Calicut University’s Course in Vocology to Bring Your Silky Voice Back

Education, Science & Technology

Thrissur :  

This just might be the good news the playback singers, actors, anchors, teacher, lawyers and politicians, who earn their livelihood through their voice, in the state have long been waiting for.

In a development that will cheer thousands of voice professionals and voice patients who have developed  various voice disorders, the Calicut University has come out with a unique graduate programme in Vocology, the science and practice of voice habilitation and rehabilitation, in collaboration with Chetana National Institute of Vocology, Thrissur.

This is the first time in the country that an Indian university is offering a course in vocology with an aim of producing vocologists who habilitate vocal behaviour – a speech-language pathologist, otolaryngologist, vocalist trainer, or voice coach.

Based on the proposal submitted by the National Institute of Vocology, the University gas given permission (U.O No6304/2014/admn) to the Vocology institute to frame the syllabus and other things related to the launching of the course, said Dr Musthafa, director of SDE, Calicut University.

There are hardly a dozen major vocology institutes across the world mainly in developed countries like NCVS Summer Vocology Institute in USA and institutes in Finland, Japan, Turkey, and UK. “There is a huge dearth of trained vocologists in the country since  vocology is not widely taught in academic institutions in the country as an independent discipline. Celebrity voice professionals, including film stars and vocalists, are used to confront with voice disorders and seek rehabilitation and the return of their operational voice or to benefit professionally from vocal habilitation by learning to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of their speaking voices,” said Fr Paul Poovathingal, the first vocologist in the country and the principal of National Institute of Vocology. “This six-semester course will equip a batch of 20 candidates to deal with all kinds of voice professionals and voice patients suffering from puberphonia (male having female sound), vocal cord paralysis, vocal nodule, phonatry gap, patients with wrong voice production, breathing techniques and poor lung pressure, and other voice disorders,” said Poovathingal. “Actor Mohanlal and even the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, who had lost his functional voice suddenly at the peak of a concert, have confronted with voice disorders at one point of time in their careers. Some of the eminent professionals have even vanished from their field for ever after voice disorders developed,” said George S Paul, an academician and a physicist.

The high-level of pollution in lifestyle and surroundings is taking a toll on the voice professionals and they often need the help of professional to overcome the difficulties in their voice production and to discipline their voice. So vocology being a new branch of knowledge, there is great scope for job in this sector, he added.

The syllabus for the course is being prepared by Fr Paul Poovathingal, George S Paul, Dr R Jayakumar, famed laryngologist who performed surgery on Mohanlal, V R Prabodhachandran Nair, a linguist, in consultation with Dr Ingo Titz of USA, who is considered as the father of Vocology.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by  Dhinesh Kallungal – ENS / August 11th, 2014

Tenets of an ancient science

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Science & Technology
Exhibits at the stall of Department of Kaumarabhrithya (Paediatrics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu
Exhibits at the stall of Department of Kaumarabhrithya (Paediatrics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu

Explore the world of Ayurveda at an exhibition on the premises of Government Ayurveda College

It is a journey through facets of wellness and good health that is practised and advocated by an ancient system of treatment. ‘Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014’, a mega exhibition currently on at Government Ayurveda College to mark the 125th anniversary celebrations of the college, gives a wealth of information about this indigenous system of healing. From baby food and kits for the new born, the exhibition is a delightful discovery of methods and medicines that were once used by our ancestors to take care of their health and well-being.

“Each of the 14 departments of the college has set up separate stalls, explaining their area of study and work,” says Jayan Damodaran, associate professor and an office-bearer of the expo.

Through charts, models and posters, a stall put up by the Department of Prasoothitantra and Sthreeroga (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) has explained various aspects related to pregnancy and child birth, breast-feeding techniques and so on.

Exhibits at the stall of Department of Agadatantra Vyavaharaayurveda and Vidhivaidyaka (Forensic Science, Toxicology and Dermatology) at Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Athira M.
Exhibits at the stall of Department of Agadatantra Vyavaharaayurveda and Vidhivaidyaka (Forensic Science, Toxicology and Dermatology) at Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Athira M.

A highlight of the stall is a model of Soothikagaram or a separate house constructed for a pregnant woman for delivery and post-pregnancy care during the seventh century BC. “This house used to be constructed when the woman was in her ninth month of pregnancy. She would stay there till her delivery,” says Dr. Prajitha.

Department of Kaumarabhrithya (Paediatrics) has showcased different aspects related to child care, including baby food, home remedies, and toys for different stages of growth.

Exhibits at the stall of Department of Rasa Sastra and Baishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Athira M. / The Hindu
Exhibits at the stall of Department of Rasa Sastra and Baishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Athira M. / The Hindu

An Ayurveda baby care kit has skin powder, massage oil, kaajal, and medicinal drops, all of which have been manufactured in the department. At a separate counter, visitors get to know and taste nutritious food for infants. No more tinned stuff for your little one. Check out Sriratna Modaka (made of dates, banana, ghee, honey and cardamom), mango syrup, sandal syrup, tulsi halwa, date syrup, cucumber halwa, healthy cutlets and soups. Recipes are happily shared with curious parents who want their little one to have organic food.

If you thought Ayurveda was all about herbs and plants with medicinal values, think again. The college has an open snake park under its Department of Agadatantra Vyavaharaayurveda and Vidhivaidyaka (Forensic Science, Toxicology and Dermatology) on its campus at Poojappura. The department has showcased specimens of poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles, besides giving exhaustive information about the kind of toxic substances found in households and toxic minerals and plants which also has medicinal properties. There is even a stall on forensic science.

Department of Salyatantra (Surgery and Orthopaedic) has arranged video documentation of successful stories of marma treatment, and exhibited ancient surgical instruments, bandage techniques and suturing methods.

While Department of Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology) has focussed on dealing with refractive errors, Department of Panchakarma tells about various treatment modalities along with pre and post operatory regiments for various diseases.

Department of Sanskritha Sidhantha and Samhitha, besides explaining the basic tenets of Ayurveda, has also stocked its various publications, some of which are rare books and palm leaf manuscripts.

Department of Swasthavritha (Social and Preventive Medicine) stresses on the Ayurveda nutrition and dietetics, with reference to various seasonal changes. A naturopathy food counter has also been put up by the students, where visitors get information on carrot tea, beetroot sweet and various other naturopathic food items.

Department of Kayachikitsa (General medicine) has set up the model of a ‘Rasayana griham’, that is a house where the patient would stay for months taking treatment, cut out from the outside world.

Ancient utensils used to make medicines exhibited at the stall of Department of Rasa Sastra and Baishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram Photo: Athira M. / The Hindu
Ancient utensils used to make medicines exhibited at the stall of Department of Rasa Sastra and Baishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics) at the Ashtanga Ayurveda Expo 2014 organised as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram Photo: Athira M. / The Hindu

The stall of Department of Rasa Sastra and Baishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics) stands out from the rest in that the department has traced the evolution of the medicine with matching interiors. Ancient utensils in which the medicines were prepared, which include a century-old huge vessel handed over by the royal family of erstwhile Travancore when the hospital was opened, different steps of preparing medicines, fermentation process and other activities of the department have been showcased.

The expo ends on August 12. Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by  Athira M. / Thiruvananthapuram – August 07th, 2014

Kottayam Gets Complete Palliative-Care District Tag

Science & Technology
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy receiving a petition from a nurse who returned from Libya at a function held to announce Kottayam as complete palliative-care district, on Sunday | RAJEEV PRASAD
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy receiving a petition from a nurse who returned from Libya at a function held to announce Kottayam as complete palliative-care district, on Sunday | RAJEEV PRASAD

Kottayam  :

The land of letters is all set to receive yet another tagline with the district being recognised as the complete palliative- care district in the state.

The announcement   was made by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a function held here at the district panchayat Hall at 10 am on Sunday.The Chief Minister said that the government will raise the remunerations for palliative care nurses.

“The nurses are playing a crucial role in the palliative care sector. An order to raise their remuneration by Rs 2,000, increasing their basic salary to Rs 8,000, will be issued. Along with this, the government is also planning to further hike their salaries. Favourable decision will be taken to address each and every demand they have raised, including regularising of their jobs,” he said.

He offered all possible support from governmental agencies for the smooth functioning of the Palliative Care Project. He gave away the awards for palliative care activities to the respective local governing bodies and charitable organisations at the event. Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan presided over the function. The project aims at taking care of those who have been suffering from chronic illness, paraplegics, mentally challenged persons etc. Under the project, the volunteers conduct home visits and provide special care and attention to the patients. The project is coordinated by the district panchayat, Health Department, Arogya Keralam Palliative Care Project and various other charity organisations.

The Vaikom municipality, Kidangoor, Chembu, Kadanadu, Parathodu and Meenadam grama panchayats, the Caritas Hospital, Thellakom, and Mar Gregorian Palliative Care Society, Thoothootty, were selected for the awards. Along with that, awards were given for palliative care activists.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 11th, 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