Design By: Ebison V J
Don Bosco IMAGE N.H Bypass,Vennala P.OKochi 682028,India THE MERIDIAN March 2012
Contents Feature................................................... 2 Cover Story............................................. 4 Internal News........................................ 6 Film Review........................................... 7 Cartoon Corner.................................... 7 Local News............................................. 8 Feature................................................... 9
Will IndiaWin the T 20 World Cup 2012
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his year the T 20 world cup commences from the end of September to the middle of October in Srilanka and there are about 27 matches. The Indian cricket lovers are anxious about the former world champion’s performance in T 20 and doubtful about their win. Doubt occurs due to the hectic schedule that the team have for matches in 2012. If you look back the Indian team which deserved a break just after the completion of ICC 2011 World Cup went ahead and participated in IPL followed by West Indies and England tour. The continuous failure is considered as an outcome of lack of rest and inadequate practice for the matches. No sooner did the West Indies series ended; the cricketers flew to Australia to play four test matches and triseries, from where they returned as a depleted team. They were reduced to ashes and question arouse about their cricketing abilities outside the sub-continent. Indian team is currently in Bangladesh for the Asia cup, and soon they will visit South Africa in March to play one Twenty International. Later the players who have contract with Indian Premiere League teams should play in IPL, Which is scheduled in month of April and May. In-between the interzone tournament are also lined up.
Editor
: Antony Jose
Sub Editor
: Sr. Bindhu
Cartoon
: Akhil Varghees
Design & Layout : Siby Mathew & Deeju Tom Photographer
: Jithin Tom
Correspondents : Jackson, Ben, Easwar, Ebi, Geoly, Nemo, Antony Jose, Antony VT Akhil, Sr. Bindhu
Printed & publushed by DonBosco Image, Kochi For Online Edition: www.donoscoimage.com Email: themeridian@rediffmail.com
In July the team will tour to Srilanka to play 3 test match series and in August News Zealand will tour to India to play 3 test matches. After that those players have very limited time to get ready for the T20 World Cup. There is no doubt that the non-stop game upcoming schedules and recent feeble performances will definitely affect the performance in T20 World cup. A tiring and fatigue team is of no use and pushing the cricketers to the extreme is going to result sometime in the team’s loss. Sometimes these test matches can also become a blessing to the Indian team to perform better in T20 World cup. Will this hectic schedule be a blessing or disgrace to the Indian team is something that we will have to wait and watch.
Antony Jose
March 2012 THE MERIDIAN
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Feature
Botched Convictions
Endangers
Future of youth
In any judicial or administrative proceeding affecting them, children have the right to be heard and to have their views taken seriously
pending constitute over 50 percentage of those in detention, and often as high as 90 percentage. It is also believed that removing youths from society through confinement negatively affects their ability to maintain social and family bonds; it also affects their ability to reintegrate into their community and to find employment when released. International standards require countries to promote the establishment of laws, procedures, authorities and institutions that respect the rights of children in conflict with the law and are directed towards their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. In any judicial or administrative proceeding affecting them, children have the right to be heard and to have their views taken seriously. Alternatives to court procedures and to detention or institutionalisation are encouraged. When detained, every child should have contact with his or her family and access to prompt legal or other appropriate assistance. Application of the death penalty for those under 18 is prohibited.
The Juvenile Justice Act 2000 lays down a non-penal protective juvenile justice system for youth alleged to have committed an offence. While the legislation itself is wellintentioned, there are many stumbling blocks in its implementation, chief among them the difficulty of establishing whether an offender is a child or not, in a country where millions do not have birth certificates or other records which in turn leads to botched convictions.
No case is a better testament to this than the Lakeshore Issue. Almost two months into stalemate between the management and nurses at Lakeshore Hospital, the nurses’ association is conducting another strike since the talks between Labour Department and hospital management failed to yield a comprehensive solution to their issues. The association accused the management on unsubstantiated contract termination of two trainees as an underhanded move against the nurses who started their first strike in January. Whereas the management denied this statement by saying that the two nurses were released after the completion of their training period. The Kerala High court had passed an order last month to protect the hospital from the agitation. Based on this order, The Panangad police has registered a case against the striking nurses. The police case charged against the striking nurses might have devastating repercussions on their careers if their contracts are terminated or expires before the settlement of the issue. This is just one of the many cases where students and trainees are persecuted without regard for their future.
According to UNICEF, Most children in prison have not been convicted of any crime. Children whose cases are still
Nemo Job
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ubstantial increase in the number of juvenile convictions in the State distresses the authorities despite the questions of their authenticity. Prosecuting young citizens in spite of lack of considerable evidence jeopardizes their future and turns them into social pariahs.
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THE MERIDIAN March 2012
Feature
Hidden Child
Workers A Threat To
Indian Future A child at Munnar entertaining tourist to earn his daily bread
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t has been since many years, we see children in the street begging for food, working in factories, farms, mines, homes and city waste dumps for their survival. Besides being as hidden workers now you can see them working in open streets and tourist spots. Ooty, Kodekanal, Delhi and Utharpredesh top the list. Even though in 2006 it was declared that employing children as domestic help is illegal but the situations stands still the same. Latest official estimates report around five million children economically active in the labour market, which is two percent of the total child population of India in the age group 5–14 years. According to the informal labour force statistics, the problem seems to be more severe than reflected. Child labour is estimated to be as large as 60 million in India, as many children are “hidden workers� working in homes or in the underground economy. In the long run, this phenomenon will evolve to be both a social and an economic problem as economic disparities widen between the poor and educationally backward states and that of the faster-growing states. Though the constitution of India guarantees free and compulsory education to
children between the ages of 6 to 14, are not sent to school by the parents. The presence of a large number of child labourers is regarded as a serious issue in terms of economic welfare. It is evident from India ranking at lowest quarter (122th) in World HDI (Human Development Index) rankings; in spite of its rapid economic growth. When the state of Andhra Pradesh reduced the number of child labourers by close to 300,000. Simultaneously the state witnessed a sharp decline in the state revenue, which emphasized the importance of child labour to the Indian economy. At the end of the day, short run numerical GDP growth alone cannot determine overall GDP growth, literacy level and health care are also clear indicators. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), there are tremendous economic benefits for developing nations by sending children to school instead of work. Without education, children do not gain the necessary skills such as English literacy and technical aptitude that will increase their productivity to enable them to secure higher-skilled jobs in future with higher wages that will lift them out of poverty. Ben Sanches March 2012 THE MERIDIAN
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“Enough steps have been taken to modify the higher education system in the state and constantly trying to provide the professional education within the state� P. K. Abdu Rab, Educational Minister Kerala
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THE MERIDIAN March 2012
Cover Story
Ministry Is On a
Constant strive to
Provide
Quality Education: P.K Abdu Rab Q How are you going to improve the quality of education in government schools?
Q Do you agree that today’s education system make good personalities?
A Fewer infrastructures, lack of dedicated teachers and the increased number of students are some of the main issues that the government schools face today. We hope that these problems can be solved from next academic year. We are on the process of improving them part by part. The text books for next academic year are already ready in advance. The number of students also restricted to 30 in Kindergarten sections and 35 in U.P and High School sections.
A It is said that “Family is the First school”. The personality development of a student is based on his/her family background. Many parents are forgetting this fact. It is true that the new generation has the ability to take their own decision, but they don’t know how to use it in a proper way. They require good guidance and it is the responsibility of parents and teachers.
Q What is your opinion about the banning of punishments in schools?
A Central Minister Kapil Sibal and his team are constantly working to find out the ways to reach this technology to all students but because of some technical problems it still awaits its arrival. It is expected to reach the students at a price of Rs. 2000.
A There is a huge difference in the pattern of bringing up children in the present scenario when it is compared to the previous generation. Today, a friendly relationship between parent-child and student-teacher works better. This may be a good psychological approach but many are hesitant to adopt this since the students failed to honor their parents and teachers. I believe that the children deserve punishments at the right time; it will lead them in right path. The attitude with which the older generation was brought up, taught them to grow with human values. Therefore we cannot say that punishments are bad.
Q Can our students still hope for ‘Aakash Tablets’?
Q
Will there be any change?
A Enough steps have been taken to modify the higher education system in the state and there have been many discussions with the private colleges. When it comes to the Medical, Engineering and Nursing sector the responsibility is given to the concerned department. We are also constantly trying to provide the professional education within the state. Malayalee students mostly depend on other states for their professional studies. Geoly George, Sr.Bindhu
March 2012 THE MERIDIAN
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Billboards Botch
Traffic Safety
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illboard companies are moving aggressively in the city to plant digital signs along highways and city streets. There is no doubt that these eye-grabbing displays,which typically change messages every 6 to 8 seconds, pose a risk to traffic safety. Not only that posters which are other common form of billboard advertising, are placed in commercial and industrial areas on primary and secondary arterial roads trouble the pedes Bill board placed near S N Junction, Palarivattom is one among them creating problems for pedestrians those who are crossing road from Edappally to Kaloor. Recently, a lady while walking through the footpath fell down as her cloth got struck in the bill board.
Majority of the bill board that are placed on the foot path are by political parties, local or multinational Companies (MNC). In a society that values choice and freedom, people should be able to travel safely, whether for fun or recreation, getting to work, shopping and for other reasons. Antony VT
THE MERIDIAN March 2012
Kochi’s Legendary
Rock-n-roll Demeanour
in the City
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Tattoos Complete
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here was a time when only rock stars and bike club members wore tattoos, proudly proclaiming their non-conformity to social norms. But today an increasing number of youth in the city are sporting tattoos for a variety of reasons like it act as personal statements indicating various sides of an individual’s personality and its sense of permanence and beauty. The ink used is vegetable dye; it is inserted on the second layer of the skin. The range of tattoos is diverse with new versions like the UV tattoo which is a hot favorite with the partying crowd. Tattooing has become very advanced with prints taken, proofs shown and corrections done before the final inking. It has become acceptable in today’s progressive society. The trend of celebrities flaunting their tattoos has also gone down well with the youth. Poornima Indrajith and Mamta Mohandas have already set a trend in Malayalam industry too. A trained graphic designer, came to Cochin after a six-month of course in Malaysia to set up a tattoo shop in Fort Kochi mainly focusing on tourists. But now he runs two tattoo studios in the city due to the increased demand. He says, “Tattoo is the result of discussions between the designer and the client. There has to be clarity. The design and dimensions are put down on paper, and shown to the client. Only then we proceed. Because tattoo is forever and getting it off is tough and expensive. There is nothing such as an age group however the youngsters prefer getting inked on their arms, feet, back of the neck and shoulders.’’ The trend now is to have at least one tattoo and surprisingly 65 percent of the clients are girls. Tribal designs, angels, butterflies, flowers are in demand. It can also be
“There are many ways of getting a tattoo done; it all depends on how you look at it”
used for thinning eyebrows, covering scars on eyebrows and to add beauty spots on the face. It is not only celebrities and college students, even doctors and housewives add up to the list, there are a lot of stories to be told, some are very hilarious. For instance a girl who is
to be married in a couple of days was brought to his studio. She had a tattoo of her ex-boyfriend’s name or initials and the parents wanted it off. There comes the use of cover up tattoos. It is very expensive to remove a tattoo. There are many ways of getting a tattoo done; it all depends on how you look at it, literally. When you look at it one way it will be your name, read it from another angle it will be someone else’s name. Getting tattooed is addictive; there are people who keep coming back for more. The room where the tattoo is done should be sterile and clean. The needles once used should be destroyed and the entire machinery needs to be dismantled and sterilised.
Business Capital of Kerala still Unsafe for Women
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he constant attack on women in the city is awful. Besides being a business capital of a fully literate state even today women fear to travel alone at night in the city since there is no safety for them. Women face many problems while travelling in private buses and moving in crowded places. Incidents of perverts disturbing women in buses and crowded places are still rampant. The percentage of rape, kidnapping and dowry deaths is increasing from last 2 years. “I am staying in Kochi for past 4 years and recently when I was coming from office at 6. 30 pm some guys were following and disturbing. There is no proper street light on our way and sometime even the public doesn’t react to it. Such kind of experience creates fear and it is very difficult for a girl to get rid of it,” says Lavanya Jacob, An accountant who stays in near Alinchuvadu. Pick pockets and loiterers passing dirty jokes at the passersby and indulging in loud talks are regular sights. The recent murder case of Sreelatha (38) at Kaloor has shocked the city and the increase in crime records shows that the upcoming metropolis safety index is very poor and needs immediate remedy. Jackson M
Sir,
Letter to the editor
In the last online edition of “The Meridian” I happened to read an article on ‘City trapped by drug users: Students top the List’. Now I would like to know more details about this topic, and add onto it by saying there are even girls in the town who are getting addicted to alcohol and smoking. Also I appeal you to conduct some public program based on this matter.
Avinash Cleetus March 2012 THE MERIDIAN
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Internal News
Image Students Satiated After
Munnar Trip
Staff and stundents in munnar Don Bosco IMAGE organized a trip to Munnar with students and staff along with the Director Fr. Jiji Kalavanal. The main objective of the trip was to have a pleasurable and relaxing time, but also it was a great opportunity for students to practice their photography skills as it was a part of the curriculum.
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THE MERIDIAN March 2012
In Munnar; Mattupatty Dam, Top Station and Echo point were the destinations. The Mattupatty dam is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, to conserve water for hydroelectricity. Later they moved on to the Top Station and the Suicide Point, which is a drive of 32 K.M. uphill from Munnar town. “The
visit to the Top Station was a wonderful experience” said Antony VT, a First Year MAJM student. They had a delightful lunch at Echo Point, a place known for Echo voices as its name says so. “We tried out shouting numerous sounds and screamed to hear the lucidity of its echo” says Akhil Varghese, a student. Avinash Cleetus
Film Review
Vidya Balan in Kahaani
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ahaani is a fourth woman centric film played by Vidya Balan after Paa, Ishqiya, No one killed Jessica and The Dirty Picture. Later for which she received the national award for best actress. From this film she has proved that she can also run a successful show at box office like other Hindi superstars. Vidya Venkatesan Bagchi (Vidya Balan), seven months pregnant woman came in search of her husband from London to Kolkata who got missing in crucial juncture. She has no clue and nothing to rely on in the Kolkata city. She contacts several people to reach her husband but everyone tries to convince her by saying that he does not exist. Vidya Balan has got splendid support from her subordinate actors with the seamless inevitability of people who accept extraordinary circumstances as part of life’s ordinary patterns.
Director Sujoy Ghosh portrays Kolkata which is mostly packed with lukewarm, empathetic inhabitants. Visuals of the film show the glimpses of everyday life in city. The Cinematographer was able to capture various moods of city effectively. Parambrata Chattopadhyay’s role makes you believe that goodness is not an extinct commodity. Nawazuddin Sidiqqui, who played the role as a cop has done his part brilliantly. Veteran Bengali actors unknown to Bollywood, such as Saswata Mukherjee as a hired assassin and Kharaj Mukherjee as a kindly overweight cop, fill up the edges of the comprehensive eloquent portrait of a woman with a mission, without crowding the canvas. Easwar K. Uthaman
March 2012 THE MERIDIAN
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