My-Kerala.com: News

May 2003

Sadananthante Samayam

Friday, May 30, 2003

A week after the release of Sadananthante Samayam it has been confirmed that the film is all set to be Dileep’s first washout in 18 months! The film has failed even to take a decent initial, which is bad news for the superstar.

The basic problem with Sadananthante Samayam was the absence of a good story and the directors Akbar-Jose have tried to cash on Dileep’s current image and worked and re-worked on his stale comedy once again. Dileep along with his usual team of Jagathy Sreekumar, Salim Kumar and Cochin Haneefa has done this comedy, which has fallen flat. There was no romance in the film and Dileep-Kavya Madhavan pair looks repetitive (it was only 35 days since Thilakkam was released) and she has sleep-walked through the film.

But what is shocking is that the three men who produced the film have made their money leaving Shenoy Entertainments, who are the distributors to bleed. Unless Dileep does something drastic and become choosy he cannot continue to be the number one star for long.

Prithviraj positive about being negative

Friday, May 30, 2003

Prithviraj positive about being negative

Dilip may be the most bankable star these days. But Prithviraj, son of former actor Sukumaran, is perhaps the most happening actor in Malayalam cinema these days. Even before his first film Nandanam was released, Prithviraj was a marked person. The man who was bound for Australia to pursue higher studies ended up, by happenstance, as an actor.

But there has been no looking back since then. Prithviraj is at the vanguard of emerging trends in Malayalam cinema. In the event, you’d expect Prithviraj to be pretty positive about it all. As it happens, he is not. The dapper young man is talking about things negative these days. Surprised? Be not. For, the handsome actor’s negative approach is only for a role he is playing in the youth caper Koode (which film we are told may have a change of name).

The Kamal-directed film that is fast nearing completion also has other youthful artistes like Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Meera Jasmine and Bhavana. Despite the presence of these redoubtable performers, the focus is on Prithviraj.

And that is primarily because Prithviraj’s role has some negative shades to it. “I play the role of a hotel management student. Jayasurya and Boban are also hotel management students. But the difference is that my character is complicated and has plenty of negative shades to it,” says Prithviraj.

But is he not unhappy that there should be of villainy in his role? “Far from it, I am thankful to Kamal for giving me such a character,” he says and adds “any serious actor will love to do such a role”.

Though the lanky actor does not go into the specifics of it all, Koode he says will signify his arrival as an actor as opposed to merely being a hero. “On the whole, the film itself is good. It is a fun-oriented movie but there is an underlying seriousness to it all,” Prithviraj says. It has also been a good experience for him to work with young stars like Boban, Meera and Jayasurya. “We are all rich with the experience.”

Apart from Koode, Prithviraj has plenty of films in hand including Lohithadas’ Sreechakram. It also features, among others, Meera and Jayasurya. “Things are rolling out smoothly for me now. But I have to be careful in choosing my roles. I love doing off-beat themes,” says Prithviraj.

“But right now I am totally sold out on my character in Koode”.In short, he is positive on being negative.

(source: India Syndicate)

There are no language barriers in cinema: Mohanlal

Friday, May 30, 2003

The Kerala film industry had its moments of glory at the IIFA Awards when its very own Mohanlal, who grabbed the 'Best Supporting Actor' honour for his role in COMPANY, used the occasion to highlight the achievements of the regional cinema. "Indian film industry is huge and Malayalam film industry is just a small part of it," Mohanlal said of filmmaking in Kerala, adding, "It has produced some of the best movies in the country and has some of the best talent."

The industry also has many firsts to its credit -- first 70mm film, first cinemascope film, first 3-D film and first co-produced film with France, which was showcased at the prestigious Cannes Festival, he noted. The film that won accolades at the French festival was VAANAPRASTHAM directed by Shaji N Karun, in which Lal played a troubled Kathakali dancer.

"And today, I have the privilege to be the first actor from that Industry to win an IIFA Award," he said, "It shows there are no language barriers in cinema. Human emotions are the same everywhere." Lal ended his speech with a hope that there will come a truly international cinema, where all barriers or language and region and religion will go. In Ramgopal Varma's COMPANY, Mohanlal played a South Indian police chief in Mumbai who successfully wipes out the underworld.

Kerala proposes a new law to regulate construction labour

Friday, May 30, 2003

Labour Minister Babu Divakaran is in no mood to relent till the trade unions in the state are tamed.

Having introduced and implemented a legislation to curb restrictive trade union practices among head load workers, his next bid is to discipline construction workers.

This move is bound to be controversial. But Minister is determined. This bill, christened Construction Work site Labour Regulatory Bill, shall be introduced soon, come what may, the minister says. Draft bill is ready.

A legislator from RSP and son of the late veteran trade unionist and RSP leader T.K.Divakaran, Babu Divakaran does not mince words in calling a spade as spade while discussing trade unionism in Kerala.

Despite his working class background and left leanings, "taming" trade unions is no embarrassing task for him. On the contrary, he takes it a challenging job. "Some one has to bell the cat one day or the other. Why not we try now itself" he comments.

Minister opines that state could no more afford to postpone attempts to improve investment climate. All efforts to attract investment will go futile if state's stigma of irresponsible trade unionism is not removed, he argues.

About possible resistance from trade union and political circles to the proposed new bill, minister cites Head load Workers Bill as a classic example. "Everyone had thought that this would not be possible and that the government would be inviting trouble. Finally what happened.

Extremist elements infiltrating into politics: M V Raghavan

Friday, May 30, 2003

Extremist elements infiltrating into politics: Minister
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cooperation Minister and Communist Marxist Party (CMP) leader M V Raghavan on Wednesday said extremist elements had infiltrated into mainstream political parties in the State.

Participating in a meet-the-press programme organised by the Kesari Memorial Journalists Trust, he said ''Muslim extremism'' by groups like the National Development Front was a threat to the minority community itself.

The NDF was operating in the State under the shade of mainstream political parties. Their activists were present in parties like the Indian Union Muslim League, CPI(M) and the Congress. This was evident from the fact that activists of the mainstream parties were also involved in the recent massacre of nine people at Marad in Kozhikode district.

All the political parties should come forward to expel these elements from their parties, he added.

Official machinery is misused to protect culprits in Marad violence: VS

Friday, May 30, 2003

Kannur, May 30 - Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V S Achuthanandan on Thursday accused a section of people in power in the State of misusing official machinery to protect the real culprits who perpetrated the May 2 Marad clashes which claimed nine lives.
He maintained that the CPM always worked for the cause of secularism and communal amity.

He alleged that some of the CPM cadres were falsely implicated in cases relating to communal violence in the guise of protecting secularism.

Asked whether the Opposition was planning to bring in a no-trust motion against the A K Antony government in the coming monsoon session of the State Assembly, he said a decision to this effect would be made only after the outcome of the June 11 all party meet convened by the Chief Minister to discuss various issues confronting the State.

SFI not to honour HC order on campus politics

Friday, May 30, 2003

ALAPPUZHA: The SFI, the students' wing of the CPM, would continue its activities on college campuses despite the High Court order permitting the college managements to ban campus politics, SFI State president K K Ragesh said on Thursday.

He told mediapersons here that as a mark of protest against the order, the SFI activists would hold a march in front of all the district courts in the State on June 15 by covering mouth with black cloth.

Terming the order as anti-constitutional, Ragesh said the SFI would hold discussions with other student unions for launching a joint agitation against the verdict.

Similarly, he said, the SFI was planning to launch a nation-wide agitation against the Supreme Court order permitting the private colleges to fix their own fee structure.

Arguing that this would make higher education a commercial business, he demanded that the Centre and the State should amend the law to nullify the court order.

SFI State president P K Biju and secretary T V Rajesh also attended the press conference.

Kerala Cong(J) on the verge of a split

Friday, May 30, 2003

KOTTAYAM May 29. The simmering strife in the LDF partner, the Kerala Congress(J), today came out in the open with the party chairman, P. J. Joseph, removing the rebel leader and MLA, P.C. George, from the post of general secretary in charge of office affairs. Meanwhile, Mr. George has refused to comply with the order on the ground that it is unconstitutional, thereby pushing the party to the verge of yet another split.

When contacted, Mr. Jospeh told The Hindu that for some time now Mr. George had been issuing statements unbecoming of the post he held in the party. His comments regarding the alleged talks the KC(J) had on merger with the Kerala Congress(M) and later the comments on his own parleys with the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) leadership had put not only the party but also the LDF in a bad light. It was against this backdrop that he was removed from the post, Mr. Joseph said.

On the other hand, it appears that the rebel leader is engaged in an effort to turn the situation into a show of strength as he has already mobilised support from both the working chairman, Eapen Varghese, and the vice-chairman, T. S. John.

When contacted, Mr. George refused to comment on the issue saying he was not interested in further vitiating the situation, but entrusted the responsibility to Mr. John, who said the move by the chairman was `suicidal'. According to him, Mr. Joseph has no right to remove the general secretary since he is not a properly elected chairman. Mr. John alleged that the move was part of an effort to remove the bottlenecks in the ultimate merger with the KC(M).

However, sources close to the party chairman said all posts other than those of the chairman, vice-chairman and treasurer were nominated posts and it was the prerogative of the chairman to nominate or remove an office-bearer. As such, the move was in order.

The present developments appear to be the logical culmination of the style of functioning which Mr. George has followed all through his political life. A loner who has refused to be part of any larger political edifice all through his career, Mr. George had fell out with Mr. Mani much earlier in his career and every one knew that he chose to continue in the Joseph faction (in spite of the powerful friends he has in other factions like the one led by T.M. Jacob) only because it gave a safe haven to carry on his fight with the KC(M) supremo.

However, it appears that the irrepressible Mr. George, who has never been an admirer of political correctness either with words or deeds, gave enough ammunition to his opponents within the party when he owned up his parleys with the CMP leader, M.V. Raghavan, during the height of the Rajya Sabha seat controversy. This had created a situation where even his friends in the CPI(M) could not help him in case of disciplinary action from the party leadership.

mammootty and Mohanlal to entertain Dubai, London

Thursday, May 29, 2003

Southern stars to entertain Dubai, London

IANS[ TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2003 04:48:25 PM ]

CHENNAI: Top names in the southern Indian film industry are West-bound to entertain expatriates in Dubai and London.

Leading stars decided to undertake the tour of Britain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to end a funds crunch and raise money for the Producers' Welfare Association.

Last year such mega fundraisers were arranged in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. That was in keeping with the southern cinema industry's trend of travelling to the diaspora in the East.

This time it is targeting the huge south Indian population working in the Gulf and the Tamils -- including a huge number of Sri Lankans, settled in London.

While the show in Dubai is scheduled for Thursday, the London performance is due Saturday. Several teams of dancers, musicians, choreographers and film stars have already left for Dubai.

Those performing at the shows include Mammooty and Mohanlal, MP and actor Sarath Kumar, Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, and Vijaykanth.

Others include Abbas, Mumtaz, Reema Sen, who has been doing Tamil films of late, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Roja, Vikram, Prabhu, Kiran, Napolean, comedian Vadivelu, Sathyraj and his son Sibiraj and dance master Kala.

Kerala police on high alert to tackle possible terrorist attacks

Thursday, May 29, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala police was kept on high alert, and intelligence sharing with neighbouring states and the Centre was strengthened in the wake of reports about Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba intending to carry out a series of bomb blasts in the state.

Talking to reporters here after a meeting of the state cabinet, Chief Minister A K Antony said in view of terrorist threats, police were keeping a high alert.

The state police had got a report from their counterparts in Mumbai regarding terrorist groups' plans to carry out attacks in the state. Though the alleged conspiracy took place some time ago, the police was keeping maximum vigil to avert any such incident from taking place.

He said the Kerala police was sharing information with their counterparts in neighbouring states and with the Central intelligence agencies in this regard.

Antony mum on campus politics, VHP's cow check post

Thursday, May 29, 2003

IANS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday avoided discussing two controversial issues -- a court verdict empowering college principals to ban campus politics and a rightist group's bid to stop cows from entering this state.

"The issue is a serious one but in today's cabinet meeting we did not take it up. I would consider all views," Chief Minister A.K. Antony, who rose to prominence as a student leader, told reporters after the meeting when asked about the verdict.

On Monday, the Kerala High Court in a landmark judgment said it was the prerogative of college principals to ban campus politics. The court decided on this after disposing of a petition filed by a student leader in Kottayam district who was suspended by college authorities.

Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said if the government fails to appeal the court verdict, he would do so.

Most politicians feel the verdict would hurt the interests of students. Among those who have expressed their disappointment over the judgment are state Congress president K. Muraleedharan, CPI-M state secretary Pinnarayi Vijayan and student leaders.

Kerala Students Union (KSU) president S. Vishnunath said his group would soon hold talks with leaders of the All India Students Federation (AISF) on the court verdict. Leaders of the Students Federation of India (SFI) are also studying the judgment.

The Antony government also decided to play it safe on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) move to erect a check post on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to stop cattle ostensibly being brought into this state for slaughter.

The VHP has apparently stopped 1,000 cows and bulls from entering Kerala.

"We have decided nothing on this," Antony said.

Incidentally, Antony had decided not to confront the VHP on its drive to distribute 'trishuls' or tridents, a Hindu religious symbol, despite pleas from senior leaders of his Congress party.

CM to examine complaints about counselling

Thursday, May 29, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K.Antony on Thursday said that complaints regarding the Government-sponsored self-financing engineering colleges’ decision to conduct the counselling for admission to management quota before the commencement of the counselling to the merit seats would be examined.

He was speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

According to a joint notification of the Government self-financing colleges the other day, the counselling to management and NRI quota seats would be held from June 6 to 12 and the candidates who got ranks from 1 to 20,000 in the State entrance rank list would be considered for the counselling.

The counselling for merit seats to be conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations has been scheduled to begin on June 9.

The major complaints that have come up are whether the candidates who get admissions to management seats would be able to get back the money if they get admission to merit quota in Government engineering colleges later and the problem of attending several counselling sessions for management and merit seats.

According to the office of the Education Minister Nalakath Soopy, the fees once paid in the Government self-financing colleges would be refunded to the candidates if they later get admission in the same or other Government colleges in the merit quota. But there was no provision to refund the fees or deposit for joining private self-financing colleges.

The colleges that have decided to conduct a common counselling for management quota seats are the four colleges under the Cooperative Academy of Professional Education, two colleges under the LBS, three colleges under the IHRD, one college each under the KSRTC and the Centre for Continuing Education.

LBS Centre for Science and Technology director Dr.Sukesh Kumar also shared the same view of the Minister’s office and said that their notification clearly pointed out that the norms set for the collection and refunding of fees would be subjected to the instructions of the Government.

According to assistant registrar of IHRD Madhusoodhanan Nair, the decision to conduct the counselling before the counselling to merit seats was to check any possibility of the seats falling vacant.

He said that there was no other option because of the possible danger of management seats falling vacant. Last year, around 1,000 engineering payment seats had fallen vacant in the State.

Tussle between Padmaja K V Thomas has taken centre stage

Thursday, May 29, 2003

NEW DELHI: In Kerala, after the controversy on the fielding of Rajya Sabha candidates by Karunakaran, it is now the tussle between his daughter Padmaja and Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony's protégé K V Thomas which has taken centre stage.

Padmaja, who is the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) chairperson, is angry over the manner in which her boss, Kerala Tourism Minister Thomas, is treating her.

In her complaint to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Padmaja has said that the Minister _ being from the Antony's camp _ is not allowing her to go on foreign jaunts. She has put in so many requests but neither she is allowed to travel on her own nor she is allowed to accompany the Tourism Minister on his visits abroad.

As soon as Thomas came to know about the letter, he air dashed to Delhi to present his case. Talking to this website's newspaper, he said: "Padmaja has already been to Berlin, London and twice to Dubai."

No other KTDC chairperson, except M P Gangadharan, has gone abroad. Thomas said he has been to several countries like Singapore, Colombo, London, Paris but he cannot take Padmaja along.

"These aren't private visit after all," he said. His trips have to be cleared by Chief Minister A K Antony and the Central Government.

It's not for the first time that Thomas and Padmaja have been engaged in a blame game. Padmaja has always complained that Thomas ignores her by not giving important assignments. However, Thomas is of the view that being the minister, it is his prerogative as to what work he assigns to her. Meanwhile, since the matter is too frivolous, Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to intervene.

Sleek rails lift beauty of floating bridge at Veli

Thursday, May 29, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the first sight, these rails on the floating bridge at Veli Tourist Village here look as if they are made of marble.

Exposed to the fury of the elements, they owe its origin to a petrochemical product. Light weight and sleek, these are made of polypropylene, one of the components in thermoplastics.

Thermoplastics, which have found its way into the industry replacing a number of metallic parts, has come of age in the State with K.P.S Warrier of Sagar Nylon Products introducing it into the tourism sector as part of the beautification of the Veli Tourist Village.

Its friction and anti-corroding properties make it one of the best choices for using in the seaside where iron cannot be used due to the presence of salt in the air.

‘‘It is the first time that thermoplastics are put to such use. These have gained acceptance nowadays in the industry owing to the fact that they have an outstanding combination of properties including toughness, fatigue resistance, low friction, good shock-absorbing characteristics and excellent chemical resistance to oils,’’ Warrier said.

Apart from the staircase and sit out rails, Warrier’s firm at the Kinfra International Apparel Park in Thumba manufactures components such as gear, bearing cage, roller, pulley, bolts, nuts and hammers.

Marad: 3 more ‘wanted men’ held

Thursday, May 29, 2003

KOZHIKODE: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch probing the Marad violence has arrested three more persons, figured in the wanted list, from Mukhadar, a Muslim populated coastal area near Marad on Wednesday afternoon.

The arrested persons include Vijili 22, son of Aboobacker who was killed in last year’s riots and nephew of key accused Muhammedali who was nabbed yesterday. T P Haris 30, s/o Hussain, Pareechintakathu, Marad and P T Rizal Babu, 22, alias Babu, s/o Ilias, Pallithody house, Marad are the other two arrested on Wednesday.

With Wednesday’s arrests, the SIT has nabbed all accused, except Sakeer, 28, Erjuvintakathu, Marad, from the wanted list published by the SIT, said the Crime Branch officials.

The police have so far arrested 83 persons in connection with the Marad carnage.

Those arrested today would be produced before the court on Thursday.

Death anniversary of Binu on Monday; Police on high alert in Nadapuram

Thursday, May 29, 2003

KOZHIKODE: Police have strengthened deployment and are continuing raids for weapons and explosives in the Nadapuram area in view of the death anniversary of CPM worker Binu, who was murdered by NDF workers two years ago, on June 2.

Police vigil has been intensified following intelligence reports that the RSS is planning to retaliate for Binu’s murder to outwit the CPM. It is said that a section in the CPM also wants to avenge the death to stop the exodus of its rank and file to the Sangh Parivar outfits. The vitiated relationship between the IUML and the CPM after the Marad carnage also adds to the worries of the police.

Police have set up eight new pickets in Nadapuram and Valayam areas and have pressed into service the mobile patrol units. Strike forces are also stationed in Nadapuram to face any eventuality. Pickets have been erected at places like Kolavallur in the Kannur border to check smuggling in of bombs.

Searches are being conducted in buses and private vehicles for weapons. Weapons and explosive materials were seized from near the compound of the mosque at Cherumoth, from where a large cache of arms was recovered years ago. Police are closely monitoring the movements of persons with criminal antecedents.

Thomas happy with FTCs, speedy justice

Thursday, May 29, 2003

NEW DELHI: Newly-appointed Minister of State for Law and Justice P.C. Thomas is candid when he says he met his senior Cabinet Minister Arun Jaitley for only two hours after he took over last weekend, but ‘‘he is happy with the progress of the new initiatives taken by his ministry to speed up delivery of justice.’’

Speaking to reporters in the capital, Thomas, founder of the Indian Federal Democratic Party (IFDP), outlined the achievements of the Law Ministry in setting up the fast track courts (FTCs), to speed up disposal of long pending cases. ‘‘The FTCs have decided on an average 40 cases per year and this should improve,’’ he said.

Giving details, he said, ‘‘Today there are 1,025 FTCs across the country, and of the 2,14,220 cases transferred to them, 81,589 cases have been disposed of.’’

The Centre too has released Rs 359.36 crores of the promised Rs 500 crores for the establishment of 1,734 FTCs and he added, so far 1,334 such courts have been set up.

He is equally optimistic about the urgently-needed reforms in the judiciary and said a comprehensive Bill on Judicial Reforms will soon be placed before Parliament.

The press conference was arranged at the residence of party general-secretary and MP Pappu Yadav, which also serves as the IFDP office.

On the IFDP agenda, Thomas said it wanted a constant interaction between the majority and minority communities to avoid any communal confrontation. ‘‘Our party will thrive to organise such interactions,’’ the Minister said.

Govt has no plan to change police policy: CM

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

ALAPPUZHA: Chief Minister A K Antony has said that the Government has no plan to change the police policy as it believes that the people have well accepted the policy.

Inaugurating the valedictory function of the three-day State conference of the Kerala Police Association here on Tuesday, Antony said that using police for personal and political ends was totally counter-productive.

According to him, the intention of the Government is to make Kerala police a people-friendly, best equipped and most modern police force in phases. ‘‘My dream about the police is that they should so change that a poor man could go alone to police station and file his complaint without any fear,’’ he said.

Fun ’n’ frolic over, kids to return to rigours of learning

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

KOCHI: It is time to say good bye at the summer camps around city as the holidays are coming to an end, “so soon” for many. Tiny tots who have enjoyed a great summer sprinkled with games, dance, songs and a bunch of whole new friends are now finding it difficult to switch back to the school routine.

And the organisers of these camps are quite contented to see that the last two months gave something worthwhile for the kids. ‘Mazhavillu’ Children’s Theatre was one such camp which organised a week-long theatre workshop for children between the age group of 8-15 years at Changampuzha Park.

“The response was excellent. And we had to limit the number of children this year,” said Prof Chandradas, director of Tripunithara based Lokadharmi Theatre Group which organised the camp.

And Krishna, a class IX student of Vidhodaya School, says he felt at home during the camp and thoroughly enjoyed it. “It was one of the best camps I have ever attended,” he said. Sathyajith, a student of Bhavan’s also agrees. “The camp was fun and very creative. I specially enjoyed the Thi-Thai excercise, a Chinese martial arts form and Chau, a north-Indian dance.” By the end of this week, almost all the camps will be closing down and the participants will be trying out the new lessons and games they learned from these camps.

Sudhi Santhosh, a chirpy six-year-old feels bad to see the camp coming to an end.

But she is enthusiastic about the whole show. “I learned to make models with palm leaves and clay. I am looking forward to the next summer holidays,” she said.

The scene is the same at Avishkar, the camp organised by Kottaram Sankunni Nair Smaraka Kala Kendram where 25 students between five and fifteen are getting ready for the concluding function on June 1, to stage performances of items taught during the course.

“Our aim is to detect the talents of students and to bring out their special qualities and at the same time impart the purity of classical arts,” said S P Nair, manager.

Meanwhile ’Kalikalayiram’ a folklore festival and training camp held at Sree Narayana Vidhyapeetam Public School, Tripunithara, had a total of 110 children participating in the camp which consisted of clay modelling, traditional songs and games, etc. “They were also given a chance to interact with eminent personalities,” said T S Natarajan, general convener of the programme.

And ’Vacation 2003’ organised by the District Child Welfare Community at Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Traffic Training Park will come to a close by June 5.

A programme with the theme ‘Back-to school’ is being held from May 25 to June 1. “This will bring the children back to the school atmosphere,” said A S Gopi, superintendent of the park.

Not all the camps received a good response, though. Regional Sports Centre for one, felt that the participation last year was much better. “It may be because lot of sports clubs and schools are coming up with summer coaching camps,” said Anil, an official of the centre.

But the participants are more than satisfied. While Sarah Kurian, a Class VII student of Toc H Public School, took a beginner’s course in swimming, Krishnan Nair, got lessons in table tennis. “It was my first time here and I enjoyed it, though I cannot continue it due to my classes,” he said. And they are all eagerly waiting for the next summer holidays.

CPM to contest ban on campus politics

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

KANHANGAD: Reacting to the ruling of the Kerala High Court that college authorities can ban political activities on the campus, CPM State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the verdict would be contested legally.

Inaugurating the State conference of the Kerala Water Authority Employees' Union (CITU) here, Vijayan said the Court was ``speaking through the voice of feudal landlords.''

``There are many in our land who have an antipathy towards politics and they want the politics which questions the deeds of those who destroy our country to fail,'' said Vijayan.

He said such kind of people, who unleash a propaganda against politics, were serving the interests of world capitalism. Their main objective was to break the Left-oriented politics in Kerala society, he said.

The CPM State secretary said no court had the power to say that an 18-year-old should say no to politics. ``Those who know that adult franchise at 18 years is a fundamental right of the citizens could not pass such a verdict,'' according to him.

He said it was "politicians who made India what it is today". The political movement in the country had evolved in its present stage by surmounting so many critical phases, he said.

The CPM leader said the UDF and Chief Minister A K Antony were ignoring the common interests of the State.

``Their policy is to destroy anything which is public. Selling the resources of the State would only help the capitalists,'' Vijayan said.

Ban on college politics awful: Murali

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

KPCC President K Muraleedharan said the High Court verdict that directs ban on college politics will adversely affect the state. He was talking to newspersons at Thiruvananthapuram.

The ban on college politics will built up a student community with no knowledge in politics. College politics is the training centre of democracy, Murali said.

College politics will see similar acts that are involved in normal politics. It will not hamper the democratic system. The deficiency should be rectified and college politics should be encouraged.

Thomas complaints against Padmaja to Sonia

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Even before the fumes that arose between the groups during the Rajya Sabha polls are dying out, tourism minister K V Thomas and Padmaja Venugopal are coming out with a fight in the open.

K V Thomas on Tuesday filed a complaint against Padmaja to AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

Kerala State Tourism Department (KTDC) chairperson Padmaja Venugopal had blamed the tourism department of avoiding the Corporation. This comment was a reply to K V Thomas earlier stating that there is no 'I' group in the Congress.

The situation has got worse as Thomas flew to Delhi and complained to Sonia that Padmaja was raising baseless allegation against him. If there arose any such complaints Padmaja should have either met the Chief Minister or me. A public statement was not according to the party rules, Thomas said.

Anticipating such a move Padmaja had send a fax message to Sonia stating that the tourism department took hostile attitude towards KTDC.

K V Thomas is expecting full support form the High Command.

session from June 16

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

The sixth session of the Assembly will be held from June 16 to August 21. It is mainly for discussing and passing the demands for grants in the budget for the current financial year.

The first batch of supplementary demands for the year will also be discussed and passed. Some important Bills are also likely to be enacted.

Kalabhavan Mani's "Matsaram"

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Debutante director Anil C Nair's Matsaram will have Kalabhavan Mani in the main role. Suchitra will be the heroine of the film. Also Vijayaraghavan, Thilakan, Jagadheesh, Suresh Krishna, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar Srividya too casts in the film. Script by T A Shahid, songs penned by S Rameshan Nair will have music composed by M Jayachandran. The film is produced by Malavika Films.

Jayaram's two films due for Onam:

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Two of Jayaram's films are getting ready to release during Onam. The first one will be Rajeev Kumar's Seethakalyanam with Jyothika and the other one is Anil Babu's Salpperu Ramankutty and the heroine of this film is Gayathri Reghuram.

Marad: 3 more arrested

Monday, May 26, 2003

KOZHIKODE: The Crime Branch team investigating the Marad carnage has arrested three more persons figured in the wanted list

The team, led by Superintendent of Police T V Kamalakshan arrested Shihab, 22, s/o Mammad Koya, Marad; Harshad, 20, s/o Ahammed Koya, Thekkepurathu and Aru alias Haroon Rashid, s/o Majeed, Kuttichanttakathu, Marad. Police also recovered three swords, which were used by the assailants, near the sea wall at Marad beach.

Muhammadali and Vijili, the brother and son respectively of Aboobacker Koya, one of the victims of last year’s violence, who are suspected to be the main accused, are still at large.

But it is learnt that the Crime Branch has gathered definite clues about their hideouts.

Miscreants pelt stones at actor Dilip's house

Monday, May 26, 2003

ALUVA: Unidentified miscreants pelted stones at the house of noted film actor Dilip, yesterday night at 1 pm. Dilip was not at home situated in the Aluva Paravoor Kavala VIP Road when the incident happened.

But when informed, the actor returned home and lodged a complaint to the police. A heavy posse of police had been deployed in the area. According to the police, a windowpane was damaged in the incident. Police said some previous enmity in the check case must be the reason behind this incident.

All party meeting will be called says Antony

Monday, May 26, 2003

KOCHI: Chief Minister A K Antony said the death of nine people at Maraad had created deep mistrust between the two religious groups, which made restoration of normalcy not an easy task. An all-party meeting would be called to heal the wounds, he added.

CM said the state administration was making serious efforts to prevent any backlash to the May 2 Maraad incident, as had happened in the past in the state.

Speaking to the media here, Antony said Maraad like incidents, if allowed to recur, would affect the State's future and its developments and it was the responsibility of the State administration to prevent recurrence of such incidents. He sought the cooperation of all sections of the society, including that of the media, to restore peace in Maraad.

Asked whether he was happy at the outcome of the talks he had with IUML President Panakkad Mohammedali Shihab Thangal at Malappuram yesterday on the Maraad issue, he replied in the affirmative and declined to enter more questions on this matter.

To a question, Antony said the issue of handing over the Maraad Juma Masjid to the Wakf Board, as demanded by the IUML, would be decided by the police and the district administration.

Antony said the root cause of all problems in the society was due to the attitude of 'intolerance', which everyone was experiencing.

Rajagopal says more chances of possibilities for third front

Monday, May 26, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Induction of Indian Federal Democratic Party leader P C Thomas in the Vajpayee Ministry was a clear evidence of the Government's special care for Kerala and also a reply to its critics who propagated that the NDA set-up was "anti-minority", BJP leader and Union Minister of state for Defence O Rajagopal said on Sunday.

Talking to reporters here, Rajagopal said Thomas's joining the ministry would prove a turning-point in Kerala politics by accentuating the emergence of a third alternative to the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-controlled LDF.

"I hope the minorities and social organizations will understand and appreciate the message put across through Thomas's induction," he said.

"People in Kerala are tired of the two fronts which alternately held power. They are eager to have a third alternative. Of course, there are sceptics. But now the prospects are brightening," he said.

Thomas was made the minister of state for law and justice in the yesterday's Union ministry reshuffle.

Rajagopal wanted the UDF Government to take a serious note of reports that militants arrested recently in Surankot had links with certain fundamentalist elements in Kerala. The BJP had repeatedly warned the government of the increasing presence of terrorist elements in the state and these were now being proved right, he added.

Degree of choice is a matter of chance

Monday, May 26, 2003

KOCHI: As the admission process for the fresh batch of degree courses begins in the city colleges, it is unlikely that all students will get their most-preferred courses, in both science and arts streams.

The situation is leading to a big crisis. The trend indicates only 50 percent of the students in the city will actually end up obtaining their preferred subjects. In fact, authorities say the situation, which has worsened in the last few years, may force students to either drop their plan or join a college in a remote place.

The self-financing colleges launched in every nook and corner of the state have also failed to resolve the prevailing crisis.

Temple row: HC wants status quo maintained

Sunday, May 25, 2003

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Friday expressed the hope that its order on status quo with respect to the construction of a temple by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on the land of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) on the banks of the Periyar river in Ayyappankoyil village in Idukki district would be obeyed by the VHP. The Bench, comprising Justice S. Sankarasubban and Justice K.K. Dinesan, expressed the hope while extending the status quo order.

The judges observed that if there was any violation of the court's order, the KSEB could approach the police or the High Court for further action. The court also granted the VHP 10 days to file a counter-affidavit in response to the petition.

Air Marshal visits Technopark

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Air Marshal A. K. Trikha, AVSM VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-chief, Southern Air Command visited Technopark, in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

Accompanied by his wife on this courtesy call, Air Marshal Trikha had extensive interaction with the Chief Executive Officer of Technopark, N. R. Mahalingam during the two- hour visit and discussed the various avenues for Technopark and Southern Air Command to work together.

He was also escorted to the major multi-tenanted facilities in the campus, and to other facilities put in place by Technopark, including the Technopark Club and the Technopark Guesthouse.

At the end of the visit, Air Marshal Trikha opined that there is tremendous scope for Technopark and Southern Air Command to work in tandem for the holistic benefit of the community.

Air Marshal A. K Trikha took over as AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command in December last year. He was previously Commandant at the National Defense Academy, Khadakvasla. Air Marshal Trikha has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Athi Vishisht Seva Medal by the Indian Air Force.

Hassan takes up visa issue with Centre

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Kerala Minister for Non-Resident Keralite Affairs M M Hassan met External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on Friday and sought immediate action to correct the situation created by the recent changes in immigration rules which adversely affected job-seekers on individual visas to the Gulf countries.

The extension of group visa restrictions to individual applicants, clauses of power of attorney, and insistence on demand letters and copies of employment agreements for obtaining individual visas have adversely affected the job seekers who are mostly from Kerala, Hassan told the Union Minister.

There were complaints of job harassment and sexual harassment from cooks and house maids as they were not getting protection of the local laws in those countries, he said.

Indian embassies in these countries should have a legal attache and atleast one Malayalam speaking official and the embassies should reduce the high charges for consular services, Hassan said.

Hassan also drew the Minister's attention to the demand by Malayalees in Doha for constructing a temple there.

He requested Finance minister Jaswant Singh to take action to put an end to the harassment of returning Keralites by Customs officials at the airports. He also met Revenue Secretary C S Rao in this regard.

He said parcels coming from the UAE were inordinately delayed for various reasons. The UAE Government had proposed private participation in the postal clearance of such articles, he pointed out.

A meeting of Keralites living elsewhere in India would be held in Kochi on July 12 and 13. Representatives of all Malayalee organisations would be invited to this meeting where prominent Malayalees making contributions to various areas would be honoured, Hassan said.

Opposition leader visits Marad

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Opposition VS Achutanadan has said that allowing the real culprits of the last year's riot to escape and the delay in chargesheeting the cases against them led to the latest violence in Marad beach.

Speaking to newsmen at Kozhikkode Guest house on Saturday after visiting Marad beach and the injured at the hospitals, Achutanandan alleged that Antony government covert dealings with Hindu and Muslim radical elements led to such a situation.

He added that the inaction on the part of the administration fanned the feelings of hatred and widened the divide between the two sections of people.

The Opposition leader was accompanied by leaders of the Left democratic Front including Neelalohitadasa Nadar, AC Shanmughadas, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Kadannapally Ramachandran.

The leaders visited the Araya Samajam office also. The community leaders told the Opposition leaders that they were not satisfied with the on-going probe into the Marad violence and asked Achutanandan to demand a CBI investigation into the carnage.

It is neither late nor early: PC Thomas

Sunday, May 25, 2003

IFDP leader PC Thomas has said that he doesn't consider his entry into the Union cabinet as a delayed one. " It is a fact that this was expected early. But in politics, there is nothing such as early or delayed," Thomas said, while speaking to a Malayalam television channel in New Delhi on Saturday.

Thomas said that he will utilise his ministership to bring maximum advantage to the farmers and other downtrodden sections of people in Kerala. He also hoped that his entry into the Union Cabinet would help to forge unity between different religions of the state, at a time when communal divide is at its worst in Kerala.

Thomas is the first person with a Kerala Congress background to be inducted into any Union cabinet. Son of PT Chacko, the legendary Home Minister and strongman of Kerala politics, Thomas became part of the ruling National Democratic front, after he was expelled by the Kerala Congress (Mani group) more than a year ago.

P C Thomas, a non-controversial and gentleman politician was elected to the Parliament for the first time in 1989. Thomas won the Muvattupuzha Lok Sabha seat in the last general election as a UDF candidate. The IFDP, led by him, has the support of seven MPs in the parliament.

His elevation to the Vajpayee ministry is expected to have far-reaching consequences in Kerala politics and is likely to rewrite the equations within the Kerala Congress groups in the state.

Antony in a fix over Marad, Trishul issues

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Indian Union Muslim League's reservation over the continued control of the Marad Juma Masjid by the district administration, and the government's decision not to ban the trident distribution launched by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have landed Chief Minister A K Antony in a tight spot.

Political observers feel that statements made by IUML leaders make it clear that Chief Minister A K Antony's meeting with IUML chief Panakkad Thangal has failed to placate the League.

Shihab Thangal, during the meeting made it clear that Antony's reluctance to hand over the Masjid to the Wakf board and his reluctance to ban Trishul distribution in the state have affected the secular image of the government. Thangal complained that the police and the administration 'by and large' took anti-minority stand in Marad after the massacre of May 2. He said that the whole community was being targeted for the crime committed by a few.

Antony reportedly tried to convince Thangal about his stand on the issues. However, even after the meeting, the IUML has stood firm on both the demands.

To add to the pressure Opposition Leader VS Achutanandan on Saturday during his visit to Marad, asked the government to hand over the mosque to Wakf Board.

It is in this backdrop that Antony decided to call on senior Congress leader K Karunakaran at latter's residence on Saturday. The two had a one-to-one meeting for about one-and-a-half hours.

It was the first personal meeting between the two Congress leaders after the Rajya Sabha election row.

Significantly, Karunakaran also asked Antony to ban the VHP distribution of tridents in the state. The senior Congress leader pointed out that such an action would restore the confidence of minorities.

The senior leader also reportedly indicated his desire to see Tourism Minister K V Thomas dropped from the Antony government. Thomas, a one-time confidant of Karunakaran had left the Karunakaran camp during the Rajya Sabha elections.

Mining: Sudheeran targets Kunhalikutty

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Congress leader V M Sudheeran has alleged that Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty has taken the people for a ride in the ilmenite mining issue.

Inaugurating a people's convention organised by the All-party Coordination Committee on Ilmenite mining issue in Alappuzha , Sudheeran said Kunhalikutty had arbitrarily appointed the environmental committee of the project, though had had assured the coordination committee that the panel would be appointed only after consulting it.

Sudheeran said that when the panel had submitted its report, he had written to Chief Minister A K Antony and Kunhalikutty urging them to reject it as the report had been written to ``safeguard the interests'' of the company. "But, ignoring my request, they accepted the report and, based on it, the project was cleared,'' he said.

The sitting of the panel had been held without giving due publicity and the venues were the most inconvenient places for the people of Thrikkunnappuzha and Arattupuzha panchayys where the proposed project would be located.

To cap it all, Sudheeran said, the members of the panel behaved like the PROs of the company and throughout the sitting they were trying to teach the people how the project would be beneficial for them.

Sudheeran said money power was playing a crucial role in the issue and the company was literally buying everybody opposing the project.

In a veiled attack on his opponents in the Congress over the issue, he said, "as a result, several political leaders and social activists who opposed the project initially are now missing in our camp. But the company should understand that there are people who cannot be bought.''

Sudheeran cautioned the Government that the agitation would continue till it revoked the decision.

Kerala a target of terrorists: BJP

Sunday, May 25, 2003

The BJP State president-designate, P S Sreedharan Pillai, on Saturday said that the revelation of the military officials, that INMARSAT (satellite phone) numbers from the smashed transit camp of militants in Jammu and Kashmir showed that they were in constant contact with persons in Malappuram, was disturbing.

Addressing a press conference in Kozhikkode, Pillai said that these revelations also gave credence to the BJP's claims that Kerala was the target of terrorist activities and that the UDF Government was helping those activities. "The attack at Marad was a sudden attack akin to Kashmir model of attack by militants.''

He alleged that the Chief Minister A K Antony was a prisoner of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). "We had thought that Antony had sensed the real situation. But this turned false as Antony met (the IUML supremo, Panakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab) Thangal to sort out the problem.''

He accused the Government of not being serious in investigating into the revelations of the Mumbai police chief of thwarting bomb explosion series planned in Kerala.

He reiterated the demand for a CBI inquiry into Marad attack and wondered why the IUML was opposing it. "If the IUML had 100 per cent surety of its innocence in the matter, why should it oppose a CBI inquiry''

He welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to include the Indian Federal Democratic Party (IFDP) leader, P C Thomas, MP into the Union Cabinet. He said that the foundations of a strong third front in the State had been laid out and it was the forces that support the third front that had recommended the induction of . Thomas into the Union Cabinet.

He said that any body was welcome to join the third front and that the front had talks with many political parties. However, he refused to name any political party or politician. To a query, he said that even the IUML was welcome to join the third front provided it expressed its faith in the NDA Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Vajpayee expands cabinet; P C Thomas sworn in

Sunday, May 25, 2003

New Delhi: In a much awaited Cabinet expansion cum reshuffle, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee included three new cabinet ministers and five Ministers of State to the Union Council of Ministers. The new ministers were sworn in by President APJ Abdul Kalam late Saturday evening at a glittering function in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Cabinet Ministers are Maj Gen (Retd) B.C. Khandoori, Rajnath Singh and Subodh Mohite, while the Ministers of State are P.C. Thomas, Prahlad Patel, Kailash Meghwal, Swamy Chinmayanand, and Nagmani.

While Khandoori has been elevated to Cabinet rank from the Minister of State with Independent charge, Rajnath Singh makes a comeback to the Vajpayee cabinet after a gap of two years.

Mohite comes in place of Balasaheb Vikhe Patil who resigned earlier in the day. Patil's replacement with Mohite was sought by Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray.

Reliance out of Kerala transport project

Saturday, May 24, 2003

IANS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Citing unfavourable terms, the Kerala government has rejected a proposal by diversified conglomerate Reliance to develop state-of-the-art bus stations in the state.

Kerala Transport Minister R. Balakrishna Pillai said Thursday other groups would be involved in the project, to be executed on a build-operate-transfer basis.

"Their (Reliance's) terms were too cumbersome and unfavourable for the government, so we decided that we will shelve this project with them. Instead, there are a few others who are interested and we are studying their proposals," Pillai told reporters here.

Former transport minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar had announced just before the Global Investors Meet (GIM) at Kochi in January that the Reliance group had evinced interest in developing bus stations in the state.

Ganesh Kumar is Pillai's son. He had quit the cabinet two months ago to facilitate his father's induction after the Supreme Court exonerated Pillai in a corruption case.

Pillai said the Rs.8.2 billion Skybus project that had been proposed for Kochi was yet to get technical clearance from the centre.

"The Konkan Railway Corporation is building a one km Skybus project in Goa (on a trial basis). Once that is completed, the centre is likely to clear the Kochi project. We expect work on the project to commence this year itself," said Pillai. Pillai said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had broken even after two years.

"When this government took over, the corporation had a Rs. 516 crore (Rs.5.16 billion) cash loss. We have reduced this to Rs. 281 crore (Rs.2.81 billion). Major outstanding payments due for a long time have been cleared," said Pillai.

He said the KSRTC planned to put an additional 1,000 buses on the road this year. The corporation would ensure that its buses were not more than nine years old and also employ electronic means to prevent speeding by drivers.

"Culture comes first for the French"-Adoor

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Adoor: Culture comes first for the French ...

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Responding to the latest honour, Adoor Gopalakrishnan recounts the lasting love the French had for his work.

"It is 30 years since I made my first feature film, 'Swayamvaram.' And eight more films followed. Strangely, without exception, all my films have been featured in one festival or the other in France - Cannes, Nantes, La Rochelle, Amiens, Paris, Manosque, Vesoul, Montpelliers, Aubervilliers. I have been to all these festivals with my films."

I had made just four films - 'Swayamvaram,' 'Kodiyettam', 'Elippathayam and 'Mukhamukham' - when the La Rochelle film festival decided to `do a homage' to my work in 1987. I wondered aloud to Jean Loup Passek, the Director of the festival, if my output was sizeable enough for such an honour."

``What you have done is important enough'' was the response.

In La Rochelle I was in the good company of such great masters as Jerzy Kawalarovitez.

The complete retrospective of my films at the French Cinematheque in Paris in 1998 ably curated by Dominique Paini was a major landmark in my filmmaking career. The special tributes received at Nantes, Amiens and Manosque festivals I cherish heartily.

My new film, 'Nizhalkkuthu,' is a co-production with the French production company, Artcam International, represented by Joel Farges. The ambience sound recording and mixing of the tracks were done by the reputed sound editor and recordist Dominique Vieillard. The technical collaboration did well to the film.

Last January, after watching 'Mathilukal' and 'Nizhalkkuthu' at the Manosque festival, master filmmaker Jean Rouge announced, `` I am going to recommend to the National Centre for Cinematography that these films be made compulsory viewing for every aspiring filmmaker in France. It was again the revered French publication, 'Cahiers du Cinema', that was quick to see the merit of 'Nizhalkkuthu' and qualify it as the `Most masterful film' shown in the Venice festival.

Nizhalkkuthu is scheduled to be released in France in July.

Culture comes first for the French while we give it the last priority!

French honour for Adoor

Saturday, May 24, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has been honoured by the French Government with 'Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters', the second highest award given to a civilian by the Government.

The highest French award to a civilian, 'Legion of honour', had been conferred on Satyajit Ray earlier.

A communication to this effect was received from French Minister of Culture Jean-Jacque Aillagon and was forwarded to Adoor Gopalakrishnan by the Ambassador of France in India Dominique Girard on Wednesday.

According to the message from the French Minister, "This award honours those who have distinguished themselves in the field of art and have contributed to the spread of culture in France and abroad. It is a tribute to your great talent and to the long relationship you have established with France.

"For many Indian artistes, you are an example to follow and you testify to the fruitfulness of crucial dialogue between different artistic traditions."

The award would be presented to the director at a special ceremony, the ambassador's letter said.

Adoor's latest film Nizhalkkuthu (Shadow Kill) was a co-production with a French company Artcam International.

Speed up rehabilitation in Marad, Thangal tells CM

Saturday, May 24, 2003

MALAPPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday held hour-long talks over lunch with IUML chief Panakkad Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal at the latter's residence on the political developments in the State following the communal carnage in Marad.

Thangal asked the Chief Minister to initiate steps to rehabilitate the residents of Marad who had fled the area following the gruesome killings.

Raising the issue, Thangal said that the incident had raised threats to peace and security in the area and added that effective steps should be taken to remove the threats for the restoration of peace. The Government should also take speedy steps on the issue of the takeover of the Juma Masjid at Marad, Thangal said.

Ministers Dr. M K Muneer and Nalakath Soopy were present during the talks.

Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and KPCC President K Muraleedharan, who were present with him, said that the allegations that the Chief Minister had deliberately kept away the IUML Ministers during his visit to Marad was part of a false propaganda.

Kunhalikutty said that the UDF meeting had unanimously decided that the Chief Minister alone should visit the area in the light of the difficulties encountered by CPM State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan when he visited the spot earlier.

Antony said the main agenda of his visit to Panakkad was to seek the ``help and advice'' of Thangal to restore lasting peace in the State.

He said that the greatest challenge before the Government was to bridge the mental divide that had taken shape among the people following the Marad incident.

Antony said he viewed Thangal not just as a political leader and said that Thangal should make an active effort in establishing peace and harmony in the State.

In reply to a question on allegations that the actions taken by the Government on the Marad issue were aimed at appeasing Sangh Parivar forces, Antony said that he stood solely for religious harmony.

On the question of handing over the Juma Masjid to Wakf Board, the Chief Minister said that the first priority was to arrest and bring the culprits responsible for the unfortunate incident before the law.

He said that the Government was sincerely working to file charge-sheets in all the cases in connection with the previous bouts of violence at Marad. All the other issues will be discussed later, Antony said.

He said the Marad incident had delivered a blow to the developmental initiatives of the Government and urged for the cooperation of all concerned to put the State's developmental agenda back on rail.

State will be made e-literate in 3 years, says Antony

Saturday, May 24, 2003

MALAPPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday said that the Government was determined to make Kerala the first total computer literate State in the country within the next three years.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after inaugurating the Akshaya Kendras (multi-purpose community technology centres) set up in the district, as part of the ongoing Akshaya total e-literacy campaign, at a function held at Kadampuzha near here.

He said that the State will be able to achieve the unique honour once the Akshaya programme in extended to cover all the districts.

Terming the occasion as a historic moment, he said that the State will be able to chart out a new trajectory in development through the Akshaya programme and added that the entrepreneurship-oriented project will provide the much needed fillip to the employment scenario of the State.

Antony said that the goal of achieving total computer literacy was a formidable challenge and called upon all political parties, organisations, voluntary agencies and panchayats to lend their sincere support to the endeavor.

State Information Technology Minister, P K Kunhalikutty said that the Akshaya project was the most extensive programme aimed at bridging the digital divide, ever attempted in the world.

Education Minister Nalakath Soopy said that the 4,000 odd literacy centres in the State will be linked to the Akshaya kendras.

Three die in road mishap

Saturday, May 24, 2003

PTI

KOZHIKODE: Three persons were killed and four seriously injured when the car in which they were travelling in collided with a truck on the National highway at Puthiyangadi, near here Friday.

The deceased were identified as Sajitha, Razak and Abbas.They were on their way to Karippur airport, police said.

Escotel announces new airtime rates

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Escotel announces new airtime rates

KOCHI: In a bid to combine the DoT and airtime charges, cellular major Escotel has announced new, composite rates, which provides customers with significant savings up to 66 percent on Let’s Talk prepaid cards and 80 percent on Escotel postpaid tariff.

The new rates are free of DoT charges which means the customer has to pay just the call charge. The pulse rates have also been reduced from the one-minute pulse rate to 30 seconds.

As per the new rates on Let’s Talk prepaid, a call made to any phone in Kerala (local calls) now costs Rs 1.20 per 30 seconds, within India (STD calls) Rs 1.80 and outside India (ISD calls) Rs 9 for a 30-second call.

In addition to this, rates have also been slashed on Swagatham and Success plans. On Swagatham plan, rates on a 30-second pulse vary from 50 paise for mobile-to-mobile calls to Re 1 for mobile-to-landline/WLL calls within Kerala.

The rates for Success plan are 20 paise for mobile-to-mobile calls and 60 paise for mobile-to-landline/WLL calls within Kerala.

On both the plans, mobile-to-mobile calls outside Kerala cost Re 1 per 30 seconds whereas calls to fixed/WLL phones outside Kerala are charged at Rs 1.50 within 200 km distance and Rs 1.80 for 200 km and above.

Announcing the new tariffs at a press conference here, V G Somasekhar, chief operating officer, Escotel, Kerala, said that the new rates were a major step towards bringing stable and simpler prices for the benefit of the customers. He said that it will bring considerable savings to customers and encourage more people to go mobile.

Kochi does its part and Wal-Mart rules the hearts

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Kochi does its part and Wal-Mart rules the hearts

KOCHI: When Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retail chain, was chosen the most admired company by the Fortune 500 magazine recently, it was also an indirect pat for Kochi, which supplies over 3 lakh to 4 lakh garment pieces per month to the US-based firm.

Two firms viz, Leela Lace International and Kitex Garments Ltd, have been supplying the garments as per the requirements of Wal-Mart, which sells these in brand names like ‘Faded Glory’ and ‘Puritan’ through a large network of stores in the US and other developed markets.

Leela Lace International, now operating in the Cochin Special Economic Zone, is selling over 1 lakh pieces of ladies tops to the retail major per month, while Kitex Garments, based at Kizhakkambalam near Kochi, supplies 2.5 lakh pieces of children’s garments and men’s jackets per month.

Now, buoyed by Wal-Mart’s target to increase its total revenue to $500 billion (from the present over $200 billion) by the year 2010, both Leela Lace International and Kitex are planning a huge increase in capacities, to meet the increased demands.

Expected to come up at Kinfra Industrial Park, Kakkanad, Leela Lace’s new facility will have the capacity to produce over 3-4 lakh pieces per month. This, of course, is in addition to the recently set up venture at the Kinfra Apparel Park, Thiruvananthapurm, for producing 1 lakh pieces per month.

‘‘The new facility has been planned to meet the additional demand from Wal-Mart,’’ said a Leela Lace Venture official.

The Leela Lace International currently employs over 600 people and the proposed expansion will see over 2000 additional staff being recruited. However, the major hurdle is the lack of trained tailors.

‘‘Our plan involves a major recruitment drive. But, we find it extremely difficult to get the required hands,’’ said the official.

As far as Kitex Garments is concerned, the expansion will be at the same location and will be completed in two phases by March 2005.

‘‘The first phase will be completed by March 2004 and involves production of 2 million pieces per month,’’ said Sabu M Jacob, managing director, Kitex Garments.

Going a step further, Kitex Garments hopes to cater to other leading multinational chains like Walt Disney, Gerber, among others.

‘‘We have been asked to supply the ready-to-wear garments to these multinational chains,’’ Sabu adds. Kitex Garments’ expansion will also see additional employment for over 7,500 girls, from the present 2,500, according to him.

Wal-Mart, with over 218 billion sales in 2001, is also considered the largest US company in terms of revenue.

However, it is interesting to note that the company does not produce anything but sources the goods from destinations such as India. The company sells a wide range of goods like fruits, televisions, VCDs and garments through its retail chains.

‘‘We have to adhere to strict norms on environment, sexual harassment, work ethics, better pay scales for employees, among other things, to get the approval from Wal-Mart,’’ points out Sabu.

Govt's top priority is to preserve communal harmony: CM

Saturday, May 24, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday appealed to people to co-operate with government's efforts to bring in permanent peace at Marad and communal harmony in the state.

UDF government attached top priority in preserving harmony in the society with the cooperation of all sections including political parties, Antony told reporters here.

Pointing out that the Marad incident was most inhuman, he said all the culprits involved in the killings would be arrested soon and none would be allowed to escape from punishment.

Antony said hatred, revenge and retaliation would destroy the developmental works undertaken by the government and it would adversely affect the state.

Asked why his cabinet colleagues had not accompanied him durng his visit to Marad, Antony said it was udf's unanimous decision that the Chief Minister alone visit the violence-torn area.

On the IUML reported demand to handover a place of worship at Marad to the Wakf Board, Antony said the district administration and the police had to take the decision.

To a question, he said there was nothing unusual in his meeting IUML president Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal at Malappuram on Thursday. Thangal was a respected leader and IUML was a partner of UDF, he said.

Government was examining the demand for an all-party meeting to discuss about the Marad incidents.

Kerala tourism to hold centrestage at Dubai Shopping Festival 2004

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Kerala tourism to hold centrestage at Dubai Shopping Festival 2004

KOCHI: Kerala tourism will hold centrestage in the coming Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2004. Tourism Minister K V Thomas signed an agreement recently in Dubai as a partner state of India Fair, to be held as a part of DSF.

The biggest event in this part of the hemisphere, the festival has been drawing crowds from all over the world and has in recent times upstaged similar events in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Among the planned events are a snake boat race and a mini Thrissur Pooram, with elephants to be taken from the State. This is for the first time the State is participating and promoting tourism in an international event in a big way.

"The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the largest marketing events of the world. We will be showcasing our tourism, culture and handicrafts with the active cooperation of non-resident Keralites in the region," the Minister said.

The promotion will cost the State Government around Rs 1 crore. ``Thirty percent will be provided by the Government, while the rest will be raised from sponsors," said T Balakrishnan, secretary, Department of Tourism.

The department, which sent a fact-finding mission to the DSF this year, is currently looking for sponsors. According to Balakrishnan, the response from businesses from both the State and abroad have been very good. Plans are also being chalked out to transport snake boats and elephants to Dubai.

The festival, which till 2003 was for a month, is also being extended to three months from next year because of the huge response it has evoked internationally. An estimated 4.5 million visited Dubai this year during the festival, which is double the 2.6 million of 2002.

"The inflow of tourists into the State from Arab nations have increased in recent times. Moreover, with the people thronging DSF from all over the world, the event gives us a chance to interact with tourists on a one-to-one basis," Balakrishnan said.

Around two lakh visitors come from abroad to the State every year, of whom the Gulf region accounts for around 30,000. Post September 11, the figure has increased drastically and is expected to double in the coming year.

At the DSF 2003, Rajasthan was the state in focus and the year before it was Andhra Pradesh. The state Department of Tourism's efforts at DSF will be supported by the Centre, the Indian Embassy and the Dubai Indian Association.

Renovated Maharajas College inaugurated

Saturday, May 24, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony inaugurated the projects completed during the first phase of the renovation of the 125-year-old Maharajas College here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Antony lauded the College Development Committee for the renovation work and said such initiatives should come in other government institutions in the state. Government alone will not be able to do everything, he said.

On the demands from students to allot new courses, the Chief Minister said though he was not making an announcement now, he would keep their request in mind and would take necessary action later.

Nalakath Soopy, education Minister, presided.

Control on Marad mosque extended to seven more days

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Control on Marad mosque extended to seven more days

KOZHIKODE: The District Collector has extended the restriction imposed on offering prayers at Marad Juma Masjid for seven more days.

The district administration had taken over the control of the mosque on May 7, after the killings on Marad Beach on May 2 and the seizure of weapons from the masjid premises, invoking Section 27 of the Kerala Police Act.

The Collector's decision to extend the restrictions is based on the request made by the police in this regard.

Members of the Marad Mahal can offer prayers at the mosque after getting the prior permission from the Kozhikode Tahasildar who is the custodian of the masjid.

Meanwhile, the Judicial First Class Magistrate (V) on Friday released four - Mujeeb, Majeed, Akbar and Haneefa, who were under judicial custody in the Kannur Central Jail.

M M Hassan seeks justice for job-seekers in the Gulf

Saturday, May 24, 2003

UNI

NEW DELHI: Kerala Minister for Non-Resident Keralite Affairs M M Hassan met External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on Friday and sought immediate action to correct the situation created by the recent changes in immigration rules which adversely affected job-seekers on individual visas to the Gulf countries.

The extension of group visa restrictions to individual applicants, clauses of power of attorney, and insistence on demand letters and copies of employment agreements for obtaining individual visas have adversely affected the job seekers who are mostly from Kerala, Hassan told the Union Minister.Æ

There were complaints of job harassment and sexual harassment from cooks and house maids as they were not getting protection of the local laws in those countries, he said.

Indian embassies in these countries should have a legal attache and atleast one Malayalam speaking official and the embassies should reduce the high charges for consular services, Hassan said.

Hassan also drew the Minister's attention to the demand by Malayalees in Doha for constructing a temple there.

He requested Finance minister Jaswant Singh to take action to put an end to the harassment of returning Keralites by Customs officials at the airports. He also met Revenue Secretary C S Rao in this regard.

He said parcels coming from the UAE were inordinately delayed for various reasons. The UAE Government had proposed private participation in the postal clearance of such articles, he pointed out.

A meeting of Keralites living elsewhere in India would be held in Kochi on July 12 and 13. Representatives of all Malayalee organisations would be invited to this meeting where prominent Malayalees making contributions to various areas would be honoured, Hassan said.

Antony following BJP govt's policy, says Vijayan

Saturday, May 24, 2003

PTI

KOZHIKODE: CPI-M Kerala state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday alleged that the UDF government was following the `privatisation policy' of the BJP-led NDA government at the centre.

Inaugurating the 36th state convention of the Kerala Municipal and Corporation Staff Union (KMCSU) here, he said the UDF was `cheating' the public in the name of development using ADB loan.

The previous LDF government had allocated Rs 1200 crore to local bodies whereas the present government could give only Rs 750 crore, he said.

Vijayan also charged that the Antony government was trying to take away the facilities and benefits enjoyed by employees over the years.

Root cause of all problems is `intolerance'

Saturday, May 24, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony said on Friday that the root cause of all problems in society was the attitude of 'intolerance' which everyone was experiencing.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the episcopal golden jubilee function of Malankara Syrian Marthoma Church Metropolican Dr. Philiose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma, he said the whole world was in the grip of tension. Unity and brotherhood had weakened while hatred and enmity in the society was on the increase, he said.

In a lighter vein, Antony said the metropolitan faced all sorts of problems with a smiling face and if we could also follow that it would have helped us.

Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostoma Mar Thoma replied to the felicitation.

Bahadur award presented to Jagathy

Saturday, May 24, 2003

KODUNGALLOOR: Actor Bahadur was instrumental in the growth of Malayalam cinema, said Minister for Public Works, M K Muneer here on Thursday evening. He was inaugurating the Bahadur Commemmorial meeting at Municipal Town Hall, here.

Bahadur acted in the first colour Malayalam film Kandamvecha Kottu when the humour and comedy was in the infant stage. But Malayalam films has grown to great heights, with his twenty years of continuous contribution, Muneer recalled.

Delivering the commemmorial speech, film director Lohithadas said that Bahadur was a great artiste who represented the unique culture of Kodungalloor.

Film actress Padmasree Sukumari has presented the Bahadur Puraskar to noted actor Jagathy. Actor Dileep presented the memento to him.

Dr P A Mohammed Sayeed honoured Padmasree Sukumari.

Cochin Haneefa has presented the cash award to top-ranking students. Bahadur Trust president Dr A K Siddique presided over the meeting. Kaithapram has released the Bahadru Memorial Souvenir, by handing over the first copy to Sibi Malayil.

IT-based info system for Kerala farmers

Thursday, May 22, 2003

The Agriculture Department in Kerala is launching an IT-based information system for the benefit of farmers.

Christened `Kissan' (Karshaka Information System And Service Networking), the system would become operational by July end. The project would be implemented jointly by the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kerala, and the Farm Information Bureau.

The project would link the farmers with research institutions, Krishi Bhavans and distribution and marketing centres though cable TV, satellite transmission and Internet portal, the Agriculture Minister, K. R. Gouri, told a `Meet the Minister' programme organised by the Press Club in Trivandrum on Tuesday.

The Agriculture Minister said the Government had also begun steps to set up a Virtual University and a Herbal Valley as suggested by the M. S. Swaminathan Commission on WTO concerns in agriculture in Kerala.

The virtual university has been mooted to provide timely information to farmers on marketing of agricultural produces and the Herbal Valley to take up cultivation and preservation of medicinal herbs. An Empowered Committee with the Chief Secretary as its chairman had been constituted to look after implications of the commission's recommendations, she said.

The minister also announced that an Agriculture Technology Information Centre (ATIC) would be set up under the Kerala Agricultural University.

Janu issue: NCW protests, CM pleads ignorance

Thursday, May 22, 2003

The National Commission for Women has strongly protested to the Kerala government over the incident in which Adivasi leader CK Janu and other tribal activists were prevented by the police from participating in a symposium in the state capital on Tuesday.

Dr Purnima Advani, the chairperson of the Commission said that it was a deliberate stoppage form the police on clear instructions from the higher-ups. "it appears that there was clear instruction to stop the particular individuals from entering the venue. Hearing this I rushed out and told the police not to stop any one. The Minister present and the authorities present had also given me an assurance in this regard," she added.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister AK Antony told newsmen that he was unaware about the incident and only read it newspapers.

"I will look into it," Antony said when it was pointed out that one of his ministers was present at the venue and the incident took place in full public view.

Antony to meet Panakkad Thangal today

Thursday, May 22, 2003

Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony will hold parleys with Indian Union Muslim League president Panakkad Sayeed Ali Shihab Thangal at the latter's residence in Panakkad, Malappuram district on Thursday.

The meeting takes place in the backdrop of Muslim League's displeasure over certain measures taken by the Chief Minister in the aftermath of Marad carnage.

The state committee of the IUML that met ion Kozhikkode had criticised the Antony government for taking 'one-sided measures' in Marad after the violence. The IUML leaders had alleged that Muslim families in Marad were not being rehabilitated by the administration and said that the taking over of the Masjid was not a step in the right direction.

Antony is expected to clarify the government position on the issue and clear the misgivings expressed by IUML which is the second largest partner in the UDF.

Hand over mosque to Wakf Board: Ravi

Vayalar Ravi, AICC general secretary and Rajya Sabha member, has asked the state government to hand over the Marad mosque to the Wakf Board at the earliest.

The Marad Juma Masjid was taken over by the administration after a large cache of arms used for the May2 killings were recovered from its premises.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday, Ravi criticised the BJP for trying to use the Marad violence as an excuse to brand Kerala a "terrorist State''.

However, he defended Chief Minister AK Antony's decision not to take the trident distribution launched by the VHP in the state.

Book Marad assailants under POTA: Hindu meet

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

A state convention of various Hindu outfits, organised by the Marad Hindu Raksha Samithi, in Kozhikkode on Tuesday demanded the government to book the culprits behind the May 2 carnage, under the provisions of POTA.

A resolution adopted at the meeting wanted a CBI inquiry into the murders and invocation of POTA against the accused. The meeting felt that the Crime Branch probe or judicial inquiry cannot bring out the whole truth behind the killings, " as it was masterminded by terrorist organisations having inter-state ties."

The meeting, organised to discuss the developments after the Marad carnage, also sought the resignation of State Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, taking moral responsibility for the killings.

The meeting accused the Minister ``for failing to protect the lives and properties of the Hindus'' and demanded his apology.

The meeting felt that outfits like al-Umma, SIMI and NDF are involved in the carnage. and the IUML may use its influence to divert the process of police investigation.

Earlier, addressing the convention, Bharatiya Vichara Kendram director P Parameswaran said that given the conditions it is to be believed that the IUML, which claims that it is a secular party, does not want communal amity in Kerala. If the IUML was sincere it would not have spurned the initiative of the National Minority Commission member John Joseph six months ago to bring the RSS and the Muslim League to a discussion.

"An IUML leader and Member of Parliament said a firm `no' to the talks. Had the party shown some tolerance and wisdom, the atmosphere prevailing now could have avoided. The dialogue between the RSS and the Christian organisations has created an atmosphere of consensus,'' he said.

Jama'at team holds talks with Araya Samajam

In another related development, a group of Jama'at-e-Islami leaders, led by Kerala Ameer Prof K A Sidique Hassan, visited the trouble-torn Marad Beach on Monday evening and consoled members of the affected families.

The team, which reached the office of Araya Samajam at around 4 pm, held discussions on the possibility of restoring normalcy and bringing back those who fled the area fearing counter attacks.

Araya Samajam secretary Suresh narrated the plight of affected families to the visiting team. Condemning the unilateral attack on poor Hindu families, Jama'at-e-Islami Ameer appealed to Araya Samajam office-bearers to cooperate with the authorities in creating an atmosphere conducive to restore normalcy.

Jama'at-e-Islami assistant secretary T K Hussein, Sura member Sheikh Mohammed Karakunnu and community leaders M K Mohammedali, M Abdul Hameed, Hameed Vanimel, T K Farooq and V M Ibrahim were the other members of the team.

Janu prevented from attending Women's meet

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Adivasi Gothra Sabha leader C K Janu was prevented from attending a seminar on Women's empowerment organised in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

Janu, who came to the Kanakakkunnu palace where the programme was on, was stopped at the main gate by the police. Janu tried to plead with the police and clarified that she had come on a personal invitation from Purnima Advani, chairperson of the National Women's Commission.

However, the police stood firm on their stand and Janu was asked to leave the place.

Meanwhile, in another development, National Women's Commission chairperson Purnima Advani said that sexual harassment of Adivasi women took place in Muthanga and its aftermath.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram guesthouse on Tuesday, after meeting CK Janu and the tribal women, allegedly harassed by the police, the chairperson informed that the NWC would set up two special adalats in Kozhikkode and Thiruvananthapuram to try the cases.

Cabinet approves unified university bill

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the unified university bill, which proposes to dismantle the post of VCs and PVCs and to ban private tuition classes conducted by college teachers.

The bill has provisions to fine self-financing colleges, which demand capitation fee, and to disqualify them if the offence is repeated. This will be applicable to Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur Universities. The cabinet has also decided to pass the bill in the assembly instead of issuing an ordinance.

University committees including the Senate and the Syndicate will be abolished. A General Council will be constituted to perform the duties of Senate. Fifty per cent of seats to the General Council will be filled by ballot and the rest by nomination.

A recommendation in the draft to nominate all members to the General Council was discarded. However, all members to the Executive Council, which will replace the Syndicate will be selected by nomination.

Even if existing VCs and PVCs are removed from their post, the government can reappoint them. The retirement age of VCs are fixed at 60. An official appointed by the government will perform the duty of the VC till fresh appointment is made.

The Executive Council will not have a student's representative.

The government will execute the staff fixation of those including private college teachers, instead of respective universities. The government will also have the power to transfer surplus teachers to other universities. For example, surplus number of teachers at Kerala University can be transferred to fill vacancies at MG University.

Private college teachers, who hold position like President, Chairman or Mayor at local bodies should take wage-less leave. This will also be applicable to those elected to the assembly or parliament.

Joint Trade Union strike hits normal life

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

The 24- hour countrywide strike called by the trade unions began on Tuesday midnight, is near total and peaceful, reports from various parts of Kerala said.

Most of the shops and establishments in urban centres remained closed, KSRTC has suspended its services all over the state from Tuesday midnight. Private buses in Kochi and Kozhikkode have also remained off road.

Some autorickshaw were on road in Ernakulam, while only two-wheelers came out in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikkode.

The strike is reported to be total in ,Malabar region. Inc\indents of violence have not been reported from anywhere in the state so far.

Policemen have been deployed in sensitive areas and before important government buildings and other establishments.

The strike has been called against the economic and labour policies pursued by the Central and State governments, the state Sources at state sponsoring committee of the strike said.

The Congress-linked INTUC and BJP's labour wing the BMS are not participating in the strike. INTUC leaders said in Thiruvananthapuram that the Leftists trade unions have called the strike for political reasons.

Trade unions and various organisations of state employees, bank staffs are also participating in the strike.

The government has denied leave to gazetted officers and made it clear that dies-non would be applicable in case of striking employees. Temporary employees who do not turn up for work would face dismissal, official sources said.

Emergency services like hospitals, supply of drinking water, milk and newspapers etc have not been affected by the strike.

Poor show by students who wrote SSLC re-exam

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Out of the 195 students who wrote the SSLC re-examination held on April 3 following the LDF hartal, only 77 managed to get a mere pass.

The performance of those who had won was generally bad with marks varying between 18-22.

Only 195 had turned up for the re-examination

The re-examination was held in 13 centres.

The Government had stated that 456 students could not write the examination on March 18 due to the hartal sponsored by the Left Democratic Front on that day.

Antony to launch Akshaya e-literacy programme

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

MALAPPURAM: The Akshaya total e-literacy programme, aimed at making Malappuram the first total computer literate district in the country, will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister, A K Antony at a function to be held at Kadampuzha at 10 am on May 22.

The Chief Minister will dedicate 552 Akshaya Kendras to the nation at the function which will be presided over by State IT Minister, P K Kunhalikutty.

State IT Mission authorities said in a release that the remaining 100 centres will be commissioned within the next two months.

The release said that the Areacode Block, with 60 centres, had the maximum number of Akshaya Kendras in the district. Around 317 entrepreneurs, of the total 450, applied for bank loans and received the loans.

The implementation of the project is being carried out jointly by the District Panchayat, District Administration, Public Relation Department, C-DIT, Information Kerala Mission and STED Project.

Cellular majors to make life easier for subscribers

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

KOCHI: Learning Greek, Latin, Hebrew or deciphering the Indus scripts may not be as difficult as figuring out your cellphone bills. But post Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) Interconnect User Charge (IUC) regime, things are about to change forever.

Or that’s what cellular majors, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, promise as they move into a composite and simplified tariff structure. The IUC regime has other than slashing mobile rates simplified tariffs with no separate airtime, DoT or PSTN charges, providing for composite rates, making life easier for the subscriber.

With BPL Mobile leading the way in State, Bharti’s AirTel and BSNL have followed suit, leaving the rest with no choice.

‘‘Complex tariff structure along with the weekly announcement of new plans by companies have put subscribers in a fix. The IUC regime will make tariffs simpler and easier, and more importantly cheaper, and customers will now only have to pay for what they use,’’ says R Suresh Kumar, marketing head, BPL Mobile Cellular Ltd.

BPL Mobile which recently announced four new tariff plans for different usage needs, is promising the subscribers a reduction of 25 to 50 percent in mobile bills the month end.

As per the new plans, the subscriber who earlier paid Rs 3.20 per minute to calls to a landline, WLL and other mobiles will now have to pay only Rs 2, which includes airtime and PSTN charges, and for STD calls within 50 to 200 km, the earlier Rs 4.40 per minute will come down to Rs 3.49. And for calls made to a distance exceeding 200 km, the charge will come down from Rs 6.80 to Rs 4.49 per minute.

Not to be left behind, AirTel is offering the ‘AirTel Freedom 012’ plan for new customers. It offers local mobile-to-mobile calls at Re 1 and STD calls from mobile-to-mobile anywhere at Rs 1.99 for a monthly rental of Rs 299.

But BSNL has come with a late rear guard action and is all set to upstage the rest of the competition. BSNL’s Plan 525, to be announced this week in the State, is providing a mobile-to-mobile call at 40 paise per minute, which comes down to 10 paise for short duration calls below the 15-second pulse.

And for the Plan 325, the subscriber can make a mobile-to-mobile call for Rs 1.40 per minute. The mobile-to-fixed will be Rs 1.20 for Plan 325 and Rs 1.80 for Plan 325 other than SMS for all plans at 60 paise.

‘‘Subscribers should be charged uniformly. And the new IUC regime has simplified tariffs for customers with no separate airtime or DoT charges. Currently, we are providing the lowest rates,’’ a BSNL official said.

This, of course, augurs well for the cellular majors, who in the last year have been bedevilled by a host of issues.

‘‘There will be huge jump in subscribers, especially with free incoming calls provided by all cellular majors. For BSNL, the initial investment for a landline comes to Rs 18,000, while that for a mobile is only Rs 7000, enabling us to provide cheaper cellular service,’’ says the BSNL official.

If all goes well and promises are kept, the subscriber can go back to learning Hebrew.

Six held in connection with Marad massacre

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

KOZHIKODE: The Crime Branch team, probing into the Marad massacre, on Monday arrested six persons, including five in the wanted list released by the police.

Those arrested are P T Marzooq, 28, Kuttichanttakathu, Marad; Delhath, 24, Thalakkalakathu, Marad; Akbar, 22, Kinattinkalakathu, Arakkinar; Manaf, 27, Puthanpurayil Marad; and Hussaian Koya alias Noushad, Kinattinkalakathu, Marad.

The team also arrested Mammad, 47, who made and supplied weapons to the assailants. He was picked up from the Mukhdar Beach.

Jagathy Sreekumar selected for Bahadur award

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Kochi: Malayalam actor Jagathy Sreekumar has been selected for this year's 'Bahadur award', for his contribution to Malayalam cinema.

The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation and a plaque, would be presented to him by actress Sukumari at a function on May 22, the secretary of the Bahadur Memorial Trust, Kamal, told reporters here on Monday.

The award is being given on the occassion of the third death anniversary of late malayalam actor Bahadur. The award distribution ceremony will be held at Kodungallur in Thrissur district on May 22.

Malayalam actor Thilakan had won this award last year.

Kamal said that the trust would also distribute awards to students from Kodungallur taluk, who had secured high marks in the SSLC examinations held in 2002.

'Ningalude Bahadur, Nhangalude Kunhikka', written by Bahadur's sister, Arifa Mohammed, would be released on the occasion, he addded.

Bus overturns near Uppala in Kasaragod district killing one person

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

A bus passenger was killed and 13 others were injured when a private luxury bus turned turtle at Uppala, about 30 km from Kasaragod, the police said.

The incident occurred when the bus proceeding from Mumbai to Thalassery skidded off the road possibly due to a drizzle while giving way to a truck coming from the opposite direction, police said.

The dead, identified as M K Abdul Rahman (55) belonged to Panur near Thalassery and his body has been shifted to Kumbala government hospital for postmortem, police said.

Antony a BJP spy in Congress ,says VS

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Antony a BJP spy in Congress ,says VS

20-May-2003

Opposition leader in the Kerala assembly V S Achuthanandan has alleged that chief minister A K Antony is a `spy of the BJP' in the Congress and said the UDF government led by him had destroyed the foundation of secularism and communal harmony in the state.

"Antony, who grabbed power by allying with fundamentalist forces, is now pampering Muslim fundamentalists and the RSS. His government's policies are not different from that of the BJP. Sangh Parivar's national leaders now want Antony to lead the Congress," Achuthanandan said, addressing a meet-the-press programme at Thiruvananthapuram.

He said it would not be surprising if Antony established relationship with the BJP in future just as he and his colleagues allied with the CPI-M when Indira Gandhi was out of power.

The opposition leader alleged that the two-year old UDF government had either destroyed or sold public sector enterprises in the state and was using the recently-held Global Investor Meet (GIM) as a cover for indulging in corruption.

Referring to the speech of deputy prime minister L K Advani at the centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam here yesterday, Achuthanandan said the emerging links between the SNDP Yogam and the BJP could bring about dangerous consequences.

To a question, Achuthanandan said the CPI-M had never tried to form an alternative government in the state exploiting the troubles in the Congress over the recent Rajya Sabha polls. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of bringing a no-confidence motion against the Antony government in the next assembly session.

Muslim leaders meet Antony

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: A delegation of leaders of various Muslim organisations met Chief Minister A K Antony and urged him to institute an inquiry by a sitting judge into the May 2 Marad carnage that claimed nine lives.

Leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Muslim Educational Society, Muslim Service Society, Muslim Sauhrida Vedi, two groups of the Mujahid and two Sunni factions, who called on Antony at his residence, also requested him to take steps to bring back the Muslim families who had fled Marad after the violence.

The leaders later told reporters that they would support the government’s action against the culprits. Muslim bodies, which met May 12 at Panakkad, had decided to isolate the fundamentalist forces, they said.

They expressed concern over the “Centre’s attempt” to interfere in the issue, with the BJP demanding a CBI probe into the Marad incident. A judicial probe was the proper way to bring out the truth, they said, adding that the Chief Minister had agreed to consider seriously the demand for assigning the probe to a sitting judge.

Private investment of Rs 1,000 crore for Kerala's educational sector

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Private investment of Rs 1,000 crore for Kerala's educational sector
Thiruvananthapuram, May 19 (UNI) Kerala Education Minister Nalakathu Soopy said today private investment to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore had been made in the educational sector in the State over the past two years.

Participating in the 'Meet-the-Minister' programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club in connection with the second anniversary of the Antony Government, he said 40,000 job opportunities had been created following the Government's decision to open up the higher education sector for private investment.

Many colleges had begun operations in the past two years, thus stemming the flow of crores of rupees as capitation fee to neighbouring States, the Minister said.

There was a shortage of 50,000 to 75,000 seats for those passing out the higher secondary at present, Mr Soopy said, adding that the Government would take immediate steps to arrange facilities for higher education to all those who had passed the SSLC examination.

Mohanlal magic at IIFA

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Mohanlal has done Malayalees and the Kerala Film Industry proud by his five minutes acceptance speech at the IIFA Awards at the Sun City, Johannesburg. The versatile actor was a nominee in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Company”. After winning the award, Mohanlal used the occasion to give an excellent speech to highlight the achievements of Malayalam cinema.

Dressed in a white suit, Lal said: “I represent Malayalam cinema industry which is a small part of the huge Indian film industry. It has made the first cinemascope film, 70 mm film and 3D film other than producing some of the best movies and stars in the country. Vanaprastham was the first film to be co-produced with France, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival”. He also thanked the huge audience for accepting him as he is.

Mohanlal is the first actor from Malayalam to receive an award from IIFA and it came as a surprise to millions of Malayalees all over the world to hear the actor speak with the correct diction, impeccable style and élan. It was a revelation of sorts as Lal is basically a shy person by nature and he was always comfortable speaking in his mother tongue.

Vinayan is in search of a leading lady.

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Vinayan is in search of a leading lady.

Vinayan is searching for a leading lady for his forth coming film and the girl should be between the age group of 17 to 21 years to act as a ghost. Vinayan who came into scene with the film, 'CHANDRANUDIKKUNNA DIKKIL' is again repeating his pet theme of horror in his new film. 'CHANDRANUDIKKUNNA DIKKIL' was an instant success then. Infact the producer withdrew from the project fearing loss and Vinayan organized funds to release it and had become a prestige issue for him to release it. So he had secured the rights and invested money. The movie was a big hit and Vinayan has never looked back after that.

He is presently occupied with the post shooting works of MEERAYUDE DHUKAHVUM MUTHUVINTE SWAPANVUM''. After that he will straight away start the horror movie. For some time the Malayalam films were dominated by the horror cum soft porn scenes. 'INDRIYAM' in DTS collected well and the trend had been set in three years ago.

In 2002 Anil Babu did a horror film with Gheethu Mohan Das and Mani, which collected good money. Now it is the turn of the director of the poor man to bring out a horror film. Vinayan is on the look out for a teenage girl for the film. Though he had earlier announced a film with Mohan Lal, it is the horror film that will go to the sets first.

Missing girl: case of kidnapping registered

Monday, May 19, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM May 18. The city police have registered a case of kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of a 16-year-old minor girl from the Thumba police station limits on May 12.

The girl, who had enlisted as a Plus Two student at a private tutorial in Kazhakkoottam, had been reported missing by her mother. The girl, who had gone to attend classes at the tutorial, had failed to return home. Her father is employed in the Gulf.

Police said recently the girl's family received a telephone call from one Lalu (27) stating that the missing girl was in his custody.

Lalu is an accused in two murder cases and the worker of a national political party, police said. He is the first accused in the case relating to the murder of one Lali Kumar at Nehru Junction early this year.

Lalu, who is suspected of having kidnapped the minor girl, also figured among the list of accused in a murder case registered by the Kazhakkoottam police in 2001. There were several other cases, including assault and intimidation, pending against the suspect at the Kazhakkoottam and Thumba police stations, police said.

The girl's family denied having knowledge of any liaison between their ward and the suspect, Lalu, according to the police. The girl's family members had stated that Lalu and his gang members used to hang around the area where the private tutorial is situated.

The Thumba police have constituted a special team to track down the girl and arrest the accused. Investigations are on.

Cong. open to poll alliances: Vayalar Ravi

Monday, May 19, 2003

VISAKHAPATNAM MAY 18. The Congress-I is open to political alliances for the forthcoming Assembly elections in the State, the AICC general secretary, Vayalar Ravi, has said.

Talking to reporters before emplaning for Delhi at the airport here on Sunday, he said there was a compelling need for unity among the secular parties to defeat the communal forces. Asked if the party had initiated any serious attempts at forging an alliance, he said "The dialogue would start when the time comes.''

Mr. Ravi charged the Telugu Desam Pary (TDP) with `abetting' communalism and underscored the significance of the unity of secular parties in the context of defeating the `communal combination' of the TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress-I leader said he was not aware of any intention of the NDA Government at the Centre in going in for early general elections "but the Congress-I is ready for elections whenever they are held.'' The Congress-I, he added, is confident of retaining power in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

On the offer of free power supply by the CLP leader, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, in the State, Mr. Ravi said "I have studied the documents shown to me on this. I am convinced that offering free power is feasible.''

He, however, added that free power supply could only be to a certain category of the population as in the case of the public distribution system, which applied only to people below the poverty line.

He did not agree with a questioner that the offer of free power supply had failed to cut any ice with the people in the last elections. It was not a question of people being impressed by the offer but the honesty with which it would be implemented, he said.

On the ongoing padayatra by Dr.Reddy, Mr. Ravi said it had evoked tremendous response from the people and described it as "an expression of resentment and disillusionment of the people of the State against the misrule of the TDP Government.'' He found the party's prospects in the State improving "beyond my expectations.''

Four persons killed in road accident at Kozhikode

Monday, May 19, 2003

Kozhikode, May 18 - Four people, including two children, were killed and six others injured when two private buses collided at Thadampattuthazham on the outskirts of Kozhikode city.
The accident occured when a mini-bus proceeding to Kunnamangalam from Kozhikode collided with a private bus coming from Balussery, after overtaking a motorbike, according to eyewitnesses.
The deceased were identified as Bindu (25), Saithya (5) and Anjith (eight months), police said and added that the body of one woman was yet to be identified.
Two of the victims were killed on the spot. Besides the deceased, most of the injured were also traveling in the mini-bus. The condition of two were stated to be very critical, hospital sources said.

Mattancherry bridge to be made heritage monument

Monday, May 19, 2003

Kochi: The State Tourism Department is to construct a bus stand and facilitation centre at Fort Kochi in the second phase of the Fort Kochi heritage zone development programme.

Announcing the programme, the Fisheries and Tourism Minister, K. V. Thomas, said that the Rs. 3 crore project would be handed over to the Kochi Corporation after completion.

The Government decided to start the work on the second phase as 90 per cent of the first phase had been completed, he said.

The State Archaeology Department has been asked to submit project reports for the conservation of the Old Fort Wall and Kalvathy canals in Fort Kochi. The proposal for the Rs. 100-crore Fort Kochi coastal road submitted by the GCDA is under the active consideration of the State Government, he said.

The project for converting the Mattancherry bridge into a heritage monument will be implemented on B-O-T basis. However, the Tourism Department will be the nodal agency in running the project and agencies such as the Cochin Port Trust, the GCDA and the Kochi Corporation will have roles in its implementation, he said.

The Cochin Port Trust has agreed to part with two to three acres of land for developing the required facilities at the site.

A meeting of the officials concerned convened by the Minister also formed an expert committee and decided to stop two-wheeler and three-wheeler traffic through the bridge.

Though the two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be diverted through the new bridge, no toll will be levied from them. An expert committee with the Kochi Mayor, C. M. Dinesh Mani, as chairperson, will look into the aspect of providing compensation to Gammon India, which is managing the new Mattancherry bridge, for accommodating the additional traffic.

The committee, with representatives of GCDA and Cochin Port Trust as its members, will submit its report within 30 days, he said.

The State Tourism department will prepare the project for converting the bridge into a heritage monument, Mr. Thomas said.

It has also been decided to take over the management of the Kerala Institute of Hospitality Management Studies (KHIMS) from the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The KHIMS will be run from the Malayattoor Centre of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KIITS).

Orientation programmes for the DTPC staff, tourist police and taxi and autorickshaw drivers will be introduced and the strength of tourism police will be increased to 300 from 180.

A meeting of the officials of the Tourism department has also decided to reconstitute the executive committee of KIITS for quality improvement. A monthly magazine, Tourism in Media, will also be brought out, Mr. Thomas said.

The Tourism Department will appeal to all major political parties and organisations to exclude tourists from bandhs and hartals as in the case with hospitals, newspapers and milk supply. This decision was taken as bandhs and hartals disrupted the tour programmes of tourists opting for package tourism. The Department has plans to organise cleanliness drives in the State with the aid of residential associations, he said.

The Tourism department is to institute three tourism awards for the best tourism club and teacher and student coordinators of the tourism clubs that have been formed. The award winners and their family members will be given an opportunity to visit tourist destinations outside the State with their families. The Department is to screen short films for tourism promotion on satellite channels and cinema theatres from July and September 27 will be celebrated in the State as Tourism day.

Advani :'Saffronisation' no disgrace

Monday, May 19, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Deputy Prime Minister L.K.Advani on Sunday found nothing wrong in a possible tie-up between the SNDP Yogam and the BJP in the State and asked the Yogam leaders not to be upset by the criticism that it was being saffronised.

Addressing a public meeting in connection with the centenary celebrations of the SNDP Yogam and the unveiling of the statue of Pathradhipar K.Sukumaran at the University Stadium here, Advani said: ``There is this question by some people whether the SNDP is being saffronised or whether it is coming closer to the viewpoints I share.''

``But I would like to say that all people will have to work together to make India a better and developed country,'' he said.

Advani said that he was happy to see Thiruvananthapuram `draped' in yellow today with the Yogam flags and the decorative material. ``Some people may now say that I am being `yellowised.' But I have no objection,'' he said. He recalled the criticism against him by the late CPM ideologue E.M.S. Namboodiripad for his visit to Aruvippuram in 1988 to commemorate the 100 years of the consecration of a temple there by Sree Narayana Guru.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, while the early part of the 20th century belonged to the United Kingdom which expanded like anything, the latter half belonged to the US, Russia and Japan. ``The 21st century should be the one for India,'' he said while stressing for greater unity of thought in the country. For achieving this unity, social justice and social harmony should go together, Advani said.

Recalling the contributions of Sree Narayana Guru for the reformation of Kerala society, he said that great religious leaders were great social reformers as well. Advani clubbed Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed and Sree Narayana Guru together as great souls who could bring about social changes.

``The Guru's fame is not confined to Kerala or to the community he belonged. He was brave enough to say that he consecrated an Ezhava Siva when he was challenged about his right to consecrate a temple,'' the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Union Minister of State for Defence O.Rajagopal said that some people would not believe it now that Pathradhipar K.Sukumaran had forcefully argued for Hindu unity.

Rajagopal quoted from Sukumaran's speech in December 1952 at the NSS College, Pandalam, on the occasion of the 77th birth anniversary of the late NSS leader Mannathu Padmanabhan in which he had called for the unity of Ezhavas and Nairs.

Sukumaran had believed that only such a unity could bring an end to communal rivalries and turn Kerala into a welfare community, Rajagopal said.

Chief Minister A.K.Antony, who presided over the function, remembered that Sukumaran was a champion of the causes of the backward classes. Recalling the encouragement he received from the Pathradhipar as a student leader, Antony said that Sukumaran was instrumental in bringing people like him to the fore.

SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan said that the Chief Minister was sympathetic to the problems of the backward classes. ``We only hope that he will have more speed to bring about solutions to our problems,'' he said.

Mattancherry bridge to be made heritage monument

Monday, May 19, 2003

Mattancherry bridge to be made heritage monument

17-May-2003

Kochi: The State Tourism Department is to construct a bus stand and facilitation centre at Fort Kochi in the second phase of the Fort Kochi heritage zone development programme.

Announcing the programme, the Fisheries and Tourism Minister, K. V. Thomas, said that the Rs. 3 crore project would be handed over to the Kochi Corporation after completion.

The Government decided to start the work on the second phase as 90 per cent of the first phase had been completed, he said.

The State Archaeology Department has been asked to submit project reports for the conservation of the Old Fort Wall and Kalvathy canals in Fort Kochi. The proposal for the Rs. 100-crore Fort Kochi coastal road submitted by the GCDA is under the active consideration of the State Government, he said.

The project for converting the Mattancherry bridge into a heritage monument will be implemented on B-O-T basis. However, the Tourism Department will be the nodal agency in running the project and agencies such as the Cochin Port Trust, the GCDA and the Kochi Corporation will have roles in its implementation, he said.

The Cochin Port Trust has agreed to part with two to three acres of land for developing the required facilities at the site.

A meeting of the officials concerned convened by the Minister also formed an expert committee and decided to stop two-wheeler and three-wheeler traffic through the bridge.

Though the two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be diverted through the new bridge, no toll will be levied from them. An expert committee with the Kochi Mayor, C. M. Dinesh Mani, as chairperson, will look into the aspect of providing compensation to Gammon India, which is managing the new Mattancherry bridge, for accommodating the additional traffic.

The committee, with representatives of GCDA and Cochin Port Trust as its members, will submit its report within 30 days, he said.

The State Tourism department will prepare the project for converting the bridge into a heritage monument, Mr. Thomas said.

It has also been decided to take over the management of the Kerala Institute of Hospitality Management Studies (KHIMS) from the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The KHIMS will be run from the Malayattoor Centre of the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KIITS).

Orientation programmes for the DTPC staff, tourist police and taxi and autorickshaw drivers will be introduced and the strength of tourism police will be increased to 300 from 180.

A meeting of the officials of the Tourism department has also decided to reconstitute the executive committee of KIITS for quality improvement. A monthly magazine, Tourism in Media, will also be brought out, Mr. Thomas said.

The Tourism Department will appeal to all major political parties and organisations to exclude tourists from bandhs and hartals as in the case with hospitals, newspapers and milk supply. This decision was taken as bandhs and hartals disrupted the tour programmes of tourists opting for package tourism. The Department has plans to organise cleanliness drives in the State with the aid of residential associations, he said.

The Tourism department is to institute three tourism awards for the best tourism club and teacher and student coordinators of the tourism clubs that have been formed. The award winners and their family members will be given an opportunity to visit tourist destinations outside the State with their families. The Department is to screen short films for tourism promotion on satellite channels and cinema theatres from July and September 27 will be celebrated in the State as Tourism day.

Kerala to tap more resources from the IT sector

Monday, May 19, 2003

Kerala to tap more resources from the IT sector

17-May-2003

Kerala has unveiled an ambitious plan to corner the lucrative global IT services market, particularly Healthcare Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), with a target of generating Rs 30 billion in revenue over the next five years.

Presenting the vision document to Chief Minister A K Antony, the Kerala State IT Mission pointed out that the state had several natural advantages in this regard, including the highest literacy rate, some of the best health infrastructure in the country and availability of international Internet bandwidth of 15 Gbps.

Noting that the continuing rise in healthcare costs in most of the developed countries is going to result in more outsourcing in this sector, the plan said that in the US alone, healthcare administration costs are estimated to be more than 350 billion dollars.

It is estimated that by 2008, IT enabled services in healthcare can bring revenue of more than Rs 230 billion to India, creating employment for more than 725,000 people.

The vision plan, prepared by the IT Mission in collaboration with Wipro Consulting and Apollo Health Street Ltd., identifies measures to make Kerala the most favoured healthcare BPO destination by 2008, generating revenue of more than Rs 30 billion, bringing in investment of more than Rs 10 billion and creating large scale employment in the state.

The study recommends that Kerala-based companies first target the US market and then move to other areas such as the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Among the suggested services to be offered are healthcare data conversion, processing management, health insurance services, customer interaction services and Human Resource services.

The strategy focuses on the four key areas of international marketing, human resource development, policy development and infrasturcture development.
Among the major steps recommended by the plan are increasing Kerala's visibility by putting in on the international BPO map; creating an international marketplace for easy buying and selling of healthcare BPO services, setting up world class infrastructure to house healthcare BPO service providers and their employees, skill enhancement and world standard quality processes.

Among the high-level team which presented the strategy paper were CEO, Wipro Consulting, Anurag Srivastava and Managing Director, Apollo Health Street, Sangita Reddy.

Sri Lankan PM visits Guruvayoor temple

Monday, May 19, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived Friday morning on a two-day private trip to Kerala to visit the famous Guruvayoor temple in Thrissur district.

A top temple official said the prime minister and his wife came to the temple at 12.30 p.m. Friday.

"After having lunch, he and his wife took rest and at 4 p.m. they went and prayed in the temple," he told reporters.

The visiting dignitary gifted a three-foot tall bronze lamp to the temple, the official said.

The prime minister was wearing a white dhoti and his wife was dressed in a saree. Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner Sumit Nagathale, based in Chennai, accompanied the couple.

Earlier Wickremesinghe and his wife arrived on a Sri Lankan airline flight in the morning. He is scheduled to return home Sunday morning.

One reason being given for the Guruvayoor visit is his Kerala connection, his private secretary Valsan being from Thrissur.

Reports indicate that the prime minister and his wife are personal guests of a leading vernacular daily in the state. They have made all arrangements for the visit.

While he is spending Friday night in Kochi, he is scheduled to spend Saturday at Kumarakom, the popular tourist town.

The office of Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony said there would be no meeting with the Sri Lankan prime minister since he was on a purely private visit.

Proactive steps needed against terrorism, says Advani

Monday, May 19, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on Sunday said that the world community should take "proactive steps" to overcome the spate of suicide bomb attacks unleashed by terrorists in the last one week which saw 91 innocent people killed in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and over 40 people killed in Casablanca (Morocco).

Speaking to reporters on board a special flight to Thiruvananthapuram, he said: "I wish the two incidents would lead to proactive thinking in the international community on how humanity, civilisation and more particularly democracies can overcome terrorism."

Advani said: "The two incidents only highlight that terrorism continues to be a menace to civilisation. Over the centuries, countries and scientists have tried to evolve the most effective weaponry and the most dangerous instruments against others, but it seems that the suicide bomb is the worst-ever device conceived in this category."

He said: "Whether it is the 9/11 attacks in the US, the attack on the Indian Parliament or the two latest incidents, the instrument used in all these was the suicide bomb."

He pointed out that after 9/11, the international community began to think of ways to put an end to the evil of terrorism and the global coalition against terrorism was formed.

However, he regretted that after the some time, laxity set in. But the fact is that the danger of terrorism has not vanished; it still exists and many parts of the world, including the US and the western countries, are potential targets.

He regretted that the world community focused only on Afghanistan after 9/11. Although the statements made after the terrorist attack in the US, indicated a holistic approach to the problem of terrorism, in concrete terms it was restricted to Afghanistan and the Taliban alone.

The world community, he said, had to come out from this narrow perspective and think more actively on how to deal with the increasing trend of use of suicide bombs by terrorists of all hues.

Monsoon likely to touch Kerala coast on May 21

Monday, May 19, 2003

New Delhi: The South-West monsoon is likely to touch the Kerala coast on May 21, around ten days ahead of the normal schedule of June first, the Met office sources said here today.

The monsoon has already advanced over to south of Andaman sea and adjoining areas of Bay of Bengal and is progressing on route.

The formation of cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on May 11 had contributed to the early arrival of monsoon. The Met department confirmed that the cyclonic storm had been a part of the heralding of the South-West monsoon.

Meanwhile, the US-based Centre for Ocean-Land-Atmosophere Studies(COLA) also confirmed that monsoon is likely to cover Kerala and Karnataka on May 26.

The COLA, which based its assessment on the satellite imagery, has given signals of early arrival of the monsoon and dismissed chances of the cyclonic storm hitting the Eastern coast.

Early predictions made by the Indian Metrological Department (IMD) have forecast 'less-than-normal' monsoon for the current year with 14 per cent chances of drought revisiting some parts of the country.

Last year, the country faced the worst drought of the century with 16 States suffering from drought conditions which pushed down the agricultural growth thereby pulling down the GDP by two notches.

Ecological degradation is cause for poverty in Kerala's coastal belt

Monday, May 19, 2003

A study by the prestigious Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) indicates that severe environmental degradation can lead to poverty, rather than the other way round.

The study says that environmental degradation has contributed to the high level of poverty and socio-economic disparity in the coastal areas of Alappuzha-Cherthala in Kerala, the site selected for the study.

The area is marked by high unemployment levels, attributed to the continuing crisis in the traditional industries like agriculture, fisheries and coir.

The famed backwaters of the region are heavily polluted and are often criticised as the source of infectious diseases like Leptospirosis.

The backwaters are also in a stagnant condition. Ground water is unfit for drinking, except the deep aquifer. Husk retting contributes to the chemical pollution of the waters. The area is also subject to severe coastal erosion.

According to Dr M Baba, Director of the CESS,the study is aimed at examining the present state of the environment in selected ecosystems and how it is related to the socio-economic well-being of the people in and around these ecosystems. The study is supported by the International Union for Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN).

The study also explores whether environmental restoration could lead to the alleviation of poverty among the coastal communities in Kerala. Similar studies are being conducted in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and The Maldives.

RSS for CBI probe into Marad incident

Monday, May 19, 2003

RSS for CBI probe into Marad incident

Thiruvananthapuram,Sunday, May 18, 2003: RSS today asked Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to convince the Kerala government to order a CBI probe into the May 2 violence at Marad in Kozhikode district, which claimed nine lives, saying only that could bring out the "real facts" behind the incident.

In a memorandum submitted to Advani at the Rajabhavan here, leaders of RSS' Kerala unit alleged that moves were on to scuttle an objective and impartial investigation as police were already in possession of evidence that allegedly pointed to the involvement of the workers of IUML, CPI-M and National Development Front (a radical Muslim organisation).
"In the circumstances, only an investigation by CBI will help to bring out the real facts," the memorandum signed by RSS Prantha Sanghachalak P E B Menon, said.
The Centre should do the needful to convince the Kerala government about the need to entrust the investigation to CBI and take further steps to hand over the case to CBI, the memorandum, a copy of which was released to press, said.
RSS also asked the Centre to expedite the process of deploying coast guard in the Kerala coast and also strengthen activities of the Central intelligence.
BJP leader and Minister of State for Defence O Rajagopal, BJP state president K Padmanabhan and party's State Vice-President P S Sreedharan Pillai also met Advani and discussed the political situation in the state with him.
(PTI)
17:02 IST

TRAI and BSNL guilty of contempt of court

Saturday, May 17, 2003

Kochi, May 17 - An affidavit alleging that the Central government, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and BSNL were "guilty" of contempt of court for flouting the Kerala high court's stay order, was on Friday filed in the court.
In his 'reply affidavit' to the BSNL, Kerala circle, in the telephone tariff case, the petitioner, Stephen George, MLA, pointed that they had flouted the interim stay and were charging the subscribers at the rates introduced from May 1.

George contended that fixation of rate of telephone charges was no longer a policy matter by the government, but was regulated by statutes.

The petitioner also submitted that no difficulty had been pointed out at the time of granting stay by the BSNL counsel who had been instructed to appear for it. The BSNL had itself switched over to the new rates from the date of the interim order which meant that the software had also been fed with the new rates.

Respondents were also guilty of "deliberately" filing a false affidavit in the high court, he said.

Vijay Yesudas wants to break free

Saturday, May 17, 2003

KOCHI: It's a sultry afternoon in Chennai and things are fast getting heated up in a recording studio somewhere on the outskirts of the city. The playback singer present in the studio, Vijay Yesudas, is also a bit tense and is repeatedly reading the lyrics of the song Enikku pidichae padal athu unakum pidikumae... for the Tamil movie 'Julie Ganapathy'.

Sensing the tension in the air, music director Ilayaraja walks up to Vijay and starts humming the tune of the song and he actually sings out the lines Enikku pidichae padal athu Vijaykum pidikumae. "It was like a blessing when I heard the maestro changing the lyrics for me," says Vijay Yesudas, running his fingers through his wavy hair.

He was in Kochi recently, busy with the making of a solo album in Malayalam. ''The album has been in my mind for quite some time now and I had even made a couple of tunes for it,'' says Vijay, who has also roped in a music director and lyricist for the project. ''The album contains slow, hummable tunes and fast numbers and aims at a mass appeal. I hope it clicks," says Vijay, a bit disappointed for not getting enough offers in Malayalam films.

It was in 1999, while doing his graduation in Music and Theatre at the University of Wyoming that Vijay got an offer to sing in Jayaraj's 'Millennium Stars'. "The 'Millennium Stars' project was a real good break for me and I sang four songs in it," says Vijay. His later renditions in Malayalam flicks like 'Dada Saheb', 'Indriyum' and 'Kai Ethum Doorathae' did not make much of an impact or the movies just bombed at the box office.

"I think the people out here are a bit choosy added to this has been the fact that old guns like my father Yesudas, Jayachandran and the rest of the pack are still going strong," says Vijay. "I believe there should be a level playing field and artistes of all hues should get their place in the sun," adds Vijay.

Comparisons with his celebrity father makes Vijay a bit jumpy. "I think the tag still remains and I believe I cannot sing like the great Yesudas, and nobody can for that matter," says Vijay. "But for me my father also means competition and I want to become more than what he has achieved," adds Vijay.

But the Tamil film industry seems gleefully open to fresh faces and Vijay is planning his next music album in Tamil. "It will be released in a couple of months," he says.

Interestingly, it's in the Tamil film world that Vijay has made a huge impact. He started off in the Tamil remake of 'Friends' and the Rukku rukku... number was an instant hit. "Though I sang as part of a group, the song really helped in making myself heard," says Vijay. His songs in the recently released hit Tamil movies 'Arasu', 'Julie Ganapathy' and 'Manaselam' are chart busters and several other movies including two Telugu flicks are ready for release soon. "Tamil came quite naturally to me as I started my schooling in Chennai's KFC School but I have also become more flexible with Malayalam these days," says Vijay. "My voice modulations improved after Ramamurthy Rao Sir started taking lessons for me in both Carnatic and Hindustani strains," he adds. So also have been his stage performances.

"I like to sing and dance on stage for I believe it can really make the crowd get going," says Vijay. But he wants to sing and dance his own songs not what others have crooned.

"My greatest dream is to sing for Bollywood flicks and make my name in the whole of India," says Vijay Yesudas, with a light smile playing up his face.

Mohanlal - totally confused!

Saturday, May 17, 2003

Has Mohanlal decided to take a sabbatical from films? Well, that's what we heard! His latest Vishu release Kilichundan Mambazham which took a fantastic initial collapsed at the box-office after the first week and this has been a big blow for the actor. It has upset the star’s future projects and calculations, as he was planning to do Balettan for Aroma Mani with Devayani as the heroine. The film, which was slated as Mohanlal’s Onam release, is temporarily kept on the hold.

His advisors warned him not to do another comedy film wearing ‘mundu’ and shirt as it will look stale and the audience will reject it. The trade also feels the same and is asking: “If Priyadarshan could not make a comedy with Mohanlal work at the box-office, then who can!”

A totally confused Mohanlal in the meantime has left for South Africa to attend the fourth International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at Johannesburg. He is getting the best supporting actor award for his outstanding performance in Ram Gopal Varma’s Company.

Kerala govt to provide legal protection to Pepsi

Saturday, May 17, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Friday said the state government would provide all possible legal protection to the Pepsi company at Kanjikode in Palakkad district whose licence had been cancelled by the local panchayat controlled by CPI-M.

"The decision of the Pudussery village Panchayat to revoke the licence has not been received by the government," Antony said at a 'meet-the-chief minister programme', organised by the Thiruvananthapuram press club here.

Lashing out at the CPI-M for continuing its stir of boycotting multinational products in the state, Antony said the party should shed its "double standards" on the issue and should be "more truthful in its approach."

The Pepsi company came to the state during LDF regime and now LDF was opposing the company. "However, we are not going to do anything to push them away from the state," he said.

In West Bengal, there were three Pepsi units and two Coca-Cola units. CPI-M was boycotting the products of these companies in the state while allowing the companies in West Bengal, he said, adding CPI-M's "attitude was against the development of the state."

The main reason cited for cancellation of licence was "over-exploitation of water resources." The Panchayat decision also forms part of CPI-M's policy of boycotting the products of multinationals in the wake of the US war on Iraq.

Meanwhile, Pepsico said in a release it started the unit after a due survey by the department concerned on availability of water and denied the panchayat charge that the company was over-exploiting water resources in the area.

Janu seeks implementation of Panchayat Act

Saturday, May 17, 2003

KOZHIKODE: A tribal organisation on Friday urged the UDF Government in Kerala to implement the Provisions of Panchayat (extension to Scheduled area) Act, 1996 to facilitate speedy rehabilitation of the tribals in the state.

Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha leader C K Janu welcomed the fresh initiative taken by Chief Minister A K Antony, who held a meeting with Union Environment and Forests Ministry officials in New Delhi recently, seeking allotment of about 25,000 acres of land to the State,

Implementation of the Act along with the proposed allotment of land alone would benefit the tribals, she said.

"Otherwise, there is every possibility of outsiders grabbing the land from the adivasis," she said, adding the Act offered several welfare measures for the tribals.

Government's action in retrieving alienated land and distributing it to the tribals should be made "transparent" and the adivasis should be given a chance to express their opinion, she said.

The second phase of agitation to realise their demands, which included declaration of self-rule, would be formulated after the culmination of the protest rally, now underway in the state, at Thiruvananthapuram on May 31, Janu said.

AGMS had spearheaded the recent agitation at Muthanga in neighbouring Wyanad district which turned violent.

Antony Govt accused of delaying Marad rehabilitation

Saturday, May 17, 2003

KOZHIKODE: Islamic fundamentalist group, National Development Front on Friday blamed the UDF Government in Kerala for "failing to take appropriate steps" to rehabilitate several families that fled the scene soon after the attack at Marad on May 2, which claimed nine lives.

"The Government has not taken concrete steps to bring back the families, who are afraid to return fearing fresh attacks", NDF Chairman, A Syed told reporters here.

Alleging that Hindu forces like the RSS were camping in the area "to ensure that those who have fled the scene do not return", he said the Government should not waste time to formulate a scheme to rehabilitate them.

The NDF was undertaking relief works to the deserted people like distributing medicines and rice to them, Syed said, adding as a first step, extremist elements allegedly holed up in the area should be removed to facilitate rehabilitation.

No NDF activist was involved in the attack and a "false campaign" implicating the Front was being carried out by Hindu fundamentalist forces against the NDF, he alleged.

Hindutva not monopoly of BJP: Antony

Saturday, May 17, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: Dismissing criticism that he was being ''soft'' towards the forces of 'Hindutva', Kerala Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member A.K. Antony on Friday asserted that 'Hindutva' was a part of the great Indian culture and not the monopoly of the BJP.

''Similarly, 'bindis' or saffron cannot be identified with just the BJP,'' he said, while participating in a programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on the eve of the second anniversary of the United Democratic Front government. ''I know several Marxist workers who sport 'bindis' on their foreheads and visit the Sabarimala temple every year. Can one call them BJP activists?'' he asked.

Asked about his government's stand on the VHP-sponsored 'Trishul Diksha' in Kerala, the Chief Minister wondered as to whether all other states, except the NDA-ruled ones, had imposed a ban on the programme. However, he evaded a question on whether his government would impose such a ban in the State in the wake of the stand taken by the Congress high command.

On the failure of his government to prevent the construction of a temple at the Idukki hydel reservoir by VHP activists, the chief minister said there was a recent court verdict on the issue and the Government would act accordingly.

"High-level Indo-Pak summit will ease border tension" -Sharad Pawar

Saturday, May 17, 2003

"High-level Indo-Pak summit will ease border tension"

Kozhikode,Friday, May 16, 2003: High-level discussions between India and Pakistan will definitely result in easing tension on the borders and the fresh peace initiative towards resolving several issues, including Kashmir, is in that direction, NCP National President Sharad Pawar said today.

It was persistent efforts from both the sides which resulted in signing an agreement with China, leading to withdrawal of troops from the borders, Pawar, who was the then Defence Minister, told reporters "Why not so with Pakistan", he asked.
"Our foreign policy has been to maintain cordial relations with all our neighbours and the latest initiative is also in that direction," he said, adding there was a consensus on the matter on both the sides. "This can be followed by people-to-people contact," he said.
About the proposed Indian MPs delegation to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture, he said "it is still under discussion.We like to reciprocate the gesture shown by MPs from Pakistan."
However, Pawar said, the NDA Government had nothing to do with the proposed delegation as it would be formed by the MPs representing various political parties. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, had asked him to lead the delegation, Pawar added.
(PTI)
17:16 IST

We'll form third front in Kerala soon: BJP

Friday, May 16, 2003

KOZHIKODE: The BJP's Kerala unit said on Thursday that it was speeding up work on forming a third front in the state to take on the ruling Congress-led UDF and the Opposition CPM led LDF.

"The response to give a final shape to the third front is overwhelming and the Front will be formed soon", BJP state President elect P S Sreedharan Pillai said.

Pillai, who is also the party's lone National Executive member from the state, said that the violent incidents at Marad had 'totally disturbed' communal harmoy in the state. It was thus imperative to form a third front with the Hindu forces coming together, he said.

Asked if the SNDP Yogam, the largest non-political Hindu organisation in Kerala, had agreed to extend support to the Front, he said their 'line of thinking' was similar to that of the BJP on recent issues, including Marad. The Nair Service Society, another 'formidable Hindu group' in the state, had also identified itself with the cause of the majority community, Pillai said.

Antony adopting soft Hindutva approach: Pawar

Friday, May 16, 2003

KOZHIKODE: NCP President Sharad Pawar has charged Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony with being "too soft" on distribution of tridents by the VHP in the state.

Antony did not prefer to ban distribution of tridents in the state as "he wants to go his leader's (Sonia Gandhi's) way in adopting a soft Hindutva approach", Pawar said while inaugurating the party's three-day state conference here.

"Antony must in fact show such kind of a soft attitude towards Karunakaran," he said in an apparent reference to the strained relations between the two Congress leaders.

Accusing the state government of "failure" to avert the recent communal violence at Marad beach that claimed nine lives, Pawar alleged the UDF Government failed to act swiftly in spite of advance intelligence reports.

He charged that Congress at the national level had not launched a vehement attack against the BJP-led NDA Government while other Opposition parties, including NCP, were doing so.

Kamal's Koode on July 11

Friday, May 16, 2003

Kamal's Koode on July 11: Kamal's latest film Koodu that was set to release on July 5 has been postponed to July 11. Koodu shot in Pondicherry has a glitzy array of young stars like Kunchakko Boban, Pritviraj, Jayasurya, Meera Jasmine and Bhavana. The reason for the postponement is that Dileep's CID Moosa is all set to release on July 5. Iqbal Kuttippuramand and Kamal write script jointly. Iqbal has already written the story for an earlier Kamal film.

Pattalam

Friday, May 16, 2003

After the stupendous success of Meesha Madhavan, director Lal Jose is busy with his new project titled Pattalam with Mammootty in the lead. This time Lal Jose is handling a sensitive issue of how the army takes over a small village in Kerala after a communal riot. Lal Jose has identified the narrative style to entertain people and this film will be a fast moving rustic film. Subair and Sudheesh who produced Meesha Madhavan produce this. Lal Jose and Regi have written the script.

Pattalam narrates the happenings in a peaceful little village Ponnaaramangalam where people live in harmony. But with the village getting caught in the mire of communal strife, the picture changes entirely. And when the army steps into this village to restore peace and communal harmony, certain very notable things begin to happen. The fanatics and politicians are rather uncomfortable about the army's presence and go about with their shrewd plotting and contrivances. Captain Pattabhiraman, who leads the peace force, has got to work really hard. It is against this backdrop that the plot of Pattalam is constructed. Though the plot of the film has a communal riot torn village as the backdrop, there would, of course, be an undercurrent of comedy, filmed, perhaps, in typical Lal Jose style. His heroines this time are Jyothirmayi and a new girl Tessa, both in their early twenties!

And, of course, songs, attractive cinematography and all would lead to the film being a complete entertainer, something of a kind that we expect from the maker of films like Oru Maravaththoor Kanavu, Chandranudikkunna Dikkil and Meesha Madhavan. This is not the first time that Mammootty is acting in a Lal Jose film. To be precise, Lal Jose had made his debut as an independent director directing none but the superstar in Oru Maravaththoor Kanavu. And now, four films old, Lal Jose has come into the league of the most promising of mainstream filmmakers in Malayalam.

And thus Pattalam, besides Mammootty, will star Biju Menon, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Innocent, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Indrans, Mala Aravindan, Mamookoya, Jyothirmayi, Zeenath, Sukumari and Ambika Mohan. Songs penned by Gireesh Puthencherry is tuned by Vidyasagar. S Kumar would wield the camera while art direction is by Joseph Nellickal. In short, it is the Meesha Madhavan team behind the screen. But of course, Lal Jose has decided to go in for a new scenarist, Reji Nair. Pattalam is being shot at Pollachi in Tamil Nadu and Marayoor in Idukku district of Kerala.

KSEB's inaction led to temple construction by VHP

Thursday, May 15, 2003

IDUKKI: The ongoing legal tussle between the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) over the reconstruction of a temple on the catchment area of Idukki hydel project has exposed the absence of an effective monitoring system with the board to check encroachments into the 649.30 sq km catchment area of the largest dam in the State.

It is not uncommon that encroachers set up makeshift houses and do farming in the catchment area. Plagued by a very poor communication system, lack of enough staff and paucity of funds, the KSEB is forced to remain a passive spectator when individual and organised encroachments take place. It is reliably learnt that vast areas in Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar and Vellilamkandam, falling within the catchment area, are illegally occupied by private parties.

``When an encroachment of the catchment area is noticed, the board usually seeks the help of the police or forest officials for eviction. Even after the eviction, the same encroachers will occupy the place after the officials leave the area,'' said a top official at the Idukki Dam Monitoring Cell, on condition of anonymity.

``An encroacher can erect a structure in a shorter time, but for the KSEB it is a much more difficult job to demolish the structure as protracted formalities are involved,'' he added.

A senior officer of the KSEB said that a separate protection force for the KSEB and the hydel projects in the State is the only solution for preventing encroachments in future.

``When an organised group is engaged in encroaching the land, it becomes more a law and order problem and often lack of timely action works in the favour of such a group,'' said another official.

In fact, it was the inaction and lack of alertness on the part of the KSEB which had allowed the worshipping in a makeshift structure at Ayyappankovil on the catchment area of Idukki hydel project, even after the original temple was shifted to Thoppipala in 1977, on a four-acre land provided by the KSEB.

Had it acted far-sightedly and promptly, the board could have saved itself from the embarrassment after the VHP's ``encroachment'' of the area and the ``illegal'' construction of the temple structure there.

Even though the KSEB had incurred the cost of construction of the temple at Thoppipala, it failed in completely demolishing the old structure at Ayyappankovil, where large stone pillars and carved figures were callously abandoned, which was subsequently used by the Mannan tribals as a place of worship, and annual festivals were held at the place.

Even after the locals started worshipping there, after a stone idol was placed inside a temporary structure on a raised platform and a priest was appointed to conduct the daily poojas, the KSEB virtually did nothing.

The board acted only after the construction of the temple progressed to a level and sought the High Court's order to prevent the construction of the temple.

Though the KSEB on Tuesday received a High Court order in its favour in the form of the maintenance of the status quo at the place, it is a loser too, as a permanent structure has already come up there. The issue also shows that there is no effective system with the KSEB in managing a crisis or a similar situation.

Medical Trust achieves a medical feat

Thursday, May 15, 2003

KOCHI: The wee hours of Tuesday wrote a new chapter in the medical history of the state when a group of doctors successfully performed the first heart transplantation in Kerala at Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital.

And P A Abraham, a 34-year-old Haripad native received a new lease of life with this surgery which used the heart of K K Sukumaran who was certified brain-dead after a road accident. Abraham is now in the post-operative ward and he will be removed from the ventilator tomorrow and will need three weeks of hospitalisation.

The transplantation team consisted of 12 senior doctors including Dr Jose Chacko Periapuram, chief cardiac surgeon, Dr Sajy V Kuruttukulam and Dr Gopalakrishna S Bhat, cardiologists, Dr K Vinodan, head of the Department of Cardiac Anesthesia, Dr Jacob, cardiac anaesthetist and Dr R R Ravi, head of the department of neuro surgery. They conducted the surgery in a 7 hour-long procedure in two theatres simultaneously. Heart transplantation is done for patients who cannot be saved by any type of medical or surgical interventions either due to severity of the disease or due to the progress of he ailment.

Though there is a risk of the body rejecting the new heart, such problems are prevented by administering immuno-suppressive drugs and antibiotics.

``There is a 60 to 70 per cent guarantee of 10 years for the patient, but we have a living person in America who has passed 22 years,'' said Dr Jose Chacko, who has been part of transplantation surgeries in various hospitals abroad, at a press conference at the hospital.

The patient will have to take some medicines for his lifetime, and the dose of the medicines will be reduced gradually. There will be regular follow-up by doctors to detect even the slight signs of rejection by the body.

The surgery costs Rs 4 to 5 lakh and the monthly medical expense will come to around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Apollo Hospital and Madras Medical Mission are the other hospitals which have performed heart transplantation in India and so far there have been over 40 such surgeries.

``It is not only the facilities that matter, but the hospitals need the best team of doctors to perform this surgery and that is why some of the hospitals in the country have stopped transplantations,'' said Dr Jose Chacko.

The heart transplantation team at the hospital has been undergoing special training in the procedure at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

The hospital is planning to take up awareness campaigns to promote heart donation as the organs go wasted in brain-dead-certified patients. It will also go for a continuing transplantation programmes with the help of charitable organisations and team up with institutions to make the surgery affordable to all patients.

Dr P A Varghese, director of the hospital, and all the members of the team were present at the press conference.

THE DONOR: K K Sukumaran, 42, son of Karuppan, Kocheeckal house, Perumpadanna, North Paravur. He was hit by a bike at Perumpadanna on Sunday and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital with irreversible brain damage. He was certified brain-dead by a team of doctors on Monday. His wife Padmini and sons Sumith, Sujith and Sunil decided to have at least a part of his human system functioning and came forward to donate his heart. A toddy tapper by profession, Sukumaran was a known figure in his native place for his social work. And his family took this noble decision following the fine examples he left behind.

THE RECIPIENT: P A Abraham, 34, of Mamalath Puthenveedu, Memadama, Mannar. With both parents dead and 8 siblings settled across the state, Abraham was working in the Gulf till 2002 when his heart condition forced him to leave the job as a watcher in a plantation. He had a heart attack and detailed investigation revealed that he cannot withstand Angioplasty or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery due to the End Stage Heart Failure. Heart transplantation was the only remedy for saving his life.

SSLC exam results over phone

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: In a path-breaking technological move to provide the examination results over telephone, the Education department has made strategic alliances with the BSNL and Escotel Mobile Services to provide SSLC results over telephone.

As per the arrangement, the results would be made available simultaneously with the official announcement of the results on May 15.

BSNL chief general manager K.Sreekantan Nair told reporters that that arrangements were being made to provide SSLC results over BSNL telephone using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.

As many as 90 lines would be made available for providing the results. When dialled, the system would provide the exact marks of the candidates after verifying his/her registration number through a simple process.

According to sources, the Education department has made arrangements with Escotel to provide results through Short Messaging Service (SMS) also.

The students can dial 937222 and get the results of each districts. To get results of other districts corresponding code number should be used.

Six killed in two separate accidents

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Six persons were killed in two separate accidents in the state. Two persons--a father and a son travelling in a cycle were killed at the Kariyad Junction near Athani in Aluva. An Airbus going to Angamaly from Ernakulam knocked them down and sped without stopping.

In another incident, four persons were killed and two injured at Alummoottil near Kaniyapuram. The auto, which was on its way to the Medical College Hospital collided with a mini lorry and those dead, are identified as Swapna, wife of Prasad, her brother Pradeep, auto driver and his helper. The other two injured have been admitted to the Medical College hospital.

SSLC results Online

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Following sites would provide SSLC examination results from 1000hrs May 15.

http://www.keralaresults.nic.in

http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in

http://www.keralaeducation.org

http://www.keralaitmission.org

http://www.kerala.gov.in

This years pass percentage is 66.09. The higher secondary, vocational higher secondary results would be announced on May 16.

The students can get the total marks of them from the Interactive Voice Response System installed by BSNL. The students can dial 937222 and get the results of each districts. To get results of other districts corresponding code number should be used.

Common Entrance Examination Results

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Results Online: Click here for Engineering & Medical Entrance Examinations Results-2003 Online

Boys put up a good show in Common Entrance Examinations of state for 2003, bagging all the first five ranks in both medical and engineering sections.

Releasing the rank lists of the candidates who appeared for examination held in April this year, Education Minister Nalakath Soopy told newspersons in Thiruvananthapuram that classes for new batch of medical and engineering courses would begin towards end of September. Counselling for engineering courses would begin on June nine and that for the medical courses would follow later.

He said there were a total of 700 medical seats in government colleges and 200 seats in self-financing colleges. Total number of seats for engineering courses was about 17,000.

While a total of 15,911 boys and 24,751 girls appeared for the medical examination, 25,532 boys and 20,438 girls appeared for engineering examination.

Lashkar was planning bomb blasts in Kerala: Mumbai Police

Thursday, May 15, 2003

The Mumbai Police claimed wednesday to have foiled a nefarious design by Pakistan-based terror group 'Laskhar-e-Toiba' of carrying out a series of blasts in Kerala following the busting of a module and two arms training camps in the neighbouring Thane district.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Ranjit Singh Sharma told a news conference in Mumbai that the three LeT terrorists including two Pakistanis and a Kashmiri who were killed in an encounter with the Mumbai police here on March 29 were in touch with one of the arrested accused Noor Mohammad Abdul Ansari, who was trained in Pakistan, and had plans to carry out strikes in the southern state.

According to police sources, the Mumbai police was also in touch with their counterparts in Kerala and more arrests had not been ruled out.

This information was gathered following the interrogation of the 12 accused who had been arrested in connection with the sensational blast inside the Karjat-bound fast train at Mulund on March 13 in which 11 persons were killed and over 70 others injured.

During the last fortnight, Mr Sharma said, Crime Branch-CID sleuths have seized four AK-56 assault rifles, 250 hand grenades, one grenade with 'HE-36' marking made in Pune-based High Explosive Factory, three pistols, two revolvers, two hand guns, 160 live cartridges, 11 blanks, three pipe bombs and a huge quantity of chemicals.

One of the three pistols -- a Star-make - was said to be smuggled prior to the sensational blasts of March 12, 1993, in which 257 people were killed and 713 were injured.

The investigating team also sees a clear link between the blast at Ghatkopar (December 3, 2002), Mumbai Central (December 6, 2002), Vile Parle (January 27, 2003) and Mulund (March 13,2003) blasts.

"The targets were similar in nature, crowded places and the aim is to create terror", Mr Sharma noted.

Central team to visit Kerala next week to discuss forest land distribution to landless tribals

Thursday, May 15, 2003

A team of officials from the Environment and Forests Ministry will visit Kerala next week to discuss the modalities and conditions for allowing the State to distribute 12196 hectares of forest land to landless tribals, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony said in New Delhi on wednesday.

This was decided during the meeting Mr Antony had with Environment and Forest Minister T R Baalu today as a follow up of his meeting with the Prime Minister earlier this week.

The Centre has also sanctioned Rs 18.45 crore as the first instalment for the Pampa Action Plan, Mr Antony said. This would help to provide a cleaner environment to the Sabarimala pilgrims.

The Centre's in-principle clearance for forest land to be given to tribals was his major achievement as Chief Minister, Mr Antony said. The State Government had been persisting with its efforts to get clearance for this, he added.

The vested forests in Kerala were vested in the Government as part of agrarian reforms, under the Kerala Private Forest (Vesting and Assignment) Act, 1971. An area of 23,058.63 hectares of vested forest land was recommended by the Vested Forest Committee for assignment exclusively to the tribals in the State. This was much earlier to the enactment of Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The actual assignment did not take place due to litigations. These lands may even have to be reverted to original possessors for violation of the conditions of the 1971 Act.

The Kerala Government had sought legal opinion on this issue and the Centre has also examined its legal aspects. The opinion favoured transfer of land for distribution among the landless tribals, as demanded by the Kerala Government.

Mr Antony said the clearance would be subject to certain conditions to be fulfilled within ten years. The State would have to give some land it had taken over earlier through an ordinance. However, the Centre's clearance for distribution of land would come very shortly, he said.

Asked about his stand on banning Trishul (Trident), Mr Antony said there is no change in his stand against imposing any ban.

The Chief Minister called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi last night and apprised her of the steps taken on the Marad carrage issue.

Ms Gandhi is happy at the sorting out of problems in the Kerala unit following the Rajya Sabha byelections, Mr Antony said.

INTUC not to participate in May 21 strike

Thursday, May 15, 2003

The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) is to stay away from the May 21 nation-wide strike, called by central trade union organisations to protest against "anti-working class steps" of the Central Government.

Announcing this decision, taken at a recent working committee meeting of INTUC in Mumbai, at a news conferencein Kottayam on wenesday , Mr R Chandrasekharan, member of the central working committee, said this was in pursuance of the INTUC's efforts to show a new direction to the trade union movement in the country.

The working committee felt that the strike would not help reverse the policy of the Centre, he said.

Mr Chandrasekharan said that the Mumbai meeting also discussed the issue of preventing work stoppage in any form. This idea was to be debated in an all-union forum before arriving at a consensus, he said.

Demand to declare Ayurveda a National Medical System

Thursday, May 15, 2003

The Kerala State Government Ayurvedic Medical Officers Association wednesday expressed grave concern over the "apathetic attitude" of the government in the face of the traditional Indian system of medicine being "transplanted" to foreign countries.

To prevent such an eventuality, the association demanded that Central Government take immediate steps to declare Ayurveda a National Medical System and to obtain patent for all Ayurvedic procedures as an intellectual asset of the country.

The association also demanded in a statement in Kottayam that district Ayurvedic hospitals be freed from their present financial difficulties and the salaries of the state Ayurvedic medical officers be brought on par with central service Ayurvedic doctors.

The 27th state conference of the association would be held in Kottayam from May 16 to 18 to discuss these issues, it added.

International coconut summit in Kochi concludes

Monday, May 12, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: The five-day international coconut summit, which ended here on Sunday, adopted a 'Kochi Declaration' suggesting a series of measures, including efforts to popularise coconut and evolving an efficient marketing system.

The declaration adopted at the summit, which deliberated extensively various aspects and issues affecting the coconut industry, would be submitted to all countries producing coconut.

Dr K I Vasu, Chairman of the summit, who read out the declaration, said the first concern was the need to have viable farming system models for multiple benefits.

The summit also recommended that farmers organisations should be encouraged to undertake integrated processing of coconut for common benefit. Besides, a sustained effort for popularising coconut products in the non-producing states.

It had also recommended evolving efficient marketing mechanisms for tender coconut and to popularise health benefits of coconut kernel and oil.

Other points in the declaration include effective publicity to counter the propaganda against the edible use of coconut oil and other kernel products on a regular basis to widen the demand base in edible sector and strengthening of research on the biofuel applications of coconut oil presently being conducted in some research stations in the country.

On the strength of research findings already available in the country, the Centre should consider declaring coconut oil as a suitable alternative to mineral oil for use as automobile lubricant.

Indrani Sugathadasa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries, Sri Lanka, inaugurated the valedictory function of the summit.

The declaration also sought permitting of tapping and production of sap-based products, updating collection of basic information on Indian coconut industry and encouraging private sector to organise coconut farming on a plantation scale.

The summit felt that the local availability of husk had fallen short of demand for processing and recommended that research and development should focus on the development and popularisation of improved coconut varieties that give higher product recovery.

It also recommended increasing global coconut production to stabilise the coconut industry, establishment of one Industrial Development Centre for coconut either as an attached section of the Coconut Development Board or as an independent body, empowerment of women and constituting a special study team to conduct an evaluation study of the coconut development board to cover both the organisational structure and functional areas of the organisation.

Over 450 delegates, including some from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines attended the summit.

The summit honoured farmers Dr D R Prafulla Chandra of Karnataka, Rudraraju Sundra Rama Raju of Andhra Pradesh, R Ayyavoo of Tamil Nadu, Raghavan Pillai Vasudevan Pillai, T S Viswan and M K Kumaran Achari from Kerala, for their contributions in the field of coconut.

CM denies he is soft on Hindutva

Monday, May 12, 2003

PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Refuting the charge that he was being soft towards `Hindutva' forces, Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony on Sunday said he only believed in enlisting the co-operation of all religions, social and political sections for carrying out the UDF government's development agenda.

"My sole focus is going to be on the state's all-round development and I will be keeping off confrontationist politics," Antony said in an interview.

Antony wanted a new political culture in Kerala, wherein the opposition parties refrained from creating road blocks in the path of development.

Downplaying the differences in the Congress over the UDF government's reluctance to ban VHP's `trishul diksha' in the state, he said such problems should be tackled by evaluating the circumstances prevailing in a state. "I don't understand why they are distributing tridents and why some others are clamouring for a ban on it," he said.

Antony said the "matured and magnanimous" handling by the High Command had helped solve the problems which cropped up in the party state unit in connection with last month's Rajya Sabha polls, giving a chance to all factions to make a new start. On his rift with K Karunakaran, he said the senior leader should always be given a "margin" for his contributions to the party over the decades.

Describing the recent massacre of nine persons at Marad as `shocking,' the Chief Minister said all the culprits would be brought to justice swiftly.

Study to spotlight Kerala expats

Monday, May 12, 2003

DUBAI - A study on Indian expatriates from the southern state of Kerala was formally launched on Thursday by Dr Omar bin Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Internet City, at the Al Thuraya Hall of the Internet City. South-Indian superstar Mohanlal launched the web site www.Gulfkerala.com, through which a major part of the study will be conducted.

The study is being conducted by Baju George, Senior Manager for Commercial Properties at the Dubai Internet City, under the guidance of Dr B. Ramesh of School of Social Science, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sulaiman praised the initiative taken by Mr Baju and highlighted the UAE's historical economic and cultural relations with Kerala. "People from Kerala have contributed significantly to the Gulf's development. We have a large population of Keralite expatriates in Dubai and the UAE, and they have been noted for their hard work and dedication. In this context, the Gulf-Kerala study is a significant effort to explore various aspects of their life here," he added.

With the over 20 million Indian diaspore spanning the globe, the academic study, Mr Baju noted, has much relevance in the present context. "It is estimated that more than 3 million of them (non-resident Indians) are in the Middle East, and of these 50 per cent are from the state of Kerala," he said.

Mr Baju added that the remittance from expatriate Keralites is vital for the economy of the Kerala, and is estimated to be 2.55 times more than the budgetary support received by the state from the Indian government and further is equal to the annual state budget.

"Though migration is quite vital for the economy, the sociological and economic impact of this phenomenon has not been analysed and appreciated properly until recently. The only study conducted in the Middle East was the one conducted in the UAE in 2001, hence this study," Mr Baju said, adding that it will cover employers, recruitment agencies and Kerala workers.

"The study is expected to contribute much in terms of information, and assist the Government of Kerala and other relevant agencies to re-assess the whole scenario in the light of changing labour laws, ever-declining employment opportunities and varying skill demands" he said.

Mr Baju pointed out that though the number of Keralites in the Gulf region is estimated to be about 1.4 million, there is no database that provides information about them. "Since a major part of the survey will be conducted through the Internet, there are two major challenges: to attract respondents to the site, and to motivate them to answer. "To reach lower income groups, a printed questionnaire will be distributed in the region through the branches and associate offices of the UAE Exchange Centre," he explained.

He urged all Keralites of the region to take part in the study, which will conclude on July 31, 2003, and make it a big success. Respondents also stand to win gifts sponsored by supporters of the study.

UDF Govt to focus on development: Antony

Monday, May 12, 2003

Chief Minister A K Antony said his government would focus on allround development of state in the remaining three years of its term, steering clear of political confrontations.

"We have been able to take the state from the verge of total collapse, pessimism and despondency to a normal track in the first two years. Now my total concentration is going be on economic development and improving the quality of services," Antony told in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday a week ahead of UDF government's completion of two years in office.

State's financial credibility had been restored and a congenial investment climate created. This was evident from the flow of investement in education, Information Technology and tourism. Momentum would be kept up by focussing on implementation of projects materialised at Global Investor Meet (GIM) held in January, he said.

Antony felt that Kerala needed a 'new political culture', where all parties, including the opposition, refrained from creating roadblocks on developmental path.

"People wish for such an approach. Only the parties should change their mindset. On my part, I will be keeping off verbal duels with the opposition. They should also reciprocate," he added.

Antony said that government's immediate priority was implementation of GIM projects, reform of agricultural and traditional sectors and improving the quality of public services, including healthcare.

Denying that there was any delay in implementing GIM projects, he said all procedures had been streamlined.

"You know Kerala is a society of enlightened public opinion. The media is also alert. Even small lapses will be taken note of. While speeding up the schemes, all procedures have to be adhered to," he said.

Government had been able to remove misgivings of investors. But political parties, both the ruling as well as opposition, should also help. Hartals and bandhs on flimsy grounds should be avoided. "People also do not want these things and are keen on development."

Opposition parties were welcome to point out lapses on part of government. But that should not mean their responsibility was to create hurdles. "Let everybody learn lessons from changes happening around the world, as well as in other states in the country. It is time parties changed their style of functioning, which they have been following since Independence", he added.

Nedumudi Venu invited to Cannes

Monday, May 12, 2003

Versatile Malayalam film actor Nedumudi Venu, who played the lead role in Murali Nair's latest film `A Story That Begins At The End,' has been invited to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2003, scheduled to begin on May 14 in France.

The film has got entry to the `Un Certain Regard' category of the festival.

Nedumudi Venu told an English daily that he would leave for France on May 16 and join the director of the film at Cannes.

"Though an intimation about the invitation was received earlier, the documents reached here only yesterday," he said on Saturday.

The film, based on the short story `Arimpara,' written by acclaimed Malayalam writer and cartoonist O.V.Vijayan, allegorically portrays the socio-political impact of `emergency' in the country in mid 70s.

The film is yet to be screened in the State.

In Cannes, `A Story That Begins At The End' will be screened second next to the opening film `En jouant 'dand La Compagnie Des Hommes' directed by Arnaud Desplechin.

A total of 17 feature films in different languages have got entry to this session.

The other categories of the festival include In Competition, Out of Competition, Short Films in Competition and Special Sessions.

According to Venu, it is after a long time since he toured with late director Aravindan that he is going to attend a film festival in the West. However, Murali Nair is not a new face in Cannes as his earlier films `Such a long Journy (Oru Neenda Yathra') and 'Throne of Death' (Maranasimhasanam) were screened in Cannes in the recent years.

Lakhs witness Thrissur Pooram

Monday, May 12, 2003

Lakhs of people on Saturday witnessed the magnificent show of the world-famous Thrissur Pooram.

With sentimental attachment, they witnessed the divine durbar, the `kudamattam' in the evening with 15 tuskers each of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms, the `aalavattam' and the `venchamaram,' accompanied by the unending concerts of 'panchavadyam' and 'pandimelam', in addition to the two hour-long divine 'elanjithara melam'.

The Pooram of all Poorams, concentrated on the Swaraj round and Thekkinkad maidan encircling the Vadakkunathan temple, began around 6 a.m. on Saturday and would conclude at noon on Sunday.

Elephant processions taken out from the minor temples of the town and suburbs carrying their respective idols started gracefully moving to Vadakkunathan temple and marched out after paying respects to Lord Siva, the presiding deity of the town.

When the minors were about to conclude their `ezhunnallippu' the two majors - Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu - commenced their show.

The most enchanting sight of the morning hours was the procession from Thiruvambady, which emerged from the temple about 8 a.m. in a parade of three mighty tuskers through the Shoranoor road.

At the Naikanal junction, the procession moved to Brahmaswom Madhom, where the heads of the Vedic mutt played the hosts to Devi.

After an interval, the procession, known as 'madathil varavu' started again.

When the procession reached the Naikanal junction, it spread into a line of 15 elephants and moved southward to the Sreemoolasthanam.

Meanwhile, the glinting and glorious procession of Paramekkavu Devi started from her abode in a procession of 15 fully decorated tuskers at 12.30 noon.

This pageant entered the Vadakkunathan temple through the eastern gopuram of the temple and took its position near the temple theatre for the two-hour long 'elanjithara melam.'

After the 'melam', the processions came out through the southern gopuram for the enchanting 'kudamattam'.

The Thiruvambady side followed the suit and spread out their 15 elephants facing the Paramekkavu pageant.

The two arrays of elephants then stood facing each other for an hour-long divine durbar of 'kudamattam'.

After the divine durbar, the Paramekkavu Devi returned to her abode and the Thiruvambady Devi to Brahmaswom Madhom, for an interval till the night Pooram began at 10 p.m. again.

"Marad killings deserve CBI probe", - O Rajagopal

Monday, May 12, 2003

Marad carnage deserved to be probed by CBI as Centre has sufficient information about the involvement of islamic fundamentalist group, National Development Front in it and to also ascertain mounting allegations against a State Minister, representing an alliance partner in ruling UDF Government, Union Minister of State for Defence, O Rajagopal, said.

"The judicial probe ordered by the Antony Government can't enquire the case as effectively as the CBI since involvement of extremist forces from outside the state and country are suspected in the incident", he told reporters at Marad beach near Kozhikode on Sunday after visiting families of those killed in May 2 attack.

Centre had received strong information on NDF's involvement in attack, he said, adding accusations were also made against one particular Minister of Indian Union Muslim League, a partner in UDF. "Why allegations are mounting against one Minister while there are three other Ministers representing the League in the State Ministry?", Rajagopal asked.

"In these circumstances, only a CBI probe can identify the real culprits", he said, adding he wondered why UDF Government was still reluctant to order a probe by Central Investigating agency although there was near unanimity on the matter.

Rajagopal accused Antony Government of "total failure for not being able to chargesheet accused in communal clashes that claimed five lives at Marad in January 2002.

Although State Government had now initiated quick action relating to matters like disbursing solatium to affected and effecting raids in the area including a place of worship of minority community that resulted in seizure of large cache of arms, he said "many more issues remain to be addressed".

"The UDF Government should immediately clear the land identified at Beypore for establishing a Naval Coastguard Station there to ensure foolproof security in the coastal belt", he said, adding there were also charges that State Industries Department was "blocking" the clearance.

Claiming that several innocent persons had been arrested in connection with incident, Rajagopal urged UDF Government to ascertain facts and release them immediately.

Available reports also pointed to involvement of activist of CPM and Congress in the incident, he alleged.

Earlier, Rajagopal held discussions with leaders of Marad Araya Samajam, who told him that they did not believe that State Government could render justice in the matter and charged Antony with giving a clean chit to certain sections suspected to be behind the attack.

More weapons unearthed in Marad

Monday, May 12, 2003

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch, probing into the violence that hit Marad on May 2, has arrested six more persons in connection with the killings, taking the total number of arrested so far to 58.

Those arrested on Saturday are P P Saleem, 29, Saidhalavi, 23, T P Musthafa, 28, P P Latheef, 22, K Rafi, 32 and T P Jefrilas, 22. They were produced before the Kozhikode First Class Judicial Magistrate Court V and were remanded to judicial custody for 15 days.

The accused have been chargesheeted under various sections of the IPC, including 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (attacking) and 153 A (disrupting communal harmony) read with 149 (gang attack).

The Police, which began a massive search for weapons in the volatile areas in the district on Saturday in the wake of Marad violence, unearthed four powerful pipe bombs from a compound near a place of worship at Othiyil coming under Nadapuram police station limits.

The bombs, packed in a plastic cover concealed under a granite piece, were found from the compound of Othiyil Anthru, near the 'srambi' used by Muslims to offer namaz.

The police, however, said it had been long since prayers were offered in the 'srambi' as there was another mosque nearby. Nobody was arrested in this connection.

The rural police led by SP T Vikram have tightened their patrolling across the sensitive areas of Nadapuram apart from the coastal areas. The police are also conducting a round-the-clock sea patrolling between Chombala harbour and Koyilandy.

Security has been tightened at Payyoli Beach and Koyilandy Chungam where several relatives of the victims of Marad violence reside.

Meanwhile, police team led by City Police Commissioner T K Vinod Kumar conducted a house-to-house search for weapons at Chaliyam, another coastal village to where the Crime Branch also have widened their inquiry.

``But no weapons have been unearthed from the area so far. The searches would continue tomorrow,'' Vinod Kumar said.

Compensation given

Meanwhile, the district authorities on Saturday disbursed cheques for Rs 95,000 each to the kin of eight victims of Marad violence.

District Collector T O Sooraj, RDO P Balan and other officials, who reached Marad Beach in the morning visited the houses of the victims and handed over the cheques.

The State government had promised a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of those killed in the violence and a sum of Rs 5,000 each was disbursed earlier.

The compensation promised to the family of Asgar, the lone Muslim who was killed in the violence, has been temporarily withdrawn as Asgar figures in the list of the accused.

Meanwhile, women of various Muslim families at Marad, who had fled the area after the violence, reached the place to collect their belongings from their houses in the midst of rumours that their houses were being looted.

Rural Development Department computerised

Monday, May 12, 2003

Rural Development Department in Kerala has been fully computerised with internet facilities with objectives to speed up development work, avoid delay and to ensure transparency, State Minister for Rural Development C.F. Thomas said in Kochi.

He told a news conference that 152 blocks, 14 District Rural Development Agencies, department's headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and Minister's office had been linked by computers.

Thomas said computerisation would also help monitor utilisation of Central funds for rural development work. Central fund received by State totalled Rs 150 crore last year, besides assistance from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development(NABARD).

Central allocation is expected to double during the current year.Thomas, who is also in charge of Registration Department, said 114 of the 302 sub-registrar offices in State had already been computerised.

A New Climax for `Thilakkam`

Sunday, May 11, 2003

When Dileep came to know that his Vishu release Thilakkam after a fantastic `initial` is taking a beating at the box-office, he called for an emergency meeting.

Distributor Swargachitra Appachen, director Jayaraj and Dileep decided to remove a scene from the climax! In the original, it was Nishant Sagar, the negative character in the film who persuades Unni (Dileep) to accept Ammu (Kavya) as she was waiting for his return. But now this has been changed and instead Unni`s foster father played by Nedumudi Venu hands over Ammu to Unni. Nishant Sagar is totally eliminated from the climax, as Dileep feels that the audience did not like it.

Even after a day`s re-shoot Thilakkam has not been able to attract the crowds like Dileep's earlier films. This will be his first film in the last 18 months to be a loser at the box-office.

Mammootty - On A Roll

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Mammootty is on a roll after his Chronic Bachelor has been declared the number one film among the Vishu releases. But still the industry is reluctant to give him the full credit and instead lavishes praises on its director Siddique, the man with the ‘midas touch’.

Still Mammootty soldiers on, as he looks younger and younger day by day. Take a look at the Pattalom stills – he looks dashing and debonair. His heroines this time are Jyothirmayi and a new girl Tessa (see pic), both in their early twenties!

The secret of Mammootty’s success is his disciplined lifestyle and strict diet. Added to that he is also giving freedom to other actors in his films to perform to their capacity, which improves the final product (film).

If he had allowed Mukesh, Harisree Asokan and Innocent in Chronic Bachelor to hog the show, in Pattalom it will be Jagathi Sreekumar and Salim Kumar who will bring the house down. In fact Mammootty is teamed with Jagathy after five years for this film. Director Lal Jose who is now hot after the success of Meesa Madhavan is confident about his film.

Mammooty - Jagadi together again

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Even a casual observer world have noticed a very strange phenomena - in the recent past, almost all Malayalam films have had Jagadi in it. Probably the only exceptions were Mammooty films.

'Ilavakkodu Desham' was the last film in which the two appeared together.

Jagadi literally runs from one set to another. There were speculations about his absence in Mammooty films for the past five years.

Both have probably decided that time had come to end the gossips. That's why they'll be acting together for the first time in 5 years in 'Pattaalam'.

SSLC result likely on May 15

Sunday, May 11, 2003

The pass percentage of this years SSLC examinations is 66.36 per cent and the result is likely to be published on May 15.

The SSLC examination board meeting has decided to give a subject moderation of 20 marks and part moderation of 15 marks.

According to sources, the moderation marks were decided to ensure that at least 60 per cent of the students passed the SSLC examinations. The pass percentage without moderation is 49 per cent.

The examination committee also decided to publish the results before the earlier announced date of May 20. However, a final decision in this respect would be taken only on Monday after consultation with Education Minister Nalakth Soopy.

Mobile phone majors announce new tariffs, services

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Following the Interconnect User Charge regime implemented by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), cellular majors have all announced new tariffs and introduction of new services.

Bharti Cellular Ltd’s AirTel has announced up to 44 percent reduction in prepaid plans as well as reduction up to 65 percent for outgoing local calls. Rates for long-distance calls have also been reduced up to 60 percent.

BPL Mobile has, meanwhile, announced four new tariff plans to suit different usage needs and have reduced monthly rentals to Rs 349. There will be no separate airtime or PSTN charges, and BPL will offer composite rates making tariffs simpler. Free included minutes for mobile to mobile calls within Kerala is now up to 999 minutes for BPL Mobile users.

Escotel has launched free Voice Mail Service on it’s Let’s Talk prepaid cards. The facility, which was so far available only to postpaid customers, has been extended to prepaid customers too. To activate the Voice Mail Service, the customer needs to dial 201 and divert his calls to 929-9847xxxxxx, where 9847xxxxxx is his 10-digit mobile.

To customise the mail settings and to retrieve the messages, the customer has to dial 222 and follow the prompts. Messages can also be retrieved from the land line by dialling 9847020202. There are no activation or monthly charges for the service.

Middle East Television opens bases in Kerala

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Indian expatriates-owned Middle East Television (MET) is expanding its base in India with the opening of two TV studios in Kerala.

The studios will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The channel also plans to open studios in Kozhikode, Mumbai and Delhi.

MET, owned by five Keralites based in the Gulf region, mainly targets Malayalam speaking people but it has programmes in other languages also.

Bahrain based Ali Hassan, channel chairman, said on Monday: “Thirty percent of our programmes are English based. We have Tamil programmes and are planning slots for programmes in other Indian languages besides an hour's programme in Arabic.”

Dubai Media City-based MET beams programmes into 165 countries and is the only Malayalam channel that boasts of a presence in Africa. It was launched in November last year at a cost of Rs.250 million.

John Thomas, managing director of MET, said here: “We are working out with people in the US for the distribution of our channel in that country, where there is a considerable Malayalee population.”

The expansion into Kerala is basically to strengthen the channel's news network. Currently news is being telecast from its Dubai office and in due course, Kerala may become the hub of news and news based programmes.

“Our aim is to bring Malayalees residing in different parts of the world under one umbrella through our channel. We expect to break even in three years. We have just begun and are still in the infancy period, so we do not intend to compete with existing Malayalam channels,” said vice chairman Soman Baby.

Channel officials say one of the biggest advantages they have is the difference in time zones.

On Thursdays and Fridays, holidays in the Middle East, the channel focuses on a bouquet of programmes for that region and on Saturdays and Sundays it concentrates on holiday viewers in Kerala.

“This (time zone differences) is good as far as marketing is concerned and for advertisers too,” said Sudhir Kumar, executive director in charge of marketing.

Bahrain based businessman Ravi Pillai is a director of the channel and the fifth stakeholder in the venture apart from Hassan, Baby, Thomas and Kumar.

Kerala to be India's partner state for DSF 2004

Sunday, May 11, 2003

The South Indian state of Kerala will be the partner state at the Indian pavilion for the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2004.

Announcing this at a joint meeting convened by the Kerala government and Indian Association Dubai, Professor K. V. Thomas, Kerala's Tourism Minister, said this will boost the scope of tourism not only in Kerala, but in the whole of south India. The agreement towards this has been signed between the state and Indian Association.

Thomas was here as part of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the apex travel fair in the region. The themes like cultural heritage of India, with a special emphasis on Kerala, Islamic culture, the age-old trade relations between Kerala and Arab states, etc, will figure prominently at the Indian pavilion of DSF, which is considered to be one of the world's largest trade festivals.

This will be the first time Kerala is becoming the team state for India at the DSF, which was represented by Rajastan during 2003 DSF, and Andhra Pradesh during the previous year. "The trade relations between Kerala and Arab peninsula is more than seven centuries old. Moreover, Indians are the majority nationals in this part of the world, which is again dominated by non-resident Keralites (NRKs), and this amply explains why Kerala should be the team state at DSF," Thomas added.

K. C. Singh, Indian Ambass-ador to the UAE, who has been instrumental in encouraging Kerala to be the team state for Indian pavilion this year, was also present at the function. T. Balakrishnan, Kerala's tourism secretary described the new trend emerging in Kerala's tourism industry, where the U.S and European tourists are being outnumbered those from the Arab World, especially from the GCC.

Thomas said Kerala is rendering importance to the growth of the tourism industry more than ever. Several tourism projects have been earmarked for the coming future. He said that Kerala state has all the potential to become one of the world's top tourist destinations.

Speed governor must for heavy vehicles from Sept

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Speed governors have been made compulsory for heavy vehicles plying in the State from September 1.

A notification to this effect was issued in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The decision has been taken as part of the government's efforts to check the rising number of road accidents in the State.

Vehicle owners should attach the speed governor equipment having AIS 018 quality. The owners should get the equipment certified by STA/RTA. The instruction to use speed governor would be included in the permitted records.

The equipment would help the drivers to maintain the vehicle speed below 60 km per hour. This would also yield fuel efficiency, the notification said.

The notification has been issued in the wake of the findings that most of the accidents in the State were due to over-speeding and careless overtaking.

Adivasi Gothra Sabha Yatra begins today

Sunday, May 11, 2003

The vehicle rally organised by the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha, as a prelude to the launching of their next phase of agitation, would begin from Wayanad on Sunday.

The Yatra would travel through various centers of the state before ending in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on May 31.

Gothra Sabha leaders CK Janu and M Geethanandan told a press conference in Kannur on Saturday that the next phase of the agitation would be announced in Thiruvananthapuram on that day.

They hinted that Muthanga and Aralam farm would remain the main centres in the planned agitation too.

Meanwhile, reports from New Delhi said that the national SC/ST Commission would visit Muthanga once again during this month, as part of their probe into the Muthanga firing incident.

The Commission sources said that during their two-day stay in the state the Commission members would hold discussions with officials and Gothra Sabha leaders.

Chullikad slams cultural leaders

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Famous poet Balachandran Chullikad has come down heavily on cultural leaders in Kerala for their lack of sympathy and concern for the victims of Marad massacre of May 2.

In a statement issued in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, Balachandran alleged that the cultural leaders preferred silence to action since the attackers were Muslims and they took shelter in a mosque. He said that it was a crime on their part to respond to such incidents on the basis of religious identities.

He said that such tendencies would only result in the growth of extremism and anti-Muslim attitude in the Hindu community.

All set for 'festival of festivals' Thrissur Pooram beginning on Saturday

Saturday, May 10, 2003

The stage is set for Thrissur pooram, the festival of festivals, which will culminate in a grand spectacle of fireworks in the wee hours of May 11 after a day-and-night carinval of colours beginning from the morning of Saturday.

Dating back to two centuries, the Pooram spirit takes off with the convergence of processions from eight temples in and around at the famous Vadakkumnathan temple located on a hillock in the heart of the city.

The splendour and splurge of the festival became a virtual treat to eyes and ears when the completing sides -- Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi devaswoms -- line up face-to-face with their caparisoned elephants exhibiting colourful umbrellas to be changed in quick succession to entrancing beats of percussion orchestra. The spectacle showcasing 15 elephants on each side is known as "Kudamattam" or change of parasols.

The pooram, drawing a huge crowd from far and wide cutting across religious and regional barriers, was started in 1798 through a royal proclamation by prince Raja Rama Varma -- popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran -- of erstwhile Kochi state.

BJP seeks CBI probe alongwith judicial inquiry on Marad violence

Saturday, May 10, 2003

BJP's Kerala Unit has demanded that the Antony Government immediately order a CBI probe into the recent violent incidents at Marad that claimed nine lives in addition to the judicial probe.

"Let the judiciary carry out its probe, but the Crime Branch inquiry ordered by the Government earlier can't be impartial in view of the growing allegations of involvement of an ally of the UDF in the incident," party's National Executive member and State President-elect, P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters.

"Only a CBI investigation can reveal suspected involvement of extremist forces from outside the state and country," he said.

Alleging that preliminary enquiries by police had already revealed suspected involvement of members of an alliance partner of the ruling UDF, he said "a judicial probe will not only be time-consuming but also can't go into the rootcause of the attack as effective and as quickly as the CBI."

"One-sided attacks carried out on members of a particular community are hitherto only heard of in Kashmir, but that culture has now spread to the state," Pillai alleged, adding the Government should not bother to protect one of its allies anymore by refusing to order a CBI probe.

"In fact, the suspected ally itself must come forward to seek a CBI probe if it wants to absolve itself of the charges made against it," he said.

More than 512 universities accredited by NAAC

Saturday, May 10, 2003

More than 512 universities accredited by NAAC

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous institution under the University Grants Commission (UGC), accredited more than 250 universities/colleges during 2002-03, taking to 512 the total number of accredited higher education institutions in the country.

The union human resource development ministry in January this year recommended to all colleges to undergo assessment by the NAAC. The ministry has also suggested that the UGC evolve a system for linking grant with assessment and accreditation and work out a mechanism to provide incentive to institutions accredited by the NAAC.

The NAAC, which started the accreditation process in 1998 has so far accredited 512 institutions of higher learning all over the country, including 251 in 2002-03, the highest in a year, an NAAC release said here.

The accreditation process involves the prepartion of a self-study report and its validation by a 'peer team', comprising expert technical analysts, through on-site visits.

More than 300 assessors comprising sitting and former vice-chancellors, professors, deans and principals have been involved in the accrediting process, NAAC said.

Comprehensive reports on the strengths, weaknesses and areas of concern and opportunities of these institutions have been presented by the NAAC.

Among the states where the NAAC has accredited insitutions are Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Karnataka, Madya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab.

Three people die in jeep-bus collision in Kottakkal

Saturday, May 10, 2003

Three poeple have died in a jeep-bus collision in Kottakkal in Malappuram district.

The jeep was carrying betel leaves when it collided with a KSRTC bus by about 6 a.m. on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Alavi (55), Abdul Karim (40) and K Alavi (50).

One person who was seriously injured has been admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College.

BJP state unit accuses Antony of trying to undermine Marad probe

Saturday, May 10, 2003

BJP accuses Antony of trying to undermine Marad investigation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has accused Chief Minister A K Antony of trying to undermine investigations into the May 2 Marad massacre that left nine dead and has reiterated its demand for a CBI probe to expose those involved in the carnage.

Party State General Secretary P K Krishna Das has alleged that the Chief Minister is trying to protect a major constituent of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly after available evidences clearly indicated of its role in the incident.

The BJP suspected Antony's intentions and urged him to correct it before it was too late.

Answering a question, Krishna Das asserted that the crime branch investigation and the judicial inquiry would not help bring out the facts and that was why the party was insisting on a CBI probe.

The BJP, he said, would organise an agitation in the state to press its demand for a CBI probe and, as part of it, the party would organise district level fast on May 12.

Nizhalkuthu

Friday, May 9, 2003

It is the early 1940s; India is on the cusp of Independence.

In a remote village in Nagercoil, on the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, lives Kaliyappan (Oduvil Unnikrishnan), official executioner to the state of Travancore.

It is a family profession, handed down -- by royal decree -- from father to son.

He performs a vital function for the state, yet the state is uncomfortable with his proximity. Thus, while he is given a house and lands, it is outside the boundaries of Travancore, far enough removed so that he does not have to mingle with people he may have to hang one day.

Kaliyappan is the protagonist, and fulcrum, of Adoor Gopalakrishnan's latest film, Nizhalkuthu (Shadow Kill). Around him revolve a cast of characters swept into the vortex of Kaliyappan and his macabre profession.

There is his unobtrusive, understanding wife, Marakatam (Sukumari); his elder daughter, Madhavi (Tara Kalyan), and her husband, Vasu (Murali), out to get as much out of her father as they can; younger daughter, Mallika (Reeja), newly come to puberty and discovering the joys of calf love; son Muthu (Sunil), young, idealistic, an active participant in Gandhiji's freedom movement; and, crucially, a host of villagers ambivalent in their attitude towards Kaliyappan and his profession.

At one level, the villagers feel a tinge of contempt for a man who lives off the deaths of others; at another level, superstition runs deep -- the villagers believe the hangman is touched by divinity.

The rope used for hanging is woven by inmates of the prison; when its work is done, the hangman takes it home and hangs it in his puja room above the icon of the family deity, Durga.

It is universally believed that if a strand from the rope is burnt, the resulting ash can cure anything from fever and cold to epilepsy and beyond.

The various characters swirl and eddy through the story, but the focus is firmly fixed on the hangman himself. He is a disillusioned man; aware that the last time he plied his trade, the man he executed turned out to be innocent.

He stares -- like Lady Macbeth in a lungi -- at his hands and wonders what it will take to wash off the sin. Adding to his angst is one of those tricks that the state, everywhere, plays to absolve itself of responsibility: the maharaja is the ultimate arbiter of life and death; it is he who sentences a prisoner to death and summons the hangman to do the deed.

The maharaja however keeps a written pardon ready – and, on the day of the execution, dispatches it so that it arrives after the deed is done. The official pardon is then read out over the body of the executed one -- in one stroke, the maharajah has cleansed himself of guilt and transferred it to the hangman.

So who, and what, is he? Is he a functionary carrying out the orders of the state, or is he that most abhorrent of men, one who murders so that he and his family may live? Is he guilty, or innocent?

During the day, he seeks answers within himself to the questions that increasingly torment him; at night, Kaliyappan seeks escape from those answers in alcohol; he finds however that the demons of the mind can swim with ease even in a sea of arrack.

So the story builds, to the day the herald of the maharaja arrives in the village to summon the ailing Kaliyappan to perform another execution.

On this thread, Adoor Gopalakrishnan hangs a story of guilt and of redemption; of freedom and entrapment; of individual and collective responsibility.

In terms of craft, the film is, in a sense, typical Adoor: the set-up is slow, with the trademark touches of understated humour that counterpoints, and throws into stark relief, the turbulence to follow.

The pacing, too, is classic Adoor: a swift series of events propel the story forward from the starting line; then the story is put in limbo while the director concentrates on slow, almost languid, character development; then follows another swift sequence of events followed by another period of limbo, and so on.

Nizhalkuthu, like the previous eight films in the Adoor oeuvre, is intense, gripping, and disturbing; it discomfits you, it fills you with questions long after the screen has turned dark and the theatre has emptied.

Yet there are differences between this latest film and his previous works; a very obvious one is his use of some classic clichés of mainstream cinema.

There are the extended, loving shots of lush paddy fields dancing gently in the breeze; thus the picture postcard settings against which the innocent romance of two young lovers is played out; or the recurring shot, almost a signature, of a portion of the roof of Kaliyappan's home, bordered by the closely twined fronds of palm trees or the extended shot of three women bathing in the temple tank.

There is, too, in this film a greater use of, and reliance on, the externals -- notably lush cinematography; also evocative music by no less than the maestro, Ilayaraja.

The clichés don't do much for the film; the externals -- even, at times, the majestic score -- pass unnoticed as the film sweeps you up into its vortex. On the odd occasion, the pace -- or lack thereof -- distracts; it allows the mind to wander, confident that it can go walkabout for a bit and return without having missed anything of significance.

To tell his story, Adoor assembles a quality ensemble cast led by Oduvil Unnikrishnan. The veteran actor has, for decades now, distinguished himself with his portrayal of characters both solid and funny; here, he raises his craft to a different dimension with an evocative portrayal of the angst-ridden hangman.

Supporting Oduvil are the likes of Sukumari as the wife, Tara Kalyan and Reeja as the daughters, Sunil as the son, Murali as the son-in-law, and Nedumudi Venu and Vijayaraghavan as jailers. Most of them are seasoned actors; Adoor gets them to raise their personal bars and perform at a higher level.

Yet, there is in the film symptoms of a filmmaker nearing his personal perfection; signs that, over 32 years, he has honed his craft to as near pitch-perfection as he is capable; that his period of experimentation is over and that any film(s) that follow will, technically, tread the path broken by this one.

Nizhalkuthu, in the final analysis, comes across as a masterwork; a film that seeps in through the eyes and envelops the mind and doesn't let go.

CREDITS
Cast: Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Sukumari, Reeja, Tara Kalyan, Sunil, Murali, Sivakumar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Indrans and others.

Story, script, direction: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Production: Adoor Gopalakrishnan Productions

Co-production: Artcam International, Paris, with the support of the Fonds Sud Ministere Francaise de la Culture Centre, National de la Cinematographie Ministere des Affaires Etrangers, the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Montecinemaverita Foundation, the Swiss Agency For Development and Cooperation, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Cinematography: Ravi Varma, Sunny Joseph

Music: Ilayaraja

Karunakaran cautions govt on VHP's Trishul Diksha

Friday, May 9, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram, May 09 - Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran said the state government has to take into consideration sentiments of other communities while formulating its stand on Trishul Diksha by VHP.
He was reacting to reporters' queries on State government's resolve not to ban trident distribution in the state on the ground that a decision on matters like this had to be taken after considering the circumstances in the respective states.

Karunakaran, while welcoming the state government's decision to order judicial inquiry into the Marad carnage that claimed nine lives last week, said the government should take urgent steps to check the recurrance of such incidents.

Terming as "dangerous" the recovery of weapons from a place of worship, Karunakaran said police alone would not be able to prevent such incidents. "Meetings had to be carried out at other levels also", Karunakaran said.

Assembly session to begin on June 16

Friday, May 9, 2003

Assembly session to begin on June 16
7/05/2003

The monsoon session of the state Assembly would begin on June 16, Chief Minister AK Antony informed in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

The session would last upto August 21, he said.

The Chief Minister also informed that discussions with the representatives of various service organisations would be held on June 11 in Thiruvananthapuram.

The state government has also decided to hold the annual conference of district collectors on August 25 and 26.

Govt takes over Marad Juma Masjid

Friday, May 9, 2003

The Kozhikkode district authorities on Thursday evening, formally took control of the Marad Juma Masjid, where a large cache of weapons, used for the communal killings of May2, was seized in the last two days.

The mosque was formally taken by the revenue authorities and other officials in the presence of local representatives, after listing out the valuables and other articles owned by the mosque.

District Collector T O Sooraj camping in the area, told reporters that the issue of granting permission to conduct Namaz in the mosque, would be decided after getting advice from the State Advocate General.

Meanwhile, the police on Thursday seized more weapons, including swords and gelatin bombs from the riot-torn Marad beach.

The weapons were seized from the premises of a house owned by one Zacharia, police said. The search for more arms are continuing in the area, with the help of dog squad and metal detectors.

The crime branch authorities probing into the communal carnage, meanwhile, continued to interrogate the 83 people arrested in connection with the incident. According to sources, the investigators have got valuable information about the conspiracy and planning prior to the mass murder.

Karunakaran gives clean chit to IUML

Friday, May 9, 2003

Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran on Thursday said that the Indian Union Muslim League, led by Shihab Thangal had immensely contributed to maintaining communal harmony in the State after the demolition of Babri Masjid, and the party could not be held responsible for Marad massacre.

Karunakaran, who returned on Thursday from New Delhi, was speaking to journalists at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram.

The congress leader welcomed the judicial probe into the incident but said that there was intelligence lapse on the part of the Antony government.

Karunakaran also added that he was not ready to believe the claim of Chief Minister A.K Antony that His Government would bring to justice all the culprits in the recent Marad violence.

``The same government had failed in this aspect when violence hit Marad 14 months ago,'' he pointed out.

Karunakaran, who chided the DGP for claiming that the Marad massacre was not communal, urged all political parties not to raise allegations and counter-allegations on the violence.

He also demanded that the police take strong action to end storing of arms in places of worship.

'Tech Towers' to be commissioned shortly

Thursday, May 8, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: 'Tech Towers', the Rs 20 crore multi-functional business centre project being set up here on the lines of Tidal Park of Chennai, is expected to be commissioned by this month end, according to the promoters.

The project will be "launched" by the Kerala Industries and IT Minister, P K Kunhalikutty, on May 10.

The towers, claimed to be the tallest structure in Kerala when completed, would combine a synergy of strengths - the global resources of advanced control technologies, world class solutions and services, Roy M Mathew, chairman, Mini Muthoottu, the project promoters, told reporters here.

Malayalam film industry wants action against piracy

Thursday, May 8, 2003

PTI

KOCHI: Malayalam film industry has urged the Kerala government to crack down on audio and video piracy.

Representatives of Malayalam film industry would meet Chief Minister A K Antony on May 9 and submit a memorandum seeking urgent action against those indulging in piracy, top Malayalam actor Mamooty, president of the Kerala Film Producers Association V C George and MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association) Chairman K G George told reporters here.

A day after any Malayalam film hits the screen, the pirated video CDs are available in the market, making a severe dent in the industry's profits, they said.

All sections of the industry would work together to stop the piracy of video CDs, Mamooty said and warned that strong action would be taken against those who continue to indulge in piracy.

According to existing laws, piracy of video CDs was a non-bailable offence. But many were unaware of it, they said, adding, the Tamil film industry was also going through a similar crisis.

With video CDs being available, people were hardly turning up at theatres to watch films, causing huge losses to the industry, they said.

Relief for Marad victims' families

Thursday, May 8, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Wednesday sanctioned a relief of Rs one lakh each to the families of those killed in the violence at Marad in Kozhikode on May 2.

The amount, released from the chief minister's relief fund, would be made available to the kin of the nine victims of the violence through district collector, Kozhikode, an official press release here said

Judicial probe ordered into Maraad carnage

Thursday, May 8, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram, May 07 - The UDF ministry today ordered judicial probe into the violent incidents that occurred in Maraad resulting in the death of nine people. Chief Minister A K Antony told.
The Crime Branch investigation that has already begun will continue. They will be asked to complete the investigation as fast as possible, Antony said.

The major talk in the Cabinet meeting was Maraad. The government's steps after the incident were scrutinised.

The CPM led opposition was adamant on a judicial probe into the issue and the BJP had asked for investigation by the CBI. The need for judicial probe was strong from other centres as well.

News channel from Kairali TV

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

BANGALORE: Popular Malayalam television channel Kairali will be launching a dedicated news channel in August.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, Kairali chief operating office Kumar said the channel will also put together a forum for viewers. "It has been 3 years since our inception and we are already breaking new ground and are allotting Rs 100 crore for the news channel," said channel director Ajayan.

With over 2,45,000 shareholders and 60 per cent share in Kerala market, Kairali has consolidated its operations in the Middle East, Australia, Europe, Africa and the US.

Four killed in road accidents in Alappuzha

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Four people were killed and one was injured in separate road accidents in Alappuzha since Monday night.

A Kochi-based lawyer Sajan(33) and his wife Radhika(32) were killed on the spot when their car collided with a Super Fast bus of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation at Cherthala. While their four-year-old child escaped unhurt, another occupant was injured.

In other incident, two people were killed when their car collided with a tanker lorry at Kakkazham, near Ambalappuzha. Deceased were identified as Devadas and Pramod hailing from Mavelikkara.

BJP reiterates demand for CBI probe into Marad killings

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

BJP's Kerala Unit reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into Marad killings saying Crime Branch probe ordered by UDF Government "cannot be impartial".

"The Crime Branch investigation may not be effective as there is a growing suspicion that one of the alliance partners in the UDF ministry is involved in the incident", BJP State President, C K Padmanabhan, told reporters in Kozhikode on Tuesday.

Muslim League, having a strong presence in area, was well aware of pre-planned sudden attack that left nine dead and therefore Crime Branch police would not be able to carry out investigation effectively, he alleged.

BJP would continue to demand a CBI probe into the attack, he said, adding party would organise a statewide agitation on May 12 in this regard, he said.

Centre to help set up Coastal Police Force in Kerala

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Centre would help Kerala Government in setting up a Coastal Police Force in the state to "effectively" deal with violent incidents in the coastal areas, Chief Minister A K Antony said on Monday.

Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami assured Antony of Centre's help in setting up the force when the latter made an appeal to this effect during their discussions here.

Briefing reporters on the talks, Antony said the scheme was under preparation and would soon be submitted to the Centre.

He apprised Swami, who earlier in the day visited the Marad beach where nine persons were killed by unidentified miscreants on Friday, of the prevailing situation there and the steps being taken by the UDF Government on the issue, Antony said.

Antony also informed Swami that the UDF Government was initiating stern action to end violent acts and would not tolerate "political interference" in the matter.

Protest against telephone charge hike

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Communist Party of Indian (Marxist) and Democratic Youth Federation of India activists yesterday organised state-wide agitation against the hike in telephone tariffs. Huge mass participation was reported in almost all centres.

CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the BSNL office march at Thiruvananthapuram. Vijayan warned that the government would have to face more protests if government did not reduce the hiked rates. He alleged that BJP led union government is researching how to keep the people under pressure. The common man cannot afford the rate hike, and in Kerala telephone is not a luxurious object.

CITU state secretary Anathalavattom Anandan, CPM district secretary M Vijayakumar, Mayor Prof J Chandra also spoke. CPM leaders V Sivankutty and C Jayanbabu lead the march from Martyers column to the BSNL office at PMG junction.

Centre to seek detailed report on Marad killings

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

The Central Government will seek a comprehensive report from the State Government on the gruesome killings that rocked Marad on Friday claiming nine lives and leaving many others injured.

Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami told mediapersons in Kozhikkode on Tuesday that the Centre would ask the State government for a detailed report on the attack.

Besides, Swami himself would be submitting a report before Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, who also holds the Home portfolio. ``The Centre has every right to ask for such a report,'' he asserted.

Asked whether a Crime Branch inquiry was adequate, he said the State government had the right to decide on the investigating agency. ``The Centre could order a CBI inquiry only if the State government makes a request,'' he added.

Swami, however, lavished his praises on Chief Minister A K Antony for initiating an investigation to nab the culprits and effective steps to unearth weapons even from the premises of a mosque.

``The Chief Minister has also assured compensation for the victims and their rehabilitation. The steps taken by the State government, so far, is satisfactory,'' he said.

The Minister, who visited Marad and the Kozhikode Medical College where the injured are undergoing treatment on Monday, said there was still fear lurking in their minds on whether they would be able to lead a peaceful life in future.

``The question has to be addressed immediately and I have requested the Chief Minister to take confidence building measures,'' he added.

Reiterating on the possible ISI links to the attack, Swami said the State was indeed a fertile ground for their activities. ``The Marad incident could be an eye-opener.'' But we cannot jump to conclusions at this juncture and only a comprehensive probe can bring out the truth, he added.

Chief Minister calls for a new beginning

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

The Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, has expressed concern over the rising trend of violence in the State and called for a renaissance movement transcending the barriers of politics and religion.

"We boast of being the most literate and culturally developed State. But what we see in real life is the rise of the culture of settling scores. This was what had happened in Marad now," the Chief Minister said while inaugurating the annual day celebrations of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi in Thrissur on Tuesday.

``I'm not trying to undermine the role of the Government and the police in preventing such mindless violence. The police has an important role in averting such acts.''

"Putting the entire blame on the police is an escapist route. That will not help us find a solution to the problem", he said.

Emphasising the need for introspection by all sections in society, the Chief Minister said there was no point in finding fault with others for the trend of violence that was getting entrenched in Kerala society. ?

``What is needed is a movement cutting across all barriers to bring in reformation. Those who indulge in violence should definitely be punished, and let the police and courts take the steps for ensuring the rule of the law. We should also launch a massive initiative for countering the culture of revenge, violence and cruelty," the Chief Minister said.

He distributed the Akademi awards for total contribution to Malayalam literature to M. K. Sanu, R. Narendraprasad, S. K. Marar and I.K.K. Menon and the other awards to M. P. Veerendrakumar, U. A. Khader, M. C. Nampoothiripad, Neelan, and Sreemolanagaram Mohan.

International Coconut Summit from Wednesday

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

KOCHI: A five-day comprehensive International Coconut Summit would begin here tomorrow.

There has been tremendous response from the coconut community for the mega event with over 500 delegates including those representing almost all the major coconut producing countries expected to participate in it, K I Vasu, Chairman of the summit, said.

Despite coconut being a key plantation crop of the world and often a deciding factor in the employment and economy of many countries, it was yet to get its rightful place, he said.

It would have seven sessions in which various issues plaguing the coconut industry would be discussed threadbare. The deliberations are expected to be focussed on multi-cropping pattern, technological innovations, diversification of products, entrepreneurial endeavours and policy issues to create a confident and prosperous coconut community.

All these deliberations would be incorporated in the 'Kochi Declaration on Coconut' and would be presented to all coconut states and coconut countries, he said.

Along with it an exhibition having participation from various sectors like plantations, the coir, oil, consumer products, the food products, medicinal products, handicrafts, the furniture and various popular items in overseas countries would be displayed at the trade fair.

Marad violence: Sonia asks Antony to deal it with iron hand

Monday, May 5, 2003

NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has directed Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony to deal with the communal situation in Marad with an "iron hand."

Political Secretary to the Congress president Ahmed Patel who has been given the charge of Kerala affairs in the recent reshuffle talked to A K Antony and KPCC Chief K Muraleedharan who have visited the scene of violence. Ahmed Patel told mediapersons on Saturday that Antony and Muraleedhran have been asked to submit a report to the AICC. The Congress High Command is also finalising the names of the team to be sent to Marad. Patel informed that he has also talked to other senior leaders of the State including K Karunakaran and P C Chacko.

Talking about his new assignment Ahmed Patel stated that Kerala was not new to him. He has earlier handled the charge of Kerala for about one-and-a-half years during the tenure of former Congress President P V Narasimha Rao. "I am aware of the Kerala situation and also well-versed with the State leaders," remarked Ahmed Patel. Ahmed Patel said that as a Political Secretary whose one of the assignments would be to look after the Kerala affairs, his priority will be to strengthen the party for the polls, whenever they are held. He would try for the better coordination between the party and the government and programme implementation will be given due attention.

Ahmed Patel said that he would be finalising his plans to visit Kerala after talking to senior leaders in the State. He said that his priority would be to maintain discipline in the party but if there would be "genuine grievances" of some partymen, he will always look into them. However, he would not like the partymen going to the press to air their grievances.

Group meetings should not be encouraged especially when they are for destruction activity," Ahmed Patel remarked. Talking about the role of AICC General-Secretary Ambika Soni who has been divested of the charge of Kerala affairs, Ahmed Patel praised her for "handling well" the crisis in Kerala. He said that official candidates won the elections in Kerala and no damage was done to the party, as well. In reply to query that both the factions in Kerala had their own spokespersons, Ahmed Patel said that he would look into the matter to ensure that there was only one spokesperson for the party.

'Assailants escaped in boats'

Monday, May 5, 2003

KOZHIKODE: Many a lucky men who escaped unhurt during the gruesome killings that hit Marad on Friday are yet to recover from the shock. And Thekkethody Ramanan is no exception.

He trembled while describing the fateful evening: ‘‘We were seven men just relaxing at the Swami Mutt on the northern side of the Sagara Sarani Road. One woman came running and informed us that some youth armed with swords and other weapons were encircling us. The only option before us was to flee with our precious lives.’’

Ramanan along with two other men escaped. ‘‘Just glancing back while fleeing for my life I saw them (the assailants) mowing down Madhavan, Pushparaj and his brother Santhosh,’’ Ramanan is choked for words. And who were the assailants? Ramanan’s version disprove the police version that dismissed any outside intervention. ‘‘We were attacked by a gang of 30 youth aged between 20 and 22 and most of them strangers. Some of them escaped to the sea using fibre boats,’’ he said.

Devadas, the former president of the local unit of the Araya Samajam and member of the peace committee in Marad could not believe that such a thing could ever happen in Marad again, after numerous rounds of discussions to establish a lasting peace in the trouble-prone area. ‘‘There was absolutely no provocation for the attack, not even a petty quarrel. Both sides used to sit together and discuss the issues till last month,’’ he said.

Devadas, who escaped unhurt in the attack says it was sheer luck that saved his life. ‘‘A group armed with knives, swords and axes suddenly emerged on the southern side of the beach and started hacking all those who came on their way. Our men were sitting on the beach, relaxing after day’s work,’’ he said. The attack was indiscriminate. Even the aged were not spared. The police party stationed at the aid post could not prevent the fury of the mob. ‘‘I ran for cover and intimated the Police Commissioner over phone. By that time the gang had finished their job,’’ he said.

The police party had to face stiff resistance from the crowd. ‘‘When I reached the scene, the victims’ side was preparing for a retaliation. Around 250 armed men were surging to the other side of the road for attack. We fired in air, used rubber bullets and tear-gas shell to bring them under control. Had they crossed the road to reach the other side, the result would have been a massacre,’’ City Police Commissioner T K Vinod Kumar said.

Extremist clouds gathering on Kerala horizon?

Monday, May 5, 2003

Kozhikode: The meticulously-planned gruesome massacre of eight people belonging to a particular community has pushed unwelcoming dark clouds of communalism and extremism over the horizons of Kerala, so far hailed as a beacon of amity and harmony.

True that literate and level-headed Keralites have witnessed stray and isolated incidents of the nature in the past. But the Marad Beach, where nine sturdy fishermen were axed to death in a mere 30-minute time on Friday, symbolises much more, portending bad omens for all those who crave and work for peace.

For one, it is the largest by its nature in the State. What's more, it was a ''revenge killing'' on the same plot of land, mocking peace-makers and the ruling machinery. Equally significant is the fact that it has taken place just 16 months after a similar riot, which left six dead on the shore.

The nature of the guerrilla-like act, though the conspiracy is yet to be uncovered, gives an impression of involvement of some extremist forces. And a sense of revenge writ large on the victim community, aided by the Sangh Parivar, signals dark days ahead, if the Government fails to act stern.

On the evening of May two, heavily armed men in splinter groups pounced on fishermen belonging to a particular community who were relaxing on the shores after the day's work. In no time, the indiscriminate attack left nine dead and scores injured.

''It was a preplanned sudden attack which lasted for just ten minutes. Apparently, it seems to be revenge killing,'' says City Police Commissioner T K Vinodkumar.

Antony visits Marad Beach, promises firm action

Monday, May 5, 2003

Antony visits Marad Beach, promises firm action

Chief Minister A K Antony on Sunday asserted his Government would take firm and quick action against culprits behind Friday's attack in Marad beach near Kozhikode which left nine persons dead.

A K Antony began the damage-control efforts by consulting different leaders, officials and visiting affected areas to personally take stock of the situation, in a bid to restore peace and contain the fallout of Marad violence.

However, agitated members of fishermen community blocked CPM delegation led by State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan from visiting homes of deceased in the morning.

Chief Minister who landed in Kozhikode on Sunday morning soon went in for high-level discussions with senior police officials, district collector and cabinet colleagues who are camping at Marad.

Cutting across political lines, he consulted leaders of other parties and communities besides proceeding to visit families of the victims in Friday's attack, spurning advise of police in the backdrop of resistance to CPM leaders.

Stressing that he was open to all suggestions before taking a decision,Chief Minister said he had talks with veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran who had hit against the police policy after the incidents, Opposition leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Union Minister O Rajagopal, among others, over phone besides meeting local leaders.

"As the Chief Minister I cannot run away from the people. I am going to listen to them fully before taking any decision on the kind of inquiry," he told newsmen, while commenting on police advise not to visit the place.

Emotional scenes were witnessed as weeping women who lost their breadwinners in the attack recounted the stories of woes. They recalled the looting and arson took place during and after violence.

"No amount of compensation can make up for the death of our men," a woman choked with emotions yelled to the Chief Minister. They also complained to him about the inaction on the part of the police. Giving a patient hearing, Chief Minister went around all the homes, especially of those who lost men in attack.

Police had thrown a massive security net in place for his visit, especially after CPM delegation led by State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayn were blocked by agitated locals from visiting homes of deceased. Delegation had to cut short their visit after they were greeted with `go back' slogans and mob resisted from allowing them entry into the homes.

RSP(B) condemns Marad violence

Monday, May 5, 2003

RSP(B) condemns Marad violence

RSP(B) state conference which is being held in Kochi condemned violent incident at Marad beach near Kozhikode, which had claimed nine lives and demanded state government to bring to book the people behind the incident without any delay.

In a resolution passed at conference, it demanded government to take stringent action against those responsible for violent incident.

Resolution also urged government to take effective steps to put down violence.

Resolution was moved by RSP(B) state acting secretary Prof A V Thamarakshan.

Victims' kith and kin vent anger at CPM leaders

Monday, May 5, 2003

Victims' kith and kin vent anger at CPM leaders

CPM leaders visiting Marad beach, where nine persons were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants on Friday night,had to face the wrath of kith and kin of victims of violence on Sunday.

Relatives of one of those killed refused to allow CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Kotiyeri Balakrishnan to visit the house of one of victims of violence.

Embarrassed leaders left the area in a huff without talking to mediapersons present.

RSS demands CBI probe into Marad carnage

Monday, May 5, 2003

RSS demands CBI probe into Marad carnage

Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS)asserted that friday's Marad carnage that killed nine people in Kozhikode district was the result of "a carefully planned violence executed by fundamentalist forces as part of a deep rooted conspiracy" and demanded a comprehensive CBI inquiry to trace designs and links behind it.

Addressing a media conference in Kochi, RSS Kerala Pranthakaryavah (state secretary) A R Mohanan said incident, which was similar to what had been taking place in border areas like Kashmir, was "designed by fundamentalist forces to eliminate those opposed to the creation of safe pockets for smuggling and dumping arms into the state".

Recalling the note of caution delivered by Major General Anoop Singh Jamwal, General Officer Commanding, Southern Region, during his address at top level civil-military liaison conference held at Thiruvananthapuram on April 3, of Kerala's vulnerability to the threat of Pakistan's ISI to get a foothold in southern states and need to nip threat in bud, Mohanan said Marad incident was a clear case of state government's utter failure to take due note of Military officer's stern warning.

He said state Director General of Police K J Joseph had even made a vain attempt to trivialise the incident by giving it a communal colour in order to save the face of government and to protect those inolved in planned massacre which had no parallel in Kerala in recent times, adding that simultaneous attempts were made both from sea and land to prevent even fishermen in the vicinity from reaching shore to save victims from attacks in which a fisherman had lost his eye.

Mohanan said Marad incident was a case of "ethnic clensing" in this part of the country and refused to view it as a mere law and order issue.

He wanted government to identify those inolved in the incident and to ensure that innocent victims were not be haunted in the name of governmental action especially in context of seizure of large quantities of lethel weapons and arsenals from a place of worship in vicinity.

It was also a duty of government to create an atmosphere congenial for the people who had fled area to return and live there peacefully, he said and demanded payment of adequate compensation to next of kin of those killed, the injured and those who lost their dwellings.

Welcoming the statement of Muslim League state President Panakkad Muhammedali Shihab Thangal condemning the incident, he hoped that Thangal's reaction would not be confined to mere statements but reflect in his deeds as well.

RSS, Mohanan said, had decided to organise state-wide Janajagran programmes on Monday to press its demands for early restoration of normalcy in the locality and to force government to pay compensation to the victims of carnage and sought co-operation of all sections of the society in its efforts in this direction.

The CBI again!

Sunday, May 4, 2003

Oru CBI Diary Kuripu was a path-breaking Malayalam film in the 1980s. A murder mystery without any songs, it was a huge success. Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer, a CBI officer, gave an excellent performance. The success of Oru CBI Diary Kuripu prompted the director K Madhu to make the sequel Jaagratha, which also was a success, though not as big as the first.

Now, the same team is making a second sequel, Sethurama Iyer vs Sethurama Iyer.

Arvind Swamy firm on retirement

Sunday, May 4, 2003

The success of Mani Ratnam's Roja (Madhu, Pankaj Kapur) turned Arvind Swamy into a teenage heartthrob overnight. After a few years in the film industry, he got bored with the adulation and quit to concentrate on the family business.

Recently, there were reports of his return to films through a Malayalam movie helmed by an unknown director.

Swamy's only Malayalam film to date is the late Bharatan's Devaragam with Sridevi.

The former actor, however, scotched all rumours through a press release: 'I am, at this point in time, not considering acting in any movie as I do not have the time or the inclination to do so. I am fully involved with my multinational business.'

Mohanlal

Sunday, May 4, 2003

Mohanlal's latest film Mr Brahmachari has fared well at the box office. The initial response to the Vishu (Malayalam New Year, April 15) release, Kilichundan Mamabazham, from the Mohanlal-Priyadarshan team has also been encouraging.

Mohanlal, who has just returned from a vacation in the United States with his family, will be working on Geneva-based filmmaker Anup Singh's Malayalam movie. Singh earlier directed the award-winning film on Ritwik Ghatak, Ekti Nadir Naam (The Name Of A River) in Bengali.

The Malayalam star speaks to Shobha Warrier about his career, the Malayalam film industry, life beyond films, and his new business:

You have played a superman in most of your latest films.

All those filmmakers tried to ape one success, of Narasimham. Several films of the same genre came after that. They thought a film like Narasimham would be a sure hit.

But why did you agree to do repetitive roles?

I generally have confidence in my directors. I never argue with any director. When they say something will click, I believe them. Usually what happens is, when they tell you the story, it sounds good. But once you start shooting, you realise that it is not shaping up the way you expected it to.

If you take the last few films which did not do well, you will see they were directed by top directors; the stories were written by top scriptwriters. If those films had done well, you would have seen more such films.

People tell me, Lal, we will make a film like T P Balagopalan MA, Gandhi Nagar 2nd Street. My question is, why should you make a film like my earlier films when those are there for people to see?

Did you, at any time, realise that you were falling into a trap?

I did. But there are no good Malayalam writers. Priyadarshan makes good films because he is a good writer. That is not so with others.

It has been ages since Srinivasan wrote a script for me. Several of my huge hits were written by him, including Kilichundan Mambazham.

After playing superhuman characters, how did it feel acting as an ordinary person in Kilichundan Mambazham?

I do not find any difference. Acting is my profession; I enact all roles with sincerity. Still, working with Priyan for Kilichundan Mambazham was a good experience.

The film was made beautifully, with a lot of care. But after that, I have not started shooting for any film. People tell me stories, but, unfortunately, nothing excites me these days.

Do you feel frustrated?

Oh no, not at all! That is not my nature. I do not analyse my films or career. I have always felt that an actor has to be extremely fortunate to get good stories, directors and technicians. I had the good fortune to work with some very great people in the last 22 years, but I must tell you, I never planned anything. They just happened.

Similarly, whatever has to happen in future will also happen.

Recently, when I was sitting with Srinivasan, a journalist asked, what has happened to the old Mohanlal? Srini replied, 'All of us, including Mohanlal, are at a crossroads, not knowing which direction to take. We have to decide which way we want to move.'

Why does Anup Singh want to make a film with me? Because he wants to make something different, something which most Malayalam filmmakers do not want to do these days. There are no new filmmakers.

I was telling him that even after 20 years, I work with the same directors.

Are you at the crossroads of your career?

Frankly, I have no problem. Anup Singh came from Geneva to make a film with me. Satish Menon from Chicago [whose first Malayalam film Bhavam won the Kerala State Award for this year's best film] wants to make a film with me. So, things are happening for me. I am always happy to do these kinds of films.

Why do you think new filmmakers are not entering the field? Do you not encourage new people?

I love new projects! But I do not know why we do not see new blood. There are many new directors in the Tamil film industry making new kinds of films. But there is no attempt to make different films in the Malayalam film industry.

Some say you need money to make experimental films. If it is a good attempt, we are ready to support such endeavours. After all, we have been in this profession for over 20 years.

You once said hits and flops do not affect you. That was when most of your films were doing well. Now that your last films have not done well at the box office, how do you feel?

I will answer your question with all sincerity. I don't feel bad at all. My last few films were made by successful directors like Joshi, Thampi Kannanthanam, Shaji Kailas, etc. Still, the films did not do well.

Do you think it is my fault?

But those films were described as Mohanlal films. When the films flop, people say a Mohanlal film flopped.

Yes, I know that. What I can do now is select stories with utmost care. But a director can make a good story look horrible on screen. Ultimately, it all depends on the ability of the director to make a good film.

In fact, many of my films started with absolutely no script. When you ask for the script, they say everything will be ready on the sets. I have even fought with some directors for the script.

Nagesh Kukunoor's Bollywood Calling makes fun of such filmmaking.

What he has depicted in the film is not an exaggeration; it is the truth. I have had the same experience many, many times in the last two decades [laughs].

Have you decided to stop producing films, after Vaanaprastham?

Yes, but that does not mean that I will not produce films anymore. You know, I am in Vaanaprastham mode now. I may go for sanyasam [laughs].

A new generation of actors in their early twenties has entered the Malayalam film scene. Do you feel old in front of them?

Is it not part of life to grow old and die one day? Why should anyone worry about growing old and feel sad about it?

I have lots of grey hair in my beard and I have no qualms about others seeing them.

Finally, what made you start a chain of restaurants?

Like films, this venture, Mohanlal's Taste Buds, also happened. We will come out with a lot of branded products like masalas and pickles. We have identified around 300 products. The bottle labels will have my face on them.

So far, actors have lent their faces to perfumes and beauty items. I may be the first actor brand of masalas and pickles! Whenever women open their kitchen shelves, they will see my face! Isn't that great?

(Source: Rediff.com)

Abhirami

Sunday, May 4, 2003

Malayalam actress Abhirami has been the talk of the town ever since Kamal Haasan signed her for his ambitious new film, Sandiyar.

Abhirami was just 13 when she acted in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Kathapurushan. When she returned as an adult, she failed to match reigning queen Manju Warrier's overwhelming popularity.

Abhirami switched to Tamil, where her first film Vaanavil opposite action star Arjun, was a big hit. Again, though, she was never as popular as the Tamil industry's top three actresses -- Devyani, Jyothika and Simran.

Things are looking up for her since she signed Sandiyar, Abhirami tells Shobha Warrier:

Tell us about Sandiyar. How did this movie happen?

One fine morning, I got a call from Kamal Sir saying he wanted to cast me in his film.

It was a big surprise. Only after I hung up the phone did I realise Kamal Haasan had called me and offered me a role.

Later, there was a photo-session after which he said, 'You are in.' It is a demanding role. I am really excited about the film.

In Sandiyar, you are playing a woman staying in a village. In reality, you are an urban girl. Will it be difficult?

I don't think I will have any difficulty. I acted as a villager in a 100-episode Malayalam serial, Akshaya Patram, by director Sreekumaran Thampy. My character was very poor and had a rural background. Her age ranged from 16 to 45 years. I played the mother of a 24 year old in it. So I am at ease playing rural characters.

I am not tense about my character in Sandiyar. But I am a little bit tense about working with Kamal Sir. I have been a fan of his since I was a small kid. I used to see him on screen and then, there I was, sitting next to him and reading lines with him. It will take a couple of days for the excitement to settle down.

Why do you think he selected you for the role?

I really don't know. I have asked myself this question several times but I have no idea (giggles).

Most Kamal Haasan films include intimate kissing scenes.

It is not war, only love. Many people have done such roles. Why should I make a hue and cry about it? When Kamal Sir is making a movie, he will not make it look vulgar. If you look at his films, you will see those scenes are not repulsive at all.

How did your first film as an adult happen?

I stopped acting after doing a child artiste's role in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Kathapurushan [Vishwanathan, Mini]. Later, after my schooling, I started hosting a show on the Asianet television channel [Pepsi Top Ten]. It was quite popular. It was because of the show that I got the call to act in Patram [Suresh Gopi, Manju Warrier].

You are concentrating more on Tamil films. What is the reason?

I had acted in Jayaraj's Millennium Stars [costarring Jayaram and Biju Menon, it released on January 1, 2000]. The costume designer of the film was a leading designer in Tamil films. He recommended my name to director Manoj Kumar. That was how Tamil films happened.

I started getting more offers in Tamil. I don't know why they say there is a dearth of actresses in Malayalam. I didn't get that many offers from Malayalam films and whatever offers I got were uninteresting.

I have a modern image, which doesn't go well with the Malayalis. In Kerala, people are still very orthodox. Maybe, I don't have a typical Malayali face.

When did acting become your profession?

After the release of Njangal Santhushtaranu [opposite Jayaram], many people told me I did the role well. I realised I could too could act.

There is something about this film industry. It sucks you into it. It may be the fame. It may be the money. Whatever it is, you don't feel like leaving it.

How come you aren't working with younger Tamil heroes like Ajit and Vijay?

I don't know. There was nobody to guide me. I come from a totally non-filmi background. Both my parents are bankers.

Coming back to the films I did, all the roles were good. Though I was cast with senior actors, I earned a name as a good artiste.

Now, I would like to do something more vibrant and in tune with my age. I am getting a few youth-oriented offers, especially in Telugu and Kannada. I just finished a campus film called Charminar in Telugu opposite Venkat. My Kannada film also has a young feel.

Considering you have acted in all South Indian languages, how different was it acting in each language (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada)?

Acting is subtle in Malayalam and Kannada. It is a little louder in Tamil and Telugu. It all depends on the director.

Sonia condemns violence in Kerala

Sunday, May 4, 2003

New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asked the Kerala government to bring to book those responsible for the communal violence at Marad Beach in which nine people were killed.
"I am most pained and distressed at the eruption of communal violence in Marad in which a number of people have been killed and even more injured", Gandhi said in a statement.

"I am confident that the state government will bring the culprits responsible for this gruesome tragedy to book expeditiously and will provide every assistance to the affected families", she said.

"I am also confident that the state government will strive its utmost to prevent the recurrence of such episodes everywhere but especially in sensitive areas", she said.

Gandhi expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the violence.

The Congress president said for centuries, Kerala has been a beacon to the rest of the world showing how people of different religions and faiths can live together in amity and harmony.

Kerala's achievements in social welfare have also been remarkable, she said adding "all this makes the Marad episode even more disturbing"

AICC's 'soft posture' appears to embolden Karunakaran

Sunday, May 4, 2003

If Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony's remark yesterday that the latest problems within the Congress party in the state are almost resolved can be taken at face value, there is unlikely to be any harsh measures by Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi against those who worked against the official candidates in the recent Rajya Sabha polls.

Antony would not comment on what face-saving formula Sonia would devise, but the general reading is that the rebel group in the party backing veteran leader K. Karunakaran will get away with little more than a private reprimand.

"The high command is not afraid to take action against anybody," All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Vayalar Ravi asserted in Kochi yesterday, but added that the party's problems are normally solved internally.

The remarks by the chief minister and Vayalar Ravi appear quite timid compared to the strong speculation that existed even a week ago about the likelihood of strong measures by the party high command against Karunakaran's group.

Now, as the ripples of the controversy surrounding the Rajya Sabha polls recede, the Karunakaran faction appear to be on a consolidation drive, notwithstanding the fact that it is only emerging from a potentially dangerous brush with the party bosses.

Karunakaran himself has let his group's latest position known, with another critical remark about the state government that he made yesterday. Addressing Indian National Trade Union Congress (Intuc) workers here in connection with May Day celebrations, Karunakaran said the government which held the Global Investors Meet (GIM) with much fanfare ought also to solve the problems faced by the poor workers in the state's ailing plantation sector.

Karunakaran's group got some indirect support from the Sree Narayan Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam leader Vellapalli Natesan who said yesterday that the "good-for-nothing" Antony government should go.

"We have been hearing promises and tall claims by this government for two years, with nothing being accomplished. It is better that this government goes, and another one is elected," Natesan said.

Apparently emboldened by the Congress party chief's soft posture, the former chief minister's group members met at Karunakaran's residence here yesterday and has chalked out plans for group meetings in all districts.

Distressingly for the chief minister, two of his cabinet colleagues, Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan and Health Minister P. Sankaran are also attending the Kerala strongman's group meetings. Their increasing confidence is also apparent from the reported move to exclude Tourism Minister K.V. Thomas and M.P. Gangadharan from the group's meetings in future.

CM to visit Marad on Sunday

Sunday, May 4, 2003

Chief Minister A K Antony will visit the riot-affected Marad beach on Sunday, official sources said in Thiruvananthapuram.

Antony will board the Malabar Express on Saturday evening and reach Kozhikkode the next day morning. From Kozhikkode the Chief Minister would be taken to the Marad beach were nine persons were killed on Friday night in sectarian violence.

The Chief Minister's office informed that orders to take strict action against the culprits have been given to the district authorities.

BJP demands CBI probe into Marad violence

Sunday, May 4, 2003

New Delhi: BJP on Saturday demanded a high-level judicial inquiry and a CBI probe into Friday night's violence near Kozhikode in Kerala in which nine persons were killed and urged the Centre to rush a Home Ministry team to ascertain full facts.

Alleging that the state, under the Congress-led UDF government, was turning into a hub of terrorist activities, BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement here that most of those killed were RSS and BJP activists.

He said the indiscriminate killing of fishermen belonging to a particular community was a direct result of the "protection" being provided to separatist and anti-national forces by the ruling Congress and Muslim League. "BJP is deeply concerned over the developments," he said adding the attack was one-sided and totally unprovoked.

Civil Service Exam: Third rank for Kerala girl

Saturday, May 3, 2003

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Aswathy.S has secured the third rank in the civil services examinations 2002. She was also the topper among the women candidates. The results were officially announced on Friday.

``I was confident of getting into the civil services but never thought I will be among the toppers,'' she told this website's newspaper on Friday.

A native of Aranmula, Aswathy had her schooling in an ordinary government school where she studied in Malayalam medium up to SSLC. ``I am happy that I have disproved the general belief of parents that English medium schools alone can help their wards achieve top honours in life. But I strongly feel that a good base in one's mother tongue helps one gain in confidence and capacity,'' she said.

It was this faith and determination that prompted Aswathy to choose Malayalam as her second optional for the Civil Service examination.

`` I used to read a lot, especially Malayalam literature. Though many had advised me against taking Malayalam as an optional on the ground that it was the least scoring, I decided to take the risk,'' she said.

Aswathy has been an achiever throughout her academic career securing first rank in BA and MA in Economics. Apart from studies, she was actively involved in extra-curricular activities. While doing her BA at B K College Amalagiri, Aswathy was elected chairperson of the college. She had won prizes in Malayalam recitation, mono act and kathakali at the State-level.

Aswathy obtained her MA from Madras Christian College and M Phil from the Central University at Hyderabad.

As for preparations for the civil services examination, Aswathy attended special tuition classes for Economics and Malayalam. Besides, she attended the classes at Centre for Career Development Studies (CCDS) here for the general studies paper.

``I was never a book worm and never followed a fixed schedule for studying. I studied whenever I felt like but that I did with total concentration,''she said.

Asked what attracted her to the IAS, she said: ``To be frank, it is the social prestige attached to the civil services that generated the interest in me. Besides, I feel that it offers tremendous opportunity for one's career advancement. Moreover, it also enables one to make a positive contribution towards society.''

Aswathy, whose role model is Kiran Bedi, said that her parents had a great influence on her personality. Her father K.Sivadasan Nair is the Pathanamthitta District Congress Committee president and also the president of the Kerala State Agriculture and Rural Cooperative Bank. Aswathy's mother P.R.Lalitha is professor of Malayalam at DB College, Parumala. Aswathy's sister has just finished her graduation.

Basically a fun-loving person, Aswathy defines herself as a very sincere person with a tinge of diplomacy. ``I love politics and keenly watch every political development,'' she said ,while hastening to add that she had no intention of joining politics.

FACT decides to close down urea plant

Saturday, May 3, 2003

KOCHI: The ailing fertiliser company FACT has virtually decided to close down its urea plant at Kochi division permanently, considering the production loss that is likely to be incurred if it resumes functioning.

The urea plant was re-opened last year after extensive repair amounting to almost Rs 60 crore after a rupture in its boiler. But it was closed along with other plants in FACT as the company was hit by severe working capital shortage early this year.

According to highly placed sources, with the recent decision of the Centre to slash the subsidy on urea, the company has calculated that it will lose Rs 1500 per tonne if the company continues with the plant which engages old technology. The Kochi division of FACT began its operation with urea plant way back in 1971. It has a capacity of 1000 tonne per day.

This will mean that FACT will be left with Factamfos, ammonium sulphate and caprolactam to sell. FACT owes its popularity partly to urea. It has been instrumental in bringing FACT and farmer closer as the product is still quite a popular fertiliser in South India.

The sources said the company is likely to reconsider the decision to close down the urea plant only in the case of a change in the government's policy on urea. As the company has been identified for disinvestment, the new owner may also have a different idea on the plant.

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to redeploy the 600 workers employed in the urea unit. The decision taken by the management today to retrench the 190 casual workers at Udyogmandal division, it is understood, is to accommodate some of the employees in the urea plant.

With the management suddenly deciding to limit the retirement age of the employees appointed before 1978 from 60 to 58, nearly 156 workers are on the way out. There are in all 674 workers in this category. Of this another 70 will superannuate by the end of this year.

The decision has effectively reduced the employee strength to 4,252. With the 1,359 managerial staff, the total strength is 5,611 now. Around 300 satff will retire this year from all sections. The retirement age of the officers were cut to 58 last year leading to an exodus. The superannuation age of all other employees is already 58.

Meanwhile, the trade unions are planning action against the management decision to reduce the retirement age, which they say is in gross of violation of an earlier agreement. FACT Employees Association general secretary M S Sivasankaran said, besides, agitation it is also planning to approach the court.

Seven killed in clashes on Marad beach of Kozhikode; city tense

Saturday, May 3, 2003

Tension gripped Kozhikode and surrounding areas after seven people were killed in a clash between two groups of people on Marad beach.

The clashes occurred over fishing rights on the beach which has seen some tension and violence in the past. Five people died last year in clashes.

Senior police officers leading a strong posse of police are camping in the area to prevent further violence.

Among the deceased are Gopalan (50), Santhosh (22), Chandran (40), Madhavan (65).
Eight people were killed and 14 injured in clashes involving two communities at Maraad beach near Beypore on Friday night, police said. The clashes broke out around 7 pm. Police fired several rounds in the air to scare away the violent mob.

Police said the trouble was sequel to a series of clashes in the area in January 2002. The immediate provocation for the violence in the sensitive Maraad area was not known.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area. A strong contingent of police personnel had been posted there.

The deceased were identified as Gopalan (40), Chandran (40), Madhavan (65), Krishnan (40), Pushparaj (45), his brother Santhosh (22), Dasan (60) and Askar (25), police said. He bodies were brought to the Kozhikode medical college hospital.

The injured were being treated at the medical college hospital. Many of them are in a critical condition.

A heavy posse of police personnel, led by IG (north) Venugopal K Nair, rushed to the area, where the situation was tense, police said. The injured included some women, they said.

The state chief minister A.K. Antony said the violence will be strictly dealt with. Condemning the incidents at Maraad, Antony said all people involved in the cruel and inhuman violence should be arrested and brought before law. Though the incident is brutal, all sections of the society should come forward to maintain law and order in the state in the interests of the public, Antony said.

Initial reports said that the clashes began when a 40-member gang from outside the area attacked some people who were sitting near the Vettakkorumakan temple. Male members of the nearby families were out in the sea for fishing. The injured were left to die as nobody dared to go to their help. They were taken to hospital after police arrived in the scene and fired in the air to disperse the attackers.

The attackers also looted some shops and attacked with swords and sickles whoever came on their way. Crew of some television channels were also threatened by some gangs.

Maraad beach, located in the Beypore police station limits, had witnessed widespread clashes in the past and five persons were killed in the communal clashes that broke out over a year ago.

BJP calls for State-wide hartal

Saturday, May 3, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party called for a 12-hour State-wide hartal in Kerala to protest against the killing of five of its activists at Marad in Kozhikode.

BJP sources, however, said essential services would be exempted from the hartal from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs.

Congress spares rebel faction

Saturday, May 3, 2003

The Congress high command on Friday evening decided not to take any action against the rebel faction led by senior congress leader K Karunakaran, for fielding a rebel candidate in the Rajya Sabha election .

The much awaited decision of the congress president was conveyed by congress Head quarters in New Delhi.

Earlier Report

Karunakaran rushes to New Delhi again

Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran has rushed to New Delhi, following an urgent summons from the Congress high command on Friday.

Karunakaran boarded the flight from Thiruvananthapuram on Friday afternoon, on receiving a message from Congress president Sonia Gandhi, conveyed to him by AICC general secretary Ambika Soni.

He is scheduled to meet Sonia and other leaders later in the day.

Karunakaran's latest visit to New Delhi comes at a time when the Congress high command is expected to announce its decision any time, on the crisis that gripped the state unit of the party following Rajya Sabha nominations.

As reported earlier, the high command was expected to drop disciplinary actions against the rebels to avoid further damage to the image of the party in the state and at the national level. Instead it would issue a series of directions aimed at strengthening the party unit and to avoid the occurrences of such incidents in future.

However, some reports on Friday suggested that the Congress president has taken a serious view of the actions and utterances leaders belonging to the Karunakaran faction in the last couple of days. The Congress leadership feels that their decision to strengthen the group activities at the grass-root level in the state, would only vitiate the atmosphere further.

Rs 75 lakhs to counter SARS threat

Saturday, May 3, 2003

The state cabinet also allotted Rs 75 lakhs to take various countermeasures to tackle the threat raised by SARS. Antony said that he high power committee formed for the purpose has started functioning.

Administrative Reforms committee report approved

The state cabinet on Wednesday also decided to implement the eighth report of the State Administrative Reforms committee after discussion. Earlier a cabinet subcommittee had cleared the report that focus on decentralization.

Announcing this at the post cabinet meeting press conference, the Chief Minister said that the training programmes for all officials above the rank of Block development Officers would be conducted on a regular basis. Once the report is implemented, the functioning of the government would become more speedy and efficient, the Chief Minister said.

The cabinet meeting also approved the proposals submitted to modernize the KSRTC.

Matsyafed housing loan written off

The Chief Minister also said that the government has decided to write off the remaining part of the housing loans distributed by the Matsyafed to the fishermen in the state.

KINFRA signs MoU with Creative Infocity Inc.

Saturday, May 3, 2003

The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with M/S Creative InfocityInc, based in Florida, U.S.A.

Dr.Gopala Pillai, Managing Director of Kinfra and Anupam Saxena of Creative Infocity signed the MoU. I.T.Secretary Aruna Sundarajan, CEO Technopark, Mahalingam and Suresh Babu, General Manager, Kinfra were present.

Dr.Gopala Pillai informed after detailed discussions with them that a JVC will be formed within 90 days. He had requested the management of Creative Infocity to explore further establishing a knowledge city, which will be not just a real estate, but creating a society in itself. Anupam Saxena mentioned that their CEO Dilip Barot from U.S.A. will visit us shortly and take it forward.

Both parties agreed to create a joint venture company (JVC). Initially Creative Infocity will be taking more than 76% equity in the company.

Chief minister Antony says state will set up nuclear power projects to meet power needs

Saturday, May 3, 2003

Chief Minister A K Antony has said the government will consider setting up nuclear power plants in the state to meet increasing power needs.

He said while inaugurating the augmentation schemes of the Sabarigiri power project and Moozhiyar power station that the state faced problems taking up new hydel projects because of environmental objections.

The chief minister said the government was actively considering private participation in small hydel projects.

Electricity minister Kadavur Sivadasan presided over the function.

No disciplinary action against erring Cong MLAs in state

Saturday, May 3, 2003

Apparently adopting a "forgive and forget" approach in the politically-sensitive Kerala, Congress President Sonia Gandhi decided not to initiate any disciplinary action against erring party MLAs and retained PCC President K Muraleedharan in his post bringing the curtain down on K Karunakaran-led revolt in the recent Rajya Sabha polls.

Arvind Swamy to act again in a Malayalam film titled "Kinave"

Friday, May 2, 2003

When he was just about moving up the ladder after some high profile films with some high profile directors, he suddenly packed his bags and quit the scene. And just when the world was slowly forgetting him, he is now making a comeback in a Malayalam film.

But, that is Arvind Swamy for you. Always something of an enigma. Though the handsome actor was not having the best of runs in filmdom when he, for all practical purposes, called it quits. His was without a doubt one of the most recognisable faces in the country.

His appeal, especially among the teeny-boppers, was pan-Indian, and was comfortable in doing roles be it in his mother tongue Tamil or in any other language. A find of ace director Manirathnam, Arvind Swamy’s well-known films include Thalapathi (his debut vehicle), Roja, Minsara Kanavu (Sapnay), Bombay and Sath Rang ke Sapnay.

The film industry was surprised when he decided to concentrate on his business, which by the way, was a BPO firm, helping American firms set up base here. By general reckoning, he was doing well in his new avatar.

Now, reports say that he is acting in a Malayalam film titled Kinave. Though not exactly a stranger to Malayalam films (he has worked opposite Sridevi in Devaragam and has done films with Priyadarshan), Arvind Swamy’s return through a nondescript film, under a nondescript director, is puzzling.

Though the actor could not be contacted for his reactions, sources close to him said that he was indeed going to do Kinave. “He has made up his mind. When he does something there are usually compelling reasons for that,” says an acquaintance. Sujith Sundar who not long time ago had worked as an assistant with Rajasenan directs Kinave.

Ask why he plumped for Arvind Swamy, he says: “I felt he would be the right person to do the role I had conceived”. Kinave is set to go to the floors by next month, and the shooting is scheduled in and around Kasargod.

Apart from Arvind Swamy, the film does not boast of any big names. Those in the cast include Jagathy, Captain Raju, Bheeman Reghu and Bindu Panicker. “It is going to be a compact film which infuses both serious and commercial films,” says the director. Anyway, by casting Arvind Swamy, Sujith has ensured that his film is taken note of even at the initial stage itself. In that sense, it is an inspirational choice. As far as Arvind Swamy is concerned, he now looks well and truly back in business. In the business of acting, that is.

Kasthooriman, a comeback for Lohi

Friday, May 2, 2003

Director Lohitha Das made an excellent comeback by presenting a new malayalam hit for this Vishu. Lohitha Das was in a depressing stage after the collapse of his movie 'SoothraDharan'. Lohitha Das started his carrier as a script wirter for many directors in Malayalam film industry, but now he is far apart from all those directors. Soon after he started directing movies, it was a envious instant for the directors who were getting script from Lohitha Das. His first Venture 'Bhoothakkannadi' though noticed by the audience, the movies followed by it did not gain that much importance. His movie 'Jokker' was a grand success, but the failure of movie 'Soothradharan' turned everything upside down and many of them thought Lohi's carrier in film got an end. But he made an excellent comeback through movie 'Kasthooriman'. Success of 'Kasthooriman' is not only a benefit for Lohitha Das but also to other cast members in that movie. This could also be a turning point in the carrier of the romantic hero Kunjackko Boban who starred in Kasthooriman. Moreover, the flop of Soothradharan even affected the carrier of actress Meera Jasmine and the gossips that flickered around Meera Jasmine compelled her to leave the filmdom. But Kasthooriman became a ray of hope for her to prove herself again.

May releases

Friday, May 2, 2003

Five films are getting ready to release during the month of May. Releases are Akbar Jose's Dilip film Sadanante Samayam, Bhadran's film Vellithira starring Prithivaj, Ranjith's Mizhi Randilum casting Indrajit and Kavya Madhavan, Thaha's Kerala House for Sale and Rajasenan's Swapnum Konduru Thulabharan with Suresh Gopi and Kunchacko Boban in the lead. Dilip's film Sadanante Samayam will release in Sree Vishak and Kairali Theatres in Thiruvananthapuram.

Asianet Global become Asianet News

Friday, May 2, 2003

Asianet Global will now be Asianet News

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Asianet is relaunching its Global channel as one of news and current affairs by name Asianet News from May 1.

The channel will air news-based programmes round the clock catering to Malayalee interests all over the world, according to Asianet managing director K Madhavan.

The change of profile marks the completion of ten years of Asianet and two years of Global.

He told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram that the need for a 24-hour news and current affairs channel in Kerala has been particularly strong.

Asianet News managing director K P Mohanan said the channel is considering the development of the different specialised segments of Asianet News Hour into independent programmes to facilitate in-depth coverage.

Madhavan said the viewers from the Gulf had welcomed Global channel with the same enthusiasm as the main channel and its is on the basis of demand from them as well as from Malayalees from other parts of the world that the 24-hour current affairs-based operations have been conceived.

The news bulletins and interactive current affairs programmes that were introduced by Global have been a fabulous success among Malayalees all over the world. Of particular viewer acclaim has been 'Murichu Mattathey', a programme airing unedited news video footage. The channel's continuing concern with Kerala's developmental imperatives has been reflected in its discussions and seminars. The new channel will also sport a new logo to reflect the change in its content and thrust.

Rallies, anti-war pledges mark May Day in Kerala

Thursday, May 1, 2003

Rallies, public meetings and anti-war pledges under the banner of various trade unions marked the May Day celebrations in Kerala.

Workers in thousands drawn from different sectors took part in marches held across the state recalling the historic labour action on the streets on Chicago 117 years ago.

A vehicle rally under the banner of leftist motor workers' unions marked the begginning of the day-long celebrations in the state capital. Hundreds of participants took 'anti-war pledge' and expressed deep anger and anugish at the 'imperialist' agression on Iraq.

May Day processions were held in Kochi, Kozhikode and other major towns as well.

Chief Minister A K Antony, state Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and CITU all-India president E Balanandan greeted workers on the occasion.

Vayalar Ravi says Congress high command is not reluctant to act against dissidents

Thursday, May 1, 2003

AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi has said the Congress high command is not worried that problems in the party's Kerala unit might intensify if action is taken against recalcitrant elements.

He said there has been no delay on the part of the high command in taking action against dissidents.

Ravi said the party has its own ways of dealing with dissidence in the party. That does not mean the high command is reluctant to act.

Telephone subscribers in Kerala to observe 'Protection Day'

Thursday, May 1, 2003

The All-Kerala Telephone Subscribers Association will observe May 1 as "Telephone Protection Day" in the state in protest against the proposed hike in Inter-connected Users Charge (IUC) which is to come into effec from Thursday.

Addressing a press meet in Kozhikode, AKTSA President, Ratnakumar Malliseri said that following the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)'s January 24 decision to hike phone rental, IUC, charged for calls made from land to cell phones, would be quoted for 60-second pulsing in other states, while the same would be charged at 30 seconds in the state from Thursday.

Urging telecom department to take urgent steps to rectify the anamoly, he appealed to land phone customers in the state not to call cell phones as a mark of protest.

Kerala Cabinet ratifies administrative reforms committee recommendations

Thursday, May 1, 2003

The Kerala cabinet has ratified the state administrative reforms committee recommendations and decided to go ahead with the modernisation of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, state Chief Minister, A K Antony, said.

Antony said after a Cabinet meeting that the thrust of the recommendations was to speed up administrative works in government departments through decentralistion of power.

There was no proposal to reduce the secretarial level staff, he said adding that "nobody will lose job" as per the recommendations.

With regard to KSRTC modernisation, projects for improving passenger facilities would be undertaken under BOT basis in all important towns and cities, he said.

The Cabinet accorded sanction to the Asian Development Bank Aid Memorandum to carry out development works under "Sustained Urban Development Programme" in five corporations in the state. The project cost and other details would be announced later, he said.

It decided to write off the housing loans availed by fishermen under the schemes of "Matsyafed", Antony said adding that it would benefit an invidiual on an average of Rs 6000.

Financial position of the state has improved and the law and order order situation in the state was one of the best in the country, he claimed.

In the IT sector, state achieved a growth of 40 per cent, he claimed.

The Confederation of Indian Industries in a recent survey has rated the state in the first category for investments, he said.

However, Antony alleged that the attitude of main opposition, the CPI-M, had adversely affected the development process and flow of investment to the state.

Apprehension had been caused in the minds of investors about the investment climate in the state with opposition calling for hartals and strikes frequently.

Kerala filmmaker Murali’s wart travels to Cannes

Thursday, May 1, 2003

Mumbai, April 24: Take O.V. Vijayan’s magic realism, throw in Camera d’Or-winner Murali Nair’s cinematic skill, and add a dash of enterprise. What do you get? Arimpara, a wart that grows to elephantine proportions. Might seem like a repulsive prospect, but the world’s most prestigious film festival doesn’t think so. Cannes has selected only one Indian film this year and it is previous winner Murali Nair’s take on a famous O.V. Vijayan story. Arimpara or The Story that Begins at the End has been selected for Uncertain Regard package.

Nair, currently in Mumbai to promote his third film, says, ‘‘I have no expectations from Cannes. I grew up in a village where I took an offering when I went to the temple. I see going to Cannes the same way.’’

Arimpara is also set in Kerala. Nair, who is familiar with the refrain that Kerala is packaged for the West — he calmly admits to doing so himself — says: ‘‘I wouldn’t have said it in the past, but now I do. What’s the harm in selling Kerala? I’m not selling a postcard. There are no buyers for that.’’

Kerala’s film-makers have been repeatedly accused of packaging the state as exotica in their films. Critics state that the films sell Kerala’s culture and poverty to pull in Western audiences. Nair himself partly agrees with this point of view.

Cannes is now familiar stomping ground for the London-based Nair. His first feature Marana Simhasanam (Throne of Death) had won the Cannes award for first-timers, the Camera d’Or. Nair wound up work on his film in the first week of April after shooting for four months. This still makes it eligible for jury prizes, but Arimpara is not in competition for the Palme D’Or.

Arimpara has been on Nair’s mind for a long time. It was almost his first film, but then he was unsure about handling it. ‘‘It is on the allegories of power during the Emergency. I read O.V. Vijayan’s Arimpara when I was a teenager. But I was hesitant to tackle O.V. Vijayan’s work then,’’ Nair admits.

Arimpara is produced by the National Film Development Corporation and Japanese Television NHK. Shot in Chambrapattam in Mallapuram district, it tells the story of a villager, Krishnan Unni, who develops a small wart under his lip, which grows until it separates and finally turns into an elephant. ‘‘It shows the free society in Kerala and how power slowly controls it,’’ says Murali.

This is the first time that Nair is using ‘‘actors’’ for his films. Well-known Malayalam artiste Nedumudi Venu plays Unni. ‘‘I had a lot of apprehensions, but this film needed an actor. But Venu and I just shared an amazing rapport.’’ Nair is firm that he isn’t pushing any message. ‘‘Cinema is an art form. I’m not using it for propaganda,’’ he says. Cannes seems to have deciphered that.

Kerala allocates Rs 75 lakh for SARS control

Thursday, May 1, 2003

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government on Wednesday set apart a sum of Rs 75 lakh for taking immediate steps to prevent the spread of the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Chief Minister A K Antony, talking to newspersons after a meeting of the state Cabinet here, said though no confirmed case was reported from anywhere in the state, the government wanted to take all possible measures to prevent the disease.

Kerala, which has a huge expatriate population, has already constituted a high-level committee to deal with the situation. All the three suspected cases reported in the State so far have been tested negative for the deadly flu-like SARS virus.

Official sources said medical teams are posted on rotation round the clock at all the three international airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. An ambulance is stationed at airports to shift SARS patients. Special isolation wards have been opened at the General Hospitals at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and the Medical College Hospital at Kozhikode.

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