawala trading a. Rs.3,000-crore illegal business is taking place in Malabar annually. Religious indoctrination also provided easy fodder for the recruitment of unemployed youths in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting, chaired by the North Zone Inspector General of Police, Venugopal K. Nair, held here on Wednesday, decided to intensify the ongoing `Operation Sasthra' at all levels. The DIGs from Thrissur and Kannur, the SPs of Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Palakkad districts, participated in the meeting. Speaking to The Hindu here today, Mr. Venugopal K. Nair said the clandestine operations being carried out in uninhabited estates in Wayanad and Malappuram districts would be dealt with an iron hand. Steps were being taken to check whether the explosives legitimately procured for quarrying were diverted for criminal activities, he said.
Matsyafed MD, 9 others suspended
Friday, August 29, 2003
Matsyafed MD, 9 others suspended By Our Special Correspondent THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AUG. 28. The Registrar of Cooperatives (Fisheries), K. Suresh Kumar, has ordered the suspension of the managing director of the Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) and nine other officials under the provisions of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act for their involvement in alleged irregularities in the purchase of outboard motor engines for use by fisherfolk. On orders from the Registrar, the Superintendent of Police (Marine Enforcement and Vigilance), V. C. Soman, who is also the Vigilance Officer of the Department of Fisheries, and a team of officers conducted a search of the Matsyafed head office here today and seized files, books, records and accounts connected with the decision to purchase outboard motor engines from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. The suspension order and today's search formed part of an ongoing inquiry into diverse aspects of engine purchases already made by Matsyafed and that proposed to be made over the coming two years.The Registrar has ordered the suspension of the Matsyafed managing director, N. Aravindakshan, and other officers under Section 66 (B) of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act. As stipulated in the Act, the direction has been issued to the Board of Directors of Matsyafed. The Registrar has found them guilty of having indulged in ``misappropriation, manipulation of accounts, forgery, destruction/tampering of records of the Society which could result in situations detrimental to Matsyafed's responsibility for safeguarding the interests of the Federation, the primary cooperative societies and their member fishermen''. The other officials sought to be suspended are Ramanujan, general manager, K. S. Chowdhury, executive (marketing), D. Dileep Kumar, accounts officer, K. R. Ravindran, accounts officer/PRO, Abraham Cherian, assistant executive engineer, V. Rekha, project officer/PA to chairperson, Harikumar, project officer, Sumangala Kumari Amma, project officer/EA to MD and M. R. Krishnankutty Nair, confidential assistant to the general manager. The Registrar, who is also the Director of Fisheries, had issued the notice for dissolution of the Board even as it was working on the purchase of 1,500 outboard engines over the coming two years. On July 30, it had decided to purchase the first lot of 375 engines. The Registrar had frozen the decision and, on August 12, he had rescinded it ``finding the decision and the deals and transactions detrimental to the interests of the Federation, its primary cooperative societies and their member fishermen''.
Legislation for rehab of Gulf returnees: Verma
Friday, August 29, 2003
Legislation for rehab of Gulf returnees: Verma KOCHI: India's Labour Ministry is working on a new legislation to protect the economic interests of expatriate workers and has offered to rehabilitate the Gulf returnees availing amnesty schemes, Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma has said. After meeting Indian labourers at their camps, he said the draft bill is currently before the Standing Committee of Parliament. The plan includes setting up of a social security authority to protect the interests of workers particularly in the unorganised sector. Verma said Indian embassies are currently engaged in compiling a database of Indian expatriates so that their interests can be ensured and safeguarded. During a brief visit here yesterday the minister said a special NRI cell would be set up in his ministry that would organise a one-week orientation programme for workers going abroad to acquaint them of the working conditions overseas. He said an insurance scheme that is operating now provides for medical treatment to the extend of Rs 30,000 of the worker and his family members for an annual premium of Rs 500. The insurance covers accidental death and permanent disability. In the event of death, a compensation of Rs 50,000 would be paid to the next of the kin. Verma said the government would pay towards embalming and transportation of the worker's body and provide air ticket for one person accompanying the body. He urged workers at labour camps to register with the Indian mission so that their families could avail of Rs 50 per day for 15 days if they fall sick and unable to work.
Karunakaran holds talks with I group followers
Friday, August 29, 2003
NEW DELHI: Former chief minister K Karunakaran held discussions with his I group followers about the candidate for the ensuing Ernakulam by-poll. Karunakaran, who was undergoing treatment in the Escorts Heart Institute here for the past ten days, was discharged yesterday. Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sadasivan and Health Minister P Sankaran met Karunakaran yesterday. Legislature party chief whip P P George also met him. According to I group circles; Karunakaran may suggest the name of their nominee on telephone. Though Sankaran said the leader might reach the state by August 30, Karunakaran's staff said there was no confirmed travel plans.
SWR to ply special trains for Onam
Friday, August 29, 2003
SWR to ply special trains for Onam BANGALORE: South Western Railway (SWR), Bangalore Division today announced the running of two special trains to clear the extra rush during Onam festival. The Bangalore-Quilon-Bangalore Special would leave here at 2015 hrs on September five and 12 and in the return direction, the train would leave Quilon on September six and 13, according to a release here. The Yesvanthpur-Cannanore-Yesvanthpur Special would leave Yesvanthpur on September six and in the return direction on September nine from Cannanore.
Consult states "more closely", Antony asks centre
Friday, August 29, 2003
Consult states "more closely", Antony asks centre JAMMU: Chief Minister AK Antony asked the Centre to finalise its stand at the coming WTO meeting at Cancun after close consultation with state governments on the issues expected to dominate the talks. "Non-consultation has led to serious problems for states in the past, especially as the issues concern subjects which, under the Constitution, are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the state government," Antony said at the Inter-State Council (ISC) meeting at Srinagar. Antony called for evolving a new system of economic federalism as the Centre and the states were faced with increasing challenges from the global economy. Saying that economic policy decisions could no longer be taken casually based on the requests of one or two states without assessing their implication for others, he referred particularly to the decisions taken regarding reduction of customs duty for import of palm oil and natural rubber. These have had a sweeping impact on the economy of Kerala whose farmers and the state lost a whopping Rs 6000 crore as the prices fell drastically. "Let not this painful experience be repeated," said Antony. He expressed the hope the Inter-state council meeting would make a new beginning by resolving to have frequent interaction and discussions before decisons having major implication for the states were taken. Antony wanted the Centre to constitute a sub-committee of the ISC with a brief to monitor the implementation of the unanimous recommendations of the ISC and to bring those which were not implemented, to the notice of the Prime Minister for appropriate action. A one year deadline should be fixed for the implementation of all the previous unanimous recommendations of the ISC. He demanded the Centre to improve the criminal jurisprudence system which, he said, was long overdue. "The Centre should quickly tackle this issue which has become a national problem," he added. Pointing out that most of the states had been reeling under a fiscal crisis, Antony said the Centre should reduce the interest burden on the states. He also wanted it to do a massive debt swapping exercise with the ceiling on interest pegged at not more than six per cent. The plan assistance to the state governments should also be provided in the ratio of 50:50 (grant and loan) rather than 30:70 as at present.
Govt considering 3 slab fee structure for merit seats
Friday, August 29, 2003
Govt considering 3 slab fee structure for merit seats K PRASANNAKUMAR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is considering an option of three slabs for the fees of the merit students in Self-financing colleges. Meanwhile the fee for management seats would be increased to four lakh. The Cabinet sub committee would meet today again with opposition party leaders and representatives of Medical College managements. The Cabinet meeting today evening would announce the new fees structure. Though the there is less chance for the reducing the engineering fees, the management representatives have been called for the discussions today. In 25 per cent merit seats, for the low income group candidates need to pay only Rs 9,625 the fees of government medical colleges. Those upto three lakh rupees as income have to pay Rs 50,000 as annual tuition fees. And those come above that would be paying Rs 1.76 lakh per annum. The fee for management quota would be 4.38lakh.
Mumbai Blast: Hunt for a Malayalee gang leader
Friday, August 29, 2003
Mumbai Blast: Hunt for a Malayalee gang leader VD SELVAKUMAR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Intelligence Agency is looking for terrorist group in which a Malayalee is the leader and who are behind the Mumbai bomb blast. They are looking for a man named Basheer who was a former student of Aluva UC College and was doing business in gulf. The intelligence agency got report that he is the leader of a terrorist group called Lekshre -Thaiba, which flourishes from Mumbai to Malabar. Basheer's name came up while the intelligence was searching for the man behind the blast in the bus in Mumbai during March. The Mumbai police later told in the press conference that a Malayalee is also associated in the bomb blast. And this had become important news in Kerala. Later it became know that Basher who is in Gulf helped the terrorist who did the blast by providing money and men for the operation. There is also a doubt of Malayalee group behind the latest blast because the taxis used were run by Malayalee drivers. After 2002 December, this is the seventh blast that has taken place in Mumbai. Like the earlier blast the police is suspecting the hands of terrorist group like SIMI and Leksher behind it. Not only that Home Minister Advani also have said that he doubt these terrorist groups behind the blast. Basheer was the president of SIMI while he was a student at UC College. Later he joined a course of Aeronautical engineering and worked at Safdar Jung airport at New Delhi. From there he got connection with Kashmir terrorists and later he got training at Pakistan. Basheer is now acting as the South Commandant Head of Lekshar, which includes Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The information got from the intruders in custody of Border Security Force says that they have contact with Basheer and some people at Malappuram District. The BSF have got telephone numbers of these people from the intruders. Earlier, when the information came, Union Minister O Rajagopal had demanded a Kashmir like enquiry at Malappuram also.
Kerala in biotech arrangement with Avesthagen
Friday, August 29, 2003
Kerala in biotech arrangement with Avesthagen Wednesday, August 27, 2003 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A week after announcing its biotechnology policy, the Kerala government has signed an agreement with a top firm to leverage the state's rich biodiversity and expertise in traditional healing systems like ayurveda. John Mathai, Kerala's principal secretary for industries, and Villoo Morawala-Patell, CEO and founder of Avestha Gengraine Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Avesthagen), signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) here on Tuesday. The two sides agreed to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which will be a new company incorporated through the strategic alliance of Bangalore-based Avesthagen and Kerala's industries department. The SPV will be constituted within three months with a minimum initial corpus of Rs.100 million. Avesthagen will assist and support the SPV to establish state-of-the-art biotechnology infrastructure and expertise in Kerala. As a first step, a steering committee is being formed comprising two members from either side who will prepare a detailed business plan, including specific research objectives, investment particulars and milestones. Avesthagen will take the lead, with necessary support from the industries department, in securing funding for the SPV. The MoU envisages the SPV offering world-class means to interested institutions and individuals within Kerala and elsewhere who wish to get their traditional medicine products evaluated and validated for potential marketing globally. The SPV shall through Avesthagen enter into suitable arrangements with Avesthagen Inc. of the U.S. and find other suitable partners to aid in the marketing of its products worldwide. Industries Minister P.K. Kunjalikutty said the government is interested in promoting industrial initiatives and investment within Kerala that utilize the state's biodiversity resources in a sustainable, scientific, efficient and profitable manner while ensuring that the intellectual property rights of stakeholders is protected. Avesthagen's Morawala-Patell said: "The SPV will create and offer access to state-of-the-art biotechnology infrastructure and expertise within the state of Kerala for the validation of traditional medicine and herbal remedies for end-to-end development of phytoceuticals and allied products as per the current and emerging standards applicable to national and international markets."
I'm a feminist by default: Nandita Das
Thursday, August 28, 2003
I'm a feminist by default: Nandita Das WASHINGTON: Actress Nandita Das says it is merely a coincidence that she has done only women-oriented roles since her foray into films. "I am a feminist by default," she remarked at a reception held in her honour at the Indian embassy here by Ambassador Lalit Mansingh. She has enacted with aplomb roles depicting women fighting for justice whether it was in Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Ma or Bawandar. She said, "I just happen to be doing women-oriented roles. It was never a conscious decision. I have been selecting my roles instinctively. Thinking in those terms can only limit one as an actress." Nandita, who has starred in 29 films and directed documentaries on AIDS and other social issues, says the silver screen has proven to be an outlet for her message on social issues. "It was another medium in which I could share ideas and causes," she said. "One film led to another, and then to bigger productions. I put my best into them, but it is social work and development that are my true calling." Although she has created a niche for herself, she says she has no plans to refuse commercials films. "I am not saying I will never do the regular song and dance routine. Tomorrow, if there is an offer that I find impossible to refuse, I will take it up. I have never been the kind to say that I will do just this or that," she said. She also felt that since cinema is a medium to convey a powerful message, it could create quite an impact on the youth, who go to the movies regularly. Yet she regretted that film stars shun from asserting themselves on social issues for fear of becoming controversial. The actress was in the US with her husband Saumya Sen to promote their documentary filmmaking venture Leapfrog, which she said would go a long way in fulfilling the communications need of the developing world. Her dream, she says, is to work on development projects and small feature films devoted to public service campaigns involving women and children. Nandita, clad in a mustard-coloured Kanjeevaram sari with matching jewellery, spoke about her experience doing the role of a wronged woman in Jagmohan Mundhra's 'Bawandar', which told the real life story of a middle aged woman, Bhanwari Devi, who was gang-raped in Rajasthan. Nandita, who won the Best Actress Award at the Santa Monica Film Festival in 2001, recalled that even though she was only acting the role of Bhanwari Devi, she felt traumatised as it was a humiliating experience. "It definitely is an important film as it raises lots of questions not just about rape, inequality, exploitation but also questions our judiciary system and the agendas of various people," she said. She also spoke about her involvement with social problems and her work with NGOs to improve life in the slums. "I did social work before I became an actress. So my background is bound to affect my current thinking in whichever field I choose to be in," she said. "Although some have labelled me a feminist for this, I'd rather be known as a humanist," she commented. Mansingh, introducing Nandita at the reception, said: "She is not a typical Bollywood actress, as you can see." For quite some time she was known as painter Jatin Das' daughter. Today, however, Jatin is known as her father, he remarked amid laughter. After graduating with a masters degree in Social Work from Delhi University in 1990, Nandita, 34, took a year off and taught for a few months at Rishi Valley School in southern India that was started by Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurthi. In 1992, Nandita worked for NGOs in Orissa and Gujarat, conducting workshops for children and teachers. She grew up in Delhi, went to Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and Delhi University and chose to live in
With love from Shobana
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Cinema artiste and danseuse Shobana (left) with her dancers from Kalarpana at a fund-raising programme organised by The Banyan, an organisation for destitute women in the city on Sunday. CHENNAI: Intense and electrifying. That was the effect of the performances of percussionist Bikram Ghosh and actress-danseuse Shobana held at Music Academy on August 24. The show was held in aid of The Banyan, the home for mentally challenged destitute women which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Shobana performs to a composition by Ganesh-Kumaresh The evening’s performance began with a dance by Shobana and her students from Kalarpana. She dedicated the piece to the memory of her dad, who passed away a week ago. The number was choreographed fittingly to the tunes of violin brothers Ganesh and Kumaresh. After Shobana’s presentation, Bikram Ghosh and his team took over with compositions from his album - Rhythmscape. What followed was a musical journey that interweaved Indian classical and western classic rhythms. Ghosh was joined on stage by S Sekhar on the mridangam, V Suresh on the ghatam, Dev Shankar and Jyoti Shankar on electric violins, Buland Sarkar on the keyboards, Taufiq Qureshi on the percussions with vocal support from Parthsarathy Desikan. Shobana performs to a composition by Ganesh-Kumaresh The first musical number for the evening was Dance of Shiva, based on raag jog and was an intense composition. They were joined by Qureshi in the next composition called Zinc. This was composed by Ghosh after his visit to the Zinc Bar in New York where famous jazz musicians belt out their numbers. The composition in fact had strong elements of jazz and was accompanied by the mridangam and tabla. If eclectic could be used to describe the music, it would be apt for Zinc. Ghosh dedicated the next composition from Rhythmscape to his guru in classical music, S Sekhar, which was called Little Krishna. This fast and trendy piece, though leaned towards classical notes, had a contemporary feel to it which was achieved by Qureshi’s handling of the percussions. Gangotri, the next number, began on a slow tempo which steadily built up as all the musicians joined in. Shobana strikes a pose at a fund-raising programme organised by The Banyan. Ghosh, Sekhar, Suresh and Qureshi then attempted the thaniavarthanam. Though puritans might not deem fusion music fit for thaniavarthanam, the four musicians gave a splendid performance with each of them also presenting their talents in unique ways. While Ghosh and Suresh displayed theirs vocal talents, which were as good as their mastery over the musical instruments, Qureshi had the audience floored with his capability to make music by tapping his cheeks. After the pulsating performance of Rhythmscape by Ghosh and his team, Shobana and her troupe came on stage again with two dances choreographed by her. The first was composed again to the music of Ganesh and Kumaresh, while the second was to Rhythmscape’s Little Krishna for which she was accompanied by Ghosh and Qureshi on the tabla and percussions respectively.
Govt security, high interest rates a big draw
Thursday, August 28, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The postal saving schemes, keeping a low profile behind post office counters, have become a favourite investment avenue for risk-averse yet interest-savvy depositors in the State at a time falling interest rates have taken the charm out of bank deposits. More and more depositors are 'banking' on the postal schemes, if the burgeoning kitty of the National Savings is anything to go by. The gross collection of the nine schemes from the State in the first four months of this fiscal has touched Rs 1071.50 crore as against the Rs 712.53 crore of the corresponding period last year. The net collection till July is Rs 497.49 crore, whereas the sum for the corresponding period last year was Rs 242.13 crore. The inflow in July alone was Rs 327.47 crore, whereas the figure for July, 2002 was Rs 196.02 crore. In June this year, the collection was Rs 286.09 crore and that for June, 2002 was Rs 181.47 crore. The gross for May, 2003 was Rs 272.69 crore and the figure for May, 2002 was Rs 179.08 crore. Though the service offered at post offices pales before the high-tech and professional service at bank counters, it is the Government's security and high interest rates that have lured many to the postal schemes. "Comparatively higher interest rates and the Government security have led to the spurt in collection," says National Savings Director Issac George. The high inflow of deposits is from Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts, he said. He also ruled out an immediate revision in the interest rates, though rates of treasury deposits were slashed last week and another fall in bank deposit rates seems imminent. The favourite in the bouquet offered by the Postal Department is the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS). On attaining maturity, the interest and bonus of a MIS account will work out to 9.67 percent. In Kozhikode, the MIS collected Rs 4.23 crore in July this year against the figure of Rs 2.11 crore in July, 2002. In Malappuram, the deposit for MIS in July this year was Rs 2.1 crore against a collection of Rs 60 lakh in July last year. In Thrissur, it mopped up Rs 16.5 crore in July this year, whereas in July 2002, the figure was Rs 7.31 crore. It is mainly the pensioners, who used to depend on the interest of bank deposits, who have opted for the MIS. The recurring deposit has good demand among the dependents of expatriates in the Malabar region, sources said, adding that the demand for PPF and NSC, both having tax rebate, will soar towards the end of the fiscal. "The falling interest rate has reduced the growth in bank deposits. Many retired people who used to rely on the interest of Fixed Deposits (FD) have opted for postal savings schemes," says P N Govindan Namboothiri, zonal manager, Punjab National Bank. However, a major fall in the bank deposits would not happen for want of safe investment avenues, he said. "Only those who are not in urgency of liquid cash would go after postal schemes. The trend of living on the interest of bank deposits has gone," says K G Vijayakumar, assistant general manager, Federal Bank. "Branch managers have begun to grouse over loss of deposits. The tax benefits would also spur the growth of postal schemes," says another official of a public sector bank. Many have closed their FDs in banks to go for postal schemes. If agents have been channelising the deposits in the past, customers are now directly approaching the post offices, says A P Rajagopal, deputy director, National Savings.
VHP to launch reconversion drive in Kerala
Thursday, August 28, 2003
VHP to launch reconversion drive in Kerala KOCHI: Encouraged by the overwhelming response to its reconversion drive in some North Indian States, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is all set to attempt a similar movement in Kerala. 'Dharma Prasar,' a VHP outfit which spearheaded the drive in selected states, will chalk out its Kerala strategies at its three-day national meet slated to begin here on August 29. A communiqué detailing the project has been sent to NSS, SNDP and Devaswom Boards. Sources said the initial feedback from the Devaswom Board has been quite encouraging. Meanwhile, the Dharma Prasar has made elaborate groundwork in Kerala as a prelude to its drive in line with the modus operandi of Christian missionaries. Its "missionaries" have already begun their works in Idukki district, one of the most potential areas identified by its research team. According to Dr Puthezhathu Ramachandran, the VHP's national vice-president, they have already deputed six missionaries in the interiors of Idukki who regularly hold Sunday gatherings at Pampanar Sri Subramania Temple in Peermedu. "We have also plans to open "Ekal Vidyalayas" in selected districts in the State, in addition to launching several social service projects, including opening of orphanages across the State," he said. Maintaining that the movement was not aimed at reconversion but to facilitate "home coming" of the "transgressed sect," Dr Ramachandran said "there is a demand for self-preservation of the Hindu society from the grassroots. The Kochi meet will prepare a blueprint of Kerala operations." According to him, the Dharma Prasar's mission has proved a great success in the Christian-dominated Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and a few districts in Rajasthan. The VHP has already opened its missionary training centre at Peermedu. "Our idea is to train at least 10 missionaries every six months. We know our mission requires large resources. But going by the initial response we feel that funds would not be a constraint to carry out the agenda. Several religious institutions, including all Devaswom Boards, have offered their total co-operation to our historic venture," said another top VHP leader. "Like any other State in India, a major section of Dalit Christians in Kerala feels that it is being discriminated by the Church. The promises given to it by the Churches have not been fulfilled. The Dalits feel cheated. The Kochi meet will chalk out strategies that would enable them to embrace their ancestral tradition," said Mohan Joshi, VHP's central secretary who is here to attend the meet. Over 100 top leaders of VHP from various states, including Acharya Giriraj Kishore, R Vedantham, and Mohan Joshi will attend the three-day meet.
Ready to hold talks with SNDP, like-minded organisations: BJP
Thursday, August 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP State president P S Sreedharan Pillai on Wednesday said his party was ready to hold talks with the SNDP Yogam and other like-minded organisations to find out a suitable candidate for the Ernakulam by-election. "We have kept our doors open. Let an offer come and we will even consider supporting a non-BJP candidate who is acceptable to all communities," Pillai said at a news conference here. Pillai said that the five-member BJP sub-committee for evaluating the ground realities in Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency would also assess the possibilities of fielding a common candidate for the by-poll with the support of various organisations like the SNDP Yogam. Asked if he thought that it was right to reserve the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency for a particular community, he said that the sub-committee would examine this as well. The five-member committee consisting of Union Minister O Rajagopal, BJP State general secretaries P P Mukundan, K Raman Pillai, former BJP State president C K Padmanabhan and himself would submit its report by September 2, he said. Sreedharan Pillai said that there was no rift in the BJP. "As per the changed by-law of the party we need the concurrence of the central committee to decide as to which of the two general secretaries should hold the post of party organisational secretary," he said. The posts of vice-presidents would be filled soon, he said.
US move for anti-dumping duties may cripple seafood exports
Thursday, August 28, 2003
US move for anti-dumping duties may cripple seafood exports KOCHI: Close on the heels of the US becoming the largest buyer of Indian seafood, it has delivered a shattering blow to India in the form of urgent proposals for anti-dumping duties on shrimp exporting countries and a stricter monitoring for antibiotic detection. The levy of anti-dumping duties has been in the air for some time, but now the eight shrimp producing states in the US, under the organisation Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), are moving for a joint kill to protect the domestic shrimp industry. The board of SSA, which met recently, had directed that anti-dumping duty petitions should be prepared soon against unfairly traded imported shrimp. The likely targets are the ten largest shrimp exporting countries namely Thailand, China, Vietnam, India, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Venezuela and Honduras. The importers in the US are required to pay anti-dumping duties determined for foreign producers. The Indian seafood industry fears the rate could be as high as 40 percent and above. Normally, few months are given to file a counter after the anti-dumping petition is filed. The anti-dumping liability arises after 160th day. Any attempt to redress the situation has been effectively quashed with the order that if an importer receives reimbursement from a foreign producer for the anti-dumping duty, then the duty is doubled. The option before the seafood exporters is to jointly fight it out in the US courts, which could be an expensive affair. The Indian seafood industry can take consolation from the fact that the importers, restaurants and cold chains are solidly behind the exporters. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is viewing the matter seriously. Dr J Bojan, MPEDA director, said the Authority has called for a meeting with seafood exporters this week to discuss the issue. The matter assumes significance considering that the seafood exports from India to the US touched over Rs 1,800 crore out of a total exports of Rs 6,790 crore last year. With this, the US became the leading buyer of Indian marine products toppling Japan. Adding to the misery is the initiative of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a special sampling test for the presence of antibiotic chloramphenicol in domestic and imported shrimp, crabmeat and crayfish with immediate effect. The samples will be tested by modern methods, which will reduce FDA's enforcement limit to 0.3 parts per billion (ppb). FDA will evaluate the sample test results to decide whether to continue the assignment or roll the chloramphenicol sampling into the overall compliance programme that will be developed for 2004. The testing for the antibiotic Nitrofuran is likely to be included later. Such checking is already present for the seafood exports to EU countries. Dr Bojan said that there are several laboratories in the country for testing Chloramphenicol. The testing facility for Nitrofuran will be available soon. But the seafood industry sources feel the present laboratories are not equipped to monitor such low antibiotic levels. The Rs 3.5-crore laboratory to be set up at the Seafood Park (India) Ltd, at Aroor soon will have this facility.
Cellular majors wooing youngsters
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Cellular majors wooing youngsters KOCHI: From packages for general subscribers, cellular majors _ for long time into tariff wars _ are now looking increasingly at segmenting the base, providing niche products for specified audiences. Unveiling the new strategy was a series of prepaid card launches held recently in the state and country, targeting Generation X. The prepaid deluge for youth began with AirTel, which roped in MTV, continued with BPL Mots 'On Your Marks' for college students, and is now on a high with Escotel-Youth card, which has partnered Yahoo! India for providing value-added services. Not to be left behind, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd will soon be launching its post-paid card for the student community called 'Student Power-99'. According to cell majors, with an estimated 70 percent of the country's population below the 30 years category and which accounts for 25 percent of the current subscriber base, it was only natural to target the new schemes at the youth. Moreover, being technical savvy and highly competitive, the MTV generation, with its emphasis on self-identity, are open to innovations in products and have needs that are broadly similar across the country. "This is the first time we have created a specific product targeting a niche audience. This is currently the largest segment and has the potential to be the crucial linchpin in the ongoing mobile revolution," says T Elango, chief operating officer, Bharti Cellular Ltd. The youth cards have features like special nighttime tariffs for partygoers, with airtime charges and SMS at half rates, there's happy hours in the morning which the subscriber can choose, group messaging, wide range of ring tones, wake up calls and even rescue calls. BPL Mots provides extra talktime for students who have received 50 percent or above marks for their Plus-Two examinations, while Escotel has Playwin Lotto, Yahoo Mail and Messenger, and also provides something called a Love Zone! "Youths have demonstrated some very unique usage patterns led by a social need for a mobile phone and a strong emphasis on self-expression. Usage at night is highest in this segment at close to 40 percent of total usage," says T Elango. B Ramakrishna, chief operating officer, Escotel, which had its India-launch of Escotel-Youth card in the Kochi cannot but agree. "Even category B circles have a lot of underlying potential, and the youth in the state have taken to the mobile in earnest," he says. Meanwhile, BSNL is also gearing up to take on the student community. "This will be the first of its kind in the post-paid category. We are waiting for clearance from Delhi and we will launch our youth specific cards in a week's time," said a BSNL official. The BSNL scheme, launched in selected cities, according to reports will have a monthly rental of Rs 99 other than a registration charge of Rs 500 and activation charge of Rs 220. While the registration charges will be adjusted against the first bill, STD connection will be available for a security deposit of Rs 2,000.
Overwhelming response to Adoor’s Nizhalkuthu
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Overwhelming response to Adoor’s Nizhalkuthu THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After receiving a host of rave reviews and accolades from the international film circles, Nizhalkuthu (Shadow Kill), the latest film of Adoor Gopalakrishnan, has been successfully drawing the attention of film lovers in the State. As many as 55,000 people have watched the film after it was released in Kerala on July 31. The film was released in 10 cine houses across the State and still runs at the major releasing centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Eranakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode and four other small towns. Speaking to this website’s newspaper, Adoor said, ‘‘the response of the Malayalee audience to Nizhalkuthuwas overwhelming. Audience belonging to different aesthetic plains had been responding to the film in person and I consider it as a great prize for the film. The release of my cinema in my native land is as important to me as being screened in international festivals. It becomes more important in the backdrop of the fact that during the last few years most of the good Malayalam films were neither released across the State nor the audience was well-informed about the film before and after its release.’’ Responding to the earlier criticisms that filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan are making pictures to screen it in international festivals, he said it was by virtue of the international film circles that he was able to release the film in theatres here. ‘‘It was the money I got by selling the commercial rights of Nizhalkuthuto New York-based Global Film Initiative and the Netherlands-based Hubert Bals that really helped me to take its prints and release it in theatres, he said. At present, two prints of Nizhalkuthuare being circulated in international film circles. Along with the lead actor of Nizhalkuthu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Adoor will be leaving for Japan on September 11 to attend the Fukuoka International Film Festival in which this film will be screened as the inaugural film on September 12. Adoor took six years for the preparation of the film that explores the moral turmoil plaguing an official state executioner on the eve of a hanging.
5 sentenced to death in Jayakrishnan case
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
5 sentenced to death in Jayakrishnan murder case THALASSERY: In a landmark judgment which could possibly become part of legal history, five of the accused in the Jayakrishnan murder case have been sentenced to death by the Additional Sessions court here on Tuesday afternoon. The Additional Sessions Judge K K Chandra Das had earlier found the five accused, Achamparambath Pradeepan, 32, Kunhipunathil Sundaran, 30, of Patyam, Mokeri Nallaveetil Shaji, 30, Chathamballi Dinesh Babu, 29, and K K Anilkumar, 28, guilty of murder under various sections, including Section 302 of IPC. Pradeepan is the Mokeri local committee secretary of the CPM while all the others are CPM party sympathisers. The court also sentenced all the five accused to rigorous imprisonment for life under Section 449, and rigorous imprisonment for one year under Section 342, for 3 years under 148 and for 6 months under 143 of the IPC. Significantly, the court clearly stated that the convicts should undergo the sentences separately, and not concurrently. The total number of accused in the case was seven. The body of the 7th accused in the case Palayamkandiyil Sajeevan, 30, was found on the railway track near Thalassery, in an incident of suspected suicide, while the trial was in progress at the court. The court had acquitted accused No 5, Paramban Rajan, 35, when it pronounced on last Thursday that the remaining five accused were guilty of murder. K T Jayakrishnan, the State vice-president of the Bharatiya Janatha Yuva Morcha, was murdered on December 1, 1999, in a class room at the East Mokeri U P School near Koothuparamba. He was working as a teacher at the school when he was murdered. The case was investigated by the Panur Police for a week after the incident, but later a special team of the CB (CID) led by DySP Ramaraj took over the investigation. The court passed serious strictures on the police in the 105-page judgment. The police had questioned 397 persons in connection with the murder and listed 151 witnesses. The prosecution examined only 30 of the witnesses in the course of the trial. The defence lawyer examined two witnesses, Vinod, a tailor working near the Mokeri East U P School, and Rasna, another student of the school. The court room was unusually crowded as the Additional Sessions Judge Chandra Das took up the case in the morning and listened to what the accused had to say after telling them that they were found guilty. Since the court room could hardly accommodate 50 persons, a good many of the advocates were seen standing even outside the court room all through the proceedings. Hearing the views of the Public Prosecutor Chandran Chandroth and Defence lawyer P V Surendranath on the pleas for mercy made by the convicted, the judge stated that the punishment would be announced at 3 pm. On the stroke of 3, the court reassembled, and the judge sentenced all the five to death.
Three killed, 29 hurt as bus, lorry collide
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Three killed, 29 hurt as bus, lorry collide ALAPPUZHA: Three persons were killed and 29 were injured, when a KSRTC Super Fast bus and a truck carrying fish collided head on at Vandanam near Ambalappuzha early on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Subramanian of Pollachi, the stand by driver of the lorry, and bus passengers Saju John, 29, of Thodupuzha and Shabeer, 23, of Arookutty near Cherthala. The bodies of Saju and Shabeer were taken to their native places after the post-mortem at the medical college hospital here. The body of Subramanian, who died while being taken to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital, is kept at the MCH mortuary. The injured were admitted to the medical college hospital here. The condition of Hameed of Goa, the other driver of the lorry, who was taking rest when the accident occurred, and three passengers, is said to be serious. The bus was on its way to Thrissur from Thiruvananthapuram and the lorry was heading to Karunagapally from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. The front portion of the truck, which overturned under the impact of the collision, was totally damaged. EYES DONATED: The eyes of Saju John, who had promised to donate his eyes, was removed by the doctors at the MCH and sent to the ophthalmic hospital in Thiruvanathapruam. His relatives who arrived at the hospital informed the hospital authorities of his decision. Saju, an employee at a hotel in Kochi, met with the accident while returning after an interview at the South Park Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
Cola companies vying to woo children
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Cola companies vying to woo children KOLLAM: Undeterred by the adverse trend prevailing in the State, the cola companies are not sparing any chances to win the hearts of the children. The cola companies have introduced a new idea to attract the tiny-tots with plastic balls and various types of toys printed with the brand names like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7 Up, Mirinda, Fanta, Sprint etc. The balls costing Rs 10 to Rs 15 are fast-moving. A shop owner in a suburban area of the city told this website's newspaper that he used to sell 10 to 20 balls a day and the number was likely to increase in the coming days. According to him, the children are particular in selecting balls bearing the name of their favourite drinks. There are a large number of such shops in the towns and villages of the State and thousands of such balls are being sold to the children a day. "This is a sort of brainwashing and the most unfortunate thing is that this goes unnoticed by the anti-cola campaigners," says Hari Katel, a social activist. He also cited another trend among the young generation which could be termed as a cultural onslaught. He said that a large number of school and college students were now carrying bags bearing the replica of the US national flag on them. T-shirts, pants, wrist watches, toys and many other things bearing such symbols were available in plenty in the market nowadays.
I owe my success to friends, says Mohanlal
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As he completes 25 years in films, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal says he is what he is because of his friends. "Right from 1978, when I did my first film, my friends have been my mainstay," Mohanlal told a news conference here Sunday to mark the completion of his silver jubilee in movies. "I owe it to them, what I am today," he remarked. On Sunday morning, his friends recreated the first shot of his first film, "Thiranotam", at the very spot it was canned in 1978. Almost all those who had acted in the film were present. Mohanlal noted almost all those associated with "Thiranotam" had become successful. The star shot to fame in the mid-1980s through his portrayal of the angst and ambition of youth in several social satires that stormed the box office. Among his major hits have been "Chithram", "T P Balagopalan M A", "Sanmanasulavarku Samadhanam", "Gandhi Nagar Second Street" and "Kilukom". Recalling "Thiranotam", Mohanlal said it was released only in one theatre. His second film, "Manjil Virinja Pookal" marked the turning point in his career, but it almost didn't happen. "I went into the post office with a Rs 10 note to apply for a role in the film but the man at the counter said he had no change. I took this to be a bad omen and did not apply. My friends then sent my application and I was called for an interview and selected," Mohanlal recalled. The veteran, who has won two National Awards and a host of state awards, admits that many of his recent films have not done well. "Yes, my recent films have not done as well as the earlier ones. There are several factors that help a film to click." Mohanlal, who is in his mid-40s, has acted in over 250 films, including a few in Tamil and the Hindi movie "Company" directed by Ram Gopal Varma, in which he played a police officer. "I received several calls of appreciation after 'Company'. A few police officers also called and said my mannerisms in the film were similar to theirs," he said. His favourite film, he said, was "Iruvar" in Tamil, directed by Mani Ratnam. "I had a role that was by far the best crafted in Indian cinema but it did not do well for some reason," he lamented. Mohanlal is currently working in two Malayalam films and is set to sign a Kannada film.
Govt begins process for restructuring KSEB
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government had started the process of restructuring the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) into different companies, as per the provisions of the Central Electricity Act 2003, Electricity Minister, Kadavor Sivadasan said on Tuesday. He told reporters here that the Government had invited global tenders for preparing the transfer scheme, which was expected to be completed by June 2004. The Government's policy decision was to maintain the companies in the public sector, instead of 'selling off KSEB assets', as suggested in the Act, he said, adding that with the passage of the act, the KSEB had lost its monopoly in the power sector. As per the provisions in the act, which came into effect on June last, KSEB employees would be absorbed in the new companies to be formed. "However, later it is for the companies to decide on the terms and conditions of the employees". On the power situation in Kerala, the Minister said that the failure of the monsoon had imposed an additional burden of Rs 90 crores per month on the government, due to purchase of costly power from thermal power stations. The KSEB was already incurring a revenue deficit of Rs 100 crores every month. With this additional burden, it would mount to Rs 190 crores, he added. However, there were no plans to impose more restrictions on power consumption or hike power tariff, he said. The Minister pointed out that it was for the Electricity Regulatory to take a decision in these matters, as they had been provided with facts and figures He said the water level in reservoirs now was enough to generate just 8.27 million units per day, as against the 18 million units expected and which was being received during the last few years. Half the total power demand of 36 million units per day was met from hydel reservoirs. With the failure of the monsoon, power generation from hydel reservoirs had to be restricted to 8.27 million units, he added. The minister said that the total monthly revenue of KSEB was Rs 270 crore, while expenses were at Rs 370 crore. To a question, he said the government was exploring the possibility of setting up nuclear fuelled power plants as a long term measure to meet electricity needs. The cabinet had asked the state Science, Technology and Environment Committee to identify a suitable place to set up such a plant, he said. However, it was for the cabinet to take a final decision on the matter, as it formed part of the major government policy, he added.
Talks on self-financing college end on positive note
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Talks between the members of cabinet-sub committee and opposition leaders in Kerala on various matters including the fees structure in self-financing professional educational institutions ended today on a positive note with both sides agreeing to continue the discussion. Minister in charge of education P K Kunhalikuty said serious discussions were held on various aspects and circumstances that have evolved in education sector after the apex court order on the management of professional self-financing colleges. He was talking to reporters on behalf of the cabinet sub-committee after the meeting along with LDF leaders including opposition leader in the assembly, V S Achuthanandan. Opposition put forward their point of view and as government had to examine the proposals and also to discuss with self-financing institution managements, it was decided to continue the dialogue further on another day, he said. Government would hold talks with the managements to ascertain their views on the matter tomorrow. "There is no difference on basic policy matters," he said. Government wanted to end the stalemate on the sector especially as the last date for remitting fees in engineering and medical college was fast approaching, he said, adding a final decision on the matter would be taken at the cabinet meeting on August 29.
Annyar
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Annyar by popular director Lenin Rajendran is also getting ready for Onam release. A contemporary film, which is relevant to the current scenario, Annyar is about the investigation by a lady reporter Raziya who is born in a conservative Muslim family. Raziya happens to make a trip to Gujarat to take part in a wedding. It is there that she gets caught in the morass of communal riots. She gets totally disturbed and shattered. But the journalist in her is not willing to sit idle after seeing all this. Raziya decides to explore the whole issue and make a television programme on communal riots and reveal the background to the public. And she and her friend Suraj starts researching and set out to film things related to the subject. Their explorations lead them to certain startling and rather unexpected revelations. Jyothirmayi, who won a special mention in this year’s National awards, does the role of Raziya while Biju Menon costars as Suraj. Yester year actress Rati Agnihotri is entering in to Malayalam films through Annyar and her role brings a turning point in the film. Annyar was shot in the nearby areas of Wayanadu and Gudalpettu. Other cast includes Lal, Karthika, Nishant Sagar, Siddique, Irshad etc. Music is scored by Mohan Sithara & Ramesh Narayan. Cinematography is by Madhu Ambatt and Rajiv Ravi; Art-direction-Suresh Kollam does the art direction and Ajith does the editing. Apart from direction Lenin does the story and screen play. The film is produced by Sense Six Films and released by Murali Films & Ullaattil Films. The film is slotted for Onam.
Thillana Thillana
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Thillana Thillana directed by T.S.Saji was completed three years back, but due to some financial problems got stuck in the cans. Now the film has released without any publicity. Krishna plays both the male and female leads! It is nothing but a slapstick comedy about mistaken identities. Bobby (Krishna), Govind (Harisri Asokan) and Asokan (Navas) are students and stay together along with Ujvalan (Jagathy Sreekumar), their cook. Nandana (Joe Mol) and Malavika (Kaveri) are their college mates. Nandana likes Bobby but she does not reveal it to him and makes anonymous calls and sends cards. But Bobby misunderstands Malavika to be his secret lover and to find out the truth Bobby dresses as a girl Srilakshmi and enters Malavika’s hostel. He succeeds in sharing a room with Malavika and soon they become friends. Malavika takes Lakshmi home and introduces her to brother Prakash. Lakshmi starts telling Malavika about Bobby and soon she falls in love with him. But all plans go haywire at a fashion parade where Bobby is exposed. Suresh Gopi who is the chief guest at the function intervenes and all problems are sorted out. Krishna in the role of Lakshmi and Bobby has done a good job. In fact he looks better as a girl than a boy! Kaveri and Joemol have sleep walked and it is again Jagathy who has walked away with all the claps. Suresh Gopi, Kumchakko Boban and Mukesh appear in guest roles. The script and screenplay by Vinu Kiriyath are stale. Verdict: Stale Comedy
"I would love to do a film opposite Mammootty and Mohanlal"-Yuktha Mookhey
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Yuktha Mookhey, Miss World 1999 was in Kochi last week. She is doing a documentary film for director R.Sarath about noted painter Raja Ravi Varma in English. R.Sarath known for his off-beat, arty films is making this 22 minute documentary titled Divine Love. Yuktha plays the role of a model who poses for a Ravi Varma portrait. The shoot took place at the portrait hall of famous Tripunithura Hill Palace near Kochi, where Ravi Varma had painted his masterpieces. The tall former Miss World was all excited about her role in the documentary and she looked stunning in an orange Mysore silk sari with golden border and traditional jewellery from the Mysore Maharaja collections. Rama Varma, one of the family members of the royal family plays the role of Raja Ravi Varma in the documentary. Confessed Yuktha Mookhey who toured the backwaters of Kochi during the break: Kerala is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. To be honest I have not seen a single Malayalam film but heard a lot about Mammootty and Mohanlal. I would love to do a film opposite them.Yuktha is the actress of immensely forgettable films like an item song with Ajith in Poovellam Un Vaasam in Tamil and Pyaasa in Hindi.
Navya Nair debuts in Tamil
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Malayalam cinema’s hot and happening heroine, Navya Nair, has decided to take the plunge and do a Tamil film. She has been roped in by Prakash Raj for his home production Duet Films for the film titled Ellamae Drama Than. Navya had bagged the Kerala State Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Nandanam this year. She will now play the lead role opposite Five Star fame Prasanna in the film. Earlier she has refused offers from Tamil directors like Bharathiraja and K.Balachandar. Navya says that she was convinced by the script of Ellamae Drama Than, that she agreed to do it. Moreover she feels that her roles in Malayalam were getting stale, thanks to the crass comedies that are churned out these days. All leading Malayalee heroines including Samyuktha Varma, Kavya Madhavan, Meera Jasmine and Geetu Mohandas have tried their luck in Tamil.
Saphalam
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Cast: Balachandra Menon, Sumitra, Manoj K Jayan, Uma Shankari Direction: Ashok R Nath SAPHALAM is a story about an elderly couple, who are so much in love that they cannot bear isolation. The film is directed by Ashok R Nath, the story written by Mahesh Raj is inspired by a real story of an aged couple. It's been blissful married life for Barister Sankaran Nambiar (Balachandra Menon) and his wife Subhadra (Sumitra). In the past forty years they have never lived without each other even for a day. Fed up of the corrupt system of law, Sankaran quits his job and settles down with his wife in their ancestral home. Govindan (Manoj K Jayan) is their only son who is settled in US with his wife Renu. Life moves on and suddenly they get the news that their daughter in law is pregnant. Their happiness comes to an end when they come to know that their son would very soon come to take his mother to the US to look after his wife. Sankaran is clueless as to what to do. On one end he cannot live without his wife and on the other end Renu needs someone to take care of her. Without any choice, the couple get separated. But this separation is not for long. Sankaran dies in India due to loneliness and Subhadra dies in the US at the same time. They get unified in death again.
Renji Panicker getting ready with a political thriller
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Renji Panicker getting ready with a political thriller Scenarist Renji Panicker, who had scripted many action films like Ekalavyan, Commissioner, Lelam, Pathram, Praja, is to turn director. Renji is all set to start the shooting of Naran, a political thriller. The film starts from where he stopped in the film The King, eight years back. The film is based on the communal riots, which happened recently in the state. He has already roped in Mohanlal to perform the lead role of a cop. Renji who is in Chennai at a private resort, is trying to script some hard hitting dialogues for the film. He is keenly watching the political-communal clashes happening in the state and pens script based on the recent mass pogrom in Marad. In Naran, Lekshmi Gopalaswamy plays opposite Mohanlal. The actress has all the chances of sparkling in Malayalam industry, which will put her into the league of actresses of substance. Renji said he had to take some tips before casting Mohanal. I am in one way lucky to have him in the lead role in my debut film. In his film career, the actor has not done much of a cop's role. Mohanlal who has gone for a Pizhichil (massage treatment) at a famous Ayurvedic health centre near Shornnur is said to have shed many kilos. The actor is confident that he will bounce back with another hit and is working with more vigour.The film directed by Antony Perumbavoor and Dr Bose under the banner of Navarasa Creations, will have an actor from the Bollywood to do the villain's role. The film will be a Christmas release.
Thiranottam to start on Sept 7
Sunday, August 24, 2003
The state is all geared up to celebrate Mohanlal's 25 years in films. The celebrations would be held in Thiruvananthapuram from September 7-14. The celebrations have been named Thiranottan since it is the name of the first film the super star acted. The star's 25 films would be screened at the Tagore Theatre. Open forums have also been planned. A photo exhibition of the star would also be opened at the Tagore Theatre. A book giving the full details of Mohanlal's films will also be released. A mega show will be held on September 14 at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium where state, union ministers and film stars from all regional films are expected to attend.
Body of missing boy found
Sunday, August 24, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The body of one of the three boys who were missing in the sea off Thumba St Xavier's College washed ashore near Thumba VSSC yesterday evening. The body of Asim, 15, son of Abdul Salam of Chittattumukku and ninth standard of Chittattumukku St Vincent High School, was found nearly one kilometre away from the spot where the boys were reported missing.
Leader film put off
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Leader film put off THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The release of Malayalam film Leader, said to be about Congress leader K Karunakaran has been postponed. The censor board denied clearance to the film and instead sent it to the central review committee in Mumbai. The producers and the crew of the film were under constant threat from a section of the Congress workers ever since they began work on the film. Deepu directs the film and the role of the leader is portrayed by a debut actor Jayaram.
Mohanlal's first shot recreated
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 24 Malayalam superstar Mohanlal rode a bicycle on the road leading to his house here today to recreate his first shot before the arc lights 25 years ago when he made his debut as an actor. Almost all the artistes and technicians who were associated with his first film 'Thiranottam' were present for the rare photo session in front of the Poojappura-Mudavanmughal residence of the versatile actor. ''Obviously, that was a serious attempt by a group of friends to enter the film field. Unfortunately, my first film was screened only in a theatre at Kollam. However, all the friends who associated with me in that venture are still with me,'' Mohanlal said, recollecting the golden moments in his 25-year-long film career. ''Even today, I approach films with the same seriousness. Probably, that may be the secret of my success,'' he said at a meet the press programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club here. A consummate entertainer who has enthralled film-goers in Kerala in more than 250 movies, Mohanlal's histrionic skills have also won him two National Awards and a Special Jury Mention. In recognition of his special place in Malayalam filmdom, Mohanlal's friends and colleagues are hosting a week-long party for him from September eight to 14 in Thiruvananthapuram, where he spent his growing years. A felicitation function in the Poojapura area here, where the actor grew up, would kick off the celebrations on September eight, followed by a week-long screening of his films. On September 14, a mega show is planned, where besides the superstar, most of the directors with whom he has worked would be honoured. Equally at home in serious and comic roles, Mohanlal has captured the imagination of the audience in such diverse roles as the tortured Kathakali artiste caught between reality and myth in 'Vanaprastham' or the simple, jobless youth in 'Nadodikatte.' Hindi film viewers got a chance to see him in ''Kaalapaani'' and more recently in Ram Gopal Verma's ''Company.''
NRKs told to project State as cost-effective education destination
Sunday, August 24, 2003
NRKs told to project State as cost-effective education destination THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K. Antony has urged the non-resident Keralites (NRKs) to project the State as a cost-effective destination in the fields of education, health-care and tourism. He was inaugurating the convention of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FoKANA) at Kovalam, near here, on Friday. They should also try to make the people here aware of the emerging changes in the world, he said. Antony expressed concern over the frequent hartals and violent strikes in the State. Such agitations were hindering the development of the State, he said. He said that the Government maintained a liberal stand on the education sector in order to ensure world class education facilities here. FoKANA president George Koshy said that corruption at the bureaucratic levels and the delay involved in Government procedures were major factors that prevented the NRKs from investing in the State. The Government should ensure an investor-friendly climate in the State, he said.
Reliance launches ‘Speak-2-Gulf’ pre-paid card
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Reliance launches ‘Speak-2-Gulf’ pre-paid card KOCHI: The Reliance India Mobile (RIM) subscriber base has crossed the 1.5 lakh mark emerging as the single biggest player in the post-paid segment in the State, said Vinay Singh, CEO, Reliance Infocomm, on Friday. He was speaking at the India-launch of the Speak-2-Gulf pre-paid card, the company’s first foray into this segment in the Country. The card targeting 2.3 million Non-Resident Indians in the Gulf region, namely the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, comes at rates that are 54 percent lower than the current charges prevailing in the market. While the GSM cellular operators in the country charge Rs 18 and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd charges around Rs 24 for calls to the Gulf region, the Speak-2-Gulf card comes in the range of Rs 11 to Rs 15 per minute, he said. Existing Reliance India Mobile customers with ISD facility on their RIM connection can use the card which comes in four denominations - from a minimum amount of Rs 450 for 30 minutes to a maximum of Rs 2,750 for 250 minutes. Releasing the card, Minister for Industries, P K Kunhalikutty said that the State was in the throes of a technological revolution and initiatives by companies such as Reliance were welcome and will add to improving the quality of life of the people. Hyder Ali, State representative of the Reliance Group proposed the vote of thanks.
Parents fear sex racket behind missing daughter
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Parents fear sex racket behind missing daughter KALPETTA: The disappearance of a 16-year-old girl Surya alias Nandu, from Rattakkolly near here, who had gone to attend an interview for plus-two course at Meenangadi on June 23, took a new turn with the parents alleging the role of a sex racket behind the incident. At a press conference here, the parents of the missing girl along with the members of the action council formed to trace the girl, alleged that the racket based in Meenangadi had the backing of political bosses and official higher-ups. They said that the police had recently taken into custody a group of youngsters from Meenangadi in connection with the incident on a tipoff from a telephone booth. ``Even the policemen had told us that the girl could be traced within no time, but to our surprise the police were forced to let them (youngsters) go scotfree later due to high-level political pressure,'' they said, demanding that the investigating officials be changed to get the missing girl traced. The action council had sent complaints to the State Women's Commission, Chief Minister, Opposition Leader, Superintendent of Police, Wayanad, and the District Collector. The action council on Saturday held a protest march to the SP Office demanding action against the police officials. The girl's parents Sreerangan and Susheela, action council office-bearers D Rajan, Sam P Mathew and O Velayudhan attended the press conference.
Malappuram youth make it big with mobile phone servicing
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Malappuram youth make it big with mobile phone servicing MALAPPURAM: The Muslim-majority Malappuram district in North Kerala which had scripted history by becoming the first place in the country where cellular phones outnumbered fixed line connections two years ago, thanks to its Gulf connection and the attendant gray market, is all set to repeat a similar feat by becoming the hub of the mobile phone servicing sector as well. Scores of young men from the district, barely out of their teens, have struck it rich by moving into fill up the huge demand for cellular servicing and repairing personnel, fuelled by the flooding of new handsets and advanced technology in the market. Armed with just a three-month certificate course in mobile phone servicing and repairing, offered by a local NRI-backed institution here, scores of young men, with just an SSLC certificate to lay hands upon, have landed in plum jobs in the Gulf, taking home over Rs 40,000 as salary per month. The overwhelming spurt in the mobile phone servicing segment is mirrored in the growth of institutions like, Bridco and Bridco - a small start up training institute at Kottakkal which has now branched out to have over 122 franchisees and seven training centres across the country within three years. The institute is now attracting students from many foreign countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Nepal to the small town of Kotakkal and has plans to roll out a franchise network in the Gulf countries. ``We are presently unable to meet a live job demand of 35 trained mobile servicing personnel for Link Bits (a Gulf-based company) due to short supply of talent,'' says Hamza Anchumukkil, partner of the firm which claims to be the first institute to offer professional training in mobile servicing in the country. Hamza, an expatriate started off by starting a rent-a-mobile scheme with ten handsets, mainly targeted at the foreign patients at the Kottakkal Ayurveda treatment centre, changed track to mobile phone servicing when he found that there was a total dearth of trained mobile repairing personnel in the State. His venture to start a professional training institute became an instant hit as it coincided with the boom in the Indian cellular market. Now the Gulf-based companies have started recruiting candidates through online interviews from Kozhikode on a regular basis. ``Some of our lucky students, who had a prior polytechnic diploma, had even joined telecom majors like Alcatel in the UK,'' says Hamza. He says that the people from the State has demonstrated a unique knack in handling the sophisticated mobile phones and in scaling up with the new technology entering the market by the day. And the reason for it: ``It might be the Malayalee mind which first ventured to repair and re-use the mobile phones, which originally was meant for a world of throw-away culture.'' With the Indian network companies extending their footprints across the country, the cellular operators themselves are lapping up hundreds of trained personnel to man their authorised servicing centres. Bridco itself has employed more than one hundred students in its servicing centres, many of whom earn around Rs 20,000 per month. The institute which offered its three-month course with a fee of Rs 25,000 in the beginning has doubled its fee to Rs 50,000 owing to the escalation of establishment costs and influx of sophisticated technology like WAP.
Frequent hartals hampering state's growth: CM
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Criticising the trend of calling for hartals and bandhs frequently, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday called for a major change in the mindset of the people for the overall development of the State. Inaugurating the second international conference of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FoKANA) at Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram, he said Kerala had the potential to emerge as a forerunner in many areas like healthcare, education and tourism, but frequent hartals and other problems were pushing the State backwards. ''If we are ready to change our mindset, no one can beat us,'' he noted. Antony said the Government had already initiated a major step in the area of higher education and health care. ''We will be able to give world-class education and treatment facilities here itself,'' he said, seeking the cooperation of non-resident Keralites for the development of the State. FoKANA President George Koshi said Kerala could attract more investment if it could create a conducive investment climate. Strong measures would have to be taken to solve the labour problems here, he added. (Agencies
Leftist student unions threaten to revive agitation
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Hours after the UDF high power committee decided not to revise the fees for the 50 percent merit seats in engineering colleges this year, the pro-Left students unions threatened to return to warpath once again over the issue. The pro-Left student unions on Friday evening announced that they will revive the agitation throughout the state from Monday onwards, if the government fails to bring down the tuition fees of 50 percent merit seats in self-financing professional colleges to that of their Government counterparts. In a statement, the joint action committee of the student unions said UDF convener Oommen Chandy's statement that the Government would not was a negation of the assurance given by Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty and Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan to the union leaders on August 10. "The Government will only invite another agitation if it goes back on the promise given to the student unions,'' warned the statement issued by T.V Rajesh (SFI), V.P Unnikrishnan (AISF), C.P Sudheesh Kumar (PSU), K.Lohya (SSO), Jiji George (KSC-J), Mujeeb Rehman (NSC), Shaijo Hassan (KSC) and Ajeesh (KSU-S). CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition leader VS Achutanandan have also criticised the government for their reluctance to restructure the tuition fees in self-financing professional colleges. Govt issues essentiality certificates for 17 medical colleges Meanwhile the state government on Friday sanctioned essentiality certificates for starting 17 more self-financing medical colleges in the State subject to conditions. The institutions which were given essentially certificates are the following: Vandematharam Medical Research Centre (Palakkad), T S Arunachalam Pillai Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Saikrishna Educational Society (Palakkad), Century Educational Trust (Kannur), V N Public Health and Educational Trust (Palakkad), P G R Foundation (Alappuzha), Ravindranath Tagore Educational Charitable Trust (Palakkad), Century Educational Trust (Kasaragod), Prestige Educational Trust (Kannur), Quilon Medical Trust (Kollam), Society of Sisters of the Holy Cross (Kollam), Rugmini Memorial Charitable Educational Health Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Al-Ameen Educational and Charitable Trust (Thiruvananthapuram), Sri Anjaneya Medical Trust (Palakkad), Archana Hospital (Pathanamthitta), The Muslim educational Trust (renewal of essentiality certificate, Malappuram), Kunjitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (renewal of essentiality certificate, Kozhikode). The institutions will have to remit Rs 50,000 as application fee and Rs 5 lakh as processing fees with the Government. They should also submit an undertaking that the institutions will be run according to the guidelines prescribed by the Indian Medical Council and they will own up any loss which the institutions may meet while running the institutions according to the guidelines.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to Anjali, Beenamol
Saturday, August 23, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, August 23, 2003: Bowing to pressure from various quarters, the government on Friday deviated from its existing policy and selected two sportpersons -- athlete K M Beenamol and shooter Anjali Bhagwat -- for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country's highest sporting honour. The government also named 21 sportspersons for the Arjuna award 2002, accepting in toto the original recommendations of the Arjuna Awards Committee, which had triggered off a controversy by submitting a list with recommendations in excess of the number stipulated in guidelines. Five sportspersons have been named for the Dhyan Chand award for lifetime achievent while an equal number were selected for the Dronacharya award. 09:28 IST
Pvt buses collide: 1 killed, 40 injured
Friday, August 22, 2003
Pvt buses collide: 1 killed, 40 injured 21/08/2003 A bus driver was killed and 40 passengers injured when two private transport buses collided in Chirakkal near Kottackal in Malappuram district on Thursday morning. While seven people with serious injuries have been admitted to the Kozhikkode medical College, others are being treated at hospitals in Kottackal. The dead person , Tasleem (28), was the driver of one of the buses. Eyewitnesses said that the private bus coming from Thrissur and going to Kannur collided with another bus operating on Kozhikkode-Kadampuzha route, around 7.30 in the morning. Immediately after the mishap, a tanker lorry also hit one of the buses from behind. Later the ambulance carrying the injured to the hospital was also involved in another accident. The police have registered a case.
Marad: CM meets Muslim leaders
Friday, August 22, 2003
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday held talks with leaders of various Muslim organisations in the State on restoration of peace and rehabilitation of the displaced families of Marad beach in Kozhikode where nine people were murdered on May two last. Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and PWD Minister M K Muneer of the Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) were also present during the talks held at Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister. According to a spokesman of these organisations, the Chief Minister had given them an assurance that the rehabilitation of families dislocated in the Marad violence would be undertaken as soon as peace was restored in the area. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Kunhalikutty said the government would go ahead with steps to restore peace in the area. The Samastha Kerala Jamee-athul Ulema, the Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen, The Muslim Educational Society(MES), the Muslim Service Society(MSS), Jamaat-e-Islami and the Dakshina Kerala Jamee-athul Ulema, were among the organisations represented at the talks. The Chief Minister had earlier held discussions with the Hindu Aikya Vedi and Araya Samajam also. Who have been pressing for a CBI enquiry into the Marad killings of May2. According to sources, the Muslim leaders assured the Chief Minister on Thursday not to oppose a CBI enquiry, if their own demands like compensation to Muslim families, early rehabilitation etc are met on a priority basis.
Cola row: Govt misleading people, says Oppn
Friday, August 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader in the Kerala assembly, V S Achuthanandan, on Thursday alleged that the state government was misleading the people on the Coca-Cola issue and accused it of selling itself to the multinational. "The government has totally surrendered to the multinational. It had sent samples from the Plachimada Coke plant to VIMTA lab at Hyderabad and SGC lab at Kochi, which had earlier given clean chits to softdrink companies," he told reporters here. The government was playing with the lives of the people, he said, adding that the samples of softdrinks should be sent to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for tests. To a query on the fee structure in self-financing professional colleges, he said students would be forced to take up a strong agitation if the government did not accept their demands.
Sukumari
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Sukumari, a record holder of 2500+ films in 50 years had been bestowed with 'Padmasree' this year. She travels through her unforgettable filmy past in a meeting with press people in Trivandrum. Incidentally that was her first meeting with a mob of presspersons. She acknowledged the thrill of meeting many mainstream reporters. She acknowledges the good will of Tamil Nadu Government in recommending the Central Government for the Padmasree award. Kerala Government did not do it. The Chairman of KSFDC Mr P V Gangadharan referred her name. Transport minister Ganesh kumar also referred. It should have been officially done by the culture department, which was not done at the right time. Q. Wasn't it a bit too late? The Honor of 'Padmasree'? Sukumari: So many who called me to congratulate told me about it. But Things come your way when it is really due. You need to wait for certain things in life. It cannot be bought or arranged as and when you desire. I am as I was before and after getting the Padmasree. I am happy as it is. My family and world is only the Cinema land. The honor goes to each and everyone in the film world. It is the production boy who gives me a glass of water when I am thirsty. Not anybody in my house. So the honor personally goes to him also. Q. Can you recall the beginning of your career? Sukumari: I started dancing when I was 10. Though I was born in Trivandrum I lived all my life in Madras except for a brief period with my own parents. My mother's sister took me to Madras where all her daughters were in films, acting and dancing. (Sukumari was referring to Saraswathy Amma and her daughters the renowned 'Travancore Sisters' Lalitha, Ragini, Padmini. It was Saraswathi Amma and Chandrakumar, father of actress Shobana who guided and helped Sukumari to get into films.) Q. When did you act first in a film? Sukumari: That was at the age of ten. It was a Tamil movie. 'ORU IRAVU'. It was a song sequence. (She has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi films.) The first major role was in THASKARAVEERAN in '57. This was made in 6 languages. The same year I acted in 'KOODAPPIRAPPU'. She has completed 50 years of film career but she has not thought about quitting yet. (May be she thinks people do not retire at 63 unless they are bored or inefficient. Any way she is not) No body wanted me to quit. And I am not thinking of it either. I will go on acting till it comes to a natural end. Q. What do you think of acting in 'old age' roles? Sukumari: I have done all kinds of roles. I have acted with all the generation of actors. I have acted with Satyan, Thikkurissi, Premnazir, Madhu, Jayan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jayaram, Kunchako Boban, now with Krishna. He has my family blood. (Krishna is grandson of Lalitha). What more an actress wants other than acting with a whole lot of stars of many consecutive generations? Q. Is there any role that you wanted to do but could not? Sukumari: No. But could have done a role of a dumb girl. Q. You are acting in a mega serial now. There was a controversy about film artists acting in serials. What do you think about it? Sukumari: Only those who are not busy in films accept in TV serials. Acting is our profession. Films and TV are our medium. We act where we are wanted. Q. You were a part of mainstream film for a long period. How was then the ADOOR film? Sukumari: All are cinemas. It was like all other sets and location. I did not feel anything different. May be because the artists were known to me very well. Some people warned me about this film. But to me it was the most satisfying work and a real fast one. I finished my part of shooting first in the film. Q. Do you think Mammootty and Mohanlal times are over? Sukumari: No, KOTTARAKKARA was off the screen for a considerable period. But he came back with more powerful roles. These actors will also do good roles in the future. Q. Heard a lot about your activities in stage. Sukumari: Yes, I am a member of Chi Ramaswami's drama troupe. I do at least one stage acting even now. Q. Do you intend to direct films? Sukumari. I have a job now. That's what I am destined to do. 63 is not an age for filmy dancing, considering the discomforts of the body, location, whether. But to Sukumari it is a part of life. She updates herself in the changing world. That is the secret of her survival.
Mammootty
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Many believe Mammootty and Mohanlal have become irrelevant in commercial circuit in Kerala and that they need only act in mature roles. But there is another section of people who firmly ridicule this suggestion. Their contention is both theses stars need a new variety of roles that would enable them to entertain the changed tastes of the new generation viewers. Here we have Mammootty talking to us in this context. You are very much active in Tamil . Comments? 'KARMEGHAM' was a hit there in Tamil. Tamil films are usually big budget projects. But for 'KARMEGHAM' only one and a half crores rupees was spent. So it was a commercial success. I have just finished acting in 'SATYAMOORTHY'. Amriteswar a new comer has written the script and directed it. I have a couple of films more there in Tamil. One is 'SELVAAKKU' by Bharathy, and the other one is by N Nagarajan. What do you think about the prospects of 'PATTALAM' to be directed by Lal Jose? I have full faith in Lal Jose. I have no doubts about the film. It will be a success. ' PATTALAM' is about a rapid action force coming to a village to quell the violence. My role is that of the commanding officer. Lal Jose is a smart director of the new generation. Which are the other films in Malayalam that you have accepted? I have the second part of 'KING'. Shaji Kailas and Ranji panikkar are once again coming together in that project. I have another film directed by lensman Pramod in which I have to act as a Goonda. Priyanadanan has invited me to act in 'BALYKALASAKHI' a famous story by Vaikkom Muhammed Bhasheer. You are not active in Malayalam after Chronic Bachelor. Are you? Why should we be that much active? Isn't it enough that we need act in good films? I have no plans to act in a lot of films one after another. You are involved in the affairs of Kairali Channel. How is it going? How is Kairali now? (He enquires) I am spending a considerable time for the channel. Kairali has started work on its new news channel. It will have news and news related programs round the clock. Almost all the state awards for the best Television programmes were bagged by Kairali. Kairali is instrumental in creating a new sensibility in TV programmes.
Wanted! A macho hero in Malayalam
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Malayalam producers and directors are desperately looking for a macho hero to revive their fortunes at the box-office and save the industry from the avalanche of comedy capers. The situation is alarming as Mohanlal and Mammootty are keeping away from action films and concentrating more on family subjects. Suresh Gopi has virtually retired to doing only family tearjerkers these days. The current numero uno, Dileep has no stature to do action films convincingly. He has already been slotted in the crass comedy category! The industry was looking up to Pritviraj being a new action hero with Vellithira, but our handsome hunk turned to be a damp squib. Taking advantage of the situation, Jayaram is trying a hand with Evar, an action film. But whether the Kerala audience will accept him as an action hero is to be seen. Recently action heroes like Arnold Schwargenneger’s Terminator-3, Vikram’s Saamy and Akshay Kumar’s Andaaz have done extremely well at the Kerala box-office. But when was the last time that a Malayalam action film did good business? So now producers are looking around for an action hero who can do daredevil stunts, shake a leg and talk in Malayalam!
Reliance Infocomm readying to usher in wireless landphones
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Reliance Infocomm readying to usher in wireless landphones KOCHI: Reliance Infocomm is coming home to roost and the watchword here is convergence _ voice and data for now, e-entertainment, television and a whole lot of applications in the future. Following the much publicised launch of its Reliance India Mobile WLL phones, the company in the next step towards convergence will be shortly introducing the CDMA Fixed Wireless Phones (FWP) and Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWT) in the State, targeting landline subscribers. The sampling or the trial launch of the new products is currently going on in the major metros of the country and the State. The formal launch is slated in a few weeks' time. With the new products targeting basic telephone users, Reliance Infocomm has effectively drawn battlelines with the public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd which has virtual monopoly over landline subscribers in the State. While the FWP looks and functions as an ordinary phone, the advantage is that it is wireless and can be used for high-speed Internet access. The wireless voice and data phone can be connected to a PC or any other device for Internet access using a data cable. It also has display counter and facilities for value-added services like SMS and call forwarding. The Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT), on the other hand, helps you connect to phones of any kind and can even be connected to the PABXs of offices, thus allowing the office board lines a CDMA interface. According to reports, the Fixed Wireless Phone and the connection will cost the subscriber an initial one-time charge of Rs 3800. This includes a deposit of Rs 3000 and an activation charge of Rs 800. The data cable which helps your FWT to connect to an Internet device is priced around Rs 1200 and the FWT is said to cost Rs 1000. Unlike the Reliance India Mobile campaign, the company has gone for a soft launch relying more on the word-to-mouth publicity. Says Vinay Singh, CEO, Reliance Infocomm, Kerala: ``We have introduced the products to a few enterprise customers as a trial launch in the State and a formal one can be expected in a few weeks' time.'' BSNL, meanwhile, is not unduly threatened by the new Reliance endeavour though their FWT service is limited to Kochi and a few rural areas where the WLL service is prevalent. ``Our tariffs have always been better than any cell or basic telephone provider. For the FWT, we charge an annual rental deposit of Rs 2400, other than Rs 20 as insurance premium for the sets,'' a BSNL official said. The hiccup, according to him, is the bandwidth and the reach of the service. ``Currently we have a data transfer rate of 14 kbps. The reach of our service has to be increased. We will be upgrading our systems and increasing the bandwidth shortly,'' he said.
Tinsel world readies for a big gamble in State
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Tinsel world readies for a big gamble in State KOCHI: With the spirit of Onam slowly catching up in the State, a big gamble awaits the tinsel world aiming to cash in on the festive mood of the season. At least five major movies, most of them by top-ranking directors, are slated to be released during the season. And a cash-strapped Malayalam filmdom is all set to pump in an estimated Rs 10 crore during this year’s Onam. The first to arrive among Onam flicks will be Balettan, which is slated to be released on August 28 at 40 centres all over the State. Directed by V M Vinu, it features Mohanlal and Devayani in the lead. The movie is said to be completed on a shoestring budget. When a typical superstar movie normally costs anywhere above Rs 3 crore, less than Rs 1.5 crore has gone into the making of Balettan. ‘‘We have already charted 38 stations. The first print will be ready by August 24,’’ says Aroma Babu, one of the office-bearers of Aroma Movies. Balettan also ropes in a new scenarist, T A Shahid. Yet another major movie being released this season is Pattalam, directed by the hitmaker Lal Jose. Slated to hit 35 cinema theatres on September 5, Pattalam commands the entire attention of the industry as it is directed by Lal Jose, director of the runaway hit Meesamadhavan. Featuring Mammootty, Jyothirmayi and Biju Menon, the movie was made with Rs 3 crore. Pattalam also has a newcomer scenarist, Reji Nair. Director Kamal comes in with Swapnakoodu with youngsters like Jayasoorya, Kunchacko Boban and Prithwiraj in the lead. Bhavana and Meera Jasmin are cast against them. Song sequences of the movie are mostly shot abroad. Swapnakoodu is expected to be released at 32 centres on Thiruvonam day. Njan Salperu Ramankutty directed by the Anil-Babu duo also was supposed to be released during this season. But it is being stayed for release by the court. Interestingly, the season will have no films in which Dilip, the rising superstar on the Malayalam tinsel firmament, plays the lead. Dilip, whose recent movies are responsible for the revival of the crisis-ridden Malayalam cinema to a great extent, was supposed to make only a guest appearance in Renjith’s Mizhi Randilum. But sources reveal that attempts are being made by Dilip’s managers to develop his role in the film to make up for the absence of a full-fledged Onam flick on his part. However, the movie is still caught up in a legal wrangle. Despite the overall optimism in the film industry, the prospects of some really good business appear unlikely if the box office statistics of the previous years are any indication. During Onam last year, none of the festival releases could create ripples in the box office. Even some big combinations of the industry failed to work. The most notable one was Thandavam directed by Shaji Kailas with Mohanlal in the lead. Despite the tremendous pre-release hype, the movie failed quite miserably to live up to expectations. No different was the fate of Kaiyethum Doorathu, directed by Fazil. Though the movie had Fazil’s son Shanu and Nikita, a Mumbai-based model, in the lead, senior artistes like Mammootty and Revathy too appeared in key roles. Yet another movie which bit the dust during the season was Rajasenan’s Nakshathrakkannulla Rajakumaran Avanundoru Rajakumary, which featured new faces like Prithwiraj and Gayathri Reghuram. Interestingly, it was Meesamadhavan, a pre-festival flick by the Lal Jose-Dilip duo, that kept the cash registers ringing all through the season.
Skygazers brave chilly nights for a glimpse of the red planet
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Skygazers brave chilly nights for a glimpse of the red planet KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Scientists, astronomers and astrologers across the State stand equally excited over Mars coming close to the Earth on August 27. On that day, the red planet will approach closer to Earth than at any time in the past 59,540 years. It will shine brighter in the sky and appear bigger than at any time in nearly 600 centuries. On the day at 3:21 pm Indian Standard Time (9:51 Universal Time), the centres of Earth and Mars will be only 5,57,58,000 km or 186 light seconds apart. Mars will not make another neighbourly visit this close until 2287. ' Keen sky gazers and amateur astronomers like R Ramachandran, all of 63, are already on their terraces braving cold rainy nights to satiate a cosmic thirst found in the likes of Kepler, Tycho Brahe, Carl Sagan or our own Varaha Mihira or Aryabhatta. Ramachandran uses a 5" telescope to gaze at Mars which he says can be enjoyed with the naked eye. ``Look at the night sky inside the constellation Aquarius. You just can't miss it. It is so red that it gives the feel of polished copper,'' says Ramachandran who lives in Pattom after retirement from AG's office. You won't need even a sky map because Mars is so bright and easy to find. Just look at the south-east night sky, the ideal time astronomers say is when you have a powercut (thank heavens!) _ it will help cut the urban illumination. Climatic conditions can cause problems. August skies can get cloudy, taking the fun out. ``One of my friends called me up from Thakazhi the other day. He said it was very brilliant,'' says Ramachandran. Former Calicut University VC G K Sasidharan feels people should start now, not wait till August 27. ``The day when Mars is closest happens to be a New Moon day. Normally a new moon is good for sky watching, but rain clouds can be spoiler,'' says Sasidharan who uses a binocular to have a closer view of Mars which has several similarities with earth. Just as the scientists are excited, astrologers turn to God and prayers. Mars, the planet of war in Hindu scriptures, is associated with the element fire, bloodshed, riots, epidemics and lawlessness. According to astrologer Kovilakom Varma, the event will have `Vipareetha Parivarthana Yogam.' ``Things which you never expect to happen will happen, be it positive or negative. Sometimes a positive outcome might come of a negative happening. It all depends on the planetary positions of individuals,'' he said. Astrologer Gayatri Swamy said such events assume significance only when they were perceived from a `human' viewpoint. ``These things are all part of nature and the endless universe. Whenever such transits occur, we do `santhikarmas' for the collective good of humanity,'' he said. Echoing similar views, astrologer Purushothaman of the Jyothishamandiram at East Fort said that this was just one of the innumerable celestial events. ``I don't expect it to have any serious effects,'' he said.
Coke contamination: Govt to wait for report of labs outside State
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Coke contamination: Govt to wait for report of labs outside State THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Government will wait for the report of the two nationally accredited laboratories outside the State before taking a decision on the complaints of contamination of Coca-Cola soft drink being manufactured at its plant in Palakkad district. The Government had earlier sent the samples of the soft drink to two laboratories in the State. The examination at the Government analytical laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram had ruled out the presence of cadmium in the cola and found lead below the permitted level. Chief Minister A K Antony, however, told newsmen that the samples were sent to the nationally accredited laboratories to make doubly sure the quality of the soft drink being distributed in the State. Antony said in reply to a question that none of the States had closed down Coca-Cola plants so far and the Kerala Government too had no plan for ordering the closure of the Palakkad plan before getting the reports of the outside laboratories. The Chief Minister said the complaints regarding over-exploitation of groundwater by the Palakkad plant was a different issue and this was now under the consideration of the Local Administration Department.
Rajiv Gandhi remembered
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Rajiv Gandhi remembered 20/08/2003 Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest prime minister that India ever had, was remembered by the nation on Wednesday, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary. As part of the nationwide programmes organised by the Congress party, a special prayer meeting was organised in Indira Bhavan, the party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister AK Antony, Ministers Kadavur Sivadasan, K Sankaranarayanan and G Karthikeyan were among those who offered floral tributes to the late leader. They also participated in the prayer meeting held afterwards. Rajiv Gandhi, born in 1944, served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. The first son of Indira and Feroze Gandhi, Rajiv attended Cambridge University, where he met and married Sonia, who is now president of the Congress party. It was after the death of his brother Sanjay in 1980 that Rajiv, an airline pilot, decided to enter politics. He stood successfully for election in 1981 and became a political adviser to his mother. After her assassination in 1984, Rajiv succeeded her as head of the Congress party, and was sworn in as Prime Minister of India. He was assassinated at an election rally on 21 May in the middle of the 1991 election campaign at Sriperumbattur near Madras (now Chennai), by a woman suicide bomber belonging to Sri Lanka's Liberation Tiger's of Tamil Elam.
Kerala BJP unit reconstituted
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Kerala BJP unit reconstituted 21/08/2003 The Kerala BJP unit has been reconstituted with the State President P S Sreedharan Pillai nominating the other office-bearers. P P Mukundan (Thiruvananthapuram), K Raman Pillai (Thiruvananthapuram) and P K Krishnadas (Kannur) were nominated as General Secretaries, Pillai announced at a press conference in Kozhikkode on Wednesday. Other office-bearers are, Vice-presidents - P D Purushothaman Master(Thrissur), Adv Mancheri Narayanan (Malappuram) and N M Vijayan (Ernakulam), Secretaries - Baby Ambattu (Kozhikode) and Shobha Surendran (Malappuram), Treasurer - Krishnanda Pai (Kasaragod). Four more would be nominated later to complete the list of office-bearers, he added.
Kerala floats new biotechnology policy
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Kerala floats new biotechnology policy THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has introduced a biotechnology policy that envisages the creation of a corpus fund of Rs.1 billion. Speaking to newsmen here after a routine cabinet meeting, Chief Minister A.K. Antony said Wednesday: "It has also been decided to set up a biotechnology board under the chairmanship of the chief minister and it will include all state ministers. "Ministers have been asked to find out how their departments could help in boosting biotech activities. We have also included all specialised institutes in the state to help locate the human resource potential in the sector." Kerala is rich in biodiversity and has a large reserve of herbal products. The state has recently been attracting major biotechnology companies. The latest to enter is biotechnology and bio informatics firm Avesthagen. Bangalore-based Avesthagen was set up three years ago and is into promoting R&D relationships and services worldwide. Antony said biotechnology promotion would concentrate on agriculture, health, marine resources and industries. "In the marine sector we are looking at value addition. Another important step will be the setting up of a biotech park."
By-poll to be an acid test for BJP, SNDP
Thursday, August 21, 2003
By-poll to be an acid test for BJP, SNDP 21/08/2003 The by-poll to the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency scheduled for September 23, will be a litmus test for both the BJP as well as the newly floated political party by the SNDP. For the BJP, this will be the first electoral fight faced by the party after the state unit was reconstituted under its youthful leader P Sreedharan Pillai. Pillai, after assuming charge, had promised to pioneer a political change in the state by broadening the BJP-led third front. The IFDP led by Union Minister PC Thomas is already part of the Front. The party is also holding secret negotiations with the SNDP and NSS for expanding the support base. However, the infighting in the party and the strained relations with the RSS could prove detrimental to Pillai's grand plans in Kerala. Meanwhile, the Kerala Janakeeya Vedi floated by the SNDP is also preparing for its show of strength. According to reports, though the SNDP leadership is not ready to make any direct alliance with the BJP and the RSS, they may be ready to support a Hindu candidate in Ernakulam provided he/she is acceptable to all communities in the constituency where the Ezhava and the Dheevara voters have a substantial presence. The SNDP leaders have already begun parleys to sell this idea to other Hindu communities like the Dheevaras. They also got a shot in the arm after the Nair Service Society leadership made it clear that it was ready to offer issue-based support to the Yogam. These political developments have left both the major political fronts of the state a worried lot. The CPI and though CPM have been most vocal in their opposition to the SNDP launching a political front in Kerala. Ezhavas form the main support base of both the communist parties in Kerala. With hectic political activities going on behind the curtain as the by-election is fast approaching, a clear picture is expected to emerge within the next two weeks.
Shooting of Ammakilikoodu moves rapidly
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
The troubled torn areas of Kozhikode are full of life. The shooting of AMMAKILIKOODU is progressing at a rapid rate. Renjith has scripted this film and Padma Kumar is directing it. Karunalayam is a home for aged-mothers who are deserted by their children. Void of fast moving life, one can expect a type of serenity prevailing in this place. Everything is fine until Vivek (Prithviraj) enters the scene. He is a representative from an MNC. He has a secret mission. Akila (Navya Nair) is an activist. This film has lots of yester year's stars playing the role of mothers. Some of them include Sukumari, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, KPAC Lalitha, Mallika Sukumaran, Saritha and Vijaya Kukmari.
War and Love
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
The shooting of Vinayan's WAR AND LOVE reassumed a couple of week's ago. The film is being shot in Kasargod. The two and half crore film is produced by Amjad Zaheer under the banner of Armada Films. The film has a huge starcast. WAR AND LOVE is a story that takes place in the border village of India and Pakistan. Dileep, Prabhu, Kalabhavan Mani, Jagadheesh are the Prisoners of War. Apart from these there are many other prisoners in the Pakistan camp. A Pakistani general's daughter falls in love with one of the Indian soldier. But the soldier has something different in mind. He acts as if he loves her, and makes her a route through which he and his comrades can escape from the prisoner. But little do they know that destiny has something else in store for them. The film is slated to hit screens during Christmas.
Yesudas dedicates Chembai portrait to Guruvayurappan
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Yesudas dedicates Chembai portrait to Guruvayurappan GURUVAYUR: A portrait of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the great Carnatic musician and the master of many present classical music celebrities, was dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan by his disciple and singer K J Yesudas on Monday. Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran MP dedicated the oil painting on behalf of Yesudas at 7 a.m. The portrait by artist Sethu Eyyal is likely to be placed at Melpathur auditorium where the famous Chembai Sangeethotsavam is held on the occasion of Guruvayur Ekadasi. The portrait would be kept in the temple for the time being. An oil painting of Lord Guruvayurappan was also dedicated along with Chembai's portrait.
VCDs unseat VCRs from homes
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
VCDs unseat VCRs from homes KOCHI: The future looks bleak for VCRs and VCPs that once had the pride of place in the drawing rooms of many middle and upper middle class families. The boom in VCDs and DVDs has virtually thrown video cassettes out of the market pushing the one-time favourite and ultimate entertainment machines to the attic rooms or godowns. And a revival is not easy for the recorders as people now prefer CDs to record marriage functions, giving the boot to the prone-to-fungus video cassettes. As the new generation enjoys everything in compact form, it is showing the exit signal for VCRs. So, the owners of VCRs are now being forced to either remove the sets from the drawing rooms or just go on chanting `old is gold' ignoring the long array of CDs in the video shops. The showrooms in city offer VCDs with prices ranging from Rs 2000 and latest DVD models priced at Rs 9,000. ``Many people come to exchange their VCRs and VCPs for the latest VCDs and we offer Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 for the old sets,'' says a salesman of Choice Distributors in city. The shop has stopped stocking VCRs for the last two years as the trend showed a clear preference for the VCDs and DVDs. But not many are willing to sell their old recorders that were once priced above Rs 10,000, even when they are beyond repair. Sony or Akai models were priced around Rs 14,500 two years before, but they will not fetch more than Rs 3000 today. Shortage of spare parts also poses a problem for VCR owners as not many companies offer servicing of these sets now. ``We haven't had any customer for these equipment for the past one year, but lots of people have sold off their sets. And we now split them into parts and sell,'' says a representative of a major home appliance shop in the city. Video recording companies usually buy these parts as they regularly use these machines. But for the public, VCRs are past their golden days and the VCDs and DVDs are here to stay.
Doctor held in a bid to molest tourist
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kovalam police on Monday arrested a doctor on a complaint of attempt to molest a woman tourist. According to police, Dr Manoj Vijayan, who was running an Ayurveda Centre at Kovalam, was arrested following a complaint from Swedish native. The tourist alleged that Vijayan attempted to molest her while she was being massaged by a woman masseur of the centre on Sunday.
Krishna Janmashtami celebrated across Kerala
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Krishna Janmashtami celebrated across Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hundreds of children dressed as Krishna and Radha thronged the streets of the state as part of Shobayatras organised as part of Sree Krishna Jayanthi celebrations. Floats depicting different episodes from the life of Lord Krishna accompanied by bhajans added colour to the Shobayatra organised by Balakgokulam in various parts of the state. Yatras from different temples in the city converged at Palayam junction and proceeded towards the famous Padmanabaswami temple at East Fort. Temples in the state were also tastefully decorated on the occasion of jayanthi and people offered prayers in various temples early on Tuesday. There was heavy rush of devotees at the famous Sree Krishna temple at Guruvayoor. Over 10,000 people had a sumptuous feast offered by the Guruvayoor Devaswom and devotees offered 'Unniyappams' (sweet offering) to the Lord worth Rs 1.75 lakh on the day, Devaswom sources said.
CM urged to restrain Air India from fare hike
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
THE Kerala Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has demanded that the Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, take the initiative to rein in Air India from giving effect to what the association called would be a "steep hike" in fares to Gulf destinations. Addressing newspersons, the President of the association, Mr K.V. Muraleedharan, along with other office-bearers, said that the Chief Minister should use his good offices with Members of Parliament representing the State and see that they combine to exert pressure on the Civil Aviation Ministry and make Air India reverse its decision. The international carrier had resorted to an "unprecedented" action of effecting from Wednesday (August 20) a 135 per cent in fares to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, places frequented most by skilled and unskilled migrants from Kerala. This would mean that the one-way fare from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai would go up from Rs 12,970 to Rs 18,825, while the return fare in the Thiruvananthapuram-Dubai-Thiruvananthapuram sector would stand revised upwards at Rs 21,130. Air India and peer international airlines operating in the sector had acted in concert to raise the fare from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,970 only four days back. Indian Airlines, which operates flights from here to Sharjah, charges only Rs 11,485. In comparison, the one-way fare from Thiruvananthapuram to London is Rs 17,000 and Rs 33,000 to New York. According to the association, Air India has effected the latest hike because traffic in the sector is expected to jump on account of the coming school season there. Mr Muraleedharan also said that the authorities had refused to pay heed to requests from foreign airlines for operating additional flights in the sector. KATA also expressed fears that with Air India going on the offensive, it would not be too late before foreign airlines operating in the sector join the bandwagon.
Coke happy with Kerala test results on samples
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
COCA-Cola India today welcomed the test results of its samples by the Directorate of Health, Government of Kerala. "The tests showed no traces of pesticides and cadmium. Traces of lead were well below the permissible limits," the company said in a communiqué issued here today. "This vindicates our position that our products are absolutely safe and conforms to all national and international standards," said Mr Sunil Gupta, Vice-President of Coca-Cola India. Further, the company pointed out that the Rajasthan Government, on Monday, had cleared the soft drink samples of Coke's products which were tested following a directive by the Rajasthan High Court.
Kerala IT firm reaches newer levels in certification
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Kerala IT firm reaches newer levels in certification THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Kerala-based IT group has achieved a major milestone in software development by securing the prestigious Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 5 certification. Two software companies under the Rs. 6 billion Network Systems & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NeST) group have got the CMMI Level 5, assessed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in the U.S. Said N. Jehangir, managing director of NeST: "The very stringent CMMI certification is indeed an honour to the Indian software industry as a whole. This framework would help us deliver predictable quality in our business. "Further, this provides an opportunity for our customers the world over to repose their confidence in NeST." CMMI is a widely recognised framework for assessing and improving software development capabilities. It is a more comprehensive model with emphasis on quantitative and statistical methods both at the organisational level and in project implementation. The CMMI Level 5 assessment goes beyond software to encompass the process maturity of NeST's whole "systems engineering", including hardware, firmware and mechanical design. The CMMI Level 5 appraisal at NeST was completed under the SCAMPI version 1.1-appraisal method specified by Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute at Pittsburgh, U.S. SCAMPI incorporates the best ideas of several process-improvement appraisal methods and is the world's highest level of quality certification available in software and systems integration. NeST has its operation centres in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore. It also has overseas offices in the U.S., Canada, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Japan. NeST employs over 3,000 people globally and provides product design, hardware manufacture, software, networking, training and other services to major customers like Hitachi and Toshiba.
93 Companies registered in Kerala during July
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
KOCHI: A total of 93 companies, including three big- size, were registered in Kerala during July this year. Of these, eight were public limited companies with a total authorised capital of Rs 87 lakh and 85 private companies with total authorised capital of Rs 6.19 crore, said an official release at Kochi. Thirtythree cases were filed during the month for violation of various provisions of the Companies Act and an amount of Rs. 1,35,700 was imposed as fine by courts against companies and their directors. Sixteen companies changed their names and four converted from public to private and vice-versa during the month, the release added.
LDF demands closure of Coke unit
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front Opposition in Kerala on Monday demanded the immediate closure of the Coca-Cola unit at Plachimada in Palakkad district. "As the laboratory test of samples of the soft drink has revealed that it contained toxic substances, government should take immediate steps to close down the unit at Plachimada," said, Oppositon leader in the Assembly, V S Achuthanandan. Outlining the decisions taken at the meeting, Achuthanandan said the LDF would support and give directions to the LDF Palakkad unit to organise agitations for the closure of the unit. Later, the agitation would be extended to other parts of the state, he added.
Cabinet panel considers fee concession proposal
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet sub-committee on self-financing colleges, which met here on Monday to take stock of the latest Supreme Court verdict, considered giving fees concession to economically backward students. The sub-committee would meet again on Tuesday to give final shape to the proposals on the fees structure. The existing annual fees for self-financing medical colleges is Rs 1.76 lakh and that for Government medical college is Rs 8,750. The annual tuition fees for Government engineering colleges is Rs 4,000 and that for self-financing engineering colleges is Rs 36,000. The sub-committee is headed by Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty. Law Minister K.M. Mani and Health Minister P. Sankaran are the other members of the committee. The sub-committee discussed in detail a proposal for three-tier fees structure in self-financing professional colleges. The proposal was for fixing 75 per cent of the existing fees as the fees for merit quota seats for students from families having an annual income of over Rs 3 lakh, 50 per cent for students from families having an annual income of between Rs 1.50 lakh and Rs 3 lakh and 25 per cent for students from families having an annual income below Rs 1.50 lakh. One of the problems faced by the Government was that the Supreme Court verdict was against cross-subsidisation in an institution. However, the Government would think of compensating the college managements for the loss suffered owing to cut in fees.
Cancel recognition of colleges accepting capitation fees: LDF
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: LDF ask govt to cancel recognition of Self Financing colleges that have accepted capitation fees for the admissions. While briefing the details of the LDF meeting held here, Leader of Opposition VS Achuthanandan said the government should make it clear that fee should be equal to that of government colleges to the merit candidates in self-financing colleges. He added that government should continue Common Entrance Examination for the admission procedures in all professional colleges. VS said the LDF Kozhikode district committee would organise a convention participating all sections for the smooth rehabilitation. He also demanded that all encroachers at Vagamon should be evicted. While asked about the Cola issue, VS said the government should close down the factory as it is producing products that are harmful to human beings. He added that the National and international laboratory results shows that the cola drinks contains poisonous substances. And the Health Minister Sankaran is trying to support the Cola managements, he alleged.
Steve Waugh visits Kerala
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
ALUVA, Kerala: Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh on Monday visited an orphanage here and spent some time with the children. Despite a hectic schedule, Waugh took time off to visit the orphanage here and said he was delighted to be in the company of the "young, energetic and loving children". The skipper also inaugurated the fourth annual celebrations of the "Janaseva Sishubhavan" which houses hundreds of children picked up from the streets. The children and officials of the Sishubhavan accorded a warm reception to Waugh, who was much impressed by the "Ranga Pooja" and action song of the inmates. Waugh was also presented a memento by the orphanage President Jose Mavely.Malayalam film actor Jayaram was among those present at the function. Waugh has charity interests in Kolkata where he is one of the patrons of 'Udayan', a home of children of leprosy patients.
'Mystiques of Malabar' begins
Saturday, August 16, 2003
'Mystiques of Malabar' begins 16/08/2003 A three-day travel mart heralding the rich tourism potential of North Kerala to the world outside began in Kozhikkode on Thursday evening, showcasing the ethnic beauty and golden heritage of the Malabar belt in plenty. ''Mystiques of Malabar'', attended by tour operators, travel agents and travel writers from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, England, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia, is being organised by the Department of Tourism in association with a host of other organisations. The mart also opened to a string of foreign delegates an exhibition showcasing the rich cultural heritage and information about the hot tourist destinations of Malabar, otherwise forgotten so far even as Kerala was projected as a ''must-see'' destination on the world map of tourism. Leading operators and tourism councils from Kerala, Karnataka and Pondicherry have also put up stalls in it. E Ahamed, MP, inaugurated the event at a glittering function in Kozhikkode on Thursday evening in the absence of Kerala Governor Sikander Bakht, who was scheduled to open it but could not make it to the function. In his speech read out at the function, the Governor cautioned about the pitfalls of short-sighted tourism promotion, particularly in the sphere of cultural interaction. The Department of Tourism in synergy with the Travel Trade, the Calicut Chamber of Commerce, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, the Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Malabar Tourism Board, is organising the event. More than 200 buyers and 62 sellers are participating in the mart. (agency)
Plan to reduce fees for merit quota seats
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Emboldened by the Supreme Court verdict on Thursday the Antony Government is reportedly planning to bring down the annual tuition fees for this quota in the private medical and the engineering colleges to that of their Government counterparts. The Cabinet sub-committee consisting of Ministers P K Kunhalikutty, Law Minister K M Mani and Health Minister P.Sankaran formed to tackle the issue is expected to meet on Monday and discuss the issue. A final decision in this regard may be taken on when the cabinet meets Wednesday. A Government medical college is having an annual tuition fees of Rs 8,750 while the fees fixed for its self-financing counterpart is a whopping Rs 1.76 lakh. For the engineering colleges, this is Rs 4,000 and Rs 42,000 respectively. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice V N Khare in its majority judgement on minority educational institutions (MEIs) has said that while the fee structure of each professional institution would be scrutinised by a five-member committee headed by a retired judge, the determination of management quota in private colleges and unaided MEIs would be done by another four-member committee headed by another retired judge. The Chief Justice of the respective state would nominate both the retired judges, the bench added. However, as very little time was left for completion of the admission process for the current academic year, the apex court said for the academic year 2003-04, the management quota and the state quota would be 50:50. But the four-member committee from next year would determine the same onwards. The judgement also put a complete ban on charge of capitation fee by all private professional colleges and put their fee structure to scrutiny in each state by a committee headed by a retired High Court judge. Clarifying certain ambiguities in the apex court given last year, said under no circumstances the educational colleges could charge capitation fee or indulge in profiteering.
Advani to open Amrithanandamayi's birthday fete
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani will declare open the four-day 50th birthday celebrations of spiritual guru Mata Amrithanandamayi at Kochi on September 24. About one million devotees from 150 countries, besides religious leaders of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, are expected to attend the meet, Media in Charge of the fete's International Organising Committee Brahmachari Abhayamrita Chaitanya told reporters in Chennai. Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat would participate in the concluding day celebrations on September 27, which is the 50th birthday of the Mother. Hotmail boss Sabeer Bhatia and renowned artistes like Hari Prasad Chaurasia and L Subramaniam would also be present on the occasion. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah would chair a meeting of Women's empowerment on September 25. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and her counterparts from other States have also been invited for the meet. Confirmation had been received from three of them, including Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, the Brahmachari said. The Mother would declare open an AIDS Hospice on September 27 at Thiruvananthapuram, besides an Oncology Department at the Amrita multi-speciality Hospital and Medical College at Kochi that day. Free accommodation for about 100,000 devotees was being arranged by the Organising Committee, the Brahmachari added. President A P J Kalam would chair a Chief Executive Officers' meet there on September 26. The CEOs' meet, in which about 100 delegates from various countries were expected to attend, would prepare an action plan to fulfil the President's vision of making India a prosperous nation by 2020. The President would earlier that day declare open a youth meet.
Spirit of Rakhi finds new avenues
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Spirit of Rakhi finds new avenues KOCHI: The city celebrated Raksha Bandhan festival on Tuesday with the sisters relying on traditional Rakhis to modern SMSs to express their affection for brothers. The members of Gujarati community in the city held Dariya Pooja on the sea side to mark the occasion. The festival was also a hit among the college-going crowd, who celebrated the day by tying Rakhis on classmates and friends. There were varieties of Rakhis up for sale. Rakhi, a colourful piece of art, with silken threads entwined together in an attractive manner and adorned with beads and golden threads, is tied on the wrists of brothers for their good health, wealth, happiness and protection. ``I offered arathi, applied sandalwood paste and tied Rakhis on the wrists of five brothers,'' said Bhavya V, student of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. She got a gift from her brother Hardik in return. While many resorted to SMS to convey their affection, Swetha A Shah, final-year student of SRVS College, Mattanchery, send 15 Rakhis to her cousins living across India by snail-mail. ``It's a holiday for the college and I missed the celebrations in college,'' says Swetha.
Letter of permission issued to Amala Institute of Medical Sciences
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Letter of permission issued to Amala Institute of Medical Sciences THRISSUR: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a letter of permission (LoP) to Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, set up under the management of Amala Cancer Hospital Society at Amalanagar, near here. Sources said the LoP is for admitting 100 students for the first year MBBS course to be held during 2003 to 2004.
NRIs get a helping hand, courtesy Timesol
Thursday, August 14, 2003
NRIs get a helping hand, courtesy Timesol KOCHI: The Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) hailing from the State never had it so good. Timesol, a hospitality management company based in Bangalore, in association with Prompt Services has started offering time-managed services for NRIs. The services include providing complete solutions from greeting the customers in the airport to their departure, wedding solutions, educational solutions, property management, financial solutions, taking care of aged parents, which includes assistance during health check ups to visits to the temples. ``Timesol's technological platform provides its clients with unmatched flexibility and our members can place a request to Timesol via our website, call centre or through emails for 24 hours a day,'' said S Bhaskar, director, Timesol. ``Our expertise in the field has been immense and it has helped us in taking care of even the smallest details,'' he said. The membership charges for the services is Dhirhams 250 for people living outside India. But resident Indians can avail the services of Timesol free of cost, as an introductory offer. ``The research undertaken by Timesol shows that there is a definite need to provide value added services to the families of the NRIs,'' said Aloysius Antony, managing director. ``The number of NRIs from the State is very high and this factor prompted us to extend our services to Kerala,'' said Aloysius. The firm has offices in Dubai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. For membership details please contact Ph: 98473 43324.
3,168 engineering seats were vacant last year
Thursday, August 14, 2003
3,168 engineering seats were vacant last year THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty, in a written reply in the Assembly, said that 3,168 seats were lying vacant in 57 self-financing engineering colleges in the last academic year. The Industry Minister was replying to questions on behalf of Education Minister Nalakath Soopy. He said it included 3,069 payment seats and 99 merit seats. More than 100 seats each were lying vacant in KMCT College of Kozhikode, IHRD College of Engineering, Kallooppara, University College of Engineering, Thodupuzha, and Co-operative Institute of Technology, Vadakara, the Industry Minister said. PENSION SCHEME: Cooperation Minister M.V.Raghavan said in a written reply that the Government was considering a pension scheme for the employees of State and district co-operative banks. As many as 4,667 employees would come under the scheme, the Minister said.
Restrictions on Govt jobs to go: CM
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Restrictions on Govt jobs to go: CM 13/08/2003 The State Chief Minister AK Antony told in the Assembly on Wednesday that the government would soon remove all restrictions imposed over recruitment to the state government service. Answering to query in the House, Antony said that most of the time, the vacancies are not reported to the Public Service Commission, mainly due to the pressure from temporary employees. He said that the government has issued strict instructions to department heads to report the vacancies under them to the PSC on a priority basis. Antony also added that his government, before it completes its term, would give more number of jobs to the unemployed that than the previous LDF government did during its governance.
Coke seems to be toxic free, says minister
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Coke seems to be toxic free, says minister 13/08/2003 The State Health Minister P Sankaran has said that the tests conducted by the state government owned laboratories in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam have failed to identify any toxic substance in the soft drinks produced and distributed by Coca Cola in Kerala. Answering to a query in the State Assembly on Wednesday, Sankaran said that the government would take an official position on the issue only after getting a third report form the National testing analytical laboratory in Mysore. The minister said that reports form the testing labs in the state said that while cadmium was not traceable in the product, lead was also not present in substantial level. He said that it would be difficult for the government to take any action against the company as the reports received so far have issued clean chit to the products. However it may be recalled that the Coca Cola plant at Plachimada in Palakkad was the eye of a storm following a recent BBC Radio report alleging that the sludge, generated by the plant and distributed as fertiliser to local farmers, contained high levels of toxic elements. The international environmental protection group Greenpeace had backed the BBC allegations and demanded an immediate closure of the bottling plant, pending an official probe into the charges. The Kerala Pollution Control Board (KPCB) had also branded the sludge generated by the multinational soft drink giant as 'hazardous confirming high level of cadmium and lead in it.
Lack of substance in Malayalam cinema, says Sheela
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Lack of substance in Malayalam cinema, says Sheela 13/08/2003 Malayalam actress Sheela, the heartthrob of yesteryears has said that the crisis faced by the Malayalam film industry can be attributed to the lack of stories with substance in the films made today. Participating at a 'Meet the press' programme in Kochi on Wednesday, Sheela observed that scarcity of impressive storyline has affected the industry more than the arrival of television. " If a good film is made, I would like to go and watch it in the theatre rather watch it on TV. Most of the people think that way," she said. Sheela who was given a reception in Kochi on Tuesday to mark her return to the world of cinema, said that she would accept offers from TV serials also , if the roles offered are good. Answering a volley of questions, Sheela said she placed Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair as an actor high above others. "His performance in films like Chemmeen was remarkable," she added. Sheela said that she regret for not getting a chance to work under eminent directors like Bharathan and Padmarajan.
Infosys' arrival buoys Kerala's IT morale
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Kerala’s realisation of its long-awaited dream to get Infosys Technologies to invest in the state has improved morale in the IT sector in the state. Technopark, where Infosys will initially be based is expecting to run out of space in the next six months. Infosys has signed up for 55,000 sq ft of space in Technopark for five years, which leaves just over 4 lakh sq ft of vacant built-up space in the park. We have already kicked off work on acquiring another 270 acres near the existing Technopark campus for future expansion, Technopark finance controller K C Chandrasekharan Nair told ET. Technopark has a total built up space of 13.40 lakh sq ft, of which roughly 9 lakh has already been taken up by some 55-odd companies. With Infosys’ arrival, officials here expect the remaining space to be snapped up in no time. Technopark has so far invested Rs 136 crore in its infrastructure and has already broken even. The state government-owned entity had a profit of Rs 2 crore during 2001-02. The finalisation of accounts for 2002-03 is in progress and the park is expected to maintain its profit trend. Infosys is expected to commence operations here with a staff strength of about 50, and scale it up to around 500 staffers in two years, but the IT major’s investment decision is expected to substantially boost Kerala’s stature as a preferred IT destination. In 2002-03 Kerala’s IT exports amounted to Rs 165 crore, far lower than those achieved by neighbouring states. During the year, the number of IT companies registered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) numbered 277, of which 101 companies had export earnings.
Kerala to celebrate Mohan Lal's 25 yrs in cinema
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram: In a state averse to cult build-ups, Malayalam superstar Mohan Lal is to be honoured with a rare week-long celebration to mark his 25 years in cinema. A consummate entertainer who has enthralled film goers in Kerala in more than 250 movies, Mohan Lal's histrionic skills have also won him two National Awards and a Special Jury Mention. In recognition of his special place in Malayalam filmdom, Mohan Lal's friends and colleagues are putting up a grand party for him from September 8 to 14 in Thiruvananthapuram, where he spent his growing years. "True to his humble nature, Mohan Lal wanted us to donate the money to the needy instead of putting up a show. But his friends insisted as the celebrations to mark his receiving the Padmashree two years ago could not be held then following his brother's death," says noted art director Rajeevnath, a member of the organising committee. A felicitation function in the Poojapura area here, where the actor grew up, would kick off the celebrations on September 8, followed by a week-long screening of his films. On September 14, a mega show is being planned in one of the biggest sports stadia in the capital, where besides the super star, most of the directors that he has worked with would be honoured, Mr Rajeevnath told . At home equally in serious and comic roles, Mohan Lal captured the imagination of the audience in such diverse roles as the tortured Kathakali artiste caught between reality and myth in Vanaprastham or the simpleton jobless youth in Nadodikattu. The year 2001 saw him don a different role when he blazed across the Delhi stage in a Sanskrit production of Karnabharam at the National School of Drama's annual festival. "If he could give more time to the stage, he would be a first class theatre actor. It is a pity that film producers in Malayalam have type-cast him in a popular persona and not explored his versatility and range," says Mr Rajeevnath, who directed Mohan Lal in two films Kaveri and Aham. "Aham was a particularly difficult role of an introvert person dealing with lunacy. But, he did it to perfection. An actor, who forgets everything once he is on the sets, Mohan Lal did a 23-hour shooting schedule for Aham without batting an eyelid. In fact, he would go around handing out cups of black coffee to the unit members to perk them up," Mr Rajeevnath recalls. Similar tales of dedication are recounted about Mohan Lal's National Award winning performance in Vanaprastham, for which he did a six-month crash course in 'Kathakali' to get the 'mudras' and the eye movements right. Mohan Lal made his debut in 1978 as a villain in Manjil Virinja Pookkal. But, he got more accolades than the hero of the film, remembers M Pradeep, a die-hard Mohan Lal fan. Pairing up successfully with director Priyadarshan and actor-writer Sreenivasan, Mohan Lal gave a number of box office smashers such as Nadodikatte, Sanmanasullavarkke Samadhanam, Chitram and Kilukkam. However, it was his searing performance as an ambitious youth who is forced into criminal activities in Kireedam which won him the Special Mention of National Film Awards Jury. His first National Award was won for Bharatam, in which he played a Carnatic musician facing the twin tragedy of his teacher's death and his drunkard elder brother's ways. Hindi film viewers got a chance to see him in Kaalapaani and more recently in Ram Gopal Verma's Company. "Mohan Lal had a lot of offers from Bollywood once. But, he was very choosy about the roles he did there. He likes to work only with the directors with whom he can strike a rapport. But then, he is a director's delight as he is quick to grasp and naturally emote what the director wants," adds Mr Rajeevnath. Commenting on the string of flops suffered by the 43-year-old super star lately, Mr Rajeevnath disagrees that the actor has had his day. "If he gets the right kind of roles, Mohan Lal is good enough to go on for another 25 years. In fact, his best is yet to come. Now that the producers may not find him suitable for the run-of-the-mill roles, he may have more time and scope to do varied characters, exploiting his full range of acting skills," the director adds.
Muslim women decide to return on Aug 15 to Marad
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
The state government has landed in a tight spot once again over Marad as the Muslim women staying in Kambakallu refugee camp have decided to return to their homes on Marad beach on August 15th. The Muslim families have been staying in the refugee camps since the Marad carnage of May 2, in which assailants mowed down eight Hindu fishermen. Talking to reporters on Tuesday, the women refugees said that they are sick of the government apathy and decided to return to the beach to face any eventuality. "About 80 families, including women and children have decided to return , come what may," Subeida, a resident of the camp said. Even though the state DGP Hormis Tharakan ahs said that protection would be given to those who wish to return, the situation may turn volatile, if the Araya Samajam resists the move. The Samajam has declared that it would allow any rehabilitation till the state government meets their demands, including the one for a CBI enquiry. Even a section of the local Muslim population affected by the stand off, have asked the government to recommend a CBI enquiry as a means to restore peace in the area. The VHP and the Araya Samajam are currently spearheading a campaign to press these demands.
Guruvayur temple accepts offerings by Yesudas; but with conditions
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Guruvayur temple accepts offerings by Yesudas; but with conditions 12/08/2003 The Guruvayur Devaswom, the management of the famous Sri Krishna temple in Thrissur district, has decided to accept two oil paintings offered by 'gana gandharvan' K J Yesudas to Lord Guruvayurappan, the presiding diety of the temple. However, the approval, after much of dilly-dallying, comes with a set of conditions attached to it. Accordingly, Yesudas would not be directly making the offering. Moreover, the name of the famous singer would not be inscribed on the paintings. The conditions were readily accepted by Yesudas. According to reports, senior Congress leader K Karunakaran's intervention in the issue paved way for the settlement. The oil paintings are that of Lord Guruvayurappan and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, noted Carnatic musician and guru of K J Yesudas. Chembai himself was an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayurappan. It may be recalled that the Guruvayur Devaswom that follows stringent rules regarding entry of non-Hindus to the temple, has not allowed Yesudas, a born Christian, to have darshan of the Lord, despite being a devotee. Reports said that Karunakaran on behalf of Yesudas, would be offering the paintings to the temple on August 17, the Malayalam New Year day.
Kerala to oppose cow slaughter ban
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
The Kerala government is gearing up to oppose the proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Cow Bill 2003 cleared by the Union Cabinet banning cow slaughter in the country. The State Animal Husbandry Department is currently preparing a detailed report on the likely impact of the proposed Bill in the State for submitting to the centre. The report points out that the ban will have serious and adverse financial, political and social impact on the state. Speaking to an English daily the other day, the State Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister K R Gowriamma said that the bill was "detrimental to the interests of the State in more than one way". The State is the largest consumer of beef in the country and beef constitutes nearly 40 percent of the total meat consumed in the State. The total consumption of beef in the last year was 2,49,000 tonnes. Moreover the proposed Bill will also affect the Government plans to explore new markets for beef trade for which the Animal Husbandry Department had initiated various steps. The Bill scheduled to be introduced in the current session of the Parliament will affect the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and Kerala, where cow slaughtering has not yet been banned. As per the Bill, one could be imprisoned for five years for slaughtering a cow and would be fined Rs 5,000 for causing any injury to the cow. Meanwhile animal lovers have often raised their voice against the poor condition of the slaughterhouses in the state and the plight of the five-lakh cows brought to the Kerala every year from neighbouring states for slaughtering. The ill-fed cows are made to saunter hundreds of miles through tarred roads in hot climate. Most of them are tied together in a group of five to six, restricting their body movements to a large extent. Meanwhile, a section of the business community of Kerala has also warned of serious impact on the state's economic scenario, if the bill is passed. Fr Paul Thelekkat, the official spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Church has also slammed the move calling it politically motivated and deprived of logic and common sense. 'The Government's move smacks of dictatorship. Every animal is simply an animal. Man must not abuse it, but can use it,'' he said. Political observers point out that he slaughter ban is likely to invite is the possible tensions in society. Individuals without any valid licence operate a majority of the slaughterhouses in the rural areas. With the RSS and the Sangh Parivar already embarking on an anti-slaughter campaign, slaughtering of the `holy cow' in future may invite unprecedented tensions in rural Kerala, it is feared. ( with inputs)
TV Awards announced
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
'Anna,' based on the story of Leo Tolstoy's famous work 'Anna Karenina,' by Kairalee TV has been selected as the best tele-serial for the 2002 Kerala State Television Awards which were announced today.Asianet won 7 awards while Kairalee bagged 14 awards Cultural Affairs Minister G Karthikeyan told newspersons here that 'Vilolam'(shown on Surya TV), which narrates the story of an old librarian, won the best tele-film award. Anna's producer Kairali TV and its director Azhakappan would receive a cash prize of Rs 7,500 each, citation and plaque. The best tele-film's director Siddiq and director Sajisurendran would also receive the same prize. Mohan bagged the best director's award for the tele-film 'Sayahna Swapnangal'(Kairali TV), while G A Lal won the script writer award for 'Azham' and 'Vilolam'(Surya TV). Ratheesh has been selected as the best actor for his role in 'Anna,' while the best actress award went to Kaveri for her role in the same tele-serial. 'Om Gurubhyo Nama'(Asianet) has been selected as the best documentary, while its director Babu Pisharoti got the best director award. Following are the other major awards; Second best tele-serial- 'Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum'(Doordarshan), Second best tele-film - 'Surya Kanthi'(Kairali TV), Story - Ambikasuthan Mangad('Commercial Break' - Kairli TV), Supporting actor- Siddiq('Vilolam' Surya TV), Supporting actress- Manju Pillai('Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum'), Child artiste- Baby Niraja('Akasa Tharama' Asianet), Cinematography- Rajesh('Suryakanthi' Kairali TV), News reader- N K Raveendran(Asianet) and Anjana(Kairali TV) and Current Affairs: 'Vaham Insan Ko Mara'(Directed by V M Deepa for Asianet News)
Antony praises Beenamol
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Sunday congratulated middle-distance runner K M Beenamol on being selected for the country's highest sports honour - Rajiv Ghandhi Khel Ratna award. Antony conveyed his happiness and the joy of all Keralites over telephone to Beenamol, who is now attending a coaching session at Patiala, an official press release said here. The Chief Minister said he hoped this honour would be an inspiration for Beenamol to make more achievements in her field. He also expressed happiness for the shortlisting of I M Vijayan and Anju Boby George for the Arjuna award.
Kerala will consider pleas of Pak citizens
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Monday said he was of the opinion that humanitarian treatment should be given to India-born Pakistani citizens currently staying in the state. Replying to a submission by Mathai Chacko (CPM) in the Assembly, he said the government's stand was that the aged people among them should be allowed to stay in the country. The government's view had been conveyed to the Centre. The pleas of all the Pakistani citizens in the state would be considered on merit and recommended to the Centre, he said. Recently, a Pakistan passport holder C Ibrahim, hailing from Malappuram district, who was ordered to be deported by a local court, was taken to the Wagah border, but was returned as he did not have valid documents to prove his Pakistani citizenship. A total of 276 Pakistani citizens are reportedly staying in the state, mostly in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. (Agencies)
P Leela to receive award on Thursday
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
P Leela to receive award on Thursday KOCHI: The Janmashtami Puraskaram will be presented to noted singer P Leela by veteran film actress Sukumari at a function to be held at Aluva on August 14. The award, instituted by Balasamskara Kendram, carries a cash prize, citation and a memento. Swami Swaprabhanandji Maharaj of Sreeramakrsihna Ashram, Pala, will preside over the function. Bharatiya Vichara Kendram director P Parameswaran will deliver the keynote address. The award is given to individuals or organisations for their role in spreading awareness about the teachings of Lord Krishna. Leela has been selected for her efforts in spreading ‘Narayaneeyam’, ‘Jananappana’ and ‘Harinamakeerthanam’.
Kadampuzha temple prasadam via post
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
KOZHIKODE: As part of the ongoing diversification efforts, the Postal Department has entered into a tie-up with Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple in Malappuram district for distribution of Bhagavathy prasadam to devotees all over the country. Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, post master general M S Ramanujan informed that the prasadam would reach devotees on the lines of existing tie-up with Travancore Devaswom for distribution of prasadam of Lord Ayyappa during Makaravilakku and Vishu seasons. Devaswom and Cultural Affairs Minister G Karthikeyan will launch the new scheme at Kadampuzha temple premises on August 22. The department is also planning to launch another scheme on the eve of Onam for dispatching Onakkodi to anywhere in the country in association with Kuthampully Kaithary Neyth Vyavasaya Sahakarana Sanghom. The scheme would be formally launched at all head post offices and other important post offices in Kerala on August 14. The scheme envisages booking and delivery of Onakkodi during the season using postal network.
ABVP plans campaign against WTO
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
PATHANAMTHITTA: The ABVP will organise a week-long campaign against the ill-effects of the WTO from August 25 to 31 in the State. The campaign jatha will be inaugurated by ABVP national secretary Ramesh Pappa at the Municipal Stadium in Tiruvalla on August 21.
Antony's dream falters as communists play spoilsport
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony's dream of turning Kerala into the most developed south Indian state has run into problems, with the communists seemingly determined to play the spoilsport. In the past fortnight, Kerala has witnessed chaos with half a dozen shutdowns in different districts called to protest the government's new education policy. The state road transport corporation alone has suffered a loss of Rs. 40 million due to reduced collections and damage to 30 busses. Also, leftwing activists have been on hunger strike for 11 days demanding a cut in the fees of professional colleges. Oomen Chandy, leader of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), says the sole purpose of the protest was aimed at dislodging the government led by Antony. In an effort to boost professional education, Kerala had opened it up to the private sector last year by permitting the opening of four medical colleges and some 50 engineering colleges. Fifty percent of seats in the new institutions were to be reserved for meritorious students while the remaining were to be filled at the discretion of the managements. As a result, annual fees in the management quota in medical colleges have touched Rs.176,000 and Rs.36,000 in engineering colleges. This has prompted the opposition to allege that Antony's government was conniving with private managements to fleece students. The state-wide protests have often turned violent and scores of policemen and protestors have been injured. Over 50 students were taken into custody. Several ministers have had to face public wrath, and the one who suffered the most was Tourism Minister K.V. Thomas, who was doused with engine oil as he alighted from a train at Kozhikode. "Due to the 'hartals' (shutdowns), the road transport corporation has suffered a loss of (Rs. 40 million) and 30 buses have been damaged. Our daily collection has dropped by (Rs.2 million). If this situation continues, the corporation will have to be closed down," Transport Minister R. Balakrsihna Pillai told . In the midst of all this, the Antony government won a reprieve of sorts with IT major Infosys signing an agreement to begin operations at the Technopark here in November. Antony had personally visited the Infosys headquarters in Bangalore to invite it to set up shop in Kerala.
Kerala University exam dates announced
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University has announced the new dates of the examinations scheduled on August 8. The university said in a statement here on Monday that the second semester BSc computer science, electronics, BBA and BSc (main) examinations would be held on August 18. The BCom examinations would be held on August 27 and pre-degree examinations on September 1 and BA (main) examinations on September 2. IDE PRACTICAL: The practical examinations of first-year BCA and BSc computer science of the Institute of Distance Education of the Kerala University scheduled to be held on August 16 has been postponed to August 28. However, there was no change in the practical examinations to be held from August 17. BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICAL: The auxiliary biochemistry practical examinations of the fourth semester BSc Biotechnology would be held on August 14 at Bishop Moor College, Mavelikkara and SN College, Kollam on August 18. BDS EXAMS: The last date for submitting applications for the second and third BDS examinations without fine is August 22 and with a fine of Rs 50 till August 29.
Gulf links fuel boom at airport in Kerala
Monday, August 11, 2003
AIRLINES operating from the Gulf have brought a business boom to Kochi International Airport, in Kerala, a top official has revealed. Following the arrival of Gulf Air last month, all national carriers of the GCC states are now operating to Kochi. The airport in Kochi is one of the first private sector airports in India, mainly financed by non-resident Indians in the Gulf. Since its opening in April 1999 there has been a steady increase in the number of international flights operating to Kerala, according to airport managing director V J Kurien. "Gulf Air was the last national carrier from the Gulf to operate to our airport," he told the GDN in his office at Kochi International Airport. "This has enabled us to complete the network of our Gulf operations." Gulf Air's inaugural flight from Cochin to Bahrain, via Abu Dhabi, was launched last month by Mr Kurien. "With the arrival of more flights from the Gulf the revenue of our airport has reached Rs1 million (BD8,210) a day," he revealed. "This will help us in implementing a long-awaited and ambitious expansion plan of the airport complex, to make it one of the most modern of its kind in India." Gulf Air airport manager (Kochi) Aboobacker Moidu said the airline was grateful to the Kochi airport authority for its constant support. "Since we started operations on July 15, more than 2,000 passengers were carried on the first 10 flights - both incoming and outgoing," he said. "The response from the travelling public has been overwhelming. Our flights are fully booked until next month." Mr Moidu, who is Gulf Air's airport manager in Riyadh, is on a temporary assignment in Kochi to set up and develop the station. Reception Gulf Air currently operates four flights a week to Kochi on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. "We operate A320 aircraft on this sector with a capacity of 135 seats," said Mr Moidu. Gulf Air now operates 52 flights a week to India - 28 to Bombay, seven each to Trivandrum and Delhi, six to Madras and four to Kochi. More than 500 people attended a reception hosted by Gulf Air at Le Meridien Hotel, in Kochi, to mark the start of operations to Kerala's commercial capital. It was attended by Gulf Air's regional commercial manager (Asia-Pacific) Abdul Hussain Haider, manager (India) John Anderson, airports manager (India) Khalid Habib, district sales manager Renji Thomas and other officials representing travel, trade and business establishments.
Marad rehabilitation drama continues
Monday, August 11, 2003
KOZHIKODE: Even as the Government is debating the issue of rehabilitating the Muslim families which fled Marad following the carnage, Ummer accompanied by his wife Suharabi, two children and his sister-in-law returned on his own volition to his house at Chullianvallappu in Marad on Sunday, only to go back in the evening, thereby adding a new act to the rehabilitation drama. Ummer, a trolley puller at the Big Bazaar here, finally decided to take the risk of facing the wrath of Araya Samajam members after spending months as a refugee at the houses of various relatives and in camps. The family had also spent some time at the MIMS Hospital as Shakeela, Ummer's sister-in-law, was undergoing treatment for cancer there. Along with his wife Suharabi, children Rameesha and Shahul Hameed and sister-in-law Shakeela, Ummer reached his house at around 12 p.m. on Sunday. Though the family was able to make their way to their house without any hindrance from the Araya Samajam members, the atmosphere was fraught with tension. Ummer's resolve to stay at their home suffered a setback when the Hindu family next door refused to allow them to take water from their well. ``We cannot live here without water. And they told us that they would not allow us to use the water from their well like before. So we have to go. But, I am a poor man and cannot afford to live in a rented house and I am tired of living like a refugee at relatives' places,'' Ummer said. ``Besides, I had nothing to do with what had happened here and I have nothing against the people here. Even then, I am unable to return to my home,'' added a visibly distraught Ummer. Meanwhile, the Araya Samajam members informed RDO T Balan, who held talks with them, that they would not stop or harm the families who returned on their own in anyway. However, they also said that they could not be responsible for any untoward incidents that could be carried out against the families. District Collector T O Sooraj told this website's newspaper that a major breakthrough could be expected in the rehabilitation issue as the Government was holding high-level talks with the leaders of the various communities. ``We are confident that the talks will yield concrete and positive results and that the whole issue of rehabilitation can be resolved amicably. In fact, we had identified Chulliyanvallappu as one of the areas where rehabilitation could be carried out in the first stage,'' he said.
The balance sheet of a violent stir
Monday, August 11, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 12-day student strike which was called off on Sunday without much gain has proved yet another futile attempt by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front to pull down the A K Antony government in the State. The students were on the street, unleashing terror for the last few days, demanding 50:50 admission ratio in self-financing professional colleges. Both the student unions and the LDF leaders, who persuaded them to resort to violence, took a U-turn when they called off the strike agreeing to the terms put forward by the government. Though, earlier, the Chief Minister had repeatedly appealed to them to wait till the Supreme Court verdict on the self-financing professional college issue, they did not pay much attention to his words. The agitating student unions did not gain much. Forget the street fight experiences and pains they have endured besides disrupting normal life for a few days in the State. Of course, there are a few crumbs for the student community - The Government has agreed to slash the SSLC fee rate, to reduce the fee for SSLC certificates, and to bring down the tuition fee for both degree and post-graduate courses. The CPM leaders who had dragged the students to streets were in constant touch with the Chief Minister and Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty, who is holding the additional charge of Education Department, to get out of the imbroglio once they realised the public sentiment against the violent agitation. The CPM, which had burnt their hands in the Muthanga issue earlier, was cautious enough to end the student stir at the earliest given opportunity. And when the government came forward to hold talks with the student representatives they rose to the occasion and called off the strike.
Kochi may lose preferred IT destination ranking: Karnik
Monday, August 11, 2003
MUMBAI: The militant trade unionism and lack of flights to international locations from Kerala, might cause Kochi its second-most preferred Information Technology-enabled Services (ITeS) destination, conferred earlier by National Association of Software and Associated Companies (Nasscom). "The fear of trade unionism, which might affect the smooth functioning of companies, is one of the reasons for IT companies not finding Kochi as a favourable destination," Nasscom chairman Kiran Karnik said on Sunday. This, coupled with dearth of international flights from Kochi, which is essential for client visits and servicing, is also a dampener to the city's IT prospects, Karnik said cautioning, its ranking might fall in this year's study. Nasscom, which brings out a study on most preferred ITeS cities in India every year, had ranked Kochi as the most preferred destination, second only to Hyderabad, in India.
Over 40 passengers injured as buses collide
Monday, August 11, 2003
KOCHI: Over 40 passengers suffered minor injuries when two private buses collided at Marble junction on the Perumabavoor-Puthercruz road at Perumbavoor here on Sunday. One of the buses was on its way to Perumbavoor from Chottanikkara, while the other was plying on the Perumbavoor- Aluva route, police said. Some of the injured passengers, who were taken to nearby hospitals, were discharged after first aid, they said.
BPL offers 4 new tv models
Monday, August 11, 2003
KOCHI: With the 'Onam' festival round the corner, BPL on Saturday launched four new television models in the Kerala market with never before offers. The models are 20", 21",21" Flat and 29"television sets, BPL's regional Manager, South India, Radhakrishan Kiran Chintha, told a press meet here. The 29" television would feature 1000 W, 3 band graphic equaliser, 12 window PIP, Digital Planner, Screen saver, Strobe and Scan function, he said. BPL also offers VCD Player/MP3 player model VCD4000 free for Matrix 21" pure Flat television For customers wanting to upgrade their television sets, an attractive exchange option on Matrix 21" Pure Flat television would be offered, he said. Unique finance schemes, extended warranty offers of 3 years are among the other offers. BPL was expecting to sell 20,000 pieces this onam season valued at rs 20 crore, he added. BPL's brand Ambassador, well known Malayalam film actor, Mohanlal, who was also present, said he was happy to be the promoter of the brand, which would do well this festival season also.
Student unions withdraw stir
Monday, August 11, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The pro-Left student unions on Sunday decided to withdraw their 12-day agitation following talks between the representatives of the agitating student unions and Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty and Finance Minister K.Sankaranarayanan here. Kunhalikutty, who also holds the Education portfolio in the absence of Education Minister Nalakath Soopy, and Sankaranarayanan had a three-hour meeting with the student union representatives. SFI State president P.K.Biju and AISF State secretary V.P.Unnikrishnan told newsmen after the talks that the Government agreed to reduce the SSLC exam fee from Rs 60 to Rs 30 and the fee for SSLC certificate from Rs 30 to Rs 15. The Government agreed to slash the hiked fees for degree and post-graduate courses by 10 percent. The Government also agreed to reconsider the sanction granted to the aided schools and upgrading of 698 schools in the State, they said. The Ministers promised that the Government would enact a law to bring under control the self-financing colleges in the State, they said. The Ministers told the student representatives that the Government was only waiting for the Supreme Court verdict for further action in this regard. They said that the Ministers also agreed to withdraw the computer education fees in the 8th standard in Government schools and would re-consider withdrawal of fees in the 9th and 10th standards. The Government would hold talks with students' representatives before passing the Kerala Universities Bill, which had been referred to the Assembly Subject Committee. The student leaders who were on fast in front of the Secretariat ended their agitation after the talks. Opposition leader V.S.Achuthanandan offered lime juice to the leaders to end the fast.
Race marks beginning of Onam
Monday, August 11, 2003
Race marks beginning of Onam festival; 1000’s of spectators cheer boat race in Kerala ALLEPEY, (AP): Tens of thousands of spectators clapped and cheered as 22 low-slung "snake boats," each carrying around 100 oarsmen and singers sliced through the tranquil backwaters of India's picturesque southern coast in a noisy, colorful harvest festival race.More than 2,000 paddlers took part on Saturday in this year's annual Snake Boat Race, a symbol of Kerala state's ancient seafaring and martial traditions. On many of the boats, the prow was decorated to look like a hooded snake. As singers kept up a rhythmic beat, the oarsmen paddled furiously to complete the 8,450-foot (2,535-meter) long race, which marks the beginning of the local harvest festival known as Onam.District officials in Allepey town, where the race was held, said more than 28,000 people crowded the water's edge to cheer the rowers. The wild beat of the traditional festival song "Vanchipattu," or Song of the Boatman," often sends spectators into a frenzy, said M. Ramachandran, the top district administrator for the state government which organizes the race. This year, the race's 50th anniversary, the trophy was snatched by the Karichal Chundan Boat Club, a local group of rowing enthusiasts. There is no big prize money each rower in the winning boat gets 300 rupees ($7). There were six all-women boats, the first time teams have been fielded without male competitors.The race was preceded by colourful water parades by small boats and performances by scores of dancers and drummers. Allepey is about 155 kilometers (90 miles) north of the state capital, Trivandrum.
Special trains for Onam
Sunday, August 10, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In order to clear the extra rush of passengers during the Onam festival, the Southern Railway would run special trains on the Chennai Central -Thiruvananthapuram Central, Chennai Egmore- Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram routes in September. According to a statement from the Southern Railway here on Friday, Train no: 0603 Chennai Central-Thiruvananthapuram special train would leave Chennai Central at 09.15 p.m on September 5 , 7 and 9 and would reach Thiruvananthapuram Central at 4 p.m the next day. In return direction, train No: 0604 would leave Thiruvananthapuram Central at 8 p.m on September 6, 8 and 10 and reach Chennai at 2 p.m the next day. The above trains will have stops at Palakkad, Ottappalam, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Changanassery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikkara, Kayamkulam and Kollam. In return direction, train no: 0604 will have stop at Perambur also. Train no: 0609 Chennai Egmore -Thiruvananthapuram special train would leave Chennai Egmore at 8.30 p.m on September 7 and 14 and would reach Thiruvananthapuram at 2.30 p.m the next day. In the return direction, train no: 0610 would leave Thiruvananthapuram Central at 4 p.m on September 8 and 15 and reach Chennai Egmore at 8.35 p.m the next day. Train no: 0605 Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram special train would leave Mangalore at 10 p.m on September 7 and would reach Thiruvananthapuram at 12.40 p.m the next day. In the return direction, train no: 0606 would leave Thiruvananthapuram at 7 p.m on September 8 and arrive Mangalore at 9.30 p.m the next day. SPECIAL TRAIN: According to another statement from the Southern Railway here today, a special train will run between Nagercoil-Chennai Egmore on August 17. Train No:0614 Nagercoil-Chennai Egmore special would leave Nagercoil at 3.30 p.m on August 17.
KSRTC on the verge of closure: Pillai
Sunday, August 10, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister, R Balakrishna Pillai has said that that if the damaging of KSRTC buses during strikes by the Opposition continues, the KSRTC would have to close down within fifteen days. Mr Pillai stated that the KSRTC has incurred a loss of Rs 4 crore as a result of the ongoing strike by Opposition The KSRTC needs around Rs 24 crore to pay as salary and other arrears to its employees. But recurring strikes and damaging of buses has led the Corporation to a quandary, said the Minister. The Minister lamented that the Opposition, despite its promise that it would not pelt stones at KSRTC buses, has damaged around eighty buses belonging to the KSRTC
Celebrate this Onam with six films
Sunday, August 10, 2003
This Onam will witness the release and the fate of six Malayalam film. They are CAMPUS, IVAR, MIZHI RANDILUM, SWAPNAKOODU, BALETTAN, and PATTALAM. BALETTAN stars Mohanlal. This film is a kind of comeback film for Mohanlal. It is also said that in his last film audiences rejected him outright because of his overweight problem. For this film it is said that Mohanlal has shed almost eight kilos, which is a good thing for him and the viewers. SWAPNAKOODU is a Kamal film. It has spurted interest among the youth for two reasons. One is that this film stars Prithviraj, Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Bhavana and Meera Jasmine. Another reason is that this film is inspired by Farhan Akhtar's DIL CHAHTA HAI. PATTALAM stars Mammootty. This actor who had lost the league is back is the race with the success of his film CHRONIC BACHELOR. Kavya Madhavan and Indrajit star in Ranjith's MIZHI RANDILUM. Mohan's CAMPUS will be the debut film of Madhu Warrier and T K Rajeev Kumar's IVAR stars Jayaram.
Peace rally at Marad on Aug 15
Sunday, August 10, 2003
KOCHI: Kerala Cooperation Minister M V Raghavan, a member of the cabinet sub-committee on Marad, on Friday said a 'peace rally ' involving all political parties would be held to restore communal amity on August 15 at Marad, where nine persons were killed. Addressing a press meet here, he said the rehabilitation process in Marad would be done step by step. The demand for a CBI probe by certain organisations was intended to vitiate the communal harmony in the state, he said. On the ongoing pro-ldf student agitation, he said there was no dispute between government and opposition on students demand. The current agitation was an 'agitation for the sake of an agitation', he said. On FACT, a prestigious public sector unit in the state, which has been listed for disinvestment, he said the government was prepared to keep it in the cooperative sector.Government had informed the Centre that it be given some more time for submitting the project report, he said adding he would be meeting the concerned union minister and officials at Delhi on August 13.
Hartal supporters go on rampage
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Hartal supporters go on rampage again, police burst tear gas shells KOZHIKODE: Police bursted tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge when the protest march taken out by the pro-Left organisations turned violent here on Saturday evening. The office of the Malayala Manorama also came under attack by two persons, suspected to be the hartal supporters, late in the evening. Though the hartal called by LDF in the Kozhikode Corporation, Perambra town and Quilandy assembly constituency went off peacefully, tension gripped the city after the march taken out by the LDF activists turned violent. The march, which began from the Muthalakulam ground, converged at the V M Basheer Road corner for a protest meet. After dispersing, some of the protestors hurled stones at the Commissioner's office and police vehicles prompting the police to burst tear gas shells and resort to lathicharge. Around 30 people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, the police said. The attack on the Malayala Manorama office took place at around 8 p.m. The miscreants threw a petrol bomb into the office which fell inside the editorial department. However, no one was hurt. They also pelted stones at the office, breaking front glasses, name board and lights. Meanwhile, all shops and financial institutions except medical shops remained closed throughout the day. As it was a second Saturday, the functioning of the government offices were not affected by the hartal. Vehicles, including buses, plied the road normally. The KSRTC buses also operated without any hindrances.
'Karichal Chudan' wins Nehru Trophy
Sunday, August 10, 2003
'Karichal Chudan' wins Nehru Trophy boat race August 09, 2003 23:20 IST 'Karichal Chudan' won the 51st Nehru Trophy boat race held at the Vembanad lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala today in front of a massive crowd of spectators, including foreign tourists. As many as 54 boats, including 19 snake boats, or chundan vallams as they are known, took part in the race that is considered the country's biggest watersport event and is held every year as part of efforts to boost tourism in the state. A cultural procession exhibiting the folk arts of the state and a mass drill of all participating boats added colour to the event. 'Kalluparambu Chudan' was placed second in the race, which saw a splendid display of oarsmanship and physical prowess, bringing the Punnamada stretch of the Vembanad lake alive and sending the crowd into raptures. The unique features and natural backdrop of the event have been attracting sports enthusiasts from afar. The trophy was instituted to commemorate the visit of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and his boat ride in the lake. Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman distributed the prizes to the winners. During the inaugural function, Union Minister of State for Law P C Thomas said the Centre would provide Rs 15 lakh [approximately US $32,500] for the boat race. Kerala Tourism Minister K V Thomas said the state government had sanctioned Rs 10 lakh [US $21,600] for the event. Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp.
Infosys to set up development centre
Sunday, August 10, 2003
PUTTING to rest months of speculation, software major Infosys Technologies has signed an agreement with the Thiruvananthapuram-based Technopark for the establishment of a software development centre in the city. Announcing this at a press conference, Mr P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for IT and Industries, Government of Kerala, said the company's entry was a "big step forward" in Kerala's emergence as an IT destination. The company's development centre would initially function out of 55,000 sq.ft. of leased premises within the Technopark campus, the Minister said. It would, however, construct its own 50-acre campus in the neighbourhood of the Technopark. Land for this purpose would soon be identified, he said, adding that the company would like to start work on the campus in a year's time. Infosys would commence operations in Thiruvananthapuram with around 50 employees, but would look at expanding its operations in a couple of years. It would recruit persons from within the State based on its requirements, a company release said. Infosys was likely to take in some 500 software professionals in the initial stages of its operations and was expected to start recruitments in the near future, the Minister said. While the company's press release said it would commence operations in the city by January 1 next year, Mr Kunhalikutty expressed the hope that the development centre would be functional by November 1 this year. The Government would give all possible support to the company, he added. The company's own campus would be of international standards and was expected to be able to accommodate around 5,000 people, the Minister said. This campus would be similar to the company's other development centres across the country, said Mr Binod H.R., Vice-President, Commercial and Facilities, Infosys Technologies, who was present at the press conference.
Kombodinji village cheers for its Khel Ratna
Sunday, August 10, 2003
A festive mood prevailed in remote Kombodinji village in Kerala's Idukki district when news spread that athlete Beenamol had been selected for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award by the Arjuna Awards Committee. For the remote village, Beenamol is not just a major sportsperson who reaped honours in the country and outside, but a symbol of development. "It is because of her that we got a good road and other development projects. We are all happy and proud that she is getting the country's highest sports honour," a villager said. There was a steady stream of visitors to Beenamol's home since Saturday evening with relatives and well-wishers sharing their happiness with Beenamol's father Mathew and mother Marykutty. Beenamol, attending a coaching camp in Patiala, called up her home to talk to her parents, sister Reena and brother Biju. 'It was around three in the afternoon when we first received a call from Delhi saying that Beena is being considered for some big honour. Around six in the evening, it was confirmed," Mathew told reporters.
Kombodinji village cheers for its Khel Ratna
Sunday, August 10, 2003
A festive mood prevailed in remote Kombodinji village in Kerala's Idukki district when news spread that athlete Beenamol had been selected for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award by the Arjuna Awards Committee. For the remote village, Beenamol is not just a major sportsperson who reaped honours in the country and outside, but a symbol of development. "It is because of her that we got a good road and other development projects. We are all happy and proud that she is getting the country's highest sports honour," a villager said. There was a steady stream of visitors to Beenamol's home since Saturday evening with relatives and well-wishers sharing their happiness with Beenamol's father Mathew and mother Marykutty. Beenamol, attending a coaching camp in Patiala, called up her home to talk to her parents, sister Reena and brother Biju. 'It was around three in the afternoon when we first received a call from Delhi saying that Beena is being considered for some big honour. Around six in the evening, it was confirmed," Mathew told reporters. Article Tools Email this Article Printer-Friendly Format Letter to the Editor
Beenamol to get Khel Ratna
Saturday, August 9, 2003
Asian Games gold medallist K M Beenamol has been selected for the country's most prestigious sports award -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. The decision to nominate the middle distance runner for the top honour was revealed by one of the members of the committee which met in New Delhi on Saturday. The decision also put to rest the confusion over whether there would be two Khel Ratna Awardees this year. Beenamol edged out ace shooter Anjali Bhagwat who was initially in the running after the committee recommended that the award be shared between the two top women performers of 2002. Beenamol had an extraordinary 2002 with the Kerala athlete winning two gold medals and a silver in the Busan Asian Games. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was instituted in 1991-92 to honour the most spectacular and outstanding performance in a year and carries Rs 5 lakh, a medallion and a scroll of honour. The President gives away the award, along with the Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees, at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan every year on August 29.
Kerala student agitation spreads
Saturday, August 9, 2003
The ongoing student agitation against the Kerala Government's policy on self-financing colleges, which climaxed in a fierce clash between the agitators and police, spread yesterday. Normal life all over the state came to a standstill in response to a call for a work stoppage given by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in protest against Thursday's police action. Activists of the left student unions clashed with the police in places in Kozhikode, Kasargode and Ernakulam. The protestors used stones and other missiles while police used lathis, teargas shells and stun grenades. The protestors damaged several government vehicles, including buses. Meanwhile, some student activists continued their indefinite fast in front of the State Secretariat for the seventh day, adding to the mounting tension in the State capital. In Kozhikode railway station, the agitators poured crude oil on Tourism Minister K.V. Thomas and the police whisked him away into a cabin in the platform. In the process, one of the police sub-inspectors got doused in the oil. The minister continued his journey after changing his clothes. The police action against agitators resulted in injuries to 16 students. The opposition LDF stormed out of the State Assembly yesterday in protest against the police 'atrocities' on the students and boycotted the House today. The decision to boycott came soon after Vakkom Purushothaman refused to admit a notice for an adjournment motion over the police 'atrocities' on students yesterday. The Speaker turned down the notice moved by LDF leaders Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and K. P. Rajendran after Chief Minister A.K. Antony explained the circumstances that led to the police action. Antony said that about 500 students armed with stones, petrol bombs and sticks marched to the Secretariat and attacked the police and as a desperate measure they police had to use force against the students. Tear gas shells were used, he said. Two Circle Inspectors and three constables were injured. Some students too were hurt and admitted to hospital. Leaders Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Dr Thomas Issac and Mathai Chacko forcefully released a student from police custody. Fourteen students who took part in the attacks had been produced in the court. Government vehicles were destroyed in similar protest marches in Kozhikode, Thrissur, Karargode, Malppuram and Ernakulam districts, the Chief Minister said. The government was well aware of the students demand for cheaper education in self-financing colleges but they should wait till the Supreme Court announced its verdict on a pending case in the matter. Observing that the opposition was using the students to bring down the government, Antony said that such moves would be foiled.
'After helmets, it’s car seat belts'
Saturday, August 9, 2003
KOCHI: Close on the heels of the Kerala High Court verdict making helmets for two-wheeler riders compulsory, Director- General of Police Hormis Tharakan has said that seat belts for cars will also be made compulsory shortly. Though the Motor Vehicles Act contains provisions for seat belts and helmets as safety requirement, nowhere in the country except New Delhi is the law enforced in letter and spirit. Welcoming the High Court verdict, he said that Transport Commissioner’s directive making seat belts mandatory for four-wheelers is already prevailing in the state and efforts will be taken to enforce the order. He also said the reasons for non-implementation of the directive till now will be examined. Cochin City Police Commissioner Vinod Thomas told this website's newspaper that the number of accidental deaths will be reduced considerably if the rule on seat belts is enforced. According to Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) M A Rosamma, responsible for enforcing the Transport Commissioner’s directive, a pivotal mechanism will be shortly mooted to ensure strict adherence of the law. The department is committed to do whatever it could to see the law enforced, she added. Following the High Court verdict, which kicked up quite a bit of heat and dust among two-wheeler riders and associations, the DGP’s direction will see the owners of old cars on the offensive. The car accessory dealers, meanwhile, welcomed the possibility of implementing car seat belts for safety. Says James Mundadan of Cochin Car Fantasy, ‘‘Earlier it was the non-resident Keralites who opted for the seat belts. But from the last two years we have been getting regular orders from owners of old Ambassadors, Fiats and even Marutis, as the company had introduced cars with seat belts only from the 1996 to 97 period’’. But seat belts will not come cheap and is priced at Rs 1,200 a pair. ‘‘Currently, there are’nt many Indian manufacturers and the Taiwan-make we sell comes at Rs 1,200 a pair and Rs 2,400 if the back seat is also included,’’ he says. For the critics the law will remain only on paper. Says Soman of Perfect Auto Service, ‘‘It is a law difficult to be implemented. As most of the new cars have bucket seats, installing seat belts would be relatively easy. ‘‘But for the old Ambassador which has bench seats it will be difficult. Moreover, they are extremely costly.’’
Several injured as students, cops clash
Friday, August 8, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Several students and policemen were injured when the Secretariat march taken out on Thursday by the Joint Action Council of the pro-Left students’ organisations turned violent. The police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the violent students. Teargas and stun-lac-grenade were also used by the police. The march was taken out to express solidarity with leaders of pro-Left students’ organisations who had been on an indefinite fast in front of the Secretariat since July 30 in protest against the education policy of the UDF Government. Six students including AISF leader Sajeesh, SFI leaders P.Biju, Joshy Jose and Sindhu Joy suffered serious injuries in the police action. All of them were admitted to the Medical College Hospital here. Sajeesh, who suffered a fracture on his hip bone, underwent a surgery. Police constable Amalchand who sustained eye injury in the violence had been admitted to the Government Ophthalmic Hospital here. The police arrested over 20 students in connection with the violence. Violence erupted when the students tried to barge into the Secretariat compound breaking the barricades installed by the police. The police resorted to lathi-charge following stone-throwing by students. As the situation went out of control, the police resorted to teargas shelling. Later, stun-lac-grenades were also used to bring the situation under control. The students retaliated by hurling sticks and chairs from the satyagraha pandal at the police. The irate students also stoned two KSRTC buses and a Government van. The violence spread to the Government Model Higher Secondary School for Boys and the Government Arts College. Several students were held in this connection.
Nizhalkkuth
Friday, August 8, 2003
Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan Cinematographer Mankada Ravi Varma , Sunny Joseph Music Ilayaraja Cast Oduvil Unnikrishnan ,Jagathy Sreekumar, Murali, Sukumari The master is back with another classic Nizhalkkuth. Working quietly but authoritatively, Adoor Gopalakrishnan is one of the few surviving filmmakers whose calling card remains his artistry and intellectual disposition. In Nizhalkkuth, Adoor explores the life of an Arachar (hangman) attached to the princely state of Travancore in the early 1940’s. Adoor’s protagonist is Kaliyappan (Oduvil Unnikrishnan) who has a battered soul as he had personally hanged many, but has developed a king size guilty conscience. He feels that there is an intense struggle going inside his mind over this form of capital punishment. However the royalty showers Kaliyappan with material benefits, honour and privilege attached to being an official hangman! And people in his village believe that he has the power to cure them of their ills. In what appears to be dichotomy, Kaliyappan uses the very same rope he uses to hang convicts to make ash out of it and smear it on the forehead of the people who comes to him for treatment! Quite evidently, Adoor knows his subject well and has done a detailed research on it. The hangman of that era was forced to take the guilt of the royalty. The guilt of killing was so acute that even the state disowned it by sending a note of pardon just after an execution got over! The climax is revetting as Kaliappan’s son; a Gandhian has to step in for his father just before an execution as per custom! It is brilliant the way Adoor has conveyed through Nizhalkkuth the humanness of a hangman as he gets ready to snuff out the life of another human being that he meets for the first time. Each and every character in the film like Jagathy Sreekumar, Murali or Sukumari is sincerity personified in their performance. Above all Oduvil Unnikrishnan as Kaliappan has come out with a stunning performance worthy of a National Award. Stripping himself of all vestiges of artifice, he inhibits his role with searing intensity. Mankada Ravi Varma and Sunny Joseph’s camera pay homage to the unsullied beauty of the Kanyakumari countryscapes. Added to that Ilayaraaja’s seamlessly creative background music is another plus point of the film. Nizhalkkuth is Adoor’s plea against capital punishment and in fact Amnesty International has chosen the film as part of its global campaign against death sentence. The film has substance and for connoisseurs of quality cinema, it is an absolute must-see. Verdict: Brilliant
Hartal begins in Tvm district
Friday, August 8, 2003
The dawn to dusk hartal called by the Leftist student organisations on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram district to protest against police lathicharge on Thursday before the state secretariat has so far evoked mixed response. Shops and establishment have remained closed. The KSRTC has withdrawn all its services and the private buses have also remained off road. Poor attendance have been reported from, government offices. A few private vehicles and two wheelers were seen plying on the roads. Emergency services have been exempted from the strike. The government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions including professional colleges in the state on Friday.
Kerala HC makes helmet compulsory
Friday, August 8, 2003
The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the State Government to make wearing of helmet, both by the two-wheeler driver and the pillion rider, compulsory in the State within one month. The Bench consisting of Chief Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta, Justice J B Koshy and Justice A K Basheer said Section 129 of the MV Act and rule 347 of the MV Rules make it mandatory for both the two-wheeler driver and the pillion rider to wear helmet. It provides that every person driving or riding on a motorcycle of any class of description shall, while in a public place, wear a protective headgear of such description as may be prescribed by the State Government by rules made by it. Section 128 provides that no driver of a two-wheeler shall carry more than one person in addition to himself. It is an admitted position that the State Government has framed a positive rule making it mandatory for a driver as well as pillion rider to wear a protective head gear. This provision is contained in Rule 347 of the Motor Vehicles Rules. It provides that the headgear shall be of ISI standard. The provisions of the Act and the Rules being clear, the State is under an obligation to enforce its compliance. Defaulters are liable to be penalised. Government Pleader Roy Chacko promised the court that the provisions would be enforced as at present the rules provide for no exception. The court, therefore, directed that the provisions should be enforced by the Government immediately. Instructions in this regard should be issued. However, the persons concerned should be given a reasonable time to arrange for purchasing a protective headgear, say, four weeks. The directions were issued while disposing of a writ petition filed by K Narayanan Nair of Cheruvally, Vazhuthoor, Neyyattinkara, seeking a compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the State Government for the death of his son due to a head injury suffered in an accident involving a motorcycle. Since, according to him, the death occurred on account of the failure on the part of the authorities to enforce the statutory provisions relating to the wearing of protective headgear, the State was liable to compensate him. The court turned down his plea as he had failed to do his duty to make his son follow the rules and wear a headgear. The court refused to exercise its writ jurisdiction and relegated him to seek civil remedies to enforce his rights if any. (with inputs)
Anju Bobby George wins silver in Stockholm
Thursday, August 7, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, August 06, 2003: Asian Games gold medallist Anju Bobby George won the silver medal in women's long jump in the Stockholm IAAF Super Grand Prix tournament in Sweden on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old Indian star touched a distance of 6.49 metres to finish second and win Euro 2400 (approx Rs 1.25 lakh). Sweden's Carolina Kluft (6.59) clinched the gold medal while Spain's Concepcion Montaner was third with an effort of 6.48m, according to information received here today. This was Anju's best performance in her first year in the European circuit. Earlier, she finished fourth in Rome and sixth in Madrid. The Kerala girl currently ranked No. 9 in the world had achieved a season's best of 6.65m in Eagle Rock, USA in June.
Antony clarifies his stand on minority
Thursday, August 7, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: softening his controversial remarks on the 'pressure tactics' of minorities, Kerala Chief Minister A.K.Antony yesterday clarified that the congress-led government in the state was committed to protect the interests of minority communities. Talking to newspersons here after a meeting of the state cabinet, the chief minister said he made his earlier remarks in particular context (in the wake of the Indian Union Muslim League on the rehabilitation of minority community members in the affected region and also on stand taken by the management of the self financing professional colleges). How ever, the situation in Kerala was different from that existing elsewhere in the country. "In my opinion, there is nothing wrong in the attitude of minorities seeking more benefits from the government," he said, adding that the bilateral talks between the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim league would continue for strengthening the relations. Regarding his remarks that went against the interest of non-resident Keralites, he said the government recognized the contributions of the NRKs for the overall development of the state.
Kerala Govt. Not in favour of FACT privatisation
Thursday, August 7, 2003
Kerala Govt. Not in favour of FACT privatisation THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony opposed the privatisation of the profit-making Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) and said it wants to keep the company in the public or cooperative sector. Briefing reporters after a cabinet meeting here this evening, Mr Antony said the Cooperative Department was preparing a proposal to operate FACT in the cooperative sector. The government will examine its report and take appropriate stand, he added. The disinvestment of FACT by the Central Government has been stoutly opposed by the employees union, which went on a flash strike at the Kochi plant yesterday to protest against the visit of prospective buyers from Indo-Gulf Fertilizer Corporation yesterday.
Escotel Mobile, Kerala Police To Trace Missing Handsets
Thursday, August 7, 2003
New Delhi: At a time when almost all cellular operators look the other way when it comes to helping consumers find their stolen handsets, Escotel Mobile Communications Ltd has taken a step in the right direction. Having tied up with the Kerala police department for helping its subscribers find their lost/stolen mobiles recently, it plans to do the same in the other circles that it operates inHaryana, Uttar-anchal, Uttar Pradesh (W). We are currently in talks with state police departments and will be offering the same service within the next two monthsthat is by October, Escotel Mobile chief operating officer for marketing and customer care Sonjoy Mohanty told eFE. At present, most cellular operators limit their help to blocking the SIM card of the subscriber when s/he reports a stolen handset. In effect, this means the SIM card can’t be re-used. However, the operators do not block the IMEI (international mobile equipment identification) number of the phone, which would make the handset defunct. IMEI is an unique number for each handset. Subscribers can get it by keying in *#06#. It’s here that Escotel, aided by the Kerala police department, gives its subscribers an added advantage. Explaining the entire process, Mr Mohanty said, We record the IMEI number of subscribers everytime they make a call. When any subscriber informs us of his stolen handset, we block the SIM card and we then keep a tab on the IMEI number and inform the police too. If the same IMEI numbered handset being used by anybody else on Escotel’s network, the company then calls the user to inform that s/he has either bought a stolen handset or has stolen it and asks the subscriber to turn in the handset. Then, if the person doesn’t return the handset, Escotel traces the new subscribers address from the details submitted in the form and passes it on to the police. If the details given on the form are false, then the company records other numbers called by the person. It gets the users whereabouts from these people and traces the user. If the handset is being used in any other cellular operators’ network also, then the Kerala police follows it up with other operators using the IMEI number. Currently, all operators are bound to provide details to the police as and when they get requests from the police in the limited, exceptional cases. The question now is how effective has this process been? During the last one month (since Escotel tied up with Kerala police), 211 subscribers registered their complaints out of which 64 (almost a third) got their handsets back till date, informs Mr Mohanty. So is the scheme foolproof? Not really. A look at the gaps in the process. First, the stolen handset needs to be re-used again for any operator to trace it as per its IMEI number. Thus, operators would have no idea about a handsets’ whereabouts till a handset is re-soldif it finds its way into the gray market. Secondly, Kerala police’s jurisdiction is limited to the stateproblems arise if the handset is re-used in some other state. Finally, the IMEI number can be changed with the latest technologythough currently that’s a very rare occurrence, industry experts point out.
Pakistani Ibrahim's fate still undecided
Thursday, August 7, 2003
Kozhikode, India-born Pakistan passport holder, C Ibrahim, deported recently for overstaying on his visa, has been remanded to judicial custody for two days by a local court here today. The Vatakara judicial first class magistrate's court, where Ibrahim was produced for the second day, directed that he be produced again Thursday to hear the prosecution and defence counsel. Vatakara DSP V V Sasikumar said Ibrahim was likely to seek a conditional bail after producing some documents in his defence. Ibrahim (55), taken to the Wagah border post for deportation July 30, was brought back here yesterday after he was refused entry into the neighbouring country when he failed to produce valid documents to ascertain his Pakistani citizenship. Ibrahim had yesterday claimed that he has been living in India for the past 26 years and took a Pakistan passport some 35 years ago when he landed in Karachi by accident en route to the Gulf seeking a job. A fish vendor, Ibrahim, who later married a Indian woman and has two daughters, was picked up by police from his residence at Vatakara recently as he did not have valid documents for his stay here. The magistrate had last evening directed police to keep him under custody and produce him again today. (Agencies)
Bus overturns in Kerala: 25 injured
Thursday, August 7, 2003
At least 25 people were injured, two of them seriously, when a bus overturned at Parappachal, about 30 km from here today, police said. The mishap occurred when the private bus was proceeding from Konnakkad to Kanhangad. The injured were admitted to the Kasaragod District Hospital and other hospitals here. (Agencies)
FACT workers lay siege to the plant
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Police used ''mild force'' to chase workers of the public-sector Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) Limited at its Udyogamandal unit on Tuesday when they tried to prevent a team of a private Indo-Gulf company from inspecting the plant. The team had faced a similar agitation on Tuesday as well when it visited the company's Ambalamugal unit Following the incident, a majority of the workers went on a flash strike, affecting production. The workers representatives later decided to submit a memorandum to Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony tomorrow, pointing out their objection to the reported move of privatising the company. At the same time, they would not be opposed to the idea of a takeover of the company by the co-operative sector, trade union sources said. Meanwhile, employees of the crisis-ridden private-sector Indian Aluminium company, also at Eloor, near in Kochi, organised under the 'Save Indal Action Council', on Tuesday staged a march to the State Electricity Board Deputy Chief Engineer's office in Kochi, demanding provision of power supply at concessional rate to the power intensive plant or sanction for the company to avail concessional power from the Power Trading Corporation. The smelter plant of the company had been shut down since August one rendering the prospects of a large number of workers uncertain. Recently, the services of 326 workers in its metal and carbon division were terminated, trade union sources said. (Agencies)
CPM not to agitate against Coke plant
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
The CPM on Tuesday said it would not launch an agitation for the closure of the controversial Coca Cola India bottling plant in Palakkad district of Kerala. Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram at the end of the party's three-day State Secretariat meeting, CPM State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said the party had made its stand clear that it was not in favour of the Coke bottling plant using a lot of groundwater in an area plagued with drinking water shortage. ''It is not proper for them to function like that. However, it is up to the government to take a decision on the closure of the plant,'' he added. It was the CPM Government which had given clearance for Coca Cola to set up its bottling plant at Plachimada in Palakkad district in March, 2000. The local Panchayath had earlier this year cancelled the licence given to the company on the grounds of ''overexploitation of groundwater.'' The State Government is due to hear an appeal tomorrow by Coca Cola against the Panchayath decision. Meanwhile, a fresh controversy has been created around the bottling plant by a recent BBC Radio report alleging that the sludge, generated by the plant and distributed as fertiliser to local farmers, contained high levels of toxic elements such as lead and cadmium. The international environmental protection group Greenpeace on Monday backed the BBC allegations and demanded an immediate closure of the bottling plant, pending an official probe into the charges. The State Pollution Control Board is looking into the allegations and its report is awaited. (Agencies)
‘Swapnakoodu’ shot in Vienna!
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
After a very long time a Malayalam film has been shot in Europe. Director Kamal is a sort of trendsetter for making films that appeal to the youth in Kerala with young heroes. He and the unit of Swapnakoodu (the title has been changed from Koodu) flew to Vienna and Europe to picturise two songs. Swapnakoodu has Pritviraj, Kunchakko Boban, Jayasurya, Meera Jasmine and Bhavana in the lead and a major part of the film was shot in Pondicherry. And now along with director Kamal the lead actors shot two songs (see pic) in the scenic places of Vienna and its surroundings. Unlike other directors, Kamal pays a lot of importance to song picturisation in his films and he says: We had a story board for the two songs and we chose Vienna as no Malayalam film has been shot there. We had shot the songs in Vienna Old city, Salsburg, Meeraben gardens, Visionbrun palace and other places. The film is said to be inspired from Farhan
Padom Onnu Oru Vilapam
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Padom Onnu Oru Vilapam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Director : T.V.Chandran Cast : Meera Jasmine,M R Gopakumar Producer : Aryadan Shoukathu T.V.Chandran is back with Padom Onnu Oru Vilapam, his first film set in a Muslim milieu. The film will showcase Meera Jasmine’s acting calibre. The story focuses on child marriage and female literacy. Shaheen (Meera) is a 10th standard student in a village school in Malappuram district. Though she is very good in academics her parents get her married to a woodcutter for whom it is his second marriage. After a month her husband divorces her but she does not know the reason for that. However she is happy that she can come back to her house and continue her studies. But when she goes back to school a plethora of problems confront her. Meera is the central character in the film and the buzz is that she might even get an award for the film! According to T.V.Chandran, the award winning director: It is a real story of what a Muslim girl has to undergo in a society that is still not willing to accept women as equals. Former Kerala Minister Aryadan Mohammed’s son Aryadan Shoukathu is writing the script and producing the film. The cast also has M.R. Gopakumar, Mammokoya, P.Sreekumar, Suja Karthika and Santhadevi. Camera is by K.G.Jayan and music by Johnson.
Kavya makes the right decision
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Kavya Madhavan is on a roll. In the last two years she has the maximum number of hits and has established herself as the number one actress in Malayalam. And in her role as Dileep’s wife and the mother of a five-year-old child in Sadananthante Samayam she proved that she could do matured roles with ease. But this actress does not want to be typecast in such mature roles as the next films she has signed are all with young and upcoming heroes. In Ranjit’s Mizhi Randilum, she is Bhadra, a nurse who has the responsibility of an entire family on her. She plays her first dual role in the film with Indrajeet as the hero. In Two Wheeler she is paired with Jayasurya and Jishnu where she plays a pivotal role. In Sundardas’ Katha she is Pritviraj’s heroine and in Choonda she is paired opposite Biju Menon. Kavya has made the right decision, as all these films give her ample scope to prove her histrionics.
Fast track implementation of JBIC projects
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Fast track mechanism for implementation of 5 JBIC projects 5-August-2003 A fast-track mechanism will be set up for the simultaneous implementation of five Japan Bank for International Cooperation(JBIC)-funded projects in Kerala, Water Resources Minister T M Jacob told the state Assembly today. Replying to a submission by Mr A Sujanapal(Congress), the Minister said the work on five projects, with total outlay of Rs 1800 crore, would be formally launched at a function to be organised at Cherthala on August 17. The much-delayed projects would be implemented within three to four years. The implementation of these was delayed during the past six years following corruption charges levelled by political parties. He said the drinking water shortage in Kozhikode city could be solved once the project was commissioned. At present, drinking water was supplied in the region only on alternate days as the existing project had the capacity to supply only 60 million litres as against the demand of 114 million litres.
Opposition to attack Govt on synchronised Assembly, LS polls
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Tuesday decided to take on the government for avoiding consultations on the issue of holding simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, accusing the Vajpayee government of trying to "divert" people's minds from real issues through such "floaters". Leaders of major opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD and the Left, had met here and questioned the recent statements by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on the matter, CPM Leader Somnath Chatterjee told reporters. "The concept was suddenly floated by the deputy Prime Minister .... No one knows what is the proposition," he said and asked whether the centre could dissolve several State Assemblies to synchronise with Parliamentary polls. "All such floaters are meant to divert the people's minds from the real issues of development," he alleged. Chatterjee, however, said no one could dispute that such synchronisation was necessary and this was the practice till 1967. Such a practice could not be continued as President's rule was imposed in many states and Parliament was dissolved on some occasions. "But to accuse the Opposition for not responding to Advani's proposals is unacceptable as there has been no official word on it so far .... It is for the Prime Minister and the government to take a decision in consultation with the opposition ... Are they willing to dissolve state assemblies now to have simultaneous elections," the veteran Marxist said. On the Prime Minister's recent statements on the Ayodhya issue, Chatterjee said, "Vajpayee did not deny a single word as was reported in the media. In his Parliament speech, he admitted having been carried away by emotions. Can the Prime Minister make such a statement which disturbs the entire nation?" He criticised Vajpayee for "making clarifications in a party meeting" and not referring or reacting to the speeches "made in his presence" by RSS-VHP leaders in Ayodhya last week at the funeral of Mahant Ramchandra Paramhans Das. The statements were "made deliberately to rouse passions as the BJP has no other issue left for elections". "We are also not surprised at the stand (on the issue) of the opportunist outfit called NDA ... They know these are their last days of survival. That is why they are desperate and we anticipate more such desperate actions by them," the CPM leader said. At the meeting, Opposition parties also castigated the government for "misusing" the CBI not only on the Best Bakery case and the NHRC, but also the way the investigating agency was being "misused" in cases like murder of Gujarat BJP leader Harin Pandya, Tehelka probe and others, Chatterjee said.
Study finds deadly pesticide residues in cold drinks
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Study finds deadly pesticide residues in cold drinks 5-August-2003 New Delhi:A dozen major cold drink brands, including those of Pepsi and Coca-Cola, sold here contain a deadly cocktail of pesticide residues, a study conducted by a leading environment group said on Tuesday. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) analysed the contents of 12 brands sold in and around the national capital. Multinationals Pepsi and Coca-Cola did not respond to the charges immediately but said they would counter the allegations at a joint press conference Tuesday. The cold drinks were tested for organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides and synthetic pyrethroids -- all commonly used in India as insecticides, said Sunita Narain, director of the New Delhi-based CSE. "All soft drinks of multinationals Pepsi and Coca-Cola sold in and around Delhi have been found to contain a deadly cocktail of pesticides residue far above the acceptable global norms," Narain told a press conference here. The findings comes six months after CSE conducted a similar study about the bottled water industry and found pesticide residues in packaged water of leading brands sold in New Delhi and Mumbai. "The test results were as shocking as those of bottled water. We tested 12 brands of soft drinks for pesticides residue and they were found to have 30-36 times more pesticides residue that global norms," said Narain. "Unfortunately, India does not have any legislation governing soft drinks industry. It seems the soft drinks industry, dominated by multinationals, have literally fixed regulations in this country," she added. CSE said the study of products manufactured by the same multinationals in the US and European union had found absolutely no pesticides residue. "This is because the regulations in the US and European Unions have established norms for the raw product water. Water constitutes over 80 percent of the soft drink. "We need to have a legislation in place governing the food and water industry, including soft drinks, keeping in mind the health of the consumer and not the industry," said Narain. As much as 6.5 billion cold drinks bottles were sold in the country in the fiscal 2000-01. The average annual consumption of soft drinks by Indians is six bottles.
'Malayalam cinema facing crisis of its own making'
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
'Malayalam cinema facing crisis of its own making' THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran film actor Bharat Gopi on Sunday said that the crisis of Malayalam cinema in the recent times was the creation of the film industry itself. He was inaugurating a seminar on the ‘75 years of cinema and its future’ at the ongoing 8th Trivandrum International Film Festival (TIFF) here. Gopi said that the crisis was the inevitable aftermath of a paradigm shift in the approach towards cinema from an art form to a sheer profit-oriented business. National Film Archives former director P K Nair said that the crisis was the result of underestimating the aesthetic sense of the Malayali audience. Unlike the Tamil and Hindi films, it was the down-to-earth nature which had been the hallmark of Malayalam film since its initial years. Malayalam cinema is deeply indebted to film-makers like Aravindan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and John Abraham for elevating it to international standards. The originality and the future of Malayala cinema rested on its unique style of story-telling, he added. Film-maker Shaji N Karun said that cinema was nothing but the artistic re-creation of human feelings. Film critic C S Venkiteswaran said that Malayalam cinema had turned to super human characters as it lost a host of cinematic subjects to television from the late 1990s.
Nehru trophy boat race on August 9
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Nehru trophy boat race on August 9 ALAPPUZHA: In all, 54 boats, including 19 snake boats, would vie for honours in the 51st Nehru trophy boat race, the country's biggest water sport, to be held at the Punnamada lake on August 9. The arrangements were in brisk progress as, like in previous years, a large turnout was expected to witness the unique watersport, held in the backwaters, according to district collector M Ramanandan. "Because of its unique features, tradition and beauty, the event has, over the years, been attracting tourists and sports enthusiasts from all over the world. This time too, a good turn out is expected," Ramanandan said. The competition section would have previous years' prize winning boats like 'Karichal', 'Nadubhagom', 'Champakkulam,' 'Cheruthana', 'Valiayadivanji' and 'Jawahar Thayamkari', the organisers said. Over the years, the event has also turned into a cultural festival for the people of this ancient coastal town.
Tour operators to bring tourists in hordes
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Tour operators to bring tourists in hordes NEDUMBASSERY: Tourism in Kerala is all set to receive a boost, if the arrival of leading tour and charter operators and media persons from Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and United Kingdom at Cochin International Airport here today is any indication. About 12 leading tour operators have been brought down by Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt Ltd, in association with Kerala Tourism Department and Hospitality Industry. Concord Exotic Voyages (India) Pvt Ltd is an endeavour of a few Keralites, internationally-reputed veterans in the travel and tourism industry -- M C Mani, Sunny Augustine, Raju Mathew and James Kodiyanthara -- who joined together and pooled in their resources to promote tourism in Kerala. The CEV proposes to bring in 3500 tourists from Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and the Gulf countries to Kerala during this season which will begin in October and end in May. Russia has a very strong economy, and about 12 million Russians travelled out of the country as tourists, especially to Dubai, last year. CEV expects at least 2000 Russians to Kerala this season. ‘‘Kerala tourism will get a surge from new markets like Russia, Ukraine and Czech Republic which will contribute heavily to the economic growth of our state,’’ said M C Mani, Director of CEV Ltd. ‘‘The efforts of CEV Ltd would set up the tempo for an exchange and assimilation of ravel trends which would pave the way of progress for the tourism industry, especially in Kerala,’’said Sunny Augustine, Director, CEV. The tour operators who arrived at the Cochin International Airport here today, were highly impressed by the excellent arrangements and the hospitality of the staff in various departments in the airport, as per a Russian tour operator. The Tourism Department, KTDC, CIAL and various hotel groups have extended excellent and encouraging support, said the CEV Directors. Tissan Thachankery of Royal Group of Companies was also present to extend help to the tour operators. They will return on August 8.
Nizhalkuthu inaugural film of Fukuoka fete
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Nizhalkuthu inaugural film of Fukuoka fete THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In yet another recognition to film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, his latest film Nizhalkuthu (Shadow Kill) has been selected as the inaugural film of the Fukuoka International Film Festival beginning in Japan on September 12. Fukuoka will be the 27th festival in which Nizhalkuthu, an Indo-French co-production depicting the life story of a hangman of the 1940s, is participating, according to Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Intimating the decision of the festival management to bestow this special honour on the film, festival director Tadao Sato said that it was the original and superb cinematic qualities of the film that prompted the decision. Adoor Gopalakrishnan and the lead actor Oduvil Unnikrishnan have been invited as guests of honour of the festival. The two would address a news conference on September 12 and then present the film at the screenings. There would be post-screening discussions with the audience at three of the four screenings on September 12, 14 and 19, The film is currently being shown in the Brisbane Film Festival in Australia, after Sydney and Melbourne festivals. Adoor Gopalakrishnan took six years for the preparation of the film that explores the moral turmoil plaguing an official state executioner on the eve of a hanging.
Gulf Malayalee Federation to construct 250 houses in State
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Gulf Malayalee Federation to construct 250 houses in State KOCHI: The Gulf Malayalee Federation (GMF) will construct 250 homes across the State for its members. GMF will also invest Rs 20 crore in next five years to establish small business ventures to help the Gulf returnees to make a living, said Ashraf Ali, president, GMF, at a press conference here on Saturday. ‘‘The society considers all Gulf Malayalees to be rich, but unfortunately the majority are without even a small house to live,’’ said Ashraf. Only ten percent of Gulf Malayalees are well to do, he said. ‘‘The remaining 90 percent are not well-off and most of them are struggling to meet their financial commitments,’’ he said. Ashraf said that the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia was not bothered about the problems faced by the community. ‘‘Thousands of Indians are languishing in Gulf jails on nominal charges. But the embassy turns a blind eye to their problems resulting in extended court cases and huge expenses which many of them can’t afford,’’ he said. GMF which has more than 1,500 NRI members, is also organising ‘Snehasangamam 2003’ a social meet of NRI’s on August 9 in the city. Along with the cultural activities, GMF will present M K Abdulappa award to Razaq Ulamalayur, a noted journalist in Gulf.
Plea to reinvestigate ISRO espionage case
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Plea to reinvestigate ISRO espionage case KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed to post on August 14 a writ petition filed by P A Viswambharan, a former Intelligence Bureau officer, seeking reinvestigation of the ISRO espionage case. The CBI, which had taken over the investigation from the state police, had closed the case by filing a refer report before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ernakulam, exonerating all the accused _ two Maldivian women and certain ISRO scientists. According to Viswambharam, who claims to have resigned from the Intelligence Bureau following the bungling of the investigation by the CBI, the magistrate had accepted the refer report on May 2, 1996, without proper application of mind on the reasons stated by the CBI to come to the conclusion that there was basis for the allegation against the accused and no documents had gone out in violation of the Official Secrets Act. The CBI has no special skill for investigating espionage case. The Intelligence Bureau, which had knowledge about the alleged espionage, was kept away during the course of the investigation. According to Viswambharan, if the court calls for the records relating to the case and peruses the same, these facts would come to light. He, therefore, wants the court to direct the State Government to reinvestigate the case.
Greenpeace seeks steps to close down Coca-Cola factory
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Greenpeace seeks steps to close down Coca-Cola factory THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Greenpeace India has demanded that the State Pollution Control Board should take steps to close down the Coca-Cola factory at Plachimada for its blatant violation of the rules. Citing the results of the analysis conducted by Greenpeace in its laboratory at University of Exeter, United Kingdom, of the samples provided by BBC journalists, Greenpeace India representative Ameer Shahul told a news conference here on Monday that the levels of hazardous material in the effluent far exceeded the permissible limits. The analysis of the water collected from the wells near the Coca-Cola factory showed that the ground water contained lead, chromium and cadmium besides other metals which posed high risk to human beings. The analysis of the waste material supplied by the Coca-Cola factory as manure also contained lead, cadmium and chromium which affected the land primarily used for agricultural purposes, thus affecting the livelihood of thousands of people. The Greenpeace also said that the company violated the Kerala Land Utilisation Act, the Kerala Pollution Control Act and the Central Ground Water Authority Rules. This also revealed the attitude of the Government to the factory, Ameer Shahul said. The Greenpeace India would provide legal and technical support to the people who are engaged in a struggle with the factory, he said.
Technical music has replaced melodies -Yesudas
Monday, August 4, 2003
KOTTAYAM: The present day’s Malayalam music world is predominated by technical music. Repetition of words and linking it somehow with music has become the order of the day, K J Yesudas has said. Presenting the second Abhayadev Award to composer V Dakshinamoorthy here on Friday, Yesudas said even though not all new singers were following technical music, the present day music was a far cry from the past when even a small mistake meant a fresh exercise all over again. It resulted in the gifting of unforgettable melodies to Malayalam. ‘‘Music should be trained in the brightness of senses.’’ Presiding over the function, Abhayadev Foundation chairman Sukumar Azhikode said that music was the best language in the world. If literature attracts 10 persons, music has the potential to attract 1 lakh persons, he said and added that the main reason for the present day turmoil in society was that music had lost itself somewhere. Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Dr Cyriac Thomas delivered the keynote address. In his reply speech, Dakshinamoorthy said he cherished his association with the late Abhayadev more than anything else. Dakshinamoorthy said he composed his maiden song for the one penned by the late maestro. Municipal chairman B Gopakumar spoke. Madavana Balakrishna Pillai welcomed the gathering and Paul Manalil proposed a vote of thanks.
Trivandrum Intl School begins operations
Monday, August 4, 2003
The Trivandrum International School, which claims ‘to be Kerala’s first international school with a global curriculum, faculty, infrastructure and proven academic delivery mode’, has commenced operations on the outskirts of Thiruvanathapuram. The Rs 20 crore school, promoted by George M Thomas, a non-resident Indian from the Sultanate of Oman, is located on a 15-acre campus. While classes have commenced and the entire academic infrastructure is in place, a swimming pool and other sports facilities will be completed before the end of this month. The school offers the ICSE and British ‘O’ level up to class 10 and will offer the ISC and British ‘A’ levels in classes 11 and 12. The school also plans to offer the International Baccalaureate in classes 11 and 12, said G Vijaya Raghavan, honorary director of the school. The Trivandrum International School has roped in a group of professionals from India and abroad who have been teaching in reputed schools in London, Hong Kong, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Montreal, Jakarta, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ooty, Chennai, Kochi and Thiruvanathapuram, he added. The executive director and head of the school is Elizabeth Moir, a post-graduate from the Oxford University and a British citizen, with over 25 years of professional experience around the world. The headmaster of the school is Richard Hillebrand, another Oxford graduate with teaching experience in the UK and other parts of the world. The other expatriate members on the faculty include Paula Magdalene, UK-educated English and special needs teacher with nearly 20 years of experience; Charlie Shearer, academic consultant, an Oxford-educated professional; and Tashi Tendulf - La, academic consultant, a Cambridge-educated professional. Out of the 76 students enrolled so far in KG level to class 8, most are children of NRIs from the US, the UK, Switzerland, Columbia, Thailand, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, UAE, Kuwait and Maldives. According to Raghavan, the high teacher-student ratio (1:6); strong comprehensive tutoring to help students do without private tution; classes in music, dance, theatre, painting and public speaking; sports facilities for swimming, cricket, football, basketball, tennis; excellent boarding facilities; in-house nutritionist and visiting medical practitioner; and unique evaluation systems are some of the features of the school. Claiming that the setting up of a school of its size has been achieved in record time, Raghavan said, This has demonstrated that large projects can be set up in Kerala on schedule without disruptions of any kind. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Kerala chief minister, A K Antony, on September 16, 2002, in the presence of the ministers of industries and education. Construction of the project was started in mid-December 2002.
Symposium on prawns from Aug 21
Monday, August 4, 2003
Symposium on freshwater prawns from Aug 21 4-August-2003 KOCHI: An international symposium on 'freshwater prawns' organised by college of Fisheries of the Kerala Agricultural University, will be held here from August 21 to 23. Over 100 research papers, besides country status papers on prawn farming from Brazil, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Vietnam and India would be presented at the symposium, a press release from the college said here on Sunday. A special 'Farmer Interaction' session would be convened for scientists, in which 100 farmers from all over India are expected to participate. An exhibition would also be arranged, in which central and state government fisheries institutions and fishery industrial firms would participate, the release added.
2 GIM projects of Rs 52 cr go on stream
Monday, August 4, 2003
Eighteen projects, with a total estimated outlay of Rs 594.74 crore, are at various stages of implementation. NEARLY seven months after the Global Investors Meet (GIM) in Kochi, two projects worth a total of Rs 52 crore, for which memoranda of understanding were signed at the meet, have gone on stream. A modern truck terminal complex set up by Falcon Infrastructures at Kalamassery at a cost of Rs 12 crore is one of the projects that have become operational. The other one is a wedding centre established at Angamally by Alukkas group at an outlay of Rs 40 crore, according to an official statement. These apart, nine more projects, with a combined investment of Rs 142.30 crore, are slated to start functioning in the coming months. All the projects take off from the MoUs signed at the meet with the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). The projects being readied for commissioning include a sand factory by Poabs group (Rs 25 crore) and an international school by George M. Thomas (Rs 20 crore), both at Thiruvananthapuram, a craft paper unit by Kochi Kagas Ltd. At Ernakulam (Rs 7.25 crore), a maritime academy by Eurotech Maritime Private Ltd. At Kochi (Rs 6 crore), a brewery by Malabar Breweries at Chalakkudy (Rs 22 crore) and a steel rolling mill by Scotfree Steels Ltd. At Palakkad (Rs. 4.05 crore). The statement said 18 projects, with a total estimated outlay of Rs 594.74 crore, were at various stages of implementation. These projects include the captive power plant of Binani Industries at Kochi (Rs 30 crore), Kerala Trade Centre by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Marine Drive at Kochi (Rs 25 crore), the herbal plant of Dabur group at Malappuarm (Rs 17 crore), the technopark project of Kochi Shipyard (Rs 30 crore), and a clinker grinding unit of Malabar Cements at Cherthala (Rs 36 crore).
Arbitration only if talks with TN fail, CM
Monday, August 4, 2003
Arbitration only if talks with TN fail, says CM Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 1. : Chief Minister A K Antony today said the State would opt for arbitration only if the bilateral talks with Tamil Nadu failed to resolve the issues connected with the renewal of the Parambikulam-Aliyar inter-state river agreement of 1970. Replying to a Calling Attention motion by K A Chandran (Congress), the Chief Minister told the Assembly that Kerala wanted to resolve the issue through discussions. However, the State Government would not hesitate to move for arbitration if the talks failed. He said the Government's stand was that water should be shared between the two states in accordance with the inflow.
South Indian film industry in crisis
Monday, August 4, 2003
South Indian film industry in crisis, 2,500 cinemas closed down The century-old film industry in South India is facing its worst crisis as nearly one-third of its 7,500-odd cinema houses have closed down during the past three years. 'Closure of cinema houses has become a daily affair now,' says South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce President Mohan Sharma. Three years ago, there were about 12,400 cinemas in the country, of which majority of 7,500-odd theatres were in South India. Today, one-third of them had already closed down due to the crisis. Film making was becoming increasingly unviable. 'People are turning towards options of home entertainment in the form of pirated cassettes and the culture of going to cinema houses is slowly vanishing," said Mohan Sharma. Pirated cassettes business is flourishing in the country with an estimated turnover of Rs 1,500 crore, he added. Stating that the single biggest cause of worry for the film industry was the scourge of piracy, he said the Kerala Government had already constituted a special anti-piracy cell to tackle the menace. Other states should also take immediate steps in this direction. The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, an apex body of the South Indian film industry having more than 3,000 members consisting of producers, distributors, exhibitors, studios, recording theaters and other associated fields, urged the Southern states to take effective measures to rescue the industry from the present crisis. As part of their efforts, a delegation from the chamber called on Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony yesterday urged him to reduce the entertainment tax. Kerala presently has one of the highest rates of entertainment tax in the country. 'Considering the present crisis in the film industry, we strongly feel that all Malayalam films should be exempted from payment of entertainment tax in Kerala, as is the case in the state of Karnataka for Kannada films," Sharma said. The government should treat the cinemas on par with other industries on power consumption. The present tariff made it virtually unviable for the cinemas since on any given day most of them were running half-empty, he said, requesting the Government to consider a special lower tariff. Pointing out that setting up of smaller cinemas and multiplexes had become a necessity, he urged the Government to give a tax holiday of minimum five years for such ventures which will provide the right impetus for the film industry to break new grounds for its survival. 'In fact the Government of Maharashtra has realised the importance of this and declared tax holiday for five years for the existing threatres being converted to multiplexes.' He said they were compelled to screen the Indian News Review as a condition for issue of licence without being remunerated for such screening. On the other hand, the theatres were penalised and compelled to pay one per cent from the net collection to the Films Division.
HC probe against Guruvayur Devaswom
Monday, August 4, 2003
High Court orders probe against Guruvayur Devaswom A Division Bench of the Kerala High court directed the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to conduct an investigation against the previous managing committee members of the Guruvayur Devasom, commissioner and administrator uninfluenced by the observations of a special judge. The Bench comprising Justice S. Sankarasubban and Justice K.K.Dinesan expunged those observations holding that it would make the investigation a farce. The Bench issued this directive while disposing of four writ petitions filed by P.K.Ettanunni Raja, Zamorin of Kozhikode and former managing committee member of the Guruvayur Devaswom, and others challenging the order of the special Judge to conduct investigation on the allegation of misuse of devasom fund and corruption.
Delay in rehabilitation in Marad 'inhuman': INL leader
Sunday, August 3, 2003
KOCHI: The Indian National League on Saturday said any further delay in the rehabilitation process in Marad, the scene of May 2 violence in which nine persons were killed, would be 'inhuman'. In a statement here, the INL National President, Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, said the plight of 2500 members of the minority community who had fled Marad after the carnage was 'miserable' as they were staying in camps without basic facilities. Children were unable to attend schools, he said. In the light of the Kerala High court observation on rehabiltiation, he hoped that the UDF government would take steps to find a solution to the 'painful' crisis in Marad which requires urgent action. Sait said he was disappointed with the IUML stand on the controversial statement of the Chief Minister, A K Antony, on the minorities.
BJP's two-day State Council sitting begins
Sunday, August 3, 2003
KOCHI: BJP's Kerala State Council began its two-day sitting here on Saturday with 20 members for the BJP National Council submitting their nomination papers. The party's State Vice President P S Sreedharan Pillai, who had emerged as the consensus candidate for the post of the State President, also filed his nomination papers before the returning officer, Advocate C Rajendran. Central observers-- Union Minister of State For Defence O Rajagopal, former Union Minister V P Goyal and BJP leader in charge of Kerala P B Acharya-- were also present at the council meeting. Though Pillai had emerged as the consensus candidate for the post of the State President at the State Council held in May last, the party has invited other nominations also. Tomorrow, Pillai and the 20 National Council members were likely to formally take charge, BJP sources said. Outgoing State President C K Padmanabhan, and former State Presidents K Raman Pillai and K V Sreedharan Master were also present. More than 100 State Council members from 140 assembly constituencies are taking part in the two-day meet.
GMF planning to set up industries in Kerala
Sunday, August 3, 2003
KOCHI: The Damam-based Gulf Malayalee Federation (GMF) is planning to set up industries in Kerala to create job opportunties for the needy Gulf returnees and Rs 20 Crore has been set apart in the initial phase. Small scale units like printing press would be set up to provide jobs for those returning from the Gulf, GMF President A H Ashraff Ali told reporters here. Plans were also on to build 250 houses with the help of Habitat, he said. Ashraff said the problems being faced by the Gulf Keralites were not being properly addressed. Instead of helping the Indian expatriates, the Indian Embassies were functioning only as offices granting visas, he alleged adding thousands of Keralites were languishing in Gulf jails and the Embassies were not offering any help. The GMF was spreading its wings to Kerala and was organising 'Sneha Sangamam' 2003 here on August 9. Tribal activist C K Janu, Soorya Krishnamoorthy, organiser of month-long Soorya Cultural Festival in Thiruvananthapuram, and bussinessman Kurien John would be honoured at a function here on August 8.
Film Chamber wants entertainment tax abolished
Sunday, August 3, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The South Indian Film Chamber has requested the Kerala government to exempt Malayalam films from payment of entertainment tax in view of the present crisis in the industry. Chamber president Mohan Sharma and Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairman P V Gangadharan told reporters Kerala now had the highest rate of entertainment tax in the country. Exemption of tax for language films would act as a catalyst to revive the ailing Malayalam film industry. The Karnataka government had already announced tax exemption on Kannada films. They also took objection to the condition that theatres should screen Indian News Review without being remunerated for obtaining licence. With television disseminating news in all forms, the INR had become redundant. The Chamber asked the government to give a five year tax holiday for new multiplexes being set up. The Maharashtra government had taken a decision to this effect, they said. A memorandum submitted by the Chamber to Chief Minister A K Antony also demanded that the size and scope of the anti-piracy cell set up by the state be expanded to cover all districts.
Student activists held for disrupting minister's function
Sunday, August 3, 2003
KANNUR: Police on Saturday arrested at least 22 Left Democratic Students Federation (LDSF) activists as they tried to disrupt functions attended by Kerala Cultural Minister G Karthikeyan in Kuthuparamba, about 25 km from here. According to police, a group of student activists, protesting the government's policy of "commercialisation" of education sector, waved black flags and shouted slogans against the minister and rushed to the podium to disrupt the function to mark 40th anniversary celebrations of Nirmalagiri college. However, police "removed" the students activists using "mild" force, they said, adding the function resumed later. At another function to inaugurate the building complex of the Ranijay Higher Secondary School in Kuthuparamba, a group of about 25 LDSF activists, raising anti-government slogans, forced their entry to the podium as the minister was about to deliver his speech. However, police took them into custody, police said adding at least 22 LDSF activists were arrested in this connection. A strong police team was camping in the area. Meanwhile, a group of DYFI men staged dharna in Kuthuparamba town to protest the "police excesses" on the students.
Sreedharan Pillai elected Kerala BJP president
Sunday, August 3, 2003
Sreedharan Pillai elected Kerala BJP president - - Kochi: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai was elected as president of the Kerala state unit of the BJP. The announcement was made by party;s central observer V.P. Goyal at the party's state council meeting here. No other nomination had been received for the post, he said. Forty-eight year old Pillai, a member of the BJP's National Executive Committee and former state vice-president, will take charge tomorrow. He is also the Senior central government standing counsel in the Kerala High Court. In the last state council meeting held in May, Pillai had emerged as the consensus candidate for the post. Meanwhile, party sources said that 23 nominations had been received for the 20 member national council. Three were likely to withdraw their nominations tomorrow, they said.
HC declines to interfere in KC (J) office takeover
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday declined to interfere in the action of RDO, Kottayam, in taking possession of the Kerala Congress (J) central committee office following breach of peace. However, Justice R Basant directed the RDO to complete the inquiry under section 145 of the Code of Criminal Procedure within two months. P C George, MLA, had sought the quashing of the preliminary order of the RDO, taking over possession of the disputed office, alleging that the action was illegal. On the other hand P J Joseph and Francis George, MP, challenged the order in which it was mentioned that they had illegally entered the office. It was submitted that the title of the office was in the name of P J Joseph.
Cell users see red over VM
Saturday, August 2, 2003
NEW DELHI: Many Airtel pre-pay cellphone customers are unhappy with the way they are being made to subscribe and pay for voice mail (VM) services. Subscriber complaints range from not being given enough time to understand the way the service will operate to how much they would be charged. Worse, the onus lies on subscribers to inform Airtel they don’t want the service. A few days ago, Airtel SMSed its pre-pay customers that they would be offered VM and charged for it. In case they did not want the service, they would have to inform the company about it within 48 hours, after which it would be deemed that they are with the ‘always on’ service. A lot of customers either did not fully understand the message and/or did not call back to get the facility cancelled. The result: After a couple of days, everytime subscribers failed to pick up the phone within 30 seconds or their line was busy, there would be a VM waiting from callers. Moreover, when the person called was ‘not reachable,’ calls went directly to the VM and the caller was billed. Earlier, there used to be free announcement that the number called was unreachable. ‘‘Now, it cuts both ways for my husband and me when I’m not reachable,’’ said Shivani, a pre-pay Airtel subscriber, whose husband too is an Airtel subscriber. ‘‘He pays air time for going straight to VM and I pay for retrieving it.’’ Airtel CEO Sanjay Nandrajog said that callers will have now have the option whether to leave a VM or not. ‘‘There will be a prompt, telling them that their call is being diverted.’’ Nandrajog said Airtel has had an overwhelming response to the service. ‘‘Only 4-5 per cent of the people have called back and cancelled the service.’’ He added, however, that customers did not have the option to cancel the service from their handsets. ‘‘We have to cancel it at our end. Normally, the call centre asks for 6 hours to cancel the facility, but we do it faster than that if customers don’t want VM.’’ Hutch did a similar thing for its post-pay customers (it still doesn’t offer it to pre-pay subscribers). After expanding its VM capacity since May, it sent an SMS to its subscribers offering them free VM.
Kerala falls in coconut productivity
Saturday, August 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though famed as the `land of coconut' Kerala is falling behind Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in coconut productivity. The state has also lost its monopoly over pepper, known for centuries world over as `black gold' from Kerala. As per 2000-01 estimates, coconut production in the state stood at 2,392 nuts per acre against 4,264 in Andhra Pradesh, 3,905 in Tamil Nadu and 2,102 in Karnataka, according to a written reply furnished in the assembly by agriculture minister K R Gowry. There had been a fall in pepper price in the wake of the Indo-Sri Lankan free trade agreement, which allowed diversion of Vietnamese and Guatemalan pepper through the Swith-trade route from the island nation. The average productivity of coconut in Kerala was estimated at 25-30 nuts per tree, which by desirable standards should have been 60-65 nuts. A coconut grower in the state was now getting an income of Rs 8,400 per acre, in place of Rs 16,800 if the productivity was at the desirable level. . Rootwilt disease and affliction of the `mandari' mite were the main cause for the fall in coconut productivity. The 2000 Indo-Sri Lankan trade pact allowed import of cash crops and spices with upto 90 per cent duty concession. This was later pegged at 100 per cent. About one million diseased trees were cut down and another seven million was on the axe under various schemes, the minister added
Soopy to be treated at US
Saturday, August 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education Minister Nalakathu Soopy will be taken to America for the treatment of paralysis. The decision was took by Chief Minister A.K Antony and Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman yesterday after discussion with the Neuro specialists in Medical College and Sree Chitra Medical Centre. The MRI examination report, taken from Sree Chitra Medical Centre, revealed some blocks in the blood vessels in Soopy's head. The hospital at America has not been decided and discussions are going on to finalise the hospital.
Karunakaran gives up hope
Saturday, August 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K Karunakaran has indicated that he has given up hope of the party high command agreeing to his demand for the removal of A K Antony as chief minister. Talking to mediapersons at his residence here on Thursday, Karunakaran said he still stuck to his demand for leadership change but claimed that he had never approached the party high command for this, or for inducting new members from his group into the ministry. ‘‘The propaganda that I have approached the high command for a leadership change in the State is a cock-and-bull story published by a leading Malayalam daily which, of late, had become the official gazette of the chief minister,’’ said Karunakaran. To a query, he repied he did not care whether AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel attended the meeting between the chief minister and the IUML leaders. ‘‘Who cares whether he comes or not. After all, it does not make much difference,’’ Karunakaran said. Karunakaran said that he still enjoyed the faith of all ‘I’ group MLAs. ‘‘They are ready to forgo anything for me. We will achieve the goal when the time comes,’’ he said. The stand of ‘A’ and ‘I’ factions on the fake fax message issue had tarnished the party image. However, he would not take any role in defusing the crisis created by the chief minister’s controversial statement, Karunakaran said. He took a dig at Antony, when he said that those who did not sacrifice anything for the Congress would not mind whatever happened to the party.
Ahmed takes a dig at Cong's 'soft Hindutva' line
Saturday, August 2, 2003
KOZHIKODE: IUML national general secretary E Ahmed MP on Friday said the clamour for uniform civil code is intended to pester the Muslim community. "It is quite unfortunate that all attacks are now directed at Muslims and other minority communities. It will not be easy for the Central Government to implement a common civil code," he said while inaugurating the Muslim Youth League (MYL) seminar here, on creating public awareness against communalism and extremism. Ahmed said it was wrong to label the IUML as a communal party just because it carried the name 'Muslim'. "Instead, one should assess the policies and activities of the political parties. On the contrary, the BJP and VHP, though have secular and broad names, are communal," he asserted. The IUML leader said the phrase 'soft Hindutva' implies nothing but real Hindutva. "We cannot make things light by saying soft Hindutva," he said. He said the IUML has played a big role in the progress of the Muslim community in the State. The party leaders have never supported extremist or communal elements within the community and the party stands firmly against such forces which are doing only harm to the community, he added. MYL mandalam president C T Sakeer presided while state treasurer K M Shaji presented the topic of the seminar.
Jadeja to play in MRF Trophy
Saturday, August 2, 2003
New Delhi, August 1: Even as speculation about the state he would represent in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season gets hotter day by day, Ajay Jadeja is all set to participate in the Karnataka State Cricket Association-conducted MRF Trophy which began in Bangalore yesterday. The former India cricketer will be a member of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) which take on Kerala in their first two-day game on Saturday. In fact, Jadeja who joined the corporate company as one of its Deputy Managers a couple of days ago, left for Bangalore yesterday to join the rest of the team which is already there. Even as the BCCI’s appeal against the order of a court-appointed Arbitrator quashing the five-year ban on the all-rounder is still pending in the Delhi High Court, Jadeja has already turned out for Air Sahara (in two tournaments) and ONGC during the summer in the Capital. Jadeja had recently said that he was ‘‘aware of the long road that lies ahead before I can get back into the national team.’’ ‘‘I know a lot of players in the present team are performing at their best at the moment. I am not worried about the slot. I am keeping myself fit and hope things will turn around,’’ Jadeja said after helping Air India win the Jamia Millia Islamia University-conducted Dr Zakir Hussain tournament here recently. ‘‘Playing international cricket once again is my top priority and to achieve that I have to perform consistently in domestic tournaments. Tournaments such as the MRF Trophy and Buchi Babu memorial (in Chennai) would surely provide me opportunities towards that end,’’ Jadeja said. ‘‘I still have an open mind about which state to play for in Ranji Trophy this season although there are a few options,’’ he said. Jadeja, a former Haryana Ranji captain, helped Jammu and Kashmir enter the knockout stage for the first time in 2000. The 32-year-old Jadeja had last played for the country in the Asia Cup in Dhaka in 2000 before the BCCI slapped him a five-year ban for his alleged involvement in match-fixing. Considered one of the best one-day players, Jadeja played through 1992-2000 and captained India on several occasions. His powerful hitting and great finishes recorded many successful matches for India. Jadeja got further boost to his ‘return to cricket’ when the Delhi High Court today extended till September 3 its order allowing him to play all matches in the country’s domestic circuit. A division bench comprising Justices B A Khan and B N Chaturvedi while extending its May 28 order, also expressed the hope that the appeal by the BCCI against the award of arbitrator Justice J K Mehra would be decided as early as possible.
Taj Joins Hands With Muthoot
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Mumbai, Aug 1: The Taj Group of Hotels has signed a management contract for a 10-year period with the Muthoot (Pappachan) Group for a 75-room luxury beach resort at Kovalam, which is due for a soft launch in December 2003. The Muthoot Group is a multi-crore, Kerala-based finance and hospitality conglomerate, which has diversified services in banking, financial services, alternate energy, automobiles, ceramics, real estate and cinema. Till date, the group has developed about 1,14,000 square feet of commercial shopping space in leading cities of Kerala. The Taj group also plans to look at expansions at Munnar, Kumarakom and Kasargod with international-class resorts like plantation, golfing, luxury spa and beach resort. Confirming the Kovalam move, a Taj group official said the group will also continue its plans of strategic alliances with well located hotels/ resorts in the state. The Taj Malabar’s tower wing will undergo complete renovation of its 63 rooms and restaurants after almost 13 years, he added. This move will further help the property strengthen its position for the upmarket segments in Kochi. Talking about whether the group has any plans for further expansion, especially in the island resorts segment, the official said: With our strength and experience of running top-line island resorts in Maldives over the past two decades, we will look at Lakshadweep with the local administration, to operate an international class spa and diving resort. He further added that the market will be mainly from Europe and the Far-East in the near future and the group will continue its effort in Kerala to develop international class luxury properties. At present, the group has six properties in Kerala, namely, Taj Malabar, Kochi, which has 96 rooms and is a five-star deluxe leisure hotel, Taj Residency, Ernakulam, which is a five-star business hotel having 108 rooms, Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom, which is an old colonial garden retreat with a lake within the property and has 34 rooms, Taj Garden Retreat, Thekkady, a 32-room garden retreat near Periyar sanctuary, Taj Garden Retreat, Varkala, which is a 30-room garden retreat overlooking the Arabian Sea, and Taj Residency, Kozhikode, a 75-room five star business hotel with a world renowned Ayurveda centre.
Assembly panel to visit Wagamon
Saturday, August 2, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Subject Committee of the Kerala Assembly will visit Wagamon, on the Idukki-Kottayam border, following complaints of illegal encroachment of forest land. Replying to a Submission by Leader of the Opposition V S Achuthanandan, Tourism Minister K V Thomas told the state Assembly that as per the project, 742 hectars of land, situated 1,100 metres above sea level, would be developed into India's foremost ecotourism destination. He said a master plan for the project had been prepared by an agency called PKF World Wide and it would be implementated only after taking the people's representatives from the area into confidence. It was the previous government that had handed over the forest land to the Tourism Department. The Subject Committee on Tourism would soon visit the area to study the project. Wagamon is well known for the inspiring beauty of its hills. A chain of three hills- Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurishumala - represent the three major religions in the state and stand as lasting monuments of religious harmony. Intervening, Forest Minister K Sudhakaran made it clear that the government would not allow the encroachment of forest land. Officials had been asked to find out if there was any fresh encroachment of forest land in the locality.
'Kerala forests being encroached'
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly, V S Achuthanandan on Friday alleged in the House that encroachment was going on in 12,500 heactares of forest land at Vagaman range in Idukki district and wanted government to immediately intervene in the matter. Raising the issue as a submission, Achuthanandan said in the name of tourism promotion, private individuals were building resorts by illegally occupying forestland considered to be rich in bio-diversity. The area was also stated to be the main source of water for river Meenachilar. The Idukki hydel power project is situated at the downstream of this river and the very existence of the project would be in danger with the destruction of forest wealth, he pointed out. State Forest Minister G Sudhakaran while asserting that government would not allow any encroachment in forestland, said directions had been issued to the Forest Department to inquire into the reports of encroachment in Vagaman area. Replying to the submission, State Tourism Minister, K V Thomas denied encroachment in the name of tourism. It was proposed to implement an eco-tourism project for Vagaman in 740 hectares land with the Tourism Department and a master plan for the project was ready, he said. The Assembly Tourism subject committee would also visit the area to make an on the spot study, he said.
Fake fax issue a blot on Cong image: Karunakaran
Friday, August 1, 2003
Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran has said that the controversy regarding a fax message from the AICC, suspending five MLAs owing allegiance to him, has tarnished the image of the party. Speaking to newsmen in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, Karunakaran declined to comment further on the issue as the matter is before Court. Karunakaran, answering to questions, denied that he has ever asked for a revamp of the state ministry at any stage during talks with the party highcommand. He alleged that a 'newspaper supporting Antony and functioning like his gazette' was in fact behind the false news. Karunakaran also added that he has not backtracked on any of his demands. " I will act when the time comes," he said. the veteran leader also claimed that there is no differences in his group and all the MLAs are strongly behind him.
DYFI men protest against Coca Cola in Tvm
Friday, August 1, 2003
The activists of DYFI rushed into the hotel lobby where officials of Coca Cola were holding a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday and distributed pamphlets against the Company. The Coca Cola had arranged the press meet in the backdrop of the raging controversy over their unit in Plachimada in Palakkad district. About fifty activists of the DYFI gathered before the hotel and started shouting slogans against the company soon after the press conference began. The DYFI men also tried to barge into the hotel, but the police prevented them. However, the police later allowed two DYFI men to enter the conference hall and distribute their pamphlets to those attending the press conference.
Lakhs join holy bathing at Kumbh Mela
Friday, August 1, 2003
Despite monsoon floods that have submerged temples, hundreds of thousands of Hindus on Wednesday thronged to the temple city of Nasik for the beginning of the Kumbh Mela. The mela kicked off in the Trimbakeshwar at 11:51 am when the Sun and Jupiter entered the constellation of Leo. The festival will see millions of devotees plunge into the river Godavari over the next month, with holy dips scheduled for August 17 and 27 and September 1 in Nasikand August 12 and 27 and September 7 in Trimbakeshwar. The town of Nashik, north of Mumbai, was on Wednesday steadily filling up with devotees from across the country, to participate in the holiest fair of the Hindus and marked once every three years in rotation at four different places in the country. "The key day is August 27. Mythology says the planetary conditions on this day were exactly the same when the nectar from the pot of Jayant (the son of Indra) fell in this holy tank." According to the myth, four drops of nectar from Jayant's pot fell in four different places in India while he was fighting demons. The fair is a celebration of the event and is conducted alternatively in Hardwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Nasikand Trimbakeshwar (one region) and Ujjain. "We expect at least three million Hindus to take the dip on August 27," Kumar told A NEWS AGENCY. Around five million Hindus from across India and abroad are expected to visit Nasik on the auspicious days. Heavy rains have fallen in the last three days amid inappropriate arrangements of shelter and food. "I have been sitting near this holy tank for the last three days virtually without food," said Manoj Gaikward, from a Rural District of Maharastra state. "The powerful priests are getting everything, but poor priests like me have to depend on good people who come and give some food. As far as shelter is concerned I and many like me are holed up in temples." The state government has come in for a lot of flak for poor facilities. "It is not that the fair is organised by the government. The government is secular and we do not celebrate the fair," said Vijay Pathak, deputy collector at Nasik. "But we are providing facilities that could make the fair a smooth affair. Nearly 200 acres of land has been ... given to various religious schools who will host their followers." He said the heavy rains had affected the work of setting up infrastructure. "It is difficult to construct temporary shelters for a giant occasion like this during the monsoon. Let us understand that it is only in Nasikand Trimbakeshwar that the fair is organised during the rains," Pathak said. He said the town of Trimbakeshwar had received heavy rains in the last three days. Hindu devotees are meanwhile all set to kick off the fair despite the hurdles. "We have come from our villages. We are farmers and here to see what the fair is all about. Who knows whether we will be here when the next fair comes after 12 years," said Shyam Avasari, a farmer.
IUML-Congress talks to be held today
Friday, August 1, 2003
Chief Minister A K Antony is expected to hold direct talks with the leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest constituent of the ruling UDF, for the first time on Thursday after his controversial statement on minorities in the State. The talks follow the dialogue between AICC general secretary Ahmed Patel and IUML supremo Panakkad Mohammedali Shihab Thangal held in Malappuram last Sunday. 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. while both the sides feel that only Antony can save the situation, the Chief Minister stated on Wednesday that he had nothing to add to his, though he will be participating in tomorrow's talks between the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League leaders. ''I have nothing to add now. If I want to say something more on the issue, I will inform you,'' he retorted at a post-Cabinet briefing, when newspersons sought his comments on the strained relations with the Congress' largest coalition partner. 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. Murali declines to comment Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Muraleedharan has declined to make any prediction on the outcome of the Congress-Muslim League talks to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. He told the media in New Delhi on Wednesday that if Chief Minister A K Antony decides to withdraw his statement on the "bargaining by minorities" the crisis in the ruling United Democratic Front could be solved. However, that could be known only after talking to him on Thursday. (with inputs)
CPM-BJP clash; Amblathara still tense
Friday, August 1, 2003
Tension is still prevailing in many pockets of Ambalathara in Kasaragod district where clashes occurred between CPM and BJP workers on Monday evening at a venue where CPI (M) politburo member E K Nayanar addressed a party meeting. A strong contingent of police has been deployed in the area to avert further violence. The clashes occurred when CPI(M) members entered into an altercation with BJP activists who were present at the party meeting. Later, BJP activists had thrown stones at the vehicles carrying CPI (M) activists. In the subsequent incidents, properties belonging to the rival factions were attacked, police said. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Tuesday told the state Assembly that two cases each had been registered against CPI(M) and BJP activists in connection with the clashes. He was replying to a submission by K P Satheesh Chandran (CPI-M). He said that the situation was under control and police picketing in the area had been strengthened to prevent any untoward incident.
Paranju Theeratha Visheshangal
Friday, August 1, 2003
Paranju Theeratha Visheshangal Director Harikumar Producer St Antony Films Music M.Jayachandran Cast Suresh Gopi, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Sukumari A recent survey had suggested that maximum number of divorces happen in Kerala and most of the couples get separated due to very small reasons mainly ego problems. Paranju Theeratha Visheshangal has a similar theme, of a couple getting separated and their emotional turmoils. Vijayalakshmi (Lakshmi Gopalaswamy) and Rajeev (Suresh Gopi) had a love marriage and everyone including neighbours and friends envied their life. But somewhere down the lane misunderstandings happen between them and they decide to get divorced. The divorce came through after both of them filed a petition at the family court and after six months of separation and counselling they legally got separated. Their daughter Anu was under mother’s custody till eight years. But after two years they meet once again and become good friends. They even tell each other about the proposals that came for them during this period. Vijayalakshmi tells Rajeev that she would get married soon and settle in US. The film is an adaptation of a novel by E.V. Sreedharan. The script and screenplay is by Kaloor Dennis and Harikumar is the director. The cast also has Manya, Janardhanan, Sukumari, Devan and Geeta Nair. The film is produced by St Antony Films and cameraman is Sanjeev Shankar. M.Jayachandran tunes the songs written by Yusefeli Kechery.
