Monthly Archives: August 2014

A documentary beyond the byline

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Minister for Culture K. C. Joseph with Babu Paul, and BRP Bhaskar during screening of the documentary on him in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu
Minister for Culture K. C. Joseph with Babu Paul, and BRP Bhaskar during screening of the documentary on him in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu

When documentary film-maker P.Y. Anilkumar asked veteran journalist B.R.P. Bhaskar’s permission to make a documentary on him, he initially refused to give it. Later, when the film-maker continued to persist, he put forward a condition – the film should not in any way glorify him.

The documentary ‘Byline by BRP’ traces a brief history of the changes in the field of journalism over the six decades that he has been active in it. It stays clear of giving too many details of the man, and tries instead to use him as a peg to document the larger picture.

It was screened at the Nila cinema here on Tuesday.

“BRP is one of the few who has been effective across all modes of journalism – print, television, and online. He managed to switch easily with the changing times. We started the shooting when he came for the Arippa land struggle last year, and it was a perfect place to start as it embodies his activism,” says Mr. Anil Kumar.

Mr. Anil Kumar spent close to 10 months in researching and shooting the documentary, which was scripted by Venu Muttacaud.

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / Thiruvananthapuram – August 20th, 2014

Vinodkumar Selected Melsanthi

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Sabarimala  :

In a historical first, the selection of the melsanthi of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Hanuman temple at Pampa was done by drawing of  lots on Friday.

V K Vinodkumar, 35, of Vellakkattu Madom at Changankulangara in Kollam, was selected from among five aspirants by drawing lots.

The lots were drawn in front of the Sreekovil of Lord Ganapathi temple at 7 am.M N Narayanan Nampoothiri, 49, melsanthi of Thrikodithanam Sree Krishna temple, will be the new melsanthi of Pampa Lord Hanuman temple. Narayanan Nampoothiri was selected from among two candidates.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States > Kerala  / by Express News Service / August 23rd, 2014

13-Year-Old Eyeing Guinness Book of World Records

Uncategorized

Kochi :

Pooja Prem, a 13-year-old student, is all set to conquer the Guinness Book of World Records. She will sing famous songs in 32 languages at a music programme which will be held at the international cricket stadium, Sharjah, on September 26. Pooja who has learnt every song will continuously sing for two hours.

The languages include Malayalam, Hindi, English, Spanish, Latin, French, Russian, Spain, Belgium, Uzbek, Arabic, Dutch, Poland, Cameroonian, Tamil, German, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Gujrathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu, Swedish, Sanskrit, Italian, Portugal, Bulgaria, Sindhi, Malay, Sinhalese and Hungarian.

Gulf events has sponsored Pooja.  So far, she has performed in more than 250 elite stage shows locally and nationally. She has performed in various Malayalam channels and won Global Pravasi Malayali Athulya Prathibha award, HRF Talent 2012 Award, NP Abu Best singer award, Muziris 2013 Kerala State Television (Talent) award. Pooja is studying in eighth class in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kadavanthra.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Kochi / by Express News Service / August 12th, 2014

Nat’l Teachers’ Awards Announced; No Candidates from HS Section

Education, Records, All

Kozhikode  : 

The list of teachers, who have won the national awards, was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on Wednesday. As many as 14 teachers from the state, seven each from primary school section and secondary school section have been selected.

There are no candidates from the higher secondary section, reportedly over some confusion in the department. Higher Secondary Director K N Satheesh said that the list was cleared from the directorate four months ago.

The teachers who bagged the award are:

From Primary school

1. V Venukumaran Nair, headmaster, Govt UPS Njaraneeli Kani, Elanchiyam Peringammala, Thiruvananthapuram 2. G Sivaprasad, UP School Assistant, SN UP School, Maruthoorkulangara, Karunagappally, Kollam 3. Usha Kumari P, Headmistress, Govt LPS Ayroor, Ayroor, Pathanamthitta 4. P O Chacko, Head Master, Sr Alphonsa UPS Nedumanny, Karukachal, Kottayam 5. P V Mohanan, assistant teacher, AUP School, Mannazhi, Chengottur, Kottakkal, Malappuram 6. Narayanan Aariyamvalli, P D teacher, Govt HSS Kottila, Ezhome, Kannur 7. V Rajesh, assistant teacher, Kanad LP School, Edayannur, Kannur

From Secondary School

1. George A V, headmaster, Mar Thoma Girls High School, Pulamon, Kottarakkara, Kollam 2. Susan Issac, HSA (English), MGD High School, Puthusserry South, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta 3. Joseph John, headmaster, St Joseph’s HSS Karimannoor, Thodupuzha, Idukki

4. Varghese T M, HSA, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School, Puthencruz  Ernakulam 5. Peethambaran M, HSA, St Sebastian’s      High School Mannamangalam, Thrissur 6. Dr Harikumar K, Teacher Educator, Gandhi Seva Sadanam Teachers Training Institute, Perur, Palakkad 7. Manoj K T, HSA, CB HSS  Vallikkunnu, Malappuram.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 21st, 2014

Viswadeepam Award Announced

Arts,Culture & Entertainment
Kottayam :
Dr Kurias Kumbalakkuzhi has been selected for this years Viswadeepam Award instituted by Puthencavu Mathan Tharakan Trust for the best literary works that uphold human values. According to the trust officials, Kurias will be getting the award for his work ‘Galilelinte Ethihasam’.

The award that consists of a cash prize of `10,000 and a citation, will be given away by Finance Minister K M Mani at a function which will be held at Thiruvanathapuram Press Club on August 27. Former Chief Secretary R Ramachandran Nair will deliver a commemoration speech on the occasion. Trust chairman Paul Manalil will preside over.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 21st, 2014

Scoring music for a noble cause in Kozhikode

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All
Music directors (from left) Jassie Gift, Afzal Yusuf, Rahul Raj, Gopi Sundar, Bijibal, Anil Johnson, and Mejo Joseph at a press conference in Kozhikode on Wednesday. Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup / The Hindu
Music directors (from left) Jassie Gift, Afzal Yusuf, Rahul Raj, Gopi Sundar, Bijibal, Anil Johnson, and Mejo Joseph at a press conference in Kozhikode on Wednesday. Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup / The Hindu

They are performing to raise funds for the Cochin Haneefa Foundation, which helps struggling artists in films. Music directors raising funds for Cochin Haneefa Foundation.

Eight music directors of Malayalam cinema are coming together for high-voltage live shows.

Bijibal, Gopi Sundar, Alphonse, Jassie Gift, Rahul Raj, Afzal Yusuf, Mejo Joseph, and Anil Johnson will kick off the tour at Swapna Nagari here on September 27.

They are performing to raise funds for the Cochin Haneefa Foundation, which helps struggling artists in films. The show, titled Jamgrab, is being organised by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala, the Music Directors Union, and the D Cutz Film Company.

“We are glad that we are beginning the series of shows in Kozhikode,” Mr. Gopi Sundar told presspersons here on Wednesday. “This incidentally is my first ever live show.”

Mr. Rahul Raj said it was great teaming up with fellow composers. “It has been an opportunity for us to know each other,” he said. “I do not think that eight music directors have come together for a show in the country before.”

Leading playback singers will be performing at the show, which will have a sound of 3,00,000 watts.

Film director Shajoon Karyal will direct the show, while Vinod Vijayan and Seven Arts Mohan are the producers.

After Kozhikode, the show will travel to the UAE for a performance in Sharjah on December 19. The ticket sales were inaugurated earlier in the day in Thrissur by actor Mammootty.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kozhikode / by Special Correspondent / Kozhikode – August 21st, 2014

Kochi defence scientist bags top honour

Records, All, Science & Technology

S. Anantha Narayanan, the Director of the city-based Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), the only institution under the Defence Research and Development Organisation in Kerala, has been selected for DRDO’s coveted ‘Technology Leadership Award’ for the year 2013.

The award, carrying Rs 2 lakh and a citation, will be presented by the Prime Minister at a function in Delhi on August 20.

Under Mr. Narayanan’s stewardship, NPOL harnessed critical technologies to develop underwater communication and surveillance systems for the Navy.  All frontline ships of the Navy are fitted with NPOL-developed sonars.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by  Special Correspondent / Kochi – August 19th, 2014

St. Thomas school runner-up in fete in Thiruvananthapuram

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Education
Sandeepani Vidya Niketan School, Thrissur, with 38 points emerged the overall champions in the ICSE section, leaving St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram, with 23 points at the second place. Photo: Special Arrangement / / The Hindu
Sandeepani Vidya Niketan School, Thrissur, with 38 points emerged the overall champions in the ICSE section, leaving St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram, with 23 points at the second place. Photo: Special Arrangement / / The Hindu

The two-day State cultural fest of the ICSE and ISC schools came to a close at Mar Thoma Residential School in Thiruvalla on Wednesday.

Sandeepani Vidya Niketan School, Thrissur, with 38 points emerged the overall champions in the ICSE section, leaving St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram, with 23 points at the second place.

In the ISC section, Hari Sree Vidya Nidhi School, Thrissur, with 46 points bagged the overall championship.

St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram, with 34 points was the runner-up.

Zacharias Mar Theophilus Saffragan, Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church, delivered the valedictory message. Blessy, film-maker, delivered the keynote address. The Metropolitan and Mr. Blessy presented trophies to the winners. Fr. Silvie Antony, Kerala region president of the Association of Schools for Indian School Certificate; Fr. George Mathew Karoor, association general secretary; Prof. Bijoy Varghese, MTRS principal; and Anitha Susan John, vice-principal, spoke. The prize winners from the district in various competitions on Wednesday are:

ISC section

Light music – Male (Malayalam): Sanjai Santhjosh Cherian of St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram.

Light music – Male (Malayalam): Anjali Vijay, St. Thomas Residential School.

ICSE section

Group song (Western): St. Thomas Residential School, Thiruvananthapuram.

Mock interview: Akhiya S., Holy Angels School, Thiruvananthapuram.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Special Correspondent / August 21st, 2014

A ray of hope to differently abled

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features
Volunteers of Helping Hands Organisation (H2O) along with the children whom the organisation is supporting. / The Hindu
Volunteers of Helping Hands Organisation (H2O) along with the children whom the organisation is supporting. / The Hindu

Charity sets up physiotherapy unit for the poor

A physiotherapy unit that would support differently abled children and the elderly belonging to financially backward families was launched by Helping Hands Organisation (H2O) at Karyavattom here on Monday.

The unit will be set up at the H2O Rehabilitation and Facilitation Centre launched in 2013, primarily to screen children below the age of 10 for autism and to provide check-up and treatment facilities for them.

The unit will initially cater to 64 elderly persons and 54 children who have already registered with the organisation, besides physically challenged persons in and around Karyavattom.

Earlier this year, H2O had organised an event for them at the Museum grounds. The event, ‘Pratheeksha – Ray of Hope,’ saw the distribution of stationary and other study material to over 100 children.

The new unit will strive to rehabilitate the children. Toys, play area and other material have been provided at the unit to coax the best out of the autistic children.

This is in addition to medical care being provided by the centre.

The inauguration of the physiotherapy unit coincides with the launch of Safe Physio, a software developed by Technopark-based company Safesource Systems and Data Services (SDS). Described as a management tool for physiotherapists, this single digital platform will cover details about the patient, clinical treatment and financial management.

SDS is handing over the software free of cost to H2O, who will be able to keep track of the increasing number of patients affiliated to them more efficiently.

Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar inaugurated the unit.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Kaavya Pradeep Kumar / Thiruvananthapuram – August 12th, 2014

Saji Thomas named for Arjuna Award

Records, All, Sports
A file Photo of ace rower Saji Thomas in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu
A file Photo of ace rower Saji Thomas in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu

For someone who made the Hussainsagar Lake his ‘second home’ for the last 17 years to pursue his passion for rowing, 35-year-old Saji Thomas had reason to sport a big smile on Tuesday as he was named one of the would-be recipients of the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding contribution to the sport.

“It has been a real struggle over the years. And, I could not have achieved whatever little I did, but for the support of my parents, coaches and the Rowing Federation of India’s officials – the most important of all being CPS Deo Singh Sir,” recalled Saji.

“I had a natural inclination towards water sports coming from Kerala, which even now is full of canals and boats. Once I joined Alleppey Centre for Water Sports under my first coach G. S. Nair, the passion for rowing only doubled,” said the Subedar-Major in EME Centre about his formative years.

“Frankly, it was not a surprise at all. I have been hoping to get this award for the last three years. But, I stopped thinking about it since last year. However my Sir was in touch the officials to see that some justice was done to my achievements,” said the delighted Saji Thomas, winner of two silvers in the last Asian Games.

This indefatigable rower has won 13 international medals in all including the Asian championship in a career spanning from 2001 to 2011. “I am at the fag end of my career now and hence this Award could not have come at a more appropriate time,” Saji said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – August 17th, 2014