INDO ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

INDO ASEAN
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
The UDF high-power committee passed a resolution saying that the Indo ASEAN Free Trade Agreement was beneficial to the country, but wanted the centre to ensure price stability of coffee, tea and pepper. The UDF felt that rubber, copra and marine products from kerala would not be affected as these figured in the negative list of 489 items.
The UDF demanded a support price scheme for coconut on the lines of the one for copra in cause coconut prices were to fall because of palm oil imports.
The Indo- ASEAN trade agreement should be converted an opportunity to increase productivity and value addition of farm commodities. For this, the Central government should extend all financial assistance to help the farmers use technology to achieve this objective and equipped to face global competition.”
Kerala Congress (M) led by Mr. K.M Mani said the Agreement would provide a fillip to the Indian economy, but its impact on kerala. According to the provisions, the duty on coffee and tea would reduce from 100 percent to 45 percent and pepper from percent to 50 percent. The centre should be prepared to compensate the farmers for the income loss they would suffer either by way of subsidies or through special schemes.
Leader of the opposition Sri Oommen chandi welcomed Agreement pact. He had termed the pact as opportunity for kerala agriculture to become globally competitive
Food and civil supplies minister Sri Divakaran said that coconut oil should be treated as edible oil. The subsidy was a must, especially in view of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with Association of south East Asian nations

PROF JOHN KURAKAR

CAPE TO LAUNCH FINISHING SCHOOL

CAPE TO LAUNCH
FINISHING SCHOOL
The Cooperative Department will soon launch a finishing school under the auspices of the cooperative Academy of professional Education (CAPE) to make those passing out of colleges and professionals institutes employable
The finishing school, Kerala Institute of making the Best (KIMB) located in Alappuzha, would launch its first certificate course, the post graduate certificate in Career Advancement (PGCCA) in the last week of August 2009.
The cost of setting up the finishing school is around Rs 2 crore Basic infrastructure, including air- conditioned halls, digital library and language lab, have already been built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh.
Cooperation Minister said that in there would be 30 seats in the first Batch. The PGCCA Course is targeted at graduates and postgraduates of any discipline and fresh recruits who want to improve soft skills. The course fee is Rs 30,000 with 5000 subsidy for students who studied in CAPE Institutions.

Prof John Kurakar

BJP EXPELS JASWANT SINGH

BJP EXPELS
JASWANT SINGH

The Bharatiya Janatha Party on Wednesday, 19th August 2009 expelled Jaswant singh its veteran leader and an M.P. A meeting of the parliamentary Board in shimla unanimously decided to remove the former union minister from the primary membership. The parliamentary Board viewed his praise of Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah and his adverse comments on India’s first home minister Sardar Valabhbhai patel.
L.K Advani, also a member of the Parliamentary Board was himself held guilty of ideological deviation in 2005 when he praised Jinnah during a visit to Pakistan and was forced to exit as party president
Jaswant singh said on Wednesday in Shimla that 30 years he had served it and discharged responsibilities entrusted to him, he added” a carton I was once depicted as Hanuman, but, the party is now portraying me as Ravana”.He said” for my 30-year long association to end this way is naturally painful.
Mr. Jaswant singh has understood Jinnah singh has understood Jinnah in a particular way. There was no need for the BJ P to go to the extent of expelling him with out even a customary notice. Jaswant singh has recorded his views to which he is entitled. I do not think all the parliamentary board members read his recently launched book’ Jinnah: India- Partition- Independence (Rupa & Co, New Delhi, 2009, 669 pages) The Book is a scholarly literature. Mr. Singh does not claim to be a scholar. The historians will evaluate the scholarly merit of Mr. Singh’s book.

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR

ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES

ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES

The multiple environmental crises confronting the country as an alarming situation. The first task is to educate people and the greatest challenge is of arriving at a new equilibrium between man and nature”
Climate change was threatening the fragile ecosystems and an impending drought was staring the country in the face. Water scarcity was becoming a way of life and pollution” is a growing threat to our health and habitat”
We are conscious of our responsibilities to both the present and future generations and we seek to enhance the ecological sustainability of our development path” each state government to create their own action plans consistent with the strategies in the National plans.
For environmental friendly development, access to new technologies available with developed countries was required. Tribal communities were the environmental foot soldiers who had guarded forests and evolved sophisticated way of living in harmony with nature over the centuries” their wisdom and their experience should be utilized to preserve over forests. The Tribal Rights Act is an opportunity to guarantee the legitimate rights them in the frontline of the environment movement for regeneration

PROF.JOHN KURAKAR

9-STATES HAVE DECLARED DROUGHT

9 STATES
HAVE DECLARED DROUGHT
Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland,Karnataka, Maharastra and Uttar Pradesh had declared drought owing to delayed or deficient monsoon. Jharkhand and Manipur had submitted memoranda seeking additional central assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund. The centre has released the first installment of the calamity Relief Fund to Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Utter Pradesh.
The union Agriculture minister advised states to adopt area specific strategy, and wherever possible, to go in for higher production of vegetables, horticulture and short- duration.
The South- west monsoon has proved to be unpredictable, variable, and uncertain this year. The official announcement that 177 districts suffer from either drought or drought-like conditions indicating the magnitude of the crisis. Little or no rain, late rain and heavy rain have all been features of monsoon behavior so far in different parts of India. Officially, the monsoon behavior so far in different parts of India. Officially, the monsoon ends on September 30,2009 and it is possible that September will witness heavy rain at some places lending to floods and damage to crops.
There have already been symptoms of extreme distress and despair in the drought affected areas. Suicides by farmers are increasing leading to greater hardship to widows and children. The burden of usury is one of the worst aspects of the life of a small and marginal farmer. Agriculture is a life-giving profession and it is tragic that those who help to feed the country are pushed in to taking their own lives. There must be large scale provision of employment in the drought-hit areas, with the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme expanded to provide 100 days of work at minimum ways to every working member of a rural household

Prof John Kurakar

SHAH RUKH KHAN DETAINED FOR TWO HOURS AT U.S AIR PORT

SHAH RUKH KHAN DETAINED
FOR TWO HOURS AT U.S AIRPORT
Bolly wood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained and questioned for two hours at the Newark Airport on Sunday 16th August 2009. The 43 year old actor was detained by immigration officials because his name was part of a common checklist prepared since the 9-11 attacks
The officials wanted to know why Khan was visiting the U.S and posed other such questions. Shah Rukh Khan said “I was really hassled at the American airport because of my name being Khan”. In New Delhi, the government took up the issue with U.S embassy which said it was ascertaining details about the incident. U.S ambassador Timothy J. Roemer described Khan as “global icon” who is a welcome gust in America. Khan has been frequenting the U.S to shoot for his film “ My Name is Khan”
Mr. Khan told the audience that “I was treated shabbily just because I happened to have Khan as my last name” profusely apologizing to his fans for arriving two hours late at the Casino city of New jersey for Saturday’s function.Mr Khan told the large number of Indian- Americans that he did not feel like stepping on American soil any more, but it was the love and affection of millions of his fans in the U.S which would bring him to this country again and again.
“It was very unprofessional of the airport security staff of not allowing me to use my cell phone to contact my local organizers” he told the audience who were literally taken a back by what they herd from their superstar. Mr. Khan again said ‘I have traveled through out the world for my shooting and also as brand ambassador for major products, but I have never been treated like this before. “Later in Chicago, where he had gone to take part in the south Asian carnival on the occasion of India’s Independence Day

Prof John KURAKAR

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH ASEAN

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
WITH ASEAN
India and the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have clinched a Free Trade Agreement that will take effect on January 1, 2010. They have been a great deal of give and take and compromises in the format of the agreement, but negotiations on services and investments are still on. In India, much of the opposition comes from kerala.
The Communist party of India (Marxist) said the free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN, signed by commerce Minister Sharma in Thailand on Thursday, and reflected the misplaced priorities of the congress-led government at a time of global recession and worsening agrarian situation. The FTA was signed with out any discussion in parliament about its possible impact
The gradual elimination of tariff, from January next year, on 80 percent of the goods traded between India and the ASEAN countries would be harmful for domestic industries, agriculture and fisheries, which have already been affected by the economic slow down. This would have already been affected by the economic slow down. This would have an adverse impact on the economics of the states, particularly kerala’s.
The CPI (M) called on the government to act immediately and take measures to protect the interests of those who will be affected by this agreement. It also demanded a white paper explaining the impact of this agreement on India and wanted the issue to be discussed in parliament
Chief minister has said that India’s recent free trade agreement with the Association of south East Asian Nations (ASEAN) allowing duty-free import of agriculture and marine products, among other goods, from 2010, will push kerala’s agriculture sector back to its old crisis ridden days. At least 50 lakh above poverty line (APL) ration card holders in the state would be negated from the public distribution system if the proposed national- level food security law would also halve the number of below poverty line (BPL) card holders in the state.

Prof John Kurakar

CHINGOM

CHINGOM
Chingom (August- September) is the first month in the Malayalam Calendar used in Kerala. The first day of Chingom is the beginning of the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar and is locally referred as “Andu Pirappu” The first day is welcomed by special pujas and people in large numbers visit the temples. The day is of great significance to the farmers also. As per Malayalam calendar Kolla varsham 1185 (the Malayalam Year) begins to day i.e. August 17, 2009. The month is considered highly auspicious and numerous marriage and other ceremonies take place in the month. Onam, the most popular festival of kerala is observed in this month. A festival immersed in myths, folk lore and traditions Onam is an occasion of keralisties to celebrate plentiude and togetherness. The ten day Onam celebrations begin on the Atham asterism of the month chingam.
Onam has been part of Malayalam psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the sangam Age, The earliest record of the festival is found during the reign those days the whole chingom was celebrated as Onam season
Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of kerala Onam is a time when the whole state bustles with activities festivities and shopping starts even weeks before the festival. Onam epitomizes the new found vigor and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervor with folk games, family get togetherness, gifting of cloths called Onakkodi and lots of merry making


Prof John Kurakar

SWINE FLU

SWINE FLU
It is four months since swine flue entered our country. It is a matter of same that we allowed the epidemic to spread owing to a lack of sufficient planning in advance. Doctors of Indian origin form a large group across the world. They must come forward to help our doctors and other health officials to contain pandemic.
The number of death caused by swine flu is lesser in India only because the virus entered our country late. We are in the earlier phase of the epidemic. The number of affected is on the rise and will continue to rise in view o view of the size and density of our population, the socio-economic conditions and the lack of adequate health care. The problem will increase if and when the virus spreads to non-urban areas.
The best way to allay the anxiety of people is to educate them on the origin of swine flu, mode of transmission and spread, effective preventive measures, and the method to tackle it if a person contracts it.
Evidently, swine flu has frightened the entire nation. Although the government woke up to the seriousness of the virus fairly late, it should extend prevention and treatment to every part of the country. We should not prevent its import. But we should contain it as soon as possible. Swine flu is not a deadly disease, and we can prevent it by taking adequate precautions. But some sections of the media portray wine flu as a dreadful disease creating panic among the masses. They should handle this as a serious issue and try to create awareness among the people instead of blowing it out of proportion.
Swine flu is spreading any where rapidly. It is in the electronic media. It came to India from developed countries. One hopes the media will be responsible, not sensational millions of poor die every day of cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, dengue, meningitis, malnutrition and food poisoning. Why don’t the television cameras and correspondents concentrate on those who cannot afford even two square meters, let alone medicines? They die un attended, un heard, and un seen. I do not know why there is such a hue and cry over swine flu. The electronic media talk only about the deaths and seem to be in no mood to high light the cases of those who have recovered from swine flu. The mortality rate is higher among the aged, diabetic, and asthma patients. Otherwise, it is just like common flu. The media should disseminate information on precautions to be taken- washing hands regularly, keeping good personal hygiene, avoiding crowded places, etc. We will surely develop natural immunity against the A (HINI) virus soon
India did not take swine flu seriously when it first broke out in Mexico. It ought to have taken adequate preventive measures by enlisting the services of experienced doctors in government hospitals and building up a good stock of medicines. It should have undertaken large scale campaigns in rural and urban areas on preventive measures. We find that in most cases of swine flu, a lot of time is wasted on diagnosis.
One still fails to understand why the government did not take enough precautions when Mexico was hit by swine flu. People kept traveling abroad and this was enough for the government to act. By the time it started screening people at international arrival terminals, the flu had already entered the country, starting from pune. The lack of testing laboratories has caused frustration among many. Who have living a constant fear since the first death was reported. The government should act fast to control the situation. It is important to issue travel advisories to people and keep the air ports, railway stations and bus STANDS CLEAN. It would be ideal if screening facilities were provided at these locations overcrowded areas are highly susceptible to the spread of swine flu. It is shocking to read that the prices of N95 face masks have gone up because of the increase in demand. The government should provide face masks at subsidized rates and, if possible, distribute them free of cost. The Mexican army distributed six million face masks to civilians to safe guard them selves against swine flu.

Prof John Kurakar

FARMERS TO GET PENSION

                FARMERS TO GET PENSION
The first batch of elderly farmers will get their first pension packets from the state government on the auspicious Malayalam New Year day that falls on August 17; kerala would thus become the first state in the country to launch a pension scheme for farmers.
The pension amount now is Rs 300 a month. Farmers above the age of 60, growing rice in fields extending from 10 cents (about 0.4 hectare to two hectares in area, earning at least 50 percent of their annual income from cultivation and getting no other welfare pension were eligible for the pension.
They would also get an assistance of Rs 25,000 each at the time of their daughters wedding. This assistance would be only for one daughter in each case. The minister said that nearly 10,000 elderly farmers would get the pension. In the next stage, farmers of other crops too would be included in the scheme and additional benefits such as scholarships for children too will be included. When the pensioner dies, half the pension amount would be sanctioned as family pension to the life partner.

                                                              Prof John Kurakar

KOROTTY INFOPARK

KOROTTY INFOPARK
The first satellite Centre of Info park Kochi is scheduled to start operations by November 2009 at Koratty in Thrissur. The Campus will be the first facility to come up under the hub-and spoke model of information technology (IT) infrastructure development in kerala. The park situated on 17 hectares of Land, will have world-class facilities. It is expected to generate 6,000 IT jobs when it becomes fully operational.
The first phase of the project involves the development of 12 hectares of prime land. The allotment of 70,000 sq.ft of built-up area with play and play incubation facilities is nearly complete. The campus will have a common water treatment plant and commercial complex.
Koratty Info Park is 45 Km from Cochin International Air port at Nedumbassery.Koratty Info park is aimed at tapping the talent pool and entrepreneurial skills in and around Thrissur.
The first two phases will be developed under the smart Business centre concept. IT building in the Campus incorporating the Green Building concept. Developed plots of varying sizes will be offered for co- development in the second phase of the Koratty Info park project.

Prof John Kurakar

MORE FACILITIES FOR STATE TACKLE A(HINI) INFLUENZA

MORE FACILITIES FOR SATE TACKLE A(HINI) INFLUENZA
The Cabinet on Wednesday 12th August 2009 sanctioned Rs 2 crore to establish emergency medical facilities to deal with the A (HINI) influenza. The chief minister said the amount would be used to ensure expert medical care to patients. He said the state would request to union government to sanction a testing centre for A (HINI) virus at the Rajeev Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvanandhapuram, which had the necessary facilities.
Health minister said that separate ventilator facilities would be available in at least one hospital in each district for treating A (HINI) patients with in a week. The treatment facilities would be available at 25 hospitals across the state, including medical colleges, general hospitals and private hospitals. More than 100 screening centers (one in each district) had been opened. Eight lakh people had been screened for the4 disease and only 55 cases had tested positive.
The Director General of Health service has directed the Health Department to set up more isolation facilities in every district for quarantining suspected cases of A(HINI) infection and to improve community surveillance.

Prof John Kurakar

TAMIFLU &A(HINI) INFLUENZA

TAMIFLU &A(HINI) INFLUENZA
Tami flu- the only drug that is known to cure A(HINI) influenza as if now. In the open market the drugs and masks is not available. The union Health minister asked the states to take action against those indulging in malpractice. Retail sale of Tami flu is banned but is available free of cost at the identified government health facilities where swineflu patients are being treated. It will now also be made available to private health facilities approved for treating such patients.

Prof John Kurakar

R.K LEXMAN- THE UNCOMMON MAN

R.K LAXMAN-
THE UNCOMMON MAN
The renowned creator of the iconic figure, cartoonist R.K Laxman, had a fitting tribute paid to him in the form of a book titled’ R.K Laxman- the un common- man.’
The book, a chronicle of Mr. Lax man’s works from 1948 to 2008. Author of the book is Mr. Dharmendra- Bhandari. The author said ,the book in a way chronicled the political history of independent India. He embossed Mr. Laxman’s perseverance with his art and his ability to lampoon the political establishment of the day
The book is divided in to five parts, comprising a biographical sketch, a section on Laxman the artist, his caricature, the element of humour and political cartons.
Mr. Laxman is the greatest cartoonist in India. He was a people’s representative who raised their issues forcefully in the corridors of power. The Governor said “ for the first time, the Durbar Hall is seeing the felicitation of a unique person, the creator of the common man” The Governor again said “ cartooning is a powerful wheel of journalism. A Cartoonist is the torchbearer of freedom of expression”
Mr. Laxman portrayed the ups and downs in the life of the Common man. His way of portraying issues was not hand-hitting as that of the editors, he did it I a humorous way. He is the most well-informed person; it is difficult to imagine the Times of India with out his cartons. The election slogan of ‘aam adami’ had also sought inspiration from Mr. Lax man’s creation.

Prof John Kurakar

PAY TRIBUTE TO ACTOR MURALI

PAY TRIBUTE
TO ACTOR MURALI
Actor and chairman of the Kerala Sangita Nataka Akademi, Murali died at a private hospital on Thursday 6th August 2009. He was 55. Murali was hospitalized on Tuesday evening on complaining of chest congestion after returning from a London tour. He had acted in more than 300 films.
A native of Odanavattom in Kottarakara, Murali left his job in Kerala University to join cinema. He was also active in theatre and had been an integral part of the experiments conducted by kavalam Narayana Panicker. He won the National award for his performance in Neythukaran directed by Priyanendananan in 2002 and state awards in 1990, 92, 96 and 99. He is survived his wife and daughter. The body will be laid at the VJT Hall from 9 am on Friday for the public to pay last respects. He will be cremated on Friday with state honours.
Chief Minister has expressed grief over the passing away of actor Murali. In his condolence message, he said Mural’s untimely death was a great loss for kerala “Murali will be remembered forever through his characters on stage and cinema.
Murali was rare genius who had immortalized many a character through his inimitable style. His death would be great loss for Malayalam cinema.
The state government will take steps to construct a Theatre Complex in Trissur as a memorial to actor Murali. Murali was a talented actor, social revolutionary committed student of aesthetics and a great human being “we were very close to one another. His loss is irreparable.

Prof John Kurakar

SWINE FLU CRISIS

SWINE FLU- CRISIS
14- year old Rida sheikh, who died of swine flu in pune on Monday 3 rd August 2009. Rida’s family would initiate legal proceedings against Jehengir Hospital, where she was treated.
The family lawyer, Asif Lampuala alleged that the girl’s death was a cause of “gross negligence” the family would claim’ huge sums in damages” and the money would be given to charity.
Rida was admitted to Jehangir Hospital on July 26 after midnight as she had very high fever and was suffering from breathlessness. Hospital authority told that it was pneumonia on July 27 and 28 they told she was suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. On 29th, the hospital suspected swine flue and sent her samples to ruby Hall clinic for testing. The report, which was negative. It was only on the 31st that her samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology which tested her positive for swine flu. She was very critical and could not be moved to Naidu Hospital, her situation worsened and died on August 3”
The death of Ridha sheikh is the first in the country to fall to swine flu, hundreds of people thronged pun’s Naidu Hospital to get themselves or their children screened for swine flu over a thousand people with cold, cough and fever came to the Naidu Hospital every day. 10-12 doctors have been checking them since morning. The hospital had 13 positive cases as of Tuesday 2nd august. Mumbai too witnessed some panic and people mad a rush to the Kasturba Hospital, the centre treating swine flu cases in the city.
The Maharastra government is proposing rules for private practitioners so that not every patient with symptoms of swine flue is shifted to a public hospital. In pune only the Aundh and Naidu government hospitals can screen people for swine flu, but the government is in the process of identifying some more places where this can be done, since the numbers were increasing.
Swine flu claiming its fourth victims in the country. A 43 year old NRI in Ahmedbad. Prime Minister on Sunday,9th August 2009 asked union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to step up the preparedness and ensure closer coordination between in the health Ministry and the state governments to check the spread of highly contagious disease.
436 deaths have so far been reported from the U.S, in Argentina the figure stood at 337 and Australia 85. The Minister said swine flu cases might go up owing to the highly contagious nature of the disease that spreads in ‘geometrical ratio.
Gujarat recorded its first swine flu death on Sunday 9th August 2009. Non-resident Indian Pravin Patel, who had returned from Atlanta, united state, on July 31, fell victim to the A (HINI) virus at the government civil hospital in Ahmedbad. His wife is being treated for the flue-in the hospital. On their arrival at Ahmedbad air port, the couple was allowed to go home as nothing was found during the screening. But the two were later admitted to private hospital for treatment of common flu and pneumonia as they developed high fever. They were shifted to the government civil hospital on Friday in a critical condition after the doctors realized that they were not suffering from common flu possible swine flu.
20 test positive in Mumbai 735 people were screened and 140 throat swabs sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in pune and the haffkine institute.
At the Kasturba hospital, 234 patients were screened 66 samples taken and eight admitted. The Siddhartha hospital screened 67 people, took 11 samples and admitted one. The Central government on Monday 10th August 2009 decided to involve private hospitals in checking for the A (HINI) influenza that already claimed seven lives and affected 864 persons across the country. The decision was taken in view of the increasing number of swine flu cases pouring in to the government hospitals
Tamil Nadu recorded its first swine flu death on Monday when a four year old boy fell victim to the illness at a private hospital. Its authorities said SanjayBalakrishnan who had been ill for about a week, was moved through two private hospitals before he was finally shifted to Mehta Hospital, where his A (HINI) infection was finally detected.

Prof John Kurakar

RIGHT TO FREE EDUCATION BILL

THE PARLIAMENT APPROVED RIGHT TO FREE EDUCATION BILL
The parliament has adopted ‘ the Right of children to Free and compulsory Education Bill, 2009 which envisages providing free and compulsory education to children in the 6-14 age group with the Lok sabha approving it by voice vote on Tuesday 4th August 2009. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on July 20. Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal termed the center’s move a’ national enterprise that would help shape India’s future” the legislation would ensure every child’s right to education and the obligation of the government to impart it. The law would ensure that the child got free, compulsory and quality education by qualified teachers.
The curriculum would be less rigorous and it would ensure all- round development of children, while 25 percent of seats in every private school would be allocated for children from disadvantaged groups including differently abled children at entry level, as far as minority institutions were concerned up to 50 percent of those seats could be offered to students from their communities. Every 100 children attending elementary school only 12 reach the graduation level, in
Europe it was 50-70 students reaching college from elementary level and global average is 27. The centre wanted to increase India’s average to 15 by 2012 and 30-35 by 2020.

Prof John Kurakar

NAVATHI CELEBRATION OF PG.M KURAKAR

90th BIRTH DAY(NAVATHY) CELEBRATION OF MR PGM KURAKAR
Navathy Celebration of Mr. P.G.M Kurakar held at Ayppallor City centre on 8th August 2009. Very Rev Yoohanon Remban inaugurates the Navathy celebration. Rev Fr Geevarghese, vicar, st.George Orthodox church, Aippallor presided. Prof John Kurakar welcomed the gathering. Sri Kurikesu, president, Malila Panchayat release the Navathy souvenir and hand over to sri C.O Malakhi. Rev Fr Reji Lukose, Rev.FR D. Jacob Smt Sarasu Samuel, ward member, Sri C.O Malakhi, Sri Thomas George, Sri G.Joy Sri D. Unnikrishnan, Sri Cheriyan P. Koshy,,scientist Botanickal Garden, Palodu, Sri Neelaswram Sadasivan,vice president Kerala Kavya Kala sahithy, Sri N. Balakrishnan Nair, Psychological counselor, Sri K.K Joy, secretary, Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy, Smt Chinnamma John, president Kurakaran Women’s Association , Sri Panayil Pappachan were spoke on occasion.
Sri Pratheep, C.I of Police, Sri R. Rajandra Pillai Dubai, Sri Ashok, Manager B.R Memorial English medium school were participated on the function. 15 distinguish persons gifted ponnada( Golden shawls) to PGM Kurakar. Celebration is ended with Lunch. More than five hundred persons participated in the Navathy celebration

Prof John Kurakar

VIOLENCE IN PAKISTAN

VIOLENCE IN
PAKISTAN
In Pakistan 10 people were killed in violence between Muslims and Christians over the alleged desecration of Koran. Paramilitary troops were on Sunday 2nd August 2009 in a village of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The situation remained tense in the village areas
Persons from the two communities exchanged fire and over 80 homes of Christians were set on fire by mobs. The situation in the area remained tense through out day. Some Christians refused to bury their dead until police registered a complaint against those responsible for the killings. There was crime against those responsible for the killings. There was crime against humanity some outlawed religious groups were involved in the violence. A group of Muslims alleged three Christians burnt pages of the Koran during a wedding last week
At least seven Christians including four women and two children were burnt alive Three others were killed in police firing on Saturday Mobs also ransacked over 50 homes of Christians and two churges in the village. Federal Minister for minorities said no Christians was involved in desecrating the Koran

Prof John Kurakar

WE LIVE IN PEACE AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS DO

WE LIVE IN PEACE
AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS DO
The Prime minister emphasized in the Lok sabha on Wednesday 29th July,2009 that dialogue and engagement were the best way to deal with Pakistan. Dr Singh’s intervention in the Loksabha during a discussion on issues arising from his recent foreign tours was commendable. He cleared the doubts of the opposition. War is no solution to any problem Dialogue- the only alternative.
The people of both countries are yearning for peace and life devoid of tensions. We can have a meaningful dialogue only if Pakistan not allowing its soil to be used for terror activities against India
Prime Minister Said ‘Indian government had not diluted its position on terrorism. Pakistan fulfilled its commitment in to root out anti-India terrorist activity from its soil. Pakistan is our neighbors. We should be good neighbours. If we live in peace, as good neighbours do’ both of us can focus our energies on the many problems. If there is co operation between us, and not conflict, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries.
It is, there for, in our vital interest to make sincere efforts to live in peace with Pakistan. But despite the best of intentions, we cannot move forward if terrorist attacks launched from Pakistan soil continue to kill and injure our citizens, in India and abroad.
The attack on Mumbai last November outraged our nation and cast a deep shadow over our relations with Pakistan. The reality and horror of it were brought in to Indian homes over three traumatic days that still haunt us. The people of India demand that this must never happen again.
On 5th January, 2009 India handed over to Pakistan the details of the links to Pakistan that were revealed our investigation. This is the first time that Pakistan has never formally briefed India on the results of an investigation in to a terrorist attack in India. It is also the first time that they have admitted that their nationals and a terrorist organization based in Pakistan carried out a ghastly terrorists act in India
Pakistan must take credible and verifiable action to dismantle the terror mechanism operating from its soil “If Pakistan do it, they will be safe ,we will be safe and it will be better for humanity. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
The Finance Minster again said “India’s foreign policy did not depend on the whims of a single individual or party and that it was embedded in 5000 year- old civilization. Talks with Pakistan had been disrupted several times since 1999. Pakistan has practiced cross border terrorism but India has neither succumbed to it nor did we stop talking. Pakistan had been facing problems in Balochistan since 1950. It is their internal problem

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR

Kerala University To Receive Grant of Rs 16.69 Crore from UGC

KERALA UNIVERSITY TO RECEIVE
GRANT OF Rs 16.69CRORE
FROM U.G.C
The University of Kerala is all set to get Rs 16.69 crore as 11th plan grant from University Grants Commission. An 11 member U.G.C team that toured the University in July,2008 has also recommended a ‘ jubilee grant’ of Rs 60 lakh during the 10th plan, the University received a mere Rs 3.6 crore as U.G.C assistance.
The University of Kerala has already received Rs 3.20 crore from the U.G.C under 11th plan. The rest Rs 13.49 crore, will be disbursed by the UG.C over the rest of the plan period. Kerala University had asked for Rs 52.56 crore as grant during the 11th plan.
University promised to set up a competency training centre, a sthree Jyothi project to ICT enable women and remedial coaching facilities for the backward sections of society. The university said it would set up a finishing School, strengthen university-industry interaction, redesign exiting programmes and commence new programmes. To ensure quality and excellence in higher education, the University would set up a curriculum development centre, introduce e-governance in its administration and develop e- content, the U.G.C team was told

PROF.JOHN KURAKAR

pay Tribute to Pannakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal

PAY TRIBUTE TO
PANNAKKAD SYED MOHAMMEDALI
SHIHAB THANGAL
State president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Pannakkad syed Mohammedali Shihab thangal died at a hospital on Saturday evening 1st August 2009. He was 73. His death was due to heart failure.
Shihab thangal was suffering from multiple ailments, including diabetes and high blood pressure, for the past several years. Shihab thangal was born on May 4, 1936. He led the IUML as its state president for 34 years. He took over the leadership after his father pookoya Thangal’s death in 1975. Shihab Thangal had his primary education at the Madrathul Mohammadiyya High School, Kozhikodu, He continued his studies at Kananchery dars and finished his higher Education at the Al Azhar Islamic University, Cairo.
The Chief Minister has described Panakkad syed Mohammedali Shihab thangal as a leader whose contribution to the cause of secularism remain ever relevant. His death was most unexpected and a major loss for the state and the nation, the chief minister said. Mr. Thangal was a symbol of tolerance and peace.
Mr. Thangal was a gentleman politician who was loved and respected by the masses cutting across political affiliations. He had made a major contribution to the states political history
Mr. Thangal’s death was a major loss for secular kerala. Thangal’s strong and committed stand that preserved peace and amity in kerala during the difficult days following the demolition of the babri Masjid. He also tirelessly worked for communal peace and amity and his services for the growth of Muslim community would be always remembered.
Kerala had lost a personality who had always upheld secular values. Mr. Thangal’s contribution for the uplift of not only the Muslim community but also the backward communities would always be cherished.
Thangal was buried with full state honours at the Panakkad Juma Masjid on Sunday afternoon 2nd August 2009. Tens of thousands people from different walks of life paid their last respects to the great leader.
The Kodappanakkal house of Sihab Thangal at Panakkad choked with the emotional turnout of people since his body was brought there on Saturday night people poured in thousands through the night, blocking traffic at all points leading to panakkad.
The body was taken to the panakkad Juma Masjid by 2.pm. After a few rounds of prayers and gun salute by the state police, the Janaza of Thangal was lowered in to six-foot grave at 3 p.m
The tomp stone at the grave read in Arabic- syed Mohammaedali Shihab, born may 4,1936 and dead august 1,2009.
Panakkad Shihab Thangal, the kerala state president of Indian Union Muslim League and the spiritual leader of Muslims in the state, He was a epitome of humility and moderation and a secularist to the core, who was revered and respected widely. He was a typical political leader, religious head and social worker.
One notable mark of his stead fast position on the Babri Masjid demolition issue. The Muslim community went through a period of frenzied distress. Even as the entire Muslim community blamed the congress and Narasimha Rao government for the incident. Thangal continued to hitch the IUML to the Congress and united Democratic Front, of which he was a founder. He propounded the concept for peace and communal harmony at a time when the entire community was under threat of being swept away by the frenzy of fundamentalism and extremism. The IUML to day is part of national alliance, and a model for Muslims.
The second notable aspects are his contribution to the evolution of coalition politics in kerala. The essentially paradoxical but stead fast 30 year old alliance with congress. He prevented the emergence of a third force in Kerala such as the Bharatiya Janatha Party.

PROF JOHN KURAKAR