THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Generous Educational Task programme of The New Indian Express was inaugurated at the Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering here on Friday. Lt Colonel (Retd) C.H.D’souza, the former presiding officer of the Army Campus Selection and director of training of Global Career Academy, handed over a copy of The New Indian Express to college principal P.M.Hormese. Career guidance and placement unit head of the college V.R.Sabu and Global Career Academy manager (operations) G.S.Santhosh Kumar were also present. The Academy will sponsor The New Indian Express to the college campus this academic year. It will also provide training in personality development, interview techniques and self-motivation. The Academy, situated at Pangode, offers training in personality development, SSB examination and various types of competitive examinations.
Muneer denies any conspiracy between him and Indiavision
Sunday, October 31, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PWD Minister and Chairman of Indiavision channel M.K.Munner has denied any conspiracy between him and the channel in connection with the aggressive coverage of ice cream parlour case victim Rejina’s allegations against IUML general secretary and Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty that she was sexually exploited by the latter years ago. He told reporters here on Saturday that he was only concerned about the financial management of the channel. The editorial of the channel had all the independence to take decisions of its own. The editorial board was the ultimate authority in taking decisions on the news coverage. (In Indiavision, the editorial board consists of Executive Editor, Associate Editor and News Editor). However, Muneer couldn’t find anything inappropriate in the coverage of Rejina episode by Indiavision. He also rejected the demand that Kunhalikutty should resign. There was also no need for any reinvestigation of the case against Kunhalikutty. Muneer said that his association with the channel or the alleged factional feud in the Indian Union Muslim League had anything to do with the kind of coverage that was given to Rejina’s allegations against Kunhalikutty. As any other media, Indiavision had been given all editorial freedom. I never interfere with the editorial independence of the channel. I neither influence nor interfere in the decisions of the editorial board. The channel airs reports against me also. The only directive I have given to it is that the coverage should not be biased. I even resigned the post of the Managing Director as it involves more close interaction,’’ Muneer said. He said that he had secured the clearance from the IUML that Indiavision would not be a party channel but an independent channel. He also denied any difference of opinion in the party over the party organ Chandrika Weekly. The recent reports against the IUML and its leaders, which even questioned the very existence of the party, would be viewed very seriously and fought unitedly by the party. By projecting the failure of the IUML in Manchery, campaigns were being organised by various quarters to the effect that the IUML was losing its base. Some persons outside the party could be behind such a conspiracy against Kunhalikutty and the party. It was an attempt to tarnish the image, he said.
Kunhalikutty must quit: Kadannappally
Sunday, October 31, 2004
KOCHI: Congress(S) president Ramachandran Kadanappally on Friday demanded the resignation of Industries Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty in the wake of fresh charges levelled against him in the Kozhikode ice cream parlour case. Kadanappally told reporters here that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy should take steps to remove the Minister involved in the sex racket case if he refuses to resign on his own. A comprehensive inquiry should be conducted to bring out the truth, he said. Those involved in the case should not be allowed to escape using their position or financial capacity and the Chief Minister should ensure that all those who are involved in the case are brought under the law, he said. Citing the recent attack on MG University VC by the Kerala Students Union in Kottayam, he alleged that the law and order situation in the State was deteriorating.
Anju Bobby George to be honoured
Sunday, October 31, 2004
KOCHI: The Engineers Club, Kochi, will organise a reception in honour of Anju Bobby George, India’s ace athlete, and husband Robert Bobby George, Dronacharya award winner and a member of the club. The function will be held at the club on October 31 at 9.45 a.m. Dominic Presentation, Minister for Sports and Fisheries, will inaugurate the function. Sebastian Paul MP, K.V Thomas MLA, A.V.George, deputy mayor, R.Sreelekha, DIG, E.S.Jose, vice-president, Kerala Sports Council, and V.K. Prakasan, Corporation councillor, will attend the function. The couple will be received at Vyttila junction, escorted by a motorcade, mass run and skating to the Engineers Club via Chakkaraparambu. A.V.George, deputy mayor, will flag off the programme. This is the first time Anju and Robert are visiting Kochi after the Olympics. The couple will also be inaugurating an athletic clinic here.
We'll give protection to Rejina, assures Commissioner
Sunday, October 31, 2004
KOZHIKODE: Rejina, who shocked the State with her revelation about Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty's role in the ice cream sex scandal, has been sent with her mother to her house at Moozhikkal near here. Rejina was staying at the short-stay home from Friday midnight. She was taken to the home from DYFI office where she took refuge on Friday night. She went to her house along with her mother Fathima who came to the short-stay home run by Anweshi Women's Counselling Centre at Kottooli on Saturday evening. They went in a private car with police escort. Rejina will be given police protection for some more days, police said. Meanwhile, Anweshi president K. Ajitha said that police had refused her request to produce the girl before the magistrate. Writer Sara Joseph had talked to her on phone. Sara told me that the girl wanted to give statement before a magistrate. But when I contacted the City Police Commissioner he said the police cannot do it, she said. Sara Joseph also told this website’s newspaper that the girl was ready to give a statement before the magistrate. I talked to her for more than half-an-hour. Rejina said she wanted to live a free life. She said she need not confine herself to a room only because she said something which is nothing but truth, Sara Joseph said. But Commissioner H. Venkatesh told reporters that Ajitha had not requested to present the girl before the magistrate. We will give her protection and she is free to move anywhere. The Commissioner refused to entertain further questions. The police in the morning tried to shift the girl to the Government Rescue Home at Vellimadukunnu. But the attempt failed after the girl's refusal. Rejina's mother had called a news conference at the Press Club here on Saturday morning. Although mediapersons waited at the Press Club here for an hour, she failed to turn up. The rumour doing the rounds here is that Rejina will meet reporters along with her mother in a day or two. The Bharatiya Janata Mahila Morcha on Saturday took a march to the office of the Commissioner of Police demanding action against Kunhalikutty. BJP State president P.S. Sreedharan Pillai inaugurated the march.
Ice cream sex drama: Rejina pleads to 'leave her alone'
Sunday, October 31, 2004
KOZHIKODE: The ice cream sex scandal took a dramatic turn on Friday when Rejina, who had revealed on Thursday that Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty had had sex with her, turned up at the Indiavision television office here pleading to ‘‘leave her alone.’’ A visibly upset Rejina, who came to the office along with her husband and child, said she had lost her peaceful life after the channels and the newspapers flashed her interview. But she did not retract the statement made on Thursday. Rejina said what appeared in the papers were true to her statements. ‘‘But I wanted the reporters to write about what my family did to me. That has not appeared in the papers,’’ she said. She added that the media would be responsible if anything happened to her or her family. After her revelation, Rejina was reported missing for the whole day. 'Anweshi' president Ajitha said Regina contacted her in the morning and said that she had ‘trouble’ from IUML men. ‘‘I told her to come to our office. But after that, there has been no information about the girl,’’ she said. Adding to the confusion, a journalist here said he received a call from Rejina at around 3 p.m. on his mobile. Rejina told the reporter that she was going to get admitted to a mental hospital. The reporter told this paper that she was angry at the way the newspapers and channels reported her statement. Later, it was found that the call was made from a telephone booth near the Fathima Hospital here. A shop owner near the booth told this paper that Rejina had come to the booth along with her husband and child. Following this, journalists contacted various hospitals in the city to learn whether Rejina was admitted there, but their efforts came a cropper. It was also found that Rejina and her husband had vacated the hotel room on Thursday night itself. It is not known as to where she and her husband spent the night. Earlier, addressing a news conference here, Ajitha said persons close to Kunhalikutty had approached her with many offers to withdraw from the case. ‘‘They had even offered me money up to Rs one crore just to freeze the case,’’ she said. Ajitha also asked the Chief Minister to register a case on the basis of the girl’s revelations and entrust the probe with police officers like IG Sibi Mathews. She, however, said there was no guarantee that Rejina would stick on to her new statement. Meanwhile, Romeela Sukhdev, who was earlier associated with 'Anweshi' in bringing the case to light, told reporters that there was a political conspiracy behind the new revelation. ‘‘Those close to the Congress leader who raised the mineral sandmining issue had approached me seeking details of the ice-cream case. They said they needed the details to fix Kunhalikutty, who is already entangled in the sandmining controversy.’’ She also said an MLA in the UDF who was a former minister had also approached her in this regard. She, however, refused to name the person saying that he was not from Malabar. ‘‘He is not a Congress or League leader,’’ she added.
Ice cream sex drama: Rejina pleads to 'leave her alone'
Sunday, October 31, 2004
KOZHIKODE: The ice cream sex scandal took a dramatic turn on Friday when Rejina, who had revealed on Thursday that Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty had had sex with her, turned up at the Indiavision television office here pleading to ‘‘leave her alone.’’ A visibly upset Rejina, who came to the office along with her husband and child, said she had lost her peaceful life after the channels and the newspapers flashed her interview. But she did not retract the statement made on Thursday. Rejina said what appeared in the papers were true to her statements. ‘‘But I wanted the reporters to write about what my family did to me. That has not appeared in the papers,’’ she said. She added that the media would be responsible if anything happened to her or her family. After her revelation, Rejina was reported missing for the whole day. 'Anweshi' president Ajitha said Regina contacted her in the morning and said that she had ‘trouble’ from IUML men. ‘‘I told her to come to our office. But after that, there has been no information about the girl,’’ she said. Adding to the confusion, a journalist here said he received a call from Rejina at around 3 p.m. on his mobile. Rejina told the reporter that she was going to get admitted to a mental hospital. The reporter told this paper that she was angry at the way the newspapers and channels reported her statement. Later, it was found that the call was made from a telephone booth near the Fathima Hospital here. A shop owner near the booth told this paper that Rejina had come to the booth along with her husband and child. Following this, journalists contacted various hospitals in the city to learn whether Rejina was admitted there, but their efforts came a cropper. It was also found that Rejina and her husband had vacated the hotel room on Thursday night itself. It is not known as to where she and her husband spent the night. Earlier, addressing a news conference here, Ajitha said persons close to Kunhalikutty had approached her with many offers to withdraw from the case. ‘‘They had even offered me money up to Rs one crore just to freeze the case,’’ she said. Ajitha also asked the Chief Minister to register a case on the basis of the girl’s revelations and entrust the probe with police officers like IG Sibi Mathews. She, however, said there was no guarantee that Rejina would stick on to her new statement. Meanwhile, Romeela Sukhdev, who was earlier associated with 'Anweshi' in bringing the case to light, told reporters that there was a political conspiracy behind the new revelation. ‘‘Those close to the Congress leader who raised the mineral sandmining issue had approached me seeking details of the ice-cream case. They said they needed the details to fix Kunhalikutty, who is already entangled in the sandmining controversy.’’ She also said an MLA in the UDF who was a former minister had also approached her in this regard. She, however, refused to name the person saying that he was not from Malabar. ‘‘He is not a Congress or League leader,’’ she added.
Tension after BJP-CPM clashes
Sunday, October 31, 2004
THALASSERY: Tension prevails at Kolassery and Dharmadam here following violent incidents in which BJP and CPM activists sustained injuries. A BJP worker Vinesh and a DYFI activist Sanoop had sustained stab injuries on Thursday night. The condition of Vinesh, who was taken to Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, is yet to be declared out of danger. Meanwhile, Anataloor branch secretaries of the CPM, A.T. Ramesan and Pooovadan Purushu, were attacked by an alleged group of BJP-RSS men early on Friday. The police have filed cases for murder-attempt against 10 CPM workers in connection with the attack on BJP worker Vinesh.
Vesham
Friday, October 29, 2004
Mammootty’s image as a family man has always worked with the audience of Kerala, according to distributor Swargachitra Appachan. Now after Kazhcha the superstar of Malayalam is once again back to playing an ordinary man whom you meet on the roads of Kerala wearing a white ‘mundu’ and half sleeve cotton shirt. He plays Appu in his latest film Vesham directed by V.M.Vinu who has made Balettan in the past. Appu is a rich man with a heart of gold and has a loving wife Aswathy (Mohini makes her comeback through this film), younger brother Hari (Indrajeet) and his wife Revathy (Gopika). Suddenly some disturbing incidents happen and the happy family becomes tension ridden. T.A.Razak, the family tear-jerker specialist has written the screenplay and S.A.Rajkumar the Tamil music director tunes the songs written by Kaithapuram. The cast also has Innocent, Sai Kumar, Riaz Khan and Sindhu Menon. Vesham will be Mammootty’s Christmas release.
Kerala to probe hawala money issue: CM
Monday, October 25, 2004
Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday said an inquiry is on to find out if the 'hawala' money worth Rs 700 crore, which is said to have reached the state, had been used for any terrorist activities or by the drug mafia. "Who has brought the hawala money to Kerala and how it has reached the state, has to be investigated by the Central Revenue Intelligence and not by the state government", Chandy told reporters here. Asked if the government was providing all medical faculties to the victim of the Kiliroor sex scandal, who is in a serious condition at a private hospital at Kottayam, he said a proper medical attention was being given to the girl. He said the case should not be used to settle political scores. However, those who were involved, should be given severe punishment. The inquiry now being conducted into the case by a special team headed by DIG (Ernakulam) was going in the right direction, he said adding all the accused have been arrested. On the attack on nuns in Kozhikode, Chandy said except four, all the accused had been arrested.
Central assistance sought for Ashraya scheme
Monday, October 25, 2004
PTI KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday said central assistance had been sought to implement the 'Ashraya' scheme for those below poverty line, in all panchayats. Inaugurating a reference hall for women, constructed at a cost of Rs 23 lakh, Chandy said the government scheme would soon be introduced in 100 panchayats and would be made part of the 100 day programme of his government. The scheme has already been implemented in 178 panchayats in Kerala. Though kerala was far ahead of other states in the health and educational fronts, poverty was very much part of the state even now. Poverty alleviation was the need of the hour, he added.
Flights rescheduled
Monday, October 25, 2004
KOCHI: Jet Airways has rescheduled some of its flights from Cochin airport from October 25. The flights and their rescheduled timings are: Flight 9W401 Mumbai-Cochin will depart from Mumbai at 9.50 a.m. and reach Cochin at 11.35 a.m. Flight 9W402 Cochin-Mumbai will leave Cochin airport at 12.15 p.m. and arrive at Mumbai airport at 2 p.m. Flight 9W403 Mumbai-Cochin will depart from Mumbai at 12.50 p.m. and arrive at Cochin airport at 2.35 p.m. Flight 9W404 Cochin-Mumbai will leave Cochin at 3.15 p.m. to reach Mumbai at 5 p.m. Flight 9W3529 Chennai-Cochin will leave Chennai at 6.30 a.m. to arrive at Cochin at 8 a.m. Flight 9W3530 Cochin-Chennai will depart from Cochin at 1.05 p.m. to reach Chennai at 2.35 p.m.
Global Awards, Golden Honours given away
Monday, October 25, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor R.L.Bhatia distributed the Global Awards and Golden Honours instituted by the Kerala Kalakendram at a function at VJT Hall here on Sunday. Prime Minister's Principal Secretary T.K.A.Nair, former Chief Election Commissioner T.N.Seshan and Infosys Technologies Chief Operating Officer S.Gopalakrishnan received the Global Awards. Oman Engineering and Contracting Corporation director Geevarghese Yohannan, NTS Group of Companies managing director Francis Cleetus (Abu Dhabi) and Jenny Flowers Group managing director Jenny Joseph (Dubai) received the Golden Honours. The awards were instituted to honur internationally acclaimed Malayalis. 'Gulf Today' Chief Editor P.V.Vivekananand, who was also selected for the Golden Honour, did not turn up. Industry Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty presided over the function. Revenue Minister K.M.Mani, Mahatma Gandhi University former Vice-Chancellor A.Sukumaran Nair, AICC secretary Tom Vadakkan and Kerala Kalakendram general secretary K.Ananda Kumar spoke.
Nayanar's wife unhappy over naming of hospital:
Monday, October 25, 2004
Nayanar's wife unhappy over naming of hospital: [Kerala, India]: Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 : Former Kerala chief minister E.K. Nayanar's wife is upset over the proposed naming of a super-speciality hospital in the state after her late husband, saying she feared the common man would not be able to afford its high charges. Sarada, known as Sarada 'teacher', has approached the top brass of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), her husband's party, on the issue. The hospital is coming up at Tellichery in Kannur district. Sarada has expressed her displeasure to the CPI-M state secretary Pinnarayi Vijayan and leader of opposition V.S. Achuthanandan on the matter and written to party general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet. In an interview to a leading vernacular daily here, she said she had heard of the proposed naming through the newspaper and an announcement made on television by a film actress. "I am really upset because my husband always was a leader of the masses. I felt really sad seeing that," she said. However, Sarada said it was her "personal opinion" and like her husband who "always toed the party line, I too would always be like that". The Kannur district party secretariat, which has blessed the proposed hospital project, has in a statement said the hospital would provide "special consideration" for poor patients and was not meant only for the rich. Meanwhile senior politburo member of the party S. Ramachandran Pillai has said that instructions have already been given to the people behind the construction of the hospital to have a chat with Nayanar's wife. "There has been some communication gap on this issue and the final decision has yet to be taken regarding the framework of the proposed hospital project," said Pillai.
Meera Jasmine's sisters not to be arrested till Monday: DGP
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Prosecution Director General P V Madhavan Nambiar today assured the Kerala High Court that neither Jeny Susan Jasmine nor Jaby Sara Jose, sisters of cine star Meera Jasmine, will be arrested till next Monday. He further submitted that information was being gathered by the police on the complaint by Meera Jasmine, accusing her sisters of misappropriation of her earnings and cheating. The DGP made the submission when the anticipatory bail plea of the accused sisters came up for consideration before Justice A K Basheer today. They sought anticipatory bail following the filing of the complaint by Meera Jasmine, the winner of this year's National Award as best actress for 'Padam Onnu - Oru Vilapan,' before the DIG of police R Sreelekha last week. [Agency]
I want to keep away from centrestage: Antony
Saturday, October 23, 2004
He attends phone calls, receives visitors and hears complaints from people, but through it all former Kerala chief minister A.K. Antony steadfastly refuses to reveal his future plans. Fifty days have passed since he stepped down as chief minister for his party's poor performance in Kerala in the parliamentary elections. He still reaches his official flat at 9.30 a.m. and works there till 8 p.m. He interacts with the public. But one thing he doesn't like is meeting the media. Antony, however, said he was pleased with his Congress party's performance in the Maharashtra polls this month. He was after all the chairman of the selection committee of Congress candidates. "One phase of my career is over and now I have not yet decided what my plans are. I want to take some rest and keep away from the centre-stage," Antony told during a brief interaction. Reports indicate that the three-time chief minister has been asked to join the cabinet of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but he is believed to have expressed his desire to do party work. Antony, however, refuses to shed light on his plans.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
He attends phone calls, receives visitors and hears complaints from people, but through it all former Kerala chief minister A.K. Antony steadfastly refuses to reveal his future plans. Fifty days have passed since he stepped down as chief minister for his party's poor performance in Kerala in the parliamentary elections. He still reaches his official flat at 9.30 a.m. and works there till 8 p.m. He interacts with the public. But one thing he doesn't like is meeting the media. Antony, however, said he was pleased with his Congress party's performance in the Maharashtra polls this month. He was after all the chairman of the selection committee of Congress candidates. "One phase of my career is over and now I have not yet decided what my plans are. I want to take some rest and keep away from the centre-stage," Antony told during a brief interaction. Reports indicate that the three-time chief minister has been asked to join the cabinet of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but he is believed to have expressed his desire to do party work. Antony, however, refuses to shed light on his plans.
Sandalwood smuggling rampant at Marayoor: V S Achuthanandan
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan today alleged that sandalwood smuggling is widespread in Marayoor area. He was speaking to news reporters after a visit to the Marayoor reserve forest. VS said his visit to Marayoor is to enquire into the complaints of farmers at the area that sandalwood trees from their properties are being stolen by a mafia in the area. The Opposition Leader also received complaints from tribals who were allegedly cheated by the government by issuing them barren and rocky plots of land in the name of surplus land distribution.
Mahdani seriously ill, needs medical attention, says father
Saturday, October 23, 2004
The father of People's Democratic Party (PDP) supremo Abdul Nazer Mahdani, lodged in jail in connection with the Coimbatore serial bomb blasts case, has said his son is seriously ill and needed urgent medical attention. After visiting his son in the Coimbatore jail yesterday, T A Abdul Samad urged Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to visit Mahdani to see his plight. He welcomed the Cabinet decision authorising Chandy to take appropriate steps to ensure proper medical care for Mahdani. Samad told mediapersons that the artificial limb that Mahdani had been fitted with after a bomb attack on him 12 years ago, had broken and needed replacement. Besides, Mahdani was also a diabetic and his ulcer had worsened. ''He immediately needs ayurveda and physiotherapy and we don't have any confidence in the treatment in jail or in Tamil Nadu. Bail is the only way to get good treatment,'' an agitated Samad told reporters. He alleged political conspiracies were being hatched to keep Mahdani, who has been languishing in a Tamil Nadu jail for over six years, imprisoned. Samad said Chandy, as the convenor of the Congress-led Front, had met Mahdani twice to seek the PDP's support. The present government had come to power with the PDP's support but had done precious little to help Mahdani, he said. ''At least on humanitarian basis, his case should be considered. Though several cases were foisted against him during the jail term, the court has rejected all of them. Only one case is now pending,'' he said. Mahdani was arrested on March 31, 1998 in connection with a speech at Kozhikode and had been fighting for his bail ever since. [Agency]
Let them convince UDF first, says Babu Divakaran
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Babu Divakaran, the sole representative of the faction-ridden RSP (B) in the state ministry, today challenged the rival faction in the party to prove before the UDF that the majority of the party is with them. "Let them first convince UDF that majority is them. If the UDF is convinced, then I have no problem in tendering resignation from the ministry," Babu Divakaran said while inaugurating a state convention of district representatives of the party in Kozhikkode on Thursday. The state Labour Minister also claimed that 10 of the 11 district committees are with him. On Wednesday, the rival faction headed by AV Thamarakshan and Shibu Baby John MLA had demanded Babu Divakaran's removal from the ministry. The in fight had also led to an attack on the office of the RSP (B) in the state capital.
Kerala ; Liquor policy: Controversial provisions struck down
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Kerala News, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday struck down several controversial provisions in the abkari policy that included allocation of bar licences to hotels with two-star facilities, classified hotels and houseboats, sale of tinned toddy and sale of liquor on the first day of the month. The decision to review the policy was taken in view of the stiff opposition to the policy from anti-liquor organisations. Besides, the UDF Government has no false pride in correcting the policy by accepting the popular sentiments, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told newsmen. The Cabinet also kept in abeyance the earlier decision to open 50 more IMFL outlets by the Beverages Corporation. A final decision on this would be taken after consultations with the organisations that protested against the policy. The decision on allowing the relocation of licensed bars would stay but such relocation would be allowed only by observing the distance rule. There would also be no change in the decision to take away the slab system for issuing bar licences and in the licence fees fixed at Rs 18 lakh. Though there was no decision by the Government to make and sell quality IMFL at lower prices, a controversial statement by Excise Minister Vakkom Purushothaman in this regard was withdrawn by the Minister himself at the Cabinet meeting considering the sentiments of the anti-liquor organisations, Chandy said. The Chief Minister, who appreciated the peaceful manner in which the organisations protested, said that the agitation was truly democratic. ``In fact this is a message from the Government that it is open to the demands raised in a peaceful manner. It is time we gave up the notion that only violent agitations can bring dividends,'' Chandy added.
Centre requested to set up athletics academy in Kerala
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Sports Minister Sunil Dutt on Wednesday assured Kerala that he would look into its request to set up an athletics academy for girls in the state. Dutt gave the assurance to Kerala Sports Minister Dominic Presentation when the latter called on him here. "The Sports Authority of India plans to set up two athletics academies, one for boys and the other for girls. The one for boys will be set up in Patiala and I requested the Union Sports Minister to allot the academy for girls to Kerala," Presentation told reporters after the meeting. He said Dutt responded positively to the request and suggested that if it did not work out, SAI would bear 50 per cent of the cost of the academy being set up by P T Usha in the state. "For the second suggestion, I have to get the nod of (P T) Usha. Anyway, I will speak to her and get back to him," Presentation said refering to the 'Usha School of Athletics' to be set up by sprint queen P T Usha in Kozhikode in Kerala. He also requested Central assitance to set up a water sports complex in Kochi, Presentation said.
Kerala, Andhra, TN win
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Kerala, Andhra, TN win Hyderabad, Oct 20 Kerala, Andhra and Tamil Nadu Cricket teams won their matches on the first day of the Under-19 limited overs tournament for M A Chidambaram trophy here. In a match played at the ECIL grounds between Kerala Cricket Association and Goa Cricket Association, Kerala won the toss and elected to field. Goa was all out in 43.2 overs for a paltry 95 runs. Rohit Asnodkar scored 15 while Illyas Naroo contributed 18 runs. S Murugan claimed two wickets for 33 while Rajesh Nair claimed two wickets for 21. Kerala romped home in 23.1 overs losing only one wicket. Abhishek Hegde remained unbeaten with 68 (13x4, 81 balls, 103 mts) and Rohan Prem remained not out with 12. Kerala won the match by nine wickets. In the second match between Hyderabad and Andhra, played at the Hyderabad Cricket Association Grounds at Uppal, Hyderabad won the toss and elected to field. Andhra scored 223 for eight in 50 overs. M Shekshavali with 70 (5x4), V Sandeep 52 (3x4, 1x6) and T Achuta Rao (36 n o) were the top scorers for Andhra. M P Arjun and A T Rayadu claimed two wickets each giving away 40 and 44 runs respectively. In reply, Hyderabad were all out for 197 in 49.5 overs. P Gautam Reddy 66 (5x4) and R A Viswanath 43 (2x4) were the top scorers for Hyderabad. A G Pradeep claimed two wickets for 50 runs. Andhra won the match by 26 runs. In the third match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, played at the NFC ground, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association won the toss and elected to bat. They were all out for 231 in 41 overs. S Anirudha 110 (15x4, 1x6, 89 balls, 133 mts.), Shijith Chandran 37 (7x4) and R Aswin 27 were the top scorers for Tamil Nadu. Gaurav Dhiman claimed three wickets for 48, while Umesh Karvi claimed one for 55. In reply, Karnataka were all out for 211 in 47.5 overs. B N Bharath 52 (3x4) was the top scorer for Karnataka. R Naresh claimed 5 wickets for 43, while R Aswin claimed 3 for 28. Tamil Nadu won by 20 runs.
Chandy's Middle East tour postponed
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 - Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's proposed Middle East trip appears to have been postponed till after April next year due to his busy schedule and the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. "It wouldn't look nice for the Chief Minister to visit the Middle East with Ramadan on. Then there is the Kerala assembly session from Dec 1-16," said Jiji Thompson, secretary of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (Norka). Among the many other events on Chandy's plate is the budget session of the Kerala assembly in March 2005. So, he would be really free only after April 2005. Initially, former chief minister A K Antony was supposed to have inaugurated Samanvayam-2004, a meeting of global non-resident Keralites (NRKs) in November. The trip was to have taken him to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries in the Middle East. Antony's successor Chandy was expected to continue with the itinerary. Apart from inaugurating the global meet of NRKs, Chandy was also supposed to have finalised several welfare schemes for 1.8 million NRKs in the region.
Kerala withdraws controversial liquor policy
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Kerala withdraws controversial liquor policy Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 - The Kerala government Wednesday withdrew its controversial liquor policy a week after it was announced following widespread protests. "Ours is a government that does not turn a blind eye towards the responses of the people in Kerala, so without having any false prestige we have decided to withdraw the new liquor policy that was announced Wednesday last," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told on Wednesday after the weekly cabinet meeting here. The new liquor policy had liberalised licensing, sanctioning bars in all two-star hotels and did away with dry days. "We have also decided to withdraw the proposed policy of providing quality cheap liquor. And it has also been decided to keep in abeyance the opening of 50 new retail outlets selling liquor and beer," Chandy said. The new policy had not gone down well with social activists. Veteran Gandhian and anti-liquor campaigner K E Mammen had said the policy went against the ruling mediated Democratic Front's manifesto, which had promised phased prohibition. Public health expert C R Soman had said this was a shocking decision made by the followers of Mahatma Gandhi. While opposition parties denounced the policy, it was criticised by even a section of the ruling Congress.
Manjeswaram-T'puram NH to be made four line
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 - Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the Manjeswaram-Thiruvananthapuram National Highway will be made four line. A committee will be formed for the acquisition of land for the development of rail and roadways. Some other major developmental schemes will also be implemented with the help of the central government, the chief minister said.
Nadiya is back!
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Nadiya Moidu, who entered the film industry as the young heroine in Fazil's Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu, is back on the silver screen after a long gap. Though she dominated the South Indian film industry -- especially the Tamil industry -- in the 1980s, she bid an abrupt adieu to the movies when she was at her peak. The makers of the highly successful Jeyam convinced Nadiya, who lives in London, to act in their new Tamil film, M Kumaran, s/o Mahalakshmy. She plays the mother of Jeyam Ravi, a young man in his 20s. Those who saw the stills of the film were surprised to see the same slim and young Nadiya in the film. She has neither aged nor gained an ounce; and she looked every inch the 'heroine' of the film. The film is a landmark in Tamil, because though it is about the relationship between a son and his mother, who single-handedly brought him up, there is no melodrama or overt displays of clichéd sentimentality. In fact, the mother is portrayed as a gutsy, fun loving woman -- a woman at ease when out jogging with her son, kick-boxing, or even shaking a leg with him. She goes as far as to encourage him in his love life and teases him all the time. The highpoint of the film is the different take on the mother-son relationship one hitherto unseen in Indian films.
Mammootty's Kaazhcha appreciated
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
This Onam, while Mohanlal had to be content with an out and out masala film, Naatturajavu, a movie in which he twirls his moustache and bashes up goondas in dozens, Mammootty got a wonderful character to portray in his 25th year. His new film Kaazhcha, directed by Blessy who was an assistant to the late Padmarajan, won the hearts of Malayalam audiences. This movie is reminiscent of the artistically succulent movies which one feared had receded into the shadows of the past. In Kaazhcha, Mammootty is Madhavan, an ordinary villager who meets an orphaned Gujarati boy. The Gujarat earthquake had made him lose everything, and he drifts to this small village in Kerala without even knowing the language of the place. Madhavan takes the small boy home and looks after him like his son. Yash, the boy who plays the orphaned Gujarati boy, is actually a Gujarati settled in Mattanchery in Kochi. There is a very strong Gujarati presence in Mattanchery. The success of Kaazhcha has given hope to every connoisseur of good cinema who has in the recent past scripted melancholy dirges on the decline in the standards of Malayalam cinema
Mammootty completes 25 years
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Last year, Kerala celebrated Mohanlal's 25 years in the Malayalam film industry. His friends arranged a huge function in his honour. Mohanlal was the flavour of the season, as television channels and magazines were full of stories on him for almost a month. After almost a year, another superstar in Malayalam has attained the distinction of completing 25 years in the industry -- Mammootty. Sadly, however, there were no celebrations to mark this milestone. Not many are even aware of this landmark in Mammootty's career. Mohanlal faced the camera for the first time as an 18 year old, but Mammootty's entry into films happened only after he had become an advocate. Ever since, the two of them have dominated the Malayalam film industry. Even after 25 years, they do not face much challenge even from a young man like Prithviraj, whose father, the late Sukumaran, both superstars have acted with. The two actors have won no less than six National Awards between them.
No luck for newcomers
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Films with young heroes or newcomers are flopping one after another in Malayalam. The industry seems to be star-driven more than ever before, as only superstar films are getting a good opening at the box-office. Last fortnight four Malayalam films - Thalamelam, Hridayathil Sookshikkan, Freedom and Kottaram Vaidyan were released and all of them sunk without a trace. They will not even cover the cost of its posters and were removed from theatres in a week's time! What baffles the trade is that these films with little known heroes and some newcomers do not get a houseful crowd on releasing day itself. On the first day of Jishnu’s Freedom the audience for all the four shows put together was a measly 174 in an Ernakulam theatre! There is no curiosity among the audience to see or encourage such films. They are released without any hype or publicity and runs for five to six days before they are stopped. And as the film don’t run in A centres, the B and C stations do not touch them. There are about 20 films ready for release which are stuck in the cans as no distributor is willing to take it. In Kerala even a Kunchakko Boban or a Jayaram film is finding it difficult to get audience. Jayaram’s Pauran releasing for Diwali-Ramzan is finding no exhibitor willing to screen the film as they prefer a Veer Zaara or Attagasam.
Dileep's quest for a National Award!
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
The first copy of Dileep’s Kathavaseshan directed by T.V.Chandran is ready. Dileep himself is producing and distributing the film, which he feels will get him some awards including a National Award! Critics in Kerala have always dismissed Dileep as a mimicry artist turned slapstick comedy superstar who is no patch on the real actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty. This has bugged Manju Warrier, Dileep’s wife and former actress who egged her husband to make an off-beat film and make his critics eat crow. Surprisingly, Dileep and Chandran hit off well and together they are working out a strategy to get the next National award. As a part of this campaign it becomes necessary that Kathavaseshan has a commercial release before December 31 to make it eligible for the award. So Dileep has now pushed back his Rasikan to Christmas and is trying to release Kathavaseshan, which will clash with Mammootty’s Black and Mohanlal’s Mambazhakalam on November 12, Ramzan.
'Wounds will take time to heal' - Innocent
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
'If Prithviraj thinks that a photo session with Mohanlal and Innocent on the location of 'Maambazhakaalam' would solve all the problems, then he is sadly mistaken'- this seems to be the message from AMMA. Prithviraj is now waving a white flag these days. He is saying all the right things, getting all the right pictures taken and goes about denying that people are out to destroy his career. But, is that what his detractors really feel about him? Innocent, the President of AMMA, was also in the film 'Maambazhakaalam'. He was also on the sets when Prithviraj turned up with his mother. "He had come to this place to attend a function. He just dropped by," Innocent said. So, has the hostility between AMMA and Prithviraj come to an end? "That is something which will take a long time to end. Just because all religious leaders get together and announce that there will be religious harmony, does it mean that everything is going to be fine? No. Everybody has a unique thought pace. A war had happened. During the war, many had changed sides. There were injuries and wounds to both the sides. Some wounds take longer to heal. But, nobody is out to destroy anybody else's career."
I'd like to get married: Shobhana
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
She's a dancer, she has also acted in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, and Shobhana wears all the hats with a great ease. Bharatanatyam is her primary raison d'etre. Having done over 200 south Indian films, she is hoping that Dance Like A Man where she plays a Bharatanatyam dancer succeeds in promoting classical dancing and audience will notice it. Dividing her time between dancing and acting, preparing for her dance concert in Muscat next week while shooting for an out-and-out Malayalam potboiler, Sobhana projects an ideal blend of the old and the new. Here she discusses the prospects of classical dance in the films and her career as well. At a time when classical heritage is on the verge of extinction you played a Bharatanatyam dancer in your new film Dance Like A Man. I don't agree with your view that classical heritage is fading away. In popular cinema this statement acquires a completely different dimension. Ha! Ha! But yes, films on classical songs and dances can be counted on the fingers. Our cinema reflects more of global reality than an indigenous culture. Although I'm a dancer at heart I've hardly done any film based on classical dancing. But I have no fears that the next generations would not appreciate our classical heritage. We've loads of classical festivals happening all over the world. We do have organisations and colleges supporting dance and music. Let's face it; classical stuff never had the same appeal like its popular counterparts. So why are we complaining now? Personally speaking, I keep travelling with my dance all over the world. I've seen the art growing out of India because the non-resident Indians take a lot of trouble to teach their children classical art. But French and Spanish cinema remains region-specific. Why not Indian cinema? See Bollywood, I hate the term, has its own culture, liberated of the classical arts. The same is true for Malayalam cinema. In one of my films I had to play a physically challenged person. Suddenly they'd cut to a song-and-dance sequence. Mind you, this was a serious film. Songs and dances are an integral part of our cinema. Indian cinema has internalised these elements. Like everyone else I've come to terms with these elements. Not only do I participate in them, I also like watching them. Cinema should be able to carry the audience with it. I revel in doing popular kitsch. I've done over 200 popular films. I sportingly wore all my flowerpots and enjoyed it tremendously. In fact, I won my first National Award for a mainstream Malayalam film. But now instead of doing 22 films a year, I'm doing one film in two years. My last film was Mitr: My Friend directed by Revathi. And now Dance Like A Man is also with a female director. Yes, and coincidentally these are the only two women directors I've worked with. With Revathi the comfort level was very high. Out aesthetic values are similar. When she was directing me in Mitr she didn't have to explain everything. We both worked towards the same goal without discussing it. When Pamela Rooks offered me Dance Like A Man I didn't know what it was about. I'm ashamed to say I didn't know her work. A stylish north Indian director making a film about Bharatanatyam dancers! What's she doing? I wondered. I had no interest in doing the film. I didn't know it was about classical song and dance. And in any case that isn't enough to accept a film. Then Pamela told me she had worked with Mahesh Dattani (who wrote Dance Like A Man). We took it up from there. Pamela gave me a free hand to guide her in dancing. We handled music and choreography together. Anoushka Shankar and you seem to have a great comfort level. I know her. She's a gorgeous girl. Both director Pamela Rooks and I immediately thought of her for the role of my daughter. She's all there, very intelligent. You play a rather grey character. This is my most accomplished performance to date. It's the one I'm happy with. You know it was extremely difficult. I saw my character as a very complex person. Whatever we may seem to be, all of us in the movie business are old-fashioned. We didn't want the protagonist to appear vampish. She could easily have become that with one look. I interpreted her as a woman who loves her husband. But over the time, the desire for self-preservation takes over. And a woman who's as brilliant as my character has to be frustrated and bitter. With Dance Like A Man are you hoping to attract new audience interested in classical dancing? I don't think the dancing in Dance Like A Man is all that complex. It's certainly not a documentary on Bharatanatyam. I don't hope to achieve anything for myself. But I hope the classical dancing would be noticed. The film follows the language that I believe in. In a way it's an extension of what I do by teaching and performing on stage. Why not a Hindi film? I'd love to. I'm very comfortable with the language. Right now I'm doing a Malayalam film Mambazha Kalam with Mohanlal. It's been a while since I did a Malayalam film. It's an out-and-out commercial film. I'm part of a huge ensemble cast. Beyond that I'm not looking at any other role right now. I'm very happy with what I've achieved. I think my dance is far more important than I am. I enjoy dancing more than being a dancer. Do you have a personal life? I'd like to get married. But look at what happens to the marriage of an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer in Dance Like A Man?
Prithvi talks peace with AMMA
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Last week Prithviraj who has been 'unofficially' ostrasiced by the all powerful AMMA (The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), tried talking peace with its president Innocent and Mohanlal. Prithviraj accompanied by his mother Mallika visited the sets of Mohanlal’s Mambazhakalam in Allapuzha and had a closed-door meeting with the superstar. Said Innocent: 'A few months back, some members crossed over to enemy camp (means KFC), which had created some heartburn among our loyal members. So naturally the wound will take some time to heal. I am still under the firm belief that our members should not do anything to spoil another person’s career'. Meanwhile Prithviraj is jobless and other actors are refusing to act with him. Top line directors are not casting him in their new films and actresses refuse to be paired opposite him. So the young hero is slowly trying for a break in Tamil!
Dileep, Meera in Kamal's Perumazhakalam
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
A dream song sequence of Kamal's Perumazhakalam with Dileep and Meera Jasmine was recently picturised at the Jaya Auditorium in Kozhikode. The function was a mehandi ceremony organised by the bride's parents. Raziya the Muslim bride played by Meera Jasmine dressed in white and decked up with gold was engaged in a dance with her friends. The groom Akbar (Dileep) is playing the harmonium while Raziya is dancing. Meera Jasmine's first film was Soothradharan with Dileep. After winning the award for the best actress, she is playing a strong character in this film. Director Kamal said, "Dileep came forward and showed his willingness to do this guest role." The reason said is two of his close associates, director Kamal and Salim Padiyath are working in this project. Salim was with Dileep when the latter worked as an assistant to director Kamal. Not only that the film is produced by Salim. When contacted Salim said, "I wanted to do a film with Dileep but due to some technical reasons the project was shelved and this film is a woman oriented one." Akbar had to leave his wife soon after the wedding. Raziya who has a two year old baby is eagerly waiting for her husband's arrival. The song shot was a honeymoon dream song. The film revolves around a Muslim girl's friendship with a Hindu girl (Kavya Madhavan). Dileep was here for four days to shoot some scenes. He is at present busy shooting for Rasikan. Other casts include Vineeth, Biju Menon, Salim Kumar, Babu Namboodiri, Mala, Mamookoya, Valsala Menon and many others. Songs of Kaithapuram were tuned by M Jayachandran. The film produced under the banner of Rasikar Films will be brought to the theatres by Valiyaveetil Release.
Abkari policy blow to Kerala's image: VS
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Palakkad: Leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly V.S. Achuthanandan on Saturday said the UDF Government's new Excise policy that liberalised sanctioning of bar licences, was a blow to Kerala's cultural image. The policy announced by the Government earlier this week would only help abkari barons, Achuthanandan told reporters here. The workers in liquor industry or small liquor business groups were not going to benefit from the new policy, he said. "It dented Kerala's cultural image seriously. It would lead to flourishing of sex rackets," the CPI-M leader added. Back to
Kerala HC orders police protection for Kovalam resort
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Kochi: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court directed the Director General of Police, Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP and Kovalam SI to provide effective and meaningful protection for the smooth functioning of the Kovalam Beach Resort. The Bench comprising Justice M. Ramachandran and Justice K. Hema issued this directive on a writ petition filed by Kovalam Hotels Ltd seeking police protection in view of the agitation declared by ''Kovalam Kottaram Samrakshana Samithi.'' Petitioners submitted that though the Samithi declared agitation from October 17 and wide publicity was given for its statement, so far no effective steps had been taken by the police to ensure that the functioning of resort was not adversely affected by the agitation.
SNDP seeks more transparency in Kerala's liquor policy
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Alappuzha, Oct 16 The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam today demanded greater transparency in the Kerala Government's liquor policy. In a statement at Cherthala, SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Natesan said some of the suggestions contained in the recent policy announcement, including the proposal to market tinned toddy, sounded dangerous to the industry itself and sought a clear ban on its import. Indigenous toddy itself should be tinned and marketed in the state, he said. Natesan criticised the reactions of some non-Hindu religious leaders to the liquor policy by 'pretending' to be the real spokespersons against the social evil, particularly when members of their own community were involved in liquor trade. They should urge their community members to desist from liquor trade before criticising the government policy, he said. The silence on the part of the Hindu religious leaders on the issue was also not correct, Natesan pointed out. [Agency]
Former brigands turn tourist guides in Kerala
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Former brigands turn tourist guides in Kerala Sanu George (Indo-Asian News Service) Thekkady (Kerala), October 16 Thanks to the efforts of Kerala's forest department and the Tamil Nadu police, a group of 27 former forest brigands are set to begin a career as guides in this tourist resort. "All of them belong to the Thevar community of Tamil Nadu. They are now ready to act as tourist guides after we put them through a five-month training programme," said forest ranger Rajiv Francis, the man behind the rehabilitation project. Two leading tourist resorts here also chipped in by investing Rs.50,000 to help the former sandalwood smugglers -- who operated in forests along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border -- join the mainstream. Movie star Suresh Gopi on Thursday flagged off the first batch of tourists taken by the former brigands to various farms near Thekkady on a bullock cart. "This is a great venture initiated by the government and all of us should come forward to support this initiative", said Gopi. Each tourist has to pay Rs.500 for the farm visits that take half a day. "We have decided to ask these former smugglers to form an NGO and a portion of the proceeds of the farm visits will go to them. Currently there is only one bullock cart and as soon as the tourist season picks up, they plan to buy a few more," said Francis. Following the rehabilitation of the 27-member group, more criminals who earned a living through smuggling of forest produce have decided to come over ground. "An interesting proposition that is now being worked out is that we are trying to involve ladies from the Thevar community to help their men folk. They are planning to start vegetable farming and sell their produce to resorts in Thekkady," said Francis.
Farmer commits suicide in Kerala
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Two days after the government's announcement of farm relief measures, one more debt-stricken farmer committed suicide at Mananthawadi in Wyanad district of Kerala today, police said. He was 70. He is survived by 13 children. Police said Anjukunnu Chelattu Kuttan Nair died after consuming poison at his residence at Mananthawadi under Vellamunda police station. Family sources said Kuttan Nair resorted to the extreme step as he was unable to repay an agricultural loan of Rs one lakh taken from three banks and money lenders due to crop failure. According to official figures, about 50 farmers in the state had committed suicide due to crop failure during the year. However, farmers' organisations put the figure at 100. [Agency]
New Melsanthi of Sabarimala to be selected on Oct. 17
Sunday, October 17, 2004
The new Melsanthi of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will be selected on October 17 through draw of lots. The Melsanthi of Malikappuram Devi temple will also be chosen the same day similarly. Nine candidates each had been shortlisted for both posts by the Travancore Devaswam Board after interviews. The interview board consisted of Sabarimala Tantris Kantararu Maheswaru and Kantararu Mohanaru. The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will be opened for 'poojas' in the Malayalam month of 'Thulam' on October 16 at 1730 hrs. Melsanthi Gosala Vishnu Vasudevan will open the sanctum sanctorum and light the ceremonial lamps. There will be no poojas on the opening day. The regular 'poojas' will commence from the early morning of October 17 with a Ganapati Homam. The arrangements for drawing of lots to select Melsanthi will begin at 0900 hrs. The drawing of lots would be held at the temple 'Sopanam' under the supervision of Tantris Kantararu Maheswararu and Kantararu Mohanararu. The new Melsanthi would assume office for a one-year term on the eve of first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. He will have to stay at the Sannidhanam for the whole year, doing poojas as 'Purappeda Santhi.' [Agencies]
SNDP seeks more transparency in Kerala's liquor policy
Sunday, October 17, 2004
The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam today demanded greater transparency in the Kerala Government's liquor policy. In a statement at Cherthala, SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Natesan said some of the suggestions contained in the recent policy announcement, including the proposal to market tinned toddy, sounded dangerous to the industry itself and sought a clear ban on its import. Indigenous toddy itself should be tinned and marketed in the state, he said. Natesan criticised the reactions of some non-Hindu religious leaders to the liquor policy by 'pretending' to be the real spokespersons against the social evil, particularly when members of their own community were involved in liquor trade. They should urge their community members to desist from liquor trade before criticising the government policy, he said. The silence on the part of the Hindu religious leaders on the issue was also not correct, Natesan pointed out. [Agency]
Kerala HC orders police protection for Kovalam resort
Sunday, October 17, 2004
A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court today directed the Director General of Police, Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP and Kovalam SI to provide effective and meaningful protection for the smooth functioning of the Kovalam Beach Resort. The Bench comprising Justice M Ramachandran and Ms Justice K Hema issued this directive on a writ petition filed by Kovalam Hotels Ltd seeking police protection in view of the agitation declared by ''Kovalam Kottaram Samrakshana Samithi.'' Petitioners submitted that though the Samithi declared agitation from October 17 and wide publicity was given for its statement, so far no effective steps had been taken by the police to ensure that the functioning of resort was not adversely affected by the agitation. [Agency]
Kerala minister defends new liquor policy
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Kerala's Excise Minister Vakkom Purushothaman Friday defended the government's new liquor policy that liberalises licences for bars and does away with dry days. Since the policy was announced, there have been allegations that it would destroy the state's moral foundation. "There will be no new drinkers because of the policy. On the contrary, those who drink can do so without fear of consuming illicit liquor that was flowing," the minister told reporters, adding that the new rules would end corruption in his department. He said Kerala's future lies in the tourism industry and the rules so far greatly restricted the serving of beer and wine. "Now that has changed and all classified restaurants and those approved by the tourism department can serve beer and wine." Purushothaman added that the government would simultaneously begin an anti-liquor campaign. However, several church leaders and opposition members as well as a section of the Congress have expressed their grave reservations. Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil said the new policy would turn Kerala into a large liquor shop. "This is going to lead to total destabilisation of Kerala's culture and moral foundation," he said. The new policy announced earlier this week sanctioned 50 new retail liquor outlets, taking the total to 400 shops selling liquor in Kerala. Besides, bar licences have been given to all two-star hotels and dry days cut out, as has the slab system of licensing. Liquor sales last fiscal were the best ever for the state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC), the only wholesaler in the state. The sale of liquor and beer was nearly Rs.21 billion ($470 million), a 12 percent increase over the previous fiscal. The sector also contributed more than Rs.16 billion ($355 million) to the state exchequer, an increase of 11 percent.
Former brigands turn tourist guides in Kerala
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Thanks to the efforts of Kerala's forest department and the Tamil Nadu police, a group of 27 former forest brigands are set to begin a career as guides in this tourist resort. "All of them belong to the Thevar community of Tamil Nadu. They are now ready to act as tourist guides after we put them through a five-month training programme," said forest ranger Rajiv Francis, the man behind the rehabilitation project. Two leading tourist resorts here also chipped in by investing Rs.50,000 to help the former sandalwood smugglers -- who operated in forests along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border -- join the mainstream. Movie star Suresh Gopi Thursday flagged off the first batch of tourists taken by the former brigands to various farms near Thekkady on a bullock cart. "This is a great venture initiated by the government and all of us should come forward to support this initiative", said Gopi. Each tourist has to pay Rs.500 for the farm visits that take half a day. "We have decided to ask these former smugglers to form an NGO and a portion of the proceeds of the farm visits will go to them. Currently there is only one bullock cart and as soon as the tourist season picks up, they plan to buy a few more," said Francis. Following the rehabilitation of the 27-member group, more criminals who earned a living through smuggling of forest produce have decided to come over ground. "An interesting proposition that is now being worked out is that we are trying to involve ladies from the Thevar community to help their men folk. They are planning to start vegetable farming and sell their produce to resorts in Thekkady," said Francis.
Keralites rues Air-India's plan to skip Doha, Bahrain
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Dubai, Oct 10 Air-India's plan to skip Doha (Qatar) and Manama (Bahrain) for its budget carrier, which is to begin operations in April next year has anguished the large Kerala expatriate community there. Air-India officials have not given any reason for dropping the two Gulf points from the route network. The budget carrier would operate from April in Gulf cities such as Muscat, airports in the UAE and Kuwait. However, the no-frills airline is expected to start flights to various sectors in India from Doha by 2006, an airline official said. Industry sources quoted by the Peninsula newspaper said that Air-India could have dropped Doha due to the lower passenger loads that prevail during a better part of the year. Air-India is to lease 18 medium range aircraft to serve the GCC region, which accounts for 29 per cent of its revenue, the second highest after its home market. The airline would offer fares that are about 25 per cent lower than those on regular carriers. The budget airline would operate under the category of a 'non scheduled carrier' to enable it to circumvent fare stipulations enforced by local civil aviation authorities and Yield Improvement Committees, the Peninsula newspaper reported.
Kerala emerges as a 12-month "happening" destination
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Kochi, Oct 10 Rain or shine, Kerala is now all set to promote the 'God's Own Country' as a 12-month tourist destination. The rainy months of June-November (South-West and North-East monsoons) are usually lean tourist season in Kerala where 277,000 foreign and 1.5 million domestic tourists visited last year, registering 26 per cent increase over the previous year. The tourism department is working on a major project to link monsoon with ayurveda in an attractive "wellness package' so that a niche market is developed and leveraged upon during the monsoon months of June-November. In fact, the department has long been trying to sell its ''poetic'' monsoon, but there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm among the tourists, especially among the westerners. ''Since Ayurvedic treatment is believed to be effective during the monsoon months, we are all determined to promote both monsoon and Ayurveda in a combined mode during the six lean months to make it a round-the-year 'happening destination,'' Tourism Minister K C Venugopal here today. Kerala's new strategy was also evident at the recently-concluded Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), where the state tourism managers were seen trying to convince the foreign and domestic travel and tour operators about the high potential for promotion of the monsoon-Ayurveda package. The managers also made it clear that the department was seeking to popularise the package through its time-tested ''exemplary model'' of public-private partnership. ''Our effort is to make Kerala as the only place on earth where Ayurveda is practised with absolute authenticity and dedication,'' Tourism Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan said. Though hundreds of Ayurveda centres snd spas are already functioning in several tourist centres, the government is not happy with the many such centres. The Ayurveda centres in tourist destinations are divided into two categories and certified as ''Green Leaf'' and ''Olive Leaf''. Those who fulfil the essential conditions are given 'Green Leaf" and those who satisfy the essential conditions and also the optional conditions like quality doctors and quality facilities are given ''Olive Leaf'' certification. The tourism department, in cooperation with the local authorities, are also cracking down on Ayurveda centres and massage parlours which do not have certification. ''The system of certification will be made still more scientific. We will soon standardise Ayurveda treatment facilities in tourist centres not only in terms of control, but also in terms of quality,'' Mr Bhushan said. The government would soon bring forward a legislation to achieve the goal, he added.
Vayalar Award for Sara Joseph
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Noted litterateur Sara Joseph has been chosen for the prestigious Vayalar Rama Varma Sahithya Award for 2004. This was announced in Thiruvananthapuram today by the award committee consisting of A K Antony and M K Sanoo. The award carries a cash price of Rs. 25,000 and a citation. Sara Joseph got the prestigious award for her novel titled "Alohayude Penmakkal" Trust members said they asked 235 people to list out the three best published works. "We received replies from 152 people suggesting 120 works. We selected the top five and sent them to 20 experts who were asked to rank them. Then the top three was handed over to the three-member judging committee",said a spokesman.
Kerala hosts spectacular boat show:
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Kerala, India: Cochin, Oct. 9 : The backwaters of Kerala these days are adorned by some of the world's most sophisticated and beautiful boats as the southern state, promoted as God's own country, hosts a unique travel mart, a premier tourism buyer-seller meet. More than 500 boat makers from countries like Germany, France, Russia and Denmark displayed their best products at the mart, the only travel fair of its kind to focus on a single state. From luxury cruisers to traditional house boats or gondola's of Kerala itself, the mart had an offer for every pocket. The biggest highlight however were the two large models of the 32- metre long river cruiser, the MV Vrinda. Commissioned by a leading hotel chain, the eight-cabin, 16-passenger cruiser is India's first luxury boat with a sailing speed of seven knots, a bar and restaurant with attached kitchen and a sun deck. The cruiser package costs Rs. 65,250 for a couple (Rs 60,750 single) on a four-night package that includes two nights on board the boat and two at the Trident Hilton, Cochin at the upgraded Vrinda Suites of the hotel. Being held at the International Convention Centre, Le Meridien in Cochin city, the boat fair is supported by Indian Navy's southern command, Indian Coast Guard, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation and Kerala Tourism. "I see that there is a lot of enthusiasm in India. People are really interested in boats and I can see the great future in India. The only thing India needs is infrastructure and the support systems. And of course they also need dealers like us who can provide the boats and take care of their service," Juki Jamma, general manager of Singapore's Simpson Marine, said. "By bringing focus to this area and this aspect of Kerala's potential, we hope to generate more and more interest which already we can see," Bharat Bhushan, principle secretary of state tourism, said. Bhushan added that show is focusing on exploring the prospects of India's trade primarily with Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tourism industry, the mainstay of Kerala's economy, has an annual turnover of Rs. 60 billion. Over 300,000 foreign tourists visited Kerala last year, recording a 25 percent jump. Kerala has been rated by the National Geographic magazine among 50 must see destinations.
Cop fired in Kiliroor case
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Kerala News, KOTTAYAM: In the backdrop of the probe into lapses in the investigation into Kiliroor sex racket case, Town West CI K.S.Suresh Kumar was placed under suspension on Friday. Omissions, if any, on the part of the officer, against whom the High Court had passed severe strictures, will be checked in detail, SP M.Wahab said. DGP Hormis Tharakan told reporters at Changanaserry that sex rackets in the State will be checked. Meanwhile, Narcotic Cell DySP Abraham Mathew, the new investigating officer in the case, has started the probe. He collected the statement of the girl in the hospital. As reported by the New Indian Express
Animal disease control project in Kerala
Sunday, October 10, 2004
To boost the dairy industry, Kerala Friday launched a Rs.350 million (Rs.35 crore, $7.65 million) animal disease control project with assistance from the state-owned National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). "The Goraksha project, a joint initiative of NDDB and the Kerala government, is being set up with the objective of controlling animal diseases in the state," Agriculture, Coir and Animal Husbandry Minister K.R. Gouri Amma said at the inauguration here. The Kerala government's share in the project is Rs.69.6 million (Rs.6.96 crore, $1.52 million) while the apex dairy body is contributing Rs.249.8 million (Rs.24.98 crore, $5.45 million). "The success of the project lies in every citizen of the state participating in prompt reporting of any outbreak (of disease). Immediate steps to contain the disease are then required," said NDDB chairman Amrita Patel. The presence of many animal diseases in India, especially foot and mouth disease (FMD), causes enormous economic loss and prevents the country from entering global markets with animal products in a big way, said Patel. India's annual economic loss due to FMD is estimated to be over Rs.40 billion (Rs.4000 crore, $873.84 million), she said. Recognising the need to launch a massive vaccination programme to control FMD, the Kerala government had taken the initiative to launch the programme, Patel said. NDDB has a joint venture with the state dairy cooperative for promotion and marketing of milk and other dairy products within Kerala. Through a notification, the state government has amended the Kerala Prevention and Control of Animal Disease Act, 1967, becoming the first state to make it compulsory for every farmer to get his animal vaccinated and ear-tagged at his own cost. The state government has made it illegal to bring any FMD infected or unvaccinated animal into Kerala. [Agency]
Couples adopt more daughters than sons in Kerala
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Amid concerns about the abysmal status of the girl child in most parts of the country, couples in Kerala are bucking the trend and adopting more daughters than sons, figures for the state indicate. According to the Voluntary Coordinating Agency for Adoption (VCA), 1,521 girl children have been adopted against 1,224 male children in the 10 years from 1993-94 till now. Figures for the last three years reveal that in 2001-02, 109 boys and 140 girls were adopted. The following years maintained the trend -- 107 boys and 138 girls were adopted in 2002-03 and the figures for 2003-04 were 117 boys and 137 girls. The reasons for this encouraging trend are many in a state with the highest sex ratio and the best development indices in the country. One reason, said Meenu Kuruvilla, project coordinator for VCA - the body that oversees adoption in the state and comes under the Central Adoptions Resource Agency - is the perception that daughters are more attached to parents than sons. In Kerala, there are 15 placement agencies under VCA where childless couples can register for children to be adopted. "Currently, there are 150 couples on the waiting list and on an average it takes six months for a couple to get a child adopted. We conduct stringent checks before a couple can adopt a child," said Kuruvilla, adding that on an average 25 adoptions a month take place in the state. With adoptions on the increase, a new association, the Kerala Adoptive Families Organisation, has been set up. "About 1,500 members have joined this association. We have approached the state government for enacting laws to make adoption more scientific and legal," said Raju M. Kurian, president of the Thiruvananthapuram chapter of the organisation. At the moment, all Hindu adopted children get full rights after the age of 18 because they come under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act. However, Christian and Muslim families follow the Guardian and Wards Act, which is not so liberal towards adopted children. "We expect the state government to take measures in this aspect in the new law that is being framed," said Kurian. Lida Jacob, social welfare secretary in the Kerala government, said adoption was losing its stigma and the process had become more transparent thanks to changes in the legal system. "Today the government and NGOs work together. There has to be a strong drive against illegal adoptions that take place through state hospitals," said Jacob. [Agency]
Counselling planned to check drop-outs
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Kerala is planning to start counselling for tribal students to check the increasing cases of drop-outs among them, SC/ST Welfare Minister A P Anilkumar said today. Talking to newspersons here, he said district centres, with computer facilities, would be set up to help the counselling and other steps to curb the rate of drop-outs among the tribals. The Minister also promised more hostel facilities for tribal students. Reiterating the commitment to construct homes for 500 tribal families as part of its 100-day action plan, he said the government was keen on increasing the number of houses. Admitting that the funds for tribal welfare did not reach the actual beneficiaries under the three-tier local body panchayati raj, he said the government, however, did not highlight it fearing criticism about hindering decentralisation of power.
Govt has taken steps to plug loopholes: Chandy
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the government has taken all necessary steps to plug loopholes, if any, in the investigation of the Kiliroor sex scandal case in the light of the adverse observations made by the High Court. Speaking to mediapersons here, Chandy, who also holds the Home portfolio, said as far as he knew there was no lapse on the part of the police in the investigation of the case and all but two of the accused involved in the scandal had already been arrested. However, the police had failed to convince the court that the investigation had taken the right direction. ''Apart from fulfilling its role effectively, the police also have a duty to convince others that their actions are in the right direction,'' Chandy said. Answering a question, he said the government had also decided to seek the opinion of the Director General of Prosecution as to whether there was any lapse on the part of the police in properly investigating the case. The DGP was presently out of the state and as soon as he returned, the report would be sought. The poor health condition of the victim, a minor, and her hospitalisation had also contributed to slowing down of the investigation, he added. [Agency]
BJP condemns attack on IUML workers, offices
Sunday, October 10, 2004
BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai today condemned the attacks against IUML workers and offices by the CPI(M) caders at Manjeri and Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. Claiming that such incidents revealed the Leninist style of functioning of the CPI(M), he said it could not tolerate even a peaceful demonstration against its leaders. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who is holding the Home portfolio, should relinquish the post of as the law and order situation had totally collapsed, Pillai told reporters here. Alleging that both the LDF and the UDF were trying to ''sabotage'' the investigation process in the Kiliroor sex scandal, he alleged that their leaders were associated with criminals involved in the case. [Agency]
KPCC condemns attack on IUML offices
Sunday, October 10, 2004
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has condemned the yesterday's attacks on two offices of the Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) by DYFI activists. Expressing strong ''protest'' against the attack, KPCC General Secretary Kodikunnil Suresh told newspersons here today that such ''goons act'' could not be democratically justified. Alleging that the CPI(M) was using force against its political opponents, he demanded the UDF government to take action against those involved in the ransacking of the IUML district office. Asked whether the black flag demonstration against the Opposition leader could be justified, he replied that agitations should never cross their limits. Regarding the remarks made by the High Court against the UDF government on Kiliroor sex racket case, he said that the High Court had made such comments on the LDF government earlier on issues like Plus two and Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy. Asked whether the UDF would take action against the IUML on the allegation of senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran that the IUML had worked against him at Alappuzha, he said ''Alappuzha is quite different from that of Adoor.'' Besides, Sudheeran had not made such a complaint in the last KPCC executive meeting here, he added. [Agency]
Kerala Congress demands ouster of IUML from UDF
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Stepping up attack on the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership, coalition partner Kerala Congress today demanded the ouster of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) from the Front. Talking to newspersons after a party meeting here, Party Chairman R Balakrishna Pillai urged Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to recommend to the Congress high command, to drop the League from the Front on the basis of allegations levelled by senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran. ``But, the Chief Minister will not do so, I know, because of the number of League MLAs in the Front,'' he said while accusing the Congress of adopting discrimination against small partners of the Front. He reiterated his party' support to Sudheeran who recently accused Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty (IUML) of going against the Cabinet stand to award mineral sand-mining to a firm and thus sparking off a controversy. A Minister in the Antony Cabinet, Pillai alleged that Antony was backstabbed by some people, including those from the coalition parties. Continuing his tirade against Chandy, he asked whether the Chief Minister who also held the Home Portfolio was ready to step down following the High Court pulling up the police in connection with a sex racket scandal. [Agency]
Prithiviraj in Tamil
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Prithiviraj in Tamil Prithiviraj has been signed to play the villian role in K V Anand's film. The noted cinematographer K V Anand turns director with the film produced by A M Rathinam. He has signed Srikant as hero. Prasanth who was to play the second lead turned it down because it had negative shades. Now Prithiviraj has been signed instead. Prithiviraj's Sathyam released in Kerala is to be remade in Tamil and Telugu. Autograph fame Gopika plays the heroine.
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Dileep, Meera in Kamal's Perumazhakalam A dream song sequence of Kamal's Perumazhakalam with Dileep and Meera Jasmine was recently picturised at the Jaya Auditorium in Kozhikode. The function was a mehandi ceremony organised by the bride's parents. Raziya the Muslim bride played by Meera Jasmine dressed in white and decked up with gold was engaged in a dance with her friends. The groom Akbar (Dileep) is playing the harmonium while Raziya is dancing. Meera Jasmine's first film was Soothradharan with Dileep. After winning the award for the best actress, she is playing a strong character in this film. Director Kamal said, "Dileep came forward and showed his willingness to do this guest role." The reason said is two of his close associates, director Kamal and Salim Padiyath are working in this project. Salim was with Dileep when the latter worked as an assistant to director Kamal. Not only that the film is produced by Salim. When contacted Salim said, "I wanted to do a film with Dileep but due to some technical reasons the project was shelved and this film is a woman oriented one." Akbar had to leave his wife soon after the wedding. Raziya who has a two year old baby is eagerly waiting for her husband's arrival. The song shot was a honeymoon dream song. The film revolves around a Muslim girl's friendship with a Hindu girl (Kavya Madhavan). Dileep was here for four days to shoot some scenes. He is at present busy shooting for Rasikan. Other casts include Vineeth, Biju Menon, Salim Kumar, Babu Namboodiri, Mala, Mamookoya, Valsala Menon and many others. Songs of Kaithapuram were tuned by M Jayachandran. The film produced under the banner of Rasikar Films will be brought to the theatres by Valiyaveetil Release.
Perumazhakalam
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Dileep, Meera in Kamal's Perumazhakalam A dream song sequence of Kamal's Perumazhakalam with Dileep and Meera Jasmine was recently picturised at the Jaya Auditorium in Kozhikode. The function was a mehandi ceremony organised by the bride's parents. Raziya the Muslim bride played by Meera Jasmine dressed in white and decked up with gold was engaged in a dance with her friends. The groom Akbar (Dileep) is playing the harmonium while Raziya is dancing. Meera Jasmine's first film was Soothradharan with Dileep. After winning the award for the best actress, she is playing a strong character in this film. Director Kamal said, "Dileep came forward and showed his willingness to do this guest role." The reason said is two of his close associates, director Kamal and Salim Padiyath are working in this project. Salim was with Dileep when the latter worked as an assistant to director Kamal. Not only that the film is produced by Salim. When contacted Salim said, "I wanted to do a film with Dileep but due to some technical reasons the project was shelved and this film is a woman oriented one." Akbar had to leave his wife soon after the wedding. Raziya who has a two year old baby is eagerly waiting for her husband's arrival. The song shot was a honeymoon dream song. The film revolves around a Muslim girl's friendship with a Hindu girl (Kavya Madhavan). Dileep was here for four days to shoot some scenes. He is at present busy shooting for Rasikan. Other casts include Vineeth, Biju Menon, Salim Kumar, Babu Namboodiri, Mala, Mamookoya, Valsala Menon and many others. Songs of Kaithapuram were tuned by M Jayachandran. The film produced under the banner of Rasikar Films will be brought to the theatres by Valiyaveetil Release.
Mammootty is back as a family man!
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Mammootty is back as a family man! Mammootty’s image as a family man has always worked with the audience of Kerala, according to distributor Swargachitra Appachan. Now after Kazhcha the superstar of Malayalam is once again back to playing an ordinary man whom you meet on the roads of Kerala wearing a white ‘mundu’ and half sleeve cotton shirt. He plays Appu in his latest film Vesham (see pic) directed by V.M.Vinu who has made Balettan in the past. Appu is a rich man with a heart of gold and has a loving wife Aswathy (Mohini makes her comeback through this film), younger brother Hari (Indrajeet) and his wife Revathy (Gopika). Suddenly some disturbing incidents happen and the happy family becomes tension ridden. T.A.Razak, the family tear-jerker specialist has written the screenplay and S.A.Rajkumar the Tamil music director tunes the songs written by Kaithapuram. The cast also has Innocent, Sai Kumar, Riaz Khan and Sindhu Menon. Vesham will be Mammootty’s Christmas release.
Federal bank files writ in Kerala HC
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
The Aluva-based Federal Bank today filed a writ appeal in the Kerala high court challenging the Chennai Company Law boards decision to stay seven resolutions, put to vote at the banks AGM on September 27. A Division bench, comprising Chief Justice N K Sodhi and Justice A K Basheer, conducted preliminary hearing of the petition by Bank chairman, K P Padmakumar, today and posted the case to October 7. Meanwhile, another petition challenging the board decision, filed by K P Fabian, one of the three elected board members, has been posted for orders. The company board had stayed the decision on receiving an application from the ICICI Bank, Mumbai, which is a shareholder of the Federal Bank challenging the seven resolutions put to vote.
Widespread rain in Kerala; Thrissur records all time high
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: Widespread rainfall was reported in most parts of Kerala on Monday under the impact of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Thrissur reported the highest, receiving 42 cm rainfall during the past 24 hours ending at 0830 hrs. ''It is an all time record for Thrissur since the year 1891,'' local Meteorological Centre Director M D Ramachandran said here. Though the intensity would be less, the state would continue to receive heavy rainfall for the next couple of days under the impact of the depression, which was now moving closer to the land, he said, adding that it would delay further, the withdrawal of the South-West monsoon over Kerala. The depression came as a boon for the state which received a deficit rainfall of 22 per cent during the South-West monsoon from June one to September 30. ''However, we are hopeful of meeting the shortfall,'' he added. Most parts of the state received heavy to very heavy rainfall during the past 24 hours. Kunnamkulam recorded 20 cm of rainfall, followed by Enamackal-19 cm, Kodungallur-17 cm, Munnar-16 cm and Kochi, Chalakkudi and Irinjalakua receiving 15 cm each. Scores of other places also received very heavy rainfall.
AKG always fought revisionism: Pinarayi
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Kerala News, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that A.K. Gopalan, who always fought against revisionism, had once saved the CPM soon after its formation. ‘‘AKG never had any ideological confusion throughout his political career. He always fought revisionism in the party and held the party intact whenever there were ideological disputes in the party,’’ Pinarayi said while inaugurating the concluding session of the birth centenary celebrations of A.K. Gopalan at the AKG hall here. Pinarayi said that AKG along with his friends left the undivided Communist party when the revisionists got an upper hand in it. The revisionists had full control over the party and AKG was forced to form a new one. ‘‘However, the party witnessed yet another deviation a few years after its formation. But AKG saved the party from it by defeating this deviation,’’ Pinarayi said. FOURTH WORLD: CPM central secretariat member M.A. Baby on Sunday said that nobody in the party leadership, including himself, neither subscribed to the Fourth World theory nor supported any kind of deviations from the accepted principles of the party. The party had rejected the Fourth World theory and there were no takers for this in the party now, Baby said while speaking at a seminar organised in connection with the birth centenary celebrations of the late A.K.Gopalan. Making a scathing attack on the Padom team, Baby said that there were some people who conveniently forgot the lessons from history. As reported by The New Indian Express
Edusat to be operational by Oct 24 : VSCC, Kerala
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Kerala, India > Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 4 : India's exclusive satellite for educational services, Edusat, would be declared operational after completing all tests on October 24, a top official with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre said here today. Addressing a media workshop held in connection with the World Space Week celebrations which began at the VSSC, Director (Projects), R V Perumal, said the testing of `C' band transponders of the satellite, launched from Sriharkota on September 20, was already over. The remaining tests would be carried out in the coming days and the satellite would be operational by October 24, he said. All educational institutions in the country would be able to receive information through EDUSAT, using a small antenna. "Edusat offers a lot of opportunities to institutions. For example, self-financing colleges can chalk out a collaborative programme by which an eminent professor could address all the colleges in their network," he said. It could be put to commercial use also as new software could be developed for entertainment and education. Adult education could also be served in a big way using Edusat and information packages could be made available to villages. "The Edusat will bring about a very successful social revolution. The satellite has a designed life of seven years, but we hope that it will be there for use for 10 years," he said. PTI
Heavy rains batter Kerala
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 4 : Thrissur in Kerala received the highest rainfall in over 100 years, as heavy rains triggered by the depression in the Bay of Bengal battered the entire State today. According to the Meteorological Centre here, Thrissur recorded 42 cm rainfall in 24 hours ended at 8.30 am today. Met Office Director M D Ramachandran, told PTI that this was the highest rainfall recorded there since the weather office started functioning there in 1891. The previous highest rainfall in the area was 27.4 cm recorded in May 28, 1941, he said. Authorities of Peechi Dam in Thrissur said its shutters could be opened anytime and cautioned people living on banks of the rivers in the district to be alert. Fifty families in the low-lying areas of the district were shifted to a school at Pavaratti. Met Centre sources said most places in Kerala would continue to get good rains in the next 48 hours. Rainfall recorded in other places include Kunnamkulam (20 cm), Enamakkal (19), Kodungallur (17), Munnar (16), Cochin airport, Chalakkudi, Irinjalakkuda (15), Perumbavoor (14), Pattambi, Vatakara, Varkala (12), Karippur, Perinthalmanna (11), Aluva (10), Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Koyilandi (9).
Govt pension for Gandhi, Hindi propagators: Kerala Chief Minister
Monday, October 4, 2004
[Kerala, India] Thiruvananthapuram : Chief Minister Oommen Chandy declared that the government will provide a pension to the propagators of Gandhian thought and Hindi language. Inaugurating the state level Gandhi Jayanthi Week Celebrations here, he said the government had decided to reintroduce the pension scheme. Though the previous UDF government had introduced such a scheme to encourage Hindi, Khadi and Gandhian ideology, the succeeding LDF Government cancelled it. Stressing the relevance of Gandhian thoughts in this century, he called upon the youths to uphold the Gandhian thoughts as it would reduce the tension and troubles in the world today. Later, at another function, Chandy said the government would extend all possible assistance to uplift the Khadi Industries. Stating that the Khadi Industries should be encouraged fore the benefit of villages, he said the centre and state had initiated a lot of socio-economic schemes for uplifting the Khadi Industries in the state. Various other programmes have been organized in the city to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In the morning, Chandy and Finance Minister Vakkom Purushothaman paid floral tributes at the Gandhi Statue. Later, the chief minister inaugurated a jyothi yatra organized by students from various schools in the city.
Govt should first ensure arrest of culprits
Saturday, October 2, 2004
PTI KOZHIKODE: Pro-CPI (M) members of Olavanna panchayat in Kerala on Thursday charged the UDF government with trying to divert people's attention by announcing development schemes in the Dalit colony under the panchayat where nine members of Missionaries of Charity were attacked last week. "The government's primary job is to ensure the arrest of the culprits (involved in the attack)," a team of members of the CPI (M)-controlled panchayat told reporters here. Stating that there are 16 such colonies in the panchayat, they also alleged that by announcing funds for development works in the affected colony alone, "the Government is sending wrong signals that the other colonies also can expect help only in the event of similar incidents happening there." Alleging that persons responsible for the assault were BJP-RSS workers and that they were 'freely roaming in the area', they said the government should first ensure their arrest before talking about developing the area. Most of the development activities that had taken place in the area was during the previous LDF regime, they claimed, adding the panchayat was now "unable to initiate fresh works for want of additional funds from the present government." Noting that a sizeable number living in the area did not have ration cards, they said 'a majority among those who possess it are also marked as Above Poverty Line'.
Kerala wants to host Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
Saturday, October 2, 2004
NEW DELHI: Kerala wants to host the fourth edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has requested Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler to hold the 2006 diaspora conference in Kochi. "Keralites form the biggest segment in the Indian diaspora. We have actively participated in the first two celebrations in Delhi and are planning to do so for 2005 in Mumbai also," Chandy pointed out. He also urged Tytler to establish the second non-resident Indians city after Bangalore in Kerala. "The minister's response was very positive," Chandy said. The third edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be held in Mumbai from January 7-9. People of Indian origin and non-resident Indians from around 70 countries are expected to participate in the event, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Last year's event had seen participation from 61 countries, including large contingents from the US, east Asian countries, the Middle East and Britain.
Kerala grapples with growing grey population:
Saturday, October 2, 2004
[Kerala, India] Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 : As International Day of the Elderly was observed Friday, Kerala was grappling with how to manage the increasing grey population - with a life expectancy some 10 years higher than the national average. "In a decade from now the state's administrators would be worrying how to cope with the problems of the elderly," S. Irudayarajan of the Centre for Development Studies here said. The senior faculty member, who has done a study on the elderly, says the average life span for males in Kerala is 70 years and for females 75 while the national average is just 60 for males and 62 for females. The state, however, also boasts the highest number of old age homes in the country, 150, and more homes are built every year. "In 2051, Kerala would have 30 percent of its population above the age of 60. In just three years time the state's (elderly) population has shot from 10.58 percent (2001) to 13.5 percent (2004)," he said. The 2001 Census records the population of Kerala as 31.84 million with 15.47 million males and 16.37 million females. Of those aged 60 and above, females constitute 13.85 percent and males 13.17 percent. Some reasons cited for the increased life expectancy are better healthcare facilities and awareness. "Look at our grandfathers. They had seven to nine children; our fathers had three to four. And now, we have couples stopping at one child," Irudayarajan added.
Vijayan refutes reports of rift in Kerala CPI-M :
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Kerala, India > Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 : CPI-M Kerala state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan today strongly refuted reports of a "deep factional divide" in the party over various issues and asserted that attempts by the media to create a rift in the party and set its agenda would not succeed. "You cannot create rift in the party carrying fictitious reports. And you cannot set the party's agenda. The campaign that there is serious division in the party is absurd," Vijayan told reporters here. Vijayan, who came out with a detailed communique of the party secretariat meeting held here yesterday, said the party had often given sufficient explanantions on key issues like the `Fourth World' theory by expelled party member M P Parameswaran, foreign expertise and funding in Peoples' Planning Programme of the previous LDF Government and the charge that a small group was controlling affairs in the party. The media, by highlighting these issues, was trying to create an impression that the party unit was beset by factional tussles involving two factions led by Politburo members V S Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan, he said. He said the party was unanimous in rejecting the `Fourth World' theory, suggesting changes in basic party programmes in tune with the changing times. "There was not a single taker in the party for the theory that ran against the basics of Marxism-Leninism." On the Peoples' Planning Programme, he said the party was convinced that no foreign agency was involved in its conceptualisation or implementation. PTI
Kerala to emulate China to alleviate poverty
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Beijing, October 1: To hasten economic development in Kerala, the state government will study China's highly successful poverty alleviation and urban planning programmes, Kerala Revenue and Housing Minister K.M. Mani said on Friday. Impressed by the Communist nation's economic and social progress, the Minister, who is leading a 42-member delegation to China said Kerala could learn from China's experience and progress on the road to development. "In China, we intend to study the various factors which contributed to the fast economic development of the country," Mani said. As part of this effort, the delegation met with Chinese officials and visited rural areas around Beijing. They also saw the major construction work undertaken by the Chinese government to host the 2008 Olympics.
Kerala HC maintains status quo on Halcyon castle
Saturday, October 2, 2004
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court today held that status quo should be maintained in the matter relating to government takeover of the Halcyon castle at Thiruvananthapuram and there should be no more evictions until further orders. The order in this regard was issued by the Bench, comprising Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice K Thankappan, on a writ appeal filed by the Mfar Hotels ltd and Kovalam Hotels Ltd challenging the order of a single judge declining to stay the government's takeover of the property. The appellants had sought a declaration to the effect that government had no right to the property, which had been sold to the group by the Union government and the ITDC. They also wanted quashing of the September 25 government order on the takeover. HC asks govt to maintain status quo
'Kerala Govt. must first ensure arrest of culprits'
Friday, October 1, 2004
Kozhikode, Sept. 30 : Pro-CPI(M) members of Olavanna Panchayat in Kerala today charged the UDF Government with trying to divert people's attention by announcing development schemes in the Dalit colony under the panchayat where nine members of Missionaries of Charity were attacked last week. "The Government's primary job is to ensure the arrest of the culprits (involved in the attack)," a team of members of the CPI(M)-controlled panchayat told reporters here. Stating that there are 16 such colonies in the panchayat, they also alleged that by announcing funds for development works in the affected colony alone, "the Government is sending wrong signals that the other colonies also can expect help only in the event of similar incidents happening there.' Alleging that persons responsible for the assault were BJP-RSS workers and that they were `freely roaming in the area', they said the Government should first ensure their arrest before talking about developing the area. Most development activities that had taken place in the area was during the previous LDF regime, they claimed, adding the panchayat was now "unable to initiate fresh works for want of additional funds from the present Government." Noting that a sizeable number living in the area did not have ration cards, they said `a majority among those who possess it are also marked as Above Poverty Line'.
Backwaters, ayurveda: star attractions at Kerala tourism show
Friday, October 1, 2004
Foreign delegates attending a major tourism promotion event here believe Kerala's placid backwaters and health tourism centred round ayurveda could become major draws for travellers from countries like Japan and Thailand. Some 170 firms from Kerala are hard-selling health tourism and the backwaters at the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2004, billed the biggest tourism promotion event organised by any Indian state. This year, firms from Japan and Thailand have arrived in Kerala for the first time, besides companies from the US, Britain, Germany and the Middle East. Natanout Pougtranum, manager of Bangkok-based Mind Vacation, said she was excited about offering Kerala as a new tourism product in Thailand. "The backwaters and ayurveda are the strongest tourism products that Kerala has and I am certain that Thais would love them. I am sure a good number of Thais are going to visit Kerala," Pougtranum told. Equally excited was Takashi Nagasaw of Japan's leading travel company, JTB Travel Agency, who was on his first visit to India. "I was on board the houseboats on display here and believe me, the Japanese would love the ambience of this. Along with Kerala's backwaters, we are concentrating on ayurveda and these two products are going to be a gold mine for Kerala tourism. "The only problem till now was that Kerala was never on the itinerary of Japanese tourists. But I strongly feel that is over now and Kerala is going to see a lot of Japanese tourists." KTM kicked off Wednesday and is the third edition of the biennial event organised jointly by the Kerala government and the private sector. "This year, we have had the biggest number of buyers. We have had close to 650 foreign delegates and without a doubt, this year's show is going to be a huge success," said E.M. Najeeb, convenor of KTM. Peter Rees Jones, director of Wales-based Nature Expedition India that has offices in Britain and Europe, said: "We specialise in high-spending independent travellers from Britain and in the last season, we had 300 people arriving in Kerala. "This time it is going to be more and the single product that has attracted lot of our people is the backwaters. It is an experience that many won't be able to forget that soon." Alex George, president of the houseboat owners association, said: "Many of those who saw the houseboats have been wonderstruck with the interiors. From the response we have had, it is going to be good business for all of us."
Kerala to get clearance for developing Sabarimala
Friday, October 1, 2004
[Kerala, India] New Delhi, Sep 30 : The central government has assured Kerala that it would soon take steps to grant environmental clearance to the state's ambitious project to develop Sabarimala, a major Hindu pilgrimage centre. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here Thursday he had been given this assurance by Environment and Forest Minister A. Raja. "We were asked to give the master plan for developing the area, which we will submit in two weeks," Chandy said. The famous Sabarimala temple is located in a dense forest area and developmental works have been stalled since the environment and forest department raised objections. Chandy said he had told Raja that the project should not be delayed further. The chief minister pointed out that pilgrims suffered hardships while trekking a forest route to the temple without access to sanitation, drinking water, shelter, food and medical aid. "Lack of proper amenities has led to pollution and degradation of the environment," he said. Chandy, who is in New Delhi on a two-day visit, met 12th Finance Commission Chairman C. Rangarajan to put up his state's demands. The chief minister said the 11th Finance Commission had neglected Kerala because the state "had achieved development in various social sectors". He said the commission, while allocating funds for backward states, had forgotten that Kerala had made this possible by taking loans from banks, for which it pays huge amount of interest. "We need money to sustain development. We must be given financial assistance," Chandy said.
Kerala bids farewell to Balamani Amma
Friday, October 1, 2004
Matriarch of Malayalam poetry, Balamani Amma, who passed away here yesterday, was today cremated with full state honours. Poignant scenes were witnessed as the body of the poetess was taken from her daughter Dr Sulochana Nalapatt's residence to the electric crematorium at Ravipuram in the city. Politicians, members of the Malayalam literary fraternity and people from all walks of life were among those who attended her funeral.
State-wide protests in Kerala : LDF workers block Secretariat
Friday, October 1, 2004
State-wide protests in Kerala : LDF workers block Secretariat : Kerala, India > Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 29 : Thousands of opposition LDF workers today came out to lay a virtual siege of the state secretariat here and collectorates in the district centres to as part of a state-wide protest programme against the "anti-people" policies of the UDF government. Protestors trickled in small processions early morning, squatted on the roads leading to the secretariat and shouted slogans after their march was halted by police. Gearing up to check the protestors from resorting to obstructionist methods, police had thrown a strong security ring in an area of one km around the secretariat complex. Police also enforced regulations and diversions in traffic in the city to ensure that some of the roads leading to the secretariat remain unaffected by the protest. The government had yesterday asked all the employees in the secretariat to carry identity cards with them and enforced restrictions on visitors to the complex. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said that the stir would be dealt with sternly if the protestors sought to forcibly prevent the employees coming to attend work. The daylong agitation was oranised to protest the economic and educational policies of the UDF government. PTI
