Metro Mart September 2014

Volume 4 Issue 3

September 2014 `40

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

mart

rum ap nd va ad M i r T an y de Wa insi

Live up to the Spirit of

Onam

Celebrate womanhood with Mesmerizing

Maya Jewels KTM Discovering new Realms of Success in Tourism Eye-catching varieties of sarees makes Czarina’s Onam Collection a hit!

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The Crispy Warp and 2014 September Weft of Kerala

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Onam always takes me back to my childhood. From the month of June itself we used to wait for Onam vacations. With the friends, we formed a club called Happy Brothers and used to have Athapanthal from Atham to Thiruvonam. The parents were so encouraging and supportive for getting flowers and the setting up different programmes. From Olapanthu, oonjal, kuttiyum kolum, onapanthukali and then vadamvali organized by elders were plenty in each and every neighborhood corners. I always wanted to flaunt my onakodis and then to have a long walk from Vellayambalam to East fort enjoying the lightings and different programmes at Nishagandhi, Kanakakunnu, Museam etc with family. From the last two decades, these experiences are fast becoming as untold grandmother tales. Government already stopped the lightings to bring down the luxury and cost cutting.

This was a huge opportunity for the city to bring thousands of tourists to the city to celebrate the festival of lights during the Onam festival.

As Swami Vivekananda told, adapting the western culture is not bad, but you should always ensure not to leave your own culture.

It’s our strength and identity which will further enlighten our life with the adaptation of technology and comforts. Unfortunately, we are moving away from the basic of our culture and living in a fast paced life, where we often forget about what we live for. Recently I met a person in Bangalore, in his thirties, in a restaurant with a book on the Cultures of India. I shared with him how I missed to understand our culture and cultivate it inside me from the childhood. He inspired me not to regret about what I lost, but to educate our growing children about the culture and our strength. It’s the responsibility each of us to spend good time with our younger generation to discuss with them about the strength of our culture, civilization and be proud of what we are today, earned from the legacy of our ancestors.

There are no doubts the majority of Keralites support the decision of Governments latest decision on complete prohibition of liquor which will be brought down in regular intervals and complete within the next ten years. History always proves that Prohibition is not the right solution to bring down any ill effects, but awareness.

With a tourist depended economy, the authorities at the hotels and restaurants are going to cut a sorry face to the foreign and national tourists, when asked to sip on their favorite drinks. With KTM around am sure this point will be raised by the industry stakeholders to the government authorities.

Foreword

Our hearty Onam wishes to all our readers and families.

Hari Shanker Manag8ing Editor

Hi,

Cheers, www.metromartdaily.com

September 2014

CONTENTS 12

Celina Jaitly Sizzles at the Launch of Maya Jewels Store in Trivandrum

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Celebrate womanhood with Mesmerizing Maya Jewels

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Live up to the Spirit of Onam

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KTM-Kerala Tourism is now reaching out to buyers from new markets

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Kerala-Of Innovation and Diversity In Tourism

Volume 4 Issue 3 September 2014 www.metromartdaily.com

Annual Subscription `400 Managing Editor Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in

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

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Discovering new Realms of Success in Tourism

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Wear your attitude with Ramachandran Textiles

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Eye-catching varieties of sarees makes Czarina’s Onam Collection a hit!

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Mothers Veg Plaza brings Sadya 365 Days to the City

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The Crispy Warp and Weft of Kerala

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Uphold tradition and go trendy with Thusharam Group

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Make living and aging a stunning experience.........

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Last Leaf

V Viswanath

Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair

Creative Assistant

Sayan Chaudhuri

GM Sales

Sibu Nair

GM Administration

Binoy Krishna

Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar

Sales Officer

Venkidesh U Muhammed Arafa

Corporate Office:-

Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Jayaraj Plus Towers, Murinjapalam, Medical College Post Trivandrum - 695011 Tel: +91 471 6065511/ 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com Bangalore Office:-

No:217, 3B Main, OMBR Layout Bangalore – 560 043 Tel: +919038000711 Email: info@martinfotech.in

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

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SHOPPING

MAYA JEWELS STORE

Celina Jaitly Sizzles at the Launch of Maya Jewels Store in Trivandrum Opens its 2nd exclusive one-stop jewellery destination in Kerala with irresistible offers Maya Jewels added yet another feather to its ever increasing network with the launch of its latest store in the ‘Evergreen City of India’, Trivandrum. The new store was inaugurated on Thursday, 28th August, 2014 by Bollywood actress and former Miss India Universe Celina Jaitly who also raised the curtains for a grand exhibition. This is the first exclusive Maya Jewels store in Trivandrum and the second in Kerala.

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ocated in the up market plush area of Kowdiar, Maya Jewels from the house of Gitanjali, the pioneer of branded jewellery in India, is the one - stop multi brand destination for all jewellery lovers. Spanning across an area of 1,400 sq ft the new Maya Jewels store with its warm décor and spacious interiors takes jewellery shopping experience to a

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whole new & exciting level.

It brings together an eclectic mix of classic and intriguing jewellery from some of the best and leading brands in the country, all under one roof! Renowned for its varied designs that are chic yet traditional Maya Jewels promises to provide a seamless shopping experience for all customers. It offers a mélange of designs in Diamond jewellery that vary from delicate and light weight jewellery, perfect for daily wear and social gatherings to big heavy set jewellery for special events like a party, wedding or festivals.

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You can choose from its extensive array of designs.

Dazzle at all occasions with contemporary yet traditional designs from D’damas. Be today’s woman of spirit with the eclectic range from Asmi. Indulge your inner diva with scintillating and modern designs from Gili.

Choose from the enviable range from Sangini and rekindle your relationship with your loved ones.

Radiate the mysterious splendour of the stars with ethereal creations from Nakshatra. The exclusive wedding collection from Parineeta assures that you be the cynosure at weddings. Leave everyone speechless with dazzling

and bold designs from Maya Diamonds and many more.

Style favourites and perfect to make you stand out at almost every occasion!

At the launch Celina Jaitly, who is also the brand ambassador of Diya Diamond Jewellery from the house of Gitanjali, said, “It feels great to inaugurate the new Maya Jewels store. It seems to be the perfect answer for all us fashionable women who want to up their style quotient with their baubles.

It feels like a pleasant stupor amidst so many dazzling and irresistible designs. What attracts me most apart from the extensive range is the

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versatility that the range offers. It has a definite something for everyone for almost any occasion with the assurance that you look your best at every walk of life.”

Apart from its enviable jewellery range, the new Maya Jewels store also offers attractive facilities for all its customers, like cleaning of jewellery, jewellery testing & melting, thus building a personal relationship and trust with consumers.

At the opening Store Franchise, Dr A.R. Babu said, “Maya Jewels is a one stop jewellery destination housing all the leading

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brands under the same roof. This city has no dearth of jewellery lovers and with the festivities around the corner it is the perfect time to launch this new store. With the eclectic mix of jewellery we promise our customers a shopping experience like never before.”

Mr. Saurav Bhattacharya Group President, Gitanjali said, “With great pride we bring Maya Jewels to this city. Trivandrum is like the hub for dynamic jewellery admirers and is a very important platform for Gitanjali to expand its reach to a wider consumer base and explore new business opportunities.

Right now we are offering

our extensive range of diamond jewellery. With the growing demand in the city along with our fine jewellery brands we are also looking forward to soon introduce our lifestyle brands encompassing our exclusive collection of accessories, watches as well as our special range of spiritual artifacts from Adler & Roth. We look forward to more buyers and give every one of them an experience of a life time.”

Store Address: Maya Jewels by Gitanjali Heera Lifestyle (P) Ltd, Heera High Life, Keston Road, Kowdiar, Trivandrum,Kerala – 695003 Tel : 0471 - 6612700

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COVER STORY

MAYA JEWELS STORE

Celebrate womanhood with Mesmerizing Maya Jewels Every woman is beautiful in her own special way and deserves to be celebrated. This slogan of Maya Jewels says it all. Yeah, it’s nothing but celebration of womanhood at the new outlet of Maya jewels at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram. ‘The Jewels that enhance the women in you, the jewels that inspire the woman in you’ –this is Maya jewels for you!

The jewels of the future, the jewels of tomorrow, Maya Jewels from Geethanjali group cater to the modern day woman who marches apace with men in every possible field.

Today’s women are no more a show case doll and her trousseau and jewel box are sure to display her identity and refined taste. Chic collections with classic contemporary designs make them the most sought after jewelers in the city. Though termed as the jewels of today, in durability they are eternal.

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aya Jewels is one of the leading multi brand jewellery retail format from the Gitanjali Group, the pioneer of branded jewellery in India and will house an extensive banquet of exquisite jewellery from leading brands all under one roof. The store promises the personal touch of a traditional jeweller and the fresh look of a modern retail outlet that is sure to give you a shopping experience like you’ve never had before!

Maya Jewels from the house of Gitanjali is a one stop jewellery destination

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that has all the leading jewellery brands under one roof. It is a great new format that is fast catching on in India with the personal touch of a traditional jeweller and the fresh look and feel of a modern retail outlet. It offers a range of certified diamond jewellery from a banquet of leading brands like Asmi, Gili, D’damas, Nakshatra and Maya Diamonds to name a few. It also offers related categories like pearls, spiritual artifacts, watches and silver jewellery. It brings for consumers a great mix of personalization and novelty with irresistible

offers and schemes. The brand also provides easy and friendly exchange & buyback policy to all customers.

As the designers of Maya jewels themselves proclaim they use the unappreciated material and mix them fearlessly to make each piece exclusive. Their unorthodox and daring approach added a charm to their products hitherto unknown. Be it the eclipse collections of bangles that showcase the mogul art work which required five craftsmen to complete or the gili collections or seven sea collections, Maya jewels

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lead the way.

Be it the crucial corporate meeting or the flashy night out with your beau, Maya jewels provides you the right choice. They have jewels for every occasion. The dazzling jewels make you the cynosure of all eyes.

Diverse diamonds spread in style; the geometric and floral patterns with impeccable proportion in each piece display the flamboyant spirit of the ornaments. Carcanets, chokers, earrings, pendants, cuffs and rings, they have it all at their showroom.

This jewelers stand apart from other competitors in the market by their flawless detail, remarkable techniques and by the use of natural materials.

Materials of high quality with perfect finish combined with internationally certified diamonds make it a treasure to be coveted.

A new world of yellow metal beckons you‌.. if you have a penchant for rose cut diamonds and extravagant filigree work, then this new showroom in the heart of the city will www.metromartdaily.com

satiate all your fancies. all customers. It offers a mĂŠlange of designs in Diamond jewellery that

vary from delicate and light weight jewellery, perfect for daily wear and social gatherings to big heavy set jewellery for special events September 2014

FESTIVAL

ONAM

Live up to the Spirit of Onam

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Onam is here again…….A new beginning is in the offing ….…After the rain that played havoc for the past few months the nature is afresh with new sprouts. The drizzle and the gentle breeze that waft you speak of the impending glorious time. The sunny day, the moonlit night, the long rope swings, the floral carpet in the courtyard, numerous games and the delicious feast, it’s nothing but celebration of nature’s bounty…..It is the commemoration of a magnificent rule and proclaims the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature . Famed as the harvest festival it heralds prosperity. The spirit that Onam brings with it is something that cannot be conveyed through words.

et’s once again reflect on the noble thoughts that Onam carries! Onam -the festival that kerala, a small state in the Indian union celebrate with much fervor has a myth associated with King Mahabeli the asura king that once ruled the land. “When all people on earth enjoyed equality and

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had neither anxiety nor sickness…. No harm, no lies, no theft, no deceit, no one cheated or wronged his neighbor. Measures and weights were right and all the people formed one casteless race.” This is Kerala of yore for you!

The popular song Maveli naadu vanidum kalam emphatically says how King

Mahabali once ruled this beloved land. It may be a distant dream, perhaps a utopian one for that matter. But it is more than a reality for every malayali round the world .This spirit that passed from bygone generations to the digital era is amazing.

The nature is bedecked with

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flowers and for ten days from ‘atham to thiruvonam’ kids collects flowers of all hues from nearby places and decorate the floral carpet called pookalam in the courtyard to welcome Mahabali who was pushed to the nether lands (pathalam) by Vamana, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. The king was granted permission to visit his people once in a year and it is believed that he visits every household on thiruvanam day.

The pyramid structure of dung plastered clay in round shape with thrikakkakarappan at the top adorned with flowers in every courtyard greets the honored guest. Mukkuti and thumba, the unassuming flowers, symbolizing purity was earlier considered inevitable. Ravages of time and commercialization had made this onetime common flower in every

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backyard a nonentity. All the traditional flowers like Thumbapoo, Mukkutti, Kakkappoo , mantharam ,Aripoo, Kumbalam, Krishnakireedom, chembarathi , and Thulasi that once decked the pookalam has made way for the truckloads of jamanthi and jendumalli from Tamilnadu.

Onathumpi, a type of dragonfly that appears in fields during the month of August and the Onapakshi the migratory yellow oriole that comes at this time of the year, flowers in variant hues, ripened yellow bananas, fields lush with vegetation, rope swings tied on sturdy trees…the common scenes associated with onam had taken a backtrack because of commercialization and urbanization. Onam has become more a community

affair rather than the old homecoming and warm gettogethers. Onasadhya, a feast with twenty one curries, including parippu, pappadam, aviyal, thoran, olan, injikari, prathaman served on a plantain leaf on thiruvonam- the culminating day of the ten day festival forms the main menu of the carnival.

Afternoons are devoted solely for games. The outdoor games like Onathallu, ’Talappanthukali’ (ball game), Ambeyyal (Archery) ‘Kayyankali’ (oneto-one fight between men, without using weapon), and ‘Kutu Kutu’ (Kabaddi) ,pulikali or kaduvakali are the popular Onam games for men. Kaikotti kali or Thiruvathira kali ,the traditional dance is performed by middle-aged women, clad in traditional

September 2014

set saree, dance in unison around the traditional lamp to the accompaniment of thiruvathira pattu.

But over the years things had changed and Onam had become a community affair. The state government celebrates this week as tourism week. The capital is all set to celebrate the event with much fanfare. This year’s Onam festival celebrations will commence on September 5 and will conclude on September 11 in the city with a grand pageantry flaunting traditional and cultural heritage of Kerala. The very fact that the state government has issued permission to the local self-government institutions, government departments and district co-operative banks to shell out Rs 2.5 lakh each for the preparations of floats for the procession of Onam celebrations speak of the

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magnitude of the forth coming event.

These days the city never sleeps‌..Purchase, preparations, programmes all enliven the streets .The illumined streets, shops and the shopping that go till late night cheer up the city.

Almost all 20 major venues come up with variety entertainments that include stage shows like drama and classical dance, folk art, food stalls, and handicraft fairs. The long forgotten art forms are revived here at major venues. Many artists get an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Onam calls for shopping of clothes and it is customary to wear new clothes on that auspicious day. Popularly known as onapudava, it gives everyone a chance to give and get something to add up to their wardrobe.

You can avail myriad items at reasonable prices with

government opening up sales outlets this festive season. Onam season provides ample opportunity to refurbish your home with new gadgets as they come in easy installments and cheaper rates.

Resorts, hotels, residence associations, offices, schools and colleges are all geared up to celebrate Onam with fun and frolic.

Those who cannot make it at home don’t panic.

Almost all hotels in the city serve Onasadhya with lip smacking dishes. They have also arranged numerous programmes to make your day a memorable one. It is really difficult to find another festival round the world like onam celebrated sans caste and creed, just as the benevolent king envisaged and made it possible. So malayalis round the globe make it at Thiruvananthapuram, for it is here the festival is at its best.

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FESTIVAL

ONAM

Onam vannallo! Onam vannallo!

These are the words in the air as the Malayalam month of Chingam starts. This festival of Athappookkalam and Sadya brings together people and let them celebrate.

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eminiscing of the past, many elders say, it was the seniors in the family who organized the celebration in terms of Onasadya, etc., while the young ones embarked on a flurry of activity such as laying flower arrangements.

They remember that in earlier days the men used to play several games such as archery

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(Ambeyyal), kudukudu, etc. The women folks arranged flower beds, and dances such as kaikottikali and thumbithullal were performed by them.

Children could be seen playing on swings singing Onapattu (songs on Onam).

Onakazhcha or the presents to the eldest family member was also a feature of the Onam season. The

eldest in the family used to give presents to all family members and servants on Thiruvonam day.

Kerala’s cultural heritage is reflected best during the Onam festival. Elaborate preparations are taken up at all quarters to celebrate the festival as a grand carnival. Irrespective of religious beliefs, the society en masse takes part in the

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Onam celebrations.

during the Onam season.

Thiruvona Sadya is a major feature of Onam celebrations. This ninecourse meal is served on banana leaves with around 11 dishes. Pookkalam or arranging of the floral bed is usually taken up by the children in the family. The first day of the Onam is Atham day and there is just one ring of flowers and from then on each ring is filled each day until the tenth and final day of Thiruvonam. As the days increase so does the colors of flowers. For laying of Pookkalam there has been varying beliefs. Some lay the flowers according to the Star (nakshatram) of the day. Some people consider that each ring of the Pookkalam represents a particular deity. Cultural programmes such as Vallamkali (boat race), Pulikali also are conducted

However, over the years the mode of celebrations has also witnessed drastic changes. The place of natural flowers has been usurped by artificial colors and even artificial flowers.

The natural elements are slowly forgotten – mainly because of nonavailability.

Onasadyas which were prepared at home have now become take-aways from restaurants and hotels.

Instead of family gatherings where dance performances and games took place, we now have social gatherings.

As families have become more and more nuclear, it is the friends’ gatherings that means the most to many.

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It should be noted that with Malayalis having travelled across the globe the festival also has crossed borders.

Countries such as Russia, America, UAE, Australia – all

have Onam celebrations taking place in one form or other. In many of these countries, it is the Malayali associations in those places that actively organize the celebrations. This year, the Onam celebrations in Kerala started off with the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurating the Athachamayam celebrations on Atham day. Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob hoisted the ‘Atham’ flag.

Let us not forget Mahabali – the legend behind Onam.

It is this highly-regarded king’s visit to his people (us) during the harvest festival that we celebrate in a grand way. It is believed that it is on the Thiruvonam day that Mahabali visits his people.

Onam has achieved a great level of social significance.

The season gives the people time to appreciate the finer things in life.

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FOCUS EVENT

KTM

KTM-Kerala Tourism is now reaching out to buyers from new markets

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The eighth edition of Kerala Travel Mart is scheduled to be held from 18th to 20th September 2014 at the Samudrika Convention Centre, Cochin Port Trust in Kochi, Kerala. KTM, the biennial event showcasing an entire range of tourism and hospitality and travel related products and services under one roof is the largest ‘Destination Travel Mart’ in India. Kerala is already a tourism super brand and the event also becomes a Mart of the super brand. It is a great business festival and fair for the entire tourism business community and stakeholders.

his year KTM will have a Kerala Village theme knowing well that there will be great opportunities in village tourism which will be more sustainable, and also that the operators could create various itineraries based on that.

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In this mart there are more than 300 international buyers and about 1000 domestic buyers expected.

Apart from meetings between buyers and sellers, Media, Government as well as Airlines operating to Kerala are participating

actively. There are a number of seminars, press meets and cultural events planned. The delegates are given familiarizing tours (FAM tours) of Kerala before and after the event.

During the last 12 years since the year 2000, when

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large contingent of buyers from each country.

KTM was commenced seven marts were conducted, and all of them were tremendous success and buyers from more than 50 countries have participated in them.

KTMs are attended by more than 1000 selected sellers covering a wide spectrum of service providers like Hotels, Resorts, Apartment Hotels, Ayurveda Centres, Spas, Cultural Centres, Homestays and Farmstays, Houseboats, Serviced Villas, Medical Tourism Centres, Tour Operators, Tourism

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Publishers, Transport Operators, Travel Agents and Travel Management Organizations.

Kerala Tourism is now reaching out to buyers from new markets like Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Scandinavian Countries and USA through this year’s edition of KTM. UK, Spain, Germany, France and Russia top the list of international buyers with

New products based on Village Experiences and Responsible Tourism are being presented this year.

MICE business is looking up in Kerala. The state is poising to become an international wedding location and a place for wellness therapies. Through KTM the industry intends to increase the share of Kerala in the total tourist arrivals to India.

KTM 2014 has a Hosted Buyer programme giving the buyers an opportunity for one-to-one interaction.

The selected buyers are given complimentary accommodation and local transport. The attraction of KTM is that the relationships built with the buyers through the previous editions have already established fruitful business associations and are yielding results.

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FOCUS EVENT

KTM

Kerala-Of Innovation and Diversity In Tourism “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”.

Quite an apt statement it is to describe Johny Abraham George, President of Kerala Travel Mart for 2013-15 who is also the Chairman and Managing Director, lntersight Group of Companies.

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Abraham George President, Kerala Travel Mart

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onoured with the ‘Most Influential Person in the Travel Industry” award jointly instituted by Fairfest Media Ltd with its sister concern Travel News Digest and media partner NDTV Profit on the occasion of 25th year of TTF & OTM held on 7th February 2014, there is no stopping Abraham George in his mission to

explore new markets and identify quality buyers from East Asia, South America, and Europe countries for Kerala, South India’s favourite tourism spot.

As a firm pusher of the potential of Kerala Tourism in the Indian and global markets, Abraham George has furthered the cause by promoting and steering the

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showcase of niche products of Kerala in this year’s Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) being held at Samudrika Convention Centre, Willingdon Island, Cochin in September 18-20 through aggressive marketing in mainstream, social and digital media.

KTM 2014 would showcase Kerala in its totality - hotels, resorts, homestays, village and backwater experience, Ayurveda, pre and post packaged tours as well as the cultural feel associated with the state.

The new tourism policy of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has added quite an impressive motivational edge to Abraham George’s enormous visionary task.

With the inclusion of ‘Tourism’ as one of the six T’s in his budget and the introduction of ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility at Kochi and Trivandrum airports aimed at citizens of 11 countries in order to attract more tourists to India, Abraham George is on cloud nine and rightly so.

Bringing together the business fraternity and entrepreneurs behind the tourism products and services of Kerala was never so exemplary and fulfilling.

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September 2014

FOCUS EVENT

KTM

Discovering new Realms of Success in Tourism If there is anything that has attracted honeymooners, leisure vacationers, families, business groups and tourists from all over the globe for their outstanding vacation venues, it is Kerala. The backwaters, sceneries, houseboats, exotic flora and fauna, resorts, hotels, beaches and beach resorts have easily attracted all kinds of vacationers.

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ourism now seems to be the brewing cup of delight worth exploring in South India. Given the fresh enthusiasm it has got post the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stepping in, many tourist avenues in God’s own country Kerala are bubbling with joy.

Anish Kumar P K Hony. Secretary Kerala Travel Mart

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Partnership model set up to promote tourism, Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) ever since its start eight years ago has brought in more than 7000 Tour Operators from domestic and overseas markets to Kerala.

However, if you ask about the sole reason behind this dramatic tourism shift to And surely why not? A look the land of backwaters and at recent statistics is enough beaches, it is the focused to take any buyer-seller up aim and collective effort the path of business high done by KTM that have that was unheard of some contributed majorly in time back. A Public-Private reaching this far. And that

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is something the Honorary Secretary of Kerala Travel Mart, Shri Anish Kumar P.K. would stand testimony to as he shares with Metro Mart, the progressive business chart of KTM ever since its inception.

KTM 2014 - Boosting Tourism & Trade Closing in on, KTM showcases Kerala as Asia’s new age destination and India’s tourism Super brand. It provides a suitable platform for the travel and tourism trade from across the world to come have a detailed glimpse of the state of Kerala in terms of the unique tourist attractions it has to offer, thereby helping them expand their network, forge relations and enhance business.

The first-of-its-kind event, KTM is today the largest

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gathering that has been designed, planned and scheduled to facilitate meetings, involving buyers, sellers, media and government agencies.

So that business can be done with a vast range of domestic and global business entrepreneurs and sellers.

Having witnessed around 350 buyers from over 50 countries including Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Netherlands and the U.S. last time, KTM has seen stupendous success since its launch.

In fact, KTM has raised the market size of Kerala Tourism way up by paving way for the development of new international source markets. With Kerala tourism products having been showcased to more than 1000 tour operators in every KTM event held so

far, the product knowledge of tour operators marketing Kerala has reached multiple heights.

KTM 2014 – Participating Nations Business knows no boundaries. KTM has met with global recognition by getting countries such as the UK, Spain, Germany, France and Russia who have topped the list of International buyers with around 25-30 representatives from each country. However, this year KTM has managed to attract new markets such as Australia (30 representatives), South Africa (12 representatives), Malaysia (36 representatives). Expect a reasonably strong presence from nations such as Scandinavia, Netherlands,

September 2014

Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru.

Gauge the response from the buyers and one will find it overwhelming and truly impressive with 400 plus International buyers and around 1500 Domestic buyers registered so far. Out of this, 262 International buyers and 672 Domestic buyers have already reconfirmed their participation. KTM 2014 will undoubtedly be a great platform for B2B networking.

KTM 2014 – Tapping New Segments An event spectacle such as KTM has presented an interesting way to capture new audience. Much of it has centred on creating and identifying niche segments done by tour operators such as Honeymoon, Family Tour, Wellness, Adventure,

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Experiential Holidays and many more. Thanks to KTM, it is the small section of entrepreneurs and homestays that have driven it up to getting international exposure which was not possible before. Social media has helped tremendously in getting new tour operators and buyers.

KTM 2014 – Exhibitors’ Success that Speaks Business interaction has got redefined enthusiasm in Kerala thanks to the avid participation of Sellers in KTM that has created records. All 245 stalls having been sold in a record time of just 2 days speaks enormously of the trading barometer. This includes Hotels & Resorts (134 including their chains), Tour operators & DMCs (51), Homestays (13), Houseboat Operators (07), Ayurveda Resorts (08) , Ayurveda Centres (07) that

have formed the major chunk of the exhibitors.

Other participating service providers have been Adventure Tour Operators, Farm Stays, Tourism Associations, Tourism Technology Providers, Event Managers, Hotel Management Consultants, Amusement Parks, Convention Centres, Private Museums, and Speciality Hospitals.

KTM 2014 – New Themes.

New Frontiers.

Bringing change is the motto that makes any business enterprise successful. This year a new theme is being planned based on ‘Kerala Village’ that will showcase the rural life of Kerala. It’s like a new market created where tour operators can create itineraries based on the Kerala Villages. Last but not the least, KTM will also showcase Kerala, as an ideal spot for Destination Weddings as well as MICE.

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September 2014

SHOPPING

RAMACHANDRAN TEXTILES

Wear your attitude with Ramachandran Textiles They came, they saw, they conquered the hearts of the teeming millions…. Ever dreamt of sashaying in the costumes that your matinee idols flaunt on silver screen? There was a time when people shuddered to dream …..It was Ramchandran textiles at Pazhavangadi Street that taught them to dream. They gave them the courage to dream. They slogged to make the dream of every common man a reality. Ramachandran textiles paved way for a change. They pioneered a silent revolution in the textile arena. With no heavy billboards, with no ostentations they captured the customers with their wallet friendly drapery.

Fashion within your reach is their mantra. They became the trendsetters overnight.

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amachandran Textile, a flourishing textile enterprise based at the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city has become a brand name for everything stylish and reasonable. By bagging the ISO 9000 certification the products of Ramachandran Textiles also gained the state assurance of quality.

The old pazhavangadi street was renamed after them owing to their popularity.

With separate outlets for ladies, gents and kids they have traversed a lot from a

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single shop to owning up a street of their own. From a crammed centre, the shop had grown to a full-fledged mall. To facilitate complete customer satisfaction, they have different outlets for kids wear, inner wears, foot wears and bags.

Diversification is the basis of all business and sensing the new trend of online shopping Ramachandran group too had gone for an online shopping venture by the url www.jtplaza. com. This premier online store for quality product

at affordable price makes shopping at www.jtplaza. com a stress free and an unforgettable experience.

The customer gets ample opportunity to select things of their choice at a click. Western wear or traditional, you can have it here at plaza.com without much ado.

Malls of different hues and size are mushrooming in and around the city.

But the success saga of Ramachandran enterprises continues…..

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September 2014

SHOPPING

CZARINA

Eye-catching varieties of sarees makes Czarina’s Onam Collection a hit!

Czarina’s Onam Collection showcases a range of bewitching designer sarees and ‘MunduNeriyathu’ sets. The traditional beauty of this elegant garment has been highlighted by the innovative and creative use of modern design touches to give it a sophisticated and stylish makeover. The result has been an eye-catching collection where the old and the new complement each other perfectly. With prices starting from Rs 1250, these stunning creations have caught the eye of the Onam shopper!

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he Kerala saree is just one of the highlights of the

collection. Like every year, Czarina’s Onam collection has become immensely popular due to the sheer variety it offers customers.

This includes Kotas, chanderis, maheshwaris, banarasi silks, silk kota,

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Kanjeevarams, uppada, tussar silks, georgettes, crepes and chiffons. Block print, embroidery and appliqué work add the elegant flourishes that have made Czarina’s sarees so popular over the years. The reasonable pricing and the variety on offer have made the Collection a spectacular hit!

Colours, textures, weaves, drapes – the Czarina Onam collection is very eclectic indeed. The traditional and the modern come together in true symphony.

Old favourites like the Maheswari, Kota, Uppada, Tussar and Brocade with their eternally elegant designs are available in eye

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September 2014

catching colours. For those who like a contemporary touch, the stunning designer sarees can add the ‘wow’ factor to your wardrobe.

Given the Onam theme, the highlight of the collection is the classically graceful Kerala designer saree. The traditional Kerala sarees have been given a new twist with the addition of colourful designs like block print, figure print and floral motifs. The result is sheer magic!

In order to give you the complete look on Onam day, Czarina has also introduced a new range of readymade blouses and blouse materials. For those who prefer a trendy Indian look, the boutique also has a wide array of salwar kameez sets that will add glamour to your Onam celebrations.

For those who prefer to be non-traditional on Onam day, there are a range of salwars, kurtis and lehengas.To make shopping more convenient for

The showroom is located

log on to our Facebook

customers, the showroom

at the Catholic Centre,

page-Czarina-The designer

will be open on all Sundays

Near General Hospital jn,

wear boutique or contact

until Onam.

Trivandrum. To know more,

9387721322.

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September 2014

DINING

MOTHERS VEG PLAZA

Mothers Veg Plaza brings Sadya 365 Days to the City It’s time to tingle and tantalize your taste buds at Mothers Veg Plaza with a lip smacking treat. Sadya is considered to be one of Kerala’s signature contributions to the world of vegetarian cuisine.The all day dining restaurant in Mothers Veg Plaza offering a unique dining experience with traditional kerala sadya.

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others Veg plaza, Located at Bakery Junction at Thiruvananthapuram offers 365 days Sadya in the city.

Rice is the essential ingredient of this nine course Strictly vegetarian meals Same as traditional sadya,It is served in Banana leafs. Following the way of placing the leaf and an order of serving the dishes.

Rice is the main course.

With rice, various kinds of dishes are served... different curries, ‘upperies’ (things fried in oil), ‘pappadams’ (round crisp flour paste cakes of peculiar make), ‘achars’ (pickles of various kinds),aviyal,thoran, koottucury,thiyal,parippu,sa mbar,pulissery,rasam,moru and ‘prathamans’ (DessertsWheat Pyasam,Pazham Payasam,Rice Payasam and Avil Payasam). Four varieties of achars and four types of kichedi is serving with every meal.

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Seating capacity is +100 with central air-conditioned facilities All together there are 11 essential dishes which have to prepared for Sadya.

Kerala traditional Sadya is considered to be the most elaborate and grand meal prepared by any civilisation or cultures in the world.

It’s a feast which if enjoyed once is relished for years.

Apart from sadya Mothers Veg Plaza offers world’s widest menu in Dosa with 100 varieties! Serving delicious and yummy variations of Dosas for their

guests. Mothers Veg Plaza is having facility to deliver the traditional Onasadya right to your doorstep every day as per order in advance.

K S Sanal is the Director, Mothers Veg Plaza and his wife Jaya K R, daughter Sajina J S,Son in law Neeni G Govind are handling day to day operations.

Join the passionate Mothers Veg Plaza team that has absorbed the company’s goal of ensuring customer satisfaction in all its endeavors.

Mothers Veg Plaza Bakery Jn.Trivandrum Call 04714012255/ 9020333658

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September 2014

METRO FOCUS

HANDLOOM

The Crispy Warp and Weft of Kerala

Deepika Dewan

Undoubtedly it is the backwaters, beaches and Ayurveda that have driven many a global and Indian customer to God’s own country down South. But there is no missing the vibrant heritage of handloom products that has been reviving the traditional skill of Kerala in the global market avenues.As a livelihood staple of Malayalis, the Handlooms have brought in a new sense of enthusiasm and unmistakably rich avatar to the handloom sector in the State.

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hampioned and set up under Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Kerala in the year 1979, the prime motive of this venture has been to protect and promote the production and weavers of handloom industry in the state while combating the invasion of umpteen affordably and massproduced mill-made textiles in the market.

For over four decades, the Directorate of handlooms and Textiles has worked to support the handloom sector in multiple domains whether it is infrastructure, marketing, human resource development or conservation and preservation of traditional skills and products, raw material supply, export, modernization, welfare programmes, price stability and many more. With production centers and

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sales outlets grooming up to produce hand crafted fabrics, traditional wears, sarees, garments, furnishings and made-ups, in tune with eco friendly norms for internal and export market, the never waning skill of Kerala artisans is on its way to get the much-needed impetus.

Pot-pourri of Handloom Masterpieces Any Malyali lady can be spotted by mogra flowers and a unique saree with off-white color and golden border as everyday costume to festival wear. Such is the elegance of a saree manufactured in Kerala that it is not only a real feast to the eyes but almost an identification-cumreference point. This ‘Settu Mundu’ as it is fondly called is hand-woven and 100% bleached.

Cotton is seen as the queen of fabrics owing to the comfort quotient it provides and becomes the prime handloom fabric

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used in designer sarees, dhoties, lungis and many more. Dhotis especially known as ‘Kasavu Mundu’ worn by men during the festivals and special occasions come in light colors and golden edges, making them look all the more regal for ceremonial wear. Moreover, the quality of threads maintains a sheer equilibrium with the ecosystem. Of much significance is the ‘Kora’ cloth which happens to be unbleached cotton and is becoming popular in foreign markets as well.

Come down to Ernakulam for this happens to be the birth place of Chendamangalam handlooms. This is where you will come across the fineness in weaving that makes each handloom saree and double dhoti graceful. Yet another handloom masterpiece is Kasargod saree that is made of high quality yarn using traditional handmade methods. Set dhoties and

sarees of Kuthampully, Kannur and Balarampuram further add to the delight and celebration of Kerala Handloom.

Yet another district that boasts of handloom fabric weaving is Koothampalli in Thrissur. The ‘Kasavu Sarees’ produced here are mostly with half fine jeri that are more affordable as compared to pure jeri.

Survival of the Handloom The handloom industry in the state of Kerala is spread over 14 districts, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod. Statistics show that almost 1 lakh of weavers earn their livelihood from 450 cooperative societies and 30,000 private sector handlooms and almost 5 lakh families are heavily dependent on the handloom industry.

However, material availability and sourcing remain the biggest challenges to the handloom sector.

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The Department of Industries and Commerce takes pride in the fact that the five handloom products from the State have been given GI(Geographical Indication) status. These are Chendamangalam Mundu, Balaramapuram Saris and Fine Fabrics, Kuthampilly Saris, Kasaragod Saris, and Kannur Home Furnishing.

Availability and sourcing of raw material and shortage of skilled manpower are the the biggest challenges that the handlooms sector finds itself faced with today.

The handloom sector has supported by traditional skilled weavers from generation to generation.

The Department of Industries and Commerce, under which the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles operates, tries to deal with the issue by administering the budgetary support provided by the Government through subsidy and margin money schemes for procurement of raw material, set-up of skill development centers etc according to Mr Itticheriya,Director Handlooms and Textiles.

The Department proposes to set up a Handloom Business Incubation centre at Balaramapuram

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Trivandrum. Skill development is one of the priority agendas of the government and handloom department.

Upgrading the skills and capacity building throughout the handloom chain is one of the most urgent needs for bringing about positive transformation in the sector. Skills linked to production planning, costing, quality control and marketing as well as in design and technology development, are some of the areas that need concerted efforts to enable weavers to compete in open markets. Focused training and skill upgradation programmes must be instituted to help women workers manage weaving and weaving related production.

Thankfully, the Handloom department have been overseeing Government’s budgetary support through a combination of subsidy and margin money schemes so as to further boost raw material procurement.

The handloom directorate has prepared a comprehensive road map for the sustainable growth of the handloom sector.

Department is adopting focused, flexible and holistic approach to meet the challenges of domestic and global market, expansion of overall market to increase domestic and international market share, brand building in global and domestic market, empowerment of weaver’s by organizing them under self-help groups, training, capacity building , infusion of new and contemporary designs through design intervention as well as product diversification, easy access to raw material at subsidized prices, better healthcare, life insurance, and most significantly by ensuring easy credit flow at low interest rate.

Various finance schemes formulated by the Central Government have also been implemented by the Directorate to enhance the working capital of handloom organisations.

As far as the price front is concerned, the Directorate of Handlooms mediates through the mill gate price system. With Regional Handloom Expos that are held from time to time especially during Onam, Christmas and calendar festivals of Kerala, the craftsmanship horizon is surely on a leap to achieving a stamp of distinction, preservation and push.

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LIVING

THUSHARAM GROUP

Uphold tradition and go trendy with Thusharam Group ‘A dewdrop on mother earths crest’-that sure will be your dream home, if it is designed and materialized by Thusharam group. Just as the dewdrop that reflects the glory of mother earth, the homes built by Thusharam group mirror the splendor of nature.

Thusharam or ‘dewdrop’ as it is known in the vernacular language of Kerala, the homes built by this group is as fresh, pure and beautiful as the word suggests. They are here to vivify the long forgotten art of Kerala’s architectural marvel.

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he Thusharam group is determined to recreate the magic that Kerala homes

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were once known for.

Kerala is showered by monsoon twice a year. To dovetail with the climate of this region, draftsman at that time paved tiles on rooftops that allowed the downpour to drain away.

But the trends changed and terrace buildings became the norm adding of the woes of the people as draining became difficult.

The stagnant water

brought about hazardous problems for the homes.

Thusharam group, the go getters revived the old time tiled roofs and made it trendy that it became difficult for any customer to refuse it.The mainstay of Thatchu Sathra(Science of carpentry and Traditional vasthu ),the governing science in architecture of olden times was nalukettu.

Rooms opening out to a

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central courtyard were the attraction of these types of homes. The bastion of Thusharam group is this nallukettu which allows ample ventilation inside the homes.

Nowadays owning a home has become a distant dream for a common man. The soaring price of materials has made it all the more dearer. But this group is bound to provide you a home worth every single penny you shell out.

‘Budget homes’ or homes within your budget are their forte. A meager three cents is enough for them to build your dream abode.

By utilizing every inch they create an architectural wonder. Experience of more than a decade in this field helps them to meet the needs of the customers in an economical way.

Since building a house involves a lot of financial commitment, it has become quite common to go

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beyond the budget plans and stipulated time frame .It is here that Thusharam group differs from other big banners. T.K.Sreejith, Architect&Chairman of Thusharam group is very particular about timely completion. ‘Beautiful home in a short span of time’ is the motto of the group. They are committed to finish the project within a timeframe of eight months to one year. The chairman considers it as an obligation towards the society.

Another peculiarity of the company is that homes are solely build by people from

home state. It has become customary to hire laborers from other states to extract labor with meager pay. The laborers of the state are made jobless because of this. Here too the nobility and the commitment of the chairman is exemplified.

Quality is assured in every arena starting from materials to the completion of the project. They are adept in dealing with western style too. When Thusharam group is ready to handover your exquisite home why don’t you just dial them up.

Contact Mobile Number : +91 9388861450

September 2014

BEAUTY

WOW FACTOR

Make living and aging a stunning experience.........

Are you tired of wrinkles and an old looking face and hands?? Did you know that surgical treatments are not the only option to solve these issues? Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, most people would rather not have them! No matter how good your skin care might be, the time in your life will come when your skin just goes lax, saggy & wrinkled up.

W

rinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process. As we become older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. Our skin’s ability to protect itself from damage is also reduced as we age. Eventually, wrinkles, creases and lines form on our skin. There is nothing we can do to stop the ageing process; eventually everybody will have wrinkles and lines, which

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become more prominent over time. The external factors that aggravate the development of these unwanted changes can be avoided to delay the process.

Skin ages all over the body, but much more so where there has been sun exposure. Most wrinkles appear on parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the

backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms.

Factors that promote wrinkling include - Smoking-research shows that smokers are more likely to develop deeply wrinkled leathery skin with an unhealthy yellowish hue to their complexion. Wrinkling can be microscopically visible in smokers as young as 20 years!

- Heredity-if your parents developed wrinkles earlier

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Dr Asha Biju MBBS, MS,Dip.Med.Cosm Consultant Cosmetologist & Cosmetic Laser Surgeon M.D at Wow Factor MediCosmetic Laser Centre Keston Road, Kowdiar, Trivandrum www.wowfactorindia.com

than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.

- Lighter coloured skinpeople with light skin tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, which usually accelerates the development of wrinkles.

- Types of clothes wornpeople who tend to wear hats and long sleeves usually develop wrinkles later in life compared to other people of the same skin type.

- Habitual facial expressions-people who repeatedly smile, frown, or squint will develop fine lines and wrinkles earlier than other who do not do these facial expressions so often. When you are young the skin springs back, but as it gets older and loses its flexibility springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.

- Free radicals-these can damage skin by activating substances that break down collagen.

- Hormonal changes-skin changes as a result of

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the hormonal effects of menopause or decreased estrogen production may occur.

- Food habits-your skin will need good nutrition in order to maintain function as well as getting it to look its best. The vitamins that skin needs the most include vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. All of these help the skin to protect itself from sun damage and reduce damage from free radicals. Vitamin A is another helpful vitamin that will maintain and repair the skin tissue. So eat a full balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Losing significant amounts of weight can lead to wrinkling of skin so dieting should not cause weight loss of more than one pound per week, so that the skin has time to adjust itself. Adequate amount of water intake is also necessary to keep the skin well hydrated and looking its best.

- Sleeping positions-Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. Called sleep lines, these wrinkles

eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow.

Non-surgical treatment options for aging skin include: - Chemical peels- This is performed to give a youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged, or blotchy skin. It can also be used to treat melasma and pre-cancerous changes in skin. Chemical peels can be done on face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. It involves the application of a chemical solution usually an acid on the skin in order to cause exfoliation of the old skin.

The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. It is important to avoid over exposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is more sensitive and susceptible to complications. Commonly used chemicals include

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glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, TCA or TriChloroAcetic acid, etc.

The doctor will decide on the depth, type and concentration of peel required for your skin. Some degree of redness and peeling may be experienced and the recovery period depends on the type of chemical used. Significant complications are not common but potential complications include scarring, pigmentation changes, break out of cold sores, etc. These risks can be minimised by following the advice and instructions of your doctor.

- Microdermabrasion- It is a machine-assisted, simple and painless skin resurfacing treatment that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. It also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance.

Microdermabrasion is a safe, non-surgical, “lunch hour� procedure that provides many benefits such as reducing or eliminating fine facial lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging; it improves the appearance of acne scars and other light scarring;

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and it gives skin of all colors and types a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It does all this with virtually no side effects. Multiple treatments in combination with sunscreens, sun avoidance and other skin care products yield best results.

- Laser resurfacing- there are many different types of lasers that work at various layers of the skin to treat wrinkles, acne scars and age-related skin discolouration. Ablative lasers vaporize the outermost layers of the skin and can result in substantial downtime but usually require one treatment to have a significant effect. By contrast, non ablative lasers do not burn off the skin surface but target the tissue under the skin in order to stimulate new collagen growth. The downtime is also lesser but multiple treatments may be required to have a significant effect. Now, we also have fractional lasers, which target small areas of skin where damage has occurred leaving surrounding skin untouched so that healing can be faster. Each type of laser may be best suited for different skin issues and your doctor will help you choose the right laser for your problem.

- Botox is a purified protein derivative injected in small quantities directly to the

wrinkle forming facial muscle thus relaxing it and leaving the overlying skin smooth and wrinkle free.

The effect lasts for 6-12 months but the results are dramatic.

- Dermal fillers are used to restore lost volume due to the natural process of aging. They are injected into the skin to plump up the lips, dorsum of hands, sunken facial features and wrinkles. The results are visible immediately.

However the treatment needs to be repeated after six to twelve months as the effect gradually diminishes over time. Complications are almost negligible.

- Radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment is a safe and non-surgical skin tightening procedure, primarily used to treat skin laxity and best suited for those with mild to moderate sagging of facial muscles. It is commonly used to treat the forehead, under-eyes, cheeks, midface, jaw line and the neck.

Redness or heat in the treated skin disappears within 30 minutes.

In addition to these options available today, to maintain youthful looking skin, proper care is a daily event.

Cleansing, moisturising, toning, sun protection and a well balance diet are very essential to keep you glowing and confident.

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METRO EVENT

Kerala Tourism steps up campaign to attract domestic tourists Signs MoU with GoAir to offer discounted fares to visitors In an innovative new season initiative launched as part of efforts to aggressively market ‘God’s Own Country’ domestically, Kerala Tourism today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading Indian carrier GoAir to offer exclusive discounted fares to visitors to the state.

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he MoU, signed under a new ‘Destination Promotion’ campaign that looks to capitalise on the increasing propensity for travel in the domestic market, will make travelling to the state easier and cheaper through the tie-up with GoAir. Kerala Tourism Director Shri P I Sheik Pareeth and GoAir Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Shri Manoj Dharmani, signed the MoU at a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Tourism Minister Shri A P Anilkumar and Kerala Tourism Secretary Shri Suman Billa were present on the occasion. The MoU signing ceremony was also witnessed by senior GoAir executives Shri Naveen Soni, Head of Corporate Communications, Shri Gaurav Patwari, Regional September November December January March 2014 2014 2014 2013 2013 2014 62 March 2014 62 September 2014 62 July

General Manager, and Shri Hemesh Shenoy, General Manager (Marketing).

The offer, applicable only as a bundled package along with a Kerala holiday, will be available on GoAir flights to Kerala from as many as eight cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur and Nagpur. The airline will offer a fixed allocation of seats under the MoU, which has been signed for two years, with the fares reviewed every 3-4 months.

Special fares under the

promotional scheme will be available for bookings made from September 1 through tour operators accredited

by Kerala Tourism. The initial scheme will continue until January 2015.

The packages can be booked exclusively from the official Kerala Tourism site www.keralatourism.org where a link will take the user to the list of accredited tour operators.

“The MoU signed today opens a new chapter in domestic tourism. It shows our commitment

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to support the tour operators’ fraternity in Kerala and other industry stakeholders, as well as our efforts to offer the best services to visitors,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Anilkumar after the ceremony.

The timing of the scheme will also ensure that tourists visiting Kerala are protected from the high cost of air travel during the festival season, he added.

He pointed out that the MoU is bringing together, all the important players in the domestic travel and tourism sector, including the state government, airline industry, tour agents, transport operators and hotel and resort agents.

He also urged GoAir, which currently has services to Kochi, to consider extending operations to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode and hoped more carriers will take up the tourism promotion scheme.

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Kerala Tourism Secretary Mr Suman Billa said the exclusive discounted fare package to travellers during the peak season has taken domestic tourism to a new level by eliminating the pressures of the market..

“The new scheme of Kerala Tourism sends out a clear message that there is now unconditional freedom for the traveller to discover new destinations and experiences,” he added.

Kerala Tourism Director Mr Sheik Pareeth said the MoU is expected to help cement Kerala’s reputation as a top tourist destination among both international visitors and the increasingly travelsavvy Indians.

“We appreciate the support from our partners in the aviation industry and the travel and hospitality sector in helping provide a hasslefree and enjoyable Kerala experience for our guests,” he said.

GoAir Vice-President, Mr. Manoj Dharmani said, “Our aim is to positively participate in the growth of tourism in God’s Own Country. We are hoping to bring more tourists, especially from North India to Kerala, which is he described as a “muchsought after dream destination”.

“At present, GoAir has daily flights between Kochi and Mumbai; and from Mumbai they get connected to other parts of India. GoAir’s double daily service between Mumbai and Kochi strives to boost tourism and business in the state. Since tourism is growing nationally and internationally, both the Kerala Government and GoAir stand to gain by signing this agreement.

Our partnership clearly highlights our commitment to the domestic tourism sector and we are delighted to be associated with Kerala”he added.

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September 2014

METRO UPDATE

Young Entrepreneurs Summit to be Held on September 12 The Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YES), organised by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), will be held on September 12 in Kochi. The summit will be organized in association with the Industries Department and the Information Technology (IT) Department

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his move by the government is aimed at creating a paradigm shift in the mindset of the youth enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers. The Government is also working on creating an enabling eco-system encompassing physical infrastructure, technology tie up, Mentoring, Hand holding, Market linkages etc which will go a long way in helping the young generation to set up successful enterprises, while leveraging the emerging global opportunities.

During Young Entrepreneurship Summit, the younger generation participants would have an opportunity to hear the journey of successful startups and to get an overview of the various initiatives of the Government from eminent personalities across the country.

KSIDC have also launched an innovative idea contest wherein the top 3 innovations shall be given prize money of Rs 1 Lakh, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. The remaining 7

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innovations will be awarded Rs.25,000 each. Successful start-ups will also be given an opportunity to showcase their products / services in the exhibition being organized alongside YES. As a precursor to the Young Entrepreneurship Summit (YES) to be held on 12 September, 2014, the Government of Kerala and KSIDC with the support of CII and TIE would be organizing interactive sessions between students and successful entrepreneurs in around 75 colleges across the state to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the younger generation, especially the college students.

The launch of KSIDC’s Angel Fund to support promising start-ups will be a key highlight of the Summit. Additionally, 3 incubators , including Kerala’s first women incubator at Assumption College, Changanasseri will also be launched at the Summit.

“YES aims at inculcating entrepreneurship among youngsters in Kerala. The

summit will showcase joint ventures by various development agencies, to develop the entrepreneurship culture in the State.

The KSIDC and the KFC will provide funds for the proposed Angel Fund. A panel of business mentors will be formed in the State, by including successful entrepreneurs. The KSIDC will also provide value-added services, such as mentoring, nurturing tie-ups and guidance to young entrepreneurs,” the Chief Minister said.

Several national and international speakers and eminent personalities as well as leading start up companies from Kerala will be speaking at the event.

The details regarding the Start-up Cell helpline numbers and e-mail are as follows: Thiruvananthapuram - Ph: 0471-2724812, Mob: 97450 17777 Kochi - Ph: 04842321443, Mob: 97450 18888 E-mail id: startupcell@ ksidcmail.org http://www.yeskerala.org

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September 2014

AUTO MART

BAJAJ

Bajaj Discover 150F Dealership Launched @ Kallingal Bajaj The dealership of Discover 150 F, the newest motorcycle from Bajaj Auto, was launched at Kallingal Bajaj. Bajaj Auto General Manager( Sales and Marketing ) Ashwin Jayakanth launched the dealership

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allingal Bajaj Managing Director Kallingal Shafeeq, Bajaj Auto(Kerala)Zonal Business Head Sadananda Swami, Kallingal Shafeer, Bajaj Auto Area Manager Manoj Kumar and Kallingal Shakeer were present.

The Discover 150F is powered by a single-cylinder 150cc engine that produces 14bhp at 8,5000rpm and a maximum torque of 12.75Nm at 6,500rpm.

This engine is mated to a five speed constant mesh

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gearbox with an all-up gearshift pattern. The company claims an ARAI fuel efficiency of 72kmpl and has a top speed of 110kmph. The semi-fairing of the Discover 150F is sure to attract a lot of customers looking for a commuter motorcycle with an extra bit of flair. Braking power comes from a 240mm disc at the front and 130mm drum at the rear. The Discover 150F rides on the 100/90-17 tubeless tyre at the rear

and 80/100-17 tubeless tyre in front. With a tank capacity of 10 litres, the bike can travel for almost 600kms at one go.

The Discover 150F is now positioned between the Discover 150S and the Pulsar 135 and will compete with other semi-faired bikes like the Hero Ignitor and the Honda Stunner. The Bajaj Discover 150F is available in four colours – dark blue, wine red, ebony black and dark bottle green.

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September 2014

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

Name- Shruti Sujatha Francis Address- “ ASWATHY “ Kurusadi Jn, Nalanchira P.O. Trivandrum.

School- Christ Nager Interantional School, Trviandrum Class- 4th Standard Hobbies- Classical dance, Painting etc

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September 2014

Celebrating any festival means getting together – be it family, friends or social get together.

Onam does all that at one go. The season gives everyone to meet relatives, seek out friends and also have social meetings. Being a harvest festival, the season is mostly warm and sunny.

The season brings up a pleasant feeling in everyone.

The Kanakakunnu palace will be the hub of festivities for the week-long Onam celebrations to commence on September 5. The Nishagandhi auditorium on the palace premises will be the centre of cultural programmes to be organised in 26 venues in the capital. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate Kerala Tourism’s State-level Onam celebrations at Trivandrum.

Businesses have geared up to take up the spirit of Onam and make the best out of it.

Salt to Camphor everything is having discounts these days!

Shops and other trading establishments have announced generous rebates to shoppers.

Online trading platforms have also started giving discount deals to customers.

Several films are being released during this Onam season, giving the viewers a wide range of choice.

Government has declared bonuses and other provisions for its staff. Private companies have announced their festival allowances for their employees. People have started thronging business establishments to finish off their Onam shopping. As the city is enveloped in festive spirit, the government and its supporting machineries have taken all measures to conduct the celebrations smoothly.

Stage is set for government Onam celebrations and celebrations by private parties. Individuals who would fit the role of Mahabali are identified to put on the costumes. Onasadyas have been planned and ordered by many. Those who are experts at cooking and have help at home have purchased the necessary items.

Where does this all lead to?

It all leads to A VERY HAPPY ONAM We at Metro Mart wish each one of you to have great joy and happiness in this Onam season.

Siji Nair

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