BRAND KERALA NOVEMBER 2011

Culinary ambassadorofkerala A keralite won Global IT Award

Mr. T. Haridas Kerala Group of Restaurants London 1

SBT

Federal Bank

South Indian Bank

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Dhanlaxmi Bank

July 2011

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Vol 1

No.10

November 2011

Pages 60+2

Editor’s Note

“A good start is half done’

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vision with bountiful ideas, progress with good start, home work with consistent followup, good team work with honest effort… making Kerala a Mega Brand. So far most of the things are in order while first 150 days were over for the new Government of Kerala. At First, the Captain along with his teams members announced 107 problems, issues and concerns about Kerala, to solve within first 100 days in power… After evaluation of 100 days work, the progress report says 101 problems were solved or half done. At least the journey started with good note. At the same time controversies, allegations, strikes, harthals are more than enough to solve.

Keralites are always on the same path. We never allow our fellow human beings or friends to do well.

We prefer criticism rather than encouragement and appreciation. We never consider the importance of project planning and management. If all our efforts to defeat the competitors in vein; then we will try to imitate the winner’s strategy. At last the credits and merits of the projects and our efforts of the projects, goes to a stranger who walks along the side. Here we find the importance of Project Management.

The delays in project management is a common phenomenon in our daily life. It varies from personal to professional. We have so many projects lagged to implement in both private and public sectors.

Yesterday the strength and power was defined by natural resources, instead of that today it is defined by the knowledge and communication. Can we disseminate the knowledge which we required in this era of Communication and information revolution for the development of society and our personal goals? Project management plays a big role in success of every person, which causes nation building. The main reason for the delay of projects is our oral culture. We are not ready to document our success and failure. If we want to succeed we should have to change these type of attitudes in our personal and professional life.

Since we are not ready to comment the people if they have not done the job well, they don’t have a culture to accept criticism in a constructive level. We are not disciplined and normally use our power and strength to break the rules. Without acquiring project management qualities, one person, one family, one enterprise or one nation can’t succeed. Hope we can adopt such qualities to make our life better. More transparency in the governance, Commitment and attitude beyond religious and political affiliations should be the need of the hour.

Ravisankar K.V. Editor

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Content 42

40 London Sings Ooh The Anthikad Trio La La With Literature Taste of Kerala Hay Festival Kerala

Infrastructure

Automobile Brio

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Banking SBT’s Striking Performance

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Federal Bank - A Fruitful Journey

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Profitable Year For South Indian Bank

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Dhanlaxmi Bank

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Women Power Spawning Mushrooms for “Swadishta” Cuisines 6

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For a Better Infrastructure

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Technology DST – Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme

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Akash tablet

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Samsung’s Smartest TV

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Apple iPhone 4S

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The Feminine Smart Phone

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Small is beautiful

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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 Photo Editor: Hari P.S.

News

Chief Layout Artist: Viajayagopalan G.

Policymaking in India Economic impacts

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Visualiser: Jessy George

Expansion Plan for BPCL-Kochi Refinery

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Production Executive: Vishnu C.P.

Export Excellence Awards

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Global Confidence Index

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Service Recognition

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Mall Venture from Joyalukkas

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Global Ayurveda Festival

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Chennai: N. Krishnan Mob: +91-9444910380

Kerala becomes first ‘total banking state’

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Hyderabad: Premraj.A Mob: +91- 9446514732

Recognition for Ravi Pillai

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Coimbathore: Biju Thomas : Mob: +91- 9944194037

Infopark’s Second Phase

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Santhinagar Model Village

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High-Speed Rail Corridor Project

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Caritas India Celebrates Golden Jubilee

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Comprehensive Cancer Centre at KIMS

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Malabar Gold

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Business & Editorial Contacts: New Delhi: Anilkumar.D Mob: +91-9868123311 Kolkata: Jayasree Singh Mob: +91-9433060333 Mumbai: Satyanath.K.V Mob: +91- 9833677962 Bangaluru: Damodaran.K. Nayar Mob: +91 – 9035616040 Pondicherry: Ramasubramanian Mob: +91- 98949 77161 Trivandrum: Sreejesh.S Mob: +91- 99471 60531 Kerala: Ravikumar.K. Mob: +91- 9847560531

Editorial Contact: editor@brandkerala.biz Advertisment Enquiries: advt@brandkerala.biz Circulation & Subscription Details: info@brandkerala.biz

Personality A Glabal Engineer with a Mission

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Organisation Vanasree

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Organically Thanal

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LACON Quality

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Leaving Greener Impressions...

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Editorial & Corporate Office: Brand Kerala 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

Finance Muthoot Finance

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Manappuram Finance

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No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of The Publisher of Brand Kerala All rights reserved. Copyright © 2011 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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Infrastructure

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he state Public Works Department is scheduled to organize it’s first ever Infrastructure Conference in the state at Trivandrum from Nov 16th to 18th, 2011. Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, will inaugurate the Infrastructure Conference – 2011 on Nov. 16, 2011 at capital city. Mr. P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, Mr. E.K. Ibrahim Kunhu, Minister for Public Works, Kerala along with other Cabinet Ministers, legislators, senior bureaucrats, engineers and experts would be actively involved in the conference. About 120 selected delegates would be participating in the Conference. The Conference is structured with seven technical sessions where about 20 eminent nationally & internationally renowned experts in various sectors share their valued experience This is the first positive step towards the State Govern-

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ment’s larger goal of modernization of the State PWD. The valuable recommendations, suggestions and ideas of the eminent experts and those emerged in brainstorming sessions will be captured and pooled in to formulate concrete strategies, culminating towards a comprehensive policy aimed at a total revamp of the current practices.

A policy is expected to usher in a new era of modern, efficient and sustainable roads, bridges and buildings.

Rapid advancement across the world, in science and technology, has positively influenced the infrastructure and construction sector, in content, style and method.

These developments have led to the use of new materials and smarter techniques, besides introduction of hi-tech equipments and modern management procedures. This attempt to imbibe modern techniques and approaches should be done consciously, adopting those which are relevant, fruitful and locally acceptable.

Mr. G. Karthikeyan, Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly releasinng the logo of IC 2011 by handing over to Mr. K.C. Joseph, Minister for Culture, Kerala. Mr. Manoj Joshi IAS, Secretary Public Work Department. Mr. P.K. Abdu Rubb, Minister for Education, Mr. V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, Minister for PWD, and Mr. Babu, Minister for Ports & Excise are also seen

Public Works Department, which spearheads the civil construction activities of the State, needs complete renovation, with a view to assimilate these advancements and adopt them appropriately. In fact, the Department,

in view of the resources and the magnitude of the projects at hand, shall provide leadership by rapidly adopting modern technologies.

In this background, the Public Works Department is taking a timely initiative to conduct a three-day conference focusing on the need for a paradigm shift towards modern technologies, superior construction techniques and efficient management for sustainable development of projects. This crucial and strategic conference is visualized as a game-changer and in this sector.

Project conceptualization & planning, investigation and data capture using modern techniques; state of the art designing based on latest software, comprehensive safety measures, quality assurance programmes, internationally accepted best practices in civil construction etc. will also be covered in the technical sessions.

Each technical session will be followed by brainstorming session to throw up technical and policy questions as well as original and creative answers. The presence of experts and the active involvement of policy leaders, sector drivers and the field level executors under one roof would enlighten and enrich one and all, on technology options, policy conundrums, planning & execution, identifying problem areas and providing possible solutions.

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News

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ven if India’s growth rate this year goes down to earlier expectation, India will still be among the 10 or so fastest growing nations in the world. The Indian economy grew by 7.7% during April-June 2011. Agriculture, industry and services registered growth rates of 3.9, 5.1 and 10%, respectively, in the first quarter. In the last few months, a number of factors, both international and domestic, have impacted India’s economy.

The overall growth of the industrial sector as per the quick estimates of IIP released by the CSO for the month of August 2011 has been 4.1%. The cumulative growth during April-August 2011-12 has been 5.6% as compared to 8.7% during the corresponding months of 2010-11.

Among the G20 countries there is only one nation, Australia, which had faster growth rate in the second quarter, when it achieved a growth rate of 1.4%.

Net FDI this year has been double that of last year for the corresponding period. This year over from April

to August India has received 16.8 billion dollars. Credit off take is also showing a healthy trend. From April to September Bank credit grew by 19.5%. Services have done well and agriculture is expected to grow at 3%.

Inflation as measured by Wholesale Price index (WPI) has remained sticky around 9% during the first half of current financial year. The WPI inflation was 9.78% last month. Food inflation has significantly dropped to about 8% June-July 2011. As per the Ministry of Agriculture, in the kharif season 2011-12, the country is likely to achieve production of 87.10 million tonnes of rice, 20.89 million tonnes oilseeds and 36.10 million bales (170 kg. each) of cotton. This augurs well for supply side response to arrest inflation in food items.

The Govt. had originally planned for 5.5% fiscal deficit for the year 2010-11 and hoped that this could be brought down to 5.1 with huge inflows on 3G auctions in RE stage; but could end at 4.7 last fiscal. The Govt. would be closely monitoring the revenue and expenditure

The Union Finance Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is delivering the inaugural address at the Economic Editors’ Conference-2011, in New Delhi. The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Namo Narain Meena, the Finance Secretary, Mr. R.S. Gujral, the Advisor to Finance Minister, Ms. Omita Paul and the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Mrs. Neelam Kapur are also seen.

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News

trends and take steps as deemed appropriate. “It is important for you to realize that as editors you are not just people who report and comment on economic policy but you also, in an important sense, contribute to the formulation of policy. Through your writings you shape people’s opinion and, in a democratic system like ours, the opinion that people hold has a large influence on the policies that get adopted. Hence, you have a large indirect impact on policymaking in India.” said Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the Union Finance Minister at the Inauguration of The Annual Economic Editors’ Conference-2011 in New Delhi. Mr. Namo Narain Meena,Minister of State for Finance, Mr. R.S. Gujral, Finance Secretary, Ms. Omita Paul, Advisor to Finance Minister, Mrs. Neelam Kapur, Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, were also present in the occasion.

Monetary policy has been tightened by RBI to contain inflation and anchor inflationary expectations since March 2010 in a series of steps. The policy repo rate has been raised cumulatively by 325 basis points since then.

Significant developments have taken place in the Capital Markets side. India raised FII limit on investments in corporate long-term infra bonds from US $ 5 Billion to US $ 25 Billion. Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) have been allowed to invest a total of US $ 10 Billion in mutual fund equity schemes. QFIs have also been allowed to invest upto US $ 3 Billion in mutual fund debt schemes.

Government has liberalized External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs). A separate treatment has been given for Infrastructure Debt Fund under ECB. Automatic approval route has been liberalized. For the first time, Renminbi (RMB) has been approved as an acceptable currency for raising ECB upto US $ 1 Billion. ECB

for refinancing rupee loans on infrastructure has been opened up.

Net capital flows stood at US$ 20.9 billion during the first quarter of 2011-12 as against a level of US$ 16.8 billion in Q1 of 2010-11. Thus Current account deficit was placed at US$ 14.2 billion in the first quarter of 2011-12.

India’s merchandise exports on customs basis have reached a level of US $ 160 billion during April-September 2011 reflecting an increase of 52%. To support our manufacturers and exporters in their efforts of diversification etc. for continued high exports, while the DEPB Scheme was discontinued on 30th September, 2011, the Govt. were able to ensure a very smooth transition to the Duty Drawback Scheme, through addition of 1100 new items in the Drawback Schedule. During the same period, the imports were at US $ 233.5 billion; growth of 32.4%. Consequently, trade deficit stood at US $ 73.5 billion, during the same period.

Fiscal policy stance for 2011-12 remained broadly on the consolidation track complementing the monetary policy stance. The lingering Euro Zone crisis is resulting in an uncertain external economic environment. Additional resources for providing liquidity could be thought of when the solvency issue of the Euro Zone countries are assessed and addressed.

The Union Govt. has recently announced a new Draft Tele com Policy. Infrastructure Debt Fund guidelines have been finalized by RBI and SEBI and is expected that a couple of Funds would start soon. A new manufacturing policy is before a GoM; the Mining Bill is ready for introduction in the Parliament and Land Acquisition Bill has already been introduced in the last session of the Parliament; GoM on Coal is working earnestly to solve the issues related to coal. RBI is actively engaged in the process of grant of new banking licences.

The issue relating to the black money has also been attracting a lot of media attention. Due to Govt.’s sustained efforts in the last two years, both domestically as well as internationally, a regular flow of banking information has started. The Task Force on direct transfer of subsidies, as IT strategy for PDS and an Aadhaar enabled payment infrastructure would favour an electronic, transparent, auditable and systemic approach to delivery public benefits in a more efficient manner. The setting up of the Goods and Service Tax Network and Expenditure Information Network would enable improved governance.

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News

he union minister for petroleum and natural gas Mr. S Jaipal Reddy dedicated to the nation the Rs 4000 crore capacity expansion and modernization project phase II of Bharat Petroleum Kochi Refinery. The project envisages refining capacity expansion from 7.5 million tones to 9.5 million tones making BPCL KRL fully equipped to make euro III grade petrol and diesel.

With this, the total refining capacity of the BPCL group now stands at 30.5 million tones.

BPCL KRL is poised for further expansion to 15.5 million tonnes along with a foray into petrochemicals segment. This project envisages an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief minister of Kerala who was present at the meeting, said the company had requested for special concession of deferment of sales tax for 15 years for the proposed expansion. The second phase of capacity expansion of BPCL-Kochi refinery was part of a nation-wide exercise to upgrade the quality of auto fuels to Bharat Stage III and IV at an investment of Rs.32,000 crore.

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he Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) has instituted ‘best exporter’ awards to honour those who have exported the largest volume of cargo through the air cargo complexes at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Calicut International Airport. Mr. P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries distributed the export excellence and export promotion awards to leading exporters.

Mr.P Radhakrishnan Nair, managing partner, Mayi Industries Ltd, and Mr.K Abdul Rubb, managing partner, Daliya Exporters, received the Export excellence awards 2011 for outstanding export performance. Mr.P E Asharaf Ali, managing director, Pomana Exports, Mr.V. I. Salim, general manager, Fair Exports, Mr.Robinson, proprietor, Robin Exporters, Mr.K. Raveendranath, partner, Krishna Traders, Mr.S. 12

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Kanakambaran Nair, proprietor, Kanakasree Exporters, Mr.Abraham Thomas, managing partner, Panachamoottil Exporters, Mr.K. B. Rafeek, proprietor, K B Exports and Imports, and Mr. P. K. Salih, managing partner, Original Foods, received the Export promotion awards for commendable export performance of 1,000 tonnes and above.

Mr. K. Babu Airport Minister presided over the function. Mr.Febi Varghese, Managing director, KSIE, presented the report. Mr. T.O. Sooraj, chairman, KSIE, Mr. Chandra Mouli, Director, Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Mr. E. M. Najeeb, President, Chamber of Commerce, Thiruvananthapuram, Mr.Dil Koshy, secretary, Exporters’ Association, Ms. Leelamma Issac, Ward councillor, and Mr.K Radhakrishnan Nair, General manager (cargo), KSIE were felicitated at the function.

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News

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he World Economic Forum’s Global Confidence Index shows very little confidence worldwide in the state of the global economy and in global governance over the next 12 months. Over 1,000 global experts from the public and private sectors were surveyed; one-half of the respondents are pessimistic about the global economic outlook and one-quarter anticipates there will be an economic disruption during the next year. One in four say there is a lack of global leadership to deal with problems during this time and a majority fear a geopolitical as well as societal upheaval, according to the quarterly Global Confidence Index.

Perspectives outside the private sector were the most bearish with almost 54% of the respondents indicating that

they are not confident in the state of the global economy; just over 40% expressed little confidence in the economy in the next 12 months. All respondents are members of the World Economic Forum’s Network of Global Agenda Councils.

“Lack of confidence in the state of the global economy is not surprising, but the corresponding lack of confidence in global governance and global cooperation is far more troubling,” noted Mr.Lee Howell, Forum Managing Director who heads the Forum’s Risk Response Network. “Such a pessimistic economic prognosis shows the great need for visionary leaders and collaborative leadership, particularly when 60% of respondents doubt the ability of leaders to cooperate globally.” This new quarterly survey is an ongoing joint initiative with the Risk Response Network.

Service Recognition Award for cancer centre blood bank

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he blood bank at the Regional Cancer Centre has won the award instituted by the Kerala State AIDS Control Society for its extensive blood components separation and distribution

activities.

The blood bank at RCC has the facilities to separate and store various blood components and for automated blood collection or Apheresis, which involves drawing blood from the donor and passing it through a centrifuge which separates the com-

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ponents. Only the required component is retained and the rest is returned to the donor. Apart from the Apheresis unit, the blood bank at RCC also has the blood Irradiation unit to prevent transfusionassociated reactions.

Last year, the RCC blood bank collected blood from 21,118 donors and separated red blood cells, platelet-rich plasma, platelet concentrate, Apheresis platelet, fresh frozen plasma and single donor plasma and distributed it among the patients at RCC and other hospitals.

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oyalukkas, leading jewellery group, ventures into the business of malls. Branded ‘Mall of Joy’, the new business entity will start its operations in eight locations over the next thirty months and the first mall will be unveiled in Kozhikode in March 2012.

Mr Joy Alukkas, Chairman of the group, said “internationally reputed architects and interior designers would be designed the malls with a perfect fusion of old and new.”

The eight malls will have a combined floor area of more than two million sq ft. and being established at a total outlay of around Rs 1,000 crore. Apart from Kozhikode, the malls will come up at Thrissur, Kochi, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore with ample parking area.

The retail mix of ‘Mall of Joy’ will feature two anchor stores, jewellery and silks. The other outlets will include those for fashion and clothing, cosmetics, watches, footwear, opticals, beauty parlour, restaurants food courts and a children’s play area. The group plans to open 11 more showrooms before March next year, of which seven will be in India and the others in West Asia and Singapore.

With a total business turnover of around Rs. 5,000 crore, Joyalukkas group has 85 retail jewellery outlets across nine countries. The other business interests of the group include textiles and accessories, money exchange and luxury aviation. The turnover from Indian operations is estimated around Rs. 2,800 crore, with the balance accounted for by business outlets in the UK, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The turnover in India is expected to go up to about Rs 3,600 crore by the end of the current year, while the group’s total turnover is targeted to reach Rs 6,000-crore as the mark. The money exchange operation, which is now confined to the West Asian countries, is planned to be expanded to Indian cities.

The group, which has received clearance for its initial public issue, is waiting for the market to turn congenial.

Though the initial plan was to raise Rs 700 crore through the issue, the size will now have to be revised to comply with the recent guidelines of Securities and Exchange Board of India that stipulate a minimum dilution of 25 per cent for public issues.

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Te c h n o l o g y

50 commercial agreements in Trivandrum technology expo

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he DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme achieved another milestone, with the signing of a record 50 commercialization agreements by the winners of this unique Nation wide initiative. The deals signed at the Trivandrum Technology Expo included, some signed with multinational companies, placing the winners on a global platform.

Many of programme winners signing the commercialization deals had technologies that dealt with energy and environmental initiatives. These included Sellector

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Systems LLC, a scalable, high precision, low cost, Solar Tracking and Concentrating Platform termed the Sollector Dish; Winfinity’s Enterprise Energy Management System, which seamlessly forms an intelligent network of physical assets to ensure operation at maximum efficiencies; and Dr. Vankar/ IIT Kanpur new filtering technology called Rampad. It consists of six components which together save operational expenses of frying oil, while improving the health, smell and quality of foods.

Mr. P. K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Kerala said that they are really proud

Te c h n o l o g y

of hosting and becoming a part of this technology expo in Trivandrum which would help to bring these innovative technologies to both India and Global markets. This expo would help to strengthen the relationship with the department of science and technology. Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth programme would help their innovators with specialized and critical services needed to help them to commercialize and go globally. This nation wide programme enhances the growth and development of local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lockheed Martin Corporation along with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; FICCI; Indo -US Science and Technology Forum and the IC2 Institute released an “Compendium of Tech-

nologies for the DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme”. The programme launched in March 2007, aims to enhancing the growth and development of India’s entrepreneurial economy and to accelerate innovative new Indian technologies into markets in the U.S. and around the world. The India Innovation Growth Programme is the only programme of its kind, because of its focus on teaching and using world-class Commercialization strategies. The report compiled by Datamonitor examines the key trends of DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP), detailing the End-User sectoral classification of total selected technologies from 2007-2011. It also provides a regional break-up of the selected technologies with the highest number (40%) coming from South India. Per the enduser industrial classification for the period 2007-2011 the maximum number of technologies (18%) is from Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, followed closely by Technology and services (17%). Energy & Utilities and Environmental and waste Management Services are next with 12% and 8% respectively.

While welcoming the guests, Mr. Nirankar Saxena, Director, FICCI said that, the India Innovative Growth Programme has resulted in creation of wealth through knowledge by way of connecting technology providers and technology seekers. Their aim through this programme is to foster an innovation ecosystem to enable successful commercialization of ideas.

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News

he State Capital will host the Global Ayurveda Festival from February 9 to 14, 2012. The event will range from international seminar, expert clinics to exhibitions. It would showcase the oldest system of medicine in the world. The festival would also wish to create awareness on tested Indian system of medicine that ensures wholesome wellness using natural cures. The proposed ayurveda festival might also be helpful in working out marketing strategies for these well acclaimed Indian products.

The Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) is the main organisers for the event.

The Ayurveda Department of the State Government will be the co-sponsor. The event is being held with a view to promote the Ayurveda system of medicine at the national and international levels and restoring its old glory in Kerala, its own cradle.

The six day event will have papers presentations and deliberations by Ayurveda experts and clinics run by renowned practitioners. An exhibition to showcase the latest in the research and development fields, medicinal plants, herbal products and a food festival will be other attractions. Professional and industry bodies such as the Ayurveda Medical Officers Association and Ayurveda Medicine Manufacturers Association would be partnering the event. Ayurveda students’ meet, workshops, outreach programmes, and a job fair would be major highlights.

The health expo will feature 300 stalls displaying the advancements in and activities of the Ayurveda sector in the country. Ayurveda medicines, medicinal plants, herbal cosmetics, medical devices, books, and journals will be part of the expo to be attended by both Government and private agencies. Healthcare practitioners will be available for consultations during the event.

Different universities, medical colleges and research organisations will put up various programmes to ramp up the public awareness about this branch of medicine. ‘Ayush’ (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Homeopathy) clinics, consultation by traditional practitioners, Ayurveda tourism stalls, Ayurveda food courts along with diet counselling, and display of medicinal plants for herbal formulations will be arranged. Scheduled to be held at the Kanakakunnu Palace, the seminar would see international Ayurveda experts rub shoulders with renowned practitioners.

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Banking

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Mr. Nandakumaran Managing Director, SBT

he State Bank of Travancore, leading public sector bank in the state, has posted a higher operating profit of Rs.580.40 crore in the first half of 201112 compared to Rs.532.19 crore in the same period the previous year. The net profit for the half year ends September 30, 2011 stands at Rs.256.20 crore against Rs.313.40 crore for the half year ended September 30, 2010.

The operating profit growth is closed at 9.06 per cent due to increase in interest expenditure and market-related rates. Bank has also gained higher growth in deposits as compared to the growth in advances. The net profit has been impacted by higher provision for standard assets as mandated by RBI and for new NPA additions. Net operating income improved by 10.65 per cent to Rs.1, 173.12 crore, while the net interest income improved by 7.91 per cent at Rs.874.21 crore at the end of the first half year.

Net interest margin (NIM) stood at 2.63 per cent against 2.86 per cent in September 2010.

The total non-interest income increased to Rs.298.91 crore, as against Rs.250.02 crore during the corresponding period the previous year. Higher profit from treasury operations boosted the non-interest income for the period. The cost of deposits (CoD) has increased to 6.56 per cent, which was 101 BPS above the CoD a year ago, while Yield on Advances (YoA) improved by 110 BPS to 10.54 per cent.

The capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of the bank as on September 30, 2011, stood at 12.18 per cent (under Base II framework) as against 12.39 per cent in September 2010. The regulatory minimum prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India is 9 per cent. Gross NPAs stood at 2.84 per cent (2.02 per cent in September 2010) and the Net NPAs at 1.77 per cent (1.17 per cent in September 2010).

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Banking

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ederal Bank, Kerala’s leading Aluva based private sector bank has become the most profitable Bank from Kerala, among its peers in the public and private space. The Bank was in limelight recently by celebrating its Founder’s Day by opening 66 branches and 34 ATMs on a single day. With this the total number of branches has risen to 823, and the ATMs to 877. Besides, it has an overseas representative office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Bank that has been working on its transformation and adopting contemporary management techniques, reported excellent numbers that reflect growth and quality. The Bank delivered substantial growth in top line and bottom line despite the challenging macro environment.

The history of Federal Bank dates back to the preindependence era. Though initially known as the Travancore Federal Bank, it gradually transformed into a full-fledged bank under the leadership of its founder, Mr. Kulangara Paulo Hormis with great vision. In 1945, the Regd. Office of the Bank was shifted to Aluva and the name Federal Bank Limited was officially announced in the year 1947 with its headquarters nestled on the banks on the river Periyar.

The Bank embarked for a massive take over bids, which accelerated its growth horizontally and vertically. The Chalakudy Public Bank Ltd., The Cochin Union Bank Ltd., Trichur, The Alleppey Bank Ltd., Alleppey, The St. George Union Bank Ltd. Puthenpally, The Marthandom Commercial Bank Ltd. Trivandrum, Ganesh Bank of Kurundwad were merged with the Bank. The Bank became a Scheduled Commercial Bank in 1970. It witnessed expansion beyond the home state and the Bank became an Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange in 1972. Bank’s first ATM was inaugurated at Ernakulam North in 1997.

It becomes the first traditional bank to network all its branches and attain 100% connectivity in 2004.

The Bank has plans to expand rapidly by opening

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300 more customer touch points by March 2012, taking the total no. of branches and ATMs to 2000. Of the 66 new branches, 28 are in Kerala and 38 distributed across the country. Now, the Federal Bank has branches in 25 States. The bank has a total of 823 branches; its Mumbai zone alone has 100 branches.

The bank which is on an expansion spree, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and halfyear ended 30.09.2011. It registered quarterly profits of Rs 191.16 Crore.

Total income for Q2 grew by 32.29 % on a y-o-y basis to Rs. 1,484.79 Cr. Quarterly Net profit at Rs 191.16 Cr, growth of 36.16% on a y-o-y basis. Net Interest Margin (NIM) at 3.77 %. Total Deposits increased by 30.87 % from Rs. 36,115.96 Cr to Rs. 47,263.46 Cr. Advances increased by 21.61% from Rs. 27,635.64 Cr to Rs. 33,606.69 Cr. Investments increased by 50.30 % from Rs. 12,506.65 Cr to Rs. 18,798.11 Cr. Net NPA % came down from 0.68% to 0.58%. Return on Average Assets improved from 1.34 to 1.44%. Earnings per Share (annualized) improved from Rs. 32.83 to Rs 44.70. Book Value per share increased to Rs. 318.39. Capital Adequacy Ratio at 15.05%.

Return on Equity improved from 11.48% to 14.29%. Cost to Income ratio at Mr. Shyam Sreenivasan MD & CEO, Federal Bank

Banking

38.91%.

The total income for the second quarter went up by 32.29 % on a y-o-y basis to Rs. 1,484.79 Cr from Rs 1,122.38 Cr reported for corresponding period of the previous fiscal. The Mr. P C John interest earned Executive Director, Federal Bank for the three months period ending September 30, 2011 increased by 39.81 % on a y-o-y basis to Rs. 1,367.83 Cr from Rs. 978.34 Cr as on 30.09.2011.

The Bank reported quarterly net profit for the quarter ended September 2011 of Rs.191.16 Cr with y-o-y growth of 36.16%. Net interest margin for the quarter stood at 3.77 %. The Net NPA, Return on Average Assets and Capital Adequacy Ratio were at 0.58 %, 1.44 % and 15.05 % respectively as on 30.09.2011, compared to 0.68 %, 1.34 % and 17.23 % as on 30.09.2010.The business per employee and profit per employee as on September 30, 2011 increased to Rs.945 L and Rs.8.97 L respectively.

The Cost to Income ratio slightly increased to 38.91 % as on 30.09.2011.

Total business of the Bank reached Rs. 80,870.15 Crore, showing an increase of 26.85 % and total deposits increased by 30.87 % to Rs. 47263.46 Crore as on 30.09.2011. NRI deposits clocked an increase of 22.79%, to reach Rs.9, 420.77 Cr and Retail deposits grew by 29.28% to touch Rs.35, 440.61 Cr. The low cost deposits of the Bank comprising of CASA and NRE deposits have grown by 14.60% to reach Rs.14, 769.63 Cr. Net Advances went up by 21.61 % to Rs. 33606.69 Crore as on 30th September 2011. This growth was contributed by SME, corporate advances and retail segments. The retail advances of the Bank forms 27.92 % of the gross advances while SME contributes 28.78%. The advance to priority sector was at Rs. 12342.97 Cr as on 30th September 2011. Lending to Agriculture sector

was at Rs. 4,368.58 Crore as on 30.09.2011, growing at 28.81%.The Net Worth of the Bank increased to Rs. 5,445.98 Cr as on 30.09.2011. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank, computed as per Basel II guidelines, stands at a very comfortable level of 15.05 % as on 30.09.2011. The Tier-1 (core CRAR) capital is at 14.03% The Bank’s Gross NPA and Net NPA stand at 3.61 % and 0.58 % respectively. The total provisions held against non-performing advances, expressed as a percentage of gross NPAs amounted to 82.97 % at the end of the second quarter of FY 2011-12.

The bank had launched many inaugural offers such as special pricing for deposits of 66 days tenor, specialised offerings on gold loans, home loans and bullion. The bank has fixed a target of Rs. 100,000 crore in respect of total business with Rs. 1,000 crore as profits for 2011-12.

The immediate focus of the bank would be to penetrate into the rural, semi-urban and urban centres. The bank would be focussing on agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The bank was increasing its presence in the agricultural belt of western and southern parts of Tamil Nadu in a big way. The Bank’s ‘Vision 2015’ has become the cornerstone of all its policies and actions.

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Banking

Dr . V. A. Joseph CEO & MD, South Indian Bank

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rissur based South Indian Bank (SIB) officially announced the a net profit of Rs.94.95 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and the gross NPA of the bank stood below 1 per cent and the net NPA at 0.25 per cent. The total business of the bank has increased by Rs.13, 297 crore, from Rs.43.089 crore to Rs. 56,386 crore, on year-to-year basis registering

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a growth of 30.86 per cent.

While the deposits went up by Rs.7,978 crore, from Rs. 25,060 crore to Rs. 33,038 crore, posting a growth of 31.84 per cent, the advances increased by Rs.5,319 crore, from Rs.18,029 crore to Rs.23,348 crore, registering a growth of 29.51per cent. The bank earned an income of Rs.1, 751crore during the current year as against Rs.1, 206 crore for the previous year, registering a growth of 45.14 per cent.

Mr. V.A. Joseph, MD and CEO said “Growth in business coupled with low NPA helped the bank to the present level of performance. By end of this financial year total tally will be 700 branches and 600 ATMs”. The bank is the ‘Title Sponsor’ for the fifth Grand Kerala Shopping Festival 2011, an initiative of Kerala Government.

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erala has been declared the first State in the country to achieve total financial inclusion which means that each household in the State has at least one bank account and the facility for need-based credit. Mr. Oomen Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala, distributed certificates to the banks that had participated in a drive to take banking services to every corner of the State, in a meeting of bankers held at Trivandrum on Friday.

The Chief Minister also added that, the banks had a lot more to do for the State and its people. Lending to the agriculture sector should be hiked from the present 22 per cent of the total lending to priority sector. Mr. Chandy also called the banks’ attention to the need for extending credit support to the Clean Kerala Mission, a

programme to make the State live up to its tag of ‘God’s Own Country’.

Suggestions were also laid out in order to accelerate the growth of tourism and healthcare sectors with the help of banks. Banks could also think of schemes to encourage institutions of excellence in education, added the Chief Minister.

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r. Ravi Pillai, has been selected for ‘The Business Man of the year Award 2011’ for his excellent track record in business and contribution to Kerala society and philanthropic activities by the Kerala State Forum of Bankers’ Clubs. The Award will be presented to him during the second week of December.

Mr. Ravi Pillai, who is the founder and Managing Director of one of the largest industrial construction companies in the West Asia, is the largest overseas Indian employer with 44,000 Indian expatriates. He is also the Chairman/ Managing Director of 22 business entities. He ventured in Kerala recently with the Raviz, Kollam. A threemember Jury headed by Mr. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, former judge of the Supreme Court and represented by prominent bankers.

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Banking

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Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Dhanlaxmi Bank 24

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hanlaxmi Bank, one of the fastest growing mid-size private sector banks in India, announced that its net profit for the second quarter ended September 30, 2011 increased by 168% to Rs.4.35 crore from Rs.1.62 crore in the corresponding period last year. The improved performance was driven by growth in non-interest income, fee based income and overall growth in business.

The bank’s total business increased from Rs. 16,554 crore as on September 30, 2010 to Rs. 23,945 crore as on September 30, 2011 recording a growth of 45%. Total deposits were up 45% to Rs. 13,815 crore while net advances rose by 44% to Rs.10, 130 crore from Rs. 7,057 crore during the same period.

Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director and CEO, Dhanalaxmi Bank said” the bank is planning to raise equity by December to shore up its capital adequacy ratio and support expansion plans.”

Speaking on the performance, Mr. Bipin Kabra, Chief Financial Officer, Dhanlaxmi Bank said: “We continue to register robust growth in business vis-à-vis industry. The overall performance reflects our increased focus on generating productivity and profitability across all business verticals. Going forward, we aim to consistently drive profitability and increase shareholder value.”

The bank’s total asset book increased by 44% to Rs. 16,452 crore as on September 30, 2011 from Rs. 11,413 crore as on September 30, 2010. The bank’s total income increased from Rs. 229.2 crore in Q2FY11 to Rs. 410.5 crore in Q2FY12, recording a growth of 79%. Non-interest income rose from Rs. 36.8 crore to Rs. 44.4 crore in Q2FY12, an increase of 21% as a result of the focused thrust on fee based business. The bank’s Net Interest Margin (NIM) improved from 2.0% in Q1FY11 to 2.2% in Q2FY12 following the repricing exercise undertaken by the bank.

Banking

Concerted efforts were made in recovering non-performing assets during the period resulting in gross NPA ratio declining from 1.26% as on September 30, 2010 to 0.55% as on September 30, 2011. The absolute amount of net NPAs also reduced from Rs.50.4 crore as on September 30, 2010 to Rs.17.5 crore as on September 30, 2011.

Provision Coverage ratio stood at 70.43% as on September 30, 2011.

The bank’s total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as at September 30, 2011 (computed as per Basel II guidelines) remained strong at 10.70%, as against the regulatory minimum of 9%. Tier-I CAR was 8.73% against 7.85% as on September 30, 2010.

The bank’s gold retailing business gained traction with more than 100kgs of gold coins/bars being sold during the quarter. The bank aims to become one of the leading players in the bullion business in the next couple of years.

During the period, the bank also launched Forex Card for international travelers. This initiative is part of the bank’s strategy to increase its fee based income.

Proposed View of Dhanlaxmi Bank Building at Thrissur

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Finance

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ountry’s largest gold loan company Muthoot Finance reported 88 per cent increase in profit at a little over Rs 215 crore, driven by a massive 110 per cent jump in revenues, for the second quarter to raise funds through initial public offering, non-conended September 30, 2011. It had posted a net profit of vertible debentures, internal accruals and private equity Rs 114.48 crore in the same period last fiscal. to maintain the Amid soarmandatory ing gold prices, capital adequacy the net sales of ration.” the Kerala- based Muthoot company durFinance Ltd, Ining the reporting dia’s largest gold quarter rose to loan company, Rs 1,098.41 crore has chalked out compared to a mega plan to Rs 523.65 crore strengthen its in the previous presence in north year recording Indian states like a growth of 110 Delhi, Haryana, per cent. The EPS Uttar Pradesh (Earnings Per and Bihar. The Share) stood at Rs company plans 5.80 compared to to set up 250 Rs 3.67 per share branches by the in the last year.

Muthoot Brothers end of the current financial year, with an investment of For the first half of the fiscal, the company’s net sales rose to Rs 2,012.61 crore compared to Rs 902.72 crore in Rs 50 crore in these four states. The company has opened 600 new branches so far this year. the same period last year, a growth of 123 per cent. The Currently they have over 2,100 branches in south Innet profit rose to Rs 406.01 crore against Rs 199.28 crore dian states, primarily Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and 1,200 in the first half of last the fiscal, registering a growth of branches in north India. We want to increase this ratio 104 per cent. to 50:50 in a few years from now. With an overall loan Mr.George Alexander Muthoot, Managing director, Muthoot Finance, said “The growth will certainly decline portfolio of Rs 20,000 crore by the end of September, Muthoot Finance has grown already by 30-35 per cent so from the current level due to larger base and hence, we far. It aims to grow 60 per cent by the end of this financial are estimating 60 per cent growth for the current finanyear. cial year. The company has been exercising all options 26

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Mr.. VP Nandakumar, Chairman, Manappuram Finance

Finance

hrissur based Manappuram Finance Ltd has posted a more-than-double rise in net profit of Rs. 135.3 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 as compared to Rs. 60.17 crore for the corresponding quarter last year.Total income too jumped 2.56 times from Rs. 243.79 crore in Q2 last year to Rs. 625.49 crore for Q2 this year. The company registered a growth of 115 per cent in assets under management (AUM) to Rs. 10,601 crore, as against Rs. 4,929.7 crore for Q2 of last fiscal year, said Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, Executive Chairman, Manappuram Finanace.

This follows the increase in aggregate gold loan disbursements in the quarter to Rs 9,011 crore, compared to Rs 4,535 crore disbursed during Q2 of last fiscal. Total Income has increased from Rs. 2437.966 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 to Rs. 6254.936 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. In terms of asset quality, net Non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at 0.26 per cent. Operating income for the quarter moved up by 155 per cent to Rs. 619.91 crore, as compared to Rs. 243.18 crore for the same period last year.

Cost of borrowing for the quarter has moved up to 12 per cent. The company also reported a strong loan demand. The company has opened another 223 new branches during the quarter taking its national network to 2,503 branches spread across 23 states and Union Territories. A total of 1.5 lakh customers were added in the quarter, extending the total customer base to 15.19 lakh.

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News

he IT & ITeS sector companies in Kerala are set to get a big boost, once the second phase of Infopark Kochi is completed.

The second phase is being developed on 160 acres at the Kunnathunadu and Puthencuruz villages. The domestic park in this new phase is aimed at creating cost effective infrastructure for the BPO industry. On completion, the park is expected to provide employment to up to 80,000-90,000 professionals.

The State government has allocated Rs.50 crores towards infrastructure development schemes for the phase II of Info Park. The master plan undertaken by Cannon Design, USA, envisages a green IT township on the banks of Kadamprayar River. It will have the state-ofthe-art facilities including shopping arcades, town center plaza, convention center, women’s hostel, guest house, facilities for rest and recreation, boat club, etc.

The Union government had already approved setting up of a sector specific IT/ITeS Special Economic Zone on about 31 acres of Infopark Kochi Phase II.

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hief Minister Sri Ommen Chandy laid the foundation stone of Shanthinagar Model Village, the housing welfare project for 340 coastal families at West Hill beach in Kozhikode; the former Bangladesh Colony is a model for the whole State by giving the message, that there is no political difference in people’s welfare schemes.

This project is a symbol of collective responsibility and unity in the State. Government, bureaucrats and people should join hands to attain the best development model. Each family would be benefited with a house of 4.15 lakh in three cent plot. Model Village project is one among 100 days action plans of the United Democratic front government, targeting to tackle the backwardness of the locality by providing homes

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with basic amenities including drinking water, garbage procession, roads, footpaths and electricity etc. Kerala State Housing Board is selected as the nodal agency for implementing this prestigious 15 crore housing project in the coastal area. The coastal belt locality (Bangladesh Colony) had been sidelined in development for many years and residents were kept apart from mainstream society due to various reasons. The youngsters of the colony were widely used by anti –social elements and drug mafia.

Chief Minister insisted people of the beach to “join together to make the dream come true and meaningful in a time bound manner, with social commitment while the whole society has recognized their effort. Make this project a serious, meaningful, time bound and get benefited to their children, hygienic living of people and become good citizen as expected.”

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cise; Mr. K. M. Chandrasekhar, Vicehe Kerala government Chairman, Mr. G. Vijaya Raghavan, formed a new public Member, State Planning Board; and limited company for Mr. T. Balakrishnan IAS,were also setting up a 630present on the meeting. km high speed rail Mr.T. Balakrishnan assumed to be network connecting Thiruvananthe charge as Chairman and Managthapuram with Mangalore. The ing director of high-speed rail corKerala High Speed Rail Corporation poration formed by the state governLtd would implement the high speed ment, who was having the charge of rail network, estimated to cost Rs.77, IT industries and business, and now 000 crore ($16 billion). The project holding the post of MD in public secwill be implemented as a joint venture tor company Inkel, will continue to between the state government and a be in the post. private partner to be selected later.

The feasibility report says that the The new company was formed on first phase from Thiruvananthapuram the basis of the pre-feasibility report to Kochi might entail an investment submitted by Delhi Metro. The pro- Mr.T. Balakrishnan IAS posed high speed corridor will have two parallel standard of Rs 43,254 crore. The report goes on to suggest that it would be ideal to extend the high-speed rail corridor gauge tracks like Delhi Metro. The corridor will have an link to further beyond Kasaragode towards the north independent alignment. and up to Mangalore. Work on the project is expected A high-level meeting has decided to consult all politito commence in 2013; and would be completed over the cal parties to proceed with the proposed trans-Kerala high-speed rail corridor project. The meeting was preced- next seven-year period. The second phase that would link Kochi with Mangalore might need an investment of a ed by a presentation on the project before Mr. Oommen little over Rs 1.18 lakh crore. A passenger train will be Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala, based on a feasibility report on the first phase of the project. Mr. E Sreedharan, able to carry 817 guests and there will be nine stations between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore.

Chairman, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation submitted The high-speed rail would facilitate a 45-minute jourthe project report to the state government. The project report would be discussed in the cabinet after discussions ney from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram. The speed would be 350 km per hour. When the national highway with the planning board. The final decision would be requires 30-40 meter width, the high-speed rail would be announced later. Mr. P. K. Kunhalikkutty, Minister for requiring a 10-12 meter width.

Industries and IT; Mr. Aryadan Mohammed, Minister for Electricity; Mr. K. Babu, Minister for Ports and Ex29

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aritas India, the social action wing of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI), has begun its golden jubilee celebrations in India. Caritas India has been recognized by the Government of India as a leading NGO in disaster response for its efforts in relief, rehabilitation and follow-up development programs. Caritas India commemorated 50 years of its service to the poor and marginalised.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations have been already started. In the coming months, Caritas plans to conduct several national-level workshops, besides 10 regional Golden Jubilee celebrations and one national celebration in Delhi in January 2012.

The state level golden jubilee celebrations of Caritas India will be based on community managed development prospects in Kerala.

It will be launching several campaigns against female foeticide and infanticide as part of its golden jubilee year programme. Fr. Varghese Mattamana, executive director, Caritas India, said, “In many parts of the country the sex ratio has become a major concern. Our aim is to spread the importance of having a girl child, among people who think they are a liability.”

The organization will launch the awareness programmes in association with Sister Doctors Forum of India (SDFI) and various other NGO’s across India.

Caritas India is the official National Organisation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for social concern and human development. It was established in 1960. Its first name was “Catholic Charities India” (CCI), which began to function from 1962 with its headquarters in the CBCI Centre, New Delhi. Right from its inception, it has been a recognized leader in responding to the natural and human-made disasters all over the sub-continent. Through its humanitarian 30

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response, Caritas India collaborates with the Central and State Governments, which has been appreciated and duly acknowledged by the respective governments.

During the last 4 decades, the organization has been abreast with the development trends and has dedicated its resources and efforts towards poverty reduction through an empowerment process towards nation building.

Caritas India is a network organization with 152 local counterparts who are the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) and hundreds of NGO partners. Through a process of active partnership Caritas India strives to reach even the remotest corners of the country. It serves the poor and marginalized without any distinction of caste, creed and ethnicity. Bishop Dr. Peter Remigius, Chairman, Caritas India, said “the organisation was recognised by the Indian government as a leading NGO in disaster response for its efforts in relief and rehabilitation, and for its various development programs.”

Caritas humanitarian interventions include the Bangladesh Refugee relief and rehabilitation work in 1971, Uttarakashi earthquake in 1991, Latur earthquake 1993, Andhra Pradesh cyclone 1996, Gujarat earthquake 2001, the 2004 tsunami devastation, Bihar floods 2007 and more. As part of tsunami relief and rehabilitation, the NGO had constructed 13,420 houses, out of which 8,000 were constructed in Tamil Nadu.

Caritas India is a member of Caritas Internationalis, whose services reach 200 countries and territories, making it one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world today. The agency collaborates with more than 300 NGOs working within the framework of Millennium Development Goals. Its development works reaches out to the poor and destitute, disaster affected and displaced, people living with HIV and AIDS, migrant workers and refugees, women and children.

CMS Vatavaran

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News

ight films on environment and wildlife from Kerala will compete at the sixth edition of the CMS Vatavaran film festival on environment and wildlife to Eight films nominated from Kerala be held at New Delhi from December 6 to 10, 2011. The 37-member jury headed by Mr.Abid Hussain, scholar and diplomat has nominated 68 films which include 51 Indian and 17 international films for the festival. The festival has more than 300 film entries from 27 countries and India.

The nominations from Kerala include The Fall of Jatayu (English) directed by Siddharth M.P. and Kyrikos Stylianopoulos, Kaippad- The backwater paddy and fish field (Malayalam) directed by Babu Kambrath, The Bird Catcher (Chithira Kuzhal) (Malayalam) by Majeed Gulistan Shelter (Malayalam) by Raghu Gopalan, Home - Our Garden of Eden(English) by Suresh Elamon,Vrischikathile Aalmaram (Wind in the Banyan Tree) (Malayalam) by Romy Victoria, Chitra.V.S, Athira I.B, Swathi M.S, Kavya.M, Aswathi.M and Anjali P.M, A Pestering Journey(Malayalam, English, Punjabi, Hindi and Tulu) by K.R.Manoj, and My Home is Green(nonverbal) by Sajan Sindhu.

The nominated films will compete in various categories and also for the award money of Rs.15 lakh. The film festival will be held at the Convention Centre, opposite to Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. he Kerala Government intends to set up a company for the construction of roads. The new company is expected to take up road development projects worth Rs 5,100 crore in investments.

It has been decided to reconstruct and develop 1,000-km length of road comprising State highways and major district roads to international standards. Wilbur Smith Associates, a Bangalore-based company, has been entrusted with the task of identifying specific roads to be taken up as part of the programme.

The State Government will have a 51% stake in the company and the rest will be held by the Kerala Road Fund Board. A special purpose vehicle will be formed for the purpose. A budgetary allocation of Rs 1,000 crore has been made for land acquisition under the programme. A sum of Rs 2,000 crore will be raised as long-term assistance from Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions. Administrative sanction has been granted for works worth Rs 1,366 crore. A detailed project report has been submitted to the Centre for securing the ADB assistance.

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News

The Comprehensive Cancer Centre was inaugurated at KIMS campus by Mr. Oommen Chandy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala.

Mr. Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC president presided over the function. Mr. P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, Mr. K C Joseph, Minister for Rural Development, Adv. K Chandrika, Mayor; Mr. M A Wahid, MLA; Mr. Ajith Kumar, Councilor; Dr Sahadulla, Chairman and Managing Director, KIMS; Padmasree Dr. G .Vijayaragahvan, Vice Chairman KIMS and Mr. E M Najeeb, Executive Director among others, attended the function.

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he government is looking into whether the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act of 2008 should be amended to have different conservation norms for urban and rural areas�said Mr. P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries and Urban Affairs, Kerala. While replying to a submission in the Assembly, the minister said that it might become necessary to change the existing law because it was coming in the way of urban development. There should have been provision in the law for granting permission for land development after conducting zoning on the basis of a master plan. It was not correct to say that wetlands in urban areas should not be put to other use. The entire matter would have to be discussed in greater detail before any decision was taken.

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News

erala State Housing Board offers a home for every dream and a dream for every homeseeker. Since its inception in 1971, KSHB has always focused on integrity and commitment to deliver the projects which satisfy the customers.

During the past 39 years of service completed more than 5000 units of flats all over the state.

Board now introduces a new project Kowdiar Heights in the state capital.

The scheme is located at the heart of the city but in a tranquil atmosphere with 36 premium apartments of contemporary designs of 2 bed – 18 nos (1377 sq.ft) of Cost ranging from 3100 to 3425 per sq:feet and 3 bed – 18 nos (1732 sq.ft) of Cost ranging from 3100 to 3425 per sq:feet. Located hardly 1 Km from Kowdiar Square with car parking facilities for all units, Kowdiar Heights is also having facilities such as Lifts, Generator back up, Intercom, Play space for children, gymnasium & club house facilities.

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rs. Swetha Menon, actress, bagged the Sreevidya Puraskar 2010 instituted by the Sreevidya Memorial Trust. The award includes a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a statuette.

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ndian Green Building Council (IGBC) - Kochi Chapter has initiated various programmes to make Kochi, a Green City. The project will be implemented with the co-operation of the public, Kochi Corporation, District Administration, peoples’ representatives, political parties and the media.

A meeting with the representatives of the Ernakulam District Residents’ Associations Apex Council (EDRAAC) formulated a 12-point action plan to make the city green.

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Products Launch

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Photo Courtesy: Acorn Stairlifts 34

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he stairlifts has entered the elevator market in Kerala. A stairlift can make possible that climbing of stairs for senior citizens and persons who face mobility problems. Mounted on a specially fitted rail on the side of the staircase, the chair-like device moves up the steps on commands given through a handheld remote control or buttons fitted on the armrest.

The gliding chair, with a comfortable and simple design, mainly targets domestic clients.

Stairlifts do not require an alternative-current (AC) supply. With a 24-volt direct-current (DC) input, the device can carry a maximum load of 127 kg. The select few dealers in the State stock both indoor and outdoor types.

The imported stairlifts now being supplied can function on a 12-metre rail, mounted on the side of staircases.

Most of the body components are either made of aluminium or steel. The plastic parts used in some portions for seating arrangements are heat- and UV-resistant, protecting the stairlift from colour fade and heat damage.

The padded seat with its chic folding arms, footrest, and headrest allow smooth and comfortable access to the stairway. The swivel seat helps to get on and off easily without twisting the body. On moving, the diagnostic digital display gives various pieces of information on its screen. As the ascent and descent are controlled with the use of sensors, it is a “soft stop” rather than a “crash-landing” always.

Five safety sensors on the footrest stop the carriage automatically on encountering any obstruction on the way. For extra security, a stairlift can be fitted with separate lap and shoulder harnesses. After use, the user can easily lock the switch pad, preventing children from misusing it.

At present, the stairlift trade in Kerala is dominated by a German company named Acorn. Although full-fledged showrooms are yet to be opened, the company has a State-wide network to meet demand from potential clients. Dealers are now focussing on selling indoor stairlifts which can be fitted to ordinary staircases.

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he forests of Kerala are repositories of innumerable products which are useful to us. Apart from timber, flora and fauna the products like honey, medicinal herbs, resins, incense, spices, condiments, fibers are generally called Minor Forest Produce (MFP) now named as Non Wood Forest Produce (NWFP).These products have been traditionally handled by tribal peoples or forest dependent communities. They collected the produce and normally traded in the informal ways and marketed by the help of middlemen. Since the collection process was mostly destructive and the removables unsustainable and resulted the extinction of many endemic species in our forests.

During the late 1990s an initiative by Participatory forest Management (PFM) gave a new direction in the approach of the forest Department and the forest dependent communities to the management on non wood forest produce. This type of scientific management of NWFP has been considered as a major step on improving the livelihood of the forest dependent communities and for ensuring their good and meaningful participation in forest conservation. As a result of this the forest depended communities started playing an effective role in the grass root level. They made their participation through institutions like Vana Samrakshanasamities (VSS) and Eco Development Committees (EDC). Developing scientific collection, value additions, and marketing of NWFP a particular outlet called Vanasree cell has been set up in the forest department. The products are marketed as vanasree Products.

Organisation

By introducing the vanasree products to our readers we target better livelihood for three lakh people who constitute our forest dependent population.

Wild Cardamom Kerala is always famous for its spices. Cardamom is one of the most important spices of Kerala. It is produced by a perennial herb Eleteria Cardamom. Normally this plant has seen in natural condition as undergrowth in the forests of Kerala at a medium and high elevation.

October to June is the flowering season and fruits ripen

by June. Wild cardamom is seen in the forests of Palakkad, Idukki, and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala.

The fruits are collected from the forests and dried under natural conditions by the forest dependent communities, especially the tribes. Wild cardamom is smaller in size than cultivated cardamom and is purely an organic produce. This cardamom is used to flavor beverages like tea and coffee apart from its medicinal properties.

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Personality

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rare recognition comes from the highly respected global organisation to this engineer with par excellence. Mr. Sasi P Meethal is the second Indian who bagged IEEE Communications Society award for Public services in Telecommunications, after Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations, who received the award in 2007.

The award will be presented at a function at Houston, Texas on 6th December 2011.

Mr. Sasi P Meethal Mr. Sasi was honoured by the Communications Society of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the world’s largest technical

professional Association with more than 400,000 members from 150 countries. Sasi Pilacheri Meethal, working as Associate Director of C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), Thiruvananthapuram, was selected as the recipient of IEEE Communications Society award for Public services in Telecommunications.

“Sasi PM has been selected for the award for his sustained contributions to low cost communications solutions for the masses and humanitarian needs”- says IEEE Communications society.

Hailing from a remote rural village of Kolathur in Kozhikode district, Mr. Sasi had his primary and secondary schooling in the Public education system. “I had to walk six

Mr. Sasi P Meethal with the Thailand Communication Commission officials 36

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November 2011

Personality

Communication scheme for mobile telemedicine

kilometers to my Secondary school through the water logged paddy fields�, he says. He was a student of the first batch of Electronics Engineering in TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. After his degree in engineering, he joined ER&DC (Electronics Research and Development Centre), the R&D centre of Keltron in 1982.

His early R&D activities were for the defense requirements. He was involved in some major developments like the Cockpit simulation system for LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), Interface units for the weapon systems in Indian Naval ships etc. It was after about two decades of these works that Akshaya backbone 10 Jan 05 he re-oriented his technical activities for the benefit of the mass.

When Government of Kerala planned to start Kerala State IT Mission to spearhead the e-governance activities in Kerala, he was identified as one of the Mission Coordinators, along with Mr. Sivasankar IAS (Secretary, General Education) and Mr.Girish Babu (MD , Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited).

FRIENDS Janasevana kendram and standardization of Malayalam character encoding and keyboard layout are Mr. Sasi’s significant contributions .His urge to direct his efforts for the common mass continued even after coming back to C-DAC (erstwhile ER&DC). When Government of Kerala conceived its flagship Akshaya project

in 2002, Mr.Sasi played a big role through his technical guidance. About 500 Akshaya centres were planned to be set up in Malappuram district as the pilot. Internet was the key component for the Akshaya scheme, but there was no Internet connectivity in the rural areas.

After a thorough survey of all available technologies and solution providers, he along with his technology guru N. Krishnan (who later became the Director General of Software Technology Parks of India), arrived at the conclusion that setting up a wireless network to provide a blanket coverage of the 3500 sq kms of Malappuram district is the optimum solution, first of its kind in the world. He traversed through the nooks and corners of the district, to identify the optimum locations to set up the wireless towers. When Internet was made available to the Akshaya centres and the Government offices in Malappuram, it provided one of the lowest costs, high quality surfing experience to the people of the district.

Mr.Sasi led the team which designed the first State Data centre in India in Thiruvananthapuram.

This Data centre currently hosts the computer systems and software of more than 120 Government projects.

His team also designed the Kerala State Wide Area Network (KSWAN), which provides the backbone and the last mile access to the Government offices of the State. His team developed a low cost wireless communication technique for mobile telemedicine systems, which has been deployed in Cherthala Taluk of Alappuzha.

When Tsunami struck Nagapattanam in Tamilnadu,

Nagapattinam-network architecture 37

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Personality Wireless tower nagapattinam

and NGOs were ready for the rehabilitation works.

Relief materials and funding support came in abundance. The only requirement was proper coordination of the NGO activities, to ensure proper utilization of the resources. Lack of proper communication system among the NGO Coordination Committee, District Administration and NGOS was slow down the rehabilitation works. Mr. Sasi PM quickly set up a wireless communication network along the 120 km coastline of Nagapattinam, which helped the rehabilitation works significantly.

Mr. Sasi’s service was requested for architecting a connectivity solution for Ko Lipe islands in Thailand, which is 85 kms off the coastline. He surveyed the island along with the officials from National Telecommunication Commission and TOT, the National telecom provider of Thailand and architected a wireless based scheme, with a repeater in 38

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November 2011

one of the islands which was located between Ko Lipe and the land. He also provided guidance for setting up a wireless network connecting the schools in Uganda.

Mr. Sasi is surviving with wife Ms.Sabitha Nair a Teacher by Proffession and two sons, Elder one Gowtham sasi , younger one Nandan Sasi , at Trivandrum.

Mr. Sasi P Meethal is much sought after for technical support and guidance for the complex e-governance projects of the government. He is a member of various committees like Executive Committee of ICFOSS (International Centre for Free and Open Source Software), E-Governance sectional committee of Bureau of Indian Standards, University of Kerala’s Board of studies in Engineering, Governing body of Kerala State IT Mission (2009-2010) and Technical Committee of IT@School.

He was the Review Chair of IT Policy of Government of Kerala for e-Governance in 2006. He is also the Chair of Kerala chapter of IEEE Communications society and Asia Pacific and Vice Chair of the Humanitarian Challenges Committee of IEEE. Mr. Sasi PM is currently working on cutting edge technologies in Communications. He has developed one of the first base stations in the world which supports two communication standards called TETRA and WiMAX. His current assignment is the development of a new network concept called Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), which will be a self-forming and self-organising network, without the support of any fixed infrastructure.

There are very few cases of product realization of MANET, and that too in the military segment.

During the survey in Kampala

Organisation

W

ith the mission “Gather for all beings” ,Thanal is a Public Interest Research, Advocacy, Education and Action Trust based in Kerala and its members come together on the common concerns of Nature conservation, environmental health and justice. The programmes of Thanal include the thematic areas such as Sustained Agriculture, Zero Waste, Toxic Waste, Organic Bazaar, Zero Waste Centre, and Environment Education.

Since 2003, Thanal’s Organic Bazaar has become a reliable outlet for organic produce in the city. It brings together the consumers and producers of organic and eco-friendly products to a common market. Organic Bazaar’s founding principle is building faith and relationship between all those who are concerned about our environment, food and children.

Organic Bazaar believes in fair trade. It ensures that organic food is made available to ordinary consumers at affordable prices, even while the farmers get the recognition and price which is their due for the poisonfree produce that they make. Organic Bazaar helps small, marginal and landless farmers to come out of the chemical and water intensive agricultural practices and thus improves their health and livelihood.

Vegetables, fruits, rice, cereals and pulses, grain flours, honey, jams, pickles and syrups, spices, coconut oil, jaggery, sweets and snacks, soaps and herbal cosmetics, supplies for organic farming, zero waste products can be bought from this Bazaar. The products that they serve are

fresh products, usually grown locally. The major portion is from Balaramapuram, Kovalam area and some from Vilappil panchayat.

Organic Bazaar promotes eco friendly farming and establishing a production system that replenishes the environment. It is fully accountable to the farmers and consumers. Organic quality is ensured by an internal control system. Farmers get the best price for their products. Organic Bazaar is a venue for farmers and producers to directly retail their produce. The price paid by the consumer directly goes to the farmers and producers and provides technical support in organic farming for farmers and people interested in farming. It includes training and awareness programmes, field activities, consultancy etc. It also facilitates exchange of farm inputs like seed, organic manure, herbal pest repellants etc and facilitates the PGS (Participatory Gurarantee System) certification in organic farming The idea of an organic bazar in Trivandrum was first implemented in November 2003, by the Institute for Integrated Rural Development, Aurangabad. Based on the response to the pilot initiative the organic bazaar concept developed into a monthly market and later on into a weekly market. Weekly Organic Bazaar opens on every Wednesdays and Saturdays and Monthly Bazaar on every second Saturdays.

Thanal, H-3, Jawhar Nagar, Kawdiar P.O. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 003.

Tel: +91 471 2727150, 2727152 Email: ob@thanal.co.in 39

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November 2011

Brand Builders

T

he name Anthikad is never an alien word for us Malayalis. The man behind most of the family movies- without a doubt you would have guessed Mr. Sathyan Anthikad’s name by now. His contribution to the film industry is not so less. But the Anthikad’s we are talking about here is not the filmmaker but his three nephews- Shabu Anthikad, Shibu Anthikad and Deepu Anthikad. Though they carry the same surname as their uncle, their professional stream is different from that of

Mr. Shabu Anthikad Mr. Shibu Anthikad Mr. Deepu Anthikad

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his. As Mr. Sathyan Anthikad, successfully continues his journey through the film industry, as a veteran film maker, the trio Anthikad’s who are on spot light is growing up to be the big guys in the ad industry.

The ‘Images AdFilms’, their ad film house has churned out some notable ad films and their client list is growing with a number of big brands fitting into the clientele chart. ACC Cement, LIC of India, McDonalds, Smyle, Tech Mahindra, Canara Bank, ECGC, Cadbury’s, Joy Alukkas, Geepas, Alonsa, Sky Jewellery, Alukkas, Josco,

Brand Builders

House of Alappat, Kumaran Thanga Maligai, Scoobee Day, Mather Builders, Anna Aluminium, Lakshmi Jewellery, Nirapara, Desabhimani and KLF tops the list of their clients and is adding on.

They started their venture some 15 years ago and now when they look back they see their graph go up gradually.

Of the three brothers Shibu and Deepu takes over the direction and Shabu, their big brother, does the administration part. They started off with animated ad films and later on to the level where clippings were incorporated with animation. The time started flying taking them along when ad films became their strong suit.

Every person needs to be well polished and groomed to bring out their best out of their talent. Alukkas was their polished outcome which gave them a real break.

The ad ‘Penne Ninne’ was well noticed and that was the kick start to their career. More ads started flowing in by then and when each ad came by the three of them would involve in a brainstorming session where all their creativities would meet. As they say they do not compete with anyone, they evaluate their work and make it flawless in their next effort, which is the basic step to success.

Ms. Shreya Ghoshal

With Tamil Cine Actor Mr. Vijay

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Global Kerala

M

r. Haridas, a man from Guruvayoor who dreamt Londonites walk into his restaurant as customers and let them know not mere the real taste of Kerala but the real Culture of Kerala itself. This exceptional thinking carved the success story of Mr. Haridas, London, the Cultural Ambassador for Kerala.

Mr. Thekkumuri Haridas is the icon who feed and familiarized our Kerala Culture to the British people through ‘Taste of Kerala’. He went all the way to London in order to evoke the taste buds of the Londonites.

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Global Kerala

Mr. T. Haridas with family

Described as “impresario, restaurateur, and philanthropist” Mr. Haridas,now owns 10 restaurants and catering businesses specialising in Kerala Cuisine.

Mr. Haridas was born in Guruvayur, Kerala on 18th May 1951 as the Second of four children of Mr. Baskaran Nair and Mrs. Thankamma Nair. His uncle,Mr. M.C.R Nair who worked for the Department of foreign ministry invited Mr. Haridas to London for his studies or job- the choice was all his. According to him a job was very crucial at that time since all of his dreams were still on and which had to be fulfilled. He didn’t have to think twice before he gave an answer saying a job is all that he wants.

The story dates back to around forty years. He was then assigned in the High Commission as a clerical staff and the journey continues until now positioned as the Senior Administrative Officer. The graduate holds Diploma in Catering also. He joined Indian High Commission in London and then the Lions Group of restaurants.

He was a man with lot of small but genuine dreams which any other man would have. The idea of starting a restaurant was executed 26 years ago. A restaurant with 34 seats was just the beginning of a ground breaking performance in the hotel business.

You can see the chefs describing the procedure of

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Global Kerala

Mr. T. Haridas with wife Mrs. Jayalatha

preparation of every dish, making it easy for their customers to choose their favourites.’At Sree Krishna Hotel’ his first footstep in Hotel business .We haven’t seen many a restaurants explaining the cooking methods to their customers. But here in Haridas’s restaurant, it is common scene.

Sree Krishna Hotel’ is his first venture which has been purchased from Mr. Swami, Thiruvananthapuram and Mr. Goplalakrishnan who supported him financially through his bank. ‘Ragam’, the then restaurant with pure ‘Malayali’ touch. Later in 1995, ‘Malabar Junction’ was started and then ‘Radha Krishna Bhavan’, in Tooting High street. Other restaurants include Kerala Bhavan, Pallavi, Abi Ruchi, Krishna’s Inn, Cocum, Catamaran, Mantra, Princes Hotel, Signature Eastbourne, Palm Kerala, Cocum Boscombe and Raj Malabar.

Married to Ms. Jayalatha, who was born and brought up in Singapore, Mr. Haridas is blessed with four boys Vaishak Nair, the eldest of his four sons, is all prepared to get into the hotel business just like his father. He is already into the stream with “Thandavam”, a pure veggie restaurant just like their other restaurants. The second son, Vinod Nair who was so much into dance and choreography from the very beginning is now a teacher at Pool.

Neelesh Nair, his third son is doing his graduation now and the fourth, Nikhil 44

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November 2011

Nair the little one is in his fourth grade.

Mr. Haridas was awarded Hind Ratan award for services to India in the realm of Tourism. He also achieved the Tourism Man of the Year Award in the year 1999 for promoting Kerala- Gods Own Country. He is the Founder and General Secretary of the Global Kerala Foundation. He has known as the ‘Cultural ambassador for Kerala’ who conducts Onam Festival, Kerala Tourism Festival, India Week, Soorya Festival and other programmes promoting India. He is a member of Follow-up Committee, Government of Kerala, Norka, London, Director of Kerala Travels, International Yesudas Music Acadamy, Kerala and Jananeethi Institute, Kerala. He is the Chairman of Centre4M in East Ham and New World in London N7.He entered in Asian “Who’s Who and Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite 2002.

Mr. Haridas tries to promote Kerala’s Culture in many occasions. Kerala’s art forms have been performed in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Sree Krishna and Ragam.

Kerala will be the representative of India in the Road Mayor Show that will be conducted at London.

Mr. Haridas, a great devotee of Sree Guruvayoorappan, has a dream to be fulfilled; a restaurant in Guruvayoor where you get quality food at affordable rates and, of course, free meals for needy. Indeed a good news for us Keralites aka food lovers!

Organisation

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ACON Quality Certification (India) Pvt. Ltd. is a subsidiary of LACON GmbH, Germany, which offers a wide range of certification services for agriculture and food production sectors. It started its activities in India in 2002 and is headquartered in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Their main areas of services includes inspection and certification of organic production, processing and handling of agricultural produces, export and import of such products as per the relevant national rules and Certification for International Featured Standards.

LACON, an International Certification body have its presence all over the world. Therefore the LACON seal helps the farmers to market their products easily both in National and International level. The body is accredited by APEDA, on behalf of National Accreditation Board.

Organic standards have been developed in order to ensure the produce from Agricultural Production, Animal Husbandry, Apiculture, Aquaculture, Wild collection, processing of these produce and its trade.

LACON also certifies raw materials used in the cosmetic and textile industries. In addition, LACON does certification of eco-hotels, restaurants and catering services and has 78 clients in India for organic certification. Some of its prominent clients in Kerala include Natural Harvest (India) Private Limited, Spice Village, Tata Spices Centre, Cochin Spices Pvt Ltd. and Mount Sahiya Factory.

The organic certification process is initiated by the farmer / operator contacting LACON by phone or mail. LACON is the only certification body accredited by EU for Protected Geographic Indication like Darjeeling tea, Coorg coffee, Kashmir honey, etc. LACON is famous for its quality certification.

Contact: LACON Quality Certification (P) Ltd, Thiruvalla, Kerala Ph: 0469-2606447, Mob: 9447004902 Email: info@laconindia.com www.laconindia.com

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Te c h n o l o g y

T

he manufacturer of Akash, the world’s cheapest tablet computing device priced at Rs.2, 250, plans to launch the tablet’s commercial variant in the country by November-end.

The company expects to have a customer base of nearly 100,000 per month for the commercial variant of the tablet and was also scouting for an alternative manufacturing site to increase production. The company expressed its hopes for a new tab with a price tag of about $10, with the help

of more local components. Currently, around 35 % for the tab comes from South Korea, 25% from China, 16 %from the US, 16 % from India and rest from around the world.

The basic version of the device for students will come in partnership with telecommunication service provider Aircel which would provide SIM cards which can then be used for accessing the internet through the 3G network.

The basic plan is to provide the ‘tab’ to the Indian market first, but the high demand needs to develop a new facility.

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T

he new exciting world of Samsung’s Premium Smart TV opens up a new dimension in home entertainment. Everything from surfing the internet to enjoying films and home movies is now easier than ever before and loads more fun. The introduction of the 3D viewing experience has created a more immersive sense of entertainment and lets you truly escape reality.

The D6000 46 inch LED TV in Samsung’s Smart TV range offers 3D Hyper Real Engine, a 12 millimeter bezel, Allshare and One Foot Connection and so on.

It produces audible low frequencies, a fuller sound and makes this TV a smart TV are features like All share that allows the TV to wirelessly connect with compatible mobile device such as smart phone, laptop or hard drives using the Dynamic Living Network Alliance Protocol (DLNA). Simply download the Allshare software on any laptop, hook it up to the home network that connects

Te c h n o l o g y

Apple iPhone 4S TV too and are good to share movies, photos and music, files and so on through the connected device on the TV. The thin looking D6000 comes with a free view digital runner built in as well as a range of picture and sound options, all of which can be fiddled with to get that perfect picture output. It’s also 3D enabled, so couple it with 3D Blue-ray player and can watch movies in 3D but still have to wear the glasses. The D6000 remote has a button labeled “3D” that converts a standard 2D feed into 3D. The D6000 has a wireless adaptor and can connect the unit with a wired internet connection. On the remote, there a smart Hub button that allows direct access to You Tube, Skype, Photo-editing & sharing software Picasa, Face book, Twitter, some games and news sites. The web browser on the TV can access most websites and also supports HTML5 and Flash. Samsung gives about 400 free and paid apps from its app store to download and make the D6000 even smarter.

A

fter the launch of Apple’s iPhone 4S in more than22 countries of the world on 28th October 2011, Apple is ready to launch this model in India by this November end. iPhone 4S will launch in India after around 40 days of its launch in the US. Apple’s iPhone 4S will be declared in India by its partners Airtel and Aircel.

The model will be available for sale from midnight of 25th November 2011, Friday. Friday has been specially mentioned here because Apple has a tendency to make its models available to the users from Friday and same is the case with iPhone 4S. Apart from the release date, the rough price of the model has also been declared. The model is priced at different rates in different countries.

The features of the model are believed to be the best ones, with dual – core A -5 chip to deliver more power, an 8 MP camera and 1080p HD video. It has the most advanced mobile operating system.

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Te c h n o l o g y

H

TC Rhyme, officially called HTC Bliss, one of the top smart phones being launched by Taiwanese technology, will be targeted to be a feminine smart phone. The new HTC feminine smart phone have Antroid 2.3 Gingerbred operating system, HTC

Small is beautiful

I

t may look barely big enough to cover a picture-taking fingertip and it’s so small you could lose it in a snap. But Hammacher Schlemmer, the makers of this microscopic device clearly believe good things come in tiny packages, after inventing the world’s smallest commerciallyavailable camera. The 28-gram device works perfectly well, despite being the size of a marble and no bigger than a fingertip. The World’s Smallest Camera is only

L

eader in the global payment services, Western Union, is looking at increasing its presence in Kerala considering the growth in the remittance market especially from the gulf countries to the state.

Mr. Kiran Shetty, Regional VicePresident, Western Union Said, Kerala is an important remittance receiving market in India and western union’s presence is entering its 17th year.

Kerala is one of the top five markets for the company and the large chunk 48

BrandKerala

sense 3.5 user interface, 3.7 inch WVGA display, Callcom MSM 8255 snapdragon processor, Adrano 205 GPU, 768 MB Ram, 4 GB internal storage, 8 GB micro SD card, 5 mega pixel camera, 720 pixel video recording, VGA front facing camera, message alerting blinking light, and Bluetooth headset. The purple and yellow colour makes the smart phone more attractive.

November 2011

slightly larger than a marble; it takes still images and records video just like much larger cameras.

The miniature one inch-squared camera can amazingly take two megapixel images and can even shoot video. The World’s Smallest Camera, as boasted by its makers, can take JPEG images with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 and comes complete with autofocus. The camera also connects to a computer via a USB cable, just like regular pieces of photography equipment. of the business is from the Middle East. He added that the objective behind opening more outlets in the state is to come closer to the customers. The average spending of customer transaction is in the range of $400500 a transaction in the State. As a company, they are continually looking at ways to improve the service to consumers. Western Union expansion network strategy is being where their consumers want them to be and delivering international money transfer service with reliability, convenience and speed.

G

Organisation

REEN TOUCH, farm media and support service, is an Agri-Clinic & Agri-Business Centre (ACABC) under the Department of Agriculture, Government of India. It is a Farm Media Support System registered with MANAGE, the National Institute of Agri Extension Management, Hyderabad. Financially backed by NABARD, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and SMGB, the South Malabar Gramin Bank, the nodal agency for implementation of the project is Kerala Agricultural University GREEN TOUCH provides extension support through electronic and new media to Govt. Agencies, Research Institutions, Scientific Organisations, Training Agencies, Local bodies, NGOs, Banks, Extension personnel, Scientists, Farmers etc across the country. Their vision is to support all agencies connected with farm sector by providing access to modern media production facilities at affordable cost and reliability to meaningfully integrate the technical know-how in agriculture with latest developments in Media and ICT to positively influence the mindset of all those who love farming for increased productivity, profitability and sustainability in crop and animal management sectors.

Central and State Government Departments and Agencies, Public sector undertakings, Research institutes, local bodies, Technical Organizations, Individuals like Scientists, Professionals and Farmers are mainly benefited by GREENTOUCH. In short, Cost-Effective, Quality assured, Time-bound deliver of products and services is the simplest way to define GREENTOUCH.

Vayalar Award

M

r.K. P. Ramanunni received the Vayalar Ramavarma Sahitya Award for his book ‘Jeevithathinte Pusthakam’.

Vallathol Award

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riter Mr. C. Radhakrishnan bagged this year’s Vallathol Award of the Vallathol Sahitya Samithi.

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By K.S. Sasthry E-mail: sastri_astro@yahoo.in, Mob: 9446382329

ARIES

Auspicious Days: Nov: 17,27,28,29. Dec: 3, 4,5,6,7,12,13,16

This month gives a mixed result. A successful trip to foreign land or distant place can bring small gain; however, enmity, troubles, misunderstanding, financial stress and other misfortunes await you. Domestic unhappiness, hazards to personal safety, health problem like fluctuating blood pressure, body pain, indigestion are also suggested. This month is not successful for new ventures.

Don’t neglect the health of spouse. For student groups, studies can make you capable.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 21,22,23,24,29,30 Dec: 7,8,12,13

Taurus

Auspicious Days: Nov: 23,24,25,26 Dec: 2, 3,4,5,11,12,13,14,15

Gemini

Leo

Enjoy health, wealth and prosperity. Necessary help will come forth for efforts. Acquire new luxury articles which make your life a bit comfortable. There may be reduction of profit in your work. A marriage which is due or delay can take off. Unexpected gain of wealth comes on way, so speculation can do well. Enjoy the company of learned and high officials. Ambition to buy a new vehicle becomes reality. Business trip will earn well.

Chances are there for a new love affair. May frequent to places of enjoyment like film, club etc. You will succeed in all your endeavors.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 20,21,24,25,30 Dec:1,2,3,5,6,7,8

This month is favorable to you, can expect some gain of money, relief from diseases and debits.

There is a feeling of fulfillment in commitments. Speculation can be fruitful. May get the company of high officials and earn through real estate. You will be very cheerful and energetic in this month. There are many source of income that improves financial status. All the troubles of the native are solved and he is endowed with luxury and comfort.

BrandKerala

This month gives mixed effect even though you can acquire some wealth. Unexpected expenditure arises, financial management needs attention. Get support in professional field, the professional competition vanishes, Matrimonial affairs can result into happy situation, changing of new house is probable; vehicle needs some kind repair.

Will have interest in speculation, be cautious in the partnership business, some kind of dispute can arise, some kind of urinary infection or kidney problems can arise.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 21,22,23,27,28,29,30 Dec 7, 8,9,10

This month gives you a lot of self confidence despite a possible professional debacle. Rivals in profession may retreat. Project can get success; unhappy atmosphere can dominate in service. Some can purchase a conveyance, a pilgrimage awaits you. Careful financial planning is needed. Try to get out of lawsuits. Control your emotions and maintain the mental balance. You may be affected by skin diseases. May receive money through inheritance and have happy relationship with relative.

The wife of native looks after him very sincerely and gives him more pleasure.

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Cancer

November 2011

Virgo

Anguish, illness or travel can make you tired. You may get happiness from the company of good people. There will be a marked reduction of debits and diseases.

Planning must be meticulous to avoid loosing. Business expansion proposal can get slow. Any serious decisions in life must be taken under professional guidance and with a

vigilant approach. Death of near and dear ones can happen. Promotion or transfer to the place of your choice may happen. Gain of vehicle is suggested. Get help from relatives. Enemies may vanquish. There is chance of income through questionable means. May be indulge in company of women.

goods. The native is neither promoted nor achieved a position of status. Gain of maternal property and house is suggested. Discord with the relatives, displeasure of financial agencies, or for standing sureties hinted in the cards.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 22.23.25.26 Dec: 3,4,5,6,13,14,15,16

Capricorn

Auspicious Days: Nov: 22,23,24,25,27,28 Dec:2,3,5,6,7,8

Normal health and financial gain can increase happiness. Aged and ailing may have to be careful.

A trusted friend may let you down.

Businessmen face small losses but that may not shake your confidence level. Speculations can do well. Enjoy the service of a loyal servant. Prestige and prosperity increases towards the end of this month.

Get pleasurable company of opposite sex. Enjoy delicious dishes. Get gain through land and real estate. Unmarried may get married. There is income through agriculture.

Source of income will increase.

May be able to get rid of many a problems and worries and win over enemies is indicated. You will have good relation with family members and friends. The endeavors of the native will succeed.

Suffering from urinary problems suggested. Enjoy all kind of pleasures and enjoy delicious dishes. Lascivious pleasures indicated. May get promotion and have the company of new friends. Show interest in charity, may earn through foreign trade. Have to face harassment from law maintaining agencies like police. There may be dispute over inheritance.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 24,25,27,28 Dec: 4,5,6,7,14,15,16

Auspicious Days: Nov: 23.24.25.26, 29, 30 Dec: 4, 5, 6,12,13,15

Scorpio

Aquarius

Libra

This month is auspicious. Loss of happiness can cause loss of appetite and weakness. A change of place is likely. There will be obstacles in the field of work. Those in service may face de-promotion or get punishment transfer. Health of mother will be affected. A family dispute can create unpleasant situation. Some can get a foreign travel. An ambitious program can falter and fall due to increase of rivals. Relations are bound to become unhappy. Get the help of friends and enjoy their company.

Auspicious Days: Nov: 20,21,22,25,26,29,30 Dec: 7,8,9,10,16

Sagittarius

Though a progressing happy life with the family is possible, a general decline in welfare can come about. An unhappy event can affect the domestic harmony. Spend thriftiness must be checked. A speculation will do well.

Those who are awaiting foreign travel may get the chance.

Marriage can be fixed for unmarried. Much earning is indicated through trading in liquids, cosmetics and fancy

A change of place causing much inconvenience may happen. You will get wealth through a member of opposite sex. Material relation can remain slightly disturbed, may face problems in work spot, success in business. Earning capacity increases, involve in social welfare activities, find satisfaction in intellectual pursuits. Journeys are unfruitful, may face health problems to brother or sister

Auspicious Days: Nov:25,26,27,28

Dec:3,4,7,8,14,15,16,17

Pisces

Those who are in lookout for a house property can get one. Profession may progress, spouse may fall sick, a pilgrimage is possible, and birth of a child in the family is probable. A person of the opposite sex can bring some distress. Avoid extravagant expenditure, avoid speculations. A new position welcomes you. Disturbed state of mind can prevail. Trouble from government agencies is speculated. You may involve in pretty quarrel with friends.

Auspicious Days: Nov:20,21,27,28,29,30 Dec:4,5,9,10,16 51

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November 2011

Women Power

M

ushroom Cutlet, Koon Varutharacha curry, Mushroom Kuruma all evokes your taste buds with smell and feel of the mushrooms . Mrs. S. Janaky is behind this successful venture, “Swadishta mushrooms”, as the name replicates the taste itself.

“I started cultivating mushrooms commercially when many Keralites believed mushrooms were inedible. I was looking for an ideal self-employment option in 2001, when my husband suggested mushrooms, an untapped area in agriculture field which is familiar to him. With his whole hearted support as my friend, guide and philosopher I underwent a short term training on Spawn production and cultivation technology of Oyster and Milky Mushrooms from the Kerala Agricultural University. Without any hired help, I started mushroom production on a small scale in a single room of our rented

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house”, Mrs. Janaky remembers. But today ‘Swathishta Mushrooms’, runs with eight employees and has turned out to be a big business. My father in law, Mr. Narayanan Nair (Kuleena), who is a farmer, has also inspired me” she added.

“People were familiar with only button mushrooms, I strive to cultivate and popularize oyster and milky mushrooms. I supplied my first crop to friends and relatives and started marketing by distributing complimentary 200 gm packets of oyster mushrooms to the leading hotels, restaurants and various offices in the city” Janaky recollects. At present her clientele for fresh mushrooms includes all the leading hotels in Thiruvananthapuram district such as Leela, Vivanta by Taj, Muthoot Plaza, Sindhoor, Kalavara, Aryanivas (her first customer), private caterers, Santhigiri Ashram and HORTICORP. Instead of Milky and oyster from her own farm, she is marketing button mushrooms.

Women Power

Ms. S. Janaky, daughter of Dr. N. Rajendran, Ex. Archives Director and Ms.T. Sudha, is a physics graduate and a Post Graduate in Literature. She is the eldest one among the three daughters with Lakshmy and Parvathy younger to her. Ms. Janaky got married to Mr. N. Sreekumar, an Agriculture Postgraduate, who is the present Asst. Secretary of Rural Agriculture World Market (RAWM) at the age of 18 in 1985. She is blessed with two children, S. Aswin Kumar, a Software Engineer, working with Infosys and S. Anand Kumar, a 12th standard student of STCS. After the marriage, she worked in a publishing firm.

Ms. Janaky said “My path breaking field commenced by the beginning of 2002. Dr. Geetha, Agriculture College, Vellayani, is another mentor who helped me throughout”. The Kerala Agricultural University (AICMP Centre) had approved her mushroom center for spawn & mushroom production. She has a clientele of over 100 farmers all over the state and outside for mother spawn and cultivation spawn. She has set up a high tech spawn production unit with 50% financial assistance (Rs. 1.5 lakhs) from the State Horticulture Mission.

She continued her experiments and in 2003 she entered the market with value added products. The array of products includes cutlets, sandwiches, vadas, pickles and soup with mushrooms and go for a wider range of the combo delights such as ‘chiratta putu -koon varutharacha curry’, ‘appam- mushroom kuruma’, ‘chappathi- chilly mushroom or mushroom masala’, mushroom biriyani and mushroom fried rice on request. She is planning on value addition of mushrooms by starting a take home (parcel service) equipped with a mobile unit. She unveiled, “a restaurant exclusively for mushrooms is my distant dream”.

By planting anthurium and orchids on the terrace, Ms. Janaki gave a cooling effect to the mushroom farm and met her one employees’ salary by selling these flowers. “I found it difficult to dispose the used mushroom beds in the residential area and decided to set up a vermi-composting unit which also gave me profit”, added Ms. Janaki.

Now Janaky seems to be happy that ‘Kuleena Vermi Farm’ near Malayinkil produces 5-8 ton organic compost per month in addition to Oyster Mushroom and Milky Mushroom and its value addition. She found another profitable income with the growing and supplies of earthworms to those who are interested in vermi-culture.

“Effective Micro-organism (EM) is the main ingredient I use in the vermi-culturing process. My firm “Kuleena

Agroservices” is the South Indian dealer of EM of Calcutta based company Maple Orgtec”.

Since 2004 she started training classes and still continues and tries her best to guide and encourage aspiring farmers. On the last Saturday of every month between 2.30pm to 4.30 pm she is busy with classes for interested persons at free of cost. And she feels “25% of them start cultivation for themselves, 5% for commercial purpose and balance 70% becomes my customers”.

She does not forget to acknowledge the media who has helped her a lot to boost her business. She adds that no ads have given for marketing.

She gave training to Kudumbasree units, SHGs, LSGs, Banks, AHARDS, NGOs, Nirmiti, Regional Agriculture training centre, offices, government departments, etc, and as a resource person for ‘The Hindu- NIE prog’. She has also participated in leading expos being held in the Capital City. She thinks “tasting is believable” and offer her cuisines for this ‘believing’. Embarking upon another programme for conducting 200 cookery classes exclusively for house wives in the leading clubs, residential associations and for women and farmers’ organizations, she is targeting 2000 women per year which is funded by the State Horticulture Mission.

Ms. Janaki who has been recognized by Mitraniketan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Trivandrum as “Mathruka Karshakan” for the year 2001-2002 was also honoured with the progressive farmer award by National Research Centre for Mushroom, Solan, the pioneer Research Institute for mushrooms under ICAR during 2008.

Janaky feels very happy with her present 125 lakh project which is aimed at commercially undertaking the cultivation, Spawn production, processing and marketing of Oyster and Milky mushroom and for setting up a commercial Vermi compost demo unit. Of course, Mrs. Janaky Sreekumar is a successful model entrepreneur who aspires and dreams more. She reminds us that actions speak louder than words.

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News

M

alabar Gold is becoming the co sponser of the grand Kerala Shopping festival once again. The deal was signed by Mr.M P Ahammed chairman Malabar Gold and Mr.Rethan Kelkar IAS, Director, GKSF.Mr. A P Anil Kumar Tourism Minister presided over the deal between jewellery major Malabar Gold and the State Government.

According to Minister the sponsorship is an example of Malabar Gold’ s willingness to shoulder the corporate social responsibility.

The Grand Kerala Shopping Festi val (GKSF) - the signature shopping festival of Kerala that would soon unveil for the fifth time in Kerala. A Government of Kerala initiative, GKSF, conducted by the Department of Tourism in association with the departments of Industries & Commerce, Finance and Local Self Government, the festival has transforms Kerala into a hub for international shopping experience.

Malabar Gold is among the most trusted jewellery brand name in India & GCC with over 60 retail outlets and 10 wholesale divisions. Malabar Gold is a flagship division of Malabar Group of Companies, one of the fastest growing business conglomerates. Malabar Gold

outlets display a wide variety of Gold, Diamond, Pearl and Platinum ornaments, catering to the requirements of its multi-cultural and multi-national customers.

According to Mr. A. P. Anilkumar ,Minister for Tourism The tourism department will set up for the GKSF and will try to make the event more colourful inorder to attract the domestic as well as foreign participants.

GKSF High power committee planned more innovative programmes and new schemes such as vat refund, online shopping and co-opt-advertisement to make the event more colourful.

The Government has decided to introduce more schemes such as online shopping, VAT refund, and coopt advertisement in connection with the fifth edition of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) commencing from December 1.

Domestic and international tourists will get full refund of VAT on purchasing from GKSF registered shops during the Festival. The scheme was to attract more shoppers to the State and will be implemented by a sponsor to prevent State’s loss. Shoppers from abroad and outside the state could make purchase using the credit cards with non state address.

Mr. M P Ahammed Chairman Malabar Gold , Mr.Rethan Kelkar IAS, Director, GKSF. and A P Mr. Anil Kumar Tourism Minister 54

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Organisation

C

entre for Innovation in Science and Social Action, CISSA is a collective of dedicated professionals drawn from a broad range of disciplines. With a shared passion for saner environmental and developmental interventions, the CISSA team has created its own niche at the national level in a short span of five years. CISSA looks at the traditional sciences and the modern sciences with objectivity and interlinks the two for mutual benefit. Combining rigorous scientific approach and the best of tradition to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier world, CISSA today has one of the most dedicated networks of professionals in the fields of environment, development, traditional knowledge, public health, food and agriculture.

Their vision is to create a world where natural, historic, cultural and spiritual resources are abundant, diverse, pristine, well managed and protected. A scientific community that appreciates the importance of sustaining and enhancing the world’s resources; opposes using science and technology developments as tools for exploitation and oppression of individuals, communities and nations shall also be counted to their visions.

CISSA majorly focuses on areas like Science popularization, Ecology and Sustainable development, Sustainable Agriculture, Disaster Management, Water Conservation, Information Technology and Public Health. CISSA acts as a forum which listens carefully and responds to the opinions and needs of the common people. CISSA is a platform to communicate scientific achievements to the desired target groups for the benefit of the community.

CISSA forms partners with International Agencies, Govt of India, Govt of Kerala, NGOs and Corporate Houses.

And their major programmes include Annam, Indian Biodiversity Congress, URJA, awareness on Lightning Hazards, Children’s Agriculture Science Congress and National Jack Fruit Fest.

Contact: Telefax: +91 471-2722151, +91 9447205913 E mail: cissaindia@gmail.com, www.cissa.co.in 55

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November 2011

T euct h A om n oolboigl e y

H

Brio = Compactness = Appealing

onda has entered India’s car market with their cheapest offering, Brio that Honda has ever made in India.

And is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies, furthering the company’s policy of ‘man maximum, machine minimum concept’. The Brio has a futuristic look and will surely stand out in a parking lot. The car has a compactness, that’s quite appealing.

What’s clearly evident on this car is Honda’s brilliant packaging. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine is squeezed really tight in the engine bay, the design of the dashboard is very shallow and Honda has concentrated on making the best use of the short 2345mm wheelbase, which incidentally is the shortest in its class. The engine generates 88 bhp

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and a torque of 109 Nm. Even if the car is light and small, the engine is quite a powerful one. Since fuel economy, performance and rigidity are all important, the Brio is pretty light too, only 925kg. The Brio’s suspension is well specified too. Sub-frames are used to locate important suspension bits, stronger control arms have been used instead of cheaper and simpler links and a column-type electric power steering system has been drafted in as well.

Though the car appears small, rear seating space is roomy enough, and the car accommodates 2 adults comfortably. Exit and entry to the rear seats is easy and done with precision with the rear doors a bit smaller than the front doors, but nonetheless isn’t much of a problem.

Honda has put its heart and soul, into what is easily the most important model for Honda in India.

Literature

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hiruvananthapuram has been chosen as the destination again for the second time to hosts Hay Festival, the literary festival. It has been publicized to be a wonderful meeting of harmonizing talents and ideas. The festival will be held between November 17 and 19, 2011. Top poets, writers, novelists, journalists, film makers and performers from India and across the world will participate in the three-day event.

The Hay Festival began 24 years ago in Wales and has since built in scale to become the largest festival of ideas in the UK, also running 10 festivals around the world from Mexico and Colombia to Kenya and Beirut.

This will be the second festival in Kerala following an outstanding launch last year. Hay, in collaboration with Teamwork Productions, will bring together poets working in languages from around the world — Spanish, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindu, Welsh, Icelandic and English.

The celebration of world languages will culminate in a poetry gala on the Friday evening in the Kanakakunnu Palace, the former retreat of the Travancore royal family with K Sachidanandan, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra and Arundhati Subramaniam. The line-up includes Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans and biographer of Chairman Mao; BBC World Anchor, Nik Gowing, chairing a debate about energy production; Oscar-winning film maker, Andrew Ruhemann; author, Anita Nair; award-winning French novelist, Agnes Desarthe; Simon Singh lecturing on cosmology and codes; and writer and academic Germaine Greer speaking about Shakespeare’s lovers.

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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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RNI Reg. No. KERENG 2010/36920

Vol. 01

No. 10

November 2011

Licence of Post KL/TV(S)/374/2011-2013