Metro Mart May 2017

METRO mart Volume 6 Issue 11

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May 2017

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

Ananthapuri Hospitals & Research Institute

- making a mark in healthcare sector of Kerala

Ed u c at

Why join Engineering Course in Kerala

after School Education

ion S

i

al

pec

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May 2017

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

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May 2017

A DIVISION OF HAPPY & RUBY GROUP

 Foreword Dear Readers, A new academic year is set to begin in the coming weeks for educational institutions in the State. Owing to preparations for the same, there is a flurry of activity taking place across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

While the schools/colleges are completing streamlining of administrative, teaching and infrastructure facilities, the students and their parents are fast getting out of the vacation mode they have been for around two months and organizing themselves to get set for the academic year. Parents and their wards are seen in large numbers at shopping centres. ‘Back-to-school’ shopping festivals are being organized by several shops and associations.

Plans are being envisaged by the government and administration officials to provide a safe and secure transportation for the school-goers. All-in-all it’s a busy season and to top it, the monsoon is predicted to arrive at the end of May. Online readers across the world will be able to get a close look at ‘God’s Own Country’ with Kerala Tourism taking to Kindle to provide a peep into its jaw dropping destinations. In a first of its kind by a state tourism board, five richly illustrated and informed books on Kerala’s major tourism destinations are now available on Kindle.

ICTT 2017 being held in Kochi during June 8-10 would also explore live streaming as a major marketing tool in tourism promotion.

The monsoon also brings out the best of nature in Kerala. Tourists from across the globe would be landing in ‘God’s own country’ to experience the magic of the season. The colourful blooming flowers, cascading waterfalls, the basic natural elements, et al would leave the visitors charmed. We are sure the guests who reach Kerala to enjoy the monsoon season would have a wonderful holiday.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

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This edition of Metro Mart looks into various career choices available to the current generation. Topics on the same are dealt in detail for our readers. We wish all students a successful academic year.

Siji Nair

Managing Editor & Director

May 2017

CONTENTS Volume 6 - Issue 11 - May 2017

www.metromartdaily.com www.metromartnews.com Read our e-edition: www.issuu.com/metromart Annual Subscription Rs 400

Publisher

Managing Editor & Director

Sub Editor Editorial Assistant Creative Team

Hari Shanker

hari@martinfotech.in Siji Nair

sijicn@gmail.com

V. Viswanath Ampili Nair Praveen Popins JIJU Popins

Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar Manager-PR Raj Nijith Asst Manager- Sales & Marketing Jayaprakash RP Manager-Administration Sajith Sadasivan 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

Pune Office C-507, Wisteria Fortune Survey No: 95/2, Near New Poona Bakery Wakad, Pune - 411057

10

The smoke and mirror of admission

14

International Tourism Conference

16

Global tourism technology meet

18

On Face - Padma Shree Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai

22

Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute

26

Why join Engineering Course in Kerala

30

The Modern Auto World

32

Habitat Technology Group

40

Some things are meant for Summer

42

Kerala Startup Mission signs MoU with BPCL

44

Pooja new film ‘Kinar

46

Sri Lankan dishes @Hilton Garden Inn

50

Rave it up with a Thai Treat

52

KERAFED AT A GLANCE

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

RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

Inviting

Nominations For

METRO

FOOD AWARDS

2017

www.metrofoodawards.com

METRO Food Awards Your Efficiency Recognized

2017

Trivandrum | Kollam Kottayam | Alappuzha Kochi | Kozhikkode Wayanad

Mera 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O. Trivandrum – 695011 Kerala, India | Ph: 0471 6566560

Mob: +91 9947733339, 9995139933 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com www.metromartnews.com www.metromartdaily.com

May 2017

Cover Feature

The smoke and mirror of admission No

body forgets the last day of their school and college. The start of the last day gives us jitters, the nostalgic feelings begins from the very moment you hear the first bell, thousands of thoughts starts racing through your mind. The day passes rather fast then it usually does, you

What troubles us the most about what next is will I be able to pull off the course of life that I decide to choose? try to grasp every moment engraving all

10 May 2017

you hear and all you speak in your mind into your heart and minds, lectures on the last day suddenly become interesting, your canteen food starts tasting like a grand delicacy straight from god’s own table, you start complaining less and complimenting more.

As the end of the day nears a numb feeling grips your heart, this feeling will never be felt again and will never be erased from your memory. It’s a mix of sadness and joy, confidence about entering a new phase in your life and nervousness of what future may have in store for you.

The significance of this day is much deeper that what can be described. It’s the moment your mind starts questioning, “What Next?” Life before was secured, in a protected circle with people to guide you

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

The period after examination is the most crucial of many who have appeared for their board examinations. With hordes of choices to choose from one might feel lost in this rat race of opting for the best. if you strayed out of path, with old and trusted friends to give you shoulder when you feel gloomy and familiar faces to share your happiness with. What troubles us the most about what next is will I be able to pull off the course of life that I decide to choose?

It’s a new beginning and a turning point of your life, with hundreds of decisions to be

It’s a mix of sadness and joy, confidence about entering a new phase in your life and nervousness of what future may have in store for you. made. Career suddenly becomes a graver topic than what you anticipated it to be.

With the hopes of many people on your decisions, you step out into the real worldthe real world your teachers and parents always spoke about. www.metromartdaily.com

The humongous pressure on tender shoulder forces many to cave in. We may have read or heard students who fail to cope up and tend to take drastic steps to avoid the consequences. The truth is it may be hard, but it’s not impossible.

Remember, life is priceless and the confusing phase will last only for brief period of time, so sit, breath and talk to yourself about what intrudes you the most.

Your path in life should always run parallel to your interests, intersecting at a point where your interest and your career will stand in unison. Not everyone is a science junkie, neither is everyone is a literature lover or a mathematic genius. Your strength in a particular field can help you get through this turbulent time. Before jumping on to deciding where you will like to pursue your further education, question yourself about the field that excites you the most.

Reading enhances knowledge, so don’t restrict yourself to a particular subject.

May 2017

Utilize your time judiciously and explore every corner before picking on one. Search for videos and digital books that provide you with the essential material for insight on various subjects.

Talk, because your interaction will bring

12 May 2017

in more information at your disposal. Talk to your loved ones about what you see yourself as 10 years down the lane. Talk to people involved with your field of interest; ask them about their work profile and their experiences in the profession. There

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

are many online forums and discussions where you can interact with students as well as professors and professional who are available shed light on all niches. Seek a help of a well-qualified career counsellor if you find your mind too crowed to think straight.

Your strength in a particular field can help you get through this turbulent time. Before jumping on to deciding where you will like to pursue your further education, question yourself about the field that makes excites you the most.

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Finally once you have pin pointed towards the direction of your life dive into deep research. Indian colleges are well known for its quality of education and so are many universities and colleges abroad, the diversity of courses available will give you an edge in choosing the right colleges. Many colleges conduct entrance examination for students who would like to secure seats. You can also find special books and coaching classes that train you to crack these examinations like a cakewalk.

There are many summer courses that are conducted which are great additions to your qualifications too. Try joining institutes that offers you courses related to the field chosen by you. It not only provides you with foreknowledge but also is great additions to your educational qualification.

Last but not the least; do not fret over decisions to be made, follow your spirit and let it lead you to your destiny lead you to your path.

May 2017

Event Scan

International

Tourism Conference to explore live streaming as major marketing tool

As

Snapchat and Instagram Stories are taking off phenomenally in the West as innovative tools for live interface, Kerala is planning to use its own live streaming technology to tap tourists’ experiential accounts of the destinations they visit.

Considering its potential for tourism promotion in India, a group of young professionals from Kerala, with the support of state’s Tourism Department, is all set to explore live streaming as a major campaign tool for the upcoming second edition of International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT) in Kochi.

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

“Technology has become an essential part of tourism industry. Unlike other social media tools, we have noticed that the live feeds are getting more traction. It is intimate, engaging, bespoke and authentic than any other form of tourism destination promotions,” said ATTOI President Anish 14 May 2017

Kumar P.K., a winner of the Kerala State Tourism Award for best use of IT in tourism.

In December last year, ATTOI, as a curtain raiser to an international conference, organised a live streaming of an underwater engagement to showcase beach resorts as a unique offering of Kerala Tourism. Over 25 lakh viewers across the world watched the video that was streamed live from the beach resort of Kovalam.

“The event was a huge hit as it attracted a large number of viewers across the globe.

Looking at the audience and strategy, the campaign is focused on giving people a chance to explore a place before they embark upon their journey. This defines the changing dynamics of tourism,” Mr. Anish Kumar said.

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.

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

The seven experts who will be attending the brainstorming meet this year to share their insights are Andre Chow (Singapore), Billy Taylor (New Zealand), Christopher Tock (Malaysia), Donna Mortiz (Australia), Lauren Cleland (USA), Nicky Kriel (the UK) and Pierre Marechal (Belgium).

The speakers will share insights on topics such as ‘Content and Search Engine Strategy’, ‘Digital Tools: The way forward’, ‘Online Destination Marketing’, ‘Travel

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Technology Trends in Future’, ‘Consumer Behaviour and Online Reputation’, ‘Social Media for Tourism’, ‘Online Tools’ and ‘Revenue Management’.

Around 500 delegates, comprising tour operators, hoteliers, resort owners, home stays, SEO (search engine optimization) companies, software firms, social media marketing companies and bloggers, are slated to attend the conference.

May 2017

Focus Event

Global tourism technology meet draws leading industry experts

Three-day ICTT 2017, starting here June 8, will feature lectures by line-up of noted tourism-tech speakers

An

impressive line-up of technology industry experts from across the globe will attend the upcoming International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT) to deliberate on the paramount role of technology in giving a fillip to the travel and tourism industry through interactive engagements with customers and providing excellent products and services.

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

The seven experts who will be attending the brainstorming meet this year to share their insights are Andre Chow (Singapore), Billy Taylor (New Zealand), Christopher Tock (Malaysia), Donna Mortiz (Australia), Lauren Cleland (USA), Nicky Kriel (the UK) and Pierre Marechal (Belgium).

“Technology is all around us and the world of travel and tourism is no exception.

Through technology, such as social media, tourism operators could engage their customers and enable them to share their experiences. So it is high time to get 16 May 2017

updated and be adaptable and fluid to the changes in the sector,” said ATTOI President Anish Kumar P.K. The speakers will share insights on topics such as ‘Content and Search Engine Strategy’, ‘Digital tools- The way forward’, ‘Online Destination Marketing’, ‘Travel Technology Trends in Future’, ‘Consumer Behaviour and Online Reputation’, ‘Social Media for Tourism’, ‘Online Tools’ and ‘Revenue Management’.

ICTT 2017 aims at helping the players of tourism industry 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.

“It is for the industry players to be able to understand the current tourism trend.

They can anticipate future directions, and respond appropriately by walking the extra mile to fulfill tourist expectations by providing excellent products and services.

And these international speakers are capable of shedding light on these issues,” Anish added.

Mr. Chow is a successful social media

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and public relations strategist. He is also an author of best-selling series of books, including Social Media 247. He has delivered lectures in 15 countries during the past five years.

Mr Taylor is a tourism marketing

ICTT 2017 aims at helping the players of tourism industry to stay abreast with the latest technology through effective usage of the digital platform consultant having worked in around 25 countries. Mr Tock is an award winning entrepreneur with broad experiences in Malaysia’s startup ecosystem and social media initiatives.

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Known for her expertise in social media and visual marketing, Ms Mortiz helps her clients with visual and social media approach for boosting the trade. Named as one among the top 20 most influential tourism professionals on Twitter, Ms Cleland is a force to be reckoned with in the tourism marketing world.

Ms Kriel has been working with businesses ranging from entrepreneurs to multinationals. She is a Social Media speaker, offers bespoke in-house training, CPD certified training, online training courses and consultations.

Pierre is the Co-founder and Director of RevUp, a hotel management consulting company specializing in revenue management and distribution.

For registrations and more details, please click www.icttindia.org or https://www.facebook.com/ictt2017

May 2017

On Face

Systematic work culture and an exploring mind required to

achieve success

18 May 2017

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

Me

tro Mart Thiruvananthapuram congratulates Padma Shree Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai (Chairman of Ananthapuri Hospitals & Research Institute) on completing over five decades in the field of healthcare. Being required to take calls on several matters at AHRI, he has a hectic schedule throughout the day.

However, we tapped into his schedule of working late in to the night and made him speak for the benefit of our readers. In an unambiguous interview with V. Viswanath, he opens up about his medical career.

How did you come in to this profession?

The profession has chosen me. Being from a very ordinary family, it was my studies which led me from one dream to another. I got admission for both MBBS and Engineering based on my marks. I was the Secretary of Science Club in Model School, Thiruvananthapuram and achieved District and State level prizes for exhibitions.

However, the challenges involved in medical field made me choose MBBS. What made you select Neurology as your specialty?

Neurosurgery is the most challenging specialty. The satisfaction that you get when you save a life is enormous. The scope for refining and improving is high in Neurology. It makes you put more effort.

I had gone to Vellore as a bystander and that changed my total outlook towards the profession. The visit also made me choose Vellore for my higher studies. The atmosphere at Vellore cannot be explained, it needs to be experienced. The doctors

The profession has chosen me. Being from a very ordinary family, it was my studies which led me from one dream to another.

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at Vellore were systematic, punctual and dedicated. Parameter for work culture can be set from Vellore. Even though, Trivandrum Medical College was the final word for treatment in Kerala at that time, the basic qualities I witnessed at Vellore pulled me. My Professor K.V. Mathai was the Director of Vellore Medical College at that time and a renowned Neuro surgeon. He was a soft-spoken man who believed in the positive results that the patient achieves.

How has patient outlook changed over the years?

In general, the outlook of both medical providers and receivers has changed.

Earlier, Government medical centers and the doctor’s words were final and it was accepted by the care receivers. Now, we have private players in the medical sector and therein come the cost factor. Most of the medical shows and talks are based on positive outcomes. The variable risks such as genetic influences, diet, age, allergic reactions are unspoken. The patients quite often tend to believe that if money is spent, there will be results. It need not be so. Even though medical providers put in their best efforts, the above-mentioned variables could be the determinants in treatment results. The views of care recipients have changed from ‘Doctor’s opinion is supreme’ to ‘doctors are facilitators for treatment.’ The options for treatment available currently make it the patient’s onus for choosing. The health-seeking habits and preventive care needs of the public has increased, which is a positive step.

To get health issues sorted out, what would be the best attitude for a patient to have?

A rapport creation is needed between the doctors and the patients. The doctors should be able to give confidence and the patients should start believing that this doctor would make them better. Once that is created, the patients fall in to the acceptance mode. So what I say is, the patients should keep an open mind. Be clear about your health conditions, clarify doubts if any. The doctors would always

May 2017

work towards positive results for their patients. Believe in the doctor and allow them to strive for your health.

criteria for treatment. We provide treatment to the needy irrespective of their ability to pay. It is our social commitment.

You have said, ‘Everyone should share responsibility to create a better India inhabited by healthy society.’ Could you tell our readers what part they could play?

The environment that we live is becoming hostile. Air pollution, noise pollution, contaminated food products, et al is creating this situation. There is a lot that each individual can do to create a better India. Personal hygiene and etiquette should be maintained at all times. Avoid wastage of water. Do not dispose waste in public places. Healthy habits such as walking should be followed. Ensure clean and healthy surroundings. Think globally and act locally.

We did not stop at providing medical care. Academic activities such as nursing, paramedical, postgraduate courses, etc., were added at our center. The participants in these programs are an addition to our dedicated workforce. ‘Global Institute of Public Health’ is a part of our facility which undertakes public health research. The city has come in to focus with the academic centers and by many of these research studies.

How would you advise the new generation who aspire for a medical profession?

Presently, the medical profession is highly demanding and the challenges are growing. The age of choosing a medical career randomly is over. A person should have a basic mindset and interest to go into the profession. It has become an area of continuous education. Frequent update on latest technology and treatment modalities has to be undertaken. Research and development happen at a fast pace. A systematic and eager approach has to be there for succeeding in this field. Commitment to take up all these challenges is needed. The new generation is more versatile and intelligent. I think if we serve as a model that would have more impact on the new generation than advising.

Ananthapuri Hospitals has made a positive impact in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. How would you describe it?

We were able to maintain the standard of care right from the beginning due to the team of doctors that started Ananthapuri.

Over time, we had several new doctors joining us, who are equally minded in maintaining the status quo. Money is not a 20 May 2017

Most of the medical shows and talks are based on positive outcomes.

What is your approach to religious beliefs?

I believe there is a supreme being; that would be the reason for positive and negative incidents happening beyond our power. Further, believing in something or someone would give you peace of mind.

Prayers and meditation could give relief to your mind.

You are in to consultation, treatment, surgery, academics, research, etc. Your time and decisions are sought for in several areas. How do you manage?

The systematic and dedicated work culture that I learned in Vellore and followed over the years has assisted me in that.

Meticulous attention at work is required at all times to reach perfection. However, one should have appropriate relaxation to recharge mind and body. I believe new developments happened only because someone had a critically analytic mind.

Having an inquisitive and exploring mind, getting in to the skin of things keeps me going. Our goals should always be on our mind and we should work hard without wavering to achieve that. Our conscience should be satisfied with what we do.

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

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May 2017

Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute - making a mark in healthcare sector of Kerala

An

anthapuri Hospitals, a 500-bedded Tertiary care hospital has been at tending the healthcare needs of Thiruvananthapuram city’s population for more than a decade. The hospital covers almost all specialties of healthcare, which includes Anaesthesiology, Ayurveda, Bio-Chemistry, Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Critical Care, Dental and Maxillo Facial Surgery, Dermatology, ENT, Emergency Medicine,

22 May 2017

Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Infertility and Laparoscopy, Microbiology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Endocrinology, Paediatric Nephrology, Paediatric Surgery, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Pathology, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Pulmonology, Radiology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, and Urology. In addition to specialized treatment for health conditions,

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

Padma Shree

Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, the Chairman of Ananthapuri Hospitals & Research Institute

“To create a better India inhabited by healthy Society we, every one of us, have to shoulder our share of the responsibility.

Ananthapuri’s vision and avowed mission reflect our inner drives that help us pursue this noble goal.”

V. Viswanath

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the hospital has provisions for cosmetic surgery and health maintenance checkups.

This could be another reason why foreign tourists who visit Kerala for healthcare prefer to get their health issues sorted out at Ananthapuri Hospitals.

Several Government and private organizations, corporate bodies and insurance companies have recognized the services rendered by Ananthapuri Hospitals. More than 30 firms in and around Thiruvananthapuram are empanelled with Ananthapuri Hospitals for providing healthcare services for their employees.

Around 25 insurance companies have tied up with the hospital. The panel of skilled and distinguished doctors with the hospital is more than 150. These doctors are highly experienced and renowned in their field of expertise. The state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class equipments at Ananthapuri Hospitals adds to the reasons for choosing this hospital as anyone’s choice for healthcare.

Ananthapuri Hospitals offers various checkups to keep a tab on proper health maintenance. This includes Diabetic Lifecheck, Cardiac Lifecheck, Executive Lifecheck, and Women's Exclusive Lifecheck. The checkups are formatted to suit people from different sections of the society. Regular monitoring of health

May 2017

parameters is a requisite in the modern world.

It should be noted that Kerala has been receiving increased number of foreigners and domestic tourists over the years who visit the State for healthcare maintenance and treatment. Ananthapuri – being located close to the airport and having proper access to railway station and other major centres in the city – would be ultimate choice of these visitors. The excellent care provided by the dedicated staff at Ananthapuri brings them increased number of referrals. In turn, the State can expect more and more visitors as Medical tourists – a category that requires further attention in the tourism sector.

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Ananthapuri Hospitals, a 500-bedded Tertiary care hospital has been at tending the healthcare needs of Thiruvananthapuram city’s population for more than a decade.

Ananthapuri has also distinguished itself among the other leading hospitals in the city. This is evident from the high number of local population approaching them for efficient healthcare. The admirable work

by Ananthapuri Hospitals over the years has made them gain confidence from the public. Ananthapuri Hospital adheres to its mission – ‘Providing service with sincerity and solicitude’ – in each every process at the hospital. AHRI has played a predominant role in the development of healthcare services in India by setting new trends and bringing about changes cherished and earnestly sought by the society.

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Limited Space Available....

Reserve your Stall in advance!

& Road

Show

Harrow Leisure Centre

Middlesex

United Kingdom 6th, 7th and 8th October 2017

India Tourism Expo and Diwali Mela has been known for its massive scale and carnival like atmosphere which has attracted wide variety of buyers and sellers from within UK and overseas.

The leading platform in the Travel and Tourism industry to showcase your products and services to the global travel community India Tourism Expo is an effective solution for selling tourism products directly to your clients.

India Tourism Expo to be conducted in association with in Diwali Mela which has grown to be UK based Indian’s largest event in terms of quality and relevant footfall, and was attended by over 15,000 visitors in the last year.

Exhibitor Profile

Hotels, Resorts, Adventure Tourism, Airlines, Car Rentals, Railways Travel Agencies, Travel Agents, Telecom Industry, National / Regional, Tourist Organisations, State Government Tourism Departments, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Coach Operators, Cruise Lines, Maps, Guides, Travel, Accessories & Equipment for Camping, Biking, House Boats, Trekking, Photography etc.

For more information call +91 9947733339/9995139933 Mera 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam Medical College P.O. Trivandrum – 695011 Kerala, India, Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com

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Trivandrum | Kochi | Bangalore | Kolkata | PUNE www.metromartdaily.com

Education

Why join

Engineering Course in Kerala

after School Education Dr. V. V. Karunakaran

St

udents after completing the 12th standard studies at Schools and parents as well are often in a dilemma whether they should study engineering. One must be reminded of the fact that Engineering offers great career prospects, exciting variety of job options and the possibility of working in a world with drastic changes in technological developments. Students aspiring to become Engineers must possess sound knowledge in Mathematics, and Science ( Physics, Chemistry)Subjects at their School level. With roles available in almost every industry, engineers have a huge range

In the present day world, there is a huge demand for skilled engineers in many different fields, some of which are exciting and emerging.

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of career opportunities open to them, challenging but rewarding., Engineers bring huge changes to the lives of people, society as a whole and the world at large. Engineering is important. It is also challenging and exciting. Engineers use models provided by science combined with innovative thinking to solve problems and create new designs that benefit humanity. In the present day world, there is a huge demand for skilled engineers in many different fields, some of which are exciting and emerging.

It was reported that Google wants to employ on average 40 lakhs youth annually preferably Engineering graduates.

There are hardly 10 lakhs available for employment. The Kerala State has several attractive features for pursuing Engineering Education as the Syllabus and Curriculum of the recently formed Abdul Kalam Kerala a Technological University (KTU) is in tune with the changing times. As society develops and evolves the current infrastructure, products & public services that we have, can become outdated at any moment. The complexity of improving these utilities also increases which place a huge burden on economy and countries.

It is the responsibility of Engineers to tackle these complex problems and move

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

towards a better future.

SARABHAI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (SIST) offers 6 B.Tech courses in Engineering( Civil,Mechanical, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, in Graduate level and M.Tech Programmes in Post Graduate Level.

The College has all the necessary facilities with dedicated faculty members. The campus offers a serene atmosphere with state of the art infrastructure, Laboratory, Workshop, Hostels and Canteen Facilities.

A full fledged R&D programme, Career guidance and Counseling wing and Placement teams work here for the benefit of students. Placement becomes very easy for Students who qualify with good academic records especially in Software field.

A career in engineering is interesting and fun. It involves a lifetime of continuous learning to adapt to changes in society and the natural world. It often involves working in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-site teams. It is a very worthwhile profession, and the results, when one succeeds, can be immensely satisfying and

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A career in engineering is interesting and fun.

It involves a lifetime of continuous learning to adapt to changes in society and the natural world. rewarding. Albert Einstein said “Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been ”. It is “Science ” to describe electromagnetic radiation, but it is “Engineering ” to build a radio or TV. Many of the so-called “wonders of modern Science ” are really wonders of modern Engineering.

Engineering profession brings success to life as it brings changes to one’s thought process. One learns how to think like an engineer, acquires logical thinking and

May 2017

critical analysis skills. Decision-making skills are improved, becomes more objective and less emotional when it comes to work. All of these skills are greatly needed in the professional world, in any field. So engineers tend to do better no matter which sector they choose, and they also tend to make good managers. Engineering by far is rated as the most common graduate degree among Chief Executives of Organisations and multinational companies in the World.

Engineering learn Problem solving Skills and can apply anywhere- The skills that one develop as an engineer are incredibly valuable and highly sought after. People will turn to Engineers to help solve problems however insurmountable they are, as they have the skill. The ability to provide practical solutions to problems is crucial and gives one great confidence when faced with any challenge or obstacle.

Engineers develop an understanding of the feasibility of a project from a financial and practical perspective. One also learns how to manage time effectively, work as a part of a team and develop into a true leader.

These skills can be applied to any area of our life.

The Ultimate Field For Challenge And Creativity is Engineering-Engineers need to display incredible creativity when confronted with the challenges of modern life. The more complexity involved in a problem, the more creativity is needed in searching for the best solution.

28 May 2017

The amazing design and ingenuity of modern buildings, Automobiles, Transport systems, Smart phones, Industrial houses etc provided by engineering also have immense challenges (global warming, global connectivity). Engineers are creating reality by imagining the ideas and envisioning the business model drawing inputs from scientists, designers & business people for huge projects.

It involves engineering to: protect the world’s natural resources and enable them to be used more efficiently; invent new types of diagnostic medical scanners; design and build safer, faster, quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft; Rocket engines, Communication satellites, create smaller smart phones that are easier to use; synthesise biologically compatible materials,for artificial limbs. If one is curious about how things work and have a keen mind for applying what one learn to solve real world problems, Engineering is the perfect avenue for nurturing ones talents for which one must equip him or herself and be prepared to dedicate years of learning and practice to master a field of engineering.

Author is Dr.V.V.Karunakaran.

Formerly: Head, APD/Dy. Proj.Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre President, Space Engineers Welfare Society Tel : 0472 – 2884448,2884449,2884450,9446 517755,9446527755

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May 2017

Auto World

The Modern Auto World Jaguar Land Rover

Th On the consummation of the World War, Jaguar started working on high performance engines for their e-type and XK140/150 for introduction by the 1940s.

is is Jaguar, the exclusive sports and luxury brand that gives other cars a run for their money. The legendary British brand still has a few tricks under its sleeve and sales are better than ever. Read on to unearth the rich British Racing company and it’s ridiculous upstart no one told you about.

4 December 1922 saw the birth of a company that was unimaginably successful. The brand was given life by two business partners by the name of Sir William Lyons and William Walmsley who brilliantly executed the idea of making their first Motor car with the knowledge they had previously reaped from their former venture, the Swallow Sidecar Company that used to forge and produce sidecars for motorcycles.

Ashwadh Prasad

30 May 2017

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“Proin metus urna porta non, tincidunt ornare.

Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad per inceptos hamenaeos.”

-Leo Praesen “ “Started out under the name of S.S.Jaguar, the company’s nomenclature system was based on the two model series SS90 and SS100. They commenced the first styles using 2.5 litre engines and eventually, the company began to stroll into the era of the dawn of the World War II. On the consummation of the World War, Jaguar started working on high performance engines for their e-type and XK140/150 for introduction by the 1940s.

These vehicles could be referred to as the cornerstone for the company’s overall success. 1989 saw a significant event which was of course the purchase of the entire company by the American brand Ford Motor Company. This era ,however, was not a very reputable stretch for Jaguar. By the year 2007, Ford had been processing the sale of Jaguar together with Land Rover to Tata Motors at the best possible price of 1.7 billion GBP(Great British Pounds). Ever since the purchase, both the companies saw great success and began regaining lost ground and reached the crest of success along with its German counterparts.

Lately the company has been doing quite proficiently and have increased their major

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fleet to 5 production cars; namely: 1. XE Compact Sports Sedan 2. XF Mid Sized Luxury Saloon 3. XJ Full Sized Luxury Saloon 4. F-type Supercar 5. F-pace Sports Utility Vehicle This new lineup has been a strategic move and the recent introduction of the F-Pace, the company’s first S.U.V. has proved useful. Jaguar is trying to keep it’s brand exclusive and it’s production lesser in number according to JLR U.K. and it’s that it is turning out to be the Rolls Royce of the middle class luxury segment, by offering the ultimate luxury buyers would want, especially Indians.

Tata is keeping up Jaguar’s brand name and even though, the company is owned

by India, it is still headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, United Kingdom. All their cars are filled to the brim with quality materials and rich components yet leaving a simple but elegant look to it. Any Jaguar vehicle always looks apart and feels like a masterpiece from any angle.

Jaguar. Truly born to perform.

May 2017

Habitat Technology Group Chalks out Year-long Programmes

to Celebrate 30 Years in

Housing

gy for The technolon using constructio l be bamboo wil ere. h d develope

Ha

augurate Habitat to in oo School unique Bamnbmugal at Mudava

bitat Technology Group, which has the credit of building and realizing housing dreams of thousands of families, will celebrate 30 years in housing sector by holding a series of programmes besides construction plans and initiating a unique Bamboo Design School.

School’ and the Local Administration Minister K T Jaleel will unveil two prototypes of affordable houses near Parambil temple Mudavanmugal, Poojappura, on May 3 (Wednesday) at 5.30 pm. The logo release of Habfest@30, will

Habitat Group will present National awards for individuals and institutions who have contributed to low-cost architecture. An expert panel will select six winners who will be presented with memento, felicitation note and a cash award of Rs 33,333 at the concluding ceremony of HabFest.

Habitat Technology Group Chairman, G Shankar said the organisation has preserved the core values in housing during the past 30 years.

Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac will inaugurate ‘Design and Build Bamboo

32 May 2017

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Interior of Bamboo Design School by Habitat Technology group built at Mudavanmugal, Poojapura.

resources in Kerala through scientific management and stakeholders’ participation; promotion of bamboo-based building technologies; and development of a workforce of architects, engineers, artisans, and masons for such technologies.

Bamboo Design School built by Habitat Technology Group at Mudavanmugal, Poojapura.

also be done at the function.

Habitat Technology Group Chairman, G Shankar said the organisation has preserved the core values in housing during the past 30 years. “This has helped the Group to grow steadily and become one of the best in the housing sector,� he added.

The Bamboo School, designed and constructed by Habitat in a lush green campus at Mudavanmugal, has a wide variety of bamboo species. The technology for construction using bamboo will be developed here. Workshop facility for construction using bamboo and a bamboo treatment plant are also part of the campus.

The school aims at sustainable development and utilization of bamboo www.metromartdaily.com

The other objectives of the school are, to develop a database on structural properties of bamboo-based buildings, cater as a resource center for technologies related to bamboo, enhance employment opportunity and livelihood security of those dependent on bamboos through

The Bamboo School will undertake research and development, which aims at bringing out value added bamboo products assured supply of raw materials, and gather information through literature on bamboo in general and its use in construction and treatment process.

In addition, the school will undertake research and development, which aims at bringing out value added bamboo products; create awareness and enhance the capacity of stakeholders of bamboo resources such as artisans, masons, May 2017

Low cost house prototype built by Habitat Technology Group at Mudavanmugal, Poojapura.

engineers, planners and policy makers; use bamboo for environmental protection and greening up of degraded lands and other diversified activities such as watershed protection and river banks and as geotex in construction of roads and bridges.

Mr. Shankar said Habitat plans to achieve these objectives through organised training programmes, workshops and seminars. Training will be provided to selected artisans, masons, engineers and other construction labourers for three months. They will be provided with necessary training materials (books, booklets and handbooks in local language), tools and workspace to ensure both

theoretical knowledge and hands-ontraining. Apart from courses on bamboo construction, there will be short-term courses on bamboo handicrafts and furniture.

The two prototypes of affordable houses at Mudavanmugal seek to optimize the space requirements and incorporate cost-effective and environment-friendly materials and technologies. One house has two bedrooms, a multipurpose hall, kitchenette and a toilet while the other type has only one bedroom but a more spacious living/dining area with a verandah.

Habitat Technology Group founder Padmashree G Shankar detailing the programmes of Habitat group’s 30year anniversary in a press meet held at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram

34 May 2017

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May 2017

A 300 sq ft home for Rs 3 Lakh could be yours in three weeks Innovative, cost-effectiveness come built-in in model home being showcased at Habitat Technology Group exhibition

F

or prospective owners looking for a home that won’t cost them the nest egg, an innovative, yet budgetfriendly, prototype dwelling installed inside Poojappura ground offers practical solutions to today’s construction concerns.

The 303 sq ft model brick home, designed and built by Habitat Technology Group, only costs around Rs 3 lakh and can be put up in as little as three weeks. It incorporates locally sourced eco-friendly materials and

The 303 sq ft model brick home, designed and built

by Habitat Technology Group, only costs around Rs 3 lakh and can be put up in as little as three weeks 36 May 2017

uses just 10 bags of cement – despite a floor map that finds space for a spacious multi-purpose hall, a bedroom with attached toilet, a kitchenette and dining area.

“It’s also durable. Once textured over with red mud, epoxy and sand paste, the brick structure will not give any cause for worry for about 30 years provided one maintains the home well. In contrast, the average house built today has to been painted over at a cost of at least Rs 2 lakh every four years or so,” said Sreeranjith, a site engineer with Habitat.

The prototype has already become one of the main draws at Habitat’s four-day exhibition on affordable housing that got underway on Thursday. Held as part of Hab-Fest 30, a celebration of the group’s 30 year history of sustainable, green interventions, the exhibition runs till Sunday, May 14.

The structure uses approximately 1,750

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May 2017

interlock bricks – a ‘green’ mud brickwork system that significantly reduces cement mortar use, cools down the interior and decrease electricity consumption while withstanding temperature and weather variances.

“When the cement and sand used is reduced, the savings are increased. With skilled labour, the home can be built in three weeks. As well, the use of locally available wood like mahogany and the

Besides the house itself, Habitat is holding live demonstrations of costeffective household technologies that can be such as a waste management system.

38 May 2017

jack fruit tree for example, for the doors and shutters will further reduce costs,” Sreeranjith said.

The flooring uses Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) with cement plastering and red oxide or other colouring agents while the sloped modul panel tile roof uses the filler slab system, which decreases total cement load and weight as well as steel consumption by leaving spaces between the slabs.

“Since heat gain is highest from the roof, the use of filler slabs allows for passive cooling where the hot air from outside is cooled down by the hollow spaces.

Besides improving air circulation inside the structure, this also reduces environment noise coming into the house,” Sreeranjith said.

Besides the house itself, Habitat is holding live demonstrations of cost-effective household technologies that can be such as a waste management system.

As well, free housing consultations with Habitat experts besides expert discussions and seminars will be on throughout the exhibition.

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May 2017

Some things are meant for

Summer The summer vacation is the time to say good- bye to homework’s, study pressures, class tests, exams and all. Students become free birds and ready to fly in the fun world.

Su

mmer vacations are the happiest period of every student’s life. The reason being it’s the longest vacation of their school life and the time to creates the best memories of their life.

Are you ready to start countdown?

Summer is almost here and as the days pass by, so are the final exams. There are a lot of options are available for celebrating your summer vacation with fun and happiness.

The fun begins from the last day and the last bell in the school. Sharing small emotions with classmates for the long break and thinking about the coming day’s happiness. The summer vacation is the time to say good- bye to homework’s, study pressures, class tests, exams and all.

Students become free birds and ready to fly in the fun world.

Students can do anything based on their interests to enjoy their vacation. It is hottest season in the year but for students, it is the most awaited time in their school life.

Introducing safe, healthy, fulfilled ideas for celebrating your vacation in this summer; Enjoy your days with cousins: Refreshing

40 May 2017

relationships are the main attraction of the summer vacation. You can spend your time with cousins by playing some interesting games; like KuttimKolum, Antakshari, seven stones, Goli, Poshampa, Kabadi, Hide and seek, cricket, chess, football, Pandiattam ( Pandi kali), snake an and ladder and the list of endless games continue like this. Simply, to say a game with friends is enough to get lots of fun in childhood.

Help your Mom in kitchen: Usually, parents avoiding calling children for a helping hand in cooking because they are too caring. In fact the reality is children love to give company to their mom’s in the kitchen by helping her to cut vegetables, grind coconut etc. In vacation time you can do some experiments in the kitchen like preparing cakes, salad, desserts, snacks verities and share these things with your friends after the vacation. Really they will be jealous of you and definitely show the curiosity to catch the recipes.

Gardening: “Love and care the nature and that will give you everything” gardening is a good habit, if you follow it from your childhood. If you pursue gardening (plants or vegetables) in your summer vacation, certainly you will be appreciated by everyone. If you are interested in creating

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your own vegetable garden, you must contact nearest agricultural office for suggestions. You can make a team up with your friends or cousins if everyone is ready.

You can choose one good vacant land for the same. Once you start everyone will join,through this, you are opening a great opportunity for others to develop farming skills.

Plan a trip with parents: You can enjoy your vacation by planning a trip with your parents. Before thinking about a trip you need to consult with your parents about your plan, time and expenses. If everything is fine then the trip will be awesome otherwise you can’t enjoy it to your hearts content. There are lots of places in and outside Kerala, so prepare a clever trip plan otherwise you may waste your valuable summer vacation time.

Spend time with pets: It’s a good time to be with your pet and feel the happiness.

Your pet loves you the most and he/she likes your presence so you can spend more time with your pet this summer vacation.

Train them to do something and play with them, all these things will make you both of you happy equally.

Learning more in this vacation: Read more interesting books and develop your knowledge. You can take a membership

in nearest library for this. You can take the help of your parents or school authority for the same. Spend some selected time for reading and writing as it is very important thing for every student.

Join interesting vacation classes: Do you have any passion? Don’t wait more share it with your parents. You can check out some vacation classes like dance class, instruments learning, computer classes and more.

Connect with people: Nowadays people don’t speak much with neighbors, so the interaction frequencies are lesser than before. Contact your neighbors and interact with them in this summer vacation.

Extracurricular activity: It is the best time to develop extracurricular activities such as crafting, stitching, drawing, doing experiments etc. So you must take some time to do these things.

Meet training activities: Do some healthy and safe training activities like swimming, karate, football and more.

These are some quick suggestions, there are a number of things meant for celebrating summer vacation. So don’t wait for too long to decide and enjoy your vacation. Have a blast this summer and create perfect happiest moments in your life.

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7025155699 9961034446

Asia | Europe | Africa | Australia | America NASHE TOURS

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May 2017

Kerala Startup Mission

signs MoU with BPCL

Ke

rala Startup Mission, the state government’s nodal agency for promoting entrepreneurship, today signed an MoU with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to provide aid and investments in start-ups from various technology domains.

The MoU aims to spur the state government’s efforts and derive long-term benefits from start-ups. BPCL will provide financial support and exclusive access for start-ups to the company’s R&D facilities, expertise and network.

BPCL General Manager (Strategy) Shri Aravind Krishnaswamy and Kerala Startup Mission CEO Dr Saji Gopinath signed the MoU in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Shri Paul Antony and Electronics and IT Secretary Shri M Sivashankar at a function at the Mascot Hotel. The MoU is for two years.

“Startup entrepreneurs and students in the state are driven by good ideas, but face a dearth of business models,” said Shri Sivashankar. “The backing that they receive 42 May 2017

from trade and industry is a great source of encouragement for them.”

Kerala Startup Mission will identify and work on ideas with start-ups, shortlist and curate a selection with which technology companies can work, said Dr Saji. The selected start-ups can use the technical facilities and domain expertise offered by the industry.

“BPCL will utilise selected products from start-ups on chargeable basis in its business verticals,” said Shri Aravind. “BPCL will also conduct workshops to promote start-up culture.”

Also present at the function were ICFOSS Director Dr Jaishankar Prasad, BPCL Business Development Executive Director Shri Pramod Sharma, and BPCL Kochi Refinery Executive Director Shri Prasad Panicker.

Suhail of Tranzmeo, a start-up for petroleum piping solutions, and Manjunath, of waste management solution start-up Renow, made presentations at the function.

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May 2017

Film

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

inaugurates pooja for new film

‘Kinar’

Fragrant Nature Film Creations production puts spotlight on drinking water issues

Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates the pooja function of ‘Kinar’, a Malayalam film on the issue of drinking water under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations.

Film producers Sajeev P K & Anne Sajeev and director and writer M A Nishad are seen.

Also are seen Ministers Shri E Chandrasekharan, Shri Kadannapalli Ramachandran, Shri V S Sunil Kumar, Shri Mathew T Thomas.

Ch

ief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the pooja function of ‘Kinar’, an upcoming Malayalam film on the issue of drinking water, under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations.

The pooja function hosted by the film’s producers Sajeev P K and Anne Sajeev was also attended by Opposition leader Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Ministers Shri

44 May 2017

E Chandrasekharan, Shri Kadannapalli Ramachandran, Shri V S Sunil Kumar, Shri Mathew T Thomas and Shri K Raju, MLAs Shri M K Muneer, Shri K K Ramachandran Nair and Shri K Rajan, KSFDC Chairman Shri Lenin Rajendran, Shaji N Karun, Media Academy Chairman Shri R S Babu, actress and ‘Kinar’ heroine Jaya Prada, film-maker Blessy and music director M Jayachandran.

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‘Kinar’, an upcoming Malayalam film on the issue of drinking water, under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations.

The function took place at the Symphony Hall of Thiruvananthapuram’s Mascot Hotel Fragrant Nature Film Creations comes under the Aroma Fresh banner, which produced the critically-acclaimed romance ‘Pranayam’.

“Our work, which is centred around organic and pesticide-free produce comes from our zeal for social responsibility,” said Shri Sajeev. “Through this film, which looks at water, a precious commodity in today’s world, we hope to extend our responsibility in creating awareness in this area.”

Director M A Nishad, who also penned the

story, pointed out that the water that we waste is also the rightful property of other persons and it was this idea that prompted the film. “As a film-maker, I have always tackled social issues,” he said.

Apart from Pasupathi, Suhasini, Madhupal, Archana, Renji Panikker and Joy Mathew in main roles, the film features Indrans, Shine Tom Chacko, Mithun Ramesh, Bhagat Manuel, Sunil Sugadha, Anil Nedumangadu, P Balachandran, Shruthy Menon, Sudheer Karamana, Sohan Seenulal and Balaji.

The script is by Dr Anver Abdulla and Dr Aju Narayanan. Cinematography is by Noushad Sheriff and Sajan is the editor.

Music is by M Jayachandran, Kallara Gopan, and Bijibal has done the background score.

Lyrics are by Prabha Varma, Hari Narayan, Sheela Paul Ramecha (poem).

The art direction is by Jothish, audiography

by Raja Krishnan. Binu Murali is Production Conroller while A R Dinesh is the film’s PRO. The film will be shot in locations around Punalur, Cuttallam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan chatting with actress Jayapradha at the pooja function of Kinar - a movie under the banner of Fragrant Nature Film Creations, co-produced by Sajeev PK and Ann Sajeev and written and directed by MA Nishad. Jayapradha is also the heroine of Kinar. Minister Shri Kadannapalli, Ramachandran and ex- Minister Shri Pandalam Sudhakaran are also seen.

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May 2017

Don’t miss out lip smacking

Sri Lankan dishes @Hilton Garden Inn! S

ri Lanka, being an island with a tropical climate, coconuts and fish are two of the most influential components of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Sri Lanka, the beautiful spice island once known as Ceylon, is a rich melting pot of cuisines. Fish is made into curries, and coconut in some form or another, is a dominant ingredient in cooking.Rice and curry is the Sri Lankan staple, though various kinds of bread, both roti style flat breads and even loaves of bread, are very common.

Sri Lankan food is not for the timid eater:

46 May 2017

the fiery curries, sweet caramelized onion in seeni sambal (onion relish), and sour lime pickle are all dominant, powerful flavors that startle awake senses dulled by the thick, hot island air. While visitors to the island—or those eating in Sri Lankan restaurants outside the country—may find watered down versions, most Sri Lankan cooking is unapologetically, punch-youin-the-face, get-the-adrenaline-pumping flavored.

Rice is an ever-present antidote to these big flavors. A meal in Sri Lanka is called “rice and curry”—a term that’s almost

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Sri Lanka, the beautiful spice island once known as Ceylon, is a rich melting pot of cuisines synonymous with food in general. There’s rice, of course, and usually a curry with a thin broth and large chunks of the featured protein (beef, pork, fish, goat, and on from there), plus an assortment of side dishes—anywhere from four to nine or ten, depending on the time and place. For a quicker bite, there are “short eats,” a Sri Lankan term essentially denoting snacks All the food, whether coconut sambal made from coconut plucked from a nearby tree and served as part of a rice and curry, or a shrimp vadai (fritter) purchased from a vendor through a train window and wrapped in his children’s old schoolwork, bears marks of Sri Lanka’s geography and culture. As with many island nations, traders rampaged across the island, bringing spices (the now ubiquitous red pepper), dishes (a “Chinese roll” looks suspiciously like what we’d call an egg roll in the States), and whole categories of food (such as Dutch sweets). www.metromartdaily.com

75% of Sri Lankans are Sinhalese (mostly Buddhist), and the food generally described as Sri Lankan is their food. Tamils (mostly Hindus), especially those in the north, use slightly different spices and other ingredients in their curries, but the format of the dishes is similar to food found on the rest of the island. Many Westerners’ only reference to Tamil culture is the Tamil Tigers, a group of militant separatists from the north. Since the government’s defeat of the group in 2009, the island is quite safe for tourists, though the new reputation has not fully spread—so this exciting, delicious destination remains affordable to visit. (If this article makes your mouth water, go now!)

Muslims, mostly on the east coast of the island, have popularized dishes familiar from other parts of the world, such as biryani, and the Burghers (descendants of colonial Europeans) introduced Dutch and Portuguese candies and desserts. every rice and curry is served with pol sambal, a scraped coconut condiment that varies in spiciness from table to table.

Coconut is a major ingredient in the greens dish mallum, and, of course, it’s a big player in the island’s sweets. When I started testing Sri Lankan recipes, the first thing I did was buy a giant bag of desiccated coconut.

May 2017

Stroll through the countryside and the fragrant smell of cardamom and curry leaves will inevitably grab you. In the city, piles of turmeric and fennel seed sit in ceramic pots at the market, waiting patiently for their turn in a curry. These spices are fundamental to the cuisine, serving as the base for the many curries, sambals (relishes), sundals (salads), and mallums (greens dishes) served with most meals. Black pepper is native to the island and was the most powerful spice in Sri Lankan cooking before spicy peppers arrived on colonial era trading ships. Black pepper curries still pop up on menus, and are worth seeking out for the original flavors of the island—and because they offer an entirely different type of heat.

To continue making a curry, you’ll likely need fenugreek, cardamom, cumin, fennel seed, cloves, and coriander, all used whole or ground. From underground, garlic, ginger, and turmeric are often added in chunks, while curry leaves and pandan leaves are used fresh. Finally, a list of Sri Lankan curry ingredients would be incomplete without the local cinnamon, 48 May 2017

Desserts in lanka-it’s hard to go far in Sri Lanka without running into a sugary treat. often called Ceylon cinnamon, after the island’s former name Along the coasts, you’ll often see fish, shrimp, or crab. In the high hills of central Sri Lanka, pork is used; chicken, beef, goat, and lamb are found island-wide. Crab curry is the stunner, and rightly famous, with the delicate local crab meat absorbing brilliant Sri Lankan spices.

A curry’s color is determined by how various spices are initially used and treated.

Pork curry, which you’ll see in every color from light yellow to a nearly black shade, is often made with golaka, a dried fruit somewhat like tamarind, which gives sticky, sour notes to balance the otherwise

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rich broth (the pork is always cooked with all the fat left on). Deep red “Jaffna curry,” usually Tamil-style versions from the northern part of the island, is most often made with goat and with seafood.

Some version of savory onion sambal (lunumiris) is common, with chopped shallots, lime juice, Maldive fish, and red pepper to provide a sharp, spicy bite with a touch of raw shallot crunch. Seeni sambal (sweet condiment), usually made with rich caramelized onions brings a softer, more mild spice, tamed by the sugary sweetness. There is no road map for how to eat the condiments served with Sri Lankan food, but since you’re digging in with your fingers, scooping up a bit with your rice and curry is usually easiest, though sambal can also be spooned onto a roti or pappadum Kotthu or kotthu roti takes flaky roti bread and chops it up on a flat top with vegetables, meats, and/or eggs, resulting in a fried-rice-like dish, where tiny pieces of chopped bread replace the grains of rice. Those same roti can be found folded around egg, chicken, or any number of other fillings to become something of a mini-wrap. It’s a delightful little package.

Cutlets are more like croquettes—breaded balls often made of beef, chicken, or shrimp. And as long as we’re talking deepfried wonders, it would be a crime to miss the vadai—various deep-fried lentil fritters.

There are many doughnut-shaped versions: corn-studded vadai, spicy vadai dotted with the green of curry leaf, and ones with tiny shrimp sticking out. They Desserts in lanka-it’s hard to go far in Sri Lanka without running into a sugary treat.

In a restaurant, the dessert you’ll most likely find is watallapan. (How to pronounce that? As user churro89 on Reddit put it, it sounds like “what will happen.”) It’s similar to flan, but made from coconut and, like any good island dessert, the coconut palm sugar jaggery. Air bubbles keep the thick dessert from getting too heavy, and a good dose of chopped nuts on top gives a little bit of crunch to the otherwise soft sweet. www.metromartdaily.com

They offer coconut pancakes and string hoppers (much like the savory breakfast kind described above), both wrapped around jaggery. The mild, starchy wrap contrasts the blast of crunchy sweetness.

You’ll also find the enticing-looking halapa: a mix of kurakkan (red millet) flour, coconut flour, and jaggery wrapped in a kanda leaf and steamed. It has the subtle flavor of the leaf (somewhat similar to a banana leaf ), and a distinctive, thick texture, which had me guessing, mistakenly, it was made in part from dried bananas. If your sweet tooth’s not satisfied yet, head to the markets or mini-marts for vast selections of packaged sweets: fudgy toffees, British cakes, and Indian candies.

Ceylon Tales

Srilankan Food Promotion

12th May to 28th 2017 The dinner buffet is charged 1199 + Taxes .

The time is from 19.00hrs -11.00hrs Phone Number: +91 471 660 0000 Visit: www.trivandrum.hgi.com May 2017

Culinary Station

Rave it up with a Thai Treat!

Thai food is a favorite with young and old these days. What would be your family’s reaction if you cooked a Thai meal to surprise them? Thai food is exotic but it is in many ways similar to Kerala style cooking! You will find they use a lot of coconut in their preparation like we do. Let’s blow everyone’s mind with some Thai dishes!

Thai Raw Mango/Papaya Salad Ingredients

1. Green mango -3 or green papaya: Grated-1 small 2. red chilli with seeds- minced-2 3. clove garlic-1, onion – finely sliced-2 small 4. fresh lime juice-3 tsp., fish sauce-2 tbsp.

5. brown sugar-3 tbsp., a pinch of salt 6. roasted peanuts, coarsely ground-2 tbsp.

7. ¼ cup each of coriander and mint leaves 8. toasted sesame seeds-1 tbsp.

9. virgin coconut oil-2 tbsp.

Method Puree the chillies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, oil and brown sugar in a blender unit smooth. Toss the grated raw mangoes/raw papaya, sliced onion, peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped coriander and mint leaves with the dressing in a large deep bowl. Check seasoning!

deepasanjaiyan@gmail.com

p. home! and ¼ ts paste at e month! in seeds Tip for th een curry gr 4tsp cum ai 1/ s, Th e seed ak . m er le nd to st ria pe d co How ½ tsp. of mortar an d using a

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•Towashite pepper corns andpgrpainste and ¼ tsp. s, 4 stalks of green coriander, • Add 1 tsp. of dry shrimnder stalks of lemongras nthari • turmeric powder, 2 te n chilli (*Ka rlic small gree n chilli, 4 d and 4 ga •1tbsp. ce ee di gr n ng io er, 1 lo small on al or ging

ed galang

d, 2

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Thai Green Chicken Curry Ingredients 1. Chicken breast- 500gm (cut in strips) 2. Virgin coconut oil- 1 tablespoon 3. Small onion – 4 finely sliced 4. fresh lime juice-2 tbsp., 2 tbsp. fish sauce 5. Thai green curry paste-2 tsp.

6. coconut milk-3 cups 7. 1 large bell pepper/capsicum (cut into strips) 8. fresh basil-2 tbsp.

Method Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced small onion and sauté for 2 minutes, and then add the green curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Add chicken cook for 3 minutes then add the capsicum, stir in some of the chopped basil leaves and cook for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and add the lime juice and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining chopped basil leaves.

Serve with hot steamed rice!

Thai Mango Pudding Ingredients 1. Medium sized ripe mango -2 2. Gelatine-3 tbsp.

3. Hot water -1/3 cup 4. White sugar- 1/3 cup 5. Coconut milk – 1 cup 6. Coconut milk - 3 cups 7. Toasted shredded & sweetened coconut (optional) for garnish Method Peel the ripe mango and cut the flesh roughly and place it into a blender/ food processor, to make a smooth puree.

In a saucepan, heat up the water till it boils, remove from heat and sprinkle the gelatine into the hot water and stir briskly till it dissolves. Make sure there are no lumps. Add sugar to the hot water-gelatine mixture and stir till the sugar dissolves. Now add the sugar water and coconut milk to the mango puree in the blender and blend until all the ingredients are combined. Pour into moulds or serving bowls and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4hrs. Garnish with shredded coconut & serve! to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining chopped basil leaves. Serve with hot steamed rice! www.metromartdaily.com

May 2017

KERAFED

AT A GLANCE Ke

rafed, the Apex Co-operative Federation of the coconut farmers in Kerala, has become a strong institutionalized brand with its wide range of quality products. Formed in 1987 as a government venture, coconut oil branded and marketed as KERA is its flagship product.

Kerafed has conquered the hearts of coconut farmers and home makers alike with its variety products. Known for its quality, purity , longer shelf-life and reasonable price, Kera, the flagship product has taken the brand to new heights. It is an honour for all Malayales that the Kera Brand has become synonymous with trust among all coconut oil brands available across the country.

Kerafed has won many accolades from consumers across the state, especially housewives, working women and culinary experts, because of the quality of its variety products. It has occupied a permanent position on the minds of Keralites with its unique way of procuring the best quality coconuts and copra from the growers directly and honouring their efforts by giving them best price of their products even more than the market price. Kera is the most selling coconut oil brand in Kerala. Kera is the purest brand of coconut oil available in the market. Kera is available in PET bottles of 1,000 ml and 500 ml. and HDPE bottles of 2,000 ml and 1,000 ml and polythene pouches of 500 ml and 1,000 ml.

Also available in 15 Littre can and 5 littre can. A unique two-stage filtering process is employed by us to retain the original aroma and flavour of the coconut oil for a long period.

Kera has also won quality certifications from the Bureau of Indian Standards(ISO) 52 May 2017

and FSSAI. Kerafed has two expeller oil extraction factories, one at Krunagappilly and the other at Naduvannur in Kozhikode.

Its has 250 and 50 Mtons per day capacities.

Many well-known ayurvedic medicinal ingredients like pachanellikka, neelaamrai, kayyonni, prasarani , brahmi , mylanchi, kurumulaku, erattimadhuram, devadaram, anjanakallu, karpooram , velichenna (coconut oil) are used in making herbal hair oil, KerajemKesamrith more than any of the more established products available in the segment. It is now in an improved and better packing to enhance the attractiveness and visibility.

KerajemKesamrith Herbal Hair Oil has become popular with its effective cure for dandruff and hair fall. It also helps in growing thick and black hair.

Another most popular diversified products are Kera Desiccated Coconut and Kera Coconut Milk Powder. Kera Desiccated coconut is an alternative to grated coconut, which can be used to make Malayli delicacies like aviyal, thoran besides

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

various sweet varieties. Kera Coconut Milk Powder is another item, which can be an effective alternative to fresh and creamy coconut milk to prepare vegetable / chicken stew, vegetable kurma, fish curry etc.

Kerafed is planning to launch Virgin Coconut Oil and Chammanthipodi this year under Kera brand name. Virgin Coconut Oil is considered as the mother of oils and has many health benefits. It is a power house of anti-oxidants and is good for brain degenerative disease, converts bad cholesterol into good one and build up immunity comparable with mother’s milk.

Plans are afoot to enter into the field of

Kera is the most selling coconut oil brand in Kerala.

Kera is the purest brand of coconut oil available in the market. producing highly demanded coconut related products like coconut cream, bottled tender coconut water, coconut milk and confectionery substances, activated charcoal, shell charcoal and shell powder for industrial use. Apart from meeting the demands in Kerala, Kera has made its presence felt in other states like TN, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and New Delhi. Kerafed is planning to relaunch its products in the Gulf countries this year in large scale. Kerafed has a sound distribution system all over Kerala with more than 125 distributors and super stockiest and other government agencies like the Civil supplies, Consumerfed, Horticorp, Jail, Police canteen and KrishiBhavan.

Considering the new trend, KERAFED started customization of web sites. If any one searches using key words like coconut oil or KERA or any coconut related products then details of Kerafed’s Products www.metromartdaily.com

and advertisement will appear on all leading social media sites like google, facebook etc. We are now doing digital marketing, display ads will be showed on all popular websites like Manorama on line, Mathrubhumi , popular English news websites, social medias like facebook. In September ’16Kerafed ads were shown 188,625 times on google and other sites.

Out of these, 1200 people clicked the ads.

Through our web site www.keafed.com any one can purchase Kerafed Products on line.

Kerafed procures coconut jointly with the State Department of Agriculture and has launched an extensive scheme for coconut growers in 2013. By this scheme, the farmers, who are registered with the 388KrishiBhavans in the state, will get the best price even more than market price for coconut and payment is made directly to farmers bank account through on line transfer. Kerafed has so far distributed about 502Crores to farmers . More than a lakh farmers have benefitted from the scheme. A total quantity of more than 1,50,000 MT’s of coconut has been procured from 2013 onwards. Kerafed had achieved a turnover of Rs. 183Crores in 2016-17.

Success Secrets • Wide range of products.

• H igh-tech machinery to manufacture quality products.

• One lakh Kerala farmers support.

• P rocures coconuts directly from the farmers, giving them the best price to their bank account.

• 900 Societies apex-federation.

• Committed wide marketing network.

May 2017

asad ha Pr

Smit

The Picture Page

Deer: the gentlest of creatures, their big soft eyes reflecting innocence, reminding us of our own innocence and the need to be nurtured and protected!

It's always such a sweet surprise to catch a glimpse of the deer in the wild and fall into that moment of awe when they acknowledge you .

Chital also known as spotted deer or axis deer photographed by Smitha Prasad at Nagarhole national park, Karnataka

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www.metromartdaily.com

May 2017

56 May 2017

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