Metro Mart January 2015

METRO mart Volume 4 Issue 7

January 2015

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

Kerala celebrating the sports spirit in

35th National Games

Kerala Tourism to launch ‘Visit Kerala 2015’ Look Fabulous with Beauty in your neighborhood!!

Dream Home: A complete solution to décor your dream home

“Responsible teamwork will ensure National Games a huge success” www.metromartdaily.com

Sachin Tendulkar Brand Ambassador, National Games

January 2015

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ANNIVERSARY

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We thank one and all for your kind patronage.

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January 2015

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January 2015

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January 2015

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

Foreword

We wish a very happy and prosperous new year to all our cityites. By the time this copy reaches you, most of the resolutions meant to be broken is broken, and already started blending with 2015. We are living in a fast pace world and often get carried away with our surroundings. This year, I appeal to all our readers to spend some time with themselves and with their families every day and trust me, they will feel rejuvenated and find themselves satisfied with life.

Kerala always used to be an example for other states in India to follow in literacy, in terms of its human resources, quality of cinema, foreign exchange and a lot. The political developments for the last couple of years in our state are strong points to raise doubts about the interest of our government to protect its entire state or a few individuals. After getting elected as a people’s representative, most of our elected representatives make it a point to forget its people, bringing our own growth in question. It’s the responsibility of each representative to work towards the betterment of his constituency selflessly. With the beginning of the National Games, this is a right time for all stake holders and general public to come forward together to showcase our hospitality, clean city, excellent food and also is an opportunity for the visitors to experience God’s own country.

In this edition we are featuring a special focus on National Games and we are also doing the final touch of a hand guide for National Games delegates and visitors. We can bring a better METRO with your suggestions only. We look forward to hear from you and I am taking leave to meet you with the coming edition.

Hari Shanker Manag8ing Editor

Hi,

Cheers, www.metromartdaily.com

January 2015

CONTENTS

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Kerala celebrating the sports spirit in 35th National Games

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HLL’s first PPP model Lifecare Centre opened at Gitanjali Hospital

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Look Fabulous with Beauty in your neighborhood!!

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Dream Home: A complete solution to décor your dream home

Volume 4 Issue 7 January 2015 www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition-www.issuu.com/metromart

Annual Subscription Rs 400

29 Experience the Indo-China Food Fest at Café Jade

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Manyavar: Synonym of Ethnic Men’s Wear

32

Why to visit Russia.

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Technopark’s photo exhibition pays tribute to unsung heroes

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Kerala Tourism to launch ‘Visit Kerala 2015’

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

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Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar

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Best Marketing Campaign Honour for Kerala Tourism

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FOREST FOREVER, a project

by Marikar Group

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Kerala Tourism’s Nishagandhi Puraskaram for Dr Padma Subrahmanyam

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Kerala Governor calls upon NRKs to invest money in govt projects

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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

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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 Orange Printers Private Limited, Trivandrum 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 January 2015

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January 2015

COVER FEATURE

Kerala celebrating the sports spirit in 35th National Games With only a few days left in hand, Kerala now is pre-occupied with the preparations to stage the huge sporting event: 35th National Games. The event is scheduled to run from 31st January and will continue till 14th February of the year. Countless people belonging to various sectors of life are enthusiastic to take active part in ‘Run Kerala Run’-a promotional event. The legend of cricket, Sachin Tedulkar by being the brand ambassador of the event is sure to give it an impressive start. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy and Governor P Sathasivam will also attend the event.

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ational Games, since its emergence in 1924 is playing a crucial role to uphold the sports talent in India.

Sportsmen from numerous disciplines and states compete against each other to win medals leaving footprints in the history of National Games. It is the biggest sporting event of the country, in terms of the varieties of sports in the

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program, the number of athletes participating and the number of audience gathering from different parts at the same time in the same place.

A look at the History of National Games The genesis of National Games lies in the Olympic Games, which gained its impetus in India in the early

1920s. G.D. Sondhi was the founder of the Olympic Games and also the first Secretary of the Punjab Olympic Association. The pinnacle of this event was the launching of the 9th National Games which took place in the the then capital of Punjab, Lahore. The first post-independence avatar of the games was held in Lucknow. The regulations

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January 2015

of this biennial event are completely under Indian Olympic Association and the association takes care of the scheduling of the event letting it not to coincide with Asian Games and Olympic Games.

Kerala, God’s own country, this year has prepared itself completely to give a vibrant start to 35th National Games. After being the proud host to launch 27th National Games in 1987, Kerala is now ready to host it again this year. The games are to be organized economically with the technical and administrative proficiency by giving facilities of accommodation to the contestants besides providing them with necessary sports equipments. As it is a responsible job, Kerala has begun the preparations many days before the event.

Security arrangements for 35th National Games Kerala police have set

themselves in strengthening the arrangements of the security in the state ahead of the 35th National Games scheduled to run from 31st January14th February.

Approximately 1,000 police officers and nearly 800 volunteers will be engaged at different venues ahead of the Games.

Installation of surveillance cameras will be done at the Corporation Stadium and V.K.N. Menon Indoor Stadium, the venues where the events of the sports will take place. To safeguard the sportsmen, lodges where they will stay are also under tight security. The police have already started inspections those lodges of Kerala.

Official Mascot: Great Hornbill Reflecting Kerala’s concern for conservation, the great Hornbill has become the official mascot of this 35th National Games. The

bird has been christened as ‘Ammu’ by CM of the State, Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram during the celebration of International Olympic Day i.e. on 21st June, 2013.

Selection of this bird as the official mascot also points out the fact that Kerala is paying attention towards the preservation of its rain forests and to prevent the extinction of this precious species. Also to give a tribute to the women power of Kerala, the bird has been given a feminine name.

The apparent identity of the 35th edition of National

“The whole of Kerala is going through a great sporting spirit and is ready to welcome the 35th National Games for making it a historic event.we are witnessing a surge of interest in sports among our youth.Kerala is showing a phenomenal enthusiasm in sports, especially after the success of ‘Run Kerala Run’ that took place as a prelude to the 35th National Games.”

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Games has been created carefully to express the essence and the spirit of the Games. Kerala, a state of vibrant and lively mood, the inimitable mnemonic utilizes a unique visual mechanism and a youthful palette with impressive colors to establish an innovative tone to the National Games.

are in full swing with the government of the state formally beginning the official countdown of the grand event of sport. During launch of the official countdown, Oommen Chandy, the CM of Kerala unveiled the medals to be awarded to those contestants who will come out with flying colors at a glitzy function in the presence of coaches and athletes of former times.

As an overture to the two weeks-long sporting gala, a series of programmes to promote the event such as ‘Run Kerala Run’ marathon and a torch rally was scheduled.

conduct various events of sports, and an expansive To fuel the participants ‘Games Village’, which can and to make the event have room for about 5000 as everyone’s event, the people at a time, would theme song- Get Set Play remain under the limelight

by Hariharan will help the of the infrastructure event to familiarize with the front. Pranab Mukherjee, general public.

President of India would be the Chief Guest at Countdown of National the closing ceremony of Games begin the event. Above 10,000 staffs from the technical Sports lovers are holding ‘Greenfield Stadium”, field and athletes from their breath and are where a total amount of numerous states of the ready to watch the live Rs. 161 crore has been country will take part in it. show of the Games not spent for its construction Eminent sportspersons like by sitting comfortably at at Karyavattom in Rosakutty M D Valsamma, their homes but by being Thiruvananthapuram, is all K M Beenamol, Shiny a part of the big crowd by set to organize the opening Wilson, George Thomas, visiting the venues. With and closing function of this Padmini Thomas and Anju just few days left for the National Games. ‘Greenfield Bobby George from kerala start of the 35th edition Stadium’, a huge complex participated in the event of National Games here for sports is facilitated to of countdown launch. To in Kerala, arrangements entertain the audience, cultural fiesta is also “ It is the responsibility of the scheduled where Keralites to make the national approximately 2500 games a success.I am grateful artists will rock the to the love showered on me event.

by the people of Kerala and sports lovers. It is necessary to be fit and healthy. By being healthy, one should be able to attain a new life style”.

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Suchitwa Mission along with National Games Organising Committee framed a plan to give a clean

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January 2015

incredible job in making huge Greenfield Stadium almost ready to stage the ceremonies of opening and closing of the event.

Kerala organized promotional event: ‘Run Kerala Run’ Jacob Punnoose Chief Executive Officer National Games and green drive at different locations with taking “Clean and Green National Games 2015” as its objective.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) allayed all worries regarding the preparedness of the Games and is confident that this biggest event of sport will take place as per the scheduled time. Chairman of Games Technical Conduct Committee, K Murugan appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Government to make ready the various sport venues of the state well in advance.

He, in a press conference, dismissing the belief - kerala is not yet ready to shoulder such a responsible job, said that Kerala has done an

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It was a memorable day in more than one way as thousands across Kerala took part to pledge to endorse the 35th National Games and turned to join ‘Run Kerala Run’, the promotional event organized to be held on 20th January, 2015. No doubt, it is one of the rarest occasions in the history of Kerala when the Indian citizens residing in that state forget all communalism and joined hands in hands with the bandwagon to support to the games being organized for the second time

by Kerala since its first initiative towards it in 1987.

As far as the mass race is concerned, one can witness the same craziness for the games as much in South’s Parrasala as it is in North’s Manjeswaram, at all its 21 mega points, 226 mini mega

points, and over 10,000 ordinary points, making the turnouts to excel limitlessly leading to a surprise even to the organizers of the games. If one is witnessing Tendulkar giving the games a ocking start in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital, the district headquarters also do not remain a laggard and had already attracted a huge traffic through notably celebs of Malayalam film industry, Dileep in Kottayam and Mohanlal in Kochi.

Traffic restrictions were in place from 8 in the morning to 12 noon on 20th January in the city in relation with the grand campaign ‘Run Kerala Run’, eleven days ahead of the National Games.

If truth be told, it was a unwearied wait for maximum participants as countless people were seen coming on the streets as early as from 8.30 in the morning, exactly two hours before to the appointed hour and this shows how the common mass along with celebs from different walks of life were seriously eager about it. At the

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January 2015

South exit of Government Secretariat, the Kerala police had to virtually thrash about to keep the crowd at a distance before the entry of Mr. Tendulkar who joined Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Industries

stadium. During the public as the brand ambassador of

Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed, Speaker of the Kerala Assembly G. Karthikeyan Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.

P. Sathasivam, the Governor of Kerala administered a pledge to the partaker before the mass race. However, with the complete stretch discernible for the race remaining swarm of the common public, the lead assemblage could hardly to walk virtually through the long distance to reach

Kerala Run’ event, Mr. Chandy emphasized on the

by saying “The lesson here is that we should remain one if Kerala is to make progress”.

to inculcate sportsmanship spirit among the general public. This great cricketer has been associated with all

this year.

Sports included in the

Mr. Tendulkar, the brand ambassador of the 35th to be overwhelmed by the hero worship of his with the “Namaskaram” that the mass would show their duty to make the forevermore. The main

various disciplines, it always drew a lot of sportspersons from all over India. The campaigning of 35th Kerala started very early this month with their team

disciplines of sports have

Trivandrum will not only host the lion’s share of the events at about half a dozen venues across the city as well as the state-of-the-art Games Village but the State Capital will also be the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games, at near Technopark”.

Biju Prabhakar IAS, District Collector Thiruvananthapuram 18

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been included this year.

The sports which would be included in the Games are: 1. Athletics 2. Aquatics 3. Archery 4. Badminton 5. Basketball 6. Beach Handball 7. Beach Volleyball 8. Boxing 9. Canoeing and Kayaking 10. Cycling 11. Fencing 12. Football 13. Gymnastics 14. Handball 15. Hockey 16. Judo 17. Kabaddi 18. Kho Kho 19. Lawn Balls 20. Net ball 21. Rowing 22. Rugby 23. Shooting 24. Squash 25. Table Tennis 26. Taekwondo 27. Tennis 28. Triathlon 29. Volleyball 30. Weightlifting 31. Wrestling 32. Wushu 33. Yachting All of these sports events of 35th National Games 2015 in Kerala are going to create a total gusto during this 15 day-event. Every heart is sure that National Games 2015 is going to make memories in view of a huge occasion which is getting an www.metromartdaily.com

incredible co-ordination and support from all members in the Association.

Contesting States of 35th National Games India is the mother of many talents and when it comes to the matter of sports where the country can unveil the talents, no state in the country would stay back in that. All the 29 states of India are participating to show their potentiality. Even the 6 union territories including Delhi also to show their full-fledged support to the National Games are coming forward to take part in it.

Let’s gather at the venues To watch the games in front of our eyes, we have to know the exact venues where the events will take place, otherwise we will miss it. And we don’t want that, do we? So, have a look at the venues where huge crowds will gather to have fun at this breathtaking event. Vembanad Lake (Canoeing and Kayaking, Rowing), VKN

Menon Indoor Stadium (Judo, Weight Lifting), VKK Menon Indoor Stadium (Volleyball) , University Stadium (Athletics), Sreepadam Stadium (Kho Kho, Kabaddi), Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium (Badminton, Table Tennis), Shooting Range (Shooting-Pistol, Rifle), Thriprayar Indoor Stadium (Boxing), Squash Court, Shangumugham Beach (Beach Handball), New Tennis Complex (Tennis), New Hockey Stadium (Hockey), Medical College Ground ( Men’s Football), Pirappancode Aquatics Complex (Aquatics), Greenfield stadium(Opening and Closing Ceremony), Kerala Police Academy (Trap and Skeet), Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (Archery), Lal Bahadur Shastri Corporation Stadium (Rugby Seven’s), Jimmy George Indoor Stadium (Handball, Gymnastics), Indoor Stadium Mundayad (Basket Ball, Wrestling), Kozhikode Beach (Beach Volleyball), Kovalam Bypass (Triathlon), CIAL Convention Centre (Fencing), January 2015

Corporation Stadium Thrissur (Football Women), Agricultural College Indoor Stadium (Teak Wondo, Netball), Cherai Beach (Yachting), Corporation Stadium Kozhikode (Men’s Football), Chandrasekhar Nair Stadium (Squash), CIAL Golf course (Lawn Bowls) and LNCPE Velodrome and Indoor Stadium (Wushu, Cycling) are the 30 venues where the games will be staged. These stadiums are holding up the spirit of togetherness to celebrate the sports’ grandeur in the nation and an everlasting legacy in the organizing state, Kerala.

Torch where this mobile app will send digital torch from one mobile to the other on a virtually limitless travel across the whole world. Through utilizing the platform of Social Media like Facebook, Googleplus and others, on e can transfer the torch to his friends or relatives living in any part of the world. As this app is user-friendly and interesting strengthening the sportsmanship spirit among the Indians as well as the sports enthusiasts, many people are downloading this app from the Play Store using their Android mobile. The torch can be turned on simply either by shaking or touching the screen.

This app will also play a pivotal role in uniting all the Indians who are living abroad and will encourage them to be a part of this event.

Virtual Torch App

The real flame will be lit few days ahead of the Games where the leading personalities of sports will go on transferring the flame to the cauldron of the Games. The sports celebs will physically travel many cities and towns to finally reach Thiruvananthapuram.

It will be held just one day before the Games starts i.e. on 30th January, 2015.

The digital version of the real torch is the Virtual

Growing popularity of National Games on

Three associations namely Indian Olympic Association, Kerala Olympic Association and the Government of Kerala are in partnership to organize this great event of sports.

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Facebook Games and sports lovers are going on translating their passion for the upcoming event 35th edition of National Games in Kerala by clicking on ‘likes’ on its official page of Facebook. According to a report presented by a member of the National Games Organising Committee, the number of ‘Likes’ on the page of this social media site (Facebook) has already crossed lakhs and it’s still going on increasing. It records in an outstanding 10,000 views on particular occasions like brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar meeting with the Games Mascot, Ammu.

Many audiences do not belong to the State and are from abroad too. The page was launched only six months prior to the event i.e. on 26th June and this huge ‘likes’ definitely points out the popularity of the games throughout the world.

This splendid event is stretched across the whole state of Kerala having awesome scenic beauty and the settings of such big venues planned up for the sports event are also a ‘must see’ thing. So celebrate the spirit of the National Games and book your flights in advance to avoid the rush of the last hour.

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National Games 2015: Trivandrum with 14 venues, hosts 17 events Here is a quick snapshot of all the venues and the respective events at these venues:Venue: Shooting Range Location: Near Central Polytechnic College, Vattiyoorkavu Hosts: Shooting Venue: Trivandrum International Stadium Location: Kariavattom Hosts: Opening and Closing Ceremonies Venue: University Stadium Location: Palayam Hosts: Athletics Venue: Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium Location: Palayam Hosts: Athletics (warm up), Cycle Polo Venue: Squash Complex Location: Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Palayam

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Hosts: Squash Venue: Jimmy George Indoor Stadium Location: Vellayambalam Hosts: Gymnastics and Handball Venue: Agricultural College Indoor Stadium Location: College of Agriculture, Vellayani Hosts: Taekwondo and Netball Venue: Tennis Complex

Location: Kumarapuram Hosts: Tennis Venue: Trivandrum Tennis Club Location: Trivandrum Tennis Club, Kowdiar Hosts: Tennis (Practice) Venue: Sreepadam Stadium Location: Attingal Hosts: Kho-Kho and Kabbadi For more informationhttp://www.kerala2015. com/kerala2015/venues

January 2015

HEALTH

HLL’s first PPP model Lifecare Centre opened at Gitanjali Hospital In a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (PPP) initiative in Kerala, HLL Lifecare Limited has set up ‘Lifecare Centre’ in collaboration with Gitanjali Eye and ENT hospital here to make available ophthalmic products including spectacles, lenses and frames at affordable rate to people. Lifecare Centre at Gitanjali Hospital is the 16th centre in India and the ninth in Kerala.

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he facility was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister for Home and Vigilance Shri Ramesh Chennitathala at the hospital here today.

The Lifecare Centre will sell ophthalmic products at 10 to 60 percent rebate compared to open market price.

Geetanjali Hospital, which was established in 1984, is a leading Super Specialty Eye and ENT hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

In October 2011, HLL Lifecare opened the

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first Lifecare Centre at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College to sell surgical implants and consumables at 40 to 60 per cent rebate.

Apart from Kerala, HLL Lifecare Limited has opened Lifecare Centres in other parts of India including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh. By partnering with a private hospital, HLL intends to extend its service to more people.

Through Lifecare Centres, HLL aims to deliver reliable and affordable healthcare

solutions to the needy and the less privileged. It ensures standardization and transparency in the marketing of surgical and medical products.

Shri R P Khandelwal, Director (Finance), HLL; Dr Ajith Joy K, Managing Director, DDRC SRL Diagnostics Pvt Ltd; Shri K Suresh Kumar, Vazhuthacaud Councillor; Dr Sreekumaran Nair and Dr. Balakrishnan Nair, Chairman, Gitanjali Eye and ENT hospital spoke on the occasion.

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January 2015

METRO

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Look Fabulous with Beauty in your neighborhood!!

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.

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brief about STUDIO11

STUDIO11, India’s first and only chain of premium neighborhood salon and spa has been awarded as the Debutant Salon Chain of the year for the year

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2014, by the Indian Salon Congress. STUDIO11 offers a superior work culture and collaborative creativity resulting in wellness and beauty care at par with international standards.

The salons establishedacross India have world class ambiance which are plush and contemporary.At STUDIO11, one will receive the best in beauty and spa services at very affordable prices administered with the greatest care,100% hygiene &quality service extended by the trained&professional staff making every visit of the customers truly

memorable.

What’s in the Name?

A studio is an artist’s sacred space. By referring to ourselves as a studio we hope to create an environment where our own artists, our talented technicians, can let their imaginations and creativity roam free so that they, and by extension you, love the work they do.

STUDIO11 is founded by a medical professional passionate about both music and education. Thus, STUDIO11′s core values encompass a doctor’s precision, a musician’s

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January 2015

creativity and a teacher’s research.

Presence In a span of over just three years of being into the business we have a wide spread presence across 8 states in India which includes locations like Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Bareillyetc.

A Journey into Thiruvanathapuram Mrs. ReenaManoj, a renowned beautician of Thiruvanathapuram is specialized in permanent eyebrow coloring with around 15 years vast experience as a beautician & done permanent eyebrow coloring for more than 1000 happy customerswhich includes foreign clientele.

Her passion is key instrument inSTUDIO11 salon & spa entering into the God’s own land Thiruvanathapuram in

November, 2014.

STUDIO11 salon & spa in Thiruvanatapuram is located in a peaceful location with rich green surroundings and in heart of the city at Skyline pointe, opp. of All India Radio. As soon as you step into the salon you are invited and comforted with the gentle smile, warmth welcome and a welcome drink.

You are then taken to the consultation with the trained &professional technician to understand your requirements. The technicians provide you with the consultation

based on their findings and recommend you the right services you require.

The salon is designed with state of art interiors like modern hairstyling zone, elegant facial rooms and lavish spa rooms with steam bath facility & comfortable Manicure, Pedicure stations. The mild music, comfortable arrangement of lighting, seats, beds etc. makes the customer to relax. The usage of disposable kits sterilized equipment and branded products like L’Oreal & dermologica provides the quality standards that are followed and care taken for the customer’s health & wellness.

STUDIO11 will pamper you with some attractive offers at the salon. The quality of service, world class ambiance, style & looks you get will leave you with mesmerizingfeel and your search for the luxury you are looking in for years in your town is found.

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January 2015

LIVING

DREAM HOME

Dream Home: A complete solution to décor your dream home Decorating homes and office with quality furniture and light is just not a child’s play as it speaks of your personality and choice. A well-furnished home always has a positive impact upon the mind of its visitor. If you also want to give your home and office an elegant and stylish look, then don’t waste your time in choosing the shops. Go to Dream Home in Trivandrum to get contemporary furniture, lights, CCTV cameras and sanitary ware.

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illiam Morris, the poet and novelist commented, “All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer.”

Undoubtedly, we all crave for it. Decorating your home and office does not only restrain to living room and the bed room, but it also included the washroom. Dream Home, the new shop opened in Trivandrum can

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be addressed as one-stop solution to all your needs related with home and office furniture, LED and fancy lights, CCTV cameras,

sanitary ware which can be available for both wholesale and retail.

The products stored in this shop are of world-class quality and the more interesting thing is that you can purchase the things at an affordable price. It has assembled the necessary yet trendy home and office decorating, sanitary and security accessories to prevent you from roaming shop to shop in search of the best product.

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DINING

Experience the Indo-China Food Fest at Café Jade The exotic blend of Indian and Chinese food at Café Jade, an initiative of Hycinth by Sparsa, will enable the gluttons to indulge themselves in absolutely delicious dishes. To enjoy the best ever combination of taste, attend the Indo-China Food Fest from 23rd January to 1st February, 2015.

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ycinth by Sparsa at Café Jade brings to the first IndoChina food event offering the delicious sweet, sour and spicy dishes by blending the two entirely different eastern culturesIndia and China. Through this tempting event, Café Jade, HYCINTH by Sparsa ventures to bring Food Celebration from the Chinese, Indian as well as Oriental. The most craved foods would definitely create exhilaration as the guests will started to gather

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to taste these unique preparations of food.

Thiruvanathapuram city will witness an exhaustive gamut of food beginning with Seafood Talumein Soup, LIVE COUNTERs – like Pan Fried DIM SIM, Momos and many more… followed by Squid & Celery In Xo Sauce, Crab Congee,

Roasted Chicken In Peaking Sauce, Sliced Fish with Pok Choy & Black Bean, Lamb & Green Beans In Soya Ginger, Double Fried Duck with Hunan Sauce, Stir Fried Asian Greens, Chilly Gobi, Ginger Potato, Szechwan Cottage Cheese Sauted Beans & Cucumber with Garlic, and other yummy dishes…. Don’t forget to take their mouth watering Desserts also.

This Food Extravaganza is a 10-day event where every session of dinner will be a paradigmatic place for the lovers of Indo-Chinese food.

January 2015

SHOPPING

Manyavar: Synonym of Ethnic Men’s Wear Though we say don’t judge a book by its cover, but do we really follow it, especially when it comes to the wedding outfits? Manyavar understands the notions people have with dresses and hence, it is now coming up with more varieties in your own city, Trivandrum.

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f tradition means ethnic wear, ethnic men’s wear means Manyavar. Weddings in India have usually adorned Manyavar. But the brand means more.

Ethnic Wear, Party Wear, Accessories- each is a signature, reflecting intense research, ideas, technology, craftsmanship and benchmarking at every level. Manufactured at the facility in Kolkata, on a capacity over one

million units of apparel, the category’s highest in the world.

More than an industryleader, Manyavar symbolizes the category.

Manyavar is the best among India’s most valued men’s wear brand today. Beyond superior ideas and designs, wider offerings, greater retail presence and a continuous leadership, Manyavar will endeavor to shape the category’s future towards a global acceptance and

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preference, which goes beyond cultural and ethnic sensibilities.

M/s The Delight Brands, a registered firm under the management of Mr.Nazif Nazar & Mr.Mohammed Shooja, is a new generation enterprise with the vision of transcending fashion along with traditional values and is proudly presenting this 1st men’s only ethnic wear exclusive branded outlet in Trivandrum city!

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January 2015

YATHRA

Why to visit Russia.

1. The Religious History The Russian Orthodox Church held an incredible amount of power and prestige during the tsarist era, and the incredible cathedrals in many Russian cities are a must-see for anyone interested in religious history. From the haunting Kazan cathedral in St.Petersburgto the grandiose St.Basil’s cathedral in Moscow to the multitude of churches in the UNESCO Heritage city of Suzdal, there is no shortage of breathtaking religious sites in Russia.

2. The Literary History Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin, Chekhov, Nabokov, Bulgakov, Gogol... all of these great authors - and more – lived and worked in Russia. Visit their homes, their favorite places and the sites of famous scenes from their work to gain a new

depth of understanding and perspective about Russian literature.

3. The Art History The art collection in the St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum is enough to occupy you for days... and that’s only one small part of all the art that you can see in Russia. Nearly every city houses at least one art museum with some amazing works.

4. The Tsarist and Communist History See how the Tsars lived at Catherine the Great’s palace atPeterhof and the

Summer Palace. Then, visit Lenin’s tomb, take a look at the old KGB headquarters and take in the Sovietera architecture that you will find in many smaller Russian cities especially.

5. The food (and drinks!)

You must try traditional Russian food at least once in your life – it’s quite a unique tasting experience.

Of course, if you like vodka, Russia is the place to go, but Russian beer may perhaps pleasantly surprise you as well.

6. The Methods of Transportation You must see the unparalleled grandeur of the Moscow Metro, and, bullet train, 7. The Nature Russia is, needless to say, a gigantic country, and the upside of that is that there is a huge amount of untouched nature

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waiting to be discovered by travelers. You can find some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world throughout Russia – for example in the UNESCOprotected Caucasus mountains and Lake Baikal in Siberia. You just have to be willing to take on a bit of an adventure!

8. The Entertainment Russia will provide entertainment for almost any taste. See the worldfamous Russian ballet dancers, visit the majestic theaters for a play, or listen to some classical music written by Russian composers and performed by amazing Russian musicians. Russia also has arguably the world’s most exciting nightlife, with world-famous nightclubs, and, conversely, cheap or free live music available in many bars and clubs on almost any weekend night.

9. The Russian Winter Don’t be afraid of the Russian wintrs! Yes, it gets cold, but pack some warm

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winter clothes and brave the snow, because it will be worth. You will see a world that looks straight out of a fairytale, you will experience one of the most crucial elements of Russian history, and if you’re far enough North, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern lights!

10.All night life Go out in most cities in Russia and you can stay out all night. All night! And it’s not just clubs that stay

open all hours, but cafes and restaurants too, so that you can actually stay in the same building and have an evening meal, go dancing, get breakfast, sit with a paper and carry on right into lunch, if you want to. A lot of places which look like inoffensive coffee houses and restaurants will acquire some dance-floors and professional dancers come evening, meaning you don’t have to venture out into the cold at all if you don’t want to.

January 2015

a

b Kerala is one of the most beautiful places in India where you can dream of a living.

Growing at an astonishing rate, Kerala has always been a hot spot for realtor projects and tourism and hospitality industry. The survey conducted at a Global Investor Meet (GIM) in Kochi clearly proves that Kerala has emerged as a favoured investment destination and an ideal place to own a house.

Kerala has one of the highest per capita income and foreign remittances in the country, which in turn has set off a spate of development activities in real estate segment. The term "Kerala Model" of development coined by economists and political scientists refer to the futuristic land reforms and social upliftment of Kerala.

Nbook.in – The Online Realtor Portal with a Difference. Nbook.in is a realtor portal with a difference. This interactive and ambitious online real estate portal is designed to meet every single need of those who want to buy/sell / rent their properties. The users can search based on various factors including category, location, pricing etc to get the most relevant results in the quickest possible time. The site also has videos and pictures of property apart from comprehensive mapping options and android apps to ensure a user friendly experience.

There has always been a huge demand for premium quality apartments, villas and flats among the consumers. To cater to the ever growing demand, the online realtor portal of Nbook has been listing world class projects from different parts of the state to cater to the demands of both the buyers and sellers.

Unique Features of nbook A product of Three Seas Infologics pvt Ltd, nbook has become a name to reckon with in the realtor scenario of Kerala.

Verified listings: Nbook.in carries only transparent and fully verified property listings. It offers a common platform where the buyers and sellers can come face to face and choose the deals that are most appropriate for their needs and budget.

Exclusive land projects: It is one of the very few sites that carry listings of exclusive land projects and asset Shahir Esmail, CEO, Three Seas Infologics management options.

Holiday listings: The other notable feature of this site is the holiday listings under which the NRI home owners can list their properties as holiday homes and self catering apartments to ensure handsome returns from their properties.

Agent promotion: The site also provides details of agents and service points at all the locations in Kerala that ensure coordination and execution in realtor deals.

Mapping facility: It has also the distinction of being the first ever realtor portal to have a complete mapping facility2015 for the users where they can get a clear overview of the location ofMETRO the project, 34 January mart the T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

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amenities around, distance from the city and so on and so forth in a single glimpse. This is a real boon for the busy prospective buyers as it relieves them off the hassles of personally visiting the spot to get an idea on the project that they wish to make their investment.

Android applications: To cater to the technically savvy young investors, nbook has also come up with an android application that gives the customers all the details of all the upcoming and completed projects in the state right at their nbook.in Customer Care finger tips.

The fact that nbook has always been ahead in making use of the latest applications and technology for the users is what makes this online realtor company a shade better than the rest of the players in this league. With the young entrepreneur Shair Esmail at the helm of affairs, the company is leaving no stone unturned to reach out to the maximum clients by offering housing solutions in all the three basic segments including budget, luxury, and premium. The informative online portal of nbook not just gives the latest trends in housing and the various options on offer but has also has listed out all the important tourist destinations, seasons, geographical specialities and more about the State of Kerala. nbook.in has the listings of all the major realtor companies and their projects in Kerala in various categories like apartments, houses, villas, hostels, offices, farm houses and retail spaces among others. All the listings are verified for accuracy by the Nbook community, building management or landlord to ensure the safest and the best deals for the customers.Owing to Kerala’s beautiful geographical location, a lot of people from abroad also find Kerala a perfect destination to not just settle down but also as a potent investment option. With the state government implementing various measures to attract more FDI’s in the form of real estate investments, the realtor segment paints a rosy picture in Kerala. nbook has played a pivotal role in reaching out to the potentialclients from far and wide and enjoys a niche on online business where the buyers and sellers can find the best deals on a common platform and carries realtor nbook.in Team listings from all parts of Kerala such as Cochin, Trivandrum, Cochin, Thrissur, Calicut, Kottayam and Kannur among others.Nbook, which is an interactive and informative online realtor portal is a product of and Three Seas Infologics pvt ltd, which has many other products to its credit. Some of its upcoming products include a4auto.com for buying and selling of all types of vehicles and M editor. In for medical tourism. www.metromartdaily.com

January 2015

TECH MART

Technopark’s photo exhibition pays tribute to unsung heroes As part of its silver jubilee celebrations, Technopark has organised a photography exhibition featuring the unsung heroes who have accompanied the park in its 25 years’ journey. The exhibition titled ‘25 years of happiness’ pays tribute to the people of Thiruvananthapuram for their whole-hearted support and cooperation.

The black and white photos mounted on the walls of the Exhibition Hall at Park Centre offer an elegant gallery experience with their professional quality.

The exhibition that kick started on January 12 will bring to a close on February 5.

A woman preparing lunch boxes for the employees at the park, an auto rickshaw driver smiling unconditionally at the camera and a joyful tender-

coconut vendor are among the 12 ‘heroes’ featured in the exhibition.

These smiling faces in the photographs truly unveil Technopark’s success story of community participation and symbiosis that helped create nearly 1.5 lakh indirect jobs in the city.

The real growth of Technopark is not in terms of the number of companies that have moved in, or the growth in terms of infrastructure or the employment that Technopark has generated, said Technopark CEO Shri KG Girish Babu. “In fact, the Park has been instrumental in opening up new world of opportunities for

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the common man, from the tea shop owner to the security guard, from the auto rickshaw driver to the two wheeler mechanic”, he added.

Registered in 1990 July 29 as a society named Electronic Technology Parks Kerala, Technopark celebrates the year 20142015 as its silver jubilee year with a series of social activities and major expansion projects. Spread over nearly 800 acres, the park currently houses over 330 IT and ITeS companies and employs more than 46,000 professionals. The number of indirect jobs created by Technopark is three times the number of direct employment generated.

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METRO UPDATE

Kerala Tourism to launch ‘Visit Kerala 2015’ Various initiaves to promote tourism Kerala Tourism’s ‘Visit Kerala 2015’, a new initiative to promote the state’s destinations, will be launched this year from April 1, with a series of events ranging from the arts to sports,state Tourism Minister Shri A P Anil Kumar announced.

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he main focus of Visit Kerala 2015 will be to strengthen the promotion of tourism products including Ayurveda, Responsible Tourism, and Spice RouteMuziris”, said Shri Anil Kumar.

“The tourism department will host a tourism industrial meet to promote responsible tourism and encourage the participation of local communities in tourism sector. The meet will provide guidance to people on setting up home stays and villas with small scale investment”, the minister added In the wake of the fresh initiative, Kerala Tourism will explore more new markets in China and Sri Lanka. Aggressive campaigns that target potential travellers in big traditional markets for Kerala will be conducted in the United Kingdom, France and Germany through trade fairs and

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roadshows. Consumer fairs and familiarisation trips will be introduced in upcoming markets like the United States. Kerala Tourism will enter markets like China and Sri Lanka through trade fair, road shows and familiarisation tours.

Leveraging the increased air connectivity, a focused Ayurveda and monsoon campaign will be conducted in the Middle East where 90% of the diasporas are from Kerala.

Shri Anil Kumar noted that Kerala’s unique product like Ayurveda is marketed more in other countries like Sri Lanka. Trade fairs, road shows and a familiarisation

campaign for tour operators will be Kerala Tourism’s pursuit in the Eastern countries.

Apart from the international market, the state tourism is planning a major offseason promotional blitz in the country to counter seasonality in arrivals.

‘Visit Kerala 2015’ will also promote Kerala Tourism products like cultural festivals, weddings, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and adventure tourism, besides cycling.

The second phase of the Kerala Tourism’s, ‘Kerala - Home of Ayurveda’

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campaign, will also be launched in selected national and international markets like Germany.

the state, highlighting the festivals and events, along with the contests”, said Shri Anil Kumar.

Kerala Tourism will also showcase the Spice Route and Muziris heritage through an international campaign to promote heritage tourism in the state.

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.

A comprehensive festivals and events calendar will be prepared and promoted through multiple channels, including India Tourism Offices and Indian embassies abroad. Kerala will be promoted as a major “Wedding and MICE destination” through online campaigns. The tourism department will also prepare wedding venue databases. Adding to this, adventure and cycling holidays will be promoted to attract youth and students.

“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 www.metromartdaily.com

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

January 2015

METRO UPDATE

Best Marketing Campaign Honour for Kerala Tourism Kerala Tourism’s sustained creative efforts to communicate with a worldwide audience about the pristine destinations in the state, has won the Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award for 2014.

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he state tourism department received the honour at the Travel and Hospitality Awards 2014 held on Monday in New Delhi.

and water taxis in Kochi,

Instituted by the Travel and Hospitality magazine, the award was given away by three-time Member of Parliament and former cricketer, Shri Kirti Azad.

ITB-Berlin’s Golden City

General of India, Shri Mukul

Gate Gold Award, which is

Rohatgi.

“We are honoured to receive the top award for interacting with the people in a creative and imaginary way to promote our state,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar.

Mahesh Sharma; Union had also launched1st the Prize (Painting) Tourism Secretary, Dr Lalit K Great Backwaters Campaign Panwar; Joint Secretary, Shri last year and won the Suman Billa; and Attorney

called the Oscar of Tourism Communications,” he added.

Kerala Tourism Director Shri P I Sheikh Pareeth described the award as an “acknowledgement of the efforts in promoting the state’s destinations worldwide”.

“It is a recognition of

He said the award would certainly help elevate Kerala’s status in the national and international tourism market.

Kerala’s tourism sector

Kerala Tourism has followed unique marketing strategies like the branding of Mumbai Metro Train and theme branding of the hop-on and hop-off boats

Director Shri Rajkumar

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Civil Aviation Minister. Shri

Shri Anilkumar said. “We

and an encouragement to excel further,” Shri Pareeth added.

Kerala Tourism Deputy received the award at the ceremony attended by former Deputy Prime Minister,Shri L K Advani; Union Culture, Tourism and

Other recipients of the Travel and Hospitality Awards 2014 include TUI Group for the Most Outstanding Travel Company, Tourism Finance Corporation for the Most Outstanding Financial Institution, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts for the Fastest Growing Value Brand, ITC for Most Outstanding Hotel Brand, Indigo for the Most Outstanding Domestic Airline of the Year, Thailand for the Most Outstanding Leisure Destination, Kenya as the Most Outstanding All-Season Destination and Abu Dhabi for the Most Outstanding International Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE) Destination.

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CSR

MARIKAR MOTORS

FOREST FOREVER, a project by Marikar Group FOREST FOREVER, a project by Marikar Group to promote afforestation among the younger generation, was launched by Marikar Group CEO, Zulfiquar Marikar at Holy Angles’ School Trivandrum.

The project set up in association with Kerala Forest Department, encourages the youth to plant trees and thereby conserve

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the environment.

Marikar Group is planting approx.2500 endemic species of Forest trees

every month. Marikar Group has planted saplings at Cotton Hill School & All Saints’ College as a part of initiative.

January 2015

FOCUS EVENT

Kerala Tourism’s Nishagandhi Puraskaram for Dr Padma Subrahmanyam The Nishagandhi Puraskaram for this year has been bestowed on celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent Dr Padma Subrahmanyam for her contribution to Indian classical dance.

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nstituted by the Tourism Department of Kerala Government, the annual Nishagandhi Puraskaram honours eminent personalities in the fields of dance and music.

The award carries a purse of Rs 150,000, citation and a statuette.

Known for her distinctive style and versatility, Dr Subrahmanyam has performed at various prestigious venues and festivals across the globe.

“Dr Padma Subrahmanyan is without doubt one of the finest exponents of Bharatanatyam in the country and has played a significant role in reinvigorating the dance form across the world,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar while announcing the award.

“She is also responsible for developing new techniques to expand the vocabulary of Bharatanayam beyond

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the scope of its traditional tenets,” he added. “Her influence on generations of young people to learn and sustain our rich classical traditions is phenomenal,” Shri Anilkumar said.

Dr Subrahmanyan is also known for her meticulous research into Indian classical dances. She is the recipient of several awards and honours, including the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhushan in 2003.

“Dr Padma Subrahmanyam has made remarkable contributions to the Indian classical dance traditions,” said Kerala Tourism Director Shri P I Sheikh Pareeth.

“Kerala Tourism is proud to honour such contributions that enrich the cultural

heritage of our country,” Shri Pareeth said.

The Nishagandhi Puraskaram is presented as part of the annual Nishagandhi Festival organised by the state Department of Tourism every year in Thiruvananthapuram.

The inaugural Nishagandhi Puraskaram was presented to eminent classical dancer and choreographer Smt Mrinalini Sarabhai in 2013.

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January 2015

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January 2015

‘Get Set Play’ in the 35th National Games Come January 31 to February 15, 2015 the spotlight would be on the capital city of Kerala. And there are multiple reasons to get thrilled about.

The biggest sports event 2015 National Games of India, popularly known as 35th National 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 after it hosted the 27th National Games in 1987.

Trivandrum will not only host the lion’s share of the events at about half a dozen venues across the city as well as the state-of-the-art Games Village but the State Capital will also be the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games, at the upcoming, stunning new International Stadium near Technopark.

The Games shall be a big boost to the tourism, economy and sports facet of God’s own country Kerala. During the Games, the Stadium where the event will happen will be known as Milkha Singh Plaza in honour of the ‘Flying Sikh’ and the great sprinter Milkha Singh.

The mascot of the 35th National Games is “Ammu”, the Great Indian Hornbill, the State Bird of Kerala. The choice of a feminine name for the Mascot is a tribute to the women of Kerala. The Games Village shall be a ‘miniature India’ as this venue shall depict and represent India’s national integration at the Games.

There are 33 sports disciplines in 2015 Kerala Games in which Yachting would be a new inclusion other than the popular Athletics, Acquatics and Shooting activities.

Have a great game fest! All the best, best of luck for team Kerala.

Happy Reading!

Siji Nair

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