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Kerala News Archive: June 2007
Kochi-based Spices Board goes to remote Assam for organic farming
Sunday, June 24, 2007 | MP
Guwahati, June 24 (ANI): Kochi-based Spices Board today launched a new initiative in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam that would encourage farmers to start organic cultivation of spices like turmeric, ginger and chilli on a large scale.
Launching the initiative of the Board, Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh said that the Government is committed to focus on the northeast States, particularly in the area of organic spices, which command a premium in world markets, and in which the northeastern states have a natural competitive advantage.
Two companies---Coinonya Farms Producers Company Limited for turmeric and Karbi Farms Producer Company Limited for ginger and chilli--- have also been set up as producers' companies under the new provision in the Companies Act that give primary producers' the flexibility to organize themselves as a normal company but on the basis of a one man-one vote principle, which is the essence of a cooperative institution.
Producers' Company combines the economic advantage of a corporate entity with the social benefits of a cooperative and the provision of it was introduced into the 2003 amendment of the 1956 Companies Act.
The new two companies, where the Spices Board owns 49 percent stake will initially have a plantation area of 1000 hectares that will be cultivated over a five-year period.
MOUs are being signed with private companies for processing and marketing. (ANI)
CPI-M to decide Achuthanandan's fate; discuss presidential polls today
Sunday, June 24, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, June 24 (ANI): The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) is likely to take the final decision on the suspension of Kerala Chief Minister, V S Achuthanandan and party state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, from its politburo in its central committee meeting here today.
Achuthanandan and Vijayan were suspended last month in the wake of reports of continuous infighting between them over demolition of encroachments in Munnar and other areas of the state.
The meeting is also likely to discuss the presidential and vice-presidential elections due in the months of July and August respectively.
The central committee would also take a stock of the United Progressive Alliance's economic policies, price rise and pension fund issues.
According to sources, the meeting will also discuss the party's stand on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, which it had earlier described as "unacceptable".
The ongoing conflict among the Left parties over the issue of industrialisation in West Bengal is also likely to figure in the meeting. (ANI)
Thousands take part in Kerala’s Ochira Kali festival
Monday, June 18, 2007 | MP
Ochira (Kerala), June 18 (ANI): A large number of people took part in Kerala’s Ochira Kali festival, a mock fight to commemorate a battle between two rulers.
This annual festival commemorates a battle that had the King and the rulers of Kayakulam and Ambalapuzha as the opponents on Sunday.
"This is the battle fought by King Kayamkulam. His dynasty was spread over eight provinces. The battlefield is known as 'Ettukandam' or the eight fields. The Ochira Kali is celebrated here every year. About two or three thousand people participate in it," said K. Bhargavan, Secretary of the Ochira Temple Trust.
A large number of people dressed in colourful attire, take part in the festival.
The participants fight each other in a mock battle standing in knee-deep water, brandishing mock swords and shields while splashing water and mud.
The fight is the final part of the annual festival of Ochira temple, which concluded on Sunday. Thousands of devotees, including residents and tourists, witnessed the festival.
The festival is organised annually during the monsoon season.
The Ochira Parabrahma temple, as it is popularly known is dedicated to the universal consciousness. The uniqueness of the temple is that there are no idols. (ANI)
Kerala bans mechanised fishing during monsoon
Friday, June 15, 2007 | MP
Vizhinjam Harbour (Kerala), June 15 (ANI): The ban on mechanised fishing in the high seas off the Kerala coast during the monsoon season came into force on Friday.
The annual ban by the Union Agriculture Ministry bars trawling by all deep-sea fishing vessels in the exclusive economic zone in the west coast from June 15 to July 31.
Studies reveal that the ban, imposed in Kerala since 1989, has helped improving the fish stock, which faced depletion due to unrestricted trawling during the breeding season a decade ago.
Around 5,000 workers in the state, however, lament loss of income for owners and the crew in the wake of the ban.
"We would be really hard pressed during the ban. I have to look after six of my brothers…It would be very difficult to make ends meet. The government has to do something," said Tom, a fisherman.
A few, however, feel the ban helps in protecting the marine wealth.
"I am fine with the ban. Without ban, the fish population can drastically go down. The future generations might not get any fish. And I don't think the present weather is good or safe for fishing," said Shakti, a trawler owner.
Several coastal states followed the Kerala model and now impose a ban on mechanized fishing during the rainy season to protect the marine wealth off their coasts. (ANI)
Guruvayur temple panel regrets purification ritual
Thursday, June 14, 2007 | AA
Guruvayur, June 13: The managing committee of the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala today expressed its regret over the purification of the temple held after the visit of Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi's son.
The committee also announced a meeting would be convened in two months to discuss the temple entry and purification issue.
The panel took this decision after a complaint filed by Ravi’s son Ravikrishna against the ‘punyaham’ or purification ritual done after his May 19 visit.
On June 11, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthandnan had said the practice (temple purification) showed that caste discrimination was still prevalent in Kerala.
The temple authorities felt the ceremony was necessary, as Ravi's wife, Mercy, is a Christian. (ANI)
Kerala Government sanctions funds for Chikungunya-hit districts
Thursday, June 14, 2007 | AA
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), June 14 (ANI): The Kerala Government has sanctioned funds for districts affected by the crippling Chikungunya fever in a bid to curtail the deadly virus.
Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that ten million rupees have been granted to the affected districts of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta to fight the disease.
He also disclosed that other districts will be given rupees 500,000 to procure fogging machines, medicines, mosquito nets and other requirements.
The Central Government has already granted 40 million rupees to the affected districts in Kerala.
Over 40 people have died of the disease, while over 7,000 are admitted to hospitals, mainly in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts.
Armed forces’ doctors and paramedics have also joined in the efforts to control the situation after the State Government sought help to deal with the unprecedented situation.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.
The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Centre to provide all possible help to Chikungunya-hit Kerala
Monday, June 11, 2007 | AA
Chennai/Kottayam (Kerala), June 11 (ANI): Union Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss has said that his ministry will give all possible help to Kerala, hit by Chikungunya.
"Under the National Rural Health Mission, we are allotting nearly about three to 40 crore rupees for the districts. We are giving 10,000 to 20,000 rupees in each village for mosquito prevention work. If mosquito is prevented, Chikungunya is prevented," Ramadoss said.
A team of doctors and other staff from armed and para-military forces, including navy, have also joined hands to combat the spread of chikungunya.
The naval team comprising of 13 doctors joined civil doctors in Kottayam district to treat fever-affected in the hospital. The navy is also assisting local authorities in flogging and spraying to avoid further spread of the fever.
Two medical teams from the army's medical corps are providing civil health facilities in Pathanamthitta District. Two medical teams from Kochi Naval Command have been assigned to Kottayam and Idukki districts.
Forty people have died of the disease, while over 7000 are admitted to hospitals mainly in two districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.
The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi has already visited the state to study the situation.
Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Defence medical team to reach Kerala
Sunday, June 10, 2007 | AA
Thiruvananthpuram, June 10 (ANI): A team of doctors and other staff from armed and para-military forces will reach Kerala today to combat the spread of viral fever, chikungunya, which has so far killed about 40 people and inflicted over 10, 000 in the state.
Union Defence Minister A K Antony has directed the army and the navy to fully cooperate with the State Government.
The medical team is being sent after the Kerala Government sought a Central Government help to contain chikungunya.
Defence spokesman Prakash Madhum told ANI that two medical teams from the army's medical corps would help civil health facilities in Pathanamthitta District.
Two medical teams from Kochi Naval Command are being sent to Kottayam and Idukki districts, he added.
Meanwhile, after an all-party meeting convened by the State Government, it has been decided to launch a week-long state-wide cleaning campaign from Tuesday.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.
The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi has already visited the state to study the situation.
Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Kerala govt seeks army help
Saturday, June 9, 2007 | AA
Trivandrum, June 9 (ANI): The Kerala Government today sought the help of the armed forces to contain the spread of viral fever, Chikungunya, in the state.
With already 23 deaths reported and more than 10,000 patients admitted to various hospitals across the state, mostly from Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, the State Government sought the help of medical teams from the armed forces to tide over the situation.
Defence spokesman Prakash Madhum told ANI that two medical teams from the army's medical corps would help civil health facilities in Pathanamthitta District.
Two medical teams from Kochi Naval Command are being sent to Kottayam and Idukki districts, he added.
Madhum further said that more teams of specialists have been requisitioned from Mumbai, Secunderabad and Chennai, while a team of virologists from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune would also assist the state medical authorities to deal with the unprecedented situation.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.
The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi has already visited the state to study the situation.
Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Calcutta News
Friday, June 8, 2007 | AA
Cast: Dileep, Meera Jasmine
Director Blessy
producer Thampy Antony
Blessy has finally titled his new venture with Dileep as Calcutta News. The film which tells the story of a young TV programme producer will be shot entirely at Calcutta.
After his latest hit Vinodhayathra, Dileep is again teaming up with Meera Jasmine for this film.
The film which is produced by Thampy Antony, in the banner of Kayal films, will be a love story which also will have a lot of important stars from Malluwood. The film which is planned to start this June will be the Onam film of Dileep.
Admission of six HIV-positive kids rejected
Friday, June 8, 2007 | AA
Kottayam (Kerala), June 07 (ANI): Six HIV-positive children have been denied admission into Mar Dionysius Lower Primary School School in Kerela's Kottayam District for the second time, despite State Government's assurance that they would be allowed to rejoin the school in new academic year that began on June 4.
Children between five and 11 years old were first thrown out of this school in December last year after receiving complains from parents of other students.
But local authorities intervened and said that the children could return to Mar School in the new academic year.
"They could make it only as far as the school gate," said Father T.C. Yohanan of Ashakiran orphanage, which has given shelter to these children.
"The school's headmistress had called me and said they would allow the students to appear for the exams. They did not inform me of the results. When I contacted they said the students have qualified but they would not be in a position to allow them continue in the school in the face of opposition from parents of other children. They were in fact repeating the old rhymes," said Father Yohannan.
The State Government is now trying to convince the school authorities to change their mind.
Meanwhile, these children will receive private lessons at their charity-run care home.
AIDS activists say a lack of awareness and widespread stigma and discrimination have contributed to paranoia about the virus. (ANI)
Oman cyclone: Control room set up
Thursday, June 7, 2007 | AA
New Delhi, June 7 (ANI): India has today set up two control rooms to ascertain the safety of its nationals in Oman after a supercyclone hit that country’s eastern coast yesterday. One Indian was killed and eight others are reported missing.
Two control rooms have been set up, one at External Affairs Ministry here, and another at the Indian Embassy in Muscat to provide round-the-clock services to Indian nationals there.
The contact numbers of the control room at Indian Embassy at Muscat are - 00968-24813838 and 00968-24812936. The fax number is 00968-24811607. The control room number for Delhi is 011-23015300. The fax number is 011-23018158.
A Keralite, Prakasan has been confirmed as killed by the cyclone.
While Dharmarajan, Sami and Sreenu from Andhra Pradesh, Sajit Kumar from Calicut, Udayan from Guruvayur, Mohammad Ali and Binu from Ernakulam and one more person from Punjab are reported to be missing, Indian Embassy at Muscat stated.
The External Affairs Ministry in a statement released today said the Indian embassy in Muscat is in constant touch with Omani authorities to ascertain the safety of Indian nationals.
Around 3.86 lakh Indians reside in Oman.
A super cyclone 'Gonu', with high velocity winds up to 170 kilometres per hour hit Oman’s eastern coast, causing high tide up to 12 metres and torrential rains in Muscat and nearby towns. (ANI)
Infiltration spurt across LoC
Thursday, June 7, 2007 | AA
New Delhi, June 6 (ANI): A day after Defence Minister A K Antony took stock of the country's security situation, today he said that recent spurge in infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) could be a seasonal affair.
"The infiltration in April could be seasonal as every summer it increases,' Antony told reporters on the sidelines of a defence function.
Army chief General J J Singh, Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Major were present at Tuesday's 90-minute meeting along with National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi and Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, where the infiltration across LoC was discussed along with the situation in the Sino-India border.
In April, the successful infiltration bid by militants from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir trebled to 79, as compared to the same month of previous year.
However, the level of infiltration is not being manifested in the number of violent incidents initiated by them in the Kashmir valley.
"There is absolute peace and tranquillity along the border," Antony added.
Army Chief General J J Singh speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the same function said that reports suggested elements from Pakistan military and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) being behind these infiltrations.
At Shangrila Dialogue meet in Singapore last week, Antony had said that Pakistan must adhere to its commitment of not allowing any terrorist activities on its soil before any 'imaginative' approaches could be devised for the resolution of bilateral issues, including the Kashmir issue.
In May, there were seven infiltration attempts that were foiled by the army in which 11 militants were killed. But according to sources in defence ministry the number of successful attempts could be higher.
Till March this year, the infiltration declined by close to 50 percent as the months of February and March witnessed seven and eight infiltration respectively as compared to 14 and 20 during the same period in 2006.
Army intelligence inputs have conveyed the Defence Ministry that there could be 'intense terrorist strike' in the later part of the summer to retain their leverage to up the ante against the establishment.
However, the month of June will be crucial as any spurt in the level of infiltration would be raising further concerns in New Delhi and the demilitarisation demand by a section of Kashmiri leaders could be placed into backburner.
Antony has publicly said that the decision of troops withdrawal in the State will be purely based on the report submitted by a special committee headed by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt. (ANI)
Pope clears canonization of Sister Alphonsa
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 | AJ
Kottayam (Kerala), June 5 (ANI): The Vatican has cleared the canonization process of Sister Alphonsa.
Pope Benedict XVI has approved the canonization on June 1 and Sister Alphonsa would be India's first Catholic saint.
"Our hearts are filled with joy as one of a member of our congregation is being elevated to sainthood," said Sister Gorethi, a nun from the order of Poor Clares.
Though no date have been mentioned, it is expected the Blessed Alphonsa would become Saint Alphonsa in 2008.
Born Anna Muttathupadathu to Joseph and Mary Muttathupadathu on August 19, 1910 near Kottayam, Sister Alphonsa was popular with children.
Nicknamed "Annakutty," she lost her mother early, and was raised by a maternal aunt.
Alphonsa joined the Poor Clares in 1927 and received her postulant's veil in 1928. She also taught at a school in Vakakkad.
Throughout her life, Sister Alphonsa suffered from severe illness, but recovered every time. She died on July 28, 1946. (ANI)
Pazhassi Raja
Monday, June 4, 2007 | AA
Photo gallery of the Movie Pazhassi Raja is here:
http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/pazhassi-raja/index.shtml
Ore Kadal
Monday, June 4, 2007 | AA
Complete coverage on the Movie Ore Kadal is here:
http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/ore-kadal/index.shtml
July 4
Monday, June 4, 2007 | AA
More about July 4 movie by Dileep is here:
http://www.my-kerala.com/p/m/films/2007/july4/index.shtml
Devasam Temple mourns death of elephant
Sunday, June 3, 2007 | AA
Ernakulam (Kerala), June 2 (ANI): A pall of gloom descended in a temple in Ernakulam, in Kerala, after an elephant it owned died.
The elephant named "Gajendran", owned by the Tirumala Devasam Temple, had been suffering from stomach ulcers for the past two months.
The ailing animal failed to respond to any treatment and breathed its last on Thursday night.
"Elephant's health was deteriorating. That night all the children were sitting beside him when he died. We have never seen such a calm elephant. Before Gajendran, we had another elephant Gopal…he too was good," said Srinath Bhatt, one of the priests of the temple on Friday.
The death of the domesticated animal was unbearable for its mahout and the management of the temple.
"I am shocked…I was with this elephant for the past eight years…I treated him as my own child. I'll never forget the moment when he bid me goodbye just a few moments before his death. He held my hands tightly with its trunk and I could see him crying," said Madhu Kumar, tears rolling down his eyes.
After five hours of struggle, the temple authorities successfully managed to tow the dead body of the animal out of the temple premises.
A rich merchant had donated the elephant to the temple eight years ago.
Man-elephant relations are a folklore in Kerala, which has a tradition of owning tamed elephants by rich and aristocratic households, besides temples.
But recently, there have been a series of incidents of the pachyderm getting wild and attacking its caretakers.
There are over 1000 captive elephants in Kerala of which Hindu temples and forest contractors own the majority.
Elephants are deeply revered in India -- the elephant-headed God Ganesh is one of the most popular in the Hindu pantheon. (ANI)
Pak must act on its anti-terror commitment
Sunday, June 3, 2007 | AA
Singapore/New Delhi, June 2 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony today said Pakistan must adhere to its commitment of not allowing any terrorist activities on its soil before any ‘imaginative’ approaches could be devised for the resolution of bilateral issues, including the Kashmir issue.
Addressing the Sixth Asia Security Conference in Singapore, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue-2007, Antony said,” With regard to bridging our differences, including on Jammu and Kashmir…The challenge is to devise more imaginative approaches. To do that, it is imperative that Pakistan delivers on its commitment not to permit any territory under its control to be utilised to support terrorism in any manner.”
Stating that the Composite Dialogue Mechanism (CDM) has helped in improving the ‘climate of bilateral ties’, Antony said that he could not emphasise enough on India's stakes in the emergence of a stable and moderate Pakistan.
On relations with China, he said that there has been a ‘significant improvement’ and expressed India’s commitment to settle bilateral issues in a fair, and transparent manner.
Speaking on 'China and India: Building International Stability', Antony said: “As we (India and China) both expand and integrate with the global economy, new opportunities offer themselves to refashion our ties. On major global issues, we often have converging positions and shared interests.”
Outlining country’s next security of ensuring peace and stability on India's borders and regions like Gulf, Central Asia, the Indian Ocean region, South Asia and South East Asia, Antony said that it would require maintaining an adequate level of defence preparedness to keep the probability of armed conflict low and to respond to emergent situations such as the 2004 ‘tsunami’ in the Indian Ocean.
“We still have unresolved border issues and for more than two decades we have had to respond to the challenge of cross-border terrorism and proliferation of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons in our neighbourhood,” he added.
India’s commitment to provide more than 750 million-dollar for reconstruction activities in Afghanistan, and with 3,500 Indians participating in such programmes there, the US today appreciated New Delhi’s contribution.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates today said, “India is one of the largest financial contributors to this effort (reconstruction of Afghanistan) providing assistance in several areas, to include the construction of the new parliament building in Kabul. (ANI)
Chikungunya takes an epidemic shape
Saturday, June 2, 2007 | AJ
Ernakulam (Kerala), June 2 (ANI): Thousands have been admitted to hospitals across Kerala with the symptoms of Chikungunya, a crippling fever caused by mosquito bite.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.
Long queues of patients suffering from intermittent fever were seen in state-run hospitals in Kerala’s Ernakulam District.
The disease has occurred after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast last week.
The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
The district medical officer, who took stock of the situation, said in Ernakulam District 13 cases were confirmed as Chikungunya on Friday.
“The State has reported 57,649 cases of fever this year (January to May). As of today, there are over 900 cases of fever from Ernakulam District alone. We have received reports of 13 cases of Chikungunya,” said Ernakulam District Medical Officer Dr. K T Ramani.
A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi visited the State to study the situation. They said the situation was under control and there was no need for panic.
Like dengue, another mosquito borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Antony to leave for Singapore
Friday, June 1, 2007 | AA
New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony is leaving for Singapore tonight to attend the Sixth Asia Security Conference (The Shangri-La Dialogue - 2007), a key event for defence and security diplomacy in the region.
Antony will address the second plenary session on ‘China and India: Building International Stability’.
During his three-day visit, Antony will also hold bilateral meetings with his Singapore counterpart besides the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, the US Secretary of Defence, Robert M Gates.
He will also meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Cambodia, General Tea Banh, Japanese Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma, and the UK’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Adam Ingram.
The Secretary General of National Defence of France Francis Delon, the Secretary of National Defence of Philippines Hermogenes E Ebdane Jr, the Minister of Defence of Australia Dr. Brendan Nelson and the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General Moeen U Ahmed will also participate in the Conference.
Antony will also call on the Singapore’s senior minister Goh Chok Tong, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
He will return home on June 3.
Since its inaugural meeting in 2002, the dialogue has become a recognised part of the architecture of Asian defence diplomacy, and is seen as the region's premier and most inclusive security institution.
The Shangri-La Dialogue continues to serve as the best available vehicle in the Asia-Pacific region for developing and channelling astute and effective public policy on defence and security.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies, London organizes the Conference. (ANI)
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