COVER STORY

ChoosingChoosing aa careercareer

n the hurry-burry world were for growth and fulfillment. to do with your working life. Suggestions everybody runs after long list of job include: z Ambivalence, fear of change or lack I oriented courses, the students as well of self-awareness, which prevent career z If you don’t know what career to as the parents are equally worried about development. choose, look at your interests. Most the success of each. Normally advice from hobbies can be translated into career z all the parts is rather confusing, leading Failing to keep up with new choices. For example, an interest in them to a wrong destination.The blind technologies. cooking could blossom into a career as notions and forgone conclusions, which z Lacking career-related self-reliance a chef. skills. prevail in our society, usually, add only z Another option is to consider the things momentum to this phenomenon. Hence Choosing a career you excel at. For example, if your it becomes the duty of every parent that Suggestions to help you choose a strongest subjects in school were a judicious and informed decision on career include: and science, you could career options should be taken by them consider a career either as a journalist while they select a career for their children. z Most hobbies and interests can be expanded into careers. Look at your or as a scientist and, if you are very A career generally means a progression interests. much interested in drawing you can in a particular field. The progression may select a career as an artist. z Analyze your skills from both paid be in many different directions - upwards, z Learn everything you can about your sideways or into another related field. work and hobbies. What are you good at? potential career. Ask your teachers or Some people are unable to effectively a career guidance bureau like the z Think about what things you like and manage their careers because previous University Employment and Guidance dislike in your life. For example: Do choices have left them few options. They Bureau for information and help. may not have continued their education you prefer to work alone or in a team? z Find out what sort of qualifications or updated their skills. Other issues that Indoor or outside? and experience you need for your can affect a person’s ability to manage his z Find out everything you can about your chosen field. career are labour market and workplace chosen field from employment changes, which are beyond his control. assistance agencies, the Internet, z Voluntary or part-time work in your Choices that can narrow your magazines and people already in the chosen field can give you a better feel career options industry. for the industry. z Voluntary or part-time work will also Some people are unable to effectively z Some industries require qualifications. give you valuable credits on your manage their careers because previous Study time must be taken into account. resume. choices or workplace changes have left z Consider doing voluntary, freelance or them few options. Common reasons part-time work in your chosen field. Starting your own business include: This will give you contacts, industry Starting your own business requires z Dropping out of high school. experience and resume credits - skill, motivation, hard work and a back- up fund of money to tide you over until z Failing to complete a tertiary degree, perhaps even a job. your venture starts making a profit. Self- postgraduate training, or specialized z Be prepared to start at the bottom (or employment can be a risky venture, so short courses. close to it) and work your way up. research your idea thoroughly and seek After the school z Having the attitude that a job is simply advice from professionals, including: a way to make money and get the bills If you have left school or soon will, it · Bank manager paid, rather than an opportunity is important to think about what you want · Accountant

12 June 2004 z CALLING · Financial advisor · Business advisory service · Business enterprise centre. HSE Avenues available to a person who is employed ACCOMMODATES You have a number of choices about your career, which may include: z Do nothing and stay in your current 2.52 LAKH position. igher Secondary course computer and library facilities. In z Take on extra responsibilities at work was introduced in 84 2004 there are 4196 batches of 50 to enrich your current position. H schools during 1990-91. each and the sanctioned strength is z Work towards getting a promotion. For During the Ninth Plan shifting of 209800 with an additional 20% example, you could do additional Pre-degree from colleges enhancement rising the total number training. accelerated and 842 higher of seats to 2,51,760. z Ask your employer to shift you to a secondary schools were started. Vocational Higher lower paying and less demanding job Thus by the end of the Ninth Plan, Secondary Education within the company. there were 932 Higher Secondary Vocational Higher Secondary z Do another job within your Schools with an annual sanctioned Education was introduced in 19 establishment that offers about the strength of 174300 students in 3486 Govt. High Schools in Kerala during same salary and exacts similar batches. During 1983-84. There are responsibilities as your current job. 2002-03 there were now 375 VHSS of 1267 HSS with There are more which 247 are z Apply for a new job with another government and 128 4194 batches and than enough establishment/company in the same annual sanctioned are private aided. field. student strength of number of higher Under VHSE there z Retrain for another career 2.30 lakhs. Out of are 1000 batches in secondary schools. 42 courses (2003). these schools, 416 If you hate your job Priority attention Out of 1000 batches, If you hate your job, it helps to work are government, of the 328 are in out why. You can make smarter career 512 private aided engineering choices once you understand the reasons and 339 private Government is technology, 204 are behind your job dissatisfaction. Some unaided. now given to in business and factors and possible solutions to consider Enrolment of quality, teacher commerce and 143 before you quit include: students in Higher are in agriculture. Secondary Schools upgradation and Similarly out of 43 z Conflict with fellow people- you was only 2.01 lakhs laboratory, subjects (SPB study), could try to negotiate better working in 2002-03 as 14 are in engineering relationships. Start by approaching computer and against the technology, 7 are in difficult people in a friendly (or at least sanctioned strength library facilities. business and civil) manner. of 2.30 lakhs.. 2.74 commerce, 6 are z Boredom - consider training for a lakh students paramedical and 4 each in agriculture promotion or taking on additional appeared for higher activities. and fisheries. The secondary examination and 1.63 sanctioned intake and actual z Stress - talk to your manager about lakh students (59.42%) passed. Total enrolment of students in VHSS ways to reduce your workload. number of teachers in higher during 2003 -04 are 33,000 and z No promotion prospects - don’t secondary schools is 16,292 in 2003 29089 respectively. 20% enhancement assume there is no possibility of and out of them 6883 (42%) are has been made this year. This shows advancement. Talk it over with your in government and 9409 (58 that students enrolled are only 88% of friends, superiors and organisations. percent) are in the aided sector. sanctioned seats. During 2003, 25543 There are more than enough students appeared for examination and z Other factors - other issues in your number of higher secondary 18723 students passed (73.3%). life, such as financial problems or schools. Priority attention of the (Source: Economic Review 2003) unsatisfying personal relationships may Government is now given to quality, be influencing your feelings about teacher upgradation and laboratory, work.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 13 · Financial advisor · Business advisory service · Business enterprise centre. HSE Avenues available to a person who is employed ACCOMMODATES You have a number of choices about your career, which may include: z Do nothing and stay in your current 2.52 LAKH position. igher Secondary course computer and library facilities. In z Take on extra responsibilities at work was introduced in 84 2004 there are 4196 batches of 50 to enrich your current position. H schools during 1990-91. each and the sanctioned strength is z Work towards getting a promotion. For During the Ninth Plan shifting of 209800 with an additional 20% example, you could do additional Pre-degree from colleges enhancement rising the total number training. accelerated and 842 higher of seats to 2,51,760. z Ask your employer to shift you to a secondary schools were started. Vocational Higher lower paying and less demanding job Thus by the end of the Ninth Plan, Secondary Education within the company. there were 932 Higher Secondary Vocational Higher Secondary z Do another job within your Schools with an annual sanctioned Education was introduced in 19 establishment that offers about the strength of 174300 students in 3486 Govt. High Schools in Kerala during same salary and exacts similar batches. During 1983-84. There are responsibilities as your current job. 2002-03 there were now 375 VHSS of 1267 HSS with There are more which 247 are z Apply for a new job with another government and 128 4194 batches and than enough establishment/company in the same annual sanctioned are private aided. field. student strength of number of higher Under VHSE there z Retrain for another career 2.30 lakhs. Out of are 1000 batches in secondary schools. 42 courses (2003). these schools, 416 If you hate your job Priority attention Out of 1000 batches, If you hate your job, it helps to work are government, of the 328 are in out why. You can make smarter career 512 private aided engineering choices once you understand the reasons and 339 private Government is technology, 204 are behind your job dissatisfaction. Some unaided. now given to in business and factors and possible solutions to consider Enrolment of quality, teacher commerce and 143 before you quit include: students in Higher are in agriculture. Secondary Schools upgradation and Similarly out of 43 z Conflict with fellow people- you was only 2.01 lakhs laboratory, subjects (SPB study), could try to negotiate better working in 2002-03 as 14 are in engineering relationships. Start by approaching computer and against the technology, 7 are in difficult people in a friendly (or at least sanctioned strength library facilities. business and civil) manner. of 2.30 lakhs.. 2.74 commerce, 6 are z Boredom - consider training for a lakh students paramedical and 4 each in agriculture promotion or taking on additional appeared for higher activities. and fisheries. The secondary examination and 1.63 sanctioned intake and actual z Stress - talk to your manager about lakh students (59.42%) passed. Total enrolment of students in VHSS ways to reduce your workload. number of teachers in higher during 2003 -04 are 33,000 and z No promotion prospects - don’t secondary schools is 16,292 in 2003 29089 respectively. 20% enhancement assume there is no possibility of and out of them 6883 (42%) are has been made this year. This shows advancement. Talk it over with your in government and 9409 (58 that students enrolled are only 88% of friends, superiors and organisations. percent) are in the aided sector. sanctioned seats. During 2003, 25543 There are more than enough students appeared for examination and z Other factors - other issues in your number of higher secondary 18723 students passed (73.3%). life, such as financial problems or schools. Priority attention of the (Source: Economic Review 2003) unsatisfying personal relationships may Government is now given to quality, be influencing your feelings about teacher upgradation and laboratory, work.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 13 COVER STORY UNIVERSITIESUNIVERSITIES OFFEROFFER MODERNMODERN COURSESCOURSES erala has now seven universities. They are University of Kerala, KUniversity of Calicut, Mahatma Gandhi University, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Cochin University of Science and Technology, University and Kerala Agricultural University. There are also two deemed universities. There are 286 Arts and Science Colleges affiliated to four Universities

Four Universities in Kerala started 131 new courses in 1.59 lakh students, 1.44 lakhs (90.6%) are for BSc courses and 50.9% for B.Com 2002-03 and 64 new courses in degree courses and 0.15 lakhs (9.4%) Course. In other words, in all the Degree in 2003-04 at graduate and are in Post Graduate Courses. courses, there are more girls than boys. post graduate levels in Enrolment of students in arts and There are 16 subjects for BA courses and modern areas like Bio- science colleges for degree and post 15 subjects for BSc courses. In BA degree chemistry, Microbiology, graduate courses decreased from 160754 courses 30.7% students are in economics Biotechnology, Computer in 2002 to 1,58,967 in 2003. Of the total and 16.4% are in history. Similarly, in BSc Sciences, Polymer 1,44,199 students for degree courses in courses 25% students are in Mathematics and 20% are in Physics. Chemistry etc. 2003, 61153 (42.4%) are for B.A Courses, 60939 (42.3%) for B.Sc courses and 22107 During 2003 there are 14768 students (15.3%) for B.Com Courses. Similarly for Post Graduate courses and out of girls form 62.5% for B.A Courses, 62.7% them 9897 (67%) are girls. Similarly out namely, Kerala, Calicut, Mahatma of the total students, 6664 Gandhi and Kannur. Out of Details of enrolment of students in Arts and Science (45.12%) are for M.A courses, these, 38 are government Colleges for Degree & Post Graduate 5912 (40.03%) are for M.Sc colleges, 148 are private aided courses in 2003. courses and 2192 (14.85%) are colleges and 100 are private for M.Com course. There are unaided colleges. 16 subjects for MA courses and Enrolment in Higher 10 subjects for MSc courses. Education. Out of the total students in MA There were 1.59 lakh students courses, 27% are in Economics in arts and science colleges during and 19% are in English. 2003. (excluding students in Similarly out of the total unaided colleges). Of the total students in MSc courses, 21% students, girls constitute 61.4 are in Mathematics and 17% in percent. Similarly out of the total Physics.

14 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING New Courses including Self COVER STORY financing Courses under the Universities Four Universities in Kerala started 131 new courses in 2002-03 and 64 new courses in 2003-04 at graduate Technical Education and post graduate levels in modern areas like Bio-chemistry, Micro-biology, Bio-technology, Computer Sciences, Private role for Polymer chemistry etc. Annual intake capacity of new courses started in 2002-03 is 10595. It is 3343 for phenomenal growth courses started during 2003-04. In , technical education witnessed Kannnur University also started five students (excluding students in unaided a phenomenal growth during the last 55 self financing schemes through its polytechnics) respectively. There are at years. This phenomenal growth in various centres during 2003-04. The present 76 engineering colleges (excluding courses were in PGDFD, PGDEC, technical education was particularly due National Institute of Technology, PGDCA, MCA, MSc, Computer to policy changes to allow participation and CUSAT) with a sanctioned Science with an annual intake is 230. of private and voluntary organisations in annual intake of 18673 students. Number setting up of technical institutions on self- Mahatma Gandhi University also of polytechnics remain unchanged at 56. financing basis. offers self financing courses through During 2002-03, seven engineering its centres, School of medical During the past five years, there has colleges were started. education, School of Technology and Applied Sciences, School of District-wise and Management wise Distribution of Communication and Information Engineering Colleges in Kerala 2003. Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Pedagogical Sciences. Private Registration There are 78734 private registrants in the three universities (Kerala, Calicut and Mahatma Gandhi) in Kerala during the year 2002-03. Stage-wise details of private registrants shows that out of the total 78734 students, 64827 students (82%) are for degree courses and 13907 (18%) are for post graduate courses. Further, of the total 64827 students for degree courses 25961 (40%) are in B.A courses and 38866 (60%) are in B.Com course. Out of the total 13907 students for post graduate courses, 7411 (53.3%) are in M.A courses, 1020 (7.3%) are in M.Sc courses and 5476 (39.4%) are in M.Com course. Teachers in arts and science colleges numbered 10458 in 2003 as been a tremendous increase of technical Engineering Colleges and against 10585 in 2002. Out of the total educational institutions in Kerala. During Enrolment college teachers in 2003, 3723 (36%) 1998-99, there were only 21 engineering 6.3 percent of the total number of are in Mahatma Gandhi University and colleges and 54 polytechnics with an intake engineering colleges in the country are in 3169 (30%) are in Kerala University. capacity of 5798 and 7080 students Similarly out of the total college Kerala. Of the total engineering colleges respectively. During the first year of the (excluding NIT, Kozhikode and CUSAT) teachers 5493 (52.5%) are women. Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-03), the While in Mahatma Gandhi Univeristy, 9 are government, 3 are private aided and number of engineering colleges and 64 are unaided/ self financing. women teachers are 53%, in Kerala polytechnics increased to 69 and 56 with University their share is 51.6%. an annual intake of 17023 and 9380 Total sanctioned annual intake of (Source: Planning Board Data) students in engineering colleges in Kerala

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 15 New Courses including Self COVER STORY financing Courses under the Universities Four Universities in Kerala started 131 new courses in 2002-03 and 64 new courses in 2003-04 at graduate Technical Education and post graduate levels in modern areas like Bio-chemistry, Micro-biology, Bio-technology, Computer Sciences, Private role for Polymer chemistry etc. Annual intake capacity of new courses started in 2002-03 is 10595. It is 3343 for phenomenal growth courses started during 2003-04. In India, technical education witnessed Kannnur University also started five students (excluding students in unaided a phenomenal growth during the last 55 self financing schemes through its polytechnics) respectively. There are at years. This phenomenal growth in various centres during 2003-04. The present 76 engineering colleges (excluding courses were in PGDFD, PGDEC, technical education was particularly due National Institute of Technology, PGDCA, MCA, MSc, Computer to policy changes to allow participation Kozhikode and CUSAT) with a sanctioned Science with an annual intake is 230. of private and voluntary organisations in annual intake of 18673 students. Number setting up of technical institutions on self- Mahatma Gandhi University also of polytechnics remain unchanged at 56. financing basis. offers self financing courses through During 2002-03, seven engineering its centres, School of medical During the past five years, there has colleges were started. education, School of Technology and Applied Sciences, School of District-wise and Management wise Distribution of Communication and Information Engineering Colleges in Kerala 2003. Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Pedagogical Sciences. Private Registration There are 78734 private registrants in the three universities (Kerala, Calicut and Mahatma Gandhi) in Kerala during the year 2002-03. Stage-wise details of private registrants shows that out of the total 78734 students, 64827 students (82%) are for degree courses and 13907 (18%) are for post graduate courses. Further, of the total 64827 students for degree courses 25961 (40%) are in B.A courses and 38866 (60%) are in B.Com course. Out of the total 13907 students for post graduate courses, 7411 (53.3%) are in M.A courses, 1020 (7.3%) are in M.Sc courses and 5476 (39.4%) are in M.Com course. Teachers in arts and science colleges numbered 10458 in 2003 as been a tremendous increase of technical Engineering Colleges and against 10585 in 2002. Out of the total educational institutions in Kerala. During Enrolment college teachers in 2003, 3723 (36%) 1998-99, there were only 21 engineering 6.3 percent of the total number of are in Mahatma Gandhi University and colleges and 54 polytechnics with an intake engineering colleges in the country are in 3169 (30%) are in Kerala University. capacity of 5798 and 7080 students Similarly out of the total college Kerala. Of the total engineering colleges respectively. During the first year of the (excluding NIT, Kozhikode and CUSAT) teachers 5493 (52.5%) are women. Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-03), the While in Mahatma Gandhi Univeristy, 9 are government, 3 are private aided and number of engineering colleges and 64 are unaided/ self financing. women teachers are 53%, in Kerala polytechnics increased to 69 and 56 with University their share is 51.6%. an annual intake of 17023 and 9380 Total sanctioned annual intake of (Source: Planning Board Data) students in engineering colleges in Kerala

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 15 Engineering colleges (Thriuvanantha- puram, , Kottayam, Thrissur and Kothamangalam) with an intake of 30 students in each college. 26 self financing colleges also conduct MCA course and the total intake is 1315 students. In order to improve the capacity, quality and efficiency of Technical Education system in Kerala a major project-‘Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme’ has been undertaken with the assistance of World Bank. The vision is to ensure the highest quality in technical education at state level consistent with State and National Policies and requirements to produce the best world class engineering professionals so as to provide impetus to industry, business and services to make the country as economic power house. This envisages academic autonomy, managerial autonomy, administrative autonomy and financial autonomy through lead and network institutions. College of Engineering, , LBS College of Engineering, Kasaragod, SCT College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, Model Engineering College, Kochi , MES College of students in Government engineering is 18673 in 2003 as against 17023 in 2002 Engineering, Kuttippuram and College of colleges is 157 in 2003. Post Graduate (excluding NIT Kozhikode and CUSAT). Engineering, Chengannoor have been Courses are there in six subjects. Besides, It shows that annual intake increased by selected for the project. NIT, Kozhikode, 9.7 percent in 2003. Total sanctioned MCA courses are conducted in five annual intake of students in Kerala is 5.2 percent of the total sanctioned intake of Stage-wise Expenditure on Education (2000-01 to 2002-03) students in India. Besides, part-time B.Tech Degree courses are being offered through three engineering colleges (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Thrissur) in different disciplines with a total intake of 610 students. Analysis shows that out of 18673 sanctioned seats, 4785 (25%) are in Electronics and Communication, 4410 (24%) are in Computer Science, 2535 (14%) are in Information Technology, 2400(13%) are in Electrical Engineering, 1711 (9%) are in Mechanical Engineering, 902 (5%) are in Civil Engineering and 1930 (10%) are in other branches. It shows that 63% of seats are in Electronics, Computer science and Information Technology. Intake of post graduate

16 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING Institute of Institutions and Annual Intake of Students under IHRD-2003 Human Resources Development (IHRD) The IHRD established by Government of Kerala in 1987 has at present 2 regional centres, one extension centre, 6 engineering colleges, 6 model polytechnics, 18 is also selected in the project. Technical Higher Secondary Schools and Polytechnics and Technical Branch-wise details of Courses with High Schools sanctioned intake of students under NIT There are 56 polytechnics in the state of which 42 are Government, 6 are private aided and 8 are self financing. Out of 42 government polytechnics, 7 are Women’s Polytechnics and one is a residential women’s polytechnic established under World Bank Project. The polytechnics conduct Diploma Courses in 23 different disciplines. Multi point Entry and Credit system has been introduced in three government polytechnics. Intake of students in polytechnics, excluding self financing, is 9380 in 2003. Out of the total 28180 students in polytechnics in 2003, 10344 (37%) are girls. There are 1679 teachers in Polytechnics of which 409 (24%) are women. There are 39 Technical High Schools in the state. Intake of students is 2085 in 2003. Out of the total 6255 students in technical high schools in 2003, 615 (10%) 14 Applied Science Colleges. Applied are girls. There are 1015 teachers in Science Colleges and Engineering Technical High Schools in 2003 of which Colleges are fully self financing 183 are women. institutions. IHRD and associated Cochin University of Science institutions have an annual intake of 6839 and Technology students. The University of Cochin established National Institute of in 1971 was upgraded and reorganised as Technology- Kozhikode Cochin University of Science and Regional Engineering College started Technology in 1986. The University has in 1961, is now developed as a Deemed at present 28 schools/departments and 6 University, National Institute of associated institutes with an annual intake Technology. Total sanctioned strength is of about 5000 students in different 539 and out of it 375 are in B.Tech and courses. Similarly, 19 engineering colleges 134 are in M.Tech courses. NIT conduct are affiliated to the university. B.Tech , M.Tech and MCA courses.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 17 COVER STORY CRAFTSMENCRAFTSMEN TRAININGTRAINING COURSES:COURSES: Changing Demands S. Sudarsanan The existing vocational training courses offered through the INDUS- At present in India we have very 22 lakh students after complex system of education & training. TRIAL TRAINING INSTITUTES We have two ministries focusing on passing 10’th Exam opt (I.T.Is) and private INDUSTRIAL CEN- education and training (MHRD &DGET for formal vocational TRES (ITCs) is not sufficiently respon- under Min. Labour) and the third Ministry sive to the market needs as it lacks flex- i.e. Ministry of Information Technology training or they enter the ibility to offer courses suited to the man responsible for IT based Education & world of work through power training requirement of industry, learning systems modern High tech industries, services sec- informal channel/avenues. tors and unorganized sector. Efforts are This has lead us to have: Further, if the students on to revamp the courses according to the 1. Un-symmetric approach to meet a very dropping out after need of the age. important factor of skilled man power At present there are 32 I.T.Is in the required for changing economic needs completing 8 or 9 years of govt.sector, 385 I.T.Cs in the private sector 2. Generation of mis-matched qualified schooling were also 41 ITCs in S/C department and one ITC man power considered, the demand in S/T department (total-459) functioning 3. Increase in numbers of unemployed under the department. Out of the 49 people with some educational in puts for training would be as trades designated by DGET /NCVT, 4. Unrest in the qualified younger high as 188 lakh and govt. India, 39 trades are conducted in the generation. availability of training above I.T.Is/ITCs. The total seating capacity in all the 459 The training avenues available to youth seats are far less. in the country after completing 10’th class institutes in the state is 55,576. Out of are approximately of the order of 16.5 this about 15 % seats are not filled up lakhs (DGET programme, Vocational education, Technical education). As per the data available from Min. HRD, Government of India about 55 lakh students pass 10’th class on all India basis, out of which 33 lakh seek admission in 12’th class. Therefore 22 lakh students after passing 10’th Exam opt for formal vocational training or they enter the world of work through informal channel/ avenues. Further, if the students dropping out after completing 8 or 9 years of schooling were also considered, the demand for training would be as high as 188 lakh and availability of training seats are far less. Summing up vocational training is needed for following: Student dropping after 12’th std-14 lakh Student dropping after 10’th std-22lakh Student dropping after 12’th std-188 lakh

18 June 2004 KERALA CALLING every year. At the time of ALL INDIA Additional employment generation in TRADE TESTS it is found that there is the organized sector is not significant 25 % drop out. i.e. scope for additional wage Trades in Employment & employment in the organized sector is Unemployment Situation limited. ITIs & ITCs 72% of the job seekers registered with Significant employment generation is the Employment Exchanges are less taking place in tertiary sector in Kerala than 30 years of age particularly in services industries. Carpenter Educated (X standard and above) job Emerging Potential Areas for Computer Operator seekers constitute about 70% of the Better Employment and Programming Assistant total job seekers registered with the Opportunity Draught's man Civil employment exchanges 70 % growth in employment Draught's man Mechanical 7 to 8% of the total employment are in opportunities to be generated over the Dress Making the organized sector, next 10 years will be in service sector. Desk Top Publishing Operator i,e, unorganized sector dominate in the Formal sector services such as Electrician employment scenario. communication, insurance, certain Electroplater categories of transport, printing and Fitter electronic media, high-income hotels and Foundry Man Total seats in 459 ITIs restaurants, education and health generate Forger and Heart Treater and ITCs in the state is high quality work opportunities. Hair & Skin Care 55,576. Out of this There are traditional consumer Machanist services such as retail shops, low income Mechanic Agriculture about 15 % seats are restaurants, hair cutting saloons, tailoring, Machinery not filled up every year. photographers, taxies and small truckers Mechanic Diesel At the time of ALL where most of the establishment are small Mechanic Electronics in terms of employment size i.e. Mechanic Instrument INDIA TRADE TESTS employment being not more than one or Mechanic Millwright it is found that there is two including the proprietor. Mechanic Motor Vehicle 25 % drop out. India has enormous potential for both Mechanic Radio & Television domestic and international tourism. But Mechanic Refrigeration & this area is highly unexploited. Large Air Conditioning volumes of international tourism could Mechanic Watch & Clock contribute a substantial expansion in Mechanic Tractor productive employment opportunities Painter General In future. Photography Information Technology is a new area. Plastic Processing Operator The potential employment opportunities Plumber provided by IT cover highly skilled Secretarial Practice activities such as software development as Sheet Metal Worker well as large number of IT enabled Stenography (English) services such as call centers, customer Stenography (Hindi) relation management, back office Surveyor accounting, medical transcriptions etc. Tool and Die Maker (Jigs & Fixtures) Telecommunication is an area where Tool and Die Maker much skill becomes obsolete even before (Dies & Moulds) they are fully attained because of change Turner of technology requiring skill upgradation Upholstery regularly. Construction and road transport are other sectors having large employment Welder opportunity besides agriculture. Wireman The Writer is Additional Director & Secretary of Information Technology State Council for Vocational Training, Directorate & Electronic Service Mechanic of Employment & Training.

KERALA CALLING June 2004 19 every year. At the time of ALL INDIA Additional employment generation in TRADE TESTS it is found that there is the organized sector is not significant 25 % drop out. i.e. scope for additional wage Trades in Employment & employment in the organized sector is Unemployment Situation limited. ITIs & ITCs 72% of the job seekers registered with Significant employment generation is the Employment Exchanges are less taking place in tertiary sector in Kerala than 30 years of age particularly in services industries. Carpenter Educated (X standard and above) job Emerging Potential Areas for Computer Operator seekers constitute about 70% of the Better Employment and Programming Assistant total job seekers registered with the Opportunity Draught's man Civil employment exchanges 70 % growth in employment Draught's man Mechanical 7 to 8% of the total employment are in opportunities to be generated over the Dress Making the organized sector, next 10 years will be in service sector. Desk Top Publishing Operator i,e, unorganized sector dominate in the Formal sector services such as Electrician employment scenario. communication, insurance, certain Electroplater categories of transport, printing and Fitter electronic media, high-income hotels and Foundry Man Total seats in 459 ITIs restaurants, education and health generate Forger and Heart Treater and ITCs in the state is high quality work opportunities. Hair & Skin Care 55,576. Out of this There are traditional consumer Machanist services such as retail shops, low income Mechanic Agriculture about 15 % seats are restaurants, hair cutting saloons, tailoring, Machinery not filled up every year. photographers, taxies and small truckers Mechanic Diesel At the time of ALL where most of the establishment are small Mechanic Electronics in terms of employment size i.e. Mechanic Instrument INDIA TRADE TESTS employment being not more than one or Mechanic Millwright it is found that there is two including the proprietor. Mechanic Motor Vehicle 25 % drop out. India has enormous potential for both Mechanic Radio & Television domestic and international tourism. But Mechanic Refrigeration & this area is highly unexploited. Large Air Conditioning volumes of international tourism could Mechanic Watch & Clock contribute a substantial expansion in Mechanic Tractor productive employment opportunities Painter General In future. Photography Information Technology is a new area. Plastic Processing Operator The potential employment opportunities Plumber provided by IT cover highly skilled Secretarial Practice activities such as software development as Sheet Metal Worker well as large number of IT enabled Stenography (English) services such as call centers, customer Stenography (Hindi) relation management, back office Surveyor accounting, medical transcriptions etc. Tool and Die Maker (Jigs & Fixtures) Telecommunication is an area where Tool and Die Maker much skill becomes obsolete even before (Dies & Moulds) they are fully attained because of change Turner of technology requiring skill upgradation Upholstery regularly. Construction and road transport are other sectors having large employment Welder opportunity besides agriculture. Wireman The Writer is Additional Director & Secretary of Information Technology State Council for Vocational Training, Directorate & Electronic Service Mechanic of Employment & Training.

KERALA CALLING June 2004 19 TRIBUTE The leader, unparalleled

E.K. Nayanar (1919 - 2004) A.K. Antony neighbours, for a few months. I was the me, decided to send him to Escorts Chief Minister Chief Minister then. Our family members Hospital, Delhi. We had high expec- also came in close relationship during the tations on the treatment there. On .K. Nayanar stands unique period. Nayanar had a special love for my his return to Thiruvananthapuram, I among popular leaders of children. His beloved wife Sarada teacher along with family visited him. We all EKerala. After AKG, the mantle happily joined us like a member of our had the hope that he will be com- of the most popular communist leader family. fortable for a period. fell on Nayanar. Since I picked up my He had been the Chief Minister when Months later he was again sent early lessons in politics, I had heard I was the Leader of Opposition for five to Delhi. This time in AIIMS. When of him. But only during the 80s I years. During this period, provoked by could establish personal relationship I went to see him in AIIMS, the political differences on many occasions, inevitable was just behind the door. with him. It was a period when we frictions between us came to the fore on were having alliance with CPI(M). As His penchant for talking was gone. political and administrative issues. But we He recognised none. a party leader, involving in various could keep the warm relation of our issues, Nayanar always registered a friendship and it never derailed. Days after, the news came. I heard the news of his demise when striking chord. On many occasions I During the last years of Nayanar, our had noted one thing – he presented relationship became more intense, beyond I was in Mumbai airport en route to perspectives of his own, and of his words. His warm behaviour, unfailing Delhi. In landing Delhi, I rushed to party, in a remarkable and conspicuous innocence and deep love drove me close, the Kerala House to have a final look manner and, of course, on inimitable very close to him. In the hearts of my at him. I stood intently looking at his terms. children too, he carved out a territory of face for a few moments. It was calm When we were working together love for him. ... as if he was enjoying calmness. The wailing of Sarada Teacher looking at in the ruling coalition I had got the Nayanar had been keenly bent on her beloved husband was a heart opportunity to observe him working carrying out the mission given to him by as a Chief Minister. The interest of his party, however difficult it was to be. breaking scene. It seems both these the farmers, the labourers and the Crowds were his weakness. He became sights will haunt me through out my poor controlled his heart. He was active when he saw the people. He yearned life. always mindful for them. to mingle with them, to speak to them. As a unique political leader, in- Politics may find quick turns. We Before the people he forgot everything nocence, honesty and adherence to parted upon political stands. Yet the and it was this passion for the people that the principles of his faith are his hall- personal relationship that began compelled him to ignore the warnings marks. People of Kerala loved him. during our political honeymoon from doctors. The tears that were shed along the continued till the last days in his life. On an occasion we found that he was roadside from Thiruvananthapuram When Nayanar was the State very weak. The diseases with him were to Kannur defying the unabated rain Secretary of the CPI(M), we were playing foul. His beloved ones, including stand testimony to this.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 3 CURRENT AFFAIRS UPA’s Common Minimum Programme A Pack of Humanism with Pragmatism

The President, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam administering the oath of office of the Prime Minister to Dr. in New Delhi on 22nd May 2004.

M. Shyama Meher tact and tactics. One should appreciate that the left parties is unaware that the irred by a Prime Minister who knows On a closer look, one labour reforms are seminal to market his Adam Smith and Marx, UPA’s could find that the CMP (Common Minimum competitiveness and wealth-generation, S UPA Governemnt especially after the Chinese experience of Programme) document packs soft humanism with tough pragmatism. CMP adhered the basic ‘market socialism’. stirs up expectations of the highest order. principles of governance Human Face What is most exciting is that compared to in preparing the Common If still there are doubting Thomases, the UF Government’s version in 1996, the Minimum Programme. take the case of West Bengal Government, current CMP is more exhaustive. The prompt and powerful run by the Left. In a press conference, Is CMP a pack of too much divergent implementation of it the WB Chief Minister claimed that his ideas? Not necessarily, since it will allow would definietely keep the state had received the “maximum FDI” safe passage for all pragmatic ideas of from Japan and that leading Japanese firms partners having different view points. The reforms forward while like Mitsubitshi and Marubeni were elastic in the framing of CMP, smacks of protecting the interest of coming to the State in a big way. “What the typical Dr Manmohan Singh, allowing the common man. we (Left) want is what the Prime Minister space and time for everyone to grow into has said about reforms with a human

4 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING face,” West Bengal CM had said. This ‘human face’ element is definitely the Highlights of the CMP common piece of elastic that is set to bind the parties in UPA. First of all, this goes To pursue a composite dialogue with Pakistan. well with the wisdom from the current Not to privatise any profit-making state run company, including the election. The voters’ signal is that reforms ‘Navratnas’ or nine jewels. The Navratnas are nine large profit-making are not ends, but only means. Not that it public sector units in the core sectors of oil, power and heavy engineering. is a piece of sheer political wisdom. Approach privatisation on a case-by-case basis — selling off loss-making Economists of the genre of Amartya Sen companies after obtaining workers’ assent. had been making enough pointers. In both economic and political terms, CMP To initiate a national dialogue on job reservation for SC and ST people recognises the need for dropping the in the private sector. blinkers of balance sheet bottomline and To table the Women’s Reservation Bill. dovetailing the reforms into the To provide new impetus to diplomatic and economic relations with Arab regeneration of rural agricultural nations. economy. To review Electricity Bill 2004. Education Cess Give managerial autonomy to state-run banks. For a State like Kerala, UPA’s emphasis Encourage overseas investment in hydrocarbon sector. on increasing the outlay on education and health is never too early. The CMP would Follow policies that help oil security of the country. be able to ensure that the education cess Raise expenditure on education to six percent of GDP. will be strictly held in special corpus for Introduce a cess on all federal taxes to finance the commitment to investment into education. universalise access to quality basic education. Power Reforms Enactment of the National Employment Guarantee Act to provide a The unilateral enforcement of legal guarantee for atleast 100 days of employment. reforms without even a review caused a Repealing POTA, while strictly enforcing existing laws. set back in states like Andhra. . UPA rightly Legislation for one -third reservation for women in Loksabha and State sees the need to take a second look at the Assemblies. Indian Electricity Act, 2003, to examine Strengthening the Public Distribution System. if the clauses allowing the delicensing of generation, induction of private licensees To await verdict of courts on Ayodhya, while encouraging negotiation in transmission and distribution, open between parties to the dispute. access in transmission from the outset and Article 370 to be respected in letter and in spirit. in distribution by phases, and the Economic reforms with human face. unbundling and winding up the State Enactment of Lok Pal Bill into law. Electricity Boards have been in the right direction. Instead of making value Introduce a cess on all federal taxes to finance the commitment to judgements, UPA Government would do universalise access to quality basic education. good to make a cost-benefit analysis of On interest rate policy, to provide incentives to investors, senior citizens the increase in farm output after the input and pensioners. of free electricity. The agricultural tax ahead with disinvestment/privatisation on should be set in tune with the power some sorely needed limelight. There has a “transparent, consultative, case-by-case” subsidies. The subsidies would be justified, been a whole spectrum of political stands basis. if the Government has the enforcement on this topic, ranging from that they have ‘lived past their obsolence’ to arguments mechanism to ensure tax flows to the On a closer look, one could find that for a highly protective subsidised exchequer from the free power-backed the UPA Governemnt adhered the basic overstaffed units. The one that UPA has farms. principles of governance in preparing the endorsed is that the PSUs, despite their Common Minimum Programme. The Public Sector Reforms diverse scale, size and profitability, are prompt and powerful implementation of One of the best results of UPA’s CMP probably the country’s safeguards against it would definietely keep the reforms is that for the first time after economic dependency on foreign players. forward while protecting the interest of Independence, public sector is lapping up In tune with this, the CMP targets to go the common man.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 5 CURRENT AFFAIRS A Profile of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the PM of India

Venkateshwara University, Tirupathi, Father’s Name : Shri Gurmukh Singh Panjabi University, Patiala, University of Mother’s Name : Shrimati Amrit Kaur Mysore, Mysore, University of Bologna, Date of Birth : 26 September 1932 Italy, Kurukshetra University, Place of Birth : Gah (West Punjab) Kurukshetra, Osmania University, Marital Status : Married on 14 Sept:1958 Hyderabad, Nagarjuna University, Spouse’s Name :Shrimati Gursharan Kaur Nagarjunanagar and Dr. Bhimrao Children : Three daughters Ambedkar University, Agra; recipient of honorary degree of (i) Doctor of Laws Educational Qualifications : M.A., D.Phil from University of Alberta, Edmonton, (Oxford), D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) Canada, (ii) Doctor of Social Sciences Educated at Universities of Panjab, from University of Roorkee, Roorkee, (iii) Cambridge and Oxford D.Sc. from Chaudhary Charan Singh Profession : Professor and Civil Servant Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, Positions Held : (iv) Thapar Institute of Engineering and 1971-72 Economic Advisor, Ministry Technology, Patiala, (v) H.H. Kanchi Sri of Foreign Trade, India-1972-76 Chief Parmacharya Award for Excellence, 1999 Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Committee for the Ministry of Finance-1 and (vi) Annasaheb Chirmule Award, India-1976-80 Director, Reserve Bank of Aug. 1996-4 Dec. 1997 Chairman, 2000; Conferred, (i) University Medal for India-Director, Industrial Development Parliamentary Standing Committee on standing first in B.A.(Hons.), Economics, Bank of India-Alternate Governor for Commerce-21 March 1998 onwards Panjab University, Chandigarh, 1952, (ii) India-Board of Governors, Asian Leader of the Opposition-Rajya Sabha 5 Uttar Chand Kapur Medal, Panjab Development Bank, Manila-Alternate June 1998 onwards Member, Committee University, Chandigarh, for standing first Governor for India, Board of Governors, on Finance June 2001 Re-elected to Rajya in M.A.(Economics) 1954, (iii) Wright’s I.B.R.D. Nov. 1976 - April 1980 Secretary, Sabha Aug. 2001 onwards Member, Prize for distinguished performance at St. Ministry of Finance (Department of General Purposes Committee. John’s College, Cambridge, 1955 and 1957, Economic Affairs)-1985 Governor, Books Published : (iv) Adam Smith Prize, University of Cambridge, U.K., 1956, (v) Padma Reserve Bank of India -1982-85 Alternate Author of a book entitled “India’s Vibhushan, 1987, (vi) Euromoney Award, Governor for India-Board of Governors, Export Trends and Prospects for Self- Finance Minister of the Year, 1993 (vii) I.M.F. 1983-84 Member, Economic Sustained Growth” Clarendon Press, Asiamoney Award, Finance Minister of Advisory Council to the Prime Minister Oxford University, 1964; also published a the Year for Asia, 1993 and 1994, (viii) 1990-14 March 1991-Advisor to the Prime large number of articles in various Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award Minister of India on Economic Affairs economic journals. 15 March 1991-20 June 1991-Chairman, of the Indian Science Congress U.G.C.- 21 June 1991-15 May 1996 Union Social and Cultural Activities, Association, 1994-95, (ix) Justice K.S. Finance Minister-Oct. 1991 Elected to Literary, Artistic and Scientific Hegde Foundation Award, 1996, (x) Rajya Sabha-1991-95 Governor for India Accomplishments and other Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth by on the Board of Governors of the I.M.F. Special Interests : the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. and the International Bank for Recipient of honorary degrees of (N.I.K.K.E.I.), publisher of Japan’s leading Reconstruction and Development-June D.Litt. from Panjab University, business daily,1997 and (xi) Lokmanya 1995 Re-elected to Rajya Sabha-1996 Chandigarh, Guru Nanak University, Tilak Award by the Tilak Smarak Trust, onwards Member, Consultative Amritsar, Delhi University, Delhi, Sri Pune, 1997

6 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING UnionUnion MinistersMinisters && theirtheir PortfoliosPortfolios As on 25th May 2004 Cabinet Ministers Ocean Development Vilas Muttemwar Non-conventional Pranab Mukherjee Defence Energy Sources Arjun Singh Human Resource Development Kumari Selja Urban Employment and Agriculture, Food & Poverty Alleviation Civil Supplies, Civil Aviation Consumer Affairs and Premchand Gupta Company Affairs Public Distribution Laloo Prasad Railways Ministers of State Shivraj Patil Home E. Ahmed External Affairs Chemicals and Fertilisers, Steel Suresh pachauri Personnel, Public grievances & Parliamentary Affairs, Pension, Parliamentary Affairs Urban Development B.K. Handique Defence, Parliamentary Affairs S. Information and Broadcasting, Health and Family Welfare Culture Dasari Narayan Rao Coal and Mines Sis Ram Ola Labour and Employment Shaqeel Ahmed Communications & IT P. Chidambaram Finance Rao Inderjit Singh External Affairs Naranbhai Rathwa Railways Mahavir Prasad Small Scale, Agro and Rural Industries Rehman Khan Chemicals and Fertilizers P.R. Kyndiah Tribal Affairs, Development K.H. Muniappa Road Transport and of North-East Highways T.R. Baalu Shipping, Road Transport M.V. Rajashekharan Planning & Highways Kantilal Bhuria Agriculture, S. Vaghela Textiles Consumer Affairs, Natwar Singh External Affairs Food and Commerce and Industry Public Distribution H.R. Bhardwaj Law and Justice Manik Rao Gavit Home Affairs Sri Prakash Jaiswal Home Affairs P.M. Sayeed Power Prithviraj Chavan Prime Minister’s Office Raghuvansh Prasad Singh Rural Development Taslimuddin Agriculture, P.R. Dashmunsi Water Resources Consumer Affairs, Food Mani Shankar Aiyar Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Public Distribution Panchayati Raj Suryakanta Patil Rural Development, Sunil Dutt Youth Affairs and Sports Parliamentary Affairs Meira Kumar Social Justice and A.A. Fatmi Human Resource Development A. Narendra Rural Development Empowerment R. Velu Railways K. Chandra Shekar Rao Cabinet Minister without portfolio S.S. Palanimanikkam Finance S. Regupathy Home Affairs Shibu Soren Coal, Mines and Minerals K. Venkatapathy Law and Justice A. Raja Environment and Forest Subbulakshmi Jegadeesan Social Justice and Dayanidhi Maran Communication and IT Empowerment Anbumani Ramdoss Health and Family Welfare E.V.K. Elangovan Commerce and Industry Ministers of State (Independent charge) Kanti Singh Human Resource Development Namo Narayan Meena Environment and Forests Santosh Mohan Dev Heavy Industries and Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav Water Resources Public Enterprises Akhilesh Singh Agriculture, Jagdish Tytler Non-Resident Affairs Consumer Affairs,Food and Statistics and Public Distribution Programme Implementation Ministries that have remained unallocated will be looked after Renuka choudhury Tourism by the Prime Minister, namely Ministry of Personnel, Public Subodh Kant Sahai Food processing Grievences and Pension, Ministry of Planning, Dept. of Atomic Energy and Dept. of Space. Science and Technology,

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 7 FISHERIES BANBAN ONON TRAWLINGTRAWLING THETHE AQUATICAQUATIC ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

The environmental degradation due to indiscriminate “bottom trawling “ was alarming and causing severe depletion of D. SanJeeva Ghosh loss of potential benefits as food, income, the regenerating and employment and others, both immediately isheries play an important role in and in the long term. renewable natural aquatic the Kerala Economy and its Another important function of any resources, predominately the Fimportance can be identified under fisheries legal regime is to establish the marine fishes. Fishing by two headings ie, its contribution to the institutional arrangements and procedures food supply and its contribution to the mechanised trawling was necessary to reduce potential conflicts and states economy and employment. facilitate their resolution when they occur. identified as the most It is important for fisheries managers In view of the social and economic nature dangerous environmental to realize that, when resources are being of more conflicts related to fisheries over exploited or exploited in an management, attention may frequently intervention in the marine irresponsible manner, a failure to act will need to be given to achieving a balance aquatic eco system. have negative consequences in the future. of interests when resolving conflict, rather Reducing fish stocks to biologically and than attempting to identify a correct and ecologically harmful levels will result in a an incorrect party.

8 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING Mechanisation as a whole. The The Norwegian Government’s Techno economic aid environmental project was started in 1953 in two fishing villages degradation due to Sakthikulngara and Neendakara in Kerala. The fisher people indiscriminate “ bottom were exposed to new fishing technologies and various techno trawling “ was alarming economic stimuli presented by the Indo – Norwegian Project and causing severe (INP) The Indo – Norwegian Project introduced new and depletion of the more effective production equipments, new boats and better regenerating and nets. In the beginning, there were, of course, difficulties, renewable natural but in due course, fishermen managed to keep the aquatic resources, mechanised means of fishing as an essential change of the predominately the fishing method along with the introductions of the modern marine fishes. Fishing nylon net used for drift net fishing in the night. by mechanised trawling was identified as the In 1957, the INP has started the Mechanisation most dangerous Programme (MP) by introducing three medium sized boats environmental The mechanised wing, with 20 BHP engine fitted with machanised winch, echo intervention in the sounders, and wireless telephones. Later the State Fisheries marine aquatic eco monopolised by non – Department was aided by FAO in providing craft & Gear system. and other needy equipments for storage & transportation. fishermen communities, The traditional The Department also introduced boat building yards. is not only taking the Simultaneously the private sector with non-fishermen made fishermen complained inroads into the fishing industry. The number and size of that the noise of the best out but also pushing mechanised boats was boats increased with most modern equipment’s. Export of out even the traditional shrimps and other important varieties of fish have started in searing away the fish. the private sector. No fishermen owned a single ice plant, Since the boats use occupation of a set of Export unit etc. So with this majority, the minority of actual nylon nets, they sweep fishermen with meager number of boats were not in a the entire fish wealth in people who for centuries position to compete. Introduction of large number of the area, including their were solely subsisting on mechanised boats mostly trawlers by INP –1957 by the state spawns and destroy the Government resulted in the entry of non fishermen and egg not allowing for this. The natural fishing middlemen into the industry and their activities remitted in regeneration and resources are exploited the over of natural resources and exploitation of traditional ultimatly the sources are fishermen. getting grossly depleted. at indiscriminate levels Water is polluted and The Mechanisation and the Consequent participation of they kill the spawn of and the eco-system higher communities in fishing have gone to such a greater fish with spilling of oil hampered extent that they have almost completely conquered the from the engines. Above mechanised wing, where only a meagre percentage of actual all though the unscrupulously. fishermen have so far entered. The mechanised wing, monopolised by non – fishermen EXPERT COMMITTEES ON operational area is restricted to communities, is not only taking “ BAN ON TRAWLING” IN KERALA offshore grounds only, they are the best out but also pushing out poaching into the inshore areas even the traditional occupation Babu Paul Committee 1981 cousing damages to nets of of a set of people who for Kalawar Committee 1985 small fishermen by way of centuries were solely subsisting Balakrishnan Nair Committee 1989 cutting and dragging. on this. The natural fishing Core – Team & Study Group 1990 Marine Fisheries in Kerala resources are exploited at Balakrishnnan Nair Committee II 1991 has been, for the last many indiscriminate levels and the eco- P.S.B.R James Committee 1992 years, in the grip of a turmoil. system hampered At stake are the interests of the unscrupulously. Sailes Committee 1992 Balakrishnan Nair Committee III 2000 traditional fishers whose sole Bottom Trawling means of livelihood is fishing Trawl – Ban Impact study Team 2001 and the industrial fishing “ Bottom Trawling” was the Meenakumari Committee 2003 most effective method and operators who expecct means of fishing adopted by reasonable returns from their majority of the Machanised investments. The technological Boats. By the increase in number of “ Mechanised Boats “, advancement have unleashed unhealthy competition with the fishing pressure exerted on the natural fishery resources the traditional fishing methods essentially owing to the and aquatic biota increased to a greater extent there by open access nature of the resources. The revelation that geopardising the natural aquatic habitat and the ecosystem the marine product is a viable channel for drawing in

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 9 foreign exchange has only compounded the issues. T h e mechanised bottom trawlers, were the main causative factor for euphoria of modernisation of fishing operations, though lasted the reduction of fishery resources in the sea. They also argued for a few years, started waning by late seventies the and early that they were deprived of their normal catches on account of eighties, when the apprehension of an impending threat of the extensive fishing carried out by the bottom trawlers in the depletion of some of the prime resources grappled the fisheries inshore areas. The bottom counter, the flora and the fauna are sector. The overall decline in total fish landing during the late all affected very adversily by these dragging gear. The monsoon seventies resulted in growing conflicts between the fishermen period of June, July and August, they identified, as the most belonging to the mechanised and non-mechanised sectors, for vulnerable season subjected to multifarious destruction to the fishing time, space and resources. Trawling, purse seining and breeding ground of fishes and other organisms by the bottom ring seining, were identified by the traditional fishermen as the trawlers, and demanded a total ban on trawling during these major destructive fishing methods which led to clashes and months. There have also been frequent clashes between the confrontations among the fishermen. The artisanal fishermen fishermen belonging to the traditional and mechanised sectors engaged in fishing by means of their traditional craft and gear leading to very serious law an order situations and even loss of protested collectively against mechanised means of fishing and life and property. demanded total ban on such fishing methods. This has subsequently led to law and order problems in the coastal areas. BAN ON TRAWLING IN KERALA (1988-2003) After reviewing the situation and analysing the declining trend Year Ban on Trawling No. of days Remarks of catches from the sea and the possible causes, the Government From To of Kerala, in the year 1980, under the purview of the KMFR Except Act, prohibited the use of purse seine, ring seine, pelagic trawl 1988 02.07.1988 31.08.1988 61 Neendakara and mid water trawl gear for fishing in the territorial waters of 1989 20.07.1989 31.08.1989 43 Entire Coast Kerala. The traditional fishermen pleaded for ban on the bottom 1990 28.06.1990 21.07.1990 24 “ trawling also, saying that it was deleterious to the fishery wealth, 1991 15.07.1991 13.08.1991 30 “ benthic fauna and bottom conditions of the sea and its eco- system as a whole. In their view that the bottom trawling was 1992 21.06.1992 03.08.1998 44 “ not a healthy fishing method suited for the tropical seas where 1993 15.06.1993 15.07.1993 45 “ the fishery is composed of a large number of species and varieties of different sizes and habits occurring in small shoals. Scientists 1994 15.06.1994 29.07.1994 45 “ and researchers opined that the ‘ trawling ‘ type of fishing using 1995 15.06.1995 29.07.1995 45 “ wide mouthed ‘dragnets’ destroys the biota and bottom 1996 15.06.1996 29.07.1996 45 “ environment of the sea and it causes irecoverable losses and irreparable damages to the natural ecosystem resulting in severe 1997 15.06.1997 29.07.1997 45 “ inbalances in the aquatic eco system. But, Considering the 1998 15.06.1998 29.07.1998 45 “ significance of the quantity of prawns and demersal fishes 1999 15.06.1999 29.07.1999 45 “ brought to the shore by the bottom trawlers and the efforts they make in tapping the resources of the unexploited offshore areas 2000 15.06.2000 29.07.2000 45 “ the Government did not incline to the demand for ban of bottom 2001 15.06.2001 29.07.2001 45 “ trawling. Instead, during the course of time. Government 2002 15.06.2002 29.07.2002 45 “ delineated depth zones, for different sectors of fishing. Mechanised boats including bottom trawlers were not supposed 2003 15.06.2003 29.07.2003 45 “ to fish in the specified area demarcated for the traditional sector. Certain regulations were also prescribed for fishing by trawling. Bottom trawls having less than 35 For the first time, in the history of fisheries in the state, the mm mesh size at the cod end have been prohibited Director of Fisheries in May 1981 banned the mechanised fishing in the territorial waters and their operation from throughout the Kerala coast during the months of June, July sunset to sunrise was also prohibited. In spite and August. It was explained that the notification was issued for of all these prohibitions to the bottom trawls, the purpose of preserving the different varieties of commercially infringement of the prohibitory orders was a important fishes, since the breeding period of such varieties of very common affair and the conflicts fish species cover the months of June, July and August. The between the mechanised trawl sector and notification was said to have been issued under the purview of traditional fishing sector grew day by the KMFR Act. Later, in June, 1981 by another notification issued day. by the Director of Fisheries, ‘Neendakara’ area was exempted The traditional fishermen from the ban. The owners of mechanised trawlers took up the believed and repeatedly matter with the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala and questioned voiced that the the legal validity of the notification. The High court of Kerala, indiscriminate declared that the notification was not in order and struck it down destruction of eggs, directing the Government to conduct a detailed study on the juveniles and young issue. ones of fishes and Accordingly, the Government of Kerala constituted (order prawns by the No. GO(RT)980/81/TF & PD dated 19.8.81) a thirteen member

10 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri. D. Babu Paul, I.A.S, the then Government Secretary to Fisheries. The committee was of ‘unanimous opinion’ in respect of recommendations of general nature for the conservation and management of fishery resources of the state. But with regard to the specific need for adopting a closed season for trawling boats as a management measure, the opinion of the Committee was divided. Some of them recommended that trawl fishing should be banned in the territorial waters of Kerala during the months of June, July and August. A few members of the committee impugned the imposition of closed season as a management measure maintaining that there was no sign of biological over fishing but there were indications of economic overfishing owing to the unregulated entry into fishing and insufficient management measures. A few other members strongly recommended that trawl fishing should be Kerala, the pioneer in mechanised fishing, has banned in the territorial waters of Kerala during the months of June-August. They thoroughly reiterated now set a unique model and initiative for that ‘trawling ‘ is destructive type of fishing method, resource conservation and protection of aquatic which causes irreparable damages to the limit sea resources as well as the aquatic environment. environment in the country. In view of the divided opinion among the members of the Babu Paul Committee and Government of Kerala to appoint yet another Expert Committee considering the persistent unrest in the artisanal fisheries sector headed by Prof. N. Balakrishnan Nair to look into the various the Government of Kerala constituted in 1984, another Expert resource management problems connected with marine fisheries Committee (Kalawar Committee) consisting of three Fishery in Kerala. The committee gave fifteen important Experts from outside the State. The Committee studied the ban recommendations of which one dealt with ban on monsoon issue with special reference to the breeding season of prawns trawling. The Committee unequivocally recommended that a and they opined that since the breeding season of prawns is total ban be enforced on trawling, by all types of vessels in the protracted, shrimp trawling during June, July and August need territorial waters of Kerala during the months of June, July and not be banned but strongly recommended to limit the number August and the impact of this measure on the conservation and of trawling boats in the state to 1145 with a strict regulation of optimum utilisation of the resources be examined in detail. Thus, the mesh size of the cod end of trawl nets to be not less than 35 in 1988 the Government banned trawling through out the mm. The number of trawling boats then existed was to be more territorial waters of Kerala during the monsoon period. It helped than 6000 and the average mesh size of the trawl nets used by only in exacerbating the social discord making the Government them was less than 15 mm. constrained to constitute yet another Committee headed by Prof. The committee also recommended in unequivocal terms that N. Balakrishnan Nair with almost similar terms of reference. shrimp trawling during monsoon season ( June, July, and August) The Committee recommended that a ‘total ban be enforced on trawling by all types of vessels in the territorial waters of Kerala be permitted, but restricted to daytime and beyond a depth of during the months of June, July and August and the impact of 20m. But the recommendation did not go well with the traditional this measure on the conservation and optimum utilisation of fishermen who persistently insisted the ban on trawling during the resources be examined in detail’. the monsoon. From 1988 onwards ban on trawling during monsoon months Due to this persistent demands for a ban on trawling during became an accepted resource management measure. This the monsoon and the frequent clashes between the fishermen measure is being adopted uninterruptedly for the last 16 years. belonging to the different sectors, the Government in 1988 (Table II) The impact of this regulations has proved to be positive banned trawling throughout the territorial waters of Kerala during by recording a steady increase and subtainrability in the amount the monsoon period. However the area between Paravoor south of fish landing in Kerala. This measure has been now adopted Pozhi and Cheriyazheekal (Neendakara area) was exempted on by all other coastal states in the country and has lead to a system account of the belief that there was heavy concentration of of ‘Uniform trawl – ban’ in the territorial waters of the entire ‘Karikkadi’ shrimp along the inshore area during these three states during monsoon months. Government of India also months, which if not exploited, was likely to be lost to the fishery. declares ban on of fishing in the offshore and deep sea areas The ban on trawling was in force in other areas till the end of during this period coinciding with the trawl ban periods. Of August 1988. This ban became a controverssial issue which led course, Kerala, the pioneer in mechanised fishing, has now set a to an increasing the conflicts and confrontations between the unique model and initiative for resource conservation and traditional sector and the machanised (trawl) sector. The frequent protection of aquatic environment in the country. confrontations in the sea by these two sectors prompted the The author is Joint Director of Fisheries, Dept. of Fisheries, Tvpm.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 11 PHOTO FEATURE Re-enacting episodes from h On the first and second day of Midhunam, Oachira Pada some episodes from history. The event known as Oachira be a commemmoration of the battle between Marthanda V of Travancore and Raja of Kayamkulam. Both young an under the leadership of Kalari Asans form 52 nearby v towards Oachira. They form two groups and fight each othe using wooden swords and shields. The annual mock fig faith that one has to offer his/her physical talents befor Diety - Parabrahma. During yesteryears, the ‘warriors’ paraded to the Padan their exploits along the rain-drenched ways. But today a enough. The participants’ swords and shields are scrap (left) speaks volumes of the lost charm. But no let up (right). The photo below presents a total view of the ma transformed into a ritual. Photos: Oachira Visesham

20 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING m history a Padanilam enlivens achira Kali is said to nda Varma Maharaja ng and old ‘warriors’ arby villages march h other in Padanilam ck fight runs on the before the Supreme adanilam exhibiting day a byciclde ride is scraps. The picture t up in water mirth e martial event now

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 21 HEALTH MonsoonMonsoon ailmentsailments Dr. K. Sreekanthan

onsoon brings with it the much This year the monsoon has already begun non-cholera gastroenteritis, dysentery, awaited relief from the long as a continuation of the summer rainfall. jaundice due to hepatitis A&E, Air borne spell of sultry, scorching Along with the rainfall there is a sudden diseases like influenza, mosquito borne M disease like Dengue fever, Malaria & summer. However the cooling showers increase in the occurrence of viral bring with them an increased susceptibility influenza disease with fever, cold and Japanese encephalitis. Other diseases are to a lot of diseases that are peculiar to the cough. Last year there was an upsurge of Leptospirosis (Weils Disease- Rat fever), monsoon. It is time we get our safeguards Dengue fever. Conjunctivitis etc. ready and gear ourselves up to face Diseases that are spread during Contamination of water due to lower monsoon in its full glory. monsoon may be water borne, air-borne levels and unhygienic conditions in cities In Kerala the south- west monsoon or vector-borne. are very often the cause of many monsoon ailments. Skin conditions, Asthma and known as “Edavappathy/ Kalavarsham” These include the water-borne gastro arthritis also aggravate because of excess usually begins in the first week of June. intestinal infections like Typhoid fever, humidity. But it can be late or sometimes earlier. acute diarrhoeal diseases like cholera and These and many other disease that are more commonly found in the monsoon because the first few rain showers bring along with them obnoxious gases, as well as the air-born germs ,thus accumulating in the lakes and other areas , causing contamination of water. In severe monsoon the drain pipes clog and overflow, sometimes mixing with the water pipes and causing diseases. Even getting wet in the rains can give rise to cold, coughs and fevers as well as body and joint pain. Sudden change in temperature from extreme heat to cold can precipitate viral infection. Collection of water in pot holes and stagnation of water as breeding grounds for mosquitoes which spread diseases like Dengue fever and malaria . The water get contaminated with rat urine containing the microorganisms. Weeds enclosed ponds and water storages should be viewed only with caution, as they become favourable dwellings for rats because of its advantageous shelter providing characteristics. Sunlight is prevented from passing down in total, thereby helping the disease germs to flourish uninterruptedly from the sharp rays of the sun. In such positive conditions

22 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING the germs can sustain even for weeks. diseases and infections at bay. The persons who come into physical During monsoon intestinal functions contact with such water turn out to be along with the digestive system become victims of disease like leptospirosis. The weak, and make the body highly germs enter their bodies even through susceptible to any kind of infection. minor cuts and wounds and mucous Therefore always eat light food and avoid membranes of eyes or oral cavity on as far as possible too much spicy and fried immersion or taking bath. foods. Climatic variations are also yet another In order to prevent water-borne cause of disease spread. The sudden onset diseases, do not drink water which is not properly boiled and stored. Drinking water should be boiled and properly filtered. Avoid consuming food that is exposed to the surroundings for quite a long time, During Monsoon Sunlight since food that is exposed for along time is prevented from passing are contaminated by germs, which if enter down in total, thereby the body, may cause various infections. helping the disease germs Flies are the most common carriers of germs that mostly cause contamination. to flourish Therefore remember to cook the uninterruptedly from the vegetables well and steam them properly sharp rays of the sun. The to kill the germ content in them, if any. sudden onset of monsoon Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during monsoon season. after recession of an These patients should take specific care extended hot summer as not to walk bare-foot since the soil on diminishes the normal which they walk is a reservoir of all types health status of an of germs. Asthma patients also need to take average individual forcing special care during monsoon as they him prone to diseases. should ensure that there is no accumulation and seepage of water from the vicinity of their residence since that Illustrations: SREEKUMAR will cause severe health problems. They should also ensure that fungus does not around the house. Furthermore do not of monsoon after recession of an grow in the wooden furniture, and in other forget the electrical appliances. In case of extended hot summer diminishes the articles like shoes and leather bags. any fault attend to them at the earliest. normal health status of an average Prohibit mosquito - breeding since Also take care of your children who individual forcing him prone to diseases. they are also carriers of deadly germs. Do love to splash through water logged streets, Especially people of extremes of age are not let water accumulate in your this could be dangerous. Water logging more prone. Patients suffering from surroundings. Put a few drops of kerosene conceals a lot of rubbish filling over from chronic ailments like Diabetes mellitus, or Phenyl in the stagnant water to check dustbins, drains and manholes. It often small lung ailments or heart diseases, the undesired mosquito breeding. contains glass pieces, stone chips slivers chronic rheumatism are more vulnerable. Mosquito net should be used wherever of wood and other substances. These can Nevertheless, an important point to possible. inflict serious injuries on tender bare feet. be mentioned here is that even in spite of Apart from naturally occurring Thus a little effort on your part rainfall there is acute scarcity of good diseases described above, electric injury coupled with care and caution can really drinking water in many parts of the state. due to leakage of current, water dripping help you enjoy this monsoon to its fullest. This will lead to consumption of available onto live electric wiring, electrocution is Be extra alert and observe these safety source of water which is not germ free. also common. It would be wise to give a guidelines. The following are a few safeguards thorough checkup to the wirings, switches, The author is Associate Professor & Head, Medical that one must follow in order to keep all plugs, and the positioning of the wires College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 23 WEATHER TheThe MonsoonMonsoon magicmagic as it is commonly called. Santhosh Anamangad region of high pressure to that of a lower one. Thus southwest monsoon gets The South West monsoon enters India erala is to experience yet another established. As it is with high moisture in two currents: one blowing over the Bay torrential rain, commonly called content it can cause heavy rain over a large of Bengal and the other over the Arabian K“Monsoon” or the North-West area of landmass when it gets condensed. sea and these two currents are responsible Monsoon, to be precise. It is an interesting During winter , the landmass is colder than for rains in most part of the country. metereorological phenomenon which the sea and so airflow is in the opposite Despite this North-West Monsoon, there greatly influences the climate and hence direction that is from land to sea. Direction areas that remain dry, the prominent ones the agricultural productivity of the Indian of flow is from north to ocean in the being and the Thar Desert. subcontinent to a large extent. In Arabic, south, which is called the North-East The reason is “the southwest monsoon Monsoon originally means “wind” and this Monsoon. Since this air current originates after striking the Western Ghats, causes periodical downpour occurs due to a from landmass, it carries sparse moisture heavy rainfall over Kerala, but Tamil seasonal traverse of moisture-laden wind and so do not cause rainfall. A small Nadu, which lies on the leeward side over the Indian sub- continent. portion of the North-West Monsoon remain dry. When this monsoon reaches Mechanism of Monsoon flowing over the Bay of Bengal picks up the Thar Desert area, the wind blows Monsoon is nothing but a system of moisture and results in winter rains in parallel to the Aravallis, failing to produce winds, whose main feature is the seasonal Tamil Nadu. rain. By the time the North West monsoon reversal of direction. According to modern meteriologists, reaches western parts of the country, it According to the long-established monsoon is not a local phenomenon, has lost almost all its moisture content and the rainfall decreases accordingly. theory, monsoon results from the occurring only over the Indian differential heating of land and sea. In the subcontinent .It results from the seasonal Importance of Monsoon summer season, there is build up of shifts in the pressure belts under the shift Monsoon is the chief source of rainfall temperature over the Indian landmass and of vertical rays of sun in different seasons. for India. Being an agricultural country, when it becomes higher than the Such Monsoonal tendencies are evident the monsoon plays a pivotal role in Indian neighbouring sea, a sharp difference in along the Gulf coast of the United States economy, as any variation in the monsoon pressure begins to exist between and in Central Europe, as well as in other can lead to floods or droughts, and when land and sea. Consequently, areas. This view is called the “dynamic the Indian agriculture suffers, it , will also air begins to flow from theory of monsoon”. It should be noted affect a lot of secondary industries, which the sea to the that, in both of the above theories, the depend on agriculture. Any adverse effect landmass that is chief cause of origin of monsoon is the on farming will affect the purchasing from a creation of a low-pressure zone in the power of the people as well. Taking these atmosphere and the influx of moisture- factors in to consideration, the monsoon laden air into that “low-pressure trough” is aptly called the real finance minister of India.

24 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING LITERATURE O.V. Vijayan and spirituality ight from the times of the Vedas, Indian literature has echoed with Rspirituality. Modern Indian writers A soulful of grace too have kept this tradition with varying Rajendran N. P. degrees of adherence. What makes the writing of O.V. Vijayan, who, once and for all, changed Malayali’s literary sensibilities, distinct from those of the contemporary literati, is their spiritual moorings. They are rooted in the Indian philosophical concepts, especially ‘Vedanta.’ It has been rightly said that the depths of the internal being of an author are manifested in his literary expressions. Mutation occurring in consciousness during the intellectual life of an author can have strong bearings on his works. Consciousness, in its organic evolution, shifts finally from minor concerns. It is destined to be in the direction of supra mundane realities. The spiritual sheen reflected in the writings of O.V. Vijayan is the result of a spiritual mutation. It was an evolutionary process from a youthful existential angst to a realisation of the eternal flow of organic oneness of the cosmos. This realization is an ‘Advaidic’ vision defined in individual terms. It is not a mere paradigm shift. It is an organic growth. His first novel “Khasakkinte Ithihasam”, while portraying the As a man and as an author well, Vijayan is blessed with an existential pangs of the sin-smitten hero, intense inner life. With all turbulences and emotional contains vibrant seeds of spiritual storms, his lifeboat eventually reaches anchorage off the redemption. The tragedy and tribulations calm and peaceful shores of self-knowledge. he has to go through, are intensely personal. He comes to know that ‘karmic’ bondage is ineluctable. At the end, the aspects of life. Sidhardha in the novel is a readers are not thrown into an existential Indian spirituality, is also dealt with in the reminder to the fact that no tragedy vaccum, as would have been done by a novel, notably at no aesthetic cost. The remains only at personal level. Spiritual typical existentialist writer. On the other experiences that its covertly vacuum in the society is created by soulless hand, we have the subliminal message that autobiographical protagonist undergoes, men. In Vijayan’s own words, “the Ravi, the hero, has already set out on his are poignantly portrayed. Finally, he finds technical scatology apart, some important transmmundane quest for his spiritual answer to his existential quest. It is the aspects of ‘Dharmapuranam’ will, if destination, unknown to himself. ultimate wisdom, of which the seers of selectively compiled, make a good spiritual yore spoke, that Kunjunni becomes finally In ‘Dharmapuranam’, the need for the text.” aware of. The search of Ravi can be said germination of dormant spiritual seeds is His next novel ‘ Gurusagaram’ fully to have borne fruit in Kunjunni who now underscored on a different plane. The delineates the transcendental nature of stand prayfully before the cosmic nature, picture in the book is of a rotten polity human existence. The seeking for Guru, cleansed of ‘karmic’ stains. The author and, of resultant degradations in all a pet and pertinent theme of Vijayan and weaves the whole story by handpicking

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 25 JOSHI MANJUMMEL allusions and imagery from the AGRICULTURE Upanishads and the Puranas. The seeds have germinated, sprouted and grown into a sturdy, all-uncompassing, spiritual tree. The other works of the author like “Madhuram Gayathi”, a fantastic allegory fusing mythology, spirituality and ecology and “Pravachakante Vazhi” with its reiteration for prophethood for providing soothing touchs to our existential wounds, and his numerous short stories with its spiritual imagery and meditative and philosophic undertones, also confirm the spiritual metamorphosis in Vijayan. His latest novel, ‘Thalamurakal’, a fictionalised account of his and his family’s history has ‘Chamiyarappan’ as its protagonist who begins as an atheist and ends as a spiritually convinced person. A certain positive fatalism is felt through out the novel. Vijayan does not try to justify the ways of God to man, as Milton did, but shows God’s ways to man. As a man and as an author as well, Vijayan is blessed with an intense inner life. With all turbulences and emotional storms, his lifeboat eventually reaches anchorage off the calm and peaceful shores of self-knowledge. Even the storms and turbulences of life are capable of manifesting Guru’s infinite grace. Another striking thing about Vijayan’s is his concerns. They remain human and humane as ever. Even in his committed Communist days, his concerns refused to be dictated by any ‘ism’. His post-revolutionary disappointment too cherished the same concerns. The only difference is that ButterflyButterfly they have undergone a qualitative change and that they have acquired metaphysical dimensions. Thematically, the most important Farming factor in the writings of O.V. Vijayan is Farming the holistic vision of Vedanta. It has yet to be meaningfully looked into, especially in the light of Indian spiritual Dr .P .K. Sumodan and critical traditions. Vijayan’s search for truth, unlike that of many of his coevals is a solo one. The search becomes Considering the rich fauna of the impregnated in the cosmic answer, which the ‘perennial philosophy’ of India colourful insects Kerala opens tremendous always sought to know. potentiality in butterfly farming. The Writer is a Research Scholar at School of Letters, M.G. University, Kottayam.

26 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING JOSHI MANJUMMEL allusions and imagery from the AGRICULTURE Upanishads and the Puranas. The seeds have germinated, sprouted and grown into a sturdy, all-uncompassing, spiritual tree. The other works of the author like “Madhuram Gayathi”, a fantastic allegory fusing mythology, spirituality and ecology and “Pravachakante Vazhi” with its reiteration for prophethood for providing soothing touchs to our existential wounds, and his numerous short stories with its spiritual imagery and meditative and philosophic undertones, also confirm the spiritual metamorphosis in Vijayan. His latest novel, ‘Thalamurakal’, a fictionalised account of his and his family’s history has ‘Chamiyarappan’ as its protagonist who begins as an atheist and ends as a spiritually convinced person. A certain positive fatalism is felt through out the novel. Vijayan does not try to justify the ways of God to man, as Milton did, but shows God’s ways to man. As a man and as an author as well, Vijayan is blessed with an intense inner life. With all turbulences and emotional storms, his lifeboat eventually reaches anchorage off the calm and peaceful shores of self-knowledge. Even the storms and turbulences of life are capable of manifesting Guru’s infinite grace. Another striking thing about Vijayan’s is his concerns. They remain human and humane as ever. Even in his committed Communist days, his concerns refused to be dictated by any ‘ism’. His post-revolutionary disappointment too cherished the same concerns. The only difference is that ButterflyButterfly they have undergone a qualitative change and that they have acquired metaphysical dimensions. Thematically, the most important Farming factor in the writings of O.V. Vijayan is Farming the holistic vision of Vedanta. It has yet to be meaningfully looked into, especially in the light of Indian spiritual Dr .P .K. Sumodan and critical traditions. Vijayan’s search for truth, unlike that of many of his coevals is a solo one. The search becomes Considering the rich fauna of the impregnated in the cosmic answer, which the ‘perennial philosophy’ of India colourful insects Kerala opens tremendous always sought to know. potentiality in butterfly farming. The Writer is a Research Scholar at School of Letters, M.G. University, Kottayam.

26 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING he great Malayalam poet Kumaran Asan described butterflies as T‘flowers with wings’. This is perhaps the most perfect verbal expression of the beauty of these wonderful insects. The variety of colour combinations in the world of butterflies is comparable only with that of the flowers. Now many American weddings have some -of these special flying guests to add exotic fervour to the occasion! Releasing live butterflies at weddings and other special occasions is fast becoming a status symbol in many North and South American countries, replacing the traditional confetti, rice and balloons. In the USA there are commercial butterfly dealers like’ Amazing Butterflies’ in this new business. A dozen ‘monarch JOSHI MANJUMMEL butterflies’ cost around $ 95. The price tags for other varieties range from $ 85 to 1860-1910. At that time members of the Once the eggs are laid they must be $ 100. The tiny Central American country English aristocracy, endowed with wealth removed daily from the flight areas and Costa Rica is the major player in this and leisure derived from the United placed in a secure location where predators emerging industry .Other countries active Kingdom’s flourishing global empire, (ants, spiders, wasps, parasitic wasps, in this business are Malaysia, Philippines, collected, identified and catalogued lizards, etc. ) cannot get to them. The Thailand, Taiwan, Kenya, Madagascar, butterflies from all over the world. females of all species lay only on their respective host plant. Furthermore, each United States and El Salvador. Surprisingly As mentioned above Costa Rica leads species has a preference as to where the India with about 1500 species of in this specialised farming. Local species females lay their eggs. While one species butterflies doesn’t figure in the list. In the of butterflies are used for farming. The lay on the underside of old and dried era of globalisation, we should explore following steps are involved in the leaves, another lay only on the tendrils of non-traditional avenues of employment butterfly farming in that country .First of the freshest new growth. With some generation and foreign exchange earning all, a suitable habitat is created by planting experience, a person can quickly discover in order to withstand its negative impact food plants in abundance on the farm and the best places to look and make quick on traditional income resources. Butterfly in the vicinity. With the development of work of collecting the eggs. farming would be one of the options with these plants, the farm becomes a butterfly tremendous potential especially in Kerala sanctuary by providing sufficiently The first stages (instars ) of caterpillars, with its rich fauna of these colourful abundant food for the caterpillars and which come out from the eggs are placed insects. nectar for the adults. on potted food plants, which in turn are placed inside cages. During the first two What is Butterfly farming? Next step is to collect female weeks (the first three stages or instars ) The rearing of butterflies and moths butterflies either from the wild or from the caterpillars eat very little. After their is not a new commercial activity. The silk captive bred stock, and release them to third instar, the larvae become voracious. industry, based on rearing a moth (the less fly freely within large enclosed structures Because of the increased volume of food colourful relatives of butterflies) Bombyx that house the required food plants. As plant that each larva consumes, it becomes mori, has been in existence for thousands each butterfly species requires a specific impractical to feed them on potted plants. of years. In India is the leader host plant for its survival, the farmer must Rather, they must be fed on cuttings. in this industry .Though Kerala also has anticipate the species that he or she intends Generally, a fistful or two of the food plant equal potential as its neighbour, we are to breed by planting the necessary plants is cut for each cage. The stems are placed late starters in this highly profitable well in anticipation. In Costa Rica a typical in ajar of water to preserve the freshness industry .In the U .K. breeding of flight area measures about 25 sq. meters of the leaves for 24 hours. The larvae are butterflies for public viewing in butterfly by 3 meters high, though there are no then placed on the cutting to feed as they gardens has been a serious commercial optimal dimensions. A fresh female wish. The cages must be cleaned daily. activity since 1977. butterfly normally lay about a hundred This entails removing the stems of the eggs or more. Some species lay their eggs Interest in the butterflies became a devoured food plants from the previous singly over many days. Others lay serious vocation for many people in the day; removing the excrement from the gregariously in a few sittings. West during the Victorian era, roughly floor of the cages; inserting new, freshly

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 27 cut host plant; and returning the larvae Butterfly on to their plants. Maintaining cleanliness collectors is very important. Failing this, even for Collection of one day, the larvae are likely to die from butterflies has an assortment of diseases or Starvation. always been a When rearing just a few or thousands of popular hobby. larvae, cleanliness and attention to details Some collectors are indisputably a key success factor for breed butterflies any butterfly breeding operation. Once from all over the completed their fifth and final instar, the world in their larvae pupate. They may attach themselves backyards. They as pupae on the ceiling of the cages or on obtain live the food plants. As the pupae are usually butterflies from the JOSHI MANJUMMEL of such short duration, only by collecting venders who in turn the pupae daily can a farmer be sure of import them from the age of the pupae. In Costa Rica, a pupa other countries. should not be more than three days old They not only enjoy before it is exported. Butterfly farming is the beauty of by no means an easy endeavour. In the butterflies but also wild, butterflies may expect to enjoy a 2% derive happiness by survival rate between egg and adult. The observing their 98% that perish along the way may be wonderful life devoured by prey, succumb to diseases to history .Others are or not be able subsist if the climatic like stamp collectors conditions ( drought, wind, “ temperatures, and go for dead etc.) are not right. A successful farmer may butterflies available JOSHI MANJUMMEL be able to raise the survival rate from 2% with the butterfly to as high as 90%. dealers. Market for butterflies Butterfly exhibitors industry .It was this individual’s idea to Butterflies are sought by at least three acquire a vacant greenhouse and fill it with In 1977 a man living on the island of tropical plants to recreate the essence of categories of customers in Europe and Guernsey in the English Channel was Americas. a tropical jungle. To add interest, colour concerned about the sagging tourist and movement, he thought to import some live butterflies acquired from Asia through a member of the hobbyist’s association. The resulting enclosure, complete with waterfall and meandering brook was publicized as a butterfly exhibition and opened to the public. Needless to say, the project was an enormous gamble. No one had ever shown live tropical butterflies to the public. How should a butterfly exhibit be arranged? Which plants should be acquired and from where? What would the ideal temperature and humidity setting be? JOSHI MANJUMMEL

28 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING In the US more than a dozen major exhibits are operating today and several more are planned or under construction. North America’s largest butterfly exposition, The Niagara Parks Commission’s (Ontario) Butterfly Garden, is a $15 million dollar facility and was opened in December 1996 and attracts around 20,000 visitors on weekends. Butterfly releasers As discussed earlier, another growing market for live butterflies is for butterfly releases. Increasingly, people of means are purchasing large JOSHI MANJUMMEL numbers of butterflies for the live butterfly exhibit industry exploded release at weddings and other special Kerala is one of the in the United Kingdom. Typical of a fast- occasions. In Costa Rica, members of the eighteen ‘biodiversity growing novel industry, the butterfly country’s legislature recently took part in exhibits attracted a broad range of a butterfly release as part of a fund raising hot spots’ of the world. entrants. In the absence of industry event for street children. As each legislator There are about 330 regulation and a self - policing mechanism, released a butterfly, he would call out aloud the industry was fraught with shoddy the name of a child. The butterfly he species of butterflies in exhibits. While some entrepreneurs released represented the life and this green state. The invested with the aim of maximizing the aspirations of that child. public’s enjoyment and seeking long-term Potentials of Kerala state also has an profits, others developed their exhibits Kerala has a few positive features for ambient climate for with minimal investment to maximize their a successful butterfly industry. The first short-term gains. One example of the and foremost is its rich diversity of setting up profitable latter approach is the exhibit owner who butterfly species. Kerala is one of the butterfly farms. would pin dead butterflies onto the eighteen ‘biodiversity hot spots’ of the flowers in the interest of economy. The world. There are about 330 species of exhibits in Europe are mostly supplied by butterflies in this green state. The butterfly Perhaps one of the most serious questions butterfly brokers. Whereas in 1980 there fauna of the state includes the largest was how one goes about acquiring live was only one full-time professional Indian butterfly, the Southern or Western butterflies. In 1977 there were no distributor of live butterflies, a company Ghats Birdwing (Troides minos) with a professional butterfly farmers in the outside of Birmingham, England called wingspan of about 25 cm. The state also tropics. There were only amateur Entomological Livestock Supplies, today has an ambient climate for setting up hobbyists who were rearing and selling a there are many in Western Europe. These profitable butterfly farms. Added to these few dozen butterflies at a time. The people import butterfly pupae from natural gifts, we have three international challenge of acquiring a thousand healthy, around the world and then mix and match airports in the state, which would help in live tropical butterflies was a daunting one the pupae to supply the needs of each of the fast transportation of butterfly pupae indeed. To many people’s amazement, and the exhibits they supply. Because butterfly around the world. Now what is required in spite of all the initial problems, this pupae are highly perishable -a typical pupa is a Governmental initiative. The initial man’s butterfly exhibit was a commercial will last about 10 days before the butterfly step in this regard should be sending a success. In fact, as other exhibits were emerges- time is of the essence. The suitable delegation to Costa Rica to study established in Guernsey’s wake, the pupae are transported by door to door the complete details of this emerging butterfly exhibit concept quickly acquired courier service from the country of origin industry. a favourable reputation in the venture to the distributor and then repackaged and The Writer is Lecturer in Zoology, Government capital circles. From about 1980 until 1988 shipped within hours. College, Madappally, Vadakara

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 29 PERSONALITY AestheticAesthetic sensibilitysensibility atopatop

P.V. Nisha magine Kerala’s art and literary fields minus illustrations of M.K. Winner of the Raja Ravi IVasudevan, better known as Artist Varma Award for the Namboodiri. The renowned artist, who carved a niche for himself in the minds year 2003, Artist of all art loving Malayalees through the Namboodiri is inimitable illustrations that adorn leading literary journals for over a quarter century, instrumental in is also known for his exemplary copper regaining illustrations a sheet relief works and finger paintings. prominent place in the Namboodiri’s works essentially added a new aesthetic sensibility to the world of art world. fine arts in Kerala. Winner of the Raja Ravi Varma Award for the year 2003, instituted by the Government of Kerala to honour those persons who have made outstanding

contributions to the field of painting Namboodiri, who has in-depth and sculpture in the State, Namboodiri knowledge about the medium and a is instrumental in regaining determination to carry forward drawing illustrations a prominent place in the as a mission, had also worked as chairman art world. In fact, he along with late of Kerala Lalithakala Academy on several A.S. Nair of ‘Mathrubhumi’ occasions helping new generation to excel revolutionised the concept of in the field. illustrations during the last three Now settled at Bilathikulam in decades. The unique ‘Namboodiri Kozhikode, this Edappal-born artist sees style’ in illustration made him a cut art essentially an extension of his every above the rest. Almost all of the day living.‘‘As far as I am concerned, art is leading Malayalam writers had nothing but a way to satisfy my creative benefitted from the impulses,’’ said an outspoken Namboodiri illustrations of Namboodiri, during an interface. Apart from which made many a illustrations, his search for new directions literary characters in the field in the recent past also won memorable. applauses from people all over the State. Namboodiri is His copper sheet relief works on moments still in the field from Indian Mythology won accolade enthralling the from art circles in and outside the State. appreciators. His recent series of Kathakali dancers, that

30 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING resurrected finger painting into the status LINGUISTICS of a venerable art form, also was a proved success. Under his deft handling, this mode of artistic activity got a dignified resurrection. SOCIO-CULTURALSOCIO-CULTURAL ‘‘I am a great admirer of Raja Ravi Varma and his works. Getting an award DIMENSIONSDIMENSIONS OFOF instituted in memory of him is definitely a matter of pride. I am greatful to the State Government for chosing me for it,’’ LANGUAGELANGUAGE LEARNINGLEARNING replied Namboodiri when asked about the REFLECTIONS ON KERALA EXPERIENCE latest recognition. According to him, the former recipients of it like A. Ramachandran and K.G. Subramanian were luminaries in the field. ‘‘There was a greater void within Kerala’s art field after With the modernisation of language teaching the the demise of Ravi Varma. It remained dialect variations of the language was neglected unattended till the emergence of K.C.S. and a standardised language was imposed upon the Panikkar and Madhava Menon. KCS, Roy Choudhari and Dhanapal inspired me a leaners.This paper is an attempt to elucidate socio- lot during my formative years. At that time political dimensions of mother tongue learning in I was a student of Madras School of Finearts,’’ recalled Namboodiri. the context of Kerala. ‘‘As chairman of Kerala Lalithakala Academy, I was instrumental in Dr. S. S. Sreekumar most cases people learn a Malayalam, constructing a building of its own in which is distantly related to their mother Thrissur. Converting the Durbar Hall in cademic study of Malayalam tongue. When speak of Malayalam, we Kochi as an art gallery also was my language, in its modern sense, have to keep in mind that the real language achievement,’’ said Namboodiri, recalling Ahas started in the middle of that people speak is not considered in our his role in moulding the academy an 18th century. Missionaries were the first discourses for the simple reason that those group of people who initiated the institution par excellence. languages are treated as dialects. These modernisation of education in versions of the languages were ones ‘‘Outside Kerala, art is a city focused Kerala.They started English medium vehicle for documenting the traditional area of expression. In Kerala, it is part of schools where subjects like Science, wisdom of the people who spoke those the aesthetic sensibility of both rural and Social Studies were taught. Along with languages. urban folk. Beginners in Kerala are more these subjects, the teaching of languages Missionaries, mainly those people who fortunate than others,’’ he said. When English and Malayalam were also taken learned Malayalam as second language, asked about the new promises in the field up. The issues, which I propose to initiated the standardisation of Malayalam. discuss in this paper, begin at this of illustration, Namboodiri suggested the The content, which they want to historical point. Malayalam is a language name of Tom Vattakuzhy.‘‘His pictures are communicate, was most important to which has a large number of dialects them. It has to be communicated in the a different variety. Such persons can keep spoken by people belonging to different intact our tradition in the field,’’ he local language. They are the first group part of Kerala. Apart from geographical of people who encountered the issue of said. An artist done illustration for the factor, there are other variables which innumerable dialects present in works of luminaries like Thakazhy, determined dialects such as religion, Malayalam. The dialects in Malayalam can Kesavadev, MT, Uroob and Pottekatt, caste, customs, occupation etc.With the be classified into four categories. modernisation of language teaching the Namboodiri is proud of his illustrations Regional for MT’s Randamoozham. ‘‘MT’s Bheema dialect variations of the language was was an ordinary man. But I had made his neglected and a standardised language The language spoken in Travancore, was imposed upon the leaners.This Central Kerala, Trissur, South Malabar and visual appearance using the attire of paper is an attempt to elucidate socio- North Malabar are examples for regional Chola-Pallava period giving a royal political dimensions of mother tongue dialects. Geographical difference seems to beauty,’’ he added. Namboodiri is learning in the context of Kerala. have a strong binding on the language that presently doing illustrations for Samakalika In all langauages, what people speak people speak. Each area has its own Malayalam Vaarika, a sister publication of at home and what they learn at school vocabulary and grammatical rules. The New Indian Express. He also occasionaly will be slightly different. However, “Kando” a word meaning “have you does works for other literary journals. where as Malayalam is concerned, in seen” has variations like “kandaa”,

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 31 resurrected finger painting into the status LINGUISTICS of a venerable art form, also was a proved success. Under his deft handling, this mode of artistic activity got a dignified resurrection. SOCIO-CULTURALSOCIO-CULTURAL ‘‘I am a great admirer of Raja Ravi Varma and his works. Getting an award DIMENSIONSDIMENSIONS OFOF instituted in memory of him is definitely a matter of pride. I am greatful to the State Government for chosing me for it,’’ LANGUAGELANGUAGE LEARNINGLEARNING replied Namboodiri when asked about the REFLECTIONS ON KERALA EXPERIENCE latest recognition. According to him, the former recipients of it like A. Ramachandran and K.G. Subramanian were luminaries in the field. ‘‘There was a greater void within Kerala’s art field after With the modernisation of language teaching the the demise of Ravi Varma. It remained dialect variations of the language was neglected unattended till the emergence of K.C.S. and a standardised language was imposed upon the Panikkar and Madhava Menon. KCS, Roy Choudhari and Dhanapal inspired me a leaners.This paper is an attempt to elucidate socio- lot during my formative years. At that time political dimensions of mother tongue learning in I was a student of Madras School of Finearts,’’ recalled Namboodiri. the context of Kerala. ‘‘As chairman of Kerala Lalithakala Academy, I was instrumental in Dr. S. S. Sreekumar most cases people learn a Malayalam, constructing a building of its own in which is distantly related to their mother Thrissur. Converting the Durbar Hall in cademic study of Malayalam tongue. When speak of Malayalam, we Kochi as an art gallery also was my language, in its modern sense, have to keep in mind that the real language achievement,’’ said Namboodiri, recalling Ahas started in the middle of that people speak is not considered in our his role in moulding the academy an 18th century. Missionaries were the first discourses for the simple reason that those group of people who initiated the institution par excellence. languages are treated as dialects. These modernisation of education in versions of the languages were ones ‘‘Outside Kerala, art is a city focused Kerala.They started English medium vehicle for documenting the traditional area of expression. In Kerala, it is part of schools where subjects like Science, wisdom of the people who spoke those the aesthetic sensibility of both rural and Social Studies were taught. Along with languages. urban folk. Beginners in Kerala are more these subjects, the teaching of languages Missionaries, mainly those people who fortunate than others,’’ he said. When English and Malayalam were also taken learned Malayalam as second language, asked about the new promises in the field up. The issues, which I propose to initiated the standardisation of Malayalam. discuss in this paper, begin at this of illustration, Namboodiri suggested the The content, which they want to historical point. Malayalam is a language name of Tom Vattakuzhy.‘‘His pictures are communicate, was most important to which has a large number of dialects them. It has to be communicated in the a different variety. Such persons can keep spoken by people belonging to different intact our tradition in the field,’’ he local language. They are the first group part of Kerala. Apart from geographical of people who encountered the issue of said. An artist done illustration for the factor, there are other variables which innumerable dialects present in works of luminaries like Thakazhy, determined dialects such as religion, Malayalam. The dialects in Malayalam can Kesavadev, MT, Uroob and Pottekatt, caste, customs, occupation etc.With the be classified into four categories. modernisation of language teaching the Namboodiri is proud of his illustrations Regional for MT’s Randamoozham. ‘‘MT’s Bheema dialect variations of the language was was an ordinary man. But I had made his neglected and a standardised language The language spoken in Travancore, was imposed upon the leaners.This Central Kerala, Trissur, South Malabar and visual appearance using the attire of paper is an attempt to elucidate socio- North Malabar are examples for regional Chola-Pallava period giving a royal political dimensions of mother tongue dialects. Geographical difference seems to beauty,’’ he added. Namboodiri is learning in the context of Kerala. have a strong binding on the language that presently doing illustrations for Samakalika In all langauages, what people speak people speak. Each area has its own Malayalam Vaarika, a sister publication of at home and what they learn at school vocabulary and grammatical rules. The New Indian Express. He also occasionaly will be slightly different. However, “Kando” a word meaning “have you does works for other literary journals. where as Malayalam is concerned, in seen” has variations like “kandaa”,

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 31 “kandino”, “kandiyko”. Another example to cite is use in their performance is highly stylised. “Olla” a suffix used in poetic language can be seen still Tribal languages in North Malabar dialect. There are many , which does Caste and Religion not have any script, such as Irula, Kurumba and Tulu. Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Likewise, the tribal community in the Western Ghats, apart from Aryan Hinduism are the religions spread in who have their own customs and rituals, speak certain Kerala. These religions have converted the Dravidian variety of Malayalam. Their language seldom got any society in Kerala into segments with diverse rituals and consideration in the process of standardisation, as customs. When aryanisation took place in Kerala, the they were marginalised communities. society was further subdivided based on occupation Diverse manifestations of regional culture were and a caste system evolved. Feudal mode of production made in the dialects of different communities, until strengthened the caste system. Ayitham, a custom that th the middle of twentieth century. However, these practiced until the middle of 20 century, demarcated dialects are considered inferior to the standard the social space for each and every caste. Namboothiris’, language, established through the modern educational the Kerala Brahmins, were in the top of the hierarchy, system. The process of modernisation in Indian which was imposed on the society. Every caste had its context was nothing but westernisation. This can be own occupation and had a rich repository of traditional seen from the programmes of the educationists and wisdom. It was transmitted from generations to those who designed curriculum for native schools.

LANGUAGE LEARNING generation orally. The language that they used was rich in the sense that it was Keralavarma Valiya Koyil Thampuran was compatible to the revered for his contributions towards designing knowledge of that society. curriculum for schools in Kerala. Initially a member Occupation such as in Travancore Text Book Committee, later he became carpentry, masonry, the Chairman of it. The task before him was to design agriculture had its own textbooks for Malayalam as well as for subjects such terminology and a as Science, Social Studies and Mathematics. The Dialect of certain vocabulary, which they content of these books have no connection with the shared with other traditional wisdom acquired by the community to group of people is members of their whom these books are designed. The content of the enjoying supremacy community. People books were based on westernised concepts. Therefore, the terminology to explain these concepts over others just belonging to non-aryan communities practiced was a task, which the textbook committee has because they have the traditional treatment using encountered. The pattern they followed was mainly power to dictate. The herbs. All these to incorporate Sanskrit words as terms. This has paved communities had their way for alienation from the traditional wisdom of multitude of dialects own vocabulary, which is the community. The practice started by the Textbook spoken by related to their Committee headed by Keralavarma Valiya Koil occupation. Thampuran is being followed and strengthened by communities outside various governmental agencies like Kerala Bhasha the power structure Customs and Institute and Board of Studies for School Textbooks. Rituals became marginalised. The notion that traditional terminology could not Dialects have very be used and that Sanskrit words simply suit for the close relation to customs purpose has no logical foundation. It is an ideological and rituals of the position. community. It is the belief Malayalam learning of Keralites becomes of primitive communities problematic as it proposes an ideological stand, which that purity of their is contrary to the spirit of democracy. There are two customs has to be binaries in conflict in this issue: 1. Traditional and safeguarded. They use a Modern. 2. Indigenous and Western. In this conflict, stylised and at times an exotic language in their rituals. Modern and Western are considered favourable to The stylisation of language in their ritual transcend to the ruling elite. Language plays an important role in the language in their day-to-day life. An example is manifesting the ideology of the ruling class. Dialect Malaya community in North Malabar, who perform of certain group of people is enjoying supremacy the ritualistic performance Theyyam. The language they over others just because they have the power to

32 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING dictate. The multitude of dialects spoken by a community lived in close proximity to Malayalees, communities outside the power structure became there should be assimilation of words that they use when marginalised. in contact with the outside communities. When we look The conflict between traditional wisdom and upon the similarities from the point of view of standard western knowledge has been the major reason for language and to attempt correction of their non- alienating people from acquiring modern education. Malayalam usages and What the common people learn from their schools other usages that does not have no connection with their real life issues. conform to the Recently Kerala has attained cent percent literacy grammatical norms of Whatever the Malayalam, the unique through a planned drive. This process can be called technological as another attempt of the powered class to draw the wisdom that community masses to the norms that they have fixed. It is need has, will be lost. All the advancement we have, less to emphasise here that such concerted moves governmental activities to we cannot ignore will further alienate people from the traditional bring tribal communities language, as all our to ‘Culture’ has been wisdom, which is far superior to the western knowledge is generated, knowledge. Tribal medicine, metallurgy, Vastusasthra attempts to terminate and indigenous system of agriculture have shown their culture. expressed and that the traditional wisdom only could find solutions Language should be a preserved through to many problems that we encounter today. Western medium to express language only. No researchers are taking keen interest in the study of ourselves with spontaneity. The process knowledge could exist the traditional wisdom here and elsewhere. No without language. knowledge could exist without language. Natural of learning of Malayalam at schools has made a Language processing, in information technology has When one language is Malayali child to think that underlined the importance of language in gone astray, the unique the language that he/she information system building. Whatever the uses in his real life knowledge pertaining technological advancement we have, we cannot situation is inferior and to that particular ignore language, as all our knowledge is generated, further to reach an illusion knowledge is also lost. expressed and preserved through language only. No that his/her culture also is knowledge could exist without language. When one inferior. Popular language is gone astray, the unique knowledge television serials and pertaining to that particular knowledge is also lost. cinema also plays an Language used by tribal communities in Kerala important role in putting forward such an ideology and is an example to illustrate the unique social conscious to marginalise the communities whose language usage that the community has and how it is reflected in does not conform to the standard language. Such deviations are always a means for humour in mainstream their language. Life of Tribal activist C.K.Janu was cinema and tele-serials. documented by Bhaskaran, an artist and illustrator. He has made extensive interviews with her. Present phase of technical advancement and the Throughout in the interview, Janu used the word expansion in the knowledge base has compelled to adopt far more sanskritised language. The glossaries published ‘Nammal’, meaning ‘We’, where normally first person by State Institute of Language exemplify this trend. singular is used. An editor would be tempted easily Eurocentric approach towards knowledge is being to correct this usage treating it as a mistake. However, extended towards language acquisition also. The in Bhaskaran’s interview, the language that Janu uses inversion of the process, which took place when the is recorded as it is. The usage of ‘Nammal’, first curriculam for language learning was framed, has to be person plural in the place of ‘Njaan’, first person made. Instead of constructing a language for a content singular shows the social consciousness of Janu as alien to it, the language has to be made based on the well as the tribal community she belongs to. Such an knowledge exists in the culture. In such a process, we usage comes only from a person who proved that will be able to study the vocabulary in diverse dialects her self is rooted deep in society and in its politics. of our language and would be able to enrich our Academic researchers have found out (?) that 70 per terminology, which would facilitate a better cent of the words used in Paniya language is understanding of the new concepts .It will also provide Malayalam. It is not surprising that we share a ample scope for a comparative study of the traditional common vocabulary with Paniyas. Their language knowledge and the new knowledge imbibed from outer or rather dialect is an offshoot of the Dravidian root sources. The Writer is Lecturer in Malalayalam, M.G.Govt. Arts that Malayalam also originated from. More over, as College, New Mahe. LANGUAGE LEARNING

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 33 SPORTS By a Special Correspondent eavy undercurrents, strong, steady breeze and rough sea H played villains as the attempt of Muraleedharan,Muraleedharan, WilsonWilson S.P.Muraleedharan from Chertala and former international swimmer and Arjuna Awardee Wilson Cherian to conquer the falter at Palk Strait Palk Strait failed on May 24. falter at Palk Strait The 31-year-old Muraleedharan would have become the first Keralite and third Indian to cross the 34-kilometre Palk Strait in the Indian Ocean had he been successful. Muraleedharan was accompanied by his coach Wilson Cherian who had decided to give it a try only on the eve of the swimming expedition. And both swam together. The expedition from Thalai Mannar, some 400 kilometres from the Sri Lankan capital Colombo to Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, was sponsored by the Thrissur-based Elite Xtreme Sports Club of the Elite group of food products. It was after a long gap of 14 years that an Indian was attempting to conquer the Palk Strait. The late Mihir Sen and Kuthraleeswaran were the other Indian who have crossed the Palk Strait successfully. Crossing the Palk Strait is a hard task due to adversities of weather, rough sea and the presence of the LTTE. Thus, the Indo-Sri Lankan Governments had denied permission to swimming across the treacherous stretch. And it is on an invitation from the Lankan Government that Muraleedharan made this bold attempt. Muraleedharan was accompanied by three sports journalists from Kochi including this correspondent, in the pilot boat. Muraleedharan, a swimming coach at hotel Le Meridean in Kochi, had failed in his attempt to cross the English Channel between England and in August last year. The long distance swimmer has proved his worth by undertaking various long distance swimming expeditions. Muraleedharan was under tremendous mental pressure as he had to do a lot of running around to obtain approval. Muraleedharan who reached Colombo on May 18 practised at the Desaille beach in the Sri Lankan capital daily. The Wilson Cherian (in blue T shirt) and S.P.Muraleedharan during practice sessions. expedition was flagged off by Lieutenant

34 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING Sarath Karunatilak of Sri Lankan Navy at 6.37 a.m. local time (25 minutes ahead of IST). The much-experienced Wilson, at age 40, had taken a lead initially, but half- Anju’s leap to way through, Muraleedharan cut the margin. From then on, both swam together. golden glory It was a fact that both the swimmers covered more distance than needed to By a Special Correspondent cross the Strait due to technical mistake. On many an occasion, they had to go round and round, being misled by the ong jumper Anju Bobby George but also result in more invitations from guides who proceeded without the Global became the first athlete from prestigious Grand Prix meetings. Positioning System (GPS) which is a must LIndia to ever win a Grand Prix “Not many Indian athletes get a for expeditions in sea. event with a wind-aided leap of 6.82 chance to perform at world class metres at the Doha Grand Prix on May meetings, and my win here would Two sea jets of the Sri Lankan Coast 15. However, the leap is to be ratified surely help me get more invitations Guard provided the security net to the by the International Amateur Athletics from around the world,” the 27-year- team till the International Waters. From Federation (IAAF). old said. there, their Indian counterparts took over George, who last year became the charge. Latvian Valentina Gotovska was India’s first medal winner in the world second with a best leap of 6.70 metres, After swimming nearly 40 kilometres championships with a bronze, was while Malgorzata Trybanska of Poland in 10 hours, the swimmers pulled out in thrilled with her performance which finished third with 6.57 metres. exhaustion, 10 kilometres from the shores. she said has boosted her morale before However, Anju, who underwent Wilson, one of the best swimmers the the Athens Olympics in August. country has ever produced and is the training at the Mike Powell academy George, whose personal best is in the United States under long jump’s Assistant Sports Officer with Southern 6.74 metres, fouled her first two jumps, Railway, Chennai, too was visibly tired. world record holder Mike Powell, but held her nerve in the heat of the could not make it to the next Grand Wilson, the husband of Olympian Shiny battle to finish in first place. Wilson, had retired from competitive Prix in the Netherlands in the last week swimming ten years ago. of May because her visa was not sanctioned. Muraleedharan took to swimming only Anju, trained by her husband- at the age of 21. He had played volleyball coach Robert Bobby George, the during his college days at SN College, youngest brother of the legendary Cherthala.The expedition was conducted volleyball player, the late Jimmy with the cooperation of External Affairs George, had won the long jump gold ministries of both countries and Indian at the Busan Asian Games. High Commission in Colombo besides the two governments. The Kerala star jumped only 6.53 metres, far below her individual best The swimming expedition was the of 6.74 metres. Anju is a preventive maiden sports venture of Elite Xtreme officer with Chennai Customs. Sports Club, launched in Kochi recently. The club seeks to create a nationwide “I had cleared seven metres with However, Anju improved on her adventure sports entrepreneurial culture. my second jump, but unfortunately, it performance at the Manchester It’s goal is the creation of a support system was declared illegal,” said Anju George. Commonwealth Games where she won the bronze medal with a jump of to the field of sports and sports adventure. “I was really nervous with my third jump because I faced disqualification 6.49 metres. The club mission is to support those had I fouled that one too, forcing me Anju has set her eyes on breaking who enable people to enjoy sports to play it safe by jumping from just the seven-metre barrier. “I want to go adventures anywhere in India, with an behind the line. past 7 metres, the magic mark,” she emphasis on Kerala. The club also said with a glint in her eyes. Anju promotes amateur sports, youth sports and “But once I realised that my third jump of 6.61 metres would have cleared 6.53 metres in Busan to clinch women sports. For this, an expert panel gold, but later said she was has been formed. certainly won me the second place, I went all out with my fourth and last disappointed because it was well below Though a failed attempt, it has given jump and won the first prize.”Anju her personal best of 6.74 metres. confidence to Wilson who still keeps fit. “I’m George, who had finished fourth in the “Now, my dream is to win a medal planning to make another attempt at the Palk Osaka Grand Prix recently, said her at the Athens Olympics,” says Anju. Strait a few months later along with Bula performance would not only help her “At this pace, I’m hopeful of pulling Choudhary. I have also plans to cross the gain confidence ahead of the Olympics, it off.” English Channel,” said Wilson.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 35 Sarath Karunatilak of Sri Lankan Navy at 6.37 a.m. local time (25 minutes ahead of IST). The much-experienced Wilson, at age 40, had taken a lead initially, but half- Anju’s leap to way through, Muraleedharan cut the margin. From then on, both swam together. golden glory It was a fact that both the swimmers covered more distance than needed to By a Special Correspondent cross the Strait due to technical mistake. On many an occasion, they had to go round and round, being misled by the ong jumper Anju Bobby George but also result in more invitations from guides who proceeded without the Global became the first athlete from prestigious Grand Prix meetings. Positioning System (GPS) which is a must LIndia to ever win a Grand Prix “Not many Indian athletes get a for expeditions in sea. event with a wind-aided leap of 6.82 chance to perform at world class metres at the Doha Grand Prix on May meetings, and my win here would Two sea jets of the Sri Lankan Coast 15. However, the leap is to be ratified surely help me get more invitations Guard provided the security net to the by the International Amateur Athletics from around the world,” the 27-year- team till the International Waters. From Federation (IAAF). old said. there, their Indian counterparts took over George, who last year became the charge. Latvian Valentina Gotovska was India’s first medal winner in the world second with a best leap of 6.70 metres, After swimming nearly 40 kilometres championships with a bronze, was while Malgorzata Trybanska of Poland in 10 hours, the swimmers pulled out in thrilled with her performance which finished third with 6.57 metres. exhaustion, 10 kilometres from the shores. she said has boosted her morale before However, Anju, who underwent Wilson, one of the best swimmers the the Athens Olympics in August. country has ever produced and is the training at the Mike Powell academy George, whose personal best is in the United States under long jump’s Assistant Sports Officer with Southern 6.74 metres, fouled her first two jumps, Railway, Chennai, too was visibly tired. world record holder Mike Powell, but held her nerve in the heat of the could not make it to the next Grand Wilson, the husband of Olympian Shiny battle to finish in first place. Wilson, had retired from competitive Prix in the Netherlands in the last week swimming ten years ago. of May because her visa was not sanctioned. Muraleedharan took to swimming only Anju, trained by her husband- at the age of 21. He had played volleyball coach Robert Bobby George, the during his college days at SN College, youngest brother of the legendary Cherthala.The expedition was conducted volleyball player, the late Jimmy with the cooperation of External Affairs George, had won the long jump gold ministries of both countries and Indian at the Busan Asian Games. High Commission in Colombo besides the two governments. The Kerala star jumped only 6.53 metres, far below her individual best The swimming expedition was the of 6.74 metres. Anju is a preventive maiden sports venture of Elite Xtreme officer with Chennai Customs. Sports Club, launched in Kochi recently. The club seeks to create a nationwide “I had cleared seven metres with However, Anju improved on her adventure sports entrepreneurial culture. my second jump, but unfortunately, it performance at the Manchester It’s goal is the creation of a support system was declared illegal,” said Anju George. Commonwealth Games where she won the bronze medal with a jump of to the field of sports and sports adventure. “I was really nervous with my third jump because I faced disqualification 6.49 metres. The club mission is to support those had I fouled that one too, forcing me Anju has set her eyes on breaking who enable people to enjoy sports to play it safe by jumping from just the seven-metre barrier. “I want to go adventures anywhere in India, with an behind the line. past 7 metres, the magic mark,” she emphasis on Kerala. The club also said with a glint in her eyes. Anju promotes amateur sports, youth sports and “But once I realised that my third jump of 6.61 metres would have cleared 6.53 metres in Busan to clinch women sports. For this, an expert panel gold, but later said she was has been formed. certainly won me the second place, I went all out with my fourth and last disappointed because it was well below Though a failed attempt, it has given jump and won the first prize.”Anju her personal best of 6.74 metres. confidence to Wilson who still keeps fit. “I’m George, who had finished fourth in the “Now, my dream is to win a medal planning to make another attempt at the Palk Osaka Grand Prix recently, said her at the Athens Olympics,” says Anju. Strait a few months later along with Bula performance would not only help her “At this pace, I’m hopeful of pulling Choudhary. I have also plans to cross the gain confidence ahead of the Olympics, it off.” English Channel,” said Wilson.

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 35 SPORTS

NationalNational SchoolSchool Games:Games: KeralaKerala reignreign supremesupreme

By a Special Correspondent Kerala won the gold in Under-17 girls this year’s edition of the School Games handball, Under-19 boys and girls that were held in Kozhikode. The events Hosts Kerala asserted their supremacy volleyball, Under-19 girls hockey, Under- were held in five venues - Medical College when they bagged the overall 17 boys and girls kho kho and Under-19 ground, Devagiri College ground, championship title at the 49th National boys and girls ball badminton. Providence College ground, Physical School Games, curtains of which came Education College ground and down on May 16 in Kozhikode. Kerala In ball badminton final, Kerala girls V.K.Krishna Menon Indoor Stadium. gleaned a total of 92 points, winning eight had it easy against Chhattisgarh, winning out of ten possible gold medals. 29-11, 29-8, while the boys notched up a Earlier, Education minister Nalakath 29-22, 29-24 win over the same rivals. Soopy had declared the Games open. As Uttar Pradesh finished runners-up with 30 points, while Chhattisgarh and The volleyball title clash saw Kerala many as 1500 sportsmen from across the Gujarat shared the third spot, both teams boys beating Uttar Pradesh 25-19, 25-19, country participated in the 6-day Games having scored 22 points. 16-25 and 25-23. Hosts’ girl spikers put it for which the State Government shelled across West Bengal 25-13, 25-9 and 25- out Rs 15 lakh. It was a golden double for Kerala in 12. events like volleyball, ball badminton and Some of the events of the Games were kho kho. Kerala had clinched the gold in In the handball final, Kerala scored conducted elsewhere in the country early athletics, held early this year in West over Assam, 19-11, while in the girls this year. Bengal. hockey title match, Kerala blanked Delhi Kerala, who had won many gold 6-0. The number of participating teams medals in other events of the Games was comparatively lesser this year. Though The hosts’ boys and girls defeated earlier, had fielded a strong contingent at the Games had been organised Gujarat in both the finals, winning 13-7 the Games. The hosts were quite successfully, the crowd turnout was rather and 9-7 respectively. optimistic about the chances of winning poor. However, the standard of the Games Volleyball, handball, badminton, the overall title. And they made optimum was unaffected. hockey and kho kho were the events of use of the home advantage.

36 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING BOOKS Bird’sBird’s ViewView Birds of Kerala Salim Ali, Third edition, Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department, Price: Rs. 600/-

K.G. Mohanan Pillai With 76 threatened bird species, India finds itself ranked as the 7th in a global list, negatively. It is in this context that the book Birds of Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist, gains importance.

Around the world, the population of international treaties, in operation, to can be placed with : Forestry Information the birds are getting reduced due to an safeguard the environment. With 76 Bureau, Kerala Forest Headquarters, array of biotic and abiotic factos. “The threatened bird species, India finds itself Vazhuthacaud. State of the World’s Birds - 2004" released ranked as the 7th in a global list, negatively. Dr. Salim Ali, the birdman of India by Birdlife International, a partner of the It is in this context that the book Birds of undertook explorative bird surveys in International Union for the Conservation Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of Travancore and Cochin areas, as early as of Nature and Natural Resources. IUCN’s Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the 1933. The enlarged 2nd edition of the presents fresh evidence that unsustainable renowned ornithologist, gains importance. development policies being followed by ‘Birds of Kerala’ was published in 1969 Kerala, the heart of the Western Ghats to cater to the insistent demand from bird many nations have increased the risk of - one of the 25 hotspots extinction for a large number of birds. watchers and the for biodiversity in the zoology students. A One in eight bird species, world wide, is world - harbours 476 threatened with extinction, making up a reprint of the book to various species of birds, commemorate the total of 1211 species of 12.4 per cent of both resident and all known birds. Of these, 179 species are golden jubilee migratory. In this book, celebration of the in the red zone and could be lost for ever 427 species and races in the immediate future. The status of Periyar Wildlife of the bird wealth of Sanctuary was issued birds, assessed during the IUCN’ Red List Kerala have been Criteria is by far the most extensive study in 1984. The book also described and 425 birds are beautifully ran out of stock soon. Thereafter, the of any group of organisms over a 16- illustrated in colour, in 56 plates. The year period. The results indicate Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department common name of the bird, its local initiated steps to update, revise and publish that the biodiversity is at great risk names, scientific name, field today despite the more than 500 the book - the Birds of Kerala - during characters, status and habitat, the centenary year of Dr. Salim Ali. The migration, distribution, general book is revised by Dr. R. Sugathan, one habits, breeding biology, of the first batch research students of Dr. nesting, nest, racial characters Salim Ali and a long time companion in and relevant research details of his field work and is edited by Dr. J.C. each of the species described in the Daniel, the veteran wildlife biologist of book will certainly help the bird the country and the Hon. Secretary of the watches, the serious researchers and the Bombay Natural History Society. The wildlife enthusiasts. 520 pages of book is illustrated by the famous John description of birds of Kerala Henry Dick. The project of the revision and 60 pages of the of the book has been undertaken by the introductory passages on Salim Ali Wild Wings Trust, Mumbai and identification of birds and the the book is published by the Kerala Forests history of ornithological & Wildlife Department. studies in Kerala make the book Author is Technical Officer to the Chief Wildlife interesting to the readers. The book Warder & Dy. Director (Wildlife Education), Kerala . is priced at Rs. 600/- per copy. Orders

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 37 I N && A R OU N D

How far is Durbar Hall? A FLASHBACK. On Nayanar and the Room Feburary 20, 1998, the was Chief Minister’s cabin. mortal remains of E.M. Nayanar was weeping in Sankaran Namboodiripad innate feelings unable to K. C. JOHN : Recognition for lifetime contribution was being paid homage in resist the situation where Durbar Hall by people his lifelong comrade is no from all walks of life. The more. Of tremors and a pot whole atmosphere was On 20th May 2004, the KOTTAYAM, April 4: delivered the word ‘millions’ charged with slogans, cries Durbar Hall witnessed the Hundreds of the faithful instead of ‘hundres’! The and silence aloud. A event repeated with more were today kneeling in erroneous ‘millions’ drove person in a North Block sorrow, sighs, memories churches and praying for the story to the front page! room was tense and calm, and slogans. E.K. Nayanar, their life threatened by This is another story). but occasionally outburst. the leader ‘having a heart constant tremors.... So ran a K.C. John sat on Kerala His heart came out when for people’ was bid adieu news item filed by K.C. John, affairs with his infallible tears rolled down. At by thousands. the newly assigned reporter acumen for reporting. Till constant intervals he The Durbal Hal fell of Times of India in 1953. 1984 he penned for Times of looked down through the The news story was about the silent. It seemed that the India. During the three window to the vicinity of minor earthquakes occurred walls of the hall were decades not a single story Durbar Hall. The crowd in and around Pala. (It was eagerly lending ears as if from him hesitated to go to was growing to all ways despatched from Kottayam Nayanar is to speak once press. His post-retirement job leading to Durbar Hall. Central Telegraph Office. as special correspondent to more in the Hall. The person was E.K. The telegraphic message Newstime continued till 2002. K.C. John, who is 80 now, stood close to the heat and dust of all political shows and felt the wavelengths of many political personae. Read his books Melting Pot or Beyond the Deadline, the offshoot of his sheer experiences. Both the books are coming out in Malayalam soon. This year’s Vijaya- raghavan Memorial Award reached K.C. John, hailing his lifetime contribution in the field of journalism. He received the award from the Speaker, Vakkom Purushothaman on 3rd June. The award carries Rs.10,001/- and a citation. Enough to add happy moments to his wholly DURBAR HALL : At times, witnesses tearful farewell retired life in Kottayam?

38 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING Endaro Mahanubhavalu.. ONCE Somayajulu was occures rare. A process caught red handed for an which made Sankara- offene! He came out a bharanam a national hit. theatre, during the interval Born in 1928, he grew up of a movie, to have a expliciting his talents for cigarette smoke. Some acting in Natakas. His mother people around recognized inspired him. He co-authored him as their ‘Sankara Sasthri’. the paly version of They said to him, ‘You are ‘Kanyasulkam’, which created our God, you cannot have a miraculous history. vices such as smoking.’ Ascended the filmdom in Sankara Sasthry, the 1980, he acted in 150 plus protagonist he portrayed in movies, including Malayalam. ACTOR SUPREME : Somayajulu in the Malayalam film ‘Sopaanam’ Sankarabharanam grew a His endless passion for thousand times than the stage continued till the last the age of 76 in Hyderabad. continues to be a actor. Character ate the of his life. D.V. Somayajulu Sankara Sasthry lives on sumptuous food of music. actor. A phenomenon that died on 27th May 2004 at and Sankarabharanam Goodness inside Career RELEASING a new meaningful end. It is the directory in Kollam, Health useful by-product of their fares Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan health survey conducted last TUTOR publications rightly described the book as year. About 12,000 donors flood. Career guidance “man’s inner-goodness”. The are enlisted in the print centres sprout. Career directory will be a friend (in version. Online edition is consultants trott. May-June need) indeed for the people available at kollam.nic.in. opens up every opportunity to talk of of Kollam. It’s a directory of More than 7000 donors are online. Blood on fingertips. courses and careers in blood donors in the district. Kerala. Most of the major A joint effort by the Health Don’t get bewildered on towns witness career Department and district situations. Grab the directory workshops or seminars. administration achieved in advance!

enthusiasts. The screening delivered mixed responses. Silver Canvas Please note: As a painter TROUBLES used to On 4th June the film was M.F. Hussain has lesser darken M.F. Hussain’s screened at Kalabhavan in number of admirers in doors either on account of Thiruvanananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Amid fairs fare, the his paintings or on film. compared to Kochi or arousing interest in classical Department of Higher The film Meenakshi is now Kozhikode! Secondary Education resting in boxes after a organised fruitful career brief hit on screens. guidance fairs at four Protests came in the form venues-Thiruvanan- of threats. Meenakshi - thapuram, Kochi, Thrissur Tale of 3 cities depicts a and Kozhikode. The event woman’s transformation in was titled Kerala Career three cities - Hyderabad, Fare. The fairs included Jaisalmir and Prague. A counselling, audio-visual novelist suffering from sessions imparting useful ‘creative block’ is able to information on more than dispel his deterrence in her 750 courses. Began on company. But she dissuades 17th May. Hundreds of him from writing students visited the fairs. describing it as futile TABU in ‘Meenakshi’ Compiled by attempts. T. Prasannan

KERALA CALLING z June 2004 39 LETTERS ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Preserve Thinking of Cholesterol heritages I have read your Cover ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ for a healthy person? The During my recent study Share Story ‘Cholesterol and question remains unanswered trip in Kerala I could read your Kerala’. What our medical for long. I have read about Kerala Calling in a public freternity do is to popularise some studies that the library in Thrissur. I read it views the perception that cholesterol reduction bring regularly and xerox important down the death rate due to informative pages. Send your cholesterol is a villain. The responses to heart attack only by seven or I was the member mud thrown upon coconut the articles eight percent. Amidst divided secretary of the Goa State is part of this campaign. carried by this opinions, drug companies have Town Society Planning Board Reduce cholesterol or court magazine to: the final laugh! and also Goa St ate Land Use death is a vile message sent Board, besides the member - N. Thankachan, out by medical profession. of a number of state Aswathy, Walayar The Editor, Cholesterol is an government committees. Kerala Calling, essential factor for body cells Thanking the effort Now I am a member of Secretariat Annexe Thiruvananthapuram. and facilitator of many I am living in a village and State Conservation Commit- important hormones. normally we don’t get the tee which deals with conser- Pin: 695001 vation of heritage buildings. chance of higher study. I am Lowering cholesterol levels I find great interest in all OR will undo some functions very thankful and prayerful for towns in Kerala and expect e-mail to: within the body cells which your efforts in spreading that Government will place may lead to behavioural valuable information through due importance to heritage deviations. your pages. My warmest wishes conservation. and best regards. N. Pandalai Cholesterol reduction, as [email protected] Abdul Jaleel P.K. professed by the medical Habitat Research &Planning practitioners, is really needed Vellila, Centre, Altoporvorim, Goa.

LIFE&LINE P.V. KRISHNAN

40 June 2004 z KERALA CALLING