Metro Mart November 2015

`40

V N O 15 20

METRO mart Volume 5 Issue 4

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

The women behind

CITY’S FASHION Czarina Royale The boutique carries a range of luxuriant Kanchipuram silks in vibrant colors

Orange Day Walkathon Calls For End To Violence Against Women

Dazzling GKSF Kerala’s Glitz and Glam In full bloom

IFFK at 20 Award-winning Cinema from 2015 to be showcased

ICGE 1 to make progressive move towards gender equality

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

2

November 2015

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

Gurucharanam Saranam

www.metromartdaily.com

+91 471 2419313, 8606083000, 8606084000

November 2015

4

November 2015

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

6

November 2015

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

8

November 2015

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

Christmas and New Year, the two events that are eagerly looked forward to every year are banging on our doors.

What are your plans amidst the gala festivities that will slowly unfold in Kerala? Hope you are ready with the list of things to be done.

This issue starts with the various hotels in Kerala that can be visited to ring in the New Year. Festive Shopping gets a new twist thanks to Czarina - a popular boutique in South Kerala that brings ‘double delight’ with its new collections. Czarina Royale is a new boutique that carries a range of luxuriant Kanchipuram silks. Silks have always been interwoven with the way of life and culture in India, being an integral part of every auspicious occasion and celebration. Sheila James understands how important it is for customers to be assured of the purity of silk and zari when making a purchase.

Foreword

Dear Readers,

The upcoming 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will feature the very best in international cinema. A brand new runway is coming up at the Trivandrum International Airport (TIA), whose construction and maintenance is likely to be completed by the first half of 2016.

Enjoy the never-ending excitement and the joy and revelry that Metro Mart brings, issue after issue. Keep reading and stay blessed!

Siji Nair Managing Editor & Director

Asia’s Biggest Shopping Festival, the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) starting Dec 1, 2015 to Jan 15, 2016 is going to add new colours to your shopping experience by offering mind-blowing offers and discounts in textiles, electronics, and jewellery and consumer durables.

Warm Regards, Siji Nair

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

CONTENTS

Volume 5 Issue 4 November 2015 www.metromartdaily.com

Read our e-edition-www.issuu.com/metromart

Annual Subscription Rs 400 Publisher Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in

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

12

Czarina Royale- The boutique carries a range of luxuriant Kanchipuram silks in vibrant colors

14

Double delight at Czarina Tussar Trove and Diwali Collection

16

Dazzling GKSF – Kerala’s Glitz and Glam In full bloom

22

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa Wins the World Luxury Hotel Award- 2015

24

IFFK at 20: Award-winning Cinema from 2015 to be showcased

32

Driven by the Dance Museum

42

Gender equality conclave calls for greater female presence across professions

50

Metro Update

V. Viswanath

Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair

Creative Assistant

Sayan Chaudhuri Arnab Chowdhury

GM Sales

Sibu Nair

Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar

Baiju Jayakumar

Corporate Office:Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College PO,Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695 011 Tel: 00919995139933 / 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com Bangalore Office:No:217, 3B Main, OMBR Layout Bangalore – 560 043 Tel: +919038000711 Email: info@martinfotech.in Kolkata Office 313, Dorikal Byelane, Jheel Avenue, Dum Dum Road, Kolkata – 700 074, India

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

Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. © All Rights Reserved 10 November 2015

RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

COVER STORY

Czarina Royale- The boutique carries a range of luxuriant Kanchipuram silks in vibrant colors Czarina Royale, an exclusive silk boutique by fashion entrepreneur Sheila James, opened its doors. Located in Trivandrum city, the boutique houses rich and exquisite silk sarees handcrafted in India. From intricate weaves of Kanchipuram to brilliant brocades of Benares, Czarina Royale brings the finest of handwoven silk sarees to its discerning customers.

“This boutique was born out of a burning desire to make the best silks of our country accessible to my customers� says Sheila James, creative head and founder of Czarina.

She has carved a niche for herself as a fashion leader yet again with her latest venture. Her passion for textiles and designing finds expression in her chain of boutiques under brand Czarina.

She began her stint with designing in 1986.

In the 30th year of her exciting entrepreneurial career, Sheila James presents Czarina Royale as a testimony to years of uncompromising quality and commitment.

The boutique carries a range of luxuriant Kanchipuram silks in vibrant colors with zari borders and intricate motifs. The lightweight Kanchipuram silks sarees come in stunning color combinations, sprinkled with motifs with hints

12

November 2015

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

of zari. These lend themselves perfectly for those looking for classy party wear which are easy to drape and carry.

The richly woven heavy Kanchipuram silks are a visual treat in themselves, ideal for those looking to make a grand and classy statement. They are an integral part of every Indian bridal trousseau.

Decades of working in the industry gives Sheila James access to the best weavers in the country. This gives her the opportunity to design and communicate color combinations and patterns to the weavers and get tastefully done Kanchipuram sarees available exclusively at Czarina Royale.

Czarina Royale also features an array of resplendent Banarasi silk sarees. As with the Kanchipuram silks, Banarasi silk sarees are among the finest in India. They are known for their gold or silver brocade, fine silk and opulent embroidery.

The entire spectrum of Banarasi sarees such as pure silk(katan), organza(kora) with zari and silk, georgettes and shattir are available at the boutique, perfect for those who are looking for bridal, party or formal www.metromartdaily.com

wear. Various design processes are adopted in creating these special sarees, such as Jangla, Tanchoi, Vaskat, Cutwork, Tissue and Butidar. Sheila James takes special care in co-ordinating with highly skilled weavers of the craft, making sure only the finest products are sold at her boutique.

Silks have always been interwoven with the way of life and culture in India, being an integral part of every auspicious occasion and celebration.

Sheila James understands how important it is for customers to be assured of the purity of silk and zari when making a purchase.

She is particular about the quality and authenticity of every piece of silk saree at her boutique.�At Czarina, we guarantee the finest quality of silk and zari on all our sarees� says Sheila James. She has a longstanding relationship with the best weavers in the country, thanks to thirty years of working in the fashion industry. That, along with her keen eye for detail ensures that only the best quality products are made available at the boutique.

Adding appeal to the shopping experience is the luxuriant ambience

of the boutique. With its ornate decor and opulent interiors, Czarina Royale promises a truly special shopping experience for its customers. The boutique was inaugurated

by Dr M K Muneer ( Minister for Panchayat and Social Justice) in the presence of Shri Shibu Baby John ( Minister for Labour and Rehabilitation.

The boutique is located at Catholic Centre, Near General Hospital Junction, Trivandrum.

Contact https:// www.facebook.com/ CzarinaDesignerSarees/ Tel 0471 257 3798 November 2015

SHOPPING

Double delight at Czarina Tussar Trove and Diwali Collection Czarina, the leading designer boutique in South Kerala, has launched two mesmerising collections - Tussar Trove and Diwali Collection - to coincide with the festive season.

A sought-after fabric in the Indian textile industry and the world of fashion, Tussar is today available in a variety of awe-inspiring designs. Czarina has painstakingly brought together the best of these Tussar creations from different parts of India.

Tussar sarees embellished with cut work, applique, zardozi, kantha work, parsi work and block prints, Tussar designer sarees that are crafted from a melange of Tussar and other fabrics, embroidered Tussar Kota sarees, plain Tussar sarees, and matching designer blouses and blouse materials, are the key attractions of the collection. Tussar Trove ends on November 14.

In addition to Tussar, Czarina is also showcasing a special Diwali collection.

A gorgeous ensemble of shimmering sarees and salwars will be the highlight of this festive collection. The Diwali

14

November 2015

collection will available at Czarina till November 10.

Customers can also pick and choose from the big array of designer sarees and designer apparel created

by Czarina Boutique.

Wedding sarees continue to be the bestsellers at Czarina with more and more customers visiting the store every day to purchase bridal wear.

To cater to the growing demand from discerning customers, Mrs. Sheila James, Founder and Owner of Czarina, has announced that a new, state-of-the-art, deluxe boutique for silk sarees will soon be opened .

The new store will be a veritable treasure house of rare and fine silks from across the country.

Czarina is located at Catholic Centre, on StatueGeneral Hospital Road.

Anticipating the heavy rush of customers for the two collections, the store will remain open on November 8 (Sunday).

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

SHOPPING

Dazzling GKSF – Kerala’s Glitz and Glam In full bloom We all know the many facets and dimensions of Kerala. It is God’s Own Country that is brimming with backwaters, Ayurveda, tourism, technology and nature care. It is also a place where textiles, jewellery, electronic goods, consumer durables, are slated to give burgeoning sales during the 46-day long festival called Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) held in Kerala.

Deepika Dewan

The 8th edition of GKSF from December 1 to January 15 is not a small miniscule thing. It is an event that is poised to promote the State of Kerala as a shopping destination for all, making it a happening place for travellers and shoppers.

The credit for this goes to

16

November 2015

the trading community in Kerala that has turned this festival into a popular venture. Kudos to government departments and other agencies in Kerala for making it successful too!

It was on December 1, 2007 that the GKSF was flagged off which went on for the next 47 days. Since then it

has turned into an annual shopping festival.

Conducted by the Tourism Department in close co-ordination with the Industries & Commerce Department, Local Self Government Departments and the Finance Department, GKSF aims to transform Kerala into an

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

international shopping experience.

How does this benefit the State? It boosts the brand image of Kerala Tourism by leaps and bounds.

Each year, the GKSF comes with novel initiatives and prizes galore for both the shops as well as shoppers.

And what are they? Well, there are umpteen offers not only from the big brands, but also from the middle enterprises for their products, and budget to big time hotels giving away special offers, exciting prizes and fun-filled mega events.

So you see there is a whole

www.metromartdaily.com

lot of action and festive atmosphere around during this festival period.

by boosting branding and brand-building opportunities.

With mind-blowing offers and discounts, the GKSF is true shopping entertainment for the family.

- To make the State of Kerala a successful trade and tourism hub of India.

Aims and Objectives of GKSF Like every event, the GKSF has its agenda set out this year too. The prominent highlights are: - To mould the State of Kerala into a major International trade center by boosting the trade and commerce sector.

- To further promote the traditional product portfolio and cultural heritage of Kerala to the visitors who flock to this State from other parts of India and Overseas.

- Promote Kerala Tourism

The most important aspect of GKSF is to divert more traffic to Kerala, in the process encourage more avenues of commercial growth and progress.

Kerala is known for its rich hospitality for both domestic and foreign tourists. The GKSF is yet another feather in its cap that works to strengthen the retail sector of Kerala, in view of the online shopping trend that prevents footfalls from happening.

So come over and indulge in the GKSF shopping bonanza and tell the whole world how it benefited you tremendously.

November 2015

Kerala’s Signature Shopping Festival Extravaganza hospitality for the domestic and foreign tourists visiting Kerala every year, especially during the peak tourist season. Our guests always look for memoirs of their travel. In addition to the green and serene environment we have many precious things to

A.P. Anil Kumar Minister for Tourism

offer that would synergize their travel, which speaks of the uniqueness of the

God’s own country is

God’s Own country. On the

well known for its rich

other hand the relevance

to strengthen our retail sector from the massive attack of corporates in online marketing cannot go unnoticed. The Government is very keen to facilitate and enhance the tourism friendliness of the state as declared in its mission “God’s own country Peoples own Tourism”. The local people should benefit from the tourism initiatives of the state. Keeping all these in mind we have designed the 8th edition of GKSF with true festivity.

Over the years, the Grand Kerala Shopping festival (GKSF) has become an event that has promoted the State as a shopping destination for all. The event takes place at a time when the tourism season in kerala is at its best, making it even more vibrant and exciting.

GKSF has become one of the successful and innovative exercises that have made Kerala more endearing to shoppers as well as travelers. And the role played by trading community of Kerala has been one of the key factors that transformed GKSF into a popular and successful venture, well executed by government departments and other agencies.

Oommen Chandy Chief Minister of Kerala

18

November 2015

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

Asia’s Biggest Shopping Festival Invites You

K M Muhammed Anil GKSF Director Grand Kerala Shopping Festival is all set to dazzle in its 8th year, thumping its signature. The 46-daylong fest promises to be a business, cultural and entertainment extravaganza, showcasing the states festive spirit to

www.metromartdaily.com

the world along with its hospitality. Organised by theTourism department underthe commendable leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Sri.A.P.Anilkumar, this years Grand Kerala Shopping Festival’s theme is “Nanmayude Naadu Menmayude Vyaaparam, highlighting the states superiority in responsible shopping andhospitality.

This year’s GKSF will run from December 1stto January 15th .Apart from discounts and deals, shoppers will also get a chance to win Scratch win prizes worth 13.5 Crores and Mega prizes of Rs.1.5 crores at raffle draws.

We will also line up many events including opening and closing ceremony, to add glitz and glam to the fest.

Some of the most notable events includes craft exhibitions, road show, KC centre Karunagappally shopping fest ,thematic seminars, Chavara craftfest etc.tie-up with Kairali, KSID, Coirboard etc.

This time we are innovating with Mobile application software for android phones for quick dissemination of shopping information. Magazine will also throw light in to the uniqueness of Kerala’s own trade, tradition and food and festivals.

November 2015

METRO EVENT

Orange Day Walkathon Calls For End To Violence Against Women The 16 day long observance of The UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign and Orange Day celebrations to end violence against Women had begun in Thiruvananthapuram.

Organised by Subodham Project, the anti-violence campaign was kicked off by Chairman, Subodham and Minister for Excise, Shri K Babu, who also flagged off the Orange day Walkathon along with DGP Shri TP Senkumar and film actor Parvathy.

Addressing the gathering,

20

November 2015

the minister said the government’s latest liquor policy has triggered a 23% decline in the state’s absolute alcohol consumption. “This is a major stepping stone in curbing violence towards women under the influence of alcohol,” he said, stressing upon the significance of a campaign

like Subodham. “The prevailing discrimination and oppressive attitude against women should change from within families and then societies.”

The Orange Day Walkathon, flagged off from Kanakakkunnu came to a close at Government Women’s college at

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

Vazhuthacaud, where Ms. Parvathy addressed the students on the importance of gender dignity and gender equality. She echoed the clarion call made by UN Secretary General to ‘Break Silence’ against gender related atrocities and violence. “Our girls are conditioned to be silent towards sexist remarks, eve-teasing and sexual abuse,” said the actress who said she herself has been victim of sexual abuse during childhood, besides having had to face disparities of various kinds during her 10 years of film career. “But, we as individuals should break that mould and start to react and question strongly against discrimination and abuse in our day-to-day life. We should protest whenever we are made to feel—even in the slightest way—that we are inferior to men. ”

www.metromartdaily.com

Dr.K.Ampady, Director Subodham and Shri Johnson.J.Edayaranmula, Honorary Consultant to Subodham, Principal, Govt.

Women’s College Prof. J Sujatha also addressed the gathering.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of

Violence against Women (Resolution 54/134) to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence and has proclaimed every 25th of the month as “Orange Day” – a day to take action to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.

November 2015

METRO AWARD

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa Wins the World Luxury Hotel Award- 2015 Category “Best Luxury Beach Resort”, India.

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa, was awarded the World Luxury Hotel Award for the sixth consecutive year from 2010 onwards, The Award was received by the CMD Mr.Rajashekhran Nair, & Executive Director Ms.Karthika Nair at the prestigious ceremony held at Hotel Harbour Grand, Hong Kong on 25th October 2015.

Uday Samudra Leisure beach Hotel & Spa a 5 Star Beach Hotel is the only complete wellness resort in the International tourist destination, Kovalam. On to the beach, nestled in the palm groves is the luxury resort sought by tourist from India and overseas.

UDS is a home away from home where you enjoy every moment to the fullest. It’s an unforgettable experience at UDS which would be remembered forever and one would love to revisit often.

The UDS’s philosophy of combining the best elements of nature with the convenience of today’s modern world, through exceptional standards of luxury, elegance and

22

November 2015

service, together with ISO 9001 - 2000 standards and impressive management tools, has created a powerful presence in the hospitality sector. The hotel, which features 225 Rooms, 5 Restaurants, 3 Swimming pools, 7 Banquet Halls, Ayurveda & Yoga Centre, Ocean Spa, Slim & Shape Naturopathy Centre,

Beauty Studio, Health Club, Dental Clinic, is a luxury destination in its own right.

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa branded as UDS & its other properties are Uday Suites, the only four star Airport hotel in Trivandrum, Uday Sky kitchen & UdaySamudra Ayurveda & Yoga Beach Resort, UDS group is

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

growing enormously in Indian Hospitality sector with its upcoming projects, Hotel & Convention Centre with 2500 seating capacity plus 190 rooms, Backwater resort in Alleppey at the famous backwaters of Kerala & Ayurveda Hill resort in Wagamon near Thekkady.

UDS has bagged many awards in the past which includes World Luxury Hotel Award for six consecutive year from 2010 onwards, Kerala State Tourism Award for Best 4 Star Hotel for the year 2009-10,201112,2012-13 &2013-14, also the, Kerala State Tourism Award for Best Tourism Product, from Dept of Tourism, Government of Kerala.

Mr. Rajasekahran Nair, the Chairman and Managing

Director is a man with a clear vision and with over 4 decades of experience in hospitality sector and several accomplished projects to his credit, whose determination has made UDS group a major group of hotels in Kerala.

He also runs several business enterprises in Mumbai, including 4 major restaurants. His hall mark is his dynamic personality that his thoughts being very innovative.

Executive Director Mr.Vignesh Nair is a student at one of India’s best Hotel Management College. Mrs.

Radha Rajasekahran Nair, Director is a popular film actress who had presented many exceptional and memorable characters in numerous movies of the South Indian film industry with over 200 roles to her credit.

Their daughters Miss.

Karthika and Miss Thulasi are proving to be grand promises to the Indian film world. They have had great respect for the cinema industry and their mother Radha has been the greatest inspiration to both.

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

IFFK at 20: Award-winning Cinema from 2015 to be showcased The upcoming 20th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will feature the very best in contemporary international cinema

Rajeev Nath Movies that have been showcased and have won praise and honours – many, the top prize for best movie – at film festivals recognised by International Federation of Film Producers Associations grace the

contemporary French

Antonythasan Jesuthasan,

International Cinema

director by winning the

the film is the story of

category. The line-up

Palme d’Or at the 68th

includes:

Cannes Film Festival for his

Dheepan – Palme d’Or at Cannes

seventh feature, Dheepan.

Drawing inspiration from Montesquieu’s Persian

three Tamil refugees in France. Dheepan was also shown in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival

Jacques Audiard

Letters and starring

underscored his

former Tamil Tiger child

Taxi – Golden Bear,

reputation as the premier

soldier-turned-novelist

FIPRESCI Prize at Berlin

24

November 2015

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

a middle-aged gay man and a violent young street tough was not considered a frontrunner – or even, to be in the running – for the top prize. But it has plenty going for it, including a wonderful performance from Alfredo Castro, the Chilean actor who has become something of a cult star over the last few years.

Right Now, Wrong Then – Golden Leopard A playfully dark romantic comedy by prolific South Korean director Hong Jafar Panahi’s Taxi premiered in competition at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Golden Bear and a FIPRESCI Prize. The latest entrant in the classic subgenre of Iranian cinema virtually invented by Abbas Kiarostami: shooting an entire film with a car dashboard camera, Taxi is described as “a portrait of the modern Tehran”. The premise of the movie, made despite Panahi’s 20-year ban from filmmaking and travelling issued in 2010, is that the www.metromartdaily.com

celebrated Panahi is now reduced to driving a cab.

His niece Hana Saeidi, who also appears in the film, collected the awards on his behalf.

From Afar – Golden Lion at Venice Jaws dropped as this lowprofile film from Lorenzo Vigas, a hitherto unknown Venezuelan debutant director, took home top honours, the Golden Lion, at the 72nd Venice International film festival’s top prize. Desde Allá (From Afar) is a dark drama about the relationship between

Sang-soo, Right Now, Wrong Then won the coveted Golden Leopard at the 68th Locarno Film Festival. A mischievous meditation on social niceties and missed chances with the same romantic scenario playing out over and over with markedly different results, the film is described as one of “minute observations rather than grand revelations, less concerned with butterfly-effect consequentiality than with the variable human foibles that can turn a bad day into a good one”.

November 2015

to exist and survive in the harsh warrens of Addis Ababa, in this gritty drama from Ethiopian writer-director Hermon Hailay. Nominated for the Grolsch People’s Choice Award nominee at the 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, Price of Love continues Hailay’s style of not backing down from unpalatable street truths and their underlying causes. In this, her third, feature, Hailay shines an unwavering light on the murky underbelly Lead Jung Jae-young won Best Actor honours in Locarno. The wins give the film a healthy profile boost as it heads to the IFFK, following fest appointments in Toronto and New York The Night Watchman – Golden Goblet, Shanghai French director Pierre Jolivet’s Jamais de la Vie, also known as The Night Watchman, won the Jin Jue (Golden Goblet) award at the 18th Shanghai International Film Festival.

The story of a once-

26

November 2015

skilled, now redundant worker whose life has turned to unwelcome drudgery as a shopping mall security guard, and who grabs an unexpected opportunity to regain some control over his life, The Night Watchmanstars Olilier Gourmet, Valerie Bonneton and Marc Zinga (who accepted the prize on Jolivet’s behalf).

of Ethiopia’s capital, its rampant flesh trade and its many victims.

Nahid – Promising Future Award at Cannes An unsparing chronicle of a divorced, single mother’s attempts to maintain both her independence and custody of her child, Iranian writer-director Ida Panahandeh’s

Price of Love – Grolsch People’s Choice Award nominee at Toronto

Nahid makes for a most

A taxi driver and a beautiful prostitute fall in love while struggling

Separation. Though

convincing companion piece to similarly-themed 2011 Oscar winner A focused on a different milieu, much of that

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

crushing atmosphere carries over in this fraught study of Iran’s labyrinthine laws and social stigmas concerning divorce and remarriage. With painterly visuals, Panahandeh tells of Nahid’s fight to pay the monthly rent and her attempts to devote attention to her wild teenage son and her new boyfriend. Little surprise then that Nahid won a Promising Future Award in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes.

The Project of the Century – Tiger Award at Rotterdam Cuban director Carlos M. Quintela’s feature flows easily between realism and surrealism in its faithful portrayal about a country stagnating in stalemate.

www.metromartdaily.com

Winner of the Tiger Award

Immortal – Best film (New Currents), FIPRESCI Critics award at Busan

section, Immortal (Mamiroo) is the second feature from up-andcoming Iranian filmmaker Hadi Mohaghegh. Already a winner for Best film in the New Currents category at the 20th Busan International Film Festival as also a FIPRESCI Critics’ award, Mohaghegh has less than five minutes of actual dialogue but creates a visual structure to tell its story. Images, not words, allow viewers to share in the loneliness of its elderly protagonist as he battles against his guilty conscience and looks to take his own life. The reasons are as fleeting as they are immaterial.

The only film in the list to make it to the IFFK’s strong competition

IFFK 2015, Kerala’s premier film festival, runs from December 4-11.

at the 44th International Film Festival of Rotterdam, La Obra del Siglo (The Project of the Century) is the story – told in stark black-and-white – of three generations of Cuban men in an apartment in the workers’ quarters at a half-built Soviet nuclear power station. Chockfull of archival footage, the nostalgic euphoria of which contrasts with the dreary present, the film speaks for generations of Cubans who simply ‘carry on’ as the world around them moves on.

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

Uday Samudra CMD announces October 15th as Waiter’s Day Vivanta By Taj, Kovalam bags the top spot in Waiter’s Race The original ‘Waiter’s Race’ which appears to have begun in France at the turn of 19th century, has now spread across continents. It has further adapted to the local customs of each area where it is held. This event stands to recognize the profession of Waiter in the Hoteliering industry.

It also gives the waiters from different hotels an opportunity to come together, communicate, and compete. The unsung heroes from the hospitality sector are acknowledged through this event. The function was graced with the presence of senior hoteliers from various hotels, hotel owners, and officials from Tourism department.

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel& Spa Kovalam was the venue for the third India International Waiters’ Race 2015 held on 15th Oct, 2015. The chief guest for the valedictory function was Sri. Kamal Vardhana Rao, Secretary, Kerala Tourism. He congratulated the organizers for this noble and novel venture to enthuse the waiter community. The function

28

November 2015

was inaugurated by Sri. H. Venkatesh, Commissioner of City Police, who was

of the opinion that more and more avenues has to be provided to the

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

waiters for exhibiting their inherent talents.

CMD of Uday Samudra, Sri. Rajashekharan Nair, informed that hereafter October 15th will be celebrated as Waiter’s Day. Several leading hotel groups had their participants in the event, which took the competitors’ numbers to over 100. Everyone was trying to attain the top spot at this full-day event.

The competitions included Salver Obstacle Race, Salver Relay Race, Salver Long Distance Race, Water Pouring Competition,

30

November 2015

Table Frilling Competition, Napkin Folding, Cocktail Making, and Food & Beverage Quiz.

More than 20 hotels from hotels across South India participated at the event. These events were judged by IHMCT, Kovalam (Institute of Hotel Management& Catering Technology, Ministry of Tourism. Vivanta By Taj,

Kovalam bagged the Overall Championship.

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa, Kovalam was the Runnersup. Mr.Ghasi Sameem of Vivanta By Taj, Kovalam won the Man of the Event Award.

The event tests the skills and agility of the Waiters and it also provides them a platform to show their skill sets.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

Driven by the Dance Museum At the outskirts of Vattiyoorkavu in Trivandrum, Guru Gopinath Natanagramam is grooming up dance museum- a vibrant space with rich traditions of dance forms in aesthetic pieces of murals, mannequins, sculptures and wall narratives.

Radhika Retnam

Through the sunny afternoon, the concrete road took me to the Natanagramam where men were still labouring hard on the work front. Small patches of green surrounded the 20 feet huge statue of Bharatamuni looming large under the overcast sky. At the entrance, the nataraja statue fuelled my curiosity with the rarity in its posture. The museum offers the visitors a glance at the various genres of dance forms, its history and evolution. The entire travelogue within the building gives preview of a commanding presence of

32

November 2015

the past. The lorry baker fashioned building made visible the brighter skies and the breath of fresh air makes the stroll more pleasurable. It nurtures the mind with a real passion and perspective for art. Guru Gopinath is always remembered for his legendary innovations breaking apart Kathakali from its conventional ties with Hindu mythology and proving that Kathakali can be enacted with the stories from day to day life. He uprooted Kathakali from the four premises of temples and palaces and made it accessible for the common

man. He also gave birth to a new form of a dance ‘Kerala Natanam’ which is a blend of mudras and expressions from Mohiniyaattom, Kathakali and Koodiyattam. Without compromising in its classical background, this new form of ‘simplified’ Kathakali had tremendous reach among the people.

Natanagramam is not just confined to a tribute to the creativity of the maestro Guru Gopinath, but offers a celebration of Indian and international dance forms.

The glorious years of Guru Gopinath is documented and exposed here in the form of paintings,

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

artefacts and sculptures which helps visitors in the exploration of dance in its wholeness. The centre was established back in 1995 to impart training to young aspirants in various genres such as Kerala Natanam, classical music, musical instruments and so on. Currently, around 250 students are here in Natanagramam.

Scattered Rugsacks and dusty air still occupies the 4d theatre as men were frantically working hard to get the theatre in full swing within a month or two. Along with Mr. Rajan, the manager of Natanagramam, I whiled away all around the space.

There are 10 galleries altogether and the briefing hall at the entrance serves as the space where the

34

November 2015

visitors receive a brief intro about the museum.

Radha-krishna statue in marble and the seven forms of shiva thandava carved in stone serves as mesmerizing starters to the huge treat. The wax gallery on the ground floor has many eminent personalities like Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty amma, P.K. Kalan, Manimadhava chakyar, Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair etc in their life-like frames. In the centre of the hall, the wax statue of Guru Gopinath receiving award from Indira Gandhi turn the gallery completely enchanting. The wooden pillars and the dusky lighting in the galleries make the visit an extraordinary experience. The rooms are facilitated with kiosk and television for imparting information to the visitors. To the left of the stairs on the ground floor, there is the tulasi thara which adds on to the ethnic hue of the place. The galleries are all ornamented with textual, electronic and graphic content which

equip the visitors with a better understanding about the different forms of dance and its aesthetic significance.

The manichitra thazhu, a door along with its frame and an extra-ordinary key, placed in the first floor is an awe-inspiring artefact.

The key makes the sound of bell as and when it is unlocked. On either sides of the wall are illustrations of the 108 karnas which is both informative and alluring. The gallery on the first floor welcomes its visitors with a huge wooden statue of Leela Krishna. The walls of these galleries have printed canvas and wall decors which have information about the origin of dance in India right from the cult of devadasi in 1920.

The Tanjore temple dance forms and Persian dance forms adorn the next gallery. The large wooden sculpture of Shiva and Parvathy gives an extra notch of beauty to the gallery. Another sculpture made in resemblance to the nati from the escavations from the sindhu, traces back

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

the existence of dance from a very early age, perhaps from the time of evolution of mankind.

The next gallery with the tribal dance forms, its origin and evolution is made more captivating with the printed roof of mural art focusing the tribal dance. The pictures on the wall are accompanied with tribal

36

November 2015

lanterns on the pillars and clay pots on the floor to give a more realistic tone. The next gallery is all about the traditional and temple dances of Kerala. Mannequins of Kathakali, Koodiyaattam, Chakyarkoothu, Mohiniyattam etc along with a Koothambalam embellish the room. The dance forms of Kerala

is pictured and portrayed along with statuettes in another gallery which has a sarpakaavu in its entry.

Thirayaattom, Poothan thira, Muchilottu bhagavathi theyyam, Padayani, Kala vela, Mudiyettu etc with their original costumes are indeed too imposing with their richness in form and beauty. Dance forms like Urikkali and Charadupinnikali which is not very popular these days find its place in the gallery. The Guru Gopinath gallery pays tribute to the maestro with printed canvas illustrations of the memorable moments of his life. Snapshots of the Guru along with his wife Thankamani performing in the Thiruvithankur palace welcome the visitors to the hall. Various crowns, jewellery and trinklets produced and used by Guru Gopinath are exhibited in the room. The Chilanga, Unniyarcha urumi and Kalappa on the shelves showcases the imprints of Guru Gopinath in a bygone era. The bronze statue of Guru Gopinath along with the swing in the middle of the gallery adds to the exquisiteness. These handmade artefacts also include a huge head piece used by Guru which is nearly 25 years old. On the second floor is the international dance gallery. Russian ballet and Cambodian dance with wall descriptions are

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

too good for words. Two stone sculptures of the Greek maenad in the next hall are incredibly classy. On the aisle the pictorial presentations show instances of programs staged by the present day students of Natanagranmam. Classical and Indian folk art forms like Odyssey, Yakshagana etc adorn the next gallery.

The Garbagriha besides the stairs is another factor that captures the visitors with its original appeal.

Seminar halls, Mini theatres, gift shop, Research centre, E-library and Mobile museum are some of the other extra

38

November 2015

embellishments in the museum. No sooner, the museum will be established as a cultural tourist destination.

Life sized statuettes of dance maestros in full costume in the wax gallery is a must watch at Natanagramam. Exbibits on themes like ‘history and evolution of dances’, ‘tribal dance of Kerala’, ‘folk dances of Kerala’, ‘classical and temple dances of Kerala’, ‘dances of India’ and ‘dances of the world’ on various galleries are informative and conspicuous at the same time. Natanagramam focuses on pioneering the training and development

of the Kerala Natanam style of dancing along with the promotion of other Indian classical and folk dance forms. Apart from setting up an audio visual library and research centre, the authorities are planning on conducting free training programme for the talented students from the Government Schools in Trivandrum.

As the sun sinks in the western sky, the air was full of chirrups and the nearby tree studded with birds calls it a day. As I walked down the stairs I relinquished myself somewhere amongst the wall paintings and stone sculptures.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

Ushering in the Christmas spirit, Hilton Garden Inn organized cake-mixing ceremony Two hundred kilograms of dried fruits and nuts and 40 liters of various spirits the cake mixing ceremony at Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum was a grand affair this year.

Kicking off the run up to the Christmas season, the hotel staff and invited guests joined hands to mix the heady concoction.

More than 400kg cakes will be baked after the mixture is fermented over 45 days, said the executive Chef Ashok Eapen. Two hundred kilograms of dried fruits and nuts and 40 liters of various spirits the cake mixing ceremony at Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum was a grand affair this year. Kicking off the run up to the Christmas season, the hotel staff and invited guests joined hands to mix the heady concoction.

More than 400kg cakes will be baked after the mixture is fermented over 45 days, said the executive Chef Ashok Eapen.

40

November 2015

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

FOCUS EVENT

Gender equality conclave calls for greater female presence across professions Even as hit movies across the globe in recent times are women-centric, the media largely remains devoid of inspirational female journalists, an American expert said.

“Five out of seven of the highest-grossing films this year in the world are about women and made by women” Pat Mitchell, CEO of New York-based POW Strategies told a global meet on gender equality, at Kovalam, south of the Kerala capital.

All the same, “there is a dire need of inspirational women in the media”, the speaker noted in a session at the three-day International Conference on Gender Equality which concluded today.

The other panelists at the session on ‘Image of Women in The Media’ were journalist-researcher Pamela Philipose, psychologist-actress T Parvathi and filmmakerwriter Anjali Menon besides dancer-activist Mallika Sarabhai who was chairing the session.

42

November 2015

Philipose, who is a Senior Fellow at Indian Council of Social Science Research, said journalists in urban India suffered from a skewed gender ratio with men outnumbering women

by 4:1. This, she noted, was happening “mainly because media houses are unfriendly towards women”.

Also, cost-cutting is

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

prompting media managements to cut down on the security being provided to women journalists, leading them to take risks for a good story. “Added to these, women have to deal with sexual predators and other gender-linked harassment at the workplace as well.”

Parvathy noted that Indians largely associate sex with “woman, breasts or that what happens behind closed doors” when that

word and gender does not mean the same. Her research on the subject unveiled a whole new world and she said the country must develop a “de-genderised” approach to socio-economic issues as much it should promote sex education.

Anjali Menon, who finds herself “surrounded by men in my industry”, spoke on how ‘commercial cinema’ portrayed men. “It is such biases that guide boys on

the street on how to treat their women,” she said.

“Whether behind or in front of the camera, we need more women in the (film) industry.”

Sarabhai sought more active training of women to become journalists, financers, directors and storytellers to bring about a change in the mindset that would outdo a women-repressive attitude prevalent today.



www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

Gavi-Vagamon to Become First Mega Tourism Circuit in India Swadesh Darshan Empowered Committee of Union Tourism Ministry Clears Rs 95 crore project One of the first Mega Tourism Circuits in the country will be developed in Kerala with the state tourism department’s proposal for creating world class infrastructure in the Pathanamthitta-Gavi-Vagamon-Thekkady region getting the Centre’s approval, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar informed.

The 150-km long circuit will have a host of new facilities such as trekking, archery and rock climbing.

It will be among the first such tourism projects to be built under the new Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry. Other projects under the scheme include the Buddhist and Himalayan circuits.

The Pathanamthitta-GaviVagamon-Thekkady project will have an expenditure of Rs 95 crore, funded by the Union Tourism Ministry.

The Swadesh Darshan projects are meant for theme-based development of destinations. The Pathanamthitta-GaviVagamon-Thekkady project will be based on theme of eco-tourism.

“We are happy to announce that the empowered committee has cleared our proposal to develop

44

November 2015

a Mega Tourism Circuit in the Pathanamthitta-GaviVagamon-Thekkady region focussed on eco-friendly tourism,” said Shri A P Anilkumar.

“The development of a Mega Tourism Circuit will not only create tourism

infrastructure with global standards, but also lead to creation of jobs and livelihoods for the people of our state and growth of our local communities,” the Minister said.

“We are confident that the Pathanamthitta-Gavi-

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

 

   

 

SUNDAY OPEN

DREAM HOME

HOME & OFFICE FURNITURE | SANITARYWARE TILES | LED & FANCY LIGHTS C C TV CAMERA | WHOLESALE & RETAIL

GENERAL HOSPITAL ROAD, PATTOOR,TRIVANDRUM.

PH - 9744484000

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

Angamoozhy, Moozhiyar, Kochupampa, Kaki and Gavi in the PathanamthittaGavi area, including tourist facility centres consisting of cafeteria, and rest and activity areas. Facilities for trekking at view point, boating surveillance camera, security arrangements, eco-friendly accommodation and adventure sports activities will also be developed in the area.

Vagamon-Thekkady Mega Tourism Circuit will become a model of eco-friendly tourism in the world,” Shri Anilkumar said.

“As a picturesque region, the new circuit will certainly help in further increasing the number of domestic and international tourist arrivals in our state,” he added.

The state tourism department had submitted a proposal for the circuit estimated at Rs 200 crore.

Under the sanctioned project, Rs 30 crore will be

46

November 2015

spent for Pathanamthitta and Gavi and Rs 65 crore for Vagamon and Thekkady.

Kerala Tourism Director Shri P I Sheik Pareeth said the project would extend from Angamoozhy in Pathanamthitta to Vagamon covering about 150 km.

“The main components of the project include destination development, tourist facilities and security for visitors,” Shri Pareeth said.

Under the project, destination development would be undertaken in

In Vagamon-Thekkady area, there will be exclusive development of adventure tourism activities like buggy walks, shooting arena, archery arena, pain ball arena, Burma bridge, trampoline walk, rock climbing, multiline walk and earthquake walk. Cycle tracks and amphitheatre will also be developed in the area. Drinking water and lighting arrangements will be built in the area along with curio shops.

A 6-km nature trail along the pain valley forest will be another attraction of the development project besides common signage, solid waste management and walk ways throughout the project. A new cultural centre will also come up in Kadammanitta while ecolodging facilities are also planned in Peerumedu.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

TECH MART

Road safety device ‘Raksha SafeDrive’ launches crowd funding campaign The gadget developed by a startup at KSUM raised US $ 5048 in 2 weeks An innovative car gadget and road safety platform ‘Raksha SafeDrive’, developed by Elsys Intelligent Devices Private Limited, a startup incubated at the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has raised US $ 5048 in two weeks through online crowd funding platform Kickstarter.

Raksha SafeDrive is a smart road safety platform enabled by the electronics, Internet of Things (IoT), telecommunications and cloud technologies.

The platform has two components, SafeDrive – an innovative IoT car gadget and RakshaNet - a network of emergency services coordinated by a 24/7 command centre.

SafeDrive gadget is mounted in cars and has automatic crash detection capabilities. In case of a massive impact, the device triggers phone calls to RakshaNet command centre managed by a team of safety professionals, who in turn will alert emergency services in the vicinity.

The crowdfunding campaign was launched on

48

November 2015

Kickstarter (https://goo.gl/ AwKR74) on October 23.

The company is looking for more support from Indian

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

customers for the product to reach its fundraising goal of $15,000. The campaign will end on December 7.

Prasad Pillai, Co-founder, Elsys said, “We have spent the last two years indigenously designing and making SafeDrive a cool, affordable gadget compatible with most cars running on Indian roads.

We believe that ours is a true Make-In-India effort to address a global hard-pressing problem”.

“Currently there is no structured means to alert emergency services, first alert is initiated mostly by kind bystanders who inform about the incident,” he added.

The SafeDrive gadget also has a ‘panic button’ which can connect the passenger of a car with emergency services including

www.metromartdaily.com

ambulance, hospital, police, insurance provider and roadside assistance.

SafeDrive device will also help the user by alerting people in family or friends circles during emergencies.

This standalone IoT device is also capable of GPS tracking, reporting telemetrics, improving driving behavior and thus becomes a true safety companion for all drivers on the road.

Jayanth Jagadeesh, Co-founder, Elsys said, “Internet and crowdfunding platforms have been successful globally in bringing out disruptive products and transforming the way of life. We hope that our campaign will spark mainstream discussions and bring together various stakeholders required to make our roads safer”.

Speaking on the product, said Dr Jayashankar Prasad, CEO, KSUM said, “Given the increasing number of road accidents and resulting casualties on Indian roads, this innovative product is surely the need of the hour. I appreciate the effort taken by the company in developing the product. The initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way we respond to such emergency situations.

Raksha SafeDrive has incorporated the best practices outlined in United Nations Resolution on ‘Improving Global Road Safety’ (A/68/269) as well as Government of India’s proposed ‘Road Transport & Safety Bill 2014’.

The company is supported

by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) seed funding.

November 2015

METRO UPDATE

Swantham–a responsible tour company Have you been contemplating a getaway from the busy schedules and the hectic life? Swantham Tours & Travels (P) Ltd is one of the premium Destination Management Companies based in Karakkamandapam, Trivandrum -Kerala.

They provide Tours & Travels (Luxury Cars, Air Buses and Mini Buses), Tour Packages (FIT & GIT), Hotel bookings and special consultancy on Conferences etc

“They have been playing a vibrant role, in the travel & tourism field for the last 5 years. Moreover, they have created a distinct name in this field. In God’s own country they have already assisted travelers from within and outside India. They have also provided traveling facilities, for various domestic & corporate clients. The package tours specially formulated by them for schools and colleges have already set a trend in the minds of the younger generation in India and abroad.

They specialize in Tour Packages like Holidays,

Honeymoon, Devotional etc. They arrange bookings for Railway Tickets, Air Tickets, Bus Tickets, to any destination subject to ticket availability. And they mainly operate Domestic & International Holiday tour packages, as well.

As their caption, ‘Just say everything is possible’ they established their name, in Event Management, as well.

And they also arrange their services in Stage and Car Decorations, Balloon arch, Flower arrangements, Videography and Photography etc. They undertake outdoor catering specializing in Kerala Sadhya, South Indian, North Indian & Chinese cuisine, with special emphasis on sea food.

They take up bridal grooming: (Bridal diet, scheduled with exercise, bridal make up, Mehendhi

50

November 2015

designing etc.), Musical programmes like Dance, Fusion, Singarimelam and entertainment programs, like Dancing Mickey Mouse.

Magic Show, Road show, Fire show etc. can also be arranged. They can also arrange anchors, Tall man securities, ushers etc.

For more informationSwantham Tours & Travels (P) Ltd. NH Road, Karakkamandapam,Nemom .P.O, Trivandrum Tel : 04713101049,9496751049, 8136851049/8281050123, www.swantham.com

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO FOCUS

ICGE 1 to make progressive move towards gender equality Chief Guest Governor Justice Shri P Sathasivam called for “legal empowerment of women through legal literacy” at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE 1) at Kovalam. The first such in India, the event is organised together with UN Women and UNFPA, and is the first of a series of biennial conferences.

“Kerala should endeavour to set up more women’s cells in police stations.

Police personnel are the important link between legal aid committees and women victims; state legal services can be a tool for women empowerment provided all the institutions play their role dutifully and proactively,” said the former Chief Justice of India, at a grand inaugural ceremony at the KTDC Samudra Convention Centre. “Courts throughout India must continue to play

52

November 2015

a progressive, dynamic, creative and proactive role for social, economic and cultural transformation.”

gender equality,” said Industries Minister Shri P K Kunhalikutty. “The Industries Department is also organising a women’s entrepreneurship The ceremony, attended conference, a first

by Indian and international in India, to increase policy makers, academicians, women’s participation activists and transgenders, in entrepreneurship, in set the tone for the three-day December. event, which aims, through dialogue and discussion, to ”The Governor unveiled create a “movement forward the logo for the Gender towards gender equality”.

Park, the first phase of “There is no doubt that there is now a positive mindset towards creating

which will be inaugurated in Kozhikode in February. The logo was handed over to Shri

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

The audience erupted into the applause as the first policy document to ensure rights and opportunities for transgenders was handed over to transgender activist Akki Padmashali.

Dignitaries spoke of “changing attitudes over the next three days of Kunhalikutty.

Minister for Social Justice and Panchayats Dr M K Munner pointed to Kerala’s human development indices and also women’s reservation in the local body elections. “Elected bodies and heads of elected bodies have more than 50 per cent representation in Kerala,” he said. “Proper representation of women from marginalised sections has also been ensured.”

54

November 2015

Various dignitaries, including Shri Sathasivam, Smt P K Sreemathi MP and

the event”, which is the first of a series of biennial conferences.

Chief Secretary Shri Jiji

Also present at the function

Thomson shared personal

were activist dancer Mallika

experiences in the fight

Sarabhai, Senior Advisor

for gender equality.

on Coordination and Focal

Shri Thomson, under

Point for Women in the

whose initiative Orissa

UN System, UN Women,

athlete Dutee Chand was

Aparna Mehrotra and Prof

allowed to participate

Naila Kabeer of the London

as a female athlete in

School of Economics,

spite of being disqualified

Department of Social

for hyperandrogenism,

Justice (DSJ) director Shri

released the state policy on

V N Jitendran and Gender

transgenders.

Park CEO Dr P T M Sunish.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

HEALTH

Get authentic Ayurvedic treatment in Kayasree The Kayasree Arya Vaidya Sala, was started in Kazhakuttam in 2006 by Dr. Madan Kumar, BAMS and MD in anatomy. Kayasree means body fullness in complete sense.

The specialisation here is concentrated on ulcers, that is any type of unhealing ulcers, mainly varicose ulcers, diabetic ulcers, auto immune disorders, rheumatoid ulcers, etc. Every month they treat over 100 ulcers.

Ulcer treatment is very challenging in present day era. As far as contemperory medicine is concerned, the utmost treatment they provide is a skin graft, and there comes a halt to the treatment.

The complication is that in almost 90% of the cases, the graft always shrinks off, thus leaving the ulcer back to its original stage.

The treatment at Kayasree commences on this critical situation. Almost all cases coming here, have gone through all kinds of surgical practises and have lost all hope of healing and have left the ulcers not even dressed.

The primary management done in the clinic is cleaning of the infected ulcer under asceptic conditions. From the next sitting starts the

56

November 2015

main treatment. Rektha Moksha Chikilsa, (leech theraphy). Leech theraphy is a traditional theraphy practised since the age of sages. It is mainly employed in conditions, where there is accumulation of toxins and impurities, in blood which have resulted in conditions like ulcers, skin disease etc. The theraphy is done in different settings for some duration, which varies according to the condition of patient. After theraphy is completed medicinal oil prepared here is used for wound dressing. In 90% of the cases dealt here, a good wound healing has been noted, and diameter of the wound is seen reducing, and there is also reduction in severity of associated symptoms like itching, oozing etc. This treatment

specialisation is very valuable to the public, for nobody takes such strain and risk.

This is the only hospital to have a leech library. Each patient has to buy their own leeches, to ensure that there is no contamination. These leeches can be maintained for six months. Each leech cost about Rs 200, and one patient might need 3 leeches.

After buying the leeches, the theraphy and other expenses are minimal. Even the Government Departments do not have its own leeches. They buy from the leech library which stocks upto a maximum of 400 leeches.

Mostly people from poor social economic backgrounds are prone to these ulcers.

So the treatment charges are nominal for its a patient

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

Authorised Dealer:

TC 74/972(1), Opposite Cordova High School Kovalam Bypass Road, Thiruvananthapuram - 695026 M: 9847040190

SKP Motors Pvt Ltd

friendly hospital, for the most hopeless patients come here. The Kayasree hospital would be able to give medicine for Rs 600, where others for the same would charge Rs 2000.

They give the best advice in the interest of the patient, for instance papaya sap if applied on an infected wound heals very fast. You might spend Rs 50000, for a 10 day treatment in an aurvedic spa, but it is more effective to take medicine for 6 months, for the prognosis to be better.

Apart from just being a clinic, it’s a medicine manufacturing unit, where decoctions ( khasayam), tablets, powders, oil, creams and ointments are made. Medicines

58

November 2015

made here are cheaper.

The raw drugs, the best quality is collected directly from source, without intermediaries to avoid adulterants. For each ulcer patient, customised medicine is made for his particular concentration.

There are 4 doctors, 2 theraphists, 1 pharmacist and other supporting staff.

The procedures are done in the morning and free consultancy is given in the afternoon. .

Students from Germany, California etc come here to specialise in leech therapy. The leech can be bought online, but it has to be returned after treatment.. Dr. Madhan Kumar is now researching

on combining allopathy and aurveda in surgery, especially in skin grafting.

Skin grafting on ulcers is generally a failure, but if along with the graft, leech theraphy is employed, the healing will be natural, and chances of success very high. In aurveda, Shara Suthram is applicable in fistula, haemorrids, fissure proctology. Dr. Madhan Kumar is setting up an aurveda proctology theatre and planning to specialise in that area. He is indeed a rare person, to invest so much of his time and energy in such a social charitable cause.

For more details : Kayasree Aryavaidya Oushadasala, Near New Flyover, Menamkulam Road, Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 9562773666

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO UPDATE

Sweet Palace - Sweets that melts your heart Mohammed Rafi, proprietor of the reputed Sweet Palace, located in Kedaram Shopping Complex, proudly announces that, they are celebrating the 10th anniversary of his shop, this Deepavali.

In this connection he announces many big offers like special Deepavali sweet boxes, to all his customers in variable ranges, as to their buying capacities.

This offer is extended till New Year.

This premium shop has both North and South Indian sweets made with pure ghee. They also have very good banana chips, mixture etc made in refined oil. In addition they have bakery items, icecreams, soft drinks, fresh juice etc. To deal with all these items under a single canopy, he likes to call his shop, Sweet Kalavara.In the evening, they have a special shawrma counter. He also undertakes bulk orders.

He invites all to this sweet kalavara of sweets to celebrate the 10’th anniversary of Sweet .

60

November 2015

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

METRO UPDATE

Raising a Runway at the TIA A brand new runway is grooming up at the Trivandrum International Airport (TIA).

The construction and maintenance work is bound to be completed by the first half of 2016. The project based on more than 100 crore, finds sustainable solutions for issues regarding the aircraft parking and the like.

Trivandrum International Airport, the first of the three airports in Kerala is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The airport currently serves six domestic airlines and 18 international airlines. With the introduction of the parallel taxi track, Trivandrum International Airport (TIA) is working out on a large scale development. The parallel taxi track is the upcoming runway under construction that will run parallel to the existing one. By 2016, Trivandrum

62

November 2015

International Airport is expected to shape up as one of nation’s best. The upcoming developments will ensure that TIA would set the stage for manyfold embellishments.

This project will map out the shortcomings that presently exist and resolve to overcome them. More than 100 crore is exploited in the gestation of this project. On completion, extravagant services and facilities are promised to the passengers. Also, the project ensures permanent solutions to the existing

problems such as the parking of aircrafts at the bay. Presently, the runway stretches across 3373 metre. The 32 runway landing from Vallakadavu region and 14 runway landing from All Saints region is provisioned in this runway. Apart from this, the airplanes are moved towards the parking bay using the same runway.

In addition, this runway sometimes turns out to be an extension of the parking bay. As a result, take off and arrival of the airplanes regularly delays by an

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

average of 15 minutes.

The time spent in moving a flight from the runway count for the delay. As a solution for this problem, a new runway is under construction which would run parallel to the existing runway. The flights can be parked right away in the new runway enabling the aircraft landing to vacate the runway swiftly. This parallel taxiway will cost around 70 crore for its completion. The work is undertaken by the NSE from Delhi. The new runway will be 1880 metre long and will be linked to the new one such that parking of the aircrafts is made easier. A parallel taxiway, an isolation bay, an aerobridge,

www.metromartdaily.com

an apron, a parking bay, runway protective zone, ‘turning pads’ and conveyors are part of the development drive initiated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).Towards the Chakkai region, fuel farm and cargo development projects are also under construction.

Due to the increase in passenger traffic, the airport authority had requested the government for 120 acres more land for starting up the fuel farm and cargo development.

Government has approved to hand over around 19 acres and the rest would be passed on to the airport authorities in the

near future. Legally, the optimum space required for landing a flight safely is 90x90 metre. But in the present scenario the runway near Vallakadavu does not provide such a provision. Subsequently, an extra of 39 cent is taken from the government to complete the work.

At present, the runway occupancy of the aircraft is eight minutes. There is a 543 metre parallel taxiway from the runway to the new terminal which is on the city side. In addition to this, construction of a 1,595-metre-long parallel taxiway will be soon undertaken. An isolation bay of 18,463 square meter will be set up for parking

November 2015

aircraft in case they need to be isolated during emergencies such as bomb threat. At present there are 19 parking bays in the Trivandrum International Airport. Another 13.5 crore will be invested in the making of a new bay. This will help avoid the rush during the peak hours. Two ‘turning pads’ will be created on either side of the runway so that a medium aircraft do not have to go to the end of the runway to reach the parking bays. This will pave way for a quick exit and save valuable time. It will also reduce the occupancy time of the runway. The additional apron on Bay 23 on the international terminal side will be taken up at a cost of 14 crore.

The work is targeted to be completed in 14 months. At the domestic terminal on the Shanghumughom side, the security hold area is to be expanded at a cost of 10.36 crore. An additional 770 square metre area will be created as security hold area. As civil works are

64

November 2015

involved, barricading will be needed as per the norms of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. At present there are three conveyors at the Trivandrum International Airport. A new conveyor is being set up in the new terminal to be used in rush hours. The passengerhandling capacity of the new terminal will be approximately 1.95 million each year, with peak-hour handling capacity of 1,600 departing and arriving passengers.

The Aero-bridge facility will enable the passengers to enter and exit the flight without help from an external bus.

Trivandrum International Airport currently has five aerobridges, two at the domestic terminal and three at the international terminal. The AAI has already started civil works for a sixth aerobridge at a cost of Rs 20.9 crore, which will be operational by early 2016. The brand new 77 meter long aero-bridge will ensure facilities and

services par excellence.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has awarded civil works for extension of the parallel taxi-track and for construction of the isolation bay at a total cost of Rs 61.27 crore.

The taxi-track will reduce runway occupancy time for smaller aircrafts. AAI is also awaiting safety clearance for construction of an additional apron.

Clearance is awaited from the directorate general of civil aviation for standardization of the turning pad, which entails widening the existing turning pad at both ends of runway 14-32 at a cost of Rs 14.72 crore. Projects focusing on infrastructure upgradation of Trivandrum International Airport are likely to stick to their completion deadline of 2016. Along with the upcoming project in Vizhinjam port, Trivandrum will be considered as one of the biggest port cities in India, thus inviting international attention.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

T HE L AST L EAF Many civilizations which worship Sun, consider Gold – with its shining yellow characters – as a true representation of the Sun. In India too gold is considered as a sacred metal by many. Apart from the religious significance it held, gold has moved with the times and played a broader role in the shaping of economies. Places of worship had a variety of functions to perform and were well-guarded and sacred (read honest). Hence, it was a stronghold to keep the gold. Rulers made use of it when requirements such as war or famine arose. Priests loaned this gold to the needy, wherein the temples took the character of banks. India too has its share of places of worship where gold has been stored from ancient times. Over the years the stock has increased with what the devotees have donated.

Indian government has launched gold bond and gold monetisation schemes where individuals and establishments can deposit their gold as bonds and earn interest over it.

The scheme also has the potential to reach out to places of worship with huge stocks of gold. It remains to be seen how well this monetisation scheme would fare. This project’s success entirely depends on our government and administration. Speaking of which, another season of election is over and voters have had their say. Now it is the time for the newly sworn-in lawmakers to have their say.

The fresh faces among the elected representatives would take a bit to adjust to the administrative processes. However, one can hope that they would bring in fresh ideas, ideas which might have been generated from their own experiences - as a common man - with the administration. While the experienced, should provide the know-how on how to deal with the process. The both together should be able to bring a positive change to the City’s needs. Each one of us would be hoping the elected members would do wonders to his/her constituency. Even if they aren’t doing wonders, at least let them strive hard to develop it further. Positive actions lead to positive results.

The elected-ones have got a job – the job of uplifting the constituency!

Am I right? Let me know at sevenv2011@gmail.com

V Viswanath Sub Editor

66

November 2015

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

www.metromartdaily.com

November 2015

68

November 2015

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