Monthly Archives: August 2014

Afsal bounces back in 800m

Records, All, Sports

Kochi :

Young Palakkad athletes Mohammed Afsal and mourning Varsha MV hogged limelight on the concluding day of the MK Joseph Memorial 12th Kerala State Inter-club Athletics Championship here. The Sunday evening crowd were treated to some interesting and intriguing races.

In boys (under-18) 200m event, Joseph Joe M of Mercy Kuttan Athletics Academy, emerged winner in a hotly contested race in a record new time of 22.11 seconds. Joseph was challenged by Jyothi Prasad of Centralised Sports Hostel, Kasaragod who also bettered the meet record (22.49s). Ernakulam Sports Academy’s Vishnu KP (22.76s) took the bronze. The four-year-old record (22.53s) stood in the name of Binish K Shaji.

Parli HSS runner Afsal, who was dominating the middle distance for the past couple of seasons, bounced back after tasting defeat in 3000m on Saturday to Rahul PR of Mundur, with a flawless effort in boys (u-20) 800m race on Sunday. Afsal surged ahead of the bunch from the start and never looked back and he touched the tape first winning the two-lap event with a meet record (1.53.96).

His school mate Varsha, who established a meet record in 10000m in gilrs (u-20) on the opening day returned to starting point to run 5000m after attending the final rites of her grandfather who passed away on Friday.

But she saw threat from Vidhya KK of Mundur who closely followed her all through the 12 and half lap but the experienced Varsha breasted the tape first to complete rare a golden double in record time. Varsha clocked 17 minutes 32.47 seconds obliterating Thara MD’s record of 17:55.8 set last year.

“All my relatives including my parents wanted me to return to track as soon as possible after the final rites of my grandfather was over on Friday itself. I took rest on Saturday and decided to run today. I also thoght that if i win a gold it would bring happiness to my relatives and I’m glad that I won in record record ,” Varsha, who like Afsal is trained by PG Manoj, said.

Jisna Mathew, a trainee of PT Usha, showed her immense talent when she ran a blistering race to clinch the girls (under-16) 200m in record time. It looked Jisna was racing against herself as she finished the race with a yawning lead. Mercy Kuttan trainee Linet George took silver (27.04s) and Fathima PP of Navamukunda Sports Academy was third (27.13s).

The final day also saw seven more meet records mostly in throw events. Athira Muralidharan (U-20, hammer throw, 43.60m, MA College), Rajna J (u-18, javelin throw, 40.80m CFD, Mathur), Anju Kuriakose (u-18, hammer throw, 40.12m, SGHSS, Kothamangalam), Aleena Vincent (u-18, hepthalon, 4227 pts, CSH, Kollam), Anju Murukan (girls U-16, 3000m 10:42.07, Parli HSS), Aswathy Binu (girls u-14, SAI, Tvm 600m, 1:40.01) and Nibin M Binu (men 800m, 1:55..58 SNC, Punalur) who entered the record books.

Overall 1.SAI, Tvm (480 pints), 2 Parli HSS, Pkd (262.5), 3. Assumption College, Changanacherry (243), 4. SGHSS, Kothamangalam (237), 5 Alphonsa College, Pala (150.5), 6. MA College, Kothamangalam (138), 7 Mar Basil HSS, Kothamangalam (119.5), 8. Kalladi HSS, Pkd (114), 9. Mundur HSS (104.5), 10. Malabar Sports Academy, Pulloorampara, Kkd (104.5), 11, Sai Kollam (75), 12 SNVHSS Vannappuram, Idk (67), Usha School Of Athletics Kinalur (65), 14 SB, Changanacherry (62), 15 St. Thomas Pala (60), 16 Mathirappilly School Athletics Trust (67), 17 SAI Kkd (58), 18 Navamukunda SA, Thirunavaya (53), Vimala Tsr, (49), 20. Mercy Kuttan Athletics Academy, Ekm ((48).

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / August 12th, 2014

The Hermit in His Garden of Exotica

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature
Manu R Mavelil
Manu R Mavelil

P. Gopalakrishna Swamy has not heard of the Stockholm Convention on the Environment or about ‘Our Common Future’—a report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. The 78-year-old ascetic may not be well-read or travelled, but his work speaks volumes. He has converted a rocky hill top, 850 feet above sea level, at Thirichittapara, in Kerala, into a garden of rare species of trees.

“I purchased an acre from a Dalit family,” he says. “In return, I had to buy a piece of land and house for them at a nearby place.” To ensure that he has a regular supply of water, Gopalakrishna dug a twenty-feet deep pit on one side of the rock for rain harvesting. Thanks to Kerala’s healthy monsoon, the pit has enough water for watering the trees and other requirements.

As the rocky hill top was not suitable to grow plants he pressed down a layer of earth on the rock surface to allow the tree saplings to take root, and hold firm against the winds.

The rare trees and plants include koovalam (bael tree), sandalwood, red sandalwood, kunthirikkam (white dammer), pachotti (bodhi tree), neelakadampu, arassu, kallarassu, kattikodi (the plant which dilutes water), kallal, arayal (sacred fig), ithi (Indian laurel), neer maruthu (arjuna tree), and even alien plants such as the  African cherry and rudrakasha.

Gopalakrishna lives alone on the hill top.

Some 16 years ago, he had set up a Lord Hanuman temple here. “I wanted to experience the bliss of solitude and meditate under the shade of rocks,” says Gopalakrishna, who retired as an employee of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation 23 years ago. “I rarely leave the hill to meet my friends and relatives.”

But the life of an ascetic is not easy, and he has a hard time meeting his expenses. “I have also not collected any money from anybody,” he says. “So far, I have used my retirement benefits.” To save more, he does manual labour along with the workers.

And he ensures that no pesticides are used in the garden. “I am planting saplings which are found in forests, so it does not need any extra nutrients or pesticides,” he explains.

Gopalakrishna is keen to pass on his knowledge about rare trees. Pointing towards a tree called ‘Punk’, he says sitting under it helps one live longer. He is ready to cut its branches, to hand them out to visitors.

“Even if my plants get destroyed, they will grow somewhere else,” he says, pointing at a dried-out Rudraksha tree. “So I don’t mind giving branches to the friendly visitors.”

But the local people are not so friendly towards him. One reason for their resentment is that Gopalakrishna has been unwilling to part with the control of the temple. The second reason is tragic. A few years ago, a child fell into the water pit and drowned.

“I had to face the anger of the people, although it was not my fault,” says Gopalakrishna. “My aim is to serve Mother Nature without making complaints or demands.”

Despite the difficulties, Gopalakrishna says the panaromic view from the hill top offers him solace. “Standing on the top of the rock, I can see the sunset with the left eye and the sunrise with the right one.”

Eden on a hill

The rare trees and plants include koovalam (bael tree), sandalwood, red sandalwood, kunthirikkam (white dammer), pachotti (bodhi tree), neelakadampu, arassu, kallarassu, kattikodi (the plant which dilutes water), kallal, arayal (sacred fig), ithi (Indian laurel), neer maruthu (arjuna tree) and even alien plants such as the African cherry and rudrakasha.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Magazine / by N. V. Ravindranathan Nair / August 10th, 2014

Veterinary university sells cow urine, key to cancer cure

Uncategorized
Indigenous cow farm at KVASU, Pookkode, Wayanad (file picture)
Indigenous cow farm at KVASU, Pookkode, Wayanad (file picture)

Kozhikode: 

The next time you smell cow’s urine, realise that it has medicinal properties. The Arya Vaidya Sala, the prominent ayurveda treatment and research centre at Kottakkal, Malappuram, has been successfully using it in its medicines to treat cancer. And the urine is provided by the desi (indigenous) cow population of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s cattle farm at Pookkode, Wayanad.

The first urine of the day collected straightaway from the cows without touching the floor is the major ingredient in countless traditional medicines for various ailments produced at AVS.

AVS chief physician Dr K. Muraleedharan told Deccan Chronicle that many medicines with cow urine as ingredient had been used to correct various health conditions of cancer patients.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / Jose Kurien / August 08th, 2014

Luring Nature Lovers to an Elevating and Exhilarating Experience at Athirappilly

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Travel

Thrissur :

Have you ever visited the hills twined with waterfalls during the monsoon? If you haven’t, this is just the right time to plan a trip to various scenic retreats at Athirappilly, Vazhachal and Malakkappara region, bordering Tamil Nadu in central Kerala, as the sight of the picturesque hills coupled with the cascading falls is soul-nourishing fare and can send you in raptures of glee.

The revival of the south-west monsoon has provided thousands of tourists a tryst with nature at Athirappilly, Vazhachal and Malakkapara as the hills and falls in the region offer some of the most beautiful and astonishing sights during rains.

While water courses through the ravines at the peak of the monsoon, the falls and hills come alive as the rains enrich the lives of the mountain folk along with the endless variety of flora and fauna it supports in the region.

Athirappilly, Vazhachal, Charpa and Thumburmuzhi falls are in their full splendour after KSEB authorities opened the shutters of the Peringalkuthu reservoir following heavy rains. The gigantic surge of water along the breadth of the Chalakudy River just before it takes a dramatic plunge of 82 ft from a cliff is a sight not-to-miss at Athirappilly.

The grandeur of the waterfalls provides breathtaking views to the tourists with the waves of spray appearing like white smoke seeping from the rocks.

The amount of water flowing is now around 14,000 litres per second during daytime and 36,000 litres per second after 9 pm with Peringalkuth reservoir releasing an average of 1.2 mcm of water per day from the reservoir. At the same time, the slippery boulders in the area are also equally infamous for the number of lives they have claimed in the last few years.

B D Devassy MLA said the government has arranged measures at the renowned spot to woo more tourists to the region. Around three dozen toilets are constructed in the tourist area. Besides arranging sanitation and drinking water facilities, the authorities have also been neatly maintaining the area with the association of Athirappilly Puzha-Vana Samrakshna Samithi members and local tribal people effectively carrying out a plastic-free project in the reserve forest area, he said.  Sarah Dizon, a foreigner who visited the spot, told ‘Express’ that the forest region’s endless panorama of amazing wonders is nothing short of romance with pristine nature itself, since the natural beauty is at its best in the area during the monsoons.

The breathtaking views of mountains shrouded in clouds and the beauty of the unpredictable weather either pouring down heavily on the hills or the clear blue skies have its own magical charm and beauty, she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / home> States> Kerala / by Dhinesh Kallungal / August 09th, 2014

May this honorary shawl bring more honours

Sports
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presents a shawl to Sanju V Samson during his visit to the young cricketer's house in Vizhinjam. Ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and K Babu are also seen.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presents a shawl to Sanju V Samson during his visit to the young cricketer’s house in Vizhinjam. Ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and K Babu are also seen.

No one perhaps thought that ministers of Kerala had such love for sports. Kudos to our Chief Minister, Sports Minister and another minister and the Sports Council president who recently reached the home of Sanju Samson to felicitate him for his inclusion in the Indian cricket team. They honoured him in traditional Kerala style by presenting him a flower bouquet and an honorary shawl.

It was a good move by the ministers because the gesture would encourage sportsmen and bring into focus the world of sports, especially as Kerala is getting ready to host the National Games. When the CM honoured Sanju with the shawl, he was symbolising the regard and respect that Kerala has for the young and talented cricketer.

Now, here is a request to the ministers: please do not end your love for sports here and please do not restrict that to cricket alone. Even if you take time to acknowledge other sports and sportsmen, please do it consistently. Our young and talented youth are active in many disciplines and they give us enough opportunities to acknowledge and recognise their skills that are often outstanding and above par.

For example, P R Sreejesh, Kerala’s pride in hockey, has returned with a silver medal from the Commonwealth Games. He was the only sportsperson from Kerala to win a medal at the Glasgow Games and is the vice-captain of the Indian team. He has the aggression that is rare among Indian players. He completed his schooling from G V Raja School in Thiruvananthapuram and went on to represent India even though his home state does not have even a single synthetic hockey turf. However, there is no news that he was felicitated or even given a courtesy call by any MLA or minister of the state. The young player is now in Chennai, where a government that rewards outstanding sportsmen is in power. He has already received an assurance of Rs 30 lakh for his performance.

P.R. Sreejesh. File photo
P.R. Sreejesh. File photo

That Sreejesh is held in high esteem by his team-mates is clear from what his captain Sardar Singh has to say about him. Sardar said that all in the team try to raise the standard of their game to match Sreejesh’s. His performances, including that at the London Olympics, were outstanding and one of a kind, said Sardar. He added that the whole team is motivated by Sreejesh’s directions, performance and the occasional scolding that he reserves for them. One must remember that these words are from a Sikh player, who represents a community that considers hockey as their monopoly. When Sardar acknowledges the vast difference in performance levels of Sreejesh and the rest of the team, it is a compliment in itself, a recognition that needs no further explanation.

Sardar perhaps echoed similar words spoken years earlier by a former Indian hockey coach about Muhammad Shahid. The coach said, ‘Give me two or three Shahids and I will show you how the Indian team can be world-beaters.’ Perhaps, it is time for one or more Sreejeshs to conquest the world for India.

And what has Sreejesh have to say? He wants a job in Kerala, settle down here and associate himself with the sport in the state. He already has a good job in Chennai, but is ready to quit provided he is guaranteed of a good job in Kerala. Perhaps his words ring with modest hopes and aspirations and a genuine love for his home state. The Kerala government had assured him a job, two years before, but nothing has happened yet. Would the CM and his retinue visit Sreejesh’s house to honour him? Will they at least arrange a job for him even if they do not drape him in an honorary shawl? If they do, they would be fulfilling the aspirations of sports lovers in India. After all, he is our boy, is he not?

The story of neglect is perhaps not unique to Sreejesh. We have, in our state, a woman basketball player who is an Asian top-scorer. She is from Changanassery and her name is Geethu Anna Jose. She is the best Indian woman basketball player that the nation has seen yet. Working for the Railways and posted at Chennai, Geethu has been trying to relocate to Thiruvananthapuram for some time now, obviously without any success. Is the Railways so alien and out of reach for our politicians that they cannot fulfil this simple need of Geethu?

There is another player in Kozhikode who has been representing India in international volleyball matches for the past 15 years or more. The mere mention of Tom Joseph is enough to thrill volleyball lovers. However, how many people in Kerala know about this player’s attacking prowess?

If we care to take the numbers, we can meet a lot like those mentioned above who have brought laurels to the country, but have unfortunately remained outside the glare of public attention. Ideally, the recognition that they get should encourage younger people to follow their footsteps. The determination and alacrity that Kerala should show in acknowledging the merit of such players would go a long way to ensure that baby steps taken by those who follow them do not wander, to a less exclusive place where their potential skills are lost forever.

Tailpiece: How many of those who passionately abused ace tennis player Maria Sharapova on facebook for her ignorance about Sachin Tendulkar know the above mentioned Indian players from our state?

source: http://www.beta.english.manoramaonline.com / Manorama Online / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by K N R Nampoothiri / Friday – August 08th, 2014

A memorable day for K.E. Mammen

Education, Leaders
Students of Holy Angels’ Convent greeting K. E. Mammen on his 94th birthday in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Photo: Special arrangement / The Hindu
Students of Holy Angels’ Convent greeting K. E. Mammen on his 94th birthday in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Photo: Special arrangement / The Hindu

Despite being under treatment at a private hospital here for the past six months, freedom fighter and Gandhian K.E. Mammen’s 94th birthday celebration was a colourful affair attended by students of Holy Angels’ Convent on Thursday.

Despite being under treatment at a private hospital here for the past six months, freedom fighter and Gandhian K.E. Mammen’s 94th birthday celebration was a colourful affair attended by students of Holy Angels’ Convent on Thursday.

The Chief Minister’s wife, Mariamma Oommen; former Minister M. Vijayakumar; and NIMS Medicity managing director M.S. Faizal Khan were present at the function organised by the Centre for Gandhian Studies under the University of Kerala. The students sang patriotic songs and presented him with a Gandhi cap.

They presented him a traditional drape.

He cut a birthday cake. Centre for Gandhian Studies Coordinator J.M. Rahim and social activists R. Narayanan Thampi, and R. Raghu were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram – August 01st, 2014

Award Presented to M K Sanu

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Kannur :

The Abu Dhabi Sakti-Thayat-T K Ramakrishnan awards were presented at a function here on Sunday. T K Ramakrishnan Award for social, cultural and literary contributions was presented to Prof M K Sanu by Chalakudy MP Innocent. He also presented the Thayat Award for literary criticism to Pallippuram Murali.

Abu Dhabi Sakti awards were presented to Sheeja Vakkam, C P Biju, Gopinath Kozhikode, E P Hamsakkutty, Sunil P Ilayidam, K Rajagopal and M S Kumar.

MP  Innocent inaugurated the award ceremony and the cultural meeting organised in connection with it. P Karunakaran MP, chairman of the award committee, presided over the function. P K Sreemathi MP delivered the keynote address.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States>  Kerala / by Express News Service / August  04th, 2014

Sanju Samson delighted to join Indian cricket team

Sports

Thiruvananthapuram:

Sanju Samson, who Tuesday became the fourth cricketer from Kerala to be named in the national squad, said he was “extremely happy and thankful” to all those who stood by him.

Samson has been named as a wicket-keeper batsman in the 17-member Indian squad that will play five ODIs and a T20 match against England, when the present five-Test series is over. “I am extremely happy and am thankful to all who stood by me,” the young cricketer told the media after hearing about his selection.

The other players from Kerala who have represented the country in the past are Tinu Yohanan, Abey Kuruvilla and now disgraced S. Sreesanth. Of the three, Kuruvilla played for Mumbai, while all the others once represented the Kerala state cricket team.

Samson hails from a coastal hamlet near the international airport. His father Samson Viswanath, who worked as a constable in Delhi Police, took voluntary retirement and returned to the state capital city a few years back to promote the cricketing interests of his two sons, of whom Sanju is the younger.

The news was met with delight by many people. T.C. Mathew, president of the Kerala Cricket Association, said he was longing to hear this news for a while.

“I am really delighted that he has made it to the senior team. Even though he is just 19 years and short, he carries himself in a very mature manner. He is a highly disciplined person and above all, his humility is his biggest virtue,” Mathew said.

Samson made his debut in the Kerala senior team in 2011. For the past two seasons, he has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rubbing shoulders with cricketers like Shane Warne and Shane Watson.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / IBNLive / Home> IBN Live> Cricket / IANS / Thiruvananthapuram – August 05th, 2014

Kerala 100 years ago, reloaded and gone viral

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence
Kozhikode Railway Station in 1908 and (right) goods being transported using country boats. Photos by Clain & Paul studio, Madras.
Kozhikode Railway Station in 1908 and (right) goods being transported using country boats. Photos by Clain & Paul studio, Madras.

Kochi:

Ever wonder how Keralites lived 100 years ago? Photographs of the lifestyle, attire, schools and  hospitals in Kerala taken by a studio in Chennai and shared by Southern California University, USA, describing Kerala’s day-to-day life 100 years ago have  surfaced on internet. Seventy-eight  photos providing  glimpses into  Kerala culture are  going viral on the social media with several persons sharing them, including Thiruvananthapuram MP Sashi Tharoor.

The pictures were shot by unidentified  photographers who worked for Clain & Paul studio, Madras. Most of the pictures belong to the Basel Mission.  There are photographs of Brahmin, Muslim, Nair and Christian families. The oldest photo is of the Mananchira Trade House and the manmade lake taken in 1850.

The photos of Lighthouse, Calicut, Chirakkal mosque, Kannur, Tali temple, Kozhikode, Indian Mission Station, Vaaniyamkulam, dated 1888, Thalassery Mission School 1911, a Christian Church in 1913, the Mananchira manmade lake  and the trade house  throw light into the ancient history as well as the culture of Kerala. Most of them were shot in the Malabar region, especially Kozhikode and Malappuram. Some pictures focused on the education sector showing Sunday school, women learning English and Christianity.

After Tharoor shared these  pictures, Chandrashekar Sivarama, a Facebook user posted, “It’s sad you have to get this info from a foreign university. Let’s start a movement to get these pictures from these foreign universities. We expect Mr. Tharoor to lead this cause.”

The album also shows the pictures of working class society. Men are seen engaged in hard labour while women are seen in household works and in tile factories. Many more interesting photos  are available in the digital library of Southern California University.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / Rohit Raj / July 27th, 2014

A lone woman’s crusade against the sand mafia

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives & Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Nature
Jazeera along with her children protesting in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Kaavya Pradeep Kumar / The Hindu
Jazeera along with her children protesting in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Kaavya Pradeep Kumar / The Hindu

Jazeera is on a silent campaign, in defence of the Neerozhukkumchal beach in Kannur

The so-called sand mafia of a little taluk in Kannur rues the day Jazeera returned home. Dismissed as an insignificant voice of protest against the rampant exploitation of a stretch of shoreline near Pazhayangadi town, this woman has soon come to be known as a force to be reckoned with. All the way from the northern district of Kannur, she has brought her silent campaign to the State capital, as she sits in front of the Secretariat with her three children — protesting without loud sloganeering or politically coloured flags or leaflets.

Entering the fifth day, Jazeera’s protest has thus far been eclipsed by a far more populous Left protest.

Now that they have left, the presence of this family has become more conspicuous, leading the Chief Minister to meet them briefly on Monday afternoon on the issue of sand-mining in her hometown. For Jazeera, the cause is intensely personal, as the Neerozhukkumchal beach is the canvas all her childhood memories are painted upon.

She is an autorickshaw driver, a profession she has struggled to be part of, in a conservative society. She does not let herself to be affected by such taboos and continued working until after her marriage in 2004, when she moved to Kottayam with her husband.

She has found the new district far more accepting. It was only one and a half years ago, when she returned home during the final month of her third pregnancy, did she see to her shock the daylight robbery of a natural landscape.

Countless visits to the Kannur collectorate and police stations have proved futile.

And for the past one and a half years, her silent protest has involved a sit-in, along with her daughters Rizwana, Shifana and her son Mohammed. The two girls, aged 12 and 10, know everything about the case and have flanked their mother every step. Her husband, Abdul Salaam, is a teacher at a madrasa in Kochi.

While he has not been a visible part of Jazeera’s protest, his support, despite pressure various quarters, has been a huge boon for her.

She is clear about her objective despite the obstacles strewn before her in terms of muscle and money power. Even the police, she says, have pleaded with her to give up. “Their greed is despicable. In broad daylight they commit this heinous crime of emptying our lands, oblivious to the fact that there are so many creatures that depend on it. The sudden depth of water is dangerous as well,” she says.

She is glad to have met the Chief Minister personally and she said he assured her that he would ensure that the vehicles carting away the sand would be immediately dealt with.

She will leave once she obtains something in print promising a complete halt of the activities.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Kerala / by Kaavya Pradeep Kumar / Thiruvananthapuram – August 08th, 2013