MACFAST

Mar Athanaseus College for Advanced studies Thiruvalla (Macfast) has bagged the top three ranks in the master of Business Administration Examination conducted by Mahatama Gandhi University in October,2010.
  Alisha Mohammed, Divya Susan Mathew & Anupama S.R, three girls hailing from central Travancore,got the first,second and third ranks respectively, in the MBA examination taken by as many as 1500 students from 21 MBA Colleges in Ernakulam,Kottayam,Idukki,Pathanamthitta and parts of Alappuzha district.
     Macfast started the MBA course in 2002. Fr Abraham Mulamoottil is the principal of the college. Fr K. Cyriac, director of the MBA Department, said the true purpose of education was not only imparting knowledge,but also encouraging personal empowerment of every individual with the desire of self development. Fr Mulamoottil said Macfast had also launched an academy-industry interface programme at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram to facilitate better business exposure and placement for its students.

Prof.John Kurakar

URI- IMPORTANT NOTICE

UNITED NATIONS INTERFAITH

 HRMONY WEEK CELEBRATIONS

Dear Friends,

 We are happy to inform you that the United Nations General Assembly has decided to celebrate February 1-7 as Interfaith Harmony Week, every year. As part of this celebration, we are organizing an all Kerala Open QUIZ Competition for school students on Saturday, 12^th February, 2011 at 10 .30 A.M at the KARICKAM INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL, KARICKAM, KOTTARAKKARA. Please note the following:

1.       QUIZ will be based on General Knowledge and Holy Scriptures of various religions (fifty-fifty)

2.       Any number of students can participate from one school

3.       Registration fees will be Rs. 10 per student

4.       Winners will be awarded cash prizes and certificates (First- Rs 2000; second-Rs.1000 and third Rs. 500). Winning schools will get special Trophies also.

1.       There will be a few elimination rounds (written exams) depending on the number of students and ten students will be selected for the final oral round.

2.       Participants will have to report at 10 A.M with letters of introduction from respective Headmaster/ Principal

All are requested to organize various programmes in your respective institutions to make the UN Interfaith Harmony Week a big success. You are also invited to participate in the special Interfaith Harmony Meet at Cosmic Community Centre, Karickam at 2 P.M on Sunday, 6^th February, 2011. Prof. Ashraf A Kadakkal (University of Kerala) will be the key-note speaker. Looking forward to your support and guidance,

                                                                                                              Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                       Dr Abraham Karickom

NILACKAL CHURCH

St.Thomas

H.H Marthoma Mathews II

          St.Thomas Ecumenical church at Nilackal stands as a symbol of unity among Christian churches and also that of religious tolerance and communal harmony. St. Thomas ecumenical Trust showed the world how to foster unity among different churches, giving due respect to the sentiments of other religious faiths.
  
           The message given by the church was that of love,fraternity and peace. Mr Oscar Fernadez was inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of the Church at Angamoozy on Sunday 30th January,2011. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil presided over the function. He said" the church was a symbol of unity among various churches in the state.

Prof.John Kurakar

K C KOSHY'S BOOK" BAMBOOS AT TBGRI"

  Kerala Chief Minister released a book titled "BAMBOOS AT TBGRI" . This book is authored by Mr K.C Koshy scientist, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute,Palodu. The book is the documents of the rich live collections of various bamboo species in the bambusetum on the Tropical Botanic Garden at Palode near Thiruvananthapuam. the Bambusetum is a gene bank conservation area for various bamboo species.
    Mr K.C Koshy collected 933 accessions of bamboos. Collection started in 1989. The bamboo collections has grown in to one of the largest in India with 933 accessions spread over an area of 6.59 hectare. This includes species and accessions mostly from the western Ghats, a sizable number from the North Eastern states, and a few from abroad, all of which were acclimatised in the bambusetum.
   The "BAMBOOS Book provides a picture of genetic resources of bamboos available at Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute.It is expected to be useful tool for policy makers, taxonomists, breeders,horticulturists and landscape architects, and for future bamboo development activities in the country.
    The book is published in the International year of Biodiversity and on the world Bamboo Day,18th September,2010. The book is now available at a  direct mail price Rs600/-(actual price Rs 800/-) More details: please visit: www.tbgri.in.

  Prof.John Kurakar

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS IN EGYPT

Hosni Mubarak

     Egyptian authorities failed control anti-government protests across the country. The people protesting against Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Tens of thousands of angry Egyptians poured in to the streets on Saturday 29th January,2011, as the uprising against the ruling dispensation edged closer to a full-scale revolution. Army avoids direct confrontation with people.
     In Cairo, thousands of protesters filled Tahrir (Liberation) square. More than 200 people have died. Suez city, which has witnessed some of the bloodiest clashes with the police,once again on Saturday thousands moving in to the streets nearly 1,700 public workers in Suez went on an indefinite strike, seeking Mr Mubarak's resignation.
     There was violence in Alexandria, Egypt's second city on the Mediterranean, where eight police stations were set ablaze. The reformist rival and opposition leader Mohamed  El Baradei told that Mr Mubarak" should retire now if he wants to leave with dignity".  He also called the formation of new interim government,which will draft a democratic constitution, guaranteeing free and fair election. The Egyptian government cracked down on Internet providers,snapping all international access on the world wide web,going far beyond in pairing Face book and Twitter, the social media networks that have been used by the young to organize protests.
     President Hosni Mubarak ignores core demands of the protesters. In Egypt three  decades of one party rule. The opposition does not have an available political path to change others than protest"
    The Egyptian museum in Cairo's city center was vandalized on Friday night,26th January by nine convicts. The prisoners tries to steal two mummies,but left them behind when they broke in to pieces.
      Indian External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna is maintaining close contact with Indian Ambassador in Egypt R. Swaminathan in connection with the development in that country and to provide assistance to the Indians there.
   An Air India aircraft has been sent to Cairo to ensure the safe return of Indians.It will take off from Cairo at 9 pm with 300 people and will arrive in India at 6 am on Monday 31st January,2011. The External Affairs Ministry is working enclose co-ordination with the ministry of civil Aviation in this regard. The second flight will leave later in the day and carry around 200 passengers with nearly 150 of them serving in IT sector.
      The president Hosni Mubarak ,who has ruled Egypt for 30 years.  Hundreds of thousands have occupies central areas of Cairo and other major cities. National Democratic party's building has been burnt down. The state T.V building and Foreign Ministry have been attacked . 1000 people were arrested in the first three days and similar number have been injured in Cairo alone, with figures not yet known for Alexandria and other cities.The mass rage has many causes, from long-term structural unemployment through rising and apparently uncontrollable food prices to rampant corruption and the brutality of the notorious security agencies.


Prof.John Kurakar

54th MEETING OF THE KURAKARAN WOMENS ASSOCIATION

                                54th MEETING OF THE KURAKARAN WOMAN'S ASSOCIATION

     The 54th  Meeting of the Kurakaran woman's association held at Kizhakketheruve Pinaruvila house on Saturday 29th January,2011 at 3 p.m. Mrs Chinnamma John, President, Woman's association presided over the function.
    Mrs Mariyamma Jacob, Prof.John Kurakar, Mr George Achenkunju, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mrs Anie Mon Thomas,Mrs Omana Lukose,,LizyVarghese Kurakar, Mrs Thankamma Alex, Mrs Geetha Elizabeth were spoke on the occasion. More than forty members participated. Mrs Manju George,Pinaruvila house welcomed the members. The Meeting was started with usual prayer

Woman's association

LIONS DAY WITH THE UNITED NATIONS

 LIONS DAY WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AT NAIROBI,KENYA ON

                                     18th MARCH,2011  

    It is for the first time that an event like this will be held in ISAAME. The United Nations in Nairobi,Kenya is the 3rd largest in the world.It also serves as the main headquarters for UN agencies like UNEP and UN Habitat. The state of art conference facilities will provide the right setting for the Lions Day at the UN. A 5 star hotel, the conference center and other hotels are also available in the vicinity.

                   Programme:Thursday 17thMarch,2011
                  * Arrival of Guests  * Mega showcase activity at the Lions sight in first Eye hospital
                   * International Press Conference.
                  Friday 18th March,2011
                *  Lions Day with UN at UN Head quarters 9.30 am to 5 pm
                 *Grand Celebration Dinner at the Safari park Hotel.

   Lions Club International :* to be the global leader in Community and humanitarian service.
                                *to empower volunteers to serve their communities,meet humanitarian needs.
                                *to encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.

Prof. John Kurakar

LIONS CLUB-INTERNATIONAL

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

            In 1917 Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader, and told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Jones' group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed. After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved. Within three years, Lions became an international organization.

Aim of the Lions Club

• To Organize, charter and supervise service clubs to be known as Lions clubs. 

• To Coordinate the activities and standardize the administration of Lions clubs. 

• To Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. 

• To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship. 

• To Take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. 

• To Unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. 

• To Provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members. 

• To Encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors. 
     Lions Club International is the world's largest service club organization,with 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs in the world

        Helen Keller,in the year1925, addressed the Lions Club International Convention in Cedar point,Ohio,USA,and challenged Lions to become"Knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" since then the Lions Club have worked tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired   The United Nations invited Lions Club to assist  in the drafting of the United Nations Charter and have supported the work of the UN ever since. Lions Club organized Leo Clubs in the year 1957, and provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are more than 144,000 Leos and 5700 Leo Clubs in more than 140 countries
    Lions Clubs International extends their mission of service every day in local communities,in all corners of the world. the needs are great and services broad, including sight,health,youth,elderly, the environment and disaster relief

Prof. John Kurakar

SWATI PURASKARAM FOR YESUDAS

k.j Yesudas

  The Swati Sangeeta Puraskaram 2010 will be presented to K.J Yesudas, on Friday 28th January,2011. The Kathakali Puraskaram 2010 will be presented to Kuroor Valiay Vasudevan Namboodiri and Kalamandalam Gangadharan.
     the Pallavur Appu Marar Puraskaram 2010 will be presented to Edakka exponent Tripunithura Krishnadas and Panchavadyam expert Karavattedathu Narayana Marar. The Nrithya-Natya Puraskaram 2010 will be given to Guru Gopalakrishnan and M.P Parameswara Panicker.

Prof. John Kurakar

TRIBUTE PAID TO kAIPADACKAL kOSHY VARGHEE(BABU)

  Kollam  Kaipadackal Koshy Varghese died on 28th January,2011. He was 65 age. He is survived his wife Annie (Kochumol) and two son Dr Pratheep Koshy (Govt Hospital) and Abhilash Koshy (Technopark). The funeral held at Marthoma Church Polayathode Semitry on Saturday,29th January,2011 at 3p.m.
    Hundreds people from different walks of life paid him last respects.
the last journey from home by 2.30 pm. The funeral prayers at home and church led by parish priest and other church leaders. Among those who arrived to pay their last respects included Priests of Marthoma and orthodox churches, Political leaders, Doctors, Engineers, Businessmen Relatives, and Parish members.  Koshy Varghese's wife Anee(Kochumol) is Prof Molly Kurakar's cousin. Prof.JohnKurakar, Prof.Molly Kurakar, Mr P.C Thomas payattuvila,Mrs Annama Thomas, Mr George Jacob,Gilja Bhavan Mavalikara were participated  in the special prayers in home and the Church

Prof.John Kurakar.

MALAYALA BHASHA SAMMELANAM

       Kerala Chief Minister Mr V.S Achuthanandan inaugurated the Malayalam Bhasha Sammelenam organized by the Kerala State Library Council on Thursday 27th January, 2011 at Kollam. Chief Minister expressed hope that Malayalam will be bestowed with the classical language  status by the next kerala piravi day. He said out of the four importance languages of south India, three had been accorded the classical language status and only Malayalam had been let out.
   A report showing the heritage and qualification of Malayalam to earn the classical Language status has been submitted to the Prime Minister.He said compared to the other three Dravidian languages Malayalam lacks in research and scientific study. In fact ,Kerala is the only state in south India having no university exclusively for research and scientific study of mother tongue.he demanded efforts to protect the Mother tongue." It is a matter of shame that our Mother tongue is not treated as the  first language not only at educational institutions but also by the examinations boards of the state. In  no  other states or country will the mother tongue face such a fate. The system is such that a student can pass the school final with out studying the other tongue. The function was presided over by president of the state Library council P.K Harikumar. Writer Sara Joseph delivered the keynote address.

Prof.JohnKurakar

VELLARIMALA & CHEMBRA-- ORNITHOLOGICAL CENTER

VELLARIMALA & CHEMBRA- FIND OUT 200 BIRD SPECIES

    Malabar ornithological surveys find out 200 bird species in Wayanad part of western ghats. The team sighted 200 species, including 14 of the 16 endemic species during the two- month survey in Wayanad district.
Team found an excellent population of black-chinned laughing thrash, an endemic and endangered bird species, whose presence is mostly confined to the Vellarimala and Brahmagiri mountains of wayanad region.
     Other endemic birds reported from the region include the Black and orange Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied shortwing, Nilgiri fly catchers, 
                                                      Wayanad laughing thrush,small sunbird, malabar Gray Hornbill and   
                                                       white-b ellied Blue Fly catcher.

    Among them, the Black and orange Fly catcher, the Nilgiri Flycatcher and the shortwing were strictly confined to the high altitude region especially the shola forests. The team sighted some rare species,including the scaly Thrush, oriental Dwarf King fisher, Black capped King fisher, Olive-backed tree pipit, speckled piculets,Nilgiri wood pigeon,mountain Hawk Eagle and Jerdon's Baza.

   The team also found Brwon-rock pipit on the Chembra mountain, the first record of the species from noth of the Palghat Gap. The region had became a critical habitat of the highly endemic and threatend bird species of northern Kerala. The team intended to sugget in their report that the government declare the Vellarimala and Chembra region as a natiional park  to conserve the birds. A few months ago, a team scientist discovered 14 new species of plants in the region.

    The ornithologist Sasikumar said the mountain ranges situated 3000 to 7000 feet above the sea level and spread over 200 sq k.m, were unique and in comparable to any other part of the western Ghats. Mr Raju,Mr V.A Shebin,Mr C.K Vishnu Das,Mr P.A Vinayan were the other members of the team

Prof.John Kurakar

   

PRESIDENTS POLICE MEDAL FOR CRIME BRANCH SP A.J THOMAS KUTTY

Mr A.J Thomas Kutty

  
  Mr A.J Thomas kutty, SP ( Crime Branch) has been awarded the presidents police Medal for his distinguished service.   A native of Kottarakara, he is an alumnus of the St. Gregorios College,Kottarakara and member of the Avicot family

Prof.John Kurakar

FOUR GALLANTRY AWARD TO MAJOR RAJIV SHANKAR

Major Ravi sankar

   



  Major Rajiv Shankar has been awarded Sena Medal for Gallentry by the
president of India. This is his fourth award for gallantry. He is already the recipient  of Sena Medal. His present award of Bar of Sena Medal is for  an act of gallantry for fighting terrorists in Kashmir valley while serving with 55 Rashtriya Rifles

Prof.John Kurakar.

MAR ABO FESTIVAL

   Mar Abo festival of the Thevalakara Marthamariyam orthodox Syrian church near Kollam will be held from January 30 to February 8.
    Mar Abo who hailed from Niveveh in the erstwhile Persia, reached Kollam during the eighth century and rebuilt Tharissa church using the special privileges accorded by the then ruler of Kulashekarapuram.
   The original Tharissa church is believed to have been established by saint Thomas the Apostle. That church later got destroyed by a severe storm. Mar  abo had established churches at places including Kadamattam, Kayamkulam and Niranom. The renowned Kadamattathu Kathanar is believed to be a disciple of Mar Abo


Prof.John Kurakar

VISHISHAT SEVA MEDAL FOR MAJOR GENERAL CHACKO THARAKAN

    Major General Chacko Tharakan, Indian Army's chief of administration hasbeen awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service. A native of Kundara, near Kottarakara,Kollam, he is an alumnus of the Sainik School Kazhakuttam, and is presently based at pune.
     A master of Technology from IIT, Delhi, he has also done his masters in Philosophy and science from Madras University.He had participated in military operations in Sri Lanka,North-East in Jammu and Kashmir. He had also served as deputy military secretary at the Army Head quarters.

Prof.John Kurakar

KERA SURAKSHA (COCONUT TREE CLIMBING MACHINE)

KERA SURAKSHA (COCONUT TREE CLIMBING MACHINE)

   The Agricultural Research station under Kerala Agriculture University has developed a coconut climbing machine.It will make coconut climbing an easy task. The machine ,made of stainless steel, consists of two parts, a seat unit and a pedal unit. It is fitted to the tree with the seat unit above the pedal unit. By standing on the pedal unit, the seat unit can be slid up or down.
    Mr Jayakumaran,head of the Research center claims that a trained person will take only 90 seconds to to climb a coconut tree of 12 m height. The person can climb up or down the tree by operating the seat and pedal units alternatively. This enables easy assembling and dismantling. The complete set includes a coat and safety belts for the climbers apart from a face shield and hand gloves. The cost of the device is Rs 7000. The research center will provide one-week training programme on tree climbing. The first training programme will be held in February,2011.

                                                      Prof.John Kurakar

66 PERCENT OF FOOD UNSAFE( A STUDY REPORT)

     Food supplied in some hotels in Pathanamthitta during the past few months was found unsafe for human  consumption, according  to an analysis. The microbiological quality of food items was found unsatisfactory in 66.7 percent of the samples analysed by the food quality and monitoring Lab of the council for Food Research and Development,Konni. the council was established under the Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Kerala government.
    The study was carried out between September 23 and November 20,2011, which also coincided with the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Analysts collected 36 food samples from three major hotels in the area during the study period for evaluation. 36 samples assessed, 17 were found contaminated with Ecoli. The occurrence of E.Coli in food generally indicates direct or indirect contamination with fecal matter of human or animal origin, said M.K Mukundan, director of the council. The presence of Ecoli above the tolerance limit is considered as an indication of poor cleanliness of food contact surface and or poor hygiene of food handlers, he said.
    It was also found 22 samples had total viable count above the acceptable quantitative indicator of the presence microorganisms like bacteria. One sample contained the pathogen salmonella.
    Salmonella is a food-borne pathogen from faeces of human being or animal to food or beverages through direct or indirect contact. Common sources of food contaminated with salmonella bacteria include uner-cooked egg and chicken. Salmonella food poisoning can also take place if food is handled by person whi is infected with salmonella or an active carrier with poor hygiene.  the staphylococcus aurens count was found well within the limit in all the samples assessed. the count is considered as an indicator of presence of microorganism as well as a food poisoning organism.Its presence above tolerance limit indicates the poor hygiene of workers, which lead to the occurrence of this toxic organism in food contact surfaces as well as food materials.
  The microbial quality of tested samples indicated the unsanitary condition and unhygienic practice followed in the kitchen, storage areas and cleaning and vending of the food items. The E.coli exposed consumers to the high risk of contracting food-borne infections. Lack of sanitary conditions in food processing and vending areas and the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in food items calls for urgent intervention from regulatory agencies.
   the council has plan to carry out detailed studies in various eateries of the district. Food quality analysis will also be extended to the other districts also

Prof. John Kurakar


  

H.H BASALIOS MARTHOMA MATHEWS II MEMORIAL ELOCUTION COMPETITION

      The Alumni association of the St. Gregorios College,Kottarakara conducted H.HBasalios Marthoma Mathews II memorial elocution competition on 27th January,2011 at St. Gregorios College Seminar Hall. Dr K.C Raju, Principal inaugurated  the competition. Prof John Kurakar, vice president ,Alumni association presided. Prof Jacob varghese Vadakkidam welcomed the gatherings.
   the competition was started at 11 am. Dr P.K Jose Kutty, Dr Suman Alexander, Mr Nelson Thomas were the judges of the competition. Master Akil Krishnan won the first prize  and Kumari Sherin   secured second place. Subject of the competition was " Vision of Education Of  H.H Marthoma Mathews II.


                                                                                          Prof.John Kurakar

EDEN NAGAR RESIDENCE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

    The Executive committee meeting of the Eden Nagar Residence association was held at Kurakar Center,Ayppalloor on 26th January(Republic Day),2011 at 4.30 pm. Prof. John Kurakar, president,Edan Nagar Residence association presided over the function. Mr CheriyanP.Koshy, scientist,Botanickal garden,Palode welcomed the members. Mr Mathews Koshy,Panchayat member, Mr Bobby Kurakar, Mr P.M.G Kurakaran, Mr Vkraman, Mr George, Mr K.G Mathai Kutty, Mr Mathew, Mr Prafharan were spoke on the occasion. The committee decided to conduct the genera body of the Eden Nagar held on 6th Feb,2011 at Kurakar Center, Ayppalloor.

Prof.John Kurakar

GUJARAT- ALL- AROUND PROGRESS

      The Gujarat successfully holding the Global summits since 2003. 2003 submit was a state level one. It has also changed its scope from an investment event to a knowledge and technology exchange platform. the last event held in 2009 in the backdrop every one with investment agreement of USD 240 billion. the Gujarat have invited various Indian states as well as other countries to make  use of this platform.
   Gujarat is the growth Engine of India  is  true in every sense of the term. the state contributes 22 percent to the exports and 30 percent to the stock market capitalization of the country. Gujarat has done wonderfully well on both, the macro and micro indicators. the per capita income of its people has  also grown at the fastest rate of  13.8 percent.Gujarat contributes 16 percent to the industrial out put of India and handles 35 percent of the cargo. Their industrial production at 13 percent. While agriculture has grown at 12.8 percent, which is four times the national average.
   Gujarat have received more than 200 national and International awards in the last eight years. Gujarat will be developed as global hubs of economic activity supported by world class infrastructure, civic amenities and exemplary policy frame work. Gujarat has a substantial presence of financial and other Business process. Out sourcing operations.But we are doing even better where the usage of IT is concerned. Gujarat's e- governance  projects have been recognized in the country and abroad. Gujarat is the first state to provide broadband connectivity in all schools and villages. The state use of video conferencing including using the technology for prisoners under trial. recently Gujarat's ICT-based Grievance Redressal system called SWAGAT bagged the united Nations Public Service Award.
    Business in Gujarat is a celebration of life.Its vibrancy can be felt not only in economic activities but also in social life.Gujarat is a place where infrastructure development has kept pace with economic growth. Tata Nano and the Bombardier, Gujarat is emerging as the new auto and transportation manufacturing hub. The Gujarat have 1600 km long coastline,with world class  ports that are the gate ways to Gujarat progress.
   Gujarat is the model of public-private partnership to develop their infrastructure and utilities.Gujarat also started special programmes to make a large number of young children employable. Particularly through soft skills including English and computer Literacy.

Prof.John Kurakar

TERRORIST ATTACK IN MOSCOW AIR PORT

Dmitry Medvedev

    At least 35 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a suicide bombing at Moscow's largest air port on Monday 25th January,2011. the terrorist set off a powerful bomb in a crowd near a cafe in the arrival section of the Domodedovo air port. The place is rather congested, typically packed to capacity by people meeting their friends and relatives.
    Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed that it was a terrorist attack. Many of the wounded were in a critical condition. President Dimitry Medvedev called terrorism Russia's top security threat. He said 110 people admitted to hospital,32 were in grave condition and three were critical. Eight foreigners died in the attack,including nationals of Britain, Germany,Bulgaria and some former soviet states.
   A report said the Domodedovo bomber could belong to a group of terrorists who arrived in Moscow on new year eve. A women member of the group died in an accidental blast in a Moscow sports club on December 31 that went largely unnoticed    ( Ref: Hindu:Jan26-2011)

Prof.John Kurakar

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY (26th JANUARY,2011)

 



  International Customs Day is celebrated on 26th January every year by Customs Administrations all over the world in order to dedicate themselves to promoting customs cooperation, trade facilitation and supply chain security.

 Prof.John Kurakar

2011- PADMA AWARDS (PADMA VIBHUSHAN FOR PROF O.N.V KURUP)

   Jnanpith-winning poet Prof.O.N.V Kurup has made Kerala proud yet again by being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan,the country's second highest civilian honour announced on the eve of the 64th Republic Day,2011.
     Two other prominent sons of Kerala, eminent Ayurveda scholar and physician Mr K Raghavan Thirumulpad and well known Kathakali exponent Madavoor Vasudevan Nair too have been honoured the former posthumously,with the Padma Bhushan.
    O.N.V Kurup, winner of the Kendra and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards and over a dozen awards for his film lyrics, had been honoured with the PadmaSri in 1998.
    Late K .Raghvan Thirumulpad, one of the finest Ayurveda scholars of contemporary times, the national recognition, in the form of the Padma Bhushan has come a day  too late, but is still a fitting farewell to a man who dedicated his whole life to promotion of Ayurveda as a way of life. Thirumulpad passed away on November 21 aged 90.
    Eighty one-year old Madavor Vasudevan Nair,who has also been conferred with the Padma Bhushan, is a Kathakali exponent of eminence.
   Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the former National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra,Wipro Chief Azem Premji, Telgu film celebrity A. Nagesshwara Rao, Art historian Kapila Vatsyayan, India's first woman news photographer Homai Vyarawalla and the former Attorney General K. Parasaran, are among this years (2011) 13 Padma Vibushan awardees.
    Kerala has made a rich harvest on the eve of the 64th Republic Day winning almost a dozen of the Padma awards. Among the Malayali Padma award winers are Kris Gopalakrishnan, president and chief executive officer of Infosys Technologies  and TJ.S George,journalist, Shaji N. Karun, filmmaker,Kalamandalam Kshemavathy Pavithran,, Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, Chenda exponent,Jayaram, actor,Usha Uthup, singer, Dr Jose Chacko Periapuram, pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr A. Marthanda Pilai, neuro surgeon, Azad moopen,Physician turned entrepreneur,and Sankar architect.

Prof.John Kurakar

KOZHIKODU DISTRICT CROWNED THE OVERALL CHAMPIONS AT THE 51st KERALA STATE SCHOOL ARTS FESTIVAL

   The curtain fell on the six-day cultural extravaganza on Saturday 23rd January,2011. Kozhikodu district crowned the over all champions at the 51 st Kerala State School Arts Festival. The students from Kozhikodu which won 819 points,lifted the coveted gold cup, Thrissur was the first runner up with 776 points and kannur the third runner up with 767.
    Among the schools, Durga Higher Secondary School,Kanhangad, took the top position in the higher secondary School category with 108 points. In the high school category, St Teresa's AI Higher Secondary School, Kannur came first with 73 points. Presenting the cup K.J Yesudas musician said the spirit of the
festival should not be lost in the cut-throat battle for victories.  Mr Yesudas again said" you are not to defeat any one,but to prove your talent"  Mr Yesudas was the winner of the light music competition in the 1958 edition of the then youth Festival. The victory at the festival was the first step in a long arduous journey every artiste would have to make in search for excellence.
    Mr Yesudas had a word of caution for the parents who pushed their wards in to unhealthy competition and said parents and Gurus had no place at the festival which was the celebration of youth.Your role ends with encouragements and inspiration you instill in your wards. 52nd edition of the festival  will be in January,2012  in Thirissur district.

     Children from 18 schools and other groups such as the student police cadets took part in a mass rally that was flagged off at the municipal ground,Kottayam. The colourful procession showcased the unique cultural traditions of the state.Hundreds of people who had thronged the road sides to witness the rally.Mohiniyattom,Bharatanatyam,Kathakali, Theyyam,,Mayilattom, folk dance, Thiruvathirakali,Oppana,Padayani,Panchvadyam, Shingarimelam and Chendamelam were showcased in the procession

Prof.John Kurakar

SABARIMALA & MAKARAVILAKKU

    Is the Marakarajyothi man-made, the Kerala High Court asked on Thursday 19th January,2011. Travancore Devaswom Board  President Rajagopalan Nair said' the light sighted at Ponnambalamedu was man-made, he said Devasaom Board,itself had no role in creating it. According to him,it is believed that in the olden days, forest-dwellers in and around ponnambalamedu used to celebrate the Makara vilakku festival at the hilltop. The lighting of a lamp at Ponnambalamedu on Makaravilakku day has become an annual affair even after the forest-dwellers vacating the place  in later years. The senior Tantri of the Sabarimala temple Kandararu Maheswararu also clarified that the light sighted at Ponnambalamedu was man-made. According to Tantri the bright star"Makara" that appears on the horizon above the holly hillock of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Makaravilakku'day is the Makarajyothi' and not the light lit at ponnambalamedu.
     the Pandalam palace does not give any importance to the Makarajyothi,which is man-made. Vilakku is an old malayalam usage for a temple festival, and makaravilakku is referred to the temple festival of Sabarimala on the day of makara sankramon.
    Ayyappa Sevasanghom National vice president said it was a fact that the lamp lighted at ponnsmbamedu is man-made and a matter of faith.Hindu Aikayavedi general secretary said makarajyothi has found advine religious niche in the minds of every Ayppa devotee.

Prof.John Kurakar

99th ANNUAL HINDU RELIGIOUS MEET AT CHERUKOLPUZHA

   The 99th annual Hindu religious meet to be held at Cherukolpuzha near Kozhencherry from February 6 to 13. The government departments will extend every possible assistance to the Hindumatha Maha Mandalam.
    Kerala water Authority would ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to the meeting venu. The Kerala State Transport corporation would open temporary bus depots on the banks of the Pumpa at Cherukolpuzha to provide transport facility to the nearest towns of Kozhencherry. The KSRTC would also operate special services to Cherukolpuzha from Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Adoor and Mallappally during the convention period. The police would open a temporary aid-post at Cherukolpuzha during the week long meet. The health department would set up a temporary dispensary at the convention venu. Kerala State Electricity Board would ensure uninterrupted power supply to the meeting venu and surroundings areas during the convention period. Fire and Rescue Force Service and Excise Department would also open a camp office at the convention venu.

 Prof.JohnKurakar