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PERIYAR PROUDUY PRESENTS The STAR NITE Of The Century!
..
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"
*.4
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
May 29 Saturday 7=3O PM Venue to be
announced soon For information:
Achan Kuniu:
301-236-5866 Anil Thaivalappil: 301-840-3943 James Joseph Periyar Groceries: 301 -577-1133
Coming Attraction: SUNDAY JULY 25, 1999
KAI.ABHAVAN MANI NITE
March, 1999
K€RI\LA MñG€57
-%-
Volume
TIIÀT!
BILL HE
5À),M
6À8,
WIUBE
XXI{
No.
1
5Al'NqnNþ'10 EILL. LOCA
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HÄPã.Tô sfóM HÁvÉ. åLC.þ) M6Wg Y¿ÁRFru ÀflEE! To lPdrþÂ YÒuf8 CÉl-EBMfd THÊ EEIÍ.
FEATURES L999 Declared the Year of' the Youth
24
Banquet for Graduating Students KAGW is hosting a banquet to recognize the community's graduating students
Many youth-related activities are planned for
the year
Festival 13 Yor¡th It's Your Festivall Youth,
27
Questionnalre:
KAGW goes to Web 15 Visit our site at www.kagw.com
28
Green Symphony: A CD on Kera!a
L7
KAGW Membership l'las
Kerala's riches captured on compact disc
lts
Benefits and Privileges KAGW introd uces Membership Discount
Program
20
How Can We Serve You Better?
General Body Meeting General Body Meeting to be convened on April 24t11,7999
Needed 20 Vol¡,¡nteers Students Can Earn School Credit Hours for Community Seruice
1999 Calendar of Events 22 You bet, you1l be very busy this year
Suppoft Group 23 Family creates a Family Suppott Group to
DEPARTMENTS 5 7 7 9 11 11 24 25 25 26
From the Editor From the President From the Ex-President From the Youth Club President Entedainment Committee Literary Services Committee Long Range Plannîng Committee Editorial Committee Public Relations Committee Community News
KAGW
provide assistance to its members in Family Counseling, Referral Services, and Medical Assistance
Kerala Digest is the official publication of KAGW However, the views of individual authors may not necessarily reflect the views of the Association. Kerala Digest
/ March 1999 1
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We ar.e affiliated with some of the leading law firms in Pakista¡., Philippines, and Canada to provide you offshore legal assistalce. Our friendly staff speak Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Engiish, French, Swedish, Tagalog and Russian langUages. We have easy payment plans available to suit yourr budget.
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KAGW EXECUTIVC COMM¡TT€e.
Þ99
Let's Introduce Ourselves ..,
Sathyan Achath
Shahi Prabhakaran
Dr. Mohan Viswanathan
Madhu l{aii
President
Presidenl Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Dr. F.V. Scaria Associate Secretary
Dr- Tojo
Thatchenkery
Becky Thomas
Assistanl Treasurer
Youth Club President
!akshi míkutty Pani cker
Sukumar R. Iyer
Dr. Thomas l,linan
Thomas Kuruvifla
Ex-President
Membership Chair
Finance Chaìr
Long Range Planning Chair
P.
Balarajan
Editorial Chair .. . . :.::w1ii:Ìl:j:._:r.,,ti:r':r':::r':::l:.!:li
Dr. S.E. 0onnithan
Jayabalan Unnithan
Valsala Sekhar
Benoy Thomas
Public Relalions Chair
Social Services & Special Events Chair
Entertainment Chair
Youth Liaison & Sports Chair
Dr. P.K Foulose Member At Large
P.K. Subramanian I/ember At Large
Literary Services Chai
r
Paul Mathew
T. Divakaran
Thomas Faul Esq.
Member At krge
Member At l-arge
Legal Adviser
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 3
Fhone:
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Þ'ax:
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VÍsit us f'or the latesÉ selection of ÐVÐs' VCDs' Orígtnal V[ovies on video tapes, Musüc CÐs Good News for llfisvte Lovers Join our Video Club and enjoy large selection of Hindi Movies (clear copies withoutAds) at
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4
Kerala Digest
/ March 1999
& Cassettes
From the €ditor
Editor
Dear Friends,
P. Balarajan
Associate Editors Dr. P.M. Mammen Sini Panicker John Paul Sam Philip
I feel honored to be the Editor of the Kerala Digest in this year of the millennium. As we approach the end of this century and look forward to entering the 21st century the editorial team will endeavor to put forth a new dimension to the Digest. No doubt, we will keep all its essential characters which we have been privileged to inherit from our distinguished forerunners. With this resolve, we dedicate ourselves to the cause of the KAGW. The publication of this Digest is dependent on the funds generated by adveftisements. We have been fortunate to have a committed patronage whose consistent support has given us succor and confidence. I thank them for their generosity and continued support. KAGW has an enlightened membership in whose intellectual bounty the editorial team is going to dip deep for the success of this publication. We are also fortunate that our present president is a multifaceted genius whose creativity is going to enrich the Digest. i earnestly urge all members of theAssociation to participate enthusiastically in making the Digest really remarkable. I especially invite children to send in their works - essays, poems, dmwings, cartoons, anecdotes, jokes and any other creations.
I take this opportunity to wish all the members of this Association, their families, and the valued patrons the very best for the year 1999. Sincerely, P. Balaralan
Editor
How
to Reach Us
If you wish to contact Kerala Digest, please write to P. Balarajan, Editor, Kerala Digest, 4300 Old Dominion Dn #405, Arlington, VA22207. You can also send a fax to (301) 805-4510. Or E-mail us at editor@kagw.com In addition, Kerala Digest has a web site that you may visit. The address is: www.kagw.com
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 5
SPICY AMERTCA (International Grocery Store) XI489ï-ockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MÐ 2ß904 Proudly Presents
Sunnmer in Washington Padrnashree Megastar
MAMVTOOTTY
sHtw'gg Ðivya unní, Sukunrrari, Vixreeth, Venugopal, MimÍc Arfists, Popular Singers and Top Ðancers fnom Asíal{et
May 2lst Friday at 7.30 pm Location to be Announced Soon
For lnformation Call Spicy America: 301-75 4-0244 Joy Kochakkan z 3ûL-625-X7 7 3 M.M. Varghese: 301-384-3L21 P.V.R. Prasad: 410-529-9031
6
Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
Frorn the President I consider it is a great honor to be chosen as the President of Kerala Association of Greater Washington, one of the most prestigious Indian associations in the Washington DC metropolitan area. I am therefore extremely grateful to all our members for bestowing this great honor upon me. First of all, let me thank the Nomination Committee for providing me with an excellent Executìve Committee, which I sincerely call a Dream Team. The commitment and support of this Team give me tremendous strength. Then, let me express my admiration for Mrs. Lakshmi Kutty Panicker, our last year's President. There is no doubt that, with her hard work, team spirit and unique leadership qualities, Mrs, Panicker has taken our Association to greater heights, On behalf of the Executive Committee, I am pleased to înform you that we are going to celebrate 1999 as the Year of the Youth, and our main focus will be on youth-related activíties. It is also my pleasure to
mention here that we will be introducing this year two
Assistance. We encourage all members to make the best use of this Program.
o
Membership Discount Program, which will enable our members to earn attractive discounts from many business enterprises in this area. The earlier you renew/take your membership of the Association, the higher will be the discounts you will be earning under this Program. Let me also take this opportuniÇ to thank these enterprises for supporting this unique Program,
I am confident that each and every one of you would extend your full support and cooperation to us and make this year a memorable one in the history of KAGW From my side, let me assure you that I will be at the forefront with you to achieve this goal.
I look fonvard to meeting all of you on several occasions during this year. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact me with your ideas, suggestions, and comments to improve our services.
innovative concepts:
o
Best regards,
Family Support Group, which includes Family Sathyan Achath
Counseling, Referral Services, and Medical
From the Cx-President As I reflect on my unforgettable year as the President of the Kerala Association of Greater Washington, I am delighted that we were able to accomplish our intended goals. My tenure as the President has been exciting and enjoyable due to the unyielding support of the K.A.G.W communiÇ.
Most notably, I would like to extend my appreciation to my husband and family for their assistance and encouragement. My best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 1999. Sincerely,
I would like to express my gratitude for a successful year to the Executive Committee and to all
Lakshmikutty Panicker
those who devoted their valuable time and energy. A special heartfelt thanks to Mr. Benoy Thomas, Dr. and Mrs. Devasya, Mr. John Paul, Mr. Nathan Purushothaman and Mr. Rex Thomas for their dedication and hard work.
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 7
WE WANT TT F{EX,P YOUR. F'AMT[,V F{.&VÐ A tsÐTTER F'INANCIAL F'UT'UR.E!!3
Let us show you how to:
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Manage your credit cards and reduce your" payment period
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o
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.TAYABAI.AN UNNTÏÏXAN+ERSONAL F.TNÅ¡[CIA[, ANALYST ÐEEP.A.K SI{AH-REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENÏ'
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From the Youth Club Presidcnt The KAGW Youth Club has been off to a great start. Since the year 1999 has been declared the Year of the Youth, our Club has planned numerous events for the year. Our main idea is to have an event every month to keep the Youth Club together.
events we are planning for this year by contacting one of the officers. I hope that the "Year of the Youth" will live up to its name and all the youth will have a
wonderfulyear. Sincerely,
Some of the events we plan to go on are: roller
skating, ice-skating, spofts and games, go-cart racing, boating, Kings Dominion, bowling, etc. The Youth Club also plans to help the community. There are plans to help out before KAGW events as well as volunteering at the soup kitchen, The Youth Club members would receive credit service hours, if desired. We hope that in this way, the junior club will become closer and motivate youth to become active in the community. There will also be events provided for the younger children. Events for children would include movies, game nights, etc.
Becky Thomas
Youth Club Officers Becky Thomas ShaliniChelliah Jasmin Paulson Sudheer Balakrishnan
President:
Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Entertai nment/Specia Events Coordinator: Children's Activity I
In addition to this change, it was also decided to have a Youth Festival this year. The Youth Club hopes to coordinate a very exciting show. I urge all parents to encourage their children and youth to participate in the
Coordinator:
Kenny Palliparambil Maya Sathyanadhan
!999: Yâ&#x201A;ŹAR OF TFIâ&#x201A;Ź YOUTI-I At this momentous time, while we are getting ready to welcome the next millennium, it is very important for us to recognize the power and potential of our youth. It is also our responsibility to extend our support and encouragement to help them face the new century with courage and confidence. With this objective in mind. we have decided to declare 1999 as the Year of the Youth. During this year, we will focus our main attention, efforts, and energy on many youth-related activities. We will also do our best to nufture their skills, talents, and creativity, and help them build leadership and many other qualities.
In close liaison with the Youth Club, we will be conducting the following events:
. .
' . '
Youth Festival Summer Camps for: (a) Leadership and (b) Creativity Debates
Literary Competitions Quiz Contests on: (a) India and (b) Current Events
We look forward to your support and pafticipation make the Year of the Youth a grand success. to
fufther information, please contact: Thomas, Benoy Chairperson, Youth Liaison & Sports (301) 87 9 -27 L7. Committee : For
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 9
WorËd Wfrde Tþave[ Hx]c, gton Metroplitan a S ervin
g'Washin S
Are
ince1975
SPECEAI,AIR.FAfrES FTæ.A LXMÍTED TTME ONLY From Washington ory Rru FronnWashington 0/w RtT Ahmedabad Aurangabad Bagdogra Earoda tsaagatrore
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10
Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
Bøhimore World Tlade Center 401 E, FraÍt Street #625, Baltimore, MÐ 21202 Tet: (410) 547-0055 Føx: (4IA) 547-2777
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These are some of our plans ... In the same context of welcoming the next millennium, it is imperative that we reflect on what kind of cultural and artistic legacy our Kerala ancestry has passed on to our young generation, and what they have assimilated from the culture of this country. It is about time that KAGW gave them an open and free stage to display this aยกtistic and cultural potpourri. Therefore, this year's Executive Committee, along with the Entertainment Committee and Literary Committee, would like to plan a few cultural events based around this theme.
Youth Festival: A whole day event, where our children can demonstrate their talents, regardless of their origin or style. We will invite all Malayalee children in the metro arear regardless of their association affiliation, to pafticipate in this Festival.
include as many people as possible without compromising or sacrificing the quality.
Musical Evening: An opportunity for the singers amongst us to peform in front of an interested audience. We will provide the background musicians. If there is enough ยกnterest, a poetry recital session can be included in this event.
Christmas/New year: The centraltheme will be Christmas. KAGW would also like to use this opportunity to celebrate the coming of the year 2000. That would also be the time to reflect on some of our past cultural achievements by inviting the members who contributed to our cultural activities.
Additional Events: We are also planning other events, details of which would be announced in due
Onam Celebrations: Cultural events will be based on the Onam theme and the central piece will be
course.
an item choreographed by the Enteftainment Committee. We will include all the talents recognized and identified in the Youth Festival. We will try to
if you have any suggestions for additional programs and events, please contact Valsala Sekhar, Chairperson, Enteftai nment Com m ittee: (301) 258-7329.
We Flave a Lot to Offer You ... We are planning to conduct the following events during this year:
o
Summer Camps for Self-Empowerment. This summer, we would be inviting some leading experts and specialists, to conduct workshops and seminars on many topics of interest to youth and adults. Some of the subjects under consideration are: Leadership Qualities, Time Management, Building Management Skills, Creativity, Public Speaking, etc.
c
Debates, What shall we debate on? Let's debate on it! Your suggestions are welcome.
c
Literary Competitions: We propose to hold Story Poetry Public Speaking competitions. Further information will be announced in our next Digest. Essay, Short
o
Quร Contests on: (a) India, and (b) Current
Events
If you have some topics in mind that you would like to be included, or if you know some experts/ specialists you would like us to invite, please contact Dr. P.M. Mammen, Chairperson, Literary Services: (301) 519-2844.
o
Mentor Program: We will be inviting some of the past Youth Club members who have distinguished themselves in academics, profession and life. to share their views and experience with our Youth.
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 11
FACT FACT FACT
The lnterest Rates are at an al! Tlrne Low The Frices of l-lornes are Low! Feople ane Täking Advarrtage øf this Unbellevable Real Estate Marketll
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TnlxxrNG oF Buyrxc on Srcr,r,mc R.Bar. Esrnrp rx MaRyLAND on Vrncrxra? (301) 441-1100 OFr¡cn
! lttt¡
cHncx wITH ABDULLA ME
With Complirnents from lhlcdilu tüalr, mr*
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Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
442-0738 pacnn
You¡th FestEval Youthn Ït's Your Festir¡all You bet, it's gonna be lots
ApniE
of
24th (SaËunday) Í.2:00 - 5:0$ F"M.
Forest Oak Middle School
l'liEhlights of the Yoa¡tfr FestEva[
8100 Midcounty Hwy. Gaithersburg, MD
ê
School €nedit l-lo¿¡r's fon Comrnunlty Se¡'vlce (up to 5 hrs) to all pafticipants and volunteers. Please contact BecÇ Thomas, (30L) 2999420 for details
@
Free lce Cream ParÇ at the end of the Festival
Here's a new format and an open stage for you to performl Don't miss this golden opportunity to show your hidden and exposed talents. At this Festival, you can:
o o e a e o ó
funl
dance (eastern and western styles) sing and play musical instruments do stand-up comedy/mimicry narrate jokes and anecdotes present skits or play "pictionary" exhibit your art works (paintings etc.) give impromptu/extempore speeches
Admission Ticket: $3.00 For participating, please contact
on or before March 31st:
o
"Yummy, Yummy Food Bazaar"
o
'Everyone to the Dance Floor': open floor to dance with music (Finale:
4:30-5:00
P.M.)
-_-¿
ú¡F
BecÇ Thomas:
(30r) 299-9420 Valsala Sekhar:
(301) 2sB-7329 Benoy Thomas:
(30t) 879-27L7 Vinson Palathingal:
(703) 2BB-4113 Dr. Mohan Viswanathan:
(301) 963-7270 Shahi Prabhakaran:
(301) s49-1961
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 13
P&]RNTVTA V[TCIKTVr ATTORI\EY AT'T,AW Member of the Bars of the District of Columbia American Immi gration Lawyers Association -AILA The States of Punjab & Haryana, India, and District Bar Association, Faridabad, India
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New Arrivats!!3 Foxrxay R.aw Rice Master Grind The most hygienic tâble-top wet grinder Easily detachable roller stone Twin blade wiper Stainless steel drum Drum cove¡ Plus... Master Grind comes to you with a grinding stone made of traditionally used black granite
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March 1999
* Chinese Ok¡a * Green Mango (Pickle Size) * Banana Flower
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Kerala Digest
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* Samba¡ Onion (Small Onions) * Guvar
All kinds of lrc/224\l Appliances available
Movies
Original Video Cassettes in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Video CD (VCDs) movies also available.
E{AGW go€s
to Weh!
Vislt our site at www.kagw.com
W
To make use of the tremendous potential of the internet for our community, we have decided to have our website. Thanks to the efforts of our internet Team, led by Vinson Xavier Palathingal, our homesite on the above address is growing day by day. Please note that in the near future, www.kagw.org also will lead you to the same site, Isn't that a wondeful news?
FlighligÍrts of clur website
6 € @
e o s e a a a
Kerala Digest: at your finger tips Announcement Page: to get dates, directions etc. at a glance Membership Site: for new members to sign up online at their convenience Guest Book: for new Malayalees to get connected to the Greater Washington metro Malayalees Photo Album: to publish photos of KAGW events and other events of common interest to Keralites Bulletin Board: for anyone to post personal ads, matrimonial, etc. Adveftisements: to publish paid adveftisements to create income for KAGW to meet our expenses CommuniÇ Affrirs: to publish news from other community-related groups and other activities. To maintain other valuable links such as newspapers and consular services Chat Room: for interested pafties to discuss issues of common interest, for KAGW executives to discuss without physically meeting Youth Page: for youth club to coordinate their activities and announce their events iT Club: for IT folK of Indian Origin to share their ideas and concerns Thoolika: Malayalam Page for qualiÇ Malayalam reading, to help Malayalam literary talent to grow President's Page: for the President to communicate his/her ideas with the members Mailbox: for the key executive members to check their KAGW-related mail Executive: to publish the details of all executive members Constitution: to publish KAGW constitution on the net for reference Affìliations: to list the details of affìliations of KAGW to various umbrella groups History: a brief history of KAGW
while we are nurturing it during its infancy. Your frequent visits to the site and constructive criticism are the keys to its growth and success. Please contact Vinson Palathingal at7A3-2BB-4IL3 or e-mail him at webmaster@kagw.com with your valuable comments and ideas. If anyone is interested in taking an active role in updating and maintaining the site, please contact Vinson as soon as possible.
Meet
@¡.¡r
Web
Ad¡r'¡ñmEstratoE': Vinson Palathingal, a graduate of Government Engineering College, Trichur, Kerala, moved to Washington area in 1995 after completing his Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from University of Nevada, Reno, Currently he works for FannieMae in Washington DC, as a Business Systems Technologist in their Corporate information Services. Vinson is suppoted by a group of software professionals from our community to build and maintain KAGW's web site.
Our site is new born and please be considerate Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 15
Fure Vegetarian South trndian Restaurant
At Chandni Chowk 8046 New Hampshire Ave., Langley Park, MD 20183
Phone:
301-434-4202 Fax: 301-434-4207
Lunch Buffet: 1tr:30-3:00 PM, Monday-Friday We
undertake catering
for marriages, birthdays, anniversaries,
a.nd
$S.gS
for any other
occasions
F*te* ffirofher# lnterffiåfrimnal ffirm ##tri*s [ndisn, Fski*tsxi, Eangl*dsxhi Ëro*wrisu, Spic*s end V+get*h[æs ãt8{} Lïniv*rsÍþ' Eotllevnrd L*ttgley F*rk, ftiÐ Î{l?t}
fi,
fl 3Ìum6erfeird Þriv* fr,**k¡*ifile" ãUs }t*S* *fifÈ -
4?1-rË*{5 Tue-üun: IS:3$ fs ä:üû
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16
Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
ü(AGW ftllarnbership !-las
lts Benefits and priviieç¡Gs
KAGW Intnoduces Membership Discount prograrn Thanks to the support extended by some of the
The list of places offering discounts to our members is expanding. We will update you on thís in the next issue of the Digest.
business enterprises in the Washington metropolitan area, KAGW members are now entitled to earn
Discounts for purchases they make from these enterprises. By presenting KAGW membership card at the time of purchase, members will be eligible to get discounts from grocery stores, restaurants, travel agencies, printing press/ and home improvement/airconditioning and heating seruice agencies, The details of enterprises currently offering discounts are given in
In addition, the members will also be eligible to receive special discounts for KAGW's all ticketed programs. Become a KAGW Member today and start earning your discounts. Why delay and lose your privileges for
the next page.
nothing!
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Kerala Digest
/
March
1999
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701-rrz-16c:,
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fitr, firA & VIP
(only 5 minutes from Beltway)
2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna VA
lndo-Pak Spices
Tíckets,
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wrítLen bg, ASHOK PATOLE ardíc, MAXXSOUND
RAMESH TAI-WAR
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Friday April 23,1999 - 8:00 PM Oakton High $chool auditorium
dírected brt,
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BACHCHAN
presentJAYA
SANJAY GORADIA PRODUCTION & KAUSTUBH TRIVEDI
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KAGW Membership you can Earn Ðiscounts frorn these places
Grocery Stores 5o/o d¡scount from:
R.gsta I0o/o
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F'a Fr&s
discount fron'¡:
5o/o ø¡scount
f,rorn:
Travel Agemcles Special discounts frorn:
Other Servlces L0o/o discount from:
Please ¡lote: These discounts cannot be cornbined
with any other discounts these stores might be offering Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 1.9
Ge¡-leral Bodg Meeting AnnorJnccrn€nt A General Body Meeting of KAGW will be conducted on April 24, 1999 at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Oak Middle School,8100 Midcounty Hwy., Gaithersburg, MD.
from: " Any decision taken by the executive committee to pafticipate in any special project or program which may require an expenditure of $2000.00 or more should be approved by a simple majority of those present and voting at a duly called general body meeting within 15 working days of the executive committee's action"
The main agenda for the Meeting will be the Executive Committee's proposal for an amendment of KAGW's Constitution. The details of the proposed resolution are given below:
to: " Any decision taken by the executive committee to participate in any special project or program which may require an expenditure of $7000.00 or more should be approved by a simple majority of those present and voting at a duly called general body meeting within 15 working days of the executive committee's action"
PROPOSEÐ R.ESOLI,JTION The Executive Committee of Kerala Association of Greater Washington proposes a resolutÌon to amend its Constitution as given below:
We invite all our members to attend the Meeting.
The purpose of the resolution is to raise the upper limit of the expenditure of special projects or programs for which approval of the General Body is not required, from $2,000.00 to $2000.00 The General Body of Kerala Association of Greater Washington hereby resolves to amend Constitution Afticle 5, Section 15(b)
tD r) you 54t4,, F{ôW NA&E 10 EARN MANI
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OF
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Vok¡r'¡teers Needed Students Can Earn Sehool Credit Flor¡ns f'or Co¡ncnunity Se¡'vice We are looking for youth and adult volunteers to help us in the activities of our various activities. By joining our Volunteer Program students can earn school credit hours for community service. Interested persons please contact:
Jayabalan Unnithan Chairperson, Special Events and Social Services
(301) 963-33s7
20
Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
'---
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r45. ÊREAÐ STIK,,fÞo LOT: ÔF VOLUNTAqRY WOrR.K FOR KEf;RALA A9:50ctATroN CIltF 6RIEATER WASHI'lff6ï0rr,
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Sorme of youn questioras are ar.¡swened he¡-e!
How
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COST TO BECOME A KAGW TVTEMtsER?
WI.{AT FRIVII.EGES DO GET 8Y BECOM¡NG A KAcw t'åEMF,ER?
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A&¿NT.'A!- MËMBERSË4EP ¡S oNLY $f FOR ¡&rÐrv8Ð&JALS ANE} $15 FOR FAfrñEL8ES
FRON'! GROCER.Y STORES,
RËST.AURANTS
PLACES
----
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Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 2L
An €asg wag to Help KAGW Meet lts Financial Needs You can "Contribute Without Donating" by signing up in ATAT/ICM Association Loyalty prograrn ICM, a direct marketing company with headquarters in Winter Park, Florida has been helping non-profit organizations to raise money to fulfill their financial needs. They have approximately 500,000 members and are benefiting over 58 non-profìt organizations. ICM provides these benefìts in association with AT&I which has 6A-700/o of the long distance market in the United
o
States.
c
Features of this Program:
o
Existing AT&T customers can sign up in this Program
.
Easy to enroll. Members can sign up by phone or by mail
o
No added cost to the members and they can
continue enjoying promotions offered by AT&T
Members can contribute up to 5olo of their residential direct dial long distance phone bills to the association
$6 bonus for the association for each member who enroll from another Long Distance Carrier
Your signing up in the Program will be an easy solution for our Association to meet its financial needs. Your support will also help us offer you better services and conduct many qualiÇ programs this year. For more information regarding this program, call Shahi Prabhakaran (301) 549 1961 or Sathyan Achath (301) 805 4510. You couid also check out our website
www,kagw.com
KAGW:
1999 Calendar of €ventsr Youth Festival/Spring Festival
April24
Road Cleaning
May
India Quiz Contest
June/July
Current Events Quiz Contest
June/July
Banquet for Graduating Students
May/June
Su
mmer Leadership/Creative Prog
ra m
June to August
Debate
July/August
Road Cleaning
August
Onam
August 22
Musical Evening
September
Road Cleaning
October
Christmas
December
1
Exact dates will be announced in our next Kerala Digest
22
Kerala Digest
/
March 1999
Flelp Wanted: WEB SITE ASSOCIATES KAGWcom needs young enthusiastic people to maintain, update and refresh its contents. This is a unique oppoftunity to embellish your resumé with web site development skills (especially for students), while helping the community. A commitment of 1-2 hours per week on average is all that is expected. If you have a computer at home or school, you can remote log in to the web server. Students may qualify for community service credits. Interested people can contact: Vinson Palathingal 703-2BB-4113 e-mail : webmaster@kagw.com
Fannilg Support Group We have created a FamÌly Support Group to provide the following types of assistance to our members:
o
Family Counseling: A group of qualified and
licensed counselors and therapists within our
communiÇ will be available to provide counseling to those who need such services. We assure you that all your consultations with our Famrly Counselors will be dealt with strictly in professional and confrdential manner
o
Referral Seruices: We will provide referral service to our members. Currently we are preparing a data base of attorneys
a
mental health professionals who are culturally sensitive and are qualified to provide services for a reasonable fee.
o
Medical Assistance: We are working to create a pool of medical professionals who are willing to assist our members and their close relatives who are in desperate need of medical consultatíon. For fufther information, please contact: Mrs, Shiny Devasya Program Coordinator (30i) 249-3790
nd psych iatrists/psycholog ists/
OIJR SON IS ÐISOEEDIËNT A¡TD REBEÍ.I.IOIJS. hIE EÅTS ON&.V PËPPËRONI P¡UZA FOR
BREAKFAST, ¡-I'|$TGF8, AñI E¡ EilNT.¡ER. ÞIË SAYS'FIII' ßhISTEAD OF'¡.IELLO' WFTEru GUESTS
coME
HOnñE. ¡-!E EIOESN'T SPEAK A WORD OF frñALAYALAM AT ÞIOME.
COUNSELOR, S}IALL WE PUT }IIH IN A BOARÐING SCHOOL IN KERALA?
MV PAR,ENTS SPEAK ENGL¡S vutTþl MAI-åYAI-ASfi ACCËt{T. TFIE¡R TABLE MAruNER,S ARE DISGUSTIñ¡G. TÊ{EV SECRETLV LISTEN TO ñ'IY TELEPFIONE CONVERSAT¡ON WITFI MY Bt.t DElr ES.
@@@@**ffi$$%
***** && & g &@@@@ol"offfoola&& ++++++!IIMI@@@@@@@@@ COUNSELOR, SHAI-!. I RUN AWAY FROM HOME?
Kerala Digest
/ March 1999 23
You vsill Ërear more fnosm us .., We intend to publish Kerala Digest as a bi-monthly newsletter to update you on our activities and community events.
publish your lÌterary and artistic works. If you write articles, essays, short stories/ poems/ or draw cartoons, caricatures, or paint, please send them to:
Some new features of the Digest will be:
P. Balarajan
(703) s24-6294
c
Youth Section exclusively devoted to Youth Club (YC) activities, managed by our YC members
o Malayalam Sectionfor publishing materials written in Malayalam e to
Gain Experience ¡n 3o¡,¡rnalisnn
Kerala Cornerfor news and information related
Kerala
c
'Outstanding Achtevers'Section: In every issue of the Digest, we propose to feature one adult and one youth from our local community, who have distinguished themselves with significant achievements in academics/professions/aft and music, etc. If you know anyone who deserves to be featured in this section, please let us know.
Kerala Digest is looking for volunteers to
work as: News Reporters, Community Correspondents, il ustrato rs, Photog ra phers, a nd Editorial Assistants.
Ca
rtoonists,
I
Interested persons please contact: P. Balarajan Editor, Kerala Digest
(703) s24-6294 The pages of the Digest are open to all of you to
THAT! BILL GA'ÍËs,
5aT 'uqîr¡¡lxs'to ÞlLL. TELL lilÈrrAn,
5A)IN6
HE WILI.BE
LOCAL WEIL WISI{ERs
HAPPY
10
I{AVE ALRE/AÞY
SPON5DR
KA6W3 YEAROFI{E
Vburu
cELEBRATIoI-¡'
A61REEÞ TÔ SPÐIIsÒR
TltË EvEllT.
Our main activities for this year are:
c
Getting sponsorship from indivÌduals and organizations to support the Year of the Youth activities
o
Assisting the Membership Committee in their membership drive
a
Distributing a Questionnaire to find out how we can serve members/community better
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 25
Communitg News Welcome to this World KAGW congratulates
persons to our area:
the proud parents of:
Priya Sahadevan, wife of noted singer Rakesh Sahadevan, arrived in Washington, DC in January 1999.
Stephen V. Palathingal, a baby boy born to Vinson Palathingal and Asha Palathingal on March 5, 1999. Namitha M. Thomas, a baby girl born to Rex Thomas and Teena Thomas, on February 24, L999.
Shruti Mahesh, a baby girl born to Mahesh Surendran and Sunita Ramkumar on February 10,
Rajalakshmi Babu, wife of another noted singer J. Babu, arrived in Washington, DC in March 1999. Dinesh Tharakan, moving on transfer from North Carolina to Rockville in March 1999,
Obituary
1999.
Dillon Matthew Whittle, a baby boy born to John Whittle, Jr. and Lekha Whittle on February 20,1999. Thomas Mecherikunnel, a baby boy born to Paul Mecherikunnel and Ann Mecherikunnel, on February 24,
i999.
Our condolences to the grieving families of the following members of our community: Thomas P. Johny, whose father, P. J. Thomas, passed away on March 2, 7999 at Mulanthuruthy, Kerala.
Grary Mathews, whose father, Joseph Aenekatt, 1I,1999 at Ponkunnam,
Welconne to this area
passed away on February Kerala.
KAGW is very happy to welcome the following
F.._ KERALA ASSOCIATiON OF GREATER WASHINGTON MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION - 1999 Spouse:
Name: Address:
e-mail:
Tel:
Children's Names and Ages:
Annual Fee: Life Membership:
D Single - $10.00 tr Family - $15.00
tr Single - $100.00 tr Family
Please mail completed forrn and check (payable to
- $250.00
KAGW) to:
Sukumar R. Iyer 4220-D Jefferson Oak Circle Fairfax, VA22033 Tel: (703) 277-1952
26
Kerala Digest
/ March 1999
&uestionnaire !"low Carยก We $erve yoยก,ยก Eetร en? KAGW is your Association, and we, the present Executive Committee members, are fully committed to ofler you quality service in difterent fields of activities. So please help us to serve you better, wiih your valuable ideas, suggestions, and comments.
Kindly take a few minutes to give your comments on how we can improve our services in the following areas:
1.
Youth Festival
Z. Enteftainment Programs
3. Literary and Cultural
Events
4.
Kerala Digest
5.
Onam and Christmas celebrations
6.
Talk on Estate Planning and Living Trusts applicable to Immigrants
7.
Other suggestions and comments
Please send your completed questionnaire to; Dr. S.E. Oonnithan, Chairperson,
Public Relations Committee L4L57 Furlong Way Germantown, MD 20874-6155.
Kerala Digest
/
March
1999 27
Gneen Sgmphofig: eÐ om Kerala Kenala's rlches captuned on compact dlsc By Leela Menon A CD-ROM on Kerala,
The CD-ROM even shows the banana leaf on which the traditional culinary wealth of Kerala is displayed-frorn aviya l, ka lan, and sambar, to kichdi and thoran in their precise places on the banana leaf. Another door opens to the flora and fauna of Kerala, showing the treasure trove of faunal life, like the 101 mammals, 503 species of birds, 111 amphibian species, 330 species of
depicting its unique scenic wealth, aft, heritage, and tourist locations has gained the official acceptability of the Depaftment of Tourism, to be marketed globally in an effort to create awareness about the State. The CD-ROM comes as a refreshing effort even as tourists continue to complain about the pervasive ignorance about God's Own Country.
Despite protests to the contrary it remains a fact that the Nofth is more on the tourist spotlight, Kerala's unique USPs notwithstanding. The CD-ROM steps in to fill this precise lacuna. Divided into fìve sections, the CD-ROM spotlights the rich mosaic of Kerala, its land and its people, its art forms like mohiniyattam and theyyam, its exclusive USP of Ayurveda, Kerala's exotic past, its little-known history the myths and legends woven around it, like that of Parasuraman, Mahabali and St. Thomas, as well as details of tourist locations and infrastructure, like education, agriculture, health, industry and even banking. It begins appropriately with a nalukettu, the
traditional architecture of Kerala. At the turn of a key, a door opens to the marvel of Kerala's past and present.
I
In the section showing land and people, the basic data of all 14 districts of Kerala, including area and geographic location, sights to be seen, the railway and bus routes, and even the nature of the soil-whether it is laterite or not- is given. Very few know that the name "laterite" was given by Francis Hamilton Buchanan, a Scottish surgeon, who identifìed it.
That Kerala is a destination for all seasons because of its climate is stressed through details of monsoons. Data about the different religions in communally harmonious Kerala is provided. Life-sÇle depicts ritualistic atlires, cuisine and jewelry and the traditional marriages of Hindus, Christians, and Muslims.
28
Kerala Digest
butterflies, and 120 species of termites, apart from 4,000 species of vascular plants, 267 species of wild orchids of which 70 are exclusive to the Western Ghats. History talks not only about the evolution of Kerala and its coalition politics, but also about the various movements in the State. The folklore of Kerala dwells on the yakshi and chathan cult, The room on heritage in the CD-ROM displays the wide variety of music in Kerala from sopanasangeetham to mappilappattu. and vadakkanpattu to tribal music, apart from the 10,000 Malayalam film songs recorded to date. The 11 musical instruments in our repeftoire, the three major orchestras like pandimelam, major festivals like Thrissur Pooram, and details about traditional and regiona I festival s i ke Th i ruvathi ra, M u ha ra m Attu ka I Pongala and Kalpathi Ratholsavam are shown. One even gets a glimpse of Malayalam alphabets and a sample of its poetry. From majestic peaks to rolling hills, backwaters to golden beaches and hill stations, the CD-ROM vividly and emphatically shows that Kerala has it all. It took a team of 14 young men 18 months to complete the CD-ROM, titled Green Symphony. It has 1,000 computer pages, 500 photographs, 50 video clips, 50 audio clips, and ensures around 7 hours of viewing. The CD-ROM is available for $25.00. Interested persons please contact:
/ March 1999
Becky Thomas Youth Club President (301) 2e9-942O
Our sincere thanks to the Kerala community
for their continued support and patronage
T
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