V.P SINGH- A CHAMPION OF COMMUNAL HARMONY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Former Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh died on thursday 27 th November 2008 after a prolonged illness. He was 77. He had been suffering from multiple myeloma and chronic renal failure for long. He had been under going treatment at the Apollo Hospital, the Mayoclinic(US) and Bombay Hospital since over 12 years. He born on june 25, 1931, Mr Singh began his political carrer with the congress and was a Minister in Indira Gandhi's Council of Ministers before be became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on june 9,1980. V.P Singh was a peoples leader who gave the lead for bringing to end the corrupt administration and setting up a secular and progressive governmment. He had always adopted a firm stand against communal fascists. He gave the lead for uniting democratic forces against the demolition of the Babrimasjid. He took steps for providing benefits including reservation to a section which was kept suppressed socially and economically for centuries. His steps were a driving force for the surge of the backward communities throghout the country. He had contributed much for the develoment of Kerala. He would always find as unforgettable place in the history of the country. He had taken the initiative to implement the Mandal Commission report.

V.P Singh was the champion of social justicee and secularism. The country had lost a great patriot and Nation- builder whose empathy for the weaker sections would always be etched in national consciousness As chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he consistently strove to translate his convictions in to public policy. Even after being afflicted with a debelitating disease, he continued to be at the forefront of the struggle for social justice. He had always been highly sensitive to the social realities of the country. The country has lost a leader of rare distinction aand commitment. Throughout his life, he constanly strove for the betterment of the poorest among poor, especially those who belonged to the deprived sections of society and minorities. India has lost an eminent social and political leader who had actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement and worked hard for the uplift of the socially disadvantaged sections of society. He will for long be remembered as a champion of communal harmony and social justice

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR

CONTINUING EDUCATION 7 EXTENSION

1. CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY

The Centre for Adult Continuing Education and Extension established in 1980 is a premier centre with academic stauts under the University of Kerala. Adult Education programme started St. Gregorios college in 1983. The unit concentrated its activities on three dimensions. 1. Taching to students 2. Social Survey and Research. 3. Community Service. The role and function of the college unit is in agreement with the changing Socio- Economic Scenario of the country. CACEE andUniversity of Kerala honoured the College with Merit Certificate, Cash Awards and Ever Rolling Trophy for the meritorios activites of the Adult,Continuing Education and Extension during the year 1984 to 1990. Since 1988 the College unit has been conducting Population Education and continuing Education programmes.

In 1983 Adult Education and Extension unit was Inaurated in St. Gregorios College by Dr. Sivadasan Pillai, Director of CACEE, University of Kerala. In January 1984 the college unit started 30 Jana Bodna Kendras in various places in kottarakara thaluk. The Literacy centres rendered active services. In addition to Literacy and numeracy classes the college unit was able to conduct discussions and seminars on Nutrition, clothing, Habitation, Occupation, Enviornment, Social helps, Flim shows, Free Medical and Dental Camps. Cultural Meetings, Social survey, plant distribution etc.

In 1985 the college unit started thirty Adult Education centres in Melila and Vettickavala panchayats. College unit also organized so many programmes like health seminar, Kala mela, Flim shows, study tour, Science class etc.

In the year 1986 the continuing education center started 30 Adult Education centres. The college was awarded for its best performance by the CACEE The University of Kerala also gave cash award and merit certificates to the principal Rev. Fr Prof. V. Varghese and the programme co-ordinator Prof John Kurakar.

Neo Literate Book Exhibition, Kala jatha, Health seminars, woman welfare programmes, family welfare seminars were some of the important activites of 1986. During 1987-88 and 1988-89 the college unit started 30 centres. these two year the activites were limited only the melila Panchayat

The University of Kerala selected the college for awarding the Ever Rolling Trophy for its best performance in 1987-88. with in the period between 1983 and 1990 the college was able to conduct 150 Adult Education centres through five batches

Prof: John Kurakar

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION-2006-2007

ALUMNI ASSOCITION OF ST. GREGORIOS COLLEGE IS ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE. THIS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HAS UNITS IN MADRAS, NEW DELHI, GUJARAT, UAE AND UK.
A SPECIAL ALUMNI MEETING WAS CONDUCTED ON 22 FEBRUARY 2006. IT WAS MEMORABLE EVENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. THE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS INTERACTED WITH THE PEER-TEAM OF THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND ACREDITION COMMITTEE. THE ALUMNI MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED MUCH IN ACHEVING THE B++ GRADE TO THE COLLEGE
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GAVE AWARDS TO THE RANK HOLDERS OF THE COLLEGE AND OTHER OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. AN ANNUAL GET TOGETHER WAS HELD ON 24 MARCH 2007 AT THE COLLEGE SEMINAR HALL. AT THIS FUNCTION THE ASSOCIATION GAVE MEMORABLE AND REMARKABLE SEND OFF ITS FOUNDER SECRETARY PROF; JOHN KURAKAR RETIRING FROM SERVICE ON 31 MARCH 2007
PROF SURESH KUMAR,Secretary 2006-2007

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, UAE CHAPTER-BRIEF HISTORY

History of St. Gregorios College Alumni UAE Chapter trace back to 1999 when Mr Jacob Kurakar put forward an idea to formulate an association of the old students of St. Gregorios College, Kottarakara. The idea was warmly welcomed by the old students of the college;residing in the UAE. The first meeting conducted as a co-ordination body meeting under the chairmanship fo Rev. Fr Prof. V. Varghese on his visit in the UAE. That meeting was held at progressive English School auditorium. A co-ordination committee formed Mr Jacob Kurakar as the president and Mr Georgekutty as the secretary.
The first annual family get together was celebrated at Marco polo Hotel, Dubai, on 7th april 2000. Second year 2000-200, thhe association functioned by the team lead by Mr Rajandranpillai. Third year Alumni association was held at princess Flammingo Hotel on 1 st February 2002. Members actively participated in all the programmes. A fourth annual get together was held on 23 rd May 2003 at India club Dubai. Prof Thomas Panicker as the chief guest. The Fifth annual get together was held on 17 th December 2004 at the Astoria Hotel Dubai. Prof John Kurakar head of Malayalam,St. Gregorios College, Kottarakara as the chief guest. The 6 th annual get together held at Karama Hotel, Dubai on 31th March 2006 Prof G. Jacob, Departmment of Chemistry as the chief guest. The 7 th annual get together was held on 20 th April 2007 at the Marcopolo Hotel ,Dubai. Prof P.V Sureshkumar dept of English as the chief guest.
Prof: John Kurakar

AGRICULTURE PACCKAGE FOR IDUKKI

We Welcomed the union cabinet decision to approve the agriculture package for Idukki. The Financial support of the package is Rs 764.45 crore. The package had been recommended by the Agriculture scientist Dr M.S Swaminathan Commission following a study of the problems faced by farmers in the district. The study was commissioned by the central government.
The package covers action for reviving ecological security, strengthening common facilities, and enhancemment of the liveli hood security of the farmers with crop-specific programmes.
The cabinet approved the state government's suggestion for the constitution of an implementation mechanism consisting of Idukki Aiswaya samithy(IAS) Idukki Karma Samithi (IKS) and project Monitoring Committee (PMC) Idukki Aiswarya Samithy will decide policy issues, provide guidence and moniter the task implementation. Chief minister is the chairperson of this samithy. Chief secretary will be the head of Idukki Karma Samithy to ensure proper task implementaion and co- ordinate commodity boards and Government Institutions under a single command line. the project Monitoring Committe will be under the control of Agricultural production commissioner will co-ordinate and monitor monthly activities and oversee the implementation. Online montoring and social monitoring will be introduced to ensure effective implementation of the Idukki package
Prof: John Kurakar

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, ST.GREGORIOS COLLEGEEE, KOTTARAKARA

St Gregorios College, established in 1964, is founded by His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. It is affiliated to the University of Kerala. In 1972, the college became a first Grade College with the introduction of degree course. Major milestones were achieved in the history of the College with the introduction of Post Graduate Courses.

The College in the mean time continued to expand and develop in its various spheres. Modern office block was constructed in the year 2000 along with seminar Hall. Separate computer Labs are attached to the various Departments of physics, Chemistry, Maths, Zoology and Botany. A Common Computer Lab was also established for Continuing Education Programmes. The latest addition and a P.G.Seminar Hall to the college is a Modern Language Lab, Commmon Computer Lab, Multi Gym along with other systems.

The College gives much attention to the Co- curricular and Extra curricular activites besides its curricular acadamic activites. The Parent Teacher Association is functioning actively. N.C.C abd N.S.S units of the college are the leading units of the University. Population Education Club, Womens Study Unit, Science Forum, Forestry Club, Book Club, Health Club, Music Club,Quiz Club are functioning regularly. Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy, the Literary Association is functioning very actively in the college. Continuing Education Centre is conducting short- term Certificate Courses under the direction of the Kerala University. Junior Certificate of Information Technology, Certificate of Spoken English Courses are conducted.

We have sent out thousands of young men and women into the wide world through the portals of this institution. We did our mite, Many got benefitted, Some become great, a few achieved what they aspired. Many remain greatful to the Alma matter. Neverthless the matter has been and will be only happy and hue irrespective of their calibre. Many a student have brought laurels to the institution be securing university ranks in the under graduate and post graduate levels and spectacular achievments in Arts, Sports and other co- curricular domains.

Our Alumni Association has Several unit in India and abroad. There are Chaptors in Amerca, Canada, Dubai, Kuwait, Delhi,Madras, Gujarat and Thiruvananthapuram. UAE Chaptor is more active than other Chaptors. More than 500 former students in UAE Chaptor.

MISSION MOON

Chandrayan- 1 successfully ejected and Landed on the Lunar surface on 14 th friday night November 2008 with the tricolour painted on its sides the probe marked India's presence on the Moon and put India in the elite club. It was a historic and proud moment for all Indian's.
It was during Jawaharlal Nehru's time that the necleus for a space programme started. It is befitting that on Children's day, celebrated in his honour, that India should plant its flag on the Lunar surface.
The MIP, One of Chandrayan's most important scientific payloads, and one of undeniable geopolitical importance, had piggy-backed on the lunar craft for nearly 40,ooo km, detaching itself successfully from the mother-craft at 8.06 pm. India has now become the fourth country to have its national flag on the Moon. After a 25- minute flight MIP impacted the noon's surface at a speed of 1.6 km per second, landing on its target near shackleton crater on the south pole of the Moon. We are now convinced that an Indian astronant will walk on the Moon's surface in the not too distant future. Prof: John Kurakar

CAMPUS VIOLEENCE IN DR AMBEDKAR GOVT LAW COLLEGE, CHENNAI

The Brutal violence witnessed in the Dr Ambedkar Governmment Law College in Chennai on 12 th Wednesday 2008. In which a group students almost killed a Collegemate has completly shaken me. I see the image on Television. The Police men remaining mute spectators to brutal assualts. Several students seriously injured. The inaction of the police men is condemnable.

I am realy shoked that the Educated students beings turn so violent and the police, the protectors of law could just stand by and watch with no one of them realising that his duty was to protect the Brutal incident. No body to help a fellow human. The media persons utlised this time for filimed the incident.

I appeal to all thinking people, politicians, teachers and parents to help weed out the dangeros trend of growing casteism among students. It is not a local incident but for the larger issues of caste conflicts making the way in an Educational institution. Prof: John Kurakar

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE-2

State Capital Language

Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Nishi/ Dappala

Andhra Pradesh Hydrabad Telugu

Assam Dispur Assamese

Bihar Patna Hindi

Gujarat Gandhinagar Gujaraati

Haryana Chandigarh Hindi

Himachal Pradesh Shimla Hindi

Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar Kashmiri & Dogri

Karnataka Bangalore Kannada

Kerala Thiruvanandapuram Malayalam

Madhya Pradesh Bhopal Hindi

Mahaarashtra Bombay Marathi

Manipur Impal Manipuri

Meghalaya Shillong Khasi

Mizoram Aizwal Mizo, English

Nagaland Kohima English

Orissa Bhubaneswar Oriya

Punjab Chandigarh Punjabi

Rajasthan Jaipur Hindi

Sikkim Gangtok Nepali, Hindi

Tamil Nadu Chennai Tamil

Tripura Agarthala Bengali

Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Hindi

West Bengal Culcutta Bengali

Goa Panaji Konkani/Marathi

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

1-The largest rubber producing state in India is- Ans: Kerala
2-Thhe largest producer of sugar in India is- Ans:Uttar Pradesh
3-The jog Fall is locaated in- Ans: Karnataka
4-Hirakud Dam has been built on the river Ans Mahanadi
5- Which of the following Railway Stations has the largest platform- Ans:Kharagpur
6-Salal Hydel Project has been executed on the river Ans; Beas
7-The largest deposits of uranium in India are found in the state of - Ans: Bihar
8-Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education is located at- Ans: Gwalior
9-For visiting Meenakshi Templee, One has go to-Ans Madurai
10-Mahabalipuram is locaated near : Ans- Madras.
Prof John Kurakar

OBAMA AND INDIA

Mr Obama's historic victory in the U.S presidential election should serve as a lession for Indian politicians who seek to divide the country on the basis of caste, religion, region and language. Obama's victory is no doubt a dream come true. It conveys the message that it is time for change and that change is inevitable.

Mr Obama's famous words is remarkable " There's not liberal America and conservative America, There's not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America. There's the united states of America" these should be extremely relevent to Indian politicians. PROF JOHN KURAKAR

FAREWELL TO SOURAV GANGULY

Sourav Ganguly's was a most colourful career. The present age cricket lovers may look at him as legend. A fascinating career was launched at the home of cricket and Ganguly's love with the game blossomed as he look gigantic strides culminating in 7212 Test runs, 16 centuries. His mental toughness and self- belief were two qualities. Sourav Ganguly will be remembered as one of Indian crickets most significant figures. The left hander fell short of greatness in Test cricket.

PROF.JOHN KURAKAR

DAY TO REMEMBER- THE CHILDREN'S DAY

Children's Day is a very special day for any child. It is day for celebrating Children. It is the birth day of our Primeminister Jawaharlal Nehru. He was born on November 14, 1889 in Uttarpradesh. He was a well educated, cultured man, who loved his country. Nehru also loved children. The best of his pictures always have children in them. so after he died it was decided to celebrate his birth day as children's day.

Nehru had a daughter called Indira, whom he loved dearly. Before independence, Nehru was put in jail by the British. He missed his daughter very much and hated being away from her. So he wrote many letters to her.

On Children's Day, let's think about what you can do to help other children in India. Jawaharlal Nehru loved all Kids. The children's day reminds very child that to ful fill his responsibilites to our country. The Children must do his duty to become good, do good and help maintain our country. This would be the best gift given to our Chacha Nehru on his birth day.

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR

STUDY TOUR AND STUDENT EXCURSIONS

The Supreme Court has directed the Government to issue guide lines with respect to students study tour and excursions to educational institutions which need to ensure the safety of the students. The Educational Excursions and the Study tours aare enlightenment throgh entertainment. It opens to observe and learn things first hand. Proper planning is necessary for every excursions
Guide line for Planning an Excursion
Timing of the Tour
Selection of destination
Mode of Transport
Selection of Students
Arranging Accommodation
Provision of Food
Places to be visited
Laising and permission with authorites
Selected students should be divided in to small groups under the charge of teachers. Each group should have student leader and a secretary. There should be a Tour Manager.
Precation before the Tour
Ensuring First Aid Kits
Record of Medical Problems of the students
Phone number and address of parents
phone numbers ofpoliceee authorities and Hospitals in the
place to be visited
Boating for students belowH.S level should be strictly banned
Students must be escorted by adequate number of teachers
Allow some parents accompany to the Tour team
Prof: John Kuraakar

LEARNING FROM OBAMA'S PATH TO PRESIDENCY

U.S presidential Election 2008 comes to a historical end. This Election is one of the greatest victories for democracy and a symbolic victory for America. Mr Barack Obama's success is also a victory for peace, Liberty and opportunity for all. The younger generation has grown up with changing times and accepts blacks and other minority groups. In the Indian context there is much to learn from Mr Obama and the U.S Election process. Mr Obama has fulfilled the dream of Martin Luther King
Prof: John Kurakar

MALAYALAM DESERVES CLASSICAL STATUS

It was unfortunate that the Union Government did not declare Malayalam as a classical Language.Malayalam had a rich Literary tradition. The Language should receive the same status and consideration as Tamil, Kannda and Telugu . What was the yard stick used when kannada and Telugu were given the classical status and Malayalam was not? Malayalam is an ancient and alive dravidian language. It has a history that dates back to the 16th century. Thousands of eminent writers and poets are in kerala. The Union Government must declred Malayalam as classical Language.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BARACK OBAMA

Congratulations to Barack Obama on being elected the first African- American president of the united states. This the beginning of a new era of freedom. Mr Obama's victory marks the beginning of hope. The world is waiting for him to deliver on his promise of building a new America and a new world.The people of America excercised their judgement well and demonstrated their confidence in Mr Obama. Any way the U.S Election is historic because for the first time the world's oldest democracy has elected an African-American as their president. Martin Luther King's dream has come true. Mr Obama's victory speech and Mr McCan"s post- election speech are appreciable. It is the clear evidence of the maturity of the candidates. The magnanimity displayed by them throghout the electral process. Indian political candidates should learn from American candidates. I congratulate to Mr Barack Obama and wish him all success in future activities.

BARACK OBAMA

Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United states of America. His victory is a historic event and is sure to have an impact on not only America but also the whole world. His victory has proved that racism has been buried deep and a political leader must be above race, religion, caste and creed. Mr Obama was born on August 4, 1961. Martin Luther King delivered his famous speech on August 28, 1963 in which he said"I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers" The dream came true on 5th wednesday 2008.
Millions of young American voters have been fired by the youthful senator they have chosen to send to the White House. Barack Obama won the majority of the votes of those who said race was an important issue who said race was an important issue who in the election. The impact of Mr Obama's win on the sentiments and aspirations of millions of American from the minorities, particularly African Americans, is enormous and imposible to measure.
Prof; John Kurakar

CHANDRAYAN-I -INDIAN FLAG INTHE MOON'S SURFACE

On October 22, 2008, India joind a select band of five countries. The countries to have sent space craft to the Moon are Russia, US, European Space Agency, Japan, China and India. Chandrayan- I being put in to orbit on its journey towards the moon opens a new chapter in the history of the Indian Research Organisation. On Feb 1969 when ISRO launched a " Pencil rocket, weighing 10 kg from Thumba. Chandrayan- I itself weighed 1380 kg on the ground. It will weigh 590 kg when it travels around the moon at an altitude of 100km. Chandrayan- I carries 11 scientific instruments. of these, five instruments are from India, and six from other countries. They will take pictures of the moon's soil, on its hills, valley's ,chemicals and minerals such as Uranium, thorium and so on. These instruments will also confirm whether there is water ice on the moon. The Chandrayan- I will be reaches in the moon on 15th November 2008. That will be a truly historic moment that when the Indian flag is dropped on the moon's surface. Prof: John Kurakar

RELIGION & TERRORISM

RELIGION AND TERRORISM

Religion has nothing to do with terrorism. Terrorism cannot be linked to any religion But unfornately, our political parties are responsible for many violence. The Hindu terrorist groups activites are linked to Islam and the Muslim community.sept 29 malegaon blasts is the examble of Hindu terrorism . Muslim terrorist groups are commom in India. .
Communal sentiments are main reason for terrorism.

ANIL KUMBLE

Anil Kumble's retirment from Test Cricket brings to an end a sporting carrer of high distinction. He is highly intelligent man set about challenging easy assumptions. He knew his method would succeed.His retirement from international Test cricket was an unexpected and surprising. Sri Kumble was a gentleman crickter and totally committed. I wish him a peaceful retired life.

ANIL KUMBLE RETIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Anil Kumble, One of India's greatest Test Cricketer, the champion, leg- spinner, the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 619 scalps announced his retirement. He retired from International cricket at his favourate hunting ground on 2nd November 2008. The third Test against Australia,which ended in a draw, was Kumble's 132 nd and final game forIndia. He finished 18 year of his glittering carrer. The leg spinner, who finished with 619 Wickets, is one of only three bowlers to have taken more than 600 wickets in the history of Test cricket. 38 year old Kumble captured 619 wickets in 132 Tests. Sri Kumble said that future of Indian cricket is safe hands of yousters.

HOME LESS PEOPLE

In India, for over a Lakh of homeless people. They live in towns and cities.The largest majority of home less people in the cities like Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, Madras and Patnaa. Their living condition is miserable. How the home less men,women and children survive. How they sleep, bathe and eat. The state Governments should study their problems and ensure their safety. The dominant feature of homelessness is "sleeping rough" being forced to sleep with out protection of walls and a roof. insecurity and loneliness are the main problems. Many single wandering homeless people carry their entire belongings in a bundle including a thin blanket. The largest majority of homeless people in the main cities are found to sleep on pavements and sidewalks, footpaths, market corridors. Home less children sleeping in bus stands and railway stations. So many Men and W omens sleeping on congested lanes overflowing drainage pipe. The state and Central Government ensure the safety and Development.

Prof John Kurakar