December 2017- January 2018
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5
December 2017 - January 2018
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018
Featured Personalities
85
105
PADMA SHRI KALAMANDALAM GOPI ASAN
MANU S PILLAI
The Story Teller
The Kathakali Legend
112
91 T S KALYANARAMAN
RIMA KALLINGAL
The Man With The GoldenTouch
Traces Her Incredible Journey
99
118
COLONEL (DR) DIVAKARAN PADMA KUMAR PILLAY
SHYAMAPRASAD RAJAGOPAL
Pushing Boundaries with Timeless Theatrical Masteries
December 2017- January 2018
The Man Who Went Beyond The Call of his Duty
6
When you want authentic information relating to travel and tourism in Oman.
www.destinationoman.com 7
December 2017 - January 2018
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018
Featured Destinations
A Day Out With The Elephants
14
34 CHELLANAM
Fishing Harbour A Hidden Treasure Near Kochi
KOTTOOR A shortcut to jungle life
40
20
KAKKATHURUTHU
FORT KOCHI
The Enchanting Island of Alappuzha
A Kaleidoscopic Cultural Experience
46
30
KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM
BRAHMAGIRI
The Trekkers’ Paradise at Wayanad
Realm of Tradition Architecture and Culture
50
53
ARANMULA KANNADI
MAGIC PLANET
The Mystic Mirror of Aranmula December 2017- January 2018
The Planet of Illusions 8
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018
Sprituality
Cityscapes
68
124
THE VIMALAGIRI CHURCH
TEAPOT CAFE
An Immaculate work of Art
The Best Tea-Place in Fort Kochi
74
127
THE GURUVAYUR TEMPLE
KOCHI
Dwaraka of the South
COFFEE SHOPS REVIEW
79
124
A Day With the Masters At KALAMANDALAM
December 2017- January 2018
TRILOGI
Crowne Plaza Kochi
10
TIMELESS BRANDS. ONE STORE.
and many more...
GCDA Complex, Marine Drive, Tel: 0484 2371386, www.swisstimehouse.com
December 2017- January 2018
12
Editor’s Note Deepak N Nair A Creation of
N E W W A Y
TECHNOLOGIES & COMMUNICATIONS 512, Hilite Platino, Behind BMW Showroom, NH 47 Bypass, Shankar Nagar Maradu - 682 304, Kochi, Kerala, India India: +91 95670 74832, +91 9048922574 Email: info@newwaytech.in Web: www.newwaytech.in
Founder, Editor & CEO Deepak N Nair Editorial Consultants Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd) Nandini Valsan Editorial Associate Revathy Krishnakumar Editorial Contributor Smitha Kamal Business Development Manager Ambady Das Business Development Associate Jubal Varghese Design & Layout InteracOman Staff Photographer Gokul Ramachandran Cover Photo Gokul Ramachandran Grateful Acknowledgments
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033 Phone: +91 471 2321132, Fax: +91 471 2322279, E-mail: info@keralatourism.org, deptour@keralatourism.org. GCC Representative Offices : Muscat, Sultanate of Oman +968 93972362, +968 24810204 Web: www.interacoman.com UAE/Dubai +971 502400474 Qatar/Doha +974 50173357 Bahrain/Manama +973 39366756
Dear Reader, Welcome to the maiden issue of the Kerala Travel Explorer – the essential travel, leisure and lifestyle magazine. You may wonder what made me conceive such a niche magazine, in a crowded travel market space. Perhaps, a bit of a backgrounder on me will help put things in proper perspective. I have been a resident of a foreign country – the Sultanate of Oman, for a long time now - twenty five years to be precise. In 2001, bitten by the dotcom bug, I founded a travel portal on Oman called www.destinationoman.com, which over the years has earned a reputation of being an authentic source of travel information for potential visitors and tourists to Oman. Encouraged by the feedback received from this website, I brought out a print edition as well in 2004. Since then, it has been coming out every year and both the website and publication have not only become much sought after, but have also been endorsed by the Oman Ministry of Tourism. We have also won several awards and appreciation from various quarters too, time and again. Having tasted success in a foreign land, naturally the question arose, of why not attempt something similar to further promote my own state of Kerala to a worldwide audience. I have used the term ‘further promote,’ as the Department of Tourism under the Kerala Government is already doing an incredible job in promoting Kerala all over the world. I thought, in my own humble way, if I could present the best of Kerala to the world outside, I would feel proud, and immensely happy too. Kerala not only has innumerable tourism attractions, it is also a land steeped in history, tradition, and culture. We also know that Keralites are found everywhere in the world and through the Kerala Travel Explorer I want to highlight the many prominent Keralites who have made a difference in their chosen field of activity, to the rest of the world. So here we are, with the first issue of the Kerala Travel Explorer which has taken almost six months of dedicated effort from me and my small team of handpicked talented professionals. I am pleased with the end result and I am hoping that you too will be happy with our inaugural presentation. The Kerala Travel Explorer not only covers the beautiful travel destinations of God’s own country, but it also covers the lifestyle of the Keralites, and includes stories on history, tradition, art and culture of our glorious state of Kerala. I hope you – our dear readers, find the Kerala Travel Explorer an engaging, entertaining, and enlightening read. Since I believe pictures speak more than words, the accent has been to make it a pictorial treatise. And wherever possible, we have taken videos as well, as it is the age of collaborative media and we want you to be able to enjoy the Kerala Travel Explorer in a media of your choice. I look forward to making this magazine also a collaborative creation and welcome your valuable feedback, novel ideas, and constructive suggestions to make every subsequent issue even better than the previous one. I also welcome you to contribute your stories and pictures on our Kerala. It’s our duty to tell everyone about the beauty it is renowned for and about the people who make it ‘God’s Own Country.’ Happy Reading!
Deepak N Nair Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all editorial and advertising matter in this publication, the creators and publishers do not accept any liability for any errors or omission. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, digital or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.
All correspondence should be sent to: editor@thekeralaexplorer.com
13
December 2017 - January 2018
Destination
A Day Out With The
Elephants
Kottoor - A shortcut to jungle life Text & Photographs: Radhika R Nair
December 2017- January 2018
14
T
he sensational wonder ‘Bahubali’ is a matter of personal
pride for every Malayali as the movie featured Chirackal Kalidasan, an elephant from Thrissur district in Kerala.
After they are bathed, the elephants are given food. Each elephant follows a different diet that is carefully charted to suit its age.
However, the love towards elephants was always inherent in the rich Kerala culture. From temple festivals to the emblem of the Government of Kerala, elephants have occupied a place of privilege in the Malayali mind. This makes The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Kappukadu, Kottoor, Thiruvananthapuram - a must visit tourist site.
From the capital city, a drive of about 35 km along the
Malayankeezhu-Kattakkada route leads you to Kottoor. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to a
serene setting where the connection with nature is revived. Kottoor is also part of the Agasthyakoodam hill range in
the Western Ghats. The travel to the destination itself is a
fascinating experience with its rubber plantations and paddy fields on either side of the roads.
As soon as we reach Kottoor, a sense of nostalgia strikes us. The murukkankadas (Betel/Pan shops) remind you of the
long forgotten tastes of naringa muttai, (lemon flavoured
candy) joker muttai (another candy variety) and soda naringa vellam (soda lime drink). The traditional tea shops with its
small glass almirah where eats like vada, sugiyan and banana fry await to be relished, offers refreshment after the tiring journey.
The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, is a care and cure home
for elephants. The centre rescues lost, abandoned or injured elephants, particularly babies, and rehabilitates them. An entry fee of Rs. 20 at the check post of the rehabilitation
centre lets you in, followed by half a km walk to reach the
spot. Currently, there are around 17 elephants at the centre ranging from two months to seventeen years of age.
The main attraction of the centre is the elephant bath where the visitors are allowed to watch the daily routine of
elephants. So the best time to visit the centre is in the morning between 9 am to 10 am. The royal bath of
elephants in the Neyyar reservoir with Agastyar hills forming the backdrop is a mesmerizing picture. It was the mahouts
shouting at their huge kids for doing mischief in water that
startled the awe struck crowd. Podichi (2 years) and Rana (4 years) were two naughty elephants who were getting restless after seeing the visitors. However, a single “daa” from the mahout scared them and brought them under
complete control. Mahouts bathe the elephants with extreme care cleaning each part of their body with
coconut husk. Once the kids’ session was over the adults in the centre would reach the river for their royal bath.
15
December 2017 - January 2018
The specially prepared mixture of rice or wheat mixed with
turn. The baby elephants seemed very naughty as each of
made sure that their mahouts were playfully harassed for
with the naughty tales of the baby elephants and said the
jaggery or minerals are given to each of them. The little ones controlling them while bathing. To a visitor, however, this is a cute sight watching the biggest animal on land treated like a sweet kid.
them tried to break the fence. The caretaker regaled visitors four month old Arjun, the youngest one among the four baby elephants, was the naughtiest, as he was an expert
in taking out money from the mahout’s shirt pocket. The
visitors are allowed to get close with to elephants, provided
It is the baby elephants at the rehabilitation centre that
overwhelms any animal lover. The special space surrounded
they do not disturb the harmony of the place.
by fences had four baby elephants then. It was fascinating to
The elephants in Kottoor are brought in from different parts
They were given baby drink (a mixture of cereals) in a large
pit while others were lost from their herds. They are given
observe how the mahouts treated them like their own kids.
feeding bottle where all four were jostling each other for their
December 2017- January 2018
16
of the state. Some of them are caught injured from a forest treatment and training to meet their needs themselves.
Apart from elephants, the other attractions in the centre
are boating in a traditional changadam along Neyyar river taking in the serene beauty of Agastya hills. The adventure lovers, with prior permission from the forest office, could get trekking packages as well. Visitors venturing
into the Anchu Nazhikathodu forest area in Kottur have a greater chance of spotting elephant herds wandering
in the forest. One can also spot wild boar, Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel, and many varieties of butterflies in the
forest. There is an eco shop in the entrance gate of the
rehabilitation centre that sells natural products collected
from the tribal people in the forest. Honey, tamarind, oils and clove are some of the main products from the shop. In addition, there are cottages and tour packages which include camping that attracts tourists to Kottoor.
Tourist spots that can be covered along with Kottoor trip are Neyyar dam, Deer Park and Crocodile Park which comes under Neyyar eco tourism.
Neyyar Dam, the gravity dam built in 1958 across
Neyyar Lake, is one of the most popular picnic spots in
Trivandrum. Three main rivers, Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar meet here. A boating package from the dam (priced at Rs. 250), provides a ride in the river with a visit to the deer
park and crocodile park. Lion safari is another adventur-
ous attraction offered. Deer Park is an open space within
the forest where one can spot many different varieties of
deer in their own habitat. The crocodile rehabilitation and research park in Neyyar Dam is renamed as Steve Irwin
National Park in memorial of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin. This centre is a farm that breeds and rears crocodiles.
Currently, there are about 30 crocodiles in the park. For
researchers and students this is an ideal place to observe and study the behaviour of the giant mammals.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (about 35 km) Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 40 km) Latitude: 8.513459 Longitude: 77.083311 17
December 2017 - January 2018
Advertorial
An Enchanting Haven Athirapally Green Trees Resort
A
Text: Revathy Krishnakumar thirapally Green Trees, the boutique resort, perched
within the lush green forests of
Athirapally is a surreal abode that seamlessly etches onto the fabric of the forest. The splendid
waterfalls of Athirapally, invites the plunge pools and
soothingly sedates the serenity luring the southern sojourner.
Being part of the Western Ghats, a major biodiversity
hotspot, Athirapally houses the pristine Sholayar forest that is an abode to a variety of exotic endemic and
endangered indigenous flora and fauna. This fragile
ecosystem is the home of the famous Great Hornbill.
This is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered species of hornbill can be spotted. Athi-
Located in one of the most picturesque landscapes in the southern Indian state of Kerala,
Athirapally is a tiny hamlet bordering the Sholayar forest, nature’s own treasure trove. This untamed mystic belle’ conceals within her bosom a pristine paradise that en-
tices and mesmerises many a nemophilist. A short drive
from Green Trees along wide winding roads, under dense
verdant canopy leads you to the breathtaking “Niagara of India” – the majestic 80 feet Athirapally waterfall, an en-
chanting riverine landform along the upper course of the
west flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal forest di-
vision. The breathtaking sight of this majestic waterfall that plunges from a height of 80 ft will leave one enthralled.
December 2017- January 2018
18
rapally is the panacea for your tangled nerves, strained breath, perturbed mind, wearied soul. The perfect paradise for nature lovers!
All the Luxury villas are pool facing and have a unique architecture that is befitting of the environment
around and is imbued with a sense of calmness and
serenity. It is a blessing to feel the musical strings of
nature reverberate around you as you stand at the balcony nestled among the surrounding trees. Your eyes
will automatically gaze into the distant waterfall whose rhythmic timbre will sooth your inner soul.
ATHIRAPALLY GREEN TREES RESORTS, Athirapally Road, Pillappara,Chalakudy, Thrissur dist. Contact: +91 9061044477,+91 9446332600 Email: reservation@athirapillygreentrees.com
Fort Kochi
Journey
A Kaleidoscopic Cultural Experience Text & Photographs: Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd) Additional Photography: Nandini Valsan
T
he majestic borough of Fort Kochi serves as a subtle
cusp between history and modernity; an intersection where tradition blends with the trendy; and a popular east meets
fish is caught in the Chinese fishing nets and then sold to the fishmongers following a frenetic beach-side auction. Hence, ensuring that the seafood is really the freshest
west crossroad; where foreigners relish the Indian experience.
possible.
Ridsdale, Rose, and Bastian; an old world charm still blows
The pavements are also abuzz with mercantile activity and
roots in India.
including handicrafts, sea-shells, garments, umbrellas, hats,
The distinctive cobblestone pavements that weave through
among many other such exotic merchandise.
on offer panders primarily to the Western taste of tourists
There are quite a few praiseworthy hotels and quaint
popular. However, interspersed amongst those offerings are
are worth visiting. It is indeed a pleasure to just hop from one
Most popular are the ‘You buy the fish- We will cook’ road-
own uniqueness. The great thing is that both, the discerning
calibrate the spice levels to the taste of the customers. They
have memorable and unique experiences waiting to be dis-
With street names like Burgher, Princess, Petercelli, Quiros,
subtly in this town, where colonialism set some of its earliest
the town, play host to a variety of restaurants. The food
you have hawkers that sell a wide variety of bric-a-brac,
plastic toys, pickled fruits, magnets, and tender coconuts,
with pizzas, crepes, sandwiches and pastas being the most
homestays that dot the pristine back lanes of Fort Kochi that
also many local delicacies, that show up in fusion avatars.
place to another, as each one is a different experience with its
side eateries, where competent local cooks have learnt to
luxury traveler and the parsimonious budget backpacker,
bring in the fish straight from the fish-mongers nearby,
covered here.
who have set shop along the Chinese fish net walkway. The
21
December 2017 - January 2018
Malabar House, Brunton Boatyard, Old Harbour Hotel,
attributed to the word-of-mouth publicity and glowing
Neemrana’s Tower House, Fort House and Koder House
tributes that abound in all manner of travel guides, that
are some of the better known and well appointed
describe the firsthand accounts of happy travelers who
boutique hotels one can stay in. But if you really want a
relished their stays in Fort Kochi. There are countless
dose of the true Fort Kochi spirit, check into one of the
satisfied holiday-makers who have
many homestays that are on every street. Most of them
returned many times and swear by their surprise at the
are erstwhile Dutch and British houses, which have now
way this small geographic entity with its homegrown
been tastefully transformed into cosy abodes for travelers
ambassadors of hospitality have rediscovered the place.
to unwind.
They carry back memories of a different experience every
time they return, thereby inspiring them to come back for
The quaint tea-house on Princess Street, Teapot, is a great
more.
place to unwind with a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea.
One must be there to feel it; and mind you once you feel
Pepper House, Xandari Harbour, Fusion Bay, and Oceanos
are great options for dining in Fort Kochi. All of them have come up with exquisite dishes that blend together the
it, you will just love it. And when you love it; you just go
back for more and more. Tourists love to aimlessly amble along these winding, lazy, dusty by-lanes that are abuzz
flavours of the different colonial powers that have ruled
with an abundance of multi-ethnic vacationers, all merrily
over this tiny precinct.
imbibing the heady uplifting energy that permeates the
musty atmosphere of this backwater paradise. A casual stroll around this picturesque quarter, will make anyone fall in love with it. Millions of travelers in the past have been smitten by this unique kaleidoscopic allure of Fort Kochi!
Over time, Fort Kochi has evolved into an enchanting
waterfront destination that is disarmingly charming with
its captivating and delightful bustle. This growth can be
December 2017- January 2018
22
A nature resort beyond compare.
Vellamunda, Wayanad, Kerala 670 731, India Tel: +91(4935)277900 / 01 / 02 / 03 +91(4935)277777 Sales: +91-9539701352 Reservations: +91-9539701354 ask@banasura.com | www.banasura.com
Strolling Through The Streets of Fort Kochi Text & Photographs: Revathy Krishnakumar Additional Photography: Gokul Ramachandran
E
ven though we have been in Kochi for quite a long time,
engaged in different occupations, living in peace and harmony, a
this experience of travelling and exploring Fort Kochi was
rare sight these days. Time to time there have been many differ-
different and exciting altogether. Fort Kochi gives us new
ent communities living here in Fort Kochi, hence we can witness a
stories to write about, all the time. This time our the Kerala
heady mix of architectural styles.
Travel Explorer team travelled from the Cochin International Airport to Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi is accessible by road and ferry. The bus ride from Ernaku-
Fort Kochi is a blend of culture, spices and lots of love and
the ferry ride from the main Boat Jetty at Ernakulam takes about
lam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and
this place has got an age-old history of colonial trade, lively
20 minutes. If you are travelling from Airport then there are several
art and non-comparable taste of seafood cuisine which
other options such as KURTC Volvo AC buses to Fort Kochi or the
attracts a large number of tourists to this part of the world.
Uber Hire. Since Kochi Metro has been recently inaugurated, it’s
Even though there is an influx of western travellers to this
always an easy option to board the train to Maharaja’s College and
place, the reminiscent indigenous culture of Kerala is still well
take the ferry.
preserved. The streets of Fort Kochi ooze antiques and finger licking good food.
We reached Fort Kochi by 7.30 am and we were hungry for break-
Fort Kochi is a coastal hamlet and the primary occupations
for breakfast. This place in Fort Kochi is natural-light-filled with a
fast. We headed towards Kashi Art Cafe which is the Top choice
of the residents here are fishing and trade. One thing that
Zen, casual vibe and solid wooden tables spread around in a semi
astonished us was the fact, that there are a vast number
courtyard space. The burning incense sticks along with the soothing
of people hailing from different cultures, communities and
December 2017- January 2018
music in the background calmed us down. We had the Farmer’s
24
omelet (stuffed with potatoes and vegetables), lovely homemade
shop. This place is beautiful for its natural and hand-woven clothing
freshly brewed coffee! Delicious, is the word. After our tummy filling
We move forward in search of other monuments and while we were
bread, and two pats of butter with two slices of watermelon with
breakfast and caffeine to keep us moving, we decided to take a stroll through the streets of Fort Kochi.
Walking aimlessly to explore more about the place, it was a blessing in disguise that we stumbled upon the interesting landmark St.
Francis Church, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried but later his remains were taken to Lisbon. This
for both men and women.
walking through the Rose Street, we see the Vasco House which is
one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India and is said that Vasco da Gama built it in the early sixteenth century. Vasco House sports the
typical European glass paned windows and balcony-cum-verandahs
characteristic of the times. Now the Vasco house functions as a guest house for the tourist travelling to Fort Kochi.
huge building was crafted in timber by the Portuguese in 1503. The
As we walk towards the Indo-Portuguese Museum, which rests atop a
form the nucleus of the town. The colossal windows in green and
that the time was 12 pm and it was scorching hot. We were soon
church, now reworked with stone masonry and wooden ceilings,
blue along with the monumental rustic chandeliers are the highlights of this church, not to forget the Vasco da Gama tombstone. With
that dose of history, we decided to step out from the church to the bustling town of Fort Kochi which was a colourful sight. We saw
a bit of Kashmir and Tibet fighting for their places in selling their
products. It was a sheer beauty to see different cultures in a single
street. We did a bit of shopping from Walton’s Antique and Clothing
small hillock, inside the Bishop’s House compound, little did we know
looking for a shack which could supply us with some refreshment and soon we found a small shop which served “Kulukki Sherbet,” which is lemonade made in Keralite style. After the energy boosting drink, we
again start footslogging and clicking pictures of the scenic beauty and finally reached the Museum. This Indo – Portuguese museum, throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the
architecture of the region. Precious artefacts collected from various
25
December 2017 - January 2018
churches are kept on display. There are five main sections of
served with Soya sauce and Wasabi paste. The feast was wrapped
and Cathedral. A piece of the altar made of teak wood in the
tossed with sweet and spicy Samrot sauce.
altar is from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. As we
The beautiful graffiti walls and the soothing smell of the sea
are missing some real history of why this place got the name
ourselves with comfortable beach slippers and we headed
well preserved and the only leftover part of the Fort which
the Arabian Sea are a common sight in Fort Kochi; a dear spot for
are flooded with water as the level of water is high in that
Cheenavala, the huge cantilevered fishing nets are carrying a
up with a plate of Tofu, named Tahu Samrot. It is a deep fried Tofu
this museum, which are Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life 16th century is one which no one should miss seeing. This were about to leave the museum, the curator said that we
captivated us to the beach. It was good that we equipped
’Fort Kochi.’ He then took us downstairs and showed us the
towards the beach. Towering Chinese fishing nets overlooking
was built in the 14th century. The crumbled parts of the fort
locals and visitors to hang out. Locally known as
area.
bygone legacy of one of the first visitors to Malabar Coast. Apart
Since Fort Kochi is known for its versatile culture and cuisine,
of the nets against the luminous red sky. We have this craving to
restaurant. We were served with Dim Sum Platter which
eateries and shops. We see live lobsters, fish, crabs and all sorts of
from these Chinese nets, the sun creates the spectacular silhouette
we decided to go to Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay, a Japanese
have some fresh catch from the sea, fried and sold at the small
includes Vegetable, Prawns and Chicken. The vegetable dim
seafood lined beautifully at the shacks for sale.
We also tasted Sushi Platter, which consists of different vari-
One of the places we wanted to be and have tea was Teapot cafe in
vinegary sticky rice combined with cured seafood, vegeta-
the midst of the shopping area. At the Teapot café, bare terracotta
sum ,stuffed with Chives and Cashewnut is mouthwatering.
eties of Sushi. Sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of cooked
Fort Kochi. This place is tucked away from the beach and located in
bles, and fruits wrapped in thin seaweed sheets. These are
roof tiles have teapots and fans dangling from it. Tables are made
December 2017- January 2018
26
Photo: Jaison TC
from tea crates and on the walls hang tea related paraphernalia. The shelves and cabinets have a great teapot collection, collected and displayed beautifully by the owner.
It was around half past six and we realized that we were exhausted and drowsy and decided to call it a day.
Fort Kochi visit is like reliving the many facets of its history.
People from many cultures and different ethnic groups have made Fort Kochi their haven for many years and this Island has always
greeted the visitors with love. While we were in Fort Kochi, it felt
like we were home away from home and that’s the specialty of this beautiful place.
27
December 2017 - January 2018
Advertorial
SOPANAM
Welcare Center and Multispecialty Ayurveda Hospital
S
Photography: Gokul Ramachandran opanam Welcare Centre, a Multispecialty Ayurveda Hospital,
treatment rooms are embellished in an appealing way that you
beckons you to recoup the physical hardiness and mental tranquility
would fall in love with it.
of mind. Sopanam is a multispecialty hospital with Green Leaf
Sopanam is a perfect place to take a break from the relentless
in an ambience that calls for nothing else other than joy and peace accreditation from the Department of Tourism, Government of
pressures of daily life and enjoy the miracle of nature that we
Kerala.
keep in waiting for you.
Sopanam is situated in the cultural district of Kerala, Thrissur at
The hospital functions with asynchronized in patient (IP) and
gallur Temple, Mukundapuram Temple, St. Thomas Cathedral Church,
of trained staff with pleasing and patient friendly behaviour. The
location where divinity showers in from all sides makes Sopanam the
hospital is also equipped with a pharmacy. All the medicine put
Nadavarambu in Irinjalakuda with Koodalmanikkiam Temple, Kodun-
out-patient (OP) department. The reception provides the service
Cheraman Juma Masjid in close vicinity. As such, it is a perfect
department has the facility of advance and spot registration. The
pedestal of divine medication.
up for sale come from recognized manufacturers bearing the seal of quality.
At Sopanam Multispecialty Ayurveda Hospital the doctors follow a unique and rare custom. They don’t just prescribe the therapy and
The doctors hear to patient, diagnose and assure them with
each time you get a massage or a medicine administration. Enough
regularly and personally supervise the therapy that the patient is
say goodbye till the next time but they also personally supervise
proper medical advice. They also take time to visit the in-patients
treatment rooms, separate for ladies and gents, are provided. All the
undergoing.
December 2017- January 2018
28
Ayurveda is the branch of Vedic science, which deals with
physical body besides yoga, meditation, etc. There are eight
major branches of Ayurveda included under Ashtanga Ayurveda, and these are: Surgery (Shalya Tantra), ENT with Ophthalmology (Shalakya Tantra), General Medicine (Kaya chiktsa), Psychiatry (Bhoota Vidhya), Gynecology Obstetrics and
Paediatrics (Prasooti tantra and Kaumara brutya), Gerontology and Jurisprudence (Agada tantha) Science of Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana).
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29
December 2017 - January 2018
Destination
Brahmagiri
The Trekkers’ Paradise at Wayanad Text: Deepa NP Photography: Ali Malapuram
B
rahmagiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of
South India, a scenic tourist attraction. It is situated on the border between Kodagu district in Karnataka and Wayanad district
trekking. The Forest Guesthouse at Thirunelli is also a decent alternative.
in Kerala. One among the highest peaks of Kerala, Brahmagiri is
The trekking starts around 9am and lasts for about six to sev-
to explore. The hills rise up to the height of 5276 feet above sea
or start the trek without a guide. Trekking fees is Rs. 275
rich in flora and fauna and offers the nature lovers many sights level and offer a great view of the evergreen and
semi-evergreen forests that surround the hills. It is one of the most formidable, most beautiful peaks of Kerala.
If you are a trekker, embark on an exciting trek to the lovely hills of Brahmagiri to experience the essence of adventure. Of course, it is a trekkers’ paradise.
en hours. No one is allowed to go inside the reserved forest per person with an additional Rs. 200 as guide charge. You
can have breakfast at the base camp and carry something as packed lunch. Out of the 6 km trekking distance, you walk through the evergreen dense forest for the first 3 km. The
area encompasses of mainly evergreen and semi-evergreen
forests and as the altitude increases you can find grasslands with shola forest patches.
The trek begins at Thirunelli, home to the famous South Indian
En route you will be troubled by leeches which you can over-
Range Officer prior to the trek.
Brahmagiri is a home to large herds of elephants. Elephant
Thirunelli Temple. Permission must be taken by the Forest
Book accommodation at KTDC Resort, Thirunelli. There are a
couple of homestays which can be used as the base camp of
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30
come with the help of leech socks or tobacco powder.
sightings are very common. You may also see the sambar deer, bison, tigers or leopards if you are lucky enough.
After 3 km, you reach the Forest Department’s Anti-Poaching
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December 2017 - January 2018
Camp near the Watch Tower where you can rest and relax a little.
From the Watch Tower, the climb is a little steep for an-
other 3 km but is full of spectacular views. Every direction you turn to, you see marvellous views of green moun-
tain ranges. As such, it’s a real a photographer’s heaven. Sometimes the area gets misty and this makes it more wonderful.
And from the top of the hill, you can have a panoramic
view of both Karnataka and Kerala. Since there is no night camping at the peak, one needs to trek back to the base camp on the same day.
If you are enthusiastic about a Monsoon Trek, trek Brah-
magiri during monsoon but, be equipped with a raincoat and other waterproof materials. Otherwise, go just after
monsoon starting from mid-September. However, grasses
wither from November and the sun could be warmer after December.
Thirunelli, the base camp of Brahmagiri is situated in
Wayanad district of Kerala. The nearest town Mananthavady is 30 km away. Take a drive from Mananthavady to
Thirunelly on the Mysore Road and take a turn from Kattikulam. It is worth an experience as it goes through dense forests and elephant sanctuaries.
Being located at the border, Thirunelli can be accessed
both from Kerala and Karnataka alike. It is 260 km from
Bangalore and 120 km from Kozhikode and 300 km from Kochi.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts can visit the nearby Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary also. Kuruvadweep, a
950-acre protected river delta on the Kabini River is 27 km away. One can also visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with
its four ranges namely Sultan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty.
Iruppu Waterfalls in Karnataka is situated at a distance
of 31 km. The Laxman Tirtha, a tributary of Kaveri River originates from here.
December 2017- January 2018
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CHELLANAM FISHING HARBOUR A Hidden Treasure Near Kochi
T
Text & Photographs: Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)
he weekend exploratory forays into little known places
in and around Kochi would get the intrepid traveller to
discover many hidden treasures in close proximity to this
expanding metropolis. One such is the Chellanam fishing
harbour. The venturesome among the city-travellers who do
expedition to the harbour did not yield any prawns that day, I
ended up being treated to an unknown and enlightening expe-
rience worth narrating. I got my first glimpse of the bustle in the life of a quite fishing village in the Kerala backwaters.
not go by rough guides, but would rather follow their own
It was a fascinating lesson in deconstructing the manner in
some amazing new discoveries over those relaxing drives
granted, actually takes laborious efforts to finally find its way to
instincts will always been pleasantly surprised and make out of the city.
Being one such explorer with an innate wanderlust, recently I travelled to the Chellanam Fishing Harbour with the basic
which many common food items that we take so much for
us. On the shores of that harbour I learnt about the astonishing odyssey that a fish from the distant ocean makes on its journey to our plates and mouths.
aim of getting a fresh catch of prawns. It would be pertinent
For the sake of their livelihood the fishermen risk their lives
taste, texture and general eating experience of preserved,
often times end up spending days in a lonely watery wilderness,
to share with you all that there is a sea of difference in the refrigerated fish meat and freshly caught fish. Though the
December 2017- January 2018
34
in small fishing boats as they set out into the raging seas and where only the merge of the sky and the sea on the distant
horizon is the sight that stares back at them. They are forced
to wait to have an adequate catch that will make the expenditure on their trip worth it and warrant the return to harbour. It changes hands with the trader who has bought it. He then resells it to the retail fish-sellers who buy it from them and transfer it to their respective aluminium vessels, buckets, bamboo baskets, plastic tubs or thermocol packs as the
case maybe. The catch is then briskly transported on human heads, old rusty bicycles, or mopeds, pickups, autos, trucks
and so on to make its way out from the harbour to the local markets or the fisheries for further processing.
I always make it a point in my travels to new destinations to
strike a polite conversation with ageing locals. If only to get a share of their wisdom and perspective on life as they narrate
the local gossip, the must dos for the place, the taboo
topics, best brews the place is famous for, where to eat
and what to eat there, the best things to shop and where to buy what and at what prices etc. So I got talking with
Mammukka an ageing fisherman whom I had chanced upon at the busy and only tea-stall on the beach. He turned out
to be a man of few words therefore less gossipy and more
professor-like and factual. He told me that the harbour was born out of a persistent demand from local fishermen for a fishery harbour, which provided a tranquil basin with safe
entry conditions. This fishing gap was a man-made creation
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December 2017 - January 2018
which lies in between two seawalls which were recently built to stop the rapid sea-erosion this area was earlier prone to.
The Chellanam Fishing Harbour is located in the Kandekkadu
gap of Chellanam Panchayath of Ernakulam District along the
Thoppumpady-Chellanam State Highway which is 8.5 km from the NH 47 Eramalloor Junction. The nearest railway station is Thuravoor, which is 6 km south of the place. This waterfront is fabled to be rich in fish because there are shifting mud
banks that are often formed by the synergy of rapidly chang-
ing current patterns and tidal activities. He also told me there were about 200 motorized valloms and 15 inboard valloms
operating from there. The maximum number of fishing days in a year here is only 120-125 days. The local fishermen are
therefore forced to take up alternative employment to keep
themselves busy for the two-thirds of the year that they remain out of the sea. So we have many multi-talented fishermen who also double up as singers, movie-extras, band players, barbers,
mechanics, salesman, cooks, waiters, butchers, cobblers, tailors, auto and taxi drivers etc.
All destinations have their own stories to tell and Chellanam is
no different. Kochi and its proximity to the seacoast have many other such fascinating less-visited destinations waiting to be discovered by the more curious among us. I am looking for-
ward to discovering and sharing another such story in a future edition. Meanwhile a visit to Chellanam is well worth it as one
comes away with the freshest catch that too at a fraction of the cost one would pay for it, in the city .
December 2017- January 2018
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Advertorial
The Garuda Hotel W
Taking Hospitality Sky High
elcome to The Garuda Hotel, where luxury meets the
reputation, The Garuda offers the perfect base from which to
contemporary, offering everyone around the globe the con-
discover the Cultural Capital. If you fancy tranquility and sheer
town, this crest of comfort is extremely proximate to the railway
create unforgettable memories here at Garuda.
cept of home away from home. Located in the heart of Thrissur
indulgence amidst designer dwellings, you can expect to
station and the bus stand making it easily accessible. The hotel is equipped with well appointed rooms, multi cuisine restaurant, including an Arabic speciality restaurant, health club,
banquets and host of other amenities, to suit all the needs of
the modern times. Experience a comfortable stay with the best facilities that can surround you while you decide to sojourn in the cultural capital of Kerala.
The Garuda sets its geometric lines and subtle designer style touches against a backdrop of the Vadakkumnathan Temple
and city skyline. Featuring elegantly furnished spacious guest rooms, multi cuisine restaurant, specialty restaurants, coffee
shop along with meeting and banqueting facilities and impeccable service, The Garuda is an exceptional retreat in the heart of the Thrissur. Enjoying fantastic facilities and an enviable
December 2017- January 2018
38
THE GARUDA Kuruppam Road, Thrissur – 680001 Phone: 0487-2455555 Fax: 0487-2444011 Reservation Number : +91 9745755555, 9567012345 E-Mail: reservations@thegarudahotels.com, gm@thegarudahotels.com
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December 2017 - January 2018
Destination
KAKKATHURUTHU
The Enchanting Island of Alappuzha Text & Photographs: Ravi Shankar Additional Photography: Gokul Ramachandran
K
akkathuruthu, an island with tranquility in Alappuzha district, stipulating a sundry experience to the travellers. Alappuzha or Alleppey welcomes thousands of tourists every year to its freshwater lakes, canals and backwaters and has been a peaceful and picturesque vacation spot. It makes an alluring place to unwind, enjoy food and drinks in a rustic and lazy ambience. The city’s network of canals and backwaters earned it the title of ‘Venice of the East’ centuries ago, by the Viceroy of the British Indian Empire, Lord Curzon. When in Alappuzha a tourist customarily chooses the luxurious houseboats, as lavish as their budget permits, for cruising these backwaters. The place is already whipped and explored by the tourists. If you ask any tour guide, about the main attraction in Alappuzha the answer will
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be the same with everyone – houseboat ride. But if the customary houseboat ride dulls a regular traveller, there are options to refashion your day in Alappuzha. Kakkathuruthu (Island of Crows) will be an adept bet.
Where and how?
The oddity of Alappuzha as compared to other travel destinations in Kerala is that one has to set out on foot and then along waters for exploring places, as most of the places do not have road connectivity. Kakkathruthu (Island of Crows) is one such serene places here in Alappuzha. The island is located in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, near Eramallor region of Alappuzha district. Situated not far from the ancient port city-Kochi, the island is connected to the mainland only by traditional boats. To reach the island one has to get into the local boats used by the natives of
Kakkathuruthu from Eramallor, which is connected to the main road. It is an exciting experience travelling in a motor-less boat in the backwaters. The total journey by boat from the mainland to the island may take more than 15 minutes. The boatmen will not charge you much, as they are generous to say, “Give whatever you like”.
But Saroja also shared her concerns about the authorities being negligent in supporting tourism in the island.
There are no bridges from this Island to the mainland and thus it is isolated. Though the island is elongated and more than 2.5km in length, there are no tarred roads inside it. All roads on the island are also narrow.
The quiet island, surrounded by Vembanad Lake offers a haven for birdwatchers. The nature is still extant with lush green foliage. The swaying coconut trees, the green paddy fields, flocks of ducks floating on the surface, the fish-eating birds that land smoothly into the water to catch their prey – views of these descriptions will never dull you. The natives are nature conscious and ensure that there is no plastic litter inside the island.
What is special in Kakkathuruthu?
Its remoteness is the singular quality that attracts people to this unspoilt outpost of nature. It is quite surprising that this alluring land mass is only 75 km from Nedumbassery airport and is still not in the list of major tourist destinations in Kerala. According to National Geographic’s travel magazine “Around the World in 24 Hours”, Kakkathuruthu at sunset is considered as one of the best destinations in the world and a must –visit site. According to one of the natives of Kakkathuruthu, S Saroja, “You can experience a beautiful view of the sunset here if the sky is clear. People have been flowing to this little island for experiencing it.”
“Because of the indifferent attitude of the authorities, the inflow of tourist is really low now”. She added.
An interesting trivia about the island is, unlike other islands in the region, Kakkathruthu will not sink during the heavy rainy season. The natives were vocal about this feature of the island. They also mentioned that the island has many special features that make it a favorite haven for the migratory birds. As mentioned, the total area is stretched about 2.5km and the tourist visiting Kakkathuruthu has to cover it on foot. On the way you can find green pastures, muddy roads, small ponds and a temple.
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December 2017 - January 2018
There are many inland water logged areas inside the island and a small wooden bridge connects the land on either sides. Likewise there are many spots inside the island which makes it a favorite spot for photographers. Visitors to the island can also engage in rustic activities like fishing, toddy tapping and a simple boat ride. After your stroll around the island on foot, you will feel tired and hungry. Unfortunately there are no shops or hotels inside the island. But if you take the return boat and reach your starting point, there is a toddy shop which serves tasty fish curry and local dishes. When the natives were asked about their life at Kakkathuruthu they said that they are leading a happy life. “We get fresh water, and we earn our livelihood by catching fresh fish and prawns from these waters and selling them. What more can we ask for?� remarked 74-year-old Ammini, who was born in the Island. Away form the hustle and bustle, Kakkathuruthu takes us to the world unknown.
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In the modern world, it is hard to imagine living in such an isolated environment. The fact that people live in such far-away islands without any modern amenities yet lead a peaceful life is very satisfying to know. Far away from polluted city spaces and urban jungles, travelling to nature’s haven is a very rewarding and refreshing experience.
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December 2017 - January 2018
Advertorial
Olappamanna Mana
A Three Hundred Year Old Heritage Home
Olappamanna Mana,
one of the centuries old feudal Namboothiri (Kerala Brahamin) Illam (house), has a glittering cultural heritage in the field of Kathakali (classical dance form), Carnatic Music, Melam and Thayampaka (classical percussions) , Literature and Rig Veda. Olappamanna is the family name of feudal lords. They belong to the priestly Brahmin Caste of Kerala, namely Namboothiris. Mana means Home of Kerala Brahmins in Malayalam. Olappamanna Mana is located at Vellinezhi, a small village 40 km away from Palakkad town, less than 100 km away from Cochin/Coimbatore/Calicut airports. Vellinezhi surrounded by the unpolluted river Kunthi on northern and western side is literally known as Thourathrika Gramam (the village with perfect blend of Music, Rhythm and Dance). Tourists can plan their holiday stay in this heritage complex to experience and enjoy the unique atmosphere in this remote village. They can also extend their peaceful and relaxed stay at the Mana with just a phone call to the owner.
December 2017- January 2018
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The present most popular form of Kathakali, namely Kalluvazhi Chitta originated in Olappamanna Mana, nearly 150-200 years back. The Olappamanna Kaliyogam (School of Kathakali) was transplanted in Kerala Kalamandalam by poet Mahakavi Vallathol, for perfection of teaching the Art form. Similarly a magazine exclusively for Poetry was published from this Mana during early 20th century. O.M.C. Narayanan Namboothiripad has translated the whole Rig Veda (consisting of ten thousand and odd four line stanzas) into Malayalam from Sanskrit. Olappamanna Mana has given birth to famous Malayalam poet Olappamanna Subramanian Namboothiripad, Malayalam poet Dr. O.M. Anujan, Children’s book writer Sumalgala and others. World famous Carnatic Musician, Chembai Vaidya Natha Bhagavathar was also a teacher at this Mana. The tourists can see the architectural marvel of the old construction, that is built mainly using rosewood, teak wood and
jackfruit tree wood. This speciality of construction was used to safeguard the residents from summer heat and also from thieves. They can see the large Bathing tank, the Snake temple (Kaavu), the old utensils used, the old large Chinese porcelain pots, the old wet grinders, the elephant costumes, the large bronze lamps, swords, old balances, old fire proof iron safe, etc. The stay in the Olappamanna Resort will give you an unforgettable experience as there will always be a guide to take you along and explain everything for your better understanding. The stay will enlighten you about the history of Kerala and lifestyle the residents had. Olappamanna Mana, set in a twenty acre eco-friendly atmosphere, would be an interesting place, for tourists who want something out of the ordinary for those who want to explore the Kerala countryside and the way of life there, for those who want to know more about the cultural heritage of Kerala and for those who want to learn the nuances of Kathakali as performing art form. Olappamanna Mana is for those on the lookout for a real heritage home-stay, different from the usual star hotel accommodation. Olappamanna Mana is also for those who want to savour the nuances of wholesome, delectable vegetarian cuisine, something only a traditional Namboothiri household can offer.
Contact Details: E-mail : navaneethon@gmail.com Ph : +91466 2285383 Mob : +919847180703 Postal Address : Olappamanna Mana, Vellinezhi (PO), Palakkad Dist, Kerala, Pin-679504
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December 2017 - January 2018
Culture
KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM Realm of Tradition Architecture and Culture Text: Smitha Kamal Photography: Gokul Ramachandran
December 2017- January 2018
46
I
t may be famous for the historical treasures it holds, but this museum at Thevara is itself an architectural masterpiece. If there is any place that could demonstrate the quintessential features of the traditional Kerala architecture, it would be the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum founded by Mr George J Thaliath, an antique dealer, in 2009. This three-storeyed brick red building offers a journey of the rich architectural and cultural heritage through three different schools of Kerala architecture, namely the Malabar style on the ground floor, Kochi style on the first, and the Travancore style on the second floor. The building stands magnificent adjacent to the Ferry Junction in Thevara. It is secured by an aureate metal gate featuring relief figurines that represent the various characters in tales of Lord Krishna. The intricately designed facade of the museum reminds you of the entrance of a Thrithala Kshethram, a three-storeyed temple with its gabled roofs displaying ornate wooden carvings, accurate joinery, and an artful assembly of carved wooden columns, pillars, wall panelling, and roof supports. The statues, lamps and two elephants on either side of the entrance, carved entirely out of black stone accentuates this fact. The colossal black entrance features the Manichithrathazu, a majestic, engraved, ornate lock that was used to secure the doors of the traditional Nalukettu and Ettukettu (four-sided and eight-sided abodes). 47
December 2017 - January 2018
According to the authorities, the entrance has been constructed from the remnants of 16th century Tamil temple, while the wooden works have been curated from different parts of Kerala. As you step barefoot into the Mukhayamam (technically, the entrance of a temple; here, the verandah) the first thing you would sense is the texture and warmth of the elegant wooden flooring. The space impresses you with its sculptural entities of mythological characters carved out from wood and intricately carved stone pillars. Wooden kuthirakal, a structure that encompasses a series of wooden columns that follow the natural curve of the human body resting on the Charupadi (bench) runs around the perimeter of the Mukhayamam. The Mukhayamam connects to a room that features masks of different deities and characters. These are made from earth and terracotta and are assumed to be used while hunting, performing rituals or as a part of plays. Artefacts displayed includes musical instruments, pottery, temple lamps, statues,
December 2017- January 2018
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swords, masks, string puppets, jewellery, tools, and utensils. The wooden panelling of the rooms adds to the depth of the features of the displayed items. You can also see the ornaments used for the Theyyam art form here. This includes the painted faces, headdress, breastplates, bangles, ankle bells, arm ornaments, sickle, and swords. The intricacy and the wooden elements continue from the ground to the rich maple coloured stairs in the forms of balusters, railings, graceful curves and fine craftsmanship. The stairs lead to the Kalithattu. This room is constructed following the Cochin school of architecture, a style that blends traditional architecture with Western influences. Some of the elements of this style include sprawling rooms, carved doors, and wooden panelling. Chiseled wooden work made up of sixty frames adorns the ceilings. The carvings and the vintage chandeliers break the monotony of the wooden element of the ceilings. The room displays the costumes and accessories of traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Theyyam, Koodiyaattam, Ottanthullal, and Mohiniyattam.
The Kalithattu leads to the Kanjadalam translated as the lotus petal. This room structurally resembles a temple but is actually a theatre where classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kalari martial art performances regularly take place during the evenings. This room on the second floor mesmerises you visually with the indigenous aesthetics that come with modern amenities and culturally with the art performances.
The museum houses more than four thousand pieces of artefacts, instruments and architectural decors and it took more than twenty years for George to collect them. The museum aims to preserve the culture and heritage of our state. But it does more than that. The museum with the objects provides a medium to understand the lives of people of the past, and that though their lives may have been different but the emotions and wishes of the human minds are the same.
You would be awestruck by the collection of mural paintings that line the lower portion of the roof. They are two hundred and fifty three in number and these paintings are separated from each other by highly detailed wooden columns. There are large ornate pillars placed at the corners of the room. Intricate wooden embellishments, wooden panels that bear carvings, chiselled and carved ceilings, ornate cornices and pillars, and a surprising number of three hundred and thirty three statues gives this room a rich and royal ambience. A golden-hued brass Nilavillaku (lamp) with nine branches forms the focal point of the theatre. A series of antique designed cane chairs are placed in series for the audience.
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum Folklore Jn., Thevara, Cochin, Kerala, India Phone: + 91 484 2665452 E-mail: keralafolkloretheatre@gmail.com Website: www.folkloremuseum.in Time: 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m
Ticket Rates: Rs.100 for adults and Rs.50 for minors
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December 2017 - January 2018
Culture
ARANMULA KANNADI The Mystic Mirror of Aranmula I
Text: Jethro Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran ndia is famous for the miscellany in culture and tradition. The
southern states of India demand exception in their customs and traditions of which, Kerala is noteworthy. Aranmula is a temple
town in the state of Kerala located in the Pathanamthitta District
on the banks of the holy river Pampa. It is approximately 140 km from Cochin International airport and 120 km from Thiruvantha-
Principally built in wood, the palace at Aranmula is an architectural marvel. It has a history of more than two hundred years. Aranmula
comprises the central temple of Lord Parthasarathy. It is to this temple that the provenance of the mystic mirror is related. It is called ARANMULA KANNADI.
puram International airport. A cherished trade post and a centre
Kannadi is the Malayalam word for mirror, and Aranmula is the place
race on the Pampa river invites devotees and fascinates interna-
the surface gets smooth and shiny. The artisans polish it further until it
of pilgrimage, the river was the paramount means of transport.
where it is manufactured. Hence, the name Aranmula Kannadi - a Aranmula is a global heritage site enlisted by the United Nations. It handmade metal alloy mirror. It is an exclusive product of Aranmula. is a sacred location for the Hindus in Kerala. The annual snake boat The alloy is formed into a thin plate and polished for a few days until tional tourists.
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50
portrays the property of a mirror and displays their own reflection.
Distinguishable from normal glass mirrors, it is a front surface reflection
from carrying out their assigned chore, these craftsmen made
back surface mirrors. A metal frame, fashioned by skilled artisans,
as bangles and rings were also moulded. While working with certain metals,
mirror, which excludes secondary reflections and aberrations, typical in augments the attractiveness and pulchritude of the mirror. The metal
mirror is an unparalleled piece of craft. The secret of its composition is what makes it truly mesmerizing. It is considered a Viswakarma family
secret. The craftsmen believe that the formula of the alloy used to make the metal mirror is divine. Metallurgists propose that the alloy is a mix
cooking vessels and bells by casting a copper-based alloy. Ornaments such
the artisans caught sight of the reflective property of one particular alloy. The alloy was polished for several days. The result was awe-inspiring. The
reflecting property of the polished metal was then exploited for making mirrors.
of copper and tin. This technique of mirror making and the mystery of
These excellent metal mirrors are a proof of Kerala’s affluent cultural and
The ratios of different metals used were acquired, a few centuries ago,
There is a legend associated with the Aranmula Kannadi here. A few
its production is a hierarchical gift handed over through generations.
metallurgical traditions. They have ordinate historical and cultural value.
after analysing the crown which was preserved in the Parthasarathy temple.
Parthasarathy temple, also known as Aranmula temple, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannoor area of Kerala. The temple is constructed in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the south Indian state of Kerala. History associates this temple and the Aranmula Kannadi.
Roughly seven generations ago, eight families of experts in temple arts and crafts came to Aranmula from a town in Tamil Nadu – the
neighbouring state of Kerala. The king of Pandalam had summoned
these clans to get involved in erecting the Parthasarathy temple. Apart
centuries ago, the cracked crown of the deity in Parthasarathy temple had to be replaced. The chief of the bronze smith clan was called at the king’s behest. He was commanded to mould a new crown within three days.
Meagre materials and a paucity of the time were two main problems he
faced. Distressed, the man left the palace. He returned home and conversed with his wife about his anxiety. They prayed to Devi (goddess). It is claimed
that in their sleep, the goddess manifested in the wife’s dream and disclosed the secret proportions of a brass alloy that would shimmer like a mirror.
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The crown made out of the combination turned out to be a marvel of
house fetches prosperity and happiness, as it is believed to be the
of a mirror when cleaned. The crown was safeguarded in the
images. Mediocre glass mirrors reflect from the mercury polished on
art and craft. Gleaming with rare lustre, the crown acquired the quality Parthasarathy temple till 1946. The same combination of metals is used
to make Aranmula Kannadi. The mirrors are developed by one extended family in Aranmula.
Ashtamangalyam, an array of eight auspicious objects, is of prodigious importance among Hindu families in Kerala. Aranmula Kannadi is observed as one of the eight entities. Ashtamangalyam plays an immense role in the entry of a bride at a wedding venue.
The mirror escorts good luck. Placing an Aranmula Kannadi in one’s
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mirror of the goddess. The cryptic alloy reproduces distortion-free the back surface. Whereas Aranmula Kannadi made of metal alloy reflects from its polished front surface.
The Aranmula Kannadi embellishes the magnificence of a house. The handicraft is radiant and is as captivating as gleaming pure gold. It is also used to adorn festivals and ceremonies. The absolute finishing
and alluring looks of the mirror makes it an exquisite gift for any occasion. A forty-five centimetre tall Aranmula Kannadi is preserved at
the British Museum in London. Due to its enigmatic composition and
unparalleled attractiveness, it is definitely worth owning an Aranmula Kannadi.
MAGIC PLANET The Planet of Illusions
Text: Hariraj M R Photos Courtesy: Magic Planet Additional Photography: Gokul Ramachandran Be it a child who would readily believe in fairies and elves, or an adult, educated and sophisticated, “Do you want to see a Magic?” is usually answered in the affirmative. On one of the busiest National Highways, the one which connect the State Capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, with the northern Districts, is a junction popularly called Pothencode. Turn East (right if you are coming from Thiruvananthapuram side) and you will reach the gates of the KINFRA Park, a Government initiative to provide infra structure for industrial growth. As it is usual for Magic to pop out at most unusual places, this is the venue of the one and only Magical Theme Park in India. You will get the tickets at the counter near the KINFRA gate. You would then be guided to a spacious parking ground. If you are getting dropped off at the gate, there is a shuttle service that will take you to the gates of the Magic Planet for free. ‘Open Sesame’ – it is a ride you will not forget right off the gate. There is no specific order you may choose to traverse the planet. There are executives who will manage your visit so that you will get to see the entire place in an organized manner. It is prefer-
able to follow them, or else, you may end up missing one or the other shows. The entire visit to the Planet is jam packed with various magical and artistic performances. To start with, there is a museum exhibiting the vibrantly colorful History of Magic starting from the ‘Magis’ to modern magic. Life like statues depict performers ending with the world renowned “Water of India” by the Father of Indian Magic, P C Sorcar. The journey continues to a tunnel, where moving statues will tell you a magical story. This is targeted primarily at giving a message to the children. The art of advising without being disliked by one who hears it, is indeed Magic. Then the crowd is led from one theatre to another. If you are lucky, you may have to wait for the preceding show to be over to enter the theatre. While waiting, you get entertained by magicians performing tricks with cards, coins etc. Things vanish and incarnate right under your nose. The Planet ensures that you will not have a minute without magic while inside the gates. There is a close up/parlor magic theatre where the Magic reaches the next scale. This is followed by a Street Magic Theatre where the indigenous magic of ancient India is performed without any dilution. 53
December 2017 - January 2018
We got to watch the renowned “Great Indian Mango Tree” Trick where
astonish you because there is no magic there, but sheer perseverance
the Magician plants a seed, and right under your eyes it grows to a
to push one’s body beyond the limits.
small plant, and then a small tree, and bear fruit. You get to taste the Mango also.
Shadow play theatre will convince you that art can be found in most unexpected ways. With bear hands and a source of light, the artist
The Illusion Theatre holds two shows. One is a Mentalism performance
paints lively and vibrant animations.
where the magician plays with thoughts and imagination of the spectator. Predictions, Mind Reading etc. flabbergast you. Later one returns
The puzzle gallery and mirror gallery are primarily intended to cater to
to the same theatre for a full-fledged Magic Show where people get
the children. But then after a few hours of magic, there are no grown-
cut in half and some others float in air. One after the other, the mes-
ups! Only children with longer experience. All of us want to return to
merizing scenes surround you and you are truly lost in the planet of
childhood and you are free to do so. For the same reason, you will
magical probabilities. To add flavor, there is the Magical re-enactment
laugh your heart out at the comedy magic session and clown show.
of Tempest. It is Brad of Avon with a touch of magic. While you keep moving from one performance to the other, you sudSomeone had to remind us to break for lunch in between. Otherwise
denly hear the tunes of the snake charmers being played On the way
we would have probably forgotten to have it. The lunch break was not
side, there is the performance of the Great Indian Rope Trick going on.
long. Honestly the wide variety available in magic is not reflected on
A huge rope defying gravity climbs up to a roofless place.
the menu. It is just food for hunger and magic for entertainment. This is a theme park where you spend the entire day on a roller coaster The Science museum and a myth busting theatre where the demon-
of magic and art. Right from the word go till the colorful rally of all the
stration of how magic is used to cheat gullible believers is a must
artists with which the day ends at the Planet, we remain on the Magic
watch for everyone. If you dare, you can yourselves try lying on bed of
Super Highway. And if you happen to be lucky, you may click a selfie
nails, the same act persons who claim to have acquired super human
with the most reckoned name in Indian Magic, Magician Gopinath
powers perform with their yogic power.
Muthukad, the founder and Director of the Magic Planet.
The first permanent stage for Circus in India showcases artists from round the globe performing the impossible in an impossible way. Incredible display of Gymnastics, Juggling, Hula Hoopes, Rope dances 55
December 2017 - January 2018
Culture
Gajendra Moksham - The Liberation of Gajendra
Divine Hues and Palettes Text: Teny Manchayil Thomas Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran
T
he traditional mural art form, using natural pigments and
vegetable colours, is being revived by a new genre of artists in Kerala, who are actively involved in researching and teaching
erstwhile princely state of Thekkumkoor and has been well
preserved and noted for its antique murals. Murals found in the
churches of Kerala are famous for richness in hues. The paintings
mural art. It’s now widely taught at the Sree Sankara Sanskrit
of Cheriyapalli are fine examples of this. While the architectural
College in Kalady and also at the Mural Art School associated
style of the church is European; with galleries, pillars, cornices and
with the Guruvayoor temple.
Mural paintings can be defined in a single word as ‘frescos,’
since they throw light on mythology and legends which can be seen on the walls of ancient churches, palaces, and temples in
Kerala. From the 9th to 12th centuries, this form of exquisite art
enjoyed much royal patronage. Patience and passion are the key ingredients needed for a mural artisan.
pediments; the inner walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in Oriental and Western styles depicting biblical and non-biblical themes.
The sufferings of Jesus Christ, Judas holding the bag of thirty silver coins, disciples awaiting Christ in the Gethsemane garden, the Last Supper, trial, crucifixion, Christ’s body lying in the lap of Mother Mary, and the resurrection, are all portrayed here.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church also known as Kottayam
There are also some magnificent murals in ancient Hindu temples
Cheriyapally (small church) is one of the oldest churches in
December 2017- January 2018
Kerala, India. The church was built in 1579 by a king of the
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and palaces. One of the most famous is the
elephant. While on a pleasure trip to a lake with his wives, Gajendra
single mural paintings in Kerala. This mural measures a
his leg, and held Gajendra captive for many years. Finally, the
Krishnapuram Palace, at Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district. The
rescue him. Soon Lord Vishnu appeared riding on his vehicle,
Marthanda Varma (1729–1758 AD).
crocodile as per Vishnu’s command.
Gajendramoksha, an excerpt from Sri Maha Bhagavatha, the
this mural with a dynamic portrayal of Garuda at the centre, about
"salvation or Moksha of the elephant king Gajendra.� The
expression. This is in stark contrast to the compassionate features
elephant saluting Lord Vishnu in devotion as the other gods,
Gajendra, in mid-trumpet, and of the crocodile on the right side. As
narrated as the Gajendra Moksham is contained in the 10th
legend, saints, animals, mythical beasts and forest plants are also
Legend has it that the Pandyan king, Indradyumna, a devotee of
borders.
Gajendramoksham mural painting, which is one of the largest
or the Elephant King, was seized by a crocodile that caught hold of
whopping three metres (9.8 ft) in height. It is housed at the
hapless Gajendra appealed to Lord Vishnu, his chosen deity, to
palace was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal
Garuda. The Garuda (the celestial half man half bird form) kills the
The gigantic mural painting in the palace, is based on
This entire sequence is vividly depicted with vegetable colours, on
Indian epic. The literal meaning of Gajendra Moksham is the
to land with huge wings spread out and the roudra (fury)facial
underlying theme of the mural is mythological and depicts an
of the multi-armed Vishnu. The mural also shows a smaller figure of
goddesses and saints look on. The mythological legend
is typical of mural paintings, apart from the main characters of the
century Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana.
illustrated. The outer edges of the murals are decorated with floral
Lord Vishnu, was cursed by the sage Agastya, to be reborn as an
Gajendramoksham was initially believed to be the largest mural
Mural Painting Depicting Lord Vishnu
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December 2017 - January 2018
painting done on a single band in the State. But later it was discovered that the Ananthasayana painting at
Ettumanur temple was larger than Gajendramoksham.
Eleven kilometres to the north of Kottayam town one can
reach the Ettumanur Mahadeva temple, a centuries-old
ancient Shiva temple in Kerala, India. Myths have it that
the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped here. The name of the place has its origin from the word 'man-oor', which means the land of deer.
The present temple was reconstructed in 1542 AD.
Adorning the walls are Dravidian mural paintings. The
fresco of Pradosha Nritham (Dance of Shiva) is one of the finest wall paintings according to artisans in the whole of
India. The murals were drawn as early as the 16th century AD.
On the northern wall of the western entrance is the Ananthasayana, perhaps the largest in Kerala,
Shiva As Kalantaka Saves Rishi Markandeya
measuring 580 cm in length and 247 cm in height, in
which Lord Padmanabha reclines on his serpent attended by his consorts Shree Devi and Bhoodevi. Lord Vishnu
is shown dropping flowers on a Shivalinga with his right
hand, even as he is resting on Anantha. The four-headed Brahma sits on a lotus that sprouts from Vishnu’s navel. Vishnu’s celestial vehicle and humble devotee, Garuda, stands with folded hands near the Lord’s feet. Shree
Devi, Bhoodevi, and Garuda appear serene, unaware of anything around except the Lord.
To the right of the central figure, one can easily
distinguish Maha Vishnu playing the mizhavu (a large jar-shaped percussion instrument), Indra playing the flute, Brahma keeping rhythm with the cymbals, and young Ganapati and his mouse. On the left are the
SreeKrishna Leela
consorts of the trinity – Parvati, Saraswati and Lakshmi. The young Karthikeyan on his peacock among several
rishis, with their hands raised in adoring worship. Nandi, the bull of Shiva, on the left, in his characteristic bovine
posture, his head cradled between the fore and hind legs. Parvati, holding a lotus in her right hand and Kali, on the ugly and unshapely demoness Vethala, with her hands raised high in devout worship; are the group of
spectators. Shiva’s flowing hair is strewn behind him
forming a maze of radiating lines. Caught in the locks are flowers like the lotus, the coiling serpents and the four-armed three-legged Bhringi.
A noteworthy feature of this magnificent mural is the
intricate skill of the painter in merging the lines of vision of the figures towards a focal point; the eyes of Siva himself seeming to be in communion with the omniscient.
These murals that speckle the historic sites within
Kottayam, and beyond, not only have the age old quality
SreeKrishna with Gopikas
of being able to charm and attract many devout
worshippers into the edifices they occupy; but, also have now become works of art that fascinate and inspire discerning art enthusiasts.
December 2017- January 2018
58
Ancient Art Of Delivery Reborn W
Text: Revathy Krishnakumar Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran elcoming a newborn life into this world is one of the
most divine experiences, life has to offer. Doing it in the
style our ancestors followed is even more beautiful. Birth
Village, a purely homegrown enterprise in Kochi, is bringing in a unique form of health tourism into the city; by bringing back the traditional style of natural child birth.
and postnatal care, and childbirth education. Birth Village is a pioneer in providing Lamaze childbirth education classes,
parental work outs and the international midwifery model of care; with their clients coming in from all over the country and the world, to make use of their personalized services. Birth centres sprung up in the 1970s in the United States,
Located in the bustling Vyttila suburb of Kochi, this
natural birthing centre was established in 2008, by Priyanka Idicula, a Lamaze certified childbirth educator and certified
December 2017- January 2018
professional midwife, who is extensively trained in prenatal
60
when there was a huge demand for reliable institutions,
offering something better than the sterile environment of a hospital to birth in.
The natural birthing centres came to the limelight when women
responsibility for her own health care, including her birth
the natural forms of child birth; and rejecting the notion that
options are explored, and the woman is given the control of
collectively thought of empowering themselves by returning to childbirth was a traumatic experience that could only be
managed in a hospital setting. Women who wished to birth on their terms, sans regular medical interventions during labour, lobbied for the creation of birthing centres.
These centres, which were run using a midwifery model of
care, were more relaxed, comfortable, and espoused a natural
environment. The midwifery model of care includes monitoring the physical, psychological, and the social well-being of the
mother throughout the childbearing cycle. It’s a new revolution altogether that empowers women to own the pain, happiness, and accomplishment of their childbirth.
In Kerala, births attended to by traditional midwives, is nothing new. This age-old practice was the norm, where wise women
in the community used to take care of the birth of a child and would attend to the mother. It was a craft that was handed
down over generations. However, over the years, with modern health care reaching into even the most remote of villages in Kerala; this time tested method of childbirth almost become obsolete. Until Birth Village came along.
experience. When clients arrive at Birth Village, all types of birthing making the decisions for her body.
At Birth village, the goal is to provide individual attention and care with an exceptional level of professionalism to cater to the needs
of expecting women. “We don’t take more than ten cases a month, so as to provide advanced and personalised care to those enlisted with us,” said Priyanka. Once the birth is over, midwives visit their clients’ houses as part of postnatal care. The entire cost of
birthing at Birth Village ranges between Rs 55,000- Rs 75,000, which is inclusive of all prenatalvisits, the actual birth, as well as the postnatal visits at home.
Unlike in most hospitals in Kerala, Birth Village allows the woman to be
accompanied by her spouse through the entire birthing process, which
empowers the father by making him a part of the entire experience. This
undoubtedly creates deeper bonds between the two parents. Even more
interesting is that they also encourage the participation of siblings of the baby at the birth.
When you walk in through the doors of Birth Village, you are welcomed
by a low-lit hall filled with photographs of the babies they have delivered
Birth Village has now become an option for women in Kochi, and beyond, to have a natural birth. Their
name has become so synonymous with natural child
birth, that it is now attracting expectant parents from places as far as the North Eastern states of India, as well as Europe. Many of these couples have never
even been to Kochi before, and choose to come and set up home for a few months, just for this experience.
This is a result of the basic ethos that is followed by the Birth Village midwives, who believe that
pregnancy and birth are normal life processes and that a woman should be in control and take
“We don’t take more than ten cases a month, so as to provide advanced and personalised care to those enlisted with us.”
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December 2017 - January 2018
“When a woman is given proper care and love throughout her childbearing months, it automatically reflects on her delivery. Your better half being beside you is a great support and that strengthens their bond as a couple.� over the years. The rooms in the natural birthing centre are so
warm and have a pleasant feeling, with lit candles and fragrances which uplift your soul. Research has shown that women who deliver at natural birthing centres, such as Birth Village, have fewer incidences of birth injury, trauma, and the requirement for Caesarean section. Priyanka explained that when a woman is given proper care and love throughout her childbearing months, it automatically
December 2017- January 2018
62
reflects on her delivery. Your better half being beside you is a great support and that strengthens their bond as a couple. Most of the clients who come to Birth Village strongly view pregnancy and birth as natural processes and strive hard to keep themselves fit and healthy. Birth Village ensures this with special work out sessions, yoga classes, and even belly dance classes, which are all helpful in aiding the birth process. At Birth Village a woman can birth standing, squatting, or sitting on a birthing stool, in addition to the choice of water birthing. They are trained to handle newborn resuscitation, postpartum haemorrhage. Even after the birth, the baby is not separated from the mother immediately. They do make sure that they take on healthy pregnancies, with no preexisting complications. Priyanka believes that pregnancy is never an undoable painful task and it has been hyped too much. If given proper education about pregnancy and childbearing, anyone can deliver a healthy baby through normal
delivery, as long as the mother is healthy enough for
it. Thus for expectant ladies who are healthy and who
wish to birth naturally, the Birth Village provides a safe and trustworthy option.
THE FACILITY Birth village naturally has a very welcoming, comfortable, non-clinical homely atmosphere. It has space demarcated space for yoga and exercise classes, as well as Lamaze preparation classes and a small store for all maternity needs. It also has allocated parking space that’s so hard to find in many hospitals. The spacious birthing rooms have a birth pool, birth stool, squatting rope, hot water, dim lights, and even candle lights. All medical equipment is within arm’s reach but generally not the focal point of the room. The centre welcomes and encourages couples to personalise the birth room with little things of their own, such as, pictures, music, candles, flowers and anything that makes them peaceful during the birth. THE SIX CARE PRACTICES •
Labor begins on its own
•
Freedom of movement throughout labour
•
Continuous labour support
•
No routine interventions
•
Spontaneous pushing in upright or gravity-neutral position
•
No separation of mother and baby after birth with unlimited opportunities for breastfeeding
B!RTH VILLAGE No.52, Maplachery Road Near SBI, Vyttila Cochin-682019 Kerala,India Mob: 9895283189 Ph: 0484-4043189 Email: birthvillages@gmail.com Web: www.birthvillage.in
Phone: +91 97453 34750, +91 90488 08767 Konnakuzhy, Pariyaram, Kerala 680721, India
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December 2017 - January 2018
Column
A Flip Here, A Trundle There
Nandini Valsan is a writer and film maker who currently lives in Doha, Qatar. She is a travel enthusiast, avid foodie and believes in adventure.
Like many other Malayali children across the globe, for the most part of my life, I was a Non Resident Keralite. I grew up in Cairo and every year, my parents made it a point to return “home” to Kerala for our summer vacations, with the mission of keeping us connected to our roots. With my mother’s family scattered across North Malabar and my father’s family living in Irinjalakuda, and an uncle living in Trivandrum; we spent a lot of time travelling on trains, spanning the entire length of Kerala from Kannur to Trivandrum! As the majority of the journeys were done during the day, my brother and I used to stock up on our reading material at the railway stations; Amar Chitra Kathas when we were younger, and then a wide selection of English magazines as we became older. This was of course an era before modern entertainment sources like the Internet and smartphones were even a part of our psyche; but, the little information that could be contained within the pages of these issues were enough to hold our interest for the entire trip! The memory that remains is the thrill of opening a magazine while seated on a sleeper berth, accompanied by the comforting monsoon breeze that would waft in with the uncanny fragrance that only wild greenery can impart. Even now, a train journey in Kerala, still gives you that lovely feeling. However much the urbanization, when you look out of the train window in Kerala, it is still lush green that greets you. Whether it is the rich dark greens of the many thickets of wild trees, the muted greens of the palm fronds, or the pleasant light greens of the paddy fields, there is always some form of verdant beauty around to behold.
December 2017- January 2018
64
Another natural feature that distinguishes the Kerala landscape is the abundance of waterways. The Bharatapuzha makes its majestic presence felt as one crosses over it near Shoranur. Depending on the time of the year, it can either be gurgling with water or dryly smiling its sandy look that is equally awe inspiring. When travelling North, near Dharmadam and Thalassery, one can see the confluence of backwaters and the powerful Arabian Sea. Whereas, towards the South, one is greeted by the languid backwaters and lakes that are all responsible for the very well deserved tag of God’s Own Country that has been coined for the State. Then, as the sunlight begins to fade away, one sees houses slowly get embellished with brightly lit nilavilakus (brass oil lamp), their wicks flickering away, signalling the arrival of night. Likewise, when you pass by even the smallest of temples at that time, they shimmer with the magnificent resplendence of the evening prayers, in which umpteen oil lamps are lit around the deity. I was most enamoured by the cultural unity that one got to witness during the different festival times. The days before Onam would find the front paths of all houses decorated with pretty pookalams (floral carpets), each one different to the next. And then, my personal favourite to date, is the splendid sight on exhibit during the Christmas season. Every single house, regardless of the community of the occupants, is decorated with the traditional paper star lanterns, which illuminate the dark surroundings as the train trundles towards its destination. All these are an integral part of the close knit social fabric that has defined Kerala for years. And this is the Kerala that I am so proud to belong to.
Advertorial
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A Novel Approach to Dental Tourism Text : Revathy Krishnakumar
he Smile Centre Kochi is an Speciality Dental Centre offering advanced facilities to perform the entire spectrum of dental and maxillofacial treatments. Dr. Prasanth Pillai, a highly experienced and skilled Dental Specialist, to be more specific, an Oro-Maxillofacial Surgeon & Implantologist, is the Director of TheSmileCentre.in . They offer procedures ranging from the basic dental treatment to complex dental procedures (dental implants, orthodontic treatment, smile designing etc.). They also offer advanced facio-maxillary surgery procedures, including cosmetic jaw surgery. Dr Pillai is ably assisted by his wife and a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sreeja P. Pillai and a team of specialists and dental care professionals. The SmileCentre is attached to some of the best hospitals in Kochi city to cater to the needs of patients including the need for procedures under sedation or general anesthesia. Medically compromised patients
are also treated in these hospitals by the Smile Centre Team. In a tĂŞte-Ă -tĂŞte with the Kerala Travel Explorer, Dr. Pillai says he gets patients from different corners of the globe and he ensures they have an enjoyable time in Kerala, even while getting complex dental work done in his Centre. Excerpts from the interview:
The inspiration
My father, Dr K S Pillai, was a dental practitioner of repute and he practiced close to 65 years. His legacy is what we are carrying forward.
On the Kerala advantage
Kerala has highly qualified, skilled and experienced doctors in various specialties and, also has some of the best hospitals offering excellent medical facilities. This covers not only the modern medical field, but also of
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An Immaculate work of Art The Vimalagiri Church
“An art not for an age, but for all time”
E
Text: Raisun Mathew Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran very man in the world is blessed with his kind of worries that
vary according to his surrounding factors. The destiny of one’s
life may alter with a change in their perspectives to find solutions for the problems. A moment of silence can make one rethink of their lost track in life.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, also known as the
Vimalagiri Cathedral or ‘Angathattu Palli’ becomes the unex-
plored beauty of silence that glides peace into one’s own heart.
Close to the banks of Meenachil River that carries the cultural as
well the historical heritage of the city, the church harmonizes the freshness of the green panorama with that of the sleepy slack movement of the water which would have been the inspiring reason for Late Rt. Rev. Dr Ambrose Abasolo from Spain into
laying the foundation stone of the church back in 1956. It took eight years to fulfil the dream of the missionary as well as the
known about the intentions behind building a non-conven-
tional form of Neo-Gothic style. Though many such architectural manners have been experimented in different parts of the world, this is still rare in Kerala.
The structure of the Cathedral is 183 ft in length and 61 ft in width. The structure has a 172 ft tall tower with a 12 ft
high cross which makes it the tallest church towers in Kerala
from which the Alappuzha beach is visible. This Neo-Gothic model where the pointed structures surrounding the church walls on the top make one remember the ultimate destiny
of his journey for which has to be proposed without fail. It is symbolic of a man raising up his hands to God in prayer. At
the rear of the Cathedral is the bell fry containing two huge bells which beckon someone for prayer and worship.
local community believers. No one of those times could have
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December 2017 - January 2018
This style emerged in the late 1740s in England, featuring an intention
equally insignificant when compared to God. The pillars on either
styles prevalent at the time. The Cathedral is built of regularly shaped
rib-vaulted roof reminds the believers that they lead a life which
to revive medieval Gothic architecture, in contrast to the neoclassical
granite stone featuring tall towers, finials, flying buttresses, a copious number of stained glass windows, pendant patterns and scalloping. The lancet casements, cowl mouldings, label stops, vast numbers of
statues and ribbed vaulted roof makes it non-identical to the archetypal form of church construction.
Each of the materials used for the construction and beautification of
the Church was selected with utmost care to express the importance of spiritual ideas. Most of the sculptures, stones, marble works and
paintings were imported from Spain. The facade exhibits a rib-shaped sandstone work around the borders of the entrance door denoting
the unity towards the position of the heart. It leads to a much-heightened knowledge that points out that no one is perfect and all are
December 2017- January 2018
70
side through the nave draw a row holding a tunnel-shaped
is both perplexed and bewildered. The beautiful ray of sunlight
that comes in through those imported stainless glass paint works provides an extra elegance to the ambience of the church. They are of eight around the altar and the rest around the nave. Each
painting finds represents each selected events in the Holy Bible. Entering the altar, one could see that the main area is entirely
carved out of an imported alabaster marble which is a piece of glittering translucent glass glowing under fluorescent lamps.
The Sanctuary of the Cathedral that is laid with marble slabs is
artistically carved wherein the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary
is fixed. This statue of Mother Mary is considered to be the tallest among all the churches in Kerala. The statue of the body of Jesus on the lap of his sorrowing Mother Mary that got inspired from
Michael Angelo’s “Pietà” is referred to various miraculous incidents by the believers, thus making it an unavoidable haven for them.
Even today, the community of believers in connection with the church wonder about the architectural intelligence behind the Cathedral.
Though the advisor was Late Rt. Rev. Dr Ambrose Abasolo, the works progressed under the guidance of two masons namely Ambross
Mesthri and Soosae Anthony. Most of the workers were from Kanya-
kumari district of Tamil Nadu. The area chosen was a hilltop popularly
known as ‘Angathattu’ for its historicity of being the battlefield during the regime of princely states. If one would go back half a century,
the scenery of such a hilltop in which the Cathedral remains will be
seen as the only building of such a magnificent presence. It faces the
East direction remembering the architectural believes of a period and living. Temporarily fixed bamboo sticks and ropes were used during the construction process of the church. Surki mixture was used to
fix the stones. It could have been a celebration for the whole locality in participating in an extraordinary creation. Tourists and research
scholars visit the Cathedral in search of their spiritual peace as well as
for learning more about ancient architectural mastery. One would not be dissatisfied, for being isolated in the area with only one destination spot. In and around 8 Km distance, there lies several hot spots
famous for their unique features. So, one shall enjoy different cultures of the town as well as the village landscape, where it stands for our
traditional quote of unity in diversity. It ensures you the pleasure of visiting something special that is being explored by history to leave behind the sparks of ultimate mystery in you.
How to get there :
Located 1.3 Km from Kottayam railway station and 3.4 Km from Kottayam KSRTC Bus station. The closest Airport is Cochin International Airport. (87 Km)
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Dwaraka of the South
The Guruvayur Temple Text: Deepak N Nair Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran December 2017- January 2018
74
G
uruvayur is one of the most sacred and important Hindu
pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Guruvayur
Temple. According to popular belief, the temple is the creation
of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, God of the winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. Guruvayur
is a pilgrim centre which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum
(central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.
The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is
Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid
down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written into the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427).
The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple.
The Sreekovil
The Sreekovil or the Sanctum Sanctorum is designed in two layers with copper sheet roofing plated with gold. The deity is in the traditionally orthodox form of Mahavishnu, with all the
compliments - four arms each carrying sankh (conch), chakra
(wheel), gadha (club) and padma (lotus). The Moolavigraha (main idol) is made of Pathalanjana Shila and is considered extremely sacred.
There are two more idols one of silver and the other of gold of
which the silver idol is older. These are used for the seeveli and
other processions. Generally, the gold idol is used and the silver idol which is older is taken out only for Arattu and on a few
special occasions. The three sides of the Sreekovil are replete with
traditional mural paintings depicting sequences from puranic tales and Krishnaleela.
In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high
The old doors of Sreekovil are replaced with a new set secured
high Deepasthambam (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular
101 bells, all made of silver and plated with gold.
gold-plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7-metre receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the
temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the idols of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedathu
with gold plated bars and embellished with golden bells. There are
Sopanam, the steps leading to the Sreekovil, are made of stone with carvings and designs of attractive craftsmanship.
Kavil Bhagavathy. Renowned for its healing powers, people
Normally there are five poojas and three circumambulatory
the most popular offerings is the Thulabharam, where
carrying the Lord’s Thidambu on elephant’s back. During the days
make an astonishing range of offerings here to the Lord. One of devotees are weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery and coconuts equivalent to their weight.
processions called Sreeveli, propitiating the celestial deities and of Udayasthamana Poojas, there will be a total of twenty one poojas.
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December 2017 - January 2018
Special Offerings
Melpathur Auditorium
(pooja conducted from dawn to dusk) and Krishnanattam that
accommodate 2000 people is on the right side of the East
Special offerings at the temple include Udayasthamana Pooja
need to be booked in advance. Krishnanattam is a performing art that combines both piety and art.
The spacious Melpathur auditorium that can
Gopuram commemorates the great saint poet
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, who worshipped Lord
Guruvayoorappan by composing superb devotional classic
It is based on a Sanskrit work ‘Krishnageethi’ written by
Manavedan Raja, a Zamorin king of Kozhikode, 350 years ago. The work includes eight phases of the life of Lord Krishna.
Narayaneeyam and miraculously recovered from an acute
affliction of paralysis. Devotional functions such as spiritual discourse, performance of traditional forms, classical music
and symposia on cultural and spiritual topics are held here.
The devotees can select any story part to play as per their
preference or the full story for nine days if they can afford
The auditorium is given on rental for functions that are
will be born to childless couples.
(August - September), the birthday of Lord Krishna. The
it. Devotees believe that by offering ‘Avataram’ story, a child
Sapthaham is conducted in such a way that the chapter of
Museum
There is a museum in the office Annex building at East Nada. Many rare offerings by devotees to the Lord are exhibited
here. The museum is kept open from 8.00 am to 8.00pm on all days except Tuesdays and other holidays.
December 2017- January 2018
offered to Lord, like during Ashtami Rohini
76
Krishna’s birth (Avatharam) is recited on the Ashtami Rohini day. The spiritual discourses are held during Vaisakha month (April - May), Ramayana Masa (July - August) and Mandala Pooja
(November - December) the Melpathur Auditorium.
Parking
Devaswom has provided parking facility on the East Nada and South Nada for the convenience of the
devotees. The compound in front of the Kousthubham
Rest House is given for parking at a nominal rate at East Nada. On the South Nada, the parking area of the Pay
and Use toilet near the Panchajanyam Rest House is also provided for parking of vehicles.
Comfort Station
On the eastern side of the temple tank, there is a
comfort station which is functioning round the clock
here. Pilgrims who arrive at odd hours and those who do not find or require immediate lodging/accommodation can keep their luggage at a nominal fee.They can use
the lavatories and bathrooms. Also, there are lavatories on the north and south corners away from the Eastern Gopuram and Pay and Use Toilets at South Nada near
Panchajanyam Rest House for the use of pilgrims. Special facilities for keeping the footwear and other articles are provided near the east and west side of the temple.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Guruvayur
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport,
about 87 km
GPS Location:
Latitude: 10.594671, Longitude: 76.039733
Photo@ Rajesh Puthumana
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December 2017 - January 2018
A DAY WITH THE MASTERS AT KALAMANDALAM Text: Deepak N Nair Photographs: Gokul Ramachandran
A
Day with the Masters is a pilgrimage to Kalamandalam - the most sacred temple of arts, giving a world class experience to the visitors, with an unique menu of presentations that truly bring out the grandeur of the institution. This premier cultural tourism initiative is jointly promoted by Kerala Tourism and Kalamandalam. Cheruthuruthy, located on the banks of Nila river, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, the seat of Kalamandalam, is renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre. Besides being a major centre for Kathakali training, Kalamandalam also imparts training in other performing art forms like Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, and Nangiarkoothu. Training in vocal and percussion instruments are also conducted here. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala have been trained here. The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries. The Koothambalam - the traditional dance theatre at Kalamandalam is the only one in Kerala which is built outside a temple complex. This theatre is 14.62m long and 7.31m wide and has four wooden pillars supporting it. It has three main parts - the Aniyara (green room), the Rangam (stage) - the space in front and on the side meant for the audience, and the Mridanga-Patha (where the percussion instruments are kept).
The Kalamandalam was established by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon, the renowned Malayalam poet in the year 1930. It was a time when the popularity of Kathakali was on the wane. English education had been introduced and only a few upper class families in the state held the key to the art form. Realising the need to keep the art alive, the poet along with a few royal Kathakali enthusiasts like M. Mukundaraja and Kunjikuttan Thampuran, took over the revival and popularisation programme. They arranged performances by eminent artistes across the state and even raised funds through lotteries. Kalamandalam was inaugurated in November 1930 at Kunnamkulam, Kakkad, and was later shifted to the village of Cheruthuruthy, just south of Shoranur in 1933. The Maharaja of Cochin donated land and a building. Subsequently, a dance department was started to revive Mohiniyattam. Kalamandalam has been functioning as a grant-in-aid institution under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. In 2006, the Kalamandalam was accorded the status of ‘Deemed University for Art and Culture’ by the Government of India. In 2010, University Grants Commission of India has awarded ‘A’ category status for Kalamandalam. Kalamandalam is the only deemed university in Kerala state accorded the prestigious status.
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December 2017 - January 2018
Over the years, this unique institution has imparted training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal and other Kerala art forms, following the ancient gurukula system of education. Koothambalam (Traditional Temple-Theater) Koothambalam or Natyagriha has for long been part of Kerala’s temple-heritage. Only a few major temples have retained Koothambalams. The traditional Koothambalams were built in accordance with the principles laid down in the Natyasaastra (The ancient Indian dramaturgy) of sage Bharata. Completed in 1976, Kalamandalam Koothambalam has traditional architectural elegance coupled with the imagination of a renowned architect and art connoisseur, the late D. Appukkuttan Nair. The pillars of the Natyagriha are made of granite. The roof-structure, the stage-floor and its pillars are made of teak-wood and rose-wood.
On the granite pillars are inscribed one hundred and eight karanas (dance-poses) dealt within the Natyasastra. There are two dressing-rooms behind the stage. Traditionally Kuttu and Kutiyattam were performed at the Koothambalam. In the architecturally exquisite Koothambalam, there will be variety programmes on special occasions. Watching recitals at the Koothambalam is a delightful experience. The Art-Gallery The Art-Gallery at Kalamandalam has neatly exhibited elegant statutes of different Kathakali characters and those of other performing arts. The statues are in fiber conceived and created by the renowned artiste Namboodiri. The outer walls of the Gallery
December 2017- January 2018
80
have beautiful mural paintings by artiste Suresh and his colleagues of the Vaasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aaranmula. The costume-room has a wide variety of colourful costumes, head-gears, wooden masks and wooden weapons used by the Kathakali and Koodiyattam characters. For art-lovers and cultural-enthusiasts, there is much more to see at Kalamandalam. The Vallathol-Museum at Cheruthuruthy showcases the poetic works, cultural contributions and achievements of Mahakavi Vallathol (The great poet Vallathol) over a long period of time. The Vallathol Samadhi where his mortal remains lay interned is situated in the old Kalamandalam campus. The main-building in the old campus is converted into Portrait-Gallery. Here portraits of the great artists of yore in oil painting adorn the four walls. Most of them had played
commendable roles in the formative years of Kalamandalam. In the Gallery there you can find countless mementos and plaques Kalamandalam received for the Kathakali, Koodiyattam and Mohiniyattam recitals held in the international dance, drama and music festivals all over the world. The Vallathol Museum Years back, the Vallathol house at the Cheruthuruthy village was taken over by the Government and handed over to Kalamandalam. The house has been converted into Vallathol Museum which exhibits among others the precious manuscripts, gifts which the poet received from various countries, the different dresses he used on various occa-
Artifacts in the museum, Vallathol Museum
sions, photographs of Vallathol with luminaries from all over the world and the audio-version of his select poems. The museum-building has been renovated and the display has been redesigned with architectural eloquence. A visit to Vallathol Museum has now become a cultural pilgrimage.
• A Presentation and visit to the Koothambalam – the traditional temple theatre.
A Day With the Masters’ package consists of the following:
Mizhavu, Thimila and Mridangam; Carnatic classical Music, and Thullal.
• An audio-visual presentation – Saga of Kalamandalam.
• A Visit and Exposition of 10-15 Kalaris (teaching classes) – Classical dances – Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi; Kathakali – Vesham (acting), Make-up, Vocal music, Cholliyattam; Koodiyattam; Percussion instruments - Chenda, Maddalam,
• A Presentation on Kerala Mural Painting , ‘Nrittyolpathi’, the origin of Dance. 81
December 2017 - January 2018
• A visit of the Art gallery, to see costumes, head-gears, masks and jewellery. • A glimpse of the old Kalamandalam Campus on the banks of Nila; Portrait-gallery and the tomb of poet laure-
ate Vallathol Narayana Menon, the founder of Kalamandalam
The following details may be noted while attending the tour:
The tour will begin at 0930 hours and end by 1300 hours on all working days.Booking for a maximum of 30 mem-
bers per day will be confirmed. The restriction in number is to ensure that the tour does not interfere with the artistic and academic atmosphere.
The Group will be divided into 3 sections of 10 members each.There is no minimum size for a tour.
The tour will feature Kalamandalam staff as Guides. In the latter part of the tour, one or two Gurus (masters) may also join the tour to interact with the visitors.
It is assumed that the visitors will arrive in their own vehicles by 9.15 a.m and they will travel to the old campus (2
km) in their vehicles. However, there will be arrangements for transporting visitors without own transport too.
All visitors are welcome to take still pictures. There will be no extra charges for cameras. However, care should be
taken not to disturb the classes. Photographers should not ask the teachers or students to pose for pictures. Profes-
December 2017- January 2018
82
sional photographers have to take permission, and there may be extra charges.
Umbrellas will be provided on request on a first come, first served basis.
Some Kalaris may not be functional on some days, for a variety of reasons.
Visitors may be advised to wear sandals or slippers, for ease of removal, as footwear is not permitted in the kalaris.
The tour is priced at US$ 20.00 per head for foreign nation-
als and INR 1,000/- per Indian national, inclusive of taxes as
Mohiniyattam, Thullal and so on for tourists, artists and international students. Those who are interested in commissioning performances in our Koothambalam may contact Registrar, Kerala Kalamandalam, for details on fee and other expenses to be remitted. For single
recitals and for package-programmes there is change in the rate of
fee charged. The performance will be for maximum three hours from 6 or 6.30 P.M.
Kalamandalam welcomes contributions from philanthropists. All
donations and contributions should be made in the name of Kerala
Kalamandalam, and a receipt will be given. Please contact the Project Executive for further details.
applicable.
Contact details:
The tour won’t be available on Government holidays and
Vallathol Nagar,
other declared public holidays
Kalamandalam will be closed for examinations and summer holidays from the third week of March and the tour will not
be available during the summer vacation (April-May). Book-
ings will reopen from the month of June. The school will also be closed for 10 days during Onam holidays in the month of September and 10 days in December for the Christmas holidays.
Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy,
Thrissur, Kerala - 679531 Ph: + 91 488 2462418 Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Shoranur, about 4 km Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 81 km.
GPS Location
Latitude: 10.746969, Longitude: 76.279335
Kalamandalam holds recitals of Kathakali, Koodiyattam,
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December 2017 - January 2018
Photo: Gokul Ramachandran
Tête-à-tête
The
Kathakali
Legend
Padma Shri Kalamandalam Gopi Asan 85
December 2017 - January 2018
Photo: Gokul Ramachandran
V
Notable among his pachcha vesham are his roles enacting adakke Manalath Govindan Nair more popularly known
mythological righteous charcters like Nalan, Karnan and
as Padma Shri Kalamandalam Gopi Asan is regarded one of the
Rukmangadan. However, he is equally adept in playing the
now, he celebrated his eightieth birthday on 21st May this year.
Kalyanasougandhikam or Bakavadham), Arjuna (Sub-
The internationally famous Kathakali, which combines features
Kirmeeravadham).
best-known art form of Kerala. This form of dance-drama
Gopi Asan also excels in the yellow-faced Pazhuppu (ripe)
during festivals, demands ten to twelve years of training and
out to portray variety roles like the anti-heroic Kaththi (like
greatest Kathakali artistes Kerala has produced. An octogenarian
of ballet, opera, mime, masque and pantomime, is the
choreographically denser roles like Bheeman (in the stories hadraharanam) and Dharmaputran (that’s Yudhishthira in
traditionally presented in temple precincts from dusk to dawn
roles such as Balabhadra, and has of late also branched
regular practice.
Ravana, Keechaka and Duryodhana) black-bearded
Known for the romantic and dramatic portrayal of the virtuous
the semi-realistic looking Brahmanan in Santanagopalam.
Kaatalan (Kiratham), red-bearded Bali (Balivijayam) and even
pachcha roles in Kathakali, Gopi Asan blends the solid body
grammar of the highly stylised Kalluvazhi tradition in which he
The Kerala Travel Explorer met up with Gopi Asan for a tête-
was groomed with the more flexible, part-realistic,
à-tête at his residence in Mundur village in Thrissur. Here
his career.
Revathy Krishnakumar.
emotion-laden southern style techniques he acquired later in
December 2017- January 2018
86
are excerpts from an interview conducted by
You have been associated with this illustrious institution Kalamandalam for a long time. How was it when you started and how is it now when you are 80 years old? What are the notable changes that you have seen over the years? It’s been decades that I am associated with Kalaman-
dalam. Be it as a student or as a teacher, it has always been a delight. While I was the Principal of the
institution, the syllabus was less when compared to the present days. Now, since the education curriculum is
included along with the art curriculum, I feel much more time and importance is given to theory and academics than the art itself. As far as I am concerned, academics should be given significance, but the stress should be given more on Hindi, English and Sanskrit, the three languages which are necessary, apart from Art.
“We artistes who perform Kathakali, don’t really care about the differences of tradition, however, we make sure that we don’t become very evident in showing the differences to the audiences.”
One notable change that happened after my tenure
in the institution is that the special classes or evening
classes for practising the art has been taken out from the curriculum, which in my view has affected the quality of the art, to some extent.
I feel these things are to be discussed well before we
decide on implementing or modifying the curriculum.
I will be careful with my words, but I am positive in my belief that the quality of the art imparted to students must improve.
At what age were you initiated into this art?
I started my education as a Thullal artiste at the age of eight and I continued it for two years. Later on at the
age of 11 I joined Nagarasheeri Mana as a student but didn’t study there for long. Then in 1951 when I was a
13-year-old I joined Kalamandalam, and I was there till I completed my education.
Who are the Gurus from whom you learnt your art? When I was in Nagarasheeri Mana, I learned the art
form from Thekkinkkadu Ravuni Nair but as I just said, I couldn’t continue my studies there I joined
Kalamandalam as a student. At Kalamandalam, at first I was taught the art form by Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Warrier. But unfortunately, Maha Kavi Valathol shifted
Sri Krishnankutty Warrier to the dance department and Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair took over his place. Of course, there were many temporary guest lecturers who used to visit us, but these two legends were constant in shaping me as an artiste.
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December 2017 - January 2018
You are regarded as an exponent of Kalluvazhi tradition of Kathakali. How is this style different from the other styles of Kathakali?
“I don’t know if I have done enough for the same, but I believe I tried my level best to attract more number of students to Kathakali.”
There are not much differences that meet the eye. For
example, Malayalam has got various slangs and dialects in different part of the state, similarly there are very minute
changes in the Kalluvazhi form of Kathakali and Thekkan form of
Kathakali. We,the artistes who perform Kathakali, don’t really
care about the differences of tradition, and we make sure that we don’t become very evident in showing the differences to the audiences.
You have performed at many international venues. Which of these venues are your favourite and why? All the stages or venues I have performed are dearest to me.
There are many venues within Kerala and also abroad that is favourite to me because I love what I am doing. It is very difficult to tell, which in particular I like the most.
that I give them good advices and lessons.
Do you think enough is being done to promote this art form of Kathakali?
What are your suggestions to make Kathakali still more popular globally?
Even though, Kathakali is an art form which is accepted and
famous globally, many parents are reluctant to teach their kids
or to choose this as their career. I guess, it’s because of the fear of not finding a job once they are out of the Kalamandalam or any Art School per se. People should be more willing to learn such art forms and believe that there is a career in this field too. I don’t know if I have done enough for the same, but I believe I tried my level best to attract more number of stu-
dents to Kathakali. As I mentioned before, I have retired from Kalamandalam long ago, but I am still taking classes, five days a week for M.A. students apart from imparting training and
practice classes for Degree students too. I try to give and bring out the best from my students. One thing I always make sure is
Any art form needs dedication and love towards it and that’s the same with Kathakali too. Like I said earlier,
more people should turn up to the school for education of these art forms. Another thing I would like to mention is the hardship that goes into learning
Kathakali is higher than any other art form and even after learning it, it needs the artist’ to put their heart and soul into it, for the performance to excel.
You are 80 now and still performing. How do you manage to get the stamina and strength required to perform at this age? If you ask me, I would say that the respect I have
towards the art I perform is the main reason behind it. The true dedication and hard work to present well in
front of people, keeps me going. Until I am healthy, oh
“The true dedication and hard work to present well in front of people, keeps me going. Until I am healthy enough, I take it as a challenge and go in front of the audience with great enthusiasm and energy.”
I am not saying that I am healthy enough, but till the
time I can perform Kathakali, I take it as a challenge and go in front of the audience with great enthusiasm and energy. Since few months, it’s a strain to reach to the
places for performance but I never say no. I know that
the organisers find it burdensome but they don’t make it evident and I also make sure that I don’t let them down.
You have performed various characters in many stages. Which are the most easiest and one of your favorites? It would be easy if you don’t perform at all. There is
nothing so easy about Kathakali. If I am not wrong, this is not the last interview I am going to attend and this
is not the first time I am being asked this question. It is not me who decides which is the favorite character
December 2017- January 2018
88
but the audience and the organizers. I have no say in what
I am performing on stage. I am just an artiste and I perform what I am asked to.
Have any of your children followed your footsteps?
No, I have not taught my children Kathakali. It is not because they were not interested in it but because I didn’t want them to lose their education or schooling. They were very keen about Kathakali but I choose not to teach them.
Among the current crop of younger performers, who are the most promising ones according to you?
I don’t think I will be able to give an answer to this question of yours. We are no one to predict the future and I fail to do that too. I don’t know who will perform well in the coming days as learning is a process and those who don’t perform well today
might perform amazingly tomorrow. It purely depends on the students’ calibre and dedication towards the art. I love those
students who are passionate about the art form and showcase a great interest. Most of the kids who I teach are well moti-
vated about learning Kathakali , so I cannot name a student in particular.
Colours and costumes that represent characters Vesham means make up. In Kathakali, the vesham (costume), which is of five types, represents five kinds of characters. The Kaththi vesham (Kaththi means knife) is to represent villainous male characters. The other four veshams are Pachcha (green) for noble characters, Thadi (beard) and Kari (black) for lowly characters, and Minukku (which means prettying up) for women, sages, Brahmins and so on. 89
December 2017 - January 2018
The Man With The Golden Touch
T.S. KALYANARAMAN
By Deepak N Nair
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December 2017 - January 2018
PROUD FATHER WITH HIS SONS T. S. Kalyanaraman, Chairman Kalyan Jewellers with his sons Rajesh Kalyanaraman & Ramesh Kalyanaraman both Executive Directors of Kalyan Jewellers TS Kalyanaraman, Chairman, Kalyan Jewellers was born
fathers and this explains the group’s firm grounding in
business for the last 112 years. It was his grandfather, T.
learning business from his father when he was twelve
in Thrissur City to Seetharamaiyer. His family has been in S. Kalyanaramaiyer who first moved away from priesthood and became a businessman. The decision to start busi-
ness was taken in response to the call of one of the senior relatives of the clan, who was a Dewan to the Maharaja of
Kochi, who believed ‘Enterprise and business was necessary to create job opportunities and to make India self
dependent’. He also believed that ‘business should be fair with a social objective and not just for self motives’. The
group still adheres to the founding principles of its fore-
December 2017- January 2018
92
fair business practices and ethics. Kalyanaraman started years old, by helping his father in his textile shop. Later he joined Sree Kerala Varma College and studied com-
merce. He started his first jewellery shop named Kalyan
Jewellers in Thrissur City in 1993 with a modest capital of Rs 75 lakh. Today, with revenues of $1.4 billion, the privately held company that counts US private equity
firm Warburg Pincus, as a key investor, has a total of 117
showrooms, whichincludes 89 showrooms in India and 28 in the middle eastern countries of UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
TS Kalyanaraman spoke to The Kerala
Travel Explorer recently and tells us what makes him a force to reckon with.
You are known to be one of the richest and the most successful businessman from Kerala. What do you attribute your success to? We believe honesty and trust are
hallmarks that set us apart. When we
entered the jewellery industry in 1993, we decided to bring in transparency
in an opaque and largely unorganised sector. We focussed our attention on
educating customers on how they could extract value from their purchase. We
introduced detailed price tags, a practice that was unheard of at that time. We
were also one of the first to introduce
BIS certification of gold jewellery. This
held us in good stead and people started bestowing their trust in us. Today, Kalyan Jewellers has emerged as one of India’s leading and most trusted brands.
We continue to adhere to the founding
principles of our forefathers of pursuing fair and ethical business practices.
You are there on the Forbes Rich List, how did you feel when this news was first out? Titles are but a reflection of the good
work that we have done in this industry.
We now have the added responsibility to do better and push ourselves harder to
establish new benchmarks and focus on customer service excellence.
“When we entered the jewellery industry in 1993, we decided to bring in transparency in an opaque and largely unorganised sector.� 93
December 2017 - January 2018
Rajesh Kalyanaraman Executive Director Kalyan Jewellers, T .S. Kalyanaraman Chairman Kalyan Jewellers, Katrina Kaif & Ramesh Kalyanaraman Executive Director Kalyan Jewellers
Rajesh Kalyanaraman Executive Director Kalyan Jewellers, Actor Mammootty and T.S. Kalyanaraman Chairman Kalyan Jewellers at the Navratri party of the Kalyan Jewellers family
Actress Manju Warrier along with Actor Nagarjuna inagurates Kalyan Jewellers Showroom at Kannur December 2017- January 2018
94
How was it like growing up in the cultural town of Thrissur? Did nature and environment play any role in shaping your personality?
“I grew up in a family
Living in the temple town has its own charm. I grew up watching classical art forms of Kerala like Kathakali, Chakiyar Koothu,
that believed in educating the children not only in the three R’s but also in art, music and culture, so I was trained in classical music from a very young age.
Mohiniyattam and also partaking in the famous Thrissur Pooram festivities. I grew up in a family that believed in educating the
children not only in the three R’s but also in art, music and culture, so I was trained in classical music from a very young age.
How do you unwind after a day at work?
I am a family man. We wind up work by 8 pm and don’t take any of
it home. I consider business a pleasure. I don’t let it become a cause for stress. When I am not working, I like to be home with my family. In the morning, I do yoga and spend quality time with my
grandchildren. During the weekends we get together, and go for movies or play games.
How often do you take holidays? Which is your favourite destination in the world?
”
I take 2-3 short holidays through the year, and one long holiday. London is my favourite destination.
Which is that one place you always love going to? That would be London of course.
What was your childhood like? Who influenced you the most?
Which is your favourite destination in Kerala and why?
other. I played cricket and badmiton with my brothers and friends
What changes do you foresee happening in Kerala 20 years from now?
I enjoy spending time in the backwaters of Kerala.
I was brought up in a joint family and my childhood was like any from the neighbourhood. I took music lessons and acted in
school plays. Social evenings, then and now are family affairs. Our
The investment environment is changing across India. There is a
family temple and the festivals surrounding it are at the center of
lot of positivity and optimism and the Government is making the
everything we do, even today.
process of investing in the country simpler, reducing bureaucratic
hurdles and red tapism. Kerala offers immense potential and there
I was an average student and enjoyed going with my father to
are significant opportunities in a number of areas such as tourism /
the store, which I did often from the age of 12. He has influenced
medical tourism, technology, hospitality, agriculture and farming.
me significantly.
What do you think needs to be done to further promote the potential of Kerala as a tourism destination?
In the book The Consolidators, the author has mentioned that your father took you to his textile shop when you were a 12 year old school going boy, by offering you a Masala Dosa at the end of the day. Is that true?
Kerala tourism is a world acclaimed success story. It has captured the international as well as domestic market, but at the same time, it has a lot of unexplored potential. We should invest a lot more into sustainable tourism ideas and also in to educating ourselves and our guests about responsible travel. Reducing red tapism, improving infrastructure and ensuring safety of both travellers as well as its own citizens will also help in maintaining Kerala’s image as one of the best destinations within India.
When we were in school my father used to take me and my
brothers to the store during vacations. That was our first initiation into the world of business. I would say, from that time, business became a part of my system.
As the eldest, I was taken to the store first. When I was 12, my
You are probably the first Kerala businessman to own private planes and helicopters. What is it that made you consider these modes for commuting?
father put me in charge of the cash counter. He watched
as I collected cash from customers. If I made any mistake in cal-
culation, he would correct me. And on days when I did well, I was
We hit a crossroad when we first decided to buy a helicopter. We had to convince ourselves that it wasn’t a luxury.
treated to a Masala Dosa. I was never forced to join the business, it was just a natural progression for me.
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December 2017 - January 2018
We calculated that we could save at least seven workdays a month if we had a chopper and a jet of our own. Now the new addition is helping our international expansion.
Are you considering investments in any new verticals for expanding your business presence and success?
We have a real estate division - Kalyan Developers. While I am the chairman of the company, my son-inlaw R Karthik is the Managing Director. The company is investing Rs 300 crore in the Kerala market.
What was your childhood dream and do you feel you are among the fortunate few who surpassed your dreams?
Growing up, I dreamed of having my own business. But when we started Kalyan Jewellers, my aim was to have just one showroom. Later, I thought of adding another one – one each for both my sons. Today, by God’s grace, we are 117 showrooms strong, and it was not something we had planned initially.
What is the motto of Kalyan Jewellers?
Our philosophy is ‘Trust is Everything’ and the same is exemplified through our business practices. To us, it is not just another tagline but something we live by. If you do your business with honesty and transparency, you will earn respect of your peers and also be successful.
What is your success mantra? What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you’re passionate about an idea and believe it will work, take the plunge. It is important to believe in your ability and in the power of your idea. Work hard and stay focused but embrace change if it makes you better. Always seek advice from elders and surround yourself with people who will inspire you. Then success will be yours. Shortcuts won’t take you far.
“Mr. Amitabh Bachchan’s
commitment to work and his discipline are the two things that I admire the most. One hardly ever comes across people like him. He gives 100% to everything he does, and that is what sets him apart from everyone else.
How was the experience incorporating a legend like Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador of Kalyan Jewellery.
Mr. Amitabh Bachchan’s commitment to work and his discipline are the two things that I admire the most. One hardly ever comes across people like him. He gives 100% to everything he does, and that is what sets him apart from everyone else. We have known him for a long time now.
”
Earlier this year, I invited him to visit our home town and take part in our annual temple festivities. He immediately said yes! It was a spontaneous decision. He rearranged his schedule to make himself available on that day. He visited the temple and took part in the festivities. He was like just another devotee when he came.
December 2017- January 2018
96
“Reducing red tapism,
improving infrastructure and ensuring safety of both travellers as well as its own citizens will also help in maintaining Kerala’s image as one of the best destinations within India
”
Keralites are known to spend maximum on gold ornaments purchase. How do you see gold shopping adding value to the economy?
The jewellery sector is a net contributor to the economy. The sector contributes significant taxes to the state exchequer while providing employment to thousands of artisans and people from across the state.
Is retirement a word you even consider? If so, what do you plan to do in your retirement?
Though I work regularly, I am no longer involved in the day to day affairs of the company. My sons, Rajesh and Ramesh along with a team of professionals at Kalyan Jewellers manage the operations. Rajesh oversees purchase and finance whereas Ramesh manages Marketing and Operations.
“The jewellery sector
contributes significant taxes to the state exchequer while providing employment to thousands of artisans and people from across the state.
”
97
December 2017 - January 2018
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Pushing Boundaries with Timeless Theatrical Masteries
Shyamaprasad Rajagopal 99
December 2017 - January 2018
A
discerning artistic flair that leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the spectators and realistic creations from the slice of life; Malayalam Film Director Shyamaprasad Rajagopal has always exhibited the love for cinema in its pristine form. The tone and texture of his movies exposes the emotions and experience of his characters to the audience. Smitha Kamal sits for a chat with Shyamaprasad at the Taj Vivanta, Thiruvananthapuram, to discover his craft and the passion in giving life to stories. It was the movie Agnisakshi that brought you into the limelight. That movie was released twenty years ago. So how do you view the transformation of the Malayalam cinema industry? It is not just cinema but everything that has changed over the last twenty years. The progression had been intensely rapid the last decade. And as far as cinema industry is
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100
concerned everything has changed, the technology, the business, the nature of the audience, sensibilities, and even the players. I find it exciting to work in this time as there is a new culture that is more accommodating. Many stories that were once conceived as unacceptable or unworkable can be created now. Plus the market has opened up in an extensive way with multiplexes, satellite channels, and the digital space. I consider myself fortunate to be working in this era. You had female actors playing strong characters in your movie, like Shobana in Agnisakshi and Ann Augustine in Artist. Is it something you create deliberately? It isn’t deliberate. It comes as a reaction to what I see in the society, especially this industry, which is a male-dominated field. So subconsciously, some of the stories I pick are centred on women. I deem this process to be natural, as, in a fair world, this question would not have arisen. Women share an equal space as men in the society but
most of us still feel surprised when a woman plays a leading role in a movie. Another reason would be my usage of literary works as the foundation of my movies. There are very strong woman characters in literature, some of them even surpassing the male ones. For instance, the female characters created by writer Madhavi Kutty. Therefore it is only natural that I place my focus onto these characters.
of literary works. Yet some movies like Ritu and Ivide are based on original screenplays. How was it different to make movies which were based on original screenplays? I do not see a difference because in both ways the director is a participant in the authorship of the film. When you say reinterpretation, there is an element of originality, which comes from your life, the observation of your surroundings, and the values you wish to speak about. Agnisakshi could be procreated in a totally different way, yet show complete faith and justice to the original literary text.
I find the life of an Indian woman, precisely a Malayali woman full of interesting contradictions. She is open to the changing world, yet she is being subtly restricted in many ways. The characters reflect the women I have met at different points of life, from my mother, wife, to my daughter to friends and colleagues. In fact, every artist should be observant about these contradictions that exist in the society.
I attempt to create my world in Agnisakshi rather than being faithful
Most of your movies have been a reinterpretation
“I find the life of an Indian woman, precisely a Malayali woman full of interesting contradictions. She is open to the changing world, yet she is being subtly restricted in many ways.�
to the novel. It is not important to be so, as the same novel is seen and experienced by different readers in unique ways. The perception is subjective. I use the same logic in recreating the novel. Regardless of whether the movie is created out of a novel or original screenplay, the process of execution is the same. I start from the genesis of the story, integrate into the characters, learn the progress, and understand the conflicts and the evolution of the plot. Sometimes you read something that you strongly desire to be reinterpreted differently, something that can be beautifully adapted into a movie. Yet other times you want to talk about a theme, for instance, the changing scenario and the human conflicts in the backdrop of an IT world in Kerala, in Ritu. There is no literary work on to support that story. You have chosen an exotic location like Goa for your latest venture Hey Jude. How does the place contribute to the soul of the movie? I did not go in search of an exotic location, instead, I
101 December 2017 - January 2018
“Many stories that were once conceived as unacceptable or unworkable can be created now. Plus the market has opened up in an extensive way with multiplexes, satellite channels, and the digital space. I consider myself fortunate to be working in this era.”
went along with the characters to a place that changed their lives. I travel with the characters of all my movies. In Agnisakshi it was to an old Namboothiri household in Kerala in the 1950s. For Akale I searched for the vintage Anglo-Indian neighbourhoods. You would relate the location to certain parts of Kochi, but it was shot in Kannur and West Bengal. It is not the exoticism of the location, but the ambience and how it contributes
“I believe that the act of experimenting in art is immoral or rather a devious and artificial way of presenting the concept. The artist or the director has no right to play with the pure relationship with him and the audience.” December 2017- January 2018
102
to the evolution of the character. Does the location play a character in your movie? Certainly. It helps in imparting an ambience to the movie as well as to the audience. The challenge is not to use the location as a postcard, a practice seen in mainstream commercial movies. I do not believe in choosing Switzerland or South America for a song. I want the life of the place to be absorbed into the movie. The movie English was shot in London, not to highlight the place, but to portray the Malayali life in London. And this includes the shabby, squalid, and crowded places, not just the typical London we have in our minds. I did Ivide in Atlanta, not in New York or Los Angeles as I feel it has a cold, lonely and grave character relevant to the theme of the movie. I search for a place that has a soul, instead of mainstream tourist spots. Have you experienced serendipity in your work? Absolutely. I have been quite serendipitous while finding actors and location, and even getting investors. The location in Akale is one such instance. After many journeys in Kochi, Kollam and other areas where the Anglo-Indian communities have settled, I was travelling to Bangalore via Kannur. Incidentally, I had to pass through Buranaserry in Kannur and there it is, the location that seemed to be laid out for me. Some of the castings had been serendipitous as well.
Your movies have been enriched with visual entities like the grey hues in Ore Kadal and the glass figurines and the frosted glass frames in Akale. How do explain this affinity towards artistic elements? This is a visual media where you speak through images and sounds. In fact sounds of the movie affect you on an unconscious level. I love visual and graphic arts, I study painting and art. I am fond of sculptures, architecture, the design of everyday objects, their colour combination, and their shapes. These excite me and it should excite every filmmaker. How would you define today’s audience? Today’s audience is definitely different from yesterday. There are multiple modes through which you can watch a movie. Twenty years ago you had to go to the theatre to watch movies, fifteen years ago you could watch it on your television, now you can view a movie right through your mobile device. The initial audience of a movie is youngsters. If a film can create a curiosity to attract them, the film survives for the coming few weeks. That is how the market works and every filmmaker has to accept this reality. A film has to touch the youth first, create a buzz, and then you can have the crowds flocking in. Otherwise, it will end up as a movie watched on TV or internet. Now there are several video-on-demand streaming media services and we can expect viewership through that streams as well.
“The challenge is not to use the location as a postcard, a practice seen in mainstream commercial movies. I do not believe in choosing Switzerland or South America for a song. I want the life of the place to be absorbed into the movie.”
103 December 2017 - January 2018
You will agree that our young filmmakers are raring to experiment with themes and techniques now. What advice will you give to them as someone who has ventured into many uncharted territories? Actually, I never experiment with cinema or art. Experimentation means there is constant attempt to narrate a story in a particular way. I believe, here the director is interested in the mode of the narration rather than what he wants to convey. Each of my films has become as such because it can only be narrated that way; the theme, the ideas, and the emotions can only be spoken in that specific line. I believe that the act of experimenting in art is immoral or rather a devious and artificial way of presenting the concept. The artist or the director has no right to play with the pure relationship with him and the audience. Movies should come from ones inner self as an unbearable expression that you have been keeping within yourself. It should be original, interesting and relevant, and then the result would also be something fantastic. My advice would, therefore, be to be true to yourself and be open to everything. Learn to watch, observe, take in life as much as you can and travel. Read, read and read as much as possible and experience the different books. Read and experience travel magazines, observe the pictures, and learn new concepts.
Unfortunately, this generation does not read that much and that is my biggest grouse. Reading involves mental activity and enhances your imagination unlike watching a visual. The background music and the songs of the movie Ore Kadal belonged to single raga, Shubhapanthuvarali. Can you tell us more about the choice of a single scale for the entire movie and the reason for that certain raga? Every good director will have a crisp idea of the visual and audio elements that are going to be present in the movie. Ore Kadal is not a typical movie with a number of song and dance items, instead, it carries a single core emotion and you explore its multiple facets. The cinema is about love, attachment, commitment, loneliness, the urge to find some connection in this world, and the hardship behind it. The movie revolves around this single theme and I felt the music should also reflect this oneness, so the music was created on a single scale.
The selection of the raga Shubhapanthuvarali was again seren-
dipitous. This raga is always present in my mind and it is deeply
sorrowful and meditative in its nature. I suggested it to the music director who knew the different levels of this raga and created the music around it. You will be intensely moved into a trance
as everything is in a single mood of Shubhapanthuvarali for two hours.
Can you share some of your travel experiences and let your readers know some of your favourite destinations, both abroad and in Kerala.
Having a presence in the juries of several film festivals has
taken me to almost all places in the world. The remarkable ones would be the trips to Japan, especially to Tokyo and
Fukuoka. Fukuoka is a small, industrial yet beautiful place with rich traditions. Tokyo is an intricate city filled with shopping
malls and marketplaces. There are several storeys of shopping mall underground and connected to the main town through
tunnels and underground railway. You get dazed by the net-
works of shopping places of this city. I also enjoyed travelling
to Tehran in Iran, Cairo, and Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. Karlovy Vary is a picture perfect place where everything is beautiful. Travelling has given me an opportunity to mingle with an international population.
Within Kerala, I love travelling to places that have a cold climate and a high altitude, like hill stations, my
favourites being Ponmudi, Kodaikanal, Vagamon,
Munnar, and the Himalayas. I travel to write and as a part of
making movies. Electra was written in a remote town in New
York during winter. The coldness and loneliness are reflected in the film. December 2017- January 2018
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The Story Teller MANU S PILLAI
By Revathy Krishnakumar
105 December 2017 - January 2018
B
oyish looking intellectual, Manu S Pillai, is the au-
thor of the critically acclaimed and award-winning
bestseller The Ivory Throne. This alumnus of the prestigious King’s College, London, who holds a Master’s
degree in International Relations, was just 25 when the book was released in 2015. Manu, who is the former Chief of Staff to Indian MP, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, has
worked at the House of Lords in Britain, and with the BBC on their Incarnations History series.
The Ivory Throne, is Manu’s first book. This colossal
endeavour, that runs into around 700 pages, was written over a period of six years and researched in three
continents. The book narrates the intricate social and
political history of Kerala, through the life and times of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last Maharani of the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore. The book won the 2016 Tata Prize for best first work of non-fiction and the 2017
Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar. Manu, who is based in
London and currently working on his next book, is also a columnist in several publications. The Kerala Travel
Explorer conducted an exclusive interview with him to get to know him better.
You have depicted a beautiful story of a Mahara-
ni and her family in your book. Tell us about your
family. Who are all there? What were your childhood influences? Also, have nature and environment ever played any significant role in your becoming a writer?
I grew up in Pune where my parents run an education
foundation, and I have a sister who is a Bombay-based entrepreneur. The influences from each of them were
different—my father grew up in a village, the son of an illiterate farmer, who through sheer personal tenacity
obtained an education and launched himself onto his
career. My mother grew up in far greater comfort but is
a lesson in determination, tackling her own challenges in life with great dignity. My sister is an immensely strong
woman, and it was she who introduced me to the world of books and reading, while also, being this protective force in my life (despite our constant squabbling!). I
was, frankly, the least interesting of the family—besides running around aimlessly and getting into complicated situations, I don’t think I demonstrated any particular
talent as a child. There was a time when my parents were convinced I was some kind of musical prodigy—I learnt to play the piano, the sitar, and some years of Carnatic music—but that didn’t really go anywhere.
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“I was, frankly, the least interesting of the family, besides running around aimlessly and getting into complicated situations, I don’t think I demonstrated any particular talent as a child.” In terms of nature and the environment, yes certainly. Growing up, my earliest memories of Pune are of its ancient, looming banyan trees, most of which are now sadly gone, and quiet streets with charming bungalows. The city had an unusual aesthetic appeal. But it was always Kerala that was a source of wonder. Every summer during our holidays my schoolboy’s world was transformed into something much older, much more beautiful in Kerala. My mother’s ancestral home has been the place where her family lived for centuries. There was history in every little pebble there. There was a kavu for the serpents, a number of ponds (kulams), a kavu where dependents of the family used to perform their rituals—and I remember fascinating stories about blood rituals— and acres and acres of gardens and fields. My grandmother can still point out trees her great-grandfather planted, and the whole landscape was lush and full of life, beauty, and history. It certainly left an impression on me. The research for the book took six years and it was surely a long journey. Did you ever feel tired and think of ditching the plan at any point in time? I never realistically thought I would give up on the book; but, there were moments when I needed to place a distance between my writing and myself. Some of it was simply because I was overwhelmed—my day jobs were fairly demanding, which left only nights to write, and after months and months of plodding, it is only natural that one would have to grapple with a degree of frustration. I think the longest spell when I didn’t touch the book was about six months, but even then, I kept doing my research and col-
lecting information. Any major project like this tends to take a toll—on your time, on your patience, on your mind, on your relationships, and life itself. But it was, on the whole, a rewarding experience. The world now sees the book that came out of it. In the process of writing it, however, I also learnt a great deal about myself and who I am. So, for all the effort and work, I have no regrets at all. This was also helped by the immense response the book has received—it was not only a commercial bestseller; but, was also critically appreciated, winning the Tata and Sahitya Akademi Yuva prizes. How was your experience working with Lord Karan Faridoon Bilimoria, the renowned British-Indian entrepreneur? How was it different from working with Dr Shashi Tharoor? What did you learn from both these people? What was it like working with a boss, who is also an author? I have known Dr Tharoor since 2011. I was on my way back after my first stint in London as a student, and saw him at the airport and thought, “Aah, perhaps I should write to him for an internship.” So I sent him an email. The next morning I had a response, and a month later, I was not interning, but running his parliamentary office in Delhi. It was a busy phase but very interesting—there were speeches to do, parliamentary questions, and more. I had to deal with diplomats, ministries, and the press; as well as with ordinary constituents who came to the MP with their problems. More than anything else, Dr Tharoor’s strongest quality is his capacity to work hard—for me this observation helped develop a greater sense of commitment to my own writing and book. I learnt that it was possible to have a professional career as well as to write. Lord Karan Bilimoria was a wonderful person to work with and a genuinely warm human being. By the time I met him, he had established a well-known business and survived a major crisis where he nearly lost everything he had worked for. But, he not only beat the odds, but did so with great dignity while retaining an infectious sense of optimism. For me, it was not his achievements in the wider world that were interesting as much as how, as an individual, he negotiated the challenges in his way. There is always more to learn from individual experiences than there is from a ‘success story.’ Success, whatever that word means, is a fickle beast. What is interesting is the journey around it—we have a series of choices at every turn, and the choices we make, define who we become.
107 December 2017 - January 2018
Manu with Rukmini Varma (Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi) the grand daughter erstwhile Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi
How did your friends and family react when they came to know
ly from Guruvayur, stopped me and asked if I was the author of The Ivory
that you have become a big author?
Throne!
Hah! I don’t think I am a ‘big author,’ nor do I necessarily desire to be termed one. Naturally there was a degree of pride and happiness in
What does travelling mean to you? What mode of transportation thrills
how everyone responded, but nothing over the top or excessive. My
you?
family hasn’t even read the book, and I don’t think many of my friends
Travelling is to open one’s eyes and to discard prejudice and preconcep-
have either. I quite prefer that. They know me at a different level, and
tions, enjoying beauty, art, history, and food. I do enjoy travelling but I must
in a far more intimate fashion. The author of the book is a different
confess I cannot
creature altogether! That creature belongs in interviews and book discussions—in private I’d like to evolve in a different way, unaffected by other factors such as the book and the world’s responses to it. How are you socially? How do you maintain the stardom now? Heavens, please don’t use words like stardom! I am socially as I always was. I enjoy being around people and have quite a few very interesting friends, many from my college days as well as from my life in Delhi. So socially I have been lucky to always had very good company. I receive heaps of messages from people who have read the book, which is always delightful. The only time I was surprised was when I was walking down a street in London looking for a spatula and a lady, original-
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“Heavens, please don’t use words like stardom! I am socially as I always was.”
travel without a degree of comfort. A friend of mine walked the entire stretch of Nepal, for instance, which I cannot do, though I am curious if I would be able to make myself do something similar someday.
As of now, I prefer to arrive at a chosen spot in the most
convenient manner, and then to set out experiencing the
place. My last holiday was in Florence some months ago—I
flew in from Munich, where I had a conference, and stayed in
my friend’s lovely flat. And for the next four days all I did was to walk—up hills, through galleries, across the river, through gardens, and so on, besides sampling wine and food. I also met an abstract painter who lived in a sixteenth century
house, full of Renaissance art, who gave me a lesson in local history. I had no clue, for instance, that the only reason
Florence remains home to so much art is because a wom-
an, Anna Maria Luisa de Medici, willed it so. I was supposed to go to Moscow in September but unfortunately that fell
through. I have a close friend in Ecuador I hope to visit next year, and plan to go to North Africa in April 2018 if I finish certain tasks I have set myself by then.
Every time you see someone read your book or write
about your book what do you feel, apart from happiness? A healthy curiosity as to what they make of it!
Has travelling influenced you ever in life? Has travelling played a role in bringing out the book?
Yes indeed! For most of those six years, there was a lot of
zipping back and forth between India and London. Within India, I had to go interview people in Chennai, study
old documents in Trivandrum, and photograph paintings in Bangalore. In the UK, I chased up auction houses try-
“ Success, whatever that word means, is a fickle beast. What is interesting is the journey around it—we have a series of choices at every turn, and the choices we make define who we become.”
ing to locate old diaries, travelled to lovely little places to trace family members of characters in my book, and so on. It was all great fun, and even exciting.
In 2014, I took a train journey to Nagercoil to meet with a nephew of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, my protagonist. He is
based in Canada but was in Nagercoil to see family. I still remember coming out of the railway station and being
struck by the endless patterns of colour in the old part of that town—reds, yellows, blues, greens. It was beautiful. What are your other hobbies?
I really can’t think of anything. Instead of hobbies, what I have are aspirations—a hope, for instance, that one day I will be able to cook, or that one day I will have time
again to resurrect my interest in music. I also do wish I
had greater success in learning French—I am an abject failure when it comes to foreign languages. I scraped
through Class 12 with a 35/100 in German! I was a good student of Sanskrit though, which I learnt privately as a
child. Unfortunately, as with my piano lessons, I remember nothing today.
109 December 2017 - January 2018
Former Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Kerala Governor P.Sathasivam with the copy of The Ivory Throne
Manu S Pillai with Dr. Shashi Tharoor
December 2017- January 2018
110
If you were to name your autobiography, what would you name it?
The Evolution and Decay of an Inconstant Mind. Kerala being your vacation home, which place do you
love the most? Any destinations that have stayed close to your heart?
Alleppey district, where my ancestral home lies, and Calicut, for its remarkable past.
Were you always interested in writing or is there something that inspired you to write?
There was nothing in particular and I can’t remember when I first wrote. I do remember that my first train wreck of a
novel was when I was in my early teens—my poor father
and sister pretended they were interested in the story and encouraged me to write more! I did always love listening to stories and there was naturally a corollary in wanting, therefore, to also tell stories.
As an author, which is that one book or movie which inspired you the most?
There are too many books to name, frankly. As for movies, every time someone asks me this question, what comes to mind is Empire of the Sun. I don’t know why, but the fact
that it is the first name that emerges means it certainly left an impression on me—the challenges of a young boy in a world besieged by war.
What is Manu S Pillai in one word? Resolute.
“ Dr Tharoor’s strongest quality is his capacity to work hard—for me this observation helped develop a greater sense of commitment to my own writing and book. I learnt that it was possible to have a professional career as well as to write.”
Where do you see yourself ten years down the lane?
I tend to go year by year—in ten years, I have no clue where I will be!
Satelmond Palace, Trivandrum, was the principal residence of HH Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi
The protagonist of Manu S Pillai’s book HH Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi with her family.
111 December 2017 - January 2018
RIMA KALLINGAL
Traces Her Incredible Journey Text : Revathy Krishnakumar Pictures: Gokul Ramachandran
B
old and beautiful Rima Kallingal hardly needs any
Today, Rima has evolved as a dancer, television anchor, entre-
introduction. A multifaceted personality, she hit the
preneur and philanthropist. She is probably one of the most
limelight after becoming the first runner-up of Miss Kerala
sought-after actress in the malayalam film industry, who is also
2008 contest, soon after which she entered the malayalam
a non-conformist individual. When women in the industry lived
film industry with a bang as an actress in Shyamaprasad
directed movie ‘Ritu’, that won her a nomination for Asianet Television best actress award. More recognition followed
bold movies she acted in. That’s not all, she is also a well-trained martial and kalari artist. Revathy Krishnakumar met Rima at her
as an actress, when she won the coveted Kerala state film
dance school Mamangam for a tete-a-tete recently. Here are the
award for best actress for ‘Nidra’ in 2011 for ‘22 Female
excerpts:
Kottayam’ in 2012, apart from several other awards and
nominations for her performances, from various quarters.
December 2017- January 2018
in a bubble, she broke that and started a new revelation, with
112
You are from Thrissur, a place rooted in history. What is special about Thrissur for you? Tell us
something about your childhood and how your
upbringing, schooling and environment shaped your attitude and personality?
Thrissur has always been special to me. It’s a small town and there isn’t much exposure when compared to Ernakulam. I was brought up in a very conservative family, but I have
always been a rebel kid. I wanted to do something which is
How important are vacations and travel to you? How often do you travel on vacation in a year? Vacations are an inevitable part of my life. I survive on those and
traveling keeps me sane. I have this nature of becoming a workaholic at times, and that’s when I know that my vacation time is close. My
friends push me to pack my bags and leave from there. I cannot clearly say the number, but whenever I feel I should take a break from work, I
go off the radar, and tell my parents that if I feel like coming back, I will come.
out of the box, and not a regular 9 to 5 job which my dad
has been doing for his entire life and which he was contented with. I had these crazy ideas to build my career in dance and that’s when I got into Nritarutya Dance Studio in
Bengaluru, through an audition. I was 24 when I joined them,
and I guess Nritarutya shaped me as an artist. They made me understand the whole gamut of things. In retrospect, it was a blessing in disguise and I owe everything to Nritarutya.
Everyone gets inspired by someone and looks forward to be like that person. Who is your inspiration in life?
I was not inspired by a particular person, but as I said earlier I was quite adamant about what I wanted to do in my life
and with my life. I wanted freedom and I still remember while I was doing my MBA coaching after journalism, I got a job offer from Nritarutya and I didn’t know how to break the
news to my family, because I knew they would freak out.
One week to MBA and I was like - chuck it I cannot do this anymore, and I joined the dance studio.
“I always get this feeling that this is where I belong. Western Ghats is what hooks me up. We are so blessed to have the Ghats right along the state. I think that what makes Kerala God’s own country.” 113 December 2017 - January 2018
While you were shooting for Rani Padmini and Escape from Uganda, how were the days in all those places. Did you get to see the places? Or was it work all the time? Both the movies gave me two different experiences. I never
thought that I would ever go to Uganda or Africa in the first
place. Uganda is a place which is down in the dumps. There is
poverty all round and you see no sign of progress. They are on a verge of Civil War and I was scared while shooting in midst of this. On top of that our producer kept scaring us, saying
that anything can happen anytime. And, the most astonishing
part is that people over there are least bothered about all these things.
They are happy with their lives because they are still living
inside a shell. All they need money for is to buy Beer and for that they will do some menial jobs. Nobody really wants to
work, and if at all they do it is farming, they are into. It’s their luck that despite all the problems, the soil over there is very
fertile, and you can yield anything anywhere. It is a matriarchal society so it was a new experience for all of us. Women are so
confident about their bodies that they came out to see the film shooting while they were breastfeeding. I really loved the fact that women are so bold and beautiful there.
Manali and the route to Leh are breathtaking to another level. Although, it was cold, I just fell in love with that place. We
cancelled the first day of shoot because we got confused of what to shoot. It’s beautiful all around. Entire crew was
awestruck by the charm and the colour of the nature. The silence and the scenic beauty took us a week to start the shooting.
"I think the time has come for us to figure out how to maintain our roads, because other Indian states are already there and, so in my view, that’s the most important thing which needs to be done at earliest." December 2017- January 2018
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The pace of life is so slow that we were enjoying the time there. It was
Do you cook? What’s your special dish?
that
only thing I know. Neither does my husband Aashiq cook. We
very difficult because the altitude is high that the oxygen level is low in region and we couldn’t work fast like how we usually work in down
here in the south. There were lots of chasing scenes in the movie and our sound guy fell ill because he had to drag along us with the large
equipment. However, in spite of all this, the people over there stunned me with their humane and innocent nature. They have immense re-
spect for life and it’s so good and rare to see such kind of people these days.
Which are your favourite travel destinations in Kerala? While you travel, do you look forward for different regional cuisines of Kerala? In Kerala, Wayanad, Munnar, Vagamon. I think the Western Ghats are
my favourite. I try all new foods but I look to it that I don’t confuse the palate.
No, I don’t cook. I make good cocktails though but that’s the decided that in the
beginning itself that neither of us know cooking so we will need a cook, and thankfully we have a wonderful cook.
Kerala is labelled as being the God’s own country what do you feel is so beautiful and scenic about it?
Yes, Kerala is marvellous and stunning in its beauty. I remember when we went to Madurai for a movie shoot and while driving
back to Kerala we took the Munnar route. Once Tamil Nadu was over there was this breeze and a feeling of home. There was
greenery all around and I felt like “Oh yes, finally I am home.”
Madurai was dry, arid no water and you cross over; reach Kerala you see green, lush, rains. Wherever I travel, once I am done, and when I come back, I always get this feeling that this is
where I belong. Western Ghats is what hooks me up. We are so
“I appreciate the fashion and beauty of the designers and the brand value that comes with it but I am not obsessed about anything. I am a very simple girl.”
blessed to have the Ghats right along the state. I think that what makes Kerala God’s own country.
What are your suggestions to make things better in Kerala from the tourism point of view?
Yes, there is one thing I would like to mention particularly, and
above all that the roads, completely put us in agony. I think the time has come for us to figure out how to maintain our roads, because other Indian states are already there and, so in my
view, that’s the most important thing which needs to be done at earliest.
that is our roads. I understand the fact that ours is a small state
Which is your favourite travel destination abroad?
big roads. But, it is crucial that we think about the pitiable
it that I don’t go back to the same place again unless it is for
unlike Tamil Nadu and Karnataka where we can see six lanes and condition of our roads and do something to fix it. It would be
great, if there is a good road to connect the North and South of Kerala. When we drive to north of Kerala or to Goa, by the time we finish Kasargod we feel dead tired. The heat, the dust and
I kind of like all the places I have been to and I always look to work. I like experiencing different places. I keep shuffling the
places like if I go to Istanbul for vacation then the next time I try to go to USA. Every time I go to a cold country I swear to
myself that I will never visit that place again. I am not a fan of
115 December 2017 - January 2018
Which is the one trip you will always cherish and is close to your heart?
“When you are a celebrity or well known face, there are always eyes on you, and sometimes I really wish I didn’t have to double check on what I say and do.”
It’s always the last trip I take, remains as my memory and stays close to my life. Last time I went to the US, I stayed there for a month and
explored the place. I am overwhelmed by the kind of effort they have put in to build their country, be it the freedom everyone has in New
York, or the kind of beauty I found in San Francisco. The beautiful coun-
cold places at all. I travelled Turkey in winter and I was hospitalised and things went worse when the terrorist attack took place at the same time.
Do you have a dream car? Which car do you own? We have a BMW X3 and a Volkswagen Polo. I really don’t have a dream car per se. I love cars, cars do
fascinate me and I love long drives but I am not that
person who would save big money to buy cars. I would rather save and travel.
What are you most obsessed with: Perfumes? Sunglasses? Or watches? I am not obsessed about anything. There are cases
when I go like “Wow these are nice” but if I don’t have
“I am not a very brand conscious girl. Yes, I appreciate the fashion and beauty of the designers and the brand value that comes with it but I am not obsessed about anything. I am a very simple girl”
money then I don’t really feel like buying it. I am not a very brand conscious girl. Yes, I appreciate the fashion and beauty of the designers and the brand value that
comes with it but I am not obsessed about anything. I am a very simple girl.
How did you happen to start liking Martial arts and Kalari? Can you just brief the story to our readers? While I was with Nritarutya, we used to train ourselves
with different styles of dance which are body strength-
ening. Kalari and martial arts are part of these and once I started doing these forms of art, it became much
more than an art for me. It became a part of my life and that’s how I decided that I am apt for it. I was 24 when
I started to do Kalari and Martial arts and I was dancing 6 hours which is pretty good for a 24 year old to be healthy.
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What is freedom to you?
As an actress how do you manage your side interests like your Dance School Mamangam, and Papaya Café?
about it. Just be yourself, but not at the cost of hurting someone.
tions and things but Mamangam is a complete job for me. We
tryside and cities just inspires me to write a movie someday.
Just be what you are. Just do whatever you want to do and be cool When you are a celebrity or well known face, there are always eyes on
you, and sometimes I really wish I didn’t have to double check on what I say and do.
“When you are acting you are more or less performing for the person who has created the character, but when it comes to ideation I think Mamangam helps me a lot.”
There are partners for Papaya, we just take-care of the promodo have a good staff here at Mamangam. The teachers are really good. When you are acting you are more or less perform-
ing for the person who has created the character, but when it comes to ideation I think Mamangam helps me a lot.
What is your fitness mantra?
Eat Healthy! Thankfully, I am not a person who would trip on Junk foods or aerated drinks and somehow I never felt fancy for it.
How has travelling influenced you?
In every way possible! I think from meeting people, understanding them, knowing their culture, and the stories of
human triumph have always inspired me. When you go to
the west you see that women are free and are bold and take
decisions and then you start feeling why can’t we practice that in our country too. That urge to question a lot of things came to me because I travel. The artist in me is tremendously influenced and shaped by such travels.
What are the few things that you never forget to carry when you step out of home? Phone, Keys and Wallet.
Are there any books or movies which made you want to travel to that place in particular?
I usually read non-fiction. Whenever I travel, I pick up books
about the place that I am travelling to know more about that
place, its history, the people etc. I like to keep a tab on what’s
happening around so I read books which are bit of politics and history.
There are lots movies that has inspired me but I would want to
go with the last one movie and I guess it is La La Land because
I am a dancer, and in every way the movie was amazing for me. I was blown away and we know the struggles of an artist with which I could totally connect and feel the emotion.
What is Rima Kallingal in one word?
I would want to say Rebel but I guess it’s understood so I go with ‘Artivist’ because I express myself through my art.
117 December 2017 - January 2018
THE MAN WHO WENT BEYOND THE CALL OF HIS DUTY
Colonel (Dr) Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay Colonel (Dr) Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay was born on 12 August 1967 in Kannur, Kerala, India, to Major and Mrs A.V.D. Pillay. He was educated at Bangalore Military School and graduated from National Defence Academy in 1988. Later he did his Master’s degree from Sikkim Manipal University and was awarded a Ph.D degree by Panjab University, Chandigarh for his doctoral thesis on “Evaluation of Models of Human Security with Special reference to India” He is now a Research Fellow ïn IDSA ( www. idsa.in) where he joined after taking premature retirement from the Army in May 2017 . Prior to this he worked as a Senior Defence Specialist at National Security Council Secretariat at New Delhi for over seven years. Col Pillay
December 2017- January 2018
118
was near fatally wounded in counter insurgency operations in Longdi Pabram village, a hamlet in the remote Tamenglong district of Manipur in India’s northeast in 1994. After nearly two decades, he undertook the journey back to the village where he was wounded in the firefight and subsequently for delivering development and humanitarian activities to the village in the remote district of Tamenglong. The Kerala Travel Explorer invited the proud son of India to recount his story in his own words. In January 1994 the Indian Army was inducted into Manipur as large tracts of the state were taken over by an insurgent group, the National Socialist Council
of Nagaland (NSCN). As a Captain and young platoon commander then, I was tasked to search, locate and capture hardcore insurgents who were planning to blow up a vital bridge and communication tower to hamper the movement of security forces in Manipur. After 4 days of relentless search in the jungles we tracked down the militant hideout and had a three hour long firefight with the insurgents. At end of the bloody encounter a few militants had been killed and two were apprehended. I was myself shot with two bursts of AK-47 – a bullet in my chest, three on my forearm, a grenade blast over my foot and fracture on my spine with a rifle butt hit. I was grievously injured in the encounter and a few moments away from death due to excessive blood loss. When I was lying there waiting for the cas-evac helicopter, I noticed two young children – a boy and a girl – from the village who had been wounded in the crossfire. I had to make a choice in those few moments – between taking responsibility for my own life and that of the lives of the people we were meant and sent to protect. I felt that if anyone deserved to live in that moment, it was those children in whose courtyard we fought – the children did not know what the fight was all about, nor why they had got shot. I made sure that they were airlifted to safety and medical help, before me and extracted a promise from my men that they would not seek revenge on the village for what had happened to me. I fell unconscious soon after but I heard wails of gratitude as the headman and a few women from the village fell at my feet thanking me for what I had done. I was conferred the nation‘s highest gallantry award, the Shaurya Chakra, in 1995.
The Reunion
Though the incident was long over, the entire episode was etched in my memory just as the battle wounds were on my skin and flesh. In March 2010 a friend who was commanding a Brigade in the area sent a patrol to the village, still remote and isolated, to enquire about the whereabouts of the survivors, the children who had been shot. That is how the villagers learnt that I was also alive. They sought a reunion with me, saying that I saved a village from calamity and invited me to visit the village. I returned to meet familiar faces from two decades back in time. The girl who had been shot in the abdomen, and whose life was saved by timely airlift, was now married, with children of her own. The boy had become a strapping young man. One of the militants who had surrendered after that long ago firefight, and had given up militancy, also came to meet me. These people, residents of a land ravaged by violence and once branded anti-national, seemed to be reaching out. In the time since that incident in Tamenglong and the reunion, I had moved from active military postings in the field to work at Army Headquarters, in the Ministry of Defence and then finally to the National Security Council Secretariat in the Prime Minister’s Office
Being awarded the Shaurya Chakra by Former President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
ister of State for Defence, we laid the foundation stone for a 23 km black top road to the village (Longdipabram) where the encounter took place to the district headquarters (Tamenglong). It is being constructed by the Defence Ministry and the road is called “For Peace and Friendship“. The road is also now a National Highway sanctioned by the current Government. A cooperative model livelihood programme for employment in a cash strapped region: The region is well known for its bamboo. With the help of the Mission Director of the National Mission for Bamboo Applications (NMBA) who travelled to Tamenglong with me we started training the villagers in making finished bamboo products to be marketed by the NMBA. NMBA also extends a line of credit to the cooperative society started
Actions following the reunion
I had never expected to see or visit that village in Tamenglong again. But when I returned there in March 2010, I realized nothing had changed in these two decades. It had become an unforgiving environment – a tangle of tribes, insurgents, army, government, mischievous neighbours and errant geopolitical strategy. Added to that were the tensions between tribes which made entire communities the victims of extended economic blockades enforced by mutually belligerent ethnic groups. Even today, after nearly half-century lost to violence, there seems no end to this story. Amidst this were those people whose lives have been caught in various cross fires – bullets and conflicting loyalties. What they haven’t been able to do is find enough peace to live the life that we are lucky to live in other parts of our country. Be that as it may, real seeds of peace, I feel, were sowed with that reunion. This incident triggered a chain of events that holds a lot of promise for building on the goodwill and peace. Using the good offices of well-meaning dignitaries whom I could attract to the cause, we manage to do a lot of work in Tamenglong some of which I list herewith:Connecting the remote village by road: Using the influence of the Min-
119 December 2017 - January 2018
by the village to play the role of micro financier – payments are made to the village cooperative society, which is responsible for lending money to the villagers. This approach is unique because the villagers as a whole have no lending or borrowing capacity. This works as a micro finance initiative – to help the villagers get liquid cash – the onus is on the society to recover the loaned amount either by way of money or the finished mats or bamboo sticks. Realising the agricultural potential: The region is known for its citrus fruits and its bamboo and the potential of these crops has not been realised due to the insurgency. The produce is grown organically and was wasted as there was no means to transport the products where they could be marketed. There was also no cold-storage chain to store the yields. With help of the Mission Director, National Horticulture Mission, we initiated the process on developing the citrus farming and bamboo products potential of the region. The villagers have created an orange farmers
agency, and later this year during the Orange Festival, the product will be purchased by a juice and marmalade manufacturing agency based in Guwahati in the neighbouring state of Assam, at a rate favourable to the farmers. If accomplished, this will be the first time the entire produce is purchased by an external agency. A truck for transporation of produce: A meeting was organised between the village headman and then Union Home Secretary Mr. G.K. Pillai. Mr Pillai is well known for his interest in, and concern for, the North East region and he gifted a truck to the villagers so that they could transport their horticultural produce. A waiting shed for stores: The village got a waiting shed from the Army civic action programme. Repair of church for Christmas: We repaired the village church, which is an important unifying symbol. Also, the region will celebrate 90 years of Christianity
Col Pillay’s emotional reunion with villagers of Longdipabram in 2016. Efforts are on to carry out major repairs and renovation of the church in the village with help of voluntary contributions from well–wishers. Sewing machines for the women and girls Since the local women possess extraordinary talent in sewing and weaving it was decided to encourage the setting up of a sewing mission in the village with the help of a good samaritan, Dr. Sajan George, who gifted 10 fully automatic sewing machines to the village. Another good samaritan, Mr. Rajesh Gupta, gifted cotton yarn. His daughter, a graduate of the National Institute of Design, made designs for sewing Water scheme: This is one of the first schemes we started with a proposal to supply drinking water to every household. We were able to provide water tanks to all houses in the village. It was meant to be a full-fledged water supply scheme with water tanks and a pipeline. However due to a lack of supervision the money was not spent in the manner it was intended. Vocational Training: The levels of literacy are quite high in the region given the presence of many missionary schools. The students speak English well and often migrate to bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, and do well in the service industry . With help of Dr. Alexander Thomas, the CEO of Bangalore Baptist Hospital, we embarked on a mission to train students from the district in Nursing and other hospital services such as radio technicians and medical transcription,
December 2017- January 2018
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among others.
Outcome
In the state and circumstances that the state of Manipur is in, the act of calling an Army officer for a reconciliation and to honour him as one of their own required immense courage and nerve on the part of the villagers, given the bitterness and ill will towards the armed forces as a whole. It is in a sense a declaration of a freedom from fear, a spirit of liberation from the control of the militant movements who seek to control the tribes through their writ and might. I found that years of unrest have exhausted everyone. Lives and opportunities continue to be wasted. With the Indian economy taking off in other parts of the country, there is an urge to survive and envision a future beyond conflict. I felt that if the people participate whole heartedly in the schemes begun there – and so far they have shown every indication of doing so – they could have a chance at leading conflict-free, prosperous lives. For the first time now, I felt that there is a chance to birth peace organically, inside-out. Initially when I interacted through the village alone, I came up against the distrust, and often hostility, of other villages and tribes. Therefore the onus was placed on the villagers (Longdipabram village) who had invited me to visit. The headman was asked to create a development society that covered the entire region so that these benefits went beyond Longdipabram village to cover the whole district. The requirement was that development should transcend traditional tribal divides and that everyone should have a stake in it.
Renault Captur
Test Drive
Text & Photographs: Baiju N Nair, Chief Editor, SMARTDRIVE Automobile Magazine
C
Translated by Smitha Kamal ompact SUVs comprise a vehicle segment that has never
received the due importance it actually deserved in India. Four
years ago, it was when the French company, Renault, introduced
Managing Director of Renault Group in India, Sumit Sahni has clarified, “This is an SUV which has the legacy of cross-over.”
the Compact SUV, Duster that this segment of automobile gained
Though relatively a new face in India, over 10 lakh units of the Renault
a ‘Compact SUV Tsunami’. This ‘Tsunami’ was powerful enough
comes with subtle modifications to suit the Indian taste and terrain.
acceptance and popularity in the Indian market, in the form of
to disarm many leading vehicle segments. Those who previously
bought small hatchbacks were willing to invest some more money for the compact SUV. The Compact SUV has established a strong foothold in the Indian Auto Market with the latest model to be launched being the Honda WRV.
Captur have been sold in 70 countries. But the model introduced in India While the Captur is built on the platform of Clio, a supermini hatchback in
Europe, it has been built on the MO, the same base that holds the Duster in developing countries. This has resulted in the creation of larger models in India, compared to Europe, a blessing in disguise.
It was then that Renault decided to introduce a new player in the
Visually, the Captur follows a modern, European aesthetic style. The
an ‘SUV’, the brand seems to add an impression in the mid-size
The front is captivating with a big black grille. The signature Re-
scenario, the Renault Captur. Though the model is categorized as SUV/crossover segment, creating a slight difficulty to convince a
true SUV fan. In order to put an end to this confusion, the CEO and
curvy design language and the flowy panel edges validate this fact.
nault badge makes a prominent presence on the grille, while the
chromium lines on either side of the logo are designed to extend
121 December 2017 - January 2018
to the headlights to give a distinctive edge. The LED headlights add to the appeal of the vehicle. The first thing you would
probably notice on the bumper would be the C-shaped fog lamp
These form the design elements of Captur. I can be sure
that these have never been seen before in other models.
cluster along with the LED Day Time running lamp. There is a silver colour scuff plating below the large netted air dam grille.
The interior is spacious and beautiful with its black and
The model boasts of a massive ground clearance of 210 mm, one
white hues. Golden colour has been experimented for the
a beautifully created diamond cut alloy wheels. The wheel arches
wraparound way. The infotainment system is exactly
of the highest in this segment. The SUV sports 17-inch wheels with
accents as well. The dashboard is designed in a
are also huge enough to complement the SUV. The black
the same as we have seen in the Kwid. There is a 7-inch
claddings that start from the front bumper extend towards the sides. Chromium lines adorn the top of the claddings.
multimedia touchscreen in the centre whose resolution
has been increased though. There are automatic climate
Renault Captur offers a multitude of customization. Our test drive
control switches with ambient lighting underneath it. The
vehicle comes with black roof. You get two-toned colour scheme
Start/Stop Switch is on the right side of the storage space.
aesthetics. It is well equipped with large pin window glass and
Between tachometer and fuel gauge you can find a small
option on the top-end models. The rear again follows European
The instrument cluster takes the shape of a butterfly.
bloated body panel with tail lamps attached. The LED tail lamps
screen. There are the speed limiter controls as well as
are also beautiful. This tail lamp is sure to steal envious glances at
night. The black cladding that extends on the sides culminates into the bumper at the rear. There is an aluminium scuff plate below that.
December 2017- January 2018
122
cruise control on the steering wheel.
The driver’s seat can be adjusted manually. It comes tall that even the
sions, similar to the Duster. It was the diesel engine model
completely. Thanks to the corner glass in the ‘A’ pillar, the view does
drive in a media drive in Goa. Both the
lowest seating position feels like it was raised
not disappear while turning. The armrests on the front seats cannot be reclined back, and this causes a slight difficulty in operating the
handbrake. The leg space is cavernous in both front and rear seats. The seat upholstery is incomparable, with cushioning that helps to
get a grip while sitting. It also offers a comfortable resting position for the thighs. There are AC vents facing the rear seats as well. The rear seats come with armrest, charging points and cup holders. Engine
Captur has a 1.5-litre engine that comes both petrol and diesel ver-
of 110 bhp powered diesel engine that was available to versions come with 6-speed manual transmission only.
The automatic transmission engine is expected very soon. The maximum torque is 240 Newton-meter. Though
the engine is common to the Duster the ride feels more refined in Renault Captur.
As in the case of any DCI engine, there is a simple turbo
lag on ignition which disappears on 2000 RPM. And then it can race up to 4800 RPM. The high power band makes
overtaking an ease even on top gear. The stability is great as well. You get the feeling of driving a solid and
powerful vehicle. As I drive along, Captur also offers a sense of security on the roads and highways of Goa. The steering wheel has been designed to enhance
comfort and safety. The suspension is strong enough to
match with the Duster. As such the Captur can be defined as an SUV. The model comes with a number of security
features that include ABS, EBD, two airbags (top end and curtain airbags) and stability control.
Renault has become India’s most reliable automaker after the launch of the Kwid and the Duster. It is therefore
expected that the Indians will receive the Captur in the
same manner. Though the price may reach up to 12-18
lakhs, the new-gen Indians, who love the crossover and
Baiju N Nair
the SUVs, will have no issues.
123 December 2017 - January 2018
TEAPOT
The Best Tea-Shop in Fort Kochi Text & Photographs: Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)
This simplistic cafe with a unique retro-feel is tucked away in a
On crossing the threshold one is welcomed into an airy, copi-
abound the historical Fort Kochi streetscape. This double-vault-
warm, deep yellow walls that display many interesting tea-relat-
quiet corner of a silent by-lane, in the labyrinth of streets that
ed, quaint tea-themed cafe is a throwback to the colonial times.
It is also an absolute photographer’s delight. Starting with those little wooden boards with multi-coloured chalk inscriptions,
talking about the fare for the day, placed along the adjoining
street, against a wall alive with a creeping leafy green growth.
The two simple yet elegant entry-exit doorways are skirted with an extension of the intricate olive green leafed creepers climbing the walls. Lying adjacent, is a cute window adorning brown latticework cane, which when open, reveals its unique violet
glass rods, that affords a fluorescent violaceous glisten, as the sunlight filters through them.
December 2017- January 2018
124
ous, high-ceilinged, red, slanting, tile-roofed space, built with
ed black & white pictures, a few clocks and some wall-perches and recesses decked with other precious memorabilia. There are transparent glass tiles embedded amid the red roof tiles
that allow cascades of sunshine, that bathe the cafe in a warm glow of daylight. A white wooden side-board holding teapots
aplenty with some interesting tea-related reading and the several stepped galleries of teapots, organised in the many nooks and crannies of this eccentric eatery, completes the charming ambience of decrepit daintiness. The fascinating collection
of the captivating teapots, come from different countries of
origin, in a variety of shapes, in varying sizes, clad in multiple
colours and made from miscellaneous types of materials ranging
very refreshing as an alternative to beat the humid heat. The best part
wood, coconut shell, iron, copper, silver, enamel, brass among other
doesn’t bore a hole in one’s pocket. I have seen a lot of people who
from the regular ceramic to the more uncommon bamboo, cane,
metals. The many pots that randomly dangle, suspended from long hooks attached to the wooden tiling framework, in a whimsically
outlandish manner, add beauty and character, to both the look and
of the deal is that, all these indulgences come at a very fair price that
sit for hours, sipping their many cups of tea and nibbling on the short eats while leisurely catching up on their holiday reading.
feel of this offbeat place.
Mr Sanjay the Manager, is a most dignified, tall and polite presence,
Leaf tea in cute teapots with accompanying jugs of milk served on
every guest on the premises, from the courteous staff immediately on
the converted tea-chest tables, with its neat white scalloped paper
placemats and red-leather seats or that large glass-top inverted tea bush in the central space with black bentwood seating, is an experience one would not forget in a hurry. Among the various teas on
offer, Jasmine, White Tips, Cardamom, Masala Chai, and Green Tea
are great options. The teas are best savoured with their selection of Orange Cake, Waffles or Cheesecakes. For the patrons more fam-
ished, their Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Cheese Omelettes are the
more substantial choices that I would personally recommend. If tea
who manages the day to day affairs. He ensures prompt attention to
arrival. Thereafter, he has also trained the staff to respect privacy and
provide a discreet and unobtrusive on-call service to the patrons, who may wish to remain undisturbed.
This cute eatery with an aura imbued with an alluring shabby chic,
is the place to go, if one wants to relish an unhurried cup of tea in a
pleasant relaxing ambience. For many Kochi families, this is a regular port of call, every time they venture into that part of the neck of the woods. ‘Teapot’ is a definite must-do, when one goes to Fort Kochi.
is not your preferred beverage, the Ginger-Lime Soda, is something
125 December 2017 - January 2018
Teapot, Peter Celli Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001 Open – 830 am to 9 pm every day. Phone – Mr Sanjay - 0484 221 8035
December 2017- January 2018
126
Kochi Coffee Shops Review Text: Jubal Varghese Photographs: Revathy Krishnakumar Additional Photography: Gokul Ramachandran Kochi is possibly the most bustling and cosmopolitan city for Kerala. Here you find many joints to relax and chill out. You won’t be surprised to find a coffee shop at every corner of this city. The Kerala Travel Explorer decided to visit half a dozen up-market coffee shops that are located in star category hotels around the city to check what each of them offers how each one of them is different and unique in its own way
Éclair
Le Meridien, Kochi
Feel like grabbing a cup of Illy coffee in a serene atmosphere? Hit off to The Eclairs , by Le Meridien. One of the places offering the best Espressos in town, Eclairs is a hit among the peaceful ambience loving people. The seating is comfortable for people of all sizes and shapes! The café is designed to give the guests an exclusive treatment wherein everyone feels important. The café also has a snack dedicated to its namesake, Eclairs. It’s a delicacy which has a filling which is important in the region the Hotel is located in. In this case the filling is coconut and jaggery, a mouth watering combination of the two most popular ingredients in the state of Kerala. Close to the highway yet away from the chaos makes this café a favourite place to hangout, frequently! It’s an “eclairy” affair, very much like the pastry, Eclairs!.
Keshia
Radisson Blu, Kochi
Keshia is a 24 hour café also functioning as a restaurant. The café is pretty large with a green hued interior and ample lighting adorned with aesthetically arranged tables with comfortable seating. One of the richest coffee, the Nespresso is offered at Keshia. The quesadillas with the cheesy filling and curd is a delight. But the chocolate mud pie lets loose the child in you with its perfectly balanced flavours and exotic fruit slices and vanilla ice cream. It truly is a culinary marvel. You may want to revisit the café for both these delicacies, and relive the moment again!
127 December 2017 - January 2018
Deli KC
Holiday Inn, Kochi
A decent spot with reasonable space to hangout, the Deli KC at Holiday Inn offers a variety of delicacies round the clock. The signature dish is the Footlong sandwich, which is universally famous and preferred at the cafe. The Tuna filling, the hard flavour of which is reined in perfectly by other spices, is truly delicious with just about the right amount oozing out with every bite. Another fancied dish at the cafe is the Holiday Club Sandwich which is layered with cheese, bacon, egg and veggies inside toasted bread and is a snack worth trying. Deli KC also offers a variety of flavoured iced tea, the most popular being the peach and coconut flavours. These flavoured iced tea are not just exotic but also helps in balancing the footlong sandwich, which is in fact as the name suggest, a foot long in length. To sum up, a delicious “Deli KC!”
Arena
Olive Downtown Hotel, Kochi
Enter the “Arena” and one feels like stepping into a giant Rubik’s cube. A relatively large coffee shop with board games and a screen. Is a popular place to hang out at Kadavanthra, Kochi. The signature dishes which Arena, at the Olive Downtown Hotel has to offer, are the Spinach Flavoured Burger and Spiral Hot Dog, both of which are, one better than the other. The burger is a double deckered delight made of spinach flavoured bread, spread with beef patty and cheese ,above beef slices and lettuce. One bite into it gets home two shots of beef, one through the patty and the other through the sliced beef. The spiral hot dog is the twisted version of the normal hot dog we have, but a tad spicy. The signature beverage is something worth re-visiting. Peanut Butter Fudge and Jerry Berry. Two beverages with contrasting flavours and moods, somehow fight to win your appetite’s appreciation. The fudge is sweet and heavy. The Jerry Berry is fruity and lively with Vanilla Ice Cream to add to the mood. Overall it’s worth the money spent.
December 2017- January 2018
128
Aroma
Crowne Plaza, Kochi
Spacious and quiet, the Aroma is the spot where Mollywood stars drop-by from time to time. The ambience calms your nerves and gets you relaxed. The ABC drink is the signature beverage here. A mixture of three very rich ingredients, the apple, beetroot and carrot, makes this the most sought after for health conscious guests. The signature item on the menu is the thin crust Pepperoni Pizza, which is much thinner than its fluffy cheesy cousin but a lot healthier. Macaroons which are available in various flavours are a real treat to the palate. These macaroons are soft, sweet and crunchy all at the same time. It truly is a wonderful snack, which melts in our mouth, while we melt in the “Aroma” at Crowne Plaza.
Pepper
Vivanta by Taj-Malabar, Kochi
An elegant coffee shop with the backwaters in view, provides an ambience second to none. The Pepper is an upmarket café which has a steady movement of foreign tourists, who’ve flown down to visit the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi. The menu has a variety of coffee from around the world, which differ one from the other on a minor scale. The cookies offered are a treat and go well with the coffee. Needless to say, Pepper at Vivanta by Taj is one of the best five star coffee shops in Kochi owing to the extraordinary location of this luxurious property.
129 December 2017 - January 2018
Roma - Truly Italian When in Roma, eat like the Romans
A
Text: Jubal Varghese Pictures: Revathy Krishnakumar
flight of spiral stairs wind up at the doorsteps of Roma,
the Italian speciality restaurant at one of the most popular five star hotels in Kochi, The Holiday Inn. The live kitchen counter welcomes you into a world of Italian indulgence
and appetite adultery that one is go- ing to be engaged in for the next few hours. The neatly arranged and artistically arrayed tables and chairs are worth a moment of silent admiration.
We, (me and my photographer) are here on a mission to
write a review about the cuisine we are not native to. We
make ourselves comfortable and wait for the food to reach our table.
It all began with a complimentary starter of baked bread with two dips, the paprika mayo and Zucchini paste.
The main course offered to us were the Beef lasagna and Stuffed Chicken. Lasagna is sheets of Pasta layered one
above the other. Flavoursome minced beef is spread on the
December 2017- January 2018
130
lasagna and the process is repeated until a few layers are decked
one on top of the other, which then is given a fiery trial to melt the Mozzarella cheese on top and cover it from all sides.
Served with wine, the beef lasagna is a treat to the palate, provided you are a lover of red meat. As the fork dug into the lasagna and the knife sliced through it with ease, one could easily witness the perfection of the preparation presented.
The stuffed chicken was waiting for our lusty buds to taste what it offered. This was a mixture of mush- rooms & spinach stuffed
into the chicken breast which are then rolled into small cylindrical
shapes more like a 2A size batteries. Lined with grilled broccoli, bell pepper, carrot and cucumber along with thyme sauce and mashed potatoes, this dish was a treat to the eyes as much as it were for the taste buds. Again, a dish cooked to perfection.
We indulged in the Italian food prepared with great care. The main ingredient being, ‘Lots of love from the chef.’
Roma, truly is a remarkable experience, not just for the appetite but for the mind. The food and ambience offered here along with the
hospitality of the staff makes you want to be back again. Overall it was “un’experienza excelente”!
131 December 2017 - January 2018
TRILOGI
Crowne Plaza Kochi Relish Kerala Cuisine At Its Creative Best
Text & Photographs: Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)
“Trilogi”
in its new avatar, at the renowned landmark Hotel
that rank among the best in whatever food they choose to specialise in.
historic culinary reunification of the three erstwhile princely states
is now unlocking those priceless secrets into his adaptations of Malayali
Crowne Plaza, Kochi, is an exclusive restaurant that celebrates a
of Travancore in the south, Kochi in the centre and Malabar to the north, which were merged post-independence during the state
After that eye-opening journey of gastronomic discovery, Chef Rejimon staples at Trilogi.
reorganisation in 1956, to make those new geographic entity
We were privileged to sample a few of his innovative interpretations. For
about my experience of Malayali cuisine at Trilogi was this inno-
BDF as it is popularly called. Those deep fried tenderloin cubes were ten-
which we all recognise today as Kerala. What I found most unique vative interpretation given to age old classics by their immensely
talented South Indian Master Chef Rejimon, who creates the culi-
nary magic to excite the palate and satiate the craving for authentic Malayali food. He was mentored by none other than Master
Chef Rajeev Menon, a legend in his own right in the firmament of
starters we had our perennial favourite the Travancore- Beef Dry Fry or
der and succulent rich in a hot marinade of traditional spices. The magic kick to the taste was impacted by the subtle flavours oozing from those few unpeeled whole cloves of garlic that were added to the frying. That smart addition took this dish to a whole different level altogether.
Indian chefs, who had also created this new concept of ‘Trilogi’.
The crunchy Malabar- Seafood Vada Masala is an innovative and fishy
In my casual chat with Chef Rejimon I learnt that he had invested
prawns and squid are ground and mixed with fresh masala then deep
the better part of over two year crisscrossing the various districts of Kerala, visiting and learning from various households, street-
side stalls, hotels and individuals who were renowned for recipes
December 2017- January 2018
132
twist given to the popular Kerala teatime snack Parippu Vada. Fish,
fried and served with a spicy Kokum topping. Chef Rejimon has also
invented a wonderful inter-continental fusion of European cheese on Vietnamese fish marinated in Kerala spices called Travancore- Meen
Chuttathu. This is a Basa filet which is marinated in a secret spice-
sired. After the bottom layer is padded in the steamer the most complex
chopped vegetables, grated coconut and mozzarella cheese, it
layer is a wholesome mix of flavours that envelop the biryani-masala
mix and grilled in an oven topped with an assortment of finely tasted simply sublime.
The aromatic Malabar-Seafood Thengapal Soup is a delicately
spiced coconut milk soup with tender morsels of finely chopped
seafood. Here again the Chef added his flair with some finely grated tender coconut shavings that made this already flavourful soup even more delectable and creamy.
In the mains we thoroughly enjoyed the Chef’s signature dish
Malabar- Idiappam Chemmeen Biryani. You would love to know
mid-layer that will make or break the Biryani comes on top. This crucial
spiced medium-sized shrimps. The secret of getting this dish to explode in one’s mouth with flavours is the magic of Chef Rejimon who ensures that the Chemmeen remains crunchy when it is served. Over umpteen
experiments he has mastered the timing of exposing the delicate shrimp to a mix of in-pan sautéing and steam-cooking. The presentation in an
egg-shaped round-edged triangle serving plate with that unique round fried bird’s nest of thin intertwined Pappadam flat strips, is visually immaculate and tastes divine.
that this dish had also won him an award recently for its originality
Finally, the dessert which capped off a memorable dinner was the Kochi-
complex construct that involves sandwiching a base and top layer
with the fluffiest part of the tender coconut in a reduction of coconut
in an All Kerala Chef’s Rice-Dish Competition. It is a laborious and of string-hoppers or Idiyappam with an inner-soul of shrimp-mix
that is expertly juxtaposed in the fragile mid-layer. The top and bottom layers comprise of string-hoppers which is made from roasted
Vazhapoo Ilaneer Payasam, which involves slow-cooking banana flower milk and jaggery. This perfectly complements the grated coconut and jaggery stuffed steamed rice pancake called Kochi- Ela Ada.
white rice flour mixed in hot water and a pinch of salt kneaded into
Where a majority of chefs are guilty of taking cooking very literally and
squeezed through a multi-holed presser which shapes it into tiny
the gifted chefs like Rejimon stand out for their understanding of the ab-
smooth dough with a dollop of pure cow-ghee, which is then finally curly noodles of damp rice strings that one can be shaped as de-
overcooking all the ingredients without any method to the madness,
struse nuances of food, especially the volatile spices. How they behaves
133 December 2017 - January 2018
and how much will be just about enough? He has understood the intricate art of letting each ingredient bloom and be there for a
reason to add texture to the complexity of the flavours he is trying
to create. When one imbibes food from such a master-craftsman, in a setting of warm ambience, served by the fabled faultless waiting team of Crowne Plaza, one tastes bliss.
Trilogi is slowly and steadily climbing the popularity charts, as the
word is spreading like wildfire and since this is a dinner service only restaurant, I understand it gets very busy over the weekends, so
one is best advised to make a reservation to avoid a wait and also
block a suitable table for your numbers in the more intimate inner
Kochi section of the restaurant. The Culinary Team - Crowne Plaza is drawing praise from patrons from the world over for their delicious and enchanting rendition of the Kerala Food experience. Acknowledged foodies are fabled to revisit Trilogi frequently, to indulge in
the various untried delicacies they had kept for discovery on a later visit.
Trilogy, must surely rank among the finest speciality restaurants in
the country, that dishes out the best and most creative interpretations of the Kerala cuisine.
December 2017- January 2018
134
Trilogi Crowne Plaza, Kundanoor Junction, NH 47 Bypass, Maradu, Kochi Reservations Call: 0484-2865000
135 December 2017 - January 2018
December 2017- January 2018
136
WHERE TO STAY
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION
PUNNAMADA RESORT Resort
Location: Alappuzha
With great planning comes a beautiful Kerala Resort and Punnamada can boast about both these features quite proudly. Guests are greeted by the soft breez blowing off the Vembanad Lake, Alleppey the banks of which house the resort, right across the famous Kerala backwaters. Tel : +91 477 2233690/ 9446433692 Email: mail@punnamada.com Web : www.punnamada.com
CHERAI BEACH RESIDENCY Serviced Villa
Location: Ernakulam
Cherai Beach Residency is a beautiful B&B property with 6 rooms. Panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the divine landscape of Cochin soothe your mind and body. Cherai beach is located at Vypin Island, Kochi. It is just 25 Kilometers from the Kochi International Airport and 20 Km from Aluva Railway station. Tel : 0484 2488260, 2983260, 9895117337, 9744267337 Email : cheraibeachresidency@gmail.com Web : www.cheraibeachresidency.com
CHERAI BEACH RESORTS Resort
Location: Ernakulam
Cherai Beach Resorts is located at the Gateway to Muziris, the heritage capital of Kerala, 25 kms from Cochin International Airport. This tropical paradise enchants you with its charming exotica. Seductive beaches, serene backwaters, swaying coconut lagoons, lush green paddy fields, delicious cuisine - a sublime heritage. Tel : 0484-2481818, 2416949, 9847231400, 9562606949 Email: enquiry@cheraibeachresorts.com Web : www.cheraibeachresorts.com
HARBOUR HOTELS Hotel
Location: Ernakulam
Harbour Hotels combines traditional values with modern amenities in a beautiful coastal setting. Facilities banquet hall,suite deluxe and standard rooms,restaurant,board room,travel desk,free wifi,minibar etc Tel : 04842482487, 7025278666 Fax : 04842482427 Email: harbourhotels@gmail.com Web : www.theharbourhotel.in
KADALKKARA LAKE RESORTS Resort
Location: Ernakulam
Stay in this paradise will be a rare dreamy and greenery experience to keep in your mind and life forever. Your day starts from the bed awakening with a new awareness seeing the colorful scenic beauty behind the golden clouds the shinning and sight of exotic local fisherman in their canoes fishing .In monsoon one can enjoy the spectacular sight of roaring rain and hear the light music of monsoon rain from the lake and roaring rock music of the other side of Arabian sea & shore. Front Desk: 04842481999, 9567717999 Email: kadalkkara@yahoo.com Web: www.kadalkkaralakeresorts.com
To get listed on these pages please Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com 137 December 2017 - January 2018
KADALORAM BEACH RESORTS Resort
Location: Ernakulam
Kadaloram Beach Resort, a classified homestay located within walking distance to the Cherai beach is the perfect rendition of Kerala tradition. Front Desk: 9446490180,8111890180,0484-2488800 Email: rathankadaloram@gmail.com Web: www.cherairesort.com
MARE BLU RESORTS Resort
Location: Ernakulam
Address: Mare Blu Resort, Palliport po), Beach Road, Cherai, cochin, Kerala 683515
Tel: 7356127779, 9539327756 E-Mail: marebluresort@gmail.com Web : www.mareblu.in
SEA LAGOON HEALTH RESORT Resort
Location: Ernakulam
Cradled between the turbulent waves of the Arabian Sea on one side and the serene backwaters on the other, Sea Lagoon Health Resort, Cherai comes with an unparalleled view that is sure to engage the senses. Modeled to represent the traditional architecture of Kerala, the Resort takes guests through Kerala’s rich heritage of art and healing. Unhurried, intimate and culturally invigorating, Sea Lagoon Health Resort is sure to have guests coming back for more. Tel : 04842417110, 9446292110 Email: gm@sealagoonhealthresort.com Web : www.sealagoonhealthresort.com
GLITZ INN Hotel
Location: Kozhikode
Glitz inn hotel is located in the city next to the railway station in Calicut. Glitz inn welcomes you for a comfortable stay during your tour. Whether you are for pleasure trip or on business, you are sure to find a suit your preferences. We would provide best suited accommodation during your trip. We have 38 rooms in the hotel, the rooms and suite of your hotel luxurious and spacious and with A/C in all rooms. Tel : 0495-2743993-4 Email: admin@glitzinn.in Web : www.glitzinn.in
ARIPRA FARM HOUSE Location: Malappuram
Homestay
Aripra Farmhouse is nestled in the natural beauty of Kerala. Traditional home cooked Kerala dishes are the main attraction while the guests can also take part in various household activities of the family. Homestay can be described as a safe, secure and caring home away from home, for the guests. Tel : 04933236795, 9745514644 Email: ariprafarmhouse@gmail.com Web : www.ariprafarmhouse.com
NC GARDENS & BEACH RESROT Resort
Location: Malappuram
NC Gardens & Beach Resort is nestled in a small cove on the Malabar coast of Kerala set amidst a lush green coconut grove with tall coconut palms sashaying to the tune of salty breeze from the Arabian Sea. A pristine stretch of virgin beach stretches long and is a splendid retreat for sea worshippers. The palm fringed beach outlines 15 acres of lush green coconut plantation complete with traditional cottages that makes you feel worlds away from reality. Tel : 9961471480 Email: ncgardens@gmail.com Web : www.ncbeachresort.com
To get listed on these pages, Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com December 2017- January 2018
138
SURABHI HOMESTAY Homestay
Location: Malappuram
‘surabhi’ homestay Paramba, Pookkottumpadam, Chettipadam Post, Malappuram (Dist), Kerala,South INDIA - 679 332 Tel : 04931260215, 09745860353 Email: raghurajbp756@gmail.com Web : www.indiakeralatour.com
E T S RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Palakkad
Since 1979 we have been providing unparallel services and more than 1000 projects stand testimony to the trust and popularity enjoyed by Scholar Builders. Strict adherence to quality standards and keeping pace with the changing times have helped Scholar Builders to attain the “Numero uno” position in their field. Tel : 9633595782, Ph : +91 491 2530322 / 2530422 Email : etsresidencypgt@gmail.com Web : www.etsresidency.com
ESSAAR RESORTS AND ANANDA GEETHAM MINI CONFERENCE HALL Homestay
Location: Palakkad
Essar Serviced Villa and Resorts is situated amidst the green paddy fields of Nemmara, near the Nellikulangara temple, 100 meters from the Vallenghy bypass road on the state highway between Thrissur and Pollachi Essaar Serviced Villa primarily is an eco-friendly resort that nestles in the luxuriant greenery of nature, in the midst of coconut grooves overlooking a vast expansion of flush green paddy fields Our distinctive resort, approved by Kerala Tourism, is the ideal remote getaway location for a quiet holiday in spectacular natural surroundings, in the valley of Nelliyampathy Hills Tel : 94474-53124,04923-244815,9495341685 Email: booking@essaarresorts.com Web : www.essaarresorts.com
FANAR HOME STAY WITH HOMELY FOOD Homestay
Location: Palakkad
Fanar, Near St Therese HSS ,ShoranurFanar Home Stay, Near St.therese Girls HSS, Opp. Chemmarikat House, Nearest Mayilvahanam Work Shop,Shornur, Mobile: 9447143508/ 9400805405Shoranūr, Kerala 679121 India Tel : 00919447143508 Email: akshayanetsrr@gmail.com Web : www.bhhmvatp.preview.suite.booking.com
GINGERHILLNEST Homestay
Location: Palakkad
A “Diamond Class” home stay with three twin bedded rooms in the midst of an organic farm cultivated with almost all spices along with coconut ,arecanut ,mango, cocoa and coffee, overlooking the reservoir of Kanjirapuzha irrigation project.On the back drop is extensive plantations and forests.Vast expanse of un-polluted air,calm and serene atmosphere and the home made Kerala cuisine are our attractions. Siruvani Eco -Safari,& Silent valley National Park attracts lot of people Tel : 9447778435 Email:info@gingerhillnest.in Web : www.gingerhillnest.in
HOTEL OASIS RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Palakkad
At Oasis Residency we pride ourselves on our unique service culture. Redefining hospitality- is our service philosophy, which promises that each guest will be treated with a positive service attitude at every point of contact. Tel : 0491 2539791,0491 2539891,2539991 Email: info@oasispalakkad.com Web : www.oasispalakkad.com
To get listed on these pages, Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com 139 December 2017 - January 2018
ITL RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Palakkad
ITL Residency is one of the professionally managed hospitality venture of ITL World, in Palakkad, at Robinson Road. “ITL Residency� is built amidst a soothing ambience of absolute serenity even within the bustles of the city offering a complete range of affluent amenities. Our well trained disciplined staffs with unique service and star facilities welcome you to spend your holidays and vacations, where the ambiance suites very much to the business class hotel. Front Desk: 0491 2525262, 9388308780 Email: itlresidency@gmail.com Web: www.itlresidency.com
MANGO VILLAGE Homestay
Location: Palakkad
We are a traditional family who truly believe our guests make our life more meaningful. We have 2 nice & clean private double bed rooms available for family. We love the inter-cultural communications and enjoy the excitement of hosting families from India & abroad, to introduce our local culture. Tel: 9562443234 E-Mail: mangovillagekerala@gmail.com Web : www.mangovillagekerala.com
NALANDA INN Hotel
Location: Palakkad
Stay with luxury,Non classified 3 star hotel,a/c non a/c rooms,Nalanda rich restaurant,Marhaba a/c banquet hall,mini confrence hall
Tel : 04912522333 Email: nalandainn333@gmail.com Web : www.nalandainn.com
PARAY VILLAGE COUNTY Hotel
Location: Palakkad
Paray Village County, One of the Finest Luxury hotel in Kollengode; well decorated with modern facilities and 4 star classified; BAR , RESTAURANT, COFFEE SHOP, BANQUET HALL
Tel : 9037759746 Email: villagecountyparay@gmail.com Web : www.parayvillagecounty.com
PLANTERS RETREAT Homestay
Location: Palakkad
Set amidst a lush tropical plantation of cocoa, rubber and spice, Planters Retreat is a treasure trove for nature lovers, adventure seekers or for those simply looking for a quiet relaxing holiday. Located near the hamlet of Kanhirapuzha, 40 km from the town of Palakkad in Kerala, the home stay is set in an exclusive locale, yet is easily accessible by road and rail from the cities of Kochi, Calicut and Coimbatore. Tel : 9847032804,04924 238232 Email: mail@plantersretreat.in Web : www.plantersretreat.in
ATHIRAPPILLY RESIDENCY HOTEL INDIA PVT. LTD. 4 STAR HOTEL (LODGING, RESTAURANT)
Location: Thrissur
Athirappilly Residency Hotel India Pvt. Ltd., Pariyaram situated within the heart of Tourism at Athirappilly in Gods own country Kerala. our hotel located between athirappilly waterfalls, Vazhachal, Charppa, Thumboor mozhi butterfly park, and Cochin International Airport. We invite you in the beauty of Gods own country while being surrounded by homely comforts. Our mid priced hotel combines modest luxuries, convenience in its rooms and suites. Tel : 8606010999 / 9048493611 Email: hotelathirappillyresidency@yahoo.com Web : www.athirappillyresidency.in
To get listed on these pages, Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com December 2017- January 2018
140
CHEDI SPRING VALLEY Organic Farm Stay
Location: Thrissur
An Ecofriendly Spot For Organic Farm stay which provides Rockclimbing,Trekking,Swimming,Wildlifeadventure,Cooking Classes,Camping,Birdwatching,Yoga & Meditataion,Ayurvedic treatment Tel : 9847309738,9847811188 Email: chedispring@gmail.com Web : www.chedispringvalley.com
DEVANGANAM RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
Guruvayur temple 4 minutes walk vadakkumnathan temple 26kms away dream world park 70 km kodungallur 51km nedumbassery airport 83km
Tel Email Web
: 0487 255 6666, 994971 6666 : info@devanganamresidency.com : www.devanganamresidency.com
DEVASURA INN Hotel
Location: Thrissur
Devasura inn a 3 star Business class hotel is located at punnayoorkulam,its about 10 kms from the guruvayoor temple,9kms from the Mammiyoor temple.WhIle Railway station and Transport Bus Station are 10 kms away
Tel : 04872543221, 2545944, 2545955, 2545966 Email: info@devasurainn.com Web : www.devasurainn.com
GURUVAYUR GUEST HOUSE Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
near by Guruvayur temple With AC and Non ac rooms also with restaurant and kalyana mandapam and outdoor catering
Tel : 04872551147 Email: grameenenterprises@gmail.com Web : www.guruvayurguesthouse.net
HOLIDAY PARK Hotel
Location: Thrissur
A modern destination of hospitality carries its rich grandeur of traditional of South India with an international blend of modern efficiency. Located atPudukkad,Kerala on NH47, You feel quite and calm place outside city. The aesthetic ambience,well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, restaurant, cafĂŠ and banquet halls. Tel : 8943344581, 8943322585, 0480 2759990-99 Email: hotelholidaypark@gmail.com Web : www.holidaypark.in
HOTEL PUSHPANJALI GVR Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
Hotel pushpanjali gvr just 100 metre away from the east entrance of the srikrishna temple guruvayur The hotel is just a 5 Minutes drive from the Guruvayur Elephant Sanctuary and Railway Station Tel : 04872553594, 2553595 Email: hotelpushpanjaligvr@gmail.com Web : www.hotelpushpanjaligvr.com
To get listed on these pages,Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com 141 December 2017 - January 2018
ICL TOURS AND TRAVELS PVT LTD Travel Agency
Location: Thrissur
ICL Tours & Travels Private Limited VKK Building, 2nd Floor, Main Road, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur (Dt), Kerala - 680121, India. Phone:(+91) 0480-2828071, 2831305 Mobile: (+91) 8606 618 555, 8606 618 444
Tel : (+91) 8589 020 246, 8589 020 247 Mobile: (+91) 8589 020 246, 8589 020 247 Email: iclholidays@gmail.com Web: www.icltours.com
KR INN Hotel
Location: Thrissur
Address: Calicut Road, Perumpilavu, Thrissur Dt, Kerala, India, Kunnamkulam, 680519
Tel: 04885283696,279263 E-Mail: krinnhotel@yahoo.com Web : www.krgroupofhotels.com
LALRACHAN HOMESTAY Homestay
Location: Thrissur
Lalrachan is an ecofriendly homestay,situated slightly off the main road that lead to Athirapilly Waterfalls It is just 50 meters off the banks of the river that flows from the Athirappilly waterfalls and turns in to the enriching chalakudy river Tel : 9745544160, 8592979397, 9995777301, 04802769022 Email: lalrachanhomestay@gmail.com Web : www.lalrachanhomestay.in
LULU INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONAL CENTER & GARDEN HOTELS Hotel
Location: Thrissur
With a built–up area of 160000 sq. ft. the sheer spaciousness and opulence of this venue is more than enough to take anyone’s breath away!. We also provide car parking facility for 1800 cars and even features an exclusive helipad. Lulu Garden Hotel is undoubtedly the best Hotel in Thrissur featuring 35 well furnished and spacious rooms and suites, appropriate for relaxation of mind and body of the business and the pleasure-seeking class. Tel : 0487-3011111, 2389527 Email: lulutcr@gmail.com Web : www.luluicc.in
MADHAV INN Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
200 mtrs from temple 500 meters from railway station 85kmtrs from nedumbassery airport
Tel : 04872552296,2552297 Email: madhavinngvr@gmail.com Web : www.madhavinn.com
Mayura Residency Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
Our hotel located near the west nada of the guruvayur temple.The hotel is just 85 km from Nedumbassery Airport and hardly 500 meter from the Guruvayur Railway Station and Bus stad
Tel : 04872557174, 04872558707 Email: mail@hotelmayuraguruvayur.com Web : www.hotelmayuraguruvayur.com
To get listed on these pages, Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com December 2017- January 2018
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MINI RESORTS AYURVEDA RETREAT Location: Thrissur
Ayurveda Resort
Featuring free WiFi, Mini Resorts and Ayurveda Retreat offers accommodation in Trichūr. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. A flat-screen TV is provided. The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, 55 km from the property. Tel : 8606863399,8111968867 Email: miniayurvedaresort@gmail.com Web : www.getaroom.co.in
NAKSHATRA EMERALD INN Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
we are offering luxury stay with affordable price
Tel Email Web
: 8606384448 : nakshatraemeraldinn@gmail.com : www.nakshatraemeraldinn.com
RAJAVALSAM GURUVAYUR Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
The hotel has 37 well furnished rooms and 17 ac deluxe rooms that are specially designed to feel the timeless elegance.There is quite a choice of bed rooms.A/C and non A/C rooms.The Vaishnavi the spacious 1000 pax A/C hall will be the perfect menu for your dream weddings.
Tel : 0487 2556252/ 0487 2556756/ 047 2560160, 09946929222/ 9745646333 Email: mail@rajavalsam.com Web :
SATHYA INN Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
Situated just 50 metres from the Lord Krishna Temple, Guruvayur and with a haven of hospitality, Sathya Inn welcomes you to enjoy the choicest delights in luxury and comfort. Every visit at Sathya Inn will be a new experience for you. We like to think, a stay with us, takes each guest beyond their expectations. That’s what makes us special! At Sathya inn, we ensure you get true value for your money in accommodation and amenities, making your stay a very enjoyable experience. Tel : 00917025556363 Email: sathyainnguruvayur@gmail.com Web : www.sathyainn.com
SREEKRISHNA RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Guruvayur
Sree Krishna Residency your perfect holiday accommodation is located on absolutely temple near, Sree Krishna Residency overlooks a serene and peaceful area of the devotional city Guruvayur. The pure vegetarian restaurant serves South Indian, North Indian, Punjabi and Chinese dishes and catering services. Ample Car Parking, ATM, Doctor on call, Room Service, Travel Assistance, Internet Café with WIFI Tel : 0487-2556505, 9400291111 Email: sreekrishnaresidency@gmail.com Web : www.sreekrishnaresidency.in
VIDYA RESIDENCY Hotel
Location: Thrissur
A new business venture VIDYA RESIDENCY at Perumpilavu, Trichur Dist ,Kerala, with the aim of providing comfortable Home stay Facilities of standardized services to the tourist/pilgrims, and to supplement the availability of accommodation in the tourist/pilgrims destination like Guruvayoor and & Thrissur. Tel : 04885284600, 284700 Email: info@vidyaresidency.com Web : www.vidyaresidency.com
To get listed on these pages, Email: listing@thekeralaexplorer.com 143 December 2017 - January 2018
The Rydges Inn is a business class luxury hotel located at Changuvetty in
the land of Ayurveda - Kottakkal right on the side of Calicut - Thrissur National Highway. There are 17 double bedded and elegantly appointed rooms categorized into Suites and Deluxe Rooms with all modern convenience. It has a multi cuisine restaurant, Speciality restaurant and a conference hall, all air-conditioned. With business class hotels in Kottakkal and Calicut and a magnificent Ayurvedic Resort in Cheruthuruthy, the group now forges to new heights of expansion.
Rydges Inn Changuvetty , Kottakkal Malappuram District , Kerala Pin Code - 676503 Phone : +91 483 2747433 +91 483 2102760 Email : info@rydgesinn.com
Situations Vacant Creative Graphic-cum-Web Designer We have opening for a Creative Graphic-cum-Web designer. Young and enthusiastic candidates in the age group of 21 to 26, currently working in similar profile can apply with of work portfolio. Should be expert in responsive web design (HTML 5, CSS 3, Jquery, Bootstrap, etc) in addition to expertise in adobe suite photoshop, illustrator, etc. Since we make booklets and mags, we also need the candidate to be expert in page making software like indesign, or QuarkXpress.
Media Business Developent Professionals Responsibilities include media sales of both print and digital media. We are looking for dynamic people with 3 to 5 years experience in similar profile. Pleasing personality, persuasive and excellent communication skills in English & Malayalam and possession of two wheeler/car licence is a must. Candidates must be professional and target oriented. Job profile includes meeting owners of businesses and top decision makers on a regular basis, to elicit their support for the publication and related digital media streams. Exceptionally talented freshers can also be considered. Minimum educational qualification required is graduation from reputed institution. MBAs in Marketing would be welcome. Those interested in the above positions can email their updated CVs with the latest passport size photograph to jobs@thekeralaexplorer.com
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