Fascinating Fousiya

Small Children
Great Actions
Creativity has no end.
Some children brim
with excellence.
Either in one subject
or in other.
Inventions...
Innovations...
Performances...
Expressions...
Children are out
to build a
brave new world.
With new urges
within.
With new mottos to
hold in life.
On the eve of
Children’s Day,
Kerala Calling
looks on
some of the young
talents.
Fascinating
Fousiya
6
K.S. RAVI kUMAR
Fousiya
Everything is special
There is no war or hatred
Only peace and love prevail
In my castle of dreams......
ousiya’s dreams never end with a
sleep. Through the open window,
this budding genius sees everything
– the woes, the happiness, the sufferings
all around, which she scribbles down –
F
to poems – simple, short, philosophical
and meaningful.
Even at this tender age of 13, she
holds the credit of publishing three books,
namely ‘Through the Open Window’,
‘Buds to Blossoms’ (both in English) and
‘Puzhayude Sangeetham’ (in Malayalam).
Though not much exposed to the
outer world, Fousiya’s writings reflect the
small incidents she experiences. The
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
Those
Unheard
Melodies...
Hope
When your road turns rutted,
When all your paths seem to wind
and twist,
When darkness engulfs you,
And you can’t find your way
through mist,
Never turn back, for a streak of light
Pierces through the rim of the dark
rain clouds,
It comes your way, yon hills,
Make way,
Your worries shrink, your goal
stands still;
And a golden tablet lies in front –
The dust is cleared, the way stands
out,
Amidst the stands echoes a word
‘Hope!’
poem ‘My Little Brother’ is all about her
younger brother Ashik. Her favourite is
Anne Frank, the world famous child
diarist. ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ is
always with Fousya.
Fousiya started, borrowing her word,
‘scribbling’ words at six, which later
published as collection of poems. Not a
voracious reader, Fousiya’s poetry is
inborn, assures her father. ‘As I sit for
writing, words will flow into me’, says
Fousiya. An admirer of William
Shakespeare she read almost all of his
works another wonderful credit to her
age.
Selected poems from her collection was
translated into Telugu and Hindi. She is a
good painter too.
Fousiya is also active in Balajana
Saghyam. She is recognised with Balaratna
Award. Young Talent Award, Young Poet
Award by State Council for Child Welfare
and many others.
The talent is the daughter of A. Yoonus
and Faseela Yoonus. She is the Xth standard
student at St. Thomas Residential School,
Thiruvanantha-puram.
Her aim in life: Service to humanity,
either in profession or in poetry.
- K.P. Saritha
Ahƒ
tX®p-an-\p-°nb ]m{Xw-t]mse
Ah-sfmcp aqe-bn¬
au\-Øns‚ Ipf-Øn¬ apßn
sabv XWp-Øp-hn-d®v
Ac≠ shfn®w sagp-Inb Xd-bn¬
tXc-´-Ifmbv
Cg™pw ]mtS Npcp≠pw
sN∂p-In-S-°p-t∂cw
Ddp-ºp-Iƒ Acn-s®-Øp-∂p.
hnØp \\™p
s]m´n-hn-cn™p IXn-cp-hn-f™p
Ifw Ihn™p
BcpsSbd-bn-e-gn™p InS∂q
sNc-h-∏-√n¬
sNc-´-s∏m-´mbv X´n-bp-S-s™mcp
]m{Xw t]mse.
k¶-S-an-∂n-hƒ.
She
*
Like a polished plate
She in a corner
Dipped in the pond of silence
Body shivering
On the dim-light-besmeared floor
As millipedes
While going and lying
By crawling and rolling completely
The ants reach searchingly.
The seed became wet
Burst into blossom Spike ripened
Threshing-floor overflowed
In whose ara lay untied
Like a piece of coconut shell
On the teeth of coconut scraper
Like a kicked down and
Broken dish.
She is a sorrow today.
ara - bedroom / granary
Raihana
M
ahin, living in Paraveedu at
Manya, near Kasaragod is a
coolie. Before posing the question ‘So
*Translated by B. Harikumar
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
7
Those
Unheard
Melodies...
Hope
When your road turns rutted,
When all your paths seem to wind
and twist,
When darkness engulfs you,
And you can’t find your way
through mist,
Never turn back, for a streak of light
Pierces through the rim of the dark
rain clouds,
It comes your way, yon hills,
Make way,
Your worries shrink, your goal
stands still;
And a golden tablet lies in front –
The dust is cleared, the way stands
out,
Amidst the stands echoes a word
‘Hope!’
poem ‘My Little Brother’ is all about her
younger brother Ashik. Her favourite is
Anne Frank, the world famous child
diarist. ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ is
always with Fousya.
Fousiya started, borrowing her word,
‘scribbling’ words at six, which later
published as collection of poems. Not a
voracious reader, Fousiya’s poetry is
inborn, assures her father. ‘As I sit for
writing, words will flow into me’, says
Fousiya. An admirer of William
Shakespeare she read almost all of his
works another wonderful credit to her
age.
Selected poems from her collection was
translated into Telugu and Hindi. She is a
good painter too.
Fousiya is also active in Balajana
Saghyam. She is recognised with Balaratna
Award. Young Talent Award, Young Poet
Award by State Council for Child Welfare
and many others.
The talent is the daughter of A. Yoonus
and Faseela Yoonus. She is the Xth standard
student at St. Thomas Residential School,
Thiruvanantha-puram.
Her aim in life: Service to humanity,
either in profession or in poetry.
- K.P. Saritha
Ahƒ
tX®p-an-\p-°nb ]m{Xw-t]mse
Ah-sfmcp aqe-bn¬
au\-Øns‚ Ipf-Øn¬ apßn
sabv XWp-Øp-hn-d®v
Ac≠ shfn®w sagp-Inb Xd-bn¬
tXc-´-Ifmbv
Cg™pw ]mtS Npcp≠pw
sN∂p-In-S-°p-t∂cw
Ddp-ºp-Iƒ Acn-s®-Øp-∂p.
hnØp \\™p
s]m´n-hn-cn™p IXn-cp-hn-f™p
Ifw Ihn™p
BcpsSbd-bn-e-gn™p InS∂q
sNc-h-∏-√n¬
sNc-´-s∏m-´mbv X´n-bp-S-s™mcp
]m{Xw t]mse.
k¶-S-an-∂n-hƒ.
She
*
Like a polished plate
She in a corner
Dipped in the pond of silence
Body shivering
On the dim-light-besmeared floor
As millipedes
While going and lying
By crawling and rolling completely
The ants reach searchingly.
The seed became wet
Burst into blossom Spike ripened
Threshing-floor overflowed
In whose ara lay untied
Like a piece of coconut shell
On the teeth of coconut scraper
Like a kicked down and
Broken dish.
She is a sorrow today.
ara - bedroom / granary
Raihana
M
ahin, living in Paraveedu at
Manya, near Kasaragod is a
coolie. Before posing the question ‘So
*Translated by B. Harikumar
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
7
what?’, know that Mahin the coolie has a
‘handicap.’ Raihana, his daughter is his
‘handicap.’ Because, poems brew out of
Raihana. When juxtaposed to his poverty,
a fruitless habit.
Raihana wrote the above poem when
she was in sixth standard (Now she is in
ninth).
Raihana, this little ‘flower of pain’,
oozes out poetry energised by the
privations and hardships of life. She has
with her several notebooks full of poems.
(This report is based on some pages of a
notebook).
Nobody knows that this girl has a
mind smouldering with sadness and
agony. The poetic images trickling down
into her reticent mind will amaze anyone.
When she did write her first poem?
“When I sat to write in a competition.
We were told to write on any subject.
Initially I was blank. After some time I
began. So was born my first poem,” says
Raihana. The first poem titled ‘Manassu’
(Mind) began:
I, in my mind
Wrote down a little angel How cherubic she was!
Yet,
She walked out of it.
(Rms\s‚ a\- n-\p-≈n¬
Hcp sIm®p amem-Jsb Ipdn-s®-SpØp.
F{X at\m-l-cn-sb≥ amemJ
F∂n´pw Ah-sfs‚
a\- n¬ \n∂n-d-ßn-t∏m-bn)
How many penetrating pictures of
present-day life have been drawn by this
girl who is yet to leave behind her
childhood. With limited reading and a
few books bought for her by her father,
how do so many words flow out of the
mind of this girl, born and brought up in
a typical Kasaragodan village full of red
rocks and cashewnut trees?
Her poetry astounds us with such
varied themes as the setting sun, white
cranes flying away, the illusive winds
8
vanishing after ‘scenting’ us, dark clouds
bearing migratory love and loneliness,
withering ‘pain flowers’ standing on the
edge of the eyelids of the human soul,
cruel jokes of the fate which snatches
away from our hand our dear toys, the
smouldering earth, happiness and sorrow
which alternate like day and night, broken
womanhood, childhood thrown out into
the streets, axed tress, and Onam sights...
Her confidante is her mom’s younger
sister who has studied only upto 8th
standard. Raihana unloads her bundles
of personal sorrows and grievances before
this aunt. It is high time that helping
hands reached this coolie’s home from the
literary and cultural world.
Raihana is known as the poet-girl in
her village. But, how many of us try to
find out what and how she writes now?
This girl needs to be inquired into more
deeply, and cared for..
In Raihana’s house, in throws of
- G.B. Valsan
Inventions down
to earth
B
eena loves the novels of M.T.
Vasudevan Nair and the poems
of Balamani Amma. Many
students like her may be so in love with
books.
But Beena is different. She goes
beyond voracious reading. The 9th
standard student of Vimala Hridaya
Higher Secondary school in Kollam dares
the girls of same age.
When the classmates and other girls
of the same age revolve around text books,
cartoons, movies and thundering shots
of master blaster, Beena is being disturbed
by the declining trend in agriculture
production in and around her village,
Nedumbana in spite of the high dose of
fertilizers. That disturbance in her mind
induce her to study the problem at its
root. When the Science and Technology
Department of Government of India
invites projects of school students to
award Young Scientist Award Beena gets
an outlet to loose her disturbing thoughts.
She selects the topic why the low
production in agriculture sector for the
project work.
For three months she move away from
the class room routines. She deviated from
school curriculum to prepare the project.
For which she moves to living realities.
She reaches houses of farmers and to their
field. With the interaction with the
farmers one thing is settled in her
outstanding brain that these people make
investment in the field without having
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
what?’, know that Mahin the coolie has a
‘handicap.’ Raihana, his daughter is his
‘handicap.’ Because, poems brew out of
Raihana. When juxtaposed to his poverty,
a fruitless habit.
Raihana wrote the above poem when
she was in sixth standard (Now she is in
ninth).
Raihana, this little ‘flower of pain’,
oozes out poetry energised by the
privations and hardships of life. She has
with her several notebooks full of poems.
(This report is based on some pages of a
notebook).
Nobody knows that this girl has a
mind smouldering with sadness and
agony. The poetic images trickling down
into her reticent mind will amaze anyone.
When she did write her first poem?
“When I sat to write in a competition.
We were told to write on any subject.
Initially I was blank. After some time I
began. So was born my first poem,” says
Raihana. The first poem titled ‘Manassu’
(Mind) began:
I, in my mind
Wrote down a little angel How cherubic she was!
Yet,
She walked out of it.
(Rms\s‚ a\- n-\p-≈n¬
Hcp sIm®p amem-Jsb Ipdn-s®-SpØp.
F{X at\m-l-cn-sb≥ amemJ
F∂n´pw Ah-sfs‚
a\- n¬ \n∂n-d-ßn-t∏m-bn)
How many penetrating pictures of
present-day life have been drawn by this
girl who is yet to leave behind her
childhood. With limited reading and a
few books bought for her by her father,
how do so many words flow out of the
mind of this girl, born and brought up in
a typical Kasaragodan village full of red
rocks and cashewnut trees?
Her poetry astounds us with such
varied themes as the setting sun, white
cranes flying away, the illusive winds
8
vanishing after ‘scenting’ us, dark clouds
bearing migratory love and loneliness,
withering ‘pain flowers’ standing on the
edge of the eyelids of the human soul,
cruel jokes of the fate which snatches
away from our hand our dear toys, the
smouldering earth, happiness and sorrow
which alternate like day and night, broken
womanhood, childhood thrown out into
the streets, axed tress, and Onam sights...
Her confidante is her mom’s younger
sister who has studied only upto 8th
standard. Raihana unloads her bundles
of personal sorrows and grievances before
this aunt. It is high time that helping
hands reached this coolie’s home from the
literary and cultural world.
Raihana is known as the poet-girl in
her village. But, how many of us try to
find out what and how she writes now?
This girl needs to be inquired into more
deeply, and cared for..
In Raihana’s house, in throws of
- G.B. Valsan
Inventions down
to earth
B
eena loves the novels of M.T.
Vasudevan Nair and the poems
of Balamani Amma. Many
students like her may be so in love with
books.
But Beena is different. She goes
beyond voracious reading. The 9th
standard student of Vimala Hridaya
Higher Secondary school in Kollam dares
the girls of same age.
When the classmates and other girls
of the same age revolve around text books,
cartoons, movies and thundering shots
of master blaster, Beena is being disturbed
by the declining trend in agriculture
production in and around her village,
Nedumbana in spite of the high dose of
fertilizers. That disturbance in her mind
induce her to study the problem at its
root. When the Science and Technology
Department of Government of India
invites projects of school students to
award Young Scientist Award Beena gets
an outlet to loose her disturbing thoughts.
She selects the topic why the low
production in agriculture sector for the
project work.
For three months she move away from
the class room routines. She deviated from
school curriculum to prepare the project.
For which she moves to living realities.
She reaches houses of farmers and to their
field. With the interaction with the
farmers one thing is settled in her
outstanding brain that these people make
investment in the field without having
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
Narayana Bhavan
Cheriyela
This is the house of
Sankara Pillai & Ananda Bhai.
Here lives their younger daughter Beena.
The prizes and praises she received so for
are:
Beena toils on soil
better realization of the specialities of the soil. As soil is the
base for any kind of cultivation she fixes soil as subject for the
project . She titled it “Study of Soil in Nedumbana Village”.
She selected 15 plots in the Nedumbana village for the study.
After sharing the experiences of farmers she collected the soil
from these plots to know the physical and chemical
characteristics of the soil and took it to the school lab. In the
work proper directions were given by the school teachers. In
the field work she is helped by the proper directions of the
concerned agriculture officer of the area. In the matter of field
work she sets a questionnaire to collect required information
from the 35 farmers. In this case she is helped by her friends in
the school.
Let her talk for herself. (Remember, you are talking to just
a school kid!) “ The rapid increase in food production from
1968-1995 is not maintainable in India. Despite the increased
use of fertilizers and biocides the productivity was decreased.
There is the need for improving agricultural production in
our country. This can be achieved with efficient use of soil,
land and water resources. We apply chemical fertilizers
indiscriminately without studying the chemical characteristics
of the soil. It is noted that soil in different places will be different.
There were no previous attempt to study physio chemical
characteristics of the soil in different villages where agriculture
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
National Children’s Science Congress 2003 School level to National level
Award for critical observation, scientific
thinking and skillful presentation of projects 2003 by Kerala Science Congress
Child Scientist Award 2003
Labour India Mega Quiz (School level) - First
place in 2002, 2003 and Second place in 2004
First place for English Elocution & Essay
writing in Cater school competition of 2003 2004
Balarama Digest Scholarship Exam 2003 Medal + Certificate + Cash Award of Rs. 250
First place for English Elocution (State level)
2002 - conducted by Deseeya Balatharangam.
Holly FourthTalent Search Exam 2003 (State
level) 11th rank
First place for Quiz, Elocution (Malayalam and
English) - conducted by Balajana Sakhyam 2003
Ist place for English Elocution, IIIrd place for
Quiz, Malayalam Elocution - Central School
Competition conducted by Jayees, Quilon
First class in Talent Search Exam of 2004
Project presentation on Energy Conservation
- 2003 - Certificated + Trophy + Cash prize of
Rs. 4000
School level prizes for Quiz, Chess, Elocution
(English and Malayalam), Essay writing, Story
writing etc.
And more is awaited...
Villagers of Nedumpana are taking pride on account of their young scientist.
9
is the main stay. Only a few people test
the soil sample from their plots before
starting cultivation. This will result in
indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers.
Even some nutrients are ensiled, without
knowing that farmer will add the same
nutrients. This is a mere wastage. By
knowing the physio-chemical conditions
of the soil, the farmer can add those
nutrients which are lacking and can adjust
the PH of the soil favourably. So this
project was an attempt to study the
physio-chemical characteristics of the soil
in Nedumbana village. After studying
the soil conditions the result was
explained to the farmers. The physical
properties of soil, colour texture, porosity,
water holding capacity, rate of infiltration
capacity etc. were analyzed. In chemical
properties hydrogen-ion concentration,
soil aeration, quantity of phosphorus.
Testing of soil before cultivation and their
contact with Krishi Bhavans are analysed.
After the survey the result of the survey
was communicated to the farmers”.
Now the farmers of Nedumpana
realise the actual problem involved in
their cultivation. They wonder at ‘their
little brain’. Beena’s project is selected
from the district to the state level and
from there to the national level. She
participated in the national level
programme to present her project before
the expert committee for final selection.
On the basis of the project she was
awarded the Young Scientist Award 2003.
At national level 26 projects are selected
for video documentation. Her project was
also selected and now she is getting ready
for video documentation in Delhi in
November.
Regarding the present system of
education she has much appreciation to
SSA system. She has the opinion that it
provides a deviation from traditional
system of mugging up of the text books
knowledge but provides an opportunity
for high level learning and thinking and
chances of experiments in life along with
the text book knowledge.
Beena is the daughter of Sankara Pillai
and Ananda Bhai. Her only sister Asha
does her schooling in 11th standard.
Beena, the versatile genius wants to
be a scientist.
-K. Anil Kumar
10
Ambassador
of Letters
Notes for Scene One
10 year old Mathew Alexander leaves
school at 4 PM. He reaches at home at
4.30 PM. The boy’s return from his school
is a ‘sight’ for the residents of Patichira,
at Pulpally in Wayanad district.
Because a host of schoolmates
accompanies the boy to his home. This
‘march’ from St. Sebastian schools ends
at Mathew’s home where he opens the
doors to a wonderful library. His fellows
enter. Now on, Mathew is the librarian
and others are users.
Scene Two
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy
embraces little Mathew while giving away
Wayanad Samskriti Award to him, at a
function held in Thiruvananthapuram.
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
is the main stay. Only a few people test
the soil sample from their plots before
starting cultivation. This will result in
indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers.
Even some nutrients are ensiled, without
knowing that farmer will add the same
nutrients. This is a mere wastage. By
knowing the physio-chemical conditions
of the soil, the farmer can add those
nutrients which are lacking and can adjust
the PH of the soil favourably. So this
project was an attempt to study the
physio-chemical characteristics of the soil
in Nedumbana village. After studying
the soil conditions the result was
explained to the farmers. The physical
properties of soil, colour texture, porosity,
water holding capacity, rate of infiltration
capacity etc. were analyzed. In chemical
properties hydrogen-ion concentration,
soil aeration, quantity of phosphorus.
Testing of soil before cultivation and their
contact with Krishi Bhavans are analysed.
After the survey the result of the survey
was communicated to the farmers”.
Now the farmers of Nedumpana
realise the actual problem involved in
their cultivation. They wonder at ‘their
little brain’. Beena’s project is selected
from the district to the state level and
from there to the national level. She
participated in the national level
programme to present her project before
the expert committee for final selection.
On the basis of the project she was
awarded the Young Scientist Award 2003.
At national level 26 projects are selected
for video documentation. Her project was
also selected and now she is getting ready
for video documentation in Delhi in
November.
Regarding the present system of
education she has much appreciation to
SSA system. She has the opinion that it
provides a deviation from traditional
system of mugging up of the text books
knowledge but provides an opportunity
for high level learning and thinking and
chances of experiments in life along with
the text book knowledge.
Beena is the daughter of Sankara Pillai
and Ananda Bhai. Her only sister Asha
does her schooling in 11th standard.
Beena, the versatile genius wants to
be a scientist.
-K. Anil Kumar
10
Ambassador
of Letters
Notes for Scene One
10 year old Mathew Alexander leaves
school at 4 PM. He reaches at home at
4.30 PM. The boy’s return from his school
is a ‘sight’ for the residents of Patichira,
at Pulpally in Wayanad district.
Because a host of schoolmates
accompanies the boy to his home. This
‘march’ from St. Sebastian schools ends
at Mathew’s home where he opens the
doors to a wonderful library. His fellows
enter. Now on, Mathew is the librarian
and others are users.
Scene Two
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy
embraces little Mathew while giving away
Wayanad Samskriti Award to him, at a
function held in Thiruvananthapuram.
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
How the
library works
Started with 50 books in 2001,
Mathew’s library is growing.
Inspiration to start the library came
from his teacher Joy. His brother
Arun and parents associate with the
working of the library.
No membership fee. Library is
open from 4.30 to 6.30 PM. Lending
period is 5 days. Twenty five paise is
charged for excess days. The amount
collected as fine is used for the
maintenance of the books. Like any
other leading library, Mathew
maintains stock register, issue
register, visitor’s register etc.
The library of Mathew Alexander is growing day by day
Notes for Scene Three
The house of Baby Alexander and
Soya. Baby is a farmer and Soya a
homemaker. They live with their two
children. Mathew, the protagonist, is their
younger child. In a room of their house
works the library.
(Inside library: A still from library is
shown above)
The library has more than 1000 books
now. A good number is owned by
Mathew and so many were added in
contribution. The volumes consist of
stories, child literature, novels, science
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
Mathew’s library has more
than 1000 books. The
volumes consist of
stories, child literature,
novels, science and GK.
Mathew’s march to letters
and knowledge is
sharpened by the woes of
his land.
and GK. Children search through the
library and pick up their choice.
On an average 25 students visit the
library daily. Grown-ups are also visiting
Mathew’s library.
New arrivals are expected soon. The
State Library Council has offered him 500
volumes, District Library Council
contributes 250 and Pulpally Rotary Club
50.
Dialogues
The following statements made by
Mathew are to be included:
“Reading habit is the real power.”
“Don’t sit before TV. If do so, your
life will ruin.”
Scene settings
Rural scenes around Patichira on
Kerala - Karnataka border. A land of
immigrant farmers. Once it was pepper
land. Now the threat of water scarcity and
agriculture ruin drove the life to misery.
East-flowing Kabani, is at a bit far.
Mathew’s march to letters and knowledge
is sharpened by these woes of his land.
Mathew Alexander grows with his
fellows. Curtain never falls on flow of
knowledge.
V. Muhammed Ali
11
The Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary T.K.A. Nair looks into the achievements of Aasis at the inventor’s home
The Vinayak Effect
O
made a working model.
On July 12, 2004, the model was
demonstrated at a press conference.
Aasis’ invention caught the national
attention.
The NIF has approved Aasis’s new
theory and has already signed a NonDisclosure Agreement with him to make
two additional VHS models at the Indian
Institutes of Technology in Chennai and
Guwahati.
His hydel system consists of an airpusher and water drawer (call it
APWARD), venal pipe, valves and
collecting duct.
Aasis says, “If we create an atmosphere
for the natural energy sources to act upon,
they can do the work and we need provide
only the minimum energy required to
create that situation.’’
The new system can pump 1,000
litres of water to a height of eight metres
n December 10 Aasis Vinayak,
a Plus One student, will meet
the President A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam.
The meeting will be in Ahmedabad.
The occasion is the third national meeting
of National Innovation Foundation. A
few months back Rashtrapati Bhavan
sources contacted Aasis.
All these are in continuation of Aasis’
revolutionary invention called Vinayak’s
Hydel System, based on a new theory.
The invention works as a unique
water pump or a different water-drawing
system. Aasis describes it as the result of
a need for “a machine that could pump
the tailrace waters of the hydroelectric
projects back to the reservoir by using
natural forces that would not disturb the
equilibrium of nature.”
He laboured to create the machine
with the help of school authorities. He
12
12
Aasis with his working model
November
November 2004
2004 zz KERALA
KERALA CALLING
CALLING
by
working
the
APWARD for just two
seconds. It has a power
of 10 watts. So, the total
energy required by the
system is only 20 joule.
An ordinary motor
that works to raise the
water to eight metres
high requires more than
98,000 joule, says Aasis.
One can operate 4,900
motors of VHS by using
the energy required for
just one ordinary motor,
he points out.
Aasis’ system will cost
only Rs.8000 for a unit.
It can pump 1000 litres
of water for just 10 watts,
in two seconds. An
ordinary motor requires
750 watts working for 20
minutes.
Vinayak’s Hydel
Aasis’ hydel system can
pump 1000 litres of water for
just 10 watts, in two
seconds. At that place, an
ordinary motor requires 750
watts and 20 minutes.
System can revolutionise the irrigation
and power sector.
In response to an e-mail, Herbert
Kroemer, Nobel Physics laureate wrote
to Aasis , “The principle behind the
machine can solve the present energy
crisis. So you get even the Nobel Prize.
Then, you will be the youngest person
to be awarded a Nobel Prize.’’
In another message on June 24, Dr.
Kroemer said, “The system has got lot
of advantages. It is an amazing
innovation. I don’t have words to express
it.”
Aasis is the son of Prafullachandran
Pillai and Geetha. Both are teachers.
Heartful of pride and pleasure on
account of their only son spills over, not
only Kerala, but the world.
Do you feel it?
Tryst with
Violin
W
hen did Priti Unni hear a
classical? May be some days
back. The young violinist
never plays her mind back. Heartful of
rains to render, the talented girl find no
time to look back. Before her, awards and
recognitions are aplenty.
She won first in the Kerala State
Schools’ Youth Festival in 2003-2004 in
the category of violin (eastern). She also
won a prestigious award in the
competition held in connection with the
Kalpathy Ratholsavam, Palakkad.
Another first prize came from the
Veenakalanidhi Memorial competition
held in Palakkad. For the last three
consecutive years, Priti won the Swaralaya
Trophy for violin.
She participated in many Karnatic
music festivals like Chembai Music Fete
held in Guruvayoor.
Ignore her age. She yearns
more competitions, performances.
She is the novice nourisher to
the musical tradition of
Palakkad.
Mysore Manjunath is the role model
for Priti.
The proud disciple of Parvathy
Krishnan of Nurani, Palakkad, Priti is
securing a place of her own in the field.
That she is the 11th rank holder of
SSLC in 2003-2004 is little known today.
Her musical excellence veils her academic
brilliance.
Priti is the Plus One student in Moyan
Girls Higher Secondary School, Palakkad.
Priya Unni, her elder sister does her
Engineering Course at NSS Engineering
College, Palakkad. Priya is a classical
singer (Karnatic). The vocalist and
violinist enchant the house Athira at
Tharekkad Gramam in Palakkad. The
parents of the duo are P.R. Unni and
Sujatha. He is in business and she
is a homemaker.
Life string: To be a
Chartered Accountant
(hymns within)
- Sulabha Kumari
- K. Santhoshkumar
KERALA
KERALA CALLING
CALLING zz
November
November 2004
2004
Priti Unni
13
13
by
working
the
APWARD for just two
seconds. It has a power
of 10 watts. So, the total
energy required by the
system is only 20 joule.
An ordinary motor
that works to raise the
water to eight metres
high requires more than
98,000 joule, says Aasis.
One can operate 4,900
motors of VHS by using
the energy required for
just one ordinary motor,
he points out.
Aasis’ system will cost
only Rs.8000 for a unit.
It can pump 1000 litres
of water for just 10 watts,
in two seconds. An
ordinary motor requires
750 watts working for 20
minutes.
Vinayak’s Hydel
Aasis’ hydel system can
pump 1000 litres of water for
just 10 watts, in two
seconds. At that place, an
ordinary motor requires 750
watts and 20 minutes.
System can revolutionise the irrigation
and power sector.
In response to an e-mail, Herbert
Kroemer, Nobel Physics laureate wrote
to Aasis , “The principle behind the
machine can solve the present energy
crisis. So you get even the Nobel Prize.
Then, you will be the youngest person
to be awarded a Nobel Prize.’’
In another message on June 24, Dr.
Kroemer said, “The system has got lot
of advantages. It is an amazing
innovation. I don’t have words to express
it.”
Aasis is the son of Prafullachandran
Pillai and Geetha. Both are teachers.
Heartful of pride and pleasure on
account of their only son spills over, not
only Kerala, but the world.
Do you feel it?
Tryst with
Violin
W
hen did Priti Unni hear a
classical? May be some days
back. The young violinist
never plays her mind back. Heartful of
rains to render, the talented girl find no
time to look back. Before her, awards and
recognitions are aplenty.
She won first in the Kerala State
Schools’ Youth Festival in 2003-2004 in
the category of violin (eastern). She also
won a prestigious award in the
competition held in connection with the
Kalpathy Ratholsavam, Palakkad.
Another first prize came from the
Veenakalanidhi Memorial competition
held in Palakkad. For the last three
consecutive years, Priti won the Swaralaya
Trophy for violin.
She participated in many Karnatic
music festivals like Chembai Music Fete
held in Guruvayoor.
Ignore her age. She yearns
more competitions, performances.
She is the novice nourisher to
the musical tradition of
Palakkad.
Mysore Manjunath is the role model
for Priti.
The proud disciple of Parvathy
Krishnan of Nurani, Palakkad, Priti is
securing a place of her own in the field.
That she is the 11th rank holder of
SSLC in 2003-2004 is little known today.
Her musical excellence veils her academic
brilliance.
Priti is the Plus One student in Moyan
Girls Higher Secondary School, Palakkad.
Priya Unni, her elder sister does her
Engineering Course at NSS Engineering
College, Palakkad. Priya is a classical
singer (Karnatic). The vocalist and
violinist enchant the house Athira at
Tharekkad Gramam in Palakkad. The
parents of the duo are P.R. Unni and
Sujatha. He is in business and she
is a homemaker.
Life string: To be a
Chartered Accountant
(hymns within)
- Sulabha Kumari
- K. Santhoshkumar
KERALA
KERALA CALLING
CALLING zz
November
November 2004
2004
Priti Unni
13
13
Homely
inventions
R
emya was not in a mood to
celebrate her brilliant result in
SSLC, though the parents
wished. Because she was immersed in
materialising an invention that would
make others celebrate their life – a nonelectric washing machine!
This instrument works on manual
power by using a pedal. Now this
incredible invention has got national
recognition in the form of the award of
National Innovation Foundation under
the Central Government’s Science and
Technology Department.
With a total cost of Rs.2000 for
manufacturing, this devise has both the
facilities of washing and drying up
clothes. The mechanism is simple, always
in the case of good inventions. A rectangle
box attached to a pedal. You can put the
cloths in the box and fill up to three fourth
with water, add sufficient washing powder
and use the pedal to rotate the box. That
is all. The family uses this machine for
the last two years. The proof of the
Remya has made a handful
of inventions- from singlepress dehusker, vacuum
cleaner and smoke-free
firewood stow to a lot of
electronic instruments.
pudding!
This does not make the whole story.
Having had a Midas touch, Remya has
made a handful of inventions by now.
They span from single-press dehusker,
vacuum cleaner and smoke-free firewood
stow to a lot of electronic instruments.
The parents state that ever since she
was too young, Remya had great interest
Remya with her vacuum cleaner
14
14
November 2004 z
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
KERALA CALLING
Crouching
Tiger
W
towards inventions. Patiently, she would
draw sketches of them. Thus she got an
image of a scientist among her classmates.
Schooled at Pandikkadu Thachinganadam High School, she completed Plus
Two at Sree Valluvanadu Vidya Bhavan
at Perinthalmanna. Now Remya is
preparing for entrance, fondling the
dreams of engineering miracles.
A native of Pudikkadi at Panthallur
in Malappuram, Remya is parented by
P.A. Joseph, a Hindi teacher,
Thachinganadam High School and P.J.
Marykkutty, Headmistress, Panthallor
Vidya Jyothi UP School.
Remya is now waiting for January 5th,
2005. This is the day when her hero and
role model, the President of India, Dr.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, presents the National
Innovation Award and prize money of
Rs.15000 to Remya at the third National
Conference of the foundation at the
Indian Institute of Management,
Ahmedabad. A milestone in her bright,
innovative life course.
hen Nirmal, the wizkid, starts
the miraculous performance
of Karate, the spectators
become wonder-struck. He performs
various steps of the martial art one by one
with easy body twist and mastery.
Nirmal achieved what others of his
age could not imagine. At the age of six
he became a Black Belt in Karate from
Danny Laynes World Martial Art
Foundation in the USA. He is the first
Indian to reach this level at this age.
Nirmal is of course a source of pride
for Alappuzha and for the entire state of
Kerala. He is a student of St. Mary’s
Residential School, Alappuzha. V.Z.
Sebastian and Daizy Sebastian are the
parents of Nirmal. Sebastian is an
accomplished Karate master. And he
himself runs a Karate school namely, KOin-CHI Academy of Martial Arts in
Alappuzha.
Nirmal’s talent was first discovered by
his father. He imparted training to his
son. Proper training made Nirmal to
achieve international fame.
Nirmal can perform 31 katas (a
combination of defending/attacking
movements in Karate). His mastery
includes 4Weapon training katas in
Nanchakku, Bo, Sai, Tonfa and 3 Kick
Katas. These performances can be done
only by higher age group persons.
Performance in 13 katas will enable a
person to achieve Black Belt. The wizkid
is now undergoing training for Second
Dan Black Belt. Wait for another flying
kick!
-P.R. Roy
At the age of six Nirmal
became a Black Belt in
Karate. He can perform 31
katas. Performance in 13
katas will enable a person
to achieve Black Belt.
- C. Ayappan
KERALA CALLING
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
z November 2004
15
15
Crouching
Tiger
W
towards inventions. Patiently, she would
draw sketches of them. Thus she got an
image of a scientist among her classmates.
Schooled at Pandikkadu Thachinganadam High School, she completed Plus
Two at Sree Valluvanadu Vidya Bhavan
at Perinthalmanna. Now Remya is
preparing for entrance, fondling the
dreams of engineering miracles.
A native of Pudikkadi at Panthallur
in Malappuram, Remya is parented by
P.A. Joseph, a Hindi teacher,
Thachinganadam High School and P.J.
Marykkutty, Headmistress, Panthallor
Vidya Jyothi UP School.
Remya is now waiting for January 5th,
2005. This is the day when her hero and
role model, the President of India, Dr.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, presents the National
Innovation Award and prize money of
Rs.15000 to Remya at the third National
Conference of the foundation at the
Indian Institute of Management,
Ahmedabad. A milestone in her bright,
innovative life course.
hen Nirmal, the wizkid, starts
the miraculous performance
of Karate, the spectators
become wonder-struck. He performs
various steps of the martial art one by one
with easy body twist and mastery.
Nirmal achieved what others of his
age could not imagine. At the age of six
he became a Black Belt in Karate from
Danny Laynes World Martial Art
Foundation in the USA. He is the first
Indian to reach this level at this age.
Nirmal is of course a source of pride
for Alappuzha and for the entire state of
Kerala. He is a student of St. Mary’s
Residential School, Alappuzha. V.Z.
Sebastian and Daizy Sebastian are the
parents of Nirmal. Sebastian is an
accomplished Karate master. And he
himself runs a Karate school namely, KOin-CHI Academy of Martial Arts in
Alappuzha.
Nirmal’s talent was first discovered by
his father. He imparted training to his
son. Proper training made Nirmal to
achieve international fame.
Nirmal can perform 31 katas (a
combination of defending/attacking
movements in Karate). His mastery
includes 4Weapon training katas in
Nanchakku, Bo, Sai, Tonfa and 3 Kick
Katas. These performances can be done
only by higher age group persons.
Performance in 13 katas will enable a
person to achieve Black Belt. The wizkid
is now undergoing training for Second
Dan Black Belt. Wait for another flying
kick!
-P.R. Roy
At the age of six Nirmal
became a Black Belt in
Karate. He can perform 31
katas. Performance in 13
katas will enable a person
to achieve Black Belt.
- C. Ayappan
KERALA CALLING
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
z November 2004
15
15
Mission
UN
Jassim speaks at the Global Summit
“
I
t is the duty of all governments across
the globe to ensure that biological and
chemical weapons, which are
spreading terrorism and causing security
concerns for the world citizens, are not
held by NGI’s (Non-Governmental
Institutions). The UN must take strong
initiatives towards this, and over a period
of time, the countries with chemical
arsenals shall go in for a gradual reduction
of their stocks to current possession. The
UN must invest the savings in research
for cure and prevention of a chemical and
biological attack.”, the speech went on.
Jassim Mahmood was the speaker. He
was delivering in the ‘Global Summit’ of
Global Young Leaders Conference
(GYLC) at the UN.
The ‘Global Summit’ is the final and
culminating event of the GYLC. It was
attended by all the 360 participating
young leaders from around the world and
was held at the UN headquarters in New
York after 12 days of hectic diplomatic
group discussions, coalition talks,
commission meetings and embassy visits.
Jassim, strongly defended the
resolution about disarmament of
16
possible
chemical arsenals. He said security
concerns of the citizens shall be given due
consideration whenever any disarmament
policy is taken. After a heated debate, the
resolution was passed by the ‘Peace and
Security Commission’ and later it was
passed at the ‘Global Summit’.
Selected for his outstanding leadership
qualities and debating skills, Jassim got
the chance to speak at the ‘Global
Summit’ held at the UN Headquarters.
A total of the 32 young speakers were
elected to speak at the final summit. Out
of the 8 students selected from India only
Jassim was lucky to address the ‘Global
Summit.’
As part of the programme Jassim,
along with other students, attended
briefings at the US Department of State,
US Department of Interior and the
Population Services International. They
had discussions with representatives from
the missions of Azerbaijan, Croatia and
Indonesia at a diplomatic reception held
at the French Embassy.
Jassim, a good athlete, has also shown
his talents in dance, singing. He has two
younger brothers Ejaz and Ziyad and one
sister Riya.
A twelfth standard student in Dubai
Modern High School is a native of
Nellikkunnu, Kasaragod. He is the
grandson of the late ex-MLA B.M. Abdul
Rahman. Various organisations in
Kasaragod falicitated the ‘young
ambassador’. His father B.A. Mahmood
and his mother Subaida accompanied
him.
K. Abdul Rahman
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
Vision
Celebrity
T
he movie “Kazhcha” directed by
debutant Blessey is a delight to
watch. A near total unanimity for
the film devoid of criticism also helped
the film achieve more strides along with
increasing spectators. The movie’s integral
part is the performance of the ‘actor’ who
enacted the character – Pavan alias
Kochundapri. The actor is a seven-yearold boy from Mattancherry in Ernakulam
– Yash K Malavia. The crew of the movie
believes that he may fetch a national
award for the performance in the film.
Incidentally, his roots also take him to the
same Gujarath, which has been featured
in the film for its earthquake.
Yash K. Malavia studies in SSNKM
Sarada Mandir Mattanchery, Kochi. He
is the son of Kiran J. Malavia and Usha
Malavia. His school consists only two
standards - first and second. The school
is proud of having the prodigy. Tintu
George is his class teacher and Avis M.
Samuel his headmistress.
Yash’s father recounts that his
ancestors came to Kerala 70 years
ago. Keeping in that tradition Yash
is good in Gujarathi and is not that
adept in Malayalam. Just like Pavan
in the movie. But, while engrossed
in conversation he is just like any
other kid in our vicinity. The young
prodigy enjoys the out of the blue
‘celebrity status’ now. Also, he has a
hectic schedule these days ranging
from inaugurations to interviews.
While getting ready for an interview
session for a television channel the
boy literally gave difficult times to
make-up-man Rajesh Nedumkandam to accomplish his job.
Speaking in between the make up
session also was entertaining.
Constantly raising doubts about a
whole lot of things the kid will easily
grab our minds. How was his
selection happened ? In his chaste
English – he says Blessey uncle saw
KERALA CALLING
z November
November 2004
2004
z
his video performance on an
annual
school
day
performance and called him
for an on camera test. How
was the first day man ? “Oh.
It was not bad uncle. I have
to fetch a pitcher in my hand
wearing knickers and a Tshirt.” How was Mamootty ?
“Uncle was nice. Always tried
to help me out in difficult
situations. I have learnt lot of
things from him.” What were
the difficult situations ? (He
fetched a comb and began to
build a “Taj Mahal” on
Rajesh’s head) (He is
distracted, now, a break is the
only way)
“I have done whatever I was told to
do. Blessey uncle and Mamootty uncle
will show face expressions behind the
camera and I just tried to imitate that
actions.” Now, he began playing, running
and chasing the friend of the same age
group who arrived to interview him. “It
was very nice with the dog and Sanusha
Chechi during the shoot. The puppy was
not that friendly to me initially. But, later
on we were company.”
As a second standard student of
school he wants to handle both study
and acting with dexterity. He
recollects that the early camp held for
the film helped him a lot as he could
befriend with all the senior actors
from there itself. “I felt sad at the
moment I cried loudly before the
dilapidated house and surroundings.
I saw Blessey uncle also in a similar
mood and first I thought it might be
a drizzle occurred during that time,
but later I understood that it was not
rain”
What is your future plans ? His
father gave the answer. Probably, he
will be acting in Bhadran’s
“Udayavan” soon along with the
several offers which is coming from
other languages also. But, before that
he has to complete “Kazcha’s Tamil
remake where Madhavan will be
Vijaykanth.
Yash with his teachers in school
- Sanil Abraham
17
REMEMBRANCE
Murkot Ramunny
Remembering
Nehru
44
We saw Nehru at close quarters
immediately after Independence, along
with the other great leaders of India,
discussing, arguing, coming to decisions,
on some of the most important problems
that faced the country, and also laying the
foundation for the future. He was an
Indian first and last and a citizen of the
world. Above all he was superhumanly
humane.
Every day for fifteen years Nehru as
Prime Minister worked hard. The last two
years in failing health, he perhaps slowed
down. He turned up after dinner at night
to the residential office. One by one
waiting stenoes would come up and take
his dictation. He worked till all the files
were over, no matter what the time was.
Next morning the files were on the tables
of the offices.
He filed ‘the unforgiving minute with
sixty seconds worth of distance run’.
After a Defence Committee meeting
of the Cabinet, V.P. Menon and I, had
just got into the car, when we saw Nehru
running towards us, opening the front
door and take his seat. “V.P., take me to
my office”’ he said “I have only two and
a half minutes for my next meeting. My
driver is having tea, I don’t want to disturb
him”. Sitting silently at the back, I learnt
two things. One was punctuality; the
other was humanism. Nehru was always
in time, neither early nor late, and we
could correct our watches according to
the arrival of Nehru. He would often lose
his temper. But that soon passed away as
the summer clouds. He was seen to throw
a file on the ground but soon get up, pick
it up and return it to the clerk or officer,
saying ‘sorry’. He could laugh heartily and
his laugh was infectious.
He was fond of sports and riding.
Early morning after his yoga exercises, he
would take a short ride on his favourite
pony, and play with his pets, particularly
the Himalayan panda.
There used to be annual cricket
matches between the P.M’s and President’s
elevens. Nehru would be immaculately
dressed for the match. Any member
coming in dhothi or shabily dressed,
would not be allowed to join. Whenever
there were Test Matches in Delhi, he
would leave the office, followed by us, to
November
November 2004
2004 zz KERALA
KERALACALLING
CALLING
watch the match for some time. Nehru
would ask for the score sheet and would
be noting down the score, like a little
school boy.
During one of the Test Matches we
were having the Defence Committee
meeting. Nehru noticed that the peon
was bringing a note to me. ‘What’s
happening’, he asked. I said, sheepishly,
‘It is the Test score’ ; ‘Then why don’t
you tell us?’ and he stretched his hand.
He read the slip and said ‘Sardar, see
Vishwanathan has scored a century’. He
laughed like a child. Sardar smiled and
nodded his head.
When Nehru received the minutes of
a meeting prepared and typed in my
office, he asked for the stenographer.
Ramanathan appeared before Nehru
almost trembling. “You typed this. It is
very good, tell the officer with whom you
are working that tomorrow onwards you
will work with me”. I lost Ramanathan.
Nehru was personally overlooking the
administration and tackling the Naga
insurgency after the Centre had taken
over the area. As Commissioner of the
centrally administered area, I had to
periodically report to Nehru.
The Naga People’s Convention in
1959 had asked for Nagaland to be a State
within the Indian Union. This shook the
Governor, his advisors and Secretaries in
Delhi. How could about six lakhs of
people with no income at all, claim
statehood on par with all other states?
Before taking a final decision the
Prime Minister wanted to discuss with
the officer who was on the spot. I was
called to Delhi. Nehru asked me for my
frank opinion as a person on the spot.
His words gave me strength to freely
give my opinion.
What Nagas are asking for is that the
funds allotted by the Central Government
for the development of Nagaland will be
spent by their elected representatives.
They should not have to come begging
for sanctions every time to Delhi. If this
group has to go back empty handed, no
other group is likely to come to Delhi
again. Increasing the security forces will
not solve the problems, but will aggravate
it.”
Nehru listened patiently and asked me
to write down the points on one sheet of
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
paper. “Make three copies, give one to
Krishna Menon and the other to Pandit
Pant”, he said.
After the Cabinet meeting next day,
at which I was asked to answer many
questions from the Ministers, Prime
Minister met the Naga delegation. He
read their first resolution, ‘Nagaland will
be a state within the Indian Union’.
Nehru said, ‘Yes it will be’. There was
complete silence. Nagas had expected a
repetition of the interview they had with
the Governor.
Nehru taught everyone two lessons.
One, how opinion of the officers in the
field had to be available to the top political
leadership to assist in decision making.
Second, when a decision has been made,
that should be announced
gracefully, without delay or
arguments.
Nehru’s knowledge of
the country and the people
was unrivalled. I was on
the Mac Mohan line,
when a number of tall
Tibetans with arms
approached us saying
‘Kampa, Kampa, India India’Apparently they wanted to
come to India. Wireless requests
to Shillong and Delhi brought no
response. At that time Nehru and
his daughter were touring Bhutan. We
took courage to send a message to the
Prime Minister’s Camp. In a couple of
hours we got a reply. “Khampas are
friendly to us. Disarm them, and send
them down to Assam”. Much later we
found that Shillong and Delhi were
searching Encyclopeadias to find out
who the Khampas were!
How he tackled the Kashmir, Tibet,
China problems and about his nonalignment policy are stories that have
to wait for another day.
It was Nehru who evolved a new
set up of administration and policy of
development for tribal areas. But it is
unfortunate that most of our States have
not followed it and hence the untold
misery of the tribal people even today.
As one who was among the first batch
to be selected for tribal administration, I
would like to point out, what could be a
minor instruction to us, but had life-long
impression on me. He said “You will not
have chairs or benches for the tribal
people who come to you in batches. They
will sit happily on the floor. You will also
sit on the floor with them”. We later
realised that such action from officers gave
the tribal people self-confidence, and
created tribal peoples’ confidence in the
officers.
I remember with gratitude how Sree
Narayana Guru gave those of us who were
denied Temple entry, self-confidence, by
consecrating Temples himself
where all human beings were
allowed. Working under
Nehru we who had
served the British,
developed pride in
being Indians.
5
Dr. A. Nirmala
T
here is no doubt that television
has a great influence on children
from a very early age itself and it
will affect children’s cognitive and social
development. In 1992, the American
psychologist Huston conducted a research
on TV watching and found that by the
age of 16, the average American child has
spent more time watching TV than
attending school!
The role that Television plays in
socializing children is very great.
Television can be educational and
beneficial, but its negative aspects, such
as the amount of aggressive and violent
activity it displays daily, is causing grave
concern to parents and educators around
the world. Whether and how we will
manage to control the harmful effects of
The impact of television
television and harness its potential for the
good of children is a subject of ongoing
debate.
Children do not generally become
consistent viewers until they are about 2½
to 3 years old. Even then they do not
watch the set constantly because their
span of attention is very short. So they
get easily distracted. Now a days the
working parents are so busy, they don’t
have enough time spend with their kids.
The mother has to do the cooking and
look after the child simultaneously; there
may not be servants also. So she switches
on the TV and puts the child in front of
it. Slowly it becomes a habit. After
sometime the kid becomes addicted to
the television. And the mother blames the
child for regularly watching it. Most of
the ‘speech delay’ cases seen among babies
are caused due to the excessive TV
watching. TV watching is not interactive.
It is a one way mode of activity. In order
to develop speech, as the young one
begins to produce the babbling sounds;
we must reproduce a similar sound, so
that the young one is motivated to talk
more, which slowly leads to verbal
communication.
TV viewing patterns are affected not
18
only by program content but by the
formal features of television as well, such
as animation, high action, loud music and
visual and auditory special effects. These
formal features, which help to attract as
well as retain children’s attention, are, to
some degree, independent of program
content, and they are important for
younger and older children alike (Huston
& Wright 1998). Children increase their
viewing time gradually until, in preadolescence, they are watching TV almost
four hours a day. Although this may seem
to be too much, adults, especially people
who are retired and over 65, watch TV
even more than children. They simply
spend all their time inside the homes and
their only means of entertainment is TV
watching. And housewives too watch
most of the TV programmes. Often there
is clash between the grandparents and
children regarding the channel they
prefer. The elderly would prefer the
serials, while children want their favorite
cartoons. It might end up in a family tiff
even. In flats there is limited space, and
as the grandparents wish to watch their
favorite serial, the children who might be
studying at that time, get distracted easily.
The parents would be in a dilemma. If
they scold the child, the grandparents
would be indirectly affected. And we can’t
blame the old people; their main
entertainment is TV watching. There is
a positive aspect to this situation as well.
The presence of older people will prevent
the children from viewing horror movies
and adult movies. Children watch a
variety of programmes. Boys prefer actionadventure and sports programmes, and
girls prefer human social dramas and
music.
Small kids will not understand what
they see on television, in a reasonable
manner. Children must be able to
distinguish between fantasy and reality.
Displaying what has been called ‘magic
window thinking’ the little kids are likely
to believe that TV images are real as the
people and things about them. (Huston
& Wright, 1998). (During the age of 2
and 3, they come to understand that the
characters and objects they see on TV are
not actually present inside the set.) As kids
grow and their cognitive skills continue
to improve, their ability to distinguish
fantasy from reality improves as well.
When they get older, children understand
that shows are made up, scripted and
rehearsed.
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
The impact of violence in television
can be reduced by helping young children
distinguish between what they see in
Television and reality. We must also
constantly inform them that television is
an unrealistic portrayal of the real world
and aggressive behaviours are not as
universal in the real world as they appear
to be on TV. If we go on watching
interesting TV programmes we will not
realize the time that has elapsed. Due to
excessive TV watching our attitudes,
moods, behaviour will all get affected.
In 1997 Koolstra & Kamp in their
research found that heavy viewing of TV
had a clearly adverse impact on reading.
Some researchers also suggest that
socioeconomic and family factors may
account for these links between TV and
reading ability.
TV viewing takes time, and may
on
dinning hours, however, will prevent
family members from conversing with one
another freely. Lack of such open talks
and friendly gestures leads to tension and
family breakdowns.
Some parents will switch on the TV
and feed the children. The parents will
be happy as the little one opens his mouth
like gold fish and swallows the food while
watching TV. The parent is not realising
that she herself is developing in the child
the habit of watching TV while eating
food. Now a days some children watch
TV even while doing home work. This
practice must be dissuaded from the
beginning stage itself. All the children’s
programmes and cartoon channels are
intermixed with advertisements. These
advertisements have a definite influence
on the tender mind. Fast food snacks filled
with masala and aginomotto are harmful
to health. As these snacks provide tattoos
and stickers children often try to influence
their parent’s consumer choices: parents
Children
displace other activities, such as sports,
exercises or even talking to others. Guests
are not properly taken care of if they visit
other houses during popular TV serials.
Also, in most of the houses the TVs are
placed in the drawing room. Even though
we will talk with the guests, our attention
will be constantly diverted by the TV. We
must make it a practice to switch off the
TV when guests come.
Earlier, children loved to visit other
houses with their parents. But nowadays,
if we ask them to join us, they will say
“Amma, please, we will sit at home and
watch TV.” They prefer sitting at home
and watching TV over visiting relatives
or friends. Parents must also ensure that
children are getting sufficient physical
exercises.
It is also not a good practice to place
TV in the dining room. In the busy
modern times, there is lack of
communication between the family
members. Watching television during
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
must not entertain this.
The present trend in the theme of
serials is not satisfactory. In all the stories,
importance is given to the negative
aspects of human personality. They depict
the different ways to cheat other people,
the unhealthy relationships between the
husbands & wives, the shortcut ways to
get money by cheating people. Violence
is given preference. By watching these
types of serials, throughout the time, the
behaviour of even the elder generation
seem to have changed. They have become
narrow-minded and they tend to find
fault with others and enjoy gossips and
go into negative thinking. In the past,
grandparents loved to look after the young
ones. But now the modern grandma is
reluctant to find time to spend with their
grandchildren among these never-ending
serials. This is a cyclic process. Children
learn through imitation. If the elderly
persons are behaving like this, how can
we blame the little ones? As a result, a
selfish generation is emerging!
The parents must go on talking to the
child while watching TV, that is, they
must explain the programme contents to
the younger ones. This will help the
children to make important connection
between actions and their consequences.
Studies have shown that children whose
parents explain events and clarify
information tend to be more imaginative,
less aggressive and less hyperactive and
tend to understand the contents of the
programme better. But at present, the
parents do not spend time with children,
nor do they discuss the values of the
programme. Co-viewing can also help a
child to cope with the fear produced by
the programme. The rapport between the
parents and children will also improve.
We must not forget the benefits of
TV. By viewing the news sessions, the
child can get clear, accurate information
about all the happenings around the
world. By seeing the incidents directly,
children understand things better. The
quiz programmes are very beneficial to
children.
The programmes in the Animal
Planet, National Geographic Channel are
also very informative. The travelogue
helps to gather information on other
countries. By watching such programmes
we will get a feeling that we are actually
visiting these places. The important
buildings and places shown in such
programmes give us valuable knowledge.
Children will be able to know about and
understand different cultures. By
watching the great epics Mahabharata,
Ramayana etc., the modern child learns
about values and traditions.
The important thing to keep in mind
is that parents must not blame the
children for watching TV. Together they
must prepare a tentative timetable for TVviewing. Children must be given some
time to watch their favorite programmes,
but parents must have an eye on the
programmes which the children watch.
There must be open discussions among
the family members and parents must
provide a positive guidance to children.
This will help them to learn to evaluate
the TV programmes and what they see.
Also, we must not discuss in front of the
child his/her habit of watching TV
throughout the time, even if that be the
case. We must slowly steer him out of the
habit instead.
The author is Child psychologist, Thiruvananthapuram.
19
Sandhya K. Mavelil
T
he miraculous birth of a child is a
big event in a family. The young
couple, as a rule, finds each other’s
company blissful and emotionally
satisfying, for a period, not indefinite.
But as years follow, they find something
amiss and yearn for a bond stronger than
A family to the child
The law and the society, now, is trying
to ensure that adoption gives a family to
the child, and not a child to the family.
Babies entrusted with child care
institutions and found discarded are now
given for adoption. Laws governing
adoption ensure that these adopted
children also get all the benefits of
inheritance which the child out of legal
wedlock gets. From the societal point of
view, adoption is the process that ensures
affection, love, care, protection and a
bright future to the child.
Can you adopt a child?
Legally, individuals and couples can
the nuptial ties. And that comes in the
form of an innocent, helpless, large-eyed
toddler, that resembles the parents to
varying extents, that mews and moans,
smiles and giggles, depends on the proud
mother and father for anything and
everything, gradually becoming the
pivotal factor in the family.
But there are exceptions. On certain
occasions when nature, god or scientific
interventions do not yield results and the
dream for a child never materializes. The
innate urge to nurse and nurture a child
through childhood and adolescence to
maturity, when left unsatisfied brings
gloom and a sense of meaninglessness to
the lives of the couples. And the
intelligent among them finds a positive
solution of adopting a child.
But this is not an easy task. There
are occasions when you find an unwed
mother willing to ‘dispose of ’ the child:
or when you find a child discarded out in
the cold. And there are reported cases of
children put up for sale! But the law,
which is a social contract, will not give
legal validity to such adoptions, and the
foster parents are in for trouble. The
original parents may change their minds
at a later stage and claim their child back
bringing agony and the feeling of being
cheated. Your love or human sentiments
may have little value in a court of law.
But the law cannot be blamed, since
occasions are numerous when children are
adopted with ulterior motives, and they
are discriminated, treated badly and are
exploited. So what is the way out?
22
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
adopt a child. But usually priority is given
to couples. Those couples from India who
have lived together for at least three years
after marriage are eligible. The Hindu
Adoption and Maintenance Act (1956),
Indian Guardians and Wards Act (1980)
and the Child Justice Act (2000) are the
laws governing adoption. The guidelines
of the Central Adoption Resource Agency
are also applicable.
For determining the eligibility to
adopt a child, certain criteria are fixed.
If you and your spouse is below 45 years
of age, you can adopt a child. But the
age limit is relaxable up to the age of 55
in certain special cases. Relaxation in age
limit is permitted if you are adopting a
cannot adopt a girl child. Further the
single parent should have facilities and
relatives to take good care of the child.
Documents you have to produce
When you come forward to adopt a
child you will have to produce documents
to prove your age, education, medical
fitness, income, ownership of land or
building. Two respected people from your
locality should certify that the husband
and wife are living together for at least
three years and are capable of bringing
up a child by adopting him or her. The
couples should sign an agreement to the
effect that they will accept the child
through adoption and take good care of
the child. A report on the family prepared
Adoption gives a family to
the child, and not a child to
the family. From the
societal point of view,
adoption is the process
that ensures affection,
love, care, protection and
a bright future to the child.
child who needs specialized care due to
problems regarding health.
Either the husband or wife should
have (1) passed the matriculation
examination, (2) own a house or have
permanent employment and (3) have a
minimum income of Rs.5000 per month.
Needless to say, the couple should be
healthy, mentally and physically. The
character of the couples should be good
and marital relationship strong. Above all,
the couples should be fully aware of their
duties towards the family and the society.
Single parent
Even if you are single, you can adopt
a child, provided you qualify in all other
respects. But you should be between 30
and 40 years, and there should be a
difference of 21 years between the child
and yourself. But if you are a man, you
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
by the District Probation Officer or the
social worker from the Voluntary Coordination Agency or the recognized
adoption centre. You will have to produce
documents to prove that you have
invested at least Rs.25000 in the child’s
name in a nationalised bank, securities,
Government bond, UTI, Post Office or
Insurance scheme. Four post card size
photographs of the couples should be
submitted. If you are in for adopting a
second child, orders regarding the first
adoption should be submitted along with
your application. Some close younger
relative should assure that in case you face
some fatal accidents or handicap, or some
such catastrophe, he or she would look
after the adopted child.
Whom to contact
If you want more details on adoption,
you can contact the Adoption Wing in
the Directorate of Social Welfare, Vikas
Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, Voluntary
Co-Ordination Agency functioning in the
campus of Rajagiri College, Kalamassery,
Layola College, Thiruvananthapuram,
District Probation Offices at all district
headquarters.
Procedures of adopting a child
As you approach the above contacts,
they will detail the procedures, eligibility
criteria, responsibilities of the foster
parents. And they will provide you with
an opportunity to watch from close
contacts one or two families who have
adopted children. Now you have to
register your name in the nearest adoption
centre and submit all the relevant
documents. Once this is received at the
centre, the social worker will prepare a
report on your family background. This
report will assess whether there exists a
conducive atmosphere in the family for
the healthy growth of the child. They
will consider the attitude of close
relatives. In toto, the series of interviews
with the members of the family intending
to adopt the child will amount to
psychological counseling.
During the next step, the adoption
centre identifies an ideal child. The centre
will never show more than one child at
the time. The second step is to give a
report on the child, that covers the child’s
health aspects also. Proper counseling to
ensure that the parents are psychologically
prepared for adoption follow. And before
the child could legally be adopted, with
the consent of the court, the child may
be handed over to the foster parents for
care during the pre-adoption period.
Expenses for adoption
The adoption centre can charge an
amount of Rs.50 per day for the period
the child is with the institution, subject
to a maximum of Rs.15000. If the
organization had spent any amount for
the medical treatment of the child, that
amount can also be charged, again subject
to a maximum of Rs.9000. Further,
Rs.1000 plus the actual travelling
expenses can be charged for the family
report. The above charges can be waived
by Government institutions and other
institutions accepting grants from
Government.
Source: State Adoption Cell
23
TRAVEL
A passage to the
An
An engineering
engineering saga
saga in
in which
which each
each and
and every
every event
event has
has a
a magical
magical charm.
charm.
B. Harikumar
I
t was on November 26, 1904, sharp
a centenary ago. A cool morning
when the first train from Kollam
destined to Shenkottah started its historic
journey from Kollam railway station.
Thus the century long metre gauge magic
of Southern Railway set off – the first
railway of Travancore Princely State.
At that time, the southern
headquarters of British rule was Chennai.
Before the construction of this railway
line, the traffic between Chennai to
Kollam, the industrial capital of
Travancore, was highly intricate and
expensive. The aim of the British
government was a golden harvest of
pepper and spices, for which Kollam was
a cornucopia.
24
An enchanting route, the KollamShenkottah metre gauge railway still
remains as a pristine miracle of the
erstwhile British engineering technology.
With 13 stations all along the 81 km (in
Kerala alone) long metre gauge, this gives
Kollam the honour of being the terminal
junction of Madras - Egmore - Kollam
metre gauge line.
Once Kollam was the capital of the
royal kingdom of Travancore. It got
another boost as the industrial centre of
Kerala with this metre gauge railway. It
was to fulfil the trade needs of Kollam
that the idea of Kollam-Shenkottah rail
arose in 1873. The survey for this
finished in 1888. On the basis of the
survey report, work started by 1900 with
the financial aid from Madras
Government, Divan of Travancore, Rama
Iyankar and the Railway itself.
From Kollam to Punalur it was
comparatively easy to construct the rail
line. But the engineering team had to
construct five tunnels of different length
between Punalur and Aryankavu, a total
of 2800 feet. Numerous bridges were
constructed, connecting hills and crossing
rivers. The Kazhuthurutti bridge,
connecting two mammoth mountains, is
the most noteworthy one.
In 1902 a goods train performed a trial
run between Kollam and Punalur. When
the whole route completed, the state
exchequer alone had to spend
Rs.11,265,637.
The inaugural journey of passenger
November 2004 z
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z November 2004
metre gauge into broad gauge. That
simply means a reconstruction of the
entire railway line, which will end up in
the loss of those invaluable constructions
of the past and will do great damage to
the environment.
Many other metre gauge railway lines
all around India have already become
protected monuments or heritage zones
as in the case of Darjeeling and Simla.
Steps should be taken for preserving at
least the monumental structures like
Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge.
ANEESH LAL
train was fixed on 1st June 1904. But due
to the heavy rain, landslide occurred at
the tunnel at Aryankavu Bypass. Longest
in South India until the Konkan tunnel
created, this tunnel links Aryankavu with
Bhagavathipuram in Tamil Nadu. The
sweat of hundreds of Bengali workers for
two years, the tunnel completed in 1903.
It has 680-metre length. On both sides
of the tunnel, the conch mark of
Travancore Regime has been imprinted.
To avoid adjournment of
inauguration due to the catastrophe, parts
of
train
were
brought
to
Kochupilammoodu Port in Kollam from
Thoothukkudi via vessel. From there
those parts were taken to Kollam Railway
Stadium by bullock cart. Consequently,
in the inaugural day, train could be run
ANEESH LAL
past
only upto Punalur.
Otherwise mundane, the KollamShenkottah rail route has its distinction
owing to a few constructions between
Punalur and Aryankavu plus the treasures
of surrounding Shenthuruny Wildlife
Sanctuary.
One among the constructions, the
Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge at
Kazhuthurutti, is the sublime model of
European architecture. Built on 13
arches, this bridge is a commemoration
of colonial era. The bridge, sandwiched
by the Kollam-Thirumangalam
National Highway at one side and
the River Kazhuthurutti on the
other, offers a visual fete at a length
of 102.72 metres and 5.18 metres
height.‘
Even after a hundred years has
passed, the bridge, made of square
stones laid in ‘anikkettu’ shows no
trace of deterioration. Mystery
shrouds on the mixture, which was
used to fill the gaps among the
square stones.
The metre gauge meanders
through the Shenthuruny wildlife
sanctuary, rightly called as the
second Silent Valley. The unique
features of this vicinity include a
handful of captivating waterfalls like
the 300 feet Palaruvi and
Kazhuthurutti, the Bodylone Teak
Plantation, where the stump
planting of teak practised first in the
world, the Kadamanpara natural
sandalwood plantation which
houses more than fifty thousand
sandalwoods aging 50 to 60 years,
and Kadamankodu where the rarest
freshwater mangroves are found etc.
A journey through these superb
spots is enthralling. Breathtaking is
the scenic beauty with the hills,
valleys and cascades, covered with
dense tropical forests, from
Aryankavu Bypass. Aryankavu is
also one of the important pilgrim
centres of the district where there is
a shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha,
which is distinct for its fine
sculpture and mural paintings.
The journey of this historic train
is coming to an end. The Railway
Department has decided to alter the
25
The triumphant Kerala team members on Cloud Nine after lifting the Santosh Trophy in New Delhi.
Sam Kurien
S
kipper Sylvester Ignatius gave the
decisive punch as Kerala won the
59th
National
Football
Championship for the Santosh Trophy in
New Delhi on Sunday, October 31.
Kerala defeated former champions Punjab
3-2 in extra time for their fifth title. Kerala
had earlier triumphed in 1973 (Kochi),
1992 (Coimbatore), 1993 (Kochi) and
2001 (Mumbai).
The win was also a perfect gift for the
enthusiastic Kerala crowd, with the
State celebrating its 48th founding day
on November 1. It was Punjab’s might
against Kerala’s flair. And in the end, the
latter had the last laugh.
But it was Kerala, cheered on by
passionately vociferous supporters at the
near-capacity Ambedkar Stadium here,
who came close to scoring the first
goal in the fifth minute itself when
skipper Ignatius aimed an accurate shot
at the nets, only to see goalkeeper
Kameshwar Singh diving at the last
minute to palm it away. Two minutes
later, a corner by Abdul Naushad was
crossed in from the right by Bijesh Ben
26
26
and Kameshwar gathered the ball,
only to lose his balance and cross the
goalline. Match referee Rizwan-ul Haq
had no qualms awarding the goal,
ignoring the protests by Punjab players.
A fast-paced game from the word go,
the match was anything but
uninteresting. If the first half saw both
teams trying to score but failing
to find their mark, the second session had
all the action, with three goals
in the first nine minutes.
The match went into extra-time after
Kerala missed a golden opportunity to
emerge victorious within the regulation
time. When Abdul Hakkeem was tripped
by Harpreet Singh inside the penalty area,
Kerala were awarded a penalty
kick in the 90th minute, but the chance
was missed by Lanel Thomas with
Kameshwar Singh making amends for his
earlier mistakes and saving the shot.
The match-winner for Kerala came in
the 107th minute. Naushad Pari, who
had an excellent day out, crossed the ball
to Abdul Hakkeem from the right.
Hakkeem passed it on to skipper Ignatius
and the latter used a defensive
lapse to give the finishing touch.
The win earned Kerala Rs 3 lakh,
while each member were assured an
additional Rs 50,000 from the State
government.
The triumph has come as a great relief
at a time when the soccer-crazy State
is going through a bad phase in football.
The football standards in Kerala,
once a powerhouse in India’s football map,
have been sagging for some years.
The now-defunct, once-famous
tournaments are no more; the player
standards have come down, and the State
had no representation in the high-profile
National Football League in the past
couple of years.
It is a fact that the National
Championship was devoid of high
standards and reputed players. Lately,
States like Bengal, Goa and Maharashtra
are not serious about the Nationals, the
most important reason being players give
priority to not getting injured and
preserve themselves for the oncoming
club tournaments.
November 2004 z
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KERALA
KERALA CALLING
CALLING
SPORTS
Kerala have had better teams with
more talented players in the past who
were, however, unsuccessful in winning
the Santosh Trophy.
The final match of the 59th edition
was no different. Kerala played a
comparatively better game with their flair,
and Punjab countered it with
mere physical strength. As football
pundits put it, “Kerala’s game was just
good enough compared to that of other
States”.
Olympian O. Chandrasekharan, who
captained Maharashtra to their only title
win in 1964, was reserved in his
(1988, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’94, 2000 and 2003.
Nine players of the current victorious
side are from State Bank of Travancore,
Kerala’s only club in this year’s NFL. The
team was without the services of many a
reputed player this time round- some
doing national duty and others due to
injury. Seeded straight into the
quarterfinal league by virtue of being
runners-up last time, Kerala had easy
draws. With almost eight players down
with dysentery, the team relied on its good
bench strength in the first two outings.
A CAMEO TRIUMPH: Kerala team
Kerala’s
Golden
Sunday
increased the confidence which helped us
dominate the opening session. We
successfully tackled Punjab’s highball
threats. We moved well along the flanks
and created chances.
Kerala were lacking in the general
fitness of players, perhaps due to
off-season. But we put behind that
handicap by fighting a spirited battle.
Punjab’s equaliser came from a defensive
lapse on our part. Their second
goal too was a result of an unforced error,
conceding them a flag kick. It’s
sad that we missed the penalty, but it
happens.
Kerala coach M. Peethambaran gave
credit to each member of the team. “We
battered their zonal defence today and the
credit for this win goes to every
one and I don’t want to single out any
player for praise,” he said. “We
dominated the game in the first half, but
struggled for 13 minutes in the
second half. But once we conceded the
lead, we bounced back,” he said.
Asked about Kerala’s first two goals,
the coach admitted that it came as a
result of the Punjab ‘keeper’s mistake.
“The two goals were ‘keeper’s
mistakes. But we did not win on luck,
instead we played hard and earned the
win.”
Punjab coach Jagir Singh gave credit
to Kerala for their impressive
performance. “I have never seen a Kerala
team play this well in a final. I
have seen better teams from Kerala like
the one which lost against us in the
Kerala’s title wins
comments on Kerala’s triumph. “Santosh
Trophy has lost its glamour. The players
are afraid of getting injured and
are not going all out. Even in the winning
Kerala side, I don’t see a very good player.
Punjab played a mediocre game. Indian
football has been faring badly, and Kerala
is relatively better,” Chandrasekharan
laments. “No player of the present
generation is of the likes of Xavier Pius,
V.P. Satyan, Sharaf Ali and C.V.
Pappachan,” Chandrasekharan adds.
Kerala had earlier triumphed in 1973
(Kochi), 1992 (Coimbatore), 1993
(Kochi) and 2001 (Mumbai). They were
the losing finalists on nine occasions
KERALA
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z November 2004
z November 2004
manager and former international C.C.
Jacob said the boys brought out a brilliant
game in the final. Full credit to the
boys who didn’t get disheartened after
being in deficit early in the second
half. We had even thought it was an
unlucky Sunday after squandering a
penalty in the final minutes of the
regulation time. The victory is a
fitting reply to Punjab who had beaten
Kerala in 1998 at Kollam where I was
the coach.
Had Manipur been our rivals in the
title clash, things would have been more
difficult. So, the team had a psychological
edge. We started well, and the lead
1. 1973
2. 1992
3. 1993
4. 2001
5. 2004
-
bt Railways at Kochi
bt Goa at Coimbatore
bt Maharashtra at Kochi
bt Goa at Mumbai
bt Punjab at Delhi
’87-88 final at Kollam, but this team was
too good,” he said.
CASH AWARDS: The State
Government announced a cash prize of
Rs 50,000 each to all members of the
victorious team. Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy said that unemployed members
in the team would be given jobs in Kerala
Police.
27
27
AYURVEDA
Kailasamandiram-residence of late Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier constructed by him in 1930
Renaissance in Ay
Renaissance in our social and
cultural life marks the Renaissance in
Ayurveda also and Vaidyaratnam
P. S. Varier was the harbinger of this
cultural revolution.
Prof. K. V. Ramakrishnan
T
o screw down their rule on the
political body of India, and along
with that to achieve cultural
hegemony here, the colonial powers used
our different regional languages, our
different literatures our educational field
etc. as their tools. And our different
indigenous system of health care, taken
together, also was another effective tool
they made use of, for achieving their
ultimate aim. Mother tongue was
relegated from the field of education and
the result was the emergence of a society
sans emotional integrity and self respect.
This naturally helped the colonial masters
28
to make us feel that their literature was
far superior to that of ours, which resulted
in the loss of interest in our past, in our
cultural heritage and in our ancient
wisdom. They remoulded the educational
field in such a way that the outcome of
the educational cast proved to be apes
when our aim was to produce Ganesh,
the Elephant God. It is in this sociocultural-historic perspective that we
perceive Ayurveda also, used by the
colonial powers as an effective tool for
establishing their authority here.
One of the main strands of Indian
culture is to extend wholesome welcome
and hospitality to anything or anybody
coming from outside. To us a guest is
equal to God. The colonial powers came
with their knowledge, which was far
advanced in the field of science and we
unhesitatingly accepted it with
unqualified admiration. Days of earlier
history also had witnessed similar
occasions. But what happened 500 years
ago was the beginning of a total
subjugation, both political and cultural.
In this field the attack of the western
medicine on Ayurveda was quite
significant.
Western medicine was introduced
here, at first, for the benefit of only the
Europeans here. But later it was made
available to the natives also when the
colonial masters realized the hidden might
in it as an effective tool. For us, western
medicine was really superior, to be
regarded with godly respect, particularly
when it was hallowed with modern
science and was quite handy in handling
also. In this light we did not hesitate to
defy our ancient wisdom of Ayurveda
taking it to be unscientific, ineffective,
antiquated, orthodox and quite
superstitious. The old of course is old;
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set up by the state.
Although a limited
enterprise, the hospitals,
dispensaries and colleges
established by the state
formed the nucleus from
which colonial medicine
sought to establish its
hegemony and thus to
marginalize
and
delegitimise the indigenous
system. In this process, the
role of the colonial state
went
beyond
its
administrative functions. It
not only promoted Western
medicine, but also sought
to assert and establish its
superiority over all other
systems. Western medicine
thus became the officially
preferred system; it was
accorded the status of
official medicine. As such
the attitude of the state
towards other systems
became discriminatory and
even hostile.” (Panikkar
Late Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier(1869-1944)
K.N. Indigenous Medicine
and Cultural Hegemony: A
study of the Revitalisation
Movement in Keralam
Samagra. Page: 58). Thus,
Ayurveda and other Indian
systems of medicine were
fully supplanted by the
Western medicine, which
but it is our firm ground on which we
enjoyed official recognition and
have to recast our present, imbibing new
patronage.
lights coming from all directions. But we
The feudal and orthodox social set up
embraced the new with out-stretched
hands, defying our ancient wisdom, to of ours too, though unintentionally,
declare ourselves a part of the modern extended a helping hand to the colonial
world. The next phase was the starting of powers in their motivated attempts. This
educational institutions for teaching internal attack was more evident in the
western medicine, which helped its teaching of Ayurveda. As described
speedy spread while indigenous medicines already, teaching of this ancient science
were not institutionalized at all. Thus, was not institutionalized. Though the
before the qualified western medical men, study of this wisdom had no class or caste
Ayurvedic practitioners were the barrier, it was confined to certain families
‘irregularly informed’, if not quacks. Then belonging to different castes. Of course,
there came the Bombay Medical Act of there was no rivalry or fighting between
1912, which was followed soon by other these different families. But medical
Indian states also, and it gave official practice was considered a family property.
support to the state of affairs. Dr. Almost all of these scholar families
K.N.Panikkar says, “During the course believed that this ancient wisdom was not
of the 19th century, the administrative something to be taught to a curricular
and institutional infrastructure necessary order. They also believed that this science
for the practice of Western medicine was was so perfect, complete and consummate
yurveda
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that it was beyond any timely correction,
research and updating. Another handicap
was related to language. All ancient
Ayurvedic texts were in Sanskrit and
profound command over Sanskrit was a
must for a proper understanding of
Ayurveda. Practising Ayurveda without
mastery over Sanskrit will be like fighting
in darkness on seashore using weapons
one cannot name. When proficiency in
language
slackened,
in-depth
understanding of the old texts got
impaired and this also helped quickening
the decadence of Ayurveda.
Non-availability of correct quality
medicine was yet another important area
of internal attack which resulted in the
ultimate decline of Ayurveda. Often the
medicine used by the patients happened
to be far away in quality and precision
from what the physician prescribed.
These external and internal attacks
worked arm-in-arm, and a total darkness
of decadence gulped the entire field of
this ancient wisdom.
That some seeds of resurgence were
inherent in the causes of decadence is
something to be acknowledged with
thanks. The colonial powers brought with
them their language, their literature and
their advanced scientific knowledge also
along with all other weapons. Indian
intellectuals became conscious of the fact
that they had to study afresh all their
ancient wisdom in the new light, failing
which they would be progressing from
darkness to intense darkness. Advancement of modern science opened their eyes
to the necessity of a re-study, re-evaluation
of all their ambiences. They realized that
if they did not keep pace with the times,
they would be pushed down into oblivion.
This all-embracing stimulus of
Renaissance, was obvious in the last
decades of the 19th century and in the
early decade of the 20th century. In the
realm of Ayurveda also this spirit was
apparent. “Conscious of a possible
marginalisation due to the challenge
caused by western medicine, the
protagonists of indigenous medicine were
forced to take a critical look at the state
of their art” says, Dr. K.N .Panikkar and
then continues, “their assessment of the
situation was a complex amalgam of pride
in the past, dissatisfaction with the
present and apprehension for the future.
29
The efforts to revitalize the indigenous system
during the late 19th and early 20th century
stemmed from this assessment.” (Samagra.
Page: 61).
It is in this historical perspective that
Vaidyratnam P.S. Varier emerges as the
harbinger in the Renaissance of Ayurveda. He
was born into an orthodox Ayurvedic family.
Having steeped to the core in the essence of
Renaissance, the Vaidyaratnam was a real
symbol of the harmonious combination of the
tradition and modernity. This scholar family
had members with deep interest in Sanskrit
literature, in classical music, in poetry, in
painting etc. and the Vaidyaratnam himself
was a profound scholar Sanskrit and in ancient
literature. He was a poet, a musician, a
dramatist, apart from being a great physician,
adept in both Ayurveda and Allopathy. The
profundity of his scholarship in ancient
Ayurvedic texts, his bitter but embalming
personal experiences while a student and his
inborn breadth of mind cultivated and
developed in him a solemn holistic approach
towards everything. Even when he started
practising as a physician he realized that
Ayurveda would become a museum curio if
nothing was done to save it from the deplorable
condition to which it had been legated. He
observed that the medicines he prescribed and
those which his patients prepared based on
prescriptions, collecting herbs or some plants
supposed to be the herbs had no semblance of
relationship in between which was the basic
reason for the loss of credibility to Ayurvedic
medicines and for loss of faith in this
traditional wealth among common mass. To
retrieve the lost, the primary thing to be done
was to supply. The patients, instead of mere
prescriptions, real medicines prepared keeping
utmost purity and precision.
Attempts at preparation, preservation and
distribution of Ayurvedic medicines, just like
Western medicines, were purely innovative, at
least in Kerala, though some efforts in this
field had already been initiated by some
enthusiasts in Bengal, Maharashtra and
elsewhere. That, P .S. Varier’s innovative
attempts in this field were not motivated by
selfish interests, but were aimed solely at the
resuscitation of Ayurveda, with timely
modifications, without sacrificing the basic
principles, was evident from the exhortation
he made to all the Ayurvedic physicians to join
hands with him. He foresaw that protracted
deliberations and discussions alone would
create a congenial atmosphere of mutual
30
30
understanding which would lead to
rectifying the inherent defects in the
indigenous system of healthcare. He
knew that only through such
deliberations modern light could be
infused into the ancient science and it
was for this that the Arya Vaidya
Samajam was organized. When this
great seer, the Vaidyaratnam formed
this association of physicians, drawn
from Travancore, Cochin and Malabar
he was actually predicting at the dawn
of the 20th century the formation of a
unified Keralam, which materialized
five decades thereafter. In the realm of
renaissance of Ayurveda, the Samajam
has deeply marked its imprint.
This takes us to the foundation of
the Arya Vaidyasala in 1902. It was a
humble beginning, but on the sound
base of hard-earned money and with
the blessings of his mother, instilled
recognition. Ordinary native methods
were used here for the preparation of
medicines in the early years. The
Vaidyaratnam had very clearly set the
example of adopting everything
congenial from new developments
around and his successors at the helm
of affairs have never hesitated to take
the cue from the great founder. Now
the Arya Vaidya Sala is preparing
medicines making use of all modern
methods within reach, strictly
maintaining the expected purity and
quality.
It was facing untold miseries that
Vaidyaratnam P.S.Varier leaffied
Ayurveda. Prompted by the constant
memory of these difficulties and also
by the realization of the absence of
proper institutions for the correct
teaching of this science, Varier felt
himself obliged to start a suitable
Statue of Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier & P. S. Varier Memorial Ayurveic Museum at the
background(Kottakkal)
with her morale. He insisted on the
preparation of medicines strictly
according to the basic tenets of the
ancient texts and maintaining utmost
purity and quality. Under no
circumstances was he prepared to
compromise on this, and this, which
created the sense of credibility in the
conscience of world population at large,
is the corner stone of the Arya Vaidya
Sala. Now the Arya Vaidya Sala is an
institution with international
learning centre for Ayurveda. Thus in
1917 he started the Ayurveda
Pathasala and the most significant
thing in this was that here the ancient
science was taught with timely
modifications, to everybody irrespective
of caste, creed or colour, and also
giving stipend. This timely
‘modification’ was clearly recorded in
the certificate issued to those who
passed out from here. Anatomy,
Physiology and such other modern
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subjects also were taught here for which
Varier himself prepared required books
like
Ashtanga
Sareeram
and
Brhachchareeram. And this Ayurveda
Pathasala is flourished into the present
Vaidyaratnam PS Varier’s Government
Ayurveda College, Kottakkal affiliated to
the University of Calicut.
To awaken the society and to
enlighten it with the real spirit of
Ayurveda and to create effective
discussions on different aspects thereof
to pave way for timely modifications in
this ancient wealth, which, P. S. Varier
believed would resuscitate the genuine
grandeur of the science, he started the
scientific journal ‘Dhanvantari’ and
continued to publish it for 23 years, most
effectively and fruitfully. Kavikulaguru PV
Krishna Varier, the cousin brother of the
Vaidyaratnam was the Manager of this
publication. They were the twin forces
behind the whole renaissance movement
in the area, not only in Ayurveda or
literature, but in the whole realm of
culture.
That, it was not with any profit
motive that PS Varier founded the Arya
Vaidyasala was evident from the very
beginning. His first aim was to save the
ancient wisdom from the total extinction
it was facing and the second was to serve
the society. He thought that the Arya
Vaidya Sala was an institution of the
people and for the people and so he
believed that whatever profit he acquired
from the business was to be given back
to the people. Thus he founded the
Charitable Hospital in 1924, where the
entire treatment was free. A profound
scholar in and a great saviour of Ayurveda,
PS Varier was, as already observed, not at
all averse to Allopathy. He himself had
learned the western medicine and in his
Charitable Hospital he made
arrangements for treatment of patients in
the allopathic way also wherever
necessary. His approach was that when
Ayurveda was the Indian system of
medicine, allopathy was the Western
Ayurveda.
One of the main reasons that moved
PS Varier towards the idea of instituting
the Arya Vaidya Sala was that the patients
were not preparing medicines using the
exact herbs prescribed. Non- availability
and scarcity of herbs, particularly in these
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days of indiscriminate deforestation, is a
great threat to the Ayurvedic industry. To
overcome this hurdle to the extent
possible, the Arya Vaidya Sala is
maintaining extensive herbal gardens.
The spirit of holism in the moulding
of Vaidyaratnam PS Varier has already
been referred to. A clear manifestation of
it can be traced to his cultural activities.
Oriental philosophy explains a complete
man to be one with a sound mind in a
sound body. PS Varier believed that man
was to be treated for his ailments taking
his mind and body together. When he
started the Arya Vaidya Sala to treat the
physical ailments of the society and when
he proceeded in the field a little, he felt it
telling that he should initiate some
cultural activities aimed at lessening the
mental tension of the society. This he
meant to be an integral part of the Arya
Vaidya Sala. And thus, in 1909 he formed
the Parama Siva Vilasam drama troupe,
which continued to serve the society for
30 years, marking its distinctive identity
in the cultural history of the dramatic
movement in Kerala. This dramatic
troupe was, in 1939, converted into the
PSV Natyasangham, one of the foremost
Kathakali troupes in Kerala today. This
change over was motivated, evidently, by
the realization by its founder that his Arya
Vaidya Sala had come of age now, so that
it required to cope up with its maturity, a
more refined and classical art form than
drama. Drama, he knew was the art of
anybody and everybody.
It is in this context that the
significance of the temple he constructed
adjacent to his residence becomes
apparent. Particularly in those days when
the revolutionary idea of ‘temple entry’
was just a dream in the social psyche, PS
Varier built his temple and kept it open
to anybody who sought solace, whether
he belonged to this or that caste, whether
he wore this or that dress. It is evident
that he meant the temple to be an integral
part of his Arya Vaidya Sala, to be the
nursing home for mind.
In the perspective of renaissance in
Ayurveda PS Varier’s invaluable
contributions as a great author will be
duly honoured only if the most popular
work “Chikitsa Sam graham” also is
mentioned along with the precious
A view of Herbgarden at Kanhirappuzha
A view of Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala Factory
at Kottakkal
Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre of
Kottakkal Ayya Vaidyasala at Kottakkal
Sanskrit works referred to earlier. He
prepared and published this book to
enlighten the public more intensely about
Ayurvedic medicine and treatment.
The most expressive and supremely
noble contribution of Vaidyaratnam PS
Varier to the resuscitation of Ayurveda is
his unique will according to which he
gave out to the entire humanity the whole
institution he built up with hard labour
throughout his life. The will explicitly says
that the entire property must be registered
as a charitable Trust. Clear directions have
been given in the will regarding the
functions of the Arya Vaidya Sala,
particularly in the field of preparation and
distribution of medicines, treatment of
patients and research works etc. to be
carried out for timely modification and
improvement in Ayurveda, so that this
ancient wisdom will keep pace with the
time and be useful to the whole
humanity.
31
DEVELOPMENT
At last there is light under the lamp!
N.V. Ravindranathan Nair
Hence, UNIDO and the village and transformer has already been installed
here for the distribution of electricity. The
ankulam panchayat in Idukki panchayat joined together to bring light residents of Mankulam relished the rare
district has become a model to to the village. Mathew Jose, the President moments of the arrival of light and power
other Indian villages. In the of Mankulam panchayat said it was a in their dreary life with the
hilly tracks of Idukki it has got a power dream come true for the villagers. The accompaniment of various folk
project of its own fully promoted by their Mankulam project has a capacity of 100 performances.
panchayat. When the State government kilowatts. They imported two 50 kilowatt
turbines from China .
Ambalamedu village in the Kozhimala
has failed in all the
panchayat
is in the vicinity of the Idukki
One
of
them
was
last fifty years to
dam. It is astonishing that the village is
given
to
the
provide electricity to
panchayat free of cost yet to get electricity. Manoj Mathirapally
the panchayat, the
by the UNIDO. So a television journalist hailing from this
panchayat itself was
they could control the village said his village and some other
taking the decision to
The Mankulam
cost of the plant by adjoining villages nestling the dam are cut
set up a hydro electric
project has a capacity
fifty lakhs. For the off from the neighbouring panchayats.
project. The project is
of 100 kilowatts. With
distribution network Even the road leading to this villages get
the first of its kind
50 lakhs rupees was submerged for about six months in a year
its
projected
capacity,
promoted
by a
spent. Of the total following monsoon. In these period the
electricity
can
be
panchayat in the
cost of one crore , the people here have to depend on country
provided to three
country.
The
beneficiaries will have boats to reach the roads four and half
Mankulam village
hundred houses,
to pay twenty five lakh kilometres away. There is no form of
panchayat monitors
several small-scale
power in these villages. Some tribal
rupees.
the generation and
industries and a
The community colonies now have solar panels installed
distribution
of
telephone exchange.
development projects for providing light to cluster of houses.
electricity from the
funded by UNIDO Manoj Mathirapally said he is worried
power plant started
at
Mankulam over the fact that his television reports
with the assistance of
includes a computer are still not available to his village as they
UNIDO.
training
centre, have no chance to watch television.
The project was
According to the 2001 census, 70.4
freezer unit for Kudumbasree units,
started making use of the provisions of
grinder unit and a flour mill. For the first percent of the houses in Kerala are
the Panchayati Raj Act. In 1999 the
time the village will be get connected electrified. But in our neighbouring states
Munnar panchayat had begun works on
through Internet. With its projected 86 percent of the houses are electrified.
a fifty kilowatt project. The Thirssur
capacity, electricity can be provided to In Kerala too almost all districts except
based Steel Industries limited had been
three hundred houses, several small-scale Idukki have 84 to 86 percent houses got
given 42 lakhs in this regard and the industries and a telephone exchange. power supply. Once again the statistics
construction activities were inaugurated Minister for power, Aryadan Mohammed of Idukki startles us as it has only 44
by the then deputy speaker C.A.Kurien. inaugurated the project on 28 th October percent of its houses connected to
But an individual moved the court and 2004. Minister while
electricity. Pallivasal project,
got a stay on the works ultimately leading inaugurating the project said
the first ever power project in
the works to a standstill. Later when the it was an uphill task till the
Kerala was commissioned in
Mankualam panchayat was formed the other day. Now they have
this district in 1940 during
project was handed over to it. They shown the way to the entire
British rule . The Pallivasal
decided to start a 100 kilo watt project country.
project was aimed at providing
at a new site at Pampumkayam
power
even
to
our
The irony is that when
Nakshathrakuth and the panchayat Idukki district which is
neighbouring states. But ,
sanctioned project worth 67 lakhs.
even half of the requirement
providing power to the whole
Mankulam panchayat, which lacks state for the last hundred
of our state cannot be met
Aryadan MuhammedMinister for Electricity
from the hydroelectric
adequate telephone and transport years even the villages
facilities, is 40 kilometres away from adjacent to the dams are denied projects in the district. In this backdrop
Adimali town. The village still doesn’t electricity. Not even a single Government the Mankulam model projects are a hope
have any form of power supply, though could solve this problem so far. At to such hamlets waiting for the last one
settlement started here a century back. Mankulam, an 11 KV high tension line hundred years for a spark of light.
M
32
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IN FOCUS
100 years of
Kavana Kaumudi
Ajith Nair
J
ournalism in India on modern lines
began in 1780 at Kolkata, with the
publication of the ‘Bengal Gazette’ in
English. This was followed by a number
of periodicals in English, all run by
Englishmen and for Englishmen.
Vernacular
journalism
was
comparatively slow on the uptake.
Nevertheless, a number of periodicals,
most of them short-lived, appeared in
India in the latter half of the 19th century.
It took almost a century for the seeds of
journalism sown in the Indian soil to take
roots in Malayalam. The only newspapers
published in the early period were
‘Vignana Nikshepam’ (1840) published
from Kottayam and ‘Paschima Tharaka’
(1862), from Kochi.
By the early part of the 20th century, a
positive trend was visible in the field of
Malayalam journalism, with several
newspapers getting themselves fairly well
established in various parts of Kerala.
However, none would ever imagine a
newspaper with all the printed matter in
pure verse and nothing at all in prose.
Such a novel and unique idea was
conceived and also translated into action
by none other than Pandalam Kerala
Varma, himself a poet of high repute and
wide recognition. It is to his credit that
the ‘KAVANA KAUMUDI’, the first and
perhaps the last too, a Malayalam
periodical, all in verse began its
publication.
It all started in the year 1904, at a
time when new trends were emerging in
Malayalam poetry. This period has later
on come to be described as a golden age
in Malayalam literature. Eyebrows were
raised when Pandalam Kerala Varma
brought out this fortnightly publication,
with news, views, comments, and
correspondence and even advertisements,
all in verse. The literary circles, however,
welcomed such an initiative.
The first issue saw the light of the day
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on the first day of the Malayalam month
of Vrischikam in 1080, which coincided
with November 16, 1904. A hundred
years hence, now is the time for
celebrating the centenary of the ‘Kavana
Kaumudi, a pioneer in vernacular
journalism.
Edited, printed, published and owned
by Pandalam Kerala Varma, this
fortnightly was to be published on the 1st
and 15th of every Malayalam month. Till
he breathed his last, Pandalam Kerala
Varma served as the editor of this
publication.
In the editorials, all in verse,
Pandalam Kerala Varma
touched upon a whole lot of
topics, ranging from
legislature, police reforms,
revenue, education,
agriculture and above all
statesmanship.
That there was not one printing press
in his native village of Pandalam was not
to serve as a deterrent, for this scion of
the local royal family. The earlier issues
were printed at the Suvarnaratnaprabha
Press in Kayamkulam. It was a broadsheet,
with four pages and four columns in each
page.
The fortnightly periodical became a
monthly after the first three years. In the
meantime, to be exact, in November
1905, the printing was shifted from
Kayamkulam to the Kerala Kalpadrumam
Press in Thrissur. The manager of this
press then was the legendary poet
Vallathol. Pandalam still remained to be
the place of publication of the periodical.
Kuttipurathu Kesavan Nair succeeded
Vallathol as the press manager. But by
March 1910, there again was a change in
press and the printing was shifted to the
Lakshmisahayam Press at Kottakkal.
Front page of Kavana Kaumudi
And around this time, P.V. Krishna
Warrier assumed office as the Co-editor
as well as owner of the publication. The
founder editor, Pandalam Kerala Varma
passed away in June 1919. Subsequently,
P.V. Krishna Warrier took charge as the
editor of ‘Kavana Kaumudi’. Its
publication continued till 1931.
There is another ‘first’ to the credit
of ‘Kavana Kaumudi’. Special issues were
brought out for the first time by this
publication. As many as nine such special
issues were brought out in the meantime,
though not entirely in verse alone.
In his editorials, all in verse, Pandalam
Kerala Varma touched upon a whole lot
of topics, ranging from legislature, police
reforms, revenue, education including
that of the women folk, agriculture and
above all statesmanship.
The greatest contribution of ‘Kavana
Kaumudi’ is that it served as a launching
pad for many of the great writers who
were perhaps novices at that time.
Besides its contributions to the
Malayalam literary field, ‘Kavana
Kaumudi’ served as a unifying factor,
surpassing the regional differences and
parochial discriminations. This
publication also was instrumental in
sowing the seeds of a State which later
on came to be known as Kerala, following
the integration of the princely domains
of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar.
Pandalam Kerala Varma lived on this
earth for just forty years. He was no
ordinary mortal. He was a poet and a
journalist among princes and a prince
among poets and journalists.
33
33
ART
Kurur
An Outstanding
Kathakali Stalwart
Kurur Vasudevan Namboothiri
Raja Sreekumar Varma
T
here is a proverb in Malayalam,
‘Bharani Dharani Vazhum’ which
means that person with Bharani
star will dominate the world. Kurur
Vasudevan Namboothiri, the eminent
Kathakali actor who is celebrating his
‘Navathi’ (90 years) is literally dominating
in his field, where he has been striding
like a Colossus for the last 75 years.
Kurur was born in an orthodox
Brahmin family. In his childhood he was
attracted by the performance of Vechoor
Raman Pillai’s ‘Baka’ in the Kathakali play
‘Bakavadham’. At that time there was a
Kathakali Kalari in Kumaranalloor temple
and Kurur made his maiden appearance
through the Kalari. But after some time
he was compelled to leave the place
because of some bitter experiences. But
his demonstration fascinated the
Kathakali veteran, Kalamandalam
Krishnankutty Poduval and he taught
Kurur the ‘Vadakkan Sampradayam’ and
later Kurur played his roles with the super
Kathakali stalwarts Kalamandalam
Krishnan Nair, Mankulam Vishnu
Namboothiri, Kudamaloor Karunakaran
Nair, Champakkulam Pachu Pillai,
Chengannoor Raman Pillai, Pallippuram
Gopalan Nair. Kurur’s handsome
personality and imaginative renderings
brought him immense popularity.
‘Thadi’ is the main ‘Vesham’
(Character) of Kurur. Bali is his
masterpiece. He has also presented the
characters of Kali, Hanuman, Sugreevan,
34
75 years of performance brought Kurur
a unique position in Kathakali
Dussasanan, Veerabhadran and Kattalan.
He is very impressive In ‘Thiranottam’.
When he gestures the verse of KaIi in
Nalacharitham, like ‘Kaminee Kamalalochana’ (beautiful lady), he improvises
the ‘mudra’ of deer instead of lotusKamala means lotus or deer. Compared
to the other roles ‘Thadi’ is much more
awesome and tremendous with its
appearance and costumes. Kurur blended
the classical style-both ‘Lokadharmi and
Natyadharmi. He can dance suitably
either according to the poet’s own ‘words
or purana or as propriety demands. It can
be enjoyed both by the ordinary audience,
and the discerning connoisseurs.
Kurur was under the discipline of
Kurichy Krishna Pillai,
Krishnankutty Poduval and
Madhom Parameswaran
Namboothiri (for learning
Sanskrit) and he has
acknowledged that all his
achievements are due to their
blessings only. Kurur has
always avoided the practice of
bargaining after a programme. “Vittha Shaddhyam
Na Kurvitha’ (No bargaining
for getting money) is his
principle. Kurur has also
displayed his skill in magic
and Padhakom (mythological
narration). He presented the
Kathakali characters Valiya
Narakasura and Durvasavu
recently.
The demise of his two
wives, Parvathi Antharjanam
and Bhagirathi Thampuratty
and son Muraleedharan a few years back,
plunged him in sorrow. With his five
surviving sons, five daughters and four
generation of 67 family members this
grand old man of Kathakali leads a
cheerful life. His son Vasudevan
Namboothiri, known as Midukkan, and
his son Manoj Kurur are his successors
in Kathakali.
Some honours and awards like
Kalamandalam were bestowed upon him.
75 years of experience with sincerity,
service and devotion have raised him to
the level of a superstar in this domain.
On his birthday he desired to act the role
of Sri Rama in Pattabhishekam. Now he
is in the thrill of that performance.
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
CINEMA
Agony in captivity
D. Pradeep Kumar
‘
the last one captures the agonizing, violent death of an elephant hit by a
speeding vehicle on the National Highway. Though capture and sale of
he
Eighteenth
pachyderms are banned in India, the viewers will be spell-bound to witness
Elephant – Three
the Sonapur elephant market in Bihar, where these animals are traded like
Monologues’, the
cattle, guarded by gun-wielding local thugs. Some gory, but rare shots of
documentary which has won
tusk-removing are also been shown.
Green Oscar award, throws
Balan
This film has also won this year’s National Film Award. Produced by
light on the other side of the
AMPU,
an
alternative media network based at Thrissur, the Eighteenth Elephant,
largest animal on earth. The Wild
Screen Wild Life Festival held in apart from the award for the best documentary film on environment, annexed two
Bristol in London selected this film other honours, one for K.G. Jayan (cinematography) and the other for Balachandran
for Green Oscar in the category of Chullikkad (Narration in Malayalam). This documentary has also won several
TVE
(Television
Best
for other national and international awards and acclaimed by the international media.
Director of ‘Aanpoovu’, which won an honorary
Environment).
Special Jury Mention at the Oberhansen
The
Pachyderms’
International Documentary Film Festival in 1997,
unfamiliar stories are alien to
Balan plans to screen this film throughout the State.
temple festivals or tourism
A programme executive of All India Radio at
fiestas. Whether the national
Chitradurga,
in Karnataka, he has won five national
festival of Thrissur Pooram or
awards
for
best
radio feature and innovative
‘Aanayottam’ of Guruvayoor
programmes.
temple or elsewhere, those
poor animals are being
Shot in 35 mm, the film still needs tight ending.
mercilessly tortured. Tears roll
down from their small eyes fail to
capture attention of even the elephantlovers, who in guise of loving and
feeding, put them on chains; celebrate
their agony in captivity. Forced to walk
hundreds of kilometres under
scorching sun on melting tar roads,
without proper food, water or rest,
they are destined to pose idol-carriers
in religious festivals.
To stand still, festooned for hours
immobilised amidst a frenzied crowd
and exploding crackers, their travails
remain unnoticed.
This 63 minutes film narration of
which was made first in English and
recently in Malayalam, depicts the
cruelties, the elephants are being
subjected to. Devoid of statistics and
interviews, the film treads a different
path. The three monologues, pregnant
in emotion, but marred by rambling
narrations in female voice (in English),
picturise different aspects of cruelties. The narration in English needs to be rehauled to make it more punchy and direct.
The first one is about the tragic fate The legal provision regarding capture of wild elephants and cruelty towards animals
of domestic elephants, the second one could be detailed. Though entitled after a Buddha parable, the film is devoid of
focuses on the wild counterparts and any link with it. The visuals need to be transposed to justify the title.
T
KERALA
CALLING
KERALA
CALLING
z
z November
2004
November
2004
3535
Li
fe
& Ca r e e r
Courses &
Institutions
Communicative
English Course
Dr. Arun Kumar and Dr. Ajith Kumar
Nanogeneseq
K. P. Saritha
S
ince the discovery of the DNA,
sequencing DNA has become the
most significant routine activity in the
field of genetics and drug discovery. In
2000 scientists announced that their
mission to compile the human genome
was essentially complete. After 10 years
of research mankind’s entire DNA was
laid bare and its code deciphered, the
complete book of instructions that directs
the way our bodies grow and how we
respond to illnesses. The headlines
announced that science stood on the
threshold of a new era of drug
development.
However, there are still many caveats
and sequence data in useful preventive
or therapeutic remedies for diseases.
The present goal will be to identify
genes expressed in disease and not in
healthy tissues and once such task is
accomplished, to design molecules that
interact or block the harmful proteins
made by these genes.
As an achievement in this respect, two
doctors from Thiruvananthapuram, Dr.
Ajith Kumar and Dr. Arun Kumar
developed a technique that can be called
as ‘genetic horoscope’ on rough terms.
36
The technique can help to predict future
tendencies of a human being and fight
his/her diseases.
The doctors developed the
‘Nanogeneseq Clip, which can determine
the future genetic proposition of a human
at the birth itself. Named as
“nanogeneseq” the chip analyses the DNA
samples of the new-borns.
The doctors’ discovery can be a
breakthrough in the treatment of genetic
disorders, HIV and cancer. The genetic
experts’ findings will be useful in
diagnosing DNA segments and
amplification of those segments, opening
way for developing new and efficient
drugs.
The young doctors have also secured
the patent rights for their discovery and
the product will be ready for
commercialisation soon.
Nanogeneseq chip is also used in
computer chip industries, holographic
movie camera, industries, cell phones etc.
It is about 200 times more powerful than
the current analyser. It has longer life span
and power consumption is reduced to a
minimum, claim the doctors who are
attracted to the Ramakrishna Mission
Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.
Applications
invited
for
Communicative English Course at
Continuing
Education
Cell,
Government College, Kariyavattom.
Eligibility – Pre Degree / Plus Two
Duration – Thee months
Fees – Rs.1200/- Application
forums available at Continuing
Education Cell. Contact No: 0471 –
2413087
Hardware and
Networking
Applications invited for Computer
hardware and Networking Course at
Engineering College, Electronics and
Communication
Department,
Thiruvananthapuram
Contact No. 0471- 2515652,
2515656
Digital Video
Film Making Training
Programme
Applications are invited for Digital
Video Film Making Training
Programme conducted by STED
Project.
Eligibility – SSLC
Contact – Project Director, STED
Project, V Floor, Indus Avenue, Kallai
Road, Kozhikkode. Phone No: 04952301417, 2306417
MS Office
MS Office, DTP, Diploma in
Continuing Educational Sub Centre in
Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram
MS Office, DTP, hardware and
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
Introduction to
computer application
Bijeesh P.K.
Bijeesh P.K.
Courses in Introduction to computer
application, computer fundamentals, MS
Office and Internet application, C and
C++, Visual Basic, Database Management
System
Eligibility : SSLC, Contact – Centre
for Development Studies, GPO Lane,
Statue
Ph: 2469020, 2468958
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
Life-raising
Uravu
Bijeesh P.K.
T
he voluntary organisation ‘Uravu’
was formed in 1996, initiated by
13 youths together.
Their aim was to
seek new avenues of
income out of the
natural resources
available to them at
hand. So bamboo
became a possible
way of employment
generation. The
products out of
bamboo proved a
life-raiser for them.
For, many of the
poor people in and
around
Thrikkaipatta near
Kalpatta in Wayanad
district, the life was
on the verge of
collapse. Unto that
dearth ‘Uravu’ has
lit a hope.
The organisation
designed more than
150 bamboo
products and those
are being marketed
at 3 centres in
Wayanad district.
“Till now 400
people, comprising 42 units, were given
training for the production. Each group
will be considered as production centres
and their products will be marked by
‘Uravu’,” says Baburaj, the secretary of
the project. They think to form a
company with the participation of all
workers with them.
Training for the design of products
is imparted with the help of National
Institute of design. A proposal for
giving training for the members of
Kudumbasree and Adivasi groups are
also before them. The trained group is
considered as production unit and
regular employment is offered.
NABARD also renders financial
assistance for this training programme.
Women’s participation is a major aspect
of the entire project. Now more than
60 women work with ‘Uravu’.
‘Uravu’ renders a motherly care not
to exhaust the forest for their rawmaterials. They started a bamboo
nursery for meeting their future
demands.
Trends of the times are added to the
traditional bamboo products. Their
products are numerous and varied –
lamp shades, letter boxes, pen holders
and so on. Like Chinese toys, Kerala
handicrafts will also find a heart in the
households of the world. ‘Uravu’ keeps
the dream on.
37
Bijeesh P.K.
networking courses in continuing
educational sub centre, government
Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram
I N & A ROUN D
SUMANGALADEVI, aged
36, is physically challenged.
She was in abject poverty even
without a piece of land to
make up a hut. Chief Minister
Oommen Chandy came down
to her to hear her agony. The
result: Now Sumangaladevi is
the owner of 10 cents of land
to put up her dream-home.
Mass Contact Programme
of the Chief Minister speaks
aloud that people need
working governance.
Thousands of applications and
grievances that can be decided
positively remain unattended.
“Though I am among the
people the whole day even
without taking food I am not
tired. But hearing those
genuine pain, I am battered.”
Chief Minister spoke his heart
out.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy hearing the plight of Sumangaladevi.
Wide-angle lens
Durbar Hall
is calling
Sukumar
Azhikode
DURBAR Hall in the
Secretariat will be
witnessing yet another
award giving ceremony.
This year’s Ezhuthachan
Puraskaram, the greatest
literary award from the
Government of Kerala,
will be bestowed to
Sukumar Azhikode. Chief
Minister Oommen
Chandy will give away the
prestigious award to
Sukumar Azhikode who
had offered many oral
comments on many
awards and on its
recipients.
The lovers of Sukumar
Azhikode will be gleefully
lending ears to his speech
on the occasion.
38
IF THE news reporters
worked along with their
cameramen, and whose
cameras were having
wide-angle lenses,
Polachan alias Paul
Joseph would have been
in the frames, making a
permanent presence in
the pictorial history of
the present Middle
Travancore.
Because, Polachan
was there on every
occasion at every event along with his 120 mm
Mamia. But there was no
photographer other than
he to freeze the historic
moments.
Polachan covered
almost all important
events in Travancore. All
leading newspapers
depended on his shots.
Ask Polachan, “What are
the major events he
captured?” He will reply,
“Almost all.”
The 80 year old
freedom fighter finished
his schooling in St.
Aloysius School, Kollam.
Following a clash with
police during a student
upraisal he escaped to
Madras on a goods train.
There he learnt the
lessons in photography.
He returned to Kollam
after Independence.
Polachan made a
mark as a photographer
during Liberation
Movement in 1957.
Lively pictures from his
camera occupied spaces
of newspapers.
The struggle led by
A.K. Gopalan against
the evacuation of
Amaravati Estate and
the visit of Frontier
Gandhi in Kollam were
events which he clicked
with elevated spirits.
Polachan, who
made name as a
sportsman, especially a
footballer, now feels he
is at life’s evening.
Polachan’s obsession
with lens field and
sports field remained
more than 60 years.
He gave three
decades of freelance
service to IPRD. Now a
proposal is on move to
purchase a good
number of his film
negatives for the IPRD
Archives. So,
photographer Paul
Joseph extends his
service.
Paul Joseuph
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING
Courtesy: Malayala Mmanorama
Governance with a
human face
Majority Vote
USUALLY, important news is
reported in our newspapers in
varied ways. George Bush’s
second ascend to the
Presidency was the lead news
in most of the vernacular
dailies. All the newspapers in
Kerala carried the item under
a unanimous title, ‘Veendum
Bush’ (Bush again).
Kozhikode based
‘Madhyamam’ was an
exception. They titled - Bush
Thanne (It’s Bush).
The Halo of agrarians
Video on Grading
A CD brought out by State
Institute of Educational
Technology unveils
how teacher-centred
education in Kerala is
being transformed
into student-centred.
The video CD is titled
‘SSLC
Grading:
Content and Approach’.
Going far from to learn by
heart from the teachers, the
students are oriented to
production of knowledge.
Education Minister,
DPI, SCERT Director,
Experts in the field, IT
Director etc. appear in
the one hour video CD.
SIET plans to produce
five
television
programmes on grading. CD
version will also be made
available.
Blessy
Paul Battery
the Governor.
GOVERNOR
R.L. Bhatia expressed
R.L. Bhatia recognises
these opinions at a
Revenue Minister
function held on 1
K.M. Mani as a
November at
patriarch in Indian
Kalabhavan,
politics. Mani’s ten-time
Thiruvananthapuam.
electoral victory from a
K.M. Mani
A documentary based
single assembly
on the life and times of
constituency and his longest
K.M. Mani directed by
period of cabinet birth are an
V.G. Roy and scripted by Salin
amazing credit which keep any Mankuzhi was screened at the
other politician at bay, feels
function.
A scene from Kazhcha
The days of
Padmarajan magic
BLESSY is on move. After his
debut movie proved a grand
success, he is working on the
paper to emerge with his
second production.
‘Kazhcha’, an ordinary film
unfurled in a great canvas, was
all set to balm the already
bruised Malayalam film
industry. As it seems, Blessy is
taking the role of Padmarajan
who had rejuvenated the
stagnant screen during late
70s.
Blessy says, “Kazhcha is
not the movie within me for
long. Now I do homework on
the movie that I wanted to do
first.
Anyway, his next film will
have a touch of the fascinating
story-teller.
Shall we be gifted to watch
the Padmarajan magic again?
Real out of the reel
IN the real life actress Meera
Jasmine is in tears. All on
‘account’ of the wealth her
calling brought to her.
During a function organised
in Kottayam for felicitating
National Award winners,
Chief Minister Ommen
Chandy himself heard the
grievance of Meera.
Nowadays, some
actresses are going apart
from the wishes of their
family. The Bollywood actors
Amisha Patel and Namita were
out with similar complaints of
money twisting.
The Telugu stars
Udayabhanu and Raasi and
Bollywood actress Namrata
Shirodkar are also in collision
with their family either for
money issues or for receiving a
hand of their choice.
So, the screenplays spill
over to the real life.
by T. Prasannan
KERALA CALLING
z November 2004
39
Pain of (postal) delivery
We gave up they take up
H
aving a brilliant achieve
ment in educational sector, Kerala always remains as
a laboratory to educationalists.
In accordance with this, in
1996, we introduced one textbook pattern for first and second class students. But, later
more work books were added.
Now, the class fifth
Karnataka students are about
to look their counterparts here
LIFE & LINE
40
impishly. From the next
academic year, these students
across the state will march to
school with just two textbooks
– one for languages and the
other for core subjects (i.e.
Mathematics, Science and
Social Science) – each
trimester, introduced from the
current academic year, with
the aim of making learning
more meaningful and
K
an average, Postal Department
delivers 50 lakh periodicals in
a month.
Our publication also
contributes to their pittance a
not so tiny share with 25,000
copies every month!
nowledge is power. But
bundles of knowledge are
burden, at least to Postal
Department of Kerala Circle.
As a natural extension of
high literary, Keralites are
addicted to a large and evergrowing
number
of
publications that they
subscribe to and get delivered
through the postal service.
Some reports say this less
paid (50 paise upto 50 gram
while even an ordinary letter
requires five rupee stamp)
more labour job makes the
postmen restless, thanks to the
over
1500
registered
newspapers and journals. On
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textbooks more child-centred.
Here in fifth, we have six
textbooks plus workbooks.
Compared to Karnataka,
Kerala has the advantage of
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integrating this system where
trimester has introduced long
back i.e., learning without
burden is not a far away
dream.
P.V. KRISHNAN
November 2004 z
KERALA CALLING