Metro Mart February 2015

METRO mart Volume 4 Issue 8

February 2015

`40

T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

The unique abode of the

Divine mother

Eye-scorching designs at Czarina’s www.metromartdaily.com Kota Utsav

CET to host annual cultural fest in March

Santhigiri Ashram Where Guru February 2015 is God

Gurucharanam Saranam

Lotus Parnasala Santhigiri Ashram Santhigiri P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India-695 589 communication@santhigiriashram.org www.santhigiriashram.org +91 471 2419313, 8606083000, 8606084000

2

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

4

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

The union and central government is bringing out a lot of initiatives for women empowerment. From decades our city witnesses the worlds largest women gathering celebrating the power of goddess Attukalamma, seeking her blessings by performing the famous Pongala. The event is already recognized by World Guinness Record and growing in numbers every year.

Foreword

It was a great milestone our state as well as METROMART achieved with the successful completion of 35th national games. In the last four years of publishing METROMART, we were able to be part of history by bring out the special booklet edition in association with DTPC for National Games with detailed information about Thiruvananthapuram along with other major districts where games took place. We thank DTPC for the initiative, advertisers, contributors, our readers and the entire METROMART for this grand success. We also congratulate all medal winners of Kerala, taking us into second positon, one of the best performance at National Games.

Hari Shanker Manag8ing Editor

Hi Readers,

Along with lakhs of women devotees across South India, METROMART is being part of this years Attukal Pongala by dedicating this edition and celebrating the power of women hood. We look forward to hear from you, and wish you ball a great month ahead.

6

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

CONTENTS

10

The unique abode of the divine mother

14

Myth Behind the Temple

16

Attukal Pongala, an offering for the soul

18

Santhigiri Ashram: Where Guru is God

Volume 4 Issue 8 February 2015 www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition-www.issuu.com/metromart

22

Naturals Creating a beautiful world!

24

As temperatures soar, discover blazing colours and eye-scorching designs at Czarina’s Kota Utsav

26

Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum Announces Indo Chinese Food Festival

Annual Subscription Rs 400 Managing Editor Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in

CEO & Managing Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com Sub Editor

V Viswanath

Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair Debashri Das

Creative Assistant

Sayan Chaudhuri

GM Sales

Sibu Nair

General Manager-Marketing

Binoy K S

Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar

28

History and Geography of Biriyani

32

CET to host annual cultural fest in March

38

Why travel to China?

42

Services winners of 35th National Games Kerala runner-up

44

KSCADC to launch ‘Fish Maid’ chain of processed fast food outlets across India

50

The Last Leaf

Corporate Office:Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Jayaraj Plus Towers, Murinjapalam, Medical College Post Trivandrum - 695011 Tel: +91 471 6065511/ 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com Bangalore Office:No:217, 3B Main, OMBR Layout Bangalore – 560 043 Tel: +919038000711 Email: info@martinfotech.in Kolkata Office 313, Dorikal Byelane, Jheel Avenue, Dum Dum Road, Kolkata – 700 074, India

Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A G and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695013 Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum. Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. © All Rights Reserved 8 February 2015

RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

COVER FEATURE

The unique abode of the divine mother Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Trumbake Gauri Narayani Namo’stu Te

V Viswanath

A

ttukal Bhagavathy - the deity of prosperity – resides in Thiruvananthapuram, on the banks of Killyar.

The temple of Attukal Bhagavathy has become the confluence of all devotees of the Goddess. Over the years, the temple has been called as the ‘Sabarimala of women’ due to the influx of women devotees. It should be noted that Kerala is a place where there are many major temples devoted to goddesses. The various

1010 February February2015 2015

forms of Saraswathy, Lekshmi and Bhadrakali have been installed across the State and worshipped.

The tradition of Goddess worship in our country has a very vibrant history.

Rigveda - one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism – indicated to be composed around 1700-1100 B.C. mentions the goddesses of Aditi, Prithvi, Ushas, and Vak. Aditi is considered to be the celestial mother of every

existing form and being. She is believed to be limitless.

Prithvi Mata is believed to be the Mother Earth. Ushas meaning dawn is portrayed as the goddess warding off evil spirits of the night.

Goddess Vak is said to be the Mother of Vedas. She is believed to give intelligence and wisdom. Over centuries the goddesses has been given many names and forms. Goddesses are depicted as benevolent, fierce, etc.

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

Shakti is worshipped as the Supreme Being among Shaivites and in Shaktism.

Among the various depictions of the Devi, Parvati as the consort of the God Shiva and Lekshmi as the consort of Vishnu are two of the major guises. Kali or Durga is a fierce form of the Devi.

Shaktism is a branch of Hinduism that recognizes Devi as the Power. Shakti is believed to be the dynamic feminine aspect of the Supreme Divine. Many Sanskrit literary works have taken inspirations from Shaktism or the doctrine of the Goddess. The Indian subcontinent has several places of worship dedicated to the goddess Shakti.

These places are called the Shakti Peethas.

The Hindu religious text of Devi Mahatmyam describes the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

This scripture is thought to be composed around 400-

12

February 2015

500 A.D. by the sage Markandeya. The title means ‘Magnanimity of the Goddess.’ Adi Shankaracharya praises Shakti in the hymn Soundaryalahari. The presence of Devi can be felt in reading the works of Sri Shankaracharya. The modern day thinkers like Sri Aurobindo and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa have been influenced by the concept of Shaktism.

There are many Devi temples in and around Thiruvananthapuram. Some of them are family deities while some are installed in the ancient times by great sages. One belief is that Attukal Bhagavathy is a form of Kannaki.

On Attukal Pongala day, millions of women throng to perform the ritual of Pongala – an offering to Bhagavathy during the month of Malayalam month of Kumbha. The festival sees the women taking centre stage. Women devotees from far and wide come to Attukal with prayers in their heart and cooks rice porridge for the Bhagavathy. The rice porridge with other ingredients is made to boil over symbolizing their prayers to appease the deity.

The Pongala at Attukal is allowed only for the women folks. Participants at this ritual include devotees from across the country as well as from abroad. The firm belief of the devotees is that the Goddess provides everything for them. The Pongala is offered for the prosperity and wellbeing of their entire family.

A spirit of sisterhood is created in the women folks through the whole process of waiting together an entire day, cooking and the Pongala offering.

The event has turned out to be a moment of women’s pride and joy. The equality of all the women at the Pongala is highlighted.

Regardless of caste, creed and even religion, the devotees gather in and around the sacred surroundings of Attukal and pay their tributes to Goddess Bhagavathy.

Bhagavathy is synonymous with Shakti, female aspect of the divine. Devi is viewed as the source, essence as well as the substance of everything seen or unseen in creation. Devi has become a symbol of the ultimate and supreme deity. Devotees of Attukal Bhagavathy believe the prosperity of Thiruvananthapuram is a gift of the Mother.

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

COVER FEATURE majestic icon of the deity with four arms, bearing weapons of destruction in each, like spear, sword, skull, shield etc. The consecration ceremony of this Exalted Being was performed by no less a person than the high priest of the Badarinath Temple.

Myth Behind the Temple

The story goes that the Goddess Bhagavathy revealed herself to a fervent devotee of a notable family viz. Mulluveettil family. It is said that one evening a young girl appeared before the head of the family while he was performing his oblations in the Killi river and requested him to help her cross the river.

I

mpressed by her charismatic demeanor, the old man bent before her with awe and reverence and not only helped her cross the river but took her to his house nearby. Strangely enough, while the household members were amidst preparations for intending a warm welcome to the

1414 February February2015 2015

young girl, she vanished.

That very night the Goddess Bhagavathy appeared as an icon before the old man in his dream and demanded that he should establish an abode for her in the nearby sacred ground of shrubs and herbs (kavu), at a consecrated spot marked by three lines. The next morning the old man went

to the spot revealed to him in the dream and to his great surprise he did find three marks intended on the ground. He lost no time in erecting a temple on this consecrated spot to house the Goddess. Many years later the building was renovated by the local devotees. They also installed a beautiful and

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major major portion of devotees.

The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshiped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanamba Swamy Temple and worshiped the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma.

Vishnumaya took the incarnation of bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era

namely Kaliyuga. According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is suppose to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal.

Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva.

The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.

The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attakul Bhagavathy Temple. The offering of Pongala is a special temple practice prevalent in the southern part of

Kerala and some parts of Tamilnadu. It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place.

The entire area of about 5 kilometer radius around the temple with premises of houses of people of all caste, creed and religion, open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of government offices etc. emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala rituals for lakhs of women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside. The ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk and the enormous crowd, which gathers in Thiruvanathapuram on this auspicious day is reminiscent of the Kumbhmela Festival of North India.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust Members

K P RAMACHANDRAN NAIR Chairman

V L VINOD President

www.metromartdaily.com

K GIRIJA KUMARI AMMA Vice President

P K KRISHNAN NAIR Treasurer

P K KRISHNAN NAIR Secretary

N K SREEKUMAR Joint Secretary

February 2015

COVER FEATURE that gather here to offer pongala on the pooram star of Malayalam month Kumbham. Arrangements are all progressing to make this year’s Attukal pongala that falls on !5th of March 2015 a grand experience

Attukal Pongala, an offering for the soul

A silent revolution in the offing,….a celebration of feminity…! Come to Thiruvananthapuram on an Attukal pongala day, you will be able to perceive this. You could see the otherwise weaker section of society roaming with confidence at the pitch dark night.

Pongala festival , a tenday long festival that starts on the karthika star of Malayalam month Kumbham ends with the sacrificial offering or kuruthitharpanam at night on the tenth day. Pongala is celebrated on the ninth day of the festival. The pongala commemorates the reception accorded by women to Kannagi who took a sojourn at Attukal on her way to Kodungalloor after slaying King Pandya.

The pongala with a literal

meaning ‘that which boils over’ is a rice porridge with jaggery , coconut gratings and raisins offered to appease the goddess Attukal Amma. After the offering is made, the temple priest consecrates it by sprinkling holy water over the earthen pots. The pongala can be interpreted as the representation of god realization through five elements like fire, air, water, earth and space.

Women, from all walks of life, irrespective of caste and creed assemble around the temple precincts to a radius of 7 km to offer pongala naivedium to Attukal Amma. Since the temple premises cannot afford to accommodate the millions, the public roads,

pavements, government offices, schools, colleges, bus terminals, railway stations and courtyards are thrown open to offer Pongala.

The temple authorities, voluntary organizations, local people, festival committee members and various government departments see to it that the festival is conducted without a hitch. Law and order is ensured with the support of the police and volunteers. Those who had participated once cannot hold them back and come back the next year with more vigor..To what can we attribute this feel to, other than the charisma and the love that Bhagavathy showers on them….

Ampili Nair

N

o other day they have this demeanor.

It’s the confidence that Attukal amma instills on them. They literally become a Durga with courage on one side and love and benevolence on the other.

An entire city engulfed in the spirit of dedicating

16 February2015 2015 16 February

oneself at the feet of the goddess Attukal Amma.!

This is Attukal pongala, the largest women congregation in the world where at least one person from each household and thousands from outside the district and even abroad throng the temple to see their deity once.

When in distress to whom do we reach out to..? Its invariably mother, the ever inspiring pillar that never fail even if the whole world turns against us. Her lap is always our abode, ever nurturing and ever solacing. Attukal Amma is this and more to the teeming millions

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

METRO FOCUS

SANTHIGIRI ASHRAM Pothencode, about 21 km North of the Capital City of Thiruvnanthapuram.

The institution aimed at propagating the mission of Guru, functions as a registered voluntary charitable nongovernment organization.

After the passing away of the Guru, his guidance is now channelized through his foremost disciple - Sishyapojitha Janani Amritha Jnana Thapaswini.

Santhigiri Ashram: Where Guru is God “What is taking place in the name of Gurupooja at Santhigiri is in fact Rishipooja – the worship of the sage, who is a Kalanthara guru (the Guru of authority for ages).”

Santosh Kumari

S

pirituality transcends life, death, beliefs and customs. The awakened soul discovers creation in all its aspects to transcend to the ultimate plane of consciousness or God Realization. This conscious, experienceenriched, realization

1818 February February2015 2015

(‘anubhavam’) constitutes the essence of spirituality at Santhigiri Ashram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Founded by Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, about 37 years ago, the Santhigiri Ashram from its humble existence has now grown into a spiritual abode with

facilities comprising prayer hall, parnasala, sahakarana mandiram, work centres, kitchen, dining hall and accommodation facilities for more than 1500 inmates.

The ashram functions on three fundamental principles viz. Annadanam (alms), Athurasevanam (helping the needy) and Athmabodhanam (selfrealization). It has in place a healthcare approach based on the time-tested Indian systems of healthcare like Ayurveda, Sidha and Panchakarma.

The ashram is renowned in India and abroad and is visited by hundreds of people from various walks of life on a daily basis.

Today, the ashram has literally become a centre

Spread over hundred acres of land, Santhigiri Ashram is located at

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

for solace and remedy for all maladies and human sufferings. Above all, the ashram has become a source of authentic spiritual knowledge and a centre of pilgrimage. Branches of the ashram are now present in several cities in India. The ashram also runs several welfare-oriented institutions including schools, colleges, industrial units, cultural wings and, social and scientific

research centers.

The ashram is also home to the Lotus Parnasala, a lotus-shaped marble monument dedicated in memory of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru. Situated right in the middle of the serene atmosphere of Santhigiri Ashram’s Spiritual Zone, the Lotus Parnasala has attracted tourists and pilgrims from around the

Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi Organizing Secretary, Santhigiri Ashramam www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

world belonging to all religions.

Santhigiri Ashramam organisation secretary is Swami Gururatnam Njana Thapaswi who organized hundreds of programs for communal harmony and national integration, imbibing the teachings of Navajyoti Sree Karunkara Guru.

Treatments: The treatments offered at Santhigiri Ashram are Abhyangam & Swedanam (Rejuvenation Therapy), Sirodhara, Nasayam, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Podikizhi, Thakradhara, Sirovasthi, Poochu, Thalam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasthy and

Palakkad, Kerala, India.

The Bachelor of Siddha Education: Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) is 5 ½ years course Santhigiri runs two medical including House Surgency colleges; Bachelor Ayurveda which is conducted at Medicine and Surgery Santhigiri Siddha Medical (BAMS) is a 5 ½ years course College & Hospital, including House Surgency Thiruvananthapuram, which is conducted at Kerala.

Santhigiri Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Products: Udhwarthanam.

The medicines and herbal cosmetics on sale at Santhigiri include facial cream, hair oil, massage oil and pain balm. All types of curry powder (condiments) are manufactured at Santhigiri. It also manufactures herbal, toilet soap, coconut oil and coir products of various types.

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 17 km Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 17 km

20

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

METRO

BEAUTY

Naturals

Creating a beautiful world!

The love for beautiful looks n styles is always on the priority of the Indian consumer. The youngsters of India aspire to be trendy and vibrant also growing awareness about the health and wellness among the Indians has inspired us to bring a world class premium salon & spa chain to meet the consumer requirements.

W

e believe this is an inordinately beautiful world.

Naturals, India’s No1 hair and beauty salon, was established a decade ago, with a dream to change not just the way people looked but to add positivity in their life! On the sheer strength of performance and positive response from patrons, Naturals has grown to become India’s most prominent chain of hair and beauty salons.

With 450+ salons across the sub continent and rapid expansion plans underway, the dream is to reach 3000 salons by the year 2020.

At Naturals, we constantly update ourselves with international fashion trends and reinterpreting them to suit Indian sensibilities. Our professional hairdressers, beauty care experts and make up artists use only quality products and latest equipments, and strive to incorporate fresh creative ideas to bring out the best in every customer.

22 February2015 2015 22 February

Our versatile range of hair and beauty care services rendered by our professionals are designed to provide courteous and impeccable service to meet the highest standards.

Naturals unisex salon here at Kuravankonam makes it convenient for couples and families to get all their collective grooming needs looked after, all at one place. Our salon is beautifully designed, clean and spacious. This is an ideal place to indulge in pampering therapies and beauty services at the hands of our professional makeup artists and hair dressers. Setting a

benchmark in the world of beauty salons, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of virtually every skin and hair service you would ever need.

The products used at Naturals unisex salon are specially selected for their advanced properties and only the highest quality products are used. Our hair and beauty care specialists are experts at caring for you. Indulge in the warm exclusive services and step out looking and feeling every inch the diva you are.

Naturals is not just a salon; it’s a mission. To make this a beautiful country of beautiful people.

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

SHOPPING

As temperatures soar, discover blazing colours and eye-scorching designs at Czarina’s Kota Utsav The big summer celebration at Czarina is back with a bang. Kota Utsav, the much-awaited annual fashion extravaganza at Trivandum’s leading designer boutique, brings together an awe-inspiring collection of stunning sarees from across the country.

available as blouse material.

from March

A mesmerising collection

1-15. The showroom will also be open on Sundays, during Kota Utsav, for the convenience of our customers.

of salwar sets, in a range of colours and designs, is also available.

The fine weaves and its light weight make our Kota sarees easy and comfortable to wear.

T

he new collections at Kota Utsav includes a wide array of block-printed, embroidered, fabricpainted and appliqué -worked Kota sarees, in addition to authentic Silk Kota and Supernet Kota.

Czarina has also introduced a new range of designer blouses and blouse materials to complement the sarees in the Kota Utsav.

As a result, they are the favourite of every woman – age no bar! Versatile in its use and with their quiet elegance, Czarina’s Kota sarees can be worn on occasions ranging from parties to office wear.

The Kota Utsav will be held

Contact : 1st Floor, Shop No. 26 & 21, Catholic Centre, Statue Road, General Hospital Junction, Trivandrum,Pin Code 695001,Phone Number

0471 2573798 E-mail : bodytunes@hotmail.com

The materials used for the blouses include brocade, tissue, kalankari and ikkat.

The styles range from the evergreen boat-neck to the sophisticated halter-neck.

Velvet net fabric is also

“Czarina’s Kota sarees have become extremely popular in the city, over the years, for its fine weaves, understated elegance, light weight and versatility, Women of all ages eagerly look forward to this event to pick up some rare Kota sarees.”

Sheila James Proprietor, Czarina

24 February2015 2015 24 February

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

DINING

Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum Announces Indo Chinese Food Festival

Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum announced an exclusive Indo Chinese Food Festival at its all day dining, multi cuisine restaurant Garden Grille, from 6 - 15 March 2015 7pm onwards.

G

uests gets accessibility from a special buffet that offers a variety from the regions of Shandong, Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan, Fujian along with live counters, wide spread of salads, appetizers and Indo-Chinese main chafers.

There will be a photo booth, wherein guests’ can click their pictures and post it on twitter. The top three tweets with maximum retweets will get special gift at the end of the food festival.

Delicious non-vegetarian and vegetarian options includes Pecking duck, Zhajiangmian, Dumplings, Dim sums, Stir fry counters, homemade spring roll, batter fried counters and more.

26 February2015 2015 26 February

• Meal Brief : Garden Grille will have its buffet based on Indo Chinese cuisine for this period. Guests gets accessibility from a special buffet that offers a variety from the regions of Shandong, Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan, Fujian along with live counters, wide spread of salads, appetizers and IndoChinese main chafers. The Indo-Chinese exclusively designed menu will feature both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options like Pecking duck – duck roasted with soya and Chinese spices; Zhajiangmian – wheat noodles tossed with ground pork with soy sauce; Dumplings - dough, either cooked alone or wrapped around a filling with potatoes or meat; Dim sums - steamed buns with chicken, pork, prawns and

vegetarian options; Stir fry counters; Homemade spring rolls – rolls with egg, seafood and vegetarian options; Batter fried counters and more.

• Desserts will include the popular Chinese steamed sweet egg custard – A wonderful egg custard made by combining sugar, water, milk fat and eggs; Banana Spring Rolls Banana wrapped with spring roll sheet and deep fried in oil served with honey; Chinese Toffee Apple Fritters - Apple chunks are fried in batter, then coated in caramel and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

• Rates : INR 1100 plus taxes • Reservation process: Call the hotel directly at 0471 660 0000/ +91 8111886871

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

DINING

History and Geography of Biriyani

- Calcutta Biryani During the rule of Wajid Ali Shah around 1856 Calcutta Biryani also flourished with the fragrance of Easter spices.

- Hyderabadi Biryani During Aurangzeb, when Nizam-Ul-Mulk became Asif Jahi, the ruler of Hyderabad in the 17th century, then Hyderabadi biryani came into existence, also known as Arcot Biryani.

Biryani is one of the Indian dishes which has made its statement on the international taste platter. Biryani for Hyderabad Swati Reddy

F

irst plunge into the history of Iranian takes us to the aroma of the fact that -Biryani is derived from the Farsi or Persian word ‘biryan’ which means ‘fried before cooking’.

- If any body asks you what is common between the Taj Mahal and Biryani then the answer is “inspiration”.

Because it is said that emperor ShahJahan’s queen Mumtaj Mahal once visited army barracks and after finding the soldiers undernourished , she asked the chef to prepare special dish having a good nutrition value and taste. Thus Biryani came into existence.

28 February2015 2015 28 February

- Some historical evidences point out that even before Mughal invasion similar rice dish existed with the name ‘Oon Soru’. In Tamil as early as 2 A.D. Oon Soru was cooked with rice, ghee, meat, turmeric, coriander, pepper and bay leaf, and was used by the military.

Although Biryani’s flavor spread in India from North to South via the expanding Mughal boundaries, but Biryani reached it’s full richness when it reached the South. So, Nizams Biryani becomes became synonymous with Hyderabad.

- One more legend gives Taimur credit to bring Biryani from Kazakhstan to India via Afghanistan.

Whatever maybe the names and sources of origin, but it seems Biryani after emerging from Iranian soil spread in India after the Mughal invasion.

- Lucknowi Biryani

Biriyani Bask North to South

In Mughal kingdom Lucknow was known as Awadh. This state was the cultural center of the Mughal life style, so was the Lucknowi food. In this way Awadhi Biryani also became prominent type of Biryani besides the Hyderabadi Biryani.

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

- Tahiri Biryani With Tipu Sultan, biryani spread to Mysore. There vegetarian Hindus, who were hired as book keepers, developed the Tahiri Biryani.

No matter when and how Biryani kept cooking, but over time Biryani became the royal dish of the Nawabs and the Nizams.

Types of Biriyani If you think Biryani is just “a Dish”, then you should not miss the spectrum of this prism.

Styles There are two basic types of Biryani - PAKKI(Cooked) and KACCHI(Raw) - Pakki: Generally the cooked meat and cooked rice are layered.

- Kacchi: It is cooked www.metromartdaily.com

typically with goat meat(mutton or with the lamb, and sometimes with chicken or beef). It is cooked with meat and yogurt base marinated at bottom of the pot and the layer of rice. Potatoes are also added before adding the rice layer. In Kaccha style the vegetable Biryani as the name suggests is prepared with vegetables.

Ingrediants: According to ingredients we find: Tahiri Biryani(Vegetarian), Mutton Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Beef Biryani, Pork Biryani, Egg Biryani, Fish Biryani, Dal Biryani, and Soya Biryani.

Region: According to areas different types of Biryani known as: Hyderabadi Biryan, Thalassery Biryani(Kozhikode), Lucknowi Biryani, Calcutta Biryani, Vaniambadi Biryani(Vellore District - Tamil Nadu), Bhatkali Biryani(Coastal Karnataka),

Memoni Biryani(Gujarat and Sindh), Beary Biryani(Dakshin Kannada), Palakkad Rawther Biryani(Palakkad Kerala), Sindh Biryani (Pakistan), Buryani(Sri Lankan Biryani), Iranian Biryani, and last but not least Kalyani Biryani(Hyderabad), also known as the poor man’s Hyderabad Biryani.

Dum-Ki Hyderabadi Biriyani The richness of Hyderabadi Biryani is due to it’s unique cooking style. Dum is named after a cooking style.

Here meat is sandwiched between layers of long grained fragrant Basmati rice and cooked on Dum (Steaming over coals).

This cooking vessel(Handi) is sealed with the dough.

This way of cooking requires perfection and attention of time and temperature, so that it is neither under cooked nor over cooked. It was the old way of cooking where in metallic vessel dish was cooked for hours and hours with gentle February 2015

simmering over a slow fire to increase the absorption of aromatic spices.

In modern times the old way of cooking Biryani has vanished, but still making Hyderabad Biryani consumes time and attention.

Biryani Banquet Partners Biryani can be eaten alone, but in Hyderabadi Dum Biryani Mirch-Ka-Salan [Chilli Curry, Dahi Chutney, and Baghara Baighan(a delicacy where fresh Brinjals are stuffed with grounded peanuts, coconut mixture are cooked in rich and creamy paste].Finishing the story without recipe of Dum Biryani will be like a cuisine without fragrance.

So, this is the general pattern to prepare Dum Biryani: Preparation time: 30 mins Cooking time: 45 mins Marinate mutton in spices overnight

Ingredients - Mutton: 1 Kg - Basmati rice:500gm - Cumin (jeera): 1 tsp - Whole garam masala: 2 tbsp - Garam masala powder: 2 tsp - Boiled egg for decoration (optional): 2 - Rose water (optional): 1 tbsp - Garlic-ginger paste 2 tbsp - Golden-fried sliced onions: 2 cups - Mint leaves: 1 bunch - Curd: 2 cups - Cashew nuts (optional): 50gm - Turmeric powder: 1 pinch - Saffron: 1 pinch - Coriander leaves: 1 bunch - Salt: As per taste - Kashmiri red chilli powder: 1 tbsp - Oil: 5 tbsp Procedure: The Marinade -- Wash mutton, and add garam masala, salt, ginger-garlic

Institute of Professional Education

paste, red chilli paste, and two cups of curd. Marinade overnight.

Directions: -First boil the water, add oil, salt and half-cook the rice.

-Next fry thinly sliced onions until golden brown.

Add 1/3 of the goldenbrown onion to the mutton marination and rest keep aside.

-Now in a Handi (deep pan) add the marinated mutton in the bottom and top it of with half cooked rice, add mint leaves, coriander leaves and top it up fried onions. In a separate bowl, add some warm milk to soak saffron. Once the milk soaks the color of the saffron, add it to the Handi.

-Cover the Handi or pan with an airtight lid or add sticky dough to the edges and cover it with a lid. Cook for 45 min.

-Add rose water and garnish with sliced boiled eggs.

-Serve hot with Raita and Mirchi-Ka-Salan.

STUDY IN UK • USA • Australia • NZ • Canada Singapore • India • Switzerland Germany and other European Countries • Test Preparation Services

Accredited Delivery Partner

GRE® | GMAT ® | SAT ®

• Language Centre TOEFL® | IELTS | PTE

• International Qualifications Academic | Vocational | Professional ®

Test names are registered trademarks of their respective providers, which are not involved in the production of, and do not endorse, these products.

Trivandrum 5th Floor, New Jyothi Towers SS Kovil Road, Thampanoor Trivandrum, Kerala - 695001

09946556697 30

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Cochin 2nd Floor, SR Complex, Opposite Online IT Shoppe Ravipuram Road, Cochin, Kerala - 682016

09048406424

www.thechopras.com

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

METRO EVENT

CET to host annual cultural fest in March Dhwani ’15 set to attract 50,000 students from around India Nearly 50,000 students from around the country are expected to participate in the 10th edition of the annual cultural festival at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) in March.

Dhwani’ ‘15 is scheduled from March 12-15 at the college campus in Sreekaryam here.

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Adv K Chandrika released the logo of Dhwani ’15 on Monday at the Press Club in the presence of the college union chairman Mr Alex M Manuel and other student coordinators.

Centred on the theme of Happiness, Ethics and Freedom, Dhwani ’15 will host events and competitions across academics, art, music and dance, besides open forums to discuss a host of current issues.

“These forums and discussions on topics relevant to the youth will serve as open referendums,” said Mr Manuel. “Interactions with eminent people from different walks of life will kindle thought-provoking ideas and hopefully bring about a change for the better.”

2015 32 December February 2015 2014 32 February

A platform for students around the country to showcase their talents, the fest attracts thousands of college-goers every year.

“Last year we had an attendance of nearly 40,000; this year we expect it to be more than 50,000,” the students’ union chairman said.

The four-day festival will feature around 50 events including seminars and cultural performances featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

As part of the Dhwani ’15, a series of programmes will be conducted across the state. A painting competition for school students will be held in

Thiruvananthapuram.

A rainbow parade will be taken out by as many as 300 students of CET during the closing ceremony of National Games 2015 on February 14.

Hundreds of students will also take part in a Kite Festival in Kovalam on February 22. A similar fest will also be held in the cities of Kochi and Kozhikode on March 1.

Other promotional and awareness programmes include Sand Sculpture Event and other informal events across in the state.

For more details and registrations contact: Nithin K, Event Convenor, Ph:9645910351

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

EVENT SCAN he added

Kerala Tourism conducts video sequencing contest Kerala Tourism has launched yet another promotional initiative by conducting a month-long video sequencing contest that puts people’s technical skills and creative abilities to test by getting them to order video clips of a movie.

“In this era of internet and smartphones, websites have become one of the most popular media for cost effective tourism promotion. This is will become a global competition and the contest aims to attract maximum participants from various destinations”, said Tourism Minister Shri A P Anil Kumar.

He also added that it was a matter of pride for all that Kerala Tourism website gets the maximum visits among the tourism websites of India and comes within the top ten positions in website traffic among all countries of Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

A total of 30 videos, each of two minutes duration will be created for the contest, highlighting diverse aspects of Kerala. Each video will be then divided into six portions of 20 seconds each and uploaded to the site.

These divided portions will be in jumbled order.

34 February2015 2015 34 February

The contestant will have to login to the contest page, www.keralatourism.org, where he/she will have to rearrange the jumbled portions of the video into a single continuous sequence which accurately matches with that of the original video.

“Tourism promotion is an area where there is heavy competition, and each destination is vying to increase traffic to their website. In this context, the video sequencing contest will serve as a major promotional tool for the tourism department,” said Kerala Tourism Director, Shri P I Sheik Pareeth.

He also added that the competition, which will run until March 17, will encourage people to spend more time on the tourism website.

Three bumper prizes will be given away at the end of the contests. The first is a seven days and six nights Kerala package for

two, with economy class one way flight tickets from anywhere in the world.

The second bumper prize is six days and five nights Kerala package for two. The third bumper prize is five days and four nights Kerala package for two.

Three winners from among the successful contestants will be given daily prizes including smart phones, Aranmula kannadi, houseboat models,Netturpetti, Kerala Saree, Kerala mundu and various other souvenirs.

“We pioneered the use of online video for destination promotion has embarked on timely actions and state of the art technology to maintain its current supremacy,” said Kerala Tourism Secretary, Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao.

Kerala Tourism had conducted the Clint Memorial Global Painting Competition last year which drew huge responses from across the globe.

Adding to this, adventure and cycling holidays will be promoted to attract youth and students.

The minister also noted the increase in the total number of hotel rooms in the state from 40,000 in 2010 to the present figure of 75,000. “This is a good sign for the tourism industry in the state”, he added.

Kerala Tourism will also launch a new theme campaign to showcase Kerala and its unique attractions, to strengthen Kerala’s position as ‘God’s Own Country’ and to create a destination pull. Food festivals will be conducted

T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Considering the fact that 2015 has more than 13 long weekends, campaigns for weekends and short breaks will be conducted in metros and nearby cities.

Highlighting the importance of responsible tourism, a ‘God’s Own Country, People’s Own Tourism’ campaign will be conducted across the state to sensitise local communities to tourism and its opportunities.

As part of the destination development initiative, the state will implement master plans and industry-driven cleanliness campaign in major destinations across the state. A hop-on-hop-off bus will also be introduced in the capital city by the tourism department

enabling the tourists to go around the city with a single ticket.

The government will also provide incentives to the partners of international trade fair and airline-tour packages with major domestic airlines will be introduced to promote domestic tourism. Kerala Tourism will also brand and design new set of Kerala souvenirs and market it to the tourists with the support of Kudumbashree units.

Visit Kerala 2015 will also take efforts to revamp information and product brochures of Kerala Tourism.

Kerala Tourism Secretary, Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao; Kerala Tourism Director, Shri P I Sheik Pareeth and Additional Director (General), Smt. Anupama TV were also present at the conference.

“Contests like Visit Kerala Contests will be conducted for tourists, who have holidayed in Kerala in 2015, with attractive gifts and complimentary holidays.

Also, there will be social media and online campaigns to promote 2015 as the best time to visit the state, highlighting the festivals and events, along with the contests”,

“Interactive web-based projects keep the viewers engaged in our website and increase site traffic. This is the background of the video sequencing contest,”

METRO mart METRO mart

in cities like Delhi and Mumbai to market Kerala’s authentic cuisine, one of the tourist attractions in the state.

Anil Kumar Tourism Minister www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

METRO EVENT

Kerala Tourism launches QR Code Aided Tourism Search In an effort to ease travel planning for holidaymakers, Kerala Tourism today introduced an innovative tool, a Quick Response (QR) Code Aided Tourism Search, which makes it easier for travellers to find destinations and information on the department’s official website.

T

ourism Minister Shri A P Anil Kumar, while launching the QR Code here, said it’s the first such facility of its kind in India. “This technology will enable visitors to Kerala to overcome difficulties in getting to their destinations. They will be able to not just get there, but know many interesting things about the place without any external help,” he said.

The new facility has been rolled out as smartphones have started playing a key role in travel planning because of the high degree of convenience and affordable cost. QR Code Aided Tourism Search optimizes the interactive features of thewww. keralatourism.org site.

“Kerala Tourism has already established hundreds of QR coded sign boards across the state. The traveller can scan the QR code using a smart phone or a tab which has a QR code reader.

The QR code will also be

36 February2015 2015 36 February

carried on tourism related magazines and brochures”, said Additional Director (General), Kerala Tourism, Anupama TV. “The traveller can select the radius of the location which he wishes to know about.

The predetermined distance varies from 2 to 50 km”, she added.

A total of 1,200 geotagged photos from various parts of Kerala, with around 75 photographs from each district, have been uploaded on the website of Kerala Tourism. This will help the travellers get visual information on subjects of interest around their current location.

In order to enhance the data available on the

QR code, Kerala Tourism envisions a massive collection of geotagged images from across the state and is looking forward to participation by the people in expanding this database. This will be made possible through a new interface to upload photos directly from mobiles to the website of Kerala Tourism.

“Geotagged photographs with location information of possible tourism destinations can be uploaded to the tourism website by the tourist using a smartphone, which will be verified by Kerala Tourism before including in the QR Code Aided Tourism Search”, added Smt Anupama.

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

YATHRA regions boast a variety of seafood.

Why travel to China?

Enjoy the Breath-taking landscapes & Incredible Nature!

China’s nature is very diverse. Here you can find deserts, rivers, beautiful seashores, and mountains. From the Northwest deserts to the Southeast seacoast, high mountain ranges to fertile plains, the frozen beauty of Harbin to the lush warm tropics of Xishuangbanna, China has it all. Hangzhou is famous for its stunning West Lake views.

S

1974 when a local farmer discovered them as he was digging a well. The Terracotta Army, famous army of soldiers in Xian.

Each sculpture in this army is not only handmade, but also is unique. Tourist guides will tell you the history of the Terracotta Army, and the story of it’s discovery.

uzhou has beautiful garden views and winding rivers with traditional architecture.

And Hainan is the tropical paradise of the Orient; known as the ‘Eastern Hawaii, it is China’s own paradise island.

Mountains - have become an important part of Chinese history, philosophy and art. Some even became sacred places. And once you see some of China Mountains, you will surely understand why. These mountains inspired artists thousands years ago, and they still do. For example, the famous Huanshan Mountains, also called the Yellow Mountains, have inspired designers of the “Avatar” movie to create the levitating mountains.

Rivers- some of the rivers in China are very picturesque.

For example, the Li River, mentioned above, is famous for it’s outstanding beauty and is visited by thousands of tourists

38 February2015 2015 38 February

from all over the world.

Taking a cruise down the river and staying in pretty small towns, like Yangshuo, can be a great idea for a romantic and exotic trip.

Caves - One of the most beautiful caves of the world - the Reed Flute Cave became a tourist attraction over a thousand years ago. Now it has become very famous for it’s scenic halls, stalagmites and stalactites, illuminated with multicolored lights.

Sea- Another tourist attraction in China are islands at the South of the country. If you rather prefer spending your

time at seashore instead of climbing mountains and rafting, you can find warm sea and rich tourist infrastructure at Hainan Island.

History and Museums China history is one of the reasons you’d like to go to this country. Almost in every city you can find various museums with ancient sculptures, scrolls, pieces of art.

The Terracotta Warriors were buried with the first emperor of the Qin dynasty in 210 BCE. They were forgotten for over two thousand years until

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Pagodas- beautiful towers and very impressing old city walls is another tourist attraction in the ancient city, Xian.

Great Wall of China- is the first association with China history and architecture.

It was recently listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It stretches over 4,000 miles, and while the latest construction occurred after 1368 during the Ming Dynasty, construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago. It was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep www.metromartdaily.com

invading Mongol tribes out of China.

Forbidden City and emperor palaces (the Gugun palace)- was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now known as the Palace Museum, the largest palace complex in the world. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions worldwide.

Chinese food – is the first reason to go to China is the famous Chinese food.

Be prepared to find out that Chinese cuisine is much more than you’ve ever tried in restaurants.

And this cuisine varies greatly by region. In the north, noodles are the most common meal staple, but in the south, almost everything is served over rice. Different regions, like Sichuan and Hunnan, are known for their unique spicy food, while coastal

But if you are not fond of trying new dishes, you can go to restaurants with Indian cuisine, European cuisine or just have a snack at McDonalds or Pizza Hut. And you will surely find some exotic Chinese sweets or fruits that will become your favorites.

Street food – If you’re willing to risk your stomach lining, there’s cheap, delicious food to be had on every street in China’s major cities. And in reality, it’s not actually all that risky: as far as I know, no one in the Nashe tours group ever got sick from eating street food. Some of our favorites included roasted yams, sweet buns, pineapple skewers, haw skewers (bingtanghulu), and peanuts.

Art and Music -China is famous for it’s traditions.

Chinese art and music were developed thousands of years, and now we can admire the history of evolution of Chinese art.

Beautiful paintings on silk and rice paper represent traditions, religion and philosophy of the nation.

One of the popular tourist attractions in China is the Chinese opera. The Opera is a very interesting way February 2015

to get acknowledged with traditional music.

Shopping in ChinaWhether you like shopping or not, you will find something you’d like to purchase in China. Not mentioning traditional souvenirs like fans, paintings on rice paper and green tea, you can find beautiful pearls, silk scarves and dresses, ceramics. Chinese Calligraphy, bamboo baskets, traditional Chinese knots, and other handcrafted items are distinctly beautiful as well.

In case if you like shopping,

40

February 2015

you will adore jewelry, clothing, and accessories from authentic famous brands.China is thrilling for bargain shoppers as well as name brand fascinates.

Of course, the best city for shopping is Shanghai - you can find almost any brand and designer’s boutique in this city.

Modern cities - It’s not only the rich history that attracts young people coming to China. At the same time, China boasts some of the largest cities in the world and is becoming more modern everywhere you look. Nowhere else have

I ever seen so many high rises or amazing skylines as in China. Shanghai epitomizes modern day China, with the famous modern riverfront skyline known as the Bund, large European style buildings, and its particularly distinctive Pearl of the Orient tower. Modern cities with various nightlife, huge shopping malls, museums, Chinese Circus, theatres and exhibition halls give tourist opportunities to see what the Chinese modern life is.

Fascinating diversity - One of the most amazing things about China is the variety of experiences that can be enjoyed in one place. Old and new, sweet and spicy, rough and smooth, all combine into a rich cultural tapestry. Because there are so many unique and diverse things to experience, a trip to China is sure to create some incredible memories.

These experiences will travel with you for the rest of your life.

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

FOCUS EVENT while Reshma V of Kerala bagged the gold in the women’s 67kg category.

Regha Boboi of Assam clinched the gold in the 52kg category.

Services winners of 35th National Games Kerala runner-up As the 35th National Games concluded, the Services team emerged the clear winner with 91 gold medals, and Kerala becoming the runner up with 54 gold medals. Haryana came third with 39 gold medals.

T

he final day witnessed many records getting broken in the field. Tintu Luka of Kerala registered a new meet record of 2:01.86 in the women’s 800m, while Gomathi of Tamil Nadu raced in second for the silver and Sini Marcose, again of Kerala bagged the bronze. In the men’s 800m, Sajeesh Joseph of Kerala struck gold, while Jinson Johnson of Services grabbed the silver and Muhammed Afsal, again from Kerala, the bronze.

The athletic events at the University Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram saw some heated competitions with Kerala reining in the track events. While Santhini V of Kerala bagged the

42 February2015 2015 42 February

women’s heptathlon.

The badminton women’s singles was won by PC Thulasi of Kerala, who beat Rithuparna Das of Telengana 21-15. The mixed-doubles also saw Kerala striking gold, beating the Telengana team.

gold in the women’s 200m, Sheena Varkey brought home the gold for women’s triple jump event. Kerala also grabbed the gold for

the women’s 4X400m relay.

The other gold medals in the track and field were won by Navjit Kaur of Punjab in women’s discus throw, Tamil Nadu in men’s 4X400m relay, Naveen Kumar of Services in men’s 3000m steeple chase, Lalita Babar of Maharashtra in women’s 3000m steeple chase with a new meet record, and Swapna Barman of West Bengal in

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

The taekwondo event that concluded at the Agricultural College indoor stadium at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram saw Sanju Boro of Assam winning the gold in the women’s under 49kg event,

The finals of the wushu women’s competitions at LNCP, Thiruvananthapuram, saw Jyoti Kumari of Jharkhand winning the gold in the Jianshu category, while Santoshi Devi of Manipur grabbed the gold in 48-52kg category. The 5660kg category saw Dimpi of Delhi emerging the winner.

I the men’s competitions, Mishanta Singh of Meghalaya grabbing the gold in the 52-56kg category, while Arun Nagar of UP clinched the gold in the 56-60kg category.

The 60-65kg category saw Bhanu Pratap Singh winning the gold, while Mukesh of Rajasthan grabbed the gold in the 65-70kg category.

Rajni Deori of Services emerged the victor in the 70-75kg category.

The cycling events saw Kezia Varghese of Kerala winning the gold in the Keirin Elite women’s category, while Amrit Singh of Punjab struck gold in the men’s category of the same event.

Kerala again emerged winners in the boxing events that took place at Thriprayar indoor stadium, with Sandeep Chhikara and Kulvinder winning the gold for the state in the 91kg super heavy and the light 60kg category respectively.

In canoeing, Kerala women bagged the gold in the 200m singles and 200m women-four events, while Services men grabbed the gold in the same category for men.

In the finals of the cycling events that took place at LNCP, Thiruvananthapuram, Punjab emerged the winner in the men’s team sprint, while Kerala won the gold in the women’s category of the same event.

Kerala again became victors in the women’s volleyball finals, beating Karnataka 3-1.

In the women’s handball finals, Haryana beat Punjab 25-30, and in the women’s Kabaddi finals, Haryana defeated Maharashtra 2017, to win the gold.

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

METRO UPDATE

METRO UPDATE

KSCADC to launch ‘Fish Maid’ chain of processed fast food outlets across India

Kottayam leads in enquiries for Sandesh One enrolment

Minister K Babu to inaugurate first store in Kochi on Monday Giving a major fillip to the fisheries sector in the state, the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) is foraying into the growing processed food segment by opening premium country-wide chain of outlets selling value-added fish products.

Branded “Fish Maid”, the network is being set up under the Public Private Partnership model.

The first outlet will be inaugurated at the Centre Square Mall in Kochi by Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise Shri K Babu.

The joint will sell delicacies like Tuna Burger, Salmon sandwich, Fish Spring roll, Tuna Stuffed Egg, French Omelette with Tuna, Tuna pasta salad, Salmon green salad, Shrimp cream soup, Crab pasta soup, Prawns kebab, Crispy crescent, Kappa Fish Pattice, Shrimp rolls, Fish Nuggets and Fish Fingers.

“Through this novel initiative, the state government plans to empower women in the coastal areas and improve their livelihood by providing them best-in-class training to produce high-end fish products while complying with quality control 2015 44 December 2014 February 2015 44 February

mechanisms,” the Minister said.

The KSCADC has tied-up with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) for technological support in preserving and the packaging the products.

“The Corporation will open similar fish kiosks in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Thrissur. In the due course, after studying the market response, we will expand the project to other states in the country,” the Minister added.

“Fish Maid is the result of the KSCADC’s relentless efforts to build a more effective and competitive

practice to market our fish products while minimizing wastage. The aim is to catch up with the changing market trends,” KSCADC Managing Director Dr K Ampady said.

The products are currently manufactured and processed at KSCADC’s Common Facility Centre — Nalapakam — at Sakthikulangara, Kollam.

The Corporation is planning to open two more such production units at Azhikode in Thrissur and Azhikkal in Kannur.

At Nalapakam, around 25 women from the coastal communities are being given training in preparing and processing the products.

METRO mart METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

: Just over a month after its launch, Kerala’s pioneering women-centric social enterprise project, Sandesh One, has kicked into gear with thousands of aspiring women entrepreneurs keen to join the training and support programme that will enable them to start their own micro units. he response has been the strongest in Kottayam district where more than 200 people called on a single day this week asking for information and details about the project, said Dr M K Muneer, Minister for Panchayats and Social Justice.

T

solutions in areas such as precision farming, advanced fish breeding, high density plantation, renewable energy, preventive health care applications, clinics, water management, waste management, afforestation, steam cooking and other programmes for promoting activity based life.

“We have had considerable interest in the project from Kozhikode and Kannur districts as well and hope that the application and processing will be completed soon to move on to the next stage,” he said.

One woman from each of the more than 1,000 panchayats in Kerala will be selected to undergo a certification programme in entrepreneurship developed by IIM Ahmedabad & in association with IL&FS Skill Development Corporation, one of the largest skill development companies in India.

Initiated by the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), Sandesh One is a publicprivate partnership (PPP).

Under this, a network of women entrepreneurs will be trained to run micro units that will offer www.metromartdaily.com

The six-month long residential training programme will focus on developing and improving

entrepreneurial skills and knowledge management.

The individuals will additionally go through a product orientation programme to get familiarised with the products and services offered by the Sandesh One network.

Sandesh One entrepreneurs will receive support from KSWDC which will facilitate loans, tie-ups with other stakeholders and provide promotional support.

Sandesh Centres will promote environment friendly projects, products and solutions to reach the grassroots level, said Dr PTM Sunish, Managing Director, KSWDC. “They will help citizens access innovations capable of contributing to the socioeconomic development of the state.”

February 2015

46

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

48

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

Siji Nair CEO & Managing Director

FROM CEO’s DESK The biggest sports event 2015 National Games of India, popularly known as 35th NaThiruvananthapuram : The Land Of Spiritual Consolation tional Games of India is being hosted by Trivandrum. To be held across seven districts of Kerala, this year’s event is the second time that Kerala is hosting the National Games In Kerala, the various temple festivals and church festivals attract many million. after it hosted the are 27ththe National Games in when 1987. the classical, folk and ritual art Today, these festivals only occasions

forms of Kerala come alive. The festival season in Kerala usually begins in the month This is a proud Metro Mart Magazine also as we unveil a first-of-its-kind of November or bymoment the last for week of April.

ready reference Handbook on Thiruvananthapuram in association with District Tourism

Promotion Councilbecomes for National Games. team atPongala Metro Mart made of painstaking Thiruvananthapuram a yaga sala The on Attukal day,has millions women effort to make this a first stop incorporating the entire gamut throng to perform the handbook ritual of Pongala – anshop offering to Bhagavathy during the across month Malayalam month Thethat festival sees the women centre theoftourism industry.

We of areKumbha. of the hope the Handbook is up to taking the mark with all stage.

Women devotees from faryou andabsorbed, wide come to Attukal prayers inthe their relevant details that will keep informed andwith hooked on! At same hearttime andwe cook riceifporridge forbeen the Bhagavathy. porridge ingreregret there have any omissionsThe andrice errors on ourwith part.other We would dients is maderectify to boil over to appease the deity. certainly it in oursymbolizing next issue ofthe theprayers same, which would follow soon.

The Pongala at Attukal is allowed for recognized the womenasfolks.

Participants at this The capital city of Kerala is fastonly getting a tourist destination withritual several include devotees from across the country as well as from abroad.

The firm belief international tourist sports, attracting thousands of national and international tourists of the devotees is that the Goddess provides everything for them. The Pongala is every year. Over the last half a decade, the city has been fast growing as a business offered for the prosperity and wellbeing of entire family. A spirit of sisterhood is destination also. The rapid leap of Kerala in the field of Information Technology and created in the women folks through the whole process of waiting together an entire the city becoming its hub, along with the setting up of several business firms of interday, cooking and the Pongala offering. national repute and more and more business travelers beginning to frequent the city

has put Kerala on the to massive by leaps bounds.

The event has turned out highway to be a moment of growth pride and joy in and women.

The equality of all the women at the Pongala is highlighted. Regardless of caste, creed and even We at Metro Mart thank andaround everyone havesurroundings helped us directly and indirectly religion, the devotees gathereach in and thewho sacred of Attukal and in our efforts in compiling information and publishing the Handbook.

We all wellpay their tributes to Goddess Bhagavathy. Bhagavathy is synonymous withthank Shakti wishers forofhelping us to Devi materialize the as Handbook, giving us theas accurate female aspect the divine. is viewed the source, essence well as data, the pictures and all other information on time. wouldDevi also like place on record sincere substance of everything seen or unseen in We creation. has to become a symbol of the ultimate andand supreme deity.

Devotees of Attukal believeteam the prosperity thanks gratitude to the advertisers and ourBhagavathy smart and efficient who worked of Thiruvananthapuram a gift of the Mother. night and day to fulfillis this compendium on Thiruvananthapuram.

AfterThanks tapping potential ofloving ayurveda, beaches, backwaters and eco-tourism, the forthe reading us and us year after year.

Kerala government should make a plan to promote pilgrim tourism in the state.

Paada Pranams to Attukal Amma!

Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Jayaraj Plus Towers, Murinjapalam, Medical College Post Thiruvananthapuram - 695011 Tel: +91 471 6065511/ 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com

50

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

www.metromartdaily.com

February 2015

52

February 2015

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M