Metro Mart January 2017

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January 2017 METRO T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

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January 2017

Gurucharanam Saranam

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+91 471 2419313, 8606083000, 8606084000

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

Hi Readers Moving ahead in the near year, the first edition of Metro Mart in 2017, addresses the growth of Kerala Tourism and the positive outlook given by Sri. Kadakampally Surendran, the Minister of Tourism, Kerala. The Hydel package of the Kerala Hydel Tourism is an initiative which would see Kerala expanding its tourism wings further. It indeed is a step to broaden the scope and

Foreword

Kerala Tourism: Wide Spectrum!

perimeter of tourism destinations across the state. Kerala has been a tourism destination catering to both peace lovers and adventure lovers. In fact, tourism in Kerala cannot be limited to a few categories, since it has got multiple avenues and potentials.

Along with the government initiatives, other organizations, events, and the private players are doing their part in establishing Kerala’s name across a wide spectrum. Vyapar 2017 is one such event which would be bringing in national and international participants to Kerala for the SME sector.

The significance of Kochi-Muziris Biennale is high due to the economic and social benefits in addition to the advancement it brings to art and cultural tourism.

It is highly commendable that a new approach is taken up by Sai Krishna Public School for reviving the age-old cultural activities introducing the students to our State’s natural heritage and cultural diversity and folklore. The current edition also covers the shopping experience at Czarina, a philosophical insight into Mind and Destiny, ICTT India at Kochi, in addition to other event scans and updates in the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

We are open to suggestions and comments from our readers to ensure our magazine is working smarter to highlight our City and is contributing positively for its development.

Siji Nair Managing Editor & Director

of the state. The school through its ‘Smart Tourism Club’ is

Happy Reading! https://www.facebook.com/sijicn https://twitter.com/sijicn www.linkedin.com/in/siji-nair www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

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Charting a New Course for Kerala Tourism

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Mind and Destiny

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Kerala: A Natural Wonder

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Hydel Tourism

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CZARINA Newyear Collections is making waves

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SME Sector Employment Generator

mart Corporate Office:Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Mera 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695011, Kerala, India

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Web: www.metromartdaily.com/ www.metromartnews.com; E magazine-http://issuu.com/metromart email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com • Contact-+ 91 471 4015593/ 6566560/+91-9947733339/9995139933 PUNE I BANGALORE I KOLKATA I KOCHI 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 th e 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 January 2017 METRO mart any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. © All Rights Reserved RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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Publisher Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in Managing Editor & Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com

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COV E R S T OR Y

Charting a new course for Kerala Tourism

V Viswanath

The unique geographical features of Kerala have been most sought after by tourists from around the world. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, and with around 44 rivers, the State is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The enlightened society of Kerala too

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Sri. Kadakampally Surendran’s swearing in as the new Tourism Minister has brought in a renewed vibrancy in the Ministry of Tourism. All stakeholders in the tourism domain believe that under his captaincy the Ministry of Tourism would endeavor to ensure accelerated growth of Kerala’s tourism sector. has had a great part in advancing the tourism potentials of the State.

Based on the statistics provided in Kerala tourism site, the inflow of Foreign tourists in 2015 was 977479, while that of Domestic tourists was 12465571. Comparing the year 2005, the number

of Domestic tourists have doubled and the number of Foreign tourists have almost tripled. Most importantly, the total revenue generated from tourism has more than tripled from the figures of 2005. The tourism sector generated a total directand-indirect-revenue of Rs. 26689.63 crores in the year 2015.

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Efforts should be taken to ensure security,

hygiene, and use of scientific technology in waste

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management. If these are put in place, Kerala can truly be ‘God’s Own Country

Across the Nation, States are competing to attract more tourists.

The entire tourism sector believes radical changes are necessary to retain the place Kerala has in the tourism rankings and also to further advance.

Expectations run high from the stakeholders in the industry. They want the tourism minister to lead the State’s tourism sector to greater heights.

It is in this scenario that Kadakampally www.metromartdaily.com

Surendran has taken over the mantle of Tourism Minister.

Kadakampally Surendran – born to C.K. Krishnankutty and Bhagavathi kutty on October 12, 1952 – completed his studies from University College Thiruvananthapuram.

His wife Sulekha is a teacher and they have two sons.

Right from being a student activist to becoming a state January 2017

It is very important that Kerala is able to portray a secure, cleanly, and hygienic image globally.

minister, Sri. Surendran has stood with the masses and spoken up regarding their issues. During his school days he has participated in student movements and cultural activities. His social activities and longstanding associations with youth organizations led him to the political environment. The more than four decades of association with CPI(M) saw him handling positions such as branch secretary, local committee secretary, area committee secretary, district committee secretary and member of state committee. His leadership potentials were well recognized while being the National Vice President of DYFI for fifteen years.

He has served as vice president of Kadakampally Grama panchayat and Member of first District council Thiruvananthapuram.

He won the Legislative

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assembly seat of Kazhakoottam in 1996 and in 2016. In 2014 and 2016, he was elected as syndicate member of University of Kerala. During 1995-2010, he was the president of Thiruvananthapuram district library council. He has also served as president of Kerala State Co-operative Bank during 2006-08.

The vast experience he has gathered is quite evident in his approach to matters coming under his ministry.

He had a short stint as Minister for Electricity. This period saw him getting in to the thick of matters and making decisions after appropriate deliberations.

During that tenure, he had identified the need to set up power projects that are required to meet demand.

He also took efforts to speed up ongoing projects.

The Minister also stressed for developing renewable sources of energy for power

production.

Currently he handles the portfolios of Tourism, Devaswom and Cooperation. As Devaswom Minister, he has worked hard to keep on top of issues. With regard to decision making on religious and ritual matters, he has sought the guidance of competent personnel in those fields. He is seen as a person who respects the rights of people in following rites and rituals and has stated that he would be taking steps in those directions based on consensus. Recently he was seen overseeing the facilities set up for accommodating the huge influx of pilgrims in Sabarimala. He has emphasized the need to uphold the secularist and peaceful atmosphere of Kerala.

The current financial crisis has given the Minister for

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

Co-operation Kadakampally Surendran a tough task.

He has reiterated the importance of cooperative sector in handling the rural economy of Kerala and devised steps to resolve the hardships faced by cooperative societies in the State.

Inaugurating Metro Food Awards 2016, he assured the gathering that the government will provide all required support for the advancement and uplift of the tourism sector. He appreciated the Metro Food Awards initiative in recognizing the performers in the F&B and Hospitality At the head of Tourism sector. His diligence in ministry, he is seen to be understanding the issues making all efforts to learn at hand was evident at the complete nitty-gritty of an SKHF meeting. He was the tourism sector. In his found to be listening in view, the tourism activities earnest to the speakers should be extended to new at this meeting. He destinations in the State. He guaranteed that the voices the requirement for government would consider offering unique experiences all available avenues in tourism sector. Recently, to bring in more global speaking at the Green tourists. It was also noted Carpet workshop, he stated by him that development of that efforts should be tourist spots would be given taken to ensure security, high priority. hygiene, and use of scientific technology in Sri. Kadakampally waste management. He Surendran’s swearing in as viewed that if these are put the new Tourism Minister in place, Kerala can truly be has brought in a renewed ‘God’s Own Country.’ vibrancy in the Ministry of

Tourism. All stakeholders in the tourism domain believe that under his captaincy the Ministry of Tourism would endeavor to ensure accelerated growth of Kerala’s tourism sector.

What do you think would realize Kerala’s tourism goals?

It is very important that Kerala is able to portray a secure, cleanly, and hygienic image globally.

We have to keep our streets clean and green, devoid of any pollution.

We need scientific waste management methods. We have to develop the existing destinations and identify the potential areas that could be further developed and added in to our tourism destinations. In order to provide our guests a unique experience, innovative and experimental undertakings using creative skills should be carried out. All these done in a systematic

Plans are on to identify and implement environment-friendly green carpet project in 79 new destinations in the State.

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January 2017

We need to sustain our clean environment and provide the best possible atmosphere for our guests.

manner would assist in reaching our goals.

What initiatives are taken by the government that would assist the Tourism sector in the State?

Over the next 5 years, we aim to create 4 Lakh jobs in Kerala’s tourism sector. Plans are on to identify and implement environment-friendly green carpet project in 79 new destinations in the State.

This would be in addition to increasing the number of model tourism villages.

This would be done with the help of the cooperative sector. The government has exempted the State’s tourism belts from any hartals, which would yield positive results.

The successful implementation of ‘Punyam Poonkavanam’ is an eye opener for the rest of the State. Through this project Sabarimala was made free of plastic. When it could be

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executed at a place where lakhs of people assemble, it could surely be executed elsewhere in the State too.

The Green Carpet initiative aims to build a sustainable destination management system in Kerala. This would transform the destinations in to better places for people to visit and live in.

This initiative is a first of its kind in the State.

Projects worth Rs. 362 crore would be cleared soon from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board for Tourism Department.

How would the virtual reality platform at airports benefit Kerala Tourism?

Recently a life-size ‘Kettuvallam’ (houseboat) was kept at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. It gave the air passengers a feel of cruising through Kerala’s famed backwaters. The Virtual

Reality experience that it provided denotes Kerala standing as the forerunner in using technology for tourism promotion. The ‘Kettuvallam’ is a fantastic introduction for the air passengers about the tourism avenues in Kerala.

Many of those who used this VR facility could turn in to visitors to Kerala wanting to witness the real thing.

How would you view Kerala’s attaining the 8th position in the ‘12 destinations to watch in 2017’ ranking by The Association of British Travel Agents?

It is a matter of pride for Kerala. This ranking recognizes Kerala’s stature as a must-visit destination.

It stands as a proof for the advancement we are making in projecting Kerala’s tourism potentials.

We need to sustain our clean environment and provide the best possible atmosphere for our guests.

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January 2017

COV E R F E A T U R E

MIND AND DESTINY

N Vijayagopalan

We are all born with a treasure, a gold mine, an immeasurable wealth, an invaluable endowment inside us. From the gold mine within us, we can extract everything we need to live life gloriously, joyously, and abundantly.

Infinite riches are all around you if you will open your mental eyes and behold the treasure house of infinity within you. But only a very few realize the existence of that gold mine within them and make use of this boon. And they are the ones who make a mark in life, who become the epitome of success, who break records, who become high achievers, who create history, who achieve the seemingly impossible, who are remembered and adored by posterity.

What is this unique an d invaluable boon inside

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us? That is nothing other than the mind. The potential of the human mind is unlimited. We all come to the world with an uncharged high power battery in the form of mind.

Those who keep the battery fully charged and use its power fully are the ones who make a mark in life. It is this boon which makes human beings different from other living beings.

Is there anything unique about human mind?

Human mind has the traits of an architect as well as a magician. Or, mind is an architect who is a

magician as well. Just as an architect designs buildings or other structures using his knowledge, intellect, imagination and creativity, the mind with all its faculties designs the destiny of a person and also supervises its execution. Human mind also has the ability to work like a magician who does amazing, mesmerising incredible, seemingly impossible, astounding acts with his special skills, focus, creativity, precision and discipline.

The magician symbolises the innate power within us all to create the life we

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truly desire. It is a pure manifestation of the best use of our talents and abilities. Thus the mind acts as an architect and a magician with a dual role.

There is an architect and a magician residing in the mind of every individual.

For success in life, both this architect and magician must be activated and kept charged.

We are the masters of our destiny, especially from the moment we begin to realize this fact. Destiny means the materialization of man’s own thought. Man is responsible for his success and failure, for his rise and fall. And it is man who brings these about either knowingly or unknowingly.

How do you explain when things don’t go as we assumed? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions? Why is one man sad and another man happy? Why is one man joyous and prosperous and another man poor and miserable? Why is one man fearful and anxious and another full of faith and confidence? Why does one man have a beautiful home while another man lives out a meagre existence in www.metromartdaily.com

a slum? Why is one man a great success and another an abject failure? Why is one man a genius in his work or profession while the other man toils all his life without accomplishing anything worthwhile? Why is one man healed of a so-called incurable disease and another isn’t? Why is it that so many good, kind religious people suffer the tortures of the damned in their mind and body? Why is it that many immoral and irreligious people succeed and prosper and enjoy radiant health? Why is it that one woman is happily married and her sister has a failed marriage?

Why do some ordinary people make extraordinary achievements?

How did some people rise from the whirlpool of disappointments and humiliating experiences like a Phoenix and embrace enviable success?

Is there an answer to these questions? There certainly is. We have seen miracles happening to men and women in all walks of life all over the world. Miracles will happen to you, too – when you begin using the magic power of your mind.

It is our habitual thinking and imagery which mould, fashion, and create our

destiny.

A magnetized piece of steel will lift about twelve times its own weight. If the same piece is demagnetised, it will not even lift a feather.

Similarly, there are two types of men. There is the magnetized man who is full of confidence and faith. He knows that he is born to win and to succeed. Then, there is the type of man who is demagnetized. He is full of fears and doubts.

You can bring into your life more power, more wealth, more health, more happiness, and more joy by learning to contact and release the hidden power of your mind. You need not acquire this power; you already possess it. But, you have to understand and learn how to use it so that you can apply it in all departments of your life. Human mind is like a musical key board or a violin or guitar or harmonium. Exquisite music is hidden in all these musical instruments. But can every one produce that music from them?

How can we get the best out of our mind? You have to take full charge and control of your mind for making it design the life January 2017

you want, the destiny you want to build. Or, you have to take CHARGE of your destiny. How can you take control of your mind and take charge of your destiny?

It is something which needs to be done through sincere, earnest and consistent efforts.

The difference between success and failure is the ability to train one’s mind to focus on achieving one’s goals and not focus on problems. Getting the mind to focus and concentrate on success, so that it finds solutions instead of focusing on the problems, is usually the difference between success and failure.

Hence the mind needs to be trained and disciplined a lot through various methods for getting the best out of it. Strong positive thinking needs to be cultivated and a strong positive attitude is to be built. A strong self-belief needs to be cultivated. The habit of auto suggestion or self affirmation is to be developed, which is a highly effective practice.

Cultivation of the habit of perseverance is a must.

We need to steer clear of our wrong perceptions.

We need to keep at bay the factors which limit

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exploiting our mind’s potential. The qualities of a strong mind need to be understood and imbibed in our life. We need to understand the common attributes of successful people and imbibe as many of them as possible in our life. Having a well-structured Personal Growth Plan would be highly rewarding in life. We must critically study the life of a few tremendously successful people. Above all, we should understand the dynamics of the mind destiny connection.

We know the stories of ordinary men who have achieved extra-ordinary things in life. They did not get dissuaded by totally discouraging experiences, humiliations, disappointments, physical disabilities, utter poverty, repeated failures, outright rejection, various trials and tribulations, hurdles and a chain of unfortunate happenings.

All these people were ordinary mortals to begin with. What made them what they turned out to be is their strong mind and indomitable will. They pursued their dreams, their goals with a ‘never-saydie’ approach. For them, the accomplishment was

already borne in their mind and no force on earth could alter it. They belong to a class which powerfully demonstrated to the world that the power of human mind is amazing and that the extent to which human beings can accomplish is unlimited. They showed the world that if the mind is properly tuned, the seemingly impossible becomes possible.

Though the mind has the potential to act like a highly efficient architect as well as a mesmerising magician, utilisation or optimisation of the dual capabilities of the mind is a matter of choice for the individual.

Herein lies the role of the mind in designing the individual’s destiny.

For success in life and for designing a destiny of your choice, both the architect and the magician in the mind must be activated and always kept charged.

A comprehensive two-tothree hours motivational training programme on ‘Mind and Destiny’

by N.Vijayagopalan is available, which is ideal for students, candidates preparing for competitive examinations, employees of organisations etc. For details, please contact : 9995139933, 9567695559

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

PETUNIA PERFUME IN SHOPPING MALLS SOON! Ever fancied that the glorious petunia in your garden would scent up your attire or the wine in your home party would have a unique floral flavour? If the pace of research and advancement in plant biology highlighted at India’s first ever EMBO conference here is anything to go by, it need not any longer be on your wish list.

Such and more interesting facets of advanced research were presented at the ongoing conference organised ‘Micro and Metabolic Regulators in Plants’ jointly by Rajiv Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) and the European Molecular Biology www.metromartdaily.com

Organisation (EMBO).

Expert speaker from the faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Dr Alexander Vainstein said, “Petunia flowers have been traditionally used for their beauty and attractive colours.

My experiment with petunia flowers allowed to generate highly scented flowers with strong aroma.”

Dr Vainstein was making his presentation on the topic “Specialised metabolic pathways: cues controlling floral scent production”.

“Genetically enhanced

petunia has higher floral scent compounds and pigmentation, which can be commercially exploited.

We also found that humans can distinguish the scent of genetically enhanced flowers, making it a lucrative proposition for the perfume industry. Use of transgenic yeast can develop wines with floral flavours,” he noted.

Prof M Radhakrishna Pillai, Director, RGCB said, “The end aim of research is to create balanced ways of making science beneficial to the human kind. This international conference on plant biology is part of our continuing efforts in this direction.”

January 2017

T R AV E L

Kerala: A Natural Wonder While planning a vacation one looks for destinations that offers either peace or adventure. Well, Kerala is the destination that offers you both. Peaks and forests for hiking, dwelling amongst wildlife, lazy sunbath at the beach or relaxing after an Ayurvedic massage, one can explore and discover blissful memories in Kerala.

Freshness of blue sea, tranquility of backwaters, fragrance of rich spices and serene beauty of the natural vegetation; Kerala has it all. Entitled as God’s own country, Kerala is rated as one of most sought holiday destinations. It is an ideal destination for all kinds of tourists, for what Kerala stores is the definition of abundant beauty and thrill.

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The history of the land is worth peeking into. Kerala is believed to be created by the warrior’s saint, Parsurama himself. The saint threw his axe into the sea and as a result, the land of Kerala arose. It has seen emergence and downfall of some of the greatest empires in the history of India. If you dig culture and history you will definitely be intrigued by the Chera,

Kalabhra Interregnum, and the Kulashekharas are the empires. The arrival of Vasco Da Gama at Calicut in 1498 is another landmark in the history of Kerala. In fact, the Portuguese had a strong impact on the educational and cultural life of the people of Kerala.

Kerala has several forts, palaces, cemeteries and citadels. Surrounded with natural beauty is Anjego

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or Anjuthengu, a place of historic importance and an ideal destination for those who don’t mind walking around and explore what is in store. For people who relish history and historic monuments, the Poonjar Palace is another treat. It is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a droni (treatment bed) carved out of a single piece of wood for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, varieties www.metromartdaily.com

of lamps, sculptures of grain measures, statues and weapons. Some of the other spectacular historical places in Kerala are Khandragiri Fort, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Thangasseri, Tipu’s Fort. If you would like to walk a little way along one such wonderful path of discovery, one good place to visit would be the Edakkal caves in the Ambukuthi Hills in North Kerala, considered to be one of the earliest centres of human habitation.

Inside the cave you will find ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures

with peculiar headdresses, the swastik form, symbols and cave drawings of human figures, wheels, bows, knives, trees and so on.

A trip through the numerous forests and hill stations in Kerala will take you to some of the best waterfalls and dams you have ever seen in your life.

The water gushing down the rocks, intruded by rollicking foliage is a sight a beholder can’t blink at.

Waterfalls like Athirappally, Soochipara, Thusharagiri or Thommankoothu will enable you to experience such facets of nature that January 2017

is calm, soothing and wild, all at the same time. The beautifully landscaped road to Athirappally gives you glimpses of the milky white waters that gush past rocks and boulders, thriving and roaring in a rhythm that could make one forget all the distress. The waterfalls don’t fail to offer the tranquillity and serenity in the summers as well. In summer these waterfalls tone down to calm cascades and all you have to do is dip your feet in the cool water while sitting on the rocks. The calls of the wildlife around contributes to the perfection in the

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setting. Cheeyappara and Valara, Dhoni, Kanthanpara, Madammakkulam, Keezharkuth and Meenmutty are the waterfalls that make Kerala no less than a geographical wonder.

Kerala is not only known for its heavenly natural beauty but also for its pilgrimage spots . Kerala is not only known for its heavenly beauty but also for its pilgrimage spots.

There are several temples, churches and synagogues for devotees. Among the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s Church or

Champakulam Church in Alappuzha is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas in AD 427. A strong representative of culture of Kerala is the Mannarasla Sree Nagaraja Temple.

Situated near Harippad, Mannarasala is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. The Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Thrissur, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple,

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Cochin, Sree Padnamabha Temple, Trivandrum, Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur are some of the famous temples in Kerala among many others.

Christianity in Kerala is believed to be as old as the Christian era itself thus giving some ancient churches to Kerala. It is believed that the Arab traders introduced Islam to Kerala, during the eighth or ninth century. The mosques at Patalayini, the Jama-Masjid at Tannur, and the mosques at Ponnani, Malappuram, Jami-Masjid at Baypore in Kozhikode district, Mithqual mosque

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in Calicut, are some of the famous mosques.

water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals One of the most tranquil such as otters and turtles and relaxing things you live in and alongside the can do in Kerala is take backwaters in Kerala. Palm a trip in a houseboat trees, pandanus shrubs, along the palm-fringed various leafy plants and Kerala canals. The coastal bushes are a common regions of Kerala have a feature along the Kerala network of waterways, backwaters, colouring the inlets from the sea, and surrounding landscape, estuaries of over forty a rich green. Cruise the rivers, lakes and natural backwaters at Alleppey, canals connecting coastal Cochin, Kasaragod, towns. This interlinked body Kottayam, Kozhikide, of waterways is known as Kumarakom and Kuttanad the backwaters in Kerala. for an unforgettable Many unique species of experience that lets you aquatic life including crabs, imbue yourself into natures frogs and mudskippers, magical realm.

January 2017

Kerala’s Periyar National Park is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. One of the best things about the park is that it stays open all year round, even during the monsoon season. Periyar is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered. Safaris are carried out by boat, with the lake being particularly captivating at sunset.

Visitors can also take part in an excellent variety of eco-tourism activities there.

Chinnar too is one of the finest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Set amidst enchanting backwaters of Devikulam in Idukki district of Kerala, the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary covers an area over 90 sq km in the rain shadow region of the.

Known for its enchanting scenic beauty, Chinnar is a natural habitat for an amazing variety of flora and fauna including some rare

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and endangered wildlife species. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, and so receives comparatively less rainfall in comparison to other parts of Kerala.

The vegetations of Chinnar primarily comprises of thorny scrub forest, dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands, which supports a wide variety of wildlife.

Reflecting the crystal blue colour of infinite sky, Kerala inspires love for beaches.

Cherai Beach, a picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming.

Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes.

Kovalam on the other hand is an internationally

renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.

It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.

Alappuzha, Bekal, Beypore, Chavakkad, Chowara, Kappad, Kolavi, keep exploring and Kerala will never run out of beaches to surprise you.

Munnar in Kerala is an absolute piece of unbelievable beauty and if you love tea, you will love to drink a hot cup of tea while drinking in the beauty of the tea plantation. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife.

Adventure enthusiasts

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can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want to relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation bungalows.

Kerala is famous for its Ayurveda centres that offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments. Availing Ayurvedic treatments is in fact the main agenda of many tourists who come here. The various herbs used to concoct potions have high medicinal value.

Massages and other treatments that can cure skin, heart, digestive, neurological and several other disorders, are much sought after. Uzhichil, Pizchil, Nasyam and Dhaara are some of the popular treatments. Meditation and Yoga are also an important part of Ayurveda. Since the science deals with holistic wellness, it also gives due importance to a sound mind. Yoga and meditation www.metromartdaily.com

helps in this regard. Your holiday in Kerala would be incomplete without trying out these relaxing therapies which will let you return to your homeland, absolutely rejuvenated.

Kerala being a wholesome state is not untouched by the mall culture. Apart from the glossy boutiques in the cities that sell the best in western and ethnic wear, there are numerous small scale industries that deal in handicrafts, pickles, tea, chocolates, honey, snacks, bamboo products and spices. Kozhikode and Cochin are known as the main spice trading hubs since the ancient times. Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its handloom.

Kasavukadas across the state sell beautifully embroidered Kerala Sarees and Mundus. While Kollam is well-known for its cashews, Kozhikode is famed for its snacks, Malabar Biriyani and chips.

The people of the hilly

regions like Thekkady, Kattapana and Wayanad trade in bamboo products and tribal artifacts. The tea estates of Munnar are known world over. Here you can buy the finest tea made at the tea processing units. The cottage industries here produce delicious chocolates and natural honey.

Brassware, and bronze are made at Alappuzha and Irinjalakkuda. The temple town of Guruvayoor is known for its sandalwood artefacts, mural arts and Ramachcham mattresses.

And if you have a penchant for gold ornaments, you will find them in the various jewellery showrooms across Kerala.

A trip to Kerala would be trip of a lifetime. A beauty that dazzles and tranquilizes at the same time is worth experiencing. Transcend yourself to the world of natural wonders and enrich your joyous memories.

Come, visit Kerala.

January 2017

T R AV E L

Hydel Tourism Ever wanted to cosy into a shikara, glide through placid waters in abandon, be surrounded by nothing but lush greenery and stick you head out to enjoy the spectacular natural environment?

No, you needn’t head off to Kashmir to enjoy the scenic splendour in a shikara. All these and more are on offer in the many hydel packages of the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre, a subsidiary of the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd (KSEBL). The following are the hydel packages in the Munnar circuit.

Trout Lagoon/ Kundala

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Dam The dam at Kundala is Asia’s first Arch Dam and the lake formed by the dam here offers opportunities for boating. Atop the dam, you will get a panoramic view of the lush green surrounds.

Boating facilities include pedal boats, Kashmiri shikara boats and rowing boats. Ringed by hills and lush valleys, with the majestic dam forming the backdrop, a ride in the lake can work wonders for your soul.

Dew Valley Boating Center/ Sengulam Dam This is the latest dam site in Munnar which is

already creating ripples in the tourism circuit with its boating centre which offers myriad boating opportunities in natural surrounds. Glide through this pristine lake in pedal boats, speed boats, pontoon boats and large boats. Those charming visuals that pass by you will last a lifetime. A Games Corner and Fish Spa are also present here.

Elephants’ Abode/ Anayirangal Dam Yet another scenic spot in Munnar is the Anayirangal Dam. This majestic reservoir ringed by tea plantations and evergreen

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Set against the Mattupetty Dam is this dollop of heaven.

The Mattupetty Dam is frequented by many wild animals and birds

forests promises splendid views of nature. Wade through the crystal clear waters of the lake in a boat, let the cool mountain air envelope you, and just be?

Hydel Park, Munnar This nature park set amidst the woods promises a plethora of activities such as nature walking, adventure trails, boating in the serene waters, watching migratory water birds or just reveling in vast

stretches of lawn.

food courts, 6D Studio etc.

Sun-Moon Valley, Mattupetty

Echo Point

Set against the Mattupetty Dam is this dollop of heaven. The Mattupetty Dam is frequented by many wild animals and birds.

Once here, immerse in water sport activities like boating in speed boats, pontoon boats.

Other activities include buggy ride, a games corner,

13 km off Munnar is the Echo Point. Activities are aplenty here with a games corner, and boating center.

The verdant hills and evergreen trees provide opportunities for trekking and nature walks.

For more details about Hydel Tourism contact: Ph: +91 471 2514209 Mob: +91 9447640600 Website: www. keralahydeltourism.com

Glide through this pristine lake in pedal boats, speed boats, pontoon boats and large boats. Those charming visuals that pass by you will last a lifetime www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

AWA R D

UNWTO HAILS KERALA’S RESPONSIBLE TOURISM INITIATIVES Tourism Director presented report on state’s RT policies and practices at meeting in UNWTO HQ Kerala’s award-winning ‘Responsible Tourism’ (RT) initiatives has come in for further recognition with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) describing them as a model for other destinations to replicate.

The world’s foremost international tourism organisation also called for the development of closer ties between Kerala Tourism and UNWTO, emphasising the importance of further association to help take the message of sustainable tourism forward.

In a recent meeting held

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at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Kerala Tourism Director Shri U.V. Jose presented a report on the RT campaigns – the heart of Kerala’s tourism story for nearly a decade – to Mr Xu Jing, UNWTO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

The report contained details of the RT policies and practices implemented in the state and the campaign’s success in giving stakeholdership to local communities and empowering them economically through activities that prioritise cultural and ecological

conservation.

In addition, the report outlined plans of action undertaken as part of this commitment to sustainability such as the implementation of a new RT Classification system in keeping with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, the Government of Kerala’s ‘Green Carpet’ programme, the creation of destination-level RT units to support local communities and transformative initiatives adopted by trade sector entities like the Kerala Travel Mart’s (KTM) ‘9-point agenda’.

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Observing that the UNWTO’s International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 (IYSTD2017) was a good opportunity to focus on local development, Shri Jose said the aim is now to certify small destinations across the state according to the same criteria.

Congratulating Kerala for the initiative’s success, Mr Jing said, “The UNWTO is proud of the work done

by Kerala Tourism and impressed by the Kerala model of responsible and sustainable tourism. The projects can be included as part of UNWTO’s global programmes and the report can be a case study for other destinations. We are eager to strengthen our relationship and discuss matters of common interest.”

Noting that the Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific would take the report to a wider audience through the RPAP and IYSTD2017 websites, Mr Jing also suggested areas for further collaboration: associating with Kerala Tourism on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and conducting joint www.metromartdaily.com

efforts towards measuring sustainable tourism along with the UNWTO’s Technical Cooperation Programme.

The UNWTO also invited Kerala Tourism to deliver a presentation at the Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Bangladesh in May. The department was also requested to participate in the UNWTO’s International Conference on Tourism Statistics: Measuring Sustainable Tourism to be held in Manila from June 21-24.

As well, Mr Jing enquired about the possibility of Kerala Tourism collaborating with UNWTO to create an RT advocacy agenda based on of the ‘Responsible Tourism Symposium’ in South Korea and initiating an RT award at the next edition of the KTM along the lines of the Japanese Travel Association’s (JATA) Japan Tourism Award for Responsible Tourism.

“The recognition and request to take the RT message further by the UNWTO reflects the strength of Kerala’s pioneering initiatives and its commitment to practicing tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner with

the interests of the local community, the traveller and the planet in mind.

Tourism policies in Kerala have always been tempered by an understanding of the uniqueness of the state’s many diverse destinations and their successes are an affirmation of what RT stands for,” Shri Jose said.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of FITUR 2017, one of the world’s largest tourism and travel fairs.

Shri Jose had also attended the launch event of the UNWTO’s International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The event saw UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, H.E. the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, H.E. the VicePresident of Honduras Ricardo Alvarez, H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain Alfonso María Dastis, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Naasir al Nasser, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Francesco Bandarin and Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission, Elżbieta Bieńkowska in attendance.

January 2017

S HO P P I NG

Czarina’s New Year Collection is making waves 28

January 2017

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Czarina’s New Year Collection has become the talk of the town, attracting fashion lovers, celebrities and trendy young professionals in the city.

The exquisite collection, showcased at Trivandrum’s favourite designer boutique, features a wide array of sarees, salwars and fabrics in vivid colours and designs.

“This collection has everything you need to start this new year on a fresh note,” says Ms. Sheila James, Founder & Creative

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Head of Czarina, “You’ll find the perfect saree and outfit for yourself and for your loved ones.”

“And if you are shopping for your wedding trousseau, this is the best chance to buy a truly stunning masterpiece. Our collection has exotic bridal sarees, rare Kanjivarams and an array of silk sarees for weddings and related functions.” adds Sheila.

Visitors will also find mesmerising creations in Tussar, Silk Kota, Georgette,

Maheshwari, Silk Cotton, Supernet and other fabrics.

A fine collection of designer blouses and brocade blouse materials will also be on display.

Czarina’s New Year Collection ends on January 14. Czarina is located at Catholic Center on Statue-General Hospital Road, Trivandrum. To know more about the New Year Collections, visit Czarina’s Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/Czarina Designer Sarees or call 9387721322.

January 2017

T OU R I S M

KMB opens the scope of art and cultural tourism, says Union Tourism Secretary Pointing to the increase of visitors from the first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) to the present one, Secretary of the Union Tourism Ministry Shri Vinod Zutshi on his visit to the main Aspinwall venue, considered the scope of art and cultural tourism in India.

“About five lakh people visited KMB in its last edition; to me, they are tourists or art tourists,” said Shri Zutshi. “The more people that get attracted to exhibitions like KMB, the better it is for tourism.

Seeing the amazing installations here, I am sure that this edition will attract more art lovers,” said the Tourism Secretary.

“Other than the local people and visitors from across the country, there is a tremendous footfall of foreigners to the Biennale, which makes a big impact on the country’s tourism sector,” he added.

“The State and Central governments should put up their hands together to promote events, such as the KMB,” said Zutshi, who came to Biennale

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following an official visit to Thiruvananthapuram.

Malayali writer Shri KL Mohana Varma also visited with his family, including two grandsons who are fifth generation descendants of legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma.

The 80-year-old litterateur was fascinated by the audio works, which he felt added another dimension to the appreciation of art.

He said that one should not put an economic value

to the biennale. “The overwhelming joy that it brings and the impact it will have on future generations is priceless,” said Varma, who is also President of the Kerala History Association.

“This is a place which makes young people believe that their dreams can come true.”

Shri Mohana Varma, who has visited the previous editions of the international art exhibition, said that schools should compulsorily undertake a two-day visit to KMB ’16 for students.

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www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

E DUC A T I ON

Sai Krishna Public School’s Outreach to revive age-old cultural activities The CBSE-affiliated Sai Krishna Public School at Chenkal near Neyyatinkara has embarked on a mission to introduce the students at the school to our State’s natural heritage and cultural diversity and folklore.

The school has formed a Tourism Club, named ‘Smart Tourism Club,’ which was inaugurated by the Managing Director of Raj Hospitality Service, Sri. Rajagopal Iyer. The vision and plan of the club is quite clear – introducing nature and inculcating cultural values and activities to students.

The club formed in the

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academic year 2016-17 has all students of Class XI and XII as members. Their activities are streamlined

by Student coordinators and Teacher coordinators.

The club organized its first function on July 27, 2016 named as cultural ‘Outreach’, focusing on revamping the age-old cultural activities, which have almost faded from the society. ‘Vilpattu’ was conducted on that day.

On world Tourism day, Tourism Quiz was conducted and nine other school students participated in the quiz program. Distribution of prizes was done by Sri.

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The CBSE-affiliated Sai Krishna Public School at Chenkal near Neyyatinkara has embarked on a mission to introduce the students at the school to our State’s natural heritage and cultural diversity and folklore.

Prasanth T V, Secretary DTPC, Thiruvananthapuram.

Apart from conducting cultural activities, the club also engages in major activities such as farming activities and promoting village tourism. Situated in the beautiful village of Chenkal and blessed with

all natural cynic beauty of a Kerala Village, the school students are currently preparing a Project report on Village Tourism based on Chenkal Village.

An awareness campaign was held among the people of the village to promote Village Tourism. Students

had also recently conducted a study tour to Wayanad as a part of their club activity.

It is a commendable effort

by Sai Krishna Public School in guiding their students to appreciate nature and also to study the once-popular cultural activities of the State.

It is a commendable effort

by Sai Krishna Public School in guiding their students to appreciate nature and also to study the once-popular cultural activities of the State www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

E VE N T S CAN

SME sector will be employment generator, Shri A C Moideen Industries Minister inaugurated three-day Vyapar 2017. E-platform to be created as a permanent platform for buyer-seller interactions

The Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) sector is a robust platform to employ the skills of expatriate Malayalis returning to the state due to the recent nationalisation drives in the countries where they work, said Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs Shri A C Moideen, in his inaugural address at the sixth edition of Kerala business-to-business meet, Vyapar 2017.

Organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of

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Kerala, the three-day SME meet, which is showcasing 200 sellers, started at Bolgatty Palace, Kochi.

“This is a sector that has always been a reflection of the distinctiveness of Kerala, and this generation and future generations can find employment in the state through SMEs,” Shri Moideen said. “Vyapar 2017 shall bring innovative and creative interventions and find sustainable models of development, apart from reaching out with the state’s products to national

and international buyers.”

Shri S Sarma, MLA, in his presidential address, noted that there is a businessfriendly environment for the SMEs and ‘Vyapar 2017 is a far-sighted programme to get businesses and buyers involved in the sector’.

Apart from delegates from 46 countries, there are special delegations from Japan and Sri Lanka at the high-profile business meet that showcases the state’s robustness in the SME

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sector.

“The presence of the special delegates is a proof that the state’s SME business-to-business meet is gaining importance internationally and has the potential to attract more international interest in future,” said Prof K V Thomas, MP.

digital and social media marketing,” he said, noting that the marketing portal would be a permanent medium for interaction between sellers and buyers.

Director (Industries & Commerce) Shri P M Francis reiterated that the aim of Vyapar 2017 is to increase business volume, strengthen the economy of Additional Chief Secretary the state and explore the (Industries) Shri Paul potential abroad. “Around Antony said the B2B 7,500 business meetings meetings would be followed are expected to take place up with an e-platform, over the three days of the a permanent marketing event,” he said. portal for interactions between buyers and sellers, “Vyapar 2017 is not only which would also help a forum for multilateral consolidate the gains of cooperation, but also for such B2B meetings. exchange of technologies “We want to follow the model of the Tourism Department, which has successfully tapped into

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in the SME sector that is fuelling Kerala’s impressive growth,” said KSIDC Managing Director Dr M Beena.

K-BIP CEO Shri V Rajagopal noted that while the first edition of the B2B meet struggled to get buyers, the SME meet is now a sought after event in the Kerala industrial scenario and Vyapar 2017 has received an enthusiastic response from national and international buyers.

On the occasion, the Industries Minister gave away the best seller award to Rapol Saniplast, Chalakkudy, which had participated in the previous edition of the B2B. Also participating in the inaugural function were Mulavukad Grama Panchayat President Smt Viji Shajan, FICCI CoChairman Shri Deepak L Aswani and KSSIA State President Shri Damodar Avanoor.

January 2017

ME T R OE VE N T

Vintage cars roll into Biennale for Republic Day rally It was a trip down memory lane for visitors at Aspinwall House as a fleet of classic rides and rods pulled into the primary venue for the ongoing third edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB).

A total of 22 vintage cars rolled through the city streets – starting from Panampilly Nagar and ending up in Fort Kochi, where they stood on display for an awestruck crowd.

The rally and exhibition

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was organised by the KMB in association with Cochin Vintage Club as part of Republic Day celebrations at the Biennale.

The head-turning line-up featured the 1946 model of the legendary Austin 16, a 1955 Dodge rover, a red hot Triumph Herald besides a sampling of Fiat, Ford and Mercedes Benz beauties. There was even a 1957 Hindustan Motors Landmaster, the fore-runner to the Ambassador.

“The preservation of vintage cars is our main objective,” says Rinesh Ravi, President of Cochin Vintage Club. “Over the years, the Biennale has upheld the importance of heritage preservation, which strikes a chord with our policy. It was this common trait that made today’s collaboration possible,” Ravi said.

“For us, these cars are works of art. A lot of effort and heart has been put into the preservation

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and maintenance of this precious collection. The process of getting these beauties back into road shape is comparable to putting up an installation,” he contended.

Besides the cars, there were five motorcycles also on display. These included a Jawa, a Yezdi and a Rajdoot.

An awareness campaign offering guidance on road safety measures and driving manuals was also conducted as part of the rally by Junior Chamber International Cochin Metro.

“We are happy to associate with Cochin Vintage Club and show solidarity with their concern for the upkeep of and maintaining interest in heritage cars and bikes. These proud automobiles are an integral part of history of machines,” said renowned artist Riyas Komu.

Prior to the rally, there was a flag-hosting ceremony to mark Republic Day. KMB co-founders Bose Krishnamachari and Komu along with Kochi Biennale Foundation General Manager N.P. Kurien and KMB 2016 participating artist P.K. Sadanandan helped unfurl the tricolor at Aspinwall House. www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

D U P DA T E M E A T RO AW

Biennale artist Abir Karmakar wins coveted Asia Arts award 38

January 2017

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Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2016 participating artist Abir Karmakar was one of three ‘game changers’ honoured at the inaugural Asia Arts Awards India held on Wednesday night in New Delhi. Karmakar received an ‘Asia Arts Future Award’ at the awards gala held in the Taj Mansingh hotel in the national capital that saw more than 150 global artists, curators, collectors, arts professionals and patrons in attendance.

Noted art collector and KMB patron Radhika Chopra presented the award – given to visual artists who are innovators that broaden existing understanding, perspectives and perceptions of contemporary art – to Karmakar.

Among the attendees was eminent artist KMB 2016 curator Sudarshan Shetty, who noted in a felicitation speech following the award presentation that Karmakar’s work “resonates with our collective sense of an ‘existential emptiness’ as

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represented through an abundance of images”.

“The measure of success for an artist is how the craft meets or even comes close to the intention of the subject matter. Abir’s craft and the subject matter cannot be seen in isolation or in binaries. They are not separable. Through Abir’s work, I think there is a case to be made for a rigour in ‘making’. I believe that making too can be a means to production of knowledge,” said Shetty, who added that he had a painting by Karmakar in his Mumbai studio.

The Baroda-based artist is currently exhibiting ‘Home’, a photorealistic installation featuring oil-on-canvas paintings that are stretched out to illustrate the contents and spaces inside an average Indian middleclass home, at KMB 2016 venue Kashi Art Gallery in Fort Kochi.

“It is indeed an honour to receive this prestigious and much coveted award for my work. It is a recognition of my entire artistic practice in addition to the work being

displayed at the ongoing Biennale. When Sudarshan first invited me to participate in the exhibition, I knew I had to come up with something special. I am glad that people are enjoying ‘Home’,” Karmakar said.

Karmakar is known for casual, voyeuristic selfportraits that sees him place his naked body in intimate settings.

Through provocative body language and eye contact with viewers, he offers a contemporary interpretation of sexuality and the fluid nature of identity.

“In ‘Home’, I explore questions of identity, rootlessness and place. By confronting visitors with a familiar setting located within an unfamiliar space, I ask them to ponder about what home means to them,” Karmakar said.

The event marked the first time the Asia Awards gala – instituted by the Asia Society five years ago – was held in India.

January 2017

E VE N T S CAN

International Conference on Tourism Technology to be held in Kochi in June The growing significance of technology in tourism industry will come up for deliberations at the second edition of International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT), to be held in Kochi in June.

Association of Tourism Trade Organisation (ATTOI) will organise the three-day event at Le Meridien Hotel from June 8 to 10.

The objective of this conference is to prepare the travel and tourism industrialists in India and neighboring countries to understand the importance

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of web marketing, how to use the resources available online to drive business, get inputs in adapting to the changing technology and acquiring skills to beat the competition.

ICTT India will feature eminent speakers from varied backgrounds giving talks and entertaining sessions on various tourism related topics. The idea of the conference being to help the hotels and tour operators in understanding in how to market, sell and generate business online, it would assist

tour operators and travel agents to adapt to new trends and help improve generating enquiries and scaling up conversion levels.

It would also be a platform for Travel Technology companies who have developed new software and mobile applications to showcase their product and discuss improvements and innovations.

The three-day conference, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature an array of speakers and subject experts from across the globe who will

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Travel Technology companies who have developed new software and mobile applications to showcase their product and discuss improvements and innovations. offer their insights on the effective usage of social media platforms to promote tourism business.

faced with more complex requirements and more tech savvy customers,” he added.

“The first edition of ICTT held in Thiruvananthapuram was a runaway hit and widely appreciated for its content as well as the conduct. In fact, it was the first of its kind event in Kerala at a time when digitization was gradually catching up the tourism world,” said ATTOI President Anish Kumar P.K.

ICTT 2017 aims at helping the tourism industry players to stay abreast with the latest technology through effective usage of the digital platform. This will also enable them to reach out to all parts of the globe and make their presence noticed.

“The significance of technology in tourism industry has taken a giant leap forward as it is

“The fall in tourist arrivals, along with the growing internal and external competition, has raised demand for alternative marketing techniques and

cutting edge technology to stay ahead in the race.

ICTT 2017 will not only impart the much needed knowledge to the delegates but also conduct workshops to help them leverage this learning for cost-effective solutions,” pointed V Sreekumara Menon, Secretary, ATTOI. Around 500 delegates, comprising tour operators, hoteliers, resort owners, homestays, SEO (search engine optimization) companies, software firms, social media marketing companies and bloggers, are slated to attend the conference.

ICTT India will feature eminent speakers from varied backgrounds giving talks and entertaining sessions on various tourism related topics. www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

Association of Tourism Trade Organisation (ATTOI) will organise the three-day event at Le Meridien Hotel from June 8 to 10

Program Schedule

Social media for Tourism

Day 1- June 8 05:00 pm Inauguration 00:05 PM at Le Meridien, Kochi Day 2-June 9

• How to use Instagram for product marketing.

• How to use snap chat for attracting new markets and tourists.

• Blogging - its importance today and how businesses can leverage it.

• Workshop on how to use strength of Facebook Future of storytelling

Time: 09:00 - 10:30 Session 01 Content and Search engine strategy • How to create the right content?

• How to get high rankings for your website with organic search?

• Workshop on keywords for your business campaigns and how to make it work?

11:00 - 01:00 Session 02

01:00 - 02:00 Lunch Break 02:00 - 3:30 Session 03 Hotel Branding, positioning and distribution • How to get the best out of OTAs? For new and existing hotels • Role of OTA’s in hotel marketing, its contribution

and growth pattern.

• Optimizing your hotels OTA strategy 04:00 - 5:00 Session 04 Digital tools the way forward • Digital payments - future of business and payments mechanism for tomorrow • WhatsApp - A free marketing tool to promote and market your business.

05:00 - 6:00 Session 05 Online Destination Marketing • Creating the right marketing strategy for new source markets.

• Marketing India from

The idea of the conference being to help the hotels and tour operators in understanding in how to market, sell and generate business online

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January 2017

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ICTT 2017 will not only impart the much needed knowledge to the delegates but also conduct workshops to help them leverage this learning for cost-effective solutions a Global Travellers perspective Day 3-June 10 09:00 - 10:30 Session 06 Online Tools • Efficient and cost effective online promotional tools for home stays.

• Facebook live and YouTube - Opportunities in Video Marketing.

• Workshop on how to use online resources for promoting websites 11:00 - 01:00 Session 07 Revenue Management • Understanding revenue management and getting

better in it • How to analyze your monthly online strategy for better conversions?

• Direct bookings or OTA booking - which is better and why?

• Workshop on how to plan the right OTA strategy 02:30 - 3:30 Session 08 Reviews - Importance and relevance • Reviews and online Reputation - How to get most out of MyTourReview • Importance of managing reviews on OTA’s and responding to negative reviews.

• How reviews are affecting our conversions today and its importance for the

future.

04:00 - 5:00 Session 09 Consumer behavior & Online reputation • How consumer behavior and needs have changed in the last few years - Case studies • Responding to reviews how important is that?

05:00 - 6:00 Session 10 Travel technology trends in future • A must for future Digital in-house marketing divisions in hotels & tour companies.

• The best is yet to come - How crazy can the technology get in tourism

The three-day conference, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature an array of speakers and subject experts from across the globe www.metromartdaily.com

January 2017

VYAPAR 2017 CREATES VIBRANT TECHNOLOGY BASE WITH UNIQUE PRODUCTS From a unique lemon squeezer to highly sophisticated drones aimed at strengthening India’s defence system, the ongoing Vyapar 2017 has become a platform for displaying an array of utilityladen tech products.

The three-day B2B event at Kochi Bolgatty Palace, which aims to create a strong technological base with focus on Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) sector,

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is hosting 200 sellers and more than 400 buyers, 70 of them from international businesses.

The newly-launched ‘Lime-O’ vending machine offers five lime juice options at Rs 20 a cup at the touch of a button. The juices are hygienic and with a ‘cool factor’. These vending machines have already been installed at a stadium and a mall in Kochi.

Esther Avionics and Engineering (EAE) has come up with drones which are designed for India’s defence system.

“Indian Army is largely relying on the equipments imported from foreign nations. Our products are much superior when considering the quality and cheaper too as compared to the ones from foreign countries,” said Benyamin

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George, R&D head of the company.

The company has also conducted several drills and pitched projects for the Border Security Force (BSF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Besides, EAE has been conducting practical sessions in different schools and engineering colleges across the country.

“Our focus now is on enabling the SME sector for the supply of equipment, machineries and general consumables.

We want to add SMEs in the supply chain of high technology products and services related to defence sector as they are the real components

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of indigenization,” said Shri P M Francis, Director, Industries and Commerce, Kerala Govt.

three engineering graduates from Government Engineering College, Palakkad.

‘Touch Screen Testing Robot’ developed by Sastra Robotics, is another major attraction at the expo, which concludes on Saturday.

Apart from these, customised Water ATM, which dispenses mineral water after insertion of coins, and a multipurpose ozoniser, used for cleaning meat as well as for medicinal purposes, are also on display.

“Usually the touch screen gadgets are tested manually. However, there are chances of errors. These specially programmed robots can test the gadget fool-proof,” said Arjun G S, a robotic design engineer of the company.

Bosch is the major client of Sastra Robotics, which began as a startup set up by

Vyapar 2017, organised by the State government’s Department of Industries & Commerce and partnered

by FICCI, aims to boost the state’s vibrant SMEs through national and international deals and technology partnerships.

January 2017

M E T RO U P DA T E

Former Police Commissioner launches education startup Former Kerala cadre IPS officer Rajan Singh, who quit the services to study and work in the US, is launching an innovative online education startup to groom students for all-India competitive examinations.

After an MBA at the prestigious Wharton School, under the Pennsylvania University, and a consultancy career with global management firm Mckinsey & Company, Singh has returned to Thiruvananthapuram to introduce the technology platform.

The learning system aims to harnesses technology to make learning easier and faster, and is focused on individual abilities, in the traditional classroom setup. The startup has already received the backing of several established entrance coaching centres.

“We wanted to overcome the lacunae in quality coaching for students in Tier-2/Tier-3 cities through this platform,” said Shri Singh.

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After obtaining his BTech degree from Kanpur IIT, Singh, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, joined the Indian Police Service.

In just six months in the field, the 1997 batch IPS office was appointed as the police commissioner in Thiruvananthapuram, the youngest officer in the post. He left the services in 2005 to pursue a business degree at Wharton, where, as a top student, he was awarded the Palmer scholarship.

He did his student internship at Mckinsey and went on to join the firm following his graduation.

He worked as a consultant for global banking, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. It was during his interactions with Indian equity fund entrepreneurs that he decided to get into business himself.

The startup is introducing a new chapter in education and building a learning system that not only teaches students “to crack entrance exams in a

mechanical manner, but also aims to make lifelong learners, who will be researchers, scientists and leaders making worthwhile contributions to society,” he points out.

As a first step, the platform has tied up with schools in the capital city for using the innovative technology in maths and science education. The aim is to grow into the top Indian education company initiating scientific research.

Singh’s wife Tinku Biswal, who is an IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, is Principal Secretary in the Department of Water Resources.

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D I N I NG

CHANNA MASALA

METHOD AND PREPARATION Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sautĂŠ until translucent.

Add garlic and continues to sautĂŠ until the onion is golden.

Add chickpeas, garam masala, turmeric powder, ginger, tomatoes, lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, the cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This should be moist and stewlike, but not soupy; add a little more water, if needed.

Stir in the cilantro and season with salt. Serve on its own in shallow bowls or over a hot cooked grain, if desired.

INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

Olive Oil 1 teaspoon onion, chopped 1 Large garlic cloves, minced 2/3 chickpeas, drained and rinsed Two 15- to 16-ounce cans garam masala or curry powder 1 to 2 teaspoon turmeric 1 to 2 teaspoon grated fresh or jarred ginger 2 teaspoon tomatoes, diced 2 large lemon juice 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro, or to taste 1/4 cup Salt To taste Hot cooked grain (rice, quinoa, or couscous), optional

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