India’s polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) has once again done its job perfectly, placing the country’s Oceansat-2 as well as six European nano satellites in orbit around the earth. The PSLV has launched a total of 39 space craft. The oceansat-I satellite. Launched 10 years ago, was the first Indian earth viewing satellite configured for watching over the oceans. Oceansat-2 launched by PSLV- C14 on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 is doing’ absolutely fine” and the on board camera, called the ocean colour monitor (OCM), has taken pictures of the Arabian sea, off the coast of Gujarat’s kutch region. The life of oceansat-2 is five years. The six foreign nano satellites, which were also launched by the PSLV- C-14, were in the right orbit. The images sent by oceansat-2 were received at the National Remote sensing center’s (NRSC) Earth station at shadnayar, 60k.m south of hydra bad at 12.40p.m The images showing ocean features and cloud formation were’ very good’ NRSC sources said India’s space scientists had many reasons to celebrate after their ocean satellite was successfully placed in orbit. The fishermen too can celebrate for better catch and profit as the oceansat-2 starts to streak across the sky. It is a blessing indeed that the satellite is equipped with an eight band ocean colour monitor that can accurately forecast the movement of fish and help increase the catch. Oceansat-2 is carrying a GPS- based instrument supplied by the Italian space Agency, which can provide temperature and humidity profiles of the atmosphere. This information will be invaluable for weather forecasters and atmospheric scientists.
CHANDRAYAAN-I FINDS TRACES OF WATER ON MOON *VERY IMPORTANT STEP MADE WITH THE DISCOVRY* The Chandrayaan- I probe had found traces of water across the surface of large parts of the moon. The space craft also found indications that water is being produced in the lunar soil through interactions with charged particles streaming out from the sun. The major discovery is a vindication of the Chandrayaan-I mission, which encountered many problems and finally ended abruptly last month. The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) a U.S supplied instrument that flew on the Chandrayaan-I examined the intensity of different colours of sunlight bouncing off the lunar surface. The American and Indian scientists report that the instrument found a distinctive signature of water and hydroxyl on the surface soil and rocks at many diverse places in sunlit regions of the moon. The signature was stronger at the higher latitudes. The U.S space missions Cassini and the deep impact space craft had provided supporting evidence. U.S Scientist Carle Pieter’s said “when we say, water on the moon’ we are not talking about lakes, oceans or even puddles. Water on the means molecules of water and hydroxyl that interact with molecules of rock and dust specifically in the top millimeters of the moon’s surface. How that water might have been produced and where it could have accumulated. ? The water could cum from different sources. Countless comets and meteors that have crashed in to the moon over billions of years might have brought water. The discovery suggested that water might exist deep inside the moon. Now the Chandrayaan-I data provides support for the idea that solar wind, made up mostly of hydrogen ions, interacts with oxygen in the lunar soil and rocks to produce water, when hydrogen and oxygen atoms bond, hydroxyl is generated. Addition of one more hydrogen atom results in water.
SPORTS TO BE PART OF SCHOOL CURRICULAM On November I, 2009 Kerala will become the first state in the country to have sports and physical education integrated as part of the educational curriculum. At the lower primary stage class I to IV, the new subject will be taught during one period on all working days. Two hours will be set apart for the purpose of imparting training to students in classes V to VIII. In the case of students of class XI, it will be one hour a week. The introduction of the new subject as part of the curriculum would have a ripple effect as it would not only ensure students keeping up a certain level of physical fitness than at present but also help in unearthing talent from a much wider cross-section of the student community. This is important as only children between 15 and 18 years are eligible to take part in the Asian and commonwealth youth games and the summer youth Olympics
MILD EARTHQUAKE IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND KOLLAM DISTRICTS A mild tremor was felt in parts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts around 6.50 pm on Friday 18th September 2009. There were no reports of casualties or damage to property. The seismology unit at the India meteorological Department (IMO) pegged the tremor at 3.4 on the Richter scale. The epicenter, according to preliminary calculations, was off the coast near Attingal north west of the capital city. Experts at the centre for Earth science studies (CESS) have confirmed that it was a mild tremor. There is no cause for alarm. The intensity of the tremor appears to have been more in coastal areas such as Kazhakkoottam and Varkala. Some citizens said they experienced a heavy jolt for several seconds while others felt vibrations. Residents in coastal areas said they saw glasses toppling from shelves and furniture sliding.
Kerala state needs a farm culture Organizing harvest festivals was one method to promote farm culture.’ while the whole state appears over crowded and the general impression is that no land is remaining waster; the irony is that thousands of acres of farm land are remaining idle. The Kerala Paddy Fields and Wetland Conservation Act were introduced with the dual aim of over coming food deficit and protecting the environment. The Act was enacted only after taking various steps to ensure that paddy farming became a profitable venture. To achieve this objective, the procurement price of paddy was hiked to Rs 11 from Rs 7 and farmers were provided with interest-free loans. Debt relief and several other relief measures had been introduced to promote farming The government aims to increase paddy production from 6.5 lakh tones. This is imperative because the state is producing only one fifth if its of its rice requirement
INTERNATIONAL LEPTOSPIROSIS SOCIETY The International Leptospirosis society is working towards eradicating the disease by 2015. The six annual meeting of the International Leptospirosis society that will conclude on Thursday 24 th September 2009 at Kochi. The Group was set up by the WHO to co-ordinate global research and action against Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis (rat fever) needed special care as the infection could lead to a multi-organ failure if left un treated. Early treatment is important. Those working in open fields are more susceptible to this infection as it spreads through the medium of rat urine. Mortality from the disease continues to be around 20- 24 percent, in spite of its treatable condition. Every district in the state has reported sporadic occurrence of the disease.
SIX DAY TRAINING CAMP ON 11-09-2009 TO16-09-2009 HELD AT HIGH LAND HOTEL PEACE BUILDING TRAINING* THE MORAL IMAGINATION Why do I do the work of peace building? I have no choice it was the way of my people. It is responsible for every thinking person. It provides me the opportunity to continue growing and learning. My dream of a better world for my children and grand children. How am I working to build peace in my personal life? Listening more and speaking less, try to practice the behaviors of love. It is an effort to reduce conflict in my personal life Twenty one Resource persons participated in the six day training camp. The following members were actively participated the programme. Aby shan Abraham, Rajan Cosmic, Nalika Lekmali Dewappriya. Francis Halder, Prof G. Jacob, Dr K. Jacob, Ravindra Kandage, Dr Abraham Karickom, Dr Geroge Mathew, Jiji p. Mathew, Susamma Mathew, P. G Naleen Tharanga, Samuel Nellikkadu, Arumugan Pragash, Renji Rajan, Leo. G Rosario, Vishnu.S Prof P.K Varghese, Prof Herm weaver, Prof John KURAKAR
DENTAL DOCTORS FACING MANY PROBLEMS Hundreds of BDS graduates in India have deviated from their chosen profession to join the work force in various multinational firms besides call centers and medical transcription companies. The high costs involved in establishing dental clinics in urban areas that are already concentrated with dentists appear to be forcing BDS graduates to look out side their vocation for rewarding career. At least Rs 5 lakh to establish a clinic with necessary dental equipment and minimal interiors. Besides, dentists are found in every nook and corner of the city and it takes a long time for any dental clinic to become established and begin drawing patients. BDS graduates in large numbers had cast its shadow on the Diamond Jubilee of Dental Council of India (DCI) held in Bangalore recently. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science Vice Chancellor emphasized the need for policy makers to come out with solutions to hold them back in the profession. He offered to work towards offering more fellowships for BDS graduates to take up further studies and engage themselves in skill upgrading programmes. They have to offer them incentives to retain them in the profession Considered to be a pioneer in dental education in the country, Karnataka boasts of the largest number of dental colleges in India, admitting as many 2,500 new students every year out of 283 dental colleges in India as many as 42 are situated in Karnataka. Total of 24,486 dentists had been registered in Karnataka. There are far too many dentists concentrated in urban areas such as Bangalore. Even if BDS graduates arrange for the funds and start a clinic, the returns will not commensurate with the investment at least for the first few years. There are many dentists who offer free consultation; most dentists do not charge more than Rs 50 for consultation A BDS graduate can enter the teaching profession only he or she takes up MDS. But MDS seats are few in numbers can accommodate barely 15 to 20 percent of all BDS graduates. The government is coming forward to employ dentists in PHC’s situated in rural areas of the state. The BDS graduate does not go to rural areas and set up clinics. The poor awareness oral health care in rural areas will make the venture financially unviable.
FOUNDATIONS LAID FOR KADAMMANITTA RAMAKRISHNAN MEMORIAL The poems of Kadamanitta Ramakrishnan had always remained as voices of the oppressed, said M.A Baby, Minister for Education & culture. Mr. Baby was delivering the presidential address at the stone- laying ceremony of the proposed Kadammanitta smriti Mundapam- a memorial to poet Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan in his home village of Kadammanitta on 17th September 2009 Kadammanitta had drawn inspirations from his experiences. His Hindi poem ‘Kya’ written after touring the violence-torn Gujarat, was a brilliant work that had touched the chords of human psyche Mr. Baby said. Film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan laid the foundations for the memorial, which is being constructed at the place where the poet’s mortal remains were cremated in the year 2008. The Film maker said Kadamanitta’s poems added colour and vigour to campus life at one stage and the people of kerala were indebted to him for popularizing the art of poetry recitation. The memorial will be constructed at a total cost of Rs 10 lakh by the poets family members and will be handed over to the foundation later
UNITED RELIGIOUS INITIATIVE The united Religious initiative is a growing global Community dedicated to ending religiously motivated violence. URI is dedicated to creating cultures of peace, justice for the earth and all living beings. URI is working across continents people from different religions, different spiritual expressions. Where the people respect one another’s belief there were no religious violence. In 1996, thousands of people shared their visions and worked together to create the URI. It is an Association for global rooted in shared spiritual values. URI respect the uniqueness of each tradition and differences of belief. URI believe that sharing of our values and wisdom can led us to act for the good of all. URI unite to build cultures peace and justice. URI unite to heal and protect the earth. The URI is a bridge building organization, not a religion. URI respect the sacred wisdom of each religion, spiritual expression and tradition. URI encourage members to deepen their roots in their own tradition. URI give and receive hospitality
OM PRAKASH AND S RAJESH TWO GANG LEADERS LOCKED UP IN POOJAPPURA CENTRAL PRISON Om Prakash and Rajesh, two gang leaders wanted for questioning on the charge of destroying evidence in the case relating to the murder of business man Paul Muthoot George, were locked up in the central prison at poojappura on Wednesday 9th September 2009. They had surrendered in a court in Tirunelveli district in TamilNadu on Tuesday 8th September 2009. The Tiruvelveli magistrate had ordered that they be produced before a thiruvananthapuram court on Thursday 10th September 2009 Paul Mutthoot was murdered on the Alappuzha Chengannaserry on August 22, 2009. The police said Om Prakash claimed that he had been a close friend of Paul’s for the past several years. Paul knew Rajesh through Om Prakash. Director General of police Jacob Punnoose said the duo would be questioned soon by the special investigation team (SIT) probing the Paul murder case.
FIVE GIRLS KILLED IN DELHI GOVERNMENT HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL A stampede at the government senior secondary school at Khajurikhas in the trans-yamuna area on Thursday 10th September morning left five girls dead and 35 students injured. Six of the victims are in the intensive care unit of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital in a critical condition. The Delhi government has ordered an enquiry by the area deputy commissioner and announced an exgratia of Rs 1 lakh to the families of each of the diseased and Rs 50000 to each injured. Tragedy struck around 9.15 am. When students of classes VII, X, XI and XII were in the school to take the first term examination. Then there was an announcement asking the boys to go to the first floor. A large number of girls were in the corridor and the class rooms on the first floor. When the boys reached there, some of them allegedly started misbehaving with the girls. This apparently triggered panic and the girls ran towards a narrow staircase resulting in the stampede
Kottarakara St .Gregorious College former principal Rev. Fr Prof P. George died on 5th September 2009. He was 76. A native of Kattanam in Mavalikara Thaluk. The body will laid at his house and church on Monday 7th September for the public to pay last respects. Rev. Fr George will be remembered his dedicated service as teacher & principal in St gregorios College, Kottarakara. Fr P George treated every one as equal His death is an irreparable loss to the orthodox community and St. Gregorios College. Hundreds of people paid their last respect to the former principal Rev. Fr prof p. George. The Retired Teachers Association General secretary Prof John Kurakar,the executive committee members Prof T.J Johnson, Prof T. G Rajan, Prof M.K Joy kutty, Dr. Jacob John, Prof Achamma Jon, Prof John Rajan, Prof Kunjukujuamma,Prof C. Annamma, Prof. Raichel Abraham, Dr. Thomas Panicker, Dr T.V Thomas, Prof J.V Panicker, Prof Molly Kurakar, Prof Varghese Panicker, Rev. Fr. D Jacob, Dr George Mathew, Prof G. Tharakan, Prof V.K Mathew, Prof K.S Mathew , Prof K. G Mathew, Prof Jessy George,, Prof George Thomas, paid floral tribute. Ref Fr P. George was a man of integrity, honesty and simplicity. The best tribute to him would be follow his principles Prof.John Kurakar
( SILV ER JUBILEE OF THE SILENTVALLY NATIONAL PARK )
Union minister of state for Forest and Environment Jairam Ramesh inaugurated the silver Jubilee celebrations of the Silent valley National Park at Mundur on November 15, 2009 and Mukkali on November 16. The Silent Valley National Park in the south west region of the Nilgiri hills, about 45 km from Mannarkkad, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The ecological island is said to be the only remaining tropical evergreen forests in the Sahya ranges. Silent Valley is the richest expression of life on earth. The valley is estimated to have an evolutionary age of over 50 million years. The biosphere reserve is the habitat of wide variety of animals, including lion-tailed macaque, tiger, rare species of fishes, birds such as the blue-eared King fisher and pied ground thrush and butter flies. The Ceylon Frogmouth pallid harrier and marsh harriers were sighted in the park in a bird survey in March 2006- the survey team told that seven birds belonging to the Ceylon Frogmouth species were spotted with 100 meters. The other dominant species were the mountain imperial pigeon, emerald dove, black Bulbul and the yellow browned Bulbul etc. The winter bird survey conducted in December 2006 had sighted long legged Buzzard, a new species of raptor at sispara, its highest peak. The survey found 10 endangered species recorded in the Red Data Book. It found 17 species that were new to silent valley. Scientific studies have shown that there are over 1000 flowering plants belonging to 571 general 134 families in the silent valley reserve.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy who died in a helicopter crash near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday 2nd September 2009. Sri Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy, who completed just 110 days in office in his second term, went missing along with two key aides and pilots in a helicopter some where in the vicinity of the dense Nallamalla forest on Wednesday morning. Bell-430 helicopter could not be located since it lost contact with air traffic control authorities at 9.35 am.
The chief minister was on his way from Begumpet air port in Hyderabad to Anuppalle village in chittoor district to take part in a mass contact programme with rural folk. In the helicopter along with the chief minister was his special secretary P. Subramanian, an IAS Officer, and chief secretary Officer ASC Wesley. The Helicopter was piloted by Group Captain S.K Bhatia and Cap M.S Reddy both highly experienced and fully qualified.
After nearly day long helicopter-borne search operations on Wednesday to locate chief minister Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy and his co-passengers. Police and central paramilitary forces continued their search operations on foot late on Wednesday trying to research the point where the missing chopper was thought to be last seen. The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched its state of-the-art sukhoi m.k 30 fighter jet from its Bareilly air base to scan the area.
The search operations resumed by Thursday morning. There were nearly 20 units (each with 30 members) moving on either side of the Atnakur-Rollapenta road stretch at the northern tip of Kurnool district for searching.
The union cabinet on Thursday decided to hold a state funeral for Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy, who died in a helicopter crash. All central government offices in Andhra Pradesh will remain closed on Friday
In the heart-rending tragedy of Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy’s death in a helicopter crash. Andhra Pradesh has lost its most charismatic leader and the congress its most politically talented and resourceful chief minister. He became an MLA at the age of 29, a minister two years later and never lost an Assembly or Loksabha election thereafter. A devout Christian, he made pilgrimages to Bethlehem and Tirumala with equal piety showing his broad mindedness. YSR achieved the distinction of being the only congress leader to serve a full five year term as chief minister and was on course for a second full term. He tirelessly presented his mission as the transformation of agriculture and farmers, lives and the ending of agrarian distress.
His death at the age of 60 is the kind of loss the congress will find extremely difficult to recover from. His welfare schemes for the people and pro-poor policies were remarkable. His popular schemes, Arogya sri and Udyogasri, endeared him to the masses. His Jalayagnam project was un paralleled. He came out openly against the demand for a separate Telangana.
YSR will be remembered for his revolutionary welfare schemes for the poor supply of rice at Rs2 a kilo, loans to women at 3 percent interest and pension to the elderly. The best way to pay respect to the departed leader is to take his policies forward.
Dr Reddy was a dynamic politician, able administrator, charismatic mass leader and efficient chief minister. His decision to give free power to millions of poor and his government focus on irrigation projects will always be remembered. His death is a huge loss to India in general, and Andhra Pradesh, in particular. Dr Reddy treated everyone as an equal His death is irreparable loss to the Congress & the Indian community.
Lakhs of people paid their last respects to the former chief minister Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy, when his body was taken round the state Capital. Tearful mourners thronged the sprawling estate nestled between hills when YSR’s body was buried with state honours in line with the decision of the union government. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime minister Man Mohan Singh, AICC general Secretary Rahul Gandhi, Union Home minister P Chidambaram, BJP leader L.K Advani, the former prime minister H.D Deva Gowda paid floral tribute to YSR.
He will be remembered for the successful implementation and expansion of the projects like Jalayagnam. He could establish a rapport with all sections. A true leader is one who is humble, has a smile on his face, and follows pro-poor, pro-women and pro-peasant policies. YSR was definitely a leader of the masses.
YSR was a man of integrity, honesty and simplicity. He was a darling of the masses, committed to the uplift of the poor and downtrodden. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation, particularly the congress. The best tribute to him would be to follow his principles
ONAM FEAST FOR MARUTIMALA MONKEYS Marutimala Monkeys enjoyed an Uthradam lunch on Tuesday 1st September 2009 served by environmental activists under the banner of the Marutimala samrakashna samithy. This is the ninth consecutive year that the samithy is hosting such a lunch for the monkey’s. The lunch, set on the hilltop, comprised the traditional dishes,. After serving the lunch on 17 banana leaves, the hosts moved away so that the primates could enjoy the feast with out fear. The leader of the Monkey came forward initially. He tested the meal and on being convinced that every thing was okay gave the signal for the others to have their fill. The government set up the states first Grama Haritha Samithy there under the Forest Department to protect the hillock as an eco-tourism centre. More than 40 acres of hillock come under the management of the samithy with eco-tourism getting attached to the hillock there is a steady flow of tourists too. They also feed the monkeys.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT The UPA government proposal to increase women’s reservation from 33 percent to 50 percent in all tiers of panchayati Raj system is a right step in the director of women’s empowerment. It will open up opportunities for women to aspire for higher goals. It will ensure the passage if the women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to provide 33 percent reservation to women in parliament and the state legislatures. It is true that women to day compete with men in every major field, and even do better on many occasions; no one can deny that they are victims of the principles put in place by our male-oriented society. By enhancing the representation of women in the local bodies from 33 to 50 percent, the government has achieved a major milestone. It has taken a right step tobigojohi102wards lowering the gender disparity in representation at the grassroots level. It will surely lead the formation of more representatives’ panchayati raj Institutions. It will provide greater scope for women to prove their mettle. But the opportunity should be utilized well by those who stand to gain from it. It is important for women to prove that they can think independently and take bold decisions. Women need to be given an opportunity to participate in greater numbers in politics. It will surely empower those belonging to the marginalized sections too. A majority of women live in the villages. The move to increase reservation for women in the local bodies will therefore, ensure that they have a better opportunity to voice their view and shed the culture of male dominance Poor women belonging to the villages cannot participate in politics unless they become economically independent. All round empowerment will become possible only when women decide to empower themselves.
FASHION DESIGNER ANAND JON ALEXANDER SENTENCED TO 59 YEAR IMPRISONMENT The fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was sentenced on Monday 31st August 2009 to 59 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting aspiring models he lured to Los Angels. 35 year Alexander was convicted in November of 14 counts, including forcible rape. The lengthy jail term awarded to kerala-born designer Anand Jon Alexander by the Los Angels superior count has left most malayalis in the U.S disturbed. It is the first time in recent times that a malayali has been awarded such a tough punishment and for such a horrible crime. Anand’s mother Shashi Abraham alleged that the jury and the investigators were biased. His sister Sanjana told that Anand was a victim of racial discrimination. Shashi Abraham, who was born in Thiruvananthapuram, lived in Kochi for several years with her two children. She opened a highprofile beauty parlor in Kochi Anand studied at a school in Kochi. He went to the U.S to study fashion and graduated from the parson, a fashion Institute in the late 1990s. He launched the Anand Jon fashion line in 1999. His mother and sister on and they all lived in an apartment in Beverly Hills.
The united Religions Initiative is growing global community dedicated to promoting enduring daily interfaith co operation, ending religiously motivated violence and creating cultures of peace, justice and healing for the earth and all living beings. Working across continents, people from different religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions are creating unprecedented levels of enduring global co operation. People’s hopes are rising with visions of a better world. URI is an organization for global good, rooted in shared spiritual values. People from many different cultures and perspectives have worked to create an organization that is inclusive, non-hierarchical and de-centralized, one that enhances co operation, autonomy and individual opportunity. The global URI organization was born in June 2000. People of diverse religions spiritual expressions and indigenous tradition through out the world establish the united Religions initiative to promote enduring, daily interfaith co-operation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings. URI is a bridge- building organization, not a religion. We respect the sacred wisdom of each religion, spiritual expression and indigenous tradition. We respect the difference among religions. We practice equitable participation of women and men in all aspects of the URI. We act from sound ecological practice to protect and preserve the earth for both present and future generations PROF.JOHN KURAKAR
URI SECOND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY The second National Assembly held at Marthoma Shantigiri Ashramam Alwaye on 26th&27th August 2009. It was an exciting event, thanks to the support of our senior leaders and well wishers. We are grateful to the authorities of the Shantigiri Ashramam and global leaders of URI who extended full co operation. It was historic. All the Indian CCs came together the second time for the national assembly and every one was in a pleasant mood. The programme started with a prayer. Then all the participants introduced themselves. The self introduction session showed how talented the whole group was. After the tea break. Honouring function arranged. The URI members honoured. Dr Mohinder Singh, Fr Albert Nambiarparambil and Justice P.K Shamsuddin. CC REPORTS Then all CCs were invited to present their reports and it was a wonderful occasion to understand how different CCs function in different parts of India. Prof N.S Ramaswami (Padmabhushan & National Professor) Director, Cartman-Indian Heritage Academy, Dr Mohinder Singh, Swami Chaturvedi, and Justice Shamsuddin presented theme papers. After lunch, a special meeting was arranged Global council Trustee Swami Agnivesh honoured in this meeting. Ian Fry, Australia, Patrick Nickesh Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala, swami Kesavadas were participated in the function CULTURAL PRESENTATION When the members assembled after evening tea, the youth movement performed some cultural programmes. Then presented a “We unite Video” TALENT NIGHT After supper was an unforgettable session of talent display by our young and students artists, which continued till 10.30 pm night. Members of the interfaith student’s movement and Karickom International Public School cultural group presented several item of folk songs, group songs, dances and instrumental songs etc 27th AUGUST 200 The day began with a morning walk at seven, which was followed by praise and worship at the chapel. The main session after breakfast started at 9.30 am. The first session of the second day is welcoming new CCs and guests from Australia and other countries. MORAL IMAGINATION FOR PEACE BUILDING Dr Prameela Devi, Dr Jacob and Prof George Mathew presented the papers of moral imagination. DISCUSSIONS The participants were actively participate the discussions. VALEDIDICTORY ADDRESS Sri Swaminadhan in his valedictory address said the importance of the Uri in the 21st century. There was a session for evaluation of the whole assembly. The programme came to close with inter religious prayer and blessing words by our global council trustee swami Agnjivesh
Swine flu spreads four times faster than other viruses and 40 percent of fatalities are young adults in good health. The virus travels at an unbelievable, almost unheard of speed. World Health organization director said. In six weeks it travels the same distance that other virus take six months to cover. Sixty percent of the death covers. Those who have underlying health problems. 40 percent of the fatalities concern young adults in good health. WHO underlined that emergency and health care services in several countries had come under strain and stressed that resources allocated for cancer patients and those suffering from heart disease should not be diverted. More that 2,180 people around the world have died from the virus since it emerged in April 2009, according to the latest WHO figure. The WHO chief also said it could be months before sufficient vaccines were available to combat the pandemic. Britain and France, received their first batches of swine flu vaccine the week. PROF. JOHN KURAKAR
SUPREME COURT JUDGES PUT THEIR ASSET DECLARATIONS ON THE COURT WEBSITE The Senior Lawyers have welcomed Supreme Court judges decision to put their asset declarations on the court website. It is the first step towards transparency and accountability of judges in this country. It is also a tribute to the power of public opinion. This decision will encourage and spur the judges of the high courts to do likewise. It will put moral pressure on other public servants to similarly make their asset declarations publicaly available in accordance with the spirit of the supreme court judgment by which they ordered public declaration if assets of candidates contesting elections. Attorney General G.E Vahenvati said “I welcome it. There may be some problem as time goes by. Ultimately the objective is to see that judges are protected from harassment” The former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee said “It is a salutary step and in the right direction” This decision will strengthen the confidence among litigants in the supreme Judiciary and also put an end to the un savory criticism of the initial in decision among judges to declare the assets. The High court judges will emulate the fine example set by the Supreme Court judges and declare their assets.” Senior advocates said this decision would uphold the image of the higher judiciary. No doubt that High Court judges will also follow the high tradition set by the judges of the Supreme Court. Supreme court Bar Association president said “ It is good that the supreme court judges have finally decided to disclose their assets. But this is in adequate. They have to disclose the assets of their children also, whether dependent or not, and this should be done on an annual basis. All India Bar Association Vice president said “this is a bold step which will augur well for strengthening the independence and maintaining the high image of the judiciary Chief Justice of India Sri K.G Balakrishnan Friday 28th August 2009 said every supreme court judge was following the 1997 resolutions on declaration of assets. Kerala High court judges will disclose their assets and make them public. The decision comes close on the heels of Supreme Court judges resolve to post their statements of assets on the website of the Supreme Court. The Kerala High court is the first High court in the country to take a unanimous decision to make assets of its judges public. It has 33 judges including chief justice.
ISRO LOST CONTACT WITH CHANDRAYAAN-I The Indian space Research organization (ISRO) abruptly lost contact with Chandrayaan-I at 01.30 am on Saturday 29th August 2009. This means no command can be given to the space craft and no data, including images of the moon’s surface, are being received from it. The Chandrayaan-I mission has come to an end in ten months instead of its slated life of two years. India’s first space craft to the moon was launched on October 22,2008 from Sri Harikota, on Saturday that the space craft had completed 312 days in orbit, making more than 3,400 orbits around the moon. It provided a large amount of data from its sophisticated instruments such as the Terrain Mapping Camera, the Hyper-spectral imager, the moon mineralogy mapper and so one. ISRO claimed that the mission had met most of its scientific objectives. Chandrayaan-I sent back more than 70,000 images of the lunar surface, which provided breath taking views of lunar mountains and craters, especially craters in the permanently shadowed areas of the moon’s polar region. It also collected data on the chemical and mineral content of the moon’s soil. The director of Chandrayaan-I told that the mission had almost completed its objectives. It has done its job technically 100 percent, scientifically also, it has done almost 90-95 percent of its job India’s Chandrayaan –I mission, the countries first effort at deep space exploration, has come to a premature end. Radio contact with the lunar probe was lost 312 days after it traveled in to space aboard the polar satellite launch vehicle. According to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) data were received from the probe till shortly after midnight on August 29. ISRO will now be better prepared to undertake the chandrayaan-2 mission which, with Russian involvement. The Chandryaan II mission would be on the track as per schedule (2012/13) albeit with valuable lesions learnt in the Chandrayaan –I expedition” ISRO chief Sri Madhavan Nair said “we have learnt some valuable lesions, and we have to look for devices that are less susceptible to radiation in future expeditions”
BLIND BELIEF A three year old girl from Balle-Haadi, a tribal village in Mysore district has became a victim of blind belief. The girl, Suma died in K. R. Hospital on Monday 24th August 2009. Suma had been ailing for the past one year. Her mother believed that tribal priest could cure her daughter with native medicine and refused to take her to a hospital for a long time. Her mother and other people of the community were of the opinion that curing her disease was beyond the scope of modern medicine’. They believed that a tribal priest from neighboring malali village could cure the girl when he was possessed by ‘spirit”) her mother refused to take the child to the near by hospital. When the girl’s condition became critical a week ago. A social worker sent an ambulance from the hospital. But her mother refused to take the girl to the hospital and sent back the ambulance. The issue was brought to the notice of the Child Development Project Officer. Later the officer visited the village and convinced the people to take the girl to the Hospital. The CDPO told that the girl was suffering from bone tuberculosis. The girl’s condition turned critical a week ago and she stopped eating. Doctors at the local Hospital asked to shift the girl immediately to K. R Hospital tried their best to save the girl. However, the treatment was not successful owing to inordinate’ delay in bringing the girl to the hospital. Her mother still believes that the priest could have cured Suma and regrets bringing her daughter to the Hospital under pressure. “Our community priest would have saved my child. But these government people did not give him an opportunity to do so” she said. We will take up on priority the issue of creating awareness among tribal people against blind beliefs and on the importance of modern medicine.
FOUNDATIONS LAID FOR THE ST. GREGORIOS INTERNATIONAL CANCER CENTRE AT PARUMALA
St. Gregorios Hospital at Parumala will set up an International Centre attached to the hospital complex. The Centre would have 17 departments, including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, palliative care and hospice. It would be run in collaboration with pioneering institutions such as Westchester University in New York, MD Anderson Hospital in Houston and Bailer College of Medicine in Chicago. The parumala Cancer Control Project (PCCP) launched by the hospital was a pilot project of the proposed centre, The PCCP had already set up Cancer Care wards, Palliative care department, home care service and a palliative care net work at the hospital, besides organizing cancer detection camps and awareness campaigns. A team led by Vijay Kumar Narayanan was running the palliative care department. The inpatient wing of curative Oncology hours 10 beds and is supported by doctors from other disciplines like surgery, general medicine, pathology etc. PCCP had launched a home care service named Mar Osthathios Palliative service (MOPS) on July 18 and patients from eight panchayats in the surrounding areas of parumala were given free treatment at their door step. The Catholicos of the East and Malankara metropolitan Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, has said that extending maximum possible treatment was the divine mission of the church behind the proposed St. Gregorios International Cancer centre at Parumala. The Catholicos, accompanied by various other bishops of the Malankara Orthodox church, was laying the foundations for the proposed cancer centre at the St. Gregorios Hospital in Parumala on Monday 24 the August 2009
