The number of engineering colleges in the State has grown so much and so fast that it has even become the stuff of jokes such as, ‘If you throw a stone in the streets of Kerala, you’re bound to hit an engineer.’ Now, it seems the statement can be applied to the field of entrepreneurship with more and more youngsters rejecting the prospect of a desk job in a large corporation and choosing to follow their own creative and innovative spirit.
A recent entrant into this fold here strikes as a little different from most others that are being incubated in institutions such as the Technopark-TBI in the capital and Start-up Village at Kochi. For one, it has two women at the helm.
For Aardra Chandra Mouli and Gayathri Thankachi, the inauguration of Aeka Biochemicals Pvt. Ltd. here on Friday is the first step towards the dream they have nurtured since college. Both of them graduated from the Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering in 2011.
Another feature that sets this start-up apart is their specialisation in biotechnology and biochemicals – a vast area that is yet to receive a level of interest by new start-ups in the State that matches its immense potential. In Kerala, biotechnology is still viewed as ‘the next big thing,’ when the truth is it has already arrived, said Aardra. She pointed out how in Hyderabad and Bangalore, the concept of ‘bioparks’ has long been established but Kerala is still a step behind.
Aeka seeks to apply its expertise on a wider basis, covering food and agriculture, health care, waste management and environment conservation. “Research for biochemical products is a capital intensive affair which is why we are prioritising small-scale production of high-value, low-volume products to begin with,” said Aardra. Their first product may be brought out as soon as next month and Aeka has the support of the Cashew Export Promotion Council at Kollam in this venture.
Afterwards, Aardra says they hope to work on biopesticides and products that will provide some solution to the waste management issue in the capital. “We were born and brought up here and we know what the city can be at its best. But pollution, accumulation of plastic waste are major civic issues here that need to be addressed,” she said. Their classmate from college Nidhin Sreekumar is another member of the start-up.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Kaaya Pradeep Kumar / Thiruvananthapuram – October 05th, 2014
The eToilet has an automatic flush, which works before and after use, sensor controlled water usage and eliminates the need for manual cleaners in schools. / The Hindu
Eram Scientific, manufacturers of the country’s first eToilet, on Tuesday unveiled the world’s cheapest unmanned, self-cleaning eToilet with inbuilt solar panel and metallic platform for schools.
“This is our contribution to the nation and comes as a response to the “Clean India Campaign” announced by the Central Government. It perfectly matches with the “Make in India” campaign as well,” said Siddeek Ahmed, chairman of Thiruvananthapuram-based Eram Group.
Built of stainless steel base, mild steel super structure and occupying 25 sq.ft space, the eToilet comes with a price tag of Rs.99,999 ex-factory, which is inclusive of insurance charges and one-year warranty.
It has got an inbuilt solar panel, which eliminates the need for electricity connection while the metal platform avoids civil construction too.
It has an automatic flush, which works before and after use, automatic floor wash, sensor controlled water usage and eliminates the need for manual cleaners in schools.
“The present problems in sanitations at schools are known to be not because of the dearth of toilets. The lack of maintenance and requirement for manual cleaning has made them dysfunctional. We are out to address that gap and that is why we are now launching this comprehensive solution for schools,” said K. Anvar Sadath, CEO.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / IANS / Thiruvananthapuram – September 30th, 2014
The young generation erupted in joy across the schools in the state as India made its tryst with Mars on Wednesday with the successful launch of Mangalyaan.Many schools across Kochi used the day to engage students in various activities based on the proud mission. “We want the memory of this historic achievement to be etched in their minds forever. So we are giving them various projects, such as devising the model of the orbiter craft, imagining pictorially its possible task on Mars,” said Jaideep Shenoi, a teacher who heads the Science Club of the TD High School, Mattancherry.
The club also collected available videos of various stages of the mission and played it for the high school students and also held a quiz programme. Earlier in the day, the students stood in assembly in the shape of the letters, M, A, R and S.Most of the schools wore a festive look, with giant screens displaying the event. “We distributed sweets and replayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech. The students were very inspired,” said Dr Indira Rajan, chairperson, MET Public School, Perumbavoor.
The students of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kannamaly, wore red, representing the ‘Red Planet’. School head boy Gokul S Menon spoke on the mission at assembly.Schools, such as the Saraswathi Vidyaniketan and the cluster of Bhavan’s Vidya Mandirs, announced the ‘breaking news’ during their assemblies. The recorded video clips of the Mars Mission will be played to the various classes in the next two days. A victory march was conducted by the students of ACS English Medium School, Kaloor.
A large number of students attended the various programmes, organised by the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum in Thiruvananthapuram in association with Rajya Sabha TV, Vigyan Prasar and teh Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research. The historic mission was beamed live with the aid of state-of-the-art technology at the museum. Selected students from various schools were allowed to watch live Mangalyaan’s entry into Mars’s orbit at the museum.
A seminar on human space exploration and a quiz based on space exploration were some of the other events held. Students of Aakulam School were excited as they distributed toffees and sweets. Principal Mr Muraleedharan Nair explained to the students about the expedition and the future mission of Mangalyaan, recollecting his own memories as a student, rejoicing on the occasion of man reaching the moon. “This is an unforgettable moment in our history and it should always remain in the minds of students,” Mr Nair said.
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom and St Mary’s Higher Secondary School also organised various programmes. Earlier, the students had a chance to interact with experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
Most of the schools in Kollam organised special assemblies and exhibitions. Siddhartha Central School in Pallimon organised a special assembly to convey to the students the importance prominence of the moment. The Mars mission was shown at the school, using projected displays. A special exhibition of photographs was held and people spoke.
The Oxford Senior Secondary School in Karavaloor also discussed India’s path to Mars by presenting special programmes in the assembly. The timeline of the Mars mission was also presented by students.
In Bright land Discovery English Medium School in Alappuzha, the assembly was devoted to the Mars mission while Maria Montessori Central School, Ambalapuzha, has decided to conduct a grand function on Thursday. “We have decided to put up a flex board, showing Mangalyaan’s entry and take a special class on the Mars mission. We cut short the celebration on Wednesday with a brief procession at school as exams are going on,” said the school staff.
The Letter Land School, Alappuzha, too has decided to hold a celebration on Friday, according to Asha Philip, school director. Schools in Thrissur and Palakkad too did not miss the mega event and organised science quiz and created a collage of the mission. Students of Devamatha Public School, Thrissur launched a picture of ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan and the Mars Mission into the air to celebrate the occasion.
Some of the schools in Kottayam district telecast the Mars mission on Wednesday itself while some others have recorded it and have decided to show it to the students in the coming days..The Cleemis School, Chingavanam, the SFS School, Ettumanur, and the AKM Public School, Changanacherry were not able not able to show the telecast live since their semester exams were on but plan to show it in the coming days.
Students of Lourdes Public School and the Junior College, Kottayam, wrote on their facebook accounts, “May this historic achievement rekindle in us the inspiration to go forward with a scientific aptitude….PROUD TO BE an Indian.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Team DC / September 25th, 2014
The five winners of the Toonz- Disney ‘Kahaani Masters’ contest in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Photo: Special arrangement / The Hindu
The organisers said the idea was to make the children believe in themselves and instil confidence in them.
Five young minds, all aged below 12 years and whose creativity took them past 14,000-plus others from across the country in ‘Kahaani Masters,’ a story-writing contest held by the Technopark-based Toonz Animation India and Disney India, are putting their brains together to make their stories come alive on screen.
Suhani Shrikande, 10, from Nagpur; Animesh Nigham, 7, from Bhopal; Atri Garg, 11, from New Delhi; Mayul Verma, 11, from Agra; and Aryan Sharma, 9, also from New Delhi, had won the contest, meant for children aged between six and 14 years, and are in Thiruvananthapuram from Thursday for a three-day workshop at the Toonz Studio. Here, under the mentorship of well-known animation film designer Prosenjit Ganguly, the five young story-tellers will design and colour the characters from their stories, enrich the story background, and enhance the story.
The organisers said the idea was to make the children believe in themselves and instil confidence in them. Each of them would be supported by an animator from Toonz. Once the three-day workshop was over, a three-month process by a Toonz creative team would begin to create five animated short films, strictly keeping in mind the designs and stories of the children. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow would be in the form of these short films being telecast on Disney channel during January 2015.
As for the stories, Aryan’s nine-year-old talent delves into friendship, sacrifice, and celebrating with the family, while 11-year-old Mayul brings to the storyboard a magical toy that makes a big difference in the world. Suhani conveys a message, in a funny manner, that arrogance leads to one’s fall. Animesh lets his imagination run riot while bringing stationary articles to life and letting them take matters into their hands, while Atri narrates the hilarious story of a boy and his mischievous pet.
Toonz CEO P. Jayakumar, in a statement here, said Toonz was ‘spellbound’ at the magnitude of creativity that came to light through the entries for the contest, which was organised in connection with the 15th anniversary of Toonz.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Dennis Marcus Mathew / Thiruvananthapuram – September 20th, 2014
Appachan was a school dropout but had a great ability to innovate things that could be used in day to day life. He saw the struggles faced by tree climbers, especially when it came to climbing the tall coconut or areca nut trees. He decided to solve this problem by inventing a simple and innovative tree climber that makes the task of climbing a cake walk.
Here is Appacchan’s story and how he invented this
Kerala, which literally means land of the coconut palm, is synonymous with breathtaking back waters and coconut trees . Traditionally professional climbers (thandan) have been engaged by coconut planters for plucking the fruits from the top of the coconut trees. But with time, the art of tree climbing has lost its lustre and it is now quite difficult to find such professional climbers. Late Mr. M. J. Joseph foresaw this problem and developed an innovative tree climber that makes life easier for the person.
M. J. Joseph, alias Appachan
M. J. Joseph, also known as Appachan, was a school dropout but he had an innate ability to be conscious of his surroundings and learn from the environment. He made some other innovative products like the instrument that could squeeze coconut milk and juice from fruits. But his most popular innovation is the tree climber.
Mr. Joseph developed this device under the guidance of his father. This tree climber helps in climbing tall trees like coconut or areca nut trees.
The Device
The palm climber consists of two metal loops that are meant for holding the legs. They have a handle at the top for hand grip and a pedal base at the bottom. The loops are put around the tree trunk on the opposite sides. The loop on either side is lifted up by the simultaneous movement of the hand and feet. By such alternate motion, one can easily climb a coconut tree in minutes.
This simple and easy-to-use device to climb up or down coconut palm, arecanut or other similar trees is handy for people untrained to climb up such tall trees, enabling to do accomplish the task swiftly and with ease. It can be very useful for even trained people. They can reduce drudgery, and climb faster using less energy. It can be used for gathering nuts or spraying pesticides. It can also be used to climb electric poles with some modifications.
Tree climber designed by Appachan.
Industry Collaboration
Appachan and his tree climber bagged a prize in the farm implements category in the Second National Grassroots Technological Innovation and Traditional Knowledge Competition, organized by National Innovation Foundation (NIF-India) in the year 2001-2002. Villagers then started calling him ‘the local Spiderman’.
The utility of this device attracted Kevin Davies, a distributor of new products in USA, to place an initial order of 25 units. “The device worked perfectly. I climbed a 40-feet coconut tree very quickly and safely. I am impressed”, he wrote with satisfaction. He in fact, offered to be its distributor for North and South America.
Coupled with some basic safety devices like a harness, this device makes climbing up a straight-trunk tree or a pole quick, easy and safe. The device, with no sophisticated technology, has not only been well accepted in US, but also achieved a whopping success back home. Appachan had a workshop, St Mary’s Engineering Works, where he used to manufacture tree climbers. While he was alive, NIF-India facilitated sale of his climber to customers in USA, Maldives, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Mexico etc., and is still trying to help his family expand the business.
Inspiration to Innovators
Appachan’s contribution is not only in inventing this particular tree climber but also in inspiring a whole lot of people to improvise, innovate and come up with their own versions of the same. Prominent among them are innovators Mushtaq Ahmad Dar of Jammu and Kashmir, who has developed a smaller pole-cum-tree-climber and DN Venkat of Tamil Nadu, who has developed a seating type tree climber.
For Technology Licensing, Technology Transfers or Collaborations, please write to- bd@nifindia.org
About the Author: Rahul Anand is interested in social innovation, enterprise and social impact. He is co-founder of Bloodaid /
source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Innovation / by Rahul Anand / September 19th, 2014
A view of the main block of CDS / Photo: Jayesh S. Pillai / The Hindu
The book Masterpiece of a Master Architect: CDS unveils how Centre for Development Studies showcases the architectural concepts of Laurie Baker
The picturesque nine-acre campus of Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in the capital city is a masterpiece of Laurie Baker. It beautifully complements the architectural concepts of Laurie Baker, who devoted his life to design cost-effective and environment-friendly buildings. Paying homage to this critically-acclaimed work of Laurie Baker is the book Masterpiece of a Master Architect: CDS. Through sketches and photographs the book captures the magnificence and simplicity of this structure. Designed and edited by architect, visual designer and filmmaker Jayesh S. Pillai, the book is the first documentation of a work by Baker. In an interview with MetroPlus, Jayesh talks about working on the project.
Jayesh S. Pillai / The Hindu
Coming on board the project
Though a draft of the book was presented in 2004 to Laurie Baker, on his 87th birthday, it was not carried forward. It was then titled ‘CDS: The Vision of a New Architecture’. But he suggested that his effort was never ‘new’, but an extension of the vernacular techniques deep-rooted in the architectural practices in Kerala.
Baker passed away in 2007. In mid-2008 I came to Thiruvananthapuram after completing my masters from IIT Kanpur. I came to know that the Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD)was looking for someone to take over this particular documentation. My friends suggested my name to P.B. Sajan, joint director of the centre. Thus I started working on it in February 2009 and finished it in seven months.
The process
Though the draft was well thought about, a lot had to be crosschecked, updated and added, especially because the campus was still evolving with the addition of new buildings. We had to digitise the original drawings as most of the early ones were made on paper.
Also, we had to match them in quality with the digitally-prepared ones. I had full access to the campus for documentation work and to photograph the campus and its structures at different times of the day in which I was helped by Aravind Ramachandran and Avirat Inamdar.
There are a whole lot of others who helped with the drawings, editing the text and giving necessary inputs. It took five years for the book to get published though.
A whole lot of people had helped me in the project, including my wife, Rutu Panchal, R.D. Padmakumar, Shailaja Nair, Prahlad Gopakumar and Shyamkumar Puravankara who edited the texts and Tilak Baker, Baker’s son.
What are your favourite aspects about CDS?
The campus brings together brick structures following the contours of the terrain, stairs winding around trees, circular and organic-shaped courtyards and roof terraces, a network of creative walkways, an exceptional seven-storied library tower and numerous interesting architectural structures.
The spaces are well designed with great concern for the natural landscape that Baker seamlessly blended with the structures that came up on the campus as the institute grew. And the jali wall patterns don’t just create a delightful play of light and shadow, they also provide well-ventilated spaces within the buildings.
Jali wall patterns at CDS create a delightful play of light and shadow /Photo: Jayesh S. Pillai / The Hindu
Jali wall patterns at CDS create a delightful play of light and shadow / Photo: Jayesh S. Pillai / The Hindu
Why is it considered one of the landmark structures of Baker?
It was perhaps the perfect chance for him to display his ideas and philosophy to a larger community. The campus not just demonstrates Baker’s love for nature-friendly and cost-effective architecture, but also illustrates his artistic genius. The campus stands testament to sustainable approach in architectural practices, still inspiring architects and students around the globe.
However, why hasn’t Baker’s architecture gained wide acceptance?
He has left behind a legacy with his bold and distinctive attitude towards the style that he developed (or adapted, as he would say). Even though many architects within and outside India try to adopt his philosophy, unfortunately, many still have misconceptions about the ‘Baker Style’, especially in failing to understand that he advocated cost-effective (and energy-efficient) and not simply low-cost architectural practices. As I understand, one of the focal points in his philosophy would be that an architect should not blindly adopt these techniques and practices, but adapt them to the prevailing environmental and social conditions, and their context.
In retrospection
This is the first published work that I have designed entirely. So it was a learning process for me.
I had gone through many of Baker’s drawings, paintings and sketches during the time I spent at COSTFORD. So I was able to incorporate certain visual elements in the book as a homage to him, especially the recurring mango patterns that is noticeable in his works.
The book has been published by COSTFORD and Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies (LBC).
Wordsmith and artist
Jayesh S. Pillai, who hails from the capital city, is an assistant professor in Design Discipline at Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur. An alumnus of Sainik School and College of Engineering Trivandrum, he did his masters from IIT Kanpur. He has a doctorate in virtual reality from Arts et Métiers ParisTech, France. Jayesh, a registered architect, is a short filmmaker as well. While his films have been selected for short films festivals in Kerala and outside, the work Beyond was selected to the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner 2011.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Athira M / Thiruvananthapuram – September 17th, 2014
An Arab patient, Mohammed Ahammed, being treated at Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Kozhikode | T P Sooraj
Kozhikode :
Musabah Saeed Khalfan Al brought his younger brother Mohammad Saeed Khalfan all the way from Oman to Kozhikode to check the accuracy of a diagnosis report which they had received from a leading hospital at their native place.
After a thorough check up at the Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) here he was told that the doctors in Oman had made a mistake with the original diagnosis and his brother was not suffering from cancer.
“Praise to lord, this diagnosis report is such a huge relief for us,” said Musabah Saeed Khalfan after consulting the doctor.
“I am thankful for the facilities and expert doctors available here,” he said.
Musabah’s is not an isolated case. Doctors of many major private hospitals in North Malabar come across several such patients, especially, those from the Middle East who come here to verify the diagnosis made by the doctors back home or else for treatment due to the better facilities available here.
For the Arabs, North Kerala is turning out to be a healthcare hub as almost all the leading private hospitals here offer special treatment facilities, international desks, international waiting lounge, exclusive wards or rooms for them. When contacted Dr R Bijayaraj, convenor of the Academy of Family Physicians of India(AFPI) Kerala chapter, he said the cost of treatment and assured quality are the two significant elements that attract foreign patients to Kerala. At a time when they have to pay `25,OOO for an MRI scan in gulf countries we charge only `4,OOO, which they find to be affordable.”
Saleh Mohammed Hussein from Yemen, baby Mallak from Oman and Hassan Abdulla Yusuf Al from Bahrain are the patients who came to Kerala after learning about the medical facilities available here through word of mouth.
“Appropriate advices at all the stages of the caring process is new to me. Hence, I prefer coming to the Malabar region for treatment,” said Mohammed Ahammed from UAE. Al Shifa Hospital at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district is another big hospital which caters to a huge influx of foreign patients.
“Patient satisfaction is an important dimension of healthcare sector.
“Since our departments have Arab as well as African patients the total revenue of the hospital increases by `3.5 to 4 Crore annually,” said NP Muhammadali, manager of the Department of Overseas Operation in Al Shifa.
“Though treatment facilities for the foreigners were available at MIMS hospital during its initial years, the international desk got into full swing from 2006 onwards,” said Georgiana Vandana, deputy manager of Medical Value Travel, MIMS Hospital.
“Every day our doctors have at least 30 Arab patients for consultation,” she said adding that Medical tourism in the state has emerged as the fastest growing segment of tourism industry.
Family members or those who accompany the patient are also fascinated by the old world charm of Malabar region and make it a point to visit various tourist spots while the patient undergoes treatment.
There is an increase in the number of patients over years.
According to Georgiana Vandana, 45 percent of the hospital’s total revenue is from the international desk. Similar facilities are available at Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Lakeshore and Lourde Hospital in southern part of the state.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Aswathi Krishna / September 12th, 2014
Wheelchair-bound Baby Fatima is the inspiration behind Saira of ‘Bangalore Days’. Insert : Fathima with Parvathy (R)
Remember Saira of ‘Bangalore Days’? The character of Saira, who vanquishes the handicaps of the body using sheer willpower, is based on a real life character who caught Anjali Menon’s attention at a ward in the Kozhikode Medical College. Baby Fatima, a wheelchair-bound young girl who went to each patient, made them smile and consoled them, was the real life inspiration behind Saira.
Baby Fatima, like Saira, is also fast becoming a rage in the campuses. Fatima is visiting campuses to garner support of the students for the palliative care work in connection with the ‘Becoz I Care’ campaign jointly conducted by the Institute of Palliative Medicine and Students in Palliative Care.
Even though not a radio jockey like Saira in ‘Bangalore Days’, Fatima, too, has the gift of gab. The palliative care workers contend that once Fatima speak a few words to them, any patient will be able to forget their woes. Ask Fatima how she came to possess such boundless positive energy, and she will wax eloquent about her family and her childhood.
Parvathy (L) with Anjali Menon (R) during the making of the movie, ‘Bangalore Days’
Fatima grew up with her ‘moothumma’ Malappuram Kottappadiyil Kiliyamannil Mumtaz Usman’s family as the pampered lone sister of moothumma’s four sons. It was not as a handicapped child that the family treated her. Having been raised in such a way as to instill confidence in her, proved to be her strength, according to Fatima.
Fathima is a second year BSW student now, though she has not gone to school or college for studies. She studied from home. It was as part of the ‘Becoz I Care’ campaign that Fathima had her first glimpse of a campus, giving her immense joy.
BSW was a natural choice for her as social service is her ambition in life. Soon after completing Class 10, Fathima took the lead to meet up with palliative care workers and became part of their activities.
Apart from all these activities, the entrepreneur in Fatima has launched a designer clothes boutique in her own home. Fatima’s muthumma Jamal Ayesha accompanies her to the Medical College every morning, where patients await the girl, who has been a regular presence there for the past five years with a beaming smile and soothing words of care.
Life +ve Becoz I Care campaign is about each student reaching the brochures and registration forms of palliative care to ten households. The goal is to make the kind-hearted souls who are willing to set aside Rs 3 daily (Rs 1000 annually) as members in the ‘Tracks We Live’ project. The palliative care workers will then be able to deliver one time painkillers to one patient at Rs 3. The project aims at alleviating the pain of a patient using one person’s donation.
For registration form visit: www.instituteofpalliativemedicine.org
Phone: 82816 64752
source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / OnManorama / Home> Lifestyle> Health / by Kapil Raj / Friday – July 25th, 2014
Tony Fernandes Eye Hospital, along with actor Mammootty and Yeshua Charitable Trust, has launched a new project to eliminate curable blindness by 2020. The project titled ‘Vision 2020’ aims at helping financially-backward people get proper eye care.
More than 25 lakh people will be screened and 50,000 cataract surgeries will be performed through this project.
The ambitious project also includes a ‘School Screening Programme’ for the student community, tribal village camps and camps to promote eye donation.
As part of the project, a ‘Kazhcha’ app has been developed for the Android market.
The app helps users to enquire, refer and even register for the ‘Kazhcha 2020’ programme at the click of a button.
Those who need free cataract surgery can reach out to the project using the app. They can upload their personal details and a photo into the system via an app and thereafter, the Mammootty fans and welfare association would go through the details provided.
Once the veracity of the application is verified, the hospital will give dates for the free cataract surgery. Details can be received from the hospital offices situated at Palarivattom, Aluva and Kasargod.For more details , contact over the following number: 0484-2346445.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Kochi / by Express News Service / September 06th, 2014
Apitherapy being performed on an arthritis patient at the Bee Venom Therapy Centre in Kalpetta | K Shijith
Kalpetta :
A bee sting is definitely not something pleasant or enjoyable, but one will be surprised to see people queuing up to get stung by bees at the ‘Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) Centre’ here.
They believe that the venomous sting of honeybees is a virtual panacea for all their ailments and it can even cure chronic diseases such as psoriasis and arthritis. The stings are also said to be effective in speeding up the recovery process after a stroke.
Between 10 am and 12 noon every Tuesday, patients suffering from various ailments swarm the centre, temporarily functioning in a private auditorium, to undergo the painful technique.K M Sankarankutty, head of the Bee Research and Training Institute under the Kerala Khadi Grama Vyavasaya Board, who supervises the proceedings, will tell you how the ‘sting’ works and unfurl interesting instances and will give you ample evidence to back up his case.
Still if you are not convinced, he will hand you a copy of a pamphlet titled ‘The Miracle and Wonders of Treatment from Bee Venom’ to enlighten yourself.
The black-and-white notice also carries a disclaimer that the centre will not be responsible for any adverse effects that may be associated with the therapeutic treatment, which is also know as apitherapy.
“Certain compounds in bee venom, namely melittin and adolapin, help reduce inflammation and pain, especially in arthritis patients. Apis cerana indica is the bee species used for the treatment,” says Sankarankutty, as he takes a live bee out of a wooden box and places it on the knee of a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
“After keeping the bee on the affected area, you need to give the insect a small pinch so that it gets agitated and injects venom into the patient through the needle-like portion of the sting apparatus,” elaborates Sankarankutty, who underwent the necessary training at the Central Bee Research & Training Institute, Pune, in 1987. The treatment is not offered to pregnant women and patients with hypertension, kidney and heart ailments, and psychiatric disorders.According to him, ancient Egyptians had used the method as a homoeopathic remedy for arthritis, and reference to the treatment can also be found in ancient Chinese and Greek medical writings. “It’s a century-old practice which is simple and cost-effective. People who are convinced of the medicinal uses of bee venom will be given training in bee-keeping. Bee-boxes will be provided to them by charging `2,000 per box so that they can undergo the therapy in the comfort of their homes. So, more than the monetary benefit, our aim is to create a society sans arthritis patients.” At the centre, bee venom is given as a shot for rheumatoid arthritis, nerve pain (neuralgia), multiple sclerosis (MS), swollen tendons (tendonitis), and muscle conditions such as fibromyositis and enthesitis.
The treatment is being offered as per guidelines provided by the American Apitherapy Society.“I had been bedridden for almost nine years following a stroke in 2005.
“ I tried both ayurveda and allopathy to get back to normal life after being paralysed. But nothing worked. I was being carried to the centre by my relatives, but right after I got the first injection of bee venom, I had sensation in my arms and legs. The following week, I came here walking, to the surprise of many,” says Rajarajan, a 53-year-old farmer from Ambalavayal.
According to Dr Rajmohan P R, an ayurveda practitioner based in Meppadi, the bee venom therapy in arthritis patients could be compared with the practice of ‘Agnikarma’ (thermal cauterisation) in ayurveda. “This method has been proved to be effective when patients do not respond to conventional medical care.
The combination of all the ingredients in bee venom could help the body release natural healing compounds in its own defence. However, a comprehensive research is required to establish the healing power of bee venom in treating other diseases.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Aadarsh / September 02nd, 2014
