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Best Business Man
Popular Brands
BrandKerala
July 2011
NIMS ICCDM 2012
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BrandKerala
July 2011
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BrandKerala
March 2012
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BrandKerala
March 2012
Vol 2
No.02
March 2012
Pages 60+2
Editor’s Note
We need to be more open... One more financial year comes to an end. According to Government of India statistics, apart from some minor setbacks in our growth pace, our accelerated growth is moving and the future of our country looks optimistic. Simultaneously, our growth in every spectrum of financial and social sectors is evident to every part of the world. Recollect the happenings in our state after the Enrica Lexi tragedy. The entire Italian missionary came here and begged for mercy. Could you have imagined the same scenario ten years back? India is passing through an unprecedented phase of demographic changes. The ongoing demographic changes are likely to contribute to a substantially increased labour force in the country. According to census projection report the proportion of population in the working age group between 15-59 years is likely to increase from approximately 58 per cent in 2001 to more than 64 per cent by 2021. There will be approximately 63.5 million new entrants to the working age group of 15-59 years between 2011 and 2016. Further, the bulk of this increase in population is likely to take place in relatively younger age group of 20-35 years. This trend would make India one of the youngest nations in the world. In 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years old, compared to 37 in China and the US and 45 in West Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’ provides India great opportunities, but at the same time it also poses a great challenge. We will realize this demographic dividend if our population is healthy, educated and appropriately skilled. In Kerala the youth movements are protesting against rising the age bar of retirement in the state government services. We all are much concerned about our own security. Thus we forbid from taking risks of any kind. We wait for that brave someone to take risk whether in business or entrepreneurial challenges and if they succeed in the field, we allow ourselves to follow the pattern. At the same time we are not ready to take up new initiatives. We will spend crores of rupees for organisational conferences and meetings. We will raise multi million fund against central government attitude to our state. But we never think of spending that money for any agricultural or industrial ventures. Even our youth organisations never think about the practical approach for a better state. We are willing to support our politicians in their 70s and 80s, but we won’t tolerate the NGO’s retirement age or In the private sector plan to get enough skilled and trained people to work. Since the service of skilled workers are an integral part of development of any country we need to be more open to laws guarding our prosperous future. Ravisankar K.V. Editor 5
BrandKerala
March 2012
Content
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NIMS Conducts ICCDM-2012
Amazing Planet of Fashion
Automobile
brand
Ultra small RE60
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Stronger by Nature, K.P. Namboodiri’s
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Maruti Suzuki Unveils New Swift DZire
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Brahmins, a Vegetarian Promise
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Vanasree Marayur Jaggery
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Double Action Premier Grip
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Banking SIB M-Pay
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ICICI Bank Joins Facebook
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SBT launches Green Channel Counter
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Kanaka Vrishty by Muthoot Group
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Award Business Wizards of Kerala
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column Economic and Social Turmoil Risk Reversing the Gains of Globalization, Report Warns 6
BrandKerala
March 2012
New Products LIC Launches Jeevan Ankur
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Coffee Day Launches Home Brewers
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tECHNOLOGY Small is Beautiful
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Technopark TBI Empanelled as a CSR Partner
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Expensive Mobile
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Cover Story 22
A Man with a Mission
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Managing Editor: Ravisankar K.V. Executive Editor: Rajani A. Copy Editor: Liza Shajan Associate Editor: Gopalakrishnan Pallath Assistant Editor: Shilo K.Dev Sub Editor: Chandni Mathur Photo Editor: Hari P.S. Chief Layout Artist: Vijayagopalan G.
News
Visualiser: Jessy George
Housing Board on Revival
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New Models for Crisis-ridden Economy
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Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, a Grand Success
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Global Ayurveda Festival-2012
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Business & Editorial Contacts:
Malayali Show @ Jaipur
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Kolkata: Jayasree Singh Mob: +91-9433060333
P K Ahammed: Growing forward the Legacy
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KSWDC Aid for SHGs
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Co-ordinator-online Editor: Sreeram Sethunath Co-ordinator Circulation: Thulasi Parameswaran
New Delhi: Anilkumar.D Mob: +91-9868123311 Mumbai: Satyanath.K.V Mob: +91-9833677962 Chennai: Ravikumar Mob: +91-9444910380 Bengaluru: Damodaran.K. Nayar Mob: +91-9035616040 Hyderabad: Premraj. A Mob: +91- 9446514732 Pondicherry: Ramasubramanian Mob: +91-98949 77161
Training on Contract Management & Dispute Resolution
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Scheme to Promote Hanveev Products
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Spice Exports Records Rise in Earnings
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Snapdeal Eyes across 100 Cities
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Aura Plans Global Schools in Kerala
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Dewa Projects @ Kochi
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NRI Projects @Kozhikode
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BPCL wins award
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Hallmarking to be Compulsry for Gold
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Out of the Blue
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Lic Health Insurance Crosses one Million
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Jeevan Vriddhi from LIC
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here and now Smart Creating Organization - Case Study
Production Executive: Vishnu C.P.
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Coimbatore: Biju Thomas Mob: +91-9944194037 Trivandrum: Ravikumar.K. Mob: +91-9847560531 Sreejesh.S Mob: +91-99471 60531 Cochin: Shine Ahamed Mob: +91-99472 60531 Calicut: Vipin Gopinath Mob: +91-96561 03189 Shabeer M.P. Mob: +91-77362 31789
Editorial Contact: editor@brandkerala.biz Advertisment Enquiries: marketing@brandkerala.biz Circulation & Subscription Details: info@brandkerala.biz
Editorial & Corporate Office: Brand Kerala Media House pvt. ltd. Anandam, P-99, Pattanikkunnu Lane, Sasthamangalam (P.O.), Trivandrum - 695 010. Kerala, India Tel: +91 471 2315256 Fax: +91 471 2315197 E-mail: info@brandkerala.biz editor@brandkerala.biz
Internet edition: www.brandkerala.biz RNI Reg. No. KERENG 2010/36920 ISSN 2249244-5
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of The Publisher of Brand Kerala All rights reserved. Copyright Š 2012 Owned, Edited, Printed and Published by K.V. Ravisankar at Sujilee Colour Printers, Chathannur, Kollam for Arsha Offset Graphix, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 010.
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March 2012
News
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he Kerala State Housing Board looks set on course for the revival of its fortunes to close its liabilities with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) within the next three years. The board is hopeful of taking up projects estimated at Rs.15,000 Crore during the financial year 2012-13, with plans about the money being spent on building working women’s hostels, revenue towers, and an ambitious programme to establish green building housing complexes amongst other. The Haritha Bhavan programme, expected to be taken up next year, would utilise Japanese technology to build houses that would stave off a heavy toll on the environment. The programme is considered with much contemplation in keeping with the need to address issues related to global warming. Among the programmes is the Innovative Housing Scheme, aimed at providing rental homes to financially weaker sections of working people in urban areas. In all, the board is hopeful of building 1,000 such homes during the year. With Finance Minister K.M. Mani, in-charge of the Housing Board’s affairs, taking interest in its fortunes, the board is drawing up new schemes. The coming financial year
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is expected to provide a new direction to its functioning. The board now gets fresh re-finance from HUDCO for projects including the ambitious ‘Sabhalyam’ project meant for housing the landless and homeless. The board is still working out the details of the loan to be availed from HUDCO, which will be paid back over a period of 15 years. The “Sabhalyam” project aims to provide affordable homes, each at a cost of Rs.4.25 lakh, to those who have no home of their own. The scheme envisages complexes of 12 flats on three storeys. The Hudco loan for a unit will be Rs.1.5 lakh. The State government will provide an interest-free loan of Rs.1.25 lakh for each. There will be an interest subsidy of Rs.1.25 lakh for the beneficiary, who can be sponsored by the local bodies or any organisation, and who will pitch in with Rs.25,000. The board also plans to set up three more revenue towers — at Haripad, Kattappana, and Kodungalloor during the financial year 2012-13. The board currently has revenue towers in Ernakulam, Kothamangalam, Changanassery, and Adoor. Another two special projects are being planned at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram and on Marine Drive in Kochi, where the board has 18 acres of prime property.
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utlook on the Global Agenda 2012 Report identifies top Global issues and proposes New Models for Crisisridden Economy. ‘The world needs to embrace new ways of running its institutions to rise to the challenges of 2012,’ concludes the World Economic Forum’s Outlook on the Global Agenda 2012. The report is the private, academic, civil society and public sectors’ overview of the main issues confronting the world following a year of tumultuous events, from Fukushima to Libya and Wall Street. The annual report identifies the six most pressing issues global decision-makers would face in 2012: the global economy; power shifts and emerging markets; job creation; political entrenchment; climate change; and the digital revolution. For each area, the report offers new models for addressing complex challenges. Specific suggestions include restructuring the International Monetary Fund to allocate seats on the board on a regional basis, delegating fiscal authority in Europe to the level of the Eurozone, and promoting sustainable, green growth innovations. The Outlook on the Global Agenda 2012 is the annual publication of the Network of Global Agenda Councils, which consists of more than 1,200 influential leaders from government, business, civil society and academia. Each of the 79 Councils includes 15-20 international experts who meet regularly to propose innova-
tive solutions to major global, industry and regional challenges. Meeting in Global Agenda Councils, which are organized by the World Economic Forum, the experts discuss new models for approaching the issues of their respective Councils. Their recommendations will contribute to shaping the agenda for the Annual Meeting 2012 in Davos-Klosters, and have provided input for the G20 consultations that the Forum held with the government of France, the current G20 chair, and will be conducting with Mexico, the G20 chair next year. The report incorporates the outcomes of the annual Survey on the Global Agenda, which polls the Network’s members on major trends and issues, and discussions from the fourth Summit on the Global Agenda in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in October 2011. The Outlook on the Global Agenda 2012 includes ideas and models designed by international experts to help leaders deal with new, and still forming, political, economic and technological systems that require revised approaches to problem solving, new models for the conduct of human affairs and improved techniques for interpersonal and international relations. Models outlined in the report include: How to provide international liquidity in times of crisis through regional and global coordination. Active collaboration between the private and public sectors to attract capital and investment thereby encouraging entrepreneurship in fragile states, and; Large-scale apprenticeships and internship programmes to support youth education and employment. Total resource management as a new approach for resource-efficient growth. The transformation of education and learning through a digital experience. 9
BrandKerala
March 2012
News
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he fifth Grand Kerala Shopping Festival has concluded, registering total revenue of Rs 19,037 crore. The festival attracted thousands of shoppers across the world. The shopping extravaganza has attracted shoppers in large numbers and created a festive mood in the State by offering attractive discounts and tempting them with mega prizes. Grand Kerala shopping Festival was a great success and got great support from the people, said Mr. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism. This season witnesses 5300 registration without any voluntary influence. More than 50 lakh coupons were distributed against 37 lakh of last year. He added that attempts were initiated to bring Small Scale shops ahead as part of GKSF. During the 45-day-long festival, the state witnessed an inflow of 7.5 lakh foreign tourists compared to 6.5 lakh of last year. Compared to 85.95 lakh domestic tourists
in 2010, this year as many as 93 lakh domestic tourists visited Kerala during the festival. 5,382 retailers showcased their products. This year, there was a rise in win-and-scratch coupons to 50 lakhs compared to the previous year, when it was 37 lakhs. “The fair has succeeded in boosting the state’s economy and has also enhanced the tourism profile of Kerala,” said Mr. Rathan Kelkar, Additional Director, Department of Tourism and Director, Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. To encourage participation from all over India, this time the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival allowed shops from all across the state to participate in the festival as member establishments, he added. The fifth season of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival that attracted shoppers from within and outside Kerala concluded in a star studded event held at the MSP Ground on January 23. Crowd had gathered in large numbers to witness the grand finale of the two month
Mr. K.C. Venugopal, Union Minister of State for Power, inaugurating the closing ceremony of GKSF fifth season. Mr. P. K. Abdurab, Minister for Education, Mr. M.K. Muneer, Minister for Panchayat and Mr. A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister for Tourism are also seen 10
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March 2012
long festival. Cine actor Mr. Mohanlal graced the occasion as chief guest while the event was presided over by Mr. A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister for Tourism. The event kicked off with a fusion musical programme by upcoming artist Mr. Vivekanandan and team. Inaugurating the function, Mr. K.C. Venugopal, Union Minister of State for Power, said the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival organizers should widen the event’s platform by offering more concessions to shoppers. Mr. P. K. Abdurab, Minister for Education, picked the winner of the mega prize of 1 kg gold which was won by the coupon given out from Selvi Textiles, Alappuzha. The minister also announced the three Mega draw winning coupons of ½ kg gold each that went to coupons given from Rajan Jewellery at Pathanamthitta, Bhima Jewerellery at Alappuzha and from Josco Jewellery at Trivandrum. Special awards were also given away to representatives of GKSF sponsors from South Indian Bank, Malabar Gold, Tata Motors, World Gold Council, LIC, Big Bazaar, Bhima and Josco. MLAs Mr. K. N. A. Khader, Mr. P. K. Basheer, Mr. P. Sreeramakrishnan and Mr.P.Ubaidulla were also present at the concluding ceremony.
A musical night hosted by singers Mr. M. G. Sreekumar, Mr. Mano, Mr. Mohammed Aslam, Ms. Ranjini Jose and Ms. Antara Chowdhury was the main attraction of the closing ceremony. A classical dance show led by cine actress Ms. Navya Nair and dance performances by cine actress Ms. Roma also attracted the crowd. Comedy skits by Mr. Suraj Venjaramoodu, Mr. Kottayam Naseer and Mr. Nadir Shah also added more colours to the event. Arrangements had been made at the MSP Ground for 25,000 people to watch the gala event. Mr. P.K. Abdu Rabb picked the mega lucky draw winner of the GKSF. A shopper from Alappuzha with serial number 1748745 won the mega prize of one kg gold. The Hindu won the GKSF award for the best newspaper coverage of the shopping festival. Mr. Kiran Joshi, advertisement manager of The Hindu, accepted the award from Mr. Mohanlal. Awards won by other media organisations were also presented at the function, the winners being Manorama Vision in the TV category, Club FM in the category of FM channels. Mr. M.K. Muneer, Minister for Panchayat, was also present at the function. Mr. M.C. Mohandas, District Collector proposed vote of thanks.
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News
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he Indian system of medicine ensures wellness with ingredients that are one hundred percent natural and tested. With the view that Ayurveda as practiced in Kerala has come to represent an untainted form of traditional Indian wisdom of health and medicine, the ‘Ayurvedam Keralam’ 2012 was organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science & Social Action. Scheduling for six days, from 9th -14th February, the Global Ayurveda Festival -Kerala and Arogya Expo, was inaugurated by Chief Minister of the state, Mr. Ooman Chandy. With more than 2 lakh people visiting the event, which hosted more than 300 stalls, to know the mystery of Ayurveda, the event proved to be a huge success. This mega interactive national exhibition, at the Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, culminated with bringing out the benefits of Ayurveda and an array of activities displaying the grandeur of it with services, products and activities aimed at pursuing a healthy life. The prime focus became the international seminar of over 2000 delegates on non-communicable
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diseases and the strength of Ayurveda in their prevention and healing where leading practitioners of Ayurveda spoke on the various facets of the traditional form of medicine. The milestone occasion focused on the various methods to tackle lifestyle disorders which are faced in day to day life. About 2500 practitioners from across the world participated in this event. Students from 17 Ayurveda colleges of the state took part in this public education campaign and organised specialty clinics – Ayush. Among the many highlights of the event remained to be the public awareness workshops with practical demonstration, programmes to interact and have consultations with renowned clinicians, public education pavilions by colleges, tours, conferences, exhibitions, job fair, showcasing R & D sectors, participation of national leaders and celebrities in the festival, curtain raiser events and road shows, Ayurveda and ethnic food, exhibition of medicinal plants, book fair and guest lectures by scholars in the field of Ayurveda. This global international festival also became the place for buyers and sellers of Ayurvedic medicines to meet face to face.
News
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he 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas turned out to be a big Malayali show going by the number of delegates, political representation and even by the media presence in the three-day event. Kerala had four senior political leaders, including Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr. E. Ahamed, Union Minister of State for External Affairs actively joined in the mega event. Kerala sent Mr. K.C. Joseph, Minister for Non-Resident Keralites Affairs, to join the discussions. NRI Businessmen, Mr. Yusafali, Mr. Ravi Pillai, and Mr. C.K Menon, from among the nonresident Indians and the renowned filmmaker Mr. Priyadarshan addressed the session on youth connectivity. The overwhelming presence of Kerala was visible in a separate session on Gulf in which the State and issues related to its people in the Gulf dominated. Mr. Oommen Chandy, who addressed three sessions, including the Chief Ministers’ session that focussed on Kerala and then the Gulf, was heard expressing his
satisfaction over the good participation of the State. He offered to host the next year’s Pravasi Day in Kochi, responding to suggestions of the participating Non Resident Keralites (NoRKs) welcomed by the now debated idea of setting up a NoRK bank and NoRK university. It was suggested in the meetings that the NoRK University and the bank could have 26 per cent equity participation from the State. While the sessions involving Keralites appeared mostly like grievance redress meetings with the delegates complaining about problems of men working in the Gulf and other parts of the world, and the callousness of embassies and consulate staff. The biggest issues identified about Kerala were lack of availability of land and absence of solid waste management. The speakers in the Gulf session pointed out the manifold increase in the number of people and the absence of a corresponding increase in the personnel to provide service to them in the embassies. Mr. Mohammad Ali and other delegates brought the growing competition from countries such as China in the Gulf region. 13
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March 2012
News
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erving with the motto, ‘Do it right the first time and every time’, Chairman of Peekay Group of Companies, Mr. P K Ahammed has achieved the platform where he was honoured with the State government’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2011. The Rs.10-lakh award instituted by the Department of Industries and Commerce carried a specially designed plaque, citation, the traditional Ponnada and the cash prize. He received accolades for his hard work combined with his vision and the resulting contribution to the state’s industrial growth. The award was presented recently to the renowned industrialist Mr. Ahammed, heading the Peekay Group of Companies. Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala bestowed the State Government’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2011 to Mr. P K Ahammed. Hailing Mr Ahammed for his invaluable contribution for industrial development of the State, Mr Chandy said, “Vast gathering of people from various walks of life gathered at the function was a testimony to his social commitment as well.” Replying to the felicitation, Mr Ahammed announced to contribute Rs. 35 lakh, including Rs. 10 lakh award money, for education of poor IT and diploma students hailing from the poor strata of society.
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The criterion for the award is based on achievements in industrial production, marketing, commerce and infrastructure development. Additional parameters include longstanding experience in the industrial sector, job creation and contributions to socio-economic and cultural sphere of the society. He was founder President of Steel Manufacturers Association of Kerala. He also bags the credit, and duly so, of starting Kerala’s first roller flour mill in the small-scale industrial sector. Mr. Ahammed, the recipient of the ‘Best Entrepreneur Award of the Malabar Chamber of Commerce in 1995’, has been a leading player in the State’s steel sector and is the founder-president of the Steel Manufacturers Association of Kerala. Peekay Rolling Mills (P) Ltd has also received the award from the Calicut Commissionerate of Central Excise for the top duty payer and for registering highest growth rate. Mr. Ahammed’s charitable ventures include the Peekay Educational and Charitable Trust and a host of institutions that look after education of the poor and orphans. A man who has seen many twists and turmoil of business in his life, P K Ahammed has emerged a winner in all aspects. It goes without saying that this kind of growth has come with patronage from his family comprising his
wife, three sons and a daughter. In 1971 Mr. Ahammed took the reins of the business after the demise of his father Mr. Haji P K Moidu, a legend of his own time for his uncommon vision. Having worked under his father’s able guidance for the past 11 years he was able to follow his vision with success. He started the Ahammed Roller Flour Mills Pvt Ltd, Calicut in 1982 which was the first one of its kind in the whole of Kerala. Ahammed fought against all odds and went on establishing two more roller flour mills viz Pondy Roller Flour Mills (P) Ltd., and Peekay Roller Flour Mills making Peekay Group leading manufacturers of Wheat products in Kerala. In the 80’s .P.K Ahammed took the bold decision to take a risk and diversify into the steel industry. He was joined by his eldest son K.E. Moidu who fully supported his father in this new venture. The group took over Janatha Steel Mills Pvt Ltd which was struggling for existence. Under Peekay Group’s control, Janatha Steel Mills Pvt. Ltd. turned the corner and started making profits. Peekay Steel Castings (P) Ltd was established in Calicut as backward integration. It was incorporated in April 1991 and commenced production of Ingots and other primary forms of steel. The success of Janatha Steel Mills (P) Ltd and Peekay Steel Castings (P) Ltd prompted Mr. P. K. Ahammed to start Peekay Rolling Mills (P) Ltd which commenced production of bars & rods in 1995. It was the first Rolling Mill in Kerala to produce 8mm Re-bars. The manufacture of TMT bars commenced in 2005. It is the first steel rolling mills in Kerala to possess both ISO 9001:2008 certification and BIS License. By this time Peekay Group has established itself as a
commodity manufacturer of bars and rods and agri-products. The inherent passion and vision of the group led to diversification into engineering sector. It was an important milestone in the history of Peekay Group. Peekay Steel Castings Pvt. Ltd is a leading steel unit manufacturing Steel Castings of carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steels of various compositions and nickel based alloy steel catering to market segments like oil and gas, power, mining and other engineering sectors. The company is noted for high value steel castings made of special steels. The ever increasing urge to grow, influenced Peekay Steel to expand its manufacturing activities to Coimbatore, which is the industrial hub of South India, in 2004. In 2007-08 the company decided to go for more sophisticated and value added engineering. A fully equipped Machine Shop with state of the art machinery imported from Europe is added to Calicut foundry for meeting the growing demand for machined, ready to use castings/components. The Machine Shop was established with a very huge investment and it is the only Machine Shop of its kind in South India. 65 years after its inception, Peekay Steel Castings (P) Ltd is the largest exporters of engineering goods from Kerala with an annual turnover of more than 120 Million US Dollars. Its foreign customers include the world renowned corporate giant General Electric of USA. Other major foreign customers include Cooper Cameron Valves USA, Sasakura Engineering Ltd Japan etc. The Indian customers are large public sector undertakings like BHEL, valves manufactures like Audco India Ltd (of L&T group), Fisher Sanmar Ltd etc. The company is granted “One Star Export House status” by Government of India.
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Cover Story
T
he world is still a good place and then we meet people like Dr. J Hareendran Nair, Padmashree Awardee, who are trying to make it better. It is with such viewpoint that we are forced to feel that there is so much to do around and just a life time to do it all. Dr. Nair was recently conferred with the Prestigious Padmashree Award for his altruistic work in the field of Ayurveda. Notably, in the field of Ayurveda, it is an award that is bestowed upon individuals who have seen a life time; Dr. Nair is one of those few people who have got it young. Dr. Nair is just 50 years of age and is striving hard to bring up the status of Ayurveda. With his humane heart, he provides free treatment and medicines to poor people and feed 1000 people every day, irrespective of their social wellbeing. Anyone who is hungry can come and have a somber meal. This is from the man who began as the sole proprietor of his products. He was courageous enough to do all the things alone and this is also the soft hearted gentleman who cried when he heard of the prestigious laurel being given to him. He has given an assimilated name to the work and research that he has done in the field of Ayurveda. Pankajakasthuri, the name synonymous with the ancient system of medicine, believed and proved to be correct that hard work and dedication would culminate in making others wonder about its colossal achievements that too within a
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short span of time. The uniqueness of any individual or institution is appreciated on the basis of his or its capability to overcome fate. Pankajakasthuri offers only natural resources and ways of treating disorders and promoting health. It emphasizes prevention and Dr. J Hareendran Nair and wife empowers everyone with his Parents to take responsibility for their own well being. The company was established under the title of Pankajakasthuri Herbals India (P) Ltd. in 1988 and proudly enough it is Kerala’s first ISO 9000 certified company in Ayurvedic medicine. A jolly person at heart, as soon as we went inside Dr. Nair’s chamber, he welcomed us with a wide smile. Here is an excerpt from the conversation we had with him. You are a man with humble beginnings and now you are a national figure. How do you feel about that? We hear a hearty laugh from him before he says, “I do
not think that I am a national figure but since the nation has honoured me, after receiving Padmashree if you say that I have become a national figure, you may be right but I still am the same as earlier.” How do you feel about receiving Padmashree? I am only 50 now. Normally, in Ayurveda sector they give Padmashree only after 70 -75 years of age. My humble initiative of propagating my science and the little social work that I am trying to do might be the reason that I was conferred with the honor. I think so. Now I am totally happy. In am not sure if the word happy is enough to express my emotions on receiving the Padmashree. Enriched and empowered would be more appropriate to portray my happiness. What was your first reaction on receiving Padmashree? When I first got the news of my receiving Padmashree, I literally cried. I cried for ten fifteen minutes and then I just packed and rushed home to celebrate the rest of the day with my father, mother, brother, sister, wife and children. Now I am getting reception from all walks of life, small associations, my school, my college, my community, my village, civic reception by political parties. What is your agenda when it comes to Ayurveda? Kerala can be called the land of Ayurveda. After pedigree, not plus two, just to prefix ‘doctor’ in front of my name, I joined Ayurveda. Based on my marks, after much consideration, I chose Ayurveda. But now when I look back, I feel it is only because of my mother’s blessings that I have got enriched. During my initial years in Ayurveda College, I didn’t score very well and it was then that I realized that to get the ultimate extract of this science, I need to imbibe it as veda. “Artha saransh sangraham” is a saying for Ayurveda which means collection of everything that
is meaningful. So I started studying Ayurveda word by word and succeeded in achieving some clinical findings which worked against diseases. I was my own model. Ayurveda is absolutely safe and has a cure for every known disease, including AIDS. AIDS came into picture only a couple of decades ago but in our Vedas which were written 5000 years ago, we see a mention of this disease as ‘Ojakshaya’. That’s the divinity of Ayurveda. How did Pankajakasthuri begin? “Pankajam is the name of my mother and Kasthuri is my daughter. Keeping my family in mind, I created Pankajakasthuri. And incidentally both are Ayurvedic names, so together it sounded more Ayurvedic.”Again we hear his pearls of laughter. When I started Pankajakasthuri, nobody knew of it. Then I started enquiring about it at medical shops but everyone was unaware of it. From there I started my own marketing. Initially, I was my own cleaner, packer and market sales person. You see, there are two guiding stars – money motto and man motto. It is how divine powers have planned things. You want to make money and you want to be recognized. It motivates you to do better. After graduation, in 1986, I joined the Regional Medical College,
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Dr. J Hareendran Nair and Family
Poojapura for a year and a half where I got Rs. 3000 salary. I felt that with this small amount, I would not be able to fulfill my dreams and so I came up with Pankajakasthuri. What made you turn towards social service? Ayurveda says that whatever you have achieved it is because of the society. So once you have achieved it you need to give back to the society. It’s a vicious circle. Every man is a social animal and so am I. I am happy to be giving back to the society. For this, we provide free treatments and medicines to poor people, education aid, marriage aid and we also feed a thousand hungry mouths every day. I would like to contribute everything from my Padmashree in doing further aggressive research in the field of Ayurveda and also in propagating the science. In this, I would request all the Ayurvedic doctors to come forth and join hands to promote Ayurveda. Why do you think there is a slight reluctance for Ayurveda? I cannot say it is reluctance, rather it is ignorance. People know that Ayurveda is good, without side-effects
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March 2012
and provides a sure cure but still when it comes to availing Ayurvedic treatment, they are not so sure. This made me unhappy. I recently read an article according to which less than 10% of people use Ayurveda for therapeutic purpose in Kerala. Nobody knows about the benefits of Ayurveda. I am not against modern medicine, it is necessary for emergencies but for chronic ailments, nothing can beat Ayurveda. Earlier Ayurvedic medicines were bad tasting and ugly to look at but hitherto, all these things have changed. Personally I do not prefer continuing with the age old remedies, so I modify them according to the changing times. I am striving my level best to make Ayurveda popular with the common people; otherwise we cannot call Ayurveda a science. I am humbly dedicating my Padmashree to propagate Ayurveda. What has been your family’s role in assisting you to reach where you now stand? My family has been my pillar of strength. Without their support, this journey would not have been possible. I think whatever I have achieved is because of the blessings and love of my parents. Today my whole family is associated with Pankajakasthuri, some way or the other. Now my daughters and my niece are also following my footsteps. What do you like to do when you are not working? When I am not working I like to make newer combination of medicines for Pankajakasthuri. And when, I am not doing even that, I like to listen to music and then there are the Sunday movies with family.
News
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he Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) has disbursed Rs.1 Crore to 39 self-help groups in the State under microfinance, facilitating direct benefits to 400 women. Mr. P.T.M. Sunish, Managing Director, KSWDC, said the corporation expects an all-time high Central assistance amounting to Rs.20 Crore during 2011-12 fiscal year. The National Minorities Development Finance
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n the wake of increasing number of contractual breeches, violation of clauses and provisions leading towards loss of revenue, the Corporate Relations Institute will organize a 2 days’ intensive training series on Contract Management & Dispute Resolution in 3 cities across Kerala during February 2012. Training in Trivandrum will be held from 17-18 February and Kochi during 24-25 February and in Calicut, it will be from 27-28 February 2012. Mr. V. Inbavijayan, leading lawyer and an international arbitrator in commercial, construction and international trade disputes will be the faculty. Mr. Inbavijayan said, “an estimated 80% of businessto-business transactions the world over today are governed by contractual agreements. Companies simultaneously lose millions each year due to contractual leakages, unredeemed rebates, inefficient processes and suboptimal contract terms.” In the wake of Kerala undergoing a massive infrastructure development phase, contractual clauses will be of prime importance. Mr. Inbavijayan who was the sole arbitrator in over 230 domestic cases, 4000 Documents-only finance arbitrations and 6 international arbitrations, is also of the opinion that ‘Projects with governments and corporate are subjected to time and cost overruns because of continuous issues and disputes arising before, during and after implementation of the projects. Courts across the globe are snowed under, with cases; taking several years for settlements.’ Disputes over contracts often lead to nothing but
Corporation contributes Rs.12 Crore; the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation Rs.6 Crore and the National Scheduled Caste Mr. P.T.M. Sunish Finance and Development Corporation would provide Rs.2 Crore.
towards loss of revenue and wastage of time. These to gether, point towards the need for a proper contract documentation and management system that could reduce the burden of claims with any entity, more particularly the dispute management system. Sky-scraping contract costs, complicated commercial terms, volatile prices and price wars in the industry, cultural differences and many other unpredicted incidences and risks have made contract negotiations, dispute resolution and risk management more and more challenging in modern business environs. Participating business heads will be educated on the strengths, weaknesses, risks and the missing terms, before signing an agreement. Governments & Corporate heads, Project/ Mission Directors, Entrepreneurs, State-owned Enterprise/PSU Managers, international funding agencies, Engineers, Project and Office Managers, Sales and Marketing Managers, Contractors, Subcontractors and Consultants delivering Contract Services and Support, in-house lawyers, Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants etc. can attend, against prior registration. This is the 25th training program for senior professionals, being organized by the Institute, the training arm of the 14 years old Corporate Relations, a public affairs, public information and governance entity. Contact: E-mail: trainingrelations@gmail.com 9961217555 19
BrandKerala
March 2012
News
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he Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation (Hanveev) has planned a scheme to market handloom products of the corporation in rural areas. Mr. U.C. Raman, Chairman - Hanveev stated that the corporation would open at least one showroom in each Assembly constituency in the State as part of promoting handloom products. Another scheme was also drafted to renew export of handloom products. The plan was to resume the export business as there was increased demand for products in the Gulf countries. At present, Hanveev has 58 showrooms, two mobile units, and two agency showrooms. Initially, the corporation would allow independent agencies to start showrooms at 25 places. The proposal for setting up a modern showroom near the Hanveev head office would be considered. The corporation also has plans to increase production of saris and produce innovative design products to attract youngsters. He also said that various government departments have been urged to purchase their fabric requirements from Hanveev. As part of the scheme to distribute free uniforms to school students, Hanveev would provide 10 lakh meters of handloom cloth valued at Rs.15 crores. The number of weavers registered with the corporation came down from 6,000 to 1,200. With the new generation not being attracted to the weaving job; the corporation would have to increase workdays to ensure uninterrupted work. A proposal for increasing the wages of the weavers is also under consideration by the government.
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News
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xport of Indian spices and spice products from April to November 2011, has recorded a rise of 43 per cent in value in rupee and 40 per cent in dollar. Through export of 3,51,900 tonnes as against 3,72,010 tonnes of the corresponding period last year, the country earned a forex worth Rs.6209.08 Crore. Export earnings during April-November 2010 were Rs.4336 Crore. In terms of volume, the export shows a decline of five per cent in the current year when compared with the previous year. During April-November 2011, the export of pepper, small cardamom, large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cumin, celery, fenugreek, nutmeg, mace, tamarind, asafoetida, etc. have shown an increase both in volume and value as compared to April-November, 2010. During the same period, the export of value-added products, like curry powders and pastes has also increased both in volume and value. In the case of chilli, spice oils, oleoresins, and mint products, the increase was in terms of value. The export of other spice items has shown decline both in volume and value as compared to last year. During April-November 2011, a total quantity of 17,000 tonnes of pepper valued Rs.518.80 Crore, have been exported as against 11,850 tonnes valued at Rs.217.32 Crore of April-November 2010. The unit value of pepper has increased from Rs.183.39 per kg in April-November 2010 to Rs.305.18 per kg during AprilNovember 2011. During April-November 2011, the total export of small cardamom
registered an all-time record of 3,100 tonnes valued at Rs.253.75 Crore as against 570 tonnes valued at Rs.65.12 Crore of the previous year. During the period, a total quantity of 475 tonnes of cardamom (large), valued Rs.37.02 Crore, have been exported as against 380 tonnes valued Rs.18.52 Crore of last year, registering an increase of 25 per cent in quantity and 100 per cent in value. In the case of value-added products, exports totalled 11,500 tonnes in the case of curry powder/paste, valued Rs.164.53 Crore as against 9,875 tonne valued Rs.130.42 Crore of the last year. Also, the exports of spice oils and oleoresins have registered an increase of 33 per cent in value and with mint products, there is an increase of 51 per cent in value as compared to previous year. Compared to the spices export target of 5,00,000 tonnes valued Rs.6500 Crore (1450 million dollars) fixed for the financial year 201112, the achievement of 3,51,895 tonnes valued Rs.6209.02 Crore (1332.23 million dollars) during April-November 2011, is 70 per cent in terms of quantity and 96 per cent in terms of rupee value and 92 per cent in terms of dollar value. 21
BrandKerala
March 2012
Column
Niyathi
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he world’s vulnerability to further economic shocks and social upheaval risk undermining the progress that globalization has brought, resulting in the reversal of the gains of globalization, warns the World Economic Forum in its Global Risks 2012 report, the seventh edition, published today. Chronic fiscal imbalances and severe income disparity are the risks seen as most prevalent over the next 10 years. These risks in tandem threaten global growth as they are drivers of nationalism, populism and protectionism at a time when the world remains vulnerable to systemic financial shocks, as well as possible food and water crises. These are the findings of a survey of 469 experts and industry leaders, indicating a shift of concern from environmental risks to socioeconomic risks compared to a year ago. “For the first time in generations, many people no longer believe that their children will grow up to enjoy a higher standard of living than theirs,” said Lee Howell, the World Economic Forum Managing Director responsible for the report. “This new malaise is particularly acute in the industrialized countries that historically have been a source of great confidence and bold ideas.” Global Risks 2012 analyses three major risk cases of concern globally: Seeds of Dystopia Bulging populations of young people with few prospects, growing numbers of retirees depending on debtsaddled states (stoking fiscal imbalances) and the expanding gap between rich and poor are all fuelling resentment worldwide. Collectively, these trends risk undoing the progress that globalization has brought.
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Kerala and Economy
“Individuals are increasingly being asked to bear risks previously assumed by governments and companies to obtain a secure retirement and access to quality healthcare. This report is a wake-up call to both the public and private sectors to come up with constructive ways to realign the expectations of an increasingly anxious global community,” said John Drzik, Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Wyman Group (Marsh & McLennan Compa-
nies). Unsafe Safeguards Policies, norms and institutions from the 20th century may no longer protect us in a more complex and interdependent world. The weakness of existing safeguards is exposed by risks related to emerging technologies, financial interdependence, resource depletion and climate change, leaving society vulnerable. “We’ve seen examples of over-regulation, like the response to the Icelandic volcanic eruptions, or underregulation, such as the subprime or Eurozone crises. We need to get the balance right with regulations and, to that end, our safeguards must be anticipatory rather than reactive. It’s equally important that regulations be made more flexible to effectively respond to change,” said David Cole, Chief Risk Officer at Swiss Re. The Dark Side of Connectivity Our daily lives are almost entirely dependent on connected online systems, making us susceptible to malicious individuals, institutions and nations that increasingly have the ability to unleash devastating cyberattacks remotely and anonymously.
“The Arab Spring demonstrated the power of interconnected communications services to drive personal freedom, yet the same technology facilitated riots in London. Governments, societies and businesses need to better understand the interconnectivity of risk in today’s technologies if we are truly to reap the benefits they offer,” said Steve Wilson, Chief Risk Officer for General Insurance at Zurich. Natural disasters also remind us of the devastating power of nature and the limits of technology, as witnessed by last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In a special chapter on key lessons to be gleaned from the disaster, the report stresses that organizations are far more resilient to major shocks if they have clear lines of communication and employees across the organization are empowered to take decisions. The report describes 50 global risks and groups them into economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological categories. Within each category, the most significant systemic risk is singled out. The report also highlights “X Factors” – emerging concerns with still unknown consequences that warrant more research. These include a volcanic winter, cyber neotribalism and epigenetics. “Global Risks 2012 indicates that global governance is closely intertwined with all other global risks. The report argues for rethinking private and public responsibilities to foster greater trust. It provides the basis for a dialogue on the adverse impacts of myopic thinking and the importance of designing implementable and well-received, longterm strategies,” said Howard Kunreuther, James G. Dinan Professor and Professor of Decision Sciences and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The three risk cases, Japan and X Factors are the focus of special sessions at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, taking place on 25-29 January. Published in cooperation with Marsh & McLennan Companies, Swiss Re, The Wharton Center for Risk Management and Zurich, Global Risks 2012 is the flagship initiative of the World Economic Forum’s Risk Response Network. The Risk Response Network provides private and public sector leadership with an independent platform to better map, monitor, manage and mitigate global risks. 23
BrandKerala
March 2012
News
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he e- commerce player, snapdeal. com, is eyeing presence across 100 cities in addition of plans to strengthen and deepen their product verticals. Kunal Bahl, Founder and CEO, Snapdeal.com maintain that the group has grown to 11 million subscribers in a short span of 18 months, and is currently growing at a rate of 1.5 million subscribers per month. As on date the e-commerce player has presence across 50 cities. Snapdeal.com has risen over $50 million through private investments plans to utilize the amount, expanding their product business and strengthening their local and national merchant deals. Snapdeal.com also plans to strengthen their product verti-
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cals by introducing various categories and sub-categories within Mobiles, Electronics, Fashion, Apparel, Shoes & other accessories. Snapdeal.com, which is expecting Rs. 150 Crore business by the end of this fiscal year, has recently launched ‘Deals Near me’ to increase the customers flow to the website. The ‘Deal Near Me’ services launched across various cities is essentially to provide deals to the customers in their neighborhood. Snapdeal.com has engaged local merchants in neighborhood who would offer discounts to the people. The deep discounts offered by local merchants would drive in the footfall for the merchants meanwhile helping the consumer search for best deals in his vicinity. The company is anticipating increase in footfall through this drive, though it refuses to quantify the jump, an increase in the subscriber number on the website is anticipated. As per e-commerce players, India’s e-commerce industry is experiencing a spurt in growth in sectors like online travel, e-retailing, daily deals, jobs and matrimony. The players maintain that the growth in these sectors has been beyond expectation and there is still a lot more potential waiting to be tapped.
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ura Academic Institutions group has set up a global school at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district, the first of a chain of such schools planned in Kerala. The group has joined hands with MDN Edify Education and iEduteam to start the school, which will become operational from the next academic year. Mr. K.K. Ashraf, Chairman and Managing Director of Aura Academic Institutions, said that the group’s vision was to be a leading independent provider of educational services both in India and overseas. It would extend its learners’ flexibility and rigor with well recognized international benchmarks. He added the school was one of the first schools in the
State to have robotics where the students would connect with technology, a novel feature that was just making its entry into schools. Also, the students would be given wide exposure to sports and arts. The environment would enable the students to connect both with themselves and the nature. The school will feature temperature-controlled classrooms, interactive e-boards in classrooms, language lab to strengthen communications skills in English and other international languages, puppet corner and well-equipped labs and library. Besides, the school will conduct national and international educational tours for the students. The school had opted for a student-centric system with ample opportunities for learning through inquiry and discovery.
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DBI Bank has launched the country’s first online retail G-Sec Portal — IDBI Samriddhi G-Sec Portal. This portal provides an opportunity for retail investors to invest in Government securities (bonds) issued both by Central and State Governments. The portal became operational from January 17, 2012. “Retail investors having access to the Internet and a Demat account can freely buy and sell government bonds at the click of a button through IDBI Bank’s Web site,” said Mr. Melwyn Rego, Executive Director, IDBI Bank. 25
BrandKerala
March 2012
STATEMENT ABOUT OWNERSHIP AND OTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT BRANDKERALA Forum IV(See Rule 6) 1. Place of Publication : 2. Periodicity of Publication : 3. Printers Name : Whether Citizen of India : If foreigner,state the country of origin) Address : 4. Publishers Name : Whether Citizen of India : Address : 5. Editors Name : Whether Citizen of India : Address : 6. Owner’s Name & Address :
Thiruvananthapuram Monthly Ravisankar.K.V Yes TC 9/1785, ‘Anandam’,P-99, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695010 Ravisankar.K.V Yes TC 9/1785, ‘Anandam’,P-99, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695010 Ravisankar.K.V Yes TC 9/1785, ‘Anandam’,P-99, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695010 Ravisankar.K.V TC 9/1785, ‘Anandam’, P-99, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-695010
I Ravisankar.K.V hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date:01.03.2012
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Sd/Ravisankar. K.V Printer and Publisher
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ewa Projects has announced the launch of a seven-tower, 24-storey residential project housing 605 waterfront apartments on Marine Drive at Kochi. Dewa Projects is a private limited company with a paid-up capital of Rs 225 crore and a current asset value of over Rs 1400 crore. The Rs 600-crore project has launched by Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala on Thursday at the 6.4-acre site where the project is coming up. Mr Venugopal Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, said the project will house luxurious 1,200-2,500 sq ft two and three BHK apartments, in addition to a few four-bedroom and five-bedroom duplex penthouses. The first three towers will be completed by 2014 and the others by 2015.
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ix hundred and ninety one companies have been registered in Kerala between October and December 2011. 16 public companies with an authorized capital of Rs. 19.30 crore and 675 private companies with an authorized capital of Rs. 118.76 crore were registered in Kerala. 55 of these private companies were big companies with an authorized capital of Rs.50 lakh and above. Ernakulam had the highest number of 248 new registra-
Designed by leading architectural firm CPG Corporation, Singapore, and ensuring a minimum 45-degree to 180-degree water-frontage view for each flat, the project will have all the high-end frills to match Marine Drive’s up market image. The other amenities included a Sky Club on the 24th and 25th levels, with party hall, sky-lounge, guest and 3-BHK serviced apartments and a sports centre. The apartments are priced at Rs 5,500 per sq ft. Mr. Renjith Jacob, Director, Dewa Project, said the project also have a 50x50 sq m Olympic Pool, the largest ever of its kind in a residential project; a 2 lakh sq ft Podium Garden, again the largest on Marine Drive, and three levels exclusively for car parking. The 4,300-5,150 sq ft duplex penthouses with four and five bedrooms will have large home theatre halls, a private terrace garden and swimming pools.
tions. Only two companies were registered in Wayanad. 103 companies were struck off the registry during the period and 43 companies changed their names. Three companies were transferred out of Kerala and three were transferred into Kerala from other States. 103 companies were registered in the IT sector, seventy-one were in the manufacturing sector and 61 were chit companies. 58 new companies registered in the construction sector and 40 in the sales and trade. 27
BrandKerala
March 2012
News
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ubai-based Fathima Health Care group has come up with a project that provides investment opportunities for Non-Resident Indians, especially Malayalis in the Gulf countries. NRI Project Management India Ltd (NRIPMI) based in Kozhikode, the Dr. K.P. Hussain Charitable Trust, and Corn Corner Foods India Private Limited are the three ventures. Dr. Hussain, founder chairman of the group said NRIPMI intended to identify suitable investment opportunities anywhere in India and invest in suitable ones and offered a platform for NRIs who were interested in investing. It would employ NRIs, thus utilising the training and experience they have gained working abroad in a
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suitable manner. NRIs could invest any amount ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs.50 crore in the comapny. In the first phase, the plan would be to construct a complex that included a World Trade Centre and an international convention centre, besides star hotels, super markets, and amusement parks in Kozhikode. The company would invest around Rs.500 crore on the project. The site for this mega project was yet to be indentified. Corn Corner Foods was another NRI project through which sweet-corn machines would be set up in Kozhikode city and neighboring localities offering employment opportunities to more than 100 people. The plan was to install 5,000 such machines all over the country in six months and provide employment to at least 10,000 people in the next three years.
News
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s. Shreya Ghoshal inaugurated the relocated jewellery showroom of Joyalukkas group in the presence of MLAs, Mr. Dominic Presen-
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laneer pandal’, an outlet for selling tender coconut water, has been opened at Infopark, Kochi. It is an initiative of the Infopark management and the Coconut Development Board. Mr. Om Prakash, Addi-
tation and Mr. Hibi Eden, Mayor Mr. Tony Chammany and cine actor Mr. Captain Raju.
tional Commissioner, Agriculture Department, inaugurated the outlet. Mr. Jijo Joseph, Infopark CEO and Mr. M.Thomas Mathew, Chief Coconut Development Officer were present.
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March 2012
Banking
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outh Indian Bank’s mobile banking, ‘SIB M-Pay’ has launched by Mr. B. Sambamurthy, Director, Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) of the Reserve Bank of India. The scheme facilitates the convenience of fund transfer to other banks even on holidays and the customer receives the money instantly to the account.
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ndian Bank has won the ‘Golden Peacock Innovative Products-Service Award’ for 2011. The award was received by Mr T. M. Bhasin, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Bank at the World Congress on Total Quality, held in Bengaluru. The award was given to the bank in recognition of its contribution to promotion of self help groups
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Mr. Gigo Joseph, CEO, Infopark, released a user guide on SIB M-Pay by handing over a replica to Mr. Abraham Thariyan, Executive Director, South Indian Bank. Mr. P.J. Jacob, DGM, DICT, South Indian Bank, welcomed the gathering. Mr. A. Sony, AGM, Marketing Department, SIB, proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Kshitij Arora, Senior Manager, NPCI, was also present.
(SHGs). SHGs have turned out to be a major vehicle of women empowerment. In the current year, Indian Bank has so far disbursed Rs 1,360 Crore to 55,391 SHGs, taking the total exposure under the SHG portfolio to Rs 2,336 Crore, benefiting 175,390 SHGs.
Banking
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argest private sector lender ICICI Bank joins the social media platform, Facebook, where it plans to allow its customers to access their bank accounts, among other services. The customers would be able to get updates on exclusive offers through Facebook. The bank plans to join Facebook as part of its efforts
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he State Bank of Travancore has recently launched a Green Channel Counter, a step forward towards eco-friendly and paperless banking. The service was launched by P. Nanda Kumaran, Managing Director, SBT at the bank’s Kowdiar branch. The Green Channel Counter reduces transaction time and dispenses with pay-in-slips, cheques, and challans. Cash deposit, cash withdrawal, and funds transfer are
to continue to provide ‘superior banking services’ in 2012, in line with its ‘‘Khayaal Aapka’ (Your Care) philosophy. A number of companies in India and abroad are establishing a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook to reach out to their customers and get new businesses.
the plethora of facilities now available through this facility with limit of Rs.40, 000 per transaction. Customers do not have to fill up forms or take tokens and wait in queue. A printed receipt will be issued indicating the transactions put through the Green Channel Counter. Customers can avail this facility at the front office bank counter, through a specially designed Transaction Processing Device, by swiping their ATM debit card and entering the PIN.
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March 2012
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he International Conference on Disaster Management, ICCDM-2012. It was a long cherished dream-come-true for the Chancellor of the University Dr. Janab A.P. Majeed Khan to hold an International Conference on Disaster Management. The conference was intended to focus on the need to publish and establish norms for institutionalized procedures and mechanisms that require standards for disaster management. The Conference offered a unique opportunity for intellectuals and administrators to listen to intellectually stimulating addresses attend brainstorming sessions and
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present research papers. The outcome of the conference was consolidated and published in the form of a voluminous Conference Proceedings. More than hundred participants from thirteen countries of five continents graced the conference with their committed presence. About 180 research papers rich in content and analysis were received of which 75 papers of high quality were selected for presentation and publications in the proceedings. Three research papers rich in content and style were selected and ranked for three special awards each one carrying Rs.5000, Rs.3000, and Rs.2000 respectively. The conference was inaugurated on 27th January 2012 by Dr. Srikumar Banarjee, Chairman, Atomic
Energy Commission, Govt. of India. The keynote address was given by Prof. Dr. K. J. Remesh, Advisor on Disaster Support and Climate Change, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt.of India, New Delhi. Dr. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Executive Vice-President and Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Kerala, delivered a special address. Felicitations were offered by Associate Professor Dr. Fathima Lathif, Member of Parliament, Singapore. The Valedictory function on 28th January 2012 was graced by the august presence of Dr. Syed S. Haque, Professor, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. K. Chokalingam, Professor, University of Missouri, USA, Dr. Christina Weber, Professor, University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Dr. Stuart Enoch, CEO, Doctors’ Academy, U.K. and Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Director, Vistula University, Poland. Twelve enlightening technical sessions for paper presentations were arranged for two days under the critical scrutiny of Chairpersons, Dr. Victor Rajamanickam, Dr. Rajasekar, Professor and Head of the Department of Management, M. S. University, Dr. N. Chandrasekharan,
M.S. University, and Dr. P. Vincent, Professor, Mepco Engineering College etc. Schools Children and teachers, including Heads of Institutions of Kanyakumari and Trivandrum Districts, also participated in the Conference. The patronage and the motivation of Mr. Faizal Khan, MD, NIMS served as a boost for the success of the Conference. The Management of Noorul Islam University has plans for organising many more international conferences on critical issues of cosmic significance.
www.tourismindia.travel www.brandkerala.biz www.keralatourismmagazine.com 33
BrandKerala
March 2012
New Products
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ife Insurance Corporation of India launched a new product, LIC Jeevan Ankur, specially designed to meet the educational and other needs of the child. Mr. S. Chandrasekhar, Senior Divisional Manager launched the product at the Ernakulam divisional office of LIC. LIC’s Jeevan Ankur is a conventional with profits plan,
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specially designed to meet the educational and other needs of your child. If you are the parent of children aged up to 17 years, LIC’s Jeevan Ankur is the most suitable insurance plan for you which ensures that your responsibilities are met whether you survive or not and without depending on anyone else. The risk cover under this plan will be on your life as a parent and the named child shall be the nominee under the plan. The policy term shall be based on the age of maturity of the child. ‘Jeevan Ankur’, covers the risk on the life of the parent and the named child shall be the nominee under the plan. If the parent survives till the end of the policy term, an assured maturity benefit equal to basic sum assured along with loyalty additions, depending on Corporation’s experience, shall be payable.Accident benefit rider and critical illness rider are two optional benefits available under the plan. The minimum sum assured is Rs 1 lakh while there is no upper limit.
t the India International Coffee Festival in Delhi, Coffee Day unveiled its Wake Cup range of home coffee machines, priced at a competitive Rs 3,999, that dispense the brew in 30 seconds. Mr. K. Ramakrishnan, President, Marketing, Café Coffee Day, said “It’s the first time anybody is offering home coffee machines at this price point in India”. It will be available in the market in about 3-4 months time and sold exclusively through the CCD cafes to start with. The CCD outlets will also supply the capsules (which contain roasted powder) for the machine priced at Rs 10 for a single serve. At present, most coffee machines for the home segment in the market are priced above Rs 10,000. Coffee Day, which was an early mover in the US style modern coffee café segment in India, says it now sees huge potential for growth in the in-home segment.
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BrandKerala
March 2012
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he Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has won the Best Importer in Kerala award of the Customs. The BPCL, which paid a customs duty of Rs. 892 crores, was honoured at the International Customs Day celebration organised by the Customs Commissionerate, Preventive, Kerala and Customs House, Kochi. The second place went to the MRF and the third to Indian Oil Corporation. Synthite Limited, Plant Lipids and ITC Limited won the first
three best exporter awards. Vice Admiral Mr. K.N. Sushil, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command, presented the awards. Mr. Ashok K. Kaushal, the chief commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Kerala Zone, Mr. A.P. Sudhir, former member of the Central Board of Excise and Customs, Mr. Vijay Kalsi, the commissioner of Customs, Kochi, and Ms. Elsi Thomas, additional commissioner, were among those who spoke.
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n exclusive showroom of Somany tiles was opened at Kochi by Mr. Shreekant Somany, Chairman and Managing Director of Somany Ceramics. The exclusive Somany showroom is the third one in Kochi. Kerala presently has six exclusive Somany showrooms. Somany Ceramics Ltd, the flagship company of the H L Somany group, is one of the leading players in the tiles and sanitary ware industry. 35
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March 2012
TNeecwhsn o l o g y
Here and Now
N. Nandakumar Kartha
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SMART EXECUTIVE always remains specific and time bound. He/She keeps meditating when is alone looking at the floor two or three feet in front of him/her. Then he reminds ones own SELF, “I” am an asset to my self, how do “I’’ add value to my life? “I” am an asset to my family. How do I add value to the asset? “I” am an asset to my community, “How do I add value to the asset?” “I” am an asset to my company. How do I add value to the asset? They present himself/herself pleasant and humble when in the crowd, because, they have realized the value of their life/SELF Your height of acceptance in the society/work place when converted in currency is your Human life value. Insurance people are the best judge of your ‘human life value’. They assess your value and insure your company for the financial risk on account of the unexpected loss to your company in your absence. This is called ‘Key man policy’. Similarly, you are valued and insured to compensate your family financially, to a certain extent. Therefore, it has become imperative that each individual meditate as Human asset and keep a score of VALUE ADDITION for himself. This is what I refer as LOVE THY SELF “If you wish to advance into infinite explore the finite in all direction.”—Gothe. First explore & give value to your community, then your company, then to your family, then to your SELF For a SMART EXECUTIVE, an organization is full of challenges and opportunities to increase his human life value in the company as well as in the society and in his family. A SMART EXECUTIVE keeps informed about INTERESTING PERSONS An interesting person is one whose life is worth studying for three reasons. First, the person is someone we recognize, someone who’s contributions — for better or for worse — has had a significant effect on our culture. If
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we are part of a culture that recognizes such people, we should know something about them. Second, interesting people intrigue us. We know their names and we wonder about them, so it makes sense to spend a few minutes learning about them just to satisfy our curiosity. Finally, interesting people are important to study because doing so has a positive effect on our own lives. When we learn about people whose humility and strength allow them to become truly great, we are inspired to develop greatness in ourselves. When we learn about people whose arrogance and weakness causes their own downfall (not to mention a great deal of human suffering), it helps us to understand our own faults and, indirectly, to live our lives as well as we can. VALUE ADDITION-Mesmerizing effect of Heaven and Hell
The best marketing keywords ever used and succeeded in mesmerizing the world community is Heaven and Hell; with Heaven placed at beyond the sky and the Hell placed far below the earth…those sitting over the sky showers fortunes and those sitting below the earth pierce you with misfortune! In the process every one started looking at the sky, keeps doing even now. What have you seen all these days in the sky? Does it give you any value addition? Now look at the wise people from time immemorial… they meditated on their SELF, meditated looking down on the earth @ fire, water, air, ether, ocean, plants, birds, animals, human and became rich and prosperous. Each of them created a heaven for themselves. Those who look above continue to become poor and poor and remain on the mercy of someone to help for a huge price. Whether it is GOD or politicians, intermediaries or the influentials! Those who meditated on the land and ocean was gifted with precious stones, precious metals, oil, gas and blessed them wisdom to mobilize and make best use of their resources they posses and create VALUE ADDITIONS such as alloys and synthetics so on and so forth. What ever they touched it turned out to be high valued product. Take for instance SAND, OXYGEN, CARBON, HYDROGEN, and NITROGEN, see how their imagination lead to prosperity. SAND in the form of silicon chips brought the world to our home creating new generation millionaires. How did they succeed? They gave professional ap-
proach to their imagination based on what all they saw, heard, smelled, felt, tasted. What they imagined became the scope of their professional life. They started collecting information from around the world. They Learned, Observed, Verified, and Established (LOVE) and prepatedan action Plan. It was then communicated to mobilize resources. Like minded thoughts get attracted to create an Organization. New life is thus come to existence as an organization generating goodwill, surplus and fortunes. A Case Study How an organization should be created?, Organizational hierarchy, delegation of authority and responsibility, Organizational commitment, and the ultimate result. Brahma is the supreme divine Creator of all. No sooner did the urge of creation arise in Brahma, a vibration was created which is known as Shakti (energy or power). This Shakti manifested as Jad (inanimate) and chetan (animate) objects and creatures. The inanimate creation Is governed by material nature (Prakriti) and animate creation is governed by chitta Shakti which is known as Savitri. It has been described in the scriptures that in the beginning of the creation a lotus flower rose up from Vishnu’s navel. Brahma the creator originated from this lotus flower. From Brahma, Savitri was created and through the union of Brahma and Savitri, all the four Vedas came into existence. Knowledge of all kinds originated from the Vedas and there after, Brahma created this material world comprised of the five basic elements. The secret behind this allegorical description is that from the interior or centre of the Uninvolved, Invariable, Absolute Divine Being, and a lotus flower came into existence. According to the scriptures, in the beginning of the creation, the Supreme Absolute willed to get Himself multiplied, “Ekoham Bahusyam.” This willed vibration arose from the focal point and blossomed in the form of a lotus flower. Brahma, who is said to be born of lotus flower is one of the three basic manifestations of the Absolute Divinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh symbolizing creation, nurture and dissolution respectively. The first born of the triple divinity had to be Brahma, the creator, as creation precedes nurture and dissolution. Brahma started his work and created two kinds of creation, Chaitanya (animate) and Jad (inanimate) All living beings having desire, consciousness and ego fall under Chaitanya creation. This is an independent creation which is known as Pranmaya-kosh of the universe. Chaitanya (animate) element pervades the entire universe and is known as Pran. Ideas, will, and emotions are three attributes of Pran-tatva which constitute the three coverings (bodies) of the soul- astral (Sukshma), causal (Karan) and physical (Sthool). All living beings owe their consciousness and 37
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existence to this Pran-tatva. For creating Jad (inanimate) creation comprising matter, Brahma created five elements (Panchbhoot) viz. earth, water, air, fire and ether. The atoms of the entire material nature manifest as solid, liquid or gas This vast expanse of nature in the form of rivers, mountains, earth etc, is the play of atoms of these five elements. Physical bodies of all living beings are also constituted by these five elements of nature. There is activity in both these creations. In Chaitanya creation it is seen in various activities in the form of ego, determination and inspiration. In Jad creation, the form, colour, shape etc. of different objects are formed and dissolved on the basis of the vibrating energy. The basis of Jad creation is atom and of Chaitanya creation, conscious will. Both these bases are superbly subtle and powerful. They are indestructible and they simply change their forms. In the emergence of Jad and Chaitan creations, Brahma’s powers of Chetna (consciousness) and Padarth (matter) are functioning. Initially, need was felt for the power of will as, without it Chaitanya could not manifest. In the absence of Chaitanya energy, none could have knowledge about matter and it would have remained without any use. The utility of matter is for the convenience of manifestation of
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s part of the changes in the Consumer Protection Act and Bureau of Indian Standards Act, hallmark licensing would be introduced for gold, silver jewellery, toys, helmets and other industrial product. The changes are being brought about after 25 years and new laws would give district-level consumer redressal forum and authorize them to levy fines. Mr. K. V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Food and Con-
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Chaitanya. Therefore, Brahma initially created Chaitanya and discovered will for knowledge. In Puranic language it can be said that Vedas or knowledge manifested first of all. The energies of conscious will (Sankalpa) and matter (Padarth) are the two arms of Brahma by which the work of creation is accomplished. Since the former is animate (Chaitan), it is also described as Brahma’s wife. This also leads to the meaning of Krishna’s 16008 wives. They refer to human positive thoughts. The science has already established that 24000 thoughts flash through human mind in a day, unconsciously. Those thoughts are responsible for differentiating one person with other in terms of physical, mental and spiritual well being. Thus we can conclude that all founders, discoverers and inventors can be coined to one word ‘BRAHMA’. Besides, story of each inventors and discoverers has a spiritual background. Dhirubhai Ambani is a Brahma who created his own heaven for their children to become world beaters. Narayana Moorthy is another Brahma who created heaven for thousands. Bill Gates is another Brahma, Einstein, and other Nobel laureates is Brahma too of our modern world who created heaven that we are presently enjoying.
sumer Affairs said the new changes in the Act that was presented in the last session of Parliament had been approved by the Cabinet and would be tabled in the Budget session .Hallmark licensing would become compulsory for jewellery outlets, but the traditional goldsmith would be protected, he added. A fine of Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh would be slapped on the outlets that violated the rules. There are about 5000 jewellery outlets in the State and only 1,200 have hallmarking licence. Fifty more laboratories would be added to the existing 30 laboratories for hallmarking jewellery in the State.
News
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ut of the Blue’, a short film directed by Mr. Ajith Nambiar was screened at a function held at Kalabhavan. The film was produced with the support of Thikkurissi foundation. The foundation promotes films which have social relevance. The film deals with the current social scenario which forces people to ‘not to believe. ’Mr. Ajith Nambiar is currently working as the Promo Producer at Asianet News and earlier he was with Amrita Television. This promising youngster
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lantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) Ltd. has registered a record profit of Rs.76.18 crore in 201011 and gave a dividend of Rs.27.84 lakh to the government. Mr. Varghese George, Corporation chairman handed over the cheque to Mr. K.P. Mohanan, Minister for Agriculture.
have done ad films, scripts for cinema and have also been associated with many films. Now Mr. Ajith’s ambition to direct a movie is coming true. He is directing a Malayalam film in which he is doing the story and script by himself. Mr. G Karthikeyan, SpeakMr. Ajith Nambiar er of the Legislative Assembly released the Logo of Thikkurissi film festival. The festival is organized by Thikkurissi Foundation as a tribute to the great actor. The film festival will be held from April 25 to 30 in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. While inaugurating the function Mr. Karthikeyan said “Thikkurissi was a legend and obviously he was a nice person...Still he lives in our mind.” The function presided by Mr. Chunakkara Ramankutty. Mr. Kayikkara Babu and Adv. G. Subodhanan felicitated the function and Mr. Rajan V. Pozhiyoor proposed vote of thanks.
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pringfeel Polyurethane Foams Pvt Ltd has launched Finesse fine mattresses and fine pillows. The range is designed to offer the user a better sleep experience. The micropocketed box top mattress is a 14inch internationally-styled mattress, quilted with natural bamboo fibre blended polyester fabric. It has two spring grids to ensure increased support. Another range, the Five Zone latex mattress, is a hypo-allergic and dust and mite resistant product made to European quality standards. This range is imported from Belgium.
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K
alyan Silks, the most trusted brand in Kerala for more than a century now, is also the world’s largest silk saree showroom network. Today Kalyan Silks prides itself in world-class showrooms in Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kottayam. Kalyan Silks’ first international showroom was opened in Dubai recently. By mid 2012, this leader in textile retailing will further strengthen its presence by adding many more showrooms to its ever-growing network. Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore will be Kalyan Silks’ global destinations in the coming years. The new showrooms will also bring international ambience and amenities to Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvalla. Kalyan Silks’ product lines are different from other players in the textile industry. So are its infrastructure facilities. Kalyan Silks has a string of looms in all major centers across the country. In-house designing centers and manufacturing units help Kalyan Silks bring the latest trends to its shelves. In addition to all this, it owns India’s largest wholesale textile showroom, which powers this heritage brand to control prices and maximize quality throughout the year. Kalyan Silks, Ernakulam is easily the largest silk saree showroom in the world, with this amazing planet of fashion spanning over 1.25 lakh sq.ft. and across 9 floors. This showroom showcases just about everything fashion lovers would love to lay their hands on. Kalyan Silks, Thrissur with 6 floors of shopping space and countless trend-setting collections, this showroom has long become one of the finest silk saree showrooms in India. Here you get to discover amazing collections in bridal silks, ghagra cholees, dress materials, ethnic wear, party wear, western wear, men’s clothings, kids wear, designer watches, designer jewellery and fashion accessories.
Relax lounges, cafeteria, and spacious parking zone are other thoughtfully designed amenities. Kalyan Collections, Thrissur is Kalyan’s wholesale division and the largest of its kind in the country. Its seven well-stocked floors provide retail textile merchants with widest ranges in textiles sourced from own looms as well as reputed mills from all over India. Kalyan Silks, Palakkad welcomes to a brand new shopping experience in Palakkad. Kalyan Silks recently launched its showroom in Palakkad, to provide a worldclass experience for shoppers with 3 exclusive floors dedicated to silks, fashion apparel, textiles and accessories for all. Kalyan Silks, Kozhikode has 7 spacious floors with 70000 square feet of shopping space and over 100 fashion departments. And a shopping experience that is truly international. The biggest and the finest silk saree showroom in North Kerala, it is where you find everything for your family. At prices nobody else can match. Only at Pottammal Junction, Mavoor Road. Kalyan Silks brought a whole new world of shopping to Kannur. With a showroom that is spread over 6 floors and spanning over 70000 sq. ft. This world-class shoppers’ paradise showcases amazing ranges in bridal silk, men’s wear, kids wear, ethnic wear, party wear, ladies’ wear and home furnishings. This landmark showroom also boasts of lifestyle, travel and fashion accessory counters. Kalyan Silks brings you designer collections from all over the nation. Showcasing some of the finest in Bridal and party wear, it has something new and unique on offer everytime. Kalyan Silks features fabulous saris from the designer collections of Saugandhika. Sahaana is the latest line of branded bridal sarees from Saugandhika series. Created with A-grade silk thread and crystal quality jerry, Sahanna blends vivid colours with vibrant patterns. Kalyan silk is truly the final word for fashion and beyond. 41
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Mr. Bhavadasan Namboodiri Managing Director
.P.Namboodiri’s is the brand name in the field of oral, skin and hair care products with ayurvedic approach, and other generic products, adhering to high quality at affordable rates and keeping with the concept of “Back to nature.” Its brand product “Dantadhavanachoornam” traces its beginning to some eight decades back. K.P.Namboodiri’s Ayurvedics, is a fast growing company based in Thrissur of Kerala. Its branded product “Dantadhavanachoornam” traces its beginning to some eight decades back, when its founder Mr. K. Pothayan Namboodiri (K.P.Namboodiri) obtained a unique Ayurvedic formulation from an erstwhile royal family. After his demise Mr. K. Raman Namboodiri, his second son, steered the company and established the business. Mr. K. Bhavadasan, the third generation of the family, had to take over the Company in the year 2000, on the unexpected demise of his father Mr. Raman Namboodiri. With a view to meet the challenges of the future, the company built a state-of-the-art factory with computer controlled machinery. Now K.P. Namboodiri’s has grown to a corporate level under the able leadership of Mr. Bhavadasan, it’s Managing Director. Presently K.P.N. Group comprises of K.P.Namboodiri’s Ayurvedics, K.P.N.Products, K. P. Namboodiri’s Auditorium, Devaragam Resorts P Ltd., Ramco Herbals P Ltd. and Pothayan Namboodiri Charitable Trust. K.P.Namboodiri’s has got branches at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and Unjha in Gujarat State. After 82 years of business of a single product, “Dana-
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tadhavanachoornam”, in variant and different packings, K.P.Namboodiri’s added one more oral product with the name “K.P.Namboodiri’s Ayurvedic Tooth Paste” during 2007. Knowing the pulse of younger generation the company launched another quality product in tooth paste with the brand name “K.P. Namboodiri’s Ayurvedic GEL Tooth Paste”. These products were well accepted in the market in a very short time. The Toothpaste contains inter alia natural extracts of Black pepper which is clinically proven for its anti-bacterial powers; Amla-a rich source of Vitamin C with natural astringent properties; Clove-the time-tested remedy for toothache etc. K.P.Namboodiri’s also came out with generic products like “Dahamukthi”, a health drink, and “Vasana Bhasmam” (scented vibhoothi). The Company was anxious to extend its services in the areas of hair care and skin care products. In this process it launched ayurveda based shampoo (both regular and antidandruff ) and hair oil during 2010. These products also stood for quality with reasonable pricing and were well accepted in the market in a very short time. Company’s desire to enter into skin care products was fulfilled in 2010 when it launched “K.P.Namboodiri’s Ayurvedic Soap” in three different variants – Sandal, Sandal + Turmeric, and Aandal + Ramacham. Customers distinguished these products also by its quality and price. K.P.Namboodiri’s has many more products in the pipe line and hopes the launch in phased manner. The company’s flagship brand “Dantadhavachoornam” is the largest selling brand in Kerala’s tooth powder market with 75 to 80% share. It has a strong presence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with encouraging acceptance in other States of the country. The product is also being exported to Middle-East countries. Rightly understood the scope for ayurveda in personal care products K.P.Namboodiri’s set up a well and fully equipped modern Research and Development Department with substantial investment to aid and speed the process of further innovations. Mission of K.P.Namboodiri’s is to cater the needs of general public in the field of oral, skin and hair care products with ayurvedic approach, and other generic products, keeping high quality at affordable rates and keeping the concept of “Back to nature”. 43
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Brand
erala, the land of myriad hues and tints, has an equally colorful and vibrant spread to offer when it comes to the local succulent delicacies. To revive the long forgotten taste of real Kerala and to bring alive the true flavours of spice coast is what Brahmins intend to. Every Brahmins product delivers a
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preneur at Thodupuzha in Idukki District of Kerala State for manufacture of pickles and a flour mill. By the hard work and dedication of the promoter and with the patronage from well wishers, the unit began to grow slowly. With the growth of the unit, diversification of the activities was undertaken and new products like Rice powder, spices, aerated water, jams etc was introduced in
distinctive and true taste that has been passed over generations. It’s the same taste that Malayalees ever discerned for. It’s the taste we thought that it was lost for ever. And it’s the taste that takes us to the enchanting world of Kerala’s authentic flavour. From the collection of raw materials to delivery of final product, Brahmins assure that, quality and purity is maintained to its best levels at each and every step. The ultra modern technology helps them to deliver finest products. From grain powders to ground masalas, from pickles to flours, Brahmins brings to the fore quintessential Kerala foods that is diverse in many ways. Processed in state-of-the-art industrial plants, Brahmins uses the latest of technology with an eye for quality to revitalize the ancient tastes. Brahmins range of food products. Experience the best of country Kerala, in all its purity and authenticity. Brahmins Group had very humble beginning set up in 1987 by Mr. V Vishnu Namboodiri, a promising entre-
the market. On account of the goodwill and wide acceptance of the product, the unit was able to perform well. Meanwhile, different units were floated by the promoter to meet the growing demands of the market. Here also the unit has only to say success stories. When it was felt that the existing facilities are not enough to cater to the demand a new unit was set up in 2003 at KINFRA Small Industrial Park at Nellad near Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district. Here one state of the art wheat flour plant was set up and the entire production was shifted to Nellad. The goodwill generated in the market is such that ‘Brahmins Touch’ has become a household name in Kerala and Abroad. All during this period the firm made it a point that whatever products go to the market is of superior quality and at no point of time there was any compromise on quality which is the strength of the organization.
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arayur is famous for its unique jaggery. Marayur is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, 42 km. north of Munnar on MunnarUdumalpetta road. Aside from its natural sandal forests and innumerable locations of scenic beauty, Marayur is best known for its extensive sugar cane cultivation, more than 2500 acres of land is under this cultivation. Marayur Jaggery is dark brown sugar balls made of condensed sugarcane juice. Manufacturing units are set up in sugarcane farms themselves and the jaggery is manufactured by the farmers, who mostly belong to the Muthuva tribe. The peculiar geographic location of Marayur, which
nestles amid the forests of the Western Ghats brings distinct geographical uniqueness of the sugarcane, the age old specialized skill of the local people in making the jaggery and making the jaggery in the farm itself results Marayur Jaggery, a unique product. Great demand exists in households across the country for the preparation of sweet dishes where jaggery is used. Marayur Forest Development Agency (FDA) has taken up the ambitious task of marketing Marayur Jaggery which is manufactured by marginal cultivators in the forest villages of Marayur and Kanthallur who are members of Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS) for ensuring fair prices and a better livelihood for the community.
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Brand
remier Group is a division of the MCV Group of Companies which surged from a humble beginning in 1958 under the founder leader late Mr. M.C. Verghese. Empowered by his vision the MCV group has spread its wings into a multi- Crore, multi- faceted conglomerate, employing a self motivated work force of 1200. Success has come from their long standing focus on innovation, planned diversification and their all-inclusive expertise in all aspects of the industry. Today Premier footwear sees itself comforting and beautifying the feet of all irrespective of economic barriers and fashion statements. The Group has grown from a single product company to a dynamic multi-faceted empire. It has always stresses on customer satisfaction with total dedication to improve product quality and put their expertise to work for their clients. Their core values and principles guide them in everything they do. ‘Premier Grip’, ‘Double Action’, ‘Premier Leather Gold’ & ‘Rain Grip’ have already created their impacts in Indian Market Segments supported with reliable distribution logistics, advertising & sales promotion schemes like ‘Premier Grip ISO 9002 1Kg Gold Contest’ and ‘Mystery Customer’ to support the retailing. Premier uses only high quality raw materials for strength and durability and their rigorous testing ensures long life and consistent performance in every product. The Premier range is an extensive collection that caters for all budgets and styles. Whether it’s a traditional look or a contemporary feel that is needed, premier has the products to meet every budget. Premier Grip is committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in Premium brand products. Where applicable, all
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materials, manufacturing and corporate practices comply with the relevant Indian and International standards. Kerala Footwear Products, manufacturer of premium range of footwear for ‘Premier Grip’ is a brand presence in the industry. Their mission is growth through quality, Innovation and Customer Satisfaction The MCV Group has a whole set of operations in its varied concerns. The company’s fully equipped lab ensures top quality in production. Very high percentage of natural rubber along with synthetic rubber gives high durability for Premier footwears. At every stage from procurement to dispatch, each product is subjected to stringent quality tests. Frequent audits and practice of internal customer approach ensures total satisfaction at the ultimate level. All raw materials irrespective of the quantity used are put to test, counter scrutinized and on confirmation to benchmarks, are taken to stores. Process audit check at plant level and internal consumer practice from one process to another are not new to Kerala Footwear Products. Performance of Premier Grip footwears is benchmarked much above ISI standards or general performance of similar products. Premier’s attention to detail ensures complete value without a compromise!
Award
Mr. K.A. Muhammed Salim
Mr. Sajeev Nair
Dr. K.K. Gopinath
Mr. Tony Jose
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nother reason has been bestowed on us to make the Malayalis feel proud of their contribution in the field of business with the India Today Group bringing our Business Wizards: Kerala, which features successful Malayali entrepreneurs who have dared to strike an un-treaded path. India today intends to have the selected most innovative entrepreneurs and feature them in a coffee table book, titled Business Wizards: Kerala, which is looked upon as forecasting a better future of development in the state. The selected eight entrepreneurs included Mr. K A Mohammed Salim, MD, Asset Homes; entrepreneur-writer-mentor Mr. Sajeev Nair; Dr. K K Gopinath, Unit Director of CIMAR Hospital; Mr. Tony Jose, MD & CEO, Josco Group; Mr. T S Ramachandran, Managing Partner of Kalyan Sarees; Paul Francis, MD KLF Nirmal Industries; Mr. Biju Karnan, Vice-Charirman, KKR Group Nirapara; and Mr. Shaji Thomas, Chairman & MD of Thomas Hotels & Resorts. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Ooman Chandy, who presided over the release of the book in Kochi said, “ This step of India Today is definitely praiseworthy, considering that it will go a long way in changing the image of Kerala as a state averse to development. This move will certainly bolster the government’s drive to upload Kerala as a business friendly destination.”
Mr. T.S. Ramachandran
Mr. John Francis, Mr. Sunny Francis, Mr. Paul Francis
Mr. Biju Karnan
Mr. Shaji Thomas 47
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Te c h n o l o g y
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odu has finally released its Modu 1 handset in the UK, a device which is recognized by Guinness World Records as the small and lightest phone on the planet. The handset is 71.1 x 37.6 x 7.8 mm (2.8 x 1.5 x 0.3 inches) and weighs 43g. To put that into context, it’s roughly the size of a stack of 10 credit cards and actually weighs slightly less. The size is the only real selling point. It does have several features which are impressive given its size, such as 2GB of on-board storage and an MP3 player. There’s a 1.3 inch screen, which takes up about 40% of the front of the handset.
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he Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at Technopark, Trivandrum is empanelled as a CSR Partner by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai to implement CSR activities in association with the leading CPSEs in the State in the areas of Entrepreneurship Education, Entrepreneurship Development, Skill Development in Educational sector etc. This will enable T-TBI to associate with Central PSEs in their CSR activities. T-TBI can design and submit CSR initiatives for the Centre Public Sector organization in the state. Already Technopark TBI is implementing a lot of initiatives which have a lot of social relevance. The TBI can look to organize these programmes with the support from the
Te c h n o l o g y
central PSEs. The empanelment will make T-TBI eligible for projects under the CSR Hub and also with the CPSES that have signed MoUs with TISS National CSR Hub. The approval will be valid till 31st March 2015and will be renewed on satisfactory performance thereafter. Technopark TBI aims to identify potential entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, nurture them through different phases of growth, until the business takes off to a maturity level, where it becomes a financially sustainable Venture. Technopark, through the Technology Business Incubation initiatives, is creating an ecosystem and a fertile ground that promotes the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. So far the TBI have incubated more than 123 start up technology Cos with a success rate of over 95%.
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r. Peter Aloisson, who makes phones covered in gold and diamonds for affluent clients, is the man responsible for making the most expensive phone ever. It costs more than a BMW 3-series convertible, or a Jaguar S-Type. A Motorola covered in 1200 diamonds and featuring a keyboard soaked in 18-carat gold, the phone is priced at 28, 000 pound sterling. The new phone beats the previous record held by another Aloisson ‘Diamante’ phone - an identical model featuring a paltry 950 diamonds laid into the gold bodywork. That phone retailed for 23, 000 pound sterling.
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News
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eedi Motors has won Chevrolet’s award for the best dealer in India for overall customer satisfaction. Mr. T. C. Paul, Managing director, and Mr. Shaji Vamadevan, General manager of Deedi Mo-
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he Environment and Energy Conservation Awards instituted by Wonderla, an amusement park, for schools in the State were presented by film director Mr. Sathyan Anthikkad. The first, second, and third prizes were won by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Lakkidi, Wayanad; Government Lower Primary School, Malappachery, Kasaragod; and G.M. Upper Pri-
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tors, jointly received the award from GM-India president Mr.Karl Slym at an all-India Chevrolet dealer meet held at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.
mary School, Ozhukkur, Malappuram, respectively. The function was presided over by Mr. Sethu, writer and former Chairman of South Indian Bank. Mr. Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Managing Director, Wonderla; Mr. Arun Chittilappilly, Executive Director, Wonderla; Mr. B. Jayaraj, Senior General Manager; Mr. Ravikumar M.A, Deputy General Manager, Wonderla, were present.
Automobile
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ndia’s largest Bike manufacture company launched its first four wheeler vehicle RE60. Aimed at redefining the three-wheeler market its four-wheeler — RE60 — that does not fall under the passenger car category but has several features present in a small car. Bajaj chose to call it a ‘four-wheeler’, rather than a ‘car’. The four-wheeler basically targets the commercial vehicle section of the Indian automobile industry. This ultra small car is powered by a 200cc rear-mounted single cylinder petrol engine and it will produce the maximum power of 20bhp. The car has a 4-stroke engine. The RE 60 has high fuel-efficiency ratios and has hit 40kmpl under test conditions and a realistic mileage in daily driving conditions should be above 35kmpl. It is an Eco friendly
car because of its CO2 emission of 60g of CO2 per kilometer. There is also a fuel injected CNG variant available. It is a low cost vehicle with better fuel emission. With a metal-polymer monocoque body, Bajaj RE60 measures 400 kg in weight. The length is 2.75 meters while the width is 1.3 metres. Bajaj’s first 4 –wheeler has a turning circle radius of 3.5m. Two models of RE6O differ in their seating layout. While in one the seating arrangement is done as 2+2, the other model can only seat driver in front and 3 passengers at the back. It will be available in petrol and CNG/LPG fuel options. Overall length is 2752 mm, Overall width is 1312 mm and Overall height is 1650 mm. The RE 60 has body coloured bumpers and funky wheels. The interiors get a central speedometer cluster, folding front windows, 44-litre boot space, 95-litre under seat storage and prominent seatbelts in cabin. This fourwheeler gets a digital twin spark tech engine. It is also available in fuel injected CNG variant. Its engine is a new water-cooled DTSi 4 (Digital Twin Spark Ignition) and able to accelerate to a maximum speed of 70km per hour. Though Bajaj has not yet revealed the prices for the RE 60, it is believed to be an ultra-low cost car and will compete with the Tata Nano. The Bajaj Small Car may not be a small car after all, a ‘four-wheeler’ for commercial application. Bajaj Auto’s Ultra Low Cost Car (ULCC) strategy has seen a change in direction and the result is a less ambitious four-wheeler than a full-fledged passenger car meant primarily for cities. 51
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ar market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited, unveiled its much awaited next generation all new compact sedan, Swift DZire. The new Swift DZire is wider, taller, has a larger wheel base and is yet compact as compared to the existing Swift DZire. The new Swift DZire is more fuel efficient by almost 7 per cent in Petrol and 8 per cent in Diesel. The new Swift DZire measures 3995 mm in length, has a width of 1695mm (+5mm). In addition, it has a height of 1555mm with a larger wheel base of 2430mm (+40mm) adding to the overall vehicle stability. For congested city driving conditions, the vehicle offers tighter turning radius of 4.8m and best in class ground clearance of 170mm. The optimized boot now measures 316 litres to meet all the needs of a family sedan. The front fascia now sports a uniquely designed bumper and grill, carries Suzuki’s characteristic U-Line theme,
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BrandKerala
March 2012
powerful fog lamps, and character lines on bonnet. Other modifications on the exteriors include ORVM mounted turn signal indicators, characteristic vertical lamps, motion theme alloy wheels and a wrap around cabin wind screen. The rear looks sportier with rear positioned antenna, integrated spoiler and trapezoidal tail lamps. The strong shoulder line and U-line theme is carried from the front for visual continuity. The biggest delight is the enhanced fuel efficiency. The petrol variant offers fuel efficiency of 19.1 km per litre (6.7 per cent higher than the existing Swift DZire 17.9 kmpl). Similarly, the diesel variant returns a 7.8 per cent improved fuel efficiency of 23.4 kmpl (as compared to 21.7 kmpl than the existing Swift DZire). The new 4-speed Automatic Transmission on the VXi trim gives a fuel efficiency of over 17.4 kmpl.
The new Swift DZire assures high performance and driveability. Under the hood lies the all new K-12M VVT Petrol and D13A Intercooler turbocharger DDiS Diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed gear box. With improved power to weight ratio, by use of high tensile steel and lower coefficient of drag, the K12M VVT petrol engine delivers peak power of 87 Ps @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 114Nm @ 4000 rpm. The D13A DDiS intercooler turbocharger engine delivers a power of 75 Ps @ 4000 rpm and torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm. For enhanced performance, Maruti Suzuki engineers have married the finest technologies to the all new Swift DZire. For added convenience to city dwellers, MSIL has also introduced a four speed automatic transmission with the petrol engine model for now. Hopes are however that this mechanism is extended to the diesel version as well in the future. Cosmetic upgrades on the new car are also quite apparent with the inclusion of an all new dual tone dashboard, an integrated stereo on higher models and climate control air conditioning. Safety on the new Maruti Swift Dzire is one of the most noteworthy improvements with a host of safety features such as front dual SRS airbags, ELR seatbelts, ABS, Brake Assist, EBD and an Engine Drag Control system all now part of the this reworked next gen D’zire package.
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BrandKerala
March 2012
By K.S. Sasthry E-mail: sastri_astro@yahoo.in, Mob: 9446382329
Aries
Enjoy wealth and happiness during this month. Necessary help is deprived. Official displeasure and quarrel with friends possible. Fulfillment of ambition will take time. It will take time to get back the lent money. Throughout this month the native get continuous income of money. The purchase of ornament are likely. Health or affairs of spouse will be a cause of concern. Real estate matters are not good for this month. This is not satisfactory month for servicemen. Transfer to unfavorable places are likely. For businessmen and professional this month is not satisfactory. Women will spend much money for spiritual purposes and for visiting holy places. Auspicious days: mar 17,18,19,20,25,26,30,31 Apr 1,5,6,7,8
Taurus
This month is favorable, gain of wealth and property is likely. Can start the construction of new house, Success over enemy and acquiring new article of enjoyments .Stomach and rectal complaints possible. Health of Children likely to be of concern. Domestic life is more or less peaceful. Better time for speculation. Real estate may do some good. Avoid disputes with tenants. Good time for servicemen. They may get promotions. Professionals and businessman will have good time. Women may have constant quarrel with friends. They purchase new ornaments. Auspicious days: mar 21,22,23,24,27,28 Apr 2,3,9,10,11,12
Gemini
Income from unexpected source. Sucess in all events, get all kinds of pleasure and get full support from friends and relatives. Enjoy a lot of pleasure,new source of income open up, there may be minor health problem. Domestic affairs goes smooth. There will be much improving in real property matters. You are likely to start a major building program. Servicemen get promotion and responsible position. Professionals and businessman will find the month quiet profitable. The month will prove satisfactory for women. Auspicious days: Mar 15,16,23,24,25,30,31 Apr 1,2,4,5,11,12,13 54
BrandKerala
March 2012
Cancer
This month is not satisfactory, almost all the planets are in unfavorable position, attack from opponents, pressure from creditors, obstacles in day-today affairs, fruitless journey, face loss of honour and prestige. Domestic problem creates much worries, financial conditions are not encouraging, regular income and routine transaction may be affected adversely, avoid speculation, real estate matter is also not satisfactory, major deals may be postponed to more favorable period, servicemen get the displeasure of superiors, for professionals and businessmen the month is encouraging, health of family members bring great worries to women, some misunderstanding with relatives are likely. Auspicious days: Mar 14,15,17,18,25,26,27,28 Apr 3,4,6,7
Leo
This is an auspicious month, you will get necessary help from all quarters, wealth and happiness from children, successful trips to different places can bring in gain, pilgrimage or desired change of residence is possible, health is good this month, but some minor health trouble may arise, domestic happiness and some religious ceremony take place in the home, this month is satisfactory for financial affairs, unexpected gain of money through speculation, real estate deals are likely to yield excellent result, for servicemen this is a unique and favorable period to get promotion, for businessmen unexpected new business acquisition will prove profitable, for women a happy month for romance and marriage. Auspicious days:Mar 17,18,19,20,24,25,26,27 Apr 4,5,8,9
Virgo
This month is not favorable, there may be loss by theft and misunderstanding with spouse and close relatives, some serious health problem to brother, vehicle would need repair work, or spend money for innovation of home, a tight management of household affair is needed, there is a chance to get money through inheritance, real estate business to go smooth,
servicemen may face some kind of allegations, businessmen and professional will find this month much above average, as far as women are concerned there actions are likely to be misinterpreted, social contact with opposite sex is to be controlled.
ful with their work. Unhappy atmosphere exists in work place. Increase income for professionals and businessmen. Women will be happy by the success of their children. Romance and love affairs end in marriage. Social workers get recognition.
Auspicious days: Mar20,21,22,23,30,31 Apr 1,6,7,10,11
Auspicious days: mar 21,22,28,29,30,31 Apr6,7,8,9,12,13
Libra
Capricorn
This month has mixed effect freedom from debits, and favor from government sources, success in all undertakings, domestic peace is disturb, there may be many source of income and improve financial status, servicemen get benefit from good officials, raise in status and promotion, real estate transaction will be quiet satisfactory, gain of money through land, dispute with government authorities is likely to end satisfactory, professionals have a profitable turn over, unmarried may get married, women enjoy in social activities, and visit holy places, speculation can be fruitful. Auspicious days:Mar 23,24,25,26 Apr1,2,3,4,8,9,12,13
Scorpio
This is a month of mixed result. Engage in charitable actions. Vanquishes enemies free from disease and debits, Chance to purchase new vehicle. Take caution against wounds and accidents. Some kind of urinary problem may be faced .Harassment from police or expense due to litigation is likely. Domestice peace may be disturbed. This month is not good for financial matters. Lost in speculation this month is not good for real estate matters. Servicemen may get moral support from superiors and get transfer to desired place. For professionals and businessman this month is satisfactory. Romance and love end in wedding for women. Auspicious days:Mar 17,18,23,24,30,31 Apr 1,2,8,9,10,11
Aquarius
Almost all the planets are unfavorable so this month is not so good, various disease, ailment to children, and mental agonies, muscular pain and nervous pain are indicated, peaceful domestic life is disturbed, this month is unfavorable for financial matters, income decreases and expenditure will tend to increase, avoid speculations, gain from real estate go below average, and dispute may arise in property matters major dealing on land and building may be postponed to good time, servicemen are not likely to find this month satisfactory, and so also for professionals and businessmen, illness of children and friction with friend create worries to women. Employed women find this month very hard,
This month give mixed result. Enjoy all kind of comfort in the first half of month. enjoy delicacies from relatives, may get the company of new friends, purchase new dress and ornaments, likely to be deceived by friends. Eye trouble will worry you. Enjoy an excellent and happy home life. This month is not satisfactory for financial dealing. Regular income may go down while expenditure increases. Avoid speculation. This is a satisfactory month for real estate business. Serviceman may face inquiries for false allegation. Professionals and businessmen likely to get unexpected gain and start new businesses. For women trouble from the members of opposite sex.
Auspicious days: Mar 17,18,28,29,30,31Apr 4,5,6,10,11
Auspicious days:Mar 21,22,25,26Apr 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9
Sagittarius
Pisces
This is a very favorable month. Relief from various disease, all-round good result make you happy. A pleasant function or birth of child in family is likely. Relief from debits and feeling of fulfillment of commitments , Successful trips to distant places can bring some gain of wealth. Good time for speculation. Major deals with land and building and other investment give good profit. Servicemen need to be care-
This is favorable month. Financial success and accusation of authority are likely to be favorable. Illness and unnecessary expenditure may be under check. One of your sons is likely to get a good job. Domestic life is satisfactory. Some of the old dues are likely to be released. Speculation get good result. This month is unsatisfactory for real estate matters, servicemen get certain responsibilities. This month is favorable for professionals and businessmen. Women gets ornaments and new clothes. Auspicious days: Mar 15,16,17,18,23,24,28,29Apr 4,5,6,7 55
BrandKerala
March 2012
Art
L
alithakala Academy Gallery at Vyloppilli Samskriti Bhavan has witnessed excellent artistic talents. Mr. Babu Namboodiri K. and Mr. Joseph Mathew explored their talents through water colour and oil medium. The two artists involved in two different contexts and modes of experiment met together to present their self, concepts and practices. The frames of reference of both the artists were different. The visual text, image,
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March 2012
space treatment and thematic apparatus differ. The visual connectivity is the anticipation of both the artists. The demarcation of national boundaries need not be an impediment in joining together and expressing the diverse thoughts and views of artists. Mr. Babu Namboodiri creates the physical reality of life in a subtle manner. The existence of human life is an optical experience as well as philosophical. Emphasizing the self and existence he creates an identity in art. The forms on pictorial surface can take any dimension from playful mood to pathetic conditions. It is a kind of documentation of the impressions of hi feelings and attitude towards life and himself. Moving in between conscious and subconscious levels of his psyche Mr. Babu creates locations in his mind. His figures are more or less casualness embodied in forms. ‘A day dream’, ‘Over tunes of affection, ‘End of the game’, ‘Resting under shades’, ‘Single wheel passengers’, ‘Brittle take care’ and ‘Sea shore explored’ tells the reality of world once has within and without. His paintings feature oil on canvas. Currently Mr. Babu Namboodiri is a faculty member in the Department of Painting, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. Abstracting the spirit of nature Mr. Joseph Mathew in a ‘Pollockian’ pattern bring out the inner feelings of the beauty of human inner world. The sensitive mind of the artist, full of pleasant memories about nature and environ-
Mr. Joseph Mathew
ment, experiences the sweet melody of the labyrinth of line and colour. “The luminous world expectation and vision of nature creates it in simple motifs of chromatic lines. The conflict of the culture and nature is to be subdued in the tonal culture and nature is to be subdued in the tonal gradation of the aesthetic and philosophy of nature,� he says. His paintings feature water colour on paper. Presently Mr. Joseph Mathew works as an art lecturer in England.
The works, created by the artists themselves have instances of give-and-take in many aspects. The transnational traces in the works are manifestations of modern or contemporary cultural periods. Acknowledging the possibility to integrate two diverse systems of attitudes, the artist duo shows a visual discourse.
Mr. Babu Namboodiri K 57
BrandKerala
March 2012
News
T
he Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched a new plan ’Jeevan Vriddhi’ a single premium non linked insurance plan where the risk cover is 5 times of premium chosen by the customer and offers excellent Guaranteed returns at Maturity. The plan, which is an ideal combination of Insurance and Returns, would be available for a limited period only up to a maximum of 120 days. This plan offers multiple benefits to the customer such as Security – Five times of the single premium is being offered as the risk cover, Growth – There is attractive Guaranteed Maturity Sum Assured along with Loyalty additions, if any ( based on Corporation’s experience),Convenience – One time payment
only,Freedom – There is no upper limit on investment for eligible lives and Liquidity – Loan is available after just one year. Jeevan Vriddhi is an ideal plan for all groups of people, be it youngsters who want to save a nest-egg for following their passion after putting in some years of hard work and gaining experience, or parents who want to save money for funding their young child’s higher education or for financing other needs of self or children who have grown up. Minimum Age at entry for the plan is 8 years (completed) while the maximum is 50 years (nearer birthday).The Customer shall be eligible for tax benefits on the premium under section 80C as per prevailing rules. The policy offers high liquidity through policy loan after just one year.
K
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anaka Vrishty’ scheme for purchase of gold coins through monthly installments has been launched by the Muthoot Precious Metals Corporation, part of the Muthoot Group. Cumulative and insta gold are two plans under the scheme. Customers could join the cumulative scheme with a minimum monthly payment of Rs.1, 000 or multiples of Rs.500. The plan tenure will be 16 months, 23 months, or 28 months. The last installment will be paid by Muthoot Precious Metals Corporation. The customer would get gold coins or bars on maturity of the scheme at the rate on the final date of settlement. Under the Insta gold scheme, the customer would get the gold after 12 months of the joining the scheme. The Website of Muthoot Precious Metals Corporation was also launched. Mr. George Alexander Muthoot, Group Managing Director, said the introduction of the schemes would promote investment among the public.
BrandKerala
March 2012
O w n e d , E d i t e d , P r i n t e d a n d P u b l i s h e d b y R a v i s a n k a r K . V . P r i n t e d a t A r s h a O f f s e t G r a p h i x , Shreehari, T.C.9/2519-1, Janvilla Lane, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 010 and Published from TC 9/1785, P-99, Anandam, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695010, Kerala, India Editor: Ravisankar K.V.
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BrandKerala
July 2011
RNI Reg. No. KERENG 2010/36920
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BrandKerala
July 2011
Vol. 02
No. 02
March 2012
Licence of Post KL/TV(S)/374/2011-2013