COVER STORY Olympic medal for India outside Olympic Hockey. He won the medal in 57 kg. freestyle wrestling. The other two bronze medals were won by Leander Paes in Tennis in Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and Karnam Malleswari in weight lifting in Sydney Olympics in 2000. In no other individual items India could so far achieve medals. But in 1960 and in 1984 the whole nation was expecting individual medals from two athletes viz. “Flying-Sikh” Milkha Singh and “Payyoli Express” P.T. Usha. In Rome, Milkha Singh returned his career-best time of 45.6 seconds for 400 meters race in the finals, breaking the then existing Olympic record. But stunningly he was restricted to the fourth place in the race in which the American athlete Otis Davis clocked 44.9 seconds to win the gold. Karl Kaufman of Germany won Tiny Kerala in the silver medal and Malcolm Spence of South Africa obtained the bronze medal. When the final result was announced, the whole of Indian nation was sobbing! The mega Olympics 8th August 1984 was also a similar black day for India. On that day P.T. Usha was R. Radhakrishnan championship in Hockey till 1956 running in the finals of the 400m. hurdles hile the world is once again continuously and in 1960 Rome Olympics in Los Angeles. About 100 crores of moving on to the cheers and Pakistan defeated India in the finals and people in India were eagerly waiting for a ecstasy of modern Olympics, won the gold. Again in the next Olympics good news – winning the first medal for W at Tokyo, India could regain its gold India in Olympic athletics. But at the end, the greatest sporting show on earth, it would be appropriate to have a retrospect defeating Pakistan. Thereafter India could Usha lost the bronze medal by one- on the presence of India and Kerala in it. get the gold medal in Hockey event only hundredth of a second! It was an Indian presence in the Olympics scene was in 1980 Moscow Olympics. In the unbearable shock for the country. Apart noted at the beginning of 20th century. subsequent Olympics several other teams from the above, the Indian football team Norman G. Pritchard, an Anglo-Indian is like Australia, Holland, Germany, Korea, obtained the fourth place in the 1956 the India’s first representative in the Spain etc grew into very powerful ones Melbourne Olympics. Olympic Games. He ran the 200 and therefore, the Asian Kerala enters the Olympic m. sprint at Paris in 1900 and nations - India or Pakistan - arena could not retain their went on to win a silver medal in Kerala has an area of 38863 sq. kms. supremacy in the game. Thus the event. In the 1920 Games but a population of more than 300 lakhs! altogether India could collect at Antverp, an unofficial Indian Out of the 202 participants of the ensuing 8 gold, one silver and two team of four athletes and two Olympics at Athens, only less than 35 bronze medals in the Olympic wrestlers participated. nations have a population more than that Hockey tournaments. In no At the Paris Games in 1924, of Kerala. Thus this is a mine of other games India was able to the Indian participation immeasurable human resources! Even Milkha Singh win any medal in the though earnest sports activities were going increased to an 8-men team of Olympics. athletes. From 1928 onwards India has on in all parts of the State from the very been appearing in the list of medal Apart from the event of Hockey, beginning of the last century onwards, the winners. Indian hockey team entered the Indian athletes could so far win only three sportsmen and sports women of the State Olympic competitions at Amsterdam in more bronze medals. In the 1952 Helsinki were able to make a significant impact on 1928 and won the gold medal for the Olympics, Indian wrestler K.D. Jadav won the national sports scene only after the event. India retained the Olympic a bronze medal, which was the first 1950s. In the seventies and eighties a

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 5 bunch of talented youngsters, especially Lekshmanan, a hurdler in 110m was a for a decade. He was a member of the women athletes have burst into the sports member of a 8-men athletic team from Tata’s team and the state team of arena of India and soon they proved their India. But he could not succeed even in Maharashtra for a long period. He was also mettle. Many of them won laurels in heats. He was a Major General in the then a member of the Indian football team national, Asian and Commonwealth Sports Indian Army. He hailed from Kannur. which played against many foreign teams competitions. Most of these athletes have In 1948 London Olympics, Indian in the forties and the fifties. come from economically poor strata of football team was a participant. One of Two Malayalees were there in the society, and from rural parts of the State. the members of that team was Thomas Indian Olympic team which participated Kerala sent its first representative to Varghese or otherwise known as in the Olympic games at Helzinki in 1952. Olympic games in 1924, at Paris. C.K. “Thiruvalla Pappan.” He was one of the One was an illustrious football player illustrious stopper backs of Indian team Kottayam Sali and the other was an athlete History of Olympics

he magnificent and thrilling pageant Tof Olympic Games is the oldest show on earth. The ancient Olympics began 2780 years ago at Olympia village in Greece. The first recorded Olympics games were held in 776 BC and it remained a feature of Greek culture until it was banned by the Roman Empire Theodosius. But the historians say the games actually began long before 776 BC, probably in 1370 BC. Hence this noble movement has got a long tradition of more than 3300 years. The ensuing 28th modern Olympic Games in Athens, commencing on 13th August 2004, is actually the 320th recorded Olympic Games. From the very inception onwards, the Olympic games have been one of the greatest of inspirations for bringing peoples and between City States were stopped nations together. the ancient Olympics was basically one of temporarily for enabling authorities to amateurism, of peace, friendship and co- The ancient Olympic Games were conduct the Olympic Games in a peaceful operation. But as the time passed on, the held in summer, once in every four years atmosphere. Only pure Greeks were purity of the Olympic Games deteriorated at Olympia in honour of God Zeus. permitted to compete and for centuries and the real Olympic spirit was lost. This four years interval was known as the moral standards were carefully upheld. Gradually, bribery, corruption and Olympiad. The games were the greatest No athlete with a criminal record or having dishonesty crept in. The venues of the festival in the Greek world. All the relation to animals could be a contestant. Games became battle fields instead of competitors from various city States According to the available records, the gathering for peaceful competition to considered the games with all ancient Olympic Games started with the build peoples together. In AD 393, the seriousness. They attached great sanctity Olympic Oath taken by the athletes and Roman Emperor, Theodosius banned the with this festival of unique nature. But the judges before the Statue of Zeus. The Olympic Games because of the the women were not permitted to take athletes swore to observe the rules and deterioration of moral standards attached part in the competitions. They were not the judges swore to be fair and all prayed to it. allowed even to watch the games. for personal success and the success of Modern Olympics begin In those days, the Olympic Games the games. All the winners in Games were The revival of the Olympic Games has were conducted with discipline, purity decorated with a head-dress made up of been made possible by the earnest attempt and in absolute peace. The pages of Olive leaves, symbol of peace and by a French nobleman Baron Pierre de history show that even ongoing wars prosperity. On the whole, the spirit behind

6 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Ivan Jacob who took part in the 400m race. like Durrand Cup, P.B. Mohammed Sali, alias Kottayam Sali, IFA Shield, as a left-winger was an asset to the Indian Calcutta League team which took part in the Helsinki Championship etc. Olympics. Earlier in 1951 when the Indian Ivan Jacob football team won the gold medal in the competed in the first ASIAD in New Delhi. Sali played a 400 m race in very crucial role in the memorable final, Helsinki Olympic O. Chandrasekhran M. D. Valsamma Mercy Kuttan along with Sailan Manna and Mewalal. He Games. Before the arrival of Milkha Singh Babu and the other was Hockey team was the captain of the East Bengal team, in the national scene, Ivan was holding goalkeeper Manuel Frederiks. As no which collected many covetable trophies the national record for this event. His Indian athlete was familiar with tartan timing of 48.2 second for 400 m. race track, the 19 year old Suresh Babu could remained as a national record for four not perform well in the Olympic arena. years. He was working in Madras city In Hockey also India got only a bronze police. After retirement he settled medal. On the whole, the performance of permanently in Australia. He is the sole the Indian team in Munich Olympics was very poor. Coubertin. Now he has been widely Indian representative in Olympian’s Club recognised as “the father of modern of Australia. In 1976 Montreal Olympics, the sole Olympic Games.” He wrote, “Olympia The Indian football team made a representation of Kerala was T.C. and Olympics symbolize an entire brilliant performance in the Melbourne Yohannan. Even in 1974, at Tehran Asian civilization, superior to countries, cities, Olympics in 1956. Two Keralites S.S. Games Yohannan created a new Asian military heroes or even the ancient Narayanan and T. Abdul Rehman were record in long jump with a distance of religions.” This was a time when the the members of that team. Narayanan was 8.07 metres. But because of injury he world was once again awakening to the the goal-keeper of the team and in several could not repeat this performance in the principles of freedom and peace and crucial games, especially Olympic Games. Had he appreciative of the equality and dignity against the first team Australia, repeated jumping the same of man. The first modern Olympic he made some spectacular distance in Montreal he could Games were held in Athens, the birth moments by unbelievable have obtained a bronze medal. place of the ancient Olympic diving in the air. Anyway India He won several laurels from movement. Thereafter, once in every could get a fourth place in the various international meets. four years the Olympic Games were Olympic football tournament The Olympic Games in conducted. in Melbourne. In the Rome 1980 was held at Moscow. In the Suresh Babu The first three Games of the Olympics in 1960 also, Indian Olympic team there was modern series held at Athens in 1896, Narayanan was a member of the National a sixteen year old girl athlete too, to take at Paris in 1900 and at St. Louis in 1904, team. part in the sprint events. She was the were very much limited by the lack of T. Abdul Rehman from Kozhikode youngest sprinter in the meet. She was the organisation and the absence of world- who was once the captain of Rajasthan first Malayalee woman athlete to take part wide representation. The first successful Club and Mohun Bagan Club of in an Olympic Games. That was none Olympic Games were held at London Kolkatha, was also a member of the other than the ‘Golden Girl’, in 1908. Thereafter the Olympic Indian football team to Melbourne Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha or movement began to grow. Three Olympics. P.T. Usha. Ever at the age of 13, Usha started creating records after records in Olympic Games in the series in 1916, Another two footballers from Kerala, the athletic field. In 1978, while she was a 1940 and 1944 had been suspended for O. Chandrasekharan and M. Devadas took fourteen year old school girl she the sake of conducting the first and the part in the Rome Olympics as members participated in the national meet at Kollam second World Wars. It may be recalled of the national team. Both of them and altogether won six medals – 4 gold, 1 that the ancient people had stopped contributed much for the growth of the silver and 1 bronze. Thereafter, she wars for conducting Olympic Games game in the country. without a break. Even though the showed improvement in her performance. From the Olympic games at Munich survival of this healthy movement has When she took part in the Moscow in 1972 onwards, the Kerala been under severe threat on several Olympic Games she did not have much representation in Indian athletics occasions because of big-power politics, experience in international competitions. gradually increased. In the Indian the sports-loving millions of the whole Therefore she could not perform well. Olympic team bound to Munich, there world succeeded in keeping this unique But when she represented the nation were only two Malayalees – one was the organisation intact. in the next Games at Los Angeles in 1984, well known all-rounder athlete Suresh

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 7 she had grown into an Keralites in Olympic Games entry in the Olympic football tournaments. experience, mature Year Venue Name Event athlete. In fact she was Hence our footballers’ 1924 Paris, France C.K. Lekshmanan 110 m Hurdles the only medal hope for contribution in those days India. She decided to 1948 London, UK Thomas Varghese Foot ba11 was very valuable and compete mainly in one 1952 Helsinki, Finland Kottayam Sali Foot ball admirable. Out of the (Thiruvalla Pappan) nine athletes, all but two item – 400m hurdles. “ “ Ivan Jacob 400m race were the sportswomen. When she was qualified 1956 Melbourne S.S.Narayanan Foot ball P.T. Usha and Shiny for the semi-finals, the (Australia) Wilson participated in expectation of the “ “ T.Abdul Rahman Foot ball four Olympic Games country was further 1960 Rome, Italy S.S.Narayanan Foot ball each. In fact India could stimulated. In the semi- “ “ O.Chandrasekharan Foot ball not send any Olympic final she was well ahead team without a of her opponents with a “ “ M. Devadas Foot ball representative of Kerala, timing of 55.54 seconds. 1972 Munich, W.Germany Suresh Babu High Jump since 1972. Many of the Her performance in the “ “ Manuel Frederiks Hockey Kerala athletes especially semi-final was a great 1976 Montreal, Canada T.C.Yohannan Long Jump P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson surprise to many of the etc. have been ever- 1980 Moscow, USSR P.T. Usha 100m, 200m race inspiring sources for the western media people. 1984 Los Angeles, USA P.T. Usha 400m Hurdles upcoming sportsmen and But she lost an Olympic Shiny Wilson 800m race sportswomen of our medal by one hundred of country. a second! M.D. Valsamma 4x400m relay 1988 Seoul, South Mercy Mathew 400m race In this context, it is to The moments that be specially noted that shattered the Korea Kuttan most of the Olympians medal dream “ “ P.T. Usha 400m Hurdles from Kerala had come up The final of the event “ “ Shiny Wilson 800m race in their respective sports was on 8th August 1984. 1992 Barcelona, Spain Shiny Wilson 800m race field mostly because of their own personal efforts All the finalists were on 1996 Atlanta, USA Shiny Wilson 800m race the lanes, ready to start. and the help extended by “ “ P.T. Usha 4x400m relay(Reserve) Usha was in the fifth lane. some sports-loving The first start was fouled “ “ K.M. Beenamol 4x400m relay people. They did not get by an Australian athlete in 2000 Sydney, Australia K.M. Beenamol 400m race a scientific coaching in sixth lane. The next start the beginning of their was O.K. At the end of the fifth hurdle, of the most talented middle distance sports career. It is now evident that there Usha was in the sixth position. Then she runners. She participated in several are a number of untapped talented boys increased her pace and ended in a photo- international competitions, including four and girls in various parts of the State, finish for third place between herself, successive Olympic Games in 1984, 1988, especially in the rural areas. If the State Christine Cojocaru and Ann Louisa. The 1992 and 1996. M.D. Valsamma was a and its agencies take initiative to catch Moroccan athlete Nawal E.L. member of the Indian 4x400m relay team them young and train them properly and Moultawakkil had won the gold with a which entered the final of the Los Angeles scientifically and to provide them time of 54.61 seconds. Judy Brown of Olympics. She also won medals in several sufficient amenities, Kerala can produce USA claimed the silver with a time of international competitions. a bunch of world-ranking sportsmen and 55.20 seconds. After some tie, breaking Another very promising athlete who sportswomen. the suspense, the grant electronic board represented India in 2000 Sydney Now the city of Athens gets ready to beamed the winner of the bronze medal, Olympics was K.M. Beenamol. She was a host the 28th modern Olympic Games. Christine Cojocaru of Romania. She ran member of the Indian team for 4x400m Once again more than hundred crores of the distance in 55.41 seconds. The fourth relay in the Atlanta Olympics. By running people of India expect a Malayali woman position went to P.T. Usha, with a time of 400m in 51.52 seconds she reached the to bring the first Olympic athletic medal 55.42 seconds. Thus she lost an Olympic semifinals in that event at Sydney. for the country - this time it is Anju Bobby medal by one-hundredth of a second! All In short, altogether only 16 Keralites George! She had already made some Indians were shocked! The hope of getting have so far participated in the Olympic unique achievements in some international the first medal for Olympic athletic event games as competitors - six footballers, one competitions. Now she is the new medal was shattered to pieces! hockey player and nine athletes. The hope for India. Let us hope that she will Along with P.T. Usha, two other footballers took part in the Games from fulfill her life-long desire of winning an women athletes Shiny Wilson and M.D. 1948 to 1960 period while the national Olympic medal and thereby satisfy the Valsamma also took part in the Los team was in the peak form. After 1960 nation’s desire to produce an Indian medal- Angeles Olympics. Shiny Wilson was one the Indian National Team has not got winner in Olympic Athletics!

8 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING COVER STORY Interview with K. Sudhakaran, Minister for Sports “A Comprehensive sports policy on the anvil.”

overnment of Kerala is to bring out conducted in 1987? will improve with the introduction of the Ga Sports Policy envisaging the overall To maintain that track in the G.V. Raja new budget. development of sports. Many proposals stadium we have sanctioned Rs One crore z What steps are being initiated to are under consideration of the to the Kerala University. Kerala Sports provide stability in life to the sports Government, including imposing a Council and the Government will see that persons through measures like surcharge on Indian Made Foreign Liquor it is done. Such tracks will be laid in employment? to back up the sports develpoment. If the Ernakulam, Kasargode, Kozhikkode, Public sector undertakings are being liquor consumption plays havoc on health, Palakkad, Thodupuzha and Attingal. A instructed to guarantee reservation to it can also be a support for health aid, fully equipped Sports Complex is planned sports persons in appointments. A through sports, says the Sports Minister at Kannur. The Aquatic Complex at proposal is pending before the P.S.C to Mr. K. Sudhakaran, in the opening of Pirappancode in Thiruvananthapuram increase the number of posts for sports an interview to Kerala Calling. district will be completed soon. persons. Had it been sanctioned the recent Excerpts: Besides, using the M.L.A fund and recruitments could have been 160 instead of hundred. z What will be the thrust of the new sports M.P. fund small stadiums are planned in policy of the Government? z Is there not a possibility for private participation in the development of The policy will be distinct in the sports? sense it will be scientific and linked We were exploring this for a long time. to the local needs of the State. Even if there are whole hearted attempts z There are always allegations that it is very difficult to sustain the various fraternities in the field of participation. You could see what sports lack the cohesive approach in happened to endeavors like FC Kochin. functioning. Will the new policy be Even the initiatives by Non Resident tuned to solve that? Indians failed to keep going. The problem Very much. There is an ego clash I see is that there are no material benefits between various sports institutions. to the investors in such projects. This has drained much energy from z In connection with the recent Olympic the system. On many occasions this torch relay there were allegations that more than sports it was glamour that tussle was perceptible. Various each of the assembly constituencies in Associations also have their share in the ruled the show. How does the Kerala. Work is in progress in many Government see such trends? backbiting. The new policy is intended to constituencies. Allotment of Rs 20 lakh solve all these. I am vehemently opposed to such has already been made in 42 drifts in priorities. This is not the way to We have plans to inculcate awareness constituencies. conduct such noble events. There were in sports at the schools from the fifth z There have been complaints from many film personalities there. But sports standard onwards. Rural coaching centres Athletes about the lack of specialized personalities like P.T Usha were avoided. will be developed at the district level. This training facilities in the state. What is When the people at the helm are not will be done as a joint venture between Government trying to do on this? accountable to dignified causes like sports the District Panchayat and the Kerala Kannur Complex is designed to such diversions will happen. But the pity Sports Council. This programme called is that they were not willing to correct ‘Operation Gold’ is being accomplished minimize such complaints. Such a Centre is being planned in Thiruvananthapuram themselves even after there were in Thiruvananthapuram District now. In allegations from sensible corners. the next stage this will be implemented in also. . Whether it is recruitments or conduct of events or creation of z How does the Government observe the seven more districts all through the recent formation of an organization for coming six months. infrastructural facilities the State has financial impediments. That is why we sports persons? z Is it true that dearth of sports events have come up with the new proposal of They have not approached the in the state has created the absence sports additional tax on foreign liquor. Government with any proposals or plan infrastructure? of action. Anyway Government will Regarding the complaints on not always be happy to associate with them, We are trying to bring in the providing financial aid for foreign infrastructure even without the events. share their attitudes towards sports and coaching to the athletes the same handicap their experiences in sports. z But the only synthetic track in the State exists. The Government is doing its best was created when the National Games was within the constraints. I hope the situation Interviewed by S. Radhakrishnan

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 9 COVER STORY

OffOff toto AthensAthens withwith hopeshopes sosoaa

Sam Kurien become the first world championship when she leaped to bronze at the Paris World Championships he greatest sporting extravaganza Indian to win an Olympic recently. on Planet Earth, the Olympic medal in athletics. Games, is back where it originated India have had their best moments at Anjali Bhagwat, last year’s Rajiv Khel T Ratna Award winner, has an equal chance - the Greek capital Athens. And much of Olympics. The ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh the Indian hopes in the August event are had finished fourth in 400M at the Tokyo of winning medals in shooting. Overall, pinned on sportsmen from the God’s own Games in 1964. In the same Olympics, the Indian shooting team, coached by country. Gurbachan Singh had a fourth-place finish Keralite and Dronacharya Award winner Prof. Sunny Thomas, has chances of Anju Bobby George, who now trains in 110M hurdles. Then in Los Angeles hitting the right target. Young Abhinav in the United States, stands a good chance (’84), Sprint Queen P.T. Usha had missed Bindra is another medal hope in shooting. of making it into the medal bracket in the the bronze by one-hundredth of a second. However, the medal reap in the World women’s long jump event. And ever since, this is the first time an Indian athlete is coming closer to an Championship and the Commonwealth If she delivers, which looks very likely Olympic medal hope. Anju had won the Games is a different ballgame altogether going by her recent superb performances rare distinction of becoming the first compared to that in the big stage like at various international meets, Anju will Indian athlete to have won a medal at a Olympics where the marksmen will have

10 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING the 1996 Atlanta Games. India’s Olympics team: This is the first time Former Olympic gold medallists India are turning no stone unturned in their 61 members so far an Indian athlete is pursuit for the hockey gold. Coached by Sixty one Indian sportspersons have Rajinder Singh, the team hopes to strike qualified for the Athens Olympics, coming closer to an the right combination in Athens. The team scheduled to start on 13th of August. Olympic medal selection had much controversies associated with it after the exclusion of Twenty seven more could be added to hope. Anju had won veteran Dhanraj Pillay from the squad. this list after the qualifying events, as However, as an afterthought, the Indian also withdrawals happen. the rare distinction Hockey Federation top-brass included the The hockey team will have 16 players, versatile striker in the Athens-bound the names of whom are yet to be of becoming the squad. India had made an early exit in the announced. first Indian athlete 2000 edition of the Games in Sydney. A The list: mix of youth and experience, the side Athletics: Bahadur Singh (shot put); to have won a needs to rise up to the occasion and play Amritpal Singh (long jump); Anju to its potential if India have to be a force Bobby George (long jump), J. J medal at a world to reckon with. Shobha (hepthatlon); K. M Binu, Karnam Malleswari, the bronze medal Rajwinder Kaur (400m); Neelam J championship. winner in the last Olympics, is competing Singh, Seema Antil, Harwant Kaur, in the women’s weightlifting. It is to be Anil Kumar (discus throw). seen whether Malleswari does an encore Archery: Six member team. Members this time again. yet to be identified. Athletes who have already ensured Badminton: Aparna Popat, Abhinn their Athens Berth are Anju Bobby Shyam Gupta (singles). George (women’s long jump), Neelam Boxing: Jitender Kumar (81kg), Akhil Jaswant Singh (women’s discus throw), Kumar (51kg), Divakar Prasad Amritpal Singh (men’s long jump), K.M. (57kg), Vijender (67kg). Binu (men’s 400M), Rajwinder Kaur (women’s 400M), J.J. Sobha (heptathlon) Hockey: 16-member team. and Bahadur Singh and Anil Kumar. Judo: Akram Saha (60kg). Harwant Kaur became the third Rowing: P. T Paulose (open single woman to qualify in the discus throw event scull). in ‘A’ standard after clearing 62.61 metres Swimming: Shikha Tandon (50m and aaringring at a training-cum-competition programme 100m freestyle). in Kiev, Ukraine, recently. Kaur finished Shooting: Abhinav Bindra, second behind O. Antenov who was way Rajyavardhan Rathore (double trap); ahead at 67.30M at the recently-held Suma Shirur (air rifle); Anjali to be razor-sharp. inaugural President Memorial Athletics Bhagwat, Gagan Narang, Deepali The shooting contingent has been meet. Kaur’s throw was easily above the Deshpande (50m rifle 3-position), practising at the Sports Authority of ‘A’ standard qualifying mark of 61 metres, Manavjit Singh (trap); Mansher India’s southern centre at Kengeri near according to the Athletics Federation of Singh (trap). Bangalore. The young marksmen have, to India. Table Tennis: Mouma Das, A Sharath a greater extent, successfully carried the Seema Antil and Neelam Singh, who Kamal (singles). mantle from star shooter of the past, Jaspal finished fourth and fifth respectively, with Rana who has now retired from a clearance of 61.90 and 61.55 metres, had Weightlifting: Four women. competitive shooting. already qualified for Athens in the same Wrestling: Sushil Kumar (60kg The ace Indian pair of Leander Paes event. This is the first time in the history freestyle); Mukesh Khatri (55kg and Mahesh Bhupathi has some good of Indian athletics that three athletes have Greco-Roman), Anil Chaudhary news for the tennis buffs - that they are qualified in the same event in ‘A’ standard. (85kg freestyle); Sujit Mann (74kg teaming up again for Olympics. The Another Keralite, Bobby Aloysius has, freestyle); Ramesh Kumar (66kg much-experienced duo might well score however, failed to make it in high jump. freestyle); Yogeshwar Dutt (55kg a medal in the tennis doubles. Leander K.M.Beenamol, who shared the Rajiv freestyle); Palwinder Chima (120kg Paes had won the singles bronze medal in Khel Ratna Award (the highest award for freestyle)

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 11 sportsmen in the country) with Anjali Bhagwat, carries the hopes in the women’s 800 metres. Hailing from Kombodinjal in On Anju’s preparation Idukki district, the 27-year-old Beenamol nju George is had entered the semifinals in the event at A back in the Sydney in 2000. Beenamol has been United States for plagued by an injury on her leg she training. This time suffered during training at SAI, Bangalore around, not with Mike more than a year ago. Moreover, it will be Powell, though, but hard for her to maintain consistency in legendary American performance. Beenamol’s brother, K.M. sprint coach John Binu, has qualified in the 400 metres. Smith. It’s an area According to where she’s found national middle dis- wanting and, says tance running coach-cum-husband coach P.R. Bobby, will gain a lot Purushothaman, from the stint. India’s only medal prospect from track Training with Smith and field is Anju in the US was not George. “Anju is al- planned, Anju said ready ranked from California among the top four recently. She was there in the world and she after competing in the K. M. Binu could pull off a Golden Spike Meet in medal if she man- Ostrava, Czech ages to cross the Republic, where she had finished fifth. Oregon. “It was one of the nicest 6.90M mark. She A mix-up over entry to a meet in the surprises of the Championships.” had recorded her UK gave her more time in the US, which Meanwhile, Anju remained on life-best jump of she sees as a blessing in disguise. “This 6.83M in the United fourth place in the latest rankings issued has given us a chance to train with Smith by the International Association of States sometime and hone Anju’s sprinting,” said Bobby. back,” said Athletic Federations. While the top “She needs only more speed now. With four, led by Russian Tatyana Kotova, Purushothaman, a her current form, she crossed 6.95 in native of Kochi. retained their places, USA’s Grace Ramachandran Bangalore. So seven metres is very Purushothaman is Upshaw, who upstaged Anju to win the near,” Bobby argued adding that “the currently coaching second place in the Prefontaine meet, the team at the Ban- women’s long jump is not scheduled in finishing second behind Track Queen galore camp. Rus- any other meet in Europe before the Marion Jones, moved up from sixth to sian coach Dr Yuri Madrid Grand Prix in July, so we have share the fifth place with Olga is the chief national to stay put in the US,” added Bobby. Rublyova of Russia. athletics coach. It’s a familiar, successful route: Last The 27-year-old Indian gained only The 4x400M year, they had moved from the US to 70 ranking points for her 6.83M wind- women’s relay Europe and then ultimately to the aided leap in the Prefontaine meet, squad of Manit bronze medal in the World Beenamol which attracted only three top athletes Kaur, Chithra K. Championship in Paris. They’ll be in women’s long jump and which was Soman, Beenamol and Rajinder Kaur can hoping for a repeat performance at rated by IAAF as a category ‘B’ event. hope to enter the final if they clock below Athens. “She is more confident than last 52 seconds. P. Ramachandran, K.J. Manoj year,” Bobby said. Anju had gathered 140 points for winning the category ‘A’ Super Grand Lal, Binu and Bhupinder Singh are their The organisers of the Prefontaine men counterparts in the same event. Prix meet at Doha in Qatar last month meet were upbeat about Anju’s where she recorded 6.82M and 230 J.J. Sobha of Andhra Pradesh will participation in their meet, the first represent the country in women’s points for the historic bronze medal athlete from India in its 30-year history. triumph in the World Championships heptathlon. Jincy Philip will perhaps “I was in Paris last summer and saw qualify for the quadrennial event in the in Paris last year. Anju win her bronze medal,”meet 400M flat. Sam Kurien director Thomas Jordan said from

12 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING COVER STORY T.C. Yohannan was the first Asian to jump 8.07 metres in broad jump at Sanil P. Thomas Teheran ASIAD (not the 1st Asian to cross 8 metre), in 1974. There was high ink Kerala with sports and what expectation from him in Montreal the rest of India tosses up is P.T. Olympics, 1976. But he could jump only Usha. And Usha missed the L 7.67 metres. Had he jumped 8.07 at bronze in Los Angeles, 1984 by one Montreal he could have won a bronze. hundredth of a second. Further, Usha’s Injury prevented him. Taking it in the timing of 55.42 seconds still stands in the right spirit, we must admit, we could National Record Book. not protect Yohannan from injury or Looking back further, we could zero develop him to jump a better distance. in on 1924 Olympics held in Paris where And, that is how, it is always here. C.K. Lakshmanan took part in 110 metre Usha, who made her Olympic debut at hurdles. He was out in the first round itself. Moscow finished fourth in Los Angeles, Then in 1948, Thomas Mathai Varghese Olympics: How do Keralites go about for a medal? P. T. Usha: Created legends was a member of Indian football team. 1984. With the East block boycotting, she and white’ display couldn’t prevent our Till 1960 there were regular Malayalee had a real chance to make it to the podium. thrill, but was all shattered a moment or representation in football. Then, after a She had beaten US national record holder two. Judy took the silver with 55.20 gap of 12 year Suresh Babu, aged 19 then, Judy Brown in the semi-final, Usha seconds. Christina Kolokara (Romania) took part in high jump at Munich, 1972. clocked 55.54 and Judy 55.97 in the semi. finished third and Usha fourth, Moroco’s Now Athens is all set to host the But on August 9th, Usha was pushed down Navalmot was the winner (54.61). Olympics. A few Malayalees got qualified to fourth place. What happened to Usha really? She already. But we continue to loscillate I do remember the final as well all took up 400m hurdles only in January between anticipation and hopelessness. watched it on TV from a temporary gallery 1984. But had some trouble in achieving Even the biggest optimist won’t expect erected in front of the Kerala Sports a smooth flow, taking alternate leap over much. And what is the cause? Council, Thiruvananthapuram. The ‘black the hurdles. Finally, she was not aware of a diving finish. Only her speed between the hurdles put her neck and neck. Above all, Judy, with her immense exposure had some energy left for the final dash. Later, in 1988 Usha couldn’t make it even to the second round. (Among the Indian athletes only Mercy Mathew Kuttan ran a second round. And she did it without any coach or moral support from the

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 13 authorities.) Usha took a break for marriage and was not in the 1992 squad. Later in 1996, in the centenary Olympics at Atlanta Usha was thrown out on the An eve of the relay race. Being an eye P.T Usha the sporting legend of Kerala witness, I still could not believe, why speaks of her monents of glory and pain. AAFI arranged a second trial. Of course, Beenamol got the nod to run the first leg of the 4 x 400 m. relay. Unfortunately Beena crossed the track and the team was disqualified. Rosakutty and Shiney Wilson were the other Keralites who ran the relay. The disqualification only added to India’s humiliation at Atlanta. The same Beenamol made us proud in Sydney, 2000. Until she won an electrifying first heat at the Sydney Olympics, she was largely unknown. She performed beyond expectation to become the third I was a girl of 16, at the time of Indian woman (after Shiney and Usha) Moscow Olympics, The large stadium Shiny Wilson made itself was excited me very much. I was to reach the semi final in Olympic track strides on tracks. the youngest participant. As a village girl, I never expected to get a chance to take part in an Olympic Game, a mega event, I had learned from my text books. My eligibility for participation was my triumph over Reetha Sen, the then National Champion. She was 30 at that time and I was only 16. My participation was without adequate preparation. I have not received proper coaching or training. This was my first experience on a synthetic track also. You know that running on a synthetic track one needs some experience. The effect reaches one‘s head from the foot and it causes pain. There was no synthetic tracks in India at that ime, to experience; that was our condition. The spikes and nails to use for track also I was wearing for the first time. Inspite of all the odds my performance was not disappointing. I Beenamol and Anju along with Suresh Kalmadi, the IOA president at a rousing stood on sixth in the 100 metres welcome in New Delhi. heats as well as 200 metres. I took part in and field. She ran the race in three And where is the same Beenamol now? the 200 metres with much hesitation. consecutive days with top international After winning a gold in 800m at Bussan Because my specialised item was 100 stars and clocked below 52 seconds in the ASIAD, she was not in the limelight. Injury metres at that time. We were two girls and one lap event twice. Her best was 51.52 prevented her from making a come back four boys in the Indian team, seconds. in style. being the other girl Geetha Sutshi from

14 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Starspeak T.C. Yohannan The man of fate Unexpected Reality Haryana. Mr. Saini was the Chief Coach that I have accomplished this and there was no separate coaches to achievement within a short duration of accompany us. My condition was quite time. I started 400 metres hurdles only a different in my second Olympics at year before and I could participate only Losangels. I was much improved and two major races before the Olympics. Do matured as an athlet. I believe that I you know that one should participate ten missed the bronze only for technical to fifteen races before an Olympic for reasons. Actually my leg finished as third getting the confidence. Now the condition but my body did not reached to that is improved and there are much extend. I was not aware of this better facilities for an athlet in our country technicality till that moment. Otherwise, but lack of dedication is evident in their I should have lean a little forward. I side. covered the race in 55.7 seconds and it is (As told to P. Kunhabdulla an Asian record. But one should know Asst. Editor, Dist. Information Office, Kozhikode ) The broken fortune Shiny Wilson is the first Indian woman to enter the semifinals in the Olympics in Los Angels in 1984. But she was unlucky in the tracks at 1986 Seoul Asian Games... She recollects the moments: Those moments I will never couldn’t sleep despite all that. Many forget. I was first in the heats, still I was people, including some ministers, and only given the 8th track. My bad luck, or Wilson came and consoled me. I was misfortune, started there itself. We are inconsolable. It was injustice. Even after supposed to go in from our respective finishing first, even after setting a new tracks, break the lanes, only after the first Asian Games record, I was not the winner. T.C. YOHANNAN created 100 meters. But just That was the first history when he leaped to 8.07 metres before completing medal which Korea, to clinch the gold in the men’s long that, I took a couple the host nation, won. I jump at the Teheran Asian Games in of steps inside. I did feel that had it been 1974. The superlative performance not disturb anyone, I held later, I would not also earned him the Asian record. did not get any have had the problem. Hailing from Kundara in Kollam advantage. I finished They wanted the first district, Yohannan represented India the race first, with a medal. Do you know, in the Montreal Olympics (1976), not lead of 20 meters, after one month, they finishing in the medal bracket though. setting a new Asian declared that I did not Even in 1974, at Tehran Asian Games Games record in the process. A Korean disturb anyone, But to what use? Yohannan created a new Asian record in long jump with a distance of 8.07 girl came second. I was thrilled to see my Whatever it is, I lost it in ’86. I was metres. As fate would have it, his name — Shiny Kurusinkal Abraham — not lucky to hold the medal then. promising career was curtailed by an on the board. Even now I relive those Anyway, even though I did not sleep even injury he suffered during trial jumps moments, those very short-lived moments. for a moment at night, I ran the 400-meter at the National Institute of Sports, When I was in the dressing room, race the next day and won the silver medal. somebody came and told me that I was We got gold in the relay too. Maybe I was Patiala. And he never recuperated disqualified. I couldn’t believe my ears. It not destined to win the individual gold, I from that big blow. Yohannan’s record was such a big shock to me, I think shock tried to console myself, perhaps God did stood good for three full decades is a very mild word to use. Tears started not want me to have everything. I could until he was upstaged by Amritpal rolling down my cheeks. I cried, and cried, not take part in the next Asian Games as Singh of Punjab at a Circuit Meet in throughout the night. They gave me an at that time God has gifted with me Delhi early this year. Pritipal marked injection to calm me, help me sleep, but I another joy, my daughter. 8.08 metres.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 15 COVER STORY Sports Council picks up speed ambitious project of Kerala State Sports to the sports. These players and athletes P. Sreekumar Council joining hands with the are trained by the expert coaches of the erala is surging ahead in the field Thiruvananthapuram District panchayath Council and many of the trainers have of sports after a gap of few years. has already started Sports Training in 78 represented the State and the Nation. The KKerala once in the fore front in schools of different panchayaths in children in these Academies and Hostels, Athletics in India and wining medals for Thiruvananthapuram. The initiative is scientific training, get nutritious food and the country in Asian championships by known as Operation Gold - in Schools. above all good education. great stalwards like P.T. Usha, Shiny If this project is extended in all Each game has got a State Association Wilson, M.D. Valsamma, Suresh Babu and Panchayaths of Kerala, it will be a boon and the State teams participating in the T.C. Yohannan have once again come to to the sports development. Some 15 Nationals in all levels are given TA/DA the limelight with Anju Bobby George, students studying in Vth Std are selected as well as daily allowance for coaching Chitra. K. Soman, K.M. camps. Sports council by Beenamol, K.M. Binu and way of conducting Kerala others. Chitra. K. Soman who Kerala State Sports Council is the apex Marathon, State Mini has qualified for Athens body for the promotion of sports and games Games and College Games Olympics is product of has recently entered the Sports School run by KSC. and they have implemented many projects arena of conducting sports Kerala State Sports for the improvement of sports in the state. and game events too. Council is the apex body for Kerala Marathon the the promotion of sports and highest Prize Money games and they have Marathon in the country is implemented many projects approved as the National giving importance to rural Championship by Athletic areas from where these stars Federation of India. Many come. Kerala State Sports men and women athletes of council has many School repute participate in the Sports Hostels to cater to the Marathon. The route of needs of the school children the Marathon is decided in and nurture them to such a way that it passes promising players. These through the rural areas school children who excel in making rural folk aware the their fields can join college importance of sports. Mini sports hostels run by KSSC. form these schools and they are given Games is meant for school children There are centralized sports hostels for initial training by Physical Education bringing together all the students for a school children at Thiruvananthapuram, Teachers of that school, and later on will competition irrespective of their course Kollam, Kottayam, Thrissur and be given specific training considering their of study. College games brings together Kasargod. School students are selected aptitude and skill. The project is for 5 the champion colleges of different according to certain norms and they are years and every year 15 students are universities of Kerala to vie for the highest admitted in the centralised sports hostels. selected in the Vth Standard. So selected prize money as well as the prestigious Rajiv The Football and Hand Ball Academy of students can become a player/athlete of Gandhi Gold Trophy. KSSC at Ernakulam has emerged as one repute. Kerala Sports on the whole is going of the finest in the country. Many players Kerala State Sports Council in the last higher and higher but lack of from the Academy has represented the few years under the able guidance of its infrastrucuture in certain games hamper state in Sub-junior and Junior level and President Adv. C. Mohanachandran has the improvement and spoil the chances some of them has the distinction of implemented many programmes for of youngsters reaching the National scene. donning the India colours. promotion of sports and games to take Lack of a good cricket ground has robbed Kerala Sports Council don’t leave the the state to the track of achievements in the Keralites from seeing up International youth out, they have the Rural Coaching this field. The Academies and the Sports Matches. Centres to bring the youth of the state to Hostels in schools and colleges have The writer is Sports Development Officer, Kearala the mainstream of sports and games. An tremendous impact and has given a thrust Sports Council, Thiruvananthapuram.

16 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING CURRENT AFFAIRS

The High Court Chief Justice Mr. N. K. Sodhi administers the oath of office of the Governor to Mr. R.L.Bhatia on 23rd June, 2004, at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. R. L. Bhatia the new Governor of Kerala

he new Governor of Kerala, He was a Member of the Select [ 1975 -77]. Mr.Raghunandanlal Bhatia Committee constituted in 1992 for the Mr. Bhatia has also been a member of T assumed office on 23rd June, amendment of the Constitution. He has the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, 2004. also been a member of several Chairman of National Shipping Board, Mr. R.L. Bhatia was born as the son Consultative Committees of Parliament India-Bulgaria Friendship Society, India- of Mr. Arooramal Bhatia and Mrs. Lal under the Ministries of Home Affairs, GDR Friendship Association, Co- Devi Bhatia in Amritsar, Punjab on 03 July Education, Railways, Information and chairman of All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation, and Vice President of 1921. After graduation he did his LLB at Broadcasting, Law and Justice and Friends of Soviet Union. As Chairman of Punjab University, Lahore. He was the Company Affairs. Eminent Persons Group on China, he has President of Students Union. As an M.P., Shri Bhatia represented led several delegations to that country . Mr.Bhatia has been a member of the India as a delegate to the United Nations, Extensively travelled, he has visited Local body of Amritsar for nine years. besides participating in the Seventh NAM several countries that include Russia, First elected to the Lok Sabha from Summit, the meeting of the China, Poland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Amritsar in 1972, he was re-elected from Commonwealth Heads of Government, USA, Cambodia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, the same Parliamentary constituency in and the Sixth SAARC Summit. He was Japan and the U.K. 1980, 1985, 1992, 1996 and 1999. the President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Mr. Bhatia is married to Mrs. Sarala He was Minister of State for External Committee [1982-84], General Secretary Bhatia, and they have a son, Mr. Ramesh Affairs, Government of India since July of All India Congress Committee [1991] Bhatia, and daughter, Mrs. Saroj Munjal. 1992, and the Chairman of the Committee and member of the Executive Committee He is now a great grandfather. His hobbies of Petitions in Lok Sabha in 1983. of Congress Parliamentary Party are reading and gardening.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 3 BANKING Thanks to the timely intervention of the Governemnt,the Banks in Kerala decide to increase the agricredits to a whopping 40 per cent Agri-credit goes up for Kerala M. Shyama Meher with grace to stretch the proportion of NABARD, from its side, has offered technical, managerial and financial inputs reen days are here again for agricredit increase from Rs 4549 crore to for the farmer-support programmes. It will banks. And nothing suits Rs 6300 crore. To match the bank credit help each rural and semi-urban bank agricultural Kerala better than outgo, Kerala Government has committed G branch to identify at least two investment the sight of commercial banks vying with itself to come out with a special project for financing during the year. More one another to ensure a minimum outflow agriculture credit plan before July 31, than 5750 area-specific agriculture of Rs 6300 crore farm credit in a single 2004. None of these credit-plans are schemes are likely to come up by March year. loosely framed. An SLBC’s monitoring 2005. All rural and semi-urban branches No other State in the Country could committee for monthly review of credit- flow by each bank has been formed. The have been told to give investment loans match the speed with which Kerala to atleast 100 new farmers during the year. Government spread out its agricredit panel includes senior State Government officials and senior bankers. Thus atleast 2.86 lakh new farmers will roadmap. Within a fortnight of get investment credit from banks. Manmohan Singh Government instructing Both bankers and State Government NABARD will also work out a project for all State-level Bankers Committees (SLBC) agreed that co-ordination between the two financing tenant farmers and oral leases. to meet under the chairmanship of in farm credit disbursement was lost With the help of banks and NABARD, respective Chief Ministers, Kerala became somewhere in the way. To correct this Kerala Agriculture department will make anomaly, the special SLBC decided that the first State to convene the special SLBC an immediate review of scale of finances eligible farmers for loans will be identified to operationalise the doubling of agricredit and unit costs for agriculture. Inter-district with the help of State Government. For in three years. From the thick of the disparities in scales of finance would be Budget session of the State Assembly, example, all the eligible farmers will be corrected. Not too faraway from an three Ministers- Chief Minister Mr. AK issued Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Under unprecedented drought, the State Antony, Finance Minister Mr.K the scheme, consumption loans upto Government has also rope in banks to Sankaranarayanan and Labour Rs.15000 will also be permitted. It will be devise a scheme for financing Minister Mr. Babu Divakaran- made rainwater harvesting. Minimum Agricredit Outlay: it a point to attend the special SLBC Small State, long strides The road ahead is not easy. In in a thumping signal of the gravity earlier target revised target increase the last three years, credit deposit the State Government attached to India Rs 80,000 Rs 105,000 30 percent ratio of commercial banks had been ushering agriculture back to Kerala. slowly hauled up from 42 to 46 per ”Kerala economy had put its worst Kerala Rs 4549 Rs 6300 40 percent cent. Chief Minister Mr.A.K. patch behind it since the prices of (in crores) Antony has sought banks that this its cash crops are on a recovery trail. be further raised to 60 per cent. However, how can we talk about revival the responsibility of Krishi Bhavans to list Banks have cautioned the Government when the debt-ridden farmer still commits eligible farmers for credit cards from that this cannot be a one-step- suicide?” Chief Minister asked the banks. Also all the KCC holders will be phenomenon, but only a slow process. bankers. given personal accident insurance cover After a profit-flush era of pain-free Bankers rose to the occasion in unison. upto Rs 50000. Further more crops would consumer durable loans and car loans, Instead of the 30 per cent increase in be covered under the National Agriculture structuring agri-credit is a tough task for credit flow to farm sector that Union Insurance Scheme. bankers. But as noted agronomist Dr MS Finance Minister had indicated, Kerala Timely agricultural prescriptions will Swaminathan is fond to say, the era of banks - commercial banks, Regional Rural not be held up for want of money. Banks “reaching out to the unreached” has come. Banks (RRBs) and co-operative banks- will finance atleast 10 agriclinics each for Kerala farmer, who contributes generously offered to step up agricredit by a each district. Banks at the SLBC agreed to the Centre’s export basket, had been in whopping 40 percent. Government of to extend loans upto Rs 1.5 lakh for Agri/ distress, all thanks to banking apathy. The emerging era of agricredit could probably India had improved its farm credit kitty Veterinary graduates for setting up such bring him back to life in all its rich from Rs 80,000 crore to only Rs 104,500 agriclinics. This will be without any greenness. crore. But banks in Kerala bent backwards collateral.

4 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING AGRICULTURE natural unit of land, which collects water 1) Macro watershed (> 50,000 Hect) and drains through a common point by a 2) Sub-watershed (10,000 to 50,000 system of drains. Hence it comprise of a Hect) P.C.Jain Catchment area (Recharge Zone), a 3) Milli-watershed (1000 to10000 Command area (Transition Zone) and a t is quite encouraging to note that the Hect) people of Kerala are becoming slowly Delta area (Discharge Zone). Therefore 4) Micro watershed (100 to 1000 Hect) aware of the problems of increasing watershed is the area encompassing the I 5) Mini watershed (1-100 Hect) water scarcity in their land and pay catchment, command and delta area of a attention to water conservation measures stream. The topmost portion of the A watershed could be described as fan like construction of “Rain Pits” ,“Rain watershed is known as the “ridge” and a shaped (near circular) or fen shaped Water Harvesting” etc. Efforts taken by line joining the ridge portions along the (elongated). Hydrologically the shape of Kerala State Land Use Board, Kerala boundary of the watershed is called a the watershed is important because it Institute of Local Administration (KILA) “ridgeline”. A watershed is thus a logical controls the time taken for the runoff to and Malayala Manorama Daily deserve unit for planning optimal development of concentrate at the outlet. Watersheds may special mention for making water literacy its soil, water and biomass resources. also be categorized as hill or flat a movement in our state. It is the right Types of Watershed watersheds, humid or arid watersheds, red time to educate our people that the Watersheds could be classified into a soil watershed or black soil watershed permanent solution to attain “water number of groups depending upon the based on criteria like soil, slope, climate prosperity” for our land lies in the mode of classification. The common etc. Depending on the land use pattern adoption of watershed management modes of categorization are the size, watershed could again be classified as practices by our farming community. The drainage, shape and land use pattern. The highland watersheds, tribal settlements and ‘resource trinity’-land, water and biomass categorization could also based on the size watersheds in areas of settled cultivation. are the crucial actors in watershed of the stream or river, the point of Watershed Management management. Water cannot understand interception of the stream or the river and Watershed management has emerged Permanent solution for water scarcity Watershed Management the manmade development units. as a new paradigm for planning, Incomplete and improper management of The permanent solution to development and management of land, water and biomass resources with a focus the resources trinity has a cumulative attain “water prosperity” effect leading to degradation of on social and environmental aspects environment, low productivity, low for our land lies in the following a participatory approach. Watershed Management is more a income and lack of sustainability in adoption of watershed development. Thus watershed is accepted philosophy of comprehensive integrated to be the “natural home” for managing management practices by approach to natural resources the resource trinity -land, water and our farming community. management. It aims at integration of biomass in a sustainable manner. social resources management with natural resource management. The approach is Watershed generally preventive, progressive, Watershed is defined as a geohydrological the drainage density and its distribution. corrective and curative. Watershed unit draining to a common point by a system of The All India Soil and Land Use Surveys management involves the judicious use of drains. All lands on earth are part of one (AIS&LUS) of the Ministry of natural resource with active participation watershed or other. Watershed is thus the Agriculture, Government of India, have of institutions, organizations, in harmony land and water area, which contributes developed a system for watershed with the ecosystem. runoff to a common point. In other words delineation like water resource region, Components of Watershed watershed is a topographically delineated basin, catchment, sub-catchment, and area draining into a single channel. watershed. The usually accepted five levels Management Watershed is considered as a biological, of watershed delineation based on The three main components in physical, economic and social system too. geographical area of the watershed are the watershed management are land Viewed in another angle watershed is a following; management, water management and

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 17 biomass management. production measures include interventions (precipitation, surface water inflow, Land Management aimed at increasing the productivity of ground water inflow) water use Land characteristics like terrain, slope, land like mixed cropping, strip cropping, (evaporation, evapotrasnpiration, formation, depth, texture, moisture, cover cropping, crop rotations, cultivation irrigation, drinking water) outflows (surface infiltration rate and soil capability are the of shrubs and herbs, contour cultivation water outflow, ground water out flow) major determinants of land management conservation tillage, land leveling, use of storage (surface storage, ground water activities in a watershed. The broad improved verity of seeds, horticulture, etc. storage, root zone storage) are the category of land management Protective measures like landslide control, principal factors to be taken care of in interventions can be as follows; gully plugging, runoff collection, etc can sustainable water management. The broad also be adopted. Adoption of all the interventions for water management are z Structural Measures interventions mentioned above should be listed below; z Vegetative Measures done strictly in accordance with the z Rain Water Harvesting z Production Measures characteristics of the land taken for z Ground Water Recharge z Protection Measures management. z Maintenance of Water Balance Mechanical conservation measures Water Management z Preventing Water Pollution may become necessary in watershed Water characteristics like inflows management in the initial stages. Structural z Economic use of water measure include interventions like contour Economic use of Rainwater harvesting forms the major bunds, stone bunds, earthen bunds, graded component of water management. The bunds, compartmentnal bunds, contour water and avoidance rainwater collected can be recharged into terrace walls, contour trenches, bench of affluence in use of the ground. Roof top water harvesting, terracing, broad based terraces, centripetal diversion of perennial springs and streams terraces, field bunds, channel walls, stream water at individual in to storage structures, farm ponds etc bank stabilization, check dams etc. are the methods widely used for rainwater Watersheds may contain natural and community harvesting. Some simple and cost effective ecosystems like grasslands, wetlands, levels may be the rainwater harvesting structures are the mangroves, marshes, water bodies. All following; these ecosystems have a specific role in major concern for z Percolation pits/tanks nature. Vegetative measures include z Recharge trenches/rain pits vegetative cover, plant cover, mulching, water management vegetative hedges, grass land management, in the years to come. z Recharge wells vettiver fencing, agro-forestry, etc. The z Ferrocement tanks z Farm ponds

z V ditch

z Bench terracing Economic use of water and avoidance of affluence in use of water at individual and community levels may be the major concern for water management in the years to come. Biomass management Major intervention areas for biomass management are indicated below;

z Eco-preservation

z Biomass Regeneration

z Forest Management & Conservation

z Plant Protection & Social Forestry

z Increased Productivity of Animals

z Income & Employment Generation Activities

z Coordination of Health & Sanitation

18 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Increased expectation due to involvement The AMACHAL Model of the local people may not always be accomplished. But the advantages of Watershed Project people’s participation are many and sound. Participation can ensure effective he Amachal Model Watershed literacy as its first item of intervention utilization of available resources. T Project conceived and initiated in the watershed. Literacy programmes by the author under Western Ghat have already been taken up with the In real terms community participation Development Programme is providing assistance of State Literacy Mission. means voluntary sharing by the users many interesting lessons for watershed Soil and water management was group their time, energy and money on management practitioners in the State. assigned the second priority followed the programme and adopt the Amachal was expected to develop a by a series of interventions for the recommended measures and practices on scientific model for integrated development of agriculture and allied a sustained basis. development of a mini watershed with activities. Income generation activities Sustainability active involvement of people, under Kudumbasree ambit were given Sustainability of participatory Panchayath Raj Institutions, and the third priority. The community watershed management can be highlighted Development Departments. The assigned last priority for building of under three heads-socio cultural watershed community of Amachal has village infrastructure like roads. indicators, economic indicators and the successfully completed the first phase Emergence of an empowered and environmental /ecological indicators. The of participatory watershed learning community quite reasonable, socio-cultural indicators deal with the management. The entire community is responsive, accommodative and social and cultural well being of the literate in watershed concepts. The practical in managing their resources watershed dwellers. This includes the community attained resource literacy for integrated development of their following; through the PRA and resource-mapping “natural home” (watershed) would have z Decision making power of the exercises carried out in the watershed. been the notable outcome of Amachal community

The watershed Grama Sabha has Project. But reluctance of our z Empowerment of women accepted the Action Plan prepared by development functionaries to accept z Formation of farmer groups/Self Help the watershed community with the help the capabilities and decision-making z Groups of Working Group for Agriculture in power of the people stand in the way Kattakkada Grama Panchayath and of Amachal producing any model for z Change in ownership of land other officials. The project priorities participatory watershed management in z Improvement in quality of life accepted by the community gave the state. z Harmonious social life The economic indicators of Programmes watershed territory. This includes natural sustainability consist of factors required resource exchange, which is the for livelihood and economic wellbeing of z Better Living Standards for People conventional watershed management, and the people, which consists of; z Eco-friendly life style of people participatory watershed management z Increase in income levels z Formation of a learning Community additionally considers the economic, z Availability of food and food security People’s participation political and cultural exchanges. z Improvement in standard of living People’s participation and collective At this juncture it may be advisable to action are critical ingredients for understand the limitations of people’s z Off-farm income to families watershed management. Sustainability, participation in any development project. z Improvement in rural economy equity and participation are the three basic Participation may lead to delayed start and z Improvements in credit and market elements of participatory watershed slow progress in the initial stages of the supports management. Sustainability involves programme. We may require more Environmental factors include tangible conservation and enhancement of the resources because in the participatory and non-tangible factors influencing the primary productivity of the ecosystem, the process we have to move along the path ecology of the community such as; main components of which are land, water and biomass. Equity has to be seen in decided by the local people. Since Increase in the productive potential of terms of creating an equitable access to participation is an empowering process resource base livelihood resources for the watershed where the people are empowered to make Management of common property community. Participatory watershed decisions, donors, governments, and other resources players have to relinquish power and management attempts at ensuring Improvement in bio-diversity control. Relinquishing power and control sustainability of the ecological, economic The author is Director, Natural Resources and social exchanges taking place in the is not an easy task for the bureaucracy. Management Council, Thiruvananthapuram

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 19 PHOTO FEATURE

Chief Minister Mr. A. K. Antony and his portrait Indira Gandhi’s portrait (1984) For more than quarter a century, Ar been portraying the faces of politic men in power was meant for no favou PowerfulPowerful know him, to know his capability to faces in oil paint. He proudly says, adorned many great halls or off PortraitsPortraits photographs which Radhakrishnan t

20 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING The artist with President Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President’s portrait on the backdrop rtist Radhakrishnan has cal leaders. His love for ur. He just want them to o recreate their smiling his portraits have been fices. Here are some takes pride of.

Radhakrishnan with late CH Muhammed Koya, former Chief Minister (1979) (extreme left) Minister Mr.T.M. Jacob receives his portraits (1984) (left) Portrait of AKG (1974) (above) Speaker Mr. Vakkom Purushotha- man receives his portrait (1986) (right top) Minister Mr.K.M. Mani accepts his portrait (1973) (right middle)

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 Minister Mr.R. Balakrishna Pillai 21 receives his portrait (1992) (right bottom) HEALTH New methods and drugs to stop smoking Why, stubb out lives?

Dr. K. Venugopal With the new techniques normal people. This displaces Oxygen elping someone to stop smoking dissociation curve to the left. The major tobacco is probably the most and drugs in vogue, gases and particulate content of cigarette important intervention the smoke and their effects are given in Table H smokers who really find it l medical practitioners can make. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of hard to escape from the Cigarette smoke causes release of death and disability in developed countries. elastase (a pancreatic enzyme which In many countries, lung cancer death in clutches of nicotin can now digests elastin) from lung neutrophils and women outnumber the death due to breast macrophages. Nitrogen oxide in smoke cancer. This is due to increased tobacco have a sigh of relief. causes emphysema and oxidants in smoke use by females. reduce the level of alpha 1 antitrypsin level Pharmacology in human lung. Smokers have a reduced The high temperature (900° C) of the level of exhaled nitric oxide and this is burning end of a cigarette causes tobacco likely to contribute to the increased risk constituents to undergo thermic of COPD. Increase in epithelial decomposition (pyrolysis) and generates permeability is also a contributing factor new compounds (pyrosynthesis). 92.95% for lung and cardiovascular disease. of smoke constituents is in gas phase and Health effects of this, 85% is constituted by Nitrogen, There is high death rate (up to 70% Oxygen and Carbon dioxide. There are among males) mainly due to more than 4000 substances identified in atherosclerotic (disease of the arteries tobacco smoke. Only a little is known characterised by the deposition of plaques about individual effects of many of these of fatty materials) cerebrovascular and substances. Most studies are done on the cardiovascular disease and COPD. Effect effect of Nicotine, which is rated as one on pregnancy due to active and passive of the highest among addictive smoking (wife of a smoker) may drugs. TABLE 1 lead to spontaneous abortion, fatal Nicotine Substance Harmful effect and neonatal death and low birth weight. Gastric and duodenal ulcers It is both a ganglionic stimulant 1.Particulate matter are more common in smokers and and depressant. Catecholamines Tar Carcinogen . released by it cause increase in smoking also impairs healing of Poly nuclear Carcinogen . GIT ulcers. Recurrence and blood pressure, heart rate, increase aromatic hydrocarbon in force of contractility and refractiveness to treatment is myocardial excitability , and Phenol. Carcinogen and irritant common among these patients. peripheral vasoconstriction Trace metal Carcinogen Hepatic microsomal enzyme (construction of blood vessels). It Indole and carbazol Tumour accelerator induction by smoke increases metabolism of many drugs. There increases serum concentration of Benzo pyrene Carcinogen glucose, cortisol, free fatty acids and is a strong association between endorphins. 2. Gases smoking and major depressive illness. Carbon Monoxide Hydrocyanic acid Ciliotoxic and irritant Interestingly ulcerative colitis Cigarette smoke contains 2-6% Acetaldel!lde and Ciliotoxic and irritant Carbon Monoxide and it causes an and Parkinson’s disease are relatively formaldehyde less among smokers. increase in Carboxy hemoglobin of Acrolein Ciliotoxic and irritant 10%, compared to less than 1% in Nitrosamine Carcinogen . Smoking cessation

22 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Dr. T. Suresh Kumar were found to be tobacco habitués. ingredient of panmasala includes arecanut, slakedlime, catechu and Dr Babu Mathew, Former Professor he Minister for health and Family flavouring agents. Panmasalas usually of Community Oncology, RCC in his Welfare Mr. Kadavoor Sivadasan arrives in two forms viz panmasala with T reply to a question revealed that the use has told that the government was gutkha (tobacco) and without gutkha of panmasala has gone up in the past five considering a ban on panmasalas, for (without tobacco). Apart from these years and was commonly found among which a proposal had already been basic ingredients, many addictives were youngsters particularly among the 13-18 prepared. He was inaugurating the open also included in branded panmasalas, year age group. forum conducted jointly by the Indian which were kept as trade secret. Medical Association Kerala State Answering to a question on the Dr Jeesha C Haran, Head of the Branch, Regional Cancer Centre, occurrence, prognosis and rehabilitation Department of Community Medicine, Thiruvananthapuram and Regional of lung cancer patients Dr Jayaprakash Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram Cancer Association to observe the No Madhavan, Superintendent of RCC said touched on the economic loss due to Tobacco Day (May 31) in the lung cancer was more commonly tobacco use and was of the view that, Thiruvananthapuram. He also pointed found among the 40-50 year age group, tobacco habit was more among the less that Cinema being a medium, which has which has less than 10% survival rate, and educated and economically backward considerable impact on the younger the chance for rehabilitation is remote. He group. Mr. Janardhana Iyer Open forum in RCC on No Tobacco Day Hon. Secretary of Regional Cancer Association pointed Government to consider ban on Panmasala out that RCA in association with RCC had successfully pointed out that majority of lung cancer completed a project titled “One Lakh generation, superstars should avoid patients attending RCC clinics were found tobacco free homes” and launched a roles glorifying the use of burning to be smokers and it was indeed a matter cigarettes and should become a role of great concern that at least one or two massive anti tobacco programme model for the society. State Planning women arriving at the lung cancer clinic targeting 6000 schools all over Kerala Board Vice Chairman Mr. V at RCC every week were victims of passive state to explain the hazards of tobacco Ramachandran presided over the smoking. consumption. function. Dr Tiny Nair, Cardiologist, opined that Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Project Officer, In the open forum, disadvantages of smoking was the single largest cause of smoking pertaining to health, Tobacco Cessation Project of Achutha cardiac problems among the age group 30- Menon Centre for Health Science economics, social psychological and 45 years. other aspects were highlighted initially. emphasized the role of counseling in Dr Ramani Wesley, Addl. Professor tobacco cessation programmes. A Question was put regarding the and Head of Community Oncology Mr. Shijo Joseph, Programme prevalence of tobacco habits. Dr Division of RCC explaine that passive Ramadas, Addl. Professor of RCC smoke from a cigarette (ie the smoke executive of the Goodbye Smoking explained that the results of an ongoing arising from the burning tip of the Clinic was of the view that antitobacco project conducted by Regional Cancer cigarette) was found to be at least 3-11% awareness programs needs to be Centre and International Association for more potent than the exhaled smoke. strengthened in the rural areas . Research on Cancer (Thiruvananthapuram Oral Cancer Dr.R.Jayakrishnan, Lecturer, RCC said Film actor Suresh Gopi, Magician Screning Project) in the 13 panchayaths the term panmasala itself is a misleading Muthkad etc also participated. of Chirayankil and Kazhakutam blocks one because the masala does not contain The author is former State Secretary of Indian show that 61% men and 20.1% women pan (betel leaves) as named. The basic Medical Association. There is clear evidence that smoking effects. The stages of intervention can be to move one step closer to quitting. cessation interventions are helpful and summarized as follows. Benefits of cessation other than health, cost effective. Aim should be reduction ASK like economic benefits, deleterious effect and eventual complete eradication of In this assessment phase a detailed on skin ageing, sexual attractiveness smoking habit. Smoking cessation smoking history (including smoking should be mentioned. produces immediate and long-term index), level of nicotine addiction, health Assist physical, psychological and economic status, previous quitting attempt, and Steps in the cessation process and benefits. Health benefit of quitting interest in quitting are noted. withdrawal syndrome (anger, anxiety, smoking far exceeds the probable risk of Advice craving for tobacco, sleep disturbance, weight gain and adverse psychological In each clinic visit, assist the smoker impatience, constipation, increase in

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 23 appetite especially for sugar, restlessness Nicotine Replacement Therapy should etc) should be explained. Mouth ulcers are be offered to high and moderate HowHow muchmuch nicotinnicotin addictaddict seen in 30% of quitted patients and will dependency and in failure to quit with youyou areare ?? respond to NRT. Set a date one week previous attempt. NRT for quitting should (( IfIf youyou areare aa smoker)smoker) ahead on which to stop and encourage the start at the quit date and not whilst the patient is still smoking. NRT currently The degree of nicotine dependency can be smoker to spend the intervening time quickly assessed by using the Fagerstom test planning strategies and enlisting support available include transdermal patch, of family, workmates and friends. Those nicotine inhaler, nicotine chewing gum and I. How soon after you wake up do you who have failed an attempt in the past, nicotine nasal spray. Choice of preparation smoke your first cigarette? cues for relapse, danger situations etc is a personal one and dosage should be Within 5 minutes 3 adjusted to maintain an adequate trough should be explored. 6-30 minutes 2 concentration. Explore the fear of any untoward Nicotine patches. 30-60 minutes 1 effect of quitting and deal with it. Many Different strength preparations are After 60 minutes 0 quitting smokers have craving for sugar available. Start with a high dose applied at II. Do you find it difficult to refrain from and glucose tablet or sugar may be useful night (up to 3 patches) will maintain a near smoking in places where it is forbidden to improve the quit rate. Alcohol will lead level of nicotine as a heavy smoker and e.g. church, cinema, etc? to relapse. Beneficial effects of hypnosis, alleviate desire for smoking in the Yes 1 acupuncture, anxiolytics and morning. After maintaining this dose for No 0 antidepressants should be explored. 2 weeks it can be tapered in 3 months. III. Which cigarette would you hate most Nicotine Replacement Therapy Patches should be applied in clean, dry, to give up? (NRT) non-hairy part of the upper part of the First one in the morning 1 body and left for 24 hours. If skin Nicotine seems to be one of the most All other 0 addictive substances discovered so far. irritation develops, steroid cream can be IV. How many cigarettes per day do you NRT approximately doubles quitting rate applied. smoke? compared with control irrespective of the Nicotine gum intensity of other support and other non- 2 and 4 mg strengths are available. 10 or less 0 pharmacolegical interventions. Rapid onset of action compared to the 11-20 1 patches. It should be chewed slowly with 20-30 2 frequent pauses and chewed out by about 30 or more 3 30 minutes or each gum. A piece should There is clear evidence V. Do you smoke more frequently during that smoking cessation be used at regular intervals up to one piece the first hour after waking up, than per hour during the wake time. during any other time in the day? interventions are helpful Combination therapy with any of the and cost effective. Aim above preparations is shown to have Yes 1 No 1 should be reduction and improved results in more highly addicted patients. VI. Do you smoke if you so ill that you eventual complete Adverse reactions. are in bed most of the day eradication of Contraindicated in pregnant and Yes 1 smoking habit. lactating mothers. Cautiously can be used No 0 in IHD patients but better to avoid in Assessment score recent MI. The high cost of these High nicotine dependence 6 preparations are the major obstacle to wide or more Moderate nicotine use in our country. dependence 4-5 Bupropion Low nicotine dependence <4 This new, currently available non- nicotinic replacement drug has both to taper the drug as withdrawal symptoms dopaminergic (reward) and noradrenergic are not common. The major adverse (withdrawal)effects. It works on the effects are seizure (less than 0.1 biology of addiction. Major advantages percentage), dry mouth and insomnia. It are: relatively low cost, treatment can be is contraindicated with concurrent use of initiated whilst the patient is still smoking, monoamine oxidase inhibitors. and high safety profile. Treatment may be Combination with Nicotine Replacement started with 150mg per day increasing Therapy is advised to certain patients. gradually up to 300 mg per day for most Author is a Chest Physician at District TB Centre, patients over 7-12 weeks. There is no need MCH, Alappuzha

24 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Dr. T. Suresh Kumar were found to be tobacco habitués. ingredient of panmasala includes arecanut, slakedlime, catechu and Dr Babu Mathew, Former Professor he Minister for health and Family flavouring agents. Panmasalas usually of Community Oncology, RCC in his Welfare Mr. Kadavoor Sivadasan arrives in two forms viz panmasala with T reply to a question revealed that the use has told that the government was gutkha (tobacco) and without gutkha of panmasala has gone up in the past five considering a ban on panmasalas, for (without tobacco). Apart from these years and was commonly found among which a proposal had already been basic ingredients, many addictives were youngsters particularly among the 13-18 prepared. He was inaugurating the open also included in branded panmasalas, year age group. forum conducted jointly by the Indian which were kept as trade secret. Medical Association Kerala State Answering to a question on the Dr Jeesha C Haran, Head of the Branch, Regional Cancer Centre, occurrence, prognosis and rehabilitation Department of Community Medicine, Thiruvananthapuram and Regional of lung cancer patients Dr Jayaprakash Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram Cancer Association to observe the No Madhavan, Superintendent of RCC said touched on the economic loss due to Tobacco Day (May 31) in the lung cancer was more commonly tobacco use and was of the view that, Thiruvananthapuram. He also pointed found among the 40-50 year age group, tobacco habit was more among the less that Cinema being a medium, which has which has less than 10% survival rate, and educated and economically backward considerable impact on the younger the chance for rehabilitation is remote. He group. Mr. Janardhana Iyer Open forum in RCC on No Tobacco Day Hon. Secretary of Regional Cancer Association pointed Government to consider ban on Panmasala out that RCA in association with RCC had successfully pointed out that majority of lung cancer completed a project titled “One Lakh generation, superstars should avoid patients attending RCC clinics were found tobacco free homes” and launched a roles glorifying the use of burning to be smokers and it was indeed a matter cigarettes and should become a role of great concern that at least one or two massive anti tobacco programme model for the society. State Planning women arriving at the lung cancer clinic targeting 6000 schools all over Kerala Board Vice Chairman Mr. V at RCC every week were victims of passive state to explain the hazards of tobacco Ramachandran presided over the smoking. consumption. function. Dr Tiny Nair, Cardiologist, opined that Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Project Officer, In the open forum, disadvantages of smoking was the single largest cause of smoking pertaining to health, Tobacco Cessation Project of Achutha cardiac problems among the age group 30- Menon Centre for Health Science economics, social psychological and 45 years. other aspects were highlighted initially. emphasized the role of counseling in Dr Ramani Wesley, Addl. Professor tobacco cessation programmes. A Question was put regarding the and Head of Community Oncology Mr. Shijo Joseph, Programme prevalence of tobacco habits. Dr Division of RCC explaine that passive Ramadas, Addl. Professor of RCC smoke from a cigarette (ie the smoke executive of the Goodbye Smoking explained that the results of an ongoing arising from the burning tip of the Clinic was of the view that antitobacco project conducted by Regional Cancer cigarette) was found to be at least 3-11% awareness programs needs to be Centre and International Association for more potent than the exhaled smoke. strengthened in the rural areas . Research on Cancer (Thiruvananthapuram Oral Cancer Dr.R.Jayakrishnan, Lecturer, RCC said Film actor Suresh Gopi, Magician Screning Project) in the 13 panchayaths the term panmasala itself is a misleading Muthkad etc also participated. of Chirayankil and Kazhakutam blocks one because the masala does not contain The author is former State Secretary of Indian show that 61% men and 20.1% women pan (betel leaves) as named. The basic Medical Association. There is clear evidence that smoking effects. The stages of intervention can be to move one step closer to quitting. cessation interventions are helpful and summarized as follows. Benefits of cessation other than health, cost effective. Aim should be reduction ASK like economic benefits, deleterious effect and eventual complete eradication of In this assessment phase a detailed on skin ageing, sexual attractiveness smoking habit. Smoking cessation smoking history (including smoking should be mentioned. produces immediate and long-term index), level of nicotine addiction, health Assist physical, psychological and economic status, previous quitting attempt, and Steps in the cessation process and benefits. Health benefit of quitting interest in quitting are noted. withdrawal syndrome (anger, anxiety, smoking far exceeds the probable risk of Advice craving for tobacco, sleep disturbance, weight gain and adverse psychological In each clinic visit, assist the smoker impatience, constipation, increase in

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 23 EDUCATION Re-establishing the school as the has to be effectively linked with the centrepiece of the community, involving activities of the villagers around it, the Panchayat Raj Institutions in school children being the main players in this education, introducing a quality social revival process. S. Seethikumar control over schools, harnessing local Peer Review system among ommunity Mobilisation for school expertise and services of NGOs for PRIs effectiveness has remained a low helping students in scholastic and co- Decentralised planning which we have Cpriority area in Kerala, in contrast scholastic areas can be thought of for adopted through the 73rd and 74th to the concept, put forward in DPEP and community mobilization for school amendment of the constitution envisages subsequently in SSA, that school should effectiveness. school administration under the purview of Local Self Governments. As such many LSGs have taken keen interest in the functioning of school in their jurisdiction and with good results. The scheme viz. Vijayabheri introduced by the Malappuram District Panchayat deserves mention as a success story of enhancing SSLC success rate dramatically. In this connection if a healthy competitive peer review system among the LSGs in relation to the overall functioning of the school under each of them is developed, it is possible that each LSG may vie with one another for better results and better upkeep of the school under each of them. This will serve both community ownership and quality improvement of the school. Apprehension School:School: thethe centre-piececentre-piece ofof communitycommunity School should be ultimately left to the community ownership ultimately be left to the community School as centre- piece of the of the school authority, probably, is the ownership. Community participation community only impediment to this process. A quality assumes great importance not only for Until not very long back, the school social control rather than a big brother infrastructural development of school as in a village was the hub of activities, be it watchdog approach is what is required one may tend to think, but also for of the sports and arts clubs, the Mahila from the LSGs. improving the quality of education Samajams, children’s play ground or Quality social control especially in view of the introduction of youth’s discussion centre. Over the years Apart from the involvement of the continuous and comprehensive evaluation the school lost its primacy as a nucleus of LSGs it is worthwhile that a suitable outfit system based on grading in our State. activities probably due to the availability consisting of well-meaning individuals and Expertise from community, if harnessed of a variety of entertainment options NGOs be created in the area where the properly, can help a lot in guiding the elsewhere and due to busy life style of school is situated for bridging the school pupils in co-scholastic areas of the new the people and consequently the school with the community and the LSGs grading evaluation system. The wore a look of neglect. Now this has come problem of out of school children, community can also serve as service to such a pause that people who get hundred per cent enrolment, education of providers in many areas of learning. A nervous over a power failure or loss of a labouring children and street children, state like Kerala with high awareness level telephone connection are not at all cruelty to children, erring school among the public, there would not be any bothered about the school in their vicinity functionaries etc. could be looked into by dearth of individuals or NGOs voluntarily going from bad to worse. This obnoxious this body in an advisory capacity. It should coming forward for such a noble cause. situation has to be changed. The school be remembered that children are not

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 25 passive but active participants in the a. Music activities, arranging field visits and camps process of their development and b. Drawing to students are other major areas where education. Listening to children and giving community expertise can be tapped c. Dance them a forum is of great importance. effectively. Researchers are of the view Using abusive language, resorting to d. Acting that effective learning takes place when it corporal punishment etc. should give way Under Health and Physical Education is related to cultural and geographical to alternative method of discipline. With following are the areas suggested: contexts. The area specific community corporal punishment we are only creating a. Health Education intervention provide diverse strategies that a generation of psychotic children. If the b. Physical Education will challenge the learners’ curiosity by child’s reaction is fear, it will lead to providing them with contextual problems withdrawing and eventually the child In the case of Work Experience and related to real life applications - an would be an introvert. Hatred would Art Education, the school can select two objective of education viz. development create a dislike towards school and subjects out of the four. In the case of of life skills. Health and Physical Education both ultimately society. Anger would make the Constraints child rebel. This social service agency can Health Education and Physical Education are compulsory. A suitable strategy for community do counselling and advisory functions to participation has to be worked out taking students, teachers and parents. If the talents in the community are into account the possible constraints, in Co-scholastic area tapped, it can do a great deal in Art Education, Work Experience and Health the main, opposition of school authorities Three main areas have been identified and Physical Education. of interference by the community; the under co-scholastic areas in the new possible out stepping of community into grading evaluation system as follows :- Scope of community participation the day today functioning of the school and the financial constraints for the SSA is envisaged as a movement, and activities of the community. There is also every movement need public participation A workshop of different for its success. The input on education is the fact that the aided schools are not Programme Officers and a worthy developmental input towards covered under the purview of 73rd and nation building. It is realized by planners 74th amendment. other experts and that human development is also about Modus operandi representatives of NGOs people’s participation and is given A workshop of different Programme can be held to give shape adequate space in all the well-meaning Officers and other experts and developmental projects as the one like representatives of NGOs can be held to to suitable strategy and SSA. Hundred percent enrolment, gender give shape to suitable strategy and definite definite guidelines to the equity, taking forward education of SC/ guidelines to the community participation. ST and backward communities are better community participation. possible through community participation. The education experts can work out There is also immense scope for possible broad activities the community development of infrastructure for can think of for quality improvement of Work experience education with community participation. the pupils. Scholastic and co-scholastic areas where community participation is Art Education Computer aided learning facilities set required should be clearly identified. Health and Physical Education up by Azim Premji Foundation and Mathematics Laboratories set up in Genuine individuals and NGOs who are Co-Scholastic areas are suggested in Karnataka State and Mobile Science willing to work purely on voluntary basis the new evaluation system for acquiring Laboratories set up in Andhra Pradesh are should be identified locally and through values like respect for labour, appreciation some worthy examples of NGO’s press releases to the media. The guidelines of art forms and for better health habits. participation in the field of Education. prepared by the experts can be printed and Following are suggested under Work circulated among the individuals, NGOs, Experience. However, the real challenge of harnessing community participation lies in general public and education functionaries. a. Preparation of learning aids the area of quality improvement of our It is high time we realise that the general b. Preparation of stationery items education system. A quality social control public has great stakes in the quality of c. Preparation of gift articles on the functioning of school is a general education stream where 54 lakh d. Preparation of products for sales worthwhile area where community can be students are enrolled and a chunk of the involved. Helping students in co-scholastic Under Art Education the following are budget is expended. areas, extending support to school the areas suggested:- The writer is Media and Documentation Officer, functioning, making TLMs for classroom SSA, Kerala

26 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING GOVT. INITIATIVE

The site is more useful to private sector employers. They can register with the website. Separate “employer id” and “password” Minister for Labour and Rehabilitation Mr. Babu Divakaran inaugurates the “e-employment exchange” and its website, in Thiruvananthapuram. are arranged for the purpose. No Job Seeking registration fee is charged in this The Web way regard. P. K. Sankarankutty mail address. The procedure for registration of candidates at the professional and he Employment Department, Renewal of registration is an easy process. It is convenient for the candidates executive employment exchanges will Government of Kerala has remain as such. Accordingly, the launched a website, through its residing at far off places. Instructions T regarding the procedure for renewal is candidates for the respective divisional newly formed electronics employment jurisdiction can get their names registered exchange with the technical assistance of available in the site. The renewal is permitted only at the prescribed time with the concerned professional and the National Informatics Centre. The executive employment office either website, employment.kerala.nic.in is before expiry. No advance or belated renewal is permitted. directly or through their local employment initially meant exclusively for the exchange. As far as vacancies are professionally qualified job seekers in Pick up for private employers concerned, the website is purely meant for Kerala. They include professional The site is more useful to private vacancies under private sector. Regarding graduates, post graduates and post sector employers. They can register with sponsoring against vacancies notified from graduate diploma holders. About 63000 the website. Separate “employer id” and public sector, the present procedure of highly qualified registrants, who have “password” are arranged for the purpose. observing seniority, community registered at the professional and executive No registration fee is charged in this reservation, priority assigning to deserving employment office, Thiruvananthapuram regard. candidates such as physically handicapped, and its regional offices located at For registering new employers the firm widows, dependents of deceased jawans, Kozhikode and Ernakulam are the has to satisfy certain mandatory fields such wives of serving jawans, discharged beneficiaries of this venture. Private as name, address, city, state, country, e- government employees etc. will remain employers who seek highly technical mail, fax, company profile, nature of without any change. skilled employees can also make use of it business, contact person designation etc. The unique feature of the site is that by getting their name registered with the Registration of new firms is permitted the job seekers themselves can interact site. only if all the relevant columns of the field with the employers and other recruiting The registrants can modify their bio- are filled in. agencies. They can update any information data by initiating steps to get it amended The site features an excellent section that has already been logged in. These by contact to the employment exchange for FAQs . More than seventy frequently facilities help the candidates avert the concerned through letter, e-mail or asked questions about the functioning and situation of shutting frequently between telephone. They can submit additional procedure aspects of the employment thier native place to the employment information like telephone number and e- department are included. exchange.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 27 ENVIRONMENT

Jithesh Maniyat an and his environment is always interdependent and interrelated Vanishi Mto each other. Environment is the most talked about, but the most ill- understood subject in our country. Communities have always depended on their ecosystems for food, fodder, fuel, sacred gr fertilizers, fibres etc. Environment has a direct and indirect impact on the social and snakes welcome members of all life. The sacred groves, i.e. patches of castes and even religions. Sacred groves The sacred groves, forest dedicated to local deities, had a vary in size from a few trees to dense crucial role in the life pattern of the rural forest covering vast tracts of land. These i.e. patches of forest folk. groves are important today as they are dedicated to local Ancient people were intimate with banks of genetic and plant diversity, their surroundings. They so often weaved which they have disappeared from the deities, had a crucial themselves into the tapestry of life region outside the groves. The groves are surrounding them so exquisitely that we a greater repository of many endemic, role in the life can only admire their sensitivity and wisdom. The ancient pattern of the rural generation gave importance to trees and forests and they folk.The protection worshiped and protected these forests and trees. The of patches of forests protection of patches of forests as sacred groves and as sacred groves and several tree species as sacred trees belong to the religion several tree species based conservation ethos of ancient people all over the as sacred trees world. India has a long tradition of prudent use and wise belong to the conservation of all resources that are useful to people. religion based Forests have been the lifeline for tribals and other forest conservation ethos dwelling communities since ages. For conservation of these of ancient people all green resource, the concept of sacred groves was generally over the world. used. Sacred groves in India are endangered and economically important sacred groves, considering them as a part as ancient as the civilization itself, i.e. the plant species. The sacred groves, have practice of dedicating groves to local of their life. But now the axe of cultural, environmental and religious deities has a long history. There are about development falls on the sanctum aspects of the life of the people. 17,000 known sacred groves in different sanctorum of the Gods. Due to the phyto-geographical regions and forest Today man has engaged in a spree of influence of Hinduism, the sacred groves types of India. destruction of the total environment. remain within the temple precincts. Gandhiji said, “The earth provides enough Sacred groves of Kerala locally known The decline of sacred groves can be to satisfy every man’s need but not every as ‘Kavu’ are associated with ancestral attributed to the change in social values man’s greed.” Ignoring these words, man place of worship for the Namboodiri, and religious beliefs resulted by is exploiting the nature in a rude manner. Nair, Ezhava castes. Many ‘Kavus’ are modernization and urbanization. The The ancient generation protected the dedicated to the popular Gods, Goddesses growing market economy places heavy

28 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING problems facing by us. The destruction of sacred groves intensifies the problem. The customs, beliefs and rituals of the community were related with the sacred groves. In the past, the sacred groves were ng the meeting place of the people at the time of special occasions, and that becomes a boost to the integration of the community. But new attitude of the people towards oves the beliefs and the supernatural power, demand on resources such as timbers. The rapid expansion of population and high pressure on land is also another cause driving the sacred groves to the edge of extinction. The vanishing of groves brings in a number of changes in the life of the people who are living in the vicinity of these groves. Through the destruction of sacred groves the socio- economic-cultural-biological The sacred groves are systems of the rural community are disintegrating. The the water reservoirs destruction may create an ecological imbalance as well as a and they are providing psychological disquietudes among the older generation also. adequate irrigation and The destruction of the fertility to the soil. patches of forest is a problem with wider dimensions some of the social impacts are mentioned here. The which is believed to be existed in the backbone of the socio-economic, political groves have changed. The community systems and culture of the rural disintegration, the people shrinking into community is based on paddy cultivation. their own lives, is growing. The destruction In Northern Kerala the paddy fields are of groves are indirectly playing a role in situated along with sacred groves. There this. existed an interdependent relationship Surviving the threats from between paddy cultivation and sacred urbanization and modernization, some of groves. the traditional groves exist on the The sacred groves are the water compounds of ancestral homes and reservoirs and they are providing adequate temples in Kerala. The protection and irrigation and fertility to the soil. Most of conservation of this biological and cultural the sacred groves have water bodies, heritage of our country is very important. springs, ponds, lakes and streams – as their These groves and forests still inspire us adjuncts to recharge aquifers. The thick and infuse us with the sense of awe and forest and litter cover ensure water mystery. For creating a better world we retention, effective root networks and must develop a spirit of reverence and transfer of heat. They also act as a micro empathy for these trees and groves. But watershed of fresh water systems used by unfortunately, for most of the villagers or the local communities. members of community economy is Water scarcity is one of the major understood well than ecology.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 29 HEALTH T.P. Gopinathan Safe blood ransfusion of blood and its components is a major important T activity in the public health. Need of the times Therefore it is necessary that the human blood and its components administered The blood bank wishing to have separate components are to be hundred percent safe. Otherwise instead of saving lives we will be infecting should have additional space of 50 Sq. m. and necessary the patients with new diseases thereby instruments to prepare the blood components. endangering the lives. The Kerala Drugs Control Department has taken up the responsibility of regulation of blood banks. The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 has laid down stringent provisions of licensing and running of blood banks so as to ensure safe blood. Human blood IP and its components are drugs. The Indian Pharmacopoeia has laid down parameters in this context. Whole human blood IP that is meant for transfusion must be free from HIV antibodies, hepatitis B and C virus, Malaria parasites, Syphilis etc. The blood bank must provide facilities for testing the above criteria. Only voluntary donors must be used for blood donating. They should be between the age of 18-60 and should have minimum blood bags and should be unnecessary loading or volume increase haemoglobin content of 12.5% w/v. A stored 2o-6o C in special blood is not good for the patient. The major person should not donate blood within bank refrigerator. Along with blood components that are prepared three months of last donation. The blood blood collected about 10 ml of out of human blood IP are fresh bank medical officer should certify the blood is collected for testing. The frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, cell eligibility of the donor before phlebotomy. blood is tested and should be concentrate, platelet concentrate etc. There are number of factors that will certified to be free from HIV The blood bank wishing to have disqualify a prospective donor like. virus, hepatitis B & C virus, a separate components should have (1) History of surgeries, malarial parasites, syphilis’s etc. additional space of 50 Sq. m. and (2) Malarial infection within the last before it is released for transfusion. The necessary instruments to prepare the three years. blood bank should also cross match blood components. Needless to mention with the sample blood of the patient (3) A person who had jaundice in the last that the blood components also must before supply. The user hospital should one year should not donate. Persons be free from the virus and bacteria also cross match before transfusion. having high blood pressure, diabetes etc. mentioned in the beginning. The blood Storage and its shelf life of collected are also not allowed to donate. The blood components preparation has also blood should be as prescribed. bank must have qualified medical officers helped in preventing wastage of blood Depending upon the anti-coagulant whose supervision is a must during collected. The blood bank must also solution used, the shelf like varies storage phlebotomy. He/she shall be assisted by a keep records of all testing done and temperature should be 2o-6o C. For nurse and blood bank technician. The register for donors. And user hospitals different Blood components different donor must be given light refreshment and should follow procedure prescribed temperature are prescribed. The blood kept under observation for any post in order to ensure that only safe blood component therapy is a recent addition phlebotomy complications. The blood is administered and no mismatched to treatment. The advantages are many. bank must have an area of min. 100 sq. blood is transfused. Recently I read One bottle of blood can be used for two m. The donor rooms, refreshment and a good slogan “Blessed are those who or three patients if different factors are resting room, the laboratory are to be air- donate blood but only if it is safe blood.” required for different patients. Besides, conditioned. The blood is collected in The Kerala AIDS Control Society

3030 JulyJuly 2004 2004 z z KERALA KERALA CALLING CALLING is playing a major role in establishing FOLKLORE quality blood banks and preventing AIDS through blood transfusion. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured outside the body. Therefore The ancient myths of all of us must ensure the blood safety in rendering quality treatment to our people. Blood Storage Centres the aborigines Setting up a full fledged blood bank is a costly affair especially in the Government Sector. Therefore Dr. M.V. Vishnu Namboodiri change. Government of India have in January ormation of myths is the inherent Andrew Lang is the anthropologist 2002 amended the provisions of Drugs feature of ancient society. They who got inspiration from the & Cosmetics Rules and introduced the evolved as the manifestation of interpretation of Taylor. According to concept of blood storage centres. This is F the society’s existentialism. The wild and Lang, myths developed during the crude a diluted version of blood bank without variegated imagination of the ancient stage of civilization. Human history can compromising on quality of blood. The people wove these myths. The product be considered as the flow of development proposed blood storage centre shall have of their imagination flowed through the from barbarism to civilization and a full time medical officer, experienced in ages and even now they remain almost urbanization. The remnants of aboriginal blood banking and an experienced blood the same and the process is still going beliefs, rituals, concepts, myths can be seen bank technicians. Not more than 2000 on. even today in the lives of the tribals and units shall be consumed annually. The also the village agriculturists. Andrew Lang blood storage centre shall have area of 10 The scholars defined myths differently. E.B. Taylor in his study of enunciated the concept of the “survival sq. m. and provide a blood bank of barbarism.” His book ‘Myth – ritual refrigerator with alarm system and a Ancient Culture (1871) recognized and religion’ (Vol. I & II – published temperature indicator,. The source of survival as the crux of myths. ‘Myth is in1887) was a study of the myths and blood shall be from licensed blood banks a part kept in the mind of child-race. stories of the uncultured inhabitants of run by government hospitals. When he said so there is the clue of the survival. Taylor says that myths or forest. His explanation that myths are the The blood banks who intend to supply mythical creation haven’t disappeared remnants of the ancient culture influenced the blood units/components shall test the from the world. They remain in the the modern folklorists a lot. Herbert following mandatory tests before contemporary ancient races without any Spenser tried to attribute the origin of supplying to blood storage centres. a. Blood grouping b. Anti body testing c. Haemoglobin content HIV & II Anti bodies e. Hepatitis B surface antigen f. Hepatitis C anti body g. Malarial parasite h. Syphilis or VDRL So far 5 blood storage centres have been given approval in the State. 1. Taluk Head Quarters, Neyyattinkara 2. Taluk Head Quarters, Kanjirappally 3. Taluk Head Quarters, Thodupuzha 4. Taluk Head Quarters, Irinjalakuda 5. Community Health Centre, Adoor The State Drugs Controller is the authority to issue approval for blood storage Centres after a detailed inspection. The writer is the State Drugs Controller, Kerala

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 31 is playing a major role in establishing FOLKLORE quality blood banks and preventing AIDS through blood transfusion. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured outside the body. Therefore The ancient myths of all of us must ensure the blood safety in rendering quality treatment to our people. Blood Storage Centres the aborigines Setting up a full fledged blood bank is a costly affair especially in the Government Sector. Therefore Dr. M.V. Vishnu Namboodiri change. Government of India have in January ormation of myths is the inherent Andrew Lang is the anthropologist 2002 amended the provisions of Drugs feature of ancient society. They who got inspiration from the & Cosmetics Rules and introduced the evolved as the manifestation of interpretation of Taylor. According to concept of blood storage centres. This is F the society’s existentialism. The wild and Lang, myths developed during the crude a diluted version of blood bank without variegated imagination of the ancient stage of civilization. Human history can compromising on quality of blood. The people wove these myths. The product be considered as the flow of development proposed blood storage centre shall have of their imagination flowed through the from barbarism to civilization and a full time medical officer, experienced in ages and even now they remain almost urbanization. The remnants of aboriginal blood banking and an experienced blood the same and the process is still going beliefs, rituals, concepts, myths can be seen bank technicians. Not more than 2000 on. even today in the lives of the tribals and units shall be consumed annually. The also the village agriculturists. Andrew Lang blood storage centre shall have area of 10 The scholars defined myths differently. E.B. Taylor in his study of enunciated the concept of the “survival sq. m. and provide a blood bank of barbarism.” His book ‘Myth – ritual refrigerator with alarm system and a Ancient Culture (1871) recognized and religion’ (Vol. I & II – published temperature indicator,. The source of survival as the crux of myths. ‘Myth is in1887) was a study of the myths and blood shall be from licensed blood banks a part kept in the mind of child-race. stories of the uncultured inhabitants of run by government hospitals. When he said so there is the clue of the survival. Taylor says that myths or forest. His explanation that myths are the The blood banks who intend to supply mythical creation haven’t disappeared remnants of the ancient culture influenced the blood units/components shall test the from the world. They remain in the the modern folklorists a lot. Herbert following mandatory tests before contemporary ancient races without any Spenser tried to attribute the origin of supplying to blood storage centres. a. Blood grouping b. Anti body testing c. Haemoglobin content HIV & II Anti bodies e. Hepatitis B surface antigen f. Hepatitis C anti body g. Malarial parasite h. Syphilis or VDRL So far 5 blood storage centres have been given approval in the State. 1. Taluk Head Quarters, Neyyattinkara 2. Taluk Head Quarters, Kanjirappally 3. Taluk Head Quarters, Thodupuzha 4. Taluk Head Quarters, Irinjalakuda 5. Community Health Centre, Adoor The State Drugs Controller is the authority to issue approval for blood storage Centres after a detailed inspection. The writer is the State Drugs Controller, Kerala

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 31 myths to the worship of ancestors by the ‘Ippimala’, as they were submissive and barbarians (inhabitants of forests). The origin of afraid of the two powerful people. The theory of the survival is cosmos, origin of The Pulayars of North Kerala has some introduced here in the definition seeking myths as to the origin of the world and ahead the myths and other concepts of human beings etc. human beings. Myths of this type are seen the ancient people. We cannot say or claim in ‘Irulum Veliyum’ (Darkness and Light) that the ancient mind succeeded in are dealt alike in and ‘Maravum Parayum Thottam.’ The distinguishing forms and symbols or that ritualistic song ‘Atithalippattu’ exacts they were logical in all these. The these two types – special mention. According to it God drew anthropologists called the ancient man’s (wrote down) morning and evening and imaginative mind as ‘mythological mind’. higher and lower created human beings. Their myths are always the manifestation myths. Some people In the songs sung for ‘Koolikettu’ in of the intellect and beauty aspects of their Quilandy Taluk by the Pulayars too have culture. said that myths are references of the origin of man. God In features and content myths retain directed squirrel to go and bring the variety. It can be noticed as higher myths, stories which snake’s egg which was on a Palmyra palm nature myths, hero myths etc. describe the creation beyond the seven seas. The squirrel went Origin Myths there and stole the egg when the serpent The origin of cosmos, origin of of the world and the went to drink some water. The ant brought human beings etc. are dealt alike in these sand from the golden mountain. God two types – higher and lower myths. Some existence of nature. mixed the egg with the mud and put it in people said that myths are stories which a gold plate and covered the same with describe the creation of the world and the another plate. From that came out human existence of nature. The description of spirits, hearing the moaning of the people, beings. People did not die in those days. the origin of the objects of nature and the daughters of God – the elder sister They began to appear themselves as old events are always called a myth. Let us and younger sister set out to inquire after shrivelled frogs. People began to put them examine some of the myths of the ancient it. They changed themselves into brother in big vessels and bury under earth. That people – myths of the origin of the world and sister and floated in water in a bottle- was not at all liked by God. At that ‘Kalan’ and the origin of the race. guard and lay at night in a somewhat and ‘Kooli’ were created. Mavilar has their own myths as to the comfortable place. They remained there Among the Kusavas of Wyanad a creation of the earth and the sky by God for three days and thereupon became myth of their origin was prevalent. Brahma and the beginning of agriculture in this husband and wife. It is believed that failed to notice a person who could make world. After the creation of the animals, human beings are the descendants of ‘Kalasappani’. He informed Siva of it, who God created the King and the Queen. those two. After that they were not given in turn told the condition to Parvathi. She They lived consuming the available fruit admission to their father. The reason for told her husband Siva to create a man with and root of plants. When time passed and losing their godliness was that they saw ear-wax, which he did soon. Then Siva the naturally available food became scarce face to face the miseries of human beings. directed him to make a Kalasappani. the king requested the Goddess Mayi devi The slaves believe that those two Parvathi presented him a woman. who appeared before the King as goddesses who were denied admission to Some of the myths of origin of ‘Kattumotantha’. She created a man and a heaven. Consequent on their bitter Pulluvas too are to be remembered in this woman to till the land and do the necessary experience in the world are Valliyoorkavu context. Among the Pulluvas of North cultivation work. Bhagavathi and Cherukattoor Bhagavathi. Kerala, there was a song called Among the slave and servant Regarding the origin of the world, ‘Karmasastram pattu’ from which we get communities too there are such similar there is another myth among the Paniyar their mythical beliefs as to their origin. myths as to the creation. At first God community. They believe that there was When the renowned Rishi Mandapalan created the Earth and the Sky; then he only a man and a woman at first who had died and his soul reached heaven, he was created human beings. At that time the brotherly affinity and wandered in the denied admission there because he had not sky was not as distant as it is now. When woods naked. But that brotherly adhered to the duty of a man – causing one woman was husking paddy, the pestle connection was only in the upper half of the birth of a child. So the rishi returned touched the sky and it withdrew to the the body. Hence naturally they had sexual to the earth in the forest called Ghandara present position. Just like this they have relations and the children and their and requested the bird Jaritha to become similar myths as to the origin of river, sea, descendants are the Paniyars. They also his wife. Mandapalan blessed her and rock and such other natural phenomena. believe that they were made Paniyars transformed her into a beautiful damsel When the world was infested with evil (workers) by the Shetty and Kavundan of and in their union was born the four son

32 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING – Dronar, Jarithari, Sarisrikkan and of musical instruments too support this complementary to each other. Some of Sthambamithran. They succeeded in idea. There is a belief as to the right of them say that myths are just imitations of eliminating some of the evils that affected the ‘Panas’ to sing with the rituals. Indra and he in turn gave them the boon accompaniment of ‘Thuti’ – a musical It is incontrovertible to say that the to eradicate ‘Pakshipeeda’, ‘Yakshipeeda’ instrument. Just like that in another myth aborigines have legends connected with and ‘anger of ancestors’. Thus Pulluvas prevalent among Pulluvars, it is explained their ancestors either ritualistic or not. are the descendants of Jaritha bird – says how they got Veena, Kutam and Thala. In Almost all the tribes believe that there was Karmasastra. Thutipattu, there is reference as to how the a dignified (great) ancestor in their tribe. Pulayars got the blessing of singing with As to the origin of certain objects too The myths of Veerappan Arayan among Thuti. there are myths among certain aborigines. the tribe called Kanikkar or Malayaraya is There is a myth regarding seeds among Heroic Legends an example. This myth is revealed in the the Mavilars. After creating the Earth, Sky In the cultural history of every Kanipattu, which is sung at the time of and the vegetation, God created the owner country, we can see myths related to the mantras reiterated for the extinction of of the land. To till and cultivate the land, dead Karanavars and heroes. Myths are enemies. Veerappan Arayan was the head God created the leader of the tribe. He formed of those who have spiritual or or leader of the of the group called Kani- prayed to Kattumodantha three days placing supernatural powers and semi-divinity. Araya. a winnow in front of him. Modantha There was an aboriginal belief that the appeared before him and sent five birds dead ‘vaidyas’, heroes, brave men and Here is the heroic escapades of in the sky with seeds. The birds sowed ‘mantravadis’ become instruments of Veerappan Arayan. Once the tribals failed the seeds. Three seeds fell in the winnow God. In some ancient society the hero is to present forest goods to Attingal and the remaining ones in the land. Thus in the form of an animal. The animal can Thampuran and he sent Mathukutty Valiya the seeds in the winnow was used for transform itself in any shape. A good Pillai to Veerappan Aryan. Thus cultivation. example is the myth of ‘Pulimaranja Veerappan and his seventy two flocks In Pulluvars ‘Kattapatt’ too we get the Thondachan’ found among Pulayars. (Kanipatts) waited at a place to show his face to the Thampuran. Five days passed; origin of seeds. There it is described as The myths dealing with the life of the but the Thampuran did not turn up. At last Veerappan, with the help of some obscure medicines showed a lot of wonderful feats and consequently he was given the title ‘Veera Marthandanarayan’ and a lot of presents. Once Veerappanarayan invited the lords of Pandinad. They did not turn up and on revenge, he made a dam and tried to stop the flow of water to Pandi. Still water flowed Kalamatan, the deity, through an oracular speech informed him that the bund would be reinforced if his sister is sacrificed. At last he did that and the flow of water stopped. When the people suffered from drought they complained to the Thampuran who in turn sent Mathukutty Pillai to open the dam. But Veerappanarayan attacked Pillai and by some magical/obscure ways killed him. sowed with the hands of Sri Bhagavathi. dead ancestors include in the heroic type ‘Sankhupalamukkuvan’ of Mukkuvas Similarly in Pallupattu sung at the time of myths (Eschatological myths of the and ‘Pulimaranja Gurunatha’ of Pulayas the scene called ‘Pallu’ in Poorakkali, there Christians). Totemic mythology too of North Kerala also come under this is a reference to the incarnation of Siva include in this category. Totemic myths category. The myths of Itanathan Pulayan, and Parvathi as ‘Pallan’ and ‘Pallichi’ and are associated with the heroic deeds of and Athiyarupillai Pulayan are also worth they tilled the land and sowed the grains. the dead ancestors of each tribe. Hence notice. ‘Vayanattu Kulavan’ is Thiyya’s When we examine the myths of some most of them are mixed with rites and ‘Thondachan’. This myth gives the origin aborigines, we find the belief that labour rituals. Therefore, anthropologists say that of Thiyyas. All these are given here as a is god-given. The old myths as to the origin rituals and myths are connected and passing reference.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 33 Ideals of Deity Vanatha, a theyyam performed in the powerful enough to defeat even Thirunelli Among the origins, a lot of strange premises of Kurumar hut is also a tribal Perumal. Among the Pulayars of North ideas are there about God. It is believed deity. Kerala, there is a belief as Pulipathalam. that deities have human shape and feelings. Among Karimpalars there are myths They believe that Kari Gurikkal assumed Malakkari is a god worshipped by about ‘Krinchamundi’ and a tiger’s form and disappeared into the ‘Kurichiyar’ and ‘Atiyar’. ‘Munnoottanmar’ ‘Payyathombathal’. Karimchamundi is forest. That place is ‘Pulipathalam’. The used to make theyyyam of this deity. They related to Yakshi legend. ‘Karimpalar’ and aborigine’s mind is full of such concepts. believe that this deity is the daughter of other villagers believe that a Muslim by Some other beliefs Parameswara and parvathi while they were name Narambil Maithan broke the back of Adivasis at times associate themselves living in the woods. Kurichiyars believe the deity. Payyathombathal are the friends with other temples, besides their own that it was the deity who defeated and of Karinchamundi. One among them is deities. The Atiyans of Wyand are Atiyans drowned the evil forces prevalent in the Pulli Bhagavathi. Karimpalar believes that of Thirunelli temple. Similarly, Kurichyars forest. There is a song depicting the origin the eyes of Pulli Bhagavathi were pierced are vassals of Kottiyoor Perumal temple. of Malakkari, among the Kurichiyars by and broken by Vellattu Daivathar. A lot of stories and legends are there about name Maramayapattu. The deity originated Cheerumba and Melur Fort the temples. The ‘Ooralars’ of the temple to save the earth. According to Atiyars Karimpalar believes that Melakasam believe that their ancestors constructed the Malakkari is an adept bows-woman. and Melur Fort are the first creation of temple in a single night as ordered by In the myth regarding the origin of Sri Mahadeva. They created Melur Fort, Vallooramma. As it was not complete by ‘Suvani’ of Atiyans, there is reference to the courtyard and the milk pond. For morning, the roof was not constructed. the origin of the world. The deity purification, cow dung was required. So Once a Kurichyan went into the forest originated after the Godavari was to collect logs. His weapon struck a rock creation of the sky created. Mahadeva and it began to bleed and he informed it and the earth. and Parvathi lived to the lords and thus the place for Sivas Subsequently two Adivasis at times and enjoy themselves of Kottiyoor was located. This is a myth deities called there. prevalent among Kurichyars. Similar associate themselves Siddhappan and Cheerumbapattu of stories are there among the Pulayars of Mallappan were with other temples, Karimpalars can be Meppayoor and Vatasseri. created. Then came besides their own considered as a Karimpalars are also associated with man and vegetation. beautiful description Kottiyoor temple. Kannoth Kunhikannan In one song of deities. The Atiyans of of a myth. The two of Chala went there to measure and assess Atiyans, there is the Wyand are Atiyans of Cherumbals born the land of Perumal. There he saw description of Thirunelli temple. from the Third eye Karimpalars cutting cane for Elaneerkav. ‘Karinchathan’. of Siva are disease- Kunhikannan demanded some cane; but Karinchathan was Similarly, Kurichyars goddesses. they refused to give them. Kunhikannan born as the son of forcefully took cane and beat the tribals. are vassals of There is elaborate They went in front of the temple, cried Kaliyamma. In description of a fort another song, there is Kottiyoor Perumal and informed the God. Two snakes went made by Mahadeva away from there and entered the field of reference to the origin temple. A lost of stories for his two beloved Kunhikannan in the form of two leeches. of Chikkamma. The and legends are there daughters. His younger sister was the Kettilamma of Atiyan sing the song “When you close, Chirakkal Thampuran and she was for propitiating this about the temples. close nine doors pregnant. On her way home, she got down deity. together – from the Palanquin in the field and the Poothati Daivam is When you open, leeches bit her to death. Although the the deity of usual post-death performances were done, open nine doors Vayanatan purity. the crows did not touch the ‘bali’ rice. On together.” Such a clever construction is Pappthati is the son of Pullikkali. The astrological inquiry, it is understood that the fort. myth of the deity can be found in the there was the anger of Kottiyoor Perumal Thottam of Kalanatis. They perform Pakshi Pathalam and he had to present a gold cane as an another theyyam by name ‘Pakkan There is a belief among the Atiyans atonement. Daivam’. his deity was born under the regarding ‘Pakshi Patalam’. They believe This is just a glimpse of the myths of blessing of Vishnu. There are myths that the deity Thirunelli Yogiachan lives the aborigines. When we think of the behind theyyam performed by the tribals there. The place is one where big rocks ‘Soundarya Sastra’ of Adivasis, it will be of Wayanad: deities like Elavilli, Poovilli, are scattered here and thee. Yogiachan has unnecessary to speak of its connection Murikkanmar, Malayakkarinkali and so on. only one leg and people believe that he is with their myths.

34 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING CINEMA Sakthi, which was exhibited in the first international digital festival in New Delhi Digital Cinema in 2001 says digital cinema would be evolving as a major revolution in the movie industry. The artistic freedom will Revolution sets in no more be curtailed due to the financial constraints. Sunil , says the producers could reduce the cost by 90 percent on each print. Now a 2 hour film print costs Rs. 50,000 whereas a digital film costs only Rs.1500. Though the cine exhibitors now will find it difficult to upgrade their facilities for screening the digital films, they will have to do so to the need of the hour. Experts are of the view that seven to ten lakh rupees will not be a much heavy price for the upgradation of the technology when it’s long term benefits are taken into account. Sunil Pooveli says if the artists’ fee are excluded , other expenses of the film could be limited to a few lakhs even for a commercially viable film. He points out the success of the Tamil film Iruvar N. V. Ravindranathan Nair per-view sports and concerts or even a to prove his point. Broadway show- could be digitally Currently, there are about 60 digital here’s a new experience coming to screened. cinemas in the United States. Arizona movie theaters — digital cinema. Another benefit is cheaper and faster based Harkins Theatres was among the Digital cinema offers a better T distribution. Traditional films are shipped first to install a digital projection system. picture and greater sound effect than to local movie houses in film containers, In Mumbai and New Delhi , traditional conventional film format. The electronic an expensive proposition. But digital film exhibitors have started upgrading cinema known as Digital Cinema has great movies are often delivered via DVD- their facilities for the digital cinema. In advantage over the traditional film format. ROMs. These are copied to a hard drive. Thrissur there is a team of digital The person seeing the film on opening The hard drive plays the movie back enthusiasts who have already started day will have a better viewing experience through a projector. ground work for the new technology than someone viewing the same film a cinema. But the major film studio owners couple of weeks later. A few days of Sunil Pooveli, who was the director are lobbying against the new trend as their screening precipitates dirt and scratches and producer of a 35 minute digital film , infrastructure will become archaic and it on the celluloid film. Digital movies would not be a good decision for them, eliminate this degradation because they’re In Thrissur a team of on economic terms . To dissuade the nothing more than bits and bytes. There’s enthusiasts of digital cinema they point no film to suffer blemishes. It’s similar to digital enthusiasts have out the lack of depth for the digital films playing a DVD for the 100th time it looks already started ground compared to the traditional format. just as good as the first time you played it. But there are drawbacks. DVD-ROMs Digital movies carry a limitless number work for the new and hard drives are more susceptible to of sound channels, giving a fuller range. technology cinema. But theft than huge film canisters. And These movies also offer greater flexibility. converting 35mm auditoriums to digital The digital cinema could be released the major film studio compatibility is expensive. But pirating the internationally in simultaneous manner as films could be prevented to a large extent. it could be stored on a central server, owners are lobbying Nevertheless, the digital experience seems they could be streamed to any auditorium against the new trend as to be a win-win- situation for movie instantly. But it’s very complex to do the studios, theatre owners and moviegoers. same with traditional film. Satellite and their infrastructure will Going digital,distribution becomes fiber optic transmissions could open the become archaic. cheaper, exhibition more flexible and the door to special events. Art films and pay- viewing experience improved.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 35 L i fe&& C aree r Rise from the Courses & I Public Relations humble milieu and Advertising K.P. Saritha developed at that time) a ‘platform’ for dreaming high was alien. But Sethu swears Kerala Press Academy invited . Sethuraman symbolizes both that it is his basic education in those application for Journalism and Khardwork and its fruit - success. government schools that laid the Communication, Public Relations and High range plateau, stringent smell of foundation for his success. He advises Advertising- Post Graduate Diploma tea leaves all around , long stretch of those who aim civil service must prepare courses. Duration - 11 months, Eligibility layams, labours immersing in their work, from high school itself. Sethuraman had - Graduation, Age bar - 27 (5 years children playing .... nobody compelling his schooling at Tata Labour School, concession for SC-ST candidates) to attend school or to study. Amidst, the Cholamala, Little Flower Girls’ School and Selection is based on Entrance and dream of a boy to be a part of Indian Amaravati Sainik School, Tamil Nadu. Interview. Application and prospectus Civil Service is something “ that never A science student (I group) in Plus available at Rs.200 (Rs.100 for SC-ST) comes true.” Neverthless, Sethuraman Two he qualified Engineering Entrance. from the office. Those who want should fulfilled it. For that dream he spent seven But he joined BSc choosing Chemistry as years of toil; attempted six chances and all sorts of hardships . the fruit of his toil is at his hands. Now is preparing for If one’s mind is fertile and IPS training. receptive, any education Though attempted six chances, Sethu says it is 4 years of hard work that yielded. he gets will be the best for Though the dream of civil service was scaling heights... within him from high school level onwards, Sethu made that sort of attempt only while he was doing his MPil in Centre main, found soon that it was also not his for Development Studies (CDS), reach Press Academy before July 24. field. Thus he switched over to BA Those who want application by post Thiruvananthapuram. CDS played a vital Economics and joined University College, role in putting him into the right track of should write to Secretary, Kerala Press Thiruvananthapuram. For MA too he Academy, Kakkanadu, Kochi - 30 with serious study. Interactions, seminars, continued there. His education there didn’t faculty and colleague are all part of it. money order and envelop with stamp provide him all that he wanted. So he worth Rs.42. Specify the name of the Born to Karuppayya, a labourer in found treasures in State Central Library, course in money order coupon. Cheque/ Periavarai Estate, Munnar, like any other University Library and British library. draft also accepted. Application with child’s lot, Sethu too joined the nearby Even though Sethuraman first attested copies of certificates should reach school. For a appeared for preliminary while he was office before July 24. Contact No: (95484- student in doing his second year MA in 1997, he 2422275, 2422068, 2423780. government couldn’t reach the goal till the year 2002. school, that In the whole run what he got as too in Multimedia Content training is jus 1½ years in SC-ST training Munnar centre for civil service at PTP Nagar, Development Training sector Thiruvananthapuram. He says it helped Science and Technology Entrepre- (not so him a lot for preliminary exam. neurship Development (STED) Project Anyone ambitious of grabbing civil conducts Multimedia Content Develop- service can copy down the Nehruvian ment Training Programme. Those who are dictum from Sethu’s life - “To dream , to interested should contact project director, work hard for the realisation of that dream STED project, Indus Avenue, Kallai Road, and to see that dream materialised, is the Kozhikode -2 with original certificate Ph: fulfillment of life.” 0495 - 2301417 (Mob.) - 98473 - 05305

36 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING A. R. DAVIS Fashion technology Institutions Kerala calls for premium institutes PGDCA, Post Diploma at LBS centre Alappuzha - LBS Centre invites application for PGDCA and post Diploma in software Engineering-starting in July duration - 1½ years. Eligibility - Graduation for PGDCA, Engineering diploma for post diploma in Software Engineering. Separate batches in morning and evening . For application and further details, contact: LBS Centre, Municipal Library, Alappuzha, Ph: 225 4588 MSc Computer Science MSc Electronics conduct Applications are invited for MSc ducation courses Computer Science / MSc Electronics in E in Fashion extending four years Applied Science colleges at Puthupalli technology is a booming the institutes in Kerala (Kottayam)-0481-2351631, Thodupuzha - sector at the national level. Many are conducting courses with a span of 04862-228447, Kattappana-(04860- students are attracted into this field six months to one year. But experts in following the money and glamour 250160) under IHRD affiliated to MG this field are of the view that moulding attached with it . Fashion events and University and Kilianadu, (Kozhikode) a professional fashion designer other internationally renowned shows 0495-2765154, Vadakkancheri, (Palakkad) requires time and steady approach . are providing an impetus to this new 0492-2255061 (affiliated to Calicut St. Theresas College, Kochi has started field of interest. University). Application forms available a diploma course in fashion designing from colleges for Rs.300. Many educational institutes are technology. Kuttukaran Institute of Diploma in Traditional showing interest in starting fashion Fashion Technology, Kochi and technology institutes. The nationally National Institute of Designing, Kochi Architecture renowned institutes under the has been offering diploma courses. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam in Aranmula Government sector are National For those with a creative bend of (working under the Department of Cul- Institutes of Fashion Technology at mind a dedication for innovative ture) invites application for diploma in New Delhi, Ahamedabad, Banglore experiments could do wonders in this Traditional Architecture Correspondence and Chennai. JD institutes of Fashion profession. Graduates coming out of Course. Duration -1 year, Eligibility - technology in Mumbai is another national institutes after many Graduation, No. of seats - 300, Course premium institute imparting elimination round as professionals fee - Rs.5400. For application forms send professional education. But Kerala has engage in designing the costumes of Rs.50 as money order to Executive Di- celebrity showmen and show women rector, Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, not so far wide awaken to this new in Bollywood. They are excelling at the Aranmula, PIN-689 533, Pathanamthitta. pasture. Eminent fashion designers, Last date - July 31. Kochi says it is the lack of professional various fashion events. For more approach and the dearth of trained details about NIFT courses, visit: teachers that causes the stagnancy www.niftindia.com prevailing in this sector in Kerala. They By Vandana also add that while the national Vandana is a Bangalore based exponent in the institutes of fashion technologies field of fashion technology.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 37 Fashion technology Institutions Kerala calls for premium institutes PGDCA, Post Diploma at LBS centre Alappuzha - LBS Centre invites application for PGDCA and post Diploma in software Engineering-starting in July duration - 1½ years. Eligibility - Graduation for PGDCA, Engineering diploma for post diploma in Software Engineering. Separate batches in morning and evening . For application and further details, contact: LBS Centre, Municipal Library, Alappuzha, Ph: 225 4588 MSc Computer Science MSc Electronics conduct Applications are invited for MSc ducation courses Computer Science / MSc Electronics in E in Fashion extending four years Applied Science colleges at Puthupalli technology is a booming the institutes in Kerala (Kottayam)-0481-2351631, Thodupuzha - sector at the national level. Many are conducting courses with a span of 04862-228447, Kattappana-(04860- students are attracted into this field six months to one year. But experts in following the money and glamour 250160) under IHRD affiliated to MG this field are of the view that moulding attached with it . Fashion events and University and Kilianadu, (Kozhikode) a professional fashion designer other internationally renowned shows 0495-2765154, Vadakkancheri, (Palakkad) requires time and steady approach . are providing an impetus to this new 0492-2255061 (affiliated to Calicut St. Theresas College, Kochi has started field of interest. University). Application forms available a diploma course in fashion designing from colleges for Rs.300. Many educational institutes are technology. Kuttukaran Institute of Diploma in Traditional showing interest in starting fashion Fashion Technology, Kochi and technology institutes. The nationally National Institute of Designing, Kochi Architecture renowned institutes under the has been offering diploma courses. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam in Aranmula Government sector are National For those with a creative bend of (working under the Department of Cul- Institutes of Fashion Technology at mind a dedication for innovative ture) invites application for diploma in New Delhi, Ahamedabad, Banglore experiments could do wonders in this Traditional Architecture Correspondence and Chennai. JD institutes of Fashion profession. Graduates coming out of Course. Duration -1 year, Eligibility - technology in Mumbai is another national institutes after many Graduation, No. of seats - 300, Course premium institute imparting elimination round as professionals fee - Rs.5400. For application forms send professional education. But Kerala has engage in designing the costumes of Rs.50 as money order to Executive Di- celebrity showmen and show women rector, Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, not so far wide awaken to this new in Bollywood. They are excelling at the Aranmula, PIN-689 533, Pathanamthitta. pasture. Eminent fashion designers, Last date - July 31. Kochi says it is the lack of professional various fashion events. For more approach and the dearth of trained details about NIFT courses, visit: teachers that causes the stagnancy www.niftindia.com prevailing in this sector in Kerala. They By Vandana also add that while the national Vandana is a Bangalore based exponent in the institutes of fashion technologies field of fashion technology.

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 37 Battalions’ swords I N && A R OU N D Vs. Panikker’s sword MEMBERS of the battalion No.9, Madras, Travancore had borne swords. P. N . Panikker, the one member army also got ‘swords’, if words represented swords. Panikker was the untired propagator of literacy and reading. Words are mightier than sword. With words Panikker’s eyes always fell in love. Hence, he is known as Kerala’s own ambassador of letters. year. The stamp The Postal Department commemorated a battalion brought out P.N. Panikker of erstwhile Madras th stamp on 19 June - the Presidency. It was released Readers’ Day. A YOU TAKE OUR SPIRITS HIGH: Chief Minister Mr. A. K. Antony from Chennai, two months showers praise on P. S. Shyama, while giving away the prize to her. praiseworthy release. Appan ago. Yet another addition is Thampuran Hall in Thrissur Shyama’s campaign, witnessed the releasing INS Tharangini, released in ceremony. The department Kochi occasioned by the her teacher’s too also added to its philatelic accomplished world tour of worth another stamp named the Indian vessel INS IT was a prize giving When Syama was ‘9, Madras, Travancore’ this Tharangini. ceremony for the first bestowed with the love time. Everybody who and grace of whole participated was heartful. Malayalees on June 23 in Water literacy is a panacea Chief Minister A.K. the Chief Minister’s the balm when the ants have Antony was excited to Conference Hall in already eaten the wound. give away the prize. The Thiruvananthapuram, a During drought, when all the tiny hands of P.S. Syama school teacher in Vimala green has faded, we will think accepted the gold medal Hridaya School in Kollam of facing the drought; we prize titled ‘Thunchan was over-joyed. Shylaja Pathakkam.’ Syama was will weave measures to th Kusumam, the Malayalam counter flood when water the 6 rank holder in the teacher has instilled in her SSLC examination this level is about to touch our pupils the whole beauty year. Do you think the nose! of the mother tongue. All CM is falicitating her for Sunita says, Malayalees her students scored high her sixth position? No. need a water literacy to for Malayalam. A teacher’s Shyama has received a counter the havocs played by choice is the mother’s rare glory, along with drought. She was speaking at choice! rank. An achievement Media Seminar conducted as which takes the Malayali’s Shyama, the daughter part of awareness campaign spirit to soaring heights. of Surendran Nair, SUNITA NARAIN, the for Rainwater harvesting She has got 100% marks Sreevilasom, Nedumpana, Director of Centre for jointly organised by Press for her Malayalam Kollam has thus Science and Environment, Club and Jalanidhi on 22 language examination. A championed the cause of New Delhi and editor of June. Irrigation Minister mark score hitherto Malayalam. This is Syama’s Down to Earth magazine, told T.M. Jacob inaugurated the unknown in the history own Save Malayalam the secret. The secret about concluding ceremony of the of the mega SSLC exam. Campaign. the Keralites’ habit to ask for media seminar.

38 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING Kesava Iyer, the proud father Award befitting WHEN death S. KESAVA IYER is the father of Aruna Kesav. knocks at the Manager of Punjab Aruna has got the national door and body National Bank, highest in the CBSE Plus not willing to Govindapuram Branch, in Two examination. She is the heed, does one Kozhikode. He used to be first Malayalee student to win won’t pray for immersed in his routine the accolade. Praises and dying an easy money business on all the fortunes are pouring on her - death? So goes the crux of ‘Anayasena Maranam’ (dying days, all the time. He is an award of 5 lakh rupees an easy death), a story by known as an able man in from Union Health Ministry C.V. Sreeraman. The story his profession. But, lesser and the spotlights of the stand out to be a milestone in known as the father of year’s brand-ambassador to his career as a writer. On 1st Aruna. But one day, last them. Her mother Mohana July he received P. Kesavadev month, he began to be and her sister Veena are Memorial Award from more known as the proud equally happy. Information Minister M.M. Hassan. Jagannathan’s heavy outbursts MOHANLAL’S character place in the Malayalam Jagannathan in the film cinema since 1930’s one ‘Aaram Thampuran’ was a needs no much inquisitive trend-setter. His heavy mind, if the CD Rom - 75 outbursts to the villain Years of Malayalam Kolappulli Appan are as Cinema is in possession. The famous as the ‘Do you CD contains tell-tale personalities, awards, music, most thrilling section is remember this face?’ clippings from almost all facts and figures, view points, Gallery which carries us to sequence in Suresh Gopi’s important films beginning international film festivals, video, audio, stills and themes ‘Commissioner.’ Both these from Adimakal to Yavanika. films represent the taste- books on cinema, cross- of important movies. turning phase the Malayalee The CD serves as a section of films, timeline – a Designed by C-Dit, Kerala film-goers underwent. To digital book for reference. It chronological display, posters Chalachitra Academy, think of the evolution took contains fabulous sections on and advertisements. The brought out the volume. Bow ! Vow ! : lens’ thrill WHILE searching for some Kollam, a few months ago. pick up in an aluminium pot, Same was not to be the fate a dog was helplessly trapped of a dog, caught between the in the pot. The dog with slabs while taking shelter from ‘aluminium head’ strayed heavy rain. The ‘felt’ among the blind ways. “Dog without passers-by released the dog after eyes or ears,” wanton boys an hour long task. Thank the shouted before they pelt Good Samaritans. But more stones at the dog. Nobody thanks went to B. Chandra- tried to save it. Somebody kumar, who ‘captured’ the wrote a letter to Maneka entangled dog before VJT Hall, Gandhi! But before Thiruvananthapuram. The something being done, the Mathrubhumi photographer got poor dog, bringing in mind an the Farm Journalism Award x-ray film, went to the land of 2003 instituted by Indian nods. The tragic death was Veterinary Association for his featured in the local press in photograph seen here. By T. Prasannan

KERALA CALLING z July 2004 39 LETTERS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ CM’s befitting Professional Appeal Share It is heartening to note ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○ ○ now rival mainstream tribute that Kerala Calling has changed magazines. The editorial your In the June, 2004 issue of not only its contents but its board should take care to Kerala Calling, certain mis- views hues as well. Readers apathy include more articles and takes are seen. In the column toward governmental variety items, since it is a Send your In & Around, when com- responses to menting on Durbar Hall, the publications generally stems monthly publication. A little the articles date on which EMS’s mor- from lack of professionalism typographic change too is carried by this tal remains were brought in and editorial crispness. With the need of the hour. magazine to: there is wrongly given as the introduction of variety Shanavas Muhammed February 20, 1998 which was articles and interesting Rural Development Board, The Editor, actually on March 20th,1998. columns, Kerala Calling can Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Calling,

Similarly in the article on ○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Secretariat Annexe Trawling, in the table on Ex- Thiruvananthapuram. pert committees, ‘Silas Com- Vijayan’s World Pin: 695001 mittee’ is given as ‘Sailes Committee’. Chief Minister The article ‘Soulful of grace’ appeared in Kerala Calling, OR A.K. Antony tribute to late June 2004, throws a brief but right light to the world of e-mail to: Nayanar is very much touch- O.V. Vijayan. Spirituality is the essence of Indian literature. ing and befitting. Vijayan’s works stand at the pinnacle of Indianness. I thank T.M.Sankaran the author for the brevity and sharpness of the writing. [email protected] 33/1972, Edappally,Kochi C. Prakash Offce of the ST, Check Post, Manjeswaram.

LIFE&LINE P.V. KRISHNAN

40 July 2004 z KERALA CALLING