Kerala News Archive: May 2007

Antony meets South Korean Defence Minister
Thursday, May 31, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, May 30 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony met his South Korean counterpart Kim Jang-soo here on Wednesday in the first-ever defence talk between the two Asian countries.

Sources said that the visiting Minister discussed promoting defence cooperation, such as joint naval exercises and trade of defence materials, with India.

According to the Defence Ministry, the meeting was largely aimed at laying the groundwork for closer defence cooperation between New Delhi and Seoul.

Later, Kim met Indian Army Chief General J.J.Singh.

Kim will leave for Singapore on Thursday to attend an international security forum.

The 6th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, will be held for two days from Friday to discuss regional security cooperation and the North Korean nuclear issue.

The annual event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, will bring together 27 government delegations, including Defence Ministers from 14 countries. (ANI)

Visually impaired wows classical music aficionados
Thursday, May 31, 2007 | AA

Vaikom (Kerala), May 30 (ANI): M.Vijayalakshmi, a visually-impaired woman in Kerala, is adding delight to the world of music by playing Veena, an Indian classical stringed instrument, at national and international concerts.

Twenty-six-year-old Vijayalakshmi is blind by birth but she has made herself an artiste of distinction.

Practicing on the Indian musical instruments, since she was five Vijayalakshmi has emerged as an icon of sorts in Kerala's Vaikom town for her Veena recitals.

She chanced upon a makeshift instrument made from a plastic bottle for the first time during her childhood, which opened the world of music for her.

But for someone whose own life is engulfed in darkness, to compose beautiful and soul-stirring music is nothing short of an achievement.

"Blindness has never been an impediment to me or my music, as I have dedicated my entire life for music and want to do a lot more. My main ambition is to pursue a Doctorate in Music for which I have already started preparing," said Vijayalakshmi.

Vijayalakshmi plays the 'Gayatri Veena', which is a modified version of a regular Veena, done by her father, Murleedharan, an electronics expert.

The father has improvised the instrument by removing strings from a regular model and preparing a one-string Veena for Vijayalakshmi and attaching it with an amplifier so that Vijaylakshmi can play it comfortably.

She claims to know over 500 ragas or melodies apart from having an uncanny ability to copy a tune by just listening to it once.

"We were very disappointed to have a blind child when she (Vijayalakshmi) was born. But now we are proud of her talent and accomplishment. We are grateful to the God for gifting us such a child. She knows over 500 ragas and various devotional songs. She can play a tune even if she may have heard it once. This is really a great thing," said V. Murleedharan, Vijayalakshmi's father.

Vijayalakshmi's performance at various national and international concerts has won her many awards and laurels.

She has set her aim further high and is a guiding light for many such people who are bogged down by handicap.

Famous nineteenth century German composer Robert Schumann once said: "To send light into the darkness of men's hearts-such is the duty of the artist." (ANI)

Film producers to strike from August 1
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | AJ

Kochi (Kerala), May 30 (ANI): Malayalam film producers in Kerala today decided to suspend all film production in the state indefinitely from August 1 in protest against restrictions imposed on production, distribution and its exhibition by the Malayalam Cine Technicians' Association Federation (MACTA).

Claiming that the escalating costs of production was unacceptable, the producers said that the recent increase in the daily wages of drivers from Rs. 150 to Rs.350 per day and other costs was just beyond their control.

The MACTA, which consists of 18 unions, had earlier informed the producers that they would not be changing the cost structures for two years, said Producers Guild State Secretary Milan Jaleel at the meeting here.

It was also decided in the meeting that the producers who are in the process or in the final stage of completing a film will have to complete it by July 31 and rest of the producers will be issued no objection certificate for not producing any film after July 31.

The producers claimed that they were facing great financial distress due to the recent hikes in the cost of artist rates which was fixed without consulting the producers.

They also warned that if the costs are increased, the industry will collapse in the coming days.

The president of the producers guild said that the cost of production has increased by 200 percent, and added that it now costs around Rs.15 to Rs.18 lakh more to make a film.

A joint council meeting will be held by producers, exhibitors and distributors to further discuss other stringent actions against MACTA.

The strike has been called in the wake of the coming Onam season, which may effect the film industry. Last year, the Kerala film industry did more than Rs.10 crores of business during the Onam season.

The Malayalam movie industry once used to thrive with nearly 160 films being released annually. This has come down to less than 30 films a year.

The number of cinema theatres in Kerala has also gone down from 1,400 to less than 700 in the last five years.

The Malayalam film industry got off to a slow start in 1928, when its first film, Vikathakumaran, bankrupted its producer. (ANI)

Play on Saddam's life runs houseful
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 | AA

Balrampur (Kerala), May 28 (ANI): A play on Iraq President Saddam Hussein, depicting him as a crusader against colonialism, opened to packed houses here this past week.Organised by Mudra, a theatre group affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the play titled "Saddam" highlights the life of the Iraq’s dictator who was awarded death sentence by hanging. According to the writer and director Dinesh Pallath, Saddam was a hero who fought against mighty imperialism of the West."A leader like Saddam Hussein has emerged as a leader of third world countries and he fought against the colonialist countries, which is why we chose this subject. The fight against the colonialist countries, the stand taken by Saddam and the fight against America leads to this drama," Pallath said.The final scene of the play shows the execution of the former Iraqi president, with the message -- "the fight against colonialism will not end."Saddam was hanged on the first day of Eid ul-Adha, December 30, 2006, despite his wish to be shot (which he felt would be more dignified)Well-known theatre actor Sudarshan said that acting as Saddam Hussein in the play was a big challenge. "I am very happy to perform the role, I have great pleasure to do this, for the last 17 years I am in the field, it is one of biggest challenges for me, and as an actor I am happy to act like Saddam Hussein," Sudarshan said. Saddam's execution had sparked protests in various parts of India."Nowadays, the main problem in the world is colonialism the attack against humankind by the colonialist forces is at its peak now. Even the media is under American control. The play conveys a message against colonialism," said Pavithran, a member of the audiences at the premier show.The play held at Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, will be shown in other towns and cities in the following days. Theatre troupes travel around rural towns and cities and a single show often fetches 50,000 to 70,000 rupees (1,000 to 1,200 dollars).With cable television and Bollywood films posing a big threat to the existence of traditional art form, artists related to traditional art forms are now taking up contemporary issues.Be it 2004 Asian tsunami or the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Towers in the United States, real life incidents are being used by these artists to revive olden days of traditional art forms. (ANI)

Monsoon rains hit in Kerala
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), May 29 (ANI): The annual monsoon rains, crucial for the country’s economy, lashed Kerala, four days ahead of the normal date of June 1.

Monsoon rains had arrived over the South Andaman Sea on May 10.

There is on average a gap of two weeks between the monsoon's arrival there and the breaking of another branch over Kerala. Different atmospheric conditions determine the progress of the two systems.

According to weather officials, the rains are likely to be near normal.

"We expect 95 per cent of the normal rainfall. Normally, we receive about 214 cm during the South-West monsoon. This time, we are expecting five per cent below that," said K. Santhosh, Meteorological Director, Thiruvananthapuram.

According to analysts, an early monsoon will help several crops – including soybean, groundnut and rice -- only if rains were evenly spread over the next two months.

The early arrival of the monsoon along the coast did not necessarily mean rains will reach the country's interior ahead of time.

People in Kerala were happy to take out their umbrellas once again despite the inconvenience.

"We have a good expectation and in Kerala monsoon is always very pleasant," said Srinivas, a resident.

The rains usually fall in three spells, each separated by a gap of two to three weeks.

The monsoon weather phenomenon usually covers the entire country by mid-July, and provides the main source of water for agriculture, which generates more than a fifth of GDP.

In the past, patchy distribution has caused floods in some areas, while others were dealing with a drought.

Farming and related activity provide a livelihood to more than two-thirds of India's 1.1 billion people, and good rains usually spur rural spending on a wide range of industrial products.

Healthy rains have helped the economy to expand at an average of more than 8.5 percent over the past three years -- behind only China among major economies. (ANI)

Mammooty in English film!!!
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AJ

After a long gap, Mammooty is getting ready to star in an English film again.A few years ago, Mammooty had starred in an English film named 'Ambedkar'. The film was a biography on the leader's life. As part of preparations for the role, Mammooty had to get rid of the notorious Malayalam accent in his English and then play the role. His portrayal was so convincing that he won the National Award for the film.
The actor is now getting ready to star in another film. This one is called 'The Late Night Beggar', in which Mammooty plays the role of a doctor. Rohini is his wife and Baby Malavika is his daughter in the film. S Karthik is the director. The entire film is going to be completed in five days. Mahabalipuram is the main shooting venue.

Alibhai
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AJ

Shaji Kailash is hell-bent on making his new film with Mohanlal a grand affair!About 108 stars are going to act in the film. However, there is going to be just one heroine- Gopika. Priyanka is the second heroine. She had starred in an important role in the Tamil film 'Veyil'. That also happens to be her claim to fame. Acclaimed Hindi/Telugu/Tamil actor Aryaman makes his debut in Malayalam as villain in this film. Vismaya Arts is producing the film. Anthony Perumbavoor is the official producer. Pollachi and Kozhikode are the main venues of shooting. The film was launched in the presence of Mohanlal's fans at Vismaya Max studios in Thiruvananthapuram.
More about Ali Bhai is here:
http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/ali-bhai/index.shtml

Children to plant 25 lakh saplings
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AJ

In a major environmental drive involving school children, about 25 lakh spalings will be planted across Kerala on World Environment Day on June 5.
Students from fifth to ninth standard from 5,095 schools would plant saplings on school compounds, homesteads and public places as part of the campaign titled "My tree", jointly organised by the state Forest and Education departments.

A high-level committee headed by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and comprising senior politicians, cultural personalities, enviromentalists and academics has been formed for the campaign. Education Minister M A Baby and Forest Minister Binoy Viswam are the vice-chairmen of the panel, an official release said here.

The programme was envisaged as part of efforts to achieve the goal of creating green cover over 33.33 per cent of the area of the state.

The schools would receive the saplings from the Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department by May 29 for distribution to 24.46 children.

A variety of trees, suitable for the geographic features and climate of each area, would be supplied with the list topping indigenous varieties like mango and jackfruit and cashew trees, neem, tamarind, mahagony, teak and gooseberry.

School-level committees would be formed for nurturing the planted trees.

Binoy Viswam said the CPI(M) Polit Bureau decision would in no way affect the LDF Government's policies and programmes.

Abhya Case.Arrest warrants issued
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AJ

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) today issued non bailable arrest warrants against chief chemical examiner R Geetha and chemical analyst K Chitra, who conducted the chemical test on Sister Abhaya, on charges of deliberately making correction in the worksheet. The court seized the workbook from the Chemical Examiner's Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram on April 17 and sent it for forensic examination to the National Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad. The National Forensic Science Laboratory in its report stated that the worksheet had been corrected.

I support party decision: Achuthanandan
Monday, May 28, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said he fully supports his party's decision to suspend him from the Communist Party of India-Marxist's (CPI-M) politburo."The party is like a parent or a teacher, who will punish their children when they commit mistakes. It is part of the correction process. We wholeheartedly support the party decision," Achuthanandan told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.His statement came a day after his suspension from the politburo.The decision was taken in the wake of reports of continuous infighting between Achuthanandan and CPI-M state unit secretary Pinarayi Vijayan over demolition of encroachments in Munnar and other areas of the state.The Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government headed by the CPI-M had started razing illegal constructions on public land across the state, including a hill resort, which has angered the state unit of the CPI-M and some of its constituents.The Kerala Government had declared the Munnar hill resort as a special zone and froze all constructions.More than 10,000 hectares of forestland is believed to have been encroached by people, including political leaders and film stars.Vijayan attacked Achuthanandan blaming him of taking personal credit for the demolition drive. Achuthanandan, on the other hand, blamed Vijiyan for leaking party information to the media.Both leaders were accusing each other of breaking party rules. (ANI)

CPM cracks disciplinary whip
Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AJ

New Delhi, May 26: In an unprecedented action, the CPI-M on Saturday suspended octogenerian Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and party`s state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan from its Polit Bureau, the highest policy making body, for violating the party`s norms by airing their differences in public. Sending a strong signal that it will not tolerate indsicipline, the CPI-M Polit Bureau decided to wield the axe at its two day-meeting after holding that the conduct of its two senior members openly criticising each other through the media is unacceptable. "The Polit Bureau concluded that such behaviour is unacceptable and action shopuld be taken," CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat announced while reading out the four-para resolution adopted at the meeting which discussed the conduct of the two suspended leaders. Karat said both Achuthanandan(84) and Vijayan (63) will however continue as Chief Minister and state secretary of the CPI-M respectively. The CPI-M-led Left Front government completed one year last week after regaining power but it was dogged by intense factionalism involving the two leaders. "Certain remarks and open criticism by the two senior leaders in Kerala have violated the norms of the party and the clear directive of the Polit Bureau and the Central Committee that the state party leadership should not air their differences publicly," it said. The suspension issue will go before the Central Committee for consideration. The differences between Vijayan and Achuthanandan reached a flashpoint on Wednesday when the Chief Minister without specifically naming his arch-foe in the party, accused him of leaking debates in the LDF meetings to the media. Differences between the two leaders following the recent demolitions of unauthorised constructions in Munnar hill resort also sparked a row. (ANI)

Judiciary cannot interfere in Legislature's powers: Somnath Chatterjee
Friday, May 25, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, May 25 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said on Friday that the Legislature had the absolute constitutional right to make laws and enforce executive accountability, and reiterated that the constitutional mandate of the judiciary was to interpret the laws and not to make them or to lay down general norms of behaviour for the government. Addressing the All India Conference of presiding officers and secretaries of legislative bodies at Thiruvananthapuram, Chatterjee said the judiciary could not exercise its power of judicial review to lay down new policies or to direct actions to be taken up by the executive. Stressing the importance of harmonious co-existence of the separate organs of democracy, he said the time had come to introspect whether they were discharging their duties and functions as mandated by the Constitution. "Our object is not to find our areas of conflict or confrontation but to stress where there should be harmonious co-operation between the two organs," he said. Expressing concern over indiscipline and falling standards of debate in legislative bodies, he regretted that 73 hours were lost in the last budget session due to disruptions. Dignified conduct of the members of the legislatures, both inside and outside the chambers, was an essential pre-requisite for an effective parliamentary system, Chatterjee said. Though maintenance of order in the House was the primary duty of the presiding officer, the members owe a duty to co-operate with the chair and preserve and maintain the dignity of the House, he added. "It is quite distressing that proceedings of the House are often disrupted, not spontaneously, but by deliberate acts of some members committed for narrow political reasons in complete disregard of efforts by presiding officers to regulate the proceedings," he said. He said it was also a matter of concern that the media often gave more coverage for disruptions while important debates often failed to receive proper attention. "High decibels and incapacity to communicate should not become the hallmnark of our functioning. Sagacity, maturity, honesty of purpose and dedication to address national problems are the need of the hour," he said. Referring to the cash-for-query and human trafficking issues, he said it was grave matter of concern that serious allegations came up against one or the other member of being guilty of corrupt practices and different types of criminal activity. He said he had recently set up an 11-member committee of the members of the Lok Sabha to probe the misconduct and misuse of parliamentary privileges and facilities. Kerala Assembly Speaker K Radhakrishnan urged the delegates to deliberate on key issues concerning the functioning of the legislative bodies so as to make them live up to the aspirations of the people and trust reposed by them on elected representatives. The Speakers and Deputy Speakers from all the state assemblies and chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of six legislative councils are attending the three-day meet. Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary, Rajya Sabha Secretary General Yogendra Narain and secretaries of state legislatures are attending the meet. (ANI

CPI-M leader and CM fight over a demolition drive
Friday, May 25, 2007 | AJ

Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 (ANI): The infighting between the Kerala unit of Communist Party of India (Marxist), and its Chief Minister V. S Achuthanandan over demolition of encroachments from public land has split-wide-open with the leaders accusing each other of crossing the limits. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government headed by the CPI-M had started razing illegal constructions on public land across the state, including a hill resort, which has angered the state unit of the CPI-M and some of its constituents.The Kerala Government had declared the Munnar hill resort as a special zone and froze all constructions.More than 10,000 hectares of forestland is believed to have been encroached by people, including political leaders and film stars.Pinarayi Vijayan, secretary of the Kerala unit of CPI (M) attacked the Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan blaming him of taking personal credit for the demolition drive.Achuthanandan on the other hand blamed Vijiyan of leaking party information to the media.Both sides accused each other of breaking party rules."He (V.S Achuthanandan) is a responsible politburo member. He should not have raised suspicion about another politburo member with the media," said Vijayan at a news conference on Wednesday."If he (Pinarayi Vijayan) says that I have crossed the limits of a politburo member, he should think about it, as it is also applicable to him," said V.S Achuthanandan on Thursday.Vijayan has blamed a "media syndicate" working in the State of trying to divide CPI (M). The CPI (M) politburo - the top decision-making body -- is scheduled to meet on Friday in New Delhi and is expected to mull over the issue to defuse the crisis in its Kerala wing.The coalition government in the State has completed one year in office and both Vijayan and Achuthanandan have had a running battle since the beginning, with the central leadership intervening on several occasions. (ANI)

No religious headcount in armed forces: Antony
Thursday, May 17, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, May 16 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony today said that headcount of personnel in the country's armed forces on religious basis was not permitted since it has a secular and apolitical character."It was not considered desirable to supply any data relating to particular religious community in respect of the Army as it would have affected the ethos and cohesiveness of the forces", Antony said while replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha.Antony further said that recruitment of the forces is based on merit and it is open for every citizen of the country without any discrimination on the basis of their case, creed, religion or region.Personnel belonging to different communities and regions work together in the armed forces irrespective of their caste, creed or religion, he added. (ANI)

Illegal buildings demolished in tourist haven Munnar
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 | AA

Munnar (Kerala), May 15 (ANI): The Munnar District administration has begun demolishing illegal structures after the State Government promulgated an ordinance empowering it to demolish all resorts built on public land.Rich in tea and cardamom, Munnar is a high-altitude resort, which experienced a tourist boom recently.A State Government team is monitoring the demolition drive. The team includes Raju Narayana Swamy, District Collector, Munnar, Inspector General of Police Rishi Raj Singh and Suresh Kumar, an official in the Chief Minister's office.Swamy has promised to remove all encroachments in the town and its vicinity.Policemen accompanied the team during the eviction operation on Monday evening.Swamy said the drive would continue for the next few days.The Kerala Government has declared Munnar a special zone and frozen all construction activity.More than 10,000 hectares of forest land is believed to have been encroached upon by builders, politicians and film stars.Official records say that about 3,500 resorts have come up in Munnar in the last seven years.However, the management and workers of these resorts have complained of not being given enough notice before their eviction."They gave me a notice yesterday. They gave me 24 hours time because it is a illegal construction," said N. Dinakaran, General Manager of Cloud Nine Resort. (ANI)

Monsoon to hit Kerala, a week earlier
Monday, May 14, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): The Southwest monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of usual arrival.As per metrological observations, the Southwest monsoon had made its presence felt beyond the south Andaman Sea on May 10, nearly a week prior to the usual date.It has covered the entire group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, the weather official said.The monsoon is expected to reach Kerala on May 24 with an error margin of three days, the official said.The Southwest monsoon is crucial for Kharif crops like rice, oilseeds, pulses and other cash crop plantations.The monsoon is vital, as nearly 70 percent of the country’s population relies on agriculture as a primary source of income.In the last five decades, the earliest monsoon onset over Kerala was on May 14, 1960 and the most delayed was on June 18, 1972.The monsoon usually lashes Mumbai by June 10 and comes over Delhi by June 29. (ANI)

Cockfights, a popular sport in Kerala
Monday, May 14, 2007 | AA

Kasaragod (Kerala), May 12 (ANI): Cockfights, once patronised by royalty, still popular in many parts of Kerala. The cruel sport has birds mauling each other often till death, as the encircling crowds cheer and exchange money on every winning stroke. Held as a ritual, the cockfight is popular in northern parts of Kerala, mainly in Kasaragod District. "It is believed that offering of cock blood to the Theyam Gods will protect family members. The fight is associated with this tradition," said N. Laxmanan, a local temple official The ritual has emerged as one of the most favourite sports of rural folk, especially for betting, as a large number of men gather on this occasion and gamble aggressively on the roosters. Despite protests by animal rights groups and crackdowns by police, these people have refused to give up their ‘traditional sport’. "This is a mythological ritual in these regions and associated with temple festivals but now people have started misusing this tradition and started gambling on this ritual, the person loses if the cock runs away or killed by the other cock," said Gobi K, a social activist. Believed to be the world's oldest sport, cockfighting has become a business for many, and breeders spend a huge amount of money on rearing roosters, which are tailor-made to fight. From rich landlords to the poorest of toddy tappers, villagers invariably raise "fighter cocks" at home, to be used for the duels. The natural spurs of roosters are sawed off and replaced by razor sharp steel blades. They are also given drugs to maximize their aggression and stamina. A cockfight is a blood sport between two specially trained roosters held in a ring called a cockpit. The combatants, known as gamecocks or cocks, are specially bred birds, conditioned for increased stamina and strength. The comb and wattle are cut off in order to facilitate the placement of a hood over the birds' heads to keep them calm prior to the beginning of a fight and to decrease the potential for wounds and bleeding in these fleshy areas. Cocks possess congenital aggression toward all males of the same species, which is amplified through training and conditioning. In some regional variations, the birds are equipped with either gaffs or knives tied to the leg in the area where the bird's natural spur has been partially removed. A cockspur is a bracelet (often made of leather) with a curved, sharp spike which is attached to the leg of the bird. (ANI)

Antony terms claims of Chinese intrusion in Arunachal as 'baseless'
Sunday, May 13, 2007 | AA

Punglwa (Nagaland), May 12 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony today said that claims of local Arunachal Pradesh MP that China has made fresh excursion in the State are 'baseless'.Speaking to reporters after inaugurating first Sainik School in the State here today, Antony said that the both India and China are taking the border talks forward and that negotiations are being carried on in a friendly atmosphere.On the operation carried out by the army against the rebel United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres in Assam, Antony said that these operations would continue.However, he added that peace talks with the rebel group could restart if the rebels shun their violence acts.He said that the Centre's talk with Naga revels in is positive direction and that the establishment of Sainik Schools would further help the people of the State to enter the national mainstream.Antony also said that the view of the majority of the people in the region is for peace.He was accompanied by Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is himself an alumnus of a Sainik School. Spread over an area of 300 acres, the Punglwa Sainik School is located in the scenic foothills of Pauna range, about 47 kms from Dimapur.This will be the 21st Sainik School in the country and has been constructed by the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC). The school has received over 14 crore rupees funds from the Union Ministry for Development of North-Eastern Region (DONER) and Rs. two crores grant-in-aid from the state government for infrastructure.The school has a well-equipped computer lab and LCD projector auditorium, while plans are afoot to set up a modern swimming pool, horse-riding club and shooting range. The residential school, only for boys, will be affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and will impart studies through English medium.The aim of the school is to prepare boys for entry into the National Defence Academy. (ANI)

ICTs to empower Kerala villagers through information
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

Citizens of Kannur district (northern part of the Kerala state in India) at the click of the mouse or through a phone call will soon be able to access all kinds of local information. Anything from the sale of a cow, job vacancies or even find brides and grooms!Akshaya, (state wide ICT project by the Government of Kerala) with support from UNESCO has just operationalised an innovative initiative for the creation of community portals in local language (Malayalam). The primary objective is to create content in local language using free and open software at the various local bodies in Kannur district and for the local communities.Initially, the project will develop community portals for the District Panchayat, one Municipality and nine Gram Panchayats from Kannur district. The portal will comprise vital information such as: history of the community; organizations; eminent personalities; places of interest; different services/schemes offered by the local self-government; information regarding agriculture; business ventures; products; local job vacancies; educational details; health information; legal rights; local events; interactive forums; e-newsletters providing information on new technological trends and innovations etc.Content will be produced on an ongoing basis by community reporters appointed in each of the chosen panchayats under the active leadership of Akshaya entrepreneurs and facilitated by the Akshaya District office in Kannur.To address the issue of sustainability the portals would aim at local advertisements, web based yellow pages and e-business at the local level. In addition to having such database, an information-over-a-phone-call model is envisioned where community members could also call an Akshaya centre to get information.One of the Akshaya entrepreneurs during an interview says he is confident that the community will make best use of these services because “community members already approach the [Akshaya] centre without any hesitation for their needs”.As part of Finding a Voice project, Ethnographic Action Research (EAR) methodology is being used to understand issues and information needs of the target communities. It is envisaged that research will be able to strengthen the community portal initiative and adapt it to a scalable model.Akshaya Director T.K. Manzoor said the project is being implemented with the objective of providing greater amount of information to the masses using new tools of information technology. The pilot project in Kannur would be extended to the rest of the State if found successful.Emphasizing the need of local content and community portals, Mr. Bhaskaran, Assistant Coordinator of Akshaya project, Kannur District says: “local citizens do not have access to a portal where they can easily explore appropriate jobs and sell their products. Kerala in general is yet not familiar with e-business up to now”. And to make to this new portal accessible and useful to the community, he adds: “there must be sufficient amount of local content on an ongoing basis”.Story contributed by Kiran Mulenahalli, Regional Research Coordinator, Finding a Voice, and Jancy Francis, local ethnographic action researcher working in Kannur, Kerala.Akshaya is the flagship ICT for Development project implemented by Kerala State Information Technology Mission and is based on a service delivery model. In the first phase of the project, nearly 6 lakhs people were trained in basic computer skills. Akshaya in now rolling out to seven other districts in Kerala as the second phase of state wide roll out. In the third phase Akshaya will be implemented in the remaining six more districts.For more information log onto http://www.akshaya.net/This initiative is part of Finding a Voice - UNESCO Cross Cutting Theme project in collaboration with University of Adelaide, Queensland University of Technology and supported by Australian Research Council. Using the Ethnographic Action Research methodology the project is fostering greater understanding of content as an enabling tool within communities, ICT applications and its role in poverty reduction and achievement of Millennium Development Goals.Contact: Jocelyne Josiah ACI/NDLj.josiah@unesco.orgSeema Nair, CMC AsiaCoordinators.nair@unesco.orgLinks:UNESCO NewDelhiwww.unesco.org/newdelhiUNESCO Communication and Information Sectorwww.unesco.org/webworldUNESCO Community Multimedia Centre Initiative www.unesco.org/webworld/cmc

Mammooty's remarks on 2002 Gujarat riots draw protests
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), May 11 (ANI): Youth activists of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) have threatened to stop screening of popular Malayalam actor Mammooty's films, angry over his remarks on 2002 Gujarat riots.The activists termed Mammooty’s comments as a slur on the Gujarat Government.Mammooty had allegedly told a meeting of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in Chennai that the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat could have been avoided if the State had a secular DYFI presence.BJYM officials threatened to stop screening of Mammooty's films if the actor did not take back his words.“If the actor does not withdraw his statements, we will not allow his films to be shown in Kerala and across the country,” said M Biju, the District President of the BJYM.Angry BJYM activists burnt the effigy of Mammooty.In February 2002, 59 passengers, many of them Hindu pilgrims, were killed when two coaches of the Sabarmati Express caught fire in Godhra. The incident sparked state-wide communal violence that claimed at least 1,000 lives, mostly Muslims. (ANI)

Mission 90 days
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

‘Mission 90 days’ that’s what Mammootty’s new flick is called. The film is written and directed by Major Ravi and has began shooting in Kochi. The director wanted to shoot the film in Sri Perumbudur but that didn’t work out. The film produced by Sasi Ayyanchira under the banner of Sri Uththrittathi Films. Model turned actress Tulip Joshi plays Mammootty's wife in the film. The film will be shot in a single schedule and plans are to release it before Onam.The story of the film is about Major Sivaram, a daring NSG Commando Officer in charge of the investigation of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Mammootty is playing the lead character of the film. He is on a mission to solve the case for which he has a deadline of just 90 days. It’s a Herculean task and he has to work day and night to grill the culprits within the given time frame. The film focuses on the tension and difficulties faced by him during the meantime. The Prime Minister appoints a high-level police team and armed national security guards with Sivaram as head have been deployed to crack the case.
More about Mission 90 Days is here:
http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/mission-90-days/index.shtml

I have got good roles in all my films: Roma
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

Roma is looking confident and dazzling. She has been the winner of the best newcomer award and ever since there has been no looking back for this pretty damsel. With ‘Notebook’ she has arrived and is bagging meaty roles that is surely going to raise her success graph. She has begun shooting for Joshi's film ‘July 4’, opposite Dileep. After being part of this hyped film, she will start shooting for Shafi's ‘Chocolate’ with Prithviraj and Jayasurya. She’ll also sizzle in the music video of a song sung by Vineeth Sreenivsan. The great film offers doesn’t end there for her. She has also signed Sibi Malayil movie starring Mohanlal.

Hallo
Friday, May 11, 2007 | AA

Hallo, film teamed up by Rafi Mecartin and Mohanlal for the first time is a 100% entertainer. The cast includes Mohanlal, Jagathy Sreekumar, heroine Parvathy Milton, Janardhanan and many others. More about Mohanlals comedy flick Hallo is here: http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/halo/index.shtml

Tharoor takes over as chief of Dubai firm promoting foreign investments in India
Thursday, May 10, 2007 | AA

Washington, May 10 (ANI): Former United Nations Under Secretary General Shashi Tharoor will be the chairman of Afras Ventures, a Dubai-based company seeking to promote foreign investments in India, specifically Kerala.Talking to a Washington-based website, Tharoor said that he would be spending a lot of time in India, but would remain an NRI, shuttling between New York, Dubai and India.He said Afras Managing Director Nandakumar Radhakrishnan -- a fellow Keralite, whom he had not met before, but was apparently a distant relative of his -- had been one of many people in the private sector, think tanks and universities, who tapped him to join their company or organisation.After a few visits to Dubai and meetings with Radhakrishnan and reviewing the concept of this new spin-off of his company to promote investment in India, he decided to accept his offer.Tharoor said Radhakrishnan's argument of contributing to the development of India, while making money at the same time appealed to him."One of the first things I did, after I wrapped up at the UN, turned in my diplomatic passport and got an ordinary one, got my visas, was go off to Dubai. I spent 10 days there in this company and then we traveled to Kerala together," the Rediff-India Abroad website quoted him, as saying. In Kerala, both he and Radhakrishnan met with Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, the state's finance and education ministers and several senior government officials. They discussed areas of investment in terms of promoting further development of the state.Afras Ventures, Dr Tharoor said, would promote investment "from wherever we can get it -- it can be the US, it can be the Gulf countries, whatever. The idea is to see whether we can do something for development. The private sector frankly now is the engine of development, so I want to see what I can do in that area."He also said that he was taken back to receive offers of jobs after losing the race to become Kofi Annan's successor as U N Secretary General."I found myself receiving an astonishing number of calls from a bewilderingly wide range of prospective employers. What startled me was the fact that this happened. Let us face it, for 29 years (his tenure at the UN), I haven't even looked for a job," he said."Suddenly, I found myself inundated. I was approached by a couple of very distinguished think tanks -- they were solid offers -- and I was approached by a couple of universities. One or two of them re-opened closed short-lists to put me on it," he added.He said that he assessed the opportunities coming his way very carefully, and came to the conclusion that it would be best to be associated with some public service endeavour, as he had been in public service for over half of his working life. (ANI with inputs)

Now, a scooter that runs on magnetic power
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AA

Thrissur, May 8 (ANI): Believe it or not, a man in Thrissur District of Kerala has developed a two-wheeler scooter that runs on magnetic power. It takes just an ordinary battery to start the scooter and the rest is done by the inbuilt magnetic mechanism, which enables the scooter to run at a speed of 25 to 45 kilometers per hour. It’s noise and pollution free. “It doesn’t cause any air or noise pollution. This kind of technology can be very useful for our country and this motivated me to create it,” said the 27-year-old Naveen C, the inventor. He holds a diploma in computers but could not pursue a career in electronic engineering due to personal problems. But Naveen prepared his scooter using a 25-year-old Chetak two-wheeler scooter. He removed its petrol tank and fixed a magnetic mechanism. It took him seven years to prepare his dream scooter which cost around 20,000 rupees. Naveen claims that the technology used in his scooter can be used in any vehicle with very little changes. The magnetic power reduces if the scooter is used for a long period. But it can be retrieved in no time. The scooter named “7th” by Naveen, doesn’t require recharging. Hailing from Thrissur’s Chellakara area in Kerala, Naveen has become a talk of the town after his invention. “In the present scenario when petroleum prices are soaring high, this is a very good invention by Naveen, I really appreciate him for this,” said Dr. Krishnamany, a villager”He has developed this scooter using limited resources available in his house which will become a useful product for the entire nation and our entire village will support him,” said C. Nandakumar, another villager. Naveen has applied to patent his scooter and is open to share his innovation with any vehicle company approaching him. But it has to be an Indian company, he says. (ANI)

Kerela CM gives clean chit to hospital over infants' death
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, May 8 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan on Tuesday gave a clean chit to a state-run hospital Sree Avittam Tirunal (SAT) here, where 38 newborn babies have died since January.Achuthanandan after visiting the hospital said there was a conspiracy to malign the hospital's reputation."Despite concerted efforts to show the hospital in bad light, there have been a steady flow of patients to the hospital. It shows there have been a deliberate campaign against the hospital and something was amiss in the whole controversy about the deaths of children," Achuthanandan told reporters.Police had booked the state Health Minister P. K. Sreemathy and seven medical practitioners on a local court order for infants' deaths in the hospital.Media reports said that the babies died due to infection caused by unhygienic conditions that prevailed in the hospital's labour room.The Kerela Government has set up a five-member panel to probe into the deaths and remove the hospital's registrar for negligence.State-run hospitals in the country are over-crowded and the doctor-patient ratio is one doctor to 2,460 patients, as against 1:40-60 in developed countries, leading to inadequate attention to patients.Around 2.1 million children below five years of age die every year, of which over 60 percent are under one year old, according to the United Nations' Children Fund (UNICEF).The infant mortality rate in the country stands at 57 per 1,000 live births - more than impoverished Eritrea and Bangladesh.The Central Government had increased health spending for the fiscal year April-March 2007/08 by 21 percent to 99.47 billion rupees, but the government funding for health is just 2.4 percent of the GDP. (ANI)

Kochi's Healing Museum
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | AA

Kochi, April 5 (ANI): A 48-year-old artist will soon open a special "Healing Musuem" containing a variety of artworks done on glass.Javan Chacko, a resident of Kochi, intends to set up this museum on the rooftop of his home.The collection of paintings involves portraits of various personalities done tastefully on glass, using a special material that add distinction to it. Chacko began painting at an early age but his artistic inspiration found creative expression on glass only five years ago when he developed an urge to use the art form to make a difference in society.It was during the hours of daily meditation that Chacko resolved to spread a message of love and peace all around through glass paintings."The inspiration for these paintings came from continuous meditation and an urge to do community service. I started painting about five years ago. I don't know how I got started, but I believe that there was an inner force that prompted me to do it. Most of my paintings are thematic and convey a message for the betterment of society," said Chacko.Working on glass has never been easy for Chacko, though it has been successful in terms of appeal to the discerning art lover.Chacko takes about two days to do one painting.Watching her husband struggle with the tedious job, Chacko's wife, Reena, decided to be a helping hand."The attention and the encouragement of the people to this art form has motivated us to go ahead," says Reena.Jacko's vast collection includes portraits of Jesus Christ, Lord Krishna, and holy men like Satya Sai Baba and Mata Amritanandamayi. It also includes portraits of President A.P.J Abdul Kalam, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Mahatma Gandhi and Amitabh Bachchan. Chacko's next big work is The Last Supper, which he hopes to present to Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.The museum will be thrown open to the public by the end of the year. (ANI)

Wrecked Kenyan plane found in Cameroon jungle, Indian victims' kin seek divine intervention
Monday, May 7, 2007 | AA

By Juhan SamuelKochi (Kerala), May.7 (ANI): Relatives of 15 Indians, who are feared dead in the Kenyan Airways plane that crashed in southern Cameroon near Niete town on Saturday, are praying for the wellbeing of their loved ones.Kenyan Airways officials said that the wrecked plane has been found in in the southern town of Douala in west Cameroon.The plane was found in a mangrove forest on the outskirts of the southern town of Douala.The wreckage was found after an intensive search operation carried out by the military helicopters and villagers on motorbikes in the thick tropical forest of southern Cameroon.Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni said that they had received reports from some local fishermen who heard a loud bang and disturbance on the water levels the day the aircraft went missing.As per the list of the passengers released by the Kenya Airways out of the 114 people on board the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 15 were Indians.Cecil George Kocherry, younger brother of Joseph George Kocherry,one of the Indians missing with his wife Maria after the crash, said: "We are shocked by the news. He (Joseph) was supposed to be here to attend the wedding of his son Vipin. He is very bold. If he is alive he will come out of the forest with his wife. He was a gentle, humorous and bold man, always smiling and this attracted all of us".Kevin Joseph Negly, another Indian who went missing along with his wife Sherly after the crash, was coming back to India to settle down."They were returning after two years and wanted to settle in Bangalore along with their son. We have no other information. They were expected to arrive today at Bangalore. Then their son contacted us and told us about the crash," said Acqualine Rodriquezx, Negly's cousin.The aircraft took off from Douala in Cameroon at five minutes past Friday midnight, (local time) and was due to arrive in Nairobi Saturday morning.Soon after the take-off, the plane had lost contact with the control tower in Douala. It was reported to have come down in thick jungle.The aircraft, which was only six months old, was carrying 105 passengers and nine crew members, including Africans, Chinese, Indians, Europeans and an American.In total there were 82 Africans of various nationalities, 15 Indians, six Chinese, five Britons, one Swiss, one Swede and one US citizen including the crewmembers.Authorities in Cameroon have set up two emergency centres, one in Yaounde and the other in Douala, to coordinate search operations.A crisis centre has also been established at Nairobi Airport.(ANI)

Police lodge FIR against Kerala Health Minister
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, May 4 (ANI): The Kerala Police today registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Health Minister PK Sreemathi.



The Police registered the case after it received a court order following the death of babies at the state run hospital in the city.



At least 38 newborn babies reportedly died over a month at the Sree Avittam Tirunal (SAT) Hospital.



Chief Judicial Magistrate S Soman on Thursday asked the police to take up the case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) read with Section 34 (common objective).



The names of two SAT doctors, nursing superintendent and labour room assistants are also included in the FIR. (ANI)

Seven medics charged for deaths of 38 newborns in Kerala hospital
Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, May 4 (ANI): The Kerala Police on Friday registered a case against seven medical professionals in connection with the deaths of 38 newborns at state-run Sree Avittam Tirunal (SAT) Hospital here.

"There have been incidents of some infants dying in the pediatric ward of the SAT hospital. It is a government hospital. The apparent reason is some infection. We are not able to come to a conclusion regarding that,” said P K Padmakumar, City Police Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram.

A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the seven people.

“We have just started investigations and the magistrate court of Trivandrum has directed police to raise a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against seven people. We have registered a case, but we cannot say for sure that these are the seven people who are accused," said Padmakumar.

A special team has been formed to probe the case.

At least 38 newborn babies have died since January at the SAT Hospital, allegedly due to infection caused by unhygienic conditions. Official figures, however, put the number of deaths at 16.

Santosh, whose child died at the hospital, said he was worried about the health of his surviving twin-baby.

“On April 23 my wife delivered twins. However, after few days they (medical officials) informed me that one of the babies had died. I purchased all costly medicines till May 1. But after the death of one of the babies they stopped asking for the medicines and they are not giving any information about the health of the other child," Santosh said.

The Kerala Police has also reportedly registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Health Minister PK Sreemathi. (ANI)

CPI keen to review Left's support to UPA
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

Trivandrum, Apr 21 (ANI): Communist Party of India (CPI) today called for a review of the support extended by the Left parties to the Congress-led coalition Government at the Centre."We cannot let the UPA government to take our support for granted and continue the way they are, therefore in our meeting, we have called for a review of support to the UPA by the Left parties, as they had jointly extended support," said CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan."We had extended support to the UPA hoping that the BJP and other communal forces will be kept out and the common man as the Congress itself says will benefit from this government. But it has not been so," he added. The CPI is keen to have a decision in this regard after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and the conclusion of Presidential elections due this later year.The Left parties have been opposing several economic and foreign policy initiatives of the Central government, particularly on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Iran policy. Raising of Foreign Direct Investment limits in telecom, insurance and aviation sectors and opening up of retail sector to multinationals have also irked them. (ANI)

Britsh Library gifts colonial manuscripts and documents to Kerala
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug.3 (ANI): The British Library has handed over volumes of Malayalam manuscripts and books among other documents available with them to the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR). According to local newspaper reports, KCHR director P J Cherian received the manuscripts from Dr Penny Brook, the head of the India Office Records (IOR), British Library, recently. The microfiche copy of those not included in the published catalogues, the bibliography of the biographical writings by Europeans who came to India as traders, administrators, missionaries and entrepreneurs were among the other documents donated to the KCHR library, a media release said. The Malayalam collection in the British Library, according to the Malayala Manorma Media Group, dates back to the pre-colonial days. The catalogue would provide a glimpse into the nature of 'native' documents collected by the colonial masters of the region. The documents related to India include administrative, political, social and legal records, private papers, diaries, memoirs, maps and photographs. The KCHR has begun efforts to make a comprehensive list and details of the contents of the documents related to Travancore, Kochi and Malabar. (ANI)

PM launches Delhi edition of Malayalam daily ‘Matrubhumi’
Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Feb 12 (ANI): Leading Malayalam daily Matrubhumi launched its north Indian edition here on Monday, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formally releasing the first copy. Chairman and Managing Director of Mathrubhumi, M P Veerendrakumar, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Kerala, presented the first copy of the 22-page daily to Singh at the Prime Minister's official residence 7, Race Course Road here. It is the newspaper's thirteenth edition. Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State in the PMO, Prithviraj Chauhan, CPI National Secretary D Raja, veteran journalist and former diplomat Kuldip Nayyar and several figures from the media were among those present on the occasion. (ANI)

Climbing a coconut tree made easy in Kerala
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY

Kottayam (Kerala), Feb.2 (ANI): Climbing coconut trees has mostly been a task for men in Kerala. Now, women too can do so with the help of a specially modelled coconut tree-climbing machine for climbing trees. This user-friendly coconut tree-climbing machine developed by a Kottayam-based non-government organisation weighs five kilogram and is made of iron rods and steel ropes. The rope is tied around the trunk of a coconut tree and then fixed to the machine. The device has two separate parts for each leg. These have to be pulled up by hands. With the help of this machine about 12 trees can be climbed in an hour and it takes little time to fit the machine from one tree to another.The newly introduced machine has made climbing a tree a child's play in Kerala for many village women after they attended training workshops organised by Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS) here. Recently, the Regional Agro-Industrial Development Cooperative of Kerala Ltd (RAIDCO) trained at least 75 women from 65 villages about using this machine under an initiative launched by the Kottayam-based NGO's women empowerment programme. The Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS) intends at empowering women in Kerala both--physically and financially.It has trained some women volunteer animators who are further training others. Comparing what a Keralite has to pay to traditional climbers to meet family needs for the coconut, this Rs 1500-worth machine appears a good bargain. "At my home I have a lot of coconut trees, but at times it is very difficult to get one piece. Now, this machine is a big help. It can be easily operated. Even my young son has learnt to climb a tree with this machine," said Jijy Jay, a KSSS member. "The cost of machine is not much when compared to the amount traditional climbers charge. They too charge some Rs 20-30 for climbing household trees. The cost incurred in buying the machine is soon recovered," said Moly Jose, a housewife. Women in Kerala have welcomed the coconut machine. "We have recently initiated coconut tree climbing for women, as the KSSS believes in doing, learning and sharing. This is to prove that women are no way less than anyone," said Father Michael Vettickat, the Director of KSSS. Coconut is a key ingredient of Kerala cuisine and a ready access to this fruit is likely to bring smile on everyone's face.(ANI)

482 star tortoises valued at 400 to 500 dollar each seized in Trivandrum
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY

Trivandrum, March 27 (ANI): At least 482 tortoises of rare species were recovered from three men this Sunday by Wildlife officials in Trivandrum when they were being taken to New Delhi allegedly for smuggling purposes. The seizure came following a tip off about some people transporting Star tortoises to Delhi. "Intelligence inspector got information that three people are transporting star tortoises from Coimbatore to Delhi. Accordingly, officers raided the airport and seized 482 star tortoises and three people were arrested," Justin Stanley, the assistant wild life warden, said. The star tortoises, named for the distinctive green and yellow star marking on their shells, are a rare species and bred mostly in southern parts of India. They have value as exotic pets. There is also a soaring demand for them as a food item in the international market. Among the 'star' group of tortoises are the Radiated, Spider and Flat-shelled tortoises of Madagascar and the Geometric and Tent tortoises of southernmost Africa. All the starred beauties have since the early days of Herpeto culture been much sought after among tortoise enthusiasts and commercial trade, has led to the destruction of all these species becoming locally or regionally threatened. The Indian Star Tortoise is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, making trade in the species illegal. In spite of this, these exotic animals are sold as pets to far off places for a whopping 400 - 800 dollars for each tortoise. The rare species are land-dwelling and feed on succulent material. Most of them are found in semi-arid zones in the southern and northwestern parts of India. (ANI)

Kerala rubber farmers, politicians agitate over move to import rubber from Thailand
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AY

Rubber farmers in Kerala are up in arms over a government move to import the product from Thailand, using a recently signed free trade pact. Cutting across party lines, leaders and rubber farmers have demanded a clarification on this issue, saying that the import of natural rubber from Thailand could affect the livelihood of nearly 10 lakh rubber farmers across the country, not to speak of farmers of this product in Kerala. Member of Parliament P.C. Thomas and state leaders of the Kerala Congress Party said the decision to import natural rubber should be rolled back, failing which, the Kerala Congress will be forced to launch an intense farmers' agitation. "As per the Government of India, it is not yet decided, but there will be furthur discussions in this matter, and decision will be taken in July this year. Till it is not finalized, the growers will be suffering, as the prices will be slashed heavily. It is a threat not only to the entire nation, but mainly to Kerala. Our main demand is to stop this as soon as possible," said Thomas. "Imports of natural rubber will adversely effect the farmers of Kerala as presently there are many suicide in the spice district of Wayanad now it will be in the rubber sector," added Jose C., the state president of the Kerala Karshaka Union. Kerala accounts for more than 85 percent of the country's rubber production, and the move to import the product from abroad, could slash prices of natural rubber. Rubber imports stood at 85,048 tonne in 2006-07 - an all time high - resulting in stocks swelling to 161,000 tonne and a price reduction in the current off season. Reducing the import duty on rubber would further aggravate the market situation, according to both growers and traders. Thailand, the world's largest producer of natural rubber, produces around 32 lakh tonne a year and exports a major portion of it. During the last financial year, total exports stood at 55,309 tonne. So, duty free import from Thailand may result in a stock pile-up and the consequent steep fall in prices, believes experts. According to the Rubber Board of India (RBI) at present 88 percent of the total area under rubber belongs to Kerala State and 90 percent of India's production is also from this state. It is also worth mentioning that in Kerala convention of area under other crops to rubber is attacking place with a high pace, probably due to high returns, the attractive incentives offered by the rubber Board of India and socio-economic reasons,. as per Robber Board of India estimate in Kerala nearly 20,000 hectares are being converted to robber crop annually since 1980. (ANI)

Gulf denizens take a liking for Kerala's popular Kozhikodan Halwa
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AY

Kerala's famous black and brown Kozhikodan Halwa is making waves in the Gulf, and in keeping with its popularity, the Government of Kerala plans to protect it under the Geographical Indication (GI) status. A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to the particular place of origin. Most commonly, a GI comprises the name of the place of origin itself. India passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and protection) Act 1999 with a view to provide for the registration and better protection of GIs relating to goods. As an economic benefit, GIs act as an authenticity/quality mark. This is a factor in enhancing export markets and revenues. One of the busiest districts of Kerala, Calicut, where even Vasco da Gama landed in 1498, is now famous for this speciality. Kozhikodan Halwa is a hard jelly like sweet made of flour, coconut oil, fruits and nuts. It is one of the hottest selling items on ' Sweet-meat Street' or SM Street. Calicut District has been associated with the 'halwa' for over 200 years.It is manufactured in small clusters and many families have been involved in its making for generations. At present, it is manufactured in a traditional manner at old bakery shops to retain its original taste and flavour. The cost of the halwa ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs.300 per kg. depending upon the mixing and the ingredients it contains, the normal halwa is sold at Rs. 150 per kg in the market. There are around 25 small scale cluster units which manufacture more than 25,000 kgs of Halwa per day. Out of this, 30 percent is sent to the Gulf region and rest is sold domestically in the local markets. According to Mohammed Salim, a bakery owner, the demand for the halwa is growing every day. He claims that Keralites heading back to work in the Gulf, take between one and five kilograms of the item. Joined by 38 local small and big halwa manufacturers, a consortium has already been registered under the name of 'Kozhikode Halwa Consortium Pvt. Ltd.' whose main purpose is to standardise the product and upgrade the manufacturing technology. They are also in the process of setting up a mini-industrial estate, exclusively for Halwa manufacturing in the district. (ANI)

Kerala's Idduki District to set up Spices Park Home
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AY

A Spices Park is to be set up in Kerala's Idduki District with the objective of establishing globally competitive units for manufacturing spice products. The export of spices contributes significantly to the economy of Kerala, and the state is known worldwide for its whole spices, organic spices, spice mixes and blends, dried and freeze dried spices, curry powers, oleoresins, extracts and oils now. A majority of the export falls in the category of raw spices. Studies of this sector are now showing a gradual shift from raw spice export to the export of value added spice products. According to the provisional data, spice exports from Kerala constitute only eight per cent of the annual spice production. The Spices Park in Idukki, according to a Commodity Online report, will be a state of art center for value added products. All the modern post harvest technologies will be made available there. Infrastructure facilities with international standards will be provided for establishing spice based industries. Standardization and quality control are the buzz words in spices product export today, and therefore, the Spices Park here will have a quality control laboratory and a common testing facility. The park is also expected to have uninterrupted power and water supply, besides an adequate drainage and sewage disposal system. Common facilities like communication and canteen, post harvesting facilities, conference and exhibition facilities, an research and development center, including training centers for farmers and processors, medical facilities and adequate security measures will be the other important features. The park will take care of the social aspect of workers lives also. As majority of the workers in spices industries are ladies, facilities like crèche has its own importance. Lack of similar facilities is the main draw back in many industries in the rural areas. The Spices Park in Idukki is being established jointly by the Spices Board and Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra), a statutory body of the Government of Kerala. Initial funding of the Joint Venture will be through the equity from Kinfra and Spices Board and the capital base will be widened in future. The expertise of Spices Board will be helpful in providing technical know how in designing the infrastructure facilities. The Board will also provide technical support and market development initiatives to the units. The experience of Kinfra in the Joint Ventures with MPEDA and Rubber Board will be another asset for the units here. (ANI)

Sreesanth says BCCI bar on endorsements wrong
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AA

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr.24 (ANI): Upcoming fast bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth on Tuesday said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to restrict a cricketer's endorsement deals to just three was not correct."Cricket is our life, and profession. If an engineer is allowed to become a model and work for advertisements, what's wrong if we do it. Cricket is a religion in India and if you can sell the product why not do it? Advertisements will not affect performance of a cricketer," Sreesanth said at a function. The BCCI had decided earlier this month that players would need to obtain permission from it before entering into endorsement contracts.India is considered the corporate nerve-centre of the game and endorsements by Indian players run into millions of rupees.Leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who is observing his 34th birthday today, currently endorses 11 products.Cricket-themed campaigns worth millions of dollars -- selling everything from consumer goods and electronics to automobiles and financial services -- were yanked out of the media as companies tried to disassociate their brands from the cricketers after the national team crashed out of the World Cup.India is a major market for the five major global cricket sponsors -- South Korea's LG Electronics, PepsiCo Inc, Hutchison Telecom, motorcycle maker Hero Honda and Indian Oil.All have been hit by India's early exit from the World Cup, with total losses estimated at nearly 37 million dollars, industry officials said.Television and print commercials featuring cricketers, who until the World Cup debacle were more in demand than film stars, have been withdrawn by Pepsi, electronics firms Videocon and Sansui and consumer goods company ITC, among others.India's advertising market grew 23 percent in 2006 to 3.6 billion dollars and is forecast to expand 18 percent in 2007 on the back of booming economic growth.Advertisers said India's disastrous World Cup would also mean more stringent contracts for cricketers with performance clauses so that some returns are guaranteed.They said the cult status of cricketers would be re-evaluated, and like the stock market, they would see corrections in valuation and their pricing. (ANI)

Pakistan to take part in Kerala soccer tournament
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AA

Lahore, Apr.5 (ANI): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed its participation in the E K Nayanar Memorial International Gold Cup Football Tournament to be held in Kerala from April 8 to 24.PFF President Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has named Muhammad Essa as the skipper of the squad and Akhtar Mohiuddin as its head coach. Sardar Naveed Haider Khan will be chef-de-mission of the squad.Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan will inaugurate the Gold Cup at the Municipal Jawahar Stadium on April 8, a PFF spokesman told the Daily Times.Pakistan, Iran, Ghana and Nigeria are the foreign teams participating in the tournament along with four Indian clubsThe squad is as follows:Players: Muhammad Essa (captain), Bilal Rafique, Adeel Ahmed, Syed Sultan Ali, Muhammad Irfan, Saeed Ahmed, Yasir Sabir, Muhammad Qasim, Mehmood Khan, Zubair Moazzam, Kamran Khan, Javed Hamza, Asif Ayub, Imran Hashmi, Muhammad Zeeshan, Misbahul Hassan, Shahid Ahmad and Muhammad Waseem. Officials: Sardar Naveed Haider Khan (chef-de-mission), Mian Rizwan Ali (manager), Akhtar Mohiuddin (coach) and Sajjad Mehmood (assistant coach). (ANI)

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