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A Trip to Adivasi Colony at Watchmaram with Students, Teachers and PTA of Vyasa Vidyanikethan Central School Chalakudy and Sreedharma Sastha Poolani.

December 16, 2010 By: SREENI R Category: Uncategorized, short story

When we talk about Onam the  different experience came to our mind. It is all together an different Onam when we celebrated 2010 Onam with Adivasi at Watchmaram ,75 Km away from Athirapilly and – 113 KM from Sholayar Power House. When people are spending lakhs of Rupees for   intricate floral carpets called Pookalam each day nobody is bothered about the adivasi people around us the real sons of the land.

To add something valuable Students, Teachers and PTA of  Vyasa Vidyanikethan Central School Chalakudy and Sreedharma Sastha Poolani patron of Jagadguru Trust Chalakudy planned to celebrate the Onam with Adivasi at Watchmaram.

For the majority of Keralities, Onam celebration has changed a lot. Definitely, the reasons include not only that families have turned ‘nuclear’ and children have stopped collecting flowers for laying pookkalam for their television addiction. Television Channels are competing for advertisement and stars are engaged in promoting their new release during Onam. But channels didn’t take the pain to promote the lost and glorify culture once Keralites once have.   Most of the children of today didn’t know much about the culture and even the goodness of Onam where students of  Vyasa Vidyanikethan Central School Chalakudy and Sreedharma Sastha Poolani patron of Jagadguru Trust Chalakudy celebrated the Onam with the adavisi who suffers from poor access to decent health care and the people who living in abject poverty.

As the Onam where band wagon has started to roll, businessmen in the nook and corners of Kerala are happy, obviously. Keralites will soon set out for an extravagant shopping for Onam celebration. People are celebrating every Onam with new wine bottle available in the market. Every year where Keralites  is celebrating the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the country during Onam season, this year also kerala set yet another record. This year also they sold liquor worth Rs.155.16 crore during the six-day run-up to Thiruvonam. This is a jump of over 17 per cent over last year’s sale of Rs.132.34 during the same period where Chalakudy regains its position once again.

What we have seen is a remote place where there is no accessibility to hospital or school. The women are often unable to reach hospitals even if they want to. They have to walk over difficult hilly terrain for 30 to 40 kilometres before they can get hold of a vehicle or 75 Km to reach the hospital at Chalakudy.

Yet, the region remains a symbol of backwardness with about 80 per cent of the tribal population living in abject poverty. None of the projects implemented here so far has taken the peculiarities of Adivasi culture and beliefs into consideration. The .area consists of 39 houses at Kaddan Colony and 9 houses in  Malayan Colony. The houses is constructed by Tribal department and Award an NGO. Each house owner has got 5cent of land where a house was constructed and its boundaries where fenced with electrical wire to erected along the ecological boundary between elephant habitat and human areas.

The children of Vyasa Vidyaniakethan Central School Chalakudy and Sreedharma Sastha Poolani have learned and experience lot of new things. When the students shared the ideas from Rajan the moopan [Head of Adivasi] they came to know about various  forms of rights such as forms of slavery, right to agricultural land, as well as right to education . They didn’t have land for agriculture. In the month of November –March they collected honey from forest and sell it in society nearby and rest of the days they goes out of their house in seach of  work . The School children shared their food with adivasi families and distributed the Onam Kit to each families. This One day trip is intended to familiarize the new generation on the adivasi leaving and their day to day struggle” says Trust Chairman Mr. Subramanian.

This is an very new innovative idea which should be adopted by another school so that the new generation people can share the hardship of downturns and make success the  Maharaj Mahabali’s majestic tour to Kerala a grand success.

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Mr.Devison Varghese P Principal of Mar Augustine Memorial Higher Secondary (MAMHS)

December 08, 2010 By: SREENI R Category: Teacher's Interview

Mr.Devison Varghese P joined as Principal of Mar Augustine Memorial
Higher Secondary (MAMHS) School in August 2009. He is the Principal
In-charge of +1

Classes which started recently. Having a strength of nearly 1000
students and 53teaching and 5 non teaching staff, it is one of the well
known schools in

Thrissur.

When did you take charge as the Principal of Mar Augustine Memorial Higher Secondary (MAMHS) School?

I took charge of the School in August 2009.
To promote value education, what are the different methods you have adopted in your school?
To promote value education, we have adopted various methods at our school. They are:
a]Emphasis on importance of prayer - starting the day with prayer - before every period - prayer at the end of the day.
b]Making use of occasions to stress on priority of values.
c]Respect for the poor and backward.

Describe the infrastructure you are providing to the students?

We possess two computer labs, a mathematics
lab,Physics/Chemistry/Biology labs, 3 language labs, a library,a
reference and reading room for seniors,a sport

court and a well maintained park for children.

What are the changes you have seen during the last few years in our education system?

a]Education has become a social responsibility,with parents being more active.
b]It has become application-oriented and not text - oriented.
c] Therefore students are more shifting towards CBSE and ICSE sylbus.It is most effecting at High School Level.

Looking at the future, where would you place MAMHS by 2020?

A number of our students would have passed out with flying colours
not only at curriculum level but all at various and remain settled in
life. By 2020 the

school will flourish with better infra structure and facilities for
students.By that time the students will awaken further to find
themselves more

challengeful and responsible, so that they will be able to adjust to the
changes in the society and in the learning process. Only we are afraid
of paradigm

shift from State Syllbus to CBSE and ICSE.

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Promote agriculture

February 19, 2010 By: SREENI R Category: Uncategorized

Promote Agriculture

Meloor, a scenic village located on the south bank of Chalakudy
river, has been famous for its plantations. The land is highly fertile
due to alluvial deposits and is ideal for banana and tapioca
cultivation. Agriculture has been the backbone of the village and
Meloor was once the largest producer of banana in the State. But in
recent times, Meloor lost its position and earned another first place,
the village with the highest liquor consumption in Thrissur.

The area under banana cultivation in Meloor has come down. The
reasons are many. Till this day, the government hasn’t done anything to
market the produce in the global markets. Though Nedumbassery airport
is just 20 km away, the panchayat has failed to utilise the facility
properly.

Apart from cultivation, jobs can also be created in the making of
value-added products from banana, like food for infants, banana flour,
chips and juice, and allied areas. Besides foreign markets, the product
is in good demand in Indian cities also, especially the different
varieties.

In the economic point of view also banana cultivation is very
significant since it is labour intensive and delivers quick returns.

The authorities should take steps to reduce unemployment by
integrating farming system methodologies. Also, technical support
should be ensured to individual or group horticulture businesses for
shifting to sustainable practices. Meloor should be brought back as the
largest producer of banana.


Sreeni K.R.

Meloor (P.O.)

Courtesy

The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/2010/02/19/stories/2010021953610300.htm

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Interview with Divya Nedungadi -Mohiniyattam

December 16, 2009 By: SREENI R Category: interviews

Divya Nedungadi -Mohiniyattam

Divya
Nedungadi is a leading exponent of Mohiniyattam and a student of M A in
Mohiniyattam – Sree Sankaracharya University – Kalady. She is well
known for her tremendous efforts to promote and preserve the style of
Indian classical dance as a living tradition. She is B’ grade Artiste
of Doordarshan, the official channel of Government of India . She has
performed various programmers’ in South India and Maldives organized by
Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of
India. She is a recipient of National Level Scholarship given to Young
and Upcoming Artistes for conducting Higher Studies in the field of
Mohiniyattam by Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 2008 which
makes her all the more committed to her y profession at this age.



Divya Nedungadi talks to Sreeni K.R about her love with the enchanting art form, her vision and plans of Mohiniyattam.

When did you start taking Mohiniyattam seriously?

As a child endowed with a zeal for dance, I start learning both
Mohiniyattam and Bharatnatyam at the age of 4. After completing my
AISSE (10TH Standard), my complete attention was shifted to
Mohiniyattam, the wonderful art-form of Kerala. The reasons why I chose
it was because it belongs to my mother land. Though guru-sishya
relationship between me and Guru Smt Vinitha Nedungadi who groomed me
to choose Mohiniyattam, the enchanting art form of Kerala. Finally I
wanted to do in-depth studies in Mohiniyattam. Whenever I went deep
into its technical and aesthetical aspect, I badly felt the need for it.


What exactly is Mohiniyattam?

Though some are of the view that it was originated as a result of
Dasiyattam prevailed in Kerala, as detailed in the manipravala
literatures of 13-15th centaury, namely
Unniyachicharitham,Unnichiruthevicharitha, Unniyaticharitham,
Sivavilasam and Chandrotsavam. But I strongly oppose this view. It is
hard to believe that Dasiyattam prevailed in Kerala. There is no
geographical or other valid proof for it other than these literatures
to substantiate this view.
The only temples observed Dasiyattam in Kerala at that time were
Suchindram and Padmanabha swami temple in Trivandram. But the historic
records prove that Devadasis were brought to Padmanabha swami temple
from Suchindram during festivals. If Devadasis were available here why
did we invited them from Suchindram?
The conclusion I reached through my personal research is that, having
impressed by the Dasiyattam of Tamilnadu, it was Karthika Thirunal
Balarama Varma, the nephew of Marthanda Varma and the then Maharaja of
Travancore, who appointed Karuthedathu Chomathiri to make an art-form
somewhat similar to it. Mohiniyattam was greatly patronized by
Swathithirunal in the first half of 19th centaury. Tanjore quartets who
adorned Swathi’s court contributed considerably to this art-form.
By the close of 19th centaury, after the demise of Swathi, as there was
no one to patronize it, Mohiniyattam was taken to the Feudal land lords
and struggled for its survival, ultimately resulted in the
deterioration of its glory, charm and moral values. In 1930, by
establishing Kalamandalam, Mukunda Raja and Vallathol paved way for its
renaissance.



Do you think Mohiniattam is often perceived as being sidelined as compared to styles like Bharatanatyam and Odissi?

It is very true! Mohiniyattam finds its place only after Bharatanatyam
and Kuchipudi. The first mistake happened from the part of Kalamandalam
was by offering a diploma course in all the three art-forms by giving
equal importance. Kalamandalam trained its teachers in Kuchipudi and
Bharatnatyam by sending them to Kalakshethra and Kuchipudi gurus in
Andrapradesh.
As far as Mohiniyattam was concerned, we had only one single Chinnammu
Amma who learned only very little as our only available resource. The
thrust was always given to Kathakali. No one bothered to do any serious
research in this art-form and widen its scope. The other reason was its
slow tempo. Boring choreographies in slow tempo took away its
spectators. Unlike Kathakali, there was no one to criticize, correct
and lead in the right way. As a result, latecomers mixed it whatever
other art-forms. Kalamandalam created more Teachers than renowned
Performers. Their life started and ended with the ‘nine minute fifty
five seconds long possibility’ of Mohiniyattam.

Did your parents help and support you when you chose Mohiniattam as your career?
Thanks to Amma first. Actually she took me to dance. I took all-science
group for my plus two. But I opted Sanskrit for my graduation as I
thought it would facilitate my future studies in dance. By god’s grace
I got First Rank with record marks. I got married last year. My husband
supports me in all possible ways.


Who were your gurus and what was your experience learning under different gurus?
I believe, one can have different teachers but only a single guru.
Great Mohiniyattam exponent Smt. Vinitha Nedungadi is my guru and I had
the fortune to learn under my Guru ever since I was introduced to dance
and it still continues. She is a student of Guru Kalamandalam
Kshemavathi. Guru Vinitha does serious research in Mohiniyattam and it
is our collective endeavor to up-bring Mohiniyattam through wonderful
choreographies that herald sky-is-the-limit possibilities of this
classical dance form.


You are a graded Artiste of Doordarshan, the official channel of Government of India. What was your experience with Doordarshan?
Sorry! I have limitations to comment.


You have presented many programs in south India and Maldives. What are the major differences you find between the audiences?
We performed in Maldives as part of Indian Independence Day
Celebrations there. We were invited by Indian High Commission. Cinema
and Cinematic dances do influence such events as you can see cross
section of people from every states of India.
Our choreographies are well accepted by the serious audience of South
India. Last month I danced in “Pallavotsava” in Mysore, a
national-level dance festival dedicated to upcoming artistes. A lot of
non-Malayalees took time to come to me after the performance to
congratulate me and my team. Dailies like Deccan Herald, Star of Mysore
etc wrote lengthy reviews about my performance.


Tell us about your family?

Apart from my parents, I have an elder brother who works for
Tech-Mahindra as a Software Engineer in Chicago. My husband hails from
Payannur and he is a business man.


You are a recipient of National Level Scholarship given to Young and
Upcoming Artistes for conducting Higher Studies in the field of
Mohiniyattam by Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 2008? What
was your experience?

It was my husband who insisted me to apply for it. He took me to
Trivandram for its interview and talent test. Many performing artists
were also there as candidates. Now when I got it, I take it very
seriously as it demands more dedication and it often reminds me of
responsibility towards my art-form.


What is your future planning?
My dream is to make it more acceptable to the spectators through
wonderful choreographies strictly adhering to its classical values and
structure and to take Mohiniyattam to its rightful place in the Dance
World like Bharatnatyam and Odissi. I have some invitations from abroad
to perform, I am yet to confirm as I believe this is the right time for
serious studies.

Coutesy: Keralaoutlook

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The Accident Prone state: God's own country.

December 09, 2009 By: SREENI R Category: Writing

Kerala-God's
own country is known as most accident prone state in India. The causes
of accident may be many but major reasons among them are tremendous
increase in the number of vehicles and subsequently, there has been no
increase of roads.


This table shows the major road mishaps during November 01 2008- November 30 2009,
where total mishaps recorded are 91 and injured 374 which is much
higher than last year. The list shows the accidents is much higher than
targets reducing road accident for ASEAN countries. Every day
injured people seriously left behind orphans, crippled, widows and
dependents due to rash driving or negligence .


 







Date

Place

Mode of Accident

Casualty

Injured

Nov 03, 2008

Kollam

A old woman running a small roadside stall was killed when a car lost control and ran into the stall.

1

 

Nov 03, 2008

Kollam

A four-year-old boy was fatally run over by a jeep while trying to cross the road with his parents and younger sister.

1

 

Nov 08, 2008

Thrissur  

A boy died after he was run over by a school bus at Venkitangu

1

 

Nov 09, 2008

Changanassery

One
person was killed and nearly ten others injured when a tipper lorry
carrying full load of quarried granite hit a bus at Perumbanachi

1

10

Nov 11, 2008

Thiruvananthapuram

A
man was killed and another injured when the motorbike they were riding
collided with a car in front of the Fire and Rescue Services station at
Chakka

1

1

Nov 13, 2008

Kottayam

Five students were injured when a school bus overturned on the MC Road near Thellakom

 

5

Nov 14, 2008

Kannur  

A man was killed when the car in which he was travelling skidded off the road into a waterlogged area near Puthiyatheru

1

 

Nov 16, 2008

Thiruvananthapuram

A man was killed after a motorbike hit at Ambalamukku, near Venjaramoodu,

1

 

Nov 18, 2008

Kalpetta

A motorcyclist was killed when the bike he was riding collided with a private bus at Kalluvayal

 

1

 

Nov 19, 2008

Kottayam

A youth died in a bike accident at Vembally near Kuravilangad

1

 

Nov 19, 2008

Thrissur

A youth was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a KSRTC bus at Patticaud

1

 

Nov 20, 2008

Kalpetta

A two-year-old child was killed when a school bus ran over him at Nadavayal

1

 

Nov 21, 2008

Kozhikode

Two
persons travelling in a tourist bus carrying pilgrims from Vijayawada
in Andhra Pradesh to Sabarimala were killed in a road accident near
Adivaram

2

 

Nov 25, 2008

Pathanamthitta

Six Sabarimala pilgrims were injured when the two vehicles carrying them collided at Veluthode

 

6

Nov 25, 2008

Thrissur

Fourteen students sustained minor injuries after a school bus toppled over at West Vemballur in Kodungallur

 

14

Nov 25, 2008

Thrissur

Two persons were killed in a bus-lorry collision at Ollur

2

 

Nov 26, 2008

Kattappana

Seven
students and autorickshaw driver were injured when the autorickshaw,
which was carrying the students, hit a private bus

 

7

Nov 30, 2008

Thrissur

An infant was killed in a collision involving a private bus and an autorickshaw at Gramala near Athani.

1

 

Jan 02, 2009

Kattappana   

In a road mishap private bus,  hit a coconut tree

 

20

Jan 02, 2009

Karur,Thrissur

In a road mishap car hit silica-laden lorry

2

4

Jan 02, 2009

Malappuram   

In a road mishap  autorickshaw hit nine-year-old boy was killed in an accident.

1

 

Jan 06, 2009

Kannur   

In
a road mishap  youth was killed and another injured when their
motorcycle collided with a mini lorry on the National Highway near
Taliparamba.

1

1

Jan 06, 2009

Kattappana 

In
a road mishap  Three persons were killed at Valanjamkanam on Sunday
when a lorry carrying coconuts from Theni to Erumely lost control and
fell into a gorge.

3

 

Jan 06, 2009

Kakkombu-Sankarappilly road, Kattappana

In
a road mishap  two persons were killed and one was injured when an
autorikshaw overturned at the Kakkombu-Sankarappilly road

2

1

Jan 06, 2009

Thrissur 

In a road mishap  a man died after the motorcycle he was riding crashed on the Annamanada Church road at Mala

1

 

Jan 07, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram

In
a road mishap  The driver of a Thiruvananthapuram-bound KSRTC bus was
killed and 35 Sabarimala pilgrims travelling in it injured when the bus
hit some boulders and overturned, near Vamanapuram on MC Road

1

35

Jan 08, 2009

Kottayam

Two
persons were killed and three others were injured, one of them
seriously, in a road accident near Parel Culvert, near Changanassery,
on Changanassery-Alappuzha

2

1

Jan 12, 2009

Kalpetta

A
seven-year-old boy was killed and seven persons were injured when a
goods autorikshaw plunged into a coffee plantation at Pallikkal, near
Mananthavadi.

1

7

Jan 13, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram 

Two
persons were killed and 19 others injured, including a couple
travelling on a motorcycle, when a van rammed a tree, near Thiruvallom
bridge on the Kazhakuttom-Inchivila NH 47 Bypass

2

19

Jan 13, 2009

Kottayam

Seven persons, including four members of a family, were injured in a car-jeep collision at Ambadi junction

 

7

Jan 14, 2009

Kochi   

Kunjumon,
45, of Valiyaparambil gouse, Aroor, who was admitted to Ernakulam
Medical Trust Hospital here after being hit by a speeding vehicle on
Sunday, died

1

 

Jan 14, 2009

Thrissur

Two persons were killed when their car collided with a bus at Peramangalam

2

 

Jan 15, 2009

Kottayam   

A 29-year-old youth died in a bike accident at Vembally

1

 

Jan 16, 2009

Pallikuttumma ,Alappuzha

In a road mishap  tipper lorry rammed into  motorcycle

1

1

Jan 20, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram

Two persons lost their lives and 40 others were injured in a road accident involving a KSRTC bus and a motorcycle at Aryanad

2

40

Jan 21, 2009

Kalpetta   

A youth was killed when the motorcycle he was riding rammed a truck at Koyilery, near Mananthavadi

1

 

Jan 25, 2009

Kozhikode

An
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) activist was killed and three
others were injured when a lorry went out of control and hit a motor
bike that formed part of the procession to receive Janakeeya Yatra
organised by the CPI State committee at the Adivaram town in
Thamarassery

1

3

Jan 26, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram

Thomson, 62, a resident of Thiruvila, was killed on Sunday after he was knocked down by a car near Vembayam junction

1

 

Jan 26, 2009

Kozhikode

Four
persons of a family, including a child, were killed and four others
seriously injured when the jeep in which they were travelling collided
with a lorry at Kainatti.

4

4

Jan 27, 2009

Kochi 

Kathakali
artiste Elamakkara Renjith, 35, died in an accident on the Dharmapuri
bypass, about 150 km from Salem, when the Volvo bus carrying a drama
troupe overturned.

1

 

Jan 28, 2009

Kochi

Sreelekha
Mariya, 34, instructor at a computer centre, got crushed under the rear
wheel of private bus Simran as she was getting off it at Kaloor

1

 

Jan 29, 2009

Kalpetta  

Aboobacker of Kariyattupoyil, 45, a newspaper agent at Vythiri, was run over by a KSRTC

1

 

Jan 29, 2009

Kannur

An eight-year-old boy was killed when he was hit by a jeep at Karuvanchal

1

 

 Feb 03, 2009

 Kattappana Printer Friendly Page

 A man engaged in paragliding was killed in an accident near Chakramudy in Munnar

 1

 

 Feb 08, 2009

 Alappuzha    Send this Article to a Friend

 Three
employees of a Chennai-based pharmaceutical firm were killed in an
early morning accident near M.S.M. College, Kayamkulam

 3

 

 Feb 10, 2009

 Kattappana   

 Nineteen
people including 16 students were injured when a jeep coming from
Hailburia to Elappara fell into a 15-ft gorge at Kozhikanam

 

 19

 Feb 13, 2009

 Palakkad 

 Two
persons died and three others were injured when the Maruthi Omni van
they were travelling in collided with a tipper lorry at NH 213 at
Panniyampadam

 2

 3

 Feb 15, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram    Send this Article to a Friend

 A
child was killed in a road accident near Mailamoodu, when the bike on
which the girl was travelling along with her parents was hit by another
vehicle.

 1

 

Feb 18, 2009

 Kottayam

 In
a accident, 12 Sabarimala pilgrims from A.P, 10 of them women, were
killed and more than 35 seriously injured, when the bus they were
travelling in, overturned and fell into a gorge nearly 19 metres (60
ft) down on the Kanamala Causeway at Pampavalley near Erumeli.

 10

 35

 Feb 18, 2009

 Palakkad   

 One person was killed and 30 others were injured when a private transport bus overturned in Kuttikode, near Cherpulassery,

 1

 30

 Feb 19, 2009

 Kattappana   

 A person was killed and another injured when an autorickshaw, which was hit by a speeding jeep

 1

 1

  Feb 20, 2009

 Kattappana

 Two children died in separate incidents in Thodupuza and Marayoor in Idukki district

 2

 

   Feb 20, 2009

 Kozhikode 

 Two persons were killed and five injured in an accident involving a private bus and a jeep at the accident-prone Thondayad

 2

 

 Feb 22, 2009

 Thrissur

 A woman was killed when her moped was hit by a private bus at Mannuthy

 1

 

 Feb 24, 2009

 Alappuzha

 Two persons were killed and two seriously injured when the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry near Punnapra

 2

 2

 

 

one injured in a road accident at Chentrappinni, when the car skidded and turned over.

 

 1

 Mar 02, 2009

 Kochi   

 A person was killed after the van that he was driving rammed into a container lorry

 1

 

 Mar 05, 2009

 Kollam  

 Two persons travelling on a scooter were killed in a collision with a van

 2

 

 Mar 06, 2009

 Kollam  

 Thirty-five people were injured in a head-on collision between two KSRTC buses on MC Road at Eeyyamkunnu

 

 35

 Mar 07, 2009

 Kochi  

 Nineteen students and three teachers were injured when the school bus they were travelling turned over at Aaroor

 

22 

 Mar 07, 2009

 Alappuzha   

 One
person was killed and three persons were injured when the van they were
travelling in collided with a lorry near the Thottapally

 1

 3

 Mar 07, 2009

 Palakkad   

 Two youths died in an accident at Pathamkulam, when the bike on which they were travelling was collided with a mini-lorry.

 2

 

  Mar 07, 2009

 Thrissur   

 Ten
students of Seethi Sahib Memorial School in Edakkazhiyur were injured
after they were hit by a lorry on National Highway 17 on Friday.

 

 10

 Mar 11, 2009

 Kannur  

 In
an accident near Puthiyatheru, two students were killed when the
motorcycle in which they were travelling was hit by a speeding private
bus coming from the opposite direction

 2

 

 Mar 11, 2009

 Kannur

 The
motorcyclist was killed at Sreekantapuram at around 9 a.m. when the
two-wheeler in which he was travelling was knocked down by a tipper
lorry.

 1

 

 Mar 12, 2009

 Pathanamthitta   

 Two workers were killed and another was injured while inflating the tyre of an earth-mover at a workshop at Adoor

 2

 1

 Mar 14, 2009

  Pathanamthitta   

 At
least 17 persons were injured in a head-on collision between a KSRTC
bus and a private bus at Paadathupalam, near Vallamkulam,

 

 17

 Mar 18, 2009

 Thrissur

A migrant jewellery worker from West Bengal, was killed when a private bus hit his cycle at Chiyyaram,

 1

 

 Mar 24, 2009

 Alappuzha   

 :
In an accident at Kattanam , a father and two of his daughters were
killed when the vehicle they were travelling in rammed into a
stationary tipper lorry

 3

 

 Mar 26, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 Two SSLC students were killed and another was seriously injured when a tipper lorry rammed into the motorcycle

 2

 

 Mar 28, 2009

 Pathanamthitta

 Two
people were killed and four injured when a hay-laden
tractor-cum-trailer fell into a nearly 12-foot-deep ditch at
Kumbanad-Kadapra near Kozhencherry

 2

 4

 Mar 30, 2009

 Kozhikode

 Two women going to church on Sunday morning were killed after a speeding jeep knocked them down at Paroppadi,

 2

 

 Apr 01, 2009

 Kochi

 A pedestrian,  a painter by profession, was killed after being hit by a speeding private bus at Eramalloor.

 1

 

 Apr 02, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram   

 A 35-year-old man was killed in a road accident near Kattakada

 1

 

 Apr 02, 2009

 Thrissur   

 A man and his son were killed in a collision involving a mini lorry, a tipper lorry, jeep and a motorcycle at Patticaud

 2

 

 Apr 09, 2009

 Kozhikode  

 Six persons were injured in an accident involving a car and a bus at the Thondayad bypass junction

 

 6

 Apr 14, 2009

 Thrissur

 A college student was killed and four others were injured when a mini lorry

 1

 4

 Apr 20, 2009

 Kottayam   

 Two
persons were killed and four others were injured, when the jeep in
which they were travelling fell into a gorge at Vellimala

 2

 4

 Apr 27, 2009

 Alappuzha   

 Three youngsters were killed in a road accident near Cherthala when two-wheeler they were travelling rammed a KSRTC bus.

 3

 

 Apr 27, 2009

 Kollam   

 Twenty persons were injured when a cement-laden lorry hit a private transport bus

 

 20

 May 01, 2009

 Alappuzha

The
couple was killed and six others were injured when the vehicle they
were travelling in rammed into a stationary bus at Purakkad 

 2

 6

 May 02, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram  

Two killed in accidents who was riding pillion on a two-wheeler were killed in separate road accidents

 2

 

 May 02, 2009

 Kalpetta

 A four-year-old boy was killed in a collision between a motorbike and tipper lorry at Thanikkamoola,

 1

 

 May 12, 2009

Thrissur

 A
person was killed and two others were injured when the car in which
they were travelling rammed into a stationary lorry at Karupadanna

 1

 2

 May 13, 2009

 Alappuzha

In
an  accident involving a tipper lorry held at Alappuzha- Changanassery
road 2 the driver and cleaner sustained serious injuries.

 

 2

 May 14, 2009

 Kalpetta  

 Three persons travelling in a car were killed in a head-on collision with a jeep on National Highway at Kalpetta

 3

 

 May 16, 2009

 Thrissur

 One
person was killed and four others, including two children, were injured
when the auto they were travelling collided with a tempo traveller at
Engandiyoor

 1

 4

 May 18, 2009

 Thrissur

 A youth was killed and four others were injured when a flex board collapsed on them at Amballur,

 1

 4

 May 21, 2009

 Pathanamthitta   

 Three persons were killed in three separate road accidents in the district

 3

 

 May 22, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram  

 A person was killed when the mini-bus he was driving reportedly lost control and plunged into a river .

 1

 

 May 24, 2009

 Thalassery

 A youth who was riding pillion on a motorcycle was fatally run over by a private bus

 1

 

 May 25, 2009

 Alappuzha  

 Two persons were killed and one injured in separate road accidents

 2

 1

 May 29, 2009

 Palakkad

 Two youths were killed when a private bus hit the motorbike in which they were travelling at Mattumantha

 2

 

 May 31, 2009

 Thrissur   

A temporary security official with Guruvayur Devaswom, died in an accident at Peramangalam

 1

 

 June 04, 2009

 Alappuzha   

 Two
persons, including a seven-month-old baby, were killed in a road
accident at Pathirapally, when the car they were travelling in collided
with a lorry

 2

 

 June 07, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram  

 Two student was killed on Saturday when his motorcycle collided with a private bus near Thirumala

 2

 

 Jun 11, 2009

 Pathanamthitta

 A old man, was killed near Ezhamkulam, when a speeding tipper lorry runs over him

 1

 

 Jun 16, 2009

 Kottayam  

Two persons were killed when the bike in which they were travelling collided with a KSRTC bus at Cherpunkal

 2

 

 June 17, 2009

 Alappuzha

 Over 40 people were injured in two separate accidents in the district

 

 40

 Jun 19, 2009

 Thrissur

 Three persons from Mysore were killed and 14 injured when their car collided with a bus at Vadanappilly

 3

 14

 Jun 19, 2009

 Kannur

Two lorry drivers died when their vehicles collided at Keezhthally.

 2

 

 Jun 21, 2009

 Palakkad   

 Man dies in accident, when the bike he was riding was hit by a tanker lorry

 1

 

June 22, 2009

 Kottayam

 In an accident, two persons were killed and at least four others were injured, in a bike-bus collision at Chingavanom

 2

 4

 Jun 25, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 Two persons were killed when the two-wheeler they were riding collided with a KSRTC bus near Paroorkuzhy

 2

 

 Jul 02, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 A man was killed after he was hit by a lorry near the Parassala junction

 1

 

 Jul 04, 2009

 Kozhikode

 Four
schoolchildren and the driver of the tourist bus in which they were
travelling were injured when the vehicle lost control and hit a house
at Kaithampoyil market, near Thamarassery

 

 4

 Jul 09, 2009

 Alappuzha

 One person was killed on Wednesday when the two-wheeler he was travelling on collided with a car near Valiya Chudukad

 1

 

Jul 10, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 Three
persons were killed and two others, including a woman, were seriously
injured in two different motor vehicle accidents that occurred in a
span of 30 minutes in Neyyatinkara

 3

 2

 Jul 10, 2009

 Kattappana

 One person was killed in a bike accident at Mechery near Thodupuzha

 1

 

 Jul 10, 2009

 Kollam   

 Twenty-nine passengers were injured in a bus accident at Kadavoor on Thursday evening.

 

 29

 Jul 12, 2009

 Kollam   

 Three
persons were killed and five others injured when a car lost control and
ran over them at Nilamel Kannanchira on MC Road

 3

 5

 Jul 15, 2009

 Kochi

 Two youths were killed after the van in which they were travelling collided with a mini-lorry at Anikkad

 2

 

 Jul 16, 2009

 Thrissur

 An infant was killed in a collision involving a car and an autorickshaw at Manikanteswaram

 1

 

 Jul 20, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

A man was killed in a road accident.

 1

 

 Jul 22, 2009

 Alappuzha

 Three
persons were killed and one injured seriously when the Maruti Omni van
in which they were travelling rammed a stationary truck at the
Eramalloor Junction

 3

 1

 Jul 26, 2009

 Alappuzha

 The Supplyco's Alappuzha paddy marketing officer, died after being injured in a road accident .

 1

 

 Jul 29, 2009

 Kochi   

 A man was killed when he was admitted with injuries after being hit by a Maruti Omni Van near Palarivattom.

 1

 

  Jul 29, 2009

 Kattappana   

 At
least 35 people including 25 students were injured when a KSRTC bus
coming from Kumily to Kottayam collided with a lorry at Pampanar
junction

 

 35

 Aug 10, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram   

 one
person was killed and three others injured when the car in which they
were travelling lost control and rammed the perimeter wall of the
international airport

 1

 3

 Aug 10, 2009

 Kalpetta

 A
youth was killed and another person seriously injured when the bike on
which they were travelling rammed the rails of a bridge on the
Kozhikode-Kollegal National Highway 212

 1

 1

 Aug 10, 2009

 Palakkad   

 Three
youths died on the spot when the motorbike on which they were
travelling collided with a private bus at Kulappully, near Shoranur,

 3

 

Aug 10, 2009

Thrissur

A man was killed when the car in which he was travelling collided with a stationary container lorry at Kunjanampara

1

 

Aug 11, 2009

Kalpetta  

A
tribal man was killed and 13 persons were injured when their jeep
toppled over near the Assistant Wild Life Warden's office at Tholpetty

1

13

Aug 11, 2009

Kollam

Seventy people were injured when a (KSRTC) bus that was hit by a lorry at Ottakkal,

 

70

Aug 13, 2009

Kannur   

A motorcyclist was killed in an accident near Payyannur

1

 

Aug 29, 2009

Pathanamthitta

A girl was killed when KSRTC was run over near Adoor.

1

 

Aug 30, 2009

Pathanamthitta   

One
of the employee of KSEB was killed, two other were injured when the van
they were travelling in fell in a ditch at Puthenpeedika,

1

2

Aug 31, 2009

Alappuzha

Three
persons were killed and one was seriously injured when the car they
were travelling in was rammed by a mini-lorry near Cherthala

3

1

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 02, 2009

Kollam   

Two persons were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and an autorickshaw on the National Highway at Karunagapally

2

 

Sep 04, 2009

Palakkad

26 persons were injured, three of them seriously, in an accident involving two private buses at Ancham Mayil at Kodumbu,

 

26

Sep 05, 2009

Alappuzha

Three
persons were killed and two injured seriously when the vehicle in which
they were travelling collided with a KSRTC bus at Pathirapally

3

 

Sep 08, 2009

Pathanamthitta   

Five persons were injured, three of them seriously, when a speeding lorry collided with two cars at Pazhakulam

 

5

Sep 11, 2009

Kalpetta

Fifteen
persons were injured when a private bus rammed a compound wall and
strayed into the courtyard of a house where a marriage feast was going
on at Marathattu.

 

15

Sep 13, 2009

Alappuzha

Woman dies in accident when tipper lorry had run over three tiny tots on their way home from school near Mavelikara.

1

1

Sep 14, 2009

Thrissur

A
woman and her six-month-old baby were killed and 11 others were
injured, when the jeep in which they were travelling collided with a
stationary van at Mathilakom

2

11

Sep 15, 2009

Kalpetta

A man was killed when his motorcycle rammed a lorry on NH 212 at Vellaramkunnu

1

 

Sep 17, 2009

Palakkad

Youth killed in bike accident at Koyyamarakkad National Highway

1

 

 Sep 17, 2009

 Pathanamthitta

 Man killed when a speeding van knocked down his scooter at Poyyanil Junction

 1

 

 Sep 20, 2009

 Malappuram

 A youth was killed on the spot when the motorbike he was riding collided with a truck near Vandoor

 1

 

 Sep 21, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 Two persons were killed and three injured when a motorcycle collided with a van at Korani, near Attingal

 2

 3

 Sep 21, 2009

 Thrissur

 One person was killed and three others seriously injured when their van collided with a lorry at Mannuthy

 1

 3

 Sep 22, 2009

 Thiruvananthapuram

 A woman riding a scooter was injured when the vehicle collided with a car near Attingal

 

 1

 Sep 27, 2009

 Thrissur

 A man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car at Nadathara

 1

 

 Sep 29, 2009

 Kattappana  

 One person was killed and another injured seriously when their bike collided with a bus at Kumaramangalam

 1

 1

 Oct 01, 2009

 Thrissur   

 Three
persons, including two brothers from Tamil Nadu, were killed and three
injured in two separate accidents in the district

 3

 2

 Oct 03, 2009

 Kozhikode

 Eight persons were injured in accident at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district.

 

 8

 Oct 07, 2009

 Alappuzha

 Two
persons, including a retired CRPF official, were killed when the
two-wheeler they were travelling on was rammed by a Karnataka State
Road Transport Corporation bus at Haripad

 2

 

 Oct 19, 2009

 Alappuzha

 One
person was killed and 20 were injured when a private bus rammed a
two-wheeler, lost control and went on to collide with a KSRTC bus on
the National Highway-47 at Punnapra

 1

 20

Oct 24, 2009

Palakkad

A
couple was killed on the spot when the motorbike on which they were
travelling was hit by a private transport bus at Kuruvimaram

2

 

Oct 25, 2009

Pathanamthitta

One
person was killed and eight others were seriously injured when a
speeding tipper lorry rammed into a wayside eatery after hitting a
parked private bus at Enathu

1

20

Nov 06, 2009

Kalpetta  

A student was killed when the motorcycle he was riding rammed a wall on the roadside at Pachilakkadu

1

 

Nov 08, 2009

Pathanamthitta

A youth was killed at Sreenilayam in Punalur when a speeding private bus rammed his motorcycle at the Elavumthitta

1

 

Nov 11, 2009

Kalpetta

A
old woman was killed and two others were injured when a jeep in which
they were travelling fell into a ditch at Yavanarkulam

1

 

Nov 12, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram

Fifteen students of MTM School, Kallara, were injured when their school bus overturned near Cheruvalom

 

15

Nov 14, 2009

Alappuzha

Four fishermen were killed when a truck rammed the mini-lorry carrying them at Punnapra on the National Highway 47

4

 

Nov 17, 2009

Thrissur

Two persons were killed in a collision involving a mini-lorry and a lorry at Puthukad

2

 

Nov 18, 2009

Kottayam

Two
persons of a family were killed and three others were injured seriously
when the car they were travelling in rammed into a container lorry on
the Alappuzha-Changanassery road

2

3

Nov 21, 2009

Thiruvananthapuram

3
persons including a 10-year-old boy was killed on Friday when the van
in which they were travelling crashed into a lorry near Thattathumala

3

 

Nov 21, 2009

Kozhikode

One person was killed and two were injured in an accident on Pantheerankavu bypass

1

2

Nov 22, 2009

Pathanamthitta

Two
persons were killed and four injured, one of them seriously, when a
Tata Sumo carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Pampa collided with a
private bus at Dharmagiri Junction

2

4

Nov 23, 2009

Kannur

Two children were fatally run over by a mini-lorry at Vallithode, near Iritty

2

 

Nov 28, 2009

Kalpetta

A youth was killed when the motorcycle he was riding pillion collided with a jeep at Edavaka, near Mananthavady

1

 

Total

 

 

91

374



 Causes of Road Accidents



Road accidents caused by five main factors:



1. Human Factors (Road Users)



The statistics show that 90% of road accident in
Kerala has been caused by road users who infringed the traffic law, for
instance driving faster than limited speed, driving carelessly, getting
drunk during driving etc.



2. Road Defect

One part of road accident has been caused by road/bridge
infrastructure, which is not yet in the appropriate safety to
standard. In rainy season our roads is marked with potholes or gutters.
No proper drainage system is maintained. All the roads should be
maintained properly. Permanent contracts or arrangements should be in
place for maintaining all roads in good condition 24 hours a day, 365
days an year. If a gutter is repaired in time it can save a life. Roads
should be properly marked. Sign posts should be provided wherever
required. Humps should be provided at all important places, accident
prone areas. Humps should be made mandatory for all sub roads where it
enters a main road. Construction, size and shape of the Humps should be
scientific. All the Contractors of the Public Works and other
departments should be provided with the details of scientific Hump
construction. Humps should be clearly marked, to avoid accidents.



3. Vehicle Defect

Vehicles have caused road accident because their owners did not
properly maintain and regularly inspect the vehicle during the
operation. So the road accident occurred when brake failure, tire
blowout, power steering failure, headlight failure.



4. Overspeed and Competitions:

  Rash driving and competitions among private bus drivers are other major reasons. It is better to introduce speed
governor rule as in other states . The rule would mean to restrict the
speed of commercial vehicles to 45 kmph on high ways. The speed
governors reduce the flow of fuel to the engine if the speed is
exceeded and also drastically reduce the accidents at highways.



5 Proper town planning:

There was no proper town planning. Road was not constructed which meet the requirement of future needs. Road Environment and Road Design must be made looking next 50 years.


Measures  to reduce the road accidents?



In order to reduce accidents all ASEAN
countries had agreed to set up the targets reducing road accident not
more than 02 fatalities per 10.000 vehicles by 2020.



To reduce mishaps we have to take certain measures.



  • Pile up the forces and create the cooperation, collaboration and
    facilitation between the community through local authorities, State and
    Union Governments, Police Officials, Home and Public Works Departments,
    NGOs like Rotary, Lions clubs, Parents , Teachers NGOs and related
    Institutions, to take measures to prevent and to reduce the road
    traffic accidents to lowest level.
  • Road Safety sign boards should be located at every hazardous locations should be marked.
  • Educate children's on Road Safety measures and developing road safety curriculum for primary schools and make it as an compulsory subject.
  • Conducted the drivers training, especially to motors vehicle driving skill to the
  • Drivers
    with free, and distribute for free booklet on traffic law, skill to
    drive the motorbike and some other related documents.
  • Dissemination
    of the new road traffic law and aware people of safety measures such as
    wearing a helmet / seatbelt, driving license for motorbike drivers over
    49cc, alcohol concentration, and rate of fine/ penalties.
  • Enforcement
    campaigns focusing on the main cause of road traffic accidents,
    especially on drunk driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, not
    respecting the right way, dangerous over taking.
  • Motorcycle riders are most vulnerable road users. Data shows that show that 70% of road traffic casualties in Kerala are motorcycle riders and 38% of them suffer from head injuries.
  • Developing
    and implementing road traffic casualty emergency assistance to traffic
    victim. Ambulance service should be enhanced with every 2 Km range.
  • Avoid Mobile phone FM Radio, Media Players etc. while walking, driving, and riding on the road.

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N.Ramakantan, Director-Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA)

November 14, 2008 By: SREENI R Category: interviews

N.Ramakantan, who did M.A. in Political Science at University of Kerala (1982), has been involved in the day-to-day management affairs of KILA as its Director from 2007. He also did his M. Phil in Political Science from University of Kerala (1994). He has worked under various capacities such as Lecturer in Politics, Christian College, Chengannoor, Kerala; Lecturer in Political Science, Government College, Elerithattu, Kerala; District Coordinator, People's Planning Campaign, Ernakulam District, Kerala State; Consultant, People's Planning Campaign, State Planning Board, Government of Kerala, and Associate Professor, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur. Presently he holds charge as Director, KILA, Thrissur and is looking after the divisions of the academic, administrative, and accounting segments.

He had also been Master Trainer with Peoples' Planning Campaign, State Planning Board, Government of Kerala in 1997. Between 2002 and 2007 he has designed and implemented training programmes for different functionaries of local governments. He was also the winner of Rama Swamy Mudaliyar Gold Medal from University of Kerala.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R , N.Ramakantan talks about the functions of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), his perspectives on the goals of KILA, and its progress to date.













When did you take charge as the Director of Kerala Institute of Local Administration [KILA]?
I took charge on 09 July 2007.

What is the objective of Kerala Institute of Local Administration [KILA]?
Kerala Institute of Local Administration [KILA] was set up with the objectives of facilitating and accelerating socio-economic development of the state through Local Self Government Institutions [LSGI's]. As a training and research institute, KILA is committed to the following objectives:
To undertake various training programmes for the elected representatives and officials of rural and urban local bodies of Kerala.
To undertake action-oriented research activities.
To undertake action-oriented research activities in local governance and development.
To document the best practices on local governance for wider dissemination.
To organise seminars, workshops and discussions on issues related to local governance and development.
To facilitate and strengthen the decentralized participatory planning process.

The Institute is supported by the Government of Kerala, as its nodal institution for training, research and consultancy for the Local Self-Government Institutions. At what level are you working?
The Institute is fully supported by the Government of Kerala, as its nodal institution for training, research and consultancy for the Local Self-Government Institutions.It is establishing and institutionalizing the decentralized training system in an efficient manner at the grass root level, with an aim to build an army of resource persons in every district for different development sectors in order to facilitate the process of political decentralization. Finally, building the requisite capacity to exercise the powers devolved to the Local Self Government Institutions, is of utmost importance in making the local government system sustainable.

KILA was registered as an autonomous institution. How do you meet the training needs?
KILA is an autonomous institution that comes under the Ministry of Local Self Government, and registered as per Travancore-Cochin Literacy, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act-1995. KILA is supported by many agencies like Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN-HABITAT, and Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). Apart from these, it is fully supported by the Central and State governments.

KILA is the only institution in India that functions with the sole mandate of promoting decentralised governance both in urban and rural areas. To what extent are you able to transfer KILA as an international training centre on local governance?
Developing countries are looking for alternative governance system like decentralized governance. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation once stated, “Independence being at the bottom … it follows, therefore, that every village has to be self-sustained and capable of managing its affairs…". April 23, 1993 is a landmark day in the history of Panchayati Raj in India as on this day, the institution of Panchyayati Raj was accorded constitutional status. Establishment of a three-tier structure (Village Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti or intermediate level Panchayat and Zilla Parishad or district level Panchayat) is one of the greatest developments. To expose the panchayat Raj system in India and the Kerala initiative in democratizing the decentralization process, KILA arranges training programmes for delegates from various SAARC countries. Also KILA collaborates with the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance and All India Institute of Local Self Governments, Mumbai to conduct international courses in decentralised governance and poverty alleviation.

What are the major areas covered by the training programs at various levels?
The major content areas for the training programmes are as follows:
Decentralised governance and poverty reduction: Global Practices.
Local governments for local economic development.
Decentralised governance and sustainable human development.
Gandhian concept of Grama Swaraj(Village Self Rule and 73rd ad 74th constitutional amendments.)
Capacity building initiatives for Decentralisation in Kerala.
Democratizing the governments and participatory planning in Kerala.
Poverty alleviation efforts of local self governments.

Over the years, the Institute has established its expertise in many areas. Which are they?
Over the years, the Institute has established its expertise in the following areas:
Decentralised Participatory Planning
Local Governance and Administration
Urban Development
Local Level Development
Participatory Poverty Alleviation Management
Gender and Development
Development of Marginalised Social Groups
Natural Resource Management and Water Shed Development
Training Skill Development of trainers
HIV/AIDS and related interventions through local governance.

What are the core objectives of People's Plan?
The core objectives of People's Plan would be revitalization of agriculture and promotion of local economic development along with improvement of public services with focus on the poor.

In the XIth Five Year Plan, what are the issues you are planning to resolve?
1]To enforce three-tier structure (Village Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti or intermediate level Panchayat and Zilla Parishad or district level Panchayat) more effectively.
2] Better coordination between line departments and local governance.
3] Urban and Rural Synergy development.
4] To include rigorous assembling of available data and facilitation to the people for more scientific analysis and the best course of action adopted for attaining the developmental objectives from a set of possible options.
5] The quality of participation needs to be widened and deepened so that every section of society participates in the Grama Sabhas and Ward Sabhas and takes
active part in discussions and dialogues on local development issues.
6] Local economic development to generate additional income and more job opportunities with focus on the relatively poorer sections of society.
7] Sustain the agricultural production sector in the light of todays fast urbanisation.
8] Improving the facilities for education and attaining higher standards in education.
9] Preparation of plans for improving public health and drinking water system.
10] Upgrading the quality of services provided through the Anganwadi network with special emphasis on health, nutrition, pre-primary education and necessary infrastructure and facilities.

What changes have you seen during the years?
KILA was established in 1990 and owes its origin to Local Government Institute in Kerala. As a sequel to the increasing emphasis laid by the government of India on rural participation, a full fledged training institute was established at Thrissur. As a nodal training institute, we trained 22554 newly elected representatives of the local self government apart from delegates from other SAARC countries. We have been meeting the training needs of the participants and have translated several documents in English and other Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Kannada. We have started seeing the changes at every level in the three-tier system and have become a leading institute in the designing and implementing of a sound strategy for capacity building of local governments.

Where do you see KILA by the year 2020?
KILA is the only Institution in India that functions with the sole mandate of promoting decentralised governance both in urban and rural areas. By the year 2020 our efforts will be on to establish KILA as an international training centre on local governance and declare KILA as the SAARC centre of excellence in local governance.

Comment (1)

Interview with B M Sunny

October 06, 2008 By: SREENI R Category: interviews

INTERVIEW

In the heart of the cultural hub and under the gaze of Lord Vadakkumnathan, there stands the CMS HSS, an institution of historical significance.This school was started in 1883 by the Church Missionary Society, a pioneer in modern education. The British pioneered many educational institutions in India, and CMS HSS, Thrissur, is one of them.It stands apart as a full-fledged institution,out-growing the imperialistic stance of its original British patron,catering to the needs of a cosmopolitan society.

This school is managed by the North Kerala Diocese of CSI.Located in a sprawling compound of about an acre,the CMS HSS has been a catalyst in the intellectual, aesthetic and social activities of its students all along.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R, B M Sunny, Principal,CMS Higher Secondary School, Thrissur   spoke at length on the problems and prospects of his job.

When did you take charge as the Principal of CMS Higher Secondary School?
I took charge on April 1, 2005.

What are the qualities that your institution focusses on?
As an institution, we mainly focus on result and over all development of students. This school was started in 1883 and has a history of 125 years. Considering all this, we keep it as Boys only Higher Secondary School and serve as catalysts for our students in their intellectual, aesthetic and social activities. We believe that all these activities transform them into better human beings fit to live anywhere in the world.

What is the mission and vision of CMS Higher Secondary School?
The CMS HSS, like the majestic ocean, embraces all the contradicting shades of pupils into its fold, and marks its stamp on their conscience, transforming them into better beings, thereby making society a better place to live in. The students develop a family cult of cosmopolitanism in the campus. The relationship between staff and students is excellent and effort is made towards giving individual attention to the weaker students. Quality teaching is ensured. The classrooms are airy. The students are not merely taught in the school but they are helped to discover themselves and the world at large. Teachers here are really re-scripting agents.

What are the changes you have seen over these years, on the education front?
I have seen a lot of positive changes during these years in the education front. It has become highly competitive and professional. Grading System has reduced stress on students and discourages `unhealthy competition among them. The system has helped to identify their inner talents and a safe mode of rating students' capabilities. It has reduced unnecessary competition among students for top marks and has put an end to the "hero or zero syndrome" prevalent in many schools. In a skills-based grading system, the teaching approach itself undergoes a drastic change and learning becomes a joyful experience and students gain more confidence this way.

What is the competency-commitment level of the teachers at CMS Higher Secondary School?
Fully qualified, experienced, dedicated teachers handle the classes, and student-oriented education is imparted foreseeing the needs of the future generation.

What are the other activities you are carrying out at CMS Higher Secondary School, apart from academics?
We conduct many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities pertaining to education. Some of them are:
Enrichment Programme
This programme brings to light and nurtures the hidden calibre of the pupils. This is meant to help the students to cope with the modern times and update them on academic and co-curricular activities.
 
Career Guidance Unit
Under the supervision of the Department of Higher Secondary Education, we help the students to select their career according to their tastes and talents. We have a trained student Career Guide and Counsellor who is trained by the DHSE for this purpose.

NSS Wing 
We have one of the best NSS units in the state. The Department of Higher Secondary Education alongwith the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India, is funding the unit. In an academic year, the unit conducts one mini camp of 3 days and a 10-day major camp.

Students engaged themselves in community programmes in Cherpu Grama Panchayath (twice) that invovled road construction, cleaning Chalakudy Government Hospital and Kunnamkulam Government Hospital.As part of the clean city programme, our unit along with Southern Railways cleaned the Thrissur railway station twice.

Mass awareness programmes such as workshops, seminars, skits and street plays are organized by the unit.The unit was started in 2001.The unit is a pride of our school.

Tourism Club
Our tourism club gives many opportunities to the members to learn about the travel and tourism industry which has great scope in the global village of today. The unit is affiliated to the Department of Higher Secondary Education and Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. Mini camps, seminars, workshops, tours to places of tourism potential are some of the activities.

Parent Teacher Association
A well functioning PTA is present in our school to give the necessary guidelines.

Student Parliament
A Student Parliament is functioning in the school to inculcate the democratic values in the students and make them familiar with the current socio-political scenario. 

What are the facilities you are providing at your School?
Labs
We have all the four labs -Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer labs which function under the supervision of able teachers. Well-equipped lab facilities enable our students to be more empiric.

Library
The great visionaries of CMS HSS have left us a vast collection of books from 1883 onwards. The students make use of the library to be more authentic and precise in their documents. Compact Discs produced by the Department of Higher Secondary Education are an added asset to our library.

We have made available all the major groups viz. Science, Humanities and Commerce for our students to choose from.

How do you cope up with the Information Age?
We have a well-equipped computer lab with internet facilities. In our school, computers are available in the ratio of 2 students: 1 computer. The internet facility gives added advantage to the students in their research purposes.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
The history of the school itself is a great achievement. After 125 years we have managed to keep up the same charm and enthusiasm among our students and staff.And we have not compromised on the results.

Our Results

YearScienceHumanities

 Commerce

2007 98% 96%
 96%
2006 97% 100% 100%
2005 98% 100% 99%
2004 100% 98% 99%
2003 98% 99% 98%
2002 96% 98% 100%


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Interview with Dr. P.B Pushpalatha

October 06, 2008 By: SREENI R Category: interviews

INTERVIEW

Dr. P.B Pushpalatha is presently working as Associate Professor, Dept of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. She handles several courses at the under graduate and postgraduate levels. Her major area of research is in plantation crops especially cashew, coconut and coffee. She has,so far,published more than 60 research papers and eight books in this field. A recipient of the young scientist award of the Government of Kerala,Dr. Pushpalatha has presented her findings at several national and international research fora. She is a life member of All India Food Scientists and Technologists Association and Indian Society of Horticultural Science.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R , Dr. P.B Pushpalatha, Associate Professor, Dept of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, talks about how fruit wastes can be utilized and converted into value added products.

When did you join the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara?
I joined the College Department in February 1996.

Fruit wastes are a major problem for the processing industries and pollution monitoring agencies. What are the suitable methods you have adopted to utilize them for conversion into value added products?
Some of the fruit wastes are a rich source of vital constituents like carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fibres etc. For example, mango seed kernel is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins and minerals. Technologies are available for extraction of different constituents which are economically important, from fruit wastes. Fruit wastes have been proved to be very good sources of high value products like pectin, colours, enzymes. Most of the pectin used in the country is extracted from citrus peel. Anthocyanin colour is being extracted from grape peel. The foremost requirement is identification and utilization of the most suitable raw material (fruit wastes) with respect to a particular product. Evolving and using the most viable technology is another important aspect. This approach will help to reduce the pollution due to wastes from fruit processing industries.

What is pectin?
Pectins are mixtures of polysaccharides that originate from plants and contain pectinic acids as a major component and these are water soluble. They are composed primarily of essential linear polymers of D galactopyranosyl uronic acid units joined in alpha-D (1, 4) glycosidic linkages. Pectin forms gels when the polymer chains interact over a portion of their length to form a three dimensional network. This property has raised pectins to a commercially important value added product.

How do you extract pectins from fruit wastes?
Pectins can be extracted from fruit wastes by boiling them in acidified aqueous medium. They can also be extracted with calcium chelating agents such as EDTA, ammonium oxalate or sodium hexa meta phosphate.The suitability of the extracting medium depends upon the raw material. Whatever may be the method employed, the recovery and quality of pectin from a plant material depends on a number of factors like the nature and concentration of acid employed in the extracting media, ratio of extracting media to plant material, number of extractions,and time of heating for pectin extraction.

The pectin obtained could be utilized for preparing jelly? How do you maintain the quality?
It is worth mentioning that the single largest use of pectin is in the manufacture of jelly. About 80-90 percent of 7-8 million kilogram of commercial pectin is used to make jelly and similar products. So the best way of evaluating commercial validity of pectins is by testing their suitability for preparation of jelly.The condition of media (mainly sugar-acid ratio), boiling time and temperature largely influence the quality of jelly. This is specific to different pectins, which differ in their characters viz., anhydrouronic acid content, methoxy content, degree of esterification and acetyl value. These characters largely influence the jelly grade of pectins, which in turn determine their commercial value. Jelly grade is the amount of sugar that will jellify one part of pectin under prescribed conditions to a standard firmness.Hence it is an unavoidable aspect that every pectin should be described properly through characterization.Only then the quality of jelly prepared using a particular pectin can be assured. Also media composition, condition of preparation (temperature and duration of boiling), etc. should be standardized.

What are the unique features regarding coffee in the Malabar region?
Monsooned Malabar coffee is processed during monsoon season, which is very peculiar in the part of the West coast of India. It is believed that a stable monsoon is the stimulus for obtaining superior quality in terms of physical and biochemical properties of coffee beans. The monsoon features like continuous clouds, rainfall and atmospheric water vapour content, moderate temperature together with gentle marine breeze may be the deciding factors of the quality of coffee. With this background M/S Aspin wall Co. Mangalore sponsored a research project for a period of three years to understand the monsoon features on the quality of beans .The project could unravel the scientific phenomenon that makes the Monsooned Malabar coffee distinct from others, when processed during the monsoon.

Your major area of research is in plantation crops, especially in cashew, coconut and coffee. What are your contributions in the processing of these crops?
I have worked in two cashew research stations viz., one at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathra and the other at CRS, Anakkayam.I have handled several research projects in breeding and crop improvement programmes in cashew. The work has resulted in high yielding varieties with improved nut and kernel size. Bigger kernels fetch premium prize in the international market.Value addition of cashew apple is another area of interest. I am handling a research project on Coconut product diversification, in which a number of value added coconut products have been standardized. I have given training in this aspect to the personnel of Agricultural Department, self help groups, Kudumbasree units etc. My contribution in coffee processing is the work done in Monsoon Malabar coffee .

What sort of changes have you seen during this year in the processing sector?
Quality and safety are gaining more importance than quantity. Quality parameters of the products are becoming more stringent, and consumer friendly products which are convenient to use, devoid of chemicals and containing natural additives ( colours, essence, preservatives, emulsifiers etc ) are gaining popularity. People are becoming more health conscious and nutritional security is becoming the slogan of the day.Processing, product development, packaging and labeling are being streamlined in this mode.

Kudumbasree is a major initiative in Kerala aiming at womens empowerment.What are the reasons for not introducing jelly as a small scale industry among the units?
Jelly is not as popular as jam. Jams are comparatively easy to prepare and the cost of production is also less. Also,jelly cannot be prepared with all fruits. It can be prepared only with selected fruits like guava, jackfruit and banana(palayankodan).But jam can be prepared with almost all fruits.Hence jam finds the first place while selecting products for popularization. However, training is now being given to Kudumbasree units for preparation of jelly.

Jelly is a product which is now becoming popular both for edible and cosmetic purposes. In future how are you planning to develop it on a large scale?
A project will be taken up to popularize the jelly through hands-on training programmes, media and exhibitions. Ties with enthusiastic entrepreneurs will be formed for production and marketing of fruit-based jelly.


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Interview with George Nedumpara

October 06, 2008 By: SREENI R Category: interviews

INTERVIEW










George Nedumpara observes life closely and has translated his thoughts into a book titled "Jeevitha Veekshanam"(View of Life) which has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records. The book in Malayalam handwriting consists of 583 pages with 164 chapters, neatly written by hand with a ball pen and looks exactly like a printed book. An ordinary man with extra ordinary zeal whose handwriting has attained perfection in the fast- paced technology- driven times. He has taken up the task of looking after all the aspects ie writing, printing, binding and marketing all by himself,and has managed to sell 3000 copies so far.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R, George Nedumpara shares his views about his writing experience.

Your book Jeevitha Veekshanam(View of Life) has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records. Explain the hard work behind it?

My book Jeevitha Veekshanam(View of Life) has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records for the credit that it is a hand written book of 583 pages in Malayalam which I got published myself. The idea came to my mind when my business venture of a pen manufacturing unit collapsed. After I retired from my job with the Delhi Police, it took 10 years to write the 583 -page book with 164 chapters. A collection of essays on human nature, the book reflects my observation, my experience and my vision on life and interpersonal relations. It also encompasses a wide variety of themes from subjects that include philosophy, health, education and personality development.

Where did you draw your theme from?

Most of the ideas came while i was traveling. I used to take tourists on trips and while driving,i got ideas. I noted down the stray thoughts on the shade pad. I would make the steering wheel of my Maruti van my table and start writing. Also each tour became a new experience and inspiration for adding new themes.



What was the reason for writing the book by hand?

In the fast- paced, technology- driven life, people have lost the value of good handwriting and our young generation is completely ignoring the importance of writing. In Gandhijis autobiography “My Experiments with Truth” he tell us the importance of good writing and it gave me great inspiration. Another reason is that, to reduce the cost,I planned to look after all the aspects ie writing, Illustration, printing, binding and marketing.

How have you made your book interesting to the readers?

My book is a collection of my thoughts and experience. It includes various aspects on religion, mental health, how to live a better life, how to avoid suicide, importance of good handwriting,etc. To make it more interesting and to ensure more careful reading, i have added something unique in this 583- pages book - some 20-odd words which are written up-side down ;the reader who can find it would be rewarded.

The most difficult aspect is marketing nowadays .What are the methods you use?

I work on an individual basis. The book is priced at Rs. 325 and is a labour of love. I am doing sales and promotion myself going from house to house and have managed to sell 3000 copies till date.

What is your future plan?

However, my present limitations are that the book is in Malayalam. I am planning to translate the book in English and Hindi using my hand printing press. I am also working on a second volume which contains articles on family relations and social problems.


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Unreal shows

August 18, 2008 By: SREENI R Category: Writing

Unreal shows


The reality behind the reality shows is that there is no reality in
it. The are unscripted shows and feature ordinary people instead of
professional actors. The first reality show of Indian television, Meri Awaz Suno,
was a standard programme and everybody loved it. Reality shows on
Malayalam television channels, however, are crossing all limits. While
those with real talents are ousted, SMS messages boost the rating of
the worst among them. This type of reality shows only destroy the
talents of our younger generations.


They become a revenue-generating business for the channels. In some
reality shows, the judges and participants look as if they had come for
some fashion show. Many anchors speak in the worst form of Malayalam
ever heard. As for the contestants, some are very good and talented
youngsters who can give the current playback singers a run for their
money. But they lose out mid-way through the shows. And sometimes they
decide it is the end of the road for them. It is better to stop such
artificial programmes which kill talents.



Sreeni K.R



Meloor, Chalakudy
2008/07/12- The Hindu

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