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They work hard around the clock all
the year to earn their livelihood as
well as for their relatives back home.
Even working in Middle East, Europe
or in the richest country in the world,
America, the heart of a Malayalee lies
in his home land, the memories, and
nostalgia and always dreams him to
be back at his place.
For bachelors or singles, have the
liberty of coming home as and when
City Gears up toWelcome NRKs
No one can deny the fact that economy of our state is depending on
lakhs of Malayalees working abroad. Dubai, one of the prominent trade
hubs in the world, looks like a mini Kerala with Malayalees around the
corner.
FEA
TURE
D S
TORY
8TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
they get leave from the employers.
But for the families, it is during June
to August when they can plan coming
back to their home town, as per the
schedule of school holidays. During
this time, the markets as well as the
government gears up to welcome the
NRKs with special offers and the rela-
tives try to make them feel comfort-
able at home.
It feels good to be back and going
back to the roots - being a part of our
own culture, our own society. In the
month of June-July NRIs flee to their
homeland to spend some quality time
with their dear ones. This is the time
when the NRIs return to home for
summer breaks largely for holiday-
ing and to organize family celebra-
tions like wedding. They go on for a
shopping spree before they leave. To
welcome them, shops in the city gear
up for ‘NRI Fests’.
Textiles and jewellery put up exclu-
sive collection to satiate their needs.
Kerala is well known for its crave for
gold; therefore jewellers in Kerala
are keeping up their hopes on NRIs
to boost up sales in June-July month.
NRIs come down with the intention of
buying a whole new wardrobe every
time they visit. When they go back
they take with them Indian jewellery
and textiles which are bound to their
hearts.
Czarina, city’s leading boutique has
set up ‘NRI Fest’ to bring NRIs with
its exquisite fabrics. From office wear
to party and wedding garments you
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 9
have everything at Czarina. Czarina
has pointed out a trend among NRIs in
picking up party wears. There are saris
in silks, chiffons, georgettes, jutes and
cottons, in various palettes. They have
also arranged ‘magic jewels’ to blend
with the attires. The fest will continue
till end of July.
India’s No.1 jewellery Group, Josco
jewelers is celebrating “Josco NRI-
MONSOON FEST 2012’’ to welcome
the NRIs. Josco has arranged ex-
clusive diamond jewellery to meet
the needs and taste of their special
guests. Customers will be given a spe-
cial discount offer of Rs 3000 per ct on
all diamond ornaments. Gift hampers,
lucky draws etc has been arranged.
This shopping festival displays unique
heritage and unparallel service along
with proud jewel diversity ranging
from Pure 916 BIS Hall marked gold
ornaments, collections of Diamonds,
platinum and precious stones. Exclu-
sive range of antique styled jewellery
and designer pieces are also set up in
this fiesta.
Vasan Eye care is offering special
offers for NRIs as well as for their
dependents. First consultation will be
free, which includes refraction test,
Doctor Consultation and counseling.
They also offer discounts on upto
10% on Zyoptix/Cataract surgery (Not
applicable for patients under insur-
ance Scheme) and upto 10% on Optical
Purchase. This offer is valid from 1st of
July to 15th of September.
NRK welfare is the prime concern of
the Government and it plan and ex-
ecutes various schemes and projects
for the purpose. Government being
committed to the problems of Non-
Resident Keralites has launched vari-
ous schemes in collaboration with oth-
er agencies in order to provide social
security cover to millions of NRKs who
toil away from the land of their birth.
NORKA ROOTS is the government
agency, implements and runs several
schemes for Non Resident Keralites as
well as NRK returnees.
Last week Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy have inaugurated The NRK In-
surance cards, introduced for the peo-
ple who are either residing or working
in the other states in India for at least
2 years and have completed the age of
eighteen years. The eligible NRKs can
submit their duly filled in application
along with the relevant documents
with a fees of `300/- per person. The
fees can be submitted in the Norka-
Roots offices or as DD in the name of
Chief Executive Officer, Norka-Roots
payable at Thiruvananthapuram. For
more details of Norka schemes please
visit http://www.norka.gov.in/
10TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
An event that has become a landmark
in the city’s fashion scene, Czarina’s
NRI Fest has a collection of sarees se-
lected carefully to meet the taste and
sensibilities of NRIs visiting the state.
The collection is eclectic and has
designs and weaves from practically
every part of the country.
The eye-catching variety of sarees
includes tussars, georgettes, Crepes,
Chiffons, Kancheepurams and rare
verities of other silks. There are
The Czarina NRI Fest set to create magic once again!The annual saree extravaganza is back again. Czarina, Trivandrum’s
leading boutique that specializes in exclusive and designer sarees, has
inaugurated its much awaited NRI Fest.
12TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
sarees to suit every occasion, be it a
party, wedding or a festive season.
The weaves, stylish block prints and
embellishments make even the casual
sarees look truly special. The collec-
tion also has traditional sarees in chan-
deris, maheshwaris and super nets.
Shopping at Czarina has now become
an even more pleasant experience as
you can simultaneously pick up trendy
salwar kameez for your wardrobe
from the recently opened Czarina
Designer wear Boutique. Ready made
kurtas and Leggings are available
in small, medium, large and extra
large sizes for your convenience. This
means that you can get perfectly fit-
ting trendy outfits without the trouble
of finding a suitable tailor!
But for those who prefer tailor made
fits, Czarina stocks a huge range of un-
stitched ensembles that you can mix
and match to make fabulous designer
outfits.Lehengas in brocade and geor-
gette are also available. You can also
pick up embroidered semi-stitched
blouses to enhance your sarees.
The Fest will continue till the end of
July.
CzarinaCatholic Centre, Near General Hospital
Mob: 93877 21322
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 13
Whatever may be your fancy, you’ll
be sure to find something delectable
to tempt your taste buds here. So
whether you’re looking for a light bite
or a lip smacking item to take home,
just stop by Mermaid bakes and take
your pick of a great range of fresh and
healthy foods.
Mermaid bakes was started by a food
buff Arielle Varghese last October.
The magic spell produced by the food
here has made it well-known in a
They’re Magically Delicious!
HA
NG
OU
T
When you pass by Vettikonam, near Vazhayila you might have a break
down, an olfactory break down. Your olfactory senses would be attacked
by aromas from Mermaid bakes such that you would automatically
move towards it.
14TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
short span of time. Arielle began with
just muffins but later on she started
experimenting with new items which
makes the mermaid bakes which
we see today. Arielle completed her
Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from
Christ College in Bangalore, following
which, she tried with teaching. Her
love for food made her quit the teach-
ing job and she started the bakeshop
where she found the real pleasure of
working. Arielle is planning to start an-
other bakery in Trivandrum city soon.
Conventionally, bakery food is associ-
ated with the younger generation.
As there are not many colleges and
schools nearby, adults constitute
the major customers. Even though
located away from the city Mermaid
bakes have food lovers from urban
areas. Orders are taken one day in
advance.
Famous for its products freshly baked
on the premises, Mermaid’s most
popular item is Red Velvet Cupcake.
The price of items is reasonable here.
As it is mango season now variety
of items are made with the fruit like
mango muffins, mango tarts, mango
cakes etc.
If you haven’t tired the mermaid’s
magic yet, walk into this shop and give
your tongue a chance to transport you
to a gastronomical delight.
Mermaid BakesSRA C 24A, Kuzhivila Rd.
Vettikonam0471-2374163
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 15
Sadya is considered to be one of
Kerala’s signature contributions to
the world of vegetarian cuisine.The all
day dining restaurant in Mothers Veg
Plaza offering a unique dining experi-
ence with traditional kerala sadya.
Mothers Veg plaza, Located at Bakery
Junction at Thiruvananthapuram of-
fers 365 days Sadya in the city.
Rice is the essential ingredient of this
nine course Strictly vegetarian meals
Same as traditional sadya,It is served
It’s time to tingle and tantalize your taste buds at Mothers Veg Plaza with a lip smacking treat
Mothers Veg Plaza bringsSadya 365 Days to the City
DIN
ING
16TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
in Banana leafs. Following the way of
placing the leaf and an order of serv-
ing the dishes.Rice is the main course.
With rice, various kinds of dishes are
served... different curries, ‘upper-
ies’ (things fried in oil), ‘pappadams’
(round crisp flour paste cakes of pecu-
liar make), ‘achars’ (pickles of various
kinds),and ‘prathamans’ (Desserts)
All together there are 11 essential dish-
es which have to prepared for Sadya.
Kerala traditional Sadya is considered
to be the most elaborate and grand
meal prepared by any civilisation or
cultures in the world. It’s a feast which
if enjoyed once is relished for years.
Mothers Veg Plaza is having facility to
deliver the traditional Onasadya right
to your doorstep every day as per
order in advance.
‘It is the first restaurant in India serves Kerala traditional Sadya.’
K S Sanal
Director, Mothers Veg Plaza
Mothers Veg PlazaBakery Jn.301 301 3
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 17
The policy seeks to generate volumes
of 30 lakh foreign and 1.8 crore do-
mestic tourist arrivals by the year 2021.
According to the official document,
the foreign tourist arrival in Kerala has
registered 12 percent annual growth
rate in the last decade.
During 2010, the state received 6.5
lakhs foreign tourists. The average an-
Kerala Tourism at DelightTourism Policy announced after 17 years
Hiya Chakrabarti
Kerala Government seems embellishing Brand Kerala! Chief Minister
Oommen Chandy’s announcement of Kerala Tourism Policy 2012, the
new one since 1995, is, indeed, a strive towards tourism industry worthy
to be mentioned . While the states like Gujarat and West Bengal promot-
ing their tourism with Bollywood Superstars, this de-glamorized but
much promising effort of Kerala is surely going to rock the ground.
TOU
RISM
18TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
nual growth rate of domestic tourist
arrivals during the last decade was 4.5
percent.
But all statistics become dull when it
comes to Kerala politics. How to deal
with the regular hartals and other
strikes which is one of the major rea-
sons for affecting the state tourism?
Well, the policy is advanced with the
idea to exempt the tourism sector
from hartals after consultation with
political parties and trade unions.
Some of main attractions of the new
policy are:
Fast track clearance-in order to facili-
tate speedy clearances of the tourism
projects for investment above Rs 10
crores. Ten thematic museums will
be set up in 10 years to showcase cul-
tural heritage of the state. But these
investments will be allowed only after
evaluating and ensuring adherence
to principles and practices of sustain-
ability.
A Task Force against Trafficking and
Abuse will be formed with officials
from the departments of Social Wel-
fare, Education, Law, Home, Health
and Tourism to develop mechanisms
and action plans to implement and
monitor zero tolerance on trafficking,
substance and child abuse in tourism.
20TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
The tourism policy of Kerala an-
nounced recently covers important
strategies like enhancing visitor
experience through providing proper
infrastructure and developing facilities
at destinations. It also spells out initia-
tives to keep the community in the
forefront as a beneficiary of tourism.
Involvement of Local Self Govern-
ment, channelizing economic benefits
to the society, giving importance to
socio-cultural aspects and strengthen-
ing responsible-tourism activities are
some of the measures for community
announced in the policy.
It also pronounces steps for market-
ing Kerala as a ‘Visible Global Brand’
focusing on domestic and internation-
al markets. Apart from strengthening
marketing internationally and in the
domestic markets, it also envisages
effective market researches and inter-
net enabled marketing strategies.
The policy spells out its intend to
make Kerala an ‘All Season Destina-
tion’ and to increase average length
of stay of tourists.
There are clear initiatives to strength-
en the Human Resources develop-
ment in tourism through KITTS,
making it an apex institute for HR
development and promoting, and
supporting tourism training through
ITI’s Vocational Higher Secondary
Schools and private institutes etc.
There is a provision in the policy for
setting up a Task Force on tourism
marketing. To advice government
on destination development, tour-
ism product development, tourism
marketing strategies, HR and tourism
research to enhance the state’s image
as a premier tourism destination.
The committee is envisaged to have
nominated members from the tourism
industry and members of various Task
Forces in tourism.
The policy as a whole sounds positive
and qualitatively future looking. But,
“the proof of the pudding will be in
the eating”. Unless the implementa-
tion of the provisions are carried out
effectively, the policy will not have its
expected results.
“Positive & Qualitatively Future Looking” E M Najeeb, Chairman - ATE
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 21
Another task force has been proposed
on infrastructure development. The
minister for tourism will be the chair-
man, with representatives from the
trade and government being mem-
bers.
Much attention has been given to
the intra-state destinations such as
Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and
Wayanad. Experiences of all these
places are sought to be replicated
elsewhere.
Initiatives have been taken to set up a
Kerala convention promotion bureau
to market the state in the MICE
(meetings incentives conferences and
exhibitions) segment. Private-public
partnerships would be promoted on
the marketing front. A task force will
take care of promoting new-found
sites of Bekal and Wayanad in north
Kerala.
Hop-on, hop-off services will be pro-
vided in Thiruvananthapuram, Alap-
puzha, Fort Kochi, Kochi backwaters
and the hilly destination of Munnar.
Indeed, if properly executed, the
policy will ensure quality visitor
experience; focus on benefits for the
tourists, making Kerala a visible global
brand in domestic and international
markets, and to develop quality hu-
man resources in tourism and hospi-
tality sector.
However, the time has the last say
how many visitors will come ‘to taste
and to touch/And to feel as much’ the
Destination Kerala!
22TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
“Remembering P N Panicker”17th Reading Week Celebrated
COVE
R ST
ORY
24TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
The state level inauguration of the 17th Reading Week was conducted by Chief
Minister Oommen Chandy at Kanakakunnu Palace on 19th of last month. The
programme was celebrated in memory of library activist P N Panicker, organ-
ized by Education Department, Information and Public Relations Department,
Panchayat Department and P N Panicker Foundation. The week long celebra-
tions concluded on 25th June.
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 25
Reading exposes us to the world
around us and develops an under-
standing and concern for the people
around us. I feel that reading is an
activity which can be divided into
four stages-information, knowledge,
wisdom and culture. Reading gives
information which in turn develops
our knowledge and wisdom and
later on gets infused in our culture.
Reading can make one learn not only
languages but cultures of civilizations
by making an individual live the past,
present or future of places he or she
has never been to.
During earlier days if a trend comes in
writing style, it would stay for a long
time. But now the duration for which
such trends last is negligible. Nowa-
days styles change all of a sudden.
Therefore the masterpiece of today
may not be remembered tomorrow.
In earlier days books had strength
to keep hold of society intact and
even played as an effective tool in
portraying evils in the society. I’m of
the opinion that today books are just
meant for individualistic deeds, its
power on society is diminishing with
the onslaught of new technologies.
Nowadays majority of youth read
just to satisfy their career objectives.
Earlier days reading was a sort of en-
tertainment, but now with the advent
of technology things have changed a
lot and the means of entertainment
has taken a different turn in television
sets, ipods, video games, social net-
working sites etc. It is high time that
the younger generation understand
the importance of reading!!!
Reading opens up our world and enriches our lives.
George Onakkoor
26TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is
known as the Father of the Library
Movement in Kerala. The activities
of the Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom
which was initiated by P. N. Panicker,
ignited a popular cultural movement
in Kerala at the end of which the state
acquired total literacy in the 1990s.
Every year on World Reader Day, a
weeklong celebration is organized
in his memory by Government of
Kerala in association with P N Panicker
Foundation.
This year Reading Week was inau-
gurated by Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy on June 19th at Kanakakunnu
Palace. On his inaugural address,
Chief Minister mentioned the
initiatives taken by P N Panicker in
27July 2012martTH I RUVANANTHAPURAM
encouraging reading in rural areas. He
released the book ‘Swathi Thirunal:
Jeevithavum Krithikalum’, written by
Dr V S Sharma, handing over a copy
to Carnatic musician Parassala B Pon-
nammal.
BSNL Penta TPADs tabled computers
were released by Education Minister
Abdu Rabb, which will be distributed
to the students in the rural areas
with subsidized pricing to promote
e-reading. Cultural Affairs Minister K
C Joseph, Litterateur O N V Kurup,
George Onakkoor, M R Thampan, Di-
rector of State Institute of Languages,
Palode Ravi MLA and several dignitar-
ies were present.
Ministers including P. J. Joseph, K.B.
Ganesh Kumar and P.K. Kunhalikutty
inaugurated various sessions, includ-
ing seminars on environmental issues,
skill development for employee en-
hancement, literacy and development,
women’s empowerment through
information technology, distribution
of drinking water with the coopera-
tion of societies.
An exhibition on latest educational
technology was organized by the
Foundation along with Le Brown
Events. Thousands of students from
the city attended the seminar and
exhibition. Cultural programmes by
students of various schools in the
city were also performed during the
event.
Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Sadiq Al She-
habi inaugurated the Royal Bahrain Hos-
pital located in Salmaniya. The hospital’s
infrastructure consists of state-of-the-art
equipment’s, with integrated software
and run on the latest technologies pro-
cured from all over the world. It has the
only operational sleep lab in the kingdom,
advanced laser technology for cosmetic
surgery, 16-slice CT Scan, 4-D Ultrasound
machine and also offers fetal medicine
treatment.
KIMS Royal Bahrain Hospital Inaugurated
His Excellency – Minister of Health – Mr. Sadiq Al Shehabi inaugurating the hospital.
Front Row (L- R Mr Jacob Thomas, Dr M A Mohammed, Dr MohdSahadulla, HE, Minister of Health, Mr Ahmed Jawahery&Mr Mohan Kumar (Indian Ambassador)
28TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
“Reading has not decreased, but the ways of reading has changed.”
ON
FA
CE
30TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
Are you of the opinion that read-
ing habit is dying out in the modern
world?
Reading habit is not dying out. It is
clear from the increase of number
of books and periodicals published.
Every year the number shows incre-
ment. New magazines and weeklies
also are coming out in most of the
languages. Despite the onslaught of
electronic media people still prefer
reading newspapers, that’s why
newspaper industry has a strong
foothold in India. News papers go for
new editions from all possible centres.
The reading of newspapers has been
limited to that of headlines and few
introductory paragraph but people
do read. In this modern world people
cannot stay aloof from reading as it’s
important to know what’s happening
around him and this can be attained
through reading.
Books were a source of entertainment
in earlier days, but now youth has vari-
ous means of entertainment like ipods,
mobiles, social networking sites etc.
Has it affected their reading habits?
Youth get to read a newspapers and
books outside their homes, with
shops, cafes, restaurants and railway
stations, airports as chief access
points. The number of websites and
blogs has grown exponentially in past
decade and youth prefer online ways
to stay updated and get information.
Reading has not decreased drastically
but the ways of reading has changed.
Can books bring about a revolution?
During yesteryears there were several
Following the footsteps of his father P.N. Panicker, father of library move-
ment in Kerala N Balagopal strive to inculcate reading habit among people.
Balagopal is totally committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden and
weaker section of the people.
His soul mission in life is to provide a life of dignity and honour to the common
man through economic and social emancipation. He is the present Secretary
of Kerala Educational Development and Employment Society (KEDES). He has
been engaged in the Institution’s activities for the past 20 years as a voluntary
worker. Shri Balagopal opens up his mind on account of the reading week
celebrations organized by P N Panicker foundation. Excerpts from the interview
MMT Desk had with N Balagopal.
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 31
books that had long lasting influence
on the society but now such power-
ful books are not coming up. This is
because the situation has changed
nowadays; electronic media is more
powerful now. Books cannot bring
about a revolution now, but electronic
media can.
Can you share something about ‘Read-
ing week celebrations’?
Government of Kerala observes 19th
June annually as ‘Vayana Dinam’ to
commemorate the contributions of P
N Panicker. ‘Reading week’ celebra-
tions are organized from June 19th-
25th to spread the message of read
and grow. Through our foundation
we aim to promote serious reading
through continuous mission.
Our path is beset with obstacles, but
the support given by people carries
our mission forward. We also have
‘aychakoottam’, a weekly discussion
forum to inculcate knowledge to peo-
ple on various topics. In a tie-up with
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL),
the foundation will facilitate the
distribution of up to one lakh ‘penta’
tablet PCs in the rural areas as a part
of reading week celebrations.
Your comment on Social services done
to the society?
Our sole mission is to empower the
rural population with the tool of infor-
mation and provide them livelihood
on a sustainable basis. We aim to
uplift the underprivileged class, pro-
vide them formal education and give
knowledge based training. We have al-
ready initiated this process by setting
up 1000 Grameen Gyan Kendras (or
Village Knowledge Centres) in rural
India. We have conducted Jan Vigyan
Vikas Yathra as a part of awareness
programs. Our future plans include
formation of IT Clubs, community
ham radio station , e-banking centres
,national open school centres etc.
Your advice for future generations?
The future generation must be more
focused. They should understand that
every job has its own importance,
doctors and engineers cannot solely
build up a society. For a society to
sustain we need all kinds of people
-social servants, doctors, politicians,
entrepreneurs etc.
We should be beneficial for the
society and the country. This can be
attained through reading, as it is the
platform through which a person
acquires knowledge, moral values etc.
So read and grow.
32TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
The Trivandrum Chamber of Com-
merce and Industry has declared the
business excellence and business pro-
motion for the year 2011. The Trivan-
drum Chamber of Commerce and
Industry is a voluntary organization
that promotes and develops trade
and industry in Kerala and functions
as a central forum for businessmen.
Business excellence and business pro-
motion awards 2011 for Trivandrum
region are as follows.
R Regunath bagged the award for
business excellence in Advertising,
whereas G Viswanath topped the
architectural arena. Roy peter was
declared the builder of year 2011 and
S Vijayakumar was given award in the
building material category.
Zulfiquar Marikar pocketed the auto-
mobile excellence award, K Thomas
Jacob was declared the best charted
accountant. Suresh Mathew Nilamel
for exports, George Jacob Muthoot
for financial services, S Bahuleyan for
General merchant, R Murugan for
Health care, Suresh Pillai for hospital-
ity, Kalesan Natesan for handicrafts, P
Vijayakumar for IT, M Sangeeth Kumar
for LPG/petroleum and Rajenesh
Clement for Interior decoration
bagged the awards for their excel-
lence in business.
C Balagopal was presented award for
manufacturing section, V Suresh for
Photograph, A Bansi for paper and
boards, Sanjiv I. Sunu for wood and
timber Pradeep Jyothy for ayurveda ,
K M Mathew for pharmaceuticals and
S Gautaman for textiles.
Business promotion awards for 2011
was given for S Ananthaswamy , P
Chithambaram , K Kesabasamy and S
Pottivelu.
Business excellence and business promotion awards 2011
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 33
Mr C Chandra Mohanan has been elected the president of Chamber of Commerce, Thiruvananthapuram. The other office-bearers are S N Reghuchandran Nair(Secretary) and Suresh Mathew Nilamel(Treasurer)
Newly elected executive committee members of The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Initially Kesava Pillai setup a library in
his house with the collection of a few
books which later blossomed into the
library which we see today. Now the
library is at Vanchiyoor on a piece of
land given by the royal family.
The library was started in the name of
Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Var-
ma, the last ruler of Travancore, when
he was just two years old, as a token
of respect to the royal family. Many
eminent personalities of the time such
The Voyage of Sree Chithira Thirunal Library
Pooja Jayan
MET
RO F
ACT
Sree chithira Thirunal library, an integral part of Trivandrum’s cultural heritage is nearing its Centenary. The man behind this venture was Sree Kesava Pillai. His passion for knowledge and the commitment he showed in setting up the library earned him the title “Vayanashala Kesava Pillai”.
34TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
as C.V. Raman Pillai, Dr.Kunjan Pillai
(chief secretary), M.Rajarajavarma
(Devaswom Commissioner) and R.
Krishnapillai (Head Translator) were
instrumental in developing it into a
full fledged library. At that time there
were only a few libraries in Kerala.
Those libraries were named after Lala-
lajpath Rai, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan
Das , Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna
Pillai, A. R. Rajaraja Varma, Kerala
Varma Valia Koyi Thampuran and so
on. Today SCT library is being looked
after by a nineteen member commit-
tee including a member from the royal
family. Former chief secretary
R. Ramachandran Nair is the
present president and Kesava
Pillai’s son Bhanuvikraman Nair
is the secretary.
With the proud collection of
over one lakh books, in the
library now, this library is a
boon to research scholars,
academicians and students
across the country. One can
delve into this vast ocean of
knowledge and pick up pearls
of information, education and
entertainment.
The library is a repository
of palm leaf scriptures and
old publications. The well
preserved old publications include
journals like Sudhrama, Lekshmibhai,
Sarada and Vidya Vinodini. It has also
publications in Hindi, English and
Sanskrit. The library has a huge collec-
tion of ‘panchagams” which makes
it distinct from other libraries. The
library enables the present to com-
municate with the past and imparts
the profound ideas of the doyens of
the past.
Another noteworthy factor of this
library is its contributions to the
Malayalam theatre. The tradition of
writing a new drama every year and
36TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
staging it on stage on the occasion of
its anniversary celebrations continues
to this day.
Sree Chithira Thirunaal Library played
a pivotal role in bringing women to
limelight through its plays. Educated
women were persuaded to perform
on stage thereby creating a notable
revolution in our cultural fabric. As
elsewhere till then, male actors used
to do the roles in Malayalam theatre.
High court judge Anna Chandy, Col-
lector Omana Kunjamma, Parvathy
Mills owner B.Radhadevi, Government
Secretary Aananthavalli Amma were
some of the prominent women who
used to act in those anniversary plays.
The library is now passing through dif-
ficult days. Need for more space for
accommodating books and inade-
quate funds are two problems that re-
quire urgent remedy. With the advent
of the much hyped internet boom
there is a perception that the future
of libraries is bleak. Several academi-
cians and industry pundits contribute
to this perception. Will Sree Chithira
Thirunal Library be able to withstand
the onslaught of the internet revolu-
tion and its byproduct the e-book?
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 37
Mr Yoshihiro Kimura joined Terumo
Corporation in 1978. With more than
32 years in Terumo; he has extensive
experience in Production, Logistics,
Finance & Accounting and Corporate
Planning. He has been working in
Kerala for over one year. Kimura, an
Industrial Engineering graduate from
Japan talks about the company and
shares his notions about the Indian
market.
Yoshihiro KimuraThe man with a vision
Yoshihiro Kimura, Chairman of the Board in Terumo Penpol headquartered
at Trivandrum is all set to take his company forward to the pinnacle of suc-
cess amid the sturdy competition in the market. His extensive international
exposure will undeniably facilitate towards expanding the company’s busi-
ness in export markets.
FEA
TURE
ART
ICLE
38TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
About the company
Terumo Penpol has been serving
Blood Centers across the globe for
more than 25 years. We have export
to 6o countries around the world,
thanks to the associates who helped
in improving our service and maintain
quality. TPL is today the world’s third
largest producer of blood bags and
we have around 40% market share in
India.
The company employs over 800
skilled personnel at its Thiruvanan-
thapuram plant and in its sale offices
in various parts of the country. The
company also lends a helping hand by
improving the quality of life of the less
privileged section of society. Our com-
pany helps in supporting education
for children, medical treatment, con-
ducts blood donation camp, upgrades
local School libraries and science labs
and provides support to needy in local
Community.
Indian market
With a population of over 1 billion,
India is an enormous potential market
for Japanese firms. The number of
Japanese companies operating in
India increased drastically over the
years and more are yet to come up.
Availability of skilled manpower is a
major advantage enjoyed by India in
attracting foreign investment into
India.
Indian middle class segment plays an
important factor in the Indian market.
Tata Nano is the best example which
fully taps the latent potential of the
middle class segment. Unnecessary
accessories are shelved off and are
made available to people at reason-
able amount. Thereby the product got
localized and the market increased
gradually.
The Indian blood banking market is
experiencing consistent growth each
year. The blood bags are widely used
in the hospitals and blood banks for
the safe storage of blood. As India
population is high consequently the
demand for products will be also high.
We are trying our best to expand our
services to cope up with it.
Blood donation in Kerala
The blood donation rates are still low
in Kerala. There is very low aware-
ness about blood donation in Kerala.
People still believe that they become
weak and anaemic if they donate
blood. The fear of blood-borne patho-
gens has also adversely affected the
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 39
blood bank market. There should be
a proper system to register the blood
donors and promote voluntary blood
donation among all sections of society
by the Kerala Government.
Expensive life saving medicines and
deprived people
The health of the people is the respon-
sibility of the Government. Affordable
access to lifesaving medicines remains
an issue in India. Medical Insurances
must be set up by government to
help the needy. In India only less than
twenty percent is covered by medical
insurances. The Government should
put their best foot forward in the
health sector, improve the standards
of hospitals, increase the beds, and
make medicines available at afford-
able rates.
Santhigiri, the abode of white
lotus located in a small hummock at
Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram has
been given permission by the Union
Tourism Ministry to use its “Incredible
India” tag. This was to acknowledge
the services of the Santhigiri ashram
of late Karunakara Guru to promote
spiritual tourism and well-being of
humans. Santhigiri from a small place
in Trivandrum has grown beyond the
geographic frontiers and religious
boundaries and acquired a position in
the International arena. People from
different walks of life are flooding to
the ashram for spiritual assistance and
to ease out dilemmas in their lives.
Swami Gururatnam Jnana Tapaswi,
organising secretary of the ashram
stated that they would use ‘Incredible
India’ tag in their brochures and web-
site to improve the services provided
by the Ashram.
Incredible Santhigiri
40TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
The education of women is the most
powerful tool of change of position in
society. Women education in Kerala
has also been a major preoccupation
of both the government and civil
society as educated women can play
a very important role in the develop-
ment of the state.
Education is milestone of women
empowerment because it enables
them to responds to the challenges,
to confront their traditional role and
change their life. So that we can’t
neglect the importance of education
in reference to women empowerment
India is poised to becoming super-
REACH is aimed at fine-tuning the skills of professionally qualified women
“If you educate a man you edu-
cate an individual, however, if you
educate a woman you educate a
whole family. Women empowered
means mother India
empowered”
- PT. Jawaharlal Nehru
“Empowering Women”
FEA
TURE
D A
RTIC
LE
42TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
power, a developed country by 2020.
The growth of women’s education in
rural areas is very slow. This obviously
means that still large womenfolk of
our country are illiterate, the weak,
backward and exploited. Education
of women is the most powerful tool
of change of position in society.
Education also brings a reduction in
inequalities and functions as a means
of improving their status within the
family. Empowerment of women
needs to begin with her participation
in different spheres of life. Education
is a great determinant in this regard.
To achieve empowerment women
have to be educated to be aware of
their rights and privileges in a modern
society. It is education which can bring
about awareness in them related
to their social status, injustice and
differentiation meted out to them.
Besides, economic independence is a
major factor which can contribute in
empowering women. KSWDC realized
this need and ventured out to launch a
Finishing School for women, a flagship
program of the state government.
REACH plays it’s vital role to fill the
gap between the education and em-
ployment. Resources Enhancement
Academy for Career Heights (REACH),
a finishing school established by the
Kerala State Women’s Development
Corporation (KSWDC) was launched
SreevidhyaState Head & Trainer, REACH
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 43
under the Flagship Programme on
Finishing School announced by the
State government under the 11th Plan.
Since its inception, REACH has been
successfully imparting employability
training in various sector for women
in Kerala and providing organizations
across the state with skilled personnel
at absolutely no extra charge.
REACH is a resource centre for
women, where qualified women are
equipped to achieve their career
aspirations. This innovative and revo-
lutionary step has brought about a
sea change in the lives of the women
population in Kerala
Sreevidhya K State Head and Trainer
of REACH said that Reach program
offers specialized courses that cover
everything, from personality devel-
opment, personal grooming, social
etiquette, financial management to
understanding relationships.
“In short, we are a leading finishing
school that focuses on empowering
girls to become a woman of tomor-
row. Unlike traditional finishing
schools, REACH goes far beyond.
Our goal is to teach girls and women
how to move from informal to formal
situations by evaluating the situa-
tion they are faced with and knowing
what is appropriate for them. Unlike
a modeling school, REACH focuses
on healthy living, modesty, and using
image as an effective communication
tool” Sreevidhya said.
“Educated women support women
education and give better education
to their children. Educated women
help in reducing the mortality rate of
infant in India. Educated women han-
dle their family in a better way than
illiterate women. So, we shouldn’t
forget the importance of women edu-
cation in Kerala” Sreevidhya shared
her vision.
Reach is expanding it’s horizon and
planning to set-up a powerful, interac-
tive virtual class room to facilitate
e-learning. It offers the combined
advantages of face-to-face interac-
tion and distance learning. Enables
working women professionals who
would like to acquire new skills and/or
enhance their knowledge in their
respective functions to do so without
taking a career break.
A new job portal also to be launched
soon to help job seekers to find the
right job matching their aspirations.
It is to guide women to explore the
possibilities and find the opportunities
that are right for them.
For more information visit:www.
reach.org.in (Tel 0471 2494445/
09496015051)
44 mart July 2012TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM
REACHKaimanam P.O.0471-2494445
• Exclusive workshops and sessions
on Interview Preparation, Confidence
Enhancement, Skill Development, etc.
• 100% placement guaranteed on
successful completion of the training
program for eligible candidates.
• BPL students are given free training,
and a nominal fee is charged for stu-
dents of the APL category, ensuring
that REACH seeps into all levels of the
society
• Currently operating at Trivandrum &
Kannur, we have plans to expand this
insightful & noble enterprise across
Kerala
REACH - Resource Enhance-
ment Academy for Career Heights
Slogan - She Transcends
Vision - To bridge the gap be-
tween acquired skills and required
skills
Motto - Sans limites
• First of its kind on a Govern-
ment Platform. ISO certified with-
in three months of its inception,
for its professional and meticulous
operations matching international
standards.
• REACH Certification Programme - 60
days duration; Minimum Qualification-
12th Standard pass.
• Students are given intensive train-
ing in life skills, body language, image
development, communication skills,
attitude, self-esteem, etc.
• IELTS coaching also offered, ensur-
ing that proactive career-driven
women are not shackled by geograph-
ic boundaries
• Endowed with a highly resourceful
and dynamic faculty, student friendly
classrooms, highly sophisticated ambi-
ence and uncompromising standards
of training
REACH @ a Glance
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 45
Therefore Stress Management
consists in techniques of relaxing and
strengthening the body as well as
techniques of relaxing and quieting
the mind.
2. The first step is therefore to be able
to strengthen the body. The following
schedule is recommended:-
(a) Thirty minute daily walk
(b) 6 rounds of Surya Namaskar.
(c) Stretching exercises
Management of Executive Stress - 4
In part 3 of this article, last month, we looked at how stress arises. We
saw how stress affects the physical body as well as the mind. The effect
of stress on a person varies in intensity, depending on his physical and
mental resilience.
HEA
LTH
Sri Ravi Easwaran
46TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
(i) Lie down on your back. Inhale-lift
up the right leg into a 90 degree an-
gle. Hold for 15 seconds. Bring it down
while exhaling. Repeat with left leg.
Do six rounds of this.
(ii) Lift both legs while inhaling. Hold
for 15 seconds. Slowly lower it while
exhaling. Repeat 4 to six times.
(d) Join a Yoga Class. Even if you are
able to go thrice a week it is good
enough.*
(e) Learn how to relax. Try this very
simple method. Lie down on your
back.
Legs apart, hands spread out, palms
facing the ceiling. The hands should
be about six inches away from your
body. Take a few deep breaths and let
the body relax. Now consciously focus
your mind on your right big toe, visual-
ize it in your mind and tell yourself to
relax that toe. (Auto Suggestion.. Yes
it works wonders with some practice).
After that the 2nd toe and so on till
the 5th toe, then the sole of the foot,
then calf muscles, shin, thigh muscles,
hips and so on. Work your way up the
right side of the body, consciously
relaxing each part of the body as you
move up. Move up to the shoulders,
then work your way down to your
hands and fingers. Now repeat the
process with the left toe and the left
side of the body. Now go down to
the lower back and work your way
upwards, to the back of the neck, then
top of the head, and down the front
relaxing the forehead, the eyes, the
nostrils, cheeks, ears, lips, chin, throat,
chest, & abdomen. Time yourself so
that this entire process takes about
ten minutes. Then lie quietly being
aware of the relaxed body and mind
for about ten minutes. Remember
true relaxation can come only when
the mind has slowed, so focus your
mind on your breathing and keep the
attention focused on the flow of the
inhaled and exhaled breath. If you
find the mind wandering, bring it back
to focus on the breath. A relaxation
session lasting twenty minutes should
bring you out feeling relaxed and
pepped up!. One caveat- Be aware at
all times. If you fall asleep the purpose
of relaxation with awareness will not
be achieved.
(f) Lastly, learn to meditate and do so
regularly-Start with 15 minutes and
take it up to half an hour daily.
3. You will need to find the willpower
and the time to adhere to this sched-
ule.
But six months of this and the differ-
ence you see in yourself physically and
48 July 2012martTH I RUVANANTHAPURAM
mentally will make you an addict to
this routine. Having taken some posi-
tive steps to make your mind body
complex capable of handling stress,
think about the following and imple-
ment them in your life.
(i) Take your work seriously and do it
to the best of your ability. But develop
a degree of detachment. This does
not mean that you do not give your
best. It actually means the opposite.
Being detached, you will take better
decisions and be able to give more
attention to your work since you are
free of unnecessary worry.
(ii) Avoid Unnecessary stress. If you
find that a person or a situation is
causing you to be stressed out, limit
your contact with that person and try
to avoid the situation. Running away?
No- Just being wise. For example do
you get into discussions about religion
/politics and end up getting angry or
upset? Avoid such discussions- firmly
say “No. I don’t want to discuss this”.
There is no dishonor in such an action.
You will be surprised at the marked
improvement in your composure.
(iii) Learn to say “No” to additional
tasks when you are overburdened.
(iv) Make a priority list of tasks to be
done on a daily/weekly basis. Make
sure the number of tasks is that which
can be done comfortably without
strain.
(v) Instead of resenting a situation
and fretting about it, look for an op-
portunity in it. Are you in an intermina-
ble traffic jam? There is an opportunity
to listen to your favorite music, read
that book which you have always
wanted to, talk to that old buddy you
have been meaning to call for the last
few months..
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 49
(vi) Let go of anger and resentment.
Forgive those you think have wronged
you.
Forgiveness is a wonderful gift…. to
yourself.
(vii) Change a situation if you can. If
you can’t, accept it. Acceptance and
forgiveness are two powerful arrows
in your quiver. The supply is unending.
Use them liberally. Remember the
prayer of St.Francis of Assisi:-
“Lord, grant me the strength to ac-
cept the things I cannot change, the
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the differ-
ence.”
(viii) Take a vacation with your loved
ones regularly, if possible, twice a
year.
(ix) Children grow up very fast and
they are adults and gone before you
notice it.
Parents grow older even faster. Spend
Sundays with your family and you will
not have to live with regret when you
are older.
4. Let me conclude with a famous
story:-
Once a king called upon all of his wise
men and asked them, “I want you to
find me a mantra which works in very
situation in life whether it be joyous
or full of grief, whether it be victory or
defeat, whether it be pleasure or pain.
Go forth and find such a mantra and
let me know.”
After a long discussion lasting many
weeks, the King’s Chief Advisor came
and gave him a diamond ring saying
“Sire, under the diamond is a small
piece of paper and on this the mantra
is written. The Wise men have, how-
ever prescribed a condition, your maj-
esty. You shall only look at the paper
when you are in extreme danger, all
alone and all roads seem closed.” The
King agreed and put on the ring.
Some time later, his Kingdom was
attacked by enemies. The King and his
army fought bravely, but the battle
was lost. The King had to flee. The
enemies were following him hotly
on his trail. Suddenly the King found
himself standing at the end of the
road - that road had a dead end. He
was surrounded by lofty cliffs which
he could not scale. ……The sound of
the enemy horses was approaching
fast. He was trapped….
As if on cue, his diamond ring flashed
in the sun. He remembered the words
50TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
of his Advisor and took out the paper.
The paper had only four words:
This, too, shall pass.
As the King read it and read it again,
he thought to himself “A few days
ago I was King and master of all that
I surveyed. I had every luxury. Those
days have passed. Now here I am
without a Kingdom or an army and
hunted by the enemy. But yes, this
too shall pass”.
When he came out of his reverie he
realized that the enemy seemed to
have disappeared. Taking this as an
opportunity, the King reorganized his
army and mounted an attack on the
enemy, defeating them and regaining
his empire. As he sat in his throne in
victorious celebration, the diamond
ring flashed again conveying its time-
less message “O King, this too shall
pass!”.
5. This is a good time to think over
your life and its events. How many
times have you been overcome with
pain and sorrow? How many times
have you been delirious with pleasure
and joy? Have they lasted? Have they
been permanent?
No… All these are ephemeral. Life
changes constantly bringing you new
experiences all the time. Why, your
body cells itself undergo change- the
body you have today does not have
the same cells it had a decade ago.
The only constant is Change. So
when you are stressed the next time,
remember the mantra:-
This, too, shall pass.
Sri Easwaran can be contacted
at [email protected] or on
80860-70630.
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 51
enterprises, mind blowing offers and
exciting prizes - both for shops and
shoppers - make GKSF the biggest
shopping extravaganza in the country.
U V Jose has been appointed as the
Director of Grand Kerala Shopping
Festival authority. He is also holding
the additional charge of Additional
Director (Planning) of Kerala Tourism
Department
Inaugurating the activities forming
part of the sixth season of the GKSF,
theTourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar
said the government would consider
either reducing the registration fee
in the general category or make it en-
tirely free so that small traders could
also benefit from it. Efforts would
also be made to ensure that the GKSF
benefited the tourism sector as well.
Grand Kerala Shopping Festival’s first
general convener T. Balakrishnan,
Tourism Secretary Suman Billa, KTDC
chairman Vijayan Thomas, Tourism
Director Rani George, GKSF director
U.V. Jose, South Indian Bank execu-
tive director Abraham Tharian, brand
consultant Kiran Khalap, and repre-
sentatives of various brands attended
the GKSF Sponsors meet.
The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival
(GKSF) is a unique shopping fiesta
that redefines the very essence and
enjoyment of shopping. Kerala the
southernmost State in India, popularly
known as ‘Gods Own Country’ has
always been a favourite for travelers
and tourists from around the globe
across the ages. The Grand Kerala
Shopping Festival, the signature shop-
ping festival of Kerala, is yet another
fascinating event that stands testi-
mony to this fact.
The festival, managed by Government
of Kerala, is on its sixth edition, which
starts from December 1, 2012 and
concludes by January 15, 2013. Fresh
GKSF to start from December 1
52TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012
If you want others to be impressed
when they look at you, you’d better
make sure your shoes match the rest
of your outfit, and that they are of
the latest style. Fashion is incomplete
without attractive pair of footwear.
They have to be comfortable and
beautiful; they also add charisma to an
ensemble. To deliver fantastic choice
and the best brands in the world Reli-
ance foot print has opened its new
showroom at Pattom, Trivandrum.
Reliance foot print started its venture
in Trivandrum this May. It is one
among the 72 footprint stores across
the country and the third in Kerala.
The first Reliance footprint showroom
in Kerala was opened at Ernakulam,
followed by the Kollam showroom.
Reliance footprint has decided to start
a new showroom at Kannur too.
Kowdiyar is a posh shopping destina-
tion in Trivandrum, apart from that
Pattom is a shopping hub too. Target-
ing the middle class customers and
posh customers Reliance footprint
have set up its store at Pattom You
can make your style statement by
wearing fashionable foot wears from
Reliance footprint to stand out from
the crowd..
Reliance foot print aims to make
it a lifestyle destination, designed
exclusively to bring to customers an
extensive collection of footwear and
accessories and luggage to suit their
every need. Reliance Footprint offers
the entire family with over 50 leading
International, Domestic and Reliance
brands in all the categories like Men’s,
Ladies, Kids etc.
Reliance footprint: The new style quotient
TH I RUVANANTHAPURAM mart July 2012 53