Metro mart september 2013 issue

September 2013 1www.metromartdaily.com
Harvesting
the Joy of
Onam Season
METROmart
Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2013 `40
Kerala Handloom
Industry Rejuvenated
SHOPPING
HOLIDAY
DINING
ART
RECIPE
EVENT
T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

METROSeptember 20132 T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M
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Foreword
HariShanker
Manag8ingEditor
Hi Readers,
Malayalees across the globe are ready to welcome
their dearest Maharaja Mahabali during Onam. The
cityites are already on a festive fever. Is Onam just
a celebration of around 15-20 days which comes in
every year? Are we celebrating Onam in a traditional
way or has it become an instant package consisting of
Facebook, television and just a fastfood dining? Does
our current generation know why Onam is celebrated
and who is Mahabali? We are told Asuras (Demons)
are the face of Evil; how come the entire people of
Kerala worship an Asura ruler and keep him in their
hearts their entire life?
No one is born evil or good by birth, even if it is Deva
or Asura. It is their deeds in life that identify them
with good or bad. Mahabali is always an idol for any
ruler to follow. There was no theft, no cheating.
There was good governance, prosperity, good times,
etc., which we always dream for. In his rule, people
were so happy and contented that the mighty Devas
were afraid of losing their credibility of being the
ambassadors of goodness. (Was Devas with their
identity of being good just manipulating?). Lord Maha
Vishnu intervened as Vamana and sent Mahabali
below the earth, giving him a boon of visiting his
people once every year, which we celebrate as
Onam, the tale which each Malayali hear from his/her
childhood.
Today, as a citizen we look for Mahabali in each and
every elected representatives of our society. How
many are able to come close to his goodness? Would
any of them win the hearts of people? Bringing that
goodness within oneself is so difficult that we choose
the easy way of being a Deva – and manipulate people
with promises! Every festival has a message and
moral to convey. How much we understand it makes
the difference. Writing this editorial, I am being self
educated about Onam, Mahabali and not to become a
Deva to manipulate people around us.
I wish you and each and every one in your family a
Happy and Prosperous Onam. Do give your feedback
to make METRO better.

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Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A G and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB
Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum
695003
Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum. Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not
necessarily those of the Publishers.
Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort
has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its
employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions.
© All Rights Reserved RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037
66
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Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2013
Annual Subscription `400
Managing Editor Hari Shanker
hari@martinfotech.in

CEO & Managing Director Siji Nair
sijicn@gmail.com
Sub Editor V Viswanath
Editorial Assistant Pooja Jayan
Gokul Prasannan
Creative Assistant Sayan Chaudhuri
Roopesh Shekhar
GM Sales Sibu Nair
GM Administration Binoy Krishna
Harvesting The Joy Of Onam Season
Vibrant New Onam Collection at Czarina
Kerala handloom industry Rejuvenated
“Trivandrum Division - Surging forward with
infrastructure development and increased
safety and security”
Facelift for Kunnil Margin Free Hypemarket
Make way for the flavors from Paradise
Mobile Phone use by Children - Boon or Bane ?
India could’ve done without Modern Art
Recipe
Kerala Tourism Launches New Gesture -
Controlled Website
Metro Update
The Last Leaf
8
14
18
16
24
26
28
34
38
40
56
Cover Feature
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Harvesting the Joy of
Onam Season
COVER FEATURE
The joy and enthusiasm
associated with Kerala’s
Onam season has begun.
Onam – a celebration
across Kerala irrespec-
tive of caste, creed and
religion. Being celebrated
as a harvest festival, it
is a reminder of Kerala’s
agrarian past and falls in
Chingam - the first month
of Malayalam calendar. It
is also observed as the an-
nual visit of King Mahabali.
Setting of Athapookalam
or floral carpet is a high-
light of the celebration.
These are made with
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V Viswanath

different kinds
of flowers in the
front courtyard
of households.
The celebrations
start on Atham
day and culminate
on Thiruvonam
day – 10 days of
grand festivities.
Both children
and elders alike
look forward for
this season. They
celebrate by purchasing
new clothes, feasting on
traditional cuisine and take
part in cultural activities.
The state witnesses a huge
inflow of domestic and
foreign tourists during
this month. The govern-
ment promotes Onam in
a big way by organizing
various cultural events
during the season. Both
public and private sector
employers provide salary
advances, festival bonus
or allowance to their
employees. The season
witnesses huge consumer
activities across the state
and provides a spurt in
sales. Textile shops, con-
sumer durable marketers,
restaurants, community
organizations, etc., have
all chalked out plans to
welcome the festival sea-
son in their own respective
ways. A number of hotels,
restaurants, and caterers
have announced special
prices and are featuring
Onam Sadya as a highlight
of their menu. Retail out-
lets have already put up
various festival offers and
discounts to draw custom-
ers. Exhibitions and trade
fairs are set up for holiday
makers. Residential asso-
ciations, malls, educational
institutions and others
conduct competition for
designing Athapookalams.
Programmes such as Kai-
kottikali, Pulikali are held
by various organizations.
The preparation for the
festival season is on full
swing. All over the state,
there is a frenzy of activi-
ties going on to greet this
grand festival.
Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy, distributed ‘on-
akkodi’ and had ‘onasadya’
with differently-abled
children at Cliff House. The
programme, ‘Snehaspar-
sham 2013’, was organised
by the Parents’ Associa-
tion of Disabled Students
and NIMS Medicity. Sixty
children were present at
the function.
Chandy’s wife Mariamma
Oommen, Labour Minister
Shibu Baby John and
Health Minister V S Sivaku-
mar, Faizal Khan Managing
Director NIMS Medicity
also took part.
Snehasparsham 2013-CLIFF HOUSE FETE

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Multifarious programmes during
Onam Week Celebrations
“The inaugural function
will be followed by ‘Ilan-
jithara Pandimelam’ by a
101-member group led by
Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.
A special programme
based on ‘Amma Malay-
alam Sreshta Malayalam’
and a mega show would
follow,” Minister Anil
Kumar said.
The District Tourism
Promotion Councils would
conduct arts and cultural
events in all the districts
during this period.
In Thiruvananthapuram
district, there would be
events organised by the
District Tourism Promotion
Council at places such as
Varkala, Chirayinkeezh,
Shanghumugham, Aruvik-
kara, Neyyar Dam and
Kovalam.
For the first time there will
be kite flying competition
at Shanghumugham. There
will a road show by ‘Avial’
band at Manaveeyam
Road on the day of ‘Uth-
radom’, celebrations com-
mittee general convener
The State Tourism Department’s Onam Week celebrations would begin on
September 14 evening at the Central Stadium. Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy would inaugurate the celebrations and actor Sreedevi would be
the chief guest. The celebrations are scheduled until September 20th. The
keynote address is to be delivered by opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan.
The event would be presided over by Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar.
COVER FEATURE
Palode Ravi MLA said.
In the capital city, the
events will be spread out
across 27 venues. From this
year onwards, Vyloppili
Samskrithi Bhavan will be
one of the main venues.
Around 5,000 artistes
would be part of the week-
“The inaugural function
will be followed by ‘Ilan-
jithara Pandimelam’ by a
101-member group led by
Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.
A special programme
based on ‘Amma Malay-
alam Sreshta Malayalam’
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Road on the day of ‘Uth-
radom’, celebrations com-
mittee general convener
Palode Ravi MLA said.
In the capital city, the
events will be spread out
across 27 venues. From
this year onwards, Vylop-
pili Samskrithi Bhavan will
be one of the main venues.
Around 5,000 artistes
would be part of the week-
long celebrations.
On September 13, a procla-
mation rally organised by
the Kerala Sports Council
would reach Kanakak-
kunnu Palace in the
evening and Minister for
Cultural Affairs K C Joseph
would hoist the ‘Onam
flag’. On September 20,
there would be an e-cultural
procession from Kowdiar
to East Fort in the evening.
Over 75 floats would line up
in the procession.
Around Rs. 2.20 crores
would be spent for the
celebrations.
“Rs. 30 lakhs each would
be given to Kozhikode and
Ernakulam DTPCs. Rs. 13
lakhs would be allotted
for Thiruvananthapuram
and for other districts the
amount has been increased
from Rs. 2.5 lakhs to Rs. 3
lakhs,” the Minister said.
He released the brochure of
the Onam celebrations by
handing it over to Mayor K.
Chandrika.
as in last year, we have a
carnival named ‘Kadalolam
Onam.’ Exhibition, amuse-
ment ride, auto expo to
introduce new vehicles,
etc. would be part of the
carnival. Food fest includ-
ing dishes from Malabar
and Central Kerala, and
a payasa mela would be
held. This entertaining
event at Shanghumugham
is from Sept 13th to 22nd.
From Sept 14th onwards,
between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
various game shows such
as tug of war, musical
chairs, kite flying, lemon in
spoon, etc., are planned.
These will be held with the
participation of visiting
public. Two cultural pro-
grams (including classical
and modern) will be held
between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The centers at Varkala,
Chirayinkeezhu, Neyyar
Dam, and Kovalam would
have Onam celebration
for three days from Sept
16th - the day of Thiruvo-
nam. In Aruvikkara, the
celebrations would be for
five days starting Sept 15th
to 19th. Regional and local
artists would be involved
in presenting cultural
programs.
O T Prakash
Secretary, District Tourism
Promotion Council
Across Thiruvanantha-
puram district, DTPC
will be organizing Onam
celebration in six places.
The main venue would be
Shanghumugham. Here,
and a mega show would
follow,” Minister Anil
Kumar said.
The District Tourism
Promotion Councils would
conduct arts and cultural
events in all the districts
during this period.
In Thiruvananthapuram
district, there would be
events organised by the
District Tourism Promotion
Council at places such as
Varkala, Chirayinkeezh,
Shanghumugham, Aruvik-
kara, Neyyar Dam and
Kovalam.
For the first time there will
be kite flying competition
at Shanghumugham. There
will a road show by ‘Avial’
band at Manaveeyam
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September 2013 13www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 13www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 13www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 13www.metromartdaily.com

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Vibrant New Onam Collection
at Czarina
Czarina celebrates the
arrival of the festive Onam
season with an exquisite
new collection of sarees.
This year’s collection
includes a vibrant selection
of sarees handpicked and
sourced from across India.
As a result, the Onam
collection at Czarina has
a range and variety that is
unmatched. Yet another
advantage of adding to
your saree collection from
Trivandrum’s leading
boutique is the undisputed
fact that the Czarina label
today stands for quality
and exclusivity.
Colours, textures, weaves,
drapes – the Czarina Onam
collection is very eclectic
indeed. The traditional
and the modern come to-
gether in true symphony.
Old favourites like the
Maheswari, Kota, Uppada,
Tussar and Brocade with
their eternally elegant
designs are available in
eye catching colours. For
those who like a contem-
porary touch, the stunning
designer sarees can add
the ‘wow’ factor to your
wardrobe.
Given the Onam theme,
the highlight of the collec-
tion is the classically grace-
ful Kerala designer saree.
The traditional Kerala
sarees have been given a
new twist with the addi-
tion of colourful designs
like block print, figure
print and floral motifs. The
result is sheer magic!
In order to give you the
complete look on Onam
day, Czarina has also
introduced a new range
of readymade blouses and
blouse materials. For those
who prefer a trendy Indian
look, the boutique also
has a wide array of salwar
kameez sets that will add
glamour to your Onam
celebrations.
To make shopping more
convenient for custom-
ers, the showroom will
be open on all Sundays
until Onam, including
September 1, 8 and 15. The
showroom is located at
the Catholic Centre, Near
General Hospital jn, Trivan-
drum. To know more,
log on to our Facebook
page- Czarina-The designer
wear boutique or contact
9387721322.
SHOPPING MART
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The ‘Kerala kasavu sarees’
are praised by women
allover India for their fine-
ness of count and natural
colours, texture and gold
borders. Kerala is also
known for its unbleached
cotton handloom crepe
popularly known as ‘kora’
cloth. This has entered the
foreign market and oc-
cupies a proud place in the
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Kerala Handloom
Industry Rejuvenated
Department of Handloom and Textiles in Kerala under Industries and
Commerce department of Kerala implements financial and welfare schemes
to weavers of Kerala. The Handlooms & Textiles Directorate is
evolving policies and schemes aimed at developing the harmonious growth of
handlooms, power looms and textile sector. Various schemes are evolved for
the welfare of weavers and workers involved in the above industries.
FEATURE ARTICLE

garment industry.
The secret of furnishing
fabrics from Malabar is
the excellent structure
and texture of the cloth,
unique colour combina-
tion, wide width (98”-
120”) and craftsmanship.
When we look back to the
history of Kerala, it can be
seen that in 1498 Vasco
da Gama, the Portuguese
navigator visited Calicut
in Malabar. So it is well
known that the 15th cen-
tury excellent quality han-
dloom cloth was exported
to Asian and European
countries.
Balaramapuram, in Thiru-
vananthapuram district
is the most historically
important place for hand-
loom fabrics. The weavers
belonging to Saliyas mi-
grated from Nagarcoil and
Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu
during the time of Balara-
ma Varma 250 years ago.
Here they produced super
fine Mundum Neriyathum;
for the royal family. Still
they are in existence and
carry an important part of
the total production. The
technique of producing
the superfine fabric spread
from them to the local
weavers in Balaramapuram
and surrounding places.
Initially they were produc-
ing ‘Mundu’ for men with
0.4cm of width of ‘kara’
(cross border) with black
garn. Around 100 years
ago, the Jari from Surat
was brought to Balarama-
puram and ‘Kasavu Saree’
production was started.
The capital city has its own
historical importance. And
in the map of handloom
also it has an important
place. There are 349 soci-
eties and 44700 weavers
are working with their
looms. The main products
of the district are fine
cotton textures, dur-
ries with special design.
Balaramapuram is very
famous for its fine grey
sarees with kasavu (Jari).
The other products here
are set-mundu, ‘Mundum
Neriyathum’ (Traditional
dress for Malayali ladies),
Mundu (dhothi for men),
Earezha thorthu (bath-
ing towel), Melmundu,
etc. Other places where
handloom fabricators are
concentrated are Paras-
sala the southern most
part of Kerala where the
weavers are involved in
weaving of sarees and
dhotis. Kulathur and
Chirayinkeezhu are some
of the other places where
handloom industries are
found.
Sam C Itticheria
Director of Handloom & Textiles
“Sarees from Balaramapuram, Kuthampully and
Kasaragod, as well as the Chendamangalam Mundu
(dhoti) have received the coveted Geographical
Indication (GI) registration. The Tag is issued to
products with uniqueness produced in a certain
geographical region. The registration also protects
the goods from being emulated. These handloom
products vary according to their place of origin, the
skill of weavers, the raw materials and the type of
loom used. Market-driven and Eco-friendly, Kerala’s
handloom products carry the zero child labour tag as
well.”

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“Trivandrum Division - Surging forward with
infrastructure development and increased
safety and security”
The capital of the erstwhile princely State of Travancore, Trivandrum had its first
railway line when the Madras-Quilon line was extended. Chalai – the current shopping
bazaar was the place this line terminated. Chalai was a trading centre even then. This
line was opened in 1918.
The current Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station was built in 1931. The three
state railways of ‘the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway’, ‘the South Indian Rail-
way Company’, and ‘the Mysore State Railway’ were merged to create the Southern
Railway zone of Indian Railways. The Broad Gauge converted railway line between
Ernakulam and Trivandrum was inaugurated in 1976. Trivandrum division of the South-
ern Railways was created in 1979. Trivandrum Railway Division currently operates 80
express trains and 60 passenger trains daily carrying about 2.6 lakh commuters daily.
Rajesh Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram speaks to Metro
Mart on various aspects of Thiruvananthapuram Division.
ON FACE
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September 2013 19www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 19www.metromartdaily.com
Could you please tell us
regarding passenger
and freight movement
in Trivandrum railway
division?
As you are aware, railways
is the lifeline of Kerala
from its northern end to
the southern end, as it is a
very north-south line. Ker-
ala has also got that same
north-south topographic
alignment. Most of its
population is very close to
the coast. The line is also
passing through that. It is
also serving the central dis-
tricts with Kottayam close
to the MC Road. So the
development of the rail-
way line and the services
provided with that railway
line are ideal for the State.
Presently the line is being
utilized almost entirely as
a passenger service. This is
very important and we are
hoping to provide more
and more facilities on its
passenger front. We have
also been in discussion
with the State government
to utilize this line also for
movement of contain-
ers, parcels, freight, food
grains, all kinds of goods
activities. Presently,
there is near-zero utiliza-
tion of this line for this.
The entire movement is
through trucks, tankers,
lorries and trailers, which
is completely destroying
the National Highway
completely destroying the
environment and it is put-
ting excessive strain on the
infrastructure.
It is also affecting the road
safety and the lives of the
people. To that extent, it is
better if we can utilize the
railway line for providing
whatever freight services
required for the State.
The operation is on two
fronts – one is the more
important passenger
services and then also we
want to begin with the op-
eration of freight service.
In freight, I think it will also
be a very vital importance
to the State that they
can invigorate the Port at
Cochin, which is presently
nearly not utilized. We
want the Vallarpadom,
which was opened more
than two years ago, to
start its operations in full
swing. As of now, greater
than one-third of the
project has been imple-
mented and that is also
being utilized to less than
one-third of its capacity.
The movement by rail is
nearly zero. Secondly, at
Wellington Island we have
the wharfs on both the
Mattanchery side and the
Ernakulam side which we
have commissioned for
freight movement and
we can have bulk cargo
coming in to Cochin and
moving to various parts
of the country.
Certainly, the
freight transpor-
tation activities
can be boosted
by utilization of the
railway lines.
Over the years a number
of infrastructure develop-
ment activities have been
taken up by the railways.
Could you tell us on some
of these initiatives?
As far as passenger traffic
is concerned, over the
last two years, we have
had to go through a major
upgradation. The southern
portion of the Trivandrum
area was part of Travan-
core Maharajah Railway,
which after conversion to
Broad Gauge was made
the southern part of
Trivandrum. Even before
that, it remained like the
branch line of Madurai.
Similarly, the northern part
was the Kochi Maharajah
Railway which remained
the branch line of the Pal-
ghat Division. So consider-
ing this legacy, there is a
large number of shortcom-
ings in the infrastructure
for which we have to
undertake a variety of
measures to bring about.
Not only the specific
improvement in infrastruc-
ture, but also with the
planning and execution
of work in a systematic

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manner we can run it as
a Main Line Broad Gauge
railway, as a frontline divi-
sion covering the southern
area of the entire Indian
Railways - directly towards
the northern states, not
only Tamilnadu, but also
Karnataka, Andhra, Goa,
Maharastra, and further.
This is the major thrust.
Now, the results are there
to tell – the speeds of the
section have started to
improve.
More than 34 trains were
speeded up in the first
year. Further 90 trains
have been speeded up.
Now again, we are doing
the modeling for speed-
ing up the trains further.
We have also put forward
to the State government
that with further improve-
ments in infrastructure
we can propose suburban
corridors to serve Kerala
to enable commuter move-
ment from one urban cen-
tre to another. Commuter
corridor has to be placed
in the offing, the earlier
the better.
Preliminary feasibility
has been established and
it is being pursued. At
the same time, we have
embarked on a number
of offline improvements.
For example, ticketing and
reservation – which were
earlier restricted only to
railway stations at one
end of Kerala – have now
been proliferated to all the
deepest corners of all the
districts of Kerala includ-
ing the deep corners of
Pathanamthitta and Idukki
districts. We have been
able to establish more
than 20 centers across the
State, which has nearly
doubled our reservation
capacity. Also we have
set up ticketing centers
through JTBS in more than
20 locations. This again
proliferated the require-
ment. We can of course
proliferate it further,
because now the mecha-
nism has been established
and with the help of more
partnerships and more
proactive activities this
can be enhanced further.
So that is another major
improvement.
Simultaneously another
part of concern in Kerala
was the level crossings.
There are almost 400 level
crossings north to south.
It is a very high density of
level crossings. These are
okay when you are run-
ning a branch line railway
where there are few trains.
But now you are running
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a main line railway with
high-speed trains and
trains required at frequent
intervals including the
possibility of a future
suburban corridor. In that
case, naturally, you need
to rationalize the level
crossings.
Earlier, we had the road
over bridges. For the first
time, we have proposed
the underbridge. More
than 50 subways have
been planned across the
state, which will serve as
an immediate effective fast
way. We have constructed
almost entirely at railway
cost, so that the move-
ment is not affected.
The purpose of the level
crossing is better served,
because then it is not
closed to road traffic when
the trains are passing.
When this has been done,
we will become the first
state in the country to
have 100% manning of level
crossings. Relative target
is 2015, more than two
years ahead of schedule
Kerala becomes one of
the first State to have zero
unmanned level crossings.
The Vizhinjam Port is being
developed by the govern-
ment and when connectivi-
ty for the railway is needed
it will be organized.
What are the measures
taken up for the safety
and security aspect of
railways?
Safety precautions and
awareness creation among
public is basically in three
areas. One is our railway
stations, the second is
on trains and the third is
level crossings. We have
to tackle all the three
areas separately. We have
our station improvement
groups and station com-
mittees where we have to
ensure the safety at the
stations.
For example, we have
to ensure that we can
provide proper trolley
paths, foot overbridges,
platforms, announcement
systems, and crossings
where the passenger is
able to cross over. To some
extent, we have to ensure
that there is no getting on
the train from the offside;
they must get on from
the platform side even if it
involves a little extra time.
We have to also ensure
that they remain behind
the white line.
For the first time in Kerala,
we have sort sanction for
escalators to facilitate
the movement on the
foot overbridges and
within a short time, we
have sanctioned for more
than 30 escalators which
are going to be installed
starting immedi-
ate commissioning
of an escalator at
Ernakulam. Shortly
thereafter another
two or three more will
be commissioned. Board
has been written to for
another 25 escalators to
be supplied immediately,
because our works for
that installation are in an
advanced stage. Similarly,
we also have to do it on
the trains.
Essentially security has to
be intact. We have a very
elaborate plan for security
on the trains, especially
related to women and
physically and mentally
challenged passengers,
as well as the weak and
the children. It includes
provision of necessary
help lines and necessary
backup facilities to give
them the needed safety
and security. Lastly, at the
level crossing gates we
have to organize a series
of programs which we are
doing not only ourselves
but also in coordination
with the State government
through the motor vehi-
cles department, through
the NATPAC and through
other such agencies. Dis-
semination of information
including street plays and
rallies are done with public
representatives.

mart
We did a cycle rally all
the way from Trivandrum
to Ernakulam to create
awareness across all the
gates both via Kottayam
and Alleppey. They went
in one direction and came
back through the other
direction. So we have a
series of programs. In all
these areas, we naturally
seek the proactive support
and understanding of
State government, all the
stakeholders, concerned
authorities and public at
large for working with us.
Could you tell us the cur-
rent status of the Kochu
Veli terminus and Nemom?
The Kochu Veli termi-
nal project was lying in
limbo for more than 10
years. Last year, we had
to undertake a series of
coordinated measures to
the construction depart-
ment, to the headquarters,
to the railway board and
also internally through our
various departments to
actually get this project
started. So we commis-
sioned it last year. Now
everyday two to three
days are coming to Kochu
Veli. Pit line, maintenance
pit line, and platforms
have been commissioned.
Station has already been
upgraded to a B class
station and within one
year we have planned to
commission it fully. After
Kochu Veli is completed
perhaps we can also take
up Nemom depending on
the requirement at that
point of time. Nemom has
geographical constraints.
For the time being we
have to concentrate
on Kochu Veli. The foot
overbridge on the new
platform side is getting
commissioned in a month’s
time. We need to take up
the foot overbridge on
the opposite end, where
platform No. 2 did not
exist. But now we have
been able to complete it
through our innovative
waste utilization method.
It is perhaps the first time
in the country. It is done as
per international guide-
lines and the guidelines of
the Government of India
for solid waste manage-
ment. The completion of
the platform is to be done
by the Suchitwa Mission of
the Kerala State Govern-
ment. We are hoping
that they complete that
quickly, after which we
can also take up the work
for the foot overbridge at
that end. We also have a
plan to link these two foot
overbridges across both
sides. So that work will
also be taken up.
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Facelift for Kunnil Margin
Free Hypermarket
Kunnil Margin Free market
revamped its hoard
located at Medical College
to cater better to the
needs of customers. Kunnil
Margin Free Hypermarket
is a complete shopping
destination located at
Bye pass, near to Infosys
which consists of variety
of options under just one
roof. This hypermarket&
margin free market carries
an enormous range of
products like grocery,
fruits & vegetables,
general merchandise, with
national and international
brands. The hypermarket
offers an ultra-modern
shopping ambience by
integrating a plethora of
products with friendly
staff at hand to provide
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HYPERMARKET
A R Nazimuddin
Kunnil Margin free
Managing Director
HYPER MART
assistance, electronic
billing facilities, Credit and
Debit card payments etc.
Good range and pricing
at Kunnil Margin Free
Hypermarkets is a strong
pull for any shopper.
Consumers want the
best, at the best prices,
and are willing to explore
options. Therefore, the
store offers a wider
range and assortment
of merchandise now in
various categories, an
extensive fish and meat
counter, home accessories,
a bakery counter offering
puffs, cutlets, sandwiches,
cakes, and so on to suit the

daily needs of a modern
customer. The consumers
can also take advantage
of MFREEM Consumer
Card, which entitle them
for additional discounts
for the products they buy
from the shop. The margin
free market offers discount
from 4% to 40% .The
shop also offer attractive
discounts and gift schemes
for consumers during
special occasions.
Nowadays customers do
not prefer travelling far to
make their purchases but
would prefer their retailers
to be located in prominent/
strategic locations within
the city limits. Therefore,
one can find that Kunnil
Margin Free Hypermarkets
and Margin free market
are located in the core
locations of the city,
Medical college and
Kulathoor Bye Pass road.
A complete Medical store
is placed inside Kunnil
Margin Free Hypermarket
and is a speciality of it. The
management has decided
to expand it’s horizon by
expanding it’s business to
Gold and Jewels.The new
branded Kunnil Gold Park
Sree Padmanabha turns duplex
with Devipriya
Moviegoers can rejoice as
one more theatre opened
its doors in the city. De-
vipriya, the second screen
at Sree Padmanabha with
all multiplex facilities, was
inaugurated by mayor K
Chandrika.
The 197-seat theatre start
functioning and the first
film to be screened is ‘Srin-
garavelan’ starring Dileep
in the lead. Devipriya is a
portion of the reserved
class below the Sree Pad-
manbha balcony.
“The concept of big
cinemas in slowly disap-
pearing across the globe.
An enlarged home theatre
experience with supe-
rior comfort level is what
people expect nowadays.
Devipriya, equipped with
state-of-the-art sound and
picture technologies, will
give an enhanced movie-
watching experience,”
says Girish Chandran,
theatre owner.
The highlights of Devipriya
include Dolby 7.1 surround
sound system, JBL speak-
ers, JBL amplifiers, Barco
digital projector, multiplex
comfort seating, LED light-
ing and a screen size with
13 feet width and 14 feet
height. Like Sree Padma-
nabha, Devipriya will also
have the laser show.
Another specialty of
Devipriya is the fabric
interiors. “Normally the-
atres have plaster of Paris
interiors. Fabric interiors
increase the theatre’s
visual appeal and comfort
levels,” he adds. With LED
lighting and A/C system De-
vipriya will offer the best
movie going experience to
the viewers.
Sree Padmanbha is the
first theatre in the city that
was upgraded to multiplex
standards and it’s also one
of the few theatres in the
state that was selected as
platinum grade for best
projection, sound system,
seating and maintenance.
With Devipriya, total num-
ber of theatres in the city
has been increased to 19.
will be opening
soon.
The success of
Kunnil Margin Free
Hypermarket is
really as a result of
the perceived value they
provide. The store has
everything - from a safety
pin to household articles
to grocery to exotic
vegetables and fruits. So
visit Kunnil Margin Free
Hypermarket , pull out a
basket, pick out packets of
your choice, try out wide
variety of products and
international ranges, and
still obtain the best price
deals.

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METRO DINING
Set on the cliff side, the
culinary destinations at
The Leela Kovalam offers
the guests to experience
world class dining. The Ter-
race is the 24-hour restau-
rant at the lobby level with
Indian, Chinese, continen-
tal and other cuisines.
A range of international
dishes is made available
here. The Skybar with
the provision for cock-
tails, refreshments and
light snacks is located a
level below the main pool
deck area, in front of the
gymnasium. Seated by the
Arabian Sea is The Tides,
where you can get pan-
asian, seafood and tan-
doori specialties. Exclusive
multi-cuisinecan be had at
The Cafe at the Club - next
to the club pool, which
is open round the clock.
Overlooking the main
lobby, seated beside the
main pool is The Bar, which
caters cocktails, refresh-
ments and light snacks.
While dining at The Leela
Kovalam one should not
miss local Kerala special-
ties and fish straight
from the sea below you.
The diners at The Leela
Kovalam have the chance
to experience innova-
tive, contemporary and
Make way for the flavors from Paradise
KASHUR KHYON at THE LEELA Kovalam
mart

traditional specialties in
multi-cuisines.
Kashmiri Food Festival is
being held at The Terrace
Restaurant in The Leela
Kovalam from August 24
to September 4, 2013. Over
the years, Kashmiri food
has evolved. However, the
meat dishes continue to
have traditional character.
Kashmiri cuisine or Kashur
khyon has mutton as the
most notable ingredient
with over 30 varieties.
Wazwan – the multi-course
meal in Kashmiri cuisine
demands a lot of prepara-
tion. Almost all the dishes
are lamb, chicken and fish-
based and require a signifi-
cant amount of time and
effort to make. The superb
preparation of Wazwan is
a culinary art.
The Kashmiri food fest
allows you to experience
the best of Royal Kashmiri
Dawat with its northern
Indian, Persian, Turkish
and central Asian flavours.
Rogan Josh (lamb cooked
in spicy red gravy), Yakhni
(lamb shanks cooked in
curd based gravy), Rista
(pounded lamb meatballs
in spicy red gravy), Tabakh
Maaz (fried rack of lamb),
Syoon Olav (meat and
potatoes cooked in spicy
gravy), Syoon Pulaav
(meat pulao) and other
dishes are made available
at this fest. Kahwa (sweet
green tea with cardamom
and almonds) or Sheer
Chai (salty pink tea with
almonds) taken with
baked breads like Kulcha
and Katlam can be had as
a dessert. The aromatic
flavor of Kashmiri food is
quite enticing. A visit to
the Kashmiri Food Fest at
The Leela Kovalam means
celebrating a culinary jour-
ney over the centuries.

mart
Mobile Phone use by Children- Boon
or Bane?
While mobile phones
provide various benefits,
the unique risks involved
with it put the parents in
a dilemma – whether to
allow their children to use
mobile phones or not. In
many cases, much before
the parents have complete
knowledge of their mobile
phones, the children mas-
ter their usage. Parents
find the safety features
alluring when they provide
mobile phones to the
children. Location-based
features like GPS enable
parents to keep track of
their children. The accessi-
bility quotient is a valuable
factor, which gives the
parents great peace of
mind. The view is that in
case of an emergency, con-
tacting each other would
be easier.
This technological
intervention also has the
potential to create a nega-
tive effect on the children.
Some games are found to
be inappropriate for young
children and teenagers.
Contents such as gam-
bling, sexual content, and
some networking sites are
adult oriented. Due to lack
of knowledge, it is difficult
for the parents to protect
their children’s exposure
from these contents. The
children could get their
hands on illegal contents
like child pornography
through internet in their
mobile phones. The experi-
menting nature of children
and adolescents often
V. Viswanath
TECH MART
mart
The past decade witnessed a huge increase in children who use
mobiles. Mobile phones are convenient communication tools that
a child finds easy to operate. There is a wide variety of free and
paid mobile applications available for the children. Educational
apps boost the knowledge of the children. Gaming apps and tools
engage the children and entertain them.

poses a major risk. They
might provide personal
details to strangers and
chat with them. At a later
stage, this could leave the
children or adolescents
feel overexposed or humil-
iated. Cheating in school
with mobile phones is a
developing problem faced
by educational institutions.
It is also seen that exten-
sive use of mobile phones
results in children losing
attention to studies.
Another potential threat
with mobile phone tech-
nology is cell phone radia-
tion. It is viewed by some
research groups that the
radiation from cell phones
affects the children much
more than the adults. This
has prompted various
governments to recom-
mend limiting usage of
mobile phones by children.
The lack of long-term stud-
ies in this area is of great
concern.
Mobile operators have put
in place various national
codes that would assist
in safeguarding mobile
phone usage by children.
They have developed vari-
ous self regulatory codes
by which commercial
contents are classified and
access control is main-
tained for adult content,
illegal content, etc. Some
operators go a step further
and provide guidelines to
parents on using network-
ing and location-enabled
services. They also advise
guardians or parents on
latest technologies and its
usage.
For appropriate develop-
ment of the future genera-
tion, the mobile operators,
parents and educators
should work in tandem.
Effective regulations
should be established to
reduce or stop children’s
exposure to adult-oriented
content. Operators could
identify ways to
curtail inappropri-
ate content from
reaching young-
sters. Campaigns
should be initiated by
mobile operators to create
awarenessfor parents and
children. The efficacy of
jamming or banning mo-
bile phones in educational
institutions should be
debated. Parents should
teach their children on
self-regulation and guide
them towards appropriate/
safe use of mobile phones.
The problems created by
using illegal content and
the possibility of develop-
ing unhealthy relationships
should be imparted to
the children. The children
should be taught not to
give out personal informa-
tion over the net. It is of
utmost importance that
parents should educate
themselves about mobile
phones, so that they are
able to keep a watch on
their children’s mobile
usage. Cell phone radia-
tion could be minimized
with keeping phone calls
short and using messaging
instead of talking.
The pros and cons of
mobile phone usage by
children are extensively
debatable. The parents
and children themselves
are responsible on how it
turns out – Boon or Bane.
“Nowadays, kids are
seen moving from TV
cartoons to mobile
games. Parents have
to decide on the ne-
cessity of providing
mobile phones to
their children. I feel it
will vary from case to
case. However, if they
give their children cell
phones (for safety
purposes or for other
facilities), they should
educate children on
the proper usage and
monitor constantly.”
N H Ganesh

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“Ambience, cuisine, hygiene, safety and onboard
activities - Hallmarks of Vihaara”
To begin with, tell us
about your family
Basically we hail from
central Travancore but, I
was brought up in Cochin,
the Queen of Arabian Sea.
Later we moved to the
capital city Trivandrum as
my father was with KTDC.
My mom is a housewife.
My wife is a banker and
our daughter Niranjana is
2 ½ yrs old. My younger
brother Praveen too is into
inbound and outbound
tour business.
What made you enter into
the field of hospitality?
I breathed hospitality and
tourism through out my
life. As I mentioned earlier
my father was with KTDC
and right from childhood I
had chances to see and get
used to beautiful locales,
cuisine etc. After my stud-
ies in hotel management,
travel & tourism etc, I
worked with hotels, tour
companies and also with
some of the very promi-
nent companies in Techno
Park. It was here that the
‘business bug’ bit me and
the idea of starting a busi-
ness had been breeding
for years. With ample feasi-
bility study, research etc I
have started our parent
company ‘J P Hospitality
Ventures’ along with my
partner turned old buddy
mart
Vihaara Houseboats Managing Director M Prateesh talks to Gokul Prasannan
of MetroMart on his journey in the field of hospitality.
HOLIDAY MART

Mr Jijo, and launched
Premium Houseboat op-
erations under the brand
Vihaara Houseboats in the
backwaters of Ashtamudi,
Kollam. My mother and fa-
ther had given full support
in this endeavour.
But why did you choose
Kollam as the destination?
Well, for me Kollam is
a gem. It’s a pristine
market. I do see a rustic
charm in Kollam when I
look through the eyes of a
traveller. Bustling narrow
streets, the central clock
tower, fishing harbours
and of course the back-
waters and narrow canals
will take you back in a
time warp. Kollam has so
much to offer for a tourist.
Ashtamudi backwaters,
Thenmala-Palaruvi trails,
Munroe Island and many
more tourist attractions
await discerning travel-
lers. Moreover, with the
strategic position of this
district as next to the state
capital, Kollam can offer
even more to tourists, but
only with the kind consid-
eration and help from the
authorities.
Can you please explain
further more on this?
Sure, actually I can go on
and on. But I will restrict
myself with some very
important points.
For e.g.: the backwaters
of Ashtamudi- Of course
she is pristine but many
parts, especially the areas
in contact with the most
of human population and
interaction like the area
near the KSRTC bus stand
and boat jetty are highly
polluted. It’s from here
the guest’s board house-
boats and other boats to
explore the beauty of the
backwaters. One can see
litter, plastic and the pres-
ence of the government
slaughter house near the
bus stand is the biggest
challenge. While travel-
ling abroad I have seen
how well other countries
aesthetically keep their
water bodies safe and you

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tend to compare with your
own. It’s sad. The feeling
of conservation and the
thought that ‘backwaters
are your backyard garbage
bin’ has to be totally eradi-
cated and I strongly feel
that we can only take this
slowly but steadily through
schools, colleges, tourism
& eco clubs etc. Entrepre-
neurs in this field, hotels,
resorts etc should come
forward for this drive.
Also we should make use
of media for this cam-
paign. I think the ‘Respon-
sible Tourism’ initiative by
Department of Tourism
can do a lot on this and we
will all be happy to take
part in our own way. After
all backwaters are not only
for Tourism and House-
boat cruises. We need to
keep them all very safe
and clean for the genera-
tions to come.
What are the USP’s of
Vihaara House boats?
In fact there are many,
right from the ambience to
the onboard activities and
cuisine. We have given
our utmost importance
to hygiene and safety of
our guests. For e.g.: the
life jackets are imported.
Likewise, a lot of tour
programmes like village
cycle tours, canoe rides
to fishing sports, onboard
cuisine classes etc will be
well appreciated. We have
state of the art in room
amenities and comforts.
After monsoon we will
start the cruises from
Kollam to Aleppey and
then to Kumarakom which
is a must see backwater
stretch. We have the oper-
ational capability to cruise
these routes. How about
some grilled jumbo prawns
or hot fish pollichathu on
a rainy day like this? We do
have some gastronomic
delights.
How do you rate the pres-
ent market scenario?
Has the global recession
scarred the business?
In what all ways do you
anticipate government
assistance?
Well, I would say yes, the
global business trends
wouldn’t leave us alone.
The market will have its
ups and downs. The tour-
ism and hospitality sector
is vulnerable in this way.
There are pay cuts and
similar measures taken all
over the world by employ-
ers. One will only suddenly
think of keeping off the
vacation travel and saving
this budget for something
more important. It’s here
the government can play
crucial role in attracting
domestic clients through
different types of cam-
paigns and I can say with
pride that Department
of Tourism, Government
mart

of Kerala has been a big
success. But more is to be
done. High taxes, double
taxation, the absence of
single window clearance
systems and of course
bureaucracy at certain
pockets will kill the goose.
It’s time for us to get up
and re position ourselves
with the fast moving
neighbours. Good roads,
availability of fresh water,
telecomm: facilities etc
will do wonders. For e.g.:
I have seen couple of bio
toilets recently installed at
a major tourist destina-
tion in Trivandrum in a
usable state. We all should
remember ‘small things
count a lot’.
That’s very interesting.
By the way what are your
future plans?
J P Hospitality ventures
will remain focused on
fleet expansion and re-
lated ventures in the near
future. We do have ideas
that will soon bring out
the niche products and
services to the market. I
feel the ‘cruise culture’
is not in yet, so we look
forward to explore this
segment. Future plans
also include our CSR’s that
are well explained in our
website:- www.vihaara-
houseboats.com
On a lighter note, what
are your pastimes?
Good question! Now my
favourite pastime is to
just sit on my boat’s deck
with a country fishing rod.
This may look silly, but
you need to have patience
and concentration for this
and Ifeel this is a stress
buster too. Otherwise I
like drives, travel, reading,
songs and spending time
with my kith & kin.
For more information-
6c, Beacon Green Lillies
Apts.
Near KSEB, Thirumala P.O.
Trivandrum - 695010.
+91 94472 11244
+91 9387305370 / +91 471
2356531
reservations@vihaara-
houseboats.com
operations@vihaarahouse-
boats.com
http://www.vihaarahouse-
boats.com

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India could’ve done without
Modern Art
Unlike with the Western
world, India has never had
a historic necessity to ex-
periment with a genre that
has come to be known as
modern art, according to
renowned painter-sculptor
A Ramachandran.
“Ideally, our art should be
advancing along a path
that is well rooted in the
country’s own visual cul-
ture,” says the Delhi-based
septuagenarian, whose
first-ever exhibition of
works in his native Kerala
concluded in this coastal
city last evening, lending
excitement to the cultural
circuit.
The Padma Bhushan
awardee notes that
Europe did have a reason
to rebel against paint-
ings schools that largely
revelled in realism till
the mid-19th century.
“Then photography was
invented. That invalidated
portrait and landscape
paintings. It was inevi-
table the art scene there
changed.”
Contrastingly, the Orient
never had an art culture
on parallel lines, notes the
78-year-old icon. “We in
India have for long seen a
flourish of various schools
of art, none of which re-
sorted to realism. It will be
beautiful if each or most
of them continued to ex-
ist,” says the artist whose
15-day mini retrospective
METRO ART
A Ramachandran
METROSeptember 201334 T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M mart

in Kochi was organised by
Vadehra Art Gallery (VAG)
of Delhi, where Ramach-
andran has been living for
the past five decades.
Ramachandran’s exhibi-
tion at the two-storeyed
Durbar Hall Gallery had its
ground floor featuring the
artist’s post-Yayati works
such as Lotus Ponds that
are inspired by time-
tested aesthetics of Indian
art. Yayati, Ramachan-
dran’s masterpiece, was
completed in 1986 and
around the time the artist
began developing a com-
pletely different approach
towards art.
At the refurbished one-
time palace here, curator
R Siva Kumar chose to
split its well-lit space to
tastefully accommodate
contrasting genres of the
two defining periods of
Ramachandran, realising
the artist’s decade-old
dream of showing one’s
own creations to fellow
Malayalis. The upper deck
of the 160-year-old but
recently-renovated build-
ing housed images that
portray the darker side
of human life, brimming
with moods of violence
and sarcasm — such as
Anatomy Lesson and The
Puppet Theatre.
Ramachandran notes
that Kerala’s modernist
movements in literature
and cinema in the last
century was spearheaded
by rooted writers such
as Thakazhi and Basheer
and filmmakers like G
Aravindan and Adoor
Gopalakrishnan. “Para-
doxically, when it came to
art, the Malayali did not
have leaders who drew
inspiration from their own
moorings,” he shrugs.
He, however, is happy that
the state “has begun to
broaden its visual spheres
to accept aesthetics unfa-
miliar to it”.
Arun Vadehra, who owns
the VAG, reveals that the
gallery will be organising
a mega exhibition of the
comprehensive works of
Ramachandran next year
on the occasion of his
50th year in the capital.
The just-concluded Kochi
show was a big draw. Art-
ist Somji aka K A Soman
described the exhibition
as “an entirely different
experience providing rich
visual interpretations on
aesthetic values”. Blogger
and critic Dr Ajay Sekher
said the water-colours
were “illuminating and
refreshing”.
Ramachandran, who was
born in downstate Attin-
gal in 1935, did his Masters
in Malayalam literature
before leaving Thiruva-
nanthapuram for West
Bengal in 1957 to pursue
the study of art
at Santiniketan
under masters such
as Ramkinkar Baij,
Nandalal Bose and
Benodebehari Mukherjee.
“His creativity bears rich
shades of exposure to
varied cultures of India
and the rest of the world,”
notes Prof Siva Kumar,
who has been teaching art
at Visva-Bharati Univer-
sity for more than three
decades.
Ramachandran, whose
early paintings were an an-
gry young man’s anxious
and emotional response
to human suffering, had a
second tryst with Kerala
in the early 1990s when he
was appointed chairman
of the state Lalithakala
Akademi. Even so, this was
the first time the celeb-
rity’s works were exhibited
anywhere in Kerala.
The artist, who has been
living in Delhi since 1964,
taught art at Jamia Millia
Islamia in the city for 27
years before taking volun-
tary retirement. In 2002,
he was elected a Fellow
at the Central Lalit Kala
Akademi.
The next year, he was
awarded the Raja Ravi
Varma Puraskaram and, in
2005, conferred the the
country’s third-highest
civilian honour.
September 2013 35
www.metromartdaily.com

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Amritavarsham 60
Kerala’s forest depart-
ment will provide six lakh
saplings to be planted
across the state as part of
the massive nationwide af-
forestation drive launched
by the Mata Amritanan-
damayi Math (MAM),
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Shri Oommen Chandy an-
nounced.
The Chief Minister formally
inaugurated the initiative
at Cliff House, his official
residence in the state
capital, by putting into the
ground the first of 60 lakh
CM inaugurates Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s year-long nationwide
campaign
saplings that the Math
intends to plant across the
country in one year’s time.
One tenth of these trees
will be planted in Kerala
and the saplings for the
purpose will be provided
by the state forest depart-
ment. The first 1.75 lakh
of the saplings will be
handed over immediately
and around 50,000 will be
provided every month with
the aim of meeting the tar-
get for Kerala by June next
year, Shri Chandy said.
The afforestation cam-
paign is among a number
of initiatives rolled out by
the Math as part of the
60th birthday celebrations
of spiritual leader Mata
Amritanandamayi Devi,
fondly called Amma by
her followers around the
world.
“Environment protection
and conservation is one
of the most important
services we can do for the
society,” Shri Chandy said.
“It is laudable that the
Math has undertaken such
a project on the occasion
METRO FOCUS
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Kerala government to provide six lakh
saplings for afforestation drive

of Amma’s 60th birthday.”
MAM, a non-governmental
organisation, is leading
the “Amritavarsham 60”
campaign to mark Amma’s
60th birthday on Septem-
ber 27. The celebrations
will be held at Amritapuri,
Kollam, over two days
from September 26-27,
and are expected to draw
around five lakh followers
and admirers of Amma.
Swami Jnanamritananda
Puri of MAM’s Amritapuri
Ashram said the celebra-
tion by Amma’s devotees
the world over serve as a
reminder of the decades
of selfless service that
she has rendered to
the society. “The new
programmes we have
launched are an extension
of the compassion, kind-
ness and love she has for
the people,” he said.
Present at the function
were Brahmachari Sivam-
rita Chaitanya of MAM’s
Kaimanam Ashram, Brahm-
achari Tapasyamrita Chait-
anya of MAM’s Amritapuri
Ashram, Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests
Shri B S Korri and Assistant
Conservator of Forests Shri
Jayakumar Sharma.
MAM will organise the
distribution and planting
of the saplings across India
drawing support from
its huge community of dev-
otee-volunteers as well as
its educational institutions.
The afforestation drive will
also be conducted abroad
where Amma’s other
devotee-run organisa-
tions, collectively known
as ‘Embracing the World’,
will facilitate the sapling-
distribution and planting.
As a member of the United
Nations Billion Tree Cam-
paign, MAM has already
assisted in the planting
of more than one-million
trees since 2001.
The afforestation
programme is part of
volunteer-run green activi-
ties conducted by MAM.
These include the Amala
Bharatam Campaign (ABC),
a programme aimed at im-
proving public health and
at restoring India’s beauty.
Through ABC, the MAM
has already undertaken
more than 1,000 cleaning
drives throughout India
since 2010. At the request
of the Kerala Government,
it helped remove hundreds
of tonnes of trash from the
famous pilgrimage site of
Sabarimala Temple and the
adjoining Pampa River in
south-central Kerala.
This afforestation program
and MAM’s cleaning drives
are part of Amma’s teach-
ing that “The Creator and
the creation are not two”
and that service to the
environment is service to
the Divine.
We have been conducting
various social service activi-
ties every month. This month
while celebrating the 60th
birthday of Amma, the activi-
ties are taken up in a large
scale. Cleaning drive of public
places has been taken up
in Thiruvananthapuram. At
University office compound,
the staff and students along
with the public participated
in the cleaning drive. Stu-
dents from several colleges
such as Women’s college,
Law college and Institute of
Management, Kerala and
school children volunteered
for the cleaning activities.
The objective is to create
public awareness, that it is
also their responsibility in
keeping public places clean
and tidy. Medical camp for
the poor and the needy is
held at Vizhinjam. Doctors
from Amrita Institute of
Medical Science will be at the
camp. Doctors from IMA will
be attending the event.
Sivamritha Chaitanya
Mata Amritanandamayi
Ashram Kaimanom

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METRO RECIPE
Keralan Puli Inchi (Sweet and Tangy Ginger)
If you like sweet and tangy dishes like me then I bet you...this will be your favorite.
This is a typical dish in all keralan festivals or functions..You can find this dish in their
plates.
Ingredients:
- Ginger-1 cup made into
paste
- Green chilli-5 made into
paste
- Tamarind / Puli -1 lemon
size dissolved in water
- Jaggery / Sarkarai / Vellam
Method:
- Heat 2 tblspn of oil in a
kadai and add ginger and
green chilli and mix well.
- Add in turmeric powder
and chilli powder and mix
well..
- Season with salt and mix
well..Pour in tamarind
juice and let it come to a
boil..
- Simmer for 10-15 mins
until it thickens up..
- Throw in jaggery and mix
well..Let this bubble for 5
mins till it get thickens..
-4 tblspn
- Turmeric powder / Man-
jalpodi / Haldi-1 tsp
- Chilli powder-2 tsp
Salt to taste
Coconut Oil-2 tblspn
For Tempering:
- Coconut oil-3 tblspn
- Mustard seeds / Kaduku-1
tsp
- Fenugreek seeds / Ven-
dayam -1/2 tsp
- Dry red chilli-2
- Asafoetida / Hing / Kay-
apodi-1 tsp
- Curry leaves-1 spring
I am Aarthi, I blog at Yum-
my Tummy. My passion
towards cooking started
just few years back. From
that day onwards I started
creating new recipes which
was really appreciated
by my friends and family.
I wanted to save those
recipes in a place where
it never gets destroyed.
Hence Yummy Tummy is
born. It started as my little
space where I store all my
recipes, but now it has a
grown a lot more than I
thought it would be. I up-
date my blog on a regular
basis with step by step
pictures which helps my
readers a lot and show the
ease of cooking. Do drop
at my space sometime,
everyone is welcome.
My Blog : http://www.yum-
mytummyaarthi.com
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This is a simple sidedish that can be made really quickly.
Usually they deep fry ladysfinger for this dish but I just
sautéd them in some oil till crispy and used it.
Vendaikai Kichadi
(Fried Ladysfinger in a Coconut
Yoghurt Sauce)
Season with some salt and
mix well.
- Add the fried ladysfinger
in this and mix well.
- Make tempering by heat-
ing oil and crackle - some
mustard,dry red chilli,curry
leaves.
- Pour this over the mix-
ture and mix well..
- Serve this with rice and
any curry
Ingredients:
- Ladysfinger-20 chopped
into thin rounds
- Curd- ½ cup
- Coconut- ½ cup
- Curry leaves-1 spring
- Green chilli-2 chopped
- Mustard seeds / Kaduku-1
tsp
- Dry Red Chilli-2
- Salt to taste
Nendrapazham Pradhaman (Payasam)
- Heat ghee in the same
kadai.
- Add the puree and saute
for 5 mins.
- Add in grated jaggery and
mix well till the jaggery is
dissoved.
- Now add the thin coconut
milk and let everything
cook for 5 mins.
- Add cardamom powder
and mix well.
- Now switch off the flame
and add the thicker coco-
nut milk, fried cashews and
raisans. Give it a stir.
- Serve hot or warm.
This one is specially served on onam, in keralan houses.
The aroma of this payasam is wonderful with all those
bananas, ghee, coconut milk and cardamom
- Coconut oil-3 tblspn
Method:
- Heat 2 tblspn of oil and
add the ladysfinger and
green chilli and fry till it
gets crispy and golden.It
will take around 10 mins.
- Grind coconut into
smooth paste.
- Take this in a mixing
bowl and add curd to this.
Ingredients:
- Ripe Banana / Nendra-
palam - 3
- Jaggery / Sarkarai - 1 cup
grated
- Thicker Coconut Milk - 1
cup
- Thinner Coconut Milk - 2
cups
- Ghee - 1 tblspn
- Cashews - 3 tblspn fried
- Raisans - 3 tblspn fried
- Cardamom Powder / -
Yelakai - 1 tsp
Method:
- Take chopped bananas in
a kadai. Cover with 1 cup
of water and let it cook for
10 mins till they are cooked
and tender.
- Now take them in a
blender and make into a
puree.

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Kerala Tourism Launches New
Gesture-Controlled Website
People from around the
globe browsing the inter-
net for a peep into Kerala’s
pristine destinations may
not need a mouse, track
pad or keyboard hence-
forth to navigate through
the pages – mere gestures
would be enough.
In yet another first,
the Kerala Tourism has
launched a new website
(http://when-it-rains.com)
with gesture-controlled
features to help its users.
The website, the first by a
state tourism board in the
country, introduces a user
to the rain-washed plains,
misty hills and the majestic
backwaters of Kerala
through a gesture-based
interface.
Launched as a part of the
monsoon campaign by
Kerala Tourism, the new
website is one of the few
tourism websites in the
world to use the gesture-
controlled technology.
Visually stunning images
of the monsoon shot by
Facebook fans of Kerala
Tourism are used in the
new website, developed
by Stark Communications,
the official marketing and
communications agency of
the Kerala Tourism Depart-
ment.
The website tracks move-
ments and gestures made
by a user in front of a
webcam and responds to
them, giving a user-friendly
experience to those
browsing it.
We are proud to present
an innovative new website
to people around the
world who can now sit
in front of a computer or
with a smart phone and
enjoy the multifarious ex-
periences of the monsoon
in Kerala even before they
arrive in the state, said
Kerala Tourism Secretary
Shri Suman Billa.
The new technology
available today like the
gesture-controlled feature
on our new website plays
an important role in link-
ing destinations with the
people, Shri Billa added.
Kerala Tourism Director
Shri Hari Kishore described
TRAVEL MART
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September 2013 41www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 41www.metromartdaily.com September 2013 41www.metromartdaily.com
the gesture-
controlled
website as yet
another step
in extending
to the world
the many
experiences
that Kerala
can offer to a
visitor. Inter-
estingly, the
new website is
a combination
of innovative
technology
and the fasci-
nating experi-
ences of the fans of Kerala
around the world, Shri
Kishore said.
The social media was quick
to embrace the Kerala
Tourism’s new gesture-
controlled website. Since
its launch on 28th May
2013, the new website
has already received over
100,000 visits. The post
on Facebook about the
website has been seen
by about 800,000 people
so far and has got 13,000
likes besides 300 tweets
about the website.
The Kerala Tourism is a
pioneer in integrating
technology in promoting
destinations both in India
and abroad. The depart-
ment’s award-winning
website
(www.
keralatourism.
org) is one of
the most-vis-
ited tourism
websites in
the world. Re-
cently, Kerala
Tourism had
organized a
live webcast
of a Theyyam
performance
from a temple
on its website
for a global
audience.

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Visa-on-Arrival facility is a boost for
Kerala Tourism, says Chief Minister
The introduction of Tourist
Visa-on-Arrival (T-VoA)
facility at Thiruvanantha-
puram and Kochi airports
marks a new chapter for
Kerala Tourism and will
help attract more foreign
visitors to the state,
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri.
Oommen Chandy said.
The Chief Minister, accom-
panied by Hon’ble Minister
for Tourism Shri A P Anil
Kumar, Hon’ble Minister
for Health Shri V S Sivaku-
mar and senior officials,
reviewed arrangements at
the special T-VoA counter
which became operational
on August 15 at the Thiru-
vananthapuram Interna-
tional Airport.
A roughly 250 sq ft holding
area has been set aside in
the Immigration section
and the exclusive visa
desks are manned by Intel-
ligence Bureau officials.
Special enclosures have
been built for photograph-
ing visitors, and displays,
signages and foreign
exchange counters have
been set up at the facility.
T-VoA is currently available
for citizens of 11 coun-
tries –Japan, Singapore,
Finland, Luxembourg,
New Zealand, the Philip-
pines, Cambodia, Laos,
Vietnam, Myanmar and
Indonesia. These countries
are markets where Kerala
Tourism sees vast potential
and is beginning to make
significant inroads. For
instance the tourist arrivals
from Japan rose by around
56% in five years to 11,440
in 2012; and the arrivals
from Finland more than
doubled over the period to
5,160 last year. Tourist ar-
rivals from countries such
as New Zealand, Singapore
and The Philippines have
similarly risen between 75%
and 90% since 2008.
“The VoA facility has been
a long-standing demand
from Kerala Tourism and
now that we have got
it, we intend to take full
advantage of it,” said Shri
A P Anil Kumar. “We are
especially thankful to the
METRO EVENT
Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports are among only eight in the country
to offer T-VoA. It was rolled out in the first phase in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata
and Chennai. Two other airports that got T-VoA facility in the second phase
are Bangalore and Hyderabad. Kerala is also the only state to have two
airports offering the service.
mart

central government and
union ministers from Kera-
la, including Shri Mullapally
Ramachandran and Shri K
C Venugopal, for bringing
this service here.”
He said the service,
although limited to 11
countries now, has opened
up new avenues for Kerala
Tourism. “The Depart-
ment of Tourism will take
the campaign to these
countries, we will take part
in travel fairs and take our
roadshows there to tell
people there how conve-
nient visiting Kerala is.”
The Minister informed that
Kerala Tourism will take
part, for the first time,
in one of Asia’s biggest
tourism events – the JATA
Travel Showcase 2013
in Tokyo from
September 12-15.
And in January
2014, it will travel to
Helsinki, Finland, for the
MATKA Nordic Travel Fair
targeting the northern
European markets.
“We believe the T-VoA
scheme will help Kerala
Tourism achieve its target
of 30 lakh foreign tourist
The impact of Visa on Arrival facility
at Thiruvananthapuram Airport
from eleven countries
Thiruvananthapuram Inter-
national Airport is one of
the eight gateway airports
in India, which has Tourist
Visa on Arrival (TVoA) facil-
ity. Thiruvananthapuram
and Kochi are airports with
TVoA, by making it two
such airports in Kerala.
One of the main hassles
international tourists have
been facing was obtaining
Indian Visa in time. Many
tourists from the potential
source markets have been
put-off because of the
trouble in obtaining Visa.
Now with the two airports
in Kerala getting the status
of VoA points, Kerala
Tourism will get a sudden
boom in the number of
tourist arrivals. Kerala
can promote this facility
to the holiday-makers of
11 countries to make use
of the facility. The TVoA
desk started operating on
15th August at Thiruvana-
nthapuram International
Airport. Tourists from
Finland, Luxembourg,
Myanmar, Singapore,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Viet-
nam, Philippines, and Laos
can obtain their Visas, on
arrival at our airports. The
necessary infrastructure
prescribed by the Bureau
of Immigration (BOI) has
been already setup. Tour-
ists can get a TVoA with
a maximum validity of 30
days. The purpose should
be recreation, sightsee-
ing, and meeting friends
or relatives. The visitors
should have a confirmed
hotel booking and return
ticket, and should pay a
fee of US $ 60.
A focused publicity
campaign should be car-
ried out at these markets
letting all the concerned
know of this facility. The
tour operators in those
countries should be well
briefed about the facil-
ity. In the international
travel marts, this should be
projected as an attraction
of Kerala Tourism. Very
attractive options of pack-
ages should be developed
by the tourism industry so
that the tourists can have
a total feel of Kerala within
the time available. We
should learn the special in-
terest of each country and
suitable packages should
be offered.
E M Najeeb

mart
arrivals by 2021,” he said.
Kerala recorded 7,89,698
foreign tourist arrivals in
2012 the foreign exchange
earnings tourched Rs
4,548 crores.
Shri V S Sivakumar said
plans are underway to
create a Mobility Hub cen-
tered on the Thiruvanan-
thapuram Airport. This will
be a one-stop facility for
visitors to access all trans-
port services – air, road,
rail and waterways. A high-
level committee is due to
meet in the first week of
September to discuss the
Mobility Hub scheme and
also a proposal to set up
an airport-linked industrial
base consisting of small
and medium enterprises
manufacturing aircraft/
aviation components.
The Chief Minister said
plans for the next phases
of expansion of the Thiru-
vananthapuram airport are
also progressing well.
Senior officials who vis-
ited the VoA facility today
include Shri Suman Billa,
Secretary, Kerala Tourism;
Shri S Harikishore, Direc-
tor, Kerala Tourism and
Shri V N Chandran, Direc-
tor, Thiruvananthapuram
Airport.
T-VoA allows tourists from
the 11 nations to request
for a visa upon their ar-
rival at either of the two
airports. The fee is 60 US
dollars and the visa is valid
for up to 30 days. It will
be issued only twice in
one calendar year and to
visitors who come to India
for recreation, sightseeing
and meeting friends or
relatives.
Those applying for the visa
should not have residence
or occupation in India and
should hold a passport
with a minimum validity of
six months. They should
need to produce proof of
confirmed hotel booking
and return tickets when
applying for the T-VoA.
The decision to introduce
Visa on Arrival service at
select airports in the coun-
try, including Thiruvanan-
thapuram and Kochi, was
taken at the third meeting
of the Inter-ministerial
Committee on Tourism.
The Union Ministry of
Home Affairs gave its ap-
proval for the project and
the Bureau of Immigration
issued guidelines for the
infrastructure facilities to
be put in place.
Visa On Arrival - Fillip to the tourism sector
Visa on arrival (VOA) has
been introduced in Thiru-
vananthapuram and Kochi
airports. This is a welcome
move for the tourism
industry which has been
in the doldrums ever since
the start of the economic
recession in the west.
VOA as of now is only for
11 countries which are not
great sources for tourism
into India. Hence the focus
should be to concentrate
on tourism promotion in
these countries and fur-
ther expand VOA to coun-
tries such as UK, Germany,
Switzerland, USA, etc. The
time is now appropriate to
launch a serious marketing
offensive especially in the
wake of the fall in Rupee
value which should make
travel to India cheaper for
tourists. The Kerala Hotel
and Restaurant Associa-
tion is always willing to
extend all support to any
step the state or central
government may take in
this regard.
G Sudhiesh Kumar
Managing Director
Hotel Sea Face
mart

Sreekrishnolsav refreshed the
principles of Holy Scriptures
‘Sreekrishnolsav 2013’
was held in the city to
celebrate Sree Krishna
Jayanthi on August 28th
2013. Logo for the event
was released by H.H As-
wathi Thirunal Goury Lek-
shmi Bai Thampuratty and
Swamini Gurupriya Puri of
Madhava Swamy Ashram
Thirumala. The event
held jointly by Kalanidhi,
Metromart, Mathrubhumi,
Sayanthanam, FRAT and
Madhavaswami Ashra-
mam was inaugurated by
M. Jayachandran – the
singer, composer and
musician. While Geetha
Rajendran Kalanidhi Gen-
eral Secretary welcomed
the gathering, Siji Nair,
Metromart MD presided
over the inaugural meet-
ing. Brahmasree Gurupriya
Puri gave a discourse at
the function. N. S. Vinod
Kumar was special guest
of the occasion. Councilor
P. Ashok Kumar, FRAT
Rakshadhikari Punchakari
G. Raveendran Nair, N.S.
Janardhanan Pillai, and B.
Raghunatha Pillai spoke at
the event. Maruthamkuzhi
Harikumar gave Vote of
Thanks.
A competition was held
in Ramayana discourse
for school students and
Bhagavat Gita discourse
for college students.
Quiz was conducted on
scriptures by Azhakam Aji
Kumar for school/college
students. Competition win-
ners were presented gifts
at the event. The event
concluded with Sri Krishna
Leelamrutham dance pre-
sentation by Mohan Kumar
Kalakshetra and party of
Kalanidhi Nrithanjali.
The event succeeded in
identifying the knowledge
of school and college stu-
dents in Holy Scriptures.
The teachings of Sree
Krishna were conversed
upon at the function. The
principles of Bhagavat
Githa and Ramayana and
its great importance to
humanity in today’s world
were once brushed up in
the minds of the gatheing.

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Kowdiar Park is to have a magnificent
memorial of Swami Vivekananda.
Thiruvananthapuram
Corporation’s Kowdiar
Park now has a magnifi-
cent memorial of Swami
Vivekananda. The instal-
lation was inaugurated
on September 11 by Vice
President M. Hamid Ansari
as the nation celebrates
the 120th anniversary of
Vivekananda’s historic
Chicago speech.
The monument has a
height of 40 feet. The
10-foot tall bronze statue
of Vivekananda is sculpted
by the Chennai-based
Dakshinamoorthy. This
Smriti Mandapam would
have the features of a
Kerala temple, following
traditional Vastu principles.
Kanyakumari Vivekananda
Kendram, Thiruvanantha-
puram Sree Ramakrish-
nashramam, Bharatheeya
Vichara Kendram and
other prominent citizens
of Thiruvananthapuram
have come together to
put up this memorial. The
estimate cost of the struc-
ture is Rupees 1 crore. 100
tonnes of Krishnashila was
brought in from Tamilna-
du. Under the guidance of
Aranmula Vastu Vidya Gu-
rukulam, the carving works
were done at Chengannur.
Casting sheets have been
fetched from Mannar. Vas-
tu expert and Consultant
Engineer Manoj S. Nair of
Vastu Vidya Gurukulam at
Aranmula designed this
Smriti Mandapam.
P. Parameswaran, director,
Bharatheeya Vichara Ken-
dram has been monitor-
ing the progress of the
installation. He said that
it is being completed as
an eternal monument and
that it would add beauty
and pride to Thiruvanan-
thapuram. Thiruvanantha-
puram Mayor K. Chandrika
is the president of the
construction committee,
patronized by Uthradom
Thirunal Marthanda Varma,
head of the royal family of
erstwhile Travancore.
mart
EVENT SCAN

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Authentic Mughlai Food Festival at ‘The
Capital’ in the state capital
The stylish business hotel
‘The Capital’ situated in the
heart of Thiruvanantha-
puram city offers a unique
combination of upscale,
elegant, warm hospitality
and exceptional services.
Leisure travelers and busi-
ness travelers alike find
this hotel conveniently
located, refreshingly inti-
mate and modern with its
37 rooms and suites.
The hotel has a multi-cui-
sine restaurant which of-
fers a tasty fare of Indian,
Chinese and Continental
food. The candle-light
dining facility at this hotel
is quite popular. With the
festive season of Onam
on, ‘The Capital’ held a
‘Mughlai’ food festival
at its roof-top banquet
area. The vegetarian and
non-vegetarian appetizers
included Chicken Shorba,
Shahi Murg Soup, Mughlai
Mutton Malai Soup, and
Hareera Shorba. A variety
of salads were put up at
the fest. Kababs such as
Paneer Shahi Tikka, Dingri
Malai Tikka, Hara Bara Ka-
Sunil Kumar
Executive Chef
The Capital
DINING MART
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bab, Makai Galouti Kabab,
Murg Malai Tikka, Murg
Achari Tikka, Boti Kabab
were pleasing to the sense
of taste. Moving on to the
main course, the Mughlai
bread specialties such as
Masala Mughlai Keema
Paratha, Shahi Paratha,
Puthina Paratha can be
paired with Jhinga Malai
Curry, Machili Mumtaz,
Palak Gosht, Meat Durbari,
Keema Muttor, Mutton Ro-
gan Josh, Shahjehani Murg
Masala, Murg Noorjahani,
and the vegetarian Darbari
Dal and Dal Maharani. For
the rice lovers, biriyani
and pulao items along
with Mughlai curries such
as Shahi Paneer, Baingan
Musslam were available.
The extravagant meal do
not make one turn away
from experiencing the
sweetness of Mughlai des-
serts which include Makai
Ka Halwa – of corn, Fruity
Firni – from rice powder,
milk and mixed fruits, Zaf-
rani Shahi Tukre – of bread
slices in sweet syrup.
Rare dishes of the Mughlai
cuisine such as Lajjaldar
Paneer, Paneer Tamatari,
and Shahi Chicken Korma
are made available. Breads
like Mughlai Paratha made
of mutton keema and
Shahi Paratha of chicken
are highlighted. The Chef
Sunil Kumar S. with his
22 years of experience in
various countries is get-
ting ready to conduct a
Payasam Mela from Sept
8th to 14th with 26 kinds of
payasams at ‘The Capital’.
Ada Prathaman will be
available on all days. Five
payasam items have been
planned for each day. The
variety includes pappaya,
pineapple, kappa, beetroot
and tender coconut. The
Chef said that any special
demand in advance for a
particular payasam will
also be accommodated.
The Mughlai fest, he said,
has been very successful
and the response has been
remarkable.
The ambience at the roof-
top is further conditioned
with live instrumental
music, gazals, and clas-
sicals performed by a
talented group. ‘The Capi-
tal’ offered the residents
of Thiruvananthapuram
city to experience the
relishing cuisine of Mughal
Royalty. The panoramic
view of the entire city and
Arabian Sea, the soothing
live gazals, wafting flavors,
and a distinctive aroma of
whole and ground spices –
provides the guests all the
reasons to indulge.

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The world’s No.1 three-wheeler has just
become better
The new range of RE
‘Compact’ passenger
vehicles was unveiled by
Bajaj Auto – the world’s
largest manufacturer of
three wheelers. Of the 7
variants, the two-stroke
and four-stroke versions
fired by petrol, CNG and
LNG were launched. The
diesel version would be
launched in a few months.
The RE ‘Compact’ gives
enhanced performance
with its key features which
include advanced DTSI
engine, stronger chassis,
and ergonomic design of
shift levers and pedals
offering comfort for both
driver and passengers.
The efficiency of this new
range is apparent from
the 10-15% better fuel ef-
ficiency, reduced main-
tenance costs, improved
durability and reliability,
easy serviceability, and
easy repair technologies. It
provides more savings for
the customers.
R.C. Maheswari, Presi-
dent (Sales & Marketing,
Commercial Vehicles),
Bajaj Auto Ltd., said the
new range would help the
customers increase their
earnings and provides
a vast improvement in
the quality of their lives
through these greener,
more fuel efficient, more
comfortable and more
reliable vehicles. He also
added that the changes
in the new range are of
technology, which would
be experienced over the
life of the vehicle.
RE ‘Compact’ are designed
to have an uber-stylish
look. The vehicle derives
additional strength with
its new three-piece chassis
in the front, which also
improves the loading
capacity. RE ‘Compact’ has
succeeded in keeping up
with the mission of ‘Bajaj
Auto’ to continually en-
hance customer benefits
and user experience.
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AUTO MART

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The Leading Designer Shop in
Thiruvananthapuram
Charms – the Jeans store
which began in 1980 has
an array of high fashion,
trend setting clothes for
the modern man. Rajesh
Vijayan, the proprietor
of the shop, has drawn
inspiration for his designs
from across the globe. He
has had the experience
of designing clothes for
actors in the tinsel world.
The customers of Charms
include people from a
variety of fields including
professionals, students,
and those from the cinema
field. The designer clothes
from Charms have won
prizes in a number of Fash-
ion Shows. Wedding out-
fits are another specialty
of Charms. Designing of
wedding gowns for ladies
is also currently taken up
at this shop. A new shop
focusing on wedding out-
fits for brides and grooms
is planned. To overcome
the limitations arising
from branded costumes,
Charms assists the clients
with customized designs.
The quality of stitching is
maintained at top level
for all the dresses made
available at this shop.
The dressing materials at
Charms can be considered
as heralding the arrival of
updated fashion trends in
the city. Linen shirts, den-
im jeans, etc. are available
at this designer store. For
over 30 years, the clothing
apparels from Charms
have been extremely well
received across India.
For more details-
Charms Tailors
Vanross Jn,Trivandrum
Tel 0471 4064333
Email-charmsrajesh@
gmail.com
METRO BYTE
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Onam offers at Indroyal
The wide array of
innovative, space-saving
and stylishly-designed
furniture selections at
Indroyal assists customers
to transform their living
spaces from the ordinary
into the extraordinary. This
Onam, Indroyal offers a
discount of up to 40% on
their furniture collection.
Three lucky individuals
would win a two-wheeler
each. In addition, a holiday
package is given to those
who purchase for one
lakh and above. The fam-
ily (two adults and two
kids) holiday package is
of one night and two days
at Poovar Island Resort.
There is also a ‘Buy Now
Pay Later’ scheme wherein
customers can pay in in-
stallments without having
to pay any interest up to 6
months. The Onam offers
at Indroyal gives one and
all a chance to convert
their homes into a real
heaven with the durable,
stylish and quality Indroyal
products.
KTM 2014 to explore new markets
Abraham George,
Chairman & Managing
Director of Intersight
Group of Companies, has
been unanimously elected
as the new president of
the Kerala Travel Mart
Chacko, and Treasurer
– Jose Pradeep.The
Managing committee
members include
Baby Mathew, Dilip
Pottamkulam, Hari Kumar
C,Janeesh J,Jose Mathew,
Mathew C Thomas, .
Mathews E V, Ravindran
K, Riaz Ahmed, Riyaz U
C, Ross Masood, Sajeev
Kurup V, and Scaria Jose.
Mathew Philip continues
as the CEO of KTM.The
(KTM) for 2013-15.
The other office-bearers
are: Vice president-
Gopalakrishnan M.R.,
Secretary- Anish Kumar
P.K., Joint Secretary- Roy
Anish kumar
Abraham George
new president
Abraham George
said that KTM
2014 will explore
new markets and identify
more quality buyers
from countries in East
Asia, South America,
and Europe. He said
that KTM will target to
attain benefit from the
rupee devaluation and
will penetrate the global
market to make use of this
opportunity.
Jose Pradeep

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Ramanujan’s life is an inspiration
for youth
The life of mathematical
genius Srinivasa Ramanu-
jan is a lesson for every
young person on how
sheer determination can
help overcome every ob-
stacle and help one reach
the pinnacle in their cho-
sen field of study, Hon’ble
Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy said
“Ramanujan was a man
who encountered unimag-
inable difficulties in his life
and still triumphed. His
devotion to mathematics
and his contributions will
continue to inspire genera-
tions of mathematicians
to come,” Shri Chandy
said while releasing the
Malayalam translation of
Robert Kanigel’s acclaimed
biography The Man Who
Knew Infinity: A Life of the
Genius Ramanujan.
The first copy of Anan-
thatthe Arinja Aal was
received by Prof. V N
Rajasekharan Pillai, the
Executive Vice President
of the Kerala State Council
for Science Technology
and Environment (KSC-
STE).
The book is a joint project
of the Srinivasa Ramanujan
Institute of Basic Sciences
(SRIBS) – a capacity build-
ing initiative of the KSCSTE
– and the State Institute
of Languages, with the
support of the Ramanujan
Mathematical Society.
It was translated by
professors P Ramachandra
Menon and T M Sankaran
and Dr J W Crystal Florey
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METRO BYTE
Kanigel’s biography of the mathematical genius released in Malayalam

and is the second transla-
tion of Kanigel’s work in an
Indian language. A Bengali
version was released re-
cently.
Shri K C Joseph, Hon’ble
Minister for Culture,
who presided over the
book release function at
the Kerala Science and
Technology Museum said
Ramanujan’s life should
also make us rethink the
way the education system
functions today.
“Ramanujan was a
self-made man. He was
shunned by the conven-
tional education system at
the time because of his ob-
session with mathematics,
to the exclusion of other
subjects; but his devotion
was genuine and it paid
off eventually,” he said.
“Our education system too
often fails to recognize the
innate talent of students
and we direct them down
paths that are chosen for
them by others.”
Prof. Rajasekharan Pillai
said Ramanujan’s life and
Kanigel’s retelling of it
demonstrated the univer-
sality of science. “Every
student and teacher must
read this for the important
lessons it contains,” he
said.
Prof. Pillai said KSCSTE
and the Kerala Institute of
Languages are collaborat-
ing to bring more such
important works in science
to the Malayalam speaking
public.
Dr M R Thampan, Direc-
tor of the Institute of
Languages; Prof. C G
Ramachandran Nair,
Member, Governing Body
of the Institute; Prof.
Ambat Vijayakumar, Head
of the Department of
Mathematics at CUSAT and
Dr Shibu Sridhar, Assistant
Director, Kerala Institute
of Languages spoke on the
occasion.
Kanigel’s inspirational
book published in 1991
details the extraordinary
life and work of Ramanu-
jan, especially his seminal
mathematical contribu-
tions and his
life-changing asso-
ciation with English
mathematician G H
Hardy.
The translation of the
book into all Indian
languages was a nation-
wide initiative launched in
2012 by the Government
of India as part of the
National Mathematical
Year celebrations to mark
the 125th anniversary of
Ramanujan’s birth.
The book release cer-
emony at the Priyadarshini
Seminar Hall of KSTM was
preceded by the screening
of a documentary on the
life of the mathematician
who died in 1920 aged just
32 after compiling thou-
sands of astonishing math-
ematical results despite
having no formal training
in the subject. Letters
from an Indian Clerk, the
documentary by Christo-
pher Sykes, was produced
in 1987 on the centenary of
Ramanujan’s birth.

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Trivandrum Talent Show
Trivandrum is going
to witness the largest
students’ Talent fest in
the district. Face Media
Research Center and Face
Media Communications is
jointly conducting the First
‘TRIVANDRUM TALENT
SHOW’ from September
third week to November
2013. It consists of several
competitions and other
programmes in order
to find out the talented
students in Trivandrum
district. More than One
lakh students from 5000
schools in Trivandrum
district will participate in
this gala of events.
‘Talent Face Scholarship
Examination’ for LP, UP
level students is one of
the main attractions of the
festival. Those who receive
more than 50% marks in
the Preliminary written
examination in their own
schools get qualified to
sub-district level competi-
tions. First three winners
from each sub-district level
will be eligible for final
competition.
Another specialty of this
fest is the ‘Talent Quiz’
Competitions for LP, UP
and High School students.
Along with individual
competitions conducted in
schools, school teams can
also participate directly in
sub-district level competi-
tions.
The winners will be
awarded with Gold Med-
als, Mementos, Cash
Prizes, Scholarships, Books
and study tour etc.
Competitions on Painting,
Recitation, Elocution, Act-
ing, Dance, Poetry Writing,
Reading, Music, IQ test, Es-
say Writing, Story Writing,
and Project Presentation
etc will be conducted on
different dates as a part of
this Festival. Those who
outshined in school youth
festivals or other competi-
tions on these items earlier
can apply. Expert judging
panel guides the competi-
tions.
The students participat-
ing in this show will get
a chance to meet the
Masters and also obtain
several Media Workshops,
Film Workshops, Acting
Workshops, Personal-
ity Development Classes,
Language Training etc.
The first 50 students who
register from each school
can attend different
workshops. There will be
various Seminars, IT Fest,
Science Fest, Children’s
Film Festival, Study Tour
and lot more. Registration
started for the students
who studies in Trivandrum
districts. For registration
and more details Con-
tact: 9961035240. Email:
trivandrumtalentshow@
gmail.com. Updations can
also available through
facebook.com/trivandrum-
talentshow.
METRO UPDATE
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Onolsav 2013 with Janamaithri Police
Janamaithri Onolsav 2013
was jointly organized
by Janamaithri Police,
Kalanidhi and Metromart
at Bhagyamala Audito-
rium, Chandrasekharan
Nair Stadium. Minister for
Home and Vigilance Thiru-
vanchoor Radhakrishnan
inaugurated the event.
He said the Janamaithri
Police should take part in
Onolsav and convey their
message to the public.
Metromart CEO and Man-
aging Director Siji Nair,
Kalanidhi General Secre-
tary Geetha Rajendran,
Janamaithri nodal office
Assistant Commissioner
Sajan Koikkal, B Sandhya
IPS and
other
prominent
people
took part
in the
event.
Seminars
on con-
temporary
topics such
as Janamaithri and women
safety, free medical camp,
musical workshop, an
eventful cultural evening
were featured. Onam kits
were distributed for free
to poor families at the
Onolsav. Cultural activi-
ties such as Thiruvathira
kali, Kolkali etc., were
performed at the function.
‘Janangalanu Police’ – a
play performed by Jana-
maithri Police took place.
A drama titled ‘Mam-
pazham’ written by Rajeev
Gopalkrishnan was held at
Janamaithri Onolsav 2013.
The Kerala State Council
for Science Technology
and Environment (KSCSTE)
is launching a series of
special coaching classes
for high school students to
help widen their knowl-
edge base and build a
scientific temperament
among them.
The classes will supple-
ment science lessons
taught in schools and
the scheme supported
by the District Institute
of Education &Training
(DIET) Trivandrum, which
Schools invited to join KSCSTE’s new science
enrichment venture for students
functions under the Kerala
Department of Education.
The inaugural programme
will be a day-long seminar
titled ‘Sasthra Sameeksha’
to be conducted on Sat-
urday, September 28, at
the auditorium in Sasthra
Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruva-
nanthapuram.
The classes will be taken
by reputed science teach-
ers and will cover topics
such as ‘Science in the
Class & Home’, ‘Computer
as an Educational tool’
and ‘The world of Science
fiction’.
Each school can nomi-
nate three to five Class IX
students and one science
teacher, if they are inter-
ested, to take part in the
programme. A total of 60
students will be enrolled in
one batch.
The schools may send
names of the participants
to Principal, DIET, At-
tingal, Trivandrum before
September 20. For more
details call: 9447321100.
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Malayalees are all set to welcome Onam
Onam is at our doorstep! The spectacular festival attracts thousands of tourists
from across the country and the globe. The most honorable aspect of Onam is that it
makes a time for homecoming of people staying far away from their families. NRKs
are back at home to join their families on this auspicious occasion.
Immense popularity of the festival is further promoted by the Government of Kerala
by celebrating Kerala Tourism Week during the time of Onam. The festival is celebraed
with equal fervor irrespective of class or creed.
Business establishments in the city considering Onam as a commercial opportunity
offer different schemes and facilities for their customers.
The District Tourism Promotion Councils would conduct arts and cultural events in
all the districts during this period. In Thiruvananthapuram district, there would be
events organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council at places such as Varkala,
Chirakeezh, Shanghumugham, Aruvikkara, Neyyar Dam and Kovalam.
A number of events such as kite flying competition, classical and modern events,
variety of food fests, etc., are set to take place across Thiruvananthapuram - the
Capital city of the State.
Metro Mart, true to its form, has done wide coverage of the happenings in
Thiruvananthapuram this Onam. It has also organised ‘Onolsav 2013’ from Sept 11th
to 15th in association with Janamaithri Police and Kalanidhi. At Onolsav, the agenda
includes arts and cultural programmes along with medical camps, trade fair and exhi-
bition, etc. Metro Mart welcomes one and all to Onolsav 2013.
I take the pleasure of wishing you all a Very Happy Onam.
Vyapaar 2012 will act as an exciting platf
for Indian traders as it will feature a var
exhibits from various sectors. It is a com
Trade Show on Technology, Electronics,
Textiles, Tourism and Infrastructure.
The event will be held from 19th to 23rd
December 2012 at Mascot Hotel, Trivand
to be featured with a wide variety of se
that are related to one's specific areas o
interest. Vyapaar 2012 will provide an am
opportunity for Traders & Brands to me
National & International authorized par
agents, dealers and Customers.
It will be the perfect place to access pro
suppliers and service provider from diff
industries. This 5-day event will not only
the tangible business needs but it will a
help in building bonds for the future by
facilitating interactions between variou
traders.
By being a part of 'Vyapaar 2012' you are
granted a chance to see the best, know
e Last Leaf
paar 2012 to begin on Dec 19 – Be a p
e region's largest gathering of Trad

platform
variety of
complete
nics,
.
23rd
vandrum,
f sessions
as of
n ample
meet
partners,
products,
different
only serve
ill also
e by
rious
u are
now the
a part
aders

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