SAFE AND HONOURABLE TOURISM

SAFE AND HONOURABLE
TOURISM
The Union Tourism Ministry has launched an initiative on safe and honourable Tourism, which would essentially promote the cause of protecting women and children from negative aspects of tourism.
This is a step towards evolving a code of conduct for all tourism service provides and protecting the culture, values and heritage to ensure long term sustainable and responsible tourism in India. It has been decided that sensitisation pro grammes and awareness campaigns would be launched immediately across the country and an action plan would be drawn up so as to have the code of conduct in place with the six months.
The ministry would also work with the National Commission for women and the National Commission for protection of child Rights to focus on the prevention of abuse and exploitation of women and children.
The code of conduct is also expected to promote India as a safe destination for women. The initiative has been taken to enhance the country's image and add more value to the' Incredible India” Campaign, particularly in the wake of upcoming commonwealth Games 2010 when a large number of foreigners are expected to visit India.

Prof John Kurakar

NJAVARA RICE (The medicinal rice)

NJAVARA RICE
(The medicinal rice)
The researchers are attempting to bring in genetic improvement in Njavara, the medicinal rice variety of the state. The Kerala Agricultural University had identified five genetically pure types of the rice variety. Thgey isolated long awned black, short awned black, awn less yellow, long awned brown and awnless brown types from over the 35 types farmed in the state. This awnless yellow was preferred by farmers as it conformed to the Njavara characteristics.
Njavara rice is extensively used in ayurveds for Therapeutic purposes, including Njavara kizhi. It is an important ingredient of Karkideka Kanji, the medicinal porridge consumed during the Malayalam month Karkidakam and natural health drink. The authentic rice is bing sold Rs400 a kg.

Prof John Kurakar

COPENHAGEN SUMMIT

COPENHAGEN SUMMIT

The 12 day exercise in Copenhagen led to clear divide rather than a consensus among nations on climate change. The drama went on with big and small nations trying to bind one another to emission cuts.
The summit was one of the best opportunities for leaders to bridge their differences but they wasted it, climate change will remain a serious issue till all nations unite. Awareness campaigns on global warming should be conducted in all countries so that people get to know the serious repercussions.
M.S Swaminathan had pointed out” every country should help itself” the developed nations should play a vital role by adhering to carbon emission cuts in due course. They should appeal to their citizens to change their lifestyle. The U.S has the greatest role to play in bringing about a change in the attitude of people.
How ever, it is certainly a good beginning. The rich nations, at least now, accept that there is a change in the climate and that it may adversely affect human life which is why it is imperative to limit carbon emissions

Prof John Kurakar

TWO YEAR CENTENARY FETE OF THE CATHOLICATE OF EAST

TWO YEAR CENTENARY FETE OF THE
CATHOLICATE OF EAST
The two year centenary celebrations of the Catholicate of the East of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian church had ceremonial start at St. Mary's Orthodox Church at Niranom on Monday 22nd December, 2009.
The holy Eucharist led by Catholicate designate Paulose Mar Milthios with 100 co-celebrates in the forenoon, was a major event of the day. A prayer day would be observed in all parishes of the church on January 3rd.The formal inauguration of the celebrations would be held in Delhi in November 2010.The church was planning to donate houses to 100 poor families, provide free treatment for 100 cardiac patients and 100 cancer patients, and conduct marriages of girls from poor families as part of the centenary celebrations.

Prof John Kurakar

HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS
December 10 Human rights day
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. So begins the universal declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago and celebrated today around the globe. This year's theme is non- discrimination. When it comes to nutrition, all of India's children are not equal. According to India's third National Family Health Survey of 2005-06, 20 percent of Indian children under five years old are wasted due to acute under nutrition and 48 percent are stunted due to chronic under nutrition. Seventy percent of children between six months and 59 months are anemic. Despite a booming economy, nutrition deprivation among India's children remains widespread.
In absolute numbers an average 25 million children are wasted and 61 million are stunted.

Prof John Kurakar

UN CLIMATE SUMMIT

UN CLIMATE SUMMIT

Tens of thousands of activists on Sunday, 13th December, 2009, marched to the Bella Center in Copenhagen, where the U.N climate Summit is being held demanding a strong treaty to tackle global warming.
India rejected points in the draft treaty that wants all countries to cut emissions, agree to a peaking year and subject their mitigation actions to international scruting. India would not compromise on its three key principles- no legally binding emissions cuts, no peaking year and no international review of domestic funded mitigation actions. “ India will not compromise on its teen murti” Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said “ we must get an agreement in 2010” Mr Ramesh said and hinted at a political statement at the end of the 12 day talks, which will be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Developing nations boycott climate talks. China and other developing nations boycotted the united nations climate talks on Monday 14 th December, 2009 bringing negotiations to a halt with their demand that rich countries discuss much deeper cuts in their green house gas emissions.
The developing countries want to extend the 1977 kyoto protocol, which imposed penalties on rich nations of they did not comply with its strict emissions limits but made no such binding demands on developing nations.
The Prime Minister Manmohan singh and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao are expected to meet on Thursday 17th December, 2009 when they arrive in the Danish Capital for concluding session of the united Nations climate summit. The two countries could work together to achieve positive results from the Copenhagen conference. Describing India and China as” emerging powers and the future of the world'
Energy conservation activities have helped a lot in reducing the emission of green house gases. Student to launch a campaign against avoidable use of energy.
Energy environment and sustainable development had become a major concern in the developing world owing to their impact o climate change, economic growth and ecological conservation Renewable and alternative energy technologies, policies and strategies had achieved an increasing momentum in most developing countries to mitigate climate change from the alarming rise in green house gas emissions. Sustainable development of the country was possible only through balanced technological development, together with switching on to renewable energy and recycling techniques.
It was high time an energy policy was framed for finding new strategies for sensible utilization and conservation of depleting conventional energy resources. Exploring new possibilities and applications of renewable and alternative energy techniques was needed of the hour dangerous global warming will be distributed globally, across 192 countries. Climate change affects every one, and must be solved everyone. The science is complex but the facts are clear. The world needs to take steps to limit temperature rises to 2c, an aim that will require global emissions to peak and begin falling with in the next 5-10 years.
The developed nations focused substantially on shifting an unjust share of the global mitigation burden to the developing countries.
China on Monday accused the developed nations of trying to split the developing countries to weaken their voice at the Copenhagen summit. It also called upon the developing countries to come together in the Common interest of mankind. China's voluntary reduction targets did not attach any condition, nor was it linked to any other countries action.
CPI (M) parliamentary party leader Sitaram Yechury said India would not accept any cut-off date for carbon emissions, as a large majority of Indians had no access to electricity and still survived on wood and cow-dung cakes as fuel. Developing countries including India would not accept any mandatory emission targets.
We require environmental justice and we can accept only when every human being has equal access to carbon space.

Prof John Kurakar

TRIBUTE TO ROSIE THOMAS

TRIBUTE TO ROSIE THOMAS

Writer Rosie Thomas, wife of the late dramatist C.J. Thomas, died at her home at Puthenpally near Varappuzha on wednesday ,16th December,2009. She was 81. She is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Her works include Jalaka Kazha (Essays), Annie, a novel and Amerricayil Oru Malayali pennu, a travalogue, Her memoir on her husband, Even Ente Priya C.J and her book on her father Urangunnu Simham were well received by literary circles.
Even Ente Priya C.J had won various awards including that of kerala Sahithya Akademi.
In his book she recalls her first meeting her future husband at a tutorial college run by her father, M.P Paul, at Changannassery. One whole chaptor
( Pacha Kuthira) is devoted to this meeting. Rosie, like her father and husband defied established conventions of the catholic church. The writer had also translated George Orwells Animal Farm in to Malayalam.

Prof John Kurakar

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY- STUDY TOUR & SEMINAR

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-
STUDY TOUR & SEMINAR
Population Education Club and Continuing Education wing of St. Gregorious College conducted Information Technology study tour & Seminar on 16th December,m2009. A team of 25 students and five teachers visited Thonnackal Kumaranasan National Institute, Kerala University Continuing Education Department, Technopark and Veli- the tourist center.
A seminar conducted at Thonnackal Kumaranasaan National Institute 22 students presented papers of various subjects related Education & environment.
Prof. John Kurakar presided over the function. Sri Kunjachan Paruthiyara inaugurated the seminar. Fr. D. Jacob welcomed.
The following students presented papers.
1 Vishnu, Vishnu Mandiram, Kudavattoor P.O, Odanavattom
2 Vysakh.P, Kannannivas, Ummannur P.O, Kottarakara
3 Brighty Merin Daniel, Nediyavil puthenveedu, Pazhangalam, Nallila P.O,Near PKV Kavala, Kollam
4 Deepa Rajan, Rajesh Bhavan, Nellikunnam P.O, Kottarakara
5 Jincy John, Neelam vila puthen veedu, Melila, Kottarakara
6 Swathy M.Nair,Kochu thenguvila,Bhoothakulam P.O, paravoor, kollam
7 Saranya.S.V, Padinjattathil puthenveedu, Madanthacode, Nellimukku P.O, Kollam
8 Vinija V.J, Onampallil, Madanthacodu, NellimukkuP.O, Kollam
9 Priyanka Mohan, Mohan vilasom, Ummannoor P.O
10 Vidya. K, Govinda Mangalam, Cherupoika, Pavithreswaram
11 Mayadevi.S, Manju Sadanam, sadanadapuramP.O, Kottarakara
12 Rakhi.R, Raj Nivas, chakkuvarackal P.O, kottarakara
13 Joby Johny, Palakodu veedu, Pulamon P.O, Kottarakara
14 Jincy. K. Panicker, Maliekkal Maju Bunglow. Perupuzha P.O, Punukkannoor
15 Soby Jacob, Mulamoottil Vadakkathil veedu, Ambipoika P.O,Kundara
16 Praveena.P, Prapanchika, Chakkuvarackal, Kottarakara
17 Keerthy. B.S, Keerthianam, Eranoor, Panavely P.O
18 Anijia Aravind, Anija Aravind, AJ Nivas, Pavithreswaram p.O
19 Aswathy Mohan, Thiruvinnal puthen veedu, chermangadu, puthoor
20 Soumya Joy, saritha Vilasam, Odanavattom, p.O, Kottarakara
21 Arya Chandran. S, Santhamandiram, Malayil, veliyam P.O
22 Arsha U.A

                                                             Prof John Kurakar

CHALACHITRA ACADEMY TO SET UP A FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE

CHALACHITRA ACADEMY
TO SET UP A FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE
The Kerala state Chalachitra Academy is planning to set up a Film Academy is planning to set up a Film and Television Institute with state of the art facilities in the Capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. The proposed institute, which is estimated to cost around Rs 100 core at the inceptions stage will conduct full time professional courses and short duration courses for cinemas as well as those who are employed in film and television industry.
The autonomous institute will be managed by a panel of eminent film makers and representatives of the industry. The Chalachitra Academy planning a tie up with the kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) to utilize its facilities for giving on hand training to students. On striking a deal with the corporation, the studio and its premises in Triuvallam can be converted in to a campus and the land owned by the academy at the Kinfra Film and Video park can be used for setting up ancillary units. Technicians, directors, writes and artistes of main stream cinema will be actively involved in the project.
An expert panel engaged by the academy for preparing a project report has proposed to conduct short -term courses in disciplines like direction,editing, acting and photography. The institute will have facilities for conducting academic studies and research on world cinema support of the union government and agencies like the united nations are expected for a project
Prof: John Kurakar

INDIA TO CUT CARBON EMISSION INTENSITY BY 20-25%

INDIA TO CUT
CARBON EMISSION INTENSITY BY 20-25%

India on 2nd December,2009, announced 20-25 percent carbon emissions intensity cuts by 2020 on 2005 levels. This would be done through a series of measures including mandatory fuel efficiency standards for all vehicles a compulsory green building code and switching over to coal technology.
Minister of state for environment and Forests Sri Jairam Ramesh said if the nations arrived at a' comprehensive and equitable agreement' India would never agree to any legally binding emission cuts or accept any agreement that stipulated a peaking' year for carbon emission, India was willing to be a little flexible' depending on the concession it would get for its mitigation actions, by way of technology and finance from developed nations.
“ Our basic negotiating point is our low per capita income but if India wants to lead the developing nations, we have to offer something during negotiations. India stood for a comprehensive, equitable agreement” The 12th Five Year plan would focus on low carbon strategy for economic growth. Based on the planning Commission exercised during its Mid-Term Appraisal of the 11th Five year plan, the government concluded that intensity could be reduced through the green house gas emissions would continue to increases.

Prof: John Kurakar

BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCIDENT

BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCIDENT
Prime Minister Sri Man mohan singh extended support and sympathy to the civtims of the Bhopal gas tragedy that occurred 25 years ago.
“ The families that suffered and lost their dear ones can never really be fully compensated”. We owe it to our fellow citizens to put in place procedures and precautions to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again. Sharing the grief of those affected by the horrible tragedy .Dr Man mohan singh re affirmed his governments commitment to resolving issues of safe drinking water, expeditious clean up of the site, continuation of medical research and any other outstanding issues connected with the disaster.
The government has implemented several measures to provide relief to the affected families, including socio economic and medical rehabilitation and improvement of living conditions.
Methyl Isocyanate, a lethal gas, leaked in to the atmosphere from the pesticide plant of the union carbide India Ltd at Bhopal on the night December3, 1984. The Leakage resulted in over 5,000 people being incapacitated permanently.

Prof.John Kurakar

KERALA KAVYA KALA SAHITHY CELEBRATES SILENT VALLEY MOVEMENT ANNIVERSARY

KERALA KAVYA KALA SAHITHY CELEBRATES SILENT VALLEY MOVEMENT ANNIVERSARY

The Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy , Kottarakara unit on Sunday 28th November, 2009 celebrated the 30th anniversary of the save silent valley movement launched by the association in 1979. Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy with the help of Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad had conducted district wide campaigns aimed at conservation of the unique rainforest's as part of the movement.
The 30th anniversary coincides with the silver jubilee of the declaration of Silent Valley as a National Park in 1984 by the the prime minister Indira- Gandhi.
Prof John Kurakar inaugurated the celebration. He said the movement launched by the S.G College had highlighted the importance of contemporary environment issues. Dr K.C Raju said it was the duty of every citizen to protect the environment.

Prof John Kurakar

NEW GUIDELINES FOR SUPPLY OF SAND

NEW GUIDELINES FOR
SUPPLY OF SAND

Pathanamthitta District Collector has issued new guidelines for supply of river sand for construction purposes in the district. Guidelines had been issued to ensure availability of river sand to the needy and check illegal sand-mining and smuggling from various rivers.
Under the new system people have to apply for sand in the prescribed formats available at panchats that house 'kadavus'from where regulated sand collection is permitted. The applicant should attach a copy of the permission granted by the local self government institution concerned for the construction work in its jurisdiction.
Each applicant can purchase up to three lorry loads or river sand in a month and the maximum permissible limit for sand allotment for each allotment for each building has been fixed at 10 lorry loads. The river sand at each kadavu would be distributed among the applicant on a priority basis.
Vehicles used for sand transportation should registered at the taluk office concerned. The price of a lorry load of sand delivered in a five km radius of each kadavu has been fixed at Rs 5000.

Prof John Kurakar

GRAND KERALA SHOPPING FESTIVAL IN KANNUR

GRAND KERALA
SHOPPING FESTIVAL IN KANNUR

A cultural pageantry and various entertainment pro grammes that lasted over three hours gave splendid start to the 45 day Grand Kerala Shopping Festival at Kannur on 1st December, 2009. The opening ceremony was marked as much by the huge public participation as by the staging of the mega cultural show, befitting the occasion.
Municipal Jawahar stadium the venu of of the opening ceremony, was flooded with people who turned up to watch the state-level inauguration of the third season of the festival. The function attended by ministers, people's representatives, officials and representatives of sponsoring agencies.
The main objective of the Festival is to make kerala an international shopping destination. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival is one of the major steps of the government to strengthen the states commercial sectors. The government planned to extend the spirit of shopping festival to production sectors as well. The government wanted to renovate market places and shopping areas in the state.
With the dream of making kerala an international shopping destination by 2012. The opening ceremony was held in the northern city of Kannur.
Around 4,700 shops in the 14 districts have registered for the festival, which will be on till January 15. The festival will prove to be good step forward in ensuring that kerala reclaimed its leadership position in the global tourism and trade map.
On purchase of products and service, consumers will get coupons from registered shops. There will be weekly draws and a mega draw'
Gold to the tune of 40 kg is an offer as prizes. The first prize is 1kg of gold each for six winners. The second prize is 500 gm of gold each for six winners. Six persons will get the weekly first prize of 10 sovereigns each. The second prize of the five sovereigns each will go to six persons. The third prize is one sovereign each for 100 winners. Federal Bank is the chief sponsor.

Prof John Kurakar

COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA & CHINA IN EDUCATION

COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA & CHINA IN
EDUCATION

the co operation between China and India in education is of strategic importance in the context of the two countries being the main power houses for the growth of Asia, and the source of power coming from young generations vested with quality education.
This century would be the Asian century. India and China were surely the power houses for the growth. China attached great importance to co operation in education with India currently there were about 4000 Indian students studying in china, and about 1,200 Chinese students in India. To encourage academic exchanges. The Chinese government provided dozens of scholarships in various disciplines to Indian students every year. Economic co operation often goes hand in hand with cultural and educational interactions.

Prof: John Kurakar

A LEADER IS EQUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISDEEDS OF PARTY

A LEADER IS EQUALLY RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE MISDEEDS OF PARTY

Justice M.S Liberhan on Saturday 29th November,2009 said that the former Prime Minister, A.B Vajpayee, as one of the leaders culpable for leading the country to the brink of communal discord in the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6,1992. A leader is equally responsible for the misdeeds of party just like a managing Director is responsible for the misdeeds of a company. Justice Liberhan said' It cannot be assumed even for a moment that Mr Advani, Mr A.B Vajpayee or Mr M.M Joshi did not know the designs of the sangh parivar.
Justice Liberhan in his report said there was no manner of doubt admissible in the culpability and responsibility of the chief Minister Kalyan Singh and other Icons of the Ayodhya temple movement.

Prof John Kurakar

TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES ANNIVERSARY OF BRUTAL TERROR ATTACK IN MUMBAI

TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES
ANNIVERSARY OF BRUTAL TERROR ATTACK IN MUMBAI
One year has passed since terrorists attacked Mumbai, killing 166 people on November 26,2008. It is also the time to take note of how the Americans are doubly careful after September 2001 attack. No untoward incident has taken place in the U.S. India ,too should adopt a hard stance on terrorism. This calls for a greater level of commitment from the government and the public. Most important , the criminal justice system should ensure that terrorists nabbed in the act are punished.
Terrorism is an unconventional form of were on the helpless and the innocent, India must learn a lesson from U.S and SriLanka on how to deal with terrorism. We should examine the circumstances that led to the Mumbai attack last year. It cannot be denied that security lapses and poor vigilance resulted in the terror strikes crying over split milk is of no use. We should think of what we need to do to prevent such attacks in future.
We are proud of national Heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the city from the terror attack. Old soldiers never die. The government should speed up justice delivery. That would be the best way to pay tribute to our heroes.

Prof John Kurakar