FEATURED STORY
City Gears up to Welcome NRKs No one can deny the fact that economy of our state is depending on lakhs of Malayalees working abroad. Dubai, one of the prominent trade hubs in the world, looks like a mini Kerala with Malayalees around the corner. They work hard around the clock all the year to earn their livelihood as well as for their relatives back home. Even working in Middle East, Europe or in the richest country in the world, America, the heart of a Malayalee lies in his home land, the memories, and nostalgia and always dreams him to be back at his place. For bachelors or singles, have the liberty of coming home as and when
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they get leave from the employers.
shopping spree before they leave. To
But for the families, it is during June
welcome them, shops in the city gear
to August when they can plan coming
up for ‘NRI Fests’.
back to their home town, as per the schedule of school holidays. During this time, the markets as well as the government gears up to welcome the NRKs with special offers and the relatives try to make them feel comfortable at home.
Textiles and jewellery put up exclusive collection to satiate their needs. Kerala is well known for its crave for gold; therefore jewellers in Kerala are keeping up their hopes on NRIs to boost up sales in June-July month. NRIs come down with the intention of
It feels good to be back and going
buying a whole new wardrobe every
back to the roots - being a part of our
time they visit. When they go back
own culture, our own society. In the
they take with them Indian jewellery
month of June-July NRIs flee to their
and textiles which are bound to their
homeland to spend some quality time
hearts.
with their dear ones. This is the time when the NRIs return to home for summer breaks largely for holidaying and to organize family celebrations like wedding. They go on for a
Czarina, city’s leading boutique has set up ‘NRI Fest’ to bring NRIs with its exquisite fabrics. From office wear to party and wedding garments you
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have everything at Czarina. Czarina
applicable for patients under insur-
has pointed out a trend among NRIs in
ance Scheme) and upto 10% on Optical
picking up party wears. There are saris
Purchase. This offer is valid from 1st of
in silks, chiffons, georgettes, jutes and
July to 15th of September.
cottons, in various palettes. They have also arranged ‘magic jewels’ to blend with the attires. The fest will continue till end of July.
the Government and it plan and executes various schemes and projects for the purpose. Government being
India’s No.1 jewellery Group, Josco
committed to the problems of Non-
jewelers is celebrating “Josco NRI-
Resident Keralites has launched vari-
MONSOON FEST 2012’’ to welcome
ous schemes in collaboration with oth-
the NRIs. Josco has arranged ex-
er agencies in order to provide social
clusive diamond jewellery to meet
security cover to millions of NRKs who
the needs and taste of their special
toil away from the land of their birth.
guests. Customers will be given a spe-
NORKA ROOTS is the government
cial discount offer of Rs 3000 per ct on
agency, implements and runs several
all diamond ornaments. Gift hampers,
schemes for Non Resident Keralites as
lucky draws etc has been arranged.
well as NRK returnees.
This shopping festival displays unique heritage and unparallel service along with proud jewel diversity ranging from Pure 916 BIS Hall marked gold ornaments, collections of Diamonds, platinum and precious stones. Exclusive range of antique styled jewellery and designer pieces are also set up in this fiesta.
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NRK welfare is the prime concern of
Last week Chief Minister Oommen Chandy have inaugurated The NRK Insurance cards, introduced for the people who are either residing or working in the other states in India for at least 2 years and have completed the age of eighteen years. The eligible NRKs can submit their duly filled in application along with the relevant documents
Vasan Eye care is offering special
with a fees of `300/- per person. The
offers for NRIs as well as for their
fees can be submitted in the Norka-
dependents. First consultation will be
Roots offices or as DD in the name of
free, which includes refraction test,
Chief Executive Officer, Norka-Roots
Doctor Consultation and counseling.
payable at Thiruvananthapuram. For
They also offer discounts on upto
more details of Norka schemes please
10% on Zyoptix/Cataract surgery (Not
visit http://www.norka.gov.in/
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The Czarina NRI Fest set to create magic once again! The annual saree extravaganza is back again. Czarina, Trivandrum’s leading boutique that specializes in exclusive and designer sarees, has inaugurated its much awaited NRI Fest. An event that has become a landmark in the city’s fashion scene, Czarina’s NRI Fest has a collection of sarees selected carefully to meet the taste and sensibilities of NRIs visiting the state. The collection is eclectic and has designs and weaves from practically every part of the country. The eye-catching variety of sarees includes tussars, georgettes, Crepes, Chiffons, Kancheepurams and rare verities of other silks. There are
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sarees to suit every occasion, be it a
means that you can get perfectly fit-
party, wedding or a festive season.
ting trendy outfits without the trouble
The weaves, stylish block prints and
of finding a suitable tailor!
embellishments make even the casual sarees look truly special. The collection also has traditional sarees in chanderis, maheshwaris and super nets.
But for those who prefer tailor made fits, Czarina stocks a huge range of unstitched ensembles that you can mix and match to make fabulous designer
Shopping at Czarina has now become
outfits.Lehengas in brocade and geor-
an even more pleasant experience as
gette are also available. You can also
you can simultaneously pick up trendy
pick up embroidered semi-stitched
salwar kameez for your wardrobe
blouses to enhance your sarees.
from the recently opened Czarina Designer wear Boutique. Ready made kurtas and Leggings are available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes for your convenience. This
The Fest will continue till the end of July. Czarina Catholic Centre, Near General Hospital Mob: 93877 21322
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HANG OUT
They’re Magically Delicious! When you pass by Vettikonam, near Vazhayila you might have a break down, an olfactory break down. Your olfactory senses would be attacked by aromas from Mermaid bakes such that you would automatically move towards it. Whatever may be your fancy, you’ll be sure to find something delectable to tempt your taste buds here. So whether you’re looking for a light bite or a lip smacking item to take home, just stop by Mermaid bakes and take your pick of a great range of fresh and healthy foods. Mermaid bakes was started by a food buff Arielle Varghese last October. The magic spell produced by the food here has made it well-known in a
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short span of time. Arielle began with
bakes have food lovers from urban
just muffins but later on she started
areas. Orders are taken one day in
experimenting with new items which
advance.
makes the mermaid bakes which we see today. Arielle completed her Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from Christ College in Bangalore, following which, she tried with teaching. Her love for food made her quit the teaching job and she started the bakeshop where she found the real pleasure of working. Arielle is planning to start another bakery in Trivandrum city soon. Conventionally, bakery food is associated with the younger generation. As there are not many colleges and schools nearby, adults constitute the major customers. Even though located away from the city Mermaid
Famous for its products freshly baked on the premises, Mermaid’s most popular item is Red Velvet Cupcake. The price of items is reasonable here. As it is mango season now variety of items are made with the fruit like mango muffins, mango tarts, mango cakes etc. If you haven’t tired the mermaid’s magic yet, walk into this shop and give your tongue a chance to transport you to a gastronomical delight. Mermaid Bakes SRA C 24A, Kuzhivila Rd. Vettikonam 0471-2374163
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DINING
Mothers Veg Plaza brings Sadya 365 Days to the City It’s time to tingle and tantalize your taste buds at Mothers Veg Plaza with a lip smacking treat Sadya is considered to be one of Kerala’s signature contributions to the world of vegetarian cuisine.The all day dining restaurant in Mothers Veg Plaza offering a unique dining experience with traditional kerala sadya. Mothers Veg plaza, Located at Bakery Junction at Thiruvananthapuram offers 365 days Sadya in the city. Rice is the essential ingredient of this nine course Strictly vegetarian meals Same as traditional sadya,It is served
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in Banana leafs. Following the way of
All together there are 11 essential dish-
placing the leaf and an order of serv-
es which have to prepared for Sadya.
ing the dishes.Rice is the main course.
Kerala traditional Sadya is considered
With rice, various kinds of dishes are
to be the most elaborate and grand
served... different curries, ‘upper-
meal prepared by any civilisation or
ies’ (things fried in oil), ‘pappadams’
cultures in the world. It’s a feast which
(round crisp flour paste cakes of pecu-
if enjoyed once is relished for years.
liar make), ‘achars’ (pickles of various kinds),and ‘prathamans’ (Desserts)
Mothers Veg Plaza is having facility to deliver the traditional Onasadya right to your doorstep every day as per order in advance. Mothers Veg Plaza Bakery Jn. 301 301 3
‘It is the first restaurant in India serves Kerala traditional Sadya.’ K S Sanal Director, Mothers Veg Plaza T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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TOURISM
Kerala Tourism at Delight Tourism Policy announced after 17 years Kerala Government seems embellishing Brand Kerala! Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s announcement of Kerala Tourism Policy 2012, the new one since 1995, is, indeed, a strive towards tourism industry worthy to be mentioned . While the states like Gujarat and West Bengal promoting their tourism with Bollywood Superstars, this de-glamorized but much promising effort of Kerala is surely going to rock the ground.
Hiya Chakrabarti
The policy seeks to generate volumes of 30 lakh foreign and 1.8 crore domestic tourist arrivals by the year 2021. According to the official document, the foreign tourist arrival in Kerala has registered 12 percent annual growth rate in the last decade. During 2010, the state received 6.5 lakhs foreign tourists. The average an-
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nual growth rate of domestic tourist
tate speedy clearances of the tourism
arrivals during the last decade was 4.5
projects for investment above Rs 10
percent.
crores. Ten thematic museums will
But all statistics become dull when it comes to Kerala politics. How to deal with the regular hartals and other strikes which is one of the major reasons for affecting the state tourism? Well, the policy is advanced with the
be set up in 10 years to showcase cultural heritage of the state. But these investments will be allowed only after evaluating and ensuring adherence to principles and practices of sustainability.
idea to exempt the tourism sector
A Task Force against Trafficking and
from hartals after consultation with
Abuse will be formed with officials
political parties and trade unions.
from the departments of Social Wel-
Some of main attractions of the new policy are: Fast track clearance-in order to facili-
fare, Education, Law, Home, Health and Tourism to develop mechanisms and action plans to implement and monitor zero tolerance on trafficking, substance and child abuse in tourism.
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“Positive & Qualitatively Future Looking” E M Najeeb, Chairman - ATE The tourism policy of Kerala an-
supporting tourism training through
nounced recently covers important
ITI’s Vocational Higher Secondary
strategies like enhancing visitor
Schools and private institutes etc.
experience through providing proper infrastructure and developing facilities at destinations. It also spells out initiatives to keep the community in the forefront as a beneficiary of tourism. Involvement of Local Self Government, channelizing economic benefits to the society, giving importance to socio-cultural aspects and strengthening responsible-tourism activities are some of the measures for community announced in the policy. It also pronounces steps for marketing Kerala as a ‘Visible Global Brand’ focusing on domestic and international markets. Apart from strengthening marketing internationally and in the domestic markets, it also envisages effective market researches and internet enabled marketing strategies.
There is a provision in the policy for setting up a Task Force on tourism marketing. To advice government on destination development, tourism product development, tourism marketing strategies, HR and tourism research to enhance the state’s image as a premier tourism destination. The committee is envisaged to have nominated members from the tourism industry and members of various Task Forces in tourism. The policy as a whole sounds positive and qualitatively future looking. But, “the proof of the pudding will be in the eating”. Unless the implementation of the provisions are carried out effectively, the policy will not have its expected results.
The policy spells out its intend to make Kerala an ‘All Season Destination’ and to increase average length of stay of tourists. There are clear initiatives to strengthen the Human Resources development in tourism through KITTS, making it an apex institute for HR development and promoting, and
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Much attention has been given to the intra-state destinations such as Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Wayanad. Experiences of all these places are sought to be replicated elsewhere. Initiatives have been taken to set up a Kerala convention promotion bureau to market the state in the MICE (meetings incentives conferences and exhibitions) segment. Private-public partnerships would be promoted on the marketing front. A task force will take care of promoting new-found sites of Bekal and Wayanad in north Kerala. Hop-on, hop-off services will be provided in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi, Kochi backwaters and the hilly destination of Munnar. Indeed, if properly executed, the policy will ensure quality visitor experience; focus on benefits for the tourists, making Kerala a visible global brand in domestic and international markets, and to develop quality human resources in tourism and hospiAnother task force has been proposed
tality sector.
on infrastructure development. The
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minister for tourism will be the chair-
However, the time has the last say
man, with representatives from the
how many visitors will come ‘to taste
trade and government being mem-
and to touch/And to feel as much’ the
bers.
Destination Kerala!
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COVER STORY
“Remembering P N Panicker” 17th Reading Week Celebrated 24
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The state level inauguration of the 17th Reading Week was conducted by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Kanakakunnu Palace on 19th of last month. The programme was celebrated in memory of library activist P N Panicker, organized by Education Department, Information and Public Relations Department, Panchayat Department and P N Panicker Foundation. The week long celebrations concluded on 25th June. T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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Reading opens up our world and enriches our lives. Reading exposes us to the world
power on society is diminishing with
around us and develops an under-
the onslaught of new technologies.
standing and concern for the people around us. I feel that reading is an activity which can be divided into four stages-information, knowledge, wisdom and culture. Reading gives information which in turn develops our knowledge and wisdom and later on gets infused in our culture. Reading can make one learn not only languages but cultures of civilizations by making an individual live the past, present or future of places he or she has never been to. During earlier days if a trend comes in writing style, it would stay for a long time. But now the duration for which such trends last is negligible. Nowadays styles change all of a sudden. Therefore the masterpiece of today may not be remembered tomorrow. In earlier days books had strength to keep hold of society intact and even played as an eective tool in portraying evils in the society. I’m of the opinion that today books are just meant for individualistic deeds, its
George Onakkoor 26
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Nowadays majority of youth read just to satisfy their career objectives. Earlier days reading was a sort of entertainment, but now with the advent of technology things have changed a lot and the means of entertainment has taken a dierent turn in television sets, ipods, video games, social networking sites etc. It is high time that the younger generation understand the importance of reading!!!
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is
in his memory by Government of
known as the Father of the Library
Kerala in association with P N Panicker
Movement in Kerala. The activities
Foundation.
of the Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom which was initiated by P. N. Panicker, ignited a popular cultural movement in Kerala at the end of which the state acquired total literacy in the 1990s. Every year on World Reader Day, a weeklong celebration is organized
This year Reading Week was inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on June 19th at Kanakakunnu Palace. On his inaugural address, Chief Minister mentioned the initiatives taken by P N Panicker in
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encouraging reading in rural areas. He
Ganesh Kumar and P.K. Kunhalikutty
released the book ‘Swathi Thirunal:
inaugurated various sessions, includ-
Jeevithavum Krithikalum’, written by
ing seminars on environmental issues,
Dr V S Sharma, handing over a copy
skill development for employee en-
to Carnatic musician Parassala B Pon-
hancement, literacy and development,
nammal.
women’s empowerment through
BSNL Penta TPADs tabled computers were released by Education Minister Abdu Rabb, which will be distributed
information technology, distribution of drinking water with the cooperation of societies.
to the students in the rural areas
An exhibition on latest educational
with subsidized pricing to promote
technology was organized by the
e-reading. Cultural Affairs Minister K
Foundation along with Le Brown
C Joseph, Litterateur O N V Kurup,
Events. Thousands of students from
George Onakkoor, M R Thampan, Di-
the city attended the seminar and
rector of State Institute of Languages,
exhibition. Cultural programmes by
Palode Ravi MLA and several dignitar-
students of various schools in the
ies were present.
city were also performed during the
Ministers including P. J. Joseph, K.B.
event.
KIMS Royal Bahrain Hospital Inaugurated Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Sadiq Al Shehabi inaugurated the Royal Bahrain Hospital located in Salmaniya. The hospital’s infrastructure consists of state-of-the-art equipment’s, with integrated software and run on the latest technologies procured from all over the world. It has the only operational sleep lab in the kingdom, His Excellency – Minister of Health – Mr. Sadiq Al Shehabi inaugurating the hospital.
advanced laser technology for cosmetic
Front Row (L- R Mr Jacob Thomas, Dr M A Mohammed, Dr MohdSahadulla, HE, Minister of Health, Mr Ahmed Jawahery&Mr Mohan Kumar (Indian Ambassador)
machine and also offers fetal medicine
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surgery, 16-slice CT Scan, 4-D Ultrasound treatment.
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ON FACE
“Reading has not decreased, but the ways of reading has changed.” 30
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Following the footsteps of his father P.N. Panicker, father of library movement in Kerala N Balagopal strive to inculcate reading habit among people. Balagopal is totally committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden and weaker section of the people. His soul mission in life is to provide a life of dignity and honour to the common man through economic and social emancipation. He is the present Secretary of Kerala Educational Development and Employment Society (KEDES). He has been engaged in the Institution’s activities for the past 20 years as a voluntary worker. Shri Balagopal opens up his mind on account of the reading week celebrations organized by P N Panicker foundation. Excerpts from the interview MMT Desk had with N Balagopal. Are you of the opinion that read-
around him and this can be attained
ing habit is dying out in the modern
through reading.
world?
Books were a source of entertainment
Reading habit is not dying out. It is
in earlier days, but now youth has vari-
clear from the increase of number
ous means of entertainment like ipods,
of books and periodicals published.
mobiles, social networking sites etc.
Every year the number shows incre-
Has it affected their reading habits?
ment. New magazines and weeklies also are coming out in most of the languages. Despite the onslaught of electronic media people still prefer reading newspapers, that’s why newspaper industry has a strong foothold in India. News papers go for new editions from all possible centres. The reading of newspapers has been limited to that of headlines and few introductory paragraph but people do read. In this modern world people
Youth get to read a newspapers and books outside their homes, with shops, cafes, restaurants and railway stations, airports as chief access points. The number of websites and blogs has grown exponentially in past decade and youth prefer online ways to stay updated and get information. Reading has not decreased drastically but the ways of reading has changed. Can books bring about a revolution?
cannot stay aloof from reading as it’s important to know what’s happening
During yesteryears there were several
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books that had long lasting influence
Our sole mission is to empower the
on the society but now such power-
rural population with the tool of infor-
ful books are not coming up. This is
mation and provide them livelihood
because the situation has changed
on a sustainable basis. We aim to
nowadays; electronic media is more
uplift the underprivileged class, pro-
powerful now. Books cannot bring
vide them formal education and give
about a revolution now, but electronic
knowledge based training. We have al-
media can.
ready initiated this process by setting
Can you share something about ‘Reading week celebrations’?
Village Knowledge Centres) in rural India. We have conducted Jan Vigyan
Government of Kerala observes 19th
Vikas Yathra as a part of awareness
June annually as ‘Vayana Dinam’ to
programs. Our future plans include
commemorate the contributions of P
formation of IT Clubs, community
N Panicker. ‘Reading week’ celebra-
ham radio station , e-banking centres
tions are organized from June 19th-
,national open school centres etc.
25th to spread the message of read and grow. Through our foundation
Your advice for future generations?
we aim to promote serious reading
The future generation must be more
through continuous mission.
focused. They should understand that
Our path is beset with obstacles, but the support given by people carries our mission forward. We also have ‘aychakoottam’, a weekly discussion forum to inculcate knowledge to people on various topics. In a tie-up with
every job has its own importance, doctors and engineers cannot solely build up a society. For a society to sustain we need all kinds of people -social servants, doctors, politicians, entrepreneurs etc.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL),
We should be beneficial for the
the foundation will facilitate the
society and the country. This can be
distribution of up to one lakh ‘penta’
attained through reading, as it is the
tablet PCs in the rural areas as a part
platform through which a person
of reading week celebrations.
acquires knowledge, moral values etc.
Your comment on Social services done to the society?
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up 1000 Grameen Gyan Kendras (or
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So read and grow.
Business excellence and business promotion awards 2011 The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry has declared the business excellence and business promotion for the year 2011. The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a voluntary organization that promotes and develops trade and industry in Kerala and functions as a central forum for businessmen. Business excellence and business promotion awards 2011 for Trivandrum region are as follows. R Regunath bagged the award for business excellence in Advertising, whereas G Viswanath topped the architectural arena. Roy peter was declared the builder of year 2011 and S Vijayakumar was given award in the building material category. ZulďŹ quar Marikar pocketed the automobile excellence award, K Thomas Jacob was declared the best charted accountant. Suresh Mathew Nilamel for exports, George Jacob Muthoot for ďŹ nancial services, S Bahuleyan for General merchant, R Murugan for
Health care, Suresh Pillai for hospitality, Kalesan Natesan for handicrafts, P Vijayakumar for IT, M Sangeeth Kumar for LPG/petroleum and Rajenesh Clement for Interior decoration bagged the awards for their excellence in business. C Balagopal was presented award for manufacturing section, V Suresh for Photograph, A Bansi for paper and boards, Sanjiv I. Sunu for wood and timber Pradeep Jyothy for ayurveda , K M Mathew for pharmaceuticals and S Gautaman for textiles. Business promotion awards for 2011 was given for S Ananthaswamy , P Chithambaram , K Kesabasamy and S Pottivelu.
Newly elected executive committee members of The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mr C Chandra Mohanan has been elected the president of Chamber of Commerce, Thiruvananthapuram. The other oďŹƒce-bearers are S N Reghuchandran Nair(Secretary) and Suresh Mathew Nilamel(Treasurer) T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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METRO FACT
The Voyage of Sree Chithira Thirunal Library Sree chithira Thirunal library, an integral part of Trivandrum’s cultural heritage is nearing its Centenary. The man behind this venture was Sree Kesava Pillai. His passion for knowledge and the commitment he showed in setting up the library earned him the title “Vayanashala Kesava Pillai”. Pooja Jayan
Initially Kesava Pillai setup a library in his house with the collection of a few books which later blossomed into the library which we see today. Now the library is at Vanchiyoor on a piece of land given by the royal family. The library was started in the name of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last ruler of Travancore, when he was just two years old, as a token of respect to the royal family. Many eminent personalities of the time such
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as C.V. Raman Pillai, Dr.Kunjan Pillai
preserved old publications include
(chief secretary), M.Rajarajavarma
journals like Sudhrama, Lekshmibhai,
(Devaswom Commissioner) and R.
Sarada and Vidya Vinodini. It has also
Krishnapillai (Head Translator) were
publications in Hindi, English and
instrumental in developing it into a
Sanskrit. The library has a huge collec-
full fledged library. At that time there
tion of ‘panchagams” which makes
were only a few libraries in Kerala.
it distinct from other libraries. The
Those libraries were named after Lalalajpath Rai, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das , Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A. R. Rajaraja Varma, Kerala
municate with the past and imparts the profound ideas of the doyens of the past.
Varma Valia Koyi Thampuran and so
Another noteworthy factor of this
on. Today SCT library is being looked
library is its contributions to the
after by a nineteen member commit-
Malayalam theatre. The tradition of
tee including a member from the royal
writing a new drama every year and
family. Former chief secretary R. Ramachandran Nair is the present president and Kesava Pillai’s son Bhanuvikraman Nair is the secretary. With the proud collection of over one lakh books, in the library now, this library is a boon to research scholars, academicians and students across the country. One can delve into this vast ocean of knowledge and pick up pearls of information, education and entertainment. The library is a repository of palm leaf scriptures and old publications. The well
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library enables the present to com-
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staging it on stage on the occasion of
some of the prominent women who
its anniversary celebrations continues
used to act in those anniversary plays.
to this day.
The library is now passing through dif-
Sree Chithira Thirunaal Library played
ďŹ cult days. Need for more space for
a pivotal role in bringing women to
accommodating books and inade-
limelight through its plays. Educated
quate funds are two problems that re-
women were persuaded to perform
quire urgent remedy. With the advent
on stage thereby creating a notable
of the much hyped internet boom
revolution in our cultural fabric. As
there is a perception that the future
elsewhere till then, male actors used
of libraries is bleak. Several academi-
to do the roles in Malayalam theatre.
cians and industry pundits contribute
High court judge Anna Chandy, Col-
to this perception. Will Sree Chithira
lector Omana Kunjamma, Parvathy
Thirunal Library be able to withstand
Mills owner B.Radhadevi, Government
the onslaught of the internet revolu-
Secretary Aananthavalli Amma were
tion and its byproduct the e-book?
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Yoshihiro Kimura The man with a vision Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman of the Board in Terumo Penpol headquartered at Trivandrum is all set to take his company forward to the pinnacle of success amid the sturdy competition in the market. His extensive international exposure will undeniably facilitate towards expanding the company’s business in export markets. Mr Yoshihiro Kimura joined Terumo Corporation in 1978. With more than 32 years in Terumo; he has extensive experience in Production, Logistics, Finance & Accounting and Corporate Planning. He has been working in Kerala for over one year. Kimura, an Industrial Engineering graduate from Japan talks about the company and shares his notions about the Indian market.
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About the company Terumo Penpol has been serving Blood Centers across the globe for more than 25 years. We have export
Availability of skilled manpower is a major advantage enjoyed by India in attracting foreign investment into India.
to 6o countries around the world,
Indian middle class segment plays an
thanks to the associates who helped
important factor in the Indian market.
in improving our service and maintain
Tata Nano is the best example which
quality. TPL is today the world’s third
fully taps the latent potential of the
largest producer of blood bags and
middle class segment. Unnecessary
we have around 40% market share in
accessories are shelved off and are
India.
made available to people at reason-
The company employs over 800 skilled personnel at its Thiruvananthapuram plant and in its sale offices
able amount. Thereby the product got localized and the market increased gradually.
in various parts of the country. The
The Indian blood banking market is
company also lends a helping hand by
experiencing consistent growth each
improving the quality of life of the less
year. The blood bags are widely used
privileged section of society. Our com-
in the hospitals and blood banks for
pany helps in supporting education
the safe storage of blood. As India
for children, medical treatment, con-
population is high consequently the
ducts blood donation camp, upgrades
demand for products will be also high.
local School libraries and science labs
We are trying our best to expand our
and provides support to needy in local
services to cope up with it.
Community. Indian market
Blood donation in Kerala The blood donation rates are still low
With a population of over 1 billion,
in Kerala. There is very low aware-
India is an enormous potential market
ness about blood donation in Kerala.
for Japanese firms. The number of
People still believe that they become
Japanese companies operating in
weak and anaemic if they donate
India increased drastically over the
blood. The fear of blood-borne patho-
years and more are yet to come up.
gens has also adversely affected the
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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39
blood bank market. There should be
an issue in India. Medical Insurances
a proper system to register the blood
must be set up by government to
donors and promote voluntary blood
help the needy. In India only less than
donation among all sections of society
twenty percent is covered by medical
by the Kerala Government.
insurances. The Government should
Expensive life saving medicines and deprived people
put their best foot forward in the health sector, improve the standards of hospitals, increase the beds, and
The health of the people is the respon-
make medicines available at afford-
sibility of the Government. Affordable
able rates.
access to lifesaving medicines remains
Incredible Santhigiri India” tag. This was to acknowledge the services of the Santhigiri ashram of late Karunakara Guru to promote spiritual tourism and well-being of humans. Santhigiri from a small place in Trivandrum has grown beyond the geographic frontiers and religious boundaries and acquired a position in the International arena. People from different walks of life are flooding to the ashram for spiritual assistance and to ease out dilemmas in their lives. Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapaswi, Santhigiri, the abode of white
organising secretary of the ashram
lotus located in a small hummock at
stated that they would use ‘Incredible
Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram has
India’ tag in their brochures and web-
been given permission by the Union
site to improve the services provided
Tourism Ministry to use its “Incredible
by the Ashram.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
“Empowering Women” REACH is aimed at fine-tuning the skills of professionally qualified women
The education of women is the most powerful tool of change of position in society. Women education in Kerala has also been a major preoccupation of both the government and civil “If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if you educate a woman you educate a whole family. Women empowered
society as educated women can play a very important role in the development of the state. Education is milestone of women
means mother India
empowerment because it enables
empowered”
them to responds to the challenges, to confront their traditional role and
- PT. Jawaharlal Nehru
change their life. So that we can’t neglect the importance of education in reference to women empowerment India is poised to becoming super-
42
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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Sreevidhya State Head & Trainer, REACH
power, a developed country by 2020.
society. It is education which can bring
The growth of women’s education in
about awareness in them related
rural areas is very slow. This obviously
to their social status, injustice and
means that still large womenfolk of
differentiation meted out to them.
our country are illiterate, the weak,
Besides, economic independence is a
backward and exploited. Education
major factor which can contribute in
of women is the most powerful tool
empowering women. KSWDC realized
of change of position in society.
this need and ventured out to launch a
Education also brings a reduction in
Finishing School for women, a flagship
inequalities and functions as a means
program of the state government.
of improving their status within the family. Empowerment of women needs to begin with her participation in different spheres of life. Education is a great determinant in this regard. To achieve empowerment women have to be educated to be aware of their rights and privileges in a modern
REACH plays it’s vital role to fill the gap between the education and employment. Resources Enhancement Academy for Career Heights (REACH), a finishing school established by the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) was launched
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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under the Flagship Programme on
on healthy living, modesty, and using
Finishing School announced by the
image as an effective communication
State government under the 11th Plan.
tool” Sreevidhya said.
Since its inception, REACH has been successfully imparting employability training in various sector for women in Kerala and providing organizations across the state with skilled personnel at absolutely no extra charge.
education and give better education to their children. Educated women help in reducing the mortality rate of infant in India. Educated women handle their family in a better way than
REACH is a resource centre for
illiterate women. So, we shouldn’t
women, where qualified women are
forget the importance of women edu-
equipped to achieve their career
cation in Kerala” Sreevidhya shared
aspirations. This innovative and revo-
her vision.
lutionary step has brought about a sea change in the lives of the women population in Kerala
Reach is expanding it’s horizon and planning to set-up a powerful, interactive virtual class room to facilitate
Sreevidhya K State Head and Trainer
e-learning. It offers the combined
of REACH said that Reach program
advantages of face-to-face interac-
offers specialized courses that cover
tion and distance learning. Enables
everything, from personality devel-
working women professionals who
opment, personal grooming, social
would like to acquire new skills and/or
etiquette, financial management to
enhance their knowledge in their
understanding relationships.
respective functions to do so without
“In short, we are a leading finishing
taking a career break.
school that focuses on empowering
A new job portal also to be launched
girls to become a woman of tomor-
soon to help job seekers to find the
row. Unlike traditional finishing
right job matching their aspirations.
schools, REACH goes far beyond.
It is to guide women to explore the
Our goal is to teach girls and women
possibilities and find the opportunities
how to move from informal to formal
that are right for them.
situations by evaluating the situation they are faced with and knowing what is appropriate for them. Unlike a modeling school, REACH focuses
44
“Educated women support women
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For more information visit:www. reach.org.in (Tel 0471 2494445/ 09496015051)
REACH @ a Glance REACH
-
Resource Enhance-
ment Academy for Career Heights Slogan
-
She Transcends
Vision
-
To bridge the gap be-
tween acquired skills and required skills Motto
-
Sans limites
• First of its kind on a Government Platform. ISO certified within three months of its inception, for its professional and meticulous operations matching international standards. • REACH Certification Programme - 60 days duration; Minimum Qualification12th Standard pass. • Students are given intensive training in life skills, body language, image development, communication skills, attitude, self-esteem, etc. • IELTS coaching also offered, ensuring that proactive career-driven women are not shackled by geographic boundaries
• Exclusive workshops and sessions on Interview Preparation, Confidence Enhancement, Skill Development, etc. • 100% placement guaranteed on successful completion of the training program for eligible candidates. • BPL students are given free training, and a nominal fee is charged for students of the APL category, ensuring that REACH seeps into all levels of the society • Currently operating at Trivandrum & Kannur, we have plans to expand this insightful & noble enterprise across Kerala
• Endowed with a highly resourceful and dynamic faculty, student friendly classrooms, highly sophisticated ambience and uncompromising standards of training
REACH Kaimanam P.O. 0471-2494445
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HEALTH
Management of Executive Stress - 4 In part 3 of this article, last month, we looked at how stress arises. We saw how stress affects the physical body as well as the mind. The effect of stress on a person varies in intensity, depending on his physical and mental resilience. Therefore Stress Management consists in techniques of relaxing and strengthening the body as well as techniques of relaxing and quieting the mind. 2. The first step is therefore to be able to strengthen the body. The following schedule is recommended:(a) Thirty minute daily walk (b) 6 rounds of Surya Namaskar.
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(c) Stretching exercises
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(i) Lie down on your back. Inhale-lift
process with the left toe and the left
up the right leg into a 90 degree an-
side of the body. Now go down to
gle. Hold for 15 seconds. Bring it down
the lower back and work your way
while exhaling. Repeat with left leg.
upwards, to the back of the neck, then
Do six rounds of this.
top of the head, and down the front
(ii) Lift both legs while inhaling. Hold for 15 seconds. Slowly lower it while exhaling. Repeat 4 to six times.
relaxing the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, cheeks, ears, lips, chin, throat, chest, & abdomen. Time yourself so that this entire process takes about
(d) Join a Yoga Class. Even if you are
ten minutes. Then lie quietly being
able to go thrice a week it is good
aware of the relaxed body and mind
enough.*
for about ten minutes. Remember true relaxation can come only when
(e) Learn how to relax. Try this very
the mind has slowed, so focus your
simple method. Lie down on your
mind on your breathing and keep the
back.
attention focused on the flow of the
Legs apart, hands spread out, palms facing the ceiling. The hands should be about six inches away from your body. Take a few deep breaths and let the body relax. Now consciously focus your mind on your right big toe, visualize it in your mind and tell yourself to relax that toe. (Auto Suggestion.. Yes it works wonders with some practice).
inhaled and exhaled breath. If you find the mind wandering, bring it back to focus on the breath. A relaxation session lasting twenty minutes should bring you out feeling relaxed and pepped up!. One caveat- Be aware at all times. If you fall asleep the purpose of relaxation with awareness will not be achieved.
After that the 2nd toe and so on till
(f) Lastly, learn to meditate and do so
the 5th toe, then the sole of the foot,
regularly-Start with 15 minutes and
then calf muscles, shin, thigh muscles,
take it up to half an hour daily.
hips and so on. Work your way up the right side of the body, consciously
3. You will need to find the willpower
relaxing each part of the body as you
and the time to adhere to this sched-
move up. Move up to the shoulders,
ule.
then work your way down to your hands and fingers. Now repeat the
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But six months of this and the difference you see in yourself physically and
mentally will make you an addict to
/politics and end up getting angry or
this routine. Having taken some posi-
upset? Avoid such discussions- firmly
tive steps to make your mind body
say “No. I don’t want to discuss this”.
complex capable of handling stress,
There is no dishonor in such an action.
think about the following and imple-
You will be surprised at the marked
ment them in your life.
improvement in your composure.
(i) Take your work seriously and do it
(iii) Learn to say “No” to additional
to the best of your ability. But develop
tasks when you are overburdened.
a degree of detachment. This does not mean that you do not give your best. It actually means the opposite. Being detached, you will take better decisions and be able to give more attention to your work since you are free of unnecessary worry. (ii) Avoid Unnecessary stress. If you find that a person or a situation is causing you to be stressed out, limit your contact with that person and try to avoid the situation. Running away? No- Just being wise. For example do you get into discussions about religion
(iv) Make a priority list of tasks to be done on a daily/weekly basis. Make sure the number of tasks is that which can be done comfortably without strain. (v) Instead of resenting a situation and fretting about it, look for an opportunity in it. Are you in an interminable traffic jam? There is an opportunity to listen to your favorite music, read that book which you have always wanted to, talk to that old buddy you have been meaning to call for the last few months.. T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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(vi) Let go of anger and resentment.
men and asked them, “I want you to
Forgive those you think have wronged
find me a mantra which works in very
you.
situation in life whether it be joyous
Forgiveness is a wonderful gift…. to yourself. (vii) Change a situation if you can. If you can’t, accept it. Acceptance and forgiveness are two powerful arrows in your quiver. The supply is unending. Use them liberally. Remember the prayer of St.Francis of Assisi:-
or full of grief, whether it be victory or defeat, whether it be pleasure or pain. Go forth and find such a mantra and let me know.” After a long discussion lasting many weeks, the King’s Chief Advisor came and gave him a diamond ring saying “Sire, under the diamond is a small piece of paper and on this the mantra
“Lord, grant me the strength to ac-
is written. The Wise men have, how-
cept the things I cannot change, the
ever prescribed a condition, your maj-
courage to change the things I can,
esty. You shall only look at the paper
and the wisdom to know the differ-
when you are in extreme danger, all
ence.”
alone and all roads seem closed.” The King agreed and put on the ring.
(viii) Take a vacation with your loved ones regularly, if possible, twice a
Some time later, his Kingdom was
year.
attacked by enemies. The King and his army fought bravely, but the battle
(ix) Children grow up very fast and
was lost. The King had to flee. The
they are adults and gone before you
enemies were following him hotly
notice it.
on his trail. Suddenly the King found
Parents grow older even faster. Spend Sundays with your family and you will not have to live with regret when you are older. 4. Let me conclude with a famous story:-
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
road - that road had a dead end. He was surrounded by lofty cliffs which he could not scale. ……The sound of the enemy horses was approaching fast. He was trapped…. As if on cue, his diamond ring flashed
Once a king called upon all of his wise
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himself standing at the end of the
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in the sun. He remembered the words
of his Advisor and took out the paper.
5. This is a good time to think over
The paper had only four words:
your life and its events. How many
This, too, shall pass.
times have you been overcome with pain and sorrow? How many times
As the King read it and read it again,
have you been delirious with pleasure
he thought to himself “A few days
and joy? Have they lasted? Have they
ago I was King and master of all that
been permanent?
I surveyed. I had every luxury. Those days have passed. Now here I am without a Kingdom or an army and hunted by the enemy. But yes, this too shall pass”.
No… All these are ephemeral. Life changes constantly bringing you new experiences all the time. Why, your body cells itself undergo change- the body you have today does not have
When he came out of his reverie he
the same cells it had a decade ago.
realized that the enemy seemed to
The only constant is Change. So
have disappeared. Taking this as an
when you are stressed the next time,
opportunity, the King reorganized his
remember the mantra:-
army and mounted an attack on the enemy, defeating them and regaining
This, too, shall pass.
his empire. As he sat in his throne in
Sri Easwaran can be contacted
victorious celebration, the diamond
at reaswaran@gmail.com or on
ring flashed again conveying its time-
80860-70630.
less message “O King, this too shall pass!”.
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GKSF to start from December 1 The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival
enterprises, mind blowing offers and
(GKSF) is a unique shopping fiesta
exciting prizes - both for shops and
that redefines the very essence and
shoppers - make GKSF the biggest
enjoyment of shopping. Kerala the
shopping extravaganza in the country.
southernmost State in India, popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’ has always been a favourite for travelers and tourists from around the globe across the ages. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, the signature shopping festival of Kerala, is yet another
U V Jose has been appointed as the Director of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival authority. He is also holding the additional charge of Additional Director (Planning) of Kerala Tourism Department
fascinating event that stands testi-
Inaugurating the activities forming
mony to this fact.
part of the sixth season of the GKSF,
The festival, managed by Government of Kerala, is on its sixth edition, which starts from December 1, 2012 and concludes by January 15, 2013. Fresh
theTourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said the government would consider either reducing the registration fee in the general category or make it entirely free so that small traders could also benefit from it. Efforts would also be made to ensure that the GKSF benefited the tourism sector as well. Grand Kerala Shopping Festival’s first general convener T. Balakrishnan, Tourism Secretary Suman Billa, KTDC chairman Vijayan Thomas, Tourism Director Rani George, GKSF director U.V. Jose, South Indian Bank executive director Abraham Tharian, brand consultant Kiran Khalap, and representatives of various brands attended the GKSF Sponsors meet.
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Reliance footprint: The new style quotient If you want others to be impressed when they look at you, you’d better make sure your shoes match the rest of your outfit, and that they are of the latest style. Fashion is incomplete without attractive pair of footwear. They have to be comfortable and beautiful; they also add charisma to an ensemble. To deliver fantastic choice
ing the middle class customers and
and the best brands in the world Reli-
posh customers Reliance footprint
ance foot print has opened its new
have set up its store at Pattom You
showroom at Pattom, Trivandrum.
can make your style statement by wearing fashionable foot wears from
Reliance foot print started its venture
Reliance footprint to stand out from
in Trivandrum this May. It is one
the crowd..
among the 72 footprint stores across the country and the third in Kerala.
Reliance foot print aims to make
The first Reliance footprint showroom
it a lifestyle destination, designed
in Kerala was opened at Ernakulam,
exclusively to bring to customers an
followed by the Kollam showroom.
extensive collection of footwear and
Reliance footprint has decided to start
accessories and luggage to suit their
a new showroom at Kannur too.
every need. Reliance Footprint offers the entire family with over 50 leading
Kowdiyar is a posh shopping destina-
International, Domestic and Reliance
tion in Trivandrum, apart from that
brands in all the categories like Men’s,
Pattom is a shopping hub too. Target-
Ladies, Kids etc.
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