Category Archives: Arts,Culture & Entertainment

T’puram, Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangams Feted

Arts,Culture & Entertainment

Chennai :

Tamil Sangams at Navi Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram have been chosen for the TN Government’s ‘Thamizh Thai’ award for the years 2014 and 2015 respectively. The awards carry a shield, certificate of appreciation and `5 lakh.

The announcement was made on Monday along with other awards instituted after Tamil scholars and poets as well as the Chief Minister’s Computer Tamil award.

For the year 2014, the following scholars have been chosen for the awards: A Lalithaa Sundaram (Kapilar award), Marudhu Azhagu Raja (U.Ve.Sa award), SV Shanmugam (Kambar award), Sudha Seshaiyyan (Sollin Selvar award), J Narayanasamy (GU Pope award) and SM Mohammed Ali (Umaruppulavar award).

2015 awardees : Poet Pirasoodan (Kapilar award), Kudavayil Subramanian ( U.Ve.Sa award), G Selvam (Kambar award), S Sathiyaseelan (Sollin Selvar award), Madurai Ilangavin (M Arokiasamy – GU Pope award), M Sayabu Maraikkayar (Umaruppulavar award) and Nirmala Mohan (Elangovadigal award). Prof.N Deivasundaram has been chosen for the Computer Tamil award for the year 2013 while Virubha Valartamil Nigandu T Kumaresan has bagged it for 2014. All these awardees will be presented with a GOLD medal, certificate of appreciation, a shawl and `1 lakh.

Jaya’s Greetings

AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Monday greeted the Tamils, living across the globe on the eve of Tamil New Year celebrations. Jayalalithaa said, “Let this New Year be a very prosperous one for the people of Tamil Nadu. Let this year bring health and wealth to you all.” She added, “In this new year, let us all vow to work unitedly to thwart all roadblocks and make Tamil Nadu a prosperous State.”

Governor K Rosaiah said “On the occasion of Tamil New Year, Vaisaki, Baisakhi and Vishu, I extend my best wishes to the people.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / April 14th, 2015

Disciples celebrate sapthathi of violinist Kilimanoor Thyagarajan

Arts,Culture & Entertainment

Thiruvananthapuram :

Time and remuneration have never a subject of concern for Kilimanoor R Thyagarajan, who devoted his life to teaching violin, said health minister V S Sivakumar. He was inaugurating ‘Thyagaraja Vybhavam’, the 70th birthday celebrations of the famous violinist here on Friday.

The birthday celebration of the unsung artist was organized by the students and teachers of Sri Swathi Thirunal Music College from where he had retired 15 years ago. Thyagarajan, also an alumnus of the college, passed the Vaipattu Ganabhooshanan in 1961, followed by a graduation in violin. In 1972 he returned to the college as a lecturer and was on a dedicated mission of nurturing musical talents for the next 28 years.

Prominent violinists Attukal Balasubramaniam, Pangapara Rajendran, R K Ramadas and Kadanaad V K Haridas are prominent among his disciples.

Thyagarajan is the only one from the state to earn Akashavani’s B high grade in viola recital. Viola, slightly larger than violin in size, is used to play lower notes. Thyagarajan got attracted to the instrument after he was inspired by the sole viola artist in India, M Balamuralikrishna. He has also penned and composed more than 100 compositions which include 11 works based on Bible, two from Quran and another few on Sree Narayana Guru. ‘Thyagesha Priyam’, an audio CD consisting of a series of five classical compositions of the artist, was released at the function.

“We want to introduce collection composed by our master to the public. These are the few unseen and unheard works of our professor, which we want to publish and show our gratitude for our master. It will also serve as a reference to the present generation,” voinist Muttara B N Ravindran said.

A 26-minute documentary on R Thyagarajan titled ‘Thyagarajam’ was screened at the function followed by a live performance of ‘Thyagesha Priyam’.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Thiruvananthapuram / TNN / April 04th, 2015

Dentists, gynaecologists to address a ‘teething’ problem

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology

Kochi :

Dental problems during pregnancy can affect both the mother and child. Often, mothers-to-be suffer in silence or carry on with alternative medicine during pregnancy.

But dentists say that this could lead to further damage and, invariably, mothers would have to pay the price as they may end up with a long series of visits to the dentist.

To address this issue, the Kochi chapter of the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and Cochin Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (COGS) have decided to put in place a preventive mechanism to ensure dental health, much before the first trimester of pregnancy.

“We’ve held a series of discussions with COGS. Sometimes, gynaecologists do not allow pregnant women to take antibiotics recommended by us. This complicates the dental problem,” said Dr Balu Soman, secretary, IDA.

Ideally, women planning pregnancies should check their dental health to ensure they don’t have issues during pregnancy and the lactating period, when they undergo major hormonal changes.

“We find cases of bleeding gums, teeth infection, swelling of gums, etc. These have to be managed and should not be allowed to become infectious. Not all antibiotics can be taken when a woman is carrying,” said Dr Gracy Thomas, president, COGS.

Since COGS organizes women health awareness programmes and pre-marital classes for college girls, the society is planning to include this topic also in these programmes.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed so that all dentists and gynecologists can work together. “We will formally launching the programme in April-May. Brochures, pamphlets and other information kits will be distributed in hospitals so that patients can take necessary precaution,” said Dr Soman.

It’s all in the gums

* Gum problems are common during pregnancies and they may bleed while brushing or flossing teeth

* The build-up of plaque makes gums more prone to bleeding

* Acidity of stomach can corrode teeth, and brushing makes the problem worse

* Usually, gum inflammation appears between the second and eighth month of pregnancy

* Signs of pregnancy gingivitis range from redder looking gums that bleed a little while brushing teeth to severe swelling and bleeding of gum tissue

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / April 02nd, 2015

Award Nite to Honour Artistes

Arts,Culture & Entertainment

Thiruvananthapuram :

Marking the 101st birth anniversary of Kathakali exponent late Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Padmasree Kalamandalam  Krishnan Nair Smaraka Gurukulam is organising an Award Nite on Tuesday for the artistes who have excelled in their respective fields in Kathakali.

The cash award along with a plaque would be distributed at Theerthapada Mandapam, East Fort. The award winners are film actor Jagannatha Varma for his contribution in Vesham and Chenda; He would receive a cash award of Rs 10,001 and plaque; M P Vasudevan would receive a cash prize of Rs 10,001 and a plaque for Vesham. Similarly, Kandalloor Sadasivan would receive Rs 10,001 and plaque for chenda and A Radhakrishnan would be awarded the ‘Changarapalli Aniyan award’ with a cash award of Rs 5,001.

Classical dance performances by various artistes named ‘Noopuradhwani Nritholsav’ would be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The award ceremony and three-day cultural fete would be inaugurated by Pirappancode Murali.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Express News Service / April 06th, 2015

Endemic varieties showcased at Thekkady flower show

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature
Views of the Thekkady Flower Show at Kallarackal grounds in Idukki on Sunday.— PHOTOS: GIJI K. RAMAN
Views of the Thekkady Flower Show at Kallarackal grounds in Idukki on Sunday.— PHOTOS: GIJI K. RAMAN

The ninth Thekkady Flower Show, which opened at the Kallarackal grounds here on Saturday, showcased endemic flowering plants like mirabilis and marigold that were once common to the house gardens of Kerala.

At least 200 varieties of flower plants, in addition to the vegetable and fruits plants, have been included in the show. The show has given maximum care to include endemic flower plants as they are best suited to the climatic and topographical conditions here, said T.T. Thomas, general convenor of the organising committee. He said the flower show has tried to renew interest in cultivation of vegetables and flowers on terraces.

The advantages of growing plants in grow bags are that they can be done even in small places.

Even a small family can maintain at least 10 vegetable bags that will ensure availability of pesticide-free vegetables, he said.

The flower show also has arts and cultural programmes in the evening with focus on folk, temple and tribal art forms. Seminars which highlight measures for waste control, energy saving, water protection and small entrepreneurial activities for housewives will be held. Mr Thomas said that on the inaugural day itself, over 3,000 people visited the show. An important feature is that a large number of tourists are visiting the venue, he said. The flower show is being organised by the Thekkady Agri Horticulture Society.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Kerala / by A Correspondent / Kumili – April 06th, 2015

O V Vijayan’s Historic ‘Njattupura’ Dedicated to Nation

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Travel
Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph dedicating the renovated ‘Njattupura’ in Thazrak village to the nation in Kodumbu panchayat in Palakkad on Sunday. District Collector P Marykutty Isaac is also seen
Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph dedicating the renovated ‘Njattupura’ in Thazrak village to the nation in Kodumbu panchayat in Palakkad on Sunday. District Collector P Marykutty Isaac is also seen

Palakkad :

The state government has decided to sanction another `50 lakh for the O V Vijayan cultural complex being set up in Thazrak village in Kodumbu panchayat in the district, said Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph.

He was speaking after dedicating the renovated ‘Njattupura’ to the nation at Thazrak village here on Sunday.

Joseph said that the classic work of O V Vijayan, Khazakinte Ithihasam, is deeply ingrained in the literature and culture of the state. The land which formed the backdrop of the novel, the lifestyle and customs of its inhabitants should be preserved for posterity.

O V Vijayan has immortalised Thazrak village and its native people through his novel.

The Minister said that the O V Vijayan Memorial Committee had received `1 crore in the last four years.

The renovated ‘Njattupura’ is now part of history. The real life counterparts of characters in ‘Khazakinte Ithihasam’, Mymoona and Kittu, were honoured on the occasion by the Minister.

The Minister handed over the keys of renovated ‘Njattupura’ to District Collector P Marykutty at the function.

Prizes were awarded to Subhash V R of University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Soumya P R of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam and Neetha P M of NSS College, Ottappalam as part of the paper presentation contest organised by O V Vijayan Memorial Committee.

Committee president K Sasikumar presided over the meet. Kodumbu panchayat member K. Janaki spoke.

Memorial committee secretary Azeez Master welcomed the gathering and committee member P Mohana Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.

Legislative Assembly members K Achuthan and Shafi Parambil were among the present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by  Express News Service / March 30th, 2015

Hundreds of Christians observe Palm Sunday

Arts,Culture & Entertainment
Believers taking out procession on Palm Sunday in Kannur. Manorama/Vidhuraj MT
Believers taking out procession on Palm Sunday in Kannur. Manorama/Vidhuraj MT

Kottayam:

Waving palm leaves, hundreds of Christians across the state took out processions to commemorate the Palm Sunday, the day Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as a King.

The children were chanting verses from the Bible and sang hymns.

Churches in the state had made elaborate arrangements for Palm Sunday celebrations. Special church services were held in the local churches to mark the day, five days before the crucifixion of Christ.

Starting today, the Christians will observe the next seven days with lots of religious fervour and will celebrate Easter on April 5.

Christians form nearly a quarter of Kerala’s 33 million people and churches across the state was overflowing with the laity turning up in good numbers to take part in the Palm Sunday mass.

“The mass got delayed because our church was overflowing with people and it took a long time to distribute the leaves. These leaves are taken home and displayed in the best part of the home and on the coming Christmas eve it’s returned to the church to be part of the bonfire,” said Mini Antony, a housewife in Kottayam.

source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / OnManorama / Home> News> Kerala / by Manorama Correspondent / Sunday – March 29th, 2015

Exploring Theyyam: ‘God’s Own Dance’

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Kannur :

It was in 2012 that Portugal-based Russian painter Madina Ziganshina got to witness a couple of theyyam performances in Kannur. Its colour and religious fervor literally mesmerized her that the artist decided to do a series of paintings capturing the spirit of theyyam, which she likes to describe ‘God’s Own Dance’.

A series of 15 paintings are on display at Brushman’s Art Gallery here till March 10. These watercolours are, in a sense, an outsider’s curious impressions of a ritualistic performance, its vibrance and unearthly ambience.

“When I saw the performance where the theyyam jumped into the fire, I was astonished and even wanted to jump and perform along with him,” said the painter, who was enthralled by the transformation of man into god.

There were lots of researches involved before embarking on the mission, including watching theyyam performances over the last couple of months in various kavus here, said Ziganshina. “The light, the dynamism of movement and the mesmerizing environment in the night air literally ignited my creative spirit which was later translated into these compositions.”

“Though I was influenced by legends and Russian folklore as a child, which later influenced my works too, those experiences were all through books while here, I got the chance to come face to face with the God’s own dance,” said the artist, who is here on an invitation by Travel Kannur, a firm promoting cultural tourism.

Though Ziganshina’s works is a merger of different styles including impressionism, abstraction and hyper realism, here she prefers to stick to realistic figuration to express a ‘magically realistic’ performance.

But rather than the momentum and vigour of theyyam, it is a stillness that is reflected in most of these works. Some of them appear like the frames seen through the viewfinder of a camera.

Still, there is a beauty of craftsmanship in these compositions that are narratives of a colorful ritual with a soul of fire.

Ziganshina, who has exhibited her works in many countries including the US, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Sweden, and Dubai, plans to take ‘God’s Own Dance’ to other towns in Kerala in the coming days.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kozhikode / by P. Sudhakaran, TNN / March 07th, 2015

Tracing an eventful journey

Arts,Culture & Entertainment
might of letters:Poet Sugathakumari releasing O.N.V. Kurup’s ‘Pokkuveyil Mannilezhuthiyathu’ by handing over a copy to poet V. Madhusoodanan Nair in the city on Thursday. —Photo: S. Gopakumar
might of letters:Poet Sugathakumari releasing O.N.V. Kurup’s ‘Pokkuveyil Mannilezhuthiyathu’ by handing over a copy to poet V. Madhusoodanan Nair in the city on Thursday. —Photo: S. Gopakumar

Memoir of O.N.V. Kurup released

Pokkuveyil Mannilezhuthiyathu , a memoir by poet and Jnanpith laureate O.N.V. Kurup, was released by poet-activist Sugathakumari at a function held here on Thursday.

The memoir, which was released simultaneously in Kollam, Kochi, and Kozhikode, traces the author’s childhood days, his stint as a teacher, his political journey, association with socio-cultural movements, and the world of letters, theatre, and movies.

The first copy of the book was received by poet V. Madhusoodanan Nair in the presence of T.N. Seema, MP, Communist Party of India (Marxist) district secretary Kadakampally Surendran, and writer Ezhacherry Ramachandran .

Ms. Sugathakumari said that the poet, in his inimitable style, presents a factual account of his journey as a human being, without criticising or praising anything. His language had all along been “love,” she said. The poet might have his ideological moorings but his indebtedness was to the “mother earth.”

V.K. Joseph of Chintha Publications, which brought out the memoir, highlighted an incident in the book where the poet saw a group of youngsters celebrating Gandhiji’s assassination by distributing sweets at Thampanoor. “ONV thought they were distributing sweets without knowing about the assassination. He was taken aback when they said they were celebrating it,” Mr. Joseph said.

The account was relevant today when there was a clamour for a temple in the name of Gandhiji’s assassin, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram – March 27th, 2015

Advocate of law, for 140 years

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Speaker N. Sakthan, and CPI(M) State unit secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday.— Photo: S. Mahinsha
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Speaker N. Sakthan, and CPI(M) State unit secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday.— Photo: S. Mahinsha

At the first alumni meet of law college, promises pour in

There was pride in their eyes and awe in their voices as the ‘who-is-who’ in Kerala politics spoke about the institution that has mentored thousands in the legal profession and helped hundreds to build careers in politics and social activism.

The chief among them rued the fact that he had not studied there, but was all praise for its alumni. The reference is to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who studied at the Government Law College, Ernakulam, and not where he stood on Wednesday evening, at the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, which was celebrating its 140th anniversary and the first alumni meet on record.

Mr. Chandy promised the gathering that his government would do everything possible to lift the college to national status. A firmer offer came from an eminent alumnus of the institution, N.R. Madhava Menon, who promised to hand over to the college his collection of books and also do his bit to raise a corpus fund to develop the institution. He would also be available to guide the research programmes at the college, Prof. Menon said.

Present to celebrate the occasion were Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Transport and Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Information Minister K.C. Joseph, CPI(M) State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, and former Union Minister of State Kodikkunnil Suresh and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ajith Joy. Almost everyone agreed on the need to raise the college to the status of a centre of excellence and, perhaps, a university in the none-too-distant future.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Special Correspondent / Thiruvananthapuram – March 26th, 2015