THYROID PROBLEM

                                                   THYROID PROBLEM
                                                                               Dr Usha Sriram
  The mere mention of the word  Thyroid conjures up images of a swollen neck and lifelong medication. there are many myths, misconceptions and mysteries that surround this important gland. The truth is that thyroid problems are common, easy to diagnose and treat. A person with a thyroid problems are common, easy to diagnose and treat. A person with a thyroid problem can grow, marry, have children and lead a very normal productive, and long life.
   The Thyroid is butterfly-shaped gland in front of our neck. Everyone has a thyroid gland. Sometimes it is in an  unusual location like the tongue or elsewhere in the neck.  the thyroid produces two important hormones- T4 and T3(thyroid hormone) which circulate in the blood. The Thyroid gland is controlled buy the pituitary gland  in the brain by producing a hormone called TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone)
   Extremely important. The hormone controls our metabolism and has an impact on all our cells and all our body functions. It is necessary for memory, energy levels,bone  marrow function, proper functioning of the heart, proper movement of our intestine and many such vital functions. People who have an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) feel tired, have poor memory have a poor appetite, feel constipated and gain weight. They have a slow heart rte and feel puffy and sleepy
  The most common reason is autoimmune thyroid problem. The body produces antibodies against its own gland that make the gland function less. Sometimes the gland under functions temporarily and recovers a few months later. The gland may not have formed well at birth or may have been removed surgically.
 Another reason is when the Pituitary gland is under active and produces in sufficient TSH. Diagnosing thyroid problems requires just a simple blood test in most people.
 we cannot make the thyroid work normally but we can easily do what the normal gland does. thyroid hormone supplements are now available in multiple  doses and in most places. Thyroxine tablets should be taken on an empty stomach (preferably) firt thing in the morning) No food or beverages should  be consumed for about 30 minutes.Iron supplements, calcium, fibre laxatives and antacids can interfere with proper absorption so they should be taken after lunch or dinner. Most people have to take their supplements lifelong but one in five may have only a temporary problem.
  Women tend to have thyroid problems more than men. If untreated, this can lead difficulty with conception and miscarriages. The hormone is also important for the baby's growth and development. The good news is that testing is simple and the problem can be  effectively treated. Some women develop a transient throid problem after delivery.
  All medications are not safe.But Thyroid hormone need to be checked is not  only safe, It is good for the Baby. Most women with hypothyroidism need to be checked every six weeks during pregnancy and their doge increased or adjusted. It is important that they do not to stop the thyroid supplement. On the contrary, medication used to treat an over-active thyroid has to be discussed with the doctor and only the minimum required dose taken. Children can also develop thyroid problems.In fact some may be born with it. They should be given thyroid supplements and attain normal growth and puberty if their levels are maintained within the normal age.
 Patients with thyroid disorders usually avoid food like cabbage, cauliflowers, radish and lady's finger. There is no real scientific basis or recommendation, Soya can be consumed in moderation. All these concerns do not matter as long as there is adequate dietary iodine intake( from iodised salt and some grains and cereals and seafood) There are no dietary supplements that help with improving thyroid functions. Yoga is  good for many things but there is no clear scientific evidence regarding it s role as the  definitive therapy for thyroid dysfunction.
 Hyperthyroidism is also frequently caused by  the auto immune process. A more unusual cause is a nodule or nodules in the thyroid over producing the hormones.In rare cases it may also be due to a tumour in the pituitary. The usual symptoms are weight loss, anxiety, sweating,palpitations, sleeplessness, excessive hunger and bulging of eyes. The diagnosis is again  simple and treatment is with medication or in rare cases, radioactive iodine or surgery.
  Not all swellings in the neck region are due to thyroid problem. Examination and simple tests will shed light on the nature of the swelling. While the vast majority are benign about five percent can be due to thyroid cancer. It is important not to ignore any neck swelling at any age. Surgery cures most patients with cancer.
         
                                                          Prof. John Kurakar

RAHYL GANDHI’S SPEECH IN THE LOK SABHA

RAHYL GANDHI’S SPEECH

IN THE LOK SABHA

Madam Speaker,

I have been deeply distressed at the developments of the last few days. Many aspects of the situation have caused me anguish.We are all aware that corruption is pervasive. It operates at every level. The poor may carry its greatest burden but it is an affliction that every Indian is desperate to be rid off. Fighting corruption is as integral to eliminating poverty as is Mahatma Gandhi NREGA or the Land Acquisition Bill. Yet it is equally imperative to the growth and development of our nation. Madam Speaker, we cannot wish away corruption by the mere desire to see it removed from our lives.This requires a comprehensive framework of action and a concerted political program supported by all levels of the state from the highest to the lowest. Most importantly, it requires firm political will.

Madam Speaker, in the past few years I have travelled the length and breadth of our country. I have met scores of countrymen, rich and poor, old and young, privileged and disempowered who have expressed their disillusionment to me. In the last few months, Annaji has helped the people to articulate this same sentiment. I thank him for that. I believe that the real question before us as representatives of the people of India today is whether we are prepared to take the battle against corruption head on? It is not a matter of how the present impasse will resolve, it is a much greater battle. There are no simple solutions. To eradicate corruption demands a far deeper engagement and sustained commitment from each one of us.Witnessing the events of the last few days it would appear that the enactment of a single Bill will usher in a corruption-free society. I have serious doubts about this belief.

An effective Lok Pal law is only one element in the legal framework to combat corruption. The Lok Pal institution alone cannot be a substitute for a comprehensive anti-corruption code. A set of effective laws is required. Laws that address the following critical issues are necessary to stand alongside the Lok Pal initiative:(1) government funding of elections and political parties,(2) transparency in public procurement,(3) proper regulation of sectors that fuel corruption like land and mining,(4) grievance redress mechanisms in public service delivery of old age pensions and ration cards; and (5) continued tax reforms to end tax evasion.

We owe it to the people of this country to work together across party lines to ensure that Parliament functions at its optimum capacity and delivers these laws in a just and time bound manner.We speak of a statutory Lok Pal but our discussions cease at the point of its accountability to the people and the risk that it might itself become corrupt. Madam Speaker, why not elevate the debate and fortify the Lok Pal by making it a Constitutional body accountable to Parliament like the Election Commission of India? I feel the time has come for us to seriously consider this idea.Madam Speaker, laws and institutions are not enough. A representative, inclusive and accessible democracy is central to fighting corruption. Individuals have brought our country great gains. They have galvanized people in the cause of freedom and development. However, individual dictates, no matter how well intentioned, must not weaken the democratic process. This process is often lengthy and lumbering. But it is so in order to be inclusive and fair. It provides a representative and transparent platform where ideas are translated into laws. A tactical incursion, divorced from the machinery of an elected Government that seeks to undo the checks and balances created to protect the supremacy of Parliament sets a dangerous precedent for a democracy.

Today the proposed law is against corruption. Tomorrow the target may be something less universally heralded. It may attack the plurality of our society and democracy.India's biggest achievement is our democratic system. It is the life force of our nation. I believe we need more democracy within our political parties. I believe in Government funding of our political parties. I believe in empowering our youth; in opening the doors of our closed political system; in bringing fresh blood into politics and into this House. I believe in moving our democracy deeper and deeper into our villages and our cities.I know my faith in our democracy, is shared by members of this House. I know that regardless of their political affiliation, many of my colleagues work tirelessly to realize the ideals upon which our nation was built. The pursuit of truth is the greatest of those ideals. It won us our freedom. It gave us our democracy. Let us commit ourselves to truth and probity in public life. We owe it to the people of India.

                                                          Prof. John Kurakar

JUDICIARY SHOULD EXAMINE TRENDS IN DEMOCRACY

JUDICIARY SHOULD EXAMINE

TRENDS IN DEMOCRACY

The members of Indian judiciary should closely examine developments in the democratic process, Kerala High Court Chief Justice J. Chelameswar has said."The judiciary has been passing through an evolutionary process and this was closely linked to the changing social realities," he said yesterday while delivering the valedictory speech of the year-long Justice K K Mathew Commemorative lecture series. 
The introduction of a new generation of judges into judiciary had opened new vistas, he said. During 1980's, when executive became increasingly weaker, judiciary had taken a more active role and engaged in a close monitoring of the members of the executive, he said. 

On the other hand, the democratic process had been passing through its evolutionary course and those who were reluctant to listen to the judiciary were now willing to discuss issues when pressed by one individual or a few who could gather popular support, he said.Late Justice K K Mathew, a former member of Kottayam Bar Association and former judge of Supreme Court, was not affected by any external forces during his career, he said.The dissenting judgements by Justice Mathew showed his liberality of the constitutional thought process, he said, adding that the judgements indicated not only independence of the judge but also of the legal process and institution, and today dissenting notes were becoming fewer. The chief justice also unveiled a portrait of Justice Mathew

                                                                  Prof. John Kurakar.

IRENA LEAVES MILLIONS EVACUATE HOMES

IRENA LEAVES

MILLIONS EVACUATE HOMES

Hurricane Irene slammed eastern parts of the United States with strong winds and heavy rain, leaving millions powerless, thousands forced to evacuate, with reports of at least 10 dead and substantial damages to properties.US President Barack Obama himself was on top of the things personally monitoring the preparedness of the hurricane Obama, who has declared State of Emergency in eight States, held two conference calls with his top national team. Cities in several States had declared curfew and police not allowing people come out on the streets. Emergency shelter homes were opened in cities across the eastern Coast so that people affected by the hurricane can
take shelter.

'The President asked to be kept apprised of developments throughout the night and said that he wants the group to re-convene tomorrow morning,' the White House said.The hurricane, which had hit Washington, late yesterday is expected to reach New York City by early this morning.'We expect a strong Category 1 storm to hit us tonight, with winds between 55 and 75 miles an hour,' the New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. All the Hindu temples and gurdwaras in the region, which are normally thronged by Indian Americans on Sundays have been closed as a precautionary measure.Metro services were suspended in several cities including New York, Washington and Boston

                        Prof. John Kurakar

ANTONY INAUGURATED RICE FOR RS 1SCHEME

ANTONY INAUGURATED

RICE FOR RS 1SCHEME

Defence Minister A K Antony today,27^th August,2011, called upon the people to take anti-corruption pledge as bribery was growing in the country. Launching Kerala governemnt's 'Poverty-Free' scheme for supply of rice at Rs one per kg to BPL families, Antony said it was a matter of grave concern that it had become a normal practice that people had to give bribe for getting benefits of government schemes. Without mentioning the ongoing fast by Gandhian Anna Hazare, the Congress veteran said people's anger against this danger generated in many forms in the country. 'So we should take a pledge against corruption', Antony said. He said the government should ensure that welfare schemes reached the targetted groups without any hitch. 'People have lost faith in announcements. They think that for getting government benefits, they have to grease the palm of someboy', he said.

Though India had achived progress in many fields after independence and had become a world economic power,the country still had two tiers- one shining India and the other where the people live in poverty, he said. Efforts of the UPA government was to ensure inclusive growth by taking steps to provide basic needs of the commonman while implementing development works, he said. Inaugurating the scheme of supplying free Onam kit to BPL famililes, Kerrala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the government's aim was to have a permanent set up to check price rise of essential commodities. Under the scheme, 21 lakh BPL families would get 25 KG rice per month at Rs one per kg and 35 kg for families under Antyodaya Ann Yojana schem at Rs one kg. Speaking on the occasion, Food and Civil Supplies minister T M Jacob said necessary quantity of rice had already reached in the more than 14,000 rations to start the supply. Jacob said the Onam kit would contain rice and sugar besides other essential articles. A total of Rs 19 crore had been earmarked for the scheme, he said. Povery-free Kerala project of supplying one rupee per kg rice was one of the 100-days programmes announced by the Congress led UDF government. It completed 100-days in office on August 25.

                                                                    Prof. John Kurakar

ANNA HAZARE ENDED HIS 12 FAST

ANNA HAZARE ENDED HIS 12 FAST

Anna Hazare ended his 12-day fast Sunday, 28th August, 2011, morning before tens of thousands of cheering supporters at Ramlila Maidan by sipping a glass of coconut water with honey offered to him by two girls.The nation, particularly the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, heaved a collective sigh of relief at the resolution of a major national cris as the 74-year-old activist ended his fast at around 10.20 a.m. He began his fast Aug 16 morning and completed 288 hours of fasting Sunday.

Five-year-old Simran, a Dalit from Sunder Nagri in the capital, and Iqri, a Muslim girl from Turkman Gate, offered the coconut water and honey mixture to him.As a smiling Anna sipped from a steel glass, people in Ramlila Maidan cheered and hugged each other while some sang 'Desh ke pyare Anna Hamare'.He will be taken to Medanta Hospital for a couple of days due to his deteriorating health condition, doctors said.
Hazare agreed to break his fast after parliament Saturday broadly agreed to three key demands of his civil society group to battle corruption.

                                                                   Prof. John Kurakar

KURAKARAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION MEMBERS VISITED SNEHATHEERAM & PROVIDENCE HOME

  KURAKARAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION VISITED
         SNEHA THEERAM & PROVIDENCE HOME

   Kurakaran Women's Association Executive committee members visited the Charity centre of Sneha Theeram Vilakudi and Providence house, kuttikonam 0n 27 Saturday,2011 and gave them collected  cloths and money from members. The visiting team included the following members.
Prof. John Kurakar. Prof. Molly Kurakar,Mrs Chinnamma John, susamma varghese, Thankamma Alex.Siji Koshy, Kunjamma Mathew,  Sali Rarju,Bincy Alex, Rincy Raju, Salamma Abraham,
Sherly Johnson, Gracy kutty Johnson,Omana Lukose, Gracy kutty john, Omana Lukose, Therisamma Alex.



                                                                                    Kurakaran Women's Association

KURAKARAN WOMENS ASSOCIATION

Prof. John Kurakar

Prof. John Kurakar  and Members of the association

Snha theeran

Sneha theeram

     

KERALA WORKED OUT COMPREHENSIVE RAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

KERALA WORKED OUT COMPREHENSIVE RAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Congress-led UDF Government in Kerala has worked out a comprehensive plan for railway development in the state to be presented before Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi and senior officials slated to visit the state capital next month(September-2011). The main proposals in the package included completion of line-doubling and electrification of the entire stretch, speeding up work on the coach factory and wagon unit allotted to the state and new trains linking with major cities in other states.  Disclosing this after a cabinet meeting today, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Trivedi, the Railway Board chairman and senior officials had agreed to come here on September 19 to discuss the state's demands. Though a long-term project, the idea of building a north-south high speed rail corridor across the state would also be taken up for discussion.

Other items on the state's agenda included expediting conversion of Kollam-Sencottah and Palakkad-Pollachi meter gauge lines to broad gauge, completion of Road Over Bridge (ROBs), and introduction of new trains liking cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Baroda and Ahmedabad, where a large number of Keralites are working. The problems concerning land acquisition for the proposed Ankamali-Erumeli Sabari line and Guruvayoor-Tanur line would be also be taken up, Chandy added.

                                                    Prof. John Kurakar

BOMBING IN UN BUILDING NIGERIA

BOMBING IN UN BUILDING NIGERIA

At least 18 people were killed Friday, 26th August,2011, when a suicide car bomb rocked the UN building in Nigerian capital Abuja, officials said. The attack took place around 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) in the diplomatic zone in the centre of the city, close to the US embassy, BBC reported. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.The building is home to the main UN missions operating in Nigeria and reportedly had as many as 400 people inside.

Police Commissioner Michael Zuokumo told CNN eight people were injured. Among those injured were UN staff and visitors to the complex.A National Hospital mortuary department official told Xinhua eight bodies were deposited there that included two women. Sources at Garki Hospital said two bodies were brought in there.The bomb was reportedly planted in a vehicle driven by a lone occupant through the exit gate of the building. A private guard on duty was killed while a UN security staff at the gate was wounded. The vehicle rammed into the reception area, destroyed furniture and electronic gadgets before exploding. Two receptionists were killed instantly, a security source told Xinhua.

Yushau Shuaib, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, told CNN the driver had passed through the first and second gates of the compound up to reception before detonating the explosives. A witness outside the building at the time of the attack told CNN she had seen a white SUV drive through the main gate of the compound quickly. She heard two explosions in quick succession, the second one much larger and followed by the shattering of glass. A bank and a travel agency - which operate within the UN building - were also affected by the blast. A survivor told Xinhua that when the explosion occurred, customers were in the bank while many would-be travellers were also inside the travel agency office. British Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the attack. "This brutal act has killed and injured many innocent people, and I utterly condemn those who have carried it out."

Deborah MacLean, a spokeswoman for the US embassy in Abuja, told CNN there was no damage to the embassy building, which is near the UN building.Islamist militants have carried out recent attacks in the city. A car bombing at the police headquarters in June was blamed on Islamist sect Boko Haram, a group that wants the establishment of Islamic Sharia law in Nigeria

                                                             Prof. John Kurakar.

ST.GREGORIOUS COLLEGE CONTINUING PROGRAMME INAUGURATED

Continuing Education Merit Certifictes distributed by Swami Kesavadas & Prof. John Kurakar

Inauguration of Continuing programme-2011

Continuing Education members

Dr. P.K Jose kutty speeking

Continuing Education members

Prof. John Kurakar

Continuing Education Members

Dr Swami Kesavadas

Fr. D. Jacob, Dr P.K Jose kutty, Prof. John Kurakar

                                              ST.GREGORIOUS COLLEGE
                               CONTINUING EDUCATION
                              PROGRAMME INAUGURATED


  The inauguration of St. Gregorious college continuing education programme 2011 was inaugurated by Prof. Dr Carlose (Swami Kesavadas) on 26th August,2011 at college auditorium at 2 pm. Dr. P.K Jose kutty, Principal presided. Prof. John Kurakar, former Co-ordinator gave introductory and main speech. Rev. Fr D. Jacob welcomed the gatherings. More than 400 students actively participated on the inaugural session.
 The university merit certificates( Certificate of Information Technology) distributed by Dr Swami Kesavadas & Prof. John Kurakar.

                                                                          Continuing Education Club

Palliative Care Unit, Kottarakara : News 25-08-11 (Malayala Manorama)

PLANT WONDERS AND EVOLUTION

                     PLANT WONDERS AND EVOLUTION


  Students will get rare opportunity to experience and learn the wonders of plant Kigdom. A student outreach programme titled"Plant wonders and Evolution" to be organised by the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) on its campus at palode near Thiruvananthapuram from September 26. The Exhibition will conclude 30th September,2011. It will expose the children to little known aspects of the plant world. One of the highlights of the programme is an interaction with unusual and strange plants, including carnivorous ones. the session will take the students in to the bizare world of insect eating plants, their mechanisms, and chemistry of trapping prey.
  The five hour programme targeting higher secondary students will cover the biographical saga of Charles Darwin, his trip to Galapagos islands, the theory of evolution and its impact.  One of the Carnivorous pants to be exhibited at the session is Rafflesia Pricei,one of the largest flowers(up to 80cm diameter) known in the plant kigdom. Native to North Norneo,it weights 7 kg, smells of carrion and is a paracite. It is named after Sir stamford Raffles, the explorer who discovered singapore. Also to be displayed is the Nepenthes kinbaluensis an other carnivorous plant found on it ,Kinabalu, Sabah,Malaysia modified leaves resembling big pitchers catch insects and rodents. The programme will have lectures, live demonstration and screening of lims. Entry is free but Limited to maximum of 60 students with five teachers a day. Course material, food, and other logistics will be provided free of charge. Details can be had from the   phone 0472 2866926

                                                                             Prof. John Kurakar

TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

Dr Kesavadas Swami,Prof. John Kurakar, Mr. Santhosh(Manorama, Mr Sam Kurakar, Mr N. Sadasivan
 Prof. Molly Kurakar and Dr. Suman Alexander

Prayer song

Prof. John Kurakar

Presidential address- Prof. John Kurakar

Training Programme

Introductory speeach-Dr.Jaya sankar

Dr. Swami Kesavadas

Dr. Kesavadas swami, Sadasivan, Prof. John Kurakar, Mr. Sam Kurakar, Dr. Jaya Sankar

view- Training Programme

                                         TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE
                                 VOLUNTEERS OF THE PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT


   The Palliative care Kottarakara unit conducted two days training programmes for its volunteers on 25th and 26th August,2011 at Govt. Hispital, Kottarkara. Dr Swami Kesava Das, Professor of Philosophy from Argentina inaugurated the training programme. Prof. John Kurakar, president Palliative Association, Kottarkara presided the inaugural function. Dr Jaya sankar, supriendent, Govt Hospital gave introductory speech. G. Balakrishnan Nair, Mr.Neelaswaram Sadasivan, Mr. Sam Kurakar, Dr. Suman Alexander,Prof. Molly Kurakar.Mr K. George Kutty were spoke on the occasion.
  Doctors and Medical Health Programme representatives led the training programme. As many as 75 student volunteers actively participated the training programme.


                                                                                    Prof. John Kurakar

ANTONY TO INAUGURATE RICE AT RS1 PER KG SCHEME ON AUGUST 27, 2011

ANTONY TO INAUGURATE RICE AT RS1 PER KG SCHEME ON AUGUST 27, 2011

Kerala government's ambitious scheme to provide rice at Rs 1 per kg to BPL families will be formally launched by Defence Minister A K Antony  on Saturday,27^th August,2011.The "rice at Rs 1 per kg" scheme would benefit 20,56,535 ration card holders and inmates of orphan homes, Food and Civil Supplies Minister T M Jacob said today. The scheme was aimed at creating "poverty-free" Kerala, he said in a statement.

                                                                Prof. John Kurakar

LOW INTENSITY EARTHQUAKE NEAR MULLAPERIYAR DAM

LOW INTENSITY EARTHQUAKE NEAR MULLAPERIYAR DAM

A low intensity earthquake was experienced near the Mullapeiryar dam near Kattapana The tremor that registered 2 on the Richter Scale was experienced at Upputhara, Valakodu and Kuvalettam areas in the Uppothodu panchayat at 7.27 p.m. Tuesday,23^rd August,2011. The KSEB said that the epicentre of the quake was Valkodu and that more tremors can be expected. Since it was a low intensity quake many of the local people did not know about it initially. On 26th July many parts of Idukki district experienced 12 tremors. Upputhara and Valakodu recorded quakes which were measured at 3.8 on the Richter scale. 

In the last round of quakes cracks were developed on the surface of the Mullaperiyar dam. The water resources department authorities have said they can say how the latest quake affected the dam only after checking.

                                                             Prof. John Kurakar

MAN BURN INJURIE TO HIS SON FOR STEALING RS.200

MAN BURN INJURIE TO HIS SON

 FOR STEALING RS.200

A case has been registered against a man for causing burn injuries to his son with a red hot iron knife. The alleged crime was the boy had stolen Rs 200 from his uncle. 12-year-old Vishnu is under treatment in a hospital. Vishnu, who went to Chathannor government HS on Monday morning, was called back by his friends saying that his granny called him. When he reached home, his father beat up Vishnu alleging he had stolen money from his uncle's pocket. Later he burnt his left hand, stomach and right leg with a red-hot iron. 

Vishnu's father was drunk during the time of assault and is absconding after the incident. His uncle admitted Vishnu to a private hospital and was later shifted to Royal hospital as the injury was serious. The boy told the policemen not to harass his father as he is Vishnu's only support. Vishnu's mother is no more

                                                       Prof. John Kurakar. 

ARANMULA VALLA SADYA

ARANMULA VALLA SADYA

 Valla Sadya is a celebration in the temple at Aranmula. Ashtami Rohini Valla Sadya annual feast served to the crew of Palliyodams(Snake boats) and other devotees was held with religious fervor at Sree Parthasarathy Tem The Valla sadya is a unique mass feast with strong devotional moorings, given to the crew of Palliyodams (snake boats) which the devotees consider a divine vessel of Lord Krishna, presiding deity of Aranmula Sree ParthaSarathy Temple. People from different palliodams reach the temple in their respective boats to take part in the valla sadya.
Valla sadya is conducted by the devotees as a “Vazhipadu” to the lord ParthaSarathy. The Valla sadya is dedicated to any of the boat. On the valla sadya day, the oarsmen will come to the Temple in the boat through the river. The oarsmen offered Nirapara to the presiding deity at the Nadappanthal in front of the golden temple mast and went round the temple chanting Krishna bhajans (Vanchi pattu). The entire atmosphere was charged with the rhythmic vanchi pattu, songs in praise of Lord ParthaSarathy. The `vallasadya' began immediately after the utcha pooja at the temple. They were given a rousing reception. They circumambulated the temple, chanting the `vanchi pattu', verses in praise of Lord Krishna, before partaking of the valla sadya.
On the day of Krishna’s Birthday – Ashtami Rohini day, the Valla sadya is conducted for all the devotees of lord ParthaSarathy. Around 1 lakh people are attended every year. Most of the palliodams are attending this feast.Rice with 45 side dishes were served at the Sadya on banana leaves including the following side dishes.
Adaprathaman. (Pudding); Aravana payasam. (Pudding made from rice, jaggery and ghee); Aval (flattened rice); Avial (Mixed vegetable curry); Banana chips; Chammanthi powder (Chutney with chillies); Chukku vellum (dried ginger water); Curd; Ellunda (gingelly ball); Fried banana; Ghee; Ginger curry; Holy water from river Pampa; Kaalhen (curry made from curds); Kaalipazham payasam (Pudding made of banana); Kalkandum (Sugar candy); Kadala Prathaman (made of Bengal gram) ; Kychadi (Curry made of rice and gram); Mango curry; Munthiri pachadi (Curry made of grapes); Olen, (mixed curry); Pacchadi (A vegetable curry); Paal payasm (Pudding made of Milk); Pachamoru; Pulisserry (Curry prepared with thick and sour buttermilk); Resam; Red Cheera Thoran (made with a variety of amaranthus); Sambar; Thakara Thoran (Thoran with cassia tora); Unniappam.
2011 Vallasadya feast was on Sunday 21^st August,2011. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the state, along with the crew of palliyodams ( snake boat) and other devotees, was held with religious fervor at Sree Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of the Pampa at Aranmula.42 palliyodams partook of the feast. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and sounds of Vanchippattu, songs in praise of Lord Parthasarathy, filled the temple premises.
The palliyodam crew reached the temple ghats in their boats. They were accorded a ceremonial reception. The oarsmen, singing the rhythmic Vanchippattu, went round the temple. They offered nirapara, tobacco, betel leaves, and areca nuts to the presideing deity at the Aanakkothil in front of the golden temple mast. 2011 Vallasadya feast was formally inaugurated by Nair Service Society General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair.Minister for Devaswom V.S Sivakumar was the guest of honour. K. Sivadasan Niar MLA,K.V Sambadevan, were present. Devotees and the boat crew relished the feast. 48 items including different kinds of fried and sweet items such as the Amabalappuzha palpayasam and piece of sugarcane were served at the feast.

                                          Prof. John Kurakar

CHILDREN AND LEAD POISONING

                                           CHILDREN AND LEAD POISONING

  The National Rural Health Mission has, for the first time initiated an awareness programme for doctors, health workers, and local body representatives across the state on lead poisoning, which is poised to be a major public health problem.  " Exhaust fumes from auto mobiles, paints, many traditional medicines, cosmetics and recycling of electronic wastes and lead acid batteries all release lead in to the environment is not possible but we can adopt safety measure  ro reduce the hazards of lead poisoning" says Thuppil Venkatesh, director of National Referral Center for lead poisoning in India (NRCLPI) and the principal adviser to the Quality council of India (QCI), which is leading the training programme.

   As a professor of biochemistry at St. Johns National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, Dr Venkatesh had initiated a three - year study in 1997, measuring the blood lead levels of 23,000 children in sever metro cities. " We found that 51.3 percent children  under 12 years of age had blood lead measures above 10 ug/dl (10 micro grams per 100 ml of blood) A level above 10 ug is known to reduce the IQ  and create developmental problems in children. Dr Venkatesh says.
   All the children in the study had, on an average blood lead levels above 20 ug. This study gave the final push for the introduction of unleaded petrol in India in 2000 NRCLPI was established in Bangalore in 2003 to conduct research in lead poisoning.
   Synthetic dyes and paints and cosmetics like " Kajal" contain  high amounts of lead and these are ingested by us in varied ways. " he says ,people often wrap food directly in news papers and the lead from the printing ink is transferred to the food. Children may chew on pencils or toys, the paints on which may contain lead. Incidentally, yellow paint,used in the standard colour of school buses, has the highest lead content among paints. Lead accumulates in bones,skin and hair and does not degrade.High blood lead levels may result in learning and hearing  disability and attention- deficit in children. It leds to the early onset of osteoporosis
  Dr Venkatesh says that only awareness can make people cautious. In many rural areas people recycle lead acid batteries pr solder electronic items with bare hands and no personal protection equipment. Testiing of blood lead levels and treatment  for lead poisoning ( If blood lead levels are 45 ug/dl are very expensive.
   Countries like Australia switched to lead free paints decades ago. But in India, 91 percent of paints in the market have high lead content. What ever lead free paints produced are exported. Dr Venkatesh says. The Bureau of Indian standards has fixed the standard for lead in paints at 1000 PPM, While in the US, regulators are pressing to bring lead content in paints down to 10 PPM, he said.

                                                             Prof. John Kurakar

CYCLING INDUSTRY GIVES ECONOMY

CYCLING INDUSTRY GIVES ECONOMY

Cycling generates nearly £3bn a year for the UK economy, a report by the London School of Economics has found. The figure takes into account factors such as bicycle manufacturing, retail and cycle-related employment. The report says £51m was raised for UK manufacturers from the 3.7 million cycles sold in 2010 - a rise of 28% on the number of cycles sold in 2009 More than a million people also started cycling last year, bringing the total number of cyclists to 13 million.

Last year more than £1.5bn was spent on bikes and another £850m on accessories, with the LSE estimating that the cycling industry is now worth some £2.9bn a year.There are now 23,000 people working in cycling, contributing more than £600m to the economy in wages and taxes. The report also says rising fuel costs, improved cycle networks, concern for the environment, and the pull of the Olympics are all possible factors for the increase in popularity for cycling. And it says a 20% increase in cycling levels by 2015 could save millions of pounds in reduced congestion, pollution levels and NHS costs.The report says that regular cyclists take 7.4 sick days per year, compared with 8.7 sick days for non-cyclists, saving around £128m through reduced absenteeism, with projected savings of £2bn over the next 10 years.

Dr Alexander Grous, of the LSE, who conducted the research, said: "The good news is that structural, economic, social and health factors seem finally to have created a true step-change in the UK's cycling scene."Stewart Kellett, of British Cycling which is the governing body of UK cycle sport, said: "This report is further evidence that when more people get involved in cycling there are measurable benefits to the individual, their family, their employer, the environment and the economy as whole."

                                                         Prof. John Kurakar

LEAKAGE OF BHOPALCHLORINE GAS PLANT

LEAKAGE OF BHOPALCHLORINE GAS PLANT

Bhopal: Panic gripped Birla Mandir area today(23^rd August,2011) following leakage of chlorine gas from the water filtration plant of BHEL facility here. Three persons reported irritation in their eyes following the leakage from the plant situated near the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Bhopal Collector Nikunj Shrivastava said. They are undergoing treatment at the Jai Prakash Hospital
here, he said. The situation is under control and efforts are on to plug the gas leakage, Shrivastava said.Police, fire brigade personnel and district administration officials have reached the spot. Government-run BHEL's facility in Bhopal manufactures a wide range of electrical equipment

                                                                    Prof. John Kurakar