SCHOOL WIKI

SCHOOL WIKI

The IT@ School programme is getting ready to launch' school Wiki' on the lines of Wiki pedia- as part of its attempt to foster a culture of collaborative learning in kerala's schools.
From November 1st ,schools can register at 'www.school wiki.in' and enter on it a variety of details including their location, number of students, facilities, academic achievements, clubs, school magazines, details of alumni and an un limited number of photographs, videos and even Google maps. School Wiki which will be Malayalam will be ready for launch on January 1, 2010. This, however, will be just the first part of this new venture.
As school Wiki matures the IT@ School expects students to start posting learning resources, including the findings of school projects.' School Wiki can be used by students, teachers, the alumni and by the public at large as repository of resources.
Given the wikipedia-like nature of this portal, resources can be hyper linked towards on the page giving details of the school. If, for example a school is located in a historically important place, the history of that place can be hyper linked to the place name. Thus a short description of a school can actually end up generating a large body of information about that locality and related personalities.
School wiki will give special focus on generating a body of knowledge relating to study of Malayalam students will be encouraged to take up projects. Under the guidance of Malayalam language teachers. As with the wikipedia, the contents of school wiki can be freely edited and updated by any one.
Prof. John Kurakar

RICH TRIBUTES TO VARAPUZHA ARCHBISHOP DANIEL ACHARUPARAMBI

RICH TRIBUTES TO
VARAPUZHA ARCHBISHOP
DANIEL ACHARUPARAMBIL

Dr Daniel Acharumparambil who passed away on Monday 26th October,2009. He was 70. He was admitted to the hospital three days ago with high fever. Doctors who attended to him said he had suffered multiple organ failure. The mortal remains of the Archbishop would be brought to St. Francis Assisi Cathedral at am on Tuesday 27th October for the public to pay their respects.
The funeral rities will begin at the St. Alberts School grounds at 3.30 pm on Wednesday 29th October 2009. He delved deep in to Hindu spirituality and wrote several books on the subject including Hindu mysticism and spirituality. Though deeply involved in the day to day administration of the Varapuzha Archdiocese of the catholic church, he found time to vigorously explore the world of spirituality in the context of his life's experience and its cultural surroundings. He was a thoroughly transparent man, his face reflecting his thoughts.
Born in to a traditional catholic family, in 1939, he entered the seminary in 1956, against the wishes of his father who wanted him to become an engineer. He was ordained as priest in march 1966 and went on to obtain a licentiate in philosophy and complete a masters degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Dr Acharuparambil's intervention in social issues would be remembered for long and that his death was a personal loss for Indian community The people of Kerala would remember the Archbishop for his contribution to the growth of secular values in the state.
Dr Acharu parambil was a unique spiritual leader, who while firmly believing in his religion, expressed great regard for other Indian religions. Dr Acharuparambil was personality who dominated education and socio-cultural fields over and above his role as a spiritual leader. The minister visited the hospital on Monday to pay their respects to the late Archbishop.
Archbishop Daniel Acharuparampil who died on wednesday 28th October,2009 with full state honours at Francis Assisi Cathedral, Varapuzha, along side his three predecessors.
the burial was preceded by a solemn high mass led by Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the syro Malabar church, more than 50 bishops from the three rites of the Catholic church in the country. Around 1000 priests, hundrerds of nuns belonging to various religions orders and at least 50,000 people from different walks of life attended the funeral.
the body was brought to the St. Alberts High School grounds at 8 a.m on wednesday. Thousands of people paid their last respects to the Archbishop there. The funeral procession winding its way through Banerjee Road and High court junction, took more than an hour to the reach the catheedral, people gathered on either side of the road.
Archbishop of Thiruvanandapuram Susaipakiam delivered the funeral oration. A condolence message from pope Benedict xvi was read out at the end of the mass
Prof John Kurakar

ENDOSULFAN WOES

ENDOSULFAN WOES

Endosulfan in Kasargod district continue to suffer while the incidence of children born with neurobehavioural disorders, congenital malformation and other abnormalities has come down in most of the 11 worst affected panchayats, while about 500 deaths since 1995 have been officially acknowledged as related to the spraying of Endosulfan, unofficial estimates put the total number of deaths since the late seventies at around 4,000 people are still dying from the after effects of the Endosulfan. More than 9000 people have health problem caused by the pesticide used by the state owned plantation corporation of kerala in its cashew plantations at kasargod , Rajapuram, Cheemeni and mannarkkad.
The Corporation began aerial spraying of the pesticide in its plantations spread across 15 panchayats in the district in 1978 and continued till 2001. The pesticide which is not easily degradable, contaminated the soil and water and found its way in to the food chain, affecting lower and higher forms of life in the area, including human beings. As its Kasargod estate alone, the PCK sprayed 31,510 Litres of Endosulfan between 1990 and 2000. However,its degrade products such as Endosulfan sulfate and Endosulfan diol are also toxic. The combined half-life of Endosulfan and its toxic residues is estimated to range from nine months to six years, according to the Environment protection Agency of the U.S. This means that toxic materials could still be present in the environment of the affected villages in measurable quantities especially in sediments where they accumulate.
With the reduction of the poison in the environment, insects, butterflies and other species that had almost disappeared from the affected panchayats have returned.
The children born with abnormalities have come down in this locality. The incidence of congenital abnormalities neurological disorders, abortions, epilepsy and other diseases is now comparable to the rest of population in the state. Surveys had shown that the incidence of bone deformities, infertility, mental retardations and congenital heart diseases in the panchayat is 10 times more than those among the other populations. The local people say the government has failed to De-contaminate the water sources or arrange alternative water supply either through large schemes or rain water harvesting. The sources of several existing water supply schemes are contaminated.
The plantation corporation should compensate the victims and that the government should pay pension to the victims to cover their minimum needs
Prof John Kurakar

PARUMALA FESTIVAL-2009

PARUMALA FESTIVAL-2009
The annual festival of Parumala church on the banks of the pampa at parumala, will begin with a Kodiyettu ceremony on October 26,2009. Senior metropolitan of Malankara orthodox church H.G Geevarghese Mar Osthatheos and metropolitan of Niranom diocese Youhanon Mar Chrysostomos would lead the Kodiyettu cermony.
Catholics of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baseleous Marthoma Didymus will inaugurate the week- long annual pilgrimage to the tomb st st. Gregorious at 3.pm. Paulose Mar Milithios , Catholicate designate, will preside over the function.
A 144- hour continues prayer session will begin under the auspices of the malankara orthodox youth movement at 5 pm. Finance minister T.M Thomas Issac will inaugurate a free medical camp followed by birth day celebrations of the Catholics on October 29. Various pilgrimage processions will be accorded a reception at parumala at 9.30 am on Otober 30,2009. A meeting to commemorate the death centenary of pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysus, founder of parumala seminary, will be held at 11 a.m
the feast of St. Gregorius will be held on November 2nd. A public meeting in connection with the 107 th feast of St. Gregorius will be held at 11 pm on November1. A musical concert will also be held in the evening. The faithful from different parts of the state will reach parumala in separate processions to offer prayers at saint's tomp on November 1st and 2nd.
Minister P.J Joseph will inaugurate the annual meeting of mar Gregorios Orthodox Christan Students Movement at 11 am on November 2nd. The annual church festival and pilgrim week will come to close with a customary holy Rasa at 2 pm
The island of parumala turned in to a sea of humanity as thousands of believers thronged the parumala seminary to offer prayers at the tomb of st. Gregorios at St. Paul's and St. Peter's church on Sunday 1st November,2009 in connection with the 107th feast of the saint.
The faithful undertaking the pilgrimage to the saint's tomb barefoot was common scene on all roads leading to parumala.
The seminary authorities received the processions at parumala by extending candles to them. The feast of St. Gregorios whom the faithful reverently call parumala Thirumeni will be celebrated on Monday 2nd November. A meet was held at the seminary as part of the feast on sunday 1st November, Catholicos of the East Baselios Mathoma Didymus I inaugurated the annual event. St. Gregorios is the first native saint of any church in India

Prof John Kurakar

MALAYALAM MISSION

MALAYALAM MISSION
Malayalam Mission to promote the study of Malayalam language and Literature. This programme has been started understanding that the new generation is going away from the language and culture of kerala and this is an attempt to bridge the gap and bring them back. It is sad to see our children drifting away from our language and culture.
Teaching of Malayalam language will provide a window to the culture of our state. The state government should provide all help to the Malayalam mission in terms of Books and training for teachers.
The website and an online teaching programme would be started soon as part of the mission. The weakening of the regional language was a threat to our country. Through this mission children of non-resident keralites across the world will be able to learn Malayalam through learning centers that will be set up with the help of Malayali organizations in different parts of the world.
We need this mission for our children to be able to sustain the language and culture and to instill in them the pride of belonging to kerala.
The state government should ensure that children in kerala too learn to read ,write and speak Malayalam and also had made it compulsory for schools to have the mother tongue as a subject. The Central government through its schools should also look at encouraging students to learn their mother tongue. This will go a long way to keep alive regional languages and culture.

Prof John Kurakar

INDIA,CHINA SIGN ON CLIMATE CHANGE

INDIA,CHINA SIGN ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
India and China on Wednesday 21th October,2009 signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a partnership in the area for strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation.
They agreed to set up an India-China working group on climate change that will hold annual meeting alternately in china and India to exchange views on important issues concerning international negotiations and domestic policies and measures.
The MoA was signed by Xie Xhehua,vice chairman, National Development and Reform Commission of China, and the minister of the state environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh at a work shop on National Action Plans on climate change of two countries.

Prof: John Kurakar

PAY TRIBUTE TO ADOOR BHAVANI

PAY TRIBUTE TO
ADOOR BHAVANI
Veteran actor Adoor Bhavani passed away on Sunday 25th October, 2009. She was 82. The grand old lady of the Malayalam silver screen was bedridden from age related ailments for one year. Her mortal remains will be kept at the Adoor town hall at 11 am on Monday 26th October for the public to pay homage. The body will be taken out in funeral procession to pannivizha for performing the last rites and funeral at the courtyard of her son's residence at 2p.m
born in 1927, Bhavani reached Malayalam film in foot steps of her younger sister Adoor Pankajam. 'Sheriyo Thetto 'was her first movie. She had as many as 450 films to her credit, besides many drama's, including that of theatre group.KPAC, Sethurama Iyer CBI was her last film. Her performance was notable in 'Chemmen, Kadal Paalam, Kallichellama, Anubhangal Paalichakal and Vazhvey mayaom.'
Bhavani won the state award for best supporting actress in 1969. The Kerala sangetha Nataka Akademi honoured both Bhavani and her sister Pankajom, for their overall contributions to Malayalam theatre in 2008.
Adoor Bhavani had made amark by presenting a number of characters on stage and film ina true to- life manner, Bhavani had left an indelibel impression on Malayalam cinema and theater through her realistic portrayal of rustic characters. Various cultural and political organizations have condoled the death of Adoor Bhavani The funeral was carried out with full state honours. Rich tributes were paid to the gifted actor.
A funeral procession carrying the actors body ina decorated motor chariot was taken out from the town hall to pannivizha. Bhavani's only son Rajeev Kumar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre.

Prof: John Kurakar

CLIMATE CHANGES ON NATURAL RESOURCES

CLIMATE CHANGES ON
NATURAL RESOURCES
prof: John Kurakar
Drinking water is an essential component of water resources which are under the severe impact of climate change. Climate change is a major problem caused by human activities which has adverse impacts on almost all natural resources. In developing countries like India, climate change could present an additional stress on ecological and socio economic systems that are already facing tremendous pressures due to rapid urbanization, industrialization and economic development.
Rising global temperatures will lead to an intensification of the hydrological cycle, resulting in dryer dry seasons and wetter rain seasons, and subsequently heightened risks of more extreme and frequent floods and drought. Changing climate will also have of water.
India is heavily dependent on the monsoon to meet its agricultural and water needs, and also for protecting and propagating its rich biodiversity. Global warming is causing a set of changes to the Earths climate especially extreme weather events such as flooding, droughts, heat waves etc. Mushrooming of high raised buildings along with the destruction of natural vegetation & water sources,encroachments of forests, technical and technological advancements, phenomenal increase in the number of vehicles etc are the main factors disturbing the climate. On one hand, global warming is not only causing increased evaporation of water from drier parts of the region but also resulting in severe droughts and increased frequency and severity of heat waves in these regions.
Climate change has the direct impact on coastal marine environment and their living resources especially fisheries.
India is the second most densely inhabited, and seventh largest country in the world. It is bordered by the Himalayan mountains in the one side and other three side surrounded by the huge water, Arabian sea, the indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The country consists of some of the most unique ecosystems such as the Himalayan mountains in north to east, in middle the Deccan plateau and the vast Indo- Gangetic plains distributed in all over the territory. India's environment leads to a number of different regions with a wide variety of diverse climate conditions, all of them face drastic impact of natural resources.

Prof John Kurakar

UNENDING TERROR STRIKES IN PAKISTAN

UNENDING TERROR STRIKES
IN PAKISTAN
Un ending terror in Pakistan, a synchronized tripple-attack in Lahore by armed militants turned the city in to a battle ground for over five hours on Thursday 15th October,2009. In all 39 people including security personnel, militants and civilians, were killed and scores injured in the multiple attack.
Pakistan Taliban chief Hakkimulla who claimed responsibility for several attacks across Pakistan over the past week, including a terrorist assault on the Army's General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi over the weekend.
Terror attack again in Peshawar on Friday 16th October 2009 with a suicide bombing at Peshawar police station at least 13 people were killed in the attack including three policemen, a woman and a child. Eleven people were wounded.
The multiple terror strikes in Lahore show that Pakistan is unable to overcome the threat emanating from the Taliban. Terrorism in any part of the world is disturbing and deserves to be condemned.
Terrorism knows no boundaries and if Pakistan does not act firmly now, it will have to face several swat-like situations.
It is ironical that Pakistan, which once sponsored terror in India, to day faces the same threat from various outfits sponsored by the Taliban. Pakistan should join hands with India ti fight terrorism
The three suicide attackers who attacked a police station in north- western Pakistan killing 13 people on Friday including a women. The bombing in Peshawar city was the latest in a surge of terrorist attacks over the last 11 days that has killed more than 150 people.
Pakistan has launched a big military offensive against the Taliban in south Waziristan. The Pakistani establishment needs to change its anti- India policies and realize that politics of hate is subject to the law diminishing returns. Though the evidence in the recent terror attacks pointed to the out fits operating from the Pakistani soil, some sections there blamed India. All countries should come forward to eliminate the terrorism. Pakistan must realize that the alQueda, the Afghan Taliban, the Pakistani Taliban and the terror out fits operating in Punjab have all joined hands. No distinction can be made among them.
All these years, Pakistan played a dangerous game by encouraging the Taliban to succeed in Afghanistan even while it wanted to defeat the force on its soil. When it comes to India, Pakistan has no qualms about sponsoring terror which claims even civilian lives. At least now Islamabad should take firm action against the terrorists.

Prof John Kurakar

CLIMATE CHANGE Prof John Kurakar

CLIMATE CHANGE
Prof John Kurakar
Climate change is one of the all encompassing global environmental changes likely to have deleterious effects on natural and human systems, economics and infrastructure. Climate change under various seenarios is likely to have implications on food production, water supply , coastal settlement, forest ecosystems, health , energy security etc.
India has over 7500 km of coastline with nine sates and four union territories along the coast sustainable development is development that is in tune with nature. Energy needs to be produced and utilized conventional energy production has its own in built environmental hazards. Coal powered thermal power plants releases Co2 which as green house gas, contributes to global warming leading to climate change. India is now a comfortable position regarding food production. Due to monsoon failure food production has been reduced. During the current year 2009 about 246 districts in 10 major Indian states have received deficient rain ( 29 %less) affecting the rice production by 10 million tones. Food shortage is expected to be severe during 1030-2050 when food production is expected to be less by 40 million tones.
Climate refugee caused by climate change induced environmental disasters. The U N University's Institute for Environment and Human security predicts that 2010, there will be 50 million environmentally displaced people most of whom will be women and children. The intergovernmental Panel on climate change (IPCC) has suggested 150 million environmental refugees would exist by 2050.
We all must know that the Environmental Education programme plays a significant role in solving the problems of climate change and sustainable resource management in addition to scientific studies on climate change and its impacts,effects.
The United Nations Conference stressed that development of environmental education is one of the most powerful instruments to solve the environmental education is one of the environmental problems. Environmental Education began to be challenged by new terms such as development education and education for ecologically sustainable development. Specific programmes are essential to create awareness among the need and importance to protect environment. It is identified that the school children are the target groups of the Environmental Education programme.

“ If you are thinking one year ahead, plant rice”
“If you are thinking ten ahead plant trees “
“If you are thinking one hundred years ahead, educate the people”

Prof John Kurakar

PEACE AND EDUCATION

PEACE AND EDUCATION
Peace can not exist with out Education among people and economic co operation among countries . Especially in a region like the south Asia., it is important to seek solutions to issues of education of heritage and environment, as they will strengthen the bonds between the countries.
An artist, writer, former diplomat, philanthropist, founder of south Asian Foundation (SAF) and UNESCO's Ambassador since 2000, Mr Singh (8^) has devoted his life to spreading peace in the region.
The south Asia foundation peace Festival 2009 which began at Amritsar on October 14 and to be concluded on 23 rd. the 14- day festivals, musical performances has brought together artists from both sides of the border as more than 90 artists from Pakistan have crossed the border for the festival.
Violence is not the true nature of the people. This v violence is borrowed and brotherhood can easily take over this shroud of bitterness. We need to ensure that the co operation continues by having bonds, mutually beneficial trade and a common currency which unite and strengthens the south Asian Region as a single unit
South Asia Foundation has worked to enlarge the scope of its activities in search of common cultural , educational and economic denominators to strengthen co operative initiatives through out the south Asian region SAF offers scholarships each year to various institutes of excellence.
SAF is a secular non profit and non political organization Comprising eight autonomous of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Prof John Kurakar

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Department of Environmental Science, University of Kerala conducted Two day National Seminar on “ Emerging trends in Environmental and Development with a focal theme on Climate change and Water resources on 8 and 9 October,2009 at Kerala State Science and Technology Museum , PMG Junction Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. A Jayakrishnan, Vice chancellor, University of Kerala inaugurated the seminar Dr. Jayapaul Azariah, Professor, University of Madras presided over the function. Dr. V.R. Prakasam, Professor & Head, Department of Environmental Science welcomed the chief guests and participants. Dr. A.R Rajan, Member Syndicate, University of Kerala, Dr. K.L Vivekanandan, Member, Syndicate, University of Kerala were felicitated
FANSA Office bearers Dr. Roy Kunjappy, Prof John Kurakar, Prof J.V Panicker, Dr. Sabu were participated the two day seminar
the Valedictory function of the National seminar was arranged on 9thOctober at 5.30 pm Dr. J Prabhash, Pro-Vice chancellor gave Valedictory Address

Prof. John Kurakar

MAOIST ATTACKS

MAOIST ATTACKS
The Maoist attacks in West Bengal,Jharkhand and Bihar is shocking, Maoist atrocities are on the increase and the governments at the center and states appear ineffective their actions cause heavy damage to public property and infrastructure, and lead to loss of human lives.
The government should eliminate the anti-social elements which are causing mayhem in the name of socialism, killing innocent people and damaging public property. It is time to act tough, not engage them in negotiations.
The latest naxal violence appears to be directly related to the offensive by the center. The Maoists targets Tele communication towers, railway track and isolated police stations. Governments should involve the locals in the hunt for the leaders of the Maoist groups. The state should convince them that it is capable of winning the war against naxals, promising, at the same time development, improvement in their living conditions.
Maoists should immediately end their senseless violence. Their acts will only lead to the loss of sympathy among people. They should realize that the gun will not bring them power. The only option they have is to win over people in a democratic manner. It would be better for them to realize the before more lives are lost.
If the police are unable to tackle Maoists, the central government should deploy the armed forces.
The naxals kill fellow citizens, sabotage railway tracks with the intention of causing death and destruction and create anarchy. The police have not yielded much. They can be tackled only by an armed forces. The naxals are misguided youths who derive pleasure from acts of violence. The naxalism is the greatest internal threat in India. The life of the poor in naxal- dominated areas is pathetic. The government should do the up lift of the poor people

Prof John Kurakar

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPLEMENT RESIDENCY SYSTEM IN DENTAL COLLEGES IN THE STATE

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPLEMENT RESIDENCY SYSTEM IN DENTAL COLLEGES IN THE STATE
The Kerala Government should introduce the residency system in dental colleges in the state. Post graduate students, house surgeons and BDS students to government dental colleges will go on an indefinite strike from monday 12 th October 2009 to press their demand for the implementation of residency system in dental colleges, in the state. The students will abstain from all clinical duties including casuality duty and classes for graduate students. The demand for a Residency system was raised in september 2008. Although the government had given assurances, nothing had meterialised so far
The government of taking a highly prejudiced step by introducing the residency system only in medical colleges from January 2009.
The medical and dental postgraduate courses are similar in all respects including fee duration of course and qualifying examination. The staff pattern and pay scales of medical and dental colleges have been similar all these years. If the residency system is not implemented in dental colleges Post graduates will be a disadvantage for section to government service

Prof John Kurakar

PROF. DR. THOMAS MATHEW WON VAYALAR AWARD

PROF. DR. THOMAS MATHEW
WON VAYALAR AWARD
The renowned literary critic Dr Thomas Mathew, has been selected for the 33rd Vayalar Rama Varma Literary Award for 2009. Mr Mathews Book is” Marar Lavanyabhathinte yuk thi silpam”
Vayalar Rama Varma memorial Trust president Prof M.K Sanoo told the that the jury board selected Mathews Book from three entries which figured in the final round. Stories, , which were published between 2004 and December 31, 2008 were considered for the award.
The award comprising Rs 25,000, a memento designed by Kanayi Kunhiraman and a citation will be presented to Mr Thomas Mathew at a function to be held at Tagor Theatre on October 27,2009
Prof. John Kurakar

GATEWAY OF SABARIMALA

GATEWAY OF SABARIMALA
Railways will provide maximum possible facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims at the Chengannur railway station during the Mandalam Makaravilakku festival that begins on November 16,2009
The union Minister of state for Railways had declared Chengannur railway station the 'Gate way of Sabarimala' The minister said in special task force would be posted at Chengannur during the annual pilgrim season. Anew pilgrim amenity center estimated at Rs 1 crore would be constructed on the railway station premised, besides constructing an ornamental gate at the entrance of the station complex in the back drop of its new status as' Gate way of Sabarimala Janata refreshment stall would be opened at the railway station to provide meals to Ayyappa devotees subsidized rate of Rs 10.
Minister said all trains, including special trains would be permitted to have a five- minute halt at Chengannur during the annual Sabarimala Festival. Special trains coming from Andhra Pradesh during the mandalam-makaravilakku festival would be extended up to kollam

Prof John Kurakar

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE(2009) FOR BARACK OBAMA

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE(2009)
FOR BARACK OBAMA
United States President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday 9th September 2009. The jury hailed Mr Obama's 'extraordinary efforts in international diplomacy and to hasten nuclear disarmament'. ' Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for better future' the Nobel jury said.
The Committee attached 'special importance to Obama's vision and work for a world with out nuclear weapons and had created a new climate in international politics.
Mr Obama has brought the Israeli and Palestinian leaders together for a meeting approved new diplomatic engagements with Iran, Myanmar and North Korea and Signaled a new willingness to attack growing environmental problems.
Mr Obama went to Cairo to make a major speech on relations with the Muslim world. At the United Nations, he has launched an initiative to reduce the number of nuclear weapons.
The Nobel Committee said Mr Obama was honoured' for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co operation between peoples and added that it was a unanimous decision.

Prof John Kurakar

CONGRATULATION TO VENKARARAMAN RAMAKRISHNAN *INDIAN-BORN SCIENTIST SHARES CHEMISTRY NOBEL PRIZE

CONGRATULATION TO VENKARARAMAN RAMAKRISHNAN
*INDIAN-BORN SCIENTIST SHARES CHEMISTRY NOBEL PRIZE *
Congratulations to Vegetarianism Ramakrishnan on sharing the Nobel prize in Chemistry with Ada- yonath and Thomas steitz.
Indian born scientist Dr Ramakrishnan American Thomas Steitz and Israeli Ada yonath shared the 10 million swedish crown prize for showing how the ribosome, which produces protein, functions at the atomic level.
Dr Ramakrishnan is senior scientist at the medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of molecular Biology in Cambridge , England, Dr Thomas Steitz is at the Yale University and Dr Yonath works at the Weizmann Institutes of Science in Israel.
“ As ribosome are crucial to life, they are also a major target for new antibiotics. All three scientists have used a method called X-ray crystallography to map the position for each of the hundreds of thousands of atoms that make up the ribosome.. Dr Venkataraman Ramakrishnan said he was deeply indebted to his associates, students and researchers in his Cambridge based laboratory for the path breaking work he has conducted in the area of ribosomes.
Dr Ramakrishnan (57) born in the temple town of chidambaran in Tamil Nadu, is the seventh Indian or Indian origin person to win the prestigious award born is 1952, he earned his Bsc in physics (1971) from Baroda University in Gujarat and later migrated to the U.S to continue his studies where he later settled and secured U.S citizenship. He earned his Ph. D in physics from Ohio University and later worked as a graduate student at the University of California from 1976-78.
Dr Ramakrishnan, now a senior scientist at the MRC Laboratory of molecular Biology in Cambridge, U.K.
President Pratibha Patil congratulated the India- born scientist Dr Venkataraman Ramakrishnan jointly winning this years (2009) Nobel prize for chemistry.
Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian to win the Nobel prize, when he was honoured for his contribution to Literature in 1913. Renowned physicist C.V Raman was conferred the Nobel prize in physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the effect named after him. Hargobind khorana won Nobel prize in medicine 1968 for his interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis. Subramanyan Chandrasekhar won the Nobel prize in physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of stars.
Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize won the Nobel prize in 1979 for her work in the slums of Calcutta through the missionaries of charity. 1998, the Nobel prize in Economics was awarded to Amartya Sen, while the 2001 Literature prize went to V.S Naipaul. In 2007 R.K Pachauri shared Nobel prize in environment science. In 1989, Dalai Lama who has been living since 1959 got the Nobel prize
Nobel Prize for Dr Ramakrishnan marks a proud moment for India.

Prof John Kurakar

NATURAL DISASTERS

NATURAL DISASTERS
Natural disasters are,of course, beyond human control. But human action and inaction can profoundly affect their out come, exacerbating or mitigating their effects on people. This point was forcefully made in the united nations 2009 Global Assessment Report on Diaster Risk Reduction. Although natural calamities strike the wealthier nations too.
A report produced by the central government a few years ago noted that about 60 percent of the country is prone to earthquakes of various intensities, over 40 million hectares can be flooded about eight percent of the land can be hit by cyclones and 68 percent of its area is susceptible to drought.
That hundred of people have lost their homes and belongings in the heavy floods is pathetic. The government are doing what they can. The havoc caused by the floods in Andra Pradesh and Karnataka is huge and unfortunate. The floods are the result of heavy rains in the catchments of the Tungabadra and Krishna rivers
I hope the floods will open our eyes to the grave dangers of environmental degradation. We can surely manage floods cyclones and drought with concerted efforts by the governments at the center and states. The Meteorological Department should provide near accurate predictions on the extent of rainfall at least a few days in advance. We are the architects as well as the victims of natural calamities

Prof John Kurakar

THEKKADY BOAT TRAGEDY

THEKKADY BOAT TRAGEDY
45 tourists, most of them women, on board a double-decker boat owned and operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) were killed when it capsized in one of the deepest zones of the Mullaperiyar dam reservoir in Idukki district around 5 p.m on wednesday,30th september 2009.
A total 82 persons including crew members were travelling in the boat, named Jala Kanyaka' 60 of the them belonged to one group from Karnataka. All the 60 persons from Karnataka came in a tourist bus to Thekkady as part of their tour of Kerala.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident took place when a large group of tourists on the upper deck rushed to one side of the boat to see animals spotted on the forest fringes, the boat overturned. All the 82 people in the boat were thrown in to the water.
Twenty persons, who were mostly on the upper deck of the boat, were rescued by boats sent in by the KTDC, the Forest Development and the Tamil Nadu PWD.
Rescue operations were called off in the saturday evening, 2nd October, 2009. A team of naval divers returned to the boat landing center by 6 pm. The Indian Navy has deputed 23 of its divers for the search operations.
The Visuals of the Thekkady Tragedy point t6o the absence of safety arrangements on boats. What ever the reason for the accident, the authorities cannot escape responsibility for their failure to ensure adequate safety. Where were the life jackets? Were the tourists told how to use them in case of emergencies?
The drowning over 45 tourists in the Thekkady reservoir should open the eyes of the government and the public. The tragedy points to a serios lapse of basic safety procedure. It is difficult to control crowds that are excited and lose sight of the dangers involved.
It most be remembered that in 2007 another tragedy took place in Thattekad in Ernakulam, taking away 18 lives. These incidents have created an impression that all is not well in the matter of boat rides. The authorities should find out not only what went wrong and who was responsible for the Thekkady incident but also initiate measures to ensure that such tragedies do not recure.
Last week of September 2009 two major boat tragedies, the first in Bihar, second in Kerala- have claimed over 100 lives. In Bihar at least 60 persons, including 34 children drowned when a boat sank in the swollen Bagmati river. 45 people died in the Thekkady Boat Tragedy.
In the Thekkady Tragedy Kerala government has ordered a Judicial inquiry in to the accident groups of tourists from other states including Karnataka, TamilNadu, Delhi and west Bengal were involved. Preliminary reports indicate that when a sizable section of the tourists on board moved to one side to catch a glimpse of the elephants moving around the lake, the boat capsized.
The tourists were not wearing the life jackets on board- nobody had insisted on their doing so
the accident took place at least seven kilometers away from the boat house, it took time for the rescue boats to get into the act. Passengers must also take the prescribed safety precautions seriously, and co-operate with the authorities.
The Tragedy at Thekkady has claimed the most number of lives in a boat accident in the state. The last major accident occurred at Kumarakom in Kottayam in 2002 in which 29 travellers of a passengers boat died. This was followed by the accident in 2007 at Thattekad, near Kothamangalsm in which 18 students and teachers, who were on a picnic died. In both cases, over loading was one of the factors that led to the accident.
The first recorded boat accident in the state was in 1924 in Pallana river in Alappuzha district which claimed the life of poet Kumaranasan. The accident took away 24 lives. As many as 29 persons diied in an accident near kumbalangi in Ernakulam in 1980. Another accident at Vallar Padom in the district claimed 18 lives in 1983.
the other accidents that occurred in the state during last two decades were the following with the toll in brackets. Peppara dam, Thiruvananthapuram (7) Iritti river, Kannur ($) Pannamadekayal, Alappuzha (#) Kallar, Thiruvananthapuram (*) Munambam, Ernakulam (#) Kochi back waters, Ernakulam(%) Vellayikadu, Kozhicodu (^) Kappad beach, Kozhikodu ($) and Aluva, Ernakulam (4)
The Crime Branch arrested Victor Samuel, driver of the boat involved in the tragedy that killed 45 people in Thekkedy, and Anish,crewman. An official of the Crime Branch, which conducted the preliminary inquiry,said the ill afcted boat was overloaded with 12 persons on the upper deck and the carelessness' of the driver led to the accident,as he suddenly turned the boat to the right after the tourists sighted wild animals and moved to one side causing imbalance.
The official said Anish, on questioning, revealed that additional tourists were accommodated on the upper deck, contradicting the drivers stand that the sudden movements of tourists to one side resulted in the accident.
The Crime Branch had collected evidence on the spot and would also seek details from the survivors from outside kerala. The case charged against the drivers was for causing death unintentionally. The arrested were produced before the magistrate court at peerumade. The magistrate remanded them to 14 days custody.
The Cabinet high level conference, convened to review safety at tourism center against the backdrop of the Thekkady boat tragedy decided to conduct a safety audit to all tourist boats in the state.
All tourists traveling on bots for sightseeing would be required to wear life jackets. Children below 15 years of age will not be allowed 15 years of age will not be allowed to travel with out life jackets under any circumstances. Life guard each would be ported for every 25 passengers in a boat and tickets would be issued with names of the passengers on them. The Tourism department would rescue boats at important tourists center selected by it
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday October 1, 2009 extended her condolences to the families of those killed in the boat tragedy in the Thekkady lake on Wednesday 30th September. She also urged the authorities concerned to ensure that such a tragedy never rescued.

Prof John Kurakar

VIJAYADASANI WAS CELEBRATED-2009

VIJAYADASANI WAS CELEBRATED-2009

Special pujas were performed at temples as well as schools and cultural centers as part of the Vidyarambhom ceremony as part of the celebrations.
Hundreds of children were initiated in to the world of learning at the Vidyarabhom ceremonies held at different parts of the state.
Prof John Kurakar, president Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy led the Vidyarambom ceremony at the kurakar centre, Kottarakara. Over 4000 children were initiated in to the world of letters at the Ezhuthiniruthu ceremony held at Thunchal Parambu, Tirur on Monday 28th September 2009.

Prof John Kurakar

OCTOBER i- CELEBRATED AS GRAND PARENTS DAY

OCTOBER i- CELEBRATED AS GRAND PARENTS DAY
October I an elderly day will celebrated as Grand Parents day and Senior Citizens who have rendered valuable service to society will be felicitated at a pro gramme to be organized by the department of social welfare to mark international day of older persons.
The department estimates that there are nearly 1.5 lakh senior citizen's above the age 65 years in the 14 government and 250 government recognized shelter homes cross the state.

Prof John Kurakar

ART

ART
Ninth Annual family get together was celebrated at Neha Hall Kalayapuram & Appichayan's Resort, Aryankavu on 21st & 22nd September 2009.
Prof Abraham Philip inaugurated the 9th Annual General body meeting. ART president Prof. T. Babu kutty presided over the function.
Prof John Kurakar welcomed the participants. Prof T.J Johnson, Prof. K.G. Mathew, Prof K.J Cheriyan, Prof. K.S Mathew,, Prof V.K Mathew were felicitated. 40 teachers participated the General body. After the luch ART delegates went Appichayan's Resort Aryancave for cultural meeting
Prof John Kurakar
Prof. Abraham Philip
Prof. T. BabuKutty
Prof V.K Mathew
Prof K.S Mathew
Prof T.J Johnson
Prof M.K Joy Kutty
Prof K.J Cheriyan
Prof. Nirmala Mathew
Prof.M.Annamma
Prof. George Thomas
Prof Jessy George were participated
A cultural pro gramme conducted on 21st at 9 pm on 21st Monday at Appichayan's resort open auditorium. Prof K.S Mathew presided over the cultural pro gramme.
Prof John Kurakar, Prof T. Babu Kutty, Prof Abraham Philip, Prof K.J Cheriyan were spoke on the occasion. The teachers team also visit the famous palaruvi on 22nd September 2009

Prof JohnKurakar

WORLD HEART DAY-2009 THEME 'WORK WITH HEART 27-09-2009

WORLD HEART DAY-2009
THEME 'WORK WITH HEART
27-09-2009
One of the main causes of death in all affluent and semi affluent societies including India is heart disease. Enough is known about this silent and sudden killer but stream lining the simple principles of prevention is still a far cry in India and world Heart Day held annually on the last Sunday in September, aims at increasing public awareness and promoting preventive measures to reduce cardio vascular diseases across the world.

Prof John Kurakar

HI-TECH DAIRY FARMS FARMS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

HI-TECH DAIRY FARMS
FARMS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGIES *
The dairy farming sector in kerala is set to receive a massive dose of technology. The state government has launched an ambitious project to establish a chain of hi-tech dairy farms under the kerala Livestock development board.
While work on the first hi-tech dairy farm at Kulathupuzha in Kollam is progressing, the Second one at Kolahalamedu in Idukki district is expected to take off I less than three months. The project is funded by the National project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB).
The project was aimed at enhancing milk production and producing a new generation of quality livestock.'simultaneously also launched a project to promote fodder cultivation and improve the production of cattle feed.
Minister for Dairy Development said three more Hi-tech dairy farms would come up at Ayoor in Kollam district, Mattupetty In Idukki and Valiathura in thiruvananthapuram.
The farms will be equipped with the latest technologies in feeding, milking, shed management and recording practices. They will have 500 high- yielding cows of the Jersey and Indian breeds as well as hybrids.

Prof. John Kurakar