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METRO mart Volume 5 Issue 6
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
NAYONIKA
WHERE YOUR DREAM CLOTHES ARE WEAVED
YOUTH FEST
AT THE CAPITAL
NISHAGANDHI FESTIVAL ANOUSHKA SHANKAR AT ‘HOME’ IN ‘GOD’S OWN COUNTRY’
KERALA B2B MEET FOR SMEs KERALA TO HOLD STATE-LEVEL
MACHINERY EXPO www.metromartdaily.com
January 2016
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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
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METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
The New Year has begun with a flurry of activities in the city – The Kerala School Kalolsavam, Nishagandhi Festival, Alliance Française de Trivandrum and Soorya coming together to an Indo-French Musical dialogue with ‘Indian and Creole Project’. Let us believe that in the ensuing months Thiruvananthapuram would reach up the heightened expectations that the New Year has ushered in. Metro Mart is there with its readers to keep a tab on the activities that happen across the city and take a significant part in the development of the city. This edition starts off with Ms. Anoushka Shankar’s presentation at the Nishagandhi festival. Anoushka discusses her profound link with Kerala. The exuberance of youth at Kerala School Kalolsavam is dealt with venue and other arrangements analysed in detail in this edition. Kerala Tourism sector should develop a strategy to treat such activities as an avenue to showcase the city’s tourist centers. It is not just the youth that are at the events – the parents, the teachers, etc., from other districts are all there. Moreover, the youth should be considered as future guests on their own.
Foreword
Hi Readers
Other features of this edition include Ananthapuri Hospital – with its sophisticated technology and treatment facilities, Nayonika; where your dream clothes are weaved,Kallingal – for its humanitarian services, and Sonia Chugh’s ‘Go Digital’ mantra. The tail end of the month has brought in news of the sad demise of Kalpana – accomplished actress of South Indian Cinema. RIP Kalpana. Our readers can read about how our State’s culture and arts is promoted across the world with our features such as “Silicon Valley Warms Up to ‘God’s Own Country.”. Metro Mart dwells on how it could uplift the city as a whole.
Siji Nair Managing Editor & Director
The city had its share of fame with Sri. P. Gopinathan Nair receiving ‘Padma Shri’ award. Born in Neyyatinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, he has involved himself in several social and development activities inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave. Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s efforts through art and culture to promote the State has been honored by Department of Tourism with Special Achievement award.
With several other articles detailing the efforts of various partners in boosting Kerala, Metro Mart wishes its readers a promising year.
Regards Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com www.metromartdaily.com
January 2016
CONTENTS
Volume 5 Issue 6 January 2016 www.metromartdaily.com
Read our e-edition-www.issuu.com/metromart
Annual Subscription Rs 400 Publisher Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in Managing Editor & Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com Sub Editor
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Youth Fest at the capital
14
Nishagandhi festival: Anoushka Shankar At ‘Home’ in ‘God’s Own Country’
20
Nayonika; where your dream clothes are weaved…
22
Kerala Govt. to hold state-level Machinery Expo
28
Over 400 buyers to participate in Kerala B2B Meet for SMEs
42
Go Digital: New Mantra for Survival
48
Silicon Valley Warms Up to ‘God’s Own Country’
50
The adventure packed MTB Kerala is back!
64
Metro Update
V. Viswanath
Editorial Assistant
Ampili Nair
Creative Assistant
Sayan Chaudhuri Arnab Chowdhury
GM Sales
Sibu Nair
Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar
Baiju Jayakumar
Corporate Office:Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College PO,Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695 011 Tel: 00919995139933 / 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 10 January 2016
RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037
METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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January 2016
COVER STORY
Youth Fest at the Capital Asia’s biggest School Youth Festival began in the capital on January 19th with around 12,000 students participating in various art forms decked up in 19 venues.
The Chief Minister
inaugural function, a
Oommen Chandy
cultural procession was
inaugurated the 56th
taken out in the city.
State School Arts festival
Deputy General of Police
at 5 pm at the main
T. P. Senkumar flagged off
venue, Putharikanadam
the procession. Decorated
Maidan. Educational
floats with spectacular rich
Minister P K Abdu
cultural heritage of the
Rabb presided over the
state and other traditional
function along with
art forms was highlighted
award-winning filmmaker
in the procession. Over
Jayaraj who was the
6,000 students from 50
chief guest. A dance
schools have participated
and music show were
in the cultural procession.
56 students and equal
Elaborate arrangements
teachers participated
have been made to
was the main highlight of
transport contestants of
the inaugural function.
the school arts festival,
As a preface to the
which was held at 19 venues from January 19th
to 25th. Separate accommodation facility for boys and girls participating in the festival was arranged in 12 schools in the capital city. The online registration facility made arrangements more easy and lucid. Students were transported from their places of accommodation to the venues in 20 buses from schools in the city and 10 other sponsored vehicles. Special arrangements were made for ensuring law and order at the 19 venues where the festival was held. A Police
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January 2016
METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
As many as 800 police railway was requested to Control Room was set up outside the main venue and outposts were put up near the other venues. The services of medical
run special trains or add coaches to existing ones for the convenience of students coming from northern districts.
personnel were deployed at the venues of the festival to ensure safety of the participants and the audience. Around 10 assistant commissioners will lead the team along
teams were available at all
Students who secure A, B
with 18 circle-inspectors
venues. A makeshift dining
and C grades in the festival
and 10 sub-inspectors.
hall was set up at Thycaud
were given certificates and
Also, shadow police and
Police Ground which
grace marks for SSLC and
women police officers
accommodated up to
HSE/ VHSE examinations.
will be stationed at
5,000 students at a time.
While A grade will fetch
each venue. The art
A team of cooks, led by
grace marks of 30, B and C
extravaganza witnessed
renowned culinary expert
grade winners will get 24
around 12000 participants
Mohanan Namboothiri,
and 18 marks respectively.
competing in 232 events
was in charge of preparing
Cash prizes of Rs 2,000,
spread across the High
food for the participants.
Rs 1,600 and Rs 1,200
School (general), Arabic
Parking of vehicles of the
were given to the winners
(HS) and sanskrit (HS)
participants, visitors and
of first, second and
categories. Apart from the
the committee members
third prizes respectively.
19 venues, the Nayanar
were at different places
Highly structured security
Park hosted an exhibition
according to strict
arrangements have been
in connection with the
instructions given by
put in place by the city
Kalolsavam. Also, other
Deputy Mayor Rakhi Ravi
police for the seven-day
cultural events were held
Kumar in order to avoid
56th School Art Festival
in the evenings at the
any possible chaos. The
which began on Tuesday.
Gandhi Park.
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January 2016
METRO FOCUS
Nishagandhi festival: Anoushka Shankar At ‘Home’ in ‘God’s Own Country’
Celebrated musician Anoushka Shankar will draw from both the cultural tempo of ‘God’s Own Country’ and her new album ‘Home’ for her concert at the opening of Kerala’s annual Nishagandhi festival. As the curtain rises on the eight-day music and dance festival in the state capital, the much-anticipated performance – her last in India this season – will see Anoushka’s primarily classical Hindustani repertoire married to elements of the Carnatic musical tradition. “We have two such rich classical traditions in India and it’s just lovely to explore them together,” said the five-time Grammy nominee, speaking at a press conference on the eve of the festival.
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“Being a sitar player, the music I play is predominantly Hindustani classical, but often I’ll incorporate some Carnatic ragas and taals,” Anoushka said. “I don’t really differentiate between the two. I love music and bringing different styles together is something that matters to me very much,” she added. Besides such stylistic improvisations – in keeping with “the constantly evolving, never static tradition of Indian classical music” – Anoushka will perform from her new album, a contender for ‘Best World Music Album’ in this year’s Grammy Awards. ‘Home’, composed as homage to her late father sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, features two ragas, of which one, Raga Jogeshwari, is her father’s creation.
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“Indian classical musical is my first language, having grown up with it since childhood. I was very privileged to have the greatest exponent of his form of music living in my house, to watch him approach his art and for him to be willing to teach me,” Anoushka said. “My father was my Guru. His advice didn’t come to me in words as in practice and example. The lesson I learnt from him was to be humble. He was the pinnacle of his music form, but he was always connected to how much better he could be,” he added It was through her father too that Anoushka was introduced to Kerala. “My first visit here was for his performance in 2000.” It was a homecoming of sorts for the self-described “one-quarter Malayalee from my mother’s side”. She described exploring
the state during that and a later visit as “beautiful and unique”. “To be able then to open the Nishagandhi festival in my third performance in Kerala, I’m both excited and grateful,” she said, promising a “magical” evening. Anoushka, who is visiting the state with her family at the invitation of Kerala Tourism, is also preparing a travelogue on Kerala, which will be telecast on global television channels. The Nishagandhi festival, organised by Kerala Tourism, will run up to January 27 – with several internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, like tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and Hema Malini taking part. Kerala Tourism Secretary Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao and Director Shri P I Sheik Pareeth were also present at the press conference.
January 2016
Classical musicians hail Kerala as performers’ paradise With a keen ear for music, Malayalis make encouraging audiences for classical music concerts in Kerala where he has been performing for over half a century, renowned Carnatic maestro T V Sankaranarayanan said. “In fact, Kerala is my second home,” the septuagenarian vocalist said a press conference, where he shared space with famed Violin LN Sisters — young Dr M Lalitha and M Nandini — amid their participation in the ongoing Nishagandhi festival conducted by Kerala Tourism in the state capital. Recalling that his Kerala concerts date back to more than 50 years, Sankaranarayanan said: “There is hardly a temple where I have not performed.” Among his initial performances in this state was at the Sree Krishna Swamy temple in Mavelikkara of central Travancore, he added. As for the Nishagandhi festival, the Padma Bhushan awardee hailed the festival as “one of the most prestigious” in the country. “The high attendance here
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January 2016
shows that Carnatic music has not seen a reduction in its passionate audience,” he noted.
with assistance from his son, Mahadevan Sankaranarayanan, an upand-coming vocalist.
At age 71, Sankaranarayanan will be performing this time at the Nishagandhi—
“I would not compromise on the quality of music delivered,” said the veteran, who is a disciple and
METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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January 2016
nephew of celebrated 20thcentry musician Madurai Mani Iyer. “It is another matter I am open to changes. I do allow freedom within my traditional values.” As for jugalbandis, which has caught up as a trend nowadays, he said: “I am not interested in it, as I may have to compromise on Carnatic music to fit into the scheme of Hindustani or any other sort of music. All the same, I do not mind anyone performing it.” Sankaranarayanan’s laurels include Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Sangita Kalanidhi. He is poised to receive the Purandaradasa award at Bangalore. “Personally, I do not believe in returning awards as it would be unfair on our part to the organisation which presented the award,” he said as his take on the recent string of ‘award wapsi’. The Chennai-based violin sisters, who will stage an instrumental fusion on Saturday, spoke of their roots in Kerala, with their grandparents hailing from Alappuzha and Tripunithura near Kochi.
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January 2016
Lalitha and Nandini too agreed with Sankaranarayanan, saying the state has an “overwhelming” presence of music lovers. The audience response is fantastic here, said the sisters, who are to perform for the first time at Nishagandhi. The duo, who is popularly acclaimed as the Queens of Violin, hails from a family of musicians—and are trained under iconic Semmagudi Srinivasa Iyer. Being globetrotters, they have been to all the five continents and have been instrumental in introducing Carnatic music to many countries like Nepal. Music — be it Carnatic, Western or global fusion — is ultimately God, said the duo. It has its energy focused in spirituality. “We will have our Lana Band being performed at the Nishagandhi fest, which includes artists from Germany, Italy and Kerala,” added LN Sisters. There will also be performances by Pandit Sugato Bhaduri, Ileana Citarisi, Hema Malini and Ustad Zakir Husain on the festival.
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January 2016
SHOPPING
Nayonika; where your dream clothes are weaved… Nayonika has made a name for itself in the capital in a short period and has earned the confidence of customers as the best designer cloth store with affordable prices. Nayonika promises many specialties that include good quality, varied choice, huge collections, own production unit and a designing section.
A huge collection of kurthis, churidhar materials, readymade, churidhars, leggings, lycra choodi, ‘Mix and Match’ Collections, printed stores, special anarkali kurthis and accessories awaits at Nayonika for the customers. Since October 5, 2012, when Nayonika was inaugurated in Trivandrum, it has attracted a wide range of customers; from common man to celebrities. In the words of Parvathy R, owner of Nayonika, “Satisfied customers are the strength of Nayonika. The quality and innovation that we bring to the customers prompts them to visit our store time and again. This design as per the tastes and has helped to boost our preferences of its customers confidence manifold.” and also offers express Nayonika has its own stitching. All this makes customized designing and Nayonika different from its stitching unit to stitch and competitors.
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January 2016
Nayonika has showrooms at Carmel Tower, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram and at Poonithura in Kochi. For more details call: 98463 82226, 0471 4014757
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January 2016
FOCUS EVENT
Kerala Govt. to hold state-level Machinery Expo • Machinery Expo to be held at Angamali from Jan 28-30 • Promoting Student Start-ups among the major objectives of the expo
Fleshing out an initiative to encourage and support start-ups in the manufacturing and processing sector, Kerala government’s Department of Industries and Commerce has decided to include ideas and prototypes from students for the upcoming machinery exhibition, the first of its kind in the state. The event, ‘Machinery Expo 2016’, to be held at Adlux Convention Centre, Angamali from January 2830, will provide a platform for the engineering and B-school students of Kerala to exhibit and promote their out-of-the-box innovative ideas. “There are a number of technological and manufacturing solutions coming out from the young brains in the state. They should be given due recognition,” said Mr. P M Francis, Director, Department of Industries and Commerce. “We are aiming to create a strong ecosystem for fostering innovations and start-ups in the engineering sector. Our first-ever state-
22
January 2016
level machinery exhibition will help the student community to exhibit their innovations and find potential investors,” he added. The ideas and prototypes after a primary scrutiny in the colleges will be shortlisted by the department. As many as five stalls will be allocated for the students. A series of seminars on various finance schemes and latest technologies will also be held during the four-day event. “We are renting out stalls for Rs 10,000 for the machinery exhibitors. But students are exempted from the stall charge,” Mr. Francis pointed out. The event is being organised in association with Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI), Kerala State Small
Industries Association (KSSIA), National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-bip).The machinery exhibition will feature exhibitors from across the country related to various industrial sectors, including food processing, garments, rubber & plastics, woodbased industries, Ayurveda and herbal, electrical & electronics, handicrafts, handloom & textiles, printing and packaging, general engineering and automobile servicing. While there have been similar exhibitions at the district level, this is for the first time that a state-level machinery expo is being held. It will feature 125 stalls at the fully air-conditioned exhibition centre, and all the stalls will be provided uninterrupted power and other facilities. Exhibitors can register on the website: www.machineryexpokerala. com.
METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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Ph: 0487-2332255. Fax: 0487-2336232 Email: mail@ksfe.com Website: www.ksfe.com For branch details SMS to 537252 in the format KSFE< > your place
Toll Free Helpline: 1800 425 3455
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January 2016
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125 stalls from different MSME industrial sectors to be featured in state’s first Machinery Expo Minister for Public Works Shri V K Ebrahim Kunju will inaugurate Kerala’s first state-level machinery exhibition, ‘Machinery Expo 2016’, at 10 am on January 28 at Adlux Convention Centre, Angamaly. The event, organised by Department of Industries and Commerce, will be a one-stop destination to display technologies and solutions to give a robust fillip to the state’s MSME sector, which has shown stable growth over the years. The exhibition will be open for public from January 28 to 30. As many as125 stalls of 3mx3m size at the fully air-conditioned exhibition centre, will feature exhibitors catering to various industrial sectors, including food processing, garments, rubber and plastics, wood-based industries, Ayurveda and herbal, electricals and electronics, handicrafts, handlooms and textiles, printing and packaging, general engineering and automobile servicing. Industries and Commerce Director P M Francis said there have been similar exhibitions at the district level, but this is the first state-level machinery
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January 2016
expo. “Registrations have been completed for the mega event. Exhibitors across the nation will
display their most modern equipments at the venue,” he informed.
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The Expo will provide an opportunity for startups and students entrepreneurs to communicate with experts in their respective fields. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state government currently provides a subsidy upto Rs 30 lakh for MSMEs and this subsidy will also be made available for the deals made at the Machinery Expo,â&#x20AC;? Mr Francis added. The state has recorded consistent growth in the number of units in the MSME sector every year.
There was an increase of 15% in 2013-14 with 14,997 units as compared to 13,051 units in 2012-13. This has shown a further 3 per cent upward trend in 2014-15, with a total of 15,455 units. There has also been an upward trend in investment from 17 per cent in 2013-14 to 20 per cent this year. While employment rates saw an increase of 7 per cent in 2013-14, there has been a 19 per cent rise in 2014-15, with 83,501 jobs generated in the sector. The MSME sector,
S WEET P U R E
significant for inclusive growth, has been a major generator of employment in the state with 33.2 lakh jobs, putting it ahead of any other state in the country. Kerala has an exemplary record in the MSME cluster development programme with projects worth Rs 34.2 crore through eight commissioned projects receiving approval. Besides, six MSME projects worth Rs 51.66 crore, undertaken with the Central assistance, have also been approved.
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Puffs, Cakes Pastry Sandwich Birthday Cakes & Catering Service
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EVENT SCAN
Over 400 buyers to participate in Kerala B2B Meet for SMEs Nearly 400 Indian and foreign buyers are expected to conduct business at the three-day Kerala Business to Business (B2B) Meet 2016 at the CIAL Trade Fair & Exhibition Centre in Nedumbassery, Kochi. Over 250 buyers have already registered for the meet, which will exclusively feature the state’s steadilygrowing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce, the February 4-6 meet, will allow participating SMEs to meet industry leaders from across the globe and find prospective business partners. Buyers from around the country, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Punjab, Odisha and Kashmir have already registered on the official website. International buyers will come from the US, China, Nigeria, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Belgium and Poland. Embassies and diplomatic missions from Saudi
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January 2016
Arabia, Russia, Maldives, Congo, Gambia, Croatia, Taiwan and Nigeria have also shown interest in participating in the B2B meet. Trade delegations from these countries are expected to participate through their respective embassies. SMEs—200 sellers from the 14 districts—in the food-processing; handlooms, textiles and garments; rubber; wood-based industries; Ayurveda, health and cosmetics; engineering, electrical & electronics and handicrafts sectors will display their products. Pre-event promotional campaigns for the meet included road shows in Goa and Kolkata, facilitating one-on-one meetings between buyers, industry experts and trade representatives. More road shows are being planned for Mangalore
and Bangalore. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the event’s Trade & Industry Partner. The event, with Kerala Bureau for Industrial Promotion as the nodal agency, is being organised in association with the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, the Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation. Complete details are available on the official website www. keralabusinessmeet.com.
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January 2016
HEALTH
Ananthapuri Hospitals- Health and Healing at Its Best Being the best tertiary hospital in town, Ananthapuri Hospital offers all types of diagnostic services supported by sophisticated, most-modern technology which is periodically updated.
Today, healthcare has turned out to be the world’s largest industry. A good hospital is always essential for a city’s prosperity and it keeps the vibe of the city alive. The Ananthapuri hospitals and Research Institute is exploring different ways to evolve a healthy society through its vision and avowed mission to create a better India inhabited by a healthy populace. Ananthapuri Hospital is conveniently located at Kazhakuttam– Kovalam By Pass road, about 3km
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from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station/ Thampanoor Bus Stand and about 2km from Thiruvananthapuram Airport. It is away from the chaos of the city and at the same time easily accessible to the public. This hospital was first inaugurated on 1st July, 2005 and has been expanding since then. The new block on this By Pass road was inaugurated by Honorable Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy on 14th September 2005 along with ministers such as Dr M.K.Muneer,
M.V.Raghavan and other distinguished guests. Ananthapuri hospitals are substantially huge with 500 bedded institutes for accommodating a large number of patients. With the Kovalam beach being only a few minutes’ drive from the hospital, the cool and refreshing sea breeze is a definite mood enhancer for the patients who are already surrounded with the backdrop of luscious greenery which heals the patients from within. Ananthapuri hospital,
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undoubtedly, is the top most healthcare institute in the South. They have incorporated latest technological advancements and healthcare programs along with top-notch infrastructure so as to provide treatment for critical and rare diseases. Ananthapuri offers the best possible services in the Capital city which saves the people from flying abroad and paying hefty amounts in foreign countries. The hospital is centrally air-conditioned and also has temperature stability in various Intensive Care Units and Nursing homes according to the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need and comfort. Many reputed and well qualified doctors are available at the beck and call of patient which can be counted as another major prospect of the hospital. All emergency and critical cases are diagnosed and taken care of without any delay. The doctors and surgeons recruited in the hospital are skilled and distinguished in their own field of expertise. Padmashree Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, one of the most admired Neurosurgeon nationwide, is the chairman of the
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hospital. The entire panel of doctors and nursing staff in various departments are unmatched taking into account their dedication and expertise. They make sure to shower their best possible effort for the treatment of their patients. The support staff at the hospital also ensures quality service. They are quite efficient and acclaimed in their working mannerism and never provide a chance for complaint. Be it the Para-medicals, nurses or the hospitality staff, every single person is sincere and dedicated towards their job in the most earnest manner possible. They ensure that everything goes on smoothly in the hospital so that uninterrupted service is provided to patients, thus even making the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job quite effortless and less complicated. Also special nursing homes with deluxe facilities are also available at affordable rates. These deluxe rooms consist of all modern facilities like TV, Fridge, Telephone etc. All these facilities give the patient a homely feel and make their recovery pleasant and stress free. They also provide Tele-medical facilities for patients who live in another state or country.
Padma Shree Dr. A Marthanda Pillai Chairman Other major amenities include Dialysis Unit, Pain therapy units, Flat panel Detector -High Resolution Digital Cath Lab, Nicolet Digital EEG/EMG, Video EEG/Sleep Monitoring System, Key hole surgery unit, Computer facilities etc. A well-maintained and ultra-hygienic canteen for the patients and visitors is an extra facet. Ananthapuri hospital also sets up free medical camps regularly, especially in rural districts to provide treatment and diagnosis of illness for people those who cannot afford the medical fees and for those who are settled far away in the outskirts of the city. Ananthapuri hospitals also have a nursing college run under them which goes by the name Ananthapuri College of Nursing. This
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college offers nursing courses at graduate and post graduate levels and is affiliated to the Kerala University of Health Sciences. It is located nearby the Ananthapuri Hospital which helps the students get the best on-ground experience. It provides courses in nursing and gives ample practical sessions in supporting and taking proper care of the patients. This humanitarian job requires a lot of effort because assisting the patients in their hard times is not always easy as it seems to be. The faculties are all well qualified and they provide space and facilities for practical sessions for the students to gain expertise in the field. The nurses graduated from this college are trained well to foster the rehabilitation process of the patients and they collaborate well with the doctors to ensure safe and proper treatment. The new recruits are molded to have ethics and they possess a commendable code of conduct. Catering Facilities, Guest House/Rooms for visitors, Conference Hall fully equipped with the latest electronic gadgets for meetings, Continuing Medical Education Programs, Training Centre
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for Nurses, Para-medical staff, Research and Development Facilities for Advanced Studies, TraumaCare Unit, Ambulance Services etc are some the additional facilities offered by the hospital. Ananthapuri Hospital has enrolled in several firms and government organizations. Some of them are Air India, State Bank Of India, Infosys, Indian Institute of Space Technology etc. There are many Insurance companies which have a tie up with the hospital and play an important role in providing financial security for the common man. With the hospitals expanding its facilities and outreach every year, it now stands close to being a conglomerate with an investment of around 100 Crore. With great power comes great responsibility too and the hospital recognizes this fact well and lives up to it. The Chairman of the Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute Padma Shree Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai is quite optimistic in his approach towards the future and hopes to continue the success of the hospital in the same way as it has been. He acknowledges that it is hard to keep up with the
ever-developing medical facilities and technological breakthroughs in this field and he urges like-minded professionals to come together and collaborate with the hospital so that the best in healthcare can be experienced by the patients. He says that Trivandrum is about to discover a tremendous growth in the near future. By maintaining a proper equilibrium between the growing demands and the existing services, Ananthapuri Hospital will turn out to be the best in health care and welfare in the national sphere. Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute play a significant role in the development of the health care services in India by setting new trends and examples that is sought by the society. For more informationAnanthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute Chacka, NH Bypass, Thiruvananthapuram 695024 Tel: 0471 - 2579900, 2506565, 2506767, 2506868 Emergency : 0471 - 2507575/Fax: 0471 - 2506969. Email: ananthapurihri@vsnl.net Visit-http://www. ananthapurihospitals.com/
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New Year Celebration Snapshot @ UDS
The unique collection has already garnered rave reviews. Customers are coming in droves to pick and choose from a mesmersing array of sarees, kurtis and salwar materials in vivid colours and designs. Exquisitely crafted Tussar, Georgette, Organza, Bailou, Maheshwari, Kota, Supernet and Cotton sarees are the key attractions of the collection, which ends on January 1. Showcasing the royal splendour of opulent silks, Czarina’s new venture, Czarina Royale is also bringing out a special collection of Kancheepuram and Banarasi silk sarees www.metromartdaily.com
for the festive season. Czarina’s Designer Wear Boutique is now a one-stop destination for all kinds of churidar materials, kurtis and duppattas. Brocade, Tussar, Raw Silk, Block Print, Cotton and a wide variety of ethnic fabrics are available at Cotton Studio.
are located at Catholic Centre on Statue-General Hospital Road. For more details, visit Czarina’s Facebook page http:// www.facebook.com/ Czarina DesignerSarees or call 9387721322.
To make Christmas and New Year celebrations truly memorable, Czarina is committed to offering high quality sarees and designer wear at the most affordable prices. In order to meet the heavy rush during the festive season, Czarina will remain open on this Sundays - December 27. All branches of Czarina January 2016
SHOPPING
Welcome to Exquisite Gemstone Jewellery Ocean Gems and Pearls Diamond Jewellery exclusive show room belongs to the reputed Jewellery. It is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified private limited company. It deals with 100% BIS Hallmark Jewellery. Chairman of this company Ms Shamla Paul is a well qualified gemologist and jewellery designer with special talent to recognize and evaluate quality gems and pearls. .
Ms Shamla Paul 15 years of successful tenure in this field made this expert significant pioneer in this field with the demonstrated extra ordinary excellence that is added with the authority. This is a best and one stop store to find fabulous range of finely crafted ornaments those are very well associated with the affordable price tags too. At present, they are operating 2 Showrooms, started at Trivandrum (Opp. Style Plus, Kawdiar) and have extended their business operations to Ernakulam (Opp. Oberon Mall, Edapally) also, as Head office.
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The area of expertise among the array are Yellow Sapphire, Catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye, Peridot, Malachite, Lapis lazuli, Black and Green onyx jewellery, Grey, Black,White,Off white, Golden Grey, Yellow, Silver, Pink, Peach and Black pearl jewellery, Pink, White and Red Coral jewellery, Golden and Lemon topaz jewellery, Smoky topaz jewellery, Aquamarine, Emerald and Ruby jewellery, Navaratna rings, Birth stones as well as a sparkling collection of amethyst jewellery. Select from a variety of rare designs of rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces etc. The major specialty of this pioneer made gems and pearls ornaments is the Life Time Guarantee, which is very rare and scares to be seen anywhere in this field. All types of gold works and repairs undertaken successfully at this store. Guarantee Certification provided by this store will be a great opportunity for the buyer to exchange their old gold ornament at any point of time that
will be replaced with BIS Hallmark jewellery. There is additional special service available from this expert too that is ring naming and diamond naming. This store is also a reliable place for your light weight ornaments, gold, silver, precious stones, semi precious stones and many more too. As a Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) member, they can import any varieties of precious stones & pearls from abroad. For all dealings, they offer buy back guarantee of 80% on gems and precious stones and 100% on Diamonds. In brief, Ocean Gems and Pearls is the best place to shop Gemstone ornaments.
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January 2016
AUTO MART
The Kallingal Touch in Serving Humanity It’s an interesting story built on grounds of a social promise. It’s the tale of a business that grew from a ration shop which went on to become an authorized service centre of Bajaj Company for auto rickshaw vehicles. Deepika Dewan
M.B. Shafeek Managing Director 38
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It’s a case history where no matter the profits earned there can be nothing more rewarding than pushing the welfare of the financially backward people. No wonder, it is a saga that has made Kallingal Endeavors the hallmark of ceaseless determination, professionalism and humility ever since its inception. The germ of this thought
came to Kallingal Basheer who had been a political activist for more than 2 decades. In the year 1987, Kallingal opened up an auto service centre along with the ration shop. Looking at the standards of professionalism and service delivery in the auto centre, Bajaj Motors decided to take Kallingal under its wings. Lo and behold, Kallingal’s auto
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up multiple projects to help people belonging to lowincome class. Some of his need-based interventions include facilitating low interest loans from banking institutions so that the underprivileged women can buy autos. The results of this project have been an eye opener. As of today, Kallingal Basheer Founder, Kallingal Group hundreds of women have been able to buy autos point was appointed as which have taken them to Authorised Service Centre the path of self-reliance of Bajaj vehicles and given and independence, a major the dealership status in achievement in itself for 2006. Kallingal Automobiles them. Led by his father’s was hence born. There guiding spirit, Shafeek has was no stopping then. By left no stone unturned in the year 2007, Kallingal getting the banks to enable Automobiles had scored a easy availability of loans major feat – of selling more for women so that they auto rickshaws as compared can buy autos. In fact, to any other auto dealer in more than 10 women were India. Success had arrived provided free autos by the and in such a way that it led Kallingal Group. Not only Kallingal Basheer to present this, the women’s social a paper in Sydney, helping safety was taken up by him to make a mark in the Kallingal in cooperation auto rickshaw segment. with panchayat officials and Such has been the fruits police authorities. of his painstaking labour Nothing can stop the that today Kallingal Motors humanitarian efforts of the has offices in a number of Kallingal Group. The next towns in the capital city of action point for them is the Trivandrum. Technopark area where Enter M.B. Shafeek, the several women work. If young MD of Kallingal auto rickshaws driven by Motors who has followed women are made available his father Kallingal in this area, it would bring Basheer’s social endeavours more safety to the women in empowering the employees working in womenfolk. Kallingal has Technopark considering over a period of time taken the female auto rickshaw
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drivers operating there. If Bajaj got Chetak autos, then Kallingal Group has got Vanitha autos. Since the year 2012 when they entered the market, Vanitha autos have benefited the common woman manifold. Another effort of the Kallingal Group has been setting up of Basheer Training Centre that offers driving classes to the women. As if this was not enough, The Kallingal Basheer Charitable Trust is another initiative that gives financial assistance to the females for their marriage. M.B. Shafeek follows his father’s path as he wants to carry forward his lineage of helping the needy. Isn’t it overwhelming to find out how a two-wheeler service centre, the Kallingal Group grew year after year to promising heights? They have been the first dealers of Tata Nano cars in Kerala so you can well imagine their social efforts done into helping the poor and the downtrodden. Here’s saluting the towering spirit of father-son Kallingal Basheer and M.B. Shafeek in their socially-driven journey!
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TECH MART
Go Digital: New Mantra for Survival As we have stepped in 2016, let me start by reiterating a wellknown fact that “We all are living in a DIGITAL ERA!” And, any business which doesn’t realize this as of now, may have to lag behind. Undoubtedly it is the hard reality.
Sonia Chugh SoniaSpecialist@gmail.com
Let me just put forth a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) which estimates that people with internet access will be nearly 3.2 billion in 2016, which is 44% of the world population. Out of which, 2 billion users will be using it on mobile. In other words, almost every second person will be using Internet in 2016 and it’s an average figure of the world, the percent of Internet users will be much higher in developed countries and developing nations. That’s why it’s imperative for businesses of all sizes to include digital marketing in their marketing strategy. Usually, there is an always misconception that “digital marketing is made for the top corporate with heavy purse only”. I totally agree that nothing comes FREE in the world, so any business has to spend money, but I believe, it’s
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Did/ do you Know? 66% of the marketers believe that Digital Marketing is one of the best mediums to succeed
the way of approach that makes the REAL difference in results. Precisely; SME usually faces two major roadblocks, first when starts a new business (start-up) where basic ask is to focus on clients as well as maintaining a strong bond with partners. Second, when expansion has to take place to move business to the next level. But, these Roadblocks can
be turned into Success path, just by planning and executing an effective digital marketing strategy tailored for business’s needs. According to my best practices, benefits which digital marketing can offer to any SME are: • Brand Building: The best thing about the Internet is that it doesn’t come with any boundaries. And, that’s the reason; SMEs should utilize the
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Picture Courtesy: @SoniaSpecialist
has an open and closure timings but with the help of digital marketing, it can be run as 24x7. Anyone can land up the website or any social media page and get to know more about the company and products or services.
In 2016, Don’t underestimate the power of DIGITAL MARKETING opportunity by taking brand global. With the help of digital marketing, they can cross borders and can compete with rivals, both locally and internationally. • Lead Generation: Just like any other business, even a SME also works with a vision to expand the business. For expansion, new leads are MUST. I have witnessed that digital marketing can play a major role in lead generation also. • Business Development: With a concrete digital marketing plan, a SME can win clients, which were next to impossible with the traditional way of marketing.
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• Traffic to website: SME can increase the website visitors by simply applying SEO efforts effectively. It doesn’t mean the needs to spend a big junk of marketing budget on SEO. It can be lethal with its paid offerings and also using tactically. • Social Media: We all understand the importance of networking, with the presence on the social media channels; it will not only help in multiple ways but certainly add value to the business also. • 24x7 Business: The best part and perhaps the biggest advantage SME can get by including digital marketing. Every business
Above are few benefits; any SMEs should take in 2016 by simply adding the touch of digital marketing in the business. The crux is turning heads from the digital marketing, can cost expensive; so ignore digital marketing at your own risk! The author Sonia Chugh is tech-savy and data-driven marketing professional, have comprehensive experience in fortune 500 companies as well as in start-ups. Avid digital marketer and a demand generation professional, who is known for successfully driving best-in-class integrated email marketing campaigns and demand generation programs, and also seasoned in strategic global strategies and social media marketing. Known as “Sonia Specialist” in the market and being a thought leader, her passion for marketing & sales, with vast experiences and expertise is to arm other organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to become as “Modern Marketers”. Follow her on Twitter: @SoniaSpecialist
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January 2016
AWARD
Soorya Krishnamoorthy to receive Special Achievement Award The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, will honour Soorya Krishnamoorthy – a cultural ambassador to Kerala Tourism, with the Special Achievement Award for his efforts to promote the state through art and culture.The award will be presented during the Nishangandhi Festival.
“Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s cultural creative excellence has been widely used by the Tourism Department – during the Tourism Week Celebrations, the Nishagandhi Festival, the Malabar Mahotsavam, at festivals outside Kerala,
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the International Film Festival of Kerala and the International Theatre Festival of Kerala,” said Tourism Minister Shri AP Anil Kumar. “His contribution to Kerala Tourism is immense and his works in the field of art and culture are highly notable,” the
minister added. “Soorya Krishnamoorthy has played a major role in the inflow of tourists – especially the culturally interested and art lovers to India, especially Kerala,” said Tourism Director Shri PI Sheik Pareeth.
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FOCUS EVENT
Silicon Valley Warms Up to ‘God’s Own Country’ Apple and Facebook have met their match in Kalaripayattu and Kathakali.
Kerala’s iconic cultural expressions, much loved across the world for their centuries-old artistic creativity and content, captured the imagination of corporate leaders attending a ‘Kerala Evening’ in the world’s high-tech capital in California. Silicon Valley, which is home to the world’s top technology companies, revelled in the cultural festivities as corporate leaders and executives were held spellbound by the pristine beauty of the backwaters and beaches of ‘God’s Own Country’. Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performers enthralled a packed venue of the event organised by Kerala Tourism at the Silicon Valley’s Palo Alto, which gave birth to tech giants like Google and Facebook. “It is a significant day in the history of our state’s tourism sector,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar.
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“The United States is a key market for Kerala Tourism. In-bound tourism from America to Kerala has grown about 40 per cent in the past two years,” Shri Anilkumar said. “Our first-ever corporate meet in the Silicon Valley is a crucial step towards further increasing those numbers,” he added.
Seasons Hotel in East Palo Alto addressed by Kerala Tourism Principal Secretary Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao. Tourist arrivals from the United States have registered a 39.24 per cent growth during 201214. In 2014, the number of American tourists who visited Kerala was 76,616 compared to 55,741 in 2011.
The executives of several high-tech companies in Silicon Valley attended the “The Silicon Valley can corporate meet at the Four show to the rest of
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“Kerala is growing as a destination for corporate leaders and executives around the world because of its beautiful as well as peaceful locations to talk and do business,” said the Tourism Principal Secretary, who had earlier wooed the CEOs of top Japanese companies. “There is no better place than Kerala for the Silicon Valley executives to come and relax and even work,” Shri Rao said.
America the benefits of investing in our state,” the Minister said. The Kerala Tourism event was intended to introduce Kerala as a destination to the companies in the Silicon Valley and also to portray the state as an investor-friendly destination. Apart from the destination promotion, the Principal Secretary also presented on behalf of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) the various investment opportunities available in the state. Over 50 companies participated in the event attended by the American media. Among those who addressed the gathering were Shri Venkatesan
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Ashok, India’s Consular General in San Francisco, and City Council member Ms Catherine Carlton, who spoke on the ‘Kerala Experience’. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Country Head for the United States and Canada, Ms Sumani Dash, was also present. Shri Rao, who made a presentation on Kerala as a top tourism destination in the world, invited the technology community in California to come visit the state as well as invest in Kerala’s progress. He said the main objective was to attract the hundreds of executives at companies in Silicon Valley to spend their holidays in Kerala.
He said the focus was on the employees of Silicon Valley companies to come to God’s Own Country during the ‘Visit Kerala Year’. “We want to invite the management of MNCs to Kerala for corporate retreats,” he said. “With a large concentration of highly qualified software professionals and entrepreneurs, Kerala is an ideal destination for investment by the Silicon Valley companies,” he added. The Kerala Evening was also marked by the screening of Kerala Tourism’s global marketing campaign films portraying the village life experiences in the state.
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The so called Zero watt bulbs actually consume 15 watts of power. Earlier we assumed this to be near zero and used to call it as zero watt bulb. Now we are more practical to consider even the power requirement of a mobile phone. Use LED Bulbs As An Alternative
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January 2016
METRO UPDATE
The adventure packed MTB Kerala is back! Pedal Up Your Adrenaline This February, biking aficionados from across the globe will gear up for the ride of a lifetime in God’s Own Country. The phenomenal success of MTB editions has set the ball rolling and enthusiasm is palpable in the air!
Close your eyes and enjoy the wild calling that awaits you at Kottur. Flanked by the waters of Neyyar and the moist deciduous forest of Agasthyakoodam hills, Kottur is a forest area surrounded by trenches to keep wild animals at bay. Kottur Forest area located with the Agasthyavanam Biological Park is ready to host the 4 th edition of MTB Kerala.This much hailed event will be held on 16 th February ,2016 providing treat to the daring hearts.
Asha Jose CEO,Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS)
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Part of Agasthyavanam Biological Park, Kottur is a good forest cover, haven for numerous varieties of birds and wildlife and is marked by tall forest tree species and numerous rivulets and streams. At Kottur for those interested in having a close interaction with the elephants can do so at the elephant rehabilitation centre at the nearby Kappukad. Let the adrenaline race this year be at Kerala’s one of the beautiful unexplored woods of Kottur. MTB Track details
The Kottur - Valipara Forest Area in Thiruvananthapuram . Reaching Kottur by Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport, situated at a distance of about 38 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. Reaching Kottur by Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, about 35 km. Tourists have the option to take buses or cabs from Thiruvananthapuram city to reach Kottur.
“Through ‘MTB Kerala 2016’, we intend to highlight internationally the unlimited opportunities for adventure tourism in Kerala. Kotturis an apt location for Mountain Biking. As many as 15 international riders from eight countries have registered for the event so far. We are expecting +20 international riders from across the world for the international competition and nearly 100 participants for the national category.This event is held in association with Departrment of Tourism,Government of Kerala. The event is aimed at tapping the potential of the adventure tourism spots in the State”
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January 2016
METRO FOCUS
UNWTO Secretary General to Attend Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2016 Boat races theme of Kerala Tourism pavilion at WTM, London 2015 The famed snake boat race of ‘God’s Own Country’ has bowled over the visitors to the influential World Travel Mart in London with the United Nations global tourism body chief leading the list of those who want to watch the Nehru Trophy event next year.
“I am fascinated by the story of the boat races and I would love to watch the action live in Kerala,” United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Mr. Taleb D Rifai said after visiting the Kerala Tourism pavilion at the ongoing WTM, London themed on boat races of
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the state. “I will definitely visit the boat race next year,” Mr Rifai told the Kerala delegation to the WTM, led by Tourism Secretary Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao. “We are deeply encouraged by the
endorsement of our famous boat races by the UNWTO chief at a significant global stage like the WTM,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar. “It underlines our status as a top tourism destination in the world,” he added. “There is no better way
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to showcase our culture to a global audience than presenting our boat races, which are closer to the heart of the people of Kerala,” said Shri A P Anilkumar.
The boat race themed stand of Kerala Tourism was a major attraction on the opening day of the WTM.
“We are confident that the tremendous response to our tourism products at The 120-sq meter stand the WTM will contribute of the state tourism to the growth of foreign department drew a large tourist arrivals in our state number of visitors to the in the coming months,” world’s leading travel and tourism show, attended by said Kerala Tourism more than 5,000 exhibitors Secretary Shri Rao from nearly 190 countries. The WTM, London, is being The India Tourism Secretary, Shri Vinod held from November 2 Zutshi launched the to 5. brochure featuring Three replicas of the snake Kerala’s boat races at WTM. boat adorn the Kerala Tourism stand, one of “As our biggest foreign the most-photographed market, the United pavilions at the WTM, Kingdom offers us the best created with the stunning possible global platform to images of the boat races spread awareness about of the state. our destinations,” Shri Rao “It’s a beautiful stand with added. the long snake boats,” the UNWTO Secretary General Last year, Kerala had received 151,497 travellers said while confessing his from the United Kingdom. plans to visit Kerala next Two years ago, the British year.
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royal couple, Prince Charles and wife Camilla Parker Bowles, had visited Kerala, watching Kathakali in Kochi and celebrating the 65th birthday of the Prince of Wales at the backwaters resort of Kumarakom. Among prominent British visitors to Kerala include the Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney. Kerala Tourism is joined by as many as 10 private sector exhibitor-partners at the WTM London event. The exhibitors from the state are Intersight Tours & Travels, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Pioneer Personalized Holidays, Ananthara Hotels & Resorts, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, Spiceland Holidays, The Raviz, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa, and Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere.
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January 2016
METRO FOCUS
Madhuram Malayalam: Beauty and the Music Shashi Tharoor launches Kerala Tourism music video
The breathtaking beauty of Kerala can now be enjoyed with a touch of music.
Kerala Tourism, along with Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), has joined hands with the renowned Malayali singer and actor Sherrin Varghese to launch a music video, ‘Madhuram Malayalam’. The music video, which has the single ‘Madhuram Malayalam’, carries the message of keeping Kerala green and maintaining the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of the state to attract tourists around the world. This video, which captures the beauty of the 14 districts in Kerala has wonderful visuals
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combined with a beautiful story,” said Dr Shashi Tharoor MP, who launched the video at function in the state capital. He appreciated the simple lyrics that “even a NonResident Keralite (NRK) could understand and sing”. “As an NRK, I could establish a career in Kerala only in the later stage of my life, but Sherrin, the director and actor in the video has made an impact with the Kerala audience and I appreciate that,” said Shri Tharoor. Kerala Tourism and KTDC were involved in the
production of the video. “It took me nearly six months of pre-production and planning with Georgy Samuel from World Malayalee Council in Abu Dhabi and I am happy that all that hard work by me and my crew, has been rewarded with a splendid video which will feature Kerala in its fullest glory and pride in a very unique way,” said Sherrin Varghese, the Mumbaibased musician, singer, actor and a celebrity DJ. “Kerala’s beauty is aptly captured in the video. It is the best promotional video I have watched till date,” said KTDC Chairman
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January 2016
Shri Vijayan Thomas. The video has featured never-before-seen stunning locations and exciting visuals of Kerala. The video shows a couple, who really don’t know each other independently checking-in their photos on the map of a Kerala GSP app, leaving alphabetical clues in the shape of a “Pookalam” at vantage tourist destinations across all 14 districts for each other. “The end has them coming together at the same location with the help of these clues cinematically sealing their destiny and the alphabetical clues stitched together form the phrase ‘God’s Own Country’,” Sherrin added while describing the video. Sherrin said that they have tried to showcase the natural beauty of the state with a helicam, unlike other promotional videos
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of Kerala, which shows the state’s symbols like Kathakali, Kalairipayittu and Mohiniyattom. Also, a partner in the boy band ‘A Band of Boys’ formed in 2001, Sherrin said he was looking forward to the success of the video and every Malayalee would love it and be beaming with pride. Sherrin became a celebrated YouTube personality with the success of his music video, Adipoli. KTDC Marketing Manager, Shri GS Rajmohan, Asianet Satellite Communications Vice President Shri Koshy Thomas, and Costume Designer Shobha Ashwin were also present on the occasion. The song, #MadhuramMalayalam, from Sherrin’s album Dravidian Bass was composed by noted TV
personality, G S Pradeep, while he participated in the reality show, Malayalee House. The video, directed by Sherrin, also features anchor-actor Shruthy Menon. “As the name suggests, Malayalam itself is Madhuram and it’s really a great effort by Sherrin to feature Kerala with an unconventional approach like no one else before,” said Tourism Director Shri PI Sheik Pareeth, while responding to the video launch. “The video by all means depicts the real beauty of Kerala and the title itself is so catchy and unique,” Shri Pareeth said. “Madhuram Malayalam” is available on the youtube link, https://youtu.be/ RuuV5TEpsUM and all the mainstream channels such as Asianet, Kappa TV, Kairali TV and Sun network.
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January 2016
METRO FOCUS
Coir sector can’t distance itself from mechanisation: Coir Minister CM Oommen Chandy to inaugurate five-day Coir Kerala 2016 on Feb 1 at Alappuzha The coir industry needs to incorporate innovative technologies if it wanted to remain competitive, Minister for Revenue and Coir Shri Adoor Prakash said.
The minister was addressing a media gathering after inaugurating the reception committee office for Coir Kerala 2016. The sixth edition of the world’s biggest annual trade event on coir and natural fibres will begin on February 1, at Alappuzha’s EMS Stadium. “Youngsters from families who were traditionally involved with coir sector are reluctant to join this sector,” the minister said, adding that “mechanisation is the only
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way ahead to preserve and protect the state’s coir sector”. For this purpose, the minister pointed out, “coir machinery factories have been set up by the state government along with the distribution of electronic ratts to cooperative societies”. In addition, the state government is making sincere attempts to resolve the issue of wage revision of coir labourers working at the
different government coir institutions in Alappuzha before Coir Kerala 2016 commences. “The government wants to serve justice to all appointed labourers. The Finance Department has given us the nod for wage revision, but the lack of technical clarity regarding the number of labourers is causing the delay,” said the minister, who emphasised that the government is trying to sort out the issue in a time-bound manner.
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“The government has increased the support wage of coir labourers to Rs 300 and is ready to provide this offer to labourers working in the private sector also,” the minister said and added that “labour unions should also help with the documentation of private sector labourers”. Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy will inaugurate Coir Kerala 2016 on February 1. Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra will inaugurate the international exhibition pavilion at the venue. Home Minister Shri Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the valedictory function on Friday, February 5. The exhibition brings together scientists, researchers and policymakers to discuss strategies and new projects to create jobs, improve the conditions of workers, increase productivity and earnings across the industry. Being a platform for producers and exporters in the state to explore marketing opportunities
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around the globe, the international event will also see an interesting lineup of innovative coir products and machineries. As many as 150 foreign buyers from 60 countries along with domestic buyers are expected to participate in the event. African and Latin American countries will see especially strong representation. Thousands of coir workers in and around Alappuzha will also take part. The international pavilion will have 125 stalls while the national pavilion will feature 130 stalls. Coir Kerala 2016 will also see the introduction of modern coir products and machineries designed to improve productivity in the sector. Ministers and senior officials will attend international seminars scheduled on February 2 and 3 on the theme of ‘Product Diversification in Natural Fibre Scenario with Emphasis on Coir Sector’. National seminars will be held on February 4. The key buyer-seller meet will be held on February
3 to facilitate one-to-one interactions. On the concluding day, Minister for Coir and Revenue Shri Adoor Prakash will interact with the workers of coir industry in the morning to discuss their issues and concerns. Coir Kerala 2016 will also see daily cultural programmes by a number of prominent artistes. Coir Kerala is believed to be a significant contributor to the annual increase in revenues from coir exports. In 2014-15, income from coir exports had increased to Rs 1,630 crore – more than double the value from the 2010-11 period: Rs 807 crore. The Government of Kerala initiated the Coir Kerala programme in 2011 to revitalise the coir sector by boosting production and exports. The event held at the peak of the tourism season has become a much-awaited staple on Kerala’s tourism calendar. Thiruvananthapurambased National Coir Research and Management Institute (NCRMI) is the coordinating agency for the five-day event. January 2016
METRO UPDATE
Startup India Action Plan Will Turbocharge Startup Ecosystem Kerala has gained three new incubators at IIM-K, NIT-K and IISER, Trivandrum.
Sweeping reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the flagship Startup India action plan will turbocharge the startup ecosystem in the country encouraging more bright young minds to take the
SV Chairman Sanjay Vijayakumar moderating a discussion on digitisation with fellow panelists (from L) Mr Rajat Tandon, Mr Saurabh Tandon, Mr Pratyus Patnaik and Mr Deepinder Goyal
plunge into entrepreneurship,
at the day-long global
Startup Village Chairman
the regulatory burden on
workshop that preceded
Sanjay Vijayakumar said.
startups allowing them
the historic announcement
to stay up, and the ease
in New Delhi, welcomed
of shutting down will
the initiatives including
encourage risk taking,â&#x20AC;?
a three-year tax holiday,
he said.
On Saturday, Mr. Modi announced a series of measures including tax breaks, regulatory changes to end red-tapism and a corpus fund of Rs 10,000 crore to bolster start-ups in India. Mr. Vijayakumar, who was one of the invitees
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self-certification scheme with respect to nine labour and environmental laws; and changes to insolvency norms that will allow easy exit for companies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Self-certification for compliance will reduce
PPP incubators, such as Startup Village, will get a huge boost with the additional funding announced, Mr. Vijayakumar noted. Taking a cue from the
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successful PPP blue print
and their execution
India action plan at
of Startup Village, Govt
will benefit the most
Vigyan Bhavan in New
of India has decided
from the Startup India
Delhi.
to convert 35 existing
programme.
incubators to PPP model
He was chosen to
As the founder of
moderate a session
MobME, one of the
on the topic “How
country’s most successful
digitisation will change
startups in the telecom
India’s future”, featuring
industry, and Startup
Zomato founder Mr.
Kerala has gained three
Village, India’s first
Deepinder Goyal; Mr.
new incubators at
PPP model technology
Pratyus Patnaik, Co-
business incubator,
founder, Appurify; Mr.
Trivandrum.
Mr. Vijayakumar was
Rajat Tandon, Senior
among technopreneurs
Director, NASSCOM (10K
He added that the states
invited to the day-long
Startups Accelerator)
that are the quickest
discussion on startup
and Mr. Saurabh Tandon,
off the block in creating
entrepreneurship and
Partner, Alpheas
supporting policies
the launch of the Startup
Advisors.
and start another new 35 incubators in PPP model with private sector managing the incubators.
IIM-K, NIT-K and IISER,
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January 2016
T he L ast L eaf The economic growth of any area depends largely on the infrastructure available. A particular project should not be considered as a main source of economic growth for the area – unless and until the project covers the entire area. This has to be kept in mind when we think of Vizhinjam Port development, Road widening in the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila stretch, or the proposed Light Metro. Of course, the Vizhinjam International Seaport project – with the first phase itself expected to be more than a whooping Rs.7000 crore – is a major project to have reached the city. But does it mean it will benefit one and all. It will – only if certain requisites are met. Meaning the surrounding area, for this huge project, the entire city should get ready. The influx of population would be high. Would they have enough basic facilities such as accommodation, transportation, power, hospital, et al. The widened Karamana-Kaliyikkavila stretch should be of use not only to the speedsters. How it will be of use to the common man should be carefully thought out. Connectivity to the Light Metro stations and parking facilities for the users of this mode of transportation has to be preplanned and implemented. The government, in its part, surely would have a plan envisaged before embarking on all these projects. How well the public has been taken in to confidence regarding the upcoming changes in their locality is of great concern. The common man seems to be at large about knowledge of the final outcome of these projects. The result – Misinterpretations, conflicts, protests, overvaluation/devaluation of normal plots, etc. A comprehensive strategy has to be developed to meet the new scenarios, based on each project’s area of impact and stakeholders who will be impacted. Locations and public who would be remotely impacted should also be considered. The information on these effects should be channeled down to one and all. Suggestions must be considered with an open mind and queries should be cleared as and when it arises. This would ensure smooth progress of the projects and make any transitions a lot more tolerable for the common man. Let Us Think and Work Together for Our Growth! Am I right? Let me know at sevenv2011@gmail.com
V Viswanath Sub Editor
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