EDUCATION REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE

Education reduces blood pressure

     Despite exam stress, a long stint in education is good for people's blood pressure, according to researchers in the US. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is linked to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. The study, published in the journal” BMC public Health” shows the link is stronger in women than in men. The British Heart Foundation said the findings supported the link between deprivation and heart disease risk. Higher levels of education have been linked to lower levels of heart disease. The researchers suggest that blood pressure could be the reason why. The study looked at 30 years of data from 3,890 people who were being followed as part of the Framingham Offspring Study. People were divided into three groups, low education (12 years or less), middle education (13 to 16 years) and high education (17 years or more).The average systolic blood pressure for the 30 year period was then calculated.

      Action is needed across all parts of society to give children the best possible start in life ”Women with low education had a blood pressure 3.26 mmHg higher than those with a high level of education. In men the difference was 2.26 mmHg. Other factors, such as smoking, taking blood pressure medication and drinking, were taken into consideration and the effect on blood pressure remained, although at a much lower level. Writing in the journal, the researchers says: "Low educational attainment has been demonstrated to predispose individuals to high strain jobs, characterised by high levels of demand and low levels of control, which have been associated with elevated blood pressure."

        Professor Eric Loucks, who conducted the study at Brown University, said: "Women with less education are more likely to be experiencing depression, they are more likely to be single parents, more likely to be living in impoverished areas and more likely to be living below the poverty line."Natasha Stewart, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "These findings support existing evidence about the link between socio-economic deprivation and heart disease risk. "However, the study only showed up a small blood pressure drop among women and an insignificant decrease among men. "Action is needed across all parts of society to give children the best possible start in life and reduce health inequalities."

Prof. John Kurakar

JEEVA DEEPTHI AWARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

      Social worker Sister Roselyn has been selected for  this years(2011)" Jeeva Deepthi" award, instituted by  the Minimol memorial charitable Trust. Mavalikara M.P Mr Kodikkunnil Suresh will present the Jeeva deepthi award to the sister Roselyn,who is the director of the Kottarakara- Vilakudy based Charitable institution Sneha Theeram.

Prof. John Kurakar
 

KERAL UNIVERSITY YOUTH FESTIVAL

      Mar Ivanios college, Thiruvananthapuram, emerged over all champions for the sixth consecutive time at the Kerala University Youth Festival, the 40 th edition of which concluded at Attingal near Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 27th February,2011. The college had a Final point tally of 165. This is the highest point tally achieved by the college in the Festival.

     All saints college, Thiruvananthapuram, came a distant second, scoring 60 points. The college of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram secured the third place with 50 points. Mar Baselios college, Thiruvananthapuram came fourth with 37 points.
    S. Trupti of TKM college of Engineering,Kollam, was declared Kalathilakom. Her individual point tally was 23. Jishnu Sajaya Kumar of PMS Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram emerged the Kalaprathiba, scoring 12 points. More than 3000 students from 250 colleges affiliated to the university had pitted  their wits and talents against each other at the five day festival

 Prof. John Kurakar

KOCHU KIZHAKKETHIL KUDUMBA YOGAM

          KOCHU KIZHAKKETHIL KUDUMBA YOGAM

Prof. John Kurakar

Prof. John Kurakar Distributed Awards

16th  annual family Get-together of the Kochu Kizhakkethil Kudumbayogam was held at Nadan Plazha, KOttarakra on 27th February,2011 at 3.30 pm. Mr K.C  George, president,Kudumbayogam presided. Prof. John Kurakar, Chief co-ordinator of the Kurakaran Kudumbayogam inaugurated the 16th annual meet. Mr D Alexander ,secretary of the Kudumbayogam presented the annual report. Mr Jacob Samuel presented the annual statement of the income and expenditure.
                             The Kudumbayogam meeting felicitated Mrs Mary Kutty Jacob, who is newly elected panchayat member. Mrs Susy John, Mrs Molly George, Mr P.M Chacko, Mr Samuel Iducula, Mr Mathew Samuel, Mr. Kochu Kunju john, Mr J Thankachan, Mr J. Mathew kutty, Mrs Achamma Oommen, Mrs Mariamma thomas, Sussamma George were spoke on the occasion.
    The children group presented various arts programmes include single song, group song, action song ,dance, story telling etc the function started with the prayer and welcome song. The meeting concluded at 6 pm

                                                        Prof.John Kurakar

RETIREMENT FUNCTION OF KPCTA

                        RETIREMENT FUNCTION  OF KPCTA

  The Kerala Private College Teachers Association, St. Gregorios college unit conducted a retirement function at Silph auditorium,Kottarakara on 25th February,2011. The association gave warm send off to the retiring teachers to Dr  K.C Raju, Principal, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Prof Gracen George,,Prof V. G Sreekumar, and Dr M.K.P Roy.
    Prof. Varghese Panicker, president KPCTA Presided. Prof John Kurakar, Prof Raju Thomas were spoke on the occasion. KPCTA also felicitated Dr Venu Gopalan Nair  who received Research Degree in recent time. Prof G. Jacob welcomed the members and Prof T.S Joy delivered vote of thanks. The retiring teachers received mementos from KPCTA. The unit also arranged special Lunch and a photo session.


                                                        Prof. John Kurakar

TRIBUTE PAID TO M.A JOHN, CONGRESS LEADER

      M.A John, 78, veteran congress leader and social critic passed away on 22nd February,2011 at Kottayam. John,whose wife had gone to the U.S to their  daughter's home, was alone at Kuriand near Kottayam. Doctors later diagnosed the cause of death as massive heart. John leaves behind his wife and two daughter.
    John, who played a pivotal role in building up the modern congress party in Kerala by infusing new blood in the early 1950s and 1960s, is credited with the introduction of leaders such as Union Defense Minister A.K Antony in the Party. His uncompromising stance on political morality and a congress ideology based on socialism and secularism got him a fan following in the  party.
   Born in to an agriculturist family in 1932, john entered politics at an early age and soon caught the eye of senior leaders through his sharp intellect and uncompromising stand on ideals in which believed. He played a key role in building up the youth congress and the Kerala students union. M.A John's identity in Kerala politics was distinct. M.A played an important role in giving strength and direction to the Kerala students union and the youth congress. He had also taken the initiative in giving an ideological mooning to the congress in the state. M.A John was a unique person who fearlessly expressed  his opinion  with out being concerned about its impact on his career. He had a clear vision and his contribution in energizing the KSV and the youth congress would always be remembered
     Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy unit conducted a condolence meeting at Kurakar Town center on24th February,2011 at 5 p.m. Prof. John Kurakar, president KKKS presided the condolence meeting. Mr Sam Kurakar, Mr Bobby Kurakar, Prof.Varghese John,  Dr Muraleedharan Nair were spoke on the condolence meeting.

Prof. John Kurakar

OMAN CLASHES

Oman clashes 

Two people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the Gulf state of Oman.Hundreds had gathered for a second day in the industrial city of Sohar to call for political reforms. At least five people were said to have been wounded when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters. Until now, Oman had mostly been spared the unrest which has affected other Arab states in recent months. Demonstrations are also taking place in the southern town of Salalah, according to Reuters news agency. There was a small protest last week in the capital Muscat last week, with around 300 people calling for greater democracy and jobs."The police and anti-riot groups combated this vandal group in a bid to maintain the safety of the citizens and their properties which resulted in some injuries An official who did not want to be named told AFP news agency: "Two were killed after being shot with rubber bullets as protesters attempted to storm a police station." On Saturday the ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, changed six ministers in his cabinet in what he termed "the public's interest" and announced that social benefits for students would be boosted. The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman has been ruled by Sultan Qaboos since he seized power from his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, in 1970.There is an elected Consultative Assembly but not all Omani adults are eligible to vote in elections for the Assembly and it is purely advisory, with no legislative powers. The oil-rich country is a popular tourist destination and a long-standing ally of the US and Britain.

Prof. John Kurakar

RETIREMENT FUNCTION OF KPCTA MEMBERS

                              Retirement function of KPCTA  Members

  The Kerala Private College Teachers Association, St. Gregorios College unit conducted a retirement function at Kottarakara Silph Toursist Home on 25th February,1011. The Association gave warm send of to the  retiring teachers to Dr K.C Raju, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Dr Gracen George,, Prof V.G Sreekumar, & Dr Mk.P Roy were spoke on the occasion
   Prof. Varghese  Panicker presided over the function Prof John Kurar, Prof Raju Thomas were spoke on the occasion. The meeting also felicitated Dr Venugopalan Nair who received   Research Degree. Prof G.Jacob welcomed the members and Prof
T.S Joy delivered vote of Thanks. The unit arranged special meals and a photo session

Prof. John Kurakar

SAN THOME CHURCH, CHENNAI

SAN THOME CHURCH CHENNAI

     [Family Visit to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Convent, Chennai St. Thomas Mount mylapur on 26^th February,2011. The Family team includes Prof John Kurakar, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mr George Jacob & Mrs Annie George Jacob. The team participated the family meet at the convent. Sr Tresa George & Sr Stella and other inmates gave a warm reception.

          There are three places in chennai that stand out as monuments of honour, speaking aloud about the presence, activity and the martyrdom of St. Thomas, the Apostle of india. They are 1. Little Mount, 2. St Thomas Mount, 3. San Thome Cathedral Basilica.

St Thomas built a church at San Thome. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the Church built by him. A pot containing earth, moistened by his blood and the lance with which he was pierced were both buried in his tomb. The foundation for a new Church was laid on 2nd july 1523. The Church was rebuilt and erected as a Parish. Father Penteado from Portugal was the first Parish Priest. In 1893 His Excellency, Dom Henry Joseph Reed Da Silva, Bishop of Mylapore demolished the old Cathedral and laid the foundation for the new Basilica, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Day of the Episcopal Consecration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII. In this church the second tower, asmaller one, points to the exact place where the Apostle was buried. The new Basilica was constructed and consecrated on 1st April 1896 AD. The tip of the cross on the spire is 155 feet from the ground level. In this Church, the statue of our Lady of Mylapore is enthroned, before which St Francis Xavier prayed intensely for several days while he stayed in mylapore.

The Bishop of Dacca consecrated a new bell on 9th may 1896, His Excellency, Dom A S Valente, Patriarch of the East Indies consecrated the main altar of the Cathedral. The Bishop of Mylapore consecrated the altar of Saints Peter and Paul on 29th June  1896 AD. Asun-dial from the old Cathedral is placed on the rear side of the Sacristy. This Cathedral Basilica is a matter of pride to the nation and to all of us, because it is built over the tomp of St Thomas. There are three Basilicas, all over the world, that are built over the tomb of the apostles. The first one is St peter's Basilica in Rome, the second one on the tomb of St james, and the third one is the tomb chapel of St Thomas in San Thome Cathedral Basilica in chennai. The Cathedral Basilica was restored and consecrated on 12th December 2004 by the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana and Cardinal Ivan Dias of Mumbai. On 8th September 2005 the present Archbishop of Madras Mylapore His Grace, Most Rev Dr A M Chinnappa SDB DD Ph D issued a decree officially elevating this Cathedral parish as a Shrine of the Archdioces
      According to local beliefs, Thomas was one of the first Christians to reach India and to preach Christianity. He is believed to have reached South India in AD 52, and spent the last years of his life in a cave on this hill. Tradition states that Thomas was killed with a

Spear in AD 72 by persons hostile to him. Thus, the hillock acquired the name St. Thomas Mount.There are references to the Mount, the traditional site of the death of the Apostle Thomas, and churches and monasteries at the site, in the writings of the the early doctors of the Church dating back to the 4th century of the Christian era. The site was an important centre of pilgrimage for Christians from not only India but abroad too. The fame of this shrine had spread to Europe as early as 883AD. Practically all early travellers to South India have written about the shrine, including Marco Polo in 13th century.

A shrine dedicated to "Our Lady of Expectation"(Mother Mary) was built at the actual spot of St.Thomas` death in 1523 on top of the mount. It is believed that the altar of this shrine was built on the spot where St.Thomas died in 72 AD. At the northern foot of the mount, is a gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. A flight of 160 steps leads up to the summit of the mount. There are fourteen stations of the cross erected on the way to the summit.

In 1547, an excavation unearthed a stone cross with old Sassanid Pahlavi inscriptions on it. The cross, reputed to have been chiseled by the Thomas himself, became known as the 'Bleeding Cross' as it has stains resembling blood stains which reappear even after being scrubbed off. It is also supposed to 'bleed' afresh periodically. It first 'bled' publicly during Mass in 1558 and the last record occasion when it 'bled' was in 1704. Fr. Guy Tachard, a Roman Catholic priest has recorded about this as explained by then Vicar, Fr. Gasper Coelho. Thomas is supposed to have clutched this cross as he lay dying. When it was discovered, the cross was built into the wall being the altar of the church, which it adorns even today. On either side of  the chancel there are framed oil paintings depicting the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ . Above the altar is an oil painting of the Madonna, which is believed to be one of the seven painted  by Luke the Evangelist and brought to India by Thomas. This picture of the Madonna is considered to be the oldest Christian painting in India The shrine administration is in the hands of the newly formed diocese of Chengalpattu.

The annual Festival of Our Lady of Expectation is celebrated on 18 December in a grand manner for which pilgrims come to the shrine from all over South India St. Thomas Day is celebrated on the 3rd of July, in memory of his martyrdom.

During the Easter season, faithful climb the steps to the church, singing hymns and saying the "Way of the Cross" prayerspetrus woskan, an Armenian merchant paved the way with granite steps in order to make the climbing easy. It is also said that the oil paintings and beautifully carved pulpit are also from the same Armenian benefactor.

Adjoining the church, is the convent of the "Holy Apostles Convent", managed by the priests of the  Franciscan missionaries of Mary(FMM) order. Attached to this there is a home for the physically and mentally challenged children run by the nuns of the convent.

 Little Mount Shrine

The Little Mount (locally known as the Chinnamalai—the small mount), is a rocky prominence where the Apostle had chosen a tiny cave as his home and led a spartan prayerful life in solitude, often praying on the top of the hill and preaching to the crowds. Today, this monument hewn out of rock with its small narrow opening has an altar with the image of St. Thomas used as a prayer home. To the east of this cave is an opening, supposedly that of a tunnel through which the Apostle fled from his assailants to St. Thomas Mount. The faithful believe that the opening (window) was miraculously made and through this Thomas escaped from his enemies who were waiting in front of the entrance. Near the tunnel's entrance is a clearly visible palm print. This hand-print and the footprint at the foot of the hillock, are believed to be those of Thomas himself.

Little Mount has an ancient church built by the Portuguese in 1551. At the entrance is a portrait of Thomas and Portuguese inscription, while a masonry cross at the top of the hill marks the spot where Thomas supposedly preached.

St. Thomas Garrison Church

St. Thomas Garrison Church is a 175 year old Church located at the foothills of the Mount. Built by the British, it is a magnificent Church.

In the year 1824, the Mount Church commonly and popularly known as GARRISON CHURCH was designed to seat 460 persons at a cost of Rs.35,000/- providing accommodation only for the Garrison of Mount. The estimates and plans were revised to seat 600, at a cost of Rs.39,455/- to serve the purpose of both the Garrisons stationed at Mount and Pallavaram. The erection took place in 1825/26 and was completed at a cost of Rs.43,773/-. It was solemnly consecrated and named in honour of Thomas on 31 October 1830, by Bishop Turner of Calcutta. On September 27, 1949 the Church of South India was formed from then on it become part of Church of South India, Diocese of Madras as ST. THOMAS (GARRISON)and ST. STEPHEN ENGLISH Pastorate.

St. Thomas Sand

St. Thomas Sand is the sand taken from the tomb of Thomas at Mylapore in Chennai , India. The relics of St.Thomas, the Apostle, had been already transferred to Italy and Portugal via Syria. However,the sand from the tomb here in Chennai is considered to be a relic of the Apostle, and the credulous Christians believe that it has miraculous healing powers. They procure small quantities of sand and either carry it with them or keep it in their homes. The belief is a long-standing one, for  Marco Polo mentioned the custom in his travel records.

Prof. John Kurakar

LITTELE MOUNT, CHENNAI

                                                   LITTLE MOUNT CHENNAI

[Family Visit to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Convent, Chennai St. Thomas Mount mylapur on 26^th February,2011. The Family team includes Prof John Kurakar, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mr George Jacob & Mrs Annie George Jacob. The team participated the family meet at the convent. Sr Tresa George & Sr Stella and other inmates gave a warm reception.

       Little Mount has great historical significance even during the first century as St Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, preached and prayed on this Mount in 68 A. D. Before the Portuguese held sway in the 16th century over this part of the country, the early Rajas and Nawabs of the place were sympathetic protectors of this Holy Shrine. In 1551 some improvements were made in Little Mount, which was till then only a steep rocky hill, for the convenience of the pilgrims. This fact is inscribed on a big stone which has been fixed at the top of the steps towards the North of the Hill. The church of Our Lady was built and given to the Portuguese Jesuits. On the occasion of the 19th Century celebrations of St Thomas in 1972, a large Church was built and consecrated for the benefit of the increasing parishioners and pilgrims. The cave and the miraculous spring are the two main monuments of Little Mount. The spring is called St Thomas Fountain. The Holy Apostle, who lived at Little Mount, was moved to see that the people, who came to hear his preaching, suffered from thirst. He knelt in prayer and struck the rock with his stick and instantly there gushed forth a spring of water. It is believed that St Thomas often retired to this solitary cave on the hill for meditations and prayers.

       The cave is about 16 ft in length and about 15 ft. in breadth and not more than 7 ft. in height. A crevice about 5/2 ft. with two or three crude steps opens down into the cave and makes a very good hiding place.

St. Thomas Spring

St. Thomas Spring in little mount There is a spring on the rock behind the Church, called the perpetual spring of the saint. It is traditionally held, recorded only in 1765 AD by Fr. G. Tachard S.J "people who come in crowds to hear him preaching suffered much from thirst. The saint knelt down in prayer and struck the rock with his stick, and there formed an instant spring to quench the thirst of people." On south, almost opposite to the entrance, a sort of window(2.5 ft long) throws a dim light in to the cave, which can be an emergency door.Amazingly, the clear impress of his fingers which seem natural formations on the roof and the finger prints suggest a a human figure of 6-7 ft in height. The floor gently slopes towards an alter at the extreme end and now the modern statues and inscriptions are on it.

     Archeological Details: About the year 1551, Little Mount began to be leveled and cleared for the convenience of pilgrims. The Portuguese built the old Church of Our Lady of Health adjoining the cave. Behind this church, there on level ground, a rough cross chiseled on stone where St. Thomas is said to have offered mass and spent long hours in prayer and meditation. There are many stories and legends concerned to the cave, and a perennial Spring of St. Thomas which is enclosed are recorded by Fr. Tachard of 14th century. Except for erecting a small altar, the cave is preserved in it's original form. On the right side top, a sort of window can be seen. It is believed to be miraculasly made through which St. Thomas escaped from the approaching enemies through the opening of the cave. Little Mount seems to be invested now with an air of artificiality. Great care, however, appears to have been taken not to tamper with the things intimately related to St. Thomas. Hoary and holy monuments impel visitors as it were, to piety and recollection. For the annual feast of the 4th Sunday after Easter, pilgrims from all over the neigbour lands, both Christians and non-Christians flock to this place by thousands year after year.

Prof John Kurakar

ST.THOMAS MOUNT, CHENNAI

       ST. THOMAS MOUNT, CHENNAI

Family Visit to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Convent, Chennai St. Thomas Mount mylapur on 26^th February,2011. The Family team includes Prof John Kurakar, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mr George Jacob & Mrs Annie George Jacob. The team participated the family meet at the convent. Sr Tresa George & Sr Stella and other inmates gave a warm reception.St. Thomas Mount has drawn the admiration of the local people as well all the tourists, who visit Chennai. It is a tiny hillock, situated in the heart of the city. It has the famous Guindy lying in its close proximity.

St. Thomas Mount is linked to St. Thomas, the renowned `apostle` of Jesus Christ, who is thought to achieve its martyrdom here. As per the popular saying, St. Thomas was one of the pioneering Christian missionaries who came to India in order to propagate the teachings of Christianity. He is supposed to have arrived at South India in AD 52, and also spent the final years of his life in a fissure that was built on this mount. According to the local belief, Thomas was killed with the aid of an arrow in AD 72, by his enemies. Thus, the hill acquired the name St. Thomas Mount. St. Thomas Mount is also popularized locally as "Peria Malai". It has got etymological significance. As per the Tamil language Peria Malai, better known as "Firangi Malai", which means huge mount . The Portuguese constructed a church of low stature in the year 1523. Its top elevates to a height of almost three hundred feet. St. Thomas Mount has rich association with the famous people from outside also. In fact Pope John Paul II visited the place during his visit to India on 5th February 1986. 

Consecrated to "Our Lady of Expectation" or `Mother Mary`, in the year 1523, a shrine was made on the peak of the mount. It is thought that the `altar` of the shrine was constructed on the place where St. Thomas was martyrized in AD 72. At the north base of the St. Thomas Mount, there is an entrance of four remarkable curves .A cross, which was in 1547, surmounts these curves. One needs to take strides of one hundred and sixty in order to reach the top of the St Thomas Mount. There are fourteen `Stations of the Cross` set up en route to the summit.

Furthermore, in 1547, a thorough excavation discovers a stone cross with ancient `Sassanid Pahlavi` inscriptions on it. The cross, presumed to have been chiselled by the apostle himself. It became popular as the `Bleeding Cross` as it has bloodstains, which resurface still after being scratched off. It is also supposed to `bleed` afresh on a periodical basis. It first `bled` openly in front of public during Mass in 1558 and the last record of its bleeding was in the year 1704. After its discovery, the cross was placed on the wall of the church`s altar, which it embellishes still today. On one side of the `chancel` there are oil paintings that are nicely framed up describing all the twelve Apostles of the Christ. On the top of the altar, there is an oil painting of The Madonna. It is thought to be one of the seven paintings by St.Luke the Evangelist and St. Thomas brought it to India. This picture of Madonna is regarded as the most erstwhile Christian painting in Indian subcontinent. Festival of Our Lady of Expectation is celebrated on 18th December in a grand manner. Saint Thomas day is celebrated on the 3rd of July in memory of his martyrdom.

St Thomas Mount wore a grand look at the tome of Easter festivals. During this time, the devotees go up to the staircases of the church, singing anthems and also reciting the "Way of the Cross" prayers. An Armenian merchant, Petrus Woskan, covered the way with steps made up of granites making climbing easy and smooth. It is also thought that the oil paintings and marvelously engraved podium also contributed by this same Armenian patron. Bordering the church, the "Holy Apostles Convent" is handled by the saints of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) order, which is an abode for the physically and mentally challenged children controlled by the convent nuns.

The name of St. Thomas Mount is linked with other important things of India. In the year 1972, to venerate the nineteenth centenary of the martyrdom, the Post and Telegraphs department of the Government of India, brought out a postage stamp describing the image of the blood strewn cross of St. Thomas Mount. In the beginning, i.e. in the year 1964, another stamp was being brought out by the Post and Telegraph department of Indian government. . It depicts the `Ortona silver bust of St. Thomas` . St. Thomas Mount is the venue for officers training Academy (OTA) as organized by the Indian Army. Even there is station, built in the Southern line of the Chennai suburban railway, which got its name after St. Thomas Mount.

                                                         Prof. John Kurakar